farawayplace | [MINI EVENT] ☆T A N A B A T A☆

Those from the four regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn and Sinnoh will be very familiar with the sight of bamboo stalks that are left outside decorated with colorful and sparkly paper decorations. There are people gathering around, helping one another put up paper amulet of varying colors to tie around the bamboo branches. On each amulet is a single wish that’s been handwritten by someone.

One can only hope that their wish will be heard…

At night, there’s a surprise to be found: an alternate colored Jirachi is out dressed in what’s clearly a handmade costume. Around its neck, is a colorful paper chain made of sparkly origami paper.

Not only has Jirachi come to grant wishes, Miniors are out and about bright and colorful. They’ll be dancing around seemingly trying to invite people to come join them in the festivities.

((OOC: Happy Tanabata! In the morning is a general mingle post. But as the evening sets in and Jirachi appears, it will start granting the wish written on your amulet whether big or small -- wealth, a long life, or maybe a way to return home. You're free to catch Miniors too, and there's a slightly better chance of encountering a shiny one as well. Just be careful of the ones still in their shell or you might just get a rather explosive surprise...

This event can take place at any town, so feel free to specify a location!))

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Volo gave a sad but grateful smile in response to Lillie and Snowy's offers of comfort, and leaned down to gently pat Snowy's head. Dealing with life's sadnesses was never easy, but it was nice to be here, amongst people, amongst new friends, rather than going through everything alone...

It looked like there was some hope too! The thought of catching the Minior hadn't occurred to him, but...of course, why not, if they were Pokémon?

"So...I could catch one, too!? I would offer to catch more than one, but..." Volo paused to watch the Minior again, as though he was trying to count them. "I don't think I could take care of that many...but I could certainly catch one, at least!"

Volo's smile wavered as he began to think through the practicalities, though his brow remained creased with determination.

"Ah, but I have no spare Poké Balls, and I have never even used the modern ones. But I am quite determined to help, so I must get some and learn!"

"Oh! It's fortunately, very easy, once you have one, you just aim, and toss! ... oh, but tossing them might be a little more challenging, I've hit a friend accidentally trying to throw one..."

That was embarrassing... but, nevertheless!

They did order a bunch of pokeballs earlier, Lillie checked her bag to see if she still had any left on her...

"Here!"

It looked very small in the palm of her hand. "You press this button to return it to full size."

Just like that, with a light tap of the button, the ball expanded to easily fill her palm. She passed it to Volo. "Aim and throw."

"That should be doable! Doesn't sound very different from the ones I'm used to. Aim and throw, just the same! I wasn't too bad at it, if I do say so myself..."

Famous last words?

Volo's hand was shaking a little as he took the ball from Lillie with a small bow. It was the same size as the ones he carried, more or less, but it felt different in his hand. A bit lighter, maybe? The texture was smooth, nothing like rough Apricorn wood. It felt like it might fly faster and further than the standard Poké Balls he'd come to know in Hisui, and if so, that might affect his throw. But he would give it his best shot!

There were some Minior hovering around near the waterline further down the beach. Volo nodded in their direction and rolled his shoulders determinedly, like he was warming up for a fight.

"Let us go and get a Minior!"

He smiled brightly, but in the back of his mind, he was already thinking about how he could only choose one, and by doing so, he would be abandoning the others to their fate. Once again, he had to accept that he couldn't save the whole world; he would try not to think of it that way.

To save one might condemn others to death, but to stand still is to doom them all. One can only do what is within their power.

"I'll leave it to you!"

Lillie watched, hopefully.

Volo's gaze settled upon a green Minior. It seemed unfair to choose one just for its colour, but he had to choose one somehow, and green happened to be his favourite.

Back in Hisui, Volo's usual capture technique was to aim for a Pokémon's back. Sneaky, some might have called it...but it usually resulted in a quick and successful catch, with no need for a battle. It was important to conserve your Pokémon's energy, after all. Maybe not so essential here, but even so, Volo would stick to what he knew.

Volo crouched down low, hoping that might help him avoid being seen, even though there was nothing to hide behind. Clutching the ball, he waited until the green Minior had spun around in the air, so that its back was turned. Then he made his throw - probably with more force than was needed, given the lighter weight of the modern Poké Ball, but it seemed to find its target perfectly.

Volo held his breath as the ball fell to the ground, landing heavily in the sand. The other Minior nearby scattered, perhaps to avoid a similar fate, though Volo wondered why. Would they rather perish than be caught?

Worried that the Poké Ball might get swept up in a wave and pulled out to sea, Volo rushed to grab it. It rattled in his hands for a few more seconds and then fell still. The red light on the front of the ball - a feature that Volo had never seen before - went out at the same time.

"I suppose that means it's done...?"

Lillie watched in confusion at Volo’s rather sneaky approach. My, it was like watching Snowy creep along with her nose to the ground, before pouncing!

“Good job, Mr. Volo!” Lillie congratulated him, in a manner that was quite genuine, not saccharine. “You even hit your mark on the first try!”

Maybe that wasn’t such an accomplishment to other people (other than, perhaps, X), but Lillie was a very poor shot!

Volo automatically smiled at Lillie's compliment, as it seemed heartfelt - and he couldn't deny it!

"Thank you, Miss Lillie! I don't claim to have many talents, but I do have a sound aim with a Poké Ball." He thought fondly of his Coinpur, left sleeping on his bed at the Pokémon Centre as he hadn't wanted to disturb her. "Seems I'm building up a collection here in Ultern! I should take it easy, I suppose...but this one felt very meaningful. I'm glad I could save even just one Minior."

It would be tough if he got drifted back to Hisui with a lot of extra mouths to feed, so he should probably be careful about adopting or catching too many Pokémon. But he didn't want to think about that for now.

"I'm glad you could too! Thank you... it seems you've become quite the hero here in Ultern," Lillie said with a smile. "Perhaps... if my mother were here, she'd design a uniform for you!"

Although she said it with a smile, her voice wavered towards the end.

He could be an honourary Ultra Guardian! Well, they're not dealing with Ultra Beasts, but...

"Thank you for all your help, Mr. Volo."

"Ah...! A...h-hero?" Volo's smile widened so much that his face could barely seem to contain it. He let out a high-pitched, excited laugh. "Oh. That's very kind of you, Miss Lillie, though I don't think I've earned that title just yet! I'm merely glad to help. And I could never have done it without your explanations, not to mention the Poké Ball you donated to me."

Clutching the ball in both hands, Volo gave Lillie a small bow.

"Enjoy your Tanabata celebrations! I shall continue to be at your service!"

Aww, he looked so happy! Lillie couldn't help mirroring his smile, even if his wide smile surely outshone hers!

"Thank you! You too, Mr. Volo!" she waved happily.

Snowy barked her own farewells, waving her tails.

[MINI EVENT] ☆T A N A B A T A☆

[ CW: death ]

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[ there he goes... ]

[happy trails, Volo!]