Chapter 24: The Flame Pokémon-athon (Re-edited)
After obtaining the Soul Badge at Koga's gym, the gang arrived at a lot of fields that had fences built and Pokémon grazing around in them. They had lost Ash and his friends, once again.
"Do you think that we're in the countryside?" Mairin asked.
"We maybe near a farm or ranch." Cora said.
Just then they felt the ground shaking.
"Is it an earthquake?" Mairin asked.
"No," Alain pointing to a field, "It's those Pokémon over there."
A herd of bulls were stampeding around in a field.
Cora 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," Cora said. "I wonder where their owner is."
Just then a Growlithe came up from behind them.
"Hey a Growlithe." Mairin said.
Cora looked Growlithe up:
[Growlithe, the puppy Pokémon. While loyal to its master, the Growlithe will drive away enemies by barking and biting.]
"Hey Growlithe," Cora 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. Cora remembered that this girl is Lara Laramie.
"A Ponyta." Cora 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?" Cora asked, politely.
"You are at the Pokémon ranch, we preserve and raise wild Pokémon here." Lara answered.
"So those Tauros are yours then?" Alain 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."
======================
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." Alain explained.
"I've heard of them. My aunt Katie is a big fan of them." Cora commented.
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." Then she had an idea, "Hey I know, we're having a big party here tonight. Why don't you all come as my guests?" She asked.
"A party!" Mairin smiled.
"Sounds like a great idea." Alain agreed.
"You can stay here tonight, that way you'll be able to see the big Pokémon Race tomorrow." Lara offered.
Cora blinked, "Pokémon Race?"
"It's a race when people, riding on their Pokémon, compete against each other. And the winner becomes an honorary member of the Laramie Clan." Lara answered.
"That sounds amazing." Cora said.
Just then they felt the ground shake once more.
"The Tauros again?!" Mairin 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." Mairin commented.
"Those are Dodrio's." Alain 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.
Cora 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?" Mairin asked.
"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." Cora commented.
"I know exactly who you're talking about." Alain 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." Mairin commented.
"Yeah, both her and her Ponyta have got fans." Alain agreed.
"I have a feeling that tomorrow's race will be great." Cora predicted, munching down on a chocolate Magikarp she was sharing with Kilala.
"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.
Cora and Alain glanced over their shoulders and saw Dario smirking. They narrowed their 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?" Mairin asked.
"I don't know, and I don't like it either." Cora 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!" Mairin gasped.
"Don't move that arm." Alain warned.
Cora immediately ran over to Ponyta and grabbed its reins, trying to calm it down. Then it soon did.
"What was that all about?" Mairin asked.
Cora 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.
=================
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.
Cora sighed, "Too bad for the Laramie clan."
Then Lara had an idea, "Hold on," Lara started smile, "Cora, you could ride Ponyta for me."
Cora gasped, "Me?! But I can't do that! I mean Ponyta will only listen to you!" She told Lara.
"You can do it Cora," 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." Mairin said.
"You can do it, Cora." Alain smiled.
Cora 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 Cora is a trustworthy person."
Ponyta turned to Cora and nodded.
"Go on." Mairin encouraged.
Cora 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, Cora." Alain suggested.
Cora 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. Alain decided to enter too. Cora with Ponyta, Alain was with Metagross and Kilala was riding on Grazer (Gogoat) who wanted to try.
Lara and her Growlithe along with Mairin 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." Mairin added.
Cora smiled at their encouragements.
"Ready Ponyta?" Cora asked.
Both she and Ponyta were excited. So excited in fact, Ponyta set his fire mane blazing.
"Hey!" Alain yelped as he back away the Fire Horse Pokémon.
"Bleah, bleah? (Burning with determination, huh?)" Grazer said with amusement.
Kilala smiled and nodded, "Espeon. (Yup.)"
The countdown 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!"
Cora narrowed her eyes at the scene, 'Team Rocket.' Then focused back onto the race.
=======================
"Next obstacle is a forty-five degree off hill climb, it's a test of endurance for the Pokémon and their trainer! And Dario still holds the lead."
"This may be tricky," Cora 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." Cora 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!"
Cora'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.
Cora and Ponyta along with Alain and Metagross and Kilala and Grazer were safe since they avoided the blast.
"HOHO! Seems like Ponyta, Metagross and Gogoat were able to avoid the blast!"
"That was definitely no accident." Alain said.
"Yeah. Someone trying to get rid of all the racers," Cora said to herself and then pulled the reins, "Let's go!"
Ponyta nodded and ran off followed by Metagross and Grazer.
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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 steppingstones with ease. But it wasn't good for Onix and a Rhyhorn. The Rhyhorn stepped on a steppingstone to see if it was all right. But the steppingstone sank, with Rhyhorn still on it.
"Ahhh, too bad folks! Rock Pokémon can't deal with water so...Rhyhorn is out of here!"
Ponyta and Grazer jumped from stone to stone, extremely fast as Alain and Metagross floated across the river.
"Ponyta is a great jumper! Being Fire-type Pokémon, Ponyta shows no fear of the water, they could make a comeback! Grazer is following close behind! Metagross is crossing the water no problem!"
====================
"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 Metagross, Ponyta, and Grazer 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.
Cora and Alain 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.
Cora and Alain heard an annoying and familiar motto coming from the smoke.
"Team Rocket!" Alain exclaimed.
"What do you three want?!" Cora 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." Alain realized.
"And it was also you who caused the accidents in the race." Cora glared.
Arbok appeared and spooked Ponyta, Cora 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." Cora gritted her teeth.
Ponyta nodded. Metagross jumped up and tackled Arbok away from Ponyta.
"Cora, you catch up with Dario," Alain said, "Kilala, Grazer, Metagross and I will take care of Team Rocket."
"But..." Cora began to protest.
"Espeon. (Don't worry)." Kilala assured her.
"Bleah (We'll be fine)." Grazer added.
Cora bit her lip and nodded, "Okay."
Cora set off with Ponyta, leaving Kilala, Grazer, Metagross and Alain 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!" Cora called out.
"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 Cora 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!" Cora 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!"
Cora's eyes widened and glared at Dario, "That was a cheap shot, Dario!" She 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.
Cora gasped in surprise. "Ponyta's...evolving."
Cora, Lara, Mairin 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!" Cora cheered.
Dodrio was so close, but Rapidash put more effort and managed to cross the finish line first.
The crowd in the stadium cheered loudly at the winners.
Alain, Metagross, Kilala and Grazer arrived at the stadium.
Alain smiled, "Looks like they won."
Kilala nodded, "Espe espeon. (I knew she could do it.)"
"An incredible offence, Rapidash makes an amazing comeback to win this Pokémon Challenge!"
Dario was angry, "Cheater, you interfered with me." He said angrily.
"Hah, you're the one who attacked me!" Cora 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.
======================
"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, Cora Joy!"
Everyone cheered and clapped for them, including the Pokémon.
"Congratulations Lara." Cora said.
"No, congratulations to you, Cora 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.
Cora smiled, "No worries, I was glad to help."
Rapidash bent its head down and nickered, licked Cora on her cheek as a saying of 'Thank you'.
Cora 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.
Cora smiled, "Thank you, Lara."
Lara smiled back, "Good luck, Cora. 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 Obtained:
Cora: Shiny Espeon (Kilala)(F), Shiny Charizard (Nuri)(F), Altaria (Talia)(F), Shiny Lucario (Jackal)(M), Frogadier (Kenji)(M), Pidgeot (Gail)(F), Shiny Gyarados (Rory)(M), Cloyster (Matta)(M), Shiny Starmie (Pyxis)(Genderless), Butterfree (Papilio)(M), Beedrill (Stinger)(M), Nidorina (Juno)(F), Nidoran (Malik)(M), Pikachu (Tama)(F), Clefable (Shayla)(F), Sandslash (Digger)(M), Meloetta (Odele)(F), Chikorita (Kalmia)(F), Shiny Braxien (Rogue)(F), Mienfoo (Mulan)(F), Glaceon (Nieva)(F), Leafeon (Panra)(F), Shiny Gengar (Sypro)(M), Shiny Monferno (Pirro)(M), Galarian Ponyta (Althea)(F), Shiny Chespin (Cybele)(F), Alolan Raichu (Zuma)(M), Rockruff (Romulus)(M), Meowstic (Yuki)(F), Oshawott (Daisho)(M), Kingler (Kuka)(M), Shiny Umbreon (Zunair)(M) Sylveon (Stella)(F), Vaporeon (Kaori)(F), Jolteon (Lyn)(F), Flareon (Egan)(M), Dratini (Scylla)(F), Absol (Twilight)(M), Shiny Scorbunny (Scorch)(M), Popplio (Naia)(F), Alolan Vulpix (Elsa)(F), Pink Butterfree (Momo)(F), Sobble (Mystique)(F), Mankey (Manny)(M), Magnemite (Static)(Genderless)
Alain: Charizard (M), Metagross (Genderless), Tyranitar (M), Weavile (M), Bisharp (M), Unfezant (M), Leafeon (F), Umbreon (M), Chestnaught (M), Malamar (F), Steelix (M), Shiny Gyarados (F), Scyther (M), Golbat (M), Shiny Zorua (Unovan)(M), Frigibax (M), Prinplup (M), Copperajah (F), Lokix (M), Magby (M), Axew (M), Rockruff (M), Rhydon (F), Alakazam (M), Meowstic (M), Sandile (M), Absol (M), Cyndaquil (M), Deino (F) Rookidee (M), Squirtle (M)
Mairin: Chespin (Chespie)(M), Flabébé (Bébé)(F), Gogoat (Grazer)(F), Butterfree (Bira)(F), Parasect (Paxtin)(M), Clefairy (Pixie)(F), Lilligant (Unovan)(Petunia)(F), Swadloon (Evanthe)(F), Thwackey (Biri)(F), Grotle (Aspen)(M), Pansage (Sage)(F), Roserade (Rose)(F), Azumarill (Mary)(F), Skitty (Cathy)(F), Cherubi (Cherry)(F), Maractus (Amaranth)(F), Snivy (Vinicius)(F), Shaymin (Carissa)(F), Squirtle (Kai)(M)
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone