Sol was freaking out. The good kind of freaking out, though. An agent from the future sent back to capture a criminal set on destroying the world? That brought awesomeness to an entirely new level.

Of course, Jak being Jak, the Charmander was trying to put a damper on everything the only way she knew how: Shooting angry glares at everyone and growling every few seconds.

Yeah, I see you back there, being all stalkish and disapproving, Sol thought. But there is no way you're paranoia is going to ruin it all for me.

Dusknoir stopped suddenly, his head tilted slightly to the side as he considered something.

"Perhaps Eevee should come with us," he said. "I believe this discussion should include the two of you."

"Yes!" Eevee cheered and ran over to join his partner, having apparently been waiting for the opportunity to come with them. "I mean... of course, Dusknoir, sir, I'd be happy to be a part of this discussion... Not that I was listening to what you were saying or anything..."

The two followed behind the famous explorer. How often does one get the chance to talk with someone from the future? Sol wondered what the future was like. Was it not much different from the present? Was there a whole lot of advanced technologies? Were there still exploration teams or, after all this time, had all the mysteries and hidden places of the world been discovered?

Sol decided to hold back on the questions, thinking she shouldn't make a fool of herself by acting like a starstruck fan. Nothing good would come out of turning into a second Eevee now that she learned he was from the future. Didn't Dusknoir once say that it was nice to talk to someone who wasn't caught up in his reputation?

Sol walked along quietly for a grand total of twelve seconds before her resolve was completely destroyed.

"When you say you're from the future, how distant are we talking about? Are you an explorer there, too, or are you some sort of bounty hunter or lawman? And what about the butterfly effect? Couldn't you just being here drastically change things so you're never born? And wouldn't that create a paradox? Speaking of which, what happens if a paradox is formed? Would the world split into two different realities, branching off at the moment of the paradox so that one follows the normal chain of events and the other follows the events caused by whatever caused the paradox? Or would time, like, break? What happens if time breaks?"

"That's a lot of questions," Dusknoir said.

"Well you can't just drop a giant bombshell like that and think people won't come looking for more information. You brought this on yourself."

"With everything you've done, saving Pokémon and all, aren't you worried that you'll change the future?" Eevee asked.

"As it was explained to me, time is remarkably resilient. It would be very difficult to drastically change the flow of events. The things I have done are small when compared to the grand scale of existence, and time finds ways to right itself and prevent paradoxes. While causing drastic change is, in theory, possible, it would require intent and a tremendous amount of work. It is highly unlikely I would be able to change things by accident."

"Ok, that 'time finds way to right itself' but makes me very nervous," Sol said. "I probably would have died at Amp Plains if you hadn't stepped in, and you make it sound like time will now start setting things up so I'll die soon, thereby fixing the time line. Do I need to start watching my back for little time assassins?"

"Nothing so dramatic! The ripples you cause will simply be absorbed into the time line, keeping the future intact and as it should be."

"So... everything I do from now on will have no lasting effect in the slightest? That... is really depressing..."

"No! What I meant was..." Dusknoir sighed. "I'm not very adept at explaining this sort of thing. Truth be told, I don't understand it very well myself."

"Then who does? Who was the one that explained it to you in the first place?"

Dusknoir was silent for a moment before speaking. "My superior, the one who sent me back to catch Grovyle. He is uniquely suited to understand the nature of time."

That's not vague at all, Sol thought.

They soon arrived at the Broken Shield Inn, Sol and Eevee asking questions about the future all the way. The more they pressed, the more vague and evasive Dusknoir became, deflecting their questions through whatever means necessary. Sol found that extremely annoying, but she supposed that a Pokémon from the future couldn't just go around revealing important information.

They went inside and climbed the stairs to Dusknoir's room. It was a large space, the inn keeper having no doubt given the famous explorer the best room in the places, everything clean and orderly. It was exactly the same as from when Sol had received her new staff, the place devoid of any personal touches or items, despite Dusknoir having stayed here for several weeks. Sol would have expected some sort of momentos, keepsakes or even trophies of some sort, not a bare room stripped down to the necessities.

"As you have recently learned, Grovyle is a criminal fled here from the future," Dusknoir said, choosing his words carefully. "I can't stress enough how dangerous a situation this is."

"We know," Eevee said. "But your plan is going to work, and we'll stop the planet's paralysis!"

"Yes, we most certainly will. But that's not the end of it. The truth is, the world of the future has fallen upon some rough times, even before Grovyle. There are many Pokémon who seek to upset the peace."

"What are you saying?"

"In the future, there are no more exploration guilds. Most do not even remember they even existed. But having seen the good that they do, I believe that capable exploration teams are just what the future needs to straighten itself out. Pokémon to bring back the excitment of exploring and discoveries, Pokémon that protect others and bring outlaws to justice."

Sol held her breath, waiting for Dusknoir to finish. This couldn't possibly be going where Sol thought it was.

"I believe you two would prove to be invaluable in the future," Dusknoir said. "I have seen what you are both capable of, not to mention Sol's Dimensional Scream would be a great tool in catching any outlaw."

"Are you... Are you saying you want us to go to the future?!" Eevee exclaimed.

"I know this is a lot to take in. You two could truly bring back exploration teams and help but the future back on the right track."

"I... You... Us... Future...what?" Sol stammered, unable to string together a coherent sentence.

"It is a huge thing that I ask of you. It would mean leaving behind everyone you know and starting over completely, but please, think about it. I can promise that you will want for nothing in the future, that you will only be expected to do exactly what you are already doing: exploring, helping others."

"What do you mean when you say that the future world needs exploration teams?" Eevee asked.

"The future, when compared to now, has become somewhat complacent, without the drive to do anything. Criminals easily take advantage of this, but the return of exploration teams would give people something to aspire to, open there eyes to the wonder and mystery of everything around them. I would be unable to do such a thing on my own."

There is no way this is actually happening, Sol thought in disbelief.

"I do not expect a decision from you now. This is an important choice to make, one that can not be changed once it is made. Think about it, and give me your answer when I return with Grovyle."

...

Sol was splayed out on her bed, staring at the ceiling. This had to be the biggest decision of her life.

At first, her only thought had been one huge yes. Going to the future with the most famous and renowned explorer in existence? To be symbols of inspiration for an entire world? Who could say no to that!

But then Sol had taken the time to think it through and consider everything she would be leaving behind. Dusknoir's offer didn't extend to Jak or Ren, and while they were annoying and frustrating at times, Sol had difficulty imagining being on a team without them. Ren may have only joined Team Wanderers recently, but he had quickly grown on Sol, meaningless phrases and all.

And what would happen to Jak if both Sol and Eevee left? Sol couldn't imagine she would stay at the guild without them, and would probably view it as an abandonment. Would Jak return to the wild, all the progress the Charmander had made instantly disappearing?

The rest of the apprentices, Loudred, Sunflora and Chimecho, everyone from Treasure Town, Sol would never see them again if she accepted Dusknoir's offer. But at least Sol would still have Eevee, her first and closest friend.

And then there were all the people from her past, the ones she must have known but couldn't remember. What if she left and then her memories started to come back? She'd never have the chance to talk to them, tell them that she was even still alive.

If Sol went with Dusknoir, she'd be leaving everything she knew behind. She'd have to start over in a strange, new world. It would be like waking up on the beach all over again, except this time she would remember what was left behind.

No, it wouldn't be that bad. She'd have Eevee, and she would still know Dusknoir, so she wouldn't we completely lost. Not to mention she would have a clear goal in mind and would know exactly what she should be doing. It would be a lot easier than when she woke up on the beach.

If Sol could start over from scratch once, would it really be so hard the second time?

Sol rolled over on her stomach, resting her chin on her crossed arms.

She wished making decisions were easier, that you could just look at the options and know exactly how they would turn out.

Sol sighed. There was no easy answer to this. She and Eevee would need to talk this over between themselves, and eventually they would have to tell the others about it. That was not a conversation Sol was looking forwards to, especially if they decided they were going.

Sol wondered what Eevee thought about this. On one hand, he was hardly one to just abandon his friends. On the other, Eevee worshipped Dusknoir and all Eevee had ever wanted to do was explore, and what could be more exciting then going to the future?

Sol wasn't sure what the final decision would be, but she was leaning towards a yes. Everyone had been doing fine before she showed up, they would be fine if she left, and if she had already started over once she could certainly do it again.

Sol heard footsteps and she twisted her head around to see Jak approach. The Charmander's eyes were narrowed, her face set in hostile disapproval.

"This one knows what the Dusknoir has offered you," she hissed angrily. "Jak has told you before many times, but Jak will tell you again. The Dusknoir is not to be trusted. He will lead you and the Eevee to your deaths."

"How did you- wait, never mind. Resorted to stalking me again, have you?"

Jak growled, unamused. "If you agree to this, Jak will be unable to save you from your own stupidity. You will be alone, and you will die."

"There are easier ways of killing people then luring them to the future."

"You are right. The Dusknoir does not want you dead, he wants you chained and bound, his little pet. You may be blinded by trust and pride, but Jak is not. There are many explorers, and the majority are more experienced and skilled than you. You are quick to forget that you are just a rookie."

"Perhaps, but none of them have the Dimensional Scream, do they?"

"That is the point Jak is trying to make!" Jak snarled. "The Dusknoir wants to use your ability. And why would he want the Eevee? So he can control you! The Eevee will become leverage, and you will become a slave. This is the last warning you will get from this one. Jak hopes you listen to it."

With that the Charmander turned and left, leaving Sol alone in the room. Jak was being paranoid, jumping to conclusions and immediately assuming everyone was hiding something sinister. Sol couldn't blame Jak in trying to keep her and Eevee from leaving.

Sol wondered how long it would be before Grovyle was captured and Dusknoir returned, looking for an answer. When the rumor finally reached Grovyle's ears, he would immediately run back to Crystal Lake in order to stop Uxie and the others before they sealed away the Time Gear, or at least that's what he would believe. In that case, it wouldn't be long at all.

Or perhaps Grovyle would never hear the rumor, playing it safe by keeping away from all other Pokémon. If he stayed in hiding, he wouldn't learn of the supposed plan, and would wait until he figured out the perfect plan to steal the Time Gear as it was. That would take quite a bit of time.

Then there was the possibility that Grovyle would give up on trying to cause the planet's paralysis, now that he knew Dusknoir had chased him all the way from the future. Perhaps he would move on to some other diabolical plot. Sol thought that chances of that were slim, given how Grovyle had obsessively hunted down the others, but there was always a chance. Then the trap would never spring shut, and they would be kept waiting for a very, very long time.

And, of course, there was a fourth possibility. Grovyle would see the ruse for what it was, come up with a way to fool Dusknoir and the others then succeed in stealing the Time Gear. Then his plan would continue unhindered, and the planet's paralysis would be assured. The complete ruin of the world.

What would it be like, living in a paralyzed world? Would everyone be frozen in time as well, unable to move, trapped in whatever pose forever? Would they be aware of what had happened? Or would it only be the world that froze around them? Would they continue to live on as everything else froze? How would they survive? Could one die in a place without time?

Sol felt a shiver run through her. She desperately hoped she would never find out.

We are now so close to the part in the future! I've been waiting to write that part of the plot since the very beginning, and I am so excited! Yay for messing up canon!