The game ends here.
Before leaving, Ramos suddenly turned his head, narrowed his eyes and said with a smile:
"By the way, young people, if you are not in a hurry, you might as well stop here temporarily. Tomorrow we will hold the annual Coumarine Festival, which is very lively."
"Coumarine City also has a celebration? What is the content of the celebration?"
Dawn asked curiously.
This reminded her of Twinleaf Festival, which was also held in her hometown Twinleaf Town.
The fragrant takoyaki at the night market and the impromptu Pokémon battle among the crowd.
And the dazzling fireworks that exploded in the deep night sky that night.
"Is there a battle? One where many people participate."
Ash still speaks steadily.
"Is there any Mega Stone as a prize? It would be better if it is Chesnaught."
Little Blondie follows in the footsteps of Ash.
But there was no calmness about fighting in his eyes, only intense Mega Stone Covet.
"Hey, I feel like you guys are thinking too much."
Sanpei finally couldn't help but complain.
A battle brain and a fortune brain.
Is there no normal person?
"Hahaha, we don't pay that much attention to it, it's just a warm little moment between the trainer and Pokémon."
Ramos laughed heartily and patiently explained:
"It is said that a long time ago, a trainer brought his Pokémon to Coumarine City. He was deeply attracted by it and decided to settle here."
"Then, this trainer gave his Pokémon a plant one day as a thank you gift for the latter's constant companionship with him."
"Many years later, that humble little plant has now grown into the tallest and most majestic tree Coumarine City, which we call Pledging Tree!"
"Wow..."
Everyone exclaimed in unison.
Although the plot of the story is simple and does not have a magnificent epic feel, it carries the simplest and most sincere friendship between one person and one pet.
"Where is that Pledging Tree tree now?"
Serena clasped his hands on his chest, his long flaxen hair fluttering gently in the evening breeze, and his eyes occasionally glanced at Ash, who was holding Pikachu next to him.
Ramos smiled loudly and pointed to the distance:
"Well, there it is!"
Everyone looked in the direction pointed by Ramos.
On the top of the mountain, a towering giant tree stood majestically, and its lush crown seemed to open up the entire sky.
"Since this legend spread, Coumarine City has become a tradition."
"On specific days, trainers will gather under the Pledging Tree, decorate the Present they carefully prepared on the branches, wait until night falls, and then personally give it to their Pokémon."
"This is not only a Present, but also a conveyance of heart, symbolizing the deepening of the bond."
"So romantic!"
Dawn, Serena and Bonnie all the girls couldn't help but hold their hearts in their hands.
Naturally, they don't want to miss such an event. After all, this is a meaningful experience for any trainer who values their relationship with Pokémon.
Especially Serena, she could not help but imagine in her mind the scene of her and Ash giving each other Present under the giant tree, smiling at each other.
Only Ash scratched the back of his head in confusion and whispered:
"It's not romantic, it's just a big tree, but it looks like a very good battle location!"
Pikachu heard this and helplessly held his forehead with his little paws.
"Pikapi..." (This idiot is hopeless...)
The festival was like a cheerful wind, blowing all over Coumarine City and touching the hearts of the young trainers.
Early the next morning, the whole city seemed to be enveloped in a unique sweet and busy atmosphere before the festival.
In the early morning, the sun shines through the window of the Pokémon Center guest room.
Dawn has woken up and is sitting by the bed, carefully combing the feathers on Piplup's body with a small comb.
"Boga~"
Piplup squinted his eyes comfortably, spread his little wings slightly, enjoying the caress from his trainer, and hummed with satisfaction from time to time.
"What should Present prepare for Piplup today?"
Dawn whispered to himself, frowning slightly, looking a little distressed.
This is the first time she has given Piplup Present.
At this time, there was a gentle knock on the door.
Dawn opened the door and saw Xiaoyun standing outside the door, holding two steaming breakfasts in his hands.
"Good morning,"
Xiaoyun's voice is refreshing and uniquely gentle in the morning.
"I guess you might be upset about Present. Eat something first and let's think about it together."
The boyfriend's thoughtfulness made Dawn feel warm in his heart, and a sweet smile bloomed on his face:
"Well, you still understand me."
The two sat down at the small table by the window, enjoying a simple breakfast and discussing, outlining a warm and quiet atmosphere.
Piplup and Shaymin also gathered together and discussed their own holidays.
"I'm thinking, it's not just Pokémon,"
Xiaoyun put down the milk cup in his hand and looked at Dawn with a smile:
"Should we... should also prepare a Present for each other? To commemorate this special day we spent together."
Dawn was stunned for a moment, then two red clouds flew up on his face, and he responded:
"Hmm... that's what I was thinking too."
At the same time, in Pokémon Center's lobby, Serena was worrying about a pile of colorful fabrics and decorative materials.
She wants to make a unique scarf for Braixen.
I also want to... prepare a small Present for Ash. This idea makes her both nervous and looking forward to it.
"What's wrong, Serena? Did you encounter any problems?"
Ash A voice full of Hustle sounded behind her, and Pikachu on her shoulder also looked over curiously.
Serena was startled and subconsciously wanted to block the girlish-looking materials on the table with his hands.
"No, it's nothing!"
She said hurriedly, her heart beating rapidly, "I was just thinking of doing something for Braixen..."
Ash grinned, showing his signature, sunny and infectious smile:
"As long as Serena prepares it carefully, Braixen will definitely like it very much!
"Just like me and Pikachu, no matter what I give, even if it's just an ordinary stone on the roadside, Pikachu will be very happy."
"Right, Pikachu?"
"Pickup..."
Pikachu His eyes instantly became unkind, and his cheeks began to emit weak electricity Ember.
That's what I said, but you kid really doesn't want to give me a broken stone!
Feeling the familiar threat of electricity coming from behind, Ash quickly reacted and waved his hand to remedy the situation:
"But, then again, you have to choose Present. How can a mere stone be worthy of our indestructible friendship."
"Pikachu You think so?"
"Pickup."
Pikachu then nodded with satisfaction.
I guess your reaction is quick!
Serena Looking at this familiar and reassuring scene, the previous tension was slightly relieved.
She mustered up her courage and said tentatively:
"Then...Ash, can you accompany me to the shopping street later? I can't take too much by myself..."
Ash readily agreed to this request without any hesitation:
"Of course! I'm also going to buy Pokémon snacks for Pikachu and the others to eat at the festival! I heard that Coumarine City has a special waffle that tastes great!"
Ash does not have the girlish thoughts hidden in the words of Frisk to Serena, but this pure refreshing still makes Serena feel happy.
"Thank you, Ash!"
The girl bent her eyes and smiled brightly.
Coumarine City's commercial street is particularly lively today, with lights and colorful decorations everywhere and stalls lined up everywhere.
The air is mixed with the sweet smell of candy, scones and various Pokémon snacks.
The colorful lanterns have been hung up and will be lit when night falls.
Xiaoyun and Dawn walked side by side on the bustling street.
Dawn's eyes were quickly attracted by a blue ribbon in the window of an exquisite shop.
The ribbon was made of silk, the color was like the deepest and purest ocean, and the top was cleverly dotted with a small, drop-shaped transparent gemstone, like a solidified dewdrop.
"So beautiful..."
Dawn couldn't help but stop, with a look of love in his eyes.
"It suits you very well. Do you want to try it?" Xiaoyun said from the side.
Dawn nodded, then shook his head slightly. "Forget it, it's more important to choose Present for Pokémons first."
Not allowing Xiaoyun to refuse, she pulled Xiaoyun towards a store that specialized in selling Pokémon jewelry.
Xiaoyun smiled and didn't say much. While Dawn was concentrating on choosing Present for Piplup, he quietly returned to the boutique and bought the blue ribbon.
This subtle movement was noticed by Clemont who happened to be passing by and Bonnie who was eating a candy apple.
"Brother, look! Xiaoyun, brother is so attentive!"
Bonnie excitedly pulled the corner of Clemont's clothes and whispered, his eyes bright and full of excitement of discovering the secret.
Clemont still pushed up his iconic glasses, a rational white light flashed on the lenses, and he Analytic said seriously:
"According to my observation, this is a typical surprise strategy aimed at improving intimacy. The investment cost is moderate, but the emotional return is expected to be high, which is very wise..."
"Brother, it's true!"
Bonnie pouted and interrupted him dissatisfiedly,
"You have to feel this kind of thing carefully. It's because my brother is always so nagging that he can never find a girlfriend!"
Click!
As if struck by an invisible Flash, Clemont was instantly petrified. He squatted silently on the street corner and drew circles on the ground with his fingers.
"What, why do you say that..."
In another traditional craft fabric store, it was a different scene.
Serena carefully compared the texture, color and thickness of different fabrics, and from time to time picked up a piece and made gestures with Pikachu on Ash's shoulders.
"Ash, what do you think of this bright yellow velvet? Is it too close to the coat color of Pikachu? Or is this orange better?"
Serena picked up two pieces of fabric and asked Ash for his opinion.
Ash looked at the almost identical colors in front of him, with a typical confused expression on his face when facing a blind spot in knowledge:
"Uh... I think everything is fine."
To be honest, he is really not very good at the texture and matching of these fabrics. It feels more difficult than memorizing the attribute restraint table.
The Pikachu on the shoulder also imitated the behavior of Ash and spread its hands helplessly.
This is not its domain either.
"Ash is still Ash after all."
Serena looked at his dumbfounded look and couldn't help but burst into laughter. The previous nervousness and anxiety turned into a helpless and doting smile.
"It doesn't matter, then choose this orange one, it looks warmer."
Just when they were about to check out, at the corner of the shopping street, they unexpectedly encountered Xiaoyun and Dawn, which they had just finished purchasing.
Dawn held a small packaged box in his hand, with a Harvest smile on his face.
"It seems that everyone is Harvest rich."
Serena smiled and said hello, his eyes casually glanced at the hands of Xiaoyun and Dawn that were naturally held together, and a trace of envy flashed in his heart.
"Yes, the festival is really exciting."
Dawn responded happily, shaking the box in his hand. "I bought a great Present for Piplup!"
At this time, Ash's attention was immediately attracted by a shooting booth with flashing lights on the street.
"Wow! Look at that gun, it looks like Charizard! Do you want to play with it?"
This typical "Ash" proposal made everyone laugh.
Barry appeared out of nowhere and said loudly, "Shooting? It's such a waste of time. It's just for children."
But as soon as Barry finished speaking, he glanced at the stall, changed the subject, and immediately changed his tune.
"However, if it is a festival event, it is not impossible to relax a little!"
"Hey~, I really can't do anything about you."
Facing the friend's request, Xiaoyun had no choice but to agree.
So a few big boys were busy enjoying the leisurely afternoon before the festival started.
Clemont calmly speculated. "According to my calculations, the ballistic trajectory of this game will deviate by 0.5 degrees due to wind speed..."
"Brother started to say difficult words again."
Bonnie hugged Dedenne and shrugged helplessly.
She quietly approached Serena, lowered her voice and said, "Sister Serena, would you like to go to the wishing stand over there? I heard it's very effective."
Serena was looking at Ash's focused side face in trance. He was awakened by Bonnie's words and hurriedly said:
"Ah, okay, okay..."
At the same time, the atmosphere in front of the shooting game booth has heated up.
"Too slow, too slow! You guys, look at how powerful I am!"
Barry was the first to raise the water gun with a roar, with a full posture, and fired violently with a snap in his mouth.
However, most of the water bombs flew past the edge of the target, and in the end, I only won the third prize and an inconspicuous small pendant.
Barry shouted dissatisfiedly, his face turned red:
"There's a fine! There must be something wrong with this gun! How can I only get so many points!"
"Just practice cooking more."
Xiaoyun calmly took the gun and weighed it in his hands. His eyes instantly became focused and sharp, as if his blood had awakened.
Da da da da--!
A burst of rapid and steady-paced bursts of shooting, and the bull's-eye hit the mark.
First prize! Only one shot missed.
Barry watched Xiaoyun easily get the Servine doll of Fluffy that was several times bigger than him, and said sourly, "Damn it! Why are you so stupid!"
Xiaoyun shook the doll in his hand proudly, and raised the corner of his mouth. "There is no way, we are just germs when we shoot."
"It's my turn."
Sanpei came on stage calmly, raised the gun, and focused his eyes as if aiming at the bullseye of the shuriken.
One minute later.
"A commemorative award..."
The stall owner handed over a comforting sticker.
Sanpei squatted on the ground in disbelief and looked at his hands. "What is this? Why does the operation feel completely different from that of a shuriken..."
Barry came over and patted his shoulder with a hint of emotion that "we are all the same people in the world":
"Accept the reality, Sanpei. Times have changed."
"It's finally our turn!"
Ash took the gun confidently, assumed his standard fighting posture, and shouted to Pikachu on his shoulder:
"Pikachu, let them see how powerful we are! Unite our minds! Thunderbolt shoot--!"
"Pika-chu!"
Pikachu understands, and the electric capsule on the cheek bursts out with a dazzling golden color Spark.
A weak electric current is not an attack, but is attached to the fired water bomb like a guide, making the trajectory of the water bomb extremely precise and rapid, hitting the bullseye one after another, and even causing the target to be slightly charred!
Full marks! No doubt about it.
The stall owner stared at the still smoking target board with his mouth wide open.
No, is this right?
"You are having a great time."
Xiaoyun's mouth twitched, everyone relies on strength, you rely on electricity.
Barry raised his forehead and said, "Ash, promise me, you won't do this again next time."
"Huh? Why?"
Ash looked innocent and didn't feel anything was wrong at all.
Barry looked at the sky speechlessly. "Because... it's easy to get beaten."
Serena, who was standing a little further away, looked at this scene and unconsciously showed a gentle smile.
She noticed that Ash's collar was a little crooked, and subconsciously wanted to step forward to help him straighten it, but she stopped shy because of the crowd.
Next to him, Dawn held Xiaoyun's arm and quietly said to Serena, "Aren't you going to congratulate him?"
Serena wrung his fingers and said in a thin voice, "I... I don't know what to say..."
"Just follow your heart and don't think too much."
Xiaoyun suggested in a rare and gentle manner, with encouragement in his eyes.
This situation is indeed a good opportunity to express your feelings.
Zhina CP shares soared!!
Serena looked at Xiaoyun, then looked at Ash who was high-fiving Pikachu in the distance, and nodded vigorously, as if he had made some determination.
When the setting sun finally converges its last ray of light and sinks under the distant mountains.
The dark blue night slowly covered Coumarine City like velvet.
At the same time, thousands of lights lit up one by one, especially the path leading to the top of the mountain Pledging Tree, which was lined with warm orange lanterns, like a path of light guiding happiness.
Trainers and their Pokémons, holding a variety of beautifully packaged Presents, head towards the top of the mountain along this road of light with anticipation and joy.
The air was filled with excited whispers and the cheerful Growl of Pokémon.
Xiaoyun and Dawn held hands and followed the crowd.
Xiaoyun turned his head to look at her from time to time, with an irresistible tenderness in his eyes.
The atmosphere between them was so sweet that it was as if the surrounding air tasted like honey.
Serena and Ash walked together, Pikachu squatted on the shoulders of Ash, and Braixen followed at the feet of Serena.
Serena has adjusted her mentality and cheered up again. She looked at the dreamlike scene in front of her and sighed sincerely:
"It's so beautiful... just like in a dream."
"Well, Pledging Tree looks even more spectacular now than during the day!"
Ash looked up at the giant tree on the top of the mountain that looked even more sacred and majestic under the special lighting effects, and his eyes shone with a different light than when he faced a powerful opponent.
It is a pure appreciation and touching of beautiful things.
"Exchanging vows with Pokémon here will definitely become an unforgettable memory!
"Right, Pikachu?"
"Pika~chu!"
Pikachu stretched out the tail tone to express full agreement.
Serena looked at Ash's side face outlined by the light, and listened to his sincere words, the love in his heart overflowed again.
She quietly took a deep breath and mustered up the greatest courage in her life. Taking advantage of the noise of the surrounding crowd and the moment when Ash was concentrating on the scenery, she reached out her hand, gently but with clear purpose, and took hold of Ash's hand that hung naturally by her side.
"Huh?"
Ash's body visibly stiffened, and he turned his head to look at Serena in surprise.
Serena's heart instantly rose to her throat, and her cheeks burned fiercely, but she did not let go of her hand. Instead, she mustered up the courage to meet Ash's gaze, trying to make her voice sound natural:
"There are a lot of people... I-I'm afraid I'll get separated..."
Ash blinked, and the surprise on his face was quickly replaced by a sudden realization of "That's it."
Instead, he closed his fingers, held Serena's hand more tightly, and showed a bright and comforting smile:
"That's right, then Serena needs to be tightened. Let's move forward so we can see it more clearly!"
He had no Frisk knowledge of the girl's many twists and turns behind this move, but simply believed that this was a necessary measure to prevent them from getting separated.
But even so, the warmth from his palms and the return of his hand without hesitation made Serena satisfied. The huge happiness kept rising like bubbles, almost making her dizzy.
She nodded vigorously and let Ash pull her through the bustling crowd.
"It worked! It worked!"
Bonnie, who was hiding behind the crowd, almost jumped up excitedly when he saw this scene, and was held down by Clemont and Barry, one on the left and one on the right.
"Finally there is progress..."
Barry curled his lips, but there was also a bit of relief in his eyes.
Clemont quickly recorded in his notebook. "With the help of a specific environmental atmosphere and reasonable excuses, the staged goals were successfully achieved. It was proved that environmental variables have a significant impact on behavioral results..."
Finally, everyone gathered under Pledging Tree.
Looking up at this ancient tree up close, you can feel its shock even more.
The thick trunk requires dozens of people to hug it, and the lush branches and leaves stretch into the night sky. It is already covered with Present boxes decorated by trainers in advance.
Under the specially set lights, it looks like the trees are full of fruits that will Illuminate, and like the stars falling from the branches in the night sky, it is beautiful and spectacular.
Ramos stood under the tree, wearing traditional clothes, and his voice spread through the loudspeaker:
"Dear trainers and important Pokémon partners! Welcome to Coumarine City's annual Oath Festival!"
"Under this Pledging Tree tree, which symbolizes eternal friendship and deep bonds, let us give the prepared Present to the most important partner in our life with the most sincere and pure intentions!"
Melodious traditional music played, and the crowd burst into cheers.
Trainers began to take action, looking for the Present they had hung up in advance, or directly took out the Present they carried with them and sent it to their Pokémon.
"Piplup, this is perfect for you."
Dawn squatted down and pinned a Dive Badge-shaped brooch to Piplup's bow tie.
"Boga!"
Piplup looked down at the shining brooch on his chest, danced with joy, threw himself into Dawn's arms and rubbed her face.
"Longer version, continue to update!"