"Mudsdale, come on!"
Ivan shouted excitedly as he watched the Pokémon thundering down the track, his voice blending with the cheers and roars of the crowd. The energy in the stadium was electric, and Naoki couldn't help but join in, his own voice rising with the people around him: "Come on!"
On the track, the competition was fierce. Naoki's favored Rapidash was currently in the lead, followed closely by the Galarian Rapidash and Zebstrika. Mudsdale was trailing slightly behind, and Hippowdon had fallen to the rear.
The event commentator's voice crackled over the speakers, filled with excitement: "Rapidash is leading with a Charged Flame Attack! Hot on its heels is the Galarian Rapidash using Agility!"
Suddenly, Zebstrika, in third place, let out a powerful roar. A surge of lightning erupted from its body, streaking toward the two Rapidash ahead.
The trainer of Naoki's Rapidash yanked hard on the reins, causing the Pokémon to veer off course just in time to dodge the lightning. But the Galarian Rapidash wasn't so fortunate. It was hit by the attack, its speed faltering as Zebstrika overtook it.
"The first to strike always draws the most attention," Naoki muttered as the Galarian Rapidash, regaining its balance, retaliated with a Psychic-type attack, forming a Blade of Heart that slashed toward Zebstrika.
Meanwhile, the leading Rapidash unleashed a vortex of flames in an attempt to slow its electric rival.
But Zebstrika was not easily deterred. A brilliant burst of electricity enveloped its body, triggering its Ability, Motor Drive, which sent its speed skyrocketing as it tore through the fiery obstacle.
"Unbelievable!" the commentator exclaimed. "Zebstrika used Charge, activating its Motor Drive Ability, and has now overtaken Rapidash!"
"Darn it!" growled the Rapidash's trainer. Just as he prepared to launch another attack, the ground beneath them began to tremble violently.
The earth cracked open, and Zebstrika stumbled, sending both it and Rapidash tumbling to the ground. Their trainers were thrown from their saddles, rolling across the track.
"It's an Earthquake from Mudsdale!" the commentator shouted. "Both Rapidash and Zebstrika are down! But wait—Galarian Rapidash is floating! It's using Levitate to glide over the track! Can it reach the finish line first?"
The finish line was within reach, and Galarian Rapidash was almost there when, out of nowhere, jagged rocks burst from the ground, blocking its path.
The Galarian Rapidash's trainer yanked on the reins, but it was too late. The Pokémon crashed into the rocks, sending the female trainer flying onto the grass. Thankfully, her protective gear cushioned the fall, and she quickly scrambled to her feet, eyes locked on Mudsdale, which had taken the lead.
"Galarian Rapidash used Psybeam! It hit the target successfully! Oh my gosh, Heavy Mudsdale is in a state of confusion and has run off the track!" the commentator shouted, his voice filled with urgency.
But then, everyone at the event witnessed an unbelievable sight.
The four leading Pokémon were locked in fierce combat, exhausting themselves in the process.
Before they could recover and get back into the race, a hefty Hippowdon casually trotted past them, heading straight for the finish line.
"Oh my goodness! What just happened? The Hippowdon we all overlooked is the first to cross the finish line?!" the commentator exclaimed in disbelief.
The crowd collectively gasped.
Then, a jubilant shout rang out: "I'm rich! I bet on Hippowdon!"
"What the heck?!" Ivan clenched his fists in frustration, seething with anger. "I lost everything!"
Naoki felt a similar wave of disbelief wash over him.
Seriously?! That Hippowdon won the race?!
But it was true.
Mayor Thomas stepped forward, awarding the championship trophy to the victorious Hippowdon and snapping photos of the unexpected winner.
The other four competitors, covered in dust, removed their helmets, exchanged glances of defeat, and shrugged in resignation.
By the time everything was wrapped up, it was already three in the afternoon.
Naoki and Ivan leaned against the racecourse guardrail, their Pokémon beside them, watching the dispersing crowd.
Ivan looked devastated as he opened his wallet and counted his remaining money. "My 10,000 Poke Dollars! All gone, just like that. Damn it!"
Naoki: "…"
He looked up at the setting sun and remarked philosophically, "Failure is just a part of life. It's something we all have to face."
Ivan, however, wasn't comforted in the least. Thinking about Naoki's own loss, he asked, "Aren't you upset about losing 10,000?"
Naoki shrugged nonchalantly, "Not really. My Naclstack can earn that back by producing just one good pile of rock salt."
"Damn it!" Ivan groaned, hitting his head against the guardrail in frustration.
Then, realizing Naoki's talent as a rancher, he quickly turned to him, saying, "Aren't you planning to raise a horse Pokémon?"
"I want to, but you know there are no horse Pokémon in our town," Naoki replied, spreading his hands helplessly.
But deep down, Naoki's ambitions had shifted. He no longer wanted an ordinary horse Pokémon. He wanted the legendary steeds of the Calyrex, Spectrier, and Glastrier!
He glanced at the vast racecourse, determination in his eyes. One day, he vowed, he would ride those legendary horses and reclaim his lost 10,000 Poke Dollars with interest!
"It's over," Ivan lamented. "I was counting on you to breed a powerful horse Pokémon and help me win back my money, just like you did with those three Gogoat."
Naoki sighed, "The success with the Gogoat was a one-time thing."
"I believe in you!" Ivan said, patting Naoki's shoulder. "If you did it once, you can do it again! Don't worry, Naoki. When I deliver the mail, I'll keep an eye out for horse Pokémon locations for you!"
However, the reality was that in the Paldea region, there were no Rapidash or Zebstrika, only the sturdy Mudsdale. The Rapidash in today's race had all been brought in by trainers from other regions.
After pondering for a moment, Naoki said, "Honestly, rather than horse Pokémon, I could use help finding a butler-type Pokémon."
"Butler Pokémon?" Ivan considered the possibilities. "You mean Pokémon like Mime, and Gothitelle, who are good at household tasks?"
Naoki nodded, "Yes, the ranch is getting too crowded, and I can't manage everything on my own."
Hearing this, Ivan puffed out his chest and assured him, "No problem! Leave it to me! I'll help you find one!"
"Thank you very much!" Naoki said, genuinely grateful.
Ivan stretched, glanced at the evening sky, and said, "It's getting late. Time to head home! See you later, Naoki!"
"Yeah, see you," Naoki replied, watching Ivan and his pokemon Milcery disappear into the distance. Then, he patted Koraidon beside him and smiled, "Let's head home too!"
Koraidon responded with a cheerful, "Ah, gah~"
As the sky darkened, it was time to return home.