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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[Oh dear. Dimitri glances from the shock on Shadowmaru's face, as that of his companion, and then looks back to Mononoke. Mononoke, who is just radiating smugness.]

[A sigh.]

What is he doing now? Is there something inappropriate in his manner? I am unfamiliar with this manner of dress, you see.

[He just put on his own yukata because that was how the person at the store said to do it, but he hadn't really viewed any flaw with Mononoke dressing up like this. Like putting your swords on your right or left, right?]

[He should have known better. Really.]

He's dressed himself as a corpse.

[And boy if Shadowmaru doesn't sound utterly scandalized by it. You'd think Mononoke was wearing a shirt with a middle finger or something obscene, from the way he's reacting. Covering his face with one hand, the other gesturing wildly in the Zorua's direction.]

You may be unfamiliar, and hardly at fault, but he, clearly is well aware of what he's done. And it is vulgar.

[It's okay, Dimitri, he's appalled at your pokemon, not you.]

[...For heaven's sake, Mononoke]

[Dimitri's expression only goes all the more flat, and he heaves out a sigh even as the smug aura around his doppleganger only seems to intensify.]

I... do so greatly apologize for his behavior.

I do not.

[Dimitri just reaches up to cover his fake's mouth, because what else can you really do here??? Foxes are terrible.]

He was one of the peculiar foxes that appeared here not that long ago, those capable of illusions, and he has some... terrible idea of what is amusing.

So I see.

[Shadowmaru's Growlithe peers around his heels, growling a little in response to its trainer's irritation. Thankfully, it's still aimed towards Mononoke. Shadowmaru can hardly blame someone for being unawares, given the different worlds and all.]

Dressing as one's deceased trainer is beyond appalling. Even for one of those creatures.

It's as if you're wishing him death!

[Dimitri's hand is still over Mononoke's mouth. This does not, unfortunately, stop the creature that is using illusions to communicate.]

Truly, a psychic type walks among us.

[Dimitri sighs, and shakes his head.]

Please, ignore him. He intentionally riles. At least I know... I am fairly certain that he does not wish such things upon me. [Probably.] Allow me to pay for another round of your game, since we clearly interrupted.

[Shadowmaru's Oricorio trills in indignation, fluffing up her purple feathers. If it were not for the laws of this land I would have attacked you where you stood. Shadowmaru himself narrows his eyes, smoothing his whole expression over again.]

I should hope not. [If you want him dead, Mononoke, you'll have a lot of angry rats to contend with...] But please, there is no need. This is not your doing.

It would be rude of me to insist you pay for another's error.

Not when he is my responsibility... but I cannot force you to accept anything, I suppose.

[Or it just gets weird, and more a burden than a token of goodwill. Dimitri sighs, and just goes back to holding Mononoke's hand so that he doesn't go wandering off to make, like. worse trouble.]

I did mean what I said before, about your talent at such games. I am no good at such things. [His own Pokemon companion scoffs.]

My insult is with him. I assure you, you owe me nothing.

[So there. Rude Mononoke. Rude. Shadowmaru would feel rude himself, if he took something from a man who hadn't troubled him.]

Come now. Surely you're better than you believe. Take a turn!

Oh - are you certain? I should pay you back for the turn, then... A small snack later, at the very least.

[Since Dimitri is fairly certain that any money would be refused... Mononoke reaches around him as though to take a ring, and Dimitri patiently grabs his wrist to pull him back before he can manage.]

[Troublesome fox.]

I am, not to worry. However... I'm certain my companions would appreciate a treat.

[His own pokemon, he means. Who are either sitting patiently at his feet, or giving Mononoke the evil eye.]

[And barking when the fox makes a move - even though Dimitri has it handled.]

Then I will gladly make it up to them!

[Especially because Mononoke is making faces down at them all for being barked at. Well, Dimitri kind of.... Yeah.]

[He's buying such good treats.]

[Still, with that decided, Dimitri furrows his brow a bit and pulls his hand back. Focuses.... And throw-!]

[Ah. A miss. Mononoke growls a bit and Dimitri looks sheepish.]

I suppose I expected that to happen.

Ah, not a terrible throw, all said. Lift your hand a bit more.

[He'll even strike a pose to demonstrate what he means. It's too forward of him to actually physically show Dimitri how to do it, so he'll just. Demonstrate.]

Like so.

Try again.

Lifting my hand a bit more...

[Dimitri starts to adjust, a little bit by bit, not entirely sure of himself in this area. Mononoke seems to get rather annoyed by it all, bumping his shoulders harshly into Dimitri's own. The jostle seems to work out for Dimitri, however, and he steadies his arm into the proper position.]

Oh, this way, then?

Yes - [And then Mononoke goes and interrupts. Shadowmaru's dogs bark several times in warning. Either to the pokemon or to Dimitri himself.]

[He folds his arms, scowling.]

Yes, you're doing just fine.

[Ignoring Mononoke's answering hiss to being barked at, Dimitri tries his best to focus on the target in front of him. Alright... And another try-!]

[It still doesn't land - just a little too little on the force front. Mononoke huffs, but Dimitri seems rather cheery.]

Oh, it went so much closer that time!

It did. You should be proud!

[So there. And he genuinely means it, too. He's not just saying that.]

[Take that, you rude fox.]

Ha ha... Perhaps not so proud yet, but the distance does seem slightly more surmountable.

[And that's always nice to think about, isn't it?]

I hope you do not mind if I try once more... [Because he's already picking up another ring. If it's not okay, he'll pay for it, it's fine!!! But, well, since he's so close, it would be a pity to not try again, wouldn't it?]

[This time, now a little more certain with how to position his arm and with some correction on how much power he'd put into it... Dimitri tries one more time. For a moment, it almost seems as though he's overthrown just a tad, but then... The ring catches the very lip, awkwardly jerking back.]

[Dimitri doesn't leap for joy or any such thing, just a victorious clench of his fist to his chest, but he's rather happy all the same, even as Mononoke leans his cheek against his shoulder.]

It landed!

Proud that you have made progress, though, yes?

[Every little step is a good one, right? That's how you encourage people!]

[He even bows slightly, to let Dimitri take another turn. He's happy to observe. No need to pay for it. Shadowmaru isn't exactly strapped for funds, thank you Staryutube.]

[And as soon as the ring settles, he's applauding. Loudly. Even his Pokemon join in, barking, wiggling.]

Excellent! Try another! I insist!

[Immediately, Dimitri is shaking his head with his palms raised up. If he could, he'd even take a step back, but that's a little bit difficult with the way that Mononoke is positioned against his shoulder, just slightly behind him.]

Oh, no, I could never. I have already intruded upon your game time as it is - Mononoke, no, please.

[That would be Mononoke reaching idly over for another ring, forcing Dimitri to take it from him.]

[ - hm. It seems he is now holding a ring himself now. Dimitri squints at the fox wearing a simile of his face.]

[Shadowmaru's gaze narrows at Mononoke. Again. Those bright green eyes thinned to slits.]

I would prefer someone not play against their will.

[Pokemon or not, he will square up with you sir, if Dimitri really does not want to play again.]

[Mononoke just stares right back, unblinkingly. Like a cat, except somehow more concentrated asshole. Even when Dimitri jostles their shoulders together.]

I simply do not want to waste your money any further - especially when I have not paid you back as I promised!

I would not want this to be an uneven event, after all.

As long as it is your will, and no one else's.

[He sniffs, turning away from Mononoke, as if that settles it. Cat, meet dog.]

But do take your time in paying me back. I don't mind at all.

[Let him just... put the ring down...]

We can always come back to the many games that are on display here. With all the excitement, surely now would be a fine time to take a break! [Please let him take a break and stop picking fights, Mononoke]

Are there any food stalls which you would recommend, or which caught your attention?

[Shadowmaru is silent a moment or so longer, like he's going to flat out square up with Mononoke. Fox vs. Dog, Round One. But relents, in the end.]

The taiyaki here was extremely fresh, the last I saw of it. That may be to your liking, if you prefer sweets.

[FINE he'll play nice.]

Oh, I do not mind sweets at all.

[Because he can't taste anything! But that's totally irrelevant! Instead, doing his very best to just latch his arm around his little bastard man of a doppleganger, Dimitri tries to end this encounter with, just, so much taiyaki.]

[They are not going to have a Pokemon battle in the middle of the festival]

end scene!

sassymaru - 2022-09-28 04:55 (UTC) - Expand

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The Festival of Wishes!

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end scene?

end scene!