Despite Lars' uneasiness in walking down the path, he would find the trip uneventful. Indeed, he would've been shadowed during the walk through the forest, though the prying eyes would be of a more benevolent nature. The reason the path was deserted was thanks to the Pokemon in the shadows running interference on anything that would attempt to attack trainers on their way to the Gym, whether they be Wild Pokemon, or humans with malicious intentions.

"Lars, it's good to see you again!", a familiar voice would call out in response.

Thomas would emerge from the shadows of the arena's entrance, flanked by an Alakazam that would be familiar to the challenger, as well as a Zoroark that would be unfamiliar to Lars. Aside from his attire being on the more casual side of things, wearing a simple button-up shirt, boots, and jeans, the most striking difference in his appearance would be the eye patch.

"How have you been doing, since the Invasion?", Thomas would inquire.

---

tags: Laurence Anderson
notes: Welcome to the badlands!

Most people refrained from asking directly about the eye patch. He noticed it was a common theme, that they'd take notice, but refrain from asking, perhaps not to be rude. This was especially true in the more upper class circles he found himself in upon taking charge of his family's efforts to aid Hoenn. Though honestly, he didn't mind if people asked him about the eye patch. Given his background, he found such things to be a conversation piece, something to be proud of.

"Lost my eye while raiding Slateport. @esme, Dewford's former Gym Leader, was captured by Team Rocket. After tracking her down, managed to sneak into the building, along with some of my Pokemon, and kind of went on a rampage through the place. Last guy put up more of a fight, and in a struggle for a gun, ended up losing my eye to the muzzle flash as it discharged.", he'd tell Lars. "Still didn't stop me from successfully extracting her, though.", he'd finish, with a grin.

Thomas would notice the fact that Lars was hiding his expression from him. The Gym Leader couldn't help but frown upon hearing this news. "I see. You two have a rough relationship, I take it?", Thomas asked rhetorically. He could tell from the way he spoke of him alone that the two weren't exactly on the best of terms.

"Yeah, the Commissioner broached the subject to me, during a visit I had with her.", he'd reveal to him. "Either way, I'll be acting as Verdanturf's Shadow from here on out. Not only testing those who want my badge, but protecting the town from anything or anyone that threatens it.", he'd tell him.

"Me? I'm the Dark Gym Leader, actually. I can do either Singles, with either one or three Pokemon. I can do Doubles, with four Pokemon total. Or I could do Triples, with six Pokemon.", he'd explain, making it quick. "That, or I could pit you against your greatest fears, or inner demons.", he'd continue, with a hook.

---

tags: Laurence Anderson
notes: The explanations.

"One of two ways, actually.", Thomas would start out. "The first way, and the most straightforward way, would be to have Freke here peer into your mind. He's been trained to do so in a manner that's practically painless, should you cooperate. Granted, if you choose this option, such cooperation would be expected, no?", Thomas would tell him. "Though if you'd prefer something less invasive, my Zoroark here, Kuma Lisa, can use her illusory powers to cast certain illusions in order to elicit reactions from you. Think of it as a sort of test that a shrink would use.", he would tell him.

"Whichever one you choose, Lisa here will plant you in a sort of simulation that pits you against your inner demons.", he'd finish. "You interested, or would you prefer a straight up battle?"

---

tags: Laurence Anderson
notes: The explanations.