After earning a Soul badge at the Fuchsia gym, our friends arrived at the edge of the Safari Zone, where they're sure to discover some new and unusual Pokémon.

The group had climbed up a hill that overlooked flat stretches of grassland full of dense forests and open plains. Suddenly, the ground started shaking.

In the distance, the group sees a giant cloud of dirt and dust getting closer. The gang soon sees what's causing the shaking, a stampeding herd of bull-like Pokémon.

Pikachu was unnerved, and began sweating nonstop at the sight.

Ash was impressed. "Oh man." And he took out Dexter. "What are those things?"

"Tauros, a Wild Bull Pokémon. When whipping itself with its three tails, its Tackle is a powerful destructive force."

Wanting to catch one, believing they were now in the Safari Zone, Ash tried to have Pikachu face down the stampede, but Pikachu refused because he was massively outnumbered. When Ash sent out Charmander, the Flame Pokémon is immediately pinned down by a Growlithe.

"Growlithe, a Puppy Pokémon of pleasant demeanor and great diligence. It drives enemies away with barks and bites.

"That's supposed to be a puppy?" Laoise questioned.

Charmander tossed the Growlithe off its back and attacked, but the Growlithe also used a Flamethrower of its own as the herd of Tauros stampeded away.

Ash recalled his Charmander, and before he could get Squirtle's Pokéball out…

"Hold it!"

Ash looked and saw a horse rearing up in front of him, causing him to fall back. The horse-like Pokémon stopped rearing up so the rider could talk to the group.

The equine Pokémon had short cream-colored fur. It had large brown eyes and triangular ears with reddish interiors. Yellow and reddish-orange flames made up its mane and tail. The mane formed a short crest on top of its head and a short strip down its back to its tail. Additional flames were present behind its elbows and knees; the four long legs, each ended in a single, gray hoof.

While it's rider was a young woman with long blue hair. "You little sidewinder! Don't tell me you don't know this whole area is a Pokémon Reserve."

Ash blinked. "A Pokémon Reserve?"

"Yes. It's a place where it's against the law to capture Pokémon so they can grow up here naturally."

Laoise raised her eyebrows, "Where's the fence then? And the signs?"

Brock was flushing furiously and he spoke to the girl in a western accent. "You grew up right pretty, yourself, miss. What's the name of this here place?"

"Have you ever heard of the Big P Pokémon Ranch that's owned by the Laramie family?" The girl inquired.

"Isn't that the place where they raise lots of Pokémon in the wild?" Brock straightened up at once, "Hey! This must be that place!"

"This is the Laramie Big P ranch, and I'm Lara Laramie." The rider confirmed.

The Growlithe leapt towards Lara.

"And this here Growlithe makes sure nobody tries to capture our Pokémon."

"If this is the place, then how come it's not on this map here?" Laoise tugged Brock's map and held it up in front of Lara.

Lara took the map and looked it over with an analytical eye, "Hmm, here's your problem. This here map was written four years ago!"

"Brock!" Ash, Misty, Laoise and even Pikachu rebuked him.

Brock again blushed, this time out of embarrassment.

Laoise admired Lara's Ponyta. She'd seen the photographs of both the Kanto equines and the Galarian ones. Seeing a Kanto Ponyta this close was fascinating.

Soon, our heroes see multiple pens filled with many different Pokémon and ranch hands tending to them, Laoise pulled out Dixie to scan Lara's ponyta.

Dixie, Laoise's Pokèdex identified the pokèmon. "Ponyta, a Fire Horse Pokémon. Its mane is made of intense flames."

Ash is in awe over what Dixie had said.

So was Pikachu "Pika."

"Do you have some Galarian ponyta here too?"

Lara actually sighed with a wistful smile. "No, but it would be swell."

"He's beautiful. He, right?" Laoise questioned.

Lara smiled at Laoise's interest. "Ponyta are somethin' special alright. With a spirit as fiery as their mane!"

Misty then asked brightly, "But when riding on a Ponyta, isn't it real hot?"

Lara replied. "I don't need to worry cause a Ponyta will never ever burn anybody it really trusts."

Ash hopped off the fence he was sitting on. "Nice Ponyta."

He tried petting Ponyta, but he ended up getting his right hand set on fire, resulting in Squirtle having to use its Water Gun to put the flame out.

Lara laughed ruefully. "It took a while for Ponyta to trust me, too."

Laoise who'd been about to pet Ponyta herself, pulled her hand back at once. "Oh right, I don't want him to burn me either." Though she looked at the Ponyta longingly.

"Here now, don't be afraid." Lara hopped down and took Laoise's hand gently. "Let me show ye proper. Ponyta, you be nice. She ain't no different than them special little 'uns that visit every Spring."

Brock, Ash, Pikachu and Misty watched warily. They were ready with a first aid kit just in case.

Lara guided Laoise's open palm to Ponyta's head. Though the flames flickered, there was no trace of heat. Ponyta nickered softly, enjoying the affection.

"See? So long as ye approach him calm an' mean no harm, he'll not hurt ye." Lara smiled.

Ponyta snorted agreeably, nuzzling Laoise's hand. "Oh, he's so sweet!" she gasped in relieved delight.

"You've a way with pokémon, miss," observed Lara. "Ever think o' ranch life yerself? We could always use another set o' hands."

Laoise's eyes shone at the thought. "Might be nice, although besides training pokèmon, coordinating for contests sound amazing too."

Misty looked at all the various pokèmon herds with their owners, "Just training one Pokémon's a big job, but a whole herd must be really tough."

Brock said, "Breeders love Pokémon from the Laramie ranch, cause they're raised in the wild and they're a little stronger than other Pokémon. You're lucky if you get a Big P Pokémon."

Lara nodded, "I'm real glad that some folks know about all the hard work we do. We're real proud of the way we raise our Pokémon here."

"I'd love to see more of this place." Misty said.

"Likewise." Laoise agreed.

"Well, we're having a big party here tonight. Why don't you all come as my guests?" Lara offered.

"A party?! That sounds great!" Ash smiled.

Pikachu nodded excitedly "Pika! Pika!"

"And if you stay here at the ranch tonight, you'll be able to see the big Pokémon race tomorrow."

Ash asked, "A Pokémon race?"

Lara explained, "We race one another to find out who's got the best Pokémon. Anybody who wins the Big P Pokémon Race, becomes an honorary member of the Laramie clan!"

Laoise smiled, "Cool!"

Soon, rumbling is felt. Misty stared, "The Tauros again!"

Lara shook her head. "No, that sound could only be..."

Before Lara can finish her sentence, the stampeding Pokémon are revealed to be a herd Dodrio.

The Dodrio was a large, wingless, three-headed avian Pokémon. Each head had a long, sharp beak and a black V-shaped, feather crest. It had bristly brown feathers covering its head and upper body, while its lower half had a smooth layer of black feathers. Its tail consisted of three pale red feathers with lighter tips. Its wingless body rested on two long and slender, but powerful legs with feet that have three clawed toes in front and one in back.

Ash got out Dexter, but the herd runs off before he can scan one. "Oh man! They move fast!"

"I'll say." Laoise remarked.

Soon, someone riding a Dodrio stops near our heroes.

"Howdy, Lara." The rider was an arrogant looking young man with scruffy dark hair tied back.

Ash used Dexter to scan the Dodrio. "Dodrio, a Three-Headed Bird Pokémon that can run faster than it can fly. It's three heads represent joy, sorrow, and anger."

"We're gonna win the Pokémon race tomorrow." The Dodrio's rider boasted.

Lara had her hands on her hips, "Don't be too sure, partner! It takes more than just speed to win the race."

"Just get ready to lose, Lara." The stranger then yelled and rode off on his Dodrio.

Misty scowled, "What a jerk! Who is that guy?!"

Lara answered, "He's Dario, a Dodrio trainer. And we'll see what kind of guy he is."

The sun sank low as evening fell upon the Laramie ranch. Laoise and her friends helped Lara prepare for the coming party, keen to learn more about ranch life and Pokémon alongside their generous host.

Night fell and the party began in earnest. Folks from miles around gathered to eat, dance and swap tales by the crackling flames.

"Hey, Lara! Good luck in the race tomorrow! We're all gonna be rootin' for ya!" A vendor called.

Lara nodded. "Thank you kindly!"

"You're Ponyta's great!" A lady complimented.

"Thank you, ma'am!"

"Good luck, Lara!"

Many cheered Lara on, paying her compliments about the upcoming race and her ponyta. Brock guessed she must be contender.

Misty said, "Well, she certainly has done a great job training that Ponyta of hers."

Ash was eating a Magikarp taiyaki. "We're really lucky to have run into such an incredible Pokémon Breeder, aren't we?"

"Sure did." Laoise said enjoying a crème filled imagawayaki. "Her Ponyta is wonderful."

Dario then ran up behind our heroes. "Hey, Lara! Lara, all of your Tauros are going crazy back at the ranch!"

The group gasped and ran to the scene as Lara whistled for Ponyta and jumps on when it arrived.

"Let's go!"

As our heroes run to the ranch, Dario smiles and snickered with sly triumph.

Once at the ranch, Lara spotted her Tauros herd fighting each other.

"Growlithe, get in there and settle em down!" Lara told her Growlithe.

The dog pokèmon leaped into the pen, and calmed the Tauros. Soon, Lara and Ponyta heard a rustling sound. Then something then darted out and dashed past Ponyta so fast that it reared up and throws Lara off, which resulted in her injuring her left arm as our heroes arrived on the scene.

Ash tried to rein in Ponyta while the others helped Lara up. Lara watched, amazed that Ash is confidently trying to calm Ponyta down.

"Come on, settle down! Calm down, Ponyta!"

At last, Ponyta calmed down.

"I wonder what happened to spook all the Pokémon." Ash sighed.

Lara mused, "He's good."

From a distance away, Team Rocket had spooked the Tauros and Meowth spooked Ponyta which led to Lara's incapacitated state, at the request of Dario. Dario intended to win the competition by any means necessary, while Team Rocket sought to make money from the Laramie fortune.

Meanwhile, Lara looked downcast with her arm in a sling.

"With my arm like this, I can't grip Ponyta's reins and I won't be able to race tomorrow." she sighed.

Ash had his hands in his pockets, "Yeah. Too bad for the Laramie clan."

Lara then got an idea, "Hold on! Ash, you could ride Ponyta for me!"

Everyone is shocked and surprised at the idea. Ash was surprised. "I can't do it! Ponyta will burn any rider except you!"

Lara insisted, "I'm sure you can do it. When I saw you trying so hard to pet Ponyta, I knew you could, Ash. Please give it a try."

"Yeah, but…" Ash looked at Ponyta.

Misty said, "Give it a try!"

Brock added. "We'll help you in every way we can."

Pikachu nodded, "Pika Pikachu."

"Well, in that case, I'll do it. Looks like we're partners, Ponyta." Ash tried to pet Ponyta, but gets his hand set on fire again.

Misty winced, "I guess Ponyta's not too cool with this."

Pikachu sighed, "Pika."

Lara scolded the horse pokèmon, "Ponyta!" The tone of voice made the Ponyta look at her, "Ponyta, if you win the race with a new rider, it'll prove how great you really are. Everybody will know that you're the best of all, and that'll be the best praise for me. Won't you please let Ash ride you tomorrow?"

Ponyta nodded and whinnied.

It was settled, The others would be riding their pokèmon in the race too as moral support.

"But I don't have a pokèmon to ride..." Laoise began doubtfully until an idea popped into her head. "Wait, maybe I do! If he's allowed to compete, that is... Lara, may I use your video phone?"

Lara blinked in surprise but nodded. "Help yourself, miss."

Firstly, Laoise discussed with her pokèmon and which ones wanted a little R and R at the Professor's before going through with her idea. Idril, her Staryu, wanted swimming room, so Laoise understood.

Ash, Misty, Brock and Pikachu were puzzled, but could only assume Laoise had just thought of the pokèmon she'd be riding.

Next, Laoise dialed Pallet Town Pokémon with eager anticipation. After a few rings, Prof. Oak's face appeared on screen. "Ah, Laoise!"

"Good evening Professor. Sorry about the hour, but would it be possible for me to switch out my pokèmon?" Laoise cut to the chase.

"On the contrary, my dinner is still being cooked. Which did you have in mind?" Prof. Oak replied.

"Would it be possible for me to switch out my Staryu, Idril with Typhon, my Gyarados?" Laoise said.

Professor Oak stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Gyarados, eh? He's quite the spirited Pokémon. But I trust your skills as a trainer. Very well, I shall send Typhon over straight away."

"Thank you, Professor! I'll call my folks soon." Laoise beamed, ending the call. She turned to her friends with renewed confidence. "Looks like I'll be racing too!"

Within moments, a bright light flashed in the ranch house. When it faded, Typhon the enormous Gyarados loomed above them all with a mighty roar.

The others inevitably shivered, and Ponyta neighed backing right up.

Lara's eyes went wide but remained seated. "Land sakes, he's a big 'un!"

"Typhon, behave!" soothed Laoise. The Gyarados settled, regarding Laoise with smoldering affection as she embraced him. "You see, there's a Pokémon race tomorrow. And we're joining."

"A right fine choice if I do say," chuckled Lara. "Any Pokémon o' yers is welcome, missy. With Typhon's strength and speed, I'd wager you've as good a chance as any!"

"You'll definitely stand out, that's for sure!" Brock laughed nervously.

Ash grinned. "Way to think outside the box, Laoise."

First thing's first was Ash's riding lesson outside with Ponyta.

"Remember, Ponyta." Lara said firmly.

Ash gets on Ponyta's back, and doesn't get burned. "Hey, it's not hot! I did it! Yeah!"

However, Ash accidentally made Ponyta go with him holding on to its tail.

Misty sighed. "At least he's hanging in there."

Pikachu watched worriedly. "Pika"

Ash and Ponyta use the entire night to prepare for the race.

The next day, the race is about to begin. Bright fireworks went off in the sky, bringing more excitement and anticipation to the watching crowds.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to this year's Pokémon Challenge, sponsored by the Laramie clan! Our course takes our challengers over rugged terrain to test their speed and abilities. Whoever clears all the obstacles and crosses the finish line first, is our winner! Will the Pokémon and trainers please come to the starting line now?!"

The racers approach the starting line, among them are Ash on Ponyta, Misty on Starmie, Brock on Onix, Dario on Dodrio, Laoise on Typhon, and Pikachu on Squirtle.

Lara sat in the stands accompanied by her Growlithe, "Good luck, guys!"

Ash: said, "Ready to race, Ponyta!"

Ponyta flared its flames with pride. The heat and flames caused the others to flinch.

Brock yelped, "Hey!"

"Watch it!" Laoise said, covering her face with her arms.

Misty gulped, "They're gonna burn up the track!"

Soon, the starting light began to count down.

"Ready?! Go!" The announcer shouted.

The green light comes on, and the race is underway!

"And they're off on this exciting Pokémon challenge race." The announcer shouted. "When the dust settles, we'll be able to see who's in the early lead."

Pikachu and Squirtle fall to the back of the pack, trying to catch up.

Laoise crowed excitedly on Typhon, "Let's go for it!"

Now the contestants have left the stadium and are on the first part of the obstacle course.

"Yee-ha!" Dario and Dodrio quickly take the lead.

"And Dario riding Dodrio has pulled away from the pack. If he keeps up this blistering pace, he'll be unstoppable." The announcer commented.

Typhon roared, surging powerfully into third place behind Ponyta and Dodrio. But Ash's mount soon pulled ahead, its fiery mane streaming behind.

"Now the contestants have left the stadium and are on the first part of the obstacle course."

As the racers run on, from the grassy field, a shiny object struck the Taruos.

"And something has happened to the Tauros! It's acting like this is a rodeo!"

Soon, the Tauros struck a Nidorina, in its pain.

"Whoa! And now Nidorina's fighting mad after getting bumped by Tauros! They're ignoring their trainers and starting to battle! These Pokémon could use some strict training. They look like they're out of this race!"

From the grassy field, the culprit is revealed to be James of Team Rocket.

James sniggered, "I got a bull's eye!"

Jessie grinned. "Or close to it."

The Announcer then noted, "The next obstacle is a forty-five degree uphill climb! A test of endurance for the Pokémon and their trainers. And Dario still holds the lead!"

Ash and Laoise were riding neck and neck with a Raticate.

As everyone else heads downhill, Pikachu and Squirtle bring up the rear.

"Bringing up the rear are Pikachu and Squirtle, but slow and steady may not be enough to win this race." The announcer chuckled.

Meanwhile, the other racers start heading downhill with the trainer riding an Electrode quickly picking up speed.

"Whoa! Who's that barreling down the steep slope?!"

The Electrode and its Trainer roll down the hill uncontrollably, taking the lead in the process,

"That's Electrode, using it's perfectly round body to gain speed and take the lead on the downhill!"

Soon, Electrode falls down a pit in the middle of the track as Team Rocket snickered, revealing that they were responsible.

"And it's another accident! Electrode has fallen into a hole, and Dodrio has once again taken over the lead!"

This allowed Dario to regain the lead, while Electrode's Explosion attack managed to incapacitate a Sandslash, Raticate, but most importantly Ash and Ponyta.

"What a shock! Electrode's most powerful attack, Explosion! It's destroyed everything around! Electrode's living up to its 'Bomb Ball' nickname!"

Pikachu and Squirtle soon arrived on the scene. Pikachu's electric jolt gets Ash and Ponyta back on their feet, to Team Rocket's shock.

"They're back up! Ponyta and Lara's replacement, Ash, are showing they really got guts!" The Announcer said, "Now, one of the most difficult sections of the course! The Pokémon have to jump from one stone to the next to cross the river!"

Dodrio effortlessly jumps from stone to stone, while a Rhyhorn and Brock and Onix come to a halt. The Rhyhorn tried to jump to a stone, but ends up sinking along with it due to its weight. This signaled the end of the race for Brock and Onix.

Brock patted his dismayed Onix, "That's okay. We tried."

"Too bad, folks! Rock Pokémon can't deal with water, so Onix is outta here!" The announcer said.

"Do they need help?" Laoise called just as she and Typhon reached the edge of the river. She feared for both the Rhyhorn and its trainer.

"You and the rest keep going, I got this!" Brock waved at Laoise in reassurance.

"Uhm, if you say so..." Laoise said, then gently patted Typhon. "Okay, big fella. Time for a dip!"

Typhon roared in confirmation and and went straight in. Pikachu rode Squirtle across like a surfboard.

"Hang loose and surf's up for Pikachu! Squirtle and Starmie are performing like true blue water Pokémon."

Misty waved, "I'll keep on going, Brock!"

Pikachu called, "Pikachu!"

"And with Gyarados plowing full speed ahead!" The announcer called.

Typhon raced forward, every inch the formidable sea beast that he was.

"Ponyta is a great jumper and crossing beautifully with no fear of the water, it could make a comeback!"

Ash cheered, "Faster, faster, faster, faster!"

At the next portion, teams must make a stop and allow their Pokémon to eat an entire plate of Pokémon food before sprinting to the finish.

"Now, to boost their energy, each Pokémon can resume the race only after eating an entire bowl of food! The Pokémon decide which bowl to eat." the announcer said.

As Dario landed, his Dodrio's heads started arguing about who gets to eat first.

"Quit fighting! You'll all get your fair share!" He snapped at the heads.

"Looks like each one of Dodrio's three heads wants to eat first and a fight's broken out! The fastest runner's losing valuable time here as Gyarados, Starmie, Squirtle, and Ponyta appear on the scene!"

"Chow time, big guy." Laoise said, gently encouraging Typhon to eat.

Ponyta landed next. "Okay, Ponyta! Time for some fast food!" Ash said.

Dario was finally fed up with the Dodrio's heads fighting and shouted, "Alright, Team Rocket! Time to go to work!"

Some black smoke rolled in.

"We got a major problem here, folks!" The Announcer said in concern, "Black smoke is blowing over the course! I hope our camera crew can get our picture back soon, and show us that there's been another accident out there."

The smoke covered the view where the contestants were, allowing Team Rocket to show up reciting their motto.

Laoise soured, "Aw great, the big dramatic wannabes are here." Typhon growled lowly.

Misty scowled, "We don't have time to play around with you three stooges!"

"How dare you compare us to…" Jessie began angrily then calmed, "I mean, come on up and lets have a word with you."

James agreed, "Yes, come on up and bring your Ponyta with you."

Meowth smirked. "Then I can mess you up again!"

"Mess you up again?" Ash blinked questioningly. Then it hit him. "So, it was Team Rocket!"

Misty guessed. "It was you who broke Lara's arm!"

Jessie and James mockingly pretended to look ashamed of themselves.

"Such a sad accident."

"We couldn't sleep after it happened!"

"Save your tears!" Ash retorted, "Pikachu! Squirtle! Get ready to rumble!"

Both Pokémon were busy chowing down, then got battle ready but Arbok's Glare paralyzed them, while Starmie is blinded by Weezing's Sludge. Ponyta began rearing up in agitation.

"Whoa! Settle down, Ponyta! Hey! Calm down!" Ash tried to calm it.

Jessie shouted "Dario, now's your chance!"

Dario nodded, "Thanks, Jessie! Go, Dodrio!" And he leaps back into the race.

Ash glared, "Team Rocket's working for Dario!"

"And I bet dollars to donuts, they hurt those other contestants too!" Laoise mused. "They and their pokèmon coulda gotten seriously hurt!"

"Ash! Forget about them! You have to win this race for Lara Laramie!" Misty insisted to Ash, "You go catch up with Dario, and we'll take care of Team Rocket!"

Ash hesitated. "But. But, I..."

Pikachu urged, "Pika!"

"Just do it!" Laoise shouted.

Ash nodded and hurried after Dario on Ponyta.

Laoise then frowned at Team Rocket before they could try, "You wanna battle? We can take you on! Remember Typhon here?"

She motioned to Typhon, who roared viciously. Most likely the Gyarados wished to settle a score with James for disowning and kicking him back when he was a Magikarp. Likewise, towards Jessie and Meowth for all the times they deemed him a worthless and useless fish back then.

"Typhon?" Jessie and Meowth were momentarily confused.

James was also for a moment, before paling, "No! This can't be the same...?!"

"AAAAUGH! You mean the same Magikarp that evolved into a Gyarados?!"

"Typhon, show them why you're king of the seas!" commanded Laoise.

With a mighty roar, Typhon reared up and crashed down upon Arbok, sending the serpent flying. It struck Weezing next, bowling the gas bag over.

"No fair, two against three!" whined Meowth.

Typhon then reared back...

"Team Blast-Off's back on the menu!" gulped James.

...and fired a Hyper-beam causing an explosion that sends Team Rocket flying.

Jessie whined, "Things seemed to be going well for us this time!"

James groaned. "Maybe we'll have better luck next time!"

Meowth yowled. "Now we're blasting off again!"

With Team Rocket sent packing, Laoise turned her focus back to the race. "Come on Typhon, let's catch up!"

The mighty serpent roared and surged into motion. They arrived at the obstacle course to find confusion amid the smoke - Typhon swept it aside with his tail, clearing the view.

"See you on the other side of the course!" Laoise waved to Misty and Pikachu.

Back at the stands, the picture comes back on the giant screen that had been showing off the racers and their pokèmon.

"Now that we've got our picture back, and...Dodrio is still in the lead! Now let's take a look at what happened to the other Pokémon, and I can't see anything. Wait! Who's that? It's a giant burning flame!"

"Faster, Ponyta! We're way behind!" Ash urged.

"It's Ponyta! And not far behind is Gyarados! I don't know how it happened, but it looks like this has become a three Pokémon race between Gyarados, Dodrio and Ponyta, with nothing left but a flat out run to the finish line!"

The crowd starts cheering louder as the race comes to its nail biting close.

"Just remember, it doesn't matter if we come in last, we ran the whole race together." Laoise reassured Typhon. "And I couldn't be more proud."

Typhon released a short roar and continued on. Laoise and her Gyarados, along with Ash and Ponyta were charging forward, getting close to Dario.

Dario was stunned, "Huh? How'd they get so close?"

"Now Gyarados and Ponyta are closing in on Dodrio! Now these three powerful Pokémon are trading the lead!"

Dario shouted, "Do it, Dodrio!"

Dodrio pecked at Ponyta, much to Ash and Laoise's shock.

"Something's happened! Ponyta is falling behind!"

Ash yelled, "That was a cheap shot, Dario!"

"You coulda hurt them!" Laoise growled.

Dario briefly turned to smirk, "I do what I have to win!"

"Dodrio is closing in on the finish line!"

Ponyta's burning flame start to grow stronger, surprising Ash. Then it began to glow white.

When the glow died down, Ponyta's new form was revealed to be an equine Pokémon with cream-colored fur and a pointed horn on its forehead. It had small, red eyes and triangular ears with reddish interiors. Yellow and reddish-orange flames stream from the back of its head to form a long, flowing mane. A short version of the mane trailed down its back to its equally fiery tail.

Ash gaped, "Ponyta just..."

"Evolved into Rapidash!" Laoise gasped in wonder.

"Fans, this is incredible! Ponyta has just evolved into Rapidash! One of the fastest sprinters in the world of Pokémon!"

Dario was in disbelief. "I can't believe it!"

"Believe it!" Laoise grinned.

"Here come Rapidash with Gyarados not too far behind! Rapidash is said to have a top speed of over one-hundred miles an hour! Both Pokémon have caught up! They're neck and neck, heading for the finish line!"

"Let's do this!" Laoise encouraged.

Dario hollered. "Come on, Dodrio!"

Ash yelled. "Rapidash!"

They all approached, and Rapidash took the lead and won the race by a muzzle, with Typhon coming in a close second and leaving Dario in third.

"An incredible upset! Rapidash makes an amazing comeback to win this Pokémon Challenge!"

Typhon skidded to halt with Laoise still on his back. Laoise is beyond delighted, laughing and whooping. "That was great!"

She didn't care whether they'd be in third place or last, that was exciting!

"Way to go, Rapidash." Ash congratulated the horse pokèmon.

Dario scoffed. "You cheaters! You both interfered with me!"

Ash fired back, "You're the one who attacked me!"

Laoise snapped, "Yeah, your Dodrio pecked at Ponyta before he evolved!"

Dario growled. "I'll show you! Go get 'em!"

Rapidash simply kicked Dario with Stomp which knocked Dario's Dodrio away, causing them to blast off Team Rocket style.

Lara then hurried to Ash and Laoise with a proud smile. "Well done, the both o'ya! You rode fine races."

Ash beamed, patting Rapidash's neck. Laoise gently stroked Typhon's scales. "We made a good team."

"We made it second place, so how's it feel big guy?" Laoise smiled up at her Gyarados.

Typhon roared triumphantly, rearing his mighty head. Though second was not first, he had given his all for his trainer.

Laoise stroked his scales proudly. "You swam and jumped like the ocean king you are. I'll bet more trainers will be hoping to catch a Gyarados of their own!"

"Congratulations, Ponyta, I mean, Rapidash! You are this year's Pokémon Challenge Champion! Let's give a big hand for its trainer, Lara Laramie, and for the winning rider, Ash Ketchum!"

More cheers rang out as Brock, Misty and Pikachu joined in the celebrations. A successful day's racing was had by all, despite Team Rocket's meddling.

Ash said to Lara, "Hey, congratulations, Lara."

"Thank you, Ash. You proved yourself to be a fantastic Pokémon trainer. Isn't that right, Rapidash?" Lara nodded.

Rapidash licked Ash fondly.

Ash laughed, "Aw, shucks, Rapidash."

Everyone starts laughing. The crowd cheered wildly for their champions. This would be quite a race they'd never forget.

Soon, at sunset, our heroes prepared to head out. Lara added, "If y'all are looking to capture Pokémon, the Safari Zone just ahead should be perfect."

Ash asked, "The Safari Zone?!"

"Well...sounds promising." Laoise said with a smile.

Ash agreed, "That's the place for me!"

Lara smiled, "Thanks again, Ash. You did a great job. I'm sure you and Laoise will both become Pokémon masters."

"Thanks, Lara. We're much obliged." Ash replied.

"Goodbye, it's been fun!" Laoise waved.

Everyone turned and heads down the road to the Safari Zone. Laoise looked forward to catching pokèmon and she couldn't wait to tell her family all about the race she participated in.

Boy were the McGradys in for surprise when they receive the package containing both the second place medal and the photograph of the Pokémon race.

As our heroes say goodbye to their new friend at the Laramie Pokémon Ranch, they're heading for new adventures in the Safari Zone.

To be continued...

Author's note: And that's the Pokémon race. I've decided to briefly summarize the 'The Kangaskhan Kid' episode and fully writing the Dratini episode, with a few editing. In the meantime, show of hands on what you think Laoise might catch in the Safari zone, don't forget to review please. Until next time.