"Feraligatr, Aqua Tail!" Tetsu ordered. Feraligatr unleashed the attack and blasted against the wall. That attack had some power to it. "Good, Feraligatr. Try to bring that power out when our battle with Davis comes." Tetsu was getting ready for that upcoming battle and was going to do his best when it comes.

"Looking good, Tetsu." Nami said as she Navy came in. "You're really working Feraligatr out."

"Which is why we need to borrow it to find a great outfit!" Navy said. Without even hearing Tetsu's permission, the two of them got to work in finding a great outfit and look for Feraligatr and made Feraligatr quite uncomfortable. "Feraligatr will be a great addition to our performances."

"Will you two leave Feraligatr alone? You're not using him in your little dances." Tetsu said.

"But he be perfect, and we could use a model for some of the bigger outfits for some of the bigger pokemon." Navy said. Feraligatr really hated this as he snapped its jaws at them to try and scare them away.

"Please, Feraligatr." Both of them pleaded with puppy eyes. It was hard for Feraligatr to say no to that. Tetsu has got his work cutout for him.

Pokemon

It's a battle, win or lose

It's the friends you make

It's the road you choose

We've got the right stuff

So make your mind up

And find the courage inside of you.

If you're strong, you'll survive

And you'll keep your dream alive

Let the battle begin

Pokemon

Be the best you can be and find your destiny

It's the master plan

The power's in your hand

Pokemon

(Davis' voice) Race of Faith

Davis and Cletus continue on towards Floriba City for Davis' upcoming gym battle with Tetsu. As you can imagine, Davis is getting all of his pokemon ready.

"Cloyster, Ice Beam! Venonat, Psybeam!" Davis said as he was training with both of his pokemon. Both of them used their attacks, but the collision of the attacks caused Venonat to be blown back. "Are you okay, Venonat?!" Venonat managed to get back up, but it looked over an edge and saw something that seemed interesting.

"Venonat! Veno!"

"What is it?" Davis asked as he walked over. He looked down and it looked like people were getting ready for some sort of event. "What's going on down there?" He asked as the others came over to see.

"I'm not really sure. It looks like some sort of competition." Cletus said.

"Hey!" All of them had a look and were met with a guy dressed like a cowboy and with him was a Linoone, Sawsbuck Summer Form, and Arcanine. "You're in our way. Move it."

"In your way? You can just walk around us." Imperialdramon said.

"Do you know what's going on down there?" Davis asked.

"It's Pokemon Relay. Duh." The guy said like they were suppose to know that.

"Pokemon Relay? What's that?" Davis questioned.

"You don't know? Why expect me to tell you?" The guy said as he acted all smug. "If you're not competing, stay out of the way. It's not like you could win anyway, especially with that purple furball." He talked about Venonat and tried to annoy them. "I saw how your little bug got so easily pushed around. A weakling like that wouldn't stand a chance."

"Hey!" Davis said as he and Venonat didn't like what he was saying. "Who are you calling Venonat weak? You don't know my pokemon."

"I know they're pathetic." The guy said as he and his pokemon laughed at them and kept walking with the guy purposely bumping his shoulder against him. Davis already didn't like this guy and who could blame him.

"That was rather rude. What was that about?" Cletus questioned.

"And what was he talking about?" Imperialdramon questioned.

"That young man is named Billy. He's a little cocky because he constantly wins Pokemon Relay." All of them were met with an old man wearing a teal sweat suit with a mustache.

"Uh... Who are you?" Davis asked.

"My name is Eli. I can tell you all about what's going on." He claimed. After meeting Eli, they all went back to Eli's cabin and was explaining what was going on. "I'm sorry about Billy's rotten attitude. He's gotten rather cocky and confident since he keeps winning Pokemon Relay." Eli said as he handed both of them some tea. "That kid's been a handful since he keeps winning and is a tough one to beat."

"What is Pokemon Relay?" Davis asked.

"It's an annual competition that happens around here." Eli said. "Trainers have their pokemon race each other in three parts. They carry a sash and pass it over to the next pokemon."

"So, it's just a simple relay race?" Cletus questioned.

"That's right, and it can be a lot of fun and exciting." Eli said. "In fact, take a look here." He said as he showed a photo of himself from when he was younger. It looked like he won the event. "I competed all the time when I was younger. I did it out of sheer enjoyment, but that Billy does it just for winning. It's difficult to beat that kid when all three of his pokemon are rather fast."

"And it gave him quite an ego." Davis said with annoyance. "Who does he think he is saying those things about Venonat?"

"Well, Billy judges a pokemon based on their speed since he loves winning so much. He saw your Venonat as something weak and instantly ridiculed it." Eli said with Venonat annoyed. "Honestly, it upsets me that a young man like that wins."

"Yeah! Well, not anymore!" Davis said as he stood up. "Venonat, I say we beat this guy at his own game! Are you with me?!" Venonat was completely with him.

"Davis, you don't have to do this just because that guy upset you." Cletus said.

"Yes I do!" Davis said. "I don't stand for anyone talking down on my pokemon like that. Besides, this sounds like it could be fun." Eli was rather interested since Davis is getting excited to race. "Eli, could you tell me more about a race?"

"It's quite simple." Eli said as he showed him a map of the area. "It's broken up into three parts. You need a total of three pokemon. The race starts in this meadow, makes it's way through the forest, goes up and around the rocky terrain, and the starting line is also the finish line. Nothing really to it. You just need to be the first to finish."

"Billy's three pokemon were Linoone, Sawsbuck, and Arcanine. All three of those pokemon are pretty fast." Cletus said. "Davis, I hate to say it, but Venonat can't keep up with the natural speed those pokemon have."

"Maybe, but I already have a plan." Davis said. "Venonat, you'll take the last part of the race: crossing the finish line. If Billy sees you cross, I doubt he'll think you're pathetic or weak after that." Venonat liked the sound of that. "Of course, I'm going to have to try and get a head start from him. I'm going to need speed and pokemon that have the endurance for the speed. The only two I have that can do that are Imperialdramon and Poochyena. So, you three are in."

"You got it!" Imperialdramon said with Venonat ready to go. "Let's show that cowboy that we can't be pushed around so easily." Davis and his pokemon are getting pumped for this.

...

The Race

"Welcome, everyone! It's the annual Pokemon Relay Race!" The emcee announced as many have gathered for it. Trainers and their pokemon were ready to go. Davis was all registered and set to go with Cletus and Eli watching.

"You're actually competing?" Davis looked and saw Billy was there. "I can't believe you actually would. I told you that your pokemon don't stand a chance."

"Just you wait when Venonat is the one crossing the finish line." Davis said.

"We're ready to start. Pokemon, take your positions!" The emcee announced. All competitors' pokemon were given a colored sash with a number on it. Davis got a blue one with the number 15. Billy's was red with the number 6 on it. "Here's how it will work. Our trainers have selected three pokemon and the course has been marked. Each team must bring the sash with them and must have it with them when they pass it and cross the finish line. Remember that using attacks is completely forbidden. The first team to cross the finish line wins a month's supply of the most nutritional pokemon food there is. Your pokemon will be thanking you once they have some of it."

"Okay, Imperialdramon... You're up first." Davis said. "Just get that sash to Poochyena so that Poochyena can hand it to Venonat."

"Got it." Imperialdramon said.

"Ha. Fat chance he can actually beat my Linoone." Billy said.

"We're getting ready to start! Take your positions." The emcee announced. Imperialdramon and Linoone gathered at the start with all the other pokemon competing. They all readied themselves for the race to start. There were even some Magnemite with cameras attached to them to give off live fees. "On your mark... Get set... Go!" The signal went off with all of the racers taking off.

"Go! Go! Go!" Davis cheered for Imperialdramon.

"He'll never make it." Billy said with him having a few sneaky ideas. Linoone currently had the lead.

"The race has started with Team 7 currently in the lead, but it looks like Team 15 is trying to catch up."

"It's not going to be easy to catch that Linoone. Linoone are naturally fast and it's a straight path." Cletus said. "I sure hope Davis knows what he's doing out there."

...

Imperialdramon

Since flying was allowed, Imperialdramon was flying just over the ground with the marked trail. He was doing his best to try and catch Linoone. He could see that Linoone is right in front of him and was doing his best to catch up. However, Linoone knew Imperialdramon and actually kicked dirt right in his face.

"Hey!" Imperialdramon complained as he tried to resist. "That's how it's going to be? Okay. I was going easy..." Decided to stop holding back, Imperialdramon went full speed and flew right past Linoone with Linoone surprised.

"Oh my goodness! Team 15 has pulled out with great speed!" He announced with Davis sticking his tongue out at Billy. Imperialdramon was far in the lead, but Linoone was catching up. The race went on with Imperialdramon nearing the forest where Poochyena was waiting for its turn. When Poochyena saw Imperialdramon coming, Poochyena got ready to run.

"Poochyena! Go!" Imperialdramon called as he removed the sash from his hand and tossed it towards Poochyena. Poochyena caught it with its teeth and started running through the forest.

"Team 15 has passed the sash and has now entered the forest, but it looks like Team 7 is in second and is moving fast." Linoone was able to move fast and passed the sash over to Arcanine. "They are now entering the forest. With the trees in the way, they'll be some twists and turns here."

"Arf!" The forest might be a problem for some of the larger pokemon, but Poochyena's smaller frame makes it easier for it to move around the trees. Poochyena maintained a strong lead, but it looks like it isn't going to last.

"Ar!" Poochyena looked back and saw Arcanine was already catching up.

"Uh-oh. Team 15 had the lead, but it looks like Team 7 is gaining on them." Not good for Davis, but Billy loved it. Poochyena tried not to let the whole thing get to it. Poochyena just tried to focus on the race. Poochyena kept trying to move around the trees and kept trying to get to Venonat. However, Arcanine was catching up to Poochyena. As it smirked down at Poochyena, it seemed like Arcanine to pass Poochyena. Just then, Arcanine ran right into a tree since it didn't pay too much attention in front of Poochyena. "Ouch. That has to hurt." Poochyena couldn't help but laugh at Arcanine's little misfortune. Poochyena kept running until it could see Venonat at the base of a trail.

"Venonat!"

"Aroo!" Poochyena passed the sash over to Venonat and Venonat got to running up the trail and made it's way through some rocks and cliffs. Venonat was holding the lead, but it could be close. Arcanine soon made it and passed the sash over to Sawsbuck.

...

Davis

"Come on, Venonat! you just have to make it through that cliffy terrain." Davis said as it seemed like it was going well. All that's left is for Venonat to cross the finish line.

"No way that little twerp is going to make it." Billy said.

"Just you wait and see." Davis said as he was fully confident in Venonat.

"I won't need to." Billy said as he had something up his sleeve. Venonat tried moving as fast as it could through the path, but there was one problem. Sawsbuck was gaining on Venonat and was gaining fast. Davis was hoping Venonat would have something that could help.

"Not good for Team 15. Team 7 is closing in on them." Sawsbuck was catching up, but Venonat was trying as hard as it could. However, just as Sawsbuck was next to Venonat, Sawsbuck actually pushed Venonat out of the way and ran out ahead. "Oh my! Venonat has lost the lead!"

"Hey! Your Sawsbuck did that on purpose!" Davis complained.

"It's not an attack, so it's not against the rules." Billy claimed. "Now there's no way your loser pokemon will win." Davis couldn't believe a guy like this is really about to win. Venonat tried to get up and didn't want to end like this, but how was it going to catch up now? Venonat wondered what it was going to do until it saw something. It saw a cliff on the trail, but it leads to the finish line. That could Venonat's chance as Venonat was running for it.

"What's this? Where is Venonat going?" Everyone saw Venonat was heading straight for a cliff.

"Venonat, what are you doing?!" Davis called. Venonat ran at the cliff at full speed and actually jumped off it. Everyone was shocked at what Venonat did, but it seems there was a reason for it. Just as Venonat was in the air, it began glowing and changing forms. That light only meant one thing. Venonat changed forms and now had it's own set of wings.

"Venomoth! Venomoth!"

"Oh my! Venonat has just evolved into Venomoth!" It was an amazing sight to see, but is it enough, Sawsbuck managed to get off the rock trail and it was just a straight shot. However, Venomoth rode the wind and made it's way down. Venomoth glided around and swooped down near the trail with it passing Sawsbuck and was actually the one that made it cross the finish line. "It's over! Team 15 of Imperialdramon, Poochyena, and the newly evolved Venomoth has won!"

"Yeah! We won!" Davis cheered as Venomoth flew straight into his arms. "That was incredible!"

"Venomoth!" Venomoth seemed rather happy about the win itself.

"Nice work, Davis!" Cletus said as he and Eli came over.

"My boy, that was most impressive." Eli said.

"No way! There's no way you could have beat me!" Billy denied, but Venomoth gave that sore loser a lesson as it flapped its wings and blasted dust in his face with a gust of wind.

"Davis, Venomoth knows how to use Gust now!" Cletus said.

"Awesome!" Davis said as he pulled out his pokedex to learn more about his new pokemon.

"Venomoth, the Poison Moth Pokemon. A bug and poison type, and the evolve form of Venonat. Its wings are coated in poisonous scales that are released every time it flaps its wings."

Not only did Davis have a Venomoth, but he won the race as well. He and his pokemon were being awarded with a trophy and all the pokemon food for all of them.

"Congrats to Davis for being our new winner!" Everyone cheered as they liked the looks of this.

"Thank you! Thank you!" Davis said. "Venomoth, I owe this win to you. You were the MVP today. Let's bring out that kind of resolve for when we battle." Venomoth certainly liked the sound of that.

By taking it's own leap of faith, Venonat has now become Venomoth. A great addition to Davis' team, and one that will surely come in handy in the future. Now that Davis has won this race, he intends to win his next gym battle. So, stay tune.

To Be Continued...