#underdarkwings

Lips forming a small crescent moon, amethyst eyes slowly slid shut as Morty allowed his senses to soak in the myriad sensations of brimming life that surrounds the millennium old forest. From the small woodling Pokemon to the forever long trees, each one of Ho-Oh’s - or Mew’s and Arceus’, depending on one’s branch of religion - soul kissed creatures offers up various prayers and murmurs of eternal gratitude in their own language for the gift of life the godly creature had bestowed upon them.

A twinge of regret fills his heart, a regret to humanity in general. With the fast age of modernizing rapidly encircling their clutches on populated areas, the distinctly traditional practice of praying to the being that basically allowed them to live on this planet slowly died out. Kids these days do not appreciate what other, seemingly less intellectual creatures did and that saddened the Leader. They’re distracted by the riches of the material world and never really thought about Death until they’re old or it’s far too late.

Sufficiently humbled by the various living beings that expresses their undying devotion to their Maker, Morty figured that he too should partake in this spiritually calming practice. Golden tresses ruffled by the light zephyrs that brushed past did not distract him from approaching the structure hidden just underneath the iconic Bell Tower’s massive shadow. A secluded little shrine nestled within the loving embrace of surrounding trees made for a truly serene atmosphere.

Kneeling in front of the well kept shrine, Morty clasps his hands together, his head dipping reverently. The clairvoyant male allowed himself to succumb into the routine of singing praises, expressing gratitude and uttering hopes to the deity that he worshiped and wished to meet within his terribly short lifetime, Ho-Oh under his own power. He always entered this Zen-like mode that briefly cut off all connections to the outside world.

Serene like silence settles comfortably within the preserved area, broken only by the sound of dry leaves scraping against the cobble stoned path whenever the wind toys around with it. As this is a common routine for him, Morty stays in the same position for around ten minutes with no fidgety twitches. Finishing off with one final murmur, the blonde swiftly rose to full height with the graciousness and fulfillment of a well rested feline.

Today is one of his off days, so there’s no immediate obligation to return to the Gym. It’s not like he’s getting a lot of challengers these days either. With the holidays fast approaching, only the most hardened battlers graces his city. Most would prefer to be back home, celebrating with their loved ones. Morty too plans on visiting his parents next week but until then, he’s content on doing his own things.

Hmm... it’s been awhile since he last done some baking. It wouldn’t be a bad idea in making some festive treats. It’ll be something he could store in his home for guests, or bring it to the annual League party near the end of the month. With that plan in mind, he begins to make his journey back to the city center. Though, within a few steps, he sees a figure emerging from the tower.

A young man, dressed in a different style of clothing with a Jolteon by his side. Morty could tell from a glance that he is a visitor. Perhaps checking the city out while there’s still people bustling about? It gets notoriously quiet the closer they get to the end of the year, for most of the locals prefer to stay home and perform various traditions with their loved ones from Christmas all the way up to the New Years.

Having plenty of time, Morty decides to greet him. He is Ecruteak’s Gym Leader, after all. It is his duty to make visitors to their humble city feel welcomed.