A/N: I hope you guys enjoy this chapter! I will be posting the next three chapters (including this one) today, tomorrow, and Friday. Please look forward to it!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or any of its characters. I only own this story and my OCs.
In the early morning of the day, when blackness still touched the sky, Morty could be seen waking up and getting ready for the day.
It'd been weeks since his fight with Eusine, but his morning routine had mostly stayed the same, except for the lack of incessant texts from Eusine.
Morty had found it hard in the first week or two after their friendship fell apart. It hurt more than he cared to admit. Morty wasn't very social and only had a handful of good friends. Because of this, Eusine leaving his life was much more apparent and visceral.
As the weeks grew closer to the Spring Equinox, he started to spend more and more time at his family's compound. His clan was preparing for the festivities and the large number of visitors to Exspiravit, or Johto's Ghost elemental shrine. So, he wanted to be of service to his mother and his clan in any way they needed him.
After making his bed, Morty went down to the kitchen to make his usual protein shake before he headed out into the garden to give his daily offerings and sacrifices.
The compound was in the northern most area of the city beside a dense forest. However, there was plenty of room for an immaculately kept garden. There were plenty of flowers blooming in shades of pink, purple, and blue. Hedges were trimmed to be in shapes of ghost pokémon. And in the center of it all were three giant altars for the Original One, Gin Lugia, and Gorudo Ho-Oh (1).
To the side of the garden, there was a smaller, more private altars for Supreme Almegan Giratina, High Almegan Darkrai, and Archons Entei, Raikou, and Suicune. These were specifically set up for Morty.
Morty set out his offerings on the gold dishes in front of each altar. He then lit them on fire with a match, burnt incense, and prayed.
He stayed there at the altars, meditating for around thirty minutes before he decided to head into the dense forest.
Morty found that the forest was most alive at dusk and at dawn; not just with pokémon but also with spirits.
As he was walking to his usual spot, he could see wisps of pink, purple, and blue; some were even green and red. Most common spirits and ghosts were in darker hues; only the stronger ones were brighter in nature, such as yellow or orange.
The world never seemed more alive than in these moments. He always cherished his gift, even if it was a burden sometimes.
As Morty was getting closer to his favorite spot, he could see his Gengar and his Mismagius lurking around the area.
Morty smiled to himself. He remembered them following him around since he was just a young child.
When his Genegar was a Ghastly, he would follow Morty around everywhere, even before he was officially captured. One day he decided that enough was enough and asked the Ghastly if it wanted to be his partner pokémon. From that day forward, they were inseparable.
He met his Mismagius when she was just an egg. It was the first egg he was ever in charge of taking care of; so it was even more special. It's known that ghost types were hard to breed. But his clan and his ancestors had mastered the art. Still, he cherished what a gift this egg was, and how lucky he was to be born in such a prominent clan. When the egg hatched, he instantly grew attached to the small Misdreavus.
The two circled around him as he sat down at his usual spot. Morty loved to watch the sunrise and the sunset. It always gave a lasting impression to all his days. To watch the sky change colors before his eyes, there was nothing more magical than this.
As he watched the sky bleed hues of orange and yellow against the dark backdrop, he noticed a mysterious creature come from the dense foliage of the forest and into the small clearing he was in.
A creature with gorgeous, long brown fur with a silver and red face plate could be seen.
It was Archon Entei.
Upon recognition, Morty immediately bowed prostrate to the ground and said "Praise be to the Archon."
Before he could come up from the ground, Morty heard a voice in his head that said "Rise, young one."
With that, Morty got out of his prostrate bow and sat up before the Archon.
"I didn't know I would see you again," said Morty, "I would have thought I would see the other Entei before I saw you."
"The matter I have come here for was more personal. I would rather come here in person than send one who was created in my image."
Morty nodded and said, "What is it you need of me, my lord?"
"You are one of Lugia's anointed and the closest to me. I need you to find three books for me."
"I am at your service, my lord. What are the names of the three books?"
"'History of the Kingdom of Johto,' first edition; 'The Five Great Kings of the Hareem Valley,' second edition; and 'Sinjoh Ruins: The Power in History.' There is only one of each book in this world."
With each book that the Archon mentioned Morty was given a clear picture of where they were. Lucky for them, they were all in the same place.
"All three books are at the Royal Library in Celadon City, Kanto."
The bile rose in the back of Morty's throat; that's where Eusine is from. He could only hope if he had to travel there, he would not run into the man.
"Neither me or my progeny have crossed there, though the other Archon may have. I need you to take me there. My apportation is only useful to places that I have been before."
"Ok, I will take you there at once."
In the next moment, a flash of light was seen around the archon. Once it subsided, a man around his thirties with tan skin, shoulder length black hair, and a black mustache that resembled Entei's face shield was in his place.
The man was wearing a traditional red, gray, and black kimono with gold threading throughout.
"I believe this form will suit me well as we travel together," said the archon.
The last time Morty had seen the archon transform like this, they took the form of a much younger man. He guessed time is but a number to them and beauty non-linear.
"Would you like to change into some more … uh, modern clothes?"
The archon shook their head, "I want people to see who I represent."
"Very well," Morty nodded, "I just need to take care of a few things, and then we can leave."
"I request that we visit the Bell Tower and the Burned Tower to give offerings before we leave the city."
"Ok, we can do that."
The archon just nodded back.
Morty signaled for the archon to follow him as they made their way out of the forest.
While on the way out, Morty texted his head gym trainer to take over his duties for the day as he had to attend to some personal issues.
As they made their way inside the compound, not a sound could be heard. It was still too early for anyone to be awake.
Morty didn't bother to slow his steps or soften his gait as he knew any sound he or the archon would make would be covered by his Gengar and Mismagius.
The two made their way past the courtyard and quickly entered Morty's room.
Morty reached for his laptop the moment he got in the room. He went online and bought two round trip train tickets from Ecruteak City to Celadon City.
Once he received the ticket confirmation, Morty started to pack a light bag with all the essentials he would need for the trip.
"It's been a long time since I've been in a room like this. It's very nice," said Archon Entei.
"Thank you."
"The symbol of your clan is everywhere. Do you have it tattooed on your body?"
"I do, as well as the symbols of those of my faith and those who have anointed me. I received them at my coming-of-age ceremony."
"Hmmm, that's good. I'm glad you find pride in wearing their marks."
Morty just nodded as he was folding his t-shirts to be put in his bag.
"Suicune, Raikou, and I were talking, and we would like it if you would wear our mark.
Morty's eyes widened and his mouth hung open.
"You want me to wear your mark?"
Entei just nodded, "We've been watching you for a while now. Your work ethic, prowess on the battlefield, your devotion, and your daily sacrifices to us have shown us your true heart and soul. Who else would be more worthy to have our mark than you? Who else would be more worthy to receive our anointing."
Words failed Morty. All he could do was bow prostrate again and say, "It would be an honor to bear the mark of the great beasts."
"Good, We'll gift you the mark after our mission is complete."
Still stunned, Morty just nodded his head. Once he got out of his daze, he quickly changed his clothes into a deep purple and magenta kimono that proudly showed off the mark of his clan. If the archon was going to wear such traditional clothing, then he would too. At least so they wouldn't stand out as much.
Once packed and dressed, Morty and the archon made their way out of the compound and to the Bell Tower and the Burned Tower.
They first arrived at the Bell Tower.
With the holiday coming up soon, there were many people visiting, even on a Wednesday morning.
Because it was so busy, Morty led Archon Entei to a private altar on the first floor so they could sacrifice and pray in peace. Since Morty usually comes weekly, he already had the offering prepared.
After Morty finished laying down his offering, Archon Entei laid down their offering. They laid down what looked to be around a thousand dollars and a beautiful gold necklace. Morty was confused by the offering but decided to keep quiet in fear of offending the archon.
Once they were done praying, they went to the Burned Tower and did the same thing. There, the archon laid down the same amount of money and left a silver necklace instead.
With their offerings to the Gin and Gorudo complete, they both headed for the train station to leave for Celadon City.
The train they took was an overnight carrier; so they didn't arrive in Celadon City until the next morning.
When their train reached their destination, the two quickly left and got a cab to their next destination.
The cab pulled in front of a quaint traditional Johtonian bed and breakfast. This would be where they would be staying for the rest of their trip.
When they got inside, they were led to a single room with two single beds with a pretty view of the gardens.
"I'm sorry if our accommodations are not to the standard you must be used to. This was all I could get for my budget and our short time," said Morty, giving a ninety degree bow to the archon.
Entei's eyes softened, "No need for that my child. I'm used to all kinds of spaces. I've lived a very long time and have seen many things. This is a very nice place. I like it. Let's just eat and head on our way to the library."
Morty just nodded and ordered rice porridge to be sent to them from the kitchens.
Once they finished eating, they quickly cleaned up and made their way towards the library. They ended up walking to the library since it was only a five minute walk.
As they walked up to the entrance of the library, they saw a man standing guard in front of the entrance. The guard raised his eyebrows at them, but Morty was unphased. He'd been through this before. He handed the guard his library card, and let the guard look it over.
As the guard was looking over the card he asked, "So, what are you two here for?"
Morty frowned and then quickly schooled his features, "We're just here to look around and read some books sir."
"Hmmmm, well, I'm gonna need to see your trainer card and another form of identification to confirm your identity."
Morty just huffed and gave the man his trainer ID and his driver's license.
After a few minutes of the guard checking Morty's identity, he said, "I'm gonna need the two of ye to come with me."
The archon just looked at Morty to see if this was normal, but Morty just shrugged.
The guard led them to a holding room at the side of the building and left them in the room alone.
"Is this normal Morty? I've been to libraries before but I've never had to be in a holding cell before? Are we in some sort of trouble?"
Morty just hummed before saying, "This isn't normal, but I think it's normal for Johtoninas who visit this library. I've heard stories of this happening, but I've never had it happen to me, until now. The Kantonians gave each Johtonian clan a set of library passes for their members, with the added bonus of being able to have a plus one, to their distinguished royal library. They did it as a way to show faith, goodwill, and trust in us after Kanto and Johto became one, but they don't seem to like us taking advantage of it."
Entei frowned, "I don't understand. Why are they doing this?"
"I'm not sure archon. I wish I knew."
Entei turned to look out the door that the guard went out of and just frowned.
"I could make you an amulet that would prevent people from treating you like this."
Morty let out a choked laugh.
"I - I appreciate the gesture, and I am so thankful for your protection but I …"
"But what?" said Entei, turning around to face Morty and crossing over their arms. Their sharp gaze locked on him.
Morty gulped. "It's just, I - I want to know people's true intentions when interacting with me. I don't want to just make them treat me a certain way."
Entei just stared at Morty with his piercing gaze.
Entei stared at Morty for so long that the guard had come back from wherever he went to.
"Alright kid, you have clearance to enter the library with your old man. Just don't cause any trouble."
"We won't sir, thank you."
With that, Morty led Entei out of the holding room back outside and into the library.
The Royal Kantonian Library was immaculately designed. There were five floors, with each floor focusing on one of the five different dynasties of the Kingdom of Kanto. On the walls were frescoes depicting the history of the region, with gold, silver, and bronze complimenting them.
The library had a high level of security and no books or documents could be taken out of the library, only viewed in the building.
Morty turned to Entei and said, "The first book we are looking for is located on the third floor in the southeastern wing, 2nd bookcase on the left, fifth shelf from the top, second book from the right."
Entei just smirked, "Let's go get it then."
The two walked up the stairs to where they needed to go.
They got a few looks here and there, but most people left them alone.
When they got to the first book, Entei immediately took the book off of the shelf and opened it to see if it was in good condition.
"We can't check out the book. So did you want to make copies of the specific pages you are looking for?" asked Morty.
"Entei just smirked, "My precious, precious child. I'm not borrowing this book. I'm taking it. This book doesn't belong to these people anyway."
Morty frowned and glanced from side to side to see if anyone was listening.
"What do you mean?" he whispered.
Entei turned the book over and pointed to a symbol on the book.
"This is the mark of the All Father. This means the book belongs to them and not these mortals. I'm here to reclaim our property."
"All Father" and "All Mother" were titles used by the almegans to address the Original One. Those were titles that Morty was used to reading and not used to hearing. It jarred him a bit and really made him understand the actual position he was in.
In seconds, Entei apparated the book to its new location, making it disappear from their hands.
"Only two more left. Let's go. Where's the next one?"
Morty just nodded and said, "Fifth floor, north wing, center bookcase, ninth shelf from the bottom, tenth book from the left.
Entei nodded and led the way back to the stairs to obtain the next book.
The fifth floor was stunning. It contained floor to ceiling windows that overlooked all of downton Celadon City.
As they reached the bookcase, Entei took the book off the shelf and turned it over. They pointed towards a symbol on the back of the book to show Morty.
"This is Ho-Oh's mark. So, this book belongs to them."
Morty just nodded, understanding what they were doing here. In seconds, the book disappeared from Entei's hands, being sent back to its rightful owner.
"Now, where is the last book?"
Morty froze. He could see the last book, but he didn't know it would be in the hands of him. He didn't know Eusine would even be here today.
Morty hadn't seen Eusine in weeks, and he didn't want their first meeting to be like this. He didn't want to see him now; he couldn't see him now.
"Morty, what's wrong?" asked Entei, "Is the book not here? Has something happened to it?"
The room was spinning and his lungs were constricting. He needed a way out. He needed to get out of here.
Entei took Morty's hand and led him to a table in the far corner of the floor of the library. He then knelt in front of Morty and used both of their hands to wipe the tears streaming down his face.
"Just breathe with me. In and out. Just like that."
After a few minutes, Morty finally calmed down enough to speak.
"Hey, what's going on?" Entei asked softly, "I won't be mad. I just want to help."
For a moment, Archon Entei resembled Morty's father. The soft voice, the gentle caress. He felt like he was a kid again with his father helping him get through his anxiety episodes whenever he got overwhelmed. Those episodes rarely happened now that he was older and more used to his gifts, but they came up every once in a while.
Morty didn't think he was that stressed to have an episode, but he guessed the situation with Eusine really got to him more than he let on.
"A couple of weeks ago, My friend and I had a fight. I told him I never wanted to see him again. But I saw him, here in the library, with the last book we are looking for."
"Okay," said Entei softly, "It's okay. Thank you for telling me. You won't have to interact with him if you don't want to. Why don't you get a little spirit to help you distract him while I go get the book. Does that sound okay?"
Morty just nodded.
"Good. I saw a tiny spirit a while ago in the far left corner of the floor. A small one with a brilliant blue color. It was staying close towards the much older books in the archive. Do you think you can get him?"
Morty nodded again and then stood up to find the small blue spirit.
One of the beautiful things about Morty being a medium was that he could communicate with spirits and ghosts. Not all mediums could do that. Mediumship was more of a spectrum. Some could only view them, others could only see the unseen world through reflections, and others like Morty could see everything and interact with that world.
As Morty got closer to the spirit he said, "Little one, I need your help. Do you think you could distract someone for me?"
After being given directions from Morty, the spirit quickly went down to the second floor to distract Eusine.
Morty nodded to Entei, and they both left to go down the steps to get the book.
On the second floor, Morty decided to stay a bit away as Entei went straight to the desk that Eusine was working at. Thankfully, Eusine was somewhere else, dealing with whatever issue the little spirit caused to him.
Since time was limited, Morty was looking all around to make sure that no one was watching them, but he froze immediately when he heard his name.
"Morty?"
With his heart pounding furiously in his chest, all Morty wanted to do was run away, but he knew he couldn't do that. So he turned around and came face-to-face with his ex-best friend.
"Hello Eusine. I didn't think I would be seeing you here today."
"I didn't think I would see you here either Morty," Eusinse said astonished, "What are you doing here?"
Morty frowned, "The better question is what are you doing here? You know I come here every month. I wouldn't stop coming here just because we aren't friends anymore."
Eusine flinched. Morty's words were a stark reminder of what their friendship had become.
"Hey," Eusine said, taking a step closer towards Morty, "I've been trying to contact you. I just wanted to - "
"It's fine," said Morty sharply, crossing his arms, "I didn't want to talk with you anyways. Now if you'll excuse me."
As Morty tried to step around Eusine to leave, Eusine kept getting right back in front of him.
"Hey, slow down! I just want to talk. Please Morty!"
After doing this for a while, someone behind them coughed, causing the both of them to pause.
"What's going on here?" said Entei.
"I'm sorry sir. We'll be right out your way," said Eusine.
However, Entei's eyes never left Morty's.
"Is everything okay Morty?" asked Entei.
Eusine frowned. He had never seen this man before around Ecruteak City. He wondered who this man was to Morty.
"I'm sorry, but do we know you?"
Morty sighed, "It's alright Eusine. I came here today with them."
"And who exactly is he?"
"He - uh …"
"My name is Volcaric, and I am Morty's protector."
"Protector?" asked Eusine, "Since when did you get a bodyguard? I've never seen him before."
"I'm sorry, but we don't have time for questions," said Entei, "We have a train to catch. It was nice meeting you."
Before Eusine could say anything else, Entei had already dragged Morty down the stairs and out of the library.
Morty and Entei were back on the train to take them back to Ecruteak City.
It was sunset now, and the sky was painted in beautiful shades of pink, orange, and yellow.
Their time back was peaceful and allowed Morty to feel safe and relaxed. He hoped that would be the last time he would see Eusine. Maybe he would have to limit his time spent at the Royal Kantonian Library, but it would be worth it to protect his peace.
"I would like to thank you for your assistance today. Your service was invaluable."
Morty blushed, "It was my please. Thank you for thinking of me."
"I want to show you the book. See," Entei said, flipping the book over to its back cover, "Here lies my mark. This book belongs to me."
"If you don't mind me asking, what's the book about?"
"You can ask me anything you want Morty," Entei smiled, "A long time ago I trusted someone with information about the creation of the 'Mountain Bell Pass,' which is known today as the Sinjoh Ruins. It was a city I had an integral hand in creating and it's very meaningful to me."
"You helped to build Sinjoh Ruins?" Morty whispered.
Entei smirked, "There is much you don't know about young one. When we reach our destination, I will depart from you. However, one of my siblings will come for you soon and grace you with our mark and our gift."
Morty just nodded. There was so much to take in. So much happened today. All he knew was that he would savor every moment he was in the land of the living.
Word Count: 4,153
Date Uploaded: Wednesday, June 8, 2022
Next Update: Thursday, June 9, 2022
Footnote(s):
(1) Gorudo is the romanized Japanese word for 'gold.' This is used as Ho-Oh's title by the Johtonian people
A/N: Thank you so much for reading this story. I'm having so much fun writing this. It's even making me fall even more in love with Johto. Please leave comments to let me know your thoughts!