Riolu's past

Hearing that its theft had left every stray Pokémon unable to keep living in Sunyshore City, Riolu went completely blank.

"..."

Mingyou glanced at it without saying anything, then quickly turned back to Nurse Joy and asked curiously, "Hasn't anyone objected to such a blanket policy from the higher-ups?"

"'Your feedback has been received. Go home and wait for further notice'... That's what they told us."

"..."

Mingyou was speechless for a moment, unsure how to even begin criticizing that response. In the end, he scratched his head helplessly. It all felt a little too real.

Just then, a sound came from nearby. A figure emerged from behind the Pokémon Center, accompanied by several other Pokémon, and Riolu's attention was immediately drawn over.

"Lio!"

Their eyes met. Seeing the fully recovered Arcanine looking at it from over there, Riolu grew excited at once. Ignoring the fact that it still couldn't move properly, it wriggled out of Munchlax's grasp and tried to rush over to Arcanine.

But Mingyou was a step quicker. He waved in greeting. "Looks like you've made a full recovery. That's a load off my mind."

"Awoo~"

Arcanine nodded. Although this was its first time meeting him, it had already heard about how he had saved it and had been wanting to thank him.

Riolu, which had fallen to the ground, stared at the scene in shock. This human saved Arcanine too? When did that happen?

"Looks like you have a lot of questions. Hmm... Let's start from the beginning, then."

Mingyou had no intention of being a Riddler, so he explained everything that had happened that day. Riolu had been captured by Team Galactic at the time and knew nothing about any of it.

After hearing the whole story, Riolu lowered its head, its face filled with