What a majestic sight.
Nearly 2.7 meters tall, just standing there it radiated authority.
Its head fur matched the volcano's rock, with a sharp horn on top. The mane around its neck flared like petals, streaked with magma-red highlights.
Arcanine's face was noble and powerful, its body even more lava-red than modern Arcanine, fur flowing like auspicious clouds, tail billowing like a massive cloud—exuding majesty and good fortune.
Unlike modern Arcanine, this Hisuian Arcanine was like a living stone lion, shining like a legendary totem.
"Swampert~."
Swampert looked up in awe at the transformed Arcanine.
Wow, little Growlithe really changed—after evolving, it was almost twice Swampert's size.
Once a tiny pup, now Swampert had to look up at it.
Swampert felt emotional—when they got back to the farm, Luxray and the others would probably feel the same.
Cautiously, Lucas reached out. Arcanine's new form was unfamiliar—after evolving, Pokémon often matured overnight, their personalities changing drastically.
From naïve to mature, from timid to brave.
He'd often scolded Growlithe for mischief—maybe Arcanine, like Ash's Charizard, would go through a rebellious phase.
But Lucas worried for nothing. Arcanine obediently lowered its massive head and stuck out its tongue—majestic, but its eyes were wise.
It reminded Lucas of the Husky from his previous life.
Handsome looks.
Smart mind.
Whoa.
Shaking off those thoughts, Lucas ruffled Arcanine's head, kneading it vigorously.
The fire-rock fur felt unique—like tough volcanic rock.
So that's where the Rock typing comes from?
"Skreeee!"
Before excited Lucas could ask Arcanine to show off a new move, Moltres cried out from above.
An instant later, Moltres swooped down from the volcano, carrying Ceruledge, and landed beside them.
Ceruledge landed smoothly, looking at Arcanine in surprise.
When Arcanine burst from the magma, Ceruledge hadn't even seen it move—it was like a gust of wind.
Ceruledge stared at Arcanine like a rare animal.
Had it learned some incredible move?
….
After a night's flight, at dawn, Moltres carried Lucas back to the farm.
The trip had taken only a day—much faster than expected. During the flight, Lucas learned from Moltres why Arcanine had evolved so quickly.
Lucas and Moltres's return immediately drew the farm Pokémon's attention. They gathered at the gate, their eyes on Lucas's Poké Balls, waiting for the results.
Nothing was more convincing than seeing for themselves. Lucas released Ceruledge, Swampert, and Arcanine from their Balls.
Arcanine's majestic form caused an uproar.
Dachsbun wagged its tail, staring up at its now-massive boss, then looked at its own 0.5m frame.
Wow—how could evolution make such a difference?
Luxray, who'd never felt competitive toward Growlithe, was now curious about Arcanine's new fighting style.
Maybe they could have a showdown?
Amid the Pokémon's excitement, Lucas clapped his hands and announced, "Growlithe has evolved into Arcanine! As you can see, he's nearly three meters tall—much bigger than a normal Arcanine!"
"Arcanine is still Growlithe. Everyone should still get along as before!"
After a quick meet-and-greet, the farm Pokémon went back to work, leaving only Moltres and Luxray with Lucas.
Out on the vast Paldea plains, Lucas was finally about to try something he'd always dreamed of:
Riding his dog!
Arcanine had left behind many legends. If they weren't so common, they'd be counted among the true legendary Pokémon.
But his Arcanine was a rare Hisuian form—in this world, almost unique. Maybe it could be called legendary too?
Arcanine's greatest legend—besides helping ancient warriors rule the land—was that it could run 10,000 kilometers in a single day and night.
Arcanine let Lucas climb onto its back—its huge frame and broad back made it even more comfortable than Luxray.
Lucas grabbed the mane for safety, in case he got thrown off at high speed, and shouted, "Go!"
Arcanine's muscles tensed, and in a blink, Lucas experienced true speed and excitement.
The scenery blurred by, the wind howled, but Lucas just laughed. With a saddle, he'd probably throw his hands in the air and enjoy the ride.
Luxray and Moltres followed. Seeing Arcanine's agile movement, feeling the burning power inside, Luxray was also surprised.
Arcanine's running speed…
If Luxray didn't get serious, he couldn't keep up.
Sparking electricity over its body, Luxray accelerated and caught up to Arcanine.
Looking at Moltres flying low behind, Luxray's eyes questioned.
Moltres puffed up with pride—delighted by Arcanine's new strength.
It was sure: after this evolution, Arcanine had truly transformed!