The doors to Ecruteak's Pokemon gym were wide open. The dimly lit interior gave way to a small stream of people leaving the old wooden building with slumped shoulders and darting eyes. Sudden and sharp sounds of thuds and powerful psychokinetic attacks came from within. A sinister, purple miasma had settled around the top of the roof like a smoke ring as if to ward off those foolhardy enough to venture into the lair of a Ghost-type master.

Thad was that foolhardy or simply didn't notice the signs as he strolled up to the front door. No shoes and no shirt for the jock, but someone was going to be served today.

"Well, Jazzy, the sun's out," Thad flexed his biceps and traps. He'd discarded his shirt earlier in the morning, letting his tanned skin soak in the sun. "Which means the guns are out. I've got eight hours of sleep in a warm bed at the Pokemon center, ate a large breakfast, and I'm ready to kick some ass."

Jasmine stood off to the side of the building, her arms crossed with a large sun hat on her head obscuring her face a bit. She'd opted for a steel-colored, sleeveless summer dress that cut off just above her kneecaps.

"Very well," Jasmine sighed. "I do want to remind you that Morty is my colleague, and not to be excessively...bro-ish."

Thad squinted his eyes at Jasmine, almost leering over her. "You ask the impossible of me, Jazz. A bro's gotta do what a bro's gotta do."

"It was worth a shot, I suppose," Jasmine said with a shrug. She gestured toward the foreboding entrance. "Shall we? Seems Morty is taking on a plethora of challenges today and has drawn a crowd." Her eyes followed a teenage boy dressed in yellow shorts and a red graphic t-shirt leaving the building; a dozing Rattata clutched in his arms. "And it seems Morty is improving his record against those unprepared."

Thad pointed triumphantly at the doorway. "Let's get it on!" He shouted, followed by charging off into the darkness.

The need for 'yeeting' himself across the abyss of the Ecruteak Gym's shadow trap maze was unneeded today, as the floorboards seemed to be restored. The gym trainers and onlookers were gathered at the far end of the gym, surrounding the battlefield. Thad's expression faltered a tad, groaning with mild disappointment over the lack of pre-game challenge and potential for an appropriately dramatic entrance.

And here I thought I could stretch my legs a bit, Thad pondered as he rolled his shoulders. His hands drifted to the Pokeballs on the belt of his biking shorts. Still, got the crew with me and a sick gameplan. Gonna dunk on these ghosts like I'm Bill Murray up in this place.

Jasmine trailed behind Thad at a leisurely pace as the towering jock joined the crowd of onlookers. He stood a full foot over most other patrons at the event, watching as Morty shook hands with his latest victim to the pernicious Ghost-types.

"It was well fought, and your mastery is coming along," Morty said to the young lass; no older than sixteen. He patted her on the shoulder and gave a slight nod. "Continue to train, and you'll be there in no time."

The brunette girl in overalls nodded solemnly and shook hands with the gym leader, and then pushed her way through the crowd, her eyes cheeks slightly flush and eyes watery. Thad watched the younger girl walk off in a hurry, before returning his attention to the sweater-clad gym leader.

"Quite the eventful morning," Morty remarked in a cool and relaxed voice. He looked around the crowd and gestured outward, extending his arms. "Are there any other challenges before we break for lunch?"

Thad looked over his shoulder, sending a wink Jasmine's way, and then pushed his way through the crowd. "Eyy, my dude, Thad here. Let's have a battle! I'm ready to clap them invisible booty cheeks."

Morty pushed up the sleeves on his grey sweater, and a faint groan emanated from the rear of the ground. Thad stepped onto the dirt field; a thick plastic sheet in one hand with scrawlings of writing and charts on both sides. Morty wrinkled his nose and sniffed lightly as Thad stepped up to him, and they exchanged a tense and firm handshake.

"You're quite confident, I must say," Morty drawled, yanking his hand back from Thad's iron grip. "I'm surprised you've come for a rematch so soon. I take it Jasmine has been tutoring you well?"

"Ole' Jazz-hands and me got the deets on a hot game plan." Thad waggled the plastic cheat sheet. "A good coach always comes prepared for his homies."

The crowd began to whisper amongst themselves. A collection of farmers with mud on their overalls and jeans from Route 39, a few locals dressed in flowery short-sleeved summer attire, and a few trainers off to the side dressed in more foreign attire, such as a young woman dressed in a black and white gothic-themed dress with a frown upon her pale face.

Morty nodded. "Very well. My channelers will serve as referees for the match. I shall be in a standard three on three format for the purposes of this challenge. Do you agree to these terms?"

"Fo' show, ghost boy," Thad said, flashing a thumbs up to the gym leader. He began to walk toward the challenger's side of the torn-up dirt field and cast a glance over his shoulder. "I'm here to bring the thunder. When that whistle blows, it's game time, baby."

Morty chuckled, covering his mouth with his hand. "Of course," he quietly replied. "You certainly are a bold one."

Both trainers squared up in their painted section on the edge of the tarnished field. Much like the freighting type of Pokemon, the old cracked flooring and cobwebs nestled near the ceiling gave the area an abandoned house feel. Even the lights occasionally flickered or dimmed at random, either intentionally or due to the tainted latent energies.

One of the robed channelers stepped forward, an older woman with wispy white hair that looked like soiled cotton candy sprouting from her head. Their voice was gravely and squeaked like a window shutter in a storm. "The match will commence once both Pokemon are released. Standard league rules. Three Pokemon are permitted for each contestant, and once they are unable to continue, they will be removed. Understood?"

"I feel ya," Thad said, pulling out a Pokeball from his waist. He lowered his voice to a whisper, holding the Pokeball close to his mouth. "I still don't know if you can hear me, but if you can, be sure to do the thing we talked about. Ole' one-two combo."

"Ready?" Morty shouted, holding up a Pokeball. He opened the ball, revealing a pool of purple smoke pouring out alongside the red beam of light, and a pair of large eyes and wide-mouthed materialized within the fog. "My Ghastly shall be first up. Go ahead and choose wisely, Thad."

Thad hurled the Pokeball high into the air, nearly hitting the vaulted ceiling as the red light poured downward, taking the form of a slightly shorter version of Thad's own physique. He held his plastic sheet in front of his face, just enough to cover his nose, and bent his knees into a semi-squat.

"Alright, Chad, the show is yours. Just like we practiced!"

"Begin!" The channeler shouted in a shrill tone, waving their arms in a grandiose manner. The crowd quieted down as the Pokemon engaged in a staredown.

The Machoke immediately held his hands up to his eyes, much like someone would pretend to have a pair of binoculars. He bent his knees and leaned forward a bit before belting out a hearty, "Macho!"

Morty pointed at the opposing Fighting-type Pokemon. "An interesting choice. Ghastly, use Mean Look. We shall not let this type advantage go to waste!"

Looks like he doesn't know! Thad's eyes widened. A wicked grin spread across his lips. Glad I got this sheet to hide my face. Ghost boy is about to feel the hurt.

"Go ahead and give 'em the bossman special!" Thad shouted.

A few people in the audience leaned forward as the Machoke broke out into a sprint toward the Ghastly. Morty rubbed his chin and hummed as the Pokemon approached his Ghastly. No signs of elemental effects coursed around the Machoke, and the gym leader sighed.

"It appears you've yet to learn about type relationships, Thad," Morty said in a tired tone. He held up a fist, signaling his Ghastly to hold position. "I'm afraid this match will be another learning—"

A resounding pop boomed out from the center of the field. Cobwebs in the rafters split apart from the shockwave of the quickly delivered punch from Chad, who stood over the fumes of Morty's Ghastly that bubbled on the ground before the Fighting-type powerhouse's feet. The crowd grew restless and began to mutter amongst themselves.

"D-did that Machoke just punch a Ghastly?"

"What did I miss?"

"How!? I swear that was a Dynamic Punch!"

Morty recalled his Ghastly, a pensive look upon his face. He waited a moment as the channeler raised an arm and shouted across the arena, stating what had just transpired. A Machoke had one-shot Morty's first Pokemon in spectacular fashion.

"Boomshakalaka!" Thad threw his head back, laughing. "Ah man, it actually worked!"

"It was a well played diversion," Morty pulled out his next Pokeball, holding in his palm for a moment. "No verbal cue for an immediate Foresight? I take back what I said. You are quite prepared. I shall not take you lightly from here on out, knowing who you train with." He shot a glance toward Jasmine in the crowd, who simply tipped her large sun hat forward to obscure her face. "Let us proceed, Thad."

Morty quickly recalled his defeated Ghastly and sent out his next Pokemon; another shadow that had taken physical form. Claw-like hands drifted away from its purple body, and a large tongue dangled from its jagged maw.

So, we'll have to be careful with this one since he knows the technique. Thad rubbed his chin, and raised the play sheet a bit higher, scanning the contents of type match-ups and move lists. Still, that doesn't mean we can't rumble a bit and see what his strats are.

"Chad, go ahead and size the blob up!"

"Haunter, use Curse!" Morty shouted. "After that, be prepared to dodge!"

Chad's hands once again formed little cylinders around his eyes, zeroing in and focusing on the Ghost-type. The Haunter let out a great screech and purple energy burst forth from its form and collided with Chad, causing him to skid back a bit. Thad narrowed his eyes, looking for any damage, but Chad appeared unharmed by the attack.

"Gotta do better than that, dude. My boy is thick!" Thad said with a smile. He raised his hand and pointed at the Haunter. "Charge on dude! Show 'em who's boss! Use the second maneuver!"

Chad rumbled across the dilapidated arena with the grace of a sprinter, pumping his arms and legs with exquisite form. The Haunter drifted upward, trying to evade the musclehead's range. Morty remained silent as he watched with rapt attention as Chad got underneath the Haunter and crouched down into a powerful squat.

"He's leaping at you," Morty warned. "Use Sucker Punch!"

Just as Chad lifted from the ground, fists balled up and raised over his head. He rocketed upward toward the Haunter, and just as he was nearly upon the creature, dark spectral hands materialized before Chad and clipped him across the chin. He let out a grunt, but powered through and delivered an overhead strike to the Haunter, sending the gaseous Pokemon careening toward the ground, skipping along the floorboards like a stone.

"Nice slap! Way to knock him off his game!" Thad cheered, pumping his fist. Chad landed on the ground in a superhero pose, but lingered there for a moment with a hand over his chest. Thad hummed lightly under his breath and whispered out, "that's not right. Must be that curse? Not really sure what the hell that move was. I saw him get decked on the chin, but he took it like a champ."

"Alright Haunter, get a hold of yourself and use—"

"Yo!" Thad's voice boomed over Morty's command. " Get in there and mess 'em up! The clock is against us bro!"

Morty grimaced and opted for a few hand signs to his Pokemon, and the Haunter once again floated upward. Chad was upon the ghost in an instant, throwing wild punches and low kicks with reckless abandon. Dark spectral hands appeared before every strike, landing a glancing blow on the advancing juggernaut before tanking one of Chad's thunderous attacks. Every third to fourth strike Chad would hesitate a bit and clench his chest before advancing once more, though the pained look on his face didn't escape Thad.

He's almost drained. He's trading blow after blow, but keeps getting beat to the punch. Ghost man is gonna win if we don't wreck 'em quick, Thad hastily thought.

"Alright, give 'em the boss man special once more! Out with a bang!" Thad shouted, pointing at the Haunter. "He's on the ropes!"

"Haunter, use one more Sucker Punch!" Morty commanded, and just as the words left his mouth the Pokemon collided in a large plume of smoke.

The crowd once again began to whisper as the channeler brought out a large fan to clear the dust. The Haunter and Chad both lay side by side, knocked out cold. Bruises dotted Chad's greyish skin and the Haunter's purple body flickered as it struggled to remain corporeal. Chad then pushed himself off the ground with wobbly legs and strained arms. He gave Thad a thumbs up.

"Machoooo!" Chad's war cry shook the walls of the gym.

"Knockout," the channeler mused. "Recall your Pokemon. The challenger is up by two."

"Bold of you to keep your Machoke in the fight," Morty remarked as he recalled his Haunter. "Most would have swapped."

"We had the momentum," Thad winked at the gym leader. "Plus, my bro can get a bit feisty if I don't let him finish a good scrap, ya feel me?"

"Very well. Here's my last Pokemon," Morty tossed out a Pokeball, and a large shadow appeared in the center of the arena. The shadow shot upward, taking an almost ovoid shape with pointed ears, dark red eyes, and a menacing grin flashing white teeth. "This is my prized Pokemon, Genger. You may be ahead, but overconfidence has taken down many before."

"Yeah, yeah, bro. It's not my first rodeo," Thad said, rolling his eyes. "Just get prepared to be dunked on."

The Gengar stuck its tongue out and blew a raspberry at Chad. A surge of pridefulness coursed through Chad as he immediately charged ahead, much to Thad's dismay. The powerful fighting type immediately chose to use Foresight like before on the previous types, but Thad's confidence wavered as he noticed Morty crack a slight grin.

"Hey bro, back off a bit and—"

"Gengar, use Hypnosis while they're focused on you!"

The Gengar's eyes went a dark shade of pink as telekinetic waves washed over the Machoke, slowing him with each successive hit. His arms fell to his sides and it became a herculean effort to even move his legs until he slumped forward and loud snoring echoed out across the battlefield. Thad facepalmed and groaned at the display, and the crowd began to mutter.

"Using the same strategy over and over may be effective, yet predictable," Morty intoned as he rubbed his chin. "Adaptability in a fight is key. Using the same move over and over no matter how effective will only yield diminishing returns. Now," he cleared his throat and pointed at the sleeping Machoke, "Gengar, use Dream Eater!"

"Gar!" The shadow Pokemon excitedly belted and more psychic waves poured forth from Chad's head this time, funneling their way into Gengar's inky body. "Gahaha!"

Chad moaned and twitched in his sleep as the nightmare incarnate sapped his willpower and mental fortitude. Thad fervently looked at his playsheet, comparing the type advantages of Pokemon moves.

It can't be a Ghost-type move, it's making Chad freak out tons. What kinda weird tech did this discount Ghostbuster bring?

"Get the hell up, bro! We ain't snoozing on the job!" Thad bellowed, cupping his hands over his mouth. "Get a move on and slap that shadowy hoe!"

Despite his cries, Chad continued to twitch, locked in a perpetual nightmare of psychic damage, until he let out one final long moan, and his body stopped moving. The channeler leaned forward, then raised their fans in the air.

"Chad is unable to continue and has fainted due to exhaustion. Next Pokemon from the challenger!"

Hardly a fight if ya ask me. Putting homies to sleep like some kinda sketchy dude on a bad date. Thad fumbled for his next Pokeball and clicked the front button, enlarging it. Well, let's hope Dwayne is gonna rock this dude's shit.

"Alright dude, looks like we resorting to them cheap tactics, eh? Well, I still got hands to throw if ya want some good ole fashioned slappin'." Thad tossed out his Pokeball, revealing Dwayne. The Graveler spread out his four rocky arms, beckoning the enemy Gengar with no restrained fear. "Alright Dwayne, just like we practiced! Give 'em the people's elbow and try not to look right at the shadowy jerk!"

"A Ground-type," Morty mused, nodding. "Definitely can pose a problem, but we'll see if you're fast enough."

Dwayne rumbled forth, carving out a path through the floorboards. His speed was nothing spectacular, but he moved faster than one would imagine a boulder with the legs the size of the average toddler, which is to say, a leisurely jog with lots of swaying. Morty's Gengar squared up against the encroaching boulder and zeroed in on their prey; their eyes lighting up once more.

"Look away from the light, bro!"

Despite the warning, rocky eyelids didn't move as fast as ethereal or fleshy ones. The hypnotic waves crashed into Dwayne much as they had with Chad before him, and he stumbled, rolling forward onto his face. Like a bowling ball dropped mid-swing, he rolled forward a bit and nestled himself into a sunken part of the uneven floor.

"Get your booty up, Dwayne! We need to take this guy to rock bottom!" Thad cheered, but the sound of gestating gravel was all that greeted him from Dwayne's open maw.

"Another straightforward attack," Morty chided, shaking his head. "I'll try to make this quick. Gengar, use Dream Eater again!"

Thad's knuckles turned white as he gripped his playsheet. His jaw set and eyes ablaze with anger as he stood by helplessly, watching his companion get sapped of their energy once more. He looked over to Jasmine in the crowd and saw her eyes were wide with a hand covering her mouth. The rest of the audience was captive to watch the one-sided affair, and Thad began to reach for his third and final Pokemon.

The Gengar fattened itself upon Dwayne's dreams, and despite the occasional buckle or twitch from the boulder, he too petered out of energy and let out a final 'Grav…' as he rolled onto his back and his arms splayed out. Thad Recalled his companion and pat the Pokeball, mustering up his most reassuring smile, if not for his fallen comrade, but to keep his own spirits high.

"The challenger's Pokemon is unable to battle," the channeler droned. "Final Pokemon for each trainer."

Thad looked down at the Pokeball and grimaced. "Well, you've always been trouble for me, so how about causing trouble for this dream stealing asshole?" The jock whispered as he tossed up the Pokeball. "Alright, let's clean house, Trouble!"

"A Sneasel?" Morty took a step back, raising an eyebrow. "My, I didn't expect such an ace from you. An excellent choice!"

"Oh, that's just the start," Thad replied. "My girl is hyperactive as hell. Good luck trying to get in a hit or put 'er to sleep."

Trouble let out a yawn and scratched the back of her head. She looked at the crowd and waved at Jasmine, who immediately pointed back toward the battlefield.

"Focus, Trouble!"

"Yeah, girl!" Thad shouted. "We here to get more of them badges, so look at the blob on the other side, and let 'em know you're here to play!"

"Gengar, use Hypnosis!" Morty quickly retorted. "We shall not allow an opening!"

"Snee!" Trouble screeched, and it blew a raspberry back at the Gengar just as its eyes began to flicker a shade of pink. The Gengar shook its head and let out a low growl; the psychic energy dissipating.

Trouble has always been one to use a good Taunt, Thad pondered. Morty's one to talk about repeat strategies. Going for sleep a third time. I may be done, but I came with them second-half adjustments as any good coach does.

"Taunt," Morty remarked in a bland tone. "Riling up my Pokemon to focus on offense against a type disadvantage?"

"Oh yeah, ghost boy," Thad chuckled. "Now, Trouble! Get in that dude's grill!"

"Gengar, use Sucker Punch and then retreat!"

Dark spectral hands materialized before Trouble as she broke into a zigzag sprint. Unlike the measured, straight-line athleticism of Chad or rumbling of Dwayne, Trouble kicked up a storm of dust as she zipped around, forcing the Gengar to take a back step as it tried to track the erratic movement. The dark hands collided with Trouble, but barely left a mark as the speedster materialized in front of the off-balance Gengar.

"Time for some Payback, baby!" Thad howled, and he began to pace on his side of the arena. He crossed his arms and felt his heartbeat wildly thrum as he watched what was once the Achilles heel of his team land a devastating blow on the ghost. "No quarter Trouble. Go ham!"

Trouble needed little encouragement as they let out a shrill battle cry. Bite attacks mixed in with their claws shrouded in Dark-type energy to land vicious Paybacks gave the Gengar no breathing room. The shadowy 'Mon tried to slip away, but Trouble remained oppressive in their assault. The Sneasel was too fast for the Gengar, as Thad's fervent cardio had paid off in splendid fashion.

It's like they say, Thad thought, everyone's got a plan until they get hit in the mouth. Rattle 'em up good and don't give 'em time to think other than survive. That's why cardio is king!

"Gengar," Morty's voice wavered a bit as he zeroed in on discolored splotches tattered his Gengar's body, "use Focus Blast! Create some space!"

"They're desperate! Here comes the haymaker!" Thad commanded. He was nearly on his tippy toes as he was pacing back and forth. "Slip underneath and slap 'em with the quick frosty hands!"

A frosty veneer shrouded over the Sneasel's dark purple fur. The Gengar's jolly smile twisted into a sadistic sneer as they brought their arms close, forming a bright orb of coiled energy. Light filled the room, causing the audience and trainers to shield their eyes.

The light then immediately retracted as the sound of glass shattering rang out. Icicle shards were embedded in Morty's Gengar; the Pokemon laying prone on their back with their eyes listlessly looking up into the rafters. They slowly sank into the floor, no more than a shadow of their former self.

"Match...Gengar is unable to continue," the channeler's voice warbled as they looked over to Thad with wide eyes. "The winner is the challenger."

"Good job! Yeah!" Jasmine hollered from the crowd, pumping a fist in the air. A few farmers in the crowd turned toward the Steel-specialist, and she immediately retracted back toward herself as the attention swiveled upon her. She gave a meek smile toward Thad, who flashed a great smile and thumbs up.

Even Jazzy is fired up. Gotta love a nail-biter! Thad held out Trouble's Pokeball and waved the wily Sneasel toward him. "Alright, Trouble. Job's done, so you can go back!"

"Snee!" Trouble stuck out their tongue.

Thad tried to recall Trouble, but they side-stepped the beam of red light. He groaned and shot out another attempt at a recall, but Trouble evaded it once more. Murmurs began to rise from the crowd, Morty crossed his arms and tilted his head, and Jasmine simply shook her head.

"Alright, guess we playing that game today," Thad stowed his Pokeball and jogged out toward Trouble. He squared up against the Pokemon and squinted his eyes. "Show's over dudette. Don't make me wrestle ya."

"Siiil." Trouble purred out, playfully beckoning Thad forward with their talons. "Sneease!"

Morty began walking toward the center of the arena; an amused expression upon his pale face. "Perhaps some more discipline is in order?"

"Oh, y'all about to see some discipline." Thad cracked his knuckles and bent down, his arms held out wide in preparation to corral his quarry. "I'll be with you in a moment, ghost man."

Thad lunged forward, but his fingers slipped over Trouble's glossy coat as they twisted away from him. He repositioned again and made another attempt to snatch them up, but Trouble jumped above the attempt and landed on Thad's head, and ran down his back. The crowd began to snicker a bit at the display.

"Bruh." Thad turned around to face Trouble. They were holding their sides, giggling. Thad facepalmed and massaged his brow. "Dude, we won. Let's not do this, eh?"

Morty stepped beside Thad, patting him on the shoulder. He leaned in and whispered, "have they always been so rambunctious?"

"Yup," Thad lamented, popping the 'p'. "Trouble is trouble for everyone. No exceptions."

A low pitch whistle came from the crowd, and a woman stepped forward with a poffin in her hand. Thad recognized her as the petite lady that stood away from the farmers near the back, dressed in a gothic white and black dress, heeled boots, and a white bow nestled on the side of her short-cropped black hair.

Trouble sniffed the air and bounded toward the woman, approaching with equal parts suspicion and curiosity. Thad watched with rapt curiosity as the woman held out the poffin and maintained eye contact with the mischievous Pokemon until she touched their red feather and fed them the treat by hand. Trouble began to purr softly and nestled against the woman, and she looked up to Thad and gave a slight nod.

Well, looks like a little unexpected help is dope. Thad returned his attention to Morty, who watched the woman and Sneasel with a curious glint in his eye. What's the dude seeing?

"So, good fight there, besides the sleeping moves and whatnot." Thad extended his hand out for a handshake. "Still, I know I'm getting into the swing of things. Figured I had a solid gameplan."

Morty shook Thad's hand, and the jock felt a bit of cold metal pressed into his palm. "You're certainly persistent and dedicated to your Pokemon, Thad. Do take care of your Pokemon and listen to Jasmine. With that, I have no doubt in my mind you'll go far." Morty retracted his hand and let out a small sigh. "Alas, it is time for lunch. I'll bid you farewell as it seems you have a Pokemon to retrieve…"

"Right," Thad slowly replied, looking over at Trouble receiving a belly rub from the other trainer. "See ya around, bro."

As the onlookers began to file out of the gym, Thad jogged over to Trouble and their impromptu friend. He exchanged a wary look with Jasmine, who walked with purpose toward the mystery trainer. Trouble playfully kicked at the women as she began to scratch behind their ear, drawing more confusion from the jock.

Nobody told me Trouble was a cat...though the way she acts does now kinda make sense. Thad shook his head and arrived before his unruly Pokemon. His form blotted out the rays of the dum overhead lights.

"You have a very free-spirited Pokemon." The woman's voice carried on like a faint breeze, soft and quiet on Thad's ears. "Apologies, but I couldn't help myself from interjecting."

"Well, it was helpful in a pinch, but, uh," Thad rubbed the back of his head, and then rolled his hand toward the woman, "who are you, exactly?"

The woman stood up, straightening out her blouse and matching skirt. "Apologies, you may call me Marley." she dipped her head forward in a slight bow, and then looked up at Thad with fearless, slightly dull eyes. "It's nice to meet you."

Jasmine cleared her throat and stepped beside Thad. "I take it you were a trainer that challenged the gym earlier?"

"Yes," Marley quietly replied. "I wanted to see some other matches, but it appears we are the only two that were victorious today. Congratulations, by the way."

"To you as well, girlie," Thad said with a wink, though Marley merely blinked nonchalantly at the gesture. Thad pursed his lips, pausing to consider his next words carefully. "So...seems like Trouble likes ya. That's neat."

Marley stood up to her full height, just a smidge shorter than Jasmine. She ignored Trouble's pleading look as they eyed the cream-colored poffin in her hand. "Forgive me for being potentially crass, but I'd like to propose a trade, if you are interested," Marley stated. Jasmine immediately frowned and flared her nostrils while Thad simply raised an eyebrow. "I...try to choose my words carefully to not hurt or offend others, but would you please consider my request?"

"Well, I-hey!"

Thad yelped as Jasmine hooked her arm around his. She dragged him away a few feet and flashed a plastic smile toward Marley. "One moment, please. We need to conference real quick."

Thad curiously wandered after Jasmine to the far side of the vacant field. He did a double-take over his shoulder toward Marley and Trouble, and then looked back down to Jasmine who fidgeted with the hem of her dress.

"Uh, Jazzy? What's the dealio?"

"You must know how uncouth poaching is," Jasmine scoffed. "Perhaps you don't know, but gym leaders are well aware of the practice from some trainers. People that loiter around gyms and try to trade their ill-mannered Pokemon for those who are successful. It's deceitful. You need to recall Trouble and leave."

Thad put his hands up defensively. "Alright, so you're fired up. I feel ya. But, does she really give off baddie vibes?" He nodded toward Marley and Trouble; the short woman crouched down and gave the Pokemon chin scratches. "Plus, she said she earned the badge here. Can't hurt to hear her out, eh?"

"Why even entertain the risk?"

"Because in sports, you want to at least hear the trade offer," Thad countered with finality. "I get that you lookin' out for me Jazzy, but I'm not here acting like Trouble hasn't been...well, ya know. It can't hurt to see what small and gloomy over there is wanting to trade."

"It still reeks of predatory practices. But," Jasmine sighed and swallowed hard, "I shall let you lead on. Perhaps I was a little too aggressive. I've just seen the worst some trainers have to offer, that's all."

"Dope."

Thad gave Jasmine a fist bump and then pulled her into a tight yet brief hug. She yelped a bit at the sudden gesture and turned away to hide the slight blush on her face. Thad pulled away, leaving Jasmine to collect her thoughts as he ran back up to Marley.

"So," Marley brushed a dark strand of hair behind her ear. Her monotone voice sounded slightly higher than before. "Have...you come to consider my request? I've wanted a Weavile since I was little...and I actually have a similar problem to you. One of my Pokemon has not quite meshed with my training style and energy."

Trouble hasn't jived well with the rest of the crew, Thad pondered. She's also the least fond of protein. Can't hurt to listen.

"This Pokemon you're struggling with, what's the dude like?" Thad asked.

Marley reached inside her pocket, pulling out a Pokeball. She clicked and enlarged it and then tossed it lightly in the air. From the container, a three-foot bird materialized with colorful green and red plumage, red arms, and green wings. Markings around their eyes made of oranges and blues made it look like a traditional luchador mask around their beak.

"Lucha!" The bird called out, immediately posing with their beak pointed in the air and their wings outstretched.

"Holy shit. It's a wrestle bird," Thad muttered. "That's sick!"

"My Hawlucha here has had a difficult time acclimating to the meditations and peace rituals that the rest of my Pokemon undertake together," Marley explained, gesturing to the peacocking Pokemon. "He craves the spotlight and is more...flashy than what I'm used to. We've tried for weeks, but there hasn't been much progress."

"So you saw Thad and noticed that he was nearly a spitting image of your Hawlucha," Jasmine deduced. She shrugged and looked at Thad. "It does seem like your kind of Pokemon, but remember, the choice is ultimately yours." She shot Marley a dirty look; a vein popping from her forehead. "And I'm still not sold that you're not just trying to offload some unruly Pokemon on Thad."

Marley's pale face blanched and her eyes became downcast. She took an increased interest in the broken floorboards, stumbling a bit over her next words. "W-well, yes. I know how it looks, but I'm being earnest. I've no malicious intent toward you or your Pokemon. I wish for them just to have a good home, and I can sense a kinship in Hawlucha and Thad's energies." She let out a shallow breath and struggled to make eye contact with Jasmine. "I could even accompany you a bit to help smooth the transition, if you so wish. I was intending on going toward Blackthorn City."

"Originally for Ice Path, right?" Jasmine asked, earning a nod from Marley. She adjusted her hat and looked at Thad and the Hawlucha flexing at each other. Her lips twitched in amusement. "Well, that would be more acceptable. Thad?"

"Yeah?" the jock replied distractedly as he shifted from various bodybuilder poses. The Hawlucha replied in kind with a few squeaks and poses of their own. "I mean, I'm down if Trouble is down. Me and birdman are gettin' to know each other in the way like our ancestors intended."

Trouble nestled up to Marley's thigh, brushing up against her black leggings. She placed a hand on Sneasel's head and gently caressed around her ear in a circular motion. Soft purring came quickly from Trouble as she wrapped her talons carefully around Marley's leg, hugging her like a koala with knives for hands.

"Suppose it's settled then." It took all of Jasmine's willpower to remain firm and not gush over the cute display. "Shall you be ready to meet us out on Route 42? It's perhaps only a day's travel to Mahogany Town."

Marley nodded and carefully peeled Trouble from her leg. "I can be there in an hour. I just need to collect my belongings." She looked over to Thad still 'communicating' with Hawlucha. "Shall I… take Trouble with me? Here's Hawlucha's Pokeball."

Marley dropped the smooth ball off into Jasmine's hand. The Steel-specialist whirled around, clearing her voice. "Hey, Thad!" Jasmine shouted, managing to get the two fighters to pause. "Marley needs Trouble's Pokeball to finalize the trade. She's going to go with us to Mahogany Town!"

"Sweet!" Thad tossed over Trouble's Pokeball, to which Jasmine caught it with both hands. She handed it over to Marley, shivering a bit at the woman's cold touch.

"See you in a bit, and...thank you both," Marley meekly turned her head, though Jasmine could see a slight smile on the woman's face. "I'll be on my way… for now."

"You're just lucky Thad has a certain taste. Mostly muscles and protein," Jasmine joked, earning a small snort from Marley.

Marley kept Trouble outside their Pokeball as they walked toward the exit of the gym. Jasmine approached her flexing travel companion and couldn't help but giggle. Thad's tanned muscles were rippling with exertion, from his ripped back to his toned thighs. If she'd seen the display months ago, she might've had to scoop her jaw from the floor, but now it was...surprisingly normal and expected.

"So, how are you and your new friend?"

Thad relaxed and tapped his left shoulder. The Hawlucha did a front flip and landed on Thad's shoulder, striking a menacing pose and cawing. "Oh, me and Nacho are practically brothers now."

"Nacho?"

"Yeah." Thad thumbed towards the Hawlucha. "That's his new name. I ran it by him, and he liked it a lot. We gonna dunk on a lot of fools."

"But you didn't even ask him? You were just flexing for the past few minutes!"

Thad chuckled and shook his head as if the answer were obvious. "Oh, Jazzy. To only the untrained eye, but I knew he was good when he was a fluent Flexologist." Thad clapped his hands together and then pointed toward the exit. "So, food and then off to some adventuring?"

"Luchaaa!"

Baffled, Jasmine found herself at a loss for words and simply nodded along. She trailed behind Thad and his new bird companion as they sprinted toward the door. Shouts of how he was gonna eat the town's supply of protein echoed throughout the gym before he reached the threshold, and Jasmine found herself idly palming over her own Pokeballs. Thankful that Steel-types were less rowdy and cool in their behavior, if a bit more obstinate and grumpy on occasion.

Though I do wonder if Thad's behavior will make Marley regret her decision. Jasmine stepped outside, inhaling the fragrant late summer breeze. I suppose we'll see if she can survive a day with Thad and resist being converted to a protein fanatic.

A/N: Another badge down, and a changing of the guard in Thad's team. Not to mention a new party member at the moment that may stick around for a bit. Looking to help diversify the dynamic on the travels, so let me know how it goes. If you're curious, I took some inspiration from recently playing BDSP that was just released (maybe a hint where we go next!). Anyways, onward to Mt. Mortar and then Mahogany Town! We're on the final few chapters in Johto!

As per usual, all feedback and reviews are appreciated and awesome as heck. If you're on the discord noted below, I'm usually there for questions and giving props to folks that have questions and whatnot about the story! You're all great and make my day :)

Lots of other fanfiction authors (such as the wonderful creators of Underdogs, An Adventurous Path, Throne of Mud, Borne of Caution, and many more!), readers, and artists are on the Discord, Fanfiction Treehouse at code: 9XG3U7a Come share your content, thoughts, and more! It's an awesome place for memes, discourse, and stories!

That's a wrap for this update, I'll be back in December with more spicy Thad content. Until next time, and have a wonderful day!