Chapter 4: Something Familiar, part 1

After Layla had started the fire, the six of them sat around together, sharing supper that Brock had cooked up. The children's Pokémon were nearby, visiting with Layla's Pokémon and playing while Layla quietly listened to Goliaths story from when he first woke up until now.

"I see, so that's how it is." Layla mused,

"It has proven to be quiet the challenge," Goliath continued, looking at the dancing flames of the fire, " But I must find out why I have lost my memories, and where my home can be found."

Layla frowned, tugging at a lock of her hair sheepishly. Goliath was was lost in a strange world, and the only allies he had were the only the four children that were going out of their way to help him find out where he came from. She felt so lousy for thinking he was a monster.

"I'm sorry for accusing you of being dangerous," Layla apologized.

"You do not need to apologize," Goliath told her, "humans have always been fearful of our kind, it is only natural."

"Even though you say that, it was still impolite." Layla said. "Do you all have a place to stay? You can come to my place and rest during the day if you like."

"You don't have to do that," May said, "We don't want to inconvenience you."

Layla looked at her in surprise. "Incon- you wouldn't be doing any such thing." She assured firmly. "Besides, look at you all, I bet if I left right now you'd all fall asleep right where you're sitting."

It was true, Ash, May and Brock all looked at if they were fighting just to keep their eyes from closing, and poor Max had already fallen back to sleep.

"After hearing your story, I want to help you guys," she said. "I might be useless at helping you find your memories, but I can at least provide you with shelter so you all can get proper sleep."

"That is very kind of you," Goliath said, "We humbly accept your offer."

Layla smiled at him, "That great," she said. "Follow me and you'll have a nice warm cabin to sleep in."

With grateful smiles, the children called back their Pokémon and gathered their supplies. Goliath took the liberty of putting out the fire, and once again took Max into his arms.

"Hmm?" Max started, rising from his sleep, "What's going on?"

"Where going to go with Layla now Max," Goliath assured him softly, "Now go back to sleep, you need your rest.

Max didn't even try to argue with him, muttering a sleepy 'Nnkay' before he was out like a light.

********Later********************************************************************************

Once they had finally reached Layla's cabin, the children wasted no time taking out their sleeping bags and picking places to sleep on.

May and Max both slept together on the couch while Brock found a comfortable easy chair to sleep had no problem sleeping on the floor, all he needed was a pillow to which Layla kindly offered.

"Thanks again for letting us stay, Layla," he said, getting comfortable in his sleeping bag. Pikachu crawled in as well, nuzzling against Ashs side before it fell asleep.

"It's no problem Ash," she said, adjusting a blanket on her arm.

"Whose that for?"

Layla walked aver to the door. "Goliath," she answered, "He insisted on staying outside, so I'm going to make sure he has a blanket at least."

"um, I don't think he'll need it," Ash started, but Layla opened the door, just in time for her to witness Goliath turning to stone just as the rays of the sun peeked out over the trees.

"Wow..." Layla breathed, mesmerized.

"I know," Ash with a big yawn. "This is the second time I've seen it. It's pretty amazing, huh?"

"Yeah, Even though he said that he turned to stone at dawn, I didn't really believe it until I saw it for myself."

"It's so...magical."

"You can say...that again..." Ash said sleepily, falling fast asleep.

Layla looked at Goliaths stone form, standing there for a moment until she finally walked over to him. She studying him, and she experimentally touched his shoulder. It was hard, and rough, he really was made of stone. She glanced at the blanket she held, and put it around the statues shoulders. "You might not need it," she said softly, "But I'll sleep better knowing you have something."

***********The Next Night****************************************************************************************

As soon as sun sank below the horizon, Goliath awakening soon followed, giving Layla one more surprise to witness before they .

"Man, if you were a Pokémon, you would have made my career." Layla stated, earning a smile from Goliath.

"Layla, I thank you for providing us shelter through the day," He said to her. "Oh it's no problem," she assured him, waving a hand. "It was my pleasure, Goliath, I was happy I could be of some help." And her help was very much appreciated.

The children were feeling much better, completely invigorated after they had a good amount of sleep. Especially Brock, who was still fawning over the young lady.

"Well, you all should be on your way then," Layla said, "I hope you find your way home, Goliath."

The Gargoyle nodded, and bid her goodbye. Ash, May and Max were ready to leave, but Brock was more interested in staying put.

"Oh you guys go ahead," Brock said, "I think I'll stay here with Layla and help her with her stud-GAHHH!" Once again, Max had grabbed the teenagers poor, sensitive ear. "Must you be such a doofus all the time?" the younger asked in an annoyed tone.

"Noo-oooo! I wanna stay!" Brock whined in pain as Max drug him away by the ear, desperately trying to escape the youngers' unyielding grip.

Goliath smiled to himself, heading off down the trail. These children could be very amusing.

Brock eventually gave up on escaping, but still, that didn't stop him from having one last parting word to the young woman."Far well my angel of the night!"Upon hearing those words, Goliaths' eyes widened in surprise and recognition. And ceased his steps, Brocks' words echoing in his mind

"My… angel of the… night?"

Oooo, Goliath recognized something! Hehehe, bet you can guess why.

But that aside, I'm sorry that this story was so short, but I couldn't figure out how to make the other part fit good on this one page, so I'm gonna put the second part on another page.

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, the next one will be up very soon.