Pokémon: Silver Journeys

The Sky's the Limit

Because our heroes had arrived to the Violet City Gym after Ash and his friends did, Riley had to wait his turn to challenge Falkner, the Violet City Gym leader. What he witnessed was Ash using his Pokémon in a brash but fruitful way. He managed to win the Zephyr Badge as a result. But now the curtain was bout to raise on Riley's first Johto Gym Battle.

It was morning, and our heroes were currently staying in a hotel they rented out. Marina was folding her clothes while Jimmy was cleaning his shoes.

Marina: There. All folded and accounted for. Hm? Hey, Jimmy, you see Riley around?

Jimmy: He's outside. Said something about getting in some last minute training.

Outside, Riley was exercising alongside his Pokémon.

Riley: Nice and easy, everyone. Gotta stretch those muscles to warm up. Need to be nice and limber if we wanna beat Falkner.

Marina: You sure you can do this? Marina and Jimmy arrive. After seeing that battle yesterday, I figured you'd be hesitant to do this.

Riley: No way. After seeing that battle, I'm even more pumped than ever. Question is, which Pokémon should I use? He looks at the four he has.

Jimmy: Falkner uses Flying types so your best choice would be an Electric type. So Chinchou's a definite choice.

Chinchou: Chin! (Yup)

Marina: Ice type moves could work too. If you want, me and Croconaw can teach Chinchou some.

Riley: Nah. I don't wanna have to rely on you guys for this one. I gotta figure out my own way to battle.

Jimmy: I hear ya, but giving you a few pointers wouldn't hurt.

Riley: Okay, so Chinchou's definitely in. Who else? Cyndaquil, Gligar, you two want in?

Cyndaquil: Cyndaquil! (Definitely)

Gligar: Gligar! (I'm ready Captain)

Oddish: Odd?! (What) Oddish was sulking hearing that they're being left out.

Marina: Don't take it too personal, Oddish. Grass types are just a bad match against Flying types, that's all.

Riley: Okay. We're all set. Now, let's go win our first badge! He cheered and his Pokémon join in.

Later at the Violet City Gym, Falkner and Riley stood ready.

Falkner: I imagine you've prepared for this match.

Riley: You bet.

Falkner: Good. So have I. I just hope you can handle it.

Referee: The Gym battle between Riley the challenger and Falkner, the gym leader is about to begin. Each side will have use of three Pokémon and the battle is over when all of either sides Pokémon are defeated. In addition, only the challenger is allowed to make any substitution.

Jimmy: His first battles here.

Marina: I'm kinda anxious to be honest.

Falkner: Pidgeot, go! Pidgeot materializes.

Riley: Pidgeot already?!

Jimmy: Why's he bringing Pidgeot out first?!

Marina: To throw Riley off. Falkner's testing his reaction to surprises. Gym leaders use this tactic a lot.

Jimmy: Hmm. I hope Riley will be okay.

Riley: Ah well, I can handle Pidgeot. But I have to find a way to deal with its speed.