Author's Note

On the boat to Cianwood City, The Cutie Mark Crusaders have bad flashbacks.

20. Boat Ride to Think Back

It was a pleasant day as a ferry travels on the water. The ferry is bound for Cianwood City. It's where young Janina would get the medicine for the sock Ampharos. And, it's where Apple Bloom would have her fifth gym battle. The Cutie Mark Crusaders look out into the ocean. They see a bunch of small islands.

"I heard about this area." Sweetie Belle said. "It's called the Whirl Islands."

"Whirl Islands?" Scootaloo gasped. "Isn't that where a legendary Pokemon resides?"

"You heard right. That Pokémon is Lugia, the Diving Pokémon. To ensure the safety of everyone, it resides in the bottom of the sea."

"Wouldn't be a hoot to see that Pokémon?" Apple Bloom wondered.

Soon, Janina came to join the girls. "Such a sight. Isn't it?"

"It sure is." Apple Bloom answered.

Soon, the girls went to some lounge chairs to rest up. They brought out their Pokémon so that they can rest up. Janina looked at their Pokémon with admiration.

"You three are sure kind to your Pokémon." Janina said happily.

"That we are." Sweetie Belle answered as she cuddles her Beedrill. "If only my sister can see me with Beedrill."

"You're sister is young fashionista Rarity. Right?"

"Sounds like you've been doing research."

"Which leads me to a burning question. Are you three still reminded of that vicious Anon-a-Miss conspiracy?"

The three girls soon felt sorrow.

"Not often." Apple Bloom answered. "But, a reminder of that time is why we came to Johto. To put it behind us."

This got Janina worried. "If that day is behind you, why was it brought up?"

"That we still haven't figured out."

Flashback

. My two partners and I just left school for the summer. Each of us had plans. But, all of a sudden, my sister showed up and exploded that she won't trust us. So, all of our plans got scrapped. At that moment, my brother, Big Mac, advised me that perhaps I should be a Pokémon trainer. He soon put out some calls to let Sweetie and Scootaloo join me.

End of flashback

"What plans did you have, Apple Bloom?" Janina asked.

"I have some cool electronic stuff." Apple Bloom answered. "I have a Blu-Ray playe, a projector, and speakers. I would offer services for movie nights?"

"Sounds like a good idea."

"It would be." Apple Bloom soon got sad. "If Applejack didn't explode."

Janina soon turned to Sweetie Belle. "What were your plans?"

"I was planning to do some shopping with my sister." Sweetie Belle answered. "But, that wasn't happening. While I was crying, Rarity received a phone call."

Flashback

Rarity was on the phone, receiving some information. "Thanks for telling me, Big Mac."

After hanging up, Rarity went to Sweetie Belle, who was in her room crying badly.

"So, what's my punishment, Rarity?" Sweetie sobbed.

"No punishment, Sweetie Belle." Rarity calmly replied. "Big Mac told me that he's planning to send Apple Bloom to the Johto Region to become a Pokémon trainer."

"That doesn't sound bad."

"And, he suggests that you and Scootaloo join her. I don't believe in breaking up that team dynamic."

This made Sweetie Belle smile. "Thank you, big sister. I think this will be a grand experience. I hope."

End of Flashback

"So far, Rarity is right." Sweetie Belle said happily. "I've seen a lot of Pokémon, and met some good people."

"When Applejack struck at us," Scootaloo added, "I think I was hit the hardest."

"What do you mean, Scootaloo?" Janina asked

"I was planning to go with my aunt's to their beach house so I can learn how to surf. But, Applejack wouldn't let me have a chance."

Flashback

With her aunts heading for their beach house, Scootaloo was staying at Rainbow Dash's house. That was Applejack's request. In her room, Scootaloo was so upset, she was ready to tear her hair out. When Dash walked in and saw this, she started to panic. "Scootaloo. No! Please!"

Grabbing pieces of rope, Dash quickly tied Scootaloo's hands behind her back, and tied her ankles together.

"Dash! What's this for?" Scootaloo said nervously. "What have I done wrong?"

"Calm yourself, Scoots." Rainbow replied. "This is do you can't hurt yourself. Anyway, I got good news for you."

"Yeah, right. No news I'll get will be good."

"Just hear me out. Big Mac is sending Apple Bloom to Johto so she can be a Pokémon trainer. And, he would like you and Sweetie Belle to join her."

"Really? We get to travel to Johto?"

"Why not. Beats sticking around here crying and feeling upset."

End of Flashback

"I wasn't sure why Rainbow Dash wanted me to bring my wetsuit for." Scootaloo said. "I can't surf around here in Johto."

"Don't doubt yourself, Scootaloo." Janina assured. "Cianwood City is near a beach. There might be good waves for surfing."

This got Scootaloo's eyes opened wide. "I'll bet Rainbow Dash did research on Johto. With help from Twilight Sparkle, of course."

Soon, Sweetie Belle sees some land ahead. "Hey, guys. I think I see Cianwood City ahead."

Every looked and saw they were heading for their destination.

"All right!" Apple Bloom cheered. "Now, I can get ready for my next gym battle."

"And, I'll get the medicine for Sparkle." Janina said happily.

The ferry sails slowly but surely to Cianwood City. Soon, the girls can prepare for what's to come. Meanwhile, in Kanto, Rumble finds himself facing a Vileplume during his gym battle in Celadon City.

"Let's do this, Fearow!" Rumble called out. "Use Drill Peck!"

Fearow spins fast and struck Vileplume hard. As a result, the Flower Pokémon fainted.

"Vileplume is unable to battle." A young lady announced. "Fearow wins. The winner of this gym battle is Rumble!"

"Great work, Fearow." Rumble said happily. "We did it!"

Fearow squawked happily as Gym Leader Erika recalled Vileplume.

"Well done, my friend." Erika said proudly. "You understand Pokémon nicely. Some of my friends here like Fearow's wing span. You deserve the Rainbow Badge."

"Thank you, miss Erika." Rumble said politely.

After putting his badge in his case, Rumble went to the Pokémon Center to rest up. "Four down, four to go. Next stop: Fuschia City!"

End of Chapter 20

APPLE BLOOM
Quilava
Sentret
Flaaffy
Drowzee
Scyther
Sudowoodo

At Prof. Elm's Lab
Pidgeotto
Miltank

SWEETIE BELLE
Croconaw
Beedrill
Sunkern
Snubbull
Egg(?)

SCOOTALOO
Bayleef
Weepinbell
Wooper