Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 36: The Family Business

"I introduced the group to the family today, well at least to my Uncle. My Uncle Lou, named after his father's father, Luciano. They spent the day on the farm learning how to be Pokémon Breeders and ranchers while I retook my Breeder's test—that darn license can be a pain sometimes. But even though I only got to spend a half a day with my friends and my Uncle I was able to enjoy what time I did spend with them. And hey, Professor Rowan was right, the gift my Uncle had for me was one of the best gifts he could have gotten. I have never been more thrilled in my life when I saw what he got me. Overall, a good day."

The group looked out at the vast amounts of land that made up the Accardi Pokémon Ranch and were fascinated with what they saw.

Fields as far as the eye could see, and definitely farther, covered in fences and Pokémon from all over the Sinnoh Region and beyond.

"Wow, this place is huge," said Jeremy as the group passed beneath the wooden arch that labelled the entrance.

"So, this is where you used to spend your summers?" asked Alyssandra in awe, "This is amazing."

Sam nodded, a wide smile brimming his face. "I loved it here," he said, "You can see why; all the wide-open space. Plus, there's nothing like spending a summer with a bunch of Pokémon. Breeding is in my blood—naturally I loved it; still do."

"So, where is the homestead?" asked Niya, "I don't see one."

Sam laughed. "This place is forty-three thousand acres, and it's another twenty from here to the homestead."

"So how are we supposed to get there?" asked Jeremy with a frown, "I don't feel like walking all the way there."

Sam motioned for the others to follow him, and he walked towards a wooden stall that looked like a pay station for a toll road. The station was attached to a small shed; old and wooden and riddled with holes. A short bald man sat sleeping at a desk inside of the booth.

Sam knocked on the frame of where the door would be, and the man at the desk shot up.

"How can I help you?" asked the man as he stood up, knocking over his chair.

He turned around and fumbled to turn it back up again, then combed the remainder of his hair over to the left and fumbled over towards the group.

Sam chuckled and shook his head. "Still falling asleep on the job, eh Hunter?" asked Sam.

Hunter looked down at Sam, his eyes squinting as he tried to examine his face. "Well, I—you see...you...Sam?" he asked. Hunter jumped back, he was smiling wide and then pulled Sam into a big bear hug. "Look at you! You grew!" exclaimed Hunter, "Ha-ha and these must be your travelling companions, right?"

Sam nodded. "They are."

"I take it you've decided to go on a Pokémon Journey then?" asked Hunter, stroking his toothbrush moustache. He was a large man with a wrinkled and purple face. Age and exhaustion definitely covered it. "I mean, I'd heard whispers—but I'm just a guide and a gate guard. I don't hear much beyond that."

"It's true," said Sam, "And yes these are my friends. Alyssandra, Jeremy and Niya."

"Ah, you used to talk about them a lot," laughed Hunter, "So! How can I help you today Master Accardi?"

Sam waved his hand as Hunter stepped out of the booth and onto the road. He stood a whole head shorter than Sam and the others and was forced to look up at them as he spoke.

"Hunter we've been over this for years. My uncles are Master Accardi," said Sam, "I'm just the heir apparent, per say. I haven't even taken over the business yet. Please, call me Sam."