Thad stood outside the Pokemon Center, a breeze tickling his bare chest and a twinkle in his eye as he looked up the road for his quarry. He and Chad had made sure to get in their morning routine finished before Jasmine would arrive: one hundred push-ups, one hundred squats, fifty squat jumps, thirty burpees, two hundred straight punches, one hundred flutter kicks, one hundred jumping jacks, using Dwyane as a kettlebell for curls, and finally a ten-minute plank.

It was a light day, but Thad felt upbeat Chad chirped along with great enthusiasm. The two of them felt warmed up for the trials of the road, and as the diminutive gym leader strolled down the empty street, the corners of Thad's eyes curled upward.

"Ain't she something, eh?" Thad said to Chad, who nodded along. "Such a tiny woman, but with such huge critters in her pocket. Strange don't you think?" Thad rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Think maybe she's compensating with that metal snake thing?"

"Chop?" Chad replied, looking up to his boss with confusion scrawled upon his face.

Thad gave a dismissive wave. "No worries little dude, just thinking out loud is all. It's just you can usually tell a lot about people by the way they carry themselves and what they use to advertise, ya feel?"

Chad gave a shrug. "Macho mach."

"It's all about perception, my dude." Thad tapped the side of his head. "It's all about what you choose to flex."

"Ahh, there you two are," Jasmine announced. Her hair was done up much like the day before with two beady hairpins, splintering it into two caramel ponytails. She wore a form-fitting silver sundress with a large backpack that was nearly as large as her.

"Ready for your first day of grade school?" Thad teased, pointing toward the backpack. "I'm surprised you can lug that around with such tiny legs."

Jasmine's face blanched and her voice rose up a pitch. "T-they are just fine! If we are to travel, then I need to be prepared, especially with someone as… inexperienced as yourself."

"How old are you?" Thad asked in a genuine tone.

"I recently turned twenty, why?"

Thad hummed and ran a hand through his shaven head. "...No reason."

"I'm sure there was, otherwise you wouldn't have asked, no?" Jasmine inquired. Her voice was strong and steady, though her twiddling fingers gave away that Thad had struck a nerve. "So?"

"Look, I'm sorry," Thad put his hands up defensively, "I was, uh, well you just look a bit younger than I figured, and it's curious you're so well regarded among the gym bros. Plus, it's a bit weird hearing such detailed words coming from such a, uh, youthful lady."

Jasmine made a guttural sound from deep within her throat and clicked her tongue. She chewed on her cheek, searching for the right words to say. "No need to be some musclebound ruffian about my appearance!"

Thad looked over to Chad. "Hey, I thought I was being polite, right?"

Chad nodded along. "Macho!"

"See, he gets it," Thad pointed toward the Machop. "I wasn't the only one thinking it."

"Can we just go already and talk on the way?" Jasmine pleaded, clasping her hands together. "I'm sure we can discuss something else on our travels than how I look."

"You'd be surprised," Thad said, giving Jasmine a wink as he strolled by her. "But don't worry girlie, you're in good hands now. I'll introduce your new lord and saviors known as protein and creatine, and you won't ever have to worry about those wobbly legs again! Haha!"

"They are not wobbly!" Jasmine tried to dash after Thad, but felt a tug on her sundress. She looked down to see Chad holding out his arms, pointing to the backpack. Begrudgingly, Jasmine unlatched herself from her bag and handed it over to the sturdy Machop. "Okay, maybe they wobbled a little bit."

Thad led the team to the edge of town, with Jasmine walking briskly aside him. Chad carried her belongings with no qualms the reached the northern end of Olivine City. The smell of the salty beach air gave way to an endless throng of trees that dotted the landscape, and a small sign near the dirt path that read 'Route 39'.

"We can travel north up until MooMoo Farm, which should take us a few hours," Jasmine suggested. She cupped her hands over her brow to shield vision from the sun. "Route 39 has primarily bug and normal types, and a few trainers. Shouldn't be too dangerous."

"Which reminds me," Thad reached into his travel sack, pulling out the journal Chuck had given him, "the ole' bossman gave me this, but it doesn't make a lot of sense."

"Well, let's see…" Jasmine took the journal from Thad and began skimming its contents. "It looks like Chuck tried to draft you up an introductory primer to how Pokemon interact and about the natural fauna. What's so confusing about this? He may be a bit rough, but his message is fairly straightforward."

Thad rubbed the back of his neck and grimaced. "It's just, you know how we eat food?"

"Yes?"

"Which Pokemon do we actually eat?" Thad asked. As if on cue, his stomach grumbled. "Cause I tried that vegetarian thing, but it ain't sustainable for keeping up the bod, ya know?"

"Oh! Well, usually it's dictated by region on what Pokemon are ranked for consumption, like Magikarp and Tauros are typically on the list, while others are left off due to their biological compositions or rarity."

"So nobody is going to try and eat Chad?"

Chad looked up between the trainers. "Chop?"

Jasmine gave the Machop a head pat and smiled. "Absolutely not. Besides, with our abundance of grass pokemon, our normal trees and berries are always in surplus due to pollination. Vegetarian options are quite popular."

Thad took the journal back, casting a wary gaze at Jasmine. "And you're a vegetarian."

"Yes, how'd you know?"

"Because ya don't got meat, honey," Thad casually announced. Jasmine's face turned a shade of red as Thad shook his head. "No wonder ya need dudes like Chad. Y'all are eating berries and twigs, lookin' like 'em and stuff. You are what you eat?"

"Is that so?" Jasmine retorted, though her voice lacked any malice. "What are you then?"

Thad smirked. "An absolute beefcake."

Jasmine groaned, avoiding eye contact with the shirtless hunk. They continued northward on the path, going up a slight incline into a sparsely populated forest. Thad's attention quickly shifted to the odd sounds around them, from buzzing to chirps to some sounds resembling a person finishing their last deadlift set. Thad caught Jasmine watching his attentiveness with a sly smile, but she remained quiet as they treaded uphill.

As they crested to the top of the hill, a rumble came from the bushes, and a large bovine creature dashed out toward the group. Thad immediately hurdled the charging beast with swan-like grace as Chad yanked Jasmine aside to dodge the creature rolling out toward them.

"Damn that's one fast round cow," Thad remarked, his stance wide and aggressive as the cow-like creature had stopped its momentum and faced the musclebound trainer. "So, it's a fight?"

"Must be an escaped Miltank from the farm," Jasmine noted with curiosity. "Odd that it would attack us. We should tame it and return it to the owners."

"Moooo!" The Miltank roared, its hooves kicking at the dirt.

Thad looked over to Chad, and the Machop had already dropped Jasmine's gear and saddled up near his trainer. Thad gave his partner a fist bump and reached for Dwayne's Pokeball.

"Just use your Machop!" Jasmine shouted. She distanced herself from the brewing storm and drew a confused look from Thad.

"Why not? We can totally outnumber and tag team this cow."

"Try fighting it one on one! Strengthening your bond with Chad will be better this way!" Jasmine replied. She dug into her shallow dress pocket and released a Pokeball of her own, revealing a triad magnet creature like Thad had seen at the gym previously. "I'll be protected, but show me what you can do!"

"Alright, Chad," Thad bellowed, locking eyes with the enraged Miltank, "give him the ole' bossman special!"

Chad began to charge forward, but the Milktank rolled up into a ball and blitzed by Chad, with the Machop barely sidestepping in time as the Miltank started to come back around for another charge.

"Does your Machop know Dual Chop?" Jasmine shouted from the trees. "Since the Miltank is faster than you, having a multi-attack move might help you!"

"Slap chop?" Thad replied. "Girl, that's a blender. Not some karate move. Get your facts right, homie.

Jasmine buried her face in her hands. "I said Dual Chop! Not slap chop you meathead!"

Thad shrugged. "So it's a different brand? I don't see how that helps Chad fight this round cow."

"It's a Miltank!"

Thad snapped his fingers. "Riiight, like the chowder!" Jasmine threw her hands up in the air and said something under her breath. Thad turned back to Chad who awaited instruction. "It's just lactose, bro. Slap the milk outta 'em."

Chad's stance widened as the Miltank rushed back for another rolling barrage, and the brave Machop when for an overhand slap. He missed the timing slightly and promptly got run over by the Miltank. Thad winced as the Machop laid on his back, completely flattened on the ground, but still moving a bit.

"Quickly!"

"You think I don't know that?" Thad shouted back. "Ey, yo Chad! Get your butt up, it's coming again! This time, use that low leg kick thing!"

"You mean Low Kick?"

Thad waved Jasmine off. 'Yeah, yeah, that's the one. Give it to 'em good big guy!"

The Miltank rounded again at Chad, but this time the Machop braced for impact, holding its right leg back. With a careful sidestep, the Machop used its leg like a golf driver at the Milktank, though it swerved ever so slightly poor Chad that they traded blows.

Chad fell over to the ground unconscious, his eyes blearily looking up at the sunny sky. The Miltank slammed into a tree but appeared to be still lucid and angry.

"That is one sturdy cow," Thad whistled, recalling Chad back into his Pokeball. He looked back to Jasmine. "So now I can use Dwayne?"

"Absolutely. It looks like the Milktank is getting tired. One more good hit should subdue it so we can return it," Jasmine replied. Her floating magnet Pokemon buzzed alongside her, in only what Thad could assume was an encouragement.

Thad snatched Dyawne's Pokeball and threw it up high in the air. Red light poured down, and the rock with arms materialized in front of Thad.

"Alright, here's the scoop," Thad rattled off, "we've got a mad cow that needs a slappin'. You dig it?"

"Geo!" Dwayne immediately scooped out handfuls of dirt and burrowed underneath the ground.

Thad pursed his lips and tilted his head. I mean, I'll take that as a yes. He took a few steps back to avoid the rolling Miltank, which completely missed the submerged Geodude. Thad's eyes lit up. Wait, I'm a genius!

"Thad, tell your—"

"I'm already two and a half steps ahead of you, Jazzy," Thad replied. He kept a close eye on the Miltank as it took another large swath to turn around, and Thad looked down into the hole. "Come up when I give you the word. You'll know it when I saw it."

A small voice echoed out of the hole. "Geo geo!"

We'll need perfect timing, but we'll knock that lactose for a loop so hard it'll curdle under our might!

"Hold there rock steady, Dyawne," Thad instructed, his eyes fixed on the rapidly approaching Miltank. "Right...about...now!"

The Milktank let out a high-pitched yelp. Dwayne shot out of the ground like a bullet, his rocky fists bludgeoning the cow's rear end and popping it up into the air like a fly ball. The Geodude followed the Miltank into the air and for Thad, it's like time slowed.

The Miltank looked thoroughly shocked as its powerful, yet stubby hooved feet flailed about. Dwayne shouted something in his own langauge; a battle cry of triumph no doubt. Thad stole a glance at Jasmine, and he felt confident that she and the strange magnet creature's attention was fully fixated on the airborne skirmish.

"Give 'em the slap-down!"

"It's Smackdown!" Jasmine hastily corrected.

"Right, that one Dwayne!" Thad ordered.

The Geodude happily obliged by balling its fists together and promptly spiking the Miltank into the soft soil. The Milktank moaned and rolled around momentarily before settling, letting out a great wheeze, and passing out. Seeing his imminent victory, Thad immediately gave a side frame flexing pose to which Dwayne joined in with his own bicep flex.

Thad turned his head toward the sound of soft applause from Jasmine. Even the triad magnet beside her buzzed happily alongside her, matching her rhythm.

"Quite the maneuver!" Jasmine said, walking up toward the Miltank. She bent over the dazed beast and began investigating it for any injuries. "Let's see here...aha!"

Jasmine removed a small blue spiked ball from behind the Miltank's ear. No larger than a tennis ball, she held the prickly object with her fingernails. Thad walked up and looked at the object with curiosity, rubbing his chin.

"That the problem?" Thad asked.

Jasmine nodded. "I think so. Poor Miltank must've gotten attached to this sticky barb, and that's why they were acting out. Ever have an itch that you couldn't scratch? This is ten times worse."

"Bruh, I know exactly that feeling," Thad replied in earnest. "Plus, poor milky dude ain't got thumbs," he cast a pitiful glance toward the Miltank, "that's rough buddy."

"Still, it's quite good to see you think quick on your feet." Jasmine pocketed the sticky barb and fully faced Thad, looking up at the towering beefcake. "I think Chuck may have been onto something. What you lack for in...uh, never mind. You're adaptable and take direction much better than I would have guessed."

Thad flexed his pecs and then posed, giving Jasmine a grin that oozed machismo and confidence. "I ain't above listening to people who know their stuff. When I started my regiment, I was taught to listen closely to my betters. The only pie I indulge in from time to time is a little humble pie, if you catch my drift."

"That's good!" Jasmine said, hopping a bit with excitement. Her face flushed a slight shade of red, realizing her giddiness. She quickly quelled her outburst by clearing her voice and looked down the road. "We should get going and return the Miltank. I have a revive, so if you and your Machop could—"

Thad patted Jasmine on the shoulder and chuckled. He walked past her and before the Miltank, observing its structure briefly, and then gripped its forelegs and hindlegs each in one of his hands. Without a grunt or breaking a sweat, Thad snatched the Miltank and hefted the beast onto his shoulders in a makeshift fireman's carry. The Miltank let out a weak 'moo' as it settled onto Thad's bulging trapezius muscles.

"This little guy is like the perfect weight for squats," Thad laughed, doing a few squats to test out his theory. "Huh. Not too shabby."

Jasmine blinked and her jaw dropped. "D-did you just lift a Miltank?"

"Uh, yeah?" Thad quirked a brow. "Figured it'd be easier than dragging the poor dude, plus Chad could use a break." Thad quickly freed a hand and returned Dwayne to his Pokeball. "Alright got that squared away. Now, go get your backpack. I'll carry that too."

"O-okay," Jasmine meekly replied. She retrieved the bag from the treeline and with great effort tossed it to Thad. "You sure?"

Thad threaded his arms through the backpack so it was on his chest. "Yeah, as long as ole' protein shake don't start bucking."

"Well...okay then. Let's go. It shouldn't be too far," Jasmine said. "And you'll let me know if you get tired? We can take a break."

"Nah, fam, this is just the kinda burn I needed," Thad said, walking forward. He did a few lunges to even prove his point. "This little trip just got better."

Jasmine simply shook her head and led the way down Route 39. They passed a few trainers, most of which gawked at the man who carried the Miltank like it was nothing. He basked in the attention, sending the younger kids toothy grins and some of the female ace trainers some suggestive winks.

By the time they arrived at the farm, the owner graciously rewarded the two, though Jasmine made it evident it was Thad's muscles and tactical prowess that made the difference. Even so, they were both rewarded with a bottle of MooMoo Milk; a local delicacy. Thad, naturally, asked the farmer for the nutritional details and protein content, to which he was supplied with and extremely pumped about.

With permission from the farm, they prepared to make camp for the night in the fields underneath the starry sky. With Chad and Dwayne revived thanks to Jasmine's cavalcade of healing supplies, Thad divvied out the protein bar rations that had been given to him by Chuck. They were a bit chewy, but they consumed them happily nonetheless.

"So this is what it's like, eh?" Thad was seated on a thin blanket, leaning back on his elbows with both his Pokemon at his side. "Camping under the clear skies and trying to survive nature?"

Jasmine sat in a foldout chair; one of the many supplies stuffed inside her large backpack. "It is. People co-existing with nature and all that dwell within it. It's a harmony we strive for, and people camping is quite common."

"Fair enough," Thad replied, looking at the stars. "Still, I gotta wonder...why I'm here, ya know?"

"Why you're here?" Jasmine mimicked back in curiosity. "What do you mean by that? Chuck's letter said you were some shipwrecked foreigner." Her voice softened and she leaned forward in her chair. "Do you miss home?"

Thad looked to Chad; the wily Machop was currently bantering with Dwayne about something. The two Pokemon chirped happily and flexed at each other, drawing forth a smile from Thad.

"I'm not sure," Thad said, a thoughtful sparkle in his brown eyes. "This place is dope, ya know, but there's still something that's getting at me." He looked towards his Pokemon, a small chuckle slipping out through his lips as they began to arm wrestle. "But, maybe I've found something better. Always thought this kiddie stuff was nonsense. Hell, having a goldfish was the most of a pet I've ever had. I just know how to deal with gym bros, so that's how I treat 'em."

"Well, it seems to be working. They like you," Jasmine said, pointing at the shenanigans. "You've left quite the impression. That's important when it comes to forging bonds with your Pokemon. Something I've been told since I was a child, and something I try to share with others when given the chance. Why I became a gym leader like my grandpa."

"Okay, just to be clear," Thad sat up, raising a finger, "that gyms aren't specifically for working out, but some kind of arena thing, right? Because I ain't gonna lie. Not seeing a bench or squat rack in your building was a bit disheartening."

"It's as you said, more like a training arena," Jasmine answered. "Each one is different depending on the leader. I chose something minimalist for my steel-type gym since Rusty destroys things so easily."

"The metal snake guy?"

There's a compensating joke somewhere in there, Thad pondered. He shook his head, dispelling the juvenile thought.

"Yes, though it's called a Steelix." Jasmine sighed. "I'll do my best to get you up to speed on Pokemon, types, and learned sets."

"Alright, as long as I help you with getting on a workout routine and naming your dudes," Thad offered with a hint of sarcasm. "Seriously, 'Rusty' for a big metal snake? C'mon."

"I was young!"

"So was I, but I've always had a knack for names. Named more workouts than I can count with equally epic names." Thad scratched at his stubble and rolled his eyes. "I'll get you on the right path. With my workout plan, you'll be actually worthy of being a steel gym leader. Abs harder than iron and a booty that won't quit." He pointed at Jasmine, wagging his finger. "We gonna bulk you up, Jazzy. Luckily, you're talking to an expert. As long as you fill me in on what edible stuff we've got around, I'll craft a meal plan and routine that'll make the fitness gods blush."

Jasmine shrunk back into her chair. "I'm overjoyed." Her voice was fragile and quiet as she avoided eye contact with Thad. She cleared her voice and frowned. "Sorry, that wasn't honest. I'm just, uh, not used to someone being so passionate about something other than Pokemon."

Pre-workout jitters, Thad thought. Normal stuff. For someone who likes the rocky type dudes, to not touch a weight...It's a good thing I'm here now.

"It's normal to have doubts about things you ain't good at. I mean, look at me," Thad gestured to himself, "I'm buff, tall, gorgeous, and I keep chomping at the bit. But!" He tapped the side of his head and smirked. "But, I always keep going forward. For example, I'm not the best at academics, but I never let that slow me down. Asking for help ain't weakness, it's about attitude on how we do things. Negativity ain't the way, honey."

"That was really thoughtful...where'd you learn that?"

"I minored in therapeutic athletics, majored in economics," Thad rattled off. "I know like two things; how to motivate people through flexing and some money stuff. Everything else is whatever."

"I see." Jasmine stretched her arms out and yawned. "I think it's time I retired to my tent. Ecruteak shouldn't be more than half a day away."

"Rest well. We've got a big day ahead of us. Tomorrow starts you're routine!"

Jasmine let out a low groan, and Thad chuckled. He stood up and hopped over to Jasmine, catching her by the arm, and spun her around. She froze as he locked eyes with her and raised a closed fist.

"Teamwork makes the dream work, baby." Thad let go of her arm and paused for a moment. "Uh, ya bump it girlie."

"Oh, okay?" Jasmine softly bumped her knuckles against Thad's much larger fist. He pulled it back quickly and pumped his arms in the air and let out a shout. "Did I do it right?"

"It's a start, which is all anyone needs," Thad replied. He gave her a thumbs up and flashed a toothy grin. "Now get some sleep. I gotta do my evenin' stretches with the rest of my crew."

And with that, Jasmine slipped inside her tent. Thad turned back to his Pokemon, still locked in an arm-wrestling match.

"Alright bros, it's time to get some late-night stretch in before we hit the hay!"

A/N: The 'bro' energy continues to be infectious as Thad starts his journey with Jasmine. Next stop, Ecruteak city (and maybe some gym action and other stuff there?!). What do you think is going to happen? Also, I have another Pokemon slotted to join Team Beefcake soon. Stay tuned. On another note, what Pokemon would you like to see join Thad? I've got most of it figured out, but I'm curious about what you all might be thinking.

Also, after re-evaluating my schedule (again) I'll probably have to slim it down to once-a-week updates. While as fun as this is to write, I have other projects that need attention. So I'm aiming for Sundays. Just an FYI and I'll do my best to keep you all in the loop with steady, fun, and zany content.

Review Response: Thanks for all the wonderful feedback thus far!

UDTimburrhog: Thank you, and I have plans in place for other silly names and Pokemon to join. As for Jasmine, she's going to be the voice of reason to Thad's gunghoe 'let's get this bread' attitude. Thanks for the review.

ModernHog: Thank you :D

Cavik: Not quite, and it's not like Thad would know. He's still baffled by Pokemon in general and doesn't know how to treat them other than gym bros lol.

Frankieu: Thanks! I couldn't resist it with the Geodude lol.

Sandford9687: The travel will be relatively quick-paced, as it's focused on Thad's goal.

TheHiddenLettuce: He's a good dudebro. He's just very obsessed with working out, garnering attention, and pumping others up.

Crowbars357: Stop looking at my notes :p

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Until next time, later!