After leaving Fuchsia City, Ash and his group did not head straight for the Safari Zone. Instead, they passed through a vast prairie filled with lush water plants and rich natural scenery.
Here, they encountered the Laramie tribe, a people famous for raising Pokémon and running alongside them across the grasslands.
At first, the tribe thought they were trainers who had come to capture Pokémon. However, after Ash and the others explained themselves, the person in charge here, Lara, did not make things difficult for them and instead warmly invited them to stay as guests.
But the moment Ash saw Lara, he was a little stunned.
Lara was like the most dazzling jewel among the children of the prairie. She had healthy wheat-colored skin, a well-toned and athletic figure, and long legs full of strength and beauty. Years of horseback riding had given her shapely hips and a full chest, and her traditional attire outlined youthful, captivating curves. Her entire presence radiated the warmth of sunshine and the spirit of the grasslands.
She was carefully tending to her close partner, a Ponyta with glossy fur and a proud bearing.
"You all came at just the right time!" Lara said enthusiastically. "Our village is about to hold the annual Pokémon Racing Tournament! Ponyta and I are definitely going to win the championship this year!"
A Pokémon race, huh? Ash rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
If he remembered correctly, Team Rocket would cause trouble during the event. But he could not just say that outright, or it would certainly arouse suspicion.
Sure enough, during the preparations before the race, an accident happened.
While training alone, Lara was sabotaged by Team Rocket, who had secretly been hired by her rival, Dario. They set up a hidden tripwire. Ponyta was startled, and Lara fell from its back, severely spraining her arm.
"How could this happen…" Lara looked at the bandages wrapped around her arm, her eyes filled with disappointment and unwillingness. "I can't compete anymore…"
Her gaze turned toward Ash. The boy, who seemed sincere and dependable, gave her a sliver of hope.
"Ash, please! I'm begging you! Take my place and race with Ponyta. Win the championship for us! If you can do it…" Lara's cheeks flushed slightly, and though she lowered her voice, it remained firm. "Any request… I'll agree to it."
Ash looked at Lara's sorrowful eyes, dimmed by her shattered dream, and then at Ponyta pacing anxiously beside her. In that moment, he made his decision.
As a kind-hearted trainer, of course he would help this girl who loved Pokémon and her partner fulfill their dream.
He swore that it definitely had nothing to do with that tempting wager or with her herself.
"Alright, I promise! This championship is ours, Ponyta and I will win it!"
There was still some time before the race began, so Ash started trying to build a bond with Ponyta.
At first, Ponyta was somewhat resistant to this unfamiliar trainer. But Ash did not rush things. He recalled some horse-training knowledge he had learned in his previous life. With a calm attitude, he slowly approached Ponyta, gaining its trust with the sugar cubes Lara had prepared, gently brushing its mane, and using his Aura to convey feelings of friendliness and cooperation. He learned how to match Ponyta's rhythm and communicate through body language. With patience, the affinity of his Aura, and his extraordinary learning ability, Ash soon grasped the technique of running in harmony with Ponyta. Gradually, a basic trust formed between the two.
The Pokémon Racing Tournament began as scheduled, with a course winding across the prairie, streams, and hills. Trainers and their Pokémon partners all displayed their own unique skills.
Misty came up with a creative idea by standing atop her Starmie, using its spinning motion to glide across the water. Meanwhile, Pikachu sat on Squirtle's back, gripping the shell tightly. These two "unconventional" racing methods became an amusing sight during the competition.
Naturally, Team Rocket was also present. Along the route, they set up various ridiculous obstacles to stop Ash, from suddenly popping out mannequins to slippery fruits scattered across the ground. But Ash and Ponyta, whose coordination was growing better and better, overcame them one by one.
During the final sprint, facing Dario and his Dodrio, Ponyta felt Ash's blazing fighting spirit and trust as they ran together in perfect harmony. In that moment, its entire body burst into a brilliant light of evolution!
When the light faded, a majestic Rapidash appeared!
After evolving, Rapidash's speed surged dramatically. Its mane and tail burned like blazing flames. With a powerful neigh, it carried Ash forward like a whirlwind of fire and dashed across the finish line.
Champion!
"We did it! We won!" Ash exclaimed excitedly, hugging Rapidash around the neck.
Dario tried to step forward afterward, but Rapidash kicked him flying with its hind legs. Later, Ash even produced a video showing Dario secretly making a deal with Team Rocket, confirming his underhanded intentions.
After this incident, Dario's reputation was completely ruined.
[Ding! The host and Rapidash have won the Pokémon Racing Championship and gained deep favor from Lara. Reward: 600 World Points.]
[Current World Points: 15300.]
[Friendship with Rapidash (evolved from Ponyta) has greatly increased.]
That night, a celebratory bonfire party was held on the prairie.
Lara came to Ash's side, her face showing both the cheerful openness of a prairie girl and a hint of shyness. "Ash, thank you. You and Rapidash accomplished the dream that Ponyta and I have always had. I… I will fulfill my promise."
Under the moonlight, the prairie glowed as the bonfire illuminated the girl's healthy and beautiful face. She took Ash's hand and led him deeper into the grasslands to fulfill that promise, free as the wind.
[Ding! The host has formed a deep bond with Lara, the Laramie tribe girl.]
(System notification: The interpersonal relationship network has further expanded.)
In the evening, Brock asked Misty, "Hey, where did Ash go?"
Misty puffed out her cheeks and glanced in that direction. "Someone isn't coming back tonight. He's probably having a very 'in-depth' conversation."
Seeing the slight dissatisfaction on Misty's face, a certain guess formed in Brock's mind.
The next day, Ash and his group were preparing to leave.
"Lara, next time we meet, shall we properly discuss our 'riding skills' again?" Ash teased softly into her ear before departing.
Lara's face turned completely red, but she still nodded.
With the honor from the race, the newly evolved Rapidash, and yet another unforgettable memory, Ash and his companions finally turned their attention toward the place in Fuchsia City filled with unknown opportunities and adventures, the Safari Zone.
Next, it was time to go hunting in the wild area…
A/N: I only arranged this plot to add a bit of fun, so please don't overthink it!
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