6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 12 Duskmire Kingdom

The next day, Ash, Lillie, and Golly quickly pack up their belongings and leave the inn before the sun rises. The cold from the previous night had made it impossible to rest, leaving them tired and uneasy. As they step outside, Ash pulls his cloak tighter around himself, trying to ward off the lingering chill.

"I hope the next place we stay isn't as cold," Lillie murmurs, her breath visible in the morning air.

"We can't afford to linger," Golly responds, her voice steady. "Duskmire Kingdom is our next destination, and it's not going to be any more comfortable."

Ash nods, his expression serious. "Let's move quickly. The longer we stay, the more likely it is that someone will recognize us."

The three of them set off, moving with purpose. The path to Duskmire Kingdom grows darker and more twisted as they approach. The trees become gnarled and twisted, their branches reaching out like skeletal fingers. A dense fog rolls in, making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead.

"This place gives me the creeps," Lillie admits, her voice barely above a whisper. She clutches the straps of her bag, her eyes darting around nervously.

"It's the influence of Arceus' Dread Plate," Golly explains, her tone calm but laced with a hint of unease. "Duskmire was formed using its power, which is why the entire region feels... wrong."

Ash glances at Pikachu, who's perched tensely on his shoulder, its fur bristling. "Stay alert, Pikachu. This place isn't like the others."

As they continue, the dark spires of Duskmire Castle come into view, looming ominously in the distance. The castle's sharp, jagged towers cut through the dim sky, casting long shadows across the barren landscape.

"We'll have to be extra careful here," Ash says, lowering his voice. "I don't want to take any chances."

Golly nods in agreement. "Duskmire is home to some of the most powerful Dark-type Pokémon in the region. We need to keep a low profile and avoid drawing attention."

Lillie looks at Ash, worry etched on her face. "And with you being wanted, this place might be the most dangerous for us yet."

Ash gives her a reassuring smile, though his eyes remain serious. "We'll be fine. We just need to stick to the plan and stay out of sight."

As they walk deeper into Duskmire Kingdom, the darkened landscape grows even more ominous. The silence between the three companions is thick with tension, broken only by the occasional rustle of leaves or the distant cry of a Murkrow. Ash glances at Golly, who seems lost in thought.

"Golly, you mentioned something about the history of this place," Lillie prompts, her voice barely more than a whisper in the shadowed forest. "I'd like to know more, especially if it helps us understand what we're up against."

Golly nods, her expression serious. "Duskmire's history is as dark as the region itself. It all began with Hansel Turner, the first king, and his sister, Gretel. They were the young children of a poor woodcutter, living during a time of famine. Their story is one of survival against overwhelming odds."

Ash listens intently, sensing that there's more to the tale than just a simple legend.

"Their stepmother," Golly continues, "convinced their father to abandon them in the woods, claiming it was the only way to save themselves from starvation. Hansel and Gretel, overhearing their plan, tried to outwit them. Hansel gathered white pebbles to mark a trail, allowing them to return home after their parents left them."

Lillie's eyes widen. "That's clever, but... they were abandoned again, weren't they?"

Golly nods. "Yes. The second time, Hansel tried to use breadcrumbs, but the Murkrows devoured them, leaving the children lost in the forest. That's when they stumbled upon a cottage made of gingerbread and candy. Inside was a witch who captured Hansel and forced Gretel into servitude."