A pair of dogs sat at a park bench, eating Casteliacones as they watched several wild Masquerain flutter above the pond. A masquerade of Surskit darted across the water surface, forming peculiar patterns such as stars and hearts. Half a dozen Volbeat and Illumise flew in to join the crowd, their tails glowing in multiple colors.

The puppy asked as she kicked her legs in her spot, "Dad?"

"Yes, Doll?" asked the larger dog.

"Why'd you become a Gym Leader?"

Butch looked up to the skies. It was one thing for his friends and colleagues to ask that question, but his own daughter? He stayed silent for a few moments, slowly licking the ice cream dripping down his cone. The sweet vanilla taste cleared up his mind.

"Well" he explained. "Because I love Pokémon, and I feel my best when I battle with them. When I battle other trainers, I feel I'm making an impact on their lives, and I feel something grand when I'm part of the official Pokémon League. Does that make sense, kiddo?"

"I guess?" Dolly kicked her legs back and forth. "But why Normal types? My friends in school say they're really plain!"

Now Butch really was in a pickle. How could he word this in a way she'd understand?

"Well, they may appear plain, but like any other Pokemon, they have hidden potential. And sometimes simple is best. Like vanilla ice cream"

"Oh!" Dolly looked down at her ice cream crone. Like any child, she liked eating ice cream, but liked vanilla because it was fun adding any toppings she wanted. But if she wasn't a dog, she'd be all about chocolate. Some of the ice cream got on her hands, and she licked it up without hesitation.

"Can we go home now?" she asked.

"Of course we can, kiddo" Butch said as he hopped off the bench. He waited for Dolly to jump off, the two of them ready to go home.

It was another peaceful morning in the Petalburg Pokémon Center. Tank went downstairs like he did yesterday, ready to load up a tower of delicious food. As he piled up on croquettes and buttery toast, he saw a familiar face at the other end. His stomach churned in its spot.

With sadness in his eyes, the familiar face looked over at him.

"...Tank?" he asked.

Tank gulped as he sighed, "Oh. Hi Professor Nook. If this is about the phone call, then–"

"Yes, yes, I understand,"

Tom Nook nodded. "Tank? I wanted to say I'm sorry."

Tank looked up from his plate of food. His heart pounded against his chest, his hooves turning cold. Was Nook trying to screw with him?

"You mean it, right?"

Tom Nook pointed to the left, "I do mean it, yes, but I prefer that we need to sit down for this."

"Alright"

Tank shrugged his shoulders, careful not to drop a single bite of food.

The two animals walked together, sitting down at the booth seats. The morning sun shone through the window, faintly glowing in the distance.

Tom Nook sipped from his paper coffee cup "When I was doing research for my books, it had me thinking about something."

"Yeah?" Tank asked, taking a bite out of a croissant. The buttery flaky taste was nice on his tongue. He chewed slowly, listening intently.

Tom Nook tapped his paw against the table

"Maybe you don't have to catch Pokémon for my research, hmm?" he suggested.

"Wait, really?"

Tank tilted his head. "Are you sure about that?"

"Yes, yes,"

Nook explained. "While having the Pokemon on hand is helpful, I noticed something peculiar."

Tank asked

"And what's that?"

Professor Nook took a bite from his scrambled eggs, carefully dabbing his chin with a napkin.

"Some of the Pokemon you've caught aren't too fond of the lab. I was tempted to release them, but I remembered that it's illegal for someone to release another trainer's Pokemon."

"I see"

Tank looked over at the window. Huh, it was starting to get nice out.

"So if I asked you to release a Pokemon, you'd do it?"

"Yes, yes" Tom Nook tapped again on the table. He took a few minutes to clear off his plate, leaving only crumbs and mushy green grapes. "I imagine though, that you'd want to release most of the Pokémon you caught for research. I've noticed that most of them aren't really attached to each other and are more fond of being outside."

"Well" Tank ate a few more bites of food. "There was that, yeah, but I was wondering something else. Would it be possible to send some Pokémon to Fortree City?"

"I don't see why not,"

Tom Nook said. "Your father has a PC at home, right?"

Tank nodded diligently.

"Then it shouldn't be a problem," Tom Nook smiled as he pulled his phone out. "I have his number on me, and I think we can work something out."

"Speaking of that…." Tank said as he pulled his phone out as well. He tapped on the screen several times. "I just unblocked your number."

"I think that's a good start, yes" Tom Nook nodded.

"Yeah" Tank's phone buzzed. He looked down and chuckled

"Hey, Professor Nook. I'd like to stay longer but the guys need their breakfast."

"No worries"

Professor Nook assured him "I have to see a friend in town anyways"

Tank picked up his plate of food and waved, "Take good care, Nook!"

"Stay safe, Tank!" Tom waved goodbye, watching as Tank headed back upstairs. With a newfound resolve in his heart, Professor Nook was ready to work on migration habits of the Corphish line.

Meanwhile, on the upstairs floor of the Pokémon Center…

"Oh good"

Kidd chuckled as he relaxed in bed. "You didn't run off with someone else."

Tank stuck his tongue out

"Kidd, please!" he said as he handed him the plate. "Just who would I even run off with?"

Benedict yanked the covers over his head, glaring as Kidd pulled them off.

"What?" he glared, then looked down. Hey, some breakfast, awesome. "Oh, thanks!"

He took two slices of toast, spreading avocado on top before eating it.

"So, what do you guys want to do today?"

Kidd asked as he fixed up his hair.

Benedict looked over at him, "Well I was thinkin' I'd train at the gym, then challenge Butch."

"Sounds fun" Kidd said. "I was going to practice for a contest, but then I realized there's no contest hall here. Tank, what about you?"

Tank shrugged

"I'm fine with doing whatever. But I did want to try that kebab place."

Kidd's eyes sparkled in delight from the prospect of kebabs. "Then it's a date!"

Benedict fluffed up his hair. He and Tank could do their own thing when Kidd's training for contests!

"Oh, that reminds me" Kidd said as he grabbed his messenger bag. He pulled out a yellow ribbon with a gachapon capsule in the middle. "This might help you in battle"

"Oh, thank you!" Benedict said as he accepted the gift. He thought to himself; what could he put in that capsule that could help for battle...

Benedict walked into the Petalburg Gym, taking his shoes off once he got inside. While placing his sneakers on a shoe rack, he looked around at its peculiar Johtonian environment. Tatami mats lined the wooden floors. A peculiar song played on the bamboo-shaped speakers on the walls. Heavy drums, cheerful whistling and throaty vocals echoed through the floor.

The door in front of him opened. A white tiger stood in the doorway, wearing a blue sweater and black pants.

"So"

the tiger said. "You came to battle or what?"

"Nooooo, I got lost" Benedict snarked as he pulled out a Poke Ball. "Let's do this!"

The tiger looked unimpressed, then chuckled.

"That's what I like to hear" he said before holding out a Great Ball. "Wigglytuff, show him what you got!"

A pink rabbit Pokémon floated to the ground, saluting his trainer before posing for battle.

Oh this was too good to start the battle!

"Kenshiro!" Benedict shouted as he tossed a Poke Ball in the air. "Let's go!"

"Lai-RON!"

Kenshiro roared as he landed on the ground with a heavy thud.

The tiger popped his collar, "Wigglytuff, use Focus Blast!"

"Wigglyyyy…."

The rabbit Pokemon held his paws out, forming a red and blue energy ball in front of him.

"TUFFFFFF!" his eyes glowed pink as he fired a blast of energy across the gym.

"Run through it an' use Iron Head!" Benedict stepped backwards and pointed ahead.

"Lai-RON!" Kenshiro lowered his head, then sprinted across the gym floor. His body glowed silver as he dodged the Focus Blast. The steel-type threw his head back, roared and headbutted Wigglytuff in the torso.

Wigglytuff yelped as he flew through the air, his Focus Blast dissolving into glitter before he crashed against the wall.

"Wiggly…." he groaned, passing out next to the wall.

The tiger jolted up. Most trainers struggled against his Wigglytuff, but this kid took him out like nothing!

He looked away as he returned Wigglytuff to his Poke Ball.

"Let's take the rest of the day off" he said.

"Great job, buddy!"

Benedict cheered for his Pokemon.

Kenshiro stood on his back legs, roaring in celebration as he clawed at the air.

"Lairon, lai!"

The tiger crossed his arms in approval

"Very impressive, you two," he said.

"Thanks sir!" Benedict said as he returned Kenshiro to his Poke Ball. He bowed to the other trainer. "I gotta admit, I had no idea a Wigglytuff could learn Focus Blast"

"Well, he learned that move so we could catch trainers off-guard," the tiger explained. "A lot of trainers waltz in with a Machoke or Hariyama, expecting a cakewalk of a battle. But occasionally I see trainers try to outsmart me with Rock or Steel-types, so I have to improvise"

"That actually makes a lotta sense," Benedict nodded. "Hey I think I'm ready for another battle"

"Sounds good"

the tiger said. He hollered to the doorway. "Hey, Gaston, we got a trainer ready to fight!"

"I'm coming, Rolf!" a deep voice yelled back.

"Gaston, huh?"

Benedict asked. "Lemme guess, he's–"

"Yes, he's from Kalos"

Rolf cut him off. "And before you ask, no, he wasn't named after the character from that movie."

"Huh?" Benedict tilted his head. What movie was he talking about?!

A yellow rabbit walked into the room, wearing a wine red button-up and grey shorts. There was a bandage on his right leg, and he looked unamused by the two's antics.

"Rolf, please don't tell my life story to random kids" he scolded him.

"I already did," Rolf snorted as he pulled a box of cigarettes out of his pocket. "You two have fun," he said before heading outside of the gym.

Benedict looked at Gaston.

"Hm, maybe I should go outside too," he noted.

"What for?" Gaston asked before laughing. "If you ask me, you're WAY too young to smoke!"

Benedict gagged

"Ewww" he cringed as he waved away the heavy smell of tobacco, dreading the thought of smoke seeping into his clothes. "I wanted to go outside 'cause my Pokémon's too big for the gym!"

"Well, I don't see why we can't do that," Gaston noted. "It would liven up this battle"

The two trainers walked outside, heading to a small battlefield. Rolf sat at a picnic bench, lighting up a cigarette as he watched the battle play out.

Gaston tossed a Great Ball into the air

"Girafarig, c'est la vie!"

A yellow equine Pokémon popped out of the Poke Ball, whinnying as he flailed his front hooves.

Benedict held out a Poke Ball, "Asuka, come on out!"

A white light shot out of the Poke Ball, gradually materializing into Asuka.

"Gyaooooo!" she howled. Pale blue sparkles surrounded her body, dissolving into glitter. A yellow ribbon was tied around her neck, holding a small capsule in the middle.

Gaston's eyes widened. Geez, no wonder he wanted to battle outside! But the kid deserved a fair fight….

"Girafarig, Vantardise!" he commanded.

"Gira-gira!"

Girafarig's body glowed red. He performed a weird dance in front of his opponent, shaking his tail and maniacally drumming his hooves against the ground.

Asuka was baffled; was this some kind of joke?! The sheer ridiculousness of the taunt made her want to slap him! Her right eye twitched as her tail glowed orange. She gritted her teeth, her whiskers dangling against her face.

"Asuka!" Benedict hollered. "The capsule!"

The water-type looked down at her trainer. She nodded twice, using her whiskers to open up the capsule. A Persim Berry fell out of the capsule, then she dived down to swallow it whole. The berry's mild taste calmed her down; that Girafarig's dance was actually kinda funny.

Benedict grinned; this battle was all his!

"Now, use Aqua Tail!"

"Gyaoooo!"

Asuka swirled her tail in the air, forming a ravaging whirlpool at the tip. She shot her tail through the core of the whirlpool. The water swirled at a lightning pace. She threw her tail back, flinging Girafarig across the battlefield.

Girafarig held his breath as he flew through the whirlpool, kicking his legs to stay afloat. Once he landed on steady ground, he spat some water out and shook his fur dry.

Gaston pointed ahead "Rayon Chargé!"

"Giraaaaa….."

Girafarig's antennae glowed lemon yellow. A golden cloud of electricity formed above his head, with tangerine orange sparks forming around the core.

"Fariiiiiiiii!" he screamed as he blasted a sparkling yellow beam across the battlefield.

Oh whoop de freaking do, an Electric-type attack. "Asuka, use Bite!" Benedict shouted.

Asuka dove under the Charge Beam, darting across the air like an Arbok swaying to a flute. She slithered to the right, clamping her jaws down on Girafarig's hide.

Gaston snapped his fingers "Girafarig, Choc Psy!"

"Gira-farig!" Girafarig's antennae glowed teal. He blasted a flurry of blue and pink energy orbs into Asuka's face, freeing himself from her jaws.

Asuka shook her head twice, glaring down at her opponent. The giraffe Pokemon was panting in his spot, but clawed at the ground like a rampaging Tauros.

Benedict thought quickly. She looked draconic enough to probably know this move…. "Asuka, Dragon Rage!"

"Gyao!"

Asuka rapidly fanned her tail, forming a purple and yellow wave of flames. She pulled her tail fin back and swatted the air, blasting draconic flames into Girafarig's face. The flames blew into Girafarig's face, knocking him backwards and throwing him onto his right side.

"Gira…." Girafarig groaned as he crashed against the ground, completely wiped out from the attack.

Gaston snorted, his mustache twitching in surprise.

"Well then" he said, returning Girafarig to his Poke Ball. "Clearly you know your way around a battle"

"Thanks!" Benedict said as he returned Asuka to her Poke Ball.

"I'm thinkin' of doin' just one more battle before Butch"

"Sounds like a solid plan" Gaston nodded in agreement. He headed to the gym door. "I'll let Bruce know that" he said before heading inside.

Benedict pulled his phone out and started texting. He wrote,

"y'all these battles are going great! hey so i might be battlin' butch today!" then stuffed his phone in his pocket.

A blue deer walked outside, wearing a black and red jacket.

He looked up and down at Benedict, swearing that he saw that red hair before…

"You look familiar,"

Bruce noted. "I think I saw your, uh, cousin at the Petalburg High talent show?"

"Yeahhhh….cousin…" Benedict said, looking away from the other animal. "Y'all wanna battle or what?"

"No I just came for a smoke break" Bruce deadpanned as he held out an Ultra Ball. "Let's do this. Delcatty, go!"

He hollered as he sent out his Pokemon; a beige cat Pokemon with purple ears.

"Ne-ko!" Delcatty meowed, pawing at the ground and batting her eyelashes.

Oh this was too easy.

Benedict tossed up his Poke Ball and shouted, "Freiza, spark up!"

"Maaaa-nectric!" Freiza howled as he jumped in his spot.

"Delcatty, Fake Out!" Bruce pointed up in the air.

"Neko-ko!"

Delcatty hissed. She pirouetted through the air, using her tail to slap Freiza across the face.

The electric type Pokemon closed his eyes, flinching as he skidded backwards across the ground.

"Freiza!"

Benedict hollered. "Y'all okay?!"

"Nec-tric!"

Freiza barked back at his trainer. He wasn't afraid of no kitty, but that slap stung like hell!

"Alright!"

Benedict said as he pointed ahead. "Freiza, use Volt Switch!"

"Manec-tric!" Freiza sprinted across the ground, a yellow ray of electricity trailing behind his tail. He tackled Delcatty, throwing her across the air.

"Kororo!"

Delcatty yelped as she landed on her feet. She looked around at her surroundings; where'd her opponent go?!

Benedict held two Poké Balls in his hands, grinning as Freiza sprinted into the left one. He held up the right one

"Makoto! Time to shine!"

"Garde-VOIR!"

Makoto sang as he floated onto the ground, turning around to bow to his trainer.

"You're one crazy trainer, you know that!"

Bruce shouted. "Delcatty, Toxic!"

"Roro!"

Delcatty hissed. She charged towards her opponent, her fangs glowing purple as she bit down on Makoto's right arm.

"Garde!" Makoto yelped before throwing Delcatty off him. His cheeks glowed purple as indigo orbs surrounded his head. He glared at the other Pokemon, holding his arm out to transfer poison to his opponent.

"Oh, you son of a Granbull!" Bruce barked. He rummaged through his pockets; great, nothing for status moves. He had to tough this out somehow. Oh, wait a minute! "Delcatty, Facade!"

"Ene-ko!" Delcatty's body glowed orange as she ran across the field.

Benedict yelled back, "Stop 'er with Psychic!"

"Voir!" Makoto held his hands out, using pink telekinetic energy to stop Delcatty in her tracks. The cat Pokémon looked around in a frenzy; why was she frozen in her spot! Her eyes darted around.

"Now"

Benedict shook his hair loose. "Draining Kiss!"

"Garde!"

Makoto floated closer to his opponent, his dress billowing in the wind. He closed his eyes and kissed Delcatty on the forehead, absorbing as much energy as he could without gorging himself.

Delcatty faded white as Makoto sucked out most of her energy, trembling in her spot.

Makoto floated away once he filled up, then used Psychic to let her go. The cat Pokemon fell to her feet, trembling before collapsing on the spot.

Bruce looked away in embarrassment; usually his Toxic and Facade combo wiped out most trainers! He closed his eyes as he returned Delcatty to her ball.

"Sweet Arceus, you're strong" he muttered to himself.

Makoto floated back to his trainer, picking him up in a bear hug.

"Garde-voir!" he squealed, knowing his trainer was proud of him.

"That was great, Makoto!"

Benedict praised his Pokémon. "Think y'all could keep that up for the gym battle?"

"Voir!"

Makoto chirped, letting go of his trainer to bow like a prince.

"Alright, let's rest up then" Benedict nodded. He returned Makoto to his Poké Ball, then looked over at Bruce. "So, uh, no hard feelings, right?"

"Yeah, I'm fine"

Bruce assured him. "I need to start improvising my battle strategy."

"Can't blame ya" Benedict shrugged. "Hey, do y'all know if Butch is in right now?"

Bruce shook his head, "He's picking up his daughter from school. If you want to hang out here, you're more than welcome to."

"Sounds good to me,"

Benedict nodded. He quickly checked his Rotom Phone. "And 'sides, my friends are out gettin' lunch"

"Lunch? Where at?" Bruce asked.

Benedict scrolled through his group chat

"Some kebab place in town. I hope they saved me some" he snarked.

"Kebab place? You mean Deep Purple's, right? Oh yes, that place's great,"

Bruce nodded. "Hey, you wanna play some poker with me and the guys?"

"Sure" Benedict shrugged. It's not like he had anything else to do in that hour.

With Rolf and Gaston on the other side of the table, the four animals spent the next hour playing a few rounds of poker. To the surprise of no one, Bruce won the game.

Rolf roared as he shook a fist at Bruce, "Oh come on!"

Bruce snorted as he slammed a hoof on the table

"Fair's fair"

Gaston looked over at Benedict

"I'm surprised your dad never taught you how to play."

"He wasn't around much at home," Benedict shrugged his shoulders as he looked away for a brief second. "Mostly off with girlfriends until three in the mornin'"

Gaston looked away. Well that was an awkward thing to bring up, he thought to himself. But it was water under the bridge.

The door swung open

"What's all the ruckus out here!" Butch hollered from the doorway. Dolly stood behind him, holding a big ice cream cone with pink syrup and vanilla pocky sticks.

"Oh you wouldn't BELIEVE IT, Butch!" Rolf hollered. "Bruce kicked our–"

He looked over; oh, right, Butch brought his little girl along. She waved hello to him "...tail ends at poker. Hey where were you?"

"Getting away from you lunatics, that's what!" Butch snapped back, then calming down. "Nope, the missus asked that I pick up some peanut butter mochi from Crescendo's bakery"

Dolly jumped up, waving to the men, "And dad wouldn't let me try any chocolate there!"

"Dolly, we went over this"

Butch explained. "Us dogs can't eat chocolate, it's poison for us."

"Awwwww!" Dolly groaned. "I wish I could eat it!"

"Oh trust me, it's delicious" Rolf snorted. "I'm usually a matcha guy, but chocolate is just rich and sweet and makes every dessert delicious. Molten chocolate lava cake, mocha drizzle on a chocolate chip cookie, hot fudge sundaes with extra chocolate chunks…."

Butch barked, "Rolf, stop rubbing it in our faces!"

Rolf rolled his eyes, "Hey, lighten up! I joke about Gaston eating carrots all the time."

Gaston rolled his pant leg up, scoffing as he jabbed a needle into his thigh.

"Are you trying to kill me or something?"

Benedict looked over as Gaston took the needle out. He knew a few kids in school who did the same thing, so he decided not to comment on it.

"Oh, howdy Butch" he waved to the gym leader.

"Hey Benedict" Butch waved to him. "So, did you finally get those badges?"

"I sure did!" Benedict pulled out a badge case. His badges looked a little dull, but it was nothing a quick scrub can't help with.

"Stone, Knuckle, Dynamo an' Heat!"

"Good to know" Butch nodded.

"You two know each other?"

Bruce asked.

The two trainers nodded at the same time.

Butch explained, "Sure do. Mornay- his dad- was an old friend of mine back when I lived in Unova. Is he still in Galar?"

Benedict sighed "Yeah. I also found out he's a total deadbeat an' 'parently I got a couple siblings out through Hoenn."

"What's a deadbeat?"

Dolly asked.

"It's someone who runs away from a big responsibility" Butch explained, looking incredibly uncomfortable. "Like when a guy tells a girl says he'll make plans to spend a week with her, but hitches a plane ride to another region"

"That's really sad," Dolly frowned.

"Yeah, things can be rough" Benedict sighed. "Anyways, Butch, y'all wanna battle later?"

Butch nodded twice, "I'd like that, yes"

Rolf raised a paw

"May I be the referee this time?"

"I don't see why not"

Butch shrugged. He kneeled down to his daughter. "Dolly, do you want to get your pompoms?"

Dolly's face lit up.

"Yeah, yeah!" she cheered before running back into the gym.

Bruce adjusted his jacket.

"And I'll let all the neighbors know"

"Please don't" Butch facepalmed.

"Ah, loosen up" Bruce brushed him off. "I heard they do it all the time in Dewford for gym matches!"

"Yes, but Dewford's run by a bunch of frat boys who treat every day like it's spring break" Butch rolled his eyes. "You couldn't pay me to go there."

Benedict snickered. He didn't get that impression when he was in Dewford Town, but he had seen frat boys party in Castelia City. Or maybe Butch had a bad experience there. Yeah, let's not ask why.

An hour and a half later…

A medium-sized crowd formed around the Petalburg Gym. Some animals sat at the picnic benches, while others brough folding chairs and towels to sit on. Kidd and Tank were at one of the picnic tables, ready to watch the match unfold. Aries and Victoria sat on the picnic tables, cheering for their friends.

Rolf walked to the middle of the battlefield, holding up a microphone.

"Today's matchup is between Butch Reid of Petalburg City and Benedict Sussex of Castelia City. Trainers, bring out your Pokémon!"

"May the best trainer win"

Butch grinned, tossing an Ultra Ball up and down.

"Oh I know it!" Benedict flipped his hair, ready for anything.

Butch hollered as he tossed his Ultra Ball into the air

"Maverick, show him what you're made of!"

"Linoone!"

Maverick barked as he landed onto the ground. He whipped his tail like a tornado and clawed at the ground.

"Go, Jojo!"

Benedict shouted as he did the same.

"Com-BUSKEN!"

Jojo cawed and shadow boxed the air. Several flames flew off his feathers.

Butch hollered, his deep voice echoing through the air

"Maverick, use Belly Drum!"

"Li-li!"

Maverick bounced onto his tail, repeatedly slapping his stomach and thighs with his claws. After he finished hamboning, he pulled a Sitrus Berry out of his fur and ate it in three bites. The normal type was raring to go.

"Jojo,"

Benedict punched the air. "use Low Sweep to knock 'im down!"

"Busken!"

Jojo stepped backwards, posing like a martial artist. He pulled his leg back, then pulled a leg sweep across the ground. Maverick zipped to his right, effortlessly avoiding Jojo's attack. The bird Pokemon looked around in his spot. Where did his opponent go?!

Butch crossed his arms and chuckled

"Now, Maverick, use Return!"

"Li-NOONE!" Maverick sprinted across the ground, his body glowing a pale shade of blue. He lowered his head and headbutted Jojo through the air.

Jojo yelped as he crashed into the ground below him. A cloud of dust billowed into the air, showing that he was completely knocked out!

The referee counted to three.

"Jojo the Combusken is unable to battle!"

Benedict facepalmed. Who knew Linoone was that fast of a Pokémon?! Now part of his strategy was out the window!

He looked away as he returned Jojo to his Poké Ball.

"Hey, at least ya tried," Benedict said before tossing another Poké Ball in the air

"Kenshiro! Let's get revenge!"

"Lai-RON!"

Kenshiro roared as he landed on the ground.

"Oh, you got yourself a little Steel type, huh?"

Butch taunted him. "Thinking I couldn't lay a dent in it?"

Benedict death glared at him, tightly clutching a Poké Ball. Sweat beaded against his feathers.

Butch snapped his fingers, "Maverick, use Dig!"

"Li-noone!"

Maverick tunneled into the ground at a lightning pace.

"Kenshiro, Rock Slide!"

Benedict commanded.

"Lairon, lai!"

Kenshiro stood still and formed a wave of boulders, throwing them across the ground to form a bizarre maze of some sort.

What in the world is that kid doing, trying to throw him off like that?

"Now!" Butch barked. "Attack!"

"Noone!" Maverick zipped out of the ground, headbutting Kenshiro in the torso. The steel type Pokémon rolled backwards, passing out as he fell on his back like a Turtwig.

Rolf held a paw out to his right side "Kenshiro the Lairon is unable to battle!"

Benedict huffed in annoyance. Great, this battle was a looming disaster. He returned Kenshiro to his Poké Ball. Two of his Pokémon were knocked out, but that doesn't mean his other ones can't stand a chance! Hey wait, Asuka's immune to Ground type moves.

He grabbed his third Poké Ball, ready to toss it until–

Butch yawned as he returned Maverick to his Poké Ball.

"Zaitochi, stand by for battle!" he hollered as he released a new Pokémon.

"Zan-zanGOOSE"

Zaitochi hissed, saluting his trainer in pride.

Hmph, so that's how Butch wants to play.

"Asuka, go!"

"Gyaoooooo!"

Asuka howled as she burst out of her Poke Ball, yellow sparkles forming around her body.

She bared her fangs at her opponent, growling as Zaitochi shuddered from her glare.

Benedict shouted,

"Asuka! Aqua Tail!"

"Gyaoooo…." Asuka hummed as she formed a whirlpool of water at the core of her tail, ready to swing it back, until…

Butch clapped his paws and commanded, "Zatoichi, Thunder Punch!"

"Zannnnnn-" Zaitochi's claws glowed bright yellow, with teal sparks swirling around his body.

Before Asuka could even strike, Zaitochi jumped in the air, pulled his claws back and punched her in the neck. Electricity pulsated through her body, stinging her like no tomorrow.

Zaitochi backflipped onto the battleground, smiling smugly as Asuka fell to the ground with a massive thud, completely knocked out.

"Asuka the Gyarados is unable to battle!"

Rolf announced.

Benedict shuddered in his spot, his stomach churning in its spot. But he wasn't going to give up yet!

He returned Asuka to safety, thinking of a quick plan. If that Thunder Punch could take out even Asuka, then Coffret was in no shape. Makoto could maybe stand a chance, but….Wait a second!

"Freiza, let's go!"

"Maaaaa-NECTRIC!"

Freiza howled as he turned his head up in pride.

"Try to zap 'im now, Butch!"

Benedict shouted. "Freiza, use Electro Ball!"

"Maneccccc-"

Freiza stood in his spot, charging up yellow electricity around his body.

Butch closed his eyes and snapped his fingers

"Zaitochi, use Dig!"

Like his teammate, Zaitochi torpedoed into the ground. Mere seconds later, he popped out like a Diglett and punched Freiza in the chest. The electric type Pokemon flew up into the air, crash landing on his side.

"Manec…" Freiza groaned, overwhelmed by the sudden attack.

Rolf held both paws out

"Freiza the Manectric is unable to battle!"

Benedict facepalmed into both wings. Why was everything going wrong in this battle?!

He sighed as he held out another Poke Ball, "Makoto, at least try!"

"Garde!"

Makoto curtsied.

Benedict pointed ahead,

"Makoto, Psychic!"

"Zatoichi, Poison Jab!"

Butch retaliated.

"Zan-GOOSE!" Zatoichi leapt into the air, both his claws glowing indigo purple as thick goop seeped from the tips. He punched Makoto twice, throwing him across the air.

"Garde-voir…"

Makoto sighed, passing out like a college kid after finals.

Rolf said, "Makoto the Gardevoir is unable to battle!"

Benedict's heart raced like no tomorrow. He knew in his heart that he lost the battle, but forfeiting was for cowards!

"Coffret. Now" he commanded, releasing his last Pokémon.

"Swa-blu!"

Coffret whistled in joy, blissfully unaware of the carnage that had happened to his teammates.

Bruce gasped in surprise; wait, this kid and Cheryl were the same animal?!

The air went heavy. Zaitochi sharpened his claws, awaiting another command.

"Lemme guess, y'all are gonna use Thunder Punch on 'im too" Benedict drly snarked, awaiting the battle to end.

"Am I really that predictable?"

Butch scoffed. "Zaitochi, use Ice Punch!"

Zaitochi's claws glowed pastel blue, with ice crystals emerging from the tips of his fur.

"Dodge it…"

Benedict groaned under his breath, looking away from the carnage.

Coffret yelped as he flew across the field, trying his best to outspeed the other Pokemon.

The mongoose Pokemon hissed before he karate chopped Coffret on the head, throwing him to the ground.

"Blu…"

Coffret groaned, unable to get up.

"What a clean sweep from Zaitochi, everyone!"

the announcer hollered.

Benedict's face turned dark. He looked away from the crowd, returning Coffret to the safety of his Poke Ball.

"And with no Pokemon left on the challenger's side" Rolf held his paw out to the right. "victory goes to Butch Reid of Petalburg City!"

"Gooooo, dad!"

Dolly jumped in joy, waving her pompoms around. She ran up to Butch, still holding her pompoms as she hugged his leg.

"Hmph" Butch chuckled and smiled, content with himself. He whistled to his Pokemon, then high fived him. "Another fantastic job, Zaitochi!"

While gym leader and Pokemon celebrated their victory…

Benedict felt like a Scizor hit by a Fire Blast. He had seen these Pokémon before, even battled them before, but Butch's were exceptionally powerful. It was one thing to have a Pokemon or two faint during battle, but his Pokémon barely even put a dent in!

He was decimated.

The crowd was silent, before a few audience members burst out laughing. Wow, what kind of idiot lets all their Pokemon faint so easily?!

Benedict turned around, his face darkening as he headed away from the gym and towards the Pokémon Center. He swung the door open, storming towards the counter. He pushed another trainer out of the way, who grabbed him by the hoodie.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?!" the other trainer, a cyan horse with obviously dyed blond hair, yelled.

"Healin' my Pokémon, now screw off!" Benedict hollered as he placed the Poke Balls on the table. He walked over to the counter, but was stopped by the same trainer. Geez, take the hint already!

"That's no way to talk to another trainer, you brat!"

the horse snapped back. "Seriously, what's your damage?!"

Benedict rolled his eyes.

"If you gotta know, I got my ass beat by Butch!"

The horse tried not to chuckle.

"Really?" he was amused. "Out of all the gym leaders in the Hoenn region, you lost to Butch?! And you have the audacity to call yourself a Pokémon Trainer?"

"An' what's that s'posed to mean?"

Benedict scoffed.

The horse covered up his mouth

"It means you're a pretty bad trainer, that's what! Anyone can beat a Normal type in battle, even a rookie who just got their starter! They're not super effective against anything, so any Pokemon can take them on without a problem!"

Benedict snarked, "An' how many badges do you have?"

"That's none of your concern" the horse turned his chin up.

"Probably means y'all don't have any"

Benedict deadpanned. "So who are you to tell me what kinda trainer I am?"

"Oh that's it!"

the horse snorted, his nostrils flaring out as he rolled up his sleeves.

"Hey! ED!"

Butch stood in the doorway, his arms crossed and attitude flaring up. He stood between the two animals.

Ed scoffed

"Butch, you know this brat pushed me out of the way, right?"

Butch growled before lashing out

"That doesn't give you any right to yell at my challengers!"

While the pair of animals argued, Benedict grabbed his Poké Balls from the counter and went outside towards a small park. He sighed as he sat down on the sand, burying his face in his arms. The wind whistled outside, leaves rustling as the world around him went quiet. Until...

"Pika pika?"

Benedict looked up from his lap.

"Oh, hey Aries" he sighed.

Aries leaped into his arms, nuzzling her face against his chest. Her warm fur was pleasant to the touch.

"Aries, there you are!"

Kidd exclaimed as he ran up to the duo. "I hope she wasn't giving you any trouble."

"Nah, she was actually what I needed" Benedict said, still petting Aries.

Kidd looked down at the two of them, "Well, that's good. Hey, Benedict?"

"Yeah?" Benedict looked up from the ground, crossing his arms after Aries hopped off his lap.

"Are you okay?"

Kidd asked he held a hoof out to him.

Benedict took a deep breath in, then wrapped his wing around Kidd's hoof and stood back up.

"Not really, no" he shook his head. "But I think I'll be alright"

"You sure about that?"

Kidd questioned him.

"Yeah" Benedict assured him. "The battle sucked, yeah, but I can always try again tomorrow!"

Kidd smiled. Now this was the optimistic Benedict he fell in love with!

"Hey, that's great to hear!"

"Yeah. Hey, where'd Tank go?" Benedict looked around outside. That was...odd.

Kidd adjusted his scarf, "He went to buy a new sketchbook. Hey, where do you want to go for dinner tonight?"

"Wait, I'm pickin' the place today?"

Benedict was confused.

"Of course!"

Kidd snorted. "Hey, since you lost that gym battle, it's your night to do anything you want!"

"You're right!" Benedict grabbed both of Kidd's wrists. "In that case, let's go to that Sootopolian place. I could go for a gyro or four!"

"I could go for six myself"

Kidd said, flipping his hair behind his neck. "Hopefully it's the Wooloo kind."

An hour later, the boys were outside of Origin Cafe. The quaint cafe had blue and white furniture, bistro tables with large umbrellas in a water pattern, and purple laurels in a tall white vase.

The waitress, a black pig with white eyeshadow and a striped diner dress, rushed between each table, scrambling to get everyone's orders. The boys were lucky they arrived before the dinner rush, currently eating a party platter.

Tank tossed a falafel into the air, chuckling as Benedict caught it with his beak.

Kidd looked up from his phone, nibbling on some feta-stuffed fried olives.

"Huh, this is new"

"What's goin' on?"

Benedict asked as he grabbed a piece of fried eggplant.

"They just started building a contest hall in Oldale Town"

Kidd explained. "I'm not sure who to enter with, but I know I want to do that before Mauville City"

"Wait, we're goin' to Mauville City again?" Benedict pointed out. "We've been there twice already, what gives?!"

Tank snorted

"Benedict, it's the only way to get to Fortree City! We have to go through there to get to Route 119, THEN we'll be in Fortree City"

"Oh. Right"

Benedict shook his head clear. "Well hopefully somethin' new will be in Mauville."

Several hours later...

Benedict wandered around outside, enjoying the cool breeze of the night. He adjusted the strap of his backpack, then stopped at a small trail. The only thing marking the trail was a wooden sign reading "Lake B-52". Now what the heck kind of lake is that; let's go check it out!

He walked through the trail, pushing some branches aside to see the lake better.

The pale blue moon glowed over the quiet little lake, its reflection wobbling on the surface.

Benedict snuck behind one of the trees and set his backpack down, making sure nobody was around to see him. Relieved to know he was alone, he went ahead and changed into his swim trunks. He tossed his stuff over the tree branch, then cannonballed into the lake.

He shuddered from how cold the water was, but relaxed as he took a deep breath in. Floating on the surface like a leaf, Benedict looked up at the moonlight. In a way, he was grateful for today. If he hadn't battled Butch at all, he wouldn't have found this nice little getaway. And besides, there was always another day for a rematch!

A small noise caught his attention. He looked to his side; three crustacean Pokemon popped out of the surface. Two of the Pokemon sparred with each other, while the third held out a Cheri Berry.

"Huh?"

Benedict asked. "Is that for me?"

"Cor-phish!"

the crayfish Pokémon chirped, floating closer to hand him the berry.

"Oh, thanks" Benedict said before taking the berry in his hands. He took a small bite; the sweet yet tart taste was quite pleasant. But why was this Pokémon being so nice to him? Maybe it saw that he looked down on his luck?

"Hey, Benedict!"

Benedict tensed up.

"Oh, hey guys!" he hollered from the middle of the lake. He waved both his wings, careful not to drop the berry.

Tank waved back to him.

"So this is where you went, huh?!" he yelled.

"Yep!"

Benedict explained. "It's nice in here an' the wild Pokemon are friendly!"

Kidd tried not to chuckle

"C'est les swimming poules".

Tank looked over at him

"Swimming pool? No, I think that's a lake, Kidd."

Kidd shook his head

"It's a pun, Tank. Poules means chickens in Kalosian"

"Oh!" Tank gasped, then laughed. "NOW I get it! Hey, I'm getting in too!"

Benedict hollered

"Just don't hit the wild Pokémon!"

"Not if they don't hit me first!"

Tank yelled back as he changed into his swimsuit.

Kidd placed his stuff near one of the trees, looking twice before climbing up said tree. He tossed some dirt off his trunks, took a deep breath in then backflipped into the water. Waves of water splashed into the air, drenching Benedict from head to neck.

"That was awesome!" Benedict shouted.

Kidd poked his head out of the water, pushing his wet hair out of his face.

"Thanks" he nodded. "I took a few swimming classes back in Lumiose. And before you ask, no, nobody drowned each other in the pools!"

Benedict snorted

"My school had a pool, but the gym coach an' his wife were caught canoodlin' after hours an' they drained the pool the next day"

"Canoodling?!" Kidd tilted his head in confusion. "What in the world is that-"

"Heads up!"

Kidd turned around. A wave of water splashed into his face, the cold water splattering against his fur.

"TANK!" he yelled.

"What?" Tank laughed, taunting him as he splashed a little more water. "Scared of a little water?"

"Um, no!"

Kidd rolled his eyes. He laughed as he splashed Tank back, watching as the water pushed his hair down into his eyes.

"Aw, what the heck!"

Benedict joined in, throwing water at both of them.

"I call shenangians!" Tank hollered as he threw even more water, sticking his tongue out as he did so.