Based on the features of the spaceship this group arrived in, Lucas was sure they were linked to Hunter J, likely some of her henchmen who managed to escape.
Lucas was certain that every member of the poaching team on Glaseado Mountain led by Hunter J had been arrested. The only explanation for these people remaining was that they hadn't participated in the Glaseado Mountain operation, or they had been stationed outside.
Soon after his call, Geeta replied, asking Lucas to send his location so she could dispatch a team to apprehend the Pokémon hunters.
Lucas immediately shared his location with Geeta, then handed his phone to Dragonite, instructing, "If someone calls, answer and bring them over. Don't let these five escape."
"Drago~!"
Dragonite, usually so dopey, suddenly stood up straight and saluted, his expression serious.
"Great, then I'll go underwater with the Finizen. Also, please watch over my clothes and backpack."
Lucas smiled, ruffling Dragonite's head. He pulled out a swimsuit from his bag and headed to the bushes to change.
Soon, wearing only the swimsuit and showing off his well-trained physique, Lucas emerged barefoot and handed his clothes and bag to Dragonite.
Good thing he prepared a swimsuit—swimming in just underwear would've been awkward.
With everything entrusted to Dragonite, Lucas approached the water's edge and nodded at the waiting Swampert and the Finizen.
The leader of the Finizens let out an ethereal call, then dove underwater, with the others—including the husky Finizen that had rejoined the group—following suit.
Lucas gripped Swampert tightly from behind as it began to sink.
The water was chilly. Just before his head submerged, Lucas took a deep breath and disappeared beneath the surface.
Watching Lucas vanish, Dragonite waddled over to the five hunters tied to the tree and sat down, looking as harmless and gullible as ever.
The hunters eyed each other, clearly plotting another escape attempt.
Underwater, a magnificent scene unfolded.
But Lucas didn't have time to admire the view. He focused on following the swiftly moving Finizen pod, hoping to reach the cave they mentioned quickly.
After all, he wasn't carrying professional diving gear or an oxygen tank—his time underwater was limited.
Thankfully, the Finizens had chosen a spot near the cave entrance. Before Lucas ran out of breath, they'd already led Swampert and him straight into the cavern.
Surfacing, Lucas was dazzled by the fantastical scene. The only entrance was through the waterway, hidden beneath the island's mountain—rarely visited by any living creature.
The Palafin leader had only found it by accident.
"Finizen~?"
The leader swam over to Lucas and Swampert, its gaze questioning.
"Let me take a look."
Understanding its intent, Lucas scanned the cave.
The reason the Finizen brought him here was the same as when Wailord led him to this island.
To Pokémon with pure hearts, repaying kindness is a must—especially since Lucas, Dragonite, and Palafin Hero had saved their kind from evil hands.
Whether out of respect for the sea's hero Palafin Hero or a sense of gratitude, the Finizens wanted to repay them.
Finizen are clever—they know how to tell good people from bad, not assuming all humans are evil because of one bad experience.
Learning that Lucas was looking for a Damp Rock, and seeing the photo he showed, the Finizen leader immediately thought of this cave, recalling having seen something similar here once.
Recalling this, Lucas's gaze landed on a huge rock, and he was stunned.
"This is...!!"
Lucas patted Swampert's back, who immediately swam over.
Upon closer inspection, Lucas saw the stone was over a meter tall and more than two meters wide.
Its surface was covered in blue crystals, making the whole thing at least three or four meters in size.
Lucas was sure this was a Damp Rock—but why was it so enormous? The ones he'd used before were only palm-sized and already quite expensive.
The value of this massive rock was beyond money.
Swampert closed its eyes and sensed the energy in the rock, feeling the pure water-type energy inside.
Lucas and Swampert exchanged a glance, both shocked. After a moment, Lucas asked, "Are you really giving me this rock?"
The Finizen leader nodded firmly—this was its way of repaying Lucas and a gift for Palafin Hero. Compared to itself, quietly leading its group on the island, Palafin Hero, who fought evil at sea, deserved it more.
To the Finizenn leader, anyone who does what Palafin Hero does can be the sea's hero, Palafin Hero!
Not knowing the full scope of the Finizen's thinking, Lucas took a deep breath and said to Swampert, "It's up to you to move it out."
"Swamp."
Swampert nodded, flexed its muscles, and effortlessly lifted the massive Damp Rock from the wall.
…
Back on the island—
Dragonite still sat there, looking like a giant cuddly toy.
Meanwhile, the five hunters looked even more miserable than before Lucas left—soaked and with their hair mysteriously burned off.
Their leader, terrified, stared at Dragonite, who now seemed like a demon in cute disguise.
Dragonite ignored their looks. After a while, the phone it held rang.
Eyes lighting up, Dragonite answered as Lucas had taught him. On the other end: "Hello, is this Mr. Lucas? We're the Marine Patrol, and we're near the island—"
"Drago~!" ("Hello!")
The person paused. "Uh, is this Mr. Lucas?"
Dragonite tilted its head. "Drago~" ("Nope~")
The commander nearly lost it—why was a Pokémon answering the phone?