Author's Note

So here's the traveling chapter I know you all were expecting. Well, not much to say here as this is just some nice filler. But as always: comment, like, follow, share and tell. I'll see you all the next time I post a chapter or anything on FIM fiction.

Chapter 12-Traveling to Griffonstone

Traveling to Griffonstone

"Alright Kirlia, you use Psyshock. Cyndaquil, you counter with Flamethrower." Said Jake

Kirlia charged a dark orb before releasing it, which it split into three beams of dark energy. Cyndaquil back flames came to life, and she released a torrent of flames out to counter the Psyshock attack. When the smoke cleared, Jake clapped.

"Alright, that's great girls. Braixen let's get in some training with you and Cyndaquil. Kirlia, you can take a break." Said Jake

"Kir, Kirlia."

"Braix, Braixen."

"He sure is strong." Said Lucario

Celestia watched Jake practice with his time as she sipped on her tea. "Yes, he is quite the trainer. What do you think, Gallade?"

"I believe with more training and higher evolved Pokemon he could be even a match for us." Said Gallade

"Please, I see no Pokemon in his party who could even give me a challenge." Said Lucario

"Don't let your eyes fool you Lucario. The fighting spirit of anypony lies within them and nothing the eyes can see. Use your aura abilities and see what Jake's like." Said Celestia

Lucario closed his eyes and raised his paw and pointed it towards Jake. He lowered it and opened his eyes.

"This human has a heart of kindness, one that he uses to craft strong bonds with the Pokemon that he trains. But I also find a robust fighting spirit, one that reviles your own, Celestia." Said Lucario

"Hm, interesting." Said Celestia

The mane six were tending to their Pokemon as well. Rarity was basking in the sunlight with Pachirisu next to her also basking in the sunlight. Applejack was throwing a ball around for Growlithe to catch and retrieve. Rainbow was trying to teach Starly some of her tricks so she could show the Wonderbolts how great she is. Twilight was doing some minor training with Axew still believing she needed to be ready to help Jake fight back against Team Catastrophe. Fluttershy and Audino watched Jake practice and were ready to heal up his Pokemon after they finished training. Last was Pinkie who was just napping away with Spinarak in her hair sleeping as well. Celestia smiled as she saw how Pokemon should be.

"I'm glad to see such happy Pokemon that they each of them have." Said Celestia

"Yes, this is the way our species should be." Said Gallade

"Yes, I just hope that we find a way to stop Team Catastrophe from turning more innocent Pokemon into Shadow Pokemon and using them as weapons." Said Lucario

"No worries Lucario. We will find a way to stop them and free all the Pokemon under their control." Said Celestia

"This isn't so bad, even though I don't have all my stuff with me." Said Rarity

"That's right. It sure has been relaxin'." Said Applejack

"Well, it has been for us, but I haven't seen Jake relax once on this trip. For the last two days, he's been training." Said Rarity

"Yeah so has Twilight. You would think those two were perfect for each other." Said Rainbow

"Oh please Rainbow, Twilight isn't attracted towards Jake. They just have the same values." Said Applejack

"In reality, you are both right." Said Rarity

Rainbow and Applejack looked at each other and looked at Rarity as she tipped her sunglasses.

"You see I was talking to Twilight before we went on this journey. Ever time I brought something about the time she spent alone with Jake watching the meteor shower, she would blush. She also quickly tried to push me off the topic as if they were just good friends and she's trying to get to know Jake more. But I think Twilight sees that Jake has many of the qualities she has and is attracted to him. But she doesn't want to admit that she's in love." Said Rarity

"You think Twilight has a crush on Jake." Said Applejack

"Oh, darling I do. If didn't have a fashion cutie mark there would be no doubt in my mind I would have a matchmaking cutie mark. I know those two are perfect for each other." Said Rarity

"Yeah, I would trust you with somepony's love life when you can't keep a guy for more than two dates." Said Rainbow

"Oh, and you're doing so much better. I've never seen you date one stallion." Said Rarity

"Please, I don't need any of that mushy gushy stuff. It would mess with my training to be a Wonderbolt." Said Rainbow

"Yeah, that's the reason." Said Applejack

"What's that mean?" Asked Rainbow

"Enough, I know for certain that Jake and Twilight will hook up. I can even say that they will also tie the knot." Said Rarity

"Ya think that'll go that far. I can't even imagine what it would be like under those covers." Said Applejack

"Well, you don't need to when I know that those two are perfect for each other." Said Rarity

"Please, I don't believe that Twilight has a crush on Jake and will date or fool under the covers with him." Said Rainbow

"I have to agree with Rainbow. Twilight and Jake may have the same values. But I don't believe they'll be a couple." Said Applejack

"Then how about a bet." Said Pinkie

The three mares jumped as they looked at Pinkie. They looked where she was sleeping and where she was standing. They just shook their heads they remembered not to try to understand Pinkie Pie.

"What was that, Pinkie?" Asked Rarity

"A bet, Spinarak and I couldn't help but overhear you talking about Twilight and Jake. Well, I have to agree with Rarity." Said Pinkie

"But why?" Asked Applejack

"Because, Applejack, I have ties with the author of this story. So I know that Jake and Twilight will be a couple." Said Pinkie

"Pinkie Pie you can be so random at times. But I agree with the bet. So what's the bet, Pinkie." Said Rainbow

"Well, since we have split ideas about whether Jake and Twilight will have a relationship or not. So here's the bet, we each throw in 50 bits each. The winning side gets the pot, and we split it fifty-fifty for the winning team. So you like it." Said Pinkie

"Spin, Spinarak."

"Alright, I'm in." Said Rainbow

"I never like to gamble, but I'm in." Said Rarity

"You in, Applejack." Said Pinkie

"Yeah, I'm in." Said Applejack

"Alright, we need somepony to keep the bits. I think I know the pony we can trust. I'll go get that pony now." Said Pinkie

Pinkie bounced, and the three ponies waited, and Pinkie came back with Fluttershy. She looked at all the ponies.

"Um, Pinkie said you needed me." Said Fluttershy

"Yes darling, you see Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack and me have a bet going on right now." Said Rarity

"Um, what's the bet?" Asked Fluttershy

"Rarity and Pinkie believe that Jake and Twilight will fall into a relationship, while Rainbow and I think they won't." Said Applejack

"Ok, but what does this have to do with me?" Asked Fluttershy

"We need somepony that isn't Twilight or Jake to hold the pot money for us." Said Rainbow

"Wait, I just remember we are missing one more pony." Said Pinkie

She bounced off again and came back with Spike.

"So Pinkie says we're having a secret meeting about Jake and Twilight." Said Spike

"That's right. We have a bet going on whether or not Jake and Twilight are going to be a couple. Applejack and I don't think so, while Pinkie and Rarity think so. We have Fluttershy as the pot holder. But what is he for?" Said Rainbow

"Easy, Twilight catches on to things quickly, and we can't have her catch onto our bet. But Spike here lives with the two of them. So he can relay messages to us about what side is currently ahead. That way we can raise the pot." Said Pinkie

"Oh, I like that idea." Said Rainbow

"But won't Twilight get suspicious about Spike watching her flaunt over Jake." Said Rarity

"Or do nothin'." Said Applejack

"Hey no worries, I can do this job easy. I've lived with Twilight since I was a just a small baby dragon. I know how to watch and gather information on her. Plus I can go anywhere in Ponyville I want. So you all have nothing to worry over." Said Spike

"Perfect, so the four of us will bet to which side will win. Spike will give us information and Fluttershy will hold the money. So we all in." Said Pinkie

"Yes." Said Rainbow

"I'm good." Said Applejack

"Oh yes, darling." Said Rarity

"Um, ok." Said Fluttershy

"You can count me in." Said Spike

"Alright were all in, but now we have to Pinkie Promise not to speak a word of this until one side wins." Said Pinkie

"Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye." Said the group

"Great, when we get back will give Fluttershy our fifty bits and keep this quiet." Said Pinkie

"Wait, what about a timeline?" Asked Rainbow

"Yes that is true, how long should we keep this going." Said Rarity

"I think until either Jake tells Twilight he isn't interested or when the two do couple up." Said Applejack

"Fine with me." Said Rarity

"Alright let's all bump hooves and make this official." Said Pinkie

Each of them reached and bumped their hooves and claws, for Spike.

"Um, could I say who I think will win." Said Fluttershy

"Yeah, I just want to put in my opinion." Said Spike

"But you two know you can't join." Said Rarity

"Yeah, but we just want to put our two bits in." Said Spike

"I see no reason why not." Said Applejack

"Well, um, I think Jake and Twilight are perfect for each other. Jake is a kind hearted man and a down to earth. He understands what Twilight says and keeps her mind in check. He's the perfect stallion for Twilight." Said Fluttershy

"I have to say that works too, but I've lived with her. Twilight randomly falls for a guy, but never acts on emotions. If anything she just finds Jake attractive because he's different. Sooner or later she'll move on as she's done countless times before. Twilight doesn't know how to be in a relationship even though I'm sure she's read that book three or four times by now." Said Spike

"Ok, now this bet begins this minute. Now we act normal around them and try not to look like we have a bet on them. Also, remember not a word, or you'll be breaking a Pinkie Promise." Said Pinkie

"And yes we know Pinkie. Breaking a Pinkie Promise is the fastest way to lose a friend." Said Rarity

"So let the bet begin." Said Rainbow

The group looked at each other before nodding and returning to what they were doing before. But little did they realize a certain Pokemon was watching them the whole time.

"Anything interesting." Said Celestia

"Yes, it seems they have a running bet of whether or not Twilight and Jake will become a couple. I do say the alicorn's aura does speak a hint of desire for the human." Said Lucario

"Hm, my ex-student and Jake. I think I like that shipping." Said Celestia

"You like any shipping, your grace." Said Gallade

"What can I say Gallade, shipping is so much fun." Said Celestia

Celestia turned her head as Twilight was walking up to Jake. I wonder what her feelings are towards Jake. Oh well, I guess I'll find out one way or another. But what should their ship name be? Oh, TwiJake, yes I like that.

"Hi, Jake." Said Twilight

Jake turned around to see Twilight coming up with Axew.

"Hey, Twilight." He said

"I was watching you train your Pokemon. You're looking better than ever. So how about it Jake, a one-on-one. I've been training Axew ever since our first fight." Said Twilight

"Alright, I could use something else than training my team against each other to train. Let's see, Cyndaquil, I'm going to have you face Axew." Said Jake

"Cyndaquil."

"Alright, but now we need a referee." Said Twilight

"All you have to do is ask." Discord appeared on a couch with a newspaper. "I'll do it."

"Alright, so same rules as usual." Said Jake

"Jake, could we do a real match. Where the loser will be the side, that can no longer fight. I think to train our Pokemon we have to push them to their limits. Fluttershy is more than able to heal them up." Said Twilight

"Well, what do you think, Cyndaquil?" Asked Jake

"Cyndaquil," as her back flames flared up.

"I think Cyndaquil agrees. You got that, Discord." Said Jake

Discord made everything disappear before landing. "Yes, you will both battle using Cyndaquil and Axew. The losing side will be the side that can no longer fight." Jake nodded. "Great, now let me place you both where you need to stand to make a large enough battling area. Good thing for this being a longship."

Discord rose both Jake and Twilight and their Pokemon and placed them and even ways away. He snapped his fingers, and Disord was in the zebra referee uniform. He blew the whistle in his mouth.

"Alright, this match will be between Jake the Pokemon Trainer from Earth and Twilight Sparkle, the alicorn Pokemon Trainer from Ponyville, will now begin Each side is allowed one Pokemon each. The losing side will be the side whose Pokemon can no longer continue to fight. Now present Pokemon and activate your Aura Readers." Said Discord

"Alright Cyndaquil, let's show Twilight what a Fire-Type can do," said Jake as he activated his Aura Reader.

"Cyndaquil."

"Axew let's show Jake all we learned," said Twilight placing on her Aura Reader.

"Axew."

Now, both sides ready." Said Discord

"We're ready over here." Said Jake

"All clear here." Said Twilight

"Then battle, BEGIN!" Said Discord

"Axew, use Leer." Said Twilight

Axew squinted his eyes as he gave a glare to Cyndaquil. The glare caused Cyndaquil to shake, but not for long. But Jake watched as Cyndaquil's defense went down. An interesting way to begin.

"Follow it up with Slash." Said Twilight

Axew ran forward as on of its claws glowed white before they grew out.

"I don't think we're going to let you hit with that attack. Cynaquil, Smokescreen." Said Jake

Cyndaquil sucked in air before releasing out black smoke. Axew watched as it covered him. Twilight coughed as the smoke moved towards her. But Axew was blind, and Jake could see that from his Aura Reader.

"Cyndaquil, use Flame Wheel." Said Jake

Axew coughed as he searched for Cyndaquil, but stopped when he saw an orange light coming towards him. Soon he felt the heat coming off the orange light. He realized it was Cyndaquil, but it was too late as the attack hit sending him forward. But the attack also cleared away the smoke. Cynadaquil stood proudly on Jake's side after landing the attack. Axew slowly got up on Twilight's side.

"Axew, are you ok." Axew looked back at Twilight. She could read his eyes, and they told everything she needed to know. "Alright, let's make sure to watch that Smokescreen. Now, let's go Dragon Rage."

Axew's stomach began to glow blue before it came up to its mouth and released. The blue energy went straight towards Cyndaquil.

"Cyndaquil, use Flamethrower." Said Jake

Cyndaquil's back flames grew strong as it released a powerful torrent of flames at the attack coming towards her and Jake. The attack hit the Dragon Rage and exploded on contact. The two waited for the smoke cleared before Jake gave his next command.

"Flame Wheel." Said Jake

Cyndaquil enveloped herself in a wheel of fire and sent herself barreling towards Axew.

"I don't think so, Dragon Claw." Said Twilight

Axew's hands grew large with green energy as Cyndaquil came forward. Twilight and Axew watched as Cyndaquil came at them.

"Now Axew." Said Twilight

Axew raised his claws as Cyndaquil hit, but the attack didn't cause damage. It was instead grinding against Axew's Dragon Claw. Soon Cyndaquil stopped, and Twilight smiled.

"Do it, Axew." Said Twilight

Axew raised his claws and slashed Cyndaquil, when Dragon Claw hit Cyndaquil, an explosion followed by Cyndaquil striking the ship's deck from the attack. Those two sure have gotten better. This match is perfect for Cyndaquil and me. But I hope Twilight doesn't think that is the end of Cyndaquil and me.

"Great defense their Twilight. I never expected that." Said Jake

"Sorry if I copied you. But the way you were using moves to block moves was fascinating to me. I couldn't stop myself from trying it as well." Said Twilight

"Hey no problem, it allows me to see it in action with an opponent that isn't my Pokemon. But if you think that put an end to Cyndaquil and me, then you're wrong." Said Jake

"Cyndaquil," as Cyndaquil back flames flared to life.

"Ha, I knew that wouldn't put a damper on you." Said Twilight

"These two sure have trained their Pokemon well." Said Gallade

"Yes, I can feel their fighting spirits raising in them now." Said Lucario

"Axew, Dragon Claw once more." Said Twilight

Axew ran at Cyndaquil as his claws once again covered by large green claws.

"Inferno." Said Jake

Cyndaquil closed her mouth as her back flames roared like crazy. Soon it opened her mouth, and a massive torrent of flames came out. It consumed Axew as Cyndaquil kept releasing it. Once she released the last once of flames, Axew fell to the ground before getting up. But burn marks were left all over Axew's body.

"That's perfect, now Axew's burned." Said Jake

Dang, I'm going have to figure out a way to beat Jake while Axew has a burn condition. I know this isn't going to be easy, but then again, Jake isn't an easy man to beat. Twilight looked at her Axew, who was breathing heavy after the attack. She knew what Jake taught her. She ground her teeth together whether or not to pull Axew out and give Jake the fight. No, I have to see the end of this battle. If I'm going to fight next to Jake, then I have to learn to fight even against the odds. But still, Axew already has a significant portion of his health gone, and the burn effect will stay in play until Fluttershy heals him. Oh, what do I do?

"Twilight," she looked up at Jake. "I know your thinking about your next move. But I know you're also contemplating about whether or not to pull Axew out. Twilight you need to follow what your heart says at this point and not what your mind says. Stop thinking with your brain and follow what your heart says. Sometimes in a battle, it is better to fight with your heart than your mind. Knowing when to pull out and when to continue to fight comes from the heart and not the mind. Remember, Pokemon aren't weapons. They are partners and friends."

Twilight looked at her burned Axew. She smiled as she pressed her Aura Reader, deactivating it.

"Jake, I know what to do here. We lose, I won't push my Axew any further, not without jeopardizing the bond I have with him, even if it costs me yet another loss." Said Twilight

"Glad to hear, Twilight." Said Jake

Discord blew his whistle. "The match is over. Since Twilight has decided to forfeit the game, the winner by default is Jake."

"Well place another win under my belt." Said Jake

"Cyndaquil."

"Yeah, and you did great, Cyndaquil. That Inferno was fantastic. Also same to you Twilight and Axew. Put in some more training, and maybe one day you'll beat me." Said Jake

"Oh, we will, you can count on that." Said Twilight

Fluttershy and Audino got to work as Jake and Twilight had a little chat about the battle as Discord walked over to Celestia.

"Quite the match, even if Twilight did quit in the end." Said Discord

"Yes, but it was an honorable quit." Said Celestia

"Yes, Jake's words were from a person who truly has a strong bond with Pokemon." Said Lucario

"So do you believe he's the one to put an end to this conflict once and for all." Said Discord

"I do Discord." Said Celestia

"Princess Celestia, we are now approaching the Griffon Empire." Said a guard

Everypony looked to see a large mountain cities approaching. Celestia walked forward as Jake looked at the city in front of him.

"So this is the Griffon Empire." Said Jake

"Yes and the largest mountain is Griffonstone, the capital of the Griffon Empire," said Celestia as she pointed out Griffonstone among the mountain cities.

"Well, I guess it's time to meet the master of Mega Evolution." Said Jake

***

"Wait one minute," said Pinkie as she jumped out of the story.

"Pinkie what are you doing?" I asked

"I just want to know if I win the bet. Come on S.M. tell me if I win the bet." Said Pinkie

"Pinkie you know I don't release any spoilers. Even for a pony that enjoys shattering the fourth wall," I said

"You're no fun sometimes S.M. But I hope you all enjoyed this new chapter make sure to comment on whether or not you believe that Twilight and Jake will be a couple. I hope to see you all continue to enjoy this story and continue to support my good friend, S.M." Said Pinkie

Pinkie opened a small portal on my computer screen and jumped back into the story as I sighed when she went back into the story.

"I wonder whether or not there's even a fourth wall for Pinkie to break," I said