Following Aj's loss to Rockhoof, the farm girl was in a state of depression. Our heroes did everything they could to cheer up their friend, but with Sky's scheduled battle with Rockhoof, the boy had to switch focus. Sky got an early lead in the battle, using Buizel and Noctowl to clear out Rockhoof's first 2 Pokémon. However, Hippowdon proved to be a challenger as he and Rockhoof backed the teen into a corner. Soon it all fell on Turtwig as the small Pokémon managed to use an impressive strategy to overcome Hippowdon and secure Sky his first Gym Badge.

"Heracross, Focus Punch!" shouted Applejack.

Heracross zoomed ahead as its arms glowed and destroyed some pillars of stones.

"Shroomish, Seed Bomb!" said the girl.

"Shroomish!" said the Pokémon as he fired a huge seed that took out another stone pillar.

"Donphan, Hidden Power!" stated Aj.

"Donphan!" shouted the elephant as orbs of energy circled it and then shot out toward the pillar, rendering it to pieces.

"Nice work, y'all!" said Applejack to her team.

Following her defeat from yesterday, Aj was working hard so that she could have a rematch with Rockhoof. After seeing Sky and how he battled, the girl was more determined to join her friend in the Equestrian League. She awoke early and went down to the village quarry as she wanted to get to work on her training.

While the country gal was doing her morning training, the others were in the cafe of the Pokémon Center. They all awoke to have breakfast but were shocked to find Applejack wasn't in her room. The girl left a small note, saying that she had some things to do so she wouldn't be present to watch Rainbow's battle with Rockhoof. Speaking of Dash, the chromatic-haired teen was rallying her team for their battle with the Gym Leader.

"Remember, we hit them hard and fast! Got it!" said Rainbow.

"Torkoal!"

"Snivy!"

"Taillow!"

All of Rainbow's Pokémon responded as they showed their captain they were ready to fight.

"Seems Rainbow is raring to go," said Sky.

"I guess your battle yesterday inspired her. That she's looking to top what you did," said Twilight.

"Typically. She can't go 2 minutes without feeding her ego," chuckled Sky as he pulled out his badge case. He opened the lid and saw the badge inside as it reminded the boy of all his hard work to get it. "One down and seven to go."

"Don't forget, my brother isn't going to be an easy challenge," said Twilight as she reminded the boy of what awaited them.

"I can't wait to have my rematch with your brother," said Sky.

"Alright, are you all done? Cause I got a Gym Battle to get to!" said Rainbow as she couldn't wait anymore.

"Fine, let's go!" said Sky as he could tell Rainbow couldn't wait any longer.

The teens all got their Pokémon to return to their Pokéballs as they prepared to head to the Gym. Rainbow and Fluttershy exited the Center as Sky stopped.

"You okay?" asked Twilight as she noticed Sky was just standing there.

"Yeah, I'm good. I just... gotta do something. Go on, tell Rainbow I'll be cheering for her." said Sky.

"You sure?" said the bookworm.

"Positive," nodded the teen.

"Okay. See you later," said Twilight as she ran to catch up with the two girls.

Sky then began to walk as he was heading somewhere else.

"Finally!" said Rainbow as they arrived at the Gym. "Hurry up!"

"Rainbow, slow down!" said Twilight as she was out of breath.

Rainbow didn't wait for her friends as she rushed through the doors. She saw Rockhoof talking with one of his assistants as he handed him his shovel. The assistant fell to the floor at how heavy the tool was as he dragged it along the floor.

"Welcome, Ms. Dash," said Rockhoof as he saw the athletic girl.

"Ready for our battle, sir!" said Rainbow showing her fiery spirit.

"Admirable," said Rockhoof as he admired Dash's eagerness.

Soon Fluttershy and Twilight entered as they were breathing heavily. While Rainbow was getting ready for her battle, Applejack was shown still training.

"Do it!" shouted the girl as all three of her Pokémon destroyed another piece of stone.

Applejack was panting heavily, as were her Pokémon. They had been going at it nonstop all morning.

"Training hard?" said a voice.

Aj looked up as on top of a small quarry hill was Sky. The boy then slid down to where the girl was.

"Hey, Sky."

"Hey, Aj. So you've been here all morning?" said the boy.

"Yeah, just doin' some serious trainin'. I'm plannin' on challengin' Rockhoof to a rematch," said the girl.

"I see. Though I got to ask, what's with the sudden change in attitude?" asked Sky.

"W-Well, it... because of you," stated the country gal.

"The Gym Battle between Rainbow Dash the challenger and Rockhoof the Gym Leader will begin! Each side will use three Pokémon, and the battle will be over when one's side is defeated. Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed any substitutions! Let the battle begin!"

"Onix, stand your ground!" said Rockhoof as he revealed his first Pokémon.

"Onix, huh? In that case, I know which one to start with. Snivy, you're up to bat!" said Rainbow as she threw her Pokéball.

"Snivy!" said the female Pokémon as she confidently placed her hands on her hips.

"Let's hope Rainbow doesn't get overconfident," said Twilight.

"Snivy, up!" shouted Rainbow.

Snivy then made the vines on its neck appear as she used them to springboard into the air as she was above Onix.

"Onix, use Slam!" shouted Rockhoof.

"Counter with Leaf Blade!" shouted Rainbow.

Snivy was spinning head over heels as its tail glowed. Onix also attacked with its tail as both met in a collision. Snivy managed to hold her own but could quickly feel her strength slipping.

"Snivy, land on Onix!" said Rainbow as she could see her Pokémon was losing the struggle.

Snivy used her tail to propel herself even higher as Onix's tail slammed to the ground. She managed to soar above and grab ahold of Onix's horn.

"Onix, shake Snivy off!" stated Rockhoof.

"Hold on using Vine Whip!" instructed Rainbow.

The small snake Pokémon had the vines on her neck appear as they wrapped around Onix's horn as the larger Pokémon tried to shake it off. Snivy was holding on as she was now swinging about as Onix kept trying to shake the smaller Pokémon.

"Snivy, Leaf Storm!"

Snivy heard Rainbow's command as leaves began to circle around her. She then aimed her tail as the leaves started to collide with Onix at close range as they were doing massive amounts of damage. Snivy soon let go as she swung away, and safety landed on her feet.

"Onix, use Double Edge!" said Rockhoof.

"Dodge it!" shouted Rainbow.

Onix's entire body glowed as it was heading for Snivy. The small Pokémon slipped to the side as it evaded Onix, how it soon appeared in front of it as it caught the small Pokémon off guard. Onix then bashed into Snivy, who was tossed back and felt pain.

"Snivy, you good?!" said Rainbow.

"Snivy!" said the Pokémon as she got to her feet.

"Use Leaf Storm!"

"Screech Attack!"

Snivy once again tossed leaves at Onix, who began to defend itself. It opened its mouth as a high-pitched screech was heard. The attacks collided as Onix still had a power advantage over Snivy. The Leaf Storm was soon defeated by Onix's Screech Attack as it continued to go and headed toward Snivy.

"Snivy, Vine Whip into the air!"

Snivy once again used its vines to propel itself upwards. Rainbow could avoid the Screech Attack as Snivy was above and ready to strike.

"Onix, use Slam!" said Rockhoof.

Onix quickly transitioned from attacks as it managed to stop Snivy before it could execute its attack. Snivy was sent crashing into a mound on the field as she was covered by a ton of rocks.

"Snivy!" shouted Rainbow as her Pokémon was buried under all the rubble.

"You've trained Snivy, well, Ms. Dash. But like I told Sky yesterday, you have to expect the unexpected. Onix, Stealth Rock!"

Onix began to make the preparations as stone pillars began to head toward Rainbow's side of the field.

"Snivy! Leaf Storm!"

"Snivy!" shouted the small Pokémon buried under all the rocks.

Snivy heard Rainbow's command as it executed Leaf Storm. The attack was more powerful due to Snivy's determination that blew away all the debris on the Pokémon. The rocks collided with the stone pillars that Onix made. The collision managed to stop Stealth Rock completely in its tracks as the remaining rocks collided with Onix, who was hurt badly.

Snivy, Leaf Blade!"

Snivy leaped into the air, spinning head over heels as her tail glowed. She then brought it down and slashed across Onix's body as she landed. Behind her, Onix groaned as it then fell to the ground.

"Onix is unable to battle! The winner is Snivy!"

"Awesome work, Snivy!" said Rainbow.

"Snivy!" said the female Pokémon to her trainer.

"Onix, return! Great work. I must say, Ms. Dash. Very good plan. Using Leaf Storm to get Snivy out of the rubble and then using the rocks to destroy Stealth Rock. That's creativeness." said Rockhoof as he praised the girl.

"Thanks," smiled Rainbow.

"Now then, time for my second Pokémon. Rhyhorn! Stand your ground!" shouted Rockhoof.

"Snivy, return!" said Rainbow. "Take five, can't have you defeated so soon. Alright, Torkoal, you're up to bat!"

"Torkoal!" said the tortoise as it appeared.

"Charge!" shouted Rainbow and Rockhoof as their Pokémon ran forward and were seconds from colliding with one another.

"Here," said Sky as he handed a water bottle to Aj.

"Thanks, sugarcube," replied Applejack as she grabbed the bottle and began to take a sip.

"You've been training hard since the morning, huh?" said Sky.

The two teens were currently in a small grass field as their Pokémon were playing with each other a few meters away. Upon finding the country gal, the boy insisted that she take a break and allow her Pokémon to rest. Applejack's stomach seemed to agree with the boy as she had no choice. They were now sitting on the ground and watching their Pokémon having fun.

"Yeah, I'm trying to get in shape for a rematch with Rockhoof," said Applejack as she took a bit of a sandwich that Sky brought her.

"Aj, you said you were training hard because of me? What do you mean by that?" asked Sky.

"I... I guess... I just want to prove that I can hang with y'all," said the country girl as she put her head down.

"Explain?" said Sky as he felt he knew what Aj meant, but he wanted to hear it from the girl herself.

Applejack sighed as she lifted her head and looked ahead.

"Since I first joined you, I thought this would be my chance to live my dream. Go on an adventure and broaden my horizons. But after seeing Sunset and Rainbow, I'm starting to think about where I fall. What makes me stand out? I'm not like you or Sunset; so do I even stand a chance as a trainer, let alone can I even win a Gym Battle?"

Applejack took a deep breath as she looked at her Pokémon as they were laughing and smiling.

"I get it. After seeing Sunset and I both win our badges, you think you're not on our level."

"I mean, you both were able to come up with creative strategies to win. Me, I just hesitated and simply called out attacks. I didn't even think of anything creative."

"Well, it's not easy," said Sky. "You think all the creative moves and ways that I tell Pokémon to do, you think I rehearse all that? No. You'd be surprised what you can learn in the heat of battle."

"But do I have what it takes to go far? Is Sunset right?"

"Don't listen to her. I have faith that you'll go far. I know you'll go far. It just takes time to hone your craft. And friends can help with that. That strategy I used with Turtwig to defeat Hippowdon; you helped with that. Back when we first met, I did the same thing. But I never would have discovered that tactic if I didn't face you. So in a way, my victory wasn't just me. You helped me to obtain it."

"Sugar,"

"And as a friend, I'm willing to return the favor. So, let's train," said Sky as he stood up and offered a hand.

Applejack simply looked at it before gazing up at Sky.

"If you're training for a rematch, then I can give you some pointers," said Sky as he held a genuine smile.

Applejack nodded as she put her hand out and let the boy pull her up.

"Thanks,"

"Don't mention it," said Sky. "Uh, by the way, you... you got something on your..."

Sky pointed to his lip as Applejack had some food on them. The girl wiped her mouth as she managed to get most of it. Sky merely laughed as he put his hand to her mouth and began to wipe the small chunks she missed. The small intimate touch from the teen sent the girl to have a bit of red on her cheeks.

"There we go," smiled Sky. "So, ready?"

"Yeah," said Aj.

Meanwhile...

"Torkoal, Iron Defense!" shouted Rainbow.

Torkoal retracted his limbs as he had a barrier form just before Rhyhorn could charge at it. The rhino made contact as it tried to get past the defense of the tortoise, but Torkoal managed to hold the Pokémon off.

"Rhyhorn, Stone Edge!"

"Torkoal, Flamethrower!"

Rhyhorn made stones appear around its body before shooting them forward. Torkoal's limbs exited his shell as he inhaled and opened his mouth. A stream of fire came out as it collided with the stones and intercepted them to avoid taking damage.

"Rhyhorn, Earthquake!"

Rhyhorn stomped its front legs on the floor as Torkoal felt the ground rumbling. Soon a piece of the ground hit the Pokémon as it was sent into the air. The tortoise landed with a thud.

"Torkoal!" stated Rainbow as she was concerned for her Pokémon's health.

Torkoal let out a groan as it managed to get to its feet. However, the scuffs on its body told something different.

"Rhyhorn, Megahorn!"

"Torkoal, Iron Defense!"

Rhyhorn had its tiny horn grow bigger as it charged ahead. Torkoal retracted its limbs as a barrier appeared in front of it. The rhino charged and made contact with the tortoise. Another standstill occurred as both Pokémon held their ground.

"Overheat!/Rock Blast!" shouted Rainbow and Rockhoof simultaneously.

Both Pokémon charged up their attacks as they rallied themselves. Torkoal felt its body temperature heat up, and it reached maximum heat. Rhyhorn was concentrating all of its energy as it was making its boulder larger than usual. Torkoal then opened its mouth and unleashed a powerful beam made of flames. Rhyhorn had a huge rock above it as it was thrown.

The two attacks made contact as a huge wind effect was caused. Rainbow and Rockhoof covered up as they couldn't see what had happened. Fluttershy and Twilight had their hair fluttering in the wind as they held onto the railing of the bleachers. After a few moments, everything died down as the battlefield was revealed. On the ground were Rhyhorn and Torkoal, as both let out a defeated groan.

"Both Torkoal and Rhyhorn are unable to battle! It's a draw!" said Rockhoof's assistant.

"Wow!" said Fluttershy as she was surprised.

"Torkoal, return! Thanks, bud. You gave it your all." smiled Rainbow to her Pokémon.

"Very good, Rhyhorn," said Rockhoof as he recalled his Pokémon.

"Rainbow may have the lead, but Hippowdon is no easy task," said Twilight.

"Hippowdon, stand your ground!" shouted Rockhoof as he called out his ace Pokémon.

"Taillow, you're up to bat!" shouted Rainbow as she was going with her ace Pokémon of her team.

"Taillow!" shouted the small Pokémon as he hovered above.

"Guess Rainbow must be banking on Taillow's speed to be enough to overcome Hippowdon's incredible power," said Twilight.

"Taillow, Quick Attack!"

Taillow gave a screech as it quickly zoomed ahead. It was so fast that Rockhoof didn't get a response in as Hippowdon tanked the hit. Though it didn't do much to the large hippo as he merely shook his head.

"Normal-type attacks won't do much, Ms. Dash. But this will use Dig!"

Hippowdon then burrowed itself into the ground.

"But how does Dig affect a Flying-type Pokémon like Taillow?" asked Fluttershy.

"I don't know," said Twilight.

"Hippowdon, Iron Head!" shouted Rockhoof.

Hippowdon was shown underground as it roared. Soon it came smashing out of the ground as the Iron Head made many pieces of the field fly into the air. Taillow was zooming and zipping as he tried to dodge all the pieces. One managed to clip his wing as he felt it and was then battered by other rocks tossed upwards as the small bird fell to the ground. Hippowdon stood in front of the small Pokémon with a smile.

"How did you do that?" asked Rainbow as she was amazed by what Rockhoof did.

"One must have a trick or two up their sleeve," stated Rockhoof. "Hippowdon, Sandstorm!"

The large hippo began to release the sand storied in its back as it began to blow. A breeze blew over the field as it caused Fluttershy and Twilight to avoid the initial sand in their eyes. On the field, Rainbow could barely see as she made out figures. Taillow was flapping as it struggled with the drafts and wind currents. As for Hippowdon, the largo hippo was right at home as it held a stance.

"Iron Head!" said Rockhoof.

"Taillow, Double Team!" shouted Rainbow.

While the girl couldn't see where Hippowdon was striking from, the girl knew she could at least avoid it. Taillow made several copies of itself as they as Hippowdon charged into them.

"Taillow up and out there!" shouted Rainbow as the small bird looked upwards and saw the eye of the sandstorm.

Taillow quickly flapped as it was looking to get out of the storm. It reached the top and flew into the open roof as it looked down. The sandstorm was still going as soon it began to cease as Taillow now spotted where Hippowdon was.

"Excellent move, Ms. Dash."

"If you like that, watch this! Double Team!"

Taillow gave a screech as it made multiple copies of itself. They all raced downwards as they began to circle Hippowdon.

"Stay calm, Hippowdon! Only one is real!"

"You sure about that?" said Rainbow with a smile. "Wing Attack!"

The Taillows heard Rainbow's command as they all began to zip by Hippowdon. Each one was slashing across Hippowdon's face as the large hippo; while the attack didn't do much in terms of power, they were starting to rack up with the copies that kept attacking.

"Hippowdon, Fire Fang!" said Rockhoof.

Hippowdon's mouth had a fire in it. The copies of Taillow flew by as Hippowdon began to chomp down on them as they disintegrated. As Hippowdon was busy dealing with the fakes, the real one was shown circling above near Hippowdon's backside.

"Aerial Ace!" stated Rainbow.

Taillow heard Dash's command as it began to make its move.

"Behind you!" said Rockhoof.

Hippowdon turned to see Taillow as it prepared to intercept. Just then, Taillow vanished from its line of sight. The hippo was confused as Taillow changed its direction with its quick speed. The bird came in from the side and smacked into the hippo as its face turned from the impact.

"Keep it up!" said Rainbow.

Taillow was zipping across Hippowdon as it kept on smacking the large Pokémon. Soon Hippowdon growled when Taillow zipped by for another Aerial Ace attack; Hippowdon opened its mouth as it managed to grab Taillow's tail feathers. The small bird felt it as it looked behind; it flapped its wings to escape, but Hippowdon's grip was too strong.

"Taillow, get free!" shouted Rainbow.

"Hippowdon, Fire Fang!" said Rockhoof with a stone-cold look.

Taillow could feel the heat coming from Hippowdon's jaws as the fire started to form. Hippowdon then heard a roar as the fire touched Taillow's tail feathers and encased the small bird as he screeched. A small explosion occurred near Hippowdon's mouth; the smoke cleared as Taillow dropped to the floor as it was defeated.

"Taillow is unable to battle! The winner is Hippowdon!"

"Taillow, no!" said Rainbow as she was shocked to see her partner Pokémon be defeated. "Taillow... return."

The teen pulled out her Pokéball and recalled her Pokémon. She looked at it as she had a sad expression on her face.

"I promise. We're gonna win this," said Rainbow as she vowed to not let Taillow's defeat be in vain.

"So... it all comes down to this," said Twilight.

While all of this was happening, Sky was busy training with Applejack. The boy had all his Pokémon out as he told them about helping their friends. Sky was currently using Turtwig as he was taking on Shroomish.

"Turtwig, use Razor Leaf!"

"Twig!" said the Pokémon as he stood in place and fired his attack.

"Shroomish, dodge it!"

"Tackle, Turtwig!"

Shroomish leaped out of the way to avoid Razor Leaf but was immediately hit by Turtwig, who bashed into the mushroom.

"Shroomish!" said Aj as her Pokémon landed directly before her.

"Gotta be fast, Aj. Shroomish may be small, but that means you gotta use its speed to your advantage," said Sky.

"Right. Ready to go, Shroomish?" asked Applejack.

"Shroomish!" said the Pokémon as it got to its feet.

"Then let's get her done!" said the farm girl.

"Shroom!" declared Shroomish.

Just then, something happened. Shroomish was now engulfed in a white line as its outline was shown. That got the attention of the teens and their Pokémon as they wondered what was happening. Shroomish's shape then began to change. The light ended as standing there was not Shroomish, but something different. Standing there was a small lizard-like Pokémon; it had a green body and legs, with a light colored head and tail. On top of its head was a green, hat-like structure that resembled a mushroom cap. On either side of the caps were red orbs with black dots in the middle, resembling eyes. A small cluster of seeds was located on the tip of its tail; its arms were not visible as they were tucked in, leaving only two red claws on either hand visible.

"Breloom!" shouted the Pokémon as it pronounced itself.

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

"Breloom, the Mushroom Pokémon, and the evolved form of Shroomish. If a seed falls from Breloom's tail, you shouldn't eat it. The seeds are toxic and taste terrible. Its arms stretch to throw impressive punches."

"Looks like Shroomish evolved," said Sky with a smile.

"Breloom," said the Pokémon as it saw Applejack.

"Shroomish, is that really you?" said the country gal as she didn't believe what she saw.

"Breloom!" said the Pokémon as he confirmed to his trainer that while his form changed, he was still the same Shroomish she knew and loved.

"It really is you?" said Aj with a smile.

"Breloom!"

"Then let's do this!" said Aj.

Breloom nodded as soon its arms began to glow as it jogged in place. The Pokémon thrust its arms out as it made a wind draft that sailed in the direction of Sky and Turtwig as both felt it.

"What was that?" said Applejack as she pointed her Pokédex at her Pokémon. "Breloom looks like you learned Mach Punch!"

"Breloom!" said the Pokémon with a determined smile.

"Quite a powerful and interesting development. But can you defeat us?" said Sky.

"Turtwig!"

"Careful what you wish, sugarcube. Breloom. Mach Punch!" shouted Applejack.

Breloom heard the command from its mistress and quickly leaped into the air and rocketed forward. The Pokémon was so fast that not even Turtwig had time to react. Breloom delivered a hard right as it knocked the small Pokémon back. Turtwig tumbled on the grass before it recovered and skidded to a halt.

"Now that's power!" said Applejack.

"I'll say, Breloom is much faster than Shroomish," smiled Sky as he, too, was amazed by Shroomish's transformation. "But that doesn't mean I'm gonna start going easy on you! Turtwig, Tackle!"

"Breloom, Mach Punch!" instructed Aj.

Both Pokémon rushed forward as they were moments away from colliding.

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

"Snivy!" said the Pokémon as she emerged.

"Rainbow is still operating at a disadvantage. Snivy went through a brutal struggle with Onix earlier. And there's no need to mention how difficult Hippowdon is." said Twilight.

"But at least Rainbow was able to deal damage to it with Taillow," said Fluttershy.

"Yeah, the question is: Is it enough?" said Twilight.

"Snivy, Attract!"

"Hippowdon, Dig!"

The large hippo burrowed itself into the ground as Snivy's Attract missed its mark.

"Simple tactics like that won't work on Hippowdon, Ms. Dash," said Rockhoof as he stroked his beard.

Hippowdon emerged from below at that moment as Snivy barely jumped back to avoid getting hit.

"Snivy, use Vine Whip!" instructed Rainbow.

Snivy made the vines on its neck appear as, instead of jumping, as before, she began to use them to hit Hippowdon from a ranger.

"Hippowdon, bite them!" said Rockhoof.

Hippowdon opened its mouth as it bit down on both Snivy's vines. Soon the fire began to form in its mouth as it traveled down the vines and toward Snivy. The small snake Pokémon felt the burn as it covered its body. She let out a painful cry before she retracted her vines as she stumbled back.

"Smart thinking on Rockhoof's part," said Fluttershy.

"Rainbow is really struggling despite having the type advantage," said Twilight.

"Snivy, are you okay?" asked Rainbow as this time, she didn't get a full-hearted response.

"Hippowdon, Iron Head!"

"Snivy, don't move!" said Rainbow.

Snivy!" said the Pokémon.

The small grass Pokémon stood its ground as Rainbow told her. Coming toward her was Hippowdon, who was charging with authority. The girls were confused about what Rainbow was having Snivy do as it seemed she was about to get run over.

"Not yet," said Dash to Snivy, who held her stance but could see the danger coming towards her.

Hippowdon was shown charging as its attack was getting stronger. Snivy was shown sweating as she felt like she was about to get trampled.

"Snivy, Vine Whip!"

Snivy heard Rainbow's command as she shot out her vines, but instead of attacking Hippowdon, she had them wrapped around two mounds spread apart. The vines attached and stretched out as they created a tripwire of sorts. It worked as Hippowdon's legs tripped over the vines, and it fell face first, ending its attack.

"Hippowdon!" shouted Rockhoof as he saw his Pokémon fall.

"Snivy, Leaf Storm!"

"Snivy!" said the female Pokémon.

Leaves began to appear around Snivy as she gestured them forward, and they collided with Hippowdon's side as he was still down.

"Leaf Blade!" yelled Rainbow.

"Snivy!" shouted the Pokémon as she leaped up high and did a head-over-heels spin as her tail glowed.

She then came down on Hippowdon's head. The attack hit Hippowdon right on its head as it made a hole and pushed the largo hippo into it. A cloud of clear smoke occurred that covered everybody's field of vision. It soon cleared out as it showed Hippowdon face-first into the hole it was in.

"Hippowdon is unable to battle! The winner is Snivy! And that means the victor is Rainbow Dash!" said Rockhoof's assistant as he gestured his arm in the teen's direction.

"Alright!" shouted the girl.

"She did it!" shouted Fluttershy as she jumped up and down, cheering very loudly for her best friend.

"Awesome work, Snivy!"

"Snivy!" nodded the Pokémon as she was covered in battle scars.

"Solid work, Hippowdon," said Rockhoof as he bent down to his Pokémon's side and recalled his partner.

The Gym Leader looked at Rainbow as she raised her hand up. Snivy jumped and turned her tail to slap it against the girl's hand as they did a high-five. They were soon approached by Rockhoof as he smiled.

"Well done," said the Gym Leader.

"Thanks," stated Dash.

"As proof of your win, here is your badge," said Rockhoof as he handed the teen her prize.

"Nice, that's two!" said the girl as she put her badge into her case as it was in the slot next to her first one.

"Congrats, Rainbow," said Twilight as she and Fluttershy approached their friend.

"Now it's on to Badge number three!" said the chromatic-haired girl.

The girls and Rockhoof exited the room and made their way to the entrance when Applejack and Sky came.

"Where the hell have you two been?" asked Rainbow.

"Sorry, Dash. We were busy," said Sky.

"I guess too busy to see me win this bad boy!" said Rainbow as she pulled out her badge case and showed off the badge she had won.

"Nicely done," said Aj.

"Yeah, I know. I'm awesome," boasted the girl as the others rolled their eyes.

"Anyways, I was hoping to catch you, Rockhoof. I'd like a rematch with you," stated the farm girl.

"Is that so?" replied the Gym Leader as the country gal nodded a determination. "Then about tomorrow?"

"Deal! And this time, I'm gonna win!" declared Applejack.

Author's Note: Rainbow has now had her Gym Battle and was able to win her second badge. Meanwhile, Applejack has been putting in some extra training as it appears that Sky was willing to lend her a hand. And in the process, Shroomish was able to evolve. But is that enough for her rematch with Rockhoof? As always, leave a review expressing your comments and thoughts, and feel free to check out what others have to say in the review section.