Some would say this is a filler chapter, but how can the history of what makes a character be filler. The chapter will discuss Grant's back ground and it may be a subject not everyone is ok with. Yes, I am gay and I will have gay characters. If this is something that bothers you then stop reading. I am writing this story for me and my enjoyment and the enjoyment of like minded people. And no, this is not going to all of a sudden become a yaoi.
Please enjoy.
Chapter Four: A Grant Deal of Emotion
We join our three trainers on Route 1 on their way to Viridian City. JB has a delivery to make to Mrs. Tesla and then on his way to Pewter City for a research pick up. Hazel wants to challenge the Viridian City Gym Leader. And Grant, Grant is just happy to be outside in the fresh air walking around.
"Smell that fresh air." Grant takes a deep breath. The air is cool. It is almost evening and the sun is in the west. "Looks like we may only have a few hours of daylight. Will we make it to Viridian City in time, JB?"
"I think so. The city should just be right over this hill. You can see the whole city when we reach the top." The trio reached the top and JB pointed out all the sites. Viridian City is a small town surrounded by lush greenery year round. "There's the Pokemon Center and that's the Pokemon Academy for younger beginner trainers, my Grandpa used to teach there. There is the local park that I like to go to, that there is the Viridian Gym, and over there is the school my parents teach at."
"Wait a second. You are from Viridian City?" Hazed asked.
"Oh yeah, did I forget to mention that?" JB scratches his head.
"And I thought I was the forgetful one here. Who are you again?" Grant said jokingly.
"Not funny," Hazel interrupted. "So are there any cool Pokemon for me to catch in your city JB?"
"We have some pretty cool ones on the outer edge of the park, but they tend to be scared of people."
"Cool. I want to catch me another Pokemon. They are so cute!" There was a rustling coming from the tree tops a little bit behind them. "What's that?!" Hazel was excited and ran toward the noise. A group of small brown birds with cream chest feathers and cream wing tips, pink feet and beaks, and a cream and brown head crest were sitting in the tree getting ready to nest down for the night. Hazel pulled out her Pokedex and scanned the tiny birds. Her Pokedex was a pink rectangular with round edges and a thumb size directional pad on the corner of the right side.
The Pokedex spoke with a man's voice: Pidgey the tiny bird Pokemon. Pidgey can be found in grassy areas and forests, it is very docile and will chase off enemies by flapping up sand.
Five pidgeys flew down from the tree, landed in a "V" shape, and started to squawk. "Pid pidgey!" They flapped their wings and started to kick up sand at Hazel.
"Don't worry sis, I'm coming!" Grant ran toward Hazel with a Poke ball in hand.
"I'll be fine Grant. I grew up these past two years. I can do things on my own." Grant stopped in his tracks. Hazel unclipped a Poke ball from her belt and kissed it. "Lets see what you can do my new friend! Go Ivy!" Hazel tossed the ball into the air releasing the Pokemon inside. A beam of red light shot down to the ground and a small green toad looking Pokemon appeared. This Pokemon had a darker green onion like bulb on her back with blue-green patches on her legs and body, but none on her head.
JB scanned the green Pokemon with his PokeReader: Bulbasaur the seed Pokemon. Bulbasaurs carry a seed on its back right from birth. As it grows older, the seed also grows larger.
"That bulbasaur doesn't look like the one pictured in the PokeReader," JB thought.
"Ivy, stop those pidgey with a razor leaf attack!" shouted Hazel.
"Bulba bulb!" The seed Pokemon release a wave of leaves targeting the tiny birds, knocking out two of them.
"Good job, Ivy! Now let's get the rest with a vine whip!" Two vines shot out of the sides of the bulb on the ting green Pokemon's back. The vines slap two of the pidgeys aside and grab the third. Ivy picks up the pidgey and slams it into the ground causing it to faint. "Excellent, Ivy! Go nest ball!" Hazel threw a Poke ball that had a white lower section and a green upper section with two yellow-brown circles.
JB scanned the ball with his PokeReader: Nest ball. A Poke ball that is used to capture weaker Pokemon in the wild.
The nest ball touched the pidgey and opened. A red light flashed and the pidgey was transferred into the ball. It closed and shook twice and then locked shut. Hazel ran over to the ball and picked it up.
"Alright! I've got a pidgey!" she held the nest ball in the air in excitement. The other pidgey got up and flew back into the tree. Hazel walked back over to her brother. "See I told you I would be fine. But thanks for looking out for me Grant, I missed that."
JB looked curious at the sibling pair wondering what Hazel meant by what she said. "Hazel, your bulbasaur, it doesn't look like the one pictured in my PokeReader?"
"I know right. Ivy is very special. I got her from Professor Oak as my starter Pokemon." Hazel knelt down to Ivy and rubbed her on her head. "The Professor told me she was a shiny bulbasaur, which is quite rare and I was lucky to have her. I told him I was lucky just to have a bulbasaur. Ivy is quite amazing though. You did a good job today baby girl, return." Hazel transferred Ivy back to her Poke ball.
The three trainers continued on their walk to the city. It took them about 45 minutes to make it to the city. The sun was starting to set. They walked up to the Pokemon Center.
"Let's get our Pokemon healed up. I want to check on the scar on Zero's face and see if they can do anything about it. I can also call my parents and let them know I'm in town. I only left this morning, but I kind of miss them already."
Grant and Hazel agreed. The three went inside the Pokemon Center. It was quite full of trainers. They handed over their Pokemon to Nurse Joy behind the desk. She was wearing her typical light pink nurse's outfit with a white apron. Her pink hair pulled up with two long pony tails pinned up making large circles. JB handed over 3 Poke balls and mentioned the scar on Zero's face. Hazel and Grant also handed over 3 Poke balls.
"It will take me about 20 minutes to look over and heal your Pokemon. I will take a look at the scar on your charmander's face. You may all wait in the lobby until I am finished." The trio found a spot on a bench to wait.
"While you guys wait here, I'm going to go call my parents and check in with Professor Oak." JB walked off to find a more private area to make a call.
"You doing alright, Grant," Hazel asked her brother. He looked a little out of it and staring at the wall.
"Huh?" Grant turned and looked at his sister. "Yeah, I think so. All the battling and travel has just made me tired. I'm trying to remember some of my trip before the coma. I can't remember everything. Just little bits keep playing over and over in my head. I'll be ok though. You? That was an amazing catch you made with pidgey today. You think of a name yet for your new friend?"
"Thanks, it was a pretty scary catch for me. I was really nervous, but I pushed past it and came out ahead. Ivy did really well for our first battle together. As for the pidgey, I was thinking I might call him Wing. It sounds corny, but I like it."
"I think that fits perfect for him." Grant playfully nudges his sister and smiles at her.
"I see you are pretty happy we ran into JB again." Hazel nudges her brother back. "Does a certain brother of mine have a crush on the new kid? I think he is pretty cute. And you did almost get into a fight for him. Hmm?" Hazel asked in an inquisitive manner.
"Come on Haze, keep it down. You know I like to keep me being gay to myself," said Grant in a hushed voice. "Not everyone is open to the idea. I mean Dad doesn't even know. And I didn't get a chance to tell Mom before she died. I don't want to run into some bigot here in the center and have him all up in arms about it. And I definitely don't want to scare away JB. We all just started to become friends."
"Well in my opinion you should tell him sooner than later. He seems like a cool guy and I don't think he would have a problem with it. And this way we could find out if he is available for me or not." Hazel giggled.
JB walked back over from making his phone call.
"Well I wasn't able to get a hold of the Professor, but my parents said," JB stopped mid thought and looked at the siblings. "Everything alright you two? I feel a sort of tension lingering in the air."
"Everything is just fine," Grant answered quickly. "Why wouldn't it be? Hazel is good. I'm good. Maybe we should go check on our Pokemon. Nurse Joy should be done by now."
"Ok?" JB was a bit confused. He followed Grant and Hazel over to the counter. Grant asked Nurse Joy about the Pokemon and she went in the back to find them. She was gone about a minute and came back with all 9 Poke balls.
"I wasn't able to do anything for your charmander's scar. It seems it will be permanent," Nurse Joy started to explain. "As for everyone else's Pokemon, they are all healed and fine. Who does the cyndaquil belong to?"
Grant spoke up, "Me. Is she ok?"
"Oh yes. I just want to let you know her previous injuries look to be healing quite nicely. She must have gone through a lot for such a young Pokemon."
"Yes, she has. Can I just get my Pokemon, please?" Grant took his Pokemon and walked off toward the door in a huff.
"Oh I hope I didn't say something wrong or insulting. I was just amazed at how the cyndaquil is looking. She is tagged in our computer systems."
"No worries, Nurse Joy," Hazel said. "Please excuse my brother. He is still a little sensitive about things. Do you happen to have anymore beds for the night?"
"Oh no, I'm sorry. The Pokemon Center is full for the night. The gym leader has been out of town for a while and just got back a few days ago so people have been battling him before he leaves again. Why he keeps leaving, I have no clue."
Hazel looked disappointed. "Thanks anyway, Nurse Joy. My brother and I will just find a spot to camp out for the night."
"Umm, did you forget I live in Viridian City?" JB put his hands on his hips. "You two are going to stay with me tonight at my house. My parents are actually expecting you. My mom is making dinner as we speak."
"Oh thank you so much! I'm not ready to sleep outside yet. Oh I can't wait to meet your parents. Let's go get my pouty brother and tell him the great news."
JB and Hazel catch up to Grant and tell him about staying at the Hart residence for the night. It makes Grant feel a little better, but he still seems down.
JB and his friends reach his house just as the sun sets. It is about a 30 minute walk from town to his house. The three trainers stand in front of the house. It is a small light blue house with dark blue shutters and a matching front door. It has 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a kitchen, living room, and office. There is a short wooden fence around the front yard and a detached garage.
"This is my house," JB points out. "Its not real big, but I love it. My favorite part is the large backyard." He opens the wooden gate and runs to the front door and opens it. "Mom! Dad! We are here!" He turns back to Hazel and Grant, "Come on in guys."
Grant whispers to Hazel, "Do not mention our family being rich and the fact that we could have afforded a hotel room. The Harts are trying to be nice and put us up for the night."
"Geez Grant," Hazel rolls her eyes. "Do I seem like the bragging type? Don't answer that. And no need to worry. I won't embarrass you in front of you 'boyfriends' parents." Hazel giggles and runs to the door.
Grant yells in a quite voice. "Hazel you little brat! Stop that!" He too, hurries to the door and they walk in.
"Please come in. Let me take your coats and backpacks." Mr. Hart greets them at the door.
"Mom, Dad, these are my new," JB paused for a second, "friends, Grant and Hazel Giddy. Grant, Hazel, these are my parents Mr. and Mrs. Hart."
Mr. Hart shook hands with the siblings, "Please call me Jack. Mr. Hart is for my students."
Mrs. Hart on the other hand was so excited for JB to bring friends home that she was in a hugging mood and did so to both brother and sister. "You can call me Beth. I'm so happy that JB has made friends. He doesn't have very many. All the kids his age are gone and before that he…"
"Mom!" JB interrupted.
"Oh look at me. When I get excited I just go on and on and on. Anyway, enough about that. I hope you kids are hungry."
They all made their way into the kitchen and sat down at a rectangular table. Mr. and Mrs. Hart sat at either end of the table, JB sat on one side, and Grant and Hazel on the other. There was a smorgasbord of food for them to eat.
"JB didn't mention anyone having any dietary restrictions so I just made a bunch of stuff," said Mrs. Hart.
"Looks great Mrs. Hart, I mean Beth," Grant answered. "Hazel and I don't have any restrictions that I can remember.
"Well I am allergic to mushrooms, but I don't see any here so that shouldn't be a problem," Hazel added.
"Are you?" Grant answered.
"Remember that time when I was little and we went to the restaurant in the city and I ate those mushroom and had to go to the hospital the next day because I swelled all up?"
"No, I don't remember." Grant got quiet and starts to eat.
"So Grant and I are from Goldenrod City in the Johto region?" Hazel changed the subject. "I am here in Kanto to challenge all the gym leaders and compete in the Kanto Pokemon League."
"What made you come to Kanto instead of staying in Johto?" asked Mr. Hart.
"Oh I thought I needed a change of scenery," Hazel answered quickly and nervously. "I had seen a lot of Johto already and I thought Kanto would be a great place to travel. And I was right. We met JB and helped him with that Mason guy. He was a jerk for sucker punching JB the way he did."
"Excuse me?" The Hart parents said in unison and looked at JB.
"Please not now, Mom and Dad. I will tell you later," said JB.
"Don't think I am going to forget about this mister," his father replied.
"Sorry JB," Hazel apologized.
"Don't worry about it Hazel, I would have told them anyway. I just didn't want it to be a dinner conversation," JB answered.
"And how do your parents feel about you adventuring off in Kanto so far from home," Mrs. Hart asked.
"Well its just my dad. My mom passed a way from cancer when I was 10. My dad is busy with his work. He was worried, but then Grant said he would come with me. Grant and I have been pretty much best friends since my mom died."
"I'm sorry to hear about your mother, but its nice to see a brother and sister as close as the two of you."
"Thanks, Mrs. H." Hazel then shoved a large piece of meat into her mouth.
The rest of dinner went on with out any hiccups. Grant kept quite, but the others were a talkative bunch. The Hart's told stories of when they were younger and about the Pokemon they grew up with. Mr. Hart told stories of his summer school students and even a few about his father. JB loved those stories.
"Well now that we have finished dinner, I found some of your Grandpa's old Poke food recipes and I cooked some up. I was going to send it to you but it seems we need it now. 9 Pokemon is way more than have ever been in this house for quite a long time," Mrs. Hart said in excitement. "You may have to use the back porch. Turn on the porch light JB and you and your friends go on out. I'll bring the food in a moment."
Grant and Hazel followed JB outside. JB switched on the porch light and illuminated the back porch. Not much more of the backyard could be seen in the dark of the night.
"Come on out Ruckus, Tesla, and Zero. Its time to eat!" in a flash of red light the three Pokemon appeared. "Ruckus, Tesla, say hello to our new friend Zero." Tesla walked over to Zero and sniffed him. Ruckus flew down and landed next to the charmander and did the same. Then after a few seconds they started to play.
"Wow," Hazel exclaimed, "You have an eevee, too? I remember when Grant's flareon used to be an eevee." She pulled out her Pokedex and scanned Tesla.
Eevee the evolution Pokemon. Because an eevee's genetic makeup is irregular, it quickly changes its form due to a variety of causes.
"That's so cool. And what is this Pokemon." Hazel then scanned Ruckus.
Zubat the bat Pokemon. Zubats are capable of flying safely in dark places, it emits ultrasonic cries to check for any obstacles.
"You have some pretty cool Pokemon JB." Hazel walks over and pets them each on the head. "Why don't you three come out? Ivy, Wing, Pinky!" Hazel opens her Poke balls and in a red flash of light her three Pokemon appear on the ground. "Meet our new friends everyone. You be nice Pinky." A small, purple, bat-like Pokémon stood with her arms crossed. She has blue wings with pointed claws at the edges of the membranes. She has pincers on her forelimbs, and a segmented tail with a stinger on the end. She has short hind legs and feet that appear segmented with a large, single claw each. She has long, pointed ears and triangle-shaped eyes, and fangs.
JB points his PokeReader at the purple bat and scans her: Gligar the flying scorpion Pokemon. Gligar usually cling to cliffs. When it spots it's prey, it spreads it's wings and glides down to attack.
"That's a cool Pokemon, Hazel, but why do you call her Pinky?" JB asked. "She is purple."
"Yeah I know. Pinky hatched from an egg I got after my Mom died. When she hatched she was pink and then eventually turned purple."
"I guess I go last," Grant pepped up a little. "Scarlet, Scooter, Flash. Come on out!" He tosses out his three Poke balls and his Pokemon appear in a flash of red light. "Go ahead and scan my Pokemon with your PokeReader, JB. I don't think my sisters will have these guys in her Pokedex as most of them are only found in Johto and her Pokedex is from Kanto. Your PokeReader seems to be able to pick up any region's Pokemon."
JB pointer the PokeReader at Scarlet. Scarlet is a small Pokémon with bluish fur on top of her body and a milky color on the underside. She has four red-colored spots on her back.
Cyndaquil the fire mouse Pokemon. Cyndaquil usually stay hunched over. If it is angry or surprised, it shoots flames out of its back.
He then scans Scooter. Scooter is a large owl looking Pokemon with a brown coloring and a triangle pattern of a darker shade of brown running down his chest. His wings and wedge-shaped tail are dark brown like the pattern on his chest. He has bushy, cream-colored feathered horns like eye brows. The ring pattern around his eyes and his talons are cream in coloration, his beak is talons are a light pink, and his easy are red.
Noctowl the owl Pokemon. When noctowls need to think, they rotate their head 180 degrees to sharpen their intellectual power. Noctowl is the final evolved form of hoot hoot.
JB scans Flash last. Flash is covered in reddish-orange fur, has a large, bushy tail, fluffy collar, and a tuft of fur on her head; all of which are a creamy yellow color. She has large, long ears and black eyes.
Flareon the flame Pokemon. Flareon fluffs out its fur collar to cool down its body temperature, which can reach 1,650 degrees Fahrenheit. Flareon is an evolved form of eevee using a fire stone.
"Man Grant, those are some impressive Pokemon. Two fire Pokemon and a final evolution stage." JB was in awe.
"Thanks," Grant said sullenly. "I got them during my travels through Johto. These three are all I have left from those days." Grant looked down at the ground. "Fire Pokemon are my favorite, but I am trying to branch out and collect other types."
"I don't think I have a favorite type yet. You must have been a really good trainer. These guys look really healthy." JB bent down and rubbed Flash on the head. "Man, the PokeReader was right, Flash is warm to the touch."
"That means she like you," Hazel added. "She normally burns those she doesn't like. You're a good guy JB. My brother thinks so." Hazel winks at Grant. Grant scowls at Hazel.
"Here is your food my little Pokemon!" Mrs. Hart steps outside carrying 9 stacked bowls of food.
"Here let me help you with that Mrs. Hart." Grant grabs 6 of the bowls, 3 in each hand, and places them on the ground for his and Hazel's Pokemon.
"You are such a polite young man, Grant. You mother and father would be proud. JB you could learn some manners from Grant." She smiles at Grant and he blushes. "I have set up the pull out couch in the living room for Hazel to sleep. Grant, you and JB can sleep in his room. I set up a spare mattress on the floor."
"Thanks Mrs. Hart," said Grant and Hazel.
"Please call me Beth. Mrs. Hart makes me feel old." She walks back inside. Hazel follows and helps to clean up the table from dinner.
Grant sits down in a chair outside and looks up into the sky.
"Beautiful isn't it?" JB asks. He is sitting in the yard next to the porch.
"Yeah, it is. It just seems so vast and peaceful," Grant replies.
"Grant thanks again for helping me out with Mason today. I really do appreciate it. Not very many people would have done that for me. Like my mom said earlier, I don't have very many friends. Don't think I've ever really had any except for my Grandpa, but he's family."
"I'm happy to be your friend, JB. I know what its like to be bullied and pushed around. I've stood up to my fair share of them."
JB starts to laugh and Grant looks over at him. Tesla, Flash, Zero, and Ivy are jumping and playing with him. Scooter flies over and perches on the back of the Grant's chair. Scarlet jumps onto his lap and curls up to sleep. Ruckus is hovering above JB. Wing is preening his self and Pinky is watching Hazel through the window.
JB stops laughing, "I guess we should get ready for bed. Walking all day has really tired me out. Plus, we need to get up early so Hazel can challenge the gym leader and I can make my delivery to Mrs. Tesla."
The boys and the Pokemon made their way into the house. JB picks up the bowls and places them on the counter. Mr. and Mrs. Hart are already upstairs. Hazel is in the living room in a yellow shirt and blue pajama pants getting under the covers of the sofa bed. Pinky, Wing and Ivy all jump up on the bed. Hazel lifts the covers and Pinky gets under and snuggles up to her. Ivy lies down by her feet while Wing lies by the arm of the sofa.
"Good night boys! See you in the morning. Sleep tight," Hazel says as the boys walk up the stairs.
"Good night Hazel."
"Good night sis."
JB shows Grant where his room is and where the bathroom is. JB goes into his room and Grant walks into the bathroom. Grant finishes in the bathroom and walks toward JB's room. The door is slightly open and he can see JB in the room stripped down to just his boxer briefs. Grant pauses.
"Everything ok, Grant?" Mrs. Hart asks.
Grant jumps a little, "Yes, yes. Yes, everything is fine Mrs., I mean, Beth. JB was just changing and I didn't want to interrupt." Grant blushes.
Mrs. Hart smiled at Grant. "JB is it ok if Grant comes in to get ready?"
"Sure mom. I'm just in my underwear." JB opens the door wearing just his boxer briefs. "Come on in." Grant walks in.
"Good night you two. Your father says the same. He is in bed already. He has to be up early for work."
"Good night to you and Dad, Mom"
"Good night Beth. Thanks for the bed."
"My pleasure, Grant." Mrs. Hart shuts the door.
The Pokemon were spread around the room. Tesla was at the foot of JB's bed while Ruckus was hanging from the ceiling in the corner. Zero had found a spot on the floor with Flash between the two beds. Scooter perches on the back of a chair close to Grant and tucks his head under his wing and falls asleep. Scarlet lies next to Grant's pillow on the bed.
"You alright Grant? You look a little pale and sweaty. Is it too hot in here?"
"No, the temperature is fine. I just think I should…"
JB interrupted, "Do you need something to sleep in? Maybe an extra pillow?"
"No, I'm good. I just need to tell you…"
"Oh man I hope you don't mind, I tend to be a warm bodied person and get really hot when I sleep, that's why I'm in my underwear. Plus, its just us boys so I hope its cool. I would never do this in front of your sister."
"Yeah, its fine. I mean thanks for not doing it in front of Hazel, but its your house, your room. Its cool. But I need to tell you…"
"Oh crap, I so have to pee. Make yourself at home. I'll be right back." JB opens the bedroom door and closes it behind him on the way to the bathroom.
"I'm gay." Grant pauses. "Its that simple, Granty boy. Just say it to him." Grant changes in to his pajama bottoms. They are black with flames on them. He looks around JB's room. There are books on Pokemon, history books, science books, and a lot of comic books. There are also pictures of JB and his Grandpa doing different activities around the house. There is a radio on the desk and music cds scattered across it. JB came back in to the room.
"Oh man, am I beat. I don't know how I will every get used to this walking everywhere. I would love to sleep forever." JB crawls into bed.
"No. No you wouldn't. You would miss out on a lot." Grant went quiet and gets into bed. Scarlet snuggles up to him.
"Did I say something wrong Grant?"
"No, don't worry about it. I'm just cranky from being tired," Grant lied.
"What were you trying to tell me before I went to the bathroom?"
"Oh, just thanks for letting us stay with you," Grant lied again.
"Not a problem. What are friends for, right?"
"Good night JB. I'm glad I ran into you in Pallet Town."
JB starts to lightly snore. Grant smiles and closes his eyes.
Grant suddenly wakes up startled by a crash. His noctowl, Scooter was behind him sitting on the desk. Scooter had knock over a picture of JB with his mother, father and grandfather.
JB's grandfather had gray hair, a scruffy beard, and blue eyes. Grant noticed that in most of the pictures the old man was wearing a short sleeved light colored button up shirt. A different color in each different picture. The one thing he noticed that was the same was the old man's smile. He always had a great big smile. Grant laughs and sits the picture back on the desk. He stands up and looks out the window into the backyard. It is about the size of a football field. There is a small shed in the corner. There is a large tree toward the back of the property with a tree house in it. A garden of flowers lines the sides of the property. It is beautiful. He sees JB and Hazel playing with the Pokemon. He sees both Scarlet and Flash chasing after Tesla and JB.
"Even Scarlet? That kid has a way with Pokemon."
He puts on his red zip up hoodie and makes his way down stairs to the kitchen with Scooter on his shoulder. Mrs. Hart is in the kitchen cleaning up.
"Good morning, Mrs., I men, Beth. I'll get it sooner or later."
"Morning Grant. Have a seat. The waffles are still warm. There is a bowl of poke food for Scooter, too. JB couldn't get him to leave your side this morning."
"Yea, Scooter is really protective of me. He doesn't like to leave my side for too long." He places the bowl of food on the floor for Scooter to eat. "I'm surprised he got Scarlet to leave with him. She is normally skittish around new people." Grant stares out the sliding glass door where JB and Hazel are playing with the Pokemon.
"That's my boy. JB has always been able to make a connection with Pokemon, its his people skills he needs to work on."
"Hmm," Grant replies as he watches JB and Ruckus play fetch with a stick. "He is good with Pokemon. Maybe something to do with what his Grandpa taught him?"
"Could be? His Grandpa also had a way with Pokemon." Mrs. Hart turned and looks at Grant and giggles. "So Grant, you should just tell him."
Grant stirs from his staring. "I'm sorry, what? I'm not sure what you are talking about."
"Well it is none of my business, but its a little obvious to me that you may or may not have a slight crush on my son. Its not a bad thing, he is a cute one if I do say so myself."
"You must be confused. I don't… I'm not…" Grant stumbles to find his words.
Mrs. Hart pulls out a chair and sits down at the table with Grant. "Grant, I've dealt with kids in your situation. I am a teacher, but I am also a counselor at the school. I understand what you might be going through. Whatever you tell me can stay between you and me."
Grant is amazed a how comfortable he feels around Mrs. Hart. She reminds him of his own mother and how much he misses her. He pauses and then opens up to Mrs. Hart. As this is happening JB and Hazel are outside taking.
"Hazel, what's up with your brother? He has those weird mood swings and gets all quiet. He seemed to get mad at me last night and then blew it off like he wasn't angry."
"What did you say to him? Did he say anything to you?" Hazel asked wide eyed.
"No, not really. Just that I would miss out on things if I slept for too long."
"Hmm, I think you need to talk about this with him. He has been through quite a bit in the past years and it happens to be rather personal for him."
"Maybe I'll do that. You guys are really cool and I don't want to mess up our friendship, but if you think he will be ok with it I'll talk to him about it." They continue to play with the Pokemon.
The sliding door opens and Mrs. Hart calls Hazel to come help her with packing some food for the trip. Hazel walks inside with Pinky following. Grant steps outside in his pajama pants and hoodie shutting the door behind him. The sun was fully up. He could feel the heat on his face.
"The grass is wet, Grant, you might want to put on some shoes."
"Thanks JB, I'll be fine. Its nice to feel the wet grass between my toes again." Grant steps into the yard. Scarlet came running up to him. He bent down and pick up the small Johto fire starter. "Good morning baby girl. I see you made a new friend in JB." He ran his fingers through her fur. "Thanks for taking care of Scarlet and Flash this morning. Sorry about Scooter, he's a loyal one."
"I realized that. Scarlet took about 5 minutes, but if I had tried any longer to get Scooter to come with me I might have woken you up. You looked pretty tired. Plus, you were drooling."
"Well… you snore."
JB laughed, "That I do. I hope it didn't bother you."
"No, not at all." Grant continued petting Scarlet. There were a couple minutes of silence and then finally he spoke up, "I should explain a little about myself to you. If we are going to be friends there are a couple things I should tell you."
"You mean like why you can be so moody some times? I figured that was just you having pooped yourself and not wanting anyone to know."
Grant laughed, "No, that would be easier than what I have to tell you."
"I'm all ears, Mr. Giddy. Its just you, me, the Pokemon, and the outdoors. Spill your guts."
Grant took a deep breathe, "So before I decided to join Hazel on he travels, I had been in a coma for two years."
"What? Seriously? Dude, Grant, I am so sorry. Now I understand why you got mad about that sleeping forever comment."
"Not a big deal. Really. I'm fully recovered. The doctor gave me a clean bill of health. I just, sometimes I can't remember things. Like stuff from my past and sometime my short term memory isn't real good. Not being able to remember things, especially family events, upsets me and I get moody."
"Wow. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't remember all the times I spent with my parents and Grandpa. Do they know what caused the coma?"
"That's a little blurry, but from what I can remember..."
A little over two years ago, Grant is on Route 42 heading toward Mahogany Town. He is wearing a light orange collared shirt, blue jeans, and red and black sneakers. His Poke ball belt is full and he has a pep in his step. He is carrying a shoulder bag backpack. He pulls out a gray case and opens it. Inside is displayed all the badges he has won. There are two spots left.
"That last battle was awesome Scarlet. You did a great job. I am going to be a great fire trainer if you keep battling like that." Grant looks down at the cyndaquil that is happily walking next to him. "Two more badges and we are ready for the Johto League." He shuts the case and slides it back into his bag.
"Hey kid! Are you a Pokemon trainer?" A blurry figure calls out to Grant.
"I am. Do you want to battle?"
"Were you just in Ecruteak City and defeated the gym leader?" The blurry figure walked closer to Grant.
"I did." Grant got a little worried.
"And did you stop that member of the One One 7 gang from beating up that queer kid?" The blurry figure was almost right next to grant.
"Yes, yes. I did. Is there going to be a problem here?" The flames on Scarlet's back flared up.
"No problem. I'm just going to beat your little queer ass. You don't mess with a member of One One 7 with out consequences. Get'em boys!"
From the woods appeared a total of 5 more guys. All at once they start to beat on Grant. One guy punts Scarlet across the ground. Grant drops to the ground. He is being hit with bats and large sticks. He is hit with a bat to the back of his knee and falls to the ground into the fetal position. The blurry figure grabs his Poke ball belt. He picks off a ball, drops it on the ground and steps on it, smashing it to pieces. Grant screams as he sees this happen. He is crying and terrified for his life and those of his Pokemon. The blurry gang member does this 2 more times. Each time laughing. He grabs a fourth ball, but before he can drop it Scarlet jumps on him with a scratch attack. The man drops the belt and grabs Scarlet by the head. He throws her against the ground and then kicks her into the air. She lands and stops moving. As the belt falls to the ground the Poke balls open and the remaining Pokemon appear.
"Run! Please go before they kill you!" Grant shouts before he is kicked in the face. Scooter takes to the air and Flash darts into the woods.
"Looks like some of your Pokemon got lucky. Looks like you didn't get so lucky though." The blurry figure kicks Grant three times in the gut. Grant can feel a sharp pain in his chest. "Let's go boys. This queer is done for." The gang leaves.
"I don't remember anything after that," Grant said as he wiped tears out of his eyes. "The nurses at the hospital told me that I showed up at the Pokemon Center in Mahogany Town bleeding and bruised holding Scarlet in my arms. Nurse Joy called an ambulance for me and took Scarlet to start working on her. I was told she had multiple broken bones and internal bleeding. She was transferred into a heal ball to help her recover. The doctors worked for days on my injuries. I had internal bleeding, four broken ribs, a busted knee, a skull fracture, and a broken arm. I am lucky to be alive. They say I fell into a coma shortly after arriving at the hospital. My dad was called and he and Hazel came as soon as they could. Hazel went walking on Route 42 trying to retrace the steps she though I might take and ended up finding Scooter and Flash and the crushed Poke balls." Grant placed a hand over his face and started to cry. "Three of my Pokemon were killed. Three of my best friends. I… I could have died. I probably did a couple times and no one told me." Grant felt a pair of arms wrap around him. It was JB.
"I'm so sorry Grant. That sucks. It really does. If I could go back in time and stop those clowns from doing what they did to you I would. I would want to make that whole nightmare go way. But I cant. And I'm sorry that I can't, but what I can do is be here for you now. You have me and you have Hazel." JB drew Grant in closer and squeezed just a little harder. "It means the world to me that you and I are friends. I'm glad you're alive. I'm glad you're here."
Hazel and Mrs. Hart watched from the window. They are both crying. Mrs. Hart hands Hazel the box of tissues.
Well that's that. We know what caused Grant to fall into a coma those 2 years ago. Sorry for the lack of Pokemon battles I felt like an emotional battle was needed. I hope you enjoyed reading. Don't forget to review.