~ Chapter 40 ~
Hearthome City, The Contests Heat Up
"Alyssandra's contest today saw a lot of firsts for her. She met her first Pokémon Coordinator friend who wasn't travelling with us. Her name was Marion, and she was a young girl from the Hoenn Region. She wasn't a professional, and in fact, she learned a lot from Niya whenever we met up with her for Pokémon Contests, but she was talented, and she was always there to help support Alyssandra when our words wouldn't get through. Marion almost cost Alyssandra her Hearthome Ribbon, but despite that, having Marion around also gave Alyssandra someone to compete against, someone to make her strive to always get better. Another first? Alyssandra met her version of a Richard Lestrange. Anastasia Les Stranges—no relation—but that's not what you'd think at first glance. That girl was horrible, and even though she was never a match for Alyssandra in terms of skill, that didn't make her any less of a hurtle, or any less of a rival."
"If I ever become friends with that girl, slap me," huffed Sam as he crossed his arms.
Jeremy nodded. "Agreed," he added.
Jeremy and Sam weren't too tall, about average height for their age, about three feet six inches, with short black hair each.
Sam was tanner than Jeremy, and Jeremy was a bit scrawnier than Sam, but they still could have passed as twin brothers—even despite their age difference, with Sam being six, and Jeremy, five.
Today was their first day of a new year of Pokémon Trainer's School. For Jeremy it was the first day of his first year, but for Sam it was the start of his second year.
The two stood in the schoolyard leaning against a wall waiting for the bell to ring.
Sam and Niya had just had one of their usual disagreements. Sam was friends with Alyssandra—well, friends was a strong word. Sam's grandparents were good friends with Jeremy's parents, Alyssandra's parents and, unfortunately, Niya's parents.
It was the only reason Sam ever started speaking to any of them. All because the four families got together when Sam and his grandparents had moved to Twinleaf Town four years ago.
Apparently, it all started when Jeremy, Niya and Alyssandra's families were trying to be neighborly. And ever since the four of them were kids they were usually forced to play together.
Sam didn't mind spending time with Jeremy, and hanging out with Alyssandra wasn't so bad, but Niya was just infuriating. Her and Sam always argued, and they never got along. According to Niya, Sam wasn't good enough to hang around Alyssandra, he was just a goofy kid, and she was "a whole year older."
"Stupid age difference," grumbled Sam, "Stupid Niya. If she weren't a girl I'd hit her! But grandfather taught me to never hurt a girl…and sadly, Niya counts."
Jeremy remained silent, just letting Sam vent to no one in particular. "What do I have to do to prove to her that I'm good enough to hang out with Alyssandra?" huffed Sam again.
This frustrated Sam, because he kind of liked her, a crush? Is that what it was called? Sam never really understood it, but he had heard some of the older kids talk about crushes.
All Sam knew was that he felt all jittery on the inside when he was near Alyssandra, and he blushed, and did whatever she asked. It was weird, but Sam didn't mind too much. But every time Sam started enjoying Alyssandra's company, Niya would come in and snatch her away.
The school bell rang suddenly, echoing across the yard.
Most kids sighed, or went "Aw", some grunted and others remained silent, unhappy that their playtime was over, and school was about to begin.
Sam froze, causing Jeremy to turn and question him. "Alyssandra isn't here," said Sam looking around the school yard, "She's always one of the first inside the door. I didn't see her this morning."
"Maybe she's late?" wondered Jeremy, who began to get nervous as he saw that most people had already gone inside for class, "Come on Sam, we're gonna be late."
Sam shook his head. "No, she's never late. I'm going to go look for her, cover for me please?" Sam said with a grit and determination, dashing off around the side of the school, he didn't even hear Jeremy call out to him as he began his self-given mission to find Alyssandra.
He didn't have to look long, for as soon as he turned the corner, he could see her.
Alyssandra stood there, young, and innocent, and very quiet and shy. She usually didn't say that much, but everyone always seemed to understand her. She was the same age as Sam, but was a few inches shorter than him, with shimmering green eyes, and long brown hair. She wore a simple yellow dress today, and white shoes.
But what she wore and how she looked wasn't foremost in Sam's mind right now.
Sam wasn't sure what was going on, but Alyssandra looked scared, and some kids who were at least a year or two older than her surrounded her on all sides. There were three of them.
Leaning up against the corner, Sam listened in, trying to see what the conversation was about. "That's the little De Rossi brat?" asked one of the kids smugly.
Another one nodded silently in confirmation.
"You know what your big sister did to me?" asked the kid, glaring down at Alyssandra with crossed arms, "Huh?!"
Alyssandra jumped back, afraid, clinging to a Buneary doll. But the boy who had questioned her didn't find it cute, and ripped the doll from her hands, tearing the arm off as he threw it behind him, letting it land in the nearby garden.
Alyssandra's eyes filled with tears, and she reached outward for her doll, wanting to go and rescue it but was blocked by the leader of the three boys.
He pushed her back and screamed at her. "She beat me in a Pokémon Battle!" he screamed, "She humiliated me and my friends, and then afterwards when we tried to get even, she beat us all up!"
"W-why are you doing this?" sniffed Alyssandra, "I didn't do anything to you guys."
Her voice was barely heard over the sounds of life and nature, she was so scared and timid.
"We're going to get even with your sister, and we're going to use you to do it," said one of the boys. The boys grabbed Alyssandra by the hair and threw her to the grown, she was crying now, sobbing as her tears hit the grass.
"Say you're sorry!" yelled one of the boys, "And you go back and tell your sister to stop being so smug!"
"You think you're better than us?!" called another.
That was it for Sam; he jumped out from behind the corner and ran, full speed towards the boys. He managed to blindside one of them, ramming his shoulder into the leader, and sent him to the ground.
Sam then turned towards the other two, and by now they had realized he was there and started to retaliate.
Sam didn't have time for them.
He lifted his leg, kicking the left one in between his legs, and then ducked down and bit the other boy's ankle.
Turning back to the leader, Sam threw himself on top of him and started to punch at his head. Everything was a blur, and all Sam could feel was anger and rage.
Never before had he felt angry like this, but here he was, wishing death upon these boys and hurting them like he was going to be the one to do it.
Sam's victory didn't last long, as the other boys recovered and dragged Sam off their leader, throwing him to the ground.
The leader got up, throwing a kick to Sam's ribs. The other two boys held him down and the leader put his heel into Sam's stomach. Their leader knelt down and punched Sam in the face next, and Sam could feel his eye start to swell, as well as his cheek.
But Sam's torture didn't last much longer, as Jeremy came running around the corner, screaming.
"Don't touch my friend!" he roared as he jumped over Sam into the leader of the boys.
The two followers got distracted, and Sam took the time to break free. Standing up, Sam punched one boy, and as one came out to punch him, Sam grabbed his opponent's arm, and sunk his teeth deep into it. Sam could've sworn he tasted blood.
The boy let out a wild howl as Sam turned to Jeremy, watching him and the leader scramble.
Sam joined the fray, taking a moment to turn to Alyssandra. "Run!" he called, and the girl, still crying and confused, did as she was told, dashing towards the front of the school.
The fight continued, Sam jumping on the leader, helping Jeremy.
The two followers came back soon; one of them hit Sam in the gut, retaliating for Sam biting his arm earlier, while the other one kicked Jeremy in the side.
But the fight didn't last much longer at all, as Alyssandra, Niya, Valentina and Markus Alexios ran back around the corner with such a brisk ferocity Sam thought they were running a marathon.
As soon as they saw Professor Alexios, the fighting stopped, and everyone stood up, looking ashamed of their actions as their teacher and Head Master stood before them.
After a long lecture about fighting and skipping class, Professor Alexios herded off the three boys who were attacking Alyssandra but warned Sam and Jeremy he would be back for them soon and to wait there.
Sam gave a smug smile as he the boys were dragged off, and turned to Jeremy, giving each other a high five.
"That was great," laughed Jeremy.
"A bit painful," added Sam as he rubbed his face, "But great. That was awesome, the way you came around the corner and jumped on them like that."
"Well, if you weren't losing so bad I wouldn't have had to save the day," laughed Jeremy.
Sam laughed along, but Valentina ended their libations; putting her hands firmly on her hips and clearing her throat sternly. Ashamed once more, Jeremy and Sam bowed their heads.
"What the hell were you guys thinking?" she scolded, "You could've been seriously hurt. They were older and taller than you. You should've gotten a teacher."
"We know," sighed Jeremy and Sam in unison.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault," admitted Sam, "I didn't see Alyssandra go to class at her usual time. I got worried…I don't know, I went searching for her. But when I saw her being attacked by those bullies I just—"
"They saved me, big sis," said Alyssandra shyly from behind her sister. "I was so scared, but Sam and Jeremy helped me escape."
Valentina looked down at her sister, and then let out a sigh. "You're lucky my sister brings up a good point," said Valentina, turning back to Sam and Jeremy.
"But that doesn't excuse you from being stupid and almost getting yourselves killed," she added, making sure the boys knew what they did wrong, "Thank you though. You helped my sister, and I appreciate it."
Sam gave a smile from ear to ear, and so did Jeremy, adding a chuckle onto it.
Just as Valentina, Niya and Alyssandra turned to go, Sam stopped them, calling out for them to wait. He ran over to the garden and picked up the Buneary doll, brushing off most of the dirt, and handed it to Alyssandra slowly and cautiously, like she was some wild and strange animal.
She was still clutching the missing arm tightly, but she almost forgot the doll in the dirt.
"You almost forgot this," said Sam, as he passed the doll to Alyssandra.
Alyssandra nodded silently and blushed a bit as she took the doll. "T-thank you," said Alyssandra.
And with that, the girls left, leaving Sam and Jeremy waiting for Professor Alexios to return and bring them to the office for a day of interrogation.
And so, it went, as they spent the day explaining their stories to Professor Alexios, writing out their part in the altercation on stupid pieces of purple paper.
By the end of it, Sam and Jeremy had spent the day joking around in a room to themselves and had missed a full day of class.
Professor Alexios decided that the boys, the three who had attacked Alyssandra, would be suspended for a week, while Sam and Jeremy would be sent home at the end of the day but be given detention for two hours after school for the rest of the week.
Apparently, what they did, while noble, was still considered fighting on school grounds and needed some form of punishment.
It was a fair trade off, though when it came time for Sam's grandparents and Jeremy's parents to pick them up after school it would be a whole other form of punishment.
Jeremy was taken home right away. His mother immediately started looking over his wounds with worry while his father scolded him on the importance of not fighting in school and being a good student. Though his father did recognize the noble reason behind Jeremy's outburst and commended him for it, the commendations were soon replaced with more scolding.
Jeremy would be grounded no doubt, Sam too, once his grandmother caught wind of it.
But alas, the school had no doubt called home, and of course, with Sam's luck, both his grandparents came to get him, instead of just his grandfather like normal.
His grandmother didn't look happy, but his grandfather looked as if Sam had just become League Champion.
"Look at my battle hardened young man," smiled Sam's grandfather, running forward and patting Sam on the shoulder, tousling his hair, "You're a true warrior now. And doing it all for a girl; you're a smart kid. I've taught you well."
His grandmother's response was less than understanding. "Aurelio don't applaud him for this," she said sternly, giving him a sideways glare, "He was fighting on school grounds, and he missed a whole day of class! What would possess you to do such a thing? And dragging Jeremy into this too?"
"Well isn't it obvious Nancy?" asked Aurelio, still beaming proudly, "He did it because he likes this girl, and personally, if she grows up to look anything like her aunt—"
Aurelio was cut short by a hard glare from his wife. "One comment, Aurelio. One more comment."
That was enough to keep Sam's grandfather quiet, but it did put a smile on Sam's face.
"And what are you smiling at?!" continued Sam's grandmother, "You're the one in trouble here!"
Sam was grounded for the next week and would not doubt spend the rest of it being scolded by his grandmother. Probably the next two, in reality.
His grandmother and grandfather bickered back and forth, peppering the conversation with congratulation, and scolding for Sam and his actions.
So, it would go, Sam was sure, until he got home, and probably until he went to bed…or graduated from Pokémon School. Or beat the Pokémon League…nope; he was never living this down.
Sam's grandmother started to lead him out of the school when Sam froze, watching Niya and Alyssandra turn the corner. "Um, grandmother," said Sam gently, trying not to instigate any kind of angry response, "Can I say goodbye at least, please?"
There was a pause from Sam's grandmother, and with a hesitant sigh, she allowed it, but warned Sam not to be too long because she would be waiting outside.
Sam agreed, and walked towards Niya and Alyssandra. "Are you okay?" he asked, and that was the first thing out of his mouth as soon as he reached her.
Alyssandra nodded shyly, blushing again.
Niya looked down at Sam, her light brown hair tied into a long ponytail. She had green eyes, just like Lyss, neatly pressed jeans, and a green blouse with red sneakers.
Sam was expecting an insult from Niya, but instead, he received a smile.
"You're okay in my books, you and Jeremy," she said happily, "After what you did today…I know you'll be good friends with Lyss, just like I am."
Sam looked at Niya with confusion, "I—what makes you think I wasn't before?" he wondered.
Niya shrugged. "Boys are dumb," she said simply, "I just wasn't sure if you guys were or not, but now I know you're not so…sorry, I guess."
Sam nodded, smiling back at Niya. "Thanks, and it's fine," he said.
"So, do you want to hang out some time?" she wondered, "I know we sometimes get together because our families are friends, but I mean, why not actually be friends, right? Especially after today."
Sam nodded. "I'd like to," he said happily, "But uh…I don't know how long I'm kind of grounded for the next week, so I'll let you know when?"
Niya nodded. "Cool," she said plainly.
Sam and Niya nodded again, shaking hands, and with one final goodbye and a smile at Alyssandra, Sam ran from the school towards his grandparents.
That was when friends became great friends; life-long friends who were inseparable.
Sam opened his eyes and found himself staring up at the bottom of Jeremy's bunk.
Rolling over, he saw Alyssandra and Niya had left already, no doubt early in the morning to meet up with Drasna and Valentina at the contest hall to prepare for the contest that would happen later that day.
Sam smiled softly, as he remembered his dream. It was more of a memory, actually. He had dreamt of the moment he and his friends went from acquaintances to what they were now, like family.
Sam yawned and dragged himself out of bed, walking over to the armchair by the window and threw on his white t-shirt. He turned back towards the door, slipped on his shoes, and paused.
Doing a double take from the door to Jeremy's bed, he noticed that Jeremy wasn't there, and the bed was fully made and Jeremy's stuff sitting neatly on top of it.
Sam shrugged, wondering if maybe Jeremy had gone downstairs already. He was a big boy now, and he could handle himself.
With a second shrug, Sam walked from the room and down a nearby elevator towards the lobby.
Sam was about to pass through it when he paused, and then turned towards the video phones. He might as well call home, and maybe a few other people.
Sam checked his watch. Breakfast ended downstairs in about ten minutes, though that was perfectly fine with Sam.
The chef had recently retired at the Pokémon Centre, leaving Nurse Joy to attempt to fill in until a new one could be hired. Albeit unsuccessfully. This food was dangerous to put to your lips and could possibly shorten your life, often burnt or just bad tasting. Most patrons opted to eat out for their meals, to which Nurse Joy was grateful—she disliked cooking, and it showed.
Sam chuckled to himself and whistled a tune as he punched in the number for his house.
His grandmother was supposed to be leaving for the Hoenn Region soon, and he wanted to speak with her before she did. The phone rang and after several moments, the black screen turned on and Professor Rowan was smiling right at Sam.
"Ah, Sam, good morning!" he said with grin, "It's quite early to be hearing from you, but then again it is a busy day. I assume Alyssandra and Niya are already at the Contest Hall preparing for today?"
Sam nodded. "Yeah, they met up with Valentina and Niya's cousin, Drasna this morning," explained Sam, "They took my cheque book too…something about needing a new dress and stuff, I don't know. I don't get involved with the girls and their needs."
Professor Rowan chuckled and scratched his jaw. "Oh yes, wise choice," he agreed, "Though I'm not sure giving them your pocket book was so wise…but, you did agree to finance this trip, and I know how you feel about Alyssandra."
Sam didn't even blush at this anymore; it was no surprise to him that, so many people knew. If Fantina knew, what shock was there was Professor Rowan knew? Especially since he was an old family friend and lived at Sam's house.
"Yeah…" admitted Sam truthfully, "I just—I don't know. Ah well, not the point right now! I met with your grandkids yesterday, Professor Rowan."
"Oh, I heard! They called me last night, rather late too," smiled Professor Rowan, "They said they spent the day with you and last night you all went out for dinner. I heard you gave them a lot of good advice. Lucas and Dawn have so much confidence in themselves right now. I'm so thankful you spoke to them. Believing in yourself is great but help from others always goes a long way."
Sam nodded at Professor Rowan's wisdom. He had a great point, as Sam wouldn't have been able to achieve a lot of what he had without his friends, family, or even his Pokémon supporting and believing in him.
"Well, I suppose you want to speak to your grandmother, now," said Professor Rowan, always knowing the true reason Sam had for things, "I'll pass you over then, but before I go, I want to give you some advice. Telling a girl how you feel about her isn't as big as you think. It's like removing a bandage, it hurts a bit at first, but it's even worse if you do it slowly. You just need to rip it right off. And at worst, you can always have Jeremy do a bit of liaison work like I did for your grandfather."
Sam and Professor Rowan laughed; Jeremy and Sam had the same kind of relationship as Sam's grandfather had with Professor Rowan.
"You miss him a lot, huh?" asked Sam, not even knowing where the question came from.
Professor Rowan gave Sam an emotional smile, somewhere between nostalgia and sadness. "Aurelio was like a brother to me. He was my best friend for sixty years," said Professor Rowan, "We were each other's confidants, rivals, and wingmen. After I helped him get Nancy, he helped me get together with my darling Emma."
"Emma?" asked Sam, again, not knowing where these questions were coming from.
Professor Rowan gave Sam another one of his looks, this time definitely more sadness than nostalgia. "She was my wife, as I'm sure you could guess," said Professor Rowan gently, "We were married shortly after your grandparents were. Emma and I had four beautiful kids together and were married for forty-five years. She passed away from sickness five years before your grandfather did, and at that point I found myself travelling around the regions to study Pokémon, because being in Sandgem Town was too painful. And then when you grandfather passed on, and I decided to move to the Kanto Region for a bit of fresh air and a change of scenery. There, in Kanto, I studied with my cousin, Professor Samuel Oak. I do miss them both terribly but seeing you and your friends on your Pokémon journey makes me so nostalgic and very happy."
Sam didn't know what to say, there was only silence. Sam never knew that this was what was beneath the rough exterior of the old Professor. He always seemed so strong; so solid and stalwart. Silent and confident, but never would Sam have guessed he was sensitive, but then again, he had only known Professor Rowan in depth for a few months now, and he hadn't known about any of this before.
"I'm really sorry for your loss," said Sam gently, trying to ease Professor Rowan's sadness in some way, but no sooner had Sam said it did Professor Rowan give a smile and laugh a bit.
"I'm sorry for pushing all this on you my boy!" he chuckled, "Come, I'll get your grandmother. She's upstairs packing, in the meantime, speak with Palmer, he's been over here making faces at me from behind the camera since I picked up. He's dying to talk to you."
"Palmer's there? All right, I'll speak with him!" Sam never turned down a chance to speak with his hero.
It was just like him to sit there yanking on Rowan's chain while he was waiting on his turn to speak.
Professor Rowan and Sam said their goodbyes, and Palmer's burst onto screen, his wild blonde hair and long, green trench coat standing out amongst all his features. "Hey there kiddo," laughed Palmer with a wild enthusiasm, "How are you?"
"Not bad, how about you?" returned Sam.
Palmer shrugged. "I heard you decided to battle in a cave like the old man. Nice going, a bit too dangerous for my tastes, but not bad."
"Not bad? I almost got us killed!" laughed Sam, "And what do you mean too dangerous? You're the guy who once had a battle on a crumbling mountain cliff."
"Yeah but we were using Flying type Pokémon, so there was no real danger," explained Palmer defensively, his arms crossed, "Did you win at least?"
Sam shook his head. "We never got a shot in," said Sam a little disappointed, "Nothing decisive anyway."
"Ah, well maybe next time," winked Palmer, "So where are the others?"
Sam explained that the girls were off preparing for Alyssandra's contest while Jeremy was off…well, somewhere.
Palmer nodded in understanding and placed his hands behind his head. "So, are you participating in the Hearthome Battle Tournament tomorrow?" he asked.
Sam looked confused, he'd never heard of this tournament.
Palmer looked at Sam as if he was crazy and began to explain. "It's one of the biggest tournaments in the eastern Sinnoh Region, and definitely the most important in Hearthome City," said Palmer with excitement, "It's great! There's three days of festivals to commemorate the start of summer, and the tournament happens on the first day. Anyone can enter so long as you have two Pokémon. I really recommend you and your friends join. It's great practice for your Gym Battles, and it's loads of fun. I'd be there myself this year too, but I need to go with your grandmother to the Hoenn Region…and shame too, Cynthia is going to be there."
"You mean former Sinnoh League Champion Cynthia?" asked Sam in amazement.
She wasn't the Champion anymore, and hadn't been for two years, but she was still pretty big in the Sinnoh Region. She was an old friend and student of Professor Rowan, and even helped him and Professor Oak develop the Sinnoh Pokédex. Not to mention she had been the object of Palmer's affection for many, many years, and also that of Alder, the Unova Champion.
Beautiful and brave, that's what Palmer always said about Cynthia, but she refused to marry for many years and even to this day refused most men who came to her.
"Well if I see her, I'll let her know you say hello, all right?" said Sam, reassuring Palmer in a friendly way.
Palmer laughed. "I guess Cynthia is my Alyssandra," he joked, "Though I've told her how I feel many times, and even still she says no."
"Thanks for the confidence," retorted Sam, to which Palmer and he laughed.
"Ah don't worry, you'll be fine," waved Palmer, "I had the chance and let it slide, and it was my fault. Now I'm paying for it; that's not the same case with you."
Sam nodded and before he could respond his grandmother appeared, and Sam and Palmer said their farewells.
"Hello Sam!" cried Sam's grandmother cheerily, "I was just upstairs packing, and you know how long us women take to pack. How have you been? Where is everybody?"
"I'm good grandmother. Jeremy's off…somewhere, and the girls are with Valentina and Niya's cousin Drasna buying dresses and preparing for Lyss' contest, so they're not here right now," explained Sam for the third time.
Sam's grandmother gave him an all-knowing look. "You're paying for the dress, aren't you?" she said with a small smile.
Sam said nothing, but his grandmother already knew the answer. She chuckled and wiped her glasses. "My boy, I know you rarely spend your money, but at least ask a girl out first before you give her your cheque book," laughed Nancy, "Even your grandfather dated me once before showering me in gifts. The man always did love to get me things—even if I told him not to. He was always so sweet."
Sam nodded, remembering how his grandfather used to be. Always bringing his grandmother flowers when he came home after a day of fishing at Lake Verity or just a visit to Professor Rowan, and then the one time when Sam was very young, his grandfather had brought home a young Poochyena, which Sam's grandmother ended up naming Fang.
Fang was now at the Kanto Ranch with his uncle; he was getting restless and bored laying around the house, so Sam and his grandmother agreed he needed to be in a place he could run free, even play with other Mightyena.
He had been gone for about a year, and hopefully Sam would be able to go by one day and visit. He did miss the Pokémon; the two had grown up together after all.
"I won't take too much of your time then," said Sam's grandmother, "I'm leaving for Canalave City in a bit, where we'll take a boat to the Hoenn Region. And I'm sure you have things you need to take of before Alyssandra's contest."
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" asked Sam, worry starting to fill his voice. He cared for his grandmother, and at seventy-seven she wasn't exactly the youngest person in the world.
But Sam's grandmother would have none of it and raised an eyebrow at her grandson. "What did I tell you before?" she huffed, "I'm quite all right. I'll be perfectly fine. Professor Rowan and Palmer are coming with me, and that should make you feel better."
Sam sighed, looking down at the tiled floor with a laugh. "Yeah, I guess," he agreed, "Have fun and be safe."
Sam's grandmother gave him a look. "Oh, look who's talking," she pointed out, causing Sam and her to laugh.
They said their goodbyes, and with that, Sam prepared to leave the Pokémon Centre. As he made for the door he froze, almost running into Jeremy and Pikachu, the latter of whom was running in front of Jeremy, pausing every few feet to make sure his Trainer had caught up.
"Woah!" cried Jeremy, jumping back just in time to avoid a collision, "Careful there Sam, you're going to bulldoze people if you don't watch where you're going."
Sam laughed. "Welcome back Houdini, and you too Pikachu," he joked, which earned a smiling "Pika!" from Pikachu.
"Where've you been all morning?" wondered Sam.
Jeremy wiped the sweat from his brow as Pikachu ran up his shoulder and rested atop his head. "Out on a run and a bit of a work out!" exclaimed Jeremy, sweat pouring down his cheeks and his face burning pink.
He looked so tired and so happy at the same time.
"I realized yesterday, that I don't have the endurance or fitness to be a Pokémon Ranger. I'm tough, sure, but I'm not that tough, not yet. So, I've decided to start training my body to prepare for the Ranger's test. And Pikachu's joining me, helping to motivate me!"
Sam looked at Jeremy, proud and happy for his friend. "You really want this huh?" asked Sam.
Jeremy nodded with such fervor and a passion, and that was all Sam needed to know he meant it. "You better get some rest, both of you. We have a few hours until the contest, which should give you enough time to regain your energy," said Sam kindly, "I'd also shower; don't worry about food I'm going out for breakfast now, I'll bring you back something, all right?"
Jeremy smiled, exhaustion setting in on his face and Pikachu's.
Sam returned the gesture and the three of them parted ways for a bit, Sam heading out towards a diner down the street.
He wondered what happened to Dawn and Lucas after dinner last night. They were staying at a friend's while they were in Hearthome City, and they were leaving in the morning, so Sam supposed he would see them whenever they turned up next.
Sam hoped he and his friends had given them good information about going on a Pokémon Journey. Sam wanted to make sure the two kids were prepared to face the harsh world out there. He doubted they'd have as many misadventures as Sam and his friends did, but as far as he could tell, the world was unpredictable, and Dawn and Lucas needed to be prepared for everything.
It was better than being lost in a cave for a day and a half until three mountain men came to find you by stroke of chance.
Sam chuckled to himself, entering the sliding door of the diner and sitting himself down at the counter.
"What'll it be?" asked an older waitress from behind the counter.
"Whatever the special is; two of them, one to go—and a coffee" shrugged Sam, and with that the waitress disappeared into the kitchen, shouting out orders to cooks.
"Only a few more hours," said Sam to himself, looking out the nearby window to the contest hall that stood above the city like a beacon.
"Why do we need to keep our eyes closed?" asked Sam, groping blindly for a wall to use as a crutch.
"Piiiika?" wondered Jeremy's Pikachu as well, its eyes having been blindfolded by Niya before being returned to Jeremy's shoulder.
Niya's hand came out of nowhere and grabbed his hand, pulling him forward; at least he thought it was Niya's. Sam really couldn't be sure, and for all he knew it could have been someone completely different whom he'd never known.
He, Jeremy, and Pikachu had been blindfolded and walked over to the contest hall by Niya and Drasna while Valentina put the finishing touches on Alyssandra's hair.
They wanted the reveal to be perfect, and also a secret.
As the three boys were brought to a halt, he could hear Alyssandra speaking.
"All right guys take off the blind folds and tell me what you think."
Sam and Jeremy removed the black cloth blindfolds and were faced with Alyssandra looking like had never looked before. She stood there, in knee high brown suede boots, and a red and white satin dress with crème-coloured silk layers, shaped like rose petals starting at the waist; layered over another.
The white and red areas of her dress were decorated with white satin flower stems. The sleeves were long and wide brimmed, and while it had a collar, her upper chest was revealed by a part in the dress.
Around her neck was a black collar necklace with a velvet rose at the end. There was a matching hair band in her up-do haircut, though the rose was much larger. She looked stunning.
"You look great!" said Jeremy truthfully.
"Pi-Pika! Pikachu!" agreed Jeremy's Pikachu, running over to Alyssandra, and jumping on her shoulder from where he nuzzled his cheek against hers.
Only prompting Valentina to feed him an Oran Berry again—not doubt his ulterior motive behind these acts and his main goal in the first place.
Meanwhile Sam couldn't bring himself to say anything, he was lost for words. Alyssandra was so stunning, and Sam couldn't even say it himself.
Valentina, Drasna and Niya were standing behind Alyssandra, smirking at him, or snickering quietly. At least, Niya and Drasna were, but Valentina at least had the decency to look away and smile.
Sam's face went red as he locked eyes with Alyssandra. "How about you Sam?" she asked with a giggle and a spin, "How do you think I look?"
"I—well," stammered Sam, trying to find the words, "I guess my money was put to good use."
Valentina face palmed and Sam, realizing his mistake, corrected himself quickly—after much more stuttering. "I mean that in the best way!" he cried, "You look amazing; really beautiful—the most beautiful person I've ever seen!"
His face went red again and Niya had to step into the nearby change room to let her laughter go.
Even Pikachu was finding this funny, forcing Jeremy to put his hat over Pikachu's head, covering much of his face until the laughter subsided.
Valentina only sighed and gave Sam a look that told him he was over doing it.
But Alyssandra took no notice to her surroundings and walked over to Sam and threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"Thank you," she said happily, "This was all made possible because of you—you were kind enough to lend me the money to buy this dress. I'm going to wear this at the Grand Festival—if I make it—and I wanted to test it out here. I promise I'll pay you back every dollar for this dress, I just—"
Sam placed a finger on Alyssandra's lips to hush her. "Don't worry about it," said Sam happily, drawing away from the hug and stepping back to get another look at Alyssandra, "I'm just glad you're happy, and that you'll be using it. As long as it doesn't go to waste, I'm fine. Though I know it won't."
"Besides, he did agree to fund the entire trip, right?" added Jeremy supportively.
"I thought you were adamant on paying Sam back for everything?" asked Niya, her eyebrow raised and hands on her hips. She had returned from the change room, fully composed and ready to continue with this conversation.
"Well, he wouldn't let me," shrugged Jeremy, "So if you can't beat him, join him, right?"
Niya rolled her eyes, and Valentina and Drasna stepped in. "Well we're glad you guys think Alyssandra looks great," smiled Drasna, "We spent hours working on her."
The bell rang, and the announcer warned all participants that the opening ceremony would be starting soon.
"Come on Lyss, let's get you to the stage for the opening ceremony!" said Niya, "Guys we'll be back!"
Everyone cried their cheers of support and good luck and Niya and Alyssandra disappeared into the entrance of the stage.
Valentina took that time to laugh a bit. "What a time to be speechless, huh?" she said, making a verbal jab at Sam, though in a very friendly manner, "At least you recovered though."
"Yeah and not a moment too soon," giggled Drasna, "I heard you were head over heels, but that was more like foot in your mouth."
Sam let out a sigh, but Valentina gave him a reassuring pat on the back. "Don't worry, you did fine," she said in a friendly tone, "Besides, she knows you like the dress. But uh…did you really mean what you said about the money being well spent?"
Sam nodded, and Valentina gave a smirk. "Good, I'm glad you feel that way," she said, turning around, "Because that was a quarter million Poké-Yen."
Sam's face went limp, and he gave a strained look. Most items sold in shops cost a few hundred Poké-Yen, for the cheapest of items, but even so…a quarter million Poké-Yen.
Sam sighed. "I—…it went to good use," Sam sighed, not being able to say no to Alyssandra's dress.
Besides, he knew she'd use it often, and would make the price well worth it in terms of wear.
"Just uh, try not to run up bills that big anymore, okay?" said Sam as he took back his cheque book from Valentina, "And any cheque you may have taken needs to be signed by me, so good luck using them."
Sam was only joking around, but as always, Valentina had a witty retort. "Who says I didn't just copy your signature from the last one?" she said, her arms crossed.
"There's no way you know how to copy people's signatures that well," returned Sam.
"How do you think I used to get out of Battle Class my final year?" asked Valentina.
"You told us that the teachers let you out because you were that good! And you used to beat everyone with ease!" said Jeremy like he had just found out his whole childhood was a lie.
"Well I was," shrugged Valentina, "And beating everyone like nothing got boring. It's not always fun being on top. There's no one left to give you any thrill in a battle. You know how few Trainers actually make it past the Elite Four to fight me? Let alone through the entire League? And even the ones who make it can't beat me. There's no thrill in their battle style."
Valentina let out a bored sigh and blew the hair out of her eyes.
"Ah well, that's what I've got you for, right Sam?" smiled Valentina, turning towards the TV as the opening ceremonies began.
Sam looked at Valentina, even though everyone else had turned towards the TV. That was a writ of challenge. Valentina expected big things from Sam, and now he was going to have to live up to those expectations, and Sam could think of nothing better than doing just that.
"You did great!" cheered Niya after the opening ceremony, "You looked beautiful, and you introduced yourself so eloquently. I didn't know they were going to use Grand Festival Rules, so I never got a chance to prep you on them, but the fact that you could just wing it so well is amazing!"
Alyssandra smiled humbly, brushing her bangs out of her face. "I never knew they'd ask so many questions, but I did my best to answer them all truthfully as I could," said Alyssandra, "The Grand Festivals are really rigorous huh?"
Niya nodded. "It's the last chance that anyone has to appeal themselves and their Pokémon to the judges, that's why they ask so many personal questions," explained Niya as they stood off to the side of the stage, whispering as so no one on stage could hear them, and standing out of the way of the bustling back stage crew and other contestants.
"Everyone at the Grand Festival is supposedly the best of the best, so you really need to justify why you're there," finished Niya.
"Well considering they only hold contests for six months, three times a week in each city concurrently, it's a pretty cut-throat business," piped in a high-pitched voice, "They give you six months to get the ribbons, and another few months to prepare for the Grand Festival."
The two girls wheeled around, to see another young girl standing behind them. She was about a foot shorter than Alyssandra, though had to be about the same age.
She had long brown hair, that was tied back into a ponytail, but would have gone down to the middle of her back were it not. On her head was a black hairband with a pink flower on it.
She wore a long periwinkle blue shirt and shorts. Over them the girl wore a half shirt that had only a left sleeve and no right shoulder or sleeve. As well as a skirt, held together by several black straps and a golden silk belt.
On her back was a set of several pink metal rings, what for the girls could only guess, but they assumed she had a Flying Pokémon with whom these rings made a complete act on stage.
On her wrists were several blue ringlets, as well as on her ankles, which were also covered by cylindrical bracers made of pink cloth. Her shoes were golden silk.
"You seem very knowledgeable about the Pokémon Contest circuit," said Alyssandra in a friendly tone, "Have you been to a Grand Festival before?"
The girl shook her head. "Never, but my big cousin used to enter Pokémon Contests a lot when she was younger, and she was pretty good. And I don't have that much experience, not as much as you do, Niya," she beamed, "I'm a huge fan, forgive me! I just heard you guys talking about the Grand Festival and I just…I don't know, I thought it was the perfect chance to come and meet you."
"Do you have a fan in every city?" asked Alyssandra of Niya.
Niya simply shrugged and shook the girl's hand kindly. "I'm glad to see my reputation proceeds me," said Niya, flattered by the girl's compliments, "Truthfully as a Pokémon Coordinator your reputation is one of the most important tools you can have. It's what got me into the Wallace Cup without an audition or performance review."
Alyssandra looked at Niya with both eyebrows raised; she had never heard that part of the story before. Then again, it made sense. If anyone found out they might accuse Niya of getting special treatment and buying her way to victory in that competition.
"I never knew that," said the girl with amazement, "That's so cool! Can I get your autograph?"
Niya blushed. "Well, I mean, I'm not really a celebrity," she said sheepishly, "It wouldn't feel right."
But the girl insisted, and eventually Niya agreed and signed the girl's ribbon case, causing the girl to squeal as fans often do.
"I'm sorry, but do you think I could get your name?" asked Niya suddenly, realizing the girl had not even told her that.
"Oh! I'm so sorry! I'm just so in shock from meeting you, and my mind is all over the place!" exclaimed the girl with excitement, "I'm Marion! I'm from Verdanturf Town in Hoenn!"
"Well it's nice to meet you officially," joked Niya as she shook Marion's hand again, "Have I introduced you to—"
Marion continued Niya's sentence for her. "Alyssandra De Rossi, winner of the previous Floaroma and Jubilife Contests," said Marion, now fan-girling over Alyssandra, "Known as Lyss by her friends, the younger sister of the Sinnoh League Champion, Valentina De Rossi, and is currently learning to become a Top Coordinator under your tutelage. She just started out and hasn't lost a match yet! Her Pokémon team consists of a Piplup, a Shinx, a Lopunny and a Cherrim!"
Alyssandra blushed nervously. "I didn't know I had a fan following," she said shyly, "To be honest I try not to stick out too much unless I need to. I don't even know what I really did to earn your respect—"
"Oh, not just me!" interjected Marion, "There's a whole group of young competitors that look up to you!"
"Really now?" asked Niya with a smirk, "Well there goes the reputation lesson I was saving for tomorrow. And here I wanted to expand on what I said earlier. Oh well, I guess I can't complain."
"I suspect some foul play with those wins," sniffed a snooty blonde girl as she waltzed around the corner with flair, "Did you buy your way to the top with Accardi money?"
The three girls looked over at their new "friend" with distaste, and Niya even shot her a glare. The girl stood there with her blue eyes glaring hard at Niya, Alyssandra and Marion, and her blonde hair parted into two knee length ponytails.
The girl simply shrugged. "I wouldn't be surprised," huffed the girl, "Talent is so hard to find these days. No one can compete with Les Stranges talent."
"Who?" asked Niya cattily, "Never heard of you guys."
The girl glared back at Niya, taking her comments as a personal affront. There was a silent stare down between Niya and this new girl, and in that time Alyssandra took an opportunity to examine the girl's outfit.
Truthfully, it wasn't incredibly standoffish like her attitude was, but it wasn't too plain either. She wore a pleated, plaid skirt that went down to her mid-thigh. Knee high black and white striped stockings with calf-high leather boots. She also wore a black blouse with short, ruffled sleeves and a red tank top over it with six, big, golden buttons sitting decoratively on the front.
In the collar of her blouse was a white bow, and on her head, was a red fisherman-like hat.
It was schoolgirl classy with a countryside flare.
The girl wasn't that tall either, about the same height as Marion, maybe even a bit taller.
But she was older, perhaps Valentina's age. No, definitely Valentina's age.
"I'm Anastasia Les Stranges," sniffed the girl again, raising her nose to the sky. "My family has been in the Coordinator game since my grandmother. We've even won a few Grand Festivals. We're the best of the best when it comes to Pokémon Contests, I don't know why other people bother to compete. But I guess there always needs to be losers to get second and third and what not."
"You seem awful sure of yourself," noted Marion sarcastically, her hand on her hip.
Alyssandra could tell Marion wanted nothing more than to strangle Anastasia with one of her metal rings right now.
"Please. These contests are just a formality for my family," she said with a bored tone, as she played with her finger nails, "The Grand Festival Cup is going to us. There's no doubt about it—just like always."
Niya continued to glare hard at the girl, and finally broke the silence with her own choice words. "Don't expect to win this year you little brat," hissed Niya with rage, "Lyss here is going to kick your butt to Hoenn and back! You watch!"
Anastasia let out a condescending and cold cackle as she walked away. "Good luck with that losers," she said as she walked off towards the waiting area, "Just because she has a Konstantinova helping her doesn't make her any better. There's no talent in your family either!"
And with that, the girl was gone just as fast as she had appeared, and Alyssandra and Marion were holding Niya back with all their strength to prevent Anastasia from being murdered behind the stage of a Pokémon Contest.
When Niya was finally under control and calm again, the three girls prepared to return back to their group of friends and introduce them to Marion.
"So, who was that girl?" asked Alyssandra, mostly to Niya.
Niya shrugged. "I wish I knew," she said, "I feel like I should too! The name sounds so familiar! All I know is that I want to pop her stupid blonde head off of her stupid little body!"
Marion just smiled nervously and changed the subject to the Appeal Rounds and what she had planned for her Pokémon, which was apparently a Swablu.
Something to do with the rings Marion was carrying and magic tricks. Alyssandra wasn't paying full attention so she didn't know much of what Marion or Niya talked about at all. The whole walk back towards Sam and the others, Alyssandra could think only of Anastasia and her words.
Accardi money, she said, with a lot of distaste. Did she know the Accardi family? Was she one of their rivals? And the Konstantinova family; she mentioned them too, and she spoke about them as if they were vermin to her.
Talentless she called them.
This Anastasia knew the Accardi family and the Konstantinova family, and apparently didn't like either of them. And then there was what Anastasia said about Alyssandra, and how she got to the Hearthome Contest.
Using Accardi money for bribes.
She never bribed a judge, and the only thing Accardi money ever bought her was food, sometimes a place to sleep, and her outfits, and even then, it was rarely!
The rage began to boil in Alyssandra.
This girl, Anastasia, had just insulted Alyssandra and two of her closest friends, and Alyssandra wasn't going to stand for it all.
It took a lot for Alyssandra to become this fired up about something, but Anastasia had fit the bill and pushed her buttons, and now Alyssandra was on the warpath.
Anastasia was going down.
The contests were heating up, and so was Alyssandra.
