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?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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!]

[Marik smiles.]

She is a good match for him. We should arrange for more playdates between them.

[Chenzira claps his hands quietly, looking very pleased.]

Is she your best friend? Besides me of course.

[Nodnodnod.

Marik laughs. It's a good, hearty laugh. One not filled with malice or mischief. Just... amusement and happiness. It feels good.]

I guess that's settled then! You mentioned that you had a restaurant, if I remember correctly? I forgot where you said it was.

[Evie is thrilled to be a best friend, and she chirrups happily!]

We should! My restaurant is in Goldenrod. Hey, I was also thinking of having weekly Duel Monster meets there for all of us from home, since there's getting to be more of us! Others who want to learn could come too.

[Today is the second best day ever for Chenzira.]

Goldenrod, okay... It'll have to be after I'm done at the Ruins of Alph then. But I'm totally down for weekly duels! I just hope my older deck can duel against all of yours decently...

[Evie is definitely feeling good too! She suggests playing after they finish eating.]

Oh, you're going there, huh? It sounded interesting, but I don't really like roughing it, so I wasn't sure about trying it myself.

[He smiles.]

Your deck will be fine. I mostly use cards older than my time too. Beating some of the newer decks is definitely possible. It just takes extra strategy sometimes.

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The Festival of Wishes!

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