The sky gradually darkened, and fewer and fewer Trainers remained nearby, training and catching Pokémon. Yong surveyed his surroundings, then looked down and asked,
"Marshtomp, do you still remember the way home?"
"Maru!"
Marshtomp thumped its chest with one arm and nodded confidently. The feeler on its head swayed slightly as it checked its bearings, and soon it ran toward a patch of grass.
Yong smiled and hurried after it.
The sparse grass grew thicker as they ventured deeper. There was no sign of a trail; clearly, few people ever came here.
Scattered rocks and low hills of all shapes gradually appeared around them.
As they drew closer to the coast, the grassland gave way to marsh, and a hint of moisture crept into the air.
Following Marshtomp through twist after turn, Yong struggled through a hidden stone forest. Where two stretches of woodland met, they finally reached an open hollow!
"Maru!"
Home again, Marshtomp let out an excited cry that carried far into the distance.
Soon, a chorus of uneven cries answered its call.
"Kalo!!!"
"Kalo, kalo~~!"
"Maru?"
"Maru!"
Little heads poked out here and there throughout the hollow-from pools, mud pits, and rocky caves.
They looked curiously at Yong's Marshtomp, then sniffed the air.
At last, they confirmed that it was one of their own!
Although the Mudkip and Marshtomp were both wary and curious about Yong, a human, they gradually gathered around after Marshtomp patiently explained things to them!
Soon, cries of "Kalo!" and "Maru!" rang throughout the hollow.
Marshtomp happily chatted with its family, and the place grew lively.
Seeing this, Yong stayed back rather than interrupting. He sat on a rock, took off his backpack, and rummaged through it.
Before long, he had taken out the Pokémon food and Pokéblocks he had prepared in advance