Pokemon Paldea [273-274] (Patreon)

Chapter 273: Catch Them All in One Net

The tuft of curls on Vulpix's head felt very soft to the touch, like a fluffy cloud. Its little head was only about a circle larger than the palm of Lucas's hand.

The strangest part was that whenever Lucas stroked the curl atop Vulpix's head, his palm would feel a faint chill.

Lucas remembered that was an Alolan Vulpix's trait—the ability to produce tiny ice grains from the curls on its head and tails. Very magical.

Seeing how much Vulpix enjoyed his petting, Lucas's right hand grew bolder and slid down, caressing its petite, adorable body—

The sensation was just as unusual. Smooth, silky fur should come with a warm body temperature, yet Vulpix's body felt pleasantly cool to the touch. Lucas was already imagining how comfortable it would be to hug a Vulpix on a blazing summer day.

Vulpix shivered, feeling like something was a little off somewhere, but the Poké Puffs in Lucas's left hand were far too tempting. It chose to ignore that odd feeling.

At the moment, Vulpix's mind was full of: What is this delicious thing? This is the first time I've eaten something so tasty!
Eat eat eat eat!

Lucas stopped petting and watched Vulpix eat faster and faster. He had thought it was a graceful little princess, but it dropped the act surprisingly quickly.

Chuckling, Lucas said, "Eat slowly, don't choke. No one's going to steal it."

"Mimi~"

Mimikyu also came over to softly advise Vulpix. As long as Lucas was nearby, other Pokémon could notice it; naturally Vulpix heard Mimikyu's voice as well.

Realizing Mimikyu meant no harm, Vulpix's rejection eased a lot, and it slowed down its eating.

At the same time, Vulpix felt a bit embarrassed. It was truly starving; otherwise, it wouldn't have forgotten the manners its elders taught it.

Once Vulpix was finally full and had drunk some of the water Lucas carried, Lucas pieced together, with the help of master mime-actor/interpreter Mimikyu, why Vulpix appeared here.

First of all, this burrow was definitely not a Vulpix clan's nest. Whether judging by Vulpix hiding in the hay and going hungry, or the deep claw marks on the surrounding ice walls, all the clues pointed to owners with sharp claws—Ice-type Pokémon.

Vulpix had probably fallen into the burrow some time ago, or it wouldn't be this hungry. The burrow's owners had not returned during this period—likely out foraging. Given how starved Vulpix was, Lucas figured there was a decent chance the owners would return today.

When that happened, a Vulpix trespassing in their territory might be in danger.

Fed and watered, and apparently deciding Lucas was a trustworthy human, Vulpix finally relaxed its tense nerves. Its dewy big eyes drooped with drowsiness as it yawned softly, curled up, and dozed off in Lucas's arms.

In that moment, Lucas felt he had reached the peak of his life. Gazing at the super-cute Vulpix, he felt healed through and through.

Unfortunately, the good times didn't last.

About half an hour after Vulpix fell asleep, Mimikyu looked up toward the burrow entrance. It had keenly detected rustling from the outside world beyond the opening.

Mimikyu reported the situation to Lucas. Lucas stood up from the haystack, freed a hand to brush debris off his pants, and said gravely, "The owners of the burrow are probably back."

"Vulpix~"

Vulpix woke up from Lucas's movement, letting out a soft, sticky-sweet cry, half acting spoiled, half confused about what was happening.

In the next instant, with a clear sliding sound echoing through the burrow, two figures dropped to the ground one after another. Sensing strange scents and uninvited guests, they immediately let out angry warning cries.

"Sha-sha!!"

The inexperienced Vulpix was frightened on the spot. Its fur bristled slightly, and it timidly burrowed into Lucas's arms like an ostrich.

Lucas, however, kept his cool and assessed the owners of the burrow, the corners of his lips lifting. "So it's you two."

They were two Pokémon resembling pangolins/armadillos meets porcupines.

Most of their skin and scales were light blue, with white on their bellies and muzzles. Their feet had two sharp toes, their claws oversized and hooked.

Most striking were the dense, huge, sharp spines on their backs, covered in ice. Perhaps because those icy spines made up a big part of their weight, their not-so-tall bodies landed with a heavy thump.

They were—Sandslash (Alolan Form).

Type: Ice + Steel. Quadruple weak to Fire and Fighting.

Lucas thought, Is today an Alolan-form showcase or what? Just met Vulpix, and now Alolan Sandslash too.

The two Sandslash seemed to be mates, with a clear size difference. The larger one shielded the smaller one behind it, warily watching the intruders who had broken into their den.

Lucas didn't hesitate and directly crouched down. In the wild, this is an effective way to lower a wild Pokémon's vigilance and aggression.

I mean, if you're a toughened wild Pokémon and you see a creature even taller than you, your first reaction isn't exactly "go up for head pats," right?
Not every Pokémon is a sweet, naive darling like Vulpix.

Next, Lucas took out a few Yache Berries he'd specifically brought, ripened by an Applin. For the Sandslash, familiar food they'd likely eaten before should more easily lower their hostility.

The moment the berries left their container, a faint fruity fragrance spread. Vulpix, face still buried in Lucas's chest, practically bugged out its eyes—but it was afraid of the Sandslash and didn't dare peek out, falling into a deep dilemma.

With their keen sense of smell, the two Sandslash naturally knew how delicious the berries in Lucas's hand were. Their expressions clearly turned hesitant.

Lucas planned to press the advantage and "capture" both Sandslash with food, then abduct them. But unexpectedly, the two Sandslash suddenly cast their gaze on Mimikyu—

To them, Mimikyu was undoubtedly the highest-level threat. The Sandslash couple's pupils shrank; they roared, drawing omnipresent Ice-type energy onto their frozen back spines, launching dense icicles at Mimikyu.

Icicle Crash!

Naturally, Lucas and Vulpix were also within the Sandslash's attack range.

Without needing a reminder, Mimikyu stepped forward. Its whole body flared with dazzling light. Under the glare, the whistling icicles shattered en masse.

The two Sandslash froze. With a furious little glare, Lucas's Mimikyu spread its shadow underfoot; in an instant, it connected to the Sandslash's shadows.

Then, two pairs of massive, razor-sharp Shadow Claws crashed down on the stunned Sandslash. With a heavy smack and dust flying, the Sandslash couple lost the ability to battle.

Lucas: "…"

He felt rather sorry for the Sandslash. He had trespassed first, then had the "homeowners" beaten up. A sin, a sin.

Thinking that, Lucas pondered how to make it up to them. After failing to come up with anything, he simply shut his eyes and deftly took two round balls from his pocket, tossing them at the Sandslash.

The balls struck the Sandslash, fell, shook a few times, and then—ding!

Lucas opened his eyes and looked at the two quiet Poké Balls on the ground, revealing a "plan accomplished" smile.

His plan was simple: since he couldn't quickly think of a way to make it up to them, he'd bring them back to the farm and feed them well!

This abacus is practically beaning me in the face!

"Vulpix…"

Sensing the Sandslash's aura completely vanish, Vulpix finally plucked up some courage and poked its ostrich head out, curiously looking around, as if puzzled why the two Sandslash suddenly disappeared.

Lucas set Vulpix down and had Mimikyu look after it. He stepped forward to pick up the two Poké Balls, thought for a moment, then opened one.

The smaller, female Sandslash reappeared in the burrow. Vulpix jumped in fright and hid behind Mimikyu again.

The Sandslash was clearly bewildered—not only from being knocked out by Mimikyu's single claw, but also by the strange sensation of being captured. After hesitation, it ultimately did not attack Lucas.

It still maintained a faint vigilance, though. Time for the tried-and-true food-temptation strategy.

Lucas set a few Yache Berries and some Poké Puffs on the ground before Sandslash, then stepped back a few paces to signal he had no hostile intent.

After some inner struggle, the female Sandslash couldn't resist the food's allure. She temporarily put her mate out of mind and feasted on Lucas's offerings.

Once she started, she couldn't stop. Feeling the warm current in her body and tasting flavors she had never experienced, Sandslash's worldview was being reshaped.

So there are foods this delicious in the world.

Her gaze at Lucas changed. As for aggression and wariness? Already vanished over the horizon along with her mate.

Seeing her relax, Lucas smiled. "Calmed down now?"

The female Sandslash hesitated, then nodded lightly.

"Here's the deal—you realize you've been captured by me now, right?"

Lucas met her eyes. After receiving her confirming nod, he continued:

"To be frank, I plan to bring you back to my farm. There will be food like this every day, even more variety. You also won't need to go out in blizzards to forage."

Sandslash's eyes lit up. Could there really be such a good thing?

"Of course, since you'll be enjoying a safe home and food, you'll also need to contribute to the farm when needed—like maintaining the cold in the farm's ice cellar. That shouldn't be hard for Ice-types like you, right?"

Lucas laid out the responsibilities as well.

Before Sandslash could answer, Vulpix, who was tentatively peeking out, widened its starry eyes, full of longing.

Oh my, there will be even more delicious food!?

The female Sandslash hesitated with a touch of restraint. Lucas's offer was too tempting. She also judged Lucas and Mimikyu were so strong that there was no need to deceive her. Plus, being captured naturally made her feel a non-irrational closeness to Lucas.

In less than ten minutes, the female Sandslash chose to yield completely.

With one defector in hand, the other, a fiercer and more combative male Sandslash, was easy. In under two minutes of a Lucas + female Sandslash "joint persuasion," he dizzily accepted as well.

Farm Ice-type roster +2!

"Hm… The blizzard is still raging outside? Looks like my guess was close."

After a brief exchange with the Sandslash, Lucas learned a bit about the outside.

The Sandslash felt the sudden blizzard was unusual and eerie, so they cut their foraging short and returned.

Looking at the cute little thing in his arms and the likely abilities of its elders, Lucas felt he had the answer.

This blizzard was likely whipped up by Vulpix's parent, Ninetales, to search for its child.

Alolan Vulpix have two abilities: Snow Cloak and Snow Warning. The former naturally conceals them in storms; the latter is like Politoed with rain—they can innately summon hail/snow.

After a moment's thought, Lucas recalled the two Sandslash, had Mimikyu return to his shadow, then picked up Vulpix and called out Dragonite.

The moment it emerged, Dragonite looked at the Vulpix in Lucas's arms. Its eyes lit up and it immediately spread its arms to give Vulpix a big hug.

Vulpix flinched, but chose to trust Lucas and his Pokémon. It didn't move, accepting Dragonite's warm embrace.

Lucas: "…"

Don't hug it—this kid will hard-counter you in the future!

Once Dragonite was satisfied and released it, Lucas held Vulpix and mounted Dragonite's back, glancing up at the hole overhead, looking conflicted.

Seems Dragonite might not be able to fly up due to its size?

As if foreseeing Lucas was about to call it fat, Dragonite stomped in annoyance. Since the Sandslash couple had been abducted anyway, it went with the most violent exit—

Under the wide-eyed alarm of little Vulpix, Dragonite raised its head and gathered terrifying energy in its mouth. In the next instant, a Hyper Beam that nearly pierced the blizzard outside blasted forth!

As the burrow began collapsing under Dragonite's destructive force, it spread its wings, wrapped itself in blazing Dragon-type energy, smashed through falling stones and earth, and burst into the howling blizzard!

Exposed to the storm, Vulpix began looking around as if sensing something. Its reaction confirmed Lucas's guess.

This blizzard had to be caused by Vulpix's parent!

Without hesitation, Lucas shouted in his mind, "System, guide me!"

[Okay, host. Head that way.]

Following the system's guidance, Dragonite descended onto a relatively flat snowfield. There, they saw a regal silhouette flickering in and out of the storm.

Covered in flowing, pale-blue fur—the true spirit of the snowy mountains—Ninetales (Alolan Form)!
In Alola, Ninetales appearing with a blizzard is even regarded as a divine incarnation—enough to show how sacred and elegant it looks.

In a flash, Vulpix seemed to recognize the Ninetales in the raging snow. It broke free of Lucas's arms and ran toward it, excited.

Seeing this, Lucas felt a bit helpless.

He had planned to package-deal Vulpix and Ninetales both. Now it looked like he might end up losing both.

Reaching Ninetales, Vulpix affectionately nuzzled against it. Ninetales lowered itself and licked its long-lost child, rumbling in its throat with a sound like gentle scolding.

At some point, the blizzard ceased. Watching Vulpix and Ninetales bathe in the sunlight, Lucas smiled and prepared to turn away.

"Ninetales~"

Ninetales suddenly lifted its head and called out to stop Lucas.

Lucas paused and met Ninetales's intelligent ice-blue eyes. He found he could see appraisal within them.

Ninetales's gaze shifted between Lucas and Dragonite. Remembering what Vulpix had chirped in its ear just now, it judged that Lucas was a good person.

Ninetales understood things well and knew this snowy mountain was a human-made biosphere. It was much older than the ecological Terarium and knew very clearly why humans had built it.

After all, it had once belonged to a now-deceased teacher at Blueberry Academy.

Rather than having Vulpix be unknowingly captured by someone someday, Ninetales preferred to personally choose a human worthy of entrusting its child to.

The Lucas before it fit perfectly.

He had great patience with Vulpix, generously offered delicious food, and even brought Vulpix to find it. More importantly, his Dragonite gave Ninetales the feeling that it stood no chance—even with type advantage.

Strength and character—having both in a trainer is rare.

Ninetales nudged Vulpix forward with its nose, urging softly.

Stumbling forward with frequent glances back, Vulpix was a little confused. Did Mama not want it anymore?

But under Ninetales's urging, Vulpix returned to Lucas's side and let out a few soft calls.

Sensing Ninetales's intent, Lucas picked up Vulpix and promised solemnly, "I'll treat it well."

Ninetales nodded slightly, turned, and headed deeper into the snowfields. The wind and snow rose again; in the whiteout, several more Ninetales and Vulpix appeared in the direction it left, as if waiting for it.

Chapter 274: Unova Champion Visits—Battle the Blueberry Academy Champion and Elite Four!

That Ninetales was very wise. It likely judged that Lucas could take good care of Vulpix, which is why it entrusted its child to him.

Lucas had considered taking Ninetales too, capturing mother and daughter both. But he knew that Ninetales was probably a Pokémon belonging to someone at Blueberry Academy.

It understood humans very well. Before leaving, Ninetales even signaled with its eyes that Lucas could capture Vulpix in a Poké Ball.

Cradling Vulpix, Lucas watched Ninetales and its kin vanish into the storm. Only then did he lower his head to look at the dazed Vulpix.

He wanted to say your mother left you to me, but that felt off. After a moment's thought, he softened his voice. "When we get the chance, I'll bring you back to visit her."

Vulpix looked up at Lucas with dewy eyes, let out a soft, sticky call, then burrowed into his chest. Its body trembled, as if crying, yet there was no sound, and Lucas didn't feel any dampness on his clothes.

After Vulpix calmed down, Lucas placed a Poké Ball in front of it. Vulpix knew it would be eating well with Lucas from now on. Without hesitation, it tapped the button with its paw.

When Lucas rode Dragonite down to the entrance of the ecological Terarium, he found Lacey Yam still there, as if she had never left.

At that moment, Lacey was brushing the hair of a Pokémon with beautiful sea-azure tresses by the entrance. She held a cute little bear-shaped brush and stroked gently and deftly—clearly skilled.

Lucas raised a brow. He had heard there were Popplio from Alola in the Terarium, and that the polar mountains even had Chimchar and Torchic. But seeing a Unova trainer with a Primarina still surprised him a little.

After all, some people cling to stereotypes, thinking trainers should only catch local Pokémon.

Before Lucas even landed, Lacey noticed him. She put down the brush, glanced over Dragonite in surprise—she'd grown up with a Gym Leader father and could tell this Dragonite was extraordinary.

Looks like the muddle-headed Director wasn't lying this time.

Then Lacey's gaze fell on the Vulpix in Lucas's arms. The instant she saw it, her eyes flashed brilliantly. She covered her mouth in excitement. "Vul… Vulpix!?"

So cute so cute so cute!

Lacey loved all kinds of cute Pokémon from the bottom of her heart, naturally turning her into a Fairy-type specialist. Though her ace was her father's signature Pokémon, Excadrill, it didn't dampen her pursuit of cuteness.

And Alolan Vulpix was Lacey's unattainable white moonlight. She'd tried more than once to find Vulpix and Ninetales in the polar region—never once encountering them.

"Teacher Lucas!" Lacey suddenly raised her voice. "Did you catch this child?"

"Ah, yes. Not just it—I also caught two Alolan Sandslash. That should be okay, right?"

Thinking Lacey was checking whether he caught them inside the Terarium, Lucas nodded.

Vulpix seemed to sense Lacey meant no harm. Instead of ostriching, it tilted its head and stared blankly at her.

"That's great. The entire Terarium only has that one Ninetales clan. The lead Ninetales seems to have belonged to a now-deceased teacher from the Academy." Lacey clasped her hands and pleaded, "The Director said you're allowed to catch, so it's fine. But… can I pet Vulpix? Just once!"

Seeing that Vulpix wasn't resistant, Lucas agreed. As the girl interacted with Vulpix, he turned his gaze to the Primarina beside her, who wore a helpless look, and spaced out a little.

He wondered if Lacey's Primarina was male or female. That line's male population ratio was notoriously high—if he remembered right, female:male was about 1:7. Hence the nickname "trap sea lion."

Wild.

After Lacey finished playing with Vulpix, she was visibly happy—her speech even picked up a singsong lilt, and she grew much friendlier with Lucas.

Because Lucas returned quite early—only half a day after departure—Nemona and the others were nowhere in sight. In good spirits, Lacey led Lucas to register the three Pokémon he'd captured, saying it would help the Academy manage and balance the Terarium.

On the way, Lacey shared plenty of tidbits and even revealed that there would be doubles battles tomorrow, with important guests from Unova visiting and a crowd of media coming along.

Lucas asked why she was telling him this. Lacey just smiled, saying it was her thanks for him fulfilling her wish.

While waiting for Nemona's group to return, Lacey occasionally talked about life at Blueberry Academy.

Whenever she mentioned Director Cyrano often dumping things on her without discussion, she would fold her arms, pout, and say things like, "I don't think that's good!" and "Teacher Lucas, you mustn't become an adult like the Director."

It wasn't until evening—after Lucas had fished who knows how much intel out of Lacey—that Nemona's group of four finally ambled back.

Each had different gains.

Penny didn't capture a Pokémon, but one of her Eevee touched a Water Stone by accident and evolved into Vaporeon.

Eri caught a Torchic. She said she met it when returning from training in the canyon area and swinging by the polar region.

Arven wandered the grassland for half a day and didn't capture any out-of-region Pokémon—he caught a native Scovillain instead, which baffled Lucas.

Nemona surprised Lucas the most—she caught an Alolan Rowlet.

All four students were very interested in the adorable Vulpix in Lucas's arms. They played till late into the evening, and only then, at Lucas's urging, did they return to their dorms to sleep.

According to Lacey's intel, tomorrow was the main event. Rest early and be in top condition.

Before sleeping, Lucas lay on the soft bed and mulled over Lacey's info.

The Unova big shot coming tomorrow was likely a Gym Leader, maybe even an Elite Four or the Champion.

Unova's current Champion… he remembered it should be Alder. Ash was still in Kanto, and future Unova Champion Iris should be studying at Opelucid's academy.

Besides that, the most useful tidbit was that Lacey and her clubmates would also appear in the battles.

Blueberry Academy's League Club modeled their "Blueberry League" after the Pokémon League. Though it was "playing house" among students, judging by Lacey's Primarina alone, their strength might be unexpectedly solid.

Blueberry's Champion is the Dragon-type specialist Drayton, and the Elite Four are Lacey, Crispin, and Amarys—Fairy, Steel, and Fire specialists. The ones appearing tomorrow should be those four.

It might be a tough fight, but Lucas believed that with both sides still growing, Nemona's team would be stronger!

…

June 3. Clear skies—perfect for winning battles.

Blueberry Academy was jam-packed. Major Unovan media, plus a few from Paldea, had set up their long lenses, all trained on the Academy's largest arena, faces flushed with excitement.

The scandal-ridden Naranja Academy was having an exchange match with Blueberry. From any angle, it was a news bonanza. Good thing they'd been chosen to enter the Academy.

Thinking of their colleagues stuck outside, eyeing them with envy, the reporters felt a secret thrill.

Unlike Naranja's emphasis on diversified education, Blueberry was dedicated to battle education.

Simply put: a culture of universal martial fervor.

Even with varied interests, nearly all students were trainers. Blueberry was essentially a talent incubator for Unova's trainer pipeline.

Nearly the entire student body had taken their seats. The League Club members—one of the day's stars—had the best view to watch their "Blueberry League" Champion and Elite Four perform.

The League Club was the Academy's largest, with many members. In the crowd, a tall girl glanced helplessly at the timid boy huddling behind her and whispered, "Kieran, this just makes you more conspicuous."

The timid boy called Kieran flinched but refused to let go of his sister Carmine's hem. With Carmine's helpless expression, Kieran kept his head down in silence.

Carmine sighed in exasperation and looked away to the arena. She had to cheer for her friend Lacey.

Moments later, a poised woman with seaweed-styled hair strode onstage with a mic, signaling the event's start.

She introduced herself as Briar—a Blueberry Academy teacher and the host of the exchange.

Most students knew Briar; she was clearly introducing herself for the Paldean visitors and the media.

She then stated there would be three rounds of battles today: two doubles matches by pairs of students, and a showcase match between the Naranja Academy chaperone teacher and the guest.

"Now, please welcome today's guest and Director Cyrano to the stage. He is—Unova's proud League Champion, a man devoted to the next generation of trainers—Mr. Alder!"

There was a moment of silence—then an eruption of enthusiasm. Students and stunned reporters realized they'd hit the jackpot. Applause and cheers swelled like they would blow the roof off.

Any trainer raised in Unova would idolize Alder. As the dapper Director Cyrano and Alder walked out together, the students practically went wild, chanting Alder's name.

Within the League Club, Kieran peeked out from behind Carmine to look at Alder, his eyes, hidden behind long bangs, full of yearning.

His pale cheeks flushed with excitement as he "cheered" Alder's name in a voice as faint as a mosquito's.

Alder, a dark-skinned, boisterous man with a shock of fiery red hair and bold brows, responded to the students' cheers with a steady, hearty smile, even shaking hands with a few in the front rows.

It was clear he was a very approachable Champion.

Even the League Club's self-styled Champion and Elite Four—Drayton, Lacey, Crispin, and Amarys—were visibly nervous facing him.

It was Alder's first visit to Blueberry. He looked over Drayton and the others and smiled. "Blueberry League's Elite Four and Champion—nice. You've got ambition. I look forward to you becoming Unova's pillars in the future."

Everyone knew this was student role-play. But Alder still validated them, making the students idolize him even more.

Offstage, Lucas and his four students peeked at Alder. Arven sighed, "Champion Alder is really popular."

Nemona clenched her fists. "In Paldea, Chairwoman Geeta's popularity is no worse. And today Teacher Lucas is here too—he'll be battling Champion Alder!"

"A battle between a League Champion and a Champion-tier trainer—I'm fired up just imagining it!"

"But in the end, Teacher Lucas will surely win—so we four must go all out too!"

Eri nodded. Penny, the calmest, glanced sidelong at Nemona. After so long together, she had a read on Nemona's personality.

Besides being a battle maniac, Nemona was the world's No.1 Teacher Lucas fan.

As the daughter of a League Champion, Penny knew the difference between a Champion and a champion-tier trainer. But last night, with free time, she had hacked into Unova's League system.

There she discovered that after some apparent incident, Alder didn't seem to be at his peak. In that case… maybe Teacher Lucas really could beat him?

Before Lucas could dwell on Alder any longer, stage crew came to cue them on.

"Faculty and students of Naranja Academy, please get ready to go on stage!"

"Got it."

Lucas reflexively answered, then, as they walked up, realized something was off.

He had thought he would face a Blueberry teacher in doubles. After Lacey's intel, he'd assumed a Unovan Gym Leader guest.

Either was fine. Even an Elite Four should be manageable.

But the guest was Unova's Champion Alder. Did this mean he had to beat Alder to get the prize money?

Realization dawned—Lucas's eyes widened. Geeta, you schemer—you set me up!
No way—I'm demanding a bonus when I get back!