[This is..] Taking A Peek [..No Waltz]

[Naze]

With his journey from many other regions, his recent spin-off had taken the older teenager to a region far from where he had first originated ; Kyoto. He had even gotten a Pokemon from the Professor's laboratory and in this region after too many years of nothing but bickering he had finally gotten rid of the Ninetails that had cursed him just because of something so stupid as an accident. Though he had gotten over most of the bitterness he felt for the Fox Pokemon, Crescent couldn't help but feel the entire team was at more ease with her gone, he only hoped that Kyukon was happy either free or with another trainer. She would be good with some kind of breeder or coordinator.. Someone specializing in contests.. Crescent thought, remembering that Kyukon wasn't one for battling.

But with a quick shake of his head Crescent dismissed the thoughts of his old Pokemon. He was still cursed, Kyukon was gone, and he had three loyal Pokemon by his side that actually liked him. Crescent would love another Ninetails one day, but this time it would be one that liked him.. With a sigh, Crescent looked ahead of him. Upon entering Sendai Village, this was the place that caught his eye ; a bunch of old ruins, supposedly from a run down church by what the local residents had told him. "Well, let's go. C'mon Espeon, Puru.."he called and walked into the darkness that the ruins provided, his beloved Espeon that was his first Pokemon following with pricked fur that hinted to her nervousness but Puru dashed ahead of him and infront of Crescent ; the bold nature of the Buizel bulging through any fearful faults though the action only made Crescent give a weak smile. "A bit eager I see.."Crescent commented and a slight laugh, Espeon perching upon his shoulder gracefully.

[яєmoяsє]

Curiosity was not much of something for this one to enjoy, but it had been so long since she had allowed it to defeat her and persuade her into doing things she normally would resist doing. Certainly, she minded, but her loyal, protective companion had decided to loosen up and convince her to obey her curiosity for once. It had been far too long since they obeyed any emotion that was not that of champions', and it was perhaps time to actually do something about that.

Ayane blinked, and her footfalls came to a pause; she had heard something. Voices, human and Pokemon. Ryuu glanced up, his protective side coming forth again; he seemed to tense up, but the Kyoto Champion gently caressed his chin, glancing at him with pretty sapphires, signaling to him that there was nothing to be wary of as of yet. Reluctantly, the Salamence obeyed.

The faintest ghost of a smile touched her lips for a split second, before she turned and began again to walk toward the ruins; it was perhaps the most interesting place at this location, and she was certain she had heard the sounds from there.

Upon reaching the ruins, she spotted shadows shifting. They were difficult to detect at first, since they blended in, but movement was never invisible. Her mask came on again, covering all emotion and concealing them. Silence was one of her virtues; not too much, though, for that may do a few things, but just enough to keep her voice from aggravating her. So, she waited to see if they would notice her. she wouldn't be surprised if they were surprised to see Kyoto Champion at a place such as the ruins.

Ryuu blinked, keeping a cautious growl to himself. He would never disobey his master and companion, but this was one of those moments where he was more wary than usual; after all, it was pretty dark.

[Naze]

Though Espeon remained perched upon Crescent's shoulder, Puru was returned to his pokeball via a line of red vapor shortly upon entering. This Buizel was surely not meant for any battle that involved stalking and if anything would completely defeat the purpose of his visit to these dusty ruins that only had a few beams of light shining through cracks of the roof that still stood barely in tact for so many years. His purpose here was not to train his Pokemon nor to snatch any from their wild habitat, no it was simply to be alone for awhile. To relax in a place that would bring very little pestering by others. Crescent couldn't of retold how long it had taken him to travel through various regions just to get to Kyoto, and even then he did not intend upon staying in just a single region. His life consisted of travel, quite possibly because he did not feel content in just a single reason. Many might've claimed his personality to be whimsical but the accuracy in the claim would've been little due to his serious nature that dominated his other emotions.

While lost within his own mixed thoughts, Crescent's maroon eyes closed calmly. The only element that broke the trance was the very faint sounds that were only amplified by the emptiness of the abandoned cathedral. Crescent could only give a nearly silent sigh and a simple stroke to his Espeon's head upon turning around and keeping the trainer within his vision. It was hard to say but this woman that stood at the entrance of the ruins resembled some female he had heard to be Champion of the Elite Four. Impressive, but something that did not startle him at the moment.

Letting his black shoes give light clicks against the old cement instead of his usually silent stride, Crescent began to advance towards the entrance [and exit for that matter] yet stopped upon hitting a beam of light the cascaded through one of the various cracks in the ruin. He wasn't fool enough to approach a person who had not yet clarified their affiliation towards him. "I didn't realize another trainer was also exploring these ruins,"Crescent stated simply, keeping a rather emotionless facial expression though his eyes seemed to glimmer slightly.

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[яєmoяsє]

The feminine watched the trainer for a moment, before slightly sidestepping as he began his way toward the exit. Her hand gave a signal to the tensing Pokemon behind her to calm down and relax, that there was nothing to be concerned about. It was when the trainer reached her did she blink, her emotionless exterior keeping firm upon her. He was one similar to herself, from what she saw - but views could change over time. It was probably a good thing he was not one of those rash trainers who contained great battle lust, challenging every person they saw. She was not fond of them, but she could not help them much.

When the boy paused and spoke, she blinked again, this time dipping her head somewhat in greeting. Upon reopening her sapphires, she spoke, "As I did not expect another person here." Her voice was almost as if she was singing, quiet and almost beautiful. After a moment, she blinked once more, wondering if she were to introduce herself then strike up a conversation. Once a few moments passed, she began to examine the boy. He seemed a fine trainer, growing on the correct path - but she was not one to clearly judge. It was a mere guess.

"Your name?" Ayane asked, taking a small step back and to the side; her eyes seemed to speak, almost appearing to ask, 'Did you wish to leave?' She kept on her emotionless exterior, even as Ryuu tensed even more behind her.

The Salamance was not comfortable with the boy. Then again, he was not comfortable with any new trainer. It was growing more difficult for him to obey his master when she kept on reassuring him that there would be no need for a fight, nor anything else that would bring them trouble. He could tell she was signaling to him, 'It's fine; just stop worrying, and you'll see.' The Kyoto Champion knew her Pokemon's growing discomfort, but she knew she could do no more to assure him it would be fine.

[Naze]

Though Crescent's eyes did not leave this woman as if she were still up for question, which wasn't entirely incorrect, she gave him a sense of calmness. The man that had spoken to the professor was not him. No, this person obviously used her emotionless mask to protect herself while Crescent used the smile that illuminated his face as the barrier which acted as the wall against himself and others. This person he obviously did not have to strain himself to smile like the fallen angel he wasn't. A true smile had not crossed his lips in quite awhile, Crescent would've forgotten what it was to smile had it not been for the only companion that he felt trustworthy ; Espeon. Speaking of which, he could feel the Pokemon motionlessly perched upon his shoulders tensing, muscles clenching as if she were about to spring towards this other trainer any second. But that was just what made Espeon so trustworthy, this Pokemon was intelligent and would not attack needlessly without clear commands.

And then she asked for his name. 'It would be proper to state your own name first before asking for mine' was the words that Crescent wished to speak though knew better then to let something like that come out of his mouth. They look the same age, or in the same digits atleast. "You may call me Crescent," the trainer stated politely, his voice a velvety purr that was loud enough to be heard yet beautifully soft. And upon this answer Crescent dipped his head slightly, closing his eyes and placing a free palm upon his chest, the gloves still missing from his attire due to the Summer weather. Even if this show only lasted for a moment, it was graceful and as he lifted his head once more and placed his hand back upon his side, both maroon pools reopened to reflected the images of the trainer and Salamance. "And what do you go by?" Crescent inquired back, giving his Espeon a calming stroke that starting from it's hide and traveled downwards to it's hide.

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[яєmoяsє]

The faintest ghost of a smile came to her lips as the boy replied; he seemed quite proper for his age. Truth be told, the champion was not just uncomfortable of speaking her name first; she was just seeing if the boy would keep from saying something like a suggestion for her to say her name first. Many she had met over the years, they had told her over and over that it was best to state your name first, rather than ask the other one's name; it did not bother her, but it only told her that some could not keep from stating something that was not seriously required.

After his short 'performance,' Ayane slightly dipped her head again. ".. A pleasure to meet you, Crescent." He seemed.. the lovely kind of male, not a thug, nor was he rude. Inwardly, she chuckled; she took a liking to him already. Though she was not as wary as Ryuu, she knew that it could just be an act. But, at the moment, she had no desire to be paranoid. It earned you nothing, after all. So, keeping any discomforts of introducing herself away, she replied, ".. Ayane," her voice responded with as much beauty, if not more than Crescent's, and she was glad to cut it short and simple. She liked how similar they appeared to be. Never had she met one like this.

Glancing at the Espeon upon his shoulder, her faint smile grew slightly more visible. "You're raising that Espeon well..," she murmured, her voice hushed as it usually was. Ryuu, behind her, released a small breath, and she glanced at him through her peripheral vision. When she glanced into those attractive crimsons, her sapphires seemed to be saying, 'Pardon him.' Almost immediately after the message disappeared, her smile grew somewhat more.

She wondered if she could get to know Crescent more, to be able to befriend him more closely. It would be almost a reward; who knew, perhaps she could teach him a few things, or, perhaps, they could eventually travel together - not that she was going to get her hopes up. And it was not that she was very fond of him; she just wanted to help him become a great trainer. He was the first to ever contain a personality quite similar to hers. Upon her pondering, her exterior grew emotionless yet again, though not in an uninviting way.

[Naze]

As the faintest smile appeared upon the female's lips, Crescent felt himself ease slightly though the emotionless expression he kept had not changed in the slightest. Not out of true emotion but more so don't to frighten the phantom smiled that appeared upon her lips away from her expression. This only seemed to illuminate her exterior even further, much more then the cold mask that she wore at first that just made her seem void, unreadable. And Crescent did not want to betray the comfort that she seemed to feel right now but smiling in return, an act that could push her far back, force her to retreat into her barrier once more.

But upon her compliment as well as her answer, Crescent allowed a slight smile to show. Though it was visible, this one was quite real unlike the one he had given to the Professor and many others. Ayane.. Crescent reiterated mentally. Yes.. This woman had not only looked familiar but truly was the Kyoto Region champion that he had heard about. In all actuality, while he was making his stay in a region that neighbored Kyoto, she was the reason for his arrival here, she was the reason for Kyoto's discovery. How.. coincidental that they would meet. Only dwelling within those thoughts for a second, Crescent spoke once more, meeting Ayane's beautiful, refined navy eyes "The pleasure is equally returned, Ayane." Something he couldn't say about the majority people he encountered through out his years.

And then came the compliment on his Espeon which he could tell brought the feline's stress down by a slight bit. "I've had him since I was quite young. Your Salamance is also a beautifully refined Pokemon. As to be expected from the Champion of Kyoto's gyms," said Crescent, allowing the Espeon to land gracefully by his side, the slight 'tap' of paws only audible to Crescent's hearing. The Pokemon adjusted it's posture to one of perfection, similar to it's trainer's. The only thing that seemed to discourage the Pokemon was the fact that Ayane's expression had altered back to one lacking emotion though with a glance up towards Crescent, it was obvious that his expression had no change. Maybe only Crescent, even in the short time that he had examined her, could see that this was not her 'mask' it was a simple expression of wonder, one that revealed that she was lost within her own thoughts at the moment. 'Something the matter' the man's eyes seemed to calmly inquire.

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[яєmoяsє]

Striking sapphires blinked slowly, the cloud of thoughtfulness swiftly dissipating from her gaze. It was then that a spark of reality returned to her eyes, though they held only messages, rather than any emotion. They would not betray her in this moment; no, they would remain emotionless, like the rest of her exterior. Her emotions would not whisper convincing words to her; she usually could resist them.

Ayane blinked slowly again, the ghost of a smile returning to her lips when Crescent spoke again. Oh, how that caused Ryuu to tense up even more behind her, after he had just relaxed somewhat a few moments before from the compliment. "Thank you," she replied in a voice ever so enchanting. She still appeared absentminded, though she was coming back to her senses; it was just, her mind was quite occupied, with many things in it. But, no matter; she read the message in the boy's eyes as swiftly as you could say it if you spoke extremely fast.

The champion slightly shook her head; 'No, nothing,' her blue hues seemed to say. She extended a hand toward Ryuu, her exterior slowly drifting off toward becoming emotionless once again. Her caressing hand was reassurance to the large, almost overprotective Salamance. At first, he glared at them all, but then he calmed down, forcing himself down.

Now, she wanted to just examine their behavior somewhat more. would they be worthy of her invitation? But then, she inwardly shook herself. No, don't plan it just yet. She must not think of company, even though she had been a 'lone human' for quite a while now. Yes, she missed the days when she would meet friends on her journey, but she could not be in such a rush to invite someone she just met. Yet, she felt that she could afford it. Ah, the troubles of the mind.

[Naze]

Realizing calmly that they were reading each other's eyes rather then speaking verbally, Crescent allowed the phantasm of a true smile to dissipate as if it was just as easily carried away like the morning's fog. With that, the man only let his lips fall slightly to exhale a deep sigh that made his shoulders heave slightly and his eyes closed for a moment. For now, his emotions were perfectly hidden behind the polite exterior that never failed to stand in any situation presentable. But then, his elegant crimson eyes opened into slivers. As if timing were crucial the single ray of light that allowed Crescent to be within vision brightened enough to reveal him fully ; the cloak of shadows that wrapped around him like vines fleeing and the shine of light seemed to only make the pools of blood crimson in his eyes sparkle with some kind of magical essence that may of only appeared once more in the light of the moon. But in the same moment that Crescent seemed just as dazzling and magical as the crescent moon iteself the light faded and Crescent disappeared into the shadows in an advancement, disappearing into the blackness like the moon would when consumed by a stray cloud.

But like the moon's disappearance, Crescent's was just as temporary, and as silent for this time he did not allow his steps to be revealing as they had before. "I don't expect you to accept this offer however.." Crescent's voice was first to give him away, then his actual figure as he stepped out of the shadows as if forming from them beside Ayane though still kept a fair distance as to not penetrate her boundaries. "I'd appreciate it if you'd join me in a simple stroll around Sendai. I only came to the Ruins to find silence yet I find our talk much more meaningful then just the loneliness I came seeking," were the words that he spoke in a polite manner, voice smoother then any velvet conceived and as seductive as a sophisticated purr. Crescent's posture had also been altered into a bow that sent his upper body into a slight curving bow towards Ayane once more though his chin was upwards, greeting her true beauty in her eyes with his own, both revealing nothing but mystery. This move.. Fool? No, he was hardly above asking for company that he enjoyed. These people in the world were rare and he had only come encounter with one such equally reserved individual ; one of his dear Pokemon. But a human? Until now they seemed like things of mere myth. And then there was the thought of traveling with this woman.. No, it was best to keep the world at bay with only Pokemon by his side and surely a curse human was not a desirable traveling companion.

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[яєmoяsє]

Inwardly, the Kyoto Champion smiled softly; the boy seemed quite dazzling, now that, seemingly on cue, the moonlight decided to beat upon him stronger than before. There were certainly new things, but rather than be afraid, this woman was almost gingerly awestruck; rather than wanting to run away, she wanted to stay, for she was truly fascinated. Even when he disappeared, she did not find any urge to run away, no impulse to say a goodbye and avoid him. No, it was almost like when she captured a legendary Pokemon; she wanted them on her side.

Ryuu, however, had a completely different train of thought. He released quite a harsh growl, a little bothersome to Ayane's sensitive ears. As the Salamance took a step forward and raised his guard, she placed a hand softly on his forehead. Glancing at him with icy azure optics, he received the message, 'It's fine.' But he could not stop tensing, even as his master's gaze scanned their surroundings slowly, searching for the boy.

Then, Crescent's voice come from the shadows, as smooth and silky as before; Ayane turned her sapphires, slowly and calmy, and watched as his figure stepped out from the shadows. Whether it was skillful stealth mixed with the extraordinary or magic, she did not exactly care at all; all she bothered to care about was the fact that she was impressed. Mysterious things always did, and it was almost like a weakness of hers.

At Crescent's request, she could not help but allow that ghost of a smile come to her lips again, forcing her emotionless exterior to go unstable. Never before had she encountered a human like this, and never before had she felt this comfortable around a stranger; she found no logical reason to reject, thus her blue eyes, as they locked with those stunning crimsons, clearly showed acceptance of the offer. After a short moment, she noticed that he seemed almost thoughtful - and that caused her to almost make up her mind. She would decide whether or not to invite him, sometime during the stroll.

[Naze]

On average, the trainer would have never labeled his own emotions capricious though now they seemed to fit the description perfectly. Of course, even with their current unpredictability Crescent had a decent record of never allowing simple emotion to pull him along. All that was desired at the moment was more time with this woman before they parted ways as company that Crescent deemed eve slightly desirable was incredibly rare. And who knew, if he felt it would be fair towards her he may of even asked her to accompany him until.. Until maybe she was bored of him. But it wouldn't be, there were much more fitting people out there in the world for her to be traveling among. Much more. So for now he could find the fleeting comfort lavishing within Ayane's beautiful prescene as if she were the reincarnation of Eve's garden.

With her acceptance, Crescent corrected his posture though his line of vision never left Ayane, reflecting her image in a pool of crimson that seemed to dance past her various barriers. All seeing yet lacking in harsh judgment, eyes that seemed to of been simply originated in this celestial manner. And this was only illuminated by the full moon that hung within the heavens, day slowly but surely being inevitably engulfed by the navy blue night that descended in a one sided battle. Though the moonlight made Crescent seem like the phantom he wasn't, it was clear why his family had been given the last name of Illuminati that illustrated their appearance.

Willing himself away from any other thoughts, Crescent made a swift, elegant turn towards the path way that signified the direction that would take them away from the ruins. "I apologize.." he began, glancing back at the Champion with eyes that held words yet, they seemed cloaked within shadows that made them impossible to legislate. ".. If I'm interrupting what you came to the ruins for. I'll simply be leaving soon and I should be heading towards the border of the village before it gets too late to travel anywhere," Crescent finished. Part of this statement was an undetectable lie ; he would travel to any part of the region without concern for the time. But to stay in Ayane's company would be no short of ignorant on his behalf. In his early years, Crescent had already learned how potentially venomous it would be to grow too fond of an individual, especially in the 'condition' he was forced to maintain. It would be too much trouble that he would ever feel comfortable letting his own misfortune befall another.

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[яєmoяsє]

As the boy straightened up when she accepted his offer, the moonlight seemed to tell the softest of breezes to whisper softy outside. Inwardly, a minuscule smirk arrived; how oddly he seemed to fit into nature, as if mother nature wanted to give him abilities, as if she had a fierce desire to make him one of the most unique. Fascinating, and the Kyoto Champion knew very well that a younger child may be fearful, yet awestruck if they were to meet this male.

When Crescent turned, Ayane slowly blinked, but she kept her sapphires on him; even though now, they were watching his back - until he turned his crimsons to her, that was. Her exterior was now emotionless, and she resisted the flicker of a phantom smile when she found that she could not verify the message that seemed to be clouded over in those stunningly red hues.

As he spoke of his apologies, and the reasons he was preparing to take his leave, the faintest half smirk played at her lips. Should she believe him, when he hinted that he needed to get into town before darkness grew too overwhelming? Many trainers she had met were more reckless than that; but, she would give it to him this time. She would trust him. After all, being paranoid or something along those lines didn't do so well for you.

But she did not feel any comfort in allowing him to leave. Why, she even believed she may have felt a loss, having never experienced befriending a human this similar to her. She closed her sapphires before she spoke, her half smirk turning more and more like the ghost of a smile by the second. "Almost a pity," she whispered, and though it was beautifully hushed, it was quite clear and easy to be heard, "I was planning on seeing if I should invite you to travel with me."

[Naze]

Though as Crescent rather sensitive ears heard the woman state her first words, he kept the same expression. A pity? A pity that he would leave? This trainer was perfectly sharp like a double bladed sword but surely she couldn't of detected the lie within his statement.. Crescent tended to be very sparing with any modesty he delivered to himself yet he would be damned if anyone could catch an Illuminati in a lie. But when her true intention and continuation of that line was whispered in her truly angelic voice, it hit him much harder, much more shocking then a bolt of lightning to his entire body. And unconsciously, Crescent allowed the dam barricading his emotions from the exterior to break ; to absolutely shatter. Yet still, Crescent's true beauty remained, only illuminated by the moon's pale light that cascaded upon Kyoto like a flood of starlight. Now he truly did have the appearance of an angel ; the facial expression he now had resembling one of a fallen angel that had just been cruelly shot down. Eyes slightly widened to reveal their full possibility to glow and his mouth hanging slightly agape. It wouldn't be any such suprise if he had even lost his balance yet Crescent remained fully planted within his spot a top of a large rock of rubble.

Even though this expression only lasted for a split second, the man swiftly made repairs to his inner wall and closed his eyes swiftly, closing his lips so they creased upwards into a slight smile. He had gone too far with these fool ideas of traveling together with another. And he was delighted to realize that she had the same wishes, yet also terrified ; terrified that he could not fulfill her offer.. Displeased that his self restraint did not allow him to act just upon the whim of wanting another similar to himself.. Something that he had never found within his entire lifetime, and may never discover again. While these thoughts traveled through his head, Crescent kept his eyes closed, unwilling to allow his body to cheat him again. "I'm sorry Ayane.." Crescent began, finally reopening his eyes that seemed to be slightly dimmer then they once were as if with a sense of sorrow. "But I don't make the best traveling companion," he concluded with his still velvet tone yet it seemed to be almost icy ; purposely distant as if now on the defensive. He wouldn't dare trouble her, no he would never trouble her with the issue that he shared.

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[яєmoяsє]

There was a pause, causing the woman to crack her sapphires open, but just barely; though it was enough to allow her to spot the collapse of the wall that blocked away emotion from the soul, just like when she was younger. Now, she had grown out of it, but it was no surprise to her that someone else would be too awestruck to hold anything in after being invited to join the Kyoto Champion on her travels. Though many would appear idiotic in that state, facing at her and gaping, even if just for a second, he was still quite handsome, especially within the moonlight.

When Crescent responded, a frown attempted to tug at her lips, and just as it was about to prevail, she fought past it with that ghost of a smile. Ayane figured that he would say this, just like many others if she were to ask them to join her. She sensed discomfort and dissatisfaction seeming in his atmosphere, but his mask was quite powerful, swiftly chasing those extremely faint sensations away. But then, she heard the hint of ice, seemingly defensive, in his tone. She recognized it well. Whenever she felt betrayed by her emotions, or that she needed to be distant, it was as if being cold was required.

Indeed, she had to admit, she was almost disappointed; she wanted him to travel with her, so she would not feel as alone as she sometimes felt. Yes, she had her Pokemon, but they were not human. Her family had gone, two dead and one somewhere far - thus, it was not difficult to feel alone, to unwillingly desire another mortal's company. The faintest of sighs broke past her lips, and she closed her blue hues again, exterior growing emotionless again.

She was still for a moment, as if a curse had befallen her and created a statue of her. But then, without reopening her eyes, she took a step forward, using her senses and memory to pinpoint exactly where she, the boy, and their Pokemon were. Her expression remained void of emotion as she spoke, but her voice was soft, angelic. "Allow me to prove you wrong..." Gentle words, yet such a strong intention.

[Naze]

Even with their very presence combining under the spotlight the moon provided upon the stage that was the Sendai Ruins, Crescent could no longer feel his comfort attempting to swallow his soul within a blind yet blissful illusion. It was pleasant to feel that his own emotions would not capriciously betray him any longer, yet now distress ripped at him with vicious malice as if punishing him for escaping that comfort. It would be joyous to allow the moonlight to bind them together like this each night, but once more his own troubles would never be pushed upon another, especially one that he was beginning to hold an essence of respect for. Nobody would wish it upon themselves, and now Crescent knew that he would need to act as he had many times before. What was usually the final act in a mediocre play ; the shattering of the image that she had reflected him as, reflected oh so beautifully in those sapphire gems that to asphyxiate his feeling of lone travel in this world.

Now he would have to watch it shatter like he had so many times before. By his own hand each time yet this time he felt regret in ending their meeting. He had not had prolonged human interaction for quite some time now unless it was in conflict or in admiration on the other's behalf. Some may have called it unhealthy but Crescent had never lost his social skills by far, he may of just forgotten how to trust in another. But none of that mattered now. "I could care less if we are leagues apart, a champion and a simple trainer traveling together. I wouldn't mind that, but accepting your offer would mean that you would have to harbor and share the misfortune of my own troubles.." Crescent spoke, that chilling frost still layering his voice as his crimson eyes closed, no longer in want to view the depths of Ayane's eyes. Such a thing was a great temptation that he did not want glazing his clear judgment into a nothing but a blur with his desires' fulfillment as the lone obstacle.

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