Morty watched the city lights dancing in the night from the top of what was left of the burned tower…the tower that had once been a symbol of harmony between Ho-Oh and Lugia…
…harmony…
That harmony was supposed to reflect in those who lived in Ecruteak City…the way people talked with each other…interacted with each other…interacted with Pokemon…
Harmony in friends…communities…marriage…partnerships…
…Family…
The ghost gym-leader closed his eyes and sighed quietly.
"...Gen…"
Morty opened his eyes slightly, not bothering to look behind him. "...Gengar…was I wrong to do what I did?" He muttered lightly. "...I…I just wanted her to understand what Father wanted…How he wanted to run things…"
He put a hand to his head and let off another sigh. "...I didn't bother….looking at how happy she was…How alive her Scizor kept her…I…"
Morty looked over his shoulder, towards his Gengar. "...I ruined everything for her…I lost my sister…because I just couldn't let her live her own dream."
Gengar slowly made his way over to Morty, sitting next to the gym leader on the jagged remains of the roof. The lights of the city dazzled against the nighttime sky, the sounds of night loving Pokemon calling echoing in the air.
For a while, Gengar said nothing…and he glanced towards Morty. "Gengar Gen."
Perhaps your father should have taken a different approach to how to point out your differences.
Morty glanced at Gengar slightly. "...what do you mean?"
"Gen. Gengar Gen." The Ghost type Pokemon continued to speak his own name…but Morty could understand each word perfectly.
Think about it. You caught me in the ruins of this tower with tradition on your mind. Lena found Cye broken and almost dead…and he decided to stay with her. However, both of you formed such a tight and strong bond with us…
Gengar looked towards Morty.
Both of you put us, your pokemon first. You learned things about us as Pokemon, partners, friends.
There was a moment of silence, before Gengar looked back over the city.
However…your father had been pleased with you for choosing a ghost type, while Lena had chosen a bug type. He compared her to Bugsy…saying she needed to follow your superior example.
Morty looked in the direction that Gengar was looking.
"...so basically…you're saying he shouldn't have praised me so much?"
Gengar shook his head and motioned towards the Bell Tower on the other side of the City.
Look at the Bell Tower, Morty. What does it represent?
Morty looked confused and glanced towards his Gengar. "...it…represents Ho-Oh…you know I know this."
Gengar pointed downwards towards the ruined tower they were currently sitting on.
And the Brass Tower?
"...Lugia." Morty crossed his arms. "Where are we going with this, Gengar?"
Would you dare compare Ho-Oh to Lugia? Telling Lugia to be more like Ho-Oh? Gengar challenged.
Morty paused….and looked back towards the city in silence.
"...It's been five years Gengar…I rebuilt everything I had destroyed…If only she could see it….If only I could prove to her that…I'm not the same arrogant brother she left behind…"
Morty looked at his hands.
"...Did you see the way she looked at me when we destroyed it Gengar?...when….I…destroyed it? Everything she had worked on…everything she had brought together…"
Morty shuddered, the look of absolute horror and betrayal in her eyes….the last look he had ever seen on her face….
Morty…..how could you….I HATE YOU MORTY! I HATE YOU!
….Morty.
The gym leader gasped as his dark memories were interrupted by Gengar putting his large stubby hand on Morty's shoulder. He glanced over towards Gengar, who was smiling at him lightly.
…We'll find her…I know she's safe…She has MY son with her after all….We'll find her…and we'll rebuild everything…starting with your bond.
Morty smiled sadly and rested his hand over Gengar's, looking over the city lights.
"...yes…We'll find her…I'll find you Lena…and I'm never going let anyone cage you again…"
