* like a [dream within a dream]

[яєmoяsє]

Just outside the boundaries of Centerford City, the Kyoto League Champion watched the heavens, beautiful sapphires raised and bright. Her midnight azure hair blew gently as the wind whispered to and caressed her. A calming, pretty sight it was, and it was upgraded when her loyal Pokemon approached from behind and nudged her. She ran a hand under its chin, before a soft sigh escaped her lips; her emotionless exterior was hardly broken, though.

"It is a beautiful sight, watching over those below, is it not..?" Ayane whispered, narrowing her eyes gently as Ryuu grunted in reply; his wings lowered as he glanced down with his master.

The Salamance soon glanced up, wings lowering protectively toward his trainer. Ayane had noticed the presence arriving as well. She glanced up, calm as ever, but deep down, she felt excitement. Was it what she thought it was, the sight she had seen on that tragic night? She was definitely hopeful, and she took a step forward, her breath sticking to her throat.

As soon as Ryuu growled, a faint smile embraced the champion's lips. There was another growl that answered, one that had given her to motivation to become the Champion of the Kyoto, the one that had led her to this destiny. Rayquaza... Its roar was thunderous, its eyes a menacing glare - but that did nothing to stop Ayane.

Swiftly slipping onto Ryuu's back, she glanced up as the approaching shadow. "Ryuu, up," she murmured, calmly emotionless as usual - but a sparkle of excitement could be heard. With a roar, the Salamance took to the skies, Ayane holding on tightly. With movements of physical contact, she signaled to him to go and not worry about her getting hurt. She wanted to catch Rayquaza. She wanted him, now.

Now, protecting Ayane was only half of Ryuu's worries; the legendary Pokemon, which was swiftly approaching, was now the other half of his worries. But he would have to trust and obey her on this one. As Rayquaza neared, he fully prepared for battle.

Its roar split the skies, before it attacked with Extreme Speed. Without enough time to react, Ryuu took a blow on the side, as Ayane ducked down; almost immediately after, she commanded, "Dragon Pulse." Without hesitation, the Salamance allowed a large, greenish ball of light and sent it toward Rayquaza. The legendary dragon growled, before flying at the trainer and the Pokemon. Giga Impact began to form around it.

"Dragon Rush, Ryuu!" She pressed down against his back, holding on tightly. "I'll be fine," she whispered when the Salamance hesitated. Then, almost reluctantly, he roared, before flying at Rayquaza, blue light forming at his head before enveloping his body.

As they collided, there was an explosion, though not severe enough to bring severe harm to Ayane. However, both dragons were thrust backward a few feet. Now, Ryuu began to growl, though his anger was thoroughly controlled. Rayquaza then began to use Hyper Beam, and Ryuu followed, though he surged forward as his beam soared into the Rayquaza's.

An explosion occurred, and they both were somewhat damaged from both of the powerful attacks. Ayane, sensing that both the Pokemon were going to take a while to go down, took an ultra ball from her bag. She knew that both Pokemon would take time to recharge, so she waited. However, Rayquaza remained still when Ryuu roared to signal he had recharged.

Amazingly, the Rayquaza seemed to be attempting to speak to Ayane. She could have sworn, she understood it as well as she understood her Pokemon. Then, realization dawned upon her. ".. You led me to becoming champion on purpose.. You want me to take you?" It took a moment for the Rayquaza to finally nod; a soft smile came to her lips. Her eyes clearly said, 'Alright; we'll be a team now.' However, she knew he would not take too much of a liking obeying her; but, she would take him, no matter what.

Throwing the Ultra Ball, she watched as Rayquaza was sucked into the ball. As it fell from the sky, she propelled herself off of her Salamance, snatching the ball and landing on Ryuu's back as he dove for her. The ball jerked a couple of times, before bleeping once. Her smile grew somewhat. "I've a Rayquaa now... Good work, Salamance." And with that, they both landed; off they went, into Centerford City.