Author's Note

Time for another Pokémon story. This time, it's Apple Bloom's time to shine.

1. Next Stop: The Johto Region

The school year ended and the trio of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo gathered at Sweetie Belle's house to discuss their plans for the summer.

"Well, guys." Apple Bloom said. "Summer is here. You guys have any plans?"

"Aunt Lofty is planning to take me to her beach house." Scootaloo answered. "I recently got a wetsuit so I can try my hand at surfing."

"Gotta keep up with Rainbow Dash I guess."

"Rarity is thinking of sending me to Camp Everfree." Sweetie Belle informed. "It's a shame that we won't be together that much this summer."

"Don't worry, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo comforted. "You'll probably have opportunities to write letters to us."

"That's true." She then turned to the farmer girl. "And, what about you, Apple Bloom?"

"I recently got a new projector for my Blu-Ray player." Apple Bloom replied. "I might offer to help make a movie night for people, depending on the event."

Just then, Applejack bursted in with an angry look on her face. "Oh no you don't! You hoodlums aren't doin' nothin'!"

Rarity soon stepped in. "Sorry, dearies. Applejack barged in unexpectedly. This wasn't my idea."

"I know what you three are REALLY up to!" Applejack said angrily. "You're planning to do your Anon-A-Miss bit again!" She soon turned red with rage. "You're just up to no good!"

"Calm yourself, sis." Apple Bloom calmly said. "That was a couple of years ago. We learned better."

Applejack was seething with anger so much, she didn't listen to her sister. She soon pointed to all three girls. "There will be NO movie business, NO Camp Everfree trip, and NO summer at a beach house. All of our families will agree that you three should be GROUNDED!"

The girls got scared as Applejack marched over and grabbed Apple Bloom by the hair. "We're going back to Sweet Apple Acres. Big Mac and Granny will be glad that you'll have no plans!"

Applejack grabbed her sister by the arm and dragged her out of the room. This got Rarity scared. What has gotten into her farmer friend? Later, at Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom sat in her room crying her eyes out. Just then, Big Mac walked into her room.

"Did Applejack send you to continue her rage?" Apple Bloom asked with tears in her eyes.

"Nope." Big Mac replied. "She went to a farmer auction with Granny."

"So, what are ya doing here?"

"I'm sorry for what Applejack did to you. I have a feeling somebody has a beef with you. Whoever it is, he or she influenced Applejack to do the deed."

"What am I gonna do?"

Big Mac gave her a good idea. "Well, maybe you can be a Pokémon trainer."

This shocked the farm girl a lot. "A Pokémon trainer? Hey. I remember when Diamond Tiara went on a Pokémon journey to prove that she's not snobbish anymore."

"Eeyup. And, you can take your partners with ya. This way, the three of you can prove that you're no longer as despicable as my big sis thinks you are."

"I'll do it. But, I request that we head for Johto. Might as well make a fresh start."

"Good idea. I'll call Rarity to see what she thinks about it."

Later, at Rarity's house. She's on the phone as Sweetie Belle sat on the couch. Sweetie was upset, thinking Rarity would listen to Applejack. Rarity soon came into the living room.

"Sweetie, dear," Rarity said, "in the mood to travel to Johto?"

"Johto?" Sweetie sobbed. "Am I being punished?"

"No. Big Mac called and told me of his idea. He thinks Apple Bloom will have an experience as a Pokémon trainer."

"So, what's this have to do with me?"

"He figured that you and Scootaloo would like to join her to lend support. Besides, you three are a great team."

Sweetie Belle was surprised that somebody would present this opportunity to the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"I'll be there for Apple Bloom." Sweetie said proudly. "I hope Scootaloo will too."

"Not to worry, dear." Rarity said. "Big Mac is calling Holiday and Lofty right now."

This made Sweetie feel good. Later, at Sugarcube corner, the Rainbooms gathered to talk about Apple Bloom's new adventure.

"Yeah, Granny Smith told me about what Big Mac did for Apple Bloom." Applejack said, feeling uneasy. "It's a bad idea."

"I think it's wonderful for the Cutie Mark Crusaders to explore the world of Pokémon." Fluttershy said proudly.

"Flutters, those three are going there to stir up trouble!"

"Look, AJ." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "Those girls were forgiven for that whole Anon-A-Miss thing. You need to forget that part of the past."

"Dash is right." Sunset Shimmer added. "I already forgave them, since I was the initial target."

"Besides, those three learned better." Rarity said. "No need to be so paranoid."

Applejack listened to them. But, she still thinks that the CMCs will still atir up bad rumors. "Sorry, girls. I will not believe them. Luckily, I have friends in Johto who will tell me if those girls are pulling something."

Applejack left in a huff. The other girls got worried.

"If AJ doesn't put that part of the past in the past," Pinkie said, "it could mean trouble for somebody."

Twilight Sparkle nodded. "Couldn't have put it better myself."

The next day, Apple Bloom and her friends arrived at the airport. Their families and friends wished them good luck as the CMCs boarded the plane. Meanwhile, Applejack has a private talk with Rumble.

"While my contacts keep in touch about what Apple Bloom is up to," Applejack informed, "you head over to the Kanto Region for your own Pokémon journey. Here a chance to knock that prissy upstart, Diamond Tiara, off her throne."

"Say no more, pardner." Rumble replied. "I'll show Diamond Tiara what a REAL Pokémon trainer is all about. Once she's defeated, she'll probably not want to have anything to do with Pokémon again."

As Rumble boards his plane, Applejack watches with interest. This'll teach both girls that neither of them can be trusted. EVER!!!

End of Chapter 1