//------------------------------//
// Ghastly Gorge 
// Story: Pokémon: Harmony and Chaos 
// by Banshee531 
//------------------------------//

The day opened up with Flash and Springer racing up a rocky hill, Twilight, Spike, Doc and Peewee a bit behind them. All four were out of breath, their forms wobbling back and forth as they tried to keep up. And as they staggered behind, Flash and Springer reached the top, now staring at the horizon, "There it is! We finally made it!"

Twilight stumbled up to him, nodding, "Ghastly Gorge."

Continuing their journey to Baltimare City and Flash's third Equestria Region gym challenge, our heroes have finally arrived at the Equestria Region landmark known as Ghastly Gorge. The landmark was a great earth divide that would be difficult to venture, the gorge filled with steep cliffs know for landslides, and labyrinth-like tunnels filled with vicious Pokémon.

Doc wiped his brow as he commented, "It took longer then we'd hoped, but we're finally here."

Spike nodded in agreement, "Yeah…look at how big it is though. I mean, how long is it gonna take us to get through that thing?!"

"Good question," Twilight pulled out her journal and opened up the mapping section. "I've been trying to find the fastest route through the valley, but the shifting landmass makes finding a route almost impossible. We'll just have to keep going straight and deal with whatever obstacles we come across."

"Sounds like a plan," Flash remarked before seeing a shack in the distance, the words 'supply hut' written on a sign above the door. "Maybe someone in there will know how the best way to get through the gorge."

"That could work."

With that, the three made their way down the hill, soon knocking on the shack's door, "Hello? Anybody in here?" The was no reply, which made Flash push the door open. Inside, the shack was filled with shelves that held multiple different pieces of equipment. Hard hats, rope, torches, sleeping bags, tents and anything else was on these shelves, almost enough for a whole army of hikers.

"Whoa...." Spike added as he walked inside, "Where is everyone?"

"Not sure. Place is filled to the brim with stuff though."

"Agreed, but I hope they show up soon," Doc commented as he picked up a brown hard hat and placed it on his head. "The longer we're here, the less daylight we'll have in the gorge."

"Good point," Flash replied before noticing a counter, complete with a small bell. Moving over to ring it, Flash got half way there before blinking at the tabletop. He came to halt as he looked down, now seeing a red liquid pouring along the floor from behind the counter. "Err...guys?"

The others moved up to him, spotting the liquid and getting just as nervous. They all began to slowly step around the counter, only to freeze up as they saw where the liquid came from. On the floor was an old man, laying face down in a pool of the red liquid. Wide eyes followed as they saw no movement.

"HOLY ARCEUS, HE'S DEAD!" They all screamed in unison.

Twilight grabbed Spike and pulled him away from the crime scene, Flash and Doc glancing at each other in panic, "Holy crap! What do we do?!"

"I...I don't know. Do we call Officer Hard Case?" Doc asked back.

Flash looked back at the body again, sweating now pouring down his face. "I guess we have to...but what if he thinks we did this?!"

"I can't go to jail!" Twilight almost cried. "Professor Celestia might not want me as her student anymore!"

"So what do we do?!" Spike grabbed Peewee and hugged him tightly.

It was here that Springer walked up to the body, closing his eyes before opening them again. "Ri?" the Riolu then leaned down and poked the body. "Ri! Riolu!"

"Springer! Show some respect for the departed!"

The Riolu simply rolled his eyes as he continued poking the old man. And after that fifth poke, the dead body suddenly let out a moan. The four humans and one Terragon all went wide eyed at this, the old man now raising his head to show he had a white beard to go with his white hair. "Ohhh....morning."

"AAAAHHHHHHH!!!! HE'S ALIVE!"

The old man moaned again as he began to pick himself up, "What's all the racket about?"

"We're sorry," a still shivering Twilight replied. "You see, we thought...well, we thought...we...thought-"

"We thought you were dead," Spike interrupted.

The old man tilted his head at this, then glanced down before putting the pieces together. "Oh...right." he then burst out laughing, "Well, sorry to disappoint!"

"You didn't actually." Flash told him with crossed his arms, "So, what happened?"

The man started to wipe the red stuff off of his shirt. "Not sure. Last thing I remember, I was carrying a plate of sausages covered in ketchup out here for my lunch. Then the next thing I knew, I'm waking up after being poked."

"That's strange. You ever suddenly collapse like that before?"

The man shook his head. "No, never. But now that I think about it, I remember hearing something coming from outside before I conked out."

"A sound that knocked you out?" Twilight asked as she rubbed her chin in confusion.

"Eh, whatever." The old man held out his hand. "Name's Solid Stone."

The teen shook his hand, "Name's Flash, and this is my partner Springer."

"Ri."

"I'm Twilight, and this is my brother."

"Spike," the teen pointed at the Terragon on his head, "This is Peewee."

"Terra!"

"And I'm Doc."

"Nice to meet you all." Solid Stone remarked as he bent down to pick up a walking stick, the old timer now shakily walking around the counter. He showed himself as a short old man with long white hair and a beard. His skin was grey and he was wearing a brown vest over a white shirt and brown pants. "So...what can I do for you, young whippersnappers?"

Twilight adjusted her glasses at this question, "Oh, uh...we want to pass through the Ghastly Gorge." As soon as he heard this, Solid Stone hopped in place. "We were hoping to get directions that would help us get through it in the quickest possible way."

Doc nodded in agreement. "And hopefully get some supplies. You must know this area quite well, so we'd love to hear your opinions on what would be best to use."

Stone remained completely still, making the six all share a worried look. They then watched as he slowly scanned them over, mainly at Flash and Spike until his eyes shrunk into a glare. "No. You're not allowed to enter that gorge."

Hearing this made them all go wide eyed, but before they could say anything-

"WHEEEE!" yelled a voice from outside the shack. The group turned to the door, soon exiting as they looked around for the voice's owner.

"See anything?"

"Not yet," Flash replied as he rubbed his chin in thought. "What was that?"

Springer blinked at the sight, only to then close his eyes. His aura soon started to seep out, stirring a web into the sky as he scanned the nearby area. "Ri?" he whispered to himself before looking up, now staring at an empty tree. That is, till he saw that a large pink balloon like object stuck on its top. "Riolu!" He pointed up at it, making the others follow his paw.

"What's that?" Spike asked.

"A balloon?" Doc guessed.

"Yay!" They heard coming from the balloon, "That was fun!" They group all blinked at this, only to see a certain pink poofy haircut to appear beside the balloon.

"Pinkie?!" Everyone except Stone exclaimed.

Pinkie Pie shined a huge smile back, now waving as well, "Hey everyone! Its great to see you guys again!"

"How did you get up there?!" Twilight asked back, "Are you okay?!"

Pinkie blinked in confusion before pulling something out of her ears, "What?!"

"Let's get her down before she explains lass," Stone told them as he stepped up to the tree, "Young lady, do you need help?"

"No, I got it." Pinkie's head disappeared into the tree, only for her and the balloon to pop out of the leafy foliage. She then floated down with the balloon, the air-filled sphere now shrinking as she descended. As it did, its shape began to become a Pokémon they all recognised. It was a Jigglypuff.

Once they were close to the ground, Pinkie hopped off the Pokémon as Jigglypuff finally reached its natural size. "Hey guys, long time no see."

"Tell me about it. Its great to see you."

"Aww, thanks you guys."

"But...what are you even doing here Pinkie?" Twilight asked with a tilted head.

"I decided to go home for a visit," Pinkie replied as she patted the Jigglypuff on the head. "I haven't been back in a while, and I wanna see how everybody's doing."

"Where's your home?" Spike asked back.

Pinkie shined a big grin, "Baltimare City."

"Huh. That's where we're heading."

Pinkie stared at them for a second, then blinked once before letting out a loud gasping noise. "WE CAN GO TOGETHER!"

"That's a great idea. Having you along for the ride will be fun." Doc then looked down at the earplugs Pinkie had taken out of her ears. "What's with them?"

"Oh these?" Pinkie pointed at her Jigglypuff, "She likes to sing while we're flying. If I don't wear these, I fall asleep and well..."

"Yeah. I can see where that could go wrong."

Stone took this moment to speak up. "So kiddo, mind explaining how you ended up in that tree?"

"Oh that?" Pinkie picked up her Jigglypuff and hugged it to her chest before pointing at the gorge, "Jiggly and I were flying over that thing when this super fun wind picked up. It sent us flying all over the place until we eventually ended up here. You know the rest."

"Jiggly," Jigglypuff nodded.

Stone frowned at this, "You foolish girl!"

"Hey! No need to be mean!" Flash barked back at the old man.

Stone glared back at the boy. "Yes there is," he turned to start walking towards the gorge. "Thinking you can simply fly over Ghastly Gorge...don't be ridiculous! This gorge acts as a natural wind tunnel, and the holes on its ceiling makes flying over it damn near impossible." He reached the edge and turned back to Pinkie, "The fact you were simply blown back here is you being lucky."

Pinkie and Jigglypuff just frowned at this while the others took in what Stone was saying. Stone glared back to the gorge, staring out at its vastness. "You young people today think you're all invincible, deciding to do whatever saves a little time no matter how dangerous it is." He turned back to them, "That's why I refuse to allow you access into this gorge. You kids wouldn't last one day in it."

To say the five teens and their Pokémon were insulted was an understatement, with Flash barking, "Who are you to decide that?! We're strong! Heck, I've already got two badges."

Stone just spat at him. "You think just because you've got a few pieces of tin that you can face what's waiting for you in there?!" He pointed at the landmark with his cane, "I spent fifty years guiding people through this thing. I know what it takes to get through it, and you lot don't have it!" He then pointed at Spike, "And you want to take a child in there!"

Spike growled at this. "Hey! I'm not a baby, you know!"

"You might as well be," Stone replied.

Spike's face began to turn red with anger, but before he could do anything, Twilight placed a hand on his shoulder. She shook her head at him before turning to Stone. "Mr. Stone, you really shouldn't be making assumptions on just meeting us. We might not look it, but we're stronger than you think. For instance, Doc here is the Trottingham City Gym Leader."

Doc nodded with crossed arms. "We might all lack in certain areas, but together I'm sure we'll be more than a match for whatever we might find in there."

Stone simply shook his head before pointing back at the gorge. "Take a look down there." The group moved over to the edge and looked downwards, seeing what Stone was pointing at.

Along the walls of the canyon were multiple moving rocks, which they quickly realised were Pokémon. They appeared to be four legged beetles made entirely out of stone, the creatures wearing small horns on their heads and three smaller spikes on their back. Size wise, they looked like they could fit in the palm of your hand.

"What are those thing?" Spike asked.

Twilight smiled as Flash took out his Pokedex, "They're Crawlder."

Name: Crawlder
Category: Wall Crawling Pokémon
Type: Rock
Info: Usually found in rocky caves, it climbs walls while using its razor sharp feet to dig into the rock. The small horn on its head is used for defense, and to mark its territory.

"You'll find Crawlder like those all over the gorge," Stone explained as he tapped his cane. "Its said that their final evolution was what created the place, as a safe haven for them and many other Pokémon."

"So?" Flash asked back.

"So? So?!" Stone glared at him, "They're only one of the many dangers you'll face if you enter this canyon. Landslides, sink holes, underground labyrinths and wild Pokémon that will defend their home no matter what the cost. Dealing with even one of them could be too much for any one person, but facing them one after the other, or even simultaneously....you'll be finished before you know it. So tell me boy, do you honestly think you can handle it all?!" He saw the looks of uncertainty on their faces, showing that he was getting his point across. "There aren't any Pokémon Centers in the gorge either, so if your Pokémon gets injured, you won't be able to simply rest there. Think you can handle that?!"

The five teens remained where they were, only for Flash to step up, "Yes."

Stone's face became hard. "Then you obviously don't care about your friends lives."

Flash just let out a sigh, resisting the urge to facepalm. "Look...I know you think we're just a bunch of stupid kids who don't know how dangerous the world is, but you're wrong. We've been through a lot and have faced a ton of dangerous situations before. Even if this thing might be the toughest we've faced up until now," He pointed at the old man with a stone-cold glare, "As long as we stick together, we'll be fine."

"Oh? You really think so?"

"I know so. If you can tell us what to expect, I know we'll be able to stand off against whatever this canyon throws at us." He turned to the others, "Twilight and Doc are both super smart. They'll know exactly how to overcome any obstacle we come across. Pinkie and Spike might not look it, but they're super tough as well. I doubt this gorge has any Pokémon in it that can scare them." Both Spike and Pinkie started making body builder poses, laughing as they did so.

Flash glared back at the old fogey. "You see? We've got this."

Stone just spat at them. "Bah! So you think you're ready?! Then I'll just have to show you how wrong you are!" The old man tapped his cane at Flash's chest. "Listen here youngin, we're gonna have a battle. If you win, I'll let you into the gorge with all the equipment you need. Lose, and you must leave this place and never come back."

Flash seemed a little unsure about this idea, turning to the others for their thoughts. They too looked unsure, but eventually all nodded at Flash. He looked back at Stone, "Alright. You're on."

"HA! Then let's get started!" Stone gestured them to follow, the group moving to a rock flat piece of land behind the shack. Stone and Flash were soon a fair distance from each other as the others stood at the sidelines. "Alright, here are the rules. I'll use two Pokémon, while you're allowed to use all the ones in your possession. Agreed?"

Flash smirked, "if that's how you wanna play it, I'm game."

Doc stepped up between them. "I'll serve as referee, alright?"

The two nodded before pulling out their Pokeballs. "Excadrill, to my side!" The ball opened and unleashed what looked like the cross between a mole and a power drill.

The Pokémon swiped its metallic claws through the air, "EX...cadrill!"

"Skyler, I choose you!" The ball revealed the Chickling, who beat its wings as it floated above the battlefield.

"Chickling!"

"Are both sides ready?" The two nodded, "Then battle...begin!"

"Skyler, Gust!" The Chickling began to beat his wings, creating a powerful wind that struck Excadrill, slowly pushing it back.

"Is that all you're capable of? How disappointing." Stone then tapped his cane again, "Strength!"

"Ex!" Excadrill tensed his muscles before charging ahead, cutting through the wind with ease. "Cadrill!" It leapt upwards and swung at Skyler, the bird barely managing to dodge. But as it did this, the force of the swing caused a slash of wind to appear, hitting Skyler back.

"Ling!" Skyler cried before regaining control of its wings.

"Metal Claw!" Excadrill's claws glowed as it spun at the bird.

"Steel Wing!" Skyler's wings shined as it swung back at the mole, its claws clashing with the wings. The sound of metal on metal filled the air, the two pushing back while Skyler found himself being overpowered. The Chickling then pushed away before flying around, striking it in the back.

"Drill!" It staggered as Skyler flew up into the air, ready to get away from another attack.

"Come back!" Flash returned Skyler to his Pokeball before pulling out another. "Riptide, I choose you!" He tossed the ball into the air, summoning the Aquana, "Rock Smash now!"

"You use Rock Smash too!" Stone ordered.

The two charged at each other as their fists glowed. "Aq/Ex!" The two punched one another, Riptide also finding himself being overpowered. As he did this, he started to lose his footing as Excadrill pushed him backwards.

Stone shook his head. "Your Pokémon lack power. How will you protect those you care for if you can't even defeat an old man."

Flash growled back, "There's more to a battle than just pure power."

"Maybe...but being strong is what helped me keep the ones I guided safe. You lack the strength needed to survive this gorge. Give up now!"

Twilight and the others stared at one another, unsure whether he was right or wrong. But as they did this, Flash spoke up, "I might not have power, but that doesn't mean I'm weak. I've got speed and skill to compensate. Riptide," the Aquana picked himself up, "Water Gun!"

"Aq...WANA!" A stream of water flew out of Riptide's mouth, striking Excadrill as it crossed its claws to shield itself.

"Now, Echoed Voice!" Riptide stopped his Water Gun before unleashing a powerful sonic wave, Excadrill now forced to cover its ears. "Rock Smash!" Riptide then shot at the still dizzy Excadrill, his fist glowing as he sucker punched it in the stomach.

"Drill!" Excadrill fell over while Riptide leapt back to safety.

"Return!" Riptide was recalled back into his Pokeball as Flash pulled out another. "Prongs, I choose you!" he tossed the ball into the air, releasing the Thawn, "Energy Ball!"

"Fey!" Prongs fired the green sphere at Excadrill.

"Drill Run!" Excadrill folded up into his drill form, spinning like crazy as he carved through the sphere before flying after the deer.

"Dodge it!" Prongs leapt over the flying Excadrill, only to turn around mid-air, "Now, Double Kick!" As soon as he landed, Prongs galloped at the drill, spinning around again as he slammed both back hooves into the mole's back.

"Drill!" Excadrill staggered again, panting heavily from the damage it had taken.

"Metal Claw!" Excadrill charged at the Prongs, slashing its glowing claws.

"Fey...Thawn...fey...Thawn...fey...Thawn!" Prongs panted as it dodged each slash, only for Excadrill's claw to strike the cloud, kicking up a dust cloud into Prong's eyes. "Thawn!" The grass deer was forced to shut his eyes as he stood still, giving Excadrill the opening it needed.

"Strength!" The drill mole flexed its muscles before punching Prongs, knocking him back.

"Leech Seed!" Flash ordered, the still blinded Prongs obeying as it launched the two seed like projectiles out of its head.

"Dodge!" Excadrill tried to leap away, only for one of the seeds to strike his leg, vines now wrapping around his lower body.

"Ex?" Excadrill looked down at the vines, only to flinch when they began to drain its strength. "Drill!"

Flash pulled out his Pokeball, "Return Prongs!" The Thawn was recalled as Flash swapped out his Pokeball. "Viper, I choose you!" Tossing the orb into the air, the fire snake landed as Flash pointed ahead. "Flamethrower!"

"Hiss...SCOR!" Viper spat out a stream of fire, Excadrill now crossing its claws again as the flames struck.

"Drill!" It moaned, only for the Leech Seed to flare, making him lose focus and be pushed to its feet. Once the flames stopped, Excadrill picked itself up, only for Stone to order it to use Rock Smash. It charged at the snake, the attack missing before the snake expertly wrapped itself around Excadrill's arm.

"Bite!"

"Scor!" Viper stuck his fangs into his opponent, the mole crying out a gain as it flailed its arm around.

"Shake it off with Drill Run!" Excadrill curled up before spinning on the spot, picking up speed that knocked Viper right off.

"Drill!" Excadrill spun up into the air, only to point back down where Viper had landed.

"Strength!" Excadrill fell back to earth, readying a fist to punch Viper with.

"Use Flamethrower on the ground!"

"Hiss...SCOR!" Viper unleashed a torrent of fire downwards, propelling himself upwards. Seconds later, Excadrill hit the ground, missing Viper. But as he hit the dirt, the force of its attack had caused its claw to be stuck, trapping it.

"He's open! Fire Spin!"

"Scor!" Viper's tail ignited before it spun around, flicking the fireball at Excadrill. When it hit the ground, it exploded into a fiery tornado.

"Ex!" Excadrill managed to pull its claw free as the flames continued to burn it.

"Get out of there with Drill Run!" Excadrill nodded as it started to spin like a drill, breaking through the flames before landing in the center of the field. But as it did this, it looked around for Viper, only to find nothing.

"Rio..." Excadrill spun around to see Springer in front of him, Aura Sphere in paw as he thrusted it into the mole. "LU!" The orb struck Excadrill, sending it flying back.

"Nice one bud," Flash said as he put Viper's Pokeball away.

"Clever..." Stone commented as Excadrill picked itself up, "Swapping Pokémon while we were distracted."

"Told you there's more to battles than pure power." Flash barked back.

"Maybe, maybe not. Metal Claw!" Excadrill charged once again, glowing claws primed to strike Springer.

"Double Team!" Springer suddenly multiplied, the one Excadrill hit disappearing as it slashed it. "Now, Aura Sphere Barrage!" The Springer army all created a small Aura Spheres, all firing at the Excadrill. It slashed the balls away, only for the Leech Seed to flare again, making him freeze up.

"RI...O...LU!" They all cried as they thrusted another round of orbs at the Excadrill, an explosion following that caused the fakes to disappear.

Everyone waited for the smoke to clear, Springer rushing back to Flash in preparation. But it appeared unneeded, as when the dust settled, they saw the ground mole laying on the ground with swirls in its eyes. "Excadrill is unable to battle," Doc announced. "Springer wins."

"Nice one bud," Flash and Springer both shared a thumbs up as Stone returned Excadrill.

"That's one down," Spike commented.

Twilight nodded in agreement. "Constantly switching was the key to Flash winning there. Excadrill couldn't keep up with the changing opponents."

"Yay! Go Flash!" Pinkie cheered, hopping on the spot in joy.

Flash punched his fists together. "So, still think I'm not strong enough?"

Stone smirked as he put his Pokeball away. "You were strong enough to beat Excadrill, but he's hardly my strongest Pokémon." He took out another Pokeball, which he enlarged. "He's merely used to clear paths and destroy obstacles. My next Pokémon however, he is who I turn to in a fight. Machamp, come on out!" He tossed the ball into the air, revealing a four armed Pokémon whose muscles had muscles.

It tensed its muscles and struck a pose, "Ma....CHAMP!"

"Machamp...that's not good." Flash whispered to himself.

Spike gulped at the sight, "It looks strong."

"That's because it is," Twilight added as she bit her lip. "This is going to be difficult."

Flash looked down at the Riolu. "Springer, take a rest." Springer nodded and moved back as Flash pulled out a Pokeball. "Skyler, I choose you!" Once again, the Chickling appeared and stood opposite of the Machamp.

"Chickling!"

"Are both trainers ready?" The two nodded, "Then battle begin!"

"Steel Wing!" Flash ordered, Skyler dashing with glowing wings. Neither Stone nor Machamp even moved, allowing Skyler's attack to smack its chest. But Machamp didn't even flinch, surprising everyone. "No way. Alright, use Gust!"

"Chick!" Skyler whipped up a wind, the blades of wind cutting into the brute's skin. However, just like the wing attack, the creature didn't even flinch at the scratches.

"Quick Attack!" Skyler rocketed at Machamp like a bullet, picking up as much speed as it could. But as he drew near, Machamp finally acted. Quickly thrusting its top arms outwards, Machamp easily caught Skyler by the wings.

"No way," Flash whispered as he watched Skyler struggle to break free.

Stone merely chuckled. "Drain Punch!" Machamp's lower right fist clenched as a spiralling green energy surrounded it, only to thrust into Skyler's chest. The blow made the Chickling cry out, its body going sailing back as it flew out of Machamp's hands.

"Chick!" Skyler cried one last time as it landed in front of Flash, spirals in its eyes.

"Skyler is unable to battle," Doc announced. "Machamp is the winner."

"That was one hit," Spike grimaced.

"Flash is in trouble," Pinkie added.

Twilight looked over at Machamp, a long sigh following. "You're right...this isn't good. That was one blow..."

Flash held up his Pokeball. "Great work Skyler. Take a good rest." Once Skyler was returned, Flash pulled out another Pokeball. "Riptide, I choose you!" The Aquana reappeared, ready to fight with everything it had. "We'll start by keeping our distance. Water Gun!"

"Aq...WANA!" Riptide fired the jet of water right at Machamp's chest.

"Block it!" Stone ordered, Machamp using its lower arms to block the water as it began to walking up to the Aquana.

"Not good. Echoed Voice!" Riptide unleashed its powerful scream, but Machamp simply blocked its ears with its upper arms while keeping its lower arms ready.

"Thunder Punch!" Machamp once again clenched its lower right fist, this time now surrounded by electricity. With one powerful swing, it punched Riptide.

"WANA!" Riptide screamed as electricity filled its body, knocking him down with spirals in his eyes.

"Riptide is unable to battle," Doc announced. "Machamp is the winner."

No one said anything as Flash returned Riptide, then pulled out another Pokeball. "Prongs, I choose you!" The Thawn appeared on the field, his eyes still squinting due to the dust. "I know you can't see to well, but you're my best bet against Drain and Thunder Punch."

"Fey!"

Stone just shook his head, "Ice Punch!"

"Wait, what?!"

Machamp bum-rushed the deer, his fist now surrounded by a cold mist. It thrusted it into Prongs, freezing him solid as he was sent flying back. "Fey!" He cried as he hit the ground, the ice shattering while Prongs eyes turned into spirals.

"Prongs is unable to battle," Doc announced. "Machamp is the winner."

"This is getting ridiculous," Twilight commented as they watched Flash return Prongs. "That Machamp….at this rate, Flash will lose without doing anything to it."

"Viper, I choose you!" The Hisscor reappeared, glaring up at the Machamp as he blew smoke from his nostrils. "Now, use Flamethrower!"

"Scor!" The blast of fire hit the Machamp, only for it to simply raise its fist in response.

"Fire Punch!" The fist ignited as the flames struck, Machamp's fire protecting it from Viper's. "Now Drain Punch!"

"Champ!" Machamp dashed at the snake, cutting through the flames as its other fist was consumed by a spiralling green energy.

Viper saw the attack coming and leapt away, only for Machamp's arm to stretch out. Before anything could happen, the muscle-bound grip snagged his tail, making him yelp, "Scor?!"

Machamp chuckled as it slammed Viper into the ground, its other fist ready with Drain Punch. Viper once again unleashed a Flamethrower, fire now blasting Machamp's chest like a barrage of endless fireballs. But despite this, the other fist hit the snake, taking every ounce of energy out of the Pokémon.

"Scor!" He cried, the fires from his mouth slowly draining before stopping altogether. And as it did this, Machamp threw Viper to the ground, walking back as Viper's eyes turned to spirals.

"Viper is unable to battle," Doc announced. "Machamp is the winner."

As Flash returned Viper, he looked over Machamp and saw the burn still on his chest. "Viper did some damage, though not much." He then looked down at Springer, only to see nothing but determination on the Riolu's face. The sight alone made Flash semi-smile. "You're all I've got left bud. You with me?"

Springer looked up at him and nodded, "Ri!"

Flash smiled back before pointing at the battle field. "Alright then, Springer, I choose you!"

Springer ran up to the battlefield as both Stone and Machamp shook their heads. "Some children never learn. Machamp, let's end this already. Drain Punch!"

"Champ!" Machamp's fist started glowing green, a swing following.

"Dodge it!" Springer back-flipped, evading the attack with ease.

"Ice Punch!" Springer once again dodged the punch, making Machamp growl in annoyance.

"Time for our specialty. Quartet Punch Fury!"

"MACHAMP!" The four armed Pokémon's four fists were each engulfed in one of the four elements, now throwing punch after punch at Springer. Drain, fire, ice, and thunder was now covering the battlefield, the Riolu hopping back and forth as he dodged every punch.

And as the attack continued, a lucky Fire Punch managed to hit the Riolu. "RI!" Springer staggered back, falling onto his rear. As he recovered, he looked up to see Machamp staring down at him, his fist now preparing a Drain Punch.

"Double Team!" Springer started to multiply, the one Machamp punching disappearing as the others got up. While this happened, Flash stared hard at the Machamp. There was now a shortness of breath with the Pokémon, heavy pants now coming out of the fighting Pokémon's mouth. "Nice. I got it now." Flash pointed at the Machamp, "Springer, do evasive manoeuvres with Quick Attack!"

The Springers all nodded before all but one disappeared, that one rushing at the brute. And as he grew closer, another Drain Punch tried to strike him, only for the Riolu to hop back, his feet quickly allowing him to run around the cretin. Machamp then spun around, trying another swing, only for Springer to hop back again. Dodging another blow, Springer kept trying to get behind Machamp, making each of the towering Pokémon's swings miss.

"What's he doing?" Spike asked. "Why isn't Springer attacking?"

Twilight adjusted her glasses with a smirk, "Simple. He's wearing Machamp out." The others looked at her in confusion. "That Machamp might be strong, but its slower and using that barrage attack earlier used up a lot of its energy. That's why its trying to hit Springer with Drain Punch, as its trying to get back some of its energy. But as it stands, he can't touch Springer, not in that condition at least."

Flash smirked at Stone. "We lack power, but we can more than make up for it with speed."

"Speed isn't everything boy. You're not winning this!"

"We'll see about that. Springer! Show him what I mean!" The Riolu stopped its dodging and quickly spun around, hitting Machamp with a quick and decisive punch before leaping back to a safe distance. He then ran another circle around Machamp, only to repeat the attack again. "Our attacks might be ten times weaker than yours, but if we can hit you ten times before you hit us once, it'll even out. And if we hit you twenty, thirty or forty times, then we can defeat you!"

Stone went wide-eyed as he continued to watch the battle. He stared in awe as Springer hit Machamp over and over, only to dodge every strike afterward. Springer's speed had increased to such a level that it felt like Machamp was being struck a hundred times a second. And after a full minute of this assault, Springer came to a stop in front of the Fighting-Type as it stood swaying. "Incredible..." Stone gasped, his throat forgetting to say a command.

"End this!" Flash pointed at Machamp. "Force Palm!"

Springer thrusted his paw into Machamp's stomach, an explosion following before sending Machamp flying back. Everyone watched as Machamp then fell backwards, spirals replacing its eyes. "Machamp is unable to battle," Doc called out. "Springer is the winner, so the victor is Flash!"

"Yes!" Flash and Springer both leapt for joy, the others all clapping and cheering for them.

Stone returned Machamp, letting out a long sigh as he stared at Flash. "Well boy, you certainly surprised me. I didn't think you'd be able to pull it off. You actually managed to beat me."

"I told you I'd win." Flash crossed his arms with a smirk, Springer mirroring him. "Now, you'll let us into the gorge, right?"

Stone sighed but nodded. "Yes, though I still fear you may be getting in over your head. That being said, a promise is a promise. I'll allow you entry into the gorge and grant you all the equipment and info you'll need. Just do me a favor and call me once you're through so I can rest easily. That and...sorry for being rough."

"No problem," Flash gave him a thumbs up. The next thing he knew, someone suddenly leapt onto his back and curled their arms around his neck.

"FLASH!" Pinkie screamed as she rubbed her cheek into his, "You were amazing!"

"Thanks Pinkie." Flash laughed as Pinkie jumped off, the others now gathering around him.

"That was great Flash," Spike cheered.

Twilight nodded as she pushed her glasses up her nose, "That last move at the end was really something. Looks like you're finally planning in battle."

"Not only that, we can now go down into the gorge," Doc added.

Stone gestured to them. "Come along, let's get back to the shack. You can go down tomorrow after a good night's sleep, and I'll tell you everything you'll need to know." The others nodded and soon they returned to the shack. Once there, they enjoyed a supper of ketchup sausages as Stone showed them a map of the gorge while pointing out everything they'd need to be wary off.





The next morning, Flash and the others stood ready to start their journey. The lot of them were now wearing hard hats with torches on the top. Flash's was orange while Twilight's was purple, Spike's was green, Doc's was blue, Pinkie's was pink and Springer's was black.

Stone then tapped his cane as he said, "Well, this is it. Remember to stick together and never let your guard down."

"We will," Flash replied back as Springer nodded.

Twilight bowed next. "Thank you for everything."

"You can thank me by getting through this gorge unharmed," Stone barked back. "Like I told you, this isn't gonna be easy."

"Okie doki loki!" Pinkie piped back, making Stone roll his eyes.

Stone then held out a rolled up piece of paper. "Here, this will come in handy. It's a map of the canyon."

Twilight raised an eyebrow, but took it anyway. "Thanks, though I don't think we'll need it. My journal has the route we planned out."

Stone just chuckled at this. "Sure it does. Remember this lass, its always good to have a backup."

Once Twilight pocketed the map, they all turned to the path leading into the gorge. "Well, I guess this is it."

Flash nodded in agreement, "Then let's get going." With that, he and Springer led the team into the Ghastly Gorge. Even though they had been told what to expect, they were still a little nervous about what they would have to face. But as long as they stuck together, stayed alert and didn't do anything stupid, they would be okay.