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"I never, never? No, I never, ever, want to go to a… dewenjewin… No! I never, ever want to go to a dungeon with Loudred again!"

Sol triumphantly deciphered the sentence. She knew it wasn't right to sneak into Sunflora's room and read her diary, but she was just so bored! Despite the fact that Sol's arm was perfectly fine (those oran berries are just little miracles), she had been ordered to take a day off. Eevee had partnered up with Bidoof for the day, and Sol, alone at the guild, was going out of her mind with boredom and desperate for something to do, even if that something could be considered a terrible breach of trust. Besides, with no memory of her life before, she had no idea what normal people did with their free time, and she was curious. What better way then to read (or at least try to read) about Sunflora's?

"What's that supposed to mean… oh! P.S.! Two new kids… joyended… no, joined the gooeld… guild. I am not a kid! Agh… I think they were called Eevee and Sol… something, something, something, adorable. Hey, I am not adorable!"

With a sound of disgust, Sol slammed the book shut. It had taken her almost an hour to read less than half a page! Sol had been at it for weeks but footprint runes were still well beyond her grasp.

Sol put the diary back where she had found it on the bedside table in plain sight. Sunflora hadn't exactly gone to any great lengths to hide it, almost as if she wanted someone to read it. At least that was Sol's excuse for prying into her private life. Wasn't as if there was anything interesting in there anyway.

Sol left the crew rooms. Maybe there'd be something interesting to do in Treasure Town…

"Sol!" came a high pitched squeal and Espeon jumped out of nowhere to all but tackle her to the ground in a flying hug. "I heard you were hurt! Are you ok? What happened? Your arm! Why is it in a sling?"

"Whoa, whoa! Slow down! How'd you get down here anyway?"

"Someone named Diglett let me in and told me that you were down here. Now come on, you have to tell me everything!"

Sol explained the mission for the perfect apples, Team Skull's interference and the explosion, though she left out the part about the offer.

"That's terrible! I can't stand bullies like Skuntank and his crew! And Chatot and

Wigglytuff won't listen to you? Just terrible! But you know what always makes me feel better? Shopping! Come on!"

Espeon grabbed Sol by her good arm and practically dragged her from the guild. Espeon ignored her protests, going on about sales and some adorable hat store that they just had to check out.

While the last thing Sol would've wanted to do that day was try on hats, she had to admit that this was exactly the sort of thing she needed. It could be stressful working at the guild, especially with the expedition looming. Shopping was hardly Sol's favorite activity, but getting out for a while with someone who had no ties to the guild was a much needed break, and it was impossible to feel bad with someone as happy and energetic as Espeon. For the moment, at least, Sol's biggest worry was that Espeon would buy her some ridiculous hat she'd be obligated to wear at some point.

"What about this one?" Espeon giggled, sporting a neon pink, poofy monstrosity that practically enveloped her head.

"Almost, but if you add these…" Sol grabbed a pair of oversized, lime green sunglasses and placed them on Espeon's face. "Perfect!"

"If I'm wearing this, you have to wear this…"

Espeon took down a giant sombrero and a feather boa and out them on Sol. They stood in front of a mirror and broke down in laughter.

"Oh, I can remember when Sparks was little! I'd dress him up and it was just hilarious! I was so mean to him back then!"

"I would've paid to see that!"

"Don't tell him I told you, though! He'd never forgive me!"

They put everything back on the shelves. As they left the store, a thought crossed Sol's mind.

"Hey, Espeon, can I ask you a question? About Eevee?"

"Um, sure, I suppose. Depends on the question."

"When it comes to bad Pokémon, Eevee can get rather… extreme. He's cooled down a bit now, but when we first formed the team, he was either shaking with fear or shaking with rage. Do you have any idea why?"

"…Well, back before he moved out here… no, I shouldn't be the one to tell you this."

"But I need to know! I've seen the effect it's having on him."

Not to mention Sol was insanely curious now and it would drive her crazy not knowing.

"Let's just say that Eevee went through a lot when he was younger. If he wants you to know more, he'll tell you. It's not my story to share."

That just made her want to know more! Still, Sol knew when to let a matter drop. If she pressed, she'd only end up damaging her friendship with Espeon. Hmm… she'd have to snoop around a bit later. It was probably really insensitive of her, but she had to find out! Agh, this was really going to bug her!

"Hey, Sol? Do you have any idea what that building over there is? I've heard some really strange noises when I pass by."

"I speak from experience when I say don't go investigate strange noises, but maybe we should go check it out. That might be the dojo I've heard about, and I was planning on going there at some point."

The building, while only one storey, was long and wide, taking up a lot of space. Along the walls stood columns in the shape of giant bones, and the top of the entrance was a giant skull, turning the doorway into the gaping maw of a monster. Small wonder Marrowak was having trouble attracting visitors.

To say Marowak was happy to see them would be an understatement. He was ecstatic at not having just one, but two visitors in his dojo. He was so worked up and overcome with emotion that he was close to tears, which was making Sol very uncomfortable, especially when she had to explain that with Chimecho's strict instructions not to remove her arm from the sling, she couldn't train right then. That was one awkward moment.

Still, Sol was given the chance to look around the place and she had to say she was impressed. There was a bit of everything here and for all levels of ability. Weights, balance beams, climbing walls, sparring mats, the list of equipment went on, all ready for the training of exploration teams. Sol could see why Marowak was so proud of the place.

Even Espeon, definitely not a fighter in any sense of the word, could see the value of this place. She asked if the dojo had any beginner level self-defence classes.

"Of course we have them! What kind of dojo would this be if there wasn't? Not that there's anyone signed up for them, but we have them none the less."

"Great! With the way things are right now it's a good idea to learn how to defend yourself, at least a little bit."

"Very wise! And what about you, Sol? It is regrettable that you are currently unable to train, but surely when you're healed there is a certain area of combat you would like to improve on."

"It's not like I'll be like this for long. Chimecho said I'll be all set to go come tomorrow. But I could use some work on using moves. They don't come easily to me, and they're not as strong as they should be. I make up for it with my skill with a staff, but I don't want to be completely dependent on it."

"Yes, weapons can be useful and powerful tools, but one can be disarmed. Moves can't be taken from you. I will come up with a regimen for you."

They left the dojo, but not before promising to spread the word about the dojo (they drew the line at handing out pamphlets). By then it was about the time Eevee was due back, so they went their separate ways and Sol went back to the guild.

Eevee and Bidoof had had a successful day. They had managed to complete two jobs at Drenched Bluff without anyone getting hurt. Then Loudred butted in and boasted about he and Sunflora did five jobs in Apple Woods. Sunflora had rolled her eyes and said it had actually been three, but Loudred pointed out that since they had to not only find the lost TM and parasol but also bring them back, which made it five jobs done. No one paid him any attention.

And then Chimecho called everyone down for dinner, a thick vegetable soup filled with barley, green beans, and potatoes. As it was ladled out into bowls, Sol mentally remarked on how she had never seen any type of meat served at the guild. It made sense when you thought about it.

"Everyone! Hold up! Before we begin dinner tonight, I wish to make an announcement."

The ensuing outrage was a testament to how seriously Pokémon took their food. Everyone started yelling and shouting at Chatot for the delay, none so loud as Wigglytuff who cried "Boo! Boo!" and threw dinner rolls at his second in command. Sol couldn't help but laugh at the scene.

Just. Friggin'. Hilarious.

"Order! I must have order!" Chatot shouted over the noise, wiping crumbs and a smear of butter off the side of his head (Wigglytuff had killer aim with those rolls).

Everyone grumbled but eventually quieted down, if a but resentfully.

"Ahem! I'm sure the selection of the expedition members has been on everybody's minds. Our Guildmaster has apparently made his final decisions."

The Pokémon's annoyance quickly turned to excitement with a tinge of apprehension. Who would be picked? Who would go on the adventure of the lifetime and who would stay behind?

"The members will be announced at tomorrow morning's briefing. They will be given that day to prepare, and then we'll head out the following morning. Now, sorry to have kept you waiting. Without further ado… on your marks…"

"LET'S EAT!"

The soup was devoured with the usual fervor. Anticipation bubbled in everyone's veins and it was doubtful anyone would sleep much tonight with all the excitement in the air.

Eevee was just as excited as everyone else, if not more, but forced himself to sleep saying that it "would make the night go faster". Sol wished it was that easy for her.

She was worried they wouldn't be chosen. They had tried their best, done all they could, but would it be enough? Sol hoped that Eevee at least got to go. Of course she wanted to go too, but this the expedition meant a lot more to Eevee and being an explorer was his lifetime goal, not Sol's. It wouldn't be right if she got picked over him, but when had life ever been fair?

With a sigh, Sol turned in her bed and tried to settle her thoughts. All would be revealed in the morning.

…

"Ahem. I shall announce the expedition members at this time. Guildmaster, the memo, please."

Total silence dominated the room as the Pokémon collectively held their breath. Chatot took the paper from Wigglytuff and help it up for all to see.

"The chosen members are written on this memo. Step forward if your name is called. First up is Loudred!"

"YES! Loudred for the win! WHO HOOOO!"

"Corphish!"

"Hey, hey, hey! Got it!"

"Next is… oh, what's this? Well this is a surprise! Bidoof!"

If Bidoof was insulted by that, he didn't show it.

"Really? Really and truly? Golly… Me? I'm going on the expedition? Urf, I'm sorry, but I can't seem to step forward right now. I'm feeling a might overwhelmed here. My legs aren't moving…"

"Right. Moving on. Sunflora and Chimecho!"

Sunflora squealed in delight while Chimecho stepped forwards much more humbly.

"And the last of the expedition members are… Diglett, Dugtrio and Croagunk. Oh, and Eevee and Sol. That is all. Wait a second! What?! Guildmaster! This list seems to include every member of the guild!"

Chatot was all but freaking out, wings flapping about while Wigglytuff was as calm as could be.

"Yup! That's right!"

"Well then! It seems that the whole selection process was meaningless!" Chatot said with much annoyance. "Moreover, if we were to all go, we would be leaving the guild empty! Are you sure it will be all right to leave with no one to look after the guild?"

"It'll be fine! We'll lock up properly."

"Guildmaster, I also have some misgivings," Skuntank piped up. "Do you think that perhaps we may have too many members for the expedition?"

He directed the last part at Sol, who bristled and growled softly.

"Hmm… When a friend asks something like that, I have to wonder why…" Wigglytuff said, perhaps not as hopeless as Sol thought.

"I mean, first of all, why does everyone have to go? What's the point in having everyone participate?"

"Huh?! Of course there is a point! If everyone went, it would be more fun!"

"What?!" Skuntank exclaimed, unable to comprehend such outrageous reasoning being the foundation of the Guildmaster's decision.

"We'll be noisy and excited and having fun! I started thinking about it and it made me so excited I couldn't sleep! So that's how it is, everyone! We're all going on the expedition and it will be fun, fun, fun!"

Skuntank could only stare at the pink, fluffy audacity that was the leader of the most celebrated exploration guild in existence. Chatot looked annoyed but was well used to Wigglytuff's whims by then.

"All right everyone!" Chatot said. "We'll be leaving early tomorrow morning. You have the rest of today to prepare. Dismissed."

Sol didn't know what to think. They all got to go on the expedition! She was a little annoyed at having been jerked around with the whole selection process thing, but that was overshadowed by the excitement and relief she was feeling. Eevee was grinning from ear to ear, Sunflora was going on about how "totally awesome" this was, Loudred was shouting about how he was going to find a treasure horde and that no one had better slow him down, and Bidoof was still rooted to his spot, unable to move.

After the initial rush of excitement had worn off, everyone ran down to Treasure Town in a big stampede of apprentices. As one big chattering group, they stopped by all the essential stops like the Kecleon Market, telling anyone who would listen about the expedition. At one point they ran into Espeon, who then ran off saying she needed to get something.

When everything was taken care of and everyone was prepared to leave the next day, they were all at a loss as to what they should do in the meantime. For one reason or another, they ended up on the beach.

"Come on, Sol! The water's great!"

"No, I'm fine where I am."

"Just give it a try!"

Sol cautiously dipped one foot in the ocean, then quickly scrambled back.

"Hey, hey, hey! Why are you acting like a fire type?"

"I just don't like wa- Ow! Damn it, Loudred! Stop throwing sand!"

"I'm just digging a hole. Not my fault you got in the way."

"Right. That was definitely an accident. And you call that a hole?"

"Like you could dig a better hole than me."

"Wanna bet?"

"Bring it on!"

"Do those two ever quit?" Sunflora asked Chimecho from where they sat together on the sand.

"I don't think so. One of the weirdest friendships I've ever seen."

The two laughed and watched Sol and Loudred in their pointless competition, a flurry of sand being thrown into the air accidently-on-purpose aimed to land in the other's hole.