Rainbow Dash's Pokémon Journey

Chapters

The Journey Begins
Train Battle
Arriving in Ponyville
Forest Pokémon
Return to the Gym
Friends of Old and New

The Journey Begins

Rainbow woke up the second her alarm clock started beeping. She was so excited that she simply smacked her alarm clock until she completely broke, which didn't faze her in the slightest. Today was the day she was going to catch a Pokémon and start her journey across the Equestria region! She could only stay in Cloudstale for so long, after all.

Rainbow flew downstairs, shoveled down two apples for breakfast, hugged her parents goodbye, grabbed her hat and saddlebags, and flew outside. Professor Luna was coming today with three Pokémon for Rainbow and her neighbor choose from, since Rainbow's mom was an old friend of her's.

"Hey, Rainbow," said a snide voice as Rainbow landed at the location Professor Luna had said to meet at, "What took ya so long, Slowpoke?"

"Lightning," greeted Rainbow coldly, as the two had always been rivals in almost everything they did, "Up before three o'clock in the afternoon today, huh?"

"Quiet, you!"

"I apologize if I am late," said Professor Luna, landing in front of the two pegasi, "I nearly left behind the Pokédexes!"

"No problem!" said Rainbow and Lightning Dust at the same time, both pretending as if they didn't hate each other.

Professor Luna smiled, oblivious to the hate passing between the two. She pulled out three Pokéballs with her magic, and held them in the air in front of the two pegasi.

"I have three Pokémon for you to choose from," she said, "Who is going first?"

"Me!" they cried at the same time, "No, me!"

"Do not worry, I brought a coin just in case."

Professor Luna flipped the coin into the air with her magic, and Rainbow called out "Tails!" just as Lightning called out, "Heads!" The coin landed on the fluffy clouds, tails side up. Rainbow grinned at Lightning, who glared back at her.

"Whatever," said Lightning, "I didn't even really want to go first!"

"Uh-huh." said Rainbow.

Rainbow looked at the three Pokéballs, and finally chose the one with a small flame marking on it. She tossed it into the air, and a small orange Pokémon came out.

"Charmander!" it cried happily.

"Awesome!" yelled Rainbow, "You look so cool!"

"My Pokémon is going to look cooler!" said Lightning, throwing the Pokéball with a droplet marking on it into the air.

"Squirtle!" cried the Pokémon as it popped out.

Lightning smirked at Rainbow, who realized that she had chosen a Pokémon with a type to counteract Charmander's. Not like it matter, though, since Rainbow was clearly going to be way stronger than Lightning. Professor Luna tucked away the last Pokéball in her bag, and pulled out two small red devices, which she gave to Rainbow and Lighting.

"This is a Pokédex. It automatically records data on Pokémon you've seen or caught. Though, you can't get detailed data on Pokémon by just seeing them, you must catch them!" she gave them each five Pokéballs, "These are to get you started."

Lightning and Rainbow caught each other's eyes, and both yelled at the same time.

"I challenge you to a Pokémon battle!"

The two jumped back, and their Pokémon stood in battle positions. Professor Luna didn't look surprised that they were already battling, in fact, she seemed rather pleased.

"Well then," she said, "I suppose I should teach you a bit about battles. The first thing you should know is-"

She cut off abruptly as two peculiar looking ponies suddenly burst up from underneath the cloud, and grabbed Squirtle and Charmander.

"Hey!" yelled Lightning as Rainbow yelled, "What do you think you're doing?!?"

"Sorry kids," said one of the ponies, "These rare Pokémon belong to us now!"

"Release their Pokémon," said Professor Luna, holding a Pokéball in her magic, "Or you will have to face me."

"Like we're scared of you!" said the other pony, "Get ready to feel the power of Team Hive! Scyther, come on out!"

"Whirlipede, teach 'em a lesson!" cried the first one.

Two Pokémon came out, looking very angry. Professor Luna quickly pulled out a second Pokéball, and tossed them both into the air.

"Scyther, use Slash!"

The Pokémon called Scyther slashed at Professor Luna's Pokéballs, knocking them downward. Her eyes widened in fear, and she quickly dove down after her precious partners. Rainbow looked at the two ponies with fury in her eyes, and flew towards them with a burst of speed.

"Give me back Charmander!" she cried, snatching Charmander away from them, and knocking Squirtle out of their grip.

Lightning quickly returned Squirtle to its Pokéball, and Rainbow fumbled for Charmander's.

"You little brat!" cried one of the ponies, "Whirlipede, use Rollout!"

The Pokémon called Whirlipede charged at Rainbow, and slammed into her with so much force that she was flung off the cloud she was on. Whirlipede's "spikes" had hit both of her wings, so she couldn't fly. Rainbow flinched when she realized that Whirlipede had also managed to poison her.

Rainbow wrapped her wings around Charmander, since she was too weak to do anything else. As everything faded to black around her, she saw a glimpse of something pink, but everything became dark before she could see what it was.

"Char! Charmander!"

Rainbow blinked as she came to, and felt Charmander hug her tightly. She looked around, and realized that she was in a tent, lying down on a blanket. Both of her wings were wrapped up in white bandages.

"Oh, good!" said a purple unicorn, walking into the tent, "You're awake!"

"Char!" cried Charmander happily, letting go of Rainbow.

"Whoa, what happened?" asked Rainbow.

"I don't know," said the unicorn, "But I was just taking a walk when I saw you lying on the ground with your Charmander! Have you been in a fight? Because whoever you fought clearly wasn't following any sort of battle regulations!"

"Well, I had been in Cloudstale and-"

"Cloudstale? But Cloudstale is nowhere near Canterlot!"

"Canterlot?"

"We're just outside of it. Are you sure you were in Cloudstale?"

"I'm pretty sure I know where I've lived my entire life! And anyways, I had just been getting my first Pokémon, Charmander, when these two weird-looking ponies came and tried to steal him! They said they were called Team Hive, or something like that."

"Team Hive! Oh, they're just the worst! They steal other trainer's Pokémon and tons of other awful things! And by the way, they're not ponies, they're Changelings."

"Changelings, huh? I was wondering why they looked so weird..."

"Looks like you made it out okay, though. Team Hive is very cruel."

"No kidding! I can't even image how much they injured my wings..."

"I'm no doctor, but you probably won't be flying for at least a week."

"Meh, it's fine. I wasn't planning on flying too much, anyways. It's way more fun to walk on a journey, don't 'cha think?"

"You're on a journey?"

"Yep! I'm going to the greatest trainer of all time!"

"Pretty bold statement, right there."

"Plus, I've got this to help me!"

Rainbow leaned over to her saddlebags, and pulled out her Pokédex. The unicorn gasped in surprise, and stared at it.

"You have a Pokédex, too?!?" she cried.

"You have one?" asked Rainbow.

"Yes, Professor Cadence gave it to me. She, uh, used to be my foalsitter."

"Cool! I got mine from Professor Luna, since my mom's her friend."

"Wow, so we both have Pokédexes and are on journeys?"

"Yep."

"Well then, uh, do you think we can travel together? I've read that it's much more fun to travel in groups."

"Sure, that sounds great!"

"By the way, my name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Rainbow Dash!"

The two ponies smiled, and Rainbow could tell that this was going to be one heck of a journey.

Train Battle

"Ready to head out?" asked Twilight.

"Hang on..." said Rainbow, rummaging through her saddle bags, "I can't find Charmander's Pokéball!"

"Are you sure it's not mixed in with your extras?"

"No, it has a flame marking on it. I must have dropped it when I fell, so there's no way of finding it..." she turned towards Charmander, "You okay with staying out, buddy?"

"Char!" responded Charmander, climbing up on to Rainbow's back.

"I'll assume that's a yes."

"I'll be outside in a minute," said Twilight, "Just need to say goodbye to my parents."

Twilight's parents had been kind enough to let Rainbow stay until she felt well enough to travel, which lasted until the next morning. They had also gotten her and Twilight train tickets to Ponyville, which was known as the best town for new trainers. The gym wasn't too difficult and there were plenty of places to catch new Pokémon.

The two made it to the train station with plenty of time to spare, and found two seats next to each other. Charmander hopped off of Rainbow's back, and sat right next to her. Rainbow couldn't describe how, but she and Charmander seemed to have a certain connection with each other.

Charmander, the Lizard Pokémon; if it's healthy, the flame on the tip of its tail will burn vigorously, even if it gets a bit wet.

Rainbow jumped when she heard the automated voice speaking, and then realized that if was from Twilight's Pokédex. Twilight grinned sheepishly, and tucked her Pokédex away.

"Sorry," she said, "I just wanted to get Charmander in my Pokédex."

"Nah, it's fine," said Rainbow, "By the way, who's your partner?"

Twilight pulled out a black Pokéball with two red stripes on it. She gently tossed it into the air, and a small gray Pokémon came out.

"Espurr..." it said softly.

"Nice," said Rainbow with a smile, "Mind if I try using my Pokédex on her?"

"Go ahead!" said Twilight.

Rainbow pulled out her Pokédex, and pointed it at Espurr. The screen lit up and showed Espurr, it's type, and a bunch more information.

Espurr, the Restraint Pokémon; the organ that emits its intense psychic power is sheltered by its ears to keep power from leaking out.

"Cool!" said Rainbow, tucking her Pokédex back in her pocket, "Why is your Pokéball black?"

"It's a Luxury Ball," said Twilight, "It's a bit more comfortable for Pokémon than normal Pokéballs."

"So they like it better?"

"Yes."

"Then I'll totally use those instead!"

"Well, they do cost a bit more than normal Pokéballs."

"Pssh, I'll get plenty of battle money to afford them! My Pokémon definitely deserve the best!"

"Char..." said Charmander softly.

"Oh, sorry Charmander! Don't worry, we'll find a way to get you a new Pokéball!"

"Mander!"

Twilight looked at the two interact with interest, "How long have you had Charmander for?" she asked.

"A day," said Rainbow, "Why?"

"Well, it's just that I've had Espurr for a few days, and even we're not as close as you and Charmander!"

"Well, me and Charmander just have a thing going! Right, buddy?"

"Charmander!" he nodded in response.

Twilight smiled, and returned Espurr. She tucked its Pokéball away in her saddlebags, just as a voice sounded on the intercom.

"Attention all trainers! The battle car has been opened!"

"Battle car?" asked Rainbow as other ponies stood up.

"I think there's Pokémon battles you can participate in," said Twilight, "It must be in a different car for safety precautions."

"Well Charmander needs to have his first battle sometime! Come on Char, let's go win!"

"Charmander!"

Rainbow stood up, and Charmander climbed on to her back. She started walked towards the door to the next car when Twilight also stood up.

"I want to come too," she said, "Not to battle, though, I just want to watch. Maybe I'll learn some new strategies!"

"Sure thing!" said Rainbow.

They walked into the next car, which was now filled with many Pokémon trainers. Rainbow managed to slip to the front, and Charmander looked very excited. Twilight was standing near the back, and had out a pen and notebook to write on. A unicorn stood in the middle of the car with a whistle around her neck, and was smiling broadly.

"All righty," said the unicorn, "There's enough space for about three battles in here, but before we start, are there any new trainers in here who'd like to start everypony off?"

Rainbow's hoof flew into the air, along with a few other ponies'. The unicorn looked around the room, and then pointed at Rainbow and a yellow Earth pony in the crowd.

"You two!" she said, as they walked forward to the center, "Either of you ever been in a battle?"

"Yes." said the Earth pony, a smug look of confidence on her face.

"No," said Rainbow honestly, "But I've seen tons of them before!"

"Pssh, like that will do you any good," the Earth pony's smugness was starting to bug Rainbow, "Seeing a battle does little to help you unless you've actually been in one, like me. So there's no chance of you winning with no experience whatsoever."

"We'll see about that!"

"Hey now!" said the unicorn, "No fighting until the battle starts! Now, both of you go to one side."

Rainbow quickly took the right side of the car, and the Earth pony took the other side. The Earth pony continued to have a smug grin, and Rainbow really wanted to smack that grin right off of her face.

"All righty, send out your Pokémon!" called the unicorn.

"Charmander, get in there!" called Rainbow as Charmander hopped off of her back and into fighting position.

"Trapinch, show them how to battle!" called the Earth pony, tossing a normal Pokéball into the air.

"Tra!" cried an orange, Bug-like Pokémon as it came out.

Rainbow automatically pulled out her Pokédex, and switched it to mute before it scanned the Pokémon. The screen lit up, and she quickly looked over its Pokédex entry.

Trapinch, the Ant Pit Pokémon; as it digs through the sand, its giant jaws crush any rocks that obstruct its path and it builds a funnel-shaped nest.

"Ground-type, huh?" muttered Rainbow, checking the type, "Charmander's weak to ground..."

"The battle will be one Pokémon each!" declared the unicorn, "Be careful not to use excessive force! Battle, begin!"

"Trapinch, use Bite!"

Trapinch ran towards Charmander with its jaws open wide, Rainbow quickly checked Charmander's moves on her Pokédex, before calling out.

"Charmander, dodge and use Scratch!"

Charmander moved out of Trapinch's way at the last second, and scratched at it with sharp claws. Trapinch flinched slightly, but turned around back towards Charmander.

"Mud Slap!"

Trapinch formed a small ball of mud, and threw it at Charmander in a flurry. It hit Charmander in the face, who cried out it pain before quickly wiping it away.

"You can do it, Char! Use Scratch, again!"

Charmander ran at Trapinch and lashed at it with it's claws. Trapinch barely dodged it, and swung around to face Charmander, again.

"Trapinch, use Bide!"

Trapinch closed its eyes, and stood completely still. Rainbow and Charmander both stared in confusion, before Twilight caught Rainbow's eye in the back. She was shaking her head, and pointing at Trapinch. Rainbow blinked in confusion, before realizing that she must mean that Trapinch was standing still to surprise Charmander!

"Leer!"

The Earth pony's grin faded away as Charmander didn't attack Trapinch. He glared at Trapinch, who shivered slightly at it even though its eyes were closed.

"What, you too afraid to attack?" mocked the Earth pony.

"Leer!"

Charmander used Leer again, and Trapinch's eyes opened. It charged at Charmander, who easily moved out of the way. Rainbow smirked at the frustrated Earth pony.

"Scratch!" yelled Rainbow just as the Earth pony cried, "Bite!"

The two Pokémon ran at each other, and hit each other with their attacks. Both stumbled back, and glared at each other, before Trapinch promptly fainted on to the floor.

"Trapinch is unable to battle!" said the unicorn, "The winner is Charmander!"

Everypony (except for the Earth pony, who angrily returned Trapinch to it's Pokéball) clapped for Rainbow and Charmander, none more than Twilight. The unicorn smiled at Rainbow, who walked over to Twilight as other battles started up. Charmander jumped back on to Rainbow's back, looking very pleased.

"Nice job!" said Twilight.

"Thanks for warning me about Bide," said Rainbow, "Charmander would have gone right into that trap!"

"I know! The Pokémon stays still for a little while, and whatever damage it takes, it does double back to the attacker!"

"Wait, that's what it does? I thought it was just a trick to get you attack while the Pokémon looks defenseless, and then they attack!"

"Char!" said Charmander in agreement.

Twilight rolled her eyes, and she and Rainbow stood back to watch some other trainer's battle.

Arriving in Ponyville

Rainbow and Twilight disembarked the train, both looking around curiously.

"Ponyville looks so much more peaceful than Canterlot," said Twilight, "And the roads are even dirt instead of stone!"

"In Cloudstale, the roads are made of clouds," said Rainbow, "But if ponies can fly then usual do instead of walk. The roads are mostly for younger kids who can't fly yet and ponies who come to challenge the gym."

"Wait, there's a gym in Cloudstale?"

"Of course there is! It's the Flying-type gym!"

"Oh, that makes sense..."

"Hiya!" cried a pink Earth pony, suddenly popping up in front of Rainbow and Twilight, "Welcome to Ponyville!"

"Um, hi..." said Rainbow nervously.

"Ooooh! Is that a Charmander?"

"Char!" said Charmander as the Earth pony gently patted his head.

"It's so cute! Oh, my name is Pinkie Pie! What are your names?"

"My name is Twilight Sparkle." said Twilight.

"I'm Rainbow Dash." said Rainbow.

"I'm Pinkie Pie!" cried Pinkie, bouncing into the air, "Wait, I already said that!" she burst into laughter, Pokéball and tossing it into the air, "Cheerleader, dance routine!"

Twilight and Rainbow glanced at each other in confusion as a Pokémon came out. It was a yellow bird Pokémon that looked like it was holding pom-poms. Festive music suddenly started up, and Pinkie and her Pokémon began to dance.

♪Welcome to Ponyville!♪ sang Pinkie, ♪Welcome to Ponyville! I am Pinkie Pie! This is Oricorio!♪

♪Oricorio!♪

♪We hope you have a good time heeeeeeeere!♪

Pinkie and Oricorio finished their dance in the same position, large smiles on their faces. The music stopped just as suddenly as it had started up, and Rainbow noticed a small pink stereo behind Pinkie.

"Did you like out dance?" asked Pinkie.

"It was great!" said Twilight.

"Have you been practicing it or something?" asked Rainbow.

"Yep!" said Pinkie gleefully, "Me and Oricorio are forming a dance team!"

"A dance team?"

"We're gonna be the best dancers in Equestria, and everypony will be so happy from our dances!"

"Oricorio!"

Rainbow and Twilight both pulled out their Pokédexes and pointed them at Oricorio.

Oricorio, the Dancing Pokémon; it comes in four different styles, each relating to a style of dance. Pom-Pom style Oricorio has sipped bright yellow nectar. Its bright, cheerful dance melts the hearts of its enemies.

"Different styles?" asked Rainbow.

"Oricorio can change what type it is and what it looks like with nectar!" said Pinkie, who was stepping side-to-side in time with her Pokémon, "Pom-Pom is my favorite style! Cheerleader is so much fun! Anyways, why'd you come to Ponyville?"

"To challenge the gym!" said Rainbow proudly.

"I can show you where the gym is! Cheerleader, return!" Pinkie returned Oricorio to its Pokéball and started bouncing down the road, "Come on! Don't you wanna go to the gym?"

Rainbow gladly followed Pinkie, with Twilight following behind her. Rainbow looked around at all the places they passed, surprised as to familiar it was to Cloudstale. The major difference only being that nothing was made of clouds.

"Attention all Pokédex-holding ponies!" announced Pinkie, "We have arrived at Sweet Apple Acres!"

Rainbow realized that they were standing in front of a large field of apple trees. There was a path down the middle of the orchard, with a fence on each side of it. Pinkie hopped down the path, and Rainbow and Twilight continued following her. AT the end of a path, was a large barn with a sign in front of it saying that it was the gym.

"Ponyville Pokémon Gym," read Twilight, "Leader: Applejack."

"Yeah, let's battle!" said Rainbow.

"'Cuse me," said a yellow Earth pony filly, walking up to the group, "Are y'all here to battle Applejack?"

"I am!"

"Well, she's not here at the moment. She went over to Rarity's boutique ta get her hat fixed, 'cause Bounsweet accidentally hit with a Razor Leaf."

"Okie-dokie-lokie!" said Pinkie, "Thanks for telling us, Apple Bloom!"

"No problem!" said the filly, running off in the orchard.

"Aw, mare!" said Rainbow, "I don't want to have to wait!"

"Rainbow, maybe you could train Charmander a bit more or catch another Pokémon," suggested Twilight, before turning towards Pinkie, "Where's a nearby place with plenty of wild Pokémon?"

"The Everfree Forest!" said Pinkie, bouncing into the air, again, "It can be a tiny bit dangerous if you haven't been in it before, though, so I'll ask my friend Fluttershy to go with you!"

Pinkie started bouncing away again, and Rainbow and Twilight quickly ran after her.

"Hey Twi," said Rainbow, "Are you going to challenge the gym?"

"I don't think so," said Twilight, "I don't really want to battle. I'd rather just learn more about Pokémon!"

Rainbow nodded as they followed the fast-bouncing Pinkie back through the orchard.

"Fluttershy!" said Pinkie joyfully, knocking on the cottage door, "It's Pinkie! I need you to help out some new friends of mine!"

"Pinkie?" asked a soft voice, peeking outside.

"Yes indeedy, it's your Auntie Pinkie!"

"I'm older than you..."

"Wow, I sure to get that a lot!"

The suddenly swung open, and a Pokémon bounced in front of Fluttershy with's its arms crossed. Rainbow and Twilight pulled out their Pokédexes, again, and pointed them at the Pokémon.

Buneary, the Rabbit Pokémon; it slams foes by sharply uncoiling its rolled ears. It stings enough to make a grown-up cry in pain.

"Bun!" snapped Buneary grumpily.

"Now Angel," said Fluttershy, louder than she had been speaking earlier, "There's no need to be mean. It's just Pinkie and some friends of hers."

"Neary!" Buneary continued standing in front of Fluttershy, now looking more protective than hostile.

Fluttershy gave an apologetic smile, "Sorry about Angel, he's a bit over protective of me..." she faded off as then sprung forward towards Rainbow suddenly, "Oh my gosh, is that a Charmander?!?" her voice was suddenly ten times louder, "He's so cute!"

"Char?" Charmander seemed unsure of how to react.

"Uh..." said Rainbow, shocked as to how Fluttershy's shyness had instantly melted away.

"Oh, I'm sorry!" said Fluttershy to Rainbow, "But I've never seen a real Charmander before!"

Rainbow simply nodded and took a tiny step away from Fluttershy.

"Fluttershy!" said Pinkie, catching her attention, "Rainbow and Twilight are going into the Everfree forest, so I thought that you could be their guide!"

"Of course," said Fluttershy, turning towards Rainbow and Twilight, "I'll definitely guide you, since I'e been in the forest several times. Come on, Angel."

Buneary jumped on to Fluttershy's back, giving a quick glare towards Rainbow and Fluttershy. Pinkie simply turned around and bounced back towards Ponyville, since Fluttershy's cottage was so remote. Rainbow noticed that Fluttershy already had on pink saddlebags on, and they were tightened as much as possible. Rainbow simply ignored it, and she and Twilight followed Fluttershy into the forest.

Author's Note

Current (Known) Pokémon:

Rainbow Dash -
Charmander

Twilight Sparkle -
Espurr

Pinkie Pie -
Oricorio (Cheerleader)

Fluttershy -
Buneary (Angel)

Forest Pokémon

Fluttershy brought a lantern into the forest, which was lit with a candle that released blue light. She had insisted that it made it easier to see, and frightened the Pokémon less, but Rainbow felt as if there was some other reason she was hiding from them.

"So you're going to take on the gym?" asked Fluttershy to Rainbow.

"Yep!" said Rainbow happily, "I want to beat every gym, and the. Become the champion!"

"That's a really big goal... I don't really have anything I want to do... Except maybe open a day care."

"A day care?"

"You can leave your Pokémon at a day care so they can grow stronger without even battling," said Twilight, "You can pick them up at any time, but if you leave them for too long, they might become upset."

"Cool!"

Twilight rolled her eyes when some movement caught her eye. She pulled out her Pokédex, and had it ready to scan. A small Pokémon slipped out of the bushes, and Twilight's Pokédex scanned it.

Dewpider, the Water Bubble Pokémon; it crawls onto the land in search of food, and its bubble allows it to breathe and protects its soft head.

"Oh, it's so cute!" said Fluttershy, before dropping a few berries in front of Dewpider, "There you go. Fresh berries for you.

"What type is the gym?" asked Rainbow suddenly.

"Applejack uses Grass-types."

"Hey, Rainbow," said Twilight, "Dewpider is a Bug-type, which are super effective on Grass-types! You should catch it and use it for your gym battle!"

Rainbow glanced over at Dewpider, and shook her head, "Fire is super effective on Grass, too! Charmander can handle it all by himself!"

"Charmander!"

"A balanced team is better than just using one Pokémon," said Fluttershy, gently setting the lantern down, "Plus, this little Dewpider seems to really like you!"

"Eh," said Rainbow with a shrug, "It looks weird. Come on, Charmander! Let's train!"

Rainbow and Charmander ran over to a tall patch of grass, and looked for a Pokémon to battle. Fluttershy and Twilight looked at each other, and both shook their heads.

"Gym time!" declared Rainbow as they excited the forest.

She had caught no new Pokémon, and simply trained with Charmander the entire time. Charmander had learned a new move, Ember, which Rainbow was such would help to wipe out Applejack's team.

"You sure you don't want to catch another Pokémon?" asked Twilight.

"Positive." said Rainbow.

"Char!" agreed Charmander, who was on Rainbow's back again.

"Oh, and thanks Fluttershy for taking us into the forest."

"It's no trouble at all," said Fluttershy, blowing out the odd candle in her lantern, "If you want to go back in again, you can just ask me."

"Thanks, now to the gym!"

Rainbow sprinted off towards Sweet Apple Acres, and Twilight ran after her.

"Bye, Fluttershy!" called Twilight.

"Bye!" called Fluttershy, her voice barely audible.

Rainbow quickly made it to the gym, and walked right in. Twilight had fallen pretty far behind her, but Rainbow was far too excited to wait for her.

"Hello!" said the Earth pony filly who had earlier told Rainbow that the gym leader wasn't there, "Mah sister's back now, so you can challenge her!"

"Yes!" said Rainbow gleefully.

"Did Ah hear that there's somepony here ta challenge me?" asked a voice from the far end of the gym/barn.

"Me!"

Rainbow stepped forward on to a battle field, and lights dramatically lit up, revealing the gym leader from the darkness. She had on a stetson, which looked like it had been through some wear and tear. Her green eyes looked bored at seeing Rainbow and Charmander, and took a Pokéball from a table next to her.

"Apple Bloom, you be the ref," said Applejack to the filly, "Just don't get in the way of anythin'."

"Sure thing!" said Apple Bloom, running over to the side, "Ahem... The Ponyville Gym battle will now commence!" it sounded as if she had done several times before, "Each trainer may use up to two Pokémon, and the challenger will be allowed to switch out. Whoever knocks out both the opposing trainer's Pokémon wins! Let the battle begin!"

"Bounsweet, come on out!" called Applejack, tossing her Pokéball into the air.

"Charmander, let's go!" called Rainbow, as Charmander jumped off of her back and into battle.

"Boun!" cried the small Pokémon as it popped out.

Rainbow quickly pulled out her Pokédex, and pointed it at Bounsweet.

Bounsweet, the Fruit Pokémon; although it’s too sugary for consumption, Bounsweet’s sweat can be watered down into a juice with just the right amount of sweetness.

"Ick..." muttered Rainbow tucking her Pokédex away, "Okay, Charmander, start off with Ember!"

Charmander opened it's mouth, and spat a glob of fire at Bounsweet, which hit it dead-on. Applejack didn't seemed to be fazed by it, and spoke to Bounsweet in a dull voice.

"Bounsweet, use Rapid Spin."

Bounsweet began to spin around, until it became a blur, and was giving Rainbow a headache. It suddenly zoomed towards Charmander, and slammed into him, causing it to staggered backwards.

"Ember!" called Rainbow.

Charmander spat another glob of fire at Bounsweet, and it fell over with a few small burn marks. Rainbow grinned, while Applejack returned Bounsweet to it's Pokéball.

"Good job, Bounsweet," said Applejack, pulling out another Pokéball and tossing it into the air, "Lileep, finish the battle."

"Lil..." muttered the Pokémon as it came out.

Rainbow quickly yanked her Pokédex back out, and pointed it at the bizarre Pokémon.

Lileep, the Sea Lily Pokémon; it lived on the seafloor one hundred million years ago and was reanimated scientifically.

"A hundred million years ago?!?" whispered Rainbow in surprise, "Eh, Charmander can take it... Charmander, use Ember!"

Charmander spat out a third glob of fire, which hit Lileep, who didn't even move. However, Lileep didn't even flinch, and continued staring at Rainbow and Charmander with it's glowing yellow eyes.

"Lileep is a Rock-type and a Grass-type," said Applejack, "So Fire-type moves only do neutral damage. Lileep, use Smack Down."

Lileep's eyes glowed, and a large rock appeared above Charmander. It slammed down on to the Charmander, who went flying and landed in front of Rainbow, his eyes closed.

"Charmander is unable to battle!" declared Apple Bloom, just as Twilight entered the gym, "The winner is Applejack!"

Rainbow stared at Applejack, completely speechless. Applejack sighed, and returned Lileep to its Pokéball.

"Train some more and come back." she said.

"I... I lost?" asked Rainbow.

"Rainbow," said Twilight, catching her attention, "Charmander needs to be brought to the Pokémon Center."

"Oh, yeah!" Rainbow gently lifted up Charmander, and placed him on her back, "Don't worry, buddy! You'll be better soon!"

Rainbow sighed as she sat waiting for Charmander to finish being healed. How could she have lost so easily? Charmander had been sure to win, but that Lileep knocked it out in a single hit!

"We'll train more!" said Rainbow out loud, "And then... Charmander will still be weak to Lileep..."

Rainbow pulled out her Pokédex and started scrolling to Lileep. However, she paused at Dewpider, and clicked on it's entry. Dewpider was a Water/Bug-type. Grass was weak to Bug, and Rock didn't resist it! Rainbow smiled, though a bit embarrassed that she was about to use a Pokémon she had rejected earlier.

A bell sounded, and Rainbow looked up to see a Chansey wheeling out Charmander, who looked all healed. Rainbow jumped out of her seat, and ran over to Charmander happily.

"Thank you!" said Rainbow.

"Chansey!"

Charmander jumped on to Rainbow's back, and Chansey walked back to where it had been working. Twilight walked over to Rainbow from a bookshelf she had been looking through.

"Are you going to train Charmander?" asked Twilight.

"Nope!" said Rainbow, "I'm going to catch a Dewpider! To Fluttershy's!"

Rainbow sprinted out of the Pokémon Center, leaving a confused Twilight behind.

"I think I'll just go look around town until she comes back..." muttered Twilight.

"I'm so happy you want to catch Dewpider," said Fluttershy as she and Rainbow walked into the Everfree Forest, "She looked so sad when you didn't like her!"

"Well, Dewpider will help me beat Applejack!" said Rainbow, "And after I do that, I'll get CHarmander a new Pokéball!"

"Why don't you do that first?"

"Well, you get some money for winning, so I'll get Charmander a cool Pokéball!"

Fluttershy nodded, and the two continued walking furthering the forest.

"Dewpider!" called Rainbow, "Dewpider!"

"Dew?" asked Dewpider, popping up from a clump of bushes.

"Hey!" said Rainbow, leaning down, "I know I didn't start out on the best hoof with you, but do you want to help me beat the gym leader?"

"Dew! Deew!"

"I'll take that as a yes!"

Rainbow pulled out one of her Pokéballs and held it out to Dewpider, who poked it with one of her legs. She was enveloped in a red glow, and went into the Pokéball, which clicked shut instantly. Rainbow smiled, and held up the Pokéball triumphantly.

"Woo!" she cried, "I got a Dewpider!"

"Charmander!"

Fluttershy simply stared in confusion, "What exactly just happened?"

Author's Note

Current (Known) Pokémon:

Rainbow Dash -
Charmander
Dewpider

Twilight Sparkle -
Espurr

Pinkie Pie -
Oricorio (Cheerleader)

Fluttershy -
Buneary (Angel)

Applejack -
Bounsweet
Lileep

Return to the Gym

Rainbow smiled with excitement as she approached the Ponyville Gym, once again. Fluttershy had come with her to see Rainbow's battle.

"Uh, Rainbow?" asked Fluttershy as they walked through the orchard, "I got something for you..."

"Really?" asked Rainbow, pausing, "That's so nice of you, Fluttershy! What is it?"

Fluttershy cautiously reached into her saddlebag, and pulled out a Pokéball. However, it didn't look like any Pokéball Rainbow had ever seen or heard of. It was designed to look like an ember, but the button in the center was rainbow-colored.

"I made it for your Charmander," she explained, "After I noticed that he didn't have one."

"You made it?" asked Rainbow in surprise, "But I thought Pokéballs were made in factories!"

"They are, but I make them out of Apricorns. I have one for Angel that I made, too."

Fluttershy pulled out a Pokéball that was designed with Buneary's colors, and Rainbow noticed that there was a small signature etched on the bottom. Rainbow glanced at her Pokéball again, and saw that it also had Fluttershy's signature.

"That's so cool!" said Rainbow, "Thanks so much, Flutters!"

"It's no trouble for a friend." she replied, tucking Buneary's Pokéball away.

Rainbow and Fluttershy continued walking to the gym, and arrived to see that Twilight, Pinkie, and a unicorn with a white coat were waiting outside the gym.

"Hiya, guys!" said Pinkie, bouncing into the air, "I heard that some pony is challenging Applejack!"

"Re-challenging actually," said Rainbow, "I lost the first time."

"Most trainers don't win their first gym battles." said Twilight.

"You know what would be great, though?" asked the white unicorn, "If Applejack actually became interesting in battling, again!"

"Sorry, but who are you?" asked Rainbow.

"Rainbow, this is Rarity," said Twilight, "I met her while I was waiting for you to come back from the Everfree Forest."

"Pleasure to meet you!" said Rarity.

Rainbow nodded, and walked into the gym, the four others following her. Applejack standing in the exact same spot as last time, and still looked just as bored.

"You back?" asked Applejack.

"Of course!" said Rainbow, running up to the battlefield.

"Apple Bloom, ref again."

The little filly ran out excitedly, and stood ready.

"Alright!" she said, "Well, y'all know the rules, so-"

"A double battle!" called Rainbow suddenly.

"What do ya mean?" asked Applejack.

"I want to challenge you to a double battle!"

"Do you even have two Pokémon?"

"Yes!"

Applejack stared at Rainbow for a bit, "Sure, Ah don't see why not."

"Uh..." Apple Bloom looked at the two ponies in confusion, "So, uh, this will be a double battle! Each trainer will send out two Pokémon who will battle at the same time, I guess. Whoever has at least one Pokémon standing at the end will win!"

"What is Rainbow doing?" whispered Twilight and she and the others walked to the side of the gym to watch.

"Whatever she's doing, it's interesting Applejack!" said Pinkie, "I haven't seen her look this excited since she saw me and Cheerleader's last dance routine!"

Applejack did look mildly interested at the prospect of a double battle, but Twilight worried about Rainbow.

"She's never even seen a live double battle!" she whispered, "Rainbow will get crushed!"

"Battle commence!" declared Apple Bloom.

"Bounsweet, Lileep, come on out!" called Applejack.

"Charmander, Dewpider, show 'em your stuff!" called Rainbow.

All four Pokémon came on to the battlefield, and Rainbow hid how nervous she was. What was she doing? She had only ever seen a double battle on TV! But if Applejack was bored of battling like Rarity said, this would be sure to excite her again!

"Charmander, Ember on Bounsweet!" called Rainbow just as Applejack called, "Lileep, Smack Down on Charmander!"

The two moves went at the same time, and they both hit. However, Charmander remained standing against the attack, unlike last time. Rainbow quickly checked her Pokédex for Dewpider's move set.

"Dewpider, Infestation on Bounsweet!" she called.

"Bounsweet, Razor Leaf!" called Applejack, "Lileep, Smack Down, again!"

As the Pokémon attacked, Rainbow quickly called to Charmander.

"Charmander use Ember on-"

She cut off as Charmander was hit by Smack Down, and fainted. Dewpider hit Bounsweet with Infestation before it could use Razor Leaf, which knocked it out. Applejack continued to stare dully at the battle.

"Charmander, return!" called Rainbow, using the Pokéball Fluttershy gave her, "You did a great job, Buddy."

"Bounsweet, return," said Applejack, "Well, it looks like we're back to a regular battle, huh?"

Rainbow causally twisted her hat around backwards, "Dewpider, use Infestation!"

"Dew!" cried Dewpider.

"Lil...." Lileep sounded angry.

"Lileep, use Acid!"

A spray of purple came out from Lileep, and blasted towards Dewpider.

"Spider Web!" called Rainbow.

Dewpider spat a Spider Web at the purple spray, which blocked it from hitting Dewpider. The Spider Web fell on to the ground, having absorbed the attack. Applejack looked a bit surprised at Rainbow's strategy, which caused Rainbow to smirk.

"Dodging too much effort for ya?" asked Applejack.

"Maybe," said Rainbow, "Dewpider, use Infestation, again!"

Dewpider let out another Infestation, which increased how angry Lileep looked.

"Lileep, use Ingrain!"

Lileep laid down some roots on the ground, which glowed. Lileep looked less hurt after using Ingrain, and Rainbow realized that it was being healed from the move. She hesitated, and thought for a second. Dewpider's only super-effective move was Infestation, which did do a bit of damage every once in a while, but Ingrain was healing Lileep faster. Her eyes caught the now-purple Spider Web lying on the ground, and smiled.

"Dewpider, grab that Web!" she called.

Applejack's eyebrow arched in confusion as Dewpider ran over to the abandoned Spider Web. She grabbed the web by one corner, and listened for Rainbow's next command.

"Lileep, use Smack Down!" called Applejack.

"Dewpider, throw the Web at Lileep!" called Rainbow.

Dewpider threw the Spider Web at Lileep as a rock appeared above her and smashed into her. Lileep cried out as the Web wrapped around it, and Rainbow smiled again.

"Alright, Dewpider!" she called as Dewpider got back up, "Infestation one more time!"

"Lileep-" started Applejack as Dewpider's attack hit, and Lileep took damage from the other uses of Infestation and the poisoned Web wrapped around it.

Lileep fell over sideways, and it's ominous glowing eyes closed.

"Lileep is unable to battle!" called Apple Bloom, "The winner is Dewpider!"

"Yes!" shouted Rainbow as her friends watching cried, "Hooray!"

"Lileep, return," Applejack walked towards Rainbow, her eyes no longer looking quite as dulled, "That was an interesting strategy. Ah don't think Ah've even seen my own move used against me so well."

"Thought it would be more fun then just using Infestation," said Rainbow, as Dewpider walked over to her and stood next to her, "Plus, it worked great for me."

"Sure did," Applejack held out a small green badge in the shape of a leaf, "For winnin', please accept the Leaf Badge."

Rainbow reached out eagerly and took the badge from Applejack. She smiled, gently pinning the badge on to her shirt, being easily seen against the red fabric.

"Yes!" cheered Rainbow, again, "Just seven more until I can challenge the League!"

"Whoa, you wanna challenge the League?" asked Applejack, "That's a mighty difficult task."

"Well, I'll become the champion anyways!"

Applejack smiled, before sighing, and walking back towards the other side of the gym. Everypony became quiet and stared at her.

"Y'all can go now." she said dully.

"You don't like being a gym leader, do you?" asked Twilight.

"Not one bit."

Rainbow walked up to Applejack, "Then why don't you let somepony else be the gym leader?"

"Ah ain't gonna force anypony else ta be a gym leader 'less they want ta be it."

"Ah want to be the gym leader!" called Apple Bloom from the side.

"Yer still too young!"

"Still want to be the gym leader!"

"How old do you have to be?" asked Rainbow.

"Well, technically as long as you can talk coherently you can be the gym leader," said Applejack, turning around towards Rainbow, "But Apple Bloom needs ta finish school, first."

"What about your brother?" asked Pinkie, suddenly popping up in front of Rainbow.

"How did you do that?" asked Rainbow in surprised.

"Hee-hee! That's a Pinkie Secret!"

"Ah'm not gonna force mah brother ta be the gym leader!" said Applejack.

"Ah have an idea!" cried Apple Bloom, running over, "What if Big Mac is the gym leader while Ah'm at school, and Ah'm the gym leader after school!"

Applejack fell silent before speaking, "Would ya make sure ta do yer homework?"

"Of course!"

"Well... Only if Big Mac is okay with it..."

"He came up with the idea!"

"Wait, what?"

"Yippee! You agree! Wait 'til Ah tell the other Crusaders! Now go have a journey!"

Apple Bloom sprinted out of the gym, leaving several confused ponies.

"What just happened?" asked Twilight.

"Journeys don't need to make sense, Twilight!" said Rainbow, "Now I'm going to the Pokémon Center to get my Pokémon healed!"

Rainbow sprinted out of the gym, leaving everypony behind.

"Is this going to be a thing that she does?" asked Twilight rhetorically.

"Jokes are best as triplets!" said Pinkie, bouncing into the air.

"... What?"

Author's Note

Current (Known) Pokémon:

Rainbow Dash -
Charmander
Dewpider

Twilight Sparkle -
Espurr

Pinkie Pie -
Oricorio (Cheerleader)

Fluttershy -
Buneary (Angel)

Applejack -
Bounsweet
Lileep

Friends of Old and New

"Thanks, Nurse Redheart!" said Rainbow, taking back her now-healed Pokémon.

"Have a nice day!" said Nurse Redheart.

Rainbow exited the Pokémon Center, just as Pinkie bounced up in front of her.

"Wow, Dashie!" she said, "You sure are fast! I mean one minute you were at the gym, and then VROOM! You were running off to the Pokémon Center!"

"Sorry!" said Rainbow as the others walked up, "I just wanted to get Charmander and Dewpider healed as soon as possible."

"Well, well, well, if it isn't Rainbow Crash!" said an all-too-familiar voice from behind Rainbow, "I thought you fell off a cloud."

Rainbow sighed, "Not good to see you, too, Lightning," she said, turning around towards the turquoise pegasus with a glare, "What do you want?"

Lightning was smirking, and it was greatly aggravating Rainbow, "Well, you might recall that we had challenged each other to a battle back in Cloudstale."

"You want a battle?"

"Well, looks like you aren't as stupid as I remember!"

"Neither are you."

Lightning's smirk wavered slightly, "Well, why don't you say we finish that battle? Or are you too scared to take an a pony with a gym badge more than you?" she pulled out a small case and opened it up to reveal the Ponyville gym badge.

"I think you meant to say a pony with the same exact gym badge as you." said Rainbow, pointing at the badge pinned on her shirt.

Lightning's eyes widened in surprise, but she still maintained the smirk, "Well, looks like you're barely managing to keep up with me."

"Stop saying 'well' so much!" Rainbow stomped her hoof in frustration.

Lightning pulled out a Pokéball and held it ready in her hoof, "Well."

Rainbow instantly grabbed Dewpider's Pokéball and tossed it into the air. Lightning tossed her Pokéball into the air, too, and their Pokémon came out. Twilight and the others backed away from Rainbow to give her space to battle.

"Dew!" cried Dewpider as it came out.

"Tas!" cried Lightning Dust's brown and tan Pokémon as it came out.

Both trainers instantly pulled out their Pokédexes, and pointed them at each other's Pokémon. Rainbow read over the entry as quickly as possible, because she knew that Lightning wasn't going to wait for her to finish.

Hippopotas, the Hippo Pokémon; it lives in arid places. Instead of perspiration, it expels grainy sand from its body.

Huh, thought Rainbow, tucking her Pokédex back in her pocket, I wonder where Lightning got that...

Lightning quickly put her Pokédex away, her smirk completely gone and replaced with determination, "Hippopotas, use Bite!"

"Dewpider, use Bubble!" called Rainbow.

Both Pokémon moved at the same time, and Dewpider hit Hippopotas with Bubble before getting hit by Bite. Dewpider broke away from Hippopotas, and stood back up angrily.

"Dew!" she cried.

"Now use Infestation!" called Rainbow.

"Use Sand Attack!" yelled Lightning as Hippopotas was hit with Infestation.

Hippopotas kicked up a torrent of sand at Dewpider, and it hit her eyes. Dewpider squinted her eyes to see through the sand, and Rainbow gritted her teeth.

"Bubble!" she called out.

"Dew!" said Dewpider, launching the bubbles at Hippopotas.

"Tas!" cried Hippopotas as it was hit.

"Use Bite, again!" yelled Lightning.

Hippopotas ran up to Dewpider, who tried to dodge the attack, but didn't manage to.

"Bubble!" yelled Rainbow.

Dewpider launched more bubbles at Hippopotas, but missed because she was also trying to break free. Hippopotas flinched from the prior use of Infestation, which allowed Dewpider to break away and launch off another stream of bubbles.

"Hiiii!" cried Hippopotas, before fainting.

Rainbow smirked at Lightning Dust, who quickly pulled out another Pokéball.

"Looks like you aren't as lame as I remember." said Lightning, before tossing her Pokéball into the air. "But it me see you deal with this!"

"Wartortle!" cried the Pokémon as it came out.

Behind Rainbow, Twilight pulled out her Pokédex and pointed it at the Pokémon. Lightning didn't give Rainbow a moment to pull her's out, and just continued the battle.

"Wartortle, use Bite!" yelled Lightning.

"Spider Web!" called Rainbow quickly.

Wartortle ran up towards Dewpider, who quickly launched a Spider Web at it. Wartortle managed to dodge it, and attacked Dewpider. Wartortle grabbed Dewpider, and then threw her roughly on the ground, to which she let out a cry.

"Dew!"

"Bubble!" called Rainbow.

Lightning smirked, before calling out, "Bubblebeam, like we practiced!"

Wartortle quickly turned towards Rainbow and let out a torrent of bubbles, Rainbow took a step back in surprise, and behind her, Twilight tossed out Espurr.

"Espurr, use Psychic!" called Twilight.

"Purr..." said Espurr softly, before quickly deflecting the bubbles away from Rainbow.

"That's interference!" called Lightning. "Which means I win!"

"And that's called cheating!" called Twilight. "Which means you lose!"

Lightning simply return Wartortle to its Pokéball. "Guess you don't like my battle style. Oh well. Guess you lose." She turned and sprinted away. "Later, Crash!"

Rainbow scowled, and pulled out Dewpider's Pokéball.

"Nice job, Dewpider." she said, returning her Pokémon. "Against that stupid cheater..."

"Rainbow, are you okay?" asked Twilight, walking up to her.

"I'm fine." Rainbow glared at Lightning's retreating figure.

"You know, you did end up winning."

"Oh, I know." Rainbow started walking back towards the Pokémon Center. "But that jerk finds a way to make me feel like I lose, anyways."

Author's Note

Current (Known) Pokémon:

Rainbow Dash -
Charmander
Dewpider

Twilight Sparkle -
Espurr

Pinkie Pie -
Oricorio (Cheerleader)

Fluttershy -
Buneary (Angel)

Applejack -
Bounsweet
Lileep