Ash's Little Sister

Opening Ceremony

Riolu, Mudbray, and I rush to eat our breakfast, eager to get to the Opening Ceremony. As soon as we're finished, we bolt to Kabu's Arena. I stop just before pushing the doors open.

"Can I really do this?" I bite my lip.

"We're endorsed by the second strongest Trainer in the world. What if we let him down?" Mudbray presses herself to my leg.

"Mudbray!" My heart pounds. Mudbray's emotions wash over me. I can feel that she wants to comfort and reassure me. I sigh and push open the door. I stride up to the front desk, trying to emanate the aura of confidence that Ash wears like a cloak. The man behind the counter greets me.

"Good morning. Are you here to sign up for the Gym Challenge?" I nod.

"Yes, I am." He smiles.

"I'll need to see your Letter of Endorsement please." I pull out my letter, handing it over. The man skims it.

"We've only ever seen Leon endorse three Trainers. Consider yourself lucky." I nod.

"I do." He types into the computer.

"What number do you want on your uniform?" I think. Ash's number was 314. I grin.

"313 please." He types it in.

"Gym Challenger 313. Please wait for the Opening Ceremony. Your uniform will be ready shortly." I settle down on one of the benches. Riolu climbs in my lap and Mudbray seats herself next to me. A red haired girl beelines toward me.

"Hiya! I'm Holly Duskringer." I smile politely.

"Sapphire." Holly's eyes look me up and down.

"You look really familiar. What's your last name?" I shake my head.

"Don't worry about it. My name isn't that important." A voice rings through the air.

"Hey, Saph!" I curl in on myself.

"Oh no." Ash jumps into the seat next to me.

"You ran out so fast that I didn't get the chance to walk you here." I look up to see Holly staring at Ash in complete awe.

"You're Ash Ketchum, the most famous Pokémon Trainer in the world." Her gaze shifts between the two of us, comparing the way we look.

"You guys are siblings, aren't you?" I wrap my arms around Riolu for support.

"You hit the nail right on the head." Ash throws his arm around me.

"Yep! This is my sister, Sapphire Ketchum!" I resist the urge to stomp on his foot.

"Ash!" He tilts his head, confused.

"What? I'm trying to help you make friends." My face flushes.

"I don't need friends. I have my Pokémon." I feel a presence behind me, and turn to see Leon. He puts a hand on my shoulder.

"A good friend or rival can help you grow stronger, Sapphire." I hang my head.

"Not you too." I look around at all the Gym Challengers, every single one of them staring at me. I can hear them whispering amongst themselves. My hearing sharpens, and soon I can hear even the quietest of whispers.

Seems like she's the one to beat.

I didn't know Ash had a sister.

What is she doing with Leon?

She's probably weak.

Does she think she's better than us?

The whispers grow louder and louder. I cover my ears, trying to block them out.