For those who need it, here is a list of the Pokémon and the moves Jackson has:
Eevee: Swift, Bite, Quick Attack, Sand Attack
Ledian: Supersonic, Mach Punch, Reflect, ?
Weavile: Night Slash, Agility, Icy Wind, ?
Dewott: Focus Energy, Water Pulse, Razor Shell, Night Slash
Also note that the moves of Falkner's Pokémon are different from game adaptations for the sake of the story.
Violet City
The next day after the battle against Ethan and Cypher, Jackson stood in front of the building that had a logo of a Pokémon Gym on it, looking up at the Japanese-esque building. Eevee was on his shoulder, also looking up at it.
"This is the gym of this city, huh?" Eevee stated.
"Yeah..." Jackson replied, tightening his fists.
"You okay, Jackson?" Eevee asked.
"Yeah. Just getting flashbacks to Clair and her gym." Jackson explained, thinking to the overwhelming defeat he had at the hands of the Blackthorn City Gym.
"This gym is MUCH easier than that gym." said a voice from behind. Ethan appeared by his side, looking up at the gym. "They say that the Blackthorn City Gym is the closest to Elite Four level in regards to gyms of Johto. You really went and tried to beat it?"
"Yeah, that was a sharp sword I had to swallow." Jackson muttered. Ethan looked confused at this, until he explained, "It's the same as a 'hard pill to swallow'. I thought it was obvious."
"Sorry, but your sword analogies are not easy to comprehend." Ethan argued.
"Well, anyways..." Jackson continued, dismissing his words, "You okay with just watching my battle?"
"Yeah. That battle against Cypher really shook me up." the young man explained, "I would like to see someone who has started around the same time as me win a tough battle like this."
"Understandable." Jackson stated, "I'll do my best to represent us new trainers."
"Just curious, but do you have a plan for Falkner's team?" Ethan asked.
"I studied up on his team last night, so I should be prepared." Jackson replied, "I am ready for whatever comes."
"I'll cheer everyone on, Jackson!" Eevee declared.
"Thanks, Eevee. I'll do my best to produce results." Jackson replied, "Let's do it, to it!" He raced into the building, with Ethan right behind them.
(Insert 'Never Give Up' By Sonar Pocket)
Instrumental Opening
(Jackson stands at the top of a cliff, looking out into the vast landscape of the Johto region. He turns to the camera with surprise, grins, then draws his sword and swipes it across the screen, transitioning to white with the logo appearing.)
What tough heart! Once I decided that I'd keep up the fight
My road has never stopped unraveling
(Camera circles around Jackson as he runs along an open-plain path with his Eevee, who after a couple seconds, leaps onto his shoulder as he activates his Extreme Gear and shoots even faster onto the path.)
Carrying a small bit of pride
With my fists clenched
(The screen shows a brief image of Professor Elm, dropping papers from his clipboard, and smiling as he rubbed the back of his head. It shifts to a visual of Kris, Ethan, and their starters, with Ethan punching his fist forward, while Kris spun around with her arms out wide.)
I aim for the goal again step by step
Racing towards it with all my might!
(The screen shifts to Sonic & Tails, the former giving a thumbs up, while the latter waved his hands above eagerly. The screen shifts to Cypher, who glared at the screen with a Pokéball held close to his face.)
Sometimes it'll be a bad day
Where nothing goes the way I want it to
But even if the sky blurs through my tears
(Jackson is sitting by a campfire, his expression full of emotional pain as shadows of his past with red eyes creeped all around him. He curled himself into a ball as the shadow of his father appeared over his head.)
I'm sure my smiles will come back tomorrow
So it's okay!
(Shadows started getting blown away one large piece at a time, until light broke out around Jackson, who looked up to see his Pokémon all standing there, protecting him from his trauma.)
There's nothing out there to fear
I'll keep believing that 'I'm strong'
And get going!
(Silhouettes of the Gym Leaders appeared as the screen scrolled upwards through a gold, silver, and crystal colors behind them. It shifts to the emblem of Team Rocket, with darkened faces of grunts, with the four admins in front, holding their Pokéballs. Jackson readies his blade, as he tosses a Pokéball forward, which opens up and blinds the screen in a white light.)
'With you around, there's nothing to worry about now'
I felt as if the sky was saying that to me with a laugh
(Eevee leapt forward, unleashing a Swift attack from her tail, with Ledian flying next to her, using Flash to blind the scene. Dewott and Weavile shoot through the Swift attack, unleash double Night Slash, slicing the stars, before dismissing their blades, and Dewott angrily looking at the calm and collected Weavile.)
With the sweat and tears I build up
I'm sure I'll come out dazzling
(Cyndaquil turns to face the Team Rocket logo, before unleashing his Flamethrower. Cyndaquil sighed in relief as Scyther flew over him, before slashing with his mantis claws like a swordsman.)
Even if I end up feeling anxious after it all
As long as I believe I can do it
(An Aeroblast and Sacred Fire came from the sky, shooting down at Jackson's team, but Jackson stepped in and unleashed several sword beams, countering the attacks and making them explode. He and his team endured the shockwaves and smoke from the explosion, before looking up into the distance, and saw the silhouettes of the Tower Duo flying over the two towers that represented each.)
These footsteps have taught me to
Always
Never Give Up!
(Jackson's Pokémon come to his side as he looked to them, before grinning eagerly, and the group leapt up into the air, taking on the new threat and the new adventure. The screen goes white before showing Jackson standing with his sword stabbed into the ground, his Pokémon companions surrounding him.)
They entered into the building to see how tall the building was from the inside. There were nothing but red support beams supporting the rafters above, and a small set of stairs leading to a platform. There was a sign in front of the stairs that said, "Climb onto the platform, say your name, and announce your reason to be here."
"What is all this?" Ethan asked.
"Looks like that leads to somewhere higher up. Not sure why, but I'll just go with it." Jackson answered. The two climbed onto the platform together, and Jackson announced, "My name is Jackson Alpphire! I am here to challenge the gym!"
There was a moment's silence, and the two wondered if someone was gonna respond. Then suddenly, the platform beneath them started to rise up into the rafters. It rose so quickly, that Ethan immediately collapsed to the ground, while Jackson kept his feet sturdy on the floor as they rose. His martial arts training and running with his friends made his feet incredibly sturdy. When they came to a halt, they discovered that this was the true gym field. The upper floor contained the battlefield that was similar to the usual battlegrounds they saw outside, only a lot bigger. The roof was still high above them, which Jackson could tell was designed for aerial battles. There were wooden guardrails surrounding the entire area to prevent anyone from falling.
There were two people in the area. One person had the appearance of a referee. The other was a young man with blue hair which covered his right eye. He wore a white-lined and light blue jacket with four white buttons, a blue obi-like shirt underneath with a white sash, blue shorts, black pants underneath, white socks, black sandal-like shoes, and black and red-lined wristbands on his arms.
"I welcome you to MY gym." He introduced himself to Jackson and Ethan, "I am Falkner, the Violet City Gym. My specialty is in Flying-type Pokémon."
"Nice to meet you, sir." Jackson greeted, bowing to him in respect, "I am here to take on the gym to earn my first Gym badge."
"So this is going to be your first gym badge, huh?" Falkner responded, "Regardless of how many you have, I will not make it easy for you or your Pokémon. I am not here to go easy on you. I am here to show the power of my magnificent bird Pokémon!"
Jackson walked towards the field, seeing which end Falkner was gonna take, and took the opposite end. Ethan walked to one side to watch the battle, while the referee stood at his station. Once everyone was all set, the referee made his announcement. "The battle in the Violet City Gym will now commence! Each trainer will use two Pokémon. The battle will be decided when one or both sides are unable to battle. In addition, only the challenger is allow to switch out his Pokémon. Are both trainers ready?"
"Ready as I'll ever be!" Jackson answered, "Let's blade things up a notch!"
"You seem to be confident." Falkner stated, pulling out a Pokéball, "But my bird Pokémon will prey on prideful trainers like yourself! Pidgey, spread your wings!" He tossed the ball, and out came the little bird Pokemon, who chirped proudly.
"Ledian, I'm startin' off with you!" Jackson declared, tossing his ball out, calling out his Five Star Pokémon.
"I won't let you down, Jackson!" Ledian cried out.
"Jackson is using a Bug-type Pokémon in a battle against a Flying-type? What is he thinking?" Ethan questioned.
"Let the battle begin!" the referee shouted, raising his hand to start the fight.
"Pidgey, use Quick Attack!" Falkner shouted. Pidgey answered by flying super fast at Ledian, knocking him hard and sending him flying backwards. However, he was able to regain himself, and hold himself in the air.
'No joke he's fast.' Jackson mentally noted, 'But I'm use to fast.'
"I won't let you rest! Quick Attack again!" Falkner shouted, and Pidgey shot like an arrow at Ledian again.
"Reflect!" Jackson called out. Ledian created a magic barrier in front of him, and Pidgey flew into it, causing the damage he took to be cut in half.
"He cut the damage he took in half!" Ethan realized.
"In that case, use Gust!" Falkner ordered. Pidgey flapped his wings as hard as he could, sending winds gushing into Ledian, which he endured as best as he could.
"We can handle that!" Jackson called out, "Use Mach Punch!"
"I'll knock you out with this!" Ledian shouted, lunging forward with a glowing fist, slamming it hard into Pidgey, and sent him tumbling downwards.
"Regain yourselves, and go into continuous Quick Attacks!" Falkner shouted. Pidgey was able to spread his wings out, and climb back up into the air to take on Ledian, striking him while he still had his Reflect up.
'According to the information given by people in the Pokémon Center, Pidgey's moves are Quick Attack, Gust, Mud Slap, and Roost.' Jackson told himself, 'Since Mud Slap has no effect to Flying-types like Ledian, that leaves two more attacks left. He relies on fast attacks to overwhelm his opponent when it comes to Pidgey. However, it's THAT move that gives me an opportunity.'
Ledian was able to see and start evading attacks from Pidgey, the attacks he did take were reduced thanks to Reflect. "I'm seeing the pattern, Jackson!" Ledian called out.
"Then on my signal. Wait for it!" Jackson called out, watching Pidgey carefully. Finally, he saw the Pokémon starting to wear down to the point he was taking a wider turn to come at Ledian, and saw the opening. "Now, Flash!" he shouted. Ledian suddenly emitted a bright light that blinded Pidgey, along with everyone else.
"Crap!" Ethan gasped.
"He taught Ledian that move, huh?" Falkner understood.
Pidgey flew blindly into the light, and came out of it not even close to hitting Ledian. "Supersonic!" Jackson shouted, and Pidgey looked up to see Ledian above him, unleashing a sound wave that caused Pidgey to get into a confused state, and fly wildly in the air.
"Get ahold of yourself, and use Gust!" Falkner shouted. Pidgey tried to obey, but ended up twisting about in the air until he fell crashing into the ground. "No good, huh?" Falkner grimaced, "Okay, recover with Roost!" Pidgey was able to find the senses to fold up his wings, close up its eyes, and made his body glow as it recovered.
"I was hoping you would do that!" Jackson stated, causing Falkner to look surprised, "Go in with continuous Mach Punches!"
"Saved up my fists for exactly this moment!" Ledian proclaimed, diving down with glowing fists, and punched Pidgey so hard, causing it great pain, and sending it flying. Ledian caught up with it as it flailed, punching it twice more, until it tumbled onto the ground, its eyes in spirals.
"Pidgey is unable to battle! Ledian is the winner!" the referee announced.
"Unreal!" Ethan gasped, "He took out Pidgey while it was in a recovery move? How?!"
Falkner pulled Pidgey back to its Pokéball again, saying, "Rest easy. You spread your wings well out there." He pocketed the ball as he looked to see Jackson praising Ledian happily, who looked embarrassed at how pleased he was. "It would seem you are more than just words, young man." he called out to Jackson, getting his attention, "You saw through one of the side effects of Roost, and took advantage of that."
"I'm sorry, what?" Ethan asked, "Side effects?"
"Right. I learned this at the Pokémon Center." Jackson explained, "When Flying-type Pokémon uses Roost, they temporarily lose their Flying-typing in the process. And for a Fighting-type move like Mach Punch, that move can be quite fatal on a Pidgey, since all they are left being is a Normal-type."
"Right. And Normal-types are weak against Fighting-types!" Ethan realized, "That's serious strategy, Jackson!"
"I am impressed that you were able to overcome my speedy Pidgey with such tactics." Falkner stated, pulling out another Pokéball, which looked a bit damaged due to age, "But what do you think about my father ace. Pidgeotto, spread your wings!" He tossed out the ball, and out came Pidgey's evolved form, crying out as it appeared in the sky.
"This is the one that threw everyone off." Jackson noted, "Pidgeotto. It knows Twister, Quick Attack, Roost, and Brave Bird. It has speed like Pidgey, but it also has power, especially in that Brave Bird. We need to be careful."
"Got it. I'll give it my all!" Ledian declared, taking to the air to take on Pidgeotto.
"You got this, Ledian!" Eevee cheered.
"Let's start by improving our defenses again. Set another Reflect!" Jackson called out. Ledian spread its arms out wide, and procured another barrier in front of himself.
"That won't help! Twister!" Falkner roared. Pidgeotto summoned out a cyclone from its wings, encasing Ledian within, who braced itself as it endured the winds. He was grimacing as despite having its guard up before, it did take damage from the last fight.
"You can overcome this! Use Mach Punch!" Jackson ordered. Ledian launched through the cyclone towards Pidgeotto with glowing fists in front.
"No, I did that, too!" Ethan cried out, "If you go in for a frontal assault...!"
"Brave Bird!" Falkner called out. Pidgeotto flew through the Twister, its body aflame before turning a blue glittering hue. He and Ledian collided with each other, and there was an explosion that dispersed the Twister. Everyone looked through the smoke from the explosion, and one figure came out, crashing to the ground, while the other continued to fly around. The one that fell was Ledian, with spirals in its eyes.
"Ledian is unable to battle!" the referee called out, "Pidgeotto is the winner!"
"Even with Reflect up?!" Ethan gasped, "That Pidgeotto is as tough as I remember."
Jackson called back Ledian to his ball, saying, "You did just what you needed to do. Take it easy, now."
He put the ball away, as Falkner called out, "Roost and rest up!" Pidgeotto got to the ground, and began glowing as it rested itself.
"Is healing while an opponent is switching between Pokémon even allowed?!" Ethan questioned.
"I'm okay with it." Jackson replied, swapping out Pokéball and holding the new one to his head, "Okay, Weavile. Let's blade things up a notch!" He tossed the ball, calling out Weavile to the field.
"Using an Ice-type in a battle against Flying-types is a great choice!" Ethan noted.
"Weavile, Icy Wind!" Jackson called out, and Weavile unleashed a gust of freezing winds at Pidgeotto.
Counter with Twister!" Falkner ordered. Pidgeotto unleashed another raging cyclone that funneled itself and Weavile within, dispersing the freezing winds in the process. Weavile could only endure against the attack.
"Shoot! Weavile's Icy Wind is completely useless in that Twister!" Ethan grimaced.
"Go in with a Quick Attack!" Falkner ordered, and Pidgeotto flew in through the Twister at high speeds, aiming for Weavile.
"Best defense is a good offense. Use Metal Claw!" Jackson ordered. Weavile readied itself, crossing its arms in front of itself as they went metallic. He then slashed at Pidgeotto as he came at him, and the two attacks clashed and pressured upon each other, before they were pushed away from each other. Weavile was carried back by the force of the Twister, his body glow red for a moment, while Pidgeotto was able to regain his flight in the winds.
'With Weavile being pushed against the winds like this, Pidgeotto has the advantage.' Jackson told himself, 'Gotta get behind his Pokémon so I can have the winds working with me. This is crucial!'
"Keep that Twister going, then use Brave Bird to finish him off!" Falkner called out. Pidgeotto made the winds blow hard again, before encasing its body in flames and charged at Weavile, turning glittering blue in the process.
"Do something, Jackson!" Ethan cried out.
"Weavile, get your footing ready!" Jackson called out. Weavile was able to get his feet on the ground, digging in as he saw the oncoming Brave Bird. "Now, duck under with Agility!" Jackson shouted. Weavile glowed blue as he dashed in high speed at Pidgeotto, and slid barely underneath Pidgeotto's attack.
"What?!" Falkner gasped.
"In that narrow space?!" Ethan noted.
"You like to fly, but that means there's space between you and the ground." Jackson noted, as Weavile came out of Agility with Pidgeotto turning around, now having its Twister used against it, "Now Weavile has the winds on HIS back. And this gives me an idea. Icy Wind, let's go!"
"This should work." Weavile stated, unleashing a gust of icy winds towards Pidgeotto. Unlike before, the attack didn't disperse. On the contrary, it melded with the Twister, becoming a funnel of cold winds that Pidgeotto was struggling to deal with, barely able to flap its wings.
"You gotta get yourself together an use Twister to counteract that!" Falkner called out.
"Too late! Ride the winds into a Night Slash!" Jackson shouted. Weavile summoned out a purple energy sword, and launched himself, spinning with the cyclone, catching up with Pidgeotto, and in a blitz moment, slashed the bird Pokémon, along with the Twister, dispersing both of them. Weavile landed neatly on the ground, whipping his Night Slash to one side before it vanished, while Pidgeotto crashed to the ground, unconscious.
"Pidgeotto is unable to battle! Weavile is the winner!" the referee announced, "The winner of this match is Jackson Alpphire!"
Jackson was amazed for a second, before beaming along with Eevee, doing a fist pump as she jumped high. "Hilt yeah! We did it, Weavile!" Jackson cheered, and he raced over to Weavile who walked calmly away from the battle, approaching Jackson, both of them coming to a halt. Jackson raised a fist down to Weavile, who smirked as he curled his claws into a fist, and bumped fists with him.
"You were amazing, Weavile!" Eevee cheered.
"I try." Weavile answered in a cool manner.
"Awesome going, Jackson!" Ethan cheered, racing to him, "You totally turned that whole battle around by turning that Twister against Pidgeotto!"
"I know a thing or two about winds." Jackson humorously stated, "It's kind of my element."
Falkner called back Pidgeotto to his Pokéball, saying, "Even my father's cherished bird Pokémon. 'sigh' A loss is a loss." Jackson was surrounded by the others as Falkner approached them, getting their attention. "You were able to overcome my bird Pokémon with incredible skills and speed. You turned my own attacks against me every time, resulting in your win. You are pretty clever, Jackson."
"Thanks. I just learn from experience." Jackson replied.
"Experience?" Falkner echoed, "I wonder what kind of experience you would get as a new trainer?"
"Hell like no other." Jackson simply replied. He was thinking back to his time in Ryouzanpaku. The strategies and skills in martial arts make you a skillful tactician.
"As proof of your victory against me, here is your badge." Falkner told him, digging into his shirt, and handing over a silver badge that looked like a pair of wings. "This is the Zephyr Badge. Proof that you bested me." he told Jackson.
"So this is a gym badge." Jackson stated, taking the badge and raising it up. He smiled at it, before tossing it up, before going into a breakdance spin, pushing himself into a one-handed handstand, flipping onto his feet, before snatching the badge, holding it in his cupped hand, and giving a wink as he proclaimed, "First badge captured!"
"Was that some sort of victory dance?" Ethan asked, "If it was, it was pretty cool."
"My buddy, Sonic, would often do those kinds of things." Jackson pointed out.
"But now, where to next?" Eevee asked.
"Good question..." Jackson noted, pocketing the badge, "I have no idea where should we go after this."
"If you are wondering what town you should go to next, I would recommend Azelea Town." Falkner told Jackson.
"Azelea Town?" Jackson echoed, pulling out his tablet, and going to the map on it, "Let's see here. According to this, to get to that town, I have to go through Route 32, Union Cave, and Route 33."
"Hey, if you're interested, there is this place close by to called the Ruins of Alph." Ethan noted, pointed to the location on Jackson's map, "It's a big archeological sight. I'm not totally interested, but you might wanna check it out."
"Some ancient ruins, huh? Could be something to look into." Jackson stated, putting the tablet away.
"You better keep showing that same skill in battles as you have shown me in the next gym." Falkner told Jackson, "I don't want your win against me to be a fluke. I gave you my best, so you'd better do the same from now on."
"Trust me. I'll do my best for every battle." Jackson answered, raising a hand to him. Falkner took his hand and shook it, thanking him for a good match.
Pokémon Center
Ethan and Jackson returned to the center, Jackson quickly getting his Pokémon healed from the battle. "Here you are. Your Pokémon are well rested." Nurse Joy told Jackson, handing over Ledian and Weavile's Pokéballs.
"Thank you so much." Jackson thanked her, taking the balls and putting them away.
He walked over to Ethan, who was talking to a couple trainers before they left as he approached. "So what's your plan from here?" Ethan asked.
"I might rest up today and get moving tomorrow." Jackson answered, digging into his backpack, before discovering the badge case that he had gotten before, "I think I'll hit up the Ruins of Alph before going to Azelea Town. I have a musclehead friend back home who has a thing about ancient ruins, so he made me interested in them, as well. Plus, who knows what kind of treasures I might find as a result. What about you?"
"I plan to stick around and train a bit more before taking on Falkner again." Ethan answered, as Jackson pulled out the Zephyr Badge and placed it in the case, "After seeing how tough you are, I realize I gotta improve myself and my Pokémon before challenging Falkner again. Then, I'll catch up to you."
"I know I am one to talk, but there is no need to rush on things." Jackson told him, "Take things at your own pace before moving on. That way, you'll be a heck of a lot stronger than before. And forget about Cypher. He's pretty rough on his Pokémon, but he has more experience than you and I. I can tell that."
"Thanks. Guess my self-esteem took a hit from his battle against me and my Pokémon." Ethan admitted, "I'll get back in the swing of things so no one can beat me!"
Jackson nodded in approval, before looking down, thinking. As a trainer, he was able to regain his self-esteem thanks to his gym battle. It felt right for him in that moment to take on challenges like that. It reminded him of the good ol' days. However, as for the confidence he had before coming to this world, he was still fractured. Still, as he just told Ethan, there was no need to rush. He will take every little step forward in order to achieve his goal to regain who he was.
He waved Ethan goodbye as he walked off to go rest up for an early morning start-off tomorrow. "So, if memory serves right, only seven more badges to go, right?" Eevee asked after being quiet on his shoulder all this time.
"Yep. That's what the rules of the Johto League say." Jackson replied, "Once we look at the ruins, we'll head towards Azelea Town." He looked at the badge case, seeing the first gym badge in it, before closing the case shut with a snap.