Poke Eques

More Rivals

"Looking good, Applejack."

Jake was looking at the large open field area of Applejack's farm that was becoming a place for Jake and the Mane Six to put their Pokemon when their homes became full. Everything was coming together and was about to become official in a few more weeks, perfect since Fall weather was starting to settle across Equestria. And Jake couldn't wait for Fall break.

"Sure is, Partner. All that is left is to place the roof of the house that will house the Pokemon and to fill the pond." Said Applejack

"To think this was all just an idea and now it's becoming a reality." Said Jake

"I know, partner." Said Applejack

The two went back to Applejack's place and passed Big Mac pulling a cart of apples back to the barn with Arcanine right next to him. Even Poochyena and Houndour were bringing in hauls of apples.

"I see your Pokemon are working great for your farm." Said Jake

"Yes sir, my boys are always ready to help bring in fresh apples." Said Applejack

The group entered the barn before coming out, and once Applejack's Pokemon saw her, they ran up to her. They each began to lick her face as Mac came up as well.

"You doing ok, Big Mac?" Asked Jake

"Eeyup." Said Mac

"You're still a pony of few words." Stated Jake

"Eeyup." Said Mac

Jake chuckled but stopped when he heard hooves come running up to them. They all turned to see Apple Bloom come running up to them. She stopped and tried to catch her breath.

"What's up, Apple Bloom?" Asked Applejack

"Flim Flam brothers." Said Apple Bloom

"Who?" Asked Jake

"The ponies who tried to steal our farm from us." Said Applejack

"And cheated to steal our farm."

The group turned to Granny Smith walking up to them. Arcanine walked over and licked her on the face. She giggled and pushed Arcanine away.

"Down boy." Said Granny

"Apple Bloom, where did you see them?" Asked Applejack

"Coming towards the farm after I finished crusading with my friends." Said Apple Bloom

The sounds of a horn blaring caused the group to come to the front and see the Flim Flam brothers on their Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000. Both stallions looked almost the same. Both brothers had olive coats with red and white stripped manes. And both had horns on their heads making them unicorns. On one brother was a red mustache. They both wore blue and white striped shirts with a black bow tie. On their heads were straw hats. One had a single slice of an apple for a cutie mark, and the other had an apple with a slice missing. Jake blinked his eyes as he looked at both stallions. I guess you can't mistake that these two are brothers.

"Flim and Flam, what a surprise is seein' ya two here after we ran ya out of town." Said Applejack

"Um, who's who?" Asked Jake

"Flim is the one without the mustache and Flam is the one with the mustache." Said Granny

"That's all in the past, dear Applejack." Said Flim

"Well, I hope you're not here to bargain because the answer is no, and if you want to steal our farm I'll introduce some new friends." Said Applejack

All three of Applejack's Pokemon came forward growling at the Flim Flam brothers. The brothers smiled at each other before turning back to Applejack.

"Happy to see you have also embraced our worlds, new inhabitants." Said Flam

"My brother and I weren't sure that you would accept these creatures into your life as we have." Said Flim

"What?" Asked Applejack

"Your both trainers, aren't you." Said Jake

"And the famous human Pokemon trainer gets it correct. Yes, Flam and I are official Pokemon trainers." The two used their horns to grab a plastic card from the front pockets of their shirts and showed them off to the Apple Family and Jake. "As you see, we are officially licensed Pokemon trainers."

"What?" Asked Applejack

"Well, Celestia has decided that since Pokemon are becoming an official part of equestrian society that she decided that if people want to train and battle Pokemon, they must have a trainer's license. Twilight and I got ours a few days ago. Don't you remember filling out that paperwork that had the official stamp from the princess." Said Jake

"I was wondering why I had to fill out all that paperwork." Said Applejack

"Yeah, but you don't have to have a license if you won't battle Pokemon against each other and want them more like a pet or companion." Said Jake

"So did you two come to gloat about your new status as trainers or did you come for something else?" Asked Applejack

"We came to challenge you to a Pokemon battle, a double battle to be more precious." Said Flim

"A double battle." Said Applejack

"That's right, so you up for it, Applejack. Or are you too scared that we'll mop the floor with you." Said Flam

"Jake, what are the exact rules on a double battle?" Asked Applejack

"Yes, do tell." Said Flim

"Well, double battles usually are a two v two. Both trainers will use one Pokemon each, and the match will end when one side has no more Pokemon. Doubles can be two trainers v one, which the one trainer will command two Pokemon. And the rare occasion a one v one, where both trainers use a two Pokemon and command both." Said Jake

"Good, then I challenge you both to a two v one." Said Applejack

"Perfect, both my brother and I have only one Pokemon each." Said Flim

"Yes, now dear Jake, would you please be the referee for our match." Said Flam

"Sure." Said Jake

The Flim Flam brothers jumped from their ride as Applejack motioned Poochyena and Houndour over to her. Arcanine sat next to the rest of the family as Jake stood in the middle of the area that Applejack and the Flim Flam brothers made into their battlefield.

"The double battle between Applejack and the Flim Flam brother will begin. Applejack has decided to fight it out alone. The Flim Flam brothers are allowed one Pokemon each at a time, while Applejack can have two Pokemon out at a time. The battle will end when all Pokemon on either side are unable to battle." Jake turned to Applejack, "Since this is your home turf, Applejack. You will bring out your Pokemon first."

"Poochyena and Houndour, let's show them why ya don't mess with the Apple Family." Said Applejack

Poochyena and Houndour ran out onto the battlefield in front of Applejack.

"Poochyena."

"Houndour."

"Flim and Flam, present your Pokemon." Said Jake

"Show no mercy, Oshawott." Said Flim

"Bring the pain, Duskull." Said Flam

The two Pokemon appeared in front of the Flim Flam brothers.

"Oshawott."

"Duskull."

Jake pulled out his Pokedex and pointed it at Oshawott first.

"Oshawott the Sea Otter Pokemon. The scalchop on its stomach isn't just used for battle—it can be used to break open hard berries as well."

Jake then moved his Pokedex over to Duskull.

"Duskull the Requiem Pokemon. Duskull can pass through any wall no matter how thick it may be. Once this Pokémon chooses a target, it will doggedly pursue the intended victim until the break of dawn."

Jake pocketed his Pokedex before speaking, "Now that both sides have their Pokemon, activate your Aura Readers." Applejack, Flim and Flam al placed their Aura Readers on and activated them. "Now let the battle begin!"

"Applejack, my brother and I will give you the first attack seeing as this is your home." Said Flam

"Ok then, Poochyena and Houndour use Bite the both of ya." Said Applejack

The two dog-like Pokemon ran towards Duskull and Oshawott as their teeth began to glow white.

"Oshawott counter Poochyena with Razor Shell." Said Flim

"Counter with Protect, Duskull." Said Flam

Oshawott grabbed the scalchop on the front of his chest. The shell end of it transformed into a blade that Oshawott used to block Poochyena and knock him away as Duskull placed a shield up to protect itself from Houndour.

"Oshawott attack Houndour with Water Gun." Said Flim

"Duskull you attack Poochyena with Shadow Sneak." Said Flam

Oshawott closed its mouth before releasing a blast of water, while Duskull disappeared into a shadow and crept towards Poochyena.

"Houndour, use Ember to counter Water Gun and Poochyena, you dodge Duskull's attack." Said Applejack

Houndour closed its mouth and fired off a fireball to stop Oshawott's Water Gun, and Poochyena dodged Duskull's Shadow Sneak.

"Now let's follow that up with Shadow Ball the both of ya." Said Applejack

Both of Applejack's Pokemon began to charge balls of dark energy before firing them off at both Oshawott and Duskull.

"Duskull use Protect." Said Flam

"Stand behind Duskull, Oshawott." Said Flim

Duskull raised a shield, and that took both Shadow Balls keeping both of Flim Flam brother's Pokemon safe. These two sure are good together.

"Now Oshawott, attack with Aqua Jet, but from the sky." Said Flim

Oshawott covered himself in a trail of water as Oshawott launched itself high into the sky.

"Duskull attack with Pursuit on Poochyena." Said Flam

Duskull went speeding towards Poochyena, who was still paying attention to the flying Oshawott. Ok, that is an interesting tactic.

"Poochyena and Houndour, stop looking at Oshawott and dodge." Said Applejack

The two stopped, but Poochyena didn't move in time as Duskull streak Poochyena with Pursuit, knocking off a little health.

"Crunch of Duskull, Houndour." Said Applejack

Houndour leaped at Duskull with his teeth becoming white, but Flim was ready for Applejack.

"Come on down, Oshawott." Said Flim

Houndour gripped Duskull in its teeth and tossed the Ghost-Type Pokemon around before releasing it. Crunch did double the damage to Duskull because of having a weakness to Dark Type Pokemon moves. But Houndour didn't move in time as Oshawott struck the Dark and Fire Type Pokemon with Aqua Jet, causing double the damage because of Houndours weakness to Water-Type Moves. So they used Oshawott as a distraction to split Poochyena and Houndour apart. Then they allowed Applejack to attack Duskull to enabled Oshawott the perfect opening. No doubt these two have excellent skills for double battles.

Houndour and Poochyena got back to their feet as Duskull got back up and Oshawott stood around for another attack order. Darn Flim and Flam are way better at this double battle than I am. It was easier when Jake was callin' the shots back in Appleloosa; now I see why it takes skill to do a double battle alone.

"Are you giving up, Applejack?" Asked Flam

"Yes, there is nothing wrong with that." Said Flim

"Hardly, an apple never gives up." Said Applejack

"Poochyena, use Sucker Punch on Duskull and Houndour you use Flamethrower on the both of them." Said Applejack

Poochyena ran right at Duskull as Houndour closed its mouth and released a torrent of flames. The Flim Flam brothers smiled as they gave their orders.

"Duskull use Shadow Sneak to escape Poochyena." Said Flam

"Oshawott, use Aqua Jet to stop that Flamethrower." Said Flim

Oshawott once again covered itself in water and jetted itself into the Flamethrower, while Duskull slipped into the shadows to escape Poochyena. Poochyena stopped in his tracks once his target disappeared, and Oshawott was able to turn Houndours Flamethrower into a mist that started to cover the battlefield. Using Oshowatt to cover the field in a fog to hid their Pokemon is a fantastic play.

"Duskull, use Will-O-Wisp on Poochyena." Said Flam

"Attack with Razor Shell, Oshawott on Houndour." Said Flim

Duskull appeared behind Poochyena and sent a set of flames at the Bite Pokemon causing Poochyena to burn, while Oshawott leaped out of the fog and struck his water blade onto the head of Houndour. An explosion followed the attack on Houndour as the Dark Pokemon landed next to Applejack.

Applejack's Pokemon got back to their feet as embers left Poochyena's fur from Will-O-Wisp giving Poochyena a burn condition. The Flim Flam brothers smiled as it was time to end the battle.

"Oshawott attack Poochyena with Razor Shell." Said Flim

"Duskull show that Houndour the might of your Shadow Ball." Said Flam

Oshawott grabbed his scalchop and turned it once more into a sword and ran at Poochyena. Poochyean turned, and Oshawott struck him before returning his scalchop to his chest. Poochyena fell over with spirals in his eyes. Applejack swallowed the lump in her throat as Houndour fell to the ground from Duskull's Shadow Ball, but got right back up.

"I see that Houndour is done yet, Flim." Said Flam

"Yes, I should do something about that, Oshawott put an end to this fight with Water Gun." Said Flim

Oshawott closed its mouth to store up a shot of water before releasing at the tired and exhausted Houndour. The attack hit straight on and down went Houndour for the count. The fight was over. Jake stepped forward and began to speak, "The battle is over! Poochyena and Houndour are unable to battle, meaning that the Flim Flam brothers and their Pokemon, Oshawott, and Duskull are the victors."

The Flim Flam brothers tapped their front hooves together as Oshawott and Duskull celebrated on a victory achieved. Applejack sighed as she walked over to her Pokemon, who were slowly getting back to their feet. Apple Bloom came back with a small med kit for Applejack to treat her Pokemon. She thanked Apple Bloom as she began to heal her Pokemon who looked at her with sorrowful faces.

"Hey stop with the long faces, ya two did great. We need to train a little more and then we'll beat anyone who comes our way, ya hear." Said Applejack

The two spoke back to her as they licked her face. She laughed as both of them kissed her. The Flim Flam brothers returned their Pokemon as they went back to their ride as Applejack walked back to her family.

"Thank you for an exciting battle, dear Applejack." Said Flim

"Yes, it was certainly a fun one." Said Flam

"Yeah, not bad for a couple of stallions who tried to cheat to win my farm." Said Applejack

"Yes, we do apologize for that, and we thank you, Jake, for refereeing our match." Said Flim

"No problem." Said Jake

"Now the bigger question are you competing in the coming competition." Said Flam

"Competition?" Asked Jake

"Since training and battling Pokemon have become a big part of Equestria, Celestia has decided to hold the first ever Pokemon Competition." Said Flim

"All trainers who have at least three Pokemon and registered with the princesses can enter the competition." Said Flim

"My brother and I will be entering it for sure." Said Flam

"Even if it isn't double battles." Stated Applejack

"Yes, because it will give us a chance to show our skills outside of battling together." Said Flim

"Has Celestia said where she's going to hold it and when?" Asked Jake

"I believe from what we have heard, in the winter months in the Crystal Empire as it will give time for ponies to register with the princesses and even others outside of Equestria to register as well as allow trainers to practice and adopt Pokemon. Now my brother and I have a lot of work to do before the competition, so we say goodbye." Said Flam

Their horns came to life as the vehicle started up and the two began to drive away leaving the Apple Family and Jake looking where they drove off.

"So ya goin' tah enter, Jake?" Asked Apple Bloom

Jake rubbed his chin as he thought it over. A chance to meet and battle other trainers, who might be even stronger than me. He smiled as he gave a thumbs up to Apple Bloom.

"You know it." Said Jake

"What about ya, Applejack?" Asked Granny

"Well, it does sound fun and could be a good show of skill." She looked at her team who all looked ready to fight alongside her, "I guess since the boys are in, I'm in as well." She turned back to her team, "You boys ready, because we got a lot of training tah do before the competition."

Her Pokemon spoke back at her as Jake smiled. The first ever Pokemon Competition here we come!

***

Izzy sat back reading over the files in his hands. They were reports on the remain hidden shadowing factories as well as surveillance reports of Quantum. He heard the sound of heavy metal and turned to see one of his guards bowing to him.

"Izzy, the machine is complete." Said the guard

Izzy gave a devilish smile as he closed the file and got up from his chair, "I want you to gather the others and get in contact with Father. It's time we put my invention to the test."

"Yes, Lord Izzy." Said the guard

The guard got up and left the room as Izzy walked up to the window and looked at the cage still tucked away in the corner. Now its time for your big reveal, my friend.

Izzy looked at the vast audience of Team Catastrophe members. He turned to see Kitty, Foxy, Bunny, and Rough, who was a dog with droopy brown ears and a large brown bushy tail. She was wearing the same thing as her sisters, expect with a dog face in the front of her top. Leaned against the wall was the other higher up, Martin. He wore a white button-up shirt and a pair of black pants. He also wore a brown trench coat. His eyes were the same as Izzy's and the admin sisters. One of Izzy's guards came up to him and whispered in his ears.

"Father is here." Said the guard

"Good, bring him on screen." Said Izzy

The guard nodded and pointed and soon the monitors hanging overhead came online and all bowed as a pair of red eyes appeared on the screen.

"Father, I'm glad to know you honored my request for an audience with you." Said Izzy

"Yes Izzy, now let's begin what you wish to show me. I have more important things than to sit here and watch you." Said Father in a dark demonic voice

"Yes, Father." Izzy rose back to his feet and waved a guard to bring the cage forward as well as his device. "As we all know, Team Catastrophe has been able to shadow every Pokemon expect legendaries."

"We know that, Izzy. Why not get to the point!" Said Rough

"I was, Rough before you decided to interrupt me." Izzy cleared his throat before speaking again, "As I was saying before Rough rudely interrupted me, Team Catastrophe has found no way to shadow a legendary. But I believe I have found a way to do it. I present the Shadowor Mark 5."

The guard brought forth the device, which looked like three overlapping rings with points coming out of the center ring.

"The Shadowor Mark 5 is an upgrade to the Mark 4 and Mark 3 models we use in the factories to shadow Pokemon. But this here is far more intense, using three overlapping rings to spread the essence of the shadowing across the Pokemon. The center ring uses magical locks to secure the Pokemon. The rings will break apart and accelerate to shadow a Pokemon fully. The rings also make the Pokemon a perfect shadow Pokemon." Said Izzy

"That's great and all, Izzy. But where is your legendary Pokemon your going to test with your Mark 5." Said Bunny

"I'm glad you asked," Izzy walked over to the cage and grabbed the sheet. "Let me introduce all of Team Catastrophe to the Pitch-Black Pokemon, Darkrai."

Izzy threw off the sheet and there locked in the cage was Darkrai. Gasps went throughout the crowd of Team Catastrophe members. The admin sisters couldn't believe their eyes at the sight of a legendary, nor could Martin. Izzy smiled as he pushed his glasses up on his face.

"Yes, look with awe at one of the great legendaries of the world of Pokemon. It took ten of my best guards to capture him, three of which I lost. But I believe the loss of my guards is worth it in the end." Said Izzy

"When I break free from these cuffs, human, I'll place you in an endless nightmare, where you'll never awake again!" Screamed Darkrai

"Yes, I've heard you say that before. Now let's get Darkrai into the Shadowor Mark 5, Father is a very busy man." Said Izzy

The guards opened the cage and grabbed Darkrai; the Pitch-Black Pokemon fought with all his might to break free as Izzy's guards carried him to the machine. The guards placed Darkrai in the middle, and another guard on the control panel activated the magic locks, locking Darkrai in place. Izzy walked over and took off his glasses off and tucked them into his coat pocket. He grabbed a pair of goggles and placed it over his eyes.

"Now witness pure genius!" Screamed Izzy

He began to tap a few buttons breaking the three rings apart and leaving Darkrai struggling to break the magic locks. Izzy grabbed the throttle and began to push it forward. The outer most ring began to spin slowly followed by the second ring and finally the innermost ring. The rings continued to spin faster and faster around Darkrai. Izzy smiled as he began to turn a knob releasing the shadows into the machine. Sparks began to fly, and the screams of Darkrai echoed the area as Izzy continued to pour more and more more shadows into the machine. Izzy continued to raise the throttle causing the rings to spin ever faster. Izzy smiled as he saw behind the rings was a giant ball of darkness. He tapped a new button, and Tesla coils overhead began to zap the machine with electricity.

"Yes, yes, YES!!!" Screamed Izzy

The rings of the Shadowor Mark 5 spun like no tomorrow. Izzy looked to see the shadow gauge was nearing the top. He began to bring down the throttle and let the rings slow down as he turned another switch to shut off the shadows as well as the Tesla coils. Izzy smiled as he stopped his machine and watched each ring get back into place. Now everyone could see the ball of shadows resting in the middle. Izzy pressed one last button, and a shock wave exploded from the inside of the bubble dispersing the shadows away. Everyone now looked at Darkrai as Izzy took off his goggles and placed them on the control panel and put his glasses back on his face.

"Release him." Said Izzy

The magical locks disappeared, and Darkrai fell to the ground. Izzy stood over the Pitch-Black Pokemon and smiled as Darkrai began to move. Slowly the Pokemon got itself together and stood eye to eye with Izzy. Everyone held their breaths to see what would happen next.

"Who do you serve?" Asked Izzy

"I...I...I...I serve Team Catastrophe." Said Darkrai

The place was quiet as they all heard Darkrai as he spoke the words that he was now loyal to Team Catastrophe.

"And there you have it! I, Izzy, have done the impossible, I have shadowed a legendary Pokemon. And if you all are wondering whether Jake can find a way to capture Darkrai, he won't. Sure there might be a possibility that Jake could bring out the light in Darkrai to catch him and restore him, but I doubt that." Said Izzy

"And why is that?" Asked Kitty

"Because dear Kitty, Darkrai is a shadow legendary. He has the powers and strength of a legendary and power of a perfect shadow Pokemon. I doubt Jake could even beat Darkrai." Said Izzy

"Then how about we test that theory." Said Rough

"I couldn't agree more, Rough." Said Izzy

Rough came out and turned to the screen. She bowed to Father, "Let me test Darkrai against Jake. I am the next admin to face him, and I promise you that I won't lose."

"I highly doubt that, Rough. Your sisters have all lost to the boy, and two of them lost Pokemon to Jake. No, I have a different person in mind. Martin, step forward." Martin walked and bowed to Father, "I want you to take Darkrai and two other shadow Pokemon and do a field test of our first shadow legendary. Show no mercy, Martin."

"I will do as you please, Father." Said Martin

Izzy snapped his finger, and a guard gave him a Pokeball. Izzy showed it to Darkrai who tapped it and entered the ball. It shook once before it blinked that Darkrai was safe inside. Izzy walked over and handed Martin Darkrai. He bowed once more to Father before leaving. Rough was still bowing as she couldn't believe her ears. Father passed her up for Martin, who wasn't even skilled to be at the position he was.

"I think you can leave Rough. Why don't you return to your sisters and prepare for your time to fail." Said Izzy

Rough growled and got up and ushered her sisters to follow.

"Izzy, I want you to continue your research into shadowing Pokemon. I want you to be able to shadow any legendary, no matter the size." Said Father

"No worries, Father, I'm, already in the works of a portable version that will shadow any Pokemon the device comes in contact with." Said Izzy

"Excellent." Said Father

The screens turned off as Izzy smiled as he looked at those around him, "What are you wait for, get back to work!"

The Team Catastrophe members got back to work. Izzy turned and walked back to the machine and rubbed it. Oh yes, what a beautiful machine you are. And with you, nothing will stop Team Catastrophe from ruling the world. Izzy began to laugh as he went back to his office to start work on a smaller version of the Shadowor Mark 5.