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

Fernando quietly verbalizes his disapproval with a low grumble when he feels her lean in on him but he doesn't have the heart to remove her. As long as she eventually tappers off into unconsciousness then there's little reason for him to insist on their distance. It's not like there's anywhere to run. Not when their flight is at capacity to the point that even first class finds their quarters reduced to maintain one person per seat. Fernando lets out another exhale before returning to his laptop, typing away as Stormy's head settles against his arm.

Their flight will take them to Sinnoh's Resort Area but that's only because the airport is located there. While the Resort Area may have been a Silph tradition in the past, Fernando's intention is to visit the Fight Area to test his mettle while using their infrastructure for inspiration for his own Gym.

"Bronwen. We're landing."

He speaks softly at first, willing to compromise in rousing her gently but when she doesn't respond he presses his fingers against her temple. "Wake up." This time it's an order.

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

Fernando's curt reply is the staple trait that makes working with him so hard when he's obstinate on keeping to himself. It's his version of both answering and deflecting, allowing him to set the pace while the others wait on his beck and call. In that same manner, Fernando closes his laptop, packing up his belongings well after everyone else. There's no point in cleaning up and preparing to disembark until it's time for their row to exit.

All of his belongings are neatly tucked away into his messenger bag and delicately slipped over his shoulders. "Let's go." And, in Fernando fashion, he departs without looking back. The moment his suitcase touches the ground he expects his company to keep pace. Their shuttle won't wait forever.

A private shuttle sits outside passenger pickup with the sole purpose of delivering both Silphs to the Resort Area. Their hotel has already been booked, assigning them separate, neighboring rooms, while Fernando has their itinerary slotted in accordance with his objective. Although their time away from the region is considered a vacation, Fernando's strict schedule suggests anything but.

"Feel free to unpack at the hotel. We don't need to in the Fight Area for another hour and a half."

[attr="class","spiral"]An hour and a half is enough time to unwind and let his Pokemon cut loose. In the privacy of his own room, Fernando allows several of his Pokemon to come out. Among them consist a pool of his smaller sized ones, most of them no bigger than a child, which take up their positions within the room. Some take the chance to explore new surroundings while others find a spot to curl up and nap. He pays none of them any mind, leaving the hotel television on for them to watch, while outlining his roster for tomorrow's challenge.

When the time comes to depart, Fernando leaves several of his Pokemon in his room for safe keeping, bringing a predetermined set with him into the hotel lobby. Twin belts wrap around his swimming trunks in an x shape, revealing the dozen or so Pokemon he intends to use during their 'vacation'. No one really questions the bizarre display and for that he's thankful. Although his prestige in Hoenn is without questions, it wouldn't be unusual for Sinnoh to remain unaware of Fernando Silph.

Before meeting with Bronwen, Fernando makes a brief detour to the front desk to order an extravagant amount of room service as a reward to those staying behind. After reiterating his request, Fernando starts to eye the lobby's entrance, scanning for his partner.

[attr="class","spiral"]Fernando only catches the tail-end of the exchange but it's enough to cause his eyes to narrow. Rather than scold or mention it, he simply ignores it, continuing on without acknowledgement whatsoever. What's more important is that they depart on time to make it to the challenge.

Outside, Fernando waits for their rental jeep to arrive, taking the driver seat of the roofless, doorless vehicle. It's still mid-day and the vehicle's lack of walls allow them to feel the brute force of the tropical weather. Bright sun rays beam down on the Sinnoh Resort and even Fernando's pale skin is subjected to some sun-kissed love.

"There should be some Full Restores in the back. Feel free to take what you need. I have everything I need in my backpack already."

There's a prepared duffel bag underneath the backseat. Considering that money isn't an issue, Fernando's handpicked a variety of items with most of them being Full Restores to help lighten their load. There's a few other items but it's up to Bronwen to pick according to her party and judgement.

It's a short drive to the Fight Area but Fernando can't find a parking spot anywhere beyond the entrance of the battlegrounds. They'll have to wade through a staggering amount of trainers to make it to the Battle Tower but it's a good chance for them to assess their competition. They can barely squeeze in half way through the crowd before the speaker announces the event.

"GOOD AFTERNOON SINNOH! ARE YOU READY FOR THE SEMI-ANNUAL MOUNT BATTLE COMPETITION?!?"

Every person within the vicinity is an aspiring trainer looking to make a name for themselves. The competition itself isn't anything special — a mid-tier event compared to any region's official Pokemon League — but it's a good chance for trainers to earn experience and prestige required to become a respectable Gym Leader. Naturally, they're pumped and their screams match their fervor.

"I CAN'T HEAR YOU?!?"

Fists pump into the sky and their enthusiasm is second to none. Fernando remains apathetic, suffering through theatrics until the competition actually begins.

"Today will follow the standard rule set for Singles! Trainers will embark on a journey up Mount Stark by foot and face their competitors at designated Battle Stations! Competitors will be allowed to heal and switch out their Pokemon after three, seven, and fifteen consecutive victories! You may bring up to twelve Pokemon and whatever items you can carry!"

It's the same rules every competition. The addition of items and carrying more than six Pokemon is what makes the competition less than official. Even so, it still holds some merit within Sinnoh.

"Just remember, it's up to competitors to handle any wild Pokemon they come across! Keep this in mind since ranking is determined by a competitor's win percentage and speed. Climb too slowly and watch your ranking plummet! But climb too quickly and you might end up losing a battle you shouldve won!"

There's a bit of strategy to the challenge but none of that matters because they're non-natives. Neither of them are allowed to participate in the Champion's version of the competition so winning this means little to their overall accomplishment. What's more important is the organized training opportunity it grants them and Fernando looks forward to implementing his own self-imposed difficulties.

"Please start your climb from the designated gate listed on your entry ticket and good luck trainers!"

Naturally, their tickets are set to start from opposite ends of Stark Mountain.

[attr="class","spiral"]The primary purpose of the challenge was never to win. Going all out meant optimizing his method to conform to the structure of the event. Instead, Fernando finds an opportunity for something greater. The trainers gathered here today will serve as a coliseum of potential gladiators to oppose his marathon run. While his Gym offered him the chance to test his mettle against various challengers, this special event provided him a controlled environment to push himself to his limits. How long can he last on the climb?

Proper usage of the limited resources allocated to each trainer is imperative to advancing. Those who end their climb in pristine condition have an absolute advantage over a battle torn opponent. Being able to make it to the top without utilizing any of the heals, switches, or items institutes an artificial complexity perfect for training. Success under these provisions will confirm his own strength in the most gratifying way.

Fernando launches his marathon run with a decisive sweep. Trainer after trainer is decimated from his Pokemon and techniques. None seem to be able him but none of them are pushovers. Each trainer grasps for the victory barred by Fernando's presence and their efforts are rewarded in chip damage. Their sheer numbers wear him down and the game of attrition begins. How far can he make it pass their insurmountable numbers.

Breaks are rare and far between. His only downtime is spent reallocating his team's vitality, drawing upon the several healing Pokemon he specifically brought along to remedy their falling numbers. Sightseeing is a privilege for those who do not suffer and Fernando stomachs the ache. The hiking trail is far from the challenge but his pacing steeps into a crawl the farther up they go. His execution must be meticulous in order to overcome the wall he grants his opponents so he takes his time. Their ranking is inconsequential as long as they defeat everyone in their way.

The last opponent falls and Fernando is rewarded with the harmonious sound of a Pokemon being recalled. Clear of any obstacles, Fernando concludes his journey with a clear view of the peak. It comes as no surprise who his last opponent is. She's an Elite Four member now and anything less would be sacrilegious to her title.

"..."

Sweat permeates the wrinkles features of an exhausted face. While Bronwen had the opportunity to unwind during his ascension Fernando's faced nothing but a steady pace. The farther up he goes the more it comes to a crawl. But as long as his body continues he'll force himself beyond his limit. Only a fractured team remains.

And now he has to overcome someone who's set to defeat him.

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

There's no answer to Bronwen's attempt at small talk. He doesn't have that luxury. Not when he's running on his last fumes. The remainder of his stamina must be used wisely, tunneled on their battle, to claim the victory he needs to make this whole trip worthwhile. She asks him if he's ready and a Pokeball is flung into the center of the ring.

"Battle routine set!"

Fernando's Forretress takes the stage. Considering the nature of the challenge, it's proven pivotal to enduring the numerous battles while also laying down the groundwork for the Pokemon that follow. Now, this is their last challenge, which means its purpose will come to an end.

"Execute!"

Without provocation, the Forretress starts to spin in an accelerating circle, spewing out numerous TOXIC SPIKES around Stormy's side of the battlefield.

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

Bronwen's Torkoal is both an annoyance and counter to his initial opener. Leaving his Forretress to deal with the impossible match up will only lead to wasting both a Pokemon and his time. Thankfully, he still has the Pokemon's pokeball clutched within his palm, aiming it as the RAPID SPIN effortlessly clears the TOXIC SPIKES.

"Return!"

Second belt, third on the right — Fernando counts off his Pokeballs until his fingers slip around the correct one. It's his premiere pick against most of Bronwen's arsenal but he had hoped to whittle her down a bit before setting up. He tosses the ball further away from the Torkoal and leans toward the right corner of the battlefield. It's none other than his Quagsire.

"Check it."

The Pokemon waddles forward a few steps before letting out a giant YAWN. A shiny bubble slips through the Pokemon's nostrils and pops, reminding the opponent just how sleepy they truly are.