"There it is!" said Sky as he stood on the hill that overlooked the village. "The sight of my first gym badge."

After catching a Buizel, Sky had a third member to add to his party. And just in time, cause the boy was now seeing the village that lay at the base of a dormant volcano.

"Sky, wait up!" called out Applejack.

Both the farm girl and Twilight emerged behind the boy as they had to catch their breath. Sky's excitement was too much to handle as the girl could barely keep up with him.

"Could you at least wait for us?" said Twilight, as the girl was a big fan of running.

"Sorry, Twilight. But there it is. The site where I'm gonna win my first badge. My journey to the Equestrian League starts now!" said Sky as he made a fist.

The pair walked through the village as many people were shown out and about. They eventually made their way to the Pokémon Center.

"So, what's your plan?" asked Twilight to both Sky and Applejack.

"Easy, win," said Sky.

"I mean, an actual plan," said the bookworm.

"Look, Twilight, obviously, I'm not stupid. If that was the case, your brother would've wiped the floor with me in our battle. Look, the leader of the gym uses rock and ground-type Pokémon. So that means Water, Grass, and Fighting-types are the key to winning. But type advantage alone isn't enough to dictate the battle."

"I'm just hoping I can hold mah own," said Applejack. After seeing how tough Shining Armor was and how he easily showed Sky his power, safe to say the farm girl was having second doubts about wanting to compete in the League.

"Come on, Aj. Now's not the time to get cold feet. I thought you'd like to get down and dirty."

"You questionin' my integrity?!" said Applejack as she got in Sky's face.

"That's what I'm talking about. There's the fire and intensity you're gonna need to take on the Gym Leader," replied the boy as his plan worked.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, but did you say that you were planning to battle at the Gym?" asked Nurse Redheart as she finished taking care of the trio's Pokémon.

"Yeah, do you know who the Gym Leader is?" asked Sky.

"The Gym Leader is someone rather strong. He's got a very tough team of Pokémon who train with him whenever he's down by the quarry. Unfortunately, he's not in right now. Sorry." said Nurse Redheart.

"You're kidding me!" shouted Sky as he fell to the floor with a thud. Meanwhile, Aj let out a sigh of relief as she had more time to prepare.

"Do you know when he'll be back at least?" pouted Sky as he really wanted to battle.

"I'm afraid not," answered Nurse Redheart.

"Great, just great," said Sky as he sat down on a bench.

"It's not all bad. If the Gym Leader isn't in, then we can check out the village," said Twilight.

"What?! You mean I came all this way for nothing!" shouted a voice.

The trio heard the voice as it got their attention. They looked to the counter as there was a pair of girls; one of them had chromatic-colored hair.

"I'm sorry, but he's not at his Gym right this second," stated Nurse Redheart as she gave the girl her Pokéballs.

"There, there, it's okay, Rainbow," said Fluttershy as she patted her best friend on the back.

"I came here expecting to win my second badge. And now I don't even know when the Gym Leader is gonna be back!" shouted Rainbow as she was ticked off.

"Hey, there," said Sky.

Both Rainbow and Fluttershy turned as they saw the boy.

"Who are you?" asked Dash.

"I'm Sky. Nice to meet you," said the teen as he put his hand out for them to shake.

"Nice to meet you; I'm Fluttershy," said the girl as she shook his hand.

"Fluttershy, cute name," said Sky as he made Fluttershy blush, "And you?"

"Name's Rainbow Dash. Heard of me?" said the girl as she put on a cocky expression.

"No," said Sky bluntly as a record scratch was heard and deflated the girl's ego a bit. "Anyways, I heard that this is your second Gym badge."

"Yup," said Rainbow as she pulled out her badge case and showed off the badge she had already won. "Yup, won this baby over at the Cloudsdale Gym. Besides, it's where me and Fluttershy are from."

"Impressive," said Sky as he saw the badge.

"You're looking at the winner of the Equestrian League," boasted Dash.

"Well, that's a shame."

"How come?" said Rainbow.

"Cause you're not winning the League, I am," stated Sky.

"Is that so? How many badges do you got, rookie?" asked the chromatic-haired teen.

"This is gonna be my first gym. But even then, I'm far from a rookie," said Sky.

"Put your money where your mouth is, kid. How many Pokémon do you got with you?" asked Rainbow.

"Three."

"Perfect, then about me and you go one-on-one. See if you can keep up with me."

"Keep up with you. I'd run circles around you,... Crash," said Sky as he addressed Rainbow by that name.

"Oh, you're a dead son of bitch now!" growled Rainbow as that was a name she did not like.

"Hey, girls," said Sky as he called over Applejack and Twilight. "Meet Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash."

"Howdy."

"Hi."

"Hey," said Fluttershy as she waved at the two girls.

With the insult thrown by Sky, Rainbow was fired up. Both were near the quarry as they found a small patch of grass that would serve as their battlefield. Their friends were on the side as they wanted to see who would be the victor.

"Last chance to back out, rookie? You really want to get your ass kicked by a girl?" taunted Rainbow.

"Bitch, please," scoffed Sky as he pulled out his Pokéball.

"I'll act as the referee," said Twilight, as both had no problem with that.

"Now, Buizel, I choose you!" shouted Sky as he started with the latest Pokémon he caught.

"Bui!" shouted the weasel Pokémon as it appeared in front of the boy.

"Snivy, you're up to bat!" shouted Rainbow as she threw her Pokéball.

"Snivy!" said the Pokémon as she appeared with a calm, collected look.

"What's that?" said Applejack as she pulled out her Pokédex.

"Snivy, the Grass Snake Pokémon. Soaking up sunlight with its tail increases Snivy's speed. Though it has hands, it generally uses the vines that extend from its neck instead."

"A grass-type like Snivy has an advantage over a Water-type like Buizel," said Fluttershy.

"Yeah, but Sky is someone who doesn't let type advantage get to him," stated the country gal.

"Buizel, use Water Gun!"

Buizel heard Sky's command as it opened its mouth and shot out a powerful stream of water.

"Snivy, use Vine Whip to jump!" said Rainbow.

Snivy had vines appear from its neck as it used them to propel itself into the air as it was high above Buizel.

"Now use Leaf Blade!"

Snivy then tucked itself into a ball as it did several rotations. Its tail glowed green as it came down and hit Buizel right on the head as the Pokémon was knocked to the floor.

"Buizel!" said Sky as his Pokémon fell to a knee.

"Talk about super effective," said Fluttershy.

"Now use Leaf Storm!"

Snivy had tons of leaves float around her as she released them and headed toward Buizel.

"Use Sonic Boom!"

Buizel nodded as his tails began to glow. The water Pokémon leaped into the air as it turned and fired its attack as it sliced through the Leaf Storm, causing the leaves to scatter.

"Nice, Buizel. Follow it up with Aqua Jet!" shouted Sky.

Buizel then surrounded itself with a stream of water as it rocketed forward through the air.

"Intercept it with Leaf Blade!" shouted Rainbow.

"Snivy!"

The small snake leaped into the air as its tail glowed. It met Buizel's attack head-on as both held each other in midair. For a while, it was a stalemate as neither Pokémon budged. Soon the stalemate broke as Buizel had more power behind him and pushed through Snivy's Leaf Blade as the small snake Pokémon was hit and slammed to the ground.

"Snivy!" said Rainbow as she thought for sure her attack was more powerful.

"Great job, Buizel. Now, Water Gun!"

"Bui!" shouted the Pokémon as it fired its attack and landed another direct hit on Snivy as she skidded along the ground.

"Snivy, you good?!" asked Rainbow as she saw her Pokémon land in front of her.

Snivy merely grunted as she got up and had a few scars along her body. But despite being roughed up a bit, the small snake Pokémon was still raring to go.

"That's what I like to hear. Use Leaf Storm!"

"Buizel, Sonic Boom!"

Buizel charged its tails once more as the leaves began to surround Snivy. She then let loose her barrage of leaves as Buizel threw his attack out. The Sonic Boom traveled through the air as it sliced through the leaves and scattered them across the field.

"Just what I wanted, Attract!"

"Huh?" said Sky.

Buizel was looking around as the scattered leaves clouded its line of sight. The shadow outline of Snivy was shown as soon Buizel saw her. Snivy then winked as hearts began to circle her before they fell upon Buizel. Buizel blinked for a bit before it succumbed to the effect of Attract and had hearts for eyes as it stared at Snivy.

"What the hell?" said Sky as he was shocked by how Buizel was acting.

"What was that?" said Aj.

"That was Attract. It's a move that, when used against the opposite gender, makes them infatuated and less likely to attack," explained Twilight.

"How long does it last?" asked the farm girl.

"As long as it can," stated Twilight.

"Buizel, snap out of it!" yelled Sky.

"Snivy, use Vine Whip!" smiled Rainbow.

Snivy put its hands on her hips as the vines appeared from its neck. It began to slap Buizel across the face as the Pokémon was still under the love spell that the female Pokémon used. Soon the vines grabbed Buizel as they lifted him into the air and then slammed him to the ground.

"Now, finish it with Leaf Blade!"

Snivy leaped into the air once more as its tail glowed. Buizel was getting up as its eyes still had hearts in them. Snivy came down, and her tail made contact with Buizel's head as the Pokémon wobbled a bit before falling back. Buizel's eyes now turned from hearts to swirls.

"Buizel is unable to battle; the winner is Snivy!" said Twilight as she pointed at Rainbow.

"One zip!" smiled Dash with a cocky expression.

"Buizel, you did go. Get some rest," said Sky as he recalled his Pokémon. "I promise, all your effort won't be wasted."

"So, who's next?" asked Rainbow.

"Noctowl, I choose you!"

Sky called out his second Pokémon as Noctowl appeared. Rainbow and Snivy looked up as they saw the bird flapping its wings and hovering above them.

"Flying-type, huh?" said Dash as she knew things were getting tough. "Hang in there, Snivy."

"Snivy," said the small Pokémon as she nodded at her trainer.

"Use Vine Whip!"

"Extrasensory!"

Snivy made its vines appear as they shot upwards. Noctowl's eyes began to glow, and its mouth opened as a beam shot out. It caught Snivy's Vine Whip and was now in control. Snivy was stunned, as was Rainbow; the small Pokémon tried to move her vines herself, but Noctowl's mental power was too much. Soon the attack began to lift Snivy off the ground as it hovered in the air.

"Now throw it down!" instructed Sky.

Noctowl obeyed as it threw Snivy to the ground as a small hole was made. Even then, Snivy was still trying to get to its feet.

"Snivy, Vine Whip again!" said Rainbow.

Snivy whipped outs its vines as they shot upwards. They kept going as they hoped to grab Noctowl out of the air, but unfortunately, they stopped a few inches from the bird as he was just out of reach.

"It's not enough!" said Twilight.

"You got to be shitting?!" said Rainbow as Noctowl being just out of reach is what stopped her attack.

"Air Slash!" shouted Sky.

Noctowl put its wings together as a sphere of wind appeared and then shot toward Snivy as the Pokémon couldn't defend herself in time. The attack made contact as a smokescreen appeared. It soon died down as Snivy lay on the ground.

"Snivy is unable to battle; the winner is Noctowl," said Twilight.

"What was the score, Crash?" said Sky.

"My foot up your ass after I win this battle!" growled Rainbow as she didn't like that she lost to Sky.

"I'd like to see you try, Skittles!" said the boy, who wasn't afraid of Dash's comments.

"Oh, I am so killing you!" said Rainbow as she couldn't believe Sky had found a more insulting nickname.

While Rainbow was getting ready to call out her second Pokémon, someone was watching the teens. The person was shown on top of the quarry hill as the sight of the explosion from Noctowl's Air Slash got their attention. The battle between Sky and Rainbow caught their attention as they wanted to see the final result. They only had a shovel as they sat down and planted their tool.

"Torkoal, you're up to bat!" shouted Rainbow.

"Torkoal!" said the Pokémon as he served as Dash's second pick.

"Torkoal, the Coal Pokémon. Because wild Torkoal get their energy by burning coal within their shells, they tend to live near large coal deposits in the mountains."

"It's a Fire-type," said Applejack as she read the information her Pokédex told her about Dash's Pokémon.

"Torkoal, use Flamethrower!"

Torkoal inhaled as it opened its mouth and fired a stream of fire.

"Dodge it!" shouted Sky as Noctowl moved to the side as the fire attack missed it.

"Now, use Sky Attack!"

"Iron Defense!"

Noctowl had its horns begin the glow as soon as its entire body did the same. The bird then dove toward the tortoise as Torkoal withdrew itself as an iron barrier occurred when Noctowl made contact with its shell. The attack sent Noctowl back as it crashed to the ground.

"Noctowl, can you still battle?" asked Sky as he saw his Pokémon stand up. The bird gave a screech to serve as its answer.

"Huh, Noctowl got up after that?" said Rainbow as she was impressed by the bird's guts. "Alright, Torkoal, use Flamethrower again!"

"Noctowl, up!"

Noctowl heard Sky's orders and immediately soared into the air as the fire nearly got him.

"Use Air Slash!"

"Iron Defense again!"

Noctowl made its wind sphere appear as it shot down toward the tortoise. Torkoal did what Rainbow said as it withdrew its legs and head as the attack hit its shell, but a barrier was put up as it repelled the attack.

"Torkoal, stay inside your shell and use Flamethrower!"

"What?!" said the girls.

Torkoal began to spin in place as the fire from Flamethrower was now shooting all over the place. Noctowl was having trouble trying to avoid it as everywhere it tried to turn and dodge, there was a column of fire that nearly hit it. One of the Flamethrowers hit Noctowl in the back as the bird felt it. Soon a few more hit it as it was going down.

"Noctowl!" shouted Sky as he saw his Pokémon crash. The dust cleared as there was Noctowl, weak but still standing.

"Let's finish this, Overheat!" said Rainbow as she pointed.

Torkoal's shell powered up as it began to power up. The tortoise opened his mouth as he fired another fire attack; this one was more powerful based on how it looked and how wide the stream was.

"Noctowl!"

Sky shouted as his Pokémon saw the attack coming. The bird, despite having some scuffs, was able to avoid the attack as it soared into the air. It soared as it was in the air to provide some distance between him and Torkoal.

"He was able to move after that?" said Rainbow with a surprised look.

"Let's turn this around, Air Slash!"

"Flamethrower!"

Both Pokémon launched their respective attacks as they zoomed toward each other. They met in the middle as they were being held in place again. Soon a smokescreen occurred as a result of the two attacks.

"Noctowl, into the smoke and use Sky Attack!"

Noctowl nodded as it entered the smoke and disappeared. Rainbow and Torkoal were looking at the smoke cloud as they were trying to see where their target was. All they could see was a figure flashing for a few moments within the cloud.

"Torkoal, use Flamethrower!"

Torkoal heard Rainbow's command as it began to spray about into the cloud. The flames were shooting about as they were hoping to find Noctowl inside. Soon a figure emerged from the cloud as it was surrounded by some of the smoke and leaving a trail. The smoke disappeared as there was Noctowl with its attack all charged up.

"Do it!" shouted Sky as his Pokémon collided with Torkoal; the tortoise was knocked off its feet and flipped onto his back.

"Torkoal!" yelled Rainbow as her Pokémon was turtled and couldn't flip itself onto its feet.

"Hypnosis!"

Noctowl's eyes glowed once more as a symbol flew toward the tortoise. It looked as Noctowl's attack made contact. Torkoal let out a yawn as it began to nap and retracted its legs and head. The Pokémon was still on its shell as its underside was completely unprotected.

"Sky Attack!" said the teen, thrusting his fist out.

Noctowl dived once more as its body glowed. It tucked its wings in for maximum momentum as the power began to gather from his dive. The Pokémon made contact with Torkoal as another cloud formed with pieces of the ground coming out. It soon disbursed as Noctowl hovered in the air as there laid Torkoal now with swirls for eyes.

"Torkoal is unable to battle; the winner is Noctowl," said Twilight.

"I knew you could do it, bud," said Sky as Noctowl landed on his shoulder and gave a cheerful screech.

"Great job," said Rainbow as she recalled Torkoal and applauded his performance.

"You got a strong Torkoal. Gave Noctowl a hell of a fight," said Sky as he too was showing his respect for the Pokémon and for Rainbow as a Trainer for raising it well.

"Thanks," said Rainbow, unaware she smiled when she said that. "But it's not over yet; I still got one left."

Rainbow had her final Pokéball out as Sky smiled. Noctowl then took off and hovered in the air as it prepared for what awaited them.

"It's all on you, buddy. When it really matters, and it's bottom of the ninth, I can count on you to hit a grand slam," said Dash to her Pokémon before taking a deep breath. "Taillow, you're up to bat!"

"Taillow!" shouted the tiny bird as it appeared and did a loop-de-loop before taking its position above Dash.

"A Taillow, huh?" said Sky as he saw Rainbow's final Pokémon and could see it was the one she relied on the most.

"Taillow, the Tiny Swallow Pokémon. Although Taillow is fierce and courageous in battle, even against stronger foes, hunger or loneliness sometimes make it cry."

"That's a tiny thing, ain't it, Fluttershy?" said Aj.

"Taillow's been with Rainbow ever since we were little," said the shy girl.

"Word of advice, Sky. When it comes to air battles, that's me and Taillow's domain."

"Then let's see what you got! Air Slash!"

"Double Team!"

Noctowl made another wind orb appear and threw it as Taillow made multiple copies of itself. The attack hit one of them as the others all raced forward toward the owl.

"Quick Attack!"

The Taillows zoomed ahead and made contact with Noctowl as he was pelted from all angles. Soon they reverted back to one as Taillow made a U-turn and was coming in hot.

"Use Hypnosis!"

"Quick Attack, again!"

Noctowl prepared to use Hypnosis, but it wasn't called Quick Attack for nothing. Taillow made contact first as it got Noctowl in the chest and pushed the Pokémon to the ground as they crashed. Soon a small hole was left, and there stood Noctowl with defeated eyes.

"Noctowl is unable to battle; the winner is Taillow," said Twilight.

"Aw yeah!" shouted Rainbow as she did a fist pump. "That's what I'm talking about. Great work, Taillow."

"Taillow!" said the small swallow as he nodded.

"You did good, Noctowl. Get some rest," said Sky as he recalled his Pokémon. He then grabbed his final Pokéball as he looked at Rainbow.

"They're each down to one Pokémon," said Fluttershy.

"Let's see who comes out on top here," stated Applejack.

"Now, Turtwig, I choose you!"

"Turtwig!"

"A grass-type. This'll be a cinch," said Rainbow as Taillow also agreed.

"Don't be fooled. Turtwig can handle whatever you throw at us," said Sky.

"Is that so? How about this? Wing Attack!"

"Dodge it!"

Taillow took off with its wings glowing. Turtwig showed off its impressive speed as it easily avoided the bird's attack.

"Razor Leaf!"

Turtwig leaped into the air and spun backward as its attack shot out.

"Double Team!" instructed Dash.

Taillow made several copies of itself just as the attack from Turtwig made contact and took out the fakes, as only the real one was left.

"Quick Attack!"

"Turtwig, run towards Taillow!"

"Huh?!" said all of the girls.

Turtwig was running toward Taillow, who was closing in the distance. The small green Pokémon then leaped into the air, about to collide with Taillow. Soon he began to twist his body and spin as it allowed him to miss Taillow's attack. Even the small bird was shocked by how Turtwig could dodge its fast attack.

"Now, Razor Leaf!"

Turtwig was now behind Taillow as he began to let loose a barrage of leaves that hit Taillow in the back. It sent the small bird to the ground as it crashed.

"Now use Tackle!"

Turtwig landed and immediately pushed off as he ran. Taillow barely recovered as he saw Turtwig charging at him and bashed his head into the small swallow Pokémon as he tumbled again.

"Taillow, get up!" shouted Rainbow as he did that. "Now use Wing Attack!"

"Dodge it!" said Sky as Turtwig rolled out of the way from Taillow.

"Just what I expected, Aerial Ace!"

Taillow now changed directions with lightning-fast reflexes. Turtwig only saw it out of the corner of his eye as he was hit with a super-effective move. The small green Pokémon skidded along the ground as he tumbled.

"Turtwig!" said Sky as he was concerned for his partner as just from that one attack, he had scuffs along his body.

"Twig," said the small Pokémon as he rallied himself to get up and continue to fight.

"I'll give you this, Sky. Your Pokémon are tough. But I'm gonna win. Taillow, wrap this up! Aerial Ace!"

"Turtwig, counter with Tackle!"

Both Pokémon get out a cry as they charge forward. The two attacks met in the middle as a sudden burst of wind blew over the entire field from just the contact of the two attacks.

"Full Power!" shouted Sky and Rainbow.

It showed a split screen of Turtwig and Taillow as they put more power into their attacks. Neither of the small Pokémon wanted to let down their Trainers as they each let out another cry as the contact from both attacks exploded. Wind and bits of the ground shot up into the air and all around. The girls' hair and Fluttershy's scarf all flapped in the wind. Soon it died down as there lay Turtwig and Taillow inches apart from each other with swirls in their eyes.

"Both Turtwig and Taillow are unable to battle; it's a draw!" said Twilight.

"Turtwig!" said Sky as he rushed over to his fallen partner. Sky picked up his Pokémon as he held him in his arms.

"Twig."

"You did good, bud. Take five," smiled Sky as he pulled out his Pokéball and recalled Turtwig.

"Taillow, return!" said Rainbow as she called back her partner. "Nice run, champ."

Both teens looked at each other.

"You're good," said Sky.

"You as well. To beat Taillow with Turtwig is not an easy task," said Rainbow.

The girls approached the pair as they had smiles. Soon there was some clapping as it got the attention of the teens. They looked up as on the quarry mound, there was the person who had watched the teens battling it out.

"Very good job, kids," said the person as it was revealed to be a man. "That right there was some fine battlin'."

"Thanks?" said Sky and Rainbow.

The man picked up his shovel and slung it over his shoulder. He then slid down the hill and landed with a thud. Upon closer inspection, they saw the man had a beard, long hair was moderate gamboge with a light gold stripe and grayish blue eyes. They also noticed the man's shovel as it was a symbol that looked like three triangles stuck together.

"Ever consider challenging the Gym Leader," said the man.

"That's what we're here for? But apparently, he's not at his Gym at the moment," said Rainbow.

"Come to think of it, I never asked where the Gym was located," said Sky.

"Well, then, it's your lucky day, kids. I'll take you to where the Gym is," said the man as he twirled his shovel and then put it on his back. "Follow me, laddies."

"Uhm, you think we should trust him?" asked Fluttershy.

"Well, it couldn't hurt to at least scout the place while we wait for the Gym Leader," said Sky.

They soon began to follow the mysterious person as he led them back into the village and toward the gym's location. They arrived at a cave as there was a door. It opened all everyone entered. Inside was a building; as the group continued to walk until they reached another set of doors, someone was standing there.

"I see you're back, sir," said the person as he wore a miner hat. "You kids here to challenge the Gym Leader?"

"Well, these three are," said Twilight as she pointed at Sky, Rainbow, and Applejack.

"Figured I'd show them the way," said the man.

"I see. Oh, by the way, sir. While you were out, a challenger arrived not too long ago, and she has been waiting inside for you to return."

"I see. Well, best not to keep her waiting too much longer. Pardon me, kids. But I have a Gym battle that I need to uphold." said the man.

"Wait, you mean..." said Rainbow as the doors opened.

Inside was the person as they stood there and saw the man.

"Apologies for not being here when you arrived, little one."

"At least I didn't have to wait long," said Sunset. "I take it you're the Gym Leader."

"Rockhoof, at your service," said the man as he let out a loud chuckle.

"Wait, you mean... you're the Gym Leader?!" said Rainbow as she and everyone else was stunned to learn that the man watching her and Sky's battle was none other than the Gym Leader himself.

"Guess I should have mentioned that. Look, I know you kids came to battle but seeing as Ms. Sunset has been waiting patiently for me to return from my morning mining, I have an obligation to battle her first," said Rockhoof as he approached the girl. "Well, Ms. Sunset, are you ready?"

"Let's battle," stated Sunset. She glanced at Sky as both rivals stared at each other like they wanted to kill the other.

Author's Note: Both groups have finally met each other; and as a result, it led to Sky and Rainbow facing each other as we got to see what Rainbow's two other Pokemon were when she secured her first Gym Badge. And speaking of Gym Badges, it's time for our heroes to challenge a Gym Leader. However, it looks like someone beat them to the punch. Now the question remains: Can Sunset win her first badge? Now with Rainbow's two other Pokemon being revealed, here's an update as to who has what. Sky's Team: Noctowl, Buizel, Turtwig; Aj's Team: Heracross, Shroomish, and Donphan; Rainbow's Team: Snivy, Torkoal, and Taillow. Twilight has an Espeon, while Fluttershy has an Eevee and Caterpie. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments and be prepared for Sunset's Gym Battle in the next chapter.