Pokémon: The Reemployment of the Retired Champion of Paldea Chapter 200 199: I'm So Glad I Met You

"Well then, we'll have the suspect Pokémon, Grafaiai, in temporary custody at the Los Platos Town Police Departnt. Thank you for your help, Teacher Lucas."

Officer Jenny, exuding a dignified aura, gave Lucas a respectful salute—but her composure faltered in the next instant.

Because she saw the Arcanine slowly padding up behind Lucas.

Officer Jenny's pupils trembled with shock. Covering her mouth, she looked at Arcanine and asked, "Teacher Lucas, is this your Pokémon?"

Before Lucas could answer, the Growlithe next to Officer Jenny's eyes lit up, and it joyfully dashed over to Arcanine, circling it with envy written all over its face.

Growlithe recognized friends by both scent and appearance. Even though Arcanine looked very different now, its scent was unmistakable—only now tinged with a faint, sharp sll of sulfur.

Growlithe was amazed at how much its playmate from earlier in the day had changed—and transford into the mighty form it had always dread of becoming. For a mont, the entire farm entrance was filled with Growlithe's excited barking.

Noticing Officer Jenny's thoughtful expression, Lucas smiled. "Judging by Growlithe's reaction, you probably know who it is, right?"

"Arcanine!?"

After Lucas's confirmation, Officer Jenny couldn't help but exclaim. She was amazed at the drastic difference in Arcanine's regional form—Pokémon truly are wondrous creatures.

Just like that sowhat chubby Talonfla (actually Moltres).

"Officer Jenny, the suspect Pokémon has been transported."

A young officer jogged up to Jenny, giving her a quiet report.

"Alright, I got it. You all head back first—Growlithe and I will return on the police motorcycle." Officer Jenny nodded and issued her orders with practiced ease. Looking over at the still-excited Growlithe, she frowned and called, "Growlithe, ti to go!"

Growlithe paused mid-play. Though it still wanted to hang out with Arcanine, its training had instilled obedience, so it drooped its tail and reluctantly returned to Jenny's side.

Jenny gave it a helpless glance, then turned to Lucas with an apologetic smile. "I'll be going too. We'll contact you by phone for further details on the case, since you're also one of the victims."

Lucas nodded, then hesitated briefly before asking, "Officer Jenny, if Grafaiai is confird as the poisoner, what happens to it?"

Jenny paused, then smiled. "It'll be sent to a Pokémon managent facility built by the League. That's where Pokémon belonging to captured criminals are kept. They'll receive education, and professionals will determine whether they're fit to be released into remote wilderness areas, or possibly be adopted by new trainers. Don't worry, we'll make sure it's taken care of."

"And regarding the case of Grafaiai being abandoned, we're investigating that as well. Abandoning Pokémon is absolutely forbidden, and we'll do our best to track down the responsible party."

With that, Officer Jenny gave Lucas a sharp salute, hopped onto her police motorcycle, and rode off with the obedient Growlithe.

Watching them leave, Lucas sighed. "This is probably the best ending for you, Grafaiai."

"Your cris can't just be erased, but those who made you this way will eventually be brought to justice too."

"Ceruledge~."

Ceruledge bounced over to Lucas's side, its gaze distant and thoughtful.

It also felt that this was a good outco.

After indulging in a brief mont of lancholy, Lucas composed himself. He showed an expression Ceruledge had never seen before, making the Pokémon a little nervous.

Lucas grinned, showing his canine teeth—clearly feeling a little giddy.

"Didn't expect you to see this way, Ceruledge. But I'm happy."

Lucas suddenly lunged forward, hugging the stunned Ceruledge, who realized—thanks to Moltres' translation—that its innermost thoughts had been completely exposed. Lucas pressed close to Ceruledge, who stood stiffly like a wooden plank, and spoke softly.

"You're cool to the touch—hugging you feels so nice. And about what you said, I want to say this in return:"

"I'm really glad I t you."

Ceruledge froze for a mont, then slowly hugged him back.

It felt the sa way, deep down.

…

In the living room, a serious roundtable eting was underway.

Lucas looked around at all the Pokémon present, coughed lightly, and began: "With the Grafaiai incident over, it's ti to plan the last few days of our break."

"The day after tomorrow is March 21. We'll be heading to the Kalos region for a few days, just like we did in Alola. The main goal is to bring back a steward for the farm—ideally a Psychic-type, since that would be really convenient for us."

"And then there's Siebold's invitation—we'll probably have to battle him. Anyone want to volunteer?"

"Woof woof!"

Arcanine was the first to raise a paw, eager to join.

Since evolving, it had unlimited energy. Battling Luxray and the others often ended in one-sided beatings; when it wanted to spar with Politoed, the latter was always busy practicing Rain Dance near the big wet rock and ignored its invitations.

If there was going to be a fight, it had to go.

Lucas's lips twitched. Siebold was one of Kalos's Elite Four, and a Water-type specialist—Arcanine might have new tricks against Water-types since it evolved in a volcano, but it was still a bit short of Elite Four level.

Then again, they might battle other trainers, so bringing Arcanine along seed reasonable.

"Alright, Arcanine, you're in. Anyone else?"

As Lucas patted Arcanine's massive, happy head, he looked to his side—and was surprised to see Swampert, who usually disliked going out, raise its hand.

"Swampert~."

Swampert lifted its right hand, gazing calmly.

Since Lucas would be battling a Water-type specialist, as the team's Water powerhouse, it had every reason to join. Let's see if that so-called ga Blastoise's Hydro Cannon can stand up to its fists.

After Swampert volunteered, picking the rest was easy.

Unlike the group training in Alola, they didn't need to bring many Pokémon. The final lineup was set: Swampert, Dragonite, Arcanine, and Alcremie.

Alcremie volunteered because it was curious about Kalos's desserts and wanted to study them.