6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 8 Harmony Kingdom

The gloom of the Shadehollow Kingdom gradually lifts as Ash, Lillie, and Golly make their way to their next destination. The air becomes lighter, and the oppressive darkness gives way to soft sunlight filtering through the trees. Soon, they find themselves at the border of a new realm: the Harmony Kingdom.

"This place feels so different," Lillie remarks, breathing in the fresh air with a sense of relief.

Ash nods in agreement. "Yeah, it's like a completely different world compared to Shadehollow."

Golly smiles softly. "That's the nature of Harmony Kingdom. It's a place of balance and peace, where the energy is calm and soothing. This kingdom was created by Arceus using the Blank Plate, which is why it's known for its Normal-Type Pokémon."

As they step further into the kingdom, the landscape unfolds before them. The terrain is gentle and rolling, with fields of lush grass and serene lakes scattered throughout. The villages and towns they pass through are vibrant and lively, filled with people who greet them with warm smiles and kind words. The architecture here is simpler than in Shadehollow, with wooden buildings that blend harmoniously with the natural surroundings.

"It's so peaceful here," Ash observes, watching as children play in the streets and Pokémon frolic alongside them. Pikachu perks up, seeming to enjoy the tranquil environment.

Golly nods. "Harmony Kingdom is known for its tranquility. The people here have a deep respect for life and the natural world, which is reflected in how they live and interact with Pokémon."

As they continue their journey, they encounter various Normal-Type Pokémon in their natural habitats. Pidgey and Meowth can be seen lounging in the sun, while a herd of Tauros grazes lazily in a nearby field. The harmony between the people and Pokémon is evident, and it's clear that this kingdom lives up to its name.

Lillie looks around, her eyes bright with wonder. "This place is incredible. It's hard to believe it's part of the same region as Shadehollow."

"That's the power of the Plates," Golly explains. "Each kingdom in the United Region was shaped by the unique energy of the Plate that Arceus used to create it. Harmony Kingdom's Blank Plate represents neutrality and balance, which is why everything here feels so even and calm."

As they walk through the serene landscape of Harmony Kingdom, Lillie, still intrigued by the history of the different kingdoms, turns to Golly. "This place feels so peaceful, almost too good to be true. What's the story behind it? How did Harmony Kingdom come to be?"

Golly smiles, appreciating Lillie's curiosity. "The history of Harmony Kingdom is a bit lighter compared to the others, but it's still quite interesting. It's a story about cleverness, ambition, and a little bit of luck."

Ash and Lillie listen closely as Golly begins the tale.

"Once upon a time, there was a talking Meowth who wore boots—yes, boots! This Meowth was incredibly clever and served a young man who had little more than the clothes on his back. One day, the Meowth caught a Bunnelby and presented it to the king, claiming it was a gift from his master, Marquis Maple, a title he had just invented."

Lillie's eyes widen. "A talking Meowth with boots? That's something I've never heard of!"

Golly chuckles. "It's a rare tale, but this Meowth was no ordinary Pokémon. Impressed by the gift, the king decided he wanted to visit this so-called Marquis. The Meowth, always thinking ahead, instructed his master to remove his clothes and bathe in the river near where the royal carriage would pass. The Meowth then hid his master's clothes beneath a rock."

Ash tilts his head, intrigued. "So, what happened when the king arrived?"

"The Meowth pretended to be in great distress," Golly continues, "crying out for help and claiming that his master, the Marquis, had been robbed of his clothing while bathing. The king, feeling sorry for the 'Marquis,' had him pulled from the river, dressed in a splendid suit, and invited him to ride in the royal coach. The king's daughter, seeing the young man, fell in love with him at once."