Here's the next chapter, hope you'll enjoy it.
Kunoichi69 - Thank you so much, I'm glad you enjoyed it. Muk didn't have a lot of screen time in the anime so I thought it would be good to involve him more. Flo does have a 'little' obsession with psyduck, but, as you will see in later chapters, the feelings are not always mutual. I hope you enjoy this next chapter.
Djinn - Thanks so much. I thought it was time for Kani to evolve. Hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
SkullGreymonX - I always try to add more depth into a Pokemon's character (since they can speak) and I imagined venonat to be very mischievous considering that she led them to all those traps.
I'm glad you enjoyed the battle, it was...a lot of work to plan, but it was still fun to write. I thought since Charles was there then it would encourage Ash to strategies more and Kani deserved to evolve after all this time. Flo does have a little obsession with psyducks, but she will soon mellow out. Thank you for reading.
Guest - Yeah, I pictured Poison types to be quite vicious in the way they talk. A little mischievous, but not horrible. In regards to psyduck, there's a definitely a tone shift in the way he speaks when he powers up. Almost like how slowpoke talk. Thanks for reading.
pokemonking0924 - Thank you so much, I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It was fun to watch back on the episode and see what points I can take from it, like the traps and Pokemon featured, and put it to a slightly more original narrative. This is also an opportunity to...well not necessarily fix, but to slightly improve the original story like, as you mentioned, Ash rotating his team.
How I see it, a Pokemon has to overcome a hurdle or go against their usual character in order to evolve; as a way of advancing their personal arc. It has become a trend that all the Pokemon evolve because they do something against what they usually do. For example, Titania learned how to express love and evolved into a sylveon; Boa did a selfless act by saving Mahad and evolved into an arbok; and Pyro evolved because he gained more confidence in himself. It was only natural that Kani would learn how to be angry and therefore evolve.
Sorry, I'm rambling again; just thought I share my thought process on when Pokemon should evolve in this story.
Anyway, I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter. What I have planned is definitely going to be interesting and I can't wait to know what you think of it.
FartNinja - They sure are, I'm definitely going to be writing more chapters like that in the future. I actually mixed Janine and Aya up when I was writing that chapter, because I'm sure Aya was never mentioned in the game and Janine was never mentioned in the anime. For a few moments, I thought they were the same person before, after a quick bit of research, I realised they were completely different characters. I think once Janine takes over the gym, Koga would head over to Johto and I'll definitely remember to make a chapter about it. Thanks for reading.
phillyitalian - I love Muk as well. He's so friendly and just wants to hug people. Thanks for reading.
Guest - I don't think anybody can match Brock in that term, but Flo is definitely not far behind. She'll mellow out...eventually. Thanks for reading.
Guest2 - Thank you so much, I like to think of it as adding the finishing touches to an otherwise classic episode. Venonat didn't come off as an overly friendly Pokemon in the episode so I imagined her as quite mischievous. I also never got why Meowth didn't dress up either. I do hope you enjoy the next chapter and the great race. Don't worry, Flo will find a way to be a part of it.
Sonic07 - It did take me a while to figure out how grimer and muk speak, but I figured that since they are blobby, lipless creatures they would have difficulty pronouncing the letter 'S'. Weezing in the anime had a more strained, croaky voice then Koffing which is why I thought it would cough much more. Plus, with it producing more gas with its extra head, I reckoned that Weezing needed to dispel more the usual. That was my interpretation anyway, but I'll hold back on it next time. Misty's Psyduck is definitely...one of a kind. Thanks for reading.
danielsnow - I think you've got the wrong story there.
wellingtonlucas282 - No problem, thanks for reading.
TurboDriver07 - I tried to avoid copying as much as the original episode as possible, just so it makes a more interesting read. That's why I opted to cut some scenes out. Echo is definitely due for an evolution, I need to be sure to add it somewhere. Thanks for reading and I hope you'll enjoy the next chapter.
Guest - Thank you so much. They sound great, I'll be sure to write them down and give you the proper credit. Thanks again.
PokeNarrator - That's a pretty good point. I'll definitely address why Muk's smell didn't seem to effect anybody in a later chapter. Thank you for the name suggestions, I'm always looking out for those. Hope you enjoy the next chapter.
palletboy2001 - Thank you for the suggestions. I'll note them down for now, but I must insist that nobody sends in anymore. It's hard to keep track of if they're too many of the, and if I forget a suggestion then it's not fair for the person who submitted it. Thank you anyway.
Guest - Thanks sounds really funny. I can imagine a wingull doing something like that while they're in Johto. Thanks for reading.
Guest - So sorry for the wait. Hope you'll enjoy
Chapter 35: Blazin' Saddles!
It was another nice sunny day; perfect weather for our heroes to be travelling up a forest past after leaving Fuschia City. Since their gym battle, Ash and Charles were feeling quite happy with themselves. Ash kept showing of his badges at every chance he got, much to their travelling companions' annoyance. Meanwhile, Charles, being more mature, hummed cheerfully to himself as he walked along, admiring the beauty of green trees above their heads.
However, the is one question that was bothering all of them:
Which gym are they going to next?
Usually, the gym leaders they had just battled would recommend the next gym, but Koga seemed to be reluctant to tell them. He said that whoever they picked next is up to them and they should trust their instincts. This wasn't exactly the help they were expecting.
As they walked along, Alice and Brock helped up the map between them, humming to themselves as they inspected every part of the Kanto region.
"Well," Brock finally said, "there are only two major gyms left in the region. The Fire type gym on Cinnabar Island or the Ground type gym in Viridian City. Both are quite equally as far away from where we are now."
"Wait!" Ash exclaimed, "there's a gym in Viridian City? Why wasn't I told this?" he asked, earning a nod in agreement from Pikachu beside him.
"You didn't know?" Alice asked in confusion, looking up from her map, "You must have walked past through it to get to Pewter City. Why didn't you battle the gym leader there?"
Charles frowned slightly, "That's a good point. We kind of just skipped past it, didn't we?"
"Well, that's because it's always shut for most of the year," Flo said, "I've walked passed it when I visit my mum's Centre and I have never seen it open. It's like the gym leader is busy doing something else."
("Who is the gym leader anyway?") Benny asked from Charles' shoulder, ("I don't think I've heard them mentioned before. Brock and Misty should know them.")
Charles looked back at the retired gym leaders of the group, "Benny asked if you know who runs the gym in Viridian."
Brock and Misty hummed thoughtfully for a few seconds before frowning in intrigue.
"Huh, I don't know," Misty said, "I wasn't an official leader for long before I left on my own journey. I never had a chance to talk to the others."
"And I was too busy looking after my younger brothers and sisters to pay to much attention with gym business," Brock added, "As far as I know, you need seven badges in order to challenge the Ground type gym leader so I'm guessing you have to send in a request."
"Seven badges, huh," Ash uttered as he looked down at his six badges. He gripped his hand into a tight fist in determination, "That means I need to get one more badge and then I can get my final gym battle. Then I'm in the league."
"Optimistic as ever," Flo mused in slight amusement.
"I guess that means we're heading for Cinnabar Island," Alice said, "Which means we need a ferry to take us there. I say we head towards one of the coastal towns and work our way from there."
"Alright!" Ash cried, pumping his fist in the air.
Charles, however, looked back at them, "There's no need to rush. The League is ages away. Besides I want to camp in the Safari Zone and meet all the Pokemon there."
Ash slumped in disappointment, "Aww Charles, but I want my badge now."
"Sorry, but I also want to camp in the Safari Zone as well," Flo piped up, "I heard there are berries you can use for medicinal purposes and I want to check them out."
"And I want to train my Pokemon there as well," Alice added as they all came to a stop.
Brock rubbed the back of his head, "Actually, I agree with Ash. If he gets all his gym battles out of the way then he can focus more on training for the league."
Charles turned to Misty, "What do you think?"
She gave him a small sad smile, "Sorry, I love to camp in the Safari Zone but, no matter what, I'm following Ash until he pays for my bike. Unless he wants to pay for it now..."
"No, never," Ash denied, shaking his head.
Benny patted Charles' shoulder, ("I guess that means we're splitting up again.")
His brother frowned sadly, "I guess so. Benny's right, maybe we should part ways for now and meet up somewhere else."
The rest of the group didn't seem too please with this, but it was for the best. There was no point arguing over it when they could be doing something else.
("Aww, I was having fun travelling with everybody,") Pikachu sighed as he leapt onto Ash's shoulder.
Charles scratched Pikachu behind the ears, "Don't worry. We've got a while till we get to the Safari Zone; plenty of time to have fun and nothing can get in our way."
"Err…guys," Misty said, pointing up ahead, "there's something is in our way."
They turned around to where she was pointing and spotted, past some bushes and trees, was a wooden fence in their path. Curiously, they approached the fence and saw that it was built around a large plot of land; with fields and pastures and even a few farm houses in the distance. In the fields was a herd of quadrupedal, bovine Pokemon. They were covered in light brown fur with a thick, darker brown mane around the neck. It has a brown muzzle, triangular eyes, and a pair of curved horns on top of its head. It had three tails that each ended in short tufts of hair, making them look like whips.
"Wow, an entire herd of Tauros," Alice exclaimed as Charles and Ash took out their pokedexes.
Tauros: When it targets an enemy, it charges furiously while whipping its body with its long tails.
"Is this the Safari Zone?" Ash asked as he leaned over the fence to get a better look.
However, Charles gently pushed him back, "Careful. Tauros can get aggressive if somebody they don't recognise get too close," he warned.
"I doubt the Safari Zone would only use a simple wooden fence. I think we stumbled onto a farm of sorts," Flo mused, "we should find a way around."
However, before they could make a move, they heard the sounds of aggressive barking getting closer and closer to them. On the other side of the fence and coming over the crest of the hill, a growlithe ran up to them before stopping a couple of meters in front of them, growling warningly.
("I knew I smelled strangers!") the Fire type barked, ("identify yourselves immediately!")
Charles immediately raised his hands innocently, "My name is Charles Roberts, this is my brother Benny and my friends Florence, Alice, Brock, Misty, Ash and Pikachu," he replied, making sure to be as clear and calm as possible; if this guard growlithe was anything like Apollo then he needed to answer honestly and straight to the point, "we apologise, we didn't know we were intruding."
("This area is owned by the Laramie Big P Ranch and if you do not leave in five seconds, I'll-") he stopped suddenly and he cocked his head in confusion, ("huh, you understood me?) he muttered before shaking his head, ("no, must be some sort of trick.")
Charles eyes widened in surprise, "Wait, did you say the Laramie Big P Ranch? This is it?"
("Ah! He does understand me!") the growlithe yelped, ("I don't know the protocol for this!")
("That's your first concern?") Benny questioned.
Before they anybody could act, they heard a neigh noise followed by the sound of hooves on soft ground. Leaping over the crest of the hill, they saw another quadrupedal equine Pokemon. It had light creamy fur, dark eyes, slightly pointed ears, but its most prominent feature was that its mane and tail was made of a roaring fire that flicked and moved as it galloped over to them. It had even little tufts of fire each left where the joint should be. Riding on its back was a young girl who looked to be fourteen years old with long blue hair tied in a ponytail, fair skin and bright blue eyes. She wore a short-sleeved green shirt, blue shorts and an orange bandanna on her head to keep her hair out of her eyes. She rode towards them on the Pokemon before pulling the reins and stopping just before them.
"Hey, all ya'll better not better not be thinkin' of capturin' any Pokemon here," she scolded, glaring down at them, "this is protected land, y'here."
"We're really sorry," Alice apologised with a sheepish smile, "We got a little turned around back there. We had no intention of capturing any Pokemon."
She yelped in surprise when Brock leaned on her shoulder to get closer to girl, "That maybe so but you managed to capture my heart," Brock sighed in a lovesick manner.
The girl only responded by giving him an odd look while Alice pushed him off of her.
The ponyta, meanwhile, felt something tap its hoof and looked down to see the growlithe looking up at him, ("What's our policy on humans who can understand us?")
("What are ye yammerin' about?") the ponyta replied.
"Is this really the Big P Ranch?" Charles asked excitedly the blue haired girl, "I heard so much about your work."
"Err…ranch?" Ash asked in confusion.
"I heard about it too," Brock piped up, shaking off his love sickness, "they're facility that specialises in the care and breeding of wild Pokemon. Every Pokemon breeder in Kanto agrees that the Pokemon from this ranch are exceptional."
"I've heard great things about this place. I live at Professor Oak's laboratory in Pallet Town and we sometimes get trainers who capture Pokemon that had been raised here. Everybody who comes from here talk highly of your care," Charles said, "Again, sorry for the confusion. We had no intention of catching any Pokemon."
The young girl blinked in surprise before the stern look turned into a shy smile, "Aww shucks, that's mighty sweet. I'm glad that so many trainers praise our work here."
"Yes...trainers," Charles uttered. He was actually referring to the Pokemon telling him about the place.
"Don't worry yourselves," she continued, "sorry for the accusations. We get a lot of bad apples; thinkin' they can waltz in here and capture our Pokemon, but I shoulda been more careful. The names Lara; Lara Laramie. My family runs the ranch. You've already meet my growlithe," she said nodding towards said Pokemon before she patted the ponyta's head gently, "and this here is my ponyta, Blaze. Ain't he real pretty."
Charles and Ash quickly scanned the new Pokemon:
Ponyta: Its hooves are 10 times harder than diamonds. It can trample anything completely flat in little time.
"Interesting," Charles hummed before he looked up at Lara, "it's lovely to meet you, Lara. This might sound weird, but do you mind if we come have a look around. I really like to see how things are run here and maybe talk to anybody available about what's it like to live here."
Lara gave a small laugh, "Ain't nothin' weird about that. Come on in."
A Few Minutes Later
"…so what of sort of food do they give you?" Charles asked.
("Oh it's really tasty,") a sandslash squeaked happily, ("I heard it's all made from scratch.")
A raticate nodded in agreement, ("And they make different kinds specially for certain types of Pokemon.")
("Also very nutritious,") a nidoran added, ("Look how strong my horn looks.")
("Or how soft my fur is,") a tauros said, urging Charles to have a feel.
Charles reached up and petted his fur, "Wow, that's amazingly soft."
("We're very glad to hear it,") Benny commented.
Lara, Alice, Ash, Misty and Flo leaned against a fence that parted two enclosures and stared at Charles talking to six different Pokemon not too far away with Benny on his shoulder.
Lara couldn't help but sweat drop at this, "Ye know, when he said he wanted to talk, I thought he meant to one of the handlers that work here."
Alice and Flo adopted an amused sheepish expression.
"Yeah, I don't know what to say," Alice said.
"It's just one of his quirks," Flo shrugged.
Lara had shown the gang around the rolling fields and meadows of the ranch. It was ginormous; it contained hundreds of acres of grassy hills, rocky outcrops, rivers and woodland and was home to a large variety of Pokemon of all shapes and sizes. The fields, which they are now, was separated into several enclosures where handlers and breeders can focus on the specialised Pokemon without losing them. Not only was Charles having a great time, but so was Brock. He too was observing and talking to the ranchers for tips on how to raising. He was currently nearby looking over Lana's ponyta happily before turning to her.
"I've never seen a ponyta up close before. He looks really healthy," he commented.
"Thanks. We pride ourselves on takin' care of our Pokemon," Lara said with a chuckle.
"But how do you ride him?" Misty asked curiously, "Doesn't the fire burn you?"
"Nah, Blaze wudn't burn anybody he trusts. I have been raisin' him and his brother since they hatched so I'm real safe," Lara explained.
"Wow really?" Ash said, reaching a hand up to pet his fiery mane.
"Don't you dare, Ash!" Charles called out without looking around; it was almost as if he had eyes on the back of his head, "Last thing we need is you in intensive care!"
Ash, begrudgingly, pulled his hand away.
Lana giggled at that before pushing off from the fence, "I'm glad you folks appreciate the work we do here. Why dudn't you stay over for the night at my family's house and join the party we're holdin' tonight."
"A party?" Alice said, "That sounds great."
"You'll agree to anything with food involved, wouldn't you?" Flo snarked.
"Don't make me out as a one dimensional character!" she shouted at her before calming down and turning back to Lara, "So what's the occasion? Is it somebody's birthday or something?"
Lara shook her head, "Nah, nuthin' like that. The Laramie family are hostin' our annual Pokemon race. Every handler, breeder and worker race each other to see who has raised the best Pokemon. Anybody who wins the Big P Race becomes an honorary member of the Laramie Clan. Pontya and I have been trainin' mighty hard all year, ain't we?"
("We sure have,") the Blaze whinnied, ("And I know I'm goin' win this year.")
("You sound very confident in yourself,") Pikachu mused on top of Ash's head.
Suddenly and without warning, the ground began to shake as if there was an earthquake. Everybody, except for Lara and Blaze, cried out in shock.
"What's going on? Are the tauros stampeding?" Misty asked in confusion.
"Nah, it's them," Lara sighed, pointing over to a nearby hill crest, "and if it's them, then that means he's comin' as well."
Coming over the hill was a flock of large, wingless avian Pokemon. They had long, strong legs, a round body covered in brown feathers and three heads attached to the body by long, slender necks. Each head had a long, pointed beak and was covered in the same brown feathers that covered it's body and they have a tail consisting of three red feathers. Ash tried to scan the new Pokemon with his pokedex, but the flock were too fast for it to scan.
Eventually, one Pokemon broke from the flock and headed towards them. They then saw somebody riding on the large Pokemon's back. He was a young boy about fourteen years old with long dark purple hair, fair skin and blue eyes. He wore a bluish green shirt and cream coloured trousers and tanned boots. The rider pulled on the Pokemon reins, stopping in front of the group and looked down at Lara with a smug look.
"Howdy, Lara," he greeted in a unfriendly manner, "Who are these city slickers? Dudn't tell me you've been fillin' their heads with lies 'bout you winning in the race, now?"
Lara cocked an annoyed eyebrow at him, "I ain't done nuthin' of the sort, Dario I'll show them I can win by leavin' you in the dust during the race."
As this was going on, Ash subtly scanned the Pokemon that he was riding:
Dodrio: It uses its three brains to execute complex plans while still running at fall speed. It's three heads represent joy, sorrow and anger.
Dario's smirk grew wider, "We'll see about that, won't we Dodrio," he said, petting each of the Pokemon's head.
The dodrio nodded each of its head before turning to Blaze.
("You better bring all you've got,") the head representing joy said.
("Because we ain't gonna show mercy,") the head representing anger snarled.
Blaze snorted crossly, ("Y'all three are all talk and no peck. Bring it on.")
("Are you sure you shouldn't be more worried 'bout your brother, partner?" Anger growled.
(Oh dear,") the head representing sorrow sighed, ("Maybe he's already passed out in a field somewhere.")
Blaze stamped his hoof angrily into the ground, making the dodrio move back nervously. Dario gave the others one more sneer before he whipped the reins, urging the dodrio to move.
"Yah!" he cried before the Pokemon raced quickly away after his heard.
Lara and Blaze glared at the direction they both went, anger evident in their body language.
"That there," she eventually told the others, "was Dario. My biggest rival and the most pretentious bottom-feeder you'll ever meet. He really thinks he can best me?"
"I didn't like him either," Flo commented, "But don't worry, we'll support you in the race," she said, earning a nod of agreement for the others.
Lara smiled, "Thank you kindly."
"You know what. Why don't we join as well," Misty said, "That way he has more competition to deal with. Plus it sounds like fun. Can anybody join?"
"You sure can?" Lara said, "I rather not have you guys compete for my sake. Let me deal with Dario, you hear?"
They all agreed.
Meanwhile, Charles and Benny were wondering across the fields, having missed the entire scene between Lara and Dario. They were admiring the view from a top a hill crest when they spotted something in the field below. It was another ponyta just standing, looking down at the ground as if it was concentrating.
("Hey look, it's another ponyta,") Benny pointed out, ("Didn't Lara say her ponyta had a brother.")
"She did. Maybe this is him," Charles said as he observed what he was doing. However, he frowned slightly, "I wonder what he's doing?"
At that moment, the ponyta looked up from the ground and took a deep breath. It began to slowly trot across the field before he began to pick up speed, his flaming mane flickering violently as he went.
("Maybe we're going to witness one of it's Fire type attacks,") Benny suggested, ("Like Flame Charge or Flame Wheel or maybe even-")
Suddenly, the ponyta stopped in his tracks, swayed a little before falling onto it's side in a heap.
...
...
...
...
"AHHHH! WHAT JUST HAPPENED!" Charles and Benny cried in shock and surprise. Charles sprinted down the hill towards the ponyta's side and began inspecting it, "Are you alright!?" he urgently asked, "Benny I don't think he's breathing!"
("Should I use one of my Electric attacks to shock him!?")
"You're not a defibrillator, Benny! You're going to hurt him more if you do that!"
Alerted by their shouts, Flo, Alice and Lara and her poyta climbed up the hill and spotting them down below. Flo's and Alice's eyes widened at the scene while the older girl and Pokemon sighed in disappointment.
"Oh no!" Alice cried.
"I need to get down there immediately," Flo firmly said.
However, before she could run, Lara had mounted Blaze and the two of them sped down the hill. As soon as they were close enough, Lara leapt of the Pokemon, reached into its saddlebag and pulled out a resuscitator mask. She gently pushed Charles away and put the mask over the ponyta's muzzle and began pumping air into his mouth as if she had done this hundreds of times. After a few seconds, the collapsed ponyta opened his eyes and groggily looked around the area, causing everybody to sigh in relief.
Lara shook her head in disappointment, "Why are you out here," she sighed as she took the mask off, "You know you're not allowed to be out here on your own."
The ponyta lifted his head, his eyes cast down to the ground, ("I...I'm sorry...I just thought...")
("Well, you weren't thinkin', were you?") the elder ponyta scolded, causing his brother's ears to flatten down guiltily, ("How many times do we have to tell ya? You can't keep on trainin', ya gonna hurt yourself and all.")
("Brother...I...")
("Save it,") he snorted angrily, ("Let's get you back to the stables.")
Slowly, the younger ponyta got onto its hooves and began following his brother back to the stables. He cast one last look behind him at a worried-looking Charles and Benny before turning away. Lara sighed sadly as she watched the two leave.
"I'm sorry you had to see that," she apologised as Flo and Alice ran over.
"What was that about?" Alice asked, "And why don't you seem so bothered by what happened?"
"I ain't bothered because I been doin' it almost every day since he hatched," Lara explained, "that ponyta has a condition known as hypoxia. Have ya heard of it?"
Flo nodded, "It's a condition caused by low levels of oxygen in body tissue. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, increased heart rate and headaches."
"Precisely," Lara said, "the thing is...we dudn't know what's caused it or really how to cure it. We've tried medicine and all, but nothing seems to improve it. Any single thing could cause him to collapse. Exercisin', being in areas with a lust of dust or sand and even giving a little fright make him feint. It's heartbreakin' honestly."
"That's so sad," Alice softly said.
"What's worse is that...well, ponyta are born to run and frolic. Havin' this condition and being denied to do even that must be devestatin' for him. He's always escaping out in the fields and trying his best to feel normal; he loves it here. But it's simply too dangerous for him to do it and even worse for him to be doing it on his own. It's harsh, but it's for his own good, ya know?"
Charles was saddened to hear this and stared at the ponyta out in the distance. He sighed and turned to Lara in determination, "Can I have a look at him? I really want to learn more about him."
"Sure. His stables are right outside my house," Lara said, "Let's go there right away and I'll fix y'all up with some lunch before you go and see him. He needs a little time to recover."
"That sounds like a good idea," Flo said.
They four humans and one pikachu began to walk towards Lara's house, thinking about the poor ponyta. However, nobody was more upset then Charles; he was already thinking of ways to help the Pokemon.
Stables
After lunch, Charles and Benny made their way around Lara's house to their family stables where the ponyta stayed. It was a long, cosy wooden building that looked out over the fields of the ranch with walls separating each enclosure. As they got closer, they spotted the ill ponyta's head over the gate of his stable, looking out into the distance. They turned to where he was looking to see a few ryhorn and tauros running across the landscape; free to roam the land as much as they can without fear of captivity; it was a rather majestic sight.
For the ponyta, however, it was painful to watch.
Now they were closer, they could see how heavy his breathing was, a symptom to his unfortunate condition. His ears flattened on his head in despair and his eyes lacked any sort of comfort or happiness. He watched the Pokemon until the very moment they left before pulling his head back into his enclosure with a depressed whinny.
Charles and Benny shared a saddened look before they made their way over to the stable gate. They looked inside to see the ponyta looking down at the ground away from them. Charles decided that this was a good time to make the presence known.
"Hi again, sorry about-"
Suddenly, ponyta neighed in surprised before falling on his side in a heap.
"Ah! Not again!" they both cried.
("Why would you do that!? Lara said not to spook him!) Benny shouted.
"I only said hello!" Charles shouted back as jumped over the gate to help resuscitate him.
A Few Minutes Later
("I'm real sorry 'bout that,") the ponyta said sheepishly, ("must have given y'all a real fright...again.")
Charles wiped the sweat from his brow while Benny sighed in relief. It had been a rather hectic time trying to find a resuscitation mask, attaching it to his muzzle and trying to save his life; fair to say it wasn't fun. They were all sat on the floor of the stable with Benny say on Charles' lap.
"It's fine."
("Yeah, we're just glad your alright,") Benny told him before he frowned, ("We're sorry to hear about your...your...")
("Condition,") the ponyta finished, ("That's mighty kind of ya. But you needn't worry 'bout me. I've comes to terms with it.")
"Well, that's why we here. We want to help you."
The ponyta gave half-hearted chuckle, ("That ain't much ya can do. Honestly, you folks shouldn't worry yourselves. I'm fine.")
"You don't seem fine," Charles calmly said, "I don't think I ever seen a Pokemon so disheartened before."
("Ya sounds like my brother. He's always been looking after me ever since I hatched,") he said before he sighed, ("I know imma burden on him. Not only does he got business to attend to, but he's also got me to look out for. He's aggressive sometimes, but I know he's only doing it because he loves me.")
("So why do you keep on getting out of your stables and attempt to run?") Benny asked.
("While I do 'preciate his care...I just can't help myself. Runnin' to me is akin to freedom. I dream of the wind battering my face, the sound of my hooves diggin' into the ground, the feelin' of nothin', come hell or high water, will ever stop me,") he closed his eyes as if imagining what it must feel like before he gave a dreary whinny, ("But that's all it is...a dream. If I try to even trot I fall over. It's...cruel. Real cruel.")
Charles and Benny watched as Ponyta seem to deflate before them; they have never seen anything like it before. However, before they could do anything, three mocking laughs caught their attention.
They turned and saw all three of the dodrio's heads poke over the stable gate, the eyes sharp and wicked as they glared down at them.
("Is this the Pokemon that the others were talking about? The one Lara's rival has?")
"I think it might be," Charles replied to Benny as he glared at the Pokemon.
("Well, well, well,") all three of the heads said, ("Look at what we have-")
("Wait, wait,") one of the heads whispered to the other ones, ("Only I get to say 'Look at what we have here?' You guys wait your turn.")
("What? I thought it sound more intimidating if we all say it together, Joy") sighed the Sorrow head.
Joy shook his head, ("But it dudn't make sense if we do it that way. I ask the question and you respond with how much of a sad loser he is and then Anger will...what are you gonna say Anger?")
("I dudn't care. All of this is stupid anyhow,") Anger snapped.
("Fine, fine forget it,") Joy muttered before turning back to the others, who have been waiting patiently for them to be done, ("Looks like we got ourselves a sad loser, dudn't we?")
("Aww, you stole my part,") Sorrow sighed.
("What do you fellers want?") the Ponyta sighed in irritation, ("My brother ain't here.")
Anger chuckled, ("No need for that. We came to thank you, that's all.")
("Thank me?")
("Yeah,") Sorrow moaned, ("We heard you collapse again and you have to be helped by your brother.")
("The more time he's worryin' 'bout ya, the less time he has to prep for this race,") Joy cackled cruelly, making the ponyta wince, ("We sure owe ya one, partner.")
Charles stood to his feet and held Benny before him, "Leave now and return to your flock," he demanded as the pikachu's cheek sparked with electricity, "or else you want to be on the receiving end of a Thunderbolt."
("Your part Flying type, right? That'll make it even more painful for you,") Benny threatned.
The dodrio gulped and stepped back, ("Fine...but not because ya threatened us or nothin',") Joy gulped as the Pokemon took his leave, ("If we did the the 'well, well, well' introduction properly they would have definitely have been more intimidated,") he whispered to the other heads.
("Whatever,") Anger muttered.
("Y'all dudn't have to do that,") the ponyta sighed sadly as he got to his hooves, (they're always like that. If ya dudn't mind, imma gonna have a little rest.")
"Yeah, that's fine. Thank you for talking to us," Charles softly said as they watched the ponyta made his way to his straw bed and lie down on it with his head tucked into his body.
They got out of the stables, but as they closed that gate, they saw the poor ponyta sigh sadly once more before he shut his eyes and drifted off to sleep. The mere sight of the Pokemon broke both of their hearts.
("What should we do?") Benny softly said.
"I...don't know...why don't we-" he stopped suddenly when he noticed something, "Hey, does his mane and tail seem...different somehow to you?"
Benny frowned in confusion before staring at the flickering fires that was his mane, ("Different in what way?")
"It's subtle, but...I think they look longer then an average ponyta," he said.
Benny looked again and, after a few seconds, saw that he was right, ("Yeah, not that you mention it. It is longer.")
"Let's get Flo. She'll know what's going on."
Open Field
Flo was having trouble picking the Pokemon she was going to race with. According to Lara, the race challenges each Pokemon and trainer in different terrains in order to push them past their limits. Not only was it a matter of speed, but also a test of endurance.
However, none of her current Pokemon were really up to task. Alette, Manitari, Tommy were way too small to carry Flo while Epione...well, she wasn't really designed for this sort of thing.
("Just a few more steps, dearie,") Manitari softly cheered.
("Come on, put some welly into it, lass,") Tommy encouraged.
Alette simply shook her head, ("This is not going to work,") she mumbled as she watched the chansey attempt to carry Flo on her back.
Epione gritted her teeth as she waddled as fast as she can, but then she felt herself become unbalanced and began to fall backwards, ("Oh no, I'm going to fall.")
"Ah!" Flo cried as landed on her back with the chansey right on top of her, kicking her stubby arms and legs helplessly.
Flo struggled under the weight of her own Pokemon before she felt Epione being rolled of her gently. She looked up and saw Charles, holding Epione up with one hand, smiling down at her.
"If you help me, I can retrieve Mystic from the Corral and you can ride on her," he kindly said, making her blush in embarrassment.
"Deal," she sighed before he helped her up.
Stables
A while later, Flo looked into the stable that the ponyta was still sleeping, humming to herself as she investigated his fiery hair. Eventually, she looked towards Charles and Benny standing nearby.
"Well, you're right. It is longer the average," she confirmed before she rubbed her chin thoughtfully, "However, I can't really see any possible links to his condition. I would have to do a further investigation when he's awake."
Charles nodded, "I see. I mean it was worth a shot. I just thought there was something there."
("It was good for you to notice,") Benny said.
Flo was about to say something else when, suddenly, her face lit up as if she remembered something, "Wait a moment. Shortness of breath, larger fire output than average, exhaustion," she muttered, "where have I've seen that before?"
"Did you remember something?" he asked hopefully,
"One moment," she said before she ran off into the Laramie household. She returned a while later with her looking through her copy of Medicina Applini. She flicked through page after page after page, studying every single one before she stopped, "Here we are. I read it in the 'Rare Cases' section. It's an exact copy of the symptoms that the ponyta has."
She showed the page to them, their faces dropping into saddened frowns at they continued to read. Eventually, they looked up.
"What does this mean?"
Flo frowned solemnly, "It means...we have to break the news to him ASAP."
Stables
Later that night, Charles had led the nervous ponyta into an unused stable where Flo, Alice and all of their Pokemon were sitting on hay bails on one side facing a whiteboard on the other side of the stable. The ponyta cocked his head in confusion before looking up at Charles.
("What's goin' on here now?") he asked as Charles led him to a place right in front of the whiteboard.
"Flo and I have been investigating your condition and we might know what's the cause," he told him, urging him to take a seat, "It will be great if you hear us out."
The ponyta sat down on the stable floor, his ears flattened against his head unsurely, ("Well, I s'pose you can. Dudn't see why not,") he said before thinking ('I doubt it'll help in any way.")
"Alright! Let's start the lecture," Charles happily said as he turned to a whiteboard.
("Haven't seen the whiteboard in a while. Not since we're were training Sneak,") Benny commented.
"It's good. I don't know why we don't use it more," Charles said, before he began to scribble on the board. He wrote an 'F' on the top, an 'O' in the bottom left and a 'H' in the bottom right. He then linked the letters with a line to form a triangle before turning back to the ponyta, "This is known as the Fire Triangle. It represents the components used to make a fire; Fuel, Oxygen and Heat," he explained, pointing to each corner, "if one of these components are not present then a fire can not be made. Fire types are able to recreate the Fire Triangle and produce fire thanks to a special organic their bodies that my fellow lecturer will further explain. Flo the stage is all yours."
"Thank you, Charles," Flo said as he stepped aside for her to use the whiteboard. She wiped off the previous pen marks and began to draw a rough sketch of a ponyta and its internal organs, "Some Pokemon, mostly Fire types, have a special organ located between the lungs that we call the pulmonis ignis or, laymen's terms, the fire lung," she said pointing at the diagram, "it works exactly like a normal lung; when it expands it draws air through the nasal and oral cavity and expels carbon dioxide when it contracts. However, while the lungs secrete the oxygen into red blood cells which is then pumped around the body by the heart; the Fire Lung uses the oxygen and combines it with a combustible liquid substance, known as Fotias Idrotas, that is naturally secreted from a gland also found in that lung. When the lung contracts it produces heat which ignites the oxygenated Fotias Idrotas and produces fire which the Fire type then uses for moves. Ice type Pokemon have something similar known as pulmonis glacies which freezes moisture in the air. Of course, when a Fire type isn't using a move it has to be expelled in other ways. Take Pyro and Apollo example," she said, pointing at the Fire types who looked happy to be helping, "A lot of Fire types have an outlet that gets rids of the excess fire like Pyro's, and the rest of his evolutionary line, tail," she explained as Pyro wagged his tail, "while other Pokemon can absorb the fire into their skin which is regulated and cooled through their fur. Usually the more fluffier Pokemon do this," she said as Apollo yapped proudly, "the other sort store up the excess fire and releases it in regular bursts throughout the day," Flo hesitated slightly, almost reluctant to say what's next, "I know you might be thinking what this means for you."
The ponyta nodded fully enrapt by what they were saying.
Charles stepped up beside Flo, "We noticed that the fire you expel is much larger then a ponyta should be producing. Your mane and tail is almost twice the size of your older brother's; almost reaching that of a rapidash. That's when Flo did some digging and came up with a diagnosis."
"I believe that your Fire Lung is much larger then average," Flo told him gently, "At least twice the size of what it should be. It's a very...very rare case that some Pokemon are just born with. It means that your Fire Lung is intaking much more oxygen then it needs to be and converting into fire."
Alice raised her hand to ask a question, "Does that mean that his Fire type attacks are much stronger?"
"Yes," Flo answered, "But unfortunately, since it needs more oxygen to work and there being a limited amount of oxygen intake, the Fire Lung takes some of the oxygen that was supposed to go to the lungs and decreasing the amount of oxygenated blood around the body."
Charles hummed sadly, "Your perfectly fine when your resting, but if you try to run, use a Fire type move or do anything that raises your breathing rate, then you're Fire Lung will work faster then your normal lungs, causing you to collapse. I'm really sorry to tell you this," he softly said as the ponyta looked down at the floor.
"Wait," Alice uttered sadly, "Are you saying there's no cure or medication he can take?"
"Well, there's surgery, but it's risky," Flo said, "plus I'm not qualified to do anything like that."
"Well, there has to be something."
"There is," Charles said confidently, "in order to solve this problem, we need to increase your lung capacity so your oxygen intake will be significantly higher. I've done some research and it'll take time, but I think it could-"
He stopped suddenly when he heard a soft sob some from the ponyta. He looked down and, to his shock, saw him looking down at the ground with tears seeping from his eyes. The others took notice of this and immediately thought the worse; Charles immediately kneeled down before him and petted his nose.
"I'm really sorry. Was all of this a bit too much for you?"
To his surprise, the ponyta shook his head, ("No... I ain't cryin' 'cause I'm sad," he looked up at him and saw a spark of hope in his eyes, "I'm just so happy."
"Happy?"
He nodded in confirmation, ("For all of my life, I thought I was just some weak, useless Pokemon and there was no way I can change that. But that's ain't true at all,") a small smile graced his muzzle, ("y'all have given me a problem and all problems must have a solution. Y'all have given me somethin' to work towards. A purpose in life. I just...I just dudn't feel like I deserve it. And what's better, is that y'all are trying to help me and I truly 'preciate,") he pressed his fiery head into Charles' chest as a sign of affection, ("Thank ya. Thank ya so much all y'all.")
Charles was surprised for a moment. He carefully placed his hand on his fiery mane and was surprised when it didn't burn him as he expected. Feeling more confident, he petted the ponyta's mane soothingly.
"It's my pleasure. It'll do anything to help a Pokemon in need," he softly said.
...
...
...
He frowned slightly when he saw that he had made no attempt to move his head away. He looked to the side and yelped when he saw the swirls in his eyes and and his tongue sticking out of his mouth.
"Damn it, he's fainted again! Flo!"
"On it!" Flo called out as she retrieved the resuscitation mask.
Alice shook her head as they tried to get him to start breathing again when suddenly she heard a cry from out of the stables. She stood up and looked over the gate to see Misty run up to her.
"Alice! We need Flo right now!" she called out in panic.
The young Officer Jenny frowned in concern, "Why, what's wrong?"
"It's Lara," Misty said, "she fell off Blaze and hurt her arm."
Laramie Household
Sat down at the dining table, Flo carefully bandaged Lara's left wrist as the others watched on from their own chairs. Apparently, Lara's tauros were getting rowdy and were battering each other and so she, her growlithe and Blaze had to calm them down before they got hurt. They finally stopped the fight, but as they were trying to work out what had happened, Blaze was hit by something and got spooked. As he reared back on his hindlegs, Lara fell off and badly injured her arm in the fall. It was broken, thankfully, but it definitely damaged.
Flo wrapped the bandage roll around her arm one last time before cutting the bandage with her surgical scissors, "There you go. That should do it."
Lara winced slightly as she laid her injured arm on the table, "That real smarts. Ya think it'll be alright for the race?"
"Lara, I'm sorry, but injuries can't heal that quickly. Even small ones like this," she told her seriously, "I'm afraid, to avoid further damage to your arm, you have to bow out of the competition," she told her, causing her eyes to widen in shock.
"What!?" Ash cried.
"But Lara's been looking forward to it," Misty chimed in.
Flo was about to say something when Lara raised her other hand, telling them to stop, "It's fine. I understand," she dolefully said, "ponyta ridin' involves a lotta steering and so, even if I did join, I'll wouldn't be able to grip his reins. It looks like the Laramie Clan are out of the race" she said before she looked up at Ash and smiled confidently, "That's unless somebody were take my place."
Ash's eyes widened in shock, "What me? I can't ride your ponyta. He'll burn anybody except for you."
"I'm sure you can do it. Ya were able to calm Blaze down after he got spooked. Not a lot of people can do that," she said, "please Ash, just give it a try."
"Yeah, but I don't know how to ride a ponyta."
"You can always learn," Alice said, "We still have all of tomorrow for you to train. It's worth a go."
"Give it a try," Misty encouraged.
"We'll help you in anyway we can," Brock chimed in.
Ash frowned unsurely before he looked out the window to see Blaze waiting by the door. He then looked towards Charles who offered him a confident smile and nod of his head. After a few seconds of consideration, Ash nodded back before turning back to Lara.
"In that case, I'll do it," he agreed enthusiastically.
"Great!" Lara cheered as she jumped to her feet. However, she winced in pain as she jostled her arm, "Ow! Ow! Ow!"
"What did I just say about further damaging your arm?" Flo scolded.
"Sorry."
Outside the house, Blaze looked in through the window before giving a depressed whinny. He was disappointed in himself for getting his trainer hurt and was trying his best to think of what happened. That's when he hear somebody call out to him.
("Brother.")
Blaze turned and saw his younger brother slowly walking up to him, causing him to snort in annoyance, ("I thought I told ya to stay in your-")
("I want to join the race.")
The elder Pokemon took a step back in surprise, that was the last thing he expected him to say. After a few seconds, he frowned crossly at him.
("Are ya mad? What makes you think ya could do anything like that?")
("Charles and Flo, those humans in there, told me I can get better. There might be a chance for me to run across the fields. If you let them explain to you what-")
Blaze stamped his foot hard, ("Them humans are puttin' false hope in your head. Sorry, but's impossible.")
("So what? You want me to stay inside my stable for the rest of my life!?")
("Course not!") Blaze yelled his flaming mane flickering in anger, ("But it's better then you bein' in the middle of the nowhere with nobody to help you. Why can't ya understand that this is for you health! Now get back in your stable this instant, ya here!")
("No,") the ponyta firmly said.
Blaze neighed in anger at his denial, but he saw the commitment in his younger brother's eyes. There was no way he was going to convince him. Instead, Blaze snorted and brushed past him.
("Fine! Do what ya want. But I ain't helpin' ya anymore, ya hear.")
("Oh I hear!") the ponyta snapped back, ("I ain't never asked for ya help in the first place.")
Blaze walked away into the night, but stopped short to look sadly back at his younger brother. After a few seconds, he snorted, turned away and walked away. The ponyta also looked back at him, but as he saw his retreating form, he turned back and stamped the ground in anger.
Open Fields
The next day, Charles and the ponyta were standing in front of each other with their eyes closed while Benny was close by. They were trying to expand the lung capacity by doing breathing exercises and light exercises. According to Flo, doing training for thirty minutes for five times a week could increase your lung size by 10% which was exactly what they needed.
"Okay," Charles softly said, "breath in for ten seconds."
They both inhaled for 1...
...2...
...3...
...4...
...5...
...6...
...7...
...8...
...9...
...10 seconds.
"And then breath out for ten seconds," he instructed.
They exhaled for 10...
...9...
...8...
...7...
THUMP!
Charles sighed, "Benny."
("On it,") he replied as he carried the resuscitation mask and attached it to the passed out ponyta, ("this is the eighth time this morning.")
"Yeah, I know," Charles hummed in concern.
Charles hadn't expected the ponyta's insistence of joining the Big P Race; it was as if a fire had been lit within him; a passion that can not be put out until he was able to reach his goal. Charles was obviously concerned, considering as the race was the next morning and they just started the new exercises, but the ponyta was oddly headstrong when he wanted to be. So, with Lara's permission, Charles agreed to race with him alongside everybody else.
Benny pumped the resuscitation mask one last time before the swirls in ponyta's eyes disappeared and he sat up. In no time, the ponyta shakily got to his hooves and nodded at Charles.
("Alright, let's start again,") he said, causing Charles to hum in concern once more.
Looking down at them from atop of a hill, Brock, Alice, Flo and Misty watched the two try their best to train.
"It's really not looking good," Alice remarked.
"Well, at least it's going better then what Ash is doing," Misty pointed out, nodding to the other side of the hill where Ash, Blaze Pikachu and Lara were.
Ash was currently holding on for dear life to Blaze's tail as the ponyta ran in circles around Lara and Pikachu as they shouted at him to just let go.
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Flo hummed, "Anyway, what Pokemon are you going to race with? Charles let me borrow Mystic for the day," she said, making Misty flinch slightly at the mention of the gyrarados.
"Definitely Onix for me," Brock answered, "he may not be fast, but he's definitely strong enough."
Misty nodded, "I've got Starmie with me."
"And I definitely using Atlas," Alice finally answered.
"Really? I thought Apollo and Tomoe would try to volunteer."
Alice nodded, "They did, they tried, they failed and they're still sulking about it," she said, pointing her thumb over her shoulder.
They looked back to see the growlithe and farfetch'd, staring miserably at the ground.
("Mine...chivalry...") Tomoe uttered as her leek hung limply at her side.
("If only I was larger or evolve into an arcanine. I would have been more useful,") Apollo whimpered.
"Yikes," Flo said.
"I know," Alice agreed, "anyway, Atlas is sure a win. I bet I'll make it to first place."
Flo sent her a challenging look, "Oh really? You want a bet? How about this, if I finish before you, you'll buy me an ice cream the next chance we get."
"What are you five? Don't be so immature," Alice shot back, rolling her eyes.
"Alright then, the loser has to buy an ice cream sundae to the winner who gets to share it with Charles and won't bother them on their 'dates'," Flo proposed.
...
...
...
...
"Fine, you're on pinky," Alice challenged as the two girls shook hands.
"I'm in as well," Misty added, surprising them both, "I'm not going to be sidelines this time," she said challengingly.
Alice and Flo shared a look before they nodded in agreement, "Fine, you're in."
"Can I throw my hat in," Brock said, only half-listening to what they bet was about, "an ice creams sundae sounds-"
"No," Misty, Flo and Alice denied immediately, glaring at him with dark eyes.
Brock gulped in fear and wisely back away.
Alice turned back to see Charles resuscitate the ponyta for the ninth time today and frowned thoughtfully, 'That resuscitation masks sure does come in handy,' she thought, 'it's a shame it can't always be providing him with air otherwise-' suddenly she had an idea, "Hey Flo, did Lara mention any spare resuscitation masks."
Flo frowned in confusion, "Err...yeah, she mentioned she's got a bunch of them at her house just in case."
"Great, I'll be back," Alice said as she began to run towards the house.
"Hey, where are you going!?"
Over her shoulder, Alice shouted back, "I've got an idea. I just need to find an engineer at the ranch!" she called back, confusing her friend even more.
Start Line
It was the next day and fireworks boomed and sparkled over their heads as everybody prepared for the big race. The starting line was on the road that ran along the farm homestead and was the competitors were now gathered. Bleachers were set on either side of the road filled with an excited audience eager to see them start their race as well as a giant screen that will display it live. There were quite a few racers; there was Dario on his dodrio, Misty on her starmie, Brock on his onix, Ash on Lara's ponyta, Alice on Atlas and Flo with Mystic, who was currently rubbing her face against Charles like an affectionate puppy.
("Darling! It's been too long!") the gyarados cooed while the ponyta next to him sweat dropped at the scene.
Charles hugged her massive head back, "I'm sorry sweet heart. Can you please be a dear and let Flo race with you?"
Mystic glanced down at Flo before humming in annoyance, ("I suppose so. Since you asked so nicely.")
Her trainer smiled proudly before he took in the sight of the other trainers competing in the race. There was a boy on a nidorino, one on a sandslash, one on a rhyhorn, one on a Tauros and the last one on an electrode. Charles had to admit that the last challenger had guts to pull of a stunt like that. Even Pikachu was having a go riding on the back of Squirtle, who seemed rather annoyed by the arrangement. Since they were only allowed to be with one Pokemon at a time, Benny had to stay up in the bleachers along with Lara and her growlithe.
As soon as Flo and Mystic left to take their positions, the ponyta looked around and spotted his brother among the competitors. Their eyes met for a second before the Blaze looked away with an angry snort, making his brother sigh sadly. Charles noticed this and patted his mane comfortingly.
"Don't worry, okay?," he whispered.
It was at that moment that Alice jogged up to Charles and the ponyta with some sort of contraption in her hands. It looked like some sort of mask fit to go over the muzzle of a ponyta with tubes poking out on either side of it and straps that go over his head to keep it secure.
"Charles, I've got something for you," she said, holding up the mask "I know you guys didn't have much training yesterday and so I decided to make this. I got one of ponyta's resuscitation mask and found one of the workers here to make it self-pumping for when he's running. The mask will provide his body with extra air whenever he runs out. However, it's not perfect so be careful with it."
Charles took the mask and inspected it, "Wow, how...oddly convenient for the situation we are currently in. Thank you, Alice," he said before he looked back at the ponyta, "You think you can wear this as you run?"
("I...sure can try,") he replied hesitantly.
"Ladies and gentleman!" the commentator's loud voice rang out over a loudspeaker, "Our race is about to begin, can all our racers and their Pokemon head to the starting line!"
After wishing each other good luck, Charles led ponyta over to the starting line while Alice went to fetch Atlas. Charles attached the mask over his muzzle, making sure it was secure so it won't fall off.
"Comfortable?"
The ponyta nodded, unable to speak with the mask over his mouth. Along the start line, all of dudrio's head turned towards them and snickered in amusement. However, the laughter came to an end when Blaze stamped the ground irritably and glared at them with fire in his eyes.
"On your marks..." the commentator announced as everybody got into position.
All the Pokemon and their riders tensed up and stared ahead of them.
"...get set..."
Lara gripped her uninjured hand tightly, hoping that everything will be alright. Ponyta breathed in deeply, feeling the pump start to fill his lungs and work properly.
"...GO!"
At the final cry, all the riders zoomed past the starting line, leaving by a dust cloud in its wake. However, as soon as the dust settled, the audience saw that one rider was left behind. Ponyta was startled by the shout of the commentator and was staggering slightly on his hooves; his mane and tail blazing like an inferno. Charles thought that he was going to collapse when suddenly he slowly, but surely began to calm down; his flames reducing back to it's normal length. The pump was doing it's job; providing Ponyta with the oxygen he lost to his Fire Lung and making him stay conscious, making Charles sigh relief and pat his neck.
"You've got this. Go as fast as you can, don't worry about the others," he encouraged.
Ponyta nodded before he turned to the race course and steadily trot along it.
Meanwhile, the other racers sped along the dusty road, attempting to outrun one another. Mystic and Onix, being the largest out of the Pokemon, were making it difficult for the others out manoeuvre them, but that wasn't going to stop them. Dario was in the lead, followed by Ash close on his tail; the two Pokemon matched on speed and endurance.
They were getting close to their first hurdle; an uphill track towards a rocky outcrop that they have pass through. But things we're not so simple.
Behind a large boulder on the side of the track, Team Rocket laid in waiting with slingshots in their hand and paw whilst cackling evilly to themselves.
"They're getting closer," James informed as he peeked over the edge of the boulder.
"Good," Jessie smirked, "all we have to do is take the other participants out and Dario will give us our reward."
Meowth nodded, "Dario payed us to first got rid of that cowgirl twerp by spooking the tauros the other night and now he's paying us to set up other traps. This is gonna be great."
James looked down at him in confusion, "Yes, we know, we were there. Why do you feel the need to explain what happened."
"Victor forgot to involve us earlier in the chapter and he can't be bothered to go back and fix it."
"Oh right."
"Shut up," Jessie snapped, "here they come."
James looked around the boulder and saw the racers coming this way. He spotted a potential target, took aim at a tauros, and fired a metal pellet at the Pokemon's head. The pellet smacked the tauros right in the face, making him cry out in pain and fear.
("What hit me!?") he cried as he stopped and began to buck wildly, much to his rider's shock, ("Something hit me! Get away! Get away!")
"Tauros no!" the rider cried as the tauros began to run blindly ahead; clinging on to his back for dear life, "Stop! You need to stop!"
His cries fell on deaf ears as Tauros continued to charge recklessly into the group of other racers and accidentally ram into the nidorino and his rider. The Pokemon and riders collided together before they skidded across the ground in a heap.
"Yes!" James cried, "Two in one!"
"Nice shootin'' tex," Meowth complimented.
"Let's head to the next area. We've got more traps to deploy," Jessie said before Team Rocket ran off.
Flo and Alice heard the collision and looked back in horror at the sight of the Pokemon and their trainers.
"What happened there?" Flo cried, "That tauros just went wild!"
"I thought this was only a friendly race. This is more dangerous then I realised," Alice said in concern.
"…I mean if you want to quit I won't judge you."
…
…
…
Alice glared competitively up at her for that remark, "I hope you got enough money, because I'm ordering the largest sundae they've got!"
"We'll see about that," Flo muttered before she petted Mystic's head, "Mystic, Charles will be really disappointed if I don't win."
They gyarados gasped, ("No, I can't do that to darling!") she gasped before she began to pick up speed.
"Hey, no emotionally manipulating your Pokemon!" Alice shouted after her before looking down at Atlas, "Atlas a real bro would get the trainer to win!"
("No way!") the machoke happily cried, ("no problem, boss. I'm a real bro,") he said before he began to sprint.
Not too far behind, Charles and the ponyta was steadily making progress. Charles could tell that Pokemon was already tired, but he was giving up. The support form the mask was giving him extra power and he had gotten further then he has ever gone before. Charles was honestly proud of him. However, the proud look soon dropped into a concern frown as he watched some medics help the fallen trainers and Pokemon when they passed by. He hummed in worry, but he had no time to stop.
The racers were reaching the outcrop, but first they had to climb up a steep incline. So steep that a lot of the heavier Pokemon were having trouble going up it. Even Pikachu had to climb of Squirtle so he can push him up.
("Come on, just a little bit further,") Pikachu encouraged.
("I…didn't…sign…up…for…this,") Squirtle uttered through deep breaths.
However, as they reached the peak of the slope, what followed was a steep path down the rocky outcrop. Dario and his dodrio sped down the slope, but they were shocked to see they were overtaken by the trainer and his electrode as the ball-like Pokemon rolled down the hill at blinding speeds.
"THIS WAS A BAD IDEEEEAAAA!" the trainer yelled as he had to sprint backwards on top of his Pokemon to avoid falling off it.
However, much to his surprise, the ground beneath the electrode fell away and both Pokemon and trainer fell into a pit, coming to a full stop. Dario cackled as his Pokemon leapt over the pit expertly before he nodded to where he knew Team Rocket was hiding who had built the pitfall beforehand. Brock, Ash, Pikachu and Squirtle, Alice, Misty, and the rhyhorn and its trainer were able to go around the pit, but as soon as the raticate and sandslash ran past, the electrode decided to use one of its attacks.
("Error! Error! Use Self-Destruct!") he cried as it began to flash.
"No! Electrode don't!" its trainer cried as he saw what it was about to do.
But it was too late. The electrode used the powerful attack with the other two trainers caught in the blast. They were thrown off their Pokemon and hit the ground hard, completely knocked out along with their Pokemon.
Charles and ponyta clambered down the path not too far away, witnessing the explosion from down below. They checked the injured and found the were alright although quite injured. Charles gave a critical look at the pit in which the electrode fell down and growled.
"Team Rocket's signature trap. Of course, they are involved somehow," he muttered as they continued down the path.
At the bottom of the slope, the competitors were met with a wide river that completely cut their path off. They had no choice but to cross it by either swimming across or by using the stepping stones. Dario, Alice and eventually Ash used the stepping stones to cross over the river while Misty was able to cross because of Starmie and Pikachu on Squirtle's shell. However, the ryhorn and Onix only took one look at the raging river before them before moving away from it in fear. There was no way there are going anywhere near it."
"It's alright," Brock said, reassuring patting his onix on his rocky head, "We still did pretty well."
Meanwhile, Flo gave a confident smile as she sat atop of the gyrados and looked out over the river, "With Mystic's speed this will be a piece of cake," she said before patting the Pokemon's head, "Let's go, Mystic!"
Mystic roared into the sky before she leapt and dived into the river...
SPLASH! THUNK!
Flo screamed as she was suddenly thrown of Mystic's head and plunged into the cold waters of the river. She recovered quickly and sputtered in confusion; she was about to tread water in order to get her bearings when she suddenly felt the river bed beneath her feet. She stood up and was shocked to find that the water only went up to her waist.
"Ah! It's shallow!" she cried before looking back at Mystic who was lying on the bank of the river with her face red from she slammed it into the river bed, "Mystic! I'm so sorry! Let me heal you!" she cried as she ran over to the poor gyrados who was whimpering in pain.
Further down the race track, the path suddenly drops down into a muddy slope. A few rocks jutted out of the cliff face, providing any climbers places to climb up or down, but each rock was now holding a trough of Pokemon food. The next challenge involved the Pokemon eating every last pellet of food before they had to continue as well as giving the Pokemon and trainer a rest for a while.
Dario's dodrio leapt down from the cliff edge and landed on one of the rocks.
"Get eaten', ya here," he ordered.
("Alright let's-") Anger was about to take the first bite when Joy hit him with his beak, ("Ow! What was that for!?")
("What do you mean? You were in my way,") Joy snapped back.
("No I'm not, I always eat first!")
Sorrow sighed, ("You eat way too slowly. Let me take the first bite.")
The heads began to bicker with each other, trying to fight for the first bite of food. They snapped and pecked their beaks; their fierce battle almost making Dario fall of their back.
"Hey! Stop that! Just go one at a time!" he shouted at them as he thought to stay on.
Because of their fighting, the other participants was able to catch up to them. Alice, Misty, Ash and Pikachu and Squirtle slide down the slope and each landed on a rock and the Pokemon began to eat, much to Dario's dismay.
Atlas, without a single hesitation, picked up the trough of food, lifted up to his mouth and tipped into his mouth, devouring all the pokefood in one big gulp before throwing the trough to the side.
"Nice one, Atlas!" Alice cried before the machoke took off running again and taking the lead.
The Bleachers
Ruby, from within her tank, giggled in delight as she saw her trainer and the machoke take the lead from the giant screen.
("They're doing so well,") she softly said before she turned to Apollo and Tomoe, ("don't you think?")
Tomoe and Apollo looked down at the ground miserably.
("We...suppose he does,") Tomoe hummed.
("Naturally, he does have some strengths,") Apollo muttered.
Ruby sighed at their antics before turning back to the screen.
Race Course
"This is perfect!" Alice cried happily as Atlas ran through a thick forest; the branches of the trees stretching above their heads. Feeling confident in herself, she stood up onto Atlas's sturdy shoulders and stood proudly with her eyes closed, "It's an easy win and an ice cream date with Charles. I wonder if I'll go with chocolate or strawberry or maybe- oof!"
She felt the wind knocked out of her unexpectedly, her instincts reaching out and grabbing the thing that had hit her in the stomach. If Alice had been paying attention, she would have probably have seen the giant, low hanging tree branch in her path and probably have done something about it. However, now she was holding on to dear life as Atlas, not noticing what had happened, continued to run along merrily.
"Atlas. Come back, she croaked out as he legs dangled in mid-air "Don't leave me here! Atlas! Atlas!" she cried, but it was too late. He had already left. Alice looked down and saw that she must be at least seven feet off the ground and sighed miserably, "This is what I get for gloating, huh?"
"Darn it!" Dario growled as he watched Alice and Atlas take off through a small forest, "I ain't losing this to some city slickers," he grumbled before looked up at the cliff edge, "Alright Team Rocket! Time to get to work!"
"Wait. What did he say?" Misty questioned.
But before she could say anything else, black smoke appeared out of nowhere and quickly covered the area, much to their surprise to the runners and the audience watching on the screen. They began to choke on the black smoke, trying to get it out of the airways, when they heard two voices call out through the smoke.
"Prepare for trouble,"
"And make it double,"
"To denounce-"
"Oh not them again!" Misty cried, "Can we have one day when we don't have to deal with these morons!"
"Hey!" the voice of Meowth cried out through the smoke, "Don't interrupt our motto like the other twerps do."
"Yeah, it takes a lot of rehearsing to sound this perfect!" Jessie called out from somewhere, "Let's give these twerps a lesson, shall we?"
Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Squirtle looked around the area, trying to find the source of where they are.
"Damn it. It took thick," Misty muttered, "I don't know where to tell Starmie to aim."
"Pikachu, Squirtle can you see anything?" Ash asked.
("No, can do,") Squirtle called back.
("I can barely see my own paw in front of my face,") Pikachu added.
Dario, meanwhile, cackled in glee, "With these two distracted, I've got nothin' stopping me. Come on dodrio! Let's go!"
All three of the dodrio's smirked in glee as they were about to sprint to the finish line. When suddenly-
THWIP! SMACK!
Dario and dodrio cried out in shock and pain as they fell to the ground in a heap. The Pokemon tried to move his legs, but found they were bound by some sort of sticky substance.
"What in tarnation!" Dario cried out in shock as he pushed himself of the ground.
"Hurricane use Gust," a familiar voice called out through the smoke.
("You've got it!")
Everybody in the area felt a strong gust of wind blow over them, lifting the smoke away from the area. Now able to see, Ash, Misty, Pikachu and Squirtle looked up to see a rather astonished Team Rocket above them on a rocky outcrop.
"Oh no, our hiding place has been compromised," James cried in shock.
Meanwhile, Dario looked down at doddrio's legs and found they were bound by some sort of sticky string. He looked up to see Charles and the ponyta standing at the edge of the cliff with Hurricane fluttering by his head.
"Hey! What was that for?" he cried up at him.
Charles calmly put the butterfree back in his pokeball before looking down at him, "Call it a penalty for cheating...and just generally being a jerk."
"Charles!" Misty called up to him, "Go on ahead with ponyta. We'll deal with Team Rocket!"
The trainer frowned, "Are you sure? I can help."
Ash shook his head, "Somebody needs to win before Dario does. I'm sure Lara wouldn't mind. Don't worry about us."
The ponyta heard this and looked towards his brother as if, despite everything, asking for permission. Blaze looked up at him. Ever since he hatched, he had been looking after him like his life depended on it. Except for Lara, he was the only family he has and to see the vulnerable Pokemon in danger was scary. However, that was when Blaze noticed how far he had got; through difficult obstacles and challengers. Maybe...he was right. Maybe there is a chance that he can become stronger and live his own life.
Blaze narrowed his eyes and nodded up at him, ("Try your best. But dudn't push yourself now.")'
The ponyta eyes widened in shock and joy before he nodded in determination. He stepped off the edge of the slope and skidded down the muddy path past Ash and Misty, past Pikachu and Squirtle and past a bewildered Dario and his Pokemon.
As the skidded down the slope, Charles grinned at Dario, "It's kind of like the story of the Slowpoke and the Buneary. Slow and steady, wins the race."
Dario growled in anger as he watched them get to the end of the slope and steadily run through the forest. He turned back to his dodrio and began picking at the string tying his legs, "That varment! I ain't losin' to him and that weak Pokemon!"
Finish Line
Atlas ran as fast as he can towards the finish line, the cheering crowds from the bleachers encouraging him to go faster. Finally, as soon as he crossed the finish line, he gave a mighty cheer and raised his arms in the air.
("Oh yeah! I won!") he cheered as he saw Apollo and Tomoe run up to him, ("Hey bros! We won!")
However, instead of looking proud and congratulating them, the two Pokemon's faces were filled with horror.
("Atlas, where's master?") Apollo questioned urgently.
Atlas frowned in confusion before turning his head to look back at her, ("What do you mean? She's right-") he stopped suddenly when he saw that there was nobody there, ("Huh? Where did she go?")
Somwhere In The Forest
"Stupid race," Alice muttered as she stomped down the path towards the finish line; her face was dirty and there were sticks and leaves in her hair, "stupid branch, stupid long dusty roads, stupid...everything!"
Race Course
Charles and the ponyta trotted steadily out of the forest and into the last leg of the race course. Dario won't be hindered for long and so they had to cover as much ground as possible before they recover. He began to pick up speed; the mask working faster and harder to compensate for the lack of air.
('Come on!') he thought to himself as he ran faster and faster, ('almost there! Almost there!')
His trot slowly turned into a gallop and Charles had to grip the reins tightly so he wouldn't fall off. Charles felt heat radiate of the ponyta's body and looked down to see the flames grow bigger and bigger as they sped along. The wind whipped their faces as they ran, the sound of hooves digging into the ground filled their ears and they watched as the world seemed to quickly dart by. The human was amazed as he felt an unknown feeling in his chest. It felt like nothing was ever going to slow them down; of freedom and of loving life; as if they were flying through the air. It slowly dawned on him that this was what the ponyta had always dreamt of and, as he looked down, he saw the sad glint in the ponyta's eyes disappear entirely; replaced by one of absolute joy.
However, so enrapt in the moment, they didn't notice something slam into them until it was too late.
Charles and the ponyta grunted in pain as they were thrown off slightly. They looked around and saw Dario and his newly freed dodrio keeping up with them, their faces filled with rage.
"So, you wanna play dirty, huh? Alright, I'll show ya dirty," Dario growled, "Dodrio peck that stupid mask off."
The head representing anger lifted his head, aimed his sharp beak at one of the straps keeping the mask on before pecking it hard. The strap instantly snapped and the mask fell away from the ponyta's muzzle. Charles looked on in horror as the ponyta gasped for breath, his eyes wide in fear and surprise before his legs collapsed beneath him. The rider was thrown off and skidded along the ground before coming to a painful stop; Dario and his dodrio merely leapt over him and carried on running, cackling evilly all the way.
Charles could only watch with his head on the ground as Dario zoomed off into the distance.
They have let Lara down and lost the race.
...
...
...
But suddenly, leaping over them in a mighty bound, Ash and Blaze flew past and took off galloping as soon as they hit the ground. Charles smiled proudly as he watched Ash catch up to Dario, both Pokemon equally as fast as each other. They were neck to neck, trying to fight for dominance as the finish line came in sight.
"What the-" Dario cried in shock.
"Come on Blaze! We need to win this for Lara and for your brother!" Ash yelled.
('For my brother,') Blaze thought as he thought about the ponyta laying helpless in the middle of the path. He felt anger boil, the flames on his body began to flicker wildly before he neighed into the sky, ("FOR MY BROTHER!")
That was when Blaze started to glow, much to everybody's shock. He grew taller and stronger while his flaming mane grew longer and more fierce. From out of the middle of his forehead, a long, pointed horn grew. Finally, Blaze stopped glowing to reveal that he evolved into a larger version of ponyta, much to Lara's utter shock.
"Blaze evolved...into a rapidash!" she gasped happily.
Dario looked around, his jaw dropped at the sight behind him, "What in tarnation!"
The newly evolved Blaze charged forwards with all his speed, his body radiating so much heat that Ash was starting to sweat. They were twenty meters away from the finish line...fifteen meters...ten meters. Both Pokemon were racing with all their might until they both finally crossed the finish line...
"ASH AND BLAZE WIN!" the commentator proclaimed as the crowd cheered for the both of them.
Lara and the rest of her family whooped and hollered in joy as Ash pulled on the rapidash's reins and slowed him to a stop. He waved his hands in the air in victory, grinning from ear to ear as Blaze looked down at the ground in disbelief. There was so much that happened that it was having trouble comprehending all of it.
Dario and Dodrio, however, growled in fury.
"Cheat!" he yelled, pointing accusingly at Ash and Blaze, "Your nuthin' but a bunch of cheaters! I shoulda one of that!" he whipped the reins of Dodrio and ordered him to run at them, "I'm gonna teach you a lesson, ya varmint! Dodrio use-"
But before he could give a command, Blaze turned his hindquarters towards the incoming Dodrio, reared back his legs and bucked the Pokemon and trainer so hard that flew into through the air and landed in the bleachers with a mighty and painful crash. Blaze snorted angrily as he looked back at the two.
("Shoulda done that ages ago,") he muttered, ("That's what ya get for messing with my brother, ya yellow-bellied yack.")
Race Course
Charles sighed in relief as he sat up off the ground, recovering from what just happened before his eyes. He wasn't expecting Blaze to evolve nor actually win the race and made a mental to record him in his pokedex. Right now, however, he needed to help the ponyta.
He got to his feet and saw him a few feet back sprawled across the ground. His immediate thought was that he collapsed again and he need to resuscitate him, but he was surprised to see that he was still conscious, but breathing heavily. The side of his muzzle was pressed against the ground and he was looking out on the path ahead of him with a distant look.
"Are you feeling alright?" he asked as he leaned down beside his head.
("Just...fine,") he uttered, ("my...brother...evolved...I'm...happy...for...him,") he said with a small smile on his face ("I...ran...I...actually...ran...for...the...first...time...in...my...life.")
Charles smiled proudly, "How did it feel?"
("Like...a...dream,") he answered with a happy whinny, ("mighty...shame...I ain't...got...the...energy...to carry...on.")
The young trainer gave him a determined look, "Who says you can't carry on? he said.
He carefully pulled his front right leg over his head and lifted him off the ground, much to the ponyta's confusion. He placed him on his back so the ponyta's chest was on his shoulder blades and his head was on top of his own with his back hooves dragging on the ground.
("What...are...you...doin'?")
"There's nothing in the rules that said a trainer can't carry his Pokemon," Charles explained as he carried the ponyta down the path, "besides...third place is not bad for a first try."
Finish Line
Benny stood at the finish line and faded away from the everybody, his long ears twitching as he tried to listen for either his brother or the ponta. Flo, who had been picked up after she healed Mystic, kneeled beside him and petted his head.
"Do you hear them?" she asked.
Benny shook his head, causing her to frown in concern. Alice walked up behind them, picking the last leaf out of her hair, and stood beside them.
"Maybe we should arrange a party to find them," she suggested.
Suddenly, Benny's ears twitched as he picked up a sound. He looked down the race track and saw something in the distance. He gasped and pointed frantically at them.
("It's them!")
Alice and Flo turned at his excited squeaks and stared in disbelief at the sight of Charles carrying the ponyta on his back. The Pokemon and trainer looked absolutely exhausted, but they made no attempt to stop moving one step at a time. Lara and Blaze were next to notice them, followed by Ash, Misty and Brock and some audience members up in the bleachers. Blaze's eyes widened at the sight of his brother and was about to go over to help when Lara put her uninsured arm right in front of him, stopping him in his tracks.
"Wait. Let them finish the race," she told him before she raised her hand to her mouth and yelled, "Come on! You're so close! Just a little more!"
Alice looked back at her for a second before she too cupped her hands around her mouth, "You're almost there! Take your time!"
"Just don't stop!" Brock encouraged.
"Keep going!" Flo cried out.
"You can do it!" Misty chimed in.
("Come on!") Benny and Pikachu chanted at the same time.
"Just a few more steps and you're there!" Ash added.
As they kept on chanting and shouting encouragements, the members of the audience, both human and Pokemon one by one, began to join in on them. At first it was a few people, but it grew louder and louder with every step Charles took. They shouted and cheered words of support, comfort and hoe brave they for continuing and every single chant warmed their hearts and motivated them to keep on going.
Blaze who had been watching in amazement at what was happening began to join as well, neighing and clapping his hooves against the ground.
Finally, after what felt like forever, Charles was only a few steps away and the cheering was at its loudest. He gritted his teeth, ignored the pain in his back and...
...stepped across the finish line.
The crowd roared in delight as they saw them cross the finish line and Charles carefully put the ponyta down on the ground before he sat down as well to get his breath back. They were immediately swarmed by their friends asking him if they were alright.
The ponyta looked up to see Blaze in his newly evolved form and gave a happy whinny.
("Look,") the ponyta uttered, looking up at his brother, ("I'm...still...conscious.")
Blaze gave him a proud smile with tears in his eyes, ("I see that. Ya really did it.")
Big P Ranch Gate
It was the mid-afternoon and, after joining in the festivities celebrating Ash's victory, it was time for them to leave. Just before they left Charles remembered to scan Blaze's new form in his pokedex, not knowing when the next time he will see one next:
Rapidash: Very competitive, this Pokemon will chase anything that moves fast in the hopes of racing it.
With their rucksacks and bags sling over their shoulders, the kids, with Benny on Alice's shoulder and Pikachu resting in Ash's head, were just outside the ranch's gate with Lara, Blaze and the recovered ponyta sending them off.
"Thank you so much fur all y'all help," Lara cheerily said, "I knew that Dario was a hardheaded narcissists, but I ain't never thought he bit a cheater. We'll make sure to keep an eye on him in the future."
"It's really no problem. Thank you for letting us stay," Flo kindly said, "and remember to go easy on yourself for a couple of weeks. We don' want you further injuring your arm."
"I know, I know," Lara chuckled, "Blaze, over there, is gonna help with my duties, so dudn't you worry nothin'," she turned to Ash and stuck out her uninsured arm for him to shake, "Thank you kindly for talking my place. Consider yourself an unofficial member of the Laramie Clan."
"Wow, thanks Lara," Ash gratefully said as she shook her hand.
She turned towards Charles and gave him a bright smile, "And thank you for ponyta," she said, looking back at the two Pokemon who were happily talking to each other, "he's lookin' much better then he has been since...well, forever. You really changed his life."
Charles smiled back and reached out his arm for her to shake, "It's my pleasure. I'm just glad he's found more purpose in life."
Lara reached out and grabbed his hand, but instead of shaking it, she pulled him into a one armed hug.
"Oh no ya durn't. Ya get an extra special thank you, ya hear," she giggled, causing him to blush at the close contact. She only released him when she noticed Flo, Alice and Misty glaring daggers at her, "Whoops! Sorry durn't mean to tread on any toes, now," she said with a sheepish smile.
"You knew exactly what you were doing," Alice muttered accusingly.
Meanwhile, Blaze looked down at his brother and saw him sneak glances over at Charles. He noticed the earning look in his eyes; the desire to go further, to see new things and to get better. The rapidash mentally sighed to himself; he knew what he had to do.
("Brother, go with them,") he suddenly told them.
The ponyta stepped back in surprise, ("W-What, I-")
("You wanna get better, right? To see the world and run forever and ever,") he said, earning a hesitant nod from him, ("Well, you can't spend the rest of ya life in stable.")
The ponyta blinked in surprise before he pressed his head in his brother's neck affectionately, ("Thank you,") he said before he trotted over to Charles. The humans turned their attention to him as he stopped before the young trainer, ("Charles, may I have the honour of joinin' your team. I want to go further, improve, get stronger. And I know, you're the human that can get me there. Please let me join,") he requested, surprising Charles slightly.
He looked down at the ponyta for a few moments before giving Lara a questioning look, "He wants to join my team."
"Go ahead," Lara told him, "we raise Pokemon, not restrict their freedom. I'm sure you'll take care of him."
Charles smiled and nodded, "Then I see no reason why you can't join," he told him, earning a happy whinny form the Pokemon, "But before I catch you. I must insist on giving you a name. I can't keep calling you ponyta, can I?" he said with a hum, "let's see. You're ambitious, passionate and ferocious just like your mane. Kind of like a...Oh! What about Wildfire as your name?"
The ponyta frowned in consideration before he nodded in agreement, ("That sure sounds swell.")
Charles took out a free pokeball and held it front of him, "Well, howdy Wildfire. It's mighty great to welcome ya aboard, partner."
...
...
...
...
"...I'm guessing that's a no to the accent."
("If you dudn't mind.")
"Very sorry," Charles apologised as he gently tapped the pokeball on his forehead.
After the pokeball shook a few times, dinged to signify a successful capture and disappearing as it went back to the Corral, they said their goodbyes to Lara and Blaze and headed down the path away from the ranch.
"Well, what now?" Ash asked, "Are we still going to split up?"
"I think so," Charles said, "But don't worry, we'll all meet up again. There's still so much to see, do and Pokemon and people to meet. Whose to know what's in store for us. After all, we are all free to do what we wan- Oh damn!"
"What's wrong?" Misty asked in concern.
"I forgot to tell Wildfire about Professor Oak."
Oak's Lab
Professor Oak was busy jotting down something in his notebook when he heard a soft ding from the other side of the room. He looked up and saw a new pokeball has arrived on the transporter, earning a happy smile from him.
"Ah! Looks like a trainer has just caught a new Pokemon," he said as he walked up to it and took it off the transporter, "let's see who it is," he said to himself as he released Wildfire from his pokeball, who stood looking around the room facing away from Oak, "Oh, a ponyta! How wonderful-"
Wildfire jumped in shock at the sound of Oak and gave a loud whinny before collapsing onto the floor.
Oak yelped in surprise, "Ahh! What just happened!" he cried out as he began rushing around the lab to find something to help the Pokemon.
In Charles' room, Cleo woke up from her nap on Charles' bed at the sound of crashes, bangs and shouts from the elderly professor. She sighed, rolled her eyes and laid her head down on the bed once more.
("Five more minutes and I'll go deal with it,") she told herself as she returned to her nap.
That's it, sorry it took so long. I hope the wait was worth it though.
A new chapter and a new Pokemon caught. I had to make up a lot of stuff about Pokemon biology, so if I got something wrong then please do tell me. He will continue to have feinting fits as a running gag throughout the story, even the smallest surprise could send him unconscious. I decided to give Comet a southern accent like Lara, because I thought it would be cute and it's fun to write different dialects.
I would like to give a special thank you to PokeNarrator for suggesting the name Wildfire. It's a very fitting name for such an ambitious ponyta.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed it and I see you next time.
Thanks :)
Potential Pokemon List:
Charles
Nidoran (Female)
Gastley
Drowzee
Goldeen
Tauros
Aerodactyl
Onix
Grimer
Hoothoot (Johto)
Octillery (Orange Islands)
Pinsir
Salamance (Hoenn)
Metagross (Hoenn)
Dewgong
Elekid (Johto)
Poochyena (Hoenn)
Chikorita (Johto)
Flo
Psyduck
Nidoran (Male)
Kangaskhan
Cubone
Jolteon
Shellder
Weedle
Igglybuff (Johto)
Exeggcute (Orange Islands)
Qwilfish (Orange Islands)
Slugma (Hoenn)
Snubbull (Johto)
Miltank (Johto)
Beautifly (Hoenn)
Alice
Venonat
Rattata
Poliwag
Tangela
Spearow
Lickitung
Mr Mime
Spinarak (Johto)
Umbreon (Johto)
Rhyhorn (Johto)
Wobbuffet (Johto)
Nosepass (Hoenn)
Swinub (Sinnoh)
Smeargle (Johto)
Leaf
Gloom (Female)
Gloom (Male)
Leafeon
Exeggute
Parasect
Hopip