LEVEL 60

THE SIGNS OF VICTORY

“…”

the councilman has no parts in these halloween games. in different circumstances, in more peaceful times, he would have entertained the notion. a photograph of him dressed as santa clause with the first iteration of the ELITE FOUR still sits in an abandoned desk somewhere. but this year will have no such festivities. for the dire straight of their region demand fernando remain the odd one out.

there is work to be done and he is their primary party pooper.

however, that does not dissuade the rest of the office from breaking the tension with decor and enthusiasm. bowls of candy line every hall while banners of spinarak hang long.

“ah,” fernando finally answers. “i don’t believe we’ve met.” he only engages because he doesn’t recognize cian at all. something seemingly insignificant considering the organization’s size but one he looks to rectify nonetheless.

“a pleasure,” he trails off, leaving the appropriate follow up.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
CIAN MAHER
TRICK OR TREATING

LEVEL 60

THE SIGNS OF VICTORY

“AH,” the name brings back memories. it cements cian’s position as someone who knows at least the surface of hoenn’s history. that makes him one of the few individuals who hadn’t migrated just short of the dome’s inception.

fernando takes his hand, firm with pride, and squeezes it with just enough pressure for him to feel his warmth.

“a pleasure, maher.”

the name sounds familiar but he’s not sure why. he makes a mental note to look it up later. when he’s free.

when asked about his lack of participation, his eyes stare back, scarecrow like.

“oh, i’m working.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
CIAN MAHER
TRICK OR TREATING

LEVEL 60

THE SIGNS OF VICTORY

“PREVENTING METENO FROM IMPACTING HOENN,” he answers without missing a beat. it’s also a constant event that last all day on his official calendar. should MATIAS SILPH follow up with his promise to invite fernando over to eat dinner with him and Eva Morales, his excuse will also hold the same. i’m busy.

coincidentally, the event ends the day after METENO is projected to make landfall.

“but don’t let me stop you,” he adds in. a wrinkle of his nose shows something beyond a surface level thought.

“kyle lopez’s hall should have the best candy,” is what comes up. “unless he’s not participating this year.”

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
CIAN MAHER
TRICK OR TREATING

LEVEL 60

THE SIGNS OF VICTORY

“INDEED,” is the councilman’s signature agreement. “i take it you’ll save me a reservation then? once METENO has been handled?”

it sounds like an equal commitment, and once upon a time, it’s one fernando would have honored. but his responsibility as an auditor for hoenn’s gyms has long passed. he simply doesn’t have the time.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
CIAN MAHER
TRICK OR TREATING

LEVEL 60

THE SIGNS OF VICTORY

“VERY WELL THEN.”

fernando acknowledges the new gym leader with a firm nod before escaping back into the thralls of the league’s decorated halls. once he’s out of view, the faux smile and demure sink back into oblivion. an empty gaze considers their plan on handling METENO for the umpteenth time as armageddon approaches.

[attr="class","spiralpee"]
CIAN MAHER
TRICK OR TREATING