Chapter 21: Lavender Town's Pokémon Tower (1)

Julian was prepared to leave. After feeding his Pokémon, he left the Pokémon Center. He noticed that Steev and his Bulbasaur were making progress in learning Energy Ball. When Steev saw Julian, he waved, but Julian simply ignored the greeting, having no desire to interact with him any longer. He hopped onto his bike and set off on his way to Lavender Town.

Along the journey, he took a break by a riverside to rest and conduct some training with his Pokémon. They were showing significant improvement during their training sessions, and Julian was pleased with their progress. However, he lost track of time, engrossed in the training. As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky orange with the approaching evening, Julian suddenly realized that he had spent more time than intended.

Julian cursed under his breath, realizing that he needed to reach Lavender Town before nightfall. Julian quickly recalled all of his Pokémon into their Poké Balls and sped down the road on his bike. Luckily, he managed to reach Lavender Town before 9 PM.

Lavender Town was a small, tranquil town with a sparse population. Most of its residents were elderly, or they had experienced the loss of their beloved Pokémon. Lavender Town was often described as a peaceful graveyard, primarily known for the Pokémon Tower. Trainers from various regions came to this town to bury their deceased Pokémon within the tower's sacred grounds.

The town had a unique reputation; it was said that, from time to time, residents claimed to witness the apparitions of spirits and ghostly Pokémon wandering around the Pokémon Tower. Many people visited Lavender Town to offer prayers and pay their respects to the departed Pokémon who had faced the tests of time.

As Julian entered the town, he noticed the warm glow of lights coming from the small houses that lined the streets. Deciding to seek some hospitality, he approached the nearest house and knocked on the door. After a brief moment, the door was opened by a kind-looking elderly man in his 80s. The man extended a welcoming invitation to Julian, who entered the house.

Inside, the atmosphere was cozy and comforting. The soft crackling of a fire in the chimney provided both warmth and light, creating a pleasant ambiance. The house, constructed from wood and straw, exuded a rustic charm that made it feel like a comforting refuge.

Old Man: "Young man, would you care for some tea?"

Julian: "Thank you, sir. I would appreciate some tea."

Old Man: "Then, please have a seat in that chair while I prepare the tea."

Julian settled into a chair positioned in front of the fireplace. As he waited, he glanced around the room and noticed a Cubone resting in one corner. The Cubone seemed timid and frightened, trembling slightly. Julian approached the Cubone and offered it a candy from his pouch in a gesture of goodwill.

Julian extended a candy to the wary Cubone, assuring the Pokémon that he meant no harm. The Cubone, after cautiously sniffing the candy and observing Julian for a while, began to trust him. It approached Julian and eagerly accepted the candy.

Julian: "Looks like you enjoy eating candy. Here, I have some more. Enjoy."

Julian offered the Cubone more candy, which it happily consumed. When the Cubone finished all the candy and looked at Julian, hoping for more, Julian regretfully explained that he had no more candy to offer. However, he suggested that the Cubone play with his friend, Kabuto, instead.

Julian released Kabuto from its Poké Ball, and the Cubone, initially wary of Kabuto, was soon put at ease when the ancient Pokémon approached it with friendliness. Cubone and Kabuto began to play together, running around the house and enjoying each other's company.

Julian took a seat and observed the two Pokémon playing happily. Meanwhile, the kind old man emerged from the kitchen with a tray, his eyes filled with joy as he watched Cubone having a good time. He sat across from Julian, placed the tray on the table, and poured some tea into a cup, offering it to Julian.

Old Man: "It's good that you came. I haven't seen Cubone this happy in a very long time."

Julian: "What happened?"

Old Man: "At first, Cubone was really cheerful. It would always come to my house to eat food and take some back to its mother. However, two months ago, while Cubone and its mother were near the Pokémon Tower, they were attacked by a group of people wearing black uniforms. These people wanted to capture Cubone to sell the bone on its head. In a brave act to protect Cubone, its mother sacrificed herself and died during the confrontation, causing the attackers to flee. But Cubone was left frightened and didn't trust anyone. It came directly to my house and hasn't left for more than two months."

Julian: "These people you mentioned, wearing black uniforms... do you know anything about them?"

Old Man: "I don't know much about them, but I did see an 'R' on their uniforms, according to someone who was nearby at that time. I visited the Pokémon Tower once to pay my respects to her soul, and I saw her ghost wandering around. It seemed like she was searching for Cubone, but when I tried to bring him there, he was too frightened to go back."

Julian: "I see. I was planning to go to the Pokémon Tower to catch a Ghost-type Pokémon. Maybe if I bring Cubone there, his mother can finally find peace."

Old Man: "I truly hope so. If you can do that, maybe she'll be able to move on after meeting him one last time."

Julian finished his tea and approached Cubone and Kabuto, who had stopped playing when they saw him coming.

Julian: "Hey, Cubone, how about we go to the Pokémon Tower? I've heard that your mother is waiting there to meet you one more time."

Hearing Julian mention his mother and the Pokémon Tower, Cubone became frightened and hesitated. Julian approached Cubone and gently patted his head.

Julian: "Don't worry, there's nothing to be scared of. You see, Kabuto is very strong, and I have a lot of powerful friends who can easily defeat anyone they face. You don't have to fear anyone with me and my friends around."

Cubone listened to Julian and hesitated for a moment. Then, Kabuto came to the rescue, reassuring Cubone that he would be safe. After hearing from Kabuto, Cubone agreed to visit the Pokémon Tower with them.

They got ready, with Julian picking up Cubone and placing Kabuto on top of his head. They were now prepared to go to the Pokémon Tower.

Old Man: "Cubone, be careful, and say a proper goodbye to your mother. Julian, please take care of Cubone; he's the only family I have left."

Julian: "Don't worry, Mr. Smith. I'll take care of Cubone and bring him back safely."

And so, they headed toward the Pokémon Tower. After walking for some time, they finally reached the entrance of the tower. It was still nighttime, making the Pokémon Tower appear even more eerie. The tower was like a tall pillar, standing 15 meters tall, with small windows on each side.

With resolve in his voice, Julian reassured himself and Cubone that there was nothing to fear inside the Pokémon Tower. He understood that there might be ghost Pokémon and even real ghosts inside, but he believed they couldn't harm anyone.

Julian: "Well, it looks scary, but there's nothing to be scared of. There are some Ghost-type Pokémon and maybe even some actual ghosts, but they can't harm anyone. It's okay, I guess. Well, let's go in."

Julian, carrying Cubone and with Kabuto on his head, took the first step into the Pokémon Tower, ready to help Cubone reunite with its lost mother.