Chapter 364: Lei Gong as a Mount

Lei Gong refused to reveal the source of the information, even at the cost of death.

But he was certain that Team Rocket's next target was Meteor Falls.

Why?

Only two days had passed since their base was destroyed—how could they regroup so quickly and move on to their next target?

It was truly curious.

And the number of Team Rocket members in the previous base must have been substantial; losing an entire base should have been a significant blow to them, right?

They had already shown signs of manpower shortages in the later stages of the Original Series…

Could it be that the problems in the subsequent series had been resolved?

As for this villainous organization, which had become an endless background presence after the Black and White arc, Baimu had no idea what its current state was.

I hope the captured Team Rocket members will reveal important intelligence.

Baimu saw Champion Dawu making several serious phone calls, and he considered eavesdropping—but ultimately decided it was impolite and gave up.

Not long after.

Dawu put down his phone.

"No traces of Team Rocket have been detected yet… It seems the situation is even more complicated than we anticipated."

He looked at Lei Gong. "Although I personally have full trust in your judgment, it's impractical to mobilize a large force to search near Meteor Falls without concrete evidence."

"Roar~"

Lei Gong had never intended to rely on human help; hearing Dawu say this, he turned away with indifference and walked into the house, choosing a spot with a carpet to lie down.

After searching nearly the entire night with no results, weary and guided by some emotion, it followed Baimu's trail.

Who knew it would run into the Champion of Hoenn?

"... Does Lei Gong dislike me?" Dawu turned to Baimu, puzzled.

It felt like he'd been rejected.

The latter shook his head. "No, that's just his personality. And he already respects you—he at least answers you. He usually doesn't even acknowledge me."

Dawu: "..."

How exactly do you two get along?

His eyes were filled with confusion.

"By the way, isn't Meteor Falls the territory of the Meteor People? Why not seek their help?" Baimu changed the subject, unwilling to dwell on how often Lei Gong ignored him.

Dawu blinked. "Didn't you already interact with Miss Xijiana, the Meteor Person? Didn't she tell you anything about the Meteor People?"

"Uh… so far, I know very little."

"Well then, I never expected that as a descendant of the Meteor People, you'd need me—an outsider—to explain your own homeland's situation."

He adjusted his phrasing. "More than ten years ago, the secluded Meteor People lived deep within Meteor Falls—in a place called Meteor Village—where many powerful Dragon-type Pokémon resided, making it ideal for Dragon Tamer training."

"But as times changed, the village elders witnessed the rapid development of the outside world. They moved the entire village out of Meteor Village and built a new settlement in the forest near Meteor Falls, encouraging the young to venture out rather than remain isolated."

"A village built outside?"

Baimu paused, then quickly opened his phone to search the map—and there, right next to Meteor Falls, was a small landmark named Meteor Village.

To be honest.

He had seen this village before while searching for information on the Meteor People, but since online sources were scarce and he'd subconsciously assumed the Meteor People lived inside Meteor Falls, he hadn't paid it much attention.

Who would have thought it was built by the Meteor People after they moved out of Meteor Falls?

"Yes. Because of the Elder Dragon's decision, most of the village's young and middle-aged Dragon Tamers have already left. So even if you went there, they probably couldn't help much. Meteor Falls is vast, and its interior is extremely complex."

Dawu nodded. "Of course, you should still go and say hello—this task is yours. You've come to Autumn Leaf Town; aren't you going to visit Meteor Village?"

"Hmm…"

Baimu thought for two seconds, then nodded. "I should."

Even now, he still found it hard to believe that a forged wooden plaque could have escalated to this point—but facts spoke louder than words. His identity as a Dragon Tamer descendant was now fixed; emotionally and logically, he ought to go take a look.

It wasn't as if a group had suddenly appeared demanding he contribute to Meteor Village. Right now, to obtain the Key Stone, he still needed the Meteor People's help.

Dawu smiled slightly. "It seems you don't reject your bloodline ties. That's good."

After enduring over a decade of hardship, suddenly a group appears claiming you're someone important, assigning you a completely bizarre identity—even from his perspective, it wouldn't be easy to accept.

Fortunately, Baimu's mindset was mature enough. This was one of the things Dawu greatly admired about him.

"Pity your goal is Champion Ore, otherwise I'd seriously recommend you take over Shi Yuan Zhi's position." He suddenly said.

Baimu didn't immediately understand why Dawu said that, then joked, "Why not take over your position instead?"

"Huh! Are you interested?"

Dawu's eyes lit up. "Then why not challenge the Hoenn Champion League? With your strength, you'd surely win the Contests of Cianwood—Mi Ke Li would be delighted to see you—"

"I was joking! I was joking!"

Baimu waved his hands frantically, apologizing for his earlier impertinence.

This guy swapped the Champion title back and forth with his good friend Mi Ke Li, who loved hosting the Mi Ke Li Cup—though he didn't know why he'd taken the title back again…

But clearly, at just over twenty, he was already thinking about grooming a successor.

And he was eager to find successors for other retiring Elite Four members.

Upon hearing this explanation,

Dawu let out a quiet sigh—whether feigned or genuinely regretful, Baimu couldn't tell.

"By the way, Dawu-san, is that rock really the slumbering Kyurem?" Baimu changed the subject again.

At the mention of a topic he loved, Dawu's earlier disappointment vanished—he smiled eagerly. "I need to start by explaining the surface patterns—"

After that,

Dawu spoke nonstop for about ten minutes.

He finally reached a conclusion.

This thing is indeed the sleeping Kiraz, but why Kiraz slept for a thousand years in sync with a celestial comet is another issue requiring study.

"It might be a bit forward to say this, but I hope you'll allow us to study the Wishing Star."

Champion Dawu urged: "With Getten Corporation's technological strength, we might uncover the secret behind Kiraz's slumber and awaken it without waiting a thousand years—even unravel the power that allows it to fulfill wishes…"

"Of course, I'm not pressuring you, nor do I intend to claim the Wishing Stone for myself. We only need six months."

Upon hearing this, Baimu couldn't help but glance at the Wishing Stone.

If the sleeping Kiraz could react to his words, he would most likely ask for Kiraz's own consent…

But given the current situation, Kiraz was sound asleep, completely cut off from the outside world. Could he, in just six months, create a miracle of "sincere devotion moving even stone and metal" by keeping the Wishing Stone close?

Not realistic.

"Of course, sir, you're being too modest." Baimu agreed.

After all, even if Kiraz were awake, whether it would accept him was uncertain—Phantom Pokémon mostly possess strong subjective initiative and actively choose humans as partners.

The Wishing Star's requirement is a pure-hearted child.

Was he pure-hearted?

That was debatable.

And Champion Dawu, having received his consent, smiled broadly.

"Thank you. It's getting late. I hear you're currently competing in the Super Contests? Then I won't disturb you… and Lei Gong." He glanced at Lei Gong, sprawled on the carpet nearby, flicking its tail, and his smile suddenly turned peculiar.

Though Baimu had repeatedly insisted they weren't a Trainer and Pokémon pair, the actual behavior…

He couldn't say.

And Lei Gong, as if sensing Dawu's teasing expression, felt a touch of irritation, flicking its tail more frequently, clearly revealing its mood.

This brat has been getting more and more insolent—my endless tolerance has only made him bolder!

Just wait.

When Champion Dawu leaves, I'll give him a couple of good ones.

It suddenly rose and walked toward the bedroom, glancing back at Baimu with a look that said, "You figure it out."

The latter's skin suddenly prickled with cold, and he rubbed his arms, calling out to stop Dawu, "It's so late—where are you planning to stay? The trains have stopped. Just spend the night here—"

"No need. A helicopter will come to pick me up."

Dawu shook his head with a smile, making Baimu swallow his words.

Too young.

He's not just a Champion—he's one of the richest men in Hoenn, at the peak of both wealth and status. A helicopter standing by at 3 or 4 a. m. is only natural.

"Goodbye, sir…"

Baimu watched weakly as Dawu packed the Wishing Stone, the Fire Stone, and the Fire Gem, then leapt onto Metagross's head.

"You've already collected four Badges, right? Currently, the Liuli Gym Leader is Mikeli. Why not wait until you've gathered all seven before going? That'll help you judge your strength before the Contest. I look forward to your performance in the Liuli Gym battle."

Dawu smiled, then left with Metagross.

A while later.

The Shiny Metagross turned into a shimmering silver meteor and vanished into the night's horizon.

Baimu stood on the lawn, watching it go, until Bagon stepped beside him, resting a claw on his shoulder and letting out a low growl, snapping him back to reality.

"Hey! Big Softie, you worked hard!"

He reached out to stroke Bagon's shimmering silver cheek, feeling the uneven pits and scratches across its surface, and his heart quietly calmed.

With the team growing, the most obvious change was a decline in attention toward the latter.

But there was no help for it—he couldn't use Shadow Clone, so he inevitably had to spread his focus to other Pokémon.

Fortunately, Bagon was gentle and generous, never blaming him; instead, it actively cared for Pokémon he might otherwise neglect.

Like the Shiny Feebas.

Every time Baimu wanted to change its water, he found it already changed—through communication with the Shiny Feebas, he learned Bagon helped change the water every morning.

He couldn't help but feel moved.

Though Bagon had helped before, now there was an inexplicable sense that, quietly, the child had grown up.

"Gurrr~"

Bagon's pale blue eyes curved into crescents, its massive form gleaming in the moonlight.

As the ace, more important than power was the ability to lighten the Trainer's burdens. It knew it still had many shortcomings, but it wanted to make its Trainer's life easier in every way.

If I can help even a little, that's best~

Bagon slightly turned its head, its eyes fixed on Baimu—filled with trust, joy, and an enduring attachment. To it, the Trainer was both a partner advancing side by side and an inseparable family member.

With the Trainer, it received care in every detail, living each day free of worry.

Sensing Bagon's emotions, Baimu embraced it.

"Choosing you back then was the best decision."

"Gurrr~"

Me too.

Bagon wrapped its arms around Baimu, its breathing steady and strong, radiating deep reliability.

——

Bedroom.

Baimu crept in, and in the pitch-black room, a pair of copper-colored eyes stood out sharply.

"Grr…"

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean it just now—ah!"

Blue lightning flickered as he grimaced, rubbing his arms that kept tingling, then quickly kicked his legs to dodge the current shooting toward his feet from Lei Gong.

But clearly his reaction couldn't match the speed of electricity—his feet went numb and he nearly collapsed to his knees.

Fortunately, Happy Egg caught him in time, and Dreepy swiftly snatched his collar.

"Happy!"

The former glared at Lei Gong, thinking it had gone too far this time—zapping his arms was one thing, but zapping his feet? How dangerous!

Dreepy also grumbled incoherently in protest.

Houndoom had long found Lei Gong "unpleasant"—it always clung to the Trainer, and now it had the nerve to attack him! If it weren't for knowing it couldn't win, it would've taught this thing how to be a properly polite big cat!

Lei Gong paid no mind to Dreepy's protest, but it bristled slightly at Happy Egg's reprimand—among all the Pokémon in Baimu's team, only Happy Egg could occasionally make it feel a pang of unease.

"Roar…"

It yawned, turned its head away with an awkward expression, as if to say this time it would let it slide.

Baimu, recovered, clucked his tongue. "People are precious, who'd have thought the mighty Lei Gong of the Phoenix Guard would dare not face Happy Egg's questioning?"

Lei Gong's motion to lie down froze; it turned its head toward him, eyes full of irritation.

Can't you just stop causing trouble?

"Alright, alright, I'll shut up. It's late, everyone go to sleep."

Baimu promptly backed down, changed into pajamas, climbed into bed, deliberately choosing the spot closest to Lei Gong, reached out slowly, and slipped his hand through its cloud-like thick fur, successfully stroking its warm back, while his other hand slipped into Dreepy's mouth.

Comfortable. Sleep.

He slowly closed his eyes and slipped back into dreams.

Lei Gong, feeling the pressure on its back, lifted its eyelids slightly, remained silent for several seconds, then closed them again without any further reaction.

The night passed without incident.

The next day.

Lei Gong rose early.

In fact, it didn't need sleep at all, so as soon as it sensed daylight and Baimu's awakening, it prepared to leave.

Not catching Team Rocket yesterday didn't mean it wouldn't catch them today—

"Wait!"

Baimu, just opening his eyes, blocked its path, speaking in a slightly hoarse voice: "Don't rush. We're heading the same way today. I'm going near Meteor Falls anyway—give me a ride?"

Lei Gong stared at him in disbelief. Do you even know what you're asking?

You want to ride me?

"We've known each other so long—just give me a ride. It's not like you're still injured and can't carry me. Besides, you zapped my legs yesterday—I can't walk properly today, okay?" Baimu said, half-truthfully.

Lei Gong looked at him with icy eyes, as if the word "No" were written plainly on either side of its face. It turned away without another word, heading for the bedroom door.

"Waaah… I can't walk… my legs are numb from the shock… Waaahhh…"

A painfully fake crying sound echoed.

Lei Gong, at the door, wanted to strike him dead with lightning right then and there—but when it glanced back and saw Baimu's hopeful gaze, it nodded ever so slightly, against its better judgment.

"Roar…"

"You agreed!"

Baimu's eyes lit up—he'd only been trying out of possibility, never expecting it to actually work!

Perfect!

He excitedly rolled off the bed, forgetting Dreepy's massive head was right above him—his forehead slammed into it with a solid "Oof!"

Baimu clutched his head, curling up and writhing on the bed; Dreepy blinked open its eyes, its left small head nibbling at his skull, utterly confused.

Lei Gong watched this scene, a faint smile crossing its face, then turned toward the sunlit courtyard to bask.

Not long after.

Baimu, freshly washed, approached with Corsola.

"Please, just drop me off somewhere nearby."

He looked at Lei Gong, who deliberately lay down but twisted away, refusing to face him; he pushed aside its cloud-like purple curled fur, then lifted Corsola onto its back, "Alright! Hold on tight!"

Lei Gong slowly rose.

Baimu swayed slightly, nearly losing his balance, but managed to grip the purple curled fur to steady himself, "Ah! Sorry! Does that hurt?"

Lei Gong turned its head and gave him a look as if he were an idiot, then let out a low growl and leapt toward the forest beyond the courtyard.

The sudden surge of ascent followed by rapid descent gave Baimu the illusion he was riding a drop tower—strangely exhilarating.

Especially since Lei Gong moved at incredible speed, like lightning racing through wind—the scenery blurred backward at terrifying velocity.

It reminded Baimu of riding his hoverbike in Huang Tie Town.

Close your eyes, throttle wide open—ride as fast as you can.

He looked down at Corsola and saw it wearing a nostalgic expression—he knew it, too, remembered riding in the sidecar of a motorcycle, "Doesn't this feel just like a motorcycle?"

"Kee-doh~"

Corsola softly denied it.

Of course it was different—hoverbikes didn't have this sensation of weightlessness.

Baimu opened his phone; the navigation showed he was approaching Meteor Falls at an astonishing speed—the destination that should've taken half a day would now be reached in under an hour.

Yet, as Champion Dawu had said, Meteor Falls covered a vast area, pockmarked by countless meteor craters from years of celestial impacts—the largest one was unmistakably clear even on satellite maps.

That crater, no doubt, was where the legendary meteor had crashed from the heavens.

Could the ruin be at Meteor Falls?

Baimu thought it wasn't impossible—but he vaguely recalled the ruin was pillar-shaped, somewhat like the Sky Pillar…

It probably wasn't the Sky Pillar.

"The information I have isn't enough — too many things have become especially complicated." He let out a sigh.