Author's Note

The girls arrive at their first stop in Johto's gym challenge. And, they get comforted from their woes.

5. Marvel at the Sprout Tower

Apple Bloom and her friends arrive at Violet City. They soon went to the Pokémon Center to heal their Pokémon.

"That was some road we took." Scootaloo said. "I wish I had an extra Pokémon like you guys."

"Don't y'all worry, Scoots." Apple Bloom said with comfort. "I'm sure you'll find a playmate for Chikorita."

"You know, Ms Cherrilee said that you were brave saving Chikorita from those Weedle." Sweetie Belle praised.

"Aw." Scootaloo said while blushing. "You guys helped out a bit."

Suddenly, the girls saw a walking flower like creature wandering in the Pokémon Center.

"Looks like a Bellsprout is visiting us." Nurse Joy said.

Apple Bloom used her Pokédex to study this flower. Bellsprout, the Flower Pokémon. It can use it's long skinny body to avoid any attack.

Soon, a bald man dressed like a monk came in.

"Forgive this arrival." The monk said. "Bellsprout often come in here to try and mingle with you folks."

The people looks at the Pokémon as it calmly walks around the Pokémon Center. Suddenly, it heads over to the table where Apple Bloom and her friends are. It taps at one of Scootaloo's empty Poké Balls, and is absorbed. This surprised everybody.

"Did I just catch a Bellsprout?" Scootaloo wondered.

"Yes you have." The monk said. "It maybe by accident, but now you have a new friend."

"Looks like my Chikorita has a playmate."

The monk soon looks at the girls. "I think I've heard of you three. Are you the trio of Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo?"

"How did you recognize us?" Apple Bloom asked.

"I have friends in Canterlot who tell me about that town's citizens. Including you girls."

Apple Bloom started to tear up. "Even our dark past?"

"If you are referring to the Anon-a-Miss incident, I don't think of that. I think of how you girls rose from that embarrassment, and made up or those misdeeds."

This had the girls breath a sigh of relief.

"At least somebody has faith of us." Sweetie Belle said.

"Perhaps what you girls need is a tour of our grand building." The monk suggested. "It's called the Sprout Tower. A great homage to Bellsprout."

The girls seems intrigued by this offer.

"Sir, it's a deal." Apple Bloom said.

"Excellent." The monk replied. "Then, follow me."

The girls were taken to a tall tower in the middle of Violet City. They see that's it's moving a little.

"This thing even moves like a Bellsprout." Scootaloo noticed.

"Come inside with me." The monk advised.

The monk leads the three girls inside the tower. They were impressed with the size of this place. Sweetie Belle then saw a black circle with a scary face, surrounded by purple energy. She was scared so much, she ran to Apple Bloom for protection. "What is that thing?"

Apple Bloom looks at the creature, and takes out her Pokédex.

Gastly, the Gas Pokémon. The Pokédex said. This ghostly Pokémon often causes weird occurrences with electricity.

Sweetie was still shaky. "I rather face Mr. Cranky Doodle than a Ghost type."

Seeing Sweetie shaking, the monk grabbed a near by rope and started to wrap up the scared girl.

"Am I that frightened?" Sweetie wondered.

"I have seen many visitors come here and get scared by the Gastly who come here." The Monk said. "Most of them run back down and exit the building."

Despite the scare, the girls continue their tour. Apple Bloom supports Sweetie Belle so she doesn't fall. Scootaloo helps comfort her. They soon saw a purple mouse. The Pokédex gives the girls info. Ratata, the Mouse Pokémon. If one Ratata is seen, forty more maybe near by.

"These guys aren't that bad." Scootaloo said.

"Speak for yourself, Scoots." Apple Bloom reacted. "My family and I would freak if we see those critters in our barn."

Soon, the group reached the top of the tower. Seeing Sweetie Belle calm, the monk removed her bonds.

"Feeling better, miss Sweetie Belle?" The monk asked.

"Very much so." Sweetie Belle answered. "Sorry I freaked at the sight of that Gastly."

"Many other visitors would react the same way."

The trio soon feel a sense of sadness. The monk sees this, and hopes to comfort them.

"I feel something is bothering you." The monk said with concern. "Does this have to do with your dark past."

"In a way." Apple Bloom answered. "The three of us had plans this summer."

"Suddenly," Scootaloo continued, "Apple Bloom's sister, Applejack, got mad at us. Saying that we STILL need to be punished for the Anon-a-Miss incident."

"But, when we confessed what we did," Sweetie Belle said, "everybody was shocked. But, they quickly forgave us, understanding why we did that deed."

The monk had an idea. "Perhaps someone had approached miss Applejack, and reminded her of that incident. No doubt to make sure you girls do not have a pleasant summer."

This makes sense. Applejack did forgive her sister. So, who would want to turn the farmer girl against her sister and her friends? Later, the girls left the tower, only to be confronted by the brutal young man who stole the Pokémon from Professor Elm.

"Scorch!" Apple Bloom said angrily. "What are you doing here?"

"Nothing to do with you dizzy dames!" Scorch answered angrily. "Get out of my way!"

Scorch knocked down the group as he charged into the tower. They recovered, but are very upset.

"That is one major creep!" Scootaloo protested. "He didn't ever challenge any of us to a Pokémon battle!"

"He probably thinks girls like us are not knowledgeable about Pokémon." Sweetie figured.

"I never thought of it that way."

"Never mind him for now." Apple Bloom said. "Let's head for the Pokémon Center and rest up for my gym battle here."

Knowing that Apple Bloom has a point, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo joined their farmer friend into the Pokémon Center. Apple Bloom needs to be ready for her first Pokémon Gym battle. Will she be successful?

We'll find out in our next episode.

End of Chapter 5

APPLE BLOOM
Cyndaquil
Pidgey
Sentret

SWEETIE BELLE
Totodile
Weedle

SCOOTALOO
Chikorita
Bellsprout