victory_road | The Festival of Wishes!

The Festival of Wishes!

Who: Everyone!
Where: Pewter City!
When: June 24th
Summary: It's time to celebrate the Festival of Wishes!

Pewter City is one of those towns that doesn't draw a lot of attention. It's nice and has that museum, but it never seems to be the scene of much excitement.

But today, that's different. Because today, Pewter City has been doffed up to the nines, with visitors arriving from everywhere to celebrate the Festival of Wishes. The skies are crowded with uBIRDs flying in people from all over Johto and Kanto. The streets are filled with cheerful noises and many in the crowd have come in their finest yukata and kimono, adding splashes of colour to what might otherwise be a drab crowd. And if you'd like to try out one of these beautiful garments yourself, there are plenty of nearby shops offering rentals for the visiting crowds.

Stalls have gone up all over town, most hawking various forms of street food: Takoyaki, Yakisoba, Kaarage and many others! And for those looking to satisfy a sweet tooth, there's plenty of shaved ice, chocolate-covered bananas and Taiyaki to go around. Hopefully, you brought an empty stomach, because it would be a shame to miss out on all these yummy goodies.

But it isn't just food stalls that dot the streets. A wide variety of festival games are also available. From shooting galleries to ring toss to small lottery games -- whatever you might be in the mood for can be found here. Stuffed animals and sweets are the most common prizes to be won, but who knows, perhaps if you get very lucky, you might even win an Evolution Stone.

And, of course, no festival would be complete without a Test of Courage. Are you brave? Is fear something you only know from the dictionary? Then why not prove it? Why not enter Pewter City most haunted dwelling (usually just an office building) and show your mettle to your friends or even that special someone? Who knows, you might even earn a kiss if you protect them from the many horrors that dwell within (AKA, volunteers in costumes, a few ghost pokemon, and so many 'creepy' paper mache props)

There are also various stalls dedicated to traditional arts and crafts. From Calligraphy to Origami, if you have an interest in these matters, you'd do well to check them out. And you can do more than just buy some nice decorative pieces for your home, or a cute little origami figure of your favourite pokemon partner; many of the stalls also offer visitors the chance to try their own hand at these traditional skills. Are you the type of person who is always looking to learn a new skill? Or have you perhaps mastered these skills already and do you want to show off? Why not come over here and spend some time?

(Who knows, you might even impress someone special!)

And once night has fully fallen, the skies will light up, not just with the light of the stars and the moon, but with the many bright colours of fireworks! If you aren't completely tired out yet from all the festival games, why not sit down, relax, (maybe drink a beer if you are old enough) and enjoy the beautiful spectacle happening above you.

---

But all of that cheer doesn't really answer the big question -- what is the Festival of Wishes?

Keen eyes (and not so keen eyes, really, they are everywhere) will be able to spot various decorations shaped like the pokemon Jirachi dotting the stalls everywhere. From small plush toys to folded origami figures, Jirachi's cheerful face can be found everywhere. There even is a theatre performance explaining the whole tale, but for those too busy stuffing their faces to partake in (ugh) culture, it all comes down to this: Jirachi is the Wish Pokemon. During the festival, people write down their wishes, hoping that Jirachi might fulfil them.

Of course, there is never a guarantee Jirachi will be around. It's been known to sleep a lot. But why not give it a try? It can't hurt, right?

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[Radley sees Marik and goes over.]

Hi! This place is really something, isn't it? It's so much like home.

[His Pokemon warble and hop up to the table.]

[Marik turns towards the direction of the voice-]

Oh. Hey, Radley!

[He offers a smile.]

Yeah, it reminds me of Domino City a little.

[Chenzira perks up immediately. Are his friends here? H-he gets to meet them in person...?]

You want any? I bought way too much but I just wanted to try it all.

Yeah. I'm from America, but it makes me really happy to see anything that's like Earth. I wonder how that works, though? Did people from one planet settle the other? Or is this planet actually another Earth?

[Fascinating questions, but he doubts there's any real answers. Oh well, he'll just enjoy it!]

Sure, that would be great, thanks.

[Evie puts up a paw and waves to Chenzira happily.]

I have... no idea, honestly. I hadn't really given it much thought. Maybe it's... a Virtual Reality world? With the technology Kaiba Corp. has, it wouldn't surprise me.

[The Yamask breaks a smaller piece of his taiyaki and offers it to Evie. Marik chuckles and grabs a takoyaki ball, popping it into his mouth.]

Hmm. Preffy guhd.

I've thought of that, definitely. But I hope it's not true. I want the Pokemon to be real, not computer programs.

[Evie accepts happily!

Radley looks it all over.]

Do you know what they all are?

[They all look good, but he's leery of what any meat might be made from.

He raises an eyebrow and is amused by Marik talking with his mouth full. But he says nothing. It's not his business and the Bunch does it all the time back home.]

Still, even if they were programs, at least we'd have their consciousness on file.

[The Egyptian looks over at all the food he obtained, taking a moment to swallow his food.]

Er... some of it. Not a whole lot. I know what I just had was... octopus, I think? Chenzira's been nibbling at mochi and taiyaki.

[He looks at his Spinarak who seems to have lost interest in her food and has skittered to the under side of the table.]

Layla was having taiyaki as well but seems she isn't a fan.

[Chenzira, meanwhile, is actually being pretty talkative with Evie, telling her about their adventures so far. Marik's expression softens at the sight.]

I'm not sure about these noodles though. Soba? I think that's what they were called...

... That's true. It might be the only way to "take them with me." I can't believe they don't have souls, so even as programs they should be real in that sense.

[He's not sure what to think of that concept, though. He still prefers for them to have physical bodies too. They're so soft. Well, he doubts there will ever be answers to that either.

He decides not to think about it and instead turns his attention to the food.]

Hmm. Well, I'll just try some and be surprised!

[He takes some that doesn't seem to have meat, and then pauses.]

Wait, octopus? I wonder if that's a Pokemon octopus or a regular octopus. I didn't think there were any animals here except Pokemon.

[A curious mystery, hmm. This whole event is certainly making him think!]

Yeah, I agree. I'd prefer if they were real too but at this point I'll take what I can get.

[Marik's about to pop another takoyaki ball into his mouth but pauses to look at it.]

... I don't know. I just assumed there was normal animals here too.

[He exchanges a look with Chenzira who just tilts his head in response. They are technically animals...

... Marik still eats it. Best not to think too much about it.]

How are you enjoying the festival?

Yeah. Well, it's unlikely we'll ever find out either way.

[The Pokemon munch on a little of everything, but seem to gravitate to the non-meat things.]

I love it. It really feels like home. That, plus I love experiencing other cultures in general.

[He stares off into the distance.]

But it also makes me miss my friends even more. I wish they were here too.

Probably for the best.

[He decides to try the yakisoba next. Oh, this is good. Give him a bit to gobble up some more. When he finishes (for the moment), he looks up to see the shift in Radley's mood.]

I'm sorry. It must be tough...

[While Marik misses his siblings, it is nice to be away from them. Maybe he can discover himself more without anyone's influence.]

Did you have a lot back in your world?

Yeah, some days are really hard. I'm glad I have these guys.

[He smiles and pets his Pokemon.]

They make it all worthwhile.

[Evie nuzzles his hand.]

I had a lot, yeah. I led a motorcycle gang. We were all friends there; I treated them all like equals. There was also a guy I kept trying to reach out to and he didn't want any of it. I finally got pretty hurt, but ... I've learned he had a lot going on back then and ... I wish I could see him again, see if he feels any different about me now that things have changed for both of us.

[He looks a little weary.]

I don't know why it matters so much to me to make a connection with him. I even named this little guy after him.

[He pets Kiryu.]

He'll probably give me more friendship than that guy ever will.

... Sorry, I don't normally unload like that. I guess it's just this place ... it feels so much like home and I keep thinking about everyone a lot more.

They really do.

[He gives Chenzira a little bump on his cheek, who sort of makes a quiet "whoa" noise in response before returning his attention to Evie.

But Marik listens intently as Radley opens up to him. Although he can't really imagine himself in that situation, he understands it must be tough. He picks at his yakisoba, trying to think of what to say. He's... never been great with comforting people.]

No, it's fine. I'm flattered you felt comfortable enough in my presence to be open up like that.

I'm... sorry that things seem to have been left unresolved. That's never an easy thing to deal with. Makes the mind wander.

[Now that he's dealt with, considering the amount of inner monologues he has with himself.]

You were in a motorcycle gang though? That's pretty cool. I just got one myself a few months ago back home. I saw one on TV as a kid and had wanted one ever since. They're so exhilarating to ride...

It sure does. I wish he'd come here, but heh, he'd probably hate it and maybe I'd find he hates me, so it could be better leaving things as they are.

[He pounces on the change of topic.]

Yeah, I discovered them in college and couldn't get enough. My gang, we didn't rip up towns or bully people, like the stereotypes. We just tried to protect our town.

I wish motorcycles were available here. Maybe they are in some other region, who knows. I got a bicycle since that was the best I could do here. And I named my Rookidee Harley.

[He smirks a bit.]

[He's happy the change of subject was successful. Nothing like getting your mind off of unpleasant things with the talk of hobbies.]

You're certainly the rarity if the stereotype is to be believed about bikers. I always seem them depicted as punks and the like.

I had a Chopper myself. Didn't get to drive it nearly as much as I'd have liked.

It's really a shame too. There's plenty of bikers who are nice, normal people. I kinda like dressing like a punk, I'll admit, but I only act the part with people who really are being bullies.

That sounds so cool! I wonder if they ever let you get stuff from home here. I'd love to get my Harley back.

[The Rookidee chirps. Radley laughs.]

The other Harley!

I rather like the punk style from what I saw in Domino City. Not the ripped jeans and mohawks but the leather and jeans look.

That would be nice... I'm trying not to hold my breath though. I'm lucky enough to have my deck on me.

[Marik laughs at Harley's protest.]

So, who was your starter? Was it Evie?

[Radley nods.]

I never did get the appeal of torn clothes. None of the Bunch dresses like that. I wouldn't say they couldn't if they wanted to, but none of them want to.

[He fingers his deck in his pocket.]

I'm glad at least I have my deck. I also have my wallet with its pictures.

[He smiles.]

Yeah, Evie was the first. I woke up with her on my bed in New Bark Town.

[Evie warbles happily.]

I didn't have a wallet to begin with so that's no loss for me. I pretty much came with everything that was on me.

[He looks over at Evie and smiles. Yamask claps his hands.]

She seems perfect for you. I woke up with Chenzira next to me. I think I might have spooked him when I bolted upright. He's grown up a lot since then though.

Yeah, same here. I'm glad I had those things on me.

[He smiles fondly.]

She is. I thought I was outgoing, but she takes it to a new level. She's always running off to say Hi to someone, whether we know them or not.

[He nods.]

They seem to grow up pretty fast. Although Evie doesn't change much.

She certainly helps get Chenzira out of his shell, that's for sure. He's so shy with everyone else.

[He pats his Yamask on the back. Chenzira beams happily.]

I don't think that will ever change but I'm fine with that.

Is Evie the most outgoing one you have?

[Evie beams, waving her tail.]

I'm glad she can help, but yeah, it's fine if some stay shy. I'm not sure if my Ralts will end up less shy either. At least she's usually okay being with some of my other Pokemon if I'm not around.

[He smiles.]

She is, although Isla and Cuddles are pretty extroverted too.

That's good at least. Layla's even more introverted than he is. I can tell she doesn't want to interact much with anyone so I won't force her to.

I'm hoping she does open up even just a little. At least to me.

That sounds tough that she's also closed off around you. Evan was that way at first, but he warmed up pretty fast. He's leery of strangers, but he's really affectionate with me.

[Evan climbs onto his lap in emphasis. Radley chuckles and pets him.]

Heh. I'd be okay if she was just protective of me but she's just... aloof. She's mostly tolerant towards Chenzira but I don't think anyone could be mean to him. He's too kindhearted.

[Radley nods.]

He really is. He's a good match for Evie. She loves him. Of course, she loves just about everyone.

[He chuckles. Evie warbles happily!]

The Festival of Wishes!

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