Because we can never have too many AUs on the island~

[larimarheart]

[Today is a pretty clear day. Cold, as winter's bound to be, but the sky is clear, the weather is calm and the sun is shining. So when a red-clad man arrives via the back of his trusty Crobat, they at least get a good landing in, even if it's readily apparent that they're lost. The purple bat shrugs its wings as the redheaded human pulls out his

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[eflamberge]

[Somewhere not too far away, a Zangoose sniffs the air.

And, as soon as he recognizes the scent, he starts running madly in the direction of its source - the newcomer, more specifically.

As he chases desperately after him, leather boots hitting the moist ground step after step, the Zangoose's owner, a blue-haired, red-eyed man in his early forties, seems more than a bit concerned and, simultaneously, excited.]

Fang! It's him?! He's back?!

[But the man stops running after his Pokémon once the newcomer comes into view. ... Well, that was unexpected. How could Fang, his trusted Zangoose, his lifelong companion, have made such a glaring mistake? Maybe Fang was getting old after all.]

... Alright, so it's one of ours, and... he's got red hair, but... it's clearly not him. Good job anyway, Fang.

[Except that, the closer Edmond walks to the newcomer, the more he starts noticing that something about him is definitely familiar. But when he glances back at his Pokémon, by that time all Fang has to offer is a bit of "Told you so" side-eye

[larimarheart]

[That mixed reaction - the sounds of a rush towards him followed by a significant pause - has Maxie a touch on guard, though the tone of voice the stranger uses seems genuine enough. Perhaps he's just startled the man. After all, he's pretty far off course, which means there's no telling where he is right now.]

The Island? Does this place have a name? I'm sorry to bother you, sir, but I really need to get to Slateport, and I don't have time to stay. I'm not sure how involved you are with the Team, but things are happening within the ranks that I can't afford to ignore. If you could just point me back the right way, I'd appreciate it.

[No reason to mention the 'things' happening were preparations for the last grand stand. No, if he were really deeply involved in Team Mamga or Team Aqua he'd know that. Better to omit things and see just how much he really knew before trusting him too much.]

[eflamberge]

Ah - here comes the painful part - one cannot simply leave the Island, though many have tried to no avail. Flying, Surfing, every other available means does not seem to function. Some say that the Island possesses a mind of its own, distorting the laws of Time and Space and kidnapping people from different versions of reality. You... might as well enjoy your stay here, since you are being given no other choice, I'm afraid...

Its full name is... Awesome Island, I believe.

[He brightens up a bit. Maybe if he smiles, this person will be reassured?]

You sound like you have a pretty high position within the Team's hierarchy! You must know Maxie very well. [He places a hand over his heart.] That brave, generous and most valiant man...

[larimarheart]

I'd call you a liar, but no one would make up a lie that ridiculous, so it's probably true. Still, though, I really need to get back. I can't afford to just sit here and do nothing.

[Awkward pause. And then, Maxie decided to go the route of honesty.] My name is Maxie. I'm the leader of Team Magma. Do I know you? [More importantly, did someone just gush about him? That actually happened? But surely anyone who knew him enough to gush would know what he looked like.]