Around midday the day after the Ariados event, the group entered Ecruteak City. Chance, Adrian, Snivy, and Elekid took in the city with a sense of relief to finally be in civilization once more. The boys were happy to have a chance to heal up their pokémon at a real pokémon center, as well as sleep in a real bed. Snivy, from her perch atop her trainer's head, seemed to love the scent of the city. The town was much like Azalea Town, as the architecture was very old and the city blended both the aspects of living in a city, as well as living in nature almost perfectly. Elekid, from his spot in Adrian's arms, enjoyed seeing a town that wasn't as loud as Goldenrod City, the only city he had seen since hatching.
The boys immediately went to the pokémon center to give their pokémon a much needed treatment and rest. While their pokémon were being healed the boys sat at a table in the pokémon center and began to discuss plans for their time in the city.
"So, anything cool here aside from the gym?" Chance asked his friend, who gave him a bit of a surprised look. "…What?"
"Of course there are things to see here aside from the gym!" The blonde replied, excitement lacing his voice. "Ecruteak is home to some of the most prominent historical locations in all of Johto!" The Johto native's excitement grew as he spoke.
"Okay, so like what? What do you want to see while we are here?"
"Well, they have the Burned Tower, which was formerly the Brass Tower before the tragedy years ago that destroyed the tower and gave birth to the legendary beasts, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. There is also its sister tower, the Bell Tower, which is still intact and is a sacred place that is kept for Ho-Oh to return to if it so chooses."
"Wow. So this place is the home to a lot of legendary pokémon, isn't it?" The blonde nodded happily in response. "Also, I have to admit, I didn't think you were such a history buff." The redhead smiled at his friend.
"I wouldn't say I am a history buff, per say. I just really enjoy the myths involving legendary pokémon and their origins. This whole city is the origin story for a lot of the legendary pokémon of the region, so it has always been a place I wanted to visit."
"Well, I am guessing it would be pretty fun and interesting to visit both towers, so I wouldn't be against spending the rest of the day going and seeing them. Anything else here that you want to see?"
"Just one. I would like to visit the Ecruteak Dance Theatre, if you don't mind."
It was the redhead's turn to be confused now. "Since when are you interested in dancing?" He questioned.
"It isn't for the dancing. The theatre has actually become something much more in recent years. See, the theatre used to be just an attraction where the Kimono Girl sisters would entertain guests with their dancing and occasionally pokémon battles. However, recent years have changed it into a bit of a preserve where Eevee are raised. They take in abandoned and injured Eevee and help nurse them back to health. They also do a bit of breeding to help increase the population at a controlled rate, as Eevee has become increasingly rare in the Johto region due to trainers seeking them out due to their versatility. It doesn't help that many poachers hunt Eevee because they can be sold for a huge profit. So they are protected and raised here."
"Wow. I had no idea that things were so bad for Eevee around these parts. Yeah, I would love to stop in and see the place. It would be nice to learn more about the Eevee here and maybe even get to battle the Kimono Girls to help prepare us for the gym battle." Chance smiled to his friend.
"Sounds good to me!" Adrian returned the smile warmly. "So, the towers first, and we can check out the theatre later this afternoon. Gym tomorrow, and tomorrow afternoon we can head on out. Right?"
"Sounds good." The redhead nodded.
As they finished their planning a light bell dinged from the front counter of the pokémon center. The boys turned to see Nurse Joy standing at the counter with two trays of poké balls.
"Your pokémon are all healed up and ready to go!" She smiled. "I hope you both have a wonderful day and good luck on your journey!"
The boys thanked her before heading out, Chance immediately calling Snivy out to ride on his shoulders like normal, while Adrian called out Elekid, who he had grown accustomed to carrying around. The small group quickly set out towards the Burned Tower in the northwestern area of the city.
Locating the Burned Tower, the first destination of the day, wasn't difficult for the boys. In the far northwest corner of the town, the lower floors of a charred tower stood, solemnly watching over the town. The remnants of the tower had become a memorial and shrine dedicated to both Ho-Oh and the three sacred beasts that had been born through the disaster that destroyed the originally beautiful tower.
"Here stands the Burned Tower, once the Brass Tower. This tower stands as a beacon of hope that one day people and pokémon will stand together in peace and harmony." Adrian read from the plaque that stood before the entrance to the tower.
The tower was marked as off limits to visitors, as it was not stable enough to allow tourists to traverse the charred floors, but the area was still made a site of learning. Several large signs stood around the area, each offering different information about the history of the tower, the legendary pokémon, and of Ecruteak City as a whole.
"The Brass Tower burned many years ago when a bolt of lightning struck the tower. The tower erupted in flames, causing the legendary pokémon, Lugia, to flee from its roost. However, Lugia caused a torrential downpour as it fled, extinguishing the blaze. Unfortunately, not all pokémon escaped the tower. Three pokémon perished in the inferno, but were given new life by the legendary Ho-Oh. These three pokémon rose as the beasts: Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. These beasts now roam the land, protecting the world from tragedies." Chance read from the next sign. Elekid looked saddened by the story that the sign told. The baby pokémon shivered in his trainers arms.
"Don't worry, buddy. That all happened a long time ago, and the pokémon that were trapped aren't gone. Ho-Oh gave them new strength as the guardians of this region." His trainer reassured him.
"There is one more sign. It probably tells the last part of the story. Want to hear it, Elekid?" Chance asked the pokémon in his friend's arms. The baby pokémon nodded slightly before his trainer started to read it.
"The three legendary beasts, Raikou – Born of the lightning that struck the tower; Entei – Born of the fire that engulfed the tower; and Suicune – Born of the rain that extinguished the flames, were charged by Ho-oh to travel the lands, working to protect both people and pokémon alike from any tragedy that may befall them. While the beasts have their own quest, the legendary bird pursues its own quest. Ho-Oh roams the world in hopes of finding a pure-hearted trainer that will aid it in leading the world into an era of peace and harmony. We remember these legendary beings as protectors of this land, offering them sanctuary within this city. The Bell Tower stands beside the Burned Tower as a beacon of hope for its fallen twin, as well as a sanctuary for Ho-Oh and the legendary beasts if they return to these lands." The redhead finished.
"I don't think I will ever tire of that story." The blonde sighed, content with hearing about this historic monument. Elekid also smiled from his arms. Snivy gave a small nod of respect to the blackened tower before the group departed east, towards the sister tower.
The Bell Tower was only a short walk across town from the Burned Tower, however, upon reaching the entrance to the Bellchime Trail, the boys found that the site was currently closed to the public.
"Sorry, guys. The Bell Tower is currently closed to the public. No visitors or tourists allowed in. Only officials are allowed past the gates." The security guard explained.
"Is there a reason why?" A disappointed Adrian asked the man.
"Unfortunately, that information is kept private. Even we guards aren't given full details about why the area is closed off. Could be a simple maintenance period where the monks that live there want space to do repairs to the tower, or it could be that Ho-Oh or one of the beasts has returned. It's anyone's guess, really." The man half sighed to himself.
"Well that sucks… Any idea when it will be open again." The blonde asked.
"No idea, sorry kids. Only the monks and maybe Morty, the gym leader here, would have that information." He explained.
At this the two disappointed boys thanked the man and turned to leave, heading back into town.
"Well, now what?" Chance asked his downtrodden friend.
"I guess we can go to the dance theatre a bit earlier than we had planned, if you want." The blonde offered. "That or we can get some training in for tomorrow." Adrian plopped down on a bench as he presented the options to his companion.
"Hm… I guess we could train for a bit. According to the maps I have seen since being here, there is a decent sized lake here that we could let Staryu and Tentacool train in for a bit." The redhead suggested.
"That doesn't sound bad. Those two could use a good stretch. The lake is in the northeastern side of town, we just have to backtrack a bi-" The blonde was cut off as a large shadow swept across them. Both boys quickly stood and turned in the direction of the shadow, Snivy jumping to stand on her trainer's shoulder to get a better view.
The boys were greeted by the sight of a large silver bird making a wide turn to come back towards them. The wide wings of the bird sparkled in the sunlight, the rays bouncing off the metallic feathers as it neared them. Atop the bird sat a dark-haired individual, who let out a small wave as the bird slowed into a descent.
"Do we know him…?" Chance asked slowly, trying to use his hand to hide the glare coming off the metallic wings to get a better look at the rider.
"Yes, yes I do." Adrian replied with a sigh.
The large bird slowed and eventually landed a few feet away from the boys. The rider quickly dismounted and stood beside the tall bird.
"Thanks for the lift, Skarmory." The man scratched the neck of the bird before recalling it and turning to the boys, one of which was surprised and confused by the sudden appearance of this stranger, while the other stood with a mild look of annoyance. "Hey!" The black-haired man greeted, pushing his short bangs out of his face, revealing bright green eyes. He fussed with his hair for a moment until it stood up, assumedly in its 'natural' look.
"What are you doing here?" Adrian asked with annoyance. "You could have told me you would be out this way."
"Where is the fun in that?" The black-haired man responded. "And to answer your question, Aaron told me you would be around here based on when you two last talked, and I had to be out here anyways, so figured I would keep an eye out for ya." The man crossed his arms and shrugged, much to the blonde's increasing annoyance.
"Uhhh… Who is this?" Chance asked his companion.
"This would be Adam, one of my older brothers…" He explained. Adam smiled and nodded at this explanation.
"And you must be Chance, the guy traveling with Adrian." He extended his hand, offering it to the redhead. "Nice to meet ya." Chance quickly returned the handshake, which was more firm than he expected.
"Uh, nice to meet you too, I guess." He stammered out, not used to being caught so off guard. "What brings you out here? If it's alright that I ask, that is."
"I am actually out here training with a cousin of ours. He has a Croconaw that just doesn't seem to want to listen. Seems it lost a bit of faith in its trainer due to some trouble learning hydro pump" He explained. "My Feraligatr and I decided we would come out this way and coach them a bit."
"A Croconaw, huh? Stacy started her journey with a Chikorita, so that must mean that Nolan chose Totodile?" Adrian questioned his brother.
"Yup. The little guy is a little powerhouse, too." Adam confirmed to his brother.
"Joy. That is just what he needs." Adrian groaned. "More for him to be arrogant about."
"Actually, I think he has calmed down a bit since the last time you saw him. I mean, he is still a bit over confident in his abilities, but he was smart enough to reach out to me for help when he needed it. Maybe he is growing him." The older male shrugged. "If you would like to see for yourself, I left him at the pokémon center training field to keep practicing with Croconaw."
"I guess I should at least say hi…" The blonde sighed.
The trio quickly made their way through Ecruteak City and back towards the pokémon center. The walk only took a few minutes, as Adam seemed to easily navigate the streets of the town. The boys walked around the side of the center to see a brown-haired boy training with his Croconaw. The water-type was blasting targets that had been set up with powerful bursts of water, however, neither it nor its trainer seemed overly pleased with the results.
"Come on. We are so close, Croconaw. You just have to get a bit more power in there. Your attacks have the right power on release, but too much is escaping." The brunette said, frustration filling his voice.
"It is a huge improvement from this morning." Adam called out from behind the brunette, who quickly turned around to see the trio approaching him.
"Hey! Yeah, that is true I guess." He rubbed his head sheepishly. "Hey, Adrian! Long time no see! Finally out here on your own journey?" He questioned his cousin, extending his hand in the process.
"Yeah, three badges so far. You?" The blonde replied, shaking the offered hand.
"I've got six, actually." The brunette said with pride, revealing his almost full badge case.
"Wow. Not bad." Adrian responded, mostly hiding his annoyance. "Nolan, this is Chance. He and I are traveling together." The blonde gestured to the redhead that stood behind him in introduction.
"Nice to meet you." The redhead waved.
"Likewise." The brunette nodded.
"Hey Nolan," Adam said from behind the other two boys. "How about you treat Adrian to a battle? Would help both of you out a bit."
"I'm game. Could teach the newbie a thing or two." Nolan replied with a hint of smugness.
"You've only been at this like three weeks longer than I have…" Adrian sighed.
"I'd do it just to shut him up…" Chance whispered to his friend.
"Ugh. Fine." Adrian relented.
"Great! Just a quick one-on-one?" Adam asked, quickly getting two nods. "Cool. I will judge it."
Both boys took their places on opposite sides of the practice field, while Adam stood on the side acting as the referee. Chance casually leaned against a tree off to the side of the field, Snivy in his arms and Elekid standing at his feet.
"Alright, let's show him what we're made of! Take 'em down, Pinsir!" Nolan shouted out, summoning the large, brown insect.
"Nidoran, let's do this!" Adrian called out simultaneously. The Poison Pin pokémon stomped its foot in the dirt as it stared at the much larger foe.
"Whoa. He has a Pinsir?" Adrian heard his friend gasp in surprise.
"Ha! I remember your little Nidoran! I hope you've been training it well if you think you can take on me and Pinsir." The brunette smirked at his cousin.
"Ignore them, Nidoran. We've got this." Adrian said, the confidence in his voice hiding the doubt he had as he stared at the large Stag Beetle pokémon. "Get this started with horn attack!"
"Big mistake coming in close! Brick break!"
Nidoran's horn glowed a bright white as it charged the bug-type, but as he leapt in the air to slam his horn into Pinsir's chest he was quickly brought down by a glowing right hand that slammed into his back, slamming him hard into the ground.
"Now use vital throw!" Nolan commanded.
Pinsir grabbed Nidoran off the ground and threw it into the ground a few feet away, causing a small crater to form where the poison-type impacted.
"Nidoran! Can you keep going?" Adrian shouted out to his injured pokémon, who stood up and nodded before stomped the ground with his front foot once more. "Alright, let's try and hit it with a poison sting!"
The barrage of purple needles was enough to do a bit of damage to the large bug-type, but not enough to stop Pinsir from charging forward with a second brick break attack. Pinsir repeatedly slammed its glowing hands down at the poison-type, who worked hard to nimbly dodge each attack. However, Nidoran's luck quickly ran out, as Pinsir's hand slammed into his left side and sent him flying through the air and crashing to the ground once more.
"Pinsir, let's finish this! Guillotine!" Nolan ordered his pokémon.
The large horns on Pinsir's head began to glow a bright white as it charged towards the fallen Nidoran. Pinsir began to lower its head to grab Nidoran and finish the battle, but just before it was able to make contact with the Poison Pin pokémon, Nidoran jumped past Pinsir, causing the powerful attack to slam into the ground, causing a large explosion of dust to erupt from the ground. Nidoran stood behind the large bug-type and began to glow a bright white, causing Nolan, the closest trainer to where Nidoran currently stood, to have to avert his eyes slightly. The light quickly faded, revealing a pokémon that stood about a foot taller and looked much more fierce and much angrier than Nidoran. Nidoran's legs grew much larger and more powerful, while his horn and every spike on his body grew much larger.
"Whoa." Gasped Chance from behind his friend, taking a few steps forward.
"Nidoran? You evolved!" Adrian shouted out happily. "I knew you had to be close to ready to evolve." He smiled at his newly evolved pokémon, who nodded happily.
"Wow. That is surprising. But that doesn't mean you've won. Pinsir! Finish this!" Nolan ordered his surprised pokémon.
Pinsir charged the newly evolved Nidorino, its horns glowing once more. It again found itself slamming into the ground, as a much more agile Nidorino jumped to the side and released a spray of poison stings once more. Pinsir recoiled in pain much more visibly this time.
"You got this, Nidorino! Horn attack!" The blonde shouted to his pokémon.
Nidorino stopped the barrage of needles and charged his foe once more, slamming into the large pokémon's body, but before he fell back to the ground, he slammed a glowing purple foot into Pinsir's side.
"What was that?" Adrian wondered out loud.
"That was a poison jab." Adam commented from the sidelines.
Pinsir slowly made its way back to its feet. Nidorino never broke focus on the injured and exhausted pokémon.
"Nidorino, let's end this! Poison jab once more!" Adrian ordered the Poison Pin pokémon.
"Pinsir, stop it with guillotine once more!" The brunette commanded.
Pinsir summoned the last of its strength as Nidorino charged forward. The moment Nidorino leapt from the ground to land the final strike on its foe, Pinsir quickly lowered its head and grabbed Nidorino in its glowing pincers. Nidorino cried out in pain before it was thrown and slammed into the ground. Nidorino laid motionless for several moments before Adam yelled from the sidelines.
"Nidorino is unable to battle! Pinsir and Nolan are the victors!" The black-haired trainer called out.
"Nidorino, you did great." The blonde smiled as he recalled his defeated pokémon.
"I will say, I'm impressed." The brunette said as he approached his cousin. "Your Nidorino fought well, but you two have a long way before you're gonna beat me." A cocky grin spread across his face as he spoke.
"It was actually pretty close, given how many more badges you have." Chance said as he approached the three boys who now stood in the center of the training field.
"I guess." Nolan laughed as he turned and began to walk away. "Adam, you ready to get back to training? Croconaw and I are ready to master hydro pump." He said over his shoulder, a large grin across his face.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm coming." Adam laughed. "You said you two plan to challenge the gym tomorrow, yeah?" Adrian and Chance both nodded to the older trainer. "Good. I am staying at a hotel a few blocks away and Nolan and I are mostly training here at this practice field, make sure I know before you head over there. I would love to see my little brother in a gym battle." Adam and Adrian shared a smile before Adrian gave his brother a nod.
"It's a deal. Tomorrow morning I will come get you." The blonde then turned to Chance. "But for now, we have some more sites to see and some more training to do." The redhead smiled at him as the two departed from Adam, who walked back over to his cousin to help coach him and Croconaw more. The two boys left the training field and began their walk towards the eastern part of town and the Kimono Girl Dance Theatre.