Madd thought she was pretty easy to get along with. She rolled with the punches and usually let people get a few taps in first. But this crap rubbed her the wrong way.



Again, the television had dimmed and popped out. Her lights quickly followed suit. By the time it came back on, she’d missed the entire episode, minus the credits. As this wasn’t exactly the first time this had happened in the last week—the exact opposite in fact—she dialed up her landlord.



Somehow, instead of solving any complaints, she ended up walking the older woman through downloading pictures of her grandkids on her phone. But the lovely old bird did give her someone to point a finger at. Apparently, some Magnemites—the ugly things with the beards--had been making problems at the power plant. And they were offering a reward for anyone willing to help.



On the couch, her badger bud pretended not to listen. He did his best to keep ruby reds focused on the TV in front of him.



Hanging up the phone, Madeline grabbed her faux leather backpack and slung it across her shoulders. “Come on, Yakistan. Duty calls.” The Obstagoon, half sunken into the worn-out couch, turned to his trainer with an exaggerated sigh. ”Goon.” One big mitt lifted in the universal gesture for pause as he licked Dorito’s crumbs off of his fingers. The now-empty bag crinkled as he gave it a shake.



What a punk, huh? The young woman smiled as she tugged the door open. “We can get a bag on the way home.” The badger held up two claws. “Fine. Two." Seemingly convinced, the dark type rose to follow. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she navigated the familiar treads of the stairs.  Poking around a marker of industry sounded way better than Netflix and chill.



A short time later, Madeline stood at the entrance to the power plant. Her jacket was drawn tightly around her shoulders. Her pockets, meanwhile, were full of dollar store magnets and a couple of packs of batteries. She turned as her partner for the day, offering them a sharp salute.



“Glad to see you made it here in one piece.” Madd offered. "I'm Madd. This is Yakky." The badger bobbed his head vigorously. "That's Helen." Click! Click! went the Pinsir's claws.