Falkner was elated, Winona did remember him! It gave him a strange sort of satisfaction that he was recalled, the villagers over in Violet City often forgot his name. But that was forgivable, after all sometimes Falkner was almost the youngest person in the whole town.
Winona covered her mouth and giggled; this young man was truly something else.
A warm breeze drifted past them, causing the bridge to sway a little. She carefully tucked a strand of lilac behind her ear and gazed toward the Weather Institute, nodding. Most people in Fortree depended on it.
It had been so long since she had traveled anywhere. If memory served correctly, the only city she and her father had visited when they traveled to Johto was Violet. And... due to her father's condition, they had left shortly after.
"But they do sound like interesting cities. I would love to visit them, someday. Perhaps you could be my... tour-guide?" The ghost of a smile tugged at her lips as she began to stroke Swablu's feathers. It would be nice to leave everything behind for a change. But deep down, she knew that could never be possible. Her responsibilities were of utmost importance, now.
So uh, would you mind showing me your favorite place Winona? If that’s alright!"
She blinked. Favorite place?
"Well... I used to have a secret base just outside town. Father... he helped me build it. If you'd like to see it, then..." Winona cast a parting glance to the festivities down below. Things were still being set up, and she figured the conferences wouldn't begin for another hour or so.
"Follow me. It shouldn't take long; just gotta spot the tallest tree with a vine hanging down from it."
Fen Badge - Do you prefer urban or rural environments?
"I certainly prefer rural environments, as I have lived in Fortree all my life. It is unlike the larger cities of Hoenn, but there I can find peace and solace that I really couldn’t obtain anywhere else—"
"— However, urban environments are quite interesting on their own accord. I love to visit Mauville when I have free time; Wattson has done so much work to that town. It’s changed quite a bit since years ago."
Soul Badge - What is your idea of a perfect date?
P-p-perfect date?!
"I—" She pauses in struggle to find the appropriate words to say, "—haven’t put much thought into that; dating has never been on my mind. " Not since then, at least.
"If I must answer this question, then… I suppose it would be someplace quiet. Like a park, or a small restaurant."
Winona gazes up at the sky and ponders - there is a light breeze in the air, it feels nice against her skin.
She begins to wonder if there could even be a specific response to a question like that. All things in life were splendor; even the bad had the potential to carry a certain kind of goodness.
"There is beauty in everything, no?"
A warm smile graces her lips as she watches Altaria and Swablu fly above.
After seeing the pokeball meme, I realized it has been a while since I have made one! So here is the Pokemon badge meme, something I quickly made up for all to enjoy!
Winona’s eyes turned towards his own, immediately he had known she was different from before. Nobody had eyes that hard for no reason. Her hand was soft, maybe even a little untroubled. Her voice was a hard, elegant instrument, “I am well, yourself? Are you enjoying your stay?” Whatever bemusement or empathy she had in her greeting was untraceable as her Swablu coiled itself against Winona’s neck.
in fact I think it’s one of the coolest towns I’ve ever seen.
His enthusiasm was refreshing, like taking a breath of fresh air. Learning how others appreciated Fortree's way of life pleased Winona. The city was different; yes, unlike modernized townships. Much smaller, more close-knit. She enjoyed living in such a place. Yet... there was nothing wrong with exploring much larger cities. Mauville, for one, had become more interesting as Wattson's plans for reconstruction unraveled into something quite extraordinary. He was a good man; smart, bright. Winona loved hearing about the many ideas that swam through his head.
Anyways, don’t you remember me?
Her eyes fluttered open, caught off guard by the young man's inquisition. Did she remember him-- had they met before? Falkner's next words confirmed it. A fleeting moment of silence came between them until Winona regained the ability to speak.
"Forgive me." She apologized, bowing towards the young man. How foolish of her to forget the son of another gym leader - Violet City's, at that!
"Yes, I do seem to remember a trip to Johto... Father hadn't been doing so well..." She pursed her lips, eyes beginning to darken. Had two years already gone by? Swablu, noticing her trainer's discomfort, cooed in reassurance. The bird nuzzled her cheek against Winona's face; she didn't like seeing her upset.
Winona blinked, she would have to repress those feelings for now. Today was important, and furthermore, there was company to attend to.
"I... suppose it would be my responsibility to show you around Fortree, correct?"
A friendly smile was offered at the blunette. Perhaps it would somehow make up for her unfavorable greeting. "What would you like to do first, Falkner?"
I haven't seen much of your Winona (yet!) but your roleplaying style always amazed me when you were Chili or Roxie! HOW ARE YOU SO TALENTED??? Looking forward to seeing more of your amazing Flying gal! :)
{asfhbkga; thanks so much danny :) it means a lot, coming from someone as talented as you!!}
Super fantastic would RP with for the rest of my life and the days that follow after. The gracefulness of Winona and the way you handle her is A+ stuff (and I'm not saying that cause I love you) I really hope you stick around long enough for Falkner and Winona to finally admit their feelings for each other <3
Winona crosses her arms & scoffs; hoping to dismiss the idea as quickly as possible.
"T-that is ridiculous— him and I are just good friends; nothing more. ” She nods with finality, as if she’s trying to convince herself it’s true. But as soon as she turns away, a faint blush colors her porcelain cheeks and it speaks a thousand words.
The Beauty and The Tragedy // Falkner X Winona (Early Teens)
The hotel room’s bed offered little comfort for the blunette as he laid against the slab of cloth. A ceiling fan provided a humming commentary to his thoughts as he stared at the ceiling, he was in Fortree City. Falkner was invited to go with his father to the annual Bird Master’s Convention, a yearly meeting held in the town of a Flying Type Gym Leader. This year’s was Winona’s own hometown, she had been Gym Leader for about two years since the death of her parents making her the youngest Bird Master of them all. However, her worthiness was rightly proven. Trainers didn’t always leave her gym with a badge, and the ones that did still had tears in their eyes from a harsh battle…
The temperature outside was humid as always, yet the blood pumping through her veins ran ice cold.
A quiet apartment; an empty, lonesome environment for a twelve year old. Grandmother Nagi offered to stay numerous times after insisting how impractical it was for her to live alone; especially after the death of her beloved parents, Oliver and Elizabeth.
One side of Winona just couldn't bear to accept the cruel reality of it all while the other half felt like her childhood needs had become meaningless. They were buried as well; never to see the light of day again. It was time for her to grow up, and take hold of her parent's responsibilities. If she didn't, then who would?
And... at the end of the day, she knew the concerned residents of Fortree would still keep an eye on her no matter how many times their help was denied.
Photographs lay scattered around the normally pristine abode. Images of mother and father, of her looking oh so happy like any child should. She originally hoped that seeing these would provide a sense of comfort, but instead, they made her feel worse. The tainted memories made her sick to the very core.
Scowling, Winona angrily tossed aside an image of her parents joking around with a younger version of Wattson and rose up from the couch. She strode over to the open window and gazed downward at the crowds of guests below the treetops. Today marked the annual Bird Master's convention-- and this year, Fortree was host. Last year, it had been Mistralton; and before that, Violet.
Already dressed in her everyday attire-- a slightly oversized aviator uniform that Mother promised she'd grow into -- Winona inched closer towards the front door. Originally, she had planned on training her Pokémon today and not socializing with others.
She glanced at herself once more in the mirror-- staring back was a young girl with hardened eyes.
"Come along, Seraphine." The Swablu flew towards Winona and perched itself on her shoulder. Together, they stepped out into the lively morning.
Everything would be alright, wouldn't it?
A crowd of people walked by, some offering a polite greeting, while others murmured on in excitement about the arrival of Violet City's gym leader and son.
Releasing an inaudible sigh from her lips, Winona began trailing after the crowd. She really didn't know what else to do in a situation like this. In the past, Mr. Nagi oversaw the day's events while Mrs. Nagi entertained guests. Winona, being a young child at the time, would either stay inside or tag along with mother.
Continuing her observation of the activities taking place around town-- Pokémon battling, games, meetings-- Winona felt a sense of relief when she found that her grandmother and the rest of the elders were taking charge.
Winona! a voice called out.
Winona!
Hey Winona, how have you been? Do you remember me?
She froze in hesitation, eyes gone wide-- amid the bustling crowd, this person was calling out to her as if they were friends. It surprised her, to say the least. No one in her age group stuck around long enough for them to become friends. She pushed them away before they even had a chance.
Turning around, lilac orbs analyzed every detail of the young man standing before her. He seemed expectant and nervous, holding out a hand in greeting.
She tentatively returned the sentiment and pondered over the boy's slightly calloused palms. While his felt rough, hers were smooth; tiny.
"I am well-- yourself?" No smile in return. "Are you enjoying your stay?" Swablu cuddled up to Winona's neck and looked over at Falkner, cooing a polite greeting.
Your eyes show you are a fighter. There is a glint in your eyes that shows you can survive anything and have. That’s what makes you gorgeous. Cause even if you are struggling, you are gonna fight as hard as you can, because you have to and are willing to do so.
Hi everyone! It is very nice to return to the lovely group of WE. ♥ I'm Celine, in case any of you haven't met me before. Since Winona is an absolute bae in ORAS, I felt compelled to RP as her again. UwU
Alright, well! If you're interested in threading with Winona, please send me an ask. (I'll most likely have an opener ready in the next day or so, too.)
This is the full guest piece I did for Reiru’s artbook. I was given the ok to upload this haha! Thanks for inviting me to guest and congrats on the sellout \0/
