The aroma of food drifted gently through the forest clearing, mingling with the crisp scent unique to the woods.
The companions quietly ate their lunches, with only the occasional soft clink of bowls and utensils breaking the silence.
After finishing her portion, Eevee gazed hopefully at the jerky in Xinhai's hand.
Xinhai smiled and tore off a small piece for her. The little one caught it with her Inner Focus and nibbled at it bit by bit, her large brown eyes curving into satisfied crescents.
Gardevoir set down her empty bowl and lightly traced her fingertips across the rock surface. A faint ripple of Inner Focus spread outward, making sure there was no danger nearby.
"That's good." Xinhai swallowed his last bite, stood up, and rolled his shoulders. "We'll camp here tonight. If we set off early tomorrow, we should reach Petalburg City around dusk."
The campfire crackled in the middle of the clearing, its flickering flames casting a warm golden-red glow over Xinhai's profile.
He added a few more dry branches to the fire, then leaned against the edge of the tent. He gazed at the starry sky overhead, fragmented by the leaves and branches, and listened to the calls of nocturnal Pokémon echoing nearer and farther through the depths of the forest.
The next morning, Xinhai woke to birdsong. Morning Sun streamed through gaps in the leaves, scattering tiny golden patches across the tent roof.
He packed away the tent, slung on his backpack, and continued along the forest trail after sharing a simple breakfast with his companions.
After nearly another two days of walking, the trees along the road gradually began to thin out.
Wide, open fields and a few scarecrows began to appear ahead. The air also slowly shifted from the forest's distinctive dampness into