SEASIDE

SERENITY IN STILLBORNE WATER

FERNANDO IS PUNCTUAL. No more and no less.

A Corviknight taxi deposits him in front of the local Pokemon Center. The distance to his destination comes with a leisurely stroll, the soft click of his oxford heels against marble stone. An uncharacteristic appreciation for the beauty of the city’s waterscape bubbles in his chest.

There is nowhere else in Hoenn that one can find such serenity. He hopes it lasts.

“Miss Miro.”

He calls for her well before he reaches her. They’re a few meters apart as he washes away the distance with long, aligned steps. “Good morning,” his smiles is just as practiced as last time. “Looking lovely, as usual.”

Melody Miro

SEASIDE

SERENITY IN STILLBORNE WATER

A TWIRL OF HER DRESS SOFTENS HIS FEATURES. He may care little for the theatrics but seeing such a spirited colleague reinstalls his faith in this generation of Gym Leaders. While he has yet to personally observe her challenges, the rumors of her newfound popularity do not go amiss. A stacked queue is always a good sign—so long as the queue moves.

“I’ll take after your recommendation then,” he answers with humility that masks his own judgement. She holds the door for him and he enters with sudden haste, the one that comes from the awkward prompt of not taking up someone else’s time.

Inside, the café is undoubtedly stylish with its own sense of coziness. He cares little for it, but plays out the notions by maintaining his smile. He waits for her, allowing her to queue up in front of him, silently reading off several items from the chalkboard menu hoisted above the front counter.

“You order. I pay. Fair enough?” It sounds like it’s a lighthearted joke, accompanied by a chuckle, but he’s entirely serious.

Melody Miro

SEASIDE

SERENITY IN STILLBORNE WATER

"MY PALATE IS VERY ACCOMMODATING." Whether or not she believe him is another story. Just because Fernando will always picks the best option doesn't mean he won't settle for less. Humble beginnings during his Pokemon journey have tempered his taste buds for less desirable times. When food is sparse, anything will suffice.

"Oh?" He looks at her with a hint of amused curiosity. "And what culture is that?"

The further they progress up the queue the more pressed their conversation becomes. "I don't like sweets," he states matter-of-factly, "but I also don't like bitter." Which puts them at a crossroads. The best bet is to stay somewhere near the middle but where that lies differs per person.

"Something average is good."

Melody Miro

SEASIDE

SERENITY IN STILLBORNE WATER

“OH,” he answers as if well aware of the region. He’s heard about it in passing before, at least once, but it was so long ago that his memory is as faded as the brown coffee stains before the counter.

When responsibilities shift, Fernando show cases just how simple his palate is. The choice to sit is the closest nearby table for two. It just so happens to be a window seat staring off into Sootopolis’ ocean side.

He pulls out both chairs, taking the initiative to pick out his seat as the one that has a full view of the door.

“So what brings you to Hoenn, Miss Miro?”

Melody Miro

SEASIDE

SERENITY IN STILLBORNE WATER

“SAME AS YOU,” simplifies the matter while remaining somewhat truthful. “Hoenn needs people who are able and willing to pitch in. This region is a hot spot for events that have lasting repercussions for the entire world.”

Their conversation continues and the date proves both enlightening and quant. They each learn a little more about the personas they wear, whether true or false. Fernando leaves her his number should she needs it.

Considering it a bridge built under the banner of the League.

Melody Miro