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EVERYONE: Tales from the Gentle Spring (Tale #12: The Shining Goldeen)

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(rated E10+ for fantasy stage violence and frightening images)

With Pokemon Cafe Mix coming out, I've decided to reboot my collection of Pokemonized folk tales into that world--this time, Ash, Misty, and Serena join Brock in weaving tales in the cafe--and there might be a few offstage plots as well. The tales themselves will be a mix of old favorites, older tales updated to account for Sword/Shield, and some all new stories.

So without any further ado, here is...

Tale #1: The Minstrel and the Shoemaker

(real tale: The Ballad Maker and the Boot-Maker)

(what Brock and Serena perform)


Applause rang through the Gentle Spring Cafe's main dining room as Ash, Misty, Brock, and Serena finished a song. "Thank you..." Brock smiled as he rechecked his tuning.

Once sure his guitar was still in tune, he started a story for the assembled Pokemon and people. "There was once a minstrel who traveled across the land, singing songs and weaving tales that kept people coming back again and again."

Serena discretely switched her mandolin for her own fiddle as Brock went on "Her music was unlike anything the people had heard before. This was because our heroine hailed from what is today Kalos, so people turned out in droves to hear the sweet ballads and swinging beats of exotic dance tunes."

With that, Brock and Serena played the gypsy jazz standard 'Minor Swing' for effect. The swinging melody spurred many Pokemon to hurry out to the open area Leah had designated as a dance floor and dance along to the guitar and fiddle trading solos along with a prerecorded rhythm guitar and bass track. From the tiniest Pichus to the biggest Dragon Pokemon, those that weren't dancing snapped or clapped along to the swinging tune.

Misty picked up the tale when the song ended. "Long after the minstrel went on her way, people tried to remember the words to the songs and the notes to the tunes. A great many tried learning to play the tunes themselves for this reason."

"Now, in one town there lived a shoemaker." Ash picked up the tale. "Since making and repairing shoes was often a boring task, he often passed the time by singing. Since he sang a good deal, he thought he could sing very well--if he said so himself. He was beyond delighted with the minstrel's songs, memorized many of them, and never tired of singing them--in his own way. But since he didn't know a word of Kalosian, much less how to carry a tune, many said a Meowth yowling on a fence sounded better."

Laughter filled the cafe as the audience imagined how terrible the shoemaker must have sounded. "So, when our heroine came back that way, the people would send her away with comments we're not going to repeat here." Ash went on. "Some of the townsfolk even claimed that the shoemaker sang better than any Kalosian."

Angry whispers filled the air, but Serena was quick to calm the crowd. "Our heroine was devoted to her art, and she did not merely sing for material glory--all the name calling and nasty comments rolled off of her like water off a Ducklett's back. So instead of being mad, she replied that she was pleased to hear that the people in that town had learned the Kalosian language and Kalosian songs. Then she asked to hear the shoemaker sing for herself."

"To say she was mortified by the shoemaker mangling her melodies is an understatement!" Brock interjected, to some laughter at the alliteration.

"Our heroine thought long and hard about what to do." Serena went on. "Her first idea was to make a terrible pair of shoes, or mess up the shoemaker's work, but that would make the townsfolk even madder. So she told the townsfolk to assemble in the town square the next morning for a singing contest."

"The next morning, the whole town turned out for the promised singing contest." Misty picked up the tale. "It was agreed that the shoemaker would go first. And sing the shoemaker did, with plenty of wrong notes and butchered Kalosian to boot."

"Then the minstrel stood up and sang so beautifully, that the people wondered why they thought the shoemaker was any good in the first place." Serena concluded. "So the minstrel was welcomed back with open arms, and she in turn forgave the people. From that day on, any time the minstrel came was treated like a holiday!"

"As for the shoemaker, he didn't sing again for a long time!" Brock grinned over a playful flourish, to knowing laughter and applause...
 
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Tale #2: The Nine Talonflames

(real tale: The Enchanted Peafowl)

[Did you hear? Did you hear? Champion Lance will be stopping by the cafe on his way back to Indigo Plateau!] one of the Sylveons cried as the group arrived for their daily performance. [Maybe we will have the honor of serving his twin Dragonites, Bahamut and Tiamat!]

"We know." Brock assured the excited Sylveon. "That's why we're practicing our most exciting and adventurous stories before he arrives in a few days--since he does enjoy a well performed adventure."

"The billion credit question is--what tale would Lance like?" Misty mused as the group settled in onstage.

"'The Nine Talonflames' never fails to excite the audience." Serena suggests.

"Okay--we'll tell that one first." Brock smiles as he watches the cafe fill with customers for the lunch rush...

---------

The audience claps along as the guitar, the fiddle, and whistle play an upbeat melody. Once the song ends, Brock asks the audience "Have you ever heard the story of the shining Talonflame who became a queen, and the young prince who married her?"

Excited murmurs and "no"s come wafting in his direction. "Well, here it is..." Brock replies as Misty and Ash start a regal melody that evokes a royal palace. "There was once a king who took great delight in his garden. Every morning you would find him watering his flowers or picking the fruit of his favorite tree."

As the guitar joins in the tune, Serena picks up the story. "This was a Leppa Berry tree that had the magic property of bearing buds, blossoms, and shining crystal fruit every twenty-four hours like clockwork. In the morning the first thing the king did when he woke up was look out his bedroom window to see that all was well with his miracle tree."

"One morning he was shocked and saddened to see that the tree had been stripped of all the shining fruit which had ripened during the night." Ash continues as the fiddle and guitar start a sad melody. "The palace guards looked everywhere for the thief, but found nothing."

"The next morning, the same thing happened; and every morning after that, when the king looked out his bedroom window, he saw that the tree had again been stripped of its shining crystal fruit." Misty intones before readying her instrument to play again.

"So the king called his three sons to him, and explained what was happening." Serena continues as her friends play a festive melody. "The eldest son eagerly volunteered to keep watch, standing guard under the tree and leaning against its trunk."

The guitar, fiddle and whistle's song starts to lose its gusto as Serena continues "As midnight approached his eyes grew heavy and he fell asleep. When he woke up the next morning, the shining Berries were gone. Then the middle son volunteered, but he fared no better than his brother had."

Brock grins as he plays a Bb chord to herald the hero's appearance. "Finally, the youngest son, whose name was Brian, asked if he could have a turn watching the tree." Serena goes on over the soft rendition of the Zelda theme Brock is playing to accompany her words. "The king was understandably reluctant--how could Brian succeed where his older brothers had failed? But Brian persisted, and he was allowed to try."

"So that evening Brian laid beneath the miracle tree in a sleeping bag." Misty picks up the story. "About midnight, when the Leppa Berries had began to ripen, he woke up and looked at the tree. The fruit had just begun to ripen, and the garden shone with a soft gold light. Just then, nine Talonflames that shone came to the tree. Eight of them settled upon the tree, and the ninth landed on the ground beside his sleeping bag, and, as soon as she had touched the ground, she transformed into a beautiful young lady."

"They talked and laughed together all night long, and when dawn came, she thanked him for the Leppa Berries." Brock continues the tale as he plays. "He asked her to leave one Berry behind, but she gave him two–one for himself, and one to take to his father. This done, she transformed back into a Talonflame and flew away, followed by the other eight."

"In the morning Prince Brian rose up, and took a Leppa Berry to his father, who did not know what to do for joy, and commended him for a job well done." Serena continues as Ash, Misty, and Brock start a joyful melody. "The next evening, Prince Brian returned to the Leppa Berry tree, curious to know more about the Talonflames."

"He learned that the ninth was named Keira, and she and her eight ladies ruled over a far away land." Ash continues. "She also asked him to come to her country--a huge Hydreigon had brought terror on her homeland, and he had all the makings of a fine hero. If she and her ladies ever failed to come, that was a sign the Hydreigon had captured them."

"Prince Brian promised to come and rescue them all if need be, and in the morning he again brought his father a Leppa Berry." Brock continues.

The guitar's song then turns somber. "This went on for a few days, until one night, what Prince Brian feared the most came to pass--Keira and her ladies did not come." Brock intones. "Remembering what Keira had said, and with his father and brothers' blessings, he set out on a grand quest in search of them."

After playing a traveling interlude, Misty picks up the tale. "When he had traveled a long time, he came to a lake, where he spotted a little Goldeen trying to jump into the water. Prince Brian felt sorry for the little fish Pokemon, and set it back in the water, receiving a sapphire for his trouble, and the song to activate it."

"When he had gone a little further, he spotted a Fennekin caught in a trap." Serena continues. "Prince Brian felt sorry for the struggling Fennekin, and let it out of the trap. He received a ruby as thanks, and the song to invoke its power."

"Eventually, he came to a hill, and found a Braviary with its wing caught in brambles." Ash narrates. So our hero carefully untangled the Braviary's wing, and received an emerald as thanks, as well as the song to use it."

"While on the road, our hero met a man, and asked him..." Brock narrates.

"Do you know where the palace of the great Hydreigon is?" Ash asks as Prince Brian.

"The man gladly showed him the way, and also told him when he was home." Brock goes on. "After thanking the man, Prince Brian went on, and eventually came to the palace of the great Hydreigon. Upon arrival, he found his beloved Keira, and when she saw him and he saw her, they were both full of joy."

He smiles. "Keira assured Prince Brian that her ladies had managed to escape, and were back at her palace awaiting their queen's safe return. The next question was how to escape themselves."

Nervous giggles go up at this. "They obviously couldn't just ride away--the Hydreigon would surely catch them and eat them both, as he was faster than any mortal Ponyta." Misty explains. "Prince Brian asked if Keira had learned where anything faster was, and Keira replied that she had once overheard the Hydreigon bragging to some friends that he had been plotting to steal Epona, the god-Ponyta that belonged to the holy Delphox Kitsune. Luckily, the Hydreigon had not made any progress in this plan, so she suggested that Prince Brian obtain Epona first, and they could escape that way."

"She went on to tell him Kitsune wouldn't give Epona to just anyone." Serena cautioned. "If anyone wanted anything from her, they had to serve her three days. Those that served faithfully received whatever they wished, those that had served faithfully and still failed would serve Kitsune forever, and the evil and impure that failed would die."

"The next morning, Brian traveled to Kitsune's abode." Ash picks up the story.

"Good day, milady!" he smiles as Prince Brian.

"Good day to you, young prince." Serena replies as Kitsune. "What brings you here to this sacred place?"

"I would like to take service with you." Ash replies.

‘Very well--you will serve me for three days." Serena explains. "If you complete the tasks given to you successfully for three days, I will give you anything you wish. If you put forth an honest effort and still fail, I'll understand, and keep you with me."

"She next took him into the yard." Brock picks up the tale. "In the yard were many stakes adorned with skulls of all sizes, including a fair few human skulls, as a warning to the evil and impure."

Serena makes a grand gesture to an imagined object. "This grisly scene before you are all those who sought my treasure for selfish reasons, or tried to kill or deceive me. But I have read your heart and know it to be pure, so I do not see your skull joining their number."

"That afternoon, Kitsune led Prince Brian to a stream, and said to him..." Brock narrates.

"Yesterday evening, I lost one of my favorite rings in the stream." Serena explains as Kitsune. "Your task for today is to find it."

"Prince Brian searched the stream and the banks for miles, but found no trace of the ring." Misty picks up the tale, to giggles as Ash searches the floor for something. "He was about to give up when he remembered the sapphire the Goldeen gave him."

Rou iitsa ron selga vichii... Ash sings to a prop sapphire, to awed chatter as it glows.

"The sapphire glowed, and the Goldeen from before surfaced in the water, the ring in her mouth!" Misty smiles, to some applause. "Kitsune was well pleased with our hero, and rewarded him with a fine meal for a job well done."

"On the second day he had to look after a herd of Bunearies, and no matter how hard Prince Brian tried to keep up, the Bunearies went one direction and another." Serena continues, to some frantic running chords from the guitar. "He was about to give up in frustration when he remembered the ruby he had received."

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Ash fills in the spellsong, making a prop ruby and his Mega Ring glow.

"The Fennekin from before arrived, and happily rounded up the Bunearies, so that they were all accounted for at the end of the day." Serena continues.

"On the third day, our hero was tasked with finding a shining Fletchling and catching it." Brock continues. "Although Prince Brian watched the skies for hours, any Fletchlings he saw were normally colored."

He then plays a trilling note to signal something shining. "Towards evening, he spotted a shining gold Fletchling flying by, and invoked the emerald..."

Karuto, iichiida shou... Ash fills in the spellsong, making a prop emerald glow.

"In minutes, the Braviary from before swooped in and caught the shining Fletchling." Brock continues. "He then brought it to our hero unharmed."

"Kitsune was pleased that Prince Brian had completed her three tests, and gladly gave him Epona, plus a secret spell that would defeat the great Hydreigon." Ash picks up the story. "Before long, he arrived at the great Hydreigon's palace. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he told Keira to hurry and get ready, as he had a mount faster than any mortal Ponyta."

"They had not gotten very far when the Hydreigon found them both missing." Misty intones, to gasps from the crowd. "He soon caught up to the two lovers, but just when it looked like the end, Prince Brian invoked the secret spell Kitsune had taught him..."

Gatrandis favel, secret, edena... Ash fills in the song.
Emusto ronzen fine el balaziis...
Katoradis favel siicletu edena...
Emusto koron zen fine, si...


Wild applause goes up at this. "The great Hydreigon was engulfed in a bright rainbow light, allowing Prince Brian and Keira to return to Keira's homeland safely." Brock concludes over a victorious song. "They arrived to a hero's welcome, and a grand wedding was held before the year was out."

He looks out at the enthralled audience. "In fact, it is said in that land that they reigned honorably and faithfully for a very long time, and their reign is remembered fondly even now."

The cafe rings with applause as the group bows...
 
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Tale #3: Moltres' Song

(real tale: Ohnivak)

"You're sure there's enough space in here for me to actually attempt a shot?" Brock asks Leah as he watches a Sylveon bring out the sandwich special Lance had ordered.

"So long as the arrows are not meant for combat, it should add a nice wow factor to your performance!" Leah assured Brock.

"Don't worry--these arrows are just props." Brock assures Leah, allowing her to see one of the prop arrows. "Most damage they can do is pop a balloon."

The crowd applauding Ash's and Serena's Pokeflute and fiddle duet gets Misty's attention. "I'll kick off 'Moltres' Song', if you like."

"Go for it." Brock smiles.

Misty nods back, then steps onto the stage. "Let us turn now from tunes to an adventure or two." she suggests to the crowd.

"The king of a certain land had a beautiful garden which contained a number of very rare trees, but the rarest one of all was a Leppa tree." Brock begins as he joins Ash and the girls onstage. "It stood in the middle of the garden, and produced shining crystal Leppa Berries every day. In the morning the flowers bloomed, during the day the fruit grew and ripened, and before nightfall, the berries were fully ripe. The next day the same thing happened, and this cycle would occur like clockwork every day."

"However, no Berries were left on the tree the following day." Ash intones. "No one knew how, when, or why they disappeared, and this deeply grieved the king."

"Finally, he couldn't stand it any longer, and calling his eldest son to him, said..." Brock then speaks in an older man's voice. “My child, I want you to keep watch in the garden tonight, and see if you can find out what happens to my miracle Leppa Berries. I will reward you with the choice of all my treasures; if you should be lucky enough to capture the thief, and bring him to me, I would gladly give you half my kingdom and more.”

"So the young prince--whose name is not important to us--set his trusty sword at his side, and with his bow on his back and quiver full of thirty arrows, went into the garden to stand guard." Serena explains. "As he sat there under the Leppa Berry tree, a drowsy feeling came over him, which he could not resist. Before long, he slept as soundly as if he had been in his own bed at home, nor did he awake until dawn, and then he saw that the Leppa Berries were gone."

"When questioned by his father, he said that no thieves had come, but that the Leppa Berries had vanished all the same." Ash continues over the soft giggles. "The king shook his head--he did not believe a word of it. Then, turning to his middle son, he bade him keep watch, and promised him a handsome reward if he caught the thief."

"So the middle son armed himself accordingly and went into the garden. But he fared no better than his brother, for he could not resist the desire to sleep, and when he woke up the Leppa Berries were gone--again!" Misty grins.

The cafe ripples with laughter at this. "When his father asked him how it disappeared, he replied that no one had taken it, it had vanished on its own.” Brock explains.

In character as the king, he tells an imagined person “Now, my dearest one, take your turn. Although you are young, and have less experience than your brothers, let's see if you can succeed where they have failed. If you are willing, go, and may Arceus be with you.”

The audience listens as Brock goes on as himself "That evening, when it was dusk, the youngest prince--whose name was Brian--went into the garden to keep watch. He took with him a sword and a bow, and a few arrows. He set the sword in such a way that it would lightly poke him and jolt him awake if he dozed off."

Misty then reveals what was taking the Leppa Berries as Brock gathers his own bow and some prop arrows for himself. "Around midnight, Moltres, the bird of fire, flew down and landed on the tree, and was just about to make off with the Leppa Berries when Prince Brian nocked an arrow to his bow and fired."

The audience holds their breaths as Brock carefully nocks one of his own arrows and fires at a Moltres target positioned at the other end of the stage, where it lands not far from the bullseye.

Applause fills the air at Brock's successful shot. "The arrow struck Moltres beneath the wing." he explains, gesturing to his shot in the target before removing his gear and setting it aside. "Although wounded, she flew away, dropping one of her feathers on the ground. That night, for the first time in a long time, the Leppa Berries remained untouched."

“Have you caught the thief?” he asks an imagined person as the king.

“Not altogether, but we'll catch him soon enough." Ash replies as Prince Brian.

"He gave the king the feather, and told him everything that had happened." Brock continues as himself. "The king was charmed with the feather; it was so beautiful, and glowed so bright, that it easily lit all the rooms of the palace, and they needed no other light."

"Wow"s and awed whistles went up from the crowd. "The courtiers told the king that the feather could only belong to Moltres, the bird of fire, and that it was worth all the rest of the royal treasure put together." Misty explains, quieting the chatter. "From that time on, Moltres didn't come to the garden, and the Leppa Berries remained untouched. But the king could think of nothing more than how to own this marvelous Pokemon."

Brock's face turns somber. "Finally, after losing hope of ever seeing Moltres, he grew depressed, and would remain in deep thought for hours. The mental toll got him physically sick, and every day his condition grew worse."

"One day he summoned his three sons before him and said..." Misty narrates.

Brock switches to his "king" voice again. “My dear children, you see the sorry state I am in. If I could only hear Moltres sing, I would be cured of this disease of the heart; otherwise, I will die. Whoever succeeds in catching Moltres alive and getting her to sing to me, I will give half my kingdom and the right to the throne.”

As himself, he continues "After bidding their father farewell, the brothers set off. They traveled together until they came to a part of the forest where the road branched off in three directions, and agreed to each go down a different route, and return to the fork in a year. In order to recognize the fork again, each one planted a tree at the exact point where the road split. If one of the trees wilted, its owner had either died or needed help. If a tree glowed, its owner had been successful."

"When each prince had planted a tree at the fork, they set off." Misty goes on. "The eldest rode on, and never stopped until he reached the top of a high mountain; where he stopped to rest and have lunch."

She smiles, revealing a twist in the tale. "Just then, the holy Delphox Kitsune came that way, and asked the eldest prince..."

"Please, Sir Prince, may I have a little of your food?" Serena asks as Kitsune. "I am very hungry, and have not had much luck hunting.”

Brock reveals the eldest prince's reaction. "But the eldest prince fired an arrow from his bow, but he did not hit Kitsune, for she vanished moments before the arrow hit."

"The middle brother, after an uneventful journey, reached a plain, where he stopped for lunch." Misty continues. "Kitsune also appeared to him and begged for food; but he too shot at her. Kitsune being a god, she disappeared as before."

"Prince Brian, meanwhile, traveled on until he came to the banks of a river." Brock continues. Tired and hungry, he got down from his Ponyta and started on his lunch. While he was eating, Kitsune came to him."

“Please, young sir,” Serena asks as Kitsune, “give me a little of your food.”

“Fear not, Lady Kitsune; I see you are more hungry than I, but there is enough for us both.” Ash assures Serena as Prince Brian.

Brock goes on "So he divided all his supplies in half--one for him, and one for Kitsune. When Kitsune had eaten her fill, she said..."

“You have fed me well, so in return I will serve you well; mount your Ponyta and follow me." Serena instructs as Kitsune. "If you do everything I tell you to do, Moltres will be yours.”

Misty narrates "Then she set off flying before Prince Brian, leaping over mountains, soaring over ravines, and crossing rivers as easily as solid ground. Prince Brian followed at a gallop, without the slightest wish to stop, until they came to a castle built of gold."

“Moltres is in this castle,” Serena explains as Kitsune. “You must enter exactly at noon, for then the guards will be asleep, and you will pass unnoticed. Beware of stopping anywhere. In the first room you will find twelve birds black as night, in golden cages; in the second, twelve golden birds in wooden cages; in the third, Moltres, the bird of fire, roosting on her perch. Near her are two cages, one of wood and the other of gold; be sure you put her in the wooden cage."

"Prince Brian entered the castle, and found everything as Kitsune had told him." Brock continues. "Having passed through the two rooms, he came to the third, and there saw Moltres on her perch, asleep. In his excitement of handling such a beautiful Pokemon, he accidentally placed Moltres in the gold cage, which caused her to scream in panic and wake up the guards."

"Oh no"s wafted through the crowd as Misty set the scene. "The guards caught Prince Brian, and dragged him before the king."

The boys then proceeds to enact the entire confrontation. “Thief, who are you to have dared to steal Moltres?”

“I am not a thief...I have come to reclaim a thief whom you protect. I am the son of a king, and in my father’s gardens is a Leppa Berry tree that bears glittering crystal fruit. In the night your bird robbed us of our golden Leppa Berries. Though I watched and wounded her, I could not catch her. My father is dying with grief because of this, and the only remedy that can save and restore him to health, is that he may listen to Moltres' exquisite song."

“You may have her on one condition--that you bring me Epona, the shining Ponyta with the sapphire mane.”

Brock next deadpans as himself "So Prince Brian left empty-handed."

"Cry not, Sir Brian--I know you did not mean to disobey me, but your haste led you to this predicament, and so now you must find a way out of it." Serena scolds as Kitsune.

“I admit it was my own fault, and for that I beg your forgiveness. I want your advice: how I am to get Epona?” Ash asks as Prince Brian.

“I know how it can be done, and I will help you once again as a sign of my forgiveness. Follow me, and do as I tell you.” Serena replies as Kitsune.

"Kitsune ran on ahead, clearing the path for Prince Brian." Misty continues. "Prince Brian followed at a gallop, until they came to a castle built entirely of silver."

“In that castle lives the Legendary steed Epona." Serena instructs as Kitsune. “You have to go exactly at noon, when the guards are asleep. Whatever you do, do not stop anywhere. You must pass through three stables. In the first are twelve shining Ponytas with golden bridles; in the second, twelve normal Ponytas with black bridles; in the third stands Epona in front of her manger, and she shines the brightest of all. Near her are two bridles, one of gold, the other of leather. Whatever you do, do not pick up the gold bridle if you can help it, or you will regret it.”

"So Prince Brian waited until the appointed time, and then entered the castle, finding everything as Kitsune had said." Brock continues the tale. "In the third stable stood Epona, eating the grain of heaven from her silver trough. She was so beautiful that Prince Brian could not take his eyes off her. In his zeal to handle the Legendary steed he had heard about in endless bedtime stories, he grabbed the gold bridle by mistake."

Gasps went up as he goes on "Epona made so much racket it woke the guards, and Prince Brian was again dragged before the king."

“You thief, how is it that you have escaped the vigilance of the guards and have dared to lay hands upon my precious Epona?” he demands in character as the silver king.

"Prince Brian told the silver king everything, hiding nothing, and he hoped His Majesty would give him Epona as a gift." Misty explains.

“Most willingly, but on one condition--that you bring me Christine, the Maiden with the Sapphire Eyes: she lives in the crystal castle on the shores of the northern sea.” Brock replies as the king.

He interjects as himself "Kitsune was waiting in the forest for Prince Brian, and when she saw him come back without the Ponyta, she knew what had happened."

"See how your haste has got you in trouble again?" Serena scolds as Kitsune.

“Please, I confess that I disobeyed you. But have mercy on me and help me out of this predicament.” Ash pleads as Prince Brian.

“Very well--since you have admitted your fault and genuinely wish to make things right again, I forgive you, and will help you once more." Serena assures Ash as Kitsune. "If you do as you are told, you may learn there is a time to rush, and a time to take it slow. So, let's go!"

Some Pokemon laugh at Serena's in character poetic license. "So Kitsune ran on ahead, clearing the road, until they reached the shores of the northern sea." Brock narrates as himself.

“That palace over there is the residence of the Queen of the Ocean Kingdom." Serena explains as Kitsune, pointing at an imagined location in the distance. "She has three daughters; Christine is the youngest, and it is she who has the sapphire eyes. First go to the queen and ask her to give you one of her daughters in marriage. If she accepts your proposal, she will ask you to choose one of them--take the princess who is plainly dressed. Though she may be humble in appearance, her eyes are a piercing blue, and this is why she is called the Maiden with the Sapphire Eyes.”

"Oh"s go up from the crowd at this. "The queen received him most graciously, and when he explained the reason for his visit, she led him into a room where the three daughters were spinning." Misty narrates. "They were so much alike that an untrained eye could not tell them apart, and all so lovely that when Prince Brian looked at them, his heart pounded in excitement."

"The first lady wore a gown and veil embroidered with gold, and used a golden distaff; the second had on a gown embroidered with silver and held a silver distaff; and the third wore a gown and veil of dazzling white, with a wooden distaff." Brock explains. "When told to make his choice, Prince Brian pointed to the maiden clothed in white.”

"As Prince Brian left the crystal palace with Christine, he saw his mount coming towards him, with Kitsune at his side." Misty narrates.

“Mount quickly,” Serena calls as Kitsune. “There is not a moment to lose; lift the maiden in front of you.”

Brock continues "The faithful steed flew like an arrow, and sped rapidly over the road. Prince Brian was very happy as he rode along, holding Christine, but it saddened him to think he would have to give up all thought of marrying her himself, and that within a few short hours he had to leave her with the silver king. Kitsune, who noticed this, said..."

“It appears that you do not want to exchange the lovely Christine for Epona, yes?" Serena notes as Kitsune. "Well, I have helped you so far, I will see what I can do for you now.”

Brock interjects "With that, she sang..."

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Serena fills in the song as Kitsune, making Ash's Mega Ring glow in response.

"...transforming into an exact copy of Christine." Brock continues.

“Leave your real bride in the forest, and take me with you to offer to the silver king in exchange for his Ponyta Epona. Mount Epona, return here, and escape with the maid you love; I will take care of the rest.” Serena instructs as Kitsune.

Misty continues "The silver king received the maiden without any suspicion, and handed over Epona in exchange. Kitsune caught up with our heroes when they had almost reached the gold castle. Here they all rested, while Kitsune transformed into an exact copy of Epona..."

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Serena sings as Kitsune again.

Misty continues "Prince Brian entered the gold castle, and exchanged the disguised Kitsune for the firebird Moltres. Once no one was looking, Kitsune returned to her true form, and hurried after the departing prince, who she did not overtake until they had reached the banks of the river where they had first met."

“Now, Sir Brian, Moltres, the lovely Christine, and the Legendary steed Epona are all yours." Serena smiles as Kitsune. "From here, I believe you can manage without my help, so return to your father’s house in peace and joy. If you do need my help again, I am watching over you, always.”

"Aw"s went up as Brock goes on "With these words Kitsune returned to her earthly house in the forest, while Prince Brian continued his journey. In his hand he held the golden cage that contained Moltres, at his side the lovely Christine rode Epona. If Arceus had called him home just then, he would have died a happy man."

He pauses for a moment, then continues "When he reached the fork where he had parted from his brothers the year before, he hurried to look for the branches they had planted. His alone had become a beautiful Cheri tree, theirs had both withered."

Next, Misty reveals a twist in the tale. "He did not, however, expect his brothers to ambush him, throw him in a deep pit, and take his treasure for themselves."

"WHAAAAAAAAAAAT????" Even Lance is shocked at the turn of events.

"Once home, they sent Epona to the stables, the cage containing Moltres was placed in their father's room, and Christine was given a beautiful suite of apartments and maids of honor to attend her." Misty continues. "When the king, who was weakened by his suffering, had looked at Moltres, he asked about Prince Brian's fate. The brothers replied that they had not seen or heard anything of him, and so presumed him dead.”

"The king was devastated—it seemed as if his last hour was at hand." Brock intones. "On top of that, Moltres refused to sing; Epona stood with her head bent down before her manger, and would eat nothing; while Princess Christine remained silent as if she had taken a vow, her beautiful hair was messy and uncombed, and she wept so much, her tears fell like a waterfall."

A smile forms on his face--all hope isn't lost for Prince Brian! "Now, Kitsune happened to pass through the forest, and came upon Prince Brian calling for help in the pit. With her holy power, she levitated him out onto safe ground again. Prince Brian quickly told her what had happened."

"Have faith, Sir Brian--this time the misfortune is not your fault." Serena grins as Kitsune. "I have a plan to make things right again."

Brock continues "After conjuring some commoner's clothes for him, Kitsune led him to the outskirts of the forest, close to the royal palace, where she left him. Prince Brian then entered the palace grounds, unrecognized by the servants. He claimed he was a poor boy in need of work, and was made a stable boy. Some time later he heard the grooms worrying that Epona would refuse to eat. When no one was looking, Prince Brian lay some fresh hay in Epona's manger and assured her...

"Grieve no more, Epona--your master is home." Ash tells an imagined being as Prince Brian.

Excited whispers fill the air as Misty picks up the tale. "Epona recognized her master’s voice, and whinnying with joy, happily ate all the hay. The news was talked about from one end of the palace to the other, and the sick king summoned the boy to his presence."

“I hear you have made Epona eat." Brock explains as the king. “Do you think you could make Moltres sing? She droops her wings, and will neither eat nor drink. If she dies, I will die too.”

“Your majesty may rest assured, the bird will not die. I know a way to have her sing her healing song." Ash explains as Prince Brian.

As himself, Brock continues "The king ordered the finest food brought, and the disguised prince put a handful into Moltres’s cage, saying..."

“Cheer up, Moltres--your master is home.” Ash smiles as Prince Brian.

Brock narrates "As soon as Moltres heard her master’s voice she shook her feathers, making her feathers shine brighter than ever. She danced in her cage, and sang so beautifully, the king was immediately healed, as if a great weight had been lifted off his heart. Moltres again burst into song..."

With that, Misty sings Gatrandis favel, secret, edena....
Emusto ronzen fine el balaziis...
Katoradis favel siicletu edena...
Emusto koron zen fine, si...


Applause fills the air as the last note fades away. "This so moved the king that he jumped from bed, and embraced the disguised prince out of sheer euphoria and gratitude." Brock goes on.

“Now, teach me how to heal this beautiful maiden my sons brought back with them; she will not speak a word, her beautiful hair remains uncared for, and her tears fall night and day.” he pleads as the king.

“If Your Majesty will allow me to say a few words to her, it may be the means of making her happy again.” Ash assures an imagined person as Prince Brian.

Misty interjects "The king led the way to her apartments, and the disguised prince, taking her hand, said..."

“Grieve no more, Christine--your rightful groom is home.” Ash smiles as Prince Brian.

"Christine knew him right away, and with a cry of joy threw herself into his arms." Misty continues. "This astonished the king, and he could not for the life of him think how a stable boy could address a princess as his 'dear bride.' Prince Brian then revealed himself to his father, and told him the truth. Christine in turn told how the wicked brothers had threatened to kill her if she betrayed them. As for the brothers, they shook from head to toe, and trembled like leaves in the wind. The furious king ordered them banished from the land for lying to him, never to return on pain of death."

Brock concludes "And so, Prince Brian married the beautiful Christine, and the king gave him half of his kingdom as a wedding present. When the time came for the old king to join Arceus in heaven, Prince Brian ascended to the throne, and lived happily with his beloved Christine for many years."

"Aw"s and applause fills the cafe as the group takes a bow...
 
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Tale #4: The Knight of the Swanna

(real tale: The Invisible Knight)

"Okay, everyone..." Brock began as a crowd of kids and Pokemon gathered around a table. "One easy way to get kids--and kids at heart--excited about a story is to bring it to life somehow." he explained. "So when I can't bring props, instruments, costumes, and stage weapons somewhere, I usually bring decks of cards to tell my tales."

Intrigued whispers filled the cafe as Brock showed them a card box labeled "The Knight of the Swanna". "But this deck of cards is a little different than the four suited deck you all know--did you know you can also get cards with five suits?"

"No"s and more excited chatter filled the air as Brock prepared one of his generic five suit decks as a demonstration. "A five suit deck has an extra suit--stars--and a few extra cards, which adds up to 75 cards instead of 52--80 cards if you count jokers."

"Wow"s filled the air as Brock dealt a 1 of diamonds and a princess of spades for his audience to see. "Most five suit decks will also have a proper 1 card in between the ace and the 2, and a princess card in between the jack and the queen. This is a huge help in telling my tales, because I have enough card types to represent many common characters in a folktale."

After reassembling his demo deck, Brock retrieved the deck labeled "The Knight of the Swanna". "Since I've made a lot of story decks, I label each box with the story the deck is for so I can tell them apart." he explained as he prepared his deck.

Once the cards were ready, Brock dealt the king of hearts on the table. "There was once a king who had an only son." he began as he dealt the jack of hearts by the king of hearts. "We'll call him Shane, okay?"

"Okay!" the kids reply in approval of the hero's name.

"Now, Prince Shane loved to travel." Brock explained. "So when he came of age, he asked his father to let him to go on a trip around the world. He hoped to see many beautiful and wondrous things, go on epic adventures, gain happiness, knowledge, and wisdom, and return a better person than before--but not necessarily in that order."

Giggles went up at Bock's quip. "His father said okay, and sent a servant with him to keep Prince Shane company on the road." Brock went on, dealing the jack of spades by the jack of hearts. "When all was ready, our hero bade his father farewell, and set off on his grand journey."

He next dealt out the princess of stars and the ace of spades. "As he was on the road, he saw a beautiful Swanna being chased by a Braviary. He grabbed his bow, and with one shot, the Braviary fell dead at his feet."

With that, he flicked the three of stars--representing the arrow--at the ace of spades, knocking it away from the princess of stars. "The Swanna landed before Prince Shane, and said to him..."

Misty fills in the princess' lines from the stage. “Valiant Prince Shane, it is not a mere Swanna who thanks you for your rescue, but the daughter of the Invisible Knight, who, to escape the pursuit of the evil wizard Koschei, has transformed into a Swanna. My father will gladly help you in return for saving my life. Should you ever need his help, you only have to sing the song of the Swanna, and he will come."

Brock sets aside the princess of stars before continuing. "With that, the Swanna flew away. Prince Shane watched her disappear over the treetops, and then continued his journey. He traveled on and on, over high mountains..."

He deals a ten of spades for effect. "...dark forests..."

He deals a ten of clubs to represent a forest. "hot deserts..." He deals a ten of diamonds for effect. "and more. Eventually, he came to a vast plain where all the greenery had been burnt to a crisp by the hot sun. There was not a single tree, bush or plant in sight. No bird sang, no insect hummed, no air stirred the stillness of this land of desolation."

The kids and the Pokemon listen as Brock continues "It goes without saying Prince Shane was thirsty. After sending his servant on ahead, he soon found a well full of water." He deals a seven of stars to represent the well. "But there was no rope or bucket to draw it up. As our hero pondered what to do; his servant demanded that he be the prince and Prince Shane be the servant!"

"That's not nice!" a girl protests.

"Prince Shane had no choice but to agree." Brock sighs. "Just to be sure Prince Shane meant what he said, the servant had Prince Shane put the terms in writing." He deals a six of spades to represent the servant's terms. "After swapping each other's clothes..." He replaces the jack of spades with the king of spades, and the jack of hearts with the red joker. "...they traveled on for a week."

After making a wall from some number cards, Brock continues "They came at last to a large city, where they went straight to the royal palace. There the false prince dismissed his false servant to the stables, and presented himself before the king." He deals the king of diamonds on the table, and sets the king of spades before it.

“Your Majesty, I have come from afar come to ask the hand of your wise and beautiful daughter Princess Natalie, whose fame has reached my father’s court." he explains in a mimic of Gary for the servant. "In exchange, I offer our alliance, and if you refuse, I will declare war.”

“I will grant your request on one condition, that you deliver us from a large army that even now threatens to invade the city." he replies in a mimic of Flint for the king. "Do this, and my daughter is yours.”

As himself, he assures the audience of kids and pokemon "What neither the king nor the false prince knew was that Prince Shane had heard the whole thing." He held up the red joker to prove his point.

After clearing off what cards he didn't need, Brock went on "That evening, Prince Shane put on his armor, mounted his Ponyta, and rode outside the city gates."

He nudges the red joker out of the "wall". "There he stopped and sang into the stars..."

Ash jumps in the role of Prince Shane by singing the Swanna Song. Gatrandis favel, secret, edena...
Emusto ronzen fine el balaziis...
Katoradis favel siicletu edena...
Emusto koron zen fine, si...


Brock waits for the applause to quiet then continues "When the last 'si' had echoed into the starlight, a voice said to our hero..."

“Ye have called, hero, and I have come." he smiles in a gentle male voice for the Invisible Knight. "I will do anything you wish, now and forever, as thanks for saving my only daughter from the hands of the wizard Koschei.”

As himself, he continues "Prince Shane told the Invisible Knight everything, leaving nothing out. The Invisible Knight then sang the following:

He then sings as the Invisible Knight Epona, Epona, come out here by me!

Excited whispers fill the cafe as Brock deals the blue joker for his audience to see. "At that moment, a beautiful shining Ponyta appeared from a cloud of magical mist. Her mane and tail burned blue instead of red, and her fur shone like the silver moon. With the Invisible Knight alongside him, Prince Shane managed to handily defeat the enemy army."

Cheers go up at this. "It turned out Princess Natalie had seen the whole thing." Brock explained, showing the kids the princess of hearts. "But she feared no one would believe her if she told someone. But when the king celebrated the false prince's victory the next day, Princess Natalie couldn't stand it any longer. She walked up to our hero, who was waiting at the table with the other servants, took his arm, and told all present the truth."

“Everyone, this is the one who has saved our land from the enemy, and whom Arceus has decreed to be my husband." Serena explains as Princess Natalie. "He to whom you pay these honors is an impostor and a fraud, who has robbed his master of name and rights. Last night I saw some miraculous feats; but first, have the traitor show the writing which proves that what I say is true."

Brock produces the six of spades before continuing as himself "When the false prince produced the note, it read 'The bearer of this document, the wicked servant of the real prince, will receive the punishment his crime deserves. Signed, Prince Shane'."

"Oh"s go up as Brock returns the jack of spades and jack of hearts. "The servant turned white as a Gastly. He threw himself at the king’s feet and begged for mercy."

He assures the kids and Pokemon as he sets aside the jack of spades "Luckily, the king was feeling merciful, and banished the servant, never to return to that land again."

He nudges the jack of hearts and princess of hearts together as he concludes "And so it was that Prince Shane married Princess Natalie. The wedding was so beautiful, it was talked about far and wide."

He interjects as he reassembles the deck "Prince Shane went on many more adventures with Epona and the Invisible Knight. But that is another story for another day!"

Applause fills the air as Brock takes a bow, then reassembles the deck before joining the others back on stage...
 
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Tale #5: The Day the Pokemon Danced

(real tale: The Dance of the Animal Court)

Onstage, Brock and a Grookey watch as Ash steps into the spotlight. "Shelia--think you can give Ash a beat while he plays?"

[Of course!] the little green monkey Pokemon smiles. She bounds over to a frame drum waiting in a chair, taking down her lucky stick in preparation to give Ash a beat at the appropriate time."

Onstage, Ash begins "Everyone knows that the wily Pikachu Sorin is quite the trickster..."

The cafe explodes into cheers at the familiar beginning--tales of the trickster Pikachu Sorin are favorites among the cafe's regulars. "But every once in a while, he will face justice for his pranks." Ash explains as the applause quiets. Even then, that doesn't go according to plan."

He begins "One day, Sorin's uncle gave his nephew a fine bow hewn from a sycamore tree and a whistle made of silver. Sorin's uncle said to his nephew..."

"This bow will not miss, and the whistle will always sound sweet so long as you use them wisely." Brock fills in the uncle's dialogue.

"Sorin eagerly set out into the world, and came upon Liepard stalking a Sawsbuck." Ash continues. "Sorin offered to help, and proceeded to kill a Sawsbuck clean through the heart."

The audience watches in awe as Brock fires a shot for effect, hitting a target at the other end of the stage. "Liepard was amazed by the bow, and pleaded with Sorin to sell it to him, but time and again Sorin refused." Ash explains. "They argued for hours, until Ninetales passed that way, interested in the argument. After hearing Sorin's and Liepard's side of the story, Ninetales suggested that they both travel to see the council of Pokemon, headed by King Pyroar. Sorin agreed to Ninetales' proposal, and he and Liepard went out to the grove where the council met. They got there just as the council was settling in to hear disputes. King Pyroar stood in the center, with Donphan and Zebstrika on his left, and Girafarig and Mightyena on his right."

Intrigued murmurs fill the cafe as the crowd of people and Pokemon imagine what the council may have looked like. "King Pyroar told Sorin to state his case, and Sorin tearfully pleaded his case to the council--the bow was a gift from his uncle, and Liepard was trying to take it." Ash tells the crowd. "Liepard claimed that the bow was his, and Sorin tried to steal it. The council debated for a few moments, and Zebstrika finally said..."

"Sorin, we find that you were the one that stole the bow. As punishment, you are to turn it over to Liepard and pay 5000 Berries as restitution." Misty fills in Zebstrika's dialogue.

Ash locates a silver tin whistle on his instrument rack, then continues "Sorin requested one thing before turning the bow over to Liepard--to play the silver whistle. Girafarig granted permission, and Sorin began playing a reel--the other Pokemon found the tune catchy, and danced to the song, which sounded something like this..."

The crowd claps along as Ash starts a set of tunes for effect, Shelia happily playing the percussion all the while. "Sorin played on, and all the Pokemon danced right along with him, until they all groaned with exhaustion." Ash interjects before counting the Grookey off into another set.

Many in the cafe rush to dance as Ash and Shelia play a set of polkas for effect. "Eventually, King Pyroar pleaded with Sorin to stop, and Sorin replied he would only stop if Liepard told the truth." Ash explains when the set ends. "Fearful at the prospect of dancing even more, Liepard confessed that the bow was Sorin's all along, and paid the 500 Berry fine for lying to the council."

He smiles at the enthralled crowd. "Since then, no Pokemon has ever forgotten the day that the Pokemon danced."

More applause goes up as Ash and Shelia take a bow...
 
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Tale #6: The Minstrel's New Song

(real tale: The Piper's New Music)

"In a far away land, there was once a minstrel who made his living traveling from town to town, playing his lute--an ancient instrument similar to a guitar." Brock begins as the applause for the group's previous set dies down. "Sometimes people left him coins in appreciation for the many airs and dances he played, and sometimes they did not. The minstrel didn't mind either way--he enjoyed playing music, and all he wanted was to see people happy. Sadly, happiness does not buy food, and some nights, the minstrel ate like a king, and others, he would go to bed hungry. But he didn't despair, he continued traveling and playing for people just the same."

The Pokemon happily clap along as Brock plays a set of "Darkrai's Dream" and "The Thunderbolt Reel" as an interlude. "One day, the minstrel was passing down a road leading into a valley, when he saw an unusual looking green egg." Brock continues when the last note fades away. "He wasn't sure what sort of Pokemon lay green eggs--if it even belonged to a Pokemon at all. Who knew whether it was some evil spirit inside the egg?"

Nervous murmurs waft through the cafe at this--even the Flareons in the kitchen stop what they are doing to hear what happens next. "Finally, the minstrel mustered his courage, and cracked the egg." Brock intones. "And who should come out but Celebi, the Voice of the Forest!

The Grass Pokemon in the cafe cheer at this. "Celebi thanked the minstrel for setting him free, and promised him he would never go hungry again before disappearing into the woods." Brock continues. "The minstrel thought nothing of the odd encounter, and went on his way. When the minstrel arrived in the next town and started playing tunes, he swore he could hear Celebi singing along with his lute..."

Brock then begins a mystical sounding melody on his guitar before singing in Italian:

Ah....Ah....

Vieni da me monete e venite da me gioielli,
Tutti quelli che appartengono ai malvagi.
Mai più i ricchi saranno ladri,
Ora che Celebi è qui - sei trionfato!


Serena interjects in English "As Celebi continued to sing, coins and jewels of all kinds--rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds, and pearls--went flying from the pockets, bags and purses of the merchants that charged too much, the greedy landlords that demanded exorbitant rents, and the thieves that stalked the alleyways. The townsfolk watched in amazement at the flying coins and jewels, but the minstrel kept playing, and Celebi sang again..."

Il minstrello giocato per gioia, vedi, Brock sings in Italian again.
"Quindi è il più ricco fra voi.
"Ha dato senza prendere molto,
"E adesso riprenderà quello che è dovuto!

Ah!


Applause fills the cafe at the guitar's final triumphant chord. "With that, all the coins and jewels went flying into the minstrel's pockets and bags, and even into the lute case." Brock picks up the story in English again. "The thieving folk tried to retrieve their ill gotten gains, but found they couldn't move a muscle--Celebi's song had paralyzed them!"

More cheers go up at this. "The minstrel sought out those that had been wronged and cheated by the thieving folk, and returned their rightful wealth to them." Brock explains. "Once sure that all the wealth had been returned, and that the thieving folk would no longer oppress the honest folk, the minstrel started a set of tunes, and everyone danced with joy."

Even Leah and Mint clap along as Brock starts another set for effect. "As for Celebi, he returned to the heavens, where he watches over the forests of the world, waiting for someone to bless like the minstrel." Brock concludes when the song ends.

As the cafe explodes in applause, what none of the performers on the stage realize is that Celebi was listening in the bushes outside the cafe the whole time....
 
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Tale #7: Brian and Epona

(real tale: The Story of a Magic Horse)

...Happy birthday, dear Leah!
Happy birthday to you!
the group and the Pokemon sang as a Sylveon set a beautiful birthday cake before Leah.

[You do so much to keep this place running, we wanted to do something nice for you in honor of your birthday.] one of the Flareons explained as the Sylveon cut the beautiful chocolate cake studded in millions of rainbow sprinkles.

"Aw, thanks everyone!" Leah smiled.

"As our present to you, we'll give you a private performance of any song or story you want before the customers arrive." Brock offered as the Jolteons on the stage crew hurried to get the stage ready.

Leah thought for a moment. "Your epic ballad retelling the story of 'Brian and Epona'...I want to hear the original story behind the song--as well as the song!"

"Okay..." Brock smiled. "Give us a little time to tune, then I'll let you hear our version of the story that inspired the song."

---------

"Once upon a time, in a land far away from here, there lived a king and a queen that had twin sons." Brock began. "The elder son--whose name was Brian--had been given the holy steed Epona as a gift when he was born, and so the two of them were nigh on inseparable."

"Aw..." Leah smiled.

"The years passed, and Brian came of age." Brock continued. "He longed to go out into the world and seek adventures of his own. So with his parents' and brother's blessing, they set out early the next morning."

The group starts a traveling melody to represent Brian and Epona traveling. "Epona carried our hero a long way until they spotted the rooftops of a beautiful city." Ash continues when the song ends. "Then Epona left the beaten path and crossed a field to a big rock. When they reached the rock, Epona sang..."

He pauses to sing Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... over a G chord from Brock, then continues "...and the rock opened. They rode inside, and our hero found himself in a comfortable stable. Epona told him to leave her and go into the city. He had to pretend he was a poor boy and be careful never to reveal who he really was. Then he was to present himself at court and have the king take him into his service. If he ever needed anything, no matter what it was, he could come to the rock, sing 'Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul...', and the rock would open to him. The prince thought to himself: 'Epona certainly knows what she's doing, so of course I'll do as she says.'"

"Our hero disguised himself by dressing in rags." Misty continues. "Then he presented himself at court. The king felt sorry for his heartwrenching story, and took him into his service."

"The prince was very good at whatever job was given to him, and it wasn't long before the king put him in charge of the management of the household." Serena picks up the story. "His advice was asked in all matters of importance and all day long he hurried about the castle going from one thing to another. If the king needed a scribe, there wasn't a cleverer one anywhere than the prince. Everybody liked him, because despite his rough appearance, he had the wisdom of a sage, and the heart of a hero."

"Now, the king had three daughters, each more beautiful than the other." Ash continues the story. "The oldest was named Orla, the second Ariana, and the youngest Christina. Brian loved to be with the three girls, but as he was supposed to be a poor boy, the king didn't see anything wrong with his spending time with them. How could the king possibly think that there was any danger of Brian's stealing the heart of one of the princesses? They liked him, all three of them, and were always taking him with them wherever they went."

"How sweet..." Leah smiles.

"He wove garlands for them, spun golden thread, picked them flowers, and drew them designs of birds and flowers for their embroidery." Ash goes on. "He liked them all, but he liked Princess Christina best. Everything he did for her was done a little better than for the others. The garlands he wove her were more elaborate, the designs he drew for her ere more detailed. The two older sisters noticed this and laughed, and when they were alone they teased Princess Christina. Princess Christina, who had a sweet and friendly disposition, just took the teasing in stride."

The guitar's song turns somber. "Brian had been at the court some time when one morning, he found the king sitting sad and gloomy over his breakfast. So he asked him what the matter was." Brock continues as he plays the song. "The king explained that years before, three Hydreigons came flying through the area and landed on a great rock near the royal city. They soon laid waste to the country, devouring Pokemon and killing people. Before long, the city was in a state of siege. To keep them away, the people placed all the food they had outside the gates. It was not long before they themselves were starving. In desperation, he had an old wise woman called to court and asked her if there was any way to drive out these monsters from the land. Unfortunately, the only way was to promise the Hydreigons his three beautiful daughters when they came of age. At that time, the princesses were only about eight or nine years old, and he thought to himself many things might happen before they grew up. So, to relieve his stricken land, he promised the Hydreigons his daughters. The poor queen died of a broken heart weeks later, but the princesses grew up knowing nothing of their fate. As soon as he made the bargain, the Hydreigons flew away and until the day before were never heard from again. The previous night, a shepherd, beside himself with terror, had brought him the news that the Hydreigons were once again settled in their old rock and sending out fearful roars, and that the time had come for the promised sacrifice."

[Uh oh...] Mint shuddered in fear.

"Someone's going to save them, okay?" Leah assures her nervous Eevee.

"Terrified at what he heard, Brian went to the princesses." Ash continues. "He found them dressed all in black and looking white as a Gastly, sitting in a row and bemoaning their fate. Brian tried to comfort them, telling them that surely a hero would appear to rescue them. But they paid no heed to him, and kept on moaning and crying.

"Grief and panic spread throughout the city, for everyone loved the royal family." Misty intones. "Every house as well as the palace was soon draped in black, and the sound of mourning was heard on every side."

An expectant D chord gets the cafe staff's attention. "Brian hurried secretly out of the city and across the field to the rock where the holy Ponyta Epona was stabled." Brock continues. "He sang Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul..., the rock opened, and he went inside. He stroked Epona's shining mane and kissed her muzzle in greeting, then told her about the Hydreigons."

He grins. "Epona replied that she knew all about the Hydreigons in question, and that was why she brought him there to begin with!"

[YAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!" the Eeveelutions cheer, excited that an epic battle is coming up.

"She told him she would have a plan the next day." Serena goes on when the cheers quiet. "Brian returned to the castle with such joy shining in his face that if anyone had noticed him he would have been yelled at. He spent the day with the princesses trying to comfort and console them, but in spite of all he could do they felt only more terrified as the hours went by."

Brock plays an expectant chord. "The next day, at the first streak of dawn he was at the rock. Epona greeted him and told him to lift up the rock under her feed trough and take out what lay under there."

[What was under there?] a Leafeon asks, eager to learn about Brian's magical gifts.

"Brian did as he was told, and under the stone he found a large chest." Ash replies. "Inside the chest he found three beautiful suits of chain armor, with caps and plumes to match, a sword and a Ponyta's bridle. The first armor was red embroidered in silver and studded with diamonds, the second was royal blue, embroidered in gold, and the third was green, richly embroidered with silver and studded with diamonds and pearls. For all three armors, there was just one mighty sword. Its blade was beautifully inlaid and its sheath shone with precious stones. The Ponyta's bridle was also richly jeweled. Epona told him that for the first day, he should put on the ruby chain. So Brian dressed himself in the red chain, buckled on his sword, and threw the bridle over Epona's head.

"As they left the rock, Epona assured Brian to be strong, fight hard, and not to dismount." Brock's song turns somber again. "Meanwhile, at the castle heartbroken farewells were being said. Orla parted from her father and her sisters, stepped into a carriage, and accompanied by a huge crowd of her crying subjects, was slowly driven out of the city to Dragon's Rock. As they neared the appointed place, Princess Orla stepped out into the grass. She took a few steps forward, then passed out in terror."

He next plays an expectant F chord. "At that moment the people saw galloping toward them a knight with a red and white plume. In a voice of authority he ordered them to stand back and leave him to deal with the Hydreigon. They were nice enough to lead Princess Orla away and went to a hill nearby, where they could watch the impending battle from a safe distance. After a few tense seconds, there was a deep rumbling noise, the earth shook, and a fearsome Hydreigon burst out from Dragon's Rock and into the sky! He spat fire and poison from all three heads, and shook them this way and that, looking for his promised prey. When he saw the knight he let out a horrible roar."

Leah leads the clapping as Serena leads a performance of the Zelda theme for effect. "Brian rode straight at him and with one blow of his sword cut off one of his heads." Brock explains over the song. "The Hydreigon writhed and enveloped Brian in flames and poisonous fumes. But our hero struck at him again and again until he had cut off all three heads. The life that still remained in the loathsome body, Epona stomped on with her hooves."

The Eeveelutions cheer when the group plays the "got item" stinger to signal a victory. "When the Hydreigon finally died, the prince turned and galloped back the way he had come." Misty picks up the story. "Princess Orla looked after him, wishing she could thank him for saving her. But she remembered her poor father having a pity party back at the castle, and felt it was her duty to hurry back to him as quickly as she could."

[The king had to be really happy, right?] Mint smiles.

"We can't even begin to describe the king's joy when Princess Orla appeared before him safe and unharmed." Serena assures Mint. "Her sisters embraced her and wondered for the first time whether a hero would save them as well. But Brian assured them that he was certain they, too, would be saved. Although the prospect of the next day still terrified them, yet hope had come to them, and once or twice Brian succeeded in making them laugh."

"The next day, Princess Ariana was led out." Misty explains before the boys kick off the Zelda theme again. "As on the day before, the unknown hero appeared, this time wearing a blue plume. He attacked the second Hydreigon, and after a long and valiant battle, dispatched him."

The Zelda theme begins to slow down as Misty interjects "Then before anyone could reach him, he turned and rode away. Princess Ariana returned to the castle, sad that she had not been able to speak to the knight and express her gratitude. Princess Christina, however, vowed that if the hero came to save her, she would kneel before him and not get up until he agreed to return with her to the castle."

The Eeveelutions giggle as Serena picks up the tale. "Just then, Brian began laughing and chuckling, and Princess Christina asked him what was so funny. He explained that he, too, wanted to see the hero."

Brock then intones "On the third day Princess Christina was taken out to Dragon's Rock. This time the king went too. Princess Christina's heart raced when she thought that if the unknown hero failed to appear she would be handed over to the horrible monster. But then, a joyous shout from the people told her that the hero was coming. Then she saw him, a gallant figure in green with a matching plume floating in the wind."

He then starts the Zelda theme a third time. "As he had killed the first Hydreigon, and the second, so too he killed the third, although the struggle was longer and Epona had a lot to do to stand up against the poisonous fumes."

After the group plays the got item stinger to signal a victory, Brock continues "The moment the Hydreigon was slain, Princess Christina and the king rushed up to the hero and begged him to return with them to the castle. He hardly knew how to refuse, especially when Princess Christina, kneeling before him, grasped the edge of his tunic and looked up at him with such sad Growlithe eyes that his heart melted and he was ready to do anything she asked. But Epona took matters into her own hooves, reared up suddenly, and galloped off before the hero had time to dismount."

Everyone laughs at this. "So Princess Christina, too, was unable to bring the hero back to the castle." Ash explains. "The king and all the court were greatly disappointed but their disappointment was swallowed up in their joy that the princesses had been so miraculously saved. It wasn't long before Brian revealed himself as the hero to Princess Christina, but that only made her love for him deeper, and they were married not long after."

Serena concludes "Brian went on many more adventures with Epona, but that is another story for another day!"
 
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Tale #8: Underneath the Leppa Tree

(real tale: The Harper in Fairyland)

(what Brock performs, in order:

The Fairy's Waltz
The Prayer to the Sea
Come Give Me Your Hand
The Beautifly)


Ash does a double take as he spots a huge turtle Pokemon with a forested shell being tended to by Leah and some Leafeons on the cafe's large terrace. "Demeter?" he wonders, memories of Paul's Torterra dancing in his mind.

Brock recognizes a Cheri blossom on the Torterra's head. "No, it's not Demeter--it's Medeina, a Torterra we helped Prof. Rowan rescue during our last trip to Shinou."

"The window's open, so she may be able to hear us from outside." Serena agrees as she watches Leah bathe Medeina with the garden hose.

Inspired, Brock begins "There was once a minstrel named Tristan who ruled over an entire land of minstrels--which meant he could play the harp like no one else."

He settled before the harp on the stage as he goes on "When he played, birds stopped singing, just to listen. It was a small harp, smaller than this one, but it was one he could tuck under his arm, on his back or in a bag, and take with him wherever he wanted."

After quickly putting on the harp's fingerpicks, he continues "On afternoons when the weather was nice, he and his queen, a lady named Fiona, would go into the palace garden. They would spread out a blanket, lean against a tree and eat a picnic lunch. Then he would play his harp and she—and the birds—would listen."

With that, he plays "The Fairy's Waltz" for effect, as if he is Tristan serenading Fiona in the garden. "On one such day they sat down beneath a Leppa Berry tree and leaned as usual against the trunk. Its blossoms were open, with the sweet smell pouring out." Brock continues as the last note echoes outside. "In fact, it was not long before Fiona fell asleep. So Tristan called two servants to come and guard her."

"Protect her well." he whispers in a mimic of Flint for Tristan.

As himself, he continues "Once sure his queen was safe, Tristan then went back to the palace to hold court, and other things that all kings--even a king of a land of minstrels--have to do. The servants stood under the Leppa Berry tree, one on each side of Fiona, when suddenly, and at the same time, they sneezed. Their eyes closed for just an instant—as it often happens when you sneeze—and when they opened their eyes, she was gone. Just like that...." Brock snaps on the word "that" to emphasize his point. "...she was gone. The servants looked behind the trees, the bushes, the flowers, inside the palace and out, but she was nowhere to be found."

He sighs, as if he is one of the servants. "There was no way out of it, they had to tell the king."

“What do you mean, gone?” he gasps as Tristan. “How could that be? Tell me what happened!”

As himself, he narrates "The servants told him about the sneeze and the blink. As he listened to them finish the story, Sir Tristan was already taking off his crown."

“I know what’s happened--it’s the Fair Folk." he announces as Tristan. "They have taken my beloved Fiona. When they see something they want, they make you sneeze, and in that blink, the Fair Folk take what they want. My beautiful Fiona has been taken by the Fair Folk. Well, I don’t want to sit on the throne without her beside me.”

He interjects as himself "As he took off his royal shoes, he called for the Lord High Chamberlain."

“I’m going away to find the Lady Fiona." he instructs an imagined person as Tristan. "I want you to look after the country until I return. And I won’t return, until she is with me.”

As himself, he continues "He took off his royal finery, and put on the colorful clothes of a traveling minstrel. He took no food or weapons. All he took was his harp as he walked away from that place."

After playing a "traveling" song to simulate the passage of time, he goes on "For days, weeks, months, he walked and he looked. He ate only the nuts and berries he could find. He washed in the streams, he slept on the ground. He lived the way an ordinary traveling minstrel would. But every night, before going to sleep, he’d lean against a tree and play his harp. The wild Pokemon would come to listen, furred, finned, and feathered alike. They were his only companions in all that time."

He plays "The Prayer to the Sea" for effect before continuing "One morning, as he was still waking up, he heard, then saw, 50 Rapidashes walking by. Sitting on each Rapidash was a beautiful lady. He knew by the way they sat, so still, that they were the ladies of the Fair Folk. In the midst of them was his own lady, Fiona. He moved to wave, so she would see him. But he forgot how he looked. In all that time, no one had cut his hair, nor trimmed his beard. His clothes were torn from the briars. He did not look like the king that he was, and so Fiona didn't recognize him. So he picked up his harp and began to play. She knew the music, and knew it was him, but a spell was on her, and she could not even wave nor even smile."

He then plays "Come Give Me Your Hand" for effect. "As the Rapidashes moved on, he followed after them, hiding from bush to tree. They came to a mountain, and he thought they would go one way or the other. But no, a tunnel opened into the mountain, and the Rapidashes moved on into that tunnel. It was so dark, nothing could be seen — not even a hand before the face. Tristan followed the sound of Rapidash hooves on the stone floor, and ran his hands along the cool, damp stone walls of the tunnel. When he came out of the darkness, he was in the land of the Fair Folk."

Excited whispers fill the air as the children in the cafe speculate what fairyland looks like. "As beautiful as ever it is imagined to be, that’s how beautiful it was to Tristan." Brock assures the children as parents rush to quiet the whispers. "There, across a meadow, he saw the castle of King Oberon and Queen Titania--the rulers of the Fair Folk. Around the castle was a garden, and sitting on the ground, leaning against a Leppa Berry tree was his beloved Fiona, sleeping, just the way she was when she’d been taken. He tried to speak to her, to touch her, but the spell was still on her. So he went right into the castle, marched right up to King Oberon and Queen Titania, and without even being asked, began to play his harp."

He plays "The Beautifly" for effect before continuing "His music was so beautiful, that King Oberon and Queen Titania stopped what they were doing to listen. From all over the land, Fair Folk came to listen. Tristan played happy music, for he had found his lady. He also played sad music, for he had no idea how he would get her from there. When he stopped, all the Fair Folk were silent for a moment. Then as if they were one entity, they took in a deep breath, and let out a sigh of satisfaction."

The cafe is silent for a moment, then Brock continues "Queen Titania leaned toward the king of mortals and said..."

Serena jumps in the role of Queen Titania. “Sir, we have never heard anything so lovely. We hear our music which is fine itself, and yours is even more grand.”

“We want to give you a reward for playing that music." Ash fills in the role of King Oberon. "Just ask for what you want, and it is yours--we promise”.

“I know what I want." Brock replies as Tristan. "There is a beautiful lady sleeping under a Leppa tree outside your castle. I’d like her to come away with me.”

As himself, he narrates "Although the rulers of the Fair Folk were reluctant to do it, his wish was granted. He left the castle, and went right to the garden, right to the Leppa Berry tree. The spell was broken, and he could touch her on the shoulder. She opened her eyes and took his hand as she stood. Together they walked across the meadow, away from the Land of the Fair Folk. In the tunnel, they listened to their shoes on the stone floor and felt with their hands the cool, damp walls, until they were back in their own land again. To their own castle they went–walking and talking–telling each other of their adventures in all that time. There in the garden, their Leppa Berry tree was still standing. Its branches were so full, the Berries nearly touched the ground. Even so, they tiptoed past it, being careful not to sneeze."

He smiles at the enthralled looks on the audience's faces. "As luck would have it, the Lord High Chamberlain was standing outside the castle. He welcomed them both, and Sir Tristan went into his room. He washed, the barber came to trim his hair and shape his beard. He put on the royal clothes that made him look like the king that he truly was.

He concludes "From that day on, Sir Tristan and Fiona ruled wisely and carefully, together. But never again did either of them sleep under a Leppa Berry tree."

The crowd laughs and applauds, but Medeina lets out a bark of approval as Brock gets up from the harp and takes a bow...
 
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Tale #9: The Three Valleys

(real tale: The Three Valleys)


Ash smiled when he noticed a small humanoid Pokemon with long blue hair warp into a chair near the stage. "Well! A Hattrem!" he smiled as he retrieved his Pokedex to refresh his memory:

"Hattrem, the serene Pokemon. Using the braids on its head, it pummels foes to get them to quiet down."

Ash froze--how would they tell stories to the customers if they would get pummeled for overly scary stories?

"One step ahead of you, Ash..." Brock made his way to the Hattrem's table near the stage. "Hattrem...the story we want to tell does have a happily ever after, but the way there might be scary...is that okay? We can perform a different story if you don't want to hear something scary."

The Hattrem trilled happily in reply. "So you don't mind a little scaryness to get to a happily ever after? Okay." Brock replied before rejoining Ash and the girls onstage. "Guys--we can tell 'The Three Valleys' without getting pummeled."

With that, he kicked off the tale. "Long ago, there lived a count, who had many castles and estates, and a beautiful daughter. But no one liked him, for it was rumored he was in cahoots with Darkrai, the Nightmare Pokemon. At some time or another, his servants would all vanish without a trace."

Everyone in the cafe--human and Pokemon--shudders in anticipation. "The last who disappeared was the shepherd. When he did not return to the castle, the whole town turned out to look for him, to no avail." Brock continues. "After this, no one would enter the Count's service, but eventually, a bold, handsome young man--we'll call him Dolan--presented himself. He had traveled far as a soldier, and blew off evil spirits as fairy tales. The count immediately hired him, and said he could take the Mareep out wherever he liked, but never go into the three valleys to the east of the castle."

Leah swallows hard as she pictures what horrors await in the three valleys. "For a time all went well--Dolan drove the Mareep into the rich meadows around the castle as his master had ordered, and led a very comfortable life. But he was always thinking of the three valleys, and being a brave young man who did not fear evil spirits, he one day took the bow and arrows he had used on the battlefield, restrung his bow, and said, as he struck his rusty sword against the ground...."

"I will see who dares to harm me in the three valleys! They'd better not mess with me!" Ash jumps in the role of Dolan.

"So going towards the east, he soon arrived with his Mareep in the first valley, where he found beautiful meadows where he could safely leave his flock." Brock continues. "He looked carefully, but, except for the Beautiflies fluttering to and fro..." He weaves the notes that match "Ai-yai-yai, I'm your little Beautifly!" into the uneasy melody he is playing on his guitar. "...and the humming of the Combees, there was neither sound nor movement."

Ash pauses to dig a whistle from his shirt pocket as Brock goes on "Then he sat down beneath a tree and began to play his flute to pass the time."

Misty grabs a drum and proceeds to provide a beat, over which Ash plays a set of two tunes. But the guitar playing an ominous B minor chord quiets the applause. "Suddenly, there arose a crashing and cracking as if some mighty Pokemon were breaking through the bushes." Brock intones. "Before our hero could nock an arrow, a powerful giant stood before him and cried..."

In a low deep voice for the giant, he intones "What are you doing here with your grass-eaters, destroying my meadows, you insolent fellow? You will pay for this!"

Mint squeaks in fear, but the grin on Brock's face assures her all is well. "He did not wait for an answer, but heaved his spear with all his might at Dolan, who dove behind the oak, and the spear sank so deep that the point stuck out the other side."

Ash nocks his own prop bow as Brock goes on "Then, nocking an arrow to his bow, he took aim, and struck the giant so hard of the forehead that he fell with a deep groan to the ground."

Ash fires his shot, which lands on a target at the other end of the stage, to some applause. "Before he had time to get up, Dolan bounded forward and ran his sword through his adversary's neck, killing him."

Cheers go up at the giant's demise. "Dolan took the giant's sword and armor, and was about to return home, when he spotted a stately castle in a clearing." Brock continues. "The doors were wide open, so he went inside. In the spacious hall stood a stone table, and on the table stood a cup covered with a silver plate with this message:

Who drinks of this cup
Shall overcome the nightmare."

[Did he drink the potion?] the Hattrem asks.

"Well, Dolan had no confidence in the words or the drink, and left the cup untouched." Brock replies. "He laid the dead giant's armor in the hall; then, taking the key with him, he returned home with his flock, and went to bed without mentioning his adventure to anyone."

Over a calm interlude, he continues "The next day he tended his Mareep on the mountain slopes surrounding the castle, but the second day he wondered what else was out there; so, girding on the sword he had taken from the dead giant, he started with his flock for the second valley, in hopes of fresh adventure. Here also were beautiful pastures, if possible richer and more luxuriant than in the first valley; the flowers breathed forth their fragrance, the birds sang sweetly, and through the meadows meandered a stream clear as crystal, by whose bank Dolan lay down to rest. He was just thinking that all adventure and danger were past when an enormous block of rock fell on the ground near him, and a voice rough and wild, like that of a bear, said..."

"What are you doing here with your grass-eaters, you insolent fellow?" he demands in character as a giant, making all the Pokemon jump.

As himself, he continues "And from behind a wall of rock stepped a mighty giant, brandishing a massive stone club. He aimed a blow at Dolan, who ducked behind the rock which the giant had thrown as his first greeting, and the club descending on the stone, which shattered in a million pieces from the force of the blow."

Ash draws a prop blade for effect. "Quick as lightning Dolan drew his sword, and with one stroke cut through the sinews in the bend of the giant's knee, who fell to the ground with a loud roar." Brock narrates as Ash pantomimes fighting an imagined opponent. "He lashed out wildly with his fists, but a well-directed thrust through the heart soon quieted him."

He continues as Ash sheathes his prop weapon. "Dolan left him lying there, and turned towards the wall of rock." Brock continues. "Here he found a massive door concealed among the thicket. Through this he passed, and entered a hall-like cavern, in which, at a stone manger, stood a shining snow-white Ponyta with blue fire for its mane, saddled for battle, and over the manger was engraved the following: 'Who rides aboard on this legendary steed, Epona, will overcome the nightmare.'"

"I am strong enough to take care of myself, and I do not want to overcome the Nightmare Pokemon, he has always left me in peace; but I will remember that here stands a fine Ponyta on which I can ride forth into the wide world." Ash muses as Dolan.

"He threw fresh oats into the manger, shut the door, and returned home." Brock continues over a tense melody. "The next few days he remained very quiet, lest his movements might have been observed; then, as no one questioned him, he one fine morning drove his Mareep into the third valley. Beautiful meadows glittered in the sunshine; from a hill of rock a waterfall splashed down, forming a small sea in which many fish Pokemon of all kinds frolicked. Dolan looked around, searched under every bush, but found nothing. No sound was heard save the continued splish, splash of the cool water. The day was very hot, and Dolan was just preparing for a swim in the fresh, clear water, when from out a ravine near the sea appeared a horrible human head, with one eye, as large as a plate, in the center of the forehead, and a voice as loud as the roll of thunder shouted..."

"What do you want here, you insolent earthworm?" he roars in character, making the Pokemon jump again.

As himself, Brock continues "The head rose higher and higher, until a giant as high as a tower stood before Dolan, who with a sure aim sent an arrow into the eye of his adversary. The monster groped wildly about with his hands, in hopes to strangle his enemy, but he only grabbed an oak tree, which he tore up by the roots and threw it high into the air."

Lillie swallows hard as Brock narrates "Now the victory was easy, for though the giant could no longer be hurt by cuts and thrusts, which slipped off from his body like water off a Ducklett's back, Dolan soon found other means. He taunted the blind giant, and by the sound of his voice drew him ever nearer to the sea, at the side where the cliff overhung the water. At last he sprang towards the edge of the precipice, and gave a loud, mocking cry, then hid behind a tree. The giant pursued him eagerly, lost his footing, and fell into the sea."

[Dolan one, giant zero.] a Cinderace smiles.

"Then Dolan went down into the ravine from which the monster had appeared." Brock continues, acknowledging the Cinderace's comment with a nod. "Here lay a meadow full of beautiful flowers, in the midst of which rose a spacious mansion. Dolan entered the hall and saw a great sword, which had the following on its hilt: Who fires a beam from this holy sword Will overcome the nightmare."

Ash pantomimes trying to draw a heavy sword as Brock narrates "He grabbed the sword, but it was too heavy for him to lift, and he wearily laid the mighty weapon back in the corner; at the same time he thought, since he had conquered three giants, he could surely overcome Darkrai himself without this sword."

"As the day drew to a close, he gathered his Mareep together and returned to the castle." Brock narrates as his peaceful melody turns ominous. "Once there, he was immediately summoned before the count, who asked him angrily where he had been. Dolan told his master all that had happened in the three valleys, and how he had that day slain the giant as tall as a tower."

"Woe to you and to me," Misty arrives in the stage area in the role of the count. "I heard the giants' cries of rage, and hoped you were paying for your disobedience with your life. But it has happened otherwise, and now I and my daughter must suffer because you disobeyed my commands and entered the giants' territories; for it has been made known to me that tomorrow Darkrai, the Nightmare Pokemon, will appear, and demand my daughter or me as a sacrifice; but before that you, shall suffer all the agonies of torture, as punishment for bringing me into this mess."

"Just as the count was about to order Dolan to be seized, the count's daughter Elena, who had heard the whole thing, threw herself on her knees and pleaded for mercy." Brock narrates as Serena does this to Misty.

"Dearest father," Serena pleads in character, "Wouldn't it be better for this young man to save us than to kill him? He has overcome three giants; surely he will be able to vanquish the Nightmare Pokemon."

"The count thought long and hard for a moment, and then acknowledged that his daughter's suggestion was both good and clever." Brock narrates over an adventurous theme. "He asked Dolan if he were willing to do battle with Darkrai in return for being forgiven, and Dolan, with a grateful look at his deliverer, immediately agreed."

Leah and the Hattrem smile--the best part is coming up next! "With the first dawn of morning he rose from his couch, for he now remembered the words about overcoming the Nightmare Pokemon, and hurried to the first valley, where in the castle stood the cup."

Ash drinks down the Kuran Berry juice inside a prop goblet as Brock narrates "He grabbed the cup and drank its contents down in one gulp. The magic potion of strength flowed through his veins like fire, and he felt enough courage and strength to singlehandedly fight a whole army. With sparkling eyes he hurried to the second valley, mounted Epona, who greeted him with a joyful whinny..."

Misty mimics a Ponyta whinny with her fiddle, to some laughter. "...and then galloped as if in flight to the third valley, in which stood the mighty sword." Brock continues over some harp-like chords to represent Epona running. "Yesterday he could hardly move it; today, with one hand, he held it high over his head, as if it had been a twig."

The others play the Zelda 'got item' stinger as Ash does this to his prop sword, making the crowd double over laughing.

Brock waits for the audience to calm down before continuing "By sunrise he was again at the count's castle, waiting eagerly for what would happen, but the day passed and no one appeared. Ho'oh had gone to roost, and Lugia had just risen in all his silvery splendor, when in the north of the heavens appeared what looked like a dark storm cloud. With the speed of lightning it approached the castle, and a voice, low and deep enough to make the ground shake, spoke."

"Where are my promised sacrifices?" he demands in a deep and guttural voice--his go to "Darkrai" voice.

As himself, he continues over an adventurous theme "At the same time a gigantic Braviary, with greenish-grey wings hovered high over the castle, ready to swoop down on his prey. Then Dolan spurred Epona, and shaking his sword high above his head, cried..."

"There are no sacrifices here for you, you robber!" Ash nearly screams to no one in particular. "Return to the abyss you came from, or you shall feel my arrows!"

"On hearing these words, the Braviary swooped down with a wild cry, before Dolan could nock his bow, and he would have died had it not been for his wits and Epona." Brock continues. "A touch with the spur, and she flew swift as the wind under a very old and thickly leaved sycamore tree, whose branches hung down almost to the ground, so that the Braviary could only break in through the side. This killed the Braviary right there, for his outspread wings became entangled in the branches, and the brave rider, with one powerful blow of his sword, severed the head from the body. But instead of blood there came forth from the headless body of the Braviary a huge Arbok, who, with wide-open jaws, approached Dolan and tried to squeeze him in its coils. In one movement, it encircled the Ponyta and rider, and tried to suffocate them both but Epona pressed herself so close against the tree that the head of the Arbok came around on the other side of the trunk, preventing it from harming Dolan with its poisonous bite or breath."

He plays a hard chord to simulate an attack. "One stroke of Dolan's blade, and the body of the Arbok fell in two pieces to the ground; Epona immediately trampled on the head. But the lower part of the serpent swelled and swelled, the cut became a frightful mouth, which spurted out smoke and flames, while from the coils of the Arbok's body grew forth claws and wings, and at last a horrible monster in the form of Mega Charizard X threw itself on Dolan, whose strength had already begun to fail."

[No...] the Hattrem gasps, fearful for Dolan's fate.

"But in his hour of greatest need a thought occurred to Dolan—he turned Epona around, and she broke through the branches of the sycamore tree into the open air, and sped with her rider to the nearest stream, in whose waters they both cooled themselves." Brock assures Lillie over an excited melody. "The Mega Charizard X snorted after them, spitting forth fire and smoke. But as the head of the Arbok, from whose body the Mega Charizard X had grown, had been destroyed, there was no deadly poison in its breath, and the rider was safe from the flames through bathing in the stream. So he rode boldly towards the approaching Mega Charizard X with sword in hand, and tried to approach it from the side; but all his blows glanced off from its black scaly body like a suit of armor. Suddenly it occurred to him to thrust his sword down the monster's throat."

The audience is on the edge of their seats as Brock narrates what Ash is pantomiming over the guitar. "He turned Epona and spurred her straight towards the Mega Charizard X, and thrusting his sword through the smoke and flame, stuck it right into the creature's throat. He was forced to leave his sword, for Epona, singed by the fiery breath of the Mega Charizard X, bounded far to one side; but the monster did not attempt to follow them, the sword had stuck deep into its body. It struck wildly with its tail on the ground, until the earth burst, then it shivered and fell over, first on its side, then on its back, a stream of fire poured forth from its wide-open jaws, and with the flames its life faded away."

Everyone heaves a sigh of relief. "And so it was the battle ended, and Darkrai was defeated." Brock continues over a triumphant melody. "Joyfully Dolan rode back to the count and Elena, and told them everything that had happened. The count, embracing him, said..."

"You are our hero, to you I owe my life and all that I possess. Take half of what is mine, or choose from it whatever pleases you." Misty requests as the count.

"Dolan gazed earnestly into the eyes of the count's lovely daughter Elena, and replied..." Brock narrates.

"I know of nothing, in the whole world which is dearer to me than your daughter Elena, milord." Ash replies as Dolan. "Give her to me for my bride, if she be willing."

"Are you willing, my child?" Misty asks Serena, now in the role of Elena.

"I love him more than words can say." Serena replies as she and Ash hug, to some "aw"s.

"The next day, the marriage was celebrated with great splendor, and when Arceus had blessed their union with children, Dolan, a shepherd no more, would say to his sons and daughters when telling them of his adventures..." Brock narrates.

"There are three things that can subdue giants and evil spirits--the fire of courage, the power to persevere, and the wisdom of heaven." Ash concludes as Dolan.

The crowd roars with applause as the group takes a bow, but the Hattrem's joyous trills rang through the cafe...
 
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Tale: #10: The Gift of Adventure


As the cafe visitors applauded the group's rendition of "Jingle Bells", the whooshing of wings snapped Ash to attention. "Is that..."

Serena's bemused look turned to joy when she saw Lance and one of his faithful Dragonites land on the cafe's spacious terrace. "It is! It is Sir Lance and Bahamut!"

A smile formed on Misty's face as Brock retreated to the harp and Lance was escorted inside the cafe to cheers. "Once upon a time, in a fair away land, there lived a king and queen." she began, acknowledging Lance with a nod as he settled before a table near the stage. "They had a son--I'll call him Alex--who dreamed of being a great hero like the minstrels sang about. When Alex was old enough to choose a bride, he asked his father the king where the most beautiful princess in the world lived. So the king took Alex into the royal gallery, where the portraits of many beautiful princesses from all over the world hung."

Excited murmurs wafted through the cafe at this. "Alex looked at all the portraits very carefully." Misty explained. "He finally saw the portrait of the princess of Azulona--I'll call her Mina--and fell deeply in love with her. So with his mother and father's blessings, he left on a great journey to ask for Princess Mina's hand in marriage."

She smiled as she saw Bahamut's tiny wings fluttering with excitement at the possibility of a quest. "As Alex traveled on his way, he saw a shining palace on a hill. When he went inside, there was not a person or Pokemon in sight. But there was a room with some food and a bed, so Alex rested there for the night. In the morning, he found the palace garden, bursting with exotic flowers he had never seen before. He eventually wandered into the royal stables, where he saw a shining Rapidash. He rode it, of course, and no sooner had he told it giddy up, did it go speeding across the plains and hills!

Brock plays a series of long glissandi on the harp to represent the Rapidash running. "They went through forests, plains, mountains and rivers...and by the time the Rapidash showed the first sign of being tired, Alex was soaked." Misty went on, to giggles as the harp's last chord faded away. "Suddenly, the Rapidash spoke to Alex."

"It has been many years since I last bore a great hero...I see you are strong, wise, and brave, and so I will serve you." she smiles in an older version of herself.

As herself, Misty went on "Alex made camp for the night, as he and his mount were very tired. When Alex got to Azulona, he told the king of Azulona that he wanted to take Princess Mina's hand in marriage. The king of Azulona replied that in return for Princess Mina, he would defend Azulona from an enemy army. Alex agreed, and the king held a grand feast to celebrate the engagement of Princess Mina. The enemy armies approached Azulona the next morning, but Alex defeated them and captured the enemy king singlehandedly!"

Even Lance can't help applauding at Alex's victory. "With Azulona safe again, preparations were made for the wedding, but Princess Mina brought up an important point--with no minstrels due to arrive for some weeks, how would there be any music at the wedding?" Misty continued. "She told him of Darkrai, the Nightmare Pokemon, and the celestial harp he owned that was said to play itself."

Even the Flareons in the kitchen are intrigued. "So Alex set out for the darklands, and came to a cottage where a great mage lived." Misty assures her curious audience. "He asked Alex what he was doing there, and when Alex told the mage of his quest for the Celestial Harp, he told him..."

"When you travel to the darklands, arrive at noon." Brock fills in the mage's lines. "Nearby Darkrai's palace is a great garden, and in that garden, a captured princess walks. She will be glad to see you and help you on your quest, as it has been six years she has been held as Darkrai's slave. Ask for her aid, and she will guide you to the Celestial Harp."

"Alex thanked the mage for his aid, and went on his way." Misty picked up the tale again. "When he got to Darkrai's domain at noon, he heard the Celestial Harp playing a relaxing melody..."

The cafe goes quiet as Brock plays his version of "Arran's Lullaby" for effect. "Alex then remembered his quest, and entered the royal garden, where he saw the captured princess--who I'll call Chloe." Misty continues as the last note fades. "Princess Chloe was understandably scared of Alex at first, but when Alex told her of his quest, she trusted him. She told him to wait in the garden, went into the throne room, and began flattering Darkrai."

Serena and Brock proceed to role play the exchange between Princess Chloe and Darkrai. "My lord, is it true you will never die?"

"It is true."

"Then where is your soul? Is it here?"

"It is under the broom by the door."

"So Chloe tossed the broom in the fireplace, but Darkrai still lived." Misty intones. "Princess Chloe pressed Darkrai further on the location of his soul, and when he finally relented, he told her..."

"In a certain field stands three trees. Under the largest tree lives a Wurmple--and when it dies, I will die too." Brock fills in Darkrai's dialogue, making some Pokemon in the audience shudder over the voice.

Brock can make it good when it counts! Misty thinks to herself before continuing "So Princess Chloe told Alex what she had learned, and Alex went out to the field with three trees and found the Wurmple, but when he killed it, Darkrai still lived."

She explains "By now, Alex suspected Darkrai was hiding something, and told Chloe to really press him on where his soul was. Chloe spent several hours pressing Darkrai on his soul's location, but when he finally relented, he told her..."

"On a certain island grows a certain tree." Brock explains as Darkrai. "Beneath the tree is a treasure chest--if you open it, you will find a basket inside. Attempt to take this basket and a Buneary will appear--when you kill it, a Pidove will appear. Follow it to its nest and take the egg inside, and inside that egg is my soul."

"Alex set out for the island, where he found the tree, and he found the chest beneath it." Misty explains. "He opened it and found a basket inside, but when he tried to take it, a Buneary jumped out. Alex killed it with a well placed arrow, and Pidove flew from the Buneary's body into the sky. Alex followed it to its nest, took the egg inside, and smashed it on the ground--killing Darkrai."

The cafe explodes in cheers as Darkrai's demise, and Bahamut unleashes a happy roar from outside. "Alex took the Celestial Harp, and took Princess Chloe home. Misty smiles. "He then returned to Azulona and his beloved Princess Mina, where they were married the next day. All the wedding guests were amazed at how beautiful the Celestial Harp sounded, and it played many airs and dances for everyone to enjoy."

The crowd claps along as Brock plays a festive jig for effect. "Alex returned to his homeland to a hero's welcome, where he lived happily ever after with Princess Mina." Misty concludes when the song ends.

The cafe roars with applause, but the group is surprised when Lance arrives onstage with a few festively wrapped gift boxes. "As thanks for a well told tale, please take these." he explains. "They are my gifts for you from all at the League."

"Thanks, Lance!" Ash smiles as he accepts his gift and puts it under the cafe's tree...
 
Tale #11: Miracle Soup

(an original Poke-tale based on the classic story "Stone Soup"

what Brock plays to start the show: The First Noel)


Snow fell lightly on the streets of Pallet Town, with the lights adorning the Gentle Spring coloring the snowdrifts with splashes of color. "Any sign of Erin?" Serena asked as the Flareons in the kitchen put the finishing touches on hot drinks for the lunch rush.

"Not yet." Ash replied as he kept a watchful eye on a window near the stage. "She said she'd come visit today..."

Just then, a familiar Lucario in a festive red plaid outfit peeked inside the cafe. [I'm not too early fer lunch, am I?] she asked Leah as she set some beautifully wrapped gifts under the cafe's Christmas tree.

"Oh no, you're just in time for lunch!" Leah assured the Lucario. "Have a seat, and one of the wait staff will be with you shortly."

"Erin!" Ash smiled as the Lucario settled at a table near the stage. "You made it!"

"I see the holiday outfit I bought you arrived safely." Serena agreed.

[Yes--it arrived in te mail tis mornin'.] Erin replied. [I wanted te show it off te ye.]

"You look beautiful, Erin..." Brock smiled as Pokemon and people started arriving for the lunch rush. "Since you're here, and it's getting close to Christmas, we're starting the show today with a holiday classic...'Miracle Soup.'

With that, he settled before the harp and started playing "The First Noel" to set the mood and alert the growing audience that the show was starting.

As the carol's last note faded away, Brock started the story. "One cold winter's night long ago, Suicune, the Guardian of the North Wind, caught a terrible cold. No matter what medicines and cures Raikou and Entei tried, nothing seemed to help their ailing companion."

Concerned murmurs wafted through the cafe. "Then Entei remembered there was a town not far from their cave." Brock went on. "He figured some of the townsfolk could help Suicune with some food or medicine."

Serena picks up the story. "However, the townsfolk had endured a hard year, so there wasn't much food to go around. Some of the townsfolk were afraid to give their food away, lest they go hungry. So no matter who Entei asked, he was always turned away."

Ash decided to pick up the tale. "Just as Entei was about to give up, a little Pikachu arrived with some peas from his garden. It wasn't much, he told the beautiful fire beast, but Suicune needed it much more than he did."

Misty smiled as she picked up the story. "Inspired by the Pikachu's love and willingness to help, the other Pokemon hurried to gather whatever ingredients they could find--some beef here, some carrots there, potatoes from another house, and on and on. Before long, Entei had more ingredients than he knew what to do with!"

"Entei thanked the Pikachu and the other townsfolk for giving what they had to help someone in need--and in return for their kindness, they would be handsomely rewarded." Brock went on over a hopeful melody. "Entei hurried back to the cave with the ingredients, and he and Raikou made a hearty soup from it all."

"Mm"s fill the cafe as the customers imagine what the soup may have tasted like. "The soup was more than enough to heal Suicune, and in an hour or two, he was good as new!" Misty concluded. "The townsfolk cheered when they saw the northern lights that night--that was how they knew Suicune was healed!"

Erin's applause is the loudest as the group takes a bow...
 
Tale #12: The Shining Goldeen

(real tale: The Golden-headed Fish)

"Nurse Joy!" Ash smiles as Nurse Joy and a familiar Chansey arrived in the cafe. "What a surprise!"

"I kept hearing wonderful things about the food and you guys' shows, so I thought Emina and I would come here for lunch today." Nurse Joy explained as a Sylveon brought her and the Chansey menus.

Inspired, Brock started a story. "Once upon a time, there lived a king who lost his sight from a terrible disease. Understandably, he was very unhappy, and became even more so as the months went by, and it didn't help that all the best healers the land were unable to cure him. The poor king grew so thin from misery that everyone thought he was going to die, and the prince, his only son, thought so too."

Worried murmurs fill the cafe at this. "So there was great rejoicing through the land when a traveler arrived in a boat down the river Tohjo." Brock continues. "After asking around and learning why everyone looked so glum, he declared that he was court physician to the king of a far country, and would, if allowed, examine the eyes of the blind king. He was immediately admitted into the throne room, and after a few minutes of careful examination, announced that the case, though very serious, was not quite hopeless. Somewhere in the ocean, he said, existed a Shining Goldeen. If someone could manage to catch this Pokemon, he would prepare an ointment from its blood which would restore the king's sight. He decided to wait a hundred days, but if the Goldeen was still uncaught when that time was up, he would return to his own master."

Excited whispers go up at this. "The next morning the young prince--we'll call him Kaitou--set forth in quest of the fish, taking with him a hundred people, each one carrying a net." Brock goes on. "An impressive fleet of boats criss-crossed the oceans of the world. For three months they worked diligently from sunrise to sunset, but though they caught a zillion Goldeens, not one of them shone. 99 days came and went, and even Prince Kaitou entertained the idea of giving up."

Finally, he decided to go cast his net out himself, one last time." he intones. "and he got the shining Goldeen with hours to spare!"

Cheers fill the air at this. "But the Goldeen looked up at him with such sad Growlithe eyes that he could not bring himself to kill it." Brock interjects. "So he picked up the shining Goldeen, threw it back, then began his journey back to the palace. When he arrived home, he found his father with a high fever, and he refused to believe the story."

"WHAT????" the audience gasps. Even Nurse Joy and Emina are shocked.

"The king was so mad, he ordered Prince Kaitou's life in exchange for the Goldeen." Brock continues. "The queen,on the other hand, didn't feel Kaitou deserved to die for what he did. That night, while everyone else slept, she disguised him in common clothes, filled his pockets with gold, and put him on board a ship which was sailing that night for a distant island. Before the ship left, she told Prince Kaitou that he was to take no man into his service who desires to be paid every month."

The audience begins debating the logic behind the odd advice. "Now, Prince Kaitou thought his mother's advice rather odd." Brock explains, acknowledging the audience with a nod. "If the servant had to be paid, he did not understand what difference it would make whether it was by the year, by the day, or by the month. However, he knew that his mother was wiser than he, so he promised he would do what she said."

He continues "First, he bought the prettiest house he could find. Then servants came offering their services; but as they all said that they had to be paid at the end of every month, Prince Kaitou, who remembered his mother's words, reluctantly turned them all away. Then one morning, a young girl appeared and asked that the prince hire her. She told Prince Kaitou that at the end of a year he could pay her as he saw fit. Prince Kaitou was pleased, and took the girl for his servant."

"Now, although no one would have guessed it from the look of the east end of the island, the west was a complete desert, thanks to the ravages of a horrible monster which came up from the sea, and devoured all the corn and Tauros." Brock continues. "The king had sent hundreds of soldiers, archers, and mages to try and kill it; but, somehow, they all fell asleep at the moment that the monster appeared. Finally, heralds were sent throughout the island to offer a great reward to the one who could slay the monster. As soon as the girl--we'll call her Aisha--heard the news, she went straight to the palace, and asked the king what reward would be given. The king replied he would give the princess' hand in marriage and anything else he wanted. Aisha told the king it would be better to let Prince Kaitou have the princess, and a share of the royal treasury every year. The king agreed, and they drew up a scroll outlining their agreement. That night, Aisha traveled down to the shore to watch, but, before she set out, she ate a herb that had the equivalent of several cups of coffee, so she would not doze off. Then she hid herself behind a large rock and waited. Around midnight, a swell seemed to rise on the water, and, a few minutes later, a hideous chimera stepped noiselessly onto the rocks. It walked stealthily up towards the fields, but Aisha was waiting for it, and, after a bit of a battle, plunged her sword into the soft part behind the ear. The creature staggered and gave a loud cry, and then rolled over dead, with its feet in the sea."

The Pokemon cheer with the other cafe customers as Brock continues "Aisha watched for a little while, in order to make sure that the chimera was dead. After she was satisfied that it was dead, she cut off a bit of the chimera's fur. She gave the fur to Prince Kaitou, and bid him to show them to the king and say he was the one that killed the chimera."

Brock notices the audience's murmuring. "Prince Kaitou had the same concerns as you guys, but Aisha assured him she had a reason." he assures the murmuring audience. "So Prince Kaitou did as Aisha said, and the king was so delighted at the news that he begged Prince Kaitou to marry the princess right then and there. But Prince Kaitou refused, saying that all he desired was a ship which would carry him to see the world. When he and Aisha embarked on their adventure the next day, they found tons of rubies, sapphires, emeralds, diamonds and pearls in the cargo hold--a gift from the king."

Excited whispers waft through the cafe. "So they sailed, and sailed, and sailed some more; until they reached the shores of where Vermilion City is today." Brock continues. "Aisha went into town to find out what sort of a place it was. After some hours she returned, saying that she heard that the king's daughter--we'll call her Takara--was the most beautiful princess in the world, and that Prince Kaitou would do well to ask for her hand."

He waits for a beat, then continues "Prince Kaitou listened to this advice, and taking some of the finest necklaces in his hand, he mounted a splendid Rapidash, which Aisha had bought for him, and rode up to the palace, closely followed by his faithful attendant. The king happened to be in a good mood, and they were readily admitted to the throne room. Prince Kaitou lay down his offerings before the throne, hoping to Arceus that that was enough for the king to grant him Princess Takara in marriage. The king replied after an uneasy silence..."

"Young man, I will give you Princess Takara's hand in marriage, if that is your wish; but I must warn you you that she has already married many other young men, and not one of them lived to see the day after." he cautions in character as the king.

"Prince Kaitou did think, and was so frightened that he almost went back to his ship without any more words." he intones as himself. "But just as he was about to withdraw his proposal Aisha whispered..."

"Fear nothing, but take her." Misty whispers loud enough for Brock to hear her, making some giggles waft through the audience.

"So Prince Kaitou and Princess Takara were married that night." Brock continues. "After the festivities died down, they went to their rooms for the night. The moon shone bright, and Prince Kaitou walked to the window to look out upon the river and upon the distant hills, when he saw a silken shroud neatly laid out on a couch, with his name embroidered in gold thread across the front."

The kids in the cafe swallow hard as Brock goes on "Horrified at the spectacle, he turned his head away, and this time he saw a group of men digging busily beneath the window. It was a strange hour for anyone to be at work, and what was the hole for? It was a curious shape, so long and narrow, almost like...his own grave!"

Fearful whispers race through the crowd. "The shock of the discovery rendered him speechless, yet he stood fascinated and unable to move." Brock quiets the chatter. "Just then, a small Ekans crawled out from under the table, and wriggled quickly towards him. But Aisha was watching for anything out of the ordinary, and she grabbed the Ekans and killed it."

The entire cafe heaves a sigh of relief as Brock continues "The king did a double take to see Prince Kaitou alive, and ordered the hole filled. It turned out the Ekans had put a curse on Princess Takara, and with it dead, the curse was gone. She lived very happily with Prince Kaitou. The days passed swiftly in hunting in the forests, or sailing on the broad river that flowed past the palace, and when night fell she would sing as she played her harp..." Brock retrieves his own harp and runs a finger across the strings for effect. "...or Prince Kaitou would tell her stories of his homeland."

The harp's song turns somber as Brock continues "One evening a messenger from Prince Kaitou's homeland came, and informed Prince Kaitou that his father had died. A great ship was prepared, and Prince Kaitou returned home with Princess Takara."

He continues over a hopeful song "In spite of her grief, the queen was overjoyed to welcome her son home, and commanded the palace to be hung with splendid finery to welcome the bride. The people expected great things from their new sovereign, for they had suffered much from the harsh rule of the old one, and crowds presented themselves every morning with petitions in their hands, which they hoped to persuade King Kaitou to grant. He decided each case justly, yet fairly, and it was agreed that he had great wisdom."

He intones "Then one night, Aisha came to him, and asked permission to return to her own land. Although he was sad to see her go, King Kaitou told Aisha to take what you wished, for without her, he would have long ago been dead."

He concludes "It was only then that Aisha revealed that she was the shining Goldeen!" He adds a triumphant glissando for effect, then takes a bow as Nurse Joy and Emina lead the applause...
 
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