After thinking for a moment, Professor Oak made a suggestion to Theo.
"How about this, Theo. You take the two little Vulpix to meet Alolan Ninetales first. I'll have Dragonite give you a ride. It flies fast, so the round trip won't take much time."
Theo hesitated slightly.
"But what about Larvesta here…"
"Don't worry, we've got it covered!"
Professor Oak patted his chest confidently.
"Birch's instruments will take a few hours to finish analyzing anyway. There's no need for you to stay here wasting time with two old men like us.
Take the two Vulpix to see their mother first. It won't delay anything.
By the time you come back, our testing here should be almost done, and the arrangements at the volcano will also take some time, so everything will line up perfectly.
Also, my Charizard just finished its Mega Evolution experiments, so it's resting right now. When the time comes, I'll have it guard your Larvesta during its evolution.
After Mega Evolution, even a volcanic eruption would be nothing in Charizard's eyes."
Professor Birch also nodded in agreement.
"That's right, Theo. Just follow Oak's plan and take the two Vulpix back to their new home to see Alolan Ninetales.
As for the volcano needed for Larvesta's evolution, I already contacted the League before coming here. The location has been set near Mt. Pyre, close to Lilycove City.
Aside from a cemetery, that place is quite sparsely populated. The League has already begun sending people to evacuate anyone who might still be nearby. It should be ready in about half a day.
By the time you bring the two Vulpix back after seeing their mother, we can head to Mt. Pyre together.
And one more thing, even if Larvesta's evolution triggers a volcanic eruption, you don't need to worry.
You might think Professor Oak is a bit unreliable, but when he was young, he was the very first Champion of the Indigo League. Only later did he switch careers to focus on researching Pokémon forms and evolution.
If he fights seriously, even Steven and Wallace might not necessarily be his match."
Hearing Professor Birch praise him like that, Professor Oak immediately scratched his head in embarrassment.
"Hahaha, oh come on, keep it low-key.
Birch, don't say things like that in front of Steven and Wallace, or they'll refuse to accept it and keep challenging me to battles every day. Then I won't have any time left for research."
"Oak, honestly, you're not humble at all. Alright, Theo, hurry up and go. Don't waste any more time."
Professor Birch shook his head helplessly at Professor Oak's self-satisfied expression while urging Theo to set off.
"Thank you so much, Professors."
Theo said gratefully.
He had been worrying about how to find a suitable volcano for Larvesta's evolution, but he had not expected Professor Oak and Professor Birch to be so thoughtful. They had instantly solved his urgent problem.
Without further hesitation, Theo crouched down and gently patted the heads of the Fire-type and Ice-type Vulpix.
"Let's go. I'll take you to see your mother."
The two little ones' eyes immediately lit up. They rubbed against Theo's palm excitedly, letting out cheerful cries.
Deino also moved closer, curiously looking toward the depths of the snowy mountains, clearly interested in meeting the two Vulpix's parent.
"Alright, you'll get to see their mother soon as well.
Deino, you, Milotic, Metagross, and Tyrantrum should return to your Poké Balls for now. I'll let you out again once we arrive."
Theo patted Deino's head, then recalled Milotic, Metagross, and the others into their Poké Balls.
Professor Oak waved at Dragonite.
"My old friend, I'll trouble you for a trip. You remember where that big white Ninetales lives, right? We saw it not long ago. Go ahead and take Theo there."
Dragonite let out a low roar in acknowledgment, then gently lowered its body, allowing Theo to climb onto its broad back.
Theo climbed onto Dragonite, while Ice Vulpix and Fire Vulpix quickly followed, curling up in his arms as they rode together.
"We'll be back soon!"
Theo waved to the two professors.
Professor Oak and Professor Birch waved back, then immediately lowered their heads and focused once more on studying Larvesta. From time to time, they exchanged quiet remarks, and their notebooks were soon filled with dense observation records.
Dragonite let out a powerful roar, its small wings beating forcefully as it surged into the air with a strong gust of wind.
Despite its large body, its movements were incredibly agile. It quickly passed over the plains of the island and arrived before the towering snowy mountains.
Carrying Theo, Dragonite flapped its small wings, weaving effortlessly through the steep, jagged peaks without the slightest sign of difficulty.
"Wuu~"
The two little Vulpix pressed tightly against Theo, watching the snowy scenery rushing past below. They cried out excitedly, their small heads turning this way and that while their noses twitched constantly, taking in the familiar scent of the air. Their eyes were filled with anticipation.
This snowy environment was exactly like the place where they had lived with their mother when they were younger.
…
Soon, after flying past several snow peaks in succession, Theo looked down from Dragonite's back and spotted a group of Snorunt lying on the snow halfway up a distant mountain, basking in the sunlight.
Their small yellow, triangular bodies stood out vividly against the white snow, like scattered little treats.
"I remember Elite Drake mentioning that Alolan Ninetales' territory is near the Snorunts."
Theo felt a surge of joy. They were close.
After spotting the Snorunt's habitat, Dragonite hovered in midair. It lowered its head to observe them, then tilted its head from side to side, seemingly recalling the exact direction.
After a brief moment, it chose the east. With a powerful flap of its wings, it accelerated forward with Theo on its back.
At that moment, Ice Vulpix and Fire Vulpix suddenly became restless with excitement. They wriggled around in Theo's arms, their six small tails wagging rapidly, brushing against his neck and making it itch.
"Alright, alright, what's wrong? Have you sensed where your mother is? Be careful, don't move around too much. Falling off would be terrible."
Theo gently held them still.
Hearing this, the two little ones immediately calmed down, though their eyes remained bright as they stared straight ahead, their small heads stretching forward, unable to hide their excitement.
Suddenly, a clear and high-pitched fox cry rang out from the snowy peak ahead. The sound pierced through the wind and snow, resonating deeply.
As Dragonite flew closer, Theo finally saw it clearly.
On top of a massive snow-covered peak stood a snow-white nine-tailed fox, its size comparable to Dragonite. Its nine fluffy tails swayed gently behind it, resembling a blooming snow lotus.
It was the Totem Alolan Ninetales.
Its gaze pierced through the blizzard, landing precisely on Theo and the two Vulpix on Dragonite's back. Then a second cry rang out, even louder than before, filled with unmistakable joy.
Seeing this, Dragonite immediately sped up, and within moments, it arrived above the snowy platform of the peak.
(End of Chapter)