[attr="class","spiral"]“Tch.”

Traversing the wilderness has never been an issue for Silph. Conquering any obstacle, organic or otherwise, is a coming of age for the Silph. For him, the hike is refreshing, however the self-imposed challenge of remaining discrete and not disturbing the wildlife makes it more tedious than it should. Laying havoc to Foretree’s topography would be child’s play but it would undoubtedly sour the carefully cultivated relationship he’s made with Hoenn’s residential green thumb.

“Alfric,” his call of acknowledgement comes from the distance, his head peering out from the underbrush as his body grows larger the closer he gets. “You could have called.” Despite their time apart, Fernando carries the same tone of voice, serious with a lack of any emotional stake one way or another. However, a small, real smile lips between his lips.

“You look well.”

[attr="class","spiral"]“Indeed. We handled things well.”

Fernando’s nose crinkles at the smell. Proximity allows him to recognize the odor and his appreciation for certain hobbies goes awry. Patience keeps him from commenting on it but Cait puts it out soon enough.

“No worries,” he reassures, straightening his posture as he stands beside her, averting his gaze to the morning’s skyline. “I told you take your time to adjust. I’m just glad we could rely on you when it counted.”

He pauses.

“Thank you Alfric.”

He glances at the door to her cabin but doesn’t dare intrude. His smile dies a little and turns into one of curiosity. “Someone special?” Last time he had checked in, her date had been a woman. Couple that with the recollection of Kim and Fernando’s not sure what, or who, to expect.

[attr="class","spiral"]Few things can cause Fernando to snap his own neck. With the quickness he displays in whirling his gaze back to her, you’d think this was one of them. “You’re pregnant?” he asks in a loud yet hushed tone. He eyes her from head to toe and then back up once over, breaking out in an uneasy smile.

“Well congratulations, Alfric. It’s a bit sudden for me but I’m happy for you.”

He sighs, rolling his neck in place, averting eye contact.

“I’ve been fine. A little beat up, a little stressed, but same old, same old.”

[attr="class","spiral"]“Ah.”

Well that makes more sense. Planned pregnancy beats the alternative but even that eludes his understanding. It’s her terminology that throws him off and he catches himself with a relieved calmness. “Well, it looks like you have your future charted out already.”

He pauses.

“Good for you.”

The subject switches and Fernando continues to avert eye contact. This time the reason is multi-faceted. It feels more difficult to answer when he’s not lying but his words still carry the matter-of-fact tone.

“Indeed. I’ve been to several memorials of varying degrees. If I don’t make it to the official one I’ll be at some League related ceremony for him.”

An answer to her questions begets another one.

“And you, Alfric?”

[attr="class","spiral"] “Ah.”

The thought never crossed his mind, half due to the sudden rush of events, half due to his own carelessness. Fernando bites his bottom lip in consideration as he catches himself slipping on such a hard to miss detail.

“Forgive him for what exactly?”

He has an inkling but he wants to hear it from her own mouth. Despite Cait’s stance, Fernando obstinately objects. From what he’s heard, Stone made the right choice. It’s what came after that proved he was a fuck up.

“Oh. I should warn you, I’ve brought my A-game, Alfric.”

Fernando follows leisurely, enjoying the morning walk. It’s the last peace he’ll feel before the descend into madness. After all, there are few trainers that can push him the way Mauville’s signature Gym Leader can.

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

Fernando does not share the same sympathies for his sister. Anyone with a lick of hindsight could've foretold Alexander's rejection. It comes with the territory of both the high class and wealthy elite. However, he doesn't dare disparage her in front of Cait. Not when their own personal relationship lays on the line.

"I wish I could say the same." Wherein Cait knows the boundaries of her burn-out level Fernando remains adamant about having no such limit. It bears into his personal time and more importantly his own training. But he makes up for that with a blank check.

"Gym Challenges are the only time my Pokemon get any real training. That being said, I have gotten my hands on some very powerful Pokemon. I can't wait to show you what they can do."

[attr="class","spiral"]“Indeed.”

Fernando flirts his hand against his belt, plucking a Pokeball that had served him well in Meteor Falls. A click of the center button expands it to fit within the palm of his hand. Another releases the Pokemon inside.

Zygarde 10%.

“Battle routine set.”

The canine growls in compliance, well adjusted to the commands by now, formulating its own plan in tackling the herculean beast in front of it.

“Execute!”

At his word, the Zygarde GLARES at the opposing Nidoking. The immense pressure put off by the Legendary Pokemon is enough to PARALYZE even the mightiest of foes. Observance from a distance allows the Pokemon to register the other’s actions ahead of time. It may not be familiar with the Nidoking but it understands combat.