The Festival of Wishes!

[indigo_league]

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?

Comments

on* not in. dang swype.

[thetombkeeper]

[His Yamask, Chenzira, lights up at the offer then looks up at his trainer for approval. Marik laughs.]

Haha! Sure. Why not? Maybe I can figure out how to make something too.

[He sits across from the trickster God.]

The name's Marik - and this is Chenzira.

[The Yamask slides off his shoulder to go join Snjókorn.]

This is my first time to a festival. It's crazy how much there is to do here.

I feel you

[cuttingremark]

Well met, Marik. I am Loki, Prince of Asgard. And this is Snjókorn. [The Snorunt seems nervous as the Yamask approached, but calms down with a comforting hand on her back from Loki.]

I only woke here about a week ago, so this is also my first festival here. We had celebrations at home, but they weren't quite the same. [A lot more alcohol. Like A LOT more.]

[thetombkeeper]

[Thankfully the Snorunt is in good company. They can be nervous and withdrawn together.]

A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Prince Loki.

[Asgard... Why does that sound familiar...]

A week? Welcome then. I've been here for a little over a month now. It takes a bit of getting used to, especially the information overload.

I'm no expert by any means but if you ever need anything, just let me know.

[He absent-mindedly folds some paper into a pyramid.]

How are you fairing here so far?

[cuttingremark]

[If anything seeing that the other pokemon is also a bit nervous helps Snorunt feel more comfortable. This place is loud and bright!]

Well enough. We were lucky enough to find a travel companion shortly after that mad woman threw us out of her house. I am no stranger to visiting other worlds, but none I have come across so far are quite like...this.

[thetombkeeper]

[It is! But it is really pretty too... He's conflicted on that one.

Marik's lip quivers as he suppresses a laugh at the description of the bizarre woman. He knows exactly who Loki's talking about.]

That's rather nice. I've been traveling by myself. I'd say it gets a little lonely from time to time but... it doesn't. I have my Pokémon and that's enough for me.

[He's trying to make a swan now and... not doing a great job. Really it's just so he can keep his hands occupied.]

I've never been to another real world. We have augmented reality where I'm from and this place practically screams of Kaiba Corp. I'll be a bit upset if all of this is just a simulation but it would explain a lot. To me, at least.

Here-

[He hands a paper to Chenzira, who looks at it for a moment before taking it, then stares at it intently.

It'll come to him eventually. Just give his ghosty brain some time.]

What kind of worlds have you visited, if you don't mind me asking?

[cuttingremark]

[Snjokorn's arms are a bit too stubby to do much origami, but she tries to help Chenzira out by pushing a set of instructions for a simple plane towards him.

Together they might do...something?]

All kinds, though mostly within the Nine Realms. Vanaheim, Alfheim, Nova, Midgard- most know it as Earth. We went to Hala once, but it was- [He makes a wavy motion with his hand to indicate it was only okay.]

[thetombkeeper]

[What's gonna work? Teamwork! He thanks her for her assistance. It is very much appreciated. Even if he can't read all that well right now. At least it has pictures to follow!

Marik finally places why the names sound familiar.]

Ah- That's... from the Norse legends, right? I've read about it in passing but don't know it very well. How were you able to travel to the different realms? Are there portals?

[cuttingremark]

[That's okay, she can't read either. She will chitter helpful hints at him if he seems stuck though! She watched Loki make enough of these that she understands the basics of how the diagrams work.]

The very same. We traveled to Earth and the other worlds with the Bifrost. It's a sort of bridge that creates shortcuts between Asgard and the other realms.

[thetombkeeper]

[Yamask does his best to try and get folding paper down before he makes an attempt at constructing something.]

Huh. That's really interesting. What's-

[He stops himself and shakes his head.]

I'm sorry. I'm just barraging you with questions. I don't want to be annoying. Is there anything you want to know?

[cuttingremark]

[Snorunt is very supportive, no matter how it turns out.

Loki chuckles.]

'tis no bother. I enjoy talking about home. Since you were familiar with our legends, I assume you're from Earth? What year?

[thetombkeeper]

[Snjókorn is quickly going to become his bff.

Once he is able to make something, Chenzira makes a heart. He smiles shyly and hands it to the Snorunt.]

I'm glad I'm not stepping on any toes then.

It's... 1997 in my world. What's interesting though is the technology there is about the same as this world's, despite it being... 25 years in the future.

... Gods, that's bizarre to say.

[cuttingremark]

[Snjokorn is overjoyed to receive the gift, chittering an excited thanks before turning back to Loki to get him to tuck the heart in one of the folds of her hat.

He does so with a smile, not missing a beat of the conversation.]

I believe the year is 2017 or 2018 on Earth where I am from. Their technology is a bit more advanced in some areas than what I have seen here, but they are still rather far behind most of the other space-faring planets in the galaxy.

The time displacement is odd. If it weren't for these creatures, I would think it was simply time travel that brought us here.

[thetombkeeper]

[Chenzira claps softly and Marik ruffles his... head scoop? Mohawk? Fin? He's not sure what it is.

He knew the little guy could do it.]

I can't say I'd know about other planets... but I've never heard of these locations before so I know it's not Earth that we're on. At least not my Earth.

Have you ever come across creatures like Pokémon in your travels before coming here?

[cuttingremark]

Some that were similar, but nothing this diverse or...friendly. Typically if a creature has evolved to shoot lightning at you, it doesn't want to be buddies.

[thetombkeeper]

You know, you're... absolutely right when you put it like that. It's strange how... welcoming this world is. I'm not complaining, mind you! It's just... unusual, you know?

It's nice to have a companion. I've never had any friends outside of my siblings and we never had any pets so... it's been really fun being here.

[cuttingremark]

[Almost like this world was designed for a children's game or something. Weird.

Loki think of Thor and Thor's friends who barley tolerated him at best. As if sensing the lonely train of thoughts, Snjokorn crawls back into his lap. She's still chittering happily with Chenzira, just from over here now. ]

Likewise. It is both terrifying and comforting having something depend on you in such a way.

[thetombkeeper]

[So strange.

Chenzira 100% understands and equally as happy continues their conversation. Whatever it is. Pokemon stuff.]

Yeah... I wouldn't change it for the world though.

[The Yamask has apparently learned multitasking because he's busy making another heart now while he chats. He's gotta make one for Mr. Loki and Marik!]

Hm... You said you enjoyed talking about home. Would you... mind telling me about it?

[cuttingremark]

There's a lot to talk about. [Loki's voice is just a bit wistful.] What do you want to know?

[thetombkeeper]

[While he isn't the best with social cues, he does recognize that tone so he'll be mindful of what he asks.]

What's it like? Like, tall castles, gorgeous skylines? I assume it's got a pretty civilized society - unless you're more... sophisticated than the rest.

[Marik might be trying to feed his ego a bit. It's the least he can do. They say predators can tell who other predators are, after all, even if this particular teenager has lost some of his edge.]

[cuttingremark]

The royal castle dominates the skyline with it's golden spires. [He waves a hand, but frowns when nothing happens.] Normally I would show you, but alas.

I was raised a diplomate, so my manners are a bit better than most. It is a warrior culture, so such things are not as prized as one's ability on the battlefield.

[thetombkeeper]

I have a vivid enough imagination.

[Boy, does he.]

Ahh... One of those. Well, know that I appreciate a sharp mind and wit over brute strength any day. Far more enjoyable to interact with.

Did you ever get to visit Egypt while you were on Earth? That's my home country. I'm kind of curious if it's changed any in 20 years...

Me, with shiny new god canon to play with

[cuttingremark]

I couldn't agree more. I had to go to a whole other realm just to find a good conversation.

[Loki grabs a pencil from another nearby station and an unfolded piece of paper and starts to doodle.]

No, it was a bit too warm for my tastes. I have met several of your gods though.

Woo!

[thetombkeeper]

I'm sorry you had to deal with that and had to go to that extent.

[Marik watches him curiously - both the doodling and the fact that he's met the Gods.]

You have? What were they like? I... imagine they aren't particularly happy that most of our people have stopped worshipping them... I still try to pay them tribute, even if they can't see it here.

[cuttingremark]

[He appears to be doodlings...a castle? Or a pyramid? A pipe organ perhaps.]

Anubis was a bit stuck up, but Set was rather fun. [Chaos gods gotta stick together.] Ra may have cared about the lack of worship, but it was something most of Earth's pantheons were going through last I saw them.

[thetombkeeper]

[While he can't quite tell what it is just yet, his eyes do light up as Loki discusses his pantheon.]

Ra... I used to command his Winged Dragon. The power it possess was... exhilarating. A pity I don't have the card with me anymore.

I try to do my best to show them my appreciation. You can't exactly serve an ancient Pharaoh and play Duel Monsters without worshipping them. To do so would be denying what has happened in front of your very eyes.