Pokémon Tales From the Time of Legends (ancientverse drabbles and one shots)

[SparklingBlue]

(this collection is rated E10+ for fantasy violence and frightening images)

Tale 1: Dragon Meets Raikou By the Willow Grove


A vina playing a lighthearted melody rang through the Verdant Willow Grove, located halfway between Moon Viewing Mountain and Azure Village. The performer, a young man in a majestic green, white, and gold costume, was especially relieved to be out of the hot midday sun after a cool journey from Silver Town through the mountain caves. I hope the Lady Dragon remembered our promise... he thought as the last few notes of his song faded into the afternoon sky.

He thought for a moment for another song to perform, then started an exercise to limber his fingers. If I'm going to be playing fast or challenging material, best warm up accordingly!

Footsteps got his attention some moments later. "There you are, Emerald Raikou! I'd know your vina anywhere!" a female voice smiled.

Emerald Raikou just smiled as he saw an orange haired girl in a majestic blue, silver, and white costume walking up the hill to meet him, the jewels of the twinblades on her back glinting in the sun. "Likewise, Sapphire Dragon, I would know the sparkle of Sapphire and Marine anywhere. A pair of fine blades worthy of a bushihime!"

Sapphire Dragon just giggled as she made her way into the grove, flattered at her friend's praise. "At any rate, let's begin with 'The Singing Fletchlings'." she began, drawing the two elegant blades in preparation to train.

"Starting with something fast this time?" Emerald Raikou smiled before starting the tremolo filled melody for his companion to dance to...

 

[SparklingBlue]

Tale 2: One Night at the Wallflower


The Kabenohana Restaurant hummed with activity as people gathered to watch Takeshi perform. Whispers melded with the clanks of silverware as the residents of Celebration Village speculated and debated what stories Takeshi would perform--would he perform an adventurous tale? An episode from the Eight Spirits' adventure? A comical tale? A fairy tale for all to enjoy?

The whispering quieted as a familiar vina played the tune "Noble Raikou Walks the Land"--Takeshi's preferred tune when he wished to tell an adventurous story.

Once the last notes faded away, Takeshi began his tale. "You all know well the story of the Eight Spirits and their journey to Celestial Crown Mountain. But the journey was not all sakura-to-niji--they had their share of trials and troubles, but through it all, they triumphed over them. It is one of these tales I wish to tell you tonight--how Ruby Phoenix lost and then found his famed blade, Kouen."

Applause filled the restaurant as Takeshi played a few chords to compose his thoughts. Even True Vine's faithful Gardevoir, Akahime, gently set down a customer's ramen bowl so as to not disturb the performance.

"Not long after departing Twin Leaf Village, the Eight Spirits first destination was Lake Verity, so they could pay their respects to Mesprit." Takeshi began over a soft melody. "In order to reach the lake, one had to cross the Radiant Hill--so named because of the bright sunlight shining off of it during the day. The hill was a common place for traveling miko or priests to ask for offerings. Refusing to give anything was seen as an insult, and bad luck would follow that person until they gave the offering due a priest or miko."

He smiled. "Of course, not all respect the conventions and customs around the clergy."

Giggles of anticipation filled the air--given the story, the three Miss Fortunes were not far behind. "Being the good and virtuous people they were, the Eight Spirits gave a generous amount to any priest or miko they met on the hill." Takeshi explained. "They did not know three notorious bandits were following them--the three Miss Fortunes, Charm, Clover, and Coin."

Some cheers went up in anticipation for what failed plot for the three sisters Takeshi had dreamed up...

 

[SparklingBlue]

Tale 3: The Raikou's Powerful Arrow


The archery range in Pure White Village hummed with activity as archers across Waku gathered to see who was the best shot in the land as part of the summer festival. Among the spectators were a black haired boy and an orange haired girl. "We haven't missed Takeshi-san's turn to shoot, have we?" the boy worried.

The girl smiled as a familiar brown haired boy approached the line to take his three shots for the first round. "Not at all, Satoshi-kun. We made it just in time!"

"Up next to shoot--Takeshi of Silver Village!" the judge announced. "Please remain quiet out of respect for the archer at the line."

The crowd fell silent as Takeshi prepared his first shot. Once he had received the silent signal that he was clear to shoot, a green fletched arrow went flying into the bullseye!

Some quiet applause filled the air for the beautiful shot, then all went quiet again for the second shot. But when the other two shots also went flying into the bullseye, the crowd cheered in amazement. "Wow! A perfect 30 to take the lead!" the judge cried.

Satoshi and Kasumi's applause was just as enthusiastic. "Well done, Takeshi-kun!" Kasumi called. Satoshi whistled in agreement as Takeshi returned to the holding area to see if any of the other archers would match his perfect score.

"Takeshi's trained at the bow for many years, right?" Satoshi mused. "What are the odds of him getting a perfect 30 in the second and third round too?"

"Very slim--only the very best archers have done that." Kasumi replied. "A perfect 90 would win Takeshi the contest outright. But as far as I know, only a rare few have gotten a perfect 90 points. But I believe Takeshi-kun could join those legendary few, with his skill."