The Ranch

The gang had arrived at the Safari Lands of the Safari Zone. They felt the earth shake & spotted a herd of light brown bull-like Pokémon with three tails

"Who're those Pokémon" Ash said as he pulled out his Rotom Phone

Tauros, the Wild Bull Pokémon, A Normal Type, Although Tauros in other regions are known for their fierce love of battle, the Tauros in the Alola Region are calm enough that many people can ride them without fear. The practice of Tauros riding can apparently be traced to this region.

"Wow, those are very tough looking Pokémon" Ash said in admiration

"Ruff! Ruff!" A voice said

The gang turned & saw an orange & beige dog-like Pokémon with black stripes.

"Oh cool, a Growlithe!" Ash exclaimed with excitement as he scan the Pokémon with his Rotom Phone

Growlithe, The Puppy Pokémon, A Fire Type, If you try to pet another Trainer's Growlithe, you'll soon discover this Pokémon isn't just cute—it has a fiercely territorial side. It's known for its intelligence & loyalty.

"Excuse me, can I help you?" A voice said

The gang looked & saw a young woman with blue hair, blue eyes, a green short-sleeved shirt, & light lavender shorts. The young woman was on the back of a cream colored horse-like Pokémon with a Fire-like mane & tail

"Yes, can you please tell us exactly where we are?" Ash asked

"You're at the Big P Pokémon Ranch in the Pokémon Preserve that's owned by the Laramie family" the young woman replied

"Oh, so this must be the place where they raise Pokémon in wild." Brock said

"That's right, my name's Lara Laramie, these are my friends Growlithe & Ponyta" Lara said

"Ruff!" Growlithe barked with greeting

"Nyyyta" Ponyta whinnied with greeting

At the ranch, Ash was looking up Ponyta with his Rotom Phone

Ponyta, the Fire Horse Pokémon, A Fire Type, At the beginning of its life, Ponyta's legs are too weak to hold it up. It quickly learns to run by chasing after its elders.

"Doesn't it hurt when you ride on Ponyta?" Serena asked

"Well, one thing about Ponyta is that they won't ever burn anyone they trust." Lara said

"Training one Pokémon is a big enough job, but a horde must be difficult." Serena said

"Breeders love it here at the Laramie ranch, because the Pokémon are raised in the wild, & a little stronger than other Pokémon." Brock said

"I'm happy you folks know about the hard work we do." Lara said "We're having a party here tonight, & y'all can come as my guests."

"Really? Thanks." Ash said

"You'll be able to see the Big P Pokémon Race tomorrow, if y'all decide to stay the night" Lara said

"A race?" Ash repeated

"We have a race to find out who's got the best Pokémon." Lara said "& the winner becomes an honorary member of the Laramie clan"

Suddenly the earth started shaking again, when they looked they saw a horde of large brown wingless, roadrunner-like Pokémon with three heads passing by. Then one of them with a young man with dark purple hair, a blue-green long-sleeved shirt, beige jeans, & yellow boots on the Pokémon's back came up to Lara & the gang. Ash pulled out his Rotom Phone.

Dodrio, the Triple Bird Pokémon, a Normal & Flying Type, & the evolved form of Doduo, Dodrio has three heads, three hearts, & three sets of lungs. It can keep watch in all directions & run a long way without getting tired.

"Howdy Lara," the young man greeted "y'all best be prepared for the big race tomorrow"

"Thank you for your encouragement, but remember, it takes more than just speed to win the race" Lara advised

"Alright, but I ain't planning on losing" the young man said as he rode off

"Who's that?" Serena asked

"That's Dario, he's a Dodrio trainer." Lara said "You'll see what type of guy he is"

At the party, many people wished Lara luck at the race tomorrow

"She must be a real contender in that race" Brock said

"She has done a great job training her Ponyta." Serena said

"She's an incredible Pokémon Breeder." Ash said

"Lara!" Dario cried running up to Lara

"What is it, Dario?" Lara asked

"Your Tauros are going nuts at the ranch." Dario said

When Lara & the gang got to the ranch. The Tauros were riling up with each other

"Growlithe, use Roar to calm them down" Lara said.

"AROOOOOO!" Growlithe roared releasing powerful transparent soundwaves from its mouth causing the Tauros to stop

Then suddenly something swooped in across Ponyta which caused her to become startled & throw Lara off of her back.

"Lara, are you alright?" Brock said in concern

"I'm alright, but I think I injured my arm" Lara said

"Whoa, easy Ponyta, calm down" Ash said calming Ponyta down

Meanwhile Dario & a few other guys were watching.

"Good, all according to plan" Dario smirked deviously

"With Lara out of the way, you'll be sure to win that race." The first man said

Back at Lara's house

"I can't compete in the race with my arm like this." Lara said with her arm in a sling

"What are you gonna do now?" Brock asked

"I got it." Lara said getting an idea "How about you ride Ponyta for me?"

"I'm not sure Ponyta will trust me with that." Ash said with uncertain

"Don't worry about that, I'm sure she will warm up to ya." Lara assured

"Hm." Ash said as he looked at Ponyta

"Go on, Ash." Serena said with encouragement

"We'll help you in every way we can." Brock said with encouragement

"Well, alright" Ash said

While they were outside

"Alright, Ponyta, it's just gonna be you & me. I know you won't like it, but you're gonna have to trust me." Ash said as he perched up on Ponyta back, luckily didn't get burned which meant that Ponyta trusts him.

The next day, the race was about to begin,

"Welcome to this year's Pokémon challenge, sponsored by the Laramie Clan. Our course takes our challengers over the rugged terrain to test their speed & ability. Whoever goes through the obstacle courses & crosses the finish line first is the winner." The announcer said

"Good luck." Lara said

"You're gonna do great, boss." Meowth encouraged

"Go for it!" Serena cheered

"Eevee!" Eevee cheered

"Ponyta, Pikachu, Haunter, are you guys ready?" Ash asked

"Pika!" Pikachu said with determination as he competing in the race riding on Haunter's back

"Haunter." Haunter said giving Ash a thumbs up

"Nyyyyta!" Ponyta whinnied with determination

"Let's do this, Onix" Brock said

"Groooar!" Onix roared with determination

"On your mark! Get set! Go!" The announcer said

& the contestants were off, they left the stadium & were on the first obstacle course. Dario & Dodrio picked up some speed & was on the lead. Suddenly something flew & hit a contestant's Tauros in the face, Tauros went crazy & attacked a contestant's Nidorina & the two started fighting.

"What the heck just happened?" Ash said as he looked back at the fighting Pokémon

The next obstacle course was a 45-degree uphill climb. Dario was still in the lead. When the contestants went down the hill, a contestant's Electrode came rolling down & took the lead. But suddenly then the contestant & his Electrode fell into a hole. Electrode ended up exploding & Ash, Ponyta, & a couple of other contests & their Pokémon got caught in the explosion.

"Ugh" Ash groaned

"Pika Pika." Pikachu said in concern

"It's alright, I'm fine." Ash said as he looked at Ponyta "Oh no, Ponyta, are you okay?"

"Pony" Ponyta said weakly

"I know what to do, Haunter, use Will-O-Wisp." Ash said. Haunter Haunter launched a pink, light blue, & dark blue fireball from his hands at Ponyta. Ponyta got hit by the Will-O-Wisp, but she didn't get hurt by it. It caused her mane & tail to burn brighter & stand up straight.

"Are you feeling better?" Ash asked petting her

"Nyta." Ponyta nodded

"Then let's go." Ash said as he perched up on her back & rode off

"What was that?" Serena asked watching the screen

"Ponyta's ability is Flash Fire, an ability that raises her Attack & Special Attack power after being hit by a Fire Type move." Lara explained as she smiled

"Pikachu, Haunter, something fishy is going on & it looks like someone's trying to sabotage this race. I want you two to go investigate & find out who's behind it & stop them." Ash said

"Pika/Haunt" Pikachu & Haunter nodded as they floated off

The next obstacle course was difficult. The Pokémon have to go across the river by swimming or using stepping stones. Brock decided to stop since there was no way Onix could go across the river. A contestant's Rhyhorn hopped on a steppingstone & ended going underwater. Ash & Ponyta went across the river with no problem. Meanwhile, Pikachu & Haunter were looking for the culprits, but then they saw three men

"So how are we gonna do this next part?" The first man said

"Simple, we're gonna put Sleep Powder on the last contestant's food tray so the Pokémon will fall asleep after eating." The second man said

"Cool, that way Dario will be sure to win this race." The third man said

Then Pikachu & Haunter flew in front of the men.

"Huh? What's this?" The second man said in confusion

"Haunter" Haunter said as he used Hypnosis to put the men to sleep

Later after the Pokémon ate, Ponyta & Dodrio we're head to head running towards the finish line. Then one of Dodrio's heads pecked Ponyta & she went falling behind.

"Don't give up, Ponyta." Ash said

Then suddenly Ponyta glowed bluish white & evolved into a fiery unicorn-like Pokémon

"Ponyta evolved into Rapidash." Lara said as Serena pulled out her Rotom Phone

Rapidash, the Fire Horse Pokémon, A Fire Type, & the evolved form of Ponyta. Most of the time, Rapidash travels at a casual canter across the flat lands where it lives. When it breaks into a gallop it's mane blazes brightly.

Suddenly Rapidash started running faster & caught up to Dodrio. Again they were head to head, then Rapidash won by a nose.

"& there you have it, Rapidash has won the race" The announcer declared

"Hey, you interfered with me!" Dario scowled

"Me? You're the one who attacked us!" Ash glared

"Why you, I'll show you." Dario said as he & Dodrio attacked, but Rapidash sent them flying with Fire Blast.

"Nice one, Rapidash" Ash praised as he petted her

"Dash" Rapidash whinnied as she started licking his cheek

"Hey, stop, that tickles!" Ash laughed

Later

"Thank you so much for your help, Ash" Lara thanked as she hugged him

"You're welcome, Lara." Ash said

"Good luck becoming a Pokémon Master." Lara said

"Thanks, We hope your arm gets better soon" Ash said

"Be sure to stop by anytime." Lara said

After saying goodbye, the gang went on their way to the Safari Zone, as the journey continues