The sudden appearance of the urshifu was all it took for the trainer to snap out of it. What the fuck was he thinking anyways? Victims or not, he isn't going to just willingly become their next meal. Especially not in front of this guy. "Yeah right," Jasper laughed. Whoever this guy was, he had a serious savior complex.

Not wasting another moment, the trainer and his partner turned towards the remaining houndooms and unleashed a flurry of their own attacks. Ramen's claws glowed a deep crimson color as she slashed at their left and Jasper's nonglowing fists came at their right, empowering the other's impact enough to knock the remaining Pokémon out.

"Ah, thanks," He called out, a satisfied huff leaving his lips a moment after. Savior complex or not, the man definitely helped kick things back into gear. Alas, upon meeting the other's gaze, the once satisfied grin fell. "Lance?"

Despite it all, his suspicion was proven to be correct: this guy was the same damn ranger from before. "Almost like you're stalkin' me." he teased, a smirk clear on his face.

Jasper released a puff of pent up air. There was no need to stress, he told himself, they're just two stranger who randomly ran into each other again. No need to fester on unnecessary thoughts of weightless words. "Yuh, this forest is weird as hell though. Been trying to find my way out."

"West."



He jabbed his thumb to their left.



"Been tryin' retrace my steps," Jasper explained as he approached a nearby rock protruding off the ground. He gave it a light kick. "But I keep seein' this thing. It has a lil mark - right there between the cracks - so I think it's the same one. But that's impossible...right?"