Author's Note

This is what we've been waiting for. The battle between our heroic farm girl and the Johto Region Champion.

45. THE MAIN EVENT: Apple Bloom vs. Lance part 1

The stadium is filled with many fans. Excitement is building as everyone waited for the event to begin. Soon, a male voice is heard.

"Hello there, ladies and gentlemen." The voice said. "Welcome to Silver Stadium. I am your MC: Cookie Masterson. I'll be your guide to this battle. And now, here are your fighters."

The man named Cookie pointed to the left. "In this corner, he was once a member of Kanto's Elite Four. Now, he's the champion of the Johto Region. I present to you: Lance!"

The crowd cheered as Lance steps into the battlefield. As soon as he takes his place, Cookie makes another announcement as he points to the right. "In this corner, a young farm girl who has risen from her troubled past. Accompanied by her partners, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, here's Apple Bloom!"

Apple Bloom comes out and gets applause by the crowd. Even from Applejack and her family, who are in the crowd. Everywhere in Canterlot, people watch this battle with interest. In the home of Spitfire, she and other members of the Wonderbolts watch this battle.

"Who would've guess Apple Bloom would get this far." Spitfire said.

"Forget that sour apple!" Sky Stinger added as he watches the action. "Come on, Lance! Tear her apart!"

The other Wonderbolts were shocked to hear that. At the stadium, a referee steps into the arena.

"This will be a full six on six battle!" The referee said. "Choose your first Pokémon."

"My first choice is Kingdra!" Lance announced.

When Kingdra came out, Apple Bloom remembered battling Clair's Kingdra. She has an idea. "Let's go, Miltank!"

Miltank came out, ready for action. The referee takes his position. "Let the battle begin!"

"Kingdra, use Dragon Pulse!" Lance called out.

Kingdra unleashed waves of dragon energy. Apple Bloom makes her move. "Use Bide!"

Miltank stood still as it took the attack.

"You're Miltank isn't doing anything." Lance said.

"Don't be sure of that." Apple Bloom replied. This is part of my strategy."

"Whatever it is it won't work. Kingdra, Bubble Beam!"

The watery beast fired a stream of bubbles at Miltank. Apple Bloom then unleashed a surprise. "Miltank, unleash the energy!"

Miltank soon sent the energy from the attacks back to Kingdra. While it was recovering, Apple Bloom followed up her move. "Now, Rollout!"

Tucking into a ball, Miltank rolled fast and struck Kingdra. The Dragon Pokémon soon fainted.

"Kingdra is unable to battle." The referee announced. "Miltank wins!"

"With a combination of Bide and Rollout, Apple Bloom takes the lead."

"Return, Kingdra." Lance said as he recalls his Pokémon. "A very clever plan, miss Bloom." Lance praised. "Using Bide to withstand Kingdra's attack, then sent it back with double the power."

"Thanks, Lance." Apple Bloom replied.

"Here comes number two. Go, Gyarados!"

The red Gyarados Lance rescued from the Lake of Rage comes out. From her home in Canterlot, Sunset Shimmer sees this Pokémon and is shocked.

"A red Gyarados?" Sunset gasped. "Wow!"

Back at the arena, Apple Bloom decided to recall Miltank to choose her next Pokémon. "Let's go, Ampharos!"

Ampharos came out. Applejack was getting concerned. Be careful, little sister. That red Gyarados looks dangerous.

Lance knows of the power Ampharos has, and strikes quickly. "Gyarados, use Hydro Pump!"

Gyarados blew a stream of water. But, Apple Bloom reacted quickly. "Use Light Screen!"

Ampharos put up a shield to lessen the blow of the water. Lance was impressed. "Not a bad move. Try to block this. Gyarados, Aqua Tail!"

Surrounding it's tail with water, Gyarados hopes to seat Ampharos. But, Apple Bloom has another idea. "Dodge it. Then, use Thunder Punch on that watery tail!"

After avoiding the Aqua Tail, Ampharos punched the tail with it's electrified fist. Gyarados was hit hard, but still fighting.

"Let's finish this up, Ampharos!" Apple Bloom called out. "Use Thunder!"

Ampharos brought out dark clouds, which struck Gyarados with bolts of lightning. Seconds later, the Atrocious Pokémon fainted.

"Gyarados is unable to battle." The referee announced. "Ampharos wins!"

"The power of electricity was too much for Gyarados." Cookie Masterson said. "With two of his Pokémon defeated, how will Lance fight back?"

After recalling Gyarados, Lance makes his next move. "Here's your answer, Cookie. Go, Aerodactyl!"

Out came a stone bird. Back in Canterlot, the Wonderbolts were shocked to see this sight.

"An Aerodactyl, the Fossil Pokémon." Misty Fly gasped. "I never seen anything like this."

"I hope this'll teach that gossip maven that she can't be trusted!" Sky Stinger said angrily.

Spitfire wasn't pleased with that statement. At the arena. Apple Bloom took out her Pokédex.

Aerodactyl, the Fossil Pokémon. The Pokédex said. In prehistoric times, it ruled the skies. It can grip any opponent with it's razor sharp jaws.

Thinking Ampharos is at a disadvantage, Apple Bloom recalled it and called for another Pokémon. "Back to action, Miltank!"

When Miltank came back , it was ready to battle again. Lance wasn't impressed. "This will be easy. Aerodactyl, use Wing Attack."

With it's wings glowing, Aerodactyl zipped down to strike Miltank. Apple Bloom thought quickly. "Dodge it. Then use Milk Drink to refresh yourself!"

After avoiding Aerodactyl, Miltank made a bottle appear, and drank from it. This gave it back some of it's energy.

"Okay, Miltank." Apple Bloom called out. "Use Zen Headbutt!"

Miltank had its head glowing, and struck Aerodactyl while it was still on the ground.

"Not bad." Lance said proudly. "Seeing Aerodactyl on the ground, you took the opportunity to hit fast."

"We're not done yet, Lance." Apple Bloom replied. "Miltank, use Rollout!"

Getting itself ready, Miltank tucked in a ball, then rolled fast. Lance remembered how effective Rollout is, and switched up his strategy. "Aerodactyl, use Giga Impact!"

"Giga Impact?!" Sweetie Belle gasped. "That's a very powerful move."

"Tell me about it." Scootaloo added.

Screeching loudly, Aerodactyl swiped down from the sky. Miltank and Aerodactyl impacted each other. An explosion occured as the battlefield is covered by smoke. Who will emerge from this? Will it be Miltank or Aerodactyl?

The answer lies ahead in our next exciting episode.

End of Chapter 45