Night time had fallen on Mt. Aries as preparations were made by Queen Novo's servants to prepare the courtyard for the gym challenges. In one of the guest rooms, Sky was tossing and turning as, despite the bed being extra comfy and soft, he just couldn't fall asleep. The excitement for his match with Queen Novo was at the teen's forefront. The boy lay wide awake as he sat up; he tossed the covers off and approached the window. He pushed the screen doors open and walked onto the balcony of his room. The teen felt the cool air of the ocean blowing in his face as he leaned on the railing and looked at the view before him.
"If I win, I'll be halfway there to enter the Equestrian League. Mom, Dad, I hope you'll be cheering me on," said the boy as he looked at the stars above.
A knock was then heard at the door as he approached it. The boy opened as standing there in her nightgown was the princess.
"Princess-"
"Shh!" said Skystar as she immediately put her hand to the boy's mouth to silence him. The girl looked down the hall both ways before pushing Sky back in and shutting the door after her. "Sorry, but I snuck out. I didn't want any guards to see me or inform my mother."
"I get it," said Sky as the girl released her hand from his mouth.
"I hope I didn't wake you."
"Not at all. I was up anyway."
"Thinking about my mom and her challenge?" asked the girl.
"What else."
"Well, I could think of one thing," muttered the princess as she turned her head while playing with a strand of her nightgown. Her face turned slightly red.
"What was that?" asked Sky as he didn't hear the girl.
"N-Nothing. Look, Sky… are you sure you want to go through with this? There's a reason why my mom doesn't use her Floatzel. I'm not saying you don't have the skills because you do or don't have a chance; I'm… worried about you."
"Princess…" responded the boy as the girl approached him and buried her face into his shirt.
"I care about you," confessed the girl. "I don't want anything bad to happen to you or your Pokémon. I know we just met, but… I haven't met someone like you who's affected me in a short time. That's why I'm scared for you."
The teen listened to the princess as she spoke her mind. He heard small sniffs as he put his arms around the girl to embrace her. Skystar felt Sky hold her as she continued to bury her head into his chest as he cradled her. The girl was worried about her friend as she felt he was walking into a serious challenge that would not end well for him; regardless, Sky's mind was too determined to back down now. His sole goal was beating the girl's mother to get the next badge needed to qualify for the league. The boy's Pokémon weren't scared, and neither should he.
The pair stood there for quite a while, as Sky wanted to ensure the princess got all her worries out. He rubbed her back, and the boy's touch sent shivers down her spine and warmed her. The girl was so close to his chest that she could hear his heartbeat, creating a soothing rhythmic sound she would happily fall asleep to. So many thoughts and emotions ran through the girl's head, and right now, in the boy's arms, she felt them being taken away by him, which caused her to produce a smile. Eventually, the pair broke apart as Skystar needed to get back to her room to avoid getting both of them in trouble. As the girl reached for the door, she gave one last longing look at the boy and wished him luck before vanishing.
The morning came as nearly everybody was up. The kids were all in the banquet hall as Queen Novo had a special breakfast for the esteemed guests and challengers. By the time Skystar joined them, Spike and Sky were already stuffing their faces full of pancakes.
"Spike, slow down!" shouted Twilight, fearing her brother would choke.
"Sugarcube, chill. Our battle ain't going anywhere," stated Applejack.
Skystar smiled when she saw Sky act childish, as she felt it added to his charm. The girl approached the table, and her presence was made known.
"I hope you all had a pleasant night," said the girl as a servant pulled out the chair for the girl before pushing it in.
"We did. Thanks for letting us stay, your Highness," said Twilight.
"Please, no need to call me that. Save that for my mother. We're friends. I'm fine with you all calling me by my name."
"That's easy enough. By the way, great blueberry pancakes!" stated Spike as the boy grabbed the syrup pitcher and poured it on his hotcakes and bacon.
"So, Applejack, are you nervous?" asked Skystar as a maid served her.
"A little, but I've handled tougher challenges before," responded the country gal.
"By the way, princess. I've been meaning to discuss some ideas. It just so happens. I'm a fashion designer, and I would love it if you could give me a chance to design something for you or your mother?" asked Rarity.
"I'm sure my mother would like that," smiled Skystar as she began to take a bite of her breakfast.
Once the kids had finished their meal, the princess guided the group to the gym. They arrived back at the courtyard as it'd been transformed from the day prior in the competition. The field had now been changed as the outer was a dock the competitors and referee could walk on. The field itself was now a pool with platforms floating in the water.
The kids took it all in before their attention was drawn toward the other side as Queen Novo was dressed for business. The woman stepped forward and looked at her two challengers, particularly Sky, as her daughter was shown behind him, clinging to his arm tightly.
"It's time to begin!" shouted Novo as a maid pulled out a picker wheel with some numbers on it.
The kids were confused by what they saw until Queen Novo approached the device and placed her hand on it.
"Odds or evens!" stated the woman, looking at the two challengers.
"Evens," said Applejack with some slight hesitation.
The queen spun the wheel aggressively and fast. The kids and princess watched as the picker at the top began to hit all the pins, creating a constant thud sound. Soon, the wheel began to slow down as the kids watched it. The picker soon halted as it landed on the number 14.
"Evens… looks like you're up first, then," stated Novo as she stared down the farmer.
Skystar sighed in relief, knowing Sky wouldn't be facing her mother just yet. As a servant instructed, the queen returned to her position and led the others to the stand to watch. Sky hung back a bit as he spoke with Aj.
"Good luck, Aj!"
"Thanks, sugarcube!"
The two alternated, bumping fists on top of each other before Sky turned to join the others. The boy made his way to the stand as Skystar grabbed his hand and had him sit beside her to watch the upcoming battle. Applejack took a deep breath. She took her position and stared down at the queen from the opposite side of the battlefield. A maid appeared on the side of the pool as she would be the referee for this match.
"The Mt. Aries Gym battle is about to begin. In this match, it'll be a three-on-three, and the battle will be over when one side's Pokémon are unable to continue. Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed substitutions."
"So, what kind of Pokémon does Applejack have?" asked Skystar.
"Reveal your first Pokémon!" called out the maid.
"Dewott! Time to make a royal splash!" shouted Queen Novo as she threw her Pokéball.
"Dewott!" stated the bi-pedal otter as he appeared with a fierce look.
"So, Dewott is up first then," commented Spike as they all looked on to see what Pokémon Applejack would bring out.
That Dewott is a Water-type, so…
"Heracross, lend me yer strength!" shouted Applejack.
The girl's beetle appeared as it hovered in the air before gently landing on one of the floating platforms.
"I would've thought she started with either Breloom or Boltund. Both of those have a clear advantage against Water-types," said Rarity.
"Perhaps Aj is planning to use Heracross' ability to fly to move about the field," commented Twilight. "We'll just have to wait and see her plan."
"Alright, battle begin!" shouted the maid.
"You have the honor of the first move!" stated Novo.
"Alright, Heracross! Up in the air!" shouted the farmer as her beetle unfurled his wings and took to the skies. "Now… use Bullet Seed!"
Heracross immediately fired a barrage of small seeds toward the bipedal otter.
"Dewott, use Razor Shell to block it!" instructed Queen Novo.
The otter did what his mistress told him as he grabbed one of the scalchops on his thighs, and it turned into a blade. The Pokémon then positioned his blade perfectly to block every seed fired by its opponent while standing its ground. Aj and Heracross were left speechless as they couldn't believe what they saw. The blade retracted as Dewott smirked along with the queen.
"No way!" remarked Spike, impressed by what the small Pokémon did.
"Now… Air Slash!" instructed the woman.
The otter had both of its scalchops out and spun them rapidly in its hands before shooting out two blades of wind that headed toward the flying beetle. They made contact with Heracross before Applejack could command it as it fell out of the air and landed hard on one of the floating platforms.
"Heracross!" shouted Aj.
"Dewott knows Air Slash? That's not good!" said Twilight.
"My mom always has her weakness covered. That's why she had Dewott learn Air Slash to counter any Grass-type Pokémon that trainers might use."
"She really does know what she's doing," added Sky after hearing the princess' claim.
Heracross managed to get up after shaking off its opponent's super-effective attack. Applejack was relieved as she stared back at the queen and her otter, as it was clear they were prepared for them.
"Now, Hydro Pump!"
Dewott put its paws together and fired a single, powerful, concentrated beam of water that zoomed toward Heracross.
"Dodge it!"
The beetle moved at the last second as the attack sailed past it. It unfurled its wings and hovered in the air.
"Use Aerial Ace!"
"Dewott, dive into the water!"
The otter quickly dove into the pool just as Heracross launched its attack and missed. The beetle hovered in the air as he looked at the pool below him. The water's surface moved about as it tried to spot where its opponent was but couldn't see anything. Down below, Dewott moved about the water like a jet as it was circling Heracross, like a Sharpedo to prey.
"In the water, Dewott and my mom have the advantage."
"Yeah, but Heracross and Aj have it in the air," retorted Sky.
"Ultimately, it comes down to whoever decides to attack first," remarked Twilight.
Heracross continued to scan the water, trying to locate its foe. At that moment, Dewott leaped out of the water, shooting a sprout right behind the beetle.
"Aqua Jet!" instructed Queen Novo.
The bipedal otter had water surrounding it as it propelled itself forward; Heracross turned around just as the Aqua Jet made contact. Dewott delivered the attack right under Heracross's chin as his body began rotating in the air.
"Heracross, Megahorn!" shouted Aj.
The Pokémon heard its mistress's command, so while still in the air, it rotated its body fully to where its giant horn was now under Dewott. It returned the favor by delivering its uppercut-like attack that smacked the otter under the chin. It sent the small Pokémon back down as he landed on one of the platforms with a thud.
"Dewott!" shouted Queen Novo, concerned for her Pokémon as he struggled to get up.
"Use Focus Punch!"
"Counter with Razor Shell!"
Both Pokémon were given their commands as Heracross' right arm glowed white. Dewott pulled out its scalchop on its right thigh, extending into a blade. The beetle reeled his fist back as it threw it out, and the otter's sword blocked it.
"Focus Punch, again!"
"Razor Shell, again!"
The two were pushed back before they went back in with the same moves as they encountered another standoff.
"Use Focus Punch back to back!" said Applejack.
"Dewott, use a double Razor Shell!" stated Queen Novo.
Heracross's arms glowed as it began to alternate with throwing its punches. Dewott pulled out its other scalchop in its thigh, extending out as it was now dual-wielding. The small otter began to alternate blocking with its swords as it stood its ground against the larger foe. Heracross hovered about the platform Dewott stood on while throwing fists. The small otter was determined to hold its ground as it made some fast movements to keep up with its foe. The sight was to behold, as it looked like two warriors trading attacks. Dewott did several spins of its scalchops and flips to gain the advantage over its foe. Similarly, Heracross was moving about the air, doing many spins and twirls as it looked to get a blind spot against its foe. Both Applejack and Queen Novo looked on with defiant looks as they wondered who would catch the other off by surprise.
Heracross reeled back both of its arms before thrusting them out together. Dewott readjusted the grip on his scalchops as he positioned his blades in an X-formation before him to defend himself. The attack made contact, causing a giant wind to blow over and extend from their attacks. It made everyone cover up as their hair and clothes fluttered in the wind. Once the wind died down, the two were still at a standstill, as neither wanted to lose.
"Heracross, Megahorn!" said Applejack as she changed her tactics.
"Razor Shell!"
The beetle rushed forward, its horn glowing. The otter used his left scalchop, which extended into a blade, to block it, as the beetle was staring directly into the eyes of its foe.
"Don't let up and use Focus Punch!"
"Block that one with Razor Shell as well!"
Heracross, while still trying to push back its foe with Megahorn, raised its left arm as it glowed. Dewott saw the attack coming as it used its other scalchop to deflect that one. At that moment, the small otter started to lose footing as it slid a few inches back.
"Yes. Now, Heracross, use Focus Punch with your right arm!" the farmer said as her plan worked.
"Oh, no!" said Novo as she realized the country gal's plan.
With no way to block the attack, Heracross raised its right arm and thrusted it forward, catching Dewott right in the chest as it flew back with its scalchop blades flying from its hands and landing on separate platforms. The otter, himself, was thrown back onto another platform as it winced in pain.
"Dewott!"
"Bullet Seed!" instructed Applejack, looking to take advantage of her disarmed foe.
"Dewott, get your scalchop and use Razor Shell!" instructed the queen.
The otter dove quickly into the water as Aj's attack barely missed its mark. The otter swam as quickly as it could as it emerged and leaped onto one of the platforms where one of its scalchops was. At that moment, Heracross was right above it and closing in.
"Aerial Ace!"
Heracross took off as it zoomed toward the otter. Dewott managed to grab its scalchop as it extended out into a blade. It turned out, holding its blade upward, just as it looked up and saw the beetle making contact with it. Smoke occurred as a result of Heracross' attack, which confused everyone. They all waited for the result as Heracross emerged and landed before Aj on a platform. Dewott was then shown lying on its back, scalchop in its hand as it had swirls for eyes.
"Dewott is unable to battle. The winner is Heracross!" said the maid, raising her arm toward the country girl.
"Alright! Great work, Heracross!" said Applejack.
The beetle responded to its trainer with a confident sound and nod.
"Nice, she scored the first fall!" said Spike as he clapped.
"I'll admit. She did pretty well. Knowing that Dewott relied on its scalchops, Applejack found a way to separate it from its weapons." said Twilight.
"Dewott, return!" said Novo as she called back her otter. "You battle well. Like a true warrior."
Queen Novo was reaching for her second Pokémon as she pulled out a Pokéball to enlarge it. She then looked at Applejack and eyed the farmer, waiting for its next challenger.
"Vaporeon, time to make a royal splash!"
The queen threw her Pokéball as her Pokémon emerged. Vaporeon made a sound as it landed on a platform.
"So Vaporeon will be her second Pokémon," said Spike.
"Heracross, you ready to go again?" asked Aj, to which her beetle responded. "In that case, use Bullet Seed!"
"Vaporeon, Water Gun!"
The queen's Pokémon fired a steady stream of water as it collided with the many small seeds, creating another stalemate.
"Aerial Ace!"
"Use Swift!"
Vaporeon immediately dodged Heracross' attack as it then fired several yellow stars that made contact with the beetle from behind. It landed on a platform with a thud as it winced in pain.
"Now use Ice Beam!"
Vaporeon fired its attack as it made contact with Heracross. The attack began to affect the Pokémon slowly, encased in a frozen block of ice.
"Heracross!" shouted Applejack.
"Finish it off with Swift!"
Vaporeon leaped into the air as it swished its tail, causing several yellow stars to appear before commanding them. The stars raced through the air as they collided with the large ice block, creating an icy explosion of smoke. When it died down, Heracross was shown lying on the platform as it had swirls for eyes.
"Heracross is unable to battle. The winner is Vaporeon!" said the maid.
"Excellent work, Vaporeon!" stated Queen Novo.
"Aw, that sucks," said Spike.
"Heracross returns," said Applejack as she recalled her Pokémon. "Thanks for the help, partner."
"So, what does Aj do now?" asked Skystar.
"Well, at least she now knows what to expect from your mother's Vaporeon, so she's gonna plan accordingly," said Sky.
"Alright. Boltund, lend me yer strength!"
The girl's yellow canine appeared as it barked and landed on a floating platform.
"Smart choice. Not only are electric-type Pokémon super effective against water-type Pokémon, but Ice Beam won't do as much damage," commented Twilight.
"Alright, feel free to start," stated the queen.
"Boltund, use Quick Attack!"
The canine took off in the blink of an eye and zoomed about the floating platforms. It hopped about and directly contacted Vaporeon, splashed into the water.
"Vaporeon, use Swift from the water!"
The queen's Pokémon emerged from the water as it fired its attack.
"Dodge it!" said Applejack as her canine managed to move out of the way. "Use Thunderbolt!"
"Dive!"
The canine charged up and fired a Thunderbolt as Vaporeon quickly dove under the water; the attack zoomed past its head, missing the target.
"Now, Water Gun!"
Vaporeon leaped out of the pool and positioned behind the canine, firing its attack. Boltund turned as it was hit dead on and tanked it. The canine was soaking wet as it shook the water from its fur.
"Use Ice Beam!"
"Thunderbolt!"
Both attacks were fired as they met in the middle. The power between the two was evenly matched. A cloud of smoke occurred, blinding the spectators from seeing what was happening.
"Wild Charge!" instructed Applejack.
Boltund surrounded itself in electricity as it charged forward.
"Aqua Ring!" said Queen Novo.
A water ring appeared around Vaporeon as it took the powerful hit from its foe. The Pokémon was launched back as it felt some of the electricity shocking it before the ring of water did its effect. It recovered some health for the Pokémon as it fought back and held against the electricity.
"Boltund, use Thunderbolt!"
"Aqua Ring, once more!"
Vaporeon produced several rings of water to surround its body just as Boltund charged up and fired its attack. The electricity made contact with the water rings, creating a flash of light; when it died down, Vaporeon again held off the attack and was perfectly fine.
"Ah! What happened!" shouted Applejack in disbelief.
"How come Boltund's Thunderbolt didn't do anything?" asked Spike.
"Wild Charge!" commanded the farmer.
Boltund took off, surrounded itself in electricity, and charged at its foe. A flash of light occurred when the two met before Boltund jumped back, and to its surprise again, Vaporeon was perfectly fine.
"Boltund's electric attacks should be effective against Vaporeon, but they're not doing anything," remarked Twilight.
"I wonder if your mother had this planned from the start," commented Sky as the princess turned her head to look at him before eyeing her mother.
"A solid effort, Ms. Applejack, but you forget I've learned to cover my weaknesses as a Gym Leader. In fact, I learned to use this very move when I first became Gym Leader. Just as my mother used it during her time as queen, I've mastered and studied it." explained Queen Novo as she was more than prepared for the farmer's strategy.
"She's prepared for this?" mumbled Skystar as it was clear that given how her mother learned what it took to be a Gym Leader at a young age, no doubt, she too would have to follow in her mother's footsteps.
"Great, now what?" muttered Applejack.
"Ice Beam!"
"Dodge it!"
Boltund leaped away just as Vaporeon's attack made contact with the platform, freezing it. Boltund continued to jump as Vaporeon fired several more Ice Beams. The queen's Pokémon was freezing up some spots to cut off how much space it had left to move about. Vaporeon had managed to fire an Ice Beam at a platform that Boltund was about to land on as it was frozen solid. The canine landed on the icy surface as it initially slipped and fell.
"Boltund!" shouted Applejack as her canine fell into the water.
"Vaporeon, don't let it escape!" said Queen Novo.
The dog raised its head and saw its foe torpedoing toward it. It turned and began to doggie paddle toward a floating platform.
"Use Ice Beam to trap it!"
Vaporeon quickly leaped out of the way and fired its attack. It landed before Boltund and then began to circle the canine as he was now trapped in a very tiny pool of water with a ring of solid ice around it. Vaporeon quickly dove back into the water, and it used its tail to propel itself like a mermaid toward its foe.
"Boltund!" shouted Applejack as her dog was trapped.
"This is bad! With Boltund trapped, there's nothing Applejack can do to counter!" said Twilight.
Under the water, Vaporeon was circling its foe, waiting for the command to strike.
"Boltund, use Thunderbolt!" said Applejack.
"Huh?!" said everyone.
"Do it!" shouted the farmer.
"Vaporeon, Aqua Ring, now!" shouted Queen Novo.
The canine began to feel its fur charging up as the water on it served as a good conductor. It released its attack, which spread out to the entire pool. The whole thing was charged with electricity as it broke apart the ice around it and fried the water. Vaporeon managed to put up its defenses as it held back the initial shock, but given the massive area of water, it couldn't cover all its blind spots. Soon, the entire pool shot up as if it were a geyser. Steam emitted from it as the water had been overcharged and evaporated from all the heat of Boltund's Thunderbolt. The dog stood in the middle of the pool, which was empty.
"I did not expect that!" said Spike.
"Guess that Thunderbolt had a bit more power behind it," remarked Sky.
"Boltund, use Bite!" commanded Applejack.
Her canine took off as it opened its jaws and sank it into its foe's tail, to which Vaporeon winced in pain.
"Vaporeon!" shouted the queen as the dog's teeth bite down even more.
"Give it a swing!" smirked the country gal.
Boltund did what Aj commanded as it took its foe for a ride by swinging it about, using its mouth. One mighty toss later, Vaporeon crashed into the pool's side, leaving a decent hole in it.
"Finish it up with Wild Charge!"
The canine barked before he encompassed himself in electricity. He took off like a blur as he zoned in on Vaporeon, who got up from the crater it left in the infrastructure to see the yellow blur. It collided with the Pokémon, causing smoke to occur. Boltund emerged from the smoke as some electricity coursed through its body, making it wince before shaking it off. Vaporeon lay on the pool's ground as it made a defeated sound.
"Vaporeon is unable to battle. The winner is Boltund!"
"That's two down!" said the farmer.
"Impressive," said Queen Novo as the girl managed to get rid of the entire pool. "Vaporeon, return."
"One more, and Applejack wins!" said Spike.
"Not only that, now that all the water is gone, the queen doesn't have an advantage," said Rarity.
"I wouldn't doubt my mother's skill," commented Princess Skystar as she got everyone's attention. "Sure, Applejack caught her by surprise by drying up the water, but even so… my mother doesn't let any unfortunate events distract her."
"Alright, Ms. Applejack. You've made it this far, but unfortunately, that's about as far as you go. Now… Feraligatr, time to make a royal splash!"
The large bipedal gator appeared and roared as it looked at the girl and her dog. The country gal held onto her hat before staring down the final obstacle between her and her fourth badge.
"Boltund, you ready to win?"
The dog barked at the girl before growling at the gater.
"Then use Wild Charge!"
The dog heard her command and rushed forward.
"Block it!"
The dog charged forward with electricity surrounding it while the queen's gator stretched his arms. The dog came crashing into its target as it moved back a bit before it stood its ground. Boltund tried to use its strength to knock down the much larger foe, but it couldn't.
"Boltund, use Bite!"
The dog jumped back as it lunged forward and snapped its jaws down onto Feraligatr's left arm. Due to its thick hide and scales, the gator didn't feel much pain as it stared down the dog. It then brought its other arm to swat the canine away, who fell to the floor with a thud.
"Boltund, get up!" shouted Applejack as her dog managed to stand after being thrown. "Thunderbolt!"
"Dodge it!"
The canine charged up and fired its attack. The queen's gator quickly moved as it zoomed out of the way.
"Hydro Pump!"
The gator opened its mouth and fired a powerful beam of water that pelted Boltund toward Aj's poolside and smashed into the side.
"Boltund!" shouted Applejack as she looked down.
Her dog lay there as it had swirls in its eyes.
"Boltund is unable to battle! The winner is Feraligatr!" said the maid.
"Gees, I didn't think Feraligatr could move that fast!" said Sky.
"My mom spent hours training its speed," answered Skystar.
"A target that big, with power and speed. That's not a good sign for Applejack," said Twilight.
"Boltund, return!" said the farmer as she called back her dog. "Thanks for the help, partner."
After beating its foe, Feragligatr stomped its foot and roared to the air to assert its dominance. The sight of the giant gator intimidated Applejack, but the country gal held a firm stance and tried not to let it scare her.
"Breloom, lend me yer strength!"
"Breloom!" stated the Pokémon as he emerged.
"This is it. If Applejack can defeat Feraligatr, she'll get her fourth badge," said Sky as everything was riding on this final battle.
"Feraligatr, Hydro Pump!"
"Breloom, Bullet Seed!"
Both Pokémon fired their attacks as they met in the middle, causing smoke within seconds of interacting. It also created a wind that pushed back and blew in both Queen Novo and Aj's faces as they lifted their arm to block some of the wind.
"Dead even!" said Spike through the wind, holding onto the railing to avoid flying away.
"Mach Punch!"
Breloom quickly bent down and pushed off as it zoomed forward. It had its right arm glow before bringing it up and uppercutting Feraligatr under its chin. It flinched from the attack and stumbled back.
"Feraligatr, stand strong!" stated Queen Novo as her bipedal gator growled. "That's some speed."
"Breloom, Stun Spore!"
Breloom began to release some paralyzing powder as it headed toward the large gator.
"Feragligatr, use Aqua Tail!"
The gator's tail cover swirled with water as he aimed it upwards and spun it. Water flew from the spinning as it began to counter the powder cloud forming; soon, the powder emitted from Aj's Pokémon was gone, and Feraligatr was left soaking wet as it growled.
"No way!" said the farmer, surprised that the queen had a way to counter her strategy.
"Ice Fang, let's go!" commanded Queen Novo.
The jaws of Feraligatr glowed before it lunged forward and snapped them at Breloom, who flew back from the super-effective attack and tumbled on the pool floor.
"Breloom!"
"Ice Fang, again!"
The large gator charged forward as it zoned in on its prey.
"Intercept it with Mach Punch!" commanded Aj.
Breloom pushed up and avoided Fergligatr's Ice Fang. It had its arm glow while jumping back in the air before thrusting it out. Fergligatr showed no fear as it met the punch head-on with its powerful jaws. The two Pokémon were pushed back.
"Leech Seed!"
Breloom inhaled before firing a single seed. The seed landed on the gator as it began to open, and vines sprouted out to wrap around it.
"Break with Ice Fang!"
Fergaligatr snapped at the vines around its body as they broke apart. Once more, Applejack and Breloom were shocked to see their opponent escape their trap.
"Enough of these childish games! Dragon Dance!"
"Dragon Dance!?" exclaimed Twilight in fear.
"What's that move?" asked Rarity.
"It's a move that raises a Pokémon's attack and speed. My mom is planning to end this!" said Skystar.
"I don't like the sound of that!" said Spike as Fergaligatr became more of a threat with that one move.
"Hydro Pump!"
"Bullet Seed!"
Fergaligatr unleashed a more powerful version of its previous attack as it repelled Aj's attack. The water pushed against Breloom, who was sent flying back and tumbled along the pool floor.
"Finish this with Ice Fang!"
"Breloom, get up!" shouted Applejack.
The gator rushed in much quicker than before as Breloom struggled to stand up. The large gator closed in and snapped its jaws just as Breloom used its tail to protect itself. The gator sank his fangs on its opponent's tail as it winced in pain.
"Stun Spore!" yelled the farmer.
Breloom pushed through the pain as it released its paralyzing powder. With Feraligatr having its jaws into its opponent's limbs, it couldn't do anything to counter the powder at close range as it started to affect it. The large gator released the hold and stumbled back as the powder began to take effect. The spot where Feraligatr bit down on Breloom's tail showed bits of ice forming.
"Fergaligatr!" shouted Queen Novo.
"Bullet Seed!"
Breloom inhaled and quickly fired a barrage of seeds, which pelted the paralyzed foe as it raised its claws to protect itself.
"Mach Punch!"
Breloom quickly transitioned between moves and lunged forward as it made contact with its larger foe and managed to knock it down.
"Fergaligatr, Hydro Pump!"
"Mach Punch!"
The large winced a bit from the paralyzing powder before it fired its attack. Breloom showed no fear as it thrusted its arm out to make contact with the steady stream of water. The mushroom Pokémon was now pushing back against the current as it delivered another hard right to the face of the large gator.
Breloom is gonna run out of steam soon. I need to finish this.
"Breloom, Mach Punch! Full Power!"
"Breloom!" responded the Pokémon as he lunged forward.
"Ice Fang!"
Fergaligatr had its fangs glow as Breloom was coming toward it. The mushroom Pokémon had its arm charged up to max before it reeled back and threw a punch. The two limbs made contact as both held strong. Fergaligatr tried to outpower its foe while Breloom looked to do the same. The paralyzing powder that still affected the large bipedal Pokémon showed as it proved the small deciding factor and allowed the mushroom to win the struggle, causing icy smoke to occur.
It created this huge chilly smokescreen that covered the field. Breloom was shown within the smoke as it had battle marks on it with its arm that it threw the punch, having bits of ice. Standing before it was the outline of Feraligatr as it roared through the smoke. Breloom stared defiantly at its foe as it looked ready to strike. Feraligatr stared down its foe before it flinched and then began to topple over. It landed on its back with a thud as it lay there, leaving everyone speechless.
"Feraligatr is unable to battle. The winner is Breloom. Therefore, the victor is the challenger, Applejack!" said the maid, raising her arm to the farmer.
"We… did it!" said Applejack, almost in shock. "Yee-haw!"
"Nice one, Aj!" shouted Sky as he stood up excitedly and pumped his fist at his friend.
His action didn't go unnoticed by the princess, who looked at the boy and saw how he reacted to the country gal. The others clapped as Breloom hopped out of the pool and stood before Applejack, who petted its head. Queen Novo had her Pokéball out as she recalled her Feraligatr.
"Excellent work, Feraligatr. You served your queen well," said the woman, looking at the farmer and thanking her Pokémon. Then, she looked at her maid and snapped her fingers. She knew what that meant and left.
Applejack was finishing thanking Breloom when she noticed Queen Novo approaching her.
"You did well, Ms. Applejack. As such, you shall be rewarded properly," said the queen as her maid returned, holding a fashionable tray with something on it. "I present you the Sea Badge."
"Thanks a lot, Your Majesty," said the girl, respectfully bowing to the queen before taking the item.
While the country gal admired her new badge, the queen turned to the stands and saw the boy with her daughter as her gaze sharpened.
"Unfortunately, due to some circumstances regarding the pool, we must postpone our battle till tomorrow, young man. Let's see if you're worth it," scoffed the queen as she left with her maid. "Make sure the pool is refilled and refurbished."
"At once, your Highness," said the maid as she already got to work on repairs.
Sky kept his gaze on the queen, determined to prove his worth of earning a badge. All the while, Princess Skystar was still worried about the boy going up against her mother.
At night, Sky was in his guest room as he was going over some final preparations for his upcoming battle. After he figured out what his team would be, the boy received a knock on his door. He slowly approached it and opened it before he was tackled by something. He stepped back while the door closed. The boy gained his balance to avoid falling as he saw what caused him to stumble. Skystar had once again visited the boy as she hugged the teen deeply.
"Princess…"
"I hope you don't mind," said Skystar as she pulled back to look at him. "Just wanted to see again."
"Is that so?" asked the teen, noticing one of the girl's nightgown straps had come undone. He gently put it back on her shoulder.
The girl blushed, and the slight touch of his fingers against her skin sent a warm shiver down her spine. She then turned to look at the boy who would challenge her mother.
"So, have you worked out your strategy against my mother?"
"Yeah. Heart and determination!"
The princess nearly fell over dead after hearing Sky's strategy. The boy's determination seemed to add to his charm as she just held a weak smile to show her support for her friend.
"Well, I hope it's enough," answered the girl sheepishly.
"Hope you'll be cheering me on," said the boy.
"I will… well, I'm sorry to bother you. I just… wanted to wish you luck, that's all."
"Thanks," said the boy.
"Well, bye," said the princess as she released the boy's hold and proceeded toward the door. She opened it and stood in the doorway, halting herself from leaving.
"Is everything okay, princess?" Sky asked, noticing the look of concern on Skystar's face.
The girl had looked at the boy before, debating whether to tell him what was on her mind. In the end… she just smiled.
"N-No. Good night. And… good luck tomorrow, Sky."
The girl then left and closed the door, leaving the boy confused after what he saw. Princess Skystar leaned against the door of the boy's room, taking a moment to collect herself before leaving toward her room. As she walked, her mind replayed to the prior talk with her mother after finishing her battle with Applejack.
"Are you serious?"
"I am."
The queen looked at her daughter as she saw the fire in her eyes.
"Fine… I'll send word to the people and make our battle a spectacle for your request, sweetie. And… if he wins, I'll offer him the proposal. Deal?"
"Deal, Mom!"
"Please win, Sky. For me," said the princess before everything faded to black.