“Welcome one and all to Johto’s 19th annual Crystal Derby!”

  The voice of a male caster blared through the speakers, eliciting cheers from the masses.

  “I’m Terry, coming at you from the ever bustling Goldenrod City, the Big G of Johto!” More applause. “And to kickstart this year’s derby, we have an opening speech from the radiant, the ever ravishing… Whitney! Gym Leader of the Goldenrod City Gym!”

  “““WOOOO!!!””” More cheers. This time, more frenzied than ever.

  “After that, we have an exciting race for you folks! A friendly competition between some of our region’s most renowned and accomplished Pokemon Trainers! And what a lovely day it is for a race, wouldn’t you agree, Mary?”

  “Right you are, Terry. It’s been sunny all week with not a drop of rain in sight. Tracks are dry if a little springy. But nothing our incredible roster of Ride Pokemon can’t handle!”

  “You heard her, folks! Ho-Oh has graced us with the most wonderful spring season this year. But speaking of legends… With us today is a living legend. The Regional Professor of Kanto and former Pokemon League Champion… Professooooor Samuel Oak!!!”

  “““WOOOO!!!”””

  “Haha! Thank you for having me today, Mary, Terry. It’s always a pleasure to be back.”

  “The honor is all ours, Professor. Now, for those of you who don’t know, Professor Oak hosts a monthly radio show here in Goldenrod Radio Tower called Pokemon Talk, with none other than our very own DJ Mary. But that’s not all folks! Because apparently, the Professor’s got some Berries on the line today. Ain’t that right, Professor?”

  Another light hearted chuckle, distorted by static. “Indeed, a couple of my kids are racing in today’s exhibition. So it only felt right to stop by and show some support…”

  Nina smiled and tuned out the broadcast in favor of the pair of amethyst eyes smouldering nervously in front of her.

  “Ignore the crowds, Ricey… None of them matter. What matters is Mejiro McQueen and Whitney. All you have to do is just keep your eyes trained on them. Just them and nobody else. You understand?”

  “Po…” A shaky, uncertain nod, prompting Nina to pull the Ponyta in for a tight hug.

  “Remember, Ricey… mind over matter. A strong mind can help the body transcend. Remember how you felt when you were chasing Bourbon’s back? Well Bourbon was chasing after McQueen. So do it for Bourbon if nothing else.”

  “Po…”

  “Hehe… I went to visit Bourbon earlier, just to make sure he’s okay. He said he would come and watch, y’know?”

  “TaAaAaAa!” A frantic neigh and a vigorous shake of her head, looking all flustered and cute. Nina couldn’t help but smother Rice Shower with kisses in response.

  “It’ll be fine, Ricey. You won’t be alone. The two of us will be together every step of the way. Just trust me, okay? Just like how I’m trusting you…” And so Nina spent the rest of her time before the race psyching up her partner, making sure she was mentally prepared to face what was to come.

  In terms of physical preparation, they’ve done everything they could over the past few days. Now, it’s time for them to perform and test their luck out on the turf. “Whatever happens, win or lose, I will always cherish the time we spent together, Ricey…”

  ***

  “Now then, folks! It’s finally time! Parading past the stands right now is the number one fan favorite, the undisputed champions, the ever charismatic Whitney Scarlet and Mejiro McQueen!”

  “““WOOO!!! McQueen! Whitney! We love you!!!””” Followed by a distant "Step on me!!!"

  “And what an enthusiastic welcome from the audience. No doubt thanks in part to that fabulous outfit Whitney’s wearing today — a sharp, clean-cut white suit with such elaborate frills and embroidery. And… is that the Yellow Crown I see, Terry?”

  “Indeed, Mary! It seems like Whitney’s showing off her victory over Kanto’s National Derby from last year. And speaking of Kanto, here come our guests from the region… One of the youngest prodigies from the Joy clan this generation, Kerry-Anne Joy riding atop the stoic Ikuno Dictus, and Justin Mayo who came in fifth in the previous Indigo Conference on top of the ever dashing Mejiro Palmer!”

  Justin was wearing a colourful swallowtail that Mizuho procured for him while Kerry wore the frilly idol outfit that she was going to dance in later on in the night. The nurse girl had been hanging on to that outfit with giddy excitement every single day since she got it, meticulously cleaning it after use each time.

  More applause and cheers. But this time, a lot more subdued since the audience members were not familiar with who they were cheering for. But thankfully, the casters were there to explain.

  “Justin Mayo is one of your sponsored trainers is he not, Professor Oak?”

  “Quite so. Justin’s an enthusiastic young man with a deep passion towards Pokemon. I’m very much looking forward to how he will perform today. It seems his Rapidash is quite the energetic one too.”

  “Haha. As expected of THE Pokemon Professor, you have a good eye. The name of that Rapidash is Mejiro Palmer, a stallion known for outrunning his competition in a flurry of dirt and flames within the Silver Circuit. But against the likes of Whitney and McQueen, the pair might face a difficult challenge pulling ahead.”

  “But speaking of Professor Oak’s trainers…” Mary chimed with all the fervour of a fangirl. “Here comes my personal favorite. The vanquisher of evil, the bane of Team Rocket, and the one who we now know to be responsible for the subjugation of the treasonous Giovanni last week... The star of the Cerulean Gym! The one! The only! Ninaaaa ‘Aquarium Girl’ Joooones!!!”

  Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

  “““WOOOO!!! AQUARIUM GIRL! WE LOVE YOU!!!”””

  The noise from the audience was earth shattering, greater even than Whitney’s reception, much to the diva’s annoyance. A testament to how effective the League’s propaganda work had been over the past week and the fearsome reputation of the crime lord known as Giovanni.

  However, the moment that Nina and Rice Shower came into sight, the rapturous applause slowly died down in disbelief, before morphing into light hearted laughter and snickers at the ridiculous sight.

  “Oh my… Am I seeing this right, Terry? Is that… a Ponyta?”

  The caster chuckled. “Right you are, Mary! An up and coming rookie named Rice Shower, fresh off the incubator and yet to make her formal debut. I had to do a double take as well when I read the profile. Spewed coffee all over my desk! Haha!”

  “That’s… SO! CUUUUTE!” DJ Mary squealed. “Look at them! They look so precious! Totes adorbs with how mismatched they are. Is Nina just looking to have fun today, you reckon? And that outfit! Midnight blue with a bright yellow half cape. My, how dashing! Lady Lilian would be absolutely smitten!”

  “Haha! I wouldn’t know, Mary. What do you think, Professor Oak? She is one of your chosen after all.”

  The old man responded with amused laughter. “I wouldn’t know either, Terry. All I can say is that she’s a very driven girl. Highly intelligent and doubtless one of the most talented young trainers I’ve seen for several generations now. I’m sure she has a plan in mind.”

  “Well then, with such a resounding endorsement and impressive resume. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Who knows, we might even have a little dark Ponyta in our hands, folks!”

  Nina pulled at the collar of her shirt. The costume was unnecessary, really. And wouldn’t be worn in a serious race. But this was an exhibition race to attract normies to the event. So the pageantry mattered more than aerodynamics.

  “Focus on my voice, Ricey. And the back of our target. Everything else is superfluous. Your goal is to just catch up to McQueen and surpass him in the final spurt. Leave everything else to me. Remember, nobody else matters — not Justin’s Palmer, not Kerry’s Ikuno. No one. I’ll make sure we don’t get boxed in. So all you have to do is keep pace.”

  Rice Shower let out a light huff in acknowledgement as the sound of the audience faded away, her blue flames smouldering, eyes narrowed on the back of Whitney and her flashy Galarian Rapidash. An ominous dark Aura exuded from her every being — the fruits of their labour over the past few days.

  The fact that Rice could manifest her Aura while still at her juvenile phase was telling of her immense talent. Especially when even an experienced battle Pokemon like Justin’s Scyther struggled for so long. So now, they just had to make sure all that potential wasn’t squandered in this hasty gambit.

  “Now then, it’s finally time! All racers are preparing to enter their respective stalls. McQueen, the crowd’s favorite, has drawn stall number one. Is this an omen for the victory to come?”

  “Tch. Probably had the ballot rigged for dramatic effect.” Nina glared at Whitney, who she caught stealing a nervous glance at her as well for some reason. A bead of sweat dripping down the Gym Leader’s brow.

  On the other hand, Nina and her Ride was in stall number three, just one away from Whitney and quite a disadvantageous position if she were being honest. A Pace Chaser like Rice Shower would have much preferred one of the middle stalls.

  “RaAaAa!!!”

  “Oh? What’s this? It seems like number two, Road to Joy, ridden by our stadium’s resident Nurse Joy, is refusing to enter the stall. What could be causing this you think, Terry?”

  “Oh my, what a shame. Poor Road to Joy might be feeling a little overwhelmed to be placed next to McQueen. She is, after all, the personal Rapidash of Nurse Bonnie Joy. One of the only casual Ride Pokemon among all these thoroughbred racers — if you discount the rookie Rice Shower of course.”

  Nina smirked. “No… that’s not right. It’s not just McQueen. That unfortunate Rapidash is sandwiched next to our stall as well. Good. That means all that time we spent developing Ricey’s Aura was not in vain. Sorry, Kerry’s cousin… You got a really bad draw there.”

  “See, Ricey. Mind over matter. Our plan’s already working. Just need to see things through.”

  “Po…” A huff of blue flame exhaled from the Ponyta’s nostrils.

  Eventually, Mr Imanami, the old handler, came in to calm the panicking horse Pokemon and led it into the stall. There were a total of fifteen Ride Pokemon stabled, but none mattered aside from Whitney and McQueen. Nina even ignored all the calls from Justin and the friendly wave from Kerry.

  “Now that everyone is properly positioned, tensions are at an all time high as we finally approach the much anticipated countdown. Three, two, one, and… we’re off!”

  “Bzzzzt… Clank!” The sound of the starting buzzer and the abrupt crash of the opening gates, followed by the thunderous cacophony of hooves against grass.

  “Looks like Road to Joy isn’t having a good day today, folks — a slow start and now she’s lagging behind the pack as a result. Meanwhile, Mejiro Palmer is speeding ahead as usual. One length, two lengths, three… Mejiro Palmer! Mejiro Palmer, everyone! The Speedy Vanguard has decisively secured an early lead!”

  “Following close behind him is none other than Mejiro McQueen and Whitney, wisely deciding to conserve their stamina until the pivotal moment. Now then, how long will Justin Mayo and Mejiro Palmer last against the relentless onslaught of Johto’s finest!”

  “Close your eyes and let me steer you.” Nina slapped on her shaded goggles and said to Rice Shower the moment the countdown began. Because she had spent time reviewing McQueen’s past races before this and knew what to expect.

  And sure enough, the moment that the gates opened, Whitney and her unicorn burst forth in a stream of rainbow and sparkles, completely obscuring the road ahead. It was just a showy manifestation of the Galarian Rapidash’s Aura, nothing harmful. But boy was it annoying, as evidenced by Road to Joy who whinnied in distress and faltered at the gate.

  The audience loved it though, fervently chanting the names of Whitney and her Ride.

  “You can open your eyes now, Ricey. Remember, focus on keeping pace with McQueen for now. And stick to the middle of the pack to conserve stamina. No point going all out from the beginning.”

  A quiet huff, muffled by the deafening sounds of thunderous hooves. One factor that Nina neglected to account for was the dirt and debris being tossed their way due to the difference in height. But Rice just flared her Aura to burn away the soil and scare off the competitors in their vicinity, her eyes fully trained on the silver mane billowing far ahead.

  “Good work on clearing the way, Ricey. Stay snug to the rails for now. We’ll break out into the outer track after the first corner.”

  While Ricey’s petite build allowed her to maneuver deftly between her competitors, it was still a pain to be surrounded on all sides and risk getting boxed in.

  “And would you look at that, Mary! Aquarium Girl and her little can-do Ponyta are sitting pretty in sixth place. All the other racers seem afraid to approach them for some reason. Are they worried about clashing with the bite-sized duo perhaps? Coming up to the first corner… Will things remain the same? Who will falter?”

  “”“WOOOO!!!”””

  “Incredible! An absolutely spectacular breakaway from Rice Shower into the outer track, now competing for fourth with Kaze no Windy! Following close behind her is Kerry-Anne Joy and Ikuno Dictus. It seems these two best friends are looking to go head to head at some point. And I have to say, folks. Rice Shower and Miss Jones are doing very well so far, practically shovelling dirt in the faces of the full grown Pokemon trailing behind her. Will she be able to keep the momentum or falter down the line? Stay tuned to find out…”

  “Great job, Ricey. Fall back to fifth and stay behind Windy — make use of the slipstream. Take the chance to catch your breath. We still got two-thirds of the way to go — gotta save your strength.

  In the corner of her eyes, Nina could see a flash of red — Kerry and her mare. The pair seemed to be intentionally staying within their sights to pressure them. Standard psychological warfare.

  Nina chuckled. “Sorry Kerry. But Ricey is in no state to be looking back right now.”

  “We’re about to reach the halfway point, Ricey… Get ready for defense.”

  Another stern huff in affirmation, Rice Shower’s lips flaring in exertion.

  “And there it is, folks! The first move of the day. A Flame Charge from SD Card and Blaze the rockstar, surging through from the rear! But they ain’t getting through so easily! A Leaf Storm and Sandstorm combo from Nice Nature the Sawsbuck blocks the way… to their own detriment! SD Card surges past! SD Card overtakes him in a flaming vortex!

  “But wait! The noble Sawsbuck ain’t done yet, folks! Is that High Horsepower I see?! No, it’s a COMBO! A Grassy Glide and High Horsepower combo! Is it wise? For Nice Nature to expend all their moves like this? Is Blaze and SD Card just that fearsome?!”

  Back in the stand, the audience erupted into cheers at the flashy exchange taking place before them. Ground Type Energy suffused the racing Sawsbuck while a concentrated storm of Grass Type Energy swirled around their branchy antlers.

  With a devastating crack, Nice Nature’s powerful legs stamped into the grassy track and propelled the Sawsbuck forward, their momentum maintained by a stream of Grass Type Energy that allowed the pair to glide past their opponent Rapidash, just as the name of the move implied.

  The destroyed turf left in the Sawsbuck’s wake forced the Pokemon trailing behind to veer out of the way. But not all of them managed as an unfortunate Rapidash tripped and fell to the ground.

  The camera panned to show the handsome visage of the red haired Blaze, smirking atop his trusty Rapidash. His amusement soon became apparent. Because right before them was the second corner.

  Nice Nature and their Rider, in their eagerness to overtake SD Card, overplayed their hand. Now, they were going too fast — too fast to turn despite the Sawsbuck’s best efforts. And with a spectacular crash, the pair skidded into the outer fence and threw the reckless Rider a good dozen meters across the other side.

  “““WOOOO!!!””” The audience cheered. There was nothing quite like watching a wreck unfold before their very eyes.

  Luckily, Nina, Kerry and Justin were too far from the rear to be embroiled in the disaster. In fact, the trio of teens weren’t even aware of what just happened, too focused on their respective struggles to care.