Tale 22: The Cleverest One (Ash)

(real tale: The Cleverest Fool)


The soft rumble of thunder outside makes Misty sigh the next morning as she enters Ash's tent. "So much for going fishing today..."

"It's going to rain all day." Brock agrees, giving Pikachu a nod as he enters the tent.

Inspired, Ash fishes a whistle from his bag as Pikachu begins a game of Hearts with Azurill and Happini. "There was once a king who had a son he loved very much--let's call the son Ryan. However, he was concerned Ryan didn't have the wisdom to succeed him. Every day the teachers at the royal academy would tell the king that Ryan's grades were terrible."

"Was he deliberately not trying, or did he actually put in an effort?" Brock asks.

"He actually put in an honest attempt." Ash replies. "But despite his efforts, Ryan still did horrible on tests. So the king called in his wisest advisor and asked him what to do."

"Forgive me for interuppting, but may I come in?" a female voice calls from outside.

Misty unzips the tent, allowing Melody to fly inside. "You were saying?" she asks Ash as she dries Melody off.

"The advisor suggested that Ryan travel on a journey around the world, and learn something from every place he visited." Ash continues. "So Ryan was given gold and supplies for his journey, and seen off with great fanfare the next day."

"So, what did Prince Ryan learn on his adventures?" Melody is interested.

"He learned much, and met many people on his travels." Ash replies. "Rich or poor, old or young, good or bad--Ryan asked questions of all of them, and listened intently to their wisdom."

He readies the whistle to play as he continues "One day, as Ryan traveled through a marketplace, he heard a Swablu's song over the chaos."

Melody is impressed as Ash plays a spot on mimic of a Swablu's song. "That was perfect!"

"Ryan followed the song until he met a breeder selling the little bird Pokemon, and asked what he could learn from a Swablu." Ash continues. "The breeder told him that sometimes, a Swablu could sing a song that put anyone that heard it to sleep."

"Pika pi..." Pikachu giggles as he remembers past encounters with Jigglypuff.

"Ryan was impressed, and bought a Swablu for company." Ash continues. "A week went by, and Ryan met a breeder of Arons on the road. When he asked what he could learn from an Aron, the breeder told him they were renowned for eating through walls if they were hungry enough. Ryan was piqued, and bought an Aron for company."

Brock nods in approval. Ash is doing very well with not rushing...

"Another week went by, and Ryan met a breeder of Beautiflies on the road." Ash goes on. "Ryan asked what he could learn from a Beautifly, and the breeder replied that despite their bright colors and docile personality, they could even carry humans on their wings if need be."

"Wow!" Misty is impressed at this.

"Ryan bought a Beautifly for company, and went on his way." Ash continues. "After a while, he came to a land being terrorized by a giant. He had captured the princess, and threatened to destroy the kingdom if anyone dared try to rescue her."

Happini gasps, dropping her cards. "Pini pini?" she asks as Pikachu picks up her scattered hand.

"Ryan decided he was going to try saving the princess, and set out for the giant's cave." Ash replies. "When he got close, he saw the trolls guarding the entrance, and told his Swablu to sing."

Everyone laughs as Ash plays Jigglypuff's song for effect. "The trolls fell fast asleep, allowing Ryan inside the maze of passageways. It took a few hours, but it wasn't long before he heard crying behind a certain wall. Ryan's Aron had not eaten since the morning, so it easily chewed a passageway through the wall."

"And then?" Misty asks, excited for a battle.

"The princess--we'll call her Clara--was surprised at how Ryan had gotten in." Ash continues. "She asked him how they were going to get out--since there was a troll guarding her as well. Ryan told his Swablu to sing again..." He pauses to play the notes that match "Simple as can be..." from the Eight Melodies. "and that troll was out like a light too!"

He concludes "After retracing his steps outside, Ryan summoned his Beautifly, who whisked Princess Clara home. Clara's father the king was ecstatic to see his daughter again, and offered him half the kingdom as a reward. But Princess Clara told her father that she would prefer to take Prince Ryan as her husband, as they had fallen in love on the way home. Prince Ryan and Princess Clara were soon married, and they all lived happily ever after."

Misty leads the applause. "Is it possible for a couple to fall in love that fast?"

"Well, if the giant's cave was a long way from the castle, it's possible." Brock assures Misty.