Sunset Shimmer’s Journey Through Kalos

by Brian Sheil

The Rumble Badge Rumble

In the previous chapter, Sunset Shimmer and her friends arrived at Shalour City. They learned about Mega Evolution from Gurkhin and his granddaughter Korrina. Sunset was about to take on Korrina at the Shalour City Gym. Then, a fireball girl with red hair beat up Sunset and threw her out of the gym. Sunny and Izzy helped her to the Pokémon Center. Meanwhile, a strange character wearing a crimson hoodie watched the whole fight. Seems he was happy about what happened to Sunset.

On the streets of Shalour City, a white skinned girl heads for the Pokémon Center. She has red hair with a light teal streak. She wore a magenta tank top, gray 3/4 jogger pants and blue sneakers. She's also carrying a red duffle bag. She walked in the Pokémon Center and talks to Nurse Joy.
"I heard that a girl named Sunset Shimmer is here." The girl inquired.
"She's resting in one of our guest rooms." Nurse Joy replied. "She had a rough day."
"Yeah. I know."
Inside the guest room, Sunset sits on the bed with her sneakers on the floor. Sunny and Izzy looked very concerned.
"I can't believe someone wants to remember my bad past." Sunset said sadly. "And, I didn't know the girl."
"She was out of control." Izzy said.
Sunset tried to wipe the tears from her eyes. "Maybe I'm not meant to be a Pokémon trainer. I should give up my Pokémon and go back home to Canterlot City."
"Sunset, NO! Please." Sunny begged.
The door opened, and the athletic girl comes in. The girls were shocked by this visitor.
"Zipp Storm?" Sunny gasped. "Is that you?"
The girl named Zipp answered the question. "It sure is, Sunny."
"What are doing here?"
"Actually, it's Sunset Shimmer I come to see."
Sunset stood up and wondered about this girl. Zipp took out some rope from her bag, and addressed the shaken former bully. "Sorry about this. But, I don't want you to hurt yourself."
Zipp wrapped the rope around Sunset. She took out a small piece of rope and tied Sunset’s hands behind her back. After putting Sunset on the floor, Zipp soon tied her ankles together.
"Hey!" Sunset gasped nervously. "Did that girl who hurt me tell you to do this?"
Zipp soon know who Sunset’s talking about. "Kelly Green? No. This is my idea. I saw what she did to you, and I was in shock. She was not usually the violent type."
"Then, why did she hurt Sunset?" Izzy asked with concern.
Zipp gave about interesting explanation. "Minutes after that assault, Kelly realized what she did, and felt ashamed. She said that some boy came to her and told her about Sunset Shimmer. From what Kelly told me, this boy was brutal in telling her about Sunset’s bad moments. And, told her to think of only those nightmares."
Sunny was worried. She asked Zipp about the boy. "What did this boy look like?"
"From what I was told, he had red skin and bright yellow hair. He had on a crimson hoodie and black jeans. This jacket has a picture of a dragon on the back."
Sunset heard the description, and came up with a name. "Garble. I should've known."
"You know about this boy?" Zipp asked.
"Unfortunately, yes. Garble and his partners, Flume and Clump, know of my bad moments. This includes the Fall Formal Nightmare of CHS and the Anon-A-Miss conspiracy. These guys are always trying to make people see me for only those moments."
"Wow!" Izzy gasped. "No wonder that girl exploded. These brutes must've manipulated her to be like that."
"And, I'll bet they manipulated Luster Dawn the same way."
After seeing Sunset calmed down for a bit, Zipp untied her.
"Thanks, Zipp Storm." Sunset said with relief. "That feels better."
"Not a problem." Zipp replied. "I think you better get some rest. You'll need all the energy you need to battle Korrina tomorrow. And, don't worry about Kelly. I'll make sure she won't interfere."
Satisfied, Sunset shook Zipp's hand in friendship. "Deal."

Sunset Shimmer speaking. Which Pokémon resembles the mythic creature called Kitsune?

The next morning, Sunset is prepared for her gym battle. Izzy, Sunny, and the rollerbladers were in the stands ready to watch the battle. Zipp Storm sat next to Kelly, who is restrained in a straitjacket so she won't interfere.
"I can't blame you for doing this to me, Zipp." Kelly sobbed. " I must've been a maniac to that girl."
"I'm here for you, Kelly." Zipp assured.
Gurkhin stepped up to make an announcement. "This is an official gym battle between my granddaughter, Korrina, and her opponent, Sunset Shimmer from Canterlot City. Each will use three Pokémon. The battle is over when all Pokémon of either side is unable to battle. Furthermore, only the challenger is allowed to substitute Pokémon."
"Here's my first Pokémon, Sunset." Korrina said as she threw her Poké Ball. "Let's rumble, Mienfoo!"
Out popped a humanoid creature, mostly peach colored with red arms and legs. Sunset studied this Pokémon with her Pokédex.
Mienfoo, the Martial Arts Pokémon. The Pokédex said. When the sun rises, Mienfoo starts training. They move with smooth flows.
Sunset calls for her own Pokémon. "Golbat, I choose you!"
Golbat flies into battle. Korrina makes a move. "Mienfoo, let's start with Meditate."
Mienfoo sat cross legged as a blue glow surrounded it. Korrina then gives out another command. "Now, use Double Slap!"
Mienfoo quickly slaps Golbat. Sunset has her own idea. "Golbat, Confuse Ray!"
Golbat's eyes glowed red. Soon, Mienfoo's eyes got red too. It started slapping itself around.
"Oh no!" Korrina said with concern.
"Okay, Golbat!" Sunset called out. "Time for that new move you learned. Use Air Cutter!"
Golbat flapped it's wings rapidly. The winds blew Mienfoo to a wall, and knocked it out.
"Mienfoo is unable to battle." Gurkhin announced. "Golbat is the winner."
"Mienfoo, return." Korrina said. She then took out another Poké Ball. "Not bad, Sunset. But, let's see you deal with this!" Korrina threw her ball. "Let's rumble, Machoke!"
Out pops a bigger version of Machop. This Pokémon wore a golden fighter like belt.
Sunset’s Pokédex gave out some information. Machoke, the Superpower Pokémon and the evolved form of Machop. With its amazing strength, Machoke is useful at construction sites.
"Let's keep going, Golbat." Sunset said happily.
Golbat came at Machoke. But, Korrina has a trick up her sleeve.
"Here's my answer to flying types." Korrina informed. "Machoke, use Rock Tomb!"
Machoke suddenly unleashed a bunch of rocks at Golbat. The rocks struck Golbat and caused it to faint.
"Golbat!" Sunset gasped. "NO!"
"Golbat is unable to battle." Gurkhin announced. "Machoke is the winner."
"Golbat, return." Sunset said as she recalls her Pokémon. "Thanks for trying, Golbat. Just take a good rest."
"I had Machoke learn Rock Tomb, knowing flying types are powerful against Fighting types." Korrina said. "So, who's your next choice?"
Sunset made her decision. "Braixen, I choose you!"
Braixen came out, ready for action.
"Okay, Braixen." Sunset said. "Start with Flame Charge."
Braixen flares up. Korrina reacts to it. "Machoke, use Low Sweep."
Machoke used his leg to sweep up Braixen. Korrina gave another command. "Follow it up with Karate Chop!"
Machoke's arm glowed as it charges to hit Braixen.
"Dodge," Sunset called out, " then use Psybeam!"
Braixen zipped out of the way and fired a dark pink beam to Machoke. The psychic power soon overcame Machoke. The Superpower Pokémon fainted.
"Machoke is unable to battle." Gurkhin announced. "Braixen is the winner!"
"Machoke, return." Korrina said. She looks at Sunset with admiration. "I can see the love you have with your Pokémon."
Sunset blushed as Korrina calls for her last Pokémon. "Here's your last opponent." She then throws her Poké Ball. "Let's rumble, Hawlucha!"
Out pops a bird like Pokémon with a head that looks like a lucha Libre style mask. Sunset pulls out her Pokédex. "That's a Hawlucha, the Wrestling Pokémon."
Hawlucha, the Wrestling Pokémon. Said the Pokédex. It strikes poses as a way to intimidate opponents.
"This fighter is also a flying type." Sunset realized. "This gives me an idea." She raises a Poké Ball. "Braixen, return."
Sunny was shocked seeing Sunset recalling Braixen. "What's the deal? Braixen had an advantage."
"I think Sunset has an idea." Izzy figured.
"Pikachu," Sunset said, "I choose you!"
Pikachu pops out, ready for battle.
"Let's start with Quick Attack!" Sunset suggested.
Pikachu zips around to get to Hawlucha. Korrina is not impressed. "Hawlucha, use Wing Attack!"
Hawlucha tries to nail Pikachu. But, the Mouse Pokémon was too fast. As soon as it got close, Sunset unleashed a surprise. "Now, Pikachu! Use Nuzzle!"
"Nuzzle?" Korrina wondered.
Pikachu rubbed off against Hawlucha. Sparks were flying. Hawlucha threw Pikachu off and is ready to finish it off.
"Hawlucha, " Korrina said, "use Flying Press!"
Hawlucha jumped up into the air. Then, it flattened Pikachu. This caused Pikachu to faint.
"Pikachu is unable to battle." Gurkhin announced. "Hawlucha is the winner."
Sunset recalled Pikachu. But, she's very satisfied. "Good work, Pikachu. You set things up nicely." She then calls for her last Pokémon. "You're up, Braixen!"
Braixen comes out again. Korrina is looking to finish this fight quickly. "Hawlucha, another Flying Press."
However, Hawlucha felt the paralysis effects of Pikachu's Nuzzle.
"Here's our chance, Braixen." Sunset said happily. "Psybeam!"
Braixen unleashed the pink energy on Hawlucha. The Wrestling Pokémon felt the effects of Psybeam. He slowly fainted.
"Hawlucha is unable to battle." Gurkhin announced. "Braixen is the winner. The winner of this battle is Sunset Shimmer!"
The crowd applauded for Sunset. Even Kelly was impressed with this battle. Minutes later, Korrina stepped up to talk to Sunset Shimmer. "I knew you were a tough opponent when you faced my Lucario duo." Korrina said. “And, this battle is further proof." She presents a badge shaped like two boxing gloves hitting each other. "So, you earned the Rumble Badge."
Sunset was given the badge. And, is feeling proud. "I have the Rumble Badge!" She then holds it high. "That's Badge number three."
After she places the badge in her case, Sunset saw that Korrina is asking for something else. "One more thing. Meet me at the top of the Tower of Mastery."
Later, Sunset reaches the top of the tower. But, she's feeling tired. "Why don't they install an elevator in this place?"
Sunset stepped outside the tower balcony, and met Korrina and her Lucario duo.
"Thank you for coming." Korrina praised. "Now is the time. You are worthy of receiving the keystone that will unleash Mega Evolution." She then presents to Sunset a red wristband with a jewel embedded in it. "It's placed in this wrist band so you can carry it easily."
Sunset slips on her wristband. The red color fits her nicely. Suddenly, one of the Lucario walks off to stand next to Sunset. Korrina then had an idea.
"I think that Lucario wants to travel with you." Korrina figured.
Sunset was surprised. "Is that true, Lucario? You want to come with me?"
Lucario nodded as Korrina continues her explanation. "That Lucario probably sensed something within you that it finds fascinating. He already has Lucarionite on him. I think he'll be a good friend for you."
"No wonder you stopped in front of me when I left Lumiose City." She then takes out an empty Poké Ball. "Welcome aboard."
She taps the ball and it absorbs Lucario. After a few shakes, the ball clicks. Then, disappeared.
Wait until Starlight sees him. Sunset thought.
When Sunset was back at the entrance to the Tower, Sprout Cloverleaf was waiting.
"Sunny told me you would be here." Sprout said.
"Hi, Sprout." Sunset greeted. "Checking up on me?"
"Of course. Zipp Storm told me what happened. You must've been through a nightmare."
"Yeah. You can thank Garble for that."
"Believe it or not, Garble and his boys rub me the wrong way too. I'm glad things worked out in the end."
"Me too."
Sprout then gave Sunset some useful information. "Gym Challenge number 4 is located in Coumarine City. Later."
Sprout then heads out. The next day. Sunset and her companions are talking to Zipp and Kelly.
"Good to see you again, Zipp." Izzy said proudly.
"Not a problem." Zipp replied. "I'm glad that Sprout is taking his job as Professor Sycamore's helper seriously."
"I'm sorry for what I've done to you, Sunset." Kelly said sadly.
"Don't worry, Kelly." Sunset replied. "That creep who influenced you is very manipulative. He would do that to anybody."
"At least I'm not in that straitjacket anymore."
Everybody had a good laugh. Soon, the three friends ready themselves to leave.
"Next stop," Sunny announced.
"Coumarine City!" Izzy finished.
"And, Gym Battle number 4." Sunset added.
As Sunset, Izzy, and Sunny leave Shalour City, the stranger in the crimson hoodie watched with anger. He lifted his hood, and it was indeed Garble, the brute Sunset talked about.
"I'll disgrace you yet, Sunset Shimmer!" Garble growled. "Me and my boys aren't through yet!"

Okay, everyone. If you said that the Kitsune creature is Ninetales: The Fox Pokémon, you’re right.