Chapter 173: Mr. Mamen, You Are the One Chosen by Lord Ho-Oh

In Enju City, a place known as the "City of Inherited History."

Enju City lies north of the Johto region; it is a famous city of history and culture, an ancient capital draped in historical traces.

Traditional Japanese-style architecture is the city's hallmark; the tallest building in this city is the ten-story Bell Tower.

As an ancient city with heavy historical and cultural imprints, Enju City is quite famous throughout the Kanto region.

Especially the Enju Dance Hall, which is even more renowned.

Many say that coming to Enju City without seeing a performance by the kimono girls at the Enju Dance Hall would be the greatest regret.

And after leaving Goldenrod City, Mamen and the others arrived at this historical ancient city.

Upon entering the city, one could see a magnificent, ancient Gao Ta in the distance from afar; that was the Bell Tower.

"This tower has been burned like this; why hasn't it been demolished yet?"

Cynthia looked curiously at the dilapidated tower to the side; just from its appearance, it was clear the tower had probably been burned by fire before.

Scorch marks covered the tower's body, all already charred black.

Such a dangerous facility could collapse at any time; yet they still haven't demolished this dangerous tower. One doesn't know what the people of Enju City are thinking.

"Because this tower is one of the most important proofs of this city."

Mamen couldn't help but smile; after glancing twice at the charred tower, he shrugged.

"Mamen, you know that again?" Cynthia looked at Mamen in surprise; she had truly discovered that Mamen seemed to know a lot about the hidden stories of various places.

"The Burned Tower is what people call it now, but it was originally named the Bell Tower; it was a tower nearly burned to ashes after being struck by lightning one hundred and fifty years ago."

Mamen gazed toward the distant Bell Tower.

The Bell Tower and the Bell Tower—these were built by the people of Enju City for the friendship between humans and Pokémon; indeed, because of this, Lugia and Ho-Oh both dwelled upon these two towers.

"But unfortunately, when the Bell Tower burned, no one went to extinguish the fire, and after Ho-Oh resurrected the three Pokémon burned to death by the great fire, people saw these three resurrected Pokémon and felt fear, even launching futile attacks against them."

Mamen's tone was mocking; this was why both Ho-Oh and Lugia left Enju City.

The relationship between humans and Pokémon was revealed through this incident; the relationship between the two sides was not close.

"Truly foolish." Caitlin's eyebrows furrowed slightly; she had roughly guessed that the three resurrected Pokémon were Suicune, Entei, and Raikou.

"Indeed very foolish, but more so it was disappointment; seven hundred years ago, the people of this city built these two towers and gained the trust of Ho-Oh and Lugia."

"One hundred and fifty years ago, however, a great fire caused these two legendary beings to leave this city; the so-called trust lasted only five hundred years."

Mamen sighed; this world is just like this: 'bonds' are hard to come by, but breaking this 'bond' is effortless.

"And now, the people of this city have probably long forgotten this history."

Mamen looked at the Bell Tower; the Bell Tower was actually still preserved quite intact.

However, it was of no use at all; Ho-Oh had long since held no expectations for Enju City, ever since the people here drove away and attacked the resurrected Suicune and the others.

"No, that is not so; we still remember the lessons of history."

A soft, graceful female voice came from behind the group.

Mamen raised an eyebrow and turned around; what came into view was a beauty wearing a kimono.

She wore exquisite makeup, a yellow kimono, her temperament gentle and soft, full of the flavor of a Yamato Nadeshiko.

"Greetings, esteemed guests~ My name is May (Koharu); I happened to overhear your conversation."

May, the kimono girl named May, placed her hands before her lower abdomen, bowed slightly to Mamen and the others, her soft voice carrying a strange operatic tone.

"Miss May, the eldest of the five sisters of the Enju Dance Hall; I didn't expect such a coincidence."

Mamen looked at the kimono beauty before him with interest.

The Enju Dance Hall can be said to be the most famous dance hall in the Johto region; the dancers within the hall are all beautiful as flowers and skilled in song and dance.

Especially the five sisters who are the owners of the dance hall, whose names are known far and wide.

Moreover, these five sisters are not merely weak women who only sing and dance; they often perform operas, presenting many cultural stories to others in the form of stage performances.

At the same time, there are claims that these five sisters are also quite excellent trainers, with extraordinary strength, even not inferior to Gym Leaders.

Of course, whether this is true or not cannot be known.

"I didn't expect this gentleman to know me; I am deeply humbled."

May bowed gracefully to Mamen again, her beautiful eyes like autumn water gazing at Mamen.

"I wonder if I have the honor of inviting you all to the dance hall for a chat; I am quite proficient in the art of tea."

May extended an invitation to the group.

"Naturally, there is no problem; to be personally invited by Miss May, how many men would seek and not obtain?" Mamen chuckled lightly; of course, he would not refuse.

"Gentleman, you really love to joke." May covered her mouth and laughed softly.

"Then, please follow me."

May shifted her lotus steps lightly, walked to the front of Mamen and the others, and then extended her hand to gesture.

The Enju Dance Hall is a very famous place in Enju City; even on days when the Enju Five Sisters are not performing, the guests here are still numerous.

After all, in such a large dance hall, there are actually quite a few dancers and singers performing.

May then led Mamen and the others into the dance hall through the back door.

"Sister?"

Just upon entering the dance hall, a girl wearing a black kimono embroidered with golden circular patterns came forward, looking at May in confusion.

She was the third of the five sisters, Tamaki (Tamako).

"Tamaki, take these esteemed guests to the private room; be sure to treat them well; I will come shortly."

May instructed Tamaki.

"I understand." Tamaki was stunned for a moment.

"Apologies, everyone; first let my younger sister treat you all; I will go fetch something." May turned around and apologized to Mamen.

"No harm; if Miss May has matters to attend to, just attend to them first."

Mamon smiled and replied that what he found even stranger was why May had suddenly invited them over as guests.

However, Mamon did have some guesses, though he was unsure if they were accurate.

"Please follow me, everyone."

Yu Xu gestured with her hand; compared to her eldest sister May, Yu Xu's temperament was clearly much more cold and aloof.

Her face was also more coldly stunning, yet equally beautiful as a flower.

One had to admit, the five sisters were all extremely good-looking; their genetic ability was too strong.

Entering the private room, Mamon glanced around casually. The decor was a very standard ancient style, even featuring a bamboo recliner.

Yu Xu invited everyone to sit and began brewing tea.

"Miss Yu Xu, I have heard that your sisters' dancing skills are the best in the city. Might we have the honor of enjoying a performance?"

Mamon sat on the cushion, sizing up Yu Xu's figure from head to toe, and spoke with a smile.

"To perform for distinguished guests, Yu Xu would naturally be delighted, but my second sister and fourth sister are currently out, so it is inconvenient."

Yu Xu replied slowly in a gentle tone.

"I see, that is truly a pity."

Mamon felt somewhat regretful; listening to songs in a pleasure house while having nothing to do was something he had long wanted to try.

"I wonder if Miss Yu Xu knows the Gym Leader of the Laverre City Gym in the Kalos region, Mallow?"

Mamon thought for a moment and asked Yu Xu with curiosity.

Mallow, a Gym Leader in the Kalos region, a girl like a fairy.

It is worth mentioning that Mallow's hometown is the Johto region, known as the 'Historical Kingdom', and it is very likely to be Ecruteak City.

This is because Mallow's accent is the Kyoto dialect, and all the trainers inside the Laverre Gym wear long-sleeved kimonos, which are the favorite attire of Johto's geisha.

"Mallow? She once studied at our dance hall for a period of time."

Hearing this, Yu Xu recalled for a moment, then replied with a smile on her lips.

"She was an excellent girl. We are also very happy for her to have achieved what she has now."

Indeed, Mallow had some connection to the Ecruteak Dance Hall.

Time passed in idle chat minute by minute; soon, the door to the private room was knocked upon, and May walked in slowly, carrying a box.

"Everyone, forgive my rudeness."

After placing the box aside, May apologized to everyone with a heart full of regret.

"No need to be so polite. Speaking of which, Miss May, you can now explain the reason for inviting us here, right?"

Mamon waved his hand to indicate it was no problem; what he was more curious about now was the reason May had invited them into the dance hall.

A dancer as famous as May inviting just anyone she met on the street to the dance hall, and even preparing such a high-class private room, was clearly wrong.

"Indeed, Mr., you have seen through it. Then this humble woman will not hide it. May I ask, Mr., have you had contact with the Lord Ho-Oh and the Lord Lugia?"

Hearing this, May pressed her lips together, but unable to restrain the urgency in her heart, she asked Mamon expectantly.

Yu Xu, standing nearby, was stunned upon hearing this, and immediately her eyes became eager as well.

"Oh? How did you know?"

Mamon looked at May with considerable surprise; he knew that the five May sisters had an extraordinary relationship with Ho-Oh and Lugia.

But surely they didn't just smell the scent of Ho-Oh on him?

"It is because of this, a treasure passed down from our ancestors."

May took the box and slowly opened it; inside the box lay two ancient bells.

Mamon narrowed his eyes slightly; he recognized them instantly.

These were the Clear Bell and the Sea Bell!

"At that time, I was preparing to return to the dance hall. When I passed by you, Mr., I sensed something unusual about the Clear Bell."

May lightly raised her fair wrist, slowly took out the Clear Bell, and gently shook it towards Mamon.

Ding-ling~

The Clear Bell emitted a crisp and melodious chime.

"It is indeed you! Mr., you are the person chosen by the Lord Ho-Oh!"

May's expression was quite excited. The Clear Bell and the Sea Bell had never rung since they inherited them from their ancestors.

Yes! They had never rung! Because these were bestowed upon their ancestors by Ho-Oh and Lugia in ancient times.

Only those recognized by Ho-Oh and Lugia could make these two bells ring!

The five May sisters had always been searching for this person, and now, they had finally found him!

"No, I think you might be mistaken..." Mamon's expression was somewhat strange.

Ho-Oh recognized him?

He had reason to suspect that the bell rang simply because of the special Rainbow Feather on his person.

"No! It cannot be wrong! The Clear Bell rang for you! You are the person acknowledged by the Lord Ho-Oh!"

"Is it possible that I have indeed seen Ho-Oh, but it actually does not like me very much?"

Mamon tried to clarify the facts.

"Mr.! Please tell the Lord Ho-Oh that we have never forgotten it; please ask it to forgive us."

But obviously, May was completely unwilling to listen; she even bowed deeply to Mamon, performing a great bow.

"I beg you, as long as you are willing to help us, we will do anything!"

Do anything...

Hearing May and Yu Xu's dangerous words, Mamon could not help but fall into deep thought.

(End of this chapter)