Following Route 8 east of Icirrus City, they turned north where it met Tubeline Bridge and entered the Icirrus Wetlands.
Why hadn't they taken the closer northern gate?
Apparently, a group of Mienshao and Beartic had occupied the other side of the gate. Until that problem was resolved, no Trainer would likely want to face them head-on.
Yong and Kofu weren't about to waste their energy either. It only meant taking a slight detour.
The Icirrus Wetlands bordered the vast forest, lying along its edge.
The marsh here was uneven and dotted with shallow pools.
Looking around, Kofu said softly,
"This used to be a forest too, but apparently a massive forest fire broke out later. The flames spread everywhere, injuring countless Pokémon, so most of the survivors moved into the forest farther north..."
A fire...
There were plenty of pools in the surrounding hollows. It really was hard to imagine a fire having swept through this place.
"See those people in orange uniforms?"
Kofu discreetly pointed at the busy people scattered around them, moving back and forth along the boundary between the marsh and the forest, and said quietly,
"They're members of the Forest Ranger Team! They protect the natural environment here and the wild Pokémon to prevent disasters like that fire from happening again!"
Yong asked in confusion,
"So they're Rangers?"
"I'm sorry! There are still some differences between us and Rangers!"
An icy female voice rang out behind them. Yong and Kofu stiffened, then turned around.
A woman wearing an orange vest, an orange skirt, a black sweatshirt, tall boots, and a rounded hat had appeared behind them without their noticing. She held a length of rope, swinging it back and forth.
The Pokémon Ranger Union member was watching them warily.
"Please show me your Pokédexes and