Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun rose lazily over Arlen, Texas, casting a warm glow across the freshly mowed lawns. Birds chirped, lawnmowers hummed faintly in the distance, and the ever-familiar hum of a propane grill signaled another peaceful day at the Hill household.

Inside the kitchen, Bobby Hill sat at the table in his pajamas, nervously picking at a stack of pancakes shaped like Poké Balls.

“Bobby, eat up,” Peggy Hill said, sliding him a glass of MooMoo Milk. “You need your strength if you're going to be the best there ever was.”

“I dunno, Mom,” Bobby said, sighing. “What if I pick the wrong Pokémon? What if I can’t even win a battle?”

Hank Hill looked up from his newspaper and lowered it with his usual steady, practical gaze.

“Now Bobby, there’s no such thing as the ‘wrong’ Pokémon. There’s only the one that’s right for you. It's like choosing the right grill. You don't go out lookin' for one with the most buttons, you pick the one that does the job and you stick by it. That’s what makes a real trainer.”

Peggy nodded enthusiastically. “You come from strong roots, Bobby. You are part Hill, part Platter, and one hundred percent ready.”

Hank stood and straightened his shirt. “Now, son, it’s time. You’re going to head over to see Professor Boomhauer. He’s got a starter Pokémon waitin’ for you.”

“Dang ol’ Professor Boomhauer,” Bobby muttered, smiling. He grabbed his backpack and stood up, nerves giving way to excitement. “Okay! I’m ready!”

Boomhauer’s Pokémon Lab wasn’t much of a lab. It was a converted garage with a satellite dish strapped to the roof and several half-disassembled Poké Balls on the table. Professor Boomhauer stood at the workbench, fiddling with a Pokédex and muttering to himself.

“Yeah man, dang ol' data compilation, got all them Pokémons, type charts, stats, dang ol' region-specific variants, man…”

“Uh… Professor Boomhauer?” Bobby stepped inside.

Boomhauer turned, smiling. “Hey man, tell ya what, you ready for your first dang ol’ starter Pokémon, man?”

Bobby nodded. “Yes sir!”

Boomhauer gestured to a table with three Poké Balls. “You got your Treecko, your Torchic, your Mudkip. Grass, fire, and water, man. Pick whichever speaks to ya.”

Bobby looked over the Poké Balls and hesitated. Then one of them wiggled slightly, and with a flash, a small green gecko-like creature emerged, stretching and looking at Bobby with cool, focused eyes.

“I’ll take Treecko,” Bobby said. “He looks kinda... chill.”

Boomhauer grinned. “Man, good choice, yeah man, Treecko’s got calm. Now here’s your Pokédex, your Poké Balls, and some Berry snacks. You take care of him, and he’ll take care of you.”

Back home, Bobby ran up the driveway, Treecko riding on his shoulder.

“Mom! Dad! I got him!”

Peggy opened the door and let out a small squeal. “Oh Bobby, look at him! What a darling little reptile!”

Treecko gave a casual thumbs-up with its tiny hand.

Hank squinted in approval. “Solid choice. Grass-type. Good early coverage. Strong against Rock and Ground, not so great against Flying or Poison, though.”

Bobby nodded, proud. “Treecko and I are gonna be the best team in Texas!”

“Well,” Hank said, rubbing his chin. “Why don’t we test that out? Peggy?”

Peggy had already pulled a Poké Ball from her purse. “Thought you’d never ask.”

Out in the Hill’s backyard, the grill had been rolled aside to make room for a makeshift battlefield. Bobby stood across from his mom, heart pounding.

“Go, Treecko!”

Peggy held up her Poké Ball dramatically. “Let’s show them how it’s done, Spearow!”

A flash of light and a cry of “SPEEAAAH!” later, a fierce-looking bird flapped in place, eyes narrowed.

“Treecko, use Pound!”

Treecko darted forward, smacking Spearow with its tail.

“Wing Attack, now!”

Spearow swooped in, striking Treecko hard. It stumbled back.

“Treecko, quick! Use Pound again!”

But Spearow was faster. Another Wing Attack and Treecko hit the ground.

“Treecko!” Bobby gasped, running over.

Peggy returned Spearow. “You did good, honey. That was a strong start.”

Hank walked over, crouching beside him. “Now, Bobby, a real trainer doesn’t win every time. What matters is what you do after a loss.”

Treecko slowly stood up and gave a weak but determined nod.

“That’s right,” Peggy said, kneeling. “You’ll get stronger. It’s all part of the journey.”

Hank stood, arms crossed. “Speaking of, your first badge challenge is right here in Arlen. The gym leader’s Buck Strickland. But don’t expect any favors just because he’s my boss.”

Bobby blinked. “Mr. Strickland runs a gym?”

“He sure does,” Hank said. “Propane-themed. Of course.”

Bobby looked to the horizon. “Okay. I’m going.”

Hank stopped him and handed over a small pouch. “Poké Balls. You’ll need these. And Bobby…”

Bobby turned.

“One day, when you’re ready... you’ll battle me.”

Bobby’s eyes widened. He nodded. “I will.”

On the outskirts of Arlen, Bobby and Treecko came upon a grassy field where a wild Ponyta grazed. The fire-horse Pokémon turned at the sound of footsteps, flames flickering from its mane.

“Whoa… Treecko, let’s try to catch it!”

The battle was quick. Ponyta was nimble, but Treecko’s Pounds, Quick Attacks, and strategy wore it down. One well-placed Poké Ball toss later, and the Ponyta was Bobby’s. He then threw the ball again to see his new friend.

“YES! You’re so cute!” Bobby grinned, petting its nose. “I’m gonna ride you everywhere!”

Treecko rolled his eyes and hopped on his shoulder again.

Not long after, on the path to Strickland Gym, Bobby ran into a familiar face riding his bike.

“Joseph!”

“BOBBY! DUDE! You got a Ponyta?! That’s sick.”

“You got a Pokémon too?”

“Check it out! GO, HAWLUCHA!”

Bobby’s eyes widened as the fighting-flying type landed in front of them, arms crossed dramatically.

“Let’s battle!” Joseph grinned.

“Okay! Treecko, let’s go!”

It wasn’t close. Hawlucha’s Aerial Ace took Treecko down in one hit.

“Oh man…” Bobby said quietly.

“Don’t worry, Bobby,” Joseph said. “First battles are rough. You’ll get better. I’m already headed to the second gym!”

Joseph waved and ran off, leaving Bobby slumped.

Ponyta nuzzled him gently. Treecko looked disappointed, but not angry.

“You’re right, guys. I gotta keep going.”

After a quick stop at the Pokémon Center, Bobby stood at the doors of the Strickland Gym. The inside looked like a propane showroom, complete with branded tanks and grill displays. Joe Jack greeted him at the front.

“You here for a badge, kid? Gotta get through me first!”

“Let’s do this! Ponyta, go!”

Joe Jack sent out a Munchlax, and the battle began.

Munchlax was tough, but Ponyta’s speed and a solid Ember attack eventually wore him down.

“Whew!” Bobby wiped sweat from his brow as Joe Jack returned his Pokémon.

“Good battle, kid. Buck’s waitin’ for ya.”

Buck Strickland leaned on the railing above the gym floor, grinning.

“Well if it ain’t little Bobby Hill. You sure you wanna do this?”

“I’m sure!”

Buck jumped down and tossed a Poké Ball. “Ekans! Let’s coil this kid up!”

“Treecko, you’re up!”

Ekans hissed and lashed out with Poison Sting. Treecko dodged, responding with Pound. The two went back and forth. Wrap, Pound, Poison Sting, Pound. Until finally, Treecko landed a solid final blow, and Ekans slumped to the floor.

“You did it, Treecko!” Bobby cried out.

Buck clapped and laughed. “You got potential, boy. Here’s your badge.” He handed Bobby a small propane-tank-shaped emblem.

That evening, Bobby arrived back home, badge in hand.

“You got it!” Peggy squealed.

Hank nodded with pride. “That’s good, Bobby. But tomorrow... the real challenge begins. You’ll be leaving Arlen. New towns, new gyms. New battles.”

Bobby looked down at his badge and smiled. “I’m ready.”

Treecko and Ponyta stood beside him.

And so, with the propane badge shining in his hand and the vast Texas region waiting ahead, Bobby Hill’s Pokémon journey had only just begun.

Chapter Text

The sun had barely crept over the flat Texas plains as Bobby Hill left his home early. He rode his trusty Ponyta through the tall grass just outside Arlen, his heart full of excitement and just a hint of anxiety. Treecko rested on his shoulder, swaying slightly with Ponyta’s rhythm.

“Alright, gang,” Bobby said with a determined grin, “next stop, our second badge!”

Suddenly, a battered bug-sprayer van burst out of the brush, plowing through the tall grass with a wild honk and a cloud of exhaust. DALE’S DEAD BUG was printed across the side in shaky red letters. It skidded to a stop inches from Bobby, flinging dust and the distinct smell of bug killer into the air.

“BOBBY!” Dale Gribble shouted from the driver’s seat, still wearing his orange hat and classic shades. “WAIT! I need to test your strength! Joseph needs a strong rival to push him to greatness. It’s basic rival math!”

Bobby blinked. “Mr. Gribble? Why are you ambushing kids in a field?”

Dale leapt out of the van with two Poké Balls. “A double battle. Right now. Let’s see what kind of heat you're packin'!”

Bobby glanced at Treecko and Ponyta. “Alright. Let’s do this.”

“Go, Butterfree! Beedrill! STING ‘EM TO GLORY!”

Dale’s Butterfree flapped its glittery wings, while Beedrill buzzed menacingly beside it.

Bobby raised an eyebrow. “Mr. Gribble, if you’re an exterminator… why do you only have Bug Pokémon?”

“BOBBY, FOCUS!” Dale barked. “The Bug is nature’s spy and soldier rolled into one beautiful exoskeleton! Now battle!”

The battle began.

“Treecko, Quick Attack on Butterfree! Ponyta, Ember on Beedrill!”

Treecko zipped forward in a green blur, smacking Butterfree before it could gain altitude. Ponyta snorted and launched a small burst of flame, catching Beedrill mid-hover.

“Beedrill, Harden!” Dale yelled. “Butterfree, Gust!”

Beedrill tensed its body, resisting the flame, while Butterfree whipped up a blast of wind that sent Treecko tumbling. Treecko hit the grass, rolled, and bounced back to its feet.

“Treecko, Pound Beedrill now! Ponyta, Tackle Butterfree!”

Bobby’s Pokémon struck in tandem. Treecko’s tail slammed Beedrill out of the sky, and Ponyta charged Butterfree, knocking it into the dirt.

“NOOO! MY INSECT CHILDREN!” Dale cried, cradling the fainted Poké Balls.

He stood up, brushing dirt off his pants. “You got the chops, Bobby. Keep Joseph sharp. If he slacks off and gets a C-average in battle performance, it’s on you.”

Bobby saluted. “Yes, sir.”

As Dale’s van disappeared in the distance (swaying wildly off-road), Bobby patted his Pokémon proudly.

“We’re doing good, team.”

A few hours later, Bobby reached the outskirts of Highland, Texas. As he rode Ponyta through town, people turned and pointed, impressed by the young trainer and his fire-horse steed. Bobby sat a little straighter, basking in the attention.

He stopped at the Pokémon Center to heal his team. Nurse Joy gave him a warm smile.

“Your Pokémon seem quite well-trained,” she said.

“Thanks! We just beat a crazy bug guy in a van!”

Nurse Joy blinked. “Right… well, good luck on your gym battle!”

As Bobby stepped outside, something caught his eye.

Next to the Center was a Maxi Mart, and on the curb sat two very distinct figures in Team Rocket uniforms, though these ones were stained with nacho cheese and chip crumbs.

“Hey Beavis, check it out,” Butt-head said, nudging his friend. “That dork has a fire horse.”

“Uhh huh huh... fire horse is cool. FIRE! FIRE!”

“Yeah, we should totally, like, steal it or something. Impress the Boss. Then maybe we’ll finally get, like… promoted or something.”

As Bobby rode past, Beavis and Butt-head jumped up, stumbling into the road.

“Prepare for trouble!” Butt-head declared.

“Make it a combo!” Beavis shouted proudly.

Butt-head slapped him. “Dumbass. It’s ‘make it double!’”

Bobby sighed. “Oh no. Weirdos.”

Beavis pointed dramatically. “Surrender that fire horse and your green lizard dude, or face the wrath of Team Rocket!”

“You guys are in Team Rocket?”

“We’re, like… freelancers.”

They lunged for Ponyta, only to get blasted by a small Ember burst.

“AAAHHH! HOT HOT HOT!” Beavis danced, flailing his arms.

“You idiot, you said fire was cool!” Butt-head barked, rubbing his singed glove.

They staggered back and pulled out Poké Balls.

“Murkrow, GO!”

“Wooper, GO DUDE!”

Bobby tossed out Treecko and Ponyta again.

The battle began.

Murkrow swooped in with Peck, narrowly dodged by Treecko. Ponyta retaliated with Ember, sending the bird spiraling.

Wooper fired Water Gun, dousing Ponyta’s flames briefly, but Treecko tackled it mid-squirt.

“Treecko, Quick Attack Murkrow! Ponyta, Tackle Wooper!”

Double hit. Murkrow tumbled, fainted. Wooper stood up groggily, then collapsed face-first into the dirt.

“NOOO!” Beavis wailed. “Wooper! You were… uhh… wet…”

Butt-head blinked as they started flying upward. “Looks like Team Rocket is blasting off again… this is cool.”

“FIRE! FIRE! BLAHHHH!”

They twinkled in the sky for a second and then completely disappeared.

Bobby dusted off his shirt and turned back toward his destination.

The Highland High School Gym was a surprisingly large building, its doors wide open like a Pokémon challenge waiting to happen.

Inside, a calm man with long hair and a soft voice stood waiting. “Hello there, young trainer. I’m Mr. Van Driessen. Let’s see what you’ve learned today.”

He sent out an Abra, who floated lazily and yawned.

“Go, Ponyta!”

One quick Tackle and Ember later, Abra was done.

Mr. Van Driessen smiled serenely. “Peaceful… and decisive. Come with me.”

They entered the school auditorium, where Principal McVicker waited behind a podium.

“Alright, kid. You look bold, but I hear you’ve been battling double-style today. Hope you’re not just lucky.”

Bobby stepped forward. “I’m ready.”

“Then let’s do this! Vigoroth! Loudred! Go!”

Bobby sent out Treecko and Ponyta.

The battle was chaos.

Loudred’s Uproar shook the walls. Vigoroth charged in with Slash, knocking Ponyta off her hooves.

Treecko ducked and used Pound, but couldn’t stop both at once.

Ponyta got slammed again and fainted.

“No!” Bobby gasped. “You can do this, Treecko!”

Bruised but determined, Treecko stood tall… and began to glow.

“Is this… is this it?!”

The light burst outward. When it cleared, Treecko had transformed into a sleek, more confident Grovyle.

“YEAHHHHH!” Bobby squealed in a pitch higher than expected. “YOU EVOLVED!!”

“Grooooo-vyle!”

McVicker flinched. “Well I’ll be… let’s see if it helps.”

Grovyle launched its new Mega Drain move, sapping energy from Vigoroth and Loudred. It zipped around the field with newfound speed, dodging attacks and draining HP at every turn.

Finally, both of McVicker’s Pokémon fell over.

“You win,” he said, mopping his sweaty brow. “Here’s your badge, son.”

Bobby grinned as he took the badge shaped like a school pencil.

From the side door, Beavis and Butt-head peeked in.

“Heh heh. Dude… it looks like a schlong.”

“Uhh huh huh huh… SCHLONG BADGE.”

“GET OUT OF HERE, YOU HOODLUMS!” McVicker barked, hurling an empty soda can.

That evening, Bobby sat outside the Pokémon Center, calling home via video phone. The sun set behind him in golden streaks.

Peggy’s face lit up the screen. “Bobby! You look so handsome and dirty!”

“You get that second badge, son?” Hank asked, appearing beside her.

Bobby held it up proudly. “Yep. School Pencil Badge!”

Peggy clapped. Hank nodded. “That’s real good. How many Pokémon you got now?”

“Just Tree—well, Grovyle now, and Ponyta.”

“You’re gonna need more, Bobby,” Hank said. “It’s about building a team. Strength through balance. And propane.”

“I will. I promise.”

Peggy blew a kiss through the screen. “We love you!”

“I love you too.”

As the call ended, Bobby looked at his badge case, the two shining badges inside. Grovyle stood beside him, Ponyta nuzzled his side.

“Alright, y’all. Let’s get some rest.”

And with that, Bobby and his team stayed the night in Highland, one step closer to becoming a Pokémon master, Texas style.

Chapter Text

The sun beat down hard on Bobby Hill as he made his way across the hot flatlands of Texas. He considered riding Ponyta again, but decided to give it a break after taking some tough hits in their previous battle. Bobby took a massive drink of his water bottle his mother Peggy had given him. Then he held his map in front of him, squinting at the next marked location.

“There it is, guys,” Bobby said to his Poké Balls, tapping the page. “John Redcorn Casino. Our next gym badge.”

He paused, remembering. In the back of his mind, he saw the Arlen days when John Redcorn had been another friendly and familiar face. Mysterious, and just a tad aloof. But then the lottery win changed everything. The man had vanished from Arlen, reemerging as a multi-millionaire with a massive casino built on native land, now doubling as a Gym. Bobby had watched the report on TV. John Redcorn now lived a life surrounded by colorful lights, fiery fire-types, and glamourous living.

“Must be nice,” Bobby muttered. “Bet he never has to mow a lawn again.”

Before his daydreams distracted him more, Bobby stopped a short distance from quite a sight ahead. A giant boulder completely blocked the cave entrance leading to the casino.

“Dang roadblock,” Bobby groaned.

A familiar voice rang out.

“BOBBY!”

Joseph ran up, grinning, his Hawlucha at his side. The two friends high-fived before catching up.

“How many badges you got now?” Joseph asked.

“Two,” Bobby replied proudly.

“No way! Me too!” Joseph said. “I’m headed to Redcorn Casino for my third badge.”

“Same!” Bobby said, pointing at the roadblock. “Except we'll have to get past this thing.”

Joseph scratched his head. “Man, what do we do?”

Bobby raised an eyebrow. “Uh, use a Pokémon? Break the rock?”

Joseph slapped his forehead. “Why didn’t I think of that? Hawlucha, go and use Brick Break on this rock!”

Hawlucha leapt high and karate-chopped the boulder with a mighty cracking sound. For a moment, it seemed to work. Then… the “boulder” shifted.

The boys froze as the rocky mass twisted, sprouted arms, and revealed glaring eyes.

“That’s no boulder!” Bobby yelped. “That’s a Graveler!”

The huge Rock-type growled, its body glowing brighter and brighter.

“It’s gonna Self-Destruct!” Bobby cried. “RUN!”

Bobby, Joseph, and Hawlucha bolted, dirt and gravel flying. The blast thundered behind them, shaking the ground. When they finally came to a halt, panting, they turned back to see the cave entrance completely caved in with rubble.

“Awwww man!” Bobby and Joseph groaned in unison.

Just then, a voice called out from around the corner.

“Dang ol’ racket out here, man, are y’all blowin’ up dang ol’ dynamite or somethin’, man?”

Professor Boomhauer appeared, lab coat flapping as he strolled up, looking confused.

“Professor Boomhauer!” Bobby and Joseph shouted in relief.

“Dang ol’ Bobby Hill, man, look at ya, boy,” Boomhauer grinned. “How’s that dang ol’ Treecko doing?” Bobby sent out Grovyle from the Poké Ball to show Boomhauer. He stopped, blinking twice. “Wait, what? Already Grovyle, man? Dang ol’ quick-growin’, boy’s got some talent.”

Bobby grinned proudly. Joseph explained the Graveler fiasco, and Boomhauer nodded sagely.

“Yeah man, gotta be careful around dang ol’ caves, man, Pokémon can disguise themselves as rocks, trees, trash cans, man, you never know.”

The boys promised to be careful, but Joseph pointed to the wreckage. “Now the cave’s blocked!”

Boomhauer chuckled. “Man, caves got more than one entrance, tell ya what. Just come with me.”

Sure enough, around the bend, another wide cave entrance awaited them.

“Alright, dang ol’ stick together now,” Boomhauer said, leading them inside.

The cave air was cool and damp, contrasting the hot air that was outside of the cave. The sound of some dripping water droplets was in the background.

“So, uh, Professor,” Bobby asked, “what are you even doing out here?”

Boomhauer suddenly stopped, spotting a brown smear on the ground. He crouched, scooped some onto his finger, looked at it very closely, and sniffed it. Then, to Bobby and Joseph’s horror, he popped it in his mouth.

“EW!” Bobby gagged.

“Professor, what are you doing?!” Joseph cried.

Boomhauer spit, shuddering. “Dang ol’ Pokémon poop, man, thought maybe it was a dang ol’ mineral sample.”

“WHY would you taste it if you didn’t know?!” Joseph asked.

“Man, dang ol’ research, you gotta use all senses, man, tell ya what.”

He went on to explain how Redcorn Cave was once a working mine, but was now reclaimed by wild Pokémon. Before Bobby could ask more, the ground rumbled.

The path behind them crumbled, collapsing in chunks.

“RUN FOR YOUR DANG OL’ LIVES!” Boomhauer shouted.

They sprinted as the tunnel floor collapsed behind them. Boomhauer and Joseph pulled ahead, but Bobby lagged, gasping, his legs failing him.

“I can’t…” he wheezed.

The ground cracked under his feet. Suddenly, a flash of red coal lit the darkness. A Carkol barreled up behind Bobby, shoving him forward like a speeding minecart.

“AAAH! It’s attacking me!” Bobby screamed.

“No, man!” Boomhauer shouted back. “Carkol’s savin’ ya, man, dang ol’ pushin’ ya forward!”

Sure enough, the Rock/Fire-type kept nudging Bobby faster and faster until they all skidded onto solid ground. The collapse ended, the tunnel path behind them gone.

They stood, catching their breath. Bobby turned to the Pokémon who had saved his life.

“You… you saved me,” Bobby whispered. His face lit up. “You’re amazing! Would you like to be one of my Pokémon?”

Carkol rumbled happily. Bobby tossed a Poké Ball. It clicked, and the minecart Pokémon was his.

“YES!” Bobby danced in triumph. He flipped open his Pokédex, watching the new entry appear.

“Carkol, the Coal Pokémon. It forms coal inside its body and expels it at high temperatures.”

“Awesome!” Bobby beamed.

Joseph clapped half-heartedly, happy for his friend but clearly a little jealous of his new Pokémon. Boomhauer chuckled. “Good catch, man, dang ol’ life-savin’ partner.”

“Thanks, Carkol,” Bobby said, patting the ball. “You’re with me now.”

The group pressed onward. They eventually emerged from the cave into the cool night. Ahead, neon lights painted the horizon: John Redcorn Casino, glowing like a desert mirage.

“There it is,” Joseph breathed.

“Dang ol’ bright lights, man,” Boomhauer said. “But let’s rest up first. Pokémon Center’s on the way.”

At the Center, Bobby called home on the video phone. Hank and Peggy’s faces filled the screen.

“Bobby!” Peggy beamed. “How’s our big trainer?”

“Great! I’m gonna battle John Redcorn tomorrow and get my third badge!”

“That’s real good, son,” Hank said. “Any new Pokémon?”

Bobby grinned. “Oh yeah. You’re gonna love this.” He threw the Poké Ball.

Carkol materialized, glowing with hot coals.

Hank’s eyes bulged. “BWAAAH! Bobby… what IS that?!”

“It’s a Carkol! It’s my new partner!” Bobby said proudly.

“That’s a charcoal Pokémon, son! Charcoal! We’re a propane family!” Hank snapped.

Peggy blinked silently, somehow knowing exactly where this conversation was going.

Hank shook his head. “Bobby, you already got a Ponyta anyways. You don’t need another Fire-type on your team. You need to be well-rounded. Release it. Find yourself more clean-burning Pokémon instead.”

Bobby’s face darkened. “No! Carkol’s my friend. He's a good one! And he’s Rock-type too! He’ll be perfect against Redcorn’s Fire-types!”

“Son, you don’t need that kind of rock. It's charcoal. It even rhymes with charcoal. Find another one, preferably a propane Pokémon!” Hank said firmly.

“No!” Bobby shouted. “I’m not releasing him! You don’t understand! I believe in Carkol, and I’m battling with him no matter what!”

Before Hank could argue further, Bobby turned the video call off by punching the hang-up button.

Carkol watched, concerned, until Bobby placed a hand near its hot, coal-like surface.

“Don’t worry, buddy,” Bobby whispered. “I believe in you. Thanks again for saving me.”

Carkol rumbled warmly.

Bobby, now a bit angry, prepared for bed. Tomorrow, the battle against John Redcorn would begin.

Chapter Text

The next day in Arlen, the alley was alive with the familiar crack of beer cans. Hank Hill, Dale Gribble, and Bill Dauterive stood in their usual spot, drinking quietly under the warm morning sun.

“Yup,” Hank said.

“Yup,” Dale said.

“Yup,” Bill echoed.

A sudden voice rang out from the ground.

“Trubbish!”

Bill’s new Pokémon waddled at his feet, happily gurgling and releasing a faint odor into the alley.

Dale pinched his nose. “Why don’t you take that trash of yours out, Bill? It’s stinkin’ up the alley.”

Bill frowned defensively. “He’s not trash! He’s my new Pokémon. My first Pokémon. He showed up rummaging at my house, and he clearly needed a home. So I adopted him! He’s like a son to me.”

Hank peered over his glasses. “Bill, that’s a Trubbish. It probably showed up on your doorstep because of the unsanitary conditions at your home. And you’ll want a Poké Ball for it, because that Pokémon can burp poisonous gas, not like the clean-burning fuel that is propane.”

Bill shuffled his feet. “Well… I don’t have any Poké Balls on me.”

Without a word, Hank reached into his pocket and handed one over.

Bill turned it nervously in his hand. “But… Trubbish will make good company for everyone around the neighborhood!”

“Bill,” Hank said flatly. “Put the Pokémon in the ball. We don’t need anyone gettin’ sick from poison gas around here.”

Bill sighed, but complied. He lobbed the ball gently, and with a flash, Trubbish was caught. He stared at the Poké Ball in awe.

“I did it,” Bill whispered. Then louder: “I caught my first Pokémon! I’m gonna give him a nickname. Maybe Bill Jr… or Trubbill? Any ideas, fellas?”

Dale smirked. “You should call it Trash. Because it won’t stand a chance against Joseph. He’s a pro trainer now.”

Hank nodded. “Yeah, sounds like Joseph’s doing real good. So is Bobby. Reminds me of when I went on my own Pokémon journeys as a kid. Although I was disappointed talkin’ to Bobby last night. He caught a charcoal Pokémon. I think it’s gonna be a major setback.”

Bill puffed his chest. “I’m sure Bobby will do just fine. Probably just needs an older mentor. Like me.”

“Bill, you’ve never battled in your life,” Hank said. “And you only just caught your first Pokémon a few moments ago.”

“Well I’ve watched Pokémon battles my whole life!” Bill barked back. “I’ll pick it up real easy! I’ll prove it to everyone. I’ll go on my own journey and help guide Bobby and Joseph! You’ll see!”

Bill stormed off, Poké Ball clutched in hand.

Dale snorted. “Yeah… he’s not gonna win with that garbage bag.” He quickly changed the subject. “Apparently John Redcorn televises all his gym battles. Wanna watch at your place?”

Hank nodded. “Yup.”

At the Hill household, the living room was packed. Hank, Peggy, Dale, and Nancy gathered around the TV, some snacks laid out on the table.

Meanwhile, Bobby, Joseph, and Professor Boomhauer entered the glowing John Redcorn Casino. Neon lights flashed, slot machines made jingly noises, and the battle arena shined at the center almost like a stage in Vegas.

“Dang ol’ good luck, boys,” Boomhauer said, waving. “I’ll be watchin’ from the stands, man.”

Inside the arena, John Redcorn stood waiting, hair flowing and eyes calm.

“Joseph! And Bobby…” he said warmly. “It’s good to see you. Joseph, how’s your journey with Hawlucha?”

Joseph grinned. “Amazing! Thank you for sending me Hawlucha. Because of you, I was able to start this journey!”

Bobby blinked. “Wait, Mr. Redcorn gave you Hawlucha as your first? Why didn’t you just get a starter from Professor Boomhauer?”

John Redcorn raised a hand. “None of those starter Pokémon interested Joseph. I gave him a strong partner I knew he’d appreciate.”

From the stands, Boomhauer muttered to himself. “Man, dang ol’ Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip… they’re all real cool, man. Don’t know what he’s talkin’ about…”

Bobby stepped forward. “Mr. Redcorn, I challenge you to a battle!”

“Very well,” Redcorn replied. “But first, Joseph. I will battle you. Bobby, wait your turn.”

Bobby sighed, dragging his feet off the battlefield, disappointment showing on his face.

Redcorn’s voice boomed: “This will be a true test of your abilities, Joseph. A triple battle!”

Joseph’s eyes widened. “Triple? On TV?” He looked at a camera. “Hi Mom! Hi Dad!”

In Arlen, Dale leapt at the screen. “HI SON!”

The referee raised a flag. “Begin!”

John Redcorn sent out Numel, Ninetales, and Simisear. Fire crackled across the field.

Joseph grinned, throwing his Poké Balls. “Hawlucha, Drednaw, Marowak! Let’s go!”

Flamethrowers immediately erupted from Redcorn’s entire team, engulfing much of the arena. Joseph’s Pokémon held strong, especially Drednaw, the water/rock wall.

“Drednaw, Water Gun!” Joseph yelled. The blast dropped Numel instantly.

“Hawlucha, Brick Break on Ninetales!” The strike landed, but Ninetales endured.

“Marowak, Dig!” But Simisear interrupted it with a fire punch, knocking Marowak out.

Joseph clenched his fists. “Drednaw, Razor Shell on Simisear!” One swift strike, and Simisear was down.

Now only Ninetales remained. It lunged with a Zen Headbutt, knocking out Hawlucha with force. Joseph’s eyes flicked to his last hope.

“Drednaw, Headbutt!” The heavy strike toppled Ninetales.

The referee raised his flag. “Joseph is the winner!”

The crowd roared. Bobby and Boomhauer cheered. Back in Arlen, Dale screamed at the television: “THAT’S MY SON!”

Redcorn approached Joseph, handing him a badge shaped like a slot machine. “You’ve earned the Casino Badge. And take this hat.”

Joseph awkwardly put on the “John Redcorn Casino” cap. “Uh… thanks.”

Redcorn smiled. “Let’s celebrate with lunch and…”

“Wait!” Bobby dashed up to him. “Aren’t you forgetting something? You still have to battle me!”

“Oh… right,” Redcorn said, caught off guard.

The referee raised the flag again.

Bobby released Grovyle, Ponyta, and Carkol.

Redcorn raised an eyebrow. “Bobby, you’re bringing a Grass-type against my Fire-types?”

“These are my only three,” Bobby admitted.

Redcorn nodded. “Then I’ll meet you with Combusken, Growlithe, and Charcadet.”

From Arlen, Hank shook his head. “Should’ve brought a Water-type. Still wish he’d ditch that Carkol…”

“Battle begin!”

Redcorn’s starting strategy was to immediately pick at Bobby's type disadvantage, so his fiery trio immediately unleashed a wave of Flamethrowers exclusively at Grovyle.

“Dodge it, Grovyle!” Bobby shouted. His partner moved with great speed, then struck Combusken with Quick Attack.

“Ponyta, use Ember! Carkol, use Flame Charge!” The hits piled on, further weakening Combusken.

Again the flamethrowers came. This time, Grovyle was caught in the blaze. It collapsed.

Bobby gritted his teeth. “Carkol, finish Combusken with another Flame Charge!” The fiery charge toppled it.

Now it was two on two.

“Carkol, Smack Down on Growlithe!” The attack knocked it out cold.

Charcadet rushed Ponyta with Take Down, sending her crashing but hurting itself in the process.

The battlefield hushed. Now it was just Carkol versus Charcadet.

“Smack Down!” Bobby commanded again. The rocks flew true, and Charcadet fainted.

The referee raised his flag. “Bobby is the winner!”

The stands erupted. Boomhauer whistled. Joseph cheered. Even back in Arlen, there was celebration in the Hill home. Hank and Peggy leapt from the couch.

Redcorn approached Bobby. “Congratulations. You’ve earned the Casino Badge.” He placed the gleaming slot machine emblem in Bobby’s hand.

TV reporters approached both Bobby and Joseph after their battles. “Bobby Hill, how did you pull through with Carkol at the end?”

Bobby smiled, holding up his Poké Ball. “Because I believe in Carkol, even if I never battled with him before. Y'know, he actually saved my life yesterday in Redcorn Cave during a ground collapse. Without him, I’d probably be dead. He’s more than strong. He’s my friend.”

In Arlen, Hank sat quietly watching his TV. His eyes softened.

“Dangit,” he muttered. “That coal Pokémon saved my boy’s life… Maybe… I've misjudged…”