Vulpix and Ninetales, known in Japan as Rokon (ロコン) and Kyukon , are two fictional creatures, linked by evolution, in Nintendo and Game Freak's Pokémon media franchise. Ninetales evolves from Vulpix when exposed to a Fire Stone or Ice Stone in the case of Alolan Vulpix. Designed by Atsuko Nishida, they first appeared in the video games Pokémon Red and Blue and later appear in subsequent sequels, various merchandise, spinoff titles, and animated and printed adaptations of the franchise. They are known as the Fox Pokémon.