Jak, you are now the funest character to write.

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That was something of a let down. After all the fuss of the expedition, Sol had been expecting something... more. "Hey, everyone! Let's hike two days into the dangerous wilderness, braving dense fog and vicious enemies just to stare at a pretty lake!" Disappointing.

Then there was the fact they had to lie about it. Sol agreed that it had to be done, that the Time Gear needed to be protected, but that didn't mean she was happy about it. She didn't want her first expedition to be remembered by all as a failure. That'll leave something of a smudge on her budding reputation as well as that of the guild.

So what did Sol have to show after all that hardwork and effort? Burned fur and a stalker.

Like an errant shadow, the Charmander Jak had been trailing some distance behind Eevee and Sol as they made their way back to the guild, the black and red bandana tied around her wrist. Whenever Sol would look back, Jak would stop in her tracks and stay completely still as if that would hide her from sight.

Jak hadn't tried speaing to them since thay had left Fogbound Lake, which was fine by Sol. She was still bitter about the whole 'set on fire' thing, which hadn't been helped by the fact that everyone had noticed and Loudred wouldn't stop bringing it up. Sol was in a bad mood and certainly didn't feel like talking to the one she held responsible, so was fine with just ignoring Jak's presence.

In truth though, it wasn't Jak's fault. Sol was feeling frustrated and Jak was an easy target to blame. The trip had been tough and tiring, Uxie hadn't known anything about Sol's past, they had nothing to show for their effort, they had to tell everyone it was one huge failure, and she had stubbed her toe a while back and it really hurt. All the other apprentices seemed happy with the way it all turned out and even Chatot seemed content. Sol had expected some comment or complaint about the lack of treasure from him but even he was satisfied. Did that mean Sol was more shallow than Chatot? A chilling thought.

Well, taking it out on Jak wasn't going to help. If she was going to follow them there was no reason she had to be creepy about it.

Sol turned and walked back towards Jak. Eevee asked what she was doing but received no answer. Jak stood completely still as Sol approached, becoming more and more nervous the closer the Riolu got. What did she expect Sol was going to do? Attack her?

"You can quit with the whole stalker routine. Now before you start cutting letters out of magazines, come up here."

Sol took her by the arm and dragged her up to where Eevee was waiting. Then, for no other reason then she felt like it, Sol threw an arm around Jak's shoulders, completely invading her personal space. Oh, the look on her face!

"So, what brings you up here away from the hot, humid and miserable Steam Cave? Wracked with guilt over ruining my beautiful face? It's my best feature, you know. Or perhaps you couldn't stay away from my irresistable charm and impecable wit? If you haven't noticed yet, I'm extremely self centered."

"Sol, stop it. You're making her uncomfortable."

"But it's fun and I'm bored."

Still, Sol removed her arm and gave her some space.

"Why are you here, Jak?" Eevee asked.

"Jak is... confused about things. Staying in the Steam Cave no longer felt right and this one has no where else to go."

"Well Jak could've just asked to come instead of making this one creeped out."

"This one was unsure what you would say."

"We're on our way back to Wigglytuff's Guild near Treasure Town," Eevee said. " You're welcome to come if you want."

They walked for several minutes in awkward silence. Every few seconds Sol would catch Jak staring at her out of the corner of her eye.

"What?" she finally asked.

"Is it true you were once human?"

"Here we go..."

"It sounds impossible to Jak that such a thing could happen. You also do not behave as a human would."

"And how do humans behave, exactly?"

"Arrogantly... Selfishly... Cowardly... Greedily..."

"I'm just going to ignore those insults and assume you have no idea."

"..."

"Have you ever even met a human?"

"... No."

"Then where's the negative view coming from?"

"It is just something that is known."

"Right. Ever consider thinking for yourself?"

"That is why Jak is here."

Another minute of awkward silence.

"If you cannot remember anything from before, how do you know you were a human?"

"For the love of... My personal memories were taken away, not my knowledge. I remembered not being a Riolu even though I can't remember what I looked like. It's the same as I remembered what food is but not my favourite dish."

Another moment of silence.

"Are your memories completely gone or can you remember bits and pieces?"

For the next couple of hours, Sol was bombarded with question after question until the whole story came out. Waking up on the beach, joining the guild, the expedition, the vision. Sol was a little hesitant telling Jak about the visions, but for some reason felt like she could trust the Charmander. And then came the last question.

"Are all of your guildmates aware of all this?"

"No, and I'd like to keep it that way. If everyone found out that I'm a human turned Riolu, who knows what would happen. Speaking of which, I don't mean to sound like a jerk or anything, Eevee, but could you at least run it by me before you tell people about me?"

"Oh, Sol, I wasn't even thinking! I'm so sorry!"

"It's ok. I woulda probably ended up telling Uxie myself, but just for future reference."

"I'll be careful not to say anything from now on."

"I just think it's impossible to predict just how someone will react."

"This one thinks... secrets are like festering wounds, getting worse as time goes on."

"Well this one thinks secrets are the only thing keeping me from getting run out of town."

"It is your decision. Jak is unfamiliar with the ways of towns."

They continued on and ever so slowly Jak became more and more relaxed around Eevee and Sol. She was certainly not what Sol would have expected from a wild

Pokémon, but then again Sol didn't know all thay much about them to begin with.

Sol was able to learn quite a bit about Jak. First and foremost, she was as blunt as could be. No beating around the bush or sugar coating for her. Embarrasment also seemed to hold no meaning for her. She said what she thought, did what she wanted regardless if it was considered proper or normal. Jak also had some odd ideas about Pokémon towns and exploration teams. Apparently 'civilized' Pokémon weren't looked upon so favourably by the 'true' Pokémon of the wild. Explorers were particularly disliked. That, of course, raised the question of why Jak was traveling with them. Not even Jak seemed to know the answer.

The sun sat low in the sky, slowly sinking below the horizon. Bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun, Sol decided Jak had a strong, if a bit warped, code of honour and despite their rocky first encounter was someone she genuinly liked. Sure, Jak was as weird as they come but normal people are boring and not nearly as amusing to watch. What normal person was completely baffled by the concept of currency?

And then there was Jak's opinion on buildings.

"Pokémon are not meant to be cooped up inside like humans."

"Was that supposed to be an insult? It kinda sounded like an insult.

"Come on, Jak. This is the guild where Sol and I room and board. You can come inside for the night. I'm sure no one will mind."

"No. Jak will find shelter among nature, as it should be."

"How is a building all that different from a cave? Stop being difficult and come inside."

"Jak will stay outside alone."

"Hold on. This has nothing to do with being inside, does it?"

"..."

"You just don't want to go inside in case all the other apprentices are around. Not comfortable in crowds?"

"You don't need to be afraid, Jak. Everyone in the guild is very nice and welcoming."

"Except for Chatot. He's a dick."

"Jak is not scared," the Charmander growled. "Jak does not want to sleep inside a building."

"Hope you're sure about that. Once the gate closes at nightfall there will be no getting in until morning. If you change your mind in the meantime, just come in and you can sleep in our room."

"We can't just leave Jak out here!" Eevee exclaimed.

"Unless you're planning on whacking her over the head and dragging her inside, we have no control over it."

Eevee was looking conflicted but entered the guild after Sol. Jak watched them go, her face an inscrutable mask as she toyed with the bandana around her wrist.

As was always the case, Eevee and Sol were the last to arrive. Everyone was discusing the expedition and Fogbound Lake. Not a hint of disappointment was to be seen, not even when the subject of keeping it a secret came up. If anything they seemed excited and proud of being honourary guardians of the Time Gear.

"I'm going to be the BEST at not telling anyone!" Loudred had declared.

Was Sol the only one who thought the whole thing was a bit of a let down? Seeing a view, no matter how stunning, after fighting the legendary Groudon (illusion or not) was anticlimatic. Perhaps Jak was right. Humans are greedier than Pokémon.

After the long trip back from the base camp, everyone was tired. Fatigue eventually won out over excitment and the apprentices decided on an early night.

...

Rain fell lightly in a soft patter outside. A cool wind swept in through the open window, disturbing Sol's peaceful slumber. She stirred, mumbled something about darkness and a red eye, then rolled over in her bed. After a moment, Sol opened her eyes to see another face only inches away, laying on the bed and staring at her intently.

"Waaah!" Sol screamed and scrambled out of her bed while Jak watched without expression.

"What's going on?" Eevee asked sleepily from his own bed, not completely awake.

"Crazy stalker in my bed! Crazy stalker in my bed!"

Eevee's gaze drifted down to Jak then back up to Sol. Then he turned around to face the wall and went back to sleep without another word.

"Jak! What are you doing here?"

"You said this one could stay in your room if Jak's mind was changed."

"Yes, but I didn't say you could sneak into my bed while I'm sleeping and then stare at me! How did you even get in here?"

"Jak climbed down the cliff then in through the window. Your security is very sub par."

"Just... get out of my bed. What's with the cup of water?"

"This one found it after coming in. Your hand was in it so Jak moved the cup."

"Why was... LOUDRED!"

Sol picked up the cup and stormed from the room. There was a yelp, the sound of something shattering, yelling, then a few minutes of silence. Then Sol returned dragging a spare bed behind her.

"You can stay, just ease back on the creepy. Breaking into people's rooms, sneaking into their beds, staring at them while they sleep, these are all things to avoid. The same goes for setting fires, hiding in closets, playing the violin in the middle of the night, complex plots to convince people they're crazy... I'll think of more later. For now, good night."

...

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

"Assassin! He attacks while we sleep with his dehibilitating voice!"

"Get her off! Get her off!"

"BURN!"

"No, there will be no 'burn'," Sol said and dragged Jak off a terrified Loudred. "This is Loudred, the guild's glorified alarm clock."

"The same Loudred who tried to subvert your authority through humiliation last night? Perhaps he has decided on a direct assualt since his last plan's failure. This one advises to end the threat now."

"My authority? Ok, one, the person with the 'authority' around here is Wigglytuff. Two, I am not 'ending' Loudred! We do not 'end' people!"

"Jak did not mean kill him. Chase him away from your territory to where he can do no harm. Conflict in the pack leads to weakness easily exploited by outsiders."

"What? Anyone know what she's going on about, 'cause I'm completely lost."

"Whenever I come in here I end up getting ATTACKED!" Loudred complained. "Who is this, anyway?"

"This is the yet to be socialized Jak," Sol said. "And we would very much appreciate if you don't mention this little incident to anyone. Now let's get over to the morning addresses, then I'll see to teaching Jak the dos and don'ts of town life. I'll try and focus on the don'ts."

Over the next week, Eevee and Sol did their best to help Jak become accustomed to the guild. It was slow going and Jak had trouble understanding much and even more trouble letting go of past views and habits. The guild was not the wild and the same rules did not apply.

Jak was never comfortable being around a large number of people, or even small numbers sometimes. She avoided the town, Spinda's Cafe and the second floor of the guild where exploration teams gathered around the bulletin boards. Whenever she wasn't with Sol, her new alpha (a title that Sol remained unaware of), she disappeard to parts unknown but would always return within a couple of hours. For once respecting the privacy of others, Sol never asked where she went or what she did.

At first, Jak was a sort of auxilary member of Team Wanderers. She helped out on jobs, leant her support where she could. Eventually, she was ready to officially join the guild as an apprentice, her black and red bandana proudly displayed on her wrist (she still wasn't getting it was supposed to go around her neck).

Just in time for everything to get interesting.

Hope you're enjoying the story. Hmmm... Wonder what Grovyle is up to...