Walking through the lush, sun-dappled forest, Alex and Misty crossed a rickety old wooden bridge and finally spotted the Bulbasaur they had been searching for.
"Da nah~"
A sturdy Bulbasaur with a shiny Miracle Seed on its back stood before them, eyes sharp and full of vigilance.
Ding! New task triggered: Capture the 'Backyard Boss' Bulbasaur!
Task Reward: Top-grade Miracle Seed (increases the power of Grass-type moves by 30% for the Pokémon holding it)
"Bulbasaur! I finally found you!" Alex's eyes lit up with excitement. The legendary "Backyard Boss" Bulbasaur had appeared right in front of him.
He had been wondering how to track one down, and now it had come to him.
"Bulbasaur, be my companion!" Alex called warmly.
"Da nah~!"
Sensing Alex's eager gaze, Bulbasaur grew uncomfortable. It slapped the ground twice with its Vine Whips, issuing a clear warning to back off.
Feisty one… Alex thought with a grin. He turned to Pikachu. "Pikachu, it's up to you!"
"Pika-pi!"
Pikachu leapt forward, eyes locked on the determined Bulbasaur. The Grass-type looked strong and clearly wasn't happy about their intrusion.
Misty stepped aside to watch, giving Alex space to try catching it himself.
Bulbasaur struck first, swinging two powerful Vine Whips with sharp snapping sounds.
"Pikachu, Quick Attack!"
Pikachu blurred forward, dodging the vines effortlessly. The whips only struck empty air and grass. Seizing the opening, Pikachu rammed straight into Bulbasaur with a powerful headbutt, knocking it back several feet and leaving a long skid mark on the ground.
"Da nah~!"
Bulbasaur countered with Razor Leaf. A storm of sharp leaves sliced through the air toward Pikachu.
"Thunderbolt!"
Electricity crackled around Pikachu. A bright bolt of lightning shattered the incoming leaves mid-air, scattering them harmlessly.
"Not bad!" Alex praised. Bulbasaur was surprisingly agile despite its short legs and knew exactly when to dodge.
Just then, a desperate cry echoed from deeper in the forest.
"Help!!"
Everyone froze. The cry came again, clearer this time—someone was in real trouble.
"Da nah!!!"
Bulbasaur reacted instantly. It took off running on its stubby legs toward the sound, moving with surprising speed.
Something's happening in Pokémon Village! Alex thought, expression turning serious.
Ding! New task triggered: Resolve the crisis in Pokémon Village and stop Team Rocket's persecution!
Task Reward: Xiao Cui's affection increased + Bulbasaur's affection increased!
"Let's go!" Alex and Misty exchanged a quick glance and chased after Bulbasaur.
On the riverbank, a large floating disc covered in balloons hovered ominously. A massive suction tube extended downward, creating a powerful vortex that was frantically pulling Pokémon into a giant net below.
Xiao Cui clutched her Oddish tightly, but the suction was too strong. Both of them were slowly dragged off the ground and toward the net.
"Da nah!"
Bulbasaur whipped out its Vine Whips, grabbing two Pokémon that were about to be sucked away and pulling them to safety.
"Useless effort!" Jessie sneered from atop the disc. "Meowth, max power! Suck that Bulbasaur up too!"
Meowth didn't respond. His eyes were fixed on Alex and Misty, who had just arrived on the scene.
Pikachu immediately fired a Thunderbolt at the suction tube. The powerful wind died instantly. Bulbasaur quickly ushered the rescued Pokémon into a nearby wooden house, then glanced back at Alex and Misty with wary but grateful eyes.
"It's you three again, as expected," Alex said, looking up at the Team Rocket trio.
"Stinky brat! You finally showed up!" Jessie snarled, eyes blazing with anger. "This time we'll settle the score! Meowth, full power! Suck that brat up—I'm going to teach him a lesson he'll never forget!"
"Okay, meow!" Meowth activated a second suction tube. The force became terrifying—trees bent, grass and leaves were ripped from the ground.
Alex quickly sent out Pidgeotto. "Bulbasaur, see that big net under the disc? Use Razor Leaf on it!"
Bulbasaur obeyed instantly. A barrage of sharp leaves tore through the net. Xiao Cui and the trapped Pokémon tumbled into the river with a big splash.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
The final blast struck the disc dead center. With a loud explosion, the Team Rocket trio was sent blasting off once again.
"Team Rocket is blasting off again~!!!"
Alex didn't hesitate. He dove straight into the river. Good thing I learned to swim properly at the Cerulean Gym!
He reached Xiao Cui first, wrapping a strong arm around her waist and pulling her against his chest. Her body was soft and trembling as he held her close, swimming powerfully back to shore with her securely in his arms.
Xiao Cui pressed against his firm, muscular chest, feeling his strong heartbeat through his wet shirt. Her own heart raced wildly. She looked up at Alex's rain-soaked, handsome face, eyes filled with gratitude… and something deeper.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked gently, still holding her.
"I-I'm fine…" Xiao Cui whispered.
But as he set her down on the bank, her face suddenly burned crimson. During the chaotic rescue, something sharp had snagged and torn her top. The thick outer layer had come completely loose. Her thin, soaked inner shirt now clung transparently to her body, leaving almost nothing to the imagination.
Her soft, perky breasts were fully outlined, nipples stiff and clearly visible through the wet fabric. The curve of her waist and hips was on full display. Alex's eyes had definitely seen everything.
Xiao Cui quickly covered her chest with both arms, face burning like a ripe tomato. Her voice came out as a shy, trembling whisper.
"P-put me down… please…"
No way… even a gentleman has to be on guard?
Alex gently released her, turning away respectfully so she could cover herself. He didn't want to embarrass her any further.
He quickly moved to check on the other rescued Pokémon, but the image of Xiao Cui's wet, nearly naked body clinging to him was already burned into his mind.
(End of Chapter 29)