After Applejack won her rematch with Rockhoof, our heroes were now off to Cloudsdale. The site of Rainbow Dash's and Fluttershy's home is also where Sky and Applejack could obtain their second Gym Badge. The group was stationed by a riverside as they stopped to have lunch. While Twilight and Fluttershy were prepping the table, Applejack and Rainbow had a one-on-one battle with Heracross and Taillow. As for Sky, he was sitting on the bench as he was looking at his Pokédex.
"Nicole, pull the surrounding area," said the boy as he addressed his Pokémon by the name he gave it.
"Very well," responded the Pokémon as she pulled up the map of where they were and listed the most common Pokémon around.
Upon departing from the village and restocking their supplies, Sky asked Rainbow what kind of Pokémon the Gym Leader in Cloudsdale used. The girl said that his specialty was both Electric and Flying-types and that it was another three-on-three battle. Based on that, Sky was now looking to do some research.
"Aerial Ace, Heracross!" instructed Aj.
"Taillow, you use Aerial Ace as well!" said Rainbow.
Both Pokémon took to the air as they clashed with the same move. It was a test of strength as they looked to see who was stronger. Their collision created some wind drafts that flew in Twilight's direction. The girl was cutting some fruits when the wind blew in her face. It made some of the fruit she had on the side fly away.
"Oh, no!" shouted Twilight.
"Espeon!" said Twilight's Pokémon as she used Psychic to grab hold of some of them.
Noctowl flew by when he grabbed the remaining items using his Extrasensory and talons. The owl flew by as he dropped them in front of Twilight as Espeon put the ones she also had on the table.
"Thanks, Espeon," said Twilight as she petted Espeon, who gave a purring sound. "You two, Nocotowl." The owl gave a sound as he decided to perch on a nearby tree.
"What is it, Caterpie?" said Fluttershy.
The animal-loving girl was bent over as she was with her Pokémon. Caterpie was let out with its pals, and he immediately when to eat some nearby leaves. After eating through almost an entire bush, it began to make a sound as Fluttershy noticed it.
"What's the matter, Fluttershy?" said Rainbow as the rest overheard their friend.
"Caterpie just starting making noise. But I don't know what he's saying," said the girl.
Caterpie then began making a few more noises as it shot out String Shot. The teens were surprised as instead of shooting it forward, Caterpie was aiming its attack upwards. The string then began to do something as it turned into some kind of silk, beginning to encase the Pokémon.
"Caterpie?!" said Fluttershy as she was scared of what was happening to her Pokémon.
The silk covered Caterpie's entire body as soon as a white light occurred that made the teens all look away momentarily. The light ceased as the teens looked back to where Caterpie was. However, what they saw wasn't Caterpie. Instead, it was a green-colored chrysalis or cocoon with eyes.
"Metapod," said the cocoon.
"What happened? Where's Caterpie?" said Fluttershy.
"What does your Pokédex tell you?" asked Rainbow to her friend.
Fluttershy pulled out her device and raised it at the new Pokémon.
"Metapod, the Cocoon Pokémon and the evolved form of Caterpie. Inside Metapod's hard shell, its body is soft and vulnerable. It takes care not to move around too much or get into serious battles for fear of breaking the shell."
"So, that's Caterpie?" said Fluttershy looking at the cocoon.
"Metapod," said the Pokémon as it looked at its trainer.
"Seems Caterpie evolved," said Sky. "Which means it won't be long before it emerges from its cocoon."
"I'm glad you're safe, Caterpie," said Fluttershy as she picked up the cocoon and hugged it.
"Metapod," said the Pokémon as he closed his eyes and enjoyed Fluttershy's hug.
After that, the teens began to have lunch. They all sat at the table and began to chow down. Their Pokémon were near the table as they each munched on their food. Well, except Metapod, as it merely stood there. A few Pokémon like Taillow and Noctowl approached the cocoon. The Pokémon was a bit nervous at seeing birds of prey approach, but they merely pecked at its cocoon to see how hard it was as they began to rock the Pokémon between them ever so gently.
"Metapod," said the cocoon.
"Guys, leave Metapod alone," said Fluttershy softly.
Noctowl and Taillow obeyed the girl as they went for a fly. Just as the group and their Pokémon were about to finish eating, a sound was heard. They all looked in the direction of the noise as emerging from a nearby shrub was something. It was a small and cute mouse-like Pokémon. Their fur was almost completely covered in yellow. They had long yellow ears that were tipped with black. Its back had two brown stripes, and its large tail was shaped like a lightning bolt with a brown tip. It had short arms with five tiny fingers on its forehands and three sharp fingers on its hind legs. On its cheeks were two circle-shaped red pouches used for storing electricity.
"Hey, look, guys!" said Applejack as she pointed to the Pokémon. The girls looked as Aj pulled out her Pokédex.
"Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pichu. Pikachu naturally stores electricity in its body and needs to discharge that energy regularly to maintain good health."
"Cool, a Pikachu," said Rainbow.
"Aw, it's so cute!" said Twilight as all the girls were fawning over how adorable the mouse Pokémon was.
"Pikachu," said the Pokémon as he scratched his ear with his back foot.
The girls all got up and walked to the cute thing.
"Move out the way, girls!" yelled Storm as he nearly pushed them out of his way.
"Sky?!" shouted the girls as they glared at their friend for shoving them to the floor.
"What the hell, bud?" yelled Rainbow.
"It's a Pikachu!" stated the boy.
"So?" said Applejack.
"I've always wanted one. Ever since I was a little kid, I had a Pikachu plushie I would sleep with. Now I have a chance to catch my own!" said Sky as he smiled. "Turtwig, get over here!"
"Twig!" said the Pokémon as he ran over to Sky.
"Pikachu," said the Pokémon as it looked at Turtwig and Sky.
"Pikachu, get ready for a battle!" declared Sky.
"Pika," blinked the Pokémon.
"Turtwig, Razor Leaf!"
Turtwig stood in place as it launched its attack. Pikachu quickly leaped back from the attack to avoid being hit as it now switched into battle mode. Pikachu then quickly took off as it made a Quick Attack and collided with Turtwig, who was thrown back.
"Turtwig, Razor Leaf!" shouted Sky as his Pokémon managed to launch his attack while flying threw the air. It caught Pikachu off guard as it was hit by the attack.
"Now, use Tackle!"
Turtwig took off as it was zooming toward Pikachu. Pikachu saw Turtwig charging as it took off with electricity flowing through it.
"What move is that?" said Fluttershy.
"That's Volt Tackle!" informed Twilight.
Pikachu collided with Turtwig as both held their attacks in the middle. The teens and all of their Pokémon looked away as a draft blew in their faces. Turtwig and Pikachu were revealed as they were pushed back a bit, with Pikachu having some electricity flowing through its body as it winced in pain.
"What's wrong with Pikachu?" asked Applejack.
"Volt Tackle is a powerful move, but it causes recoil damage to its user," said Twilight.
"Turtwig, Synthesis!" shouted Sky.
Turtwig looked to the sun as its body began to glow green. The small Pokémon was taking the time Pikachu was recovering from using Volt Tackle to heal some of its health and wounds. Pikachu recovered just as Turtwig finished healing.
"Turtwig, use Bite!"
Turtwig ran forward with its mouth open as Pikachu leaped into the air; its tail glowed and turned to a metal coating. It brought its tail down as Turtwig leaped into the air and bit down on it. Pikachu felt it as Turtwig landed and was holding the mouse in the air by its tail. Pikachu then released a Thunderbolt as Turtwig felt the power it had; while it wasn't that effective, it still hurt.
"Turtwig, time to go swinging!" said Sky.
"Twig!" said Turtwig as his eyes opened with a focused expression.
Turtwig then began to spin as that got Pikachu to stop its Thunderbolt attack; the mouse Pokémon could feel itself being spun. Round and round, faster and faster, Turtwig spun as Pikachu could feel itself getting dizzy as soon Turtwig let go. Pikachu was sent crashing into a nearby tree as it hit back first into the bark.
"Pokéball, go!" shouted Sky as he tossed one of his empty Pokéballs.
It traveled and bounced off Pikachu's head before opening up and sucking the Pokémon. The ball closed as it dropped to the floor and began to wobble. The small light in the middle flashed red as everyone watched with intrigue about what would happen. The shaking was getting faster and faster as soon it stopped. A sound was heard as the red light ceased.
"Alright!" said Sky as he jumped into the air. He then made his way to grab his Pokéball that was on the ground. "I just caught a Pikachu!"
"Turtwig!" said the Pokémon as he too cheered for his trainer.
The rest of Sky's Pokémon stood before their master as he thanked Turtwig. Sky then tossed his Pokéball into the air as it opened, and out came Pikachu, who stood before the group as it shook its head before looking at them.
"Pikachu?" said the Pokémon as he saw Sky and his Pokémon.
"Hey, there, bud. Welcome to the team," said Sky as he bent to a knee and put his hand out.
Pikachu was cautious about the teen, given what went down moments ago. Soon the rest of Sky's Pokémon began to speak as they informed their new teammate that the boy no longer wanted to fight. But rather, he was welcoming Pikachu to the team. The mouse looked at them and then at Sky as the smile remained on the boy. Pikachu then approached Sky's hand and sniffed it. Once he got the scent, he squealed before climbing onto his arm as he was now on Sky's shoulder.
"Glad to have you as part of the team," said Sky as he rubbed Pikachu's head as the mouse enjoyed it.
"Pika!" squealed the Pokémon in excitement.
"Looks like you got a brand new partner," said Applejack to her friend.
"Sure do! Hungry, Pikachu?" asked Sky to his new ally.
"Pika!" said the mouse as he jumped off Sky's shoulder and began running off.
"Pikachu, wait!" said Sky as he called out to his Pokémon, trying to tell him that he didn't have to go off searching. The boy quickly recalled his other Pokémon as he took off without his backpack.
"Sky, wait up!" shouted the girls as they recalled their Pokémon and took off, leaving behind their stuff.
Pikachu kept running through the forest as it was searching for food, as Sky was right behind him, trying to catch up with his new pal. The girls were meters behind him as they rushed to ensure their friend didn't get in trouble.
"Pikachu, where'd you run off to?" said Sky as he emerged from some bushes. The boy was now following the direction that his new Pokémon went.
"Pikachu, come on out!" called the boy as he emerged from the bushes and came to a river. "Pikachu!"
A rustling sound was heard as it caused Sky to look. A few meters away, a yellow thunderbolt tail was shown as it waggled. While the rest of the body was hidden in the bushes, one could tell what Pokémon it was based on its tail.
"There you are, buddy!" said Sky as he made his way toward the tail. "Next time, don't-"
"Pikachu, found you!" said another person.
Just then, the tail disappeared as it was pulled into the bushes. Soon from the other side, someone else was revealed as they held the Pokémon.
"You couldn't wait a few more minutes before we started lunch," said the boy to the Pokémon.
"Pikachu," said the Pokémon as it had berries stuffed in its cheeks.
"Uh, excuse me?" voiced Sky.
The boy now looked as he saw Sky.
"Oh, hey there, sorry I didn't see you there. I'm Silverbolt. But you can call me Bolt."
"Hey, I'm Sky," said the teen as he shook the hand of the other boy. "Uh, no offense, bud. But I think that's my Pikachu."
"Uh, you sure about that? Cause this is my Pikachu," said Silverbolt to Sky.
"No, it's mine," said Sky as he was confident that Silverbolt was holding his Pokémon.
"Let me ask you, does your Pikachu have a small tuff of its fur sticking out on its head?" asked Silverbolt as he turned Pikachu around to face Sky, and indeed it had a small tuff of its fur sticking out on its head.
"I... no," said Sky as he realized that Silverbolt was telling the truth, and this was not his Pikachu.
Just then, another sound was heard emerging from the bushes next to the boys was a small electric mouse. It was none other than Pikachu, but more specifically, Sky's Pikachu, as it noticed a berry on the floor and began munching on it.
"Pikachu, there you are!" said Sky as he picked up the mouse.
"Pika?" said the Pokémon as he was confused.
"Next time, try not to run off! Not that you're a part of the team, you don't have to worry about searching for food." said the boy to his Pokémon as Pikachu merely ate its berry.
"Well, looks like you found him," smiled Silverbolt as his Pikachu slipped from his arms and rested on top of his head.
"Sky? Where are you?" shouted Applejack.
"Bolt?!" said Rarity as she was looking for their friend with Pinkie.
"Over here, girls!" shouted both boys as they called their respective groups.
"So, did you find him?" asked Rainbow.
"Yup," replied Sky.
"Darling, did you manage to locate your Pikachu?" asked Rarity.
"Don't worry, Rarity. He's safe and sound, just a bit hungry, is all," said Silverbolt as he looked up at Pikachu.
"Pikachu," replied the Pokémon to Silverbolt.
At that moment, both groups of girls saw each other.
"Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle; what's yours?"
"Greetings, darling. Rarity."
"Hi there, I'm Pinkie Pie!" said the party girl as she was zipping in front of the girls and Sky, shaking their hands furiously.
"Nice to meet you!" said Applejack as she felt her arm moving up and down.
"Pinkie!" shouted Silverbolt as he had to pull the girl back.
"Oops," smiled the pink-haired girl as the girls had to manually get their arms to stop.
"I'm Sky, and this here is Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy," said Sky as he introduced each other while the shy girl hid behind him.
"Sup!" said Dash.
"Howdy," greeted Aj.
"Hello," spoke Fluttershy softly.
"Greeting, darlings," said Rarity.
While the teens were looking at each, Silverbolt was paying close attention to one of them. His eyes were focused on Rainbow; a lightbulb soon went off. He approached the chromatic-haired girl as she looked at him.
"Can I help you?" said Rainbow.
"Rainbow, is that you?"
"Uh, yeah. But how do you know my name?" asked the girl.
"It's me. Silverbolt. Don't you remember?" said the boy with a smile.
"Who?" said the girl as a record scratch was heard, making the boy fall to the ground.
"I went to school with you and Fluttershy when we were little," said the boy.
"Uh," said Rainbow as she tried to think.
"We had Pokémon battle class with each other," said Silverbolt.
"Uh,"
"We played Knights and Princess, where we would pretend to be knights and have to save Fluttershy from the evil dragon that kept her locked away in a castle."
"Uh,"
Siverbolt sighed as it seemed the girl wasn't recalling any of that, which meant he knew what would. "You stuffed me in a locker."
"Oh yeah. You, I remember now," said Rainbow. "Yeah, you were the skinny little boy that once collapsed from running five laps around the park."
"Y-Yeah, that's me," said Silverbolt, as he didn't like remembering that incident. Especially cause he had to be carried to the school nurse's office.
"Also, I remember dumping paint on you as one of my famous pranks," said Rainbow as she took pride in that.
"Y-Yeah, I got paint on my clothes and wouldn't come out for a month," grumbled Silverbolt.
"Well, hey, bud. It's been a while. You've changed." said Dash as she looked over her friend and saw that his physique had changed over the years.
He was no longer the scrawny nerd she picked on in elementary and middle school as he managed to put some decent muscle on him and looked to keep himself in shape.
"Thanks, but you... well, you've definitely stayed the same," said Silverbolt.
The boy looked over his friend as he could tell she was still the athlete she was back when they were kids. Of course, as the years went by, Rainbow's body underwent a bit of change as the biggest was her chest and the shape of her behind. Still, she was the same tomboy that he knew back then. The girl didn't care that she was a girl and would do anything the boys her age would do.
"Uh, you okay?" said Rainbow as she snapped her fingers.
"Huh, what?" said Silverbolt, unaware that he'd been staring at Rainbow's body a bit longer than he expected.
The sudden transformation of his childhood friend from long ago awakened certain hormones in Bolt's body as he tried hard not to stare at Rainbow to avoid her getting the wrong idea. Thankfully, Dash shrugged it off.
"So, any of you guys want to join us? We were wrapping up lunch," said Sky.
The trio accepted his offer as the group went to the campsite where Sky and the girls had stopped. Rarity and Pinkie let out their Pokémon as it got the attention of the others. The girls and Silverbolt were treated to lunch by their new associates as the girls brought out their Pokémon for all to see. Rainbow pulled out her Pokédex as it began relaying the info.
"Slurpuff, the Meringue Pokémon, and the evolved form of Swirlix. Pastry chefs love having a Slurpuff in the kitchen. Its sensitive nose can tell exactly when a dessert is baked to perfection."
"Delcatty, the Prim Pokémon, and the evolved form of Skitty. Delcatty lives according to its own whims, eating and sleeping as the mood strikes it. If awakened by another Pokémon, it moves elsewhere to continue its nap."
"Say, Bolt, don't you got any Pokémon?" asked Sky as he and the boy were on the far end of the table as the girls mingled.
"I do," smiled Silverbolt as he took out four Pokéballs between his fingers. "Come on out!"
The boy tossed all four in the air as they popped open. Four lights were shown as Silverbolt revealed some of his Pokémon, one being Pikachu and another an Eevee. One of Bolt's Pokémon was a round bird-like Pokémon with sandy-colored feathers and a darker white underbelly. It had a facial disk, an area of brighter white around its eyes. Said eyes were black with white pupils. Its beak was white on top, but the bottom portion was orange. Underneath, the Pokémon had two short yet strong orange talons for legs. On its chest, it had a small 'bow' in the form of two leaves, while on the back, a single green leaf hung down to form a sort of tail. The last of Bolt's Pokémon was a frog-like creature that appeared like a ninja. It was dark blue in color and had its tongue wrapped around its neck like a scarf.
Sky pulled out his Pokédex as he scanned it over Bolt's two remaining Pokémon.
"Rowlet, the Grass Quill Pokémon. During the day, Rowlet rests and generates energy via photosynthesis. At night, it flies silently to sneak up on foes and launch a flurry of kicking attacks."
"Greninja, the Ninja Pokémon, and the evolved form of Frogadier. Greninja can compress water into sharp-edged throwing stars. With the grace of a ninja, it slips in and out of sight to attack from the shadows."
"Interesting," said Sky as he took in Bolt's final two Pokémon as Rowlet fell over and ate dirt.
The girls let out the rest of their Pokémon as they began to mingle with their new pals.
"So, Bolt, tell me about yourself?" said Sky.
"Well, as I said before, I was a friend of Rainbow and Fluttershy when I was little. We lived in Cloudsdale before I had to move away with my family when I was 10 years old. I remember that day when Fluttershy and Rainbow came to say goodbye. I thought I would never see them again, but look at how that turned out." said the boy. "Anyways, I moved from city to city with my parents. Along the way, I started to become more fascinated with Pokémon. So much so that I told my parents that I wanted to go on a journey. We were already moving around, so I'd figured, why not let me."
"Did they?" asked Sky.
"Suprised that they did. Anyways, I began my journey. I traveled across the region, exploring, seeing new sights, and broadening my horizon. Along the way, I got a chance to watch the Equestrian League that was happening. Safe to say, it got my interest. So I started challenging the gyms so that I could enter the next Equestrian League."
"Wait, you've competed in the Equestrian League before?" said Sky as that got his attention the most.
"Yup, didn't win but came close. Top 4. But after that, I continued to train with my Pokémon. About a year later, I was approached by an agent who said they wanted me to compete against the Champion. I couldn't believe it. So I trained my Pokémon as hard as possible; this was a big moment. If I beat the Champ, then I would become Champion. And... I did. It was a tough fight, but I managed to beat the person and was crowned the new Champion."
"Wow," responded Sky at hearing Silverbolt's tale.
"Yeah, but... that reign didn't last long. Three months and, I was dethroned. Seems I still had a lot to learn." stated Bolt. "Since then, I took it easy. Seeing new places, bonding with my companions."
"So, what about now? You trying to be Champion again?" said Sky.
"Well, a little. I'd figured going back to my roots would help me, so I decided to enter the Equestrian League. I'm already halfway there." said Bolt as he pulled out his badge case and showed off four badges.
"You already have four badges?!" said Sky.
"Yup, so how many have you got?" asked Bolt as he put his case away.
"Just won this one recently. My first badge on my way to the Equestrian League." stated Sky.
"So this is gonna be your first League, huh? Excited?" said Bolt.
"You're acting like I'm already qualified. But... yeah, I'm excited. When my parents were my age, they competed in the League themselves. So I guess you can say I'm following in their footsteps." said Sky.
"I see," said Bolt as he saw Sky's Pokémon come up to their trainer. "Let me ask you something, Sky. Do you want Turtwig to evolve?"
"Huh?" said Sky as he thought that was a weird question.
"Do you want Turtwig to evolve?"
"I mean, what do you want me to say?" replied Sky.
"You know what Turtwig evolves into. And what it's final evolution? So, is that something you're willing to go with all the way?" said Bolt.
Sky looked at Turtwig as the Pokémon was staring at its trainer. For the boy, he knew what Silverbolt was saying. Sky knew that when Turtwug evolved, its body would get ten times heavier, which meant it wouldn't be able to move. And knowing Sky, he always relied on Turtwig's speed to evade attacks and danger. So once his tiny pal reached the next stage of evolution, all that speed would be gone forever. Turtwig could sense Sky debating within himself as he thought about evolving.
"I... I... don't know. I don't have an answer," said Sky.
"Didn't expect you to?" said Bolt with a smile. "Anyways, care for a battle? I wanna see what kind of trainer you are."
"You're on," said Sky as he accepted Bolt's challenge.
The girls soon noticed the pair getting up and walking toward an open patch of grass as they looked to have a battle.
"Twilight, care to be the ref?" asked Sky.
"Sure," said the girl. "So what are the rules?"
"Easy, it'll be a four-on-four elimination battle. And it will be over when either side's Pokémon are all defeated. Any and all substitutions are allowed." said Bolt.
"Sounds good to me," said Sky as he pulled out his first Pokéball, as did Silverbolt. "Noctowl, I choose you!"
"Rowlet, time for us to show them what it's all about!" shouted Bolt.
Both boys called out their first Pokémon as both owls appeared, with Noctowl hovering above Sky as Rowlet was on the ground in front of Bolt.
"Just looking at first glance, Noctowl has the advantage over Rowlet since it's a Grass-type," said Rainbow.
"Let the battle begin!" said Twilight.
"You can have the first move, Sky!" said Silverbolt.
"Fine by me! Noctowl, Air Slash!"
Noctowl made a wind sphere appear before launching its wings at the smaller owl.
"Rowlet, cut it with Leaf Blade!" said Bolt.
Rowlet unfurled his wings and took off toward the sphere. Everyone was stunned by what Bolt told his Pokémon. Rowlet was about to contact Noctowl's attack as its wings glowed green. The smaller owl then raised its right wing and did a downward slash that cut through the sphere as the wind blew in all directions. The girls all felt it as they covered up with their clothes and hair fluttering in the wind.
"Woah!" said Sky as Noctowl was also surprised.
"Now, Rowlet, Razor Leaf!" shouted Bolt.
Rowlet gave a screech as he thrust his wings out and shot out rows of leaves as they collided with Noctowl despite not being that effective.
"Rowlet, use Peck!" instructed Bolt.
"Noctowl, dodge it!" said Sky.
Noctowl heard Sky's order as he moved out of the way of Rowlet's initial path. However, Rowlet turned directions and then headed for Noctowl as he caught up with the larger bird and dove them toward the ground; as they crashed, Rowlet flew into the air upon making its move.
"Noctowl, get up!" said Sky as he saw his Pokémon on the ground and slowly stirring up.
"Rowlet, use Peck once more!" said Bolt as he didn't let up on his assault.
"Noctowl, Extrasensory!"
Rowlet was zooming ahead toward Noctowl at a fast speed when Noctowl's eyes shot open. The larger owl tapped into its psychic powers as it got a hold of Rowlet; the smaller bird tried to break free, but Noctowl's grip held its opponent in place.
"Noctowl, throw Rowlet!" shouted Sky.
Noctowl gave a screech as it slammed Rowlet onto the ground, as the smaller bird let out a painful cry.
"Clever," said Bolt.
"Noctowl, Sky Attack!"
Noctowl soared into the air as it got a good height before diving down as its body glowed.
"Rowlet, Brave Bird!" shouted Bolt.
"What?" said Rainbow.
Rowlet immediately took off as it was heading upwards. The smaller Pokémon was surrounded by a red aura at the very front. Both owls were heading toward each other as they were executing powerful attacks. Everyone looked up as, within seconds, both collided with each other. Another wind effect happened as everyone looked away, with only the boys staring up at the air above. Both owls tried their hardest to outpower the other as they rallied.
The collision occurred for a few more minutes before an explosion occurred. Two figures dropped from the air as they fell in front of the boys. Noctowl and Rowlet were shown on the ground as they each had swirls for eyes.
"Noctowl and Rowlet are both unable to battle!" said Twilight.
"Noctowl!" said Sky as he rushed toward his Pokémon.
"Huh, he was able to beat Rowlet's Brave Bird attack?" said Silverbolt as he thought his Pokémon would have beaten Noctowl's attack and won the encounter. But yet, Noctowl proved to have just as much power.
"Great work, Noctowl," said Sky as he held his Pokémon in his arms; it gave a response. "Take a good rest."
"Rowlet, return!" said Bolt as he too recalled his Pokémon. "Solid effort, bud."
"Alright, Buizel, I choose you!" shouted Sky as he called out his second Pokémon.
"Greninja, time for us to show them what it's all about!" said Silverbolt.
Both Water-type Pokémon appeared as they stood in front of their trainers. Buizel looked at Greninja as the frog Pokémon held a calm and collected look.
"Buizel, Water Gun!"
"Bui!" shouted the Pokémon as he opened his mouth and shot a stream of water toward its foe.
"No worries, Greninja," said Bolt with a calm smile.
Greninja could sense Silverbolt's answer as it nodded. Buizel's attack made contact with Greninja as it was s direct hit. Sky was ecstatic, but when the attack ceased, there was Greninja, who looked as though the attack didn't even do anything. The boy knew that the attack wouldn't do much damage, but he expected Greninja to have at least attempted to dodge it.
"That all?" mocked Bolt.
"Buizel, Aqua Jet!"
Buizel surrounded itself in a stream of water before rocketing toward Greninja, who still didn't move. The attack connected, or so it seemed. While Buizel did make contact, it was actually being held in place by Greninja, who put an arm out to stop the Pokémon from advancing.
"But how?" said Sky as he didn't hear Bolt give Greninja a command.
"When you've been with your Pokémon for as long as I have, you form a bond," stated Bolt as he nodded. That translated to Greninja, who threw Buizel back and landed on his feet.
"Buizel, Sonic Boom!" instructed Sky.
"Double Team!" said Bolt.
Greninja began to make multiple copies of itself as they appeared before Buizel, who fired his attack and took out only a few. Buizel found itself surrounded as all around was nothing but Greninjas. They all began to move in a circle around Buizel.
"Keep calm, Buizel!"
"Aerial Ace!" said Bolt.
Greninja began to make his move, as did all the copies. They began to move at a lightning-fast speed. Before Buizel could react or wait for Sky to give it a command, Greninja began to strike. Buizel was now getting hammered in all directions as Greninja was striking just as fast as it was appearing and disappearing.
"Buizel, hang on!" shouted Sky as he couldn't think of any way for his Pokémon to counter.
Soon the Double Team ended with Greninja appearing before Buizel a few meters away. The weasel Pokémon was still standing as it looked to get even.
"Water Gun!"
"Water Shuriken!"
Buizel fired another Water Gun attack as Greninja began to move this time. It leaped into the air as its hands made pieces of water and put them together as they made the shape of a ninja star that he threw. It collided with the stream of water. The force of the ninja throwing star was enough to hold back Buizel's attack as Greninja began to run toward his foe.
"Greninja, Ice Beam!" instructed Bolt.
Greninja put its webbed fingers together and thrust it out as a beam of ice shot out.
"Buizel, dodge!" said Sky as his Pokémon managed to leap out of the way.
"Buizel, Aqua Jet!"
"Bui!" shouted the Pokémon as he surrounded himself with a stream of water.
"Greninja, Aerial Ace!" said Silverbolt.
Greninja ran and then leaped into the air as he collided with Buizel head-on. Both were pushed back as they skidded along the dirt.
"Buizel, Sonic Boom!"
Buizel had its twin tails glow before it spun and fired his attack.
"Water Shuriken!"
Greninja threw another ninja star as it pierced through the Sonic Boom and hit Buizel, who was thrown to the ground and tumbled.
"Buizel!" shouted Sky.
"Yeesh, Bolt ain't letting Sky get any offense," said Rarity.
"You just gonna keep repeating your moves repeatedly?" said Bolt. "You'll never be champion if you're a one-trick pony!"
"Shut up!" shouted Sky. "Buizel, Aqua Jet!"
"Figures," said Bolt as he knew that Sky would call that. "Ice Beam!"
Greninja shot outs its ice attack as it was heading toward Buizel.
"We'll take that Ice Beam and use it!" said Sky.
"What?!" said Silverbolt as what he heard made him stutter.
Buizel continued to zoom ahead as it collided with Greninja's Ice Beam attack. Upon contact, Buizel began to turn into a block of ice. Soon it was complete as Buizel was frozen solid. However, the Pokémon was still traveling as it was heading for Greninja. The Pokémon was then hit by Buizel as the ice shattered upon impact and also hit the ninja as he skidded along the ground.
"How's that for creativity?!" said Sky.
"Hmm, not bad. But this battle is over, Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
"Greninja!" shouted the Pokémon as he threw out a ninja star made of water as it traveled in the blink of an eye.
Buizel barely saw the attack before it collided with him as steam shot into the air. Once it cleared out, there was Buizel on the ground.
"Buizel is unable to battle! The winner is Greninja!" said Twilight as she gestured in Silverbolt's direction.
"Buizel, return! Good attempt, bud," said Sky as he switched to his next Pokémon.
"So who's next?" said Bolt.
"Turtwig, I choose you!" shouted Sky as he called out his third Pokémon.
"Turtwig!" said the Pokémon as he landed.
"If you think type-advantage is gonna help you in this scenario, think again," said Bolt.
"Then make a move," snickered Sky.
"Ice Beam!"
Greninja shot out its ice attack as it was heading toward Turtwig.
"Dodge and use Bite!" said Sky.
Turtwig ducked underneath the ice beam as it raced forward.
"Well, now, that's fast!" said Silverbolt as he was surprised by how fast Turtwig was now that he saw it in action.
Turtwig avoided Greninja's attack as it then jumped and latched onto Greninja's arm as the Pokémon felt the jaws of the small Pokémon.
"Greninja, Water Shuriken!"
Greninja made a ninja star appear in its other hand as it looked to attack Turtwig.
"Turtwig, throw him!" instructed Sky.
Turtwig heard Sky's command as he quickly rotated his body. He landed on the floor and then threw Greninja over its head as it fell onto the ground.
"Now, Razor Leaf!" said Sky.
Turtwig began to spin backward as its attack shot out and hit Greninja, who was only getting to its feet when the attack hit him dead on. Turtwig landed as there was Greninja, who was lying on the floor.
"Greninja is unable to battle! Turtwig is the winner!" said Twilight.
"Nice one, Turtwig!" said Sky.
"Twig!"
"Amazing!" said Applejack as the girls were all impressed by Sky.
"Greninja, return! Solid battle," said Silverbolt to his Pokémon. "Alright, you got my attention. Now, Eevee, time for us to show them what's it all about!"
"Eevee!" said Eevee as she appeared.
"So Bolt also has an Eevee," said Rainbow.
"Turtwig, don't let up! Use Razor Leaf!"
"Eevee, Swift!"
Turtwig shot out its rows of leaves as Eevee opened its mouth and shot out several stars. Both attacks collided as they made a smokescreen attack.
"Eevee, Double Kick!"
"Turtwig, Tackle!"
Both small Pokémon ran forward as Eevee leaped into the air and twisted its body to have its legs aimed at Turtwig's head, who jumped for a headbutt. Another clash in the middle as both held their ground.
"Eevee, Iron Tail!"
Eevee was able to flip out of its position as its tail glowed. Once the clash between Turtwig's Tackle and Eevee's Double Kick ended, the small fox Pokémon then brought its tail on Turtwig's head as it smacked the small Pokémon along the ground.
"Turtwig!" said Sky as he was concerned for his partner Pokémon.
"Twig!" said the Pokémon.
"Use Synthesis!"
"Eevee, Tackle!"
Eevee quickly took off as Turtwig looked at the sun, which began to shine green. Turtwig didn't even get a chance to heal one part of its health when Eevee smacked into its as it and sent Turtwig rolling through the ground again.
"Turtwig!"
"Synthesis takes time for it to kick into effect. Which means Turtwig is vulnerable," said Bolt as he took his opportunity to deal a successful attack.
"Turtwig, Tackle!"
"Eevee, Iron Tail!"
Turtwig charged ahead as Eevee sidestepped Turtwig and delivered a hard smack to the Pokémon as Turtwig once again tumbled through the dirt.
"Turtwig, get up!" said Sky as he tried to get his Pokémon to stand.
"Eevee, Swift!"
Eevee backflipped into the air as she opened her mouth and shot out several golden stars that hit the ground around Turtwig, who fell through the air.
"Turtwig, Razor Leaf!"
Turtwig pushed through the pain as it fired off its attack. The leave hit Eevee, who landed and was bombarded with the attack as she winced in pain. Silverbolt looks at Sky and Turtwig, who landed on the ground, as he learns more about the trainer. Turtwig could launch its attack while being flung through the air and do it as fast as it did, impressed Bolt.
"Turtwig, use Tackle!"
Turtwig heard Sky's command as he charged forward and ran. Eevee had just finished recovering from Razor Leaf when she was bashed and tumbled on the ground as she got some scuffs along her body.
"Eevee, you good?" asked Silverbolt to his Pokémon.
"Eevee," said the fox to her trainer.
"Use, Iron Tail!"
"Turtwig, hold still!"
Eevee had her tail turned into a metal cover as she rushed forward. She did a forward flip as she brought her tail to hit Turtwig, who was merely standing still.
"Bite it!" said Sky.
Turtwig opened his jaws as Eevee's tail came in sight. The small greenish Pokémon sank its mouth into the fox's tail as she and Silverbolt were stunned. Turtwig cinched his mouth tighter on Eevee's tail as it made Iron Tail disappear.
"Now, give Eevee a swing!" said Sky with a smile.
Turtwig then began to spin as it held Eevee tightly with its mouth. The small fox was starting to feel the effects as Turtwig picked up speed and momentum as they began to go faster and faster. Turtwig soon let go as he threw Eevee toward a nearby tree.
"Razor Leaf!"
Turtwig flicked its head as rows of leaves hit Eevee as they pushed her into the tree as she took more damage from colliding with the tree and being hit by Turtwig's attack. Eevee slid down as she had swirl eyes.
"Eevee is unable to battle! The winner is Turtwig!" said Twilight as she gestured in Sky's direction.
"Alright!" said Sky.
"He took down Eevee and Greninja with just Turtwig?" stated Silverbolt as he recalled his Pokémon.
"Only one left!" declared Sky.
"That doesn't mean you've won just yet," said Silverbolt as he pulled out his final Pokémon. "Pikachu, time for us to show them what it's all about!"
"Pika!" said the boy's Pokémon.
"Turtwig, Razor Leaf!"
"Pikachu, Dig!"
"Dig?!" said the girls as they were shocked that Bolt's Pikachu knew that move.
Pikachu leaped into the air as it began to spin rapidly. Its tail was pointed at the ground as it began to burrow itself as Razor Leaf missed. Turtwig felt the ground underneath it rumble as out came Pikachu, who smacked the green Pokémon with his tail.
"Pikachu, Electro Ball!" shouted Silverbolt.
Pikachu landed on all fours as it raised his tail. A sphere of electricity began to form as Pikachu launched it toward Turtwig, who was still in the air. It hit the Pokémon as a smoke cloud appeared; Turtwig soon dropped to the floor and skidded along with swirl eyes.
"Turtwig is unable to battle! The winner is Pikachu!" announced Twilight.
"Turtwig, return! Thanks, pal. Rest up. We're gonna finish this fight." said Sky as he pulled out his final Pokéball.
"One final fight!" said Bolt as Pikachu stood up and its cheeks sparked.
"Your first Pokémon battle. Time to shine. Pikachu, I choose you!" shouted Sky as he tossed his ball.
"Pikachu!" shouted the mouse as he appeared.
He took a position on all four as he looked across. Bolt's Pikachu also got back on four as it was ready to fight.
"Pikachu vs. Pikachu. This'll be interesting," said Pinkie.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack!" shouted Sky.
"You as well!" said Silverbolt.
Both Pikachus charged forward at lightning-fast speed as both collided. They head each other in a clash before jumping back in front of their trainers.
"Electro Ball!" instructed Bolt.
Pikachu heard the boy's command as he made a ball of electricity appear on the tip of his tail.
"Pikachu, Iron Tail!" shouted Sky to his Pokémon.
Sky's Pikachu took off as its tail began to turn into a metal coating as he charged forward. Bolt's Pikachu threw out his attack while Sky's Pikachu leaped into the air and twisted its body as it brought its tail down. It made a downward slash as it not only stopped the attack but sliced it in half. The Iron Tail from Sky's Pikachu sliced the Electro Ball down the middle as it broke apart and landed on the ground as two separate mini-explosions.
"Wow!" said Rainbow as Sky impressed her.
"Rainbow liked that?" said Silverbolt as he looked at the girl who was amazed by what Sky did.
"Volt Tackle!" shouted Sky.
Bolt was distracted that he didn't hear Sky give Pikachu a command. Sky's Pokémon charged forward as it began to pick up speed in the blink of an eye as he was trailed by a powerful charge streak. Sky's Pikachu made contact with Silverbolt's Pokémon, who could do nothing as he was speared by his opponent. Bolt snapped out of his mind as he saw his Pikachu being hurled through the air and tumbled along the ground.
Sky's Pikachu landed on his feet before wincing in pain for a few moments before shaking it off. Silverbolt looked at Sky as he saw his opponent starting to outshine him. To think that letting the fact that Rainbow was impressed by another boy to rock him enough to let Sky get a good powerful attack on him showed who was really in control of the battle.
"Thunderbolt!" shouted Sky.
"Thunderbolt as well!" shouted Silverbolt.
Bolt's Pikachu quickly got up and charged up its body. Sky's Pikachu was in the air as he curled himself as electricity surrounded both electric Pokémon as they unleashed the voltage they stored up. Both Thunderbolts hit each other as they were held in the middle. A light show occurred before another explosion occurred.
"Dig!" shouted Silverbolt.
"Pikachu, use Iron Tail and aim it straight at the ground!" shouted Sky.
Bolt's Pikachu began to burrow itself into the ground as Sky's Pokémon leaped into the air. He twisted himself before slamming his tail on the ground as it cracked open. Silverbolt's Pokémon came out as it was flung into the air.
"Quick Attack!" shouted Sky.
Pikachu landed and quickly took off as he leaped into the air to tackle Bolt's Pokémon to the ground.
"Pikachu!" said Silverbolt as he looked at his Pokémon on the ground.
"Let's end this! Volt Tackle!" shouted Sky.
"Pikachu!" said Bolt as his Pokémon got up and was still willing to fight. "Glad to hear that! Now, use Thunderbolt!"
Silverbolt gave his Pokémon the command as Pikachu let loose an electric bolt as it collided with Sky's Pokémon, who stopped in its tracks.
"Push through!" yelled out Sky to Pikachu.
"Pika! Pika!" shouted Sky's Pikachu as it rallied itself to push through the powerful and painful attack as it continued to charge forth.
Sky's Pikachu kept getting closer as Bolt's Pikachu turned the voltage to get its foe back off. However, it didn't. Instead, it fired up the mouse Pokémon as he kept on charging. Soon Sky's Pokémon made contact with Silverbolt's as a huge explosion occurred. The girls all looked away as this explosion shot into the air so that anybody within a mile radius could have seen it.
The smokescreen cleared as both Pikachus were covered in scuffs and battle wounds. Both mouse Pokémon were panting and breathing heavily as they ran out of breath. Soon they passed out as Sky's Pikachu fell to the ground, with Silverbolt's Pikachu falling mere milliseconds later.
"Both Pikachus are unable to battle! It's a tie!" said Twilight.
"Pikachu!" said Sky and Silverbolt as he rushed toward their Pokémon.
"Pikachu, you okay?" asked Sky as he picked up his Pokémon into his arms.
"Pika," said the mouse Pokémon looking at its owner.
"That sure looked like a draw to me," said Twilight as she appeared by Sky's side.
"You sure? Cause to me, it looked like my Pikachu was the first to go down. So that means we lost, isn't that right?" said Sky as he looked at Silverbolt, approaching them with his Pikachu all curled up in his arms.
"It was called a tie. A tie it is," stated Bolt as he was willing to accept the result of the battle. Though he was stunned to see that Sky, despite being new, just gave him a very tough fight.
After the battle, the boys allowed their Pokémon to recover. Silverbolt was leaning against a tree a few meters away from the group. The boy saw Fluttershy caring for the Pokémon as he smiled. After all these years, she still showed the same kindness he'd come to admire. He then looked at Sky as the boy talked with his team.
"He's good," said Bolt as he replayed his battle with the boy and analyzed it in his mind.
He was then interrupted by someone.
"Hey, great battle!" said Rainbow.
"Uh, Rainbow, heh," said Silverbolt as he was caught off guard by the girl and stumbled a bit from leaning back.
"Anyways, you've grown stronger since you were a dork," the chromatic-haired girl bluntly said.
"You really gotta call me that," muttered Bolt as he didn't quite like how Rainbow saw him.
"Anyways, I've been meaning to ask, what are you doing with Rarity and Pinkie?" asked Dash.
"Well, I'm actually taking Rarity to Cloudsdale. She has to deliver an order for a customer. And Pinkie... she just tagged along." responded the boy.
"You're heading to Cloudsdale as well, huh?" said Rainbow.
"I'm guessing you're gonna challenge the Gym there?" said Silverbolt.
"Nah, I already got that badge. Sky and Applejack want to go there," replied the athletic teen. "But hey! If you're going to the same place as us, why not tag along?"
"You want me to tag along with you?" said Bolt with a hopeful smile.
"Well, me and the others, but yeah. So, what's your answer?" asked Dash.
"Y-Yeah, I'm down," said the boy.
"Cool," said Rainbow as she gave a thumbs up.
Author's Note: So a ton of things happened. First, Fluttershy's Caterpie evolved into Metapod. Sky caught a Pikachu, and the two groups have met each other. Not to mention a battle between Sky and Silverbolt that ended in a tie, or did it. Though I do pose the same question that Bolt asked Sky about his Turtwig: Does it seem more beneficial for Sky to have Turtwig evolve knowing what the small Pokemon evolves into or does staying at its base form more effective given Sky's battle style? As you know, evolution in the show doesn't mean much as sometimes Pokemon can beat their evolved forms. So for Sky, does Turtwig evolving hurt him or help him in the long run?
Also as per usual when someone catches a new Pokemon, the roster gets updated: Sky's Team: Pikachu, Turtwig, Buizel, and Noctowl. And with the addition of Silverbolt, he's shown only half of his Pokemon and so far they are: Greninja, Rowlet, Eevee, and Pikachu. As always leave a review expressing your thoughts and tell me what your answer is to the question I asked above. Would love to see what the different opinions are when it comes to whether or not evolving a Pokemon is for better or worst.