Chapter 77: The Burned Tower

While the advertisements for Ash's personal brand were creating a buzz across the Kanto and Johto Regions, Ash himself was entirely detached from the business side of things. 

He had delegated full responsibility to Daisy and her team. His goal was simple: generate funds to better train his Pokémon. He hadn't anticipated that his brand would gain such widespread popularity so quickly.

In the afternoon, Ash and his companions decided to explore Ecruteak City and its famous landmarks. 

Their first stop was the Bell Tower, a majestic structure with a deep historical connection to Ho-Oh, the legendary Pokémon. 

Unfortunately, the tower was off-limits to the public, with patrols stationed around its perimeter to prevent unauthorized entry.

Standing at a respectful distance, Misty sighed wistfully. "It would've been amazing to go inside and see it up close!"

"There's nothing we can do unless we can secure an official pass from the city authorities," Brock added with a shrug, glancing meaningfully at Ash. "Unless you can pull some strings, Ash."

Ash shook his head. "I might be famous, but I don't have that kind of pull here. This is my first time in Ecruteak City—I barely know anyone in the Johto League."

With no way to gain entry, the group moved on to another iconic location: the Burned Tower. 

This site, once known as the Brass Tower, held great cultural significance for Ecruteak City. It stood as both a warning of past hubris and a symbol of repentance.

After a long walk across the city—since the Burned Tower was located in the northwest corner, opposite the Bell Tower—the group finally arrived. 

Much like the Bell Tower, the Burned Tower was closed to the public, with signs warning of structural instability and potential danger.

"It's a shame," Misty murmured as she peered through the gates at the charred ruins. "Two iconic landmarks in one city, and we can't enter either of them."

As the group lingered near the gates, a tall, blond young man wearing a headband overheard their conversation. 

His eyes lingered on Ash, and recognition flickered in his expression. While Ash's appearance had inspired many imitators, this man was certain of his identity—especially with Brock and Misty standing nearby.

"Excuse me," the man said, walking over to them. "Would you like to go inside the Burned Tower?"

Ash blinked in surprise. "I'd love to, but it's off-limits," he replied cautiously.

"I can take you inside," the man said with a confident smile, crossing his arms. "If you're interested."

"Why would you do that?" Ash asked, his curiosity piqued.

The man laughed softly. "Because you're the Ash Ketchum, of course."

Though slightly taken aback, Ash wasn't entirely surprised. His growing fame had earned him occasional privileges, though he wasn't accustomed to such direct offers.

Misty, however, eyed the man skeptically. "You can just let us in? How do we know you're not bluffing?"

The man chuckled. "Ah, I haven't introduced myself yet. My name is Morty, and I'm the Gym Leader of Ecruteak City. I'm also the administrator of the Burned Tower."

Ash and his friends exchanged surprised glances. With Morty leading the way, they followed him through the gates into the Burned Tower.

—

Inside, the damage was even more apparent. The charred wood, collapsed beams, and gaping holes in the structure told a Vivid story of the catastrophic fire. The sunlight streaming through the broken roof highlighted the devastation.

"It's heartbreaking to see such an important site in ruins," Ash said, his voice tinged with regret.

Morty looked up at the damaged ceiling, his expression somber. "It truly is. This place serves as both a reminder and a monument to a tragic past."

As they explored the first floor, Brock couldn't contain his curiosity. "Mr. Morty, I've read about the Burned Tower in Professor Oak's research, but the records are vague. Could you tell us what really happened here 150 years ago?"

Morty's face darkened slightly, but he nodded. "It's no secret, and it's something my family has carried for generations. The fire at the Burned Tower was caused by a terrible act—one that my ancestors were responsible for."

Ash and his friends were stunned. "Your ancestors?" Ash asked, his curiosity growing.

Morty took a deep breath before explaining. "One hundred and fifty years ago, my ancestors attempted to enslave Lugia, the guardian of the sea, and Ho-Oh, the guardian of the skies. Their goal was to use the power of these two legendary Pokémon to dominate the world."

Ash's eyes widened. "That's... unbelievable."

Morty continued, his tone heavy with remorse. "The gods were angered. Lightning struck the Brass Tower, and it burned for three days and three nights. The fire consumed everything, including my ancestor and the three Pokémon who were with him at the time."

Misty gasped. "Three Pokémon? Were they...?"

"Yes," Morty said, his voice quiet. "Those three Pokémon were the ones resurrected by Ho-Oh. Today, they are known as the Legendary Beasts: Entei, Raikou, and Suicune."

Brock frowned, sensing there was more to the story. "So they were the same Pokémon, but they weren't legendary at the time?"

Morty hesitated before answering. "Yes... and no. The Pokémon were ordinary before the fire, but their spirits were noble. Ho-Oh saw their loyalty and bravery and granted them new life, transforming them into beings of immense power."

Ash and his friends listened intently, the weight of the story settling over them. The Burned Tower wasn't just a ruined monument—it was a place where history, tragedy, and redemption intertwined.

Morty turned to Ash with a faint smile. "You remind me of the purity Ho-Oh values in trainers. Perhaps, one day, you'll encounter the Legendary Beasts yourself."

Ash nodded, determination flickering in his eyes. "I'll do my best to prove worthy."

As they exited the Burned Tower, the group left with a deeper appreciation for the history and significance of Ecruteak City's landmarks. 

Though the towers stood as reminders of both glory and loss, they also symbolized hope for redemption and a brighter future.

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