"So obedient~ Such cute yet sharp little horns. It looks like you've been well cared for, haven't you?"
After petting Lucas's Growlithe, Perrin, with permission, raised her camera and started snapping pictures of the playful Growlithe, furiously pressing the shutter as she tried different poses and angles. She looked just like some obsessed stalker following Growlithe around.
Lucas leaned against the rock wall with his arms crossed. Even before he could ask, Perrin, after letting out a satisfied breath, looked at Lucas seriously and said, "If it's convenient, could you tell me where your Growlithe came from?"
Lucas was also curious about the origin of Perrin's Growlithe, and her hair color always felt oddly familiar to him. He nodded and said, "In exchange, you'll need to tell me where your Growlithe came from too."
Perrin made an "OK" gesture. "No problem."
Lucas then explained in detail how his Growlithe was the son of Grandma Touko's Growlithe, obtained during an expedition in the Sinnoh region, and that it was almost a Pokémon egg that couldn't hatch.
Growlithe, curious about his own origins, lay quietly with the braided dog, listening to Lucas's story.
Especially when Lucas mentioned how the Pokémon egg was difficult to hatch, Growlithe vaguely remembered being trapped in a dark, cramped space for what felt like ages, waiting and waiting until Lucas and the Moltres finally arrived.
"An expedition find? Could it be there are still some of their kind surviving somewhere in Sinnoh?"
Perrin pondered for a long time, rubbing her temples as she failed to figure it out. "My family's Growlithe has been passed down through generations. There are probably very few of them left in the world. Even the Sinnoh League knows little about their existence."
"Do you know about Hisui? Long ago, my hometown was called Hisui. All the Growlithe there looked like this, and their evolved form, Arcanine, was different from today's—majestic and sacred, like stone lions."
Lucas looked deeply at Perrin. He hadn't expected her to mention the word "Hisui." "I think I've heard the name. Wasn't that what Sinnoh was called before the league was founded? That's ancient history."
"You're pretty knowledgeable~" Perrin's eyes lit up. So few people knew the name Hisui anymore, but hearing it from a Paldean farm owner like Lucas felt a bit strange.
"In any case, this little one probably doesn't have many companions left. Treat him well. I can tell he's very happy living with you."
Lucas nodded. Growlithe was his partner and family—he didn't need Perrin's reminder to treat him well.
After a moment of silence, seeing the three little dogs play together once they'd let down their guard, a smile appeared on Perrin's delicate face.
She could tell at a glance how much Growlithe depended on Lucas, especially knowing the hardships he'd faced as an egg. At least, Perrin personally had no reason at all to even consider taking Growlithe away.
Maybe it was her concern for Pokémon from her hometown that made her challenge Lucas to a battle when she saw his Growlithe.
Now that she was sure Growlithe was with someone trustworthy, Perrin felt completely at ease. She lifted her camera, pointed it at the blue ocean, and smiled, "I feel so refreshed now. That's all I needed. Shall we part here?"
Lucas was about to nod, but when he saw Perrin's camera, a thought struck him. He blurted out, "How's your photography?"
Perrin blinked, puzzled. "Pretty good, I guess. I've won a few awards."
Lucas nodded. "That's good enough."
Perrin's eyes narrowed, sensing Lucas's intent. "You want me to take pictures for you? I was called a genius photographer when I was younger, but I'm in a slump these days. I probably can't take the kind of photos you want."
"It's worth a try. Didn't you just go wild taking pictures of me?" Lucas glanced at the somewhat bewildered Delibird, feeling that Perrin had shown up at just the right time.
"If my photos don't turn out well, don't blame me. I haven't won any awards in years," Perrin said, helplessly rubbing her hair and sighing.
She hoped Lucas wouldn't be disappointed with her photography.
After agreeing on a time for the shoot and giving her the address of the farm, Lucas recalled his Pokémon into their Poké Balls. Then, in front of her, he summoned Dragonite and, while it was still early, flew off toward the horizon, leaving Perrin staring blankly behind.
It wasn't until Lucas and Dragonite's silhouettes disappeared completely that Perrin came back to her senses.
Was it just her imagination, or did that Dragonite seem even more dangerous than the Delibird?
Was Lucas really just an ordinary farmer?
…
That night.
Lucas spoke into his phone: "Yeah, the trainers and wild Pokémon at Trainer's Beach are good for your training. After tomorrow's morning classes, I can take you guys to check it out."
On the other end, Nemona sounded excited. If Lucas recommended a place, she had to go!
Arven was still in the phase of being dragged along by Lucas's tempting promises. Although he preferred a quiet life, he wanted to help his parents, so he decided to join them.
After hanging up, Lucas barely had time to take a sip of water before his phone rang again.
Seeing the caller's name, Lucas's mouth twitched. Had this day finally arrived?
Resigned, he answered the call. Lucas could only tell himself he wasn't one of Geeta's subordinates—no matter how much she tried to exploit him, she couldn't. He replied wearily, "Chairwoman."
On the other end, Geeta's warm, approachable voice came through: "You sound especially tired today. Are you ill?"
"Nothing serious."
"That's good. This is actually a bit urgent. I was going to ask Larry for help if you weren't feeling well."
Lucas: "…"
He wanted to claim he might be coming down with a fever, but his conscience forced him to keep quiet.
Geeta continued, "I'll keep it short, then. Do you remember the request I mentioned before you left for the Alola League?"
Lucas nodded. "I remember."
"Good." Geeta's tone suddenly became solemn. "The intel has been fully confirmed. Do you know about the infamous Hunter J in the Sinnoh League?"