Name: Kurtis Marshall (usually goes by Marshall)
Age: 37
Home Region/Town: Lumiose City, Kalos
Bio: Born and raised in ever-lively Lumiose City, Kurtis grew up surrounded by Pokemon and trainers alike. Even from a young age, he was hopelessly taken in by the wonders of the Pokemon world, and when the time finally came for him to set off on his journey, it took barely a moment for him to bolt out the door! Along with his very first partner, a somewhat mischievous Chimchar (his father brought the newly hatched Chimchar home after a business trip to Sinnoh), Kurtis began a long and challenge-filled adventure to become Champion of the League.
Naturally, this was far easier said than done. In every region, he found naught but worthy and powerful trainers, young and old alike. Just as soon as he thought he'd figured it all out, something new and exciting always seemed to find him. It only served to further enflame his passions, of course! Although he never succeeded at becoming a champion, despite traveling to every region at least once in his life, he
did become a great trainer in his own right.
Although he was still a city boy at heart, Kurtis's arrival in Alola felt surprisingly like a homecoming to him. The natural beauty and fascinating new Pokemon excited his drive for adventure all over again, and even as capable a trainer as he'd become, the Captains and their trials brought him all new challenges and forced him to find solutions he'd never before considered in a battle. As he himself once said, "I always enter a region thinking I know what I'm doing, and every single one of them has managed to prove me wrong."
After several years enjoying the Alolan life, however, he began to feel restless. He'd considered departing to find a new region, but was approached by Professor Kukui with a job offer! The Trainer's School was looking to expand; given the recent Aether Foundation and Ultra Beasts crises, the school wanted to make sure its students were more than capable of protecting themselves and leading their Pokemon well. Kurtis quickly accepted, and after managing to settle in, he began the ever-intriguing task of turning the old school into a grand and proper Academy. Even today, he works hard to make his new school the best in the world, joyful beyond words to see new trainers emerge before him!
Despite his professional appearance and speeches while on the job, Kurtis is actually a very lax and easygoing guy. He also suffers from a terrible case of bad luck: his feet seem to find every snag and loose cord beneath him, often landing him right on his face. He never lets it get him down, though. Even so, in battle, his experience and quick-thinking should never be underestimated. His fire for battle has never gone out, and woe to those who underestimate his team!
Team:
Infernape
-Mach Punch
-Close Combat
-Flare Blitz
-Poison Jab
Kurtis's first and most loyal partner, Infernape takes very much after his trainer. He's often seen lounging about across the academy grounds, largely ignoring whatever doesn't interest him. That said, his temper is a fiery one, and as lazy as he is, making him mad is sure to result in a battle! Warning: has been known to steal cookies.
Gardevoir
-Moonblast
-Draining Kiss
-Psychic
-Light Screen
After hearing about Ralts and Gardevoir during his time in Hoenn, Kurtis spent hours trying to find one. After half a day without a single sighting, he sadly munched on his lunch and wondered if he was even in the right place. At that very moment, a quiet little Ralts poked her head out from the bushes, lured by the smell of food. A few shared berries and Pokepuffs later, Team Kurtis had a brand new member! Shy around strangers, but very open to friends.
Mightyena
-Crunch
-Ice Fang
-Sucker Punch
-Snarl
Another team member found in the Hoenn region, a very angry Poochyena suddenly leapt out of the brush and chased a startled Marshall through the woods! A poorly-timed slip saw him fall to the ground, and the Poochyena dove for his arm! ...Thankfully, the pup was young, and his fangs were less than fatal. A bop on the nose with a Pokeball saw the wild spirit tamed. Loyal and protective, even when he doesn't need to be. His secret weakness is belly rubs.
Gengar
-Shadow Ball
-Sucker Punch
-Toxic
-Venoshock
A lucky trade with an old friend from Kanto, Kurtis received a Haunter that quickly evolved. Unfamiliar with his new trainer, however, Gengar was rather stubborn and disobedient at first. It took time - and still is, as some would argue - but the two of them have battled many an opponent, and if nothing else, Gengar is at least willing to humor his trainer. Most of the time. Known for being surprisingly vain.
Eevee
-Return
-Swift
-Double Team
-Last Resort
A lucky find during his second year in Alola, Kurtis spent days thinking over how he might evolve his Eevee. After getting no closer to a final answer - and with Eevee's adorable face - he finally decided not to evolve Eevee at all. Eevee herself seems perfectly okay with this and remains as playful as ever. While still very young and not as powerful as the rest of his team, Eevee still manages to hold her own. Most likely to be found rolling in mud for the fun of it.
Milotic
-Water Pulse
-Aqua Ring
-Refresh
-Attract
While fishing one day, Kurtis caught a Feebas. A nearby fisherman burst out laughing and suggested Kurtis "throw the useless thing back". Naturally, Kurtis immediately took that as a challenge. Several months of hard work and Pokeblock later, Milotic emerged in a glorious evolution. She's very fond of Kurtis for believing in her and works very hard to show her gratitude in battle. Surprisingly jealous.
Course teaching: Trainer 101 - the basics of being a Pokemon Trainer, including battle strategies and caring for your Pokemon!