"After these many weeks of traveling," Apple Bloom said, "after all of the battles we had, we are now destined to head for Silver Village."

"That's where you'll have your battle with the Johto Region Champion." Sweetie Belle added.

"You're right, Sweetie Belle. This will prove to my sister that we have changed since the Anon-a-miss conspiracy."

"I hope everybody forgave us." Scootaloo wondered. "True, the principal,mthe vice principal, and teachers applaud our redemption. But, so e of the students we hurt may not be so gentle with us."

"Wait a minute, Scootaloo." Sweetie Belle interrupted. "The flowery trio forgave us. Remember?"

"Oh yeah. That's right."

"Come on, friends." Apple Bloom said proudly. "Our destiny awaits."

The Cutie Mark Crusaders leave the headquarters of the Elite Four, and head for the village Karen told them about. On the way, they thought about how good they did for many in Johto. And, they were very happy that the Changelings, lead by Thorax and Pharynx, are doing much better. Especially with Chrysalis turning over a new leaf. That's thanks to the Kirin tribe.

The girls made their way through a forest, seeing the different kinds of Pokémon around. They soon see a blue silhouette near a leak. Believing it's a Pokémon, Apple Bloom took out her Pokédex to study this being.

Suicune, the Aurora Pokémon. The Pokédex said. It is said that this legendary Pokémon can purify any body of water.

The girls looked at Suicine with amazement. Seconds later, Suicune soon left the area.

"That's all three legendary Pokémon I see in Johto." Apple Bloom said.

"You mean you saw Entei?" Scootaloo gasped.

"Yup. The night before I battled Karen, I saw Entei. He was majestic."

Thirty minutes later, they made it to the Silver Village. After looking around, they see the arena where Apple Bloom will have her battle. They entered the Pokémon Center to heal their Pokémon. At that moment, they heard a familiar voice. "Hello, Apple Bloom."

That voice belonged to Lance. The very person who the girls helped in defeating Team Rocket.

"Howdy, Lance." Apple Bloom greeted. "You're here for the big battle coming up?"

"That I am." Lance answered. "I'm looking forward to see if you can take on the Johto Region Champion."

"Sweetie Belle and I are here to support Apple Bloom." Scootaloo added.

"Very good. Your friend will need all the support she needs when we meet in the battlefield."

When Lance said that, Apple Bloom was shocked, realizing something. "You mean YOU'RE the Johto Region Champion?"

"That's correct. I have been watching you rise up from each gym battle. I have been looking for a worthy adversary since I faced Diamond Tiara in Kanto."

"I'll try not to disappoint you, sir."

As Lance leaves, he gives Apple Bloom a parting statement. "Remember to do your best. That's all anybody expects of you."

The girls realized that Lance is right. This will be Apple Bloom's toughest test. Later, the girls and their Pokémon were enjoying lunch at a relaxing park. Suddenly, they see a surprising sight. It was Applejack. She came to see her sister and her friends.

"Howdy, sis." Applejack said warmly.

Apple Bloom got nervous, feeling that Applejack is still angry with her. "What do you want?"

"I've come to watch you face the Johto League Champion. Big that's been tracking your progress in Johto."

"He has?"

"Eeyup!" Said Big Mac as he comes behind the girls. "I had friends keep an eye on ya to make sure you're okay."

Seeing that Apple Bloom is shaking with fear, Applejack felt that she's still nervous from how it all started. Taking some rope from her duffle bag, she then approached the shaky farm kid.

"Sorry to do this." Applejack said. "But, this is for her own protection."

Applejack soon wrapped her rope around Apple Bloom. The young apple felt her hands tied behind her back by Big Mac, who also saw her get nervous. Apple Bloom was soon tied up and sitting on a bench. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo sat with her to calm her down.

"I'm sorry, sis." Apple Bloom said sadly. "I guess I still think you're upset with me."

"Granny Smith gave me a good lecture about how your journey started." Applejack replied. "I saw your report card after you went to Johto. You did exceptionally good. I should've known you wouldn't let the family down."

Applejack hugged her sister warmly. Then, a British male voice interrupted the moment. "This is not right."

The crowd turned to see the mysterious stranger looked at them. He was not pleased.

"Miss Applejack," The stranger said, "I told you not to trust that young lady."

"What do ya mean?" Applejack replied.

"I told you to only think of the Anon-a-miss incident. That's why you must never trust these nasty vixens."

"That voice." Apple Bloom said. "I heard that voice before." After thinking for a minute, she figured out who the voice belongs to. "PRINCE BLUEBLOOD!"

Everybody gasped as the stranger removed his sunglasses and black wig, revealing blond hair. It was indeed Prince Blueblood."

"Drat it." Blueblood grumbled. "You figured me out."

"Why were you targeting me?" Apple Bloom wondered.

"I think I got it." Scootaloo said. "He's still fuming about how Diamond Tiara decided to stand on her own two feet. And, not be as snobbish as her parents."

"You're right, Scoots." Applejack added. "He figured if he can't influence Diamond's parents, he'll take care of those who helped her find her own path."

"I get it." Apple Bloom said. "Figuring that I'm on my own journey, he was trying to stop me from achieving my goal."

"I say you don't have any goal," Blueblood said angrily, "except to give up your Pokémon and let those in Canterlot punish you." He soon got very angry. "LET ME CONFISCATE YOUR POKéMON!!"

"Not so fast!" Scootaloo said. "Come out, Dragonite. And, use your Thunder Punch!"

Scootaloo's own Dragonite came out, e erguzed one of it's fists with electricity, and walloped Blueblood so hard, he was shocked and sent flying.

"Talk about Deja Vu!" Blueblood yelled as he was sent into the sky.

Everybody was happy to see Blueblood. After being untied, Apple Bloom went to her designated room, and prepared for bedtime.

"I'm very happy my sister is going to cheer me on." Apple Bloom said to herself. "I'll need all of the support I can get in my battle against Lance."

End of Chapter 44

Author's Note

Next time. The Main Event

APPLE BLOOM vs. LANCE