It was another day in Silverstone Town, and the others and I were on our way to lend a hand to one of Professor Cherry's friends.

"What was the name of the ranch again, Era?" Kat asked.

"Blue Flare Ranch," I answered, "Apparently, it's one of the biggest ranches here in Silverstone."

Kat nodded with a kind smile.

I wonder what the ranch is like?

We soon arrived at the ranch and were welcomed with an archway made from blue-painted wood engraved with the ranch's name.

This is the place!

Walking under the archway, the six of us followed a dirt path that led to a big, white farmhouse. To the sides of us were big paddocks full of Pokémon.

"Wow! I can see how this would be one of the biggest ranches," Elsu said, "Look how big the paddocks are!"

"Yeah, and look at all the Pokémon!" Nina said, leaning against one of the fences.

The others and I followed our friend's lead and leaned over the fence to watch the Pokémon. That's when a Ponyta trotted up to us and let out a neigh-like cry. Nina smiled and ran a hand down its muzzle.

"It's so cute!" Nina said.

"Thank you kindly." said a voice.

We looked to see a man with light skin on top of a Rapidash, but its flames were blue.

I can see why this place is called Blue Flare Ranch.

"This lil' one was born a few months ago," the man said, "He's still tryin' to get the feel of the ranch."

"Aww!" Nina cried, "Well, he's very sweet!"

The Ponyta let out a cry and leaned into Nina's touch. The man soon scoffed and shook his head.

"Where are my manners? Name's Roscoe," he said, tipping his hat, "I'm assumin' y'all are the kids Cherry mentioned?"

"We are!" I said, "I'm Eragona, and my friends Kat, Nina, Eric, Rina, and Elsu."

"Hi!" the others said.

"A pleasure to meet y'all!"

My eyes shifted from Roscoe to the blue-fire Rapidash.

"I'm guessing that's a shiny Rapidash, isn't it?" I asked.

"You guessed right," Roscoe said, "This is ol' Blue Flare, hence the name of my prized ranch. He's been with me through thick 'n' thin."

"Wow! It looks so majestic!" Rina said.

"Ideas for a new fashion design?" Kat asked.

"Definitely!"

Roscoe chuckled as he adjusted his hat.

"Head on up to the house. My wife, Loretta, will tell y'all what to do." Roscoe said.

With a final nod to Roscoe, he and Blue Flare sped across the field.

"Wow, that Rapidash sure is fast." I said.

Kat nodded as she pulled out her Pokédex and scanned the galloping Pokémon.

"Rapidash, the Fire Horse Pokémon, and the evolved form of Ponyta. Rapidash usually can be seen casually cantering in the fields and plains. However, when this Pokémon turns serious, its fiery manes flare and blaze as it gallops its way up to 150 mph."

"Wow! Talk about fast!" Elsu said, "Imagine riding one of those!"

"The adrenaline rush would be insane!" Eric commented.

I chuckled as I shook my head fondly.

"Come on, guys." I said.

We got off the blue fence and headed towards the house. When we arrived, the porch was white with dark blue furniture. I stepped up to the dark blue door and gave it a knock. The door swung open, and a woman with dark skin and brown hair stood in the door frame.

"Howdy!" she said, "Y'all must be our lil' helpers for today!"

"We are," I said, "I'm Eragona, and that's Kat, Nina, Eric, Rina, and Elsu."

The others smiled and waved.

"I'm guessing you're Ms. Loretta, right?" Kat asked.

"I am, but please, call me Lori," she said, "Come on in, kids!"

Loretta stepped to the side, and the others and I graciously stepped inside.

The house was a lot bigger on the inside.

In the living room, a large window looks out onto one of the pastures. The kitchen had white cabinets and dark blue counters. Every room flowed into one another.

"This place is amazing, Lori!" Elsu said.

"Thank you, dear," she said, "You kids can drop off your stuff in the closet here."

Loretta opened a door beside us, revealing a small room with coats and boots. The six of us took off our bags and placed them in the closet.

"So, what can we help you with, Lori?" Rina asked.

"Well, on Blue Flare Ranch, we have quite a few chores, but we always get 'em done," Loretta said, "I think it would be best to split y'all into three groups."

"That could work." Eric commented.

Loretta nodded as she shifted her eyes between us.

"Okay, Rina and Nina. You girls can help me take care of the eggs," Loretta said, "Eric and Elsu, you boys can help Roscoe herd in the Pokémon in the pasture. Kat and Eragona, you two can help my daughter feed the Pokémon in the stables,"

"Wait. Your daughter?" Kat questioned.

"Oops! Silly me! I guess Roscoe forgot to tell y'all that."

The others and I nodded.

"Yes, Roscoe and I have a daughter. Her name is Georgia," Loretta began, "She's a hard worker, but she doesn't like acceptin' help from others. That's why when it's just the three of us, Roscoe and I let her do certain chores on her own, and that's exactly why I need you two to convince her that there's nothin' wrong with asking for help."

Kat and I looked at each other and grinned.

"We'll do what we can." Kat said.

"Thank y'all, truly," Loretta said, "Follow me. I'll take y'all to where y'all need to go."

Following Loretta's lead, she led us through the house and into the backyard. The backyard had a large, dark blue barn and white stables.

"Roscoe should be in the stables right about now, so you four can head over there," Loretta said, "Rina and Nina, you girls can follow me to the barn."

With a final wave to one another, Eric, Elsu, Kat, and I walked along the dirt path toward the stables. When we arrived, the stables were filled with Ponyta, Rapidash, Mudbray, and Mudsdale.

Wow! There are so many here!

Looking around, I saw Roscoe preparing to take out Blue Flare.

"Roscoe!" I called out.

Roscoe turned around and smiled.

"Well, howdy, kids!" he said, "Y'all ready to lend me a hand?"

"You bet!" Elsu said, "Eric and I are here to give you a hand herding the Pokémon in the pasture."

Roscoe smiled and tied his Rapidash to a post.

"Well, if y'all are gonna help me, then y'all need some speed to keep up with me." Roscoe said, walking into a stable.

He then walked out with two Ponyta.

"We get to ride Ponyta?" Eric asked.

"Yup," Roscoe answered, "They're not as fast as ol' Blue Flare, but every Pokémon in this stable was trained to keep up with him."

The boys smiled and walked up to the Ponyta. Roscoe handed the boys the reins before untying Rapidash.

"Wait, Roscoe," Kat began, "Loretta sent us to tend to the Pokémon with your daughter. Where is she?"

"Right here." said a voice behind us.

We turned around to see a young girl with medium brown skin, dark brown hair, and light blue eyes. To complete her look, she wore a light brown cowgirl hat.

She looks really young.

"Georgia, perfect timing!" Roscoe said, "These girls are here to help you."

"I know. Mama told me, but I don't see what the big deal is," Georgia said, "I don't need help, especially not from some city girls."

Harsh much?

"Technically, I'm from the countryside as well." I said.

"Same!" Kat said.

"If you don't have a farm or ranch, then you're from the city," Georgia said, walking past us, "I can take care of these guys, no problem."

Kat and I glanced at one another with uncertainty before turning to Roscoe.

"Sorry 'bout her. She likes to do things on her own," Roscoe said, "She's a stubborn one, especially at ten.

Georgia's ten? She's three years younger than me.

"Well, we're still gonna help however we can, right, Kat?" I asked.

"Right!" Kat said.

Libby and Angel both let out happy cries. Roscoe chuckled and grinned.

"Y'all be careful, now," he said, "Come on, boys."

"Good luck, you two!" Eric said.

"You, too!" I said.

With a final wave, the boys followed Roscoe out of the ranch and into the pasture. Kat and I soon glanced at Georgia to see her pulling two big haybales.

"Need some help with that?" I asked, walking up to her.

"I got it." Georgia said.

I pulled away and frowned. When Georgia placed the two haybales down, she breathed out a heavy sigh.

"Well, is there anything we can help you do?" Kat asked.

Georgia looked up at us and groaned.

"Fine, if you insist," Georgia said, "Only because Mama's gonna be mad at me if I don't let y'all help..."

Kat and I glanced at one another and shrugged.

"Blue hair, you take this haybale and give it to Messa the Mudsdale at the end of the stables," Georgia said, "Pink top, you take that haybale and give it to Ember the Ponyta over there."

Blue hair? Really?

"My name's Eragona, by the way." I said.

"And I'm Kat," Kat said, "Sorry we didn't introduce ourselves earlier."

"Whatever," Georgia said, "Blue hair and pink top will be easier for me to remember."

Kat and I looked at one another with annoyed looks.

Loretta and Roscoe didn't mention that she had a sharp tongue...

Kat and I took the haybales and walked them over to the Pokémon. When I walked up to Messa's stall, he looked up and snorted. Libby let out multiple cries before Messa returned his own.

What are they saying?

That's when Messa let out a friendly cry and backed up. I smiled and opened his stall. I placed the haybale in the corner and looked back up at Messa to see his soft eyes staring down at me. I pulled out my Pokédex and scanned Messa.

"Mudsdale, the Draft Horse Pokémon. It remains calm and unmoving no matter the situation. It mixes dirt with the saliva in its mouth to make a special kind of mud. It can trudge mountain roads without rest for three days and three nights, all the while dragging a 10-ton load."

"Wow, so you're powerful, huh?" I questioned, placing a hand on Messa.

The Mudsdale snorted and leaned into my touch. I patted Messa's muzzle before walking out of his stall.

"All right, Messa's fed," I said, "What now, Georgia?"

Georgia groaned before sitting on a bale of hay.

"Nothing. I can take care of this myself," she said, "I don't need help from people like you and pink top,"

People like us?

"You don't have to be so mean, you know?" Kat questioned, "We're only trying to help."

"That's just it. I don't need your help; I don't need help from anyone. I can do this work all by myself."

Georgia stood up before dragging the haybale to another stall.

She's going to hurt herself if she's not careful.

I breathed out a heavy sigh before taking the haybale from Georgia.

"Hey!" she cried, "Give that back!"

"No way," I said, "You're gonna hurt yourself if you don't let us help. Now, where do I put this?"

Georgia scoffed and crossed her arms.

"Like I'd tell you..." she mumbled.

I sighed and turned to Libby. Nodding to my partner, Libby hopped off my shoulder and walked along the edges of the gates. She then let out a cry and pointed to a stall. I picked up the hay bale and walked over to my partner. I looked inside the stall to see a sleeping Mudbray.

"Kat, a little help?" I asked.

Kat nodded and walked over to open the gate. I quietly stepped inside and set down the hay bale beside the Mudbray. I sighed with a smile as I walked out of the stall. Libby let out a cry before hopping back on my shoulder.

"Thanks." I said.

"Anytime." Kat said with a smile.

I stole a glance at Georgia to see her staring at us. When our eyes locked, Georgia huffed and looked away.

I think we're getting through to her...

"Hey," Georgia said suddenly, "I challenge you two to a Pokémon battle. If I win, I get to do the rest of the chores on my own,"

"Fine, but if we win, we have to help you, and you can't object nor complain," Kat said, "Deal?"

"Deal. Follow me. My folks got a battlefield behind the stables."

Kat and I followed the girl's lead as she led us out of the stables. When we arrived at the battlefield, Georgia took her position on the other side of the field.

"Let's use Libby and Angel," Kat suggested, "They're already a dynamic duo."

"Yeah!" I said, "What do you guys say?"

Libby hopped off my shoulder and joined Angel at her side. The two Pokémon let out friendly cries as they stepped onto the battlefield. Georgia took out two Pokéballs and tossed them in the air.

"Go! Herdier and Ponyta!" she cried.

At her command, a Herdier and Ponyta appeared. My eyes widened when I noticed that the Ponyta's flames were blue.

A shiny Ponyta! It's so cute!

"Herdier, use Fire Fang! Ponyta, use Flame Charge!" Georgia cried.

The two Pokémon let out a cry before sprinting toward us with their fiery attacks.

"Dodge!" Kat and I cried.

When they were close enough, Libby and Angel moved out of the way.

"Double Shadow Ball!" we cried.

Libby and Angel leaped up and fired two shadowy blobs.

"Crunch, Herdier!" Georgia cried.

Herdier growled as his teeth started glowing. It then bit through both attacks, but it caused an explosion, resulting in the Herdier getting blown back.

"Libby needs to use her other moves so she can use Last Resort," I said, "Cover me?"

"Got it," Kat said, "Angel, use Swift!"

"Use Swift as well!"

Libby and Angel let out bold cries before releasing star-shaped rays.

"Shadow Ball and Hidden Power!" Georgia cried.

The other Pokémon let out their cries before launching their attacks. When the attacks collided, they caused another explosion, kicking up dust and dirt.

"Quick Attack, Libby!" I cried.

Libby growled and ran into the cloud of dust.

"Flame Charge, Ponyta!" Georgia said.

The Ponyta snorted before cloaking itself in flames. When Ponyta charged into the cloud of dust, both Libby and Ponyta got blown back.

"Libby!" I cried.

"Ponyta!" Georgia shouted.

Our Pokémon shook off the pain and stood up.

"Now?" Kat asked.

"Not yet," I said, "Divide and conquer?"

"Way ahead of you. Angel, Moonblast on the Herdier!"

"Libby, Shadow Ball on Ponyta!"

Libby sprinted towards the Ponyta and fired a shadowy blob in its direction.

"Block it, Ponyta!" Georgia cried, "Herdier, use Fire Fang!"

Ponyta snorted before taking the Shadow Ball head-on, causing it to stagger backward. Herdier's teeth became cloaked in flames as it bit down on Angel's attack, canceling it.

"Now?" Kat asked.

"Now!" I said, "Libby, use Quick Attack!"

"Angel, use Hyper Voice!"

When Libby sprinted toward the two Pokémon, Angel let out a loud cry, making Libby go faster.

"Flame Charge!" Georgia cried.

Her Ponyta neighed as it cloaked itself in flames. Not wasting a second more, it started charging at Libby. However, with Libby's Quick Attack and Angel's Hyper Voice combined, the Hyper Voice canceled out Ponyta's attack, and Libby quickly knocked it down when it was defenseless.

"Now, use Last Resort!" I cried.

Libby uttered a loud cry as she fired a large star at the Ponyta and Herdier. When the dust cleared, both of Georgia's Pokémon could not battle.

"All right!" Kat cheered.

Libby and Angel sprinted up to us and let out happy cries.

"That was some awesome teamwork, you guys," I said, "Great job!"

Libby leaped on my shoulder and made a friendly cry as she nuzzled my cheek. I smiled before glancing over at Georgia. The young girl sighed as she returned her Pokémon to their Pokéballs. She growled under her breath as she gripped the Pokéballs tighter. I frowned before walking up to Georgia.

"Hey, Georgia?" I asked.

"Leave me alone..." she said, her voice cracking.

"I just wanted to-"

"You just wanted to brag! You came over to brag about your strength! You're lucky my folks weren't watchin', or else, I wouldn't be able to go out on my own!"

Go out on her own?

Georgia groaned before storming back to the barn, fiercely wiping away the tears in her eyes.

"What was that all about?" Kat asked, walking up to me.

"I don't know, but I think I know why Georgia's being so stubborn and refuses to let anyone help her," I said.

"What is it?"

"Follow my lead!"

I winked at my friend before walking back to the barn. When we walked in, I heard sobbing coming from a nearby stall. When I walked up to the stable, I saw Georgia huddled in the corner with her knees to her chest.

"Georgia." I began.

The girl looked up before looking back down.

"Go away..." she said.

"And why would we do that?" I asked, "I know exactly how you feel."

Georgia and Kat looked at me in shock, even Libby and Angel.

"Really?" Kat asked, "How?"

"Losing sucks, especially if you're trying to get stronger. I know that feeling well," I said, "The time that I lost against Kat here really brought down my spirits. I felt like everything that I built up from that point just came crumbling down."

I felt like dirt compared to Kat when she beat Jet and me...

Kat furrowed her brows and placed a hand on my shoulder.

"But then I remembered a saying that my grandmother told me before I left for my journey, 'A trainer who trains and aims to become closer with their Pokémon is far stronger than any trainer who only trains to become stronger.' It stuck with me ever since," I said, "And now, my Pokémon and I are closer and stronger than ever!"

I touched Libby's cheek and brought her closer to me. Libby chirped out a happy cry and nuzzled my cheek. Georgia chuckled and continued to listen.

"Only, I didn't make it here all on my own," I began, "I had my Pokémon and my friends for support."

I wrapped an arm around Kat and held her close. Kat smiled and embraced me.

"This girl has been with me since the very beginning. She's like my sister. I wouldn't be who I am without her," I said, "That's why we're such a good tag team. We cover each other weaknesses and always have each other's backs."

"Yeah! I'm always around to help Eragona whenever she's in a tight spot, and she does the same for me, and I know that if we ask our other friends if they would do the same, they would say yes in a heartbeat," Kat said, "There's nothing wrong with asking for help. Doing things yourself is okay, but it won't get you very far. If you ask for help, you'll see improvement in your strength as a person and as a Pokémon trainer."

Georgia sniffled and nodded before standing up.

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier," Georgia said, "I just wanted to prove to my parents that I was strong enough to go out on my own journey someday like you two. That's why I'm so stubborn..."

"It's okay, Georgia," I said, "Forgiven and forgotten."

"And hey, if you keep training to get closer to your Pokémon, your Pokémon will surely grow stronger on their own," Kat said, "But for starters, let's work on accepting help from others. If you're traveling with a friend, you'll want to learn to accept their help when the chance arises."

Georgia wiped away the lingering tears and nodded with a genuine smile.

Now that's how you convince someone to ask for help!

"So, are there any more things we can help you with?" I asked.

Georgia smiled as she stepped out of the stall.

"Well, these guys need some fresh air," Georgia said, "...Can you help me take them out into the pasture?"

"We'd love to." Kat said.

I walked up to a Mudsdale and opened his stable. The Pokémon snorted before walking out.

"Follow me, buddy." I said, placing a hand under his muzzle. I smiled as I guided him out of the stables and onto the pasture. I patted the Mudsdale's side and watched as he trotted away. I turned around to see Kat with a Ponyta and a Mudbray following her.

"I didn't know we were playing follow the leader." I joked.

Kat laughed before patting the two Pokémon.

"You guys can go now." she said.

The two Pokémon reared before galloping across the pasture. Turning back around, I saw Georgia on top of her Ponyta with two others at her side.

"Wanna race?" she asked.

"Are you serious?" Kat asked.

"Yeah! I may not be able to beat y'all in a Pokémon battle, but a race is somethin' I can win!"

"Sure!" I said.

Kat and I sprinted up to the Ponyta and hopped on. I gripped the reins and turned to Georgia and Kat.

"All right, first around the Mareep pen and back wins," Georgia said, "Ready?"

"Yeah!" Kat and I said.

Libby and Angel bounced up and down as they cheered.

"Go!" Georgia cried.

At her command, the three Ponyta galloped away.

"This is awesome!" I cried happily.

"I often race my dad whenever I get the chance!" Georgia said, "Even if I lose, it's still loads of fun!"

"This is fun!" Kat said.

When we came to the Mareep pen, I leaned to the side as the Ponyta made the sharp turn.

"Sorry, blue hair! You're not winnin' this race!" Georgia said as she sped past me.

I grinned as I gripped the reins tighter.

"Come on, Ponyta!" I said.

The Ponyta neighed and picked up speed. When we did the lap around the Mareep pen, we started heading back to where we began.

"Come on, Ponyta!" Georgia cried.

Her Ponyta neighed and, with a burst of energy, passed the finish line and won the race.

"Yee-haw!" Georgia cried happily!

"That was great, Georgia!" I said, holding out my hand, "Good win."

Georgia turned around and smiled brightly.

"Thanks," she said, grasping my hand, "Good race."

Kat hopped off the Ponyta and walked up to us with a smile.

"That's all the chores done in the barn," Georgia said, "Thanks for the help."

"You're welcome!" Kat said, "And remember, keep training, and I'm positive your parents will let you go out and explore the world."

Georgia nodded with a sweet smile.

I'm glad we were able to get through to her. I can see that she has potential as a Pokémon caretaker and a trainer. Whatever Georgia chooses to do, I know she'll be great at it!