A Threesome's Tales

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 60: The Seven Mareeps (Brock)

(real tale: The Wolf and the Seven Kids)

"Once an Ampharos became the proud mom to seven little Mareeps, who she loved very much." Brock begins. "One day, she had to go gather food for all of them, so she called them all together, and told them to be on the lookout for the great Mightyena that roamed the wood. She knew as well as her children that if he got inside, he would eat them all."

One Meowth swallows hard at this. "The Mightyena was also known to disguise himself as well, but his raspy voice and black fur always gave him away. The seven Mareeps, meanwhile, assured their mother they would be fine, so after they all said their goodbyes, Mama Ampharos went into the wood."

[And then Mr. Mightyena showed up, right?] a Meowth asks.

"That he did, and he called to the seven Mareeps..." Brock switches to a deeper version of his own voice. "Open the door--it is I, your dear mother."

As himself, he continues "But the seven Mareeps recognized the raspy voice, and didn't open the door. "So the Mightyena found some Combee honey and ate some in an attempt to literally sweeten his voice. But the seven Mareeps could see his black furred paws on the window, and didn't let him in."

"So what did they do?" Ash is piqued.

"They knew that the Mightyena would likely do anything in his power to get inside, including disguising his voice and fur." Brock explains. "So they found seven rocks that were about their size, and hid them in various places in the house--under the table, on the bed, in the oven, in the kitchen, in the cupboard, under the sink, and in the clock case. Their handiwork complete, they left the door open just a bit, and hid in a safe place to see when--or if--the Mightyena would return."

"But what about the Mightyena?" Misty was interested. "What was he doing while the Mareeps were busy?"

"Meanwhile, the Mightyena had gone into town and asked the baker to spread dough over his feet, and the miller to scatter white meal over his paws." Brock explained. "The baker readily complied, but the miller had refused at first. It was only when the Mightyena had threatened to eat him that he complied."

[Strange--Mightyenas are more afraid of humans than humans are of them.] Mai sighs.

"Well, the Mightyena has always been the bad guy in human lore since ancient times." Melody muses.

"When the Mightyena returned, he saw the door slightly ajar, so he burst into the house and ate what he thought were the seven Mareeps." Brock continues. "His meal over, he strolled into the meadow and curled under a tree to doze. When Mama Ampharos returned a few moments later, she was panicked to see the house had been ransacked, and frantically called for her children."

[And then?] Korra swallows hard at what will happen next.

"The seventh Mareep called back to Mama Ampharos, and explained just what he and his six brothers and sisters had done. The eight of them watched and waited to see what would happen when the Mightyena woke up."

"What happened when the Mightyena woke up?" Melody asks.

"He was very thirsty for one thing, and the rocks rattled inside him as he walked to a river." Brock replies before musing as Mightyena "What is this I feel inside me, knocking hard against my bones? How should such a thing betide me? I thought they were lambs, and now they're stones."

Everyone giggles in anticipation. "When the Mightyena bent over to take a drink, he fell in the water. Since he couldn't swim, he sank like the rocks inside him!" Brock continues as himself, to some laughter. "Mama Ampharos congratulated her seven children for being so clever, and they celebrated the Mightyena's demise that night, knowing he wouldn't bother them or any other Pokemon anymore."

[Interesting...] Mai muses. [I know you guys would do the same if a Mightyena tried to hurt you, right?]

[Yeah!] Korra replies. [We'd scratch him like no tomorrow!]

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 61: The Swanna Maiden (Misty)

(real tale: The Goose Girl)

"There was once a queen who had a daughter she loved very much." Misty begins. "We'll call her Eira. Now Eira was engaged to a prince of a neighboring land, and the two were very deeply in love. So on the day she was to wed, her mother saw her off with all her royal finery, her faithful steed named Epona..." At this, Ash fumbles for the harmonica. " and one of her maids, who we'll call Lila."

"Mm-hm, not a bad start..." Brock muses.

"At first, the journey was uneventful, but as time wore on, Lila grew more and more jealous of Eira, until one day, she forced Eira off Epona, and passed herself off as Eira." Misty continued to shocked gasps. "They arrived in the prince's homeland, and Lila's disguise was so convincing, even the prince believed Lila was Eira. The real Eira, meanwhile, was presumed to be a servant girl in need of work, and put in charge of the Swannas that roamed the royal grounds."

[That's not nice!] a Meowth gasps, appalled that someone would steal a princess' beloved.

"What Lila didn't know was that Epona could speak, but would only do so to those she knew." Misty explained. "For example, she knew when Eira was near because Eira would play a special song on the reeds that grew by the stables--which went something like this..."

Ash plays Epona's Song on the harmonica for effect. "Anyway, the next morning, after Eira had guided the Swannas back to roost, she went to the stables and saw the same kind of reeds grew in her beloved's homeland. So she picked a few and played the song..."

Ash plays Epona's Song on the harmonica again. "Sure enough, Epona came trotting up and said to her..." Misty uses an older version of herself to intone "My heart is troubled, princess fair. If your mother only knew, her heart would surely break in two."

"Eira was troubled at why Epona said this, so she went out and sat down on the hill, where she sang..." With that, Misty sings "Wind, wind, gently sway, blow my master's hat away. Let him chase o'er field and wold, till my locks of ruddy gold, now astray and hanging down, be combed and plaited in a crown."

"Sure enough a breeze came and blew the head Pokemon caretaker's hat away, buying Eira just enough time to put her hair up." Misty continues. This wore on for some weeks, until finally, the Pokemon caretaker went to the king and told him of everything that had happened. The king asked Eira if what her master said was true, but Eira was so afraid of what would happen, all she could muster was a sob. The king assured her that if something was bothering her, she could tell it to the pillows on a bed. So Eira cried to the pillows "Here I sit, deserted by all the world, I who am a princess, and a jealous lady has forced me to take off my own clothes, and has taken my place with my bridegroom, while I have to fulfill the lowly office of Swanna girl. If my mother only knew her heart would surely break in two."

[Poor Eira...] Korra brushes away a tear.

"But the king heard Eira's rant, and ordered her dressed in the best clothes in the royal closet." Misty continues. "He then told his son his bride was fake, and showed him the real Eira, who was even more beautiful. A great feast was held that night, with the prince and Eira getting the honored seats at the table."

[But what about Lila?] Mai asks. [Did she get her just desserts?]

"The king asked Lila what should the best punishment be for someone who lied to a king and the entire royal court." Misty explains. "Lila replied that that person should be banished, never to return to that kingdom on pain of death. Lila didn't know she had pronounced her own sentence, and she was banished the next day, never to return on pain of death. Eira was married to her rightful prince, and they all lived happily ever after."

"Moral of the story? Do not lie to a king." Brock adds, to some nervous giggles.

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 62: The Thorn Spinner (Ash)

(real tale: The Nettle Spinner)

"In a far away land, there once was a count that was feared by everyone." Ash begins. "His name was Count Randall, but he was known as 'Count Randall the Mightyena' in private. Many a rumor flew about how he would harness people to his plow, and force them to till his fields like Tauros."

Mai hisses at Ash's description, appalled a human would harm another human. "Countess Randall, on the other hand, was very kind and generous to all she met." Ash assures Mai. "In fact, whenever she heard of her husband's cruelty, she would move heaven and earth to set things right again."

"Hm..." Brock ponders what sort of story Ash plans to tell with these characters.

"One day, Count Randall was out walking in the forest when he passed by a small house. He met a girl spinning thread nearby--we'll call her Silvana--and invited her to his castle. Silvana declined, saying she had to work to support herself and her grandma, but Count Randall insisted she come, saying he would be expecting her that evening."

"What part of 'no' does this guy not get?" Misty grumbles.

"As if that weren't enough...." Ash intones. "Silvana was already in love with a boy named Keith, and had no intentions to marry the count."

"Sorry milord--Silvana's taken." Brock muses to himself, as if Count Randall is actually there in the tent.

"So when Count Randall came storming back three days later wanting to know why Silvana didn't come, Silvana reiterated she already loved another." Ash continued. "This wore on for a few weeks--but two years earlier, when Silvana's mom had died from a terrible disease, Countess Randall had made Silvana food and gave her a little money to live on. If Count Randall planned to marry Silvana, Countess Randall would fiercely object."

"Methinks Count Randall doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no'." Misty agrees.

"One day, Count Randall saw Silvana spinning again, and challenged her to make a wedding gown and a burial shroud from the thorns that grew in the forest." Ash continues. "For he told her she would not be married until he had died."

[That would possibly take a long time...] Korra purred.

"It didn't help that Count Randall was bragging on how strong and agile he was." Ash agrees. "Not long after Count Randall had left, Keith arrived at the house, and Silvana told him everything. Keith offered to kill Count Randall if he ever came that way again, but Silvana reminded him of how kindly Countess Randall had treated her--so the only way out, it seemed, was to spin the items from the thorns."

"And then?" Misty is interested now.

"So after being told how to spin the thorns by the town wise woman, Silvana set to work on the dress and the shroud, with Keith bringing more thorns when she ran out." Ash continues. "Oddly enough, as Silvana worked, the count grew sicker and sicker, and was dead as a doornail by the time both items were done."

[Serves him right for saying she would marry when he died...] Mai muses.

"After Count Randall was buried, Keith and Silvana were married, and they all lived happily ever after." Ash concludes.

"Moral of the story--be careful what you wish for..." Brock interjects as he applauds.

"It just might come true!" Misty agrees.

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 63: King Rufflet (Brock)

(real tale: The Blue Bird)


"And now, a tale from Unova..." Brock begins. "If I remember right, you taught me this in one of your first letters from Mistalton City, Ash."

Ash just smiles as Brock begins the familiar tale. "In a faraway land, there lived an old king who was deeply grieving his beloved queen--we'll call him Adler. Try as his court might to cheer him up, King Adler remained quite depressed. That is, until one day, a lady named Raina came to visit him. She had just lost a husband, so the two of them got to talking about their dearly departed spouses, and it wasn't long before the two of them married."

"Talk about an odd way to get together." Misty muses.

"King Adler had a daughter of his own--we'll call her Crisanta--that he loved very much." Brock continues. "Crisanta had a heart that was as beautiful as her looks, and was always happy and generous. Queen Raina, meanwhile, had a daughter named Melantha. Melantha had a guardian fairy--we'll call her..."

"Navi!" Ash suggests.

Brock, however, has a name in mind for the fairy. "We'll call her Tanya." Ash sulks for a moment as Brock continues "Tanya had tried to encourage Melantha to be a proper lady, but Melantha would have none of it. Needless to say, Crisanta and Melantha did not get along."

"I'll take your word for it." Melody shudders at what the fights between the girls must have been like.

"The years went by, and both girls came of age. Queen Raina was determined to have Melantha marry the richest princes, kings, and emperors in the land." Brock continues. "Then one day, a king named Marlon came to the palace. Try as Queen Raina might to lock Crisanta away, tell horrible lies about her, and generally present Melantha to him, King Marlon insisted that he wanted to marry Crisanta."

"And I thought my fights with Ash were bad..." Misty muses.

"Then Tanya got involved, and cast all kinds of charms and spells to make King Marlon fall in love with Melantha." Brock continues. "Finally, Tanya turned King Marlon into a Rufflet in frustration. Crisanta was devastated, and spent many a night crying in her room. But Queen Raina secretly hoped Crisanta would forget about King Marlon."

"If he wants Crisanta, let him marry Crisanta!" Ash grumbles at Queen Raina's determination to have King Marlon and Melantha marry.

"What Crisanta didn't know was her beloved king was close by, flying around the tower as a Rufflet." Brock continues. "He landed in Crisanta's room and told her of all that had happened. They talked all night until sunrise. When they parted, King Marlon promised to return as soon as the sun set. And return he did--with jewels, gold, silver, and other gifts."

[But did the queen ever figure out what was happening?] a Meowth worries.

"At first, Queen Raina didn't have a clue, but as the weeks wore on, she began to suspect something was up, and one night, happened to listen in on Crisanta and Marlon talking." Brock replies to gasps from the group. "or rather, Crisanta and a Rufflet. Thinking there was another prince there, she posted a spy in Crisanta's room."

"Little does she know who Crisanta's REALLY talking to..." Misty whispers to Ash with a giggle.

"On top of that, Queen Raina put all kinds of blades in King Marlon's hidey hole, which wounded him little by little every time he went in there." Brock intones. "Luckily, King Marlon's court wizard--we'll call him Arion--happened to find him on the ground and bleeding."

"Now I'm mad at Raina...." Misty grumbles.

"King Marlon told Arion everything that had happened, and Arion assured his lord as he healed him that while things looked bleak, the dawn was soon to come." Brock assures the audience.

[Good--Marlon and Crisanta deserve to be together.] Mai purrs.

"A year went by, and King Adler succumbed to old age." Brock continues. "The people were convinced that it was Queen Raina that had hastened his death, and demanded that Crisanta be the one to inherit the throne. Queen Raina just taunted and threatened them, so much so the people and the army stormed the castle, killing her and Melantha in the process."

"Moral of the story--treat your people well." Ash muses.

"Arion undid Tanya's spell, banished her back to the realm of the fey, and brought Crisanta out to meet King Marlon. King Marlon and Crisanta were finally married, and they all lived happily ever after." Brock concludes.

Ash smiles as he applauds. "I think you did Skyla's version justice!"

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 64: Prince Sylph's Quest (Misty)

(real tale: The Invisible Prince)

"Long ago, when the Great Lord Arceus created the world, he created four beings to watch over the first four elements he created." Misty begins. "The guardian of fire he named Salamander, the guardian of earth he named Gnome, the guardian of water he named Undine, and the guardian of wind he named Sylph."

"I know them!" Melody smiles. "Salamander always was and still is very imaginative..."

"Hence the fires of inspiration." Brock agrees.

"Gnome is very wise, and Undine is friendly, if a little vain." Melody adds. "But Sylph prefers to go with the flow of things, as you will soon hear in this tale."

"Now, we all know that the Great Lord Arceus hates to see suffering in this world, but it pained him the most to see people unlucky in love." Misty continues. "For some reason, Sylph took this to mean he was forbidden to take a bride at first. But after asking for and receiving a lot of conflicting information about love, he decided to find out what love was like for himself. So he hitched a ride on a passing Pidgeotto all the way to an island in the earth realm named Bara Island."

"What did he find there?" Brock is interested.

"He met the princess of that land, which we'll call Rosalie." Misty replied. "Sylph fell head over heels in love with her, and the two of them grew quite close. But then one day, a harpy kidnapped Princess Rosalie, and her father the Rose King was devastated. Sylph vowed that he would do anything he could to bring Rosalie back safe. That included help from his brothers Salamander and Gnome, and his sister Undine."

"And then?" Ash is piqued.

"Sylph traveled all over the earth realm, thinking Rosalie was not far away." Misty continues. "When that came up short, he asked his brother Gnome for advice. Gnome allowed him to look in his magic mirror, and Sylph saw Rosalie in a small room at the end of a winding labyrinth."

"Ooh, Zelda!" Ash is excited.

"Sylph braved the labyrinth's many monsters and traps--which is a story in itself--but when he got to the room he had seen, Rosalie was not there--the harpy had moved her somewhere beneath the sea." Misty continued. "Sylph flew out to the sea, but wound up captured by a sea giant!"

"Oh no!" Melody gasps.

"At first, Sylph bemoaned his sad fate, but then Undine found him, and taught him how to turn invisible." Misty continues. "So the next morning, when the giant was about to take him to his private arena for a fight to the death, Sylph turned invisible and fled beneath the waves. He searched the sea from top to bottom, only to discover that Rosalie had been moved to deep within Mt. Ember."

[How did Salamander help?] Mai wonders.

"He felt sorry for his brother, and created a shield around him so the fire of Mt. Ember wouldn't harm him." Misty replied. "Sylph braved the firey volcano, but when he got to the deepest sanctum--!"

"Rosalie was not there." Brock fills in the blank without being reminded.

"So Sylph hurried to the wind realm, where he confronted the harpy." Misty continues. "It was a long battle, but in the end, the rogue harpy was defeated, and Sylph was reunited with his beloved Rosalie. It wasn't long before they were married, and they all lived happily ever after."

"In fact, if you listen hard enough, you may hear them laughing as they fly about the world, observing their creation." Melody smiles.

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 65: The Wiley Dragonslayer (Ash)

(real tale: Stan Bolovan)

"There was once a man whose wife was always depressed." Ash begins. "Try as the man--we'll call him Shan--might, his wife didn't want to tell him what was wrong. When Shan finally got an answer out of her, she said she wanted a child. "So Shan went to the closest shrine of Arceus, and asked for children. When he got home, he was shocked to find a hundred children--fifty boys, and fifty girls."

[Oh my...] Mai gasps as she pictures the chaos.

"Try as Shan's wife might, she couldn't keep up with them all." Ash continues. "There was also the question as to how to feed them."

"You'd need enough food to feed Cerulean for a year just to feed a hundred and two." Misty muses.

"So Shan went out into the world, and walked until he came upon a trainer in tears." Ash goes on. "When Shan asked what the matter was, the trainer told him that a Salamence killed some of his Pokemon every night, and he was powerless to stop it. Shan was offered a hundred gold pieces if he could get rid the Salamence, which Shan accepted."

"Shan had no clue how to wield a sword, I bet..." Brock speculates as to how Shan will defeat the Salamence.

"No, but he had a razor sharp wit." Ash assures Brock. "That night, when the Salamance came, Shan challenged it to produce milk from a rock. Beforehand, Shan had taken a piece of cheese similar in size to a rock, and crushed it, making the cheese melt, fooling the Salamence into thinking it was milk."

"How clever!" Melody smiles.

"Try as the Salamence might, he couldn't make his rock produce milk." Ash continues. Then Shan challenged him to ignite his finger on fire--in reality, Shan just lit a match, but in the darkness, the match resembled a human finger. Needless to say, the Salamence had no luck, and burned his own finger."

"Then what did Shan challenge the Salamence to do?" Brock is interested now.

"He told the Salamence to capture the moon--but he actually showed the Salamence the moon reflected in a mirror." Ash explains. "But try as the Salamence might, he couldn't even reach the moon, much less catch it."

Everyone laughs. "The Salamence was about to kill Shan, but Shan warned him about the hundred children at home, and how they would all avenge him if he died. Just then, all the children came dashing up the hill--the Salamence was so scared, he dashed away--and as far as I know, he's still on the run from those hundred kids!"

[I'd hate to have a hundred humans chasing me!] Mai laughs as the others applaud...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 66: The Mage's Gifts (Brock)

(real tale: The Gifts of the Magician)

"And now, a family favorite..." Brock smiles as he retrieves his guitar. "This one's called 'The Mage's Gifts'."

"Terra's favorite bedtime story..." Ash smiles as he and Misty reach for their instruments.

With that, Brock begins a calm melody. "Once a boy was wandering through a forest one night, on his way home from a hunt. It was late that night, and there was no moon to light his way. Suddenly, he heard a scream way off in the distance, and a mage dashed through some nearby bushes, pursued by a pack of Mightyenas. The boy readied an arrow and fired at the biggest Mightyena, killing it and making the rest of the Mightyenas flee. The mage was grateful, and promised his deliverer whatever he wished in return for spending the night with him." He switches to a voice that sounds more or less like Ash. "I would desire nothing more than a night's rest--I have been hunting all day, and have lost my way back home."

As himself, he continues. "The mage took the boy to his cabin that lay in a clearing. No sooner had the boy arrived, did he lie down and fall into a deep sleep. After some time, the mage's servant girl was quite interested in how the boy saved her master, and asked him to tell her about the encounter. Once the boy had finished his tale, the servant girl instructed him..." He switches to a voice that sounds like a breathier version of Dawn. "If my master should ask if you desire a reward for saving his life, request the third Ponyta that is boarded in the stable."

"And then?" Melody is interested.

"Some time later, the mage returned with a grand haul from his hunt, and the three of them sat down to a great meal together. Besides the meat, there was fruit of all kinds, the finest cheeses, and fresh water unlike any other. When the meal had ended, the mage asked the boy..." Brock switches to a deeper version of himself. "I must thank you again for saving my life--do you desire any reward?" He next switches to his psuedo-Ash voice. "I only want the third Ponyta that is boarded in the stables." As himself, he continues. "the boy replied. The mage tried again and again to talk the boy into reconsidering his offer, but again and again the boy insisted on the Ponyta. Finally, the mage relented, and also granted the boy three magic instruments--a zither, a fiddle, and a flute. The boy was told that should he ever be in danger, to play the zither first. If no help came, he was to play the fiddle, and if still no help came, to play the flute."

"Remember those instruments--they'll be important later." Misty reminds the Meowths as she checks her fiddle's tuning.

"The next morning, the boy thanked the mage again for his kindness and rode off for home with the Ponyta and his three treasures." Brock goes on over a peaceful interlude. "He had not gotten very far when the Ponyta spoke to him, saying..." He switches to his standard female voice. "Rather than returning home now, where you will be lectured, scolded, and beaten, let us visit a few towns first--maybe something lucky will happen to you on the way." As himself, he goes on. "The boy was enamored by the thought of going out into the world and seeking his fortune in a far off land, so he rode on, visiting many villages and towns on the way and helping the townsfolk with their troubles."

"But those are stories in themselves." Ash interjects.

"Before long, the boy came to the capital city of his homeland, where the townsfolk were awestruck by the beautiful Ponyta." Brock continues, lazily strumming a melody Ash recognizes as Hyrule Castle. "Even the king heard of it, and sent messengers to the boy offering to buy the Ponyta for whatever price he offered. At first, the boy wasn't sure, but the Ponyta assured him..." He switches to his standard female voice again. "Do not sell me, but instead board me in the royal stables, and in the morning, all the other Ponytas will be just as beautiful as I."

[Wow...] a Meowth gasps.

[And then?] Mai asks.

"The boy took the Ponyta to the royal stables, where it was given its own stall." Brock replies, now as himself. "Sure enough, when morning came, the other Ponytas were as lovely and strong as the boy's Ponyta. No more did they struggle to trot, and their manes and tails burned as bright as the sun. While the king was amazed at the transformation of his mounts, the groom in charge of the stables grew very jealous of the boy and his Ponyta. For days, he came before the king bearing some charge against the boy, but the king didn't listen, as he was well aware of his groom's jealousy. Finally, the groom came before the king saying that he had heard the boy boasting of how he knew where the king's best Rapidash had disappeared to years before. Of course, the groom was lying through his teeth, but the king believed him. He sent for the boy and commanded him to find the Rapidash in three days, or else."

Melody swallows hard, fearful at what "or else" might be. "The boy's Ponyta was waiting when the boy returned, and said to him..." Brock switches to his female voice again. "Do not worry over the task you have been charged with--in the morning, ask the king for a hundred Tauros, which you will sacrifice to Arceus for safety on your journey. A portion of the meat from the sacrifice will be kept for you. Then, we will depart and ride until we get to a certain river. You will see a Ponyta there, but you are to pay no heed to it. Then you will see another Ponyta, but ignore this one too. But when you see a Rapidash, throw my bridle over it."

As himself, he continues. "The next day, everything happened just as the Ponyta had said, and the Rapidash was corralled and bridled. On the way back, he tossed some of the Tauros meat he had saved to keep the Shadow Murkrows that lived in the forest away. When the groom heard that the boy had brought back the king's Rapidash with two days to spare, he again pondered how he could have the king look unfavorably on the boy."

Everyone listens intently as Brock plays an interlude. "Some time passed, and the groom again came before the king, saying that he had overheard the boy boasting that he knew where the princess of the kingdom had disappeared to some months before. Although the groom was again lying through his teeth, the king believed him a second time. So he summoned the boy and charged him to find the princess, or else."

[Or else what?] Korra challenges.

"Or else the king would have the boy's head." Brock replies. Korra slinks back behind her mother as he continues "The boy was troubled by this command--how could he know where the princess was if she had disappeared months before? Fortunately, the Ponyta was nearby, and she said to him..." He switches to his standard female voice again. "Do not fear, we only need to go as far as the river we rode to yesterday. You will find a Taillow by the left bank--sprinkle it with some water from the river, and it will take its true form--the princess was turned into a Taillow by a witch several months before. So in the morning, the boy and the Ponyta set out, and everything happened just as the Ponyta had said--no sooner did the boy sprinkle the Taillow with water from the river, it transformed into a young girl in a flash of blue. "When the king saw the boy returning with his daughter, he was filled with much joy and happiness, and showered the boy with gifts."

"Then did the groom leave the boy alone?" Melody asks.

"Well, you would think by now, the groom would know to leave the boy alone, but no..." Brock replies as his melody turns tense. "Some time later, the groom appeared before the king a third time, saying that he had overheard the boy saying that he wished to have the throne for himself. Once again, the groom was lying through his teeth, but the king was angry enough to believe him."

Gasps fill the tent. "The king was so angry, he didn't even bother to give the boy a trial, and ordered the boy be killed right away." Brock continues, making Azurill tear up, never mind she's heard the tale hundreds of times. "The day of the execution came, and the boy was asked if he had any last requests. The boy nodded, and asked if he could play one last tune on the zither. Leave was granted, and no sooner had the boy touched the strings, the executioner found himself dancing in spite of himself." He performs a set of tunes on guitar--"The Bluk Berry Flower", followed by "Dusknoir's Dream"

Everyone claps along to the set. "By the time the boy had finished, the executioner was so tired, he delayed the execution for a day." Brock continues as the last chord fades away. "The story of the zither spread like wildfire, and the next morning, a huge crowd had turned out to witness the execution. When asked if he had any last requests, the boy asked if he could play one last tune upon the fiddle." Misty prepares to play at this. "No sooner had the bow met the strings, not only did the executioner dance, but so did everyone else in the crowd." With that, Brock and Misty launch into a guitar and fiddle rendition of "The Trainer's Cap".

"By the time the boy finished, it was dark out, and so the execution was delayed another day." Brock continues when the applause dies down. "On the third day, when the boy was asked if he had any last requests, he asked if he could play one last tune upon the flute..."

"Azu!" Azurill picks up on where the story is going--maybe there's hope for the boy after all!

"The king refused him at first--he had bad memories of dancing away another day. But the princess interceded, saying that it was his last request, and a prisoner's last request must not be refused him." Brock continues. "So the king plugged his ears with wax, and the groom tied himself to a tree to protect themselves. But no sooner had the boy blown one note, did the rest of the crowd dance again, barring the king and the groom." Ash begins the tune "The Meowth's Call" to illustrate this, making the tiny whistle echo through the huge room. "After a few minutes, the mage appeared to the boy in a rush of wind and light." Ash keeps playing as Brock continues in his "mage" voice "What sort of danger are you in, that you have called for me?" He switches to his psuedo-Ash voice. "Someone present here has spoken a lie against me, and now the king wants to put me to death...the executioner is waiting for me to finish my song." As himself, he continues. "the boy breathlessly explained. The mage, meanwhile, charged some red light in his hands and called..." He switches back to his "mage" voice. "Out of the ground, raze all greenery with flame! Fire!"

"No sooner had the mage spoke, did a fireball come flying from the mage's hands, setting the gallows ablaze." Brock continues as himself before switching back to his mage voice. "And who was it that brought a false charge against you?" He returns to himself. "the mage asked. The boy pointed out the groom--who was still bound to the tree--and the mage charged another ball of light, this one blue, and called..." He switches to his mage voice again. "Scatter your chilly sharp blades! Ice!"

As himself, he continues "Icicles came flying from the mage's hands, and they sliced up the tree and the groom to little pieces. The king then realized that the boy was truly innocent, and that his groom had been lying to him all along. So he ordered the boy freed, and offered the princess' hand in marriage as an apology." Ash finishes his song at this point, prompting more applause.

[Very nice!] Mai smiles.

"And so the boy and the princess were married...but the boy kept the three instruments and his Ponyta with him, just in case he needed their power again." Brock concludes. "The end."

The Pokemon's applause is the loudest as the trio takes a bow...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 67: The Meowth Girl (Misty)

(real tale: "Folktales from Japan", episode 30, story 1)

"In a certain village lived a rich man, and a poor man lived next to him." Misty begins. "The rich man was renowned for being grumpy and a miser, so one day, he kicked his pet Meowth--who we'll simply call Kitty--out of the house because she supposedly ate him out of house and home."

[That isn't very nice!] Mai growls.

"I would march right up to him and give him a good talking to!" Ash agrees.

"Kitty wandered over to the poor man's house, and the poor man took her in." Misty continues. "He worked extra hard scraping together meals for her, and he only had a single blanket for her, but Kitty didn't care--so long as she had food, shelter, and someone that loved her, she was happy."

"Mm-hm, and then?" Brock is interested.

"The next morning, as Kitty watched the poor man work in his fields, she was interested in a pair of Beautiflies and the flowers around the field." Misty continues. "But deep down, the poor man wished Kitty could help him."

Melody gasps as Misty continues "When he came in from the fields the next day, he was shocked to see Kitty grinding the grain for bread. The poor man was touched, and made dumplings for dinner that night--something he only made on festival days and special occasions."

"Mm..." Ash tries oh-so-hard not to drool as he imagines himself as the poor man.

"That night, the poor man swore he heard Kitty ask to go to Wishmaker Peak, in hopes she would be able to ask Jirachi for a human form." Misty goes on. "The poor man wasn't sure if he was hearing things or not, but gave Kitty some supplies for the journey, just in case."

[Did Kitty get her wish?] Korra asks

"After a long journey--which is a story in itself--Kitty arrived at Wishmaker Peak, and wished to become human." Misty replies. "On the way back, as she rested for the night, Jirachi heard her wish and transformed her into a human girl as she slept."

[YAAAAAAAAAAAYYYY!!!] the Meowths cheer.

"The poor man was stunned when he saw the girl." Misty concludes. "They took care of each other, and gave thanks to Jirachi for all time."

"I'm sure Kitty was beautiful as a human..." Brock sighs dreamily as he applauds.

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 68: Inabiki's Bride (Ash)

(real tale: "Folktales from Japan", episode 24, story 1)

"Once there was a family of Pikachus that lived in a certain house." Ash begins. "Before long, their only Pichu, a daughter named Inabiki, had evolved. That made her eligible for a mate."

"Fascinating..." Misty smiles.

"True--Pikachus can't reproduce until they evolve." Brock agrees.

"Now, Papachu didn't want Inabiki to go to just any old Pikachu, so Mamachu suggested that Inabiki marry Meowth." Ash explains.

He is cut off by Mai laughing. [But Inabiki would be eaten...most Meowths don't know any better to eat a Pikachu, and get horrible stomachaches.]

[Don't remind me, Mama...] One Meowth shudders at the memory of eating a Pikachu.

"Mamachu and Papachu asked Meowth if he would marry Inabiki." Ash continues, oblivious to the comments. "Before Meowth could answer, a Growlithe chased him off. Mamachu concluded that Growlithe was stronger than Meowth, and so asked Growlithe to marry Inabiki."

[And then?] Korra wonders.

"Before Growlithe could answer, his master, a young boy, called him back." Ash replies. "Mamachu concluded that a human was stronger than Growlithe, and asked the boy if he would marry Inabiki. Then, the Pikachus overheard some townsfolk saying the rice wasn't doing well, and concluded that rice was stronger than people."

"Pika?" Pikachu is confused as to how a plant is stronger than a human.

"They asked the rice stalk if it would marry Inabiki, but the rice stalk declined, saying that Ho'oh had refused to appear and help it grow. Mamachu concluded that Ho'oh was stronger than the rice." Ash explains.

"Now that makes more sense.." Brock muses.

"Papachu saw Ho'oh passing by, and asked her for a suggestion on the best mate for Inabiki." Ash goes on. "Ho'oh replied that the clouds were making it hard for her to fly that year, so that was why the rice was suffering. Mamachu concluded the clouds were stronger than Ho'oh, and asked a cloud to marry Inabiki."

"Pi pini ha pi?" Happini asks.

"One cloud said they were at the mercy of Suicune, and blown about as he ran across the plains." Ash replies. "Papachu suggested they ask Suicune. When Papachu asked Suicune to marry Inabiki, Suicune said..."

Brock fills in Suicune's dialogue. "Oh, but there is something stronger than me--the wall."

"So Mamachu asked the wall, and the wall replied that Pikachu bury through it many times." Ash continues.

[I see! We're back where we started again.] Mai muses.

"Mamachu and Papachu were surprised to hear how strong they were." Ash concludes. "Before long, Inabiki was married to a brave male Pikachu named Seiden, and they lived happily ever after."

"Pika..." Pikachu sighs dreamily as he pictures a perfect mate of his own...

[EmeraldSky]

Tale 69: The Gluttonous Ogre (Brock)

(real tale: "Folktales from Japan", episode 29, story 1)

"Just a word of warning--this tale might be a little scary." Brock cautions.

"I'm not scared!" Misty declares. "Unlike Mr. Scaredy-meowth over here..." she adds, gesturing to Ash.

"I am NOT a scaredy-meowth!" Ash retorts as everyone laughs.

"Said the one who had a death grip on my back during the last ghost story..." Misty deadpans, to more laughter.

Brock is unfazed by the argument. "Once a man--we'll call him Yuji--went into town and bought two Ponytas." he begins. "After buying some Magikarps to sacrifice to Arceus for his good fortune, he started on his way home. On the way through the mountain pass, the younger Ponyta began to tire. Yuji remembered hearing rumors in town that a monster appeared on the pass at night, but he figured since it was daytime, he'd be okay."

Nervous giggles fill the air. "But as he continued up the hill, an ogre met him on the path and demanded one of his Magikarps." Brock continues. "Yuji quickly complied, but the ogre was not satisfied, and demanded all of the Magikarps. Yuji protested that the Magikarps were to be a sacrifice to Arceus, but the ogre threatened to eat him if he did not comply."

Gasps go up as the small audience fears for Yuji. "Just then, Yuji remembered that Arceus liked just about any kind of fish for fortune offerings, so he decided he would just buy some Goldeens later." Brock assures his audience before continuing "The ogre was still not satisfied and demanded to eat one of the Ponytas."

"Boy, this ogre is a real glutton!" Ash comments, making nervous laughter fill the air.

Even Brock is laughing at Ash's wry observation, but he composes himself and continues. "When Yuji tried to protest, the ogre threatened to eat him if he did not comply. Eventually both Ponytas were eaten, but that was STILL not enough for the ogre--then he threatened to eat Yuji too!"

'Oh no's' race through the tent. "Yuji ran away with the ogre in hot pursuit. After running for a while, Yuji dove into a lake in an attempt to escape. The ogre tried to follow him, but he sank like a rock. This forced him to spit out the Ponytas-- who were unharmed--and flee back to the mountains."

Relieved sighs fill the air as Brock concludes "Yuji eventually made it home safely, and he sacrificed a whole Seaking as thanks for Arceus' protection and his good fortune."

"Why didn't Yuji just run to begin with?" Ash wonders as he applause.

"Pika pika pikachu?" Pikachu suggests.

Ash smiles. "Yeah, maybe Yuji was a scaredy-meowth!"