Pokémon Center.
Nurse Joy briskly treated Horsea's wounds.
"They're all external injuries, but it's lost too much blood and needs to rest for a few days." She said, applying Potion to Horsea and giving it an injection of Restoration Agent.
Roy stood by the treatment table, using Aura Power to gently soothe Horsea's emotions.
This deep blue little fellow lay on the soft pad, eyes half-open, making a faint gurgling sound.
A few minutes later, the medicine began to take effect.
Horsea's spirit was noticeably better; it lifted its head, looked at the surroundings, and then looked at Roy.
"Gurgle... gurgle gurgle..." it whispered.
Aura Power transmitted the message to Roy—
[Thank you for saving me... human... you are different from those people...]
Roy reached out and gently patted Horsea's head: "It's okay now. How did you get hurt? Also, what's going on with those Tentacool?"
Horsea's body trembled slightly.
It was silent for a few seconds, then began to recount the story intermittently.
Through the Aura sensing, Roy gradually understood the sequence of events.
It turned out that the construction of Paradise Resort on the Sea had encroached upon the waters where the Tentacool group had lived for generations.
At first, the jellyfish just avoided it.
But to speed up progress, the construction party began using expulsion devices—machines that emit specific sound waves that strongly irritate Water-type Pokémon.
The Tentacool were forced to leave their home, but the problem wasn't solved.
Three days ago, something even worse happened.
The construction party secretly released chemical agents into the nearby waters—a toxin specifically targeting soft-bodied Water-type Pokémon that makes Tentacool weak and unconscious, making them easy to catch.
As a result, the dosage of the agent went out of control, and the scope of the impact was too large.
Not only did the Tentacool suffer, but even other nearby Water-type Pokémon were affected.
This Horsea was injured when it accidentally hit metal fragments left over from construction while trying to avoid the chemical pollution.
"Gurgle! Gurgle gurgle!" Horsea slapped the pad with its tail as it spoke excitedly.
[They are very angry... very angry... The Tentacool Leader said humans hurt us again and again... this time they will retaliate...]
[They want to destroy all human buildings... and drive all invaders out of the sea...]
[They will have a big operation soon...]
Roy's gaze narrowed.
"Do you know the specific plan?" Roy asked.
Horsea shook its head: [I only heard a little... they said they were going to attack the largest platform...]
The largest platform—that was the core area of the main amusement park building.
If that place were destroyed, the entire project would basically be ruined.
Moreover, although work has stopped now, there are still personnel and equipment left at the construction site.
Once a large-scale conflict occurs, the consequences would be unimaginable.
Nurse Joy finished treating the wound and walked over: "It needs rest. Are you its Trainer?"
"For now," Roy said, "Can I take it with me?"
"You can, but remember to change the dressing on time." Nurse Joy handed Roy a pack of Potions and bandages.
"Thank you."
Roy paid the treatment fee and carefully picked up Horsea.
As he walked out of the Pokémon Center, he already had a plan in mind.
This Horsea was the key.
It was a local Water-type Pokémon, understood the situation, and because he had saved it, its attitude toward humans was relatively friendly.
Perhaps... it could act as a mediator to communicate with the Tentacool group.
Of course, negotiations require leverage.
Roy thought as he walked.
It's a fact that the construction party released chemical agents; if exposed, the League would certainly intervene and punish them.
This could be used as a negotiation condition, promising a thorough investigation and punishment for those responsible.
Additionally, they could negotiate to set aside an area of the sea as a Tentacool reserve, which the project must not infringe upon.
But before that, he had to find a way to get Horsea to agree to help.
On the way, Roy communicated his negotiation ideas to Horsea using Aura Power.
Horsea was a bit scared at first.
[They hate humans right now... if I go... I might be treated as a traitor...]
"You don't have to show your face directly," Roy said, "Just help me pass the message. Tell them I can help them get a fair resolution, but if they launch an attack tonight, there will be no room for turning back."
[What if... what if they don't listen?]
"Then I will solve the problem in my own way," Roy said calmly, "But at least, we gave them a chance to choose."
Horsea was silent for a long time.
Finally, it nodded gently.
[Okay... I'll help you... You saved me... I trust you...]
"Thank you." Roy smiled, "When this is resolved, I'll find a good Trainer for you."
He had already thought it through.
Although this Horsea's level wasn't high right now and it wasn't as outstanding as Pikachu or Charizard, which were at the Champion or Elite levels, its quality was indeed good—the deep blue body color was pure, and the shape of its tail fin was very beautiful; it was a Pokémon with great potential.
It just so happened he could bring it back for Misty.
In the original work, Misty caught a Horsea; if he gave her one now, it would definitely boost her affection for him.
As for what wonderful couple poses could be unlocked... a smile curled at the corner of Roy's mouth.
That would depend on how happy Misty was... Villa area, private beach.
Misty and Delia had been waiting all day.
Although the two were under a sun umbrella in swimsuits, they were clearly distracted, looking out at the sea from time to time.
"Why isn't Roy back yet..." Misty bit her straw, her gaze worried.
Delia gently patted her hand: "He said it was a small matter, it should be fine."
Even though she said that, Delia's own eyes also held worry.
Until the sound of a speedboat engine came.
"He's back!" Misty immediately jumped up.
When Roy stepped off the speedboat holding Horsea, both women surrounded him.
"Roy! Are you okay?" Misty looked him up and down.
"Why did it take so long?" Delia also asked, "We were worried sick."
Roy smiled and held Horsea up in front of him: "I saved this little fellow on the way, so it took some time. For you!"
Misty's attention was immediately drawn.
"Wow! It's a Horsea!" Her eyes lit up, "So cute! Is it hurt?"
"Yeah, it's already been treated." Roy handed Horsea to Misty, "Hold it carefully."
Misty took Horsea, her movements as gentle as if she were holding a treasure.
Horsea's deep blue body looked exceptionally beautiful against her fair arms, its trumpet-like small mouth moving slightly, its round eyes looking at Misty with curiosity.
"It really is so cute..." An obsessed expression appeared on Misty's face, "Look at its eyes, they're sparkling..."
She looked up at Roy and suddenly stood on tiptoe excitedly.
"Mwah!"
A loud kiss was planted on Roy's cheek.
"Thank you, Roy! You're the best!" Misty smiled until her eyes curved into crescents.
Only after kissing him did she suddenly realize Delia was still watching from the side.
"Ah..." Misty's face turned red instantly.
Although she and Roy had long since established their relationship—privately, they had done much more than just kissing—this was the first time she had so boldly and proactively kissed Roy in public, especially in front of Delia.
A sense of shyness welled up, and Misty quickly turned her attention back to Horsea.
"Um... Roy, this Horsea... can I catch it?" she asked softly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.
Roy smiled: "I brought it for you in the first place."
"Really?" Misty almost jumped up again.
"But its injuries haven't healed yet, so be gentle when you catch it."
"Mm-hmm! I know!"
Misty ran to an open area on the beach holding Horsea and pulled out a Poké Ball.
Delia walked to Roy's side, smiling gently: "Look how happy Misty is."
"Yeah. Family harmony is good."
Delia's face turned slightly red, and she leaned gently on Roy's shoulder.
Over on the beach, Misty had already set her stance.
"Horsea, I'm going to catch you now!" she said seriously, "Even though you're injured, we still have to go through the capture process... I'll try to be as gentle as possible!"
Horsea jumped out of Misty's arms, landed on the ground, and nodded.
It seemed to understand the human capture rules.
Misty threw a Poké Ball: "Go, Staryu!"
With a flash of white light, Staryu appeared on the beach, its five points spinning elegantly.
"Staryu," Misty crouched down and whispered, "Be gentle when you hit it, okay? Don't be too rough, it's so cute, and it's still injured..."
She was completely captivated by Horsea.
The gem in the middle of Staryu flashed, indicating it understood.
The battle began.
Horsea puffed out its mouth and spat a small stream of ink—Bubble Beam.
Staryu easily dodged, then spun its body—
Water Gun!
Pfft!
A thick jet of water accurately hit Horsea.
"Kyu!"
Horsea's entire body was blasted away, hitting the villa's outer wall with a thud and slowly sliding down.
"Ah!" Misty was startled, "Staryu! Didn't I tell you to be gentle?"
Staryu spun in a circle, looking aggrieved.
[Master... I was already very gentle...]
It really couldn't be blamed on Staryu.
This Horsea was only a few levels, while Misty's Staryu was already close to level 30.
Even with held-back power, that Water Gun was quite a lot for Horsea to handle.
Fortunately, Horsea soon stood up shakily again.
It shook its head, indicating it could continue.
But Misty was already feeling too distressed.
"No more fighting, no more fighting!" She directly took out a Poké Ball, "Horsea, come on in!"
The Poké Ball was thrown, accurately hitting Horsea.
Red light sucked it in.
The ball wobbled once on the ground.
Twice.
Three times.
"Ding!"
Capture successful!
"Great!" Misty ran over to pick up the Poké Ball and immediately let Horsea out again.
She crouched down and gently touched Horsea's head: "I'm sorry for getting you hurt... does it hurt?"
Horsea shook its head and rubbed its head against Misty's hand.
[I'm fine... I know this is the human capture process...]
It looked up again and said very seriously: [And although I'm injured now, I will become stronger in the future! I will work hard to be your good helper!]
Misty happily reached out and pulled Horsea into her arms.
"Yes! I believe in you!"
Staryu also hopped over, gently touching Horsea with one of its points to express apology and welcome.
The heartwarming scene made Roy smile.
And just then.
[Ding!]
[Completed Hidden Quest: Help Misty capture the Bond Horsea.]
[Quest Reward: High Potential Horsea Guide Map.]
The system's prompt sounded in Roy's mind.
His heart stirred.
A hidden quest? There's such a good thing?
Roy immediately confirmed receiving the reward in his consciousness.
The next second, a semi-transparent virtual map unfolded before his eyes.
The map was centered on Lampurchi City, marking detailed information of the coastline and nearby waters.
In a coral reef area to the northeast, a striking golden marker was flashing.
Next to the marker was a text description: [High Potential Horsea Habitat.]
Roy looked closely at the map location, and his eyes lit up.
That area... happened to be near Lampurchi City.
After solving the Tentacool incident, he could stop by to capture that high-potential Horsea.
"Roy, what are you smiling about?" Misty walked over holding Horsea.
"Nothing." Roy withdrew his thoughts and ruffled her hair, "I'm just happy because you're happy."
Misty's face turned red again, but this time she didn't hide; instead, she leaned in and whispered: "Tonight... I'll reward you well."
Roy was delighted.
As expected, the affection level was high enough... In the evening, the three enjoyed dinner at the villa's open-air restaurant.
A seafood feast filled the table, the sea breeze blew, and the atmosphere was warm.
Misty spent the whole time taking care of Horsea, feeding it special Pokémon food, and giggling from time to time.
Delia watched gently, occasionally picking up food for Roy.
"Are you still going to handle that matter tomorrow?" Delia asked softly.
Roy nodded: "It needs to be resolved as soon as possible. But don't worry, I've got it under control."
"Be careful." Misty looked up and said seriously: "If you need help, Staryu, Horsea, and I can all fight!"
"I know." Roy smiled and pinched her face, "But tomorrow, you two should stay here. After I finish, I'll take you to a great place."
"Where?"
"It's a secret."
Dinner ended in a pleasant atmosphere.
The three went back to their rooms to rest.
After showering, Roy sat in a chair on the balcony wearing a bathrobe, looking at the sea under the night sky, thinking about tomorrow's plan.
Horsea had agreed to help pass the message.
Tomorrow morning, he would let Horsea contact the Tentacool group and propose negotiation terms... Just as he was thinking, the door was gently pushed open.
Roy turned his head.
Misty was standing at the door, wearing a light pink silk nightgown.
The nightgown was very thin, and the outline of her body could be vaguely seen under the light.
The hem only reached mid-thigh, revealing her fair and slender legs.
Her cheeks were slightly flushed, and her gaze was a bit evasive, but she still walked in and closed the door behind her.
"What's wrong?" Roy asked.
Misty walked to the bedside, her fingers twisting the hem of her nightgown.
"Um... I'm here to thank you..." she said softly, "Thank you for helping me catch Horsea... I'm really happy..."
Roy smiled: "Just a verbal thank you?"
Misty's face turned even redder.
She bit her lip as if she had made up her mind.
Then, she took a deep breath and reached out to It stirred up the hem of her nightgown.
Black silk stockings wrapped her long legs, extending all the way to the base of her thighs.
Above the stockings was a pair of extremely sexy black lace panties.
"This is your reward..." Misty's voice was as faint as a mosquito's hum: "You big bad guy, do you like it..."
Roy's Adam's apple bobbed.
He stood up and walked to Misty.
"I like it." He reached out and put his arm around Misty's waist, whispering in her ear, "I like it very much."
Misty's body trembled slightly, and her hands pressed against Roy's chest.
"Then... then you have to be gentle... I'm very happy today... so I want to thank you properly..."
Roy didn't say anything more and directly kissed her lips.
Misty was stiff at first, then relaxed, wrapping her arms around Roy's neck, responding awkwardly but passionately.
Roy picked her up horizontally and walked toward the large bed.
Gently placing her on the soft mattress, Roy leaned over her, continuing to kiss her, while his hand began to explore under the nightgown...