Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 3

"The decision was made, and our destinies set. Everything we were about to encounter for the rest of our travels for the next several years had been set in motion and engraved in stone.

It was too late to turn back, thought that was probably for the best. Alyssandra was right, had we gone back it would've been harder to leave.

The morning we started out on our adventure I was still a little homesick, despite my best efforts, but it was what happened that day that kept pushing me forward. The knowing that I would encounter something new and wonderful just like that every day...and it was all because of that one Starly. This Pokémon had changed my life from the moment I met it..."

* * *

Sam poked at his eggs then rolled some sausage around in his plate.

He didn't have much of an appetite; he was too preoccupied with his thoughts about what he was about to undertake. Just yesterday he had received his first Pokémon from Professor Rowan-a Piplup-as had both of his friends. Together they had all decided that they would go on their Pokémon adventure together, right from Sandgem Town, and although Sam had agreed, he still had his doubts.

Sam felt bad about leaving his grandmother, but he could always get one of the family to go take care of her if she needed it. Professor Rowan and Jeremy's mother had promised to look out for her while he was gone as well. And yet, Sam still felt regret and a longing to return home.

Perhaps it was just fear; a fear of not being able to achieve what his grandfather had, or to live up to the family's expectation.

From what Sam heard, the Accardi side was known for producing great trainers as well, and Sam's other grandfather was a family legend, even so many years after his passing, people didn't stop comparing Sam to him.

"You okay?" asked Alyssandra. She gently placed a hand on Sam's arm. "You haven't eaten a single thing."

Sam sighed. "I'm just not hungry. I know I have no reason to be, but I feel guilty for leaving so suddenly like this."

"Don't worry, Sam," reassured Jeremy. "Your grandmother seemed proud of you when we called her yesterday, remember? You seem to really be fulfilling her hopes for you by becoming a Pokémon Trainer."

Sam gave a small smile. "I suppose." He knew his grandmother wouldn't want for anything if it really came down to it. The family was rich, and Sam was happy to share his wealth with her if she needed.

Sam then looked over at his friends. He realized that if they were going to be travelling together, and to do that they would need to trust each other. Trusting meant no secrets, meaning they needed to know about Sam's family.

"Can I confide in you guys?" Sam asked apprehensively. There was a hint of reluctance in his voice.

Alyssandra rolled her eyes. "No, we've only been friends for eleven years," she replied sarcastically. "You can't tell us a thing, nope!"

"Please, Sam," said Jeremy. He waved his hand dismissively. "You need to have more faith in us than that. Whatever it is you can tell us. Are you still nervous about leaving?"

"No, not exactly," said Sam.

"Well, then, what is it?" asked Alyssandra. "You can tell us anything."

"Well," started Sam. "You need to promise to not judge me or anything all right?"

"We promise," replied Jeremy and Alyssandra in unison.

"All right, well," started Sam. "My family is rich, and so are my grandmother and I. We own a series of successful Pokémon Ranches throughout all the regions. My grandmother and I receive monthly stipends from the ranch due to our shares in it, and I'm next in line to take over the business."