Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 38: The Hiker Brothers

"Thank goodness for the kind people of the world. If it wasn't for the Hiker Brothers, we would've been lost in Mt. Coronet forever. Some people are just meant for the wilderness, and these three brothers were more than prepared. They were born out in it, but despite their years of experience that far outnumbered anyone I've ever met since, they were more than willing to help others who weren't as prepared. They found each of us and brought us back together, then led us out of the winding, dark tunnels. They were even so kind as to help escort us all the way to Hearthome City after. The Hiker Brothers were so kind to us, and every time we met them on our travels, we were more than happy to share our supplies, sleeping area, food, or water, and even travel with them for a few days. They truly became lifelong friends—we still stop by and visit them at their main cabin in the Survival Area every chance we get."

Alyssandra and Sam sat on rocks in the middle of the cavern. Having just packed up their tent, they were now looking for something they could eat.

They may have slept for a while—or maybe not, they couldn't tell the time while in the caverns—and while it wasn't exactly comfortable, but it was better than nothing.

Their Pokémon were resting in their Poké Balls by now, wishing to return there shortly before Sam and Alyssandra packed up the tent.

Alyssandra and Sam had a lengthy guessing game about what was so special about the inside of a Poké Ball, to the point where they decided to find out one day.

Sam and Alyssandra had taken to eating anything that could be eaten raw, and there wasn't much. A little under a half of loaf of bread was really all there was.

Jeremy carried the food, as he always did, and whatever Alyssandra and Sam had was only enough to feed them one meal, even if rationed.

The only thing they had in abundance was Pokémon food, and Sam wasn't eating that any time soon.

"We should get going, huh?" asked Alyssandra as she shouldered her bag, biting deep into her sliver of bread.

Sam nodded. "Jeremy and Niya aren't going to find themselves," he said, "Besides, the longer we stay here the longer it'll take to get out."

With that, Sam and Alyssandra gathered their things, and began to leave their makeshift camp.

But it wasn't long before they stopped, frozen in their tracks as they heard a shuffling around in the darkness ahead of them. Their flashlights couldn't shine far enough for them to see what it was.

Alyssandra stood brave, but Sam could see she was worried. Even Sam was afraid of what it might be.

Was it a Pokémon?

Was it the curse?

Was it another adventurer?

Whatever it was, Sam was prepared to take it on, regardless of how he currently felt. He was willing to do whatever it took to protect his friends.

"Who's there?" called Sam, yelling into the darkness.

There was no response, but the shuffling grew louder and closer, as whatever it was came closer and closer to where Sam and Alyssandra stood.

"Answer me!" cried Sam, "I'm not afraid to fight."

Suddenly, a large figure appeared out of the darkness. The dark caves still partially shadowed it, but it seemed to be human, though it was much larger than an average human.

Sam raised his fists but lowered them as he heard a heartened laugh echo from the figure.

It walked forward, and the figure was revealed to be a man.