6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 17 Aquarine Kingdom

As Ash, Lillie, and Golly enter the Aquarine Kingdom, the air around them immediately feels different—cooler, fresher, and filled with the scent of the sea. The path ahead is lined with glistening streams that weave through the landscape, creating a mesmerizing network of waterways. Everywhere they look, water is in motion, from the gentle ripples in the ponds to the cascading waterfalls that tumble down the cliffs in the distance.

The kingdom is a marvel of aquatic beauty. Tall, slender trees with leaves that shimmer like wet seaweed sway gently in the breeze, their roots dipping into the crystal-clear streams. The architecture here is equally stunning, with buildings that appear to float on the water's surface, supported by sturdy pillars that rise from the depths below. The gentle sound of flowing water creates a serene ambiance, making it feel like the entire kingdom is alive, breathing in rhythm with the waves.

As they walk, they spot various Water-type Pokémon enjoying the kingdom's abundant water sources. A group of Marill splashes playfully in a nearby stream, while a Lapras glides gracefully across a large lake, its presence commanding the attention of all who see it. Wingull and Pelipper soar above, their calls echoing through the kingdom, blending harmoniously with the sound of the water.

Lillie marvels at the sight of a towering fountain in the center of a plaza, where streams of water twist and turn in mid-air, forming intricate patterns before cascading back down into the pool below. "This place is incredible," she says, her voice filled with awe. "It's like the water is part of everything here."

Golly nods, smiling as she watches a school of Goldeen swim through one of the streams. "The Aquarine Kingdom is built around the Splash Plate, which is said to have given life to the waters that flow through this land. Water is the essence of everything here, from the plants and animals to the very people who call this place home."

Ash watches as a Gyarados emerges from the depths of a lake, its massive form glistening with droplets of water as it roars majestically. "It's amazing how connected everything is to the water," he remarks. "It's like the whole kingdom was born from it."

The trio continues their journey through the Aquarine Kingdom, the beauty and tranquility of the water surrounding them at every turn. But even in this serene environment, there's a sense of power, a reminder that water, while gentle and life-giving, can also be a force of great strength.

As they continue their journey through the Aquarine Kingdom, Lillie notices a mural depicting a mermaid surrounded by ocean waves. Intrigued, she turns to Golly. "Who is she?"

Golly smiles. "That's Princess Ariel Mikuri, a key figure in the history of Aquarine. She wasn't always a mermaid—she was born a girl with special powers linked to the ocean. Her family, rulers of the seas, forbade her from interacting with humans, fearing it would be too dangerous. But Ariel's curiosity got the better of her, and she ventured to the surface, where she met and fell in love with a human named Eric."

Lillie's eyes widen. "And then?"

"After meeting Eric, a storm wrecked his ship, and Ariel saved him, bringing him to shore. She sang to him, but left before he woke, to avoid being seen. Captivated by her voice, Eric vowed to find her, and Ariel became determined to join him in his world."

Ash nods. "I'm guessing things got complicated after that."

Golly continues. "Her father discovered her love for Eric and, in a misguided attempt to protect her, destroyed her collection of human artifacts. Heartbroken, Ariel made a deal with Ursula, a magician, to become human for three days in exchange for her voice. If she could get Eric to kiss her, she'd remain human forever; if not, she'd revert to a mermaid and belong to Ursula."