Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 11

"We set out from Jubilife the day after the Team Galactic incident. Our next stop was Oreburgh City, and my first Gym Battle. I planned to practice long and hard to prepare.

Niya and Jeremy helped me to prepare, and even Alyssandra joined in, hoping to improve her battling skills for her next Pokémon Contest. We practiced like this once a day—but don't get the wrong idea, just because we devoted most of our time to practice didn't mean that we weren't without our distractions or adventures.

You will soon come to learn—if you haven't already that is—that our adventures through the years have always tended to lead us into very...interesting situations."

* * *

Sam's Staravia took Niya's Roserade down with a swift Wing Attack.

"Good job!" cheered Niya. "Your Pokémon are almost at Gym battle potential."

"Almost?" complained Sam as he returned his Staravia to his Poké Ball.

"I'm holding you to the standards necessary to beat my Aunt Fantina. I know she's a lot higher up in the gym leader roster than Roark, but it's better to train yourself to be better than the opponent you're going up against."

Sam threw himself down on a nearby stump. "Fair enough. Can I take a break at least? If not for me, for my Pokémon; they're still tired from battling that Turtwig I caught yesterday."

Niya waved a hand. "All right, take a break. It'll give my Pokémon a chance to rest as well, plus I'm hungry. You and Jeremy can keep training your Pokémon after lunch."

Sam felt the strength come back into his legs and the two made their way down the path back towards where they had been camped.

"Are we going to keep teaching Staravia and Luxio those moves you've been telling me about?" asked Sam.

"Of course. Your Pokémon need a lot more work on them if you want them ready to use for your Gym Battle."

Sam raised a fist in the air. "I'll do whatever it takes. Staravia and Luxio may be at a disadvantage type wise, but with these secret weapons, I'll be able to even the playing field."

"Not to mention you'll have the element of surprise," added Niya. "That is the key to gaining the upper hand against your opponent in both contests and battles."

Sam beamed. "If I haven't said this before, I love that you're on this adventure with us."

"You could stand to mention it more," joked Niya. "But like I said with Lyss, I'm more than happy to help you guys out and pass on my knowledge. I've been where you guys are, and I had help when I needed it, so it's only fair I do the same for you guys."

The training spot was only ten minutes from the main camp, and the duo had returned quickly.

Sam announced their approach, and Alyssandra came out from the girls' tent to greet them. The three of them set down around a smouldering campfire.

"How'd training go today?" asked Alyssandra.

"It's going well," answered Niya. "Sam's starting to look like a real trainer and not just some kid with a Pokémon."

"Very funny," said Sam, rolling his eyes. "I take back what I said about enjoying you being here."

"That's all right. I don't enjoy your company either."

Sam gave Niya a playful shove. "So, what have you guys been doing all day since we've been gone?"

"Actually, Jeremy has been preparing lunch, and I have been scouring the nearby forest for a Buneary," answered Alyssandra.