Episode 29: The Ghost of Lavender Town's Tower

Hana, her friends and her Pokemon family are walking through the tunnel that will lead them to their destination. They continue to walk until they come out to see their next destination… Lavender Town. The town is covered in fog and they can see a tall tower through the fog.

"So this is Lavender Town? It's a bit scary," Diana says.

"It does seem a bit scary, but that is our next destination. Luckily, I remember there being a Pokemon Center in Town. We'll be alright for the time being," Hana says.

Sometime later, Hana and her friends along with her Pokemon family arrive at the Pokemon Center. Since they're there, they have Nurse Joy take care of the Pokemon and wait until they are finished getting their check-up.

Suddenly, they hear someone saying, "I heard that a ghost that's been appearing in the Pokemon Tower lately."

Hearing that catches Hana and the others' attention.

"A ghost?" Akira says, confused.

They turn to see a man and a woman talking.

The woman asks, "Really?"

"Yeah. That's right, and a lot of people claim to have seen it," The man says.

Hana walks over and asks, "Excuse me, is what you're saying is true. Is there a ghost in the Pokemon Tower?"

The man nods his head and says, "I haven't seen it myself, but everyone is talking about it."

"Really? Because, I've been here one and I never heard of a Ghost in Pokemon Tower. Sure, Ghost Type Pokemon, but never a real ghost," Hana says.

"It has actually been going on recently. And I'm guessing you know that Lavender Town is known as the Grave site for Pokemon," The man says.

Hana sadly nods her head, "Yes. That's right. I'm actually planning on heading there with my family to pay our respects."

"I see," The woman says.

"And who is the Pokemon?" The man asks.

"It's Gallade. And I know it's hard, but that Gallade is actually my father, and my mother a Gardevoir and my siblings, Ralts and Kirlas are with us," Hana says.

Nurse Joy walks to her and says, "Yes. I believe I remember you from two years ago to this day. It was a surprise to all of Lavender Town that the Gallade that died in the fire was also a father to a human child."

"You heard?" Chase asks.

Hana and the others turn their heads to see Chase and the others.

The woman looks at Hana, "I remember you know. I… I remember how awful it was when your father…"

"I know. It's been exactly two years ago when my father died after the fire. My family and I wanted to come to pay our respects," Hana says.

"I see. I'm glad you decided to come. If I remember, I heard that you're actually a trainer since the last time we saw you," Nurse Joy says.

"Yeah," Hana says.

Diana asks, "So this ghost that is in the tower now is a Pokemon's spirit."

"Well, it's really just a rumor," The man says.

"Hmm, I wonder if it could be a real spirit of a Pokemon or a ghost type Pokemon," Akira says.

The bell then rings and Nurse Joy says, "That means that your Pokemon are healed and taken care of."

Then Chanasey drives the stretcher over with Pikachu, Alistair and the young Kirlias and Ralts on it.

"Thank you Nurse Joy," Hana says.

Pikachu walks on Hana's Shoulders as the Kirlia and Ralts stand beside Hana and Gardevoir side. Alistair then climbs on Akira's shoulder

Hana turns to the man and woman, "Still, do you know what kind of Pokemon it is? If it's a real spirit."

"Well, people believed that it could be the spirit of Marowak that died recently," The woman asks.

"Marowak?" The humans say, confused.

"It's best you go to the Pokemon House and the owner can explain it," The man says.

Soon enough, they arrive at the Pokemon House, which isn't far from the Pokemon Center. They stand in front of it and are interested in it.

Hana calmly says, "I haven't been here in a while."

Hana opens the door and walks inside. The others follow to see the inside is a wide open space.

Hana calls out, "Hello! Is anyone here?"

Then someone says, "Yes."

The door opens and a young girl with light brown pigtails and purple eyes walk in. She is wearing a pink shirt and purple skirt walk in.

The girl is surprised and says, "Hana? Is that you?"

"Hi Reina, it's good to see you," Hana says.

The girl, Reina smiles and says, "It's good to see you too. How have you been doing?"

"Okay. Right now I'm on a journey and decided to come here to say hi to father," Hana says.

"I see," Reina says.

Chase asks, "Hey Hana, so is this girl a friend of yours?"

"Yes," Hana answers.

"And what exactly is the Pokemon House?" Diana asks.

"Oh right, I forgot. It's a special house where orphaned and abandoned Pokemon are taken care of until they grow up," Hana says.

Reina says, "I'll show you."

The group walks around to see so many pen areas for Pokemon. There is an Oddish Sandshrew, Vulpix, and more baby Pokemon. What's more, there are people that are taking care of the Pokemon, feeding, playing, and cleaning.

"I heard of Pokemon House before, but never thought I would get to see the real thing," Chase says.

"Yes. I met the owner, Mr. Crest. He's very nice. To be honest, this Pokemon house is also his very home and he remodeled it for Pokemon," Hana says.

"That's correct. He was the founder and my grandfather. Many people from the town volunteer at the house and the Pokemon are very happy here," Reina says.

"He's your grandfather?"Akira says, confused.

Just then, the door opens and an elderly man walks inside. He is wearing a pair of glasses wearing a green fedora with a matching vest over a white shirt and brown pants.

Reina happily says, "Hello grandfather."

The group turns their heads to see the man himself.

"Hello Reina, it's good to see you. And Hana, it's so nice to see you again, and your family too, and I see you brought some friends," The elder man says.

"Hello Mr. Crest, it's nice to see you too. I wanted to see father since I'm on my journey," Hana says.

"That's good. I'm sure he'll be happy to see you," Mr. Crest says.

"Thank you," Hana says, showing a sad smile.

Reina asks, "So um… did you find it?"

"Sadly, no. I am unable to find the little guy. I can tell the reason why it's so nervous around people," Mr. Crest says.

"What do you mean?" Diana asks.

"He's talking about the Baby Cubone that recently lost Marowak, its mother," Reina says.

"Marowak? He heard people saying that it's ghost is haunting the tower," Chase says.

"Yes. That's what people are believing," Reina says.

"But, why would this Baby Cubone be alone, and what happened to its mother?" Hana asks.

"Because of Team Rocket," Reina says.

"Team Rocket?! Everyone exclaims.

"So you heard of them?" Mr. Crest asks.

"More than that, we fought their gang before and we always manage to stop them from causing trouble," Hana says.

Reina and her grandfather are shocked to hear it.

"You have?" Reina asks.

"Yes. But what does Team Rocket have to do with Cubone and the spirit?" Chase asks.

"Well, Cubone was being chased by Team Rocket close to town. Marowak then attacked trying to protect Cubone. Marowak tried to stop them, but… they were proven to be too strong for it. And because of Team Rocket... Cubone lost its mother that day, Marowak, who was trying to protect Cubone, its baby," Reina says.

Everyone is completely stunned and some are also on the verge of tears.

Hana says in tears, "You mean they… oh no."

"Yes. They did," Reina sadly says.

Hana says with tears coming down her face, "What a horrible thing to do."

"Cubone must have been crushed," Akira says.

"They didn't get away with it. Did they?" Chase asks.

"No. They were captured by the police and taken to prison. Sadly, the damage to Cubone was already done," Reina says, sounding very sad.

"Yes. Cubone's heart is broken, and I'm afraid that it won't be mended so easily," Mr. Crest says.

"Yes. My grandfather, myself, and many of the people tried to find Cubone, but it preferred to keep its distance from us, especially humans," Reina says.

"No wonder, after what Team Rocket did," Diana sadly says.

"Yes. I'll bet that Cubone must be deeply afraid of humans and wants to stay away from them as much as possible, but… I'll bet it also misses its mom. I know what it's like to lose someone you love because of a horrible incident," Hana says.

She then clutches her fest, "But still… how… how could they?"

Gardevoir touches Hana's shoulders and she turns to see her mother. Then hugs her in sadness. Reina and Mr. Crest feel that Hana knows exactly how Cubone is feeling and what it's going through right now.

Sometime later, Hana finally calms down and is kind of back to her normal self.

Diana asks, "You feeling okay, Hana."

"Yeah. I'm fine now," Hana says.

"We're glad you're feeling better. Are you planning on going to the tower?" Reina asks.

"Yes. We really want to see him," Hana says.

Gardevoir, the Kirlais, and the ralts nod their heads.

"Then we wish you luck. Tell your father, Gallade we said hi," Reina says.

"Okay," Hana says.

Hana and her friends leave the Pokemon House and head off to Pokemon Tower.

Mr. Crest says, "Hmm, I wonder if Hana might be able to help the ghost. I heard she has a natural talent when it comes to caring for Pokemon, and can understand what they say and feel."

"I sure hope so. If the ghost really is Marowak, I hope it will find peace," Reina says.

Later in the night, Hana and her friends arrive at Pokemon Tower and Hana is carrying a bouquet of flowers.

"Are you sure you want to go in there, Hana? It's kind of creepy," Daina asks.

"Yes. I… I really want to see him, and well, I want to help the ghost and figure out what it's doing here and what it wants," Hana says.

Akira sighs, "I figured as much. Well, Alistair and I are coming in."

Pikachu nods his head agreeing to come with her.

Diana sighs, "I suppose I'm coming too."

"You can count on me too," Chase says.

"Then let's go. I actually have some friends in the tower from last year. I do hope they're not up to mischief again, Hana says.

Hana says walking into the Pokemon Tower with her family behind her.

"Who would that be?" Akira asks, as he and the others follow.

"Ghastly, Haunter, and Gengar," Hana answers.

The group soon enter the tower. Charmander uses its tail to help light the way.

"This place is rather dark in here," Chase says.

"Yeah. You think they'll have a few lights here," Diana says.

"Well, the place is old, but it's been here for a long time and the lights will disturbed the ghost Pokemon who likes the dark at times," Hana says.

"That's true," Chase says.

The group continues to walk down the aisle until they reach the stairs.

"Alright everyone, watch your step," Hana says.

Everyone calmly walks up the steps carefully. Unknown to Hana and the others, someone is secretly watching them from the shadows. They soon reach upstairs to arrive on the second floor.

"So Hana, which floor is your father in?" Diana asks.

"He's on the fifth floor, so we'll need to climb up a few more staircases," Hana says.

The group continues to walk down the hall and find another staircase. Soon, they arrive on the fourth floor, and are almost to their destination.

"We're almost there, everyone stays close," Hana says.

"Gardevoir," (Be careful everyone.) Gardevoir says.

"Mother said to be careful," Hana says, having her head to the others.

Every human and Pokemon in the group nod their heads in reply.

Hana turns her head forward to see a Ghost Pokemon. It's a purple Pokémon with a gaseous body. It has a round head flanked by three large, spiked protrusions on either side. It has triangular eyes with small pupils and a mouth with a long, pink tongue. The gases composing its head curve into its mouth to form several pointed teeth. Disembodied hands with three clawed fingers each float in front of its body. Its body tapers into a jagged tail.

Hana nervously says, "Hi."

Then the Pokemon makes his eyes pop out and his tongue sticks out, that scares everyone and falls to the ground. The Pokemon laughs with a big smile on his face.

Hana calms down, "Haunter!"

"Haunter! Haunter Haunter," (Hey kid! Glad you're back.) Haunter says.

Hana says, "Yeah. Good to see you too."

Just then, a Ghastly appears and another Pokemon. This Pokemon is dark purple, bipedal Pokémon with a roundish body. It has red eyes, a wide mouth that is usually curled into a sinister grin, and pointed ears. On its back are numerous spikes and it has smaller spikes on top of its head similar to tufty fur. Its arms and legs are short with three digits on both its hands and feet. It also has a stubby tail.

"Great. The pranking trio are here," Hana says with a smile.

Hana, Akira, and Diana take out their Pokedex and App to see data about the Pokemon.

On Akira's Pokedex, Dexter says, "Gastly, the Gas Pokémon. Some researchers believe this Pokémon is a multidimensional being."

On Diana's Pokedex, Dexter says, "Haunter, the Gas Pokémon and the evolved form of Ghastly. Haunter can watch opponents by hiding in walls and slips through anything in its way."

On Hana's Pokedex, Dexter says, "Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon and the evolved form of Haunter. Gengar is happy when it scares people, smiling wickedly in the dark."

"So all three evolution Pokemon are here," Chase says.

"Yeah. I'm afraid those three like to play tricks, make people laugh and scream," Hana says.

"So those three are mischief makers," Diana says.

"Haunter Haunter Haunter!" (Hey guys, the kid that can understand Pokemon is back, along with her family.) Haunter says.

Ghastly and Gengar are happy and all three Pokemon circle around Hana with glee and laughter.

"Wow Hana, they really missed you. How do you know them?" Chase asks.

"Well. I decided to come to the tower on my own when I came here at night and I met them. They saw how sad I was about losing dad and they cheered me up, and scared me too," Hana says.

"I guess those three aren't so bad," Diana says.

Akira then asks, "Hey Hana, see if you can ask them about this ghost in the Tower."

"Right," Hana says.

Hana then stands on her feet, "It is really nice to see you three again, but we're here to see my father. And well… we heard there is a ghost and that it's supposed to be Marowak's spirit. Do you know where it is? And maybe there's a way to help it."

"Gengar Gengar Gengar," (The spirit is on the sixth floor, but it gets crazy.) Gengar says.

"Ghastly. Ghastly Ghastly Ghastly," (Yeah. Usually, all us ghost type Pokemon love to come here at night, but that spirit is not making it easy.) Ghastly says.

"Haunter Haunter Haunter," (Her spirit is full of sadness, maybe you can help.) Haunter says.

"We'll try," Hana says.

Then the three Pokemon fly through the floor.

"Alright, let's go," Hana says.

The group begins to walk up the stairs to the fifth floor. As they climb up the stairs to the fifth floor, they begin to hear whimpering, moaning, and whaling.

"What's the sound?" Chase asks.

"It… it sounds like someone's crying," Hana says.

The group of friends continue to walk up the stairs until they reach the fifth floor. Soon, they see a small Pokemon that is crying in front of a grave. This Pokemon is a small, bipedal, dinosaur-like Pokémon with a light brown hide that covers most of its body, except for its cream-colored belly. Two small claws, one on each hand, serve as its thumbs, and one large nail on each foot make up its toes. It has two small spikes on its back and a short tail. On its head, Cubone wears the skull as a helmet, and black eyes and a small area surrounding them. The skull has two rounded horns on the top of its head and a tooth-like point on the lower sides. Under the skull, Cubone has a brown snout.

Diana whispers, "Is that what I think it is?"

"I think so," Hana says, bringing out her Pokedex.

Dexter says, "Cubone, the Lonely Pokemon. When the memory of its departed mother brings it to tears, its cries echo mournfully within the skull it wears on its head."

"So that Cubone must be the baby Cubone Reina and her grandfather are looking for," Hana says.

"And the grave must be it's mothers," Diana says.

"The one that Team Rocket killed," Chase says, sounding bitter.

"What can we do?" Akira asks.

Hana steps forward, "I'll take care of this."

Hana then begins to slowly walk towards the baby Cubone. The Cubone hears Hana and turns it's head to see Hana walking towards it with her hands in front, and lets out a growl.

"It's okay Cubone, it's okay. I'm not here to hurt you," Hana calmly says.

Hana continues to walk to Cubone as it growls.

"That grave… it belongs to your mom, does it," Hana asks.

Cubone slightly nods its head.

I… I heard what happened to her, heard what Team Rocket did to her. I can tell she must have been a great mother. I can tell because I was told she died trying to save you," Hana says.

Hana kneels down to Cubone and gently picks it up. Cubone begins to struggle as Hana gives it a hug, wanting to be put down. However, Hana hugs it tight as she rubs it's back.

"It's okay Cubone. Everything is going to be okay. I… I understand you. I know what you've gone through," Hana says.

That makes Cubone stop struggling and looks at Hana to see tears forming from her eyes.

"Because… I lost my dad, who is a Pokemon Gallade," Hana says, as tears fall from her face.

Cubone becomes shocked to hear it.

"I know how it feels… to lose someone you really love, especially your parents. It must have really hurt losing your mother like that, and it happened because she was trying to save you. My father died while trying to save us and all the Pokemon in the forest outside of Pallet Town in a fire. I know how it feels, how the pain is too hard to go away. I promise… I promise…" Hana says.

Then hugs Cubone deeply, "I promise everything is going to be okay."

Cubone soon begins to hug Hana and begins to cry more. To Cubone, Hana's warm touch, compassion words, and kind heart, reminds it of its mother. Pikachu, and the others watch with sad smiles, not one of their eyes are dry. Just then, the three ghost Pokemon from early are happy to see Cubone and Hana together. They feel that Hana is a very nice human, and suspect it the first time they've met her.

Hana looks at Cubone, "Cubone, I think it's time you see your mom."

Cubone nods its head in reply. Soon, everyone including Cubone and the ghost Pokemon walk up the stairs to the sixth floor where the ghost is supposed to be at. Suddenly, a shadow figure appears in front of them. The ghostly Pokemon is a bipedal Pokémon with light brown skin and a cream-colored underside. Two small claws, one on each hand, serve as its thumbs, and one large nail on each foot make up its toes. It has a short tail with a small spike near the tip, it wears a skull as a mask. It can no longer remove the skull, which has become part of its body. The skull has two pointed spikes on the back similar to ears and tiny nostrils on the tip of the snout, it has triangular, brown eyes are also located in the skull, and holds a ferocity with its bone club.

"That's a Marowak alright," Akira says.

Diana brings out her Pokedex and Dexter says, "Marowak the Bone Keeper Pokémon, and the evolved form of Cubone. Despite its small size, its offensive and defensive strength is impressive."

The Marowak looks at the trainers with anger in its face.

"I don't think it's pleased to see us," Akira says.

Suddenly, Cubone jumps off of Hana's arms and runs to Marowak. Then hugs its mother. The mother feels relieved and hugs her baby back. The Baby Cubone cries with glee to see its mother again. Hana and her friends and the Pokemon smile to see that Cubone is able to see its mother again. Cubone and Marowak are happy to see each other again.

Hana says, "So the ghost really is Marowak. She must have been very worried about her baby."

Feeling at ease, Marowak feels that she's ready to move on. Marowak then lifts her head to see Hana and her friends.

And then the unexpected happened, Marowak says in human language, "Please, take care of my little one."

Hana and the others become surprised to hear it. Then Marowak begins to leave Cubone's embrace and flies into the heavens. Cubone watches as its mother leaves this planet and moves on to the heavens.

Hana softly smiles, "Oh Cubone."

Cubone lifts it's club bone in the air and lets out a cry for her mother.

The next day, now that the Pokemon Tower is safe and Marowak is able to move on, everyone is able to come in to pay their respect to their Pokemon. Hana and her mother and all her siblings pay their respects. Diana and the others decide to pay their respects as well. Cubone is there as well. As it turns out, Marowak's grave and Gallade's grave are next to each other. Hana holds the photo of her family including Gallade in it.

Hana closes her eyes and sheds a few tears, "Oh father, I really miss you. We all do."

Suddenly, a ghostly Gallade appears next to Hana and pets her on the head.

Then in a human voice Gallade says, "Hana."

Hana opens her eyes and looks up to see Gallade's spirit and Marowak's spirit is next to it.

Hana smiles and softly says, "Father."

Sometime later, Hana and the others visit the Pokemon House one last time before leaving town. They explain what happened that night and Cubone is finally open up to others now.

Reina pats Cubone, "I'm glad that Cubone is alright."

"And I'm glad that Marowak's restless spirit finally found the peace it desperately sought, and we have all of you to thank. And our town is returning to normal," Mr. Crest says.

"Yes, and Cubone isn't afraid to be around people anymore and I'm glad that Marowak has decided to place its baby in your care. I'm sure you'll do a fine job taking care of it," Reina says.

"I'm glad too. Right Cubone," Hana says, happily smiling at Cubone.

Suddenly, Haunter, Ghastly, and Gengar come through the wall and hold three Pokeballs.

"Where did they come from?" Chase asks.

"And why are they holding Pokeball?" Diana asks.

Hana looks at her Pokeballs in her bag to notice a few are missing.

"Hey! Those are mine!" Hana exclaims.

Before Hana and the others can say anything, the three ghost Pokemon enter the Pokeballs and they click in an instant.

"Oh boy, now they're in my Pokeballs!" Hana says, surprised.

"Yeah. Looks like you caught all three of them," Akira says.

Diana giggles, "Those three sure like you."

"Very funny," Hana says and sighs.

Hana decides to let Haunter and the others head to Professor Oak for a little while. As of now, she has Latios, Latias, and Winter's Pokeball. Feel that it's a good idea Cubone gets to be with Pokemon around his age. Soon enough, Hana and everyone are already out of Lavender Town and Hana says goodbye to her mother and her other brothers and sisters.

Hana hugs her mom and says, "Bye Mother, hope you and the others have a safe trip."

"Gardevoir gard," (Have a safe trip as well.) Gardevoir says.

The siblings happily join Hana to a group hug. Even Little brother and Little sister join them in the hug. Hana, Little Brother, and Little Sister watch as Gardevoir and the other siblings use their teleport ability to teleport themselves back to Pallet Town. Hana and her friends then head off to continue on their journey to Silver Town for Diana's Contest and then to Saffron City for Hana's gym battle. As the Journey continues.