My Little Pokémon

by Amarvax

Canterlot Tournament

Author's Note:

This is where the fun begins.

Johto Region. 2 weeks ago before a fateful event.

"The ponies seem to be getting better as trainers from the looks of it." BigTime Ben was at his home, exhausted at the moment as he let out a yawn. "So many of them are learning tricks and skills along the way. Mostly the pegasi. Guess it's that warrior blood from the past, right Gothitelle?"

"Gothitelle..."

"But ya know...With the Equestria League arena almost finished, a lot of them are climbing up fast in the ranks. Some more than others at an unusual rate. By the time the arena's been fully built, a large majority of them would've already beaten all 8 gyms."

"Telle."

"Which makes me curious...I wonder who's the strongest pony trainer of them all?" He sat down on a chair, pondering to himself. "It's pretty fun to think about..."

Thoughts swirled around his ever-expanding mind. He imagined the pony trainers, at least, the best of the best so far, battling it out at their current best. Then the answer was obvious. It was staring at him in the face the entire time. An idea that was sure to put the ponies to the test to see just how far they've truly come.

"That's it!" He stood up, startling his Gothitelle. "We'll hold a mini-tournament! Where we'll see which trainers are currently the strongest and who'll really make it to Equestria League sooner than others!"

"Gothitelle?"

"Let's see the results of all their hard work! It'll be a great warm-up for the League." Ben got to work, skipping out on sleep tonight. He would have to build a tournament stage in a few days. That won't be a problem thanks to the overwhelming amount of Pokemon he owns.

The days that follow after this will spark the beginning of the first Pokemon Tournament in Equestria.

---

Fast forward to the present day.

News has already travelled far. And why wouldn't it? There is a tournament coming to Equestria. Located right at Canterlot of course. No better place to host it. And the ponies that were the most excited were none other than the trainers who aimed to come out on top in the Equestria League. This was their moment to really show their stuff before the big event.

"Ooh!" Rainbow Dash gawked at a flier that sponsored the tournament. "Ooh!" She showed it off to her friends, shoving it in their faces. "Oo-"

"Yes, Rainbow Dash. You're excited. We can tell." Twilight said with her eyes down.

"Excited doesn't even begin to describe it! I'm...I'm...I don't know what's greater than excited, but I'm feeling it alright!"

"A Pokemon Tournament in Canterlot. This is a big deal, ya know." Ash looked up.

"Yeah, it is!" Rainbow bellowed. "This is my chance! My chance to show everypony just how good of a trainer I am! That'll make em all know I'm more than capable of tackling the Equestria League. Whenever it's ready."

"An entire tournament that'll last for an entire week? That sounds intense..." Fluttershy commented.

"And all those ponies in one spot?" Rarity gave her Mareep a pat, feeling some shocks in the process. Although, her Mareep's electricity was oddly comforting at times. "I can only imagine how aggressive and destructive the battles will end up becoming."

"I'll say. Canterlot might get flattened with that tournament," said Applejack.

"If I win in this tournament, I'm gonna shoot up in the ranks! 4th place won't even exist anymore for me!"

"But ya know, Dash...there might be super tough trainers in that tournament, ya know," Ash warned her. "You never know who's surprisingly skilled and crafty."

"Pika."

"Ash is right." Twilight stood up. "Everypony has their own way of battling with their own unique tricks that they're hiding. Somepony can get the better of you with a strategy that you've never thought of."

"Relax. I know what I'm up against. After Sunset Shimmer, I've learned my lesson for sure. Besides, I'm aiming for the top 3. Spitfire, Daylight and Princess Luna. They're for sure gonna be there. If I beat them, then maybe, just maybe, it'll take me to number one!"

"Castform!" Castform flew out of Rainbow Dash's bag, ready to cheer her on.

"But uh...are you going to bring Castform with you?" Fluttershy asked. "She's hasn't really been in a Pokemon battle yet. Is it a good idea to have her in a tournament with so many talented trainers?"

"Castform's gonna sit this one out. Sorry, buddy. You're just not ready yet."

"Cast..." The Weather Pokemon went back inside of her saddle-bag, sulking. But it was for the best. If her first battle ended up being in a tournament, she would get steamrolled in a second.

"Instead of a normal tournament, it's to see how we're all doing as trainers, huh." Twilight pondered. "I wonder how far we've actually come."

"I'd say we've grown as trainers. Still got a long way to go." Applejack replied. "But uh...not sure how we compare to Rainbow Dash."

"Ah!" Hearing that gave Rainbow Dash a brilliant idea. At least, to her anyway. "Why don't you all you join in as well?"

"Us? Join in?" Twilight pulled back.

"Oh, I don't know Rainbow Dash. We weren't really thinking of joining the tournament actually." Fluttershy slumped on a seat. "Well..not me at least."

"I'm not sure we're fit for a tournament. But if it were a tournament around baking, then I'd enter in a heartbeat!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

"Join?" Applejack thought for a moment. If she were to join this tournament, that would show her how far she's come and what she has to improve on. Lately, Applejack has been focused on Pokemon battling these past few weeks. And for good reason. In order to protect the ones she loves, she's put a ton of her dedication into understanding the art of the Pokemon Battle. So much so that her duty at Sweet Apple Acres has shifted from apple picking to battling recently. "Ain't a bad idea. I'll join it."

"You will?" Fluttershy turned to AJ.

"That's what I like to hear, AJ!" Rainbow Dash squeed. "What about you Rarity?"

"Hmm..." To everypony's surprise, Rarity was actually thinking about this. She was one of the very few ponies they'd expect to consider something like this. After a bit of thinking, she came to a conclusion. Her reason was the same as Applejack. All about family and friends after all. "Sure."

"That makes two! Yes! And you, Twilight?" Rainbow then turned her attention to Twilight.

"Well...I don't know. Am I really capable of battling against that many ponies?" Twilight scratched her mane.

"Bah. It won't be that bad." Rainbow Dash flew up. "Take a look at that." She then pointed her hoof over at the ranking boards where it shows the current ranks of Equestria's best trainers so far.

As always, she's ranked number 4. But, heading below that and further down, a lot of trainers are ranked fairly low. Mostly because not that many of them have racked up wins or participated in Pokemon battling that much. Even though Twilight and the others besides Rainbow Dash weren't on that board since she wasn't aiming for the Equestria, some of the trainers here seem to be, unfortunately, lagging behind.

So much so that a large majority of them haven't ranked up at all. Their current position has stayed the same with their win and loss count also being static.

"It hasn't changed at all?" Twilight went up to the board.

"Not one bit. I betcha they haven't been battling that often. But you have, ya know." Rainbow nudged the young alicorn. "What'dya say? You gonna join in?" Rainbow Dash was really wanting some of her friends to join in. For the sake of enjoyment with the ponies she enjoys being around.

"Well., I want to get stronger obviously. So...I guess participating in it won't be that bad. It's only for a week afterwards." Twilight had decided to join in as well. "But. If I'm joining in, I'll need to bring some Pokemon from PokePark to help. Dewott and Bisharp seem to be pretty good options."

"Perfect! I think that's good enough for me!" Rainbow Dash clapped her hooves together. "This is gonna be so awesome!"

"Even though Pinkie Pie, Spike and I aren't joining, We'll cheer you all on," Fluttershy said. "So um, when do we leave?"

"Right now! I don't wanna miss out on registration!" Rainbow Dash was already prepared to take her leave. A few select ponies from Ponyville would be participating in this tournament whilst the rest will just be there to watch.

And what of Canterlot right now? Well, thanks to Ben's Pokemon, the stage had been set. Smack dab in a space where Canterlot has zero surroundings. No buildings, nature, nothing. Which made it perfect for the tournament to take place.

Like many Pokemon tournament arena's, this one was shaped like a dome with a large hole in the middle for the skies to be seen. Millions of seats for ponies to sit on, along with screens that will show the trainers, their Pokemon and the victor. It looked like a real authentic Pokemon arena. And it's the first of its kind in Equestria.

"Amazing..." Luna gazed at the sight of the tournament setting. The only thing going through her head right now was being on that stage, battling against other ponies with her team. This was a moment that far surpassed Gym Battles to her. And a moment that made her inner filly stir up. As if Pokemon battling didn't do that already.

"Excited are we, Luna?" Celestia went up to her little sister. "I can tell that everypony else is looking forward to this.

"Excited doesn't even begin to describe it. Oh, I wish mother and father were here right now. If only they could see me now."

"They can Luna. Everywhere even." Celestia looked around the halls of Canterlot, implying that their parents were watching from every corner of the world.

"Oh, right. Well, either way! I'd best choose the best team I have! But, what about you? Won't you partake in it?"

"Me? Oh, well I'll sit out of this. I think I'd prefer to spectate."

"That's a shame. It would be interesting to see you compete at your very best."

"Well..." Celestia looked up. "I am curious on how much I've developed as a trainer. But with Passion having plasma at her disposal, perhaps it would be a better idea to sit this one out for safety reasons."

"Fair enough. I'll be outside! Make sure you watch me at my very best!" Luna squeed as she teleported out of Celestia's vicinity.

"We're in for a long week, you two."

"Kirlia."

"Arcanine."

---

Arriving at Canterlot, ponies from across Equestria had gathered around in this one location. Whether to spectate or partake in the tournament, either way, they'll have a blast. If you look closely, you'll see that a majority of the ponies here are mainly pegasi. Others such as earth ponies and unicorns are present but they're greatly outnumbered by the pegasi.

Each of them made their way to the stadium. Those spectating had gone straight towards the seats or were just waiting and getting some snacks while the ones participating were asked to wait in the lounge room where the trainers will be in.

"Man...I wish I could join but I'm not allowed to. Bummer." Ash lowered his head, sulking. He was really looking for an opportunity to battle in a tournament but since he's a high-level trainer, that wasn't happening.

"Don't worry. Cheer up." Fluttershy gave him a pat on the back. "You still have the World Championships to look forward to after all."

"Pikachu."

Ash and the others who weren't participating took their seats already, getting a good angle of the arena. In the middle of the arena, they noticed that the Equestria flag was plastered there to replace the usual Poke Ball that's always seen. They really changed this up to fit Equestria's motif.

"I can't wait for this to start!" Apple Bloom squeed. "What about you, Sweetie Belle?"

"Same here! But uh...I'm just waiting for the contest halls to be finished already."

"They're getting completed next week anyway. So by the time this tournament is over, Equestria would've already had its first Pokemon Contest Hall." Pinkie Pie responded.

"Contests? Tournaments? I've got a lot to catch up on." Starlight groaned.

"I'm just happy to be here!" Goh exclaimed.

"Raboot..."

It wasn't just them spectating, Team Rocket, going under their usual brilliant disguises of tourists had decided to watch this tournament for themselves.

"A tournament for ponies?" Jessie sat down.

"How fun!" said James.

"A first of its kind!" Meowth nodded.

"Wobuffet!"

Over at the waiting lounge, many of the ponies had already entered with the Pokemon of their choice decided. Since not everypony has a full team of Pokemon, some only have one at their disposal, each battle will be a 1v1 to make it simpler. Otherwise, it'd just be unfair to the poor sucker who goes up against a full team of 6 Pokemon.

Rainbow Dash examined the room, seeing the kind of ponies she'll be going up against. A small percentage of them were her friends while a large majority were either ponies she recognizes or completely new faces. From the looks of it, some of them were capable trainers.

"If I can just pick the weaker ones out like plums, it'll be smooth sailing from here." Rainbow Dash said.

"I don't know Rainbow Dash," Twilight replied. "We don't even have a clue on what kind of Pokemon most of them have. They could each own Pokemon that resists all of ours."

"One thing is for sure, I own Pokemon capable of countering each of you." Along came Princess Luna, feeling extra confident about this. Everypony turned to her, immediately realizing that they might end up going up against her if they climb up the tournament. "Will all 18 types at my disposal, I'll know which Pokemon to use against my opponents."

"Princess Luna?!" Rarity gasped. "Ooh, we should've seen this coming."

"W-We're not gonna face off against Darkrai now are we?" Twilight chuckled nervously whilst looking at Darkrai who was lurking in the corners. The Pitch Black Pokemon knew that he was capable of taking everypony and their Pokemon out on his own. His face didn't show it but deep down, he's smirking.

"Darkrai's my ace. You can expect me to use him very often of course. But do not worry Twilight Sparkle. I will be generous and use my other Pokemon against you. But I will show no mercy. I plan to win!"

"G-Great..." The Princess of Friendship gulped.

"This is a big deal Grovyle. You think you can do this?" Applejack asked her partner.

"Grovyle!"

"Alright. You're the strongest Leavanny I have." Rarity looked at a single Leavanny. This particular Leavanny was the best one compared to its brothers and sisters. And it can take a beating more than the others.

"Leavan!"

"And Mareep. This is your time to shine, darling." Rarity held her Mareep, getting a slight shock.

"Reep!"

"Alright, you three..." Twilight pulled Eve, Minccy and Vulpix in. "This is gonna be a rough one. Everypony here's a big threat most likely. Especially Princess Luna. So we're going to have to give it our all. But don't worry. Dewott and Bisharp will be there to help, right you two?"

"Dewott!" Dewott nodded with his arms crossed.

"Bisharp!" Bisharp raised his bladed arms in the air.

"So many trainers..." Scootaloo gulped. "Is it okay to panic now?"

"Don't worry, kiddo. You'll be fine." Rainbow Dash hovered over to Scootaloo. "Just hope that you don't go up against me. I already know who I've got my eyes on." Rainbow noticed that Daylight Blazer was here. Not only that, but even Spitfire was here. The ponies she was hoping for had participated.

Ben watched from behind the curtains, seeing that everypony was ready. It was probably best to begin so that they all wouldn't be kept waiting.

"Alright. Whew." Ben held his breath in. "I've never announced something big before. But it'll be fine...Alright, Gothitelle. Let's have the trainers head out the arena for the opening ceremony. It's big enough to fit em all."

"Goth." The Astral Body Pokemon raised up her hands, opening the doors to the arena. High up on the walls, a screen had the words 'Opening Ceremony' on them. Giving the sign that every trainer would have to head out so that they could see who's going up against who.

"That's our cue," Luna said to everypony. Once they were given the light from the doors, each of them had walked out in a single file.

The entire crowd watched as the competitors made their way out into the arena with Luna being the first to come out. Boy, there were a lot of them. There's a reason why this was going to last a week. If you were to count, there would be at least 100 of them. And that makes sense since most are participants in the Equestria League.

For some flash, lights shined down every last one of them with every colour imaginable. Each of the trainers were asked to bring out their ace Pokemon and let them stand side by side to them. Some had already done that since they keep their Pokemon out of their Poke Balls.

For Twilight, she chose her Espeon. Applejack her Grovyle, Rarity her strongest Leavanny, Rainbow Dash her Braviary, Luna her Darkrai, Daylight his Blaziken, Scootaloo her Ponyta and so on and so forth.

With the crowd cheering, getting all pumped up, the large screen in the middle had turned on, preparing to reveal who's going up against who for the first-round matchups. Faces of all kinds were shown, left and right. Everypony had their opposing foe already selected.

Each of the ponies looked specifically at their spot. Some were surprised by who they were about to battle while others weren't. Applejack was the most surprised of she was facing off against first. It was none other than the pony who caused her Grovyle to evolve. Roseluck and her Roserade. Not only that, but it was both of them who were the first to battle. So once this opening ceremony ends, they're up first. Rainbow Dash, Twilight and Rarity were given ponies from the Crystal Empire to go up against.

Twilight looked closely at the screen spotting an unexpected competitor who was going up against somepony from Ponyville. This was a surprise and a million. The one pony she never expected to participate had joined in. It was none other than the oldest of the three siren sisters.

Adagio.

Oh very dear.

"Adagio?" Twilight gasped as she turned around, spotting the siren in the crowd. Why was Adagio here? And why did she want to participate in the first place. Questions that ran through Twilight's head that might be answered very soon.

With the stage set and everypony having their first-round opponents, the Canterlot Tournament, the first-ever, can finally begin as the journey continues!

Chapter 220 End!

Comments

[castroedgar316]

And so it begins.

Thanks for using another one of my ideas. Also, do you know when you'll use the other idea a shared with you?

[Amarvax]

10573152
Mhm. For sure.

[SonnL]

Just curious, are there safeguards to prevent magic users (like unicorns and alicorns) from using magic to cheat like in the Equestria Games? And what would keep Adagio from sabotaging the tournament?

[Amarvax]

10573245
Adagio's reason for being there will be revealed in the next chapter. As for protection, you can count on Pyrestar for that.

[GamePlayer64]

I wonder if there will be a hired Move Tutors to teach Equestria Trainers some moves for their Pokémon to counter their type disadvantages

[cheerful9]

10573251
Since we just saw Team Rocket in this chapter, we should see more of them in the next chapter.

[Kitsulestia]

10570692
And when will Stellar Heart, Night Strike and Repede come in?

[GamePlayer64]

10573245
What if she’s entering to win? You know, she wins as Twilight. her friends and everyone she ticks off with her victory and create some negativity to absorb by her arrogance?

[cheerful9]

10573251
Quick question. Are all of the Mane 6 enter the Equestria league when you get to season 9?

[SWEETOLEBOB18]

"Excited doesn't even begin to describe it! I'm...I'm...I don't know what's greater than excited, but I'm feeling it alright!"

Pinkie Pie = greater