On their journey to Coumarine City, our heroes have arrived at a sprawling ranch. The sweet, creamy scent hung in the air—the ranch's famous cheese and ice cream already calling to Ash and his friends.
"This place is called the Baa de Mer Ranch." Serena explained, smiling excitedly.
"Wow, this place smells amazing!" Bonnie exclaimed, hopping forward eagerly.
"They say the ice cream here is the best in Kalos," Clemont added, adjusting his glasses with a spark of interest.
That was all Ash needed to hear. "Then what are we waiting for? Let's go!"
Unbeknownst to them, a trio hid behind a nearby haystack. Jessie fanned herself dramatically. "Did you hear that? Ice cream and cheese galore!" she sighed, her eyes sparkling.
Meowth clutched his paws together, nearly drooling. "Rich, creamy, cheesy goodness just waitin' for us..."
James groaned, half-exasperated. "We're supposed to be keeping an eye on the twerps, not joining them for dessert." But judging from his faint smile, he wasn't entirely against the idea.
Inside the ranch's rustic wooden lodge, the group indulged in heaping bowls of ice cream. Pikachu happily licked at Ash's cone, while Bonnie giggled at Dedenne's tiny face buried in her dish.
Once satisfied, they made their way outside to the wide practice field, where several people were attempting to ride Skiddo. The scene was lively—cheers, laughter, and the occasional yelp when someone fell into the grass.
"That looks fun," Serena said softly, watching the Skiddo bound across the pasture.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind. "It's more than fun—it's the first step to becoming a Rhyhorn racer."
Everyone turned. Serena froze for a moment, then gasped. "Mom!" She rushed forward and threw her arms around Grace, who returned the hug with warmth.
Grace smiled at the others. "Thank you for looking after my daughter." She smiled warmly at the group, then her eyes twinkled as she looked at Ash. "And you must be Ash... Serena's boyfriend."
Ash froze for half a second, the tips of his ears turning pink, but he straightened up quickly and grinned. "Y-yeah, that's me! Nice to meet you!" he said, his voice loud and certain even as his cheeks burned.
"Serena's awesome—she's the one who keeps us all going! I just make sure I don't slow her down!"
Pikachu tilted its head curiously at Ash's flustered but bold reply, while Serena buried her face in her hands, her blush nearly matching his.
Serena's face turned crimson. "Moooom!"
Grace laughed, clearly enjoying herself. "You two were so close back at Professor Oak's camp. It's wonderful to see you together again."
Changing the subject, Serena quickly asked, "So, what are you doing here?"
"I was invited as a special coach for the Rhyhorn racing camp," Grace explained. "And I'll need some help organizing. Serena, would you lend a hand?"
"Of course!" Serena said with a nod, excitement flickering in her eyes.
Meanwhile, Ash, Bonnie, Korrina, and Clemont tried their luck with the Skiddo. Ash mounted with his usual enthusiasm, though Pikachu had to cling tightly as they galloped forward. Korrina adjusted easily, laughing as her Skiddo responded to her confident touch.
Bonnie's Skiddo trotted smoothly across the grass, and she raised her arms in delight. Grace clapped. "She's a natural! With practice, you could become a wonderful Rhyhorn racer someday."
Bonnie beamed, "You really think so?"
On the other hand, Clemont's ride was less than graceful. His Skiddo twitched beneath him, ears flicking back nervously as Clemont wobbled. Finally, with a startled bleat, it bucked, sending him tumbling into the grass.
"Brother!" Bonnie called, trying not to laugh too loudly.
Korrina rode over and offered her hand. "Here, let me help you up."
Clemont took it, flustered. "Th-thank you... but this is harder than it looks!"
Grace walked over with a calm smile. "Skiddo can sense what you're feeling through their horns. If you're nervous, they'll be nervous too."
"That explains it," Clemont muttered as his Skiddo flicked its tail and snorted, unimpressed.
Serena, watching, felt a pang of nostalgia. She remembered her own shaky first attempt years ago, her mother's steadying hands guiding her. That same fear, that same determination—she saw it mirrored in Clemont's struggle now.
As time passed, Clemont's attempts didn't improve much, and Bonnie couldn't help but tease. "Big brother, even I can do it better!"
Flustered, Clemont snapped back, "Some people are good at certain things and not so good at others. It's only natural!"
His declaration earned a round of laughter from the group, and even Grace chuckled softly, clearly reminded of another determined child she once taught to ride.
[Line Break]
As the sun reached its peak, Grace led everyone along a winding path until they reached a charming inn nestled among tall oaks.
Its wooden beams creaked softly in the breeze, flower boxes spilling bright red geraniums beneath the windows. Serena smiled faintly; she remembered coming here as a child during summer festivals.
Inside, the air was warm and fragrant, filled with the rich aroma of a stew bubbling away in the kitchen. Grace was already at work, her sleeves neatly rolled as she stirred the pot.
"Clemont, would you mind lending me a hand?" she asked kindly.
"O-of course!" Clemont jumped to attention, rushing to the counter. With careful precision he began slicing carrots and potatoes, but his nerves got the better of him, and a few pieces came out uneven.
"Ah, like this," Grace demonstrated with steady hands. "Not too thick, not too thin. Stew is all about balance."
"Yes, ma'am!" Clemont said quickly, beads of sweat forming as he corrected himself.
In the dining room, Serena unfolded a crisp white tablecloth, smoothing it across the long wooden table. Bonnie scampered around her, tugging at the corners. "There! Perfect! Doesn't it look like we're about to have a banquet?"
Serena chuckled softly. "You always make things sound more exciting than they are, Bonnie."
Out back, Ash and Korrina handled the Pokémon. Ash poured feed into a long trough, chuckling as Chespin swooped down impatiently. "Hey, wait your turn!" Pikachu, perched on his shoulder, wagged its tail with amusement. Korrina scattered berries for Lucario, who stood tall and composed while Gogoat nudged her insistently for more.
By the time everyone settled at the table, it was lined with bowls of steaming stew, baskets of warm bread, and pitchers of cool water. Grace set down the final pot with a smile. "Now then, dig in, everyone."
"Thanks for the food!" Ash announced boldly, already ladling stew into his bowl. The others followed, the room quickly filling with chatter and the clink of spoons.
Bonnie sighed happily after her first bite. "Mmm! It's delicious! Your cooking is even better than Clemont's!"
"Bonnie!" Clemont squawked, nearly choking on his stew.
"Why thank you dear." Grace laughed lightly, then turned her eyes toward Serena. "Serena, after lunch I'd like you to practice Rhyhorn racing with me. It's important to prepare now, if you want to carry on the tradition."
Serena's spoon froze mid-air. "Rhyhorn... racing?" she repeated softly.
Grace nodded. "Of course. This is the natural next step. One day, people will look to you the way they once looked to me." Her tone was proud, certain.
Ash looked from Grace to Serena, confusion flickering across his face. "But Mrs. Grace," he began with his usual blunt honesty, "Serena doesn't really want to be a—"
"Mom," Serena cut in quickly, her voice sharper than she intended. She forced a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. "Let's just... enjoy the meal, okay?" She lowered her gaze, her hand fidgeting with the corner of the tablecloth she had so carefully arranged.
Grace blinked at her, surprised, then slowly leaned back. "Of course," she said gently, though the thoughtful furrow in her brow remained.
Ash, cheeks slightly flushed with frustration, opened his mouth again, but Pikachu tugged at his sleeve with a quiet "Pika..." He shut it, biting back his words, and settled into his stew with a huff.
Bonnie, sensing the sudden heaviness, glanced nervously between Serena and her mother. Korrina chewed in silence, her eyes flicking toward Ash with quiet sympathy.
For a few moments, only the soft sounds of eating filled the room, until Grace spoke again in a lighter tone. "This stew recipe has been in the family for years, you know. Serena helped me make it once when she was about Bonnie's age. She was so determined to get it right."
Serena smiled faintly, though her shoulders remained tense. "I... remember."
Ash looked at her again, wanting to say something more, but deciding against it. For now.
After finishing lunch the group headed out toward the ranch's training field, Grace at the lead with Korrina, Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie following behind. Serena lingered at the doorway, holding her bag close.
"I think I left something inside," she said quickly. "I'll catch up later!"
Ash glanced back. "You sure?"
"Yeah," she replied with a small smile. "Go on ahead."
Once the others disappeared over the hill, Serena slipped into the open pasture near the inn, where the grass swayed gently in the breeze. She took a deep breath, then unclipped her Poké Balls.
"Braixen, Fletchinder, Absol, come on out!"
The three Pokémon appeared in flashes of light, their eyes bright and eager. Serena clasped her hands together. "All right, let's practice. We need to get better, so when the time comes, we'll be ready for a Showcase performance."
Braixen twirled her branch wand confidently, Absol gave a sharp nod, and Fletchinder let out a cry as its wings flared.
Serena smiled, though her chest felt tight. "Okay, Absol, start with Dark Pulse, make it wide!"
The dark wave surged forward, a little too harsh, scattering the grass instead of forming the elegant arc she had imagined.
"Braixen, follow with Flamethrower, and Fletchinder, weave through it with Flame Charge!"
Braixen's flames shot out unevenly, too high, while Fletchinder darted through late, singeing its wingtip. The display ended in a sputter of smoke and sparks, the timing completely off.
Serena pressed her lips together, lowering her head. "No, no, no... that's not right at all..."
Her Pokémon looked at her worriedly. Serena tightened her fists, the memory of Aria's flawless elegance flashing in her mind. Dazzling moves, perfect timing, effortless grace. Compared to that, her own clumsy attempt felt like nothing.
"I... I'm nowhere close," she whispered. "And I can't even tell Mom. She still wants me to race Rhyhorn..."
Her shoulders drooped as her doubts weighed heavier. For a moment, she almost considered calling the practice off.
Then, unbidden, another image came to her. Ash, his face flushed with determination, standing tall even when knocked down. His words, bold and unwavering, echoed in her heart: I plan on being the best.
Serena took a deep breath and raised her chin. "No... I can't quit here. If Ash can push forward no matter what, then so can I."
Her eyes lit with renewed fire. "Okay, let's try again! Absol, keep your Dark Pulse narrow this time, focus it like a path. Braixen, control the Flamethrower, smaller and steadier. Fletchinder, wait for my signal before diving through!"
Her Pokémon perked up, ready again. The field filled with their cries and the rhythm of moves, this time sharper, closer to the vision she held in her heart.
From the edge of the pasture, half-hidden by the shade of an oak tree, Grace stood quietly with her arms folded. She had followed Serena back, intending to check on her, but had instead witnessed her daughter's secret rehearsal.
Her gaze softened, a mixture of surprise and quiet pride flickering in her eyes. She did not step forward yet. Instead, she simply watched, letting Serena's determination speak for itself.
[Line Break]
Out in the ranch yard, a pair of workers were carrying baskets of fresh cheese wheels toward the storehouse when a crash rang out from behind the stables. They spun around just in time to see a suspicious truck rolling away, the back piled high with stolen cheese. A flash of familiar uniforms gave it away.
"Thieves! They're stealing the cheese!" one of the workers shouted, running after the vehicle.
Serena, who had just finished her practice and was returning toward the inn, froze at the commotion. Her eyes widened, then narrowed with resolve. Without a word, she bolted toward the ranch, her hair whipping behind her.
She reached Ash and the others just as the workers pointed to the speeding truck. "It's Team Rocket," she said urgently.
Ash clenched his fists. "Figures. Come on, let's go after them!"
He leapt onto the nearest Skiddo, Pikachu clinging to his shoulder. Korrina swung onto another, Lucario keeping pace at her side. Clemont, more hesitant, managed to climb onto his Skiddo as Bonnie scrambled up behind him.
"Hang on tight," Clemont muttered nervously, gripping the reins.
The group charged forward across the pasture, Skiddo hooves pounding against the earth. But it wasn't long before Clemont's nerves betrayed him. His Skiddo stumbled, sensing his panic, and with a startled cry Clemont tumbled off, landing flat on his back.
"Clemont!" Bonnie jumped down quickly, rushing to his side. She checked him over and sighed with relief. "You're fine, but you're not going anywhere fast. I'll stay with you."
Meanwhile, Serena had stopped in front of the ranch's Rhyhorn pen. She knew Skiddo were quick, but Rhyhorn could run with greater power and speed. Taking a steadying breath, she stepped up to one of the gray beasts, placing her hand against its horn.
"Please Rhyhorn," she whispered softly, meeting its eyes. "Lend me your strength. I need your help to protect this place."
The Rhyhorn snorted, shifting its massive body, but it did not resist. Serena climbed onto its broad back, settling herself with surprising calm. She pressed her heel lightly against its side, her voice firm yet gentle. "Let's go."
The Rhyhorn let out a bellow and surged forward, dirt scattering behind it as it galloped. Serena leaned with its motion, her heart pounding, but her grip was steady. She caught sight of Ash and Korrina ahead and urged her mount to catch up.
Back near the stables, Grace emerged in time to see her daughter thundering across the field on Rhyhorn-back. Her eyes widened in shock, then softened with determination.
"Serena..." she breathed, then tightened her jaw. Without another word, she signaled to the ranch hands to saddle a Gogoat, and mounted swiftly. With practiced ease, she set off after her daughter, intent on seeing where this chase would lead.
[Line Break]
The dirt road leading out of the ranch was already clouded with dust from Team Rocket's truck. Jessie cackled from the passenger seat while James gripped the wheel with both hands, swerving to keep the cheese stacked in the back from toppling.
"With all this cheese, we'll open our own Team Rocket deli!" Jessie declared, clutching a wheel of it against her chest.
Meowth rubbed his paws together. "Cheesy riches, here we come!"
Behind them, the thunder of hooves echoed. Ash leaned low over his Skiddo, Pikachu clinging to his shoulder. "We're not letting you get away with this!" he shouted, the wind tearing at his hair.
Korrina rode hard beside him, Lucario sprinting with effortless strides to keep pace. "They won't escape us this time!"
Further back, a deeper rumble shook the ground. Serena's Rhyhorn barreled forward, each stride sending vibrations through the earth. Serena's eyes narrowed, her hands gripping the horn firmly for balance. At first, the power beneath her felt overwhelming, but she remembered her mother's words from earlier.
Rhyhorn can sense your heart. If you're steady, they'll be steady too.
Serena steadied her breathing, her voice calm and clear. "Rhyhorn, keep pace with them. Don't let that truck out of your sight."
The beast bellowed in response and surged forward, drawing level with Ash's Skiddo. Ash turned, eyes wide with surprise. "Serena, you're amazing!"
Her cheeks flushed, but she kept her gaze ahead. "I'll do my part. Let's stop them together!"
The truck rattled over a bump, sending a wheel of cheese bouncing out onto the dirt. Lucario caught it before it hit the ground and handed it back to Korrina, who smiled. "Thanks, partner!"
Team Rocket glanced back and paled as they saw the riders gaining ground.
"They're catching up!" James cried, turning the wheel sharply.
"Then step on it!" Jessie snapped, clutching the dashboard.
The truck jolted forward, its tires kicking up a storm of gravel. The sudden burst of speed left the Skiddo struggling to keep up, but Serena's Rhyhorn dug in its claws and charged harder, slowly closing the gap with relentless momentum.
Grace, not far behind on her Gogoat, saw her daughter riding with fierce determination. She whispered to herself, her eyes shining, "So this is what you've been hiding from me, Serena..."
The chase roared on, dust clouds swirling as Pokémon and trainers pushed themselves to the limit.
The truck rumbled down the path, bouncing over rocks and roots, but the riders pressed closer. Serena leaned forward, feeling the raw power of the Rhyhorn beneath her. The ground seemed to shake with every pounding step.
"They're getting away!" Ash shouted, his Skiddo beginning to lag.
"Not if we stop them here!" Serena's eyes blazed with determination. She gave Rhyhorn a firm pat on the side. "Go, Rhyhorn, use your strength!"
With a roar, Rhyhorn veered ahead, the distance closing rapidly. Jessie's face twisted in horror as she looked back through the window. "That girl's heading right for us!"
Before James could swerve, Rhyhorn slammed shoulder-first into the truck with a thunderous crash. The entire vehicle lurched violently, tilting onto two wheels before toppling over into the grass with a deafening thud. Wheels spun uselessly, and the stolen cheese tumbled across the field like rolling boulders.
Team Rocket crawled out of the wreckage, groaning. Jessie clutched her head, James staggered to his feet, and Meowth's fur stuck out at odd angles.
"Grrr, they wrecked our getaway truck!" Jessie screeched.
"Fine," James muttered, pulling a Poké Ball from his belt. "If they want a fight, then let's give them one!"
Ash urged his Skiddo closer, ready to battle, but Serena was already dismounting Rhyhorn. She stepped forward with a steady confidence, her Pokémon fanning out around her. Braixen twirled its branch, Fletchinder's wings blazed with fire, and Absol growled low, eyes fixed on the thieves.
"Leave this to me," Serena said firmly. "This is my chance."
Ash blinked, then grinned. "All right, go for it, Serena!"
Korrina nodded in approval. "Show them what you've got."
Jessie tossed out her Poké Ball. "Pumpkaboo, go!"
James followed suit. "Inkay, take the field!"
The two Pokémon appeared with a cry, facing down Serena's trio. Jessie smirked. "Let's squash her little Showcase act."
Serena drew a breath, her nerves twisting for a moment, but then she remembered Ash's look of confidence and the way Rhyhorn had trusted her. Her heart steadied.
"Braixen, Flamethrower across the ground, wide arc! Absol, cut through it with Psycho Cut! Fletchinder, weave through with Flame Charge!"
Her Pokémon sprang into motion. Braixen's flames fanned outward, Absol's glowing blade sliced cleanly through, and Fletchinder shot forward, its fire trailing in perfect rhythm with the others. The result was a dazzling wall of fire and light, shimmering like a stage performance.
Pumpkaboo and Inkay flinched, caught off guard by the sudden brilliance, before being struck head-on by the combined force. They crashed to the ground, dazed and defeated.
Serena raised her hand with a sharp command. "Now, finish it! Absol, Dark Pulse!"
The dark energy surged forward and engulfed Team Rocket in an explosion of smoke.
"Looks like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they cried as they were sent soaring into the sky, vanishing with a twinkle.
Silence fell over the field. The scattered cheese wheels lay safe in the grass. Rhyhorn pawed the ground proudly while Serena's Pokémon gathered at her side, their eyes shining.
Ash and Korrina rode up quickly, both breaking into grins.
"That was amazing, Serena!" Ash said, his tone brash but sincere. "You totally owned that battle!"
Serena blushed, her heart fluttering, but she smiled back, a mixture of relief and pride. "Thanks... I just wanted to show what I can really do."
From the distance, Grace finally caught up on her Gogoat. She had seen everything. Her gaze lingered on Serena, not with judgment but with something softer, something almost awed.
"My Serena..." she whispered under her breath.
[Line Break]
Grace dismounted from her Gogoat and walked steadily toward her daughter. Her arms were crossed, her expression unreadable. Serena braced herself, her heart still racing from the battle.
"That was impressive, Serena," Grace said at last. "You handled yourself with confidence, and your Pokémon trusted you completely. It shows you are ready."
Serena blinked, a hopeful warmth stirring in her chest, but then Grace's voice grew firm.
"Which is why I believe the time has come for you to return home. You've proven yourself here. Now you can focus on what really matters—your training as a professional Rhyhorn racer."
Serena stiffened. The warmth in her chest turned into something sharper. She had known this moment would come, but facing it now was harder than she had imagined. She met her mother's eyes, her voice trembling at first but quickly finding strength.
"No, Mom. I can't go back. I've decided what I want to do. I'm going to become a Pokémon Performer."
Grace's eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. "A Pokémon Performer? Serena, you don't understand. Rhyhorn racing is in your blood. It's what you were born for. And what happens when performing becomes too difficult? Will you give up again, like you did before?"
The words struck deep, but Serena clenched her fists. "I won't give up! Not this time. Being with Ash and everyone has shown me who I want to be. This is my choice, Mom, and I'll prove it to you!"
Grace studied her daughter in silence, then gave a small sigh. "Very well. If you're so determined, then let's settle this. Not with words, but with a race."
"A Rhyhorn race," Serena said at once, her eyes flashing.
But Grace shook her head slightly, her expression firm. "You are not ready to race a Rhyhorn against me. I've been a professional for years. It would be unfair. Instead, we'll use Skiddo. That way, it will be about your spirit and skill, not the sheer power of the Pokémon."
Serena bit her lip, then nodded. "Fine. A Skiddo race it is. And when I win, you'll have to accept that this is my path."
Grace allowed herself the faintest smile. "We shall see, Serena. We shall see."
The starting line was drawn in the dirt path that wound around the ranch, weaving through gentle hills and fences before circling back.
A small crowd of ranch workers and visitors gathered to watch, whispering in anticipation. Ash, Korrina, Clemont, and Bonnie stood to the side, cheering Serena on.
Serena mounted her Skiddo, taking a steadying breath as the Pokémon shifted beneath her. Grace sat tall and confident on her own Skiddo, her posture radiating the poise of a seasoned racer.
"Are you ready, Serena?" Grace asked, her tone calm but serious.
Serena nodded firmly. "More than ever."
With a sharp signal from one of the workers, the race began. Both Skiddo bolted forward, hooves kicking up dirt. Serena leaned low, urging her partner on. To her surprise, her Skiddo surged ahead quickly, pulling into an early lead. Cheers erupted from Ash and the others.
"That's it, Serena! Keep it up!" Ash shouted, pumping his fist.
Serena smiled, exhilarated by the wind rushing past her face. But her joy was short-lived. As they rounded a bend, her Skiddo stumbled over a small stone, and Serena lost her balance. With a startled cry, she tumbled to the ground, rolling to the side as her Skiddo skidded to a stop.
"Serena!" Bonnie cried out, hands clasped in worry.
Grace glanced back but did not slow down. This was part of racing, part of testing resolve. She pressed forward, pulling into the lead.
Serena groaned, brushing dirt from her hands. For a moment, doubt tried to creep into her chest. She had fallen, just like before, when fear and hesitation had made her give up. But then her mind filled with images of the people she had met, Ash's fearless grin, Bonnie's bright encouragement, Clemont's steady efforts despite his stumbles, Korrina's fiery determination.
Most of all, she remembered the feeling of her Pokémon's trust and the way Ash had believed in her earlier that day.
"No," Serena whispered, her eyes burning with determination. "I will not quit. Not this time."
She scrambled back onto her Skiddo, clutching its horns with renewed focus. "Let's go! We can still do this!"
Skiddo snorted and charged forward, as if it too had caught Serena's determination. The crowd gasped as she picked up speed, the distance between her and Grace shrinking with every stride.
Grace's eyes widened slightly as she heard the pounding hooves behind her. Serena's Skiddo galloped alongside hers, their breaths hot and heavy, their determination equal.
"Come on, Skiddo!" Serena cried. "We have got this!"
With one final push, Serena leaned forward, urging her Skiddo ahead. The two crossed the finish line almost simultaneously, but the judge raised his hand toward Serena.
"She wins!"
Cheers erupted. Ash whooped and pumped his fist in the air, Bonnie leapt up and down with joy, and Clemont adjusted his glasses, smiling proudly. Korrina grinned, clapping hard.
Serena slowed her Skiddo to a halt, her chest heaving. She could barely believe it. She had done it.
Grace approached her, calm and collected as always, but there was a softness in her eyes now. She placed a hand on Serena's shoulder.
"You did well, Serena. You fell, but you got back up. That is the mark of true strength." She paused, then added, "I also saw your secret performance earlier. Skiddo felt it too, how powerful your dream really is. That is why it carried you to victory."
Serena's eyes widened, and before she could stop herself, she leapt from her Skiddo into her mother's arms. "Mom..." she whispered, her voice breaking with emotion.
Grace smiled warmly, gently patting Serena's back. "I understand now. If this is your dream, Serena, then you have my support."
Serena pulled back, blinking back tears, a radiant smile spreading across her face.
"One more thing," Grace said. "There will be a Showcase in Coumarine City soon. If you are serious about this path, that will be your stage."
Serena gasped softly, her heart racing. "A Showcase in Coumarine..."
Ash stepped forward, grinning wide. "Hear that, Serena? Looks like your next big chance is waiting for you."
Serena clutched her chest, her dream burning brighter than ever. "Yes... I will be ready."
AS THE JOURNEY CONTINUES!
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