Manehattan, Pokemon Festival. 14:30
The third day of the Pokemon Festival continues with the Pokeathlon still undergoing its events along with the Pokemon Musical.
And with so little time left too.
Over at the Pokemon Musical attraction, Fluttershy, Rarity, Ursula and a random pony were about to compete as both Rarity and Ursula were at odds with each other.
They would have to settle their little feud in the Pokemon Musical as they both aimed to come out on top while Fluttershy just watched the sparks fly.
Sweetie Belle and her friends came over to see Rarity's part in the musical even if it hadn't started yet. But they did see how she and Ursula were at odds with each other.
"Sis, who's this?" Sweetie Belle asked. "Oh, hey that rhymed."
"Just someone I can't wait to defeat." Rarity answered.
"Hah!" Ursula scoffed. "In your dreams!"
"D-Did we come at a bad time?" Scootaloo stuttered.
"Ahem." The employee in charge of this attraction slid in. "It's time to head on the stage, competitors."
"Perfect timing! Pheromosa! Let's go!"
"Mosa!"
"We'll show them up, Plusle!" Ursula picked her Plusle up.
"Plusle."
"Oh, dear." Fluttershy gulped. "Let's try our best Audi."
"Audino." As Fluttershy, Rarity, Ursula and the 4th competitor with their Inkay went on stage, tensions were high between the two competitors.
They went through a curtain that had a small audience of humans and ponies, waiting to see the musical take place. One of them being Cilan who was a big fan of the Pokemon Musical much like Pokestar Studios. He seems to just enjoy anything that involves flair.
Their Pokemon were sent out since they were the main stars of all of this. Despite it being a Pokemon Musical, very few singing is involved to a point where it is non-existent. It isn't even in the rules, but at times the Pokemon do decide to sing if they choose.
All they had to do was perform stunning dance moves, maybe sing in harmony and let the audience awe with spectacle. And sometimes, the trainers can join in.
Pheromosa had her own way of dancing due to her destructive and rapid legs. Plusle too for being an Electric-Type which are always bursting with hyperactive energy. Audino has little dancing experience apart from being at the Gala once and Inkay is just a mystery.
With the music starting up and the spotlight being on all four of them, the musical could begin. The small audience began to watch these Pokemon perform for the first time, especially Pheromosa and Audino, who were thankfully not nervous in this situation. Pheromosa craved stardom while Audino is just here for fun.
Sweetie Belle and the others watched the dance moves take place with Pheromosa and Plusle trying to 1UP each other. They were enjoying the view, all except for Diamond Tiara who was still stuck on J. Not even this happy-go-lucky music could get her mind off it.
And that look on her face really grabbed the attention of Rarity who was at first focusing on the musical, admiring Pheromosa ballerina-style dancing, prioritizing the feelings of somepony else.
"Diamond Tiara, darling. What's wrong?" Rarity went up to the distraught earth pony.
"Oh, Rarity." Diamond Tiara shot up. "Guess this face draws everypony in, huh?"
"Seems that way You seem distraught. Did something happen?"
"Well..."
"I can say it!" Sweetie Belle slid in. "I'll speak for Diamond Tiara."
"Thanks, Sweetie Belle."
"It's about this lady we saw earlier and living statues!" Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
"I beg your pardon?" Rarity raised an eyebrow.
Sweetie Belle began explaining everything that she nad her friends saw and what Diamond Tiara felt. She mentioned how Diamond Tiara believed those random statues in the alley weren't normal every day statues.
Instead, Diamond Tiara believed they were alive and they had been turned to stone. And she suspects that the mysterious lady is the reason why. She also mentioned how Diamond Tiara took a picture of J, keeping her permanently on the Xtransceiver.
After that quick rundown, Rarity understood the situation and understood why Diamond Tiara would be so worried especially considering the threats that are lurking around Equestria nowadays with Pokemon involved.
All the while the musical was going on with Plusle and Pheromosa trying to out best each other while Audino just mimics their movements since she's lacking in dancing skills. No one can really tell what Inkay was doing but it was interesting to look at.
"I see..." Rarity nodded. "I can understand your fear, Diamond Tiara. So you truly did hear the Ribombee statue speak?"
"Positive. I know it sounds crazy but-"
"It's not crazy at all, darling." Rarity shook her head. "After all, we all live in a Pokemon World now. Nothing seems impossible nowadays."
"Pretty true." Scootaloo and the others nodded in agreement.
"It was clever of you to take a picture of this lady. That way, we can show it to Officer Jenny if she's really suspicious. Good on you for having sharp attention."
"Thanks for understanding, Rarity!" Diamond Tiara squeed as she ran over to Rarity, giving her a surprise hug.
"Oh!" Rarity was shocked by that. "Y-You're welcome." She patted her on the head. Just as the explanation had been finished, the musical had come to an end.
"This has to be my victory for sure!" Ursula grinned.
"Oh! I almost forgot!" Rarity screeched as she dashed over, peeking her head through the curtains. She saw the crowd clap as she had missed the rest of the musical.
Pheromosa and the other Pokemon took a bow from the applause. Now it was time for them to head back through the curtains and to their trainers.
"Phero."
"Pheromosa! I'm so sorry I missed the rest of it! I was just talking to-"
"Mosa." Pheromosa interrupted, shaking her head as she was essentially telling Rarity that it was alright.
"Oh..." Rarity let out a sigh of relief. "Bless you for being so sweet, Pheromosa."
"So! Did we win?!" Ursula dashed over to her Plusle.
"Even if I didn't see it, I know that my Pheromosa performed perfectly." Rarity looked up at her partner.
"Mosa-Mosa." Pheromosa picked Rarity up, hugging her.
"Hah! You weren't even watching! You should've seen how graceful Plusle was. I haven't even shown off my other Pokemon." Ursula scoffed.
"Oh, um actually," Fluttershy spoke. "I looked at the rules one more time and saw how it doesn't have winners like most other attractions."
"It doesn't?!" Rarity and Ursula both exclaimed.
"Not at all. It seems like it's only made for fun with the only sort of victory being crowd appeal."
"Audino!"
"I could've sworn there was a reward in all of this..." Ursula was flabbergasted.
"There is an award!" The employee popped in. "This Prop Box!" She showed off a pink prop box each for all four competitors. "The judges rated each of your styles too. Pheromosa was Elegant, Plusle and Audino were cute and Inkay was Quirky. So congrats!"
"Ah." Rarity scrunched her face as she used her magic to take the prop box. "Well, at least it was enjoyable even if I didn't see it all. Plus we have this nice prop box."
"Phero."
"But there is a major benefit in all of this." The employee raised her finger. "Since you've gained a target audience from your musical, you'll be offered roles in more Pokemon business."
"Go on!" Rarity and Ursula dashed up, getting in the employee's face.
"W-Well...If you've been to Pokestar Studios, for example, you'll have premium options due to your reputation."
"Oh! I've been to Pokestar Studios! My friends and I have made movies. Does that apply to me as well?" Rarity asked.
"Yes." She nodded
"What about me?!" Ursula shoved Rarity to the side. "What does it mean for a coordinator such as myself?!"
"Well...Nothing really changes with the Pokemon Contests but you do get to be a judge like Fantina."
"Kh." Ursula pulled back. "Bit anti-climactic but I'll take it."
"That's great, Rarity!" Fluttershy flew over. "You're slowly becoming a popular Pokemon celebrity for the Pokemon world."
"Looks that way. This and Pokestar Studios can be highly addictive."
"Wait, hold on..." Ursula paused for a moment. "You're Rarity?" She scrunched her eyes, getting a good look at Rarity and to an extent Fluttershy. "And you look like that Fluttershy pony."
"Oh, um yes. That's us." Fluttershy nodded.
"Oh...Oh!" Ursula suddenly became energized. "I had no idea! Forgive me for being so rude!" She bowed as an apology.
"What's with the tone shift?" Scootaloo whispered.
"I had no idea they were you! You look so much more different than your human fan arts!"
"Hm? Oh yes, those little things." Rarity recalled how she and her friends had marketing merchandise about themselves.
"I get to meet them here...!" Ursula got all giddy as she screeched.
"I take it you're a big fan?" The employee asked.
"Of course I am!" Ursula bellowed at her. "I have all the merchandise about the Mane 6 back at home. I had to go through so much effort to collect them if you didn't know!"
"D-Did you now...?" Rarity stuttered.
"I'm such a huge fan of you especially, Rarity! I have the most merchandise of you specifically."
"Oh." Rarity made a poker face.
"I'm so sorry! I should've recognized your hairstyle!" Yet again, she bowed as an apology, this time at an aggressive pace.
"I-It's fine." Rarity chuckled nervously.
"I didn't think about what every human thinks of merchandise based on us." Fluttershy looked up.
"Audino..."
"Chiko..."
"I'm Ursula by the way! Major fan!"
"Ursula. Pleasant name." Rarity smiled.
"So, what now sis?" Sweetie Belle asked as she was picked up by Pheromosa.
"Oh! This is your little sister?! How adorable!" Ursula screeched as she dashed over to Sweetie Belle, placing her hands on her face.
"Eeugh..." Sweetie Belle winced as her face as being mushed.
"Pip!" Sweetie Belle's Piplup came out of his Poke Ball, using Aerial Ace to slap Ursula''s hand away. "Lup!"
"Ow!" Ursula held her hand. "Rude!"
"Piplup!" Piplup crossed his arms together, acting as Sweetie Belle's bodyguard.
"Kh." Ursula scoffed. "That Piplup reminds me too much of DD..."
"Well, Ursula. It's been a pleasure meeting you. Especially a fan. And I'm sure our Pokemon enjoyed themselves."
"Phero."
"Sure did. Right, Plusle?" Ursula asked the Cheering Pokemon.
"Plus?" Plusle had just processed her words. "Plusle!"
"Oh, before we go. A quick question." Rarity had one thing to say.
"Hm"?
"Do you know where we can find the nearest Officer Jenny?"
"Nearest Officer Jenny? Oh, they're everywhere." Ursula chuckled as she flailed her hands.
"Everywhere?!" The fillies exclaimed.
"Right. No matter where you go, you'll always find an Officer Jenny. Just like how there's always a Nurse Joy out there."
"I see. So any gateway we pass, we'll eventually find one guaranteed." Rarity nodded. "It's quite fortunate that the Pokemon World has so many benefits..."
"You think the Jenny's are even gonna notice one cool looking lady?" Scootaloo wondered. "I mean, I would for sure."
"Cool looking lady?" Fluttershy tilted her head.
"Oh, right." Rarity turned to Fluttershy. "You aren't aware of Diamond Tiara's little find. One of you can make a quick breakdown if you will."
"I got it!" Apple Bloom slid in, offering to explain everything as she cleared her throat. Just like Sweetie Belle, she gave Fluttershy a quick and easy rundown of what she and her friends discovered in the alley. From statues to the image Diamond Tiara took of the woman.
It was quick and simple for Fluttershy to follow as she understood where Diamond Tiara was coming from. In fact, something caught her attention.
"Wait. Diamond Tiara." Fluttershy spoke. "You said you heard the voices and felt Purrloin's Poke Ball shake?"
"Right. That's what I experienced." Diamond Tiara nodded.
It was at this moment that Fluttershy could 100% believe Diamond Tiara's suspicion of this mysterious lady. Much like how Fluttershy can understand Pokemon and will soon have the same hearing capabilities as her Audino one day and the ability to sense feelings instantly, the pegasus was able to see what Diamond Tiara had experienced.
"Hm. And nopony else heard it?"
"Nope." Scootaloo popped up, as she and the others shook their heads. "Didn't hear a thing."
"Well, I think you've got a talent that involves Pokemon, Diamond Tiara. Maybe you can feel things others can't. Maybe."
"You think so, Fluttershy?"
"It could just be a hunch. But it's wonderful that you kept something this important in mind. Anything involving Pokemon is possible after all."
"We'll keep this Cool looking lady in mind. Come along, my little ponies." Rarity spoke. "There's still much left to do at this festival."
Now the thought of J had been spread out further to Rarity and Fluttershy. With the knowledge of there being Officer Jenny's in every part of the world minus Equestria, it wouldn't be that hard to find a Jenny at all. With a police force as gigantic as the Officer Jenny's and the technology of the Pokemon World, they might be able to find J with facial recognition or mugshots.
But right now, they weren't 100% sure if this mysterious woman was some sort of criminal since she's brand new territory to all of them or even if the statues were actual living ponies and Pokemon.
But with what Diamond Tiara felt and how wild anything involved with Pokemon can get, it's not out of the realm of possibility. They were going to continue enjoying the festival while still thinking about J and the statues. And when they find a Jenny, they'll see if they can get anything.
With, Eventide, Sunlight, Celestia and Luna.
The alicorn family had decided to sit and have something to eat while they continue to catch up with each other. Well, the only ones who were doing any actual catchup were Celestia and Luna since Sunlight and Eventide had been watching them all this time.
"So, my little Luna!" Eventide bellowed. "I know you're working hard to emerge as the victor in the Equestria League, correct?"
"Right. That's correct, father." Luna nodded. "I'm aiming to be the first champion of Equestria. My love for Pokemon plays a huge part in that."
"It certainly does." Sunlight ate some cake. "It seems like a hard road. But nothing you can't tackle. When you finally reach the league, we'll be cheering for you along the way."
"Thank you. To be honest, the Equestria League and Pokemon itself have really changed my life in pleasant ways." Luna smiled.
"How so?" Eventide asked.
"Well...Being a Pokemon trainer, catching Pokemon and battling are just a treat in general. I've never felt so much excitement before! But more than that, the simple things about Pokemon is something that I really admire as well. You understand what I mean, sister?"
"I do," Celestia replied. "The battles are fun and exciting but the Pokemon themselves and their entire lifestyle just add their own enjoyment." She rubbed Arcanine's belly.
"Arca! Arcanine!"
"Hm." Luna nodded. "No better way to describe it. Which is why I can't afford to let this link between our worlds come to an end. Ever."
"Luna?" Eventide and Sunlight both said.
"Both worlds returning to normal is something I can never accept. I've made friends with the Pokemon I've caught so far. The thought of just forgetting about them entirely and their existence is just..." Luna's thoughts were starting to bring out her fears.
"Oh, Luna." Sunlight got close to her daughter, putting her hoof around her neck.
"Darkrai and everyone will just go back to their own world. And all of this would've never happened if the Rift decides to leave when satisfied..." Luna looked down. "I'll never be able to see them again."
"Don't say that, dear. After all, there's hope isn't there?" Sunlight let out a soft smile.
"But of course!" Eventide exclaimed. "We heard about that Jirachi Pokemon and how it can grant any wish. Wishing for the worlds to stay connected is the best-case scenario in our eyes."
"Yes but...can we even find Jirachi in time? And we're still not sure when the Rift will decide to leave. There is just so much to worry about..."
"I'm sure you can." Sunlight reassured. "Your friend Ash has already sparked that hope up in you. In everypony even. From what we've seen of what he's done so far, he'll make it possible for sure."
"Along with Twilight Sparkle's many books on the Pokemon World!" Eventide raised his hoof. "She has many potentially great leads!"
"I believe that," Celestia replied. "I don't want to say goodbye to Passion and Arcanine either. There's nothing pleasant about friendships that will cease to exist."
"Garde..."
"Ah. I should've expected answers like that." Luna giggled. "I must say, it's truly wonderful that there is a Pokemon for everything." After that, Luna gained some high spirits as she stood up from the bench, holding a Poke Ball out. "I'm feeling the mood to catch another friend!"
"Right now?" Sunlight leaned back.
"Mhm!" She nodded. "I know you've seen me catch some Pokemon from your presence all over Equestria, but how does witnessing it in physical form sound, mother, father?"
"Splendid!" Eventide roared as he almost broke the bench. "I've been looking forward to this!"
"If you don't mind...Would you be so kind to lend us some Poke Balls of our own?" Sunlight grinned. "We wish to catch our own Pokemon if possible."
"Oh. Certainly." Luna gave her mother and father some Great Balls to use. "Sister. Do you want one as well?"
"No, I'm fine." Celestia shook her head. "I'm not exactly planning on catching another Pokemon yet anyway."
"Suit yourself. Another friend means more opportunities to become the champion!"
With Luna having a sudden surge of excitement in her spirits, she and her family went along to find some Pokemon to catch. Didn't matter which type, honestly. Luna already has a bunch of Pokemon of various types after all.
The sun was starting to set. A sign that the third day was slowly coming to an end. The second event of the Pokeathlon had finally ended meaning that the third event could finally begin and one that Gilda and her Staraptor could actually participate in.
Block Smash.
An event that sets four Pokéathletes, one from each team, against a stack of ten cement blocks. The Pokémon must demonstrate its might by breaking through them as quickly as possible. Straightforward and a personal favourite amongst Fighting-Type Pokemon. It was yet another test of a Pokemon's stamina but it also involved power and skill as well. This event lasts for 30 seconds, making it shorter than the rest.
The score is determined directly by the number of blocks broken. Breaking 80 blocks will earn the Pokeathles the 1st place event record, and breaking 130 blocks earns the trainer a Potential trophy. Athlete Points for the event are simply equal to the number of blocks broken.
This was one that Mienfoo was looking very forward too. She was built for something like this as she aimed to out best everyone here including Ash's Lucario.
This might be the last event of the day if there's enough time left that is.
"Finally...I've been waiting for this." Gilda grinned as her Staraptor was upfront. "This'll be easy, right Staraptor?"
"Star!"
"How's Staraptor gonna break blocks with wings?" Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow as she wasn't sure about this being possible.
"Staraptor's got some pretty heavy wings, Dash," Ash replied. "They're really tough!"
The four Pokeathletes were Ash, Rainbow Dash, Gilda and a trainer with a Croconaw. The blocks were already placed in front of them as the Pokemon were tightening their focus for this one. The only downside was that no moves were allowed but that was understandable since some moves are just downright overwhelming and unfair.
"Ready...?" The announcer prepared them all as the Pokemon narrowed their eyes. "3...2...1...Start!"
Already, the four Pokemon got started by raising their arms and wings as they channelled all the strength into these flurry of smashes.
"Mien!" Mienfoo looked like she would have the best advantage since Mienfoo's are known for their fast strikes. One strike from Mienfoo wouldn't destroy the blocks but continuous strikes could do the trick. Her rapid strikes were cracking the blocks bit by bit at high speeds.
"Luca!" As for Lucario, he also had an amazing advantage. He was both fast and strong at striking. A perfect mixture of two skills. Lucario easily broke through the first bricks in one single smash.
"Nice, nice, Lucario!" Ash gave a thumbs up.
"Pikachu!"
"Star!" Gilda's Staraptor, at first, may not seem like it can break through the blocks since she was wings. However, Staraptor's have incredibly sturdy wings. Wings so sturdy that they can potentially smash through steel. And these blocks were no exception as three strikes and Staraptor was able to shatter them with the next pile coming in.
"Yeah, that's the stuff! Go, Staraptor!" Gilda cheered her partner on.
"Croco!" The Croconoaw belonging to the trainer actually used their chin to smash the blocks. There were no limitations to what limb a Pokemon could use since some of them have either tentacles, scythes for hands and some don't even have limbs at all. So the Pokemon could use anything as long as they can break the blocks.
Being only 30 seconds, the Pokemon were a bit under pressure as they had to destroy as many blocks as they could in a short amount of time.
Mienfoo was especially feeling the pressure. Her fast strikes were enough to break the first blocks in under 8 seconds. Meanwhile, Lucario could break them in under 1 second while Staraptor can go for 3 and Croconaw can go for 5 thanks to its strong jaw.
"Foo...!" A frustrated Mienfoo knew that her competitors were besting her. Being a hot-headed and short-tempered Pokemon, this did not sit well with the Martial Arts Pokemon at all.
No matter how fast she moved, it wasn't enough to keep up with the others. She had just finished the first blocks and was now onto the second one. And her competitors were racking up points based on how many blocks they've broken so far without showing any signs of stopping in the little amount of time they all have.
"Come on, Mienfoo..." Rainbow Dash bit her hoof.
"Foo! Mien!" Mienfoo's eyes were lighting up as her body was surrounded in a blazing gold aura, putting her in a state of high tension as she was pushing herself to come out on top.
Mienfoo let out a mighty warcry as her stamina wasn't actually decreasing but increasing. Normally, Mienfoo can chop with its arms more than 100 times. Now it was going above and beyond. Potentially reaching the thousands as her chops were now nothing but a blur.
10 seconds remain and they were each amping things up. Mostly Mienfoo, who refused to lose this. Her aura was growing larger as she was finally managing to break the blocks in under 5 seconds. Equal to Croconaw. The display of speed was impressive to the eyes but it didn't last forever as time was up.
"Time!" The announcer exclaimed as the Pokemon all stopped with their limbs or jaw almost hitting the last block. "Yikes. That got a bit aggressive in the end."
"I'll say. You okay, Mienfoo?" Rainbow Dash flew over.
"Mien!" An energized Mienfoo nodded as she raised her paw, showing it to Rainbow Dash. From how fast she was striking, her paws were smoking as they looked red from all those consecutive hits.
"Let's see those points!"
The points began to show as it revealed who came out on top. Normally, the recommended blocks to break were around 130 which gives the winner a trophy. But these Pokemon went above and beyond the 100's and broke into the 1000's.
Lucario has broken 4800 blocks giving him 4800 Points. Staraptor broke 2400 and Croconaw and Mienfoo tied with 1200. Overall, Lucario emerged as the winner, granting Ash the trophy.
"Nice!" Ash jumped up.
"Second place. I'll take it." Gilda nodded. "Good, job Staraptor."
"Starap!"
"Tied..." Rainbow Dash grumbled. "At least we managed to catch up. You're not taking it too badly, are ya, Mienfoo?"
"Mien." Mienfoo shook her head. She was a bit bummed out that she tied and didn't reach first place. But, she was able to improve in that short amount of time, so it wasn't too bad.
"Nice go, Croconaw." The trainer got down, petting her Croconaw.
"Naw!" The Strong Jaw Pokemon responded by gnawing on her head out of love.
"Here you go." With Ash coming in first place, he was rewarded the winner's trophy as he held it high.
"Awesome!" Ash grinned.
"Pikachu!"
"Cario!"
"Hmph. I got to do something finally...and it was pretty worth it." Gilda nodded. "Can't believe us griffons were missing out on fun stuff like this!"
"Oh, you don't know the half of it!" Rainbow replied. "With Pokemon, we get a lot of awesome stuff. Stuff I didn't know I needed so much until I got it."
"Looks like it. A bit late but whatever. At least we have Pokemon battles back at Griffonstone."
"Oh! You battle too?!" Rainbow Dash gasped. "That's great! How good are you?"
"How good am I?" Gilda smirked. "The best in Griffonstone obviously. Not many griffons are good at battling with their Pokemon except for me. Well...there are some exceptions."
"The best you say? In that case." Rainbow Dash went up to Gilda. "Wanna prove it?"
"You wanna battle me? Sure. I've been looking forward to something like this ever since I got Staraptor."
"Star!"
"Great! I'll take you with Braviary and-"
"Mien!" Mienfoo suddenly interrupted Rainbow Dash.
"Huh? Mienfoo?" She looked down at the Martial Arts Pokemon.
"Mien-Mienfoo!" She pointed her paw at herself, indicating that she wanted to battle instead.
"Huh? You wanna battle Staraptor? But you're like at a type disadvantage."
"Foo!" She didn't care about type matchups whatsoever. She wanted a fight no matter what. And Rainbow Dash knew how stubborn Mienfoo can get.
"Alright..." She sighed."You'll battle Staraptor."
"Mien!"
So it was. These two friends would battle each other for the first time. Rainbow Dash was curious about how strong Gilda was since she says she's the strongest back in Griffonstone.
But they couldn't battle here in Manehattan. They would have to go somewhere else where they could spread less destruction. So they chose the outskirts of Manehattan to battle.
Ash, Twilight and the others wanted to see this for themselves as they came along. Ash especially since he always enjoyed seeing how different species battle with Pokemon. Even if so far, he's only seen ponies battle alongside a single dragon. So this was going to be something new.
"I gotta say, it's kinda a good thing that we don't have any Fighting moves right now, right, Mienfoo?" Rainbow Dash said.
"Mien."
"You done talking? Staraptor here's getting impatient and she wants a go already." Gilda and Staraptor tapped their talons on the ground.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Twilight. Can you make the call?" Rainbow asked.
"Sure thing!" Twilight slid in between them. "Battle Start!"
"Mienfoo! Run in and use Mega Punch!"
"Mien!" Mienfoo made the first move. By bolting forward with a white light around her paws, the Martial Arts Pokemon approached the Predator Pokemon as she jumped up.
"Staraptor! Close Combat!"
"Raptor!" Staraptor retaliated with her own physical move. Staraptor stood there as her wings connected with Mienfoo's paws which had been thrown at the Normal-Flying-Type.
Once they met, Staraptor and Mienfoo both started to repeatedly throw consecutive strikes with their paws and wings as sparks were flying from the clashes.
"Mien-Mien-Mien!" Mienfoo was surprisingly throwing over 1000 Mega Punches in a few seconds, going above her usual 100 or more count. That moment in the Block Smash had really increased her speed.
"Star-Star!" But Staraptor was no slouch either. She was fast enough to keep up with this highly nimble Pokemon.
"Hah! Speed is Mienfoo's thing! No way you're beating her in that!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "Combine Mega Punch with Agility!"
"Foo!" As Mienfoo kept clashing her paws with Staraptor's wings, the Martial Arts Pokemon's body emanated a silver aura as her speed was increasing. Her paws were already a blur but now they were harder to keep up with, even for Staraptor.
"S-Star?!"
"Mienfoo!" Eventually, Mienfoo found an opening as she smashed her paw on Staraptor's beak.
"Raptor!" The Predator Pokemon had been pushed back by that Mega Punch but it wasn't enough to knock her off her talons.
"Not bad." Gilda nodded. Staraptor! Use Brave Bird!"
"Star....!" Staraptor pulled in her wings as she dived down at her opponent like a missile. Her body burst into flames as she pulled out her wings with her body becoming surrounded by a blue aura. "Raptor!"
"Not good! Dodge it with Agility!"
"Foo!" Knowing that there was absolutely no way they were going to counter Brave Bird up close considering Mienfoo's typing, the decision to evade it was made as the Martial Arts Pokemon used Agility once more.
"Fly to the side, Staraptor!"
"Staraptor!" Staraptor saw how Mienfoo dashed over to the side, prompting her to change directions as Brave Bird as Staraptor zigzagged over to Mienfoo.
"Foo?!" Mienfoo's eyes widened as she saw how Staraptor changed directions. Before Rainbow Dash could make the command, Staraptor smashed into Mienfoo with full force, causing the Martial Arts Pokemon's eyes to widen. "M-Mien...!"
"Carry her up!" Gilda raised her claw to the air.
"Star!" But Staraptor didn't stop there. She used Brave Bird to carry Mienfoo up into the sky as a trail of aura flew behind her.
"Ah! Mienfoo!" Rainbow Dash gasped.
"M-Mien...Mienfoo!" Mienfoo aggressively beat her paws on Staraptor's back, trying to get her off.
"Now slam her down!"
"Star!" But that wouldn't make Staraptor budge. Instead, now that she was high up in the air with her, Staraptor was going to smash Mienfoo down on the ground by diving like a missile.
"Not good! Try using Mega Punch! Or Fury Swipes!"
"Mien! Mien!" She kept on beating on the Predator Pokemon's back, using Mega Punch and Fury Swipes desperately. All the while, Staraptor was diving down at high speeds with both her and Mienfoo catching on fire.
"This doesn't look good!" Twilight gulped.
"I can't watch." Applejack put her hat over her eyes.
"What do I do...?!" Rainbow Dash was starting to panic. Mega Punch and Fury Swipes weren't working as Mienfoo was essentially in Staraptor's hold.
"Foo...!" Mienfoo closed her eyes as she was bracing herself for impact.
"Staraptor!" Brave Bird finally came to an end as Staraptor smashed Mienfoo onto the ground with devastating force, creating a crater as Staraptor bounced back by her own move. She took heavy recoil damage from it.
"Mienfoo!" Rainbow Dash shouted.
"Mien...Mienfoo!" Mienfoo took a lot of damage from that. She slowly sat up as there was a bruise on her stomach. Her body in tatters with scratches as she looked like she was on the verge of fainting.
"Nice, Staraptor." Gilda praised her partner.
"Mienfoo! Can you keep going?"
"Foo..." The Martial Arts Pokemon stood back up but she got on one knee. "Mien..." She looked up at Staraptor, seeing how much of a disadvantage she was at right now.
"Starap."
"Mienfoo!" Mienfoo wanted to win this battle at all costs, despite the matchup. Just like back at the Block Smash, she was reaching a state of high-tension. "Mien!"
"Oh! You've pumped up again, Mienfoo? Alright! Then use Mega Punch!"
"Mien...!" Mienfoo was about to do something better. That drive to win as her high-tension aura was growing had given Mienfoo something new.
She had learned a new move.
Reversal.
A wave of orange energy burst out of the ground around Mienfoo as her fists became covered in orange energy. With amazing speed, she dashed forward, leaving an orange trail behind.
"Use Brave Bird one more time!"
Again, Staraptor was about to use Brave Bird. And this next Brave Bird might take Mienfoo out for good as Staraptor dived down like a missile with a fiery blue aura around her body.
"Mienfoo!" But Mienfoo wasn't going to let herself get hit by that move again. So when Staraptor got close enough, Mienfoo front flipped over Staraptor, juking the Predator Pokemon out.
"Star?"
"Foo!" With Mienfoo being above the Normal-Flying-Type, she smashed her paw onto Staraptor's back, landing Reversal for the first time. Reversal always gets stronger depending on how much damage the user has taken and that Brave Bird from before really powered it up.
"S-Staraptor!" Staraptor's eyes widened as she was smashed down on the ground by Mienfoo who had returned the favour to her. There was even a crater as well like the one Mienfoo had been formed in.
"Foo!" Mienfoo backflipped away as she looked at the large smoke cloud formed from her own impact.
"Yes! That's a sure-fire hit!" Rainbow Dash grinned. "And you learned Reversal too!"
"Mien!"
"She learned Reversal? Excellent!" Twilight clapped her hooves together.
But it wasn't over yet.
"Giga Impact!"
"Star!" Staraptor recovered from the ground at an alarmingly fast rate as her body became surrounded with invisible energy as she bolted forward with spiralling light yellow streaks around her.
"Here she comes! Use Reversal one more time!"
"Foo!" Both Pokemon rushed at each other with their strongest attacks. Mienfoo was going to put everything she had into this one attack as a sort of counter.
Mienfoo's paw connected with Staraptor's beak as the two moves collided. But only one of them was able to breakthrough.
And that was Staraptor, who easily charged through Reversal as she slammed into Mienfoo with great force, creating an explosion from the impact.
Rainbow Dash was almost blown back by the impact along with Gilda as Ash and Applejack held their hats, protecting them from the flowing wind.
Staraptor flew out of the smoke as she breathed in and out after using a move as powerful as Giga Impact. If Mienfoo withstood this, then she would get a free hit on Staraptor who needed to rest after using a move that powerful.
Luckily for Starptor, that didn't happen. The smoke cleared as Mienfoo had fainted.
"Foo..."
"Mienfoo is unable to battle! Staraptor wins! Which means the victor is Gilda!"
"That's how it's done," Gilda smirked as Staraptor flew back to her. "Awesome job, Star."
"Staraptor!" Staraptor and Gilda ended up bumping their talons together.
"Aw...!" Rainbow Dash groaned. "Just when I thought we had it." She flew over to the Martial Arts Pokemon picking her up.
"Mienfoo..."
"Mienfoo. Sorry that you've been kinda falling behind today. I'm gonna go my bad on that one."
"Foo." Mienfoo accepted that it wasn't Rainbow Dash's fault. It was her own since she insisted on taking on a Flying-Type which was a major disadvantage to her.
"But you learned, Reversal! Your first Fighting-Type move!" She hugged Mienfoo. "Now we've got something extra to work with!"
"Mien?!" Mienfoo wasn't a huge fan of hugs.
"Nice battle, Dash." Gilda and Staraptor came over. "Your Mienfoo kinda reminds me a bit of you."
"Yeah. She's pretty hot-headed, that's for sure." Rainbow Dash rubbed Mienfoo's head. "Aren't ya, Mienfoo?"
"Foo..." Mienfoo crossed her arms as her temper was rising.
"Seeing a battle always gets me pumped...Twilight, let's battle!" Ash exclaimed.
"Huh?!" Twilight jerked back. "No way! M-Maybe another time."
"Aw..." Ash sighed.
"Pikachu."
"All these battle skills are really gonna pay off when we get to the Equestria League. Right Staraptor?"
"Star!"
"Wait..." A frozen Rainbow Dash made a poker face. "Y-You're joining the Equestria League...?"
"Well, yeah. Other griffons are. Like we'd miss out on this chance."
"Staraptor."
"Oh no..." Rainbow Dash turned around. "I didn't even think about other species taking part! This is gonna make things tougher...but more awesome!"
"That's the spirit, Dash." Ash slid over, giving a thumbs up. "I kinda wish I could join it..." He lowered his head.
"When I catch some more Pokemon, I'll have a team that's all kinds of strong. That way nothing's gonna stop me at all." Gilda patted Staraptor on the back.
"Yeah well!" Rainbow Dash zoomed over. "You ain't seen nothing from my entire team yet! We're getting stronger together and we'll knock the socks off of anypony in our way!"
"We'll see," Gilda smirked. "We'll have another battle sometime, Dash!"
"You bet! And next time, I'm winning!" The two of them gave each other a hoof-to-claw shake like they always used to do. A new rivalry had been established.
With the revelation that other species are taking part in the Equestria, not just ponies, Rainbow Dash has even more reasons to train and get stronger.
After battling Gilda who was exceedingly strong with her Staraptor, it gave Rainbow Dash a good indication as to how powerful the trainers are getting and how much more are popping up. The third day is coming to an end but the festival was far from over as the journey continues.
Chapter 312 End.