"hana." [break][break]

familiar name, familiar streets, and familiar faces hidden and obscured by the passage of time. slateport hasn't changed a bit, even after the war and the attack that previous year (she wasn't present, but she's heard of many things that happened. she heard of the devastation it wrecked across the region, and her heart goes to those whose lives were lost. if only she could say it). there was a time where she dreamed of being in a city like this, with the freedom to stretch her wings and go where she pleased. there was a time where she dreamed of walking along the night market with her kimono hold by her shoulders, and a fan in hand as she watched children play games at the stalls. there was a time where she lived in a place that did that. there was a time where a place felt like home. [break][break]

they're memories now, kicked to the side and buried by her own hand (sometimes she wonders: how different would things be if she hadn't abandoned the life she once had?) then she remembers that she can't go back to the days of a warm home to return to, though small and quaint, and though always on the move. nothing much has changed, but home's always felt more like "half" of one, even with her pokemon by her side, and the ever-growing "family" she's cultivated over the months. [break][break]

said family flutters to her side and lets out a soft chime, the vivillon at her side smiling as he perches upon her arm. though the streets were familiar, there were few crowds tonight. she can afford to let a few of her pokemon out of their chambers to flutter and stretch their wings. to her right arm, a vivillon of vivid, magenta wings. to her left, sits a butterfly adorned of colour, and a long stinger for a mouth. "hana, don't stray off too far." she speaks with a smile, she speaks in a soft tone (and that too, is so disgustingly familiar; it reminds her of the toxic honey dew that once fell from her lips. when did it stop?) her pokemon understand. they know to obey. [break][break]

the trio make quick work down the street, yet away from any crowds that may still be out and about this night. she's a few ways away from people, so she perks up, suddenly, hearing the soft cry of what she came to find was a tiny dragon pokemon. it stumbles between the legs of a few people, as though desperately trying to follow the trail of colourful scales that shine under the lanterns in the night. it approaches her, waddling. it's adorable. [break][break]

"oh, hello." ayame wears a smile as her butterfly pokemon lift off from her arms, and the woman crouches to take a look at it. she ignores the familiarity (she's scared; scared of the nostalgia. if she ignores it, maybe it will go away). "what brings you all the way out here?~"

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉

On and on, forever more; continuously trekking forward, regardless of where life and its events sought to take them. Although finding himself clattering and briskly trailing behind the beloved dragon of his once too often, he always found himself rather exasperated each and every time that she seemed to let her mind and body wander away. As he followed her along, he continuously called out to her in attempt to catch her attention, thus sounding the ongoing call of, ”Hanabi…! Oi, Hanabi!” from between crowds and the like before he gave a low sigh, pushing himself to take swifter steps after her.[break][break]

Much to his luck, however, she seemed to find herself enamored and distracted with a woman before she could stray terribly far. Pressing his lips thinly together, he emerged from the latest groups surrounding him prior to making quick work of crouching down, though not without sparing a glance towards the person that she’d stumbled up to. He eyed her with a subtle instinctiveness for but a few moments before sighing and smiling. ”My apologies~,” had been the choice greeting he’d given, as well as the intended bid of farewell that he’d wanted to give as he gently reached out and placed his hands beneath the prying arms and hands of the Axew before him. Despite some minor flailing, he’d ultimately managed to lift her up as he, himself, stood back up, carefully cradling her within an arm and bouncing her slightly, and smiling just a little bit more at the sight and sound of her lighting up and squeaking softly in excitement from the gesture.[break][break]

A warm hum resounded from between his lips as he peered towards the woman before him (speaking naught a word regarding some sense of odd familiar that he’d felt upon first glance) as the stars aligned for all of a brief reprise before he dispersed them from the back of his mind. He eyed her for just a second more before offering her another, apologetic nod and smile, and then went on to begin turning his way back into the streets.[break][break]

The two Pokemon with him, however, seemed to stay within their tracks as they eyed them for longer.

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

and there he is, the trainer who makes such a grand entrance shortly after the axew approaches her. it's no problem, really; she dare says that it's a welcome greeting, especially seeing that she hasn't had her own little dragon in a while (we don't count her own haxorus, the little thing growing up too quickly and eventually fostering an egg of his own by god knows what parent when she left him in the daycare. they're dark days, of which she's made an agreement to never speak of). ayame wears a smile on her lips as she remains crouched by the axew, only raising up after her trainer emerges from the crowd to scoop them into his arms. it's only a moment, but she can't take her eyes off him, and that smile melts the slightest, chilled layer from her heart before she realizes what it is. it prompts her to smile back with pearl pinkish lips, her cheeks raise and for once they meet her deep, amethyst eyes. [break][break]

he has a nice smile, she thinks quietly and quickly, in the short window where their eyes met. she's about to speak, but it only takes a split second as she gets lost in those eyes of his for her to pause her movements. the words are suddenly gone as she maintains a gaze up at him, and there's something happening in her heart that she doesn't quite understand (in another world or in another time, she'd have understood and she'd recognize this feeling of a beautifly fluttering in her stomach) why it's happening now. he's saying.. something. he's speaking in a voice that pierces through the air, the same voice that cause her to freeze in her tracks, slightly. a stone heart freezes over once again.[break][break]

maybe she's scared of how the spark in his eyes is familiar. maybe she's scared of the warm gaze he gives his pokemon, fearful of a man whose dragon brings out that soft side of him. maybe she's scared of who he represents, and it's arceus' way of delivering cruel, cold retribution. but that couldn't be right, could it? oh, how desperate she is to hope that it's her own paranoia painting an illusion of recognition. maybe he doesn't realize? or maybe he's playing dumb? hopefully he's the wrong person, and she's worrying over nothing. the ex-leader blinks, and she snaps herself out of her empty gaze (she has to). overthinking was never your strong suit, ayame. don't think anymore; just smile and wave and do your job, then run away and hide in the depths of this web you've spun for yourself (dance to the netting that coils around your arms like a marionette, then realize, defeated, that you've no one to blame but yourself. so smile). [break][break]

"no~.. don't worry about it~" it lowers from her eyes, the smile fell down to slightly raised cheeks, but the sheen and glow of energy dissipates quickly as she takes a bow. she knows that she should move forward, walking and paying no mind. her arm stretches outwards for the two butterflies at her side to perch upon, with her mind screaming at her to leave before she's reminded of a face she's left long ago. maybe it's for the best that they remain strangers. maybe it's for the best that she believes them to be nothing more than passing faces in the crowds. it's really best that they do not cross paths in the future--[break][break]

ayame, your lie can only take you so far.

[break][break]

"hana, suiren, let's go."

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉

He’d already been several paces away.[break][break]

By the fifth stride, a mask of idle disdain crept upon his face at the behest of the dragon crying and badgering him from within his arms. With lips pressed faintly together, he gave a low, yet swift sigh of exasperation as he trekked on, narrowing his eyes towards the little creature with an inquiring look. ”What is wrong with you, my dear…?” he murmured with a touch of both concern and confusion alike, only to be met with a smaller array of quickened, gentle pats from her tinier hands against his chest. A gentle huff escaped his lips as he furrowed his brows. ”Do you want something…? Mmn… Maybe another snack…?”[break][break]

Each suggestion that he’d spoken only seemed to garner little more than disdain, as well an extensive rise of cries and the like; something that left him utterly dumbfounded before long could pass. Another pensive hum resounded as he walked along, though a glance towards a side had been all it took for him to slow to a sudden stop. Blinking at the lack of gold nor azure to meet his gaze, Within a swift manner, his feet shifted into a cease, only to maneuver a tad bit more to allow him the leisure of turning, and he tilted his head upon seeing the other two still within their prior locations, not too far from the very same trainer he’d stood before prior. Finding her within his sight once more, he found himself instinctively, yet subtly, gazing towards her for a second time before beginning to walk back.[break][break]

”...Reiki? Tamashi?” he called out, leaning up and towards the sight slightly in order to eye them from around the crowd, finding their lack of movement obscure. ”Is something the matter?”[break][break]

No response. The trainer furrowed his brows while continuing to approach, though all the while, the two others seemed intent to continuing eying, and within the case of the aura Pokemon, had narrowed his eyes within some means of focus. Unbeknownst to those around, he maintained his attention upon the woman (channelling emotions, and thoughts, and all in between as he’d been known to do), all while the vaguely fox-like creature by his side looked towards the more crimson-accented insect of the two that accompanied the other person. He calmly used Psychic, though with means to convey, rather than harm.[break][break]

...You. What is your trainer’s name?

The two Pokemon with him, however, seemed to stay within their tracks as they eyed them for longer.

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

she prays that she'll never have to see him again. [break][break]

as it should be. he was better off knowing that she wasn't around. he was better off as a face in the crowd. he was better off with the realization that she could be dead in the water, and would be better of finding another person to give his attention and affection to (not someone whose hands are stained with blood this time around. not someone who chose the road of vengeance over her love for the peaceful life she once had. she's far from salvation). [break][break]

oh, ayame; how far you've fallen.[break][break]

the woman maintains a smile to her lips, but her pokemon know that it's a farce and lie the moment they heard the man's voice. had they the ability to speak, they would have chirped up then and there, trying to turn the man's attention back to the young woman so that he could get a better look at her. maybe, if he took a better look, he'd be able to see the chain of the necklace she still wore. the dangle of the bracelet that she still keeps secured around her wrist. the butterfly pin that holds up darker locks of hair from falling past her shoulders once again. really, it was obvious if he just looked at her for more than a sparing glance she'll hide the necklace and bracelet, but the pin was always something she treasured the most (time heals all, but can it really erode the sentimental tie forged and melded to her memory?)[break][break]

ayame intends to leave, as soon as she could. unfortunately for her, the vivillon and beautifly maintain their gaze upon the psychic and aura pokemon. both are pensive, hearing the voice in their heads. both are silent as their trainer carries them away. both are unsure, as they're the ones who understood her heart the best. the colourful butterfly hears nothing as she stares with the same familiarity, then glances to the vivillon who keeps his compound gaze. ayame catches this attention, and gently nudges the arm the butterfly rests on. "hana?" she asks, furrowing her brows. it's no ground type, but usually the vivillon would be more attentive than this. [break][break]

the butterfly then launches himself off her arm, fluttering just a few ways from her. the trainer on the other hand is far from calm as she watches the colourful scales fall from his wings. "hana--" [break][break]

the butterfly maintains its air, narrowing his eyes at the trainer who desperately tries to contain her panic. she doesn't know what's being said, but she already has an inkling. 'ayame.' the pokemon responds through the psychic link. he looks so unsure, and he doesn't know if this is for the best 'her name is ayame fujiwara.'

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉

And your name is Hana?[break][break]

The words were lost on him by sole virtue of them being purely unspoken, but nevertheless, the main continued along with verdant voids focused upon his two companions as the distance closed further and further. With the same, apricorn-traced beverage that he’d had from earlier within his other hand, he quirked his lip and lifted the cup to take a sip (and, soon after, giving one to the Axew within his arm as it reached its little hands forward). His gaze briefly lifted towards the other, crimson winged Pokemon as it fluttered over. ”Oi, you two…” he murmured, giving both of them a curious, yet gentle nudge. ”I know you can hear me…”[break][break]

And yet, the Kadabra remained with eyes focused upon the nearing creature, all while the azure-furred creature by his side kept his attention upon the remaining and her trainer. And the other one with you… That is who I think it is, as well?

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

she's silent, because she knows. [break][break]

or rather, she has an inkling of what's being talked about. there's the feeling of dread as she watches the vivillon 'speak' with the kadabra, and she's no doubt in her mind that her cover has already been blown; and to one of his pokemon no less. she sighs, softly. "you too." she voices herself softly, approaching the butterfly who has found himself lowering in favour of getting closer to the kadabra. [break][break]

he ignores how she calls for him, and knows she's avoiding his name, now that she can see where the white-haired man's attention was.[break][break]

'yup' the vivillon narrows his compound eyes, fluttering his wings as to swing his arms to point towards the trainer thinking 'there's ayame and' to the beautifly 'that's suiren.'. hana then glances up to the lucario, and waves his arm, slightly. 'and i assume you're reiki and tamashi?'[break][break]

it's silent, their exchange, and it's only broken by the sudden noice of unfezant flapping their wings to fly into the distance.

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉

The vulpine-esque Pokemon nodded. You would be correct.[break][break]

As the interaction went on, the man kept his eyes upon the Vivillion before him for a while longer; a vague flicker of thought dancing within emerald hues prior to directing his attention towards the first of his companions. He lifted a hand and gently set it upon one of his shoulders, quirking his lip. ”Tamashi, we should be going,” he murmured, lifting his gaze towards the others briefly. ”Don’t bother them any long-...”[break][break]

He trailed off.[break][break]

The silence had been something that creatures of both gold and azure, alike, noticed, and before long, they’d found themselves turning to finally glance towards their trainer, as a result. Upon seeing him, they’d turned their heads more in order to trace his gaze, and as they realized just who he was looking at, they spared one another a brief glance before beginning to trail behind the man.[break][break]

The Kadabra spared the crimson winged insect another look as he severed their link, all while the ashen haired man tilted his head and gazed on towards the other person. He blinked, narrowing his eyes faintly. ”...My apologies, Ma'am,” he started off, taking a few more paces forward despite his earlier advice, ”but have we met before…?”

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

if she doesn't look at him, she isn't at risk of being found out, is she? [break][break]

because looking at him will seal your fate, ayame. locking eyes with him will remind you of what you'd done, where you've run, who you left. there was a time where you were relieved seeing him, where you'd have sooner run into his arms and hugged on caressed by his gentle, warm tough. it wasn't that long ago, but you've missed it so, it's felt like an eternity. in that eternity, you've been trying so desperately to convince yourself that you didn't need it. convince yourself that you wouldn't need it. you'd survive an eternity without it, so what difference does it make now? [break][break]

but he's looking, and you know he is, with a gaze that bores into your skin. she's never been able to run away from him, no matter how she may try (because fate always had a way of bringing two people back together, and last yer she'd have called it a blessing). [break][break]

he takes a step forwards, she takes a step back. she wants to keep the distance. she's scared that if he gets closer to her, she'll crack, and she doesn't know how to explain to him if he finds out. she prays that he doesn't find out. thus, as much as the question pained her, she only smiles, slightly, under the shadow of her bangs as she shook her head. another step back, and she's holding her hand closer to her chest. deep breaths. tell him no. tell him you haven't met, and carry on. tell him--[break][break]

".. perhaps we have~."

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉

The voice struck a chord somewhere within him.[break][break]

Truth be told, despite the ongoing occurrences and voices that had been bustling within his midst as he originally strode off, there had been some means of familiarity that rang true within him at what little words she’d uttered, prior. Familiarity. Familiarity had been the one, primary thing to have pried at him, again and again, over such a short span of time, and upon noting the response spoken his way (as short and idle as it may have been, though it - alongside the subtle discomfort upon her face - had been the means of avoidance that further solidified his thoughts), he found his gaze lingering upon her further.[break][break]

It shifted towards the Pokemon that lingered. It focused upon the direct gaze maintained by his and her own as they spoke with one another, and the more he acknowledged the sight, he realized that his assumptions had only been nothing more than right.[break][break]

After a small while, he looked towards her, once more.[break][break]

”...May I ask your name?”

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

did her heart always hurt? [break][break]

fear drives her away - fear of him discovering what she's become - so noticeably, despite rash attempts at a coverup. ayame is usually so calm, so collected. she usually has such a smug smile on her face, an expression that betrays her thoughts when she's concocting such dangerous ploys. [break][break]

lying has become a second nature she's trained, a skill she's weaved to utmost perfection. she can speak an obvious lie with the most honied words, and it's been so long that she's forgotten; how hopeless has she become when her heart wavers? when her heart stings? when she's clutching her teeth and she's caught between the urge to run away and run towards the flame? [break][break]

it'll be easy to give him a moniker. a fake name. [break][break]

she raises a hand, sweeping the bangs meant to cover near half her face, slightly (to ensure that it's still there, and he can't see her clearly). "homura." her utters, her lips still smiling through the fear, anxiety, and the guilt that weighs upon her. [break][break]

"and you are..?"

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉

…A name that hadn’t matched the face.[break]
A name that hadn’t matched the voice.[break][break]

He eyed her for a longer while following her response, and as his two companions finished their short venture to catch up to him, they stood calmly and patiently (both with curious, yet seemingly skeptical eyes in regard to how the situation could and would unfold before them) as the trainer, himself, seemed ever engrossed within his own thoughts. The words had been spoken to him. He’d heard them loud and clear. Despite that, however, there remained a sense and spark of skepticism within those hues of amber and viridian, alike, and before long, his brows furrowed slowly and slightly.[break][break]

After some contemplation, he’d broken his thoughtful trance, and had instead sought to reach out towards the hand that she’d lifted in attempt to give herself some means of discrepancy. Regardless of whether or not she would have shied away, or at the very least resisted the gesture, his intent had been to simply - gently - attempt to rest the side of his hand against hers in order to push it aside. Within the same moments, he leaned over towards the side in attempt to gain a better glimpse of her.[break][break]

What she’d asked had been irrelevant.[break][break]

”...What is your name?” he asked again, narrowing his eyes further.

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

talking used to be easy. [break][break]

it's rare for her silver tongue to be tied, but you can't say she didn't try. it's just that, when there's a man you once loved so deeply (and still do, in the depths of your heart, so much that you felt like tearing yourself apart) standing in front of you after how many months, asks for your identity, it's so difficult to maintain the facade. it's so difficult to maintain the smile.[break][break]

urgency to leave rise, as she knows that the pit in her stomach will continue to rip into the void it is, consuming every part of her being and leaving naught but guilt and regret. he is the bane of her. she would be fine without him (she thinks to herself, telling herself, convincing herself, no matter how wrong she might be). parting her lips, she intends to lie again - until the simple touch of his hand against hers to brush it off deepens the knife in her chest. [break][break]

he never did make it easy. [break][break]

they bore into her, those eyes. those eyes that could see through her lies, through the smile she wears and the paper thin facade she's so crudely putting up. "i-i said that my name is--" no, she needs to stop herself. there's a stammer (she never stammers) in the middle of her lie. [break][break]

he never did make avoiding his gaze easy. [break][break]

instinctively trying to avoid his eyes, and fruitlessly avoiding them, only for the guilt to corrode and make what little foundation of her composure crumble. ayame thought she was above this guilt (the guilt of leaving, without a word. the guilt of choosing revenge over her love for a man who made her forget about it, in the long, dreary years). clearly, she wasn't. [break][break]

"... ayame." her heart twists, she wants to hold it.

Asahiko Hakuryuu

☉