The Flame Pokémon-athon

After obtaining the Soul Badge at Koga's gym, the gang arrived to a lot of fields that had fences built and Pokémon grazing around in them.

"Do you think that we're in the countryside?" Misty asked.

"We maybe near a farm or ranch." Ashlyn said.

Just then they felt the ground shaking.

"Is it an earthquake?" Misty asked.

"No," Brock pointing to a field, "It's those Pokémon over there."

A herd of bulls were stampeding around in a field.

Ashlyn looked at the phone:

[Tauros, the wild bull Pokémon. Once it takes aim at its foe, it makes a headlong charge. It is famous for its violent nature.]

"I'd like to have a Tauros," Ashlyn said. "I wonder where their owner is."

Just then a Growlithe came up from behind them.

"Hey a Growlithe." Brock said, remembering his own who was sent to his family.

Ashlyn looked Growlithe up:

[Growlithe, the puppy Pokémon. While loyal to its master, the Growlithe will drive away enemies by barking and biting.]

"Hey Growlithe," Ashlyn said as she petted the Puppy Pokémon who was liking the attention, "Where's your master?"

"I'm right here." A feminine voice replied.

The voice belonged to a girl with blue hair that was in a ponytail wearing a bandana on her forehead light green shirt and blue shorts. She was riding a Pokémon with flames on it. Ashlyn remembered that this girl is Lara Laramie.

"A Ponyta." Ashlyn looked up the girl's horse on her phone:

[Ponyta, the fire horse Pokémon. As a newborn, it can barely stand. However, through galloping, its legs are made tougher and faster. Its mane is made of intense flames.]

"Excuse me, but can you tell us where we are please?" Ashlyn asked, politely.

"You are at the Pokémon ranch, we preserve and raise wild Pokémon here." Lara answered.

"So those Tauros are yours then?" Ashlyn pointed at the herd of Tauros.

"That's correct," Lara replied, "I'm Lara Laramie and my family runs this ranch."

The gang introduced themselves to her.

Lara smiled, "Nice to meet you all."

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Lara showed the group the fields of the ranch, which held different Pokémon. One field had Sandslash, another Nidorina, another Nidorino and other fields held different Pokémon.

"Breeders from the Laramie Ranch are superior to others. They raise the Pokémon in the wild and they're a little stronger than most of them." Brock explained.

Lara smiled as she got down off her Ponyta. "I'm glad that there are some folks know about all our hard work that we do," She nodded, "We're very proud of how we raised our Pokémon."

Ashlyn thought about her Rapidash, as Ponyta evolves into Rapidash. She took out her Pokedex and quickly added Comet her shiny Rapidash to her team. Then she released him from his pokéball.

"Wow," she said, "Your Rapidash looks magnificent, especially for a shiny. When did you get it?"

Ashlyn told Lara about Damian and about how she, Misty and Brock adopted Damian's Pokémon.

"I'm glad you three have Damian's Pokémon," Lara said, relieved "a guy like that doesn't deserve to have any Pokémon. Rapidash looks well cared for now."

Ashlyn explained that at first Comet was afraid of her. "He feared that I was like Damian was, but I managed to prove to him that I'm not and gain his trust, right Comet?"

Comet nickered and nuzzled his trainer.

"Hey I know, we're having a big party here tonight. Why don't you all come as my guests?" Lara asked.

"A party!" Misty smiled.

"Sounds like a great idea." Brock agreed.

"You can stay here tonight, that way you'll be able to see the big Pokémon Race tomorrow." Lara said.

Ashlyn blinked, "Pokémon Race?"

"It's a race when people, riding on their Pokémon, compete against each other. And the winner becomes a honorary member of the Laramie Clan." Lara answered.

"That sounds amazing." Ashlyn said.

Just then they felt the ground shake once more.

"The Tauros again?!" Misty panicked.

"No it's not the Tauros." Lara said.

A flock of what looks to be bird Pokémon with triple heads, ran past them with great speed.

"Wow, those are fast Pokémon." Misty commented.

"Those are Dodrio's." Ashlyn said.

Then they saw one of them ran up beside them, with a boy with purpled hair in a ponytail, riding on its back.

"Howdy Lara." The boy greeted.

"Dario." Lara greeted casually.

Ashlyn scanned the bird Pokémon:

[Dodrio, the triple bird Pokémon. It can run faster than it can fly. Its three heads represent joy, sorrow and anger.]

Dario smirked at Lara. "I thought I'd let you know that Dodrio and I are going to win the race tomorrow," he said, proudly and arrogantly, "I hope you're ready to lose." Then he left on his Dodrio.

"Who was that guy?" Misty asked. She and Ashlyn didn't like his attitude.

"That's Dario," Lara replied, "a Dodrio trainer. He loves to show off his Pokémon's speed."

"Somehow he reminds me of a certain someone we know." Ashlyn said.

"(I know exactly who you're talking about.)" Lucario stated.

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That evening Lara brought the gang to the festival. Lara got a lot of good luck from everyone for the Pokémon race.

"Lara sure is popular." Misty commented.

"Yeah both her and her Ponyta have got fans." Brock agreed.

"I have a feeling that tomorrows race will be great." Ashlyn predicted, munching down on a chocolate Magikarp she was sharing with Tesla, Lucario, and Boltund.

"Hey Lara!" A familiar male voice called out and it was Dario, "Your Tauros are going crazy at the ranch!" he said to Lara.

Lara and the gang gasped.

Lara whistled for her Ponyta over and jumped on and rode off to the ranch. She and the gang went over to the ranch.

Ashlyn glanced over her shoulder and saw Dario smirking. She narrowed her eyes at it and had a feeling that there was something unsettling about that smirk.

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When they got to the ranch, Lara's Tauros were tackling each other like mad. It was like they were having a real fight with each other.

"What?" Lara gasped, "Quick Growlithe, get in there and settle them down."

Growlithe nodded and ran around the Tauros, barking, to gain their attention. Within a few seconds, the Tauros had calmed down completely.

"What the heck was that?" Brock asked.

"I don't know and I don't like it either." Ashlyn replied.

Lara was just about to inspect them when suddenly something flew past Ponyta, frightening it. Ponyta was so spooked that Lara fell off Ponyta.

"Arg!" Lara gasped in pain when she landed on her left arm. She tried to move her left arm, "Arg!" She gripped her arm.

"Lara!" Misty gasped.

"Don't move that arm." Brock warned.

Ashlyn immediately ran over to Ponyta and grabbed its reins, trying to calm it down. Then it soon did.

"What was that all about?" Misty asked.

Ashlyn knew that Team Rocket was behind the Tauros's behavior. Dario intended to win the race, even if it meant cheating, so he had made a deal with Team Rocket. If Team Rocket helped him win the race, they would be rewarded with a lot of money.

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At Lara's house, Lara was resting her arm in a sling. She looked outside the window with a sad expression.

Lara sighed, "With my arm like this I can't grip Ponyta's reins and won't be able to race tomorrow." She said with regret.

Ashlyn sighed, "Too bad for the Laramie clan."

Then Lara had an idea, "Hold on," Lara started smile, "Ashlyn, you could ride Ponyta for me."

Ashlyn gasped, "Me?! But I can't do that! I mean Ponyta will only listen to you!" She told Lara.

"You can do it Ashlyn," Lara assured her, "After seeing you calm down Ponyta, I knew for sure that you are perfect for this. Everything will be okay."

"Give it a try." Misty said.

"You can do it, Ashlyn." Brock smiled.

Ashlyn looked at Ponyta and back at Lara, "Okay, I'll give it a try." Slowly walked towards the fire horse Pokémon and saw the look of wariness. "Um..."

"Ponyta," Lara scolded gently, "I know, but Ashlyn is a trustworthy person."

Ponyta turned to Ashlyn and nodded.

"Go on." Misty encouraged.

Ashlyn nodded and walked up to Ponyta and gently placed her hand on his back. She blinked and smiled, her hand didn't get burned at all.

"Try and ride him, Ashlyn." Misty said.

Ashlyn carefully climbed on Ponyta's back and grabbed his reins. "Ready to win the race tomorrow?" She asked.

Ponyta nickered, meaning he was ready.

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The next day it was time for the race to begin. Fireworks and loud cheers were heard from the stadiums. All those that were competing in the race were getting ready at the finish line.

"Welcome ladies and gentlemen to this year's Pokémon Challenge sponsored by the Laramie Clan!" The Race announcer announced to the audience, "Our course takes our challengers through hard rocks and water to test their speed and ability! Whoever clears all the obstacles and crosses the finish line is our winner!"

"Will all the Pokémon and trainers come to the starting line now!"

All those who were competing were getting ready at the starting line. Tesla, Brock and Misty decided to enter too. Ashlyn with Ponyta, Misty with Starmie, Brock was with Onix and Tesla was riding on Boltund who wanted to try.

Lara and her Growlithe along with Lucario were sitting in the stands.

"Good luck you guys." Lara cheered with her uninjured arm.

"Arf (Do great out there.)" Growlithe said.

"(You can do it.)" Lucario added.

Ashlyn smiled at their encouragements.

"Ready Ponyta?" Ashlyn asked.

Both she and Ponyta were excited. So excited in fact, Ponyta set his fire mane blazing.

"Heyyy!" Brock whined as he and Misty back away the Fire Horse Pokémon.

"Arf arf arf (Burning with determination, huh?)" Boltund said with amusement.

Tesla smiled and nodded, "Raichu (Yup.)"

The count down started, red stop-like glowed.

"...READY?!..."

All the competitors got ready...

"...GO!"

The racers took off immediately.

"And they're off on this exciting Pokémon Challenge Race! When the dust settles, we'll be able to see whose in the lead!"

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"Now the contestants left the stadium, they are now on the first part of the obstacles course!"

"HIIEEEYYAAAA!" Dario smiled as he sped past the racers in first place on his Dodrio.

"And Dario riding Dodrio pulls away from the pack, if he keeps this incredible pace, he'll be unstoppable!"

Everything began running smoothly, but Team Rocket started doing their tricks. They shot two sling shots, which hit a Tauros and its trainer. It spooked Tauros so much that it ended up tackling a Nidorina and her trainer.

Nidorina was crossed and she fought back. So Nidorina and Tauros soon got into a fight, ignoring their trainers.

"Looks like they're out of this race!"

Ashlyn narrowed her eyes at the scene, 'Team Rocket.' Then focused back onto the race.

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"Next obstacle is a forty-five degree off hill climb, its a test of endurance for the Pokémon and their trainer! And Dario still holds the lead."

"This maybe tricky," Ashlyn said to Ponyta, "But I know you can do it."

The racers managed to get over the hill, going downhill was easier. There was one Pokémon that made it super easy for them: An Electrode and its trainer flew past the racers at great speed, taking the lead.

"Woah." Ashlyn was impressed and amused at how its trainer sped past them.

Dario gritted in anger, "He's fast."

The bad news was Team Rocket had dug a hole, and Electrode and his trainer fell into it.

Dario ran past them, taking the lead once more.

"HOHO! And another accident! Electrode has fallen into a hole and Dario once again takes the lead!"

Ashlyn's eyes widened when she saw the glow, "Quick Ponyta, move to the side! Electrode is about to explode!"

Ponyta immediately ran to the side, avoiding the explosion.

The fall did cause Electrode to explode. Bad news is that it hit a Raticate and a Sandslash with their trainers in the process.

Ashlyn and Ponyta along with Tesla and Boltund were safe since they avoided the blast.

"HOHO! Seems like Ponyta and Boltund were able to avoid the blast!"

"Arf arf arf (That was definitely no accident)." Boltund said.

"Yeah. Someone trying to get rid of all the racers," Ashlyn said to herself and then pulled the reins, "Let's go!"

Ponyta nodded and ran off followed by Boltund.

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"Now for the difficult part of the course, the Pokémon has to jump from stone to stone to cross the river!"

Dario smiled, "Go Dodrio, go!"

Dodrio easily crossed the stepping stones with ease. But it wasn't good for Onix and a Rhyhorn. The Rhyhorn stepped on a stepping stone to see if it was all right. But the stepping stone sank, with Rhyhorn still on it.

Onix watched in horror and groaned in tears. Brock petted Onix's head to reassure him. "That's okay," he said. "We tried."

"Ahhh, too bad folks! Rock Pokémon can't deal with water so...Onix is out of here!"

Ponyta and Boltund jumped from stone to stone, extremely fast as Misty and her Starmie swam fast across the river.

"Ponyta and Boltund are great jumpers. Being Fire-type Pokémon, Ponyta shows no fear of the water, they could make a comeback. Starmie is crossing the water no problem, being a Water-type Pokémon."

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"To boost their energy, each Pokémon can resume the race only after eating the entire bowl of food! The Pokémon decides which food to eat!"

Of course Dario and Dodrio got to the tray of food first. But as Dodrio had three heads, they were fighting about who should eat first.

This gave a chance for Starmie, Ponyta, and Boltund to catch up and started to eat their portion of food.

Dario was getting frustrated and, "Alright, Team Rocket time to get to work!" He yelled.

Ashlyn and Misty narrowed their eyes in anger when they heard what Dario yelled out.

Out of nowhere a thick cloud of black smoke appeared, covering the cameras that were set up.

Ashlyn and Misty heard an annoying and familiar motto coming from the smoke.

"Team Rocket!" Misty exclaimed.

"What do you three want?!" Ashlyn shouted.

"Let's just say...that we want to mess you up again!" Meowth grinned.

"So it was you three who broke Lara's arm." Misty realized.

"And it was also you who caused the accidents in the race." Ashlyn glared.

Arbok appeared and spooked Ponyta, Ashlyn immediately tried to calm down Ponyta.

Jessie saw this moment, "Go Dario, now's your chance!" She shouted.

"Thanks, Jessie." Dario nodded, "Go Dodrio." He rode on ahead.

"Unbelievable. Team Rocket's working for Dario." Ashlyn said. She'd always thought Dario was a no good person.

Ponyta nodded. Boltund jumped up and tackled Arbok away from Ponyta.

"Ashlyn, you catch up with Dario," Misty said, "Tesla, Boltund, and I will take care of Team Rocket."

"But..." Ashlyn began to protest.

"Raichu (Don't worry)." Tesla assured her.

"Arf arf (We'll be fine)." Boltund added.

Ashlyn bit her lip and nodded, "Okay."

Ashlyn set off with Ponyta, leaving Tesla, Boltund, and Misty to deal with Team Rocket.

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The camera was fixed and everyone was able to see what was on the screen.

"YES! We have our picture back and...Dodrio is still in the lead!" The screen changed, "Now let's take a look at the other Pokémon...And I can't see anyth-WAIT! Whose that?!"

They saw a red flaming aura appearing from the distance. The camera zoomed in.

"It's a giant BURNING FLAME!"

"Faster Ponyta, we're way behind." Ashlyn said.

"It's Ponyta! I don't know how it happened but it seems it has become a two Pokémon race between Dodrio and Ponyta! With nothing left but a flat out run to the finish line! Anddd Dodrio has entered the stadium, still in the lead!"

Dario laughed, "Hieya, I'm gonna win this one." He said.

Then the camera changed to Ashlyn and Ponyta who entered the stadium and the crowd cheered.

Dario looked back and was shocked, "No way!" he said, not believing this.

"Now Ponyta is closing in on Dodrio!"

"Okay Ponyta, let's beat him." Ashlyn said.

"Now these two powerful Pokémon are trending the lead!"

"Do it Dodrio!" Dario smirked.

As ordered, one of his Dodrio heads pecked Ponyta. The fire horse Pokémon shook its head from the attack and started to slow down a bit.

"Uh oh, something has happened, Ponyta is falling behind!"

Ashlyn's eyes widened and glared at Dario, "That was a cheap shot, Dario!" Ashlyn shouted.

Dario gave a small laugh and smirked, "I do what I can do to win."

"Dodio is closing in on the finish line!"

Now Ponyta really got angry at Dario and started to glow.

Ashlyn gasped in surprise. "Ponyta's...evolving."

Ashlyn, Lara and the audience watched as Ponyta evolved into Rapidash.

"Man, this is incredible! Ponyta has evolved into Rapidash, the fastest winner in the world of Pokémon!"

Dario looked back in shock, "I can't believe it!"

"Here comes Rapidash! Running at top speed over 100 miles an hour!"

Rapidash galloped even faster and caught up with Dodrio.

"And Rapidash has caught up, they're neck and neck for the finishing line!"

"Go Dodrio!" Dario said.

"You can do it, Rapidash!" Ashlyn cheered.

Dodrio was was close, but Rapidash put more effort and managed to cross the finish line first.

The crowd in the stadium cheered loudly at the winners.

Tesla and Boltund arrived to the stadium.

Boltund smiled, "Arf arf (Looks like they won)."

Tesla nodded, "Rai rai (I knew she could do it)."

"An incredible offence, Rapidash makes an amazing comeback to win this Pokémon Challenge!"

"They did it." Misty and Brock appeared in the stadium.

Dario was angry, "Cheater, you interfered with me." He said angrily.

"Hah, you're the one who attacked me!" Ashlyn retorted.

"I'll show you!" Dario commanded Dodrio to attack, "Go get them!"

Rapidash acted first and used Stomp Attack that sent Dario and Dodrio flying into the sky.

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"Congratulations Ponyta-aha I mean Rapidash, you are this year's Pokémon Challenge Champion! Let's give a big hand for its trainer Lara Laramie and for the winning rider, Ashlyn Ketchum!"

Everyone cheered and clapped for them, including the Pokémon.

"Congratulations Lara." Ashlyn said.

"No, congratulations to you, Ashlyn and thanks for your help. Not only did you win for me, but now Rapidash and I are members of the Laramie Clan." Lara said, greatly.

Ashlyn smiled, "No worries, I was glad to help."

Rapidash bent its head down and nickered, licked Ashlyn on her cheek as a saying of 'Thank you'.

Ashlyn laughed, "It was nothing."

The gang and Lara laughed.

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As the sun set, Lara, Rapidash, Growlithe, and the Tauros was bidding the gang farewell.

"If you're looking to catch some Pokémon, there's a safari zone just ahead. It should be perfect." Lara said.

"Really? Thanks." Brock said.

"Here I want you to have this." Lara handed a Pokémon egg to Ashlyn.

"A Pokémon egg." Ashlyn said.

"I found it the day before I met you guys. I have a feeling that this egg wanted to be found and I also have a good feeling that you should have it, Ashlyn." Lara stated.

Ashlyn smiled, "Thank you, Lara."

Lara smiled back, "Good luck Ashlyn. I know you'll become a Pokémon Master."

The gang waved goodbye to Lara as she and her Pokémon watch them leave.

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As our heroes say goodbye to their new friend of the Laramie Pokémon Ranch, they are now headed towards the Safari Zone.

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Pokémon on hand: Raichu (Tesla)(F), Lucario (M), Pidgeot (F), Shiny Suicune (Azure)(F), Bulbasaur (M), Shiny Charmander (Natsu)(M), Squirtle (M), Shiny Gyarados (Rory)(M), Dratini (F), Shiny Entei (Searius)(M), Primeape (M), Scyther (F), Boltund (M), Shiny Rapidash (Comet)(M), Pokémon Egg

Prof. Oak's Lab:

Mienfoo (F), Glaceon (F), Leafon (F), Shiny Rapidash (Comet)(M), Jolteon (F), Flareon (M), Vaporeon (F), Shiny Sylveon (Parisa)(F), Shiny Umbreon (Mani)(M), Espeon (F), Clefable (F), Sandslash (M), Butterfree (M), Pink Butterfree (Momo)(F), Gengar (M), Rockruff (M), Raboot (M), Braixen (F), Kingler (M), Magnemite (Genderless), Muk (M), Nidorina (M), Nidorino (F)