"Ta-da!" said Rarity as she showed off a pamphlet.
"What's that?" asked Sky as he didn't know what he was looking at.
The fashionista was in front of the large group as she showed them a building that was on a waterfront. While most of the crew didn't know what they were looking at, one person in their group knew what Rarity was pointing at.
"It's a Battle Chateau," answered Silverbolt.
"Battle Chateau?" asked Applejack as she raised an eyebrow.
"I've never heard of it," stated Fluttershy.
"It's a place where people and trainers alike can come battle. They're found all over the region," stated Bolt.
"I think I remember my dad saying something about these places. According to what he said, is that when you have a battle at the chateau, you get something if you win. But he never said what." stated Twilight.
"Well, is it some kind of badge?" asked Sky.
"No, in fact, it's something different. You're awarded a title," answered Bolt.
"You, what kind of title? Is there one for being the most awesome trainer?" bragged Rainbow as she did a cocky pose.
"No," snickered Bolt as the girl fell on the floor. "It's more of a noble title."
"Noble?" said Fluttershy.
"I think it best if we actually went to one. That way, you'll understand what I'm saying. Rarity, what's the closest Battle Chateau?" asked Bolt to the fashionista.
"So glad you asked, darling. Cause I was gonna ask if we could stop by. See, it's on the way to Cloudsdale, not too far from here." said the girl as they all pulled out their Pokedex and looked at the map.
The map showed where the group was and the building, which was a good walk from the city.
"Well, then, let's get going!" shouted Pinkie as she was excited.
"I could always use a little warm-up before my next Gym Challenge," stated Sky.
"Heh, oh, I think you might find this a bit more challenging than you make it out to be," stated Silverbolt, as he could tell his friends were in for a treat.
Once the group got the last bit of their supplies, they all began to head out. They headed toward the Battle Chateau as Rarity was way in the front, as it seemed the girl was the most excited about it.
"So, Bolt, seeing as how you know about this place, I'm assuming you must have gotten one of those titles you named?" asked Applejack.
"Sure do," nodded the boy.
"Let me guess, something you picked up as you moved around," said Rainbow.
"More so, when I started my first journey, I heard about how these chateaus are a great place to battle. They provide the same dynamic as a Gym Battle, but anybody can battle here. All you need is a Pokemon." said the teen.
"We're here!" shouted Rarity as the group stopped along the river as saw the building. "It's gorgeous."
"I'll say," smiled Pinkie.
The entire building was decorated from top to bottom, full of banners that hung even the exterior. There was a giant archway above the entrance and writing on it.
"Prove your strength with a title," read Twilight as that got Sky to smile.
They all made their way to the doors as they swung open.
"It's beautiful. The glamour, the sophistication, oh, what I wouldn't give to be the princess who lived here so long ago," stated Rarity as she admired the place's inner décor.
"Welcome to the Battle Chateau," said the place's caretaker as a woman was shown in a maid outfit.
"Well, well, Earl Silverbolt. Nice to see you," spoke a man as the whole group of teens looked up.
Standing at the top of a stairwell was a man dressed in a fancy suit; he had a monocle in his eye.
"Didn't expect to see you, Fancy Pants?" smiled Bolt. "I brought some friends along. They want to battle."
"Hold on, he called you Earl?" asked Rainbow.
"Yeah, guys, let me introduce you to the owner behind the Battle Chateaus. His name is Fancy Pants. His family has owned these places since ancient times." stated Bolt.
"Let me say it's an honor. Earl Silverbolt is always welcome at our Battle Chateaus," said Fancy Pants as he bowed before the teens.
"So, Mr. Fancy Pants, can you tell us what this place is?" asked Fluttershy.
With a wave of his hand, Fancy Pants began to guide the group of teens through the halls of his home.
"For as long as my family has lived, our chateaus have provided a fulfilling battle experience like no other. It also has served as a meeting place for all and any trainers. Now the first thing to know is that all trainers that enter our Battle Chateaus, whether here or anywhere else, are referred to as knights." stated Fancy Pants as he grabbed a drink from a nearby servant and took a sip.
"Makes sense. We are at a castle, per se," said Applejack, as the chateau was rather big.
"Normally, chateaus aren't this big. This just so happens to be Fancy Pants' home, so therefore it's the one where most people are gathered," replied Silverbolt.
"Correct, Mr. Bolt. Now, as I was saying. The trainers who step foot here are knights. Then each knight has a noble title that is bestowed upon them based on the grand total of victories they earn at the Battle Chateau." said Fancy Pants as they approached a set of doors. "I wish you all luck earning the highest noble title you can achieve."
"Allow me to show you to the Battle Chateau sitting room. Here is where you'll challenge other worthy adversaries," stated the maid as she pushed the doors open.
Upon the doors opening, the entire group, minus Bolt all, gasped. The giant room was full of people. From adults to even kids. Most of them were dressed in fancy suits and dresses as they mingled with other patrons.
"Amazing!" said Twilight.
"Fabulous! I feel right at home!" said Rarity as a big lavish party was her element. "Oh, I shoulda picked out a dress if I knew what to expect."
"Ladies and gentlemen, I have the distinct honor to present Earl Silverbolt!" announced Fancy Pants to the room full of people.
Everyone heard as they all turned to the door and saw the teen. Even on the upper levels, they all looked at the teen; hearing his title alone meant he had so much respect.
"So, everyone here is a knight?" asked Fluttershy.
"Correct. This is a great place to hang out with other trainers, trade stories and information, and also look for an opponent," said Silverbolt to the animal-loving girl.
"So you battle whoever you want?" asked Pinkie.
"Not exactly. There's a catch. You can only battle against someone who has the same rank as you," answered Bolt.
While the group was speaking, someone was watching them. Their face wasn't shown, only their mouth as a small smile appeared.
"So how does it work?" asked Twilight.
"I'll show you," said Silverbolt as he began to step forward.
The other patrons noticed the teen approaching as he stopped to address.
"Are there any earls here who would like to accept my challenge?" said Silverbolt as he was issuing an open challenge to whoever wanted to take him on.
The rest of the group was shocked by what their friend was doing. Soon a voice was heard.
"I'll accept your challenge," said another boy as he wore a suit and tie. "My name is Earl Dimitri. I'm looking forward to our battle."
"Likewise," nodded Bolt.
At that moment, the doors to the outside of the room opened. It revealed a battlefield in the middle of the pond as stairs connected it from the outer terrace.
"Alright now, Silverbolt and Dimitri, please proceed to the battlefield," said the head maid as she announced. "All other knights may watch the battle from the outside terrace."
Silverbolt and his opponent were now beginning to walk down the stairs to the field. He gave his backpack to Fluttershy as his friends were with the other patrons as they gathered on the outside terrace. Bolt and Dimitri were now standing a few meters apart from each other as they were now wearing some green capes.
"Check out the capes! So cool!" said Pinkie. "Can I get one in pink?"
"Yeah, where can I get one?!" asked Rainbow as she figured that wearing a cape would make her look 20% cooler.
"It's tradition," said Fancy Pants as he addressed the group. "The concept of the Battle Chateau was founded on the old knight's duel in medieval times. The aim is to elevate not only one's self but their Pokémon through the spirit of chivalry."
"What I wouldn't give to have a cape of my own," said Rainbow as she still focused on that.
"You said there are many titles here that trainers can achieve; what are they?" asked Fluttershy.
"Well, for one, your friend down there has the title earl, represented by the green cape he wears. Other titles include Baron, the beginner title for anyone; they wear a white cloak. After that is Viscount, who dawns a blue cloak. Earl is next. Then Marquis with a yellow cape, the Duke who wears red, and the highest title one can gain Grand Duke with a striking purple cloak to indicate their rank." explained Fancy Pants.
"Wow, that's a lot," said Sky.
"Now I'm remembering. I recall that my father had my brother go to the Battle Chateau as a way for him to train in preparation for taking the Gym. I recalled countless times of Shining Armor came home and told us all the many battles and trainers he fought. He also gained enough victories to be a Grand Duke in the Battle Chateau."
"Guess that just adds to the fact that your brother really is the strongest Gym Leader in the region," said Rarity as everyone was even more impressed by Twilight's older sibling.
"Of course, we don't have just male noble titles. For the females, the noble titles they can achieve are Baroness, Viscountess, Countess, Marchioness, Duchess, and Grand Duchess," said Fancy Pants, as the girls seemed to like that there were some ranks they could achieve themselves.
They soon turned their attention back to the field as Silverbolt's battle was about to begin.
"To a good battle!" stated Bolt.
"To a good battle," said Dimitri as both shook the other's hands.
They turned to make their way to their respective side as the maid began to speak.
"The Pokémon battle between Earl Dimitri and Earl Silverbolt is about to commence. If Earl Silverbolt is victorious, that will be his 25th victory allowing him to ascend the ranks and obtain the noble title of Marquis. May you both battle with spirit while honoring the knight's code of chivalry." said the maid.
"Greninja, time for us to show them what it's all about!" shouted Bolt as he called on his Pokémon.
"Greninja," said the Pokémon as he appeared before his trainer with his arms crossed.
"Leavanny, come on out!" stated Dimitri as he called on his Pokémon.
"Leavanny," said the Pokémon.
A thin, yellow, bipedal humanoid-looking Pokémon resembled a leaf insect. It had a broad, split-leaf around its head and had long antennae protruding from it, which ended in semi-circles. Its chest and legs were dark green and sectioned. The hands looked like leaves, and the arms were like veins. Its abdomen was covered by its leafy tail, making it look like it was wearing a cloak.
"Who's that Pokémon?" asked Applejack as she pulled out her Pokédex.
"Leavanny, the Nurturing Pokémon and the evolved form of Swadloon. Leavanny loves to make warm clothes for smaller Pokémon, cutting leaves with its arms and sewing them together with sticky silk from its mouth."
"Use Energy Ball!" instructed Dimitri as he made the first move.
"Use Double Team!" shouted Bolt.
Greninja heard its trainer's command as it began to make multiple copies of itself. The Energy Ball from Leavanny collided with them as a smoke cloud appeared. It cleared out as only the real Greninja remained.
"Now, use Water Shuriken!"
Greninja leaped into the air as it made particles of water form in its webbed hands. It put them together as he tossed out a ninja star made of blue liquid.
"Use X-Scissor!" shouted Dimitri.
Leavanny made its arms glow as it brought them down in an X, as it not only took the Water Shuriken head on but also blocked it.
"Not bad," smiled Bolt.
"Now use Silver Wind!"
"Greninja, Aerial Ace!"
Leavanny then opened its mouth as the wind began to blow; it was covered in shiny particles with silver specks. Greninja was running toward its target at high speed as it took the air and leaped into it, colliding with the attack head. Both Pokémon held their stance as they applied more power to their attacks. Soon Greninja vanished in the blink of an eye as the Silver Wind blew away.
Everyone was stunned as soon Greninja reappeared before Leavanny and did a hard punch to its midsection as it used its Aerial Ace move to quickly reposition itself and launch an attack.
"Impressive," said Rarity at how quickly Greninja moved.
"No doubt, Flying-type moves are super effective against Bug and Grass-types!" said Twilight.
"Leavanny!" shouted Dimitri as he saw his Pokémon tumble to the floor.
"Greninja, Ice Beam!"
Greninja thrust its webbed hands out as a beam of ice flew toward the insect. It collided with Leavanny, and she felt the pain; the Ice Beam was affecting her as not only was it causing damage, but soon the Pokémon was starting to be encased in ice as Leavanny was now in a block of ice.
"How did Greninja do that?" asked Fluttershy.
"Cause Ice Beam can sometimes freeze an opponent," answered Twilight as even she was impressed by what Bolt did.
"Let's wrap this up! Water Shuriken!"
Greninja once again leaped into the air, and this time, he shot out several smaller ninja-throwing stars made of water as they collided with the block of ice, creating some cloud smoke to appear. Once it cleared out, there was Leavanny out of her ice prison on the floor, defeated.
"That's it! Greninja is the winning Pokémon. And that means the victor is Silverbolt!" announced the maid as the applause began to be heard.
"Great job, bud!" said Bolt to Greninja as both did a fist bump.
"Thank you for a great battle," smiled Dimitri as even in defeat, he showed his respect for his opponent.
"Thank you as well," smiled Silverbolt.
"Now that Silverbolt has won 25 victories, his noble title will change. He goes from the noble title of earl to the title of marquis!" said the maid as she presented Bolt with the new cloak and now wore a yellow.
"Excellent! We applaud both knights and their Pokémon for their valiant battle!" said Fancy Pants as he, too, showed applause for Bolt.
"So, what do you guys think?" asked Bolt as he walked up the stairs and appeared before his friends with his new treads.
"I say, that outfit looks simply fabulous on you, darling," stated Rarity.
"Truly a marvelous battle," said Pinkie.
"So when can I get one?!" shouted Rainbow as she desperately wanted to wear a cool cape.
"Heh, thanks," chuckled Bolt as he rubbed his neck.
"And now that the battle has concluded, let us all move onto the debuting battles to see who our new Barons and Baroness will be!" announced Fancy Pants as chatter began to arise.
Today there were many new people and trainers, all looking to start their journey in getting stronger and working their way up the title rank.
"So, you guys ready?" asked Silverbolt to his friends as he could tell they wanted to take part and gain a title.
"Hell yeah!" shouted Sky as he did a fist pump.
"Let the event begin!" shouted Fancy Pants.
For the entire afternoon, it was nonstop battle after battle. All new trainers were squaring off and facing each other to gain their titles. Even the girls were challenged as they were looking to get the opportunity to earn a title themselves.
"Now, Torkoal, use Overheat!" shouted Rainbow.
"Torkoal!" shouted the Pokémon.
The tortoise opened his mouth as his shell heated up and glowed. A powerful beam of fire shot out as it collided with Torkoal's opponent, as it fell to the ground.
"Heracross, Focus Punch!" instructed Applejack.
The farm girl's Pokémon flew into the air as its fist glowed. Heracross swung its right arm as it delivered a hard punch to a Rhyhorn; he turned from the punch's impact and fell to the ground.
"Espeon, use Psychic!" said Twilight.
Espeon was in the air as it landed on the ground. The Pokémon's eyes glowed white as it lifted its opponent into the air. Once they were high enough, Espeon let go of its grip as the Pokémon fell down.
"Eevee, use Swift!" said Fluttershy.
"Eevee!" shouted the fox Pokémon as she leaped into the air and fired several yellow stars that collided with a barrier. The attack managed to push through as they made contact with the Pokémon as they were defeated.
"Delcatty, Blizzard," said Rarity as she snapped her fingers.
"Tepig, Ember!" shouted Rarity's opponent.
Ice and fire attacks collided in the middle, creating a massive veil surrounding the field. Despite not seeing their opponent, Rarity still took that moment to call out her move.
"Now, Delcatty, use Sing," smiled the fashionista.
Delcatty opened her mouth and began to sing as musical notes came out. They flew from the veil as they circled Tepig before they affected him. The small pig yawned as he felt his eyes closing and then dropped to the ground.
"Tepig!" shouted Rarity's opponent as he tried to get his Pokémon to wake up.
"Now, Delcatty, be a dear and use Iron Tail," said Rarity as she waved her hand.
Delcatty meowed at Rarity's command as she charged forward ever so gracefully. She leaped into the air as her tail turned into a metal coating; Delcatty then brought her tail down as it collided with Tepig, a smoke explosion that, when cleared, showed that Delcatty was the victor.
"Politoed, Double Slap!"
"Slurpuff, Cotton Guard!" shouted Pinkie.
Slurpuff was enveloped in tons of cotton as the Double Slap connected with the small puff Pokémon. Slurpuff was knocked to the ground as it lay on its back. It then popped back up as it jumped up and down in excitement, just like Pinkie. While the Pokémon was hit by the attack and managed to reduce the damage, the way it moved seemed like the attack didn't phase it that much.
"Slurpuff, Draining Kiss!" shouted Pinkie with a smile.
Slurpuff jumped up and down around Politoed as the frog saw the pink creampuff bouncing. She then appeared before the frog sticking its tongue out and licking the frog's face as he fell under its effect. He fell to the floor as swirls appeared in his eyes.
"In a rather... unusual way, Slurpuff is the winner. And the victor is Ms. Pie!" said the maid as she gestured in Pinkie's direction.
"Yippee! I win! I win!" shouted Pinkie as she grabbed Slurpuff's hand, and the two bounced in place.
Pinkie was then given her cape, as it was fitted for females and slightly different from the ones the males wore. The party girl was bouncing up the stairs, as did Slurpuff, as they made their way to their friends sitting on a table on the outside terrace.
"See, everyone. I won!" shouted Pinkie.
"Congratulations, Pinkie," said Fluttershy.
Like Pinkie, the rest of the girls all wore their own cloaks.
"So, you girls like them?" asked Bolt as he appeared without his cloak.
"Hell yea. Look at how awesome I look!" said Rainbow as she looked at herself in one of the windows.
While the girls were with Silverbolt, Sky was getting ready as he was about to have his debut battle at the chateau. The boy was walking in one of the halls, trying to figure out which Pokémon he wanted to use. He turned the corner and bumped into someone.
"Sorry," said Sky as he fell on the floor and rubbed his head.
"No worries, kid," said the person Sky bumped into.
He helped the teen up before he began to walk away. Sky turned his head as he tried to see who he bumped into but couldn't see their face. Just as he was about to go after them, he heard his name being called.
"Sky, where are you?!" shouted Applejack.
"Oh, shit. My battle!" said the boy as he quickly turned and ran in the opposite direction.
Within a few minutes, Sky burst through the doors and saw his friends in the sitting room as they had removed their cloaks.
"There you are, sugarcube! We were worried sick."
"Sorry, Aj. I got held up. But I wouldn't miss the chance to wear a cool cap." said the boy.
"It is time for our next battle to see which of our new knights will earn a noble title," said the maid for all to hear.
"Wish me luck, guys," said Sky to his friends.
He approached the maid as there was another boy there.
"Hey, there, I'm Sky."
"Charmed, my name is Willow."
The doors opened once more, leading to the outer terrace. Sky and Willow followed the maid down the stairs to the field as everyone else gathered to watch.
"Our next battle will decide which of our new knights will-"
"To a good battle," stated Willow as he stuck his hand out.
"Oh, yeah. To a good battle," said Sky as he made the same gesture and shook his opponent's hand.
With the show of respect now given, both turned as they made their way to their respective side. The boys then turned to face their opponent as they each pulled out the Pokéball that contained the Pokémon they would use.
"Now, Buizel, I choose you!" shouted Sky.
"Volbeat, let's go!" said Willow.
"Who's that Pokémon?" asked Sky as he pulled out his Pokédex.
"Volbeat, the Firefly Pokémon. When night falls, Volbeat flashes the light on its tail in different patterns to send messages to others. It follows the sweet scent of Illumise."
"A Bug-type Pokémon is an even match against a Water-type," said Twilight to the others.
"Let the battle begin!" said the maid.
"Buizel, use Sonic Boom!"
Buizel leaped into the air as its twin tails glowed. He then spun in the air as the Sonic Boom was launched.
"Volbeat, use Thunderbolt!" stated Willow.
Volbeat has its antennas glow as electricity began to spark. It then shot out as it traveled forward and not only pushed through the Sonic Boom but hit Buizel dead on as the weasel winced in pain.
"Buizel!" shouted Sky as his Pokémon fell to the ground.
"Volbeat knows Thunderbolt?!" said Pinkie.
"Looks like this battle just got a bit tougher for Sky," said Twilight.
"Buizel, are you okay?" asked Sky.
Buizel grunted in pain as he began to sit up. The attack he suffered effectively damaged him, but he willed himself to get up. Buizel managed to get to his feet as he responded heartily to Sky to show that he still wanted to fight.
"Volbeat, Signal Beam!" instructed Willow.
Volbeat had its antennas glow once more as a beam shot out.
"Water Gun, Buizel!"
Buizel heard Sky's command as it turned its head and opened its mouth. Water was forming, and when he turned his head back, the water shot forward as it collided with the Signal Beam. The two attacks met in the middle as soon as a smoke explosion covered the field.
"Buizel still has that much power after being by Thunderbolt?" said Willow as he was surprised by how tough Buizel was.
"Buizel, Aqua Jet!"
Sky gave his command as Buizel was surrounded by a stream of water. The weasel then shot into the air as he was heading toward Volbeat.
"Double Edge!"
Volbeat saw the water missile coming at him as he took to the air and met Buizel head-on. The firefly collided with Buizel and his Aqua Jet as he had power behind him. The two attacks created a powerful wind momentum that blew in all directions. The patrons and Sky's friends all felt the attack as they looked away from the intense wind. The person Sky had bumped into before his battle was shown. He kept looking on as the wind blew in his face, which didn't bother him.
Both Pokémon were launched back as Buizel landed on the field while Volbeat hovered in the air. The firefly Pokémon had some sparks flying through him as he suffered some recoil damage from his move.
"Volbeat, Double Team!" instructed Willow.
Within a blink of an eye, multiple copies of Volbeat were shown as they hovered above Buizel. The weasel saw the copies as they surrounded him and snickered.
"Thunderbolt!"
All the Volbeats fired their attack as Buizel was helpless and winced in pain.
"Buizel!" shouted Sky as he saw his Pokémon standing in place and getting electrocuted.
It soon died down as Buizel was shown hunched over as some smoke rose from his body. Scuffs appeared as he was breathing heavily.
"My word, Buizel is tough. Thunderbolt again!" said Willow to Volbeat.
"Come on, Sky! Do something!" said Rainbow, as the girls felt the end was about to come for their friend.
"Buizel, spin on your back and use Water Gun!" shouted Sky.
"Huh?" said Sky's friends and Willow at what they heard.
Buizel did what Sky said as the weasel jumped onto his back. He then began to rotate on his back as he was using Water Gun. The Pokémon's rapid rotation allowed Buizel's attack to spiral in all directions, creating a barrier to protect itself and attack. As shown, the copies of Volbeat were taken out, and the Thunderbolts fired were overpowered. The real Volbeat was caught between the water sprouts as it was tossed back and forth between them.
"Look at that!" said Twilight as she was amazed by what she was saying. "Sky is having Buizel both attack and defend all at the same time!"
"Using the water from Buizel's attack and having him spin makes it shoot out in all directions and defend against the thunderbolt like a shield. But at the same time, it also is attacking Volbeat. Impressive." said Silverbolt as he gave props to Sky on being creative.
Volbeat was still tossed around as the firefly soon fell to the floor and crashed.
"Volbeat!" shouted Willow as his Pokémon winced in pain as it sat up.
"Now, Aqua Jet!" shouted Sky.
Buizel stopped spinning as it propped itself on one paw to leap into the air. Water then surrounded him as he rocketed toward Volbeat as the firefly was coming. He looked up as the weasel engulfed in the water was about to collide as seconds later, a smoke cloud happened. The cloud was shown for a few moments, and when it cleared up, Buizel stood while Volbeat remained on the ground with swirls in its eyes.
"And that's it. Buizel is the victor. Which means the winner is Sky." said the maid as she pointed in the teen's direction.
"Alright!" shouted Sky as he lifted his fist. "Way to go, Buizel!"
"Bui!" said the weasel as he lifted his paw as a fist.
"Volbeat, thank you," said Willow as he pulled out his Pokéball and called back his Pokémon.
"And such as his victory, we now have a new baron!" said the maid as she put on the cloak for Sky, who was now standing there with his new noble title.
"I did it! Look, guys! I did it!" shouted Sky as he turned to the terrace and shouted to his friends. They all merely clapped to support their traveling buddy and Buizel.
"Thanks," said Willow as he approached Sky.
"No, thank you. You gave me a good fight," said Sky as he shook Willow's hand.
"I may have lost today. But tomorrow will be a different story."
"I look forward to our next battle. Count on it," stated Sky as he gave a thumbs up.
Watching from afar was the man Sky bumped into as he smiled.
It was later as Sky was shown walking through one of the chateau halls. The rest of his friends were all waiting for him as they were about to set off on their journey. Just then, the boy heard something. He passed by one of the windows on the upper levels of the building as down on the field, there was a Pokémon battle about to take place. The teen rushed down as he made his way to the terrace and slipped by the people watching.
"The battle will now begin!" said the maid.
"Marowak, let's go!" said one of the opponents.
"Emolga, let's show them who rules the skies!" shouted the other opponent.
"Emolga!" said the Pokémon as it appeared.
Out came a mammalian flying squirrel-like Pokémon. It had white fur on its face and the front side of its body. The back of its head was black. Its two large ears were yellow with white centers. Its stubby forearms had three fingers on each hand. Its membrane was used to glide and store energy produced in its cheeks. This membrane was black on the back of its body and yellow on the front. Its legs were very short, and had small oval-shaped feet without toes. Its tail was long and jagged; the base was yellow, and the rest was black.
"Who's that Pokémon?" wondered Sky as he pulled out his Pokédex.
"Emolga, the Sky Squirrel Pokémon. When Emolga stretches out its limbs, the membrane connecting them spreads like a cape, allowing it to glide through the air. The holes that Pikipek drill in trees make handy nests for wild Emolga."
Sky didn't know that Emolga's trainer was the man he bumped into.
"Emolga, Agility!" shouted the man.
"Marowak, Bonemerang!" shouted the man's opponent.
Marowak spun his bone club as he quickly threw it. Emolga saw it as soon as she dodged within a split second. The force and momentum at which Marowak threw his bone were fast, but to see Emolga move even faster than that was a sight to behold.
"Wow, that Emolga is something!" said Sky, as he had never seen such speed.
"Emolga, Acrobatics!" instructed the man.
Emolga took off with its newfound speed as it zipped and zoomed, trying to confuse Marowak. It attacked from multiple directions as Marowak tried to swat at it with its club but missed how fast the flying squirrel was. Emolga was laughing as she did one last fly by using her tail to smack her foe in the face.
"Flying-type moves aren't that effective against a Ground-type Pokémon like Marowak, but they sure did damage," muttered Sky as he observed the battle.
"Marowak, Stone Edge!"
Marowak then concentrated as stones and rocks began to circle around him. He directed his club as he pointed forward. The rocks and stones all stopped spinning as they shot forward toward Emolga, who was gliding in the air.
"Emolga, use Discharge!"
Emolga turned around in mid-glide as she focused. She then released all the electricity she had stored up as they collided with the rocks. Not only did they stop them in their tracks, but the electricity was more powerful than them as they exploded into pieces and made a dust cloud appear.
"Now, use Attract!"
Emolga giggled as she appeared before Marowak and gave a flirty wink. A heart appeared as it smacked the masked covered Pokémon in the face. Within seconds, Marowak was under Emolga's spell as it was infatuated with her. Emolga then talked to Marowak as the Pokémon raised his club and knocked himself on the head as it showed just how much he was under the female Pokémon's influence.
"Emolga, wrap this up with Discharge!" instructed Emolga's trainer.
Emolga caught an updraft as she soared high into the air. She then released her electric attack, which shocked Marowak resulting in an explosion. Soon it died down as there was the Pokémon on the ground defeated.
"And that is that. Emolga is the victor!" said the maid.
"Wow, an electric-type Pokémon just beat a Rock-type," said Sky as he was impressed by what he saw.
"And because of his latest victory, he has now obtained the noble title of Grand Duke!" said the maid as she presented the man with the highest title one could achieve as he was awarded the top cape of all.
At that moment, Sky saw the man as Emolga was on his shoulder.
"Hey, wait a sec. Isn't he..."
"Sky!" shouted Aj. "Come on, sugar! We're leaving!"
"Right!" said the boy as he almost forgot that his friends were waiting for him.
The teen turned as he ran toward the entrance. The man saw Sky leave out of the corner of his eye.
"Can't wait to see you soon, kid," smiled the man.
Once inside, the man was in the hallway and pulled out a device. He pushed a button on it as it began to call someone. Within seconds, a face was shown.
"You were right, Rockhoof. The kid's got heart," said the man to one of his friends.
"Sorry, I'm late!" said Sky as he barely made it to the front of the chateau where Silverbolt and the girls were waiting.
"What took you so long?!" shouted Rainbow.
"I got distracted for a bit. But you're right. My next Gym Battle is waiting for me." said Sky.
"Thanks for everything, Fancy Pants," said Bolt.
"My pleasure. I hope you all had a wonderful time at the Battle Chateau. Remember, there are many more across the region, so you can always visit them to raise your rank if you so desire. Plus, seeing how you compete in the League, it would be a great place to get some battling experience." said the man.
"We will! Thank you! And take care!" said Sky as the whole group walked while waving at Fancy Pants.
The group kept waving at Fancy Pants until they entered the forest and disappeared from sight.
Author's Note: And so with the discovery of the Battle Chateau, our group of heroes have gained some valuableknowledge and have earned some titles of their own. Now it's onto Cloudsdale where Applejack and Sky look to win their second badge. However, it seems that whoever it was that Sky ran into, we haven't seen the last of. As always, leave a review expressing your thoughts and comments.