---
Xpovac and Swampert stood on the outskirts of the festival grounds, gazing up as the fireworks exploded in vibrant colors, filling the sky above Wano with shimmering bursts of light. The crackling sounds and radiant displays captivated the crowd, but Xpovac felt a spark of inspiration. He wanted to add something special to the night—something truly unforgettable. With a mischievous grin, he accessed the system and browsed through the shop, selecting some large, custom fireworks.
These weren't just any fireworks; they were designed to form intricate shapes and patterns. He found one that would create the image of a dragon, a spectacle that would undoubtedly leave the audience in awe. Once the purchase was complete, Xpovac grabbed the fireworks from his inventory and looked for a good spot to set them off.
"Stay here, buddy," he said to Swampert as he sprinted towards a nearby rooftop. The Pokémon rumbled in acknowledgment, tilting his head curiously to watch what his trainer was up to.
Xpovac reached the rooftop, setting up the fireworks with care, ensuring everything was positioned perfectly. He ignited the first firework and quickly hopped down to rejoin Swampert before the show began. The two of them looked up as the fireworks shot into the night sky, their eyes wide with anticipation.
A loud boom echoed across the festival grounds as a giant dragon-shaped firework erupted in the sky, its dazzling scales shimmering in blue and gold. The dragon seemed to dance among the stars, its body twisting and curling gracefully before finally fading away in a cascade of sparkling embers. The crowd gasped in amazement, and murmurs of admiration swept through the streets.
Xpovac grinned with satisfaction, pulling a camera out of his inventory—a new addition he'd bought earlier through the system. He began taking pictures and recording videos of the festival, capturing the joyful expressions of the crowd, the glowing lanterns, and Swampert's awe-struck face as they continued to watch the firework display.
"Not bad, huh?" Xpovac said to Swampert, giving his Pokémon a playful nudge. Swampert let out a pleased growl in agreement.
---
As the last of the fireworks faded, the festival's atmosphere shifted towards a different kind of entertainment. People began heading in one direction, following the sound of music that grew louder with each step. Intrigued, Xpovac and Swampert joined the flow of the crowd, making their way towards a large stage set up at the center of the square.
The stage was illuminated with bright lights, casting a spotlight on a rather unusual figure dancing and singing at the center. The performer was a large man with a thick blonde mustache, his hair styled extravagantly, and dressed in purple and white overalls. He moved with surprising grace for his size, twirling and stomping in rhythm to the energetic beat. His voice boomed through the speakers, carrying a mix of enthusiasm and charm that was hard not to enjoy.
"That's Queen," Xpovac thought, recognizing the performer as a well-known figure in Wano. He recorded the lively performance, chuckling as Queen danced with exaggerated flair, entertaining the crowd with his antics.
The song came to a raucous finish, and Queen left the stage, bowing dramatically as the crowd erupted into applause. As the cheers subsided, the atmosphere shifted once more, becoming almost serene. The lights dimmed, and a new group of performers began to take the stage.
---
A tall woman, elegant and captivating, stepped into the spotlight. Her long blond hair flowed like silk, adorned with intricate hairpins. She wore a revealing kimono, the colors of deep red and gold accentuating her fair skin. Atop her head were red, slightly curved horns. Her eyes gleamed with a mysterious allure as she moved gracefully across the stage, accompanied by a group of dancers.
Xpovac, who had been talking to Swampert moments before, was suddenly drawn to the sound of her voice—a soothing, melodic tone that seemed to resonate with the very air itself. He looked up and found himself staring, captivated by the sight of the performer. Her presence commanded the stage effortlessly, and for a moment, Xpovac could only watch in silent awe. (Xpovac's a professional tree climber now hehe)
"Black Maria…" he whispered, recognizing her from descriptions he'd heard around the festival. Her reputation as both a performer and a notorious figure in Wano was well known.
As he watched her perform, Swampert glanced up at his trainer and noticed his transfixed expression. The Pokémon smirked mischievously and nudged Xpovac's mask with his nose, causing it to fall from his face and revealing his features to anyone who happened to look.
At that very moment, Black Maria's gaze wandered toward where Xpovac and Swampert stood. Her eyes locked onto Xpovac, and a small, knowing smile curled at her lips. She seemed to recognize him—or at least find his appearance intriguing. There was a brief blush on her cheeks as she continued to sing, her eyes briefly meeting his before she looked away, resuming her performance.
Xpovac's heart skipped a beat. He reached down to pick up his mask, feeling heat rise to his face as he turned toward Swampert, who was chuckling at his trainer's embarrassment. "You're in trouble when we get back," Xpovac muttered, giving the Pokémon a light smack on the head. Swampert simply laughed, clearly pleased with his little prank.
---
For the next ten minutes, Xpovac remained focused on the stage, his attention unwavering as Black Maria's performance came to an end. As the last note faded into the night, the crowd erupted into applause, and the dancers began to leave the stage. Black Maria offered a final graceful bow before disappearing backstage.
As the festival's excitement began to wind down, the crowd slowly dispersed. Xpovac and Swampert decided to wait for the streets to clear before heading home, taking a seat on a bench near the stage to avoid getting caught in the post-concert rush.
Thirty minutes passed, and the festival grounds were finally thinning out. Xpovac stood up and hopped onto Swampert's back. "Let's get back, buddy," he said. "We've had enough excitement for one night."
---
As Xpovac and Swampert made their way through the now nearly empty streets, a familiar figure appeared before them. There, standing on the path they were about to take, was Black Maria herself. Her towering figure was even more striking up close, and her gentle smile seemed to light up the night.
Xpovac froze for a moment, his eyes widening slightly as he looked at her. Swampert nudged him on the shoulder, barely holding back a laugh at his trainer's stunned reaction.
"Good evening," Black Maria greeted, her voice as enchanting as it had been on stage. "I saw you watching the performance. My name is Black Maria." Her eyes glinted with curiosity as she looked over the man and his "horse."
"Uh, hi… I'm Xertz," Xpovac replied, quickly regaining his composure. He used the alias he'd prepared just in case, though he suspected she might see through it.
"Xertz, huh?" she replied with a playful smirk, clearly not convinced by the name. "Well, did you enjoy the festival? The fireworks and the show?"
"I did, especially the fireworks," he said, offering a smile. "And your performance was… beautiful. It really added something special to the night."
Black Maria chuckled softly. "Thank you. It's nice to know my singing has that effect," she said. "Well, Xertz, I have to be going now, but perhaps we can keep in touch." She reached into the folds of her kimono and pulled out a small Den Den Mushi, handing it to Xpovac. "Call me if you ever need a little company."
Xpovac accepted the communication device, still slightly in awe. "Sure… I will," he replied, watching as Black Maria walked away, her graceful figure gradually disappearing into the distance. (TREE CLIMBER)
After a moment of silence, Xpovac hopped back onto Swampert, looking over at his Pokémon. "You're in so much trouble," he said, shaking his head as Swampert snickered.
Together, they headed back to their temporary home, the night's events still playing out vividly in Xpovac's mind.
---