usedlaserbeam | 017 | Goldenrod City

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017 | Goldenrod City | Video / Action;

[It may seem like an odd endeavor, wandering the snowy streets of Goldenrod in such relatively unpleasant weather, but sure enough, that's precisely what Yagyuu's doing today. It's not the first time he's gone over these streets and it almost certainly won't be the last; he's not so much exploring today as he is just walking the familiar byways, his breath making translucent clouds in the chilly air.

There's a Vulpix riding along with him, curled around his shoulders and supported atop his backpack, nuzzled in close to his neck like an oversize, furry, Fire-type scarf. If the weight or the awkwardness of ferrying her in that way bothers him, he certainly doesn't show it; his own scarf is draped light but snug from his neck to his chin, and the collar of his heavy winter coat is turned up as added protection against the cold.

He's carrying a few bags with him, of varying sizes, all unmistakably from the Goldenrod Department Store—evidently, he's been out shopping. And perhaps he still is, because at the moment he's stopped in front of the frosted glass window of a jewelry store, peering in at the display and watching the light catch the facets of the gemstones as they glitter against their black velvet backings.]

Another four days and you'll be six months old, Masako. It is strange how time flies, isn't it?

[He's speaking quietly, more to himself than the little fox on his shoulders.]

And strange, too, how much can change in seven months.

[And he seems to dwell on that, lost in thought, as the jewels gleam bright in the window and the fine mist of his condensing breath drifts and disperses in the cold afternoon air.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Yes, I've heard that there's something of a time discrepancy between the two.

[His partner gone six months and not once had he ever noticed a difference back home—]

When you were brought back, did you return with memory of your previous stay in Johto? Or if not possessed of it from the beginning, did it...come back, gradually, over time?

I remembered everything.

From he moment I arrived to New Bark to the moment I arrived to Violet. I remembered the names of all my friends here --- including my Pokemon.

I tried to contact my other friends back then, Shinn and Athrun. I wasn't successful because they were away on assignment. I spoke to Shinn while he was here though ... and he too remembered everything.

I see. You weren't made to start anew, as it were; you were permitted to resume where you'd left off, figuratively speaking.

[There's another lingering pause, here.]

That's helpful to know, thank you.

Mnm. You are welcome.

[ Pause. ]

It actually helped me a lot to know that I could still leave this world with my memories. I do not want to forget a single person or experience here ... it helped me become a better person.

You're an optimist, then. I'm glad it's worked out for you this far...and likewise, that you were able to remember. I imagine your friends would've been quite distressed if you hadn't.

I do try, but I admit that it isn't always easy.

I do understand. I have met many friends who returned but couldn't remember anything about this place or me. It was a sad feeling. Memories are so fickle and fragile in this world.

How did you react to it, when they forgot you? Did you try to remind them of your history together, or simply start anew?

I was sad initially ... but I understood that I can't change what has already been erased.

So, at the moment we are starting over. I also made her a promise that no matter how many times she does forget me, I will always make an effort to be her friend.

That's noble of you. But won't your endurance wear down over time? If she she were to forget you time and time again.

I will be fine, because I know it will be worth it. She is a very sweet girl and her friendship is important to me.

But it is sweet of you to worry.

I would say she's an exceedingly lucky girl, as well, to be able to boast the friendship of someone like you.

Would you not do the same ... for your friend?

[She guessed.

Granted, he wasn't exactly the subtlest in expressing his line of questioning, and he didn't do much at all in the way of concealing his motives. But still, the question catches him, and he regards the jewels in the window for what seems like a long time before he's finally able to find the words to answer.]

Under those circumstances, I think my friend would prove to be more like you, memories or otherwise. The sort of person who would keep coming back time and again, regardless of the outcomes...that's the sort of person he is.

[ Lacus waited patiently for him to reply. A little worried that she was treading in waters that she was still unwelcome. After all, Lacus was simply someone he had just met. ]

I feel like I would someday like to meet this friend of yours.

I don't know if I'd wish that on you. He can be a troublesome fellow.

I've met my share of troublemakers. I used to live at an orphanage and I used to take care of the children.

As adorable as they are and as much as I love them so, they can do a lot of mischief when you turn your backs on them.

Was that your job, at the orphanage? Or were you an orphan, yourself?

[ A few seconds of silence.]

A little of both.

My father died in the war ... and after the that happened, I did not want to return to my previous occupation.

I decided to stay and help Reverend Malchio with the orphans. It was a home to orphans ... whose parents died in the war we fought...

... I thought it was only right.

I'm very sorry to hear that. I wish there were more I could offer than simply my condolences.

It is alright. It happened a long time ago ...

[ If one thinks two years is a long time ago. ]

... I know my father didn't die a pointless death. That makes it a little less difficult to think about.

Still, the horrors of war are things people should never be forced to face. Especially not so young.

You seem to have borne up extremely well, considering.

Thank you.

[ Some people would say it was because that was how she was genetically wired to be like. However, nothing had changed even after her Coordinator abilities had been removed, ]

I have my father to thank ...

He was always busy, but he tried his best to raise me well.

[He's treading carefully now, and his tone reflects it. This is pretty serious discussion for a first conversation, and yet his interest is so piqued that he's not eager to withdraw from it, either.]

He was your only parent, then?

He was. I never knew my mother.

[ And she can't say that she really knew what happened to her either.

It was a bit too serious for a first conversation, but Lacus never hides anything from people nor was she ashamed of her life. ]

Given such circumstances, it's somewhat easier to see why you would enjoy it here, and particularly so in the company of friends.

[After all, when the world you'd be going back to sounds as dismal as hers...]

And with that in mind, I hope you do enjoy it here.

017 | Goldenrod City | Video / Action;

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