Ash and friends finally arrive in Fortree City, a town whose residents hold great respect for the skies above, even building their homes high up in the trees to live within the sky they so revere. This sky worship works to Ash's disadvantage however when he challenges the gym leader to a battle only to learn that the gym is closed for an annual sky festival. Disappointed, they head to view this festival, even as Team Rocket approaches with a goal of their own--capturing the Pokémon at the festival for themselves. For James, the festival brings back fond memories of a Chimecho he had once wanted as a boy.