In the end, Dragonite simply flew over to the Marine Patrol's boat and brought them to the five tied-up hunters.
Amidst a series of "Drago-drago~" sounds, the bewildered commander completed the handover. Even as they sailed back with Hunter J's remaining poachers, his mind spun with one question—
Was the Lucas that Geeta had mentioned actually a Dragonite?
Not long after the patrol left, the Finizen leader carrying Lucas leapt from the water, followed by Swampert, who swam ashore clutching the massive rock—leaving the other Finizens in awe of Palafin Hero's strength.
Swampert gently set the Damp Rock down. Lucas, ignoring the water dripping from him, grabbed a towel from Dragonite and began drying off.
Unfortunately, the towel was tiny—his hair was still wet after using it. Lucas thought for a moment and called Dragonite over. "Give me some warm air."
"Drago?"
Dragonite covered its mouth in disbelief—its tail even forgot to wag.
Lucas, knowing what Dragonite was thinking, added, "Just like a hairdryer, not like last time when you almost burned off my eyebrows and hair."
That happened shortly after Dragonite evolved and learned Heat Wave. It wanted to help dry Lucas off after a shower, but its control was lacking and nearly scorched him.
"Drago~..."
Dragonite pouted, but its wings started fanning, enveloping Lucas in a comfortable warm breeze. Soon, he was dry.
Lucas wasn't surprised; after all, he'd seen Dragonite practice Heat Wave countless times since then.
…
At sunset, Lucas looked at the sad Finizens reluctant to part with Swampert, the hero. He smiled, "Don't get lost anymore, and don't be so impulsive."
The Finizen leader promised to teach the naughty one a lesson.
The young Finizen's sobbing stopped instantly, replaced with terror.
Seeing this, Lucas chuckled. Indeed, only parents can handle rowdy kids. He was about to leave but couldn't help but add, "Though it's a bit noisy, its courage to protect its companions is praiseworthy."
The leader paused, then nodded.
Yes, courage is one of the most precious qualities. Maybe, someday, this immature child will become a true Palafin Hero.
"Finizen~?"
Finally, the Finizen leader looked at the giant Damp Rock, asking how Lucas planned to take it away.
"Leave it to me." Lucas walked over to the waiting Swampert and said, "Hold it tight!"
Swampert nodded, hugged the rock, and once its energy synched with the Damp Rock, Lucas recalled Swampert into its Poké Ball—rock and all.
The Palafins were stunned.
Lucas explained, "Damp Rock is a tool, after all. Even if it's huge, it can still be carried into the Poké Ball with Swampert."
Honestly, he'd been uncertain whether it would work until he tried, but it went smoothly.
Examining the now-shrunken Poké Ball, which felt no heavier, Lucas marveled at Pokémon world technology.
Amazing, isn't it?
As the Finizens watched, Lucas mounted Dragonite and vanished into the dusk.
From then on, a new legend of Palafin Hero began to spread among the Wailord family and the Finizen pod—a legend of a Palafin Hero who became partners with a human.
…
By the time Dragonite flew near Los Platos Town, night had fallen. Just before reaching his farm, Lucas noticed flashing lights on the ground nearby.
The lights flashed rhythmically, accompanied by sirens and ambulance wails, adding gravity to the night.
Lucas's heart tightened—had something happened on his farm? But the emergency vehicles soon stopped at Jones Farm, a bit away from his own.
Relieved, Lucas hesitated, then had Dragonite fly him over to see what happened.
After all, Peter from the Jones Farm had helped him before, and had introduced him to a fish supplier. As neighbors, he should check in.
After landing, a police officer greeted Lucas and, after hearing his reason, brought him to Officer Jenny, who'd just finished her investigation.
"Officer Jenny, this gentleman says he's from a nearby farm and wants to know what happened."
Lucas greeted her, "Hello, Officer Jenny."
Jenny hadn't planned to reveal much, but seeing Lucas, she changed her mind. She'd planned to visit local residents anyway to issue reminders.
"You've come at the right time. I was about to visit your farm too," Jenny said gravely.
Lucas asked, puzzled, "Did something happen?"
Jenny nodded. "Mr. and Mrs. Jones and some employees were poisoned. The cause isn't clear yet, but we do know one thing."
"It's likely related to a Poison-type Pokémon."