Now, it was time for business.
Moltres turned its gaze to Growlithe, who was protected from the magma and was struggling to absorb the fire and rock energy swirling all around. Moltres was worried, but didn't show it, not wanting to distract Growlithe.
Moltres carefully manipulated the energy in the magma, making it less violent and adjusting it to a level Growlithe could just barely handle.
Watching Growlithe grit his teeth and absorb the unfamiliar energy, Moltres figured this plan should work.
Actually, fire stones often formed around the volcano's edge. While resting in the magma sea, Moltres would watch wild Pokémon and humans fight for fire stones, then use them to evolve Pokémon.
It understood why fire stones could trigger evolution: they contained pure fire energy, which, when absorbed, unleashed a Pokémon's potential and triggered evolution.
Now, it was using more refined, higher-grade magma energy in place of a fire stone to help Growlithe undergo an even more perfect evolution.
Since it had accepted Growlithe as its own, only the best would do!
But how much energy Growlithe could absorb, and whether he could achieve a evolution, was up to him. All Moltres could do was help from the sidelines.
It wasn't a true fire god—it didn't have that kind of miraculous power.
…
On the edge of Volcano Island, Lucas sat on a giant rock, looking down at the battered Zapdos in the crater.
"I know you're awake—no need to pretend. Let's talk."
Zapdos didn't move.
"Let me think—what should I do with you?"
Lucas raised an eyebrow, stood up, and walked into the crater, Swampert following as a vigilant bodyguard.
"You're probably wondering why Swampert and I attacked you, right?"
"First, let me make this clear: judging by your attitude, you came looking for trouble with Moltres. But did you know? Moltres is my Pokémon now. I've already caught it."
Zapdos: !!!!
Zapdos stopped pretending, pushing itself up with its wings in shock.
No way! With Moltres's temper and pride, it could be caught by a human?
Zapdos knew Moltres well—they were the same. Even if defeated, they would never submit. They had all the time in the world; after a few decades, who knew which side would come out on top?
With such pride, they always resisted being caught. Today you might be strong, but wait until you're old—then what?
Sure, this human and Swampert were strong, but if Moltres could be caught, Zapdos might as well stop raiding power plants.
Seeing Zapdos's disbelief, Lucas just chuckled. "Believe it or not, Moltres is my partner now. I'm just here on some business."
"You've lost, and you probably don't have any strength left. In your state, a Poké Ball would definitely work. Any last words?"
Zapdos froze, then shook its head wildly.
No! I haven't had enough fun yet! I don't want to be caught!
Unlike Moltres, who could absorb energy from volcanoes, Zapdos had to seek out natural lightning or raid human power plants.
After so many free meals, Zapdos had become quite the rascal.
Seeing Zapdos almost ready to throw a tantrum, Lucas decided not to make things difficult. It had already been thoroughly beaten by Swampert.
So Lucas made an offer: "Tell you what, I'll let you go today. But you owe me a favor. If I need your help in the future, you have to pitch in."
Lucas already had a plan: if his farm ever needed a lot of electricity, he could call in Zapdos as a temporary power source. Zapdos's electricity might not be as potent as Luxray's, but it had quantity, and Lucas didn't want to overwork Luxray.
Zapdos knew it had no bargaining power now. A favor? It couldn't be that bad. At least it wouldn't involve fighting—Swampert was way too strong for that.
With Swampert watching, Lucas and Zapdos struck a deal. Lucas even plucked a feather from Zapdos as proof—a feather that tingled with static.
Zapdos rested a while to make sure it wouldn't crash mid-flight, then flew off, battered and reluctant, forced to sign a one-time contract.
Watching Zapdos flee back to Thundercloud Island, Lucas decided not to visit Snowpeak Island after all.
After all, before leaving, Zapdos had mentioned that Articuno wasn't even there these days, so going would be pointless. Better to go back to the volcano and wait for Growlithe's transformation.
Swampert had barely climbed halfway up the mountain carrying Lucas when the air suddenly thickened with fire energy, mixed with rock energy.
A faint smell of sulfur drifted from the volcano, and a deafening roar split the sky.
Lucas realized something and looked up.
Moltres, wreathed in magma and fire, soared into the sky. With a flap of its wings, it shook off the clinging flames, its burning wings dazzling as sunlight.
But Lucas's attention wasn't on Moltres. After that roar, something burst from the magma sea, landing on the rock with powerful strides, sprinting straight toward him.
It moved at incredible speed. In just a few breaths, a wave of heat swept over as a majestic Pokémon dashed out of the volcano and stopped in front of Lucas.
Ignoring the heat, Lucas's eyes widened in delight: "Arcanine!!!"