Pokémon: Breeding Simulator [151]

As it turned out, even after evolving into a Zoroark, she still wasn't all that ferocious.

Pinned down with ease—and unwilling to struggle for fear of hurting Elias—Zoroark could only bare her fangs in a mock-threatening snarl.

She was trying to scare him off.

But clearly, it wasn't working.

Elias wrapped his arms around her, squinting slightly as he exhaled a puff of warm breath.

Now that she was larger and covered in long, lush fur, Zoroark was like a giant heated blanket—utterly cozy to sink into.

"Be good and come home with me later."

He said it gently, as if stating a simple fact.

At his words, Zoroark involuntarily gave a slight shiver. Her expression twisted between reluctance and quiet longing.

So... she still didn't want to leave Elias's side.

She realized that clearly now.

Looking at the boy nestled in her arms, she couldn't help but swallow hard.

This—this was the scene she used to dream about.

Now, Elias was still quite young for a human, but she'd already evolved to her final form.

She had more than enough strength to wrap him up completely.

With that thought, Zoroark cautiously curled her dexterous fur around the one in her arms.

Elias felt a sudden pressure on his back. Lifting his head with some effort, he found himself staring into Zoroark's glowing yellow eyes.

Hiss—

A sharp breath escaped him. A sudden thought struck him cold:

—With Zoroark's illusion powers as they were now, she could probably trap him in an illusion for years without him noticing.

"Let go."

Realizing the danger, Elias tapped her fur to signal her to release him.

Though reluctant, Zoroark obediently uncoiled herself.

She clearly hadn't yet grasped just how much her power had grown.

After setting him down, she seemed to recall his earlier request.

She bit her lip, took a deep breath, and said:

"If you want me to go back... it has to be like before."

"No showing myself. And more importantly—absolutely no one can know you're keeping me! Not a single person!"

Zoroark gestured firmly as she spoke, her tone dead serious.

This was the best solution she'd come up with.

With her current abilities, the risk of exposure was low, and it meant she could continue staying by Elias's side.

But at the same time, she had to remain hidden.

She couldn't bear the thought of Elias facing judgmental stares or cruel whispers from other humans because of her.

Even worse, what if he was cast out of the clan?

After evolving, Zoroark's mindset had shifted in subtle ways.

And she feared that if she did witness something like that happen...

She wouldn't be able to stop herself from destroying the entire human clan.

On the other side, Elias had no idea what she was thinking.

But after hearing her request, his brows furrowed slightly.

Zoroark herself didn't seem to mind, but keeping her hidden like this—never letting her show her face—just didn't feel right.

It wasn't fair to the big fox.

Still, when he saw the earnest look in her eyes, the words on the tip of his tongue were swallowed back.

First, get her back home. The rest... can wait.

"Alright. I won't tell anyone I'm keeping you."

Elias nodded.

At that, Zoroark finally let out a breath of relief.

She'd been so afraid he wouldn't agree.

Then, with a swirl of illusionary light, she transformed back into her human guise—Irida.

Tossing her long hair over one shoulder, she said—

"Alright then, let's—hm? What is it?"

Halfway through her sentence, Zoroark froze.

She noticed Elias looking at her with an unusually serious expression, which made her wonder if she'd done something wrong.

Then, she felt him gently pinch her cheek.

"Change back."

That was the first thing he said.

"You looked cute just now."

That was the second.

Two simple lines—and Zoroark's face flushed a deep crimson. Her brain suddenly felt a little floaty.

"W-What nonsense are you spouting..."

She mumbled, voice barely audible.

But even as she protested, her body was perfectly honest—shifting back into her true Zoroark form.

Watching her flustered reaction, Elias chuckled softly, satisfied.

Then he raised his hand, ready to whistle for the Wyrdeer.

The snow was getting heavier. If they didn't head back soon, they'd end up stranded out here on the frozen tundra.

But instead of a deer, a flash of blue landed in front of them.

Lucario had finally caught up—and when he saw Elias, his eyes misted with emotion.

Thank Arceus.

As the snow thickened, he'd lost track of Elias not long ago, and panic had set in.

Without Elias, his future was... well, nonexistent.

Thank goodness he'd found him again. And unharmed, no less.

Completely ignoring the murderous glare from Zoroark, Lucario wiped his paws and grabbed Elias's hands—both soaked with melted snow.

"Human, come with me."

He projected his thoughts through aura, his tone sincere.

Elias: ?

The sudden appearance had him completely thrown off.

And after hearing the request, his sense of unease only deepened.

Wild Lucario... were they always this sociable?

Beside him, Zoroark finally snapped at being ignored.

Raising a claw, she unleashed a powerful [Brick Break] with a violent swing.

The sound of her claws slicing through the air was sharp and piercing.

This was power and speed born from her recent evolution.

But to her surprise—

Before the blow could land, Lucario casually blocked it with an aura-forged bone staff.

Clang—!

A shrill, metallic impact rang out, the shockwave splitting the air around them.

Lucario remained expressionless.

Zoroark was strong, yes, but she was newly evolved. Not a true threat to him.

"Tell your mate to calm down."

"I just want to borrow you for a day. That's all. Nothing to fear."

Lucario's voice was mild.

Both Elias and the snarling Zoroark froze.

Mate?

"What nonsense are you spouting—what mate?!" Zoroark immediately snapped, cheeks blazing. But despite her protest, there was a clear thrill in her voice.

And when she noticed Elias's thoughtful expression—no denial, no rebuke—

That thrill only grew stronger.

Not his mate?

Lucario eyed the two of them curiously.

Then why were their auras so deeply intertwined?

He shook his head in confusion.

Truly degenerate creatures, these humans.

---

PS—Lucario: Are all humans this... morally unsound?

T/N: yes god i would catch 6 machoke 

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