Upon meeting Silverbolt, Rarity, and Pinkie, our heroes found they were on their way to Cloudsdale, home of Applejack and Sky's next Gym battle. It wasn't long before Bolt challenged Sky to a fierce Pokémon battle ending in a tie. With a test to see how strong Sky was, Silverbolt realized that his journey to winning the Equestrian League had another obstacle in his path. And this was one that he was happy about. Now the massive group is making their way toward their destination, but first, they've made a quick pitstop in the nearby city.

"Mayflower City, one of the biggest places that not only has tons of beautiful sights but one of the biggest shopping malls!" shouted Rarity in excitement as she squealed in delight.

"Seems someone loves to shop," said Sky sarcastically.

"Well, seeing as how we're here. Why not take a chance to see what this place offers?" suggested Twilight.

"Sounds like a plan," stated Applejack.

The farm girl pulled out her Pokédex, showing the city map.

"Seems there are many things we can do. There are shopping malls, like Rarity said. Restaurants, a sports center. Heck, there's even a Pokémon garden."

"Sports center?!" said Rainbow as her attention was grabbed.

"Pokémon garden?!" said Fluttershy with a big smile.

"I'm more hungry than anything. Been a while since I had a good burger," said Sky.

"You know where I'm going!" shouted Rarity as she quickly took off toward the mall.

"Guess we're splitting up," said Silverbolt.

"How 'bout we all go do our own things and meet up at the Pokémon Center later?" suggested Twilight as they all nodded.

The huge group soon broke apart as they went off in separate directions.

Rarity was rushing toward the biggest mall Mayflower city had as she nearly ran over the other people. The double doors slid open as they welcomed the fashionista to a huge space of vast stores inside.

"I can't believe it..." gasped Rarity as she felt like a kid in a candy store.

"Rarity, slow down, please," said Twilight as she and Pinkie went off with the girl.

"Slow down, darling. We're the big city! We must take this opportunity to relish in it. Especially after the many days I spent sleeping out on the dirt." Rarity wasn't the biggest fan of camping.

"Ooh, 50% off on ice cream!" shouted Pinkie as she zipped toward the ice cream parlor.

"Great, looks like I lost Pinkie as well," stated Twilight. The lavender girl then began heading into the mall to get supplies.


A machine shot out a baseball that came rushing at 50 miles per hour. It headed in that direction as a crack sound followed it. A baseball bat was shown as it swung and collided with the ball. It hit the massive net that was set around the batting cage. The screen on the side registered the power and force of Rainbow's swing.

"I am so in love with you right now," stated Silverbolt.

"What?" said Rainbow as she didn't quite hear what was said.

"Nothing!" exclaimed the boy as he was sweating bullets from what he said. He then gave a sheepish smile to the girl as she didn't think much of what was said.

Rainbow took off her helmet as she flipped her hair back and forth. For a moment, in Bolt's eyes, time moved slowly as a spotlight shined down on the chromatic-haired girl as her hair moved about. Rainbow then ran her hand through her hair, adding more to her beauty. All the while, Bolt felt his face getting warmer.

"Your turn."

"Huh?" said Silverbolt as he was taken out of his mind.

"I said it's your turn," stated Rainbow as she tossed the helmet to Bolt, who fumbled with it before getting a hold of it.

"R-Right," said the boy as he put on his gloves and helmet.

Silverbolt grabbed the bat and took a position near the plate. He placed the wooden stick on his shoulder and gripped it tightly. The machine in front of him was charging up as if it would shoot out the ball any second. The teen took a deep breath, trying to focus, not to mention that Rainbow was watching as he wanted to impress the girl.

The machine fired a baseball, zooming ahead with force and momentum. The boy let out a breath as he then swung the bat. It made a smacking sound as Bolt managed to make contact with the small round thing and sent it sailing backward. The baseball hit the net as the screen on the side registered his power and displayed it.

"Hey, pretty good. I mean, I still got a higher number, but you know, for someone who is a geek, not bad," stated Rainbow as she looked at the screen.

"Thanks, though. You really still gotta call me a geek," said Silverbolt as he took off his helmet.

"I'm just screwing with ya, bud. Take a joke," stated Dash as she punched the boy in the shoulder.

"How can I? You used to play jokes on me when we were kids," chuckled Silverbolt as he rubbed his shoulder where Rainbow punched him.

"Aw, come on! I was just having fun with you!" said the girl as she exited the batting cage.

The pair continued with the sports center; Bolt mostly did this as he wanted the girl to be happy. And the fact that no one else wanted to go with Rainbow, he'd figured it would give him some alone time with the girl. They ran through many other sports as Rainbow showed off her skills.

Despite Rainbow winning most of the sports they did, Silverbolt was still enjoying himself as seeing the girl with a huge smile on her face was enough to put one on his.

The pair were now on a soccer field; Rainbow had a ball in her hand before placing it by her feet.

"First to five wins," she said.

"And what makes you think I stand a chance against you?" asked Bolt as he felt this was a mismatch.

"You don't tell that to every trainer that wants to battle you?" responded the girl.

"That's different," answered Bolt.

"They are the same thing." answered back the chromatic girl. "Look, you used to play with us when we were kids, and you had a decent kick. I want to see what you can do."

"Yeah, but that was so long ago. I haven't played soccer since I was a kid, and even then, you still kicked my ass," stated Silverbolt.

"Damn right!" stated Rainbow, expressing her cockiness.

"You're supposed to make me feel better about myself," stated the boy.

"Look, I just want to see how good you are," said Rainbow, "You're the kind of guy who, if you put your mind to it, can accomplish anything. That I admire, plus I wanna have fun with you. Besides, there's nobody around to watch when I kick your ass, right?"

Bolt just raised his eyebrow at her. There's no way he could beat her. Not in a million years. She was already ten times the athlete he'll ever be. Still, the way Rainbow was determined to see what he could do did bring a smile to her face.

"Alright, you're on. First to five." said the boy.

Rainbow's smile grew bigger. "And to show you how nice I am, I'll give you the ball first." She nudged the ball over to Silverbolt and backed up a little. She rolled her neck, making cracking noises. "I hope you're ready, geek."

Bolt took a deep breath as he watched her ready herself. Rainbow stood with her feet apart, seemingly ready for anything he might try. The teen contemplated everything he could do and considered what she could do to counter it.

"You better do something before I take the ball from you," said Rainbow, hopping on her feet, ready to counter whatever he might attempt.

After about thirty seconds of contemplating plays and moves, Bolt decided to wing it. With a quick move, he dribbled the ball off to the side. Just as he suspected, Rainbow was ready and sidestepped to block him. But he was also ready and faked her out by darting in the other direction. Surprisingly, it worked, and the boy dribbled the ball to her goal as best as possible.

"Not so fast!" cried out Rainbow. She raced over to the goal to guard it and hopped on her feet to ready herself.

With a swift move, Bolt kicked the ball toward the goal. Rainbow dove to block it... and missed. The ball sailed right by her feet and into the net. The boy was in awe of himself. He hadn't played the game since he was a kid and still remembered some maneuvers, but he scored the game's first goal. Against Rainbow Dash, no less. Bolt let out a smile of joy as he enjoyed himself. Rainbow got up, brushing the grass off of her clothes. She got the ball from the back of the goal.

"Alright, superstar, you got lucky." she said, smirking, "Let's see how you do on defense."

Rainbow tossed the ball down, and before it could register in Silverbolt's mind, she kicked the ball up with the top of her foot and headbutted it over his head. She bolted to the ball, and Bolt did his best to keep up. He chased after her as she expertly dribbled the ball. She wasn't even three-quarters of the way across the field before she kicked it hard, and it flew into Bolt's goal, bringing the score to a tie. Rainbow glanced back at her friend with a smirk and her hands on her hips. It was a rather alluring pose, but the teen refocused his mind on the game as it was now his ball.

Bolt jogged to his goal and got the ball. He didn't know any fancy tricks like Rainbow, but he knew how to fake someone. He moved his foot as he was about to kick it, and it worked exactly as planned. Rainbow strafed to the side, and Bolt seized the opportunity by kicking it in the opposite direction. Unfortunately, she was too fast, and his kick was too weak. She stopped the ball with her knee and, in an expert move, kicked it up with her foot and headbutted it right into the boy's goal. Silverbolt glanced back at the ball and back at her. His eyes were wide at how she expertly executed the play in such a pinch. Rainbow stood heroically with her hands on her hips and that signature smirk.

"Nice try," she said.

The teen gritted his teeth as he went back to get the ball. Now he was fired up. He scored one goal; he could score another, At least one more. While Bolt was firing himself up, Rainbow saw the boy displaying his grit, one of the many things she remembered about him. Whenever he was kicked down, he didn't stay down for long as he popped right back up with a determined look; it was why she loved to face the kid when they were little, and admittedly was cute, even attractive, one would say.

Bolt placed the ball down and decided to just kick it. With all of his might, he gave the ball a good punt, which Rainbow, of course, blocked and kicked right back into his goal, earning her a third point. With a heavy sigh, he went back to get the ball again. Now, he wasn't wasting any time thinking. He was just going to wing it again. Without a second thought, he threw the ball down and began dribbling over to Rainbow's field side. By some miracle, it caught Rainbow off guard, and he got to pass her! His eyes are locked on the goal, dribbling as fast as he can. He was almost there.

Unfortunately, he lost his balance and tripped, falling flat on his face. Rainbow was about to get it before Bolt quickly got up, swiftly using his knee to push it out of her reach and buying him just enough time to regain control of the ball. He chuckled in his head at the sound of Rainbow growling behind him. The boy abruptly kicked the ball into her goal, bringing him up to two points. Now it was his turn to look smugly at his opponent.

Rainbow gave Bolt a look of annoyance as she got the ball. The boy kept on his toes, waiting to see what she'd try next. She turned around and quickly kneed the ball over his head. At least, she tried too, but Bolt used his head to block it and miraculously hit it back into her goal, bringing the score back to a tie. Rainbow's eyes looked more determined than ever. She got the ball and stared the boy dead in the eye.

She dropped the ball, maintaining eye contact with Bolt. She smirked and kicked the ball under his legs before he had time to think. As soon as he realized what had happened, his face heated up. Bolt could hear Rainbow laughing as he chased her. Inevitably, with the goal vulnerable, she scored again.

Not waiting to see her smirk at him, Bolt headed straight for the ball and wasted no time dribbling it over to the other side of the field. Rainbow tried to stop him, but he managed to thwart each of her attempts. He got past her and kicked the ball at the halfway line, scoring another point. Bolt glanced at Rainbow, but she was already heading for the ball. His heart was pounding. This was it. Four to four. The next point wins. Rainbow's stare was filled with ice-cold determination and zeal. It was like looking in a mirror. She began dribbling the ball expertly, blocking every one of Bolt's attempts to steal the ball.

Nevertheless, he kept trying. When it became clear that he'd never be able to steal the ball from her, he decided to go on the defensive. Bolt sprinted to the goal to guard it, hopping from side to side to prepare himself for anything she may do. Furling her eyebrows, she kicked the ball, and he dove in its direction. But he missed, and it went flying over his head into the goal.

"Whoo!" she cries, jumping up and down as Silverbolt lays there pathetically in the grass. The ball lands right in front of his face, almost like it's mocking you. He looked to his side to see Rainbow standing over him with a smirk. She held her hand out to the boy. "C'mon, let's get you up."

The teen sighed and took her hand to help him stand up.

"Whew! You really should give yourself more credit," Rainbow said. "That's one of the most intense games I've ever played."

"Really?" said Bolt.

"Totally!"

"I mean… it was only one-on-one."

"Stop being so modest," Rainbow says. "It was one-on-one with me, and you almost won."

The boy felt himself blushing as he rubbed his neck. "I guess…"

Rainbow laughed, "Thanks for playing with me. I needed that."

"Yeah… no problem," he said. "It was fun."

"See?" the girl said, giving Bolt a playful punch. "It wasn't as bad as you thought, right?"

"Right," responded the boy with a small chuckle.


Applejack, Fluttershy, and Sky were shown exiting a restaurant as they all had smiles.

"That was a good burger," Sky said as his tummy agreed.

"I thought my family made some good apple pie, but that was a close second," said Aj as she gave the kitchen staff some credit that they knew how to make a good pie.

"Can we go see the garden?" asked Fluttershy.

"Sure thing," answered Sky.

The trio then made their way to the location of the Pokémon garden. The entrance alone was full of people and Pokémon as they were enjoying themselves. Flowers and tons of ponds were shown filled with Pokémon playing about.

"It's beautiful," said Fluttershy as seeing the many Pokémon and having fun made her smile. She then tossed out her Pokéball.

"Eevee!" said the fox Pokémon as she appeared before her trainer.

"Go have fun," smiled Fluttershy.

Eevee nodded as she made her way to a playground. The Pokémon met a Fennekin, Jumpluff, and Ledyba near a seesaw. The fox Pokémon said hello to the trio as they began to have fun on the playground.

"You too," said Fluttershy as she had Metapod in her hands and set it between the four Pokémon.

"Metapod," said the cocoon as he blinked.

The four Pokémon looked at the chrysalis Pokémon before they began to playfully lean him from side to side.

"Metapod!" was all the Pokémon as he couldn't do anything.

While Fluttershy was keeping herself busy near the playground area of the garden, Sky and Applejack noticed a sizeable crowd off in the distance. The pair approached them as they wanted to see what was going on.

"Hey, what's going on?" asked Sky.

"A Pokémon battle. Rebecca has won four matches in a row," said a small kid.

The pair looked to where the kid was pointing as there was a girl who was but a few years younger than them. The girl had a Pokémon in front of her as they were currently on a roll with four straight battles.

"Murkrow, wrap this up!" stated the girl.

The bird Pokémon heard her command as he headed straight for its opponent. In a flash, the Pokémon was on the ground with swirls for eyes.

"She's currently been on a hot streak. That's her fourth win in a row!" said the small boy to both teens.

"I see," said Sky as Applejack pulled out her Pokédex to see what Pokémon Rebecca had.

"Murkrow, the Darkness Pokémon. It's unusual to see a Murkrow flying around during the day; they generally sleep until dusk and do their flying at night. They keep an eye out for sparkly objects, which they sometimes offer as a gift to a Trainer."

"Thank you all. But it was no doubt that I would be winning. After all, my Pokémon are the best, and no one around can beat us, " said Rebecca as she boasted about her winning streak. The crowd seemed to agree with her statement as they began to chant her name.

"Quite a rowdy bunch, ain't they," scoffed Applejack at how the younger girl was able to start a rally.

"Well, can you blame her? Nobody has had a chance to beat her. She's just starting her adventure, and she's already this good. Why I beat, she might even win the Equestrian League." said the small boy.

"Well, I know that's a lie," responded Sky.

"How come?" asked the small boy.

"'Cause I'm the one that's gonna win," stated the teen as he stepped through the crowd.

The crowd still chanted for Rebecca when Sky's foot was shown on the ground. They saw the teen as he looked like he was about to throw down the gauntlet.

"Hey, there. My name's Sky. I heard that you're unbeatable. Mind if I take a crack at you?" asked the boy as he was hoping she would accept his challenge.

"I see word travels fast around here. In that case, I accept. My name is Rebecca, and you're gonna be my fifth victory."

"Yeah, we'll see about that," snickered Sky.

"It'll be a three-on-three battle. And the winner is decided when you take out all of your opponent's Pokémon. That sound good?" asked Rebecca.

"That's fine by me. Hey, Aj, care to be the ref?" asked the boy.

"Sure," said the country gal as she stood between the pair.

"Nothing like a little training before my next Gym battle."

"So, you're a Pokémon trainer? Seems not only are you gonna be my fifth victory, but this gonna make me that much more famous," said Rebecca as she had some overconfidence in her voice.

"Hey, Sky, don't take her lightly," said Applejack to her friend.

"As if, Aj. Just because she's a girl doesn't mean I'm going to go easy on her," the boy said.

"Careful what you say. Now... Makuhita, you're up!" shouted Rebecca.

The girl's Pokémon appeared as it was a fat yellow humanoid Pokémon. Its eyes were closed, with two red ring-shaped markings on its cheeks. Its head had a knot-like structure on it. Its hands and chest were gray, and its feet had two toes.

"Makuhita, huh?" said Sky as he pulled out his Pokédex.

"Makuhita, the Guts Pokémon. Makuhita gathers daily for training, eating, napping, and more training."

"Just remember, you asked for it," said Sky as he pulled out a Pokéball. "Now, Pikachu, I choose you!"

"Pika!" said the yellow mouse Pokémon.

"Sky is using Pikachu. Well, this is about to be a shutout," said Applejack, as she knew how powerful the small thing was even with its recent capture.

"Aw, it's cute. Because it's cute doesn't mean I won't treat it differently. Now, Makuhita, use Arm Thrust!" instructed Rebecca.

Makuhita ran forward as it began to thrust its arms out forward. Pikachu was backpedaling and dodging all of Makuhita's attacks as they failed to make contact.

"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" shouted Sky.

Pikachu jumped back to avoid an Arm Thrust from Makuhita. The mouse landed and began to run forward with its tail glowing. It then leaped and turned itself as its tail smacked the Pokémon. Makuhita was sent skidding along the floor as he stopped in front of Rebecca and was defeated.

"Makuhita, return! Alright, you're next!" shouted the girl as she called back her Pokémon and sent out her second one.

Out came a squirrel-like Pokémon. Its fur was white with a faint blueish tint, and it had a light blue stripe that originated at its forehead and extended to the tip of its tail. A large white tooth grew out of its mouth, and its eyes were a deep gray. Its cheeks and eyes are similar to that of Pikachu, but yellow instead of red. It had a tail almost twice as big as itself, with three spikes around the middle. Their arms and legs were very short.

"Pachirisu, the Elesquirrel Pokémon. When Pachirisu affectionately rubs their cheeks together, they're sharing electric energy with each other. The balls of fur they shed crackle with static."

"An electric type is pretty even against another, " Applejack said as she put her Pokédex away.

"Now, Pachirisu, use Discharge!" stated Rebecca.

The small squirrel heard the girl's command as it powered itself up and let loose a barrage of electricity. It made its way toward Pikachu, who felt the attack as it stood there. The small squirrel tried to damage Pikachu, but the yellow mouse tanked the attack as it didn't phase him much.

"Now, volt Tackle!" shouted Sky.

"Pika!" shouted the Pokémon as he broke free from the electricity and ran forward with extreme speed.

Pachirisu stopped its attack and saw Pikachu coming at her; the mouse collided headfirst into the squirrel before Rebecca could give a command. The small electric mammal flew as it landed in front of the girl. It was defeated in one attack, just like Makuhita.

"Pachirisu, no!" said Rebecca as she called back her Pokémon.

"That's two down and one to go," stated Sky with a smile. "Hey, Rebecca, maybe you should quit."

"My grandfather always said it's not over till it's over. So stand back. Murkrow, you're up!"

The girl called out her final Pokémon as the bird hovered before her.

"Murkow is a flying type, so Pikachu has the advantage," muttered Applejack to herself.

"Murkrow, use Wing Attack!" shouted Rebecca.

Her Pokémon gave a cry as its wings glowed. It then zoomed ahead as it was heading toward Pikachu.

"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt and wrap this up. But make it a light one," said Sky, as he didn't want to beat the girl too badly.

"Pikachu," said the small Pokémon as a tiny thunderbolt shot out from its body.

The thunderbolt hit Murkrow, who felt the effects of electricity flow through its body. Soon the bird was making several poses as it was shocked into submission and crashed to the floor as it was defeated.

"Murkrow, no!" said Rebecca.

"Murkrow is unable to battle. Sky wins the match!" declared Applejack.

"Great work, buddy," said the boy.

"Pika!" said Pikachu as he ran toward Sky and leaped onto his shoulder to nuzzle him.

"I can't believe it was a total shutout. Murkrow... return," said Rebecca as she dropped to her knees and was sad.

The girl had her head down as she was sniffing. She had been so confident in her skill that she thought she would win. But not only did she fail to beat the boy, but she also couldn't even get past his first Pokémon. To make matters worst, the crowd began to make noise. They were impressed by Sky's skill of wiping out Rebecca's entire team with just Pikachu, and they were cheering for him. The boy was caught off guard by the sudden attention that he and Pikachu couldn't help but smile and wave.

"Always has to show off," snickered Applejack as seeing her friend get cheers from the nearby crowd.

Rebecca was heartbroken by the sight in front of her. One minute, the crowd was praising her, chanting her name. Then Sky shows up, and not only does he destroy her, but the crowd had turned on her and were now supporting the boy. To think that in just one battle, they weren't chanting her name. They had forgotten about her.

"Hey, good match. Especially for a rookie," said Sky as he approached the girl and extended his hand.

The crowd still chanted for the boy as he offered his hand for Rebecca to shake. The girl looked at her opponent as he stood there with a genuine smile. However, that smile only added to the pain of her loss to him as she started to cry.

"Just leave me alone!" shouted Rebecca as she swatted away Sky's hand; she got up and took off as she disappeared from sight.

Sky looked on as the crowd still chanted his name.

"Must be hard for her to lose like that," said Applejack as she felt some sympathy for Rebecca.

"But that is what happens when you challenge a great Trainer," said Sky.

"Okay, let's not get carried away with ourselves," snickered the farm girl as the boy rubbed his neck sheepishly.

"Pika," said Pikachu as he agreed with the country gal's statement.

Rebecca was shown running in the massive park as she kept her head down with tears trailing behind her. She kept running, so she didn't notice a rock and tripped over it as the girl landed facefirst.

After everything that happened, how can I face my family like this? Mom, Dad, I'm sorry. Your girl is a loser.

Rebecca was still sniffingly as she got up and continued to walk forward as she sat down by a nearby pond.


"Let's see, I'll need ten of those and twenty of those. And put it in a plastic bag, if you please," said Rarity to the cashier.

The man did as Rarity asked as he brought up the final total.

"$9.99. Oh, my shopping skills strike again! Here's ten." smiled Rarity as she gave the man the money.

The man took it and then gave back a single penny as Rarity giggled. Her shopping know-how was displayed as she bought many things using discounts and sales. The girl was leaving the fabric store as she had tons of new materials for when she would get back to Manehatten.

She managed to bump into Pinkie, who was nearby a statue, as the girl had a massive ice cream cone with several flavors stacked on top of each other.

"Pinkie, why do you have all that?" asked the fashionista as she had to lean her head back to look at how tall the ice cream was.

"Duh, 'cause there was a sale. If I buy 50 flavors, I get one free. And who can't say no to free stuff!" said the girl.

Pinkie then began to munch down aggressively on the treat in her hand. The sight of it alone disgusted Rarity as she had to look away to avoid vomiting at how Pinkie was swallowing the whole treat. In a matter of moments, the pink-haired girl had finished her treat as she licked her lips.

"Well, moving along, I managed to find everything I was looking for. Now, where's Twilight?" wondered Rarity.

"I'm coming! I'm coming!" said the girl as she appeared to be jogging toward the pair. She, too, had some bags with small slips of paper falling out.

"Sorry I was late. I got held up trying to solve a quiz about Pokémon. But on the bright side, I was able to win several things and supplies we needed." stated the bookworm to her friends.

"Well, I think we all found what we're looking for. Shall we head to the Pokémon Center to meet the others?" suggested Rarity as the two nodded.

The trio exited the mall and began making their way to the Pokémon Center. They arrived at the place, and awaiting them were Rainbow and Silverbolt; the pair had just arrived after a full day of playing sports.

"Gees, how much did you spend, Rarity?" asked Bolt as he looked at all the bags the girl gave him to carry.

"Oh, nothing much. Just a few things for my latest designs."

"A few?!" said Rainbow as she was in the same boat as Bolt.

"Bolt, darling. Do be kind and take them to my room, please?" asked Rarity.

"I'm not a butler!" said the boy.

"Please," stated Rarity as she flashed her eyes at the teen.

"Fine," stated Silverbolt as he rolled his eyes.

The boy was now struggling to navigate as he couldn't see in front of him due to the massive pile that blocked his view. He managed to find the stairs, but moments later, a loud crash came as the Chansey, that worked at the Pokémon Center, began to run.

"I'm okay!" shouted Silverbolt off to the side.

"I'd better go check," said Twilight as she left to check on their friend.

Once Twilight left, the doors opened as Applejack and Fluttershy came in.

"So, how was the garden?" asked Rainbow.

"Simply amazing! All those cute little Pokémon playing with each other," giggled Fluttershy as she had a pleasant time.

"By the way, darlings, where's Sky? Wasn't he with you?" asked Rarity as they seemed to be missing someone.

"He had to do something," stated Applejack as she looked at a nearby window that showed the sun starting to set.


Rebecca was still near the pond in the park as the girl was sitting and hugging her legs. Since her defeat, she was still sad at having her confidence destroyed. Rebecca skipped some stones along the water as they bounced along the pond's surface. The stone skipped along the surface four times before it sank into the pond. Rebecca sniffed as she picked up another stone and tossed it. The stone skipped along the surface another four times. Another stone skipped along the water as it bounced five times before sinking.

"This seat taken?" asked Sky.

"Huh?" said Rebecca as she looked to her right side.

Standing next to her was Sky, as he was the one who threw the stone. The girl saw the slightly older boy as she still held a small grudge at what he had done to her.

"No," responded the girl as she turned back to look ahead.

Sky smiled as he bent to a knee and picked up another stone.

"You know, you're not bad," said Sky as he threw the stone.

"Stop trying to make me feel better. Face the facts; I lost. I'll never be a great Trainer. I failed my parents." said the girl.

"So that's it? You're gonna give up," said Sky as he got Rebecca to look at him. "Look, I get it; nobody likes to lose. Especially the way you did. But there's a reason, and it depends on our skill levels. I told you that I'm competing in the Equestrian League. How long have you been on your journey?"

"About two weeks," answered Rebecca.

"So you're just starting out. I've been on my journey a bit longer, so I've had more time to experience things. Like how Pokémon battles work and what you need to do. All I'm saying is that if you give up simply because you lose, then there's no way you'll learn. I didn't get stronger simply because I won my battles; I got stronger because I also lost. I learned from them and improved my skills." said Sky. "The only real mistake you can make is giving up."

"The only real mistake is giving up?" repeated Rebecca as she took in Sky's words.

"Didn't you say that your parents told you it's not over till it's over?" said Sky with a smile.

Rebecca thought back to what her parents had said just as she left home to begin her journey.

"Remember, Rebecca, just because you fail once doesn't mean that it's the end of the world. Part of the experience of learning is failing. As crazy as that sounds, losing is more beneficial than winning." said Rebecca's father.

"Your father is saying that there will be times when you lose. And there will be times when you're opponent is much better than you. But that's what should motivate you to want to be the best. If you give up after losing, you're making a mistake. Never give up. Always hang in there till the end, and maybe things will turn in your favor." said Rebecca's mother.

"Never give up," said Rebecca.

"Exactly. So, care to have another battle?" suggested Sky as he stood up and extended his hand to the younger girl.

Rebecca looked at the boy who offered his hand. She could see the meaning behind Sky's expression as it awoke something in her.

"Yeah," nodded the girl in determination as she grabbed the boy's hand and let him pull her up.

The pair were now standing meters apart as they were preparing to battle along the pond. The sun was starting to set as the sky was orange and yellow; the pair were preparing as they were moments from their rematch.

"Ready?" asked Sky.

"You bet!" responded Rebecca.

"Then let's start. Noctowl, I choose you!" shouted the boy as he threw his Pokéball.

The owl appeared as it hovered above the teen.

"Pachirisu, you're up!" stated Rebecca as she called out her first Pokémon.

"Noctowl, Air Slash!"

Noctowl put its wings together as a wind sphere formed above its horns and immediately threw it at the squirrel.

"Pachirisu, dodge it!" said Rebecca as her Pokémon avoided the attack from Noctowl. "Now, use Discharge!"

"Dodge it!" shouted Sky as Noctowl moved to the side to avoid the electric attack.

"Use Swift!"

Pachirisu stored its energy as it unleashed several stars heading toward the bird.

"Noctowl, Extrasensory!"

Noctowl's eyes glowed as its psychic powers began to work. A beam shot out from its glowing eyes as it grabbed hold of the stars heading toward him as they stopped in their tracks. The Pokémon then flung them to the side as they crashed into the ground, creating smoke from the collision.

"Now, Discharge!" shouted Rebecca.

The smoke created the perfect cover for the girl as she launched her attack. Pachirisu unleashed the electricity it had as it fired into the smoke. Noctowl saw the attack coming as it hit the bird, who let out a painful screech as the electricity was super effective.

"Noctowl!" shouted Sky as he saw his Pokémon crash in front of him.

The owl stood up with some scuffs along its body as the attack did some major damage.

"Yes!" said Rebecca, ecstatic about hitting an attack on Sky's Pokémon.

"Are you okay?" asked the boy as Noctowl gave a response and hovered back into the air.

"That's what I like to hear. Let's kick it up a notch. Use Air Slash!"

"Protect!" instructed Rebecca.

The squirrel had a barrier form over it as Noctowl launched his attack. The wind orb collided with the forcefield surrounding Pachirisu as the small Pokémon stood its ground. The barrier was let down as Noctowl was directly in front of it.

"Hypnosis!" said Sky.

Noctowl's eyes glowed once more as the move made contact with Pachirisu. The squirrel felt the effect of the move as its eyes got drowsy. She then yawned and wobbled as the Pokémon fell to the floor and napped.

"Pachirisu!" shouted Rebecca.

"Noctowl, Sky Attack!"

Noctowl flew into the air as its body began to glow. It then did a dive as the aura surrounding itself began to shine. The Pokémon rocketed toward its downed opponent and made contact as smoke picked up. It soon cleared out, and there was the squirrel Pokémon with swirls in its eyes.

"Pachirisu, no!"

"Excellent work, Noctowl," stated Sky as his Pokémon landed on his shoulder.

"You did good," said Rebecca as she called back her Pokémon.

"Better this time," stated Sky with a smile. "You still wanna keep going?"

"Yeah, Makuhita! You're up!" said the girl as she called on her second Pokémon.

"Ready for another battle?" asked Sky to his Pokémon as Noctowl nodded.

"Makuhita, Sand Attack!" instructed Rebecca.

The small Pokémon began to fling into the air as it blocked Noctowl's line of sight.

"Hang in there, Noctowl!" said Sky.

"Makuhita, jump!" instructed Rebecca as the Pokémon ceased throwing sand and leaped into the air.

Noctowl was still trying to get the small specks of sand from its field of vision as it shook its head. He then saw Makuhita jump as it was right in front of him.

"Arm Thrust!"

Makuhita then thrust its arm out, and it hit Noctowl dead on. As it landed, the small bird fell to the ground back first. It showed the Pokémon as he was defeated.

"I did it! Yeah!" shouted Rebecca as she jumped up and down at how she managed to take down Sky's Pokémon.

"Good job, Noctowl," said Sky as he recalled his Pokémon. "Nice one, Rebecca. Much better than last time."

"Thanks," said the girl.

"However, the battle has only begun. Now, Buizel, I choose you!"

"Bui!" said the weasel Pokémon as he appeared with his arms crossed.

"Makuhita, use Sand Attack!"

"Buizel, Water Gun!"

Makuhita began to throw out sand as Buizel opened its mouth where water was forming. The weasel Pokémon then launched its attack as it shot forward. It bypassed the sand thrown and collided with Makuhita as the small Pokémon was hit by the water and flung back.

"Wow, that Buizel is strong!" said Rebecca as she saw how much power Sky's Pokémon had.

"Buizel, Aqua Jet!"

Buizel surrounded itself in a stream of water as it rocketed off the ground. He was zooming toward Makuhita as the small Pokémon sat up and saw the weasel above him as he came crashing down. A collision occurred as smoke occurred. It cleared out, and there was Makuhita on the ground, defeated as Buizel stood over it.

"Makuhita!" said Rebecca.

"Fine work, Buizel!"

"Bui, Bui!" said the Pokémon as he looked at his trainer and raised his paw with a smile.

"That's one tough Pokémon," said the girl. "But I'm not done yet. Murkrow, you're up!"

"Murkrow!" said the Pokémon as it hovered above the girl.

"Buizel, use Sonic Boom!"

"Murkrow, dodge!"

Murkrow avoided the attack from Buizel as it soared toward the weasel.

"Shadow Ball!"

"Water Gun!"

Murkrow made a ball of shadow energy appear as it opened its mouth. It then fired off the orb as Buizel prepared its attack. The weasel fired his attack as the water collided with the sphere, with both attacks being held in the middle. It created an effect as an explosion appeared above in the air.

"Wing Attack!" shouted Rebecca.

"Aqua Jet!"

Both Pokémon charged ahead as they met in the middle once more. Neither gave an inch as they tried to overpower the other. It was another stalemate as both were pushed back.

"Sonic Boom!"

"Shadow Ball!"

Both Pokémon heard the commands from their trainers as they each fired their respective attacks. Each hit the other as they had power behind them, so they crashed to the ground. Two holes were formed as each Pokémon had scuffs along its body, yet they still managed to get up.

"Buizel, use Water Gun!"

Buizel opened its mouth to shoot out a water stream as it headed toward Murkrow.

"Murkrow, Wing Attack!"

Murkrow had a set of determined eyes as it flapped its wings. It took off and avoided the Water Gun from Buizel as it headed toward the weasel. Its wings glowed and were enveloped in white light as it zoomed ahead and appeared a moment before the Pokémon, who was shocked. The attack made contact as Buizel was knocked back and had swirls in its eyes.

"Yes, two down!" stated Rebecca as she was happy, but her expression changed when she saw Murkrow taking deep breaths.

"Nice one, Buizel. Take a good long rest," said Sky as he called back his Pokémon. "Alright then. Time for my final Pokémon. Turtwig, I choose you!"

"Turtwig!" said the small Pokémon as he appeared.

"A Turtwig. Flying types have an advantage over Grass-types. But that doesn't phase Sky. Not to mention, Murkrow is tired from its battle with Buizel." muttered Rebecca as she saw how exhausted her Pokémon was that it was reaching the end of its limit.

"I need to finish this fast. Murkrow, Wing Attack!"

Murkrow gave a cry as its wings glowed. It then dove downward as it was heading for Turtwig.

"Turtwig, let's get moving!" said Sky as Turtwig nodded.

The small Pokémon began to run as it picked up speed. He was heading straight for Murkrow as the bird was getting closer and closer with its attack ready to strike. They were moments from colliding as Sky initiated his plan.

"Now jump and spin!"

Turtwig leaped off on Sky's command as Murkrow was seconds away. The smaller Pokémon began to spin its body as it twirled, and its wind vacuum allowed Turtwig to sidestep and fly by Murkrow as the bird was shocked.

"No way!" said Rebecca as she gasped at what she saw.

"Turtwig, Razor Leaf!"

Turtwig was above Murkrow as it turned its body around. The small Pokémon began to launch its attack as it backspun; the leaves hit Murkrow in the back as they pushed the Pokémon to the ground and crashed. It soon cleared, and there was the bird with swirls in its eyes to signal that it was defeated.

"Murkrow!" shouted Rebecca as she rushed toward her fallen Pokémon. "Are you okay?"

The Pokémon sounded to signal that it was fine as the girl had a smile.

"Thanks. You and the others," said Rebecca as she called back her Pokémon.

"Much better," said Sky as he appeared and loomed over the girl on her knees. "You learned from your previous bout and were able to get in more offense. Plus, you actually took down two of my Pokémon."

"Twig," said Turtwig as he patted Rebecca's kneecap to show his support for the girl's efforts.

"Yeah, I did. Thanks," said Rebecca, as she liked the praise given to her by her opponent.


It was later, as the sun was about to fully set beyond the horizon, as nightfall was moments away.

"Thanks for everything, Sky. You taught me a valuable lesson. I'll definitely remember it."

"Good luck on your journey, Rebecca. And if we ever meet again, let's have another battle. 'Cause I know you'll be much stronger by then." stated the boy.

"Sure. Good luck in the Equestrian League," said Rebecca as she turned.

The girl waved as she walked down the road that led out of the city. Sky returned the gesture as he saw the girl until she was out of view. The boy looked at the sky as it was starting to change into dark blue and black; the teen turned as he began to make his way to the Center and turn in for the night.

Author's Note: A little detour for our heroes before they reach their destination. Also a little lesson in never giving up. Knowing that there might be someone who is better than you, doesn't mean that you can't beat them. With a little time, patience, and discipline, you can be able to overcome things. And it shows with the rematch between Sky and Rebecca. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.