Group RP Pokemon: Diamonds of the Colorful Skies

@Pirate Captain

After a few tense moments, Brock noted "It is said that the lotus symbolizes purity, strength, resilience, and new life. When Lucien planted these two flowers, I'm sure he hoped that your bond with Ash would weather any challenge that came your way--just as the lotus blooms from the depths of the earth to find the sun."

"I wonder what tales the Wakunese tell about the lotus flower..." Serena mused as she watched the red lotus and the gold lotus float along the pond's gentle waves.

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

Brock noticed a small park overlooking the pond. "If you wish, I can tell you one such story..."

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

"Let's have a little picnic under the stars..." Misty suggested. "Then Brock can tell all the tales he wants."

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

Once everyone had gotten food--either from their supplies or the market--the group met in a small park overlooking the pond. "The tale I want to tell you does have some references to characters and customs in Wakunese culture and mythology, so I will first explain those so as not to confuse anyone." Brock explained.

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

"In Wakunese mythology, it is believed four powerful gods created the world at Arceus' command--and these four gods in turn rule over a compass direction." Brock explained. "In order, they are Seiryu, the Blue Dragon of the East who created the sea, Suzaku, the Red Phoenix of the South who created the stars of the cosmos, Byakko, the White Raikou of the West who created the skies, and Genbu, the Black Torterra of the North who created the earth. My tale specifically features Seiryu, the Blue Dragon of the East."

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

"Long ago in Waku, a poor old blind man had just one blessing, and this was his daughter--we will call her Hikari, which means 'light' in Wakunese." Brock began his tale. "She was gentle and generous, a treasure who brightened her father's dark life."

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

Once he saw that everyone was comfortable, Brock continued his story. "One day, the man was wandering in the woods on a familiar path when he lost his footing, and fell into a water hole."

"Oh no!" Serena gasped. "Was he able to get out?"

"Well, he struggled to climb out, but he could not, and certain he would drown, he gave way to despair." Brock replied. Suddenly a voice said to him..."

In a gentle deep voice he intoned "If you will promise to give 300 bushels of rice to the temple as an offering to Lord Arceus, you will be rewarded with your life, and the gift of sight."

As himself, he explained "The man had long dreamed of seeing Hikari's face, and he wished to see the mountains, streams and forests all across Waku. So he quickly said, 'I promise,' and a moment later he felt strong arms pulling him from the water. He was certain it was Arceus who had saved him. He blinked, awaiting the return of his sight, but this did not happen. Then he realized with terror what he had done. He could never afford to buy even one barrel of rice. He had offered a vow he could never keep, and he deserved whatever punishment came his way, or so he thought."

 

@SAF @Pirate Captain

"So what did he do?" Ash wondered as he invited his faithful Pikachu to listen to the unfolding performance.

"He stumbled his way home and wept as he told Hikari of his terrible mistake." Brock replied.

"Don't worry, father, I will get you the rice for your offering." Misty jumped in the role of Hikari.

"The next morning, before her father woke up, Hikari hurried to the market and approached the wealthiest merchant she could find." Brock narrated.

"I am here to offer myself to the Dragon King Seiryu," Misty explains as Hikari, "and in return you must give 300 bushels of rice to the temple in my father's name."

"The merchant was beyond overjoyed at this." Brock explained. "For many years the Great Blue Dragon of the East, Seiryu, had demanded the merchants give him a wife, but the merchants refused to sacrifice their daughters. And so Seiryu, in his fury, sent storms that churned up the sea and sank the merchants' ships. The merchants had offered a reward to anyone willing to sacrifice a daughter to Seiryu. And here stood just the girl -- only a poor girl, but beautiful, all the same."