EVENT: Harvesting Bonds Festival

[ulternnpc]

It’s a nice, fine day in the Ohritori Island of Ultern. The sun is warm and bright with the salty cool breeze playfully swaying through the grass, trees and flowers that are in full bloom. The people specifically those in Gilterrace Town are setting up decorations made with pumpkins. There are even trainers who are out fitting Pokemon in costume.

Amongst it all, near the edge of the town no one notices a lone figure watching the festivities both people and Pokemon seem to be helping one another prepare for. They’re watching from behind a shadow of a large tree, with their bright blue eyes full of intrigue and awe. They seem hesitant in revealing themselves from the shadow–but there’s a welcoming scent wafting through the air of the farming town of Gilterrace.

In the town center there’s a huge setup full of people and Pokemon in costumes gathering around setting up what looked to be a huge feast. The sounds of their laughter and excitement can be heard over the food that’s being prepared.


“If only there was some way…hm…! I know what to do! I will just blend in with them and get a costume of my own!”

It seems yet another festival was brewing–the populace of the town oblivious to the machinations of the one hidden away in the shadows, watching carefully. Stepping out of the shadow, the Legendary Pokemon Calyrex smiled. Yes, this was a wonderful idea. Soon the children of men and Pokemon alike will all remember them just like in the past!

---

(🌺For players who have yet to look please check out our OOC POST on this event!🌺)

Comments

[ulternprofessor]

[Unsurprisingly, Professor Banyan was in the crowd helping with the festivities except it would be hard to recognize him as he was out in costume: a full suit Yago Berry costume with a silly smiling face. How could he even see with that costume he had on? It’s a mystery, really.

In his hand are a basket full of candy which he holds up the moment he spots Calyrex floating, and weaving through the crowd with ease. Not even questioning the pumpkin shaped head of the Pokemon (because really, how good was his vision in this costume???) he smiled despite said smile being obscured by his Yago Berry costume.]

Ulsai! Are you here to celebrate the festival too? You should take one of these candies in that case to get into the spirit!

[Calyrex paused, taking in the offered candy basket that was held out to them. It’s been so long since anyone, let alone a child of man, had given them any sort of offering. Who were they to turn such a thing down?

Hoisting the entire basket with their mind, Calyrex approached the Pokemon Professor.]

I accept this offering you have given me. I take this as a gesture that you are willing to lend your hand in assisting me.

[The puzzled Professor simply gave an exaggerated tilt of his head and shrug of his shoulders.]

What do you meaaan? What can Lil’ Yago do to help you, Mister Pokemmm--!?

[Calyrex’s eyes began to glow and in an instant the lively Professor became limp as he too began to float along with the basket of candies in the air. Satisfied with just how smoothly their plan was going, and how helpful this man was Calyrex went on his way to begin his quest with his new loyal subject.]

[goingallout]

[Now that he and his buddy are in their costumes, they're eager to see what more the festival has to offer. But it's then he spots the sight of Calyrex and... a strange berry-looking costumed man at the road. Though it was pretty hard to miss them with both Calyrex's large head and the entirety of Lil Yago standing out from the crowd.

Of course, Ash not wanting to miss out the opportunity of meeting new Pokemon immediately rushes over.]

Woaaah! Are you a Pokemon? What a big head you got there!

[He starts pulling out his Rotom Phone, checking to see if the Pokedex has anything to say about Calyrex.]

[ulternprofessor]

[The strange Pokemon next to Lil Yago brushed aside it's cape while turning to Ash. He stared before Lil Yago took a blueish glow before it spoke.]

I am indeed a Pokemon. I am Calyrex, I was once known by another name, the King of Bountiful Harvests.

[Calyrex will then glance around observing the town buzzing with people happily chattering while setting up decorations, and helping one another. Calyrex closes his eyes seemingly in thought. Once again, instead of Calyrex speaking, the strange Lil Yago spoke up in his place.]

Young child of man, I have come to humbly make a request. Will you listen to my plea?

[goingallout]

[Ash lets out a gasp when Calyrex starts speaking up. ...But for a second there he swears he hears a familiar voice instead. It's not telepathy, it didn't feel like telepathy, but he could hear it with his own two ears. Ash looks slightly puzzled but only momentarily.]

Calyrex? A king...?

[In the time Calyrex observes around, Ash aims his phone's camera at Calyrex for a second just to let Rotom pull up its dex entry upon capture. But after it chimes...]

No data about this Pokemon can be found.

[He blinks, surprised at the lack of entry for this particular Pokemon. Could it be a newly discovered species!?

Before he could think any further, Calyrex's request catches his attention instead.]

Uh, sure. What is it?

[ulternprofessor]

[In an instant there's a basket of candy that's floating directly in front of Ash. From there a single huge lolipop with colorful swirls moves, hovering as if waiting for Ash to grab a hold of it.]

First take this, as a sign of our friendship.

[Again Calyrex spoke but without moving his mouth once, let alone using any telepathy to contact with Ash. Still there's a smile upon the Pokemon's lips while patiently waiting for Ash to take the offered candy.]

[tripurragent]

Halloween, fortunately enough, isn't a holiday that Espurr is actually unfamiliar with. While Pokemon society didn't have it, and even Ryslig society, plenty of the people in Ryslig celebrated and spread it around. Being a 'monster' of some kind, Espurr's taken on for herself a rather clever way of dressing up.

Which is to say, she's going as herself, albeit with what's best described as a sports swimsuit covered in fur. Does it look silly, yes, is she loving it, also yes, of course! That's what holidays are for ultimately, and she's not about to pass up the chance!

..................................

That said, what on Ultern is she looking at.

"...Oh-" No offense to, erm, 'Lil' Yago', but he's looking a touch vacant somehow. Hard call, even with troll vision she can't really make out the eyes inside the costume. "...Are you both pokemon?"

Listen, if Mimikyu can be one, so can a large Yago fruit,

[ulternnpc]

Calyrex turned to face Espurr, with Lil Yago (although vacant) following suit. While his powers weren't as strong as they once were, they were enough for Calyrex to immediately tell the one before him wasn't human--but a Pokemon. Very peculiar, but he supposed it wasn't the oddest thing he's seen given his vast experience. Gently setting Lil Yago down, Calyrex floated closer to the new company.

"No, but he did offer me his assistance, thankfully. I have been looking for someone with a sturdy body to lend me a hand here. It has been a touch lonely without my loyal steed around." He spoke not through his own mouth, but with Lil Yago's whose entire body gave off a blue glow while floating back up in the air.

[tripurragent]

Well isn't that a nice change! If it becomes apparent, she'll say as much to dear Calyrex, but for now there's the matter of his possessed assistant. "Oh, I see! That's very interesting, if it isn't rude to say...I used to be able to speak telepathically, but I couldn't make anyone float like this..."

She might be getting a little nostalgic, actually.

[ulternnpc]

"This is but a small fraction of my powers that remain within me." Calyrex explained--once again, through Lil Yago's mouth. He does look thoughtfully, before finally choosing to speak with his own mouth given who he was talking to.

"But I suppose it isn't necessary to borrow his power here, with you. You understand what I am saying, do you not?"

He finally spoke, while gently setting Lil Yago down onto his own two feet.

[disarmingvoice]

[Calem isn't unfamiliar with the Halloween season; it's a beloved season in Laverre, even before Valerie became the gym leader. He's seen years of costumes old and new float by, and years of tradition along with it. There's something so delightful about the season, and it never fails to get Calem's creative juices flowing.

It's why when he finally manages the trek to Gilterrace Town that he finds himself utterly delighted when he sees the season in full swing, and with his eyes sparkling outside the town, he finds himself grinning.]

Well, I think it's time I start getting to work myself.

outside of gilterrace; text edition (un: 🪡 seamster of dreams)

[And so, on one of those relatively new phones he's managed to purchase here (because holocasters are useless), Calem will be sending out a message over the social media equivalent here--]

Hello, Ultern residents and drifted alike! ヾ(*'▽'*) I hope the Harvest Bonds Festival is treating you all well. I see people and Pokemon alike preparing to celebrate, and it just warms my heart to see. (๑˘︶˘๑)

So I thought that I might offer my services to all of you; my name is Calem if we have not met already, and I am a former gym trainer of Laverre City, a fashion understudy under Miss Valrie, and most importantly--a seamster! ＼（＾o＾）／ And I would like to offer my services to the people and Pokemon of Ultern to help make this season even more bright.

Please feel free to contact me if you would like to have something made. (⌒‿⌒) And feel free to bring your own materials as well if you have something specific in mind! I have quite a bit of my own, with thanks to the wonderful people of Ultern, but I have no trouble working with any material you can provide. ╰(´︶`)╯

Feel free to contact me over this device, or you can find me in a big blue tent outside of Gilterrace with any questions. (o´▽`o)ﾉ Take care now!

outside of gilterrace; action edition

[Calem is going to be busy, busy, busy for quite a while. But that's just how he likes it; something to do means that he doesn't get left alone with his own thoughts for too long. No, he can push himself fully into his work, and do so with the knowledge that he's helping others.

Of course, people aren't the only ones that he's helping; it would seem that a small menagerie of fairy types has come to start following him around whenever he goes into town to try and scour for more materials, and they've got friends. Friends that are ghostly or dark, and Calem (alongside Gourgeist, this time) seems more than amused.]

Goodness, all of you. I do only have so many hands, you know. [It's here that a more mature cadence comes out of Calem's tone, rather than the teen-like one he attempts to imitate.] Alright, alright. I'll get some nice treats for you, and I'll see what I can do to help mend those costumes of yours...

[The group seems pretty happy about that--Klefki's jingling, Pumpkaboo floating about and making happy noises, but there's a small, shy Pokemon with them who trots up. A little Mimikyu--something Calem's actually never heard of, when he gets a look a their costume...]

Oh, my...what are you, little one?

wildcard

[If you wanna find Calem at the festival itself or do anything else, feel free! I just kind of don't have the brain to write a third prompt at the moment; rest assured he'll be dressed up in an extra as fuck costume. Probably some kind of Mega Audino inspired outfit. Pokemasters hire me--]

outside Gilterrace idk what im doing but I"M DOING IT

[ulternprofessor]

[Hello there Calem there's is a surprise visitor at your tent. A strange costumed man and [1] Calyrex the only one not in a costume. The man was floating along side Calyrex, seemingly not conscious but when the Pokemon approaches Calem did he seemingly come to life giving off a bluish glow as he spoke.]

That Pokemon there is known as a Mimikyu, child of man.

we're doing it we're makin' it HAPPEN (1/2)

[disarmingvoice]

[Calem's so distracted by the little one that he winds up speaking without looking up first--that look of his is so delighted, so moved by the little creature that he sees. Are his eyes...sparkling?]

Ohh, what a darling little one! I've never seen something so mysterious and charming all the same--truly, what an amazing Pokemon to come across...!

[He starts looking up as he speaks, though--he's ready to thank the kindly person who told him this lovely species name, and truly, see if he could learn more information--]

2/2

[disarmingvoice]

[...

Oh dear Arceus above, what is this. Ironically, Calyrex gets...less staring than they would have any other day, though he does dart his gaze between the Pokemon and this...strange, strange costumed human.]

...Oh. Oh my.

[yeah he. he doesn't even try speaking like a teenager here--]

W-Well! I do appreciate the information, nevertheless--do excuse me, you've given me quite the shock there. [This fashion...it's out of this world..........] But you truly are quite knowledgeable, and I thank you for telling me such an adorable Pokemon's name. Truly, I may just have to help it...

[Mimikyu, for his part, had startled at all of the compliments; now that he looks to Calyrex, though, he seems...sad, and his ears droop? Clearly Calem was talking about how adorable Calyrex is and not him...how sad...]

But...if I may, to whom do I owe the pleasure of speaking...?

[ulternprofessor]

[Calyrex watched in his infinite patience as Calem gushed his adoration to the Mimikyu. It reminded him of his past, where the villagers in what was known as Freezington now showered him with gratitude and adoration.

Although the more he observed Calem he noticed the boy before him, wasn't quite a normal child. It seemed he had been given Xerneas' Blessings for whatever reasons. He wasn't one to judge, as he too happily did the same in the past when his powers were vast as the fields before him.

Calyrex glanced down to the Mimikyu, and to Calem before giving a light swish of his cape. However instead of speaking up himself--Lil Yago, glowing blue spoke once more.]

I am Calyrex. It is a pleasure imparting any wisdom to those who are in need of it. I am sure Mimikyu would be happy to have your assistance.

[There's a pause as Calyrex glanced between the costumed Pokemon surrounding the trainer when a sudden thought struck the Pokemon.]

Perhaps...you could lend me a hand? Once you are free of course. I do not intend to intrude upon you.

[disarmingvoice]

[Oh...Calem can't say he recognizes Calyrex at all, but his familiarity with Galar's culture and customs is quite limited. He's researched their fashion, but about nothing else...still, Calem smiles and even offers a bow to Calyrex themselves.]

Calyrex; it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is Calem, and I do look forward to helping this little one...

[He can already see several improvements to be made to the costume; Mimikyu, to it's credit, seems to perk as it realizes. Oh. It?? You talk about it???

Still, when Calyrex asks about help, Calem seems surprised--but smiles easily.]

Why, of course! [...please note that Calem hasn't one shifted to teenage tone mode--] What might I be able to assist you with?

fuck it we phone taggin (un: Tallie)

[lockedtrainer]

[ She'd been thinking it since the festival began, but... all the costumed Pokemon are really cute. It reminds her a bit of those contests back in Hoenn. She hadn't been interested at the time (or maybe just too focused on everything else going on), but now... ]

How much?

[ She sends the message before she can think to take it back. ]

HELL YEAH

[disarmingvoice]

[!!! ah, interest, he loves it--]

Oh, I couldn't positively ask for anything in exchange! Truly, I love getting the chance to work; I wouldn't mind any help with gathering material in the future if you would be willing to lend a hand, but I don't need any payment at all. (๑˃ᴗ˂)ﻭ

What sort of costume would you be thinking about for yourself? Or would you rather discuss it in person, and we could see what might suit you? (・・ ) ?

FUCK IT WE TAGGIN HELLA LATE

[lockedtrainer]

[ ... well, she's not going to argue with "free", but. ]

If you're sure.

I don't know what would suit me. But maybe something cute for Skye?

[ Skye being the Castform in the picture she sends over. There's a very awkward "middle aged man taking a selfie" energy from said picture, but at least she and the Pokemon are visible? ]

HEY THAT MAKES TWO OF US

[disarmingvoice]

[...OH NO, THAT'S SO CUTE...Calem will very thankfully not comment on the angle, but ah. The youth. Or at least the ones who don't know how to operate their phones...]

What an adorable little partner you have! (￣ω￣) I think I can whip up something for her very nicely. It likely won't be too large of one, since it might bog her down a bit, but...

Would any of these strike her fancy?

[Tallie will get a picture of a sketchbook with a couple different designs! They're very well drawn, but there's a few adorable things to choose from--a cute little Diancie inspired costume, a little Pumpkaboo dress of sorts, even something that looks like a little Litleo inspired, more cutesy costume, to name a few.

The angle doesn't catch it entirely but Tallie might be able to spot a few designs in progress for herself, too, though they seem on the elegant side and might only be a sleeve or hands.]

wildcard!!!

[goingallout]

[Ash didn't expect that there would be a festival going on upon arriving Gilterrace, but the sight of people and their Pokemon all dressed up in costumes intrigued him. It reminded him of a festival that's similar to this one back in Kalos, and that was pretty fun. So hey, why not join in the fun in this one too?

First things first, he needs to find a place that offers costumes for him and his Pikachu. And as he wonders around town, he spots Calem and his eye-catching costume. Heck, maybe this guy might know where to get one? Ash quickly approaches him to ask.]

Excuse me! That's a neat costume you got there! D'you know where my buddy and I can get one too?

[disarmingvoice]

[What a lovely festival. Calem has always loved the season due to the colorfulness and beauty it brings out in everyone, and a chance to flex his skills, but goodness. It's wonderful out here.

...He'll almost certainly have to spend some time cleaning this white suit and all of it's fluffy details once he's done, but it's while he's contemplating going into the heart of the celebration a little more that he hears someone speak up, and he looks over with a smile. Someone not dressed up for the festivities, but...oh!]

Oh, hey, and thanks; I actually made this one myself! [Still, even mid festivities, Calem looks over Ash and Pikachu quickly...and nods his head.] Well, what exactly are you looking to dress up as? The festival is still young, after all.

[goingallout]

Woah, really?

[Ash takes another look at Calem's costume, taking in the details. Although he doesn't exactly have good judgement on how it's stitched and all, he is definitely impressed by the fact that Calem made his with his own two hands. Now that's skill!]

Cool! You're really good at it!

[But when asked what he wanted to dress up as, that got Ash to pause, followed by him cupping his chin in thought.]

Oh, hmmm... I haven't thought about it yet. [He then glances at his Pikachu.] Got any ideas Pikachu?

Pikaa...

[He then starts moving his head around, as if he's searching for something. What exactly does he want to dress up as for today...?]

[disarmingvoice]

[Oh no, cute...Calem can't help but grin a little bit, at that. He certainly takes pride in what he does, after all!]

Thank you! I really do appreciate it.

[The duo's contemplation gets a pause from Calem as he considers something...but, well, there's still plenty of time--he's used to working on a crunch, sometimes.]

Well...I imagine that a duo like you two must want to dress in a matching theme, perhaps? Something the both of you can feel connected in. [Hmm!] Perhaps that would be a good start; if we can find something inspirational, I would be happy to make a costume for you.

[goingallout]

TREAT
[At the buffet table, both Ash and his Pikachu could be seen happily scarfing down on the food on there. From Turnbloom Crepes to Sugar Doughnuts to freshly-baked pumpkin pies, this is possibly the best part of the festival for Ash. Food makes everything better after all!

He then spots you, probably just standing there watching. And immediately he just waves and gestures you to come closer.]

Ulsai! You should try this! The food's awesome!

---

TRICK
[Wanting his Pokemon to enjoy the festival too, he lets them out of their Pokeballs and have them stretch their legs and play with all the other Pokemon nearby. One particular Pokemon of Ash's that seems to be feeling very playful right now is his Gengar. And figures now is a good time to pull a little prank just for funsies.

With his victim (you) in sight, Gengar slinks into the shadows and keeps quiet. You may notice everything around you has gone cold for a moment, but once you are alone, Gengar takes this opportunity to strike and pops out making a scary face at you.]

Gen-gero-geeeh!!!

[gold_drum]

Option A

After receiving a costume from Calem, Gold's been overjoyed. He put it on early in the morning and spent a good amount of time just twirling and watching the cape swish and swoosh around. And now he's arrived in Gilterrace Town, ready to join in on the fun, and keeping an eye out for Professor Banyan and his weird costume. Hopefully he hasn't gotten possessed by any weird cabbage-headed deer or anything

"Trick or treat!" Gold announces with a grin as he runs up to you, the first person that caught his eye, hand extended with a cupped palm. "That means gimme candy please!! Or I'll trick you!"

Option B

Gold insisted on helping set up the festival, so he's been tasked with placing small decorations. However, a small group of Ulternian Murkrows, which look about the same as a regular Murkrow but with a more witch-like hat, have swarmed him, attracted to his hat. 'Friend!' they think. Gold's less enthused about them.

"Get off me!" he tells the two currently perched on his arm as he's trying to hang up a Golbat-shaped decoration. "I'm trying to work here!"

The Murkrows just caw cheerfully in response.