~ Chapter 39 ~
Hearthome City, Home Is Where the Heart Is
"Hearthome City was beautiful. Though almost as big as Jubilife City, it wasn't as crowded, and the buildings weren't as tall. It was all the charms of a big city with the homey feeling of a small town. It was a fusion of what we grew up with and knew two what we loved about Jubilife City. After Anthony left us at the Pokémon Centre, making sure that we were all checked in before leaving, each of us spent the day apart running different errands. Niya spent the day with her Aunt Fantina and her older cousin, Drasna. Alyssandra spent the day with her Pokémon and her sister, who dropped by as a surprise to watch Alyssandra's next tournament. Jeremy spent the day in Amity Square, enjoying his Pokémon's company. And I spent the day with Professor Rowan's grandchildren, Lucas and Dawn."
The group waited by the phone as they began to call home. It was a simple ritual but when they couldn't do it for long periods of time, they had grown to miss it. The group had been unable to call their family since arriving at the Accardi Sinnoh Ranch.
Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Professor Rowan picked up on Sam's line and everyone happily greeted one another. "So, how have you been since we last spoke?" asked Professor Rowan, "I understand you were at the Accardi Sinnoh Ranch several days ago, and now you're in Hearthome City. Did you find Mt. Coronet enjoyable?"
Everyone looked at each other, remembering their…interesting travels through the cursed mountain. "It was interesting," said Sam.
"We got separated, again," added Niya bluntly; knowing Sam was trying to hide that from Professor Rowan.
"We wouldn't have if Sam didn't decide to battle Richard inside of a precariously dangerous cave," smirked Jeremy, which only prompted Sam to look away in embarrassment.
Professor Rowan chuckled heartily. "Your grandfather would've done the same thing," he smiled, looking nostalgic, then with another laugh he continued, "Actually he did do that once. In Mt. Moon—caused a cave in too, almost had us killed. All because some kid insulted the way he raised his Charizard."
Sam hung his head once more in embarrassment. It ran in the family, there was no escape. Although, that his grandfather had done the exact same thing for similar reasons made him feel a bit better.
Suddenly, the memories of Mt. Coronet came back to Sam, and he remembered Professor Yarrow. "Oh!" said Sam, suddenly remembering the man, "I have a question, Professor Rowan."
"Yes?" asked the Professor, as if anticipating this—although, often when they spoke with the aged Professor they did often ask questions.
"We met someone in Mt. Coronet," started Sam, "He was a Pokémon Professor, from Sin U. He said his name was Professor Yarrow. Do you know him?"
Professor Rowan's face suddenly lit up as he heard the name, and it shone like he was seeing an old friend for the first time in years. "Professor Silas Yarrow?" asked Professor Rowan, "Oh yes, I've met him before. He's the University's Director of Pokémonthropology and Anthropology. Ah yes, that's just like him, going to Mt. Coronet to do his studies hands-on. Yarrow was always the hands-on kind of man."
A sudden relief passed over Sam as he realized that Professor Yarrow was who he said he was, and that he was actually a Professor at Sinnoh U.
"His theories involve Legendary Pokémon and the ancient peoples of Sinnoh right?" asked Niya, "He told us he was there searching for a way to the Spear Pillar."
Rowan laughed. "Ah yes," he said as if remembering something someone told him long ago, "Those were his theories. The man never stopped working on his studies, always talked about them. He wasn't as mad as Alexios, but he was definitely obsessed. He was a riot though, very well loved amongst the scientific community. You've made a good friend in him. Why do you ask all of these questions though?"
It was Alyssandra who spoke next. She had been silent most of the time, nervously biting her lip, hoping this would be done soon so she could go sign up for her Pokémon Contest and study as soon as possible.
"We just wanted to make sure he wasn't lying," she explained, "We've been lied to by people before, and we worried about why he was there…you know how Mt. Coronet is supposed to be cursed. We were on edge a bit, I guess."
Rowan laughed. "Ah yes, Nancy told me how Aurelio always used to scare you with those stories, didn't he?" he said shaking his head, "I guess it's affected you negatively."
"But worry not, children," continued Rowan assuredly, hoping to calm his young charges down, "He is exactly who he says he is. In fact, if you get a chance, he lives in Celestic Town supposedly, though he's rarely ever home so that's hard to confirm. Stop buy and visit him. I'm sure he'd love to see you again. And tell him hello for me, will you? Mind you! The man is a workaholic, so if he's not there, don't be surprised."
Everyone in the group was relieved, and Sam suddenly felt guilty about hiding his meeting with Professor Yarrow before. He decided he would tell his friends tonight over dinner. No more secrets, they were his friends, they would've understood even back when they were in the cave.
Sam was letting the Markus Alexios thing get to his head, and he was starting to be wary of even his friends—and that hurt Sam more than anything.
"Now, do you wish to speak with your families?" asked Professor Rowan, to which everyone nodded, "Jeremy, your mother is out with Sakura right now. She brought her to the park—your mother loves playing with her. Apparently, Sakura's the daughter your mother never had."
Rowan laughed again, and even Jeremy gave a happy smile. Jeremy was proud that his mother was happy.
Josh moved out shortly after the group arrived at the Accardi Ranch, so his mother and father had told him. He got a job offer with a big company in Jubilife City, so he moved there to take it.
His father worked during the week, but he spent lots of time with his wife on weekends, and they'd go out—which Jeremy was at least glad for.
Spending time with Rowan and Nancy and occasionally Palmer, also gave her something to do during the week.
With Jeremy on his travels and Josh gone now, Jeremy was worrying that she'd be a little lost, but Sakura was helping her with that, and for that Jeremy was thankful.
"All right," smiled Jeremy, as brightly as Sam had ever seen, "I'll call her tonight then. Is Sam's grandmother there?"
Rowan nodded and disappeared off screen as he called for Nancy.
Sam smiled at Jeremy. He was in a good mood, and it was putting the rest of the group in a good mood. "
Sam, look at you, you look so big!" cried Nancy as she appeared on screen, then she looked at each of the others with a wide grin, "Alyssandra, Niya, you two look so mature. You're beautiful, both of you!"
Alyssandra and Niya blushed happily.
"And Jeremy, you're so handsome. You're growing into quite the young man. You all look so grown up."
Then, as she turned back to Sam once again she gave a small frown which turned quickly into a smile. "You haven't shaved in a while," she noted, pointing to Sam's cheeks, chin, upper lip, and jaws, "You've got small little stubble everywhere."
Sam felt his face and noticed rough little hairs start to cover his face. He couldn't grow facial hair fast, so he hadn't shaved since he left Eterna City, and finally the hairs were starting to grow back.
"I've been travelling a lot, grandmother," smiled Sam, "I haven't had time to shave, but I'll shave tonight, all right?"
Nancy laughed. "Oh, it doesn't bug me!" she smiled, "It makes you look more grown up."
"I agree, Mrs. Giovinazzo," winked Alyssandra, "It makes him look mature, and dare I say handsome."
Jeremy gave a snort and Sam shot him a look, which only caused him to walk off screen and burst into laughter.
Niya kept her mouth shut, but a smile creeped across her lips when Sam turned his back.
"Your grandfather used to have a big, thick beard remember?" smiled Nancy whimsically, her eyes looking towards the sky as if going into a flashback, "At first I couldn't take it, it was so scratchy. When we met he had such a smooth face, but hair longer than mine was. Eventually he grew a beard to match the hair, and as time went on his hair got shorter and shorter. But he kept the beard. For a while it was the only neatly trimmed thing about him."
Sam remembered, and smiled as he remembered when he was a child and wondering if his grandfather's beard was real or not, tugged on it causing his grandfather to cry out.
Instead of getting mad, he laughed, and Sam laughed too.
"As nice as a beard would be, I'll probably shave it," sighed Sam, "It'd take too long to grow, at least right now."
"Very well, but enough about beards. How have your travels been?" asked Nancy.
Once more, the group regaled their journeys to Sam's grandmother, once again bringing forth Aurelio's Mt. Moon cave-in story. As well as a stern lecture about why battling in caves is a bad thing, and how Sam should've thought ahead before pulling out his Pokémon in the first place.
But once the story was finished, Nancy couldn't be happier for them.
"I'm glad everything worked out at least," she said, "And you met some nice new friends. If they're ever by Twinleaf Town they're welcomed to stop by for a visit and some food. Anyone who saved my grandson and my adoptive grandchildren is a friend of mine."
Sam smiled and shook his head. His grandmother was always inviting and welcoming, and a very friendly and kind woman. She'd been calling Sam's friends "adoptive grandchildren" for years, and any close friends of theirs were always good by her.
"I will grandmother," smiled Sam softly, "It's been great talking to you, but we got to get going, all right?"
Nancy nodded. "Of course! You all have busy, Pokémon Journey related things to do, don't let me stop you," she exclaimed, "Call me before you leave the city all right? Because I'll be leaving in a few days for a small vacation."
"Vacation?" asked Sam curiously.
His grandmother never went anywhere far, at least not since his grandfather had died.
"I'm going back to your grandfather's hometown, in Slateport City," explained Nancy solemnly, "A cousin of his passed away, and Professor Rowan and I have been invited to the funeral. Palmer is going with us to make sure we're okay, he offered, and we just couldn't say no."
Sam bit his lip. Something didn't seem right. He thought all of his grandfather's relatives were dead. If so, why was his grandmother going to the Hoenn Region on a lie? And if not, why had she lied to him before.
Sam thought he'd bring it up.
"But aren't all of grandfather's relatives passed on already?"
Nancy shook her head. "His siblings had died," she explained, "But he still had a cousin or two alive. They were very kind to us; even helped us plan our wedding. We've kept in touch all these years through letters, so when he passed on, his wife invited me to the funeral. Rowan and Palmer are my guests—they knew him too."
Sam sighed. His grandmother hadn't travelled in years, and close family relation or not Sam couldn't help but worry for her health. "Be careful, all right?" said Sam, "Don't do anything too hard or strenuous."
Nancy laughed. "I'm going to a funeral, it shouldn't be too strenuous on me. It's not like I'm being asked to carry the casket."
Sam couldn't help but laugh. His grandmother always had a way of getting him to stop worrying.
"Now go do what you need to do!" she cried, "Stop stalling or you'll never get them done!"
Sam and his friends nodded. "Nice speaking to you again!" the group cried in unison.
Nancy returned the compliment and the screen went black as she hung up.
Sam sighed smiled. "I worry too much, huh?" he asked no one in particular.
Niya responded. "Yeah, you do," she said plainly, "But for good reason. Your grandmother is like your mother, and for all intents and purposes she may as well be. She spent her life taking care of you, and now you're returning the favour. It's very sweet, though not always necessary. I'm sure she knows this though."
Alyssandra and Jeremy agreed with Niya, and Sam felt a bit better. He didn't want to be like those kids who saw their parents grow old and all of a sudden become overbearing and doting. Hounding their every move in case they lifted a cup of tea in a strenuous way.
"I just don't want anything to happen to her yet," said Sam softly, "I don't want to lose her too. She was sick before, when we were in Eterna City and it scared me. She's seventy-seven, you know, and things happen. She's always been there for me, and I want her to be there with me as I become Champion and win my badges. I'm not ready to let go."
Niya patted Sam on the shoulder. "We rarely are," she said, "But we all have our time. Luckily for you, your grandmother is very healthy. I'm sure she'll be fine, you have years left."
Sam nodded and smiled at Niya. She really did help him feel better and more reassured.
"Now let's get going!" cried Alyssandra, "We all have our errands to run!"
The rest of the group nodded and agreed to split up for the day and meet up again at the Pokémon Centre for dinner.
Sam and Niya were going to head to see Niya's aunt, and hopefully Sam could book a Pokémon Battle with her for his next badge.
Jeremy wanted to see Amity Square and was going to take some time to spend with his Pokémon, which everyone thought was an excellent idea.
And Alyssandra was going to go register for her Pokémon Contest and spend as much time as she could be practicing for the contest the following day.
Everyone knew how much pressure was starting to be put on Alyssandra, as she was practically halfway to the Sinnoh Grand Festival. Three more ribbons and she'd be in. There were only three more contests in this year before the Grand Festival arrived, and a single mistake at any of them could mean Alyssandra putting off her dreams of competing in the Grand Festival for another year.
The competitions were heating up and getting more competitive. They were only going to get harder from here on in.
With goals in their minds, the group dashed off towards their respective destinations, ready for whatever was to come to them. And even though they would be apart for the day, they would always support each other through everything, in spirit or otherwise.
Alyssandra walked towards the Hearthome City Contest Hall in a brisk manner. It was only a quarter to two. The group had just gotten here a half hour ago, but right after checking in and calling home they dashed towards their respective goals, not even bothering to eat.
Alyssandra was ready to go sign up for her Pokémon Contest, and wanted to do so as soon as possible, and then get in as much practice as possible.
She had slacked off on the practice this time.
Alyssandra hadn't had a chance to practice her appeals, because between the Cycling Road misadventures, spending time at the Accardi Pokémon Ranch, and their troubled trip through Mt. Coronet, she had no time for herself to work on her combinations.
Alyssandra had only had a few days between Cycling Road and the Accardi Sinnoh Ranch to practice her combinations, and that wasn't even close to enough time.
Alyssandra would need to pull an all-nighter tonight if she wanted to be ready.
Lucky for her, the Contest Hall was only a ten-minute dash from the Pokémon Centre, which really cut down on travel time for her. It was the waiting in line that made her anxious. Every minute she stood in line was one less minute spent practicing, and one less minute being registered before time was up.
Finally, after a twenty-minute wait she was at the front desk with madness in her eyes. Alyssandra signed up for her contest as fast as possible and it was another few minutes before her entry was official and her paperwork filed, but as soon as it was she made a mad dash towards the park across the street.
It was here she planned to practice for the rest of the day, and she was just about to as well when she heard a voice behind her that caused her to jump.
It said to her, soft and kind: "Long time no see, eh kiddo?"
Jeremy lay on the grass with his Pokémon beside him.
His Staravia was nestled up with his head under his wing, sleeping soundly.
Luxray laid her head against Jeremy's side, her tail curled around herself.
Torterra laid beside Jeremy and his other Pokémon, his massive form and large tree providing shade for them. He was too big to snuggle up against another Pokémon, but his massive body no less welcome.
Pikachu lay curled up; napping quietly on Jeremy's chest while the boy stared up at the clouds.
He had come here directly after leaving the Pokémon Centre, as was his goal. Jeremy had spent the past few hours and a bit with his Pokémon and playing catch and taking in all the sights. Especially the ancient village that remained from the first settlements of Hearthome City almost a thousand years ago.
Stalwart protectors of their ancient histories; stone-carved bastions of history.
Now, after a long day and a good meal—Jeremy packed a lunch for everyone—Jeremy and his Pokémon decided it was time for a nap.
A lot had happened that day that had earned a good rest for everyone. But Jeremy was the proudest of Pikachu.
Today the Pokémon decided on whether or not it wanted to stay in his Poké Ball.
Before Pikachu had gone back and forth between in and out, young, and fickle as he was, but today when Jeremy tried to make it return, Pikachu refused. In fact, Pikachu refused so vehemently that he had run off to the hills above the park where a majority of the buildings were.
Jeremy chased the Pokémon, with Staravia and Luxray at his side—as Torterra was too large to move quickly or into small spaces—and even had to maneuver through some tight and often dangerous spots.
Finally, after twenty minutes of chasing Pikachu through the foothills above Amity Park, Jeremy arrived at what seemed like a massive stone temple. He didn't notice much about the inside, though what he remembered was a pearl, diamond and some other unidentified crystal displayed around an unidentified metal-forged figurine.
There were three little crystals surrounding the larger ones, but before Jeremy could get more in depth about what that meant, he saw Pikachu standing in a corner.
The Poké Ball it had stolen was gone—Jeremy assumed it was now in the small crack in the floor where Pikachu was standing. As Jeremy stood over the crack in the ground, he sighed, knowing he'd never get that Poké Ball out now.
"Well, I guess you're stuck outside of your Poké Ball now, huh?" asked Jeremy, hands on his hips, "Are you proud of what you did?"
But Pikachu only stared at him cutely, and with a happy smile. "Pika!"
Jeremy sighed again and couldn't help but laugh.
From there he returned to his Torterra, now resting by a small pond.
Pikachu on his shoulder, Staravia above him and Luxray at his heel. And that was exactly how Jeremy ended up where he was now.
He enjoyed bonding with his Pokémon today. Especially during the games, they placed in the central gardens.
Torterra rolled over by accident and ended up crushing some flowers.
After turning him back over amidst the stares of onlookers, Luxray ended up getting into a fight with some Combee, which only brought Staravia into the fray—as Staravia strongly disliked Bug Pokémon—and that was a whole other fight Jeremy had to break up.
This was just before Pikachu ran off with his own Poké Ball.
Now, as Jeremy lay there after an afternoon of fun, he couldn't help but let his mind go towards his future as a Pokémon Ranger.
That's truly what he wanted to do, but he hadn't had the time to actually sit down and think, step-by-step about how he was going to get there. He had dreamt about it plenty of times before, and he had a vague idea about how this was going to go down, but he had never really taken the time to plan it out.
Now as Jeremy took the time and did what he should've done a long time ago, he realized how unprepared he was. He wasn't prepared to take the test. He didn't even know where or when the test was.
Jeremy wasn't prepared for the hours of physical training it would require to become a Pokémon Ranger. They needed to be exceptionally fit, so they could go through rescue situations easily. The stamina required to become one was almost ridiculous.
Jeremy wasn't unfit or anything, in fact he was scrawny with enough muscle to accomplish what he needed, and he had an okay amount of stamina, but it definitely wasn't Pokémon Ranger stamina.
Even Sam, an annual worker at a Pokémon Ranch didn't have a Pokémon Ranger's stamina.
But most of all, Jeremy wasn't prepared to leave his friends. He knew he would have to, but Jeremy never really thought deeply into it.
Jeremy didn't realize that it meant he may never see them again, or if he did, it would be briefly.
Until the day he retired or moved up high enough that he could choose which missions to take, he would be restricted to go where he was instructed. If Sam and the others were there, that'd be great but there was no guarantee that would happen.
And even on his down time and off time, Jeremy would probably stop by home as often as he could to check on his family—tracking down Sam, Niya and Alyssandra would probably take up most of that time anyway, as sad as it was.
Jeremy sighed and closed his eyes, letting the feelings of parting wash over him. He needed to prepare himself and numb himself to it.
"I need to," whispered Jeremy to himself, "I'll have my Pokémon, and I can call my friends and family. These are my dreams and to be a Pokémon Ranger is my goal. I'm not giving up on that goal…I'll take the good with the bad, but no matter what it means I must sacrifice…I'm going to be a Pokémon Ranger."
Sam stared at the Hearthome City Gym, Niya at his side.
Sam was here to book his next Gym Battle with Niya's Aunt Fantina. After a deep breath, Sam walked through the sliding glass doors and looked around at the gym.
It was gloomy, and dark, and the only light was the single light hanging from the high ceiling. It looked almost like a haunted house, with a thick layer of mist hanging over the floor of the gym, and small boulders and patches of grass growing here and there over the battlefield.
Upon close inspection, however, Sam came to learn the small boulders were in fact, tombstones. It gave Sam a small chill to think about.
"It looks just like it did when I trained here as a kid," smiled Niya, with the look on her face that of a man returning home after many years of being away.
Sam didn't have a chance to respond as suddenly all of the lights shot on, then shut back off again.
Jumping up, Sam almost missed a single light coming back on and an explosion of mist as a tall woman with styled purple hair, thin features, pale skin, purple eyes, and lipstick in a large, pink ball gown erupted from the oncoming fog.
Sam thought she was a ghost at first but noticed Niya smiling as she recognized the woman.
Niya rushed forward and gave the woman a hug, which the woman returned heartily.
"Niya, my darling," she spoke proudly, as if Niya was a long-lost child finally reunited with her mother.
The woman spoke with a slight accent. It wasn't too thick that she was inaudible, but it was heavy enough to be recognizable. She sounded a lot like the vampires Sam used to see in those old black and white movies he'd watch as a kid.
Her voice was also a little deeper than Sam expected for a Top Coordinator, but the world was full of surprises, much like this gym.
This was Niya's aunt, Fantina Konstantinova.
"I'm great Aunt Fantina!" cried Niya happily, "I haven't been to any Contests lately, but I've been passing on all of your teachings on how to be a Trainer and a Coordinator to my friends."
Fantina gave Niya a proud look, a look Palmer and Sam's grandfather had often given Sam while he was growing up and had figured out something in a Pokémon Battle or that they were trying to teach him faster than expected.
When the student became the teacher and repaid the teacher's hopes for their students and replaced those hopes with pride.
"I have heard," said Fantina, pulling away from the hug.
She looked over at Sam. "You are the prodigal Accardi I have heard so much about," stated Fantina loudly, circling Sam like a majestic purple peacock. She strutted and glided; she did not walk.
The whole time she sized Sam up like he was an opposing rival looking to push in on her territory.
"You have strength in you, and I have heard stories of your skill from many. From other Gym Leaders, and Palmer, and even the Champion herself, yes…" said Fantina finally, breaking the awkward silence, she had created, "My niece's teachings are not vasted on you…but you are not strong enough to face me yet!"
Sam felt affronted by that statement. "Says who?" said Sam, slightly insulted, "I can rip through your Pokémon like no tomorrow. You just watch me, I'll have you beat in five minutes."
"Your cockiness is all I need to see," sniffed Fantina, turning away from Sam snobbishly, her dressing swishing as she did, "Your victories have made you think you are bigger than you truly are. You over estimate your strength. You are not ready yet to face me."
Sam continued to feel insulted, but even still he dared not make a bigger outburst than what he had already made. Insulted as he was, he wasn't impulsive in front of those he respected, and as much as she angered him, Sam respected Fantina.
Niya gave Sam a look, as if to reassure him that she agreed with her aunt, and when Niya gave that look, Sam knew it was true.
"What must I do before I'm ready to fight you?" said Sam, again breaking the silence.
Fantina remained turned away, but replied to Sam. "You have learned to hold your tongue," she smirked, "But you are still not yet tame."
Sam remained quiet still, waiting for the answer he so desired. "You must know defeat," she said simply, "Vhen you have been defeated by Maylene of Veilstone City or Crasher Vake of Pastoria City and can return to them and beat them aftervards. Only vhen you have learned vhat defeat feels like, you may stand before me again and issue me a challenge. Surely my niece has taught you the importance of defeat?"
Niya looked away embarrassed; she hadn't taught Sam that. Or Alyssandra. And for this she earned a stern look from her aunt.
"That vas vun of the first lessons I taught you," she scolded, "And I taught it to you harshly. Pokémon Battles and Contests are not all about vinning. They are about knowing vunself! You cannot truly know yourself until you lose. You should have taught them sooner. Vhy have you not done this yet?"
Niya looked away from her aunt and avoided eye contact at all costs. Mumbling to the floor she responded. "I was hoping to get to that part of the lesson when it happened."
Fantina sighed and turned back to Sam, finally facing him. "I see you too still must learn," she said finally to Niya.
Looking hard at Sam, she gave a smile. "Do not think I dislike you, my dear," she said, bending down to look at Sam in the eyes. Her heels made her tower high over Sam. She was a tall woman to begin with, but the heels only accented her height. She placed her gloved fingers under Sam's chin and gave him the warmest of smiles, "I am rooting for you, and I am vun of the many who truly believe in you. I believe in you as I believe my niece. But you are not perfect, so I shall make you perfect!"
Sam couldn't help but smile. "Thank you. I do appreciate the time you're taking to help teach me right," responded Sam sincerely. Fantina nodded and Sam continued. "What am I supposed to do all day then?" he wondered to no one in particular.
He knew Niya was going to stay behind and catch up with her aunt, but Sam no longer had anything to do.
He wasn't going to disrupt Jeremy's Pokémon bonding time, and he wasn't going to get involved with Lyss's stress cramming—not unless he wanted to be yelled at or attacked occasionally.
"You can spend the afternoon thinking of vays to voo your voman into loving you," said Fantina stiffly.
Sam was taken aback again, but when he realized what she meant, he blushed. "I guess you know too, huh?" asked Sam.
Fantina laughed. "My dear, half of the Pokémon League knows, I am sure. Maybe even half of the Sinnoh Region. It is not a secret, and even if it vere, you are very obvious—though extremely shy. You are not unlike your uncle in endeavors of the heart."
If Sam had been drinking anything at that moment he would've spit it all up again. "I what?!" he asked in shock.
Fantina smiled. "Your uncle never told you?" she asked, bewildered that Sam had never heard of their apparent love for one another, "It vas many years ago. Vee vere both still children. You see, vhen I vas a girl, sixteen or so, I came here to compete as a Pokémon Coordinator. It's how I made money, vhich I sent back to my family. It's also how your father and mother were able to afford to come here too, Niya."
As Fantina spoke of the past, her glory days as a Coordinator, she spoke with a nostalgic gleam in her eye. "Vhen I first met Lou, he vas a handsome young student at Sinnoh University. He vas only eighteen then, but he vas definitely a mature man. Vhen our eyes locked, I vas coming out of the contest hall, and he vas valking home to his apartment; it was like magic."
"So, what happened?" asked Sam intently, and even Niya wanted to know how she and Sam almost became related.
"Vell, vee dated for many years, though it took your uncle several months to be able to ask me out, but he eventually did, and I said yes," continued Fantina, "Vee vere twenty-four and twenty-six, and he proposed to me, suddenly. He said he meant to do it earlier—that Luciano vas alvays very shy. Vell, anyvay, I said yes. But a few months before our vedding vee called it off."
"Why?" asked Niya, "Didn't you two love each other?"
"Oh yes," smiled Fantina in a warm and kind way, she seemed like she still was in love with him, "But vee came to realize, vee vere so young, and vee vondered, vhat vere vee doing? Vee decided to go our separate ways, for our careers and before we did anything foolish…I vent on to become a Top Coordinator and a Gym Leader, and he became a part owner and operator of the Accardi Pokémon Ranch here in Sinnoh. But…this story does have a happy ending."
Sam, enthralled in the story, leaned in closer to hear more like a child wanting to eavesdrop on a forbidden conversation between adults.
"After vee parted ways, vee didn't speak for years. I met and married another man, and together vee had one child, my daughter Drasna," explained Fantina, by now everyone was sitting on a nearby bench listening to Fantina's story, "But vhen my husband and I divorced a few years ago, I felt lonely. Drasna was out on her Pokémon Journey, and I vas here alone. I had my contests, but fame and appeals are nothing compared to good company. So, I called up your uncle, and he agreed to meet me at one of my contests here in the same contest hall vee met outside of. All of these years later, he was still unmarried. The poor man, he vould have made a wonderful husband and that lucky girl vould've been very happy vith him. He's still very handsome as well. Anyvay, vhen he and I met up again, it vas like nothing changed. Eventually, vee started to go out again, and even though our jobs sometimes keep us apart, vee still get together vhenever vee can."
"So that's where he disappeared off too," said Sam suddenly as he thought back to his summers on the ranch in recent years when his uncle would mysteriously disappear for a weekend every once and a while.
"So, you're dating Sam's uncle now, Aunt Fantina?" wondered Niya innocently. Fantina nodded with a wide smile, and Niya congratulated her.
Sam soon followed, needing some time to adjust to the news. "Well," said Sam suddenly, standing up as he realized he was now cutting into Niya's bonding time with her aunt and currently absent cousin, "I must get going—though I do appreciate the story. It's been very…insightful. I do wish you and my uncle much happiness though, I'm glad he's finally met someone to make him happy."
Fantina nodded and said nothing as Sam walked out the door.
Niya called goodbye after him, and Sam responded quickly.
Getting out of there so fast was a twofold reason for Sam, the first so he would allow Niya time with her aunt, while the second was that Sam was just so weirded out by this sudden news.
He was proud of his uncle, and happy for him and Fantina too, but the thought of being related to Niya through marriage made him laugh and wonder at the same time.
It was a sudden bomb to have been dropped on him, and he needed some time to adjust to it.
"So where am I off to then?" Sam asked himself suddenly, trying to focus on his task at hand. And truly, there were a multitude of options.
He could go to a restaurant. He was pretty hungry right now, but not enough so that it couldn't wait he supposed.
He could go see Jeremy at Amity Park, but at the same time, Sam didn't want to interrupt Jeremy's time bonding with his Pokémon. A Trainer-Pokémon Bond was a special thing, and to interrupt it would be beyond rude.
"Well I guess I'm just going to have to—" started Sam, but he froze as someone tapped him on the shoulder. Turning around to see whom it was, Sam was surprised to see a young girl and a young boy, both about Jeremy's age, staring intently at him.
The girl had shoulder length black hair, with two gold facets tied into her hair, pulled back two strands behind her head where they met in the middle as a pony tail that hung over her long hair.
On her head was a white woolen hat with a pink Poké Ball design on it. She wore a white, sleeveless t-shirt under a black, sleeveless dress that had pink diamonds and slight ruffles around the hem—which itself went down to the middle of her thigh.
She had knee-high black socks and suede boots. Around her neck was a rather long, red scarf and on her right wrist she wore a pink Pokétch, while over her left forearm was slung a cylindrical bag.
The girl introduced herself, kindly and bubbly, as Dawn while the boy introduced himself as Lucas.
Lucas wore blue jeans, red sneakers, a white t-shirt, and a sleeveless black vest. On his short, messy hair he wore a red flat cap with a white and black Poké Ball. On his right wrist was a blue bracelet and, on his left, was a blue Pokétch.
His bag was worn tightly on the back, as a backpack with his arm slung through both straps.
Sam raised an eyebrow after hearing their introducing, and decided to be friendly and introduce himself, though this didn't stop him from asking who these people were.
"While I do enjoy meeting new people, and you guys seem extremely nice," started Sam, "I have no idea who you are. Though you seem to know who I am."
"We do!" exclaimed Dawn, "You're Sam Accardi! We've heard so much about you and your friends and your travels!"
Sam smiled a bit, flattered that he had become well known even out here, but then the two explained how they knew him, deflating Sam's ego a bit.
"We should probably explain ourselves, right Dawn?" stated Lucas, more trying to make a point then ask a question, to which Dawn rolled her eyes, "Dawn and I are actually Dawn and Lucas Oak. We're Professor Rowan's grandchildren."
"Grandchildren?" asked Sam, "I thought his only grandchild was Sakura?"
"Aw, little Sakura. You've met her?" fawned Dawn, "She's a cutie. I haven't seen her in so long…we should call Grandpa and speak with both of them. It's great that he's finally spending some time with her like he used to with us."
Lucas sighed. "Forgive my sister, she likes to go off on tangents."
Sam chuckled. "It's no problem, I know the type" he waved, "So you're his grandkids huh? Well, it's nice to meet you."
"Same to you!" said Lucas happily.
"So why did you guys decide to come find me here?" wondered Sam.
"Well, we just started our Pokémon Journey recently, and we were interested in seeing what you guys are capable of," explained Dawn, "I want to be a Pokémon Coordinator once the next round of tournaments starts. And Lucas is challenging the Pokémon League and just beat Roark a few weeks ago. Sam, you've already earned two badges and you're on your way to your third, but you've already got a lot of buzz going on for you in the League, and Alyssandra has won two of five ribbons, with a third coming tomorrow no doubt. And Niya, well, she and her aunt are legends in the Coordinator circles."
"Our Grandpa told us to come see you," continued Lucas, trying to clarify his sister's words, "He said it would do us good, and we'd learn a lot."
Sam smiled. "Well, we're not all here right now," he said speaking of his friends, "As you can see, we're all off doing things today, but you're welcome to spend time with me and I can tell you what I know until we all meet up again. At that point, you can talk to Jeremy, Niya and Alyssandra about their knowledge and experiences."
Lucas and Dawn nodded enthusiastically.
"Well, first thing to know about being a Trainer is—I'm assuming you've all chosen your Starters correct? I mean, I'm sure Lucas has, having beat Roark, but have you Dawn?" asked Sam, a little overexcited and also realizing he may be getting ahead of himself.
Lucas and Dawn nodded. "Grandpa sent us over the two Pokémon of our choice," explained Dawn, "I chose a Chimchar, and Lucas chose a Piplup."
Sam smiled. "Piplup eh?" he smiled, remembering when he first got his Empoleon, a little over two months ago, when he was still a Piplup, "Well, let's go over to that park and we'll keep talking."
When the threesome reached the park, they sat around a picnic table and kept talking.
"So, the first thing you need to understand about being a Pokémon Trainer is that you need to keep a close bond with your Pokémon," started Sam, "You need to use your Pokémon equally in all battles, and make sure you reward them for victories and console them on losses. Pokémon may not be humans, but they're just as smart, if not smarter. They feel and think a lot like we do, so it's always important to understand them."
Dawn and Lucas nodded, and both pulled out notepads, starting to write down all that Sam was saying.
"Do you guys have a travelling group or is it just you two?" wondered Sam, realizing he hadn't even asked them that yet.
"We have a friend, Barry," explained Lucas, "He lived in Twinleaf Town until a month or two ago when he moved to Veilstone City, so we're heading over there now to pick him up before we head back towards Eterna City, so Lucas can have his rematch with Gardenia."
Sam nodded. "Good. Friends are important when you travel, and the more the merrier," said Sam happily, thinking of his friends, "I can't tell you how many times I've been glad that my friends are there to support me and such."
Dawn and Lucas scribbled hard on their notepads, which only made Sam laugh.
"What I'm teaching you isn't that hard," he said with a chuckle, "It's simple. Just have good friends, be good to your Pokémon and trust them and you'll be fine. Oh! And keep a level head, it's important for a Trainer to keep a level head. Whether you're a Coordinator, Ranger, Breeder, or fighting in the Pokémon League. If you freak out, your Pokémon will know it and freak out too, and then you'll have a problem."
"I never knew that such small things effected your Pokémon and their performance," said Lucas curiously.
"Pokémon are very intelligent," explained Sam, "And they become very in tune with their Trainers. Eventually, it's like you guys are thinking with one mind."
Sam's thoughts went right to his Empoleon…the bond he shared with him reminded Sam of another bond he shared. Sam smiled, wondering how his friend was doing.
"That's really all I can give you," said Sam with a chuckle, "I haven't been traveling long enough to be able to give you the full crash course. That's pretty much the basics, the important stuff. Asking the others for their experiences and advice would be best; you can build on what I gave you. Moreover, Niya and Lyss can give a lot of Coordinator-related advice to you, Dawn, and as well as some Pokémon training tips."
"What about raising your Pokémon?" asked Dawn, "You have some pretty good skills as a Breeder. What do you recommend for raising your Pokémon?"
Sam smiled. "Well, it's nothing really," he said, "There's no special formula, or one specific method to raise a Pokémon. All Pokémon are different, and they all learn differently with different strengths and weaknesses and likes and dislikes, just like humans. You raise your Pokémon according to their skills, and their areas that need improvement. Also remember different Pokémon take different amounts of time to evolve and raise. Some will be easier, others harder, that all depends on their temperament, and their personality. But that you'll all learn in time—oh! One more thing! Wild Pokémon are a bit harder to train and raise that captive Pokémon."
Lucas and Dawn nodded.
"Thank you so much for the advice you gave us," beamed Dawn, "I can't wait to ask the others what they know!"
"Me either! Do you know when they'll be back?" wondered Lucas.
Sam paused to check his Pokétch. "Well, we're not meeting up till much later; later this evening. Alyssandra's probably already registered by now, the line to register was no doubt massive and she's practicing as we speak no doubt. And Jeremy's probably just started enjoying Amity Square. And I just left Niya with her aunt a few minutes ago. It's only one-ish, but I haven't had lunch yet. I'll tell you what, are you guys hungry?"
Dawn and Lucas nodded fervently, excited at the prospect of lunch. "Very well, then we'll go get lunch somewhere, my treat," said Sam happy to entertain his newfound friends.
Sam smiled, as he remembered how he and his friends were at Dawn and Lucas' age. It may have only been two years ago—a year in Jeremy's case, and three for Niya—but much had changed since then.
The gleam in their eyes, the one that came from starting a new adventure. Sam knew it well, it brought back good, happy memories of a few months ago when he, Lyss and Jeremy took their first steps together onto Route 202.
Alyssandra had forced them into it, but Sam was glad she did. It really bonded them together, even closer than they were before.
Sam wouldn't redo it differently at all.
"Long time no see, eh kiddo?" said a calm but familiar voice.
The words came out of nowhere, from behind Alyssandra, and its sudden arrival made her jump. Wheeling around, half ready to defend herself, Alyssandra was stunned and suddenly comfortable as she saw whom the voice belonged to.
"Valentina?" asked Alyssandra in bewilderment.
Alyssandra couldn't believe it, but as her sister stepped forward and hugged her, she knew Valentina was really there. Her red hair dyed blonde except for the tips of her side bangs that nearly covered her eyes entirely.
"What are you doing here?" wondered Alyssandra, completely surprised by her sister's sudden appearance, "You're usually off somewhere on Champion business, or at the Pokémon League fighting people who challenge you."
Valentina laughed. "I wasn't waiting forever for Sam to finally show up and fight me just to see you," she said with a wink, "And I felt bad that I didn't get a chance to see you myself at the Floaroma Contest. I had to leave early. How did you do by the way, did you win?"
Alyssandra nodded, even more confused than before. Since when was Valentina at the Floaroma Contest, and why hadn't any of her friends told her this? And why would Valentina not think to mention it to her until now.
"Slow down a second," started Alyssandra, trying to grasp the situation totally, "What do you mean Floaroma Contest?"
Valentina gave a small smile. "Ah, that's right, I should explain first," he said, "Come on, let's go sit down on a bench somewhere and talk this out."
The two sisters crossed the street and sat themselves on a nearby bench in the park while Trainers and families played and trained with their Pokémon.
"Where to begin?" wondered Valentina, crossing her arms, and folding one leg over the other.
"The beginning would be nice," said Alyssandra bluntly.
Valentina chuckled. "Of course," she said simply, "Well, I suppose I should start at the beginning. I attended the Floaroma Town Pokémon Contest about a month back. I heard you were competing from mom, and I just figured, why not, right? You're my sister, I have to support you."
"Well doesn't that support kind of entail you actually supporting me?" asked Alyssandra.
"Well, I supported you, only in spirit," said Valentina defensively, though still with a smile on her face.
"Why didn't you come to see me yourself then?" demanded Alyssandra. She was full of questions and she was going to ask them all no matter how long it took.
"Aha, and now here is where it gets interesting," said Valentina, the eternal smile disappearing from her face, "I overheard your breakdown. What you said about feeling like mom and dad were always comparing you to me. I understood the pain in your voice—you really don't like it. I felt bad…I felt responsible."
Alyssandra looked at her sister, and for a moment was completely stunned. It wasn't Valentina's fault she was their parent's favourite. Alyssandra may have disliked that fact, and resented it a bit, but she never hated her sister for it, if that's what Valentina meant.
"Valentina," said Alyssandra in a comforting tone, "I don't hate you. Is that what you thought? That I was mad at you because of mom and dad always comparing me to you?"
Valentina didn't speak, but her eyes said it all.
Alyssandra leaned over and hugged her. "I don't hate you," she said smiling at her sister. It was weird comforting her. Valentina was always the older one, and the position was usually reversed.
It was usually Valentina comforting Alyssandra whenever the latter had a problem or needed comforting. She was always the big sister, the one looking out for Alyssandra. Even back in school, before Alyssandra hung out regularly with Sam or Jeremy, or even Niya, it was Valentina who kept her out of trouble and stopped the boys from bugging her.
But, it had all come full circle, and now was the time for Alyssandra to pay her sister back for all those years of being there for her.
"I was stressed, and I just kind of say things when I'm stressed," said Alyssandra, "I'm so sorry. I didn't know you were there."
Valentina smiled. "Well, I still feel bad," she said with a bit of disappointment, though Alyssandra could tell Valentina was feeling better about what she had overheard, "I left early, I had a challenger back at the League…I dunno, normally I would have stayed but I guess I was a bit down from what I heard. Point is, I told Sam and the others not to say anything to you."
Alyssandra smiled. "Don't worry about it," she said as if accepting an apology, but knowing Valentina she may as well have been, "I ended up winning anyway. I kicked butt in the Battle Round, and I won the ribbon. That's why I'm here in Hearthome, I'm trying to get my third."
"Well, I knew you were here to compete," said Valentina, "That's why I'm here. I figured I'd catch this contest, the whole thing this time."
Alyssandra gave a wide grin. "I can't wait for you to see me compete," said Alyssandra with enthusiasm, "Well, that's if I can even make it past the Appeal Round. I'm confident about the Battle Round, but my Appeals need work. I haven't practiced at all lately; my travels got in the way again. I was just about to practice now though, hopefully it'll be enough to help me get by, even if it's just one round I'll be happy."
Valentina laughed. "Hanging around Sam and Jeremy has made you a slacker," she joked, "You used to be on the ball all the time, now you're procrastinating. What would Fantina say if she knew? Niya's your mentor, and she of all people should know better."
Alyssandra couldn't help but smile; her sister always did know what to say to make her smile.
"Come on," said Valentina, standing up and brushing herself off, "I'll help you train, right here in the park. Maybe the two of us can scrape together a decent Appeal."
Alyssandra thought that this was a lifesaver and couldn't have been more thrilled. Up until now, she was so worried about the contest that she was sure she was going to lose. But now that she and her sister were teaming up, she felt she had a shot.
No, she knew she had a shot.
Never was Alyssandra happier to have her sister there for her than now. And it made her feel even better that they had gotten over that minor barrier in their relationship and everything was back to normal.
Sam entered the Pokémon Centre, Dawn, and Lucas behind him. The trio was returning from a day around town, absorbing the sights and seeing all there was to see.
Sam didn't know much about Hearthome City, but he had Dawn and Lucas, two lifelong inhabitants of the city show him around, and Sam didn't regret it. Now it was late in the day, and it was time to meet up with his friends again.
As Sam entered the Pokémon Centre, a man suddenly approached him. A man wearing a tweed jacket and neatly trimmed and pressed tweed pants. His shirt was of the purest white, no doubt cotton, and he wore a black bowtie. An overcoat was slung over his arm, and his hair was pushed back beneath a bowler cap. The man was aged, and wrinkles covered much of his somewhat chubby face. He had a thick—and in Sam's opinion, increasingly over popularized—walrus mustache.
It could be none other than Mr. Donovan.
"Ah! Sam, my boy!" exclaimed the examiner as he placed his briefcase on a nearby coffee table in one of the nearby waiting areas.
"Mr. Donovan, I didn't expect to be meeting up with you here," said Sam, though he had a feeling he knew what this was about.
"Well, I tried calling here for you earlier, but you didn't pick up," explained the old man, "I was told you were out on the town, so I figured I would drop by. I seem to have come just in time! I have the results of your Breeder's Test here with me, and the others too."
Sam nodded, giving a smile. "Perfect! May I see them?" he asked, though he knew the answer.
Mr. Donovan nodded and opened his briefcase, passing Sam several thick stacks of paper.
Sam looked over all of them, perfect scores. Just like always. And with that, Sam slipped them into his shoulder bag for safekeeping. But that was just the written tests. He wanted the results of his Trainer-Pokémon Relations Test. That was handed to him next, and Sam took his time looking over this.
With each of his Pokémon he got a perfect score. Even with Gible. How he pulled that off after a near deadly disobedient streak from his Gible a few days prior was a miracle to Sam.
The Pokémon had bit down on Sam's arm and refused to let go during a training session. It took Niya and Jeremy combined to pull Gible off, and Alyssandra to distract it with a fresh piece of meat before it let go.
Thank goodness Sam was able to hide the bandaged wound from his uncle with his jacket, or there would be no living that one down.
Since the Breeder's test though, Gible had been very close with Sam, and had been very well behaved. Sam would need to start using him in battle more often now, in order to bring it up to the same level as his other Pokémon.
"And here is your new Breeder's Permit," said Mr. Donovan, handing Sam an envelope, "And the others are in there too."
Sam nodded with a small smile. "Thank you so much Mr. Donovan," exclaimed Sam. Mr. Donovan gave a laugh, told him it was no problem and after a quick handshake he was gone out the door again, back to his busy work schedule.
Sam smiled down at the sealed envelope and slid it into the inside breast pocket of his jacket.
"What was that about?" asked Dawn curiously.
"Anyone who wants to be a Pokémon Breeder needs to pass a Breeder's Test regulated and proctored by officials of the Pokémon League Organization," explained Sam.
It was a long process, but very well worth it.
"So, can anyone be a Breeder?" asked Lucas, "And what if I don't want to go large scale? Do I still need to go through this process?"
"Anyone can become a Breeder provided they can pass the test," explained Sam as he and his new friends sat down on a nearby couch in the waiting area, "But you need to know about Pokémon rearing, and herbs and the like. It's a lot of work. For smaller scale breeding operations, you still need a license, but if you want to carry more than six Pokémon on your team, a Breeder's License is required. Though, alternatively you can get a Breeder's Apprenticeship License, which allows you to carry an extra two Pokémon on your team at once for a total of eight, and only a written test is required as opposed to a written and Pokémon-Trainer Relationship evaluation. Of course, to get an Apprenticeship license you need to have a registered Breeder recognized and licensed by the Pokémon League to mentor you before it's submitted for marking in order to verify if the applicant is worthy of the apprenticeship."
Dawn and Lucas were about to respond when in through the front door came Jeremy, Pikachu sitting on his shoulder, happily enjoying the view and life outside of its Poké Ball.
Sam walked over to Jeremy, the two acting like they hadn't seen each other in years.
"How was your day?" asked Sam.
"Pretty good. Amity Square was fun, how about yours?" wondered Jeremy in return.
Sam explained how he had been refused a battle with Fantina because he wasn't ready, and how he spent the rest of the day with Dawn and Lucas Oak. "I see you have Pikachu out of its ball, is it finicky still?" asked Sam, noticing the yellow Pokémon sitting happily on Jeremy's shoulder.
Jeremy shook his head. "Nah, Pikachu actually decided to stay out of its Poké Ball, permanently. Truthfully, it's going to have to stay that way from now on," said Jeremy with a smile.
"What do you mean?" asked Sam.
"It ran off with its Poké Ball and ended up dropping it down a hole somewhere and I can't get it out," laughed Jeremy, causing Sam to laugh along, "But if that's what Pikachu wants, I don't mind."
Sam nodded, agreeing with Jeremy's decision, but as he went back towards Lucas and Dawn, Niya entered the building, with a girl a several years older than her, whom Sam could only imagine was Drasna.
Drasna was tall, standing at about five feet, ten inches, an inch taller than Sam. She wore long, black stockings that went to the middle of her thigh over which she wore knee high boots. She had a white, long sleeve that had a low-cut neckline revealing another black t-shirt beneath the first. A frilly black miniskirt and a black knitted choker completed her outfit. Her hair was long, brown, and wispy, with small strands flowing everywhere in front and behind her.
"So, you're Sam and Jeremy, right?" she asked, her voice kind and full of whimsy, "I'm sure you've probably already guessed who I am, but for those who don't know I'm Drasna. Fantina is my mother and Niya is my darling little cousin."
Niya rolled her eyes at the last part, causing Sam and Jeremy to hold back laughter. "How much older than Niya are you exactly?" asked Sam.
"I'm twenty-two," said Drasna, "And in training in the Johto Region to be a Dragon Pokémon Trainer."
Jeremy and Niya looked at Sam, remembering that his grandfather was once a Dragon Pokémon Trainer, and a master at his craft too.
Sam tried not to notice everyone looking at him as he responded. "Johto? Does that mean you're training under Claire?" he wondered, knowing that Claire was a world-renowned Dragon Pokémon Trainer, and her cousin Lance, a celebrated Dragon Pokémon Trainer himself, was an Elite Four of Kanto's Indigo League, and Champion of the Johto League.
It was said Lance's family were the guardians of the Dragon Cave in Blackthorn City—where Claire was Gym Leader—and had been for hundreds of years.
Drasna nodded in affirmation. "Yeah," she said happily, "She's my master. She's a bit strict but it's all for the best. Just like how mom was on Niya."
"Or how Niya is on Lyss and Sam," added Jeremy, with a small laugh.
Everyone laughed along, but it was true. Niya was strict when it came to training, and though the training wasn't always easy, it was well worth it and paid off in the end.
"So how was your day together, Niya?" asked Sam, realizing no one had spoken to her since her and Drasna had walked in together.
"It was great!" said Niya happily, genuinely looking happy and excited, "We haven't seen each other in two years, and you have no idea how great it was to see her again. She's either off training in Johto, or I'm at a Pokémon Contest somewhere."
"I'm glad to hear you had fun," said Jeremy, joining the new conversation, "Have you seen Lyss anywhere?"
Jeremy brought up a valid point, no one had seen or heard from Lyss since earlier today, and she was always the first one back after days like this even during cram sessions.
The Contest Hall and park Alyssandra said she was going to be training in was just down the street, so what was keeping her?
But of course, no sooner had they mentioned her name than did Alyssandra walk through the door, causing everyone's jaws to drop as they saw Valentina walk in with her. The two sisters were laughing, shoving each other playfully and reminiscing of old times.
By the time they had finally reached the group, they had just noticed that everyone had gathered.
"Hey!" cried Lyss, jumping forward and hugging each of her friends, "How are you guys? How were your days?"
Alyssandra stopped to pet Pikachu on the head, causing the yellow Pokémon to jump from Jeremy's shoulder to Alyssandra's. Even Valentina patted him gently between the ears, giving Pikachu an Oran Berry that she pulled from her bag.
Pikachu cried with delight and left Alyssandra for Valentina's shoulder—and her Oran Berries—and everyone explained their days to Lyss, Valentina and Drasna silently watching on as the friends reunited.
"You guys don't get a lot of time apart, do you?" joked Valentina, her arms crossed, watching the scene unfold before her.
Everyone laughed, though it was obvious they didn't. It was kind of hard to get time apart when you were travelling together all day every day.
Valentina then turned to Drasna. "Nice to meet you!" she said in a friendly tone, "We haven't met yet, I'm—"
Drasna cut her off with an excited smile and an extended hand. "I know who you are," said Drasna, "I'm Drasna, it's a great honour to meet you."
Even though she was older, Drasna still treated Valentina like a celebrity, but of course the League Champion was just that. Being one of the strongest Trainers in one's region, not to mention the youngest to hold that title, did that to a reputation.
Valentina shook Drasna's hand with a smile. "There's no need to treat me like I'm famous," she said, waving her hand like it was no big deal, "I'm just another person. Actually, I came here to see my little sis compete in her Contest tomorrow, and I figured I'd help her train, because boy did she ever need it."
Everyone laughed, and even Niya joined in, though Alyssandra raised an eyebrow with crossed arms, causing everyone to laugh more.
Suddenly, Sam remembered Dawn and Lucas, and motioned for them to come over. "Hey guys, I have two people I want you to meet," said Sam as he brought Dawn and Lucas into the Centre of the gathering, "This is Dawn and Lucas Oak. They're Professor Rowan's grandkids and Sakura's cousins. I met them today while walking through the city, and they told me they had questions for us about how to have a proper Pokémon Journey."
"Really now?" asked Alyssandra with enthusiasm.
"I hope you didn't ask Sam anything," joked Niya, "He doesn't know anything. He once tried to battle inside of a cave."
"And he also thought it was a good idea to jump in front of a rampaging Garchomp," added Jeremy.
"Hey!" cried Sam defensively, "If I hadn't done that last one you'd be dead right now."
There was a silent pause, and everyone laughed again, including Dawn and Lucas as Jeremy stood there with an embarrassed smile.
"If you guys still want to ask us questions, feel free to," said Niya with a smile, "In fact I encourage it, especially since Valentina and Drasna are here, and they can add even more than me and my friends could."
"All right," said Dawn, smiling away at all of these friends.
Lucas was silent, more than likely due to nerves, but he looked excited too.
"What's say we do this after dinner though?" asked Sam, "I'm hungry, and Dawn, Lucas and I haven't eaten for a few hours; and it's close to dinner time. What about you guys?"
Everyone else nodded, realizing they hadn't had anything to eat in a while. In agreement that food was the new goal, the massive group walked towards the door.
"Where to?" asked Niya as she filed through the narrow door way, made smaller by the many amount of people trying to get out at once.
"I heard there's this great sushi place down the street," said Drasna, "It's brand new. Mom kept talking about it, I've been meaning to try it."
"Oh! Atsumori Sushi?" exclaimed Valentina, "Go! I went there a few months ago, you won't regret it."
"Sweet! You guys okay with sushi?" asked Sam, to which everyone agreed.
Even Pikachu gave a happy. "Pika!" now firmly stuck on Valentina's shoulder, waiting patiently for more Oran Berries.
As they walked down the street to the sushi place, Valentina slowed her pace, pulling Sam back with her.
"You really did those things?" she asked with a laugh, the two now walking a bit behind the rest of the group.
Sam smiled, scratching the back of his neck, laughing nervously.
That was admittance enough for Valentina, who gave a big laugh, and patted Sam on the back. "If you keep doing stupid things like that you're not going to live long enough to ask my sister out."
Sam only blushed, not responding causing Valentina patted his shoulder again, this time in a reassuring way. "Though I've got to say, congrats on the Garchomp thing," she said, "Not a lot of people would do that, even for a friend. It must've taken a lot of guts, and apparently you saved his life doing it."
Sam smiled, and he and Valentina rejoined the group, and as he did, something pinged in his head.
"Oh! Guys! I almost forgot," he said, the group pausing to watch Sam rummage through his inner jacket pockets only to pull out an envelope.
He tore it open and pulled out several plastic cards and handed one each to his friends; one for Niya, Jeremy and Alyssandra, and finally slipping the last one into his wallet.
"What are these?" asked Jeremy, looking at the card with wonder, noticing his name on it.
"They're Breeder's Apprenticeship Cards," explained Sam, "My uncle Lou and I had you guys registered for them before we left the ranch, that way you could carry up to two extra Pokémon beyond the six Pokémon limit."
Niya looked at Sam with a raised eyebrow. "I don't remember writing the test for it," she said worriedly like she had missed something.
"I wrote them all for you guys," laughed Sam, the group beginning to walk again, "My Uncle and I managed to pull some strings and have them mailed in instead of proctored directly by Mr. Donovan. I wrote for you, so we could keep it a secret and get it done before we left the ranch. Because it's an Apprenticeship Card, you don't need to do a Pokémon-Human Relationship test, just a written one. And my uncle and I signed the tests to confirm you guys as our apprentices and show that you're worthy of the apprenticeship. Mr. Donovan came by today to give me these and the results of all the tests. Perfect scores on all of them, thank you."
Sam's friends thanked him for the permits, though still thoroughly confused as to why they had these cards.
"So, what are we going to do with the ability to carry two more Pokémon?" asked Jeremy, still confused.
"That, my friends, is part two of the surprise," Sam explained, "And that will all be revealed later. For now, let's go to dinner!"
Everyone nodded in agreement and they continued the walk towards the sushi house.
The night was spent laughing and eating, sharing stories, experiences and advice with Dawn and Lucas and even each other. A night spent with more than just the four of them was rare, and always welcomed. It was just another chance to spend time with "family" and family. And that was something that was precious to everyone.
