Another Time Gear had been stolen. Word had just come in, given by Chatot at dinner.

The mood of the room had changed so quickly. It started out normally enough, high spirits all around as they charged into the mess hall. Sol had been happy, everything had been going well and she was close to being able to afford the oak staff.

And then Chatot has stopped everyone right before they started to eat. A wave of outrage crashed over, all directed at Chatot. He didn't even look annoyed at that, just sat there calmly and waited for them to quiet down. That was Sol's first clue that something was wrong. Calm was never a word used to describe Chatot, especially when people were yelling and acting so disrespectfully to him.

And then, in a level and even voice, he had told them another Time Gear had been stolen. A hush fell over the room. First shock, then disbelief, then panic. Was it the one from Fogbound Lake? No. A flood of relief, but that didn't last long.

What was happening with the Time Gears? If someone was really stealing them, why? What was the point of causing so much devastation?

Everyone went to bed feeling worried and nervous. No one knew how far this all would go. Would Time Gears continue to be stolen? What would happen if all of them were taken? Would time be frozen everywhere? Was that even possible?

Sol just didn't know. And the not knowing was the worst. What was more frightening than the unknown?

Eevee was feeling just as uneasy as Sol. Jak, well, it could be hard to read the Charmander. She kept everything to herself, all bottled up, only speaking if something was immediately relevant to the situation at hand. No personal talks of fears and worries for her.

Time Gears. Sol remembered back to what they had seen at Fogbound Lake. With a bright, inner glow, serenely floating in the upward torrent of water, holding an indescribable mystical quality, a relic of unimaginable importance controlled the attention of all around. When Sol had laid eyes upon it, her heart had begun to beat wildly and her focus had completely zeroed in on the Time Gear, everything else becoming little more than background noise.

Awe, happiness, sorrow, loss, fear, hope, longing, loneliness, all this welled up inside Sol as she had stared out over that lake. She had no idea why she had felt all of that. All she knew for sure was that the Time Gears were important and had to be protected. Just seeing it had given her that knowledge. And now someone was stealing them.

Anger slowly began to replace the gloom. How dare someone steal the Time Gears. How dare someone destroy so many lives!

Sol tossed and turned in her bed, all now all worked up. She wanted to hunt down whoever was responsible and make them pay. But what could she do in the middle of the night with no idea what she could do about it?

Sol growled and got out of bed. She was consumed with the burning need to do something, anything, and staying in bed was not going to cut it. She padded down the hallway, her agile, Riolu feet making barely a sound on the stone floor. Up the stairs, carefully stepping around a sleeping Chatot. Why did he always sleep there? It couldn't be comfortable, and if it was to stand guard he was horrible at it.

So, what to do when every reasonable person was in bed, asleep? It was a cold, so Sol didn't fancy the idea of staying outside. Everything was closed, but Sol still felt the need to get going and burn off some energy.

Sol decided to walk through the streets of Treasure Town, shadows blanketing the buildings and the only light streaming down from the full moon above. There was no sign of life in the abandoned streets. Sol walked along, a lone ghost haunting the shadows. Everything was so peaceful at night, cold and lonely, but peaceful.

Sol stopped and cocked her head to the side. She could hear something, soft and muted but audible. Fire crackling? She followed the sound and came upon a wide, tall building, the walkway lit up with lines of torches. A sign hung above the door. "The Broken Shield Inn".

Huh. Sol had never saw this place before. It was on the outskirts of town, on the opposite side from the path to the guild. Sol had never had any reason to pass by, nor had ever wandered this far from the main area of the town.

Curiosity took root and Sol went inside.

The door opened up to a brightly lit, cheerful room. Tables and chairs were set up all around with a long bar along one of the walls with a board laden with room keys behind it, an energetic Raichu wiping down the counter. A few

Pokémon were scattered about but not many, taking up a few tables, seated on stools at the bar. A large set of stairs led up to the second floor, where a hallway lined with numbered rooms lay, Sol guessed.

Hmm... Perhaps this was the place where Espeon was staying. A little old fashioned for her tastes, but Sol doubted that there were many options in Treasure Town.

With nothing better to do, Sol ordered herself strawberry and banana juice and sat down at a table. Fatigue was starting to hit, her earlier drive evaporating. The Time Gear situation still nagged on her mind, but it was becoming a more distant problem as she was given time to cool down, quickly losing relevance. She absently stirred her drink with a straw, an elbow on the table as she held up her head with her hand.

"Troubles eating at your mind?"

Sol looked up to see none other than the famous Dusknoir standing (floating? Really, Ghost Pokémon are weird.) at her table. He must have been staying at the inn.

"I would say that you have no idea, but I get the distinct impression you do. Comes with the job of being an explorer."

"Indeed. May I?"

Sol nodded and Dusknoir sat down across from her.

"You are from the guild, if I'm not mistaken? If I may ask, what brings you here instead of there?"

"Couldn't sleep, went for a walk, ended up here. Not a very exciting tale."

"And what is it that troubles you so? Worried about someone?"

Sol was a little confused. Dusknoir seemed to be probing for something, but she couldn't figure out what. Did he know something she didn't? What had brought this on? Best to just answer truthfully, she supposed.

"Worried about everyone. With whoever's stealing the Time Gears, there's no telling what's going to happen to the world. I'm getting a really bad feeling about all of this, and the fact that there's nothing I can do about it is only making it worse."

Dusknoir seemed to relax, as if what Sol had said had eased something on his mind. He regarded her for a moment.

"I'm afraid we've never been properly introduced," he finally said. "I am Dusknoir."

Sol laughed. "I can guarantee that everyone in town knows your name by now. I bet you can't even walked down the street without getting mobbed."

"Indeed," he chuckled. "The hazard of being a celebrity, though I'm hardly as great as everyone seems to believe. You are one of the few I've met who isn't caught up in my reputation."

"I'm trying to cut down on celebrity swarming. All that squealing and spying from bushes was bad for my health. I'm Sol, by the way."

The effect was immediate. Dusknoir stiffened, went completely still and stared hard at Sol.

"Is there a problem?"

"...No. Just remembering something I need to check up on. Now, I have a question for you, Sol, if you would indulge me." He rolled her name around his mouth as he said it, as if becoming accustomed to the sound of it, or perhaps getting used to it in that context.

"It was like that when I got there, I swear!"

He smiled. "Your eyes, I've met another who had ones like those. I'm curious if it is the same for you as it was for her."

"Getting odd stares and asked ambiguous questions?" Sol said, getting nervous. What was he getting at? And who did he meet who had eyes like hers?

Dusknoir leaned slightly over the table, staring directly into her eyes.

"Do you have visions, Sol?"

Sol was in the middle of taking a drink at that moment, out of nervousness and not thirst. She spit it out all over the table and fell into a coughing fit, gripping the edges of the table tightly.

"What!?"

"I had thought the eyes was a sign of a seer, but wasn't sure. It would seem I was right."

"How... What do you know about them?"

"It is called the Dimensional Scream. Sounds and images cut across time to reach... individuals who possess the ability. It is extremely rare and extraordinarily useful."

"I never knew there were others who had the same thing, never even considered there was an actual name for it. Sometimes, when I touch stuff, they just sort of... happen. I have no control over it."

Dusknoir nodded and was quiet for a few moments.

"Sol, the Time Gear thief is a threat to us all. You said that there is nothing you can do, but I don't believe that's true. Your ability could prove invaluable. I would ask that, if the time comes, you would help bring this thief to justice."

"Of course! I'd be happy to help stop whoever is responsible."

Dusknoir smiled and got up from his chair.

"It has been nice meeting you, Sol, but it is late. You should be getting back to the guild before anyone wonders where you are."

A few minutes later, Sol left the Broken Shield Inn. She didn't know what to make of her conversation with Dusknoir, only that he really did know a lot. Minutes after having met her and he had already guessed at her ability. It was a little scary, having someone see through her so quickly.

Sol was conflicted. Should she have told him about once being human? Dusknoir had known about the Dimensional Scream, it was possible he would have known something about it. But how would one even bring that up? "By the way, I used to be human. Any thoughts?" Yeah, that would go over well. No, she'd keep that to herself for now.

The moon cast down enough light to see by as Sol made her way back to the guild. She slipped inside, making no sound. And yet, Jak was awake when Sol snuck into their room, following her progress across the room with one emotionless eye. She didn't say anything as Sol got her own bed, just closed her eyes and went back to sleep.

...

Another day, another job. Deep in Apple Woods, they tracked a renegade Butterfree wanted for thievery. And this one was a runner.

"Jak, take the path to the right! Try to cut him off! Eevee, stay on his tail!"

Sol cut to the left down a side path. If they were lucky, they would box the Pokémon in, surround him from all sides. Sol disliked taking this sort of bounty, preferring a straight up fight to running around the woods in circles. Sure, they usually went down pretty quick and Eevee seemed much more comfortable with this than other bounties, but the whole chase just seemed like a huge waste of time and effort. Why can't things ever be simple? Walk in, do the job, walk out, no tripping over roots or getting lost. Still, it paid well and Sol was so close to getting that staff.

Sol burst into a small clearing, saw that she was alone and dashed down another path. Where were they? Gah, she should have sent Eevee to the left and stayed with the Butterfree herself. Then she would have been sure the job got done.

She heard a commotion some distance away. Was that them?

"BURN!"

Yep.

Sol turned off the path, cutting through bushes and underbrush, earning herself a collection of small scratches. When she made it to the clearing from which the sound had originated, she could only stop and stare.

The Butterfree was down and Eevee and Jak were completely unharmed as they fitted weighted bonds of the outlaw to keep him from flying away. They had finished the job without problem while Sol was off frolicking in the woods. They hadn't needed her at all.

There was nothing strange about that, Sol knew. They were both skilled explorers. So why was she feeling so surprised?

Sol jogged over to see if they needed help, but they had it all under control. She watched, feeling slightly uneasy as they hauled the outlaw up off the ground and led him out of the woods. She was on edge the whole time, half expecting the Butterfree to suddenly break free and attack. He was thoroughly beaten and accepted his fate, however, and made no move to try and escape.

Back at the guild, Officer Magnezone paid them the bounty. Sol officially had enough for the oak staff and planned to go down and buy it the next morning (she would have gotten it right then, but the shop was already closed for the night). In the meantime, sitting down for dinner, Sol's eyes drifted over to her teammates, going over the day's job in her mind.

So they got it done on their own. So what? Why was it bugging her so much?

And the answer was obvious. Sol didn't truly believe they could do it alone. It wasn't that she thought she was so important, more like they just weren't capable enough through no fault of their own. But why was she stuck thinking that? The world wouldn't go to pieces without her, and neither would her team. Sol wasn't nearly arrogant enough to believe that. Well, at least she didn't think she was that arrogant.

In her mind Sol knew she didn't have to hold everything together lest it fall apart, but she still got uneasy when it was her turn to sit in the sidelines while someone else dealt with the problem.

Huh. Sol guessed she could add hero complex to her growing list of problems. Sol sighed. The last thing she needed was another thing wrong with her. Wasn't amnesia, unexplained Pokémon transformation and visions enough?

...

"UP AND AT 'EM! IT'S- Oof!"

Sol pushed pass Loudred, accidently shoving him into a wall. She yelled a quick sorry over her shoulder but didn't stop running. There was no time to waste! After an eternity of waiting and saving (more like a week, but it sure felt like so much longer!) Sol finally had enough money for the staff and there was no way she was waiting any longer than necessary.

With an indignant squawk, Chatot flapped out of the way of the stampeding Riolu. Sol thundered up the stairs and rushed down the path to Treasure Town, throwing up a cloud of dust in her wake.

"I'm getting a sta-aff! I'm getting a sta-aff!"

Through the streets of town she ran, her pouch of coins jingling with each step. Sol made it to the Kecleon Market just as they were beginning to set things up on display. Sol slammed the pouch down on the counter.

"Staff," was her simple command.

"Ah, Sol!" Boln greeted. "What brings you here so early this fine morning?"

"Staff."

"Of course!" said the lavender skinned Kecleon and he disappeared behind a curtain. He returned a moment later carrying the much desired object wrapped in thin leather.

Sol grabbed it and hastily tore off the protective cover as Boln counted his newly obtained money. The staff truly was a beautiful piece of craftmenship and Sol ran an appreciative hand along its shaft.

"That's quite the weapon. Have you had any training?"

Sol looked over to see Dusknoir approach, leaving a cluster of gawking onlookers where ever he passed. It really must get tiresome being recognized and pestered everywhere you go.

"You need to be trained to hold a stick? I just sorta hit things repeatedly until they pass out. It's worked out for me so far. Seriously, though, I know how to handle a staff."

Dusknoir tilts his head to the side and stared at her, much like the previous night upon learning Sol's name.

"It is... unusual for a Pokémon to carry a weapon. I must say I am curious to see how effective you are with it. I find it difficult to believe it as good as moves."

Sol crossed her arms and raised an eyebrow. "Is that a challenge, Dusknoir?"

"Perhaps. A friendly spar could prove interesting, but I would not wish to pressure you into something you are not comfortable with. Going up against me with a toothpick? I can see why you would be hesitant."

"Bring it on! Unless sitting up on your high horse all day has made you lazy. Can't take some real combat?"

"Sol! One does not talk to the great Dusknoir in that way!" Eevee came running down the path, finally catching up to his partner. "I am so sorry, Dusknoir, sir! Please forgive her! She doesn't understand the concept of manners! Sol, you apologize this instant!"

"No, no! Just some friendly banter, I assure you!" Dusknoir chuckled. "Nothing to take seriously!"

"Yeah, super fan ninety-nine!" Sol said, throwing an arm around Eevee's shoulders and pulling him close. "And next time, try not to sound like a mother with a naughty child, ok?"

Eevee calmed down a bit, then got worked up again moments later.

"Dusknoir, sir, are you shopping here? We shop here, too! Oh my gosh, we go to the same store as Dusknoir! Isn't this amazing?!"

"Please excuse him. I used to think he was the sane one in our group, but apparently, I was wrong. So very, very wrong."

At that moment, Grecks walked up from the back of the store and saw the group standing up at the front, Eevee seemingly hugging the counter. Odd, but he would never pass up the chance to sell his goods.

"Eevee, have you come to shop? Fine merchandise! Fine wares!"

"Grecks! The great Dusknoir shops here! Can you believe it? The same place that we shop..."

Eevee seemed to melt, oozing to the ground in a puddle of pure hero worship. Sol rolled her eyes and nudged his prone form with her foot.

"Really, Eevee, there comes a point where enough is enough and it just gets ridiculous. So get up off the ground and start acting like the old Eevee we all know and love. I already called dibs on being the unpredictable and weird one, and it's been bad enough with Jak trying to take the title from me without you joining in."

"Azurill, hurry!"

Azurill and Marill ran past. Grecks, more than a little confused with the present situation called them over. Perhaps having the small brothers around would calm everyone down. Having people rave in front of his store would be bad for business.

"Oh, hi Mr. Kecleon and Mr. Kecleon!" Azurill greeted.

"And Team Wanderers, too!" Marill joined in.

"What's going on?" Grecks asked, desperately trying to change the topic from whatever the others were going on about. "Why the big rush?"

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

"Please don't tell me you're going to follow a stranger up a mountain," Sol said, catching what Marill had said and turning away from the awe stricken mush that was Eevee. Good. Grecks' plan was working.

"No, we've learned our lesson."

"Stranger danger!" Azurill chimed.

"Just what are you looking for, anyway?"

"Our Water Float."

"A Water Float?" Dusknoir asked, his attention grabbed. "Now that is quite the precious item!"

"Yes! That's why we've been looking hard for a long time. And then, someone said they saw a Water Float on the beach! We're rushing there now!"

"It's great it finally showed up. It really had you two worried," Eevee said as he finally joined the conversation, his natural compassion over riding his idolization of Dusknoir. Grecks was greatly relieved to have everyone back to normal with no more risk of scaring potential customers away.

"Come on, Azurill! Let's go quick!"

The two brothers ran off down the road.

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

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

Sol had to admit, she was a little impressed. Not by the Water Float, of course. Rare or not, it sounded like a children's toy. No, she was impressed by Dusknoir and the fact he knew about the item while Grecks, whose livelihood depended on knowing all about every type of item, did not. And Dusknoir was an explorer, and it wasn't even like the item was useful to him, so where did he learn about it? Perhaps he was a knowledgable as the rumors claimed.

"So, what other little bits of information do you have tucked away in that brain of yours?" Sol said with a grin. "The meaning of life? The secret to world peace?"

"Nothing so spectacular, really."

"So... That duel... Is that a real thing or was that just an opening to make fun of me without consequence?"

"I am eager to see how skilled you are, Sol. But at a later date. For now I have matters that I need to look into. Until we meet again."

They said their farewells and Eevee and Sol headed back to the guild.