Volkner emitted a sigh as he finished beating yet another trainer. It was actually becoming quite depressing at how easily defeated his challengers were. They had to have some sense, some strength, to be able to make it to the last gym. But for some reason when they got to him, they went Kaput.

It was annoying.

He was headed over to the Pokemart right after sunset. He needed to stock up on Hyper Potions and some Pokemon food. His Raichu was training harder so he needed to eat more, as to not faint.

He shoved his hands into his pockets and walked into the store. He sluggishly walked up to the counter and asked for the things he needed. The clerk ran off to go get the items. Volkner stood there and looked around. Not many people were inside. He felt someone tap him on the shoulder. It sent a small jolt through his skin and he whirled around.

It was the man he met yesterday, Riley.

"Hey!" He exclaimed and smiled brightly. "You're Volkner. Remember, we met yesterday." Volkner nodded and shifted his gaze. He was never good at making small talk. Thankfully, Riley was. "So what are you doing here so late at night?"

The blonde-haired man shrugged his shoulders slightly. "I needed some potions and Pokemon food." He looked back over at the shorter man. "Simple stuff."

Riley agreed silently. Volkner looked him over. A thought sprang to his mind. "I've never seen you in Sunshore before." He said quietly. Usually, he didn't bother to talk to people, but something about the raven-haired boy made something inside of him spark like his Luxray did when it was excited. What did that mean? Did it mean anything?

"I came from Iron Island where I was training with my Lucario." Volkner's eyebrows raised at that. A Lucario? He had heard those were difficult to train and even more difficult to befriend. So Riley had accomplished this? "I came from there to Sunshore and plan on looking for some other Pokemon to take back to Iron Island and train."

"So you train steel types?" Volkner asked. He silently cursed himself. He couldn't stop talking. When he was around other people he wouldn't talk enough. Just inaudible grunts. What the hell was this?

Riley chuckled slightly. The clerk arrived with Volkner's things and handed the brown sac to the taller man. "Yes. I am trying to perfect my talent for them, just like you have for electric types. From my few days here I have heard a lot about the great gym leader."

The taller man rolled his eyes. He handed the clerk the money and thanked them with a silent nod. He headed for the door and Riley followed. "I guess..."

Riley frowned. "I don't mean to be rude, since we only just met yesterday, but you seem a bit depressed."

Volkner almost had to stop himself from laughing. Depressed was an understatement. He needed Pokemon battles to feel alive and nothing in almost five months had brought him this feeling. Or at least, that's what he thought. "Well...there's not much I can do for that eh?"

Riley stared at him, slightly confused. He patted the blonde-headed gym leader's shoulder. Volkner jumped slightly on contact. Another jolt. "If you ever need anything, I'm a pretty good listener." Then, without another word Riley turned the corner and was out of sight.

Volkner sighed deeply.

What the hell?