Our heroes had finally made it to the site of the first gym, where Sky hopes to win his first gym badge and begin his road to the Equestrian League. However, upon setting foot in the village, the trio found out that the Gym Leader was out. There, they bumped into Rainbow and Fluttershy and learned that the chromatic-haired girl was also looking to enter the league. Soon a battle between both Sky and Dash followed as both wanted to prove who was the better trainer. It was a hard-fought battle with lots of back-and-forth action that ended in a draw.
Unbeknownst to the pair, watching their battle was none other than the Rock-type Gym Leader, Rockhoof. The man soon led the teens to where his gym was, but as it turns out, they weren't the only ones. Sunset had arrived as she, too, was hoping to secure her first badge.
"I take it you're Rockhoof," said Sunset.
"Yup, sorry for not being here earlier. But I hope you're ready for our battle to begin," said the Gym Leader.
"Of course," Sunset said as she and Rockhoof walked toward the field.
"By the way, lads, care to watch?" asked Rockhoof to the others.
"Uh, yeah," said Rainbow as she wouldn't miss a Pokémon battle, especially a Gym battle, for nothing.
"Well, it could be useful to see what to expect," Applejack said as she was still a bit nervous about performing.
Soon both Fluttershy and Twilight expressed their opinions. All but Sky as he and Sunset had their eyes deadlocked on each other. From the moment they saw each other, they did not once look away.
"Well, Sunset, mind if they watch?" asked Rockhoof.
"Like I give a shit," said the girl as she turned and walked onto the field.
"Sunset," growled Sky.
"What's gotten into him?" whispered Rainbow to the others.
"It's a long story," said Aj.
Soon it was time. Sunset stood on one end of the field as Rockhoof stood on the other. The battlefield between them had rocks and mounds sticking out, which added a surprise element for both trainers. The gym's roof opened as if to allow both competitors to use the air itself.
"Wow, look at the battlefield," said Fluttershy as she was amazed by what she saw.
"When it comes to battlefields, there are all sorts of different types! Of course, this Gym is a Rock-type Gym, so it's set up to battle with Rock-type Pokémon in mind," explained Twilight as she learned this from her father and her brother.
One of Rockhoof's assistants stepped to the podium as he began to call the match.
"The gym battle between the challenge Sunset Shimmer and the Gym Leader Rockhoof will now begin. It'll be a three-on-three battle, and the battle will be over when one side's Pokémon can no longer battle. Furthermore, only the challenger will be allowed any substitutions. Now, let the battle begin!"
"Wonder which Pokémon, Sunset is gonna start with?" said Applejack.
"Jolteon, show no mercy!" shouted Sunset as she threw her Pokéball.
"Jolteon!" shouted the Pokémon as he appeared.
"A Jolteon!?" said Rainbow.
"But Electric-type Pokémon are at a huge disadvantage against Rock-type Pokémon. What is she thinking?" said Twilight as she was confused about Sunset's pick.
"Interesting," said Rockhoof as he saw what Sunset selected. "Now, Rhyhorn! Stand your ground!"
The Gym Leader called out his first Pokémon, which was revealed to be a gray rhinoceros-like Pokémon with rock-hard skin and armor covering its body. It had spikes on top of it to protect itself from its foes. It walked on four legs and had a horn that could be used as a drill. And it had two toes on each foot and two sharp teeth sticking out of its mouth.
"Rhyhorn, the Spikes Pokémon. A charging Rhyhorn is so single-minded that it doesn't think about anything else until it demolishes its target," said Fluttershy's Pokédex.
"I'm still not sure why Sunset chose to go with an electric Pokémon. No doubt, Rhyhorn has the ability Lightning Rod, which means it'll absorb any electric attacks, and in this case, it might boost a Pokémon's special attack," said Twilight.
"So, why?" asked Fluttershy.
"Jolteon, Double Kick!" shouted Sunset.
Jolteon quickly took off and jumped into the air. It aimed its back legs at Rhyhorn, who took the attack head-on. It pushed Rhyhorn back as it skidded along the ground.
"I thought an Electric-type Pokémon like Jolteon wasn't that good against a Rock-type like Rhyhorn?" said Fluttershy as she could tell that move by Sunset did some damage.
"Yes, but Sunset didn't use an electric move. Double Kick is a fighting-type move that's super effective against rock-type Pokémon like Rhyhorn," explained Twilight.
"Rhyhorn, Stone Edge!" shouted Rockhoof.
The rhino had stones surrounding its body, and he then shot them forward.
"Protect!" shouted Sunset.
Jolteon heard Sunset's command as it put a protective barrier around it as the stones collided with it.
"Jolteon, Double Kick again!" shouted Sunset.
Jolteon quickly took off once its barrier was down. Using its extreme speed, it bounced between the mounds as it closed the distance. It then transitioned its body and aimed its back legs as they collided with Rhyhorn's horn as the rhino pushed back.
"Rhyhorn, Rock Blast!" shouted Rockhoof.
Rhyhorn made a huge rock appear above its horn as it tossed it at Jolteon.
"Protect!" shouted Sunset.
Once more, Jolteon built a protective barrier as it withstood the attack.
"Now I get why Sunset chose Jolteon, cause since she had it learn Double Kick, she knew it would be effective against Rock-type Pokémon. Coupled with learning Protect and its incredible speed to move about the battlefield, she can avoid any serious damage being done to Jolteon."
The girls were amazed by Twilight's explanation; Sky kept his eye and scowl on Sunset. Rhyhorn kept throwing huge boulders at Jolteon, who kept up the shield. But it could be seen that it was struggling.
"Impressive, Ms. Sunset," said Rockhoof as he praised Sunset for being able to deal damage to his Pokémon despite the type matchup. "But let's see you dodge this! Earthquake!"
Rhyhorn fired its last boulder off before it lifted its front legs up. For a quick moment, he was standing on its hind legs before bringing down his front two as they slammed into the ground. Jolteon had just let up its barrier as it felt the ground shake. Soon it began to break as it was hit by a piece of the battlefield and sent flying into the air.
"Get back in there!" shouted Sunset. "Double Kick, again!"
"Megahorn!" shouted Rockhoof.
Both Jolteon and Rhyhorn charged forward as their attacks glowed. The smaller Pokémon leaped into the air and used its back legs to collide with the rhino's horn as they met in the middle. Both attacks created a powerful wind that burst out due to the momentum behind their attacks. Neither one looked to let up as they tried to hold their ground. Soon it became too much as Jolteon was thrown back with scuffs along its body as Rhyhorn merely skidded along the ground. However, the stalement did make it sustain damage.
"Jolteon, return!" shouted Sunset as her Pokémon was still in midair when she did that. She then reached for another Pokéball. "Fletchling, show no mercy!"
"Fletchling!" said the small robin Pokémon as it appeared.
"A Fletchling?" said the girls, minus Aj and Sky.
"Fletchling, Razor Wind!" commanded Sunset.
Fletchling's wings began to glow as it flapped them outwards, and buzz saws made up of wind began to fly out.
"Stone Edge!" shouted Rockhoof.
Rhyhorn had stones form and circled around it. He then commanded them to fly forward as they collided with the Razor Wind and disposed of them. A few more stones were still present as they were heading in Fletchling's direction.
"Fletchling, Double Team!" shouted Sunset.
The tiny bird then made multiple copies of itself as they were taken out by the stones.
"Now use Steel Wing!" shouted Sunset.
"Fletchling!" shouted the tiny bird as it zoomed ahead with its metallic wings.
It flew through the field of stones still being launched by Rhyhorn as it dodged them easily. Soon it had its target in sight as it hit Rhyhorn in the face, making the Pokémon fall to the ground. Rhyhorn was shown lying on its stomach with swirls for eyes.
"Rhyhorn is unable to battle; Fletchling is the winner!" said Rockhoof's assistant.
"Wow, I guess all the Double Kicks from Jolteon weakened Rhyhorn more than expected," said Rainbow.
"Not only that, it shows that if you can overcome any disadvantage by using the right moves," said Twilight.
"Very good, my friend," said Rockhoof as he recalled his and thanked it. "Alright, Onix! Stand your ground!"
Rockhoof threw his second Pokéball as a Pokémon with a long serpentine body of large gray boulders and little pebbles. It had a long horn atop its head and small eyes.
"Onix, the Rock Snake Pokémon. Onix never loses its way while boring through the ground, thanks to its internal magnet. Its body grows smoother with age as the rough edges wear away."
"Fletchling, use Steel Wing!" shouted Sunset.
"Dodge it, Onix!" instructed Rockhoof.
Onix soon surprised everyone at it moved so quickly. It moved so fast that it made Fletchling look slow.
"Woah, I didn't know Onix could move that fast!" said Applejack.
"No doubt, Rockhoof trained it well," said Twilight as she could tell he did his job as Gym Leader if he could make a powerful Pokémon move so fast despite its massive body.
"Use Screech!"
Onix opened its mouth as soundwaves, and a noise shot out. It surrounded Fletchling as it was being affected by the attack. It heard the loud noise as it soon found itself being pushed back. The small Pokémon soon collided with a rock mound as it crashed.
"I know Screech is supposed to lower a Pokémon's special defense, but the way Rockhoof used it. Unbelievable," said Rainbow as they saw why Rockhoof was the Gym Leader.
"Now, use Slam, Onix!" instructed the man.
Onix quickly moved as its tail glowed. Fletchling was barely getting up as Onix was positioned over it. It let out a fearful face as Onix wasted no time and showed no mercy in bringing its tail down as it made a hole. Dust and rocks were thrown into the air for a few moments. Once it ceased, there stood Fletchling in the hole as it was defeated.
"Fletchling is unable to battle; the winner is Onix!"
"Very good, Onix," said Rockhoof to his Pokémon. Onix gave a growl to its trainer.
Sunset merely scowled as she pulled out her Pokéball and recalled her Pokémon.
"Fletchling, I'll deal with you later!" growled the girl at how her Pokémon failed. "Jolteon, show no mercy!"
"Jolteon!" shouted the Pokémon as it reappeared for the second time.
While most of the scuffs on its body were gone, no doubt the Pokémon was panting a bit as the battle from Rhyhorn did a good number on it.
"I guess, Sunset must be trying to do the same strategy as she did with Rhyhorn," said Applejack.
"No, she's not," said Sky as it got all the girls to look at him.
"Quick, Jolteon, Double Kick!"
"Dodge, Onix!" shouted Rockhoof.
As quickly as Jolteon took off, Onix could get out of the way of the smaller Pokémon's attack.
"Now use Slam!"
Onix positioned itself above Jolteon as it was about to bring its tail down.
"Protect!" shouted Sunset.
Jolteon quickly put a shield around it as Onix's tail came crashing down. Jolteon still felt the effects of the attack as the force of it was barely being held back by the shield.
"Double-Edge!" instructed Rockhoof.
Onix then moved and had its entire body encased in a glow. The barrier was dropped just as Onix made its move and bashed into Jolteon, who let out a cry and was sent flying into the air.
"Wow, Onix caught Jolteon right when its protective barrier went down!" said Fluttershy.
"Yeah, but don't forget, Double-Edge is a move that causes recoil damage. So Onix got hurt from using that attack," said Rainbow.
However, it seemed there wasn't a scratch or any damage after using Double-Edge. In fact, it seemed to be okay.
"I thought you said it does recoil damage, Dash?" said Applejack. "That thing looks fine to me."
"That's cause Onix can use Rock Head," answered Twilight. "Rock Head's a special ability: it takes moves that would normally cause recoil damage and completely prevents it from ever taking place."
"Wait?" said the farm girl.
"Which means, Rockhoof can just keep using the move over and over again, without having to worry about his Pokémon taking damage from its own move," clarified Sky.
"Stay strong or else!" shouted Sunset to her Jolteon as it struggled to get up.
"Stealth Rock!" smiled Rockhoof.
"Did he just say Stealth Rock?!" shouted Sunset as she was caught off guard.
Onix made several stone pillars appear by its side. Soon they shot toward Jolteon as the Pokémon just reached its feet. It turned its head away as it awaited for the rocks to connect. But instead, they spread and embedded themselves into the ground. The stone pillars surrounded the entire space of Sunset's side of the field.
"What kind of move is that?" asked Aj.
"Stealth Rock causes damage to Pokémon that appear later in the battle. However, it has no effect on the Pokémon currently out," said Twilight.
"So, if Sunset decides to call Jolteon back and choose another Pokémon, then that Pokémon will take all the damage?" said Aj.
"Yup! It looks like Rockhoof is taking care of Sunset's substitutions before they happen, making things much trickier for her," said Twilight. "I'll say, this is way different than how my brother usually battles his opponents."
"If you were going to exchange Pokémon, Ms. Sunset, you should have done it earlier," smiled Rockhoof at the girl. "Slam, Onix!"
Onix quickly moved as it pinned down Jolteon, who was being pushed to the ground. The Pokémon grunted and cried as the pressure was becoming too much.
"Jolteon, Discharge!" said Sunset.
Jolteon let out sparks of electricity. While electric-type moves didn't phase Onix that much, a small electric current began to flow through its body as it felt paralyzed and quickly released its hold on Jolteon.
"Well, now," smiled Rockhoof.
"Why would Sunset have Jolteon use an Electric move? She knows it doesn't faze Onix," said Applejack.
"It's not so much that she was trying to damage it, but rather to paralyze it. Discharge has an additional effect in that it can cause your opponent to be paralyzed. And while electric-type don't have that much effect on Rock Pokémon, they can be paralyzed to a certain degree." said Sky.
"Double Kick, Jolteon, now!" instructed Sunset.
"Double-Edge, Onix!" shouted Rockhoof.
Both Pokémon made contact with their moves as it proved to be another equal match in power. Both were pushed back as Jolteon fell to the ground and panted hard. Onix jumped back as the paralysis was still in effect.
"I commend you, Ms. Sunset. Paralyzing Onix proved to make that much of a difference. Had it not been, Jolteon would have lost the exchange. However, don't get too comfortable. Sometimes moves can be used even when paralyzed!" said Rockhoof.
"Now, Jolteon, return!" shouted Sunset.
"Does she not remember?" said Rainbow.
"I guess she doesn't really care about the Stealth Rock," said Applejack.
"Chimchar, show no mercy!" shouted Sunset.
"Chimchar!" said the small Pokémon.
The moment Sunset called out Chimchar, the Stealth Rocks took effect. The stone pillars began to move and closed in on Chimchar, still in the air, from being called out. They collided as dust appeared; soon emerging from it was Chimchar, who landed on its feet but could be shown panting a bit as the attack did some damage.
"A Fire-type next, eh? Impressive the way you come at me with Pokémon that aren't considered very good matchups!" said Rockhoof as he acknowledged all the Pokémon that Sunset was using in their battle.
"Chimchar, use Dig!" shouted Sunset.
Chimchar immediately burrowed into the ground below it and caught Onix by surprise. Its body still had electricity flowing as the paralyze was still active.
"Try to sense where Chimchar's moving, Onix!" instructed Rockhoof.
Before Onix could do that, Chimchar emerged under it as the Pokémon pushed up and tossed the rock snake away. Everyone was shocked to see the smaller Pokémon able to make Onix jump into the air due to its powerful throw.
"Using Dig is supereffective against Onix," said Sky.
"Now, use Double-Edge!" said Rockhoof.
Onix recovered as it began to move. Its body glowed entirely as it headed toward Chimchar.
"Chimchar, use Dig one more time!" instructed Sunset.
Chimchar did just that as it quickly avoided Onix's attack came missed.
"Onix, stand still! Feel Chimchar's movements!" instructed Rockhoof to his Pokémon. Onix tried to do that as the paralysis made it wince in pain. "When will that paralysis wear off?" said the Gym Leader as it was making things hard for Onix to properly attack.
"Chimchar! Do it!" shouted Sunset.
Soon the ground under Onix began to shake. Chimchar emerged as it gave one powerful, mighty toss to the larger Pokémon as it was flung into the air. Onix crashed hard onto the ground as it had swirls for eyes.
"Onix is unable to battle! Chimchar wins!"
"Not bad, Chimchar," said Sunset to her Pokémon as it landed in front of her, panting heavily.
"Onix, return!" said Rockhoof as he recalled his Pokémon. "You were great. Take a nice long rest." The Gym Leader reached for his final Pokémon as he looked at Sunset. "Well, Ms. Sunset, you're giving me quite a run for my money. It's time I bring out my final Pokémon! I suggest you get ready. Hippowdon, stand your ground!"
Rockhoof's final Pokémon was a large hippo with several holes and a dark gray back and muzzle. It had a large, rounded snout, a mouth filled with peg-like teeth, and red eyes. It also had black feet with four blunt claws each.
"Okay, that's one big hippo!" said Rainbow as she pulled out her Pokédex.
"Hippowdon, the Heavyweight Pokémon. Hippowdon stores sand inside its body and expel it through the ports on its sides to create a twisting sandstorm in battle."
"Please, Chimchar, use Dig!" instructed Sunset.
"Hippowdon, Iron Head!" shouted Rockhoof.
Hippowdon closed its eyes as it stood still. Underneath, Chimchar was digging a tunnel toward the large hippo as it was soon below it. Hippowdon's eyes opened up as Chimchar came out. The large head then bashed itself into the smaller Pokémon as Chimchar was sent flying.
"What a hit!" said Rainbow as she was stunned.
"Hippowdon anticipated Chimchar's movements!" said Twilight.
"Chimchar, Dig again!"
"Hippowdon, Iron Head!"
Once more, Chimchar began to burrow underground, but the same thing happened. Hippowdon quickly attacked Chimchar as soon as it came up and made the smaller Pokémon skid along the ground.
"Gees, that's a powerful move!" said Aj.
"Not only that, Iron Head can sometimes scare an opponent into flinching," said Twilight.
"Iron Head, again!" shouted Rockhoof.
"Quick, Chimchar, use Dig!" shouted Sunset.
Hippowdon was rushing forward as its attack was charging up. As for Chimchar, the Pokémon was scared and in fear. It couldn't move as it seemed the flinching from Iron Head did its job. The attack was moments away from connecting as Sunset shouted.
"Chimchar, return!" shouted the girl.
A red beam quickly shot out as it engulfed Chimchar with Hippowdon's attack, almost making contact.
"Grr!" said Sunset as she couldn't believe she had to do that because her Pokémon was scared. "Jolteon, show no mercy!"
"Jolteon!" cried the Pokémon as it was called out again.
However, the Stealth Rocks activated as they crashed into the Electric-type Pokémon. Jolteon now had scuffs along its body as it seemed that it wouldn't last much longer.
"Stand up and use Double Kick!" yelled Sunset.
"Hippowdon, Dig!" instructed Rockhoof.
Jolteon took off as the big hippo began to burrow itself into the ground. Jolteon missed as it looked around. Soon the ground below it began to shake as Hippowdon cried. It flung the Pokémon into the air as it cried out.
"I said use Double Kick!" shouted Sunset.
"Iron Head!"
Jolteon, while in midair, transitioned its body downwards and had its back legs glow. Hippowdon's front began to flow as Jolteon came down, and both attacks collided. It created a massive smokescreen that made both skids along the ground.
"Use Quick Attack!" instructed Sunset.
Jolteon quickly took off as it was running toward Hippowdon. The large hippo was still blinded by the smokescreen, allowing the smaller Pokémon to run under it.
"Double Kick! Aim for the legs!" shouted Sunset.
"Jolteon!" shouted the Pokémon as it kicked Hippowdon's back two legs.
The large Pokémon felt it as he let out a painful cry.
"Keep it up!" instructed Sunset.
Jolteon began to zip between all four of Hippowdon's massive tree trunk legs as it kept on the barrage of Double Kicks. Sunset knew that a Pokémon of that size still needed a foundation despite being big. And he figured that hurting its legs would make Hippowdon that much weaker.
"Hippowdon, use Dig!" instructed Rockhoof.
Hippowdon gave a cry as it still felt the pain in its legs. It pushed through that and began to burrow itself into the ground. Jolteon flipped into the air and landed on one of the rock mounds as it began to shake and cracked open as Hippowdon hit it. Jolteon crashed into the ground as a hole was made; it showed Jolteon as the Pokémon had swirls for eyes.
"Jolteon is unable to battle! The winner is Hippowdon!"
"Great work, Hippowdon! How do you feel?" said Rockhoof to his large Pokémon as it showed its grit, despite the pain it felt.
"At least you did something," said Sunset as compared to Fletchling; Jolteon was able to damage most of Rockhoof's Pokémon. "Chimchar, show no mercy!"
Sunset recalled her final Pokémon as it appeared. Once more Stealth Rock took effect as it barraged the Fire-type Pokémon.
"Now, use Dig!" said Sunset.
Chimchar then began to burrow itself into the ground.
"Hippowdon, Iron Head!"
"Not this time, Flame Wheel!"
Hippowdon began to charge up as it felt the pain in its legs as it moved ever so gently. It then pushed through the pain as out came to Chimchar as it was spinning in a circle of fire. Both attacks collided as Chimchar managed to have more power and push back the giant Pokémon, who fell to its side.
"Looks like the mighty have fallen!" taunted the girl.
"I see. You don't rely on moves or types for your strategy. You just use whatever attack style is best for the moment! Effective." said Rockhoof as he had to give props to Sunset.
"Hippowdon's attack power is dependent on the strength of its legs. Without it being able to stand, it can't defend itself from Sunset's attacks," said Twilight.
"Flame Wheel, again!" shouted Sunset.
Chimchar began to run forward; it soon turned into a wheel of fire as it crashed into Hippowdon's legs once more; as the large Pokémon let out a painful cry. Sunset continued to have Chimchar attack the legs of Hippowdon as the large hippo winced in pain.
"By Jolteon, weaken Hippowdon's foundation using Double Kick, it opened the door for her to use Chimchar to deal massive amounts of damage to its weak point," said Sky to the girls as he knew what Sunset's strategy was all along.
"Hippowdon, use Sandstorm!" shouted Rockhoof.
Hippowdon roared as the sand on its back began to blow over. Soon the entire field, as well as Sky and the rest of the girls, saw the massive sandstorm and had to turn their eyes for a bit. Chimchar was going in for another Flame Wheel when the sand came over and made Hippowdon disappear. The small Pokémon was now looking around to find where its target had disappeared.
"Behind you!" yelled Sunset.
"Iron Head!" instructed Rockhoof.
Chimchar turned as it received a massive attack and was sent flying. Chimchar landed in front of Sunset as the sandstorm disappeared and Hippowdon was revealed.
"Iron Head, again!" instructed Rockhoof.
"Flame Wheel!" said Sunset.
Chimchar was once again flinched by Hippowdon's Iron Head that it didn't listen to Sunset's command. And with the girl no longer having any Pokémon to switch out to, Chimchar only stared at the attack coming as it connected and sent it flying.
"Come on!" yelled Sunset.
"Iron Head!"
Hippowdon looked to hit one more Iron Head to end the battle as, at that moment, something was happening to Chimchar. The small Pokémon stood up as its entire body glowed in a red outline. Chimchar let out a sound as it felt like a second wind was flowing through him. Even Sunset was smiling as she knew what was happening.
"Finally!" smiled the girl as Rockhoof didn't expect what he saw.
"What's Chimchar doing?" asked Fluttershy.
"Chimchar's using Blaze! Blaze's a special ability that makes Chimchar's Fire-type moves much stronger when its endurance is low!" said Sky. "Though I'm not sure if that's enough to end this battle."
Chimchar let out a cry as it was pumped up.
"Keep going with Iron Head!" instructed Rockhoof.
"Now, Flame Wheel!" yelled Sunset.
Chimchar began to run on the ground as it turned into a more powerful fire wheel and was much faster than Hippowdon. It collided with the large hippo before its attack could be fully charged as Chimchar managed to knock the larger Pokémon onto its back.
"Wow!" said Rainbow.
"Chimchar's Flame Wheel has gotten stronger with Blaze," said Twilight.
"Flame Wheel, Chimchar, once more!" shouted Sunset.
Chimchar took off with an incredible speed that before Rockhoof could give a command to Hippowdon, Chimchar made contact as it attacked its legs again, making it suffer even more pain.
"Stay strong, Hippowdon! Iron Head!"
"Flame Wheel!"
Both Pokémon rallied themselves as they made their attacks collide with all the remaining strength they had. Neither side gave an inch as each spent energy to make the other collapse. Just then, the large hippo buckled as that allowed Chimchar to scream and push through. A pillar of fire shot into the air as it was soon disguised with a smokescreen and rocks flung into the air. Rockhoof and Sunset raised their arms to protect their eyes as the wind blew in their faces.
It soon ended as there stood Chimchar looking up at Hippowdon. Both were panting heavily as they looked about ready to faint. Hippowdon gave one last roar before it fell face first into the ground.
"Hippowdon is unable to battle! Chimchar wins! The victor is Sunset Shimmer!" said Rockhoof's assistant.
"Wow, Sunset did it!" exclaimed Rainbow.
"Okay, Chimchar, return!" stated the girl as she called back her Pokémon. "Not bad."
Rockhoof walked onto the field as he looked at Hippowdon. The large hippo raised its head at its owner. He simply put his hand on its nose and rubbed it.
"Thanks, Hippowdon! Enjoy some rest," said Rockhoof with a smile as he recalled his Pokémon. "That was some impressive battling, Ms. Sunset." Rockhoof snapped his fingers as one of his other assistants brought forth a tray. "And here's proof of your victory, the Rubble Badge! Congratulations!"
"Thank you very much, Rockhoof! It was an honor," said Sunset to the Gym Leader as she grabbed the badge that was presented to her. "I'll see you." With a simple nod from both, the girl turned to leave the gym.
"Hey, Sunset! Where you going?!" shouted Sky as he called out the girl.
Sunset turned and looked at Sky as both growled one more time.
"Aren't you going stay to watch my battle?" taunted the boy to his rival.
Sunset merely smirked at what Sky said.
"What's so funny?"
"That you want me to watch you lose," snickered the girl.
"What?!" growled Sky.
The girls all had to rush over and literally hold back Sky as it seemed Sunset was once again getting under his skin.
"If you've already battled against Sky once, why not stay and watch?" said Twilight as she proved some sound logic.
"You're welcome to stay," said Rockhoof.
"With that kind of enthusiasm, how I can refuse?" mocked Sunset at how Sky was acting.
"Good! And I'm going to show you a whole new style of battling!" said Sky as he was let go by the girls. "Whenever you're ready, Rockhoof, I am!"
"Hold on, Sky! You're not the only one who wants to battle!" said Dash.
"Rainbow, now's not the time to brag about your ego! So stay out of this!" said Sky as he didn't want the girl to get involved with what he was trying to prove. "So, what do you say?"
"Settle down, kiddies. I'll battle you all. But could we at least start the battles tomorrow?" asked Rockhoof to the teens. "See, my Pokémon and I just went through some hard battling, and to tell you the truth, we're exhausted," said Rockhoof, as he had also been mining in the nearby quarry in the morning.
"Fine, I can wait," said Sky as he smiled and understood Rockhoof's suggestion.
"Great. Thank you, kids," said Rockhoof.
Sky then turned to look at Sunset as the girl stood there, as a small smug smile appeared on her face. The girl then left as she decided to head to the Pokémon Center. Sunset stood outside the entrance to the Gym as she called out her Pokémon.
"Jolteon!"
"Chimchar!"
"Fletchling!"
"Excellent work!" said the girl to her team as they all made sounds. "Except you!"
"Fletchling," said the small Pokémon as it made itself small.
"You were the weak link!" growled Sunset as Fletchling put its head down. The girl then began to walk.
Fletchling kept its head down as it looked to see Chimchar and Jolteon. The two then began to speak with their teammate.
"Hey, good work, kid. But you gotta get stronger!" stated Chimchar.
"We're not always gonna hold your hand, bud! You gotta step up!" stated Jolteon.
Seems both expressed a little more sympathy for their teammate than Sunset, but they still gave a stern talking to the small robin about proving its worth to their trainer. Fletchling kept its sad look as both began to follow Sunset to the Center. Fletchling thought about the battle and how Sunset was right. Despite being with the girl the longest, it seemed he was still not living up to his potential as his teammates proved to be a more valuable asset to Sunset than him. Fletchling then began to follow its teammates so as not to piss off the girl anymore.
Author's Note: And so Sunset has won her first Gym Badge. And now, it's time for the rest of the challengers to take their shot at trying to defeat Rockhoof. So expect more than one Gym Challenge in the next chapter. The question remains: Is Sky going to prove something to Sunset or will he fall short? Also, with this battle, we are now revealed to Sunset's team of Pokemon that she currently has. So to update: Sunset's Team: Jolteon, Chimchar, and Fletchling; Sky's Team: Noctowl, Buizel, and Turtwig; Aj's Team: Heracross, Shroomish, Donphan; and Rainbow's Team: Snivy, Torkoal, and Taillow. As always, leave a review expressing your comments and thoughts.