Chuck's home gym proved serviceable if a bit aged. Thad felt the burn in his legs as he approached the front door to the large building near the South edge of town labeled 'Gym' though it didn't resemble a Gold's Gym or Anytime Fitness. Hell, it looked more of a rock climbing dojo than anything structured with all the boulders outside.

"Guess Chuck is more of a naturalist kinda lifter with all the rocks," Thad mused. "I can dig it." A small chortle slipped past his lips. "Ha. Dig."

With the hints of sunshine peeking over the horizon warming his back, Thad pushed open the doors and walked in like he owned the place. The strut was simple: head held high, wide stance, and complete with the gi he borrowed from Diana. It fit Chuck a few sizes ago, but it did wonders in giving a peek at his sculpted pecs. Chuck apparently had slept at the gym last night, leading to Diana being more than willing to raid Chuck's wardrobe. It wasn't Thad's place to mention it, plus the gi was extremely soft and comfy.

He squinted his eyes as harsh light reflected off the polished wooden floors. A few boulders were scattered around the place, though what caught Thad's attention was how they were moving. Purple-colored brutes with black jockstraps pushed the boulders across the floor with little effort.

Damn, those guys got some nice briefs though. Need to get me a pair maybe? Thad wandered in further, getting a better view of the two creature's faces. Yup, more of those Pokemans. Damn, they buff though.

Thad weaved past the Pokemon, trying to take up as much space as possible. Sure, they weren't people, but it was all about that alpha status and acting like you belonged. A technique Thad had cultivated and perfected after many visits to Huntington Beach.

Thad cupped his hands around his mouth. "Alright, where's my man Chuck?" he shouted. He'd reached the end of the gymnasium area, and only saw the flat boards and a few dirt pits where he imagined the boulders went. Or whoever disrespected the creed of the gym; like those who hogged the full-body mirrors.

A hoarse grunt erupted from a nearby boulder pit. "Aye, I'm awake. One moment."

A slightly chubby middle-aged white guy crawled from the pit. He smoothed over his magnificent handlebar mustache and picked sand out of his ear. His shoulders were broad and his biceps were still quite massive; Thad had seen his kind before. Sure he had a dad bod, but underneath was still the coiled muscle of a warrior, just disguised with a layer of flab.

"You Chuck?" Thad asked.

"Yes, I'm the gym leader-" Chuck narrowed his eyes as he inspected Thad. "Is that my gi?"

"Your wife gave it to me." Thad took a step forward. "She also cooked me dinner last night."

Chuck's face contorted between pale white and deep red, unsure whether to be shocked or furious. Thad held out a hand and nodded. Chuck looked at the extended hand with a mix of confusion and utter disdain.

"You picked well, my man. She's a keeper. The only complaint is that your gym of yours is hella dusty. You need fans or something."

The gym leader took a deep breath and clutched Thad's forearm, bringing him in close for a tight embrace. "She would have kicked your pretty boy ass anyway. Ha! Well met!"

They gave each other a back pat and chuckled. "You've got one hell of a grip, old guy," Thad said with a smug smirk.

"Watch it," Chuck warned in a low and dangerous tone. "I haven't forgotten the wife comment just yet." He plopped down onto the ground and spread his legs. "Take a seat, boy. You've got some story?"

Thad sat down and quickly regaled Chuck with the events of the past twenty-four hours. From the encounter with the blue dog and Eusine, waking up in Chuck's home, having dinner, and then getting in a killer lower body workout with the help of Chuck's Tyrogue spotting him. Chuck listened intently, nodding every now and then, being careful to not interrupt Thad's attempt to piece things together.

"So, you're a bit lost, eh?"

Thad nodded. "Putting it lightly, my dude. These Pokemon are trippy. Like," Thad craned his neck around and pointed at one of the large ones pushing a boulder, "what's that dude with the huge lats and belt called?"

"It's a Machoke. The superpower Pokemon is known for its great strength and impressive bulk," Chuck explained casually. "Plus, they make good boxing partners."

"You box and workout with these fellas?"

"Of course!" Chuck bellowed, slapping his knee. "It's the ultimate way to forge the bond between your Pokemon and to get a great workout. Strength of body and mind!"

That makes a lot of sense. Thad drummed his fingers on the hardwood floor. "So, uh, what about my story? This place not being Cali and whatnot?"

"Oh, that? Hmmm," Chuck rumbled, idly playing with the end of his bushy brown mustache. "Well, I've heard of strange things. Stranger than some jacked guy just waking up onshore–"

"Thank you."

"Of course," Chuck said sternly, giving Thad a look to not interrupt him once again. "As I was saying, I don't have a clue what it might be. I could send you to the pharmacy here, but you seem pretty with it. Only other option I could think of if you want answers is to point you toward someone who knows more about the strangeness in the world."

"Yeah? Some doctor or scientist?" Thad asked.

Chuck barked out a single laugh. "No boy! It's one of the Elite Four, Bruno. Man's tough as a boulder and built like a mountain. He's usually in the know, and if doesn't know, then I'd be willing to bet a Starmie's gem that he would know who to talk to." Chuck stood up and rotated his hips, getting a few cracks. "Mark my words, Thad. Bruno is the guy you want. He's a straight shooter and I feel you'd get along great with him."

"So how do I find him? You call him up and give him a ring on the phone?" Thad furrowed his brow and frowned. "Wait...do you have phones?"

Chuck sighed. " 'Course we do, boy. This ain't Orre." He raised a finger. "But, we can't call him. He's usually in remote places and doesn't like tech."

"Shit bro, this is rough. How else am I supposed to...ya know, figure this out?"

Chuck nodded. "It's a conundrum. But tell me, Thad," he leaned in, casting a quick glance toward the two Machoke, "what is it you want? What are your goals?"

"My goals?"

"Yes," Chuck whispered. "Your dreams. Aspirations. That whole deal. Is it just to find out what you lost?"

Thad rolled his tongue around in his mouth as if to chew and savor his words before letting them loose. "I...actually don't know, bro. I think I want to go home?"

"Think or want? No second-guessing in this dojo!" Chuck roared. Thad's posture straightened up a bit. "Tell me, what do you want?"

Thad began counting on his hand. "Well, I want to be rich, have a career, and uh," he gave Chuck an awkward look, "bitches. But! Then to find some honey to settle down with, ya know?"

Chuck nodded and hummed in approval. "Aye, that makes sense. When I was a young man I desired similar things. So, I have a proposition for you."

"Hit me with it."

"You go seek out Bruno for answers, but in the meantime, why not train some Pokemon?" Chuck suggested. He wrapped his arm around Thad's slightly taller shoulders. "Look around. You want fame, glory, and women? Pokemon training is the path, my well-built friend."

"But," Thad started, "isn't that like, kiddie shit?" His lips became a thin line as he felt Chuck's grip tighten around his shoulder. "No offense, bro."

Chuck sighed. "It is. Which is a problem, since you're way too old to get started properly."

"I'm too old?" Thad asked, his voice rising higher than intended. "Really?"

"Really. Most kids start around eight or nine. Most get their first Pokemon at twelve. You're what, twenty-something?"

"Twenty-three."

"Exactly. Way too old to get started," Chuck lamented. He stepped around from Thad with his hands on his hips, looking at the wood panel walls. "I mean, you'd need some kind of fighting Pokemon genius to show you the ropes."

I've got an awesome idea, Thad thought.

"Why not teach me?" Thad asked genuinely, stepping up beside Chuck to admire the blank wall. "I mean, you're like the Pokemon mayor or whatever, right?"

Chuck nodded and smiled. "You make a good point Thad. Alright, I'll do it, but only because you asked!"

Thad pumped his fist in the air. "Tight, bro. So how's this work?"

"That's easy enough. We gotta get you a Pokemon and in top condition!" Chuck said. "The ferry leaves in five days, so that's all the time we've got to get you up to speed. It's going to go fast."

"Like a training montage?" Thad asked.

Chuck's eyes lit up. "Exactly! You're sharp, boy. It'll give me time to write you a letter to give to Bruno. Meanwhile, you can get started with a Pokemon to help you in the wild and even win money in battles."

"Dude, you can gamble on fights?" Thad said with a hint of awe. "That's...like the Kentucky Derby but way more violent."

"I have no idea what that is," Chuck replied in earnest. He dug into the pocket of his pants and pulled out a red and white ball. "You know what this is?"

Thad studied the spherical object with razor focus. "I'm going to guess a Pokeball."

"Good," Chuck breathed out. "We don't have to cover that. Now, this contains a Pokemon. Me being who I am, it's a fighting type."

"Aren't all Pokemon fighting types since they, ya know, can fight?" Thad asked.

Chuck paused for a moment and glanced between Thad and the Pokeball. "Hmmm...your wisdom is certainly unique. Anyways, take this." Chuck handed Thad the Pokeball. "It's a Machop. Pretty young one I got a couple of weeks ago that I've been training up with a few of my gym trainers, but I think he'd be suited well in your hands for travel. Let the little guy see the world a bit."

"Dope," Thad replied, rolling around the ball in his palm. It was roughly the size of an apple and felt cool to the touch. The ridging where the red and white met led up to a small button. "Do I press this to let the dude out?"

"Give it a whirl," Chuck said, unable to hold back a large grin. "It's always fun seeing someone's first reaction."

Thad clicked on the beveled part of the ball and with a faint snap, it opened up. Red light jolted from the ball and took shape in front of Thad, forming a small humanoid figure. Greyish skin, three bronze-colored ridges on its head, and the outlines of tone muscle dominated the three-foot-tall creature.

"Chop!"

"Nah, I'm good little guy," Thad replied. "Also, he looks like those dudes with the belts, don't you think?"

"He's talking with you," Chuck explained, kneeling down beside the Machop. "This is Thad, he's going to take you out to see the world, and you'll be keeping an eye on him."

"Macho!" The Machop cooed, striking a pose and flexing its biceps.

My god, he's like a mini-me!

"What's he saying?" Thad asked Chuck. "Are you some kind of Pokemon version of Caser Millan?"

"You can pick up on things after you've done this for a bit," Chuck said, grunting a bit as he stood up. He held his back and winced a bit. "Anyway, he's all set to go with you. He likes your muscles."

Thad looked at the Machop. "Well, thanks, little dude. You're pretty ripped for being so compact."

"Machop!"

"Aye, now just for one last thing before we get to our little training montage, as you put it," Chuck said. His posture was a bit rigid as he stretched from side to side and mumbled something about never sleeping in a rock pit again. "Do you have a special name for him? Most folks do it, but it's not necessary."

"Uh, yeah I can do that." Thad scratched his head and locked eyes with the Machop. "Well, you're like a mini version of me...so how about...Chad."

"Is that the one?" Chuck looked to the Machop who gave Thad a thumbs up. "Well, there we have it. Thad and Chad. Now, it's time for our exercising! We can start working out!"

"Hell yeah, I'm ready to get my pump on," Thad replied. "So bossman, what's up first?"

Chuck smirked; a mischievous glint in the corner of his eye. "What I like to have all my newcomers try out to test out their strength. Some good ole boulder punching."

Thad held his sides and laughed. He looked to see Chuck still smiling smugly and Thad's amusement quickly contorted into confusion with a hint of worry.

"You're kidding right?"

"Follow me, Thad and Chad. We have a montage to get through!"

Thad followed Chuck toward the Machokes who were nearly done setting the boulders back in place. Chad bounced around, pumping his arms in the air while babbling out his own words of excitement. Thad too felt excited, though a bit concerned about what he'd just talked himself into.

At least it was working out, and that he could manage.

A/N: This chapter was nearly complete by the time I posted the story, so I decided what the hell, and managed to post it today. Figured getting to Thad and his Machop would be a better starting point. Go ahead and speculate on what Thad's team will be, but expect mon's with a suitable amount of Chad energy. Also, you may have noticed Jasmine is tagged in the fic. You'll see her soon. Trust me.

I'd like to thank all the initial feedback from reviews! Y'all are awesome! :D

Cavik: Much appreciated :)

UDTimburrhog: Well, Chad radiates Chad energy. Thad has Thad energy. Muscles galore ahead. I'm doing my best out here lol.

TheBobcat18: You're welcome, glad I could give you a chuckle.

RedxEagl3: I'm sure too, though I have my doubts it included this fic. But I appreciate the sentiment.

Scatman SSJohn EX: Oh, that's the plan. This is my side project away from my heavier more serious writing. This is zany catharsis for me.

LowerBlack: Glad you gave it a shot, hope it keeps you entertained!

For more quality fics from tons of other talented fanfiction authors, writing advice, memes, or if you want a place to chill and/or bug me, come stop by the Fanfiction Treehouse Discord at discord . gg / 9XG3U7a

Anyways, I may have a regular update schedule soon for this fic since chapters are so short (and relatively breezy to write since I don't take it too seriously) but until next time folks.