[attr="class","spiral"] The whole Galarian embargo makes sense at a structural level and the lax alleviation of it pricks at some suspicions Fernando has about its intent and purpose. Introducing a new slew of organisms into a foreign environment sounds like a mix of a bad time but without anyone to advise against it, his fears are considered unfounded and kept to himself. After all, who doesn't get interested in new Pokemon? Even he finds some interest in the possibility of encountering them, eager to learn their strengths and weaknesses. Anything to consolidate his own standing and propel his progress toward Avalon one step further.

The grass rustles and Fernando finds himself scouring the route, spotting a vaguely familiar individual in the distance. His hand rests on on prepared Pokeball, ready for the inevitable encounter.

[attr="class","spiral"] Hearing his own name is commonplace enough for Fernando to acknowledge it by instinct, providing a mild nod regardless of the source. He narrows his eyes to try and get a better look at the other individual and immediately recognizes Samuel by face. Coincidentally, he remembers him by name too, having investigated his background briefly before giving up out of boredom. As far as Samuel would know, Fernando never followed up, neither with him nor his captain.

"Mister Zaheer, I believe?" Fernando states it with absolute confidence but poses it as a question nonetheless. "Here to do the same thing as you, presumably. Catching Pokemon, no?"

[attr="class","spiral"] Fernando's attention turn to the Pokemon mentioned. Neither catch his interest and he passes over contesting either. His prey tend to be a bit more rough looking; Samuel's interest in the Audino is surprising but Fernando keeps an open mind about judging his choice in Pokemon.

What's more interesting is his own choice in Pokemon. This is first time having seen an Obstagoon in person. Must have been one of the Galarian Pokemon recently released into the region. It looks so foreign that Fernando misses its relationship to Linoone altogether, unable to spot the similarities in the Pokemon's visage due to how mismatching its body has transformed.

"Wild Pokemon always prove more promising than those you buy." His hold on his Pokeball loosens when he notices how Samuel dispatches the Pokemon: simple but effective. "There's reliability in being able to see the Pokemon in action before committing to it."

[attr="class","spiral"] Considering the recent embargo, Fernando's surprised that Samuel's uninterested in the Galarian Ponyta. While Fernando has little need of it himself, it's value goes without question. Many trainers value it for its beauty and aesthetic, meaning that it's prime trade fodder. Fernando picks a pokeball of his own and drops it beside his feet.

"The Galarian. Better to learn from them in person than based off text."

His Blaziken stands by his end and stares at both Pokemon, anticipating orders. "The pink one," Fernando clarifies, certain that his Pokemon is unaware of the other specie's name. "Battle routine set."

The Blaziken hunches down in preparation for a sprint.

"Execute."

It goes without saying that the Ponyta has no quarter against Blaziken's LIGHTNING LOOPS. It kicks and punches in rapid succession fit for a famous combo. It ends it with a GATTLING BLAZE KICK before Fernando snags the Pokemon with a ball.

"That's actually my last Pokeball. I'll be heading out. Good luck out there, Mr. Zaheer."