Today's story begins in a crowded arena, the fans screaming their cheers as they watched the Pokémon battle unfold. All eyes were on the competitors, the first being a purple skinned man with black clothing, the Pokémon in front of him being a Gengar.
But it was the other trainer that had everyone's attention. He was a man of about twenty years old with white skin and blue hair. He wore a long white overcoat over a black shirt and blue pants. This man was Shining Armor, Champion of the Equestria Region, and right now he was battling to prove that title.
Off to the side, the announcer, Mic, was calling out: "This sure has been one funky battle! But with both trainers down to their last Pokémon, it seems it could go either way! Now, which slamming Pokémon is our champion going to use to try and bring the victory home?!"
Shining laughed as he pulled out a Pokeball, "Who else? Galladin, stand strong!" He tossed the ball into the air, unleashing in a burst of red energy to reveal Shining's ace. This Pokémon was knight-like in design, standing at around five and a half feet. On its arms were gauntlets that had egg shaped shields atop them and its head had a knight-like helmet with a visor, which was currently up to show a pair of yellow eyes.
The knight slowly raised its arms, swinging them around. "Gall...adin!"
Mic: "It's Galladin! We sure are in for a treat today!"
Shining's opponent smiled at the sight. "I thought you'd use that," he reached down his shirt before pulling out an odd looking pendant. "Which is why I have this." He grasped the pedant as it began to shine, while a similar light shot out of Gengar. "MEGA EVOLVE!" The light enveloped Gengar before it burst out, now looking entirely different.
Mic: "WOW!!! Gengar Mega Evolved! Shining's gonna have his work cut out for him now!!!"
Shining just chuckled at this. "It'll take more than Mega Evolving to beat me." He pointed at his opponents, "Let's do this Galladin!"
"Galladin!" The knight yelled as it reached up and pushed the visor down over its eyes.
At the same time inside a Pokémon Center, a whole group of people were staring up at big screen TV as it showed the battle.
"Galladin is so awesome!" A kid screamed.
"Shining's so handsome!" A girl added with hearts in her eyes.
"That other guy doesn't stand a chance!"
And while they cheered the doors of the center opened as Flash, Springer and the rest of their friends stepped inside. Flash and Doc took one look at the screen and smiled before rushing over to the crowd. "Alright! It's Shining Armor! He's like...one of the best trainers in all of Equestria!"
Doc nodded at this. "He's not one of the best Flash, he's the best. Of all trainers in Equestria, he's ranked number one. And from the looks of things, he's gonna have to show why he has that rank."
Twilight and Spike both smiled from behind them as they sat down, looking up at the screen while hardly star struck.
"Shadow Ball!" Gengar shot a sphere of dark energy at Galladin.
"Iron Defense!" Galladin raised its shielded arms as they glowed, seconds before the Shadow Ball struck and exploded. And as the smoke cleared, it didn't have a scratch. "Now, Night Slash!" From out between the shield and Galladin's wrist, a long glowing purple blade shot out and slashed the Ghost-Type.
"Gen!" Gengar cried as it skidded back.
"Dark Pulse!" Its trainer ordered, the Mega Ghost-Type's third eye glowing before firing a spiral of black energy.
"Sacred Sword!" Galladin unsheathed another blade from its other gauntlet, this time glowing light blue. Galladin then used it to cut through the Dark Pulse, leaving it completely unharmed. The knight then charged, continuing to slice through Mega Gengar's attacks as Shining called out. "Night Slash!" The other blade glowed purple as Galladin rushed past the Mega Ghost-Type.
"GEN!" It cried, only to fall to its side. And as it hit the ground, it was consumed by a light that quickly faded to reveal it had reverted back to normal.
"Gengar is unable to battle," the ref announced as he raised his flag. "Galladin is the winner, so the victory goes to Shining Armor!"
Mic: "It's over!!! Shining Armor remains undefeated. Who will be able to topple this goliath!?"
"Me!" a kid watching yelled.
"No way," another yelled. "It's gonna be me!"
"Who cares about beating him?!" the girl from before asked, "I'm gonna marry him!"
"Isn't he already married?"
"He wouldn't do that to me."
"Man..." Flash said as he, Springer and Doc sat beside Twilight and Spike, "Everyone's gunning to take Shining Armor down."
"Well of course. After all, defeating him is indisputable proof you're a strong trainer. The previous champion held the title of ten years until Shining defeated him. It could take that long for another trainer to come along and do the same."
Flash smiled as he looked up at the screen, images of Shining Armor and Galladin now being shown. He then reached into his bag and pulled out his badge case, unzipping it to see the three badges he had earned. "No, it won't take that long. Because I'll be the one that beats him."
This made Spike almost burst out laughing. "Please Flash, you wouldn't last one minute against Shining!"
"Maybe not right now," Flash closed his case and returned it to his bag. "But I'm not battling him right now. When I eventually go up against him, I'll be a hundred times stronger than I am right now." He looked up, "I can just imagine it...me and Shining on the big stage, the crowd cheering as the two of us battle. It comes down to just his Galladin against Springer," the Riolu stared at his trainer. "After a heated match, Springer finishes him off with an Aura Sphere and the crowd goes WILD!" He jumped up at that last statement, making everyone in the center turn to him as if he was insane.
He laughed embarrassed as he sat down. "Sorry about that."
Twilight shook her head. "Flash, before you try and dethrone the champion, maybe you should focus on earning enough badges to get the chance."
Flash sighed, "You're right." He then turned to her. "So when's your brother supposed to show up?"
Twilight looked at her watch. "He'll be here soon. I can't wait to see him."
"Me too," Spike added. "He's always so busy. Heck, he's never home nowadays."
"I still can't believe you have an older brother," Doc replied with crossed arms.
Flash nodded at this, "Same. How come you've never told us about him?"
"It never came up," Twilight nervously laughed. "Anyways, since he was so close, he figured now would be a good a time as any to meet up."
"I just wish he'd show up already," Spike grumbled.
Flash nodded again. "Same here. Though for me, it's just because I wanna finally learn his actual name, since you won't tell us." He crossed his arms and glared at the two. "Seriously, what's the big secret?"
Twilight and Spike both rolled their eyes, only to smile, "Why don't you turn around and find out for yourself." Flash and Doc both raised an eyebrow before doing as she suggested, looking around just in time to see...Shining Armor!
"No...way," Flash slowly whispered as the rest of the Center went into an unruly silence, all the trainers staring at the man they had just seen on TV.
"I don't believe it."
"He's really here."
"Of all the times to not be wearing makeup."
"How'd he get here so fast? Didn't we just see him on TV?"
"That was just a rerun, stupid."
Shining chuckled as he walked into the middle of the center, looking around until he spotted the person he was looking for. It was Twilight and Spike, who smiled as he went up to them while Flash and Doc both began to forget how to breath as he drew near. Then, he waved to the two, "Hey, Twily, Spike. It's great to see you."
"Its great to see you too BBBFF." Before anyone could say anything else, she threw her arms around Shining's neck as they hugged, the two laughing at this.
"She's hugging the champion," Flash gasped in an unbelievable tone.
"Can someone please fill us in here?" Doc asked in the same tone.
Twilight laughed again as she pulled away, turning to them with a huge smile, "Flash, Springer, Doc...this is our big brother, Shining Armor." This statement caused all three to drop their jaws, causing the others to laugh again as the siblings sat back down. "So...I'm guessing you want an explanation."
"It would be nice," Doc growled with gritted teeth.
"Yeah!" Flash yelled, "How come you never told us your brother was the champion?!"
Spike laughed at their expressions. "It...never came up?" That answer didn't seem to sit well with Flash, Doc and Springer, the three crossing their arms.
Twilight shook her head, "Alright, I'll explain. Here's the thing...when we first met you Flash, we were worried that finding out who we're related to might change how you saw us. We feared you'd only want to be friends with us because you think we could help you get to know Shining."
Flash let out a low hiss. "That's stupid. I'd never treat you differently."
"We know that now," Spike replied. "But back when we first met, we weren't so sure. Then Celestia asked you to take us with you and we met Doc."
"Who we couldn't tell without you finding out," Twilight finished. "And by the time we knew you wouldn't treat us differently, so much time had already passed."
Flash sighed at their logic. "Yeah, I get that...."
"We're sorry."
"Hope you're not mad," Twilight nodded as the two looked down in shame.
The three just looked at them for a moment, then sighed again as Doc said, "Hey, it's alright. If you didn't want us to know who your brother was, that was your right."
"Yeah....its not like you lied to us or something."
"Riolu," Springer nodded.
The siblings chuckled at this. "So, we're cool?"
"We're cool," Flash and Doc both said while Springer nodded again.
Shining just laughed at the group. When he had heard his siblings had gone on an adventure with some boy they'd just met, he had been a little worried. But this moment right here confirmed that they were a good for his family. "I'm happy to see my little siblings have made such good friends. That's stark contrast to how anti-social Twily used to be," this statement made his sister blush. "So...you two don't mind telling me about all those adventures you've been on with these two, do you? Don't leave out any details."
Flash smiled as he rubbed his hands together. "Payback time." Spike and Twilight both moaned at this, remembering how much they had revealed at Flash's own discomfort when his grandmother had wanted to hear stories.
And so, they told the champion all about the adventures they had had since their first meeting. Over the course of the story, Shining's face went through a plethora of expressions. From joy to horror to amazement to pride to annoyance and so on. When the story eventually ended, he turned to his siblings. "You two really have been through a lot." He reached up and scratched Peewee under the chin, the Terragon purring at the attention. "All of which I'm sure will help you grow as both trainers and people."
"Thanks Shiny," Twilight replied.
Shining then turned to Flash. "So, you're looking to compete in the Pokémon League?"
Flash looked a little bashful at this. "Yeah, I am. I've already got three badges."
"Impressive. Just five more to go before you can enter the tournament. But getting those five will be no small feat. And then actually competing in the Pokémon League is even harder."
"How hard is it?" Spike asked, knowing he didn't really remember Shining's time as he was too young when it happened.
"Oh, it's hard. The Equestria League only accepts the sixteen best trainers of the year. If more then that manage to collect the needed badges, there'll be qualifying round designed to widdle down the competitors until only the sixteen best remain. Once there, they'll battle it out in four rounds until only one is left standing. And even if you come out victorious in all four matches, you'll still have to face the greatest test the league has to offer. Me."
"You?"
Shining nodded. "In other regions, they have what's known as the Elite Four. They're four powerful trainers who you first have to defeat before being given the chance to face off against the champion, but we don't have that here. Instead, the winner of the Pokémon League is awarded the chance to face the current champion. If you can defeat the champion in that battle, you'll be entered into the Hall of Fame and titled Equestria's newest Champion."
Flash smiled at hearing that. "And that means you're officially the strongest trainer in the region!" This statement caused Shining to frown, making Flash worry that he had said something to offend him.
"Young man, what do you think the term champion means?"
Flash stared at him in confusion, "Didn't I just say what it means?"
"No, you didn't. Being a region's champion, while it does mean you're its best trainer, doesn't primary mean that. Being a region's champion means you are it's protector and guardian. Your main focus in life will be to fight against any threat that might come up against Equestria. Everything else comes second, no matter how much you want it." He stared at Flash with a cold glare, "Do you honestly think you can do that?"
Flash looked down at his hands, "I'm...not sure." He then remembered something he had been thinking about on and off since Trottingham City, his reason for being strong. That was something he still wasn't sure about.
"You're still starting out," Shining assured him. "It's alright to not be sure yet. But by the time you make it to the Equestria League, you'll need to know it, or you won't stand a chance."
"I guess..."
Shining continued to stare at him, humming for a moment. "Tell you what...why don't we battle?" This suggestion made not only Flash, but everyone in the Pokémon Center gasp.
"Are you sure about that Shining?" Twilight asked next.
Shining shrugged. "Why not? It'd be fun, showing your friend what it means to be a champion. And I can also see if he's strong enough for me to trust your safety with."
This statement made Twilight frown, her mouth opening to complain before- "I'll do it." They all turned to Flash, giving him a shocked expression. "I'll battle you. I might not be able to win, but I'll show you just how strong I am."
Shining smiled back. "You're on."
And so, Shining lead them out to the center's battlefield. Once there, the champion stepped up to one end while Flash and Springer stood on the other. The two stared at each other, one interested to see what the other had to offer while the Flash just shook like a leaf.
"You ready for this Flash?"
The trainer sighed, but nodded anyway. "As I'll ever be."
"Good," Shining pulled out a Pokeball, "So, how many Pokémon do you have currently?"
"I've got five."
"Then this'll be a five on five match. Once all five of our Pokémon are unable to continue, the battle will be over."
"Five on five?" Flash wasn't sure any of his Pokémon could stand up to Shining, but a fire lit in his eyes anyways, "Well, I've always wanted to see how I stack up against the best! Now's my chance! Bring it on!" This last statement caused the crowd to all begin to cheer, Flash frowning as most of it was for the champion, most stating how much they were gonna enjoy watching Shining decimate his opponent.
"Alright," Shining pulled his Pokeball back, "then I'll show you my first Pokémon. Galladin, stand strong!" He tossed the ball into the air, red energy unleashing before showing the Pokémon they had all seen earlier that day.
"Gall...adin!" It unshaved its blades and swung them through the air, loud swishing noises sounding through the field.
The crowd's roar increased at the sight of Shining's ace, Twilight gulping, "Shiny's not holding back."
Spike nodded. "First battle and he's bringing out the big guns."
"He's trying to make Flash sweat," Doc added. "To see how he does under the pressure."
Flash was certainly sweating alright as he pulled out his Pokedex and scanned his opponent.
Name: Galladin
Category: Gallant Knight Pokémon
Type: Steel/Fighting
Info: The evolved form of Squiron. A master of the blade, this Pokémon's gallant heart means it cannot walk away from anyone who needs its help. Even its worst enemy can count on it coming to their rescue.
"No doubt its strong," Flash pulled out his own Pokeball. "But every Pokémon has a weakness! Viper, I choose you!" He tossed the ball into the air and out came Viper, the Hisscor unleashing a flurry of fire as he prepared for battle.
"Playing it safe with a type advantage, huh? Don't think that'll guarantee you the win." Galladin nodded and it lowered its visor.
"Maybe...but it can't hurt either."
Doc stepped up between them, "I'll act as referee. Are both sides ready?" The trainers and Pokémon nodded. "Then battle...begin!"
"Viper, Fire Spin!"
"Scor!" Viper leapt into the air as it tail ignited, spinning as it did this. "Hisscor!" With a flick, the fireball struck the ground beneath Galladin's feet before exploding. The fire shot up and spiraled into a tornado around the Pokémon.
"Oh yeah!" Flash cheered, "That's sure to do some damage."
Shining smirked as he crossed his arms. "You sure about that?"
Flash raised an eyebrow, only to see the tornado explode to reveal Galladin sweeping its arm around. Both Flash and Viper's eyes went wide as they saw no damage on their opponent. "No way." Flash then glared, "Then let's see how well you do against Flamethrower!"
Viper nodded before taking a massive breath in, "Hiss...SCOR!" The stream of fire shot out of his mouth, rocketing straight at Galladin.
"Iron Defense," Shining ordered calmly.
"Gall," Galladin raised both arms as they shined. The flames struck and bounced off the shields, not even managing to push Galladin back an inch. And when the attack ended, the knight Pokémon appeared to not even be scratched.
Flash's eyes grew even wider as Shining stared at his shocked face, "Slash!" Galladin's right blade unsheathed itself and before their opponents could react, he seemed to warp right past Viper as its blade pointed upwards. Everyone gasped at the speed before slowly turning to Viper, the Hisscor simply staying still. Then, he fell sideways, spirals replacing his eyes as he hit the dirt.
"Hisscor is unable to battle," Doc announced. "The winner is Galladin."
"Viper!" Flash cried as he rushed over to his Pokémon, picking him up to look him over.
The rest of the crowd were speechless. "That was one hit," Spike said in amazement.
Twilight was just as shocked. She knew Flash would likely lose, but to be this overwhelmed. Only now did everyone realize how in over his head Flash was.
"Nice try Viper," Flash told the Hisscor as he returned it. "Take a nice rest." With that done, Flash turned to Shining and watched as Galladin stood beside its trainer. "We're not out of this yet," he pulled out another Pokeball. "Skyler, I choose you!"
And like before, he threw the ball and unleashed his next Pokémon, the newly evolved Wingust taking to the sky, ready to battle the Champion.
"Still going for a type match up? Maybe this one will end better than the last one." This statement made Flash frown as Doc spoke up.
"Are both sides ready?" They nodded, "Then battle begin!"
"Air Cutter!" Flash ordered before Skyler's wings shined.
"Wing, gust, gust, gust, gust!" With each beat, the Wingust unleashed a blade of condensed wind that flew towards Galladin.
"Iron Defense!" The knight again raised its shield as the blades bounced off, still completely unphased. "Now use Sacred Sword!" He unsheathed his blade before it glowed, Flash smiling as he looked up at Skyler.
"Fly high Skyler!" The Wingust did so, flying high and out of Galladin's reach.
"Alright!" Spike cheered, "That's the way!"
Twilight nodded in agreement. "Galladin's moves all require being close. As long as Skyler that high up, he's safe."
"Don't be so sure little sister," Shining replied. "I didn't become champion through luck. I earned that title by working to overcome all my weaknesses, and so did Galladin." He pointed up, "Show'em!"
"Gall!" Galladin yelled as he pointed the blade in the air, only for said blade to suddenly extend. Everyone gasped as Galladin projected energy out of the tip of its sword, becoming an even larger blade.
"No way!" Flash yelped as he watched Galladin swing the behemoth through the air. "Skyler, get out of there!"
But it was too late, the blade swinging at Skyler before he could even attempt to dodge. "Wingust!" The energy blade sliced right through him, causing his wings to give out. Flash gasped before running out under Skyler, managing to catch him and see spirals now in his eyes.
"Wingust is unable to battle," Doc announced. "The winner is Galladin."
"Awww man," Spike moaned. "Even being in the air isn't safe."
Twilight sighed as she crossed her arms, "You're surprised? He's right, he didn't become champion through luck. This can't be the first time he's gone up against Flying-Types. Flash is gonna need to think more outside the box to try and get a leg up on Shining."
"Return Skyler," once the Wingust was back in his ball, Flash pulled out another. "Prongs, I choose you!" Once again, the ball flew through the air, opening to release the Thawn.
"Fay!" Prongs yelled as he hopped from side to side.
This made Shining raise an eyebrow. "Now you're using a type we resist? Well, can't call you consistent. Alright, let's see what you got planed."
"Are both trainers ready?" Doc asked, getting two nods. "Then battle begin!"
"Dash Prongs! As fast as you can!"
"Fay!" Prongs began to pick up speed, dashing at the Galladin while the knight raised its shield in defense. Then right as it was about to reach it, Prongs disappeared.
"Gall?" Galladin asked in confusion.
"Behind you!" Galladin spun around to see Prongs standing behind it, only to disappear again. The knight kept spinning, just in time to get a glimpse of Prongs before he vanished again and again.
"Now, Double Kick!"
"Fay!" Prong appeared in front of Galladin and thrused its back hooves into it. Seconds later it disappeared as Flash yelled 'again', the deer bucking the knight over and over.
"Alright! Galladin can't keep up!" Spike cheered.
Twilight nodded with a smile. "That armor's super strong, but that also makes it super heavy. And even it has to give at some point."
Shining didn't look worried as he watched his partner be barraged. "Galladin, don't focus on where Prongs was. Focus on where it's gonna be."
Galladin nodded before crossing its arms and closing its eyes, blocking out the pain of constantly being struck as it searched for a pattern. And as it was struck again, it suddenly spun around and blocked Prong's kick with its shield, surprising the Thawn as he suddenly found himself being thrown back.
"Night Slash!" Galladin charged at the recovering Prongs, swinging the blade with a quick swipe. And as it hit, Thawn blacked out as he went flying back.
"Prongs!" Flash cried as he watched his Grass-Type hit the dirt, swirls filling his eyes.
"Thawn is unable to battle," Doc announced. "The winner is Galladin."
The others sighed, "Another one hit KO."
"At least Flash was able to do some damage this time," Twilight commented as she stared at Galladin. But despite the barrage he had just taken, the knight Pokémon appeared unharmed. "Or not."
After Flash returned Prongs, he let out a long sigh. "Here goes nothing. Riptide, I choose you!" He tossed the next ball into the air, unleashing the Aquana. He then took one look a Galladin before starting to shake. That is, till Flash said, "Riptide, I believe in you."
He looked back at Flash, seeing a fierce glare on his face. Seeing his partner's confidence, Riptide's nerves became steady as he spun around to Galladin. "Ak!"
"Battle begin!" Doc announced.
Five seconds later.
"AQUANA!" Everyone flinched as Riptide was struck by a Slash, unable to even get one attack off. They watched as the water lizard fell back, swirls appearing in his eyes.
"Aquana is unable to battle," Doc announced. "The winner is Galladin."
Twilight and Spike both groaned at this, while Flash slumped down. "So much for that. Riptide, return." Once Riptide was back in the ball, Flash looked down at Springer. "Well bud, just you and me now. You up for this?"
Springer simply stared at the Galladin, a small gulp going down his throat. His mind was now remembering all of his friends instantly lose to the Pokémon, knowing the terror before him. Despite this though, he turned to Flash with a smile and a thumbs up, "Riolu!"
Flash showed his own thumbs up, then turned back to his opponent. "Alright Springer, I choose you!" The Riolu leapt onto the battlefield, aura pulsing through his paws.
Shining just smirked at the sight, "So...Riolu's finally up. Let's see just how far you've come."
"Battle begin!"
"Quick Attack!" Flash ordered as Springer dashed at blinding speeds, beginning to warp around Galladin the same way Prongs had until he appeared above the knight, swinging his tail.
"RI!" The tail came crashing down, only for Galladin to raise its shield in defense before pushing him back. Springer then landed, sliding back as Shining gave an order.
"Slash!" Galladin sprinted to Springer, ready to finish this battle in one-shot like before.
"Not this time!" Flash called out. "Double Team!" Seconds before Galladin struck, Springer multiplied, the one the knight struck disappearing in the mayhem. "Now, use Drain Punch!" All but one of the Springers disappeared, that one launching itself at Galladin with a glowing fist.
"Riolu!" His attack was once again blocked by the shield, only for the Galladin to feel some of his energy to start being sapped away.
"Night Slash!" Springer leapt into a back-flip, seconds before the glowing purple blade sailed inches above his face.
"Aura Sphere!" This outcry made all but Flash's friends gasp as they watched Springer created the blue energy orb and launch it at Galladin. They then turned to Shining, expecting him to be as surprised, only to see him looking calm.
"Iron Defense!" Galladin raised both shields between its face and the attack, the shield glowing seconds before the Aura Sphere struck, an explosion following.
"Gall!" it cried as it felt the force, pushing it slightly back.
"Enough of this! Sacred Sword!" Galladin charged yet again, both its blades extending and glowing blue.
"Double Team!" Springer once again multiplied before Galladin ran passed a bunch, taking them out a few. "Now, Aura Clap!" One of them then created a pair of Aura Spheres in both paws before leaping at Galladin.
As the knight spun around to face it, Springer clapped the duel orbs into one another. "RIOLU!" This created a shockwave that Galladin was barely able to raise its shields against, knocking it off balance just a little.
"Now, Aura Sphere...BARRAGE!" The remaining Springers all created smaller Aura Spheres and leapt at Galladin, ready to thrust them into the Steel/Fighting-Type.
"Iron Defence!" Galladin shielded itself again, the onslaught now blasting his shields with full power.
"Gall!" The flurry of attacks connecting with his shields, coupled with still being off balance from before, became too much for the champion's ace. Soon, everyone gasped as they saw it be blasted back with its feet digging into the ground. "Galladin!" It then suddenly found itself being stopped, making it turn to see Shining standing behind it.
"You alright Galladin?" The knight Pokémon nodded, "Good." Shining smiled as he looked back at Springer, the rest of the clones disappearing at the same time.
Everyone else stared in amazement. "He did it."
"He actually got him."
"Galladin couldn't keep his ground."
"That guy is awesome."
"He might actually win."
Flash and Springer both panted at the effort, glancing at one another and sharing at smile. They then turned back to Shining and Galladin, the two stepping away from each other as Shining stared Flash down. "You really have gotten stronger. I knew leaving that Riolu with you was a good idea."
This statement caused everyone else to raise an eyebrow, Flash yelping, "What?!"
Shining just laughed at his confusion. "You really don't recognise me? I'm hurt. I knew who you were the second I laid eyes on you."
"Hold up!" Spike spoke up. "Are you saying you guys have met before?!"
Shining nodded at the question. "Yup, and I'm sure Flash'll remember in about thirty seconds." He shined a huge grin as he started to speak up, "A Pokémon's true power isn't in its evolutionary form, or the moves it knows. It isn't even just how psychically strong it is. It's true power-"
"is in the strength of its will to grow stronger," Flash finished as his brain began to fry. "You..."
"Me."
Flash's legs turned to jelly as the memory of a face he'd long since forgotten returned, matching up perfectly with the face of the man in front of him. All this time, he'd known the name of the one who gave him the best gift he'd ever gotten. "I can't believe it."
Shining smiled before looking at Springer. "You've grown much stronger since we last met. I see leaving you with Flash wasn't a mistake."
"Ri!" Springer nodded, knowing that being left with Flash had been the best thing to have ever happened to him.
"You two have a lot of potential," Shining continued as he snapped his fingers. "But you're still a long way away from being able to beat Galladin."
Flash growled at this. "Hey! We just knocked you guys back!"
"But that isn't the same as beating us," Shining turned to Galladin. "Let's give them a taste of our true power." Galladin nodded before walking to the middle of the battleground, its armor starting to slide off.
"What?!" Flash yelped as he watched the shields and heavier sections of the suit detached and dropped to the ground with heavy clangs. Now, Galladin had its more thinner armor on, nothing to protect itself.
"What just happened?" Spike asked.
"Armor Drop," Twilight replied with a slight frown. "Galladin's ability. It can remove its heavy armor to increase its speed and attack power, while losing all its defense power."
"It usually does this when it's low on health," Doc continued. "I wasn't even sure they could use it at will until now."
Shining looked at Flash. "Still think you can take us?"
Flash just smirked. "Without all that armor, one hit'll probably knock it out. So I'm gonna say...yeah, I can! Springer, Aura Sphere!"
"Ri!" Springer created the orb and fired it at Galladin.
The now armor-less knight remained entirely stationary as the attack came closer and closer. Then at the last minute, the Aura Sphere suddenly did a ninety degree turn and flew diagonally right. This caused both Flash and Springer to go wide-eyed. "Again!" Springer did so, firing another Aura Sphere, but it changed direction at the last second again, exploding far away from Galladin. "What's going on?"
"Galladin's deflecting the attack," Twilight whispered.
"How?" Spike asked, "He's just standing there."
"That's just what we're seeing," Doc added. "Galladin's moving so fast that we can't see it do so."
"Get him," Shining ordered.
Seconds later, Galladin disappeared in flash, Springer yelping at the sight. "Ri?" Springer asked before sensing the knight's aura behind him, spinning around in time to see Galladin's foot into his face. "Ri!" He flew back, only to be caught by Galladin before thrusting the Riolu into the ground. "RI!"
"Springer!" Flash cried as he saw this, Galladin leaping back as Springer picked himself up.
"Sacred Sword!" The blades unsheathed themselves before glowing blue.
"Double Team!" Springer multiplied himself seconds before Galladin struck, only the knight to start slashing wildly at his clones. In seconds, all but the original were cut down, the original jumping away just in time. "Aura Sphere!"
Galladin watched as the blue orb came flying, smiling before spinning on his heel and using his Sacred Sword to slice the attack in half. Everyone gasped at seeing the two halves go flying behind Galladin before exploding, the knight then leaping at Springer with both blades crossed. The Riolu went wide-eyed as the blades made contact with him. "RIOLU!" He cried as he was blasted into the air, quickly landing with a thud.
"Springer!" Flash screamed in horror while everyone else waited to see what would happen. They were expecting Springer to be out, only to gasp as they saw the little guy actually began to pick himself up.
"Ri...riolu…." Springer wobbled as he stood on both legs. He swayed slightly while glaring at Galladin…only to fall to his knees, his body giving out.
"Springer!" Flash stared at his partner, seeing swirls appear in his eyes.
"Riolu is unable to battle," Doc announced. "The winner is Galladin. All five of Flash's Pokémon are unable to continue, so the victory goes to Shining Armor."
Flash sighed as the rest of the crowd cheered, walking over to pick up his beaten partner. As he did this, Twilight, Spike and Doc walked over to him. "Hey, don't feel down. It was close." Flash turned to give Twilight a glare. "Alright, maybe not that close."
"My entire team was wiped out by one guy. It wasn't even close to being...close."
"You're right," they turned to see Shining walk up to them as Galladin began reattaching its fallen armor. "You may have won three badges, but you're far from being the best like no one ever was." Flash let out a long sigh in shame. "But you're on the right track," Flash looked up at him in surprise. "What you need right now is a chance to properly test yourself, against many different opponents."
"Like the Pokémon League?" Spike asked.
Shining shook his head, "No. You need something a little more...recent." He rubbed his chin in thought for a moment, then nodded with a smile. "You know, Hoof Town is having a big battle tournament soon. It's called the Hoof Cup, and the town's within walking distance of here. I'm sure you could make it there in time to compete. What do you think? I can guarantee they'll be many strong trainers there for you to hone your skills against."
Flash let out a sigh as his mind went over it. They didn't have any other plans right now, and this tournament would be a great way to improve himself. "Alright...I'm in."
"That's the spirit." Shining then turned to Twilight and Doc, "You two should enter as well." Doc looked intrigued by this idea, but Twilight just slightly backpedaled.
"I don't know Shiny," she replied as she twiddled her fingers. "I probably wouldn't get too far."
"Don't be silly Twily, I'm sure you'll do great. Besides, even if you don't win, it'll be a good learning experience for you."
Twilight rubbed her arm, still unsure. But then she looked up at Shining, seeing the knowing look he was giving her before turning to see the nods her friends were giving. Finally, she sighed. "Alright, I'll give it a try."
"That's my girl," Shining replied as he pulled her into a hug. That is, till his stomach started to growl, making him laugh. "Oh yeah...what's say we get something to eat?" The others all nodded, feeling just as hungry themselves.
Several hours later...
After a hefty meal, lots of rest for Flash's Pokémon, and many stories about their travels, it was finally time for Shining and our heroes to head their separate ways.
"Well, I'd better get going."
"Can't you stick around a little longer?" Spike asked, only to get a pat on the head.
"Sorry little guy, but duty calls. We'll see each other again soon." Spike nodded as Shining moved over to Twilight, "You be careful Twily. That big brain of yours won't save you every time you find yourself in trouble."
Twilight laughed and shook her head. "I'll be fine. I've got three pretty strong boys with me," said boys all smiled at this. "They'll act as pretty good meat-shields for me to use until I can think of a way to save myself." This made the three all anime fall while Shining and Twilight hugged.
"Love you sis."
"Love you too, BBBFF."
They pulled away as Shining walked up to Doc, who was just picking himself up. "See you around," The champion held up a hand, which Doc shook.
"See you."
And finally, Shining turned to Flash. "Look after them. They might not admit it, but they all seem to look up to you."
Flash smiled and nodded. "I will. Don't worry about."
"Alright then. I expect to see you standing against me in the Pokémon League finals." With that, he turned and began to walk into the horizon. The others all waved him off, with the promise to see him again.
Flash smiled as Springer leapt up onto his shoulder. "We'll be there, you can count on it." He turned to the others, "Should we head out too?"
"In a moment," Doc turned back to the center. "I just...need to go to bathroom. I'll be just a moment." With that, he ran inside, ducking out of sight. It was here that he looked down at his hand, seeing a now folded piece of paper Shining had snuck him. He unfolded it and saw two words written, "Team Shadow?"