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The Indigo League ([personal profile] indigo_league) wrote in [community profile] victory_road2022-06-24 05:40 pm

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?




thetombkeeper: (011)

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-05 05:41 pm (UTC)(link)
[He's probably better off not knowing and Marik doesn't make a habit out of telling everyone he basically lived underground in a cult.]

Egypt. The only other place I've ever been to was Japan but that was only for a month or so.

What's Italy like?
epitaffio: (no brain cells)

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-05 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
Egypt? Wow... I guess we both come from places that get lots of tourists, then.

[And yet, Egypt feels so much more Foreign. Funny how that works.]

Italy's a really beautiful country! I'm usually in the South, but you can find places to see pretty much all over.
thetombkeeper: (014)

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-05 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
Yeah, we do, don't we? Heh.

[It's a bizarre land full of bizarre adventures.]

I'll have to visit it when I get back to my world! Although I... suppose I won't remember that I want to go visit...

Still. Maybe I'll get to go someday.

[He pauses.]

I hope... my questions aren't annoying you. I'm just kind of curious about everything.
epitaffio: (u ever just stumble upon a fortuneteller)

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-06 08:17 pm (UTC)(link)
What do you mean, you won't remember?... You think we'll just forget this place when we go home?

[That'd be... troublesome. How are they supposed to annex Team Rocket to Passione in any meaningful way if they'll forget all about it when they find a way back...?]

Oh, um, don't worry. ["Annoyed" isn't the right word. "Inconvenienced," perhaps...] I bet you'd be curious if you were that sheltered.
thetombkeeper: (014)

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-06 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
That's what I've heard, at least. I'm really hoping it's not true but it's apparently happened to some people already.

And as long as you're sure. If I do go overboard, just tell me, okay?

[Marik offers a sheepish smile.]

You know, I completely forgot to introduce myself... My name's Marik.
epitaffio: (oh hi)

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-07 06:32 pm (UTC)(link)
Marik, huh? I'm Doppio. [He points to the Morpeko still diligently holding his PokéGear.] And that's Cristina!

[She squeaks and turns to wave at Marik in greeting. Very polite, but Doppio's already giving her a pointed Look so she gets back into position. It's important that the Boss sees the fireworks, Cristina! He feels rude enough just not being able to talk to him right now!!!]
thetombkeeper: (091)

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-07 08:15 pm (UTC)(link)
Nice to make your acquaintance, Doppio. And Cristina!

[Yamask looks over and offers a small wave.]

This is Chenzira.

[Marik arches his eyebrows at what poor Cristina's having to manage.]

You want me to hold the device for you? If that's okay, I mean. I don't mind.
epitaffio: (oh dear that stings)

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-09 02:19 pm (UTC)(link)
No!

[The answer comes a bit too quickly and a bit too loudly. The justification is a bit more hesitant:]

Um, she likes to do that.

[The Boss would have to hang up before Marik sees who's on the line, and he can't hang up yet...!

(Meanwhile, said Boss considers retreating further into the back of Doppio's mind, and declines only because he's so adamant about the fireworks. This is getting to be stressful, and frankly he's not too sure WHO is feeling it the most.)

Incidentally, the PokéGear isn't even on.]
thetombkeeper: (034)

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-09 04:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[Doppio. You're being really obvious.

Something is up with him. That much is sure. Marik isn't the most open about things but even he knows how to spin lies in such a way to take the suspicion away from him.

He wonders then... is the person on the other line... a Team Rocket member? That would explain why the man is so nervous.

Marik gives an uncertain smirk and leans back a bit to try and catch a glimpse at the screen. You know. Nice and smooth like.

...

It's off.

What.

... Okay. So maybe that's why he's so nervous? Because he's playing pretend? Marik might be judging him in his head but he'll still be absolutely cordial with him. He smiles and lifts up his hands, briefly giving Cristina a knowing "I got your back, fam" look. Which could also be translated as "I realize your trainer is insane so I'll stop making him freak out now for your sake."

Chenzira, meanwhile, is oblivious to what's going on. Cinnamon roll.]


Sorry. I didn't mean to upset you. Let's just watch the fireworks then.
epitaffio: (two meters...)

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-10 07:01 pm (UTC)(link)
[Cristina blinks. It's a good thing her default expression is so hard to read (as hamsters' expressions tend to be), and that she is in a good mood - though Marik's suspicions may be slightly off, she is loyal to Team Rocket, and wise enough to her trainer(s)'s peculiarities by now to know what to be wary of.

As for said trainer(s), a single green eye is fixed on Marik as he moves - but ultimately, he relaxes. Whatever Marik saw isn't worth raising further suspicions over at this point in time.]


Oh, um, d-did I sound upset? Sorry. [... And yeah, Doppio is not the best at lying on the fly.] I think I'm just... kind of jumpy, still.
thetombkeeper: (085)

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-10 07:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[Whatever the case, he'll give them both the benefit of the doubt. It's a party, after all - and in the off chance he is with Team Rocket, he has no real problem with them. They've never targeted him so why should he care? (He absolutely can't read Cristina's expression so...uh... he'll just forget about that.)

Still. Maybe that's the approach he should go with if it'll relax Doppio.]


No. You're fine. I'm sorry if I seemed like I was prying. It's not any of my business, you know?

[Marik lies back down on the grass, Chenzira moving to copy him, and the two continue to watch the fireworks.

The ball is in Doppio's court should he feel the need to continue talking with him but the Egyptian won't force it.

Although it is a bit surprising to find someone with even less... social skills than himself. Stop selling yourself so short, Marik.]
epitaffio: (watashi no kawaii doppio)

i'm sorry they're Like This

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-11 06:10 pm (UTC)(link)
[Doppio gives Marik one last look... and though he doesn't say anything else, he sits right where he was before, well within view. In short order, he's putting Cristina back on his lap, and when he leans in to whisper an apology, he could very much be talking to her - but he isn't, and the response that he gets is for his ears only:

"Relax, Doppio. Why not continue to enjoy the fireworks in silence? I AM enjoying the show, despite the interruption."

It's simply the best course of action, given the circumstances. Of course it would be better if they were alone and could speak freely... but while they have company, it's best not to do anything that could raise suspicion. Especially if Doppio insists on not leaving this spot.

... Whether that's part of not raising suspicion or because it IS quite a nice spot, he isn't sure. But now isn't the time to ask.]
thetombkeeper: (104)

It's fine <333

[personal profile] thetombkeeper 2022-07-13 10:39 pm (UTC)(link)
[Marik keeps to himself until the fireworks are over and fully faded from the sky, then he rises to his feet and dusts himself off.]

That was really cool...

[He turns and walks over to Doppio, reaching out to lend a hand to help him up should he like.

It could just be taken as a handshake as well. Either works.]


Take it easy, okay, Doppio?
epitaffio: (there's a hole in my sweater??)

[personal profile] epitaffio 2022-07-15 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's easy to nearly forget he has company. By the time the fireworks end, he seems almost as startled by Marik as he was the first time. ... Only almost, though. He just sort of flinches and blinks and hesitates a moment before taking his hand.]

... Uh, yeah. You too.

[He reaches for his PokéGear - he still has to say good night to the Boss, and it sounds like Marik is about to leave - but... now that he looks at it, it's off. He must have already hung up, and then he forgot... Those fireworks really made him space out.]