another not-date

[arcanefog]

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

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[soaringcall]

Falkner was unsure of what to expect since his memories of visiting the secluded area in Ecruteak City had faded into a blur. Adjusting the bag strap on his shoulder (he brought along a thermos of warm tea and snacks), he walked alongside Morty in the fresh, winter air and gazed at the colors of the trees. Before their path, he could see the figure of Bell Tower vault towards the sky

[arcanefog]

It was rather long. Morty couldn't help but make a face halfway through his explanation. His response was totally ... expected though, Morty realized. Something as simple as 'it's nice' or 'it's pretty' just didn't suit Falkner. At the end of his explanation, Morty simply tilted his head with that ever-present smile. "It has that effect, yeah. It's a good place to just .. sit and think. I wonder how it looks from the sky ..."

Morty stopped to look up at the sky just beyond the treetops. "Ha ha, don't thank me; I wanted you to come. I'm just sorry it took so long for this to happen." It was almost Christmas for Ho-oh's sake.

[soaringcall]

Falkner's polite smile seemed forced as he recalled recent frustrations. "Ah... no, you shouldn't blame yourself, Morty. We both have been responsibly handling our duties." He gave up and scowled anyway. "I've had to bribe some of my staff members to care for Wailmer in my place today, however, I have been looking forward to coming here for some time now. A change of scenery was something I needed." He sighed in defeat. "I can now understand why some mothers need time off from their children."

The younger man quickly switched to a different topic of conversation. "And to answer your curiosity, from the sky, you can see the entire path and the city, but it rushes by quickly. It is an amazing view, but the experience is entirely different." His confidence returned it seemed. "I can have Pidgeot fly you around the area some time if you'd like."

[arcanefog]

"A-ah, Falkner, you didn't .. have to do that. I mean, I'm very happy to have you here but the trees are this color year-round ..." Morty trailed off, pursing his lips. "Although, I understand completely..." His ghosts were trouble enough - still needing constant attention in their final evolution unless they were in their pokeballs. He heaved a sigh that matched Falkner's. He was torn between being understanding and feeling for the Wailmer that was probably sobbing over the absence of its mother. The poor thing ...

Morty tightened his jacket around him again as the wind picked up. "Assuming you'd be up there with me, of course." Because he could not and would not fly on Pidgeot alone. He was just making sure. "Oh, should we make our way to Bell Tower? Or would you rather find a place to sit along the path?"

[soaringcall]

Falkner waved a hand. "As a responsible caretaker, I often remind myself not to spoil Wailmer or it may not survive by itself when it matures. Even when I was growing up, father tested me in many ways to depend on myself. If I wish for Wailmer to be strong, I cannot allow it to rely on my presence for everything." Of course Falkner never liked seeing unhappy Pokémon, but discipline had always been part of his Pokémon training.

"Most definitely. As my guest, I would be responsible for your safety..." He felt the chill as well. "A-ah... er, I would much rather be indoors then. It has been just as long that I've visited Bell Tower as well. I will follow you."

[arcanefog]

"I .. suppose so. If you spoil it, it might end up like my Pokemon." It was a very sorry thing to admit, but his pokemon were extremely spoiled. He was a softy with them outside of training. Though, Morty realized this too, Falkner had even more of a point since Wailmer was going to be 'released' outside New Bark. That would be hard to achieve if it was extremely attached.

Morty nodded. "Thank you; I trust you with this sort of thing.." He had only ever flown on Drifblim and he had a feeling that was very very different from flying on Pidgeot. The seer chuckled. "Yeah, it's too cold for this. It's just this way then." Secretly elated, Morty started their walk again while holding his hand out to motion for Falkner to follow.

[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

[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

[soaringcall]

Even though Morty answered him in his usual calm tone, Falkner still felt a rush of anticipation and nostalgia. "Thank you. Then I shall go first." He gripped the wooden railing and began his climb to the next floor. The second story looked similar to the first complete with small Ho-oh guardian-like statues. Looking up, Falkner noticed there were carvings on the posts where they met the ceiling. As he let go of the railing, he realized the ends were smoothed and carved into a simple style. What detail

[arcanefog]

Morty was following closely behind checking out dem red panties mmyes. He'd been up this tower so many times, he wasn't quite as amazed as Falkner, but rather just continuously appreciating it for still standing. He was also just - really happy that Falkner was enjoying himself. This place, the tower, was special to Morty. So being able to share it with Falkner and have him not be totally bored meant a lot to him.

"I'm coming. And that's fine; go all the way to the top if you want." It's not like they were waiting for Ho-oh to appear anymore. You didn't even need the Rainbow feather to enter anymore.