"Wow the tower is so cool!"
I stare up and look at the huge pagoda style tower, it was originally built as a relaxation spot for retiring or holidaying monks to get away from the more stringent tower like Tin and Burnt tower in Ecreteak. It was originally said in legend that the tower swaying was due to a hundred foot Bellsprout that moved it side to side. However what was found is that the tower was held up during its building process by the vines of Bellsprout with 100 vines being used, due to the nature of the vines the tower itself would sway with the wind. I wander up, the doors are wide open, young trainers wander the first floor looking around, there lots of exhibits on the first floor almost like a museum. There artwork of the tower from some famous artists, there are slats from the original roof, there also the Pokeball of the first ever Bellsprout caught by one of the monks. I stand and look up at the slats as I am approached by a lady
"Hello there, are you enjoying the exibits?" She asks kindly crouching down slightly to my height
"Yeah! Its all so cool"
"Im please to hear, would you be interested in taking the trail of Sprout Tower?"
"The trial of sprout tower?"
She smiles and pulls out a pamphlet and hands it to me
"You climb your way up the tower, there is a series of riddles to answer which if answered correctly allows you to move to the next floor, you have until the sunset and dependingly on which floor you end on you get a prize"
"Uh yeah sounds interesting!"
"Excellent, you would be surprised how hard we have to push it" She says with a laugh before sprinting off to grab the sheet, she rushes back and hands it too me
"So this is the first riddle, once you have the answer come see me and I will let you up to the next floor!"
I take the sheet and look down at it
In the night sky, a star so bright, shining with a silver light. Its psychic power can't be denied, in Johto's waters, it likes to hide. Its body shimmers, graceful and sleek, a flying type, unique and chic. With future sight and a gentle soul, in Ecruteak City, it plays its role.
"Is it Lugia?" I say to her as she begins to walk away
"Wow, that's the quickest a kid ever gotten that" She says with a laugh
"I really like puzzles and riddles, me and my Grandma used to do them all the time"
"Well first riddle done, follow me!"
She leads me up to the back of the room and allows me to venture up the stairs
"Pi the monk will give you the next riddles, good luck!"
I venture out onto the next floor, the monks are on the floor, this is their living quarters, a few are milling around talking and a few others are meditating. Bellsprout and Hoothoot also chase around the floor
"Hello young man"
I am approached by a bald short man, who black robe is pulled tightly around him
"I see you made your way past the first riddle, I should warn you this second one is slightly harder" he says handing me the paper
I take and nod to him in thanks before flipping it open
Of course, here's a riddle about a meditation-themed Pokémon:
In serene gardens, it finds its peace,
Meditating, its worries release.
Lotus leaves cradle its tranquil pose,
Inner strength, like a river that flows.
With closed eyes and aura so bright,
Calm and centred, day and night.
Psychic energy, a tranquil force,
In its presence, minds take a course.
Cross-legged, focused, in deep meditation,
Evoking thoughts of tranquility's sensation.
In Paldea's breeze or Hoenn's calm,
This Zen-like Pokémon spreads its balm.
Which Pokémon is this, so serene,
A meditation master, rarely seen?
"Wow that is harder" I mumble to myself
I think to myself about aura and fall on Riolu or Lucario but it wouldn't be them as they aren't native to the Hoenn region, Psychic energy leads me toward Abra or Alakazam but I would refer to them as zen Pokemon.
"Meditation master?" I say pulling my Pokedex up
"I swear there's a move called Meditate"
I manage to find it on the attackdex and find the Pokemon that can use it
"Meditite!" I shouts as the answer comes to me
Some of the monks meditating open there eyes at me and scowl, I apologise before Monk Pi approaches
"Congratulations you are correct, you can move on to the next floor" He says with a laugh
"On the next floor are the channellers, they are slightly spooky but they all friendly just invested in their work, don't be frightened"
"Okay thank you" I say before moving up the stairs
As I ascend the tower's creaking and weathered stone steps, I notice a subtle drop in temperature, as if the very air itself is infused with a spectral chill. Dim candlelight flickers along the walls, casting eerie shadows that dance and sway as if guided by unseen hands. The air is thick with a musty scent, carrying the weight of countless years gone by. The walls are adorned with ancient tapestries, depicting scenes of ghostly Pokémon in ethereal landscapes, their eyes seemingly following your every move. Each step seems to echo through the tower floor, whispers and distant murmurs fill the air, though their source remains elusive currently. As I make my way out onto the floor a shadowy shape can be made out, there is a faint glow of blue light as I move closer and the figure of one of the channellers becomes apparent.
"Um hello, I am here for the next riddle?" I question holding my hand above my eyes to block the mist that flows around the room
"In shadows deep where moonlight's cast,
A specter stirs from distant past.
Its eyes aglow with eerie fire,
A ghastly wail, a mournful lyre.
A cloak of mist, it drifts through air,
Its presence haunting, a silent stare.
With wicked grin and spectral grace,
It roams the night, its spectral trace.
From dusk till dawn, its realm is known,
In ancient towers, it finds a home.
A puzzle rare, its name concealed,
Unravel now, the truth revealed."
The channeller mumbles out the riddle before wandering away continuing to chant
"Oh wow that is intense, so spectral means a ghost type, lives in a tower so I guess it resides here" I mumble to myself scratching my head
"Answer the riddle or return to the ground" whispers in the air
"What was that?" I question looking around
"Answer the riddle or return to the ground" comes again but louder as blue lights begin to surround me
"What oh crap I need to get the answer quickly!"
"Answer the riddle or return to the ground"
"Well uh ghost type, wicked grin was it? What ghost type has a wicked grin? Spiritomb? But no there wouldn't be one here"
"Answer the riddle or return to the ground!" as the blue light begins to encircle me even closer
"Uh, Sinistea has mark on the bottom of the mug that's makes it rare?" I shout into the ether trying to secure the answer
"Answer the riddle or return to the ground" as the lights begin to wisp away at me
"Uh Uh, I don't know Gastly!"
The blue lights all stop in tandem, they swirl and contort. They then quickly unravel from around me into a line before flying high into the ceiling of the room, guiding a path to the next floor
"Oh wow that was close!" I whimper gasping to myself from the state of panic
I slowly wander up to the stairs, these are much more looked after than the stone steps before, the bannister are made of hard oak wood, they are engraved with depictions of the legendary beasts, Lugia and Ho-oh. Atop is a huge oak door, there is a note attached to the outside of the door
"In chambers deep, where silence reigns,
A monk resides, free from complaints.
With lips unmoving, voice unheard,
Seek the path that's quite absurd.
Through gestures subtle, meanings bloom,
Unlock the truth, dispel the gloom.
What is this way to make him speak?
Find the answer that's unique.
When you are ready open the door"
I push the door open and a huge open top room is revealed, there are an assortment of tables are pushed to the sides, alone on the in the middle of the room sits a lone Monk sat crossed leg facing outwards toward Mt Silver. Two small Bellsprout's sit by his side swaying from side to side while a small Hoothoot sits upon his shoulders
"Um hello?" I question walking up to the man
Both him and his party sit silently taking in the rays of sunlight descending down upon him
"Oh yes silence, you don't talk"
I sit for a while next to him and contemplate the question, every so often the Hoothoot upon his shoulder will wiggle and his stomach squirms
"Are you hungry little guy?" I say rummaging in my bag
I pull out three oran berries, I set two in front of the Bellsprouts before holding my hand out in front of Hoothoot. Hoothoot gratefully accepts the berry munching it down quickly, it calls out happily before flying away over to the side, however the Bellsprouts stay motionless not eating
"Hmm okay, was that part of the riddle, I guess hunger could make someone gloomy? But they're not eating?" I say taking a look at the Bellsprouts, their leaves are slightly discoloured, I know Venusaur would get like this when she was dehydrated
"Oh water!" I say again going to my backpack but my bottle is empty
"Whats on those tables?" I say pulling myself up and wandering up
There are a few bottles of water, aswell as a cast iron kettle, I hold my hand over it and feel some heat coming off of it. There is an assortment of berries of which I assume are for Hoothoot. I quickly grab the water bottles and walk over to the Bellsprouts, I soak them and they vibrantly shake off before moving off to the side to the tables
"Okay well I got those guys to react but I need to get you to talk sir"
I listen for a while, I can hear the monk breathing there is a slight catch in his throat.
"Oh okay I think I've got it!" I say rushing over to the table
I take out my phone and begin to look up the properties of the berries, I take a Sitrus, Pecha and Chesto berries mulching it up together into one of the cups. I take the kettle pouring the tepid water over the berries, I stir it in, the water turns a vibrant blue colour. I take it carefully over to the monk and place the cup in front of him
"For your throat sir" I say with a bow
He smiles to himself and takes the cup before sipping at it
"Mm a wonderful taste, thank you kindly young man"
"Oh yes was that the answer?"
"Ho ho ho" He chuckles
"There are many answers to the riddle young man, it more the actions you took to get here that is the real answer. What is your name young man?"
"Dustin sir" I reply
He motions his hands for me to take a seat in front of him as he is rejoined by his party
"What brings you to our humble tower today young man?"
"Uh well, I'm on my journey through Johto"
"I see and what do you want from your journey?" he continue sipping away
"Want?" I question
He nods before pointing behind me
"The sun rises in the east, and falls in the west everyday, I see it move slowly across the horizon from atop this tower everyday, burning with passion it brings heats to our earth allowing us to live. Its goal is to give all life, so think of yourself on your journey like a sun, your journey is just like its. So the question is like the sun brings heat, what do you want to bring to the world?"
I sit and contemplate for a moment
"I don't really know"
He smiles widely
"It was rather obtuse of me to ask one so young what there grand plan is, perhaps however along your journey keep that question with you and you will figure things out"
"I want to be strong" I blurt out
He tilts his head
"Strong? What does being strong mean to you?"
"I want to be a good trainer, I want my Pokemon to be happy and win battles. I want people to look to me and think of how strong I am"
"I see, now is it strength you want or admiration?"
"What you mean? Aren't they the same?"
"No no young man, they are very different. You can be a strong trainer with the strongest Pokemon in the land but be loved by no one. The truly admired know that strength is not just how they are perceived by the masses but how they act when no one is watching"
"Like Ryan" I mumble to myself
"Ryan hoho there's a name I have not heard in a long time, you know he climbed this tower when he was younger too"
"Really?"
"Yes, quite brilliant from the start, back then we were a battling institute. He torn apart this tower with his Totodile and Espeon"
"He's my mentor"
"Ah I see, I can see why he has taken a shining to you" He says pulling himself up from his seat position
"Really? Why?"
"You are similar Dustin, you are a kind young man, you are the first young one in a long time to offer me a drink in response to the riddle" he say putting his arm round me guiding me to one of the tables
"Really? What did the others do?"
"Most gave up, one did try to attempt to tickle me with his Aipom but Hoothoot put a stop to that" He says with a laugh
He motions me to stand at the table before bending down and collecting a small wooden box from underneath and placing it on the table
"And for conquering the riddles a reward is due" He says taking off the lid
Inside is a perfect shaped oval egg, it has red and blue squares patterned around the side of it.
"Is that a Togepi egg?"
The elder looks slightly shocked at me
"Very astute young man, how did you know?"
"I remember it from a text book in school, they're fairly common eggs aren't they?"
"Not as common as you would think, we have a large breeding party that's likes to roost here with us atop the tower, when they left however this little one was left over" He says patting it
"Oh that's sad, why didn't they stay for it?"
"They have to return to what is called the Togepi paradise, it resides somewhere in the Hoenn region, the mother Togekiss's carry the newly born Togepi there to reside however if any aren't hatch they must leave them"
"Oh so they leave the weakest ones"
"On the contrary, they say the strongest ones are the ones that stay in the eggs the longest. Supposedly the incubated Pokemon is waiting for the perfect partner to come along. It would be my judgement that perhaps he has now arrived" He says holding the egg out to me
"ME!?" I say slightly baulking
"I can think of no one better plus you deserve a reward for such wonderful tea"
"Well...if you are sure" I say putting my hands on the egg
I can feel the warmth inside hum out and shoot up my arm, it flashes bright white before turning back to its original state
"I think perhaps Togepi agrees too" He says with a laugh as I take it into my arm
"Yeah maybe, how should I carry it though?"
"Your backpack is probably best, just try not to jump about too much"
"Noted, thank you sir! For your words of wisdom too, I'll do my best to find my heat!" I say holding a clench fist up
"I'm sure you will young man"
The elder quickly guides me back down to the ground floor, the lady from the front reception she congratulates me and wishes me well as I set off towards the Pokecentre for the night.
"Dracovish, finish it up Fisheous Rend!"
"Uno!"
Dracovish slams face glowing blue into the midrift of Conkeldurr who is sent flying backwards and unable to continue
"Conkeldurr cannot continue, Dracovish is the victor, Ryan defeats Marshall!"
Ryan wanders out onto the field patting Dracovish before returning him, he walks up to Marshall and shakes his hand and then the referee. He waves to the crowd before walking down the tunnel, as he does his phone begins to ring
"Hello?"
"Young man it has been sometime"
"Elder Li? It has been how are you?" He says continuing down the tunnel
"I'm very well young man, I hope you're not in the middle of anything"
"No don't worry" he says as he rushes passed the press to the dressing room
"Excellent, it so happens I met your student today"
"Dustin? How is he?"
"He is perfectly fine, he passed the riddle tests with flying colours, I have bestow him with an egg"
"Oh fantastic, I've got high hopes for him"
"I can see why, he has a high potential"
"Could I ask your eyes to keep an eye on him Elder, I know you have eyes almost everywhere in Johto"
"Fear not, I have already informed the girls to keep an eye out for him across the region, they will guide him where he needs to be"
"Thank you Elder, he has been through a lot and I want to be for him there as much as I can but" Ryans says before trailing off
"But what young man?"
"I don't want him to, one feel reliant on myself, he needs space to grow into his own without me moulding him and"
"You don't want him to feel pressure from being associated with you?"
"Wow you are still good at reading people" Ryan says with a laugh
"It my role here young man don't take it to heart, my suggestion would be, support him when he asks, guide when you feel right and ultimately he will make his own decisions you just need to push him into the right places"
"Thank you Elder, you always know the right words"
"My words aren't the important thing, it the way they are applied"
"Of course! I will drop by in the next few days if you are available, we have some catching up to do!"
"Of course, you are always welcome"
"I will see you soon Elder"