Chapter 2: The Odd Grandpa
As Happy and Baye were about to meet his grandfather, they were stopped in the tracks of an Onix-like creature, who appears to be hungry, seeing them for dinner.
Creature: FOOOD! I SEE FOOOD!
Happy: Ooh! I want some!
Baye: Are you crazy, kid?! Does that thing look like it wants to give you food?!
The Oddix, setting its sights on the duo, shouted…
Creature: FOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD!
The creature slammed head first into the ground towards Happy and Baye, with them running away from it. While Happy was treating the danger as "fun", Baye knew her life was in peril.
Creature: I WANT IT!
Baye: Run!
Happy: Why?
Baye: Just do it!
They took off through the forest, with the creature following suit. However, they couldn't get away, as not only was the creature faster, but also able to pull the elements of surprise from the ground each time it went under. It stood up, with its red eyes looking directly in their faces. Baye herself felt as if she had no choice.
Baye: That's it! Take this, you scary monster! RAZOR LEAF!
She slung her neck like a whip, with her orange forehead leaves throwing three spinning razor sharp leaves towards the creature's face. It didn't damage it as they bounced off, seemingly immune to it.
Baye: *sweat drop* …W-Well...There goes my idea…
Happy: Ooh! Do it again! Do it again! *laughs*
The creature roared loudly and dove its head towards them again, nearly missing them both as Baye had to pull Happy out of the way using her orange vines before running off with him in tow. The creature continued chasing them, knocking over trees in the process. Baye kept running as fast as her four legs could carry her, but was stopped when the creature appeared right in front of them.
Creature: DINNERTIIIIIIIIIIME!
Baye: (...Oh no…! I...I'm still a virgin…! I...I can't die right here…! I have so much to learn in this world…! Dammit…! None of this would've happened if that stupid kid didn't invite me to his dumb "stayover"...!)
The creature proceeded to slam into them, only to be hit by vines. The creature roared in pain as each vine struck it on its back.
Baye: (...Huh…? Who's hitting it…?)
Tangela: Grandson! Young lady! Move it!
Happy: Grandpa!
The Pokemon that struck the creature appeared to be a Tangela who looked much older, with the blue vines on his body drooping, having thick gray eyebrows, which somewhat hid his eyes, and a thick gray mustache, proving his elderly appearance.
Baye: (...Grandpa…?! That Tangela is his grandfather…?! He must've been dropped like a rock when he was born…!)
She took Happy and ran away, with his grandfather distracting the creature. It roared and charged at him, with its mouth wide open as it descended its face towards him.
Baye: *gasps* (...He's gonna get eaten…!)
The Tangela didn't move, and within a split second before it was about to eat him, it swallowed something that caused it to stop its assault. A muffled explosion inside the creature damaged it, breaking some of its rocky body apart, reducing its height. It roared ferociously in pain, rocking back and forth from the damage.
Baye: Whoa...That old Pokemon's stronger than he looks!
Tangela: Grandson! Take yourself and your friend to our house! You know the way!
Happy: Sure thing, Grandpa!
Happy was let down by Baye from her vines and led the way, only to hide behind a nearby tree to see what would happen next.
Creature: NOT FOOD! NOT FOOD! I...WANT...FOOOOOOOOD!
Tangela: You want some food?! I'll gladly give it to ya!
He charged at the creature, spitting more seeds around it. It dug underground again to avoid the seeds, which exploded as they hit the ground. The Tangela then jumped high into the air, with the creature following after. However, the Tangela was expecting it, allowing it to follow as it bared its mouth open once again.
Creature: FOOD ATTACKING! I ATTACK FOOOOOOOD!
When the creature got close enough, the Tangela fired a small seed into its mouth again, which didn't go down. It choked on it in mid-air as the Tangela descended down to the ground before it exploded, leaving nothing but its rocky tail behind. Baye and Happy watched from a distance, which left them in awe.
Baye: (...Amazing…! He took it on like it was nothing…!)
Tangela: Phew. I hope my grandson and his new friend are safe at my house.
Baye: (...Uh-oh…!) *whispers* Hey, kid. Get us to your grandpa's house pronto!
Happy: *whispers* Okay.
They scurried quickly out of sight. They made two right turns through the forest and continued walking straight until they reached the place exactly as Happy described. It was a small cabin with two large red flowers roughly the size of the cabin itself. Stones in the ground lined a path to the front door, with a mailbox next to the lined stones not too far from the cabin itself.
Happy: Here we are! Isn't Grandpa awesome?
Baye: Y-Yeah...He sure is…
?: So, you were watching the entire time instead of escaping, huh?
The Tangela walked towards them, appearing calm as ever. It appeared that he was not too far behind them.
Baye: ...We're sorry, mister…
Tangela: *shakes head* No need. I am Moody.
Baye had a dumbfound look on her face upon hearing that, with her mouth wide open in disbelief as she answered with a...
Baye: ...Huh?
Moody: You should keep your mouth closed, unless you want a seed to fly right in? *chuckles*
Baye: *closes mouth* (...What the hell…?! That's a weird name…! Just who is this old codger...?!)
Moody: Come inside, if you will. I was making tea earlier.
As the three headed inside, the room itself resembled a winter lodge cabin, only without the need of stairs. A fireplace was next to a room, which had new fresh logs in them. On a table nearby, a large kettle of tea was lined next to two teacups, with steam coming out of the kettle.
Moody: I'll fetch another cup for you, Miss.
He went towards the kitchen and returned with one in his vine along with a plate to set it on. He then sat at the couch where the tea was, and began pouring it into each of the cups. Happy and Baye then sat at the table on pillows and took the cups, drinking it slowly.
Moody: So, Grandson...I was wondering where you were today...I see you've made a friend.
Baye: Well, technically...we aren't "friends".
Moody: I see.
Baye: By the way, thanks for saving us. How did you know where to find us?
Moody: Easy. I overheard that Oddix roared not too far from my house.
Baye: Wait...Wha…?
Moody: That creature you met earlier? That's what it was called.
Happy: *laughs* Silly name!
Baye: Not as silly as yours. *sips tea*
Moody: Young lady, you haven't told me your name yet. I'd like to know for my sake.
Baye: Wha…? Oh! Um, my name's Baye.
Moody: Really? Interesting. *sips tea*
Baye: (...Interesting…?! Is that all he has to say about my name…?!)
Moody: So, Grandson...Where were you today?
Happy: Well, I was playing at the lake and met someone named Seth!
Moody reacted with shock, followed by him speaking in a loud, serious tone, surprising both his grandson and Baye as he shouted...
Moody: *frustration mark* Dammit, boy! What did I just tell you?! Don't talk to strangers! And another thing! You went out somewhere the complete opposite you told me! Don't ever do that again, understand?!
Happy felt remorse and looked down to the floor, losing his smile. He rubbed the back of his head without making any eye contact with anyone. He knew that when his grandfather yelled, he couldn't look him in the eye.
Baye: (...Yeesh…! I yelled at him earlier, and he wasn't affected, yet his grandpa does it, and suddenly his world crumbled…!)
Happy: ...Y...Yes, grandpa…I'm sorry...
Moody: *sighs* ...However...I can't be too mad. After all, I'd like for you to make friends. This...Seth Pokemon...He didn't do anything to you, did he?
Happy's smile returned again, now ready to answer.
Happy: No, he and I agreed on meeting again when I get older and become an Explorer!
Moody: Hmm? What for?
Happy: I wanna become the strongest Pokemon in the world!
Moody: Oh, really? That sounds more like a lifelong goal.
Baye: Excuse me, but who's this "Seth" Pokemon? You mentioned that I had the same leaves as him.
Happy: He said that he was a...Grover...vie...vite…?
Moody: Oh, a Grovyle. My guess is that he's perhaps your friend's age range.
Baye: A Grovyle, huh? Hey...You said that he called you "Happy". Are you going to accept that for a name?
Moody: Hmm?
Happy: Yeah! *sips tea*
Moody: Hold on a moment. What happened to me giving you the name "Johnny"?
Happy: Well, Grandpa...I...don't like it.
Moody: What?! My name for you isn't good enough?!
Baye interjected, coming to Happy's defense.
Baye: W-Wait a minute! If he likes it, shouldn't that be enough to make you happy because of his happiness?
Moody: ...You're right. From now on, I'm making your name official! Hmm...actually, it's a much easier name than what I would've given you. Let your name be known as "Happy"!
Baye: *sweat drop* (...Gee, gramps...You're making it sound like you're announcing his name to the world…)
Happy cheered and jumped around the room, with his grandfather and Baye smiling from his happiness.
Happy: Thanks, Grandpa!
Moody: You're welcome, my boy.
Baye: So, is Happy here the only one you look out after?
Moody: Not necessarily...I do have a son, although I had him kinda late…
Baye: Oh. Who's the mistress?
He fell silent for a moment before speaking again. To Baye, something happened.
Moody: ...She died a long time ago. Couldn't handle childbirth, so…
Baye: ...Oh…I'm...sorry to hear that.
Moody: No, no. It's all right. I still have pictures of her in my bedroom. I'll go get them.
He went into his room, leaving Baye and Happy alone for a minute before returning with pictures of his wife in her prime. He gave them to Baye for her to look at. They were black and white photos that had Moody at a younger age along with another Tangela that was a different color shade compared to him, who was presumed to be his wife. They were smiling, enjoying each other's company. Some of them also featured them individually. The female Tangela didn't look much different, save for less vines on her body and an inch shorter than Moody.
Moody: *sighs* ...She was the most beautiful Pokemon I ever laid eyes on. But, times have changed, and death is inevitable. I mean, I may join her someday...Probably sooner than I think…
Baye: ...What does your son look like?
Moody: ...Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures of him, as I couldn't afford to get a new camera. But if you'd like, he is very much alive, but who knows of his whereabouts nowadays…? *sighs, shakes head* That boy is trouble with a capital "T" to boot...
Baye: ...Oh...I can't wait to meet him one day.
Moody: Eh. I don't know...We've gotten into squabbles, and he's never returned ever since...But enough of the downing atmosphere. At least my boy Happy here is enough to keep me going until I can't anymore.
Happy: That's right! *sips tea*
Moody: So, Miss Baye, was it? You are here because…?
Baye: Oh! Um...Your grandson invited me to dinner…
Moody: ...Happy?
Happy: Yes, Grandpa?
Moody: Did you invite her without asking if she was busy or not?
Baye: Oh, no no no! It's no trouble at all! I told my parents before we came here.
Moody: ...I see. However, in the future, Happy...give me a heads up on who you're inviting over, alright?
Happy: Okay, Grandpa.
Baye: I like the tea you brewed, Mr. Moody.
Moody: Why, thank you, young lady.
Baye: ...To be honest, I'm trying to become a botanist and tea sommelier, hence why I complimented this.
Moody: Oh, really? Well, I guess I could be an example…
Baye: Hold on a moment...I need my utensils out.
She pulled a notebook from her saddle bags with a pencil embedded in the rings and readied it using her orange vines to write with.
Moody: Okay then...All I did was crush the seeds of a Sitrus Berry, placed them in a small bag and mixed them in with honey and hot water.
Baye: Oh wow! That's amazing! Thanks, Mr. Moody! This will surely get me started!
Moody: No problem, Miss Baye. For a start, here are some Sitrus seeds in an extra bag for you.
He gave her some seeds to take on the road.
Moody: Take that knowledge and take it far, you hear?
Baye: Don't worry, I will.
She placed them in her saddlebags, along with the notebook and pencil. Two hours later, it was sunset, as the orange sun receded down the hills. At this time, Moody was making dinner for them, which was an Oran Berry Salad. The blue juicy berries were placed into bowls with salads being tossed and put into the bowls. There was also a niche that he put in them, which was seasoned spices.
Moody: Happy! Miss Baye! Dinner is served!
Happy: Oh boy! I'm starved!
Both Happy and Baye headed towards the dinner table as Moody placed their Oran Berry Salads in front of them as they sat down. Then he placed his own on the table and sat down. They began eating, which surprised Baye as she took a bite of the food.
Baye: Oh my goodness! This...This is delicious! I've never eaten something like this before!
Happy: Grandpa's meals are always delicious!
Moody: *chuckles* Thank you, but to be honest, I picked this up from my wife when she was cooking.
Baye: Oh?
Moody: Never let a good talent go to waste.
Baye: It's nice to know that you picked up your wife's cooking skills. *sighs* I'd like that from a male of my own someday…
Moody: Well, I'm sure that'll happen, but that doesn't mean you should limit yourself.
Happy: What are you doing tomorrow, Baye?
Baye: Hmm… (...I forgot...I was so focused on the food that I didn't even think about tomorrow…)
Moody: It's alright if you have something to do tomorrow.
Baye: Well, I was going to see if I could get a job somewhere for botany. I don't know if there are some left.
Moody: I'm sure there are. If there aren't any jobs, then you're always welcome here.
Baye: Thank you, Mr. Moody. I'll be sure to tell my parents just in case.
Happy: Grandpa, what's a "job"?
Moody: ...You'll...understand it when you get older, my boy. But for now, enjoy yourself whilst you still can.
Happy: Okay!
Moody: Good. Now, brush your mouth before going to bed.
Happy: Can I go outside again tomorrow, Grandpa?
Moody: Sure. I'm going shopping tomorrow anyway. I'm out of ingredients needed to make tomorrow's dinner.
Baye: *leaves table* Well, it's getting late, so I'm going home now. I'll see you both again sometime. And thanks for the dinner, Mr. Moody.
Moody: Oh no, don't thank me. Thank my boy Happy here. It was his idea.
Baye: *pushes chair in* Well, thanks anyway. See you guys later!
As Baye headed out the door, Happy and Moody walked to the door to see her off.
Happy & Moody: Bye!
As they waved goodbye to her, they stood there until she was no longer seen as she disappeared into the woods. They went back inside, with Happy assisting his grandfather in clearing the table. On the way home, Baye was being watched by a Pokemon from afar.
Baye: (...I wonder if I can find a job in town here…Tomorrow would be a good start...)
As she reached her house, she was about to open the door but was stopped by a mysterious Pokemon. The Pokemon's appearance was hidden under an orange cloak, obscuring the face. Judging by the figure's stature, it appeared to be bipedal, and it held a knife to her back. It then spoke in a low, menacing tone with…
?: …Give me your saddle bags…
Baye: W-W-What…?
?: I said give me your saddle bags or else your neck will be on the line!
...
He held the knife closer to her neck. She could feel how sharp it was, which terrified her. Her heart beat faster, and her body felt paralyzed with fear, as if she couldn't move. She could only do one thing.
Baye: S-Sure...Here…
?: Good. Don't mention what happened here, or this blade will pierce your neck. Understand?
Baye: Y-Yeah...I...I understand…
She gave him her saddlebags, which he took and ran into the shadows of the woods. Despite her breathing a sigh of relief, she was still frightened by the encounter, knowing now that she was being watched.
Baye: (...W...What am I going to do now…? My very livelihood...All of it...gone...Worst of all...I...I can't...say anything…)