another not-date

[arcanefog]

Characters: Morty and Falkner
Date/Time: December 20th
Location: Ecruteak City, Bellchime Trail
Warnings: None

Comments

[soaringcall]

The corner of Falkner's mouth twitched in annoyance when he thought of Morty's ghosts. He has heard that most ghosts were naturally mischief makers, but to allow them even more freedom to cause trouble made Falkner frown in disapproval. However, each trainer had their own methods of handling their Pokémon, and Morty must be doing something right to hold the title of a gym leader all this time. In fact, it was rather admirable working with Pokémon that were difficult to control. Ah, but this was not the time to think so much; he shook his thoughts and followed Morty to the entrance.

The inside of the Bell Tower was dimly lit by the screen windows and silent save for the creaking of wood beneath their feet. Occasionally, Falkner could hear very faint scurrying noises from the Rattata who've made their nests within the pillars. He assumed the building would be dusty, but it seems less so than he thought; perhaps the monks still cleaned the tower on a regular basis.

Falkner thought of the Sprout Tower monks. Master Li demanded cleanliness as part of discipline. If the old man entered a tower in such a state, he would have each floor swept until not a speck of dust was in sight. The idea of the calm head monk wailing in horror made Falkner slip a tiny laugh.

Alarmed that he must have looked very odd just now, Falkner quickly slipped on his serious expression once more. "Th-this is amazing. The interior architecture is very impressive." He found the wooden stairs. "May I have permission to climb higher?"

[arcanefog]

The Bell Tower was a tribute to a Pokemon who wanted harmony between Pokemon and humans; kicking the Rattata out of their homes in the tower would be defeating the purpose. They didn't cause too much trouble anyways. But besides that, the tower was kept in pretty good shape. Monks came by everyday to keep things tidy as well as to pray and give thanks. As a child, Morty sometimes came to help clean - usually as punishment for the little trouble he got into (his other 'punishment' was helping his mother with the shop, which he hated because it stank of rose incense and she made him sew). He loved being in this building.

But Morty, unfortunately, missed Falkner's slip-up. As Falkner had found the stairs, and continued talking, Morty had walked up to one of the smaller statues of Ho-oh to say a small prayer of his own. He returned to Falkner's side quickly. "Go ahead." It seemed pretty quiet today so he was sure there would be no problem. Morty smirked. "It just gets more impressive. And the view from the upper levels is breathtaking."