wanderer

"Ah, perhaps…" he says after a long moment. The thought of repainting it had never occurred to him. He had never felt a sense of loss or remorse for its current state, so it had never crossed his mind until now. He rarely used it, even in these days where it was more common to keep Pokemon in their Pokeballs, and they had been partners long before it had been invented so it didn't harbor much meaning to him, nor did it really represent their bond. But Togekiss could think differently from him. "What do you want, partner?" It seems only appropriate to ask her given his own mixed feelings on the matter. But she's always been more outgoing than him, and answers with a prompt and enthusiastic call with the flap of her wings. Being one of the few to ever coax a genuine smile out of the man, Volo's expression softens a tad. "Repainted it is then. You have my thanks, my dear friend."

Though he's not certain what surprises him more, Adaman's offer or the fact that he didn't immediately jump on the low-hanging fruit he had dangled in front of the other. The leader of the Diamond Clan had always been an impatient man to his knowledge--one who was always in time, and wished to do everything with haste. Seeing him sitting still is rather strange, even if his reason for doing so is to avoid the nasty storm raging outside. But despite that fleeting moment of thought, it doesn't take Adaman long to humor him with a response. "Very well then, my lips are sealed. Instead, we'll discover ruins and uncover secrets together just as we once did, and, alongside those, we'll uncover your past as well! It sounds thrilling! I can feel my blood boiling with excitement at the very idea!" He meets Adaman's sincerity with a joyful grin, though it hardly shares the same sentiment as the other's. Time; he hopes, will unravel Adaman's bond with Dialga, and, perhaps, uncover the plates that have been lost with time, or even hurl both of them back to the past for the chance to try again. For even the slightest possibility of changing his fate, and forcing Arceus to meet with him. If Adaman was bright and earnest like sun, Volo was more akin to a storm cloud. Not glorious enough to be the moon nor grand enough to the stars. All he could ever hope to be was a lonely, dreary cloud that brought nothing but misery in its wake.

"I couldn't agree more! You might not remember me, my friend, but that merely gives me an excuse to give you something to remember this time around." His own attention moves to his bag when Adaman derails the conversation. Ah, somehow, if he wasn't aware of the fact that this man had been in charge of an entire clan back in Hisui--that he was well-respected, and admired amongst his people and peers, he almost wouldn't believe it right now. Yet, he does, very briefly, question how Adaman managed to get along in the distant, but far crueler past when he was, well, like this, for like of a better term. "My what a tragic fate has befallen my dear friend!" His lips curl upwards in poorly concealed amusement. "Ah, it's good thing I came then! Fear not, I have plenty of food on me." He sits up, tugging his bag upright to unhook it to reveal the contents inside--containing just about everything under the sun, it was a wonder how Volo managed to not only carry it, but also fit everything inside of it. "But given the dire circumstances, I'll have to charge you a rush delivery fee on top of the poor weather surcharge."

Thrilling would be an understatement, Volo’s words feed the shine within Adaman’s bright eyes as bandaged hands ball into fists from excitement alone before they relax, as they leverage his weight as he leans forth from where he sits cross legged upon worn, wet wooden and stone of the shrine’s floor as the rain pours without a hint of mercy - something the trainer has long since tuned out by this point when, with Leafeon’s only company he’d usually just stare at the forest, see and give smiles to each pokemon that he locks eyes with and then continue waiting it out… until one of his legs would start kicking a bit from that almost ingrained need to go on fast; impatience was a flaw of his as also it being his best virtue, to be hasty and adamant, courageous and headstrong. ‘’ Hmhm! Exactly! but also now you make me feel even more guilty for not remembering you! ‘’ Yet as fast as his joy and boisterous personality can be there, embarrassment spills and an apologetic, guilty laced chuckle drips there, looking away sheepish as a hand runs to scratch the back of his nape and just pray the almighty that this time he doesn’t forget. For he, deep inside that heart of gold, also he’s scared. What happened to end up like this? Did he got into a terrible accident? Was it something else? Not even the professor that found him had a plausible theory considering having been found by Sandgem town’s nearest beach yet not a single drop of sea water clinging to him, meaning that he wasn’t washed up by the sea or anything of the sort. ‘’ If it helps… ‘’ He says after a bit, the bashfulness now gone as his expression takes a turn to a calm one, reflecting on what memories he has now. ‘’ The first thing I remember was just being collapsed by Sandgem’s beach, me and Leafeon. I had an injury with ice but that healed sometime ago by now – they tried to use a psychic pokemon’s aid to help me but not even they were able to dig much. ‘’ Was it wise to share this? probably not, but Adaman already trusts Volo more than what adults tells their kids that they should when just meeting someone. Something about the other strikes that familiarity within just so, so little that even Adaman doesn’t even realize it before words escape him. ‘’ I feel sad because the Alakazam… I think was called? felt terrified after trying to help. I feel sorry for distressing that noble helper, and I want to make up for them too. ‘’ Maybe he could visit that nurse office in the future, after he’s achieved something, or get some kind of relic or sourvenir. It wasn’t the other’s fault that his mind somehow was locked by something unknown. ‘’ That’s why I started traveling, some researchers said something about visiting the lakes, that one of them had this one ancient deity that has to do with the mind – Uxie? Who harbors knowledge of Millenia. But there’s one problem. ‘’ And brows furrow, lips turned upwards as a hand flies so he can rest a lip upon a digit. ‘’ It’s so darn cold over there, I can’t stand it–! ‘’ The cold? horrible, even a foot by the snow was enough to turn his blood into ice, and no matter the layers he’s tried, even the very though of attempting the whole trail upon the 217 route was an effort the trainer simply dreaded with his soul ever since learning how cold it was, and that currently no flying pokemon was able to make it possible to carry him there.

Volo hums softly as Adaman launches into the conversation, if only to quell the anger lingering within his rotten heart and soothe the ache in his throat that flares up at the memories. His unsavory smile morphs into something softer that, while it suits his fair and rather alluring features, it's unbefitting of his unholy nature. Droplets of water from Adaman's now messy hair scatter across the cavern floor as he ruffles up his hair in frustration, and a part of Volo is fascinated by the fact that, somehow, even while entirely lacking of their memories, something Adaman's reaction to his words conforms, humans have a tendency to remain the same--or rather, become the same person again and again. People are incapable of changing, Volo himself is more acutely aware of this than most. "Of course! We used to to explore them often so it makes perfect sense that they feel familiar to you." He allows a trace of excitement to slip into his voice, as if he's thankful Adaman has even the slightest inkling to his missing memories. But a frown is quick to spill onto his lips as he turns onto his side to face the other man, holding up his index finger. "But it seems I must not be nearly as interesting to you," He laments.

Despite his overdramatic and overly familiar performance, it does, somehow, catch Volo off guard just a tad when Adaman leans into his personal space--the sincerity upon the other's features clearer than the sun could ever hope to be, even on a summer's afternoon. But he never misses a beat, and is quick to lean closer, as well, meeting Adaman's interest and enthusiasm easily. Even if his own is a well-torn mask. It's only cracks the bags beneath his sharp eyes, and the crinkle every so slightly when his gaze falls to the familiar Pokeball when the other man swiftly pulls it out. And now Volo is presented with a few options--explain they were both pulled into Sinnoh from a rift in time, which is the truth in Adaman's case, come up with a more reasonable explanation, or feed the man's curiosity with a vague response. And, oh, he thinks he knows how to get Adaman to play to his tune well enough.

"Truly a curious thing, isn't it? But you should know what it is." He moves to reach beneath his apron, pulling out an old chain with an even older Pokeball hanging off of it to show Adaman. While nearly identical to the one Adaman carries, very much unlike his, this one shows rather extreme signs of age, as well as wear and tear. But there's not denying they're nearly the exact same thing. If anything, it serves as proof of his own lies--of the friendship he claims that doesn't ring true in reality. He dangles the Pokeball in front of Adaman's eyes, playing with the chain coyly. "It's a real wonder why we have them, yet no one else does." He drops the chain, allowing Togekiss's Pokeball to fall beneath his shirt once again. An act his partner ignores given that she's more interested in watching Leafeon paw at his own. "Ah, but I'm afraid if I told you the truth, my good friend, you might not believe me." His voice drops a bit, as if disappointed, or even hesitant to share the 'truth' with Adaman for fear of his 'dear' friend dismissing his explanation as fantasy.

Adaman confirms his suspicions, with the added bonus of admitting that Leafeon shares his same fate. Hoe fortunate. "You've lost your memories?" A mixture of sorrow and surprise heave from his lungs as he blurts out the realization as if this knowledge is something sudden and entirely unexpected. "I see…" Glancing downwards at the ground as he processes Adaman's words. His expression is pained. "How unfortunate." He exhales shakily before willing a gentle smile back onto his features, and sitting up. "My name is Volo," he adds before reaching out and clasping Adaman's extended hand within his own. "If you can't recall anything, then it's my duty as your friend to assist you. I'm certain, together, we can uncover the truth."

And truly, that dangle of the sweet forbidden fruit of truth entices Adaman to the very core of his being, even when brows furrow with the seriousness of the conversation at the tip of his tongue as broad frame leans back a bit and settles where he sits, cross legged while Leafeon is too occupied with his own mischief, playing with their pokeball akin to a Cat pokemon's toy until they pick it softly into their mouth and put it back on Adaman's pocket that his very worn Haori has. He waits a bit, an unusual aspect of adaman despise how usually impatient and very on time the man could be - but he's not stupid. '' You know – no. Don't tell me. '' after a bit, though, he talks. It's lower but enough to be head under the cacophony of harsh rain that echoes from the forests beyond and when it hits the old shrine's worn ceiling. '' I want to discover that, together. I know you probably know more than me considering the hoes in my memories. But I think I'd prefer to know this answer while we find these ruins and old tales. Maybe it can also help discovering my truths too! How about that, dear friend? '' and if looks could kill, Adaman's sincerity was as bright as the sun, if he could, it'd wash away the grey clouds that plague these skies. It was the purest form of it as a low chuckle rumbles from a strong chest and pours out chapped lips from far too many days spent in the wild, getting nasty sunburns shrugged off after a bit and good medicinal herbs and soaking at the hotsprings near MT. Coronet.

Volo's hand falls to lean naturally on his hip as his other combs through his damp hair in an attempt to make it somewhat more tolerable now that he's out of the storm raging wildly outside. Without the rain showing any signs of stopping in a reasonable amount of time, he suspects they might be trapped here for a spell. But, oh, he can't say he minds when the company he's stumbled upon is so very interesting. Perhaps luck, or some twisted act of divine intervention, is on his side for a change, but only time can truly tell. So, carefully, observes Adaman's reaction to him, or rather, lack thereof. If anything, he seems somewhat caught off guard to hear his name on Volo's lips. And Leafeon doesn't display any signs of familiarity towards him either, nor any distrust for that matter. He calls how Ingo, a man who had the misfortune of being thrust into Hisui through one of the rifts torn into the sky, had no recollection of his life prior to arriving either. It appears the same applies to Adaman in this case.

The corner of his lips quiver upwards into a smile as his hand falls softly to his side. 'It wounds me to hear that you don't remember me, Adaman." If Volo were an actor, he would have no-doubt been one of the best Pokestar Studios had ever seen. His tone is sincere--his voice disheartened, and his expression crestfallen. And, while Togekiss harbors mixed feelings about her partner's actions and goals, she echoes his sentiment with a soft coo as she floats downwards to land in front of Leafeon--as if she, too, is saddened by the realization. "My, I know it's been a while, but I'd like to think I have a fairly memorable face. An unforgettable one, I would even argue." Using his index finger he points at his own cheek while staring at Adaman, as if he expects doing so might trigger some sort of recognition in the man, even if he's perfectly aware of the fact that it won't. "But alas, it seems even my dear friend, Adaman has forgotten about all we've endured!"

With a dramatic flare, he slinks to the ground with a soft plop. His hefty backpack bangs against the earth when it collides with it, and he shrugs it off with a roll of his drenched shoulders, allowing it to fall to the ground with a loud thud. "While you might not remember me, I could never forget you! And I'd like to believe fate brought us back together today, so it seems I have no choice but to wait out this storm with you, my good friend, and jog that unreliable memory of yours while I'm at it." He leans against his bag, the wet leather clings to his soaked shirt, and he longs for a nice, warm bath or, at least, a warm towel, but he can't claim he's unused to having to brave storms in far worse situations than this. To him, the memories of centuries ago are still fresh in his mind no matter how man years have passed.

Togekiss, seeing Volo lay down, waddles over to him and nuzzles uselessly against his arm. Her poor snout already fairly wet, and her short fur sticks up uselessly in almost every direction. Absentmindedly, he runs his fingers along her wet feathers as he stares up at the dark ceiling looming above them. "Ah, we used to explore ruins together often…" he sighs, despondent, as if Adaman had just rejected him, but he shakes his head, and perks up a bit, tilting his head back so he can look the other man in the eyes. "But truly ruins and all of their secrets are fascinating! My heart is racing with excitement even thinking about what discovers are still waiting to be uncovered!"

'' I keep coming to these places, Lake Valor, the Solaceon ruins since those are the ones I feel the most familiar with but... – Bah! '' Out frustration, and adobe everything else, his own sense of impatience that sometimes gets the best of the trainer, Adaman ruffles with both hands his hair and shed the murky feelings that weight on his shoulders, knowning they will do little good and slow him down when time has to be well spent! A chance has come right in front him! And he knows better than to question too much about it when trying without results by himself would lead to more dead ends he'd care to count. Water splashes everywhere, much like when a Shinx shakes itself after a good bath and gets everyone within their vicinity just as soaked as their fate had been, and a newfound smile appears upon sharp but handsome features once more, Dark blue and and strands of light green sticking to every direction before fingers run carefully to smooth what he could of his own mess, and brown, hopeful eyes meet with the taller's, lean but still strong frame leaning forward a bit into the other's pace with curiosity written all over his face. '' Fate or some streak of luck after wandering, I don't know but if you say you remember me, then it could help a lot! Ah– Look. Maybe you could then explain me why, for some reason my dearest friend's pokeball is so different to the ones the rest use? Professor Rowan did say that my model is a very antique one that's not in use, but that doesn't make sense! It works just fine but Leafeon often prefers to stay by my side, so I don't mind really - still. How come I'm just the only one with it? Even in museums they have them and... '' He produces the wooden antique, it's colors good as new despise the era he's been thrown into, fiddling with it on an open palm while the leaf pokemon sits from where he was perched to bring a paw to play with the ball a bit, which wins adaman's smallest chuckle. There's also that news he heard from some passerby. How in another region, one of those subway bosses had dissipated sometime ago with no trace, but Adaman hasn't found information from it, even when asking with the forces, police and the such. Which earned frustration from the trainer, but he's no one known to give up that easily.

from this generator.

This ya boy Noir, being a bit self indulgent and because making two separate sub-blogs is too much for my small attention span. So here I I have, if ya wish to interact, a slightly headcanon based Gr/usha and Modern AU A/daman RP blog! Most of the time I work better when people toss at me their muses but please feel free to hit me up or like this post if ya wish me to drop one of these boys to your inbox!