"Alex, you really need to be careful," Misty said, voice tight with worry. She kept glancing at Pikachu riding on his shoulder. "Those three are Team Rocket. They're obsessed with stealing strong Pokémon. Now that they've set their sights on your Pikachu… I'm scared they won't stop until they take it."
Alex nodded, expression serious. "It's fine if they come after me. But if Giovanni ever gets involved…" He looked at Pikachu, Pidgey, and the Poké Ball holding Metapod. His voice stayed low, but every word carried weight. "We'll be careful. No one touches my Pokémon."
The three little guys felt it instantly — the heavy promise in his tone. Pikachu's ears perked. Pidgey puffed up proudly. Even inside its ball, Metapod seemed to glow a little brighter. Their affection for Alex shot up in that moment.
Misty stared at him for a long second, her bright teal eyes softening with something warmer than just worry. A faint sparkle lingered in her gaze.
"They won't be back for a while," Alex said, breaking the tension. "Let's keep training here." He pulled another bottle of Bug Repellent from his bag and handed it to her. "My Caterpie's the only one that seems immune to this stuff. Keep it on you for safety."
Misty took it with a soft "mm-hmm" and sat nearby, legs tucked under her.
Pokémon: Caterpie
Level: 6 (Larva)
Ability: Shield Dust
Moves: Tackle, String Shot
Potential: Gym-level
First step: evolve into Metapod. Alex knew it would need a few quiet days after that before it could become Butterfree. The shell was tough, but still fragile in battle.
Pikachu took the little caterpillar to practice on nearby Rattata. It carefully paralyzed them with Thunder Wave first, then let Caterpie finish with Tackle over and over. After three or four Rattata, Caterpie hit LV 7.
White light exploded around its fluffy body. It swelled, reshaped, and when the glow faded — a perfect green crescent-shaped pupa sat there, segmented and shiny, with a tiny spike on its back.
Metapod!
Pikachu and Pidgey stared in awe at their friend's new form.
"Back in the ball for now," Alex said gently, stroking the hard shell. "You're not ready for real fights yet. Just rest and get stronger."
He recalled Metapod. Misty watched quietly, cheeks a little pink. *He's so attentive…* She remembered how he'd casually taught her the Ho-Oh legend yesterday too. This guy knew way more than any new Trainer should.
"Let's train while we walk," Alex said, offering her a hand up.
They kept moving through the forest. Every wild Pokémon they met became practice. Pidgey handled most battles; Pikachu jumped in when things got tough or numbers grew. Levels climbed steadily.
Alex fed three Beginner Rare Candies to Pikachu and the last two to Pidgey.
Pikachu: LV 24 → 27
Pidgey: LV 15 → 17
Both of them lit up with surprise as power surged through their bodies. "Pikapi!" "Bo bo!" They looked at Alex like he was a magician, clearly hoping for more.
"No more for now," he laughed.
Misty tilted her head, ponytail swaying. "You've been training nonstop. Are you really that worried about the Gym?"
"A little," Alex admitted with a grin.
Misty rolled her eyes playfully, but her cheeks stayed warm. She'd seen how calmly he commanded battles — no rookie mistakes, no panic. Even against the Spearow flock and Team Rocket he'd been completely composed. *He said he trains every day with a friend…* She glanced at Pikachu and Pidgey. Both were weak to Rock-types, yet Alex didn't seem bothered.
"The closest Gym is Pewter — Rock-type," she reminded him, voice soft and a little teasing. "You should catch a Grass or Water Pokémon. It'd make the badge way easier."
"It's fine," Alex replied confidently. "I trust Pikachu and the others."
"Pika~ Pika!" Pikachu puffed out its chest, determined to prove Misty wrong.
Misty just sighed. *Gym battles aren't like random wild fights…* New Trainers always learned the hard way. But looking at Alex's calm face, she had a feeling he wasn't the type to crash and burn.
They kept walking. Suddenly, rustling came from the bushes ahead.
Misty's eyes widened in panic.
A blurry shape burst out — a young boy in samurai armor, wooden sword raised, blade flashing in the sunlight like he was about to slash them.
Before Misty could scream, Alex yanked her sideways. His strong arm wrapped tight around her waist, pulling her flush against his chest. Her soft breasts pressed firmly into him, heart racing as she felt every hard muscle through his shirt.
Pikachu reacted instantly. Thunder Shock cracked out.
"Ow ow ow ow!" the boy shrieked, dropping his sword and collapsing in a twitching heap, black smoke rising from his armor.
"Pikapi…" Pikachu tilted its head, looking almost apologetic. *I thought you were Team Rocket again!*
[Ding! New Mission triggered: Defeat him the way he deserves most — make him realize his mistake and apologize sincerely!]
[Mission Reward: Host's physical combat ability increased by 50% (Ten Samurai Boys? No problem at all!)]
The boy lay on the ground groaning, still sparking faintly.
Misty stayed pressed against Alex's side a second longer than necessary, breathing quick, cheeks flushed, thighs squeezing together as the warmth of his arm lingered around her waist. She didn't pull away right away.