Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. That was likely obvious already, but it's true. I do ont own the Amaro Region, or any of the concepts taken from Pokemon: League of Ultimates. All of that stuff belongs to PichuAuraGuardian18. I do however own all of my original characters in this story (Tara, Gem, Rayne, Talo, and any others I decide to create.)
` "Blazing Ranch, huh?" Rayne nodded toward a large oak sign. "It says it's home to Fire-type Pokemon from all five of the main regions. That makes it a great place for anyone trying to learn more about Fire-types. We'll probably run into a lot of trainers here."
` Tara studied the sign with curiosity. "It also makes it a prime target for thieves. If I was looking for rare and valuable Pokemon to steal, this is where I would go."
` The two wandered through the gate, looking around for signs of life. The only thing that appeared to be visible was a large farmhouse about twenty meters from the entrance. A young girl sat on a wooden crate near the house playing a flute.
` "Welcome!" she called upon noticing them. "This is Blazing Ranch! Are you two trainers who have come to see the Pokemon?"
` Tara nodded. "We were hoping to meet the person in charge. Can you lead us to them?"
` The girl nodded, her locks of brown hair swaying in the breeze. "My name is Mindy, and if you wanna meet my boss, you'll hafta take the challenge!"
` "Challenge?" Rayne asked. "What kind of challenge?"
` Mindy pointedt toward the farmhouse. "Behind there is the ranch, but there are a lot of strong trainers who come here. My boss doesn't have time to talk to everyone, so we have a race to decide who is the strongest. Anyone who is able to find my boss recieves a prize, and can ask 'em anything they want about the ranch. But you'll have to face wild Pokemon and trainers along the way." She paused. "Actually, it's just the Pokemon who are wild. The trainers are regular people." She giggled. "But you probably knew that already! So if you can find my boss, you win the challenge. But the boss's hiding place changes every hour, or whenever someone finds it, so you have to be quick!"
` Rayne grinned. "That sounds like a lot of fun! I'm sure we can do it."
` Mindy nodded. "Alright then, I'll take you to the entrance." She turned, playing an upbeat whistle on her flute as she went. They reached the back of the house, and Tara gasped.
` As far as she could see were hills, trees, and open plains. Straight in front of them, about a hundred meters out, a group of Ponyta frolicked together. Further on, a Darmanitan was locked in a playful shoving match with a Magmortar. All of the Pokemon seemed carefree and relaxed.
` "What a beautiful place" Tara breathed. Mindy giggled beside her. "And my boss has raised almost every one of 'em from an egg!"
` Rayne stood beside Tara, gazing at the area. "Look, there's a herd of Numel and Camerupt over that way." She gestured toward the Camel Pokemon grazing peacefully.
` Mindy's smile fell. "Yup. Those are our most famous Pokemon. But lately, a bunch of them have gone missing..."
` Tara nodded. "That's why we're here. So we'd best get going." She hurried toward the pasture, watching the area uneasilly.
` "Take care!" Mindy called. "And if you meet my brothers or sister, you should say hello. They might help you."
` "Thank you" Rayne smiled at her. "We will."
-X-
` It was a full five minutes before someone slammed into Tara, knocking her flat on her back. She 'oofed' as the other person went reeling off to the side, falling in a heap.
` "Sorry!" a voice called from the heap. "I was in such a rush, I didn't look where I was going!"
` Tara spat a few pieces of grass from her mouth. "It's no problem, just a bit of internal bleeding..."
` The person hurried over to help her up. Tara glanced up to see that it was a boy about her age, grinning softly. He had blond hair and honest green eyes, the left of which was interrupted by a thin scar. He wore a blue shirt with olive cargo pants, along with a belt where he had stored his pokeballs.
` "The name's Ben" He told her. "I figured you should know, seeing as how I ran into you. Are you here taking the challenge as well?"
` Tara nodded, her head still throbbing a bit. "We need to speak to the owner of the ranch. This whole place might be in danger."
` Ben stared at her for a second. "Danger? This is one of the safest places in Amaro. That's likely why the Pokemon like it so much. There's no way it could be in danger." He frowned. "And I'm afraid you wont be able to speak to the boss just yet, seeing as how I need to talk with him first!"
` "How come?" Rayne asked, walking over.
` "Because I'm after a powerful Pokemon which nobody has ever been able to catch-the Flaming Bandit!"
` He waited, obviously wanting the drama to sink in. Rayne simply stared, while Tara reached up to scratch her ear. "No idea what you're talking about, kid."
` Ben frowned. "The Flaming Bandit is an urban legend. It is said to be a Pokemon with incredible power for its small size. It shows up on the ranch to cause mischief-setting other Pokemon on fire, lifting trainers into the air with its mind-before dashing off to its secret hideout. There are some who even say it can change its shape!" He clenched his fist in excitement. "And the best part about it is a rumor that if you give it a Fire Stone, it will become even more powerful!"
` "That's great" Tara cut in. "But what does this Pokemon have to do with meeting the ranch owner?"
` "Because that's the prize for winning the game" Ben replied. "A genuine Fire Stone, useable to evolve Pokemon and to make fire-types even more powerful. I've been tracking the locations of the Owner's Hideout for days, and I've finally discovered the pattern!" He pulled out a sketchpad. "There's a map in here which can tell me wherever the Hideout is depending on the time of day. And the next one just so happens to be on the other side of the Camerupt corral!"
` "Isn't that cheating?" Rayne asked. "Knowing where the hideout is going to be all the time? Where's the fun in that?"
` Ben frowned. "But it took tons of effort and time to put this map together. I'd say that counts as my share of work."
` "Then can we come with you?" Tara asked. "It really is urgent that we speak with the owner."
` Ben thought about it. "Well, it's technically against the rules, but since it's an emergency, I'm sure he'd let you come with me." He started toward the corral. "I just hope you two have some water-types on hand, because from this point on, the Pokemon and trainers will attack you."
` Tara pulled out Seismitoad's pokeball. "That wont be a problem."
-X-
` The man known as Tabitha watched the three trainers as they began moving toward the Camerupt corrals. "Keep an eye on them. We'll make sure to strike only when the timing is perfect."
` "Why not attack now while we have the element of surprise?" one of his assistants asked.
` "Because they'll be worn out from their Pokemon battles once they get there." Tabitha replied. "But all we have to do is fly over the attackers and swoop in. They'll never see us coming!"
` The three men laughed wickedly, preparing for the moment when they would use their awful skills.
` "Magmar, use Sunny Day!" Tara's opponent called. Her partner-a red-and-yellow Pokemon with flame-like symbols all over its body-nodded, launching a ball of fire into the air. The ball expanded above them, heating the whole area like a miniature sun. The female trainer smirked, until the ball suddenly dissolved.
` "What was that?" Ben asked Rayne as the two sat on the sidelines.
` Rayne pointed at Tara's partner. "Seismitoad's ability is Cloud Nine, which prevents any weather-changing effects from working while it's in battle. That means Tara's opponent can't weaken her water attacks by changing the weather."
` The trainer growled. "If we can't beat you by taking away your water attacks, we'll just do it the old fashioned way. Magmar, use Thunder Punch!"
` Magmar darted in, fist crackling with energy. For once as long as Rayne could remember, Tara's Pokemon did absolutely nothing to evade the attack. Instead, Seismitoad stood its ground as the electric energy hit it.
` "Why didn't she order it to dodge?" Ben asked. "She barely let any of her other opponents land a hit, period."
` Rayne's eyes suddenly widened. "Oh, I get it!"
` The two watched as the electricity fizzled out, doing nothing to the Frog Pokemon.
` "You forgot that Seismitoad is also part Ground-type" Tara called. "It looks like none of your attacks will work."
` The trainer could do nothing but flinch as Tara ordered a full-power Hydro Pump attack. She sighed as Magmar fell almost immediately under the deluge of water. Tara had been in control the entire time.
` "How does she do that?" Ben asked. "It's like she can accurately predict every move her opponent is going to make."
` "That's part of being a Pokemon Strategist" Rayne shrugged. "It's extremely difficult, but Tara has been recognized as far away as Kanto as being a Master Strategist. That's how she won the Hoenn, Johto, and Unova gym challenges with ease."
` "With that much skill, why hasn't she defeated the other three gym challenges by now?" Ben questioned.
` Rayne shrugged. "Duty before desire, I guess. Tara was given an offer, and she took it." She didn't mention that the offer's details had been to formally accept Team Aqua's invitation to join.
` Meanwhile, Tara was attempting to comfort the unfortunate trainer who had lost the battle. The girl was in tears, and couldn't have been more than twelve.
` "I-I knew I wasn't strong enough, so I came here to train. But you beat me so easily, I couldn't do a thing" the girl sniffed. "I'm a horrible trainer..."
` Tara bit her lip. She wasn't the comforting type, as Talo was so fond of telling her, but she couldn't just let this girl cry.
` "It's alright, you're not horrible. You just didn't know how to react to my strategy." Tara waved her hand toward Seismitoad. "You were planning to use Sunny Day to weaken my Pokemon's attacks and strengthen your own. If you had been able to anticipate its ability, what would you have done differently?"
` The girl sniffed as she considered the question. "I'd try to stop it from using it."
` Tara nodded. "When you don't want a Pokemon to use its ability, items, attacks, and other abilities can help. For example: The ability Mummy causes any Pokemon which touches the user to have its ability change. Likewise, Skill Swap is an attack that trades an ability with a target. Does that make sense?"
` The girl nodded vigorously, trying to keep up with the older girl's words.
` The second thing that helped me was my Pokemon's type. Water and Ground is a difficult combination to defeat, especially if your Pokemon doesn't have Grass-type attacks. Magmar can learn Ice Punch, though, and although it isn't the best against water, it's super effective against Ground. So the trick with typing is not necessarily to have an advantage every time, but to know which skills are most helpful in a given situation. Learn this, and you stand a chance against any foe."
` The girl nodded. "I still have a lot to learn, I guess. Thank you, miss. I hope we meet again someday when I am stronger!"
` Ben coughed. "Not to break up the moment or anything, Tara, but we're on a bit of a schedule."
` Tara nodded. "Then we should get going. It was wonderful to meet you." She moved to follow the other two, but something caught her eye. A flickering blue light, flitting through the trees for only a second.
` "Did you see that?" Tara asked. "There was light coming from the trees."
` Ben nodded. "That's the area where the Flaming Bandit is supposed to live. It's next on my list once I've got a Fire Stone." He frowned. "You guys can come with me if you want, but the Bandit's mine, got it?"
` Tara and Rayne nodded. "If we don't get any leads from the owner, maybe coming with you will help."
` The three nodded, looking toward their destination. ON the other side of the Camerupt pen, a small wooden shack sat precariously in position.
` "That's it?" Rayne asked. "I thought a secret hideout would look a little more...secret."
` Ben frowned. "That's exactly why few people would think to look here. The owner must be inside!" He started toward the shack, only to be cut off by a sudden jet of flame."
` "Look out!" Tara called, yanking the trainer back. "Somebody is attacking us from above!"
` In response, a faint chuckle was heard. "How very smart of you, kid. But smarts aren't gonna help you here!"
` They looked up to see a bulky man dressed in black, with an odd red cape bearing a symbol like a volcano. On his head he wore a red hat with black horns that covered black hair. He grinned down from atop the Swellow he was riding, his Torkoal balanced in front of him.
` "Tabitha" Tara spat. "Why am I not surprised?"
` Tabitha and his Torkoal jumped from Swellow's back, landing with a ground-shaking impact. "It's been a while, Tara. I believe that the last time we met, I'd just left you underneath a pile of boulders. Iff it weren't for that traitor friend of yours, none of this would need to happen."
` Tara gritted her teeth. "That was only because you ambushed me. If it had been a fair fight, I would have beaten you like every other time we met!"
` Ben looked between the two glaring opponents in confusion. "I don't get it, what are they talking about?"
` "Tara and I used to be part of a...Pokemon gang" Rayne explained. "This guy, Tabitha, is a member of a rival gang. Whenever they met, things always got dangerous, so these two formed a bit of a rivalry. Unfortunately, the other team's leader, Maxie, decided Tara was a threat and ordered Tabitha to kill her."
` "And now I'm here to finish the job, in addition to taking all of these Pokemon for Team Magma's restored army!"
` Tara nodded. "That's why Pokemon have been disappearing from this ranch. Team Magma specializes in Ground and Fire-types. You've been whisking them away a few at a time in order to deliver them to your boss."
` Tabitha grinned. "Unfortunately, since our operation has been discovered, we'll have to take care of the witnesses. Torkoal, use Overheat!"
` Tara dodged to the side as the Turtle Pokemon unleashed a blast of intense heat. "If you want us beat, you'll have to do better than that! I came here knowing I'd most likely be battling Fire-types, so I'm prepared!" She threw out two Pokeballs, releasing the Pokemon within. "Seismitoad, Crawdaunt! Attack formation Delta!"
` Seismitoad and a large lobsterlike Pokemon appeared, glaring at Torkoal as they even now shifted into battle positions.
` Tabitha grinned. "Could those possibly be the same Tympole and Corphish you always used back in Hoenn? I'm impressed, although it will take far more than that to beat me!" His Swellow landed beside him. "You saw that Swellow was able to carry both Torkoal and I, even though Torkoal's iron-like shell makes it weigh nearly 200 pounds! It's how we've been able to steal all those Camerupt without a trace!"
` Tara frowned. "It weighs 200 pounds? No wonder Talo's was able to fling me so high from that seesaw."
` Tabitha frowned in confusion. "Well, no matter what you do, I can defeat you. Air Cutter and Rapid Spin, you two!"
` His Pokemon leapt into action, Swellow launching blades of air while Torkoal moved into its shell and spun toward Tara.
` "Crawdaunt, intercept Torkoal with Crabhammer! Seismitoad, use Mud Shot to knock away those blades!" Tara ordered. Crawdaunt rumbled forward, claws glowing white. It slammed them forward into Torkoal, stopping its spinning and flipping it onto its back. Seismitoad fired globs of mud, easilly dissolving the air blades into nothing.
` "Crawdaunt, use Guillotine while it can't move!" Tara called.
` "No you don't! Swellow, lift Crawdaunt into the air!"
` "WHAT?!" Rayne and Ben cried together. Swellow swooped down and wrapped its talons around Crawdaunt's arms. In a shocking move, it managed to lift the Rogue Pokemon into the air.
` "That's impossible!" Ben cried. "A thirty-pound bird couldn't carry an eighty-pound enemy into the air!"
` Rayne held up a finger. "If it was an Amaro Swellow, of course not. But a Hoenn Swellow? That's completely different."
` Ben sighed in annoyance. "Sometimes I really hate anime physics."
` Through this all, Tara held her composition. She didn't even flinch as the two Pokemon flew higher and higher.
` "Alright, Swellow!" Tabitha called. "Use Sky Drop!"
` Swellow released its claws from its foe, preparing to let it drop. Suddenly, however, Crawdaunt's claws flashed forward and clamped around Swellow's body. The claws flashed blue, before an explosion ripped through the sky.
` "Good job, Crawdaunt!" Tara cheered. To Tabitha, she explained, "Crawdaunt has standing orders that if it is unable to hit its target due to interfefence from another Pokemon, it will use whatever attack was intended for the first Pokemon on the second. Therefore, it used the one-hit-knockout move Guillotine on Swellow!"
` Tabitha grinned. "But now your Crawdaunt is hundreds of feet up. There's no way it can survive the fall without taking serious damage!"
` "This is why Crawdaunt doesn't migrate" Rayne muttered.
` "Will you stop it with the jokes? This is important!" Ben scolded.
` Crawdaunt and Swellow fell together, the latter obviously knocked out. As they continued to fall, Tabitha pointed toward Seismitoad, obviously trying to throw in a command for Torkoal while Tara was distracted. He was surprise, however, to find Seismitoad sitting atop the still upended Pokemon. No matter how hard it struggled, Torkoal couldn't get up.
` "Swellow, return" Tabitha allowed his winged partner to return to its pokeball. "And now Torkoal, use Fire Spin!"
` Torkoal snorted, withdrawing into its shell. It burst into movement, fire blasting from the openings in its shell. Much like its Rapid Spin, it began revolving. Seismitoad was caught off-guard and fell off.
` Crawdaunt hit the ground, unmoving. Tabitha knew he could finish things now if he tried.
` "Torkoal, use Explosion!" He called. The still-rotating Pokemon stemmed its fire, before beginning to glow. Seismitoad tried to step back, but it couldn't move fast enough.
` Just as Torkoal detonated, a stream of water passed in front of Seismitoad. The blast hit the stream, striking a form at its center, and deflecting away from the Frog Pokemon.
` "What?!" Tabitha cried as Crawdaunt slumped into ehaustion amid the smoke. "It was still conscious after hitting the ground, and it use Aqua Jet to get between the explosion and Seismitoad. But how?"
` Tara laughed. "Crawdaunt's ability is Skell Armor, meaning its entire body is as tough as steel. As such, a simple fall couldn't knock it out, especially at full health."
` Tabitha growled. "Well, if I can't beat you with my own Pokemon, I'll just have to use the rest of my army!"
` Tara snorted. "Nobody could get here in time to help you."
` This time, it was Tabitha's turn to smile. "Really? Because the way I see it, my army is already here." He pulled out a small device from his pocket and flicked a button. "There's more than one reason we were abducting Camerupt. A scientist who works for Team Magma discovered that herds of Camerupt are led by the bull. This bull is able to create pulses in the earth that draw his allies to him. Replicate the pulses, and you control the Pokemon."
` As one, the Camerupt in the pen all turned toward them.
` Tara swore. "He's controlling all of them at once. There's no way to fight them all." She turned to the others. "We have to get to the safe house. Move!"
` They bolted, Tabitha laughing behind them. The stampeding Camel Pokemon grew louder in their ears. As they reached the shed, Tara released her Gardevoir from a pokeball.
` "Safeguard" She instructed it. "And hold it as long as you can."
` Gardevoir nodded, erecting a blue barrier around the shed. Tara nodded to her partner, before returning her other two Pokemon. She turned and ran into the shed, knowing that for once, she had absolutely no plans. They were trapped.
AN: I hope everyone enjoyed that, even if it seemed a bit short. I'm hoping to post chapters a bit more regularly now that schoolwork is calming down a bit. (And because I can't really play tennis in the snow. Or most of the sports I enjoy, actually.)
Anyone who got the reference in Rayne and Ben's side comments wins at life.
Chapter Preview: Trapped in the middle of Blazing Ranch, Tara must escape from her old enemy, Tabitha, who has turned many of the ranches Pokemon against her. The only hope that she, Rayne, and Ben have lies in the mysterious Flaming Bandit. But is this Pokemon really all the legends make it out to be, or is it all just an illusion?
Even Fire and Ice have a Dark side...