Howawan Fuwawan

"Let me run the store today, Miwa. You can have the day off." Misaki says, moving to take her usual maroon apron and fasting it around her waist. "It is your birthday, after all. I want you to celebrate."

(For the Birthday Boy!)

"Uhh, ya sure about that? I know it’s not that busy, but...” His little protest seems to fail. Seeing her get into her ‘uniform’ is more than enough of a sign to let him know that there’s no fighting back against her orders. Well, he could, but that wouldn’t end well for him.

It takes him a moment, he blinks, and realizes what she said. “Aww, you remember!” He says with a light hearted laugh. It’s an odd day for his birthday to land on. One thats filled with joking, not that he minds it all. The little jokes here and there are fun! He indulges in it too. Although in recent years he hadn’t. It’s better to enjoy time with those around you, he figures.

“Ren, I have something for you.” Asaka speaks, her face blushing as she nervously and shyly presents him with a wrapped birthday gift. Inside was a coffee cup that has his name custom engraved on it with an image of his avatar as well. In addition, there was a small bag of homemade cookies she made just for him.

“Happy Birthday, Ren. I hope you like it.”

(Asaka to Ren)

“Hm? What is it, A-chan?” He hums as his attention shifts to her. His gaze then drifts down to the neatly wrapped gift presented to him. An ‘oooh’ escapes from him. While his attention may seem preoccupied with the gift, the look upon her face doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s cute and regardless of receiving a gift from her or not, the sight would make him smile.

“For me?” He chuckles. “Oh, right it is my birthday today, isn’t it?” That would explain a lot around the school. At least with those concerning their team. Especially Tetsu. But now isn’t about them! It’s about her and her gift.

Ren wastes no time opening the present. Curiosity gets the better of him and he just has to dive into it. As the wrapping falls off to reveal the goods inside, his eyes sparkle. The cup is something he’ll definitely be using. The only hard decision is to keep it at the school where she can see it be used or at home where he can always admire it. The former may be better.

As for the cookies, he carefully opens the bag, ensuring not to rip it up. Ren takes one and plops it in his mouth. “Mmm~” He hums. “Such a delicious treat! Did you make them yourself?” He smiles, finishing off the current cookie. He has a feeling she did, her treats were always amazing.

Directly or indirectly.

DRAGONS - Maybe its because of his buddy/theme, maybe its because my brain goes Time Dragon and thinks of Dialga (which also fits his color theme!), who knows. Dragons can control various elements and even the world around them, so even time isn’t out of the question. They’re rare and powerful and have a variety of meanings. Fitting for someone with so much cunning and power in his grasp. But, like most (unfortunate) stories, the dragon is slain in the end and so is he.

PEACOCKS - This is more regal and majestic bird. He is from one of the wealthiest families so it wouldn’t be too far to associate him with a noble bird. He may not have an ancient ancestry like his classmate, but I’d say he’s probably at that same level in the modern world. Also he’s another rich kid I just associate with peacocks lol.

FOX - Who doesn’t trust the student president? He’s smart, helpful, kind, friendly, sweet- you’d never think he’s about to rewind time! Like the usual fox motif, he puts on the sly/cunning facade and hides his true intentions. He doesn’t let up on his charm until the final act, but by then its too late.

HUMMINGBIRD - Saw once that this bird was a stopper of time and yes I’m going with all the time stuff. They move so fast and seeing footage of them in slow motion is pretty neat! Theres also that silly myth about them dying if they stop moving, which makes me think that he’ll “die” if he doesn’t stop with his plan. Obviously he won’t, like the bird, but he doesn’t think so. 

WHITE RABBIT - Another time related one, but more so related to ‘Alice in Wonderland’. The white rabbit being the keeper of time in her majesty’s court. Obviously its a little more...silly but hey! Time theme.

HUMAN - does this count? Humans are ‘animals’ in a sense. Imperfect and with so many flaws. It’s also an odd one out on this list, which I think is...fitting? It shows that he really isn’t the perfect being he strives to be. Also was struck with a thought about Oleana (pkmn swsh) and how she has all beautiful Pokemon on her team and one garbage and figured that would work with this list, humans being the ‘garbage’.

TAGGING:  anyone!

@fragmentedimensions​​ (Aichi) 

“What in the…?” Aichi awakens slowly, his astral spirit overwhelmed with a sense of unease for a reason he is not sure. When he opens his eyes, he is taken a back by his surroundings. White stone pillars and a view of the planet Earth overtake his vision. Just what was he seeing in this image? Is this just… a dream? 

He then moves about the space to try and figure things out. Even in spirit form, he can somehow feel the coldness of the atmosphere. The place looked pretty, especially with the view of the planet below, but felt…so empty. The feeling of unease seemed to only increase as he approaches what appeared to be the tallest pillar near the back of the area. He really felt like he wasn’t going to like what he was going to see.

Once he finally managed to see what was on the other side of it, his senses are proven right…sort of? It more leaves him shocked than anything else because what he sees is…

“Me? Is that…Is that supposed to be me?” Cerulean hues glance at the mirror image of himself, draped in black and seeming to be asleep? Curiously, he moves to approach a bit closer, but is soon stopped by a glow of red aura that now surrounds his double’s body. “W-What exactly am I doing here? A-And what is that presense? It feels just like…”

Aichi then gasps, eyes widening as he takes a step back to glance over the other all together. He was horrified at the realization, hoping he could wake up from whatever nightmare this was. Sadly for him, it was no ordinary dream but rather an image of the future. Well…a potential future for him, anyway.

“Oh no…This…This can’t be…It’s…It’s just like… The Void?! But…but how?!”

~

Sitting upon his throne in this deafening silence, Aichi never moves. His eyes don’t open to appreciate the view before him for the beauty that it holds and the loneliness that it sparks in his heart. Seeing it all may just hurt more. The reminder of why he is here and how he can’t be with them- or anyone- will always sting. But those are feelings that have to be tucked away, forbidden from the world to see.

Despite his slumber, he is still conscious. When the Knights approach and he needs to issue out a rare command, his mind wakes though his body does not. During moments like these he seems...peaceful. Almost.

The sudden intrusion upon his new home doesn’t go unnoticed. It wakens him even though his body doesn’t stir. He can feel the presence and knows it. Confirming who it is with his ‘sight’- he doesn’t like this intruder. An old version of himself? Or a part of his consciousness wanting him to feel guilty for what he’s done? Honestly, he isn’t sure. He preferred neither to be true.

“What are you? Why are you here?” Aichi’s voice echoes throughout the room while his mouth remains shut. Part of him wants to call for a Knight, but how could they get rid of a...ghost? If he wills it, he’s certain he can have the Knights affect him despite not having a physical form. Although, he isn’t certain how they would react to seeing another version of himself. He’ll have to decide as time goes on.

Tagged By: @universestreasures​

@fragmentedimensions​ for Ren!​​

   “What the-” Perhaps not the politest reaction he could had to the unexpected guest in Capital two that day, but hopefully there would be no hard feelings…be it from his unexpected guest, or Misaki if she heard the way he’d greeted a customer.

    “Suzagamori Ren…not that its not nice to see you or anything but uh…why are you here? Aniki and Kai aren’t here y’know” He asks rather bluntly as he steps out from behind the counter, removing his apron and crossing his arms inquisitively, scanning the leader of both AL4 and United Sanctuary branch up and down. The mans presence wasn’t unwelcomed by any stretch. Their previous differences aside, he’d heard some people call Q4 and AL4 sister teams with how closely related they were…he didn’t take to kindly the that implication, but it would be a lie to say he didn’t think highly of the man.     But it was for that exact reason that he knew damn well that Ren was a creature of impulse…and he wasn’t being trailed by Asaka or Tetsu. Meaning…he was probably scheming something. 

The first thing his eyes fall upon isn’t the boy behind the counter, but rather the store itself. A curious gaze examines what this shop holds, cards and all. It’s nice, different from what he is used to. It’s not flashy, but more welcoming. Just like that other shop of theirs. As much as he wants to keep going further in, Ren is stopped once his name is called. And now, his gaze falls onto Kamui.

“Oh my, a familiar face. Your name was...Kamu?” He hums, his name just evading him. Or not. The man threw out nicknames to everyone, regardless of how close they were or not. “You know, you look a little different.” Ren tilts his head as he stares at Kamui. Maybe he’d gotten taller since the last time he’d really seen him. It’s hard to recall when considering he’s used to seeing him whenever Aichi is around.

Camellia

The camellia is symbolic for excellence, and really, would you accept anything less from your flower? You are a natural leader—you are energetic, ambitious, and passionate.

It is no wonder, then, that you are also confident, industrious, and successful. Power comes to you naturally, and you are deeply committed to always achieving, in a word, excellence.

Tagged by @universestreasures​​

“Of course, I’m sure.” She says with confident, a mew from the feline manager following to emphasis her words. “You help out with the shop way more than you needed to, and even watched the place and Assisticat while we were away during the Asia Circuit. It’s the least me and Shin can do to repay you for all your help.”

She then stands from her usual position behind the desk, turning a little sign to show that the cat was temporarily in charge of it until Misaki got back. The teenager moves past Miwa, turning her head to look back at him. “Besides, if anyone is going to mess up inventory, it’s Shin. Now, let’s go get you that box.”

~

“I guess I really can’t say no here, huh?” He says with a chuckle and puts his hands behind his head. Miwa didn’t think he did too much. Sure, manning the store can be fairly daunting, but he found it enjoyable in the end. Plus he was still able to watch their matches and cheer them on. Even if he couldn’t physically be there for them, he was in spirit.

“Thank you. I appreciate that.” She smiles back, the hostility in her tone seeming to vanish. Miwa was one of the only people who could cause her tune to change so quickly, but perhaps that was a testament to the strength of his character. There was no better friend she knew that the blonde Kagero user. 

“I hope the young ones didn’t give you too much trouble. You know how they can get when a new set releases. Speaking of that, there were some new cards I think would go well in your deck. You can take one of the boxes in the back if you want. Consider it a reward for being so reliable.”

~

“Nah, they’re no trouble. It’s nice to see them getting so excited over new cards.” It reminds him of his youth and his friends. Of course that still happens now, although it’s slightly different now that they’re older and has more people to share the game with. Still, he likes to see the sparkle and hope in their eyes.

“I hope for your sake you do because I’d hate for Card Capital to be down a valuable employee…” Is that a threat, or a compliment? Who is to say? 

“By the way, thank you for covering my shift the other day. I’ve just…had a lot on my mind and needed the mental health day. I owe you one.”

~

“I see…If you were staring at me, I’d just just simply make sure you didn’t do it again. Think of that what you will.” 

~

“My deck, huh? You’ve never taken an interest in seeing it before. Why the sudden change, Miwa? Unless you were staring at me and came up with a flimsy excuse when I noticed.” 

~