Chapter 132: A Conversation with Cynthia, It All Begins

"Ms. Cynthia, there is actually something I would like to ask you."

"What is it? Go ahead."

"Ms. Cynthia, as the Champion of the Sinnoh region, how do you have the time to come to the Unova region?"

"Why shouldn't I be able to come to a place like this? Although I am a League Champion, my only true duty is to safeguard the Sinnoh region. As for other matters, the Elite Four and the people at the League can handle them; I naturally have enough time to do what I want."

"But according to my deductions, a major event is likely to occur in the Sinnoh League soon."

"What are you referring to?"

"Ms. Cynthia, you must keep what I am about to tell you confidential."

Seeing Cheng Cheng suddenly become extremely serious, Ms. Cynthia nodded earnestly.

"Speak, what is it?"

"Not long ago, a major incident occurred in the Dragonspiral Tower of the Unova region. A incredibly powerful creature appeared there, causing severe destruction. At the time, six very powerful Pokémon from the Dragonspiral Tower engaged it in battle, but they were completely overwhelmed. Uncle Saito also had all his Pokémon battle the Dark Sphere Monster, but they still lost. In the end, people from the League arrived at the Dragonspiral Tower and took the Dark Sphere Monster away."

"What are you trying to imply?"

"What I am saying is that this kind of Dark Sphere Monster is not a creature native to the Pokémon world; it likely came from outer space. It possesses immense power and causes catastrophic destruction; it is an extremely dangerous organism."

"And then? It has already been taken away by the Unova League, so what does that have to do with me?"

"This Dark Sphere Monster has appeared in more than one place. Previously, in the Viridian Forest of the Kanto region and near Fortree City in the Hoenn region, I sensed the same energy fluctuations. I am certain they were all caused by this Dark Sphere Monster. Moreover, the Dark Sphere Monster did indeed appear in the Kanto region and was likely taken away by the League as well.

Since this monster has appeared in three different regions, it is very likely to appear in the Sinnoh region as well. That is why I want to say, Ms. Cynthia, that you should stay in the Sinnoh region to prepare for the arrival of the Dark Sphere Monster."

"You mean to say that the Sinnoh region might also be attacked by this monster?"

"It should be, and it is possible that it has already been attacked. However, I cannot be certain."

"But as you said, the League has already taken custody of the creature. Even if I go back, it wouldn't make much of a difference, would it?"

"No, Ms. Cynthia. I absolutely do not believe that a Dark Sphere Monster capable of defeating over a dozen Elite-level Pokémon could be taken away by the League so easily. I am familiar with the combat capabilities of your Garchomp, and they are about on par with Uncle Saito's. The powerful Pokémon in the Dragonspiral Tower are also similar to Garchomp.

Just think about it: if over a dozen Garchomp-level Pokémon could not defeat this monster, then just how strong is it? I simply do not believe the League could have taken it away so easily; there must be something wrong there. That is why I hope you can return to the Sinnoh region as soon as possible to better prepare. I have always felt that this matter is not as simple as it seems."

"Alright, I understand what you have told me. However, I have been invited to attend the Unova League Conference, so I cannot return for the time being. Let us discuss this further after the conference concludes."

Cheng Cheng suddenly realized that for the events to come, having Ms. Cynthia present might actually be more convenient.

"Fine, I will make a note of the fact that you interrupted my meal for this."

With that, Ms. Cynthia left the study and headed toward the dining room. Cheng Cheng had not expected to be held a grudge by Ms. Cynthia for this; after all, he was doing it for the sake of the Sinnoh region!

"Sigh."

Cheng Cheng let out a sigh, then followed Ms. Cynthia to the dining room.

"Cheng Cheng, why are you so slow? The food here is delicious!" Muzi said while eating.

Cheng Cheng sat down and began to eat as well. He suddenly realized there was no need for him to say those things to Ms. Cynthia; the League would take over regardless, and he could not interfere anyway. Besides, even if he told her, there was little she could do. Although Cheng Cheng tried to convince himself not to meddle further, he couldn't shake the feeling that the matter was complex and would eventually involve him personally.

After dinner, Cheng Cheng and Muzi did not leave and instead stayed at Ms. Cynthia's villa. It must be said that staying in a seaside villa is incredibly comfortable. At night, one could hear the sound of the rising tide, which was truly relaxing.

"Melo-melo-melo-melo..."

That was the sound of Meloetta. It was a blessing to be able to fall asleep to the song of Meloetta. But the event should be approaching soon.

After Cheng Cheng finished his meditation, he drifted off to sleep, and when he opened his eyes again, it was already the next morning.

"Good morning, Cheng Cheng."

"Good morning, Muzi."

"By the way, where are Ash and the others?"

"They went to the training field in the back early this morning. Speaking of which, are you sure you don't need to train?"

"Don't forget, I am the one who defeated Uncle Saito last time. Naturally, I don't need to train."

"You jerk! If I hadn't made my Hydreigon forfeit, how could you have possibly won?"

"Regardless, I won in the end. Perhaps when the time comes, you can step onto the stage and make the opponent's Pokémon forfeit so I can win the championship directly."

"Pfft, I don't want to! I will defeat you myself when the time comes."

"Then I shall wait and see."

"Melo-melo-melo-melo..."

The sound of Meloetta came again, but this time, the melody seemed different from before. Cheng Cheng went to the back to look and discovered that Meloetta had changed forms. Its originally green hair had turned red; it appeared to have entered a battle state.

"Is that Meloetta? How did it become like this?" Muzi followed, looking surprised at Meloetta's state.

"It must have changed forms. It seems it wants to battle Ash."

At this moment, Ash and his Pokémon, Oshawott, were standing opposite Meloetta. However, Oshawott did not seem to want to fight Meloetta. It appeared that Oshawott had fallen in love with Meloetta, though Cheng Cheng knew it was impossible for Oshawott to win her heart.

"Geez, you come back for now. Krokorok, I'll leave it to you!" Ash sent out a Krokorok.

A Dark-type Krokorok was disadvantageous against Meloetta, but regardless, Meloetta was a Mythical-level Pokémon and would not lose easily.

"Melo!"

Suddenly, Meloetta unleashed a high-pitched attack, causing everyone intense discomfort. The Krokorok, hit head-on, naturally took significant damage.

"Krokorok, use Stone Edge!"

Krokorok launched Stone Edge, sending jagged rocks flying toward Meloetta. Meloetta used Close Combat, shattering all the incoming stones.

"You're amazing, Meloetta! Let's keep going!"

As Ash was about to have Krokorok attack again, an attack suddenly descended from the sky, striking between Meloetta and Krokorok, bringing their battle to an end.

"What's going on?"

A massive Pokémon flew down from the sky.

"It's a Golurk!"

Ash pulled out his Pokédex to look up the data on Golurk. Cheng Cheng naturally used his system template to check the stats. This Golurk wasn't particularly strong, but it was not a weak Pokémon either.

"Meloetta!"

A boy suddenly ran over from the side. Hearing his voice, Meloetta flew directly toward him.

"You bad people, what are you doing to Meloetta? I won't let you get away with it!"

"Golurk, Flash Cannon!"

Golurk raised its arm and unleashed a Flash Cannon.

"Wait a second, it's not what you think!"

At that moment, Meloetta suddenly stood in front of Ash, and Golurk ceased its attack.

"We are not bad people."

Seeing Meloetta's actions, the other party stopped attacking. Everyone decided to go into the villa to talk things over properly.

"What's wrong, Cheng Cheng?" Muzi asked, seeing that Cheng Cheng was not following them inside.

"Nothing, just thinking about something."

"Then let's go inside quickly." Muzi prepared to enter the villa.

"Muzi."

"What is it?" Cheng Cheng walked over to her side.

"Nothing, just wanted to tell you to be careful. An exciting adventure is about to begin." Cheng Cheng smiled and walked into the villa.

"You jerk, explain what you mean!" Muzi followed him inside.

After everyone entered the villa, Ash explained what had happened earlier. The boy realized he had misunderstood Ash and quickly apologized.

"I'm truly sorry; I didn't know that was the case."

"It's alright. By the way, my name is Ash, and these are my companions."

"Nice to meet you all, my name is Ridley. Golurk and I have been searching for Meloetta."

"Searching for Meloetta? What happened?"

"We used to live with Meloetta in a forest in the Unova region, where we lived happy and free lives. Then one day, a group of bad people came and captured Meloetta. Since then, I have been searching for her."

"Capturing Meloetta? Who are they?"

"I don't know, but I must protect Meloetta. It is our responsibility as protectors."

"Protectors?" Iris asked, confused.

"I suppose it means people who protect Meloetta," Cilan explained from the side.

"Melo..."

Suddenly, Meloetta stared out the window. A flying camera appeared outside.

"Oh no!"