Theo nodded in satisfaction. With things arranged like this, his workload would be much lighter. Not only could the two little Vulpix grow quickly under proper guidance, but Larvesta would finally have something meaningful to do.
That little fellow had been pestering him all day to take all sorts of strange photos, which was honestly quite a headache.
Now that there were two little "babies" around, he could simply assign Larvesta as a full-time babysitter. It was killing two birds with one stone.
After settling the "teaching responsibilities," Theo picked up his phone and first made a video call to their Alolan Ninetales mother.
As the screen lit up, the elegant figure of Alolan Ninetales appeared. The background seemed to be at the League headquarters base, and Theo could even vaguely spot Professor Birch nearby.
"Look, they're being very well-behaved now."
Theo turned the camera toward the red Vulpix, who was happily jumping through little rings of flame, and the white Vulpix, who was carefully shaping an ice sculpture under Milotic's guidance.
Alolan Ninetales' gaze fell upon its two children. Its nine tails swayed gently as it looked at them with deep affection.
The Fire-type Vulpix, upon seeing its mother, immediately abandoned Larvesta and ran to the camera, letting out a few soft cries toward the screen while proudly puffing out a small burst of flames.
The Ice-type Vulpix also came closer, raising a paw to point at the barely recognizable ice sculpture on the ground, as if proudly showing off its achievement.
"Don't worry," Theo said seriously.
"I'll take good care of them. When they grow a bit older, I'll bring them to see you. I'll also record videos of them often and send them to this new PokéNav so you can keep track of how they're doing."
Alolan Ninetales nodded, watching the two little ones for a few more seconds before ending the call on its own.
Theo understood. It had finally put its heart at ease.
Just as he put his phone down and reached for a drink, he suddenly remembered something and quickly opened Cynthia's contact.
When the video connected, Cynthia was wearing pajamas printed with a Gible pattern, lounging on a recliner aboard a ship while gazing at the stars. Beside her, Garchomp and Tyrantrum were happily devouring grilled meat, their mouths greasy with oil.
"You're smiling so happily. Did something good happen?" Cynthia asked curiously.
"Take a look at these two little ones."
Theo turned the camera toward the two Vulpix, who curiously approached the screen.
"So cute!" Cynthia's eyes lit up instantly.
"This is… an Alolan Vulpix? And a Fire-type Vulpix too? Did you catch new partners again?"
"Yeah. Elite Drake brought them back from Alola. They're twin sisters."
Theo smiled as he held the two little ones closer to the camera.
"Let Tyrantrum take a look. We've got two new members in the team now, which means its seniority just went up again. Tell it to look after its two little sisters in the future."
Hearing Theo's voice, Tyrantrum immediately stopped eating. It nudged Cynthia aside and squeezed into the frame, roaring twice toward the camera while slapping its tail against the ground as if greeting them.
The Fire-type Vulpix was startled by its loud voice and shrank into Theo's arms, while the Ice-type Vulpix curiously reached out a paw and tapped Tyrantrum's face on the screen, causing the big creature on the other end to wobble its head in a silly manner.
Cynthia could not help but laugh at the interaction.
"It looks like Tyrantrum really likes them. By the way, where are you planning to go next?"
"I'm planning to head back to Dewford Town first and challenge the Gym there to earn the badge."
Theo gently stroked the Fire-type Vulpix's head as he continued,
"After that, I'll travel east by sea to Slateport City, then head toward Pacifidlog Town. There's a Contest there that I plan to enter, and it will be the perfect chance to let these two little ones make their debut.
Although the waters near Pacifidlog have strong currents and whirlpools, with Milotic controlling the field and Metagross escorting us, it won't be a problem."
Cynthia nodded while wiping the grease from Garchomp's mouth with a tissue.
"I'm looking forward to your performance in this Contest. But these two just joined you, and you're already planning to bring them onto the stage?"
"I wouldn't let them compete directly," Theo said with a smile, waving his hand.
"They'll just appear during the first round for a quick showcase, to get used to the spotlight. For the second round, I have other plans. This Contest is actually Metagross' stage.
I promised Steven a long time ago that I would design the most spectacular combination moves for Metagross. This time, it will finally get to shine."
Cynthia raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.
"A combination move for Metagross? That sounds interesting. Can you give me a hint?"
"Secret~" Theo deliberately dragged out the word.
"If I tell you now, it won't be fun anymore. You can watch it live in my stream when the time comes."
"Seriously, you're too good at building suspense. You've made me curious and won't tell me anything."
She shook her head with a smile.
"Alright, I'll make sure to watch it then. Oh, and in a few days I'll be arriving in the Unova region. After meeting Professor Juniper, I'll head to the Village of Dragons as soon as possible.
We're working on setting up a Pokémon transfer system between Unova and our region. Since Drake already brought you Pokémon, I can't fall behind with that Deino I prepared for you."
"Thank you, Miss Cynthia. I really appreciate the effort."
"It's nothing," she waved her hand.
"Garchomp's Mega Evolution was all thanks to you. I haven't even properly thanked you yet."
"Well then, that's it for now. Good night, get some rest!"
After ending the call, Theo looked down at the two little foxes in his arms, who were already yawning. He got up to wash up.
When he lay back down on the bed, the red Vulpix immediately snuggled into the crook of his left arm, letting out soft murmurs. The white Vulpix hesitated for a moment, then slowly moved to his right side, resting its head near his pillow. Soon after, Larvesta squeezed its chubby body in as well.
Leaning comfortably against the pillow, Theo watched the three little ones quickly fall asleep, a smile forming on his lips.
Accompanied by their soft breathing and faint purring sounds, he too drifted into a deep sleep.
…
The next day, at Norman's house.
Norman was not home today, as he was busy at the Petalburg Gym accepting challenges from trainers. With many scheduled battles, his day was packed.
So Max accompanied Theo around Petalburg City, treating it as a small farewell outing.
"Theo, let's go buy Pokémon snacks first! There's a new pastry shop near the Pokémon Center, and I heard it's really good!"
Max held his Treecko plush and suggested excitedly.
The moment the two Vulpix heard the word "snacks," their eyes lit up instantly. Having grown up in the snowy mountains, they had never seen so many human delicacies before.
After tasting the fruit desserts prepared by Caroline that morning, they had already discovered just how delicious snacks could be. Now, they were clearly on the verge of becoming little food lovers.
Theo naturally agreed, and at the same time decided to start another livestream, since many viewers in his account had been urging him:
"Are you streaming today? I want to see the two little foxes again!"
"Didn't get enough yesterday! Please stream longer, I'll send gifts to the foxes!"
"+1! I want to see Fire-type Vulpix and Ice-type Vulpix!"
Seeing the flood of comments urging for another stream, Theo simply opened the livestream again without hesitation.
The moment the camera focused on the two little foxes clinging to his pant legs and acting spoiled, the chat exploded instantly, messages scrolling so fast they nearly blurred together.
Theo and Max had only just arrived at the pastry shop in the city center with their Pokémon when Larvesta suddenly stopped in its tracks. Its eyes locked onto a nearby accessory shop with an almost hypnotized stare.
Before Theo could even react, Larvesta seemed as if it had been pulled by a magnet. It tugged at the little Fire Vulpix and rushed straight into the shop.
The Ice Vulpix hesitated for a moment, then followed along as well, its tail swaying happily behind it.
Inside, the shop was filled with all kinds of Pokémon accessories. There were collars decorated with tiny pearls, small cloaks embroidered with patterns, and little bells in different colors that jingled softly when touched.
Larvesta looked around excitedly, scanning the shelves, and then suddenly its eyes lit up. It fixed its gaze on a pair of small bells and chirped excitedly.
"Lar! Laar!"
Theo followed its gaze.
They were two delicate, round bells.
One was gold and red, engraved with flame patterns. The other was white and blue, adorned with tiny snowflake designs. At a glance, they perfectly matched the twin Vulpix sisters.
The Fire Vulpix leaned in to sniff the red bell, then rubbed its head against it, clearly liking it a lot. The Ice Vulpix tapped the blue one with its paw, its tail wagging rapidly.
The livestream chat immediately erupted again.
"This pair of bells is perfect! One red, one white, they match the foxes exactly!"
"Larvesta actually has taste, it knows how to pick!"
"Buy it! Buy it now! They'll look amazing wearing them!"
"100 coins donated! Get the red one for Fire Vulpix!"
"200 coins donated! The blue one is mine! Ice Vulpix will look so cute!"
"Stop fighting, I'll pay for both! Just buy them already!"
The chat was practically competing to "pay," but Theo could only laugh helplessly and paid for them himself.
When he tied the red bell around the Fire-type Vulpix's neck and the blue one around the Ice Vulpix's neck, the two little ones immediately began spinning in place excitedly.
The bells rang with crisp, cheerful sounds. Even the shop staff could not help but smile at the sight.
Larvesta raised its head proudly, looking at its "masterpiece" as if showing off its excellent taste.
Then, not satisfied, it continued browsing and pointed at a small hat with flame patterns, insisting the clerk put it on the Fire-type Vulpix.
Unfortunately, the hat was too big. It slipped down and completely covered the red Vulpix's eyes.
"Wuuu!"
The little fox stumbled around blindly, bumping into things, which made everyone burst into laughter.
"HAHAHAHA it turned into a one eyed fox!"
"So much for good taste! That was instant disaster!"
"Look! The Ice-type Vulpix with that ice crystal hairpin is so pretty! Like a little princess!"
Theo picked up a small ice crystal hairpin and gently clipped it onto the Ice Vulpix's ear.
The little fox immediately ran to a mirror, tilting its head as it examined itself. Its tail lifted proudly, the bell chiming softly, as if it were saying "I look great."
Max, watching from the side, looked full of envy. He tugged on Theo's sleeve and whispered,
"When I get my Treecko, I want to buy it pretty bells too."
Theo smiled and rubbed his head.
"You don't have to wait. Let's buy them now. Consider it a gift in advance. I'll pay for it."
"Thank you, Big Brother Theo!"
Max's eyes sparkled. He carefully browsed the shelves, eventually choosing a small green backpack with a Treecko tail design and a set of leaf-shaped bells.
"This backpack can hold berries, and the bell will let me know where it is!"
Theo stood by the door, watching him seriously plan for the future, and could not help but smile.
Meanwhile, the two Vulpix were rolling around on the carpet, their bells ringing continuously, drawing amused glances from the staff.
After leaving the accessory shop, Theo brought everyone to the pastry shop Max had mentioned.
Inside were all kinds of treats. Donuts filled with colorful jams and cookies shaped like different Pokémon lined the shelves.
The Fire-type Vulpix was instantly drawn to a Torchic-shaped cookie, standing on its hind legs with its paws on the counter, its tail wagging nonstop.
The Ice-type Vulpix, on the other hand, became fascinated with the ice cream in the freezer, tapping the glass and making soft pleading sounds.
Theo simply bought a bit of everything.
The Fire Vulpix held a cookie in its mouth, crumbs sticking all over its face as it ate happily. The Ice Vulpix licked its ice cream slowly, its ears twitching at the cold sensation, looking irresistibly cute.
Max also held a Treecko-shaped cookie, imagining the day he could share it with his own Pokémon, a smile never leaving his face.
The viewers in the livestream were completely charmed.
"These little foxes eating snacks are too cute!"
"Don't forget Metagross and Milotic!"
Theo naturally had not forgotten them. He bought cake for Metagross and shaved ice for Milotic as well.
…
By the time the sun began to set, painting the streets of Petalburg City in warm orange light, Theo and the others finally returned to Norman's house.
Caroline had already prepared dinner, and Norman was sitting in the yard, enjoying tea.
"Did you have fun?" Norman asked with a smile.
"Yes! Big Brother Theo bought me gifts and we ate lots of delicious food!"
Max excitedly showed off his new backpack and bells.
Norman chuckled and ruffled his son's hair before turning to Theo.
"You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yes, I plan to set out early and head back to Dewford Town to challenge the gym," Theo nodded.
"Then take this."
Norman handed him a small booklet.
"These are some battle insights I've written down. You might find them useful."
"Thank you, Gym Leader!"
Theo accepted it gratefully, flipping through the notes while expressing his thanks.
At that moment, the Fire Vulpix, who was eating berries nearby, noticed this exchange. Its eyes rolled thoughtfully before it trotted over to Norman and repeatedly nodded at him in gratitude.
Seeing this, the Ice Vulpix quickly stopped eating and copied its sister, nodding earnestly as well, blinking its big eyes adorably.
Their cute behavior made Caroline, Max, and Norman all burst into laughter.
…
(End of Chapter)