Work Text:
There was a time when the sound of bells brought him joy.
As a child he would often look toward the Bell Tower, eyes wide with wonder with ears straining to hear. He knew that, when the bells of the tower rang out the legendary Ho Oh would return. When that day would come, everyone would rejoice at its return. There would no doubt be celebrations for days, both for the legendary bird itself, and the pure hearted trainer who called it back.
These legends and myths had a hold on him, and he made a vow that he would be the one to see the pokemon with his own eyes. When the bells rang out, Ho Oh would be in front of him, having recognized him as a trainer pure of heart.
When that day finally arrived, the bells had rung. There was celebration, but it was hushed. Ho Oh had returned, only to be confined in a ball. There was a pure hearted trainer who called it home, and whose arrival caused great joy for the monks in the tower.
Not for him.
The wonder that once filled his eyes had gone. There would be no balm for his soul. There would be no Ho Oh. There was no hope, nor were there any dreams. There was nothing.
Nothing, except for the sound of the bells.