A Threesome's Tales

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 90: The Mage's Adopted Daughter (Brock)

(real tale: Mogarzea and his Son)

"There was once a little girl who was left to the care of a guardian after her parents died from a terrible disease." Brock begins. "But the guardian they chose turned out to be a wicked man, and spent all the money on himself."

"That's not nice!" Ash gasps, appalled someone would so brazenly spend another person's money."

"The girl--we'll call her Melanie--decided she would go out into the world and seek her own fortune." Brock continues. "So she set off, and walked for a long time. When evening came, she was very tired, and did not know where to sleep. She climbed a hill and looked around in hopes she could see any light that meant a town was nearby. At first, all seemed dark, but the she noticed a tiny spark way off in the distance."

"So what was it?" Melody wonders.

"It was almost midnight by the time she reached the spark, which turned out to be a huge roaring fire." Brock replies. "A mage was sleeping there, and from Melanie's perspective, he was so tall he might have been a giant."

"What did Melanie do?" Misty asks.

"She hesitated for a moment, then crept close up to the mage, and lay down at his feet." Brock assures Misty. "When the mage--we'll call him Arawn--woke up the next morning, he was surprised to find Melanie nestling up close to him.

He intones in one of his go-to "wizard" voices "Where did you come from, little one?"

"I am your daughter, who came to you in the night." Melody replies as Melanie.

As himself, Brock goes on "Arawn bought that answer, and told Melanie..." As Arawn again, he continues "All I ask is that you take care of my Mareeps, and I will give you food and shelter in return. But be careful that you never cross the border of this land, or you will regret it."

Ash swallows hard at this. "He pointed out where the border of his land lay, and Melanie began earning her keep that morning." Brock continues as himself. "Melanie led her flocks out to the richest meadows and stayed with them until evening, when she brought them back. When the Mareeps were all safely back in the pen, they both sat down to dinner, where they talked of many things. One night, while they were eating dinner, Melanie asked her adopted father why he always seemed so sad. Arawn told her..."

As Arawn, he begins "I once served as the royal wizard to a great king. I was on my way to Lake Verity, which lies not far from here, to marry Mesprit, the pixie Pokemon who calls the lake her home. But on the road, three spirits in service to Darkrai attacked me and robbed me of my soul. Ever since then, I have stayed in this spot watching my Mareeps without wishing for anything different, without having felt one moment's joy, or ever once being able to laugh. These spirits are so ill-natured that if anyone sets one foot on their land, they are instantly punished. That is why I warn you to be careful, lest you should share my fate."

"Aw...." Misty brushes away a tear.

[How terrible...] Mai agrees.

"Melanie promised she would be careful on her quest as they went to bed." Brock continues as himself. "The next morning, Melanie got up and led the Mareep out to feed, mindful that she did not cross into the grassy meadows belonging to the evil spirits, but let his flock pick up what pasture they could on Arawn's land. Three days passed, and on the third day, she was sitting under the shadow of a tree, playing on a flute her adopted father had made for her."

Ash grabs one of his whistles as Brock interjects "There was nobody in the land who could play a flute better than her." Ash then plays "The Meowth's Call" for effect.

When the applause dies down, Brock goes on. "Suddenly one of the Mareeps strayed across the fence into the flowery fields of the spirits, and another and another followed it. But Melanie was so absorbed in her song that she didn't notice anything wrong till half the flock was on the other side." Ash plays "The Meowth's Call" again for effect.

Brock continues over the song "She jumped up, still playing her flute all the while, and went after the Mareep, meaning to drive them back to their own side of the border, when suddenly she saw before her three handsome boys who stopped in front of her, and began to dance. Melanie understood what she had to do, and played with all her might."

Korra meanwhile, is more interested in the whistle than the story. [Wow! What a hot beat!]

Melody giggles. "I guess we know why that tune's called 'The Meowth's Call'"...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 91: Ninetales and the Tynamo Necklace (Misty)

(real tale: Reynard and the Necklace of Eels)

"One cold winter's day, Ninetales lay shivering in her den." Misty begins. "Her beloved constantly begged for her to find food, and her four little Vulpixes cried that they were hungry."

"How awful..." Ash sighs.

"I would have a heart and feed those little ones." Brock agrees.

"Ninetales shook her head. This was a terrible inconvenience. Starvation would never do. In fact, their starvation and tears inspired her courage." Misty notes. "That is why, as cold as it was and with a brisk wind blowing, Ninetales made her way out of the warmth of the den in search of food. She crept toward the village, being extra careful not to alert the townsfolk or their Pokemon to her presence. But then she noticed she was leaving footprints in the snow. She carefully looked this way and that, making sure there were no hunters or trainers nearby." Nervous giggles go up as Misty looks around the tent, as if looking for intruders herself.

Once all is quiet, she goes on. "She made her way down to the river, hoping she might find a Pidgey or a Ducklett or two. But the hunters and the trainers had been there before her--there wasn't a Ducklett or Pidgey in sight!"

"So what did she do?" Melody asks.

"Suddenly, she smelled something good on that wild winter wind." Misty replies. "So she turned and dashed toward that smell. Before long, she reached the road, and there ahe saw it -- the source of that wonderful aroma."

"What was it?" Ash asks, his mouth watering in anticipation.

"Two fishermen were driving a cart full of baskets." Misty replies. "Ninetales had to smile--'of course, fish are plentiful in wind like this!' she thought. In that cart she saw baskets brimming with fish of every sort, fish from the seas and fish from the rivers--there were Magikarp and Goldeen, Seaking and Basculin, Finneon and Tynamos!"

She stops to interject "Needless to say, Ninetales' mouth watered at the sight.", stifling a giggle at the dreamy look on Ash's face as he pictures the fish.

"Forget Ninetales drooling, Ash is too!" Brock notes.

"But unlike Ash, Ninetales had to figure out a way to trick those fishermen." Misty cautions. "So she stopped and thought a moment. But tricks are second nature to Ninetales too, so it took her only a moment before she knew just what to do. She ran along the edge of the road, taking care to hide herself behind snowy hedges until she was far ahead of the cart. Then she ran to the middle of the road and lay down very still as if dead."

"Did it work?" Brock asks, stifling a giggle of anticipation.

"Sure enough, when the cart reached her, it pulled to a stop." Misty explains. "One of the fishermen thought there was a dead Growlithe in the road, and the other thought it was a Mightyena. But rather than fight over who was correct, they decided to step down from their cart and walk over to where Ninetales lay. "They oohed and ahhed over Ninetales' beautiful gold fur, and the pretty credit it would bring. They agreed to take what they thought was a dead Ninetales to the village, sell it, and split the money."

"Warning, mistake in progress!" Brock announces, making everyone laugh.

Misty is unfazed. "So they carefully put Ninetales in the back of their cart and set off on their way. Little did they know Ninetales was very much alive, and surrounded by all those fine fish."

"Repeating, this is a mistake in progress!" Brock cautions, as if the fishermen in Misty's tale can hear him.

"Ninetales leaned over and began to nibble at the Seaking in one of the baskets, and once she began, she could not stop herself." Misty goes on. "She ate and ate until she was full -- bones and all!"

"I bet she didn't need to eat for a week afterwards!" Ash muses.

"Before long, that basket was empty, but she knew she had to bring some food home for her family." Misty explains "So she reached into the basket of Tynamos and saw there were a dozen or more strung altogether, gill to gill, forming what looked to be a necklace made of Tynamos."

Ash's dreamy look turns to a disgusted grimace. "What girl would want to wear THAT?"

"No sane girl." Brock replies.

"Nintales pushed her paw through the wire loop, so the eels hung like a necklace around her neck, then leapt from the cart." Misty continues. "Just then, the fishermen turned around, and they saw that wily Ninetales wearing the Tynamo necklace. They stopped their cart and leapt down to chase her."

[Go, Ninetales, go!] a Meowth cheers.

"Though the fishermen were pretty fast runners, Ninetales was faster, even wearing the heavy 'necklace'." Misty went on. "Just when it seemed the fishermen would catch her, she rounded a corner and dove into her den, safe and sound."

Cheers go up as Misty concludes "Her husband and children began to cheer when they saw what she'd brought. They skinned the Tynamos, and lit the fire, and soon they were delighting in a wonderful meal. Ninetales, as usual, was congratulating herself on her quick wit and wiles!"

"And I thought Sorin was bad..." Melody giggles as she applauds. "Ninetales is even worse!"

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 92: The Magic Book (Ash)

(real tale: The Magic Book)


"There was once a couple who had a son they loved very much--we'll call him Martin." Ash begins. "Ever since he was little, he had been told that when he came of age, he must go out into the world and seek his fortune. So the morning after his sixteenth birthday, he set off to seek his fortune with nothing but the clothes on his back."

"So what adventures did Martin get into?" Melody wonders

For a while, he enjoyed the long walk down the winding path." Ash explains. "Every now and then, he would stop to drink from some clear spring or pick some ripe Berries from a tree. The Pokemon of the wood would look at him from beneath the bushes, and he would smile and wish them good morning."

"Aw..." Misty pictures the tranquil scene.

"After he had been walking for some time, Martin met an old man on the road." Ash goes on. "When the old man asked Martin where he was going, Martin replied he was off to seek his fortune. "The old man offered Martin a chance to serve him, with Martin being paid 2000 gold pieces a year for his service. Martin agreed to enter the old man's service, and they set out together. On the way, they crossed a deep valley and came to a mountain, where the man opened a trapdoor, and bidding Martin follow him, he crept in and began to go down a long flight of steps. When they got to the bottom, Martin saw a large number of rooms lit by many lamps and full of beautiful things."

"Wow..." Melody gasps. Happini sighs dreamily as she pictures the scene and the treasures in the room.

"While Martin was looking around, the old man instructed him to keep the rooms clean, and spread sand on the floor every day." Ash goes on. "In Martin's room was a table where there was always food and drink, and his bed, which was fit for a king, stood in a corner. There were all kinds of clothes hanging on the wall, too. But he was warned not to open a certain locked door, or else."

"Or else what?" Misty challenges.

"Patience--we'll find out what 'or else' is soon enough." Brock assures Misty.

"A few months went by, and Martin proved himself a reliable and hard worker." Ash continues. "One day, the old man had to leave on a very long journey, so after saying his goodbyes, Martin sat down to a good meal, and then went to bed. But he couldn't get to sleep, so he got up and went into all the rooms."

[What did he find?] Mai is interested.

"He found a great many treasures, but even though he still did his required work every day, he couldn't stop thinking about what was behind the locked door." Ash explains. "Then one day he decided he would go and see for himself."

Misty swallows hard at this. "Martin crept inside, and the first thing he saw was a heap of bones." Ash continues. "He thought about just leaving the room, when he spotted a shelf of books. Martin loved to read, so he took one of the books from the shelf. It was a spell book, filled with spells of transformation into anything in the world simply by singing a song. So he put it in his pocket, and ran quickly away out of the mountain by a little door which had been left open in the side."

"So what did Martin turn into first?" Brock is interested.

"When he got home, his parents asked him what he had been doing and where he had got the fine clothes he wore." Ash replies. "Martin tried to explain that he earned them himself, but his dad didn't believe him. As Martin left, he told his parents that they would see a great Arcanine at the door. They were to take it to the castle and sell it to the king, and he would give them a thousand gold pieces for it."

[Did it work?] a Meowth asks

"Sure enough, the next day, everything happened as Martin had said." Ash replies. "Martin's dad sold the Arcanine to the king for a thousand gold pieces, which they put away for safekeeping. The next day Martin came by again; Although everything had turned out as he had foretold, he found that his dad still didn't believe him. So he told his parents that the next morning. there would come a great fat Miltank, as big as the house." Everyone gasps as Ash makes a big form in the air to illustrate his point. "They were to take it to the king, where he would pay a thousand gold pieces for it." The next day, everything happened as Martin had said--they took the huge Miltank to the palace, where the king was stunned at the size of the Miltank. He gladly paid a thousand gold pieces for it, which went into safekeeping."

"Pini pi?" Happini asks.

"Martin came over again a few days later, but his dad STILL didn't believe him." Ash explains, much to Pikachu's chagrin. "Martin said that the next day, they would find a Ponyta outside by the gate. They were to ride it to market and..."

"They would get a thousand gold pieces for it." Misty, Brock, Melody, and the Pokemon say along with Ash.

Ash grins, pleased his friends have caught on to the refrain. "And then what happened the next day?" he prompts.

"Everything happened as Martin had said." everyone replies.

[What about the book from before?] Korra wonders.

"I'm getting to that." Ash assures Korra before going on. "Martin's parents built themselves a huge ranch, and never had to worry about food or money again. They didn't know that Martin really was all those Pokemon."

The lightbulb goes off in Brock's head. "For a minute there, I thought you were going on a really long tangent..."

"Some time later, Martin learned the king was seeking a husband for the princess." Ash goes on. "So Martin snuck into the royal gardens, and transformed himself into a beautiful emerald ring." He pauses to sing Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... for effect. The princess--we'll call her Liana--found the ring and eagerly showed her father, the king."

"But as soon as she was alone, to her amazement, the ring suddenly left her finger and became a boy. Liana was scared out of her wits at first, but when she heard a male voice singing Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... and looked again, the boy became a ring again. Then she heard the song again..." Ash sings Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... again. "and then turned back to a boy. This went on for some time until Liana began to get used to these sudden changes."

"Pini Hapi?" Happini asks.

"Martin told Princess Liana he was sorry for scaring her, but he had actually sought shelter in the palace because the old mage from before was trying to kill him." Ash continues. "Princess Liana agreed to protect Martin, and it wasn't long before they fell in love."

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

"The king, meanwhile, didn't like the idea of Princess Liana marrying a commoner." Ash cautions. "So when he found Martin and Liana together one day, he ordered both of them thrown in the dungeon."

[That's not nice!] a Meowth gasps, appalled

"A week or two went by, but when the king went down in the dungeon to check on them, he could hardly believe his eyes when he found that Princess Liana nor Martin were not there. Instead, there was a large hole in their cell, big enough for two people to pass through."

"How did they get out?" Melody asks.

"Here's how they got out..." Ash explains as he grabs a sketchpad and draws a crude dungeon map, complete with stick figure drawings of Princess Liana and Martin in one cell. "They had fallen down that hole..." Ash draws a dotted line under the cell with the stick figures. "into a portal..." He then draws a crude fantasy portal and draws the dotted line through it. "...which led into a castle built of pure gold at the other side of the world." He then draws a castle with a yellow marker, then draws the Princess Liana and Martin figures with the black marker he used before. "But the king had no idea about any of this." The group giggles as Ash draws a confused king stick figure at the entrance to the cell. "And so Martin and Princess Liana lived in the golden castle for many years." he concludes, drawing a red heart over the Martin and Princess Liana figures as the group applauds...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 93: The Legend of the Twin Flutes (Brock)


"There was once a couple in a far away land who had a son they loved very much--we'll call him Mana." Brock begins. "One year, when Mana was about three or four years old, his mother died from a terrible disease. His father grieved for a while, but eventually married again--and Mana's new stepmother had a son of her own."

"Uh oh..." Ash notes.

"Bad sign...and the classic setup for many variants of 'Cinderella'" Misty notes.

"The stepmother's son ate like a king most nights with the choicest meats, cheese, and Berries." Brock continues. "Mana, meanwhile, was often stuck with the leftovers from the previous night, when it would be cold and hard as a rock. But Mana didn't despair--he had a team of Pokemon for company, and they would share what meat and Berries they found with their master."

"What Pokemon were they?" Ash asks.

Brock freezes for a moment--in every version of this tale he has heard, the Pokemons' species are never explicitly mentioned. "The leader was a Pikachu, and the others were an Espeon, a Vulpix, a Squirtle, a Pidgeotto, and a Bulbasaur."

"That works." Misty smiles, pleased with the Pokemon Brock chose.

"Eventually Mana's stepmother grew jealous of him, as he was growing big and strong, and her own son was not. She contemplated many ways to get rid of Mana, even entertaining thoughts of killing him."

Korra brandishes her claws for a moment, as if wanting to protect Mana. "So one day, she faked sick in her room." Brock goes on. "When her husband asked what was wrong, she told him that only the blood of Mana would heal her."

Gasps go up from the Meowths, but Brock reassures them "The man couldn't bring himself to kill his own son--he knew well the strong bond he had with his Pokemon, and how they would attack him if he tried to hurt Mana. So he took his sword, and killed a Taillow instead. Thankfully, the stepmother appeared to be none the wiser."

"And then?" Melody asks as the Meowths and Mai heave a collective sigh of relief.

"The man knew that it was only a matter of time before the stepmother figured out his ruse, and so he sent Mana away in hopes he could start a new life somewhere." Brock continues. "The day before Mana left, his Pikachu--we'll call him Inazuma--gave Mana a pair of flutes, one of them gold, and the other one silver."

Ash reaches for his whistle at the mention of a flute. "Inazuma explained that the silver flute was Kanashifue. or "the sad flute". If Mana played Kanashifue, the Pokemon would know he was in need or in danger, and they would come help. The gold flute was Shiawasefue, or "the happy flute". If Mana played Shiawasefue, the Pokemon would know Mana was safe and happy."

"So, what happened to Mana?" Melody asks.

"Mana traveled a long way, using the twin flutes to obtain whatever he needed." Brock explains. "After a long journey--which is a story in itself--he settled down in an eastern kingdom. For many nights, he would play Shiawasefue to the wind, and his Pokemon would know he was well."

Ash plays the jig 'Pikachu Went-a-Walkin'" to simulate the passage of time. "One day, the princess of the land was out walking, when she heard Shiawasefue echoing on the wind." Brock continues, prompting Ash to switch to "Ah, Roshin". "Since she was a good ways off, she couldn't see Mana from the road. So for many days, she wondered who was playing the beautiful melodies she heard echoing from the fields every day."

"Did her father the king notice?" Melody asks over the song.

"He noticed the princess--we'll call her Junko--wasn't eating or sleeping, and asked what was wrong." Brock replies. "Princess Junko told her father that she longed to see the one playing the flute she heard from the road every day. She went on to request that if the performer was male, she wished to have his hand in marriage."

"Aw..." Misty smiles as Ash finishes "Ah, Roshin"

"Mana, meanwhile, was so lost in playing Shiawasefue he didn't notice that a thief had taken Kanashifue so now he only had one flute to play on." Brock cautions. "When he saw Princess Junko, they fell madly in love, and were married soon after. But after a few months of royal life, Mana longed to see his Pokemon again, but he didn't have Kanashifue. Playing Shiawasefue wouldn't work either. Eventually, Inazuma and the other Pokemon were so worried about their master, they set out to find Mana."

[Did they find him?] a Meowth asks.

"They didn't know where Mana had gone, so they wandered all over the land trying to find him." Brock explains. "Eventually, they all fainted with exhaustion not far from the spot Mana played Shiawasefue from." Brock replies. "Mana found them that evening, and thinking they had died, fell to his knees and pleaded with the Great Lord Arceus to revive them."

"And then?" Melody sniffles as she fights back tears.

"Arceus heard Mana's plea, and revived all six Pokemon, plus gave him a new copy of Kanashifue. Brock assures Melody. "Mana was overjoyed, and lead them to the palace, where he introduced them to Princess Junko. Mana's Pokemon were treated like kings and queens themselves, and when the time came for Mana and Princess Junko to inherit the throne, they served as their most trusted advisors."

Melody brushes away a happy tear. "I love happy endings...."

(The real tale is a tale from India called "Flute of Joy, Flute of Sorrow", which you can read on Google Books)

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 94: The Greatest Gift of All (Misty)

(real tale: The Spectacular Gift)

"Once upon a time, a king had three handsome and clever sons." Misty begins. "We'll call them Aidan, Irvine, and Rigel. They loved their father, and they loved each other, but when they came of age, all three brothers fell in love with the same young lady, a princess from a neighboring village--we'll call her Ariana."

"That is weird..." Ash muses.

"Ariana's a pretty name, though." Brock adds.

The three princes decided to visit Princess Ariana's father and ask him to choose the one he liked best." Misty explains. "So whoever the king chose would marry Princess Ariana."

[That seems fair enough.] Mai smiles.

"So Prince Aidan bowed low to the king and said..." Misty narrates.

Brock fills in Prince Aidan's dialogue. "Sir, I wish to marry your delicate daughter, Princess Ariana."

"Then Prince Irvine bowed lower and said..." Misty then adds in her best mimic of a male voice "Good king, I too wish to marry Princess Ariana. I promise I will be a fine husband."

As herself, she goes on. "Finally, Prince Rigel bowed lower still and said softly..."

Ash then fills in Prince Rigel's dialogue. "Dear king, I love Princess Ariana with all my heart, and if you give me your permission to marry her, you will make me the happiest man in all the world."

Misty smiles. "Have you two heard this one before?"

"Brock knows a variant with a twist ending." Ash explains.

"But I'll tell you the twist in my version once we finish the straight version." Brock assures the group.

"Fair enough." Misty thinks a moment before continuing. "The king looked at all three lads and saw that each was brave, truthful, and unselfish. He didn't want to favor one over the other, and so he devised a contest--whichever of them brought the most spectacular gift would have Princess Ariana's hand in marriage."

"Come to think of it, I may have heard Brock tell the version with the twist before." Melody muses.

"I know a few straight variants too." Brock assures Melody. "But I tell the version with the twist more because audiences love the big reveal I do for the twist."

He notices Misty giving him an angry look. "Okay, I'm done rambling now." he stammers.

"Anyway, the princes set off into the world to search for a spectacular gift for the king." Misty goes on. "They traveled together for a while until they came to a fork in the road, where they each went a different way. Prince Aidan went into the city, for he believed the city held the most spectacular things in the world. He walked along the cobbled streets, looking closely into every shop and stall. He examined exquisite jewels, marvelous music boxes, sets of fine china. Each gift was beautiful, but none was more spectacular than all the rest."

"So what did he find?" Melody wonders.

"He finally came upon a merchant selling rugs and said..." Misty narrates.

"I seek the most spectacular gift in the world." Brock fills in Prince Aidan's dialogue.

"The rug merchant pointed to a thin, worn rug that lay at his feet, saying that was his best item." Misty continues. "Prince Aidan scoffed at it at first..."

"That rag?" Brock balks in character as Prince Aidan. "It is nothing, and certainly it is not spectacular."

"The merchant smiled, and told Prince Aidan that if he stepped on that rug, it would take him anywhere in the world in the blink of an eye." Misty goes on. "Prince Aidan liked the sound of that, and paid every coin he had for the rug."

[A magic carpet!] Korra gasps, starry eyed.

"Sorry, no musical numbers about whole new worlds here." Brock tells the other Meowths, making [Aw...]s fill the tent.

"Meanwhile, Prince Irvine went to an eastern village for his gift." Misty continues. "When he arrived, he saw a merchant staring into the bright sky with a telescope, and asked him where he would find the most spectacular gift in the world. The merchant told him that if he looked through the telescope, he would see all the wonders of the world. Prince Irvine liked that idea, and gave the merchant all his money, for he was certain he had the most spectacular gift in the world."

[Where did Prince Rigel go?] Mai asks.

"He went into the western countryside, singing a happy song all the while." Misty explains, trying oh-so-hard not to laugh at Ash marching around the tent, scatting the tune "On Our Way". "He believed that the countryside held the world's riches. While walking through the hills, he met a young lady who sat on the side of the road selling Berries."

"Good lady," Ash asks Misty in character is Prince Rigel. "Do you have anything for a hungry lad to eat?"

"The girl looked up, smiled, and handed him a rotten Leppa Berry." Misty proceeds to pantomime doing this to Ash. Everyone laughs as he balks at the imaginary Berry.

"But I'd like a fresh, ripe Leppa Berry." Ash complains in character.

"So the girl searched through her baskets." Misty pauses to dig through her bag for a moment. "At last she found a Leppa Berry that shone like crystal." She gives Ash an actual Leppa Berry for effect. "She told him that that Leppa Berry could heal any illness, and could never be eaten completely. Prince Rigel liked the sound of that, and gave the girl every coin he had. When all three princes had returned home, each showed the others his gift, and each said, 'Now here is the most spectacular gift in the world.'"

"And then?" Melody wonders.

"But when Prince Irvine looked through the telescope, he almost dropped it in fear, he shook so badly." Misty continues. "He had seen Princess Ariana lying in her bed, deathly ill. So all three princes climbed on Prince Aidan's magic carpet, and they were whisked to the palace. They ran to the Princess Ariana's room, and Prince Rigel let her eat some of the healing Berry. A moment later she was perfectly well."

Everyone heaves a sigh of relief. "Each of the princes made their case as to whose gift was the greatest." Misty explains. "If not for Prince Irvine's telescope, they never would have known Princess Ariana was sick. Without Prince Aidan's magic carpet, they would not have arrived in time to save her. And without Prince Rigel's healing Berry, they would not have been able to heal Princess Ariana. So which of the three gifts was the greatest one of all?"

Silence fills the air as everyone contemplates the answer. "The king thought long and hard, and even he didn't know who to choose. Finally, Princess Ariana interjected that she wanted to choose her husband for herself."

"So who did she choose?" Ash asks, halfway expecting a twist in the tale.

"She chose Prince Rigel, since he had been the one to heal her." Misty concludes. "Prince Rigel and Princess Ariana were married, and the two older princes found a princess to love themselves. They all lived happily ever after, never forgetting their gifts."

When the applause dies down, Melody asks Brock "Now, what's the big twist in your version?"

"In that version, the king calls in an old sage to assist in the decision before the princess steps in." Brock explains. "So when the princess makes her choice, she chooses the sage instead of any of the princes, because he allowed her to make her own choice. She then restores the sage's youth to him, and everyone lives happily ever after. But the audience is expecting her to choose one of the princes, which is why they are surprised when I do the big reveal."

"I don't think Brock has told you the twist version before..." Ash muses.

"But I will gladly tell it for you if you ask." Brock assures Melody...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 95: Jack the Giant-slayer (Ash)

real tale: The History of Jack the Giant-killer)


"You all know the story of 'Jack and the Beanstalk', right?" Ash asks.

"Happini loves it just because there's a harp in it..." Brock grins as he takes the harp in hand.

"What you may not know is the Jack in that story was the descendant of another Jack that had a run-in with a giant..." Ash explains.

"By all means, let's hear this original tale!" Misty pleads.

Ash motions for Brock to begin a calm melody. "Once upon a time, during the reign of the famous King Arthur there lived a lad named Jack, who was renowned for his bravery." he begins over the harp. "He loved hearing minstrels tell of conjurers, giants, and fairies; and listened eagerly to the deeds of the knights of the Round Table."

"A legendary human king!" Melody gains starry eyes at this.

"Now there lived on a certain mountain in the east a huge giant, eighteen feet high and nine feet round." Ash continues. Happini's eyes widen as he continues "His fierce and savage looks were the terror of all who beheld him."

"I can see why..." Misty muses as she pictures the giant in her mind.

"The giant's lair was in a gloomy cavern on the top of the mountain, and he would wade over to the mainland in search of prey." Ash continues over the harp's tense song. "He would throw half a dozen Tauros upon his back, and tie three times as many Mareep and Tepigs round his waist, and march back to his own abode."

As the last harp chord fades, Ash interjects "In fact, the giant had done this for many years when Jack took it upon himself to destroy him."

[So how do you hunt something that large?] Mai wonders.

"Jack took a horn, a shovel, a pickaxe, his armor, and a dark lantern, and one winter's evening he went to the mountain." Ash explains. "Once there, he dug a pit twenty-two feet deep and twenty feet across. He covered the top over so as to make it look like solid ground."

"Let's see Team Rocket try digging a pit that deep." Misty whispers to Brock, who chuckles at the thought.

"He then blew his horn so loudly..." Ash continues before Brock mimics a trumpet playing "Reveille" with his voice for effect. "that the giant awoke and came out of his den in a furious rage!"

"Nice vocal trumpet, there..." Misty smiles as the Pokemon howl with laughter at Brock's realistic impression.

"The giant was ranting and raving so much, he tumbled headlong into the pit..." Ash continues, prompting Brock to play a glissando on the harp, making the Pokemon laugh even more. "and Jack struck him a blow on the head with the pickaxe which killed him."

[Well, that's one way to kill a giant...] a Meowth muses.

"Jack then returned home and told everyone the news." Ash continues over a festive song from Brock. "A few months of peace went by, but then evil struck again. Another giant, called Blunderbore, vowed to defeat Jack if ever he should have him in his power. This giant kept an enchanted castle in the midst of a lonely forest. Some time after his first giant killing adventure, Jack was passing through a forest, and being weary, sat down and went to sleep."

[And then?] Korra asks over the harp's tense chord.

"The giant, passing by and seeing Jack, carried him to his castle, where he locked him up in a large room, the floor of which was covered with the bodies, skulls and bones of men and women." Ash replies, making the group shudder. Soon after the giant went to fetch his brother, to feast off his flesh; and Jack saw the two giants coming through the bars of his prison."

"Did he get out?" Melody asks.

"Jack saw in one corner of the room a strong rope--after tying a slipknot at each end, he threw them over their heads, tied it to the window-bars; and then pulled till he had choked them. When they were black in the face he slid down the rope and stabbed them to the heart." Ash continues, complete with a hard chord from Brock to represent Jack's final blow.

"Jack next took the keys from the pocket of Blunderbore, and went into the castle again." Ash continues. "He looked through all the rooms, and in one of them found three ladies tied up by their hair, and almost starved to death. They told him that their husbands had been killed by the giants, who had then condemned them to be starved to death because they would not eat the flesh of their own dead husbands."

"Ew!" Misty winces in disgust.

"Jack told them that he had slain both giants, and the castle and all the riches in it were now theirs." Ash concludes. "He then very politely gave them the keys of the castle, and went further on his journeys, where he met and slew many more giants. But that is another story for another day."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 96: The Dragonite of the North (Brock)

(real tale: The Dragon of the North)

"A long time ago in what is now Kanto, there was a terrible Dragonite who lived in the northern mountains." Brock begins. "He would come out of the north and lay to waste whole swaths of countryside, devouring men, women, children, and Pokemon."

"Oh my..." Melody gasps as she pictures the Dragonite destroying some fantastic city somewhere in Kanto.

"This monster was so destructive that it was feared that unless help came, no living creature would be left on the face of the earth." Brock intones. "In fact, it could fly so fast, it covered half a mile of ground in ten seconds. Fortunately, it usually tended to remain for several years in the same place, and not move on till the whole city was eaten up."

Ash swallows hard as Brock goes on. "Nothing could hunt it, because its whole body was covered with scales harder than even mythril. Its two great eyes shone by night, and even by day, like the sun and the moon. Anyone who had the misfortune to look into those eyes became cursed, and many times ran into the monster's jaws, in spite of themselves. That was how the Dragonite was able to feed upon men, women, children, and Pokemon without having to get up from the spot where it was lying."

[Did anyone even try to defeat it?] Korra shudders at Brock's description.

"All the neighboring kings and queens in the land offered rich rewards to anyone who could destroy the monster, either by sword or by spell." Brock replies. "Many tried their luck, but all had miserably failed."

He addresses his friends. "Having said all of that, I can now properly begin this tale."

With that, he continues "Now, a great forest in which the Dragonite lay once caught on fire--the forest was burnt down, but the fire did not harm the Dragonite in the least. However, there was a legend in the country in which our tale takes place that the Dragonite would be defeated by someone who possessed a magical ring said to have belonged to the first Pokemon Master."

"Magic?" Ash gasps, excited. "Where was this Pokemon Master's ring?"

"That was the problem--no one knew where the ring was hidden, nor were there any mage or wise one who would know where it was, much less unlock its power." Brock replies. "Finally, a brave young man--we'll call him Alex--set out to search for the ring. He set out early in the morning as the sun rose, because he knew that all the wisdom of old time comes from the east. On the way, he met with a famous mage, and asked for his advice in the matter. He was told that the Pokemon of the land, sea, and air would be better guides--and so he stayed with the mage a few days, learning the language of Pokemon."

[What did the Pokemon tell him?] a Meowth asks.

"As Alex left on his journey, the mage told him that if he was lucky enough to find the Pokemon Master's ring, he was one of the very few who could tap into its power." Brock assures the Meowth. "Alex never felt lonely as he walked along; he always had company, because he understood the language of Pokemon. He learned many things which human knowledge could never have taught him. But the days wore on, and he heard nothing about the ring."

"Not even a rumor?" Misty asks.

"Not even a rumor." Brock replies. Misty sighs, but Brock continues "But one evening, when Alex had stopped to rest from all the walking he had done that day, he heard two Taillows chattering in the trees. One of them said that in order to find the Pokemon Master's ring, he would have to seek help from Verene, the Gardevoir that served as one of Arceus' envoys. If she didn't have the ring herself, she would know well enough who did. The other Taillow asked where Verene was. As a Psychic Pokemon, she had no fixed dwelling, but would be one place today and somewhere else tomorrow."

"What did the other Taillow say?" Melody wonders.

"The other Taillow confessed that he didn't know where she was at that time, but in three nights, she would come to the spring to wash her face, as she did every month when the moon was full." Brock replies. "Alex heard all of this, and followed the Taillows to the spring, stopping to rest when they did, and being careful to not lose them in the brush. Three days later, he came to a clear spring in the middle of a clearing. He sat down at the foot of the tree, and listened to what the Taillows were talking about. One Taillow wondered if Verene would see Alex, but the other assured his companion that as a Psychic Pokemon, nothing was likely to escape her eyes, not even a young man."

He pauses for a beat before continuing "The full moon was already shining down upon the forest when Alex heard something rustling in the bush. After a few moments, a white humanoid Pokemon that resembled a maiden came into the clearing. She glided over the grass so lightly that she never touched the ground and approached the spring. Alex could not turn away his eyes from the Pokemon, for he had never in his life seen a woman, much less a Pokemon, so beautiful. Without seeming to notice anything, the Gardevoir went to the spring, looked up to the full moon, then knelt down and bathed her face nine times. Then looked up to the moon again and walked nine times around the spring, and as she walked, she sang a song, which went something like this..."

Melody decides to fill in Verene's song. Full-faced moon with light unshaded, let my beauty ne'er be faded. Never let my cheek grow pale! While the moon is waning nightly, May the maiden bloom more brightly, May her freshness never fail!

Everyone applauds Melody's song. "Thanks, Melody." Brock smiles. "Just as Verene was about to leave, she spotted Alex by the tree. Alex got up and stood waiting, afraid of what Verene would do to him. Then Verene said..." He motions to Melody again.

"You should be harshly punished because you watched my secret doings in the moonlight." Melody fills in Verene's dialogue. "I will forgive you, because you are a stranger and knew no better. But you must tell me who you are and how you came to this place, where no mortal has ever set foot before."

"Forgive me, beautiful Gardevoir, if I have unintentionally offended you." Ash replies as Alex. "I happened to come here after traveling far, and found a good place to sleep under this tree. At your coming I did not know what to do, but stayed where I was, because I thought my silent watching could not offend you."

"Then come and spend this night with me. You will sleep better on a pillow than on damp moss." Melody replies as Verene.

Brock waits for the applause to die down before going on "Alex hesitated for a moment, but the Taillows told him to go with Verene, as she would not harm those she favored. So he went with her, and they came to a beautiful garden, where a splendid castle that glittered in the moonlight stood. When Alex went inside, he found many rooms, each one finer than the last. Hundreds of torches burnt upon golden candlesticks, making it bright enough to be daytime. Then they reached the dining room where a table was spread with the finest of dishes."

Ash licks his lips at the thought of eating the food Brock described. "At the table were two chairs--one was silver, the other gold. Verene sat in the golden chair, and offered the silver one to her companion. They were served by Kirlias that shone like the moon, and both of them ate until they could burst, and talked for hours as they did." Brock goes on. "When dinner had ended, Alex and Verene continued to talk late into the night. When Alex finally felt tired, he was shown into a lavish bedroom, containing a silken bed with down cushions, where he had the best sleep in years."

"What I would give for a bed like that..." Misty smiles dreamily.

"The next morning, Verene asked Alex if he would stay with her forever in the castle." Brock went on. "Alex was surprised, but knew a human could not marry a Pokemon, and vice versa. "He told her..."

"Do not be angry, dear lady, if I do not decide immediately on this important matter." Ash fills in Alex's dialogue. "Give me a few days to consider before we come to an understanding."

"Very well." Melody answers as Verene. "Take some time to consider if you like, I will understand regardless of your choice."

"Verene showed Alex every part of her beautiful castle, and showed him all her splendid treasures, many of them gifts from Arceus." Brock continues. "One day, Verene took Alex into a secret chamber, where a little gold box was standing on a silver table. Pointing to the box, she said..."

"Here is my greatest treasure, whose like is not to be found in the mortal world--a precious gold ring." Melody fills in the dialogue as Verene.

"Oh? What's so remarkable about it?" Ash asks as Alex.

"Very few mortals are able to understand the power of this ring, because very few thoroughly understand the power within." Melody explains as Verene. "But even with my limited knowledge of the divine, I can work great wonders. For example, if I put the ring on, and sing Karuto, iichiida shou... then I can teleport to wherever I wish to go. If I put it on and sing Rou iitsa ron selga vichii... I can see everything that passes around me, though no one can see me. If I put the ring on and sing Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul, then neither spell, nor arrow, nor sword can hurt me, and I can attack with all matter of spells as well. If I put on and sing Imultao, ame no ga bakeno..., then I can produce whatever I wish. Besides these, the ring has other secret spellsongs, whose powers a mortal can only barely understand and use. It is said this ring belonged to one humans call a Pokemon Master in ancient times, when mortals could learn and use magic. It is not known whether this ring was ever made by mortal hands--for all I know, the Great Lord could have made it."

"When Alex heard all of this, he silently vowed to try and get possession of the ring, though he did not quite believe in all its magic power." Brock continues. "A few days later, they were again speaking of the magic ring, and Alex said..."

"I do not think it possible that the ring can have all the power you say it has." Ash begins as Alex.

"Then Verene opened the box and took the ring out. She put it on, and challenged Alex..." Brock narrates.

'Take your sword, and try as hard as you can to cut me with it!" Melody challenges as Verene.

"So Alex tried again and again to cut Verene with his sword," Brock explains as Ash pantomimes swinging a sword at Melody. "But every time he attacked, Verene would sing..."

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

"and Alex would hit an invisible wall of steel, while Verene would be unharmed." Brock continues. "Alex then explained to Verene about his quest, and why he needed the ring. Verene gladly gave it to him, and wished him well on his travels. She waved goodbye as Alex flew away."

[And then?] Mai wonders.

"Alex warped to the wise mage's house. The mage was delighted to find that his search had been successful, and set to work to try and unlock what spellsongs and powers lay within the ring." Brock goes on. "It took him seven weeks to find and make sense of the more pertinent ones. He then told Alex how to defeat the Dragonite of the North-- he was to make an iron Ponyta, and armed with a sword enchanted by the elemental attack and defense spellsong. There needed to be two strong chains on the sword's guard, too."

"Pini pi?" Happini asks.

"A guard is what connects the blade and the sword's handle." Brock explains, drawing a sword in the dirt for Happini with an arrow pointing out the guard. "As soon as he attacked the Dragonite, Alex had to spring quickly from the iron Ponyta and fasten the ends of the chains firmly to the ground with iron stakes, so that he couldn't get away. After two or three days the monster's strength would be so far exhausted that he would be able to come near him, and deliver the final blow."

"Did it work?" Misty asks.

"Alex thanked the mage for his help, and warped home." Brock replies. "A few weeks later, he heard people say that the terrible Dragonite of the north was not far off, and due to arrive in the kingdom any day. The king announced publicly that he would give his daughter the princess in marriage, as well as a large part of his kingdom, to whoever should free the country from the monster. Alex then went to the king and told him that he had good hopes of subduing the Dragonite, if the king would grant him all he desired for the purpose. The king willingly agreed, and the iron Ponyta, the great sword, and the chains were all prepared as Alex requested. When all was ready, Alex did everything the mage had said to do, and before long, the Dragonite was defeated."

Everyone cheers at this. "The news that the terrible monster was dead spread like wildfire." Brock concludes. "Alex returned to a hero's welcome, and he and the princess were married a few days later. It was a grand affair, and the festivities lasted an entire month. All the neighboring kings and queens never forgot the boy who had freed the world from the Dragonite."

"WOW!!!" Misty is the most impressed as she leads the applause.

"You've proved to all of us why you are the master!" Ash agrees. Brock just smiles and takes a bow...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 97: The Magic Moneybag (Misty)

(real tale: Don Giovanni de la Fortuna)

"In a far away land, there was once a girl whose name was Tomiko." Misty begins. "She lived in a beautiful house that her father had built, and lived it up in there, spending a great deal of money in the process. In fact, she spent so much that she soon ran out, and she was forced to wander the world begging her bread."

"Moral of the story--live within your means." Brock muses.

"One day, she was walking down the road when she met a handsome man." Misty continues "Little did she know that it was Arceus in disguise."

"So what did Arceus ask her to do?" Ash is interested.

"Arceus asked if she wanted to live a comfortable life, as she once did, and Tomiko said yes." Misty replies. "He gave her a little drawstring bag, and instructed her to sing to it..." Misty pauses to sing Rou iitsa ron selga vichii... "and she would get as much as she needed or wanted. "However..."

"There's always a catch..." Brock smiles.

"The spell would only work if Tomiko would go three years, three months, and three days without washing, without combing, and without changing clothes as a sign of her faithfulness and willingness to live within her means." Misty goes on, to some "Ew"s from the boys. "Now, Tomiko was a girl who never worried about the future. She did not even think about how very uncomfortable she would be all those three years--she only wanted to have back some things she had been forced to do without. She joyfully put the purse in her pocket and went on her way."

"And then?" Ash is intrigued.

"She soon began to ask for money for the sake of it, and there was always as much as she needed. For a little while, she even forgot to notice how dirty she was getting." Misty continues. "But this did not last long--her hair became matted with dirt and hung over her eyes, and her already ragged dress was even more of a mass of horrible rags and tatters."

"Ew!" Melody winces as she imagines the awful smell.

"One morning, she happened to be passing by a fine palace." Misty goes on. "She sat down on the steps and tried to shake off some of the dust which she had picked up on the road. But then a maid saw her, and informed her master about the supposed beggar who was sitting on the steps."

"So what did the master do?" Brock wonders.

"The master went out and called for Tomiko to leave from some distance off, for he was really afraid to go near her." Misty replies. "Tomiko called back that she was not a beggar, and if she wanted to, she could have forced him and his wife to leave his house."

The boys laugh at this, but Misty goes on Tomiko then asked the man of the house to sell her the house--she would pay any price. "The master thought Tomiko was nuts, and decided to accept her offer as a joke." So he agreed, and they went to the magistrate to hammer out a deed. Tomiko followed him, and they agreed to sell the house, with the gold being paid down in eight days."

[This is getting interesting...] a Meowth smiles.

"Then Tomiko went to an inn, where she paid for two rooms." Misty continues. "She stood in one of them and sang Rou iitsa ron selga vichii.... When the eight days were up, it was so full you could not have put in another coin."

Ash whistles in awe at this. "When the man of the house came to take his payment, Tomiko led him into the room and told him to take as much as he needed." Misty continues. "The master was stunned at the astonishing sight; but he had given his word to sell the house, so he took his money, and went to look for somewhere else to live. Tomiko left the inn and dwelt in the beautiful rooms, where her rags and dirt looked sadly out of place."

"So did Tomiko ever get to bathe?" Brock is beginning to feel sorry for Tomiko.

"Word of Tomiko's riches reached the royal ears of the king, and, since he too was always in need of money, he sent for Tomiko, as he wished to borrow a bit of it." Misty explains. Tomiko readily agreed to lend him what he wanted, and sent a huge wagon filled with sacks of gold to the palace."

"And then?" Melody wonders.

"The king took as much as he needed, then ordered the rest to be returned to Tomiko." Misty assures Melody. "However, Tomiko refused to receive it, saying the remaining gold was also his to keep."

"Aw..." Ash smiles at this.

"Tomiko's learning what it means to be humble and generous." Brock agrees.

"When the servant told the king this, the king wondered more than ever how anyone could be so rich." Misty continues. "He told the queen about Tomiko's generosity, and how he wanted to offer her the hand of their eldest son, the prince. The queen loved the idea, and another messenger was sent to Tomiko, offering her the hand of the eldest prince."

"How did the prince react when he saw how grimy Tomiko looked?" Brock asks, a smile forming on his face as he pictures the prince's reaction.

"The prince was horrified at the picture of Tomiko, and vowed he would never marry a beggar--he even went so far as to say he would rather die." Misty goes on. "As they argued, the youngest prince broke it up by saying he would marry Tomiko instead--as he believed a person's beauty came from the heart."

[A wise lesson.] Mai purrs.

"They agreed to wed in three months." Misty concludes. "When her vow to Arceus had ended, Tomiko bathed for several weeks, put on splendid clothes, and set out for the palace, where she and the youngest prince were wed."

[And they all lived happily ever after.] Korra fills in the ending.

Misty smiles as everyone applauds. "Yes, that's right."

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 98: The Legend of the Pokemon Zodiac (Ash)

(real tale: The Zodiac Calender Race)

Misty brings up the newspaper on her Pokegear and flips to the horoscope section. "Growlithe--your need to feel like a part of something larger is dominant today...."

"Ooh! What does Raikou say for today?" Ash asks.

After bringing up the Raikou sign, Misty reads "Raikou--This is not a good day to act impulsively -- make sure you've got every angle figured out before making your move."

"Easier said than done." Brock muses as Ash blushes with embarrassment. "What does Gyarados say?"

"Gyarados--Don't take anyone's word for it today -- investigate everything yourself." Misty reads.

[How come there's no Meowth in the zodiac?] Korra asks.

"To answer that question, you have to go back long ago, when Arceus was creating the world." Ash explains. "You see, long, long ago, Arceus was looking for a way to measure time, and so he called upon the Pokemon of the world to gather. When most of them had arrived, he explained his plan: There would be a race — across a vast plain, through a forest, over a mountain, and at last across a wide, raging river."

[Oh my...] Mai gasps, impressed.

"The first 12 Pokemon to cross the finish line, Arceus said, would have a part of the year to rule over." Ash explains. "He decreed the race would begin the next day at dawn."

"Interesting..." Brock muses.

"Meowth scampered off at once to tell his best friend Pikachu about the race." Ash continues. He asked that Pikachu wake him up in the morning, as he was prone to sleeping late. Pikachu agreed, but just before dawn he woke with a start and completely forgot to wake Meowth as he scurried to the starting line. By the time Meowth woke up, the race had already begun. As fast as he could, Meowth ran toward the starting line. When he saw the others in the far distance and only dust in their wake, he yowled with fury. Now he would never be part of the zodiac!"

He notes as an aside "That's why Meowth has been chasing Pikachu, hoping to take his revenge."

"Oh, but sometimes Meowth has another reason to catch Pikachu." Misty giggles as she remembers past run ins with Team Rocket.

"Anyway, Pikachu was so excited, he forgot all about Meowth." Ash goes on When he saw the others at the starting line, however, his heart quaked. He could not run half as fast as many of them, and Pikachu was not necessarily a good swimmer. But Pikachu was cunning."

"Pika." Pikachu smiles in agreement.

"He noticed Tauros, and knowing Tauros was a strong swimmer and rather gullible, Pikachu sprinted to catch up with him. He asked Tauros if he would let him ride on his head. Tauros was a kind Pokemon, and he agreed to let Pikachu sit on his head. He was making good time, panting hard but far ahead of the others. When he reached the river, he leaped in and swam with all his strength.

When Tauros and the Pikachu could see the finish line in the distance, Pikachu leapt onto land and sprinted to the finish line. So it was Pikachu who was the first to arrive, and that is why the first section of the year, from March 21st to April 19th, is ruled by Pikachu. The second section of the year, from April 20th to May 20th, is ruled by Tauros, for he finished one step behind."

"So that's two, then who came next?" Melody wonders.

"Raikou was not far behind, but the current in the river pushed him downstream. No matter how hard he paddled, he could not keep up with Tauros and he reached the finish line third, so the third section of the year, from May 21st to June 21st, is ruled by Raikou." Ash explains. "Next came Buneary, who had planned to cross the river by jumping from rock to rock. Alas, in the middle of the river she lost her balance and nearly drowned."

[What did Buneary do?] Korra worries.

"She grabbed a log that was floating past." Ash assures Korra. "Wet and wide-eyed, Buneary held fast and floated toward the shore. Meanwhile, Gyarados was just passing overhead--in those days Gyarados could fly in the air as well as water."

"Hm..." Brock smiles.

"Everyone thought Gyarados would surely win since he could fly, and at first he was ahead, but when he passed a land where everyone was dying of thirst, his heart ached and he stopped to make rain for the people." Ash continues. "Then, when he saw Buneary holding onto the log for dear life, again his heart ached. He huffed and puffed and let forth a great wind that pushed the log to shore. Buneary jumped to safety and on to the finish, just ahead of Gyarados."

He adds as an aside "Buneary understood how much Gyarados had done to help, and ever since that day those who are born from June 22nd to July 22nd, when Buneary rules, enjoy good fortune when matched with those born from July 23rd to August 22nd, when Gyarados rules."

I wonder if Nurse Joy is a Buneary... Brock wonders.

Misty shoots him an angry look. Don't even go there!

"As the first five finishers caught their breath, they were startled to hear thundering hooves, and they looked up to see Ponyta galloping toward them." Ash continues. "But she didn't see Ekans coiled around her leg. Just as Ponyta was about to cross the finish line, she saw Ekans and was so startled, she took a step back.--that is how Ekans rules over the dates between August 23 to September 22nd, and Ponyta rules over the dates between September 23rd to October 22nd."

Brock counts the Pokemon that have finished. "That's seven out of twelve, then who was next?"

"Meanwhile, Combusken, Mankey, and Mareep were running toward the river." Ash goes on. When Combusken saw the other two, he had an idea--why not work together?"

"What was Combusken's plan?" Misty is piqued.

"So Mankey, Combusken, and Mareep built a raft and made paddles." Ash explains. "With all their strength, they paddled their way across the river, and when they landed, they leaped out. Mareep pulled ahead of Mankey, who barely beat Combusken to the finish line. They became signs eight, nine, and ten."

"If you're curious, Combusken rules October 23rd to November 21st; Mareep rules November 22nd to December 21st, and Mankey rules December 22nd to January 19th." Misty adds as she consults the Pokenav again.

"Meanwhile, Arceus saw that Growlithe would likely come in 11th, for he was a strong swimmer." Ash explains However, he so loved to play in the water that he was in there splashing around, losing time. The other Pokemon called for him to hurry and he paddled hurriedly to shore. Just as he reached land, Tepig was not far behind. It took him some time to cross the line."

"What took Tepig so long?" Brock asks.

"Tepig admitted he'd stopped to eat, and he'd eaten too much, and he'd grown sleepy." Ash replies. "For a while he had slept beneath a nice, shady tree, and he woke up just in time to see Growlithe run by."

He concludes "Arceus congratulated the 12 finishers--Growlithe would rule the dates between January 20th and February 18th, and Tepig would rule the dates between February 19 to March 20th. And that is why the Pokemon Zodiac has the Pokemon it does."

[Fascinating!] a Meowth notes as he applauds...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 99: The Three Spells (Brock)

(real tale: "Folktales from Japan" episode 37, story 1)

"In a certain land, the leaves were changing colors, and in a certain village, the children were out picking the newly ripe Berries that grew in the mountains." Brock begins. "The miko's apprentice at the temple--we'll call her Riko, which means 'child of truth' wanted to go and pick Berries too. The miko told her no, for a mafu--a monster that had the body of a Raikou and the head of a young lady--had been spotted on the mountain. After Riko pleaded and pleaded for about an hour, the miko finally relented and allowed her apprentice to climb the mountain, giving her three enchanted jewels to protect her. She told Riko not to invoke their power unless it was an emergency."

"Did Riko have to use them?" Ash worries.

"Riko stayed out until nightfall gathering Berries." Brock explains. "Just as the moon rose over the mountain grove, a Zubat suddenly startled Riko. But just as she eluded the Zubat, she ran into the mafu!"

"Oh no!" Misty gasps.

"Riko was taken to the mafu's lair, and she frantically pondered a way to escape as she watched the mafu boil water in preparation to eat her." Brock intones. "Then, a crazy idea occurred to her--she first told the mafu that she had to go to the bathroom."

Laughter erupts at this--it isn't often character in a tale asks to do this. Brock waits for the laughter to quiet, then continues "The mafu bought Riko's ruse, and untied her. Riko then ran past the bathroom and into a shed. Once sure she was not being followed, she tied the last rope that held her on the wall, and invoked the first jewel, a ruby, with the incantation..." Brock then sings Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... before continuing "The ruby released a small ball of light, which would answer in her voice. Once sure her ruse was in place, she fled into the night."

"I see, the bathroom ploy was just a ruse!" Melody smiles.

"Meanwhile, the mafu was growing impatient and she asked if Riko was done yet." Brock continues. "But the ruby light answered in Riko's voice she wasn't done yet. The mafu would wait a while and then ask again, but the ruby light would say she wasn't done. Finally, the mafu went to check, and discovered that Riko was gone!"

Nervous giggles fill the air at this. "Riko ran as fast as she could, but the mafu was not far behind." Brock intones, silencing the laughter. "She next invoked the second jewel, an emerald, with the incantation..." Brock sings again Karuto, iichiida shou...

[What did that spell do?] Mai asks, a note of worry in her voice.

"The spell conjured a large sand dune." Brock replies, making a form in the air to give his audience an idea of the sand dune's size. "That bought Riko a little time as the mafu waded through the sand, but the mafu was soon right behind her again.

"Pika?" Pikachu asks, sparking a little in fear.

"Riko invoked the third jewel, a sapphire, with the incantation..." Brock proceeds to sing Rou iitsa ron selga viichii... before continuing "conjuring a huge river. This bought her enough time to get to the temple. Just before the mafu could catch up to her, the miko took her inside, and drove the mafu away with a fire spell--also invoked by..." He sings Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... again.

Everyone heaves a sigh of relief as Brock concludes "They say Riko studied her holy spells even harder after that, inspired by her mistress' bravery."

Misty leads the applause as Brock takes a bow...