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!"