Swift oceanic winds rise up from the water's surface, catching on ruby wings and keeping them aloft while Skyler looks back at the still-alive Greyson with an unrepentant grin stretching her lips. If she feels bad about anything that she's done so far, it isn't reflected in her sharp-eyed, exultant expression.

"C'mon then, pretty boy! You got a race to lose!"

Bruised thighs hold on tight to Atalanta's flanks, prompting the dragon to cut through the air along with her opponent. A brief moment's respite interrupted by the fierce flames of competition as both opponents join again, neck to neck as they approach the finish line. Sharp rocks no longer litter the ocean beneath them, the expanse of ocean blue uninterrupted to the distant line of the horizon.

Laughter rips its way out of her lungs, eaten away by the howling of the wind at her ears. She doesn't seem to mind, leaning forward until she's laying down on Atalanta's spine, silvery eyes set on the finish line.

They're almost at the finish line when Atalanta falters. The ship captain has to hold on to cobalt scales as they suddenly dip into the waters, uncontrolled. Silver eyes widen as she's knocked out of her seat and into the shallow waves. Atalanta following soon after.

The good news is that they make it to the finish line. The bad news is that Captain Skyler Dross loses her flask. Arceus damn it.

"Hey, 'least we did it with style." Nursing what might be a dislocated shoulder, the captain pats Atalanta's head. They both end up in the sand, the bulky dragon's head resting on the Skyler's stomach and her tail lashing out in profound irritation. Deep purple marrs her side, spreading up to the joint with her ruby wing - war scars pulsing a darker red against the rest. The culprit for their less stellar arrival.

War always leaves a mark, and it is no different for the dragon.

"You did great, Ata." Smoke spills from the Salamence's nostrils, a low grumble shaking the sand around them and keeping the judges away. Skyler grins, something soft peeking out from the curve of her mouth. "Plus, Ankaa will fuzz over you the whole night."

Should Greyson approach, he'd be met with a grin and a salute. "You owe me a new flask." Then her hand would reach out between them (the one whose shoulder wasn't dislocated obviously). "Skyler Dross, ship captain and treasure hunter. Pleasure to meet ya."

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Greyson Connors