Author's Note

Our heroic trio soon reached their destination. They make a short stop first.

38. Arriving at Mt. Silver

In a secluded room, Koga arrives and is met by three others. One is a young man wearing a crimson and black outfit and a mask. Another is a muscular man wearing ripped karate pants and a black belt. The third is a blue haired woman with a green tank top and white Capri pants. Together, they are the Johto Region's Elite Four.

"What brings you back, Koga?" The young man asked.

"We better prepare ourselves, Will." Koga replied. "A new challenger is coming to challenge us."

"Whoever it is, we'll make short work of this challenger."

"Easy, Will." The woman interjected. "So, Koga. Who is this challenger?"

Koga gave the woman his answer. "Her name is Apple Bloom. A member of Canterlot's well known Apple family."

"Apple Bloom?" The karate man gasped. "Kanto champion Diamond Tiara told me of her and her friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."

The woman's eyes went wide. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders?"

"That's them, Karen. They're still on the path of redemption."

"Redeeming themselves from that Anon-a-miss incident." Will said. "Right, Bruno?"

"You got the picture, Will."

Koga soon got everybody's attention. "Time to prepare ourselves. Let's see if miss Bloom is as good as Miss Tiara was."

Meanwhile, the trio were walking along a path until they see an amazing sight.

"Look at that." Apple Bloom said. "There's Mt. Silver."

Her friends looked at the area. "So, that's where the Elite Four is awaiting new challengers."

"Well, guys. This is it. Time to see if I'm worthy to battle the Johto Region Champion."

As the girls make their way to the area, a bunch of yellow mouse critters with lightning shaped tails.

"Wow!" Sweetie Belle gasped. "A bunch of Pikachu. I wonder when we're going to see this particular Pokémon."

Apple Bloom studied them with her Pokédex. Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. They disperse some of their electricity to keep from getting sick.

At that moment, a blond girl wearing a long red sleeve shirt and blue bib overalls stepped in.

"A bunch of Pokémon trainers, I see." The girl noticed. "Whom might be?"

Apple Bloom speaks up. "My name is Apple Bloom. These are my friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo."

After the girls waved hello, the girl replies to the introduction. "My name is Sally. It's nice to meet you three."

Just then, a big orange mouse with a long lightning tipped tail marches in and joins Sally. Apple Bloom's Pokédex comes alive. Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon and the evolved form of Pikachu. This Pokémon can use it's long tail to ground itself from electricity.

"This Raichu and I protect these Pikachu from any predators or vicious people who want to hurt them." Sally explained.

At that moment, a bunch of Raticate stormed in and started to harrass the Pikachu.

"Hey!" Sally shouted. "Get away from them!"

Sally and Raichu rushed in to stop the Raticate. The girls rushed in to help. One of the Raticate takes an apple from one of the Pikachu. Apple Bloom reacted. "Go, Politoed. Use Water Gun!"

Politoed comes out and sprays water on Raticate. Scared, Pikachu uses a thundershock to defend itself. But, Politoed got hit as well.

"Oh no!" Apple Bloom gasped. "Sorry, Politoed."

"I got an idea." Sweetie Belle said. "Come out, Phanpy. And, use Rollout!"

Phanpy came out, tucked into a ball, and knocked over the Raticate. Pikachu unknowingly use electricity. But, Phanpy wasn't affected.

"I get it." Sally said. "Phanpy is a ground type and electricity is not effective."

But, one of the Raticate used Double Kick to get Phanpy away while the Mouse Pokémon keeps harrasing the Pikachu. Phanpy got angry and soon glowed. That means it's evolving. Seconds later, Phanpy is now an elephant creature in what looks like armor.

"Yay!" Sweetie Belle cheered. "My Phanpy evolved into a Donphan."

"So, that's a Donphan. Huh?" Apple Bloom said as she pulls out her Pokédex.

Donphan, the Armor Pokémon and the evolved form of Phanpy. The Pokédex said. It can spin so powerful, it can knock down a house.

"Get the Pikachu back, Sally." Sweetie Belle said.

Sally gathered the Pikachu. The Raticate tried to pursue them. But, Sweetie Belle reacted. "Donphan, use Slam!"

Donphan rushed in and hit the Raticate into his companions. Sweetie then followed it up. "Now, use Rollout!"

Tucking into a ball, Donphan rolled fast and knocked down the Raticate. The herd of Raticate gave up and ran away.

"Thanks for helping me, girls." Sally said with gratitude. "Those Raticate won't pester these Pikachu now."

"You're welcome, Sally." Scootaloo replied. "We're just glad to help."

Soon, Sally made an offer. "I heard that you guys are heading for Mt. Silver."

"That's right." Apple Bloom said. "I have all right official gym badges. Now, I'm heading out to battle the Johto League."

"Well, how about spending the night in my house. This way, you'll be refreshed before heading for Mt. Silver."

This was a good idea. So, the girls took up on Sally's offer. Later the sun was setting and Apple Bloom sits against a tree watching the sunset.

"Mind if I join you?" A familiar voice said.

It was Sally, who comes around with her pant cuffs rolled up.

"You go barefoot sometimes?" Apple Bloom noticed.

"That's right." Sally replied. "Figuring you might relax with your shoes off on a night like this, I might as well join you. Besides, I like to relax like this too."

Apple Bloom was very pleasantly surprised with this. Sally soon sits with the young Apple.

"Say, Apple Bloom." Sally said. "When your journey is over, do you think I can visit your home in Sweet Apple Acres?"

"Not a bad idea." Apple Bloom replied. "My family would live to meet somebody like you."

The girls soon gave each other a comforting hug. The next morning, the Cutie Mark Crusaders said goodbye to Sally and we're on their way. After twenty minutes of walking, they see a large building.

"Here we are." Scootaloo said. "The headquarters of the Elite Four."

Apple Bloom got excited. "Look out, Elite Four. Here I come!"

End of Chapter 38