On their way to Canterlot City, Sky and Applejack caught some new Pokémon to join them on their adventure. Just as they were about to exit the woods, they came across a girl named Sunset Shimmer. After she and Sky got into it, the pair decided to have a three-on-three Pokémon battle. Despite not having three, Sky agreed to the idea as he wanted to prove a point to the girl.

And the battle was fierce as Chimchar battled Turtwig, with both trainers going all out. Despite being at a disadvantage, Turtwig battled hard against Chimchar, but in the end, Sunset was able to secure the win. Following that, Sky called on his Noctowl to hopefully get things back in his favor.

And it seemed to work, as Noctowl defeated Chimchar in the second round. Sunset then called on her tiny Fletchling, who she gave a stern warning to prove itself in battle. After trading blows, the bacon-haired teen seemed disappointed in how her Pokémon was performing. In the end, Fletchling managed to defeat Noctowl. Without a third Pokémon, Sunset was upset that the boy wasted her time, and even moreso Fletchling as it seemed to still be too weak for the girl.

With his defeat at the hands of the girl, Sky made a vow that he would not only get stronger but defeat Sunset once and for all. But first, he and Applejack had to get to the Pokémon Center to heal his pals.

The pair of teens were running along the road as they made it into Canterlot City. Many people were out as they were walking and talking. The doors to the center opened as in came rushing Applejack and Sky.

"Welcome," said the Nurse Redheart of this Pokémon center.

"Nurse Redheart, can you please heal my Pokémon for me?" asked Sky as he put both Pokeballs on the counter.

"Of course. I'll have your Pokémon healed in no time," said the woman as she took the Pokeballs and marched to the back.

While Sky's Pokémon healed, the boy used the center's video phone.

"Hello, Sky. Seems you finally made it to Canterlot City. I hope you didn't have any trouble getting there." said Celestia.

"No trouble at all, Professor," replied Sky as the tone of his voice was still not over his loss.

Even Celestia could detect the small sadness in the boy's voice.

"What's wrong?" asked the woman.

"Well, it's just... I ran into someone on my way to Canterlot City. Her name was Sunset Shimmer, and we battled."

Upon hearing that name, Celestia's eyes widen. But the woman did not let the teen see her reaction to hearing Sunset's name.

"I see. Let me guess, you lost."

"Yeah. She challenged me to a three-on-three battle. And I recently caught Noctowl before then. So I only had two Pokémon to fight against her. And well... you know."

"Yes. But... first let me ask you, Sky? Why did you accept the challenge if you weren't fully prepared? I get you not wanting to back down from Sunset. I get it. But you realize that you can simply turn down the offer if you're not prepared. There's no shame."

"I know, Professor. But... I don't know; it's just... I felt like I had an obligation to go through with it," responded Sky.

"You really are like your father," sighed Celestia. "Apple doesn't fall too far from the tree, it seems. Well, now you know what to expect when you encounter Sunset again. Don't take her lightly, Sky. She's more powerful than she looks."

"The way you're talking, it sounds like you know her," said the boy.

"Yes, she was... my assistant," answered Celestia.

"Assistant?"

"Years ago, I met Sunset at one of the summer camps I held for young trainers. It was there I met her, and well, she was alot like you in some ways. She was passionate about Pokémon and wanted to know all there was. So I took her under my wing as an intern of sorts. I taught her all there was to know about Pokémon."

"What happened?" asked Sky.

"Well, she wanted to go on a journey to learn some things independently. I haven't seen her since then. But glad to hear that she's alright." replied Celestia with a fake smile.

"I guess that's one way of wording it," responded Sky.

"Be safe, Sky. Don't let Sunset's antics get to her. If I know anything about her, she'll do anything to get it when she wants something. She's not afraid to get her hands dirty."

"I'll heed the advice, Celestia."

"Good, talk to you soon," said Celestia as the video ended on her end.

The professor let out a huge sigh as she stood there. Knowing that Sunset was out there made the Pokémon professor feel a certain way. She closed her eyes as a memory echoed in her mind.

"You're a hypocrite!" shouted Sunset.

"Sunset, please," begged Celestia.

"You can't accept the fact that I'm better than you! The spotlight always has to be on you because you're Celestia! You might as well be the sun since you want all the attention on you!"

"Sunset, that is not true!"

"It's my time to shine! But you won't let me! You paved the way, you carved the path, but when the hell do I get to walk on that path?!" yelled Sunset as loud as she could as her voice echoed.

"Tia! Tia!" called out Luna.

"Hmm?" responded the older sibling as she opened her eyes and was taken out of her train of thought.

"I said, are you okay?" asked Luna as Noibat was on her shoulder.

"Yes. Sorry, Lulu. I've just got something on my mind, is all. Sky contacted me."

"What did he have to say this time?" asked the woman.

"That he and Applejack have made it to Canterlot City. And that... they ran into someone... Sunset."

"Sister?" said Luna as she was concerned for her older sibling as she knew of their prior relationship.

"I'm fine, Lulu. Really, I am. But, thank you for being concerned." said Celestia smiling at her little sister. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some research that I need to complete."

Celestia began to walk as she left her sister and continued down a hall. The sound of her heels against the marble floor could be heard as the woman lifted her hand and looked at it.

"You paved the way, you carved the path, but when the hell do I get to walk on that path?!"

"Sunset," muttered Celestia as she put her head down. "I hope you're still doing what I asked of you. For you to truly understand Pokémon, this is a lesson that you need to understand. I hope that when this ends, I pray you're not too mad at me."

Celestia approached a door as she lifted her hand up to the scanner. It recognized her print as she entered, silently shutting behind her.

Sky saw the video call finish on his end as he made his way to the counter.

"Mr. Sky. You're just in time. I managed to finish healing your Pokémon," said Nurse Redheart as her partner Pokémon appeared.

The Pokémon had curly hair on both sides of its head. Its arms were pink with white wings at the end. It had a pouch for its egg. Its lower torso was also white with four flaps of fur, giving it the appearance of wearing a dress.

"Blissey," said the big Pokémon as it was carrying a tray with two Pokéballs.

"A Blissey, eh," said Sky as he pulled out his Pokedex.

"Blissey, the Happiness Pokémon and the evolved form of Chansey. Eating the egg of a Blissey has a calming effect on even the wildest of tempers. The soft, fluffy fur that covers its body is extremely sensitive to its surroundings, and it can even sense emotions this way."

"Blissey," spoke the Pokémon as it presented the trainer with his Pokémon.

"Thanks," said Sky as he grabbed both of his Pokémon.

"You're welcome. Feel free to come back anytime you want," said Nurse Redheart.

"Appreciate it," said Sky as he headed toward the exit as the doors slid open.

Sky stood outside the Pokémon Center as he took out his Pokéballs. He tossed them into the air as they opened up. Out came both Turtwig and Noctowl as they saw their trainer. The boy bent down to his knees as he looked to address his allies.

"You guys okay?" asked Sky.

Both Pokémon responded with a nod.

"Glad to hear it," said the teen before he took a deep breath and sighed. "Look, I'm sorry. It's because of me that we lost. It's just the way Sunset was talking about you guys. I couldn't just stand there and take it. And I thought we could beat her, despite the numbers advantage. But you saw how that turned out. Next time, I'm gonna do better. All I ask is if you guys give me another chance."

"Twig," said Turtwig as he walked up to Sky and put its two front legs on his knees.

Noctowl perched himself on the boy's shoulder as he spoke. Sky heard his owl speak as Turtwig also responded with his own calls. While the teen didn't fully understand what his Pokémon were saying, he did get what they were doing. The pair were telling Sky that they did trust him and that he shouldn't take all the blame for what happened with Sunset. The boy smiled as he was grateful to have teammates like them.

"Thanks. I'm glad I have you two on my side," said Sky.

"Twig," replied Turtwig, with Noctowl also responding.

"Hey, Sky?"

Behind the boy was Applejack as she had been waiting for him. Once she saw the boy talking with Celestia, she decided to give him space to help clear his mind.

"Applejack," said Sky as he turned around to look at the girl.

"You feelin' better, sugar?"

"Yeah. Much better. I'm not gonna let what Sunset said or one little loss affect me. Going into this journey, I knew I wouldn't always come out on top in every fight. But that's why I gotta keep on fighting, to not let those losses get me down. Never give up. That's not some saying; it's a code. A way of life."

"Heh, glad to see you're back to yer old self," smiled the farm girl. "So, what's the plan?"

"Well, I was thinking of heading to where the Gym is located," Sky replied.

"But remember what Celestia said. Neither of us can challenge the Gym Leader unless we have seven badges and six Pokémon," stated the cowgirl.

"Yeah, but it couldn't hurt to see it," said Sky as he recalled both Turtwig and Noctowl as he took off.

"Wait!" said Aj trying to get the boy to slow down, but he was already out of her sight. "Yeesh, that boy is quicker than a six-legged coyote." The girl then began to jog as she went after her companion.

While the pair were in Canterlot City, on the outskirts of the place was Sunset. The girl was sitting against the tree as she looked up. After finding out the Gym requirements from one of the locals, the girl was anything but pleased. She was looking forward to it as word was that the Gym Leader was considered the strongest one in the region.

Sunset thought nothing would make a better statement to her former mentor than beating the strongest Gym Leader. But with the new information she learned, those plans would have to take a slight detour. Regardless, she would be challenging the other Gyms if she wanted to qualify for the Equestrian League. Still, while that was the primary goal, something weighed on the girl's mind.

"I still don't get it," said Sunset as she took a bite of a pear. "Why the hell would that kid accept the challenge if he didn't have three Pokémon? It makes no sense. The kid's got balls, I'll give him that."

Sunset continued to eat her snack as she replayed the events of their battle.

"What was he trying to prove? That you can win when the odds are against you? Even with three Pokémon, I would've beaten the same. The only thing I would have to worry about is that stupid Fletchling. The tiny thing could barely hold its own against the kid's Noctowl. I'll give Sky props; he ain't no rookie, that's for damn sure. He's got at least the above-average intelligence than trainers just starting out. That's what gives him the edge when it comes to also others. Still, I beat him. Simple and clean. And yet... why am I so fixated on him? Why can't I stop thinking about him?"

Sunset sighed as she looked upwards and saw the clouds rolling by. With the sun beating down, the bacon-haired teen could feel the warmth of its rays. But looking at the sun made the girl growl as it reminded her of someone. Someone she despised.

"You think you know what's best for me, but you don't! I had a chance to show you, and you wouldn't even give me a chance!" yelled Sunset as if she, by screaming at the sun, meant she was screaming at her former mentor.

"If I can't convince you with my words, then I'll do it with my actions! And when I win the Equestrian League. I'm coming for you! You hear me, Celestia!" screamed Sunset as her voice echoed throughout the tree tops.

Sunset's fury was on full display. Her hands turned into fists as the anger that boiled inside her could be seen on her face. She soon jumped down and landed on her feet. Sunset tossed her eaten fruit away as she began to head toward the Rock-type Gym.

"Here we are at the Canterlot Gym," said Sky as he and Applejack stood in front of the entrance to the massive gym.

"You sure this is a good idea?" asked Applejack to her companion.

"Of course," the boy responded as he walked up the stairs with the farm gal in tow.

"Hello?!" called out Sky as they slid open the doors.

"Maybe no one is home," replied Aj.

"Why don't we split up? See if we can find someone here who can tell us where the Gym Leader is," said Sky as he left down the hall to the right, without waiting for Applejack's response.

"Sky, ugh, that boy can't sit still for a gosh darn minute," Applejack said as she began to walk down the hall to the left.

The farm girl was shown walking down the hallway as she came across some statues. Each one was made from stone, depicting different types of Pokémon. Despite being statures, they appeared so realistic. The farm girl stopped before one of the stone figures, taking in every little detail. She then saw some photos all hanging in a row as they depicted all of the Gym Leaders that ran this gym in the past. The farm girl was about to reach the last photo when she was stopped.

"Can I help you?" spoke a voice.

Sky was currently walking as he came to a room. He peaked in as he saw the battlefield where the Gym battle would take place. On the walls were banners with images of shields and chivalry of knighthood. The mark itself was painted blue. The stands, which could hold a handful of people, stood on the side with a giant screen displayed at one end of the entrances to the field. Overall, the teen felt like he was entering a gladiator arena.

"Hello? Anybody here? I'm Sky!" called out the boy, hoping to get a response. "Is anybody here? Hello!"

"Hey, can you keep it down, please?" said a voice.

Sky had taken a few steps into the room when he turned around. A small boy happened to be walking by when he heard Sky shouting.

"I was in the middle of watching a video," said the small boy.

"Oh, sorry, kid," apologized Sky.

"Hey, aren't you a trainer?" asked the small boy.

"Yeah, but how do you know that?" asked the teen.

"Cause only Pokémon trainers would come here to challenge the Gym leader if they want to compete in the Equestrian League. And so that means you're a trainer."

"You're smart, kid. By the way, do you know where the Gym Leader is?" asked Sky.

"Heh, you're looking at him," the small boy smiled.

"Huh?" said Sky as he had a bead of sweat fall down his face.

"Yup, the Canterlot Gym leader is yours truly! Ta-da!" said the small boy as he raised a fist to the air.

"Yeah, sure," scoffed Sky.

"I am! What, you think I'm not good enough?" asked the boy as he was offended by the teen's response.

"You really want me to answer that?" asked Sky as he wasn't going to hold back being blunt.

"That's it! Since you don't believe me, why don't we have a battle to settle things!" demanded the small boy.

"You know what I said about him being smart; forget it. He's annoying as hell," muttered Sky to himself.

"The rules are as follows; it'll be a six-on-six elimination battle," explained the small boy to the teens about the rules. "So show me your Pokémon."

"Hold on!" shouted Sky as he interrupted the small boy. "Ain't a Gym Leader supposed to show their Pokémon first? That's what my parents told me!"

"Y-yeah, well, guess what! I feel generous today, so I'll allow you to show yours first!" countered the small boy as he got in the face of the older boy.

"No deal, kid! As a matter of fact, I don't think you're even the Gym Leader, to begin with! You don't even look old enough to tie your own damn shoes!" growled Sky.

"I have you know that I'm six years old. So more than old enough!" growled the small boy.

"Great, that means you're old enough for me to shine my shoe and stick it straight up your as-!"

"What's with all the yellin'?!" said Applejack as her head popped into frame.

"Spike, are you being annoying again!" said another girl whose head also appeared as the farm girl.

Both boys turned their heads as they looked at the hallway entrance to the room. There stood Applejack, but she wasn't alone. She was being accompanied by another girl who looked about their age, if not a few months younger than them. She had moderate purple eyes, dark sapphire blue hair with medium purple and brilliant raspberry streaks, and wore a pale, light grayish mulberry t-shirt and matching shorts with a belt that matched her hair and purple boots that reached up halfway to her knees.

"Oh, hey, sis," smiled Spike as he had an unease smile as the girl stood there with a glare and crossed her arms.

"Sister?!" said Sky as he looked at the small boy and then at the teen girl.

"Sky, this here is Twilight Sparkle," stated Aj.

"Well, who do we have here?" asked a voice as they all turned and saw another person walking towards them.

The person was a young man who appeared to be older than the teens by a couple of years. He wasn't alone as behind him were two adults, which one could figure were his parents.

"Hello there!" said the woman.

"Okay, somebody tell me what the hell is going on here?!" shouted Sky as he wanted some answers.

After a quick transition and sitting down on a nearby bench, Twilight explained to Sky who they were.

"My name is Twilight Sparkle. And this is my family. My dad, Night Light. My mom, Twilight Velvet. My big brother, Shining Armor. And you've met my little, annoying sibling, Spike." said the girl.

"Yeah," growled Sky as he looked at the small boy. "Emphasize on annoying. Little shit!" muttered the teen to himself.

Applejack elbowed Sky in the side as the girl glared at her companion to be nice.

"So, I take it you're the Gym Leader?" asked Sky as he pointed at Night Light.

"Well, not anymore. See, I've been retired for a few years. So I handed the gym to my son." said Night Light as he placed a hand on Shining Armor's shoulder.

"My big bro is the real Canterlot City Gym Leader!" said Spike with some excitement in his voice.

"Now that I believe," said Sky as he could see that Shining Armor was indeed the leader of this place based on how he held himself.

"Mind if I ask, how old are you, if it's not a bother?" asked Applejack.

"It doesn't bother me at all. I'm 22," answered Shining Armor.

"Wow! Okay, I was not expecting someone that young to be a Gym Leader," said Aj as she was surprised to see Shining Armor have that much responsibility at a young age.

"And that means you're not the Gym Leader, huh?" growled Sky as he looked at Spike.

"Of course not; I'm a kid, silly," stated Spike with a smug smile.

"Yeah, a kid I'd like to punt straight to the moon," mumbled Sky as he couldn't stand Spike being so annoying.

"By the way, Twilight. I noticed you had a Pokémon earlier," said Applejack.

"Yeah," said the bookworm as she pulled out a Pokéball. "Come on out!"

The girl tossed her Pokéball as it popped open. Out came a quadruped mammalian Pokémon with catlike features. It had sleek and lilac purple fur covering its body. It had a red jewel attached to its forehead. Its face was catlike with a short, blunt muzzle and a tiny, triangular nose. It had long pointed ears almost similar to a fennec fox and whisker-like tufts of fur protruding from each side of its face just below its ears. Its eyes were deep purple and almond-shaped with white pupils. It had a slender tail that tapers into two ends.

"Cool an Espeon," said Sky.

"Huh, let's see," said Aj as she pulled out her Pokédex to gain some info on the Pokémon.

"Espeon, the Sun Pokémon and an evolved form of Eevee. Espeon doesn't have to see its opponents to sense its movements; its fine fur picks up even the slightest shift in air currents. If the orb on its forehead goes dark, its psychic power is temporarily depleted."

"Man, I just wish I could have MY own Pokémon," said Spike as he got in the face of Espeon.

"Espeon," growled the kitty as it slashed at Spike for invading its personal space before attacking the small boy as a struggle cloud appeared.

"Espeon, stop it!" said Twilight to her Pokémon to stop beating up her brother.

"Nah, let it continue," snickered Sky as he was enjoying it. It felt like karma for Spike for how he acted earlier.

"Sky, Applejack, why don't you two join us for lunch?" said Twilight's mother. "You both must be starved if you came all this way."

"We'd love to. Can't say no to free food, right," smiled Sky as he accepted Velvet's offer.

After Twilight managed to get her Espeon to stop attacking Spike, the two siblings joined the others in the kitchen of their nearby house. Sky and Applejack let out their Pokémon to allow the entire Sparkle family to see them and get fed for lunch. Velvet brought out plates full of sandwiches for all while Twilight handled giving the Pokémon their food. Eventually, everyone sat and began to talk.

"So, you two have been traveling together for some time?" asked Velvet while taking a sip of tea.

"Yeah, even though it's only been a short time, we've definitely been enjoying it," said Sky to the married woman.

"That sounds so cool. I'd love to go on a journey of my own!" said Spike as he sat next to Sky.

"Why did I have to be seated next to him?" growled the teen softly as Aj sat on his right and gave him a look to keep his cool.

"Well, that's good. Traveling with friends is always much easier," spoke Night Light as he knew based on his experience when he was starting out as a trainer.

"And it's a lot more fun too," responded Applejack as she took a bite from her sandwich.

"By the way, Shining Armor. I've been meaning to ask if you could have a battle with me?" asked Sky. "If that's okay."

"Not at all. So, how many badges have you earned so far?" asked the young man.

"Well, see, that's the thing. I didn't know about your requirements until recently. So is it true that I need seven badges and six Pokémon to take you on?" asked Sky.

"Yes. I know it's some weird rules, but I'd like trainers to see this as the final obstacle they must conquer before competing in the League. Plus, having six Pokémon means that the battles will be intense and allow both of us to leave it on the table without holding back." said Shining Armor.

"I understand. But could you at least honor my request and have a battle with me?" said Sky as he really wanted to test his strength against the supposed "Best Gym Leader."

"Well, Shining," asked Night Light to his son.

"I'd be willing to accept your request," replied Shining Armor.

"Alright! Thank you!" smiled Sky.

"So, Applejack? Would you also like to battle me? Of course, it'd be an unofficial battle, but a battle nonetheless, " the young man said to the farm girl.

"Nah, I think I'm gonna sit this one out," said Applejack as she much preferred watching Sky battle.

"But I promise that once we get all seven badges and a full team of Pokémon, you best believe we're gonna come back and challenge you!" stated Sky.

"Then I look forward to when that time comes. Just know, only the best beat my gym and qualify for the League. Everybody else fails. Now then, let's see what you got, kid." said Shining Armor with a smile.

Soon both Sky and Shining Armor were in the room as both trainers were on opposite sides of the field. Sitting in the stands were Twilight, Spike, Velvet, and Applejack were about to watch the battle that was about to unfold between the two males.

"I'll be the referee, son," said Night Light.

"Thanks, dad!"

"This a battle between the Canterlot City Gym Leader, Shining Armor, and the challenger, Sky. In this battle, it'll be a two-on-two elimination. Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokémon. Now trainers reveal your Pokémon!" said Night Light.

"Turtwig, I choose you!" shouted Sky as he called upon his partner.

"Twig!" shouted the small creature as it appeared in front of Sky.

"Oh wow, a Turtwig. I've never seen one in person," said Twilight as she often saw images and pictures of Turtwig from the books and videos she watched.

"Man, even a Turtwig I would love to have as my own Pokémon," stated Spike.

Everybody was waiting for Shining Armor as the young man stood there with his eyes closed. He soon opened them as his entire demeanor turned up to ten.

"Lucario! Front and center!" commanded the Gym Leader.

The young man threw his Pokéball, and it opened up to reveal his chosen Pokémon. There stood a bipedal dog/wolf/jackal-like Pokémon with a few raccoon-like characteristics. It had red eyes, its forepaws were black, and it had large pointed spikes. There was also a third spike protruding in the middle of its chest. Lucario's ears and muzzle were long as it had a black "mask." The "mask" also had an added upper stripe. It also had four black sensory bundles on the back of its head. Lucario's torso was also covered in yellow fur with thicker patches on the collar. When its mouth opened, four large canine teeth, two on the top and two on the bottom could be seen.

"Lucario?!" shouted Sky as he did not expect Shining Armor to have that Pokémon.

Lucario opened its eyes as it got up from a bent knee. It saw Sky and Turtwig as it let out a howl that echoed around the arena, trying to provoke fear in its foes before the battle started.

"What the hay is that Pokémon?" asked Applejack as she pulled out her Pokédex.

"Lucario, the Aura Pokémon and the evolved form of Riolu. When Lucario evolves, it gains the power not just to sense auras but to control them. This skill is often useful in battle. If a person or Pokémon within a half-mile radius is feeling happy or sad, Lucario can tell."

"Looks like Shining isn't going to go easy on Sky," said Velvet.

"Oh boy," said Sky as he gulped a bit at seeing what lay before him.

"Battle Begin!" shouted Night Light.

"You can have the first move!" stated Shining Armor.

"Right! Turtwig, use Razor Leaf!"

"Twig!" shouted Turtwig as it leaped into the air and began to spin backward while shooting out its attacks.

The leaves were heading toward Lucario as Shining Armor stood there smiling as he simply put his hands in his pocket. Without giving a call, the attack hit Lucario as it made a smokescreen occur.

"Nice, now follow it up with Tackle!" shouted Sky.

"Twig!" said Turtwig as it began to charge headfirst forward.

"Uh, Twilight. I've been meaning to ask, why is Shining Armor the strongest Gym Leader?

Before the girl could answer Aj's question.

"Aura Sphere!" shouted Shining Armor.

An orb of blue aura appeared and shot through the smoke. It was heading for Turtwig, who saw the attack coming in fast.

"Dodge it!" shouted Sky.

Turtwig heard its trainer's command as it pumped the brakes and sidestepped at the last second. The aura sphere barely missed the small creature as it zoomed by; however, it did something unexpected as it changed direction and returned. Turtwig saw it out of his eye, as did Sky.

"Look out!" shouted the boy.

At that moment, the sphere hit the small Pokémon. A huge smokescreen appeared as it covered the entire field. Everybody was waiting to see what happened as soon the cloud was disbursed. It revealed Turtwig on the ground as the small Pokémon lay with swirls in its eyes.

"Turtwig?" called out Sky.

"Turtwig is unable to battle. The winner is Lucario!" stated Night Light as he pointed at his son and Pokémon.

"That's why," said Twilight.

Both Sky and Applejack were left in shock. In just one attack, one simple attack, Turtwig was defeated. Shining Armor smiled at his opponent as he took pride in one-shotting his Pokémon. For Sky, he looked at his hand as he could see it shaking. Almost like he was in fear.

"Turtwig, return," said Sky as he recalled his Pokémon. "You did good, bud. Sorry, I failed you, again."

"So, that's it? That's all you got? If that's the case, then walk away now! Don't even think about qualifying for the Equestrian League!" stated Shining Armor. "Cause you wouldn't have gone past your qualification round."

"Shining?" said Twilight as she felt like her big brother was being a bit harsh.

"Grr. I'm not done yet! Noctowl, I choose you!" growled Sky in anger as he felt disrespected by Shining Armor.

"So you still want to fight? Then I'll happily teach you a lesson!" shouted Shining Armor.

"Noctowl, Air Slash!"

Noctowl heard Sky's command as it raised its wings together. It formed a sphere of wind as the bird thrust it forward at Lucario.

"Lucario, Aura Sphere!"

The Pokémon heard Shining's command as it put its paws together to make a blue orb appear. It then shot it forward as it collided with the sphere of wind. Both held in place before Aura Sphere pushed right through it and continued to travel upwards. It hit Noctowl as another smokescreen occurred.

"Noctowl!" shouted Sky as he saw his bird fall out of the air and hit the ground. "Noctowl, are you okay?"

The owl grunted and gave a sound as it sat up. It shook itself off as some scuffs were shown on its body. While managing to take an Aura Sphere, dead on, the owl was still on its feet.

"So Noctowl still gets up after that, huh? Very well, Lucario! Bone Rush!"

Lucario gave a growl as it put its paws together. It then moved them apart as a staff made of bones appeared. The Pokémon then twirled it as it charged forward.

"Noctowl, up in the air!" shouted Sky.

Noctowl took off immediately as it shot upwards.

"Lucario!" shouted Shining Armor.

Lucario knew what its trainer meant. The Pokémon then split its staff into two smaller pieces as he spun them rapidly before tossing them at the owl.

"Dodge it!"

Noctowl moved quickly to avoid getting hit by the two staff pieces.

"Bone Rush, again!" shouted Shining Armor.

Lucario made another bone staff appear before breaking it apart into multiple pieces. It twirled them before tossing them at Noctowl. The bird was trying its best to not get hit.

"Jump!" shouted Shining Armor.

On command, Lucario leaped high into the air as it was above Noctowl. Lucario growled as it brought the last piece of its staff on the bird as it was sent down to the ground.

"Noctowl!" shouted Sky as he saw his Pokémon crash.

Lucario landed, expecting Noctowl to be defeated. But to its surprise, the bird managed to get up as more scuffs and marks appeared on its body.

"We're not done yet! Noctowl, Hypnosis!" ordered Sky.

"Lucario, Metal Claw on the ground!" shouted Shining Armor.

Lucario had its paws appear with claws made of metal as it struck the area below it. The attack made some dirt pick up as it created a layer that blocked Noctowl's Hypnosis. The dirt wall that Lucario made ceased as Noctowl was no longer in sight. In the background, the bird was coming from behind.

"Use Sky Attack!" shouted the boy.

"Lucario, Aura Sphere!" shouted Shining Armor.

Lucario turned around and fired another orb at the owl.

"Noctowl, use Extrasensory to catch that Aura Sphere!" said Sky.

Noctowl heard the teen's command as it stopped its current attack. It transitioned to Extrasensory as its eyes shot out a beam that touched the Aura Sphere as it was now under its control.

"Now, send it back!" said Sky.

Noctowl cried as it used its powers to hurl the Aura Sphere back at Lucario.

"Lucario, use Bone Rush and swat it away!" shouted Shining Armor.

"I knew you would do that," smiled Sky to himself as all he was looking for was to get one good hit on Lucario.

Lucario made its bone staff appear, holding it like a baseball bat. The Aura Sphere was about to collide as the Pokémon swung his bone staff. It sent the blue orb sailing into the wall above where the rest of Shining's family was as they jumped a bit. Any lower, and they would have been in serious trouble. However, while Lucario was focused on avoiding to not get hit, Sky had an opening.

"Sky Attack!"

Noctowl screeched as it powered up and made its body glow. The bird used the momentary distraction as it hurled itself into Lucario. The Pokémon managed to make Lucario's head turn from the impact it received. The attack made Lucario move a bit as its feet dragged along the floor across a few meters before it stopped. Lucario then dropped to a knee as it put a paw to its mouth. Noctowl returned back into the air as it glared down at its foe.

While Sky was smiling that he finally got a hit on Lucario, everybody else had a gasp. All of Shining Armor's entire family were stunned by what they saw. To see Lucario drop to a knee was a sight that only a few times had happened in the past. Twilight was amazed that Sky could do something only a few trainers could do to her brother's Pokémon.

"Well, well," said Shining Armor as he didn't expect the boy to actually hit Lucario for a good blow. "You actually did it."

"I told you, I'm not going down just yet!" said Sky.

"Still, all that for just an attack?" snickered Shining Armor. "Metal Claw!"

Lucario jumped upwards with its paws now having claws.

"Noctowl, Air Slash!" shouted Sky.

"Slice through it!" shouted Shining.

Noctowl made a sphere of wind appear as it tossed it at Lucario. The Pokémon obeyed Shining's command as it used one of its claws to split the wind orb in half as it blew all around, making his entire family hold on due to its power.

"Dodge Noctowl!"

"Don't let it get away!"

Noctowl moved as Lucario missed but soon zoomed after it. The Aura Pokémon began to chase the owl across the field as it still had the Metal Claws active. Noctowl was flapping as hard as it could to outspeed Lucario, but he kept on right on its tailfeather and was closing in.

"Aura Sphere!"

Lucario got rid of its Metal Claw attack and made a sphere appear while running. It then thrust both paws out as the attack was heading for Noctowl.

"Out of the way!" shouted Sky.

Noctowl did a barrel roll as it just missed.

"Bone Rush!"

"Do a loop de loop and spin counterclockwise!" ordered the teen.

Lucario made its bone staff appear as it broke it into several pieces. It then began tossing them at Noctowl as it tried to shoot the bird out of the air. Noctowl was doing as Sky requested as it made a loop de loop to throw off Lucario's aim and then spun in the opposite direction with its wings tucked in as the Aura Pokémon completely missed its shoots. Noctowl unfurled its wings and was now in Lucario's blind spit.

"Sky Attack!"

Noctowl made its body glow once more as it tucked its wings in and transitioned into a full fledge free fall dive.

"Catch it!" ordered Shining Armor.

Lucario turned as Shining Armor knew he couldn't defend from where Noctowl was coming. Instead, he had his Pokémon turn and tried to slow down the attack to minimize the damage. Lucario put its paws out just as Noctowl made contact as it began to push against the larger Pokémon. The owl was putting all its power into the attack as it wanted to knock Lucario down to its knees like before. Lucario grunted as the attack took effect on it; its legs were starting to be pushed back as it slowly skidded.

The attack was still going as everybody looked on to see what would happen. Lucario let out a growl as soon Noctowl's attack ceased. The owl was stunned as its attack did almost little to none against Lucario, who growled with a sinister smile.

"No way!" shouted Sky as he was stunned.

Noctowl was trying to get free, but Lucario held its wings in its grasp as it refused to let go of the bird. Shining Armor was watching this as he had thoughts run through his head.

I'll give you this kid; you got heart. Not many people can do what you just did to Lucario in their first encounter. You got a long way to go before you're ready to challenge me. But... you've got a good start.

"Lucario, finish it! Dragon Pulse!"

"Dragon Pulse?!" shouted Sky as he didn't know Lucario had that move.

Noctowl heard that as it looked up at the Pokémon that held it. Lucario's snicker was displayed as it growled and let out its inner aura. Its body glowed as the shape of a dragon appeared behind the Pokémon, and it roared loudly. The dragon then collided with Noctowl, full blast, as the bird Pokémon had no chance to defend itself from taking the full force of the attack. A huge explosion occurred as the wind picked up, Sky covering his face while Shining Armor stood there looking at the attack with his jacket and hair fluttered in the wind. It soon died down as it revealed what had occurred.

Noctowl laid at the feet of Lucario as it had swirls in its eyes. Lucario stood over the owl as it had its paw out and closed. It then opened it up to signal that it was over.

"Noctowl is unable to battle. The winner is Lucario, and the victor is the Canterlot City Gym Leader, Shining Armor!" announced Night Light as he pointed his arm at his eldest son.

"Noctowl," spoke Sky softly as he fell to his knees. For the boy, he felt some sadness at seeing him fail his Pokémon yet again.

Shining Armor approached Lucario as the Pokémon gave a growl to its trainer. It bowed down to a knee as the Gym Leader stood over his comrade.

"Excellent work, Lucario," smiled Shining Armor as he pulled out his Pokéball and recalled his Pokémon.

"Noctowl, you okay?" asked Sky as he bent down in front of his Pokémon and picked it up in his arms. The bird responded as the boy was happy to hear its ally. "Take a good long rest; you've earned it."

Sky pulled out his Pokéball as he recalled his Pokémon. Noctowl disappeared as Shining Armor stood over the teen. The young man extended his hand as Sky grabbed it and was pulled to his feet.

"You definitely got passion, kid."

"Thanks," responded Sky.

"Keep it up, and I look forward to our next battle," said Shining Armor as he began to walk away.

"There's no doubt that Shining Armor is really strong. He's clearly shown that he's on another level. And if I hope to beat him, I need to get stronger."

Sky heard himself talking in his mind as he now had another thing to overcome in his journey. Applejack was looking at her companion as she could tell he was now more motivated than ever to beat Shining Armor. After that performance, the girl couldn't blame how he was feeling. Shining Armor made it to his family, and they congratulated him on his victory.

"Guess I better do the same," said Applejack as if she was going to join Sky in competing in the Equestrian League, then she would need to get stronger to even have a chance at defeating Shining Armor.

It was now sometime later as Sky and Applejack were outside the gym. After having his Pokémon healed up, the two were about to set out.

"Hope you got everything you need," said Velvet as she gave the pair some extra food and supplies for their trip.

"I think we're good. Thanks, Ms. Velvet," said Sky to Twilight's mother.

"Speaking of Twilight, where is she? I'd figured she'd at least want to say goodbye," said Applejack.

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" said the girl as she emerged from the gym's entrance and jogged to where everybody was. "Sorry for being late; I hope I didn't keep you guys waiting."

"Not at all," said Aj.

"Good, 'cause I would hate for you two to leave me behind," smiled Twilight as she put on her backpack.

"Wait, you're coming with us?" asked Sky.

"After that battle with my brother, let's just say I wanna expand my horizons when it comes to studying Pokémon tactics," said Twilight.

"Sure, I guess?" said Applejack as she didn't fully understand what Twilight said.

"Sky, can I entrust you to look after my daughter while she's with you?" asked Night Light.

"You can count on me, sir," saluted the boy.

"You'd better. Or else when you come back here, a Pokémon battle isn't the fight we're gonna have," said Shining Armor while cracking his knuckles to warn the teen.

"Shining, stop! I can take care of myself. Sky wouldn't dare let anything happen to me," said Twilight as she knew her big brother would get overprotective.

"Just looking out is all," responded Shining Armor. "By the way, Sky, Applejack. You'll need to collect badges if you both want to start earning your way to the Equestrian League. Canterlot City serves as the central hub for the region. So from here, multiple routes lead to the different gyms."

"Which one do you recommend we start with?" asked the farm girl.

"Well, the Rock-type Gym would be a great place to start. Though it is three-on-three. So you'll need at least one more Pokémon before you can challenge the Gym Leader." said Shining Armor.

"Got it. Well, girls, let's head out," said Sky as he turned with the two girls following him.

"Have a safe trip," said Velvet.

"I will. Bye, mom, bye, dad. Behave Spike and listen to Shining Armor, " said Twilight to her little brother.

"I will," said Spike to his big sister as he waved with his family as they watched her leave with her new companions.

And so, after battling Shining Armor, Sky has gained some valuable knowledge. Now more determined to qualify and compete in the Equestrian League, the boy and farm girl set off in the direction of their first gym. And with the addition of their new friend, it seemed their adventure would become even more fun. As the journey continues.

Author's Note: It seems both Sky and Applejack have a lot of work to do before they're ready to take on Shining Armor and get the last badge they need to qualify for the League. Also, we got a little hint as to Sunset's past and why she's this way. Not to mention, we have a new member joining the traveling pair. While Spike won't be going with Twilight right now, know he'll join the teens at a later date. After all, this isn't going to be the only time the characters have to return to Canterlot City. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments. Also, what are Shining Armor's five other Pokemon he has? Care to make your guesses?