Riku

[A shaky camera feed reveals the inside of a vast volcano. The air ripples with heat. Lava flows like waterfalls. A steep rocky path spirals on and on.

The camera turns to reveal a Blastoise spewing water at hordes of Torkoal, Slugma, Growlithe, and Combusken. They all faint instantaneously, and there's a groan off-camera. The view turns towards Riku, a bit further up the path with a Hydreigon whimpering and clinging to him with its two extra heads.]

Crush, knock it off! You could knock these guys out without batting an eye.

[The Hydreigon moans and floats further along. The camera follows. Once it reaches Riku, he smirks.]

I've gotta say, this volcano's a treasure trove of fire types. I don't think I've ever seen so many gathered together like this. It's practically a goldmine just waiting to--

[He stops, looking over his shoulder. A Larvesta scurries by. Eyes widening, Riku books it down the path, forcing the cameramon to zip after him.]

Don't just let it get away, guys! This is just what I need.

( Cut for shenanigans which ultimately lead to... )

RRRAAAAARGGHHH!

[The PokéGear crashes into the ground, showing lopsided footage of a Charmeleon latching onto Riku's face, swiping him with her claws and launching herself straight at Flare.

The video cuts out with a Litwick's giggling.]

[A little later, the video picks up again, with Riku closer to the lower levels of the volcano. That Charmeleon from earlier trudges into view, covered in bruises. Cue one slightly battered and irritated looking Riku.]

Look, I don't care what your deal is. Will you stop following us already?

[Rrrrgh. Raaaahr! The Charmeleon grumbles and points her claw directly at Flare, stomping her foot. Cue facepalm.]

Times like these make me wish I'd brought some repels. Anyone else ever had to deal with Pokémon stalkers before?

[Today's broadcast is brought to you by Rotom-cam, courtesy of Surge, who quietly Vrrrrms as the doors to Azaleas gym open. There's a nice shot of Riku and his big ol' Charizard from behind as he storms into the gym, poised and eager to challenge anyone who crosses his path.

He looks over to Flare with a smirk.]

Just remember, Flare. Bring them down before there's a chance to fight back. I give it five minutes, tops.

[Flare grunts, glancing around the gym with a rather bored expression. After a brief pause, he nods, and the two make their way through the gym and battle the various trainers in the way of Bugsy. The battles fly by fast; Flare one-shots every Pokémon before they have a chance to strike. Naturally, Surge records all of this from pleasing angles so Riku has something to boast about.

But, soon enough, he reaches Bugsy, who looks surprisingly calm, given the circumstances. It's quite the contrast from Whitney, really.]

Ready to go down?

[He shakes his head.]

Your Charizard's pretty impressive, but don't think I'll go easy on you. I'm an expert when it comes to Bug Pokémon.

We'll just see about that.

( Cut for the easiest Gym battle ever )

[In the end, Bugsy manages to stay calm in spite of his embarrassing defeat, and Riku obtains the Hive Badge and the U-turn TM. With that, he'll slowly head out of the gym with Flare in tow. People are free to spot him in the gym or outside, as later on he'll be chilling by the Pokémon Center. Once there, he'll finally speak into the Gear.]

So, we finally made it to Azalea. About time, too. And, to tell you the truth, I don't mind sticking around here for a bit. It's Violet I'm not looking forward to. Worst city in Johto, I swear.

[He shakes his head.]

Anyway, I've got a few Riolu eggs to get rid of, plus a few others in the PC. If anyone wants my last Charmander and Totodile eggs, just let me know. At this point, I'll sell them at a discount.

[ooc: So, I'm finally setting up the post for those eggs I mentioned. Info here!]