Appleloosa Town was live with activity. The small desert town wasn’t as big as the other cities in Equestria, but it is known for having one of the biggest apple tree farms in the whole region and the toughest ponies in all the land. The bright sun hung over the small desert town, shining down heat and light. The gentle wind blew in the warm air, picking up sand off the desert ground and blowing it in the air. Tumbleweeds could be seen rolling down the streets of this peaceful town, giving it a western atmosphere. Old wooden buildings stood all across the town, their architecture an example of how tough each pony in this town is. Scootaloo and Torchic stood in awe, basking in the warm heat.
Different types of Pokemon could be seen helping the fellow townsfolk. Rhydon’s and Donphan’s could be seen hauling large loads of apples from the large apple crops that surround the small town. A large shadow flew overhead, causing Scootaloo to gaze up at the sky. A large group of Pidgey and Tailow’s flew overhead, heading in the direction of Las Pegasus through the San Palomino Desert.
“It’s a good thing we started this Pokemon adventure in the spring.” Scootaloo said, wiping away some sweat off her brow. “If its already this hot in Appleloosa, imagine how hot it is in the summer.”
“Torchic!” The small Pokemon smiled. Scootaloo rolled her eyes and giggled.
“Of course, you’d be completely fine with a little heat.” Scootaloo smiled. “Now c’mon, lets go find a Pokecenter so we can heal Poochyena and Scyther.”
“Torchic!” Torchic chirped, nodding in agreement. The duo walked around the small town, searching far and wide for the local Pokecenter. Scootaloo’s lavender eyes scanned the area, but found nothing but the same wooden buildings.
Her eyes froze as they locked onto a large structure, bigger than any of the surrounding buildings. The tall building was painted white with a large red band that ran horizontally across the top. Bright lights shone through the front windows, revealing small pieces of sand that were in the corners. A catchy jingle could be heard coming from the inside of the large building. A small sign was next to the door.
“Pokecenter and Pokemart. Saloon is on the left?” Scootaloo read out loud. “I guess some ponies mistake this to be the local saloon. But no matter, lets go Torchic!” Scootaloo pushed open the large wooden door, and entered into a large room.
White tiles sprawled the floors as local Pokemon Trainers conversed in the small sitting room near the Pokemart. A small white earth pony stood behind a counter in the back of the building. A Chansey stood next to the nurse, it silently humming to the jingle that played in the background.
“Hi Nurse Redheart!” Scootaloo said as she walked to the counter. Nurse Redheart smiled and brushed away a strand of her pink mane out of her face.
“Scootaloo!” Nurse Redheart smiled. “Wow, its been too long! Why, the last time I saw you was when you were a little filly. The amount of times you and the Cutie Mark Crusaders have been in the hospital back in Ponyville…”
Scootaloo scratched the back of her head. “Y-Yeah.” Scootaloo said sheepishly. Nurse Redheart giggled.
“But enough of the past,” She scoffed. “What bring you here to Appleloosa?”
“Well, Sweetie Belle turned sixteen today!” Scootaloo explained. “So since we all were sixteen, we decided to begin our Pokemon adventure as Pokemon Trainers!”
“Wow! Sweetie Belle turned 16 already?” Nurse Redheart gasped. “You fillies are growing up fast!”
“Chansey!” The large pink ovoid Pokemon smiled.
“Anywho, I take it you didn’t come in here to catch up on old times.” Nurse Redheart nodded.
“Well, yes and no.” Scootaloo began. “The Everfree Forest was more dangerous than we thought. Torchic almost fainted. But we fought them back, and we made it to Appleloosa in one piece!”
“Torchic!” The small Pokemon agreed.
“Your Pokemon really seems to like you.” Nurse Redheart smiled. “But let me heal your Pokemon before you go challenging the Gym Leader of Appleloosa.” Scootaloo nodded and hoofed over Scyther and Poochyena’s Pokeballs. Nurse Redheart then gave them to Chansey, who smiled and brought the two to the back of the store to heal.
“Chansey!” The small Pokemon exclaimed. Random crashing and banging noises could be heard coming from the back room, causing Nurse Redheart to rush inside. Fellow ponies began to watch as a large crash was heard from the room.
“Nurse Redheart! Is everything alri-”
“SCYTHER!” the large green Pokemon leaped out of the room, hoping onto the counter. It gazed around the large entranceway, ignoring the frightened ponies that watched in fear. The large Pokemon hissed and sprinted out the door, pushing ponies out of the way. Poochyena ran out of the heal room and to Scootaloo. Scootaloo stomped her hoof on the ground and sighed.
“Sorry Nurse Redheart I have to go!” Scootaloo said. “C’mon, lets go Torchic and Poochyena!”
“Torchic!” the small Pokemon chirped.
“Poochyena!” The grey Pokemon barked. The trio quickly ran out of the Pokemon center, leaving a ruffled and confused Nurse Redheart to walk out of the heal room before collapsing on the ground.
“I don’t get paid enough for this…”
“Chansey Chan…”
* * *
“Scyther!” Scootaloo called as she ran out of the Pokecenter. She quickly slid into a stop as she saw Scyther and a pony lying on the ground. “Confound it Scyther, why’d you go running off like that? Sorry miss. I hope Scyther didn’t hit you too hard.” The mare groaned and got back onto her hooves. She hastily brushed off the sand off her fur and smiled.
“Its ok, its not really a big- Scootaloo!?”
“Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo smiled. “You actually made it! Sorry Applebloom and I ran off without you.”
“Hey, its ok! I heard Applebloom’s wager anyways.” Sweetie Belle smiled. “You caught more Pokemon than I did that’s for sure! I only have two while you have three!”
“Wow, I almost forgot about that. I just wanted to get out of that forest.” Scootaloo chuckled.
“Me too.” Sweetie Belle agreed. “But lets see who has the stronger Pokemon!” Scootaloo grinned.
“Alright!” Scootaloo smirked. “Are you guys ready?”
“Torchic!” Torchic nodded.
“Poochyena!” Poochyena barked.
“Scyther…” Scyther mumbled.
“Then I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!” Scootaloo grinned.
“Challenge accepted!” Sweetie Belle smiled. “Go! Caterpie!” Sweetie Belle tossed a Pokeball into the air. The Pokeball broke opened as a bright flash leapt out of the ball and onto the ground in front of Sweetie Belle. The bright flash disappeared, revealing a green Caterpillar-looking Pokemon with yellow circles running down its body. A large red antenne sat on its head, over its large eyes.
“Caterpie!” The Pokemon exclaimed.
“Tch, alright! Lets go Poochyena!” Scootaloo grinned.
“Poochyena!” The grey dog Pokemon leaped in front of Scootaloo, baring its teeth at the green Pokemon.
“What a cute Pokemon!” Sweetie Belle exclaimed. “Caterpie, use Bug Bite!” Caterpie nodded and lunged at Poochyena, its small mandibles ready to leave a mark.
“Poochyena, use Sand Attack and Bite!” Scootaloo yelled. Poochyena brushed a paw of sand at the charging Caterpie, hitting it in the eye with sand. The Caterpie hisses as it was temporarily blinded by the sand, causing it to miss. Poochyena smirked and Bit the Caterpie right on the back, tossing it back to Sweetie Belle.
“That was a good strategy, Scootaloo!” Sweetie Belle smiled. “But it won’t work again! Caterpie, use Tackle!” Caterpie shook its head and charged at Poochyena, its horn-like antenna pointed down at the dog Pokemon.
“Tch! Poochyena, use Tackle as well!” Scootaloo said. Poochyena nodded and charged at the Caterpie, its yellow eyes narrowed. Caterpie gazed up to see the charging Poochyena running at it, its teeth bared. The Caterpie slid to a stop, frightened at Poochyena’s intimidation factor. Poochyena grinned and charged straight into the scared Caterpie, hitting it right in the head and taking it down to the ground. The Pokemon slowly backed away from the scene, revealing a fainted Caterpie.
“Aww no! Caterpie return!” Sweetie Belle held out the Pokeball in front of her. A bright red light shot out of the Pokeball and absorbed Caterpie back inside. “It’s not over yet Scootaloo! Come on out Mudkip!”
“Mudkip!” The amphibious Pokemon exclaimed as it jumped out of Sweetie Belle’s bag. Torchic slowly hid behind Scootaloo, shaking at the memories of the last time it fought Mudkip.
“Don’t worry Torchic, I won’t have you fight him again!” Scootaloo smiled. “Come back Poochyena, that’s enough! Now it’s time for Scyther to fight.” Poochyena nodded and ran back to Scootaloo’s side. Scyther stood in its place, its scythe-like arms crossed.
“Scyther c’mon, what’s the big deal!” Scootaloo said.
“Scyther…” The insectoid Pokemon growled, turning its head away from Scootaloo and closing its eyes. Scootaloo furrowed her brow at the tall Pokemon, mumbling something under her breath. She smirked and gazed back at the tall Pokemon.
“Oh c’mon Scyther, don’t tell me that the big bad Pokemon is scared of being beaten by a small little Pokemon again!” Scyther went rigid. “Are you afraid that Mudkip might whip your flank like how Torchic did, ruining your reputation even more?”
“Scyther!” The green Pokemon roared and leapt in front of Scootaloo, glaring at the joyful and innocent Mudkip.
“Tch, that’s what I thought!” Scootaloo said. “Scyther, use Quick Attack!”
“Scyther!” Scyther roared as it sprinted towards Mudkip. The small Pokemon quickly leaped out of the way, smiling at the angry Scyther.
“Mudkip, use Mud-Slap!” Sweetie Belle yelled. Mudkip nodded and jumped up to the tall Pokemon’s face. It smiled as it Slapped Scyther with a paw covered in Mud. Scyther stood there in silence as Mudkip fell back to the ground. “Good, you stunned him! Quick, now use Water Gun!”
“Mudki-”
“SCYTHER!” Without warning, the green Pokemon Quickly Attacked the small Mudkip, slashing at its face before kicking it back over to Sweetie Belle.
“You forget one thing Sweetie Belle!” Scootaloo grinned. “Scyther is a Bug-Flying Type, making it immune to Ground-Type moves! Scyther, finish him off with Wing Attack!”
Scyther!” The Pokemon roared as it outstretched its wings. It quickly began to flap them both with enough speed to create a large wave of wind and sand to fly over to Mudkip and Sweetie Belle. The wave of wind and sand engulfed the two, blowing them both off their hooves.
Suddenly, Mudkip rushed out of the wave of wind, its eyes locked onto Scyther. Scyther furrowed its brow and tried to swipe at the small Pokemon. Mudkip smiled and slid under the enraged Pokemon, shooting water at its back. The large Pokemon spun around, trying desperately to hit the small bundle of joy. Mudkip giggled as it ducked under another swipe and went under Scyther’s legs. It quickly shot out more water at Scyther, this time aiming for the eyes.
“Good Mudkip!” Sweetie Belle smiled. “I’ve got strategies too Scootaloo! Now use Tackle!”
“Mudkip!” The small Pokemon exclaimed. It quickly dodged another swipe and lunged at Scyther’s head from behind.
“Scyther! Quick attack!” Scootaloo yelled. In a blur, the Scyther spun around, sweeping downwards at Mudkip with the blunt end of its arms. The small Pokemon slammed onto the ground on impact, knocking it unconscious. Scootaloo has won the battle.
“Aww, your Pokemon are really strong!” Scootaloo said, returning Mudkip back to its Pokeball. Scyther grinned and posed in victory, causing the two mares to giggle.
“Indeed they are.” Scootaloo smiled as she gazed at her team. “Speaking of strong trainers, have you seen Applebloom? I couldn’t find her in the Everfree Forest.” Sweetie Belle tilted her head, her ears going lopsided
“No, I didn’t bump into her in the Everfree Forest. I thought she was with you?”
“She ran ahead to get a head start.” Scootaloo said. “Maybe she’s already made it out and is challenging the Gym Leader?”
“I guess there’s only one way to find out.” Scootaloo grinned. “You get your Pokemon patched up, I’m heading to the Gym.”
“Be careful!” Sweetie Belle warned. “I heard the Gym Leader of Appleloosa is as tough as a Machoke!”
“Don’t worry about me Sweetie Belle, we’ve got this in the bag!” Scootaloo said, stomping a hoof on the ground. “Let’s go guys!”
“Torchic!” Torchic nodded
“Poochyena!” Poochyena barked.
“Scyther!” Scyther grinned.
* * *
Scootaloo and her Pokemon stood in awe at the massive building that stood in front of her. The Gym building was a large red barn, located in the middle of one of the large apple fields that surrounded the Appleloosa. A large red and white sign stood next to the large double doors that lead into the barn, shaped into three apples. Apple trees grew all around the building, almost making it blend into the background.
“Here we go guys.” Scootaloo sighed. “No turning back!” She nodded to all her Pokemon, who nodded in unison. With another sigh, she put on a brave face and entered the building.
The Pokemon Gym was larger in the inside then it was on the outside. Hay covered the ground, giving it a farmer feeling. Large wooden pillars held up the roof as sunlight shone through the windows of the building. Pokemon trainers fought each other, strengthening themselves before they even think of challenging the Gym Leader. Scootaloo marveled as strong trainers competed against each other, some winning while others losing.
“Yo, how’s it goin’?” Scootaloo turned around to be met with a large, bull-like bipedal Minotaur. A large gold ring hung on its nose as it held out its hand. “Iron Will here! What’s your name, short fry?”
“Scootaloo.” Scootaloo said, shaking the large Minotaur’s hand. “And I’m not short! You’re just very tall.”
“I get that alot!” Iron will snorted. “Listen my friend! Would you like to become the Champion of the Equestrian Region?”
“The champion?” Scootaloo asked. “I think everyone wants to become the Pokemon Champion.” Iron Will chuckled.
“Inde you’re right! But I’m no trainer, not me.” Iron Will smiled. “But I sure can give you some winning advice! What do you say short fry? How about we team up so you can become the Pokemon Champion?”
“You’re saying that you’ll give me the advice to win,” Scootaloo thought. “And I’ll become the Pokemon Champion?”
“Right on, short fry!” Iron Will nodded. “I’ll be the brains, and you can be the brawn! Even though, I obviously have more brawn than you.” Iron Will raised his arm in the air and flexed a muscle. Torchic rolled his eyes.
“Well, I guess that’s a good strategy.” Scootaloo said.
“Then its settled! We’ll aim for the Pokemon Championship together!” Iron Will announced, bringing Scootaloo under his left arm and dramatically wiping the air with his right hand. “It’s your job as a Pokemon Trainer to collect badges, am I right? But Gym Leaders aren’t no pushovers!”
“You’re… choking… me…” Scootaloo struggled to say, desperately patting Iron will on his arm for air.
“But that’s where I come in!” Iron Will said, dropping Scootaloo on the floor. Torchic and Poochyena quickly ran to the mare, checking if she’s ok. “I’m here to provide you with the best advice! Expert advice!
So here’s the thing,” Iron Will whispered, making sure no pony could hear. “The Gym Leader of this place is a user of Ground-type Pokemon. Very durable little buggers, but they can’t stand Water, Grass, and Ice-type Pokemon!”
“Really?” Scootaloo asked. “I guess this is Poochyena and Scyther’s time to shine. You’ll have to sit this one out Torchic.”
“Torchic.” The small Pokemon frowned.
“Sorry Torchic, but Ground-types are super effective against Fire-types. Maybe the next gym.” Torchic nodded in response. “Thanks for the advice Iron Will!”
“Anytime, short fry!” Iron Will smiled, giving her a thumbs up. “Come see me afterwards, if you beat the gym leader. Well, go for it!”
“Right!” Scootaloo nodded. “Let’s go team!” Scootaloo’s Pokemon nodded in response as the group headed to the back of the barn. a large stack of hay stood against the back wall, illuminated by sunlight.
“Hiya, Scootaloo!” A familiar voice called. Scootaloo gazed up at the top of the hay pile to see Applebloom standing at the top, waving below. Treecko stood beside the mare, snickering at the frightened Torchic.
“Applebloom!?” Scootaloo exclaimed. “You’re the gym leader!?”
“Yeah!” Applebloom smiled. “I thought ah told you guys?”
“What? No!” Scootaloo said. “Wait, that doesn’t even make sense! You just started this adventure with Sweetie Belle and I!” Applebloom scoffed.
“It was all a clever ruse so I knew what you two were getting!” Applebloom grinned as she tossed a Pokeball in the air and caught it. “Now, are ya gonna challenge me or not?”
“Wha… Of course!” Scootaloo grinned.
“Alright!” Applebloom smirked. “Let’s do this! Go! Ninjask!” Applebloom tossed the Pokeball into the air. The Pokeball quickly broke open, and a white flash jumped out. The bright light floated in the air and faded, revealing a small, cicada-looking Pokemon with two pairs of wings. The Pokemon’s body was mainly yellow, with black and grey accents. Its large red eyes glowed in the light as it flew in the air.
“Ninjask!” The Pokemon hissed as it darted from one place to another in unbelievable speed. Scootaloo couldn’t even keep track of its speed.
“Ninjask!?” Scootaloo quickly reached into her bag and took out the Pokedex.
“Ninjask, the ninja Pokemon, and the evolved form of Nincada.” The Pokedex announced. “Because of its swift flight velocity, it can become impossible to see.”
“Impossible to see?” Scootaloo questioned. “But I can.. see it?” Scootaloo looked up to see nothing but Applebloom and Treecko.
“Did you send it back?” Scootaloo asked.
“Nope!” Applebloom grinned. “It’s just that fast! Now are you gonna fight me on not?”
“Thing’s not even a Ground-type.” Scootaloo mumbled. “No matter! Torchic, I guess this IS your time to shine!”
“Torchic!” Torchic exclaimed, leaping out from behind Scootaloo and running in front of her. “Torchic?” The small Pokemon looked around in confusion.
“Ninjask, use Fury Swipe!” Applebloom smirked. A soft hiss could be heard in the background, causing Torchic to look around in confusion.
“It’s a Bug-type Torchic!” Scootaloo yelled. “Use Ember!”
Suddenly, Ninjask appeared behind the small Pokemon, slashing at its back. Torchic chirped in pain and spun around, shooting a small ball of flame at nothing but air. Ninjask appeared again behind Torchic, swiping at its legs this time and tripping the poor Pokemon. Torchic fell to the ground face first, groaning in pain. It quickly rolled onto its back and shot a ball of fire into the air, hitting nothing.
“C’mon Torchic, focus!” Scootaloo begged. Torchic slowly got onto its feet and closed its eyes, blocking out all sounds. It listened intensly, Focusing all its Energy within. It finally opened its eyes when it heard the faint buzzing of Ninjask flying towards it from behind. Torchic quickly spun around and peppered little Embers at the air. Ninjask hissed in pain as the Ember caught its wings on fire. The ninja Pokemon flew around in a frenzy, before falling to the ground unconscious.
“Yes!” Scootaloo cheered. “Nice going Torchic!” Torchic turned to face Scootaloo and smiled.
“That was a good one!” Applebloom said. “But I still got one more Pokemon! Go! Treecko!” The green reptilian Pokemon grinned and leaped down from its perch, standing across from Torchic. The small bird Pokemon turned around just to jump in fear.
“Treecko…” The green Pokemon taunted. Torchic began to back up in fear, causing Treecko to move closer, its eyes locked with his.
“Torchic, you don’t have to be afraid!” Scootaloo assured to the frightened Pokemon. “You’re much stronger now! You can take him!”
“Treecko, use Quick Attack!” Applebloom yelled. Treecko grinned and lunged at the frightened Pokemon, its small hands in fists. Torchic closed its eyes in fear and waited for the worse to happen.
Torchic opened its eyes to see a large, scythe-like arm blocking Treecko’s attack. The small Pokemon gazed up to see Scyther glaring at the surprised green Pokemon. Poochyena stood next to the Torchic, growling at Treecko.
“Scyther Scy Scyther!” The tall insectoid Pokemon growled. It raised its arm off the ground and stood in front of Torchic. Treecko backed up in shock as the large Pokemon protected Torchic. Poochyena stood next to Scyther and barked. “Scyther SCYTHER!”
“Poochyena!” Poochyena agreed.
“You guys have just met each other in the Everfree Forest…” Scootaloo gaped. “And yet you protect each other like you’ve known each other forever.” Torchic curled out of its huddled ball and watched as the two Pokemon stood up to Treecko.
“SCYTHER!” Scyther roared, causing Treecko to growl and back away in fear. Poochyena growled and barked at the reptilian bully.
“Torchic?” The small bird Pokemon gasped. Scootaloo smiled and pet the small Pokemon on the head.
“You’re not alone anymore Torchic.” Scootaloo cooed. “You have Scyther and Poochyena now. And more to come later on! But more importantly, you have me…. We’re your family now Torchic.”
“Torchic…” The small Pokemon said.
“What in tarnations is going on over here?” a familiar voice called. A tall, orange furred mare walked into the middle of the field. Her hay yellow hair blew in the gentle breeze as she adjusted her famous hat.
“Applejack!” Scootaloo smiled. The orange mare ran up to the apple pony, giving her a tight hug.
“Scootaloo, is that you?” Applejack chuckled, returning the hug. “Well, ain’t that somethin’. You’ve grown bigger than Granny Smith said you did!”
“Applejack, its been so long!” Scootaloo said as she broke the tight embrace. “Where have you been?”
“Aww, you know me! Explorin’ the Equestrian Region ‘n’ all.” Applejack glanced over to Applebloom’s direction and sighed. “Applebloom, what did I say about making me a podium? I don’t need to look all dressed up ‘n’ such.”
“Wait, podium?” Scootaloo questioned. “Applejack, are you the Appleloosa Gym Leader!?”
“That’s right!” Applejack confirmed.
“I knew it! I knew you weren’t the gym leader Applebloom!” Scootaloo accused.
“But you still fell for it!” Applebloom said, laughing on top of the stacks of hay. Scootaloo mumbled and blew a raspberry at the laughing mare.
“Wait a minute.” Applejack said. “Applebloom, did you lie to Scootaloo and say you were the Gym Leader? You know I don’t like liars Applebloom.” Applebloom stopped laughing and frowned.
“Yes Applejack.” Applebloom said. “Sorry Scootaloo….”
“Its fine, Applebloom.” Scootaloo said. “But we’re so having a rematch in Las Pegasus!”
“You’re so on!” Applebloom agreed.
“Well then, now that I know you’re here to challenge me and not catch up on old times, let’s get down to business!” Applejack said with a smirk.
“Let’s go!” Scootaloo grinned. “I challenge you to a Pokemon battle!”
“Dohoho, and I accept!” Applejack chuckled.
“Go! Cubone!” Applejack said, tossing out a Pokeball with her lasso. The red and white capsule broke open in the air, and a white flash leaped out and onto the ground. The bright light faded to reveal a small bipedal Pokemon with a golden brown colour. Covering its face was a large skull, making only its eyes being visible under it. In one of its hands was a small bone.
“Cubone!” the Pokemon growled, waving its bone weapon in the air.
“Iron Will was right, she is a Ground-type Gym Leader.” Scootaloo whispered. “Alright! Go! Poochyena!” Poochyena leaped out from behind Scootaloo and landed in front of her, growling at the small brown Pokemon.
“A Poochyena, eh? You must’ve gone through the Everfree Forest.” Applejack smirked. “Y’all must be very tough then! Cubone, use Bone Club!” Cubone nodded and rushed at the Poochyena, holding its bone weapon like a bat.
“Poochyena, avoid that and use Bite!” Scootaloo yelled. Poochyena quickly moved to the side as Cubone slammed the area he was once in with his bone. The grey Pokemon ducked as Cubone swiped over its head with the bone. With a small growl, Poochyena waiting until Cubone swung again with its weapon. With a grin, it caught the bone in its mouth.
“C-Cubone!?” The brown Pokemon gasped. Poochyena furrowed its brow and pulled the bone out of the small Cubone’s hands, tossing it into the air. “CUBONE!!!”
“Nice going Poochyena!” Scootaloo cheered. “Keep the bone away from him!” Poochyena nodded and chased the small Cubone that ran towards the tossed bone. The grey dog Pokemon quickly Tackled Cubone from behind and ran over him to the bone, grabbing it in its maw.
“You did it now!” Applejack chuckled. “Cubone, use Headbutt!”
“Poochyena watch out!” Scootaloo called. Poochyena gazed back down with its one eye just to see Cubone smash its head into his. The grey Pokemon howled in pain, tossing the bone back into the air. Cubone quickly leapt on top of the dazed Poochyena and jumped up to get the bone. “Quick, pull it down with Bite!”
Poochyena quickly bit Cubone’s tail, causing the Pokemon to screech in pain and miss the bone completely. Cubone sniffled and hugged its tail in pain while Poochyena quickly grabbed the bone it its maw. The golden brown pokemon quickly tried to lunge for the bone, just to miss completely.
“Good, now just keep it away from it!” Scootaloo yelled. Poochyena nodded and sprinted away, followed by an enraged and saddened Cubone.
“What kind of strategy is that?” Applebloom asked from the top of the haystack, watching at Cubone tried to chase Poochyena.
“An effective one!” Scootaloo answered. “Poochyena's is known for having the highest endurance in Equestria, meaning its stamina is almost infinite! While Cubone-”
“-Doesn’t have infinite stamina.” Applejack finished as Cubone began to slow down before fainting due to fatigue. She smiled and returned the tired Pokemon back into its ball. Poochyena barked and returned Cubone’s bone back to Applejack. “That was a good strategy, but it ain’t over yet! Go! Sandslash!”
Applejack tossed out another Pokeball. The red and white ball broke open in mid air, and a white flash leaped out and onto the hay covered ground. The bright light faded to reveal a yellow and brown bipedal Pokemon. Its paws and feet were large claws while brown quills covered its back, giving it some defence.
“Sandslash!” The Pokemon hissed, raising its claws in the air.
“Poochyena, come back, you’ve done enough!” Scootaloo called, recalling Poochyena back to her side. “It’s your turn Scyther!” Poochyena quickly sprinted back to Scootaloo while Scyther walked back in front of the mare.
“Tch! Sandslash, use Rollout!” Applejack yelled. The small armadillo Pokemon quickly rolled into a spiked ball and rolled towards Scyther.
“Scyther, dodge and use Wing Attack!” Scootaloo called. Scyther growled and lunged to the side, narrowly dodging the spiked ball. Sandslash quickly stopped in front of Scootaloo and rolled towards the green Pokemon. Scyther roared and beat his wings, creating twin cyclones of wind and hay and launching them towards the incoming Pokemon. Sandslash rolled into the wind gusts, launching the Pokemon into the air.
“Aha!” Applejack grinned. “Use Rapid Spin!” Sandslash quickly opened up and began to spin vertically downwards towards Scyther. Scyther quickly crossed its blade-like arms in front of it and blocked the spinning Pokemon. The force of the hit caused the green Pokemon’s feet to grind on the ground. “Now, use Rollout!”
“Watch out Scyther!” Scootaloo yelled. Scyther quickly broke the block and slashed at the armadillo Pokemon, causing it to back off before rolling into a spiked ball.
Sandslash quickly rolled straight into Scyther, knocking into its head with its many quills. Scyther hissed in pain as the Sandslash flew over the green Pokemon and landed behind it. The Pokemon quickly rolled back into a ball and rushed straight into Scyther’s back, its spines grinding against the green Pokemon’s wings. Scyther fell to one knee, barely holding itself up with its scythe arm as it breathed heavily in pain. It winced as it tried to move its wings. Sandslash rolled around the room, before heading straight to Scyther to finish the job. Scyther winced and closed its eyes.
“Torchic!” Scyther’s eyes shot open just to see the small bird Pokemon take the hit of Sandslash’s attack head-on. Torchic’s chirp echoed in the large room as it fell to the ground, its feathers ruffled. Scyther crawled over to the hurt Pokemon, ignoring the sand Pokemon that rolled back to Applejack’s side. Torchic smiled as Scyther stood over the small bird, holding it with one of its arms.
“T-Torchic! Are you ok?” Scootaloo said as she rushed to her Pokemon’s side. Poochyena quickly ran next to the hurt Pokemon, concern on its small face.
“S-Scyther…?” The green Pokemon asked, obviously shocked. Torchic sheepishly smiled.
“Tor… chic…” The small Pokemon responded.
“Is the little guy ok?” Applejack asked as she began to walk over to the group.
“He’ll survive, but we might need to postpone the battle until another time-”
“Scyther.” The green Pokemon said, placing Torchic back on the hay covered ground and getting back up onto its feet.
“Scyther…” Scootaloo gasped. The tall green Pokemon stood straight and faced Applejack and Sandslash, a determined expression on its face. “Alright, we’ll do it your way! The fight’s still on Applejack!”
“That’s a mighty brave Pokemon you have, Scootaloo.” Applejack said, tilting her hat. “Sandslash, fight’s still on! Use Magnitude!” Sandslash nodded and slammed its claws into the ground. Suddenly, the whole ground began to shake, as a Magnitude 6 Earthquake shook the foundation of the barn. Pokemon and ponies began to lose their balance as the world shook. Applebloom cried as she and Treecko fell from the hay stacks and onto the ground.
And yet Scyther still rushed towards Sandslash, the earthquake doing nothing to the enraged Pokemon. Sandslash narrowed its eyes and raised the Magnitude to 7, causing hay and other assorted things to fall from the ceiling. Scyther continued to sprint, its eyes locked onto Sandslash. The green Pokemon quickly leaped into the air, raising its scythe-like arm over its head. Light reflected off the blade, creating a glare.
“Scyther!” Scootaloo yelled, looking at her Pokedex. “Use Fury Cutter!”
“SCYTHER!” The Pokemon roared with a battle cry as it slashed downwards, slicing through air like paper and hitting Sandslash as hard as it could. It landed behind the Pokemon, falling to one knee in pain. The golden brown Pokemon stood in a stunned state before falling to the ground, completely unconscious.
“Well I’ll be…” Applejack gasped. Scyther wobbled and got back up to its feet. The Pokemon looked over its shoulder to see Torchic smiling back.
“It’s not over yet!” Applejack grinned, returning Sandslash back to its Pokeball.. “Ah still have one more Pokemon under my hat!” Applejack tossed out her last Pokeball. The Pokeball broke in mid air, and a massive bright flash leaped out and slammed to the ground. The bright light faded to reveal a rhinoceros-looking quadruped Pokemon covered in many grey plates.
“RHYHORN!” The Pokemon roared, stomping its forelegs on the ground.
“Scyther, come back!” Scootaloo said. Scyther shakily limped back to Scootaloo, almost falling to the ground twice.
“Poochyena,” Scootaloo stared into the grey Pokemon’s eye. “This is all on you while I give Scyther and Torchic some Potions to dampen the pain.”
“Poochyena.” The grey Pokemon barked. Scootaloo nodded in response.
“Alright! Go! Poochyena!” Poochyena ran in front of the mare, growing at the massive grey horned Pokemon across from it.
“Rhyhorn, use Horn Attack!” Applejack yelled. Rhyhorn roared and charged towards the small dog, its horn pointed right to its chest. Poochyena quickly leaped to the side, causing the charging Pokemon to skid to a stop. The massive Pokemon slowly began to turn around, looking for the quick Pokemon.
“Poochyena, stay out of its path and use Bite!” Scootaloo yelled as she helped her other two Pokemon. Poochyena nodded and dodged another charge, this time Biting one of Rhyhorn’s back legs. The large rhino Pokemon roared in pain, trying to kick it away.
“Rhyhorn, use Stomp!” Rhyhorn roared and slammed its large foot on the ground, almost hitting Poochyena. The small Pokemon growled and ducked under its legs, avoiding all its steps. Poochyena grinned and bit Rhyhon’s soft underbelly, causing the grey rhino Pokemon to roar in pain. The grey dog Pokemon quickly ran out from under the large Pokemon’s legs as Rhyhorn slammed down its stomach.
Rhyhorn growled and rushed towards Poochyena, its Horn aimed downwards as it Attacked. Poochyena ran towards the charging Pokemon, its eyes narrowed. Suddenly, Poochyena’s body began to glow a bright white, making it look like a white blur.
“”What the?” Scootaloo said. “What’s going on? Poochyena! Are you…. Evolving…?” The white blur that was once Poochyena began to fade, revealing a larger Pokemon. Its fur was the same black and grey, but this time the black was more on its tail, back, and legs. A large amount of black fur was on the dog-like Pokemon’s back. Two black marking were under its red and yellow eyes, one which was still closed by the scar. The Pokemon leaped over Rhyhorn’s head, landing behind the charging animal and biting its back leg as hard as it could.
“Mightyena, the Bite Pokemon.” Scootaloo’s Pokedex announced as it scanned the new Pokemon. “Mightyena is the evolved form of Poochyena. They move primarily in packs, working together to capture its prey.”
“Mightyena!” The grey Pokemon howled. Rhyhorn groaned, its back legs hurt, causing it to be immobile.
“Mightyena has learned a new move!” The Pokedex added. Scootaloo looked at the small screen and then back at the large dog Pokemon.
“Alright!” Scootaloo yelled. “Let’s finish this! Mightyena, use Crunch!”
“Rhyhorn, use Rock Blast!” Applejack called. Rhyhorn roared and desperately dug out rocks with its forelegs, tossing them at the charging Mightyena with its head as a catapult. Mightyena dodged each rock, leaping into the air before Biting hard into Rhyhorn’s head, cracking the grey armor plates. Rhyhorn roared in pain, the loud bellow shaking the ground below. The Pokemon tried to get the large Mightyena off, but came to no avail. Finally, the large grey Pokemon fell unconscious.
“W-We did it?” Scootaloo gasped. “We did it! Oh my gosh oh my gosh oh my gosh!” Mightyena barked and ran over to Scootaloo, tackling her to the ground and licking her face in joy.
“We did it!” You did it!” Scootaloo giggled through licks. “And you evolved too! Now you’re even stronger than before!”
“Mightyena!” the grey Pokemon barked. Torchic jumped on top of the grey Pokemon in celebration, cheering about the victory. Scyther and Mightyena stared at each other, neither saying a word. Scyther nodded in acknowledgement. Mightyena nodded in response.
“Well, that settles it then!” Applejack said, returning Rhyhorn back into its Pokeball and walking over to Scootaloo.. “With my defeat and your win, ah present to you: the Apple badge!” Scootaloo almost squeed as Applejack gave her the first Gym badge. The small badge was shaped in the same way as Applejacks cutie mark, with gold outlining the red apples. Scootaloo carefully took the small badge and clipped it onto her Saddlebag strap.
“Yes!” Scootaloo cheered. “I’ve got the Apple badge!”
“Mightyena!”
“Torchic Tor!”
“Hey, now we both have Apple Badges!” Applebloom squeed.
“Yeah!” Scootaloo cheered. “We’re both now one step closer to becoming the champion!” The two mares jumped for joy.
“Whoa! What a breathtaking victory!” said a familiar voice. The two mares turned to see Iron Will approaching them with Sweetie Belle in tow.
“Sweetie Belle! You made it!” Applebloom said, hugging her friend. “Sorry we- I mean I- didn’t wait for you. I wanted to just get a head start.”
“Its fine, Applebloom! No need for apologizes!” Sweetie Belle said, returning the hug.
“Hey short fry, what did I tell you?” Iron Will said. “Was I right or was I right?” Scootaloo sighed and chuckled in response.
“You were right.” Scootaloo said. Iron Will fist pumped the air.
“I told you!” Iron Will cheered. “Kid, you and me. We make a great team! You must feel awesome having the Apple Badge!”
“Now, before y’all go, you three know about the trains, right?” Applejack asked.
“Yep,” Sweetie Belle said. “Twilight told us before we left Ponyville.”
“Good.” Applejack nodded. “The only way to Las Pegasus is through the San Palomino Desert just west of here. Now you three be careful now, there might be a sandstorm a brewin’ and there’s some Pokemon in that desert you don’t want to bump into.”
“We will!” Applebloom said. “besides, our journey wouldn’t be fun without some danger. especially when we’re the Cutie Mark Crusaders-”
“POKEMON TRAINERS!”
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