Upon arriving in Cloudsdale, Sky was eager to challenge the Gym and earn his second badge. However, after splitting up with their friends, Sky, Applejack, and Twilight arrived at the Cloudsdale Gym. They arrived to find Rockhoof and the Gym Leader, Flash Magnus, putting on an air show. After that, Flash Magnus and Rockhoof had a friendly battle as it was there; the teens got to see one of Magnus' ace Pokémon, Altaria.
During that same time, Rarity had managed to deliver the package she was entrusted with to its owner. And after coming up with a small proposal, her boss, Mrs. Harshwhinny, allowed her to continue to travel to promote the boutique. Meanwhile, Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Silverbolt visited the girls' homes and greeted their parents.
Now, the stage is set as Sky and Applejack look to defeat Flash Magnus and his team of aerial Pokémon to claim their second badge and get one step closer to Pokémon League.
"Here you go. One double cheeseburger with fries!" said a worker as he brought a plate of food to a table.
"Thanks," said Silverbolt as the worker left.
"Aw, yeah! Time to dig in!" shouted Rainbow as she began munching her food.
Our group of teens was currently sitting outside a restaurant. It was a restaurant that Fluttershy, Rainbow, and Silverbolt always went to when they were little, as the food was tasty. Bolt, despite moving away, was glad to see that the food was still as he remembered.
While the Cloudsdale childhood friends were enjoying their meals. On another table, Sky was currently looking at his team of Pokémon as he was determining which ones he would use against Flash Magnus.
"I'm counting on you, Pikachu, to pull us through this match," said Sky to his yellow Pokémon.
"Pikachu!"
"Turtwig, you can hang back on this one. Grass-types aren't good against Flying-types," said the boy.
"Twig," saluted the small Pokémon as he had full confidence his comrades would win.
"Well, at least you're in a better position. I'm at a huge disadvantage," said Applejack.
"And why's that?" asked Rainbow's mother as the girl's folks sat with the pair.
"Cause she's got a Heracross, Breloom, and a Donphan. Two of those are weak to Flying-types," answered Sky.
"Well, don't you have other Pokémon?" asked Rainbow's father.
"Fraid not. This is all I got to work with," sighed the farm girl, as the second badge would be much more difficult than she imagined.
"Alright, you two ready!?" shouted Rainbow as she stood up and slammed her hands on the table. "Come on, I'm dying to see your Gym Battles!"
"Guess I got nothing to lose," sighed Applejack.
With everyone done with lunch, they all made their way to the Gym. They entered the hangar, and the assistant noticed both Sky and Applejack. She then led everyone inside as Rockhoof was also present. The Gym Leader wanted to see how well both teens would fare.
"Glad you made it!" shouted a voice.
From one of the upper levels of the hangar, there was Flash Magnus. The Gym Leader then hopped over the railing and landed safely on the ground before getting up.
"Ready for the battle?" asked Flash Magnus to both Sky and Applejack.
"You bet," nodded Sky.
Applejack merely gulped as she took a deep breath.
"Good. So then I'll start with... you!" said Flash Magnus as he pointed at the country gal.
"Why did I see this coming?" muttered Aj as she had a feeling she'd be picked first. Probably, Flash Magnus saw her hesitation and decided to pick her for an easy win.
"One of these days, I want to be first to battle," sighed Sky as it seemed he would be getting second dibs again. "Oh, well. Good luck, Aj."
"Hey, Rockhoof. Care to be the ref?" asked Flash Magnus to his Gym Leader buddy.
"It'd be my pleasure," smiled Rockhoof.
The rest of the group sat in the stands as Aj and Flash Magnus made their way to the field. The hangar's roof began to open, revealing the blue open sky with clouds rolling by and the sun shining down. The farm girl and the Gym Leader approached their respective sides as they got on the podiums attached to a pole. Rockhoof was off to the side as he stood on the referee stand.
"So, Rockhoof is also a Gym Leader?" asked Silverbolt.
"Yup, he runs a Ground-type Gym in a village at the base of a mountain. It's where I got my second badge," explained Rainbow.
"Guess I'll have to stop there soon," replied Bolt.
"Alright then. The Gym Challenge between Applejack, the challenger, and Flash Magnus, the Cloudsdale Gym Leader, will commence. Each side will have the use of three Pokémon, and the battle will be over when either side can no longer compete. Furthermore, only the challenger will be allowed the substitute any and all Pokémon." explained Rockhoof.
"Time to reveal my first Pokémon. Braviary, let's show'em who rules the skies!" shouted Flash Magnus.
"Breloom, lend me yer strength!" shouted Applejack.
"Breloom!" shouted the Pokémon as he landed in front of the girl.
"So, Aj is starting off with Breloom," stated Pinkie.
"Tough is an understatement. Not only is Applejack at a massive disadvantage, given two of her team is weak against Flash Magnus's team. But Flash Magnus also is a master when it comes to battling in the air. So Aj also has to account for how she's going to be able to hit his Pokémon when they're flying about." said Twilight.
"Thankfully, there are rings and hoops around the field that she can use," said Silverbolt.
True to what the boy said, about the field, small hoops and rings were being held by balloons as it gave another element for the competitors to use during their battle.
"Let the battle begin!" yelled Rockhoof as he signaled for the battle.
"You can have the first move, Applejack," smiled Flash Magnus.
"Breloom, Bullet Seed!" instructed the farm girl.
"Breloom!" shouted the Pokémon as he opened his mouth and rapidly fired seeds at his foe.
"Braviary, ascend quickly!" instructed Flash Magnus.
Braviary quickly turned upward and flew with the attack missing. Breloom kept track of the large bird as he was trailing behind him as Braviary was flying about, dodging the many Bullet Seeds that the Pokémon was launching. Braviary was flying high above the hangar as he turned to look at Breloom as he was out of range from the Grass-type Pokémon.
"That all you got?!" taunted Flash Magnus.
"Breloom, jump and use Mach Punch!" instructed Applejack.
"Braviary, Aerial Ace!" shouted Flash Magnus.
Braviary now tucked its wings in as it dove. Breloom did as Aj said and leaped into the air, as its tiny arm began to glow before it expanded a bit. Braviary made a quick loop de loop, surrounded by a criss-cross attack. Both Pokémon made contact with the other; both attacks were a stalemate as they pushed the other back. Breloom landed on the ground and skidded to a halt before Applejack; Braviary hovered in front of Flash Magnus as it didn't feel any pain.
"Breloom, Stun Spore!" instructed Applejack.
Breloom inhaled and then released some green particles from the top of its mushroom head as it began to head toward Braviary. The girl was hoping to paralyze the bird to gain the advantage.
"Braviary, Hurricane!" instructed Flash Magnus.
Braviary began to flap its wings as the wind began to pick up. A small tornado began to form as Braviary picked up the speed and power of its wings. Causing the tornado to expand and turn into a full-blown hurricane as it blew away the Stun Spore particles from Breloom. The wind tunnel was now heading toward Breloom.
"Breloom, dodge it!" shouted Applejack.
The girl tried to get her Pokémon to avoid it, but it moved faster than Breloom could. The tornado engulfed Breloom as he spun inside it while giving some shouts. Round and round, Breloom was experiencing pain. Soon the attack ended as the wind died down. Breloom crashed into the ground as it picked up dirt and dust, creating a cloud. Applejack looked at the field as Breloom was shown getting up but had damage marks along its body.
"Talk about a super effective move," said Twilight as she and everyone else could see the damage Breloom took.
"Breloom, you good?" asked Aj as her Pokémon nodded.
"Braviary, Wing Attack!" shouted Flash Magnus as he wasn't allowing any breathing room for the teen.
Braviary took off as it zoomed toward Breloom. Its wings were out to its side as they were surrounded by white light.
"Breloom, Leech Seed!" said Applejack.
Breloom saw Braviary coming at him as he inhaled; just then, Braivary made contact with the Pokémon's stomach. Breloom held onto Braivary's wings as he was lifted up. Breloom pushed through the attack as he fired a seed from his mouth, landing on Braviary. Breloom was tossed to the ground as the seed cracked open and vines slowly emerged.
Breloom grunted in pain as it looked up to see Braviary flapping in place as the vines began to wrap around the bird. However, Braviary wasn't bothered too much by the plant wrapping it had.
"Let's finish this, Hyper Beam!" instructed Flash Magnus.
"Breloom!" shouted Applejack.
Braviary opened his mouth as an orange beam began to form. Within a second, it shot forward as it was heading toward Breloom. The Grass Pokémon saw the attack coming as it didn't have time to move. Within seconds, the attack made contact as more pieces of the field were flung into the air, and a dust cloud formed. Everyone was leaning forward to see the result as the cloud soon disbursed. There in the crater was Breloom, as the swirls in its eyes were a sign of its defeat.
"Breloom is unable to battle. The winner is Braviary!" said Rockhoof as he gestured his arm in Flash Magnus' direction.
"Excellent work, Braviary!" said Flash Magnus to his Pokémon.
"Breloom, return," said Applejack as she had her Pokéball out and recalled her Pokémon. "You did well. Get some rest and cheer for us."
"Aj is in a rough spot. Losing her first Pokémon before she could take down Braviary. That's not the kind of position you want to be in against a Gym Leader." said Sky.
"So, there's nothing she can do?" asked Fluttershy.
"She still has a chance, but it's a long shot," said Silverbolt.
"So... who's your next Pokémon?" asked Flash Magnus.
"Heracross, lend me yer strength!" shouted the farm girl.
"Heracross!" exclaimed the Pokémon as it landed with a thud.
"A Bug-Fighting type, eh?" smirked Flash Magnus.
"That's not much of a better matchup either," said Pinkie.
"Heracross, Bullet Seed!"
"This again? Please! Braviary, fly up and dodge!" instructed Flash Magnus.
Braviary heard Flash Magnus' command; however, while it could avoid Heracross's attack, it seemed to be a bit slower in dodging it. The leaves and vines wrapped around Braviary activated again; this time, they began to suck more power and energy from the Pokémon.
"Hey, did you see that? Braviary is a bit slower," spoke Rarity.
"Seems Breloom's Leech Seed is starting to pick up. That may be the break Aj needs," said Rainbow.
"Heracross, take to the air!" said Applejack as she pointed.
Heracross pulled outs its wings and took off.
"Braviary, prepare to use Wing Attack," said Flash Magnus.
Braviary gave a sound and had its wings glow. It was about to dive down to intercept Heracross, but it cringed in pain. Not only were the vines affecting the bird, but he soon felt ill as he struggled to keep himself in the air.
"What the?" said Flash Magnus.
"What's going on with Braviary?" asked Windy Whistle.
"Of course!" said Twilight as she recalled something. "Braviary is suffering paralysis."
"But how? Heracross didn't do anything to paralyze it," said Fluttershy.
"It's not what Heracross did, but rather what Breloom did. See, Aj's Breloom has the ability: Effect Spore. If it makes contact, it can sometimes cause poison, sleep, or cause paralysis. Since Leech Seed made contact, it's now transferring Breloom's ability to Braviary, causing it to be paralyzed. On top of that, Leech Seed is also sapping away Braviary's power."
"Which means Aj has an opening!" said Pinkie.
"Heracross, Focus Punch!" shouted Applejack.
Heracross had its arm glow as it flew toward Braviary. The bird was still flapping in place as it saw the bettle coming at him. Heracross was moments away from reaching the bird Pokémon as it reeled its arm back and thrust it out. The attack by Heracross made contact as Braviary's face moved due to the punch that was delivered. There was some power behind that punch Heracross knocked Braviary out of the air and crashed into the field below.
A crash was shown as the cloud that appeared soon ceased as there was Braviary still standing. It looked like the bird was going to attack, but Leech Seed did another sap as it took even more of its power.
"Heracross, let's wrap this up with Megahorn!"
Heracross had a set of determined eyes as it spotted Braviary. The bettle then dived, its horn glowing and getting bigger as it had a target. Within seconds, Heracross made contact with Braviary, who saw the Pokémon and couldn't do anything to move. A crash was shown as Heracross jumped back and landed in front of Applejack. Braviary was shown as it had its tongue out and had swirls in its eyes.
"Braviary is unable to battle! The winner is Heracross!" said Rockhoof as he pointed in the girl's direction.
"Whew, good work, Heracross!" said Aj.
Heracross made a sound and nodded at his trainer.
"Alright! Great work, Applejack!" shouted Rainbow's parents as they popped some confetti poppers. The chromatic-haired teen was groaning in embarrassment at how her parents were celebrating Aj's one win.
"It's not over," said Sky as he got Rainbow's parents to halt their celebration. "Applejack is still at a disadvantage."
"Braviary, return!" said Flash Magnus as he recalled his Pokémon. "Nice battle, bud." The Gym Leader then looked at Applejack as the girl held a focused look. "Alright then, time for my second Pokémon. Emolga, let's show'em who rules the skies!"
"Emolga!" cried the flying squirrel as it circled in the air before landing on her trainer's shoulder.
"A Flying-Electric type, huh?" said Aj as she took in Emolga.
"Aw, what a cute little thing!" said all the females as they adored the small flying squirrel.
"Can you still go, Heracross?" asked the farm girl to her Pokémon.
"Heracross!" responded the bettle.
"Okay then," replied Aj.
"Emolga, Acrobatics!" shouted Flash Magnus.
"Emolga!" shouted the Pokémon as she took off and began to ride the wind.
"Heracross, counter with Aerial Ace!" shouted Applejack.
The bettle took off as both Pokémon collided with each other. They were pushed back while in mid-air as they held their stance.
"Heracross, Focus Punch!"
"Emolga, Agility!" shouted Flash Magnus.
Heracross had its arm glow and looked to hit Emolga, who suddenly disappeared. The bettle was shocked as Emolga reappeared behind him. Heracross turned around to swing at the small flying squirrel, who disappeared and reappeared behind the bettle with mischievous laughter.
While it seemed that the flying squirrel was disappearing and reappearing, in reality, its speed had gotten faster with Agility that it was now moving much faster than Heracross could react or keep track of.
"Is Emolga disappearing?" asked Pinkie.
"No, it's cause Emolga used Agility which raises its speed," explained Silverbolt.
"Heracross, keep calm and use Focus Punch back to back!" said Applejack.
Heracross now had both arms glow as it swung at where Emolga was before she disappeared. The bettle then quickly swung where it reappeared before it vanished again. Heracross was trying to keep up with Emolga's insane speed, but it was starting to be a fruitless effort. Applejack was shown sweating as Flash Magnus kept a relaxed look.
"Emolga, Discharge!"
"Heracross, counter with Bullet Seed!"
Emolga charged up as she let loose some electricity. Heracross opened its mouth and rapidly fired several small seeds that collided with the electric attack as it kept it at bay. The scene showed both Pokémon firing their attacks as in the middle it was another stalemate. Soon it created a smoke cloud as Heracross looked at it; Emolga then emerged as it was directly in the bettle's face.
"Emolga, Attract!" instructed Flash Magnus as he snapped his fingers.
Emolga giggled as it winked at Heracross, and hearts began to float toward the male Pokémon. It smacked Heracross in the face as the Pokémon blinked before it had hearts for eyes. The bettle Pokémon landed on the field as it was swooned by the small flying squirrel Pokémon.
"Heracross, use Focus Punch!" shouted Applejack as she tried to give her Pokémon a command due to Emolga being right in front of him. However, Heracross just swayed from side to side while still having hearts. "Come on, snap out of it!"
"What's wrong with Heracross?" asked Fluttershy.
"That's the power of Attract. It makes the opposite gender infatuated. In the case of this battle, Emolga is a female, and Heracross is a male. Also, Heracross isn't responding to Aj's command; therefore, it's a sitting duck." said Twilight.
"Heracross, you gotta focus!" shouted Rainbow as she expressed her support for her friend.
"Emolga, use Acrobatics!" said Flash Magnus.
Emolga was now zipping in and out of frame as Heracross took some effective attacks from the smaller Pokémon. All Heracross was doing was standing there as Emolga was dealing massive damage. One attack from Emolga sent the bettle onto his back as he lay there.
"Heracross!" shouted Applejack as she hoped her voice could reach the Pokémon. Heracross stood up, but the hearts in its eyes remained.
"Emolga, Discharge!" said Flash Magnus.
Emolga began to charge up as it released a wave of electricity heading toward Heracross.
"Heracross! Aerial Ace!" yelled Applejack at the top of her lungs.
Heracross seemed to have heard the farm girl as it unfurled its wings and leaped into the air just as the electricity hit the ground. Emolga was stunned as, within seconds, Heracross was shown flying and crashed into the small flying squirrel, who was tossed back.
"Emolga!" said Flash Magnus, concerned for his Pokémon.
"What happened? I thought Heracross couldn't attack because of Attract?" said Pinkie.
"Even in Attract status, you can sometimes land a successful attack," said Silverbolt.
"Keep it up, Applejack!" cheered Rarity.
Heracross has finally snapped out of its Attract status as it shook itself. Emolga was in front of him as the small flying squirrel was shown.
"Impressive, Applejack. I wasn't expecting Heracross to snap out of Attract so fast. Shows that your bond with your Pokémon is a strong one. However, don't expect me to stop the pressure." said Flash Magnus.
"Heracross, Bullet Seed!"
"Emolga, Agility!"
Emolga raised its speed as it dodged Heracross's attack with ease.
"Now, Attract!" said Flash Magnus.
"Heracross, use Megahorn and aim it straight at the ground!" instructed Applejack as she pointed.
Heracross quickly dived down as Emolga flashed a wink, and hearts began to fly. The bettle crashed into the field below as its horn was embedded into the ground. Soon rocks and pieces of the field began to pick up and fly. They collided with the hearts coming at the Pokémon as they were destroyed upon impact. The remaining rocks kept flying as they collided with Emolga, who couldn't dodge them even with her speed boost and soon took some heavy damage as she fell to the field.
"Emolga!" shouted Flash Magnus as he was concerned about his Pokémon.
"Smart move on Aj's part. She used the rocks launched into the air by Heracross' Megahorn to not only get rid of the Attract but to deal damage to Emolga." said Twilight.
"Emolga may have an advantage over Heracross, but it's still weak to rock," said Silverbolt.
"Heracross, Aerial Ace!"
"Emolga, Acrobatics!"
Both Pokémon charged ahead, and they collided with each other within seconds. They stood still in mid-air for a bit before an explosion occurred. Heracross and Emolga flew past Applejack and Flash Magnus as they collided with the wall. Both slid down and had swirls in their eyes.
"Both Emolga and Heracross are unable to battle. It's a draw!" said Rockhoof.
"Heracross!" said Applejack as she rushed over to her Pokémon. "Are you okay?"
The Pokémon gave a sound as it made the girl smile.
"Thanks, bud. Take a good rest," said Aj as she recalled her Pokémon.
"That was fine battling, Emolga," said Flash Magnus as he had his Pokéball out and recalled it.
"Now they're both down to their last Pokémon. It all decides on this outcome," said Rainbow.
"I'm impressed you've been able to hang in there, Ms. Applejack. Given that two of your Pokémon are at a huge disadvantage. Still, you didn't let that get to you, and now you're just one win away from that badge." said Flash Magnus. "However, my final Pokémon isn't one to take lightly. Altaria, let's show'em who rules the skies!"
"Altaria!" shouted the Pokémon as she appeared before everyone.
"Here we go," muttered Applejack as she took a deep breath. "Donphan, lend me yer strength!"
"Donphan!" exclaimed the elephant as he landed before Aj and looked up at his foe.
"This is it. At least Donphan has the type advantage against Altaria since it is flying," said Rainbow.
"Still, that doesn't mean she can relax. You saw how powerful Altaria is and its moves," said Twilight.
Come on, Aj. You can do this.
Sky was looking at the farm girl as he tried to bring positivity to the country gal.
"Donphan, Hidden Power!"
Donphan had orbs of light appear that circled its body before they shot upward at Altaria.
"Altaria, Dragon Breath!" said Flash Magnus.
Altaria opened its mouth and fired a beam of intense dragon breath. It burned up the orbs that Donphan fired and was headed for the elephant.
"Dodge it!" said Applejack.
Donphan quickly moved out of the way as it avoided Altaria's attack.
"Donphan, use Rollout!" said Aj.
"How is that gonna help?!" said Rainbow.
Donphan quickly turned into a ball and began to roll at high speed. It was rolling toward a small makeshift mound created by the field earlier as Donphan rolled up it and was now in the air. It was heading for Altaria, as the Pokémon didn't expect that, and was knocked a bit by Donphan, rolling back to the ground before coming to a complete stop.
"Creative," smiled Flash Magnus. "But let's see you dodge this! Altaria, Solar Beam!"
"Donphan, Hyper Beam!"
Altaira and Donphan opened their mouths as their attacks began to form. Once they collected enough energy and charged up, they let loose their attack. Both beams collided with each other a massive display of power was shown. The two attacks met in the middle, and neither was willing to back down from the other. The attacks created an explosion cloud, fogging everyone's view of the field. Soon Donphan was shown holding his ground as Altaria still hovered above the field.
"Such power. Both are even," said Rainbow.
"Altaria, use Dragon Breath!"
Altaria opened her mouth and fired a beam as it was heading toward Donphan. The small elephant Pokémon merely stood his ground as he let the attack make contact.
"Why didn't Aj have Donphan move?" asked Rainbow's father.
"Cause after using Hyperbeam, you have to recharge. Which means you can't move. Which is the perfect opportunity for Flash Magnus to strike." said Sky.
"Altaria, Dragon Breath once more!" said the Gym Leader.
"Dodge it using Rollout!"
Altaria opened her mouth and fired another beam of intense heat. Donphan, now able to move, quickly sidestepped as it turned into a ball and was rolling. Altaria's attack trailed behind Donphan as the ball kept on rolling. It then began to do donuts into the field as the attack was on its tail. It soon ended as the Dragon Breath made a huge circle and a little hill that Donphan was on.
"Donphan, Hidden Power!" instructed Aj.
"Altaria, Aerial Ace!"
Donphan had orbs appear and circled its body before firing them into the air. Altaria quickly got out of the way as it was charging straight at the smaller Pokémon.
"Donphan, stand yer ground!" instructed Aj.
Donphan dug its feet into the ground as the attack made contact with him. Despite not being much effective, the attack was still powerful as Altaria looked to push Donphan back.
"Donphan, grab it with your truck!" shouted Aj quickly.
Donphan pushed past the pain as its trunk managed to grab ahold of Altaria's neck and tightly grabbed it. The Pokémon sensed it as she tried to pry herself from it, but the grip of Donphan was too great.
"Fire Fang!" yelled Applejack.
Donphan latched its mouth onto Altaria's neck as flames appeared, giving the Pokémon a quick burn. Altaria winced in pain as Donphan released its grip.
"I see," said Flash Magnus as he noticed something about the way Applejack had Donphan use Fire Fang. He quickly recalled the events of yesterday as he smiled. "Seems you took some inspiration from Rockhoof."
"Sometimes you gotta when to take a hit to get an attack in at close range," stated Applejack as she was willing to let Donphan take damage, for, in return, it meant she could get close to Altaria.
"Very good, Ms. Applejack. I approve," smiled Rockhoof as he could see that she did the same thing he did with Hippowdon the previous day against Altaria.
"However, it doesn't look like Donphan has much steam left," stated Flash Magnus as he pointed.
The Gym Leader was proven correct, as Donphan was currently breathing heavily. The elephant was starting to reach the limits of its stamina as Applejack needed to end the battle quickly.
"Donphan, use Hidden Power again!"
"Altaria, Dragon Breath!"
Donphan has its orbs of energy circle its body as Altaria was getting ready to launch its beam attack.
"Donphan, now aim at the rings!" stated Applejack.
The elephant saw the floating rings as it fired its orbs at them. Some of them exploded on impact, but the ones that didn't simply ricochet off the rims of the hoops and bounced in all directions. Altaria launched its attack but was soon interrupted by the Hidden Power as many collided with it from all sorts of directions that she couldn't defend herself.
"Smart move, using the rings to launch Hidden Power in random directions. Altaria can't predict where it's coming from," said Silverbolt.
"Altaria, finish this with Solar Beam!" stated Flash Magnus.
"Donphan, Hyper Beam!"
Altaria and Donphan each opened their mouths as they prepared to fire their final attack, which was looking to end the battle. Altaria fired first as her attack made contact with Donphan and flung the Pokémon into the air.
"Donphan!" shouted Applejack.
The elephant heard the shout from his trainer as he still had his attack charging up. He then let loose the attack in mid-air as it traveled toward Altaria with speed and power as the Pokémon saw it coming far too late. An explosion occurred in the air as a smokescreen was produced. Donphan landed on the ground but fell for a bit as the Solar Beam left some scuffs along its body.
However, the elephant still picked itself up. The smoke started spreading out as it revealed what was left behind. There on the field was Altaria as the Pokémon lay on her back and had swirls in its eyes.
"Altaria is unable to battle. Which means the winner is Donphan. And the victor is Applejack!" said Rockhoof as he had his arm in the girl's direction.
"We did it," said Aj as she was breathing heavily before falling to her behind. "Great work, Donphan."
"Donphan," said the elephant as he marched toward his trainer and showed affection by using his trunk to hug Applejack.
"She did it!" shouted Rainbow's parents as they, along with Pinkie this time, pulled some confetti poppers to celebrate the girl's win.
"Nice work, Aj!" said Silverbolt as everyone clapped.
"Knew you could do it," muttered Sky as he looked at the country gal with a big smile.
"Exceptional work, Altaria," smiled Flash Magnus as he recalled his Pokémon.
"Not bad for a little lassie, eh," said Rockhoof to his buddy.
"Yeah, the girl's a tough son of a bitch," responded Flash Magnus to his friend. He approached the farm girl as Applejack was getting up, as she still had Donphan by her side. "Nice work."
"Thanks," said Applejack.
"As proof of beating the Cloudsdale Gym, here is your prize. The Stratos Badge!" said Flash Magnus as he presented a badge with three clouds and lightning bolts.
"Thank you," said Applejack as she took the badge and looked at it. "Mah, second one."
"Congrats, Aj. I knew you could do it," said Sky as he and everyone else appeared next to the girl.
"And now... I look forward to seeing what you can do!" said Flash Magnus as he looked in the boy's direction.
"Trust me if you haven't seen anything. Soon you'll be giving out another badge. Count on it!" stated Sky with a determined expression.
Author's Note: Despite having not the best sort of team, Applejack managed to pull through and win her second badge. However, now the scene changes from our favorites farm girl to Sky. Now it's his turn to see if he can do the same. As always, leave a review expressing your comments and thoughts.