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POSTED ON May 21, 2020 9:07:24 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] What is an Elite Four with only three members? With Mateo out of the picture, questions arise on who would replace him, if at all. For the most part, Fernando's been vocal against replacing him. Not out of fondness but because there is no one else qualified to match both the prestige and responsibilities imparted with such a title.

Personally, cait alfric would be a suitable successor but filling the Elite Four with four people that he considers malleable is too ambitious. Allegation may arise due to his good standings with members appointed between him and dahlia goode. But these were relationships crafted post nomination.

The ideal candidate would be someone labeled as neutral yet capable. Someone he can prey on slowly and build up rapport before consolidating the Elite Four into a faux squad to handle Hoenn's undesirables. It's not an agenda Fernando actively pushes for but it is one on the horizon for where he sees the group curtailing around as the region continues to spiral out of control.

Imagine his surprise when Bronwen is elected as the newest member of the Elite Four. Her tenure as Gym Leader has certainly blossomed beyond what Fernando thought possible but the implications of having two Silphs in high office is distasteful at best. He can hear the claims of nepotism even now, crushing them preemptively by petitioning against her ascension. At this point, it's nothing personal, Fernando long haven deemed Bronwen adequate, but moreso to cover his tracks.

His complaint is drafted quietly and kept among the League's highest politicians.

Unsurprisingly, his words are largely ignored and Stormy Silph now sits among the four most decorated trainers in Hoenn. Fernando folds the newspaper neatly and toward the edge of the table as he enjoys his solitude at a dead cafe. It's not popular by any measure but the lack of patrons makes it ideal for a meeting.

A year ago he would have never imagine congratulating Bronwen on such an accomplishment. Now he has to recognize her as one of Hoenn's best.

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POSTED ON May 21, 2020 20:11:38 GMT

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It wasn't a surprise in the slightest that Fernando requested her presence for a meeting following her promotion, but she couldn't say she was looking forward to it. The man had been a dark cloud over her head almost her entire life. It had been like pulling teeth to pry something from his lips that held any remote semblance of 'praise.' Fernando had no love for her and she no love for him.[break][break]

And yet, even still, she found herself agreeing to a meeting with the man, someone she both respected and feared, had believed she hated, once.[break][break]

Stormy approaches the quiet cafe, pausing to take a second glance because it's occurred to her she's never seen it before. The woman commits the name of the cafe to memory before stepping inside. A bell chimes as the doors swings open and she pauses to inhale the warm smell of coffee and desserts. It doesn't take her long to locate Fernando, she watches him fold his newspaper and set it to the side.[break][break]

"Fernando. It's good to see you."

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POSTED ON May 22, 2020 4:47:01 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] "Morning."

Fernando's at an awkward standstill. They're by no means friends but he's been too involved to refer to her in a formal tone. Admittedly, he's too used to berating her to accept anything else which makes addressing her uncomfortable. He falls back on brevity because it's safe.

"I've been informed you've been appointed as a member of the Elite Four."

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POSTED ON May 22, 2020 14:51:18 GMT

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His response is stiff and it forms a pit in her stomach as she opts to take a seat. Up until now she had been sort of hovering, unsure if she wished to commit to this meeting. It seems forced on his end, like he's chewing on something sour whenever he looks at her. [break][break]

Stormy sets her jaw, sliding into a seat and crossing her legs slowly. His stiffness warrants her own despite her natural urge to be casual. He speaks and she listens.[break][break]

"You look disappointed."[break][break]

Whatever attempt she had at genuine friendliness fades into neutrality as she observes him, gauging his reaction.

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POSTED ON May 31, 2020 0:16:38 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] Fernando's brow raises to question her, mild crinkles bridging the gap between them. It takes a conscious effort to relax his face from knotting them entirely.

"Should I be?"

For now he observes. Her current compliance almost seems out of character. Their lack of bickering seems to have held since their training and the change in their dynamic is palpable at best.

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POSTED ON Jun 2, 2020 1:48:29 GMT

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He raises an eyebrow at her response and she clasps her hands tightly in her lap. The woman's posture is stiff and awkward, but she maintains composure if only to not give Fernando the benefit of the doubt he so clearly holds for her. [break][break]

The urge to chew the inside of her lip persists but she refrains, unwilling to taste blood in her mouth just yet.[break][break]

"I asked you first."[break][break]

It occurs to her too late that she hadn't really asked him anything and that her earlier statement had been just that: a statement. But she doesn't bother to change her mind because she's stubborn and unwilling to bend to appease him.[break][break]

She knew it had been a long-shot to expect anything but a sour attitude from the man, but she had still held out for some semblance of hope that they'd left behind their distaste for one another.

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POSTED ON Jun 4, 2020 8:36:29 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] "....?"

It becomes easier to smooth the crease between his brows now that his scowl is replaced with genuine confusion. Yet he doesn't prod her with an actual question. It's much too likely that their conversation will take an unneeded detour that ends up losing him exactly what he wants. There's no need for another Balder incident; diplomacy requires delicacy.

"Despite being an actual position, there is incredible freedom given to the Elite Four. You have fewer formal responsibilities while carrying the weight of the League's image and safety."

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POSTED ON Jun 5, 2020 18:31:31 GMT

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There's an awkward, intense energy buzzing between them and, because of it, Stormy remains quiet on the other side of the table. She curls her fingers around the handle of her coffee.[break][break]

He looks confused and frankly, the feeling is mutual. She hasn't yet figured out what in the world this meeting is supposed to be about - they both seem to be beating around the bush. [break][break]

"I'm not sure what it is you want me to say. I have no intention of embarrassing you or the League."[break][break]

Stormy's brow furrows as she watches him, trying to read his expression: an impossible task.

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POSTED ON Jun 12, 2020 4:57:21 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] Fernando breaks eye contact to let his head sink backwards until his eyes stare at the ceiling. He sighs.

"Despite what others may think, the League is not a single entity. Embarrassing me may be someone else's pride and acknowledgement of your actions." Although a certain someone comes to mind, his statement is a blanket one that applies to the organization as a whole. "You will not be chained down by any one order or singular authorities but your restraints will come in the expectations and responsibilities entrusted onto you."

His head rolls to his left shoulder and the sound of cartilage pops. "Individuals and people as a whole will look to you as a role model, a servant, and try to manipulate you in their favor. This will be both purposeful and subconscious, sometimes not even to be malicious either. You need to be aware of this and prepare yourself accordingly."

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POSTED ON Jun 12, 2020 5:04:05 GMT

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Surprisingly, Fernando's sigh and roll of his head actually gives her some semblance of relief. The man's attitude shines through, his lack of stiff posture and deafening politeness shifts to something she can actually understand and work with. [break][break]

"Then perhaps you shouldn't worry."[break][break]

Fernando speaks about concepts she's already aware of. She had grown up admiring and appreciating Kanto's elite four - this was no different. She would excel as she always did, putting her best foot forward and doing whatever it took to protect the region and its image. She was the region's image, now.[break][break]

Stormy cannot help but smirk, however, at Fernando's next comment. The pop of his shoulder or neck doesn't even deter her as it might have in the past.[break][break]

"If I can survive your manipulation and expectations, I'm sure I can survive anything, Fernando. You've prepared me for that, at least."

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POSTED ON Jun 12, 2020 5:32:10 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"]"Impossible."

A crack is the only slack Fernando shows, reverting to his earlier position with a heavy draw on eye contact.

"You've improved, yes, but considering what you've been through— it's risk analysis. I consider every member of the Elite Four integral to Hoenn's health. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't worry about them."

Her punchline lacks the same bite as her vernacular. Fernando finds no humor in what he considers his success. He tilts his head downward slightly to pinch the bridge of his nose, never leaving her gaze.

"Bronwen. This is serious. There will be a time when you will have to make a decision and the correct one is the opposite of what you think. Everyone in the world will claim the good answer, the righteous answer, but it's not the correct one."

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POSTED ON Jun 12, 2020 7:11:20 GMT

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Of course it's impossible - her attempts at humor were, once again, dashed.[break][break]

Stormy exhales heavily through her nose, leaning back in her seat as she watches Fernando return to his cold posture. Although she meets his eyes, her own expression is frustrated and tired: tired of his pressure on her shoulders.[break][break]

"If you're concerned that this is a show of bravado, that I'm being reckless or selfish - you're mistaken. I'm doing this for the region. I appreciate your concern, but I also need you to trust me."[break][break]

She glances down the table at him as he pinches his nose, but her eyes, once narrowed with concern, have been relaxed. She can hear the stress in his voice, however specific he chooses his words. She can hear it in the way he says her name. At one point she had despised his use of it - but that had changed. It showed in some convoluted way that he cared. Sort of.[break][break]

"Then I trust that you will help me make that decision. I don't say this enough, if ever, but I respect you, Fernando."

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POSTED ON Jun 12, 2020 7:34:44 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] "That's the issue. As an Elite Four member you will have to realize that although you job is to protect the region ultimately the key to success is your own self interest."

There's a more straight forward way to say it but Fernando needs to keep up some tact. Actually admitting that the region should be disregarded, in certain circumstances, is not something he can state lightly. So he tiptoes around it while trying to grasp how much Stormy truly understands.

"I won't always be there to help you. These days I can barely help myself."

His thumb twitches when he considers ordering something.

"Why do you think Persephone and Bailey were chosen as Elite Four members?"

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POSTED ON Jun 17, 2020 1:33:32 GMT

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Stormy observes him with muted annoyance. The tell is the knot between her eyebrows as she curbs her tongue.[break][break]

"My own self interest? Are you worried that it differs from your own?"[break][break]

She waves away her comment then, opting to sip at her drink and move on. It ceases to surprise her how much Fernando seems to doubt her, despite the fact that his stance on her has never changed - or at least she's never seen him change.[break][break]

"You'll be fine, Fernando. You always are. I envy that."[break][break]

The thumb twitch does not go unnoticed, not entirely. She nods to the menu. [break][break]

"Don't let me ruin your appetite."[break][break]

However he's already moved on, perhaps cutting off her smart comment. Her eyes glance back up to meet his at the mention of Persephone and Bailey. [break][break]

"Honestly? I don't know. They're recognizable faces - I knew of them before they became the Elite. I would assume they're powerful allies to the League, strong trainers, strong influence."

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POSTED ON Jun 18, 2020 0:40:42 GMT

[attr="class","spiral"] Everyone says that but rarely do they understand the depth of such a generalization. He holds his tongue but judges her all the same, just like everyone else. She has gotten better, yes, but some things remain the same.

Everything else is a distraction and Fernando ignore them in lieu to his trailing statement. "They're survivors. Winners. Although Kyle has more gym badges than both of them combined, they were able to handle Mossdeep and come out intact."

Just thinking about that brings back bad memories.

"Many people survived. Many of them assisted in saving others. Not them. Bailey and Persephone survived and handled the impossible."