Author's Note

The travels to Mount Silver begins. The trio of friends learn that somebody they met before went through a change.

37. Next Stop: The Johto League

Inside the lab at New Bark Town, Apple Bloom and her friends were spending the night. In the morning, the trio head out for Mt. Silver, and Apple Bloom's battle with Johto's Elite Four. They girls learned who's who in that crew. The young farm girl started to get nervous.

"Tomorrow, we're heading to battle the Elite Four." Apple Bloom said to herself. "From what Principal Celestia told me, these guys are powerful."

At that moment, Furret came along to comfort her. Seeing one of her Pokémon keeping her company, Apple Bloom felt a little better. Soon, she fell asleep. Soon, morning came. The Cutie Mark Crusaders left the lab, ready to head out.

"Well, I guess this is it." Professor Elm said. "Time for the three of you to head for Mount Silver and the Pokémon League."

"We're ready for anything." Apple Bloom said. "But, these elite Pokémon trainers might be difficult. Not gonna lie."

"But, you learned about them courtesy of Celestia and Luna. I'm sure that'll help you in the future."

"I'm sure the info will be helpful. But, I'm still nervous."

"Don't forget, AB." Scootaloo reminded. "You have me and Sweetie Belle to support you."

"Scootaloo is right." Sweetie Belle added. "We came this far. No turning back now!'

Apple Bloom realized that they're right. After all they've been through, they can't turn back. She has a destiny to obtain.

"Then, let's get going." Apple Bloom said proudly. "Next stop: Mt. Silver!"

The trio of friends left New Bark Town and headed for their destination. What they didn't count on is the mysterious stranger who talked to Applejack earlier was watching them.

"So, those gossip mavens are heading for Mt. Silver and the Pokémon League." The stranger said to himself. "I'll show them."

The stranger zipped away and went another route to Mt. Silver. Meanwhile, in Canterlot, Applejack and Big Mac started to pack some stuff when Granny Smith came into the room.

"Whatcha doin'?" Granny Smith asked.

"We're heading out to Johto." Applejack answered. "My little sister and her friends are heading to Mt. Silver."

"Eeyup!" Big Mac added. "They call us a little while ago. AB is set to battle Johto's Elite Four."

"And, once they're defeated, Apple Bloom will be qualified to battle the Johto Region Champion."

This made Granny Smith proud. "Starting to regret lashing out on her?"

Apple Bloom soon blushed as sorrow soon came to her. "Yup."

Big Mac gave her a comforting hug. "Don't worry, sis. We all make mistakes."

Meanwhile, in Johto, Apple Bloom and her friends soon saw a little bear with a crescent mark on its head.

"It's a Teddiursa." Sweetie Belle cooed.

Apple Bloom studies this creature with her Pokédex. Teddiursa, the Little Bear Pokémon. Don't be deceived by it's cute looks. It's a tough little fighter.

The girls looked at the little critter. But suddenly, Teddiursa ran away. Behind the girls, a larger bear raised it's arms and growled loudly. Nervous, Apple Bloom pointed her Pokédex at the bear. "That's Teddiursa's evolved form: Ursaring!"

Ursaring, the Hibernator Pokémon and the evolved form of Teddiursa. The Pokédex said. It makes rounds in it's firest home to look for food.

Scootaloo steps up. "Ursaring is listed as a Normal type. You're up, Machamp!"

Out pops a four armed version of Machoke. Apple Bloom's Pokédex comes alive. Machamp, the Superpower Pokémon and the evolved form of Machoke. It's four arms help it lift up heavy objects with ease.

"When did Scootaloo's Machoke evolve?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Me and Scootaloo trained some of our Pokémon while you rested from your training." Sweetie Belle answered.

Scootaloo soon made her move. "Machamp, use Body Slam!"

Machamp soon picked up Ursaring, and slammed it to the ground. Realizing how powerful Machamp is, Ursaring ran off. Feeling satisfied, Scootaloo recalled her Fighting buddy. Soon, Sweetie Belle saw two familiar faces. "Thorax! Pharynx!"

It was indeed Thorax and his brother. The girls were happy to see them.

"It's good to see you guys." Apple Bloom said. "What are you up to?"

"Pharynx and I learned that Chrysalis has left the Changelings." Thorax answered. "They all apologized for letting Chrysalis lead them astray."

"My brother is once again our king." Pharynx added proudly.

"I wonder where that Chrysalis went to." Sweetie Belle wondered.

Soon, in steps a crimson hooded woman with long black gloves and a red mask to hide her face. She speaks to the brothers. "I guess you have your tribe back, Thorax."

The group soon realized who the woman is.

"Chrysalis?" Thorax gasped. "Is that you?"

"It is." Chrysalis replied. "But, here's a big surprise for everybody."

Chrysalis soon takes off her gloves, revealing white skin instead of black. She lifts her hood to reveal lighter blue hair. After removing her mask, everybody saw that she has changed.

"Hoo wee." Apple Bloom gasped. "How did you change?"

"I was invited to the Kirin village." Chrysalis answered. "Queen Rain Shine and her people helped me change my outlook."

Chrysalis took off her robe to show a marigold short sleeve shirt, long red skirt, and yellow sandals. Pharynx soon spoke up. "So, what can we do for you?"

"It's what I can do for you." Chrysalis replied. "All my life, I've been looking for a place to belong. Taking over your changeling tribe was the wrong way. I realized that. Do you think you and your tribe can teach me about friendship and unity?"

"We might." Thorax answered. "If you can keep up."

Soon, the brothers escort Chrysalis back to the Changeling tribe. The girls watch with admiration.

"I reckon that's one problem we don't have to worry about." Apple Bloom said with relief. "Now, onward to Mt. Silver."

As the girls continue their travels, they were being watched by a shadowy figure.

"Ah. So, Mount Silver will have visitors." The shadowy man said. "Time for me to return and tell my comrades."

The mysterious man went away. Meanwhile, a plane lands in the Kanto continent. Soon, Diamond Tiara steps out with Silver Spoon and Babs Seed right behind her.

"Come on, girls." Diamond said as her Eevee walks by her side. "We need to be ready for Rumble's arrival."

End of Chapter 37