Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 97: Top of the Lighthouse, Volkner's Ambition

"After we bid farewell to Katelyn and Jasmine, we returned to our hotel and discussed how best to reignite Volkner's ambition. In the end, it was settled that I would challenge him to a battle atop the lighthouse. A high stakes battle for the badge in an unconventional setting for a Gym Battle. Hopefully it would work...thought I had a feeling my inventive and strategic method of battling would help Volkner...I hoped anyway. Thank goodness for Flint, the member of the Elite Four of Sinnoh, because without him, this wouldn't have been possible—though he says the same about us."

Sam stood before the lighthouse.

The breeze from the sea tousled everyone's hair and clothing as they stood atop the sea shelf.

Sam took a deep breath and entered the lighthouse with his friends.

The remainder of the trip to the top was an unfortunately anti-climactic elevator ride that moved at a snail's pace.

There were some pauses, a few people got on and off.

Niya couldn't help but break down in laughter by the time the last person left the elevator.

"What an anti-climactic march into battle," she smirked as she wiped away a tear, "After the whole Team Galactic thing this is a bit of a let-down, I must say."

"We should've taken the stairs," grumbled Sam as the elevator finally dinged at the top floor.

Sam had to admit the sight was beautiful.

He had the whole view of Sunyshore Cape.

The whole city, the entire coastline, the beaches, the ocean; it was beautiful, but that wasn't why they were here right now.

Sam walked across the circular room with the light in the centre.

Went out to the balcony and came face to face with a very sombre Volkner.

He stood there, wind tousling his hair, staring at the horizon of the ocean, a catatonic look on his face.

"Volkner?" asked Sam, steeling himself.

The man grunted.

"I've come to challenge you for my Beacon Badge," he started.

Volkner turned and scoffed. "The gym is closed. I'm not going back. I'm done with that noise."

He sounded like a man who had given up.

"Why?" demanded Sam, "Does the League even know you've abandoned my duties?"

Volkner snorted. "Yeah, and Flint won't get off my ass about it. Says he refuses my resignation and won't let me retire."

"Then legally, you have to continue your gym," concluded Sam.

"I'm allowed four weeks' vacation a year," shrugged Volkner, "I'm taking it."

"You have to leave the Gym in the hands of a deputized, capable trainer," added Niya, "I should know, my aunt is Fantina of Hearthome."

Volkner let air hiss from his mouth like a snake in frustration. "Except in times when no trainer can be found. I've got no one I can trust to be strong enough and defend my Beacon Badge. I'm a little higher up on the chain than Fantina, so finding people to cover the last badge before the Pokémon League isn't easy. Surely you know that part of the rule book, hm?"

Niya's mouth clamped shut immediately.

She'd forgotten.

Volkner knew the rules better than she did, though that was no surprise.