1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 45: Ranch Rescue

Our journey toward Coumarine City brought us onto Route 12, where the coastal air slowly changed into the warmer smell of grass, milk, hay, and freshly turned soil. Baa de Mer Ranch came into view beyond a long fence line, with Skiddo paths cutting across the hills and wooden gates separating the riding fields from the flower patches.

Baa de Mer Ranch came into view beyond a long fence line, with Skiddo paths cutting across the hills and wooden gates separating the riding fields from the flower patches. Children laughed near the beginner course, ranch hands guided Skiddo across practice turns, and several Rhyhorn rested farther away where the ground was firmer.

Serena smiled the moment she saw the sign. "This ranch is famous for delicious cheese and ice cream made from Skiddo milk."

Bonnie raised both hands. "I want some right now."

Clemont adjusted his glasses while Luxio walked beside him. "A short rest would be useful before Coumarine City."

"Then let's check it out," Elline said.

We bought treats near the entrance, and the ice cream was good enough that even David stopped analyzing the ranch equipment for a few seconds. Pikachu sat on the fence beside me with a happy look, while Dedenne leaned out of Bonnie's bag to sniff the sweet smell.

Pikachu's meaning reached me through the relaxed swing of his tail. "This place feels like work and kindness mixed together."

"I think that's exactly what a good ranch should be," I said.

A familiar voice called Serena's name, and we turned to see Grace walking toward us with Helen beside her. Serena froze for a moment before running forward.

"Mom, Helen," Serena said with surprise. "What are you doing here?"

Grace smiled warmly as she hugged Serena. "I was invited as a special coach for a beginner Rhyhorn racer training camp. We start with Skiddo here because Rhyhorn can be too strong for new riders."

Helen lifted a small covered pot with pride. "And I came to test a new Skiddo milk cheese recipe. If it works, I might have another dish for my future café menu."

Serena laughed softly. "That sounds like both of you."

Grace looked toward me. "Ash, are you heading for Coumarine City?"

"Yeah," I said. "I'm going for my fourth Gym Badge, and Serena is preparing for the Coumarine Showcase."

Grace turned back to Serena with a proud expression. "So you are finally taking on Kalos Showcases."

"I am," Serena said. "I want to see how far I can go."

Helen smiled. "Then today is a good place to remember balance. Riding, cooking, training, performing, and caring for Pokémon all need timing."

Elline nodded toward the Skiddo course. "Even the paths here look like they were built to teach timing."

Grace gestured toward the beginner field. "When riders hold Skiddo's horns, Skiddo can sense their feelings. That is why beginners start here. The rider learns balance, and Skiddo learns trust."

Our own Skiddo stepped forward after I let it out, watching the trained ranch Skiddo carry children across the course. It looked smaller beside them, and when a Gogoat passed with steady steps, Skiddo lowered its head.

Skiddo's meaning reached me through the way it pressed one hoof into the dirt. "They know these paths, and I still feel like I am borrowing them."

Serena knelt beside it. "You do not have to know everything right away. We will learn with you."