Chapter 42: Bounty

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Arbok dragged the unconscious fugitive in gray clothing over to Liam, clearly seeking praise for its efforts, while the nearby Sneasel looked conflicted. 

Its gaze lingered on its unconscious trainer, unsure of what to do next.

Liam reached out and patted Arbok's large head before turning to Officer Jenny, who appeared utterly dumbfounded by the situation.

"Officer Jenny, the fugitive has been apprehended. What else needs to be done?" Liam asked casually.

It took a moment for Officer Jenny to snap out of her stupor. Only after her Growlithe nudged her leg did she realize Liam was speaking to her.

"Oh! Uh… right! Please hold on; I'll notify my colleagues right away!" she stammered before rushing to her police motorcycle. She grabbed a radio and started reporting the situation.

Watching her scramble, Liam couldn't help but think that this Officer Jenny still had a lot to learn about being a competent police officer.

"Sneasel..."

The Sneasel glanced at Officer Jenny making her call, then at the tightly bound fugitive beside it. It let out a confused cry, its face showing worry—not for its trainer but for its uncertain future.

Hearing the sound, Liam turned and offered a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, Sneasel. Even if you've done bad things in the past, that was only because your trainer made you do them. Pokémon aren't inherently good or evil—only trainers can be truly wicked. Just cooperate with the police, and I'm sure they'll treat you fairly."

Liam's words seemed to have an effect. Sneasel stared at him intently for a moment before nodding solemnly. It then walked over to check the injured Piloswine's condition.

Within minutes, several police cars arrived. Officer Jenny hurriedly briefed her colleagues, and three officers came over to take custody of the fugitive. 

However, they hesitated upon seeing the fierce-looking Arbok guarding him.

"Ahem, that's enough, Arbok. You can return now," Liam said, feeling a bit awkward that his Pokémon was intimidating the police. He quickly recalled both Arbok and Nidorino into their PokéBalls. 

Without Arbok's support, the fugitive collapsed onto the ground.

The officers exchanged grateful looks with Liam before cuffing the fugitive's hands and feet. They thoroughly searched him, making Liam's eye twitch at their thoroughness. Eventually, they retrieved two PokéBalls from his belongings. 

Two officers then lifted the fugitive and dragged him to the police car, while the third walked over to Sneasel and Piloswine, returning them to their PokéBalls.

As Sneasel was recalled, Liam couldn't shake the feeling that it had given him a heavy, contemplative look. Whatever thoughts were running through its mind, he couldn't decipher them.

Deciding not to dwell on it, Liam focused on his next move. With the matter resolved, his plans to capture Grass- and Water-type Pokémon were ruined. However, there was still daylight left, and he decided to head to Pewter City. 

He'd stop by the Pokémon Center to rest and prepare for his gym battle against the Pewter Gym. Though he lacked type advantages, Liam's confidence remained unshaken. 

A beginner-level gym like Pewter? 

He'd conquer it with ease!

With a smile, Liam grabbed Gible from the ground and tucked it into his backpack. After ensuring he hadn't forgotten anything, he turned to leave—only to feel a hand grip his shoulder.

"Where are you going?" A familiar female voice asked. It was Officer Jenny.

Annoyed, Liam turned around. "I'm leaving, obviously. The fugitive is caught. There's no reason for me to stay here. I want to reach Pewter City before nightfall."

"Pewter City? That's perfect—I work there! But why are you heading there? To buy stones?" she asked, curious.

Liam had no interest in small talk with Officer Jenny. Instead, he casually opened his jacket, revealing a shiny green Boulder Badge pinned to the inside.

"Wow! A gym badge! So, you're heading to Pewter City for a gym challenge? No wonder you were so amazing in that fight!" Jenny exclaimed, her face lighting up with realization.

"Yeah, yeah. Now that you know, can I leave?" Liam replied, clearly exasperated.

"Nope!" Jenny said immediately, without hesitation.

"You're a key witness and the primary contributor to this fugitive's capture. You'll need to come back to the station with us to provide a statement. Plus, there's a reward for you! The bounty on this fugitive is yours now."

Hearing the word "reward," Liam's interest piqued. "Reward? What kind of reward?"

Jenny frowned, trying to recall. "Hmm… some money, and maybe a few other things. I can't quite remember."

Though slightly disappointed, Liam figured something was better than nothing. "Fine, I'll come with you to the station," he sighed, holding out his hands.

Jenny looked puzzled. "What are you doing?"

Realizing his mistake, Liam awkwardly withdrew his hands. "Ahem, force of habit. I've watched too many movies where people get cuffed before getting into a police car…"

Jenny chuckled at his embarrassment before grabbing his arm and dragging him to her motorcycle. She climbed on and gestured for him to take the back seat.

Staring at the sleek police bike, Liam swallowed nervously. "Uh… can I ride in the car? I don't mind sitting with the fugitive. I can even help guard him!"

Jenny shot him a glare before smirking. "What's the matter? Scared? My driving skills are excellent! You're not chicken, are you?"

Liam bristled at her taunt. "Fine!" He climbed onto the bike, pointing forward dramatically. "Let's go!"

Satisfied that her provocation had worked, Jenny smirked as she revved the engine. The motorcycle roared to life, and they sped down the road, leaving a trail of dust in its wake.