Author's Note

Somebody is standing in Apple Bloom's way to face her destiny. It's somebody she hasn't seen in a while.

39. One More Battle with the Rival

The girls made their way to Mt. Silver where Apple Bloom will battle the Elite Four. But, just when they're ready to enter the building, the brutal young man, Scorch, blocks their way.

"Oh no, you don't!" Scorch said angrily. "If there's one trainer that's going to face the Elite Four, and take on the Champion, it's ME!!!"

"You better watch that attitude, Scorch." Apple Bloom said. "I've grown to be a formidable trainer."

"Formidable? You? I don't believe it!"

At that moment, Scorch pushed the girls down to the ground. He takes out a Poké Ball to continue his onslaught. "Kabadra, stop those dizzy dames!"

Out came a yellow creature holding a spoon. Apple Bloom gets out her Pokédex and studies it. Kadabra, the Psi Pokémon. It's psychic power can sometimes interfere with electronics.

Sweetie Belle stepped up and was not happy about Scorch. "Granbull, you're up."

Granbull came out to battle. Scorch was not impressed. "This'll stop you, fancy pants! Kadabra, use Psybeam!"

Kadabra fired psychic power. But, Granbull wasn't effected that much.

"Fairy Pokémon like Granbull are not hurt too much by psychic types." Sweetie Belle announced. "Granbull, use Crunch!"

Granbull gave a big bite, and Kadabra got hit hard. Recalling his Pokémon, Scorch called for another. "Time for a freeze out. Come out, Sneasel! Use Icy Wind!"

Sneasel shows up and blows a frigid wind on Granbull. Recalling the Fairy Pokémon, Sweetie Belle makes her next choice. "You're on, Feraligatr!"

Feraligatr comes out, ready for action. Scorch got a little nervous. "Uh oh!"

"Feraligatr, use Aqua Tail!" Sweetie Belle called out.

With it's tail coated with water, Feraligatr hit Sneasel hard. Scorch recalled him and figures out another plan.

"Okay, so I can't get at Sweetie Belle." Scorch said as he readies his next Pokémon. "I'll strike at Scootaloo, then. Haunter, come out!"

Seeing Haunter come out, Scootaloo steps up. "If you want to battle me, then let's do this. Come out, Forretress!"

Scorch was not sure about this Pokémon. "A Forretress, huh? Not impressed. Haunter, use Night Shade!"

Haunter fired a burst of black energy. Because of it's steel body, Forretress wasn't hit that much.

"Time to strike back, Scorch." Scootaloo said. "Forretress, use Mirror Shot!"

Forretress fired a blast of steel energy. Haunter got hit hard as Scootaloo followed it up. "Use Zap Cannon!"

Firing a blast of electrical power, Forretress hit Haunter good. Scorch recalled Haunter and sent another Pokémon. "This will stop that stupid bug! Golbat, come out. And, use Wing Attack!"

Golbat came out, and used it's wings to hit Forretress. Concerned, Scootaloo recalled her bug type and brought out a surprise. "Let's go, Dragonite!"

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle were shocked to see this sight.

"When did her Dragonair evolve into Dragonite?" Sweetie wondered.

"Scootaloo must've been training on her own." Apple Bloom figured.

Scootaloo struck fast. "Dragonite, use Dragon Tail!"

With it's tail glowing with green dragon energy, Dragonite struck Golbat to the ground. After recalling Golbat, Scorch switched to another strategy.

"Since you have plans to tackle the Elite Four, Apple Bloom," Scorch said angrily, "I'll hit you hard. Go, Magneton!"

Magneton came out. Apple Bloom knew who to call. "Let's go, Typhlosion!"

As soon as Typhlosion came out, Scorch struck first. "Magneton, use Thunderbolt!"

Magneton fired a blast Electricity at Typhlosion. The volcano Pokémon withstood it as Apple Bloom called out her next move. "Okay, Typhlosion. Use Flamethrower!"

Typhlosion blew fire at Magneton. Being a steel type, the Magnet Pokémon quickly fainted. Scorch recalled it and reached for his last Pokémon. "This will stop you, you hick. Feraligatr, use Hydro Pump!"

Feraligatr came out and fired a strong blast of water to Typhlosion. Apple Bloom quickly recalled her first friend and sent for another Pokémon. "Come out, Ampharos. Use Thunder Punch!"

Ampharos came out, and energized one of it's fists. With one hit, Feraligatr soon fainted. Scorch saw this and was shocked.

"You three are not fooling around." Scorch realized. "Those Pokémon are not as weak as I thought there were."

"With the right training, anything is possible." Apple Bloom informed. "I think you should learn to show better manners to trainers like us."

Apple Bloom's words soon sunk in. Scorch soon realized his mistake.

"I guess I do have much to learn." Scorch said. "I'll head back to New Bark Town and apologize to Professor Elm." He started to walk away. Then, gave a departing remark to Apple Bloom. "Good luck against the Elite Four. Let's meet again."

Scorch soon walked away. The girls watched with interest.

"I guess Scorch isn't so bad once he realized his errors." Scootaloo realized.

"That's for sure, Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle added. "I guess Scorch wanted to prove his worth as a Pokémon trainer. But, he has much to learn."

Apple Bloom soon realized that she and her friends were set to face the Elite Four. But, the battles with Scorch left their Pokémon worn out. She then sees a Pokémon Center next to the Elite Four's headquarters. "Come on, girls. Let's heal our Pokémon. Tomorrow, I battle the Elite Four."

"And, you can depend on us for support." Scootaloo added.

The girls soon headed for the Pokémon Center to heal their Pokémon. From a distance, the stranger who tried to influence Applejack sees the trio, and got disappointed.

"I was so hoping that Scorch would stop that young fool." The stranger said to himself. "I'll wait until she prepares to face the Johto Region Champion. Then, that's when I'll strike."

Inside the Pokémon Center, the girls' Pokémon got healed, and they sat at a table to think of this journey.

"To think, it all started when my sister lashed out on the three off us." Apple Bloom said with sadness. "Imagine Applejack thinking that Anon-a-miss was still active."

"I have a feeling that Applejack was influenced somehow." Scootaloo thought. "Rarity and Rainbow Dash forgave us."

"Don't forget Sunset Shimmer, Scoots. After all, she was the target of our propaganda."

"We were all forgiven." Sweetie Belle added. "Even if it takes six months of Detention to do so."

The girls had a good laugh. But soon, Apple Bloom will face the Elite Four of Johto. And hopefully, the Johto Region Champion.

End of Chapter 39