Delia stood in front of the massive Gyarados, cheeks flushed. Her hand trembled slightly as she looked up at the towering creature, still cradling the warm egg in her arms.
"I-I know it's a weird way to ask you—" she began awkwardly, glancing away in embarrassment.
But before she could finish, Gyarados leaned forward and gently bumped its head against hers.
Delia froze. "Was that… a yes?!"
The Gyarados nodded solemnly, its crimson eyes soft.
Delia's lips parted in awe. With trembling hands, she fumbled at her side and grabbed one of the Poké Balls Daisy had given her earlier. She held it out.
Gyarados leaned in again, pressing the button with its forehead.
The Poké Ball opened with a flash of red light, drawing in the towering serpent.
One tick!
Two ticks!
Three ticks!
Click!
"Yes!" Delia cheered, eyes lighting up as she turned and hugged Rael tightly. "I did it!"
Rael chuckled, stunned and amused. 'She just started out and already has a Pokémon stronger than all of mine...'
"But," he said after a moment, glancing at the egg, "shouldn't you keep this egg? You found it. And I think Gyarados would be more at ease knowing its trainer is the one raising it."
Delia hesitated… then smiled warmly. "Yes, but I want to give it to you."
Rael blinked. "Huh?"
"You were looking for a strong Magikarp, right? Did you see its mother?" She gave a teasing wink. "I trust you'll raise it right."
He looked at her, touched. "Thanks, Delia…"
Before he could say more, she leaned in and kissed him gently on the lips. It was soft, brief, and warm—full of gratitude.
"Nothing," she whispered with a smile, pulling back just a little, still in his arms.
From nearby, Misty's eyes widened in shock.
'Did she just… kiss him?!'
Her heart twisted painfully in her chest. A strange, sinking feeling settled in her stomach. The guy she thought was the one she had always looked for was now kissing a woman old enough to be his mother in front of her.
She turned away quickly, her face burning red with embarrassment and confusion.
What was happening…?
...
The group of four walked together along the winding path leading to Viridian City. Delia kept close to Rael, occasionally chatting or nudging his arm with a bright smile. Daisy followed beside them, hands behind her head and an amused expression on her face. A few steps behind, Misty trailed silently, her eyes cast down.
She hadn't wanted to come, really.
But she was heading to Viridian City anyway. Refusing the offer from the guy who'd risked his life to save her would've been rude—and Misty prided herself on being better than that.
Still… it was awkward. Too awkward.
Rael didn't seem to notice. He kept stopping every so often, letting out his Pokémon to train. Riolu was clearly his main focus, but he trained his Pidgeotto as well, working on combo techniques and speed-based maneuvers.
Misty stayed out of the way.
And then, as the sun dipped low and bathed the road in golden hues, the city came into view.
"Viridian City," Delia said with a smile, the rooftops of buildings catching the warm light.
But as soon as they reached the paved path at the city's edge, Misty abruptly dashed ahead.
"Sorry guys, I have something to do! I hope to see you again!" she shouted over her shoulder, not even turning around.
The three of them blinked, surprised.
Rael tilted his head. "That girl… she's quite strange."
Daisy glanced at him sideways, barely holding back a sigh. Well… if you kiss older women in front of someone your age, it's obvious she'll be creeped out… she thought, half-despairing.
"She probably had her reasons," Delia said softly, giving Daisy a curious glance before taking Rael's hand.
At Daisy's suggestion, they headed toward the Pokémon Center. According to her, any registered Trainer in possession of a Pokémon Egg could receive an incubator from the Center to ensure its proper care.
The Pokémon Center itself was a familiar-looking red-roofed building, clean and welcoming. Inside, a sweet scent of disinfectant and herbs filled the air. Behind the counter stood a striking woman with flowing crimson hair tied into loops, a pristine white nurse's uniform, and a kind, motherly smile.
[Image Here]
A Chansey stood by her side, ever-present and dutiful.
The woman greeted them with a bright, practiced tone. "Welcome to the Viridian Pokémon Center! I'm Nurse Joy. How can I help you?"
Rael stepped forward, carefully unshouldering his backpack. He took out the warm Magikarp egg and gently placed it on the counter.
"Hi," he said. "My name's Rael Drayden. I'm a new Trainer… and I found this egg. I heard that Pokémon Centers give incubators to registered Trainers with eggs, so I thought…"
He scratched the back of his head, a little embarrassed.
"Oh, of course!" Nurse Joy smiled. "Chansey?"
"Chaaan-sey!" the Pokémon said, waddling off toward the storage room.
"Oh, and I'd like to let my Pokémon rest here, too. If that's possible?" Rael added, handing over his four Poké Balls.
"Me too," Delia said, offering her newly caught Gyarados' Poké Ball.
"Certainly! You can come retrieve them tomorrow morning," Nurse Joy said with a cheerful nod.
Moments later, the Chansey returned—empty-handed.
"What? Chansey, did we run out of incubators?" Nurse Joy asked, surprised.
Chansey nodded, her expression apologetic.
Nurse Joy frowned for a moment, visibly considering something. She looked at the egg on the counter, then at Rael. "Hmm…"
She hesitated. He's new… but if the egg isn't cared for properly…
After a moment, she spoke decisively. "Chansey, please bring out the Super Incubator. We should still have one."
Chansey's eyes widened briefly. "Chan-sey!" she chirped and then waddled off again.
"The Super Incubator?" Daisy echoed, blinking. "That's the best type of incubator in the world! It's said to maintain perfect temperature and humidity balance, and even expoentially accelerate hatching times without harming the baby Pokémon."
She turned toward Rael with a look of mock accusation. "Rael, what kind of luck do you have?!"
Rael just smiled, shrugging. Thanks, Lucky Guy skill…
To be continued...
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Also, what is the next Pokémon should Rael catch for his official team?