Chapter Summaries

Cynthia confronted Cyrus over his plan to erase minds, then was separated from Kaim as the nightmare world collapsed. She woke inside Kaim’s dream, where Steven explained why Darkrai had chosen Kaim and guided her toward the dream’s exit.

• Cyrus argued that minds made the world imperfect, but Hikari and Cynthia defended the value of hearts and their bonds.
• Cyrus left through a black opening, and the shrinking nightmare world began to collapse.
• Cresselia lifted Cynthia and the others out, but Kaim remained behind because nightmare power held him; Cynthia clasped his hand as he was swallowed.
• Cynthia woke on a beach in Nanjō City and followed a figure resembling Steven through the empty town.
• Steven revealed that Cynthia was inside Kaim’s dream and said her arrival had helped Kaim escape the nightmare into ordinary sleep.
• Steven explained that Kaim’s deep sleep and generous heart let him accept nightmares, and that Ishana, Steven, and Cynthia had shaped the qualities that led Darkrai to choose him.

Cynthia returned from the nightmare world while Darkrai explained how Kaim’s kindness had moved him, and Kaim awoke to reunite with her and his Pokémon. As Myo City recovered from the mass sleep, Kaim helped manage the aftermath and was then made to face his Pokémon’s anger for entering the nightmare alone.

• Darkrai told Cynthia that Kaim had answered his call to understand him, and Cynthia promised to pass along Darkrai’s gratitude and warning.
• Cynthia gave Darkrai her name and left through the lighthouse, while Darkrai returned from Kaim’s dream to his nightmare world.
• Cynthia’s voice guided Kaim out of a strange underwater-like place, and he woke to embrace her and reunite with his Pokémon and Hikari.
• Kaim and Cynthia helped restore Myo City after the mass sleep, and the city’s functions returned to near normal with no casualties.
• Ishana spoke with Cynthia about the recovery and Kaim’s leadership, while Kaim’s Pokémon tossed him around for worrying them by entering the nightmare alone.

After Kaim returned from the Nightmare World, he apologized to Cynthia and the Pokémon for leaving without telling them, and the household settled back into its familiar routine. Cynthia reflected on how deeply she depended on him and asked what inspired his sacrifices, then asked him to cover his ears.

• Cynthia spoke with Ishana and Minato, then joined Hikari and the Pokémon as they confronted Kaim for diving into danger without telling them.
• Cynthia asked Kaim to consider the feelings of those he left behind, and he promised not to disappear without consulting them again.
• Kaim went shopping and prepared a lavish meal for Hikari, Cynthia, and their Pokémon before Hikari set off on another journey.
• After Hikari left, Cynthia held Kaim in her lap and admitted that the days without him had left her anxious and exhausted.
• Kaim explained that he acted for the people and Pokémon close to him, whom he considered his world, and Cynthia asked him to cover his ears.

Cynthia and Kaim reaffirmed their relationship, and three weeks later Kaim prepared to host his childhood friend Steven during Steven's Sinnoh business trip. Kaim met Steven and Hulutai in Jubilife City, where Steven arrived after being delayed.

• Cynthia covered Kaim's ears while making a promise she could not share, then asked him to stay by her side forever, and they kissed.
• Three weeks after the Darkrai incident, Kaim resumed writing and learned from Steven that he planned to visit Devon's Jubilife City branch and stay in Sinnoh.
• Kaim told Cynthia that Steven was coming, and they discussed arranging a Champion battle at Jian and introducing Steven to Hulutai.
• Kaim approved paperwork for Jian's joint training with the Veilstone Gym and left early to meet Steven and Hulutai in Jubilife City.
• Steven arrived in a suit and apologized to Kaim and Hulutai for being late.

Kaim spent the evening drinking with Steven and Heita, who quickly bonded over their shared love of stones and teased Kaim about his friendship with Steven and relationship with Cynthia. Cynthia later told Kaim that a new Pokémon League event was taking shape, while their phone call revealed how much Kaim had grown and how much he wanted to see her.

• Steven and Heita bonded over their shared interests in stones while Kaim drank ginger ale and joined their conversation.
• Steven and Heita teased Kaim about his close friendship with Steven, his relationship with Cynthia, and his expressive side.
• Kaim explained that Cynthia was attending a Pokémon League meeting about a planned event whose details had not yet been decided.
• Cynthia told Kaim that the event was progressing smoothly but kept its nature secret until the official announcement.
• Kaim reflected that his past mistakes and detours had helped him grow, and Cynthia teased him for wanting to see her.

Cynthia and Kaim shared a tender phone call before Kaim spent the night talking with Daigo, who praised his growth and gave him a Mega Stone. The stone began resonating with the Trapezoid Stone, leaving Kaim to discover which of his Pokémon it was meant for.

• Cynthia told Kaim she loved him, then looked forward to returning home and seeing Steven the next day.
• Kaim joined Daigo on the deck, and they discussed Metagross’s growth and the differences between their battling styles.
• Kaim praised Daigo’s intelligence and potential as a teacher, and they shared drinks while reflecting on their friendship.
• Daigo gave Kaim a Mega Stone as a gift and said he wanted to entrust it to his best friend.
• The Mega Stone resonated with the Trapezoid Stone, and Kaim sensed which type of Pokémon it matched.

Steven gave Kaim the Blazikenite and challenged him to a handicapped battle at the Miao Dojo, where Kaim’s Pokémon pushed Steven’s Mega Metagross to its limits but ultimately lost. Kaim recognized his excitement and regret at losing, while Steven left him with the Mega Stone still to earn through recognition.

• Steven offered Kaim the Blazikenite and said he would entrust it to him after Kaim convinced both Steven and himself; they agreed to battle the next day.
• At the Miao Dojo, Kaim led with Metagross, which weakened Steven’s Boss Aggron before being defeated; Kuroki then used Guard Swap to defeat Boss Aggron.
• Steven Mega Evolved his Metagross, and Kuroki fought it hard before being knocked out; Kaim then sent out Blaziken for the final clash.
• Kaim and Blaziken coordinated through a slowed sense of time, landed Blaze Kick on Mega Metagross, and lost when Metagross blocked the strike and defeated Blaziken.
• Cynthia told Kaim that his ability to see several battle options was a strength, and Kaim admitted he felt excited during the battle and frustrated by the loss.
• That night, Steven, Cynthia, and Kaimeng gathered for drinks at Cynthia’s House while Kaim prepared food.

Kaim and Steven reflected on their friendship after Steven gave Kaim a Mega Stone, while Kaim worked with Professor Sycamore to decipher writing about the Regi Pokémon. Togen introduced Kaim to Yuan on Iron Island, where Yuan agreed to serve as Myo Gym’s substitute leader on the condition that Kaim prove himself in battle.

• Steven gave Kaim a Mega Stone after their battle and told him he valued being his friend, and Kaim accepted that he could be himself.
• Togen met his longtime friend Yuan on Iron Island and battled him during Yuan’s training to become a Frontier Brain.
• Kaim and Professor Sycamore deciphered more Braille from the Sealed Chamber, finding evidence that ancient people had survived thanks to Pokémon and discussing the need to visit the site.
• Togen invited Kaim and Cynthia to Iron Island, where Yuan agreed to serve as Myo Gym’s substitute leader after Kaim demonstrated his strength.
• Kaim and Yuan began a one-on-one battle with Blaziken and Lucario, and the fight continued after Lucario endured Blaziken’s Flare Blitz.

Kaim and Cynthia trained with Yuan in aura guidance, and Yuan discovered that Kaim’s unusually powerful aura came from the bonds he had formed with Pokémon and people. When abnormal weather stranded them in Johto on their way to Hoenn, Kaim and Cynthia visited Alto Mare, where Latias and Latios were waiting.

• Kaim and Blaziken unleashed their full strength against Yuan’s Lucario, and Yuan agreed to teach Kaim and Cynthia aura guidance.
• Yuan noticed that Kaim and Cynthia had unusually similar auras, then spent two weeks managing Mio Gym while training Kaim.
• Yuan concluded that Kaim’s deep connections with Pokémon and people had strengthened his aura beyond what his natural aptitude could explain.
• Kaim and Cynthia planned their Hoenn research trip, but abnormal weather forced their flight to land in Yoshino City.
• Kaim and Cynthia traveled by ferry to Alto Mare, where Garon met them and said Latias had been eagerly awaiting Cynthia’s arrival.

Kaim and Cynthia reunited with Latias and Latios in Alto Mare, spent time with them and their friends, and shared stories about their year together. After the abnormal weather in Hoenn finally settled, they prepared to leave for the region, promising the siblings they would visit again.

• Kaim and Cynthia met Garon and entered the Garden, where Latias greeted Cynthia and Latios welcomed Kaim.
• Cynthia and Kaim told Latios, Latias, and Garon about Cynthia's Pokémon League victory and how she and Kaim began dating, while Garon noticed their matching Alto Mare jewelry.
• Cynthia and Kaim explored Alto Mare with Latias in disguise and Latios invisible, and Kaim treated them to crepes.
• Kaim cooked sandwiches and other dishes for everyone in the Garden, and the group shared a meal together.
• Kaim learned from Steven that the abnormal situation in Hoenn had settled, so he and Cynthia prepared to leave and promised Latias and Latios they would return.

Cynthia and Kaim began investigating the Sealed Chamber, where Kaim deciphered a confession about the Regi Pokémon and the pair explored links between the ruins and the Kisaki Temple. Their research was interrupted by Cynthia’s encounter with Zinnia, who raised the prospect of parallel worlds; afterward, Cynthia and Kaim discussed how their lives might have differed if they had never met.

• Cynthia and Kaim arrived at the Sealed Chamber, and Cynthia encouraged Kaim as he began leading his first investigation.
• Cynthia noticed that the chamber’s pillars resembled those at the Kisaki Temple, while Kaim deciphered a passage saying the ancients had feared and sealed away a Pokémon.
• Kaim and Cynthia discussed why the ancients feared the Regi Pokémon and whether distinctive ancient writing linked the Sealed Chamber to other ruins.
• Cynthia met Zinnia on a moonlit walk, and Zinnia asked which of two similar worlds she would protect; Cynthia said she would seek a way to save both, but would prioritize her loved ones if forced to choose.
• Kaim and Cynthia discussed Zinnia’s question and the possibility of parallel worlds, then considered how they might have lived if they had never met.

Kaim and Cynthia uncovered the history of the ancient people who sealed the Regi Pokémon, then followed new clues to an underground chamber where they encountered Registeel. Registeel understood them and began projecting a message after Little Black spoke to it.

• Kaim and Cynthia matched Jilance and Hoel-O to the α and Ω floor patterns, opening a hidden chamber whose mural and inscription revealed that fear had led the ancient people to betray and seal away the Regigigas Pokémon.
• Lucario and Kirimoyama triggered a mysterious pattern, and Kaim later learned of a Braille-like marking at the Ancient Tomb near Nanjō City.
• Steven and Sidney discussed a huge meteorite approaching Hoenn and Steven wondered what Kaim would do in the crisis.
• Kaim and Cynthia visited Kaim's parents, then traveled to the Ancient Tomb and deciphered an inscription directing them to make the center shine.
• Togekiss's Dazzling Gleam opened a passage to an underground room, where Kaim and Cynthia found Registeel; Little Black climbed onto Registeel and communicated with it.
• Registeel projected the words, "You were the ones who woke me."

Kaim and Cynthia questioned Registeel about the ancient civilization, learning that Arceus had fought the immortal Regi Pokémon and that the ancient people eventually sealed them away. After returning home, Kaim investigated the People of the Meteor for Steven and discovered their ancient ties to Rayquaza, Groudon, and Kyogre.

• Kaim and Cynthia asked Registeel about the ancient people, their technology, and the conflict that led to Regigigas falling asleep and the others being sealed.
• Registeel explained that the Regi Pokémon were immortal beings with infinite energy, and that Arceus had tried to eliminate them because they existed outside the world's natural laws.
• Registeel recounted that Regigigas had been the first life-form to take root on earth and had created the other Regi Pokémon, while their civilization later faced division and destruction.
• Kaim and Cynthia left the Sealed Chamber, and Steven asked Kaim to research the People of the Meteor.
• Kaim completed his research and told Cynthia that the People of the Meteor had existed since Groudon and Kyogre's era and worshipped Rayquaza.

Kaim and Cynthia answered Steven’s call for help after Team Magma attacked the Hoenn Space Center, where Zinnia tried to destroy a device that could divert an approaching meteorite. Cynthia stopped her, and the chapter ended with Cynthia refusing to surrender the device despite understanding Zinnia’s fear for parallel worlds.

• Kaim and Cynthia learned more about Registeel’s history and abilities before Steven called to ask them to help defend the Space Center from Team Magma.
• Kaim and Cynthia defeated the Team Magma members outside the Space Center, then helped rescue the employees held inside.
• Steven and Yuki captured Courtney and recovered the device, but Gonyeonye stole it and delivered it to Zinnia.
• Zinnia explained that diverting the meteorite would doom a nearly identical parallel world where the meteorite could not be stopped, then tried to destroy the device.
• Cynthia and Kaim arrived, and Cynthia’s Lucario knocked the device from Zinnia’s hand before Cynthia confronted her.
• Cynthia refused to give Zinnia the device and said she would accept responsibility for the lives lost if using it became necessary.

Zinnia stole Key Stones from Team Magma and Team Aqua while opposing the plan to send the meteorite through a Communication Cable powered by Pokémon life. Steven decided to investigate her plans at the Sky Pillar, where Mikuri revealed that Kaim had been qualified to ascend it from the beginning and urged him to ask his parents about his origins.

• Zinnia stole Courtney’s Key Stone, failed to take Kaim’s Chain, and left for Team Magma’s Hideaway; Drake and Phoebe later confirmed she had stolen Songfang’s Key Stone and Team Aqua leader Aogiri’s as well.
• Cynthia explained that the Communication Cable used energy derived from Pokémon life, like the Ultimate Weapon, and the group discussed Zinnia’s opposition and her plan to gather Key Stones.
• Steven reflected on his lack of contingency plans and told Kaim he wanted to travel and experience the world; Kaim encouraged him to decide for himself, and Steven resolved to go to the Sky Pillar.
• Steven, Cynthia, and Yuki traveled to the Sky Pillar with Kaim, where Mikuri had opened the seal and confirmed they were qualified to enter.
• Mikuri told Kaim he had always been qualified to ascend the Sky Pillar and suggested he ask his parents about his origins.

Mikuri warned Steven that Zinnia was not the original Draconid successor, and Zinnia revealed her plan to summon Rayquaza to destroy the approaching meteor. After Yuki’s meteorite fragment restored Rayquaza’s power, Rayquaza chose Yuki and Steven for a trial, then carried them toward space to confront the meteor.

• Mikuri told Steven that Zinnia had taken the place of the original successor, and Steven trusted his warning as the group climbed the Sky Pillar.
• Zinnia explained the People of the Meteor’s history and revealed that she planned to use stolen Key Stones to summon Rayquaza and destroy the approaching meteor.
• Cynthia challenged Zinnia to consider the feelings of her Pokémon, and Zinnia wept before recommitting to her mission.
• Zinnia summoned a weakened Rayquaza, and Yuki used her Meteor Falls fragment to restore its power.
• Rayquaza chose Yuki and Steven, who passed its trial in battle and learned the Fang-Tail Rebirth technique from Zinnia.
• Steven and Kaim activated an item storage system on a smartphone, and Rayquaza carried Yuki and Steven into the sky to destroy the meteor.

Zinnia accepted that Rayquaza had chosen Yuki and Steven because she had tried to carry her mission alone, and she resolved to rebuild her life with others’ help. She entrusted her Pokémon Egg to Kaim and Cynthia, while the epilogue described the aftermath of the meteor crisis and showed Kaim and Cynthia reflecting on their journey.

• Kaim explained that Steven’s wisdom and Yuki’s courage surpassed Zinnia’s, while Cynthia told Zinnia she had failed by refusing to ask others for help.
• Zinnia revealed that her twin sister Shiga had been the original successor, but died of an incurable illness, leaving Zinnia to inherit her mission.
• Cynthia encouraged Zinnia to live as herself, and Zinnia decided to make amends for stealing the Key Stones before continuing her own journey.
• Zinnia entrusted her Pokémon Egg to Kaim and Cynthia, asking them to raise it and visit her someday.
• Yuki and Steven returned after Deoxys emerged from the meteorite, and Steven arranged to take Deoxys to LaRousse City to find its friends.
• Kaim told Cynthia he had avoided pitying Zinnia because he recognized himself in her, and the two rested together after discussing their shared journey.

Kaim and Cynthia learned that Kaim descended from the People of the Meteor, then helped Mikuri find Mirei, who was being hunted by Cipher for her ability to identify Shadow Pokémon. After meeting Mirei, Leo, and Professor Azusa, they learned about Shadow Pokémon and Dark Rush, while Cynthia asked Azusa what “Relive” meant.

• Mikuri explained that Kaim was a descendant of the People of the Meteor, which was why he had been qualified to enter Sky Pillar.
• Professor Azusa asked Kaim to find Mirei, and Kaim, Cynthia, and Mikuri searched the port with their Pokémon.
• Cynthia and the others rescued Mirei from a Cipher remnant and his Shadow Scizor, but the attacker escaped.
• Mirei told Cynthia, Kaim, and Mikuri that she could recognize Shadow Pokémon and was helping Leo recover his former Pokémon from Cipher.
• At Professor Azusa’s house, Leo explained that Shadow Pokémon could use the powerful, typeless Dark Rush, which damaged their bodies and could eventually kill them.
• Cynthia asked Professor Azusa what Relive was.

Cynthia and her allies helped Azusa locate the last Cipher operative hiding in Hoenn, while Cynthia learned more about Mirei’s feelings for Leo and Taki’s Meteor ancestry. Leo and Kaim confronted the operative at the Lighthouse, where the battle for Scizor remained unresolved after Kaim protected Leo from a surprise explosion.

• Azusa explained how Shadow Pokémon could be restored, and Cynthia, Kaim, and Mikuri agreed to help her recover Scizor from the last Cipher operative.
• Taki told Cynthia she was descended from the People of the Meteor and explained why she had not told Kaim about his ancestry.
• Cynthia and Mikuri identified three likely hiding places for the operative, and Azusa used Porygon and a tracking device to search them.
• Cynthia spoke with Mirei, who described Leo’s harsh upbringing and admitted she wanted to travel with him and make him happy.
• Azusa told Leo that the operative was hiding at the Lighthouse, and Leo agreed to work with Cynthia’s group to prevent the man from escaping.
• Leo and Kaim confronted the operative, who brought out Shadow Scizor; Kaim and Umbreon protected Leo from Nidoran’s explosion.

Leo and Mirei left Dawn Town after Leo snagged Scizor and learned that Celebi’s shrine was in the Woods of Wooper. Kaim returned to his Gym and thesis work, while Cynthia went to Jubilife Tower for her pre-League interview and met Bertha.

• Leo’s Suicune, Raikou, and Kaim’s Blaziken stopped Scizor’s attack, and Leo snagged his former partner with a Snag Ball.
• The operative fled into the sea but Mikuri caught him, and the last operatives were handed over to Officer Junsha.
• Cynthia and Kaim explained why they had helped Leo, and Leo thanked them and Azusa before asking where Celebi was enshrined.
• Cynthia told Leo about the shrine in the Woods of Wooper, and Leo and Mirei rode away from Dawn Town.
• Cynthia and Kaim returned home, where she persuaded him to rest from his Gym duties and thesis work.
• Cynthia left for her Elite Four interview at Jubilife Tower and spoke with Bertha about the League and Kaim.