Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 40: Hearthome City, The Contests Heat Up

"Alyssandra's contest today saw a lot of firsts for her. She met her first Pokémon Coordinator friend who wasn't travelling with us. Her name was Marion, and she was a young girl from the Hoenn Region. She wasn't a professional, and in fact, she learned a lot from Niya whenever we met up with her for Pokémon Contests, but she was talented, and she was always there to help support Alyssandra when our words wouldn't get through. Marion almost cost Alyssandra her Hearthome Ribbon, but despite that, having Marion around also gave Alyssandra someone to compete against, someone to make her strive to always get better. Another first? Alyssandra met her version of a Richard Lestrange. Anastasia Les Stranges—no relation—but that's not what you'd think at first glance. That girl was horrible, and even though she was never a match for Alyssandra in terms of skill, that didn't make her any less of a hurtle, or any less of a rival."

"If I ever become friends with that girl, slap me," huffed Sam as he crossed his arms.

Jeremy nodded. "Agreed," he added.

Jeremy and Sam weren't too tall, about average height for their age, about three feet six inches, with short black hair each.

Sam was tanner than Jeremy, and Jeremy was a bit scrawnier than Sam, but they still could have passed as twin brothers—even despite their age difference, with Sam being six, and Jeremy, five.

Today was their first day of a new year of Pokémon Trainer's School. For Jeremy it was the first day of his first year, but for Sam it was the start of his second year.

The two stood in the schoolyard leaning against a wall waiting for the bell to ring.

Sam and Niya had just had one of their usual disagreements. Sam was friends with Alyssandra—well, friends was a strong word. Sam's grandparents were good friends with Jeremy's parents, Alyssandra's parents and, unfortunately, Niya's parents.

It was the only reason Sam ever started speaking to any of them. All because the four families got together when Sam and his grandparents had moved to Twinleaf Town four years ago.

Apparently, it all started when Jeremy, Niya and Alyssandra's families were trying to be neighbourly. And ever since the four of them were kids they were usually forced to play together.

Sam didn't mind spending time with Jeremy, and hanging out with Alyssandra wasn't so bad, but Niya was just infuriating. Her and Sam always argued, and they never got along. According to Niya, Sam wasn't good enough to hang around Alyssandra, he was just a goofy kid, and she was "a whole year older."

"Stupid age difference," grumbled Sam, "Stupid Niya. If she weren't a girl, I'd hit her! But grandfather taught me to never hurt a girl...and sadly, Niya counts."

Jeremy remained silent, just letting Sam vent to no one in particular. "What do I have to do to prove to her that I'm good enough to hang out with Alyssandra?" huffed Sam again.

This frustrated Sam, because he kind of liked her, a crush? Is that what it was called? Sam never really understood it, but he had heard some of the older kids talk about crushes.

All Sam knew was that he felt all jittery on the inside when he was near Alyssandra, and he blushed, and did whatever she asked. It was weird, but Sam didn't mind too much. But every time Sam started enjoying Alyssandra's company, Niya would come in and snatch her away.

The school bell rang suddenly, echoing across the yard.

Most kids sighed, or went "Aw", some grunted and others remained silent, unhappy that their playtime was over, and school was about to begin.