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

[sassymaru]

[He just kind of blinks. His Oricorio looks at Romelle like she's just asked if the sky is blue.]

... Yes?

Is that not the point of the experience?

[questioneverything]

But... it's haunted. Why would you want to go somewhere haunted?

[Romelle is confused. Why are humans so weird?]

[sassymaru]

My dear friend. The only thing haunting this place will be ghost pokemon. Truly nothing to fear, hm?

[They're all pretty chill - get it?]

[questioneverything]

You really think so?

[She definitely looked nervous.]

And it's supposed to be... fun... right?

[sassymaru]

I sincerely would not worry. Pokemon are quite fond of us, are they not?

I see no reason they would do more than startle us during our trek.

[questioneverything]

But isn't startling bad enough?

[Though, really, at this point, Shadowmaru could probably get her to go inside with him.]

[sassymaru]

[He just offers her his arm.]

I won't force you, of course. But I will be by your side, should you choose to accompany me.

[questioneverything]

[Romelle hesitated and then took a deep breath. It was something she'd been working on... doing these sorts of things to get herself stronger or some sort of thing like that, so... She nodded and then took the offered arm.]

All right. I'll give it go.

[And then, after a beat...]

As long as we don't get separated.

[sassymaru]

Wonderful.

You shall do just fine, I know it. Nothing here can actually harm you. And, even if it could, we shall have an escort.

[His little pack of puppies is, of course, coming too. Electrike even butts his head up against Romelle's leg. See? They've got you!]

[questioneverything]

[Romelle gave Electrike a quick smile.]

Well, I'll be glad for their company as well. [Though, her grip certainly tightened around his arm as they made their way inside.]

[sassymaru]

If you'd prefer... Akuma can sit with you.

[He means the Senshu Oricorio on his own shoulder. But she'd be happy to sit with Romelle instead.]

[Shadowmaru's confident as they enter. The floor is covered in dry ice fog, and fake windows glow and flicker like there's a storm outside.]

[questioneverything]

[Honestly, his confidence was definitely a comfort.]

You don't mind?

[She certainly wouldn't turn it down, but, even if he was projecting confidence, she didn't want to take away something that might be a comfort to him.]

[sassymaru]

Not at all. Akuma is partially ghost type herself. She'll be an advantage to you, should any attempt to frighten you.

[He really doesn't mind. The bird even hops over to Romelle's shoulder to emphasize his point.]

[questioneverything]

[Romelle reached up to give Akuma a grateful pet. She had her own Sensu Oricorio as well, but hers had decided to stay back at home this time.]

Thank you, Akuma.

[sassymaru]

[The bird pokemon fluffs up proudly and trills. Yes, praise her. She is fantastic, incredible.]

Feeling more prepared to take on the house?

[questioneverything]

[Romelle smiled at the bird, and then nodded.]

Yes. I believe I am.

[sassymaru]

Onwards then!

[And he'll lead them both into the spooky haunted house!]

[... which is basically like a kid's Halloween haunt.]

[questioneverything]

[Even with it being just like a kid's Halloween haunt, there were definitely a few jump scares that had Romelle clinging to Shadowmaru through several sections, but she did make it through the whole thing!]

[sassymaru]

[And afterwards, he'll treat her to celebratory taiyaki.]

[Good work, Romelle. You should be very proud.]

End here?

[questioneverything]

[She was definitely proud! And the taiyaki helped.]