survival is child's play; there's surprise when she finds out that she's allowed into the mission to begin with. survival is such a close friend of hers - one that grabs her by the throat and throws her to the ground, stomps over the side of her head as she glares it in its disgusting, twisted face - that she's starting to feel suffocated. ayame smiles (she smiles. she always fucking smiles), walking down the path with butterfly at her side. though money was no problem to her (not nowadays) she'd still like to make a little more, and her week was free. rocket had no plans. a week of survival is nothing, especially when her own gym once upon a time, had been one centred around the survival through the night. perhaps the ethics of this challenge were questionable at best, her own gym was no better. she doesn't mind. [break][break]

we pretend that she isn't doing this to clear her mind from what happened not too long ago. [break][break]

did it hurt? when she cried into her hands and when she felt her heart cracking, and when she felt the walls and the barriers being demolished right before her eyes? did it hurt when between those cracks, she could see the face of a man so familiar that it made the air weigh upon her heart? she thinks back to it, and she recalls it, and she realizes that maybe this fresh, open air will be the best for her. she's given no instructions nor meeting point to find her apparent partner; rather they threw her unceremoniously onto dry land (she's done it before, but being on the other side isn't appreciated). therefore, she sets out to do what any other sane person will do: walk around and scope the surroundings. she's given her pokemon, however, so she fears not what lurks in the night. [break][break]

"yurei." her lips part as she casually rolls the pokeball out of her hand. a familiar blue glow comes from the capsule and the severed skin of an evolved pokemon hovers before her. it says nothing. she doesn't expect it to. "keep an eye out for me, will you?" she smiles for the pokemon, who doesn't seem to know the difference in her expression. it only quietly moves around, hovering and acting as her eyes in the gradual darkening over the island. she scouted for a little while, and what's this? afigure she sees, moving just enough to catch her eye? what a poor, poor soul. there's a good chance of it being something dangerous, or a chance of it being the partner she was supposed to meet. if it's the former, she'll beat it senseless. if it's the latter, she'll try and stop her pokemon from beating it senseless.[break][break]

she walks through shrubbery, moving twigs and branches and the like to clear the path better. soon, she emerges "i'm sorry to have kept you waiting" and she's smiling, then it slowly dips when she recognizes the figure - the face - that's been scuttling around her head. how the stars align. how arceus enjoys testing her composure. [break][break]

she knows his name. she doesn't want to say it. [break][break]

"... asahiko, it's been a while." [break][break]

survival suddenly got more difficult.

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]

A glance towards the horizon, followed by an idling gaze towards the shores afar. Although he hadn’t quite taken notice of the particular moment in which he’d stopped, the gentle rhythm of his feet had ceased, regardless; a fact that rendered him still as he shifted his attention towards the ever flowing waters of the coasts and oceans afar. Just as he’d freely sought to roam around, those that he’d brought along with him (save for a particular dragon that seemed more than content with clinging against his neck and back with a strength and grasp that he couldn’t help but question) had strayed off in order to examine the lands around them. His gaze shifted towards the more golden of the duo as he kept himself close, and then towards the azure furred creature as a soft, yet resounding glow seemed to blossom between his paws. An Aura Sphere, by the look of it. It was no will-o-wisp by any means, but during a venture in which the world was one’s Cloyster, it had only been natural to use whatever abilities and techniques at one’s disposal, even if it had been for something as simple as seeing in the dark.[break][break]

He expected no less from his beloved companion.[break][break]

”Reiki! Tamashi!” he called out, earning a glance from both, respectively. He pointed further inland. ”Hanabi and I will look further in. Get us if you find anything worthwhile, or see anything troubling.”[break][break]

Two nods in response. A nod of his own to acknowledge. Following that, his feet shifted softly beneath him once more; his body turning to face the lush greens of the scenery before him prior to ultimately disappearing into its depths. Throughout the shortened time he’d traversed in, he’d already noted some smaller array of things of importance. A potential clearing to make camp. An area full of smaller branches and the like that could contribute to a decent fire, in due time. With the dragon nestling and clinging closer to the back of his head as time pressed on (practically hanging on as it looked around with curious eyes), he surveyed the surrounding environment as necessary, though it had only been at the sound of a soft yip from the creature with him that he paused. Glancing up briefly, he began to open his mouth with intention of inquiry, only to find himself at the sudden knowledge of another voice.[break][break]

A familiar voice.[break][break]

Staring towards the side for a faint bit longer within an absentminded train of thought, verdant voids would have brought themselves into a vague narrow; his form straightening into a proper stance as he gradually turned his head towards the source. Contrasting greatly to the excitement of the little beast that continuously clung to him, he furrowed his brows slightly while eying the person before him. His gaze shifted between the Pokemon with her for a smaller time before meeting hers, once more.[break][break]

”...You’re the person I’m to spend the week with, then?” he asked.[break]
Curtly. Sharply.[break]
Tiredly.

AYAME FUJIWARA [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

she doesn't want to be here now, but it couldn't be helped. she's already signed up, and she doesn't want to feel insulted, knowing that she chickened out of a challenge because of someone she knew. [break][break]

"yes, i am" she maintains a smile to her lips, though it betrays the exasperated tone that underlies her voice. she can see him through the light of the full moon, but his voice is just another punch to the gut. her shedinja floats not too far behind her, and she casually brings her hand to pat the top of the shell. [break][break]

"have you made a fire, yet?"

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]

”No. I haven’t.”[break][break]

A response that was equal parts cold to the senses as it had been curt. As if the exasperation that had suddenly taken hold of him sought to bleed out by the faintest amounts, he found himself inhaling deeply; his chest raising within a slow, gradual manner, all prior to parting his lips to allow the air to escape within a suddenly tired breath. Shaking his head, he quirked his lip to himself while directing his gaze back towards the floors and the like beneath them.[break][break]

”I’ve been here for no more than half an hour, I’d wager,” he added with a low murmur, only giving her a cursory glance from the corner of his eye before directing his gaze towards other matters, once more. ”I’ve found more than enough things to make a fire, but I was looking to find other necessities, first, before getting to that.” He hummed idly to himself, narrowing his eyes within an absentminded manner as he surveyed the area. ”Can’t exactly say it’s easy to have a feast or anything of the sort out here, after all.”

AYAME FUJIWARA [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

he looks cold. [break][break]

both metaphorically and literally. she takes a glance at what he's gathered, and with a smile, she reaches for the pokeball at her belt to let out a volcarona that flutters its fiery wings. it radiates a slight heat, with thanks to flame body. "i can get to work on the fire, then." she wears a smile - a smile she knows he's too familiar with. [break][break]

she takes another glance around, humming softly and pulling out the pokeball containing her vivillon. the butterfly pokemon pops out, letting out a chime. there were plenty berries and apricorns from where she was dropped off, but she doubts they're edible. "hana can help you find a water source."[break][break]

vivillon were known to be able to find their water very well, anyways.

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]

Politeness was something of an instinct with him in regard to business transactions, and that had been the sole reason that he’d lifted his gaze to meet hers as the words left her mouth. Upon noting her (upon noting the smile that he had grown so loathsome of, knowing the truth behind it), he’d clenched his jaw within an subtly instinctive manner before averting his attention towards the butterfly in reference. He inhaled deeply and sighed.[break][break]

”...We may as well be quick about it, then,” he murmured, his gaze lifting briefly to trace the silhouette of a passing Unfezant against the light of the moon before beginning to walk forward without so much as a second glance. ”There’s plenty of stones and kindling around. ...Set up in the clearing over to the east of here.”[break][break]

His eyes trailed towards the Vivillon.[break]
His lips pressed flatly, and his brows furrowed lightly.[break][break]

He kept walking along. ”...Come on, Hana.”

AYAME FUJIWARA

☉

business as usual he was just another business partner, and it will be like it was before. they'll interact just as they did before, without her playful banter (because hearing the tired and gradually accepting voice has scared her, and she doesn't want to hear it anymore). she watches as the vivillon leaves with the trainer, leading the way to find a fresh water source. the colourful scales are left in his wake, leaving a trail with each flap of his wings. [break][break]

on the other hand, ayame sits at the camp and pulls out another pokeball, this time, sending out the volcarona that exudes a warm heat to the touch. "natsu, lets get a fire started." lest they freeze in the middle of the night. she doesn't take long to set up the firewood, and the fire bug spits out a small ember from his mouth, effortlessly setting the pit aflame. ayame smiles to herself slightly, sitting herself by the fires as she holds her hands towards the pyre. [break][break]

all the was left was to wait for asahiko to return with hana, and hopefully she can prepare a feast of fish for them~.

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]

Eyes forward, both literally and metaphorically. In the event that the crimson winged creature saw fit to glance towards the man as he trailed behind, he would have spotted the rather solemn and generally stoic expression upon his face; an observation that - while normalize, in some regard - would have proven to be somewhat odd in atmosphere, specifically. There had been something dull within his eyes as he followed along, and his gaze merely focused upon the lush greenery before him as they walked along.[break][break]

He only bothered to look around for any potential threats.[break][break]

Before long, however, the sound of running, flowing waters caught his attention, and after pausing momentarily in order to assess the direction, he glanced over his shoulder. A quick, yet louder whistle sounded across the clearing, and before long, the other two companions of his pushed through the bushes, glancing between their trainer, as well as the butterfly accompanying him with some minor degree of surprise, confusion, and concern, all the same.[break][break]

”Tamashi, follow Hana,” he’d said outright, confirming the subtle, silent wonders that the two Pokemon had upon noting the insect. Nevertheless, he lifted a hand and gestured for the remaining, blue furred creature with him to follow along before beginning to walk again. ”Fishing should be easy for you. Reiki, I’ll show you the way back to camp. Memorize the way, then go back to meet those two to escort them back.”

AYAME FUJIWARA[break]
mission: deserted island

☉

.. it will be as it always was. she will mind her own business, he will mind his. it's not like anything has changed (she won't be in his arms, she won't be snuggling close to share his warmth, and they'll go back to their business relationship - only this time she's on the other side, and the enemy that he needs to rid of. she doesn't understand why he doesn't do that now, when it's so easy to access her). [break][break]

all that's left is to wait for the man to return with food. so, she'll wait, with a beautifly and a volcarona at her side. since they will take a while, she thinks, she reaches over and into a backpack that she was (thankfully) allowed to bring on their little camping expedition. a fan, or two. paper, but well made with smoothed wood. if he was going to take a while, she will need a distraction (and what better distraction than what she's loved doing for so long?). [break][break]

and taking a deep breath, she lifts herself up from the fire to begin taking a few familiar steps. perhaps doing this in running shoes wasn't the more comfortable.. but it will do. her arms will move all the same, and the slight breeze that forms when the fans fly through the air will have locks of dark hair flutter all the more. "let me know when he comes back, suiren." she speaks to the butterfly, however the insect only remains hovering, eyeing her trainer with curiosity. [break][break]

and concern.

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]

All things considered, the venture to and back hadn’t taken very long.[break][break]

After all, as he’d earlier claimed, the others would be able to handle a smaller bout of hunting if it was only in the form of fishing. He was confident that they would be able to, and so once he’d seen and aided them in minor preparations (forging makeshift tools were in order, given the nature of their stay), he’d left them to their own devices and set off towards camp once more.[break][break]

Amidst the fringes of the foliage, however, he found himself slowing to a pause.[break][break]

Nostalgia, crashing clear into his mind and vision with force akin to waves, though leaving the calmness of a washing tide within the midst of it all. There had been a solemn look that had unknowingly overtaken his gaze as the familiar form and motions of another entered his view. Although within a different setting, it had been graceful. Although within different garb, it had been radiant,[break][break]

…Although shattered before him, it had been beautiful.[break][break]

And yet as he stood there, momentarily mesmerized, he had been well aware of the circumstances; well aware that such things were in the past. His idleness had been as brief as his descent back into reality had been swift, and after shifting his eyes away for just a moment, he found himself making eye contact with the aforementioned butterfly that had been tasked with keeping guard.[break][break]

For once, his gaze flickered away as quickly as it was made, and with a deep sigh, he shook his head softly and began to finally enter their campgrounds properly.

AYAME FUJIWARA [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

she doesn't notice anything but the steps she takes, and the music that plays in her head. [break][break]

with each step she takes, she descends back into serenity, back to a time where she hadn't much of a worry - this was always the best way for her to distract herself, after all. fan dancing is her passion, her coping mechanism, and a love that didn't die with the accursed place that taught it to her in the first place. so in her time of stress and strife, she dances, light on her feet, movements fleeting, slight, and elegant. just like she remembers. [break][break]

suiren pays mind to the man who appears shortly afterwards and, against her trainer's orders, does nothing to warn her of the man who approaches. unfortunately for her, the woman's too absorbed in her dancing to notice him - that is, until she hears the sound of a twig snapping underfoot. it's then where she immediately stops, turning her head in the direction, to make eye contact with the man returning to camp. [break][break]

"a-ah.." she lowers her hands, snapping one fan shut as the other raises to very, very gently fan herself. it used to be embarrassing, having him watch. it was still a little embarrassing, knowing that he saw it. he.. saw it, didn't he? yes, she knows the answer, but she's still asking "how long were you there for?"

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]

”It doesn’t matter.”[break][break]

Truly, it didn’t. As far as he was concerned, his claim had been nothing more than the clear, unbridled truth, and despite the manner in which he’d gazed upon her within the mere moments prior, the man kept his eyes before him as he pushed further into the campgrounds. The subtle franticness that she had to offer hadn’t been lost upon him, though; nor had the mutual understanding of what he’d seen.[break][break]

It simply didn’t matter.pbreak][break]

”Reiki and Tamashi should be back soon enough,” he went on, clearly intent on focusing upon the given situation at hand. He breathed a soft sigh, his gaze trailing towards the horizon in attempt to gauge the remaining sunlight prior to shifting his attention down, once more. ”I’d give it only half an hour tops— hopefully less.”[break][break]

He paused for a moment, only for the sake of locating the earlier materials he’d swiftly mustered together for a fire before beginning to smooth out the beginning of a pit, pointing towards a small pile to the side all the while.[break][break]

”Grab those rocks for me.”

AYAME FUJIWARA [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

ah, but it did matter. [break][break]

.. it mattered to her. [break][break]

but would she say it? no, she won't - not today, at least. so instead, she calms herself - calms her heart - and the butterfly pokemon once again returns to fluttering over to smaller twigs, bunching them up to bring them over to the fire pit that they will be using. the volcarona flutters closer to the trainer, as well, and ayame moves to start picking up and cradling rocks in her arms. [break][break]

she brings them over shortly, composed, with the usual, small smile to her lips as she crouches a pace or two away, rocks between them as she starts to carefully place them along the outline of the pit. ".. ah, yes, i forgot to ask" she hums, idly (and carefully) organizing the rocks "could you start with setting up a small shelter while i cook?" she tilts her head to the volcarona and beautifly hovering over them "i can have hanabi help with wood cutting, lest we be exposed to the cold winds~"

Asahiko Hakuryuu [break]
mission: deserted island

☉

[break]