"Thank you for coming." Kukui offered to the researchers. As soon as we got back to the city, Kukui had been making calls, and lots of people had arrived.

Aether Foundation researchers, Alolan scientists, The Pokemon Center had been getting more and more crowded as vehicles arrived full of people and equipment.

Mama and I just sat back, Cabbage continued to nap in Mama's lap under the sunlight and Meowth was not pleased. She'd disappeared when we started to head out into the Jungle, and had finally reappeared to try and climb into Mama's lap only to find it already taken.

She was now on Mama's shoulder glaring down at the utterly content look on the overboiled Cabbages face.

"It was a request from the President, besides, this could be a massive discovery." The Aether Researcher replied, offering Kukui a hand that was promptly shaken in turn.

Of course most of the researchers were looking at Leafeon. Cabbage had plenty of pictures taken of her, and one Researcher had even asked to use a scanning tool which Mama had shrugged at.

All the while everyone was watched over by Kahuna Olivia. She'd been called by Kukui, and the two of them had moved into a corner before anyone else arrived as Kukui filled her in.

I wasn't sure what her opinion on everything was, but I also don't care. My part in this was done.

"Victoria."

I looked up as Kukui approached and waved me over.

My part in this was supposed to be done. Dangit!

"What's up Professor?"

"Meet, Aether Foundations foremost Eevee expert. Dr. Kawana."

"Excellent to meet you!" The Aether Employee greeted me, reaching out and taking my hand to shake wildly. "Truly I'm excited for this! If what you and Kukui discovered is true, this could be a milestone in our understanding of pokemon evolution!"

"Nice to meet you Dr. Kawana." I greeted back as the man shook my hand wildly.

Thankfully Kukui coughed, and the Doctor let me go. "Alright I think that's everyone, so, how about we get moving!" He shouted out over the crowd, and I could see Nurse Joy looking pleased that all these people would get out of her Pokemon Center.

Then we were off. Mama, Kukui, and I joined in Kahuna Olivia's car, a Jeep styled car that had the roof down, and soon we were driving out of the city.

Olivia drove mostly in silence, until we finally arrived, and she pulled off to the side of the road, and we all shuffled out, watching the other cars, and vans come to a stop behind us.

"Victoria."

"Ah, yes?" I asked, as Olivia called out to me.

"I spoke with the other Kahuna… There was a lot of conflicting discussion on how we should proceed. A Leafeon, found on Akala… It caused a lot of confusion. Even in me."

"Kahuna?"

"Kukui told me you released the Leafeon?"

"Yeah… Sorry. Please don't be angry at Kukui."

"No… No, I'm not. He did the right thing, and sometimes I envy his clarity. The Kahuna hadn't come to a real decision, there are arguments both ways about what to do, but I am the Kahuna of Akala. The Leafeon is yours, Whether this works or not. I hope you don't take my previous hesitation against me, I… It caught me off guard how uncomfortable it felt, and I don't like that I felt that way. You are Alolan. You carry the will of Alola on your wrist, and I should do better to remember that."

"Thank you."

"Hmm… I see the Leafeon has grown rather attached."

"Yeah, she didn't really like me, but Mama… Well laid down the law, and now Cabbage likes Mama. I'll have to capture her again."

"Cabbage? Heh. Best you do that quickly, before any of the researchers realize she isn't caught." Olivia whispered to me, and I nodded before realizing an issue.

"It would teleport away. The Pokeball."

"Ah, then just keep silent about its status for now. Perhaps tell your mother to keep it close. We will handle the capture after we are done here."

"I will."

"Good. Come, I'm excited to see this discovery with my own eyes. I've explored every inch of this Jungle, or at least thought I had."

"Yes Kahuna!" Everyone called out and we all trooped out into the Jungle. Mama to my surprise was enjoying herself, as she kept petting Cabbage and stoking all the researchers' interest in Leafeon.

Mama was enjoying being the center of attention.

Then we came into the clearing, Kukui easily leading us to the exact right spot, and everyone started examining the Moss Stone.

Weird scientific devices right out of Star Trek were waved around. Pictures were taken, and all the researchers started getting very interested in the weird feeling the Moss Rock gave off.

I settled back along with Mama as everyone did their science work.

My part in all this mess was definitely over now, and I could just sit back and-

The Aether Researcher pulled out a pokeball, and the noise of a released pokemon made me look up.

"Vee! Eevee!" It cried out cutely as it popped out, the pampered pokemon was definitely more of a house pet I noticed.

Cute though.

"So how do you think it works?" The researcher asked, as he looked from the Moss Rock to his Eevee that was just cutely sitting there. Not evolving.

"That's what I figure we ask the specialist about." Kukui said, his voice cutting through the chatter, and he looked at me. "How about it Vicky? You have any ideas?"

The researchers I noticed all looked at me, some with skepticism, some with interest.

I got up from where I'd been sitting against a tree, and walked over.

"Well first, why don't we ask your Eevee if it wants to evolve into a Leafeon." I said and knelt down in front of the cute as a button pokemon. "Leafeon, is just one of the options you have to evolve into. Is it what you want?"

"Vee? Vee! E, Eevee!" It chirped happily and…

I reached out and patted it on the head. This was a cutie.

"Alright, then I think it's fairly obvious." I looked up at the researcher. "Battle me." I demanded drawing a pokeball from my hip and pointing it right at him.

"Wha-Hey! I don't battle! And neither does VeeVee!"

"Vee!" His Pokemon cried out happily walking over and rubbing against his leg… What a cutie.

"She needs to push herself to evolve."

"I doubt that she needs some, some battle!"

"Kawana, I think you should try it, Pokemon often gain something from battle." Kukui added, and The Doctor looked from Kukui to me hesitating.

"It's just for fun. I promise I won't hurt Eevee."

"Alright… Alright, how about it VeeVee. Want to battle so you can evolve? I bet you'll be the most handsome Leafeon, won't you!" He cooed at his Eevee who absolutely sucked in all the attention.

I just laughed as I backed up, but before we could even get started other researchers waved their hands.

"Hey! No battles around our equipment! Are you crazy!?"

"Easy guys. Vicky is a very skilled battler. How about we adjust everything so we can get scans. Don't you all want to be the first to see a Leafeon evolution, and get the readings?" Kukui cut in, once again calming things, and everyone started nodding along with that.

I just shook my head as I considered.

Jangmo-o would be a good choice, but he also didn't like losing, and he'd have to take it easy on Eevee. Brave was a choice, but also not a good one. She was too static. Gible was right out. Riolu might cause trouble.

Mimikyu, or Dratini? No, Mimikyu as a Ghost type would be too much for Eevee.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

"Go Dratini!" I called out releasing my happy little guy as he landed in the grass and then looked around, a lot of attention was on him suddenly and he purred out a happy greeting.

"Pree!" He trilled at everyone and Eevee I noticed perked up.

"Vee! Eevee!"

"Dra! Tini tini!" He chittered and the two pokemon greeted each other quickly as friends.

Heh.

"They seem to be fast friends." Dr. Kawana muttered looking pleased, and I nodded, but moved past it.

"Perfect. That means it'll be more fun when they battle." I decided and the Doctor didn't look very assured.

I knelt down.

"Dratini, Eevee here needs some battle practice to try and evolve! You want to help?"

"Tini!" He called out happily and whistled happily at the Eevee who seemed a little confused.

"Eevee, you want to evolve right?"

"Vee!"

"Then you need to push yourself a bit, and battle is the best way to do it. How about a friendly battle with Dratini, I promise we'll keep it fun, instead of hurting."

The little Eevee looked a little hesitant at first but Tini whistled at him, and he puffed up his floof and he stamped his little paw.

"Vee!"

"Alright, C'mon Doctor, let's get this started. A nice easy match. Nothing serious." I reminded, and he nodded still nervous, as he backed up and called Eevee over to him.

Dratini was already moving with me and rose up looking ready.

"Remember buddy. Easy easy, we're trying to push Eevee, but not hurt him. He's not a battler."

"Dratini!" He said firmly… Was that a yes? That didn't sound like a yes, that sounded like he just said he knew exactly what to do…

Uh-oh.

"Begin!" Kukui called out.

"Go for a Water Pulse, low energy Dratini!"

"Uhh.. Tackle Eevee!"

"Veeeeeeee!" The cutey charged straight at us, roaring all the way.

"Dra… TINI." My boy called out and a blast of water and power launched out, and smashed into the ground just in front of Eevee. He did a yelp, his front legs missing the floor, and then getting thrown into a roll for a moment as the water pressure sent him rolling.

"Eevee!"

"Doctor! Stay focused! Eevee needs you giving orders… Dratini, a little lighter buddy." I whispered out the side of my mouth cause that had not been a weak Water Pulse.

Eevee rose up shaking itself off sending some mud flying.

"Ee! Veee Veee!" It growled and pounded its paw into the mud, before seemingly realizing it was muddy and lifting its paw off the ground before realizing there was nowhere safe.

Heh. What a prissy little guy.

"Tini! Dra Dra!" My boy whistled out, and it was definitely a challenge… Or an insult? Was Dratini playing the heel?

"Vee!" Eevee puffed up and looked outraged, before turning to the Doctor that hadn't actually given any more orders. "Ee!" It demanded, and the Doctor looked so confused before clearing his throat.

"Right… Eevee! Go for another Tackle! Just, uh, dodge around this time!"

"Dratini, you know what to do." I said, mostly because I had no idea what plan he had, but I trusted him… Hopefully.

And the two clashed, Dratini let Eevee actually close in this time, seemingly rewarding the dodging, and then just before Eevee would have Tackled Dratini arced forward and they both smashed into each other.

Double Tackle? No, I think that was a Quick Attack. Good job Dratini!

"Veee!" It cried a bit as it landed backwards and rolled, but Dratini whistled, and Eevee pushed itself to its feet. The little guy did have some fire in him, even if he was a pampered little prince.

And then they clashed again. Eevee rushed in for a tackle, darting back and forth, his face fierce, but Dratini had battle experience, and as Eevee moved in, Dratini darted to the side letting Eevee pass right over him.

Another Water pulse, and Eevee was slipping and sliding in the new mud as mud and grass splattered all over it.

"Veeeeee!" He growled and turned, shaking off the mud and glaring.

Then,. Eevee planted his feet, and I could feel it. A ripple in the air, a shining around his edges!

"Eeeeeee!" He roared letting out his frustration and a moment later it happened. His form glowed from the inside out, until his body rippled.

"Eeeef! Leaf! Leafeon!" He growled, and his leaf glowed as he glared. "LEAF!" Razor Leaf shot out, as he thrust his head, and Dratini whistled a bit more sharply in surprise and started diving and ducking. They all thankfully missed and he sighed slumping in the mud thankful he hadn't taken a hit.

Then it seemed to hit Leafeon as he realized just what happened.

"Leaf?"

"E-Eevee?" Doctor Kanawa gasped, and Leafeon jerked up.

"Lee! Leaf!" It charged over and leapt up into the Doctor's arms and the two had a cute moment of cuddles, the doctor uncaring about the mud covering his Leafeon.

"Leaf." Cabbage called out as she walked over seemingly interested, and soon both Leafeon were looking each other over. Cabbage was a bit bigger than Leaf, but also a bit more rough. Her fur was less refined even with the mud covering the other.

"Tell me we got that!"

"All of it!" Shouted the researchers, and even Kahuna Olivia looked excited.

"Okay. Now, my part in all of this is-"

"Congratulations!" Shouted the Doctor right beside me, throwing an arm over my shoulder. "The Discoverer of the Leafeon Evolution method!" He shouted and everyone cheered and clapped… For me?

Eeeeh!? That's too much. Embarrassing!

—---

"And then Leafeon and Cabbage checked each other out, and the researchers all started congratulating me which was super embarrassing, and I escaped not long after, and Mama and I came back."

"Wow." Papa whispered as he sat with Mama on the beach chair, he'd been happily checking out Cabbage, who didn't mind the extra attention, while I told Papa about our day. "That's quite the adventure. I'm Jealous now my love." Papa said to Mama, and she scoffed.

"It was a lot of stomping around Jungles, but it had its exciting bits." Mama said winking at me, and I smirked back.

Mama now carried Cabbage'ss, Pokeball. Kahuna Olivia herself had handed it to Mama once I captured Cabbage again and straight up said that Cabbage was Mama's pokemon now.

I guess discovering the Moss Rock and proving it, had earned the entire Ferrous family some good will.

I sighed and leaned back, the sun was setting, sure it was a fun adventure, but I'd barely gotten any time to explore Akala island outside the Lush Jungle, and now the day was already over.

At least it was all over, and all the researchers would definitely leave me alone from now on… I looked around, almost like I expected some weird guy in a lab coat to come charging out of the waves demanding something from me.

Whew. Safe.

"Seriously, what a crazy adventure." Papa whispered and I just rubbed my head.

"It kinda got out of hand."

"Yeah. I wonder what people back in Kanto will think?"

"Oh shoot!" I gasped realizing that the sense of foreboding had been real! Pinery Professor Cerise! I forgot to call him when we got back to the Pokemon Center after bringing Kukui into it! "I have to go! I need to make a call to Kanto!" I jumped up and started running. Wait first I needed to call Kukui again, and see if I could get the data and research. Would Alola even share this discovery? I didn't even have Kukui's number! Ugh!

I raced off to the Pokemon Center, whatever! I'd make a call and whatever happens happens.

Thankfully it was quiet when I entered the call area in the Pokemon Center and I settled into a chair and pulled out the notebook with numbers, dialing in Professor Cerises Lab.

I waited for a bit for the call to connect, and then the call connected. "Hello, this is Professor Cerise's lab, this is Ren. Oh Vicky. Nice to see you again."

"Ren! Major discovery! Leafeon. I captured a Leafeon, and we discovered how they evolve!"

"Whoa, that's awesome, I'll-Wait what!?" Ren had been sitting back in his office chair looking like he was half awake when I spoke but suddenly the screen jolted as he sat up and… I think fell out of his chair.

"Ren?"

"Are you serious!?"

"Yes! I found it! And we got an actual Eevee Evolution into Leafeon, confirming it!"

"That's… Whoa. Hang on, I have to call the professor… And Pinery."

"Alright, I'll hold."

"Right right. One sec. Call, call." He sort of disappeared, and I just laughed as he did. Okay, I didn't have the data, but I could just share what I saw, and talk to Professor Kukui, he'd always been good about sharing what we learned.

Not long after Professor Cerise, took over half the screen.

"Vicky! Good to see you, is this true?"

"Yep! Cabbag-I mean Leafeon is with Mama right now, so I can't show her off, but another researcher from the Aether Foundation brought an Eevee and I helped it evolve as well."

"Okay, that's… Alright, hang on, let's… I'm going to record this, if that's alright?" I nodded, and he continued. "Good, so Ren is that Pinery? No? Get her on the line! Thank you! Okay starting recording, tell me everything."

I nodded, took a deep breath and started sharing. I very specifically didn't share that it was on Akala island though. Just saying in Alola.

I was a Kanto Girl, but that doesn't mean I was going to betray Alola either. Not that I doubted Alola wouldn't be sharing the location to tourists, but still.

As I spoke Cerise asked questions pulling data he needed out of me, and soon Pinery's screen popped up turning the three way call into a four way, but I just kept talking after giving her a smile and nod.

"Okay, that's… Amazing. Thank you for sharing this with us Vicky." Cerise said when I finally finished.

"No problem! I did agree to help the Eevee Research Lab, you know?"

"Normally, we accept donations or Eevee. Not a full on confirmed evolution method!" Pinery stressed, and she looked frazzled. "Or at least a semi confirmed one… Ah, no offense to you Vicky, but until we have the data-"

"I get it. It's okay. I'll see about that data, I'm not sure where Professor Kukui is at the moment, but I'll check and see if I can get the research data… Or get the Aether Foundation to send it? I'm not sure what the rule is."

"It gets complicated, most research labs don't share data unless they're part of the sam- Ah, nevermind. It's complicated, but if you can, we'd appreciate it. You say this Moss Rock, you feel something?"

"Yeah you touch the rock and you can't miss it, it feels… Alive, almost. Like it gathered so much energy it's just leaking out."

"Fascinating."

"This… If this is true then, other?"

"I think Glaceon is similar." I finally said, and Pinery looked up at me sharply.

"You think?"

"It's just a guess, but I think there is probably an… Ice Rock, similar to the Moss Rock, that does the same thing, but for Glaceon."

"Any reason to suspect this?" Cerise asked, cutting to the heart of the problem.

"Only a gut feeling, but… I'll keep an eye out." I said knowing that a gut feeling wasn't going to be taken seriously without evidence.

"Do that!" Pinery demanded pointing. The Glaceon obsessed researcher was practically face to face with her screen.

"I will. There might be one here in Alola, and I still haven't explored most of the islands."

"Alright, well this is quite a surprise. I'll make some calls to the Aether Foundation contacts I have, but… If you can get the data, trust me, it'll be easier."

"If they won't then… I'll talk to Lusamine directly." She did kinda owe me for the TM thing… Plus this was my discovery so there was no reason it shouldn't spread.

Cerise nodded and I said my goodbyes. Long distance calls were expensive after all.