ET05: Difference between revisions

Template:EpisodePrevNext The Human Race and the Pokémon Race (Japanese: 激走！　ポケモンレース Exciting Run! Pokémon Race), was the fifth chapter of the Electric Tale of Pikachu manga (and was collected in the second volume Pikachu Shocks Back). It is based on the anime episode The Flame Pokémon-athon!.

Synopsis

Ash Ketchum takes part in the Fuchsia Free-For-All Race during the Nomad's Independence Day Festival at Fuchsia City.

Important characters

• Ash Ketchum
• Brock
• Misty
• Lara Laramie
• Dario

Important Pokémon

• Pikachu
• Ponyta
• Dodrio
• Rapidash

Chapter guide

The Story starts with Ash and Brock traveling together. We are told that Brock is taking a break from leading the Pewter City gym to travel, though he returns to it between training journeys.

The duo head north by train to Fuschia City to watch the famous Pokémon race. A herd of Tauros stampedes past the train window. On arriving in Fuschia City, Brock suggests that they should immediately register for the race, however, Pikachu leaps of Ash's shoulder and darts away into the crowd - He spied Misty and Ash and Brock become re-acquainted with the four sisters of the Cerulean City gym. As Brock works his charm on the three older sisters Ash and Misty decide to test each others skill as a trainer. The competition is to capture a wild Tauros but as they argue the Tauros charges towards them. They retreat and, fortunately, are rescued by Lara's Ponyta. Later that day Ash and Misty have a meal at Lara's homestead. She is a hardy breeder but her right arm is in a sling. After eating she takes the pair out to meet Ponyta properly. She explains that Ponyta is a thoroughbred, which is why her coat is pure white. It also means Ponyta is very fast.

Ash inquires if Lara is ready for the Pokémon race (not quite remembering about her injury). Misty nudges him and reassures Lara that she can "knock them dead next year." With a sad smile Lara informs them that this is the final year of the race due to the danger.

As Ash and Misty wander through town that evening an interview is broadcast on a big screen. The 'favorite to win' the Pokémon Race (Dario) is being asked about Lara's injury. He jokes that Lara had some bad luck before the race and then add that he Ponyta threw her off. Unrest develops amongst the crowd watching who accuse Dario of causing Lara's accident- It seems that year after year Dario attempts dirty tactics in order to win. A hot-headed Ash decides to race Ponyta in Lara's place to save her reputation. Ponyta shows his agreement by flipping Ash onto his back and Ash demonstrates his riding ability by falling right off again.

Over the next few days Lara puts Ash through his paces in a rigorous training regime. She teaches him the correct way to sit, hold the reins and to command Ponyta confidently.

On the day of the race all the riders begin to line up. Dario is riding a Dodrio. The race starts and the riders disappear into the dust cloud. As the dust lifts we see Dario taking a huge lead. Most riders are still bunched together in the middle, but lagging behind furthest is Ash. Within the other competitors fights begin to break out between Pokémon and a few riders are thrown from their mounts. Dario is still in the lead but Ash has managed to gain some ground as they reach the foothills of Mt. Spirit.

As Ash and Ponyta climb the steep ledges a boulder narrowly misses them and over the ridge Dario is talking to some other men on Doduo. They inform him that the other competitors have been eliminated and he should have any competition. Ash overhears this and becomes even more determined to win.

He springs over Dario and gallops into the lead. Dario's henchmen are unable to stop Ponyta but Dario releases some Blastoise, Wartortle and Squirtle to douse Ponyta's flames. Pikachu uses a swift attack to stop them, however, One remaining Blastoise hits Ponyta with a water cannon.

Back at the stands the onlookers see a shape coming out of the fog- It's Dario. With no other competitor in sight it looks as though he'll win the race, but then, another shape begins to close in on him at high speed. It's Ash clinging desperately to a Rapidash. Lara's Ponyta has evolved. As the two remaining riders approach the finish they draw neck and neck. A final burst of speed from Rapidash puts Ash in reach of the flag.

Dario makes one final attempt to snatch the flag from Ash but Rapidash sends Dodrio flying with a kick. The Chapter ends with a photo of Rapidash, Pikachu, Ash, Misty and Lara.

Character introductions

• Lara Laramie
• Dario

Important events

• Brock continues traveling with Ash.
• Ash meets up with Misty again.
• Brock meets Misty's sisters.
• Ash and Misty meet Lara Laramie.
• Ash wins the Pokémon Race using Lara's Rapidash.

Translation edits