When the Stanislaus Thrust traded Joey Cox (Roadrunner, G, BAL) to the Biloxi Mudpuppies for backup point guard Randy Catcher (Bullfrog, G, PIT), they got more than just a skilled defensive leader. The team's defensive anchor Doral (Gecko, G/F, SPO) took an early interest in the team's new amphibious player, an interest that turned to romance as the pair quickly became a couple.

But when team owner Foo-Foo (Dog) felt that their relationship was interfering with the team's image, she ordered the general manager to get rid of the gecko. She had her tail shipped up to Spokane in a trade she protested but tolerated having been given the promise that Randy would stay with the Thrust, therefore allowing the love birds to remain in the same conference and see each other more easily.

And a week later, Foo-Foo ordered her general manager to get rid of the frog, shipping him out to Pittsburgh. Just to mess with Doral. Because Foo-Foo is like that.

With the lovers now in opposite conferences, it was much harder to find time to see each other. And many reporters wondered if the romance would even last. But during a cross-conference game in December, with Christmas just around the corner, XL was sent in to defend Dig 'Em in his new role as the Keystones' starting point. The big frog knew Doral's defensive skill well and knew he had to protect the ball closer. But to his surprise, Doral had another motive for putting in such a tight defense on the amphibian.

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This beautiful piece of artwork from  marymouse was sent out as part of the 2012 FBA Christmas cards last year. I should have posted it sooner!

 dorallizard was very generous to let me use his character for this card. Thank you, XL!

 tdk designed the Pittsburgh Keystones jersey that Randy Catcher is so handsomely sporting. :)