Chapter 29: Zorua

"Oh? Fire Spin!" Maple's eyes lit up. She knew Heath well enough to trust that he wouldn't label someone as a villain without good reason.

However, Gorm reacted even faster. Upon seeing Maple, he quickly recalled Cofagrigus and had Sigilyph take him away, just as the Fire Spin rose.

"Darn it, Heath! Why are you here again?" Maple stomped her foot in frustration, then glared at Heath.

Heath swallowed hard. There was no denying Maple's imposing presence when she got serious. He felt like a suspect under interrogation.

Though he knew Maple didn't mean to be intimidating, it was a professional habit she couldn't shake, which made it difficult for her family to find partners. A girlfriend or wife with such an aura was a bit too much for most.

"Well, I saw that old man enter Evergreen Forest late at night and got curious about what he was doing, so I followed him in," Heath said, smiling naturally.

Living with Maple had its perks, one of which was that Heath had developed a strong psychological resilience.

Maple squinted at Heath but said nothing. Instead, she looked behind him, where a Caterpie lay, panting heavily.

"Was that guy trying to catch this Caterpie?" Maple found it hard to believe. Though she had hurried over, she had seen the old man's Pokémon, Sigilyph.

Why would someone with a Sigilyph try to catch a Caterpie? Surely they didn't believe the urban legend that Caterpie could evolve into Rayquaza?

"Not quite. There was a black-furred Pokémon here, but it seemed to escape when you arrived, Sister Maple," Heath said, glancing at Zorua, who had likely disguised itself as another Pokémon to avoid being seen by Maple.

So Heath didn't expose Zorua's little secret.

Maple understood and nodded, then pointed to the back of her Arcanine. Heath, resigned, walked over.

"Um~" A strange sound made Heath turn around. He saw the Caterpie clutching his pant leg, looking at him with pleading eyes.

"What do you want?" Heath asked internally, puzzled.

With Maple here, he couldn't bring out the sweet and sour pork ribs, or she'd suspect something was wrong or scold him for wasting food.

"I'm hurt. You look strange, but you're a good person. Would you consider taking me home to heal?" Zorua's voice echoed in Heath's mind.

Heath twitched. What did Zorua mean by "strange-looking"?

But having Zorua as his second Pokémon would be great.

"This little guy seems hurt. Sister Maple, I think we have some potions at home, right?" Heath asked.

Maple, still atop Arcanine, nodded after inspecting the Caterpie.

Heath then climbed onto Arcanine with the Caterpie, riding swiftly back to the dorms.

Maple didn't ask any questions on the way. When they arrived, she yawned and headed to her room to wash up, as if nothing had happened.

"Sister Maple really knows how to take care of people," Heath muttered, picking up a potion from the table and heading to his room.

His room was simple: a bed, a desk with some books, and a wardrobe. Nothing else.

He released Farfetch'd, who curiously poked the Caterpie with its leek.

"Stop it! I'm not a Caterpie, you silly duck!" Zorua transformed into Farfetch'd, brandishing a leek.

Heath laughed, waving them off to settle the dispute, then checked on Farfetch'd.

It was healthy, just a bit disheveled. Relieved, Heath turned to Zorua.

Zorua had a small wound on its front left leg. Heath sprayed it with the potion, knowing it would heal quickly.

While Pokémon Centers provided free treatment for minor injuries, severe ones required payment.

"Were you captured by Gorm?" Heath asked Zorua, who lay on the bed, looking content.

"Yeah, that bad guy caught me while I was out looking for fruit. He used that big block of wood to trap me," Zorua nodded.

Heath found Zorua's demeanor—seductive and lazy—odd, like a beautiful girl.

"Why did you disguise yourself as that little girl in Evergreen City? Is there a story?" Heath asked. He remembered the first time he saw Zorua; it was disguised as a girl.

Heath imagined a heart-wrenching tale: maybe the girl had saved Zorua, or she was its first owner, separated by fate, or gave Zorua a dying wish for revenge.

Though it seemed far-fetched, Heath was curious.

"Huh? Do I need a reason? I just thought she was pretty," Zorua licked its paw, looking puzzled.

Heath twitched again. So it was all about looks?

"Zorua, would you like to travel with me and explore all kinds of delicious food?" Heath asked seriously.

(End of the chapter)