Chapter 35: The Vulpix
What kind of Pokémon was it?
At first glance, it was an adorable, reddish-brown fox.
But if you look closely, this fox was unique. Its amber-like eyes glimmered, and its six curled orange tails swayed gently behind it. On its head, tufts of orange fur curled in delicate waves.
"Vulpix?"
Paul softly spoke the Pokémon's name.
Vulpix, a Fire-type Pokémon native to the Kanto region, was aptly named for its six tails. Known for its proficiency in Fire-type moves, it also possessed latent Psychic abilities.
Its evolved form Ninetales, was renowned for its intelligence, ability to hypnotize others, and create illusions. With its graceful and elegant appearance, Ninetales was among the more popular Pokémon in the Kanto region.
Compared to other Fire-types, Vulpix had a wide variety of learnable moves, making it a well-rounded Pokémon.
As Paul's mind processed the details of Vulpix, the data flowed through him like a practiced script.
"Vul~!"
The newly hatched Vulpix seemed full of energy. Perched in the arms of Blissey, it curiously observed its surroundings, showing no signs of shyness.
When its gaze landed on Paul, the Vulpix tilted its head slightly. It felt a familiar, special mental wavelength emanating from him. With a sudden leap from Blissey's arms, it bounded toward Paul.
Paul didn't flinch. He opened his hands slightly and caught the small Pokémon. Instinctively, he began stroking its fur with the gentle technique honed from his experience at the daycare.
"Vul~"
Under Paul's soothing touch, the Vulpix let out a contented yawn and began stretching in his arms. After a moment, it raised its head to meet his gaze.
Paul's expression remained calm and emotionless, his years of helping hatchlings leaving him unfazed.
But to Vulpix, Paul's steady gaze provided a sense of safety. It boldly nuzzled against his chest, finding a comfortable spot to rest.
Had it been an Elekid or Gible in his arms, Paul might already have been considering whether to toss them aside.
But this was a newborn Pokémon, and Paul refrained.
"Ursaa~?"
The Ursaring, which Paul hadn't yet returned to its Poké Ball, watched the scene with a conflicted expression.
"Blissey~!"
Blissey moved closer to Paul, cautiously teasing the Vulpix.
"Ah-choo!"
Suddenly, Vulpix sneezed, releasing a small burst of flames. It jumped out of Paul's arms and landed gracefully on the ground, starting to explore its surroundings and getting used to its body.
Spotting a few berries nearby, the curious Vulpix's eyes glowed blue. It used Psychic for the first time, levitating a berry toward itself before taking a bite.
"Vul!"
Juice burst in its mouth as the berry's nutrients surged through its small body. Its eyes lit up, and it eagerly finished the entire berry.
After eating, the Vulpix began hopping around the valley, amusing itself.
"That's enough. Come back now."
After letting Vulpix play for a while, Paul took out a Poké Ball and extended it toward the small Pokémon.
Vulpix looked at the Poké Ball, then looked back at Paul and Blissey, seeming to understand what was happening.
"Vul~"
It let out a soft yawn before leaping forward and pressing its head against the Poké Ball's button.
The Poké Ball opened, turning Vulpix into a beam of red light and capturing it. After a brief shake, the capture was complete.
"Blissey~!"
Seeing the successful capture, Blissey couldn't hide its joy.
Paul, however, remained expressionless. He took out the Poké Balls of both Vulpix and his Magmar, then scanned them with his black Pokédex.
Now holding two Fire-types, Paul needed to decide which one to keep.
Vulpix had a potential. But if Magmar proved less promising, it would be released.
MAGMAR
Type: Fire
Gender: Male
Ability: Flame Body (May burn opponents on contact)
Moves: Fire Punch, Smokescreen, Flamethrower, Smog, Mega Punch
VULPIX
Type: Fire
Gender: Female
Ability: Flash Fire (Absorbs Fire-type moves to power up its own Fire moves)
Moves: Confuse Ray, Ember, Extrasensory, Sunny Day
"It knows Sunny Day?"
Paul's gaze lingered on the move. Pokémon that naturally learned Sunny Day were uncommon.
In the games, the Drought ability would overshadow Flash Fire, but in reality, mastering Sunny Day could mimic Drought's effects with enough proficiency.
For Vulpix, this wasn't a drawback.
After weighing their talents, Paul concluded that Vulpix had more potential than Magmar, even at its worst.
"Not needed."
Without hesitation, Paul released Magmar.
The freed Magmar watched Paul's retreating figure with determination. Its resolve to grow stronger burned brighter than ever.
Paul, meanwhile, had already left the valley with Ursaring and Blissey.
Soon after, Paul prepared to train his team in a new area. Just as he released his Pokémon, Magmar emerged from the valley, its fiery resolve apparent.
"Interesting."
Paul's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile.
He released all his Pokémon.
"Vul~!"
The newly captured Vulpix called out energetically.
"Gib?"
"Bzzt?"
Gible and Elekid exchanged puzzled glances, noticing the lively Vulpix.
"It's Vulpix." Paul said. "The Pokémon that hatched from the egg."
Hearing this, Gible and Elekid nodded, their curiosity was satisfied.
In Paul's eyes, Vulpix was not just a popular Pokémon from Kanto. With its versatile skill set, psychic aptitude, and elegant form, it had earned its place as a valuable team member—and as the first female Pokémon on his roster.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you want to access advance chapters, please visit: patreon.com / PMadz_23