.This Meowth was very dirty and emitted an unpleasant odor, indicating that it had a rough past.
Yuga had dealt with many Pokémon and encountered various situations, so he didn't mind the smell and dirt on the Meowth.
After a thorough examination, Yuga discovered that the issue with Meowth was a broken leg.
This posed a bit of a challenge for Yuga.
For minor burns, cuts, and injuries, he could use his special abilities or ask Audino, Chimecho, or Gardevoir for assistance, and it wouldn't be a problem.
But a broken leg was beyond his capabilities. If not properly set and treated, it would lead to a deformed and disabled leg once it healed.
Yuga wasn't a doctor and had no knowledge of bone setting, so he felt helpless in this situation.
"We should go to the Pokémon Center and find Nurse Joy," Yuga said to the Persian in frustration.
The Persian nodded in agreement and followed Yuga to the Pokémon Center.
When it came to injuries like a broken bone, Yuga couldn't help, but Joyka had dealt with similar cases before and would be able to heal Meowth's leg in no time.
After Joyka finished treating Meowth's leg and handed it over to Yuga, she said, "You're quite kind, always bringing Pokémon home."
Most stray Pokémon in the town were abandoned by humans, usually due to poor potential. So, very few people bothered to rescue them.
This was the third time Yuga had brought a Pokémon to Joyka for treatment, so she already had a good idea of what was going on.
Yuga shook his head and said, "This time it wasn't me who brought it home. It was our little boss here."
Yuga pointed to the Persian standing beside him.
In response, the Persian turned its head away with an air of arrogance and even gave Yuga a little nudge.
Joyka smiled at their interaction.
"It's quite common for Persians and Honchkrow to share some similarities in their habits. They gather the Meowth living around them and lead them."
Hearing Joyka's words, Yuga suddenly recalled that it was indeed the case.
Wild Persians never lived alone; they were always surrounded by a group of Meowth, following them closely.
Just by hearing the name "Persian," one could tell that it shared some characteristics with Honchkrow.
(Note: Persian Chinese name is Cat Boss while Honchkrow chinese name is Crow Chief)
Moreover, there was usually only one Persian in a Meowth group, and if another one appeared, it would lead to intense competition.
Wild Persians weren't very common, and most Meowth groups didn't have a Persian. Those with a Persian were usually the dominant ones in the vicinity.
Thinking about it, Meowth, Persians, Murkrow, and Honchkrow did share many similarities in their behavior.
For example, they all preferred nighttime activities, enjoyed collecting shiny objects, and even their group dynamics were quite similar.
The biggest conflict between Meowth groups and Murkrow groups usually revolved around the competition for shiny, glittering objects.
It was no wonder that the Honchkrow leader in Yuga's Ecopark didn't get along with the Persian.
Yuga brought Meowth back home and gave it a refreshing bath with warm water.
Cats, in general, didn't like water, and they certainly didn't like baths. Fortunately, with the Persian overseeing, this Meowth behaved well during its bath.
Yuga asked, "Now that you've brought it home, how do you plan to arrange things?" as he spoke to the Persian and set a plate of Pokémon food in front of Meowth for it to eat.
Meowth initially devoured the Pokéblock but slowed down upon hearing Yuga's question. It perked up its two ears, eager to know its fate. Would it be taken in or continue wandering the streets?
Yuga had no intention of rejecting Meowth. Although its potential were quite ordinary, just typical orange potential, Yuga had no trouble providing food for a Meowth.
However, since Meowth was brought back by the Persian and the Delcattys, Yuga hoped that they would take responsibility for it.
He didn't want the Persian to think it could get away with bringing home stray Pokémon without contributing to their care.
The Persian seemed puzzled by Yuga's suggestion. It was already eating Yuga's food and living in Yuga's place. It had no extra capacity to take care of another Meowth.
It couldn't let Meowth continue roaming the streets while it patrolled and scavenged for food, right?
The three Delcattys looked at Yuga with hope, unsure of how to handle the situation.
Meowth was even more anxious. It truly wanted to stay here, in this warm and clean place.
Yuga had anticipated this and said reluctantly, "Let me give you a suggestion."
The Persian nodded in agreement, and the Delcattys watched Yuga eagerly.
"You've been patrolling with the Linoone for a while now, and you've been diligent during this time. I'm satisfied with your work. How about you continue patrolling with this Meowth? It can be considered as working for me, and I'll provide food for it. As for where it can stay, it can live in the Ecopark at the Gym."
After the Gym's Ecopark was completed, it remained mostly vacant, except for Beidou and a few apprentices' Pokémon. Housing a Meowth wouldn't be an issue.
After hearing Yuga's words, the Persian nodded repeatedly, looking quite pleased.
Meowth, on the other hand, continued to make cry sound incessantly, expressing its joy through its cries.
"Alright, alright. Since you're not always so well-behaved, from now on, try not to cause any trouble for me, and I'll thank you for it."
Seeing the Persian and the Delcattys so happy, Yuga helplessly added.
Upon hearing Yuga's words, the Persian's expression stiffened, and its face disappeared once again. It gave Yuga another nudge with its head in a haughty manner.
Yuga didn't mind the Persian's attitude; he understood its personality. It didn't really have any grievances against him.
"Well then, take Meowth and settle down in the Gym's Ecopark for now. You'll be responsible for it from now on."
Yuga smiled and ruffled the Persian's soft fur on its head.
It had to be said that the Persian's fur felt quite pleasant to touch. It was no wonder the Pokédex mentioned that the Persian's fur was as smooth as top-grade silk.
Yuga could now understand why Giovanni of Team Rocket doted on his Persian so much.
After Yuga stroked it, the Persian's expression was quite unnatural. It made a soft sound of disapproval and then quickly gathered Meowth and its three wives before dashing outside.
At that moment, Yuga still didn't know that he had set a precedent, and from this point on, the Persian would become quite uncontrollable.