Battle in the Sandstorm

"Kid... I'm not in a very good mood right now."

Dian spoke bluntly. Were kids these days always this rude?

"Kid..."

Michael was annoyed too. He considered himself an adult. "My name is Michael, and I'm already grown up!"

"Forget it."

Dian sighed and rubbed his temples. He would rather spend his time resting. "Do what you want. Pretend I'm not here."

Then a thought struck him. "Treasure? What treasure are you looking for?"

He had just remembered that he had a treasure map of his own. He had been so busy lately that he had completely forgotten about it.

"Mister, you're still after treasure at your age? No wonder you look like nobody wants you."

Michael waved a hand and turned to leave.

Dian took a deep breath. Now he understood why people called kids brats. The word brought up complicated feelings.

"Oh, right, mister. Let's battle. If you win, I'll tell you what treasure I'm looking for. If you lose, take me to the nearest oasis."

Dian took another look at the boy named Michael, and the corner of his mouth lifted. Interesting. So that was what he was after.

In that case...

He waved a hand. "No thanks. Be on your way."

"Hey..."

Michael's smile froze. This wasn't how it was supposed to go. "Hey, I'm offering you a battle! A sacred battle between Trainers!"

"Aren't you a Treasure Hunter?"

Dian's voice was lazy.

"Well... yeah."

Michael finally sighed. His bright expression wilted at once, and he rubbed his empty stomach. "But I'm a Treasure Hunter, not a food hunter. When there's nothing to eat, I still go hungry."

Dian couldn't help laughing. People in the Pokémon World really were sturdy. After his training with the Pokémon Ranger Union, he could at least run away when he