//------------------------------// // Aiming for the Hall of Fame // Story: Pokémon: Equestrian Adventures // by Banshee531 //------------------------------// It was an extraordinarily sunny day, the perfect weather for the final day of the Pokémon Summer Camp. The week had come and gone, everyone now looking forward the camp's final event. And like the many other days, the event started in the mess hall, the campers all enjoying their final meal at Camp Everfree. The morning had already been an interesting one, as everyone woke up to find someone had stuck large Pokémon face stickers on the front of their camp shirts. Some figured it was a prank, though most didn't mind, as they liked the Pokémon they were given. At the same time, the Sapphire Cabin were all smugly eating their breakfast, knowing that the other teams had lost their chance of catching up. "Do the scrambled eggs taste better when victory is assured?" Spike asked as he scooped the eggs into his mouth, a crumb of the food now falling on the image of a Garchomp head on his shirt. "Don't get cocky Spike," Twilight replied as she gulped down her drink. Her shirt had a picture of Shine's head on it, which she particularly liked as she continued, "The universe has a sick sense of humor. We get boastful, and it might do something to make us lose." "Sounding a little skeptical, aren't we?" Doc asked, his short sporting a Higear sticker. Flash rubbed his mouth with a napkin as he added, "Knowing our luck, she's not wrong." His shirt had a Riolu on it. "He's got a point." They turned to Sunset, now seeing she had a Cyndaquil on her shirt. "Who knows what Professor Celestia has decided for your final event. Just know all the camp has their eyes on you." It was here they stared at the rest of the hall, seeing nothing but stares back except Pinkie, who was too busy making a sculpture of the Skitty on her shirt. As she did this, Celestia, Luna, Gloriosa and Timber walked into the room, Luna and Timber pushing a sheet covered whiteboard. "Morning campers!" Celestia called out. "It's been a fun week with lots of amazing memories made, and I'm sure you're wondering what we're doing on the final day. Well, let me show you." She pulled the sheet off the board, revealing a giant set of brackets. "It's a Double Battle tournament." This got a bunch of cheers from everyone as Luna spoke up next, "Your cabins will split into two groups of two, with each trainer picking a single Pokémon to use throughout the entire thing." "We were gonna have points," Celestia added before pointing to the scoreboard. "But the only way the Sapphire Team would lose is if beating them earned the winners a hundred extra points." "Ha!" Spike laughed, only to get a bonk on the head from Twilight. "Quiet Spike!" Celestia then tapped the board with a pointer, "So we've decided on another way of doing this. If one of the Sapphire Team makes it to the finals and wins the whole thing, then they'll be entered into the hall of fame." She pointed over to a wall of the mess hall, everyone turning to see many pictures littering it. They all had the images of four people, all smiling at the camera with many different Pokémon around them. "However, if both teams should lose, half their points will be given to the winners of the tournament." The Sapphire Team all went wide-eyed at hearing this, Celestia giggling at their expressions, "You okay with that, or do you simply want to have a normal tournament with no stakes?" Flash quickly answered back, "Oh, we're in!" He yelled, the others soon nodding. "Excellent!" Celestia replied with a clap. "If that's the case, the tournament will begin in one hour. Select your teams and which Pokémon you'll be battling against." Everyone nodded and headed out of the mess hall, Rainbow cheering as the Rookidee on her shirt crumpled up, "Aw yeah! Hall of fame, here we come!" "Don't think it'll be so easy," Flash told her. "We're not gonna just sit by and let you take our points." Twilight nodded in agreement, "If you want to beat us, then you'll need to work for it." Trixie, who had a Slowpoke on her shirt, shook her head, "Oh, we will. Trixie will look forward to beating whichever of you she faces." "But won't one of you be partnered with Lightning?" Spike asked, with everyone turning to see the teen walk past them while pulling off the Toxel image on his shirt. The three Diamond girls gulped before Rainbow and Fluttershy raised a hand. "NOT IT!" "Not-dang it!" Trixie cried, glaring at the two next. "Seriously?!" "What?! You know we all can't get along with that guy!" Rainbow responded, Fluttershy doing a small bow next. "We're sorry Trixie." Trixie's face scrunched up in anger, only to let out a long sigh, "Yeah...I know. Come on, we need to figure something out with him." The trio soon left, Flash turning to his friends as he asked, "So...who's battling with who?" "That's a good question," Twilight hummed. "I think its best the one with the most battle experience partners with the one with the least. That'll help make a balanced team." "Well then," Doc patted Spike's shoulder. "Looks like it's you and me." "AWESOME!" Spike cheered, Flash then turning to Twilight. "So that means it's you and me together," he added while giving her a thumbs up. "Who you picking to fight?" Twilight did a small nod back before saying, "For me, I'll use-" She didn't get to finish as a red light shot out from behind her, hitting the ground to reveal her Ponyta. "Shine?" "Nee!" She cried, quickly running in front of her and staring up at her with puppy dog eyes, "Nee taa!" "What's up?" "I think she wants to battle," Flash responded as Shine then did a large nod, kicking her front hooves up against Twilight's legs. "But...are you sure Shine? You're still newly-hatched." "Nee!" Shine yelled, hugging her legs as she kept nodding. "I think that's a yes." Flash added as he kneeled down and patted Shine's mane, "Heck, this'll be a good experience for her. Plus, she won't be alone. She'll have whoever I pick." Twilight stared at her Ponyta, only to let out a long sigh before nodding again, "Okay, let's do it." Shine neighed a happy neigh, jumping around just like Hopper does at times. "Now we just need to decide who Flash is gonna use." Flash scratched the side of his head as he replied, "Well...since you're using Shine, I guess using Hopper's out. Using two newly hatched Pokémon might not be the best of strategies." "So who are you gonna use?" Spike asked before another person walked up to them. "It'll need to be someone strong," they all turned to the voice, seeing a semi-angry looking Timber. "After all, you might end up facing me and my sister." "You're competing?" Twilight asked, Timber nodding back. "They needed another team to make the bracket work." Flash raised an eyebrow at this, "I'm starting to think you only opened this camp so you can have some playmates." Twilight giggled at this, Timber rolling his eyes as he replied, "Anyways, we're gonna go all out and win the whole thing. After all, this battle will also be marking the start of my own Pokémon journey. Just watch," he pointed at his shirt with his thumb. "You'll be seeing this a lot in the future." "A Trubbish?" Spike asked, Timber looking down and seeing a Trubbish sticker on his shirt. "You're promoting the Trash Bag Pokémon?" "No!" He pulled the sticker off to show the Camp Everfree emblem on his shirt. "This! I'll be wearing this shirt my whole journey, helping to spread knowledge of my camp far and wide! And when I'm a famous Pokémon Trainer, people will see it and flock to Camp Everfree to learn the same way I did." He then turned around, slightly glaring at them as he walked off, "See you at the battle." Once he was gone, Flash turned to Twilight, "He seems to be taking the rejection pretty well." Twilight rolled her eyes in response, Spike and Doc exchanging confused glances as Flash thought back to Timber and Gloriosa's Pokémon. He then nodded and pulled out a Pokeball. "And now I know who I'm using." A little bit of time later... The tournament was now about to happen, Flash looking at the competition. It was here that he saw Rainbow was with Fluttershy, Trixie was with Lightning and Pinkie was with Bulk. Trixie did not look happy, a low flat stare on her face while Lightning had what could only be called a viscous impatient grin on his face. At the same time, Pinkie was dancing, Gummy bobbing up and down while holding onto her hair. "Okay!" Celestia commented after writing the teams into the bracket, having used a draw to decide who went where. "Is everyone ready to battle?" Everyone nodded. "The first few rounds will have two battles occurring side by side." She pointed at the top corner of the board. "So it'll be Timber and Gloriosa against Rainbow and Fluttershy as well as..." She pointed to the bottom corner of the board, "Flash and Twilight against Pinkie and Bulk." The four teams nodded and moved over to the marked out battlefields, Sunset moving to the middle as referee. The rest gathered around the two fields, watching in excitement as Pinkie cheered, "YAY! This is gonna be so much fun!" "YEAH!" Bulk added. Sunset raised a hand, "Now, will both teams please send out your Pokémon?" They all nodded and did so, pulling out their Pokeballs. "Shine!" "Bloxx!" "Viper!" "Throh!" "I CHOOSE YOU!" They tossed the balls onto the field, revealing the four Pokémon. The Hisscor and Ponyta stood side by side, staring down the two larger opponents. "Flash is using Viper again?" Spike asked, Doc humming in thought as he turned to the other battlefield to see Timber and Gloriosa unleash Breloom and Roserade against Harry and Tank. "Are both trainers ready?" Sunset asked, the two team nodding as their Pokémon got into battle positions. "Then battle...BEGIN!" "Flamethrower!" Flash order first, Viper unleashing a fire stream at the two humanoid Pokémon. "Block Buster!" Pinkie countered, Bloxx's arms reforming into cannons as it fired building blocks at the flames, blocking the attack. "Focus Energy!" Bulk commanded, Throh flexing its muscles as it started glowing. "Brick Break!" Bloxx charged at Viper, his fist glowing before swiping at the snake. But as it did this, Viper hopped away as Shine galloped at Throh. "Psybeam!" Shine's horn fired a multicolored light, hitting the oni as he finished using Focus Energy. "THROH!" It cried, the super effective damage making him flinch. "Throh!" Bulk cried, his jaw dropping at the sight of the attack. "Bloxx, help Throh! Knock-Off!" The building blocks gorilla turned to Shine, its fist glowing purple. "Bloxx!" It roared as it thrust its fist, smacking Shine's side. "Nee!" It flinched as it was knocked back just as a certain snake jumped above the gorilla. "Fire Spin!" Flash ordered, Viper flicking its tail to unleash a fireball at Bloxx, striking the unsuspecting Pokémon before forming a fire tornado around it. "Bloxx!" It cried, the heat burning its body. "Bloxx!" Pinkie screamed, Bulk pointing at the snake landing away from the now flamin gorilla. "Use Circle Throw!" Throh charged at the falling Viper, only for the snake to turn and glare at the oni. "Poison Sting!" "SCOR!" Viper unleashed a barrage of toxic needles, the attack striking Throh back with ease. "Throh!" it yelped as a purple blush appeared under its nose. "Psybeam!" Twilight ordered, Shine unleashing another blast that struck Throh in the side. "THROH!" It cried as it started wobble backwards, Bloxx now breaking out of the Fire Spin. "Throh? You okay?" Throh was about to reply, only for the Poison to surge and zap it. "THROH!" Bulk cried while watching him fall, hitting the dirt with swirls in its eyes. "Throh's unable to battle," Sunset announced, Flash and Twilight doing a quick high five. "We ain't done yet!" Pinkie told them while pointing at the duo. "Bloxx, Giga Impact!" Bloxx began to bum-rush at the two, its body being wrapped in light as the ground shook with each step. Flash and Twilight nodded at each other, both knowing what to do next as the pointed at the ground. "Flamethrower/Mystical Fire!" The two unleashed their fire attacks, hitting the dirt in front of Bloxx that caused an explosion. Bloxx then went through the pillar of smoke that had just formed, only to find nothing on the other side. "To your left!" Pinkie yelped, "No, your right! Your...both sides!" Bloxx swished his head back and forth, now seeing both opponents on either side. "Flamethrower/Mystical Fire!" The two fired their attacks again, Bloxx holding up his fists and forming shields that blocked the flames. But as this happened, the shields began to slowly melt, making him cry out in pain. "Now Twilight!" "Psybeam!" Shine unleashed the psychic blast, hitting Bloxx right in the face as the shield began to drop. "BLOXX!" It cried in pain, only to flop over with swirls in its eyes. "Bloxx!" Pinkie screamed. "Bloxx is unable to battle," Sunset announced. "Both Pinkie and Bulk's Pokémon are unable to battle. The winners are Flash and Twilight!" "YES!" Flash and Twilight high-fived, everyone else cheering at their victory. "Awwww..." Pinkie moved over to Bloxx and held him up while Bulk did the same with Throh. "Don't worry Bloxx, you did great." "YEAH! You were AWESOME!" He then looked up at Flash and Twilight and smiled, "YOU TWO BETTER WIN THIS!" The two nodded before an explosion from the other field made them turn around, now seeing the other battle still going. "Mach Punch!" Breloom launched its fist at Tank's underside. "Tore!" He cried as he began to fall, Harry quickly charging at Breloom. "Use...Hyper Beam!" Fluttershy commanded, Harry opening its mouth to unleash the laser at Breloom, only for Roserade to leap in front of him. "Protect!" She crossed her arm as a bubble of energy appeared around them, blocking the attack. And once the beam finished, the forcefield disappeared as Breloom bum-rushed the bear. "Gotta take that thing down before it can move again. Mach Punch, rapid-fire!" Both Breloom's fists glowed as it unleashed a barrage of attacks on the frozen bear Pokémon. Harry flinched with each hit, Fluttershy going wide-eyed. "Get out of there!" "He can't," Gloriosa told her. "He's reeling from the use of Hyper Beam. You should be more careful using that move." Fluttershy gasped at her mistake, Rainbow shaking her head as she gave her next order. "Stone Edge!" Two blue energy rings appeared around Tank before morphing into rings of stone, soon throwing them at Breloom while Roserade leapt over them. "Magical Leaf!" Gloriosa ordered. "Rose..." Roserade began spinning like a top, "ROSERADE!" From out of the tornado came a volley of multicolored leaves that struck the rocks before they could hit Breloom. And even when the last rock was destroyed, the leaves kept coming and started hitting Tank. "Tore!" He started to fall right as Harry felt his paralysis disappear. "ZOR!" He roared as he jumped onto his back feet, dodging the hundredth Mach Punch. "Crush Claw!" His claws began to glow red as he tried to swipe at Breloom, only for the Pokémon to leap back. "Mach Punch on Torpeller!" Breloom launched its attack, its arm extending past the Grizzor and hitting Torpeller in the undershell. "TORE!" He cried once again, falling to the ground as spirals appeared in its eyes. "TANK!" Rainbow yelped as Luna gave the announcement. Fluttershy gasped at this, Gloriosa quickly reacting to her distraction, "Weather Ball!" They all turned to Roserade as she leapt into the air, raising her flower hands as a fireball formed between them. "What the heck?!" Was all Spike could say before Roserade sent the fireball flying with a mighty cry, moving so fast that Harry couldn't react. "ZOR!" He roared as the fire exploded around him, the attack lasting several seconds until fading to reveal a highly charred Harry. "Grizzor..." he finished before falling with swirls in his eyes. "HARRY!" Fluttershy screamed, tears beginning to form in her eyes. "Grizzor is unable to battle," Luna announced. "Both of Rainbow and Fluttershy's Pokémon are unable to battle. Timber and Gloriosa win." Everyone cheered for the two teams, Spike turning to Doc as he asked, "How did a Grass-type use a Fire-type attack?" "That's Weather Ball. It's a move that changes type based on the weather." He looked up at the sun, shining brightly high in the sky. "And with the sun so bright, Weather Ball morphed into a Fire-type attack." Twilight crossed her arm at this, "Those two are good." "Yeah...but we'll be better." Flash added, Twilight nodding in agreement. As this happened, they turned to see Lightning, the trainer glaring at Fluttershy with a look of pure anger and hatred. At the same time, they also saw Timber and Glorisa sighing in relief, talking about how they couldn't believe they could beat Harry due to past events. And as they said this, they could see Lightning was about to go and insult Fluttershy, Luna coming to the rescue as she pulled Lightning away for his first match. And so, the tournament continued. Many rounds took place, quickly narrowing down the teams. "Seviper and Zangoose are unable to battle," Luna announced. "The winners are Lightning and Trixie." "Spikorn and Instick are unable to battle," Sunset added. "The winners are Spike and Doc." "Muk and Volbeat are unable to battle," Luna commented. "The winners are Flash and Twilight." "Lycanroc and Sandslash are unable to battle," Sunset announced. "The winners are Timber and Gloriosa." It kept going, the teams slowly getting dwindled down. And as this happened, a match between Doc and Spike versus Lightning and Trixie happened, which ended very quickly. "Steeledge and Terragon are unable to battle," Luna said as she rose her hands, "The winners are Lightning and Trixie." "No!" Spike cried as cradled Peewee in his arms, Doc sighing while returning his Higear. Trixie walked over to tell them sorry about her violent partner while Lightning just turned away with a happy grin on his face. It was obvious where who the remaining teams were starting to be. "Sneasel and Heracross are unable to battle," Sunset announced while raising a hand, "The winners moving onto the finals are Flash and Twilight." "ALRIGHT!" The two cheered as their Pokémon jumped up and down, both happy in their victory. Viper was especially tired, having had to take the brunt of that last battle. It wasn't Shine's fault, their opponents being types she had difficulty with, but he had to put some serious effort into getting the final outcome. "We're just one match away from winning the whole thing," Twilight added, Flash nodding before turning to the other semi-final match. It was here they saw Breloom and Roserade facing off against Chimplug and Wizentice. "Charge Beam!" Chimplug rose its tail up and pointed it at Breloom as lightning surged around him, shooting a blast of electricity out of the plugged tail. "Stand firm!" Timber ordered, Breloom crossing its arms as the lightning struck. The Grass-type barely felt anything, causing Lightning to growl. "Psyshock on Breloom!" He then heard Trixie order Wizentice, the wizard dodging Roserade's Magical Leaf attack as it raised its staff, orbs of blue and purple energy appearing around its tip. "WIZ!" It tossed the trio at Breloom, pushing it back a few inches. "Seed Bomb!" The mushroom kangaroo fired a projectile seed, the other two quickly hopping back to dodge the seeds. This distraction gave Lightning the perfect opening to attack, only for him to instead yell at Trixie, "Hey! Stop butting in!" Trixie spun her head back at him, "What are you talking about?! This is a tag battle! We're supposed to help each other!" "I don't need anyone's help, especially some loser! Just stay back and let a real trainer show you how it's done!" "Real trainer?! I am a real trainer!" Everyone in the audience sighed, unable to believe those two had made it that far as Trixie continued, "I'm the one with the type advantage! You should be the one supporting me!" "PLUG/ZENT!" The two turned back to see Breloom slam into Chimplug with a Mach Punch while Roserade used Weather Ball on Wizentice. "See what you just did?!" Lightning barked back, this time Trixie ignoring him as she glared back at Gloriosa. "Magical Leaf!" she commanded, Trixie quickly pointing at her Pokémon. "Oh no you don't! Double Team!" Wizentice suddenly multiplied, the copies appearing all over the field as Roserade launched her attack. It hit one of them, making it fade as Roserade and Breloom gasped at the new sight. "Now's your chance," Trixie told Lightning. "Don't tell me what to do. Thunder Wave!" "Wait, not that move-" she tried to say, only for Chimplug to leap up and thrust its tail into the ground, unleashing a wave of electrical energy across the field. "Protect!" Gloriosa ordered as Roserade formed the shield around her and Breloom, the lightning bouncing off the shield while the rest hit many Wizentice. "WIZ!" He cried as he was electrified, his fakes disappearing as Trixie glared at Lightning. "You idiot!" Lightning didn't even look at her as he shrugged, "Not my fault your Wizentice can't dodge." "Poison Jab!" She turned back to the battle to see Breloom leap out of the shield, throwing an extended arm at Wizentice's gut, injecting him with poison. "WIZ!" He yelped, having been unable to dodge due to the paralysis. The force of the attack then knocked him over, swirls now in his eyes. "Wizentice is unable to battle," Luna announced. "NO!" Trixie cried, Lightning almost forming a grin. "At least now you can't get in my way." He pointed at Roserade, "Spark!" Chimplug ran across the field, fists sparking as it threw a punch at Roserade. "Weather Ball!" The fireball formed in her hands before she tossed it at Chimplug, who was forced to use his Spark to hit the sphere away. "Seed Bomb!" Several projectiles immediately hit Chimplug's side, knocking him down. "CHIM!" "Get up!" Lightning roared, Chimplug trying to follow the order. "Weather Ball/Mach Punch!" Roserade launched the fireball in Chimplug's direction, Breloom thrusting its fist into the flame. This caused his fist to ignite as it raced toward Chimplug, quickly hitting the monkey just as it got back on its feet. "Chim-" KA-BOOM! An explosion followed this, forming a cloud that consumed Chimplug. And as the smoke faded, it revealed Chimplug on his back with spirals in his eyes. "Chimplug is unable to battle," Luna said as she pointed at two certain trainers, "Both Trixie and Lightning's Pokémon are unable to battle. The winners moving onto the finals are Timber and Gloriosa." "Blast it!" Lightning growled as he returned Chimplug and glared at Trixie, "This is all your fault!" "My fault?!" Trixie barked back as she picked Wizentice up, "How is it my fault?!" "If you'd stayed out of my way like I told you-" "If you had just let me help-" "I don't need anyone's help, especially a pathetic loser like you!" Lightning roared, only for Luna to walk in front of the teen. "Enough. You lost, and that gives you no right to insult my student." He leaned up to her, a bloodshot glare coming from his eyes, "She's the reason this battle went wrong. That gives me every right to insult her. She deserves it." "You are the reason you lost." Luna replied with a blank, emotionless stare, "And you will not-" "Oh, shut up." Lightning interrupted, Celestia walking up as well. "That is enough Lightning. If you have nothing good to say-" "You shut it too. I'm done here." Lightning growled as he turned and pointed at Celestia, "And if you're thinking of telling that old coot on me, tell him this: I'll be seeing him soon. He's gonna pay for making me waste my time in this dump!" The teen then spun around and marched away, everyone blinking at the sight as Flash commented, "I bet that guy was just the most popular kid growing up." "You okay?" Twilight asked Trixie as she patted her shoulder, the magician nodding back while clutching Wizentice. "Yeah, though it's annoying that I couldn't get to the finals. Trixie was looking forward to finally crushing you." Twilight giggled back, doing a small nod in agreement. They then turned to Gloriosa and Timber, both feeding their Pokémon berries to help them recover. "This is gonna be a tricky battle." Flash added as he turned to Twilight, "You okay with Shine going into that?" "Yeah...I think it'll be okay." Twilight replied as Luna helped Trixie get to the camp's medical cabin, "We just...can't be reckless in this battle. One wrong move is all it's gonna take for them to get the upper hand." "Eh, don't worry about it." Flash pointed to himself with a confident grin, "I'll be staying laser-focused." He then felt Viper slither up onto his shoulder, "You ready bud?" "SCOR!" Viper replied, quickly looking down at Shine as he told her he was impressed due to her just being a few days old, "Scor, hiss, Hisscor." "Nee taa!" Shine cheered, happy with the encouragement. And as this happened, the final round began. Flash, Twilight and their Pokémon stood on one side of the field while Timber, Gloriosa and their Pokémon stood opposite. Flash and Twilight had let out their other Pokémon to watch and cheer, all now standing on the sidelines. "Come on guys!" Spike yelled, "One win is all we need for the hall of fame!" "You can do this!" Doc added. "RIO/HOP/WING/TORE/LEAF/HOO!" The others all finished. Flash and Twilight nodded, Flash then raising an eyebrow as a thought entered his head, "Wait...what happens if we lose?" Twilight went wide-eyed at his question before turning to Timber, "He's got a point. Who gets our points if we lose?" "Hmmm..." Timber hummed before shining a big grin, "I know! Just for fun, we'll give your points to the lowest ranking cabin." Twilight and Flash hopped at this, only to smirk as Flash replied, "Sounds good to me! Bring it on!" "Alright everyone," Celestia spoke up, everyone turning to her, "It's time for the final match. Are both teams ready?" They nodded, Viper, Shine, Breloom and Roserade stepping out onto the battlefield as Luna raised her arms as ref. "Very well, battle...BEGIN!" "Mach Punch!" Timber ordered, Breloom rushing ahead with a glowing fist. "Flamethrower!" Viper countered with a stream of fire, making Breloom quickly hop over the flames, only to feel a singe of pain as the tips of the fire touched him. "Brell," it flinched as it hopped back over to Roserade. Gloriosa turned to her brother, "Don't be so reckless Timber, that Hisscor's fast. Not only that, with his typing, one hit is all he'll need to take us down. We have to be smart." "Yeah yeah, alright." Timber grumbled, his eyes fully glaring at Flash. Twilight then turned to Flash. "Leave defense to us. You work on doing the damage." "You got it!" Flash added as he pumped his fists, "Let's do this!" "Mystical Fire!" Shine's horn ignited as she drew a fire circle before shooting a blast of flames at Breloom. "Protect!" Gloriosa ordered, Roserade jumping in front of Breloom as its protective sphere appeared around her. This blocked the Mystical Fire, drawing Shine's attention as Breloom jumped over the forcefield. "Seed Bomb!" "Brell...LOOM!" Breloom unleashed a single high-speed projectile at Shine, only for Viper to leap next to her. "Poison Sting!" Viper began spitting the poisonous needles, striking the seed before causing a midair explosion. "Why didn't Flash use Flamethrower?" Spike asked, Doc humming at the question. "I think he's hoping to keep that move until he thinks he has a chance to hit either Breloom or Roserade. Using it too much could exhaust Viper's fire supply." "Flash is fighting smart," Rainbow commented next. Sunset chuckled at this, "Guess Twilight's rubbing off on him." Shine and Roserade's attacks soon ended as Viper and Breloom rest from theirs, only for Twilight to command, "Psybeam on Breloom!" "Nee!" Shine pointed at the mushroom kangaroo as her horn glowed, "TAA!" The multicolored beam of light shot out, Roserade quickly running in front of him. "Magical Leaf!" "ROSEREADE!" She spun around as a volley of leaves fired out at Shine's attack. But as it did this, the Psybeam cut through the leaves, smacking Roserade's stomach. "Rose!" She cried as she stumbled back from the strike. "Yes!" Trixie cheered "That's gotta do some damage!" Doc nodded in agreement, "Indeed. Roserade's part Poison-type, which are weak against Psychic attacks." "And with Viper's Fire-typing, Flash and Twilight have the advantage." Flash's Pokémon all cheered at this, but Doc then frowned as he saw Roserade after being hit. "That may be true, but Roserade and Breloom are probably at a higher level than Viper, and definitely higher than Shine. That makes this match more even than it looks." "Use Poison Jab!" Timber ordered, Breloom charging at Shine with a now purple fist. "Use Bite Viper!" Flash countered, Viper jumped at the approaching opponent. "Scor!" Viper opened its mouth, only to miss as Breloom side-stepped him before rushing at Shine again. "Mystical Fire!" "Nee!" Shine unleashed the fire attack, Breloom using its Poison Jab to block it. It flinched as the flames bit into it, soon pushing through as it reached the Ponyta. "Brell!" He thrust his fist into her, Shine crying out as she was sent hurtling backward. "Shine!" Twilight cried, Gloriosa quickly pointing at Viper in this moment. "Weather Ball!" Flash and Viper turned back to Roserade, now seeing her summon an fireball in its hands. "ROSERADE!" She tossed the sphere at Viper, Flash quickly commanding a counter move. "Flamethrower!" Viper unleashed a volley of fire, striking the sphere of flames. But as this happened, Roserade leaped through the following explosion. "Natural Gift!" Roserade thrust its rose hands forward, a spiral of water shooting out as it hit Viper head-on. "SCOR!" He yelped, flying back before rolling on the dirt. "What the heck?! What just happened?" Rainbow asked. "Did that thing just use a Water-type attack?!" "That's not good. It's Natural Gift," Doc said while biting his lip. "It's a move that changes based on the last berry that the user ate." "That's right," Gloriosa added with a giant grin, "I fed Roserade a Passho Berry before the battle, turning Natural Gift into a Water-type attack." "Not good," Flash gulped before hearing Timber give an order. "Use another Poison Jab!" He turned to see Breloom running at Shine, unable to do anything as Viper was still getting up. "Twilight-" "We're okay. Shine, dodge it!" As Breloom got within striking distance, Shine's eyes shot open before leaping to the side, dodging the right jab from the Pokémon. "Nice work Shine. Now use Tackle!" "Nee!" Shine slammed its body into Breloom, sending it staggering back...only for everyone to gasp as yellow lightning began to spark around Shine. "TAA!" "Shine!" Twilight cried again. "Paralysis?! How?!" Flash asked, Twilight now mentally kicking herself as she spoke up. "Of course...Breloom's ability is Effect Spore! It was triggered when Shine made contact." Timber let out a low laugh, "I thought you were smarter than that Twilight, but now I've got you! Use Double-Edge!" Breloom began to bum-rush Shine, his body glowing as the Paralysis flared up on the Ponyta. "Not a chance! Viper, help Shine by using Fire Spin!" Viper nodded and ignited his tail, flicking it at the charging Breloom. A tornado of fire instantly formed, blazing the mushroom kangaroo. "Brell!" He cried out as the heat consumed him. "Breloom!" Timber yelled. "Roserade, Natural Gift!" "ROSE!" Roserade pointed its two flower hands at the tornado and Viper, both unleashing a spiral of water. "Scor!" Viper roared as it leaped away, avoiding the water as the other part of the attack extinguished the tornado, freeing a panting Breloom. Twilight saw this and pointed at Breloom, "Shine, use Psybeam!" The Galarian Ponyta unleashed another multicolored blast, only for Timber to yell out a command, "Seed Bomb!" Breloom fired the high-speed projectile at the beam, but the counter only slowed down the laser. Seeing this, the blast struck Breloom back, making it yell out in pain. "BRELL!" it yelped, stumbling back as it felt the super-effective damage. At the same time, Flash pointed at Roserade as he yelled, "Fire Spin!" Viper flicked its tail, launching a fireball at the Grass-type. "Dodge it!" Roserade leapt to the side, evading the fireball and following fiery vortex. "Fire Spins, back to back!" Viper started flicking his tail repeatedly, almost dancing as he launched multiple fireballs at Roserade. But she countered his dance with her own, evading each one as she got closer to Viper. "Now, Natural Gift!" "Flamethrower!" Viper and Roserade both unleashed their attacks, the two meeting as they caused a cloud of steam to form. The two continued to push at one another, neither seeming to be willing to give. "Psybeam!" Twilight cried as Shine unleashed another blast at Breloom, who this time chose to dodge it. "Seed Bomb!" He spat the attack at Shine, hitting her square in the face. "Taa!" She cried as she staggered back, Breloom smirking as he pulled his fist back. "Mach Punch!" It thrust the fist forward, its arm extending to draw near to Shine. But as it did this, it shot past her, only to turn to Viper. "Viper, get out of there!" Viper heard his trainer's voice as it saw the fist coming, jumping back to avoid it at the last second. "NOW!" Flash heard Gloriosa command, looking back to see Roserade unleash another water spout, smacking Viper as he dodged Breloom. "SCOR!" He cried as the water struck him, Viper falling to the ground as steam came off him. "VIPER!" "NEE!" Shine screamed, seeing her partner fall at the attack. "Double-Edge!" Before she could even react, Breloom slammed into her, sending her flying back. "SHINE!" Twilight yelled, everyone else not daring to look as she hit the ground. Breloom and Roserade moved to stand side by side as they looked down at their weakened opponents, both trying to get up. "Looks like we win again," Timber told his sister with a giant grin. "Don't know why they even bother." Gloriosa nodded in agreement, "Roserade, put them out of their misery! Magical Leaf!" Roserade pulled her arms back, ready to fire. "Shine, you gotta use Mystical Fire!" But as Shine tried to get back to her feet, the paralysis sparked again, making her clinch up. "SHINE!" She screamed, now seeing the multicolored leaves fly at her. "VIPER!" Flash yelled while Shine shut her eyes, bracing for the attack. But as it came...she never felt it. Instead, her ears heard another cry, "Scor!" Her eyes creaked open to see Viper standing in front of her, having fully blocked the Magical Leaf attack with his body. "Nee?" Viper looked back and nodded, making the Ponyta go wide-eyed. "Nice," Rainbow added, "Talk about being loyal." Doc nodded in agreement, "Hard to believe that's the same Hisscor we met the first time. It was so selfish back then...guess that's just Flash's influence." Flash pumped his fists at this, "You shouldn't count your Chicklings before they hatch. We're far from being beat." Twilight nodded while Timber just rolled his eyes. "You guys should really do the smart thing and give up. Save your Pokémon the damage." He then pointed at Flash, "You'll never beat our strategies, especially a primate like you." However, Flash's face didn't change. Instead, it beamed with confidence as Twilight did the same before speaking up, "You know Timber, I used to think a lot like you. Guess that's why I got along with you and it made me forget everything I've learned since meeting Flash." She shot Flash a quick smile while reaching up to touch her new bow, "And it's the same thing you need to learn." "Oh yeah?! What's that?!" Timber growled, "What could I possibly learn from him?!" "That as a trainer, you can't always be up here." She patted her head. "Sometimes, you've got to ignore what your brain is telling you and listen to your heart. And right now, my heart is telling me that giving up right now would be even worse than losing." Flash nodded in agreement, "I never give up. Even if I know I'm gonna lose, I won't run away. Because by giving up, you'll never be able to push past your limits." Viper slowly picked himself back up as he continued, "As long as you never give up, there's always a chance you can turn things around." "SCOR!" Viper roared in agreement. "I don't care if that makes us fools or idiots or whatever you wanna call us. I don't quit, and neither do any of my Pokémon!" Flash's Pokémon all roared in agreement, Flash then pointing at Timber, "Viper, let's show Timber what happens when you never give up." "Gladly!" was what they would have heard Viper say if they could understand him. He then stood to full height and let out a mighty hiss, "SCOR!" And as he did this, his entire body suddenly exploded with light. Everyone gasped at the sight, watching as Viper's body began to grow and change, the only one not surprised being Flash as the light soon faded. It was here that it revealed a new Pokémon, this one being roughly five feet in length with a body that was red, yellow and black. The top half of its body was crimson red, its lower jaw being yellow. There was also a dark yellow line running from its jaw to down the front of its body and towards the end of its tail where three yellow orbs could be seen stacked on one another, each one a bit bigger than the one on top. It had a pair of large fangs sticking out of its mouth, ones that looked like they could bite through anything. As for the sides of its neck, it had three black spots with one long black spot of about five inches on the very back of its length. It opened its eyes, smiling as flames shot out of the black spots, forming both fire spines down the back and sides of its neck to give it a cobra look. "HACKER!" "Wow..." Spike whispered, "Viper just...evolved." Doc nodded, "Yes. It evolved into an Anahakka." Flash pulled out his Pokedex as a huge grin graced his face. Name: Anahakka Category: Boa Pokémon Type: Fire/Poison Info: The evolved form of Hisscor. This Pokémon has two internal sacks, one for fire and one for poison, which it can switch between in an instant, allowing it to either burn or poison their foe depending on the need. "Alright!" Flash cheered, only to go wide-eyed as the Pokedex showed another bit of data, "Wait...no way! A new move!" "Hack!" Viper nodded before turning to Shine, asking if she was ready. Shine did a small nod and neigh, encouraged by the evolution. "Don't think evolving's gonna help you!" Timber barked back. "We have no intention of losing," Gloriosa added before snapping her fingers, "Roserade, Natural Gift!" "ROSERADE!" She yelled before unleashing the water attack. "Flamethrower!" Flash ordered, Viper taking a deep breath. "Hak...CARRRR!" He unleashed a burst of fire, this one pushing the water back while forming a steam cloud. "Rose?!" She yelped, now seeing the flames get closer. "Breloom, Mach Punch!" Breloom leapt above Roserade, extending its arm with a glowing fist. "Not this time! Shine, Mystical Fire!" "Nee!" Her horn glowed as she drew the circle of fire, "TAA!" She shot the flames through it, the fireball hitting Breloom's arm before it could hit Viper, making it cry out in pain. "Again!" Shine unleashed another fireball as Breloom retracted its arm, hitting him dead center of his chest. "BRELL!" He cried as he fell down, hitting the ground beside Roserade. "Rade!" She turned to see her partner, only to look back as her Natural Gift was about to go out. Seeing that Viper was about to turn his flame attack to Breloom, the Pokémon began to panic. "Psybeam!" Twilight told Shine, who nodded and tried to use the attack, only for lightning to spark around her body. "Now's our chance! Protect!" Roserade formed the protective shield around it and Breloom, giving him time to pick himself back up. As this happened, Shine unleashed her Psybeam, only for it to bounce off the force field...and make it dissipate. "Nice one Shine!" Flash added as he pointed at his opponents, "Time to try out our new move! Viper, Flame Wheel!" "Ana!" He roared before leaping, spinning forward while biting onto the tip of his tail, flames now igniting around his neck. "Hacker!" The spinning serpent's body became wrapped in flames, morphing into a flaming wheel that hit the ground and spun at Roserade at high speed. "Rose!" Roserade yelped, now staring at the incoming attack. "Roserade!" "Protect again!" Gloriosa ordered, Roserade trying to form the shield, only for it to flicker. And as Viper's attack struck the shield, it shattered, the flames buring right into the Pokémon. "ROSE!" She cried as she was now burned and grinded at the same time. This lasted a good few seconds, only for Viper to spin around and head back to Shine as Roserade fell over, spirals now in her eyes, "Roserade..." "ROSERADE!" Gloriosa cried out, Timber growling as Breloom picked itself up. "Roserade is unable to battle!" Luna yelled. "Alright!" Flash and Twilight high fived, now seeing Breloom and Timber glare at them as Gloriosa return Roserade. "Don't think you've got us beat!" Timber roared, "I won't go down easily!" "It'd be no fun if you did," Flash replied before pointing at Breloom, "Poison Sting!" "Hack...CARRRR!" Viper unleashed a barrage of toxic darts, Breloom quickly sidestepping in response. "Psybeam!" Twilight ordered, Shine's beam hitting Breloom's side, only for her Paralysis to spark out again. "Now! Use Poison Jab!" Breloom fired its fist at the Ponyta, Viper jumping in front of her. "CARRRR!" He yelped as the fist hit his head, only for the Poison-type attack to barely affect him. "Bite!" Viper lunged at the arm before it could retract, his fangs almost crunching into him. Breloom cried out as it pulled its arm back, Viper coming along before wrapping his extra-long body around the arm. "Breeeel!" It kept crying, swinging its arm around. "And there's our opening! Psybeam!" She unleashed another blast at Breloom, Viper letting go as the attack struck the kangaroo. "BRELL!" Breloom yelped as it was zapped, Viper biting onto his tail as Flash nodded. "I like you're thinking Viper, Flame Wheel!" Breloom then spun around to see Viper morph into a flaming buzzsaw, gulping at the sight as Timber yelled out a command. "Poison Jab!" Breloom's fist glowed purple as he threw it at the wheel, the two pushing each other for a few seconds. But as they fought, Viper's Flame Wheel took over, slamming into the kangaroo. "BRELL!" He fell back as Viper hopped back, landing by Shine with a huge grin. They both smiled at one another, their trainers doing the same. "You wanna do the honors?" Flash asked, Twilight nodding. "Let's do it together!" they looked back at the battle. "MYSTICAL FIRE!" "FLAMETHROWER!" Shine carved the circle of fire as Viper breathed in, both shooting fire as it rocketed at Breloom. Breloom could only stare at the flames, unable to move as it began to scream, "BRELOOM!" Fire devoured him, the flames lasting a good thirty seconds before disappearing, revealing a swaying Breloom. "Brell..." he fell face first, smacking the ground with spirals in his eyes, "Loom..." "Breloom is unable to battle!" Luna announced before pointing at Flash and Twilight, "Both Timber and Gloriosa's Pokémon are unable to battle, the winners are Flash and Twilight!" "ALRIGHT!" The two cheered, high-fiving as the rest of the camp cheered. Flash then turned to his newly Pokémon, "Great work Viper!" "Congratulations on evolving!" Twilight added. "Car!" he hissed with a big grin. "Guys!" They turned to see Spike, Doc and all their Pokémon running up, "You did it! Hall of fame! Hall of fame! Hall of fame!" The Pokémon all gathered around Viper, all marvelling at the sight of him as he showed off his new body. Celestia and Luna clapped at this, moving over to the Sapphire Cabin, "Well done you four. You've all shown a lot of grit and determination over this last week, and now you've earned the honor of being entered into the camp hall of fame." "Thank you professor," Twilight added as with a bow as Luna pulled out her camera. Celestia then turned to the rest of the camp. "Despite not winning, you've all done well during this camp. May the memories and friendships you've made this week remain with you till the end of your days. Remember, no memory is a bad memory if you're able to grow from it." Everyone else cheered in agreement as Luna prepared to take a picture of the Sapphire Cabin. "Say cheese!" Everyone and their Pokémon grouped up, all with big smiles on their faces. "CHEESE!" With that, a bright flash of light signified the capturing of the image. Some time later... It was now time for everyone to head home. Almost all the campers had already left, including Lightning who had been the first to get out without saying a word. Now all that was left was the Sapphire Cabin, the rest of Diamond Cabin and Pinkie. Celestia, Luna and Sunset were also there, along with Timber and Gloriosa. "Well, I guess this is it." Celestia started with a giant grin, "I hope you all had a fun time here." "Are you kidding?" Rainbow replied, "This was the best week ever!" "It was fun, fun, FUN!" Pinkie cheering while jumping up and down. Fluttershy did a silent nod in agreement, mostly happy about getting to meet and capture Harry. "Trixie feels she's learned a lot here," she added, "Hopefully Trixie'll be able to put what she's learned here to good effect soon." "I'm sure you will," Luna responded, patting her student's shoulder. "Don't forget to keep in contact," Sunsets said next, "I wanna hear all about everything you guys are getting up too." "We will," Doc replied, nodding at the same time. "But it might take a while to find something as fun as this place has been." Spike added. Gloriosa giggled at this, happy to see that so many people had enjoyed her camp. "I hope I can see you here again one day." "So do we," Twilight replied before turning to Timber. "Well, I guess this is it." Timber did a low nod, "I guess. Here's hoping we meet again someday." Twilight shined a small smile in response, "I'm sure we will. After all, you and Flash are both gonna be in the Pokémon League. We can all meet there." "Yeah...you're right," Timber then turned to Flash and held out his hand, "Keep them safe." Flash stared down at it for a moment, only to shake it, "I will. I'll see you at the league." "You'd better," Timber finished, the rest all turning away. With that, everyone left the camp, Flash, Twilight, Spike, Doc, Pinkie, Trixie, Rainbow and Fluttershy all trekking down the trail before splitting into trekked different groups. Pinkie chose to go with Trixie while Rainbow and Fluttershy headed off on their own, leaving the four as they all happily sighed. "This really was a great time," Twilight commented. "I'm glad we came." "Yeah, same here." Flash added as he looked back at his friends, "And what made it so great was getting to do it with you guys." They all nodded in agreement. Nothing was better than sharing an amazing experience with those you hold close. And our heroes had many more experiences to share on their journey, Dodge Junction and the Grand Desert being their next target before arriving at Appaloosa. But as they walked into the horizon, back at the camp's wall now hung the many pictures of previous camps. Within now sat a new image, one of the Sapphire Cabin and all their Pokémon, forever immortalized in the camp's legacy.