Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 21: Floaroma Contest

"Alyssandra's second contest was a spectacle to behold. I never managed to be on time for another one after that—something always seemed to get in the way, I don't know why...but it was truly an amazing experience. When I saw her walk onto stage, I could see that she understood how I felt when I battled against Roark. I could see that to her, this was the single most important thing in her life—just like the Sinnoh League was mine. I was proud of her—and it didn't hurt seeing her in that beautiful dress I got her in Jubilife City; that was a bonus."

Niya combed through Alyssandra's hair with a brush as the latter sat, nervously chewing her nails as she prepared for the appeal portion of the Floaroma Contest.

"I can't believe it, why did I ever get involved in these contests?" groaned Alyssandra, "I should have stayed a Trainer and just taken the league challenge. Sure, I wouldn't have made it, but at least it wouldn't have been as nerve wracking as this."

"So how many contests did you say it took for the nerves to go away?" asked Sam as he watched Alyssandra break down in front of him.

Normally he wouldn't have been allowed backstage, but this time he managed to swing for the backstage passes early enough.

Niya shrugged. "I'm not sure," she responded, "Everyone's different. I was never nervous—although I should have been. I had a lot more riding on me than Lyss here. My Aunt Fantina is a Top-Coordinator."

"I know the feeling," said Sam, "My grandfather was like a god among men when it came to battle. I had to contend with that against Roark."

"You guys just don't get it!" shrieked Alyssandra, "I have to contend with Enzo and Valentina!"

"I don't understand what's so bad about them," said Sam as he shook his head, "I would love to have siblings who I could compete with."

"Hey, siblings aren't all they're cracked up to be," said Jeremy, "My brother's a pain in the butt sometimes—believe me, be thankful you're an only child."

Niya rolled her eyes at the two boys and continued Sam's train of thought for him. "I thought you were closer to your siblings than this?" added Niya, "You always seemed so bonded."

"That was before they went off on their Pokémon Journeys," responded Alyssandra.

"I still don't get it. Is there something I'm missing?" asked Sam, "Because I'm lost."

"Ditto," added Niya.

"Me too," piped in Jeremy.

Alyssandra sighed and took her hairbrush from Niya's hands, then turned to face her friends as she brushed it herself. "I suppose we have enough time before my appeal for me to explain," she said slowly.

There was a long pause where Alyssandra stopped to think, the brush still running through her long, brown hair. "You guys are right," she started off, "I do love my siblings, all of them; even the little ones. But I don't love living in their shadows—especially my younger brother's!"

"So, you're jealous of them?" asked Jeremy, "Why though?"

"I never said I was jealous!" said Alyssandra defensively, shooting a glare at Jeremy, "I'm proud of them, I really am! I just...I feel left behind. Ever since Valentina became Champion of the Sinnoh League by beating Cynthia she also became one of the most powerful Trainers in the Sinnoh Region."

"That's usually how it works," joked Sam, a small smirk crossing his face. He couldn't help it but shut his mouth quickly as Alyssandra glared at him and Niya elbowed him in the ribs.