Of Fireworks and Festivals - [Morty & Valerie]
With one final knot, the obi was tied securely around his waist. Morty took a moment to look at the mirror, purple eyes scanning for any imperfections. The reflection showed a young man with a mop of golden locks held firmly in place with an indigo headband. He donned a popularly designed yukata for men his age - a darker shade of indigo with yellow lines forming swirling patterns down the sleeve - and a violet sash tied around the waist completed his look.
A happy smiled crossed his features, pleased with how he managed to make himself look presentable before he exited the small bathroom and went into his simply furbished bedroom. There, Spooks and Wisp sat patiently (a surprising feat, he noted briefly), toying with an underpowered Shadow Ball. His endearing chuckles attracted the attention of the impish spirits, their signature slasher smiles widening even further as they floated toward their trainer.
"Ready to go?" With an eager nod, Morty slipped a small pack that held his wallet and several items into a special pocket sewn inside one of the elongated sleeves - the small weight he felt ensured its position - before he walked downstairs. The pair merely phased through the floor and waited at the front door where he put on a pair of wooden slippers. With one final mental check (all the windows were locked, switches were turned off), they exited the cozy little house located near the Gym, the man locking the door behind them.
Instantly, they felt the festive atmosphere buzzing since the day started. Brightly lit lanterns and decorations hung on every available lamp post, illuminating the slowly darkening sky with an array of colours. The smell of all kinds of food wafted in the air, enticing the crowds’ appetites. Plenty of stalls were set up as they lined the streets, each offering their own special merchandise. People of all ages, young and old, wore individually unique yukata or kimono with some carrying a type of folding fan in their hands.
This was how the atmosphere should be. After all, the citizens of Ecruteak were celebrating his favorite Sacred Ho-Oh Festival after all. Held annually, they celebrate the acclaimed day that Ho-Oh revived the three legendary beasts, Entei, Suicune and Raikou from ashes in the Burned Tower. They wanted to honor the sacred bird and show their respect by firing colourful fireworks into the sky, symbolizing the very existence of a Rainbow Pokemon. All in all, it was a fun festival with fireworks displays during the end. People appreciated the time off they were given (meaning his Gym was closed) to prepare for the day.
The trio now stood at the center of town where most of the activities took place. Now, what should they do first?