Distracted by a strange light, Lows made the gang became separated from each other, and he was forced to find them one by one. However, not everyone was safe as Grace got attacked and became badly injured. The doctor announced that she couldn't battle for a while, causing Lows to make a tough decision for the team. How will Grace's injury affect the team?
Chapter 11 - The Confession Before the Departure
We were now at Grace's room in the hospital, looking at the Psychic type. She was still unconscious, but the doctor said that she would wake up soon.
I sighed. I knew the entire team were affected by this, I was affected too. If I reached there earlier... I could've stopped this from happening... If I didn't leave them for the light, we would've been at Goldenrod City now, safe and sound...
I'm so sorry, Grace... I thought wistfully as the doctor walked into her room. He then checked the condition of Grace. He did that once every few hours, and he would tell us how she was doing.
After another checkup, he told me, "Your Gardevoir should be waking up in a few hours."
I forced a smile as I replied, "Thanks, doctor."
"No problem, this is what I do anyway. But the thing is... What are you going to do? I did tell you that she won't be fully recovered until the league is over. Are you going to stay here and give up the Silver League, or continue going without her?" He asked.
"I really don't know... I really wished I could take her with us, but she wouldn't recover that way. I could stay with her, but I know she would want us to continue the league." I said.
"Well, I need an answer as soon as possible. I hope you made up your mind the next hour I come in." The doctor said as he left the room.
I need to make a decision... I thought as I looked at my still unconscious Psychic type.
She is a really important member for the team, just like everyone else. If we leave her here... The team won't be complete without her. However, if I think rationally, Grace would want us to continue.. for her. She would want to see us do well in the Silver League, even without her. Besides, I promise that I'll bring her back to the team once the league is over...
The next hour arrived as the doctor appeared, and I had made my decision.
"Lows, I'll ask you one more time. What is your final decision?"
"I know it will be the best for all of us, so I decided-" Suddenly, I was interrupted by another voice.
"We're... leaving her? I-I'm not letting you do that, Lows!" It was Woody, as I was shocked by his reaction. He stormed out of the room and I sighed before deciding to search for him.
It wasn't long before I noticed him at a bench, eyes filled with tears. I went over to him and petted my Grass type.
"I know this decision is the best I can make, although it might hurt at first for all of us... Is there something wrong about my decision, Woody? You can tell me what you disagree." I said.
"I'm sorry, Lows. I know that your plan is a win-win situation, i-it's just... If we leave her, I'm going to miss her... a lot. She is a great partner, and most importantly..." He admitted, "I-I like her, and it's not going to be the same without her in the team."
"I know, Woody... It's tough for all of us, but we have to bare through the pain. Looking at Grace's condition, it's best to separate from her for now. Once she wakes up, I'll ask her opinion about it." I replied.
"I'll follow along too... I want to see what she wants us to do." Woody replied.
"She should be waking up soon. Let's go check on her." The Sceptile nodded as we walked back to Grace's room.
"Good news, Lows! I think she is regaining consciousness." The doctor smiled.
"Really? That's great! Thanks, doctor." The doctor left the room as we checked on Grace. She slowly opened her eyes as she looked at us.
"L-Lows? Woody? What are you two doing here? W-Where am I?" She asked.
"You're in the hospital, Grace. You suffered terrible injuries through the battle with the Tyranitar." I explained.
"Oh, is that so...? I'm feeling very weak, I don't think I can even levitate with my powers..." Grace said.
"There's a wheelchair for you there if you want to move." I pointed at a wheelchair suitable for her size.
"That's convenient..." She remarked.
"G-Grace, I have something to ask you." I became nervous as I told her.
"What is it?"
"The doctor said... that you can't battle for the league anymore. Do you want us to stay with you... or move on without you?" I asked.
"T-That is sudden..." Grace lowered her head as she thought about my question. After that, she raised up her head, meaning that she had her answer.
"As long as I want to be at the team's side... I think it's better for you all to move on..." Grace said.
"W-Why?!" Woody asked as what he didn't want to happen is becoming a reality.
"It's not worth it to stay with me and give up the league. I believe you all can bare through it. You all are amazing, and I wish I could be there and battle with you all, but with my condition... I'll just support you from here in my heart. Therefore... I want you all to continue on without me." Grace said.
"Grace... I'll definitely bring you back to the team after the league is over. It's a promise!" I said in determination.
"I trust you, Lows. I'll join the team once I recover." Grace smiled.
"I'm sorry, Grace... For everything. I really wished it wouldn't turn out like this..."
"It's okay, Lows. None of us want that to happen. I made this decision too... For now, I'll accept what happened to me... and focus on recovering."
I nodded as a response to her words, as Woody sighed, knowing that we will leave her, and it was unavoidable.
Just when I was leaving Grace's room for some fresh air, I saw Lisa in front of the entrance.
"Hi, Lisa. Came to visit Grace?" I asked.
"Yeah, I want to see if she's fine. Is she awake?"
"She just woke up. She's still a bit weak, but at least she was able to talk."
"So... Did you all make a decision?" Lisa asked.
"We did... We are going to move on without her, and I'll definitely let her back to the team after everything is done." I explained.
"I guess that's the best decision for everyone..."
"Not for Woody though. He is really upset to leave Grace."
"They have such a close relationship... I can tell why he is upset." Lisa sighed.
"Oh yeah, Lisa... I'm sorry." I apologized.
"For what? You didn't do anything wrong!" She asked in confusion.
"You know, for everything. I'm sorry that you have to witness the scene... Besides that, we failed to reach Goldenrod City early because of this incident. I'm really sorry, I will leave for Goldenrod as soon as possible, so I hope you don't mind..."
"I'm not mad at all! You must be devastated already from all these things happening to you. I should be saying sorry instead for what you have to suffer right now." She replied.
"I'll be fine soon... Don't worry. Thanks, Lisa." I forced a smile.
"That's good to hear. Anyways, you want to have dinner together? Today's dish is ramen noodles with chicken soup, your favorite." She smiled.
"I guess that could cheer me up a little... Let's go." I said as we walked towards the PokéCentre for a meal after an exhausting day. I really needed a meal after all these events...
I received a call from my friend, Sip. I answered the call and asked, "What's going on? Any updates about who might be behind all of this?"
I recently called him and asked him about the identity of the man based on the information Woody gave me. He said he would check it for me, and I assumed that he found something useful.
[That's right, Lows! I recently heard from a friend of mine that a villain team called Neo Team Rocket might be behind this!]
"Team Rocket? Didn't they disband a few years ago?"
[That was what everyone said, but recently, there were rumors that they are back with a new name called 'Neo Team Rocket' to fulfill what they couldn't do in the past. They are a much dangerous team now, according to what my friend said.]
"Hmm... I guess that's some information. Thanks, Sip. I needed that."
[No problem! Cheer up soon, alright? I know it's tough for you, but I know you can go through it.]
"I will try. Thanks, Sip." I ended the call as I clenched my fist...
Neo Team Rocket... I don't know who you are, but if you harm my Pokémon again, it won't be pretty next time.
A few days had past as my Pokémon and I visited Grace very often. In fact, we stayed at her room almost every day. We really wanted to make the last memories together before separating with the Psychic type.
However, I knew I can't stay like this forever as it would only feel sadder to leave her. As such, I announced, "We'll be leaving Azalea Town in two days."
Power gasped in shock, "Two days?! Wouldn't the time be too short to visit Grace?"
"We can keep in touch her through video calls along our journey. For now, I think we have enough time to have some final memories with her." I explained.
"B-But Lows! Don't you think you're rushing this?! What's the point of that?" Woody suddenly roared in rage. I knew he was the most upset out of all of us. His questions were starting to hit my soft spot as I teared up.
"I know that, okay?!" I yelled as I started to cry, "If I can, I would just give up the entire Silver League just so all of us could be together. But is that what Grace wants? She wants us to move on... and challenge the Silver League! I'm also upset that we have to do this, but... we have no other choice! I'm sorry..."
All the stress, all the upset feelings inside my heart... They all bursted out of me as I cried. I broke down again, I couldn't stand anymore of this. I felt petting from my Pokémon, as Woody appeared to have calmed down and said, "L-Lows... I'm sorry, I respect your decision. I was too upset to leave her... We'll leave in two days, just as you planned."
"A-Are you sure you'll be okay with that?" I wiped my tears as I looked at him.
"We have to move on... for her." He turned to look at the sky, and I can see the sorrow inside his eyes.
I know it's tough... But I hope you can go through it, Woody.
The day before the departure...
It was late at night, and Grace woke up from a nightmare. She dreamt about the incident again, and it was certainly something she did not want to remember again.
She looked beside her bed, and saw the Grass type sleeping. Lows and the team took turns to check on Grace, and apparently Woody was the one checking on her.
She looked at the sleeping Woody, as she somehow started to calm down. However, she started to feel sad as she was about to leave Lows, the team... Most importantly, Woody.
She was definitely sad to leave them, who wouldn't be? However, she knew it was the best for the team and she acted like it was fine.
I just hope that you all can do your best, even without me... She thought while staring at Woody. Suddenly, Woody started to talk in his sleep as he said, "G-Grace! You have to hold on..."
She tried to comfort him, but it wasn't working. He suddenly woke up in shock, as sweat was all over him.
"Grace, you're awake?" His face then turned red in embarrassment, "I didn't... say anything weird, did I?"
"I'll let that pass..." Grace said, as she requested, "Woody, can you do me a favor?"
"A-Anything! What is it?"
"Can you take me out for a walk? I have a wheelchair to move around, after all."
"S-Sure! I'll push the wheelchair for you." He gently let Grace sit in the wheelchair as he started pushing the wheelchair at a slow pace. They went outside the hospital and were at the middle of town.
"G-Grace, I just want to say... I'm sorry." He suddenly apologized, "If I had arrived earlier, I could've-"
"Woody, it really is fine! You did your best to save me, and I appreciated it. Besides... Everything happens for a reason, and we have to accept it."
Woody nodded as he thought about her words, Maybe... She's right... But I will miss her... a lot. If I can go back to time, I would definitely not let any of this happen.
"Look, Woody!" She suddenly pointed at the sky as Woody looked at the dark sky. There were more stars compared to the past few days, shining brightly.
"I remember that... we also did the same thing in the past." Woody said.
"Yeah... It was back at the Lilycove Hospital, where we looked at the stars together after getting the final badge. It was one of the best memories of my life, Woody. Watching the stars with you is something I really enjoy." Grace expressed.
"R-Really? I never knew that you like watching the stars so much..." Woody rubbed his head.
"I like watching the stars, but I enjoy it more when I am with you. You just make me... happier and more comfortable. This is why... I'm glad that I can share this moment with you." Grace smiled.
Upon hearing that, Woody blushed as they paid their attention towards the stars. As they were looking at the stars, memories of the past struck them...
They still remembered all of them, back when...
They first met at the Pokémon Adoption Centre.
Battling together against Team Will and saving each other in Verdanturf Town.
Training together in the special attack training...
Woody saving Grace when Grace was almost captured by another Team Will Grunt...
Woody letting Grace win during a friendly battle, and Grace comforted him with their first hug...
Woody hugging Grace for the first time back at the arena seat in Petalburg Gym.
The Grass type replacing her due to worrying about her safety in the Fortree Gym battle.
The first time they watch the stars together.
Woody forced to hug Grace due to a dare and admitted his feelings for the first time.
After they finished walking through the memory lane, they looked at each other in the eyes.
"Woody..." Grace started.
"Yeah, what is it?" He said, with a blush still on his face.
"I want to tell you something... for a long time."
"What do you want to tell me?"
"Woody... During my time in the team, I have a certain feeling against a Pokémon. He might be awkward in conversations and easily flustered, but he's also kind, helpful and most importantly, he's very nice and we get along well. We did many things together, and throughout our times together, he... stole my heart. I wasn't sure at first, but now I'm sure that... I fell in love with him." She said as she looked at the Grass type. She had a slight red on her face, but she was relieved that she finally expressed her feelings to her crush.
"D-Does that mean..." Woody said, his face turning redder once he knew what she meant.
"Yes, Woody. You... You are the one who I love." Grace shyly smiled.
S-She actually likes me?
"I'm glad that I expressed my feelings to you. There's only one thing that I'm wondering... Do you have the same feelings towards me?" She asked.
He was about to answer 'yes', but something stopped him from doing that.
Do I... have the power to protect her? I really like her, but doesn't she deserves someone... better than me? I don't know... He thought as guilt from the incident back at Ilex Forest hit him again.
"I-I don't know, Grace." Instead, he gave out this response, leaving the Gardevoir slightly upset.
"I-It's okay." She forced a smile as she said, "It's getting late, let's go back."
Woody pushed her wheelchair as they returned to the room. It wasn't long before Grace fell asleep.
Woody looked at her as he sighed. What should I do...
The day of the departure...
It was the day. We were leaving our beloved member in the team. Grace was on a wheelchair as we were outside the hospital, ready to say goodbye and leave Azalea Town.
"Please take good care of her, doctor." I said.
"Don't worry, we'll make sure she recovers fast and will always be fine in this hospital."
"That's good to hear." I smiled as I said to Grace, "I guess this is goodbye for now. However, you're always my Pokémon, and I'll make sure to add you back to the team, I promise."
"I know you will be fine. Lead the team to its best, Lows." I smiled upon hearing her words and hugged her. After that, it was time for the other Pokémon to say farewell.
"Grace... You're a great friend, and I hope to see you again. We'll brave the waves together after you return!" Surfer exclaimed.
"I'm looking forward to it!" She smiled.
Ziggs was next as he said, "Grace, thank you for what you did for me, especially replacing me at the Azalea Gym Battle when I didn't want to battle... It's going to be tough without you."
"Don't worry, Ziggs! It's temporary, and I'll be back soon to help you and the team!" She replied.
"That's good! Remember what you said!" Ziggs smiled as Grace nodded.
Power went in front of her as he said, "Grace, well... I don't really know what to say other than 'See you soon', since I'm not good at making sentences..."
"It's okay! I know what your heart tells me, that's all that matters. Also..." Grace made a sign that she wanted to whisper to him, as Power nodded and went closer to her. Grace whispered something into his ear, and he slightly blushed, confusing me and the team members.
After he went away from her, Ziggs asked, "What did she tell you?"
Power replied, "I-It's nothing..."
Lisa also went and gave her a soft hug. She said, "Grace, I'll come back and see you looking healthy and graceful again just like before!"
"Hopefully, I won't disappoint you when you come back!" She grinned.
Instead of saying anything, Shadow went towards her and gave her a big hug. I saw tears forming in her eyes: it must be hard for her to leave her best friend.
At this point, action speaks louder than words...
"I know you'll go through it, Shadow. You always do when it comes to obstacles like these. You're a great friend, and I hope we will still be best friends after I return."
Shadow nodded without hesitation as they broke the hug. And lastly, Woody went towards Grace.
"Woody... I think I'll miss you the most. You're always there for me, and I thank you for that." Grace said.
Woody stood still while looking at the Psychic type. His mind was thinking whether he should tell her how he felt towards her.
Grace broke his thoughts as she asked, "One last hug before we separate?"
Woody nodded as he went over and embraced her. As he wrapped around her with his arms, the warm feelings erupted inside him. He knew that if he didn't tell her that time, he wouldn't have the chance to tell her again in a long time.
I-I have to tell her!
"Grace! Remember the question you asked me last night?" Woody said after breaking the hug, as Grace looked at him in confusion. She remembered the question she asked him, she just didn't knew what he meant by that.
"I-I just want to say... My answer is yes! I just didn't have the courage to say it last night, but... I always liked you, ever since that time when you saved me in Verdanturf, I started to have feelings towards you. I-I know that if I don't tell you this today, I'll definitely regret it for a long time! My feelings towards you... are just the same!" Woody finally expressed his feelings towards her, and she happily smiled after hearing what he said as they hugged each other again, enjoying their last moment together before the departure.
"Grace..." Woody said as they broke their last hug, "Wait for me! I'll make sure that I'll have the power to protect you after you return... And my heart will never change!"
"Don't worry... I'll be waiting for you to come back!"
"It's a promise!" Woody yelled as the others smiled. They knew how long they had been crushing on each other, and they finally expressed their feelings.
"Alright then... I guess it's time for us to leave now. Grace, wait for us, alright?" I asked.
"No matter how long it takes... My heart is always with the team, and I'll support you until you return!"
"Goodbye, Grace!" I said as she nodded, and we walked away from her. We tried our best not to look back, as we all knew that...
Don't look back... It'll only make it harder to leave her!
Tears that I had been holding back fell from my eyes again, as I continued running towards Ilex Forest.
Grace... You're a member of our team, and you'll always be one. We'll definitely come back. I promise, I promise, I promise!
I held back the urge to turn back as we went into Ilex Forest, leaving Azalea Town and our beloved Pokémon behind...
Alright... It's finally done.
It's one of the chapters that I really wanted to write, and I planned this for a while, back when I was still writing "Hoenn - Where the Journey Begins".
I knew it would be hard for Grace to temporarily leave the story. I liked her moments with Woody, and her contribution towards the team. But, I knew that this had to be part of the story too.
But hey, I wrote something that I really wanted to write: Them expressing their feelings towards each other!
I hope you like this chapter, and I'll see you in the next one!
Lows' Pokémon Team:
Surfer (Blastoise, Male) Jolly Nature, moves: Surf, Aqua Tail, Ice Beam, Iron Defense
Ziggs (Linoone, Male) Naive Nature, moves: Dig, Iron Tail, Facade, Protect
Grace (Gardevoir, Female) Calm Nature, moves: Psychic, Shadow Ball, Thunderbolt, Calm Mind [Recovering]
Woody (Sceptile, Male) Lonely Nature, moves: Leaf Blade, Giga Drain, Aerial Ace, Agility
Power (Machoke, Male) Timid Nature, moves: Submission, Seismic Toss, Rock Tomb, Scary Face
Shadow (Absol, Female) Quiet Nature, moves: Night Slash, Payback, Psycho Cut, Protect
Questions of the Chapter:
How do you think of Lows' decision?
How do you feel about Grace separating with Lows' team?
How do you think of Grace and Woody expressing their feelings in the end?
