Chapter 124. A Conversation with Saito, Comforting Muko
“Dad, you’re back.”
“You’ve been so stubborn, siding with outsiders against your own father.”
“That’s not true. The Three-Headed Dragon admitted defeat on its own.”
“Hmph, if you hadn’t threatened it, how would it have surrendered?”
“Uncle Saito.”
“Cheng Cheng, don’t worry about today. Although the Three-Headed Dragon was forced to concede, your strength has definitely improved.”
“No, I still have many shortcomings.”
“Alright, stop standing there. Let’s sit and talk.”
The three of them settled on the sofa.
“You want to know why Muzi was able to make the Three-Headed Dragon give up?”
“Yes, I’m a little curious.”
“Well, there are two main reasons. First, when Muzi was younger, she was quite mischievous and would tease the Three-Headed Dragon every day. The dragon couldn’t fight back, which left a lasting impression. Second, the Three-Headed Dragon’s child is currently under Muzi’s care, so naturally, it wants to show her some respect.”
“You mean Muzi’s single-headed dragon?”
“Exactly.”
Cheng Cheng hadn’t expected Muzi’s single-headed dragon to be the offspring of the Three-Headed Dragon. But thinking about it, this kind of inherited nurturing was a common choice.
“By the way, I have a few questions for you. Answer them if you want; if not, that’s fine.”
“Sure, Uncle Saito, please ask.”
“If I’m not mistaken, Gardevoir’s recent evolution was the Mega Evolution from the Kalos region, right?”
Cheng Cheng was slightly surprised that Saito recognized Mega Evolution.
“Yes, that’s correct. Mega Evolution has only appeared in the Kalos region so far. I’ve been to Kalos and seen Mega Evolution firsthand. By chance, I obtained Gardevoir’s Mega Stone and the key to evolve it.”
“Hmm, indeed, I’ve only heard of this evolution in Kalos as well. Mega Evolution is truly amazing—I never imagined a Pokémon could evolve again after reaching its final form.”
“Mega Evolution is still in the research phase and can’t be widely applied yet. Not many people know about it.”
“My second question is about your Gardevoir. It should be a Fairy-type, right?”
“Yes, Gardevoir is a Fairy and Psychic-type Pokémon. It has the traits of the Fairy type.”
Cheng Cheng wasn’t surprised that Saito knew Gardevoir’s type. Professor Oak’s paper had been published some time ago, so it was understandable.
“But one thing I don’t understand. Why did the Three-Headed Dragon’s signature moves have little effect on Gardevoir, while your last two signature moves dealt such heavy damage to the dragon? I guess it must be related to the Fairy type, right?”
Cheng Cheng paused, then said,
“Yes, it’s precisely because of the Fairy type. Fairy-type Pokémon are immune to all Dragon-type moves.”
“Immune to all Dragon-type moves?”
Although Saito had guessed that Fairy types counter Dragon types, he hadn’t expected complete immunity. Even Ice-type Pokémon only have an advantage against Dragon types without full immunity; Dragon moves still affect Ice types.
“So you’re saying Fairy-type moves are very effective against Dragon-type Pokémon, but Dragon-type moves have no effect at all on Fairy types?”
“That’s right.”
“How do you know this? Even Professor Oak’s reports haven’t mentioned it.”
“Dad, Cheng Cheng also participated in Professor Oak’s research.”
At that moment, Muzi suddenly interrupted.
“You were involved in the study of Fairy-type Pokémon?”
“Yes. At first, I worked with Professor Oak researching Fairy types. We discovered that Fairy-type Pokémon can be immune to Dragon-type moves. But because there were many factors involved, we didn’t publish this information.”
“Ha! So that’s how it is. You did the right thing. The impact of Fairy types being immune to Dragon moves is huge. But I’m surprised you got to take part in that research. You’re truly outstanding.”
“No, most of the research was done by Professor Oak. I just helped a little.”
“Regardless, you’re one of the discoverers of the Fairy type. But it’s best to keep it a secret; otherwise, you might never leave Shuanglong City.”
“Of course. I’ve only told you and Muzi about it.”
“Alright, now I understand everything. I need to go back and organize all this information.”
“Okay, Uncle Saito.”
Saito stood up and went upstairs to his room.
Cheng Cheng had received so much information this time that he needed to sort it all out carefully.
After Saito left, Cheng Cheng exhaled deeply.
He turned to look at Muzi; she looked back, and they smiled at each other.
As evening fell, the three sat around the table having dinner together.
“Cheng Cheng, what are your plans next?”
“I’ve already earned eight badges, so I’m preparing for the upcoming league tournament. I plan to stay in Shuanglong City for a while.”
“I see. Since you don’t have other plans, I have something that might suit you.”
“Oh? What is it?”
“Well, recently some trouble has arisen in the Shuanglong Mountains near Shuanglong City. I discussed it with Shaka, and we decided to investigate. But Shaka is busy with school and managing the gym, so I’ll go alone. Since you and Professor Oak have both studied this area, I want to invite you to join me.”
“An expedition? I want to go! I want to go!”
“No. This investigation is very dangerous. I can only take one person, and obviously, you’re more useful than Shaka.”
“Hmph! Fine, if I can’t go, I’m not interested anyway!” Muzi threw down her utensils and dashed back to her room.
“Muzi!”
Cheng Cheng stood up, about to call after her.
“Sit down, Cheng Cheng. Don’t pay attention to her. Let me tell you about this expedition. It’s extremely dangerous—are you sure you want to go?”
“Of course. I want to see it for myself.”
Cheng Cheng had two reasons for wanting to go. First, he genuinely wanted to explore and gain experience. Second, what Deoxys told him earlier involved the Shuanglong Mountains. He wanted to see if what Deoxys said was related to Uncle Saito’s investigation.
“Alright, since you’ve decided, get some rest. We’ll set off early tomorrow.”
“Okay, no problem. Uncle Saito, I’ll go check on Muzi first.”
Saito glanced at Cheng Cheng.
“Go ahead.”
“Good night, Uncle Saito.”
Cheng Cheng left his seat and walked upstairs to Muzi’s room.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
He knocked on her door.
“Muzi, are you in there? Can I come in?”
After a long wait with no response, Cheng Cheng sensed with his psychic powers that Muzi wasn’t inside. He immediately used his powers to open the door.
When he entered, Muzi’s room was empty. It was quite feminine and cozy.
“Muzi, where are you?”
Cheng Cheng clearly felt that Muzi had returned to her room but wasn’t there now.
He extended his psychic senses and soon found her.
He climbed through the window onto the roof and saw Muzi sitting there.
Cheng Cheng climbed over and sat beside her.
“Muzi, are you alright?”
“What’s wrong with me? I just feel so weak, like I’m holding everyone back. Otherwise, I could have gone on this expedition too.” Muzi stared at the sky.
Cheng Cheng could see she was sad. It was clear she really wanted to go.
“Muzi, do you really want to come with us?”
“Of course. It’s so boring to stay home alone. When Dad went on expeditions before, I always wanted to go with him. But he always said it was too dangerous and that he’d take me when I was strong enough to protect myself. But he never did.”
“Muzi, why don’t you come with us tomorrow?”
“Really?”
Muzi brightened at Cheng Cheng’s invitation but then looked down, thinking of Uncle Saito, and felt discouraged.
“No, Dad won’t let me go.”
“I know Uncle Saito won’t allow it, but you can come secretly.”
“But what if Dad finds out?”
“Simple. Tomorrow, when Uncle Saito and I go, you just follow behind us. When we reach the Shuanglong Mountains, you can catch up with us. By then, even if Uncle Saito tries to stop you, there’s nothing he can do.”
“But that won’t work. Every time I follow Dad, he notices me.”
“Don’t worry, I have a plan.”
Cheng Cheng took off the necklace around his neck.
“This is the Mind Gem necklace. It can hide your presence. Tomorrow, wear this and follow us. But to be safe, don’t wear it the first time. Let Uncle Saito send you back, then wear the necklace and follow us again. That way, he won’t notice.”
“That’s great! Thank you, Cheng Cheng.”
Muzi threw her arms around Cheng Cheng.
“If you want to go, I’ll take you.”
Cheng Cheng embraced her gently. Soon, they separated.
“Thanks, Cheng Cheng.”
“No problem. Here, take the necklace.”
Cheng Cheng handed it to her.
“It’s a beautiful necklace.”
“King Hippo gave it to me. It boosts mental power. Tomorrow, wear this and come with us to the Shuanglong Mountains.”
“Okay, thank you, Cheng Cheng.”
“By the way, how did you get up on the roof? Did you come through my room?”
“Yeah.”
“You jerk! How dare you break into my room? You’re asking for trouble!”
“Ah!”