Three more poachers. One had come out of his stupor mere moments after Vincent had reached the scene, screaming, scared out of his mind. Literally. The man could barely keep it together for a good five minutes and now he was just sort of lying limp against the tree, breathing slowly becoming more even.
âThree months of this,â Vincent said with a sigh as he stood from the man. âWho is doing this?â
The question was posed to no one in particular, since no one else was around, but Arluin cocked his head and huffed in response anyway. The Ranger ran a hand across his forehead and looked around. There had definitely been a battle, but whoever had won had done so handily. Just like the rest of the attacks. This was getting tiring. Sure, they were taking in a good number of poachers, but they werenât really getting anywhere with finding the rest. Not to mention it was causing Vincent to run all over the region every time one of these âanonymous tipsâ came in.
Another poacher woke up and started screaming. It didnât make Vincent jump anymore, though Milani jumped and shoved her head into Vincentâs leg. âDonât worry, heâs still tied up,â the Ranger assured the Vulpix.
Heâd been bringing her with him to let her get some field experience, start training her. She still had trouble with getting startled and keeping focus, but she was learning quickly other than that. Suddenly Arluin started grumbling, and Milaniâs ears perked up, quickly trotting over, now ignoring the dying screams of the awoken man.
âWhat is it?â Vincent asked as he joined his Furfrou at a seemingly random spot near the tree of poachers.
The Pokemon sniffed around, slowly making his way around in a couple circles, then towards each of the poachers. He shook his head and huffed loudly at the one that was still unconscious, then whined a little.
Vincent frowned. âIâm going to need a little more than that. You smell something, obviously?â Arluin nodded. âSomething familiar?â Another nod. ââŚSomeone you know?â
The Pokemon nodded again and whined, laying down and looking at Milani. Vincent looked at the grey Vulpix and stroked his chin, a small pit forming in his stomach. From what little heâd been able to pick up on, each of these poachers were related to the man who Logan and Cherise were currently investigating as well. Which meant they were connected to the attacks on Fayeâs ranch. Considering what sheâd done beforeâŚ
âFaye⌠Please tell me you donât have anything to do with thisâŚâ
Arluin whined again and Vincent shook his head, wondering what to do now.