Chapter 10

Dusknoir

General P.O.V.

Luna woke up to see they were back in their room at the guild. Luna sighed and got up just in time to see Loudred coming in. They both shook their heads at Jolt's laziness before Loudred woke him up before leaving the room.

"Ugh...It's been a while since we were woken up like that" Jolt said, getting up.

Luna sighed but said nothing as they left the morning to head to the morning briefing. After the briefing was over, Jolt looked over at Luna.

"I guess it's time to get back to our guild training, Luna!" Jolt said. "Let's work hard at it!"

Just then, Chatot walked over.

"Now that's what I like to see!" Chatot said. "A lot of morning pep! Impressive! Let's see you put that pep to good use today!"

"What?!" Loudred's voice rang out. "You can't identify the footprint?! What do you mean?!"

"I'm trying to tell you!" Diglett said. "I can't identify what I don't know."

By this time, Chatot came over with Luna and Jolt.

"What's wrong?" Chatot asked.

"We have a Pokemon visitor up top whose footprint we can't identify!" Loudred said. "Diglett is an outstanding sentry. So it's rare for him to be stumped by footprints! If those two were doing sentry duty, that'd be no shocker."

"Oh, really?" Jolt said, anger taking over. "Well, if it's so rare that Diglett gets stumped...What about when we first arrived at the guild? You guys couldn't recognize Luna's footprint."

Luna sighed.

It looks like his anger's taking over again. I'm really going to need him to work on that. I don't need his anger to prevent him and Grovyle from working together when they meet later on.

"Hmmm? Say again?" Diglett's voice came back, catching their attention. "You want to meet our Guildmaster? Your name is...Dusknoir?! Oh! Please wait just a moment!"

Luna's eyes narrowed at the name, but no one noticed.

"Dus...Dusknoir?!" Chatot Shouted.

"The world-famous Dusknoir?!" Loudred shouted.

Jolt was confused. Soon enough, a Pokemon came down the ladder and met with Chatot and Wigglytuff.

"Thank you for visiting! What an honor!" Wigglytuff said.

Dusknoir shook his head.

"No, no! Think nothing of it!" Dusknoir said. "The honor is all mine! There's no greater pleasure than visiting Wigglytuff's Guild! It's famous!"

As they were talking Jolt looked over at Loudred, not noticing that Luna was watching Dusknoir closely out of the corner of her eye.

So Dialga finally sent Dusknoir after us. I figured it would be sooner or later that we would have him on our trail, especially with what happened during our time travel. I'm going to have to be extra cautious with him around.

"Excuse me, Loudred?" Jolt called.

"What do you want?" Loudred asked.

"Who's that visitor?" Jolt asked.

That caught the attention of Loudred, Sunflora and Bidoof.

"What?! You haven't heard of Dusknoir?!" Loudred shouted. "The famous explorer?!"

Jolt rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"Urk..Well, you know, I…" Jolt started. "I haven't heard of him!"

"That's not surprising, really" Sunflora said. "He's a new arrival on the scene! He came out of nowhere! Like a comet! He became famous almost overnight! They say his talents as an explorer are super exceptional!"

"So this Dusknoir is really that amazing?" Jolt asked.

"Yeah! Here's some more good stuff that I heard!" Loudred said. "He does things unlike anyone else! First, he doesn't work in a team. He does all his exploring solo."

"Alone?" Jolt asked.

Loudred nodded.

"That's right! He's got to be pretty sure about his skills to do that!" Loudred said. "But what's even more incredible? His wealth of knowledge! It seems like there's nothing in the world he doesn't know! That's how much he knows!"

Jolt jumped back in surprise.

"Wow! He's that knowledgeable?" Jolt asked.

"So the rumour goes!" Sunflora said. "But he has used his knowledge to succeed on many explorations so far! So many Pokemon revere Dusknoir for his achievements...That's how I know the claims about his mighty knowledge must be true!"

"Does Dusknoir visit here often?" Jolt asked.

"No, this is his first time!" Loudred said. "That's why Diglett couldn't recognize him. I think the Guildmaster just met him for the first time, too."

"Huh?! Then why is he being that friendly?" Jolt asked.

"Well, that's just how our Guildmaster is. Even if it's the first time he meets someone" Loudred said.

They turned their attention back to the front.

"I see. Well, that must have been quite a disappointment for your guild!" Dusknoir said.

"Yes, that expedition was a waste of time! Didn't learn a thing about anything!" Wigglytuff said.

"I had learned that Wigglytuff's Guild was mounting an expedition to find Fogbound Lake" Dusknoir said. "I came here hoping to hear about your latest triumph…"

"Sorry! We didn't learn a thing!" Wigglytuff said.

"Not at all! It's no trouble to me!" Dusknoir said. "This gave me an opportunity to visit you! I plan to stay in Treasure Town for a short while. May I visit you occasionally during my stay? Your guild constantly receives the latest news. Good information would be a big help on my explorations!"

"No problem! Other exploration teams visit us all the time. You're always welcome here!" Wigglytuff said.

They then walked over to the apprentices.

"Everyone! This is Dusknoir!" Wigglytuff said. "He's going to stay in Treasure Town for a while. Mind yourself around him! Dusknoir is very famous and quite knowledgeable...So I bet everyone would like to get advice from him! But let's not overdo it! We don't want to be a nuisance!"

"Now, everyone, our guest might be famous...But don't embarrass us by asking him for autographs!" Chatot said.

"No, no! If it's autographs you want, I'm sure that I can oblige!" Dusknoir said. "But...information? I'm afraid you flatter me. I have very little information. However, I would be delighted if I may be of service to you. If there is anything you wish to ask of me, please don't hesitate."

"Yup yup! It's a great honor!" Bidoof said.

"Oooh! I'm so very glad to have met you!" Sunflora said.

"Come now, everyone! You're dismissed!" Chatot said.

Everyone nodded and went to their own duties when Dusknoir turned to Wigglytuff and Chatot.

"I think I'll go for a stroll in Treasure Town" Dusknoir said. "Please do feel free to approach me with anything. Good day!"

Then Dusknoir left the guild. Wigglytuff went back into his chambers and Chatot came back over to Jolt and Luna.

"Oh! You two!" Chatot said. "I'd started saying earlier...about your assignment for today...Today I want you to read over the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board. And take some of the listed jobs! That will do!"

Luna and Jolt nodded. They went upstairs and looked at the board before picking up jobs for Apple Woods and then headed out after preparing for the dungeon. For one job, they had to escort Oddish to Butterfree. For another job, they had to rescue a Weedle for Whiscash. For another job, they had to rescue Spheal for Natu. For another job, they had to rescue Barboach and they needed to search for Lileep for Lotad. Once those jobs were completed, they went back to the guild for their reward.

From the client, Oddish, they got 300 Poke and an Apple as a reward. From the client, Whiscash, they got 250 Poke as reward. From the client, Natu, they got 250 Poke and a Black Gummi as a reward. As a reward the client, Barboach, was accepted into the team because he was inspired by them. From the client, Lotad, 250 Poke and a Pink Gummi as a reward.

After dinner and they went to bed, Luna was looking out the window as Jolt was asleep, lost in thought.

Having Dusknoir here will make things more difficult for Grovyle and I. With him around, I have to be extra cautious. I can't do anything that might give myself away of who I really am. Even if I have to deceive Grovyle, no matter how much it pains for me to do so.

Luna sighed.

It's not like it's anything new to me. After all, I've been deceiving him for years about who I really am, for his own safety. I just hope that he forgives me when he finds out the truth.

Luna smiled and closed her eyes.

Knowing Grovyle, he'll probably scold me but he'll understand why I did it. He always was understanding of my feelings, of that I was always grateful.

Luna finally laid down and fell asleep for the night.

Meanwhile, outside the guild, stood Team Skull.

"Ch-Ch-Chief...We were really put in our place on that last expedition...Urk!" Zubat said.

"Chaw-haw-haw...Wigglytuff really wrecked us…" Skuntank said. "And I'm not about to let it go! So humiliating! I need payback...one way or another. But, to be brutally honest, we don't stand a chance against Wigglytuff. Grrrrr! I'm so furious! It's burning me up!"

"Whoa-ho-ho! There's gotta be some way we can get back at 'em!" Koffing said.

"Heh-heh-heh! I'd settle for picking on wimps. Oh! Hey!" Zubat said. "Instead of Wigglytuff, how about we take revenge on the wimps in that Team Starlight?"

Skuntank turned back around.

"Chaw-haw! Great idea!" Skuntank said.

"Whoa-ho-ho! And we know that Team Starlight is wimpy!" Koffing said.

"Time to do some plotting, boys! Chaw-haw-haw!" Skuntank said.

Then they walked down the steps that led to the guild.

The next morning, after the morning briefing, Chatot walked over to Jolt and Luna.

"Oh! You two!" Chatot said. "Before you get to work today...I'd like you to run an errand."

"An errand?" Jolt asked.

"Yes, an errand!" Chatot answered. "Go to Kecleon Market. Ask the owners if they plan to stock Perfect Apples."

"You want us to ask if they'll stock Perfect Apples?" Jolt asked. "At Kecleon Market? We should find out if they plan to sell Perfect Apples?"

Chatot nodded.

"Correct" Chatot answered. "The guild's storage holds many Perfect Apples. Or at least it can...But the Guildmaster raids the storage when we're not looking and uses up our supply. And you know what happens if the Guildmaster is deprived of his Perfect Apples! But having to search for a fresh load of them is always a chore. Sending an exploration team to Apple Woods when the supply runs out is just too much work."

"So, if Kecleon Market started stocking Perfect Apples, we could go buy them!" Jolt said.

"Precisely!" Chatot said.

Jolt nodded.

"Ok. We'll go visit the Kecleon Market" Jolt said.

"Great! Way to take charge!" Chatot said.

Luna and Jolt nodded and went up the ladder and exited the guild. After they reached Treasure Town, they headed straight to Kecleon Market. Once they got there, they saw the Kecleon Brothers talking with Dusknoir. Luna kept a guarded expression, but no one around seemed to notice.

"Hey! Isn't that…?" Jolt said, noticing Dusknoir.

Luna sighed as Jolt walked away and followed after him. Dusknoir and the Kecleon Brothers turned around noticing their approach.

"Hello there!" Dusknoir said. "You're from the guild, if I'm not mistaken?"

Jolt nodded.

"Yes. We're Team Starlight" Jolt said, cheerfully. "We work at the guild. It's great to meet you!"

Luna just nodded at Dusknoir but didn't say anything. Something that made Jolt curious but decided not to ask until later.

"So what are you doing in town, Dusknoir, sir? Shopping?" Jolt asked.

"No, no. Simply enjoying a chat!" Dusknoir answered.

"I hailed him down! The great Dusknoir is so very famous" Kecleon said. "We started a conversation! And what a surprising talk! The great Dusknoir is so worldly and wise. I'm thoroughly impressed!"

"I guess the rumors are true!" Jolt said. "Dusknoir, sir, you really must be as knowledgeable as they say!"

Luna sighed at the admiration in Jolt's eyes.

This could be a problem. Jolt needs to be more careful about who he trusts. Dusknoir is not someone who he can trust. He's not what he seems to be.

"May I ask, Jolt, what I can do for you?" The green Kecleon asked. "Have you come to shop? Oh, yes! Fine Merchandise! Fine wares!"

Jolt shook his head.

"Sorry, no" Jolt said. "We came to ask you something today, not shop. You see...Chatot wants to know if you ever have any plans to stock any Perfect Apples. It would make it a lot easier since they Guildmaster keeps using up the supply."

Kecleon nodded in understanding.

"Hmm...I see" Kecleon said. "Perfect Apples? I am sorry to disappoint you. We have no plans to stock Perfect Apples."

Jolt sighed.

"Oh, all right. That's too bad" Jolt said. "Chatot will be disappointed with this news."

Luna put her paw on Jolt's shoulder in comfort. She wasn't going to speak around Dusknoir, less he recognize her voice.

"Azurill, hurry!" Marill's voice sounded out.

"Wait for me!" Azurill's voice called out.

Marill and Azurill started running by.

"The Marill and Azurill brothers!" Kecleon said, stopping the brothers. "Well, hello to you both!"

"Oh! Hi, Kecleon brothers!" Azurill said.

"Oh! And Team Starlight too!" Marill said.

"What's up? What's the rush?" Jolt asked.

"You know how we've been looking for our lost item?" Marill asked.

"Lost item? Do you mean the same one you were looking for before?" Jolt asked.

Marill nodded.

"Yes! An item called Water Float!" Marill answered.

"A Water Float? Now that is quite the precious item!" Dusknoir said.

"Yes! That's why we've been looking hard for it a long time" Marill said.

"And then! Someone said they saw a Water Float on the beach today!" Azurill said.

"We're rushing to the beach now!" Marill said.

Over near the bridge, Koffing and Zubat were listening in.

"Heh-heh-heh! Juicy tidbit!" Zubat said.

"Whoa-ho-ho! Could be useful for our plan!" Koffing said.

"We'll bring the Chief up to speed, then get the jump on them" Zubat said.

Then they took off.

"That's excellent! It's great that it's finally turned up!" Jolt said.

Marill nodded.

"Yes!" Marill said.

"Yep!" Azurill said.

Marill then turned to Azurill.

"Come on, Azurill! Let's go quick!" Marill said.

Azurill nodded.

"Yep!" Azurill said.

Then they ran off. Jolt and Luna watched them go with smiles on their faces.

"I was wondering how those little brothers were doing with their item search" Jolt said. "Good for them. Looks like they've found it."

Luna nodded.

"I've never heard of a Water Float" Kecleon said. "What purpose does it serve?"

"A Water Float is an item specifically for Azurill" Dusknoir explained. "It can be obtained only by trading precious treasures again and again. As such, it is said to be an exceedingly rare item."

"Gah! Is that so?" Kecleon said. "Our line of work is buying and selling! But we have never heard of it. It must be exceedingly rare! To sell such a rare item! I'm afraid such a say will never come."

Jolt flinched as he just remembered why they were there in the first place.

"To sell…? Oh, I just remembered!" Jolt said, turning to Luna. "We have to report back to Chatot about the Perfect Apples! Let's go back to the guild!"

Luna nodded and gave a graceful nod of her head before she followed Jolt back to the guild. When they were alone, Jolt looked over at Luna as they walked back to the guild.

"Why didn't you say anything to Dusknoir?" Jolt asked. "You seemed more guarded than you usually are."

Luna sighed as they stopped at the crossroads and Luna held a paw to her head, as if in pain. Something that Jolt was quick to notice.

"I don't know why, Jolt, but something about him bothers me" Luna answered.

"Bothers you how?" Jolt asked.

Luna sighed and shook her head.

"That's the things, Jolt" Luna answered. "I don't know myself. Just seeing him gives me a bad feeling, as if my mind is trying to warn me about something."

Jolt decided not to pressure her, since it looked like just thinking about it caused her pain. He put a paw on her shoulder.

"It's alright, you don't need to stress yourself out" Jolt said. "How about we stop by the cafe after we report to Chatot."

Luna nodded.

"Thanks, I think I need some time to clear my head before we do any jobs" Luna said.

They walked up to the guild and went down the ladder, where Chatot was waiting for them.

"So what did they say?" Chatot asked.

Luna shook her head.

"Sorry, Chatot" Luna said. "They don't have any plans to sell Perfect Apples."

"What?!" Chatot shouted. "They have no plans to stock Perfect Apples?"

Chatot turned to the side and bowed his head.

"Squawk! What am I supposed to do now?!" Chatot said, depressed.

"Um...We could get some Apples for you at Apple Woods" Jolt suggested.

Chatot turned to Jolt with an angry look on his face.

"What?! You're joking!" Chatot shouted. "You've previously gone to Apple Woods and failed utterly! I just can't take that! I just can't go through all that again!"

Chatot sighed and put a wing on his face before looking at Jolt and Luna.

"I'm sorry" Chatot said. "You two were outstanding on our recent expedition. I recognize everything you've done for us. But the incident with the Guildmaster and the Perfect Apples...It was a slightly traumatic incident for me. Squawk! I suppose I'll have to find the Perfect Apples myself."

Chatot sighed.

"You two should just look over the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board as usual" Chatot said.

Luna and Jolt nodded and went back upstairs and took the jobs from both boards before exiting the guild and going into the cafe. They saw it was pretty busy with lots of Pokemon inside. They went over to the drink stand, where Spinda was.

"Busy today, Spinda?" Jolt asked.

Spinda looked up and smiled at who she saw.

"Jolt, Luna, nice to see you!" Spinda greeted. "Yes, we're doing great today. Luna's idea of having karoke has made a big hit. All the Pokemon love the idea."

Luna smiled.

"I'm glad that I could help" Luna said. "I only mentioned it because I enjoy singing and I thought other Pokemon might too."

Spinda nodded.

"We're actually doing it today. Do you want to volunteer today, Luna?" Spinda asked.

Luna nodded.

"Sure, I need to clear my head before Jolt and I head out on a job, anyway" Luna said.

Spinda smiled and motioned her to the center. Everyone there saw the motion and knew what was going on. Among the Pokemon sitting at the table was Grovyle, though he was sticking to the shadows so that he could lay low and gather information. He saw the Pokemon singing today looked a lot like Glacia but knew it couldn't be her. He watched as she closed her eyes and sang a song that sounded very familiar to him, a song that he recognized from Luna.

"Through all that I've faced

My dreams that I've chased

They're echoing inside of my heart

As I reflect on

Who I have become

I'll find the strength inside to smile"

Grovyle paid closer attention at the lyrics. The song was the same one that Luna sang the day they met. He had learned later on that she learned the song from Glacia, who was the one who taught her how to sing. It didn't really surprise him, considering he knew how much she had loved to sing. It was her way of relieving stress.

"Cause shining tears fall from my eyes

Just like the silver rains from the sky

I know that God can't help me now

I'm gonna make it somehow

Cause this dream I'm

Chasing, chasing

No matter how far

Right past the me that I used to be

So now I'm

Chasing, chasing

No matter how long

This fire inside me

It's burning a way in my heart

I'll become my own hero

It's burning a way in my heart"

After catching Luna's eyes, he left the cafe to head back to what he was doing before. After he left, Luna quickly hid her shock at seeing him. She never expected him to be here. In a way, she was glad to see him but was worried about Dusknoir finding him at the same time.

Luna smiled at the cheers she got and went back over to Jolt.

"I think I've cleared my head enough" Luna said. "Let's go take care of that job, Jolt."

Jolt nodded and they left the cafe after saying goodbye to Spinda. They were heading to Foggy Forest today to guide a Staravia around the dungeon. As a reward, the client gave them the Technical Machine for Water Pulse as a reward.

"Everyone! Time for dinner!" Chimecho called.

Everyone gathered in the dining hall and sat down.

"Yeah!" Everyone said. "Let's get…"

"Hold on, everyone!" Chatot interrupted.

Everyone turned to look at Chatot.

"Ahem! Before we start dinner…" Chatot said. "There is something I must share with you."

The apprentices except Luna weren't too happy about that. Luna figured that he had to have a good reason for interrupting dinner while the rest only had food on their minds.

"Hey, hey, hey!" Corphish complained.

"Come on! Out with it! Let us eat already!" Loudred shouted.

"Quiet please!" Chatot shouted, not in the mood to deal with it.

Everyone quieted down at that.

"Ahem. Now we just received word of this...Another Time Gear was stolen!" Chatot announced.

"What?!" Everyone shouted.

Luna narrowed her eyes slightly but said nothing.

"Another Time Gear?" Chimeco asked.

"Another one got stolen?!" Loudred shouted.

"Uh, is it...maybe...the one in Fogbound Lake?" Bidoof asked.

Chatot shook his head.

"No, it wasn't" Chatot answered. "The stolen Time Gear was not from Fogbound Lake. It's apparently from elsewhere. But that's the second Time Gear to be stolen. It would be extremely bad if a third were to be taken. Now, rest assured that I have confidence in you all. But I must make one thing very clear. You must never tell anyone what you witnessed during our expedition! Understood?"

Everyone felt insulted except Luna.

"Of course!" Dugtrio said.

"I don't have a big mouth!" Loudred shouted.

"Eek! I would never forget the promise we made to Uxie!" Sunflora shouted.

"Ok! Ok!" Chatot said, surprised at their outburst. "Quiet, everyone!"

Everyone quieted down.

"Sorry to keep you waiting" Chatot said. "Without further ado...On your marks...get set…"

"Chow!" Everyone shouted, starting to eat.

After dinner, Luna and Jolt went to their room. Luna sat down on her bed but Jolt was still standing. Jolt turned to Luna after he put down the Treasure Bag next to his bed.

"Just before dinner, Chatot said another Time Gear was stolen" Jolt said. "That's two now! I can't imagine who'd be stealing them! What would anyone want with the Time Gears anyway?"

Luna shook her head.

"I don't know, Jolt" Luna answered. "I really don't know."

Jolt sighed and looked out the window, getting into his bed.

"I just don't understand…" Jolt said, turning back to Luna. "You know, when I think about it, Luna...I get this feeling that our expedition to Fogbound Lake took place a long time ago. Wasn't the view fantastic? It was like being in a dream!"

Luna nodded looking out the window.

"Yeah, I guess it was" Luna said.

"I wonder how Uxie is doing? I wonder if he's well?" Jolt said.

"I'm sure that he's fine, Jolt" Luna said.

Jolt nodded.

"I guess you're right" Jolt said. "Goodnight, Luna."

Jolt laid down to go to sleep.

"Goodnight, Jolt" Luna said.

Luna then turned to look out the window once Jolt was asleep.

He'll be fine, at least until Grovyle gets there. Then he'll attract everyone's attention. Not just the guild, but also Dusknoir. You made it this far without being detected. I just hope that you can make it through to the last three with no problem. Especially since it's the last one that concerns me. The one where I saw you fighting Jolt and I for the Time Gear. I just hope that Dusknoir doesn't figure me out, or I may suffer the same fate as you if he captures you. That's something I want to avoid, but I may not be able to with my current situation.

Luna sighed and laid down.

It's no use thinking about it right now. What I need to focus on is the here and now. Everything else can wait until later, when I have time to think about it.

It wasn't long before sleep took her.

Meanwhile, at Fogbound Lake, Uxie's Groudon illusion was taken down by Grovyle. He made it over towards the lake, were Uxie stood.

"Hmm...I knew it" Uxie said. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted them. Sooner after they left another Pokemon would come. But this one...It stole the Time Gear!"

Grovyle narrowed his eyes at his words but said nothing.

"I should have done it" Uxie said. "I should have taken their memories when I had the chance."

Grovyle sighed.

"I don't know exactly what you're talking about...But you're wrong" Grovyle said. "No one led me here. No one told me about this place. I've known about the presence of a Time Gear here...for a long time."

Grovyle placed the leaf on his arm out in front of him as it started to glow.

"I have no quarrel with you" Grovyle said. "But I am taking it with me. The third Time Gear!"

Grovyle then quickly used his Leaf Blade to knock Uxie out as fast as he could. Once he was knocked out, he turned to the Time Gear in the lake.

"While I regret doing this, I have no other choice" Grovyle said. "Considering he was a close friend of Glacia, I wish I didn't have to do it but he left me with no other option. Something tells me that I may have to do the same with Mespirit and Azelf."

Grovyle then thought about when he was at the cafe earlier. The Glaceon whose eyes showed recognition and shock, as well as pain. He didn't know why those eyes showed that, but he didn't have time to dwell on that. He had a mission and he had to see it through, for both Luna's and Glacia's sake as well as for the future of this world.

He jumped into the lake and grabbed the Time Gear and got out the lake and quickly ran from Fogbound Lake. He knew that he had to get out of there before he was trapped in time. He knew that Uxie wouldn't be out for long, so he would be able to get out safely so he wasn't worried about him. He only had two Time Gears left, so he knew exactly where to go.

The next morning, after the morning briefing, Jolt turned to Luna.

"Let's do our best, Luna!" Jolt said. "Just like we always do!"

"What? What's going on?!" Loudred's voice called out, getting their attention.

Loudred seemed to be listening to someone.

"Ok. Got it!" Loudred said. "Hold on!"

Loudred then looked over towards where Luna and Jolt were.

"You two! Team Starlight!" Loudred called.

Jolt was confused.

"Huh? Excuse me?" Jolt said, confused.

Jolt and Luna walked over to Loudred.

"You called?" Jolt asked.

Loudred nodded.

"You've got yourselves some visitors" Loudred said.

"Visitors?" Jolt asked.

Loudred nodded.

"They're waiting at the guild entrance" Loudred said. "Go see them."

Luna nodded.

"Who could it be?" Jolt asked.

"I don't know, Jolt, but we shouldn't keep them waiting" Luna said.

Jolt nodded and they both exited the guild. Outside they found Marill and Azurill.

"Jolt and Luna! Hi there!" Azurill greeted.

"Oh! It's you little guys…" Jolt said. "We heard we have visitors. Are you our visitors?"

Marill nodded.

"Yep! We wanted to ask Team Starlight for help" Marill answered.

"Help?" Jolt asked.

Luna got a bad feeling but said nothing.

"Yep!" Marill said.

"We need your help finding a Water Float" Azurill said.

"A Water Float?" Jolt asked. "Weren't you looking for that earlier? A Water Float?"

Marill nodded.

"Yep! Someone said one was lying on the beach" Marill said. "We went there looking for it! We didn't find it. Instead, this is what we found."

Marill laid a piece of paper out in front of them.

"This scrap of paper?" Jolt asked picking it up. "There's writing on it."

Luna looked over at it and her eyes narrowed at what was written. Jolt, Azurill and Marill could feel the temperature getting colder by the second. They knew whatever was written on it was enough to piss her off. Jolt figure he might as well read it so he can figure out what upset her and then try to calm her down as much as he could.

"Let's see. What does it say?" Jolt said.

The Water Float from the beach is now in our possession. Just try to take it from us! We'll wait in the deepest part of Amp Plains. But knowing how weak and puny you are I bet you can't even reach us! Chaw-haw-haw! Can't handle it? Go cry to your big-shot friends! Chaw-haw-haw!

Jolt eyes widened at what he read. He now understood the reason for Luna's anger.

"Hey! This note! It's a" Jolt started. "It's a ransom note! Isn't it?!"

Luna nodded, her eyes narrowed in anger. Jolt gave her a look to calm herself down before looking over at the brothers.

"You little guys! Promise me you won't go yourself" Jolt said. "I suspect a trap."

"But the Water Float is very important to us" Marill said. "We really want to get it back. But I can't take Azurill to a dangerous place."

"I said I would go too!" Azurill said.

Marill shook his head.

"It's too much for you. I don't want you getting into any scary scrapes" Marill said.

Marill then looked back at Jolt and Luna, who managed to calm herself for the moment.

"I went to Amp Plains by myself" Marill said. "But many Electric-type Pokemon live there! I'm no match for them."

Marill then started to tear up.

"I tried going many times. But I get knocked out right away…" Marill said, upset. "I just c-c-can't stand how weak I am…"

Luna and Jolt looked at each other and nodded. They turned back to look at the two brothers.

"No problem! I know what to do!" Jolt said. "We'll go get the Water Float back for you."

"Really?!" Azurill asked.

"You will?!" Marill asked.

Jolt and Luna nodded.

"Yep! So no more tears!" Jolt said.

Marill and Azurill nodded.

"Ok! W-we're sorry to bother you about this" Marill said. "Thank you!"

Luna smiled and put her paw on his shoulder in comfort.

"It's alright, Marill" Luna said, gently. "It's obviously something that means a lot to you. It's all the reason we need to help."

"You should see your faces! All that crying and laughing...C'mon!" Jolt said, smiling. "Don't worry, though. We'll get it back for you. It's a promise!"

Jolt then looked over at Luna.

"Let's go, Luna! We're off to Amp Plains!" Jolt said.

Luna nodded. Azurill and Marill moved to the side as they went to Treasure Town to prepare for the journey. After they prepared, they headed off into Amp Plains. When they arrived at the entrance, Jolt turned to Luna.

"This must be the entrance to Amp Plains" Jolt said. "I can't imagine what sort of bullies would do something like this…"

Jolt's cheeks starting sparking with electricity in anger.

"I mean, threatening little kids like those brothers really stinks" Jolt said, angry. "We have to get their Water Float back, Luna!"

Luna nodded and they went into the dungeon. Inside they encountered Pokemon like Mareep and Elekid as well as some Plusle and Minun. They eventually reached a clearing with a Kangaskhan Rock in it, marking it as the halfway point. After taking a short break, they went over to the entrance to further into the dungeon. Jolt turned to Luna.

"We must be getting closer to the deepest part, Luna" Jolt said. "I don't know what awaits us. We'd better go really cautiously."

Luna nodded.

"I agree" Luna said. "Let's go."

Jolt nodded and they headed deeper into the dungeon.

Meanwhile, back in Treasure Town, Marill and Azurill were explaining what happened to the Kecleon Brothers.

"Ah, I see! That's what happened to the Water Float!" Kecleon said. "What a mean thing to do! So, Luna's team is on the way there right now, yes?"

Azurill nodded.

"Yep!" Azurill said.

"They said they would go get it for us!" Marill said.

"Good for you! You can rest easy knowing Team Starlight is on the case!" Kecleon said.

Marill nodded.

"Yes. That's true!" Marill said. "They once saved Azurill too. We're so grateful for their help!"

Just then Dusknoir came over.

"Good day to you all. Is something the matter?" Dusknoir asked.

"Hello, Dusknoir, sir!" Kecleon greeted. "We're talking about Marill's lost item. Do you remember? We discussed that very same thing here not long ago."

Dusknoir nodded.

"Of course. I believe you're referring to the Water Float?" Dusknoir said. "I seem to recall you'd heard that it was on the beach."

Kecleon nodded.

"Exactly! Exactly! But now there's more to the story…" Kecleon said. "They found a ransom note for them to meet them at a dungeon they can't handle for it or to go to their friends from Team Starlight for help."

Dusknoir eyes narrowed at that.

"I see. That is terrible indeed" Dusknoir said. "It's hard to imagine why anyone would do something so wretched. It must take some pathetic thugs to stoop so low."

"I just couldn't agree more!" Kecleon said, angered. "To be so mean spirited to children! And to children so young as these brothers! It's utterly unforgivable!"

Dusknoir then thought of something.

"One more thing...Where has Team Starlight gone?" Dusknoir asked.

"They went to Amp Plains" Marill answered.

Dusknoir quickly looked at Marill.

"Pardon? Did you say Amp Plains?" Dusknoir asked. "But in Amp Plains, at this time of year...It's the season for...No! This is ruinous!"

Dusknoir quickly turned to the Kecleon brothers.

"Team Starlight is in grave danger!" Dusknoir said.

"What?!" Kecleon shouted.

"I must leave for Amp Plains immediately!" Dusknoir said, hurriedly.

Dusknoir quickly took off.

"What?! Wait!" Kecleon shouted after him, but he didn't hear.

Back in Amp Plains, Luna and Jolt ran into Pokemon like Flaaffy and Electabuzz deeper inside the dungeon. They also ran into Pokemon like Tauros and Girafarig. They eventually made it to a clearing with a rock in the center of it with lightning striking the clearing every so often. Jolt turned to Luna.

"Urk! What a menacing place!" Jolt said.

The sound of thunder rumbled from somewhere close by.

"Waah!" Jolt said, startled.

Jolt looked back up at the sky, filled with thunderclouds.

"It's incredible! It looks like lightning can strike this place anytime!" Jolt said. "We should get away from a place this scary as fast as...Huh?"

Jolt looked up ahead and saw something.

"Over there!" Jolt said, motioning towards the end of the clearing.

Luna nodded and her eyes widened at what she saw. At the end of the clearing was a ring that Luna recognized as a Water Float.

"Is that it, Luna? The Water Float?" Luna asked.

Luna nodded.

"Looks like it to me" Luna said.

Jolt nodded.

"Let's get a closer look" Jolt suggested.

Luna sighed.

"Alright, but be careful" Luna said. "You never know what could be lurking around here."

Jolt nodded and they walked forward, when the area suddenly darkened. Jolt and Luna took a step back, Luna in caution and Jolt because he was startled.

"Wa-waah!" Jolt said, startled.

"Why did you come here?!" A angry voice rang out. "This is our territory!"

Jolt looked over at Luna.

"There's someone here! Hide, Luna!" Jolt said, hiding behind the rock.

Luna sighed, knowing it was pointless to hide.

"Hee hee hee. So you're going to hide like that?" The voice said, amused. "That's kind of cute...All right. We'd actually be grateful if you kept doing that. We'll sneak quietly to get as close as we can...All right...Let's take them out!"

Jolt sighed as Luna's eyes narrowed.

"Ugh...Not like this!" Jolt said. "If we stay here, it's over!"

Jolt got out of his hiding spot and went back over to Luna.

"Who are you?!" Jolt called out. "Show yourself!"

"Ha ha ha! My name is Manectric!" The voice said. "I am...I am the leader of these Electrike!"

Manectric appeared with several Electrike.

"Waaaah!" Jolt said, startled.

Luna got into a fighting stance, as she knew they were preparing to attack.

"Now, prepare to fight!" Manectric said.

Jolt got into a fighting stance as they charged. Luna quickly charged towards them with her fangs coated in ice.

"Ice Fang!" Luna shouted, as she bit into a Electrike that was going after Jolt.

Luna then looked over at Jolt.

"Jolt, don't use your electric attacks on them!" Luna called, getting Jolt's attention as he threw a Electrike into the air with Slam.

"Why?" Jolt asked.

"I read in the guild library that they have the ability Lightningrod" Luna explained. "That means that they can absorb your electric attacks and gain power from it."

Jolt nodded.

"Thanks for the warning!" Jolt said.

Luna nodded and use an Ice Beam on an Electrike that was about to attack her. Eventually only Manectric was left. Eventually, though, even he fell to Luna and Jolt's combined attacks. Manectric growled as he gathered electricity.

"Rrroooaarrr!" Manectric growled. "You...you dare?!"

"W-w-wait a second!" Jolt said. "We honestly haven't come here to make claims on your territory!"

"Enough! Take this!" Manectric shouted, letting loose a Charge Beam on them.

"Waah!" Jolt shouted as the attack closed in on them but was blocked by a Shadow Ball.

"Stop!" A voice shouted that both recognized.

They both looked to see that Dusknoir was the one who blocked the attack. Luna's eyes narrowed at his appearance while Jolt looked relieved. The surrounding Electrike and Manectric were shocked at his appearance.

"Stop this instant!" Dusknoir shouted. "Their words are sincere! They trespass, but they don't intend to make claims on your territory!"

"Dus...Dusknoir!" Jolt said, surprised.

Manectric and the Electrike took a step back.

"You! Who are you?!" Manectric shouted.

"I am the explorer Dusknoir!" Dusknoir answered. "Manectric! You have every right to be angry! Especially in light of what your tribe has suffered on these grounds...Your hostility toward any that trespass here is natural! This place is your haven! A place where you can find solace! I understand that completely!"

Dusknoir sighed.

"On behalf of these unwitting trespassers, I offer the sincerest apology!" Dusknoir said. "They entered here unbidden, but did so without malice! They mean no harm! We will leave you in peace as soon as our errand is complete! Please, believe me! Manectric!"

Manectric thought over his words.

"Hmm...You seem to know much about us, Dusknoir" Manectric said. "You make the claim...that they mean no harm."

Manectric thought about it before he nodded.

"So be it!" Manectric said. "I choose to believe your words, Dusknoir. I will allow you some time. I expect you to be gone by our return."

Manectric then looked over at the Electrike and motioned them to follow him.

"Come" Manectric ordered.

He left with the Electrike following behind him. Jolt sighed in relief.

"Whew!" Jolt said, relieved.

Jolt then looked over at Dusknoir.

"Thank you, Dusknoir, sir!" Jolt said. "You saved us! But...Who were they?"

"A group of Manectric and Electrike" Dusknoir answered. "They are a nomadic tribe that always stay on the move. They roam in constant search of places that are hospitable to them. And Amp Plains is often lashed by thunderstorms this time of year."

Luna and Jolt nodded.

"They find it to their liking, so they dwell in Amp Plains this time of year" Dusknoir said. "But, tragically, they were once attacked by enemies here without warning...And I understand that they suffered terrible injuries. Ever since, Manectric's group has been very sensitive about trespassers here. So if anyone trespassed upon these grounds, well...they would strike first, for fear of being stricken! Somehow, at some point...That became a law among Manectric's group."

Jolt nodded.

"Oh, I understand now" Jolt said. "That's why they were so intent on attacking. It's no wonder they refused to hear our arguments."

Jolt then flinched.

"Oh! I forgot something! I recall seeing the Water Float over there" Jolt said, motioning towards the end of the clearing.

Luna, Jolt and Dusknoir walked over and saw the Water Float.

"It's here! This is it!" Jolt said, turning to Dusknoir. "Dusknoir, sir, is this the…?"

Dusknoir nodded.

"There's no mistaking it" Dusknoir said. "Without a doubt, this is a Water Float."

"Really?!" Jolt asked, eyes sparkling before looking at Luna. "We did it! Let's return the item to Marill and his little brother right away!"

Luna nodded as Jolt looked at the Water Float.

"There's something I don't understand, though" Jolt said. "How did this Water Float end up here?"

"I would imagine that it was placed there deliberately" Dusknoir answered. "Whoever did this knew that you would eventually get to this spot. The fact that Manectric protects this territory is well known...Someone expected a confrontation between you and Manectric...You were set up."

Dusknoir then turned around towards the rocks.

"Wasn't that your intention...you sneaking scoundrels?!" Dusknoir called.

"What?" Jolt asked as he and Luna turned back around.

"It's about time you came out of hiding and showed yourselves!" Dusknoir called.

Luna's eyes narrowed.

"Chaw-haw-haw! So you knew all along!" An annoyingly familiar voice called. "No point in hiding, then!"

Team Skull came out from the rocks, much to the shock of Jolt and annoyance from Luna.

"Hey! It's you thugs?!" Jolt shouted, cheeks sparking in anger.

"Whoa-ho-ho!" Koffing said.

"Heh-heh-heh!" Zubat said.

"Chaw-haw-haw!" Skuntank said.

"So you guys did it! But why?" Jolt shouted in anger.

Luna sighed, giving him a look to calm down.

He really needs to learn to control his temper.

"Whoa-ho-ho!" Koffing said. "We were going to wait for you to get stomped by Manectric...Then we were going to step in and mop up afterward!"

"Heh-heh-heh!" Zubat said. "But we didn't count on this guy meddling!"

Dusknoir moved forward slightly.

"Shall we settle this?" Dusknoir asked.

"Chaw-haw! Sure, if it was just Team Starlight" Skuntank said. "You can bet that we'd rough 'em up good! But against the world-famous Dusknoir…? That's a different story!"

Dusknoir moved forward once more.

"Let's skedaddle, boys!" Skuntank said.

"Yeah!" Zubat and Koffing said.

Then Team Skull took off running.

"What stinkers!" Jolt shouted, furious. "I'm never forgiving those thugs!"

"They certainly are quick when it comes to...skedaddling" Dusknoir said. "I'm afraid our effort would be wasted if we were to give chase now. I think we should deliver the Water Float to the young brothers."

Luna and Jolt nodded. Luna picked up the Water Float and put it in Jolt's Treasure Bag and they headed back to town.

They met Marill and Azurill at the Kecleon Market and gave the Water Float to the young brothers. They were very happy.

"Oh, wow! We got our Water Float back!" Azurill said. "Yay! Thank you! Really!"

"You saved Azurill way back when, and now this!" Marill said, tearing up. "I don't know how we could ever thank you! But, really...thank you!"

Jolt laughed while Luna smiled softly.

"Oh, please! It's Ok" Jolt said. "If you want to thank anyone, thank the great Dusknoir! If Dusknoir hadn't been there, we wouldn't be here now!"

Luna sighed, not too pleased with Luna's admiration of Dusknoir, as she held a paw to her head like she had a headache. Jolt noticed but said nothing. He would get the answer out of her later.

Marill and Azurill looked over at Dusknoir.

"Thank you very much!" Marill said.

"Thank you, Dusknoir, sir!" Azurill said.

Dusknoir shook his head.

"No trouble at all" Dusknoir said. "I'm very happy for you. It's wonderful that your Water Float has come back to you."

"I must say! It is so like the great Dusknoir to be so modest!" Kecleon said. "And I must say that Team Starlight has also been superb! After all, the team has again completed a difficult job! When rescuing Azurill, you were so fast at pinpointing the child's whereabouts! And so fast at reaching our young friend too!"

Jolt sighed, looking at the Kecleon brothers.

"Oh...about the Azurill rescue, we have to admit something…" Jolt said. "It would be great...if it truly happened the way Kecleon said...But that's not really the truth. We didn't pin down Azurill's location before we rescued him. My partner just happened to see it in a dream."

That caught Dusknoir's attention and that filled Luna with dread.

Real smooth, Jolt! You might as well give me away to Dusknoir! That alone will make him suspicious about me. Once he learns that I was a former human, he'll know that it's me!

"Excuse me? A dream, you say?" Dusknoir asked. "By dream, what do you mean?"

"Oh! That's right!" Jolt said, not noticing Luna's discrete glare. "Maybe the great Dusknoir will know it all means! You see, my partner occasionally gets strange dizzy spells when touching something or someone. And then my partner sees or hears events that happened in the past! Or just about to happen in the future!"

"What?!" Dusknoir shouted. "Well, that's...that's...The Dimensional Scream!"

That caught Jolt's attention and Luna glared at Jolt from the corner of her eye for telling Dusknoir, which Jolt noticed but ignored it for now. He would talk to her about it later.

"What?! Dusknoir, sir, you really know something about this?!" Jolt asked. "In that case…"

Jolt went to the side to talk to Luna quietly.

"Should we ask if Dusknoir knows even more?!" Jolt asked.

Luna shook her head.

"I don't trust him, Jolt" Luna said, quietly. "I would rather keep that information between us. We haven't even told Electra, Sora or the guild about it."

Jolt sighed, giving Luna a pointed look.

"He saved our lives, Luna" Jolt said. "At least try to give him the benefit of the doubt, at least this once. He may know something about this or how you became a Pokemon. Please, Luna, for me."

Luna sighed, knowing she wasn't going to win this.

It looks like my plan on staying under Dusknoir's radar is a bust. If I try to disagree with him, it would look suspicious to others. I just hope that nothing bad happens to Jolt because of this.

"For you, Jolt" Luna said. "That doesn't mean I trust him, but I'll at least try to be civil with him for you."

Jolt sighed.

"That's all I can ask from you" Jolt said, knowing how stubborn she could be.

Jolt and Luna then walked back over to them.

"Dusknoir, sir, we were wondering if we could get your advice about something" Jolt said. "Could we talk to you alone?"

Dusknoir nodded.

"Of course, just lead the way" Dusknoir said.

Jolt nodded.

Jolt led them away from Treasure Town and down to the beach. He led them to the rocks where Luna first met Jolt.

"I actually found Luna around a few months ago, who had no memory of who she was" Jolt explained. "Right here by the rocks."

Jolt motioned to the rocks he found Luna unconscious.

"I see...so you found our friend unconscious right here" Dusknoir said.

Jolt nodded.

"Yes, right here exactly" Jolt said.

Dusknoir then looked over at Luna.

"Then you regained consciousness" Dusknoir said. "Though you'd lost your memory."

Jolt nodded.

"Yes. With the memory of a name...and the memory of being a human before this!" Jolt answered.

That caught Dusknoir's attention.

"I beg your pardon?! H-human?!" Dusknoir shouted, looking at Luna. "But our friend here seems to be a Pokemon in every obvious way!"

Jolt sighed.

"That's true" Jolt said. "I guess this is even beyond the great Dusknoir's understanding. But we're certain that something caused my partner's memory loss...and caused the transformation from human to Pokemon!"

"A human...with the Dimensional Scream ability…" Dusknoir said trailing off in thought.

Dusknoir then looked over at Luna.

"You...are…? You said you know your name, at least? And...that name would be…?" Dusknoir asked.

Luna sighed. Luna didn't want to tell him, but after a pointed look from Jolt, she knew she had no choice but to. Something that Dusknoir noticed.

"My name is Luna" Luna answered softly.

Dusknoir's eye narrowed.

"Ah! I see…" Dusknoir said. "You're...Luna…"

"Does that name mean anything to you?" Jolt asked.

Dusknoir was silent for a moment. Luna noticed him smirking, but knew that saying anything would give her away.

"No" Dusknoir answered. "It means nothing to me, unfortunately."

Luna was afraid of what could happen to Jolt, but she kept silent.

"I'm sincerely sorry I couldn't help you with that" Dusknoir said. "However, I do know about the ability that Luna possesses."

"Oh, really?! What is it?!" Jolt asked.

"The ability to see the future or past by touching something...That ability is known as the Dimensional Scream" Dusknoir answered.

"Dimensional...Scream?" Jolt asked.

Dusknoir nodded.

"Indeed" Dusknoir answered. "How such an ability is learned, that is unknown. But sounds and images slice across the boundaries of time, breaching objects and reaching into Pokemon...To manifest as visions...And that is all that I know about the extraordinary ability."

"So Luna has an ability as special as the Dimensional Scream…" Jolt said, trailling off.

Dusknoir nodded.

"Well, perhaps this is why we became friends" Dusknoir said. "To help unravel the secret of Luna's transformation into a Pokemon! I offer you my full cooperation!"

"Oh! You will?!" Jolt asked.

"Yes" Dusknoir answered. "To be perfectly candid...I can't stand knowing that there's something I don't know! Quite honestly, that is the full truth of it! Ha-ha-ha! Hoo-hoo-ha!"

Jolt smiled at that.

"It's thrilling to know that we have your help, Dusknoir, sir!" Jolt said. "Isn't this great, Luna?"

Luna sighed but nodded to please Jolt. Just then the Pelipper started flying by at a rapid speed, getting their attention.

"Hey! Look at all the Pelipper!" Jolt said.

Luna noticed that there seemed to be more in the sky than there usually was.

"There appears to be a lot more in the air than usual…" Jolt said, worriedly.

"Could something be the matter?" Dusknoir asked.

"Hey!" Bidoof called out.

They looked over and saw Bidoof running towards the beach in a hurry, looking worried about something. Luna got a bad feeling about it.

"Hello, Bidoof!" Jolt greeted.

"I f-finally...f-found you all…" Bidoof said, out of breath.

"What's the big hurry?" Jolt asked, worriedly. "You're all out of breath!"

"The call has been put out!" Bidoof said, hurriedly. "All the apprentices are to report to the guild immediately!"

Luna's eyes narrowed as Jolt turned to Dusknoir.

"Uh-oh. Something is up!" Jolt said.

"I will go with you!" Dusknoir said.

"Hurry, everyone!" Bidoof said.

Everyone nodded and hurried after Bidoof back to the guild.