Sunset Shimmer’s Journey Through Kalos

by Brian Sheil

Gym Battle in Focus

The sun rises to welcome a new day in the Kalos Region. Inside the Pokémon Center at Santalune City, Sunset Shimmer sleeps peacefully. Soon, she heard a knock at the door.
"Yeah, uh....who's that?" Sunset asked while waking up.
"It's only me, Sunset. Izzy." Izzy said from behind the door.
After getting out of bed, Sunset went to answer the door. She was pleasantly surprised when she saw Izzy wearing a teal short sleeve nightgown.
"Wow!" Sunset gasped. " That's the most beautiful nightgown I've ever seen."
"Thanks." Izzy replied. "I just came to see how you're doing."
"I'm okay. Just had a long day yesterday."
Sunset sat back down on the bed. Izzy went to check on her.
"Were you worn out from all of that training yesterday?" Izzy asked.
"I guess so." Sunset answered, still feeling a little tired. "I was so bent on training for my gym battle, I lost track of time."
"So, how come you wanted to train all by yourself. Don't forget, you have me and Sunny to help out."
"Yeah, I know. But, I recently caught a couple of new Pokémon. One of which was from the forest. I fed that Pokémon some food last night before I went to sleep."
"Anyway, better clean yourself up and come down for breakfast. Sunny is showering up as we speak."
Sunset nodded, knowing Izzy is right. "Gotcha."

The three girls looked around the city while looking for the gym.
"This town is pretty cute." Sunny said happily.
"It sure is." Sunset agreed. "That Trainers Learning Center is a good place to study about Pokémon types and stasis conditions. My old friend, Twilight Sparkle, would have a field day."
Suddenly, the three girls were confronted by Luster Dawn and her two partners, Smolder and Ocelus.
"What do you think you’re doing?" Luster asked angrily.
"If you must know," Sunset asked, "I am looking for the Santalune City Gym."
"And, Sunny and I are supporting her." Izzy added.
Luster approached Sunset and grabbed her by her shirt.
"You're going there to make horrid mischief!" Luster Dawn shouted. "You're nothing but a brute!"
Smolder and Ocelus walked menacingly with clench fists. Izzy and Sunny rushed over to stop those girls from brutally hurting Sunset. Just then, a short blond haired woman wearing a white tank top and brown pants came up to the scene.
"Hey!" The woman shouted. "What's going on?"
"These girls came out to hurt our friend." Sunny said nervously.
The woman came over to stop this madness.
"Let that young lady go right now!" The woman demanded.
"We'll let her go." Luster said before going into rage mode again. "AFTER WE SEND HER TO THE HOSPITAL!!!"
Izzy took out a Poke Ball and threw it in the air. "Come on out, Froakie. Use Bubble to make them let go of Sunset."
Froakie popped out of his Poké Ball and blew a lot of bubbles to strike the ground around Luster. Shocked, she let go of Sunset. The former bully ran off to join her friends.
"I guess these girls are protective of Sunset." Ocelus figured.
Smolder made a suggestion. "Let's get out of here before an officer Jenny shows up."
The three mean girls ran away with Luster yelling at Sunset. "You haven't heard the last of us!"
Sunset was grateful for her friends as she turns to the woman. "Thanks for your help."
"I'm just glad to see you weren't hurt." The woman replied. "So, where are you girls going?"
"We're looking for the Santalune Gym so I can battle for a gym badge."
"You're in luck. My name is Viola. I'm the gym leader."
Sunset and her friends were shocked about this turn of events. Inside one of the buildings, the girls were looking at some impressive pictures of bug Pokémon on the wall.
"These are amazing." Sunny cheered. "You must be quite the talented photographer."
"Thank you, Miss Starscout." Viola said. "I'm dedicated to my photography skills as I am as a gym leader."
Izzy then Sunset's attention. "Sunset, you remember that Scatterbug we saw in the forest?"
"Yeah." Sunset replied. "So?"
Izzy pointed to a black bug with a white wrap around it's body sitting on a pedestal. It's just relaxing. "That bug is Scatterbug's evolved form: Spewpa."
Sunset pulled out her Pokédex to study this insect.
Spewpa, the Scatterdust Pokémon and the evolved form of Scatterbug. The Pokédex said. It wears a thick cloak around it's body to keep it warm during cold weather.
Viola pushed a secret button to open a hidden door. The girls soon stepped into what looks like a greenhouse.
"Wow!" Izzy gasped. "This place is perfect for bug Pokémon."
"That's right." Viola replied as she turns to Sunset. "Are you ready for your first gym battle, Sunset Shimmer?"
Sunset has a determined look on her face. "Let's do this!"

It's Sunset here. We have a Beautifly and a Butterfree. Which of these butterfly Pokémon was first discovered in the Hoenn Region?

Sunset and Viola are on opposite sides of the field with Sunny and Izzy in the stands. A red haired girl wearing a dark green gown steps up to the battle.
“This is an official gym battle between Viola, the gym leader, and Sunset Shimmer, the challenger." The woman announced. "Each trainer will use two Pokémon and the battle is over when both Pokémon on either side is unable to battle. Only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokémon."
"Okay, Sunset." Viola said as pulls out a Poké Ball. "Here comes my first Pokémon." She throws the ball and gives a command. "Come on out, Surskit!"
Out pops a round blue insect with four skinny legs and an antenna on its head.
"Surskit." Sunset said as she pulls out her Pokédex. "The Pond Skater Pokémon."
Surskit, the Pond Skater Pokémon. The Pokédex said. This Pokémon skims along the water as if it's skating on ice.
This insect is partially a water type. Sunset thought. That's perfect! She then grabs her own Poké Ball.
"It's time for my big surprise." Sunset announced as she throws her Poké Ball. "Pikachu! I choose you!"
Out pops a yellow mouse type creature with a lightning bolt shaped tail."Pika! Pika!"
"WOW!" Sunny gasped. "A Pikachu!"
Izzy read an entry from her book labeled volume 1. "Pikachu, the Mouse Pokémon. This electric Pokémon occasionally discharges its power to keep from getting sick. It uses it's tail to ground itself from electricity."
The woman in green makes an announcement. "Let the battle begin!"
Viola makes the first move. "Surskit, use Quick Attack."
Surskit zips across the field. Sunset quickly reacts. "Dodge it, Pikachu. Then use Tail Whip!"
After barely avoiding the Quick Attack, Pikachu uses it's tail to hit Surskit.
"Time to dampen your spirit, Sunset." Viola informed as she turns to her Pokémon. "Surskit, use Bubble!"
Surskit unleashes a lot bubbles which quickly hit Pikachu. This concerns Sunset. But, luckily for her and her friends, water attacks are not effective against electric types.
"Let's wrap this up, Pikachu." Sunset said with determination. "Use Thundershock!"
Pikachu unleashes some electricity that took Surskit by surprise. A moment later, the Pond Skater Pokémon fainted.
"Surskit is unable to battle." The woman in green announced. "Pikachu is the winner."
"Great job, Pikachu!" Sunset cheered.
Izzy and Sunny clapped for their friend as Viola called back Surskit.
"Your Pikachu is definitely strong." Viola admitted. "Where did you find him?"
"I caught this Pikachu in Santalune Forest." Sunset answered.
"That's what Sunset and Fluttershy were up to." Sunny figured.
Viola then took out another Poké Ball. "Let's see if you can handle this one." She then tosses the ball. "Come on out, Vivillon!"
Out pops a butterfly type Pokémon with pink and black wings. Sunset took out her Pokédex to learn what it is.
Vivillon, The Scale Pokémon and the evolved form of Spewpa. The Pokédex said. This final form of the Scatterbug evolution has colorful wings that are different colors depending on it's habitat.
"So, Scatterbug evolves into Spewpa, and then into Vivillon." Sunset thought as she turns to Pikachu. "Can you keep going?"
Pikachu gave Sunset a thumbs up. "Pika! Pikachu!"
The woman in green then announced, "Let the battle begin."
"Let's start off with Sleep Powder." Viola said.
Vivillon unleashed a green cloud that scared Sunset. "Dodge it, Pikachu!"
Pikachu suddenly zipped away fast, and quickly struck Vivillon.
"Oh, wow!" Sunset cheered. " Pikachu learned Quick Attack!"
"It won't do you any good." Viola informed. "Vivillon, use Infestation!"
Vivillon unleashed a bunch of bugs at Pikachu. They started to weaken him.
"Pikachu!" Sunset gasped. "Oh no!"
"What's wrong with Pikachu?" Sunny asked.
"Infestation is a powerful bug type move." Izzy explained. "It weakens the opponent little by little."
"Okay, Vivillon." Viola said. "With Pikachu weakened, use Tackle!"
Vivillon flew in fast and struck Pikachu. Because of Infestation, the Mouse Pokémon fainted.
"Pikachu is unable to battle." The young lady announced. "Vivillon is the winner."
"Pikachu, return." Sunset said, recalling her Pokémon. "You did a good job. Now, get some rest."
Sunset then noticed that Vivillon was sparking a little. She got an idea as she tosses another Poké Ball. "Fenniken, I choose you!"
Fenniken pops out and is ready for battle. The woman officiating the battle made the announcement. "Let this final battle begin!"
"Okay, Fenniken." Sunset said. "Let's go."
Suddenly, Fenniken let out a loud howl.
"I think Fenniken learned Howl." Izzy figured. "It increases attack power."
"Vivillon, use Infestation!" Viola said. But, noticed that Vivillon can barely move. "Oh no! That Pikachu must've had the ability: Static. That paralyses any Pokémon that attacks."
"There's the opportunity we've been waiting for." Sunset said excitingly. "Fenniken, use Ember. Rapid fire!"
Fenniken unleashed a barrage of Ember attacks. The mini fireballs struck down on Vivillon. The Scale Pokémon floated down to the ground, and fainted.
"Vivillon is unable to battle." The official said. "Fenniken is the winner. The winner of this battle is Sunset Shimmer!"
"We did it, Fenniken!" Sunset cheered.
Fenniken ran over to Sunset as she gives her a hug. Izzy and Sunny cheered for her victory. Later, Viola stands proudly after recalling Vivillon.
"You definitely thought on your feet." Viola said to Sunset. "Using Pikachu's Static ability to your advantage was a brilliant idea."
"I just got lucky." Sunset admitted. "I never knew Pikachu has Static."
"Sometimes, a little luck can be helpful." Viola then gets out a badge that looks like the back of a ladybug. "To prove that you defeated me in a fair battle, I present you with the Bug Badge."
Sunset was given the badge. The former bully was very happy.
"I got the Bug Badge!" Sunset shouted as she holds up the badge. "That's badge number one!"
Sunset puts her badge in a case that Sprout Cloverleaf gave her when Viola got her attention . "I have my camera with me. How about a picture of you and your Pokémon?"
"Sure." Sunset said as she holds up Fenniken and Pikachu, who recovered from Vivillon's Infestation.
Later, the three girls looked at the picture Viola took.
"This a great picture, Sunset." Sunny said happily.
"I know." Sunset replied. "Viola would give Photo Finish some competition. "
Then, they heard somebody clapping. It was Spout Cloverleaf, who was pleased with Sunset. "Pretty impressive, Sunset. Your first gym battle victory."
"Sprout!" Sunset gasped. "You were in the gym watching the battle?"
"You bet. I hid myself behind some trees, so I can watch you without you knowing it." He then turned to her companions. "Hi, girls. Good to see you again."
"Hi, Sprout." Sunny greeted. "How's working for Professor Sycamore?"
"Not bad. My mother knew what she was doing when she sent me to him."
"I guess so." Izzy added.
Sprout then turned to Sunset. "Gym Challenge number 2 is in far off Cyllage City. This will give you some time to catch some new Pokémon, and pump up the Pokémon you already have."
"Sounds good to me." Sunset said, taking Sprout's advice.
"Lumiose City is on the way. Drop by and say 'hello' to Professor Sycamore when you arrive. I'm sure he'd like to meet you. Later."
Sprout heads out again. Sunset realized that he's right. Gym leaders get tougher along this journey.
"Let's head for the Pokémon Center." Sunset suggested. "We and my Pokémon can use a rest."
And so, Sunset, Sunny, and Izzy head for the Pokémon Center for the night. Soon, they'll be rested to head off to Cyllage City, and Sunset's second gym battle.

Okay, trainers. If you said that the Butterfly Pokémon of Hoenn is Beautifly, you’re right.