The Rogue

Celestia sat in her dining room gorging herself on a whole cake as she usually did when she took a break from court. Lucario and Gallade sat next to her, watching Celestia shovel cake into her mouth. They each were just having a simple slice of cake. Lucario turned to Gallade and spoke to him.

"Shouldn't we stop her?" Asked Lucario

"You remember the last time you tried to separate Celestia from her cake." Said Gallade

Lucario had blinked his eyes before he shivered as he turned to look at the sun princess still scarfing down cake. He remembered how crazy she went when he tried to stop her from eating her cake. Lucario learned that day not to mess with Celestia and her sweets, even though he knew it was bad for her to eat sweets constantly, he also didn't mind where it was going. Lucario also hadn't even realized he was staring at Celestia's growing plot.

"Praising the sun, Lucario." Said Gallade

Lucario blushed before turning his attention away from Celestia's plot, "I have no idea what you're talking about, Gallade."

"I'm sure, Lucario." Chuckled Gallade

"Something funny?" Asked Celestia

Gallade's laughing had attracted the attention of the princess, who had finished her cake and wiping her mouth clean of frosting.

"Nothing Celestia." Said Lucario

"Ok, but now we must get back to court." Said Celestia

Lucario and Gallade nodded, but soon a guard came into the dining room. He took off his helmet and bowed to Princess Celestia

"What is it, sir guard?" Asked Celestia

"The city of Manehattan requires your help, princess." Said the guard

"What help do they require?" Asked Celestia

"Pokemon help." Said the guard

"What does he mean by that?" Asked Lucario

"Yes sir guard, what do you mean?" Asked Celestia

"A Pokemon has been attacking the ponies of Manehattan. They don't know how to handle it, and many citizens fear for their lives as the Pokemon has put three ponies in the hospital." Said the guard

Celestia couldn't believe her ears that a Pokemon was attacking her ponies. She wasn't sure what to make of it, but it all sounded too similar to her. Celestia looked at Lucario as he looked at her. She then returned to her guard.

"Tell the mayor of Manehattan that I'll help them deal with the problem. But inform the mayor under no circumstance does he harm that Pokemon. If they do anything to that Pokemon, then let the mayor know he'll be dealing with my wraith." Said Celestia

The guard bowed to Celestia before rushing out of the dining room. Celestia then turned around to look at Gallade and Lucario.

"Well, let's get going, we have someone that we need to pick up." Said Celestia

The two nodded, and they were off to save Manehattan and a Pokemon. But first, they had to make a quick stop.

***

Jake snoozed away on the couch with Kirlia curled up on his chest. Jake had a magazine about recent pony news, which contained his last fight with Bunny of Team Catastrophe, over his face.

"JAKE!"

Jake jumped up as he heard Twilight's voice and her opening the door like a mad mare. Kirlia woke up and fell onto the couch. Jake looked down at Kirlia as she rubbed her head.

"Sorry, Kirlia." Said Jake

He gently picked her up and set her down in his lap as he yawned and stretched as Twilight trotted over to him.

"What so important Twilight that it requires you screaming?" Asked Jake

"Kir, Kirlia."

"See, even Kirlia agrees." Said Jake

"Sorry, I wasn't expecting you to be sleeping." Blushed Twilight

"Well, what was so important?" Asked Jake

"Oh right," Twilight floated over a large envelope in her magic. "This."

"That." Said Jake

"Yes, this envelope happens to contain your test results. I saw it in the mail when I came back from my time with Fluttershy. I guess I got a little too excited." Said Twilight

"I'll say." Said Jake

"Kirlia."

"Well, aren't you going to open it and see if you going to a be teacher or not." Said Twilight

Jake took the envelope from Twilight's magic and moved over for her to sit down. He held the rest of his teaching exam. Kirlia looked up at Jake as he still held the envelope. Even Twilight cocked her head to the side.

"Aren't you going to open it?" Asked Twilight

"I'm just a little nervous, Twilight." Answered Jake

"Nervous, nervous about what?" Questioned Twilight

"That I passed, I mean my whole career here is riding on what's inside this envelope. Sure, I can stay an assistant to Cheerilee, but that's all I'll be. I'm just afraid that I didn't pass, even though I felt great on test day." Said Jake

"Jake, you have nothing to fear. I know you passed." Said Twilight

"Kir, Kirlia."

"Yeah, nothing at all." Meowstic stepped from the kitchen.

"I guess you're all right. I have nothing to fear from this envelope. I still have plenty more chances to become a teacher." Said Jake

"That's the spirit." Said Twilight

Jake unhooked the clip folding the seal of the envelope in place. He then tore the seal away. He reached inside and pulled out a set of papers. It was his test and the answers that went with it. Jake set aside as Meowstic got up on the couch. Jake then pulled the last paper inside.

"Well, here we go." Jake cleared his throat, "Dear Jake Knight..."

"Wait, Knight, what is that?" Asked Twilight

"Knight is my last name. In the human world, we distinguish people by their last names." Said Jake

"Hmm, interesting. I guess ponies don't need that because of our names are never similar as with our cutie marks. But sorry to interrupt you, Jake. Please continue." Said Twilight

"Ok, now where was I, oh yeah. Dear Jake Knight, this letter is to tell you that you've passed the teaching exam. We would like to forward our congrats to you and our hopes for your future as a teacher here in the world of Equestria. In two or three days after receiving this envelope, you'll receive your official license. We hope you will brighten the minds of the future of Equestria. Signed the Education Board of Equestria."

"Jake that's great!" Exclaimed

"Kir, Kirlia!"

"Yeah." Said Meowstic

"Thanks, guys and I couldn't have done it without you Twilight." Said Jake

"Oh Jake, you're going to make me blush." Said Twilight

"No, I mean that. If you hadn't helped me study, then I don't think I would be receiving my teaching license," said Jake

"Well, it was a team effort. Now, I believe we should head over to Sugar Cube Corner. I think we should have Pinkie put a party together for you." Said Twilight

"Yeah, let's get going." Said Jake

But as Twilight opened the door of the library, she and Jake saw Celestia standing at the entrance ready to knock.

"Oh, Twilight, what great timing? I was about to knock to see if you were home." Said Celestia

"Princess Celestia, what are you doing here?" Asked Twilight

"I've come because I need Jake's help once again." Said Celestia

Jake got up and went to the door, "What's up, Celestia?"

"One of my guards reported to me that a Pokemon is attacking the citizens of Manehattan." Said Celestia

"Could it be a Pokemon from Team Catastrophe." Said Twilight

"No, I believe it might be a wild Pokemon as I never heard of an incident with Team Catastrophe in Manehattan." Said Celestia

"So why do you need me, Celestia? I'm sure you can deal with the problem." Said Jake

"Because I was hoping you could help calm down the Pokemon. I believe it might be a Pokemon that escaped the Shadowing Factory. I don't wish to fight it; I'm hoping to calm it down and see if it'll join us." Said Celestia

"Ok, I think I can help you with that." Said Jake

"Thank you, Jake. Now we must hurry as this Pokemon has already put three of my ponies in the hospital. I'm afraid of what the citizens of Manehattan will do to it. Not all of Equestria has accepted that Pokemon can be friends. So I ask you to only take two Pokemon with you." Said Celestia

"Ok," Jake turned back to look at Meowstic and Kirlia. "I'll take Kirlia and Meowstic."

"Excellent, Twilight." Twilight looked up at her old teacher, "Will you come as well. I hear you evolved your Axew and I think a powerful Dragon Type might help us just in case the Pokemon attacks us."

"Understood, Princess Celestia." Said Twilight

I'll be waiting outside for you both." Said Celestia

The two nodded as Twilight closed the door and ran off to tell Spike of her leaving and to care for the Pokemon. She placed Fraxure in his Poke Ball and patted Deino on the head. Jake put Kirlia and Meowstic into their Poke Balls and grabbed a few Poke Balls to catch the wild Pokemon. He then grabbed his Aura Reader, and Pokedex Twilight came down, and he nodded at her.

"I guess we'll have to put your party on hold." Said Twilight

"I guess so, but saving a Pokemon beats a party any day in my book." Said Jake

"Yeah." Nodded Twilight

The two went out the door and stood next to Celestia, "You two ready."

"Yes, we are." Said Twilight

"Alright, then prepare to teleport. Jake, sorry, but we'll be long-range jumping." Said Celestia

"No problem Celestia." Said Jake

"Then here we go." Said Celestia

A golden glow started to surround the group before they disappeared in a flash of white.

***

The flash of white appeared in front of the government building where the mayor of Manehattan runs Manehattan. Jake felt light headed again and sat on the steps and Twilight comforted him.

"At least I'm better than the first time I jumped like that." Said Jake

"Just breath Jake, your body should catch up with you soon." Said Twilight

"Princess Celestia."

The group turned to see a stallion descending the stairs of the government building. He had a brown coat and a light brown mane. A brown handlebar mustache sat on his face He was wearing half of a black suit with a white undershirt and black tie. He had a gavel on his flank.

"Mayor Stomp, good to see you." Said Celestia

Mayor Stomp bowed to the princess of the sun, "The same here, Princess Celestia. I'm just glad you could make it."

"Yes, but I also brought a few friends," she gestured to Twilight and Jake, who got back to his feet. "Mayor Stomp let me introduce you to Princess Twilight Sparkle and Jake the Pokemon trainer."

"What a great honor to meet the newest princess of Equestria." Said Mayor Stomp

"Nice to meet you as well." Said Twilight

"And nice to meet you as well, sir." Said Mayor Stomp

"The same here." Said Jake

"Now, what can you tell us about the Pokemon that's been attacking Manehattan?" Asked Celestia

"Yes, well from the three cases, we have a few common factors. First, all the attacks have occurred near water, and each pony attacked had massive bruises covering their bodies. But the Pokemon also attacked one of the boats that ship ponies over to the Statue of Liberty. It caused extensive damage to the ship. Luckily, it didn't have anyone on it. But that's about it." Said Mayor Stomp

"Thank you, Mayor Stomp. Jake, does it ring any bells for you." Said Celestia

"Hmm, well, we know we're dealing with a Water Type. But for it to cause massive damage to a ship, it has to be a Steel Type. Only one Pokemon with that combination, the Pokemon is an Empoleon." Said Jake

"So what will you do?" Asked Mayor Stomp

"Try and reason with it. If that doesn't work, then I guess we'll have to fight and weaken it to help it." Said Jake

"Well, I wish you all luck. The last case happened in Central Park; I think it might still be there." Said Mayor Stomp

"Thank you, Mayor Stomp. Let's move." Said Celestia

The group ran from the government building and headed toward Central Park.

***

"So even Equestria's version of Manhattan has a Central Park. Pretty amazing." Said Jake

"So Manehattan reminds you of home." Said Twilight

"Sure does, Twilight, Manehattan looks just like Manhattan on Earth. But I need to get my head in the game; we're here to find an Empoleon." Said Jake

"But how do we find it here. Or even know if it's still in the park." Said Twilight

"Twilight has a point; I could use my magic to scan for it. But I have no idea how to even scan for it." Said Celestia

"Then let's use a Pokemon to find a Pokemon." Said Jake

Jake pulled Meowstic's Poke Ball and tossed it up, releasing the Constraint Pokemon. She opened her eyes and stretched as she looked at Jake.

"What's up?" Asked Meowstic

"Can you use your psychic powers to see if you can sense for an Empoleon." Said Jake

"I'll see what I can do." Said Meowstic

Meowstic opened her ears, and her eyes glowed as she began to use her psychic powers. It didn't take long for Meowstic to lower her ears back into place and for her eyes to go back to normal.

"I found a large Pokemon not far from here. But it seems to be on the move." Said Meowstic

"Great work, Meowstic." Said Jake

"Point the way, Meowstic." Said Twilight

Meowstic nodded and gestured for Jake to pick her up. He picked her up, and she pointed the way. Jake motioned to Twilight and Celestia as they ran down the path where Meowstic felt the presence. The group soon came out to a large area of ponies playing near a large pond.

"This the place?" Asked Twilight

"Meowstic." Said Jake

"One hundred percent, I felt the presence of a Pokemon here." Said Meowstic

"Well, Empoleon is a Water Type. So it makes sense for it to stick to the water. So I guess we should make our way to the pond and wait." Said Jake

The two ponies nodded as they made their way into the crowd. The crowd bowed to Princess Celestia as she walked. Some looked at Jake before backing away as they saw Meowstic sitting on his shoulder. Some were whispering about Jake. It reminded Twilight of how Ponyville treated Jake after they had discovered he had Pokemon, even though he saved Ponyville from Kitty.

"They sure don't like me." Said Meowstic

"Give them credit, Meowstic. A Pokemon is attacking them, and they don't have any way to fight back against it. It's understandable for them to be scared." Said Jake

Soon Jake, Twilight, and Celestia watched as the water rippled on the pond before a Pokemon jumped out of the water and came down to the ground using Metal Claw to strike the ground. The ponies near the area ran away as the Pokemon landed. It removed it flipper and looked at Jake pulled out his Pokedex and pointed it at the Pokemon.

"Empoleon the Emperor Pokemon. The three horns that extend from its beak attest to its power. The leader has the biggest horns."

"So that's an Empoleon?" Asked Twilight

"That's right." Answered Jake

"Now what?" Asked Twilight

"Jake, think you can talk to it using Meowstic." Said Celestia

"I believe we can." Jake put Meowstic down, "I need you to help me settle down Empoleon."

"Understood, just tell me what you want to say and I'll speak to him and translate what he says to you." Said Meowstic

Meowstic stepped forward, but Jake turned back to Twilight and Celestia, "Just be ready if negotiations fail."

The two nodded as Jake stepped behind Meowstic, but kept his distance not to enrage the Empoleon that Meowstic stood in front. Jake placed his Aura Reader over his eye, so he could be ready to fight. The Empoleon looked at Jake and Meowstic.

"Meowstic ask it why it's attacking ponies." Said Jake

"Meow, Meowstic."

"Empoleon."

"It first says it can understand you, so direct its questions at him." Said Meowstic

"Ok, then why are you attacking ponies, Empoleon?" Asked Jake

"Empol, Empoleon."

"Because of what they did to him." Said Meowstic

"Huh." Said Jake

"Em, Empol, Empoleon."

"He says that these ponies hurt him and he won't stop until he hurts them. He's seeking justice for what happened to him." Said Meowstic

"Justice for what happened to him, what does that mean? I know for a fact that you're the first Pokemon to touch Manehattan soil. So how are these picnicking ponies hurting you?" Said Jake

"Empoleon."

"He says that he's been here for over three months. He also states he doesn't care who these ponies are. He believes that all ponies deserve the same fate." Said Meowstic

"What, three months?! How's that possible, when this is the first time Manehattan ponies are laying their eyes on you?" Asked Jake

"Empol, Empoleon."

"He says that he was in a cage in an abandoned warehouse on the docks of Manehattan. He broke free from the cage and attacked the ponies trying to put him on a ship. It seems they were taking him and many more Pokemon somewhere else." Said Meowstic

"Empoleon."

"He's done talking. He wants to know if you stand with the ponies." Said Meowstic

"Empoleon, I'm not sure of what you all said. But I will not let you hurt these innocent ponies." Said Jake

"Empoleon."

Soon Empoleon shot out a Hydro Pump at Jake. Jake grabbed Meowstic and moved to the side as the Hydro Pump hit the ground.

"He said that if you stand with the vile ponies, then you will accept the same fate as them." Said Meowstic

"Well, so much for a peaceful conversation." Said Jake

Soon Jake looked to see Empoleon coming at them with Metal Claw. But Lucario smashed Empoleon with his Aura Sphere and sent him flying.

"You two, ok?" Asked Lucario

"Yeah, thanks." Said Jake

Jake got up and saw Twilight and Celestia running up to him.

"You ok, Jake?" Asked Twilight

"Yeah, thanks to Lucario here," as Jake gestured to Lucario. "Thanks for the save, Princess Celestia." Said Jake

"No problem Jake, but what did you get out of Empoleon?" Asked Celestia

"It seems that he was caged here in Manehattan for three months. He escaped from his cage when ponies were placing him on a ship. He believes that all ponies are similar to the ones that imprisoned him. He's seeking justice for what those ponies did to him." Said Jake

"Wait, ponies had him caged up and were hurting him." Said Twilight

"Seems that way." Said Jake

"Did he say what they did to him?" Asked Celestia

"Sorry, Celestia, but he asked which side I stood for, and once I said ponies, he attacked." Said Jake

"Well, it seems to get more information out of him, we'll have to weaken him." Said Celestia

"Alright." Said Twilight

"Prepare yourselves; he's getting up." Said Lucario

The group turned to see Empoleon coming towards them. Jake activated his Aura Reader and brought out Kirlia to fight next to Meowstic, while Twilight brought out Fraxure and enabled her reader.

"Everypony ready?" Celestia and Twilight nodded, "Then let's do this."

Empoleon roared as water formed around it, and it shot itself at the group. The team dodged, and Jake gave his orders.

"Kirlia and Meowstic use Shadow Ball." Said Jake

Meowstic raised her ears and formed a sphere of dark energy between her ears. Kirlia placed her hands together and created her Shadow Ball and then once each of them had it complete they released their attacks. But Empoleon's fins glowed white before he destroyed both Shadow Balls.

Lucario then leaped into the air, "Bone Rush."

Lucario placed his paws together and created a blue bone and started to use it to attack Empoleon.

"Fraxure, Dragon Pulse." Said Twilight

Fraxure charged an aqua green sphere in front of its face before releasing it at Empoleon. But Empoleon quickly formed Metal Claw and destroyed Dragon Pulse. Then closed its mouth and released a Hydro Pump at Lucario. Lucario leaped away and landed next to Celestia.

"You ok?" Asked Celestia

"Yes, but I'm surprised about something." Said Lucario

"What?" Asked Celestia

"Empoleon seems to have been trained. No wild Pokemon would know how to fight as well as Empoleon does." Said Lucario

"I wonder what happened to him. But we won't know unless we bring him down." Said Celestia

"Agreed." Said Lucario

"Meowstic use Psychic, and Kirlia hit it with Thunderbolt." Said Jake

Meowstic surrounded Empoleon in a blue glow and lifted him from the ground. Kirlia raised her hands above her head and pointed her hands at Empoleon and launched a bolt of thunder at Empoleon. With Empoleon being a Water Type, it did double damage. Meowstic then smashed Empoleon into the ground.

"Fraxure, Dragon Rage." Said Twilight

"Aura Sphere." Said Celestia

Fraxure and Lucario charged up both of their attacks before releasing them right at Empoleon, in which they exploded on impact. The group watched the smoke of the destroyed area.

"Is that it." Said Twilight

"Fraxure."

"I'm not sure." Said Jake

Soon Empoleon came out of the smoke spinning like a top. The group had moved before Empoleon came back at them.

"Kirlia, Protect now!" Exclaimed Jake

Kirlia raised her hands, and a shield defended her, and the group as Empoleon slammed right into it before flipping away and landing on the ground behind them.

"Great work, Kirlia." Said Jake

"Kir, Kirlia."

"What was that?" Asked Twilight

"Drill Peck." Said Jake

"Empoleon, Empol, Empoleon."

"He just told us that our attempts to defeat him are useless." Said Lucario

"Makes sense, we haven't even made a dent in him." Said Jake

"Somepony trained him well." Said Celestia

"Empoleon!"

"He didn't like the word train. He's saying more like forced to learn his moves. Compelled to grow stronger so that he wouldn't end up like the others." Said Lucario

"Others?" Asked Jake

"Empoleon."

"Like the other Pokemon in the same position as him." Said Meowstic

"Empoleon please we aren't your enemy. We want to help you and understand you. So please tell us what all of this means." Said Jake

Empoleon closed his beak and fired off another Hydro Pump at Jake, which Meowstic used Protect to stop.

"Thanks, Meowstic." Said Jake

"I think you also got your answer." Said Meowstic

"I'll say, but I don't understand what happened to him." Said Jake

Empoleon raised his fins into the sky and a large whirlpool formed over his head.

"Shoot, he's using Whirlpool." Said Jake

Empoleon launched the Whirlpool at the groups Pokemon and caught them all in the pool of spinning water. Empoleon jumped into the air and began to use Drill Peak again and dived into the water. The Pokemon screamed out as Empoleon hit them with Drill Peak.

"Kirlia, Teleport all of you out of there." Said Jake

Soon all the Pokemon appeared in front of their owners, dripping wet and hurt. But the damage was just minor as each hadn't lost a lot of health.

"Good thinking Jake." Said Celestia

"I'm going to smell like a wet fur." Said Meowstic

"I think that's the least of our worries." The group turned to see Empoleon burst out of the water and land on the ground, "We still need a plan to defeat Empoleon."

Empoleon turned around and jumped into the water behind him, confusing the trainers. But Jake's gut was telling him to prepare for something big. I got a bad feeling about this. Soon the water began to shack, and Empoleon came bursting out using a large wave.

"What's that move?!" Asked Twilight

"Surf." Said Jake

The wave approached the group, and they all watched as the water smashed right into them. The wave also toppled over trees. But the water soon disappeared, and all the trainers and Pokemon were everywhere. Twilight got up and shook herself dry as Fraxure walked over to him with Meowstic on his head. She shook herself off. Lucario stood next to Celestia trying to catch his breath.

"You ok, Princess Celestia." Said Lucario

"I may be wet, but I'm ok. I least I won't have to worry about bathing for a while." Said Celestia

"Princess."

The two looked to see Twilight, Fraxure, and Meowstic running over to her.

"Are you ok, Celestia?" Asked Twilight

"Yes, Twilight, I am. Wait, where's Jake?" Asked Celestia

"Meow, Meowstic."

The group looked to see Empoleon hovering over Jake. Twilight's eyes widened as Empoleon had his fins glowing white. Jake was still slowly coming back from the wave. Kirlia also got herself back together to see Empoleon about to attack Jake. Twilight could only look in horror as Empoleon was about to strike down Jake. Meowstic tried to raise her ears, but her wet fur made her ears too heavy to move. Fraxure and Lucario were still recovering from the wave. Kirlia was the closest and began to run towards Jake.

Jake coughed as he looked behind him to see Empoleon ready to attack with Metal Claw. Damn. Jake closed his eyes awaiting the pain of Metal Claw, but instead, he heard a voice, a new voice.

"Stay away from my master."

Empoleon's Metal Claw had struck the move Protect, but by a new Pokemon. Jake looked to see a Gardevoir hovering over him.

"What, where did that Pokemon come from?" Asked Twilight

"That's Gardevoir, the final evolution of Ralts." Said Lucario

"That would mean, Kirlia evolved." Said Twilight

Gardevoir pushed away Empoleon and then reached down to help her master up from the ground.

"Are you ok, master?" Asked Gardevoir

"Yeah, thanks for the save Gardevoir. What caused you to evolve?" Asked Jake

"I evolved to save you, master. A Gardevoir protects her master." Said Gardevoir

"Well, I'm glad I brought you along, even if you're at a disadvantage." Said Jake

"JAKE!!"

Jake turned to see Twilight, Fraxure, Meowstic, Celestia, and Lucario running up to him. Twilight immediately took flight and jumped into his arms snuggling her muzzle into his neck.

"Oh Jake, I thought we lost you." Said Twilight

"I'm ok Twilight, thanks to Gardevoir." Said Jake

"Yes, I will let nothing harm my master." Said Gardevoir

Twilight looked at Gardevoir, "You just spoke in my head like, Lucario."

"Yes, I'm able to make multiple metal connections, unlike Meowstic." Said Gardevoir

"So cool." Said Twilight

"Empoleon," the group turned to the still standing Empoleon. "Empol, Empoleon."

"What's he saying?" Asked Jake

"Why I defended you, master." Gardevoir then turned her attention back to Empoleon, "The reason I support my master is that he's my friend and trainer. I'm not sure what happened to you Empoleon, but I won't let you harm innocent bystanders. You can trust me when I say that my master is somebody you can trust. We just want to help you and other Pokemon like you."

"Empoleon."

"No, we never came here to return you. We came here to stop you from putting ponies in the hospital. We just want to understand you." Said Gardevoir

"Empoleon."

"Yes, you can trust my master. He won't hurt you. He has plenty of Pokemon back where we come from that will vouch for his kindness. Even Fraxure, Lucario, and Meowstic will tell you that their trainers would never hurt us. We are friends and companions to them." Said Gardevoir

"Fraxure."

"Everything Gardevoir speaks is true." Said Lucario

"She's right on the money." Said Meowstic

"Empoleon, trust us. If somepony hurt you or is hurting other Pokemon, then we wish to help them. I came here to this world to help Pokemon in need. I won't stand by and let innocent Pokemon get hurt. So please, just talk to us, and I swear we won't do anything to you." Said Jake

Empoleon looked at the trio of trainers and the Pokemon before looking at Gardevoir. He looked away and seemed to be thinking before turning back to them.

"Empol."

"He says he'll talk to us." Said Gardevoir

"Ok, now that's what I wanted to hear." Said Jake

***

After settling down, Empoleon spoke to Gardevoir alone to tell her the whole story. The trio made sure their Pokemon were all right and waited for Gardevoir to return.

"I wonder what they're talking about?" Asked Twilight

"I'm not sure, she's speaking in Pokemon tongue." Said Jake

"I'm just glad we didn't have to fight Empoleon anymore." Said Celestia

"Yes, princess, I'm sure if we continued the fight, we would have lost." Said Jake

"And we would see you in a hospital bed." Said Meowstic

"Yeah, but putting myself in danger to help Pokemon is my job." Said Jake

Soon Gardevoir came back with Empoleon.

"I guess you're done talking." Said Jake

"Yes, and ready to tell you everything." Said Gardevoir

"Then start at the beginning." Said Celestia

Gardevoir and started to spin her tale. She told the group that Empoleon came here on a Team Catastrophe train before a group of ponies attacked it. The ponies loaded him and the other Pokemon onto carts and rode off. He took him and the other Pokemon here and placed them in a large warehouse near the water. Inside the building was a ring. Gardevoir paused as she thought whether to continue.

"Master, I'm not sure if I can say what happened next. I would have never thought the ponies of this world would be so dark to Pokemon." Said Gardevoir

"Then just tell me." Said Jake

Gardevoir limited her telepathy to Jake, and the group watched as Jake's expression went from nothing to surprise to disgust.

"Dear God." Said Jake

"What?" Asked Twilight

"They're using Pokemon in underground fighting rings. The Pokemon fight to the death for internment. That's why Empoleon didn't trust ponies." Said Jake

"Mother of me." Said Celestia

"No way." Said Twilight

"Yes, Empoleon was able to escape when they were shipping them away. He couldn't trust any pony because he believed they were all in on the ring." Said Gardevoir

"Empoleon, would you show us to the warehouse. As the princess of this land, it's my duty to punish all evil. And I can tell you; this is a great evil I will not let continue." Said Celestia

Empoleon nodded and began to walk off with the others following close behind.

***

The group stopped in front of a pair of large doors that led into a waterfront storehouse.

"This the place?" Asked Jake

"Empoleon."

"How do we get inside?" Asked Twilight

Celestia walked forward and charged her horn and released a powerful attack spell, turning the door to splinters. Celestia walked inside with Lucario following behind her. Twilight and Jake followed with their Pokemon and saw the giant arena in the middle. Jake stepped forward and saw the metal mesh covering it, making it impossible for Pokemon to escape.

"Empoleon says that they would give the fighting Pokemon a shot that would turn them feral that way they would fight without question." Said Gardevoir

Jake walked forward to see spots where cages would go.

"Empoleon also says they gave them enough food and water to survive. The ponies would hose them down to clean them and the cages." Said Gardevoir

"Sick, just plain sick. What pony would do such a thing?" Said Jake

Celestia returned and looked at the arena.

"Now what?" Asked Twilight

"We find these rings and put a stop to them. We can't let this continue." Said Jake

"I agree, but we must first deal with something else." Said Celestia

"What's that?" Asked Jake

"What to do with Empoleon?" Said Celestia

"Master, I believe I have the answer. Empoleon wishes to fight with you master. He believes that you have no intention to keep these rings alive and wants to help you free the Pokemon entrapped in this life." Said Gardevoir

"Empoleon, I'm honored, and I promise you that we will stop these illegal fighting rings." Jake stretched out his hand, and Empoleon looked at it before raising a flipper and shaking it, "Welcome aboard, Empoleon."

"Empoleon."

"Now, I think it's time to return you to your home. Oh, and Jake," Jake turned his attention to Celestia. "Congrats on becoming a teacher."

"Thank you Celestia, but how did you know?" Asked Jake

"Because I made your certificate. Now let us return and begin the search for the rings." Said Celestia

Jake and Twilight nodded before Celestia surrounded the group in the golden glow of her magic and soon they disappeared in a flash of white.

Author's Note

I'm here again with the new update to Poke Eques. I hope you all enjoyed the newest chapter. I know I went a little dark with the fighting rings, but no worries, this segment won't last long. I thought about putting in an idea like this in the story and decided to try it out. My reasoning is that ponies would see the potential of Pokemon and use them for dark deeds since not all ponies are good. But feel free comment what you think about it.

So as always: comment, like, follow, share and tell.