EVERYONE: The Journey of the Golden Delphox

[LightningTopaz]

Episode 11: The Festival at Ponyta Gate


After a relatively uneventful night, we broke camp and made our way to Ponyta Gate Station--so named because of the many Ponytas passing through the station.

But on this particular day, I noticed many of the Ponytas were dressed in colorful costumes. Takeshi explained that it was the Festival of Ponytas, and told me the tale of how the festival came to be as we watched the beautiful Ponytas parade through the station...

"Wow..." Serena gasped as hundreds of colorful Ponytas paraded inside Ponyta Gate Station. "I wonder what the occasion is for all these beautiful Ponytas...

"It's part of the Festival of Ponytas--which usually falls in the spring, but some places celebrate it in the summer." Kasumi explained. "It is in honor of the legendary Ponyta of heaven, Epona, and her first mortal caretaker."

Inspired, Takeshi dug out his vina and started a quiet melody. "Waku has long been a place of rolling hills and green plains--so it is no surprise that Ponytas and Rapidashes have been raised here for thousands of years." he explained. "But the story I want to tell you concerns the divine Ponyta Epona. "While you may know of her in your adopted home, she appears in folklore around the world. in some stories, she is called from heaven to assist a hero, and in others, waits for a hero to find her. But in some parts of Kanto, she had a bit more humble beginning."

With that, he began his tale. "In a certain village not far from where Rainbow Jewel City is today, Epona was part of a farmer's herd, and his son Hayate looked after her. Only Hayate knew of Epona's divine gifts--her speed, her strength, and her gift of speaking the words of humans, just to name a few."

"Rainbow Jewel City...I would love to see the grand gardens, and perform in the many theaters there." Haruka smiled.

"One day, Hayate and Epona were returning home from town when Arceus, in the form of an old man, met them on the road." Takeshi continued, playing a heroic motif to represent Arceus. "Hayate told Arceus that it was his job to look after Epona, and Arceus replied that if he always cared for Epona well, Epona would care for him in return. He knew the bond between Hayate and Epona was special, and warned Hayate not to sell Epona to anyone for any reason. Hayate promised he would do everything he could to keep Epona safe, thanked Arceus, and waved goodbye as Arceus returned to heaven."

He then intoned "Imagine Hayate's shock when his parents told him that they planned to sell Epona!"

Gasps went up from the growing crowd, but Takeshi quickly assured his audience "Hayate's father explained that the town rich man had seen Epona, and offered a high price for her. Despite Hayate's pleas, Epona was sold to the town rich man the next day."

He went on over a sad melody "The rich man was well known for mistreating those who worked for him, and the Pokemon were no different. Even though she was a divine Ponyta, Epona groaned under the backbreaking work she was forced to do, oftentimes being worked so hard she could barely stand."

Angry murmurs wafted through the air at this. "A year passed, and Hayate met Epona on the road to town." Takeshi went on, still playing his sad song. "He was angry to learn how Epona had been mistreated, but the servant told Hayate that that was how the rich man had gotten so much money--working people and Pokemon to death."

A hopeful chord got the audience's attention. "Hayate got an idea--he would ask to be hired as a servant. This way, he could keep his promise to Arceus."

"Oh"s went up at this. "So Hayate was hired as a servant the next day with his family's blessings, and did every job under the sun without any rest or breaks." Takeshi continued, playing a frenetic tremolo to represent Hayate running this way and that. "But no matter how tired he was, Hayate would find the time to care for Epona, and she soon regained much of her divine strength. Fall turned to winter, and that winter there was a lot of snow. But when winter turned to spring, the snow did not melt! This angered the rich man, as this would mean a delay in planting the crops. By the time the snow did melt, the rich man worked his staff--and Epona--so hard, that Epona decided enough was enough--the rich man had no right to mistreat a god-Pokemon like a common Ponyta!"

Murmurs went up in agreement. "So she sang to heaven..." Takeshi went on.

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

Applause went up at the shimmering mist Kasumi's rendition of the Swanna Song created. "As the song's last note echoed into the sky, Arceus appeared in all his glory before the rich man, and scolded him for treating his staff and Pokemon like tools--and especially abusing Epona, a divine Pokemon." Takeshi went on over a grand heroic melody. "He next healed Epona from her weariness, and she broke free from the harness, allowing all present to see her divine speed and power. Arceus then cursed the rich man to live a life of poverty, and to know the pain and weariness he had inflicted on so many others."

"Serves him right for mistreating so many..." a woman agreed.

"Hayate ran to Arceus' side, and begged his forgiveness for breaking his promise." Takeshi went on. Arceus just assured Hayate that he did not know of his parent's plans when he had made his promise, and by following Epona to the rich man's house, he had kept his promise. Epona told Hayate that even though it was time for her to return to heaven with Arceus, she would never forget him, and come down to visit him when she could. Hayate hugged Epona one last time, and built a shrine on the hill where they had enjoyed many a summer afternoon together."

He concluded "From that day forth, every year around the first day of spring or summer, the people let their Ponytas rest for a week, declaring the week the Festival of Ponytas. To this day, we remember how Arceus rescued Epona from oppression, and tell stories of how she aided many heroes, including her first caretaker, Hayate. As part of the festivities, many people dress up their Ponytas, in honor of Epona's divine beauty."

The station square roared with applause, but Serena's applause was the loudest as her friend took a bow...

 

[LightningTopaz]

Episode 12: An Epic Tale For the Festival

One of the most iconic and best loved characters in Wakunese myth is the warrior-miko Kanade. The tales of her adventures have been immortalized in a cycle of stories known as The Travels of Kanade. Many Wakunese are familiar with the tales, and will happily tell one upon request. So if you will indulge me a little on a diversion from our trip, I will tell you a little about Kanade.

Like all folk stories, there are many different versions of Kanade tales. But there are some aspects that do not change:

--she is kind and purehearted, and hates evil and suffering
--she is fiercely devoted to Arceus (and some tales have her accompanied by Legendary Pokemon or other companions)
--she is a skilled archer
--she is skilled in holy magic (which is often represented by singing)
--she is very wise and clever, often outwitting demons and monsters.

Whether Kanade truly existed or not, the tales of her long and colorful life (although some stories suggest Arceus granted her eternal life and eternal youth as thanks for her devotion to him) and adventures delight young and old.

Takeshi knows plenty of Kanade's adventures--as we stopped to rest in a field one evening on our trip to the Aiiro City, he told us one of the more exciting adventures--complete with shooting his own bow in the field! The tale is a highlight of Celebration Village's summer festival, so it is no surprise the children of the village ask to hear it year after year. I have even assisted in the tale a few times--the people's smiles and cheers make the experience well worth the long hours of rehearsal...

"You all know that Kanade was one of the most famous mikos and heroines to serve the Great Lord Arceus." Takeshi began as the people of Celebration Village and some nearby villages crowded around the stage in the village square to watch the performance.

Many in the audience nodded in agreement as Takeshi went on "But the one thing that pained her the most was the pain, suffering, and death which humankind was apparently doomed to endure. It didn't matter who you were--the greatest sage with great virtue and millions of teachings, a righteous or an evil person, or even a mere child--everyone suffered from one thing or another."

He quickly assured the antsy crowd as he plucked out a soft melody on his vina. "But this was why Kanade and millions of other priests and mikos devoted themselves to Arceus--to at least ease the suffering of the world, if not end it outright."

Some applause went up in agreement as the others arrived with their instruments. "Now, Kanade's devotion to Arceus was so great, He commanded two Legendaries to travel with her and help her battle against evil spirits." Takeshi explained. "Mew and Jirachi."

"So one day, Kanade took it upon herself to travel across what is now Kanto, driving out monsters and helping people with their troubles on the way." Kasumi picked up the story. "With Mew and Jirachi by her side, they endured many weeks of traveling over high mountains, deep valleys, and boiling hot deserts, to name a few places."

With that, Takeshi led the way into a melody that evoked travelers to serve as a kind of overture.

When the song ended, Satoshi picked up the story. "They arrived one evening on the shores of a great river, just as the sun was setting."

"But the river was so large, all Kanade could see was water as far as the eye could see--and no way to cross it, unless you wanted to swim!" Serena smiled, adding a playful strum on her mandolin for effect.

Laughter filled the air at this. "The bigger question was where were they going to spend the night--there was no sign of any civilization anywhere." Takeshi intoned. "Just as they were wondering what to do next, the faint sound of some music caught their attention."

Some in the crowd opted to clap along to "First Day of the New Year"--one of the group's go-to "festival" songs. "They followed the festive melody to a village nestled on the hillside, and a small temple standing on the edge of the river." Serena picks up the story when the song ends. "They made their way to the elder's house, which was larger than all the other houses in the village. The elder came out to meet them, and welcomed Kanade and her companions like old friends. When Kanade asked whether they could stay for the night, he assured them that there was plenty of room for them in the house, and that he gladly welcomed them to stay for as long as they needed. He also invited them to enjoy the grand meal he had prepared for the festival that night."

"Mm..."s filled the air as the audience pictured what sort of food Kanade, Mew, and Jirachi had to eat. "After they had finished their dinner, Kanade talked to the elder for a while. While she was very pleased with his courtesy and with the great hospitality he had shown them, she noticed that he looked very glum, and wondered if something was weighing on his heart." Takeshi explained.

"May I ask why the people gather here tonight? I know of no festival falling on this date, so I thought I would ask why you were celebrating." Hikari asked as Kanade.

"We are not celebrating anything," Takeshi sighed as the elder. "It was really a funeral service for two of my grandchildren, who, though they are not yet dead, will be called to the heavens before too long."

"But how can such a ceremony be performed over people who are still alive?" Hikari asked as Kanade. Some in the audience stifled some laughter at the quizzical look on Hikari's face, never mind this was a serious scene.

"You must know that this region is under the control of a cruel demon." Takeshi continued as the elder. "Every year, he demands two children, a boy and a girl, to eat. Many attempts have been made to resist this horrific demand, but they have only resulted in increased suffering to those who have dared to oppose him. Because of this, the woeful cycle continues, and many a heart is broken at the loss of those dearest to them."

"But is there any way to know when this terrible sacrifice is going to be demanded?" Hikari asked as Kanade.

"The demon appears in the chosen house a few days before, and demands to have the victims ready on a specified date." Takeshi explained as the elder. "Only the day before yesterday, this summons came to us to have our children ready by tomorrow morning at dawn. That is why we had a feast today, and performed the funeral rites for the dead, so that their spirits may not be held under the control of this merciless demon, but delivered to the Great Lord's care in heaven."

"But what is the demon like?" Hikari asked as Kanade.

"No one knows for sure what he is like," Takeshi cautions as the elder. "He has no form that one can see. His presence is known by a strong gust of wind which fills the place with a peculiar smell, and with an influence so subtle that you feel yourself within the grip of a powerful force, and instinctively bow as though you were in the presence of a being who could destroy you in a moment if it wanted to." At this, Satoshi proceeded to blast a note that sounded more or less like a girl's scream, startling many in the crowd.

"One more question..." Hikari interjected as Kanade. "Where did this demon come from, and how that he has grown so strong enough to defy even heaven itself, with the Great Lord Arceus and all the Legendaries that watch over us all?"

"This demon was filled with evil intentions and fiendish instincts from the very beginning." Takeshi explained as the elder. "He took the first opportunity he could to escape to the earth, and took up residence in the grottoes and caverns that lie deep down beneath the waters of the river. Other spirits almost as evil as him have also reside there, and they combine their forces to bring calamity and disaster upon the people of this region."

Fearful whispers raced through the crowd as the audience debated how such a demon could be defeated. "Now, Kanade cherished all living things, but she grew very angry when she thought of how many innocent children had been sacrificed to appease the depraved demon." Satoshi intones as Takeshi set his vina aside and slung a familiar bow and some prop arrows on his back--Kanade's signature weapon. "Mew and Jirachi were just as mad, and they began to discuss how to save the elder's grandchildren, and at the same time slay the demon so no one would ever have to sacrifice a child again."

As Jirachi, Serena interjects "Let me play the boy, and Mew play the girl, and together we will fight the demon and kill him, and so deliver the people from his dreadful tyranny."

As Mew, Haruka instructs "Bring the children here so that we may see them, and make our plans so perfect that the demon won't know what hit him."

"The elder agreed, and brought in the boy and the girl--both of them about seven or eight years old." Takeshi explained as he picked up the story. "Jirachi first laid a hand on the boy, and sang..."

Jao wiisha nes chiel com yutuul... Serena filled in the song, to some awed murmurs as a gold aura appears around her for a few seconds.

"Jirachi transformed into an exact duplicate of the boy in a flash of light." Takeshi narrated. "Then, Mew touched her tail to the girl, and sang..."

As Mew, Haruka sang Karuto, iichiida shou..., making a lavender aura appear around her for a few seconds.

Takeshi waited for the applause to die down before continuing "Kanade instructed the elder to take the real children and hide them in the remotest and most inaccessible room in the house, lest someone see them or the demon discover their plot."

"Just as the eastern sky showed the first light of dawn, two platforms were brought up to the door to carry the two children away." Kasumi intoned. "A few frightened neighbors peered through the gloom to catch a last glimpse of the children, but not one of them had the slightest clue that the boy and girl were really Legendary Pokemon who were about to wage a fierce battle with the demon in order to deliver them from the curse they lived under."

More excited chatter fills the air at the impending battle. "No sooner had the children been left at the temple, where a small torch served as the only light, and the doors had been closed with a thud, did the priests rush away, fearing for their lives." Haruka went on. "Some moments later, a hideous, gigantic form emerged from an inner room and crept towards the children. The demon was surprised, however, to find that the children did not exhibit any signs of alarm, as had all the other children that had been sacrificed, but seemed to be calmly awaiting his approach. There was no sign of fear about them, and they did not cry in terror; but looked on him with a courageous glance as he advanced."

Serena smiled at the excited crowd. "Imagine the demon's surprise when he saw the two children become their true forms--Jirachi the Wish Maker, and Mew, the Envoy of Heaven. Though the demon knew his judgement was close, he drew a black, jagged sword and charged at Jirachi and Mew!"

The audience watched in awe as a wooden "demon" emerged on the stage, with hidden targets in various places on its body. "Jirachi and Mew were more then ready for battle, and with their magic fully charged and with hearts made strong by the power of the Great Lord, they awaited the demon's attack." Serena narrated as Takeshi nocked one of the prop arrows and prepared to shoot at the "demon" approaching him.

The audience watched in silent wonder as one by one, Takeshi hit each one of the wooden demon's hidden targets as the others played an exciting melody evoking a battle. A beast-like cry of pain played to confirm each successful shot.

Finally, the last arrow made its flight towards the last target on the wooden demon, which was located where its heart would be, if it were real. When the crowd heard the last scream that signaled a successful shot, they cheered as the wooden demon sank below the stage, leaving Takeshi with three arrows to spare!

"You can imagine the celebration when Mew and Jirachi returned to tell Kanade about their victory." Takeshi concluded. "Kanade was hailed as a hero, and Mew and Jirachi were showered with praise for what they had done as the village held its first real celebration in what had seemed like years. But when the party was over, Kanade, Mew and Jirachi thanked the villagers again, and continued on their journey--but what happened next is another story for another day!"

The crowd roared with applause as the group took a bow...

 

[LightningTopaz]

Episode 13: The Wandering Warrior-Delphox


While Delphox and its cousin Ninetales often have bad reputations in Wakunese mythology, there are just as many Delphoxes and Ninetales that wish to help mortals. One of these is the warrior Delphox, Otora Gitsune. Otora Gitsune has children herself, all of them capable warriors--which is no surprise considering their mother is the guardian of warriors, and all who fight for peace and justice.

One of Otora Gitsune's most famous sons is Keizoubou, the messenger Delphox. He is most famous for delivering messages all across Waku, and is revered as the guardian of the postal riders, and travelers. Many tales are told of him exposing treachery in the nick of time, or the rightful prince or princess revealed before a false one could be named. If you see him on the road, and give him a message, any good things mentioned in the message will come to pass, and messages intended for evil will become good things. Finding him on the road is very auspicious indeed!


"Now..." Takeshi consulted his map of Waku. "From Flower Island, we have a ways to go to our next stop, but it should be worth the walk. That's because our route leads to the Temple of Legends--one of the holiest sites in Waku."

"I've heard of the Temple of Legendaries--it's sacred not just to Arceus, but all the Legendaries too." Serena remembered. "They say that the miko there have some say in imperial affairs, too."

"That honor goes to the mikohime--the chief miko." Takeshi explained. "Traditionally, the mikohime was an imperial princess who gave up her imperial title and rights to enter the priesthood. Nowadays, it is the princess or lady's choice to do so."

He was about to say more when Haruka spotted a male Delphox in warrior's garb in the distance. "Is that...?"

Even Satoshi balked in surprise at the golden fox Pokemon with flared ears in red armor near the roadside. "It is! It is Keizoubou!"

"Keizoubou?" Serena was curious.

"Keizoubou is one of the sons of the Warrior Delphox, Otora Gitsune." Kasumi explained. "He himself is a capable warrior, but he is famous for braving perilous conditions to deliver messages all across Waku--particularly to the capital, and the imperial family. This is why he is the guardian of those who carry the mail, and those who travel. If you find him on the road, and give him a message of good news, good things will happen."

She waved in the armored fox Pokemon's direction. "Good day, Kizoubou-sama!"

[Good day, miss.] Keizoubou smiled as the group approached. [Where might you all be bound?]

"We are on our way to the Temple of Legends, to pray for safety on the long road to the Aiiro City." Serena explained, aware of Kasumi writing something on a piece of paper.

[Ah, a must stop for all going to, and returning back from the Aiiro City.] Keizoubou smiled. [Have you any messages I can take to Ikuyo-hime at the temple?]

Kasumi fixed a water drop seal on her message, then gave it to Keizoubou. "Please inform Ikuyo-hime we hope to arrive by the start of the summer festival--as that is the best time to pray for safe travel."

Keizoubou nodded. "Consider it done. I will see to it that no bandits or yokai trouble you on the way to the temple."

"Thanks, Keizoubou-sama!" Serena called, waving goodbye as the armored Delphox dashed off down the road.

She wiped some sweat from her brow. "I see no harm in stopping for lunch while the sun is hot."

"If we keep going a little more, we can camp under that tree and rest until it gets a little cooler." Satoshi suggested, pointing out a Cheri tree blooming in the distance.

"If you are compiling information on helpful yokai for the book, Keizoubou would easily need a chapter to himself." Takeshi smiled. "In fact, it may be best to give all the helpful Delphoxes and Ninetales a chapter, if not their own book."

"What are some of the best known friendly Delphoxes and Ninetales, aside from Kitsune and her children, and Otora Gitsune and her children?" Serena was intrigued as the group made their way into the grass beneath the Cheri tree to make camp.

"Well, there is Daikini, the Grand Holy Delphox that all other divine and good fox Pokemon report to--even Kitsune, Arceus' envoy." Takeshi explained. "The tale of how the samurai Taira no Kiyomori spared her life and became well known as a hero and demon hunter is well known among the people of Waku. There's Denpachi Gitsune, the Delphox sage. He is the guardian of those who tend the earth, those who sell and trade its bounty, and those who seek wisdom. He does not tolerate farmers who horde their harvest, merchants who cheat and steal, and students who deceive to get ahead in their studies."

"I see..." Serena mused as she made notes.

"There is Tenko, the guardian of performers, especially magicians." Haruka remembered. "But she watches over musicians, dancers, actors, and others who make their living onstage. Many lady magicians often take Tenko as a stage name in honor of her, and in hopes she will bless their tricks."

"The most famous of these 'tenko-hime' is Kiraten, who is famous for her Starry Rain illusion." Takeshi explained. "It is fitting that is her signature illusion, she she finishes every one of her shows with it.

Serena nodded as she made more notes. "I think I will give Keizoubou, his mother, and the other good Delphoxes and Ninetales their own book, but for now, Keizoubou and his mother will get a chapter in this book."

 

[LightningTopaz]

Episode 14: Tracking the White Ghost (part 1)

Zorua and its evolution Zoroark are quite different in Waku. While the normal black variety typically doesn't mean any harm to humans (the extent of their pranks being playful or annoying in nature), there are some that are white with red markings. Whether these Pokemon are something to be revered or feared depends on the individual Pokemon--unlike their cousins Delphox and Ninetales, Zorua and Zoroark are just as diverse as people--some are revered as gods and heroes, and some are feared as demons and monsters.

A fairly reliable way to tell if a Hisuian Zorua or Zoroark (so named because of its initial discovery in Hisui) means to help or harm is if it has a title--a helpful individual will have a positive sounding title, and a harmful individual will have a negative sounding title. This isn't always foolproof--some harmful individuals may take a helpful title to slip past barriers.

In our case, the Zoroark that we had to track and slay for the mystics of the Enclave of the Misty Rain had the title of a fearsome Zoroark--White Ghost.

Like their black relatives, a wild Hisuian Zoroark is terrified of arrows. It doesn't matter if it is an everyday hunter's bow, or a miko's sacred bow--the majority of them will flee when they hear a bow being drawn.

The high mystic of the enclave had heard of Takeshi's skill, and asked us to track and dispatch the Hisuian Zoroark White Ghost, with the promise of an enchanted bow if we were successful...

"A thousand welcomes to you, travelers, to the Enclave of the Misty Rain." a woman in the elegant sparkling blue, white and silver robe of a high mystic smiled as the group arrived in the enclave's foyer. Some apprentices in blue robes took the group's cloaks and hung them up to dry. "What brings you here on this stormy night?"

"We were on our way to the Temple of Legends when this storm blew up." Serena explained. "We were going to camp, but discovered this place when we couldn't find any places to take shelter on the plains."

The high mystic smiled. "You have chosen wisely. We will feed you a hot dinner, give you a soft bed for the night, and see you off safely when the storm has passed. Thank Arceus the rogue Zoroark named White Ghost is not on the prowl tonight..."

"White Ghost?" Even Kasumi shuddered at the title. "What can you tell us about him?"

"He is a wild Zoroark that has brought terror and despair on this area for some time." the high mystic explained. "He will only appear on clear nights--the moonlight makes his white fur shine like a ghostly aura, which is how he got his title. We have asked many an archer to rid us of him once and for all, but he seems to be unafraid of arrows. He will often turn the very arrows meant for him back on the archers!"

"But suppose the archer also knew how to manipulate ki?" Satoshi asked. "What would happen then?"

"If it helps, milady, I can control green ki--the magic of earth--well, although I can control the other colors to a degree." Takeshi offered.

The high mystic thought for a moment. "You may be able to help us...by the quiver of arrows on your back, you follow the way of the bow, yes?"

Takeshi nodded. "I have since I was very young--an essential skill for hunting in the mountains of Kanto."

The high mystic smiled. "We will discuss how to capture White Ghost over dinner. The storm means he will not appear tonight--as I said before, he only comes out on clear nights."

---------

The enclave's dining hall was uneasily silent as the residents and its guests ate together. "White Ghost first appeared in the hills by the enclave a few months ago." the high mystic explained. "He brought terror on the nearby towns, attacking people and Pokemon alike. Many in the towns refuse to leave their houses at night because of him."

"You've said that he is unafraid of arrows..." Takeshi agreed. "Have any melee warriors or some of the enclave members tried to subdue him?"

"Swordfighters fear him because he can take their blades and use it himself." the high mystic explained. "A martial artist's punch won't harm him--this has led us to believe he is part Ghost type himself. We have had some success with elemental magic--but he especially fears water, cold, heat, and light."

"So what if I were to imbue one of my arrows with water, heat, cold, or light?" Takeshi wondered. "Would he flee, attempt to fight, or leave the townsfolk alone for at least one night?"

"That I do not know--every arrow White Ghost has met, he turned back on the archer." the high mystic reminded Takeshi. "We have not tried enchanted arrows yet..."

"This is just a theory on my part, but consider this..." Serena suggested. "The reason why White Ghost is turning arrows back on the archers is because he knows that common wooden arrows can't hurt him."

Murmurs of agreement went up at this. "So what if, on the next clear night, we were to venture forth with some enchanted arrows?" Serena went on. "Would White Ghost meet his match in water, fire, ice, or light?"

The high mystic smiled. "Your suggestion is sound, and a clever one! If you all succeed in slaying White Ghost, and bring back a pelt or a fang as proof, we will give your archer companion a special bow as a sign of our thanks."

Cheers filled the hall at this. "We accept your offer, in return for your hospitality, any supplies we may need on the hunt, and any advice on how to battle this crafty Hisuian Zoroark." Takeshi replied.

More cheers rang through the hall--the mysterious white Zoroark's reign of terror seemed to be at an end!