Quote
If a heart is still beating, it means there’s still something I can do.
Art permissions
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Moves
Art
Field & Pokémon
- Grass
| Stat | Lv. 11 |
|---|---|
| HP | 38 |
| Attack | 31 |
| Defense | 26 |
| Sp. Atk | 21 |
| Sp. Def | 26 |
| Speed | 16 |
Info
Personality
On first impression, Hotaro appears mild-mannered and approachable. He maintains an air of professionalism and patience towards his clients, overshadowed only by his tenacity to have them marching along the road to recovery in better condition than they arrived in.
Outside of work, he is notably more inquisitive, even playful at times, engaging in small talk and digging into the local gossip and rumours, hungry for information about the people and world around him. If he’s disinterested in a topic, or if he’s asked personal questions, however, he starts to disconnect from the conversation. To him, hearsay is enough to give him a sense of "knowing" others in a “risk-free” way, which can allay the feeling of loneliness within. Although he’s convinced himself he’s disinterested in others outside of their health and stories, he craves connection, even if he refuses to acknowledge it.
There is a combination of factors that contribute to his avoidance, one being that his true personality is less palatable than his healer persona. While he may be smiling on the outside, in truth he's a skittish, yet prideful perfectionist, and his own worst critic that struggles to accept praise for things unrelated to his work. He’s vain, somewhat irritable, and can even be described as immature at times. The contrast of his polite façade against the sore loser underneath may be a bit jarring to experience.
Hotaro wants to appear infallible, avoiding expressing any kind of genuine vulnerability (he may express fake vulnerability if it benefits him.) He harbors a constant hint of wariness and distrust and, as a result, is taken aback if someone is sincerely gentle or caring towards him. Not knowing how to respond, he may even treat the act as suspicious.
His mask disappears entirely when dealing with a particularly dire case, revealing an intense determination; No matter what, he will do anything to save others from a cruel fate.
History
A child of both Sun and Jade, Hotaro was reared by his mother in the Empire from a young age, and as such, it is the only home he remembers. Because both he and his mother’s names were changed to ones more befitting the land, he no longer recalls his birth name. Back then, such a fact did not bother the young fomantis.
His mother became a dancer of Radiant Harbor, bringing an Imperium style across the waves, fostering intrigue and a sense of novelty. Her biggest fan was none other than her own son who attended every show, wishing to follow in her footsteps, and mirroring her movements at every opportunity.
A humble and fulfilled life, the two were nigh inseparable, wanting for naught so long as they were together. They became a daily sight for the locals; a mother slowing her steps so her son’s tiny legs could follow alongside her, chattering away in a world of their own without a care.
He would trade anything to return to those days. To do things differently. To change the outcome, now that he knew the signs. At ten years old, the image of his mother's final plea for his safety seared into his soul with devastating clarity.
The child, distraught, ran to find help. His feet swollen, his body battered and bruised by the elements, his lungs heaving, his heart breaking, his eyes painfully dry - he finally found a healer, a Hatterene named Tomomi, and clung to her desperately, pulling at her clothes with what little strength he had left.
Though she did not hesitate to follow, the horrific sight before her told her there was never any hope to begin with. She turned to leave, only to find the broken child grabbing her once more. Lost, frightened, and still in denial, Hotaro continued to beg her to make his mother better.
Tomomi felt her hand was forced and, begrudgingly, took the child into her care. There's only so much sobbing she can ignore. As the weeks passed, she warmed to his presence, despite how loud his emotions rang through her head. She had always wondered what it would be like to train a successor, and it was a challenge she had not tackled yet. When she thought about it, the perfect candidate practically fell into her lap – he wasn’t going to leave, after all, he had no one else.
Though his mentor was lacking in the maternal instinct the young boy craved, she gave him a sense of security and routine, even if her methods looked unusual or even cruel from an outsider's perspective. Through repeated exposure to her line of work, Tomomi was able to increase Hotaro's tolerance and desensitize him to gruesome sights that previously would have triggered a panic attack. He could now take these things in stride, pushing through for the sake of the afflicted and aiding in their care under her guidance. He took his mentor's words to heart; "If a heart is still beating, it means there's still something you can do." He has since become obsessed with improving his skills, not wanting to lose anyone to illness or injury ever again.
Years went by, Hotaro grew, evolved, and matured in his field, becoming an expert in his own right. Tomomi felt she had nothing left to impart to her student and it was time that they parted to allow him to become independent. At first, he protested, the dread of isolation already descending upon him, but was reminded that this is just what it means to grow up. Knowing his mentor was not one for sentimentality, he painted on a smile as they went their separate ways. This wasn’t goodbye – it was a “see you later,” he had to remind himself of that fact as he marched forward.
And so, Hotaro wanders the realm, seeking those who need aid and methods to improve his skills. For now, he is content to drift on the outskirts of the lives around him, but for how long will that hold?
Additional
Likes: Compression, cooking, dancing, dango, expanding his knowledge / skillset, flowers and flower arranging, fruit and berries (pecha in particular), gossip / rumours, herbal teas, reading, stories, sunbathing / napping, wandering at night, watching performances.
Dislikes: Being asked personal questions, insults towards his appearance, loud noises, people moving too quickly / suddenly around him, places with no clear exits, relying on others, staying in one place for too long, tight deadlines.
Skills: Wound care, identifying herbs and plants, crafting medicine, cooking, dancing, acupuncture.
Design note: The appendages on the top of his head are his ears. He does not have humanoid ears.
Notes/Trivia:
⬥ Hotaro primarily specializes in wound care, his secondary focus being a combination of herbology and food therapy.
⬥ He always has a reserve of pecha berries on hand. Tomomi once punished him by leaving him poisoned for an afternoon after he’d finished off their stock.
⬥ He is knowledgeable of a dancing style from the Jade Imperium like his late mother before him. Proficient, though not a master; he struggles to improve without a mentor.
⬥ He has also come to love Sun Empire styles of dance. He has no teacher, so instead tries to recreate what he sees from memory. There are likely many errors, but there is sincerity in his attempts.
⬥ Hotaro's fangs and the ability to use Worry Seed are traits he inherited from his father.
⬥ Worry Seed has allowed him to prevent patients from falling asleep during procedures where losing consciousness would be detrimental or dangerous. It has unfortunate (though temporary) side effects, however, so he saves it as a last resort.
⬥ Due to spending so much time with his mentor, Hotaro has unconsciously adopted some of her body language.
⬥ Similarly to wild lurantis, the colours of Hotaro's hair, eyes, and appendages become slightly desaturated if he is unwell or is not taking good care of his health.
Village quests
No approved village quests on file for this character yet.
Combat record
Wild battles
Duels
Care & recovery
Connections5
Hotaro HinoKagura Botan
A young noble needed medical discretion, and Hotaro's mentor obliged. Despite Hotaro's caginess, Botan won him over, and they became unexpectedly close. Their friendship gave them both a childhood they'd been denied. When Botan left, he promised they would meet again. It's been years since, and Hotaro pretends he doesn't miss him, but his emotions may betray his mask should they reunite...
Hotaro HinoHizashi Nagareboshi
After the incident, Hotaro didn't know where to direct his grief-induced rage. In the absence of the killer's identity, the child came to blame the Leader of Radiant Harbor for the circumstances. Hotaro's grown since. While he understands his resentment for Hizashi is based purely on his own conjecture (as he doesn't know him at all,) he can't stop the irrational feeling.
TōjuMutualHotaro HinoTōju
A reliable connection to supplies to the Harbor is invaluable, as well as facilitating his care there and between. If you saw them together, or knew how long they knew each other, you'd think they'd consider one another friends at the least, yet... They're business partners, that's all, one's that happen to understand each other in unseen ways. Never mind that Tōju has Hotaro's hard-earned trust.
TōjuHotaro Hino
After Hotaro left his mentor's wing to open a practice of his own, Tōju immediately jumped on the chance to have a long-term client of their own. Nevermind how long they've known each other and how freely their conversation flows, if asked, Tōju will adamantly refuse to acknowledge that they're friends. C'mon, they're a professional! Work relationships stay purely business.
Kin KonMutualHotaro HinoKin Kon
While trying to treat Kin, Hotaro was left baffled. She's unlike anyone he'd previously understood or treated. Through mutual agreement, Hotaro studies how she "works" aiming to develop treatments that can help her and others like her. He worries for her safety as (in his eyes,) she's accident prone and easily led. He wants to make a breakthrough, so he's ready in the event something happens...
Kin KonHotaro Hino
The two didn't meet in the borders of Gale Springs, but rather, happened to see each other in their more frequent stomping grounds after. It wasn't until after Kin, being Kin, was stupid and their relationship budded: "if a heart is still beating, but does she even have one?" Thusly, she became a vessel to study. Kin thinks they're totally friends and has no clue of the concern she causes.
Yuu KaizakiMutualHotaro HinoYuu Kaizaki
In the past, these mischievous children could be seen running around the Harbor in more carefree days. Abruptly separated, they lost contact with each other. The years apart and the world at large have changed them to the point they barely recognized one another upon reunion. Yuu certainly leaves a memorable "first" impression these days, and Hotaro doesn't know how to respond to it.
Yuu KaizakiHotaro Hino
In the past, these mischievous children could be seen running around the Harbor in more carefree days. Abruptly separated, they lost contact with each other. The years apart and the world at large have changed them to the point they barely recognized one another upon reunion. Yuu was quick to tease Hotaro, playfully reminiscing the old days while curious to where life took him after the incident.
Question of the Day12
QOTD #12If your character was in the original Pokémon universe setting, what would their team/partner be? Would they be a gym leader/elite 4? Or have a run of the mill job?
(OOC Only) I'm probably (definitely) overthinking it, but given his whole healing shtick, he would likely at least START as someone aiming to work in a Pokémon Center, maybe...? ~~first male nurse joy I guess. He's even pink lol~~ So that makes me imagine Pokémon like Audino or the Chansey line... but at the same time, he could so easily end up competitive. Perhaps someone that focuses on double battle synergy (ironically...) with an attacker and defender (like how whimsicott is used a lot in a supportive role). Could probably work as a rival character because he might be competitive but that doesn't mean he's the best lmao- First Pokémon is probably a cutiefly (because of the fomantis link) or bonsly (due to how often I've given him one now lol) or. Well, I guess he's human in this hypothetical, so he should have a Fomantis/Lurantis...?
QOTD #11how does your character handle getting sick? Do they still go to work?
>*"That would depend on the ailment. If I'm simply fatigued, or it is something that isn't contagious, I will likely be able to continue on as normal. Otherwise, however, for the sake of both the patient and myself, I must close the clinic and allow myself to recover. It's not ideal, but its also not a risk I am willing to take. What kind of Healer would I be if I made my patients worse? Exactly."* If you are familiar with how he normally looks, you will always be able to tell when Hotaro is feeling unwell, even if he tries to pretend otherwise. His vibrant colours become much duller and desaturated, and his face will likely be paler than usual.
QOTD #10Time to see how cultured y'all are. Have your characters compose a haiku
*"A haiku... I was not trained in this. Hm...five, seven, five? Let's see..."* He thinks to himself, scribbling ideas down, trying to take inspiration from some of the natural beauty of the Spring. It seems his competitive streak has taken over. *"Serene starry night* *Chinchou lights underwater* *Under moonlight glows"* He's a little embarrassed, but also proud of himself for coming up with something he believes is passable, inspired by his favourite location no less. Whether it's good or not... Well, he tried...?
QOTD #9Forget friends. How many enemies do you have?
*"None..." "...At least as far as I'm aware? ...Heavens, I hope not."* Hotaro doesn't have any *known* enemies. The idea makes him anxious, though. He always does his absolute best for clients, but not every patient makes it. It's possible some may hold a grudge on him for "failing" their family member. He would agree with their hatred of him. The only people Hotaro could actively say he, himself, "hates" are the unknown culprit who took his mother, and the Leader of Radiant Harbor; the latter being the result of a child having no where to direct his rage after the incident. This hatred is irrational, but he can't help how he feels.
QOTD #8Did your character ever have any childhood friends? Are they still friends today?
*"...Of course. Everyone has those they are friendly with."* Unfortunately, you will only get vague, inconclusive answers when directly asking Hotaro, of all people, about friendships and connections. He did have friends in the past. Without naming names, there was one slightly older girl and her cousin that he would play with from time to time. He loved joining them in whatever their chaotic plans were for the day, or even just spending time by the shore. He lost contact with them when he left the Harbor with his mentor. After the incident Hotaro dedicated himself to his studies and developed an aversion to getting close to others, because it hurt more when you lost them. Despite this, however, he did end up growing close to a noble boy in Gale Spring. That boy would eventually leave the village years later, and though Hotaro denies it, truthfully he still misses him. These days, he's convinced himself he doesn't have any friends and swears he's content that way, but he clearly misses the connections he once had. ...And then there's the mysterious courier. While they may have met when they were younger, only Arceus knows what to classify them as these days...
QOTD #7describe your weekend plans in three words
"...Business as usual...?"
QOTD #6Is your character capable of creating inhuman noises? Something akin to the pokemon they are?
*"Not that I'm aware of."* He is aware. His whistles sound more like a grass whistle than a human whistle. He thinks the sound is unflattering, so he doesn't like showing it off. If he's particularly excited or happy, he may make a sound similar to [Lurantis' in game cry](https://youtu.be/Df5HmLQI_hA). When he sneezes, it sounds similar to a [Fomantis' in game cry](https://youtu.be/XkMs8jiSUjw).
QOTD #5When you go to a festival, what's your favorite thing to do? Get snacks, hang out with friends, play games, ECT?
*"I enjoy when a festival features a performance of some kind. If I could only experience one part of the festivities, it would be that. In the absense of one, however, I also quite like sampling the seasonal meals and festive treats~"* He tends to go alone, dressing up nicely, soaking in the atmosphere, sampling treats and watching the dances and plays. Others tend to be too engrossed in their own experience to bother him, so it's surprisingly quiet on a socializing front. He doesn't mind this. ...Though sometimes, under it all, he feels lonely seeing others buzzing around with such excitement.
QOTD #4Inspiration board, kin wheel, college of random assortment of photos—whatever it is, what makes up your character? Who or what is their inspiration? Their conceptual theme?
Being 100% honest, I rarely have many ideas before a character gets beamed into my head. All I really knew is I wanted to try and make a male/masc Lurantis because I always see female/femme ones. I had other ideas inspired by Lurantis' own lore, but some of those didn't happen. I suppose Chinese ribbon/water sleeve dances did eventually influence both his own and his mother's lore, as I felt the clothing designs' and the style of dance matched Lurantis quite well! (I also liked the "Dancing Lady" episode in the Apothecary Diaries, which may have subconciously influenced my choice.)
QOTD #3Describe your going to bed routine. Do you have any quirks in your sleeping habits? How do you snore?
*"That's quite a...unique question! It feels a bit personal. I'd rather talk about something else."* Routine wise, it's nothing particularly out of the ordinary for the most part. He makes sure everything is put away, cleans himself up a bit, grooms his hair, tends to his petals, and then has one last cup of tea before he hends to bed for the night. Sleeping wise, As a child, Hotaro slept normally, often cuddled up with his mother as their residence was pretty small, so they shared a bed. After her passing, he started to develop this...strange habit. If he had a blanket, or something else he could use as one, he would try to wrap himself inside of it as tightly as he could manage, (a blanket burrito, if you would.) He still does this, to some degree, but the additional two petal protrusions that sprouted from his back upon evolution have made this a bit more difficult to pull off. In fact, he even sleeps in this... strange ["loafed cat" like position](https://storage.googleapis.com/ruutuli/gallery-art/A00113.png) sometimes. He tends to try to stick to his side, or his stomach, but sometimes the "loaf" is just easier. As for snoring, he's almost eerily silent. You'd have to lean quite close to hear his breathing.
QOTD #2What would you do on a rainy day?
*"A rainy day doesn't change much for me. My work often increases in the days that follow, so if anything, I like to make sure my supplies are well stocked and at the ready."* Hotaro actually really likes the rain. He likes rainy days the most, in fact. It holds some fond memories for him, and he enjoys the melody of the raindrops and the sense of calm and peace it seems to bring, as well as the fresh air that follows. Even heavy rain has its charms. If he's not working, he might even step out into it and enjoy the feeling of it against himself, so long as he can return home in good time to warm up again. He also finds tea tastes the best on days like this. He DOES get busier in the following days, things like colds or occasionally people slipping on the wet ground and needing a wound tended to- so he does take time to examine and replenish his supplies.
QOTD #1who were you closer to as a child? Mom or dad?
*"My mother. What about you?"* Hotaro would be quick to deflect questions about his family, as it can hurt to reminisce. As far as he understood and was concerned, he was raised by a single mother. They were practically inseparable and he wanted to be a dancer just like her when he grew up. Alas, fate had other plans and ripped her away from him. He still misses her desperately. If he's really pushed to speak about her, he tends to refer to her in the present tense, despite her death. He doesn't like people prying. Hotaro knows nothing about his father, what he looked like, how he acted, what his job or status were, how he and his mother met - all he knows is he wasn't there, and his mother never spoke of him. In truth, his father had given Hotaro and his mother, Hinata, time to flee from a bad situation in the Jade Imperium. He was only a baby at the time, so he does not remember this. Hinata never intended on leaving his father a mystery forever, she just wanted to wait until he was older. As for what became of him, no one knows.
Gallery11
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