The next day, we set off again. I clutched the Pokemon egg container tightly as Emily gave Cyndaquil an apple, which he ate happily.

I could see Salamence flying ahead towards the direction of Violet City, seemingly eager for a gym battle.

"It's right up ahead," I said. "Violet City."

Emily nodded in acknowledgement. "We should be able to get there soon, if we continue walking at this rate."

I quickly checked that my Pokeballs were in their correct places before rushing to follow Emily and Cyndaquil, who had already walked ahead.

When I finally caught up to them, I asked, "Why did you stop?"

"There's a river," Emily replied with a frown.

"Quil..." Cyndaquil said nervously.

"We definitely can't swim across," I pointed out. "The river is flowing too fast."

"I guess we have to find a bridge," she sighed.

"Broar!" Salamence flew down and lowered his red wings.

"I think I know what Salamence is implying," I said, winking at Emily.

~~~~

"Have you rode Salamence before?" Emily asked, clutching onto Salamence as tight as she could.

"No!" I replied, raising my voice so that she could hear me.

I sat in front, admiring the view as Salamence confidently flew towards Violet City.

The view is amazing! I thought.

However, when I looked down, I broke into cold sweat. If we fall, we will have to fall a long way down...

"Roar!" Salamence roared as he dived down.

I clutched his neck tighter as we go lower and lower. Despite the amazing scenery, I was facing two of my fears that I discovered a long time ago - heights and speed that I can't control.

We were very close to the city right now. As Salamence neared the closest building, he swerved sharply, causing my hair to fly.

Instinctively, I held the container with one hand. Although it was supposed to be safely secured on Salamence's back with a string that I found in my pocket - I didn't know there was a string in my pocket - I just wanted to make sure it doesn't fall off.

When we finally landed safely on land, I felt very relieved. Even though I knew Salamence wouldn't be too careless, I still feel uncomfortable about flying.

"Is Cyndaquil alright?" I asked.

"Yes," Emily said as Cyndaquil leaped off her bag. "He seemed to have a lot of fun in fact."

"Are you alright? You seemed to be very nervous?" she asked in concern.

That was when I realised my hands were wet with my sweat. I quickly rubbed my hands on my pants before turning back to Emily.

"I'm fine, just a bit scared for a moment," I admitted. "I have never been too fond of heights."

"I understand," Emily said. "When you are flying Salamence again, just remember not to think so much. I think that's why you are afraid."

"Thanks," I said before turning to Salamence.

"Salamence, return," I said. "Thanks for your help."

"Well, shall we head to the gym now?" Emily asked after sorting out her things.

I nodded in anticipation.

~~~~

"This is the Violet City gym?" I asked, staring at the tall building in front of us. "I was expecting something else."

"All the gyms look different," Emily said. "I guess the gym leader wanted the gym to be high up, as it is a Flying type gym."

"I see," I said as I walked towards the entrance of the gym. I knocked the door, then I stepped back.

It wasn't long until someone opened the door. "Are you here for a gym battle?" he asked.

"Yes," I replied. "Are you the gym leader?"

He gave me a curt nod. "I'm Falkner. Follow me to the battlefield."

Falkner walked into a lift and we followed. As the lift went higher and higher, I began to feel even more nervous.

Finally, the lift reached the last storey - an open battlefield, perfect for Flying types or any Pokemon that can fly.

I left the container with Emily as I took my place on the battlefield. Falkner walked to the another side, accompanied by a bunch of people.

I wonder what is their purpose, I thought.

That's when I realised they were cheering for Falkner - in a way. One person was stationed at a drum, armed with a pair of drumsticks, while the rest were standing on both sides of the person with the drum.

The referee stepped forward. "The gym battle between Falkner the gym leader and..."

"Fern," I muttered.

"... Fern the challenger is about to begin. Each side have the use of three Pokemon and the battle will be over when all three of either side's Pokemon are unable to continue. Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokemon," the referee said.

"I hate how people disregard Flying types, saying that Electric types are better, so I'm here to prove everyone wrong," Falkner said, sounding angry.
Well, I hate how people think Grass types are weak...

"Wait," I said. "Electric types are strong against Flying types?"

There was a thud behind me.

"You sound like a new trainer, so this would be easier for me," the gym leader said. "Hoothoot, show this trainer what you can do!"

"Hoothoot!" Hoothoot called.

"A Hoothoot," I muttered, checking out my Pokedex.

"Hoothoot, the Owl Pokemon. Hoothoot stands on one leg, but uses both its powerful eyes to see clearly even through the darkest night," it reported.

After a quick moment of thinking, I sent Chikorita out.

"That's a bad choice," Falkner said. "Everyone knows Grass types are weak against Flying types."

We shall see about that, I thought. I just need to be careful.