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beauties of nature

That which we call "righteous" changes depending on one's measure. If anything in this world is immutable, it's the beauties of nature, its majestic loveliness. After we regret, we will learn, and then move on. So that we will never repeat the sins we have made.

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Aligning with the Republic was, in Aster's opinion, one of the best decisions she made since acquiring a vessel and submersing into human society. She appreciated what those in the faction did, and enjoyed taking on those from the other groups. Parallax, given their attitude toward Pokémon, truly disgusted her—more so than the people who sought to control her original form without her consent. The Association she felt more neutral to; however, so long as they opposed the Republic, she would fight against them. Regardless, the two factions kept her busy alongside her work as a freelance photographer and allowed her to hone her abilities, so she was somewhat grateful they existed.[break][break]

Aster sauntered through New Veherna, having "lost" herself in the city. Of course, she knew her way around, but she enjoyed walking around without a particular place in mind. Besides, she could people-watch, stopping briefly to listen in on a nearby conversation (provided it was loud and comprehensible) or see what others were doing. It helped her further understand human nature, allowing her to completely act as if she were one of them. She never listened in or paid much attention to people for very long, however—not unless they caught her interest. Seldom ever did, as seemed to be the case today.[break][break]

Until she heard a familiar voice.[break][break]

While the sound of a person requesting a battle never provoked a response from her—much as she loved battling—Aster found herself turning around after a young girl posed the question. But it wasn't a complete stranger. Certainly, time had altered her appearance, but how could she forget one of the few people who hitched a ride on her back? The woman paused in the street, watching the girl carefully for a moment. A smirk crept up her lips as she took some steps toward her, only fading once she called out to her.[break][break]

"Hey, you with the long, brown hair." Aster waited to see if the girl would turn around; if not, she'd call for her again, each time using different descriptive words that fit her, until she caught her attention. Afterward, she continued, "If it's a battle you're looking for, I'll be happy to take you on." She said this with a smile on her face—a faux one which she mastered from the amount of time she spent people-watching. Friendliness was surprisingly easy to fake provided the person either didn't know her well or was similar to her. It was also necessary if she wished to engage fellow allegiants in casual battles, something she hardly had time for nowadays given her work and hobbies, prioritizing those over anything else. Of course, if this girl had improved since their last encounter, Aster could expect a good battle worthy of her time.