A/N: Filler Spot.

Chapter 6 – The First Gym

Part 2

Violet City – Pokémon Center

Morning

The sun was barely over the horizon, and Logan's Pokégear alarm went off, waking him up. It was 6AM, and today he was going to prepare for his first Gym battle against Falkner. He gets out of bed, going into the bathroom and washed his face so he can wake up faster by splashing water in his face.

After doing his business, he comes out and gets dressed and sees Abby and Chika still asleep. He chuckles as he walks over and nudges them both gently.

"Hey you two. Rise and shine..." Logan said gently.

Both of them began to stir, opened their weary eyes, and stretched before getting up.

"Sorry guys, I'd love to sleep in too, but remember we have a Gym battle to do today, and we need to get in some early morning training before we head over around noon. So lets go grab some breakfast and then head out to the training fields behind the center." Logan explained.

The two Pokémon, while still a bit tired, nodded regardless. They couldn't argue as they knew this would be a big day, and likely after starting training, they be fully awake and aware.

With that, Logan made the bed, and returned Abby to her Poké Ball, and Chika goes and climbs up onto Logan's shoulder and they exit the room. After eating breakfast, and returning the room key to Nurse Joy, who wished him luck against Falkner today, he heads outside where the sky was just starting to get brighter as the sun would likely peak over the forest in half an hour, and heads behind the Pokémon Center to one of the training fields.

He calls out Abby and sets Chika down next to her as they look up at their Trainer.

"Okay you two we are gonna do some warm-ups before we start practicing. First we are gonna do a run around the field for five laps. This should get us limber and warmed up and awake. It can also help you, Chika, by trying to increase your stamina since you aren't that fast of a Pokémon, and since we are going against flying Pokémon, we need to be ready. So, lets go." Logan explained as he began doing a light jog, with his Pokémon behind.

Chika, not the fastest thing, was able to keep up the pace. Abby, on the other hand, was made for running, but was going the same pace as Logan. After they hit lap three, they began to run faster, and its hear Chika was beginning to struggle to keep up, but her determination kept her going, even if she wasn't going two fast. Abby was able to speed past Logan, who admired her for going the distance as Logan ran at a comfortable pace.

He always did this during his three-year training session back home: getting up early before training and do routine exercises as warm-ups before they begun the actual training sessions. This sort of thing was normal for the two, and while it did help Chika improve slightly on stamina, she still isn't able to go as fast as Abby is now as the latter was a wild Absol that lived in the mountains and was build for stamina and that sort of endurance.

After they finished running, they stopped for a few minutes to take a breather and begun training, which took a better part of the morning and by the time they were done, it was already a bit before noon. He looks toward Chika.

"Alright girls, that was good training. I think we have a good strategy. Chika, the only thing you lack is proper speed and means of incapacitating the opponent, like using Stun Spore and Sleep Powder. Though, you know Poison Powder. And using that with Leech Seed, can help drain away Falkner's Pokémon and you just need to stay on the defensive with Reflect and attack back with Body Slam. I know you can learn moves like Iron Tail but it would take more time than needed to get it down, and the fact... you don't have that long of a tail yet..." He sheepishly chuckled.

It was true, Chika had too small of a tail to make proper use of Iron Tail, and simply sweatdropped to the idea of using the Steel-type move with her stubby little tail.

"Chiiiko..."

"Don't worry, when you evolve into a Bayleef, we can try learning it since then you'd be bigger and no doubt have a longer tail to strike. So chin up, okay?" He asked smiling.

"Chiko!" Chika said, perking up.

"Abby, you have no resistances or weaknesses against flying Pokémon, so you are just gonna rely on speed and evasive tactics, while using Swords Dance to boost your attack power and strike physically when you get an opening. Shame you can learn moves like Ice Beam and Thunderbolt, but since we don't have the TMs for those moves, you just have to use what you got." He said looking to the Absol.

"Sol." Abby nodded in understanding.

"So, let's go get ourselves a badge!" Logan raised his fist up, determined.

"Sol!"

"Chi!~"

Both Pokémon jumped in determination.

Violet City Gym

Noon

Violet City Gym was in the style of an old Japanese pagoda tower, much like some of the older buildings that were around town, namely the Sprout Tower. Upon entering the Gym, there was a shadow of what looked like a 'S' and prompted Logan to look up and see that there was a lift that lead upward toward the top of the gym. Logan walks onto the lift and it immediately shoots upward before stopping in its spot.

He sees across the "S" shaped pathway, a young boy that was likely a couple years older than him, stood. He had blue hair, with the front long enough to cover his eye, wore a sky blue shirt with four white spots on them, and a dark blue kimono underneath with a white sash tied over his waist, and had white stockings and black sandles.

The Gym Leader gave an intimidating stare at the trainer.

"I'm Logan Ryuko from Blackthorn City. I wish to battle you for the Zephyr Badge." Logan responded, who seemed unfazed by the older boy's stare.

"Is that so? Tell me, is this your first Gym battle? If so, why not earn the Rising Badge from Clair first?" Falkner asked, curious when he mentioned he was from Blackthorn.

"Simple: I trained under Clair for three years before I left on my journey, starting yesterday. I promised her that we would battle when I came back home after I earned seven badges." Logan answered.

"Ah, well since you have close relations with a Gym Leader, I guess you know the general rules of how Gym Battles operate?" Falkner asked, crossing his arms.

Logan nodded, "You battle with Pokémon depending on the challenger's number of badges and adjust accordingly. Since I have no badges, you'd have to use a team that would benefit that challenger's skill level."

Falkner nodded, impressed that this rookie studied up on the rules of a Gym battle. "Right. Since this is your first Gym battle, we will do a two-on-two battle. Just hope training with dragons for three years taught you something."

Logan smirked, "I intend to show you."

"Right." Falkner simply said, as the arena suddenly changed to a full arena, covering the cervices that made up the pathway.

The referee appeared afterward, and stood to the sidelines. "This is an official Gym battle between the Violet City Gym Leader Falkner, and Logan Ryuko of Blackthorn City! Both challengers will use two Pokémon each, with the challenger allowed to substitute! The challenger may make the first move!"

"I'll show you the elegance of Flying-types. Go, Pidgeotto!" Falkner yelled out as he threw his Poké Ball out and out came the large, brown avian Pokémon.

"Pidgeo!" It glared out at the challenger.

Logan quickly scanned the Pidgeotto to his Pokédex for future reference. It gave him the basic information and such, but not the move set as he can only acquire that information by capturing it.

#017

Pidgeotto

The Bird Pokémon

Description: Pidgeotto claims a large area as its own territory. This Pokémon flies around, patrolling its living space. If its territory is violated, it shows no mercy in thoroughly punishing the foe with its sharp claws.

"He maybe intimidating, but I fought against more intimidating things. Chika, you want to give it a go?" Logan asked as he puts the device away.

"Chiko!" Chika said as she hopped off and stared at the Pidgeotto.

Falkner just looked at him in disbelief.

"You really are going to pit your Chikorita against Pidgeotto, even though you know I have the advantage?"

Logan smirked, "Yeah. I know its a dumb idea, but I'm confident. I did use Chika for three years, so she should be able to handle herself against your Pidgeotto."

Falkner just smirked back, "Heh, its your funeral. Your move."

"Right, Chika. Defensive, use Growl!" Logan ordered as Chika gave a rather cute growl, but seemed to do its job as it made Pidgeotto wince, likely due to its cuteness, and lowered its attack.

"Tch, Pidgeotto, rush in and Tackle, if all your might!" Falkner shouted, as Pidgeotto snapped out of it and immediately charged at the Chikorita.

"Use Reflect and take the hit!"

Logan commanded as Chika conjured a large blue barrier and suddenly got hit by Pidgeotto at full force, but thanks to the physical barrier, it only soften the hit, only making Chika skid back in place.

"Now grab it with Vine Whip while it is staggered!" Logan added in, as Chika extends her vines at the Pidgeotto and wraps it around him.

"Pidgeotto, fly up and try to shake loose!" Falkner ordered, as Pidgeotto began to fly up, with a Chikorita still hanging on.

"Gah! Chika! Hang on for dear life!" Logan looked at her worried now. Last thing he wants to see is Chika plummet off the arena. Chika just did that as she struggled to hang on. She flung around all over Pidgeotto trying to shake her off.

"Keep going Pidgeotto!" Falkner yelled.

"Pull yourself up to Pidgeotto and use Poison Powder!" Logan shouted.

Chika then slowly retracts her vines to pull herself up to him, and was able to unleash a spore of poison, to which Pidgeotto felt and suddenly winced, squaking in pain, so much it began diving back down toward the arena.

"Pidgeotto! Pull yourself up or you'll crash!" Falkner screamed seeing his bird Pokémon starting to dive bomb down to the arena.

"Chika, Leech Seed and then let go before you reach the ground!" Logan commanded, and decided to capitalize this while Pidgeotto was going down. Chika shot some seeds onto the bird and they began to sprout onto him, and started to drain his energy. As they neared the ground, Chika let go and was able to roll onto the ground and back onto her feet, as Pidgeotto nearly skidded and crashed, but was able to pull itself up.

Falkner looked worried. This rookie trainer's tactics were... very unorthodox, but impressive. "Pidgeotto! You alright?"

"Pidge...!" He panted, but winced having been poisoned and on top of that, being Leech Seeded. Despite this, he was still willing to fight, but likely wouldn't last long.

"Okay, Tailwind and then Wing Attack!"

Logan and Chika braced, as Pidgeotto whipped up a powerful gale from behind, making Pidgeotto faster, and then flapped and shot like a bullet at Chika, its wings closed, and would attack with them accordingly.

"Chika, start moving, go in for a Body Slam and hit him with everything you got!"

"Chiiko!" She started running at the bird and leaped up, and flung herself at full force, as the two Pokémon collided, hard.

They soon both flew backward from each attack, both slamming into the ground.

"Chii!"

"Pidgeo!"

"Chika!"

"Pidgeotto!"

Both Trainers called to their Pokémon. They both look exhausted from doing a head-on collision with each other at full force. Chika's Reflect barrier also finally wore off, and likely took most of the attack since it was already weakening, but she still got up and still filled with determination. Pidgeotto though, being poisoned, having energy being drained, and being struck head-on by the smaller Grass starter, was knocked out.

"Pidgeotto is unable to battle. The winner of this round is Chika!" The referee called it as he raised his flag toward Logan's side.

"Great job Chika! You pulled through!" Logan goes and picks her up and hugged her, to which just made her squee in delight, though weakly.

"Chiii...~" She gave him a quick nuzzle.

"Pidgeotto, take a good rest my friend. You gave it your all..." Falkner gave a sad smile as he pat the downed bird and returned him to his Poké Ball.

"Very impressive Logan. I can't believe you actually beat one of my better birds with a Chikorita like that one. I can see that your training is showing." He said, smiling softly.

"Thanks Falkner." Logan simply said, smiling back and nodded.

"But this battle isn't over yet, I still have one other Pokémon, and I know your Chikorita won't last long now. Noctowl, go!" Falkner said, suddenly getting serious again and tossing out his second Pokémon, a large wise looking owl Pokémon.

"Hoo..." It stood there, waiting patiently.

Logan scans it with his Pokédex for future reference.

#164

Noctowl

The Owl Pokémon

Description: Noctowl never fails at catching prey in darkness. This Pokémon owes its success to its superior vision that allows it to see in minimal light, and to its soft, supple wings that make no sound in flight.

"Hmm, Chika doesn't look like she will last long. She is injured pretty badly from going head on with Pidgeotto..." Logan thought.

"Chika, return for now. You rest easy for now. You earned it." He gave a soft smile.

"Chiko...~" She nodded as Logan returns her to her Poké Ball.

"Time to shine. Let's go Abby!" Logan throws out his second Poké Ball and out appeared the Absol.

"Sol..." She gave intent stare at Noctowl, as both stare each other down.

"An Absol? You don't find those too often around here. I'm surprised you got one." Falkner said, being genuinely surprised to see the Dark Pokémon.

"Abby saved me and the life of a Hiker yesterday when I walked down the mountain from Blackthorn, and directed me through the Dark Cave. I think she has been watching me the whole time though. And she is more ready to take you down." Logan said smirking.

Falkner just scoffed, "Well either way, let's see how you take this. Noctowl, Agility and then Take Down!

Noctowl hoots and suddenly begins to warp around at high speeds, and then flaps up high into the air charges right at Abby

"Abby, match its speed with your Agility to dodge and then use Swords Dance!"

Abby complied to Logan, and began to do the same thing as Noctowl, and then dodged out of the way with quick speed, as Noctowl flew past her, and kept going into he flew over Logan and crashed into the wall.

"Gah! Noctowl, are you alright?!" Falkner asked in shock.

"Hoot..." He replied as it shook its head and snapped out of his daze and flew back.

Falkner sighed in relief, and smirked. "Okay, now use Air Slash!"

He began whipping up a sharp gale as it blows toward Abby.

"Dodge it, and do another Swords Dance!"

Abby leaps over to the side very nimbly and then performs another Swords Dance.

"Quick, use Take Down before it finishes!" Falkner shouted, trying to take the opportunity to get Abby while she is doing Swords Dance.

"Wait for it..." Logan simply said.

Falkner raised his eyebrow. What's he planning now?

Noctowl was flying at Abby at high speeds, nearing as she stood there.

"Night Slash, now!" Logan screamed out.

Abby's horn began sparking dark energy, and swerved her hear back as she charged at Noctowl and slammed her horn at him, while at the same time getting struck by the Take Down.

Both Pokémon flew back due to recoil from both attacks and got back into place. While Abby was feeling worn out but still battle ready ready, Noctowl was very exhausted.

"Noctowl isn't going to last longer now. The fact Abby pulled off two Swords Dances just almost maxed her attack power. Just a little more, and this battle is done." Logan thought.

"Abby, let's finish this. Foul Play!" Logan commanded. Abby then smirked as she charges right at Noctowl.

"Noctowl, get out of there!" Falkner cried out, but it was too late as the owl was too worn to fly away, and ended up get pummeled by the Absol as it just hits him with everything she has, and the final hit knocks Noctowl back far.

"Noctowl!"

The dust clears, and Noctowl tried to get back up, but clearly couldn't. It was out for the count. It was done.

"Noctowl is unable to battle. As Falkner has no more Pokémon to use, the winner of this battle goes to Logan Ryuko!" The referee called out.

"Yes! We did it Abby! We won!" Logan cheered as he jumped up for joy and ran over to hug Abby, who was just as happy and proud.

"Sol sol!~" She smiled and gave Logan a content lick on the cheek.

Falkner just gave a sad smile as he walked over to Noctowl, "You did your best today my friend. Rest now." He returned the downed owl and walks over to Logan.

"Logan, congratulations. You really are something. You are a rookie Trainer, and yet you plan and battle like an Ace Trainer. I can see how you managed to pull through your training session for three years with Clair..." Falkner held his hand out.

Logan got up and smiled and shook it. "Yeah, it was fun! You did great too, but I don't understand. How come you used two sufficiently raised Pokémon like Pidgeotto and Noctowl and not like a Hoothoot and Pidgey?"

Falkner chuckles, "Well it is true that Gym Leaders are required to use Pokémon based on the challenger's skill and the number of badges you have. If you were the run of the mill beginner, I would have used Hoothoot and Pidgeotto. But since you are trained and were prepared for fighting me, I figured I test to see how skilled you were, and it showed."

Logan took that in and understood.

"A Gym Leader's duty is to not only challenge trainers and give out a badge, but to test that trainer and teach them how to become better and see their potential. Our battle showed me you have a lot of potential and promise to become an excellent Pokémon Trainer, regardless of where the path takes you." Falkner explained.

"Oh, I get it. Its a means to test the bonds and strength one has with their Pokémon, right?" Logan asked.

Falkner nodded, smiling. "Exactly. And there were times where a trainer did beat me, but I refused to give them a badge because they did a poor job in raising their Pokémon and bond with them, and only wanted to just get through the battle as quickly as possible without any thought..." He frowned.

"You though... have every right to have this." He then pulls out a small white badge in the shape of a pair of wings.

"The official Pokémon League Zephyr Badge is yours." Logan smiled and took the badge.

"Thanks Falkner. My first badge... and I'm not really at all seeking to conquer the Pokémon League, but this does feel good to hold though..." He said looking at it shine.

Falkner laughed, "We all have our place in the world. Wherever the path you take goes, I'm sure you will succeed."

Logan nodded. "Also take this with you." He then takes out what looked like a white CD diskette.

"This a TM. As you know, TMs teach Pokémon certain moves they likely wouldn't be able to learn naturally. Before they were one time use items, but since then they became unlimited use items so you can use it as much as you need to. This is TM19, and it teaches the move Roost. It will allow Flying-type Pokémon roost and be able to recover a moderate amount of their health. Should you ever get a Flying-type Pokémon, this can be useful."

Logan nodded as he took the TM and placed it in its place in his sidepack.

"Awesome. I'll be sure to put it to good use when possible. Thanks again Falkner." Logan bowed.

Falkner chuckles and bowed back, "Good luck out there, Logan. Come back and we'll have a rematch sometime, when you gotten more powerful. I want to show you my Flying-types I have."

"You got it! See ya!" Logan waved as he and Abby go to the lift, and see Falkner wave to the young boy and watch him go down.

By the time Logan finished the battle against Falkner, it was already after 2 in the afternoon.

"Well let's head to the Pokémon Center to heal you girls up, and get some lunch. Then we head for Azalea Town for the next Gym."

"Sol!" Abby nodded.

With that, Logan heads to the Pokémon Center to get Chika and Abby healed and rested after they long morning, grabbed a big lunch and it was back onto the road again, as they leave Violet City behind and travel south down Route 32, toward Union Cave, and then to Azalea Town.

The young boy, having earned his first badge, continues his journey to seek out the legendary Pokémon, unaware of what fate has in store for him. That is soon going to change as he will be having a meeting with destiny soon... in the small town of Azalea.