The sun just peeked over the horizon where the mists of the Whirl islands swirled. Chuck stood in front of the front doors to the gym of Cianwood City. Thad stood squarely across from the gym leader with his arms crossed, and to his left, Chad the Machop stood in the same stance as his trainer.
"It's been a hell of a few days, bossman," Thad said; his brown eyes twinkling in the morning light. "I think I learned a lot."
Chuck gave Thad the slightest of nods. "I think so, Thad. I really do. You picked up boulder punching with ease. So, before you go on your way to seek Bruno, let's go over the list one more time."
Thad smirked and snapped his fingers, pointing at Chuck. "Right. The list. One sec."
Thad duck into the pockets of his plain white gi pants, where one Pokeball rested on his waistband. A large orange travel sack rested near Thad's bare feet. He remained shirtless as suggested by Chuck's wife to help exemplify the physicality and identity of fighting-type trainers, and who was Thad to disagree? They were kind enough to show him the ropes, most of them climbing ropes and jump ropes, but the ropes nonetheless. Besides, Thad knew in his heart that he could rock that look with such glorious abs.
"So," Thad looked up to Chuck, "you want me to read the whole thing."
"Yup, let's hear it," Chuck gruffly replied.
Thad coughed, clearing his voice."I have to board the ferry, get to Olivine City, figure out transport by asking Jasmine for help, then get to the Elite Four in Kanto to ask where Bruno is, and then give him said letter," Thad dug into his pocket again, and raised an orange-colored envelope, "and then that's it. Right?"
"And to let Jasmine read the letter," Chuck reminded in a stern tone. "She could help too."
"Yeah, I hear ya, bro," Thad said. He dismissively rolled his eyes and waived off the fighting type master. Thad gripped the cord of his travel bag and slung it over his shoulder. "And I'll practice that Pokemon battle thing, alright?"
Chuck gave Thad a thumbs up, but his voice dipped to a low, husky whisper. "But, uh, remember that you can't actually wrestle the other guy's Pokemon. That's just a house rule I use for training myself and them."
"Sure," Thad replied in a whisper. He furrowed his brow and glanced from side to side. "Uh, why we whispering?"
"No reason," Chuck said in a relaxed, casual tone. "Just really don't do that. And make sure you actually call out the moves. I didn't have a Pokedex, but the notebook in your bag I wrote up for you should prove serviceable, among the other supplies and funds I could scrounge up."
"Ey, brah, it's all good," Thad said, leaning in for a bro hug. Chuck quickly embraced him, quickly giving each other a tight, yet brief squeeze, and then separating. "I'll send you some mail if I come back."
"Atta' boy.' Chuck gave Thad one last shoulder slap. He winked at the tall, well-built trainer. "You'll do fine out there."
Thad trotted out with a smile on his face, and Chad his trusty Machop walking confidently behind him with its chest puffed up and arms swinging. Thad's olive skin body glistened in the sun as he made his way through the heart of Cianwood City. Some citizens paused as he walked by, including even a single Krabby.
He passed the Pokemon Center, which had been wacky after talking to the nurse about how healthcare worked. To an economics student like Thad, it struck him as odd that it was all free. At least it did until he visited the market two days prior. When he discovered how expensive restorative items were from the market, after seeing the price it all made sense. It was a cavalcade of revenue established in making healing your pokemon more convenient.
But I won't fall for that scam, Thad pondered as he made his way to the docks. Always go to the Pokemon center. I ain't wasting my money. He tilted his head to the side thoughtfully, and he took a travel ticket from his pocket to the attendant. But also that nurse was smoking hot. And apparently, she's got lots of look-alike sisters. Hmmm.
The ferry was a fairly small vessel; only capable of holding a crew of six and about twice as many passengers. Normally it toured the Whirl islands for tourists, but would occasionally take residents to the mainland to shop.
Sailors in white outfits with blue trim and tricorn hats manned the anchor, ropes, and wheel. One of the bulky men let out a loud, high-pitched whistle and then threw a rock into the water. The boat bucked for a moment, then began to rumble and churn like a motor on idle.
"Mantine engines are online!" One of the sailors bellowed. A few others grunted in unison, acknowledging the man. Thad hummed under his breath as he looked out toward the misty islands, both he and Chad enraptured by the mystique and splendor of the jagged rock formations and foamy patches.
"Wait for me!"
Thad turned around and couldn't help but chuckle as Eusine, in his purple and white magician getup, jumped off the dock and boarded the small vessel. He wiped a bead of sweat from his brow, gently touched his combed blonde hair, and then gave a ticket to the less than amused attendant.
Thad waived at Eusine. "Ey, how's it hanging, brah?"
Eusine marched up to Thad, looking up at the Greek adonis. "I've been looking for you! I tried tracking Suicune the past few days, but they remain ever-evasive. You're the only documented human to get so close to such a magnificent beast." Eusine took a deep breath and straightened his red bowtie. "How did you do it?"
"Dude, I ain't trying to steal your dog," Thad replied casually. "I've been training with Chuck. Made me one of his trainers or whatever."
Eusine's face paled. "What? Chuck hardly ever takes on apprentices, let alone so quickly."
Thad laughed. "It's all about charisma bro. We let our muscles do the talking, and there wasn't much left to be said." He gave Eusine a sly glance. "Maybe try doing some push-ups? Some protein powder and a solid regiment could get you looking sleek, bro."
The ferry boat jerked forward and then settled into a steady pace, leaving a stream of bubbles behind at the small Cianwood dock. The sailors hooted and hollered, and some took out a few pokeballs to release a few blue tadpole creatures with white gloves and beady eyes.
They kinda look like Chuck's Poliwrath, 'cept his was freaking stacked. These little dudes look pretty stringy. Thad gave a nudge to Chad and smiled. "Go play or something. The wizard dude wants to talk."
"Chop, chop!" Chad chirped back as he mimicked his trainer's swaggering walk, and began helping out and talking with the other Pokemon.
Eusine watched with curiosity. "Seems you've got yourself a Pokemon." His lips formed a thin line, trying not to look directly at Thad's pecs, since that's where his height came up to. "Also following the fashion sense of those enthusiasts?"
"Buff little dude needs a role model," Thad said with a smirk, giving a nod towards his Machop. He flexed his pecs and biceps, showing Eusine his best side chest pose. "Plus, I don't see anybody complaining."
"Indeed," Eusine dryly replied. He coughed into his fist and turned to rest his arms on the railing of the ferry. "I came to find you to see if you'd help in my search for Suicune. It was drawn to you for some reason, and I think you may be the key to finding out more."
Thad saddled up beside Eusine, resting his forearms on the safety bar. The cool wind washed over his face, and he tried to hide his surprise when sea creatures jumped out of the water: from weird-looking fish to white sea lions, there were more than Thad could keep track of. He secretly wished he knew more about them instead of defaulting to calling them weird dogs or fishy dudes. While his training montage was epic in the amount of information he consumed like a chocolate-covered protein bar, he still felt a bit lost.
"You there, Thad?"
Thad backed away from the railing and refocused on Eusine. "Yeah, bro. Just lots of crazy critters out there, ya know?" He ran a hand through his short brown hair. "Just a lot to take in and think about. I've been punching boulders and lifting just about since I've arrived and I haven't thought about much else."
"And how are you doing with that?" Eusine asked. He offered a weak smile as his hand drifted toward his belt. "How's your memory? You learn more about who you were, or are things a bit hazy still?" Eusine raised a red and white Pokeball. "If it's training you need, I think we have enough space on the ferry if we talk with the crew. A little battle always helps clear my mind and my Pokemon's. Plus I could maybe teach you something."
Thad nodded and slapped the metal railing. "Alright magic man, you're on. Ey, Chad!" Thad looked over toward Chad who was posing and flexing in front of a Poliwhirl and another stacked sailor, but came running over.
"Macho?" Chad quipped, looking between his trainer and Eusine.
"We've got a challenge, so it's time to put that training with Chuck to use, brother." Thad crouched down to fist-bumped Chad, and then gave Eusine a thumbs up. "We're ready when you are."
"Alright," Eusine said slowly, "so how familiar are you with battle mechanics and etiquette? You're quite new to this aren't you?"
"I may be a rookie, but me and Chad got swagger to spare!" Thad boasted, hands on his hips. "I won't hop in, despite how spicy the action gets. Chad is a straight-up baller in the ring."
"Chop!"
"Exactly," Thad replied. He leaned toward Eusine and whispered, "I still don't know what he's saying to be honest, but I'm getting the vibe he agrees with me."
"Alright," Eusine rolled his shoulders and began to roll around this Pokeball in his palm, "just let me get things cleared up with the crew. I'm sure they'll like the spectacle."
"Right on, bro," Thad said with a raised fist. He turned to his partner, crouching down to Chad's level. "Alright, so it's just like the bossman said would happen. Are you ready for the smackdown?"
Chad cracked his knuckles and smirked. "Machooo!"
Hell yeah, buddy. Thad smiled and shadowboxed alongside the Machop as Eusine talked with the crew. Chuck's words of wisdom echoed in his head, over and over again. He may have not been the most creative dude in college, or the best tactician. But most think I'm just some meathead. They ain't wrong, but I'm not some dumbass. There was a reason I could do economics and remember so many workouts and combinations for nutritional meals.
Eusine jogged over, smiling. "The sailors are more than happy to give us some room on the deck. You ready, Thad?"
"Born ready, magic man. Send out your little dude and Chad will show you that these muscles ain't just for show!"
Eusine nodded and backed up to the other end of the small ferry deck, giving them about twenty feet between each other. He tossed his Pokeball, and in a brilliant red light, a creature formed a few feet away from him. The Pokemon stood a few inches taller than Chad in a bipedal form, a gradient of yellow and brown skin, and a snout like a tapir.
"This is my Drowzee," Eusine stated like a teacher. "This Pokemon is-"
"Chad, rock his shit! Give him the ole' boulder special!" Thad shouted, and Chad whipped up into a frenzy and charged the Drowzee.
Eusine's face paled and his jaw dropped. "I was explaining about-"
"It's game time fool, put up ya dukes!" Thad retorted. He sank into a wide stance, his muscles twitching as he watched Machop's movements with rapt attention. "I'll showboat later after I hit you with some moves harder than my abs."
Eusine shrugged and let out a deep breath. "Very well. Drowzee, dodge and resettle!"
The Drowzee hopped around the charging Machop, but Eusine let out a gasp as Chad swung his body around and tipped the Drowzee. The psychic Pokemon fell flat on its face and Eusine furrowed his brow.
"That was no amateur move! Excellent Low Sweep," Eusine applauded as the Machop regained its footing and the Drowzee scrambled to its feet. Eusine crossed his arms and smirked. "Seems Chuck taught you well! I shall not hold back!"
"You're gonna need to stop this powerhouse!"
"Drowzee, use Confusion!"
Chad stumbled forward clutching his head, moaning lowly. The sailors watching around muttered amongst themselves. Thad rubbed his chin and looked on with interest.
"It's a psychic move," Eusine elaborated as Drowzee backed up, giving it more distance between the beefy Machop. "Type matchups are a quintessential part of Pokemon battles. For instance, fighting types are weak to psychic types."
"Ahuh. Chuck may have said something about that... so you're trying to pull a sly one over me?" Thad asked, the corner of his lips curling downward. "Alright, alright. Game on then, dude. Chad, go give 'em the sneaky slap!"
"The sneaky slap?" Eusine mimicked. He shook his head and returned his attention to the battle. "Drowzee, use Hypnosis and create more distance!"
A low hum emanated from the Drowzee, and Chad slowed for a moment, his grey legs stumbling a bit. He then shook his head and continued charging at the wide-eyed Drowzee. With impressive speed, the Machop spun around and backhanded the Drowzee right on its snout. It let out a low-pitched whine as it stumbled backward, revealing a large purplish bruise and a berry rolled from its closed fist and onto the wooden deck.
"Quick, use Confusion again!"
"No pain no gain, Chad. Get in there and give him the bossman special!"
Chad let out a yelp as the air around his head distorted a bit, but he pressed forward with gritted teeth. Despite the purplish aura around Chad, he marched on toward the Drowzee and reeled his right fist back.
The Machop leaned forward for a Superman-style punch, twisting his arm a bit as he connected yet again on the Drowzee. The aura dissipated as the Drowzee spun backward; its eyes looking lost and confused. Eusine gasped and ran out toward his fallen pokemon. Thad did the same as Machop sat down on its butt and rubbed his head.
"You hanging in there, dude?" Thad asked, a hint of worry in his voice. "He used some kind of brainpower shit, didn't he?"
Chad nodded. "Choop."
Eusine returned his Drowzee to its Pokeball and walked over to Thad. "Well, that was impressive. I should have known Chuck would give you access to his signature move."
"Aye, the bossman called it 'Dynamic Punch'," Thad replied. He helped Chad to his feet, although he wobbled a bit. "Chuck also said using code was a good way to do battles, so we just called certain workouts different names and went from there."
"It's actually a rather advanced technique," Eusine said, impressed. "I've only that connection with a few of my Pokemon. It usually takes time to cultivate."
Thad chuckled and gave Eusine a gruff handshake. "Never underestimate a good workout montage, bro." He gave Chad a thumbs up and grinned. "Plus, he and I are on the same wavelength. We both are on that grind, ya know?"
"I can see that," Eusine softly replied. "Perhaps...I underestimated you."
"Wouldn't be the first time," Thad said. "Most people think I'm just some meathead, and they're mostly right." He tapped the side of his head and smiled. "But I played a lot of sports. Boxing, Hocket, Football, and a few others. You can't do well in competition without remembering stuff. I just ain't good with the boring stuff, ya know?"
Eusine chuckled and pat Thad on the back. "It does make sense. So, do you think you could help me in my search for Suicune?"
"I dunno." Thad swung his travel bag off his shoulder and began to dig through its contents. He pulled out a waterskin and tossed it to Chad. "I've got my own, uh, quest of sorts. Going all around and whatnot. Gotta find some dude named Bruno. Might know a thing or two about my whole dealio."
A great sigh escaped from Eusine. "Ahh, I see. Perhaps it was a bit impertinent to ask so quickly. Shall we exchange Pokenav numbers at the very least? Could you do me the courtesy to call if you find Suicune again?"
"Uh, sure, but I ain't got no phone," Thad said with a shrug. "But if ya write it down, I'll see what I can do. Trying to be tight with my cash since Chuck just gave me a little."
"I completely understand," Eusine said, taking out a notepad and scribbling down some digits. He tore off the paper and handed it to Thad. "Just let me know, alright? In the meantime, mind if I fill you in on Olivine City? Unless you're familiar…"
"By all means, magic man." Thad took a seat on the deck beside Chad, taking a sip from the waterskin that the Machop had nearly drained to half. "We've got a few hours, I think."
Eusine sat beside Thad and began to tell him about the intricacies of the city, but namely the beach and lighthouse as the main points of interest. Thad nodded along patiently, digging out a few poffins to share with his pokemon and Eusine. He listened with rapt attention and didn't interrupt Eusine, though his mind wandered when he heard of the numerous fitness enthusiasts that would gather at the Olivine Cafe, and namely the feats of the steel phenom and beauty of the town, Jasmine.
A/N: Thad's journey continues with him now on his way to Olivine City, along with his first official Pokemon battle under his belt!
Thanks for the cavalcade of reviews and feedback! I'll do my best to give non-spoilery answers.
UDTimburrhog: It was destiny some might say for the name. Of course, I'm cutting some corners with worldbuilding, but it's all pretty light in tone. And for a Timburr? We shall see...
Krosrodes: It's mainly comedy here and lighter tones to parody the isekai genre, with a sprinkling of seriousness here and there. All in good fun :)
LowerBlack: He's not a jerk, but he's got that pride and ego. He's not dumb, but just applies most his brain cells to workout routines and remembering diet recipes lol.
Bab69: He's not a full Himbo, though Thad plays it up a bit as that's just his personality. He enjoys being a 'Dude-bro' and embraces it. Thanks!
Scatman SSJohn EX: They'll meet next chapter, and it'll hopefully be entertaining :)
ilayhyams: Thank you, much appreciated! As for what kind of trainer he is, he wants to be fighting-focused, or at least get Pokemon that reflects who he is.
Alright, lastly a few shout-outs and updates! Since this is my side fic at the moment, but chapters are considerably shorter and it helps stir my creative juices, I'll be having an update schedule for 'Bro, Do You Even Lift?' and you can expect chapters every Thursday and Sunday that are between 1.5k and 3k words. Just like the snappiness of it and keeping the pacing in the thick of things, whether that be battling or zany banter.
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
Some of the fic authors you can visit on the discord that I'd like to shout out are:
Throne of Mud by HowlingArmadillo
Underdogs by Cavik
An Adventurous Path by Krosrodes
They Mostly Live in Minnesota by Spiderc
Small Heaven by Chifle
Two Steps Forward by Ace Star-Chaser
and many by BANIX such as Rocket's Exterminator.
And several others!
All great fics and folks, so check them out and stop by! Until Next time!