Here we go with a new serial:

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. (more…)

In lieu of a serial, have a minisode:

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

Finding both items, however, proves to be anything but simple...

Episode 34: The Ins and Outs of Adventure

“Let me get this straight–in actuality, we’re going after nine amulet pieces?” Ash was confused.

“While I’m sure you may be surprised to know the Amulet may have more pieces than you thought, this companion item is just as important as the Pokemon Soul Amulet itself.” Celebi continued. “When the earth holder receives it, he will have the power to sing you into a more powerful form.”

“A powerup?” Ash was excited.

“Yes–the evil ones that pursue you will likely step up their attacks as you search for the last four Amulet pieces, and as such, you will need more powerful attacks and items to protect yourself.” He formed an image of a pendant of a leaf, but Ash could see that the details on the leaf were musical staves. “This is the Pendant of the Siren’s Leaf–what the holder of earth will need to grant you your new powers.”

Ash swallowed hard as the small shrine seemingly grew into a full sized building, allowing him and his friends inside.

Dawn balked at the seemingly endless number of entrances and exits that appeared to be on every wall. “Wow…”

“So many different ways, and only one’s the right way, I bet.” Leila agreed.

“So where do we go from here?” Ash gasped as he saw the many paths that wound before him in all directions.

“Contrary to its humble appearance, my abode is larger than it appears.” Celebi explained.

“We gathered as much.” Misty sighed–she was not looking foward to going through yet another maze. Ash had another concern: Of all the different entrances placed around the room, which one was the correct way to get to the Forest Circlet?

“And where will we find my item?” Brock asked.

“While the Forest Circlet is in the deepest room here, the Pendant is located somewhere in here.” Celebi replied.

Ash groaned as the group trudged into an entryway on the left side of the room. Just where, exactly, is “somewhere”?

They entered into a room covered in vines. “Don’t tell me we’ve walked into Zelda’s Forest Temple…” Misty groaned as Brock cut through a vine with a pocketknife.

Oh no, there’s no monsters in here, so instead, I want to see your problem solving skills as a group. Celebi’s voice replied in the group’s minds.

Like that will be helpful… Ash sighed as he parted some vines hoping to find a door, but finding only a wall.

If you’re really stuck, ask the one that holds earth to sing for me, and I’ll give you a hint. Celebi replied. But use these songs wisely, I’m only giving you five. At this, five small orbs made of emerald appeared in Brock’s belt, where Poke Balls would go.

“Could we use one of those hints now? I’m not finding anything.” May complained as she parted some vines on the floor, hoping a door would be there.

“No doors here, either…” Leila sighed as she looked behind some vines on the right wall.

“We only get five hints, so I’m saving them for absoulute emergencies.” Brock assured the group as he cut through more vines.

“Define ‘absolute emergency’…” Misty grumbled as she examined the ceiling, hoping that a door was on the ceiling, if not anywhere else.

“‘Absolute emergency’ in this case is defined as out of options, no other helpful items, and no one has any idea how to proceed, and all our other ideas didn’t work.” Brock countered–Misty’s constant complaining was starting to grate on his nerves.

“Just give us a chance to explore ALL our options before you declare us hopelessly stuck.” Brenna agreed.

Suddenly, Dawn noticed one vine on the left wall that had a flower on it. Piqued, she pulled the blooming vine aside, revealing a wooden door. “Guys, look!”

“All right!” Ash motioned for everyone to follow him into the next room, but no sooner had he stepped inside, did some vines lash out at him and bind him up!

“So the eight of you are the melody whoevers…” Jessie smirked as she met the group in the room. Brenna and Misty frantically tried to pull the vines binding Ash off of him, and Brock fruitlessly tried to cut the vines, but despite their efforts, the vines refused to be torn or cut.

“Just give us the Amulet pieces and we’ll let your fearless leader go…” James agreed. “Do we have a deal?”

“We’ve worked hard to get this far, and we’re not giving Kaichou, nor the amulet pieces to you, ever!” Leila barked. “Do I make myself clear?”

Ash, meanwhile, had managed to work his hands free, and began to charge a Ruby Spark, but Jessie confidently brushed aside the magical attack Ash was about to unleash. “You realize that if you set the vines you’re bound in on fire, you’ll burn yourself with them?” Ash groaned and hung his head as he stayed his attack.

“Does THIS count as an absolute emergency?” Hayley shuddered as Brock struggled to cut Ash free…

To Be Continued…

o^-^o: Oh no, Ash has been captured! Can our heroes get him freed? Don’t miss Episode 35 on this Web site next week!

o^-^o: Don’t close that browser! Here’s what’s coming up this week on “Pokemon: Melodic Warriors”…

BEGIN PREVIEW

“So where do we go from here?” Ash gasped as he saw the many paths that wound before him in all directions.

“Contrary to its humble appearance, my abode is larger than it appears.” Celebi explained.

“We gathered as much.” Misty sighed–she was not looking foward to going through yet another maze. Ash had another concern: Of all the different entrances placed around the room, which one was the correct way to get to the Forest Circlet?

“And where will we find my item?” Brock asked.

“While the Forest Circlet is in the deepest room here, the Pendant is located somewhere in here.” Celebi replied.

Ash groaned as the group trudged into an entryway on the left side of the room. Just where, exactly, is “somewhere”?

END PREVIEW

o^-^o: Insterested in learning what happens? Stop by tomorrow and see!

When we last left our heroes, they had arrived in Johto’s Ilex Forest, where Celebi dwells. Ash remembers that only the holder of earth knows the song to lure Celebi from the intimidating trees and thick brush, but since that song has only been heard in legend, no one really knows what this song is. Inspired, Brock tries making up a jazzy improvisation, and that is enough to lure Celebi out from the forest.

Now, Celebi has his own challenge for our heroes…

Episode 33: The Growth of Power

Celebi just laughed. “It was quite a pleasure to sing with a holder of earth again after many years!”

“Gee…all I did was make something up.” Brock admitted.

“Quite all right–the song past holders of earth always sang has been lost, so I doubt you would’ve known it…” Celebi assured Brock before turning business-like. “The trees have told me the Soul Amulet is being assembled, so I know of your quest. As for what my piece is, it is an engraving of leaves set over the Heart of Fire, and named the Forest Circlet.”

“Have you seen any odd blinking sensors anywhere in the forest?” May interrupted.

“Now why would you want to know that?” Celebi was confused.

“Others–evil ones–have been following us on our adventure, and we have learned that they are close by if we see a blinking sensor.” Ash explained.

“Hm…I have not seen any such sensors, but just in case, come with me to my abode–if any of those are close by, we can rid the forest of them.” Celebi suggested, motioning for the group to follow him into the darkened forest.

After winding through the large tree roots and almost swampy forest floor, the group arrived at a small shrine-like building in a clearing that, unlike the rest of the forest around it, was surrounded by grass and wildflowers. Celebi just flitted on top of the small building’s roof. “Now…tell me about these evil ones that are following you…”

“Before we do…” Ash hurried over to a patch of grass, where a familiar beep echoed through the forest. “This is one of the sensors I was telling you about…”

Celebi grimaced. “Step back, please…” he cautioned as he hovered over to the small button like sensor. “You too, Young Master.” Ash obediently abandoned the sensor and hurried to rejoin his friends.

“What’s he going to do?” May asked.

Ash watched as Celebi charged a familiar ball of yellow light–he knew this light as a Solarbeam, and if anyone was caught in it, they would be gravely wounded at best! “Hit the dirt!” he yelped before diving down into the grass to shield himself from the impending explosion. The others did likewise and shielded their eyes and ears, only feeling the ground below them shake for a few moments as the Solarbeam impacted the sensor, then a loud pop and some electrical spark noises as the sensor exploded.

“Talk about going out with a bang…” Misty sighed as she looked up from the grass to see the aftermath of Celebi’s attack–the only evidence anything had happened was a charred explosion crater in the grass and pieces of what used to be a tracking sensor scattered everywhere, with the largest piece still containing sparking wires.

“There…now no one will know anything about what we speak of here.” Celebi assured the group as he warped away the sensor’s pieces and healed what plant life had been charred in the attack.

“We’re clear to get up now.” Brenna whispered to the others, who gingerly got up from the grass, still a little shaken from the explosion.

Celebi returned to the small bamboo shrine and settled on the roof again. “You were saying, Young Master?”

“Well, ever since our adventure began, I have seen the Rockets follow us–be it through those sensors or getting a glimpse of them following our trail.” Ash explained. “We’ve known ever since the beginning they would likely try and follow us, but after discovering them right on our heels in Seafoam Cave, I’ve been worried they might try to corner us, or worse, beat us to the mountain and take the Amulet.”

“You don’t have to worry.” Celebi replied. “If the evil ones were to take the Amulet from you, they would not even be able to make a wish, even if they knew the melody that goes with the Amulet. The Mew on Mt. Coronet is smarter than legends would make her out to be.”

“So hypothetically, if they took the Amulet from us and tried to make a wish, all we would have to do is sing the Song of Power to prove to the Mew that we are the true Amulet bearers?” Brenna asked.

“Exactly.” Celebi replied. “Furthermore, your combined powers would be enough to punish these evil ones for even trying to take it from you.”

“Let’s hope we don’t have to do that…” Dawn shuddered at the thought of the Rockets trying to make a wish.

“In addition to the Forest Circlet, my abode also has another item for you…” Celebi replied.

“Two Amulet pieces in the forest shrine?” Leila was shocked.

“This other item is not part of the Amulet itself, but instead, it is a companion item to it, meant to be worn by the holder of the earth melody.” Celebi explained, making everyone else balk.

“Let me get this straight–in actuality, we’re going after nine amulet pieces?” Ash was confused.

“While I’m sure you may be surprised to know the Amulet may have more pieces than you thought, this companion item is just as important as the Pokemon Soul Amulet itself.” Celebi continued. “When the earth holder receives it, he will have the power to sing you into a more powerful form.”

“A powerup?” Ash was excited.

“Yes–the evil ones that pursue you will likely step up their attacks as you search for the last four Amulet pieces, and as such, you will need more powerful attacks and items to protect yourself.” He formed an image of a pendant of a leaf, but Ash could see that the details on the leaf were musical staves. “This is the Pendant of the Siren’s Leaf–what the holder of earth will need to grant you your new powers.”

Ash swallowed hard as the small shrine seemingly grew into a full sized building, allowing him and his friends inside….

To Be Continued…

o^-^o: What’s inside the Forest Shrine? Don’t miss Episode 34 on this Web site next week!

o^-^o: Don’t close that browser! Here’s what’s coming up this week on “Pokemon: Melodic Warriors”!

BEGIN PREVIEW

“This item is not part of the Amulet itself, but instead, it is a companion item to it, meant to be worn by the holder of the earth melody.” Celebi explained, making everyone balk.

“Let me get this straight–in actuality, we’re only going after seven amulet pieces?” Ash was confused.

“While I’m sure you may be surprised to know the Amulet does not have as many pieces as you thought, this companion item is just as important as the Pokemon Soul Amulet itself.” Celebi continued. “When the earth holder receives it, he will have the power to sing you into a more powerful form”….

END PREVIEW

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

When we last left our heroes, they discovered that one of the potions they had found would protect them from monster hordes that are too large for even eight people to fight. This is enough to get them through the rest of the cave, allowing them to claim another Amulet piece. Now, they make their way back to Johto and Ilex Forest in search of the Voice of the Forest…

Episode 32: I Am The Voice

“That was faster than I thought…” Wes gasped as Brenna showed him the Mirror.

“The Mirror makes three pieces.” Brenna smiled as Kaichou set it and the Heart of Fire back inside the storage box. “So where to from here, Wes?”

“I’m just glad to be out of that cave!” Misty complained as Swellow soared among the clouds.

Wes was unfazed. “At any rate, our next stop requires a return trip to Johto, where we will meet Celebi, the one who holds the earth holder’s piece–one that will amplify his voice and give it even more power to damage and heal.” He let that hang as Swellow passed over a vast ocean and a path leading into Goldenrod City, where a familiar red sensor blinked nearby a rock.

May noticed the blinking sensor as Swellow deftly weaved through Goldenrod City’s many skyscapers. “Another one…it seems everywhere we’ve been, one is close by….”

“Maybe the Rockets wanted to follow us all along?” Even Misty was concerned.

“Here’s a nightmare scenario for you: They ARE following us, and just as we arrive on Mt. Coronet, they take the Amulet from us.” Dawn shudders.

‘That likely won’t happen…” Brenna confidently assured the other girls. “In some versions of the story, a character tries to do just that, but is refused a wish because he was not the original bearer. The Mew on Mt. Coronet isn’t stupid.”

Burena right–you no need worry. Kaichou agreed.

Ash smiled as the group landed by an outpost leading into Ilex Forest. “Is it any wonder I call you one of my friends, Brenna?”

“My pleasure.” Brenna replied.

The first leg of the forest went without incident, barring Dawn getting a little antsy about the trees obscuring the sun. “Goodness, it’s dark in here…way darker than Eterna Forest!”

“Wonder why Ilex’s trees grow so tall?” Leila agreed as she stepped over a stray branch.

“They are well adapted to cool climates like this.” Brenna explained. “That, and the soil here is moist and nutrient rich compared to the soil in Eterna–Eterna’s more of a warm weather forest, so the trees there do not need as much water to survive.”

“Interestin’…” Hayley smiled.

“I’ve always wondered why Celebi was called the Voice of the Forest…” Dawn commented as the group tromped through the brush.

“Maybe because he speaks for the trees?” Leila suggested.

“Oh come on, now you sound like that one children’s book…what’s it called…” Brenna struggled to remember the title of the book, but could not.

“Ash has seen him before, so why not ask him?” Misty suggested.

“Leila is right–he does speak for the trees.” Ash explained. “But he got the nickname of Voice of the Forest for another reason. If you listen really hard when you travel through Ilex Forest at night, you can hear him singing–and Mom always told me that the holder of the melody of earth would know what he sang, and could lure him out…” At this, Brock felt a warm sensation on his face as his mic appeared.

“Does this song have any words?” Misty asked.

‘No one knows, because no one’s found Celebi singing, and I didn’t have time to ask when I encountered him.” Ash replied with a wink in Misty’s direction.

“Since no one really knows the words, and I hold the melody of earth…I’m just going to make some words up and see if Celebi answers.” Brock explained before humming a D note into his mic to see if he was in tune. He heard his note echo for a moment among the massive tree trunks, but no answer came. “Nobody home…”

“Try again!” May begged. “Maybe he needs to hear a few words before he decides to reply.”

“Mind if I sing your melody?” Brock asked Brenna. Brenna nodded and watched as Brock sing Give it some words, and… into the air.

Sweet harmony… came a higher pitched reply, startling everyone for a moment.

“Was that Celebi?” Dawn was excited now.

“Only one way to find out!” Brock smiles before scatting Along along oh-ho… in hopes the higher voice would reply. After a few tense seconds, nothing came.

“Can you mic play karaoke tracks, or something?” Ash asked. “Or is it just a mic?”

Brock fumbled around in his left pocket for a moment to produce the control box for his mic. “It is connected to a box similar to what real performers use–some of them have the ability to play backing tracks, and some don’t–” He suddenly noticed some settings setting marked “TRACK” and “KEY” next to the volume control. “and I think this one, though magic and only appears on a whim, has the ability to play a backing track.”

Mic have many back tracks for choice. Kaichou smiled. Burakku then have band to sing with!

“Is that so?” Brock replied before cycling through his backing track selections. “Let’s go with a jazz style bass in E minor.” he suggested as he confirmed his two selections, making his newly created backing track play seconds later. Ash smiled and snapped along with the bass, as if giving his friend a beat. The others joined in snapping as a piano was added into the track. With that, Brock began singing the scale: Do…do-re-mi-re-do, do; do-re-mi-fa-fa-so, do-re-mi-re-do-do, so-do-so-mi-do-mi-mi-re, do-re-mi-re-do, do, do-re-mi-fa-fa-so, do-re-mi-re-do, do, so-do-ti-la-so-fa, so-fa-mi-re-do…so-fa-mi-re-do… He then decided to scat a litle: Pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pu-du-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pu-du-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pa-pu-da, pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa, pa-pa-pa-pa-pu-pu-da…

Everyone gasped as a small green creature seemingly faded into view among leaves, singing back what Brock had performed in a higher octave: Do…do-re-mi-re-do, do; do-re-mi-fa-fa-so, do-re-mi-re-do-do, so-do-so-mi-do-mi-mi-re, do-re-mi-re-do, do, do-re-mi-fa-fa-so, do-re-mi-re-do, do, so-do-ti-la-so-fa, so-fa-mi-re-do…so-fa-mi-re-do…

“Celebi!” Dawn exclaimed as the small creature and Brock traded scatting solos.

“I didn’t know Celebi liked jazz…” Ash sighed as the backing track’s key changed.

Do…do-re-mi-re-do, do; do-re-mi-fa-fa-so, do-re-mi-re-do-do, so-do-so-mi-do-mi-mi-re, do-re-mi-re-do, do, do-re-mi-fa-fa-so, do-re-mi-re-do, do, so-do-ti-la-so-fa, so-fa-mi-re-do…so-fa-mi-re-do… Brock and Celebi repeated the scale improv again, Celebi doubling Brock an octave above before switching to his own scat melody to act as a descant over Brock. The two of them finally finished with one last Pa-pa… as the music ended.

“Yeah…” Brock smiled as he took a bow.

Celebi just laughed. “It was quite a pleasure to sing with a holder of earth again after many years!”

“Gee…all I did was make something up.” Brock admitted.

“Quite all right–the song past holders of earth always sang has been lost, so I doubt you would’ve known it…” Celebi assured Brock before turning business-like. “The trees have told me the Soul Amulet is being assembled, so I know of your quest. As for what my piece is, it is an engraving of leaves set over the Heart of Fire, and named the Forest Circlet.”

“Have you seen any odd blinking sensors anywhere in the forest?” May interrupted.

“Now why would you want to know that?” Celebi was confused.

“Others–evil ones–have been following us on our adventure, and we have learned that they are close by if we see a blinking sensor.” Ash explained.

“Hm…I have not seen any such sensors, but just in case, come with me to my abode–if any of those are close by, we can rid the forest of them.” Celebi suggested, motioning for the group to follow him into the darkened forest…

To Be Continued…

o^-^o: What does Celebi want of our heroes–don’t miss Episode 33 on this Web site next week!

o^-^o: Don’t close that browser! Here’s what’s coming up this week on “Pokemon: Melodic Warriors”…

BEGIN PREVIEW

“I’ve always wondered why Celebi was called the Voice of the Forest…” Dawn commented as the group tromped through the brush.

“Maybe because he speaks for the trees?” Leila suggested.

“Oh come on, now you sound like that one children’s book…what’s it called…” Brenna struggled to remember the title of the book, but could not.”

“Ash has seen him before, so why not ask him?” Misty suggested.

“Leila is right–he does speak for the trees.” Ash explained. But he got the nickname of Voice of the Forest for another reason. If you listen really hard when you travel through Ilex Forest at night, you can hear him singing–and Mom always told me that the holder of the melody of earth would know what he sang, and could lure him out…” At this, Brock felt a warm sensation on his face as his mic appeared….

END PREVIEW

o^-^o: Interested in seeing what happens? Drop by tomorrow and see!