A Threesome's Tales

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 189: The Mint Leaf (Misty)

(real tale: The Sprig of Rosemary)


"Once upon a time there lived a man with one daughter--we'll call her Cherie--and he made her work hard all day." Misty begins. "One morning when she had finished everything she had been told to do, he told her to go out into the woods and get some dry leaves and sticks to build a fire."

"A thousand credits says she finds a boy, they fall in love, and marry." Ash jokingly whispers to Brock. Brock just grins--he knows Ash is not seriously making a bet.

Misty seemingly confirms Ash's prediction some moments later. "So Cherie went out, and collected a large bundle, picking a Mint Leaf for herself. But the harder she pulled the firmer the plant held, and after one great big tug, the mint remained in her hands. Then she saw before her a handsome young man, who asked why she had come to steal his firewood. Cherie, who felt very confused, only managed to stammer out as an excuse that her father had sent her.

"Very well," Brock replies as the young man; "then come with me."

"So he took her through the opening made by the torn root, and they traveled till they reached a beautiful palace, splendidly furnished, but only lit from the top." Misty goes on. "When they had entered he told her that his name was Eliwood, he was a great lord, and that he had never seen a maiden so beautiful as she was, and that if she would give him her heart he would take her hand in marriage. Cherie confessed her love for him, and so they were married."

"And they all lived happily ever after, the end!" Ash blurts.

"I'm not done yet, cowboy!" Misty reminds him. "Anyway, the next day the old housekeeper handed her all the keys, but pointed out one that she was told never to use, for if she did the whole palace would crumble to the ground, and the grass would grow over it, and she would be forgotten."

Ash swallows hard as Misty continues "Cherie promised to be careful, but after a while, when there was nothing left for her to do, she began to wonder what could be in the chest, which was opened by the forbidden key.

She adds as an aside "As everybody knows, if we once begin to think we soon begin to do."

Brock nods in agreement as Misty intones "It was not very long before the key was no longer in Cherie's hand but in the lock of the chest."

"So what was inside after all?" Ash wonders.

"Nothing but three magic jewels--a ruby, a sapphire, and an emerald, which her husband, who was unbeknownst to her a mage, needed to cast spells." Misty replies. "Then the earth shook violently under her feet, the palace vanished as if it had never existed, and Cherie found herself in the middle of a field, not knowing where she was or where to go. She burst into a flood of bitter tears, partly at her own stupid act, but more for the loss of her husband Eliwood, whom she dearly loved. Then, after breaking a leaf off a mint plant nearby, she resolved, no matter what, to seek him till she found him again."

"What adventures awaited her?" Melody asks.

"So she walked, and walked. and walked some more, till she arrived at a house built of straw." Misty goes on. "She knocked at the door, and asked if they needed a servant. The mistress said she did, and if the girl was willing she might stay. But as the days went on, poor Cherie grew more and more sad, till at last her mistress begged her to tell her what was the matter. Then she told her story--how she was going through the world seeking after her husband. And her mistress answered her, 'Where he is, none can tell better than Ho'oh, Lugia, and Suicune, for they go everywhere!'

Pikachu sparks excitedly as Misty continues "On hearing these words, Cherie set forth once more, and walked till she reached Ho'oh's roost, calling..."

"All hail, Lady Ho'oh!" Melody announces as Cherie. "I have come to ask if you will help me in my hour of need. By my own fault have I fallen into these straits, and I am weary, for I seek my husband through the wide world."

"Indeed!" Misty replies as Ho'oh. "Do you, rich as you are, need help? But though you live in a palace without windows, I enter everywhere, and I know you."

As herself, she continues "Then Cherie told Ho'oh everything. and did not hide her own stupidity. And Ho'oh listened, and was sorry for her; and though she could not tell her where to go, he gave her a ruby, and and told her to invoke it in a time of great need. Cherie thanked Ho'oh with all her heart, and departed. After walking some more, she came to Lugia's roost, where a servant was sweeping the brush."

"All hail!" Melody replies as Cherie. "I have come to ask your help!"

'It is my master, Lugia, you seek." Misty assures Melody as the servant. "I will inform him of your request."

As herself, she goes on "So Lugia met Cherie, and when he saw her he knew her well, for he had watched her sleeping both in the cottage and in the palace. He told her..."

"Do you, rich as you are, need help?" Ash asks as Lugia.

"Cherie told Lugia everything, and Lugia listened, and felt sorry for her; and though he could not tell her where to find her husband, he gave her a sapphire, and told her only invoke it it when she was in great need. Cherie thanked Lugia, and departed, and walked even more until she came to Suicune's den, and she called to the servant cleaning the cave...."

"All hail! I have come to ask if you will help me in my hour of need." Melody calls as Cherie again.

'It is my master, Suicune, that you want," Misty replies as the servant. "I will tell him of your plight."

As herself, she goes on "Suicune met Cherie at the cave entrance. He knew her well, for he had seen her in the cottage and in the palace, and he asked..."

"Do you, rich as you are, want help?" Brock asks as Suicune

"And Cherie told Suicune everything."Misty continues. "Suicune listened, and felt sorry for her, and he gave her an emerald that she was to invoke only in a time of need. But Cherie didn't know where else to go. She was tired and sad, so she began to cry. Suicune nuzzled her to comfort her, and said..."

'Don't be afraid; I will go and see what I can find out." Brock assures the audience as Suicune.

"Suicune departed and was only gone for a matter of seconds, before returning in the twinkling of an eye." Misty narrates.

"From what I have heard in town..." Brock explains as Suicune., "I have learned that he is in the palace of the king, who keeps him hidden lest anyone should see him; and that tomorrow he is to marry the princess Connie, who, ugly creature that she is, has not been able to find any man to wed her."

"You can imagine the despair which gripped the poor Cherie when she heard this news!" Misty continues "As soon as she could speak she begged Suicune to do what he could to get the wedding put off for two or three days at least, for it would take her all that time to reach the palace."

[What did Suicune do?] a Meowth asks.

"He gladly promised to do what he could, and as he traveled much faster than a human, he soon arrived at the palace, where he found five tailors working night and day at Princess Connie's wedding gown." Misty continues. "Suicune leapt right in the middle of their lace and satin and trimmings of diamonds and pearls! They all went flying through the open windows, right up into the tops of the trees, across the river, among the dancing ears of Cornn Berries!"

The tent explodes in laughter at the chaos. "The tailors were not far behind, catching, jumping, climbing, but all to no avail!" Misty continues. "The lace was torn, the satin stained, the diamonds and pearls knocked off! There was nothing to do but to go to the shops to buy new ones, and to start all over again! It was plainly quite impossible that the wedding dress could be ready by the next day."

She intones "However, the king was much too anxious to see his daughter married to listen to any excuses, and he declared that a dress must be put together somehow for the bride to wear. But when he went to look at Princess Connie, she was such a figure that he agreed that it would be unfitting for her position to be seen in such a gown, and he ordered the ceremony and the banquet to be postponed for a few hours, so that the tailors might somehow make it fit."

The boys try oh-so-hard not to laugh as Misty continues "But by this time Cherie had arrived, albeit weary, at the castle, and as soon as she reached the door, she invoked the ruby Ho'oh gave her...

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Melody fills in the spellsong.

"...and conjured the most beautiful purple cape in the world." Misty continues. "She then asked the guards if Princess Connie wanted to buy a fine cape. When Princess Connie saw the cape, she was delighted, for her white cape had been spoiled with everything else, and it was too late to make another. So she told Cherie to ask what price she would, and she would take it. Cherie asked for many pieces of gold, but Princess Connie had set her heart on the cape, and readily paid 5000 gold pieces."

Brock whistles in awe at the high price. "Now Cherie hid the gold in the pocket of her dress, and left the castle." Misty continues. "The moment she was out of sight she invoked the sapphire Lugia gave her..."

Rou iitsa non selga vichii... Melody fills in the spellsong.

"...and conjured the most magnificent petticoats that ever were seen." Misty continues. "Then she went back to the castle, and convinced Princess Connie to buy them too. "Then Cheriel went down the steps where none could watch her and invoked the emerald Suicune had given her..."

Karuto, iichiida shou... Melody fills in the spellsong.

"...and the most splendid dress that any dressmaker had ever invented appeared in a flash of green light." Misty continues. "Princess Connie was eager to buy the dress too, and asked Cherie her price. Cherie answered that the price of the dress was the permission to see the groom."

"Oh boy..." Ash shudders at Princess Connie's reaction.

"Needless to say, Princess Connie was not at all pleased when she heard Cherie's reply, but, as she could not do without the dress, she was forced to give in, and contented herself with thinking that after all it did not matter." Misty continues "So Cherie was led to the rooms which had been given to Eliwood. And when she came close, she touched him with the mint leaf that she carried; and his memory returned. He recognized her right away, and kissed her, and declared that she was his true wife, and that he loved her and no other."

She concludes "They went back to Cherie's home, and lived happily all the days of their lives. But Cherie kept the magic jewels, just in case she needed their power again."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 190: The Speaking Cheri Tree (Ash)

(real tale: Amedeo and the Talking Tree)


"Once upon a time, there lived a wealthy man named Aidan who liked to collect rare and wondrous things." Ash begins. "One day, a stranger came and asked to see his collection."

"What kind of stuff did Aidan have?" Misty is interested.

"Aidan loved to show off his glassware and jewelry and rugs and lamps, but as the stranger studied these, she shook her head and looked quizzically at Aidan." Ash explains.

“You’re missing the best thing of all,” Melody interjects as the girl.

“What could I possibly have missed?” Ash asks as Aidan.

“You do not have the Speaking Cheri Tree, one of the rarest and finest things of all,” Melody replies.

"Well, That night, Aidan could think of nothing but the Speaking Cheri Tree." Ash goes on. "He hired men to scour the world, but his explorers and adventurers returned empty-handed. Some of them said there was no such thing."

"So what did Aidan do?" Brock is intrigued.

"Aidan thought the woman had been making fun of him." Ash explains. "He called her to his home, but she looked him in the eye and said...

“I’ve seen the Speaking Cheri Tree with my own eyes. I’ve heard it speak with my own ears.” Melody pleads as the girl.

“What did it say?” Ash asks as Aidan.

“Ever to wait for what will never be is the plight of he who does not see.” Melody replies.

The Pokemon giggle at Ash's confused look, but he continues "Aidan sent another team of adventurers and a year went by, but they too returned with nothing.By now, Aidan was furious, and ordered the police to arrest the woman."

Everyone gasps, but Ash assures his friends "Now, Aidan was an important man, and the police did not wish to upset him, but the woman said..."

"It is not my fault if Aidan’s men do not know how to search." Melody muses

“'Why else would she persist so?' Aidan wondered." Ash continues. "He decided he would find this treasure himself, so he set off early the next morning when it was still dark."

"Cue the adventure..." Misty smiles.

"After many days, he came to a valley where birdsong filled the earth and the air was thick with the scent of rich soil and leaves." Ash continues. "He lay down to rest, and just as he was falling asleep, he heard a voice call out..."

“Ever to wait for what will never be is the plight of he who does not see.” Melody intones.

"Was this a dream?" Ash grins at his friends. "Aidan looked around and again heard..."

“Ever to wait for what will never be is the plight of he who does not see.” Melody interjects.

“Who are you?” Ash calls as Aidan.

Misty and Brock giggle as he continues as himself "But nobody answered, and again he fell asleep, but when he woke at dawn he noticed a beautiful Cheri tree with its branches bending to the earth. He picked one petal of the soft pink flowers, and a voice said..."

“Why do you hurt me?” Melody pleads.

“Who are you?” Ash asks as Aidan.

“My name is Holly--I am the daughter of the king of a far away land, and a warlock has me under his spell,” Melody explains. "I will not be freed until someone swears to marry me, learns a magical song guarded by an ogre, and then sings it while laying his hands on the tree trunk."

Then, she freezes in fear, as if something or someone is there. “Shh,” she suddenly whispers, “the warlock is near.”

"Suddenly, the witch appeared and asked Aidan..." Ash narrates.

“Who were you talking to?” Brock asks as the warlock.

“Only the wind,” Ash replies as Aidan.

As himself, he continues. "The warlock did not believe him, but he could not prove him wrong, so Aidan decided to try to break the spell. Just as he was falling asleep in the woods, he heard thundering footsteps. An ogre was storming toward home, and Aidan knew ogres ate people. He quickly climbed a tree and hid, and the ogre passed by like nothing was there. At dawn, Aidan slid down the tree, and at the bottom stood the ogre’s daughter, a beautiful girl named Rana.

As Aidan, Ash tells Misty “Help me break the warlock’s spell, and keep me safe from your father.”

“If you wish to break the spell,” Misty cautions as Rana, “you must marry me.”

Ash interjects as himself "Now, Rana was lovely, but Aidan wanted to marry Holly, the girl of the Speaking Cheri Tree."

“I’m promised to another,” he sighs as Aidan.

“Very well,” Misty replies as Rana, “I’ll protect you and teach you the magic song.”

The Pokemon applaud the interplay as Ash continues "She led him through the forest, and when they reached its edge, she reached into a tree hollow and brought out a scroll and some magical powder. This she sprinkled upon his face and said...

“Close your eyes and wish and you shall be back at the tree.” Misty explains as Rana.

"He did just that, and sure enough, he was transported back to the tree in a second." Ash continues. "He laid his hands on the tree trunk, but just before he could sing the song written on the scroll, the warlock appeared."

Pikachu holds Happini close as Ash tells Brock as Aidan “I’m merely blessing the tree, and nothing more.”

“Very well,” Brock replies as the warlock, “but only say what I tell you to say.”

"Aidan knew he must not follow his directions." Ash continues as himself. "So when he told him to say words that he knew formed a curse, he sang the song written on the scroll..."

With that, he sings Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul....

Happini cheers at the gibberish song. "Before the warlock could protest, he disappeared in a flash of light, never to be seen again." Ash goes on. And in that moment a beautiful girl stepped out of the tree--Holly!"

The other Pokemon cheer as Ash concludes "They returned to Aidan's homeland, where they both lived happily for many years."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 191: The Castle de Milagros (Brock)

(real tale: Soria Moria Castle)

"There was once a couple in a certain town who had a son named Garon." Brock begins. "Ever since he was little he had been unwilling to do any work, and many times just sat there in the ashes, which was ironic because his name meant 'guardian'."

Ash and Misty giggle at this. "His parents sent him away to learn one thing or another, but Garon never really stayed anywhere." Brock explains "After about two or three days--sometimes a bit more-- he always ran away from his master, hurried home, and sat down in the chimney corner to grub among the ashes again."

More laughter goes up as Brock continues "One day, a boat captain came and asked Garon if he wanted to come aboard his ship, and travel to exotic and foreign lands. Garon loved the sound of that, so he wasted no time in getting ready."

"Well, what exotic and foreign lands did Garon see?" Melody is interested.

"How long they sailed I have no idea, and the sheer number of adventures they had on the way are too many to tell in one sitting." Brock confesses. "but after a long, long time a terrible storm blew up, and when things had calmed down again, they didn't know where in the world they were, for they had wound up by a strange coast that no one had any knowledge of."

"So did Garon explore this exotic land?" Ash asks, excited at the prospect of adventure.

"Since there was no wind to make the ship go, it sat there for a good long time." Brock explains. "Finally Garon asked the skipper to let him go on the shore to look around and explore--it beat lying there and sleeping all day."

"Are you sure you look presentable enough to go out in public?" he asks in his best mimic of Drake for the skipper. "You have no other clothes but those rags!"

"That was pretty good!" Ash smiles, impressed at how accurate Brock's Drake impression is.

As himself, Brock goes on "Garon still begged to go, and the skipper said okay, but he was to return if the wind picked up enough to sail again."

"So what did Garon see on the island?" Misty wonders.

"Well it was a delightful land; wherever he went there were wide plains with fields and meadows, but as for people, there were none to be seen. The wind began to pick up some hours later, but Garon still wanted to explore some more." Brock explains. "After a while, he came to a great road, which was so smooth that an egg could be rolled along it without breaking. Garon followed this road, and when evening came, he saw a huge castle far away in the distance, with lights in it. He had been walking the whole day and had not brought anything to eat with him, so he was famished, to say the least. But the closer he came to the castle, the more afraid he was."

"W-what was in there?" Melody stammers.

"A fire was burning in the castle, and Garon went into the kitchen, which was more magnificent than any kitchen he had ever seen." Brock explains. "There were bowls and chalices of gold and silver and crystal, but not one human being was to be seen. When Garon had stood there for some time, and no one had come out, he went in and opened a door, and inside a princess--we'll call her Raina--was sitting at her wheel spinning."

"How...how can anyone dare to come here?" Melody gasps as Princess Raina. "But the best thing that you can do is to leave this place, for if you don't the troll will devour you--a troll with three heads lives here."

"I wouldn't mind even if he had seven heads, so I'm not scared!" Ash proclaims as Garon. "I'm not going anywhere, for I have not hurt anything, but I would like something to eat, for I am very hungry.'

"When Garon had eaten his fill, Princess Raina told him to try and see if he could wield the sword which was hanging on the wall." Brock narrates. "but he could not wield it, much less pick it up."

"Well, try drinking some of that potion of strength next to the blade--that's what the troll does when he wants to use the sword,' Melody suggests as Princess Raina.

"So Garon took a drink of the potion of strength..." Brock narrates, just as Ash opens and takes a drink of a soda. "and he was able to wield the sword easily."

"BA-Da-DA-DAAAAAAAAH!!!!" Misty can't resist singing the Zelda 'got item stinger.

"Just then, Garon heard the troll coming, and braced himself for battle." Brock intones."It was a very long and drawn out fight, but in the end, Garon was victorious!"

The Pokemon cheer at this. "Princess Raina was elated to be free, but then she remembered her two sisters, and asked Garon to free them too." Brock goes on. "The middle sister, Princess Valerie, was held by a six headed troll, and the eldest, Princess Saisha, was held by a nine headed troll. Needless to say, Garon saved both of them as well, and they were more than overjoyed to be together again, and they were happier than they had ever been in their lives. but of the three of them, Raina loved him best."

"And they all lived happily ever after?" Misty guesses.

"But Garon got homesick after a while, and longed to see his family again." Brock continues. "So the three princesses dressed him so beautifully that he would have been mistaken for a prince; and they put a diamond ring on his finger, which would warp him anywhere by invoking a song of power. They warned him that he was not to throw it away, or name them; for if he did, all his riches would disappear, and he would never see them again."

Karuto, iichiida shou... Ash sings as Garon.

"...and no sooner had he sang this did he find himself at home in the blink of an eye." Brock continues. "It was getting dark, and when his father and mother saw such a beautiful and handsome stranger, they were so startled that they both began to bow and curtsey, not knowing he was their own son. Garon then asked if he could stay there for the night. The couple refused at first-they had hardly the trappings fit for a prince. It was only when Garon asked to make himself at home in the ashes that they recognized their son.'

"Cue the happy reunion..." Ash smiles.

"In his excitement of telling his parents of his many adventures, Garon made the mistake of naming the princesses." Brock intones. "Just like they had warned, his riches disappeared, leaving him in rags again. Garon cried himself to sleep that night, but in one of his dreams, Princess Raina appeared to him, saying she and her sisters were waiting at the Castle de Millagros, a mythical castle said to exist somewhere in the world. The next morning, his parents pleaded for Garon to stay, but Garon said no--he had to find the princesses again, or die trying to find them."

"Poor Garon..." Melody sighs. Pikachu sniffles in agreement.

"Garon had three hundred gold pieces to buy supplies for the long journey." Brock explains. "When he arrived in town, he bought himself a Ponyta to carry his supplies, and set out while the sun was hot. He traveled over hills and fields, eventually arriving in a dark forest."

[And what frightful beasts lurked in the wood?] Mai asks.

"Not so much monsters as it was thick with trees that seemed to go on forever." Brock assures Mai. "But after wandering in the forest for two days straight, he saw a light shining through the trees."

"What was it?" Misty asks.

"He came to a little cottage, where an old couple lived." Brock replies. "He asked the old woman if she knew of the Castle de Milagros, and if she knew the way there."

"No, I do not..." Misty sighs in her best impression of an old woman. "but Lugia will pass this way soon, and I will ask him, and he will know. He can easily see it, for he shines on all things on his nightly flight."

"So when Lugia flew high above the treetops, giving them a silver sheen, the old woman went out and called..." Brock narrates.

"Oh, Lugia! Can you tell me the way to the Castle de Milagros?" Misty asks as the old woman.

"No, I cannot..." Brock replies in a deep and gentle voice for Lugia. "for when I shone there, there was a cloud in the way."

"Wait a little longer," Misty assures Ash as the old woman. "for Suicune will soon pass here, and he will know what you seek, for he breathes gently or runs into every corner."

"About then, the old woman noticed Garon's Ponyta, and offered to trade some enchanted boots for it." Brock interjects as himself. "Garon readily agreed, and wanted to set off immediately; but the old woman reminded that there was no need to hurry." It wasn't long before Suicune came--and he ran so fast that the walls creaked. The old woman went out and cried..."

"Oh, Suicune! Can you tell me the way to the Castle de Milagros?" Misty fills in the old woman's dialogue.

"Yes, I know that place well," Brock chooses a regal deep voice to represent Suicune. "I am on my way there to dry the clothes for the wedding which is to take place there soon. If your guest is strong, I can take him there."'

As himself, he continues. "Garon wasted no time in climbing aboard Suicune, He ran over hill and over dale, Garon hanging on tightly all the while. When they arrived in front of the castle and Suicune let him off, it was so full of Pokemon and people that it swarmed with them. But Garon was so ragged and torn from his ride aboard Suicune, and hid himself among the crowd until the day before the wedding, when a great feast was to be held at noon.

"Did Princess Raina recognize him?" Ash wonders.

"So just before the toasts to the bride and groom were made, Princess Raina recognized the diamond ring on Garon's hand, and asked the guests..."

"Who is most worthy to have one of us--he who delivered us from the trolls or he who is sitting here as my bridegroom?" Melody asks as Raina.

"Garon revealed himself to Princess Raina, and they were the ones married the next day." Brock concludes. "And they all lived happily ever after."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 192: The Shiny Pidove (Misty)

(real tale: The White Dove)

"There was once a king who had two sons." Misty begins. "They were a pair of reckless boys, who always found something foolish to do. One day they rowed out alone on the sea in a little boat. It was beautiful weather when they left, but as soon as they had gotten some distance from the shore a terrific storm blew up. The oars went overboard right away, and the little boat was tossed about on the rolling waves like a leaf in the wind. The princes had to hang on for dear life to keep from being thrown out of the boat."

"So did they survive the ride of their lives?" Brock worries

"In the midst of all the wind and rain they spotted a wonderful vessel, captained by the sea spirit Undine." Misty continues. "She called to them, and said that they could still get to shore alive if they would promise her the son that was next to come to their mother the queen. They initially refused, but a huge wave that nearly sent them overboard made them reconsider."

"And then?" Ash is interested.

"As soon as they had called their promise into the storm, the storm let up." Misty assures Ash. "The boat came ashore near their father's castle, and both princes were received with open arms by their father and mother, who had been worried sick for them. The two brothers said nothing about what they had promised, neither at that time nor when the queen's third son came. The boy was named Jonathan, since she loved him more than anything else in the world. He was brought up and educated in his father's house until he came of age, and his brothers had never seen or heard from Undine in all that time."

"Undine has to show up sooner or later..." Brock cautions.

"Now one evening, a raging storm blew up." Misty goes on. "It howled and roared around the king's palace, and in the midst of it all there came a loud knock on the door of the hall where Prince Jonathan was. He went to the door and found Undine on the stoop. She told him to come with her right then, and reminded him of what his brothers had done years before. Jonathan reluctantly agreed, and Undine sailed over the sea, home to her dwelling."

She reminds her audience "Now, you have to remember that Prince Jonathan was now under Undine's power, and in her service. The first thing she told him to do was to pick feathers.

As Undine, she explains "The heap of feathers that you see here you must sort into piles before I return tonight, or else."

As herself, she continues "So Prince Jonathan went to work sorting the feathers, but just before he was done, a huge gust of wind sent all the feathers flying, and swept them along the floor into a mixed up heap. He now had to sort them all over again, but by this time, he only had an hour before Undine returned, and there was no way he'd be done by then."

"Cue the spellsong..." Ash whispers to Brock, who chuckles at the comment.

"There's spellsongs in here, but not yet." Misty assures the boys. "Anyway, he heard something tapping at the window pane, and a thin voice said... "

"Let me in, and I will help you." Melody fills in the dialogue.

"The voice belonged to a Shiny Pidove outside the window."Misty goes on "Prince Jonathan opened the window, the Pidove flew in, and had all the feathers sorted in mere seconds. When it was done, the Pidove flew out the window, minutes before Undine arrived. She was amazed at the piles, and rewarded Prince Jonathan with a big dinner."

Then what did Undine want him to do?" Ash asks.

"The next morning, Undine told Prince Jonathan to cut some firewood." Misty goes on. "So Prince Jonathan got an axe and set to work. But as the day wore on, he was nowhere near done Then the Shiny Pidove came flying and settled down on the pile of wood, and said...

"Shall I help you?" Melody smiles at Ash

"Yes," Ash replies as Prince Jonathan, "Many thanks for your help yesterday, and for what you offer today."

"With that, the little Pidove had all the wood cut in mere minutes." Misty goes on. "Prince Jonathan thanked it, and stroked and caressed its shining feathers, and kissed its little black beak. Imagine his surprise when the Pidove turned into a beautiful young maiden!"

"Wow..." Brock sighs as he dreamily imagines what the princess looks like.

The princess--we'll call her Paloma--told him that she had been kidnapped by Undine, turned into a Pidove." Misty explains. With love's first kiss she became human again; and if he would be faithful to her, and take her as his bride, she could free them both from Undine's power."

"Pini!" Happini cheers at the thought of a princess

"Prince Jonathan was quite captivated by Princess Paloma, and was quite willing to do anything in his power to protect her." Misty goes on.

"When Undine returns, you must ask her to grant you a wish, when you have finished all that she requires of you." Melody explains. "When she agrees to this, you must ask her straight up for the princess that she has flying about as a Shiny Pidove. But for now you must take a red silk thread and tie it around my little finger, so that you may be able to recognize me again, no matter what form I'm in."

Prince Jonathan hurried to get the thread tied." Misty continues. "Seconds after he got it tied, Princess Paloma became a Pidove again and flew away, and Undine returned some moments later."

"How did she react to the prince's request?" Brock asks.

"Try as she might to turn Princess Paloma into millions of other forms, Prince Jonathan still insisted on her. Finally, in her anger, Undine returned Princess Paloma to her true from, and started throwing stuff everywhere in her rage." Misty intones. "Princess Paloma led Prince Jonathan to an empty room, and told him..."

"We've got to get out of here immediately." Melody explains. "I will lay two pieces of wood in the bed, and enchant them to answer in our voices when Undine calls us. You can take the emerald and the sapphire that are lying on the window, and we will escape that way."

"They hurried off into the dark night, with Princess Paloma leading the way." Misty goes on. "At midnight Undine came to the door of the room and called for them, and the two pieces of wood answered her in their voices, so that she believed they were there, and went away again. Before daybreak she was at the door again and called to them, and again the pieces of wood answered in their voices. She thought that she had them, and when she burst into the room the next morning, she found no prince and no princess—nothing but the two pieces of firewood in the bed. She threw them on the floor, where they shattered into a zillion pieces."

"Pika?" Pikachu asks, sparking nervously

Ash and Melody decide to role play the next scene of the tale. "Do you see anything behind us?" Melody asks as Princess Paloma

"Yes, I see a dark cloud, far away," Ash replies as Prince Jonathan.

"Then sing to the emerald 'Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul...'" Melody suggests.

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Ash sings.

"No sooner had Prince Jonathan sang did the emerald glow, conjuring a large thick forest behind them." Misty narrates. When Undine came to the forest she could not get through it, buying the prince and princess some time."

"Look around; do you see anything behind us?" Melody asks as Princess Paloma.

"Yes, the big black cloud is there again." Ash replies as Prince Jonathan

"Then sing to the sapphire 'Furiya, shuru shamato.'" Melody suggests

Furiya, shuru shamato... Ash sings again.

"The sapphire glowed at the prince's spellsong, conjuring a great lake behind them." Misty narrates. "Even for Undine, it was too big to swim across, so going back for her ship bought the prince and princess some more time."

The Pokemon listen as Misty goes on "Meanwhile, Prince Jonathan and Princess Paloma had reached the palace. They climbed over the garden wall, ran across the garden, and snuck in through an open window. By this time Undine was hot on their heels, but Princess Paloma stood in the window and sang..."

Karuto, iichiida shou... Melody fills in the spellsong.

"and millions of Pidoves appeared in the sky, engulfing Undine in a wind gust so big, she was never seen again." Misty concludes. "There was great rejoicing over Prince Jonathan and his bride. His two elder brothers came and knelt before him and confessed what they had done, and said that he alone should inherit the kingdom, and they would always be his faithful subjects."

"It goes without saying that they all lived happily ever after." Brock grins as he leads the applause....

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 193: The Legend of Princess Twila (Ash)

(real tale: Princess Belle-Etoile)

(what Brock performs: For Baby)

"Once upon a time there were three princesses, named Robin, Brina, and Orla, who lived with their mother, a princess who had lost all her former grandeur." Ash begins. "One day an old woman came and asked for dinner and a bed for the night. When the meal was over, the old woman revealed herself as the light fairy Elena in disguise, and promised that their kindness would be handsomely rewarded."

The Pokemon get starry eyed at this. "Shortly after, the king passed that way, with his brother and the lord high chamberlain. They were all so struck with the beauty of the three princesses, that the king married the youngest, Orla, his brother married Brina, and the lord high chamberlain married Robin."

"Pika pika pikachu pika pika?" Pikachu asks.

Ash chuckles. "Nope, I'm nowhere near done!"

He thinks to where he is in the tale, then continues "Elena also blessed the young Queen Orla with three lovely children, two boys and a girl. They were so beautiful, jewels fell from their hair. Each had a silver star on their forehead, and a glittering pendant around their neck. At the same time Brina, her sister, gave birth to a handsome boy. Now the young queen and Brina were very close, but Robin was jealous of both of them, and the old queen, the King's mother, hated them as well. Brina died soon after the birth of her son, and the king was away on the battlefield, so Robin joined the wicked old queen in forming plans to hurt, if not kill, Orla."

Gasps fill the tent at this. "They ordered Portia, the old queen's maid in waiting, to kill the queen's three children and the son of Princess Brina, and bury them secretly. But as she was about to do this, she was so struck by their beauty, and the appearance of the sparkling stars on their foreheads, that she couldn't bring herself to kill such beautiful boys and girls."

"So what did she do?" Misty is intrigued.

"She had a boat brought to the beach, and put the four babies, with some strings of jewels, into a cradle, which she placed in the boat, and then set it adrift. The boat was soon far out at sea. The waves rose, the rain poured in sheets, and the thunder roared. Portia could not doubt that the boat would be swamped, and felt relieved by the thought that the poor little babies die that way, for she would otherwise always be haunted by the fear that something would occur to expose the hand she had in sparing them." Ash replies. "But the light fairy Elena protected them, and after floating at sea for a week, they were found by a captain. He was so struck by their beauty that he altered his course, and took them home to his wife, who had no children. She was beside herself with joy when he placed them in her hands. They admired together the wonderful stars, the pendants that could not be taken off their necks, and their beautiful thick hair. Imagine the woman's astonishment when she combed them, for at every brushstroke, pearls, rubies, diamonds, sapphires and emeralds came falling to the floor. She told her husband of it, who was equally surprised."

"I bet..." Brock grins.

"The captain's wife, whose name was Cora, was enchanted at this, and loved the four infants so much the more for it. She named the Princess, Twila, her eldest brother, Crisan, the second, Tate, and the son of Brina, Kevin." Ash continues. "As they grew older, the captain did his best to teach them well, as he was convinced there was some great mystery attached to their birth. The captain and his wife had never told the story of the four children, who they treated their own. They were all very close, but Prince Kevin seemed to like Princess Twila more than the other two. The moment she expressed a wish for anything, he would move heaven and earth for her."

"Aw,,," Misty smiles.

"One day, Twila overheard the captain and his wife talking." Ash starts.

"When I found them," Brock explains as the captain, "I saw nothing that could give me any idea of how or where they were born."

"I suspect," Misty suggests as Cora, "that Kevin is not their brother, he has neither star nor pendant."

"Twila immediately ran and told this to the three princes, who decided to speak to the captain and his wife, and ask them to let them go out into the world and discover the secret of their birth. After some resistance, they got the okay. A beautiful ship was prepared, and the young princess and the three princes set out. They determined to sail to the very spot where the captain had found them, and made preparations for a grand sacrifice to Arceus for their protection and guidance." Ash continues. "They were about to sacrifice a Pidove, but Princess Twila saved its life, and let it fly. Then a mermaid appeared in the water, and said..."

"Don't be afraid, let your vessel go where it will; land where it stops." Misty suggests as the mermaid.

"The ship sailed more quickly. Suddenly they came in sight of a city so beautiful that they wondered if their ship should enter the port." Ash continues. "They landed anyway, and the shore was soon crowded with people, who noticed the magnificence of their ship. They ran and told the king the news, and as the grand terrace of the palace looked out upon the shore, he hurried there as fast as he could. The princes, hearing the people say, 'There is the king,' looked up, and bowed in respect. He looked earnestly at them, and was as much charmed by the princess's beauty, as by the handsome looks of the young princes. He ordered his retinue to offer them his protection, and everything that they might require."

[And then?] Korra asks.

"The king was so interested about these four children, that he went into the chamber of the queen, his mother, to tell her of the wonderful stars which shone upon their foreheads, and everything that he admired in them. She was thunderstruck at it, and was terribly afraid that Portia had betrayed her, and sent her secretary to ask about them. What he told her of their ages confirmed her suspicions." Ash intones. "She sent for Portia, and threatened to kill her. Portia, terrified as she was, confessed everything; but promised, if she spared her, that she would still find a way to get rid of them. The queen was appeased at this; and, indeed, old Portia did all she could for her own sake."

Brock retrieves his own guitar as Ash goes on "She was fairly good at the guitar, so one night, she went and sat down in a room overlooking the Princess Twila's window, and sang a song which Twila thought so pretty that she invited her into her room."

I'll walk in the rain by your side,
I'll cling to the warmth of your hand...
I'll do anything to keep you satisfied
I'll love you more than anybody can... Brock starts playing a familiar song.

And the wind will whisper your name to me... Misty joins in, harmonizing with Brock.
Little birds will sing along in time
Leaves will bow down when you walk by
And morning bells will chime

I'll be there when you're feeling down... Brock starts the second verse alone.
To kiss away the tears if you cry...
I'll share with you all the happiness I've found,
A reflection of the love in your eyes...

And I'll sing you the songs of the rainbow... Misty joins in again.
A whisper of the joy that is mine...
And leaves will bow down when you walk by,
And morning bells will chime...

I'll walk in the rain by your side... Melody and the Meowths join in.
I'll cling to the warmth of your tiny hand...
I'll do anything to help you understand,
And I'll love you more than anybody can...

And the wind will whisper your name to me
Little birds will sing along in time
Leaves will bow down when you walk by
And morning bells will chime...

"Thanks, Brock..." Ash smiles--he didn't expect a full blown musical interlude. "Anyway, when she was done, Portia told Twila..."

"My dear child," Misty fills in Portia's dialogue, "Heaven has made you very lovely, but I know you want one thing - the dancing water. If I had possessed it, you would not have seen a white hair on my head, nor a wrinkle on my face. I knew this secret too late; my charms had already faded."

"But where shall I find this dancing water?" Melody asks as Twila.

"It is in the luminous forest," Misty replies as Portia. "You have three brothers; doesn't any one of them love you enough to go and get some?"

"My brothers all love me," Melody assures Misty as Princess Twila, "but there is one of them who would not refuse me anything."

"Portia left her, delighted at having been so successful." Ash continues. "The princes, returning from a hunting trip, found Twila thinking long and hard about what Portia had said. Her anxiety about it was so apparent, that Kevin, who thought of nothing but pleasing her, soon found out what she was thinking about, and, in spite of her pleas that it was nothing, he mounted his Ponyta, and set out in search of the dancing water."

"What adventures did he get into?" Brock asks as he plays a few unsure chords.

"Well, first I have to tell you what happened in the palace." Ash assures Brock. "When dinnertime arrived, and Princess Twila did not see her brother Kevin, she could neither eat nor drink; and fearing the worst, sent messengers to find him and bring him back. Portia, on the other hand, was very anxious to know the result of her advice; and when she heard that Kevin had already set out, she was delighted, and reported to the queen mother all that had happened. The plan she had adopted with regard to Prince Kevin was one of the most certain, for the dancing water was not easily found; it was so notorious from what happened to all who sought it, that everyone knew the way to it."

He pauses for a beat, then goes on "Prince Kevin, meanwhile, rode eight days--only stopping to rest in the forest at night. By this time, he was beginning to suffer from the heat; but it was not the heat of the sun, and he did not know what caused it, he looked from the top of a mountain and spotted a forest burning without being consumed, and the flames went so far, everything around it was a dry desert."

"Did he go in?" Misty wonders.

"He went into this forest, getting lost several times on the way." Ash replies. As he approached this great fire he was very thirsty. Luckily, a spring was close by, so he climbed off his Ponyta, approached it, and stooped to take up some water in the little golden vase which he had brought with him, when he saw a Pidove drowning in the fountain. Kevin felt sorry for it, and saved it."

"My lord Kevin," Melody fills in the dialogue, "I am not ungrateful; I can guide you to the dancing water, which, without me, you could never obtain, as it rises in the middle of the forest, and can only be reached by going underground."

"The Pidove then flew away, and summoned a number of Ninetales, Sandshrews, Drilburs, Geodudes, Durants, and all sorts of Pokemon that burrow in the ground." Ash continues. "Kevin got off his Ponyta at the entrance of the passage they made for him, and did his best to follow the kind Pidove, which safely led him to the fountain. Prince Kevin filled his golden vase; and returned the same way he came. He found Twila sitting under some trees, but when she saw him she was so pleased that she hardly knew how to welcome him."

"Portia was mad, I'd bet." Brock grins as he plays a foreboding riff.

"Portia learned from her spies that Kevin had returned, and that Princess Twila, having washed her face with the dancing-water, had become more lovely than ever." Ash confirms Brock's prediction. "Needless to say, she lost no time in making the Princess Twila long for the wonderful singing Berry. Prince Kevin again found her unhappy, and again found out why, and again set out on his faithful Ponyta, leaving a letter for Twila."

He adds as an aside "Meanwhile, the king did not forget the lovely children, and asked them why they did not visit the palace more often. They explained that they couldn't while their brother was away."

He then continues "Prince Kevin met a young man on the road, who told him where the singing Berry was to be found: but after traveling some time without any sign of it, he saw a poor Fletchling fall at his feet almost dead. He did its best to nurse it back to health, when it said.."

"Good day, handsome Kevin, you are destined to save my life, and I to help you in return." Melody fills in the dialogue. "You are seeking the singing Berry: it is guarded by a terrible Hydreigon."

"The Fletchling then led him to a place where he found a suit of crystal armor. He put it on, and boldly went to meet the Hydreigon." Ash continues, trying oh-so-hard not to laugh at Brock softly and slowly playing the Zelda theme in the background. "The three-headed monster came bounding along, breathing white hot fire; but when he saw himself reflected in the crystal, turned tail and ran far away, never to be seen again."

Pikachu unleashes some happy sparks at this. "Prince Kevin then found the tree, which was surrounded with human bones, and breaking off a Leppa Berry, prepared to return to Princess Twila. She had never slept during his absence, and ran to meet him eagerly." Ash continues.

Brock then plays Portia's motif. "When Portia heard the sweet singing of the Leppa Berry, she burst into tears, for instead of hurting these lovely children, she only helped them." Ash explains. "She allowed some days to pass, and then made Princess Twila unhappy again by saying that the dancing water and the singing Berry were useless without the shining Pidgey that knows all. Kevin again set out, and after some trouble, learned that this bird was to be found on the top of a huge rock, in a frozen part of the world. At dawn the next day, he found the rock, which was very high and very steep, and on the summit was the Pidgey, speaking like an oracle, telling of wonderful things. He thought that with a little agility it would be easy to catch it, for it seemed very tame. He got off his Ponyta, and climbed up very quietly. He was so close to the gold Pidgey that he thought he could hold it, when suddenly he slipped off the rock and he fell into a spacious hall, and turned to stone on impact."

Misty gasps at the turn of events. "Three hundred other knights and adventurers who had gone on the same quest were in the same state." Ash intones.

{Wow-wee!] Korra is impressed at the number.

"Time seemed to stand still to Twila, and after still no signs of her beloved Kevin, she got very sick; and in hopes of curing her, Crisan resolved to find him." Ash continues. But he too was slipped off the rock and fell into the great hall. The first person he saw was Kevin, but he could not speak to him; and Prince Tate, following soon after, met the same fate as his brothers."

"Oh no..." Melody tears up as she hears Brock play Portia's motif again.

"When Portia learned that the third prince was gone, she was ecstatic at the success of her plan; and when Twila took it upon herself to find them, she was quite overjoyed." Ash goes on. "Princess Twila disguised herself as a warrior, but had no other armor besides her helmet. She was very cold as she approached the rock, but seeing a Taillow lying on the snow, she took it up, warmed it, and healed it."

"I know you, in spite of your disguise." Melody fills in the dialogue. "Follow my advice: when you arrive at the rock, remain at the bottom and sing the sweetest song you know; the gold Pidgey will listen to you; you must then pretend to go to sleep; when it sees me, it will come down to peck me, and at that moment you will be able to grab it."

"Princess Twila did everything the Taillow said to do, and easily caught the gold Pidgey. It begged for mercy, but Princess Twila replied..." Ash narrates

"I wish that you would heal my three brothers." Misty fills in Princess Twila's dialogue.

"Take one of my feathers, hold it to the sky, and sing 'Karuto, iichiida shou...'." Melody instructs as the Pidgey.

Princess Twila did as she was told--and when she sang..." Ash narrates.

Karuto, iichiida shou... Misty fills in the spellsong.

"...the rock split from the top to the bottom, allowing her to enter the hall with the stone statues." Ash continues. "She ran towards Kevin, who did not know her in her helmet and boy's clothing, and could neither speak nor move. The gold Pidgey then told Princess Twila to hold the gold feather skyward and sing 'Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul....', and the stone statues would return to normal."

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul.. Misty fills in the spellsong.

"After healing her brothers, the three princes and Twila hurried back to the palace; and when Twila showed off her treasures, the gold Pidgey told him that the Princes Crisan and Tate and the Princess Twila were his children, and that Prince Kevin was his nephew." Ash continues. "Queen Orla, who had mourned for them all this time, embraced them, and the wicked queen mother and Portia were justly punished."

He concludes "The king agreed to let Prince Kevin take Princess Twila's hand in marriage, and they all lived happily ever after."

Mai smiles as everyone applauds. [The song was very beautiful...]

"Thanks--I get asked to play that one many times when I perform in public." Brock smiles.

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 194: Princess Buneary (Brock)

(real tale: The Most Beautiful Princess)


"Long ago, there was a king who got very sick." Brock begins. "He wanted a Buneary killed to make him some broth, so his only son, Prince Damian, set out to find one."

"Did he find one?" Ash asks.

"As the prince walked along the path to the forest a pretty little Buneary ran out of the hedge and crossed his path." Brock explains. "He chased it through the brush as best as he could, although the Buneary was a very swift runner. Suddenly the Buneary ran into a hole in the ground. Prince Damian did his best not to lose sight of her and soon found to his dismay that he was in a huge cave." He makes a large form in the air to illustrate his point. "and at the very back of the cave there was the most enormous giant he had ever seen."

The Pokemon swallow hard at this. "Prince Damian was understandably frightened as the giant said..." Brock switches to a deep male voice. "Oh, ho! You thought you'd catch my little Buneary, did you? Well, I've caught you instead!"

As himself, he continues "With that, the giant grabbed the prince in one of his enormous hands and tossed him into a box at one end of the cave. Once sure Prince Damian wouldn't be getting out of the box, he locked it with a big key. Prince Damian could get only a tiny bit of air through a little hole in the top, and he thought that he would pass out, and eventually die. Hours ragged by like years--sometimes Prince Damian slept, but more often than not he lay there thinking about his sick father and what he could do to get out of the box and back to his father's side."

"Did he get out?" Misty asks, worried for Prince Damian.

"Suddenly he heard the key turn in the lock." Brock assures Misty. "The cover was lifted, and he saw the most beautiful maiden he had ever seen or dreamed of--we'll call her Maribel."

"I am the Buneary you followed into the cave," Misty fills in Princess Maribel's dialogue. "I am under a spell, so even though I have to take the form of a Buneary in the daytime, at night I am free to return to my true form. You got into this mess following me into the cave and I feel so sorry for you that I am going to set you free."

"You are so beautiful that I could stay here forever and gaze into your lovely eyes," Ash sighs dreamily in character as Prince Damian.

"You would see only a Buneary in the daytime," Misty replies as Princess Maribel. "It is not always night. Besides, the giant may return at any time. He just left on a hunting trip because he thought that you would not make a sufficiently sized dinner for him. I'll show you the way out of the cave and then you must hurry home as fast as you can."

"Prince Damian thanked her for her great kindness to him and did as he was told." Brock goes on when the applause for the interplay dies down. "He went home by the nearest path, but when he reached the palace his father was already dead,and the whole palace was mourning."

"Poor Damian..." Melody sighs. Pikachu brushes away a tear in agreement.

"Prince Damian was so overwhelmed with grief, he felt that he was not worthy keep on living in the palace." Brock continues. "After his father's funeral, he went out into the world and made his keep as a fisherman, for he did not wish to be recognized as a prince."

"What became of Damian?" Now Misty is really worried.

"Since no one recognized him in fisherman's garb, he wandered from one kingdom to another." Brock explains. "He caught Magikarp for his food, and he soon recognized the fact that the net which one of his fellow fishermen had given him as a gift was magical, or even divine. The biggest Gyarados in the sea could not break through."

[Wow...] Korra gasps.

"In the course of his travels, Prince Damian arrived at a city where a great party was being held." Brock continues. "The palace was decked with beautiful banners. And every afternoon the royal heralds rode up and down the city streets proclaiming, 'The princess of our kingdom is the most beautiful princess in all the world.'"

"Or not..." Ash comments to Misty, who giggles at how ugly this princess may be compared to Maribel.

Prince Damian remembered the beautiful princess who had let him out of the giant's cave." Brock goes on. "'Surely this princess cannot be as beautiful as Maribel' he thought. 'I am going to see this princess with my own eyes and find out.' So Prince Damian went to the palace gate to watch for the princess. It wasn't long before she came to the balcony and leaned over the railing. She was very beautiful, but her nose was just a tiny bit crooked--but she did not compare at all with Princess Maribel."

"This princess is not by any means the most beautiful one in the world," Ash announces as Prince Damian. "I know where there is a princess who is much more beautiful."

"Everyone in town heard what Prince Damian said, and the townsfolk reported it to the royal guards." Brock intones. "They grabbed him and took him to the king."

"So you are the fisherman who says that my daughter is not the most beautiful princess in the world?" he asks Ash in a deeper version of his "somebody's in trouble" voice--one of his "king" voices. "You say that you know a princess who is much more beautiful. I am a just king or else I would have you put to death right now. However, I'll give you the chance to prove what you say. If you are unable to fulfill your boast and show me this princess who in the opinion of my court is more beautiful than my daughter, it will be your life in exchange. Remember that you will have to bring her here to my court to have her beauty proven."

"Thanks, your majesty," Ash gives Brock a little bow as Prince Damian. "If you will allow me two weeks to fulfill this promise, and if you'll prepare a party for the night two weeks from now, I'll endeavor to present the most beautiful princess in the world to your assembled court."

As himself, Brock continues "The king was astonished at the fisherman's words, for he had not thought that a poor fisherman like him knew many princesses. However, he allowed him to depart in search of the princess. Then Prince Damian hurried home and walked toward the forest by the same path he had gone the day he went in search of the Buneary for his father's broth. He soon found the place where the Buneary had crossed his path, and he did his best to remember the route they had followed as he pursued her into the forest. But as he traveled through the forest he saw evidence of what looked like a flood. The water had washed away every trace of the entrance of the cave. He dug and dug at the place where he thought it was, but he found nothing that looked like the cave's entrance."

"Did he ever find it?" Melody asks.

"He dug and dug at a spot nearby, and found his way barred by a massive door." Brock explains "So he knocked at the door with all his might." He knocks on a rock for effect.

"The door was opened a little bit and the face of a young woman peeked out." Brock continues when the nervous giggles quiet.

"I am the sage of the princess," Melody fills in the dialogue. "I think you are the prince she was expecting to return to deliver her from all the terrible calamities which have befallen her."

"What has happened to my beautiful princess who saved my life?" Ash wonders as Prince Damian. "I am indeed the prince, but I am surprised that you should recognize me in my fisherman's garb."

"The princess told me that I would know you by the smile in your eyes," Melody replies as the sage. "I did not look at your clothes at all. I looked at your eyes. You have the smile in them though your face is sad. Come into the cave, and I will tell you all that has happened."

"When Prince Damian was inside the cave she hastily shut the door and said..." Brock narrates.

"When the giant returned, he was angry at Princess Maribel because she had let you escape." Melody continues as the sage. "He grabbed her and put her into the box in your place. However, Princess Maribel had thrown away the key to the box when she let you out; and, search as he would, the giant was unable to find it anywhere. That made him even angrier than before. All day he sits on the top of the chest when the princess is in the form of the Buneary. At night when he goes away he causes a great river to flow around the entrance to the cave. He has placed a huge Gyarados as guard to the entrance. This Gyarados swims up and down before our door and calls out such vile names at Princess Maribel, that, when she is in her own form, she stays in the box and stuffs cotton in her ears. You got here just as the giant had left. The water must have risen as soon as you were inside our door. I hear the Gyarados now."

"Even as she spoke the prince heard the voice of the Gyarados." Brock intones. "It said such terrible words that I'm not going to repeat them here. Prince Damian instructed the sage... "

You get into the box with the princess," Ash explains as Prince Damian. "I'm a good swimmer, so I am going to open the door and swim out. The box is made of wood that will float; so, inside of it, you and the princess will float out to safety."

"How will you ever swim past this terrible Gyarados?" Melody asks as the sage..

"Don't worry," Ash explains as Prince Damian. "I have with me a net which is so strong that the biggest, fiercest Gyarados in the world cannot break it. In the meantime, tell Princess Maribel that I am here. Tell her everything will be okay and stay in the box for a few minutes."

"The old sage got into the box as Prince Damian had commanded." Brock continues. "Then he unbarred the great door. The Gyarados swam at him fiercely, but Prince Damian quickly entangled him in his strong net. Holding him down in the net, Prince Damian swam up to the surface and was soon on the bank of the raging river. Then he killed the Gyarados, scaled it, and put the scales--which were said to invoke all kinds of powers if sung to--in his pocket.

Pikachu sparks excitedly at the mention of magic. "The box, meanwhile, had floated up to the surface of the water just as Prince Diamian had said it would." Brock continues. "Prince Damian threw his net over it and drew it to land. The sage and Princess Maribel stepped out. In fact, Princess Maribel was so lovely, that Prince Damian fell on his knees before her."

"I knew all along that you would come back again," Misty smiles as Princess Maribel. "I knew that you would deliver me from my troubles, but you have been a long time getting here."

"Prince Damian told Princess Maribel all that had happened to him." Brock narrates.

"You saved my life from the giant," Ash replies as Prince Damian. "I am very glad to have had an opportunity to save your life for you. Now I must ask you to again save my life."

"Then he told her about the party where he had display the most beautiful princess in the world, or else." Brock narrates.

"I'll gladly go to the party with you," Misty smiles as Princess Maribel. "It is fortunate that it is held at night."

Princess Maribel and her sage traveled quickly with the Prince Damian to the kingdom which claimed to possess the most beautiful princess in the world." Brock continues. "It was already the night of the appointed party when they arrived. The king's army was present, and all ready to kill Prince Damian if they had to. No one dreamed that the poor fisherman would be able to bring any princess at all with him, much less a beautiful one. Prince Damian hid Princess Maribel in the box which the sage carried in her arms."

Everyone swallows hard at this. "When the poor fisherman stood before the king with a sage standing by his side, the entire court howled with laughter." Brock goes on "Just as the king's soldiers stepped forward to take the fisherman to the gallows, Prince Damian asked for a few more minutes. The king nodded his head and Prince Damian reached into the pocket of his fisherman's coat. He pulled out a handful of silver scales and threw them into the air, then sang Furiya, shuru shamato... The most beautiful silvery cloud filled the room."

Awed chatter fills the tent at this. "Then he pulled a handful of golden scales from out his pocket, threw them in the air, and sang Leishu shun ji, lei si... The most beautiful golden cloud filled the room." Brock continues. "He next pulled out a handful of jeweled scales from his pocket, threw them into the air, and sang Imultaos, ame no hao bakezo.... The most wonderful sparkling cloud of jewels fell around them. As the cloud cleared away, there stood the most beautiful princess any one had ever seen or dreamed of between the old sage and the prince in the fisherman clothes.

Everyone cheers as Brock continues "The soldiers drew back. The king looked at the floor and so did all the courtiers. The king reluctantly admitted that Prince Damian had won his bet."

He concludes Everyone returned to Prince Damian's own kingdom where the wedding of Prince Damian and Princess Maribel was celebrated with a great feast. From the moment that the Gyarados scales fell on Princess Maribel, the spell on her was broken and she never became a Buneary again. She and Prince Damian lived together happily in Prince Damian's palace, and the giant never troubled them again, though they were always careful to keep away from the forest."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 195: Jack's Flying Ship (Misty)

(real tale: The Flying Ship)

"Once upon a time there lived an old couple who had three sons." Misty begins. "Now, the two elder ones were pretty clever, but the third, who was named Jack, wasn't exactly the brightest star in the sky. The clever sons were very fond of their mother, gave her pretty clothes, and always had something nice to say to her; but Jack was always getting in her way, and she had no patience with him."

The boys chuckle in anticipation of what crazy adventures this Jack tale will entail. "Now, one day it was proclaimed in the village that the king was offering his daughter, Princess Meredith, in marriage to whoever could build a ship that could fly." Misty explains. "The two elder brothers jumped at the chance to try their luck, and asked their parents' blessing. So the old mother gave them some nice clothes, and gave them some supplies for their journey, not forgetting to add a bottle of wine. When they had left, Jack began to ask his mother to let him try his luck too.

"What would become of a dolt like you?" she gasps as the mother. "Why, you would be eaten up by Mightyenas!"

Ash just turns his cap back, then replies as Jack "I will go, I will go, I will go!"

"Seeing that she could do nothing to talk him out of it, the mother gave him a little bread and a bottle of water, and saw Jack on his way." Misty continues. "After he had gone a little ways, he met Meloetta on the road. They said hello, and Meloetta asked him where he was going."

"I am off to the royal court," Ash answers as Jack. "He has promised to give his daughter Princess Meredith to whoever can make a flying ship."

"And can you make such a ship?" Melody challenges Ash.

"No...." Ash hangs his head in shame.

"Then why in the world are you going?" Melody asks.

"Because I can." Ash replies as Jack.

"Well, if that is the case," Melody replies, "come sit down beside me--we can rest for a little and have something to eat. Why don't you give me what you've got in your bag."

"Now, poor Jack was ashamed to show Meloetta what was in his bag." Misty explains. "However, he figured it best not to make a fuss, so he opened his bag, and could hardly believe his eyes!"

Ash balks in feigned surprise as Misty continues "Instead of the hard bread, he saw two beautiful fresh rolls and some fresh meat and cheese. He happily shared them with Meloetta, and they talked and laughed for hours. When lunch was over, she told him..."

"Go into that forest, and stop in front of the first tree you see." Melody instructs Ash. "Bow before it, then lay your hands on it and sing 'Seios, higarima laisido'. You will then find a ship on the ground--step into it and fly to the royal palace. If you meet anyone on the way, take them with you."

"Jack thanked Meloetta very kindly, bade her farewell, and went on his way." Misty continues. "When he got to the first tree he stopped in front of it, did everything he had been told, and sang...."

Seios, higarima laisido... Ash sings the oddly beautiful gibberish song as Jack.

"Just then, a bright flash of light prompted him to shield his eyes, and when it was safe to look again, he saw a beautiful ship on the ground, and immediately climbed into it. Misty continues. "The ship rose and rose, and in in a few seconds was flying through the air, when Jack, who was looking out at the clouds, looked down on the ground and met many new friends on his journey. There was Kani, a girl with razor sharp hearing, Alida, who could outrun even the Legendary Beasts, Yumi, who was so skilled with a bow she could hit a target hundreds of miles away, Tabe, who had an appetite rivaling a Munchlax, Lana, who could hold immense amounts of water like a Camerupt, Silvana,who could summon heroes from the forest with her voice, and Neva, who could call down snow with her voice."

Brock sighs dreamily as he pictures Jack's harem, but Ash squeezes his hand as a reminder to pay attention. "Finally, the ship, with its strange crew, arrived at the royal court." Misty continues. "The king was having dinner, but when he saw the ship in the sky, he quickly dispatched one of his courtiers to find out what this huge, strange new bird could be. The courtier peered into the ship, and, seeing what it was, went back to the King and told him that it was a flying ship, and that it was manned by a few peasants."

"And then?" Brock wonders.

The king remembered his royal oath; but he made up his mind that he would not let Princess Meredith marry a poor peasant." Misty intones. "So he thought for a moment, then got the idea to give him some impossible tasks to perform--that would get Jack out of his hair for sure!"

Giggles fill the air as Misty goes on "Si he sent one of his courtiers to Jack, with the command to bring the king some healing water from the world's end before dinner was over. However, he didn't know that Kani heard everything he had said, and had already told Jack."

"Alas, alas!" Ash strikes a melodramatic pose, much to the group's delight. "What am I gonna do now? It would take me a year, no, my whole life, to find the water."

"Alida was quick to assure him that she would get what the King wanted." Misty narrates. "Just then, the courtier arrived, bearing the king's command.

"Tell His Majesty," Ash explains as Jack, "that his orders will be obeyed to the letter."

"With that, Alida raced off in the blink of an eye, and in less than no time had reached the world's end and drawn the healing water from the well." Misty continues. "But running all that way was pretty tiring! She decided to rest for a few minutes, and in a few seconds had fallen fast asleep. Meanwhile, all the ship's crew were anxiously awaiting Alida's return; and the dessert course was about to be served. So Kani listened, and heard Alida snoring!"

The boys laugh at this, "At this Yumi took her bow, took aim, and fired an arrow with a note saying 'Wake up, will ya?' in the direction of the world's end, in order to wake Alida up." Misty continues. "Alida returned a few seconds later, and, stepping on board the ship, handed the healing water to Jack. So while the king was still sitting at the table finishing a slice of Nanab cream pie news was brought to him that his orders had been obeyed to the letter."

"So what did the king do next?" Melody smiles.

"He wasted no time in thinking up another impossible task." Misty replies. "So he told another courtier to go to Jack with the command that he and his comrades were to eat a total of twelve Tauros and twelve tons of bread between them. Kani overheard the king's words while he was still talking to the courtier, and reported them to Jack.

"Alas, alas!" Ash sighs as Jack; "what in the world shall I do? Why, it would take us a year, possibly our whole lives, to eat twelve Tauros and twelve tons of bread."

"But that was quite the easy task for Tabe." Misty assures Ash. "So when the courtier arrived with the royal message he was told to tell the king that his orders would be obeyed. Then twelve roasted Tauros and twelve tons of bread were brought on board ship, and Tabe easily polished it off like it was a snack--and she was eager for more!"

Ash's laughter is the loudest at this. "Next, the king ordered that forty barrels of wine, containing forty gallons each, were to be drank between Jack and his party." Misty continues.

'"Lana easily finished that off, right?" Brock grins.

"That, and she wasn't tipsy in the least--it was only like a single glass of wine to her." Misty smiles. "Then the king sent an order to Jack that he was to have a bath, in one of the palace bathrooms, and then he would consider letting Jack marry Princess Meredith. The bathroom in question was made out of iron, and the king ordered that it be heated so hot that Jack would burn to a crisp. So when Jack entered the room, he discovered that the iron walls were ruby red hot."

Gasps fill the air, but Misty assures the group "Luckily, Neva had gone in behind him, and when the door was closed behind them, she sang Furiya, shuru shamato... and suddenly the red hot walls cooled down. However, it became so very cold that Jack could scarcely bear to take a bath, and all the water in the room froze. So Jack climbed up on the stove, and, wrapping himself up in his towels, lay there the whole night. In the morning when they opened the door there he lay safe and sound, singing cheerfully to himself."

Brock's laughter is the hardest as the group pictures the court's reaction. "Now when this strange tale was told to the king he became quite sad, not knowing what to do to get rid of so undesirable a son-in-law, when suddenly a brilliant idea occurred to him--surely Jack couldn't raise an army right then and there, could he?"

"Kani had overheard the king's command and told Jack right then." Ash fills in the blank without being prompted.

Misty nods, pleased Ash is paying attention. "Jack agreed to the proposal, but warned the courtier that if, after that, the king refused to accept him as his son-in-law, he would wage war against him, and carry Princess Meredith off by force."

She continues "During the night, Jack and Silvana went together into a huge field. Once they were in the very middle, Silvana sang Imultaos, ame no hao bakezo...--and in a moment a mighty army stood upon the spot, regiment upon regiment of swordsmen and knights; the trumpets sounded and the drums rolled, the Rapidashes neighed, and the dragoons put their lances at rest, the archers nocked their bows, and the mages readied their strongest spells."

"I bet the king panicked..." Brock grins.

"In the morning, when the king woke up, he was startled by the trumpets and the drums, and the clatter of the Rapidashes, and the war cries of the soldiers." Misty replies. "When he came to the window, he saw the lances gleam in the sunlight and the armor and weapons glitter. And the proud king said to himself, 'I am powerless in comparison with this man.' So he sent him royal robes and glittering jewels, and commanded him to come to the palace to be married to Princess Meredith. Jack put on the royal robes, and he looked so grand and stately that it was impossible to recognize him. In fact, Princess Meredith fell madly in love with him as soon as she saw him."

She concludes "Never before had so grand a wedding been seen, and there was so much food and wine that even Tabe and Lana had enough to eat and drink."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 196: The Magic Ruby Ring (Ash)

(real tale: The Magic Ring)

"Once upon a time there lived an old woman who had one son named Martin." Ash begins. "The woman's husband had joined Arceus in the heavens some years before, and only left his widow and son two hundred gold pieces. The old woman decided to put the money aside for a rainy day; but she didn't know that rainy day would come sooner than she thought."

"Why?" Misty asks

"Their flour was all used up." Ash replies "Besides, who was prepared to face starvation with only two hundred gold pieces to their name?"

"A very good question..." Brock notes.

So the old woman counted out a hundred of her gold pieces, gave them to Martin, and told him to go into town and buy enough flour for a year." Ash continues. "So Martin started off for town. When he reached the marketplace, he found the whole place in an uproar, and a great noise of angry voices and barking of Growlithe. He worked his way into the crowd, and noticed an Arcanine which the butchers had caught and tied to a post, being beaten mercilessly. Martin felt sorry for the majestic Pokemon, and asked what the Arcanine had done to deserve such torture. The butchers replied that the Arcanine had just eaten a newly-killed Tepig. Martin offered to buy the Arcanine, paid with his hundred gold pieces, and named him Hunter."

[A fitting name for an Arcanine.] Mai purrs.

When Martin got home, his mother asked him what he had bought, and Martin proudly introduced Hunter to his mom." Ash goes on. "His mother got understandably very angry, and harshly scolded him, saying that he ought to be ashamed of himself, when there was scarcely a handful of flour in the house, to have spent the money on a useless brute like that. On the following day she sent him back to town with their last hundred gold pieces to buy food with them."

He adds as an aside " She had just emptied the last grains of flour out of the bag, just enough for a tiny little cake, but it wouldn't last a day."

Pikachu sniffles as Ash continues "Just as Martin was entering town he met a man dragging a Persian after him by a string which was fastened round the poor Pokemon's neck. When asked where the Persian was being taken, Martin was told the majestic cat Pokemon was to be drowned for killing a Swanna. Martin offered to buy the Persian for a hundred gold pieces, and the man agreed. Once Martin took custody of the Persian, he named her Serena."

"And then he's kicked out of the house..." Brock muses.

Ash confirms Brock's prediction some moments later. "When he reached his home, and his mother asked him what he had bought, Martin introduced Serena to his mom. In her anger, his mom banished him from the house, not to return until he brought back food and money. So he called Hunter and Serena and started off with them to the nearest village in search of work. On the way, he met a rich man, who asked him where he was going. Martin explained he was looking for a day's work. The rick man offered to let Martin serve him for a year, and Martin agreed."

"What kind of work did he do?" Misty is intrigued

"He worked diligently, and served his master faithfully for that year." Ash explains. "When Martin's year of service was up, the rich man led him into a barn, pointed out two full bags, and said he could take any one he wanted."

He pauses for a beat, then continues "Martin examined the contents of the bags, and seeing that one was full of silver and the other of sand, something told him to take the sand. So after throwing the bag over his shoulders, he started out into the world, in search of fresh work. On and on he walked, and at last he reached a great gloomy forest. In the middle of the forest he came to a meadow, where a fire was burning, and in the midst of the fire, surrounded by flames, was a lovely giel, more beautiful than anything that Martin had ever seen, and when she saw him she called to him to save her. so Martin emptied the sand on the flames, and the fire was extinguished; but at the same moment, the lovely girl turned into the firebird Moltres. After wrapping him in her flaming wings, she told him...."

"Do not be afraid of me, Martin; I love you, and will go with you to the ends of the world." Misty fills in Moltres' dialogue. "But first, you must follow me to my father's kingdom, beneath the earth; When we get there, remember this--he will offer you gold and silver, and dazzling gems, but pay no mind them. Ask him instead for the ruby ring which he wears on his pinky, for in that ring lies a magic power; you have only to sing the song 'Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul...', and twelve young heroes will appear, who will do your bidding, no matter how difficult, in at least one night."

"So they started on their way, and after some traveling, they reached a place where a great rock rose straight up in the middle of the road. Moltres landed on the road and as she touched the ground, she turned back into her human form. Pointing to the rock, she showed him an opening just big enough for a person to squeeze through." Ash continues. "They entered a long underground passage, which led out on to a wide field, above which spread a blue sky. In the middle of the field stood a magnificent castle, built out of purple crystal, with a roof of gold and with glittering battlements. And his beautiful guide told him that this was the palace in which her father lived and reigned over his kingdom in the underworld."

"Pini?" Happini asks

"Together they entered the palace, and were welcomed by the king with great kindness. Turning to his daughter, he said..." Ash narrates.

The group decides to role play the next scene. "My child, I had almost given up the hope of ever seeing you again. Where have you been all this time?" Brock asks as the king

"My father," Misty fills in Moltres' dialogue, "I owe my life to this boy, who saved me from a terrible fate."

"I will reward your courage by granting you whatever your heart desires." Brock tells Ash in character as the king. He makes a grand gesture to an imagined treasure vault. "Take as much gold, silver, and jewels as you desire."

"I thank you, mighty king, for your gracious offer," Ash answers as Martin, "but I do not want gold, silver, or jewels; yet if you will grant me a favor, allow me to have the ruby ring from your royal pinky. Every time my eye falls, on it I shall think of your gracious majesty, and when I marry I shall present it to my bride."

Brock pantomimes removing a ring from one finger and offers the imagined ring to Ash. "Take it, brave hero, on one condition--you are not to tell anyone that this is a magic ring. If you do, you will only bring misfortune on yourself."

The Pokemon applaud the roleplay before Ash continues "Martin took the ring, and after thanked the king, he set out on the same road back to the world of light. When he had arrived back in the world of light, he started for his old home, and after finding his mother still living in the old house where he had left her, they settled down together very happily. So uneventful was their life that it almost seemed as if it would go on like that forever."

"Then something threw a wrench in that plan, I'd bet." Misty grins.

Ash smiles--Misty's figured out what happened next! "But one day, Martin got the idea to get married, but he didn't want to marry any old girl. He wanted a very rich wife--or even better, a princess."

Happini cheers at the mention of a princess. "But since he wasn't very good at talking to girls, he sent his old mother to intercede on his behalf." Ash explains.

"Mom didn't like that, I presume." Melody muses, giggling as she pictures the old woman's reaction.

"In fact, she was aghast at the idea," Ash continues. "and she went on and on wondering why her son couldn't marry someone simpler. Besides, that would be far more fitting than to send a poor old woman to the royal court for the hand of a princess. But Martin assured her everything would be fine--all he wanted was an answer, be it a yes or a no."

He pauses for a beat before continuing "And so, the old woman hobbled off to the palace, eventually came to the courtyard, and climbed the flight of stairs leading to the throne room. "The courtiers, in all their magnificent attire, stared at the old figure that looked very out of place in the castle's extravagance, Some of the courtiers tried to hold her back by force, but she made such a fuss that the king himself heard it, and stepped out on to the balcony to see what was the matter. When he saw the old woman flinging her arms wildly about, and heard her scream that she would not leave the place till she had made her case before the king, he ordered that she should be brought into his presence. She was led into the beautiful throne room, where, leaning back amongst cushions of royal purple, the king sat, surrounded by his counselors and courtiers. Curtseying low, the old woman stood silent before him."

"So what did His Highness do when Martin's mom told him what she wanted?" Brock asks, trying oh-so hard not to laugh at how he imagines the king will react.

"He thought she was nuts at first." Ash replied. "But Martin's mother calmly explained that he had a lovely daughter, Princess Rebecca,who was of age to give in marriage. She had a son, as clever a boy and as good a son-in-law as he would find in the whole kingdom. The king patiently listened to the old woman's strange request, but every moment his face grew red, and a stern look started to form on his face. But then he thought to himself, 'Is it worth it to be angry with this poor old fool?' All the courtiers and counselors were amazed when they saw the hard lines round his mouth and the grimace on his face disappear as he told the old woman..."

"If your son is as wonderfully clever as you say, and if there is nothing in the world that he cannot do, let him build a magnificent castle, just opposite my palace windows, in one day." Brock explains as the king. "The palace must be joined together by a bridge of pure crystal. On each side of the bridge there must be growing trees, having golden and silver Leppa Berries, and with birds of paradise among the branches. At the right of the bridge there must be a shrine, with five jeweled domes; it is in this shrine your son shall be wedded to my beautiful Rebecca, and we will host the wedding festivities in the new castle. But if he fails to execute this, my royal command, then, as a just but firm monarch, I shall give orders that you and he are taken, tarred, feathered, and then banished from the kingdom, never to return on pain of death."

Ash smiles--no matter how many times Brock has performed the deep and commanding voice in the role of a king, it never gets old to him. "A smile formed on the king's face as he finished speaking, and his courtiers and counselors tried oh-so-hard not to laugh when they thought of the stupid thing the old woman was doing, and started taking bets that the son would fail. The poor woman shook with fear all the way home, and when she saw Martin, she told him everything the king had said, and burst into tears. But Martin assured his mom that everything would be okay."

Pikachu sparks excitedly--soon the magic will come into play! That night, while his mother slept, Martin stepped outside, held the ring to the sky, and sang..." Ash pauses to sing Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... "and twelve heroes of various classes appeared in a flash of red light, and asked what he wanted them to do. Martin told them the king's commands, and they answered that by the next morning, it would all should be accomplished exactly as the king had ordered."

[Wow!] Korra gasps, impressed.

"The next morning, when the king woke up and looked out of his window, he nearly did a double take when he saw a magnificent castle, just opposite his own palace, and joined to it by a bridge of pure crystal." Ash explains, making huge forms in the air as he describes the magnificent castle. At each side of the bridge trees were growing, from whose branches hung golden and silver Leppa Berries, among which birds of paradise perched. At the right, gleaming in the sun, were the five jeweled domes of a beautiful shrine to Arceus, whose bells rang out, as if they would summon people from all corners of the earth to come and marvel the wonder. Now, though the king would much rather have seen Martin tarred, feathered, and burnt at the stake, he remembered his royal promise, and had to make the best of things. He made Martin a duke, and gave Princess Rebecca a rich dowry, and prepared the grandest wedding feast that had ever been seen, so that to this day the people of that kingdom still talk about it."

"But what about Hunter and Serena?" Misty wonders. "Did they have a role in any of this?"

Ash freezes--he didn't think to include the Arcanine and the Persian in the story! "They had an adventure in their own right, which I'll tell you about when I can think up a sequel." he assures Misty.

"I'll be waiting for that sequel." Misty grins as she leads the applause...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 197: The Guardian Beasts (Brock)

(real tale: The Three Dogs)

"Once upon a time, there was a king who went into the world and brought back a beautiful queen." Brock begins. "After they had been married a while, they had a little daughter, which they named Orla, because they thought her more precious than gold."

"That's a pretty name..." Misty smiles.

"There was great rejoicing in the city and throughout the kingdom, and the people wished their king well, since he was kind and just." Brock continues. "While the girl lay in her cradle, a strange-looking woman entered the room, and no one knew who she was or where she came from. She spoke a verse over the child, and said that she must not be allowed outside until she was sixteen years old, or else the mountain troll would take her. When the king heard this, he took her words to heart, and posted guards to watch over Princess Orla so that she would not get outside."

"She and any other siblings will eventually step outside...." Ash is unimpressed--the scenario Brock is describing is common in tales from Johto and Shinou.

"A few years passed, and the king and queen welcomed another little daughter, which they named Ariana, after the silver moonlight that shone in her room the night she was born." Brock continues. "Again, the whole kingdom rejoiced. But the wise woman once more made an appearance, and warned the king not to let Princess Ariana outside until she too was sixteen years old. A few more years went by, and the couple got a third daughter, which they named Christina, for she had striking blue eyes that resembled crystals. This time, too, the wise woman appeared, and repeated what she had already said twice before."

"How did His Highness react to this?" Misty is piqued.

"The king was troubled over what she had said; for he loved his girls more than anything in the world." Brock replies He gave strict orders that the three princesses were to be kept inside at all costs, and that none were to disobey this command.

He pauses for a moment before continuing "Time passed, and the girls grew up and became beautiful young ladies. Then one year, war broke out and the king, their father, had to leave them. While he was away on the battlefield, the three princesses were sitting in the window and looking out, watching the sunshine on the flowers in the royal garden. They wanted to go outside and look at the lovely flowers, and begged their guards to let them go into the garden for a little while."

"See?" Ash grins at Misty as he sees his prediction coming true.

"At first, their guards would not let them, for they feared the king's anger." Brock explains. "But the princesses pleaded so very sweetly that finally they could not deny their pleas and they relented. But no sooner were the princesses outside, than a cloud came suddenly down and carried them away, just as the wise woman had said years before. All attempts to find them were fruitless; though they looked in every direction."

[Did the king try to save them?] Mai asks, concerned.

The whole kingdom mourned and grieved, and the king was devastated when he returned home and learned all that had happened." Brock replies. "Yet what was done was done, and could not be undone. Since the king knew of no other way to help himself, he proclaimed throughout the kingdom that whoever could save his three daughters from the mountain troll would have one of them for his bride, and with her half of the kingdom. When this became known in other lands, many princes and adventurers set out with Ponytas and followers to seek the princesses."

"And then?" Melody asks, her eyes shining with anticipation for a quest.

"At the king's court were two princes who also went forth to see whether fortune would be kind to them." Brock continues. "We'll call them Adam and Douglas. They armed themselves as best they could with coats of mythril mail and costly weapons, and bragged and boasted that they would not return without having done what they set out to do."

He pauses for a moment, then continues "Meanwhile, far out in the wild woods, there was a poor widow who had an only son--we'll call him Taran. He used to drive his mother's Tepigs to pasture every day. As he crossed the fields, he made himself a flute, and amused himself playing it."

He adds as an aside "In fact, he played so sweetly that he warmed the hearts of all those who heard him."

Ash retrieves his own whistle and plays a relaxed melody to signal a scene change. "Now, one day Taran was sitting under a tree playing his flute while his three Tepigs were digging under the pine-roots. A very old man came that way, with the Legend of Thunder, Raikou, at his side." Brock continues, making Ash stop his next song in surprise, as if he is Taran. "When Taran saw Raikou, he thought to himself, 'If someone had one of the Legendary Beasts to keep him company here in the wilderness, he might consider himself lucky.'

He then narrates "The old man noticed Taran's thoughtful look, and told him..."

In a gentle older voice--his favorite voice for wise old men--he tells Ash "That is why I have come, for I want to exchange Raikou for one of your Tepigs."

As himself, he continues "Taran was eager and willing, and easily sealed the deal. He received Raikou, and gave up a Tepig in return. But as the old man left, he said..."

As the old man, he explains "You have reason to be satisfied with our trade, for Raikou is not like other Pokemon. Whatever you tell him to take hold of he will grab, even if it were the grimmest of trolls."

As himself, he continues "Then they parted, and Taran thought that fortune had surely favored him.In the evening he called Raikou..." He pauses to sing ]aruto, iichiida shou... for effect. "and drove his Tepigs home. But when his old mother heard that he had given away a Tepig, she was angry beyond measure, and gave her son a good beating."

"Ow..." Ash winces.

"Taran told her to calm down; but all in vain, the longer it lasted the more furious she became." Brock intones. "Then, since he did not know what else to do, he sang for Raikou..." He sings Karuto, iiciida shou... again.

Everyone is on the edge of their seats to know the mother's fate. "At that second, Raikou ran up, grabbed the old mother and held her so tightly that she could not move, but not so tight that it hurt her." Brock explains. "She had to promise her son to make the best of the matter, and then they made up. The next day Taran went to the forest again, with Raikou and the two Tepigs. After finding his favorite tree, he sat down and played his flute as he always did."

Ash starts another reel for effect. "Raikou danced to his playing with such skill that it was nothing short of a miracle." Brock narrates over the whistle.

When Ash finishes, Brock goes on "As he was sitting there, the old man came out of the wood again, and with him was Entei, guardian of flames. Taran wasted no time trading a Tepig for the Beast, but before the old man left he added,..."

As the old man, he explains "You have reason to be well satisfied with your trade, for Entei is not like other Pokemon. If you give him something to attack, he will tear it to pieces, even if it were the grimmest of trolls."

He then intones "Then they parted. Taran was happy that he had made a good deal; although he knew that his old mother would not be happy about it. When evening came, and Taran went home, his old mother was no less angry than she had been before. But this time she did not dare beat her son, because she was afraid of Raikou and Entei."

He adds as an aside "Yet when someone has scolded for long enough, they usually stop by their own choice, and that is what happened here. Taran and his mother made peace with each other; though the mother thought to herself that the damage done could not well be repaired.

On the third day Taran went into the wood again with his last Tepig, Raikou, and Entei. He felt very happy, seated himself on a tree-stump and played his flute as usual. And the Beasts danced to his playing with such skill that it was a pleasure to watch them."

Ash plays a waltz-like tune for effect. "As Taran was sitting there in peace and quiet, the old man again came out of the forest. This time he had Suicune, the guardian of the north wind, with him." Brock continues. "When Taran saw the handsome Pokemon, he was very willing, and agreed to close the deal. He received Suicune and gave up his last Tepig in return. Then the old man went his way. Yet before he left, he said..."

As the old man again, Brock explains "You will be satisfied with your exchange, for Suicune is not like other Pokemon. His hearing is so keen that he hears everything that happens, though it may be happening thousands of miles away. He even hears the grass and the trees grow."

As himself, he continues "Then they went their separate ways. Taran was happy that now he did not have to fear much in the world, except maybe running short of food for the Beasts."

Nervous giggles go up at this. When evening came on and Taran went home, his mother was very sad to think that her son had sold all they had. But Taran told her to cheer up, since he would see to it that they did not suffer. When he spoke to her in such a cheerful manner, she grew happy again, and decided that maybe her son knew what he was doing."

[And then?] Korra asks.

"The next day, Taran went hunting with the Beasts, and came back with more than enough meat to feed him, his mother, and the Beasts, and still have plenty left over." Brock goes on. "He continued to go hunting for some time, until his old mother's storeroom was well provided with meat and all sorts of good things. Then he told his mother goodbye, called the Beasts, and said he was going to go out into the world and seek his fortune."

"What adventures awaited him?" Misty asks, he eyes sparkling with anticipation of a quest.

"He traveled over mountains and winding roads, and came into a deep forest, where he met the old man again." Brock replies.

Ash decides to role play the next scene with Brock. "Good day, grandfather, and thanks for everything!" he smiles as Taran.

"Good day to you, and where might you be bound?" Brock asks in character as the old man.

"I am wandering out into the world to see what fortune has in store for me." Ash replies as Taran.

"Keep right on going till you come to the royal castle, and there your fortune will take a turn." Brock replies as the old man.

Misty and the Pokemon applaud at the role play. "And with that, they parted." Brock continues as himself. Taran followed the old man's advice and continued on straight ahead. Whenever he came to a tavern, he played his flute and let the Beasts dance, and was never without room and board and anything else he might want."

Ash plays the tune "The Silver Sword" on his Eb whistle to signal a scene change. "After he had wandered long and far, he came to a great city, where the streets were filled with people." Brock continues. "Taran was wondering just what the old man meant, until he heard a herald proclaim that whoever could deliver the three princesses would receive one of them and half the kingdom too."

"I was wondering when we'd see the princesses again..." Misty smiles.

"The lightbulb went off in Taran's head--now he knew what the old man had meant!" Brock grins. "He called the Beasts to him and went to the king's castle. But there had been grief and mourning since the day the king's daughters had disappeared. The king and queen were the most sorrowful of them all. Taran went to the guard, and asked him whether he might play and show the Beasts before the king. The courtiers were willing, for they hoped it might make him feel more cheerful. So he was admitted and allowed to perform. When the king heard him play, and had seen the skilful dancing of the three Beasts, he grew quite happy, and none had seen him as happy during all the time that had passed since he had lost his daughters."

Misty leads the clapping as Ash plays a set of tunes for effect. "When the show was over, the king asked Taran what he asked as a reward for having given him such a delightful performance." Brock continues.

"I did not come to you to win gold and jewels." Ash explains as Taran, fingering his D whistle all the while. "But I have another request to make: that you allow me to set out and search for your three daughters."

"You need not even think of delivering my daughters." Brock gasps in character as the king. "It is no child's play, and many others have already attempted it in vain. Yet should it really come to pass that you deliver one of the princesses, you may be sure that I will not break my word."

As himself, Brock goes on "So Taran took leave of the king and set out. He decided to take no rest until he had found what he sought. He passed through many kingdoms without meeting with any notable adventures, and the Beasts followed him every step of the way. Suicune ran on ahead and listened for anything worth hearing to be heard around them; Raikou carried his master's bag, and Entei carried his master when he got tired of walking."

"Ha pini?" Happini asks.

"I'm almost to that part, sweetie." Brock assures Happini before continuing "One day, Suicune came running up to Taran, and told his master that he had gone to a high mountain, and had heard Princess Orla, who sat within it and spun, and that the troll was not home. This greatly pleased Taran, and he hurried toward the mountain together with the Beasts. When they got there, Suicune said..."

In a deeper version of a young man's voice, Brock intones "There is no time to lose. The troll is only ten miles away, and I can already hear the golden horseshoes of his steed ringing on the stones."

As himself, he continues "Taran ordered the Beasts to break down the door into the mountain, and they did. As he stepped inside, he saw a lovely maiden sitting in the mountain hall, winding a golden thread on a golden spindle. Taran went up and said hi to the lovely girl."

"Who are you that dare to venture into the giant's hall?" Misty gasps as Princess Orla. "During all the time I have been sitting here in the mountain I have never seen another human being..hurry before the troll returns, or else he will kill you!"

"Taran was not afraid, and said that he would wait for the giant." Brock continues. "While they were talking together, the troll came riding along on his mighty Rapidash shod with gold. When he saw the gate standing open, he grew furiously angry and demanded to know who had broken down the door."

"I did, and now I shall break you too!" Ash announces as Taran as he triumphantly poses with a stick for a sword.

"He then sang the three songs of power that summoned the three Beasts...." Brock narrates.

Karuto, ichiida shou.... Ash sings as Taran as he turns his cap back. Then he sings Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Then he sings Furiya, shuru shamato...

"No sooner had he sang all three songs did the Beasts rush up, fall on the giant and tear him to a gazillion pieces." Brock goes on. "Princess Orla was happy beyond measure, and gave Taran a grateful kiss on the cheek."

Misty blows a kiss for effect. "But he did not wish to stay there any longer-- he saddled the majestic Rapidash, loaded it with all the treasure he found in the mountain, and departed with Princess Orla in tow." Brock continues. "They eventually located where Princess Ariana was being held, and saved her too. But when they came to where Princess Christina was being held, the giant that held Princess Christina knew what had happened to his cohortss. He decided to try and trick Taran, as he did not dare to venture on open battle. So he made many fine speeches and was very friendly with Taran. Then he told Princess Christina to prepare a meal in order to show his guest all hospitality."

He then cautions "Taran was flattered by the smooth words and forgot to be on his guard. He sat down to the table with the giant. But out of view, Princess Christina cried for him and the Beasts were very restless."

"Uh oh..." Misty swallows hard at Taran's fate.

"When the giant and his guest had finished their meal, Taran asked for a drink." Brock goes on. "The giant told Taran that there was a spring with the clearest water near the cave, but he didn't know exactly where it was. Taran offered to send one of the Beasts looking for it, and the giant loved the idea--with the Beasts distracted by a fool's errand, he could easily kill Taran and avenge his comrades!"

"So THAT's his little game, is it?" Misty smirks.

"Taran told Raikou to travel to the spring, and the giant handed him a huge barrel to carry the water." Brock continues. "So Raikou went; albeit very reluctantly. After a few days, Taran got worried and told Entei to go and see why Raikou had not yet come. Entei was reluctant to leave his master, but went anyway, even though he knew Taran was about to fall for a deadly trap hook, line, and sinker--that was why Princess Christina cried for many nights on end."

"Did he ever figure out it was a trap?" Melody worries

"A few more days passed with no water or Beasts to be had." Brock intones. "When Taran sent Suicune to find Raikou and Entei, he too fell into the same trap--a magical barrier they seemingly could not escape from."

"Oh no!" Ash gasps.

"Key word here is seemingly." Misty assures Ash, which calms him a little.

With the three Beasts gone, the giant saw his chance to kill Taran." Brock continues. "Naturally, Taran was frightened, and he regretted he had allowed the Beasts to leave him."

"I do not ask for my life, since one day I will be called home to the heavens." Ash explains as Taran before readying the D whistle to play. "But I would like to play a tune on my flute, as my final request."

"The giant granted Taran's last request, but told him not to take too long." Brock continues. "So Taran knelt down and began to play his flute till it echoed over hill and over dale."

Ash plays the Zelda whistle theme for effect. "At that second the magic wall was broken and the Beasts were freed." Brock narrates. "They came rushing like a powerful storm and fell on the giant, directed by three songs of power!"

[i]Karuto, ichiida shou...</i> Ash sings Raikou's "summon" as he turns his cap back again. Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Furiya, shuru shamato....

"The Beasts flung themselves on the giant and tore him into a gazillion pieces." Brock continues. "Taran took all the treasures that lay in the mountain, hitched the giant's Ponytas to a gilded wagon, and drove off as fast as he could.

When the king's daughters reunited, there was great joy, as you can imagine, and all three of them thanked Taran for delivering them from the mountain monsters. Taran fell deeply in love with Princess Christina, and they promised to be true to each other. The three princesses and Taran returned to a hero's welcome, and Taran served them with all honor and courtesy, and each of them tied their favorite ring to his belt in remembrance of his brave deed."

He concludes. "Taran went on many more adventures with the Beasts, but that is another story for another day!"

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 198: The Flying Door (Misty)

(real tale: "Folktales from Japan" episode 84, story 3)


"In a certain village lived a couple that made their keep in the fields." Misty begins. "The woman, however, believed the front door had magical power, as no matter how much rain, wind, heat, and snow had battered the house, it still held firm. Whatever money they earned, was going towards that time when they could not work anymore."

"Makes sense..." Brock muses.

"They did not earn much for a daily wage, but as the years had passed, their meager pay had grown into quite a lot of money." Misty continues. "The man was so adamant about not spending any of it, his shouting about it caught the attention of some bandits."

"Uh oh..." Ash swallows hard at this...

"The next morning, the bandits returned to the house, and crashed through the door while the couple were away." Misty goes on, to some nervous giggles. "The woman heard the noise, and would have called the magistrate had the bandits not convinced her they were a pair of poor travelers."

"Warning, warning, mistake in progress." Brock cautions before mimicing a siren. "Repeating, this is a mistake in progress."

Misty stifles a giggle at Brock's amazingly accurate impression of a security alarm. "Just before the bandits begin their search for the money, the woman caught onto their plot, but the bandits tried to convince her they are from the future, in hopes she would give some money to them. The woman fell for their ruse hook, line and sinker."

"Make that two mistakes in progress." Ash whispers to Brock, who grins.

"That night, as the couple pondered how to get the money back, the door offered to catch the bandits." Misty continues.

Then a thought occurs to her as Ash is about to say something. "I don't know how the door spoke, so don't ask."

Ash forgets about his question as Misty goes on. "The couple agreed, and they began their search the next day. They looked all day, and as night fell, a storm blew up, so the door took them up into a tree. When the bandits approached seeking shelter for the night, the door flew at them, tripping them up and making them drop the money as they fled."

Everyone laughs at this. "The confusion causes the door to break, but they agree to use a little of the money to fix the door, in return for it helping them." Misty concludes. "Needless to say, bandits did not bother them again!"

"I can see why!" Ash grins as he applauds.