Author's Note

The trio of girls return to New Bark Town, where their journey started.

34. Back to Where it all Began

The Cutie Mark Crusaders continue their travels as Scootaloo has been challenged by a biker with an electrified yellow insect with black stripes. As Scootaloo and Weepinbell battle, Apple Bloom uses her Pokédex to look at this insect.

Electabuzz, the Electric Pokémon. The Pokédex said. Often has a hard time retaining it's electric power. That's why it often leaks.

After Weepinbell trips Electabuzz with it's Vine Whip, the biker fought back. "That Weepinbell ain't that bad. But, it's time to shut it down. Electabuzz, use Thunder Punch!"

As Electabuzz charges with it's electrified fist, Scootaloo strikes fast. "Weepinbell, use Razor Leaf!'

Weepinbell unleashed it's leaves at it's opponent. After a rough battle, Electabuzz fainted.

"That's one tough flower, honey." The biker said as he recalled his Pokémon. "I think it's ready for this."

He tosses Scootaloo a brown rock with a leaf image. Sweetie Belle recognizes it. "That's a Leaf Stone. It can evolve some Pokémon. Like it can evolve a Gloom into a Vileplume."

Scootaloo sees Weepinbell hopping happily. She thinks it's ready. "Okay, Weepinbell. If you say you're ready to evolve. Then, here you go."

After being touched by the Leaf Stone, Weepinbell glowed then grew. Soon, a giant flower bulb with a mouth on top and a leaf connected to a vine is standing.

"Oh yeah!" Scootaloo cheered as Apple Bloom got out her Pokédex. "My Weepinbell became a Victreebel!"

Victreebel, the Flycatcher Pokémon and the evolved form of Weepinbell. The Pokédex informed. Using it's long vine, it can lure prey before snatching them.

Victreebel wrapped it's Vine around Scootaloo to give her a hug. Apple Bloom soon see something ahead. "Hey, guys. There's New Bark Town!"

The girls see New Bark Town and are ready to go. Scootaloo recalled Victreebel and joined in the rush. When the girls arrived, they were greeted by Professor Elm.

"Hello, girls." Elm greeted. "Welcome back."

"Howdy, Professor Elm." Apple Bloom replied.

The girls entered the lab, and showed the Professor the eight badges Apple Bloom won along her travels.

"Well done, Apple Bloom." Professor Elm praised. "Were the Gym Leaders tough?"

"They were a grand challenge." Apple Bloom answered. "Especially Clair. Her dragons are powerful."

"Did you girls had to go to Dragon's Den to retrieve a Dragon Fang?"

"We sure did." Scootaloo answered. "After that quest, Apple Bloom got her eighth badge. And, I was given the Dragon Fang."

"That's because a Dratini followed you from that cave, Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle added.

"Yeah. That's true."

"Since you're here," Elm said, "why don't you and your Pokémon look around. Besides there is one month before the doors to the Johto Elite Four opens for trainers."

"Great way to train our Pokémon." Apple Bloom figured."

The girls walk along the grounds of the lab. Looking at all of the Pokémon roaming about. Suddenly, Apple Bloom got jumped by a Piloswine.

"Apple Bloom!" Sweetie Belle gasped.

The farm girl looked at the Piloswine with concern. But, when this Pokémon started to nuzzle her, Apple Bloom realized something. "Swinub, is that you?"

Piloswine nodded happily. Apple Bloom was happy. "Wow! You must've evolved while staying here. Congratulations, Piloswine."

"That can help you against the Elite Four." Sweetie Belle figured.

"I think you're right."

Soon, the girls let all of their Pokémon out to enjoy the atmosphere, and each other. Typhlosion, Feraligatr, and Meganium got to know each other. Togepi and Phanpy play happily together. And Poliwhirl swam with Quagsire.

"I think our Pokémon are getting along with each other." Apple Bloom said. "Even Scyther feels relaxed."

The girls see Scyther and Machoke sparring with each other. Soon, the two Pokémon show respect and friendship towards each other. Suddenly, Elm rushed in. "Girls, I got word that a swarm of Yanma are invading this area."

Soon, the sound of buzzing caught everybody's attention. They soon saw a swarm of dragonfly type bugs heading their way. Apple Bloom got out her Pokédex. "They must be the Yanma."

Yanma, the Clear Wing Pokemon. Said the Pokédex. Known to fly real fast, and the sound they make from rapidly flapping their wings can be very loud.

Soon, the Yanma flapped their wings, creating a Sonic Boom. This scatters the Pokémon and got the girls angry.

"Them critters can't do that!" Apple Bloom said angrily. "Typhlosion, use Flamethrower!"

As Typhlosion blew it's fire, Scootaloo steps up. "Pineco, back up Typhlosion with your Rapid Spin!'

Pineco hopped up and span rapidly, it knocked a few Yanma and zipped away before the flames of Typhlosion approached. Being out powered, the Yanma flew off. Professor Elm was very relieved.

"Nice work, girls." Elm praised. "Those Yanma knew where their not wanted. By the way, Scootaloo. Looks like Pineco is evolving."

Scootaloo looked at saw that Elm is right. When the glowing stopped,ineci became a steel dome like creature.

"No way." Scootaloo gasped. "A Forretress!"

Apple Bloom's Pokédex came alive with information. Forretress, the Bagworm Pokémon and the evolved form of Pineco. When in danger, it can fire parts of it's steel body to defend itself.

"Way to go, Forretress." Scootaloo cheered.

The girls and their Pokémon watch with admiration. Apple Bloom knows that her training for the Johto League has just begun. And, she needs to be ready . With Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle by her side, nothing is impossible. Meanwhile, in Kanto, Rumble rested in Pallet Town. Soon, he went to his next destination.

"Here it is." Rumble said proudly. "Viridian City. The site of my eighth and final gym battle."

As he rested in the Pokémon Center, he was thinking about what went on in this town. "I heard that after Diamond Tiara and her friends disbanded Team Rocket, Gary Oak took over the Viridian City gym. I guess even the great Giovanni has respect for Diamond Tiara. After all, she was the one who defeated Giovanni in an official gym battle here."

Soon, his Pokémon are healed. Rumble soon got comfortable on one of the beds. "I'll rest for the day. Tomorrow, I'll head for the gym and challenge Gary. That last badge is as good as mine."

End of Chapter 34