Chapter Three! The writing bug bit me on the ass and it won't let go, yay!

It was the big day. Finn was preparing to face off against the Violet city gym leader. He had woken up early, a first for the gangly teenager, and had trained non-stop until midday, when Kurt forced him to take a break for lunch.

It was around 1:30 when Finn entered the Violet City gym. Kurt and Mercedes had tagged along for support, but seeing as Kurt was leafing through a fashion magazine and Mercedes was filing her nails, they didn't appear to be all that supportive. They reached the top of the gym, where a giant battle arena covered the roof.

On the opposite end of the field, a boy in a wheelchair sat waiting patiently for them to arrive.

"Hello," the boy said. "I'm Artie Abrams, the Violet city gym leader."

Finn grinned. "I'm Finn, nice to meet you."

Artie smiled before becoming serious. "Enough with the pleasantries, let's battle!"

Finn smirked. "Let's do it! Go, Pidgey!"

Artie smirked. "Go, Pidgeotto!"

The two bird Pokémon squared off, ready to attack.

"Pidgey, use sand-attack!"

"Pidgeotto, fly up and dodge it!'

"Pidgey, fly up and use tackle!"

The battle raged on, but in the end Pidgeotto's speed beat Pidgey's, and Finn's poor Pokémon fainted from exhaustion.

"Pidgey, return!"

Pidgey was engulfed in a red beam that returned it to its Pokéball. Finn grit his teeth. He knew Chikorita would have a massive disadvantage against Artie's Pokémon, yet he couldn't bare the thought of accepting defeat.

"Go, Chikorita!"

Chikorita burst from its Pokéball, chirping happily as it did so.

Artie frowned. "Finn, I don't think you want to-"

"Chikorita, use tackle!" Finn roared, cutting off Artie.

Chikorita bounded towards the Pidgeotto, who merely flew up out of harm's way, before plunging down onto the grounded Pokémon. With a sickening thud, Chikorita was slammed into the ground. Chikorita stood up on wobbly legs before collapsing completely.

Both trainer and gym leader returned their Pokémon to their respective Pokéballs. Finn slumped his shoulders in defeat, fighting back tears.

Kurt rushed forward and threw his arms around the taller boy.

"You did great Finn," he said soothingly. "I'm very proud of you."

Finn gave Kurt a sad smile as the smaller boy released him, only to be tackled by Mercedes. Artie wheeled over to the defeated trainer.

"You fought very well. And you can come back for a rematch any time."

Finn fist bumped the gym leader half-heartedly. "Guys, I think I just wanna go. Thanks for the match, Artie."

And with that, Finn turned on his heel and left, his stepbrother and friends close behind him.

"Don't worry, Finn," Kurt said as they passed through the Pokémon Center doors, "you can always come back. You don't have to beat the gyms in order."

Finn sighed. "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, guys, but I think I need some time to get over it. It really sucks getting your butt whooped."

Finn sat waiting with for Nurse Joy to attend to his Pokémon, while Kurt and Mercedes went to retrieve their things.

"Baby boy, you are looking fierce," Mercedes commented, seeing Kurt's newest outfit.

"Thanks, 'Cedes," Kurt said proudly.

Kurt had chosen a pale yellow tank top with brown lining, brown short shorts, and brown Ugg boots as his outfit for the day. Mercedes was sporting a purple blouse, denim cutoffs, and pink high tops.

The two conversed about fashion as they gathered their things, before heading downstairs to meet up with Finn.

The three exited the Center, heading down to Route 32. They paused at an empty fishing dock to feed their Pokémon and wet their feet in the calm water.

A splashing sound caused the three to turn their heads towards the sound, and Kurt's jaw to drop at the sight.

On the side of the lake facing the forest, a muscular blond man had jumped into the lake. He was shirtless, his muscular physique highlighted by his summer tan.

He turned and saw the three trainers gaping at him, and he smiled and waved before swimming over to the trio.

"Hey," he said in a husky voice, "I'm Sam."

Kurt snapped his jaw shut before smiling. "Hi, I'm Kurt."

"I'm Finn."

"You can call me Mercedes."

Kurt was just about to ask if he trained Pokémon as well, when a shiny blue turtle burst from beneath the lake's surface.

"WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRR!"

Mercedes jumped. "What in the hell is that?"

Sam smiled. "It's my Wartortle."

"Wartortle?" Kurt asked, confused. "But I thought those were only found in the Kanto region."

Sam turned his charming smile back to Kurt. "You're right. That's where I'm from."

"Really?" Kurt said, fascinated. "That's really cool! Do you have any other Kanto Pokémon?"

Sam shook his head. "'Fraid not, I moved here before I could catch any. All I have with me are my Wartortle and a Weepinbell I caught yesterday."

The four talked and laughed, and Sam even managed to convince Kurt to join him, Finn and Mercedes in the water.

"So, where are you three headed?" Sam inquired.

"Azalea Town, Finn's going to challenge Bugsy." Kurt said.

"I think I might battle, too," Mercedes said. "It's gonna be awhile before we reach the Pokémon Daycare, and I'm itchin' for some action!"

"Cool," Sam said brightly, before looking down nervously. "Would you mind if I came along?"

The trio exchanged glances before Kurt turned to Sam. "I think we have room for one more," he said, smiling kindly at the blond.

Sam beamed at Kurt and wrapped an arm around him. "Thanks! Don't worry, I'm tons of fun, I promise."

Kurt flushed at his close proximity to the handsome boy.

Mercedes gave the two a knowing look, while Finn frowned at Sam.

The four travellers emerged from the lake, changing into their dry clothes before heading off towards Union Cave.

"So Sam," Kurt said cheekily as they neared the cave, "who dyes your hair for you?"

Yay! Sam is a sexy beast. Any suggestions on Pokémon they capture or who should be which gym leader would be awesome. More reviews would be nice, too. I'm suffering from withdrawals. : (