"Oh, Summer, I didn't expect to see you again."
The greeting came from a police officer, the same middle-aged officer from Hammerlocke Police Department who had previously briefed Summer on Team Dawn.
"Captain Liam, we've confirmed the criminal is a Pokémon hunter from Johto named Kuroda," a young officer reported to Liam.
"Oh, you've caught a big fish, haven't you? Thanks a lot, Summer," Liam patted Summer's shoulder, "And of course, thanks to this young lady. You're Marnie, the Gym Challenger, right? My daughter loves your battles."
"Really? Thank you," Marnie replied.
"Good luck with your challenges. This scumbag won't need your testimonies anymore. Once we process him, the league will transfer the reward to your accounts. Goodbye for now."
Liam waved as he left. Summer then turned to Marnie and asked:
"Marnie, what are your plans now?"
Marnie thought for a moment before saying, "The forest's Skarmory has been injured twice already. Battling it again would be unfair. So, I plan to head to Glimwood Tangle next. I remember your suggestions."
"Well, my mission here is done too. Looks like we'll part ways here," Summer said.
"Kaw!"
Suddenly, Corviknight cawed and flew between them, flapping its wings and showing its back.
"Summer, it seems Corviknight wants to give us a lift," Marnie said.
"Oh, thank you, Corviknight. We won't say no."
"Kaw!" (You better be grateful, Summer!)
Corviknight's back was spacious enough for both of them. Summer climbed on first, followed by Marnie, who naturally put her arms around his waist.
"Hold on tight, Marnie."
"Yes~ It's my first time flying on a Pokémon~"
"Me too. Alright, let's go, Corviknight."
"Kaw!"
As Corviknight took off, Liam watched and quietly mused, "Ah, youth."
After saying goodbye to Marnie, Summer turned to Corviknight and said:
"Corviknight, don't you want to say goodbye to the Skarmory that came with you?"
"Kaw!"
Corviknight let out a piercing cry. The Skarmory hiding behind the rocks trembled and came out, bowing their heads, unable to meet Corviknight's gaze.
"It looks like they have something to say to you," Summer said.
One Skarmory mustered the courage to approach Corviknight and squawked loudly:
"Ya~"
Corviknight was momentarily stunned. This Skarmory was actually thanking it, unaware that it was once the Rookidee they had driven away. Truly, the tables had turned!
"Kaw!"
The Skarmory were stunned. Corviknight revealed its true identity. It was indeed the Rookidee they once evicted. Now, how did they feel about that?
"Ya!"
The Skarmory prostrated itself, expressing its amazement and willingness to follow Corviknight, wanting to become its subordinates.
This left Corviknight at a loss for words. Its former enemies now wanted to follow it. Was it gratitude, or were they charmed by its majestic presence?
After a moment of thought, Corviknight concluded it must be the latter. Becoming a magnificent Corviknight like its mother, it naturally attracted followers.
Corviknight decided to accept them. Though it resented being driven from its home, their actions had ultimately spurred its growth and meeting Summer.
"Kaw!"
Corviknight agreed to their request but noted they must seek Summer's approval to settle in Sunset Forest.
"I have no problem with it, but make sure they follow the forest's rules," Summer said, nodding.
Corviknight conveyed the message to the Skarmory, who nodded eagerly in agreement.
"Alright, now that it's settled, it's time to head back to Sunset Forest. What is it, Corviknight? Why are you acting shy all of a sudden?"
Corviknight gave Summer a hopeful look. It wanted to be Summer's Pokémon, to be captured by him. Initially, it hated the idea due to its mother's experience, but with Summer, it was different.
The Skarmory made Corviknight realize it wanted to repay Summer. Though the journey was rough, he had undeniably helped it.
Moreover, Summer allowed his captured Pokémon to live freely in the wild, likely due to his profession.
Being captured by him felt more like forming a bond of trust. Corviknight found this acceptable, unlike the relationship between Pokémon and that hunter.
"Okay, Corviknight, I understand." Summer took out a Poké Ball and lightly touched Corviknight's head. It turned into light and entered the ball. With a beep, Corviknight was successfully captured.
Summer immediately released Corviknight, who cawed triumphantly. (Haha, you're charmed by me, aren't you? You couldn't resist capturing me!)
Summer shook his head with a smile. Despite evolving, it was still the same Corvisquire at heart.
"Alright, stop laughing. It's time to head back, Corviknight."
Corviknight froze. How did he know it was laughing? Could he read its mind?
One Skarmory whispered to another, "Did we make the wrong choice? Our boss seems smart but naive."
Another urged silence, "It's fine. At least our boss's boss is reliable."
In the temporary jail at Hammerlocke Police Department, the captured Kuroda was contemplating ways to reduce his sentence. Suddenly, someone entered — a man in a police uniform.
"Officer, I have vital information!"
"Oh, let's hear it," the officer said, curious.
"I'm a member of Team Dawn. I know one of their hideouts. How about a deal?" Kuroda clutched the bars, looking feverish.
"Ah, yes, we've had trouble with them," the officer approached Kuroda, "Kuroda, as a member, you should know better than to pursue such foolish whims."
Kuroda's eyes widened in fear as he pointed at the officer's badge, "That emblem!"
The 'officer' touched the silver cross on his chest and smiled, "Indeed, it's Team Dawn's emblem. Not given to foolish traitors like you."
(Chapter End)