If the man wasn't already used to how Sepkat moved, the tells she gave before suddenly bursting into a full-on sprint, then the Liepard would've already tossed him from the saddle. Only the time spent familiarizing himself with the feline's antics having him tucking in closer to the saddle—adjusting his posture to make sure he was steadied as the comfortable trot Sepkat had once been in was quick to change into a borderline sprint; The larger obstacles in the way—that Matus wasn't entirely sure were from Divoky or not—were avoided not by just being simple and jumping over them.

No no, Sepkat wasn't that basic, this Liepard was a drama queen and a show off. She had to launch herself from bordering trees to avoid the rocks and fallen branches that impeded the feline's path. If it werent for his full trust in the feline; Matus would've already tried to slow her down, would've yanked on the reigns until they risked flipping to make the Liepard stop. But he believed there was something that caught her interest; whether it was truly related to the insect's line they were after, or if it was just something shiny that the feline had felt was suddenly a threat, he wasn't too certain of.

At least before the buzzing grew loud enough for him to hear over the rushing of the wind past his head. It was faint, even still to him, but the buzzing was unmistakable to be anything other than a Beedrill. The only question now would be, Was it wild?

When the foliage broke away around them; and Sepkat had slid her way to a stop. Matus would raise his head above the feline; getting a proper look at the beauty that was the... surprisingly large Beedrill. And while he couldn't hear it over the deafening buzz of the Beedrill's wings; the snarl that rumbled in Sepkat's chest was plenty felt with how it vibrated through his legs. Though if he had to guess, with the posture the bug held at... was that a door?... that was entirely a door— That bug couldn't be wild. Not with the stance it held; looking more a protective force of nature, than a feral creature trying to break into the tree.

---

Shalin Nariya

Sepkat — Liepard — OK
Sila — Togekiss — Tired
Divoky — Gyarados — Tired
Peklo — Charmander — In Time-out

Settling into Sepkat's saddle felt as natural as breathing; leaning into the Liepard's stride without sparing a second thought towards how the feline was moving. Sparing the bare minimum he needed to ensure the protective-goggles were properly set on his face, the man would turn his attention towards the overhead screen. Adjusting his hold on the reigns to carefully cover Sepkat's ears against the squealing of the speakers. Even if unnecessary, there was still the caution to make sure the Liepard was in her top-condition for the rematch.

Once the last image of the Raikou flashed, Matus would lean himself forwards; preparing himself for the moment the last image disappeared and the siren sounded, longer and louder than before. His own prompting wasn't needed for Sepkat to race off—Not with how the feline had been clawing at the ground and jostling about at the line, waiting for the moment she could break into a sprint. The instant the bulk of white had sprinted from the line—the Liepard would follow, only the tug at her reigns keeping the Liepard from breaking into a Double Team.

They were following the rules this time. Sepkat would just have to save her energy until she could truly let loose. The Absol might be a bit quicker on those sharper turns than she was, but memories of the first race would tell the ease that the other dark-type could tire if Josh was reckless about it.

d9tFxnWj

---

Josh Devlin

Finding someone to measure Divoky for a Saddle was a bit of a difficult feat; the Gyarados' intimidating nature, not to mention the size and species reputation, saw that anyone even marginally willing to inspect the serpent was immediately on edge despite the hulking water-type being entirely relaxed and having less than a partial care towards whatever antics were happening around it. But, eventually they'd managed, and after spending more than what Matus was assuming was reasonable—even adding on whatever hazard pay someone might have decided to add on with the Gyarados just existing—Divoky was saddled, and properly ready to be ridden.

Of course, while he would keep Sepkat and Peklo safely away in their Pokéballs, Sila was easily capable of keeping up with the Gyarados, and so he'd be allowed to fly alongside them. Which, he supposed, aided Divoky in knowing the path he needed to go. With his instructing the Togekiss their destination was Petalburg Woods, Matus had settled in for the ride.

Why Petalburg woods? Well, that was one of the more likely places to find a Beedrill... or a Weedle—hell he'd even take a Kakuna if he managed to find it. As long as it led to the large insect, he was happy with it. While he had Divoky for more water-based travel compared to air, and Sila for mostly Air travel... the pair weren't really the fastest. Sure they could coast or glide along for hours at a time without really getting tired, they couldn't make those sharp turns as easily, or put on a huge burst of speed at the drop of a dime. A Beedrill however, Could. Plus the Wasp had a bit of a harsh reputation which would make it fit in a bit better with his gathered team already.

When the jostling of Divoky's saddle drew Matus from his musings; they were surrounded by trees and undergrowth. Set back in a clearing just barely large enough for the Gyarados to awkwardly coil around into to settle against the grass. Even though bits of the huge serpent's tail was still pressed against the trunk of bordering trees, or simply pressing a bush here-and-there into the dirt, the Gyarados was making it work.

Now grounded, Sepkat would be the only one released from her ball—Peklo being far too testy still to try and let the fire-type wander about when surrounded by so much foliage. One stray ember could lead to a forest fire that Matus really didn't want to have to deal with.

"Anything from the Beedrill family, Sepkat. Keep your eyes and ears open for them." Calling both Sila and Divoky back to their pokéballs for a bit of rest; the man would swing himself onto Sepkat's back, gently rubbing at the Liepard's cheek before he'd urge her onward; trusting the usually tempermental feline to follow the instruction as it was given, knowing her senses were far stronger than his own.

---

Shalin Nariya

Sepkat — Liepard — OK
Sila — Togekiss — Tired
Divoky — Gyarados — Tired
Peklo — Charmander — In Time-out

PURCHASING/REDEEMING

welcome to the poké mart!

1X Egg Tutor Sepkat the Liepard -> Double Team

TOTAL

do come again!

80 PD

At the subtle assurance, Sepkat had marginally quieted. Though the feline still stood to her full height—the glare remaining focused on Josh's face, even as the gym leader turned his attention towards Sila's own attentions, and then towards her rider.

"Yeah yeah, no head start, everything all 'official like'." Matus grunted, reaching a hand to lower Sepkat's head down—attempting to stop the Liepard from glaring at Josh the entire time. "We'll behave as long as the pair of you do." Well, at least he wasn't crossing any fingers when he said it. Just stopping a massive cat from possibly trying to take a bite out of someone. "Now lets get this started so you can accept your loss already."

Once Josh had acknowleged the Togekiss' worries, and confirmed that he was perfectly fine. The Fairy would turn to drift away again; attention now caught by the lingering Electric type with a softer chirrup of greeting.

---

Sepkat - S/D/C — OK

Josh Devlin

To say he was impatient would be an understatement; a hand settled against Sepkat's flank to soothe the bristling Liepard with every moment they stayed out. It wasn't that he was uncertain about being out at night, but rather with the emergency side-gate being located where it was, without much foliage or trees to block it—Matus felt as though he could be seen from any angle. It set every nerve of his on edge, and only the years he'd spent training Sepkat up to the feline she was had him understanding the similar feeling in the dark-type.

Sila, at least, was a calming force. Just gently drifting around in little circles and twirling about this way-and-that in an effort to draw the pairs attention to him, instead of on their surroundings. For the most part, it was working. At least before the quiet clicks and softer thumping of approaching steps. Drawing the trio's attention back towards the gate they were waiting at to take in Josh's arrival. An appraising look given over both the man and Absol—before barely noticing the darker pelt of the Luxray standing just a few paces back.

"You ain't usin' the Luxray in this race, are ya?" he doubted that was the case. But still, it was worth questioning when the very presence of the Electric-type had Sepkat bowing to her full height—a rumbling snarl in the feline's throat giving away her offense that it could even be a possibility that the absol she'd lost to before wouldn't be her true rematch.

Sila, on the other hand. Would ignore the hostility already in the air; drifting forward like an oversized blimp to nudge gently at Josh's shoulder—clearly looking him over for any signs of still-present injury. The Togekiss wasn't above putting a stop to this before it even started if nobody was at their tip-top condition!

---

Josh Devlin

Sepkat — Liepard — OK
Sila — Togekiss — OK

"No record gets out. Just the two of us and that official." A repetition in agreement; solidifying the details in his own mind. Though the taunt from Josh had a smirk that showed far too many teeth answering him. "You got a heart full of hope, kid." Matus chuffed, "Too bad I'm going to crush it. " The taunts felt far more in his element, easing what bits of tension had still clung to his form.

Though Josh's hurried pace to get ahead of him had the man rolling his eyes slightly, he'd raise his hand from where it had settled against Sepkat's flank to give a short dismissive wave. "Yeah yeah, don't get your ass kicked any more than it already was or Sila ain't gonna let this race happen." And his own morals, but putting that on a Pokémon was better than addressing that he wasn't a complete asshole all the time.

---

Josh Devlin

He had enough time for one final cast; even though he could see the disappearing frill of the Gyarados, the flash of color from... what was possibly the teeniest Milotic he'd ever seen had drawn his eye away. And while it was frankly rather cute, the small serpentine pokemon wouldn't fit in, seeming far too docile, and far too small for him to do anything with beyond possibly send out into the water to bring other water types to the surface.

So they would be allowed to return to the surf. And the final line cast in curious anticipation for what lay waiting.

uWCHbMDg

---

ALREADY CAUGHT
MANTINE — Dynamax (97)
LUMINEON — Average (51)
WHISCASH — Extra Large (86)
HUNTAIL — Dynamax (94)
GYARADOS — Average (38)
BASCULIN — Large (78)
MILOTIC — Extra-small (6)
MANTINE — Average (61)

And so it was time for the final dive; with people already beginning to pack up and leave, the signs were as clear as ever. But... After the last round of fishing, Matus had just a few extra moments he could take to peer beneath the surf after one final trinket.

Whatever it was, he'd still return the next time the festival came around... if it did come around that is.

nH6j8eAB

---

Obtained: Pokeball x1

The hand was given a calculating look, before the Liepard had turned to nudge her head into the offered palm; a temporary allowance, for now. "... Or she pities you." Oh Matus was really trying to throw off the fact he was looking forward to the rematch race. Though he'd turn his attention away from Josh as the ranger had started reading something; giving enough privacy he figured. He didn't want to see anything that might make that smidgeon of concern overshadow everything else he was feeling at that moment.

Which... is what drew his focus towards Sila—where the Togekiss had drifted away from the situation to circle around a particularly chunky Charmander, staying just out of range of the small Embers the fire-type was spitting up at him. Chiming in a certain joy the man was deeply familiar with, "'Atta boy, Sila.". At whatever prompting Matus had given, The Togekiss had given a much, much louder chirrup, spinning about in place just a little higher than the swiping claws—barely high enough to avoid the Fury Swipes the Wild Charmander was trying to catch him with... To then promptly flip himself over, and lay a big Sweet Kiss right on top of the little reptile's head.

"Good eye." A ball produced from one of Sepkat's saddle pouches offered out to the Togekiss—who carefully accepted it in his mouth, to return to the confusion-flailing Charmander, and lightly bonk the empty ball against the same spot the Fairy had kissed.

As wrapped up as Matus was in watching the excited mass of a fairy, he hadn't noticed the building excitement behind him until Josh had practically exploded in joy. The man spinning sharply on his heel to watch the other with a note of hostile confusion— a sentiment rather closely mimicked by the Liepard beside him judging by the low, annoyed growl from the large feline. Though as nothing more came from the display, other than the Absol bouncing Josh in a way that vaguely reminded Matus of Sepkat, he began to settle back down. Letting out a heavy breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.

"If I can make it work?" The disbelief was almost palpable in his tone; leeching heavily into the air around him as Josh continued to speak. "No crowd, no observers. Just the official, and you?" A vague request for clarification, though he didn't elaborate much. Crossing his arms over his chest, and leaning back a bit into Sepkat's still tense form— knowing she would stay put, but fully expecting her to decide to move at any moment. "... September 9th, at Sun down, in the dinky little minor league Gym up the road." Well that was a bit more helpful to understand there.

"Fine, but I'm not doing any sappy heart-to-heart bullshit after I kick your ass."

---

Sepkat — Liepard — OK
Sila — Togekiss — OK

Note: Attempting to catch Charmander!

Josh Devlin

A basculin? Well... He could go with that, it was certainly a larger type of it... but the more he thought of it, the more appealing the Gyarados became. It wouldn't be too hard to track that big beastie down... Hell, maybe if he just sent this little guy back he'd find a larger one?

_sfNPFry

---

ALREADY CAUGHT
MANTINE — Dynamax (97)
LUMINEON — Average (51)
WHISCASH — Extra Large (86)
HUNTAIL — Dynamax (94)
GYARADOS — Average (38)
BASCULIN — Large (78)
MILOTIC — Extra-small (6)

Well, he supposed a Pokéball would do. Someone lost it, but it seemed with it still being within the depths of the sea, nobody was exactly desperate to get it back... Oh well, if it still worked, then he'd keep it, Finder's Keepers after all.

Now what else was there?

EmM|5Wud

---

Obtained SALAC BERRY x1

Satisfied with Josh's solemn agreement, Matus would give a quick nod, just to give his show of acceptance towards him. At the call of her name, even questioningly, Sepkat would turn the brunt of her attention onto Josh. Head lowering a bit with the prowling stalk to approach—despite her size and the bulk of the saddle she carried, the feline's steps were near soundless. Only the slight shifting of the pebbles that had been tossed onto the path from the brief scuffle with the Typhlosion. Though the Liepard would not stop in her prowl until she'd set herself practically nose-to-nose with Josh— Offering only a brief considering glance towards Twilight as she did so.

"... Seems like she's fond of ya, squirt. She ain't tried to maul you yet." Matus finally called from his spot, watching the brief interaction with a curious eye. "... Guess you earned some of her respect for once." Well, wasn't that high praise right there! Somebody Sepkat didn't immediately try to attack after prowling? it was almost unheard of.

"... Off grid, after hours. Don't want any peepin eyes when I kick your ass on the track. Gotta let you have some semblance of a rep." And that was about as teasing as Matus could get while being entirely sincere. That had (essentially) been how their first race had taken place, so in his mind, the rematch had to be done the same. If the course was going to be at the gym—which he'd seen a couple by now, Matus would have to figure out which one Josh actually meant when it was time- then the rest of the scenario was going to have to be the same... minus the cheating and attempted murder, of course.

"Give me somethin' to get in contact with you with for that rematch and I'll handle the rest."

---

Sepkat — Liepard — OK
Sila — Togekiss — OK

Josh Devlin

Skipping this round