Author's Note

Bad news for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The Changelings are still around.

24. More Trouble from the Changelings

In Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack looks at Big Mac's map of Johto. He soon puts a sticker marked with a '6' on Olivine City.

"So, Apple Bloom won another gym badge." Applejack said.

"Eeyup." Big Mac replied. "She's now two badges away from facing the Johto League."

"But, how did she win that badge? Them steel types of Jasmine are tough."

"From what I heard, Apple Bloom had her Quilava finish off that there Steelix. Fire is powerful against steel, you know."

Applejack realized that her brother is right. "That's a good point."

Granny Smith listens with concern. "I guess Applejack is still a little doubtful about Apple Bloom."

Meanwhile, in Johto, the Cutie Mark Crusaders study their map of Johto, figuring their next stop.

"Our next stop in this Journey is Mahogany Town." Apple Bloom said. "That's where my seventh gym battle is."

"I heard the gym leader specializes in Ice types." Scootaloo said.

"You heard right, Scoots. I'll be sure Typhlosion is ready. Fire is effective against ice."

Sweetie Belle looks out at Route 42. "Looks like we'll have to sail across this body of water. Croconaw and Wooper can help us with that."

"Good idea, Sweetie Belle." Scootaloo said.

"Not so fast, children!" Said the voice of a demanding woman.

From the woods steps a familiar figure the girls don't like."

"Chrysalis!" Apple Bloom gasped. "You're still around?"

"Yes." Chrysalis said cruelly. "Time to stop your little journey."

Chrysalis soon whistled, and hooded figured jumped from the woods and tied up the girls so they wouldn't reach for their Poké Balls. Once the girls were restrained, Chrysalis gives another order. "Take them inside the cave!"

The Changelings soon carried the bound girls and their stuff inside a cave on the base of Mt. Mortar. Soon, the girls struggled to free themselves. But, a bunch of insect Pokémon looked at the girls with angry eyes, They don't want the girls to be free.

"These bugs are starting to scare me." Scootaloo said nervously.

"I wish I had my Scyther with us." Apple Bloom quivered.

Soon, Chrysalis steps in. "Comfortable, girls?"

"Being tied up is never comfy for us." Sweetie Belle said in protest. "What's the big idea ambushing us like that?"

"You Cutie Mark Crusaders are an annoying bunch. But, you're powerful trainers. Especially you, Apple Bloom."

"Heard about my Gym battles I gather." Apple Bloom replied.

"Indeed. But, this is where your journey ends."

The girls got nervous as the bug Pokémon started to buzz angrily.

"My changelings will be taking your Pokémon." Chrysalis said viciously. "First, our little buggies want a piece of you. ATTACK!"

Just as the bugs were getting ready to attack, a male voice is heard. "Growlithe, use Flamethrower! "

A burst of fire blazed through the bug brigade. The girls soon see a familiar person.

"Thorax!" The girls said in unison.

"Up to your old tricks, Chrysalis?" Thorax asked.

"Well, if it isn't the old ruler of the Changelings." Chrysalis mocked.

"I'm still determined to free them from your influence!"

The Cutie Mark Crusaders watch as they remain bound and helpless. At that moment, one of the hooded figured sneaked behind them and fuddled with their ropes.

"Hold still." The figure said in a low growling voice. "I'll have you guys untied in a jiffy."

The argument between Thorax and Chrysalis continues.

"You have influenced my Changelings for too long." Thorax stated. "I'm going to stop your evil."

"Oh yeah?" Chrysalis replied. "You and what army?"

"How about us?" Said a familiar southern girl.

Chrysalis turned to see Apple Bloom and her friends are freed from their restraints. She was shocked. "How did you girls get loose?"

The hooded figure stepped out. He lifted his hood and revealed to be a dark gray skinned young man with white hair.

"Pharynx!" Thorax gasped.

"Hi, big brother." Pharynx replied. "Hope you don't mind me joining you."

"Not at all."

As the brothers hugged each other, Chrysalis got disgusting. "Nobody defies me! Go get them!"

The bug Pokémon charged at the brothers. Thorax sent for a small orange dog. "Go! Use Heat Wave!"

As the dog sent out heat at the bugs, Pharynx joined the action. "Let's go, Fearow. Use Wing Attack!"

A majestic bird with large wings struck hepard at the attacking bugs. Seeing this, Chrysalis got nervous. "Call back your Pokémon and let's get out of here!"

After calling back their insects, the Changelings left the area. Apple Bloom used her Pokédex to study the Pokémon that battled the bug brigade. First is the orange dog. Growlithe, the Puppy Pokémon. This Pokémon is known for its loyalty to the trainer. Next, is the majestic bird. Fearow, the Beak Pokémon. With it's wingspan, it can stay in the air for quite a while.

"Hoo wee." Apple Bloom cheered. "This Fearow is one fierce critter."

"Thank you." Pharynx replied. "I raised it from a Spearow."

Thorax and Pharynx lead the girls through the cavern.

"Wow." Scootaloo gasped. "Mt. Mortar looks massive.

"It sure is." Thorax said. "Once your Pokémon learn a few more moves, you can explore more of this cave."

"And, you might see a Lapras, the Transport Pokémon." Pharynx added.

"A Lapras?" Apple Bloom gasped. "That's one of the most beautiful Pokémon known to anyone."

Minutes later, the group found themselves outside the cavern. Sweetie Belle sees something ahead. "Hey! There's Mahogany Town!"

"All right!" Scootaloo cheered. "Just where we wanted to go."

Apple Bloom shook Thorax's hand in friendship." Thanks for your help, Thorax."

"You're welcome, CMCs." Thorax replied. "I promise, I will free the Changelings from the influence of Chrysalis. Right, brother?"

"Right you are." Pharynx answered as he brings out Fearow. "Let's hit the skies."

Boarding Fearow, the brothers fly off to their mission. Apple Bloom got the girls attention. "Come on, guys. Gym battle number seven awaits."

The three girls head out for Mahogany Town. From a distance, however, the fiendish Chrysalis watches.

"You haven't seen the last of me, Cutie Mark Crusaders." Chrysalis hissed to herself. "We'll meet again."

Chrysalis leaves the area, preparing for another chance to pounce on the noble trio.

End of Chapter 24

APPLE BLOOM
Typhlosion
Pidgeotto
Sentret
Ampharos
Drowzee
Poliwag

At Prof. Elm's Lab
Sudowoodo
Miltank
Scyther

SWEETIE BELLE
Croconaw
Beedrill
Sunkern
Snubbull
Togepi

SCOOTALOO
Bayleef
Weepinbell
Wooper
Machop