"If you judge by appearance alone, Houndour does look fierce. After all, it's a Dark-type."
Ren raised an eyebrow slightly as he spoke.
"But a Pokémon's appearance doesn't determine its nature."
He smiled faintly.
"A beautiful Pokémon doesn't necessarily have a gentle temperament. And a fierce-looking one isn't automatically cruel."
Take Pheromosa, for example. It was elegant enough to dominate any Contest stage.
But if you met a wild one?
It would absolutely knock you down—and probably step over you afterward.
"I'll take it."
Isla had been staring at Houndour's image the entire time. Her voice was calm and decisive.
Ren studied her for a moment.
Cold personality? Or just quiet by nature?
"Alright. One moment."
He stepped into the inner room.
Soon, he returned.
Walking beside him was a black canine Pokémon with bone-like ridges along its back.
Houndour's body was mostly black, with orange markings along its muzzle and belly. Pale bone-like bands circled its legs and spine. Two sharp fangs protruded slightly from its mouth, and its red eyes carried a distinctly sharp edge.
It looked like trouble.
"Seeing it in person feels even more intense…" Lily blinked as she lifted her Pokédex.
Beep—
Houndour
Type: Dark / Fire
Category: Dark Pokémon
Ability: Flash Fire
Moves: Leer, Ember, Howl, Thunder Fang
It communicates through various cries to coordinate attacks, cornering prey with outstanding teamwork.
"Dark-type and Fire-type…" Emma observed thoughtfully. "This is the first Dark-type we've seen, right?"
Ren nodded.
"Dark-types are relatively rare. Their battle style is often unpredictable and difficult to counter."
Historically, Dark-type specialists were few and far between. Yet ironically, Dark-types were almost always associated with villainous organizations.
Unfair reputation, really.
But their fighting style?
Deceptive. Ruthless. Strategic.
"I'll take it. How much?" Isla asked directly, her eyes never leaving Houndour.
Houndour met her gaze without flinching.
After a brief silence, Ren answered.
"Discounted price—180,000."
"Card."
Isla handed it over without hesitation, then crouched down in front of Houndour.
The two locked eyes.
Houndour did not growl.
If anything—it seemed… approving.
"They're getting along well," Ren murmured.
Mateo leaned closer and whispered, "Don't be fooled by her calm face. She's terrifying."
Ren glanced sideways.
Mateo lowered his voice further.
"Last time we were on duty, five gang members tried to resist arrest. She handled all of them alone."
Ren: "…"
Yes.
Houndour was a perfect match.
---
"Your turn, Officer," Ren said, handing the Pokédex to Mateo.
Mateo grinned. "I heard you can pull sky-high stuff here too, right?"
"If you draw a pseudo-legendary or legendary," Ren replied lightly, "you might want to ask for extra reimbursement."
"That's the only way I could afford it."
He pressed the button.
The silhouettes spun rapidly.
Mateo held his breath.
"Hey?"
The image settled.
Another dog-shaped Pokémon.
Ren raised a brow.
"You're lucky."
"This is Growlithe."
Lily leaned in immediately.
"It's cute."
Emma nodded.
"Much friendlier looking."
Ren smiled.
"Growlithe are loyal, brave, and highly dependable. They have an exceptional sense of smell and strong territorial instincts. As a police partner—it's practically perfect."
In the Pokémon world, Growlithe were almost synonymous with law enforcement.
And its evolution—
Arcanine.
Base stats of 555.
Powerful. Majestic. Fast.
Officially described in the Pokédex as a "legendary Pokémon."
Ironically not a true Legendary—but the title stuck.
Even later Pokédex entries jokingly acknowledged that there were many of these so-called "legendary" Pokémon discovered.
Still.
The strength spoke for itself.
"I'll take it," Mateo said immediately.
He genuinely liked dogs. Always had.
And this one?
Orange fur, black stripes, cream mane around its neck. Bright eyes. A steady, eager expression.
Handsome.
"Give me a moment."
Ren returned to the back again.
When he came out, Growlithe trotted beside him.
In person, it looked even better than the Pokédex image.
Emma's eyes lit up.
"It's way cuter in real life."
Beep—
Growlithe
Type: Fire
Category: Puppy Pokémon
Ability: Intimidate
Moves: Leer, Ember, Howl, Thrash
Honest and friendly toward people. It will bark fiercely and bite to drive away enemies.
Isla compared the Pokédex data to her own Houndour.
She tilted her head slightly.
Hm.
Still not as intimidating as hers.
Growlithe sat down obediently, looking around curiously, tail swishing lightly.
"How much?" Mateo asked.
Ren paused briefly.
Pricing Growlithe was tricky.
Arcanine was undeniably strong.
But Growlithe was still a base-stage Pokémon.
Strong potential—but not rare.
After a moment, Ren answered.
"280,000."
Everyone blinked.
Even Lily froze.
Because that was high for a base-stage Pokémon.
Mateo was stunned for half a second—
Then he pulled out his card.
"Done."
The logic was simple.
Higher price meant stronger potential.
If it cost more, it had to be good.
And if it evolved into Arcanine—
Mateo looked down at Growlithe with growing excitement.
"Looks like I got myself a beast."
Growlithe barked cheerfully.
Isla's Houndour glanced over.
The two police officers exchanged looks.
Dark fire.
Bright flame.
Two very different partners.
But both—
Perfectly suited for the badge.
-------------Author---------------
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