"Well… we're here," said Twilight as she turned to the others.
The group stood on a hill overlooking Hayseed Junction, and their target was just a few acres of land away from the small town. A bayou surrounded a piece of land connected to the mainland, a giant greenhouse building with tons of luscious greeny growing from the top. To think that something could produce plants and shrubs, given it was near a swamp, told a lot about Mage Meadowbrook and how she worked hard to make her plants grow big and healthy.
"Hayseed Junction. And I'm ready for my Gym battle!" said Sky, determined to win against Mage Meadowbrook, given how their last battle ended.
As the group descended to enter the town, Mage Meadowbrook was inside her gym, talking with some individuals.
"Are you ready, Meadowbrook?"
"Do roses have sharp thorns, Rockhoof?" said the woman as she was on a video call with the Ground-type Gym Leader.
"Did you have to ask her, Rockhoof?" said Flash Magnus as he was also on the video call with the Ground-type Gym Leader as both males were on a split screen for the Grass-type Gym Leader. "But the old ditch digger is right. Those two ain't to be taken lightly. Especially, Sky. The kid's got more tricks up his sleeves than I've done aerial shows."
"I've seen what he can do, Magnus. I know he's crafty. So that's why I'm gonna test him before he takes his test." said Mage Meadowbrook.
"Um, Ms. Meadowbrook?" said one of the Gym Leader's assistants as she appeared. "You have some guests."
"Thanks," said the healer as she turned to her companions.
"Good luck, Mage!" said Flash Magnus as he and Rockhoof hung up.
"This is gonna be fun," smirked Mage Meadowbrook as she prepared herself for her challengers.
Standing outside the massive greenhouse was the group as they took it in awe.
"Ugh, what a pungent odor!" said Rarity as some of the swamp's scent reached her nostrils.
"You two ready?" asked Spike.
"Always," Sky smirked as he started heading toward the door.
The doors slid open as the group walked into the lobby. They noticed the lobby was full of many plants, giving it a nice setting. The teens were amazed by the many faunas growing as a woman stood before some closed doors.
"I take it you're here as challengers?" said the woman.
"You bet. I'm Sky, and I've come to challenge the Hayseed Swamp Gym Leader and win my third badge!" declared the boy.
"Ambitious, are we? Well, right this way," smiled the woman as the doors opened behind her.
The group followed the woman as they passed through the doors and into a hallway. They kept walking until they reached the end, where a bright white light awaited them. The kids all put their hands in front of their eyes to shield themselves from the incoming light; once they adjusted, they looked as if their jaws dropped. Before them laid a massive field covered in grass and trees. A row of bleachers on the right side above the arena was walkways with hanging pots of plants, and a glass roof allowed sunlight to enter.
"Welcome to the Hayseed Gym!" said the woman as the group couldn't believe their eyes.
"Amazing. Everywhere you look is grass and trees," said Rarity.
"I've never seen so much green before," said Twilight.
"I appreciate it, Twilight."
The group turned as they saw Mage Meadowbrook on one of the walkways above. She had a garden hat on her head as she seemed to be holding a watering can.
"Glad to see y'all made it!" called out the Gym Leader as she turned to a plant. "Drink up, my little pretties."
"Did you grow all of this?" asked Spike as he looked up.
"Indeed I did. Nothing beats the simplicity of nature!" said Mage Meadowbrook as she moved to check on another plant.
"Meadowbrook!" shouted Sky as he got the woman's attention. "Just so you know, I don't plan on leaving your Gym until I win my badge."
"Is that so?" said the woman as she turned to look at the teen.
"You got that right!" smiled Sky. "My Pokémon and I have been training hard since we last saw each other. And this time… we're ready for anything you throw at us!"
Mage Meadowbrook couldn't help but smile as she admired Sky's determination and passion. "I like yer spirit, Sky. Well then… let's start!" said the woman as she nodded to her assistant to get things ready.
Meadowbrook stood on the field with a confident look as she stared down her first challenger. Applejack stood on the other side as the girl kept a confident look as she was a bit nervous. Seeing how Sky failed to beat Meadowbrook in their first encounter put a lot of pressure on the girl to devise a strategy to beat her.
"The Gym Battle between Applejack, the challenger, and the Hayseed Swamp Gym Leader is about to begin! The rules are as follows. This is a three-on-three battle in which only the challenger is allowed substitution. The match will be over when either side's Pokémon can no longer continue." said Meadowbrook's assistant as the two trainers looked at each other. "Now then… reveal your Pokémon."
Meadowbrook pulled out her Pokéball as she kissed it. "Let's start the show, love. Time to blossom, Grovyle!"
"Grovyle!" said the Pokémon that emerged.
"Woah, so that's a Grovyle, huh?" said Spike as he and the others were amazed by the Pokémon Meadowbrook brought out.
A light green, bipedal Pokémon with plant and reptilian features stood before the Gym Leader. Its head had a long snout with small nostrils and yellow eyes. A long, mane-like leaf extended from the back of its head. It had a red/orange stomach extending from its jaw to its rear. It had two arms, each with a small extension on the elbow area, and two claws. Sets of three leaves hung from them. Its tail consisted of two leaves, and its legs were large with two claws. There was a green line on the middle of its stomach.
"Grovyle, the Wood Gecko Pokémon, and the evolved form of Treecko. The leaves growing out of Grovyle's body are convenient for camouflaging it from enemies in the forest. It adeptly flies from branch to branch; in a forest, no Pokémon can ever hope to catch a fleeing Grovyle, however fast they may be."
Applejack was listening to the info her Pokédex gave her about Meadowbrook's Pokémon. She looked up to see the Pokémon quickly jumping up and climbing a nearby tree. It hopped onto a limb and, in blinding speed, began to zigzag across the field, showcasing just how fast it was.
"Yeesh, it wasn't kidding when it said it was fast!" said the farmer as Grovyle jumped to the ground and smirked.
"So, Applejack? What Pokémon are you going to start with?" asked Meadowbrook with a smirk.
"Does she even have anything to counter Grass Pokémon?" asked Rarity.
"We're about to see," said Sky as they looked on.
Applejack put her Pokédex away and pulled out one of her Pokéballs. She looked at it before taking a deep breath.
"It's showtime. Boltund, lend me yer strength!" shouted Applejack as she selected her Pokémon.
The canine emerged as it barked and landed on the grass. It looked around before turning around to see Applejack and ran toward her. It stood on its hind legs and began to lick her face.
"Alright, settle down, boy!" chuckled Applejack as she got her dog to sit. "Alright, here's the thing. This is yer first Gym Battle, no pressure or anything. But you gotta show them you can do it."
Boltund barked at the girl as she understood what she was saying.
"I'm countin' on you!" said the country gal as her Pokémon turned to see its foe and took its position as it growled.
"A Boltund, huh?" smiled Meadowbrook.
"Guess Aj is going to try to match speed with speed," said Twilight.
"But isn't an Electric at a huge disadvantage against a Grass-type?" asked Spike.
"Alright, battle… begin!" shouted Meadowbrook's assistant.
"Grovyle, Leaf Blade!" said Meadowbrook.
"Boltund, Quick Attack!" said Applejack.
Her canine took off as its powerful legs let it move at a blinding speed. Grovyle was also moving quickly as it was heading toward its opponent while bouncing from tree to tree to close in the distance. The two were about to collide with each other as Grovyle quickly changed its direction and bounced around Boltund.
"Behind you!" said Applejack as her dog quickly put the brakes and dragged along the grass before turning around to charge at Grovyle.
Grovly was on a tree trunk and saw the dog coming at it as it leaped high into the air; Boltund saw its target above as Grovly quickly brought its Leaf Blade down on the head of the canine as it fell face first into the grass as it tumbled.
"Boltund!" shouted Applejack as her canine growled while getting up.
"Grovyle, use Energy Ball!"
Grovyle opened its mouth as a ball of green energy began to form. It then shot out the orb as it was heading toward Boltund.
"Dodge it!" said Applejack as her dog quickly moved out of the way. "Now, use Thunderbolt!"
"Grovyle, jump!" instructed Meadowbrook.
Grovyle quickly leaped as it avoided Boltund's attack. The reptile was now in the trees as it moved from branch to branch. Applejack and Boltund looked at the treetops, trying to pinpoint where Grovyle was. Many of the trees shook as leaves fell to the floor.
"Bullet Seed!"
Grovyle emerged from a treetop behind Boltund and rapidly opened its mouth to fire seeds from within. The dog sensed the attack as it saw it from the corner of its eyes and was pelted by the attack.
"Thunderbolt!" said Applejack as Boltund charged and let loose its electricity.
Grovyle quickly hopped to another branch just as Boltund's Thunderbolt attack sliced off the branch it stood on. The reptile kept leaping from branch to branch as Boltund's attack chopped it off, but the dog couldn't keep up with the reptile.
"Boltund, return!" shouted Applejack as she pulled out her Pokéball to call back her dog.
Grovyle touchdown as it looked at the country gal who held her Pokémon.
"Don't worry, Boltund. You'll get your chance," said the girl to her dog as she apologized for pulling it out.
"What a rough start for Boltund and Aj," said Rarity.
"Grovyle moves just too fast. And in the trees, it's near impossible to see," said Twilight.
"So… who's next?" taunted Meadowbrook.
"Breloom, lend me yer strength!" said Applejack as she brought out her second Pokémon.
"Breloom!" said the Pokémon as it appeared.
"A Breloom. Interesting," said Meadowbrook.
"Breloom, Bullet Seed!"
"Grovyle, you also use Bullet Seed!" said the Gym Leader.
Both Pokémon reeled their heads back before thrusting them forward as they fired seeds at each other. The two attacks met in the middle as they had the same power. Soon, it caused an explosion cloud to occur as it blinded both Pokémon temporarily.
"Grovyle, in the trees!" said Meadowbrook as she had her Pokémon leap up.
"Breloom, get moving!" instructed Applejack as her Pokémon began to charge into the small collection of trees. "Now, use Mach Punch!"
Breloom was tracking Grovyle, who was hopping along the treetops. As it anticipated its next hop, it leaped into the air and extended its arm. It barely grazed the reptile as it moved out of the way. Grovyle snickered as it ricocheted from a tree branch toward its foe.
"Leaf Blade!"
"Mach Punch!"
The reptile had one of the leaves on its arms extend into a blade-like shape as Breloom's arm glowed. The two attacks met as they tried to hold their ground. Breloom was looking to push Grovyle back, but the reptile let up and flipped over its foe before running up a tree and disappearing into the trees above again.
"Grovyle moves just too fast! And nothing can touch it in the trees!" said Twilight as Applejack struggled with Meadowbrook's Pokémon.
"Breloom, after it!" said the farmer as her Pokémon chased after Grovyle.
Once more, Breloom looked up while running as it spotted its foe jumping from tree branch to branch. It anticipated where it would jump next and zoomed toward the tree's base as it leaped into the air.
"Hit with Mach Punch!" said Applejack as her Pokémon reeled back its arm before thrusting out and hitting the tree trunk as hard as possible.
Grovyle touched down on the branch above as the vibrations from Breloom's attack caused it to lose its balance and wobble temporarily. It regained its composure before leaping again.
"Again!" shouted Applejack as Breloom zoomed to the tree Grovyle hopped to and delivered another Mach Punch to the trunk, making the Pokémon above wobble.
Breloom was now punching the tree like a punching bag as it rained down repeated blows. Grovyle was doing its best to hang on as it struggled not to lose balance.
"Grovyle, Bullet Seed!" said Meadowbrook.
Grovyle struggled to get a clear shot as it opened its mouth to fire off its attack.
"Breloom, dodge and use Headbutt!" instructed Applejack as her Pokémon jumped back just as Grovyle's Bullet Seed hit the area it was before launching itself headfirst into the tree.
That made Grovyle lose its balance as it tumbled from the treetops and fell to the ground as it grunted.
"Grovyle!" shouted Meadowbrook at her Pokémon.
"Mach Punch!" said Applejack as her Pokémon quickly pushed off and lunged toward its down foe, who was getting up and was punched in the face as its head turned.
The power from Breloom's Mach Punch sent Grovyle crashing into the base of a tree as tons of leaves fell.
"Nice shot!" said Spike.
"Aj's has a chance," said Twilight.
"Grovyle, Leaf Blade!" said Meadowbrook as her Pokémon stood up and shook its head.
It regained its composure before rushing forward as the leaves on its arms turned into blades and delivered a hit on Breloom. The Pokémon felt the attack as it skidded back a bit, and Grovyle smirked that it had managed to hit its foe. Just then… Grovyle winced in pain as it seemed to be feeling something. It fell to a knee as something coursed through its body, and its life energy seemed to fade.
"Grovyle?" said Meadowbrook at the condition of her Pokémon.
"What's happening to Grovyle?" asked Spike.
"It's poisoned," said Twilight.
"Poisoned?" said Rarity as she and Spike looked back at Meadowbrook's monster, which showed signs of being poisoned as it struggled to stand.
"But how? Aj didn't use a poison move?" said Spike.
"True, but Breloom's ability. It has the ability: Effect Spore. Any Pokémon that comes into contact with it may be poisoned or paralyzed." explained Twilight.
"Grovyle, use Solar Beam!" said Meadowbrook as her Pokémon looked at the glass roof as the sun shone through.
"Breloom, use Mach Punch!" said Applejack as she instructed her Pokémon to attack quickly.
Breloom took off as it looked to take out its foe before its attack could fire off. Grovyle had finished charging as he looked to hit Breloom dead on, but the poisoning occurred as it made Grovyle hesitate and miss by a few inches. Breloom side-stepped the attack and thrust its arm out as it made contact with Grovyle's face. Its head turned as it was sent flying into some trees; it hit a trunk and slid down as it lay on the grass.
"Grovyle!" shouted Meadowbrook.
"Grovyle is unable to battle. The winner is Breloom!" stated Meadowbrook's assistant.
"Great job, Breloom!" said Applejack to her Pokémon.
"Breloom!" said the Pokémon to its trainer.
"Grovyle, you did well," said Meadowbrook as she called back her Pokémon and praised it for its hard work.
"She got the first fall. Let's see if she can keep up the momentum," said Twilight as the group looked at what Pokémon Meadowbrook would call out.
"It's time to blossom, Roserade!" shouted the Gym Leader as she selected her second Pokémon.
"Roserade!" said the Pokémon as it appeared.
"Roserade, the Bouquet Pokémon, and the evolved form of Roselia. After captivating opponents with its sweet scent, it lashes them with its thorny whips. The poison in its right hand is quick acting, while the poison in its left is slow. Both are life-threatening."
"A Grass/Poison type. That's going to be tricky," said Twilight.
"Breloom, Mach Punch!"
"Breloom!" said the Pokémon, taking off toward its foe.
"Grass Knot!" whispered Meadowbrook.
"Rose," said the Pokémon as its eyes glowed.
Breloom was charging forward, unaware of a blade of grass turning into a knot. The knot caught Breloom's foot as it tripped and fell to the ground.
"Breloom!" said Applejack as she saw her Pokémon trip.
"It can use Grass Knot like that?" said Twilight, stunned to see how Meadowbrook had developed that move to be used that way.
"Weather Ball, go!" said Meadowbrook.
"Roserade!" shouted the Pokémon as it formed an orb of energy that turned into a fireball and threw it at its foe.
Breloom got to its feet and saw the fireball coming at it with such blinding speed that it collided with him. An explosion occurred as Breloom shot back in pain and scuff marks along its body; it crashed on the ground, engulfed in flames, and came to a stop before the farmer.
"Breloom!" shouted Applejack as she saw her Pokémon had swirls in its eyes.
"Breloom is unable to battle. The winner is Roserade!" said Meadowbrook's assistant.
"Excellent work, Roserade," said the Gym Leader.
"Roserade!" said the Pokémon as it stood its ground.
"One hit?" said Spike.
"Weather Ball is an attack that changes with the weather. And with the bright sun, now it's a Fire-type move!" said Twilight as she looked up at the sun piercing through the glass ceiling.
"Wait, what?" said Rarity, amazed that Meadowbrook had her Pokémon know a move like that.
"Heracross, lend me yer strength!" said Applejack as she called out her second Pokémon.
The giant beetle appeared as he landed with a thud.
"A Bug-type, eh?" smirked Meadowbrook.
"Wise choice on Aj's part. Bug is super effective against Grass-type Pokémon," said Sky.
"Heracross, get moving!" said Applejack as her beetle began to fly forward.
"Grass Knot!" said Meadowbrook.
Roserade's eyes glowed as they made the blades of grass extend and form several knots that appeared before Heracross. Despite all that, the beetle Pokémon moved about and evaded them as it did a loop-de-loop around the last one before getting a clear shot at its foe, which shocked Meadowbrook and Roserade that they failed to trap their opponent.
"Focus Punch!" shouted Aj.
Heracross's right arm glowed as it reeled it back before thrusting it forward and smacking it across Roserade's face as it turned from the impact and skidded back a bit.
"Not bad," said Meadowbrook as her Pokémon shook it off. "Now, use Magical Leaf!"
Roserade heard the call as it began to spin around like a top. It shot out its attack, and they started to head toward Heracross.
"Into the trees!" said Applejack as her beetle took flight and went among the treetops.
The Pokémon was flying above as it seemed to evade Roserade's Magical Leaf, which couldn't get a clear shot at it.
"Nice of Applejack to use the trees to her advantage. Just like Meadowbrook had Grovyle use it, she's doing the same thing," said Twilight as she evaluated her friend's strategy.
"Alright, grab Heracross!" commanded Meadowbrook.
Roserade thrust its right arm out as thorns shot from its red petal, extended to pluck Heracross from the air, and pulled it toward it.
"It can do that as well?!" said Spike as everyone was amazed to see Roserade execute a move like that.
"She's trained her Roserade really well," said Twilight as she was at a loss for words on what Meadowbrook had just done.
"Roserade, use Flash!" said Meadowbrook.
Heracross was down and looked up to see its foe before it. Roserade then began to shine brightly, which caused the Pokémon to be blinded as it couldn't see.
"Heracross, Megahorn!" said Applejack.
Heracross had its horn glow and tried to charge ahead to hit its foe. Roserade just smirked and simply sidestepped its foe, who crashed into a tree as it fell over; it tried to see where it was but couldn't since it was still blind.
"Magical Leaf!"
Roserade spun like a top once more as it threw out its attack. Green-shaped curved leaves that glowed began to head toward Heracross; the beetle was still blinded as it couldn't tell the attack was coming and was hit by the move. It pushed him back and tumbled along the ground as it skidded a few meters before Applejack. The country gal was worried as her Pokémon stood up and tried to punch the space around it, hoping to make contact with Roserade.
"Heracross, get ahead of yerself!" shouted Applejack to her Pokémon.
"I think it's a good time to wrap it up! Weather Ball!" said Meadowbrook.
"Roserade!" said the Pokémon as it leaped into the air and made a fireball appear.
It threw the fireball at its foe as it was coming in hot. Heracross was still trying to find Roserade, oblivious to the incoming attack.
"Heracross, stop! If you can't see where Roserade is, then try to sense it using your ears!" said Applejack.
The beetle heard the girl's orders as it stood in place and concentrated. In its mind, it sensed the fireball attack coming at it as it got closer and closer. Heracross was trying to focus on where the attack came from. The fireball got even closer as, in Heracross' mind, he saw where Roserade was as he gave a sound.
"Focus Punch!" shouted Applejack.
Heracross charged its right arm before thrusting it out. It made contact with the fireball as the beetle used its power to push back it and made it return to Roserade as it was unprepared. The fireball made contact with the Pokémon as she winced in pain and flew back while being engulfed in flames.
"Roserade!" shouted Meadowbrook as she was worried for her Pokémon.
"Let's finish this, Megahorn!" said the farmer.
"Magical Leaf!"
Roserade stood up as it shook itself before spinning like a top and throwing out its attack. Heracross' horn glowed as it got bigger and flew toward its foe. Its eyesight had returned as it had a determined expression on its face. The Magical Leaf made contact with Heracross' horn as it tried to push past it to reach its target. The slight burn Roserade received from its own Weather Ball attack weakened its strength as it allowed Heracross to break through and push through the attack and toward Roserade; it was pushed back and flew past Meadowbrook. Roserade collided with the wall behind the Gym Leader as it winced and fell with a set of defeated eyes.
"Roserade!" said the Gym Leader, looking at her Pokémon.
"Roserade is unable to battle. The winner is Heracross!"
"Great work, Heracross!" said Aj.
The beetle made a noise as it acknowledged Aj's praise.
"You did well, Roserade," said Meadowbrook, extending her Pokéball to recall her Pokémon.
"Whew, only one more," mumbled Applejack as she tightened her cowgirl hat, knowing that whatever Pokémon Meadowbrook saved for last would be tough.
The others were also curious to see what Pokémon Meadowbrook would bring out as she smiled and reached behind her to pull a ball out. She made it bigger before looking at it.
"It's time to blossom, Gogoat!"
A quadrupedal mammalian Pokémon appeared. It had large horns, bush-like shrubbery growing on its back, and a sturdy, somewhat fat body.
"What's that?" asked Applejack as she pulled out her Pokédex.
"Gogoat, the Mount Pokémon, and the evolved form of Skiddo. It can tell how its trainer feels by subtle shifts in the grip on its horns. This empathic sense lets them run as if one being."
"Wonder what kind of power it has?" muttered the girl.
"Ready, Ms. Applejack?" asked Meadowbrook as her Pokémon made a sound and pawed at the ground.
"Heracross, keep yer guard up, ya hear?" said Aj to her Pokémon.
The beetle nodded as it turned to look at its foe. Neither side immediately battled as they waited to see if the other would make a move. The sun above beat down on the pair as its rays penetrated the glass and shined on the pair.
"Heracross, Bullet Seed!"
"Razor Leaf!"
Heracross opened his mouth and fired several seeds in rapid succession. Meanwhile, Gogoat stood its ground, aimed his horns, and fired off razor-sharp leaves. The two attacks met as they were of equal power and caused an explosion cloud. It blinded the field before it cleared away to reveal the pair still standing.
"Alright, use Megahorn!" said Applejack.
"Vine Whip, Gogoat!" said Meadowbrook.
Gogoat saw Heracross approaching him as it quickly sidestepped and fired its vines. It wrapped around the beetle, who tried to turn around but was bound by the vines as Gogoat flung it over itself and onto the ground.
"Heracross, get up!"
"Razor Leaf!"
Gogoat fired his attack as Heracross quickly had his wings pop out and flew out of the way.
"Aerial Ace!" said Applejack.
Heracross did some crazy flying formation as it swerved around Gogoat before crashing into it headfirst as the goat was pushed back. It felt the attack from its challengers as it shook it off.
"Grab it using Vine Whip!" instructed Meadowbrook.
Gogoat heard its trainer's command as it shot out its vines into the air to attempt to grab its foe. Heracross knew the danger as it didn't wait for Aj to give it the command as it was looking to evade them. Applejack was nervous as she could see Heracross was struggling to avoid the vines; she knew she had to do something.
"Bullet Seed!" said the girl.
Heracross began to fire its attack as it kept the vines at bay.
"Gogoat, spin them!" stated the Gym Leader.
The goat began to control his vines as he spun them in a circle. Heracross was caught off guard by the sudden change in the attack as it tried to fly away, but when it turned, it got smacked by one of the vines, began to lose altitude, and headed down to the ground.
"Heracross!" shouted Applejack as her Pokémon lost its balance and crashed to the floor.
"Gogoat, Horn Leech!" said the woman.
Gogoat aimed its head at the Pokémon as its horns glowed before they extended to grab at Heracross before retracting as some life was being sucked out of Aj's monster and into Meadowbrook's.
"Did that Gogoat just heal itself?" asked Rarity.
"Yup. Horn Leech causes damage to an opponent and heals its user as well," said Sky.
"Clever trick for Meadowbrook to have," said Twilight.
"Now, Razor Leaf!"
"Use Megahorn!"
Gogoat used its Razor Leaf, but instead of the normal use, it made it spin to form a leaf tornado around it.
"Uh-oh!" said Applejack as she saw what Heracross was charging into.
"Now what?" said Spike.
"What's going on with that Razor Leaf?" asked Rarity as she too had the same thoughts as Spike upon seeing Gogoat use its move in that fashion.
Heracross wasn't backing down as it charged head first into the Razor Leaf tornado with its horn and broke through as it appeared on the other side. However, Gogoat was nowhere to be found. It confused Applejack and Heracross as they wondered where their large foe disappeared.
"Where's that critter?" spoke Aj.
Just then… the Razor Leaf that Heracross bulldozed through began to change course and attack the beetle from all directions as he was pelted.
"Heracross!" shouted the farmer at seeing a smoke cloud from Heracross getting hit by the Razor Leaf.
"Incredible. First, it used Razor Leaf to evade and then to attack! Meadowbrook has trained her Pokémon to use their moves in unorthodox ways. Just like how Roserade was able to use its Grass Knot to trip up Breloom." said Twilight.
At that moment, Gogoat appeared from above as it landed a few meters away from Heracross and had its back turned to the beetle. Heracross struggled to get up as it gave a defiant look to its opponent.
"Heracross, Focus Punch!" instructed Applejack.
"Use Leech Seed!" said Meadowbrook with a confident smile.
Gogoat let out a sound as it fired a seed that quickly grew and caught Heracross in its grip as it crossed its path. The beetle tried to break free but then felt its strength being zapped.
"Heracross, no!" said Applejack as her Pokémon was in trouble.
"Horn Leech!" shouted Meadowbrook.
Gogoat had its horns turn green before shooting out and hitting Heracross, who was trapped, causing a dust cloud to appear. Small green orbs returned to Gogoat as its vitality was restored, and it pawed at the ground with its front hoof. As for Heracross, it fell to the ground as the Leech Seed dropped it, and it lay there, not moving.
"Heracross!"
"Heracross is unable to battle; the winner is Gogoat!" said Meadowbrook's assistant.
Gogoat marched over to Meadowbrook as she put her hand on its horns, and rubbed them.
"You're usually so calm, Gogoat," spoke the woman to her Pokémon as it let out a sound. "We haven't had this feeling in quite a while, huh?"
"Heracross, return!" said Applejack as she pulled out her Pokéball. "Great work, partner. You take five; we got this."
"It all comes down to this. Aj only has one Pokémon left. And Meadowbrook already knows what it is." said Sky.
The Gym Leader looked at Aj and her Gogoat as the girl pulled out her final Pokémon. The country gal gripped her ball tightly. She knew her situation as it all rode on this final match.
"Boltund, lend me yer strength!" shouted Applejack as she called on her canine again.
Boltund appeared as it barked, yet despite looking ready to fight, it still had some scuff marks along its body.
"Aj's in a tough spot. Boltund is still suffering the effects of its battle with Grovyle," said Sky.
"Yeah, but that's all she's got," said Rarity, concerned about how their friend would win this fight.
I know Boltund ain't at 100%, but I got no choice. It's all or nothing.
"You ready, Gogoat?" asked Meadowbrook to her Pokémon as she rubbed its horns, to which it made a sound. "Then no rush, but use Vine Whip!"
The Pokémon turned and charged forward as it lashed out its vines.
"Boltund, use Quick Attack to avoid them!" instructed Aj.
Her canine took off with extreme speed, heading toward the goat. The vines lashed out as the dog did its job of evading them. Boltund was closing in as it leaped into the air and was positioned above Gogoat.
"Use Crunch!" shouted Applejack.
Boltund sank its teeth into one of Gogoat's horns as it winced in pain.
"Shake it loose with Vine Whip!" said Meadowbrook.
The vines came out and whacked Boltund on the face in an attempt to release its hold.
"Don't let go. Bite down on it!" said Applejack.
Boltund, despite being whacked in the face, sank its teeth even more on Gogoat's horn. Soon, the goat shook the canine off as Boltund landed on its feet and growled.
"Seems that Crunch did a number on Gogoat," said Spike.
"Boltund's special ability is Strong Jaw. So its Crunch attack was even more powerful than usual," said Twilight.
"That may give Aj the opening she needs," said Sky.
"Boltund, Wild Charge!"
The canine took off as it was covered in electricity and headed toward Gogoat.
"Razor Leaf!"
Gogoat made the Razor Leaf tornado from before, but it surrounded Boltund and stopped the canine in its tracks. The Razor Leaf now surrounded the dog as it couldn't escape. Soon, bits of the leaves began to strike Boltund, who let loose the electricity gathered around him from its Wild Charge as it kept the leaves at bay. However, it had to constantly turn and defend from all sides as it was trying to avoid taking any damage.
"Boltund, don't get distracted by that Razor Leaf! Instead, feel Gogoat's presence on the other side!" said Applejack.
The canine barked as it obeyed the girl's command. The dog turned to face forward as it stood its ground and concentrated. The dog closed his eyes as he stood there with its electricity still gathering around it; some of the Razor Leaf was still swirling as it knocked the Pokémon back and forth, but Boltund didn't lose its concentration. The canine was trying to sense Gogoat's presence despite the constant bombardment, and soon… its eyes shot wide open.
"Do it!" said Applejack.
Boltund barked as it then charged ahead with its electricity. It zoomed right through the Razor Leaf tornado as it burst through, and there was Gogoat. The goat looked up to see Boltund had leaped into the air and came down on it with its Wild Charge attack as it zoomed past the larger Pokémon. Gogoat winced in pain and made the ground below it crack as electricity flowed through it, but it planted its feet firmly to avoid falling. It turned its head to look at Boltund as the canine also had electricity flowing through its body due to the recoil.
"Quick Attack!" instructed Aj.
"No matter how often you use that move, it won't work!" said Meadowbrook. "Use Vine Whip!"
Boltund quickly charged at Gogoat, who lashed out its vines. The dog hopped over the vines from Gogoat as it zoned in on its target and collided with its side.
"Use Thunderbolt!" shouted the farm girl.
Boltund leaped back as it charged and shot its attack into the air. Gogoat, who recovered from the bash, looked up to see the Thunderbolt coming down as its eyes widened and was then struck by the electricity. It caused a huge dust cloud to happen, preventing everyone from seeing what was happening. Boltund stood looking at where Gogoat was as the cloud disappeared, and the Pokémon was revealed as it lay on the ground.
"Gogoat is unable to battle. The winner is Boltund. And that means the victor is Ms. Applejack!" said Meadowbrook's assistant as she pointed in Aj's direction.
"Great work, Boltund!"
The dog barked as it ran toward the farmer and tackled her to the ground to begin licking her face. Aj was laughing as she managed to sit up and petted her dog on the head. Its tail wagged extremely to show how much it adored the affection.
"Good boy!" said Aj as Boltund barked.
"Thank you, Gogoat!" said Meadowbrook as she approached and looked down at her Pokémon with a smile. The goat responded to its trainer as she recalled her Pokémon to rest.
"Nice work, Aj!" said Sky as the girls and Spike clapped for their friend.
The farmer gave a thumbs up as she stood and saw Meadowbrook approaching her with her assistant.
"Congrats on beating me, Ms. Applejack. As such, you have earned the Swamp Badge!" said Meadowbrook as she grabbed the item from her assistant and held it out for Aj to see.
"Thanks so much," said the girl as she took the badge from the Gym Leader and placed it in her case.
"You're nearly halfway there," said Meadowbrook before looking at Sky. "I look forward to seeing what you can do tomorrow, Sky."
"Count on it. 'Cause I'm going to win. Guarantee." said the boy as he was confident that he would secure his third badge just like Aj.
"Let's see if you paid attention," whispered the Gym Leader as she was looking forward to testing the boy in their battle tomorrow.
Author's Note: Our group has finally made it to their next gym and Aj has managed to win her bout against Mage Meadowbrook who's shown she's trained her Pokemon in unique ways. Now the focus shifts to Sky as the last time he and Meadowbrook faced each other, she beat him decisively. So now the time has come to see if he's improved.