The Festival of Cameran
It's been a hot second since I posted anything, so please bear with me if my writing isn't up to the same level as before. I've had this one brewing for a while, so I'm posting it in an attempt to push past some writer's block and perfectionistic tendencies. More importantly, though, this fic is dedicated to my good friend, EnchantedMyth, who I've had the pleasure of meeting through the FanFiction & Pokéhispping communities. Not only is she a talented artist, but she's continued to be one of the best hype women when it comes to my writing.
Everywhere she looked, the town was packed with people, rushing around in excitement from one market stand to another. Like her, they were dressed in clothing appropriate for the times when Sir Aaron and his loyal Lucario served the kingdom. From where they were standing, the Cameran castle sat high above the town. If she turned around, she could just make out the Tree of Life.
Her mouth watered with the smells of sweet treats and fresh food that permeated the air. Music echoed from the alleyways, and vendors called from their stands, offering deals of a lifetime for their wares in honor of this special festival. Garlands filled with roses and streamers lined with the crest of the kingdom of Cameran were strewn across every home and walkway. Fairy lights crisscrossed across the streets in preparation for the celebrations that would continue long after the sun had set.
"Get your famous Cameran pastries here," a vendor called out.
Another leaned close to Ash, extending a single rose. "How about a beautiful rose for the beautiful lady?"
Before he could answer, Misty dragged Ash further into the bustling crowd. Her hand was clammy against his skin after having spent most of the morning being warmed by the early morning sun. Then again, it could be the tight-fitting corset dress she wore in honor of the festival. It wasn't so tight that she couldn't breathe, but the multiple layers felt much heavier than the beachwear she was used to.
"Are you hungry?" Ash asked, practically yelling to be heard. He was dressed in his festival wear, a spitting image of the legendary Sir Aaron. Pikachu watched from the safety atop his hat. "Or, if you want, we can walk around some more."
Her response was vague, too distracted by the sights and sounds around her. The sights and sounds were overwhelming, even having come from a congested city herself. Everywhere she looked, there was something new but she couldn't just stand in the middle of the street without getting knocked around. "Are you hungry?
Ash shrugged. Then, right on cue, his stomach rumbled. "I could eat…"
Misty rolled her eyes. Ash was always hungry. Why had she bothered asking?
"Alright then, let's grab something to eat." Without waiting for his approval, she grabbed his arm and navigated them through the crowd. "There has to be somewhere we can actually sit down."
The tavern she found was a little way out from the center of town, only a couple of feet from a marbled fountain depicting a finneon shooting water from its mouth. Stone benches surrounded the fountain, a few of them occupied by people who, like them, had taken advantage of the quieter space. They no longer needed to remain connected for fear of being separated by the crowd, but Ash still stayed close. A sign outside the door instructed them to seat themselves, so they chose a booth near the back, taking a seat across from each other.
From her seat, Misty had a clear view of what she imagined was a makeshift dancefloor in the center of the tavern. Tables and chairs had been stacked off to the side, and a band was setting up. A fiddle mixed with something that looked like a flute and a guitar were amongst the instruments held by the various band members. She didn't recognize the others, but they reminded her of a time when kings and queens ruled.
"I wonder what's going on…" Misty muttered. Ash was nose down in his menu, so he didn't hear her at first. Misty didn't mind, though. She was mostly talking out loud anyway.
"Welcome!" their waitress greeted them. She was dressed in a red dress that matched the aesthetic of the outfit Misty had picked out for the festival. "Is this your first time attending the festival?"
"It is for me," Misty answered. When Ash still didn't look up, she lightly kicked him with her foot. He glanced up, finally noticing their waitress's arrival.
The young woman's face immediately lit up in recognition. "Oh! Why if it isn't our reigning champion? Are you ready for your big battle tomorrow? You're certainly dressed for it."
Ash beamed, puffing out his chest. "Of course! I look forward to being your Aura Guardian again." Misty scoffed, before glancing down at her menu, hoping to hide her annoyance.
"I can't wait to watch your battle tomorrow. I'll be rooting for you" The waitress giggled, her cheeks flushing red as if she'd been caught starting. "Wait until my friends hear that I've met the Aura Guardian. You're much more handsome in person." Misty gripped the menu tighter, trying not to let her emotions show. The woman was probably only flirting in hopes it would get her a bigger tip from them. On the other hand, if Ash's head expanded anymore, it would pop like a balloon from all the overinflation of his ego. "Probably one of the most good-looking guardians I've seen."
Misty shrugged. "I've seen better."
The waitress frowned. "Oh, I see." She took a moment to regain her composure before launching into the day's specials. "Now, what can I get the two of you?"
When the waitress walked away, Ash instantly deflated, glaring back at her. "Did you have to be so mean?"
"I'm sorry, are you upset that I wasn't fanning over you like everyone else, Mr. Aura Guardian?" Misty leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table and her head in her hands. "In case you've forgotten, you haven't even won yet. Don't you think you're getting a little ahead of yourself?"
He folded his arms across his chest and turned to look away from her. "Confidence isn't a bad thing, you know?"
Misty brushed him off, waving her hand in the air. "Confidence has never been a problem for you. It's over-confidence that's always your problem."
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever."
Upon exiting the tavern, their bellies full and drinks leaving them a little looser than before, they strolled back through the streets and toward the center of town. The sun had nearly set, so the lights that were strung between buildings glowed brightly to illuminate their path.
The space previously crammed with people was now blocked off by four wooden poles, each placed on a corner of the square. More lights and decorations were strewn between them, illuminating the giant Cameran crest painted in the center of the square. The same group of musicians from earlier was set up nearby, the players warming up their instruments in preparation for something.
"What do you think's going on here?" Misty asked.
Ash shrugged. "No idea. Maybe a concert or something?"
A concert? That felt a little too modern for this festival.
Noticing their arrival, one of the musicians leaned forward and asked, "Are you new to town?" When Ash nodded, the musician's face broke into a grin. "Perfect timing! We're about to begin the evening portion of our celebration. Now that you've spent your day shopping and exploring the town, it's time for the dancing."
Dancing? Misty's eyes went wide as Ash's face flushed red. He nervously scratched the back of his neck as he scanned the area. "Uh…Dancing? What kind of dancing?"
The musician roared with laughter. "Don't look so nervous. It's just some traditional Cameran dances. All in good fun."
Just as he said this, the band switched from warming up to playing one of their songs. The music started slow as people made their way toward the center, linking hands as they formed a ring. A few people stood on the edges of the square to watch, but they were mostly older or otherwise occupied.
Misty turned to face Ash, extending her hand in offering. Her heart raced in excitement as butterfrees fluttered in her stomach. "C'mon, Ash. Let's dance!"
Ash looked down at her hand as if he'd never seen anything like it before. "I don't know, Mist…" Misty tried not to show her disappointment too much. Even though she knew deep down he was likely to say no, a small part of her had held on to the sliver of a chance he'd say yes. "I don't want to ruin your fun, though, so go on without me, okay?"
"You sure?" she asked.
"Yeah, I'm sure," he told her. But his eyes had drifted past her and to a row of shops they'd passed earlier, offering everything from special treats to festival-themed trinkets. "Besides, I wanna grab something from the stall over there before they sell out. Sometimes smells really good."
Misty rolled her eyes. "Really? We just ate."
Ash shrugged as if to ask her what he was supposed to do about it. She could practically hear him reminding her how was a growing boy whose metabolism burned stronger than Charizard's flame. Sure, maybe as a teenager. But twenty-year-old Ashe Ketchum was just a glutton.
Misty sighed. "Alright fine. Whatever."
She'd come here to hang out with him. The least he could do was join in the festivities with her, but, as he said, she wouldn't let him ruin this for her. Misty rushed forward, throwing caution to the wind. She knew she'd never get to be a real princess or one of those maidens from the stories she loved to read, but if she could pretend for the evening, she'd be content.
It didn't take long before Misty picked up on the movements of the dance. Her feet seemed to glide across the pavement as they moved in time to the jig. From the sidelines, Ash leaned against a pillar, enjoying the treats he'd purchased from his short shopping trip as he watched Misty. It was easy to follow her movements, her red hair easily giving her away. It was long enough that she was able to pull it back in an intricate braid that fell to the middle of her back. In the sections where her strands of hair overlapped, she'd placed decorative flowers. She held her dark green dress with one hand and used her other arm to interlock her elbow as she twirled around the square, switching partners every few seconds.
A sense of calm pooled through his veins as he watched her. In the moments when she caught his eye, she smiled back at him before beckoning him to join her. She'd never been a dancer, but he hadn't seen her look so free in a long time. He could be out there with her, sharing in her joy, but the last thing he wanted to do was make a fool of himself. It was better he stood on the sidelines and let her enjoy her moment. When he waved her off, she pushed her lips into a pout. It nearly tempted him, but it would quickly bounce back into a smile that radiated pure bliss. And, as she occasionally passed by, he caught snippets of her laughter before she was pulled away once more.
Others like him kept their distance from the dancers, but they clapped along and stomped their feet in time with the beat as they cheered on those brave enough to participate in this tradition.
His gaze was so focused on Misty, that he didn't notice the young woman rushing up to him. "It's the guardian!" she called to her friend. She suddenly grabbed his arm and yanked, throwing him off balance. He tried to regain his footing, but she and her friend were too strong.
Pikachu leaped off his hat, escaping to freedom on a nearby bench. Ash didn't miss the small snicker his so-called partner let out as Ash stumbled forward and into the crowd of dancers. He glared back, but that only made Pikachu laugh harder.
He desperately tried to escape, but every time he saw a slip of freedom, he was swept back up again. It didn't help that all he could do was fumble around, tripping over his feet, but the other dancers didn't seem to mind. As the tempo of the music quickened, so did the speed of the dancers as they passed him around.
Anymore twirling and being thrown around and he was going to be sick.
When the opportunity presented itself again, Misty looked for Ash on the sidelines, but when she didn't see him, she grew concerned. Then, she caught a glimpse of him in the outer ring, moving in the opposite direction of her.
"Ash!" she called when their movements placed them within inches of each other.
"Misty!" he called back, his face lighting up with relief. "Save me!"
Misty reached forward to catch him, but it was too late as Ash was pulled into the middle ring by an overzealous villager. She did feel bad for him, but she couldn't help but laugh as he was pulled back into the celebration. It seemed everyone was eager to dance with the famous guardian.
The two continued to pass each other like ships in the night. Instinctively, she reached for him each time, but he was always just out of her grasp.
She could tell when he stopped reaching for her that he had given up and accepted his fate. Now that he wasn't fighting to break free, his limbs grew looser and he more easily glided from one movement to the next. His dancing was still a little clumsy at times, but Misty had to admit he wasn't that bad of a dancer.
As the band transitioned into a new song, Misty was pushed outward and into the center of the square where she collided with someone behind her.
As if the other dancers had conspired together, she turned to face Ash in the center of the square. Three rings of villagers surround them, all having paused to watch what the two of them would do next.
She wasn't going to let him escape this time.
Reaching forward, she interlaced their hands and swayed them back and forth. Her feet modeled the movements she'd learned from the villagers only moments before. Ash carefully observed her movements before attempting to mimic them on his own. As he grew more comfortable, she slowly guided them around the circle, keeping their hands interlocked.
Once they started moving, the other dancers joined while those on the sidelines continued to clap their hands and stomp their feet. The three circles alternated between dancing inward, still circling the center. While others switched partners around them, she and Ash remained in the center, trying their best to not make a fool of themselves.
The music took an abrupt shift, picking up pace as the fiddle broke into a quick rhythm. Misty hastened their movements to keep up, but the music was moving too fast. She stumbled slightly, but Ash caught her by the waist, steadying her before she could fall. A laugh bubbled up from her chest, half exhilaration, half embarrassment, but before she could say anything, Ash spun her in time with the shifting beat.
The other dancers followed suit, the circles widening as pairs broke into rapid turns, skirts flaring, and boots pounding against the ground. The fiddle played wildly, and the rhythm pulsed through Misty's veins, urging her forward, even as she struggled to match the quick steps.
"You're doing great!" Ash called over the music, grinning.
Misty huffed out a breathless laugh. "You're a terrible liar!"
Still, she let herself get lost in the dance, letting the momentum of the music guide her feet. The heat of the moment, the whirl of color and movement around her, the sound of laughter mixing with the melody—it was intoxicating. She and Ash twirled again, their hands clasping tightly, spinning faster until the world blurred.
Then, just as suddenly as it had picked up, the music halted on a final, drawn-out note. The dancers stopped in place, breathing hard, grins plastered across their faces. Then, suddenly, they broke into a round of applause and cheers.
Misty leaned forward, her heart pounding, her cheeks flushed. Their hands were still clasped together, and Ash's own breathing was just as unsteady. Their eyes met, and for a brief moment, everything else faded.
Neither of them moved.
Ash's gaze flickered down to her lips, just for a second, but she caught it. A shiver ran through her, her pulse pounding in her ears.
Did he…?This was the last thing she would ever have expected, but then she wasn't sure who leaned in first, as the space between them shrank, almost unconsciously.
A voice cut through the moment like a knife. "Look! In the sky!"
Misty jolted, stepping back as reality came rushing in. Ash blinked, as if shaking himself awake, before running a hand through his slightly disheveled hair. She opened her mouth to say something - anything- to skip past the awkwardness of what had almost happened between them, but then a flickering light drew her attention away from Ash's face.
Yards away from the castle, hundreds of blue, pink, purple, and white paper lanterns drifted through the sky, lighting the town below in a soft, torchlight flow. As if taken from thin air, the people around them pulled out their own versions.
Misty scanned the area in awe as the lanterns around her burst forth with light from the tiny candle inside. The lanterns lifted into the sky, carried up and away by the night breeze.
It was the most beautiful and magical thing she'd ever seen. She'd even go as far as to call it romantic. She needed to be a part of it.
"We have to find one!" she told Ash.
"But Misty wait! I have - " Ash cried, but before he could stop her, she grabbed his arm, yanking him along in her search as they stopped at each nearby shop.
To her dismay, the stores had completely sold out of lanterns, and nobody seemed to have any extra to share. When her search had come to an end without any results, she resigned herself to sitting on a bench. If she couldn't participate, she could at least continue to take in the beauty of the lanterns drifting across the sky.
Ash watched her with a furrowed brow. Down by their feet, Pikachu watched, equally concerned. "You okay?"
Misty sighed, pulling her legs inward so she could wrap her arms around them. "Yeah. I just wish I'd known about the lanterns earlier." Ash snickered and leaned back against the bench. Misty narrowed her eyes. "What's so funny?"
Ash's face broke into a satisfied smirk. "Oh, nothing. If only your best friend had bought some earlier because he knew how much you'd enjoy something like this."
Misty's eyes grew wide and a warm pool of mush settled in her stomach. She wasn't going to get her hopes up, but…"Did you…?"
Ash grinned, pulling out two unopened lanterns. "I did. Being the Aura Guardian has its perks, you know."
Misty let out something between a shriek and a gasp, flinging herself forward to grip Ash into a tight hug. Her body tingled and vibrated as if she'd been struck by a lightning bolt of happiness. She could even feel her facial muscles straining from the force of the smile on her face.
Within seconds, the candles on their lanterns were lit, the glow reflecting off their faces and casting them into an eerie blue light.
"You're supposed to make a wish before letting them go," Ash told her. "They say the further your lantern travels, the more likely your wish will come true."
She didn't even know how one could measure that, but it sounded nice in theory. "Then I hope yours travels further than you ever have."
A warm blush tinted Ash's cheeks as he turned to look at her. Half his face was cast in shadow, the other illuminated by candlelight that made his brown eyes look even darker. When she closed her eyes, she settled her mind on the one wish she'd held since she was a child. A mantra she'd repeated to herself every time she longed to escape the confines of the gym and explore the world once more.
Finally, she opened her eyes and together they raised their lanterns high above them, letting a gust of wind pull them up and away to adventures unknown.