6. Prince Ash and Princess Lillie

Chapter 19 Dracodawn Kingdom

As Ash, Lillie, and Golly approach the Dracodawn Kingdom, the landscape around them begins to shift in a way that feels almost mystical. The rolling hills and rocky terrain of the previous kingdoms give way to a land dominated by towering mountains, their peaks shrouded in mist and clouds. The air here is thick with humidity, and the distant roars of unseen creatures echo through the valleys.

The path ahead winds upward, leading them closer to the heart of the kingdom. Massive, ancient trees with dark, twisted roots cling to the mountainsides, their leaves a deep, almost unnatural shade of green. The ground is littered with the remnants of fallen branches and the occasional glimmer of scales, hinting at the presence of powerful Dragon-type Pokémon that call this place home.

Golly points toward a colossal stone archway that marks the entrance to the kingdom. "This is Dracodawn, the kingdom forged by the power of Arceus' Draco Plate," she explains, her voice carrying a note of reverence. "The land here is said to be infused with the essence of dragons, and every element of this place reflects that. It's a kingdom unlike any other."

Ash takes in the sight before him, his eyes widening as they pass beneath the archway. "You can feel it in the air," he says softly, sensing the raw energy that seems to pulse through the very ground beneath their feet. "The power here is... overwhelming."

Lillie glances around, her gaze lingering on the shadows that move within the dense forests. "The Pokémon here must be incredibly strong," she observes, her voice tinged with awe. "It's as if the whole kingdom is alive with their presence."

Golly nods. "The Dracodawn Kingdom is known for its connection to dragons. The people here have a deep respect for these creatures, and the land itself has been shaped by their influence. But that also means this is a place of great danger, where strength is respected above all else."

As they continue deeper into the kingdom, the towering peaks and dense forests seem to close in around them, creating an almost claustrophobic atmosphere. The path narrows, leading them toward the heart of Dracodawn, where the true power of the dragons awaits.

"Long ago," Golly begins, "the Dracodawn Kingdom was established in harmony with Dragon-type Pokémon. The ancestors, recognizing the deep connection between the people and these majestic creatures, chose a wise king and queen to rule the land. They were blessed with a daughter, Princess Giselle, who lived happily within the kingdom's walls. Giselle was a kind-hearted princess, beloved by all, but her heart belonged to someone unexpected—a Dragon Tamer named Ash."

Ash raises an eyebrow at the coincidence. "A tamer named Ash? Sounds like someone I should meet."

Lillie smirks, catching the humor in the situation. "Seems like the name Ash carries a lot of weight around here. Maybe it's a sign that you were destined to hear this story."

Golly smiles at their banter but continues, her voice steady and full of the weight of history. "But Ash was not of noble blood. He was just a humble tamer, skilled in his ways but considered unworthy by the king and queen. They forbade Giselle from seeing him, instead arranging marriages with princes from other regions. However, Giselle rejected them all, for her heart belonged only to Ash."

"One day, a wicked witch riding a Hydreigon swooped down from the mountains and kidnapped the princess. The witch declared that her dragon was hungry for the princess's flesh and took her to the Dragon's Den, deep within the mountains. The kingdom was thrown into despair, and though they begged the neighboring princes to save Giselle, none dared to face the Dragon Witch."

Ash listens intently as Golly continues, her voice filled with the weight of history. "But Ash, who had been barred from the castle, heard of Giselle's plight. Determined to save her, he set off alone, his heart burning with the resolve to rescue the princess. On his journey, he encountered an injured Eevee, being cruelly chased by villagers. Ash protected Eevee, even enduring a beating for his kindness. In gratitude, Eevee joined Ash on his quest.