Chapter 81: Ninetales

After retrieving Charmander from Nurse Joy, Maki also stopped by the department store to stock up on supplies.

Although the supply of Berries was insufficient, other essentials were readily available. This time, Maki mostly purchased bread and canned food—items that could at least fill their stomachs if they found nothing else to eat in the wild.

He also bought some Pokéblocks, though he doubted he would need them. It was just a precautionary measure.

Once the shopping was done, Maki set out again with his two Pokémon.

The route ahead was straightforward—just head west. If he somehow managed to get lost following such a simple path, that would truly be a special talent.

"Char~"

As they continued their journey, Charmander, who had been walking beside Maki, suddenly stopped in his tracks and tugged at Maki's pant leg, as if urging him to stop.

"What is it?"

Maki had barely finished his sentence when the distant rustling of grass caught his attention. Emerging from the tall grass was a Pokémon draped in pale golden fur, its piercing crimson eyes exuding nobility and grace.

"Ninetales!"

Maki's pupils contracted. This region was home to populations of Growlithe and Vulpix, but due to the Pokémon League's protection efforts and their own formidable strength, few dared to challenge them.

Furthermore, since the mountains behind Orange City produced an abundance of Fire Stones, these Pokémon had no evolutionary concerns. The environment, saturated with fire-type energy, made it an ideal habitat for them.

Considering the recent upheaval in the mountain's ecosystem, Maki suspected that these Pokémon played a significant role in the disturbance.

But if Ninetales' clan resided in the mountains, why was this one here instead of staying in its usual habitat?

The Poké Ball on Maki's waist, containing his Dragonite, trembled slightly. The powerful Pokémon had sensed a strong presence nearby and seemed to be asking whether Maki needed assistance.

Maki subtly placed a hand over the Poké Ball, signaling to wait and observe.

After all, the sudden appearance of Ninetales was suspicious, and he couldn't yet confirm if this one was wild. There was a chance it belonged to a nearby Trainer.

More importantly, Maki didn't sense any hostility from it.

Ninetales were known for their high intelligence among Pokémon. They were also notoriously reclusive and stubborn—simply put, they held grudges.

Legends told of a Ninetales cursing those who wronged it for a thousand years, ensuring their descendants suffered as well.

However, if left undisturbed, they were generally mild-mannered and avoided human contact.

Judging by this Ninetales' size and the length of its tails, it was likely of Elite Four caliber.

For it to appear before him like this—pure coincidence was out of the question.

Each of Ninetales' tails was said to hold mysterious power, allowing them to use psychic-type moves despite not being a psychic-type Pokémon. Many could even wield these techniques as skillfully as true psychic Pokémon.

Their solitary nature and psychic abilities made them difficult to approach. If a human attempted to get too close, they would often be hypnotized and led astray by Ninetales' powers.

Yet this one had come to him of its own accord.

"Human."

A voice resonated in Maki's mind. Given Ninetales' affinity for psychic abilities, it was no surprise that it had mastered telepathy.

"Are you… looking for me?"

Maki's suspicions were now confirmed—this Ninetales was here for him specifically.

Instead of answering immediately, Ninetales examined Maki with wise, discerning eyes, as if evaluating him.

"Cotton?"

Cottonee frowned at the new arrival blocking their path and let out an indignant cry, making it clear they were busy and didn't have time for interruptions!

Maki sighed and ruffled the restless little Pokémon's head before addressing Ninetales, "If there's nothing important, could you let us pass?"

His words carried an unspoken message—if Ninetales refused, they would force their way through.

"No. Please come with me."

Ninetales shook its head gracefully, then turned and took a few steps forward before glancing back at Maki, urging him to follow.

Maki hesitated for a moment, then decided to comply.

He was genuinely curious—why had this Ninetales sought him out? As for danger… if things took a turn for the worse, he'd consult his Dragonite to see if it agreed to let them be harmed.

Ninetales moved at a measured pace, seemingly slowing down so that Maki could keep up, despite being a naturally swift and agile Pokémon.

They traveled through the forest for quite some time, yet no destination was in sight. Maki, growing impatient, finally spoke up. "Are we there yet?"

"Almost."

As Ninetales answered, its eyes glowed with a soft pink hue, and its nine tails lifted slightly. Suddenly, a cave materialized on the cliffside ahead, as if it had been concealed until now.

"This is the place."

It appeared to be where Ninetales and its clan had been living, hidden away with psychic energy, making it nearly impossible for outsiders—human or Pokémon—to find.

But was it really wise to bring him here so openly?

Maki's curiosity only deepened.

"Please, come inside."

Ninetales left him with those words before gracefully stepping into the cave.

"You two should return to your Poké Balls for now."

Maki turned to his Pokémon, speaking in a gentle tone. If anything happened, their presence outside wouldn't be of much help.

Especially considering Cottonee's mischievous nature—if he didn't keep an eye on her, who knew what kind of trouble she'd stir up?

"Char~"

"Cotton~"

Charmander and Cottonee both chirped in understanding and willingly retreated into their Poké Balls.

Maki cautiously approached the cave entrance. It was surprisingly spacious inside. While the confined space might slightly hinder Dragonite's movements, it wasn't a major concern. This was where his confidence lay.

As he followed Ninetales deeper into the cave, the space gradually widened. At last, a vast chamber revealed itself before Maki's eyes.

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