Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 46: Solaceon, The Next Contest

"The remainder of the trek to Solaceon Town was uneventful. It was another two days of walking, and it was spent relatively peacefully. We gave the Rapidash a break, besides, there weren't enough for the Shrine Maidens who were escorting us, and we weren't going to make them run to catch up. Once we arrived at Solaceon Town we decided to have a well-earned break. We were going to spend a week in Solaceon Town no matter what. I even splurged a bit and checked us in to a nice hotel on the main street of town. I planned to see the Solaceon Ruins while we were in town too, but first thing was first: Alyssandra's Contest. That took priority, and she spent the two days we had between our arrival and the contest to train as hard as she could and practice her combinations. We all pitched in and helped too; which made her win even sweeter for all of us to enjoy."

Alyssandra chewed her bottom lip as she waited for her name to be called.

The Appeal portion had begun not too long ago, and Alyssandra was presenting towards the end.

It wasn't a big contest, and Solaceon Town wasn't a big place. There were only eight competitors; a shock to Niya who expected there to be more people participating in contests in the months leading up to the Sinnoh Grand Festival.

Sam merely chalked it up to the popularity of Pokémon Contests in larger cities. Jubilife and Hearthome were major cities whose contests many people were likely frequent, and even Floaroma Town, being as scenic as it was, was popular amongst Pokémon Contest enthusiast and Coordinators alike.

Whatever, the reason, it meant for Alyssandra that her mistakes would be noticed easier, as there were fewer participants vying for the ribbon.

"You're going to do fine, Lyss," assured Niya, patting her friend on the back, "You've trained long and hard for this."

Jeremy nodded in agreement. "You always get nervous before a Contest and you always pull through a win in the end."

"Chu-Pika!" piped in Pikachu, for once not munching on an Oran Berry.

"It's just like when I get nervous before a Gym Battle," added Sam, "You'll do just fine. Don't doubt yourself. You've got the skills; you just need two more ribbons to qualify for the Grand Festival anyway."

Alyssandra let out a "meep" and chewed her lip more fervently. "Way to go there, Mr. Sensitive," sighed Niya who walked Alyssandra off to the side to give her a pep talk.

Jeremy let out a chuckle, and Sam simply sighed and shook his head.

"Your intentions were good my boy, but your delivery needs work," Sam's grandfather blurted out as randomly appeared beside Sam.

Sam let out a yelp and jumped, causing Jeremy and the rest of the hall to look at him strangely.

"Sam are you okay?" asked Jeremy, worry written plainly on his face.

Sam nodded and let out a sheepish laugh. Passing it off as a sudden chill he felt, not expecting it he was unnerved. "I have to go to the bathroom, I'll be back," continued Sam quickly, before further questions could be asked.

Sam walked briskly towards the bathroom, and once he arrived, he locked the door behind him. His grandfather walked right through the wall like it wasn't even there.

"Where the hell have you been?" demanded Sam, not angry, but clearly not thrilled at his grandfather's now-you-see-me-now-you-don't act.

"I've been busy," explained Aurelio, shrugging, and very clearly trying to avoid the subject.

"You're dead, what could you possibly be doing that's so important?" asked Sam, astounded.

"I don't know, read? Have me time?" asked his grandfather rather rhetorically, "Don't question your elders!"