If it weren’t for the fact that he’d stepped straight out of the shower before leaving home Celio probably would’ve appreciated stepping into the brisk, chilly air provided by the Network Centre’s air conditioning, but all he could think of was the goosebumps rising up on his sleeve-clad arms while the damp hair clinging to the back of his neck cooled off with the wind. It was just his good fortune that he had his back to one of the main AC vents while he worked on maintaining the Network Machine — it’d do him well to make a mental note to remember to let his hair dry before coming in the next time, but after enough years spent maintaining the Sevii system and dealing with the same problems he knew he wouldn’t be changing any time soon. At least working on such a balmy island meant he could find some reprieve in the form of taking his lunch ( unadon today ) outside so he could eat it while sitting on one of the flat craggy stones overlooking the port. Nothing cured a bout of chills like a stomach full of good food, an eyeful of good view and a pair of lungs full of salty sea air ( though it was tinged with the inevitable smokiness that touched everything on One Island — inescapable on an island with an active volcano and so many native Fire-type Pokémon ). Of course, it was also just nice to be able to sit beneath the warmth of the sun while he passed the time watching people walk to and from the docks in the distance. He’d had the good fortune of timing his lunch break with the latest arrival of the Seagallop; all the better to watch the influx of tourists with. There were always one or two standout characters among them. The programmer made it a bit of a pastime of his to assign false stories and histories to the more interesting looking ones.
Of course, that was a little hard to do when one of them turned out to be someone he recognised. Usually an unexpected guest meant Bill dropping by unannounced, or occasionally Lanette or Brigette, but this time—
"—Red?? Is that you?? It’s been — ages!! What brings you to Knot Island??”
This....was probably not a good idea.
Then again, any ideas regarding the Sevii Islands and
visiting them without context was generally not a
good idea for Red. Considering what’d happened
the last time he’d set foot here, Red couldn’t
help but feel scared.
Yet, here he was, on the Seagallop headed towards
One Island. Fingers curled tightly around the
straps of his backpack, and he kept a smile,
despite the unease that he felt in his stomach.
That pressure, one as jarring as what he felt when
he detected Organism No.2 calling out for him,
yet still somewhat different.
The inherent fear of the locals and what they thought
of him scared Red. Yet...he wanted to visit. He
wanted to make amends, and he just...wanted to
visit the islands that he’d never really had a chance
to explore. Besides, there was at least one person
there who Red knew wouldn’t have any ill thoughts
of him, and that alone was more than enough for
the Champion to finally step off the ship when it
had docked.
The familiar voice calling out was almost like a blessing;
turning to find Celio, Red beamed a smile and ran
over, relief washing over him. Thank Mew, he wouldn’t
have to actually try and brave the islands alone looking
for him.
“Celio! It has been awhile huh?” A sheepish chuckle, and
Red’s hand went to the back of his neck, rubbing it
as he tried to calm himself.
“Well, remember when ya offered a tour of the islands?
I was wonderin’ if you’d be free for me to take ya up
on that, since I came unannounced. It’s alright if you’re
busy though-!”
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