Recaps

Xiao Yan left his old life behind and traveled six years into the past with Arceus, arriving in a Pokémon world threatened by a growing rift. With Charmander as his first Pokémon, he reached Pallet Town and joined Professor Oak's summer camp.

• Arceus emerged from a mysterious egg in Xiao Yan's room and offered to take him to the Pokémon world.
• Xiao Yan arranged for his younger brother to receive living expenses, then followed Arceus through a gate of light while carrying his parents' last birthday gift.
• Arceus brought Xiao Yan six years into the past, explained that the Pokémon world would eventually collapse, and gave him Charmander and a Pokémon Ball.
• Xiao Yan explored the forest and reached Pallet Town, where he joined Professor Oak's Pokémon summer camp.
• Professor Oak assigned Xiao Yan to Team Charmander, and Xiao Yan found his teammates and settled in.

Xiao Yan led his team through the Pokémon marathon, using an SUV until they had to continue on foot through Viridian Forest. After rescuing Xiao Yi from a poisonous Ekans, the team reached Viridian City first, while Team Rocket watched Xiao Yan from a Meowth-shaped balloon.

• Xiao Yan volunteered to drive his team’s SUV, and they set off for Viridian City ahead of the teams traveling on foot.
• The Charmander Team left the SUV when the trees blocked the route and continued through Viridian Forest on foot.
• Xiao Yi ignored warnings and approached rustling bushes, where an Ekans bit and poisoned his leg.
• Xiao Yan ordered Charmander to use Ember and Dragon Rage to drive the Ekans away, then gave Xiao Yi a Pokémon poison-curing Berry.
• The team helped Xiao Yi walk out of the forest and reached the finish line first, where Professor Oak congratulated them.
• Three figures in a Meowth-shaped hot-air balloon watched Xiao Yan hungrily.

On the final day of summer camp, Xiao Yan and Charmander rescued Serena from a Beedrill swarm, but Charmander was badly injured before Arceus intervened. After Charmander recovered, Xiao Yan and Serena promised to meet again, and Arceus agreed to stay with Xiao Yan as he began his journey to grow stronger.

• Xiao Yan spent the afternoon battling novice Trainers in Viridian Forest and earning prize money before he noticed Ash running by.
• Charmander led Xiao Yan to an injured girl in a Beedrill nest, where Xiao Yan treated her scraped knee and learned that her name was Serena.
• A swarm of Beedrill attacked, and Charmander fought to protect Xiao Yan and Serena until one Beedrill wounded him; Xiao Yan stepped in to shield Charmander, and Arceus defeated the last Beedrill.
• Arceus brought Xiao Yan, Serena, and Charmander to Professor Oak's Laboratory, where Professor Oak treated Charmander and confirmed he would recover.
• At summer camp's end, Xiao Yan and Serena exchanged names and made a pinky promise to meet again, while Xiao Yan vowed to grow stronger.
• Arceus told Xiao Yan that he and Charmander were too weak, then entered a Poké Ball and agreed to stay with Xiao Yan as his adventure began.

After setting out on his journey, Xiao Yan battled Gary and encountered Ash and Pikachu being chased by Spearow. He rode Arceus after Ho-Oh, helped Arceus defeat and catch it, then flew to Pewter City, where someone grabbed his shoulder.

• Xiao Yan declined Professor Oak’s offer of a starter Pokémon, accepted a Pokédex, and prepared to leave on his journey.
• Xiao Yan and Gary battled at the place where they first met, and Charmeleon defeated Gary’s Wartortle.
• Xiao Yan found Ash and Pikachu being attacked by Spearow and spotted Ho-Oh in the sky.
• Xiao Yan rode Arceus after Ho-Oh, and Arceus defeated it in battle before Xiao Yan caught it in a Poké Ball.
• Xiao Yan flew to Pewter City with Arceus, recalled it, and grabbed a Poké Ball when someone touched his shoulder.

Xiao Yan met Ash and Misty in Pewter City, then challenged Brock and won the Boulder Badge with Arceus after Charmeleon was badly injured. Charmeleon recovered, and Xiao Yan left for his next destination having learned not to battle recklessly.

• Xiao Yan bought several Evolution stones from a merchant and waited at the Pokémon Center while his Pokémon recovered.
• Xiao Yan recognized Ash and his mother, and Ash mistook him for the Trainer who had caught Ho-Oh; Misty then confronted Ash about her ruined bicycle and vowed to follow him.
• Xiao Yan challenged Brock at the Pewter City Gym, where Charmeleon defeated Geodude but was knocked out by Onix's Rock Imprison.
• Xiao Yan sent out Arceus, whose Draco Meteor defeated Onix and earned Xiao Yan the Boulder Badge.
• Xiao Yan rushed Charmeleon to the Pokémon Center, where Nurse Joy treated his severe injuries; after Charmeleon recovered, Xiao Yan left for his next destination.

Xiao Yan caught a stubborn Pikachu in Pewter City and struggled to earn its trust. After they worked together to defeat Gary’s Kangaskhan, Pikachu accepted Xiao Yan and joined him on the way to Cerulean City.

• Xiao Yan caught a wild Pikachu with Charmeleon after Pikachu was chased for stealing a Berry.
• Pikachu bit Xiao Yan and ignored him until he offered it a bag of Berries.
• Gary challenged Xiao Yan to a battle and sent out a Kangaskhan he had caught in Viridian Forest.
• Kangaskhan blinded Pikachu with Mud-Slap and knocked it away with Earthquake, but Xiao Yan promised to guide it.
• Pikachu trusted Xiao Yan’s directions, dodged Kangaskhan’s Stomp, and helped defeat it.
• Pikachu joined Xiao Yan on his shoulder as they set off for Cerulean City and the second Badge.

Xiao Yan met Ash in Cerulean City and defeated his three Pokémon in a practice battle, leaving Ash eager to watch Xiao Yan's Gym challenge.

• Xiao Yan arrived in Cerulean City and watched the Cerulean Beauty Sisters perform water ballet before meeting Ash.
• Ash challenged Xiao Yan to a three-on-three practice match and took him to an empty lot.
• Charmeleon defeated Butterfree and Pidgeotto despite being paralyzed by Butterfree's Stun Spore.
• Xiao Yan's Pikachu defeated Ash's Pikachu, which showed signs of learning Volt Tackle.
• Ash picked up Pikachu and asked to watch Xiao Yan's Gym match, and Xiao Yan agreed.

Xiao Yan challenged the Cerulean Gym, defeated Sakura’s Water-type team, and earned the Cascade Badge. After watching Ash win his own match, Xiao Yan said goodbye to Ash and Brock and continued his journey.

• Xiao Yan challenged Sakura in a three-on-three Gym battle for the Cascade Badge.
• Xiao Yan sent out Charmeleon, who weakened Starmie with Dragon Rage before Sakura’s Pokémon pulled Charmeleon into the pool.
• Xiao Yan sent out Pikachu, whose Thunderbolt defeated Starmie and helped him dominate the remaining Water-type Pokémon.
• Sakura gave Xiao Yan the Cascade Badge, and he stayed to watch Ash battle Misty and win his badge.
• Brock asked Xiao Yan why he had started with Charmeleon, and Xiao Yan explained that he wanted to train Charmeleon against water before bidding farewell and continuing his journey.

On his way to the Vermilion Gym, Xiao Yan helped the lonely Xiao Lan smile and invited her to travel with him. They left together, while the Old Butler died peacefully behind them and an unseen observer watched Xiao Yan from the bushes.

• Xiao Yan got lost on the forest path to the Vermilion Gym and was taken by the Old Butler to meet Xiao Lan, who was lonely on her ninth birthday.
• Xiao Yan introduced Xiao Lan to his Pokémon, and Pikachu helped him make her laugh with a pair of bamboo chopsticks.
• Xiao Lan said she had learned that Pokémon could be friends to live happily alongside, then accepted Xiao Yan's invitation to travel with him.
• Xiao Lan packed her belongings and left hand in hand with Xiao Yan, while the Old Butler returned to the empty mansion.
• The Old Butler died peacefully after remembering Xiao Lan as a five-year-old, and an unseen speaker asked Lord Ho-Oh whether Xiao Yan was the Trainer it had acknowledged.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan visited Bill’s Lighthouse, where Xiao Yan showed Professor Oak his Ho-Oh and agreed to lend it to him for research. At the shore, Xiao Yan caught a powerful Dragonite by staging a battle so it would not get hurt, while Xiao Lan reminded him to find her an Eevee.

• Xiao Yan promised Xiao Lan he would help her catch an Eevee and entered Bill’s Lighthouse with her.
• Xiao Yan met Bill, called Professor Oak, and showed him Ho-Oh, which he agreed to lend for research under the condition that no one else see it.
• Xiao Yan warned Xiao Lan to keep Ho-Oh secret, then said goodbye to Bill and went with his companions to the shore.
• Xiao Yan staged a battle with Dragonite, and Dragonite voluntarily let him catch it.
• Xiao Lan figured out Xiao Yan had been acting to avoid hurting Dragonite and reminded him about her Eevee.

Xiao Yan arrived in Vermilion City, received a mysterious Pokémon Egg from a man in black, and defeated Lt. Surge to earn the Vermilion Gym badge. He left with Xiao Lan at sunset, planning to catch a ship to his next destination.

• Xiao Yan saw injured Pokémon crowding the Pokémon Center and received a Pokémon Egg from a man in black who vanished when he asked his name.
• Xiao Yan and his companions healed their Pokémon and went to challenge the Vermilion Gym.
• Lt. Surge sent out Raichu against Xiao Yan's Dragonite, whose tail grounded Thunderbolt.
• Xiao Yan ordered Dragonite to counter Raichu's Brick Break with Fire Punch, then defeat him with Dragon Claw.
• Lt. Surge awarded Xiao Yan an orange badge, and Xiao Yan left with Xiao Lan, planning to catch a ship.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan boarded the S.S. Anne, where Gary told Xiao Yan that Bulbasaur’s Poké Ball had been stolen from Professor Oak’s lab. After Team Rocket seized the ship, Xiao Yan rescued Xiao Lan from Green Shadow and captured him as a hostage.

• Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan boarded the S.S. Anne after showing their tickets, and a crew member said someone extraordinary was waiting for Xiao Yan.
• Xiao Yan met Gary, who told him a girl had stolen Bulbasaur’s Poké Ball from Professor Oak’s lab.
• Team Rocket took over the ship and ordered passengers to stay in their rooms while they gathered valuables.
• Xiao Yan spotted Team Rocket members dragging Xiao Lan into the captain’s cabin and followed them.
• Xiao Yan sent out Charmeleon, defeated Green Shadow’s Machoke, wounded Green Shadow with Dragon Claw, and tied him up as a hostage.

Xiao Yan rescued Xiao Lan and forced Team Rocket to retreat from the S.S. Anne, then received Pokémon from the captain before continuing his journey with her and Gary. Team Rocket's boss angrily punished a member who reported their defeat.

• Xiao Yan reunited with Xiao Lan, threatened Green Shadow, and ordered Team Rocket to leave the S.S. Anne and return what they had stolen.
• Jessie, James, and their cat arrived, but Pikachu struck them with Thunderbolt, and Xiao Yan threw Green Shadow into the ocean.
• Xiao Yan and his group reached the deck, where another ally had subdued the remaining Team Rocket members, who fled by boat.
• The captain thanked Xiao Yan's group and gave them three Pokémon, including an Eevee that delighted Xiao Lan.
• Gary promised to battle Xiao Yan again at the Indigo League showdown, and Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan continued their journey together.
• Team Rocket's boss berated a member for their failure and ordered Persian to drag him away.

Xiao Yan entered a ten-kilometer bicycle race for the one-million prize and won after Pikachu helped him escape Beedrill and Snorlax. After collecting the prize, Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan continued toward their next destination.

• Xiao Yan told Xiao Lan he was entering the race, and she warned him that rain looked likely.
• Xiao Yan rode ahead of most contestants, licked yellow liquid from an unknown object, and had Pikachu drive off an angry swarm of Beedrill with Thunderbolt.
• Xiao Yan caught up with Xiao Lan and the Bug Catcher at a bridge blocked by a sleeping Snorlax, which woke and chased him.
• As rain fell, Xiao Yan sped across the finish line ahead of Snorlax, which crushed the prize display and was knocked out by Pikachu's Thunderbolt.
• Xiao Yan received the one-million prize, then left with Xiao Lan for their next destination.

After hearing that Grandpa Fuji had gone missing while investigating ghosts in Lavender Town’s Pokémon Tower, Xiao Yan agreed to enter the tower and rescue him. He knocked out the guards and opened the doors, where he found someone standing in the entrance.

• Xiao Yan heard from a mysterious young woman and Nurse Joy that people had reported ghosts in the Pokémon Tower.
• At the Pokémon House, the twin-ponytailed girl told Xiao Yan that Grandpa Fuji had gone to investigate the ghosts three days earlier and had not returned.
• Townspeople said trucks had entered the tower, chased away visitors, and that the ghosts appeared on its top floor.
• When the townspeople refused to help, the twin-ponytailed girl decided to go alone, but Xiao Yan stopped her and offered to rescue Grandpa Fuji.
• Xiao Yan knocked out the guards outside the Pokémon Tower and opened its main doors, where someone stood waiting.

Xiao Yan and Gary discovered that the ghost haunting the tower was Marowak, whose spirit departed after reuniting with Cubone. Xiao Yan rescued Elder Fuji from Team Rocket and received two unusual stones before setting out with Xiao Lan and the others.

• Gary gave Xiao Yan Detection Goggles, which revealed that the ghost was Marowak.
• A girl with twin ponytails explained that Team Rocket had killed Marowak while she protected Cubone, and Marowak's spirit departed after seeing her child.
• Xiao Yan defeated a Team Rocket member's Golbat with Charmeleon's Flamethrower, and the man escaped after threatening that Giovanni would deal with him.
• Xiao Yan freed Elder Fuji and escorted him back to the Pokémon House, where Fuji gave Xiao Yan a black box containing two unusual stones.
• Xiao Yan realized he had forgotten Xiao Lan, who rejoined the group after he promised to catch her a Pokémon.

Xiao Yan chased down Xiao Lan after she stole his Badges and money, then protected her from Team Rocket when they came to capture her over stolen Secret Files. After defeating a Team Rocket member’s Sandshrew, he promised to keep protecting Xiao Lan until the matter was resolved.

• Xiao Yan bought six Pokémon Competition Vests from Xiao Lan after she claimed she needed money for her injured mother.
• Xiao Yan discovered that Xiao Lan had stolen his backpack, Badges, and money, and ran into town to find her.
• Xiao Lan admired the stolen Gym Badges while Team Rocket members were ordered to capture her and recover the Secret Files.
• Xiao Yan found Xiao Lan at a café and ordered Pikachu to grab her, but she broke free and threw herself at him.
• A Team Rocket member tried to take Xiao Lan away, and Xiao Yan’s Charmeleon defeated the member’s Sandshrew.
• The Team Rocket member revealed that Xiao Lan had stolen Team Rocket’s Secret Files and escaped, while Xiao Yan promised to protect her.

Xiao Yan infiltrated Team Rocket headquarters and fought his way to the top floor, where Giovanni overwhelmed him with fear. After Charizard protected him and was badly hurt, Giovanni offered Xiao Yan a powerful position in Team Rocket in exchange for joining.

• Xiao Yan left Xiao Lan at the hotel and disguised himself in a Team Rocket uniform to enter headquarters.
• When his cover was exposed, Xiao Yan used Dragonite's Wing Attack to scatter the first-floor guards and flew toward the top floor.
• An Electric-type attack paralyzed Dragonite, so Xiao Yan recalled it and entered the building through a window.
• Charmeleon defeated a Magnemite with Flamethrower and evolved into Charizard, allowing Xiao Yan to reach the top floor.
• Giovanni's Nidoqueen attacked Xiao Yan, and Charizard shielded him before being struck and knocked into rubble.
• After learning Xiao Yan had defeated most of the headquarters' personnel, Giovanni offered him the second-highest rank, a monthly salary, and fifty Master Balls if he joined Team Rocket.

Xiao Yan joined Giovanni's mission to capture Entei, but turned against Team Rocket when a grunt attacked a village girl. After Xiao Yan and Charizard defeated Giovanni's Nidoqueen, Giovanni freed Entei, disbanded Team Rocket, and gave Xiao Yan the Viridian Gym Badge and a Master Ball before setting off on his own journey.

• Giovanni introduced himself to Xiao Yan, ordered Charizard's wounds treated, and sent Xiao Yan to his new office.
• Xiao Yan hatched and caught Riolu and Squirtle, then joined Team Rocket's mission to capture Entei.
• When a grunt kicked a little girl protecting Entei, Xiao Yan shielded her and Charizard burned the grunt to ashes.
• Giovanni challenged Xiao Yan, and Charizard overcame its fear of Nidoqueen and defeated her after Xiao Yan protected it from a fall.
• Giovanni freed Entei, disbanded Team Rocket, and gave Xiao Yan the Viridian Gym Badge and a Master Ball before leaving on a journey.

Xiao Yan battled Entei with Dragonite and caught it after exploiting the rain and paralysis. After recovering, he learned Professor Oak had borrowed Entei for study, then said goodbye to Xiao Lan as they went their separate ways.

• Xiao Yan chose Dragonite to battle Entei while Charizard rested, and Dragonite used Rain Dance and Thunderbolt to paralyze Entei.
• Entei nearly defeated Dragonite, but Dragonite struck back with Dragon Rush and Thunder Punch, allowing Xiao Yan to catch Entei with an Ultra Ball.
• The villagers cheered for Xiao Yan, who fainted after hearing an old woman say she wanted to have his babies.
• Xiao Yan woke beside two young women and learned Xiao Lan had returned his Badge and backpack; she said Professor Oak had borrowed Entei to study.
• At dusk, Xiao Yan asked Xiao Lan to join his journey, but she declined, and the two said goodbye before taking separate paths.

Xiao Yan reached Saffron City and challenged Sabrina for the Saffron Badge, defeating her Kadabra with Ho-Oh. Sabrina promised to stop using her psychic powers to hurt people, and Xiao Yan left with the badge.

• Xiao Yan chased a laughing girl through the fog, nearly fell off a cliff, and was rescued by Charizard before reaching Saffron City with Xiao Lan.
• At Sabrina's Gym, Xiao Yan agreed that if he lost, he would become Sabrina's friend, then began a one-on-one battle against her Kadabra with Ho-Oh.
• Kadabra repeatedly dodged Ho-Oh's attacks by teleporting, so Xiao Yan made funny faces that caused Sabrina and Kadabra to laugh and lose focus.
• Xiao Yan ordered Ho-Oh to use Hyper Beam, which knocked Kadabra out while Sabrina was laughing.
• Sabrina promised not to use her psychic powers to hurt anyone and gave Xiao Yan the Saffron Badge.

Xiao Yan held a full-team training session at Gyarados Lake and caught the lake’s king Gyarados after battling through the other Gyarados. A hidden observer watched from the woods and said they understood why Lord Ho-Oh had approved of Xiao Yan.

• Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan sent out their Pokémon, and Xiao Yan comforted his frightened Eevee as the team gathered around him.
• Several Gyarados burst from the lake, and Xiao Yan decided to catch the largest one while Riolu, Squirtle, and Eevee watched.
• Pikachu used Thunderbolt to knock out many Gyarados and Magikarp, enraging the Gyarados king.
• Dragonite fought the remaining Gyarados, then used Hurricane to confuse and injure the king as its Hyper Beam exploded in its mouth.
• Xiao Yan caught the Gyarados king with an Ultra Ball and promised his Pokémon Berries from Team Rocket’s office as a reward.
• An unseen observer in the woods said they understood why Lord Ho-Oh had approved of Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan challenged Celadon Gym Leader Erika and won the Rainbow Badge after Eevee defeated her Bellossom. As Xiao Yan and his companions left, Ash emerged from the Gym in a wig, holding a badge of his own.

• Xiao Yan reunited with Brock and met Ash at the Perfume Shop, where Ash insulted perfume and was swept out by the shop clerks.
• A clerk led Xiao Yan to Celadon Gym, where he met its Grass-type Gym Leader, Erika.
• Eevee fought Erika’s Bellossom, endured its attacks, and ignored Xiao Yan’s attempt to recall him.
• Eevee defeated Bellossom with Quick Attack, earning Xiao Yan the Rainbow Badge from Erika.
• Xiao Yan encouraged Xiao Lan to train her Pokémon, then spotted Ash leaving the Gym in a wig with a badge.

Xiao Yan and his Pokémon became trapped on a haunted farm, where he found the old owner through a mirror and won their freedom by finding him. After the old man vanished, Eevee evolved into Umbreon, and Xiao Yan celebrated their journey ahead.

• After Xiao Lan’s sour cooking made Xiao Yan sick, he went with Eevee and Pikachu to look for medicinal herbs.
• Xiao Yan encountered a ghostly old man on a farm and was trapped there after trying to escape.
• The old man challenged Xiao Yan to find him before sunset, or remain on the farm forever.
• Xiao Yan found a mirror showing the old man beneath a maple tree and located him there before sunset.
• The old man released Xiao Yan and his Pokémon, then faded away as Xiao Yan returned to the farm’s gate.
• That night, Eevee evolved into Umbreon and demonstrated its Shadow Ball.

Xiao Yan and Xiao Lan visited Yuki's Beauty Shop, where Brock tried unsuccessfully to win Yuki's affection and Xiao Yan had Pikachu massaged. Xiao Yan paid ten thousand for the brief service and left resolved not to return.

• Xiao Yan checked Pikachu and determined that he was male before meeting Ash, Misty, and Brock on Beauty Street.
• Brock found Yuki's Beauty Shop and hurried inside with the others to meet Yuki.
• Misty picked up Yuki's wary Vulpix and was singed when it breathed fire at her.
• Brock confessed that he wanted Yuki to go out with him, so Yuki called the police and Ash dragged Brock out of the shop.
• Yuki massaged Pikachu while Xiao Yan's group watched, then charged Xiao Yan ten thousand for the service.
• Xiao Yan paid Yuki and left the shop with Xiao Lan, deciding not to return.