Pokémon: Farm Story

"Suosuo!"

"You know, all of us have technically been caught. At least, we've been inside a Poké Ball."

From a human perspective, that means we're captured, right?

With a sly smile plastered on its face, Zorua lazily explained.

Though it seemed to be explaining things, that mischievous grin gave off the impression that it was up to no good, planning some prank.

In contrast, the Hisuian Zorua behind it looked like a pitiful little thing—a stark difference between one full of devious ideas and the other filled with grievances.

This could likely be tied to the origins of the Hisuian Zorua.

Zorua often conjures illusions to bewilder opponents, which led to it being shunned and driven from its habitats elsewhere. Eventually, it migrated to the Hisui region.

But unable to withstand the battles with other Pokémon and the harsh natural environment, it tragically perished.

Its lingering spirit, fueled by intense hatred for humans and Pokémon alike, transformed into the ghostly form it has now.

That's the backstory of the Hisuian Zorua.

Thinking about it, its perpetually sad expression is understandable.

By the way, Zorua's type is Dark, while Hisuian Zorua is a unique Normal/Ghost combination—currently exclusive to Hisuian Zorua and its evolution, Hisuian Zoroark.

This exceptional typing grants immunity to Fighting, Ghost, and Normal attacks. It lacks a quadruple weakness, with only Dark-type moves hitting it for double damage.

With well-distributed stats, dual offensive capabilities, excellent coverage, and a versatile movepool, Hisuian Zorua is a standout Pokémon—whether as a team cornerstone or even a Trainer's ace.

Unfortunately, this is Natsume's farm.

"So, you're part of the farm now."

"Well then, let's get along, okay?"

After a brief moment of sensing their sincerity, Natsume smiled.

Although it was clear they were withholding some details, he didn't mind.

As long as there was no malice involved, it was fine.

After all, Natsume's primary reason for catching them was to prevent wild Trainers from wandering onto his farm, defeating his Pokémon, and taking them away.

Don't talk to Natsume about Pokémon freedom.

They eat his food, use his facilities, and live on his property. You think you can just call them "free" and take them away?

If you genuinely love a particular Pokémon, come talk to Natsume. Explain your intentions clearly.

Sneaking around and using force to capture Pokémon when he's not around? That's unacceptable.

Such incidents are bound to happen.

With the sheer number of Trainers out there, it's inevitable that some lack decency.

Betting on the goodwill of others to ensure your safety is a foolish gamble—one Natsume isn't willing to take.

"Suosuo!"

Zorua nodded, indicating it had no problem with this arrangement.

After all, it came here for the food.

And the Hisuian Zorua?

It just happened to meet this pitiful fellow on the way here and decided to bring it along—like taking in a little brother.

"Suosuo."

With its "big brother" leading the way, Hisuian Zorua naturally had no objections.

Food, shelter, and safety—what more could it want? It was already content.

"Wooma!"

After hearing their explanation, Ogerpon still seemed a bit indignant.

It couldn't shake the feeling it had been played.

It was clear that for the foreseeable future, Ogerpon wouldn't have the best impression of these two mischievous foxes.

Steenee, too, was a little upset but eventually sighed in resignation, signaling her acceptance.

"Chu."

"Even though you tricked me, thank you for teaching me all this time."

Looking at the shadowy little fox, Steenee spoke earnestly.

At first, Steenee wasn't particularly strong. The reason she was able to lead her kin all the way here was largely due to Zorua's guidance.

From teaching moves to combat strategies, Zorua seemed to know it all—an enigma in itself.

Steenee had always sensed something off about Zorua, but back then, she had no choice but to trust it.

"Suo."

"It's nothing, no big deal."

Zorua replied casually, sneaking a glance at Natsume out of the corner of its eye.

It knew this human could fully understand what Pokémon said.

But Natsume showed no reaction, only smiling at Zorua, as if silently asking, "Anything you'd like to share, little buddy?"

Faced with that smile, Zorua felt a twinge of guilt.

But then it thought, I didn't even lie. Why feel guilty?

With that thought, Zorua's confidence returned, and it boldly met Natsume's gaze.

Natsume chuckled, ruffling Zorua's head. Then he turned to Hisuian Zorua.

"Why don't you both consider staying at my place?"

"With how things are now, it's probably not a good idea to keep living with Steenee and her group, right?"

Though the question was directed at Hisuian Zorua, it was clear the decision ultimately rested with Zorua.

The two foxes huddled together, whispering to each other.

Finally, Zorua made the call:

"Alright, we'll stick with you. From now on, you're our caretaker!"

"Good, good."

Natsume ruffled both their heads vigorously.

Hisuian Zorua's fur was silky smooth, reminiscent of a well-groomed short-haired cat.

Meanwhile, Zorua's head felt like a soft, velvety balloon, as though it might float away at any moment.

Their reactions to Natsume's "head rub of doom" differed greatly.

Hisuian Zorua, unaccustomed to the gesture, shook its head and quickly escaped.

Zorua, on the other hand, seemed to enjoy it, even closing its eyes in contentment.

"Alright, let's head back."

That day, Natsume welcomed two special new companions.

The two Zorua, with their adorable appearances, were warmly received by everyone.

"Bun!"

Buneary, the self-appointed housekeeper, took it upon herself to explain the household dynamics to the newcomers:

Boss Natsume, second-in-command the Persian, the Pokéblock expert Butterfree, the janitor Minccino, the farming specialist Sandslash, the troublemaker Togepi, and the mysterious Corvisquire upstairs, always muttering cryptic phrases.

Meanwhile, a group of youths arrived in the nearby town of Lianshan.

"Excuse me, is there a farm nearby?"

The lead boy asked the mayor while the latter was out for a stroll.

The mayor paused mid-step, giving the group a suspicious look.

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