I smile to Jake and swim back to my side of the battlefield.

"Ready, kid?"

"Absolutely, "

"Squirtle, Water Gun!"

I smile and shake my head. "Dodge then Tackle!"

Coresla dodges easily then tackles Squirtle head on.

When they arise, Squirtle is kncoked out cold. I feek bad for the kid. He's gone to three other gyms and hasn't gotten a single badge. Maybe...

"I lost again... I'll never be a Pokemon Master!"

Those last two words pull hard at my heartstrings. Like a guitar being played to hip hop beat.

"Jake, I like you, so, I just want to let you know, I don't do he often, but if you want, you can work here with your Squirtle for a few hours, help with the pokemon, and basically show me how you work with pokemon. If you're leaning towards the bright side, I'll give you the badge, if not, you'll be outta luck. Thoughts?"

He looks at me with excitement. "Really?! Thank you so much! I won't disappoint! I swear! What do I do first?!"

"Well, like I said, I want to see how you interact with pokemon, so, let's start with feeding and grooming. Wait, no, first, we'll heal up your Squirtle here,"

He nods and picks Squirtle up.

"Follow me to the Pokemon Healing Station," I say.

"Don't we go to the Pokemon Center?"

"Well, if you were leaving you would, but it would be bad to leave him in this condition for much more time, and all gyms have their own Healing Center. Just, follow me,"

He shrugs and follows me as instructed.

I smirk to myself as I review my foolproof plan in my head.

I allow Jake to help out with the pokemon care, give himna Cascade Badge, saying he's FABULOUS with pokemon, then, half my work is done. There's no technical rule saying I can't. And frankly, MY gym, MY rules.

"All right," I smile. "Squirtle is all set. Follow me. We'll start with our best trained pokemon, Dugong,"

"Really!? I get to see a real Dugong?! No way!"

I grin at his excitement.

...

Jake is grooming Dugong while I wash the nearby windows. Occasionally checking on him to make sure he's doing well.

"Okay, kid. Dugong's good with the grooming. Now, here's his Pokechow, fill the bowl half way full. This is extremely crucial when feeding pokemon. Okay?"

he nods. "Got it,"

"Now, if he finishes this, tell him to do an amount of laps around the pool. The amount of laps is your decision, to a certain degree, of course. Once finished, he will sit with his mouth open. You will give him one treat. Understood?"

He once again nods.

"No, for this, I need a verbal response,"

"Yes. Understood, "

I grin. It's fake, of course. But a grin, non the less. "Then we're good,"

I walk away, but listen carefully to how long he pours, and how much food hits the bottom of the bowl. Seems fine.

...

"Jake!" I yell. I was trying to be nice, but he's done it.

"Y-yes, Miss Gym Leader, kind, sweet, beautiful gym leader? "

"Kissing up will not I repeat WILL NOT help you in this situation. Now, I told you to simply feed Dugong one treat. ONE. How many did you give him?"

He squeals. "I.. uh... I'm sorry... I just-"

"Just what?! What on EARTH made you even think that feed him more than instructed was a good idea!?"

"I'm sorry! I didn't think he'd get sick!"

Relax Misty, he's only ten. A new trainer. Doesn't know Jack... "Well, lucky for you, I have Pokemon Medicine. He'll be fine. But remember, treats are treats for a reason,"

"Yes, Miss Gym Leader," He sighs.

"Now, take your badge, and go ahead and show it to Brock in Pewter. Say you beat Misty Waterflower to get it. If he's not there, tell him when he is,"

"Really?!" He yelps as I toss him the tear-shaped badge. "Thank you thank you thank you!"

"You're welcome you're welcome you're welcome!" I calk back as he runs childishly out the gym doors.

I still can't believe I did that.