Author's Note

Apple Bloom and company meet up with one of Ash Ketchum's traveling companions of the past.

35. Training at the Lab

After arriving back at New Bark Town, Apple Bloom started to prepare herself for the Pokémon League. And, her two friends are there to help her out. Apple Bloom started to swim along side Poliwhirl. Her friends watch from shore.

"Apple Bloom isn't slowing down." Scootaloo said. "I see that."

"She figured to train herself as well as train her Pokémon." Sweetie Belle explained. "This way, she'll be ready for anything."

After getting out of the water, Apple Bloom dried herself off. She looks at Poliwhirl proudly.

"Good swimming, Poliwhirl." Apple Bloom praised. "With a few weeks before the Johto League welcomes trainers like me, we need to be prepared."

Suddenly, a girl with short red hair and wearing a magenta wetsuit showed up.

"What a beautiful swim that was." The girl praised. "You and that Poliwhirl are in sync."

Scootaloo soon recognized the girl. "Hey, guys. I think that's Misty, gym leader of Cerulean City."

"No kidding?" Apple Bloom gasped.

"That's right. That's me." Misty said happily.

"What are ya doin' here in Johto?"

"I heard stories about the Cutie Mark Crusaders journeying around Johto. When, I learned that you girls are in Professor Elm's Lab, I had to come by to meet you."

Apple Bloom blushed. Soon, changing into exercise wear, Apple Bloom started to spar with Scyther. Misty watches with concern.

"Something wrong, Misty?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I'm sorry, girls." Misty said. "But, I get weary around bug type Pokémon. Even small bugs like Caterpie and Weedle give me an uneasy feeling."

"Speaking of bug types," Scootaloo interrupted, "what are those?"

Scootaloo pointed at big navy blue insects gathered on one of the large trees.

"Those are Heracross." Misty answered. "If we don't bother them, they won't bother us. I just have to calm myself and not freak out as usual."

Apple Bloom and Scyther walked up to the Heracross as she pulls out her Pokédex. "So, them is Heracross. Huh?"

Heracross, the Single Horn Pokémon. The Pokédex said. This Pokémon can smell tree sap from any distance.

The girls watch the Heracross gather on the tree. Suddenly, a swarm of Beedrill showed up and fired their Poison Stings on the Heracross. Professor Elm came along with a worried look on his face.

"Girls, those Beedrill are hurting other Pokémon." Elm explained. "These guys invaded the area to claim any area they want!"

This got the girls angry. They decided to call for their Pokémon while Misty dived into the water.

"What's the matter, Misty?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I want to make sure I don't get caught in any crossfire." Misty answered. "I'll be find. Just drive out those Beedrill!"

Knowing Misty is safe, Apple Bloom called for one of her friends. "Typhlosion, use Flamethrower!"

Typhlosion blew flames to remove the Beedrill. Meanwhile, Togepi started to wave it's arms. Scootaloo notices it as her Quagsire used it's Water Gun on the invading swarm. "Looks like Togepi is preparing Metronome. It can come out as any attack."

After Togepi stopped, electricity came out and struck the Beedrill. As the swarm flew off, Sweetie Belle was impressed. "That was a Thunderbolt attack. Good work, Togepi."

At that moment, Togepi glowed. That means it's starting to evolve.

"Togepi can evolve?" Sweetie Belle gasped.

"I guess so." Scootaloo answered.

After the glowing stopped, Togepi became a white creature with a spiked head and small wings.

"Wow!" Misty cheered. "Togepi evolved into Togetic, the Happiness Pokémon."

Apple Bloom got out her Pokédex, which gave her some good information. Togetic, the Happiness Pokémon and the evolved form of Togepi. It gives happiness to those with pure hearts.

Misty soon approached the farm girl. "Do you know how to scuba dive?"

"I have tried it before." Apple Bloom answered. "It's a great feeling looking at the underwater world."

"Since I still have on my wetsuit and you have your swimsuit on, how about we go scuba diving? You'll be able to see all kinds of water Pokémon down there."

"Not a bad idea." She then turns to her friends. "Want to tag along?"

"You guys go ahead." Scootaloo said. "We'll recall our Pokémon and meet you back at the Lab."

Later, Misty and Apple Bloom were in the water looking around the area. Apple Bloom was amazed with many water Pokémon. Goldeen, Remoraid, Poliwag, Magickarp, Staryu, and others. She soon saw a Manta Ray type creature.

"That's a big fella." Apple Bloom said.

"That's a Mantine, the Kite Pokémon." Misty explained. "Mantine leaping out of the water is always an amazing sight."

Then, the girls hid out behind some coral when a Gyarados came into the picture. They saw that it's just swimming peacefully. Later, Apple Bloom dried off and rejoined her friends.

"So, how was swimming with Misty, Apple Bloom?" Professor Elm asked.

"It was quite the experience, I'll say that." Apple Bloom replied.

"Where is Misty?" Scootaloo asked.

"She said she's going back to Cerulean City. There might me more challengers coming to her gym."

Apple Bloom was happy to spend time with Misty as she continues to train for the Johto League. Meanwhile, in Viridian City at Kanto, Rumble and a Magneton faced a Pidgeot in a gym battle.

"Magneton, use Thunderbolt!" Rumble called out.

Magneton fired a lightning bolt at Pidgeot. Soon, the majestic bird Pokémon fainted.

"Pidgeot is unable to battle." A female official announced. "Magneton wins. The winner of this gym battle is Rumble from Canterlot!"

Rumble cheered for his electrified friend, after recalling Pidgeot, Gary Oak approached his opponent.

"I can tell you raised your Pokémon very good, Rumble." Gary said. "Ever since I became the gym leader, I've seen many trainers do well with their Pokémon. Even my old friend, Ash Ketchum, would be proud of you. Rumble, you indeed earned the Earth Badge."

"Thanks, Gary." Rumble said as he received his badge. "With this badge, I can now head for Victory Road to face Kanto champion Diamond Tiara."

After leaving the gym, Rumble heads for the Pokémon Center to heal his Pokémon, and prepare for his day of destiny.

End of Chapter 35