Chapter Twelve: First Encounter with the Hippopotamus King

Yinyu City lay to the north of the forest. After bidding farewell to the Treecko, Cheng Cheng began his journey northward. Though he was unfamiliar with the way, he reasoned that heading north would eventually lead him to his destination.

Yet, as he pressed forward, Cheng Cheng began to doubt his own logic. It seemed he was not retracing the path toward Yinyu City, but instead venturing deeper into the heart of the forest. The reason was evident: the Pokémon he encountered along his route were growing stronger and stronger.

Just moments earlier, he had stumbled upon a formidable Shiftry, only to find himself amidst an entire tribe of them. Freshly escaped from the Treecko enclave, he now faced the Shiftry—a stroke of misfortune, for Shiftry were far less gentle than Sceptile.

Fortunately, Cheng Cheng quickly released his Ralts, who teleported them a short distance away. Ralts, still young and weak, could only manage a limited range, and the direction was uncertain.

After the teleport, Ralts was exhausted, so Cheng Cheng recalled it to its Poké Ball, then released his Chimecho to keep watch. He had no idea where he’d been transported.

Still, Cheng Cheng pressed on northward. To his relief, he noticed fewer and fewer Pokémon in the vicinity—a sign he might be approaching the forest’s edge, or perhaps entering the domain of some powerful Pokémon, which gave him pause.

Cheng Cheng and Chimecho advanced slowly, wary of their surroundings. After passing through several layers of shrubs, a vast lake appeared before his eyes. At its center was a patch of land, upon which stood a colossal tree. This place was nothing short of a paradise for Pokémon, and Cheng Cheng grew alert.

He approached cautiously, soon noticing crowds of Pokémon gathered there. His arrival caught their attention; a few timid creatures quickly hid, others issued warning cries, and some watched him curiously.

Cheng Cheng made no move—he simply stood there, unwilling to provoke any reaction. The number of Pokémon here far exceeded those in Sceptile’s territory, and the diversity was remarkable.

Along the lakeshore were Pinsir, Scyther, Rhydon, Chimecho, Ralts, Oddish, Budew, and their evolved forms, in great abundance. In the sky soared Beautifly, Venomoth, Swellow, and more. The lake teemed with even more aquatic Pokémon: Mudkip, Surskit and their evolutions, lively Goldeen and Magikarp, and even Feebas—rare enough to evolve into Milotic.

What delighted Cheng Cheng most was the multitude of Slowpoke, residing on the central island.

Once the Pokémon saw Cheng Cheng remain motionless, they lost interest and returned to their affairs.

With the atmosphere calm, Cheng Cheng slowly edged closer to the lake. He observed the Pokémon and found no hostility, which reassured him.

"Come out, everyone!" he called.

He released all his Pokémon. The sudden appearance of five new Pokémon did not startle the wild ones; instead, it stirred their enthusiasm, and soon both groups were merrily playing together.

This scene reminded Cheng Cheng of his time with the Treecko yesterday, filling him with joy.

He sat by the lakeshore, teasing the water Pokémon, who playfully responded to him.

Then his gaze was drawn to the Slowpoke on the central island. They were fishing with their tails dipped in the lake. He watched as one Slowpoke landed a Magikarp, then flicked it back into the water, only to resume fishing and catch another.

Surveying the scene, Cheng Cheng noted their impressive success rates—some caught Magikarp, others Feebas, even Mudkip. He wondered if the Slowpoke’s tail was as delicious as the legends claimed, since even Mudkip was lured in.

Then he saw a Slowpoke catch a Shellder. The Slowpoke kept shaking its tail, apparently in discomfort, and even let out a cry of pain. Watching this silly Slowpoke made Cheng Cheng laugh.

Wait—a Shellder? Could it be...?

At that very moment, both Slowpoke and Shellder were enveloped in a brilliant white light, merging and evolving into Slowbro.

The Slowpoke began to howl, seemingly celebrating, and a few Slowbro emerged from the center of the island, apparently to welcome the newly evolved kin.

Witnessing so many Slowbro and Slowpoke together, Cheng Cheng’s heart raced with excitement. Though their primary type was Water, they also possessed Psychic abilities—just the kind he could use. And Slowpoke was a relatively rare find. At that moment, his mouth watered—not knowing whether he craved a Slowpoke for his team or longed to taste its legendary tail.

Yet Cheng Cheng remained clear-headed; he knew he could never capture them here. If he tried, he’d likely be swarmed and beaten by hundreds of Pokémon.

Suppressing his desires, he found peace. Although he could not capture them, seeing so many Pokémon living happily together brought him joy.

"Ha~"

"Ha~"
"Ha~"

Now all the Slowbro raised their hands, chanting "Ha, ha" in unison. The Slowpoke lay flat, heads held high, joining in the chorus.

"Is this... Rain Dance?"

Watching so many Slowpoke and Slowbro perform the ritual, Cheng Cheng wondered if he would be drowned by torrential rain.

Wait—Rain Dance? He scanned the Slowpoke and Slowbro present, noting their highest level was just above forty. Rain Dance required a level over fifty to learn. With this realization, Cheng Cheng relaxed; though Slowpoke and Slowbro had a natural affinity for Rain Dance, it was legendary rather than practical—they had not learned the skill and should not be able to summon rain.

Meanwhile, the water Pokémon leapt about, celebrating something. He even spotted two Milotic gracefully dancing in the lake, a sight so beautiful it moved him deeply.

Suddenly, a massive Tentacruel appeared before Cheng Cheng, swimming toward him and stopping nearby. Tentacruel tapped its enormous head with a tentacle, inviting Cheng Cheng to climb aboard.

He carefully seated himself atop Tentacruel, followed by his Pokémon. Tentacruel ferried them to the central island, depositing them gently.

"Thank you, Tentacruel," Cheng Cheng said.

On the island, he observed the Slowpoke and Slowbro up close as they performed their Rain Dance ritual. Their vacant expressions only deepened his affection.

At first, Cheng Cheng assumed it was just another ceremony. But as the sky darkened, he realized the Pokémon had succeeded in summoning rain.

"How can this be? They shouldn’t know Rain Dance!"

He checked the system again, reviewing their levels, abilities, and skills—it confirmed none could perform Rain Dance.

Then he noticed two Slowbro, both over level fifty, able to use Rain Dance. But what shocked Cheng Cheng even more was the Pokémon between them—a Slowking.

Instantly, data appeared before his eyes:

Pokémon: Slowking
Type: Water, Psychic
Level: 74
Grade: Blue
Rarity: Epic (Special)
Ability: Oblivious
Hidden Ability: Regenerator
HP: 87/95
Attack: 62/75
Defense: 69/80
Speed: 25/30
Special Attack: 85/100
Special Defense: 94/110
Total: 422/490

Held Item: Mind Stone
Skills: Curse, Growl, Water Gun, Psychic, Bind, Headbutt, Water Pulse, Teleport, Zen Headbutt, Slack Off, Amnesia, Psyshock, Rain Dance, Self-Suggestion
Special Skill: ?

Seeing Slowking’s stats, Cheng Cheng was frozen in place—such overwhelming power left him stunned; aside from astonishment, he was full of questions.

What did "Special Skill" mean?

"Hello, young one."

"How...?"

"No need to be nervous, young one. I do understand your language—I don’t know why, but ever since I evolved into Slowking, I’ve been able to."

"Really? That’s amazing!"

"No need for surprise. Every person and every Pokémon has their own abilities; mine happens to be communicating with humans."

"Could this be the special skill?" Cheng Cheng wondered to himself.

"Now is not the time for astonishment, young one."

A drop of water fell on Cheng Cheng’s cheek, reminding him the rain was beginning in earnest.

Raindrops multiplied and soon formed a torrential downpour. Cheng Cheng remained where he was, prepared to endure the storm.

Yet after a while, he felt no wetness at all. He realized there was some sort of barrier surrounding him. Rain struck the barrier and slid off to the ground.

"Is this psychic power?"

"It’s merely an application of psychic abilities. What you call 'Psychic' is one facet. I used my powers to shield you from the rain."

Cheng Cheng was so amazed he could hardly speak. Not only was Slowking high-level, its abilities were astonishing.

For a moment, Cheng Cheng didn’t know what to say; the air grew tense.

"Young one, what is your name?"

"Cheng Cheng—Qimu Cheng Cheng. Please, just call me Cheng Cheng."

"Very well, Cheng Cheng. Do you know why I summoned you?"

"Summoned me?"

"It was I who asked Tentacruel to bring you over. This island belongs to the Slowpoke; other Pokémon are not allowed, and humans even less so."

"What do you want from me?"

"I have a favor to ask of you."

"A favor?" Cheng Cheng was puzzled. Why would Slowking need his help?

"Let me tell you a story," Slowking began.

...