The next few days went by rather quick for Layne. He was slowly getting used to life at the Guild. The early wake up, the briefing, preparations for a mission or two, and then the mission itself. Missions for the most part took up most of the day. But Layne and Pyro never ventured too far from Treasure Town. Layne didn't believe them ready to take on missions too far outside the Guild. But it didn't matter.

Layne knew life was slowly getting a bit better. The Guild was starting to look at Team Hydro Pyro as a rather successful team. Over the past few days they had rescued pokémon lost or hurt in the wilderness, and had also managed to bring in three more criminals after Drowzee. Other teams were seeing how tough they could be. Bidoof was trying harder because of their early success. And Autumn, well she and Layne hadn't been in a quarrel since the minor quarrel after the destruction of Autumn's room. She even sat next to Layne a couple nights ago at dinner, and to everyone's surprise...engaged in conversation with him.

Layne at one point had also ran into Dugtrio at the cliff he always sat at. Dugtrio also looked on over the ocean. Layne had engaged in conversation with him then, too. He and Layne however, differed greatly in the view of the ocean. Layne looked at water, and saw peace. The ocean was just one piece of it to him The whole nature of water relaxed him. Dugtrio looked on the ocean as vast in nature. And sure it was, but he sounded more like a crazy worshiper of the ocean than just a man who looked at nature in peace. Who knew? Layne still sat with him and reflected on his day. But that was one of the few times he actually met and engaged Dugtrio in conversation.

The team had even had to pull sentry duty one day. Loudred had made aware to both Layne and Pyro one morning after the briefing, that he wanted them for some reason or other. Apparently, Diglett, who usually did sentry duty was put in charge of updating the job listings, because his father, Dugtrio, was off doing whatever. Layne wanted to hazard a guess that he was just off worshiping the ocean again, but said nothing.

Doing sentry duty helped explain the grating ordeal and how that was a part of the Guild, but to Layne, doing Diglett's job was very tough. Layne knew virtually nothing of pokémon, and certainly could not identify any footprint that came over him. Pyro was a lot better at it. Layne could only give brief descriptions of what he saw to Pyro, who then hazarded his best guess of who it was. And they didn't get every visitor right, much to Loudred and Chatot's disappointment. Layne would hope never to do sentry duty again, as it involved hour of sitting in a hole in front of the guild, despite the weather, waiting for anyone who could or would not come. The hole got unbearably hot to Layne (and it didn't help that Pyro's tail was on fire), and when a short rain came, Pyro had to get out of the way, leaving Layne to decipher any visitors that stumbled along. Thankfully, the only one who came during the rain, he recognized as Bidoof.

At the end of that day, Pyro and Layne were both thankful for an end to that sentry duty. They didn't know how Diglett did it, but they were awarded for their efforts. And if that wasn't satisfying, who knew what was. Layne had to learn more about the world if they had to tackle that again.

On the plus side of life, Pyro's confidence was improving as well. Just the other day when they were tracking down an outlaw, that traveled with other pokémon, he had managed to drive off a good amount of the other pokémon as Layne fought off a good amount as well. Pyro's confidence as an explorer was indeed vastly improving, and he was even taking a few steps forward as to make quick decisions, that in turn, helped the team out very well.

Friendships in the guild were improving. Layne saw Bidoof go on an exploration with Sunflora while heading out one day. He knew that Bidoof technically had no partner. Neither did Autumn, so most of the time if he needed a partner, he'd hitch with Autumn, but He was with Sunflora when Layne saw them leave. He looked a bit nervous, and Sunflora was encouraging him to be a bit brave. Her attitude reminded Layne of someone...he couldn't put his finger, or paw on it. He really wished he had a better time remembering.

A week had passed, and Layne was starting to get anxious and uptight. He still had no clues as to who he really was and why he was as he was. The visions he had experienced at Mt. Bristle, had only made so few appearances, and they came at random times, but they said nothing of who he was. If they were a key to his past, they weren't saying much.

To make things even more familiar yet harder to recall for Layne, Chatot at one morning briefing called everyone to attention right before the cheer. "Excuse me, could I have everyone' attention please? I have a very important announcement to make."

Everyone looked to Chatot, waiting for what he had to say. Bidoof leaned in to Pyro and said, "Perhaps the rumors are true! Maybe we have an expedition coming up."

"Expedition?" Layne asked.

But before he could get a reply to that, Chatot spoke up, "We have received reports from the northeast, beyond the outermost reaches of the Guild, from Treeshroud Forest, that time has apparently, completely stopped."

Layne's mind immediately raced. Treeshroud Forest. The name seemed so familiar, as if in a dream. And time stopping was mentioned again! What was going on?

The guild members were shocked at the news.

"What? What do you mean?"

"Hey, hey, hey! Time's stopped?"

Chatot put up a wing, to settle everyone. "Yes. Time has stopped. It has come to a complete standstill in Treeshroud Forest. There is no wind, the clouds are motionless, dewdrops are suspended...you get the picture."

Sunflora spoke up, "Eek! But how could something this awful happen?"

Autumn looked a bit skeptical too, "It is a bit unthinkable, isn't it?"

"Well the unthinkable has happened." Chatot said. "Why it has happened, we only have a theory. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Treeshroud Forest is one of the few places to house what is called, a Time Gear."

Layne looked at Pyro. Pyro had been talking about Time Gears nights ago. He made a theory of the Time Gears somehow connecting to Time going out of control. Was there a connection?

Layne looked to Chatot. "Well, is there something wrong with the...Time Gear?"

Chatot looked to Layne and said, "I'm getting to that." He looked to everyone. "The Time Gear wasn't there. It had vanished." The Guild members burst into murmurs. Chatot spoke up. "It is believed to have been stolen!"

The Guild members then burst into worried chatter. Dugtrio spoke up, "Stolen? Outrageous!"

"I've heard it's possible," a member named Chimeco spoke up.

Loudred shouted, "But why would anyone take a Time Gear? It makes no sense!"

Chatot spoke up, "Please! Please, everyone! Quiet! Officer Magnezone is currently handling an investigation concerning the matter. Why someone dared to steal a Time Gear, we can't say right now. But if one was stolen, it is very possible that the other Time Gears could be targets as well. Because of this, if you are to see any suspicious activity, we ask you to report it immediately. That is all. We cannot let this disrupt our daily jobs here. Let us dedicate another day to hard work!"

Layne ignored Chatot as he conducted the morning cheer. There was just too much on his mind. Time Gears? Time stopping? A thief? Why did he feel that he should know about some of this? Layne couldn't think straight, and the noise of the cheer the Guild Members were making, wasn't helping at all, so he put the thought aside for the moment.

As the cheer ended, Chatot called both Layne and Pyro over.

Layne looked at Pyro. Perhaps Chatot had noticed Layne not reciting the cheer, which wasn't exactly a first, but, probably annoying to him. Chatot however said, "You both have become very good at what you do for us. The amount of pokémon you've found, and outlaws apprehended is indeed very much admirable."

Layne shrugged. "Work is work," he said with a smile.

Chatot spoke, "It is therefore with such skill, that the Guild will finally assign you your first mission, worthy of a proper exploration team."

A proper exploration team? What did Chatot think of them before, chopped liver? They had taken down an entire band of outlaws, what more did he want from them to be called proper?

Pyro however, hearing this, was ecstatic. "Yes! This is awesome!"

Chatot pulled out their wonder map and pointed to an area a little outside the Guild, but reachable within the day, and said, "Do you see the area where this waterfall is? We wish for you to investigate this area. There have been many rumors about this waterfall having a secret. We've sent many exploration teams in the past to investigate such rumors, but each have come up empty. Perhaps you'll have better luck."

Layne shrugged, "If you say so."

"We won't let you down, Chatot." Pyro said with determination.

"Good." Chatot said. "I'll leave you to it."

Chatot went inside the Guildmaster's chamber, and Layne walked away with Pyro. Layne noticed Pyro was trembling. Layne stopped, "Oh come on now, Pyro, you can't be scared now." Pyro's confidence was certainly a mystery to Layne. He didn't understand at all how it worked in Pyro. Not one bit.

"It's not that," Pyro said. "We've been working hard for something like this, Layne, and well here we are! The anticipation, it's making me nervous."

Layne chuckled as they went to the Guild entrance, "Well get it in gear, we're about to go on a rather big job." Layne said smiling. "Let's do that job, shall we?"

Layne began to climb up the ladder, and as he reached, the first underground floor, someone stepped on his paw.

"Whoa! Hold on!"

Autumn, who was about to go down, looked and saw who she had stepped on, "Oh! Sorry Layne!" she said backing up.

Layne climbed up and said, "No worries," shaking his hand. He and Autumn really had a thing for bumping into each other.

She smiled and asked as Pyro came up, "He looks excited. Where are you off to?"

Pyro lit up, "Hi Autumn! Layne and I just got out first mission concerning the Guild in discovering new places and stuff!" Pyro said.

Autumn smiled, "Really? Where you gonna go explore?"

Layne shrugged, "Some waterfall north of town. Guess there's some secret or whatever."

"Oh you got the Waterfall assignment?" Bidoof asked as he walked by. He stopped, "I got that. To be honest, I don't see what's so special about it. I spent hours looking for anything. But dang, that waterfall is so powerful, I couldn't get too close to it."

Autumn chuckled. "A lot of us have gotten the assignment. I've been there, and yeah, I honestly don't see what's so special about it. I couldn't find anything myself."

Layne took this all in and looked to Pyro. Pyro looked even more determined, "Then we'll find out what it's hiding! Come on Layne!"

Bidoof and Autumn smiled, and said, "Good luck! We're pulling for you!"

"So this is the waterfall..." Layne said looking at the massive waterfall.

It had not taken them long at all to reach the waterfall. In fact for the most part they had taken the main road and it took them only about an hour to get here. The waterfall was easily one of the most powerful things Layne remembered seeing. Water rushed down by the gallons, and the mist created felt very weird to Layne's lungs. Pyro didn't look so well. Layne looked over, "You feeling okay?"

Pyro nodded, "It's the mist. I can only take water in so many ways. Extended contact, can hurt me, and if I were to fall into the river...let's not go into that."

Layne nodded, understanding and said, "Let's get on with our mission then. They say this place holds a secret."

"Where do we begin looking?" Pyro asked.

"Only one place to start looking." Layne said, and he walked over to the edge of the piece of land they stood on.

Pyro saw this and said, "Be careful, Layne!"

Layne looked back and said, "Don't worry...I know what I'm-" Layne reached and touched the waterfall, and was nearly knocked off balance. "Dang...I've never felt power in water like that before." he said shaking his hand.

"What do you think?" Pyro asked. "If this place has a secret..."

Layne put on his goggles, and said, "I have another idea."

Pyro shook his head, "Layne, look at the river around you! That water's current has got to be beyond swimming strength! I'm not going to let you drown yourself again!"

"Relax." Layne said opening up the treasure bag at his side. He pulled out some rope he bought earlier at Kecleon's Market and tied it around his waist. There was a boulder he tied the other end to, and he gave the remaining rope to Pyro. "I know the current is strong. To be honest, I don't think I could even manage to keep up. So I'll dive in, see if I can see anything, and come right back up. Look, you even have a safety measure as to help me back up, if you feel something should go wrong." Pyro was very unsure, and Layne knew it. "Pyro, I'll be fine. I came back before, I'll come back again. We don't have to worry about falling rock this time around...hopefully."

Pyro sighed and said, "If you're down there for more than 30 seconds, I'm pulling you up."

Layne shrugged. "A bit short, but it works. Keep a hold onto the rope."

"Be careful." Pyro said, a bit urging.

Layne chuckled, and said, "I don't intend on scaring you twice, Pyro." With that, Layne jumped in. The current was indeed very strong, and almost ripped the goggles off his face, Layne tried moving his tail as Autumn had instructed, but it poorly moved. He had to develop those muscles a bit more perhaps, or learn to go faster. Anything. Layne quickly took a look around. There was nothing under the water. No underwater cave, nothing. Layne swam up and broke the surface. Pyro saw him and began to pull, and Layne climbed up. As he climbed, the rope snapped, which made Layne quickly grab the boulder. The rope was pretty cheap stuff, but it was all they could afford. Layne climbed up, coughed a bit and shook off excess water.

Pyro came over, "You okay?"

Layne nodded, removing his goggles and emptying them of water that had seeped in. "Yeah, I'm fine. Told you I'd be fine."

"Did you see anything?" Pyro asked.

"There was a lot of rushing water, which made it kind of difficult to see anything, but to my best extent, it didn't look like it held any secrets down there." Layne sighed and untied his half of the rope and threw it into the water. "Worth a shot, I guess."

That's when it hit Layne. The head-rush. He got down on all fours again. Pyro came over and asked, "Layne? You feeling okay?" Layne's eyes glazed in light blue as before.

He was standing on the land that he had just been standing on. He looked around. Pyro was no where in sight. While his back was turned, something ran behind him. He turned in time to see a pokémon...he could have sworn he'd seen that pokémon before, jump into the waterfall. The water battered the pokémon, but he didn't go with the water...he went through the water, and disappeared. Who was that...Layne, if he had to hazard a guess...

The vision ended.

Pyro was looking over Layne. "Layne? You okay?"

Layne held his paw up and nodded. "Pyro...It...it happened again." Layne said. "I just saw another vision."

"Another vision? What did you see this time?"

Layne sat down. "I could have sworn I saw...Wigglytuff...jump into the waterfall."

"Wigglytuff?"

"Some pokémon at least." Layne said, shrugging.

"Layne...you already approached that waterfall once and saw how powerful it was. What are you suggesting?"

"Perhaps..." Layne said, "Just above, where the water is just in the falling state, and not as intense...the secret lies. My best guess, is a hidden cave."

Pyro looked at the waterfall and trembled. "That water's coming down really heavily. If there were only a solid cliff behind this waterfall, it could mean big trouble for anyone who jumped in."

"Never know until you try." Layne said looking over to Pyro.

Pyro held up his hands, "Whoa whoa, think this through. If we tried, we could get pounded really bad!"

"If there's no cave, true. But what if there is something?" Layne asked.

There was silence.

Pyro then asked, "Are you truly convinced, that there is something back there?"

Layne looked at the waterfall. He closed his eyes. "No." he said honestly. "I have no evidence other than my words of what I saw in the vision."

Pyro nodded, "Okay. Layne, this is a risky move, but your visions back then were true. Perhaps..." Pyro looked at the waterfall and shuddered. "I'm going to take a leap of faith, here Layne. I'm putting my trust in you."

Layne stepped behind him. "Perhaps I should go first." he said.

Pyro said, "No. we'll go together. We're a team."

Layne looked at Pyro. "Pyro, you're putting yourself at serious risk. If there is nothing behind there, who knows what could happen to you. Water is NOT your element."

"We're both putting ourselves at risk. If there's nothing, I risk losing my tail flame. And you risk drowning. This current is not swimmable, in your words, and our rope wasn't able to hold you that long."

Layne sighed. "Well let's get it out of the way I guess. We're putting our lives on the line." Layne sighed and popped his neck. "Ready?"

Pyro approached the waterfall slightly, and breathed. "Gotta be brave. Gotta be brave..."

Layne stretched and put his goggles back on his head. "Get ready." he said.

Pyro then looked a bit nervous. "I don't know if I can do this, Layne. I fully trust you, but I risk putting out my flame doing this."

Layne smiled and said, "I got an idea."

"What?" Pyro asked.

"You're not gonna like it." Layne said.

"Why?"

Layne simply said, "Just help me jump this thing, leave the rest to me. Do you trust me?"

Pyro looked unsure, but nodded, "I trust you, Layne."

Layne smiled a bit and said, "Then, on three!"

Pyro said as he got ready, "I just hope it's not too crazy..."

"One! Two! Three!" Layne said running up to Pyro and grabbed him.

"LAYNE!" Pyro cried out.

Layne held onto his partner in front of him. He then curled in mid-air as his body hit the waterfall. His back impacted with the water and continued going through the water. Any moment now, Layne would know if his vision was right or not.

He didn't feel the wall. His vision however darkened, and he fell on something hard.

"Ow!" He cried out. He had landed on his tail. Pyro rolled off his belly. "Layne...please don't do that again..." Pyro said a bit weary.

Layne sat up and massaged his tail. "Sorry. I knew you wouldn't like it. You okay?" he asked.

Pyro sat up and rubbed off some water, "Not hurt by the water that much, if that's what you meant. Your body got most of the water's impact. I will say, thanks for that."

Layne popped his neck, and rubbed his tail. "Don't mention it."

Pyro opened his eyes. "Is this..."

Layne looked around. Then looked behind him. The waterfall continued falling heavily behind him. Layne smiled, and said, "Well what do you know..."

Pyro lit up. "It's a cave! Layne you were right!"

Layne shrugged and smiled. "Gut feelings pay off sometimes, I guess."

Pyro was jittery. "Layne, this is cool! We need to explore this cave, now! That's why we're here. Perhaps this is just one many secrets the cave holds!"

The walk through the cave wasn't very long. And before they knew it they had walked a good way through the cave when they came into a room, which held gems. Layne was struck with awe, as was Pyro. There was barely any light, but the light that came off Pyro's tail made the gems glitter.

"Layne! Look at that!"

Layne nodded, and crossed his arms, smiling, "Quite a sight to see, indeed."

They walked into the room and came upon a bigger gem, easily the size of Layne, perhaps a bit bigger. Pyro looked at it and said, "I've never seen such a big gem, in my life! This is incredible!"

Layne crossed his arms, "Well we've found the secret of the Waterfall, now what?"

Pyro looked at Layne. "Well we gotta take back some evidence. Do you think we could take this gem back?"

Layne looked at Pyro. "I'd have a good look at that gem, Pyro. It's stuck rather well into the cave floor. I don't think it's going anywhere."

"Never know until you try." Pyro said, repeating Layne's words from earlier.

Layne sighed, and said, "Whatever floats the boat, I guess."

Pyro went over and gave the gem a huge tug. He was obviously struggling. Layne crossed his arms and chuckled. "Stuck tight, is it?"

Pyro gave Layne a look and said, "Feel free to help."

Layne sighed, and walked over and tried to help Pyro at least budge the gem. However it was not going anywhere. Layne was about to say something when head-rush once again engulfed him. Layne balanced himself somewhat against the cave wall, as Pyro pulled a little more on the gem. Layne's eyes were shut, but glazed blue underneath as usual. He saw that one pokémon push the gem and the ground shook.

The vision ended, but not before Layne got a quick glimpse at what happened. The pokémon had triggered...

He looked up just in time to see Pyro, who looked a bit pooped, lean against the gem. The gem fell into place behind the wall, which made Pyro look at the gem in confusion. "Did you hear a click?, Layne?"

The ground shook, and Layne heard a thunderous noise from somewhere in the cave. Pyro looked around, "What's that?"

Layne shook his head, "Oh, I have a bad feeling about this..." Layne noticed that on the ground, where he knelt, water was starting to trickle around him. Layne looked up at Pyro and pointed in one direction. "Pyro! Start running! Don't for the life of you, look back!"

They both began to run. Layne heard the thunder of an oncoming flood drawing nearer and nearer. Pyro must have heard it too, because his sped suddenly increased. Pyro really was summoning extra energy quick, because Layne swore he could hear Pyro's heart beating out of his skin. Daylight came in view. Pyro kept running, as did Layne. Layne however tripped. "Whoa!"

Pyro looked behind and stopped for a brief moment, "Layne!"

Layne beckoned him to run, "Keep running, damn it! Run, and don't stop!"

Pyro gave Layne a worried look, but resumed running. Layne got up, but before he could resume running, a wave of water overtook him. Layne was swivelling in rushing water, getting battered against the cavern wall, but he managed to hold onto what little air he had.

Pyro had continued running. He had not seen what happened to Layne, but managed to see daylight ahead. The water was getting closer. In a few moments, it would all be over...but Pyro made it! Pyro managed to jump out of the cave, into air, which had no ground, for about 30 feet. He swung around grasping frantically for something to grab hold of. As he fell, he finally caught hold of something. A branch of some sort. He cut his hands open as he caught himself, but held on.

Layne on the other hand was tumbling through rushing water and upon exiting the cave, he bumped his head and flew through the air. Pyro watched Layne fall into a small spring of water below him. Pyro noticed that had he not caught the branch, he would have fallen in, which would have made his life a bit more difficult. Pyro called out in a frantic voice, "Layne, are you okay?"

Layne coughed out a little water, and stood up in the spring, which was actually a hot spring. "Dang...wha- Pyro? Where are you?"

Pyro sighed and said, "I'm up here."

Layne looked to see Pyro dangling from the tree branch.

Suddenly a voice called out, "You two okay?"

Layne and Pyro turned to see a group of pokémon...relaxing in the spring. "You startled everyone, you kinda just dropped out of no where." a young bear pokémon said. Layne knew the bear as Teddiursa, and he was standing next to another bear pokémon, known only as Urasing. Layne also saw a few more pokémon in the spring, and Turtle-like pokémon sitting on a rock, overlooking the spring.

Layne said, "We're a bit shaken, but all right." He looked up to Pyro and said, "You good?"

Pyro simply said, "I'd like to get down..."

Layne said, "Yeah he's okay. Where are we?"

The turtle pokémon said, "Oh, you're currently in Treasure Town's hot spring."

Layne looked confused, "Treasure Town's...? I didn't know we had one of those."

The turtle pokémon said, "Indeed we do. It works miracles on sore muscles and old joints. You two look like explorers if I am correct."

Layne nodded, "Uh, yeah. Team...Hydro Pyro."

Pyro in the distance said, "Can someone help me down?"

The turtle pokémon said, "Well, where did you come from?"

Layne recalled as he looked at Pyro, "The waterfall cavern north of town. Why?"

"You're now east of Treasure Town. How did you get here?"

Layne got out of the spring, and got underneath Pyro in a way that would let Pyro drop into his arms, somewhat. "Easy now Pyro..." he said. He then said to the turtle pokémon, "We were exploring the cavern, when we accidentally triggered a flood. Next thing we know, here we are."

The pokémon laughed as Pyro dropped onto Layne. He then said, "Please, let the Hot spring relax you both before you journey back home."

"Sounds like a great plan." Layne said, looking at Pyro who had fallen on his back.

Pyro looked at Layne and said embarrassed, "Sorry..."

Layne looked at Pyro. "You don't mind if we stay a while, do you?"

Pyro looked at Layne. "Knock yourself out. I could use a little relaxation myself, but I don't think I'll be in that spring."

Layne sighed. "I really feel sory for that body of yours, Pyro." Layne got in and lay back in the water. "Because as a person who enjoys being in water, there is nothing quite as relaxing as a natural hot spring..."

Reaching the Guild, Layne and Pyro told the story to Chatot of what had happened that day. Chatot was indeed impressed with the discovery of the cave and the gem which triggered the flood. Pyro expressed disappointment in his failure to bring the gem, or anything back, but Chatot dismissed that disappointment immediately, expressing how wonderful the discovery of the cave was. He expressed it in a way that excited Pyro.

Layne however, couldn't help but remember his visions. He told Pyro he had suspicion that Wigglytuff had at one point been there. Layne spoke up. "Chatot..."

"Layne..." Pyro said, smiling, "What's wrong?"

"I have a big suspicion that the Guildmaster has been to this cave before."

Chatot and Pyro looked at each other. Chatot shook his head and fluttered about. "No! That's not possible! It's inconceivable! Why would the Guildmaster tell you to explore a place that he himself already discovered?"

"He's the one with the brain. You tell me." Layne said.

"If you wish, I will confirm it with the Guildmaster." Chatot said, and looked out the window. "But why spoil your own discovery?" he asked himself. "These apprentices are getting stranger by the day."

Pyro spoke up "What was that, Chatot?"

Chatot fluttered some more, "What? Nothing! Nothing at all! Let me get the Guildmaster!" and he called him out. Wigglytuff came out smiling happy as he always was.

"How are you doing, friendly friends? Did your exploration go well?"

Layne spoke up and said, "Yes, Guildmaster, but I do have one question. Didn't you at one point, discover the hidden cave behind the waterfall?"

"Hidden cave?" Wigglytuff spoke. He paced, and said nothing for about five minutes. Layne was about to say something when the Guildmaster sang, "Oh memories. Oh sweet, sweet, memories!" He then spoke aloud, "Yoom...tah!" causing the room to flash for a moment.

He danced around for a minute or two, confusing both Layne and Pyro, and then said, "Yes! I do remember! I have indeed been there before!"

Layne sighed and said, "I thought so."

Pyro looked over at Layne a bit dismayed but said, "It doesn't matter Layne. No one else in the guild ever solved the mystery! We did! That should at least mean something!"

Layne gave a small smile. "If you say so, Pyro."

The day for the team had been very exhausting. The Guild was astounded by how they had solved the mystery of the waterfall, and Layne ad to tell the story maybe three times of how he and Pyro went through the waterfall. He did not mention his visions, but talked about most of the other stuff. It helped pass the time until he hit the sack.

He and Pyro sat in their room. Pyro was looking at the moon, reflecting on the day. "It sure was a rough day, wasn't it, Layne?"

"Yeah." Layne said, trying to get to sleep.

"But it was fun! I'm glad we finally got to do a mission like that for the guild."

Layne nodded as he closed his eyes. "Yeah..."

"It makes me feel that we made the right decision forming this team, don't you think?"

"This team has indeed been one unique experience for me." Layne said a bit tired. "And I will say, your confidence is very much improving, which is good on you, Pyro."

"Thanks, Layne." Pyro said as he took a look at his necklace, which he had repaired over the past few days. "The mystery of this Relic Fragment. I will solve it soon. I feel like it is getting that much closer!"

Layne smiled at that thought. He didn't share the excitement for the little rock as much as Pyro did, but Pyro's happiness...made Layne happy in ways he couldn't explain.

Pyro then said, "Layne, thank you."

Layne opened his eyes and looked at Pyro. "For what?"

"It's because of you, Layne, I can explore."

Layne shook his head. "Pyro, you've had the ability to explore this whole time. You just needed proper motivation."

"Which you provided, Layne." Pyro said. "To be honest, I still think myself to be one of the biggest chickens in the land." Layne chuckled at that, remembering the day they first met, "And today," Pyro continued, "though I needed a little boost, I was willing to jump through that waterfall with you."

Layne chuckled and closed his eyes, "Think nothing of it. I enjoy a little thrill sometimes, I guess..."

"Seriously, Layne. Thank you for everything."

Layne who was in his laying down position simply gave a little salute and said, "No worries, pal."

Pyro then said, "Layne, about your visions. I've been thinking. Each and every single one has happened after you've come in contact with something."

Layne opened his eyes. "We've been over this."

"I know, but the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. I know you've been in contact with other things here, Layne, but who knows?"

Layne sighed. "Perhaps you're right, Pyro."

Pyro continued, "Perhaps it's also something that has to be connected to it. You touched Azurill's apple, and heard Azurill scream. You bumped into Drowzee, and saw Drowzee threaten Azurill. Then today you saw the cave after coming in contact with the river."

Layne spoke up, "I also saw the gem triggering the flash flood, right before you triggered it."

"Really?" Pyro asked.

"I was about to say something, but, well, things were moving too fast."

Pyro said, "Another thing is when we rescued Azurill, you saw the future. But today...your vision...didn't it take place in the past?"

Layne opened his eyes again, and looked in thought. "That's a good point, Pyro. So I can see..."

"Past or future." Pyro said. "You must have that kind of special ability!"

"Ability?"

"This could be very incredible, Layne! It could benefit you for so much more than simply exploring!" Pyro said rather loud.

Layne put a paw to his mouth, "Look, I don't understand my...ability all so well right now...Plus...it just feels odd to me. I wish I could only have these visions whenever I wanted. But right now they kind of seem a bit...random. I need more logic before I-"

It was then that Chatot entered the room. "Pyro, Layne!"

Layne who was about halfway to sleep woke and said, "What's up?"

Chatot then said, "Guildmaster Wigglytuff wishes to see you both, immediately."

"Wonderful..." Layne simply thought. He was obviously not going to get much sleep tonight.

They followed Chatot to the chamber of Wigglytuff, who's back was turned. Chatot and them entered the room, and Chatot said, "Here they are, Guildmaster."

Wigglytuff moved not, and said nothing. Layne leaned into Pyro, "Isn't this familiar..." he said in sarcasm.

Chatot spoke up, "Guildmaster! I brought Layne and Pyro! Guildma-"

Wigglytuff turned around as quick as he did before. "Hiya!"

Layne and Pyro straightened up and Layne said, "Um, hi."

Wigglytuff spoke, "You guys went through a lot today! You must both be tired. I'm watching you both do your tasks."

"What?" Layne asked.

Wigglytuff said, "Let me explain why I called you here. We're planning to mount a full expedition soon!"

Layne remembered the so called rumors going around earlier that morning. "Expedition?"

Chatot spoke up. "Yes. The guild will go explore a place that is far away. It's a much harder task that exploring most nearby areas."

"Sounds...fun..." Layne said, crossing his arms.

"We need to prepare for this trip carefully." Chatot spoke. "We carefully choose which members attend these expeditions."

"Really? You mean Layne and I are being considered?" Pyro asked.

Wigglytuff said, "Normally, we don't consider rookies to go on these, but your team has without a doubt, been gaining our attention. You both have been working very hard, and surpassing our expectations here. As of now, you both are possible candidates for the expedition."

Pyro was ecstatic on hearing that news. Layne couldn't complain. It did feel good to know that their work was not going unnoticed.

"Now, now." Chatot said, ""You're not set in stone. You must continue to work hard. There is still a big gap of time before this expedition. If you start to shirk work, don't expect to be chosen for this expedition."

"I'm sure you both can do it!" Wigglytuff said.

"Then let's both go for it, Layne!"

Layne looked at Pyro and smiled. "I'm with you, Pyro."

Layne wouldn't let Pyro get disappointed. He himself could live without going on this expedition, but exploring was Pyro's dream. It would do him good to go on such a trip.