BEGIN PREVIEW

“Hail and well met, Jelan Mirana…I am Wara, High Elementalist of Thianon.” the young man smiled as the group made themselves comfortable. “What brings you three here to the highlands?”

“My companion, the Song Mage Arran, has been commanded to find the Eight Dainas by his patron goddess.” Ash explains. “She has also bade me receive a magic whistle from you.”

Wara chuckled at this. “Your request is justified, Jelan, but know that I don’t give magic instruments to just any elementalist–the elementalist must first prove to me that they are worthy of an instrument. This is to prevent elementalists not ready to attempt Song Magic from harnessing power they cannot control.”

“Fair enough.” Dawn noted.

“I have successfully harnessed Song Magic, Sir Wara.” Ash assures Wara. “I successfully sang Aurora Flash on the hill that overlooks the Sea of Beginnings to bring this creature here.” He gestures to Pikachu, who shyly waves a hello.

“Very well then–I will let you prove yourself worthy for receiving a magic whistle, if that is the instrument you wish.” Wara replies…

END PREVIEW

o^-^o: So what will Wara ask Ash to do? Find out tomorrow!

“We’ve tried everything we know that defeats a serpent horse in the canon….” Brock agrees.

“That’s a chance I’m willing to take if it means saving my friends!” Dawn assures Raina as she stares down the serpent horse…

Episode 6: The Song of Victory

The boys and Raina watch in horror as Dawn approaches the serpent horse, but the look on Dawn’s face is not fear or nervousness, but one of confidence.

After what seems like an eternity, Dawn finally speaks. “Grant us protection in a gentle breeze! Wind Guardian!” With that, she begins singing in an odd gibberish, making a breeze surround herself, Ash, Brock, and Raina. The serpent horse lunges at Dawn in an attempt to dispel the magic, but is rebuffed by the windy shield surrounding her.

Ash is just as surprised. “No way…Dawn sang…to protect us?”

“Whatever the reason, she wants us to drive back this monster.” Brock replies before readying his weapon again. “So let’s finish this guy once and for all!”

Ash is first to attack. “Wings of flame, bring dawn to a dark sky! Flame Tail!”

“Spirits of the colorborn, sing with my call…Harmony Blade!” Brock’s rainbow swordbeam turns the fire on the arrow into many colors. The arrow lands in the serpent horse’s heart with an explosion of light, destroying it. Dawn finishes singing some seconds later, dispeling the shields created by Wind Guardian.

“We did it…” Ash gawks before the realization that they’ve won finally sinks in. “WE DID IT!!!” He sweeps Happini in his arms and hugs her, tears of joy streaming down his face all the while.

“Told’ja we’d scare away that mean ol’ monster, didn’t we?” Brock coos to Happini, making her giggle as Pikachu unleashes some joyful sparks.

“Impressive–you and your friends are also fine warriors.” Raina smiles. “You deserve a reward for saving Sundol–name what you wish, and it shall be given to you.”

“Well, before we discuss rewards, how are we going to fix Sundol?” Ash wonders as he looks out over the broken tree branches, damaged buildings, and other debris cluttering the streets.

“It’d take us months to fix that.” Brock agrees.

“Not today, it won’t!” Dawn confidently assures the boys before calling “Heaven’s light, shine down and heal this weary land! Cleansing Light!” With that, Dawn begins singing something in a language Ash and Brock don’t appear to understand at first. The song conjures a bright flash of light and shimmering gold dust, healing any people it lands on and fixing any buildings or objects.

It isn’t until Ash hears Dawn sing E’un concerto d’amore per, vivere e sperare una grande emozione… that he knows the song! “Is that the original Italian version of ‘Concert of Love’? from ‘Yes! Pokemon 5′”

“What I want to know is how Dawn suddenly knows how to speak, much less sing, in Italian.” Brock notes as some of the gold dust lands on a scratch he sustained in the battle, healing it.

“Song Magic comes from your heart’s power, and if your heart is expecially joyful, you may find yourself singing in another language.” Raina explains.

It dawns on Ash that he remembers Arran doing this in the show and the comic. “Dawn must be pretty happy to be singing in a language she doesn’t even know…”

“Loras sings in another language because of your victory over the serpent horse.” Raina replies. “But I can also guide you to where the Temple of the Ruby and Vatradaina lie.”

“Really? Where?” Ash gasps.

“Then we ask this as our reward–where is Vatradaina?” Brock replies.

“To the north of here lie the Sakura Highlands, wherein lies the Temple of the Ruby. The Order of Elementalists also reside there–the High Elementalist will be glad to tell you of the temple’s secrets.

Dawn smiles. “I guess we know where we need to go in the morning…” she smiles as the group turns to leave.

“Thank you, Raina!” Ash calls.

“You’re most welcome…may Karmina be with you on your journey.” Raina replies as the group starts down a path….

As the crowd disperses and Ash and Dawn pick up what coins are scattered on the pavement, the tall woman approaches Brock. “Well told, Song Mage…I would expect nothing more from the great Arran Seluna.”

“You speak the truth, Jelan Mirana…” the woman replies before addressing Brock again. “As thanks for a wonderful performance, I bid you spend some time at my house, for I know much of the quest Karmina has given you…”

Episode 4: The Legend of the Crystal Auras

The group walks down a street leading to an alcove of houses nearby the marketplace, being careful not to lose Raina in the crowds of people. Raina, powever, points out the house closest to the street overlooking the temple. “Here…this is my home.” With that, she invites the group inside.

“Thank you for having us.” Dawn replies as the group enters and makes themselves comfortable around a wooden table.

“How is it that you know of our quest?” Brock asks, interested, never mind that the question seems out of character for the role he is playing.

“Karmina herself told me about it.” Raina smiles as she returns with what looks like bowls of herbs, amused that someone as well known as Arran Seluna would be surprised at her abilities. “I presume you also know about the Pendant of Crystal Auras?”

A wry smile crosses Brock’s face–this meeting is playing out very much like the real show! “Every minstrel in Thianon knows about that, Song Mage or not!” He takes his harp from his bag and starts a soft melody Red is the stone that brings the fire, orange is the stone riding on the wind, yellow is the stone that raises the dark’s ire, green is the stone commanding winter to rescind…

“Uh, Brock…” Ash waves to get his friend’s attention.

“Too late…” Dawn groans.

One blue stone is cold and frosty, the other as blue as a rolling sea… Brock continues, still lost in his performance.

Raina stifles a giggle. “Yes, I see you know of the Eight Dainas, but what about the pendant they form? Have you a verse telling me about that?”

When these eight stones come together, a mighty treasure do they form. Within this pendant is the great power, power of the color-born. Brock sings.

“The color-born?” Ash is stumped by the lyric’s meaning.

“Arran is referring to the elements that make up our world by the color-born.” Raina explains. “When the world was created, Karmina and her sons and daughters were quite impressed when Faivan, god of magic, demonstrated his craft to Marli, queen of the gods. At that time, magic had no physical form, so Marli convinced her husband Vaner, the king of the gods, to give Faivan’s craft a form in the world of mortals and in the world of gods. So Vaner created the elemental spirits, and they spread throughout both worlds, giving us the elements. Each type of spirit prefers a certain color, so sometimes the elements are called the color-born.” Ash nods to show he understands the myth.

“So if magic is really the energy of elemental spirits, how does Song Magic work?” Dawn asks–she’s wondered if the process is ever explained in the real show.

“That is the second part of the myth, Loras Kimbore.” Raina replies. “Karmina could sense mortals’ emotions, and often sent spirits to aid those that sang of their emotions. In time, mortals learned that they could channel their emotions through song, summoning spirits that way–that is how Song Magic was created.” She turns to address the boys. “Arran has studied it and knows it well. Jelan will eventually learn it not long after you begin your quest…”

“But what about Loras?” Ash wonders. “Won’t she be able to learn Song Magic?”

“Has she displayed any talent for it?” Raina asks.

An awkward silence fills the room before Brock finally decides to answer the sage’s question. “No–she has not shown any talent for it that we know of.”

“She is perfectly capable of learning to use it, but she has to want to learn.” Raina replies. “This will becomes your song, and the song then manifests as magic.”

“Do I want to learn Song Magic?” Dawn scoffs at how Raina is treating her like her own mother back in the real world. “You bet I do!”

“Then close your eyes and calm yourself–magic won’t awaken in someone who is angered or only wants to use it for their own gain.” Raina cautions as Dawn closes her eyes. The strength of your song is also tied to the strength of your body–if you are tired, your magic will be very weak at best.”

Dawn nods as she focuses on a calm location in her mind–the yard back in the real world. Gotta catch’em, I can see it, Victory Road! Of all the water in the world, which one has blue Shellos? She begins to glow in a rainbow aura as she continues singing. Is the Hoothoot’s leg the left one or the right?

“Is she singing ‘Which One’? from ‘Sesamon Street’?” Ash recognizes the song.

“No, you’re thinking of ‘One of These Things’…’Which One’ is a completely different song from ‘Inspiration Station’” Brock gently corrects him, at the same time worried about the size of Dawn’s aura and the part that is coming next.

Ah… Dawn continues the song, her rainbow aura getting brighter and stronger all the while. Ah…..ah…ah, ah, AH!!!! On the last “ah”, the aura goes flying at Raina, the Pokemon and the boys in a wave of rainbow light.

“What was that?” Ash asks as he studies the rainbow colored “water” dripping from him.

“I don’t know…” Dawn wheezes, exhausted from casting the spell. “I just pictured us being at home, and me in the yard, listening to Brock finding another show for Happini as the ending to ‘Inspiration Station’ played…and the part with the ahs was the first part of the song I remembered.”

“A most interesting choice of song for your first spell, Rainbow Shower.” Raina giggles. “But, I think you may have chosen too strong of a spell for your skill…”

“No wonder I feel so tired…” Dawn complains. “It’s like I ran a mile in gym class multiple times!”

Raina then hears what sounds like the whinnying of a horse. “Oh no…not here…”

Ash looks out the window and gasps–he sees what looks like a snake with a horse’s head and mane headed in their direction! “What is that?” he gasps.

Brock draws his blade and walks outside, only pausing to take his harp case from the closet at the entrance. “I don’t know, but it doesn’t look friendly!”

TO BE CONTINUED….

BEGIN PREVIEW

“But what about Loras?” Ash wondered. “Won’t she be able to learn Song Magic?”

“Has she displayed any talent for it?” Raina asked.

An awkward silence filled the room before Brock finally decided to answer the sage’s question. “No–she has not shown any talent for it that we know of.”

“She is perfectly capable of learning to use it, but she has to want to learn.” Raina replied. “This will becomes your song, and the song then manifests as magic.”

“Do I want to learn Song Magic?” Dawn scoffed at how Raina was treating her like her own mother back in the real world. “You bet I do!”

END PREVIEW

o^-^o: So will Dawn be able to learn Song Magic like her counterpart Loras? Stop by tomorrow and see!

“So, where do we begin?” Dawn wonders.

“Travel to the town of Sundol–there you will learn of the first jewel, the ruby named Vatradaina–the Firesong.” Karmina replies. “It is a day’s journey west of here.” With that, she disappears.

Ash waves goodbye as Karmina disappears. “So, shall we?”

“Yeah!” Dawn smiles.

“Vatradaina, here we come!” Brock agrees as the three friends, Happini and Pikachu walk off into the sunset.

Episode 3: The Story of the Sage

“How much further do we have to go?” Ash complains. “We left the Ivy Hill some hours ago…”

“Pini…” Happini sighs in agreement.

Brock points out what look like roofs of houses in the distance. “We’re getting close…I can see houses in the distance.”

Dawn dashes on ahead. “Last one there’s a rotten Exeggcute!”

“Hey, wait for us!” Ash protests as the boys and Happini scramble to catch up. When the group arrives, they look at the three way intersection past the entry gate.

“Who goes there?” a guard clad in dull grey chain barks, surprising the group.

“I am Arran Seluna…” Brock explains. “I seek permission to conduct a holy mission from the Lady Karmina, and to perform in the city.”

The guard’s mood brightens. “If the Goddess Karmina has bid you come, you may pass. A Song Mage has not come in several weeks, so the children would especially like a performance.” With that, he motions to the gatekeepers in the guardhouse, allowing the group inside.

“Wow…” Ash is amazed at the size of the streets and the number of buildings that dot the square, marking the center of a three way intersection. Some of the houses have colorful flags and banners flying on them. The left route leads to the entertainment district, the right route the marketplace, and the center route to the craftsman’s district.

“So this is Sundol…” Dawn notes as the group looks around at the stone and wood buildings around them.

“Doesn’t look like a place to find Vatradaina…” Ash sighs. “Just a normal old village to me.”

“And furthermore, how am I going to protect myself if my spinners fail?” Dawn asks. “You have Song Magic, Ash will eventually learn Song Magic, but what about me?”

“Remember the canon?” Brock interjects. “On the show, Loras does quite all right with just the spinners, but if you really want to learn Song Magic, the person we need to see teaches Loras how to use it in the comic.”

“Since we are simply in an illusion of Thianon, I suppose we can take a page from the comic and have me learn Song Magic…no pun intended.” Dawn replies, now in a noticably better mood.

“Remind me again who teaches Loras Song Magic in the comic?” Ash asks as the group walks to the fountain in the center of the square.

“The elf sage Raina Telmiras, who is the oracle of Sundol, and who we need to see.” Brock replies before taking his harp and strolling towards the fountain. “I come with stories to tell, and a song or two as well, gathered from my exploits and travails…” he begins, adding a soft glissando for effect. “For the price of a coin, let us all join in an intimate gathering together.” No sooner does he finish his character’s traditional spiel for attracting an audience, do a number of children and their parents approach and drop coins in the small bag Happini holds.

One child spots a noblewoman with a Vulpix fur cap on the street and asks “Why do the rich ladies wear Vulpix fur caps, Sir Arran?”

“It is because of a Vulpix that gave her life to save a man, and in his grief, he fashioned her fur into a hat in her memory, as per her last request.” Brock replies, unaware of the tall brown-haired woman in gold, purple, and blue sage’s robes that has arrived to join the crowd in listening to his performance. “Be warned, this is a tragic tale, so those with sensitive hearts may find it best to leave if the story gets to be too much for you.” When no one decides to leave, Brock continues. “Very well…I will ask the great lady Karmina to grant me the words to tell you this tale…” With that, he plays a soft lullaby like tune before speaking again. “There was once a poor man who owned nothing except for a small house and a Pomeg tree–I will call him Kenta.” He plays some more as he continues “Now, Kenta loved his Pomeg tree, and took very good care of it–watering it twice a day and pruning branches like clockwork. When the evenings were warm, he would even sleep beneath its branches. If a child ever tried to steal one of the Pomeg berries, he would confront the child and lecture them about stealing–the child would return what he had stole and hurry away. This led to the townspeople nicknaming him “Lord of the Pomeg Tree.” The crowd laughs at this, even the tall woman.

Dawn smiles at the crowd’s laughter. Keep it up, Brock–you’re doing great!

“One year, Kenta had a great harvest of Pomeg berries, and worked very hard picking them all. At the end of the day, he was exhausted, and dozed off under the tree’s branches. But when he woke the next day, a Pomeg Berry had disappeared!” Brock continues. The crowd laughs again as Brock feigns surprise…

An hour or so later…

…although Kenta did what he could, the Vulpix died of her wounds some days later.” Brock continues over a sad riff. He waits for the soft cries and sniffling in the crowd to quiet before concluding “Kenta was greatly saddened by the loss of his friend, but honored the Vulpix’s last request and fashioned her fur into a soft hat. At first, the townspeople found the hat quite odd-looking, but in time, man and woman alike began to wear them in honor of the brave Vulpix…so ends the tale called ‘The Lord of the Pomeg Tree’. The crowd roars with applause and coins go flying as Brock takes a bow.

As the crowd disperses and Ash and Dawn pick up what coins are scattered on the pavement, the tall woman approaches Brock. “Well told, Song Mage…I would expect nothing more from the great Arran Seluna.”

“My pleasure, Lady Sage.” Brock replies, trying all the while not to break character and go crazy over the woman’s beauty.

“Are you Raina Telmiras?” Ash asks.

“You speak the truth, Jelan Mirana…” the woman replies before addressing Brock again. “As thanks for a wonderful performance, I bid you spend some time at my house, for I know much of the quest Karmina has given you…”

TO BE CONTINUED….

BEGIN PREVIEW

“So this is Sundol…” Dawn notes as the group looks around at the stone and wood buildings around them.

“Doesn’t look like a place to find Vatradaina…” Ash sighs. “Just a normal old village to me.”

“And furthermore, how am I going to protect myself if my spinners fail?” Dawn asks. “You have Song Magic, Ash will eventually learn Song Magic, but what about me?”

“Remember the canon?” Brock interjects. “On the show, Loras does quite all right with just the spinners, but if you really want to learn Song Magic, the person we need to see teaches Loras how to use it in the comic.”

“Since we are simply in an illusion of Thianon, I suppose we can take a page from the comic and have me learn Song Magic…no pun intended.” Dawn replies, now in a noticably better mood.

END PREVIEW

o^-^o: So who does the gang need to see to learn more about Song Magic and Vatradaina? Stop by tomorrow and see!

“You know where we are?” Brock is surprised. “What I want to know is how I managed to teleport Ash and Dawn with just my voice.”

It finally dawns on Brock just what has happened–the odd light has transported him, his friends, and Happini into the world of “The Song Mage Chronicles”, only now he, Ash, and Dawn are playing the roles of Arran, Jelan, and Loras!

Episode 2: An Illusion of Heroes

Brock still can’t believe that he, his friends, and Happini have been pulled into one of their favorite TV shows. “Someone pinch me…”

“Pini?” Happini isn’t sure–usually Brock gets mad if she pinches anyone.

“Yeah, I’m sure–go on and give me a good pinch…if this is a dream, we’ll wake up back at home in the living room.” Brock explains. “I won’t be mad, promise.”

“Ha pi…” With that, Happini gives Brock a hard pinch, making him rear back in pain.

Just then, three other Pokemon appear before the group, making time appear to stop. One is a pale purple Pokemon that looks vaguely feline, the second a star-shaped creature, and the third looks similar to a fox with black fur and red tips “Don’t be afraid, everyone…”

“Jirachi? Mew?” Ash recognizes two of the three Pokemon.

“What are you guys doing here?” Dawn is equally awed. “And who’s the fox?”

Jirachi motions to the fox Pokemon to come closer to the group. “This is Zoroark–he is the one that created this illusion.”

“Pleased to meet your acquaintance, Loras Kimbore.” Zoroark offers a paw to Dawn to show he comes in peace.

“I heard you request to find out what it would be like if you were in the world of the “Song Mage Chronicles”, and asked Zoroark to recreate the world of Thianon as you see it on the show.” Jirachi continues. “But in order for Mew to bring you inside the illusion, Zoroark needed you to be in a trance-like state, and so Mew put you in what appears to be a deep sleep.” He shows Brock an image of the living room just as it was when they left, complete with the three of them asleep.

“So this isn’t a dream?” Brock asks the starshape Pokemon and the red and black fox Pokemon before him.

“No…although you appear to be asleep in your home world, you are actually in a state of deep meditation that can be confused for sleep.” Jirachi explains. “Once Mew put you into that state, Zoroark here created the illusion of Arran’s world for you to experience.”

“But wait a minute! Not every episode of ‘The Song Mage Chronicles’ has aired in English!” Ash protests. “Won’t we be messing up the canon on the show?”

“Like Jirachi has told you, this is merely a recreation of the world seen in the TV show–you can choose to stick to the canon or allow your flights of fancy about what has yet to come take wing.” Zoroark replies. “The choice is yours.”

“But how do we get home once we finish our quest here?” Dawn wonders.

“Once you have met the ultimate goal of assembling the Pendant of Crystal Auras and driving away the demon lord, I will return you to your world.” Zoroark replies. “Be not afraid of time’s passage–although the days will pass like normal here, your home will be just as it was at the moment you left when you return.”

“Okay, so time won’t flow while we are in the illusion of Thianon…” Ash heaves a relieved sigh.

“When we leave you, time will not start right away–this is to give you time to reflect on what we have told you.” Jirachi turns to leave.

“Furthermore, you are being perceived as Arran, Jelan, and Loras during your time here–mastering their powers will serve you well.” Mew adds before the three Pokemon depart, leaving the trio and Happini before Karmina again.

“Since not everything has aired in English yet, let’s stick to the canon starting out, then take a few liberties when we reach the end of the English canon.” Ash suggests.

“Zoroark said that this is just an illusion, so canon won’t be affected.” Dawn reminds him. “So let’s take a few liberties as we traverse through what we do know.”

“What do you think?” Ash looks to Brock for his input on what to do once time starts again.

“I feel it’s best if we mainly stick to the English canon, with room for a few liberties as needed.” Brock suggests. At this, some familiar items drop before the group: a harp and a sword for Brock, a bow for Ash, and some disks in front of Dawn.

“Jelan’s Bow of Rainbows!” Ash immediately recognizes the beautiful maple bow with gold inlays and star designs. A quiver filled with wing-tipped arrows sits close by.

“Loras’ Celestial Spinners!” Dawn is just as surprised.

Brock, meanwhile, studies the small harp with gems and ivy inlays before him as he sets the sword on his right thigh. “So this is what the Harp of the Mystic Dancer looks like…”

“Pini! Pini!” Happini begs.

“Play it?” Brock is a bit hesitant at first.

“You’re playing the role of Arran Seluna, of course you can play it!” Dawn assures Brock.

“Play ‘The Beautifly’ and call Pikachu here!” Ash suggests.

“No, play the Final Fantasy Prelude!” Dawn asks.

Brock sighs and picks up the harp. “It doesn’t matter what song I play, Aurora Flash will still work.” With that, he lifts a hand to the strings and says “Stars of the north, light a path for those from another world….Aurora Flash!” He then begins to softly play the familiar rising and falling melody of the Prelude as time starts again, making a rainbow circle form above where he is standing. Since he doesn’t have a whistle yet, Ash opts to join in by singing the whistle line, making the circle gain stars as the mass of colors opens up, allowing Pikachu to float down by Ash’s feet.

“Impressive…” Karmina is impressed.

“Jelan only wished for a companion for what task you have called us for, my lady.” Brock replies as Arran.

“As for that task, I have called you, one of my finest Song Mages, to find the eight gems, known as the dainas, that create the Pendant of Crystal Auras.” Karmina begins. “It must not fall into the hands of the demon lord Ardik.”

“So, where do we begin?” Dawn wonders.

“Travel to the town of Sundol–there you will learn of the first jewel, the ruby named Vatradaina–the Firesong.” Karmina replies. “It is a day’s journey west of here.” With that, she disappears.

Ash waves goodbye as Karmina disappears. “So, shall we?”

“Yeah!” Dawn smiles.

“Vatradaina, here we come!” Brock agrees as the three friends, Happini and Pikachu walk off into the sunset…

TO BE CONTINUED….

BEGIN PREVIEW

“So this isn’t a dream?” Brock asked the starshape Pokemon and the red and black fox Pokemon before him.

“No…although you appear to be asleep in your home world, you are actually in a state of deep meditation that can be confused for sleep.” Jirachi explained. “Once Mew put you into that state, Zoroark here created the illusion of Arran’s world for you to experience.”

“But wait a minute! Not every episode of ‘The Song Mage Chronicles’ has aired in English!” Ash protested. “Won’t we be messing up the canon on the show?”

“Like Jirachi has told you, this is merely a recreation of the world seen in the TV show–you can choose to stick to the canon or allow your flights of fancy about what has yet to come take wing.” Zoroark replied. “The choice is yours.”

END PREVIEW

O^-^O: Curious to see what happens? Stop by tomorrow and see!

Pokemon: A Mage’s Tale

Episode 1: Once Upon an Adventure

“Okay, Happini…let’s see what sort of adventures your favorite singing hero will get into today.” a boy with brown hair and tan skin cooed to the small pink humanoid by his side. He reached for the TV remote sitting on the small table by the couch and turned on the TV, making the image of a boy similar in appearance to him walking through a forest playing a small harp blip on the screen.

“In the land of Thianon, a land proud of its oral tradition, wandering minstrels are commonplace.” the announcer explains over the relaxing melody. “But some of these minstrels have a unique gift–the ability to cast magic through their voice and instruments.” An image of a girl in a red costume singing as her song takes the form of red sparkles and flaming notes appears on the screen. “Such minstrels are known as Song Mages, and many use their power to further their art and their patron deity.” The next scene shows the firey notes slamming into a band of goblins before returning to the boy harpist in the forest again. “Arran Seluna is one such minstrel, and together with his friends, Loras Kimbore and Jelan Mirana, he wanders the land seeking out eight jewels that together, form the Song Mage’s most desired treasure–the Pendant of Crystal Auras.” As Arran’s two companions are mentioned, another boy, this one clad in a red tunic with a white shirt underneath, red leggings, reddish brown gloves on his hands and boots of a similar color on his feet, and a girl wearing a loose white tunic and a royal blue skirt with gold trim appear with him. “Can Arran find the pendant and unleash its power before evil descends on the land and threatens to destroy the music of Thianon forever?” An omnious stinger plays as an image of a pendant shaped like a multicolored circle appears with a horde of monsters in the background.

“Watching ‘The Song Mage Chronicles’ again, Brock?” a black haired boy asks as the show’s theme song begins.

“Yeah, Ash–I’ve never known Happini to like anime before, and she’s really getting into it, never mind that I have to answer questions and explain what happened every commercial.” Brock smiles. “I guess she mainly likes it for the characters and the music.” Sure enough, the humanoid creature has stars in her eyes as an angelic like being forms in a stream of green energy from Arran’s harp and strikes at some bug-like monsters.

A black haired girl peeks in the room. “Interesting show…what’s it about?”

“Happini, tell Dawn what the show’s about.” Brock smiles as the show’s title appears on the screen.

“Pini!” Happini replies. “Happini pini pi pi pini, pi pini pini pi!”

“A minstrel with magic power that has to save the world?” Dawn muses as she joins the boys in the room.

“Ash, Dawn, allow me to fill you in on what has happened so far in the story…” Brock whispers to his housemates as the day’s episode title appears on the screen: “If You Need Me, Just Whistle!”. “Arran serves the goddess of music, Karmina, and so when he awakened as a Song Mage, she enchanted not just his voice, but his harp too. She’s also the one that sent him, Loras, and Jelan on the whole quest to get the Pendant of Crystal Aura’s pieces. Jelan is an elementalist–the show’s term for a black mage–that likes playing and collecting flutes and flute-like instruments–and elementalists are often seen with magic whistles, so today’s the episode in which Jelan gets a whistle himself.”

“What about Loras?” Dawn wonders.

“She is a lightbringer–the show’s term for a white mage.” Brock explains. “In the show, she is depicted as a dancer, but in the original comic, she became a Song Mage to Karmina herself, playing a fiddle. Some writers in the fandom combine both versions of Loras.” He watches as Loras appears on the screen with food for the boys.

“So, how does Song Magic work?” Ash is interested.

“Well, if you just play something without saying the incantation, you won’t do anything.” Brock explains. “Naming what you’re going to cast isn’t required, but Arran usually does this.”

On screen, the green emblem of a harp wreathed in laurel leaves appears against a black screen before Arran appears before a purple starry background, holding his harp. “Icy wind, take flight through the stars! Snow Firefly!” With that, he begins a calm melody, which makes glowing balls of blue light with fairy like wings form in the sparkling blue energy, which then proceeds to freeze a bear-like monster.

“Arran could’ve just said ‘Icy wind, take flight through the stars’ and played something to cast the same spell.” Brock explains as the bear-monster tries to swat away the snow fireflies Arran is summoning.

“What would you do if you had power like Arran?” Ash wonders.

Brock is surprised at the question. “Well, it’d be…interesting. Besides, I don’t even know how to play a harp–at least not in a long time.” he confesses as the closing credits roll on the screen.

Happini pictures Brock with a harp and laughs as the three friends troop upstairs to a bedroom and set her down in a small white crib. “You think it’s funny?” Dawn smiles as she tucks Happini in for a nap.

“Sweet dreams, sweetheart.” Brock gives Happini a reassuring pat on the head and leaves her to sleep.

Ash yawns. “Now I’m in the mood to take a nap too…”

“Me too.” Dawn agrees as she sprawls out on the couch and dozes off. Ash returns with a book and settles in a chair to read, but barely gets past page 2 before nodding off. Brock sighs and makes himself comfortable in a second chair by the window overlooking the backyard. Just what WOULD it be like if I were Arran Seluna? he wonders as he too drifts to sleep.

For a while, all is quiet, then suddenly, a purple-white ball of light flies into the room. It dashes about for a moment, interested in the three dozing humans and the sleeping Pokemon upstairs. Then, it forms a bright flash of light, taking Ash, Dawn, Brock, and Happini with it.

In the world of Thianon…

“Where…am…I…” Brock groans as he comes to on a grassy hillside overlooking a large lake. At first, he looks around, interested in his new surroundings, “Funny…how did I get here? And how am I going to get back home?” He looks around, desperate for a boat, a Ponyta, or any other form of transportation to appear and take him home to Pallet Town, but only sees a rolling plain behind him, a few trees, and the lake.

“Pini pi!” Happini arrives some seconds later.

“Well, you’re here, at least…” Brock heaves a sigh of relief. “But where did Ash and Dawn get to?”

“Pini pi…” Happini sighs.

“I don’t know either, sweetheart.” Brock turns back towards the lake and yells to the rippling water. “Light the way to what I seek! Somebody! Anybody!” When no answer comes, he decides to vent his frustration in song. The water is wide, and I can’t cross o’er…and neither have I wings to fly…. His song is interrupted when suddenly, Ash and Dawn form before him in a flash of light, both of them clothed in familiar outfits–Ash in a red tunic with a white shirt underneath, red leggings, reddish brown gloves on his hands and boots of a similar color on his feet, and Dawn in a loose white tunic and a royal blue skirt with gold trim.

“Hapi?” Happini gasps in excitement. “Pini, ha pini pini!”

“You know where we are?” Brock is surprised. “What I want to know is how I managed to teleport Ash and Dawn with just my voice.”

“That is the power of Song Magic, Arran Seluna.” a soothing female voice replies. “You cast Revealing Aura with your song and brought your friends to you. Brock looks again to see who is speaking and notices an angel-like being clad in an outfit made of what looks liked colored musical symbols. “I am Karmina, Goddess of Music and Song, and I have an urgent quest for you and your friends.”

It finally dawns on Brock just what has happened–the odd light has transported him, his friends, and Happini into the world of “The Song Mage Chronicles”, only now he, Ash, and Dawn are playing the roles of Arran, Jelan, and Loras!

TO BE CONTINUED…

Brock and Happini

in

“Tales of Frustration”

Somewhere in Pewter City, the city lights shone brightly as some of the denizens flitted among restaurants and theaters in search of entertainment, but in the residential areas, lights were going out as their occupants went to bed for the night. But in one particular house that stood by the Gym, the lights are still on, illuminating a crowd of children studying a group of teenagers on a TV screen, running through a forest. A Scyther like monster is not far behind. “We have to fight back!” a black haired boy interjects. “If we run, then the Dark Realm wins! We can’t have them take over the city!”

“But how?” a silver haired girl gasps as the Scyther monster slashes down some trees, blocking any route for the two boys and three girls to escape. Their audience swallows hard, wondering if the teens will escape at all.

Finally, a brown haired boy jumps over one of the fallen trees! “Let’s go, Pokemon 5!”

Some exciting music begins as we see the boy’s hand glow green before we hear him say “Pokemon! Metamorphose!” as an image of a leaf appears on his glowing hand. But before the transformation can commence, the image of the boy disappears from the screen with a “CLICK!”

One of the boys looks to see an older boy with brown hair and tanned skin like him clutching the remote control. “Aw, Brock, I wanted to see Emerald Leaf transform!” he complains.

“I know, but look at what time it is.” Brock explains, geturing to the clock on the wall, which reads 8:45 PM.

“Can’t we stay up and finish ‘Yes! Pokemon 5′?” a girl begs.

“Then you guys would be too tired to get up tomorrow, and you have school in the morning.” Brock explains. “Besides, you’ll be able to see what happened after school.”

The girl is impressed. “It comes on during the day? Really?”

“The previous night’s episode comes on at 3:30, not long after you guys get home from school.” Brock explains. “Furthermore, I know better stories than what you see on TV.”

“Like knights in shining armor?” a boy asks.

“Well…sort of.” Brock confesses.

“Those are boring compared to the Pokemon 5.” the boy smirks.

“If it weren’t for some knights in shining armor, the Pokemon 5 wouldn’t exist, Forest.” Brock counters.

With Brock occupied, one of the children sneaks the TV remote away from Brock, flicks the TV back on and starts flipping through the channels, only stopping at the scene of a familiar silver haired boy dancing on a light filled stage–only he is not singing in English like the children expect!

“Is that Spanish?” the girl asks when she hears the line Mariposa de poder!

“It is!” Forest smiles when he sees the title of the show: “Mariposa y Las Alas”

“CLICK!” The TV is quickly returned to the weather report, then turned off. Es la hora de dormir. Brock sternly explains.

“Huh?” The children are confused.

“In other words, it’s bedtime.” Brock replies. “Now come on!”

The children are crowded around Brock’s feet seconds later. “Tell us a story, Brock!” the girl begs.

“We’re not tired yet!” Forest agrees.

“Oh all right…” Brock sighs. “Get ready for bed, and I’ll tell you a story.” The children reluctantly trudge to the bathroom and start washing up, buying time for Brock to clear a space around his favorite easy chair for the children to sit.

Some whining gets his attention, and he dashes over to a small wool bundle lying in a playpen. A pink humanoid creature is inside, whining a little as it wakes up. “You wanted a story too?” Brock smiles at the creature, making it laugh as it watches the children return, now in their pajamas. Once sure the children are settled, he begins “This one’s called ‘The Shiny Mermaid’…there was once a king who had, among other treasures, an enchanted tree in his garden…”

“Wait, what does royalty on land have to do with mermaids?” Forest interuppts.

“There’s a mermaid in here, she just doesn’t appear yet.” Brock assures Forest before going on. “This tree managed to grow shining Leppa Berries every year, which were said to cure any sickness. Yet the king could not eat the shining Leppa Berries, because every year, they always were stolen just before they were ready for picking. Finally, he called together two of his sons and commanded them to prepare for a quest he was to give them. So the two princes went out and packed gold, silver, supplies for themselves and their servants…” Before he can go any farther, he gets bombarded by questions:

“What did the Leppa Berries look like?”

“What was the quest?”

“What did the princes look like?

“What did they pack besides gold and silver?”

Brock is having to restrain himself from having a major outburst, but each question is making it harder and harder to focus. “You know, I have an idea…let’s start over.” he suggests. “Only, this story’s a little different…”

“Huh?” The children are interested.

“Rather than having a series of events that ties up at the end, each of the previous events in this tale build on each other, like links on a chain.” Brock explains. “Plus, there’s a little audience participation involved.”

“Now we wanna hear the mermaid story!” a girl interjects.

“We’ll save that for another night, we don’t have time for that one now.” Brock explains. “But anyway, this story’s called ‘The Pikachu Who Wouldn’t Come Home for Dinner.’…there was once a woman that lived in the mountains–she had a son, and the son in turn had a Pikachu. However, this Pikachu didn’t always obey her master–she would spend all day chasing Beautiflies, and would often refuse to come home with her master for dinner. So one evening, as the boy was searching for his Pikachu, he found her chasing Beautiflies in the fields, as she always did. The boy called to her…” He switches to a voice that sounds like Ash. “How much longer will you chase the Beautiflies? We must be getting home to supper now, and I’m hungry.”

As himself, he continues. ‘The Pikachu giggled and replied…” He switches to a high pitched female voice. “Why should I? The Beautiflies love to fly as much as I love to chase them!” The children laugh a little.

Brock returns to his Ash impression. “I’m telling Mom..” He returns to himself. “the boy replied. The Pikachu only said…” He switches to his Pikachu voice. “You do that, and I will continue with my chasing the Beautiflies.”

“Uh oh…” Forest giggles.

“So the boy went and told his mother that his Pikachu again failed to listen to him…” Brock continues as himself. “and his mother replied…” He switches to an older female voice. “Go ask the Ninetales to nip her tail.” As himself, he continues. “The boy went to the Ninetales and said to her…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Ninetales, please give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, for my Pikachu won’t come home with me, and I am hungry for my supper.”

“And then?” a girl asks.

Brock replies as himself. “The Ninetales replied…” He switches to a vaguely Irish sounding female voice. “No, I won’t spoil my teeth with something so small as a Pikachu.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy returned and told his mother, and the mother replied…” He returns to his mother voice again. “Then ask the Mighyena to pull one of the Ninetales’ tails, then.” As himself, he goes on. “So the boy went to the Mightyena, and said to him…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Mightyena, please pull one of Ninetales’ tails, for she won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” As himself, he continues. “The Mightyena replied…” and he switches to a deeper gravelly voice. “What, and risk having a curse laid on me? That isn’t worth catching a Ninetales.” He returns to himself. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the Ursaring to slay the Mightyena.” As himself, he continues “So the boy went to the Ursaring and said to him…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Ursaring, please slay the Mightyena, for he won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, for she won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” As himself, he continues. “The Ursaring replied…” “He switches to a slightly French sounding deep male voice. “Of course not, I don’t want to dull my claws tussling with a Mightyena.”

The children giggle some more as Brock goes on as himself. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask a hunter to shoot the Ursaring.” As himself, he goes on. “So the boy went to the hunter and said to him…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Sir, please shoot the Ursaring, for he won’t slay the Mightyena, for he won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, for she won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” As himself, he continues. “The hunter laughed and replied ‘Of course not, I’m not wasting my arrows on something as strong as a Ursaring.’ So the boy went and told his mother, and she said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the tree to crush the hunter.”

As himself, he goes on. “So the boy went to the tree, and said to it…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Tree, please crush the hunter…”

“For he won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” the children join in as Brock lists the other characters.

Brock is surprised the kids have caught on. “You guys heard this one before?” he smiles.

“I’ve heard a version of it in school.” a girl interjects.

“What else did the boy ask?” Forest is eager to know the next link in the story’s chain.

“I’ll tell you!” Brock replies before going on. “The tree replied…” He switches to a voice that sounds like Misty. “Of course not, I’m not breaking my branches to do that!” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the fire to burn the tree.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went to the fire, and said to it…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Fire, please burn the tree…”

“For it won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” the children join in as if on cue.

“Interesting game you have going…” Flint smiles as he passes by.

“Brock’s telling us a story, Dad…” a girl explains. “We’re listing the characters with him so we don’t forget them later!”

“Well, just don’t stay up too late.” With that, Flint disappears down the hall.

Brock just continues without missing a beat. “The fire replied….” He switches to a deep Arabian style voice. “Of course not, I’m not burning out over a tree.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the water to put out the fire.” He continues as himself. “So the boy went to the water, and said to it…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Water, please put out the fire…”

“For it won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” The children don’t even need Brock to prompt them this time.

“Who wants to bet the boy asks the wind to stir up the water next?” a boy giggles.

Brock has other ideas. “The water replied…” He switches to a voice that sounds like Dawn. “Of course not, I’m not wasting myself for a fire.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the Tauros to drink the water.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went to the Tauros, and said to him…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Tauros, please drink the water…”

“For it won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” the children reply before Brock can even start listing.

“You guys are sharp!” Brock chuckles before continuing. “The Tauros replied…” He switches to a deeper version of himself. “Of course not, I’m not drinking until I burst.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the yoke to throttle the Tauros.” He continues as himself. “So the boy went to the yoke, and said to it…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Yoke, please throttle the Tauros…”

“For it won’t drink the water, who won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” reply the children.

Brock thinks about what sort of item he can add to the list next before continuing. “The yoke replied…” he switches to a voice that sounds like Flint. “Of course not, I’m not splitting myself for that.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the axe to cut up the yoke.” He continues as himself. “So the boy went to the axe, and said to it…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Axe, please cut up the yoke…”

“For it won’t throttle the Tauros, who won’t drink the water, who won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” reply the children.

“This is fun!” a girl giggles.

Brock just continues. “The axe replied…” He switches to a voice that sounds like Max. “Of course not, I’m not dulling my blades for that.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the smithy to temper the axe.” He continues as himself. “So the boy went to the smithy and said to him…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Sir, please temper the axe…”

“For it won’t cut up the yoke, who won’t throttle the Tauros, who won’t drink the water, who won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” reply the children, who are starting to sound bored.

Brock takes the note of boredom as a sign the kids are about to go to sleep. “The smithy replied…” He switches to a voice that sounds like Gary. “Of course not, it’s late, and I’m not warming the forge for that.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the rope to hang the smithy.” The children groan–how many more items is Brock going to add to the list? “So the boy went to the rope, and said to it…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Rope, please hang the smithy…”

“For he won’t temper the axe, who won’t cut up the yoke, who won’t throttle the Tauros, who won’t drink the water, who won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” sigh the older children–the sooner the story’s over, the better.

Brock smiles when he sees some of the younger kids asleep at his feet. “The rope replied…” He switches to a voice that sounds like May.”Of course not, I’m not breaking in two for that.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the Rattata to chew on the rope.” More groans fill the air.

“Is the story almost over?” a girl yawns.

“We still have one or two things left in the list.” Brock assures the remaining children. “So the boy went to the Rattata, and said to her…” He switches to his Ash voice again. “Ratatta, please chew on the rope…”

“For it won’t hang the smithy, who won’t temper the axe, who won’t cut up the yoke, who won’t throttle the Tauros, who won’t drink the water, who won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” comes the half mumbled reply.

“The Ratatta replied…” and Brock switches to a high pitched female voice. “Of course not, I’m not wearing my teeth down for that.” As himself, he continues. “So the boy went and told his mother, who said to him…” He switches to his mother voice again. “Then ask the Persian to catch the Rattata.”

“This had better be the last thing…” Forest yawns.

Brock just continues “So the boy went to the Persian and said to her…” He switches to his Ash voice. “Persian, please catch the Rattata…”

“For she won’t chew on the rope, who won’t hang the smithy, who won’t temper the axe, who won’t cut up the yoke, who won’t throttle the Tauros, who won’t drink the water, who won’t put out the fire, who won’t burn the tree, who won’t crush the hunter, who won’t shoot the Ursaring, who won’t slay the Mightyena, who won’t pull one of Ninetales’ tails, who won’t give my Pikachu a nip on the tail, and my Pikachu won’t come home with me. I’m hungry and really want my supper.” Forest and a few girls reply–most of Brock’s audience is asleep by now.

“The Persian smiled and said to the boy…” Brock switches to a smooth female voice. “Of course, if you’ll bring a little milk for my Meowths…” As himself, he continues. “The boy complied with this…” He sighs, ready to see if he can remember his own list. “and the Persian caught the Rattata, who chewed on the rope, who hung the smithy, who tempered the axe, who cut up the yoke, who throttled the Tauros, who drank the water, who put out the fire, who burnt the tree, who crushed the hunter, who shot the Ursaring, who slayed the Mightyena, who pulled one of Ninetales’ tails, who gave the Pikachu a nip on the tail.” Everyone wakes up and sleepily applauds, impressed that Brock remembered every item. “The Pikachu yelped in surprise, and ran all the way back to her master’s house, where she didn’t come out for the rest of that evening.” Brock concludes. “After that, the Pikachu made sure to come to dinner every night…the end.”

“YEAH!!!!!!!!” the children applaud, more out of relief then excitement. They get up, stretch, and troop off to their rooms. “Thanks, Brock, even if it was too long.” they yawn. Brock looks at the clock and sighs when he sees it reading 10 PM. Maybe I should’ve stuck with that mermaid story…” he thinks as he takes a snoozing Happini to her room to sleep.

THE END