Pokemon: Advanced Wishes Black or White

Chapter 56: Come Together

"There's the Sword of the Vale castle. We've made it to Eindoak Town," Cilan pointed out the ancient structure towering over the town alongside a bright sun.

"Wow, I've never seen anything like it," May admired the castle's unique architecture.

"Does someone live there?" Ash stared.

"Nope, the castle hasn't been inhabited for centuries and is a tourist spot for anyone passing by Eindoak Town," Iris answered

. As they wandered through Eindoak Town's streets, they noticed food stands and people dressed in unique clothing. Street performers juggled and performed fire tricks alongside Pokémon while children would run around playing with firecrackers. When they reached the town square, they saw people dazzled by dance groups or fire eaters impressing people with their technique.

May questioned Iris and Cilan if Eindoak Town is always so festive. "Actually, we happen to be in town just in time to celebrate the anniversary of Eindoak Town's founding. Centuries ago, a war broke out between the sons of a king. After the king brokered peace, they celebrated by establishing Eindoak Town. The people of this town honor those events with the yearly Eindoak Harvest Festival," Cilan gave a quick lesson in history. Ash, May, Victini, and Pikachu listened to the tale.

"So now that we're here, where's Genesis?" Iris reminded everyone about the task at hand.

"Team Rocket said Genesis would be the one to find us once we arrived in Eindoak Town, so I guess we have to hang out here until he shows himself," May recalled.

"Do you think they were telling the truth?" Cilan questioned the honesty behind Team Rocket's instructions.

"I am not sure, but we can't risk letting the Swords of Justice and Forces of Nature destroy Unova if what Team Rocket said is true," Ash emphasized. The trainer preferred not to take any chances.

The four teens and their Pokémon wondered what they would do while they waited for Genesis to show up. Suddenly, a man called out to them, "Children, what are you doing dressed like that? Get into the festival spirit, get into costume, and join the festival's activities!"

They turned to a jolly-looking man in a brown vest and orange hat. "Who are you?" Ash was the first to ask.

"My name is Mannes. I am the mayor of Eindoak Town and responsible for hosting the yearly Eindoak Harvest Festival. Please join in our festivities. There's nothing like it anywhere in Unova, and I promise you'll love it," the man handed them outfits appropriate for the festival.

The friends were a little overwhelmed by the mayor's insistence, but given that they didn't have much to do, they figured why not. "Thank you, sir," a bashful Iris smiled.

Mayor Mannes was delighted by their decision and bid them farewell as he continued to perform his festival duties. "Pika!" an excited Pikachu pointed to a play area for Pokémon.

"Tini vi," Victini smiled when it noticed the play area.

"Axew ew ew," Axew leaped out of Iris's hair.

"Go for it, have fun!" May encouraged the trio of Pokémon. With May's approval, they jolted off.

"I guess we should go get changed," Cilan said. They headed to the changing room station set up for the festival.

When they stepped out, everyone was wearing something unique. Cilan wore a brown Poncho with a green stripe across it and a red/white checkered headband. Iris wore a cream-colored dress that reached her knees with orange frills around her neck and brown patterning at the edge of the dress. May donned a red sweater with brown coloring on the upper half and a yellow stripe mid-chest. She also wore an indigo skirt with frills at the end of it to match her top. Lastly, Ash wore a red sweater and a black vest with an indigo top. The top had a thick black stripe across and frills similar to May's skirt. "I look so cute in this skirt!" May was delighted by her costume. Her friends laughed at her overexcitement.