1. Ash's Story (Part 9: Alola)

Chapter 22: Paniola Ranch Lessons

Paniola Town came into view beneath the Akala sun, and the first thing I noticed was how different it felt from Heahea City. Wooden houses stood along the road with warm roofs, fences stretched toward open pastures, and Paniola Ranch rolled beyond everything like the whole town had grown out of the land.

I stopped near the entrance and took in the wide fields, the old-fashioned buildings, and the peaceful Pokémon moving between fences. "This place looks perfect."

Lillie stood beside me with Snowy in her arms, her eyes bright as she looked toward the ranch. "Paniola Ranch is known as the biggest ranch in the Alola region. It is one of Akala Island's most important places."

Kiawe's face softened with pride. "A lot of families depend on ranch work here. My family is part of that too."

Trenor's Mudbray walked a few steps ahead, sniffing the packed dirt road before stamping once with quiet approval. Trenor rested a hand on its neck and smiled at the meaning behind the steady hoofbeat, "This ground is good. It remembers hard work."

Nate opened his notebook before we had even reached the first fence. "A town built around a ranch always has a different rhythm. Even the buildings look like they are listening to the fields."

Rosa glanced at Liepard, who was carefully avoiding a muddy wheel track. "And some of us are listening to the fields while refusing to step in them."

Liepard flicked its tail, giving Rosa a sleek look that said clearly, "Grace does not mean fear of dirt."

Before Rosa could answer, someone came running toward us from the road ahead. Hau waved both arms as if slowing down had never been part of his life. By the time he reached us, he was panting, grinning, and already reaching for his Poké Balls.

"Hey, guys! I'm glad I ran into you!" Hau said, bending forward with his hands on his knees. "Now we can see who's stronger! I got a Z-Power Ring from my gramps too, after making it through his grand trial!"

Nate looked him over with amused concern. "Did you seriously have to run like that?"

Hau straightened with a laugh. "Of course! Having a battle in a place like Paniola Town feels like an old-fashioned Western showdown, right? But if we're real honorable cowboys, we've gotta make sure our teams are healthy first."

He pulled out healing supplies with the same speed he used for running, and somehow the rush became strangely careful when Pokémon were involved. He checked each partner, passed berries around, and even waited while Snowy accepted water from Lillie. Hau was easy to call reckless, but he never treated Pokémon carelessly.

Pikachu watched Hau's team gather, then tapped my shoulder with one paw. His meaning came through focused instead of boastful, "They are excited. This will be fast."

He insisted on healing everyone's Pokémon before the battle, and I appreciated that more than I teased him for it. Hau could be loud and impulsive, but his heart was always pointed in the right direction. Once the teams were ready, he bounced into position near a wide stretch of open ground.

"All right, team!" Hau called. "Pikachu, Noibat, Eevee, Dartrix, and everybody else, show Ash what Alola's got!"

I adjusted my cap and smiled. "You make it sound like I'm the one who needs an introduction."

Hau laughed as his Pikachu jumped forward. "Then prove you don't!"

Snowy took the first field position for us, stepping out of Lillie's arms with a calm breath of cold air. Hau's Pikachu faced her with sparks dancing in its cheeks, quick on its feet and eager to move. The difference in pace was obvious, but Snowy's eyes stayed steady.