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

Fernando rubs his head in frustration as he comes to. He'll have to talk about amending the process in which the challenge in undertaken, or at the very least have someone on standby to ensure there's not a worse negative reaction to the laced tea. He ponders clamming up an pretending to have a seizure to test the response time in case of this happening to another trainer but ultimately discards the idea as he straightens up.

Naturally, his first reaction is to bring out one of his Pokemon. Better to have them out and ready should he encounter any trouble. The type of caution and preparation needed reminds him of the war on Rocket and there's a semblance of nostalgia that comes with it. He truly believes that peace time softens the hardest of warriors and while he doesn't find honor in strength, it is undoubtedly a valuable trait.

He settles on his Mimikyu which is his smallest and most mobile Pokemon. It lets out a whisper of a giggle before perching on his shoulder. Typically, he'd have it hide in the shadows but considering his limited resources, he'll need to use it as a bodily shield should he be attacked by any wild Pokemon.

In the cold of night, Fernando comes across three paths and considers each of them and the mild implication that they hold.

The right path is littered with broken twigs and slashed trees. It must be something physically strong and aggressive enough to take it out on the surroundings. That or it proves destructive enough to take down the area around it.

The left path has a melted layer of snow, followed by large footprints. He can only assume something fire type with a large body to boot.

The middle path is untouched but he can hear cries and humming in the distance. The sounds bother him and he's not sure what to expect. Ghosts, perhaps?

Considering what he has on him, Fernando starts for the RIGHT PATH and keeps his Aegislash's Pokeball tight in the palm of his dominant hand.

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[attr="class","spiral"] Fernando takes careful measures to make sure his steps are well spaced and minimize the sound of snapping twigs. Nothing seems to stir and he's thankful for that, prone to reserving his energy until needed. Useless combat is wasteful combat and he's anything but.

What comes next is a berry brush and upon closer inspection he can see some full berries. Rather than pluck them himself, he allows his Mimikyu to inch toward the Oran berries and grab for them with its ethereal glove. The spooky little ghost has a delicate touch and looks to pluck only the untouched berries with a clean snap.

Only after it harvests enough to hold in both hands does it return to Fernando, allowing him to pocket all of them before sending it forward to do the same with the Sitrus. Typically, this would be considered overkill and even Fernando doesn't caution himself to the point of delaying his own agenda, but knowing the theme of the challenge, he allows himself to play the act to get the full experience.

They do the same and after his pockets are lined with a mix of berries, does he set off.

With practiced patience, Fernando continues down the path toward the larger trees. Aegislash's Pokeball never leaves his hand and he routinely takes a look around to ensure nothing can get the drop on him.

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[attr="class","spiral"]In the same manner that the Bounsweet become aware of Fernando's presence, he too learns of their existence. Their constant bouncing give them away and he keeps his Pokeball ready at all times. He doubts they can amount to much but it never hurts to be cautious.

Expecting their presence to be apart of the challenge, he takes some of the berries in his pockets and tosses it out for them to feed on. He empties his pockets enough so that it's not obvious that there's still some hidden away, leaving plenty for them to feast on. He continues on, not waiting for them to finish. While he doesn't expect them to assist, he also recognizes whatever help they can be might amount to no more than a pittance.