The burned tower was once a breathtaking sight, built as a symbol of the friendship between people and Pokémon.
When the fire struck, all but three unknown Pokémon were able to escape the flames. They died amongst the tower’s debris, succumbing to the smoke and embers.
It was only after the fire was killed that the townspeople of Ecruteak City were able to grieve the charred, lost bodies of the deceased Pokémon.
They say that during that tragic moment of mourning was when the darkened sky was suddenly brought alight.
A mighty, bird-like beast appeared, their very presence seeming to clear the smoke from the sky. They cast their shadow upon Ecruteak City, the beast so large that they blocked out the sun like an eclipse. But their vibrant feathers reflected the sunlight like crystal prisms, and the burned tower was bathed in the light of the most beautiful rainbow.
No one can quite explain how Ho-Oh was able to give life to the deceased Pokémon. But Ho-Oh’s rainbow is mighty, and the Pokémon were imbued with this power. Whether it was some sort of legendary evolution, or simply the price of resurrection, may never be known.
What we do know, however, is that the light of Ho-Oh’s rainbow was so vibrant, so gorgeous, and so pure, even the three Pokémon who had perished within the flames reared their heads to gaze upon Ho-Oh.
All beheld Ho-Oh and the three Pokémon as they witnessed the ashes of the tower rise and breathe.
These three Pokémon were undoubtably powerful.
And although it was a gift Ho-Oh had given, it is common for us to fear the unknown.
The villagers did not welcome the resurrected Pokémon. They reacted out of fear, and violence ensued.
But the Pokémon did not fight back. They simply turned their backs and ran off into the wild.
They were not afraid of the villagers. They were ashamed.
Ashamed that the townsfolk mourned their deaths but threatened their lives.
Disappointed that the people of Ecruteak City had taken Ho-Oh’s gift so ignorantly, Ho-Oh took their leave as well. Thus marked the day that the race of man lost Ho-Oh’s respect.
Ho-Oh was never again seen by the eyes of man. According to the elders of Ecruteak, Ho-Oh will only appear once more to a trainer whose heart is gold and soul is silver, to a pure being who can redeem the people of Johto.
Perhaps one day, such a trainer will finally appear.