Lost Desert

Just as the aroma of lunch began to spread, a somewhat hurried set of footsteps came from the other side of the road.

Xinhai and his companions immediately looked over alertly. A man around thirty, dressed in a League Ranger uniform and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, was striding toward them.

He looked somewhat tired, but his eyes remained sharp. Beside him was a watchful Manectric with a special collar around its neck.

When the ranger saw Xinhai and the many Pokémon, he paused in slight surprise before offering a friendly, apologetic smile. He stopped at a safe distance and spoke first.

"Hello, Trainer. Sorry for disturbing your rest. I'm a League Ranger responsible for the 'sand stabilization and afforestation' project on the eastern side of Route 111. My name is Kenji."

"Hello, Mr. Kenji. I'm Xinhai Bai Mu from Verdanturf Town." Xinhai stood and replied politely, signaling for his companions to stay calm. He could sense that the other man meant no harm.

"Xinhai Bai Mu..." Ranger Kenji repeated the name, his gaze passing over the extraordinary Blaziken and Gardevoir beside Xinhai. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes, but he quickly returned to normal.

He looked at the lunch Xinhai was preparing, then at the water flask in his own hand, and said somewhat embarrassedly, "Sorry, I happened to be patrolling nearby and caught the scent... My supply point is still some distance ahead, and my flask is nearly empty. Would it be convenient to borrow some water? I can pay for it."

Xinhai smiled. "We have plenty of water, Mr. Kenji. Help yourself; there's no need to pay. If you don't mind, you can also join us for a simple lunch. We prepared quite a bit."

Gratitude appeared on Ranger Kenji's face. "Thank you so much! Water is