Chapter Summaries

Cynthia investigated the powerful battle near the Distortion World and heard Ash and Brock recount how Deoxys defeated Giratina and Regigigas. She suspected Xia You had released Deoxys, while Xia You stayed silent, leaving Dawn, May, Cheryl, and Brock to wonder what had happened between him and Cynthia.

• Dawn stepped in to defend Xia You when Cynthia confronted him, and Cynthia held back her anger because others were present.
• Cynthia explained that the Pokémon League had sent her to investigate tremors and unidentified energy nearby.
• Brock and Ash told Cynthia about Shaymin, the Distortion World, Deoxys's battles with Giratina and Regigigas, and Zero being handed over to Mu Xuan.
• Cynthia compared Deoxys to the Black Rayquaza from Alamos Town and suggested Deoxys had a Trainer who had concealed their presence.
• Cynthia pointedly implied that Xia You had released Deoxys, while Xia You avoided answering.
• Dawn, May, Cheryl, and Brock noticed the tension between Cynthia and Xia You, and Brock speculated that Xia You had hurt Cynthia romantically.

Cynthia joined Xia You and the others on their way to Pastoria City, while Xia You worried she was waiting for a chance to settle the score over his deception. At a marsh train station, the group learned about the Croagunk Festival, and Cynthia decided to stay for it despite Xia You's attempt to send her on her way.

• Cynthia trusted Ash's account and abandoned her plan to investigate the flower field, then traveled toward Pastoria City with Xia You and the others.
• Dawn asked May about the trouble between Xia You and Cynthia, and May revealed that Xia You had used Cynthia, leaving Dawn astonished.
• The group reached a small marsh station, where a traveler told them about the Croagunk Festival.
• Cynthia explained that the festival honored Croagunk and offered prizes, and Brock agreed to enter with his Croagunk.
• Xia You urged Cynthia to leave, but Cynthia said she wanted to see the festival and challenged his claim that her presence was inconvenient.

Xia You and his companions traveled through Swamp Wetland to attend the Croagunk Festival, where Brock prepared to compete among many Croagunk Trainers. At the festival grounds, they met Gym Leader Crasher Wake, who announced the valuable prize for this year’s event.

• Xia You, Cynthia, Ash, Brock, and their fellow passenger rode a modified train through the dangerous Swamp Wetland and saw many Croagunk.
• The group walked along a boardwalk to the Festival Grounds, where Xia You encouraged Brock to do well in the competition.
• Crasher Wake greeted Cynthia and explained that he was hosting the festival instead of staying at his Pastoria City Gym.
• Crasher Wake welcomed the group and announced that this year’s prize was a Croagunk Crown set with diamonds and pearls.

Xia You tried to evade Cynthia at the festival after she discovered he had framed her, but she tracked him to a school storage room. The chapter ended with Cynthia confronting him and promising to pay him back for what he had done.

• Xia You slipped away from the festival crowd to avoid Cynthia, but she noticed him and pursued him into an alley.
• Xia You hid on a rooftop with Gengar, and they discussed whether to confront Cynthia or keep evading her.
• Xia You chose to hide in a locked storage room at the village school, entering through a high window with Gengar's help.
• Cynthia found Xia You at the school and climbed into the storage room after him.
• Cynthia approached Xia You and said she would pay him back double for everything he had done to her.

Xia You and Cynthia's argument escalated into a physical struggle in the warehouse, where their close contact left both embarrassed and angry. The chapter ended with them standing apart as Cynthia reached for a Poké Ball.

• Cynthia grabbed Xia You and tried to throw him over her shoulder, but he countered and dragged her down with him.
• Cynthia pinned Xia You, but he broke free, rolled over, and pinned her to the floor while Gengar watched.
• As they struggled, Xia You and Cynthia realized how indecently close they were, and Cynthia demanded that he get off her.
• Cynthia agreed to let Xia You rise, then tried to strike him, but he dodged and accidentally grabbed her breast to stop his fall.
• Xia You scrambled up and accused Cynthia of bringing the mishap on herself as she reached for a Poké Ball.

Cynthia attacked Xia You in a warehouse with Garchomp, Lucario, and Roserade, while he defended himself with Gardevoir and Charizard. Xia You escaped with Gengar’s help and flew toward Ash and his companions, but Cynthia pursued him and confronted them after he left.

• Cynthia sent out Garchomp, Lucario, and Roserade, and Xia You answered with Gardevoir and Charizard as their Pokémon clashed inside the warehouse.
• Xia You summoned Gengar, which used Night Shade to blind Cynthia and her Pokémon while Xia You escaped on Charizard.
• Cynthia recalled her Pokémon, mounted Togekiss, and chased after Xia You.
• Xia You found Ash and his companions near the night market and told them he had to return to Sunyshore City.
• Cynthia caught up with Ash and his companions and asked what Xia You had said to them.

Xia You tricked Cynthia into chasing a false lead toward Sunyshore City, then returned and asked Cheryl to come with him. At the inn, Cheryl realized his intentions and followed him willingly, ending up on the bed as he pinned her down.

• Cynthia heard that Xia You had gone to Sunyshore City and pursued him, while May told Ash that something had likely happened between the two.
• Ash assumed Cynthia and Xia You were romantically involved, but May told him it was not what he thought and left the matter to Xia You.
• Xia You returned, admitted he had misled Cynthia, and told Ash to deny seeing him if she came back.
• Xia You asked May to stay with Ash and the others and took Cheryl with him to a local inn.
• Cheryl realized Xia You had booked a room with a double bed, followed him inside without resisting, and was tossed onto the bed.

After spending the night with Cheryl, Xia You took her to the Croagunk Festival, where he spotted Cynthia returning on Togekiss. Cheryl asked what had happened between them as Xia You realized his attempt to shake Cynthia off had only delayed her.

• Xia You comforted Cheryl and asked her to stay with him, and they bathed together before getting fresh bedding.
• Xia You and Cheryl went to the Croagunk Festival and watched the competition from the crowd.
• Xia You spotted Cynthia flying back on Togekiss and realized she had doubled back after failing to find him near Sunyshore City.
• Cheryl noticed Xia You's reaction and asked what had happened between him and Cynthia.

Xia You and Cynthia clashed again after she tracked him down, and they agreed to settle things in a serious one-on-one Pokémon battle outside the village. The chapter ended as Cynthia took out her Mega Stone-equipped lipstick, signaling she was ready to Mega Evolve Garchomp.

• Xia You led Cheryl away from the festival, but Cynthia intercepted them on a dim street and accused him of fooling her again.
• Cynthia noticed Cheryl linked arms with Xia You and realized they were romantically involved, then challenged him to a battle.
• Xia You sent out Charizard, and Cynthia released Garchomp before following him and Cheryl out of the village to the marsh.
• Cheryl offered to start the battle, but Cynthia ignored her and took out her lipstick with its glowing Mega Stone.

Cynthia Mega Evolved her Garchomp and challenged Xia You, while he chose not to Mega Evolve Charizard, hoping to let Cynthia vent her anger without worsening their relationship. After they exchanged opening attacks, Charizard and Mega Garchomp took to the air as their battle began in earnest.

• Cynthia Mega Evolved Garchomp as soon as it entered the field and declared she would fight Xia You with everything she had.
• Xia You decided not to Mega Evolve Charizard, and Charizard readied itself to face Mega Garchomp through sheer strength.
• Cynthia noticed Xia You’s calm reaction and asked whether he could Mega Evolve, but he avoided answering and sent Charizard to attack.
• Charizard opened with Flamethrower, and Mega Garchomp countered with Dragon Breath, with both Pokémon dodging the attacks.
• Mega Garchomp leaped into the air to clash with Charizard, beginning the real battle.

Xia You’s Charizard battled Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp in the night sky, where limited visibility made the fight difficult for both trainers to direct. Xia You identified Mega Garchomp’s reduced speed and had Charizard exploit it, leaving Garchomp unable to keep up with its attacks.

• Charizard and Mega Garchomp collided in the air, trading blows as Xia You and Cynthia struggled to see and guide them from the ground.
• Cynthia regained a chance to command Garchomp when the Pokémon descended, and ordered it to use Dragon Claw against Charizard’s Slash.
• Cynthia’s attacks failed to gain the advantage, while Xia You observed that Mega Garchomp had become slower after Mega Evolution.
• Xia You ordered Charizard to use Heat Wave, then circle around and press its attack as Mega Garchomp dodged.
• Mega Garchomp tried to turn and counterattack, but Charizard stayed just ahead of it, keeping its responses half a step behind.

Cynthia’s Mega Garchomp and Xia You’s Charizard remained evenly matched, but Xia You’s commands gradually put pressure on Cynthia. Cynthia used Draco Meteor in a move that also threatened Xia You, and he chose to stay put rather than reveal whether he had seen through her scheme, leaving their contest of wits unresolved.

• Cynthia’s competitive spirit surged, and Mega Garchomp’s power rose as it clashed with Charizard in the air.
• Xia You began directing Charizard, and its counters made the battle increasingly difficult for Cynthia and Garchomp.
• Cynthia ordered Garchomp to use Draco Meteor, whose landing zone included Xia You but not Cynthia.
• Cynthia smiled when she realized Xia You was considering whether she had deliberately put him in danger.
• Xia You decided to turn the apparent trap back on Cynthia, checked that Cheryl was outside the attack’s range, and calmly ordered Charizard to dodge.
• Cynthia watched Xia You with a smile, waiting to see how he would respond to Draco Meteor.

Cynthia used Draco Meteor to force Xia You to dodge, but he stayed put and made her choose whether to save him. She rushed in and pulled him clear of the impact, leaving them tangled together on the grass as Cheryl arrived.

• Cynthia watched Xia You ignore the falling meteors while Charizard kept attacking Mega Garchomp.
• Cynthia realized Xia You was forcing her to decide whether to let Draco Meteor hit him, and she ran to save him.
• Cynthia pulled Xia You away moments before the meteors struck, and Xia You shielded himself from the blast with her.
• Cheryl approached after seeing Xia You escape and found him and Cynthia entwined on the grass.
• Cynthia climbed off Xia You, who insisted he had not done anything this time.

Cynthia demanded a proper six-on-six battle with Xia You and decided to take Cheryl with her to Celestic Town to ensure he would come find her. Cheryl volunteered to go, and Xia You agreed after she reassured him, leaving Cynthia to take her away safely.

• Cynthia stopped Cheryl from approaching Xia You and challenged him to a serious six-on-six battle, saying their fight was not over.
• Cynthia revealed that she was returning to Celestic Town and said she would take Cheryl with her so Xia You would come find her.
• Cheryl volunteered to accompany Cynthia, explaining that she wanted to help ease the misunderstanding between Cynthia and Xia You.
• Xia You agreed to let Cheryl go with Cynthia after Cheryl reassured him, and he warned Cynthia to keep her safe.
• Cynthia promised to protect Cheryl and told Xia You not to blame her if he failed to come for her.

After Cynthia took Cheryl to Celestic Town, Xia You rejoined Ash and the others and traveled with them to Pastoria City. There, he met Gym Leader Crasher Wake as he and Ash prepared to challenge the Pastoria Gym.

• Cynthia left with Cheryl, and Xia You returned to the village as Trainers hurried to investigate his battle.
• Xia You watched the Croagunk Festival celebration and told Ash and the others that Cheryl had left with Cynthia for Celestic Town.
• The group spent the night in the village and took a train to Pastoria City the next morning.
• Ash and the others went to the Pastoria Gym, where Crasher Wake greeted Xia You and praised his presence before calling Ash an interesting kid.

Ash began his Pastoria Gym battle against Crasher Wake, winning the first round with Pikachu before Crasher Wake’s Quagsire put Turtwig on the back foot. The match continued with Ash forced to recall Turtwig, leaving the outcome undecided.

• Crasher Wake led Ash and the others to the Battle Field, where the referee explained the three-Pokémon rules.
• Crasher Wake opened with Gyarados, and Ash sent out Pikachu.
• Pikachu withstood Gyarados’s attacks and defeated it with Volt Tackle after Gyarados’s Crunch attempt.
• Crasher Wake sent out Quagsire, and Ash recalled Pikachu and chose Turtwig.
• Turtwig used its speed to evade Quagsire, but Quagsire tracked it underwater and struck it with Ice Beam and Sludge Bomb.
• Ash recalled Turtwig before Sludge Bomb hit, leaving the second round unresolved.

Ash defeated Crasher Wake in a Gym battle, overcoming Wake’s final Floatzel with Buizel and Pikachu. Xia You then entered the battle area to challenge Crasher Wake next.

• Ash sent out Buizel, which defeated Crasher Wake’s Quagsire with an Aqua Jet that froze on impact and struck it down.
• Crasher Wake sent out Floatzel, Buizel’s evolved form, and Buizel charged into battle but was driven back and confused.
• Ash withdrew Buizel, used Pikachu to wear Floatzel down, then sent Buizel back in to defeat it.
• Xia You left the stands, high-fived Ash, and entered the battle area to challenge Crasher Wake.
• Crasher Wake said he had other Pokémon ready, and the referee started the next match.

Xia You’s Frogadier battled Crasher Wake’s Sharpedo in the Gym’s pool, forcing the hidden Pokémon to surface and knocking it onto a floating platform. Sharpedo tried to return to the water, while Xia You prepared to press its advantage.

• Crasher Wake sent out Sharpedo, and Xia You chose Frogadier to face it.
• Sharpedo submerged and hid beneath the pool’s surface, so Xia You ordered Frogadier to use Water Pulse to churn the water.
• Sharpedo burst out of the pool with Bite, but Frogadier leaped over its attack.
• Xia You commanded Frogadier to use Knock Off, striking Sharpedo onto a floating platform.
• Crasher Wake called for Sharpedo to get back into the water, while Ash admired Frogadier and decided to catch one in Kalos.

Xia You's Frogadier battled Crasher Wake's Sharpedo, dodging its attacks and wearing it down before the two fought underwater. Frogadier surfaced victorious, leaving Sharpedo floating belly-up and motionless.

• Frogadier attacked Sharpedo on the floating platform, but Crasher Wake ordered Aqua Jet, letting Sharpedo escape into the water.
• Crasher Wake had Sharpedo use Agility and charge Frogadier with Crunch, while Xia You anticipated the strategy and let Frogadier appear to flee.
• Frogadier used Quick Attack to dodge Crunch, then struck Sharpedo with Smack Down and sent it into the pool.
• Xia You sent Frogadier underwater after Sharpedo, and the two battled out of sight.
• Frogadier emerged onto a floating platform, while Sharpedo floated belly-up and motionless, confirming Frogadier's victory.

Xia You’s Frogadier defeated Crasher Wake’s Sharpedo and Toxicroak, though it was poisoned and badly wounded in the second fight. Xia You and Crasher Wake sent out Snowman Snorlax and Empoleon for the final battle.

• Frogadier defeated Sharpedo with quick reflexes, and Xia You and Crasher Wake praised each other’s Pokémon.
• Crasher Wake sent out Toxicroak, and Xia You kept Frogadier in the battle for a frog-versus-frog match.
• Frogadier used its speed, Double Team, Substitute, and the arena walls to attack Toxicroak from multiple directions.
• Frogadier defeated Toxicroak but was poisoned and left nearly unable to continue fighting.
• Xia You recalled Frogadier and prepared for the final battle as he and Crasher Wake sent out Snowman Snorlax and Empoleon.