Continuing their journey to Fillydelphia City and Flash's second Equestria Region Gym battle, our heroes have now arrived at a small farming community.
"Looks...quaint," Flash commented as they looked down at the town from the top of a hill, only to see just a village with nothing bigger than two story houses. The most high tech place they could see was the Pokémon Center.
"This should be a good place to rest and re-stock," Twilight added as she readjusted her glasses at the sight.
Spike smirked as he started walking ahead of them. "I've always wanted to see a real life farm," he said before taking a large breath, only for his face to scrunch up as he covered his nose in disgust. "Aww man! What is that smell?!"
"Terr!" Peewee yelped while mimicking Spike.
Flash laughed as he walked past Spike. "That's the smell of farm life, city boy. Get used to it."
"Ri!" Springer agreed as he mimicked Flash's movements.
"I say!" Doc moaned as he and Twilight covered their noses. "That's a pungent odor."
Twilight turned to Flash and growled, "How can you handle this?"
Flash just chuckled at her, "I grew up in an area similar to this. Smells like this were common, so I guess I'm immune to the smell."
"And Springer?" Doc asked. "Isn't his nose like, forty times stronger?"
Twilight shook her head at this question, "Actually, I've read that since they can sense emotions and aura, their other senses are lessened compared to other Pokémon."
"Oh, is that so?!" Doc slightly gasped, "Guess that's the fact of the day."
"Can we maybe just skip this town?" Spike asked, his voice distorted due to him pinching his nose.
"Oh come on, its not that bad." Flash replied while waving his hand, "And it probably won't be the last time we find ourselves in a place like this, so you guys might as well just get used to it now."
"He's got a point," Twilight agreed with a nod, only for her face to contort a bit more due to the smell.
"Besides, there's so much for us to see." Flash added as he spotted several Pokémon grazing calmly in the distance.
There were two types. The first was the smaller of the two, which looked like a cow, though its spots on its body was colored green. It stood on four legs and was about three feet in length from head to tail, with a cowbell like construct coming out of its neck. "Car..." it said as it took a bite out of the grass, "phase..."
The second looked similar to the first, though it was bit bigger and it stood on two legs. It sported a pair of large horns coming out of its head, and they looked as if they were made out of wood. Its stomach was green with four large udders, while its tail also had a cowbell on the end of it. "Grattle," it commented as it also bit into the grass.
"Who are they?" Spike asked as he pointed at the cow looking Pokémon.
"Those are Calfaze and Grattle," Twilight explained as Flash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned them.
Name: Calfaze
Category: Grazing Pokémon
Type: Normal/Grass
Info: It spends eighty percent of its time grazing. It can produce seeds, which it scatters as it eats to replenish its food source. One Calfaze can spend its whole life in a single field.
Name: Grattle
Category: Cattle Pokémon
Type: Normal/Grass
Info: The evolved form of Calfaze. Its horns are made of a strong wood like material, and it can produce over ten gallons of milk in an hour.
"So, this must a milk farm," Doc guessed.
Spike shrugged. "Looks like it, though that's an awful lot of cattle to have on a farm that grows turnips," he and Peewee both laughed as they pointed to a turnip sign by the farmhouse. But their laughter was short lived as the group suddenly felt their feet shake, making Spike gulp, "Uh...what was that?!"
"Earthquake maybe?" Flash answered as he tried to keep his balance. "It could be someone's having a Pokémon Battle and they're using that move."
"I guess its a possibility," Twilight added.
Just then, Spike spotted something that made him gulp again. "Or maybe...its that!" He pointed to a field a ways off, which the others all followed, only to see a large dust cloud in the distance.
"Is that what I think it is?" Flash asked in a full body shaking in fear tone.
"Stampede!" Doc yelled in reply.
They then saw the dust cloud get closer, only to see it was Calfaze and Grattle, all of them running at high speed and trampling anything that was in front of them. The mob quickly arrived at the previous field, crashing through the wooden fence. The Calfaze and Grattle inside looked up from their grazing and saw their brethren rushing towards them, scaring them enough to start running, only to join the stampede.
"That's really bad," Spike said as they watched the stampede break through the other side of the pen.
"And it just got worse. They're heading straight for town." Doc exclaimed as he pointed at the town in the distance.
Twilight gulped in fear. "With that many of them moving that fast, the place will be flattened!"
"Then we gotta stop them," Flash yelled as he and Springer began rushing toward the stampede.
"Wait! It's too dangerous!" Twilight cried out.
"I can't just do nothing!" Flash called back as he and Springer slid down a hill, trying to cut off the stampede as Flash pulled out a Pokeball, "Alright! Prongs...Come on out!" He threw the Pokeball into the air, soon opening to show his trusty grass Pokémon.
"Fay!" Prongs yelled as it landed.
Flash pointed at the stampeding Pokémon. "Alright Prongs, aim for a spot ahead of the stampede and use Leech Seed!"
"Fay..." Prongs aimed for the area as the horns on his head glowed. "THAWN!" The light shot off, flying into the air before arching back down and hitting the ground right in front of the stampede. Seconds later, vines shot out of the earth and created a wall of vines.
"Yes!" Flash cheered.
"Ri!" Springer added as he hopped up and down. Prongs was ready to cheer as well, only for the stampede to reach the wall of vines. Before it energy absorbing properties could take effect, the Calfaze and Grattle simply slammed through the vines, blasting them to pieces. The ones at the front had pieces of vine stuck to them, hanging from their horns or bell, but their mad rush continued.
"Oh boy," Flash gulped as he grabbed Springer and Prongs. He then leapt to the side, barely dodging the farthest Grattle. "Ow!" He moaned as he landed on the ground, picking himself up and rubbing his head. "That hurt..."
"Flash!" He looked up to see the others rushing towards him. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah," Flash replied before turning back to the stampede, "but we've still got a problem."
Doc looked between the village and the raging Pokémon, "I hate to say it, but I don't think anything's gonna be able to stop them."
"But we have to do-"
"YEE-HAW!" yelled a new voice, making the group turn and see the owner of the voice. It was a girl riding a Ponyta who was about Flash and Twilight's age, with dark orange skin and blonde hair. She wore a green and white button up blouse along with a blue skirt that had a brown apple buckle belt. Brown knee high boots with apple patterns were on her feet, while a brown stetson adorned her head.
"Who's that?" Spike asked as he pointed at the girl.
"Hopefully someone who can stop those things." Twilight added as she blinked at the sight.
The girl and her Ponyta had now managed to catch up with the stampede, where she then pulled out a Pokeball. "Other side Winona!" She threw the ball into the air before it opened, releasing the red energy that flew to the other side of the stampede before taking shape.
It faded to reveal a dog like Pokémon with red and white fur. "Red!" It barked as it started to run, the two now trying to herd the stampede away from the town. But as they did this, the Pokémon refused to cooperate. They seemed determined to stay on course.
"Come on little doggy, turn!" The girl yelled, only for nothing to happen. Seeing this, she whistled, "Winona, put'em up!" The Pokémon named Winona barked before rushing to the front of the herd, spotting the Grattle at the very front that was leading the way. "Ha ha, gotcha!" The girl cheered when she saw it, only to pull out a lasso and spin it around before releasing, managing to get the lead Grattle around the neck. "Atta girl!" She cheered before pulling with all her might, she and Winona managing to get the Grattle to turn away. With this, happening, the two turned the stampede away just in time.
"Alright!" Flash cheered, along with this Pokémon.
"That was awesome!" Spike added.
"Amazing..." Twilight commented as she blinked at the sight.
"Indeed," Doc finished.
They all rushed over to the girl, who had managed to get the herd to finally stop and had gotten off her Ponyta. There, they saw her soothing the Grattle she had lassoed. "There there, little one. See? It ain't all bad."
"Excuse me?" Twilight piped in first, which made the girl turn towards them. "Sorry to bother you, but we would all like to say what you just did was incredible."
The girl slightly blushed as she tipped her hat. "Ain't a bother at all missy, and thanks fer da compliment. Name's Applejack."
"I'm Twilight Sparkle."
"Names Flash, and this is my partner Springer."
"Ri."
"I'm Spike and this is Peewee."
"Terra."
"And I'm Time Turner, but you can call me Doc."
"Please ta meet ya'll," Applejack replied as she continued to pat the Grattle, "Sorry about what ya'll just had to see, but Mooriella here spotted an Ekans and got spooked." The Grattle mooed at this as Winona stepped up to Applejack's side.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Flash asked as he pulled his Pokedex out.
Name: Redog
Category: Wandering Pokémon
Type: Ground
Info: This Pokémon is known for travelling the land in search of a trainer to be its master, who it will obey with unquestioning loyalty.
"Awww..." Spike said as he kneeled down and started petting the Redog, who affectionally barked at the attention. "she's so fluffy!"
Twilight turned back to Applejack. "I still must say, what you just did was amazing. You must be really experienced if you're able to do that."
"Thanks. Ah've been living on a farm ma'h whole life, so handling stampedes ain't nothing much."
"Does that mean you live here?" Doc asked, only for Applejack to shake her head.
"Naw, ah'm just visiting cousins. Rarity and me are actually travelling around Equestria right now."
"Rarity?"
"APPLEJACK!" The group turned towards the voice, only to see a bunch of Ponyta racing towards them. The gallopers came to a stop not too far from them, as one Ponyta that was carrying two people came to a stop. The one sitting behind the rider jumped down, revealing herself as a girl Applejack's age. She had white skin and violet hair, and was wearing a blue top along with a purple skirt that had three diamond patterns on them. She also wore purple knee height boots and gold bracelets.
"WOW!" Spike gasped as hearts appeared in his eyes.
"Is that normal?" Applejack asked as she pointed to the boy.
"Um...no actually." Twilight replied, blinking at her brother. "That's...new."
The girl rushed up to Applejack, looking concerned. "Applejack darling, thank goodness you were able to get them to stop before it was too late."
"No sweat Rares," Applejack replied before turning to Flash and the others. "These are some new friends. They were watching me do ma'h thing."
Everyone once again introduced themselves, though Twilight had to do it for her brother since Spike's ability to speak seemed to have strangely vanished. "Charmed. My name is Rarity." She then turned to Spike, raising an eyebrow at his strange behaviour. "Is he alright?"
"That's a million Poke'Doller question," Twilight replied as she poked his brother, only to get no response. "Spike? You okay?"
Before anyone could say anything else, the ones still riding the Ponyta began herding the Calfaze and Grattle back towards the farm. "We'd better get back too," Applejack said before turning to everyone else. "Ya'll are welcome to come with."
"Sure," Flash replied with a nod.
One transition to a farm later...
Soon enough, the group arrived at an area filled with many barns around a large house. Spike was the first comment, this being the first time he had spoken in a while. "Wow."
"An impressive farm," Doc added.
"Why thank you," they all turned to see a man walking towards them with cream skin and blue hair, "we worked hard to make it like this."
Applejack pointed at the approaching individual, "Everyone, this is my uncle, Red Delicious. He runs this farm."
"Thank yah Applejack, and thanks e'gen for stopping that stampede."
Applejack just nodded, "No problem, happy to help."
Red smiled before saying, "your grandmother will be proud to hear about this."
"Grandmother?"
Rarity turned and nodded. "Applejack and I come from a place named Applewood City. Her family run an orchid there that's the most productive farm in all of Equestria. Her Grandmother runs the place."
Applejack chuckled at the facts. "And one day, ah'll be running it. That's why Rarity and ah are travelling together. Thanks to this, ah can get the experience needed to run it."
"Cool," Flash said as he tilted his head with a cheeky grin. "So, are you on a badge quest too?"
Applejack nodded again. "Yup, and a've already won ma'h self two badges."
Twilight smiled at this, "That's great. We're on our way to Fillydelphia City so Flash can challenge the Gym."
"Oh, we've already been there. The place is absolutely fabulous darling."
As everyone smiled at that, Red turned to them. "Say, you kids wanna see how we do things here?"
"Sure," Flash replied, nodding.
"That does sounds fun," Twilight said with a happy clap.
"It'd definitely be interesting to see," Doc added.
"We'll be happy to show you," Applejack explained as she tipped her hat.
Over the next few hours, Applejack, Red Delicious and their family showed the rest of the gang how life on the farm worked. Twilight enjoyed grooming and caring for the Calfaze and Grattle, while Flash learned how to ride Ponyta, along with Doc, who found the milking process to be very interesting.
That is where we find our heroes right now, which was one of the barns with Red Delicious and several Grattle. They were standing next to a large machine, which had several identical sections that each had four nozzle like pipes sticking out of them. "The process is simple," Red explained before pulling out one of the nozzles and moving it over to Grattle. "Take a hose and turn it on to level one suction before attaching it to the udder." He did just that, the pipe beginning to make a quiet sucking sound.
They watched as the pipe was brought close to the udder, which was then sucked into the hose. Seeing this, Doc asked, "Then you switch to level two?"
"Exactly," Red replied before turning to switch. The sound increased, the transparent tub now slowly being filled with a white liquid.
"Impressive," Twilight commented next.
"Is the milk any good?" Flash asked.
Red laughed at this. "Its the best. The only thing that can compare to it is Moo Moo Milk. You won't find a better tasting milk in all of Equestria."
"Cool. You mind if we have a taste?"
"Of course," Red replied before moving over to where the machine was storing the milk.
"Ya'll in for a treat," Applejack said as she followed Red. "Not many people get the chance to taste fresh Grattle milk."
"I can't wait," Twilight replied, only for a bulb to go off in her head. She then pulled out her Pokeball, "why don't we let all our Pokémon have a taste?"
"Alright," Flash said as he took out his pokeballs and tossed them into the air, "come on out guys."
Four Pokémon coming out of pokeballs later...
"Chickling!"
"Aquana!"
"Hisscor!"
"Psychick!"
"Red!" Winona rushed over to the new Pokémon, Springer and Prongs running over with her.
Seeing this, Twilight turned to Rarity. "Don't you have a Pokémon?"
However, the question didn't settle with the girl. In fact, she started to shake as she twiddled her fingers. "I do...but I'm not sure bringing her out would be such a good idea."
Flash and Twilight gave each other a confused glance before Flash said, "What's the worst that could happen? We won't judge your Pokémon or anything."
Rarity sighed, shaking her head as she presented a Pokeball. "Its not that. Its more...here, maybe it would be better to show you. Opalescence, come on out darling." The ball opened and released the red energy, which hit the ground and took shape.
It then faded to reveal a white cat like Pokémon, with different colored gemstones growing out of its fur. It also had what looked like a jewel encrusted collar around its neck, along with a jewel encrusted bow on its head. "Op," it whispered before looking down at the ground. As soon as it saw what it was on, it hissed before leaping into the air.
Rarity acted fast and caught her, holding the Pokémon close to her chest before petting it. "I know, I know. I just thought you'd like to meet some new friends." The Pokémon looked around and saw Springer and the others, only to hiss at them.
The Pokémon as stepped back in surprise, while the trainers all frowned. Applejack just shook her head, "Sorry bout her. Opal's got a bit of an attitude."
Flash pulled out his Pokedex and scanned her.
Name: Opaline
Category: Jewel Cat Pokémon
Type: Dark
Info: Usually found in cities, this Pokémon can make the jewels on its body glow to ward off predators at night. They love shiny things and will often steal anything that catches their attention.
Twilight crossed her arms. "What an...interesting Pokémon."
"I apologize," Rarity told them as she kept petting the cat. "Opal's a little spoiled and hates being around anything that might get her dirty."
"Kind of like her owner," Applejack added.
Rarity just glared at her with a pout, "What was that?!"
"Nothing," Applejack replied, her face hiding a tiny smirk.
In that moment, Red returned carrying a tray holding a jug of milk and several cups. Everyone and their Pokémon took a cup, which Red soon filled with milk. He then gave Rarity the tray, which she placed Opal on so she could drink hers. Everyone then took a sip, only for them to suddenly find themselves in heaven.
"Wow...talk about good." Flash said first.
"No contest," Twilight added as she blinked at the cup. "The best milk I've ever tasted."
Doc nodded. "Texture, flavor and smell...they're all perfectly balanced."
Applejack shined a big grin, "What did I tell you?"
"The truth. This is truly fabulous darling," Rarity replied.
The Pokémon all let out happy sighs as well, the only one apparently not enjoying it being Opal, though she quickly finished it off. At the same time, Spike, who had not said a word since meeting Rarity, squatted down to look at her, "hey there, kitty cat. Want some more?" He poured a little of his into her cup, which she gladly began to lick up. "There, isn't that nice?" He tried to pet the Opaline, only for a hiss to follow with a scratch of the claws, "OW!" He yelped as he leapt up, his hand now having scratch marks on it.
Rarity rushed over to him, "Oh dear, I'm so sorry. Opal doesn't like strangers in her personal space." She took his hand in hers and looked it over, causing the boy to blush.
"That's fine," he said in a dazed voice. "Barely felt a thing."
Flash saw this and smirked, only to lean over to Twilight before whispering into her ear. "Looks like someone's got a crush."
"I know," Twilight replied, giggling at the sight. "You think it'd be mean if I took a picture of those two and sent it to my parents?"
"Maybe a little," Doc added.
Flash then took one last big gulp of his milk, his Pokémon all doing the same as they finishing the drink before turning to Applejack. "Hey AJ, I was wondering..."
Applejack turned towards him. "What's up partner?"
"Since you've got two badges, you must be strong. So what do you say about battling with me?"
Applejack chuckled at his proposal. "Well, I'd say that sounds like a hoot and a half. Sure, why not?" She then turned to Red, "Know any place for a battle?"
Red just nodded, "Absolutely."
One transition to an empty field later...
Flash and Applejack were now standing in an open field just outside of the farm. Red, Twilight, Rarity and Spike were there, all of them standing by the fence while Doc stood between the two trainers. "Are you both ready?"
"I am," Applejack replied before looking down at Winona. "Let's do this partner."
"Red!" The Redog barked before pouncing in front of her trainer.
Flash on the other hand, was looking over his team. "Who should I use? Redog's a Ground-Type, so anyone except Viper will be a good match up."
"Scor," Viper frowned before slivering over to the others.
"Thanks Vip, sorry about this." Flash told him as he continued to glance at his team. "Now then, who should I pick?"
Before he could make a decision, Prongs rushed up to his leg and started butting it with his head. "Fay! Thawn!"
"Prongs? You wanna battle Winona?"
"Fay!" Prongs replied, quickly nodding his head.
"I see you're pumped," Flash said before smirking. "I like that enthusiasm! Alright then, I choose you!"
"Fay!" The Thawn leapt in front of him as Springer and the others moved to the side.
"Good luck Prongs!" Twilight cheered.
"Hit her once for me!" Spike added.
"Terr!"
Doc then clapped his hand, silencing everyone, "Alright, that's enough. Now, the battle of Flash and Prongs against Applejack and Winona will now begin. The battle will be over when I declare one of them unable to battle, is that understood?" Both trainers and Pokémon nodded, "then...battle, begin!"
"Quick Attack!" Applejack ordered, Winona shooting forwards at blinding speed. Before Flash or Prongs could react, the Redog struck the Thawn.
"Fay!" Prongs cried as he staggered back.
"Keep it together Prongs!" Flash told him. "Let's use Tackle!"
Prongs immediately halted as the command went through his ears. A second later, his deer body struck the dog, knocking her back. The dog quickly righted herself, only to begin rushing around the field. Prongs followed her and the two seemed to suddenly enter a test of speed, with one charging at the other, only to dodge each others' attack.
"Fay!" Prongs yelled as he tried to tackle Winona, who leapt to the side to evade.
"Red!" Winona spun around and attempted a Quick Attack, but Prongs used his strong legs to leap over her.
The two then came to stop, only for their trainers to say, "Double Kick/Dig!" Prongs rushed towards Winona, who leapt into the air before pointing down at the ground. Before Prongs could strike, she shot into the earth, leaving a large hole in the ground. The Thawn came to a stop due to this, now unable to see the dog.
"That could be a problem," Spike commented.
"Agreed. Flash has no clue where Winona will pop up," Twilight added.
"Ri," Springer gulped. "Ri riolu."
"Chick/Aq/Scor!" The rest of Flash's team cheered for their fellow Pokémon.
Prongs and Flash both looked around, but there was no sign of Winona. "Where is it?" Flash asked, only for his answer to arrive as the ground beneath Prongs suddenly exploded, Winona slammed into the unsuspecting deer. The grass fawn was sent flying as his ears heard his trainer order. "Energy Ball!" Still in the air, Prongs turned to Winona and opened his mouth, a ball of energy forming and firing at the dog.
"Redog!" Winona cried as the orb exploded, her body now being sent rolling along the ground, Prongs landing not too far off.
"Quick! Before it recovers, use Leech Seed!"
"Fay..." Prongs aimed his now glowing horns at the Redog, "THAWN!" The light shot off, flying into the air before arching back down and hitting Winona.
"Red!" Winona cried as the seeds exploded into a series of vines that quickly wrapped around her. She then felt the vines power as they started to drain the energy out of her.
"You okay Winona?" Applejack asked her, getting a weak nod in response. But as she did this, red energy surged around Winona as the vines continued to drain her. The trainer growled at the sight as she pointed at Prongs, "Don't stop partner! Its time to bring out the big guns, so use Quick Attack!"
"Red!" Winona barked as she hopped up and ran towards the fawn like a bullet.
Flash saw this and yelled, "dodge it!" Prongs leapt to the side, just in time to miss the speedy attack.
"Now, use Fire Fang!" Winona turned and opened her mouth, flames consuming the molars inside. Before anyone could say anything, she thrusted her head forwards and bit down on Prong's back.
"THAWN!" Prongs screamed as Winona lifted him into the air by her mouth, preventing him from getting away as the flames burnt him.
"Prongs!" Flash yelped.
"That looks like a really strong move," Spike commented.
Rarity nodded. "And with Grass being weak to Fire, the damage is even more so."
Red nodded. "Flash needs to get his Thawn out of there, and fast."
"Maybe not," Twilight added as she rubbed her chin at the sight. They all looked at her in confusion, just before a flash of red made them look back.
"Red!" Winona yelped as the Leech Seed flared, making her drop Prongs.
"Fey..." Prongs panted as he landed and leapt away. That Fire Fang had done a lot of damage, meaning another one might end the match.
"Alright. We can't get too close anymore Prongs," Flash told his Pokémon as he pointed at Winona. "Alright, use Energy Ball!"
"Fey....THAWN!" Prongs yelled as the green projectile flew out of his mouth.
"Use Dig!" Winona leapt into the air before burrowing once again, dodging the Energy Ball.
"Oh no you don't! We're not gonna fall for that trick twice," Flash said before pointing at his Pokémon. "Prongs, don't stay in the same spot! Rush around until it shows itself."
"Fey!" Prongs did just that, the fawn now jumping around in a random pattern. This lasted for about a full minute before Winona came up, smashing out of the ground in an area Prongs had occupied only seconds before.
"Too slow! Double Kick now!"
Prongs spun like a top, quickly putting its back legs toward the Redog, "Thawn!" He bucked his hind legs up, slamming into Winona.
"Winona!" Applejack cried as she watched her loyal partner hit the ground with a thud. Winona tried to pick herself up, only for the Leech Seed to once again flare, sucking more energy out of her. "Dag nab it, he's right. Those vines are slowin her down and sucking too much power! I gotta do some-that's it!" Applejack exclaimed as she pointed to her trusty Pokémon, "Time to even the playing field! Winona, Sandstorm!"
Winona picked herself up, only to let out a loud howl, which seemed to cause sand to appear out of nowhere and cover the field. Everyone cried out as they shielded their eyes, the windswept sand assaulting them as Spike yelped, "I can't see!"
"Applejack!" Rarity screeched as she put her hands over her hair, "you're ruining my hair!"
"What's happening in the battle?" Twilight asked as she started rubbing her glasses.
Flash tried to look at the battle, only for his eyes to just squint, "Augh! I can't see a thing! How are we supposed to battle, if we can't even see?!"
"Simple," Applejack replied as she snapped her fingers, "like this, Quick Attack!"
Prong's eyes were forced shut, the sand striking them if he didn't, making it impossible for him to see what happened next. From out of nowhere, something fast slammed into him. "Fay!" He staggered to the side, only to once again be struck by it again.
The fact was, Winona could not see through the sand either, but she could smell through it, allowing her to pick up Prong's scent. "That's it girl!" Applejack cheered as she pointed ahead. "Now use Fire Fang!"
Flash groaned, not sure how they were tracking Prongs but he knew he had to do something. "Move Prongs! Don't let that hit you!" Prongs tried to leap out of the way as he felt a presence appear next to him, only to then feel the flames once again grab hold. "Prongs!" He cried as he heard the Thawn yell out.
Applejack just shook her head. "Sorry Flash. At the start, they were even, then ya'll used Leech Seed to slow Winona down. But now she's even faster then she normally is."
"What?!" Flash yelped, "How?!"
"Sand Rush!" Twilight cried out over the sound of the wind. "Its Redog's ability! It increases speed in sandstorms!"
"So Winona's faster than Prongs now?" Spike asked.
"I'm afraid so," Rarity added. "Plus, the sandstorm will be doing damage to Prongs as well."
Flash frowned at hearing this, his hands now slapping the side of his head. "I've gotta stop that thing, but how? What can I use to....wait." A bulb went off in his head, though he wasn't fully sure of the idea. Despite this, he pointed forward and yelled, "Prongs! Charge up an Energy Ball and make it as strong as you can!"
"Fay?!" Prongs yelped, only for his mouth to open, "Faaaaaay!" The ball of energy appeared in his mouth and grew bigger and bigger by the second. Eventually, it was so big that the light allowed everyone to see it through the sand.
Applejack laughed at the sight. "All ya'll did was make it easier for us to hit yah. Winona, finish this with Fire Fang!"
"Red," Winona's mouth once again became flames as she ran at the deer.
But Flash was ready this time. "Prongs! Leap up and fire the Energy Ball at the ground!"
"Fay...." Prongs did as he was told, putting all his strength into his legs before jumping upwards. "THAWN!" He tossed the orb towards the ground, the impact sight being only inches from where Winona had run up to.
Kaboom!
The small explosion rocked the ground, knocking a certain Pokémon off its feet. "REDOG!" Winona cried as its body along with the sand flew through the field.
Everyone blinked at the sight, Rarity being especially amazed, "That was incredible."
"That's Flash," Twilight added as she adjusted her glasses.
"Ri/Chick/Aq/Scor!" Flash's Pokémon all cheered, happy their teammates were able to pull it off. They then stared at the field, seeing both Prongs and Winona standing there, heavy pants coming out of their mouths. The battle had seriously put them through the paces, meaning only one thing.
"The next Pokémon to land a hit will likely win," Doc said to himself.
Both Flash and Applejack also realized this, and both pointed at the opposing Pokémon. "Use Tackle/Quick Attack!"
"Fay/Red!" The two bum-rushed each another, both ready to end this. Without the sandstorm and the Leech Seed still zapping her, Winona's Quick Attack was reduced to Prong's top speed. So when the two finally clashed, they did so at equal force. "THAWN/REDOG!"
It was over in a flash, the two bashing their bodies into each other, only for both to stagger back. Then, before they could do another attack, both fell to the ground, landing in a huff as spirals filled their eyes. "Fay/Red..." they moaned out.
"Prongs/Winona!" The trainers cried out as Doc raised is arms.
"Both Pokémon are unable to continue. I declare this match a draw."
Flash and Applejack soon kneeled down at their partner's sides. "You okay there bud?" Flash asked Prongs.
"Fay..." the Thawn groaned, closing its eyes with a slight pant.
"You doin okay there Winona?" Applejack asked, getting a sloppy lick on the cheek in response. "Ah'll take that as a yes then."
As they both picked their partners up, the rest of the group moved over to them. "That was an amazing battle," Twilight told them.
"It was indeed an enjoyable spectacle to behold," Rarity agreed, nodding.
Doc nodded as well. "Both sides showed off their skills greatly, and it was enjoyable to watch."
"Yeah!" Spike and the other Pokémon cheered.
"Aw shucks, that's mighty kind of ya'll." Applejack replied with scratching the back of her head, a slight blush appearing on her face.
Flash turned to Applejack. "Looks like we'll have to settle this another time." He held out his hand, which Applejack gladly shook.
"Ya'll bet we will." The next thing they knew, a loud growling sound caught all of their attentions. Applejack laughed as she tipped her hat, "Sorry bout that. Farm work and battlin bound to make anyone hungry."
Red stepped up to them. "Why don't ya'll come in and have somethin to eat while ya'll Pokémon rest up. I've also got a spare room to if ya'll wanna stay the night."
Twilight quickly nodded at this. "We'd love to. Thank you sir."
"And I'm willing to help out with the cooking to," Doc told him. "It's the least I could do."
"Thank yah. That's mighty kind of yah," Red replied as he gestured to follow him to the house.
That night...
After a delicious dinner courtesy of Doc, Red and Applejack with Grattle Milk included, everyone headed to their rooms to get a good nights sleep. Flash, Doc, Spike and their Pokémon had a room for the boys, all of them instantly falling asleep. Twilight, Applejack and Rarity on the other hand, were still getting ready for bed in a guest room for the girls. Twilight was now wearing a light blue top and dark blue pants, Applejack had on a blue onesie with white apples on them and Rarity was wearing a purple nightdress with a white collar and blue bow.
"Thanks Rarity," Twilight said as the girl behind her brushed her hair.
"No problem darling," Rarity replied as she began smoothing out the hair, "I must say darling, you keep yourself well maintained. Its nice to see another girl doing that."
Applejack, who was laying on her bed with Winona curled up at her feet, shook her head at them. "Ah don't know why ya'll doing that. Ya'll know you'll be sleeping on your hair in a few minutes."
Rarity rolled her eyes at this. "It's about self respect darling. A girl needs to look good no matter what she's doing."
"Right..." Applejack grumbled as she closed her eyes.
Rarity let out a huff before finishing Twilight's hair, still slightly disgruntled from Applejack's comment. She then grabbed a nearby light blue bag, which she opened and pulled out a rectangular box. The girl was about to put her brush inside, only for Twilight to ask, "What's in there?"
Rarity turned to her, then looked back down at the box. "Oh, um...inside is some family heirlooms that my parents gave to me before we left home. Would you like to see them?"
"Sure," Twilight replied as she watched Rarity reach into her pajamas and pull out a key that was on a chain around her neck. She then unlocked the box, opening it to show three gems that all had the same size and shape. The only differences were their colours, one being red, blue and green. They were all around the size of a Pokeball, each sitting in the cushioned interior. Twilight's eyes went wide at seeing them as Rarity took the red one out and handed it to her. "Are these what I think they are?"
Rarity smiled and nodded. "If you think that they're a Power Ruby, Power Sapphire and Power Emerald, then you'd be right darling."
"Incredible..." Twilight gasped as she looked the jewel over. "One on it's own is incredibly rare, but having all three....that's amazing Rarity."
"Thank you," Rarity replied as she saw that Opaline was curled up next to her, her hand soon stroking the sleeping Pokémon, "My parents thought they might bring me good luck on my journey since I wasn't exactly thrilled at the idea of leaving."
Twilight tilted her head at this, confusion in her eyes. "You didn't want to go on your Pokémon journey?"
Rarity let out a sigh as she shook her head, "Well...no, I did want to travel. But I was planning for a more direct route between locations, only for my parents to tell me that I need to experience the world in the 'right way'." She looked over at her travel companion, "that's why they made me travel with Applejack. They knew she would walk through the region and only use things like trains when absolutely necessary."
"Darn tootin," Applejack replied as she chuckled at Rarity's statement. "Where's the fun in a Pokémon journey if ya'll just road the rails all the time? Sides, how are yah suppose to catch Pokémon that way?"
Rarity looked away as a huff released itself from her mouth, "To be honest, I'm not even sure why I'm on this journey. Applejack is travelling so she can learn to run her families farm. You're trying to learn everything you can about Pokémon, while your friend Flash is training to become the best trainer he can be. But me...I don't know what I want in life. I don't even know if I want it to involve Pokémon."
Applejack sat up and patted her friend's shoulder. "There's nothin wrong with that Rares. That's the whole point of you going on this journey is so ya'll can figure out what yah wanna do."
Twilight nodded in agreement. "She's right. There's a lot of jobs in the world and many of them don't have to involve Pokémon. My mom's an editor while my dad's an accountant, and they don't have Pokémon partners. If what you want to do doesn't involve them, that's nothing to be ashamed of."
Rarity shined a small smile, "Thank you darling. And who knows, maybe my life will involve Pokémon. I just need to find the right thing for me."
Early next morning...
Flash let out a deep yawn as he and the others had been awoken at sunrise by the rest of the farm's members. Now, they were all washed, dressed and ready to head out. Flash, Springer, Twilight, Spike, Doc and Peewee stood in front of the house where Red Delicious, Applejack, Rarity and their Pokémon stood.
"Welp, we're heading out." Flash said as he gave the others a salute. "Thanks for the great hospitality."
"No problem." Applejack replied while tipping her hat, "We're gonna stick around here for a little while before moving on. As fer ya'll, good luck in your Gym battle."
"Thanks." Flash shined a big grin. "And next time we meet, our battle will have an outcome."
"Ri!" Springer cheered, pounding his fist into paw.
Rarity giggled at this. "Oh, I do so hope we get to meet each other again."
"Same here," Twilight replied, nodding.
Spike stepped up to Opal, "see you around." He tried once again to pet her, only for the jewel cat to swipe at him viciously. This time he was ready and quickly pulled his hand back with a terrified look on his face.
Rarity shook her head at this as she stepped up to him and bent down to his eyes level. "Don't take it personally Spikey Wikey. She does that with everybody."
Spike blushed once again as he put his hands behind his back. "I won't, I promise." Peewee laughed at this, making him glare at him while whispering. "Shut up!"
"Well, we'd better get going," Doc said as he turned around, gesturing for his friends to follow. The rest of our heroes followed suit, heading towards the exit of the farm while Red, Applejack and Rarity waved them off, all saying their goodbyes. A journey to a farm has sparked a new friendship and a new rivalry. What will happen the next time our heroes meet Applejack and Rarity? You'll have to keep reading to find out.