The gang were now on the way to Mahogany Town, where Ashlyn could get her seventh gym badge. Right now they came to a town called Eggseter Town. It was a beautiful town, surrounded by mountains, valleys and hills.
"Arrrr!" A familiar Pokémon voice was heard.
"Huh?" The gang looked behind them and saw an Arcanine.
The gang moved to the side as Arcanine ran past them and they saw Gary Oak riding past them.
"Huh? Gary!" Ashlyn said, surprised.
Gary eyed backwards and was surprised, "Huh? Woah!" He told his Arcanine.
"... Hello. It's been awhile since we last saw each other." He said.
"Hello to you too and yes it has." Ashlyn said.
"What are you doing with that skateboard?" Misty asked, curiously.
"Well, Arcanine and I are getting ready for the big race, we're going to enter it." Gary responded.
"Big race?" Ashlyn questioned.
"Yep! Gotta go." Gary said and looked at his legendary Pokémon, "Let's go Arcanine."
"Nineee!" Gary's Arcanine dashes off, pulling it's trainer with him.
"Eh! Wait!" Ashlyn called out, "You didn't explain!"
Volkner saw something, "Well, it seems like a lot of people are entering this big race." He told them.
"Huh?" The others turned to side and saw many people with their Pokémon.
"Goooo!" Gary's voice was heard.
"Faster, Granbull!" A male trainer ordered.
"Granbull!"
"A little higher, Scyther." Another trainer said.
"Scytheerrr!"
"Well, talk about your radical sports." Brock said.
"It seems dangerous, doesn't it?" Misty questioned.
"To both?" Volkner added.
===================================================
The gang had a meal in a restaurant in Eggseter Town.
"That hit the spot." Misty smiled.
Ashlyn was in thought. Volkner easily noticed this.
"Still thinking about the race?" Volkner asked.
"Huh?" Ashlyn looked up seeing how the others were looking at her, "Yeah. Seems like fun but what is the race exactly?"
"It's called the Extreme Pokémon Race." A voice answered.
The gang looked to the side and saw an mid old man sitting beside Brock.
"Excuse sir. But you said, 'Extreme Pokémon'?" Brock questioned.
"That's right. It has become to most popular sport in Eggseter Town. In ancient times, riding Pokémon was an necessity. Now it's reserved for the annual competition." The man explained.
"What's the competition about sir?" Ashlyn asked.
"Each trainer rides a skateboard that is pulled by a special Pokémon and a race to the finish line." The man explains, "And tomorrow is the best part of the competition, the Championship Event." He had a happy smile expression, "People comes to watched the race from miles and miles away."
"Gary." Brock said.
"Seems like a interesting fun event to participate in." Ashlyn chirped in, then frowned, "Though, I don't even have the right equipment for the race."
"Also you need practice." Volkner said.
"I can help you with that, young lady." The man offered.
"Rai." Tesla smiled.
"Really?! Thank you." Ashlyn bowed.
==============================================
Ashlyn, Misty, Brock and Volkner were now riding on a cart with the man and a Taruos was pulling it.
"Allow me to introduce myself to you kids. My name is Dan Shellby." The man introduces himself to the gang. "And I run a Pokémon Day Care Area in these parts."
"I'm Ashlyn."
"I'm Misty."
"Volkner."
"And I'm Brock."
"It's nice to meet you all." Dan said.
Ashlyn and Misty were sitting on the back of the cart, they spotted two Pokémon, "Look, baby Wooper's by down the pond." Misty pointed out.
"Tesla~" Tesla smiled.
"Just hatched them last week." Dan told the gang.
"Awe, they're so adorable." Misty smiled.
"Toge Togephrriii." Togepi thrilled.
"What a beautiful area. With fresh air and fertile soil. Prefect place to raise Pokémon." Brock complimented on the environment.
"Its probably because of that has been nesters in these parts for years." Dan explained, "That house there is a Pokémon Day Care and look, that one too."
The gang looked around and saw many houses that was a Pokémon Day Care, they even saw some Pokémon Eggs outside on the field and in the water.
"Woah." Ashlyn said.
"Years ago when Pokémon fell sick needed treatment. Before there were cars, trains and such, it's was a long difficult journey into town." Dan explained.
"Is that how Extreme Pokémon got its start?" Brock asked.
"Yes, that's exactly right." Dan replied.
=================================================
Soon Dan and the gang had arrived at Dan's house.
"Hi honey, I'm back!" Dan announced.
A mid age woman was sitting on a rocking chair and polishing a Pokémon Egg on her lap, she looked towards her husband, "Welcome back." She noticed the gang, "Ah, who's this?"
"Kids, this is my wife Kimie." Dan introduced them.
"Hello ma'am." The gang greeted.
"This is Ashlyn and she's the latest entry in tomorrow's competition." Dan told his wife.
Ashlyn gave a small sheepish laugh, "We just arrived in this town and I wanna try my luck at the race."
"Really? Then, best of luck." Kimie smiled.
"Thank you." Ashlyn smiled back.
============================================
The gang were now seated at the table, looking around seeing lots of Pokémon Eggs.
"Look at all the Pokémon Eggs." Misty awed.
Kimie smiled, as she place the Pokémon Egg that she was cleaning back onto its nesting place, "This one arrived only yesterday." She told them.
"Once they hatch, we raised some pretty strong Pokémon." Dan said, as he was holding a Pokémon in his arms, "Here, take a look at this little Pokémon."
The Pokémon turned around, "Sentret." It said.
Ashlyn smiled, "How old is the Sentret?" She asked.
"It's only two days old." Dan replied.
"Wooper."
"Aipom."
"Ursaaa."
"Hoohohoo."
Baby Wooper, baby Aipom, baby Teddisura and a baby Natu Pokémon all ran towards the gang, excitedly.
Misty squealed, "Sooo cuteee~~" She bent down, playing with them.
"These are the group of the little babies." Kimie told them.
"Ashlyn, why don't you come on outside." Dan said.
"Huh?" Ashlyn blinked, but followed Dan.
==============================================
The gang went outside and in front of Ashlyn was the equipment needed for the Extreme Race.
"Rai!" Tesla said.
"It's hasn't been used for many years, but I reckon this old skateboard probably itching for a ride." Dan said.
"Thanks Mr. Dan." Ashlyn thanked him.
"How about some practice with the skateboard?" Dan said.
Apparently Ashlyn was great a skateboarding, she had done a lot of skateboarding and mountain boarding out of boredom back at home and with her Pokémon.
Ashlyn was skating down the hill once and saw a wild Sentret in front of her and did a quick turn, causing the skateboard to hit a rock. "Ah!" She fell off the skateboard.
"Ashlyn!" Volkner called out.
Ashlyn got up, "A warning would be nice." She groaned.
Volkner helped her stand up.
"I'm fine." Ashlyn assured him.
"Woahhh!" Gary's Arcanine stopped in front of them. "You couldn't walk away from a challenge could you Ashlyn?" He saw her practicing a few seconds ago.
Ashlyn gave Gary a look, "It seemed fun to try." She said.
"Is that so? Well, don't expect me to go easy on you."
"Of course not."
"But there's still no chance of beating me. Me and Arcanine, that is." Gary left after saying that, "Gooo Arcanine!"
"Ranine!" Gary's Arcanine said.
=================================================
"Arcanine huh? A formable opponent." Dan said.
Ashlyn was talking to Dan with Volkner about the race.
Tesla and Raichu were looking and playing around in the skateboard, for fun.
"According to the rules, your not allowed to switch Pokémon, in the middle of the race." Volkner told her.
Ashlyn frowned, slightly.
"To win a competition, you must be one with your partner. So you must choose carefully." Dan said, "Character, trust and physical strength. There's much to consider."
"Physical strength..." Ashlyn thought about it, all her Pokémon has that, but the strength is too much. "I know." She sent out her herb Pokémon.
"Meganium." The herb Pokémon appeared.
"Meganium huh... Yes, excellent choice." Dan complimented.
"Alright Meganium, are you ready?" Ashlyn asked her herb Pokémon.
"Meg!" Meganium nodded.
================================================
And so Ashlyn and Meganium went to practice, Volkner headed to the Day Care Area where Brock and Misty were, knowing that their friend is going to be fine.
The sun was setting, Ashlyn and Meganium continues to practice.
"Left. Right." Ashlyn continues, "You're doing great, Meganium."
"Meg!" Meganium said, continuing to run.
"Ashlyn!"
"Huh?" Ashlyn looked ahead.
"Hey Ashlyn!" Dan called out, once again. "I have something to show you!"
"Mr. Dan?" Ashlyn blinked.
Levy headed towards Dan and stopped, eating the Pokémon food that was given to her.
"I've bought you this egg to practice with." Dan handed Ashlyn a egg with a Pokéball symbol on it.
"What's this?" Ashlyn asked, taking the egg and looking at it.
"It's called a dummy egg. Half way through the race you have to put one up and carry it to the finish line." Dan explained.
Ashlyn nodded, "Makes sense. Thank you."
"Ashlyn, you've got to be proud of yourself and all your hard work. You and Meganium are truly a team." Dan complimented, "With that kind of determination, you may receive first place."
Ashlyn smiled, "We'll do our best."
Meganium appeared and rubbed her head against her trainer's face, "Meganium." She said.
Dan smiled.
"Right. Let's continue." Ashlyn said.
Both Ashlyn and Meganium continues their practice with Ashlyn, holding the dummy egg in one arm.
Starting off slow, so Ashlyn can adjust to the dummy egg, then Meganium picked up the speed and then faster and faster.
===================================================
Next day, it was the start of the Pokémon Extreme Race and there are many people here to watch.
"And now the town of Eggseter is proud to announce the moment you all been waiting for!" The male announcer announces, "The finals to the Extreme Pokémon Competition are about to begin!"
The crowd cheering was very loud.
"Today's winner will receive the covenant Golden Pokéball Trophy!"
Brock, Misty and Volkner all sat in the stands on the side with many audience.
"Now allowed me to explain the rules of the competition! The winding course takes our courageous contestants out of town, through the Eggseter Valley and ending at the Shellby's Ranch." The announcer explained.
"There, they will each receive a dummy egg, they must bring the egg back to the starting line, which becomes the finish line. There is no set course from the ranch to the finish, so the contestant is free to choose their own route."
Ashlyn and Meganium were at the starting line, next to Gary and his Arcanine.
"I'll wait for you at the finishing line, Ashlyn." Gary told his rival.
Ashlyn smirked, "I'll be at the finishing line first, Gary." She said, back.
"The players have stepped up to the starting line. This is where all the hard work and dedication finally pays off."
The blue lights start to turn red and when the last light went out, a horn went off.
"Anddd, they off!"
As the contestant just told a couple off steps out, Scyther flew ahead and it's trainer flying, he crashed into someone other contestant, causing an accident.
Dust clouds was covering the front of the starting line.
"Ah!" Misty gaped.
"Already!!" Brock exclaimed.
"Rai!"
"Rai!"
"Toge!"
All the Pokémon gasped, as they stared at the dust cloud.
"His Scyther couldn't control the height of its flying." Volkner observed.
====================================================
"Woah! This race is up to a rough start, just out of the gate we got a major spill!"
"Cross through it Arcanine!" Gary ordered.
"Nine!" Arcanine called out.
"Cut through Meganium!" Ashlyn said.
"Meganium!" The herb Pokémon cried out.
Both Gary and Ashlyn made it through the dust clouds of the accident.
"It looks like a group of competitors just emerged from the wreck."
The camera showed some competitors and then Ashlyn.
===================================================
"Our competitors has made it around the bend and into the treacherous steep mountain of the course."
"Okay Arcanine, time to speed up!" Gary told his legendary Pokémon.
"Arcanineee!" Arcanine runs faster.
"Meganium, lets show them!" Ashlyn said.
"Meganium!" Meganium agreed and runs even faster.
"Gary Oak, holds a healthy lead. But wait, a late entry, Ashlyn Ketchum is narrowing the gap."
Suddenly a net catches Arcanine.
After running through the mountain course, both Ashlyn and Gary ran through the valley. Suddenly a net catches Arcanine. Gary and Ashlyn gasped. Gary fell off his skateboard.
"Gary, are you alright?" Ashlyn asked with panic as she stopped beside him.
"What just happened?" Gary questioned as she helped him up.
Then they heard a very familiar laugh and looked up to see Team Rocket in their balloon with Arcanine in a net.
"Prepare for trouble up, up, and away." Jessie started.
"Make it double, it's not a cliché." James added.
"Meganium, use Razor Leaf on the net!" Ashlyn ordered.
Meganium used her attack on the net and it cut the net in pieces, freeing Arcanine. The trio gasped at this outcome. Arcanine gracefully landed on the ground and went over to Gary.
"Arcanine!" Gary called out and wrapped his arms around the fire type, "Thank goodness you're okay."
"Arc!" Arcanine smiled.
"Gary, would you do me the honors of helping me blast them off?" Ashlyn grinned.
Gary grinned, "It would be my pleasure."
The two trainers turned to the Team Rocket trio who clenched onto each other with fright.
"Arcanine, use Flamethrower!" Gary ordered.
"Meganium, use Energy Ball!" Ashlyn called out.
The two attacks hit the balloon which caused it to explode and sent Team Rocket into the sky.
"So much for getting an extreme Pokémon." Meowth complained.
"Victory was in our grasp!" Jessie exclaimed angrily.
"Yet it slipped through our grasp." James pointed out.
"Wobbuffet!" Wobbuffet saluted.
The trio sighed.
"TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They screamed before they disappeared into the sky.
"Serves them right." Gary and Ashlyn said at the same time.
The two glanced at each other and shared a small laugh.
"Thanks for helping my Arcanine, Ashlyn." Gary thanked the indigo-black hair girl.
"You're welcome, Gary." Ashlyn smiled.
"So shall we get going?" Gary asked.
Ashlyn nodded, "Right."
==================================================
Soon enough, the two trainers reached the Shellby's Ranch.
Dan and Kimie smiled, as Ashlyn and Gary arrived.
"You two are doing great for your first time Extreme Race." Dan complimented, giving them both a dummy egg each.
"Thank you." Ashlyn said, taking one of the dummy egg.
"Thanks." Gary said, taking the other dummy egg.
"Good luck!" Both Dan and Kimie called out.
Both Ashlyn and Gary, with their Pokémon, took off once again, heading back to the starting line which is now the finishing line.
===============================================
"And we're back with an usual day at the Extreme Pokémon Event! But the race is on!"
The screen showed Gary in the lead with Ashlyn behind him but a couple of meters.
"Gary is still in the lead with Ashlyn only a Pokélength behind!"
"Arcanine now, speed up!" Gary ordered.
"Arcanninnne!" The legendary Pokémon dashes even faster.
Ashlyn noticed the trail, she clicked her tongue, "It's narrow Meganium. We can't catch up here." She told her herb Pokémon.
"Mega." Meganium nodded, agreeing.
Ashlyn looked around and saw a ledge, she smirked, "We'll use that. Meganium, lets use that."
"Meg!" Meganium headed off towards the direction of her trainer.
===========================================
Gary looked back and he couldn't see the indigo-black hair anywhere, "Looks like we lost Ashlyn." He looked forwarded, "But, knowing Ashlyn she didn't give up."
"Wohoo! Go Meganium!" Ashlyn's voice was heard from above!?
"What!!" Gary looked up, towards the direction of the voice.
"Meganiummm!" Meganium lets out a determined cry as she landed beside the legendary Pokémon.
"Yeah!" Ashlyn cheered, as she now beside Gary in the race. "Hello!" She greeted.
Gary lets out a small smirk, "Not bad Ashlyn."
"Hey Gary, the last one there is-" Ashlyn started off.
"A rotten egg!" Gary ended.
===========================================
The audience who all saw this was cheering loudly and very astonished by the stunt that a girl would do.
"Never before in the History of Extreme Pokémon have we seen such daring, such cunning, as the last move by Ashlyn Ketchum!"
"Alright! Way to go Ashlyn!" Brock and Misty cheered.
"Nice." Volkner lets out a small grin, knowing that the Ketchum was daring when she needs to be.
All the Pokémon cheered.
"And here they come! Down by the home stretch!"
Both Arcanine and Meganium were neck and neck.
"This race is right down to the wirer!"
"Arcanine, the final sprint." Gary said.
"Ninee!" Arcanine said.
"Give it all you got, Meganium." Ashlyn said.
"Megaiumm!" Meganium said.
"Meganium and Arcanine are neck and neck! Racing towards the finish line in the dead heat!"
The audience were cheering loudly for both Pokémon.
"You can do it Meganium!" Misty cheered.
All the Pokémon cheered, loudly for Meganium.
"What competitors these young trainers are! But who will come out the champion!?"
"Now! Drive for the goal!" Gary shouted out.
Arcanine jumped, driving forward.
"That's it!"
"Now Meganium! Big jump!" Ashlyn shouted out.
Meganium did one big leap forward, her head stretched out, hitting the finishing line first.
"Oh!"
"Yes!"
"We have a winner!"
The audience cheered loudly and confetti's were raised.
"In a splendid come from behind photo finish its... Ashlyn Ketchum!"
Ashlyn and Meganium looked confused for a second before the words caught up to them, they both smiled at each other.
"What a race it has been? What an achievement! Having beat out Gary Oak a powerful contender indeed!"
Gary smiled and nodded.
================================================
Ashlyn and Meganium were now standing on top of a small stage and in Ashlyn's arm is the trophy and around Meganium's neck is a gold medal.
"Ashlyn has won the Golden Pokéball Trophy in her first Extreme Pokémon Competition!"
Brock, Misty, Volkner, Gary and the audience's all gave the winners an applause.
===============================================
As the sun is setting, the gang are saying goodbye to Gary.
"No regrets from me." Gary said, "You've raised yourself a great Pokémon."
"Thanks Gary and you as well." Ashlyn said.
"See ya at the Johto League." Gary said, leaving.
"Yeah." Ashlyn said.
"He has change?" Misty blinked.
"He has." Ashlyn smiled.
"Rai~" Tesla smiled.
"I'll say, you can't really feel the arrogant vibe much as before." Volkner said.
"I agree!" Misty exclaimed.
"Ashlyn." Dan's voice was heard from behind the gang.
"Mr. Dan? Mrs. Kimie?" Ashlyn said.
Dan was holding an incubator and inside was a blue colored Pokémon egg.
"We want to give you this as a gift." Dan smiled as he handed the incubator to Ashlyn.
Ashlyn takes the incubator, "Oh!"
"Rai!" Tesla beamed at the Pokémon egg.
"What kind of egg is it?" Misty asked.
Kimie held a finger to her mouth and winked, "It's a secret..." She said, in a low tone.
"When the Pokémon hatches, use the Pokéball that's on top of the incubator to catch it." Dan told Ashlyn.
"Thank you." Ashlyn said.
==============================================
The gang headed off their way, along the road.
"You all take care now." Dan said, waving.
"See you soon." Kimie said, waving.
==============================================
It's been an exciting stop on the road to Johto. Hard practice, a winning race and the chance to discover an exciting new Pokémon.
===============================================
Pokémon Caught: Heracross (M), Furret (F), Stantler (F), Meganium (F), Typhlosion (M), Togetic (F), Feraligatr (M), Steelix (M), Ampharos (F), Girafarig (F), Misdreavus (F), Inteleon (M), Rillaboom (M), Shiny Greninja (Genji)(M), Shiny Chestnaught (Cybele)(F), Kommo-o (M), Goodra (Nessy)(F), Meowstic (Orin)(M), Meowstic (Bella)(F), Thievul (F), Gothitelle (F), Rapidash (F), Houndoom (M), Shiny Noctowl (M), Zeraora (Raiden)(M), Alolan Raichu (Nariko)(F), Marshadow (M), Murkrow (M), Elekid (F), Celebi (Moriko)(F), Shiny Corsola (Coraline)(F), Ho-Oh (Aveline)(F), Pokémon Egg