Author's Note

Here's a little filler before Apple Bloom's gym battle.

14. A Day in the Park

At Sweet Apple Acres, Big Mac looks at the map of Johto. He then places a sticker with a number 3 on it at the location of Goldenrod City.

"I take it Apple Bloom won another Gym Battle?" Granny Smith wondered.

"Eeyup." Big Mac answered. "She won her third badge at Goldenrod City. Now, she and her posse are on their way to their next goal: Ecruteak City."

"They better be careful. I hear the gym leader there specializes in Ghost types."

Hearing the conversation, Applejack was surprised to hear this news. But, is a little confused.

"I don't get it." Applejack said with confusion. "Why is there no complaints about those three. I'm sure they would revive Anon-a-Miss." She then had a thought. "Maybe I was wrong. Maybe those girls are trying to prove that Anon-a-Miss is dead and buried."

Then, she remembered the day when school ended.

Flashback

Applejack found herself facing a man wearing a blue trenchcoat and has curly black hair and a mustache. He spoke with a British accent. "Never trust your sister and her friends! They are determined to revive Anon-a-Miss. PUNISH THEM!!"

End of Flashback

"I better keep my guard up anyway." Applejack said with mistrust. "Who knows what that trio will be cooking up."

Meanwhile, in Johto, Apple Bloom and her friends, Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle went down Route 35, and found themselves in the National Park.

"I heard there's a big catxhing contest happening in this park." Apple Bloom said. "I can use a big type."

"But, this'll bring your total to the limit." Scootaloo informed. "What happens if you catch more?"

"Any extra Pokémon I catch will be sent to Professor Elm. Don't worry, Scootaloo. I got this."

Apple Bloom soon signs up for the Contest. A male announcer wearing an explorer outfit speaks. "Okay, folks. Good luck in this contests. Whoever catches the best bug, will receive this wonderful Sun Stone."

Apple Bloom looks at this sun shaped stone and is amazed. Soon, a girl with flowing blond hair and wearing a hunter outfit walks up. "That Sun Stone can evolve some Pokémon. It would be nice to have that."

"I'll bet it would." Apple Bloom replied.

The contestants heard a whistle, then they rushed into the forest. As Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo watched the action on a big screen, they were surprised to see a familiar face.

"Rarity?" Sweetie gasped.

It was indeed Rarity, Sweetie Belle's sister. She approached the twosome gently. "Hello, dearies. Good to see you here."

"Did Applejack send you to drag us back home?" Scootaloo asked nervously.

"No. I came by to see how you and Apple Bloom are doing."

Rarity watched the action of the bug catching contest. "Oh my. All of those bugs look so lifelike on this screen."

"If you don't like bugs," Sweetie wondered, "why watch this with us?"

"I figured it's a good way to get over my fears once and for all."

Meanwhile, in the woods, Apple Bloom looked around for a big to catch. Soon, she saw what looks like a giant humanoid mantis with scythe type blades for arms.

"It's a Scyther." Apple Bloom said as she pulls out her Pokédex. "The Mantis Pokémon."

Scyther, the Mantis Pokémon. The Pokédex said. With their amazing speed, they can strike fast and hard.

Apple Bloom soon takes out a Poké Ball. "According to the rules, I can bring one Pokémon to help me. And, this is the best choice for me. Let's go, Pidgeotto!"

Pidgeotto comes out, ready for this battle. Apple Bloom struck first. "Use Wing Attack!"

Pidgeotto's wings glowed as it strickes Scyther. But, this bug tries to fight back with it's arms, using Slash. But, Pidgeotto dodged the attack and used Quick Attack. Using a special Bug Ball, Apple Bloom threw it at Scyther. After a few shakes, the Ball clicked.

"I did it!" Apple Bloom cheered. "I caught a Scyther!"

She then heard some clapping. It was that blond haired girl she mst earlier. "Very impressive catch, Apple Bloom."

"Thanks." Apple Bloom replied. "It was just by luck I caught that bug."

"Now, it's my turn. There's my target."

Apple Bloom sees a big bee. Like the one the Changelings used. Apple Bloom can finally study this Pokémon. Beedrill, the Poison Bee Pokémon and the evolved form of Kakuna. Between the sringers on it's forearmscand stinger on it's body, this Pokémon is dangerous.

The girls soon sent a Zubat to battle. As the Beedrill begins to charge at it, Zubat dodged and used Supersonic. As the Beedrill got confused, the girl threw a Bug Ball. The ball connected, and after a few shakes, it clicked.

"I caught the Beedrill!" The girl cheered.

"That's a fine catch." Apple Bloom praised.

"Thank you. By the way, my name is Melissa. Good to meet you."

AB and Melissa shook hands in friendship. Later, the contestants were gathered for the announcement they've been waiting for.

"The winner of the Bug Catching Contest is Apple Bloom for this amazing Scyther." The announcer said. "Her prize is a beautiful Sun Stone. And, she keeps the Scyther."

Her friends were there to congratulate her. But, Apple Bloom was surprised to see Rarity. "What are y'all doing here?"

"I saw Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo here." Rarity explained. "And, figured you are nearby. Good work on catching that Scyther."

Apple Bloom blushed as Sweetie Belle. "By the way, look what I caught while you were in those woods."

Out pops a yellow seed like creature. Apple Bloom used her Pokémon to study it. Sunkern, the Seed Pokémon. It doesn't move that much so's not to waste much energy.

"Aw." Apple Bloom said. "It's so cute."

"Well, dears, it's time for me to go." Rarity said. "I'm meeting Hoity Toity at a restaurant to discuss legendary Pokémon in Johto. Farewell, darlings."

Rarity left the trio, very relieved. "Insect types like Beedrill and Scyther are scary looking. May not be so bad when you get to know them."

Scootaloo made an announcement. "Next stop for us: Ecruteak City!"

"And, my fourth gym battle." Apple Bloom added.

End of Chapter 14

APPLE BLOOM
Quilava
Pidgeotto
Sentret
Flaaffy
Drowzee
Scyther

SWEETIE BELLE
Croconaw
Kakuna
Sunkern
Egg(?)

SCOOTALOO
Chikorita
Bellsprout
Wooper