Thanks to Paige McCarthy and mestwendyfan for reviewing the previous chapter. Also thanks to PKMNfanSakura for reviewing chapter 1.

I know this story has been uploaded several times, but I'm glad people are still reading this. Do be sure to check out Ravaged World too!

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Chapter Thirteen: Ulterior Motives

Wrapping his purple scarf around his neck, Morty walked to the foot of the Bell Tower and glanced up. Every day he would visit the tower bright and early, hoping he would catch a glimpse of the legendary bird Pokemon, Ho-Oh. Three years ago, the Pokemon had revealed itself to Red, and served the trainer for a number of months until Red disappeared, releasing the bird back into the wild.

For three long years, the Bell Tower had been empty. It had become a home for Rattata's during the day and Ghastly's during the night. The kimono girls often said the legendary Pokemon would only return for a pure-hearted trainer. Morty didn't believe in the girls though; he was a pure-hearted trainer and Ho-Oh had not revealed itself yet. Perhaps he was lacking something though he could not be sure what that was exactly.

"Do you really think Ho-Oh is going to show itself to you?" a voice said behind him, pulling Morty out of his thoughts.

Morty glanced over his shoulder and spotted his old friend, Eusine, standing nearby. Eusine was a trainer as well, but his goals were different from Morty's. He had become a trainer to so he could travel the world, learning more about the legendary Pokemon. Morty, on the other hand, became a trainer so he could maximise his bond with his Pokemon so Ho-Oh would return. "I don't understand. My heart is pure. Why hasn't Ho-Oh revealed itself?"

"Perhaps we're missing something," the man replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully, gazing up at the Bell Tower in wonder.

"You tell me. You're the expert."

There was a brief pause. Eusine seemed to be in deep thought. Finally, he spoke. "Come with me to the Burned Tower. I want to show you something."

Morty lifted a blond brow, giving his friend a quizzical look and laughed derisively. "What is it this time? Another funny shaped rock?"

The researcher glared. "I believe you will find it interesting." He headed towards the Burned Tower, a clipboard and pen in his hand, Morty following close behind. A gentle breeze blew through the city, causing a few bronze leaves to fall off their trees. Morty managed to catch one. They entered the Burned Tower and stepped inside.

The Burned Tower had once been a magnificent structure until a devastating fire destroyed the building one hundred and fifty years ago. Now it served as a memorial site to remind locals and tourists of the tragic events that had happened here. "Have you brought me here to remember the fallen?" Morty said, standing beside Eusine.

"Look down below. What do you see?" he said, edging forward towards the large gaping hole in the centre of the building.

Morty glanced down. His eyebrows arched up. There were three Pokemon standing in triangle formation on the bottom floor which once served as a basement. But they were not ordinary Pokemon – they were in fact the three legendary elemental cats of Johto. Raikou, Entei and Suicine. "This is a dream…" he murmured, rubbing his eyes. But the canines were still there. "What…"

"This is a sign, is it not? Don't you feel it in the air?" He held his hands up, eyes full of excitement. "There is a change. These cats haven't been seen since Red captured them… but now they stand before us." Eusine gripped Morty's shoulder and brought him closer to the edge. "They have returned home for a reason. Ho-Oh has returned."

Morty pulled himself free, jerking his shoulder roughly. "If Ho-Oh had returned don't you think the kimono girls would've said something?" He glanced back down at the legendaries, rubbing his chin. "Are you sure you're not mixing dreams with reality again, Eusine?" He turned back to the other man.

"You doubt my research, but I know I'm right. You believe you are the pure-hearted trainer they are searching for – I think I am the one they want." He lowered his hands. "I have spent most of my life researching the legendary beasts for this moment to happen."

"Have you forgotten who you are talking to? I'm the gym leader of Ecruteak City." Morty glared at Eusine.

"And what has being a gym leader ever done for you?" Eusine snapped. "It has not brought you closer to Ho-Oh or the other legendary beasts," he added, heatedly. "You should join with me, Morty! We could travel Johto and Kanto following the legendary beasts! What say you?"

Morty shook his head. "My place is here within Ecruteak City. I will not abandon this city."

Eusine snorted. "Then you leave me no choice. I will continue to pursue the legendary canines alone until the legendary sees that I am worthy of its power."

"And what will you do if the Pokemon does decide to submit to you?" Morty replied. Eusine was playing a dangerous game – the man was foolhardy! "You are not a sound trainer, Eusine. Is it not true the legendaries challenge trainers to see if they are truly worthy? I have not forgotten how you lost to me and that was well before I became a gym leader."

"They will be mine. I will not stop until I reach my goals." He turned around and stormed out of the tower, muttering a string of curses. Morty sighed, shaking his head. Eusine's plan was only going to end in disaster.

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Lyra's journey to Ecruteak City had been quite a lengthy trek, filled with battles and some very close calls. But the journey had also been filled with excitement – she found a new Pokemon to add to her team and this time it was a native Pokemon to Johto. A young female Growlithe to be precise. The Growlithe was very affectionate, spending a lot of time trying to catch Lyra's attention. The tiger-striped canine loved being scratched just under the chin and also enjoyed licking her hands.

The canine was now running around in circles around her legs, barking. Lyra just laughed at the sight. The adorable little canine never seemed to run out of energy. "Settle down, Growlithe, we've still got a fair way to go yet before we reach the next city," she said, in between laughs.

Growlithe panted, resting at her feet, tongue hanging out of his mouth. Bending down, she stroked the canine on her head, earning an appreciative lick in response. She continued playing with her new friend when her Xtransceiver rang. Quickly, she answered it. Ethan was calling.

"Lyra!"

"Hi Ethan," she said.

"Congratulations!"

She was lost. "Congratulations?"

"You don't listen to the news, do you? You saved the Slowpoke in Azalea Town! It was mentioned briefly in an interview with Kurt. You are a hero now… well, a heroine. I'm so glad that I get to call you a friend. You have to keep me updated on these things, Lyra. Have a good day! Go win another badge! See ya!" Ethan hung up on the phone, and Lyra put it away, chuckling slightly.

What a fine start to the day. Congratulatory thanks from a childhood friend and a cuddle from her new friend. She didn't have any room for another Pokemon right now, but there was still one more she wanted. Not the Paras. And not the Egg Pokemon. But something different. Maybe a cat. She had always wanted a cat of her own when she had been younger.

"Hey trainer! Would you like a special stone?" A young boy wearing some dorky mismatched clothes called.

"I'm not into rock collecting," Lyra replied.

The boy's eyes fell on her Growlithe. "My name is Alan. I collect special stones that help your Pokemon evolve. You see, not every Pokemon evolves by battling."

Lyra's eye brows arched up. "Oh?"

"You heard me." He reached down into his brown satchel and pulled out a bright red rock. "This is a fire stone. You can use it to evolve your Growlithe into an Arcanine. But you probably shouldn't use it until your Growlithe is at a good enough level of experience. Arcanines only learn one new move. So you should wait until Growlithe learns all the moves you want."

"Oh, thanks for that."

She tried to reach out for the stone, but Alan pulled it back, wagging a finger. "I'm not just going to give it to you. You have to battle me and win if you want this stone." Of course, Lyra thought. It was never that easy. He pulled out his only pokeball and threw it onto the ground. A strange looking Pokemon that looked like it was made up of thick blue vines appeared. Lyra held up her Pokedex.

Tangela. The vines that cloak its entire body are always jiggling. They effectively unnerve its foes.

Her Pokemon were currently pretty exhausted from all the battles along the long road. All except for Growlithe of course. "Show him what you are made of, Growlithe!" Lyra said. Growlithe stopped rubbing her head against Lyra's legs, and leapt into a battle position. Since Tangela was made up of vines, a fire-type move should do some serious damage, Lyra thought.

"Tangela, use Bind!" Tangela's vines emerged from its body, reaching out towards the Growlithe. Growlithe tried hard to avoid them, but there were far too many. Thick vines wrapped around the canine's body, squeezing tight, causing the Growlithe to yelp.

"Hang in there, Growlithe! Use Ember!" Upon hearing the command, the Growlithe fought back. A small ball of fire exited her mouth, smashing into the vines wrapping around her body, burning them away.

"Oh no, my precious Tangela! What did you do to him?"

"You know a fair bit about evolution stones, but you don't seem to be aware that grass-types are weak against fire-types," Lyra said.

Alan dropped to his knees, the Fire Stone falling to the ground. "I guess I should go back to school…" He looked at the stone. "You can have it. You earned it."

Lyra picked up the stone and placed it in her bag. "Thanks. Erm, is this the way to Ecruteak City?"

"Yeah, just keep heading north. You'll get there eventually. It's pretty hard to miss. You'll see a Sudowoodo blocking the path, but if you have a water-type Pokemon with you he won't be a problem. If you don't, just head back to the flower shop in Goldenrod. Good luck, trainer. Hey, we should battle again some time. I might have another stone to give to you. I'll give you a call, yeah?" he said, pulling out his Xtransceiver.

She nodded, entering her contact details. "Sounds good. Thanks again!" She smiled and said her goodbyes then continued heading north. She expected to see some giant boulder Pokemon blocking the way, but instead saw a tree that looked a bit like a cross between a log and a sausage. It looked at her calmly, as if challenging her to a fight.

Sudowoodo. Although it always pretends to be a tree, its composition appears to be closer to a rock than a plant.

Lyra summoned Toto to the battlefield. "Use Water Gun, Toto!"

Sudowoodo was hit with a blast of water. The tree sprung into action, shaking its head, making a bizarre grumbling sound. Lyra decided to run past it instead – this was no time for battling when her Pokemon were already so tired. She recalled her Croconaw, picked up her Growlithe and ran past the Pokemon, not stopping once to glance over her shoulder. She made a mental note to herself as she raced north. Never blast trees in the face with water again. Could be a grumpy Pokemon waiting, she noted.

She continued running until she was certain the tree was far behind her. Stopping momentarily to catch her breath, Lyra glanced up only to find the marvellous city gates of Ecruteak City before her. Unlike the other city gates, this one looked rather ancient. The arch way was purple, its tiles sloping downwards.

Taking in a deep breath, she stepped through the arch way, taking a step back in history.

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Lance arrived at the league in the late hours of the day. Instead of entering through the front door, he landed on his foyer outside his own bedroom. Having two places to call home had its benefits – at Blackthorn he had to share a room with Clair, but here at the league he had a room fit for a King. Dragonite curled up into a ball on the foyer while Lance headed towards the Elite Four chambers.

Could visions be changed? Could he change the future if he followed Lyra around the region, stepping in to take over when trouble arose with Team Rocket? There was one person aside from the Elder that could help answer his questions. "Will," he said, tapping on the Psychic Master's door. "We need to talk."

The door opened several seconds later. "Lance? Strange time to want a conversation don't you think?" he said, removing the mask of his face. Lance rarely saw the man without it on. "What did you need?"

"Can I come in?"

Will stepped to the left, allowing Lance inside his room. Posters of Psychic Pokemon covered his walls giving the place a rather eerie feel. "Something bothering you?" Will said, closing the door behind them.

"I need to know – can the future be changed?"

Will frowned. "The future is always changing. You need to be a little more specific."

"You know that my grandfather has visions of what is to come," Lance started, pacing back and forth. "All his visions have been right up until now." He stopped, turning to look at Will again.

"He saw your defeat, did he? Everyone loses, Lance. Some more so than others."

Lance shook his head. "I don't lose."

"You lost to Blue. And you lost to Red. That has to count for something."

"That was over two years ago."

Will sighed. "So why did you want to speak to me for?"

It was time to cut to the chase. "My grandfather saw in his visions that an old evil would return. He was right – Team Rocket has returned. I've seen them with my own eyes." Will opened his mouth to speak, but Lance silenced him with a glare. "Do not interrupt me. You know that it's my duty as Champion to protect this region from the likes of Team Rocket… yet, my grandfather claims that I will not be the one to do so. He says that some rookie girl will rise up to the task of defeating Team Rocket."

"And you don't like the thought of someone else getting all the glory, especially someone of an inferior ranking. Am I correct?" Will gave a sardonic laugh. "Tell me about this girl, what is she like?"

His jaw tightened. "She's… not bad for a rookie." He hated to admit it. She was probably as good as he had been when he was her age.

"So, what's the real problem here, Lance? Sounds to me you can't handle the idea of someone else being the hero. I never thought of you to be the jealous type. Isn't that Clair's speciality?"

Lance ignored the remark about Clair and continued. "You're a Psychic Master – what do your powers tell you?"

Will sighed, and summoned his mascot Pokemon, a Xatu. "Are you sure you wish to know? You might not like what I find."

"Just do it."

Xatu remained still. Closing his eyes, Will raised his hands, as if protecting himself from something. "Xatu – tell me… what do you see?" The condor-like avian's eyes stared into Will's closed eyes, its face unflinching. Will tilted his head. "It can't be done then? No? I believe you." Will opened his eyes and looked at Lance. "You want to challenge destiny? Your chances are next to impossible."

That wasn't the answer he had been hoping for. "What if you are wrong?"

Will's gaze hardened. "Xatu might not be able to make accurate predictions like your grandfather, but he is rarely wrong. You can't fight destiny, Lance. Of course, you can keep on trying but this is a battle you can't win. If you are still intent on trying though, I would advise sticking close to the girl. Study her, observe. You never know what you might find. Now, is there anything else you need?" he said, impatient. Lance shook his head. "Good. Goodnight then."

Lance could see this conversation was well and truly over now, so he exited Will's room and made his way back to his own. He had never been too fond of the Will – the guy wasn't someone he could trust – but he did have his uses. Rubbing his temples, he walked past his king-size bed, and stepped outside on the foyer.

Sleep wasn't going to happen tonight. His head was filled with troubling thoughts. Resting his arms on the foyer railing, he glanced down at the world below. Lyra was out there somewhere, growing stronger with each passing day. She came from nothing yet had accomplished more than he had ever done.

He was reminded of Red. Red too had come from nothing yet he had gone on to become the world's greatest trainer. Would Lyra follow in Red's steps and become a legend as well? Was he wrong to think ill of her? He ran a hand through his hair. Was Lyra the key to finding the proof he so desperately craved?

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Well, she didn't really go back in time, but it felt like she had. The trees here were unlike any she had seen before – they were not green like all the others, but rather a mixture of gold and auburn. It was rumoured the trees never shed their leaves in Ecruteak City and that's why leaves were the colour they were.

Arching her neck back, her mouth dropped in awe at the breathtaking sight of the mountain before her. The mighty mountain, Mt. Mortar according to her town map, towered over the city, casting a long black shadow over the land. She had never seen a mountain so close before – Mt. Mortar could barely be seen from her hometown. She could see the sun's rays behind the mountain, but the rays never actually reached the city itself.

Pulling her gaze away from the breathtaking mountain, Lyra looked her, taking in her surroundings. It was truly a beautiful place and far more peaceful than the business of Goldenrod. The houses were not fashioned like modern ones, but rather were in the structure of a pagoda. Some of the pagodas were a few levels of high, but the majority had less than two levels. They were also brilliantly coloured – some were green, some were gold and some were even red and purple.

It was a nice change of scenery, Lyra thought. The soothing melodies of bird song filled the air adding to the ambient atmosphere. A ten-foot pagoda caught her eye. It was perhaps the largest building she had ever laid eyes on, being far taller than any building in Goldenrod. Curious to learn more, she headed towards it.

"Excuse me, but this area is off-limits," an old man said, tugging at his neatly combed beard.

Lyra stopped, arching her neck back. The tower looked older than anything else in this city. "What is this place?"

"This is the Bell Tower, built over seven hundred years ago. This tower was once home to the legendary rainbow bird, Ho-Oh."

"Ho-Oh?" Lyra repeated. "Please tell me more."

The old man seemed surprised. "Over seven hundred years ago, two nine-tier towers were built opposite to each other here in Ecruteak. These towers were built to foster friendship and hope between Pokemon and people. The eastern tower was said to awaken Pokemon, while the western tower was where Pokemon were said to rest. Ho-Oh roosted at the top of the Bell Tower which is the one that stands before you now." He too gazed up, looking longingly at the highest point of the tower. "Then tragedy struck."

"What happened?"

He returned to Lyra, gaze lingering on her face. "A fierce storm came through the city one night, and struck the western tower. It was engulfed in flames that raged for three days. Rain fell, but it was too late – the tower had already burned to the ground. Three nameless Pokemon perished in the fire, but Ho-Oh descended from the sky and resurrected them. They were given names, embodying the three powers: Raikou, the lightning that struck the tower, Entei, the fire that burned it, and Suicine, the rain that extinguished the fire."

Lyra was lost for words. What a sad tale. "That's so sad," she said softly. "What happened to them?"

He pointed to the Burned Tower. "You will the answers you seek in the tower. Go now, and see for yourself." He bowed gracefully and Lyra turned away, heading towards the Burned Tower. The tower no hardly had a roof – only a few scrap pieces of wood remained, providing little shelter. She could see the black marks the fire had left in the wood that remained. If she thought hard, she could almost imagine herself standing in the middle of the fire. Shuddering, she pushed the horrific scene out of her head.

Up ahead, she noticed a blond male standing at the edge, staring down into a gaping hole. She approached him, standing beside the male then looked down herself. There were three Pokemon standing in triangle formation. One was yellow, one was brown and the other a clear blue. "Raikou, Entei and Suicine," the male beside her said softly, eyes fixed on the Pokemon. "They perished in this tower one hundred and fifty years ago. Why have they returned? Could Eusine possibly be correct?" He stroked his chin thoughtfully, not seeming to be aware that he had company.

"They're the legendary Pokemon?" Lyra blurted out. She couldn't believe her luck! Here she was standing in the same building! She pinched herself to make sure this wasn't a dream. The three canines were still there.

The man beside her looked surprised. "Keep your voice down; we don't want to scare them away." He looked back at the legendary canines, then turned back to face his new companion. "What is your name?"

"Lyra," she replied, timidly.

"Well, Lyra, you are seeing something truly special here. This has not happened in a very long time. For the three Pokemon to come here together… I'm sorry, I'm getting ahead of myself. I assume you have come here for a gym battle?" Cool brown eyes looked down into Lyra's own.

Lyra felt a funny tingle race down her spine. "How did you know I was here for a gym battle?"

"I haven't seen your face before so I assumed you were a trainer seeking their fourth badge. I can sense you a powerful trainer," he said calmly, eyes still boring into Lyra's own. She shuddered again, feeling a little shaken. "I am Morty-what's this?" he suddenly said, turning to the entrance. A long red-headed boy stood there, pointing a finger at Lyra. Silver again.

"I heard rumours of three powerful Pokemon in the basement of the tower, so I came here to check. I'm not surprised to see you here. Did you hope to make the legendary Pokemon yours to make you look stronger? Hah!" He sneered, spitting at the floor. "It's not going to happen, because I'm going to get them first! I'm going to be the world's greatest trainer, so a legendary Pokemon would be perfect for me."

"Your presence taints this sacred place," Morty said, turning his cool eyes on the intruder. "I ask that you leave."

"I have no quarrels with you. I'm here for her!" Silver declared, pointing at Lyra. "I'm getting tired of this wimp showing up everywhere I go. I challenge you to a battle, right here and right now!"

Lyra was more than eager to accept Silver's challenge when she realized she hadn't healed her Pokemon up yet. She had been so caught up admiring the scenery she had forgotten to visit the Pokemon Centre. "I'm not going to fight you, not this time." If only she had visited the Pokemon Centre first.

Silver threw his head back, cackling. "I knew it. You're scared, aren't you? You're too weak to face me so you're backing down."

Morty stepped in front of Lyra. "Allow me to fight on behalf of Lyra."

"What?" Silver scoffed. "You want to defend this weakling?" He shrugged. "All right then. I'll crush you instead. Go Gastly!" A black, spherical Pokemon surrounded by a purple haze appeared. It had a wide, pink mouth with two visible fangs.

Gastly. With its gas-like body, it can sneak into any place it desires. However, it can be blown away by wind.

Lyra felt her eyes begin to water. She was briefly reminded of the battle against Koffing back in the Slowpoke Well, although this Gastly created more than just flu-like symptoms. She felt nauseous all of a sudden, and gripped her head to stop the room from spinning.

What happened next was just a blur. There was some shouting, some loud noises and a dash of blue. She tried to steady herself, but her knees felt weak. The Gastly in the room was making her unwell. Silver might not be battling her, but he had found a way to win still. Her knees suddenly gave way, and she fell to the floor, world fading to blackness…