@Chakramaster; @Trainer17; @AWA1997;

Brock stifled a chuckle at Vaugn's answer. "Oh, it's not gonna take THAT long." he assures him.

After playing a few chords to remember where he is in the long story, he continues. "The next morning Owen, after bidding farewell to his father, his friends, and everyone in the castle, set out on his travels. He saw his stepmother on the tallest tower facing the wind--there to remain, feeding on the seeds that were blown to her and drinking the rain, until he would return-if he did return-with the Golden Pidgeot of Sinoch."

Ash shuddered in anticipation over Brock's "Traveling" song. "Far and very far Owen traveled; until, late that evening, as he sat down by the side of a stream, weary and hungry, a beautiful Arcanine came bounding from the hills. He looked with hungry eyes at him eating his dinner.

"I'm very, very hungry," he pleads as the Arcanine. "Will you share with me?"

As himself, he continues "Owen felt sorry for the majestic dog Pokemon, so he divided his dinner, and gave half of it to the Arcanine, who ate it happily. Then it asked Owen where he traveled. Owen told the Arcanine his sad story, and showed him the charge mark on his hand."

"Sir Owen, you are going on one of the most adventurous, and at the same time most terrible tasks in the world; but, if I, Hunter of the Hills, can do anything to help you, I will. Come with me tonight anyway, and rest." he offers as the Arcanine.

"Of course, Owen thanked Hunter, and went with him." he continues as himself. "Hunter brought him to a fine house on a hill, where Owen got a soft bed for the night."

"Hunter of the Hills is a powerful Arcanine with magical power said to watch over the borderlands between Kanduin and Sondo." Ash explains over the harp's interlude. "As well as innate fire power, his other powers include transforming into things, as you will see shortly."

"He's heard this one a million times." Serena whispers.