A/N: Thank you guys for holding out and waiting for another chapter! This one was a doozy. I hope you enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokémon or their characters; I only own my OCs, this story, and my world building
"Eevee! Use aerial ace!" shouted the trainer.
"Shuppet, dodge," said Morty.
The battle hadn't been going on for long, but Morty could tell his opponent was getting mentally tired.
"Use hidden power," commanded Morty.
"Eevee dodge!"
The Eevee was too tired and unable to dodge the attack. The pokémon fell on the ground barely able to stand back up.
"Eevee no!"
The trainer came in underestimating Morty.
The trainer already had two badges and got cocky, thinking they would be able to predict what would happen in their battles now.
This trainer had lucked out with getting the last slot of the day for a gym challenge. By the end of having dozens of battles, the gym leader was bound to be physically and mentally tired, as well as his team.
However, Morty was smart; he was calculating. He made sure he constantly got breaks to eat and to rest his mind throughout the day. And he dutifully switched out his team to meet the required level of each trainer. While some of his pokémon did battle multiple trainers, they were always well rested and ready to go.
The battle between the trainer and Morty was ending quickly.
Because the trainer was battling Morty for a third gym badge, the challenge had a two-on-two fight. The trainer's first gym challenges were a bit easier, each of them was only one-on-one.
The trainer was already on their second partener while Morty still had his second in his arsenal.
"Eevee use shadow ball!"
"Finish this with thunder, Shuppet."
A flash of light overtook the arena, blinding everyone.
Once the light was gone, the trainer's last pokémon had clearly fainted.
The referee called the battle and gave the victory to Leader Morty.
Shuppet circled around Morty happy about its win. Morty told the ghost type "good job," and then gave it a kiss before returning it to its pokéball.
With that, Morty took a sip of his water while looking all around the gym.
He thought he saw someone watch his match, but he couldn't tell who they were. He was too focused on the battle.
Morty sighed and readied himself to send his pokémon to the healing center inside the gym.
Once he dropped off his pokémon there, he instantly made way towards his office.
There, he decided to finish the paperwork he needed to do on all the challengers he faced today and then work at looking over some of the larger missions he would need to assign to different ranger squadrons in his district.
About an hour later, someone knocks on his door.
"Come in!"
"Hey Morty," said Ms. Hikaru, the gym's receptionist, "Someone here said that they had an appointment with you."
Morty frowned. He checked his schedule multiple times a day, and he was certain that he didn't have any appointments after his last challenger.
But since he didn't have anything pressing to do, he let Hikaru bring in his supposed appointment.
A moment later, a lean man with deep skin walked in. He had his long, violet hair in two braids. He wore blue jeans with a white shirt that had a deep v-neck and a dark haori, a jacket that goes on top of a kimono.
His pale blue eyes were mischievous, intriguing.
Morty stood up and gave a bow in greeting.
"Hello, I'm not sure we've met before, but I'm Morty, the Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym."
"It's nice to meet you Morty," the achon smirked, "Though I must say, it hasn't been that long."
Morty froze. Could this be who he thought it to be? It's been weeks since the last archon had visited him, and this one hadn't visited him in a while. The last time he saw Archon Suicune, they looked like an old man, with a long white beard that touched the floor.
"My lord," Morty said, giving a deeper bow, "What is it you have in need of me?"
"I am here for a request. I need you to do a reading for me, but I would like to see you in a bit more of a personal manner. I want to see how you are. How about we have dinner first?"
"Uh… I'm supposed to make dinner for my family back at the compound tonight. It's my turn."
"That's fine. I'll help you cook and join you and your family for dinner."
Morty's eyes widened.
No one in his family knew that he saw the archon so often or that he was now anointed by them. Does the archon plan to reveal this to his family tonight?
"Are you done with work for the evening or do you need to finish up?"
"I still have a bit more work left to do. Do you mind waiting for me?"
"Not at all child," the archon smiled.
So Morty went back to his computer to finish entering and submitting a few documents and sending out a few emails.
The archon was just looking all over the office. They were looking at the books that Morty kept there, at the photos of Morty's friends and family, and at the decor he used to decorate his space.
The archon alway looked at the world with a sort of wonderment. Morty didn't know how they kept it since they lived for so long. How do you see so much beauty and wonder when you have lived through all the darkness?
When Morty was done with his work, he finished packing up his bag and then headed out.
They were getting closer and closer to the Spring Equinox; soon, they would have just as much daylight as they had night. It still got dark a bit early; both of them were leaving the office during sunset.
Even with driving, Morty could still feel the hum of the spirits and ghosts buzzing with excitement around this time.
When they made it back to the compound, Morty noticed that his grandmother, mother, and sister were not home yet. So he decided to head straight to the kitchen to start working on dinner.
In the kitchen, Morty grabbed all the necessary ingredients he needed to make sukiyaki. He grabbed the vegetables, eggs, and wagyu as well as all the pots and pans he would use.
As Morty was rolling up his sleeves to get started cooking, the Archon pulled him aside.
"Let me cook for you all, little one. Go, get ready, and finish up the rest of your errands."
Morty saw no reason to deny them; so he bowed and headed up stairs to his room.
In his room, Mory took off his work clothes and put on a dark purple yukata. After spraying some cologne, he went downstairs to go out of the house to check the mailbox.
His shuppet followed him around as he was doing his tasks which gave Morty a smile. He loved the company of his pokemon while he was doing his daily chores.
As Morty was walking into the kitchen from the mailbox, he was looking over what mail had arrived.
Bills, bills, bills, loan offer, credit card offer, … a letter from Eusine …
Morty grimaced.
He had been receiving letters from Eusine for weeks. It was the only way the man could communicate with him after Morty blocked his phone number and his email. Not only was Eusine sending letters to the gym, but he was now also sending them to his home.
"Did something bad come in the mail?" asked the Archon.
"Not really," said Morty, "Just an annoying trapinch trying to get my attention.
Morty threw the letter in the trash. He didn't need to read it to know what it said. Eusine should just take the hint and leave him alone.
"I'm sorry your friend is treating you this way."
"It's fine. He's not important now anyway. The funny thing is that he needed me to achieve his dreams."
"What is it that he desired?"
"You."
"Me?" asked the Archon looking back at Morty from the stove.
"You and the other two archons in your trio. He wanted to see you, even if it was just a glimpse. And he especially wanted to capture you, Archon. He wanted to make you his."
"Interesting."
About a half hour later, the archon asked Morty to set the table since they were almost finished with dinner.
Morty looked at the clock and saw that it was almost time for his sister to return home.
Morty's sister, Sora, attended the Hosishime School of Dance. It taught a lot of traditional Johtonian dances. She hoped to one day join the Ecruteak Dance Theater. She knew that she would have to put in a lot of work to get recruited by them; so she spent many evenings at the dance school practicing until late.
As Morty was finishing setting down the bowls and chopsticks on the chabudai, a low table, Sora came into the kitchen. She gave her brother a big hug and asked him what was for dinner.
"We are having sukiyaki," said the archon.
The archon was setting the side dishes out in many bowls and brought them to the table for everyone to enjoy.
"Oh, hello!" said Sora, bowing, "I'm Sora, Morty's sister. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Sora gave the archon a beaming smile that they couldn't help but give one back.
"Morty, I'm going to go wash up in your room; I'll be back soon," said the archon.
Morty just nodded.
Just as the archon was out of earshot, Sora leaned in and whispered to her brother, "Who is that? Your boyfriend?"
"W-what?! No!"
Sora giggled, "He's really pretty! What's his name?"
"I-I'll introduce them when Okaa-san and Oba-san get home."
"Fine," Sora said, rolling her eyes.
Before the archon could come back to the kitchen, Morty's mother, the matriarch of the Matsuba clan, and his grandmother, the Dragon Priestess, arrived and were sitting down at the table.
When the archon arrived back, dressed in a light blue yukata, they took off the still warm food from the stove and set it down on the table.
"Hello my dear," said Morty's grandmother, "Who are you? One of Morty's friends? A courtmate?"
"Oba-san!" Mory groaned.
"What? You've never brought anyone home to us before. What am I supposed to think?!"
The archon just smiled.
"It's a pleasure to meet you all," said the archon bowing, "Morty has told me much about all of you. My name is Atalaq, but you may call me Ata if it pleases you."
Morty's grandmother frowned. She kept repeating the name to herself multiple times while looking into the archon's eyes.
After a while, her gaze widened in recognition.
The Dragon Priestess instantly got on her hands and knees to bow before the archon while also pestering the rest of her family to bow as well.
Morty hid his face behind his hands; he did not expect this to happen today of all days.
With a light chuckle, the archon spoke.
"You may all rise. It was not my intention to disturb you this evening. I just wanted to meet the family of one of my anointed ones I hold so dear."
"Oba-san," Sora whispered not so quietly, "Who is that?"
"My child," said the Dragon Priestess, "This is Archon Suicune also known as King Atalaq of the River Kingdoms."
Long before the almegans roamed the Earth in their current form, they used to take the form of man and ruled over all the land. During that time, Suicune's name was known as Atalaq.
The River Kingdoms were known for the fact that they had the five longest rivers on the continent that ran through their territory; they were the Mogami, the Fuji, the Kuma, the Shinano, and the Yubari. These rivers spanned from the far west, past what is known as modern Johto, all the way to the east, through the mountains that protect eastern Johto. Wherever the rivers touched, was where the empire was formed.
As time flowed, the almegans went from a humanoid form that ruled over the land, to a divine beast that worked with the rulers of the time, to distant in the modern era, only going to those who invoke them.
With that, the recognition that Atalaq is Suicune and Suicune is Atalaq faded. Only those who continued to follow the almegans remember the history.
"What do you mean by 'anointed one' Archon?" asked Morty's mother, "We were sure Mordecai was only anointed by three at birth."
"Mordecai has proven his worth to me and my siblings, Entei and Raikou. Because of that, we have marked him and made him ours."
At that, Morty's family gasped.
Once dinner was over, Morty took the archon to his room so they could talk.
Morty allowed the archon to enter through the door before him. Then he closed his door on the way in and locked it.
Morty let out a sigh. He loved his family, but they could be quite overwhelming sometimes. After it was revealed that he was newly anointed, his family started asking so many questions. He was surprised by the archon's attitude. They took all the questions in stride. But now, Morty was tired, and he did not feel like doing anything. Except he still had that request the archon needed from him.
Morty's room was open and spacious, especially with his futon put up and stored away. In the corner of his room was a small chabudai that had a six-faced crystal ball on top of it.
The Matsuba clan was a clan that revered the divine element of ghost. They also had a higher proportion of mediums than most families. Because of this, they developed a crystal ball that was more powerful and effective than those of old for mediums that could see into Supreme Almegan Giratina's domain. Each of the six faces allowed the medium to see a crystal clear picture of six separate locations in the Supreme's domain; any more than that and the picture would start to distort.
The archon and Morty quickly sat down at the chabudai. Morty pulled the crystal ball towards him and prayed, "Supreme Almegan, guide me towards the spirits that call. May I hear and understand their voice. Sa rete orimasu (1)."
Morty then looked into the crystal ball. In one face, he saw a river's flow being reversed up a waterfall; in another, he saw a large piece of the earth in the sky; he saw many stone rocks floating in a violet void; in another, he saw clouds hovering over the ground; in another, he saw trees with roots that went out of the ground and took root in the earth above it; and in another, he saw flowers blooming in a field.
In each face, he saw the spirits flowing by, coming closer to see him.
Morty said, "My friends, I have come today at the request of Archon Suicune. Do you have any knowledge that should be passed on."
All at once, the spirits' voices started to come alive.
"a man is dead a man is dead a man is dead"
"your friend is near your friend is near your friend is near"
"lake of rage lake of rage lake of rage"
"gifts of the altar gifts of the altar gifts of the altar"
"someone is missing someone is missing someone is missing"
"yakuza is back yakuza is back yakuza is back"
At least they knew where to go first.
Oki Lake is situated in the northern most point of Johto and is known as the largest lake in the region. During every monsoon season, the rain quickly filled the lake up so high that it covered the majority of the land in the surrounding area. What you could once walk to, now needed a boat to get to.
Oki Lake is also colloquially known as Lake of Rage. The lake took on this name after many magikarp started evolving into temperamental gyarados after one monsoon season many decades ago.
Archon Suicune and Morty spent the night at the Matsuba compound before heading on a train to take them to Mahogany Town. From Mahogany Town, they would take a bus that would lead them to the Lake of Rage.
Even though the Lake of Rage is not suitable for watersports anymore, many tourists and trainers still come to the lake to either admire its beauty or to catch powerful pokemon.
By the time they got there, it was past noon.
They got out of the bus and started walking up the trail to the lake. As they got closer, they saw a couple of houses surrounding the outer border of the lake. Most of them looked abandoned, but some of them looked like they still had life to them.
As they got closer to the lake, they saw a man with red hair and a cape staring at the face of the water.
Morty laughed in recognition and then called out to his friend.
(your friend is near your friend is near your friend is near)
"Lance!"
The man startled a bit and then turned around. In recognition, he smiled and waved at them.
Lance and Morty had been friends for a long time. Because of the status of the Matsuba and the Wataru Clans being the most powerful clans in the region, their families had always known each other. But they really became close when they decided to be travel partners when they left on their first journey throughout the region. Since then, they have been best friends.
Once they got close enough, Lance got on one knee and bowed.
"Praise be to the Archon. How might I serve thee," said Lance.
The Archon had already changed from its humanoid form to its beast one. They nodded their heads in acknowledgement of him.
Morty gave a slight bow in Lance's direction and then spoke.
"The Archon is trying to understand the story of what happened at this lake. We're here to gather more information. What brings you here to Oki lake?"
"Can't a guy just take a vacation," Lance chuckled, "No, but really, I'm here on business. I got a tip that there was some yakuza activity around the Lake of Rage."
(yakuza is back yakuza is back yakuza is back)
Lance turned around and looked back over the lake.
"Ima, my dragonite, is flying around the lake now looking for any suspicious activity."
Morty nodded, "I am here to do a reading on the lake; maybe the information can help the both of us."
As Morty was walking to the foot of the lake, he heard a guttural scream coming from behind him.
As he turned around, he saw a small, old woman wearing a long black dress running towards him while screaming expletives.
"GET OUT OF HERE! GET OUT OF HERE! GET OUT OF HERE!"
"I WAS HERE FIRST! THE POWER HERE BELONGS TO ME!"
"LEAVE NOW OR YOU'LL REGRET IT!"
As the woman was getting closer to them, Archon Suicune took one of its ribbons and touched the woman's forehead. Instantly, the woman calmed and then collapsed. Lance caught her in his arms before she could fall to the ground.
"Let's take her to that house over there. It seems like that's where she came from," Morty said, picking up the woman's legs, helping to carry her.
As they set the woman down near the dilapidated house, Lance asked, "What was that?"
Morty answered, "Some mediums get really territorial over certain places. Large bodies of water like this are seen as really powerful if you can see into the Supreme's domain. It's just large enough where you can obtain a great deal of information, but small enough to where you won't get overwhelmed. I'm assuming she doesn't want me to do a reading here."
As they walked back to the lake, Morty could feel the power thrumming through his veins. Even from a distance, the lake seemed to call to him. He saw spirits hovering over the water and ghosts from those who lost their lives roaming around the edges.
The spirits were powerful here, much more than he's ever seen before in the wild; those that were bright yellow, orange, and red dotted the sky. Morty was never scared of them, but sometimes he would get in deep awe of their power and how different they were from him.
When Morty got to the edge of the lake, he opened his backpack and pulled out a cup, three sticks of incense and a lighter. He put the incense sticks in the cup and then set them on the ground. After that he lit the incense so it started burning.
Once he did that, Morty stretched out his arms over the lake, closed his eyes, and said, "Supreme Almegan, guide me towards the spirits that call. May I hear and understand their voice. Sa rete orimasu."
When Morty opened his eyes, he looked deep into the lake. There, he saw a sky of blue and pink with lavender clouds and a river running through it. He also saw nine small, white spirits circling around each other whispering, "follow me follow me follow me."
"The spirits want us to follow them," said Morty, "They are heading towards the northwestern part of the lake."
Lance nodded his head, "Okay, do we need to get a boat?"
Before Morty could respond, both of them saw Archon Suicune get on its legs and lie down before them, signaling for them to get on its back.
As it's known, humans have rarely ridden the backs of the almegans. Only those who had been deemed great heroes had ever been able to hold that honor; or those who were highly favored. So for Archon Suicune to even offer to carry the two on its back was astonishing.
Morty and Lance were taken aback, but after a moment, they moved towards the Archon and mounted it. Morty got on first and then Lance followed while sitting behind him. Lance put his arms around Morty's waist to keep steady. While Morty held on to the Archon's mane.
Morty asked the Archon, "Can you see them?"
The archon just nodded its head and then took off across the water.
With the wind in his hair and the spirits around them, Morty felt like he was on cloud nine. It was almost as if everything was moving in slow motion, with him taking in every nanosecond of what was going on.
Under the archon's feet, Morty could see two giant gyarados, one blue and one red, swimming beneath them. Both close enough to see what was going on, but far enough away to know not to mess with them.
It was electrifying. So much power enveloping them, it almost made Morty's head spin.
As they got closer to the destination the spirits brought them too, Morty could see a small clearing with a set of stairs leading up a hill.
With the end of their ride, Morty thanked the spirits and the Archon before heading up the stairs. Lance also bowed to the both of them.
Past the stairs was a long walkway that led somewhere down a long path. After looking at Lance, they both nodded their heads and decided to push themselves onwards.
Once they reached the end of the path, they turned right into a large clearing with a modest house and a pretty garden. In front of the house was a man who wore jeans, a white shirt, and a black apron with gloves covering his hands as he hammered down on a piece of metal. The man was fair in completion and had his long black hair tied up into a bun on his head. He was a blacksmith.
As they walked closer, the man locked eyes with the both of them and pointed his giant hammer at the both of them.
"Who are you two? State yourselves."
Both Morty and Lance raised their hands and took a few steps back, not wanting the man to think they were a threat of any kind.
"My name is Morty Matsuba. I am the Gym Leader of the Ecruteak City Gym."
"My name is Lance Wataru. Champion of Johto's Pokemon League and a member of the Elite Four in Kanto."
In the corner of his eye, Morty could spot what he thought to be an Arceusite altar. With that and the man's occupation as a blacksmith, he decided to take a risk.
"We were brought here by a mission from Archon Suicune."
At that, the man put down his hammer and fell on his knees.
"Praise be to the Archon," said the man with tears streaming down his face.
Morty and Lance looked at each other before making the decision to walk closer and comfort the blacksmith.
They were comforting the man for about five minutes before he got up and led them both inside his home.
There, the man started to make them tea as he let the two of them get settled on the couch.
"What's your name?" asked Lance.
"I am Hiroshi Nakamura of the Nakamura Clan. But you may call me Hiroshi," said the blacksmith as he was pouring their tea into tea cups.
"Hiroshi-san," said Morty, taking hold of his tea, "What has happened here?"
"My brother has been missing for three weeks," said Hiroshi sitting down on a chair in front of them.
(someone is missing someone is missing someone is missing)
"Have you and your family gone out to look for him?" asked Lance
"We can't," said Hiroshi, looking down.
"Why not?" asked Morty.
"As a family, we make metal works. My brother, Asahi, usually takes what we make and goes to the nearest town, usually Mahogany Town, and sells our goods at the local market. That's how we make our money. Three weeks ago, my brother went to the market to sell our goods. Since it's the rainy season right now, we need a boat in order to leave our land. So my brother took the boat in order to cross the lake. We only have one boat."
Morty and Lance both nodded.
"And where is the rest of your family?" asked Lance.
Hiroshi took a sip of his tea before answering.
"Well, my children, nieces, and nephews are upstairs with their grandparents being taught a variety of subjects. My wife, my siblings, and their spouses are in the backyard taking care of our cattle, farming, and doing any other work that we need to survive."
"Sorry if this might sound callous, but why did you and your family move here? Especially with how isolated this area is and how dangerous the lake can be."
Morty kicked Lance's shin and gave him a scathing look.
Hiroshi just laughed.
"It's kind of a long story, but I'll just summarize I guess.
I come from a family of blacksmiths. We've been involved in this trade for centuries. Back in the day, my clan was living and working at the Temple of Alph. We made sacrificial offerings out of silver and gold for the Gin and the Gorudo. One day, during the Twin Towers Festival, my family sent three of our sons with their Pokémon to Ecruteak City to give the offerings at the two shrines.
You may not believe this, but the day they arrived at Ecruteak City for the festival was the day the Brass Tower burned down and destroyed our society as we know it. My three ancestors with their three pokémon were in the Brass Tower when it burned down and all six of them perished in the fire. By the grace of the Gorudo, the three pokémon were resurrected into image bearers of the Archon. The Gorudo wrote a message on a scroll with instructions for our family. The Gorudo sent the newly resurrected Pokémon to send the message to us. The message told us to flee the temple and to live behind Oki Lake. There, we were to continue to do our work in making gold and silver offerings, and if we did, our lives would be blessed. The message also said that the three sons that perished would be reincarnated into three different generations in three prominent families, and that they would bless our household. So far, our family has met two out of the three."
"That is incredible," said Lance, "And you and your family have been faithfully living here ever since?"
"Sure have."
"How do you know when you've met one of the reincarnated?" asked Lance.
"Lance!" Morty glared, "I'm sorry for his lack of manners."
Lance blushed, rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's quite alright," chuckled Hiroshi, "I have no problem answering any questions you younglings have. I would say it's a secret, how we know. But we do have very specific instructions for identifying them."
"Do you tell them once you find them?" asked Lance.
Hiroshi shook his head, "We don't. Though they usually feel a pull to come back to us. If they confront us about anything, we usually say something, but other than that, we let things play out as they are."
"That's very noble of you." said Morty.
"I'm not really sure about that," said Hiroshi, "My family and I really want to just do what is right."
Morty nodded, "We thank you for that. Lance and I also want to say that we will do everything possible to find your brother and bring him home."
At that, Hiroshi started to cry. Hiroshi's family is quite close; so losing a member like this was devastating. Before Lance and Morty left his home, Hiroshi showed them a picture of his family and pointed out his brother, Asahi; so that they would know what he looks like.
Lance and Morty helped to clean up the dishes and put things away before they left the Nakamura clan.
When they arrived back at the edge of the lake, they saw Archon Suicune waiting for them. They quickly got on the Archon's back, and then dashed across the water back to where they came.
When they got back to the other side of the lake, Lance and Morty went to the dilapidated house where they left the old woman who tried to attack them earlier. They wanted to see if she was awake and help get her home.
Near the house, they saw three young women with a small child surrounding the sleeping woman.
"Hello…" Morty called out tentatively.
Four heads turned to look at him. All four women were fair skinned and wore long black dresses with black work boots. The tallest woman had a scowl on her face and was wearing her dark cherry red hair in a braid. The shortest woman looked curiously over at them and wore her chestnut hair in a high ponytail. The middle woman had an unreadable expression; she wore her auburn hair in a bun. The middle woman was also balancing a child at her hip who looked to be ready to fall asleep.
The tall woman pointed at Morty and Lance and said, "You two! What have you done to our mistress! Have you poisoned her?"
Morty put his hands up while Lance crossed his arms over his chest.
"Your mistress threatened us as we got closer to the lake," said Lance, "A pokemon we had put her to sleep so she wouldn't be so aggressive. Then we brought her to this house because it looked like where she came from."
The youngest's eyes widened, "Oh goodness, we are so sorry. Mistress can be very protective of our home."
"Have you come to duel for the lake?" asked the eldest walking closer to them.
"No we didn't," said Morty, "I was called to do a reading here. We are done with our tasks and are ready to leave. But if you may, let me wake up your mistress."
The three young women nodded and made a path open towards their mistress.
Morty slowly walked up to the old woman. She was still sleeping, peacefully as ever. Morty took his index finger and touched the center of her forward; then he whispered "Sa rete orimasu."
The old woman slowly opened her eyes and let out a large yawn.
"What happened?" asked the old woman.
"A sorcerer put you to sleep and then woke you up mistress," said the middle one, "They are here now."
The old woman dragged her eyes to look at Morty and Lance.
Morty bowed to the woman, and Lance followed suit.
"I see you are the mistress of this house and the medium of this lake," said Morty, "We did not come to encroach on your territory. Someone asked me to do a reading on the lake, and I just wanted to fulfill that. My friend was already here visiting. He's a powerful trainer."
"Well I guess I made a mistake," grumbled the old woman.
As she was rising from where she was sitting on the ground she said, "Why don't you two come inside to sit with us for a while. It's the least I can do for scaring the living daylights out of you two."
Morty and Lance shared a look before nodding and agreeing to come inside their abode.
The home looked much better on the inside than it did on the outside. On the outside, it looked like it would be very run down and dirty. But the house was very neat and well decorated. There were many gorgeous tapestries that lined the floors and the walls. They added a lot of warmth and character to the home.
Entering the home, Morty and Lance were led towards the kitchen where the youngest was making them matcha.
Around the home, a gastly and a haunter roamed; while an umbreon came out from its nest to greet the mistress.
The old woman was sitting down at the table eating an apple as the rest sat down to join her.
"I guess I should introduce myself and my family," said the old woman.
"My name is Hana Lee, and I've been a practicing medium for over 30 years. I am the leader of the Raven Thorn Coven where I am known as Mistress Hana. These three are my daughters. My eldest with cherry red hair is Naomi Lee. My middle child with auburn hair is Mai Lee. My youngest child with chestnut hair is Asa Lee. My daughter Mai had a baby and blessed us with my granddaughter, Machi Lee. We have been active as a coven since my children came of age and presented with their gifts."
In turn, Morty and Lance introduced themselves. When it was Lance's turn, something caught Morty's eye.
A ghost was sitting in the living room muttering to itself. Morty found it strange that a ghost was living in these walls, especially with four mediums (presumably five) who lived here.
Most ghosts roamed around places where they were buried at. They did not tend to go far from their graves. Morty wondered if the ghost's grave was in this house? Or maybe he was buried underneath or just outside.
"Something catch your attention, Spector?" asked Hana.
The medium community is very particular about hierarchies; there is always one present whether in a coven or between mediums. Spector and Spectra are titles and ranks used in their community to address mediums of the same or equal rank. In addressing Morty this way, Hana is acknowledging Morty as her equal.
"It's nothing I guess, Spectra," said Morty re-focussing his attention back to the group, "You have a ghost living in your house."
"You can see papa?!" asked Machi.
While Morty was stating the obvious, most mediums and covens alike would not dare to let any ghosts or spirits invade their territory. They would put up wards inside their house and around their property to protect themselves from such.
Hana chuckled while taking a sip of her tea.
"It is unusual, isn't' it. But I can't help it. That ghost you see is my husband. He passed away three months ago. Only my daughter Mai and my granddaughter Machi can see him. But they aren't able to interact with him or figure out what he needs to be at peace. We've tried everything, but nothing works.
"You've tried all the Johtonian burial rituals, and he still won't pass on?!" questioned Morty.
"Heavens no. I am Kantonian. My husband was Johtonian. So when we had to lay him to rest, we did the traditional Kantonian burial rites and rituals. Those are the only ones I know. We cremated him and put his urn on the fireplace mantle in the living room."
"Could you speak with him?" asked Mai.
"Now Mai, let's not be presumptuous."
"But Mistress, maybe he could figure out how to get father to move on. It's been months! The longer father stays here, the more spirits he will attract, which will put us in harm's way."
"I truly don't have a problem with talking to him," said Morty.
"Very well," huffed Hana, "Go in the living room and talk to him. We'll stay in here getting supper ready."
With that, Morty got up from the kitchen table and made his way over to the living room. Once there, he slowly started to approach the ghost.
As Morty took the first steps towards the ghost, the ghost immediately locked eyes with Morty. They stared at each other for a while before Morty decided to continue his creep towards him.
Once they were face to face, Morty sat down right beside the ghost and turned towards him.
"What's your name?" asked Morty
"My name is Tetsuya Nakano. My friend is in danger. I need you to help my friend!"
"My name is Morty, Tetsuya-san, and I would be honored to help you friend."
"I need you to help my friend! Something terrible could happen!"
"Who is your friend?"
"His name is Asahi Nakamura! We're neighbors and something horrible could happen to him. We need to act now!"
"What could happen, Tetsuya-san?"
"Someone could kidnap him or kill him or worse!"
"Does Asahi-san have any enemies?"
"A crazy man always comes to offer him a job at the market. I know he could do something to my friend!"
"Do you know who that man is? What does he look like?"
"I don't know who the man is but he seems deranged and dangerous! He's a tall, pale man with teal hair. Please help my friend!"
"What does this man say when you see him?"
"He just keeps offering Asahi ridiculous amounts of money for him to work for his boss. Please help my friend!"
"Does the man ever buy anything from you or Asahi?"
"Asahi doesn't let him buy anything. Though he was really interested in some special kind of jewelry. Please help my friend! He's in danger!"
"Do you know what the man's name was?"
"No, no, no, he never shared his name, only that he had a really powerful boss. Please help my friend! Please!"
"Thank you so much for the information, Tetsuya-san. I will make sure to find and protect Asahi-san. Please be at rest."
With that, the ghost of Tetsuya seemed to calm. His ghostly presence turned from a light yellow color to a pale gray one.
Morty then got up and headed back into the kitchen.
He thanked the coven for their hospitality and told them what had transpired between him and the ghost.
"Wow, so he was staying here all that time to protect his friend," said Asa.
Morty nodded and continued to talk to the family a bit more. Before he and Lance left the coven, Morty gave Spectra Hana a list of Johtonian burial rights that should make it easier for the ghost to now pass on. He also promised that he would come back in a few weeks to check on the progress.
With that, Morty and Lance left the home and headed towards Mahogany Town.
Morty and Lance spent a while in Mahogany Town looking for Asahi and the teal-haired man. But after almost an entire week with no leads, they decided it was best for them to head home and figure something else out.
Lance decided to head back to the League while Morty went back to Ecruteak City.
After being in Ecruteak for a few days, Morty received a call from one of his best friends, Hitomi Anabuki, a Johtonian princess.
She called Morty to ask him to come to a private viewing of Johtonian ceremonial and ritual jewelry.
At that, Morty was shocked.
In Johto, there are only two artisans who can make Johtonian ceremonial and ritual jewelry. Of the two, one has been retired for over 30 years; while the other has last made some jewelry for Hitomi for her coming of age ceremony five years prior. But has never made anything else since then. Neither of them had any apprentices or family members who would continue on the trade.
Johtonians saw the decline in ceremonial and ritual jewelry since the fall of the Brass Tower. Now it is seen as a dying art that will soon be extinct since there is no one available or willing to continue on the tradition, even if there is a large market for it.
However, Morty now knows of one family who has been making ceremonial and ritual jewelry for centuries. But it couldn't be them selling it to the royal family since they have not been able to leave their property for over 3 weeks. So it only leaves one person …
Morty and Hitomi were sitting in a stunning room at the Plum Blossom Royal Palace, where they would be receiving their guests. They sat on a cushion on the floor. Behind them was a mural depicting the Gin and the Gorudo in all their splendor and glory.
Hitomi was wearing a rose and gold furisode kimono that had a beautiful sakura flower motif. She wore her black hair in a bun with three gold hairsticks.
Morty was wearing a silver and violet kimono that had a gorgeous motif of the night sky. He had his long blond hair pulled back in a short ponytail.
Both of them were dressed to impress to show their seller that they could afford any price they would offer. Hitomi knew she was going to buy something; she had too. She never knew when they would ever be able to find someone to make this type of traditional jewelry again.
Morty on the other hand was wary. He asked Hitomi to increase the number of guards in and around the palace for the visit. Though Hitome was confused (not thinking these men came here to steal anything), she obliged his request.
"Everything is going to be fine, Morty," said Hitomi, "I'm sure these men aren't going to hurt us. They just want to sell their goods to us."
Morty rolled his eyes, he understood what Hitome was saying, but he just wanted to be cautious. That's why he had his gengar and mismagius stationed on both sides of them acting as guards (even with the royal guards also stationed inside the room).
"Hitomi-hime, I just want to make sure we're protected. We are in fact letting strangers into your home. What if these people are liars and here to sell us fake jewelry?"
Hitomi lightly hit him.
"I told you not to call me that," she mumbled.
"I wouldn't dare call you hime in private, but we are in a public space now, and I would prefer to denote you with respect."
Hitomi rolled her eyes, "Also, we're here to inspect the jewelry as well. We're not just going to take the man's word for it. But there's not too many of his stature that could make the jewelry he claims to make. I would prefer to give him an audience than let some other noble family get to him first."
Morty chuckled, "You are so competitive."
*Knock knock knock*
"Announcing our royal guests."
With that, Hitomi and Morty straightened their backs and put on a serious face. They would now come face to face with their guests.
The guards opened the double doors and let in two men. One was of average height, had a light tan, and had his long brown hair in a braid. The other was quite tall with short teal hair.
It took everything in Morty not to change his facial expressions.
There was no denying it. That man was Asahi Nakamura. But who was this other man with him? The one Tetsuya-san was warning him about?
One of the guards called out for the two of them to state themselves.
"My name is Asahi Nakamura. I make many types of jewelry but I specialize in Johtonian ceremonial and ritual jewelry," he said quickly, giving a ninety degree bow.
"My name is Samuel Archer, m'lady. But you can call me Archer. I am acting as Asahi's manager making sure he gets the fairest price for his rare skills."
Archer gave a slight bow from the hips and then looked at Hitomi for a little too long.
"Thank you for your introductions," said Morty, "Could we please be show the jewelry now?"
"Of course!" said Archer clapping his hands, "Asahi, bring the case!"
Ashai picked up the briefcase he brought and set it up in front of Morty and Hitomi. He opened the case and in it shined all the lovely silver and gold jewelry.
Hitomi and Morty started to pick up the jewelry to assess the quality as well as to see which were to their liking. There were bracelets, rings, anklets, earrings, hair pins, coronets, and more. They were both amazed by the collection.
"How long have you been making traditional jewelry such as this?" asked Morty.
"I started working when I was around 18; so it's been around 30 years now," said Asahi, never making eye contact.
"You've certainly done a beautiful job. Who taught you how to do this? I was sure this art was going to be lost to time."
"Ummmm, well . . . I don't know if I should say . . ."
"Yes, our Asahi here was taught by a wonderful teacher if I do say so myself," smiled Archer, "I am so glad I get to represent him here today. Do you see anything you would want, m'lady?"
"I think you two should go in the sitting room while Mordecai and I deliberate on if we will buy anything," said Hitomi.
"As you wish m'lady."
With that, Archer and Asahi left out of the room.
Once the guards closed the doors, Morty immediately told the guards to communicate with the others to tighten security on this floor and to let no one in or out.
"What's going on Morty?"
"I'll explain it a bit later. I promise. Please trust me."
Hitomi nodded, "I do. Guards, follow everything Morty tells you to do."
"Thank you," said Morty, bowing in Hitomi's direction, "Guards, I need you to arrest Archer and take him to the nearest detaining unit. I need to speak to Asahi alone. Don't let him leave."
The guards nodded and made calls to their fellow guardsmen.
After about five minutes, Morty left the scene with his banette out and ready for battle. As he was walking toward the heart of the sitting room, he could hear someone crying.
Once Asahi and Morty's eyes locked, Asahi instantly dropped to his hands and knees and continued crying.
"Please my lord! Have mercy, please!"
"Asahi-san," said Morty, laying his hands on Asahi's back, "Please rise. I'm not here to harm you."
Morty helped to get Asahi to his seat and waited for him to calm down a bit.
"Asahi-san. My name is Morty Matsuba. I am the Gym Leader for the Ecruteak City Gym. I've recently been to Oki Lake and know that your family is looking for you. I'm here to take you home."
At that Asahi started to cry again.
"Thank you thank you thank you!"
That night, Morty went with Asahi back to Oki Lake and returned him to his family. He even left them his contact info as well as Hitomi's if they ever wanted to sell any of their jewelry again (or just wanted a bit more protection).
Morty arrived back at the compound late into the evening. He was tired and so drained from all the events that transpired today, but he was also so happy and grateful.
Sometimes, he gets really tired because of his gifts, but times like these make him feel like they are worth it.
Morty went out to the large garden in the back of the compound. He thought it was a perfect night to watch the stars and feel the energy of the spirits.
As Morty was at the small pond in the dense part of his family's garden, he saw a blue, lean beast with a violet mane.
It was Archon Suicune.
Morty got up, bowed, and said, "Praise be to the Archon. How might I serve thee?"
Suicune chuckled.
"Maybe I just wanted to enjoy the night, young one. It is a beautiful one."
Morty laughed.
"I've come to say you've done well and that we are proud of you. You will always be handsomely rewarded."
"My reward is being able to continue to see all of you."
"You are quite cheeky little one. But do not think the three of us do not like to spoil our anointed ones. Watch for them."
"Thank you Archon. I am truly grateful."
"The three of us also wanted to bring up something else."
"What is it?"
"We have all talked about your problem with your friend, Eusine. I am here to present to you our solution."
Morty raised his brow.
"We are proposing that Eusine undergo the Divine Beast's Trial of Three. In the end, if he passes each trial, then he shall earn an audience with us. And if we find him worthy, then maybe I will grace him with one of my image bearers."
Word Count: 8,378
Date Updated: Friday, March 10, 2023
Tentative Next Update: Friday, March 24, 2023
Footnotes:
(1) Sa rete orimasu - this is Japanese for "it is done," according to Google Translate
A/N: Thank you so much for reading this chapter. Sorry I've been gone for so long. School has been a lot, but I'm on a break now and am able to update. I really want to finish this story before the month is over; so please stick with this one
Please leave a comment and let me know what you liked or wanted more of