So things are going to come out slower, and probably in shorter chunks. I had a recent death in my family, and it shook me up a lot. Sorry if the story gets worse as a result. 2020 is awful.

Disclaimer: You get the idea.

Lorelei's POV

Lucas has been muttering in his sleep a lot lately. I wonder what's going on in his head.. Maybe Drowzee messed with his mind or something! ... no, Chimecho would have noticed..

After today's mission, a quick rescue at Mt.Bristle with Grovyle (who complained the whole time), I decided to take the long way home. A quick stop at the beach should help me calm my nerves.. I hope the Krabby are out! As it turns out, Grovyle had the same idea! We parted ways just before receiving my reward. That Plusle was in over her head..

As I approach him, I pick up on what he's muttering. Something about the 'Hidden Land'.. sounds mysterious!

"What's that all about? Is that where a Time Gear is?"

As if he knew I was there, he answers me immediately, his focus still out at sea. "Not quite. It's.. where the Time Gears belong. The Hidden Land is our largest hurdle, by far.. Lucas never told me how to reach it."

"Well.. Lucas can't know everything, right? Maybe he doesn't know how to get there!" I take a seat on the sand beside him. The Krabby aren't out.. but it's still pretty.

"I doubt that. It seemed more like.. he didn't know how to tell me. Perhaps it's not as simple as crossing the ocean. The most I got out of him was the 'Sea of Time'."

I've had lots of time to learn about Grovyle.. it's kind of sad that I know more about him than about my own Partner.. He's pretty smart and tries to keep a level head, but under all that, he's just another Pokémon who wants to do good. Like Lucas! After our talk on the beach though, he's gotten more quiet. I've heard him mutter about a Celebi occasionally.. isn't that a Legendary Pokémon?

One night, he tells me whats been bothering him. He's going to be leaving very soon.. to a place called 'Limestone Cavern'. Another Time Gear is there, and he's going to steal it. Time will be frozen there.. just like that. Because of Grovyle..

Without his partner, he's unsure about himself.. I understand how that feels. We've been through a lot in the short time we knew eachother.. I can't even begin to imagine just how much Grovyle's been through.

Even though he claims to be Lucas' partner, I still don't fully trust him. If he's lying, then he'll be dooming our world! But I won't say it to his face.. I just have to bottle up that uncertainty. I can sense something from him, though.. he wants to ask me something.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Marowak says training will be free for us from now on. He said he 'Likes your moxie'." I giggle. "Moxie.. what does that even mean?"

I lay my head on his chest, letting out a sigh as I listen to his steady heartbeat. I hope you wake up soon.. I miss you, Lucas..

I can already feel Chimecho's eyes on me.. It's probably time for bed anyway.

That same night, Grovyle asked for my help. He wants me to help him steal a Time Gear.. "I-it's to save the world!" I'd say to myself as we traveled to Limestone Cavern. From what I remember, the Guildmaster used Limestone Cavern as a waypoint on the map! It's kind of close to where they were heading, but its at least a day away from the Guild.

I wonder how the Expedition is going.. Grovyle said it'll probably end in failure. And when I asked how he was so sure, he just said "Lucas is the only one who can solve that puzzle." That Riolu is full of mystery..

"I'd have preferred to bring Lucas along instead. No offense to you, of course. His absurd knowledge of this world would be far more useful." Grovyle tells me. I can't blame him.. not only that, but Lucas is a better fighter than me, after all.

"I'd rather be back at the Guild too, to be honest. But this is too important to refuse.." I have to admit, I'm nervous. Lucas and I made a.. somewhat good team when we fought together, but I'll probably just get in the way.

Speaking of the Guild...

"Lorelei? Is THAT you?" Shouts an obscenely loud voice, making me jump. Grovyle didn't react though.. guess he saw it coming. That's definitely Loudred's voice.. but it's not just Loudred!

The Guildmembers were on their way back today? Convenient! "Friends! Out on your own adventure?" Asks our elated Guildmaster. Chatot is upset that we left the Guild without permission, but the Guildmaster shuts him up. "We're explorers, Chatot! Adventure is in our blood!" He, of course, proceeds to dance.

"We won't be long." States the ever calm Grovyle. "You can tell us all about the Expedition when we get back!" I chime in. Though everyone looks a bit.. odd when I say that. Suspicious...

"We won't have MUCH to tell you. Other than a little bit of gold, we FOUND nothing out there!" Shouts Loudred. Grovyle, of course, isn't surprised. "Lucas was right. Again. So the Drought Stone wasn't found.." his muttering becomes too quiet to hear. Drought Stone?

"Really? There was nothing?!" The Guildmaster cuts in, answering me immediately with his typical cheerful tone. This is too suspicious..

"Nope, nothing! It was a complete waste of time!" He says happily. I feel like he's hiding something... but it's better not to pry. Then again, it's hard to get a read on the Guildmaster.. No, he's definitely hiding something.

"Well.. shoot. I was hoping you'd find something interesting.." My ears splay back, though it's only an act. Considering what Grovyle muttered.. there's a good chance they did find something there. Another Time Gear.. that's the only reason Grovyle would be so sure!

"I'm sure you'll find something nice out there, by golly!" Bidoof says confidently. "I'd go with you, but I'm a bit busy right now I reckon.."

Yeah, probably not a good idea.. he'd flip out if he caught us with a Time Gear.. The whole Guild would hunt us down! That is, if Grovyle didn't knock him out first. Lucas is strong, but Grovyle is way stronger!

"I'm sorry to cut this short, but we must get moving before it gets too dark." Says a mildly annoyed Grovyle. The idea of Bidoof tagging along isn't sitting right with him, either. Good thing no one else can sense Aura..

"Y-yeah, we've gotta go! It's a long walk to the Limestone Cavern!" I say nervously. Grovyle glares at me, his expression reading 'ZIP IT!', and to my surprise, so does Wigglytuff.. after a few harsh moments of silence, he resumes his dancing and speaks in his typical happy way.

"Bidoof, I think you should go with them! It's been so long since your last adventure!"

Now it's Grovyle's turn to be nervous. "H-hold on a moment, we don't need anot-" He starts, but is cut off by Wigglytuff. A single 'Yoom-TAH', and Grovyle shuts his mouth. The Guildmaster gave his order, and we have to follow it.

"G-golly, you mean it Guildmaster?" Well, there's nothing we can do to stop this now..

"This complicates things.." mutters Grovyle. I have to agree..

-{o}-

POV-less

The Guildmembers arrive home not long after, and are surprised to find a visitor waiting for them. A large, imposing dark figure, floating ominously over the grate. He hasn't noticed the group. Or maybe he has, and he's just being polite.

"Oh my gosh.. he's so creepy.. who is that guy?"

"Hey hey hey, if he's trying to break in I'll knock him out!"

"Be QUIET, Corphish! He hasn't NOTICED us yet!"

The group looks to their Guildmaster for guidance, and find him vigorously shaking the Pokémon's massive hand. "Hello new friendly friend! Welcome to my Guild!"

A chorus of voices from the shocked Guildmembers fills the air. "GUILDMASTER?!" and a single shocked "SQUAWK?!" The visitor finds this amusing, probably because it's hilarious.

--

Now settled back in, the mysterious Pokémon has the chance to introduce himself. "I am Dusknoir." he says to the group. "Sorry if I surprised you. I had heard of your Expedition, and had hoped to learn of what you discovered firsthand."

The Guildmaster, happier than ever to meet a new friend, speaks first. "Oh, it was a total bust! Didn't learn a thing!"

"Unless you count SOME gold as a DISCOVERY!" Pipes in Loudred. Sunflora whacks him on the head with a leaf. "Oh my gosh, quiet down Loudred!" Dusknoir snorts in further amusement.

"That is unfortunate.. I was certain a prestigious guild such as this one would have easily discovered the secret of Fogbound Lake!"

"Nope! It was a total failure!" The Guildmaster laughs, easing any tension remaining in the room. At least, until Sunflora lets out an astonished "EEK!"

"OH MY GOSH, YOU'RE THE FAMOUS DUSKNOIR!"

And then suddenly, Dusknoir found himself surrounded by Pokémon. Some asking for autographs, others asking for stories, and one even asking for a quick battle. "Hey hey hey, it's all in good fun!"

"SQUAWK! Guildmembers! Stop harassing our esteemed guest!" Shrieks the irritated right-hand bird, forcing the crowd away from the poor ghost. He chuckles heartily as his response.

"Now now, it's quite alright. This happens all the time! But I'm afraid I don't have time for autographs or battles. Inquiring about your Expedition was only one reason I came here."

"Oh? Looking for someone? Meh-heh-heh.." Says the ever-suspicious Croagunk from his Cauldron. Dusknoir nods.

"I believe someone named Lucas caused quite a stir as of late? You see, I am.. acquainted with someone named Lucas, who I haven't seen in quite some time. I had hoped I could meet the poor lad, and hopefully sate my curiosity."

The Guildmaster obliges, curious as well to see if Lucas is awake yet. Leading the ghost up the ladder to the second floor, the two head past Chimecho's Assembly and into the Infirmary in the room just beyond it, catching the attention of the aforementioned Chimecho.

To the Guildmaster's delight, Lucas had woken a little over an hour ago! He was disappointed to learn his partner had left, though..

Upon laying eye on the Riolu, Dusknoir sighs. "It seems I was mistaken. I apologise."

The Riolu, however, growls at the Ghost.

"You're still chasing us? Even here?" He stops in his tracks, one simple statement causing tension to build in the air by the second.

A glance back, and Dusknoir's single eye lock with the Riolu's. Lucas sits off the edge of the bed and winces slightly, bringing an arm up to cover his scarred shoulder.

"Chimecho, Wigglytuff.. can you give us a moment of privacy?"

"Yes. Lucas and I have.. much to catch up on." The grinning Dusknoir excitedly adds, failing to hide his intentions as he cracks his knuckles in anticipation. The Guildmaster is quick to act, standing between Dusknoir and the wounded Riolu. Though a shaky paw on his shoulder draws his attention.

"It's alright, Wigglytuff. It seems Dusknoir and I have a common goal this time." the Riolu says, using the Guildmaster as a crutch to stand.

"L-lucas, don't get up yet! You're in no condition to-" Chimecho is calmly silenced with a motion of Dusknoir's hand. "Don't argue with him. It won't work."

With some reassurance, the Guildmaster leaves the two to talk, compromising to stand guard outside in case Dusknoir attacks. All the while, the ghost grins with malice. His quarry is right where he wants him.. he's prepared for a fight.

-{o}-

Lucas' POV

As soon as I wake up, he arrives..well isn't that just my luck. I have to lean against a wall just to stand, my legs ready to buckle with a single step. I have to choose my words carefully.. Dusknoir won't hesitate to attack me, and I won't be much of a challenge in this state.

"... So then. The cat's out of the bag. I assumed you already knew.. but that's my bad."

"I had thought you were smarter than that. Announcing yourself to your enemy.."

"I wouldn't call us enemies, per se.. not with a common goal in mind. Besides.. even you're not dumb enough to try and kill me in the Wigglytuff Guild."

"You know, I can simply fade through the walls and escape after tearing off your head. But.. I must say, you've piqued my interest. Common goal?"

Hook.. now, just Line and Sinker."Gotta save my skin somehow, don't I? Tell me... did you capture Grovyle yet?"

Dusknoir seems a little aggravated.. heh, that's a clear no. It seems a Ghost-Type's Aura is harder to read, but I can still sense his irritation, however faint it may be.

"That damned Grovyle.. you know how crafty he can be. Nearly trapped me in Treeshroud Forest as it froze in time."

"I would have thought you'd be prepared for his shenanigans. And now he's taken Lorelei along with him.. I didn't think I'd be that easy to replace, but hey.. saves me the trouble."

He chuckles, supposedly at my lack of enthusiasm. "What, having second thoughts about your plans?"

My gaze has been towards the window leading out from the room. The sun is out of view at this angle, so it's probably past noon.. though, it's not past 4.

"Actually.. yeah. I have."

Silence. Curiosity can be felt from Dusknoir's aura, though it is quashed by the sense of total distrust. "Hah. You expect me to believe that? I know you, huma-"

I cut him off. "Knew. I don't know how well you can see with one eye, but I'm not Human anymore. I'm a Pokémon."

"Your point being?"

I turn my gaze to him, giving a bit of a smirk. "I was brought here as a human to save this world. But I'm not human anymore, now am I?"

Bewildered at this, he grabs me by the ring around my neck, hoisting me up. The ring is the only thing keeping him from choking me. "Do you truly believe I am that naive?! Human or Pokémon, your motives will stay the same! Nothing has changed other than the body you inhabit!"

"Something did change. Something drastic.."

"Oh? Pray tell, what could have possibly swayed you from your oh so noble cause?" He asks with heavy sarcasm, dropping me to the ground.

I bite my tongue to stifle a whine of pain, unable to stay on my feet, collapsing to the ground. "H.. have you noticed what room we're in?"

"You've been wounded before. It hasn't stopped you, and it'd be ludicrous to believe it would now simply because you're a ri-" I cut him off again.

"I almost died, Dusknoir."

Another moment of silence..

Using the wall to steady myself, I rise back to my feet. "T-true, I was only Anime dead.. but it made me realize what'd happen if I did die."

I only now realize that the Guildmaster can hear everything I'm saying. I'll have a lot of explaining to do. But for now, my focus is on Dusknoir, who folds his arms, patiently waiting for me to continue. The fact that he's still listening means I'm onto something..

"I'd stop.. being a Pokémon. I'd have to return to my shitty human life. Hell, worst case scenario, I don't even return to that world! But.. if we stop Grovyle? Well.. then I'll never disappear."

Dusknoir is, understandably, stunned. "You expect me to believe you'd betray your own partner, just to remain here?"

I can already feel the guilt gnawing away at me. It's selfish, it's cruel.. but it's not my job to save this world. I gather as much resolve as I can muster. "Grovyle took Lorelei to Limestone Cavern. If she takes the Time Gear, then there'll be no going back."

"Help me bring Lorelei home, and I'll help you capture Grovyle. With your worldly knowledge and my meta-knowledge, it'll be fairly easy to bring that.. Outlaw to justice." I bring my left paw out to shake, drawing in Dusknoir's astonished gaze.

"Well? Do we have a deal?"