Pokemon Heroes: Sinnoh Saga [Book 1]

Chapter 102: One by One

"Friends, family, Gym Leaders, people I had met on my travels...all of them had come out to watch me challenge the Pokémon League and defeat Valentina. I was surprised and heart warmed that they had all kept true to their word. This would be far from the last time this would happen...but the first time is always special. I think the most important people to be there were my family from Twinleaf Town. My friends, Jeremy's family, Palmer, my grandmother...and my grandfather—his presence was especially important to me. His presence was never one I thought would be there...but to have him there meant everything. I didn't need his advice—not this far in—just his eyes watching me...and his presence."

Sam looked upon his friends and family as his name was called.

Alyssandra and Enzo rushed back in from their rematch battle, and Sam's stomach did a backflip.

Everyone was here to watch Sam take on the Pokémon League...but now that his name rang over the PA system, Sam was ready to vomit and give up.

He grabbed his crate of Full Restores and Max Revives and lugged it with him over to the doorway to the battlefield.

Could he really do this?

Was he ready?

Was he strong enough?

Sam sighed and took a deep breath.

"You've got this, my boy," smiled Aurelio, placing a hand on his grandson's shoulder.

Sam nodded, and started to walk towards the massive crowd of people gathered before him.

Firs to approach him were the eight Sinnoh Gym Leaders.

"You've got this, kid. You had this when you beat me," smiled Palmer, giving Sam a thumbs up.

"If you can lead a siege to bring down Team Galactic and save Sinnoh, you can take down the Elite Four, with no problems!" cheered Candice.

Byron let out a booming laugh. "You've got more heart and guts than any challengers I've met before!"

"My niece has taught you well, and life as taught you better," nodded Fantina, "Soon, you vill be the strongest trainer in the region!"

"Ferocity! Tenacity! Your strength shall overwhelm your opponents!" cried Crasher Wake as he flexed and posed.

"Just don't forget, just because your Pokémon know moves that may surprise your opponents, doesn't mean your opponent's haven't done the same," smiled Maylene, "You should've learned that lesson from me!"

"It's nice to have seen you come so far since Eterna City," smiled Gardenia.

"And since your first Gym Battle!" added Roark, "All those months ago...it feels like years."

Rort was next, standing near his brother, granddaughter and nephew. His foot had healed, though now part of his arm was wrapped in a bandage from a burn he received the other day. He grabbed Sam's hand and shook it tightly. "I can't wait till I go back to the Ironworks and tell all the boys that the kid who helped stop those pesky Ambipom is the new Champion! You can do it!"

Sam thanked Rort, then turned to see Cynthia standing there with his arms crossed, cool as ever. "I stood exactly where you are myself. I know how nervous you are...it doesn't wear off, I'm sorry. But that doesn't mean it can break you."

Sam nodded. He appreciated the honest truth from Cynthia. Out of everyone in this room—save for Professor Rowan perhaps—she knew exactly what Sam was going through.

"You know, I know potential when I see it. Valentina will not be Champion much longer, I think," smiled Cynthia, "It's funny...had you come here before her to face me when I was still Champion, perhaps yours and hers roles were would reversed."