The festivities were as wonderful as Chu-e had expected.

He was one of the people who had decided to go with the traditional Johto-style clothing, a dark grey kimono with bright red flowers doting the garb. It was better in his opinion, lighter so it could help him cool down than Hoenn style clothing; having grown up in Sinnoh, it was already getting quite hot to him. He also had a few pokemon of his own out, one visible and one not. His Igglybuff was hanging out in one of the larger pockets of his outfit, directing him on where to go. His Mimikyu was hanging out in his shadow, just in case something serious happened and he was needed.

He hadn't been here that long, taking his time in his hotel room to clean up and get something to eat before arriving. The smells of the festival foods were already tempting but Chu-e had a goal today. He was going to find jayden cross, who he was sure was in town, and see if he could force more of his time on the other.

For now, though, he was just having a look around. The sounds of music pulled him over to one of the stages, deciding to take a few minutes of his time to relax- until he spotted a familiar face. "Hideo!" He called out to the younger man by the stage, walking up slowly. It seemed like they kept meeting at these events. Which was nice! He liked to know that the younger man was doing okay.

"Fancy meeting you here, kiddo."

---

- Chu-e is wearing Johto style clothes
- by the stage area talking to Hideo Kino

A fist slams onto the makeshift counter, jostling nearby glasses and causing a small wave of grumbles from nearby patrons, waiting for their own drinks or trying to quietly drink their own. All of these are largely ignored by Skyler, whose attention remains on one of the barkeeps. A wry grin pulls at her lips, sharpening as she slides an empty glass towards the man. Evidence of her victory.

"Better luck next time, Max." A groan follows her words, which only serves to pull at the corners of her lips until there's an unapologetic cherishe smile lighting up her fey-like features. "You really should know better by now."

Foul curses follow her statement, surprising a sharp bark of laughter out of her. It is promptly cut off when Max, her cousin and annoyance supreme, turns to her with a quirked eyebrow. "Where's that boyfriend of yours anyway? Isn't this the type of thing couples go to? To make out in the dark? Oh wait, he's your friend."

"Shut up, you overgrown Chatot." A hand sweeps out to snatch a bottle of liquor for her own. "I'm taking this as the price for my victory!" Protests mingle with the chattering of crowds as the sea captain slips away on light feet, easily weaving her way through the most popular areas. Her hair's in an updo, which is starting to fall apart around her neck, wild golden curls spilling down her exposed shoulders. She'd tried to dress for the occasion too, but the ocean themed yukata had long since given up on its stiff shape, the v-shaped cut exposing her shoulders and collarbones.

Her quicksilver eyes catch the bright lights of festival games and she's helpless to fight the allure, drawn to the promise of prizes like a moth to a flame. A grin grows, wild and untethered, over glistening lips.

Now she just needs an opponent to test her mettle against.

@vital SPIRIT FESTIVAL

[break][break]
The festival was in full swing and like many others this particular one was busy as well selling its goods. Matching many others with its traditional Johto style of built the first things people would take notice of were the rack of masks on one side and the pool on the other side with a magikarp swimming through it. That and the banner proudly declaring Odd Job Workers on the front of the stall. It had taken some work but Noelani was proud he had managed to take not only such a good spot but also a large one allowing him to fit not one but two whole games on the stall.
[break]
Two busy interns were darting around the front and two sides helping customers and overseeing the games. On the side with the rack of mask a small space was closed off and used to set up a ring tossing game with pillars small enough to be hard to land the ring on but not too obvious to make it apparent that the game was tilted in disfavor of the customer.
[break]
On the other side where the pool was there was just bucket full with net scoops. The pool itself had a barrier in the middle but that was intentional as the game set for this was that the customers had to use the nets to lift the Magikarp from one side to the other without breaking the net of the scoop. Obviously, the nets were intentionally made easier to break but there were one or two in the bucket that were a bit stronger and could lift the fish with no trouble.
[break]
No games were without their prizes though and the rack set up in the back of the stall held them alongside the sellable merchandise. From Paper lanterns, traditional charms and odd knickknacks, Noelani had used favors for, the assortment of sellable products was rich.
[break]
People apparently were liking them because this was the second box of charms the alolan had had to bring from the storage. He almost grumbled about it but well at least shrine girl would be happy that her stuff was getting sold. Putting down the box he waved over one of the overworked interns “Restock the shelves with the charms and make sure to draw more attention to them as well.” turning a bit to the side he mumbled out “I can’t believe I fell for her puppy dog eyes, it’s not like the temple isn’t being rebuild or not getting finances.”
[break]
Noticing the face of his employee Noelani shooed her away. Taking out his phone he threw a few messages to Serena Malcolm to confirm if she was around the festival. If she was, he could take a few for a break and drop by and see what she was up to.
[break]

---

What is a Festival without some rigged games. This post actually includes a real minigame and anyone that desires can play by interacting with the stall of Odd Job Workers ICly and adding a roll to their posts. By page 6 the person with the highest rolled number will win a Shiny Magikarp as a prize.[break]

Granted Permission by SHIV, thank youuu!

It was hard to hear much past the music. To be expected with how close he’d gotten to the stage, plus Hideo was actually kind of into the song, his head bobbing to the rhythm. He’d be singing along too, if he knew the lyrics.

Despite the noise, he could still hear someone announce his name.

Though the moment Chu-e Choi said his name, Hideo's Hatterene pulled him close to her. She looked the man up and down, squinting as she judged whether or not she’d let him get closer to her charge. But the Ribombee was a bit more familiar with this man, and told her that he wasn’t here to cause any trouble.

She let Hideo go at the small fairy-type’s assurance, though she would still keep a close eye on the man.

“Sorry ‘bout her,” Hideo said, trying to speak above the music, “First time I’ve taken Vibes out like this. She’s a bit nervous around new people.”

Hideo hadn’t chosen anything special for his clothing today, with the usual striped-sweater and jeans combo. Probably the most distinctive part about his attire would be the pink Ribombee sitting on his head - if one could call that a part of his outfit.

“You been doing alright, Mr. Ki? Been safe ever since Rocket showed their ugly head again?”