Two days passed since the run in with Team Skull. The day after, Layne and Pyro once again got the job of pulling Sentry Duty. Layne once again struggled, but Pyro was getting the hang of it, and was usually the one to call the shots to Loudred. Thankfully, the results of their work were much better than last time, and thankfully, there was absolutely no rain. To add on to that, he and Pyro and a few other guild members even got some training done up at Marowak's Dojo, which pleased Marowak so much as to help Layne out even more with his form and moves, and Layne was quickly learning. Layne almost would have gone as far as to say things were starting to look up somewhat.

So much for that assumption.

The next day at the briefing, Chatot spoke up as he declared he had an announcement to make. "The guild has a new group of allies."

Everyone looked at each other. Loudred was wondering if they were apprentices, or if they were part of some other guild perhaps.

Bidoof wondered aloud, "Wonder what kind of pokémon they are!"

Chatot calmed everyone, and spoke up, "You may enter now."

What Layne saw almost made the anger from two days ago resurface. Team Skull had just walked down the guild ladder...with a smug smile on their faces. And as they entered, the room once again, began to stink. Layne could only wonder how Chatot and Wigglytuff took the smell...if they even noticed.

Layne turned away. "I swear to God..."

Pyro was shocked. "Them?"

Chatot spoke, "Yes. These three are our new partners in the Guild."

Autumn leaned into Layne. "Figures they would sign up as partners and not apprentices."

"I don't care." Layne said. "I don't know how long I will be able to take this BS."

"I'm Koffing." Koffing laughed.

Zubat was next and said, "I'm Zubat. Pleasure to meet you all."

Layne couldn't help but feel that the way Zubat said that was a direct insult to either the Guild, or just him and Pyro.

Skuntank grumbled. "And I'm the Leader. Chief Skuntank. You'll remember that." He looked at Layne and Pyro. "That especially goes for you two."

Layne almost redelivered an insult back at him when Pyro held him back and said, "Layne. There will be a time! There will be a time!"

Chatot looked at Layne and Pyro, then back to Skuntank. "I see you're already acquainted! That makes my job a lot easier!" Chatot spoke up. "These three are not joining as apprentices. But they are joining our expedition to lend assistance."

"What?" Pyro asked in shock.

Layne could hold back no more. "Now hold on, Chatot! You said that the expedition party would be chosen from members at the guild, who have proven themselves! I don't see what these three have done at all that would make themselves worthy to be a part of this expedition!"

That got a few murmurs of approval amongst the guild members, but before Chatot could say anything, Skuntank said, "Overreacting again, I see." laughing smugly.

Chatot spoke up. "The Guildmaster has made his decision! He decided that having this trio take part would help make us stronger in the long run during the expedition. However, it would be impossible to coordinate teamwork if we began working together immediately. Therefore, it was also decided that they will live here with us for several days. Though it will only be for a short while, I ask for you all to treat our guests the same way we would treat each other."

Layne turned around. This wasn't happening, and he wasn't here. He was somewhere else. Anywhere but here!

Everyone else seemed a bit skeptical toward this too. Sunflora was wondering how the Guildmaster could stand the smell. Layne was beginning to wonder if the Guildmaster could smell anything, period!

Bidoof went as far as to say, "Golly, I really hope this expedition ends soon. Yup, yup!"

Chatot held onto his cheerfulness, and said, "Now, let's dedicate ourselves to another day of good work. One, two three!"

No one spoke.

Chatot opened his eyes. "What's this? What has happened to your spirit that we usually see?"

Layne spoke up, "I'm really surprised you don't get it." he said crossing his arms.

"Layne's right!" Loudred said. "This STINKS! Literally and figuratively."

"How can you be so dense?" Layne asked in frustration. "You expect us to be cheerful when you expect us to put up with this horsesh-"

Layne was cut off by a sudden loud voice or noise. Everyone looked around.

"Wha-what's going on?" Pyro asked in fear.

The room itself began to shake. Layne then noticed the Guildmaster...in a mood he had not seen before. Was he about to...cry?

"YOOM..." he managed to say. "YOOOOOOOM..."

The Guild members heard that, and most of them seemed to know what that meant. Especially Chatot. "No! Now you've gone and done it, Layne! The Guildmaster's rage is building!"

Layne crossed his arms. "Big deal, you wouldn't know rage if it came and slapped you in the face." Layne thought to himself.

Chatot continued. "Pokémon, if the Guildmaster's rage continues to build, it will be horrific! Please, be cheerful, even if it hurts! One, two, three!"

"ONE! DON'T SHIRK WORK!" the guild members called out in one voice...all except for Layne, who's rage was getting put to the test again. "TWO! RUN AWAY AND PAY! THREE! SMILES GO FOR MILES!"

At that, the room stopped, and Wigglytuff looked rather happy again. Layne was in disbelief. How could Wigglytuff be so dense? As the pokémon dispersed, Chatot called Layne over. Layne willingly went over. He wanted to share a few words with him anyway.

Chatot was cross. "Layne, I'll be expecting much better behavior from you if you wish to be picked for this expedition!"

"Oh please, this goes beyond the expedition!" Layne said. "How dense can you get? Everything about these three members you've just recruited as partners in the expedition is just wrong. Their team name is Skull. You know? That bone that sometimes is looked upon as a threatening sign? Plus, you'd be doing the Guild a favor of ridding them and their gas!"

"Layne!" Chatot said. "Step out of line, and you will be barred from the expedition!"

Layne didn't care! He was about to speak again when Pyro pulled on him, "Layne please!"

Layne locked eyes with Chatot for a few more seconds before relaxing and said, "Fine, Chatot. You win. I will live with this, but don't be surprised if another hole finds the Guild wall."

Chatot didn't seem to catch that last part. He went back into the Guildmaster's chamber, thinking all was well.

Layne popped his neck as he looked to see Team Skull smiling smugly at them.

"What do you want?" Layne asked annoyed.

"Smile, weasel." Skuntank said. "We're all a big happy family."

Layne sighed and went upstairs, being followed by Pyro. Layne upon reaching the top of the floor kicked a nearby seat in a rage. "I don't believe this!" he said angrily.

Pyro came over and said, "Look Layne, please settle down. I don't like it anymore than you do, but neither does anybody else."

Layne sat down and sighed, "I know...to be honest, I don't know why I'm taking it as seriously as I am."

Pyro looked in thought, "Perhaps it's what you felt while a human at some point."

Layne shrugged. "Perhaps. I don't know."

"None the less, Layne. We should be careful. There's definitely something wrong with this whole thing. Why would Team Skull take such interest to the expedition? It doesn't add up." Pyro said, and Layne nodded to that.

Bidoof and Autumn walked over. "You gonna blow another hole in the wall?" Autumn asked playfully to Layne.

Layne finally managed a smile, and said, "Maybe later." Layne said. "I'll spare Chatot anymore stress. I think I'm already at the edge of getting barred from the expedition."

"Golly, we can't have that!" Bidoof said.

Pyro nodded and said, "Layne, I don't want you to be barred."

Layne shrugged, "To be honest, I don't see why any of us would want to go after that little fiasco down there." He scoffed. "Team Skull. Partners of the Guild. What a bunch of-"

"Layne," Autumn said, "None of us are too thrilled with it. We could most definitely live without the smell."

Bidoof sighed and said, "I'm just glad the cloud of suspicion has passed over me."

Layne looked confused at Bidoof. "Cloud of suspicion?"

"Back when Team Skull first came in, some people though I was responsible for the smell."

"Why?" Layne asked.

Autumn laughed and said, "Bidoof, sometimes can be...very gassy."

"Autumn..." Bidoof said embarrassed.

Layne laughed and said, "I don't know what I'd do without you guys. I really don't. Thanks."

Pyro, Autumn, and Bidoof looked at each other and smiled. "Layne, we're friends." Autumn said.

"Yup, yup! We stick together!" Bidoof added.

"And we will overcome this together." Pyro said.

Layne smiled at that and stood up. "Then why don't you pick out a few jobs from the boards, Pyro?"

The day went by a little fast after that, though dinner went by a little slow. Team Skull took the opportunity to take seats right next to Layne and Pyro, which of course made them both uncomfortable. Layne just dealt with the small and dealt with their smart talk. He wouldn't be set off when he was trying to enjoy a dinner. Team Skull at the dinner table, were bottomless pits. And their manners...were unbelievable. Needless to say, every Guild Member was happy to leave that table that night.

And if the woes of Layne and Pyro couldn't get any worse, Team Skull had to occupy the room next to them. Layne could only pray that they didn't do anything to them during their sleep.

Strangely...they didn't!

The morning call came as quick as it always did! Loudred gave his wake up call, and they all attended the morning briefing. They went over morning announcements, and did their morning cheer. Layne and Pyro were about to hit the boards when Chatot called them both over. "Layne, Pyro, if I could see yo for a moment, please?"

Layne looked at Pyro, "Wonder what he wants."

They went over and Chatot said, "We have a special task for you two today."

Layne nodded, and said, "What's that task?"

Chatot spoke, "We need you both to obtain stock to replenish the larder."

Layne cocked his head, "What?"

Pyro repeated, "Larder..." Then understood, "You mean go get some food?"

"Yes." Chatot said, "Upon inspection of the larder this morning, for reasons unknown to us, the guild's food stock has suddenly dropped sharply. Upon inspection, we also discovered the entire stock of Perfect Apples has disappeared. That was the only item to be completely cleaned out."

"Perfect Apples?" Pyro asked. "What are those?"

Layne shrugged. "Isn't an apple, an apple?"

Chatot spoke, "Perfect Apples differ from regular apples. Perfect Apples are much bigger and they are very delicious. But what matters here is the fact that they are the Guildmaster's favorite food item! If there were no Perfect Apples in stock, the Guildmaster would...he w-w-would..."

Layne smiled and held up a paw. "We understand completely."

"Yes...you understand." Chatot said. "Please...bring some back!"

Pyro shrugged. "I guess we better head to the market."

Chatot fluttered, "No no, Perfect Apples are not sold here. You will need to go into the Apple Forest for this task."

Layne shrugged and said, "Sounds simple enough."

"It may seem simple," Chatot said, "But this is a very crucial job."

"It would seem that way." Layne said. "Lets get this over with, Pyro."

With that they began preparations for the Apple Forest. They were both given two large wagons and Layne was given a large backpack for carrying food back. They both knew this would take a lot out of them perhaps but it couldn't be helped.

They walked through Treasure Town, which seemed rather empty, most likely due to the stench of Team Skull. At least that was what the villagers were blaming it on. Layne was passing by the cliff when Dugtrio and Diglett suddenly appeared. Layne was taken a bit by surprise.

Dugtrio simply said, "My son..."

"Yes?" Diglett asked. "Why did you take me out here?"

"Here we go..." Layne said observing the conversation, as Pyro made a few final preparations.

"See? Isn't the sea vast?" Dugtrio asked.

"Well, yes." Diglett said. "But...why are you telling me this? I'm supposed to be working, and so should you. In fact if I don't get back soon, Loudred will give me an earful."

Layne chuckled at that as he adjusted the backpack. Diglett looked at Layne and said, "Do you understand why he brought me out here?"

Layne shook his head. "Our views of the ocean differ, Diglett."

"You'll be scolded by Loudred?" Dugtrio asked, ignoring Layne. "Why let such a simple matter like that cloud your mind? Broaden your perspective...like the sea."

Layne chuckled. Diglett simply said, "What does that even mean?"

Pyro then said, "Ready, Layne."

Diglett sighed and said, "I'm going back to the guild. I want to be chosen for the expedition, and I can't be shirking work. You should get back to work too, Dad." And with that, Diglett disappeared. Dugtrio looked to Layne and said, One day I hope you both understand as I do."

"Perhaps I will." Layne said, starting to walk away. "Perhaps I will..."

"So according to Chatot," Layne said, "These Perfect Apples, grow in the deeper parts of the forest."

Pyro nodded as he picked a few more apples and other various fruits from nearby trees. "He called this place Apple Forest, but so much more grows here." Pyro said.

Layne chuckled as he picked a few more fruits himself. "I guess we can't really complain. It's just going to be a pain delivering all this weight to the Guild."

"The price of training." Pyro said.

"Or the punishment of back-talk." Layne said, remembering how he and Chatot were not at all on good ground with each other right now.

Layne and Pyro travelled deep within the forest. They were losing daylight quick. It was when Layne thought of something. "You know you'd think they'd send more pokémon than just us two on a foraging mission. We're two pokémon, and two wagon loads of fruits and a backpack of perfect apples can only do so much."

Pyro looked at Layne as if in thought. "You have a point. Do you think other teams are foraging in other places?"

"Always a possibility." Layne said with a shrug as they walked along. 'If not, Chatot better not be expecting a whole lot from us. What are we gonna do? Magically transport each wagon load to the Guild with our mind?" Layne sighed. "Oh well."

It was then that his head bumped into something big.

"Ow!" Layne said, rubbing his head. "What the heck could be growing so-"

He looked to see what he had run into. The apple he saw before him was easily the size of a medium sized ball. "Mother of Mercy. That has got to be the biggest apple I've ever seen."

"Layne!" Pyro said lighting up, "That's got to be a Perfect Apple!"

Layne cocked his head, and gave it a gentle tap, and nodded, "Pretty dang dense for an apple too. This has got t o be where they grow."

Pyro noted a nearby stream, "The water's running close by. You think there's something in the water that makes these apples grow so big?"

"I wouldn't be surprised." Layne said. "Perhaps the mineral composition in the water and soil plays a part. I wouldn't know. I never was that good in Biology."

Pyro said, "Well let's get to picking."

Layne picked off the one in front of him. "Dang, this thing weighs a good 5 pounds, and I gotta carry them all back."

Pyro laughed a bit at that. "I don't think we need to worry about bringing that much back. I've watched the Guildmaster at dinner. He rarely eats his apple. He just dances and plays with it."

Layne gave Pyro a weird look, "Well...I see someone's paying attention to the Guild better than I am."

Layne picked another, but it required a short climb. "These things are hard to find it would seem. There's barely any up here!"

"There's a simply explanation for that!" a familiar voice said.

Layne sighed, closed his eyes, and felt anger rise in him. "Skuntank, what are you doing here?"

"Just dropping by."

Layne opened his eyes and saw a foot push him down. Layne lost balance and hit a branch falling down to the ground. Pyro ran over to him, "Layne! Are you okay."

Layne looked up. "I couldn't be better."

Team Skull leapt out of the tree facing them both. Zubat laughed. "Why it's wimpy and weasel! What took you?"

Layne stood up, "What are you doing here?"

Koffing coughed in a fit of joy, "We've just been gorging ourselves on this here area of Perfect Apples. Chatot was right. They are unlike anything I have ever had!"

Layne and Pyro were shocked, but Layne was more enraged. "Are you telling me, you stuffed yourself full of the item we were sent here to claim?"

Koffing burped and that got a chuckle out of both Skuntank and Zubat.

"How amusing." Layne said popping his neck and crossing his arms. "Shove off. We're here on Guild Business, and frankly, I'm sick of you always messing with us."

"Well, you sound rather bold there, don't you." Skuntank said.

Layne smiled smugly himself and said, "There is nothing better I'd like to do right now, than to knock you all to wherever Kingdom-come is."

"Why don't you put your money where your mouth is then?" Koffing asked.

"Because," Pyro said, "We have a job to do! Layne, let's just get some Perfect Apples, and go home."

Layne sighed and said, "Yes. Let's."

Skuntank smiled and said, "Oh well that's easy. Let me lend you a little hand."

"How about we don't and say we did." Layne said.

Skuntank approached the base of the tree and said, "No, no, I insist."

With a roar, he gave a powerful skull bash to the tree, then he did it again, and a third time, and the remaining apples fell from the tree. Skuntank rejoined his group and said, "Easy as pie."

Layne popped his neck and said, "Thanks. Now, leave us."

"Aren't you going to pick them up?"

Pyro looked at Layne who was shaking his head. "Come on! Do I have to paint it in color to tell you that we still don't trust you?"

Koffing coughed, "Boss, this is boring! They're not going for it."

"Do you see what I mean? Hallelujah!" Layne said in frustration as Koffing revealed that Team Skull was indeed going to play some trick on them.

Pyro added in, "Now leave us alone!"

"How disappointing you didn't fall for our little act." Skuntank said, giving a glare to Koffing. But what are you going to do about it?"

"Is that a trick question?" Layne asked, as he brought his paws in front of him, and they started glowing. "I wish it didn't have to happen so soon, but now is as good a time as any." Layne said. He looked to Pyro and simply said, "Prepare yourself."

"How confident." Skuntank said. "And when we first met, how well that went for you."

"To be honest, I could use a live punching bag after that." Layne said.

"We won't back down to you!" Pyro said.

"Very well." Skuntank said. "To show you how confident yet foolish you are, let me show you just how...smelly...we can get." Skuntank said smiling, as Koffing joined his side.

Pyro looked over to Layne. "Layne! Look out!"

"Now KoffinG!" Skuntank said. "The Noxious Gas combo!"

Layne was about to fire Water Pulse, when gas, even worse from before choked him and made him collapse. The air was so bad, that he crawled a few paces before blacking out.

"Layne! Layne are you okay?"

Layne coughed and opened his eyes. He managed to stand up. "What happened?"

Pyro was a bit gloom. "We didn't stand a chance, Layne. That attack..."

Layne rubbed his head. Now he remembered. "I'm sorry Pyro. I really made a bad call on that."

"What do you mean?" Pyro asked.

"Perhaps we stood up a little too early. I think I made a bad call simply because anger took hold of me. And well, here we are." Layne sighed. "Oh well. At least they left our wagons alone I guess. Always a plus."

"Let's get some Perfect Apples and go home."

They turned to the tree. Each Perfect Apple was gone.

"They're...They're gone!" Pyro said.

Layne's rage once again took control. His fists glowed, and an orb of water was thrown at a nearby apple tree, which fell after the impacting explosion. Layne then punched the dirt again and again forming a small crater, "Those arrogant, selfish, wannabe-"

"Layne!" Pyro shouted worried.

Layne finally sat down. His knuckles were bleeding. His spirit was down. "Now what the hell do we do?" Layne shouted in frustration.

There was a silent moment before Pyro straightened and said, "Layne. There's nothing we can do. But now perhaps, Chatot will see why hiring Team Skull was a bad decision. We should get to the Guild and report what happened."

Layne sighed and nodded. Perhaps this was for the better good of what would happen. Or perhaps it would just make things worse.

"What do you mean you don't have any?" Chatot said shocked.

Pyro said, "Well we-"

"What are we going to do? You failed! I entrusted you with a critical mission for the Guild, and you failed!"

Layne popped his neck and said, "Before you label us as failing, maybe you'd like to see the wagon loads of fruit we did manage to bring back?"

Chatot walked to the wagons, but at close inspection he said, "This fruit has been spoiled! Don't you know what a healthy fruit looks like?"

"What?" Don't give me that!" Layne said. "Each fruit we picked were healthily ripe! We're not brain-dead, Chatot!"

Chatot handed Layne an Apple and said, "Perhaps you will take a bite out of this then!"

"Watch me." Layne said grabbing the apple.

Chatot handed him a trash bag and said, "You're going to need it."

Layne took a bite. The taste...was repugnant. He had never tasted anything so terrible in his life, and the apple in his mouth immediately left into the trash bag. Layne spat several times before saying, "What the hell? It was ripe when we frickin' picked it!"

Pyro said, "Skuntank and his group must have-"

Chatot interrupted him, "Silence! I won't hear any of your excuses!"

"Are you serious? We were frickin' sabotaged! Does that compute with you?" Layne said in frustration.

"Layne!" Chatot said. "You're both in deep enough trouble! This cannot and will not go unpunished! We sent several teams on foraging missions, and each was successful! Why I entrusted you with such a crucial mission, I will forever wonder. For your punishment, you both will go without dinner! And you can pretty much say goodbye to any hopes of you going on this expedition!"

Layne protested, "Now Chatot, if you're going to say that, say that to me! I've been the one who's been getting on your nerves. If you're going to blame anyone for today's failure, blame me! Don't put this on-"

Chatot cut him off. "You both failed!"

Pyro was about to protest. "But Chat-"

"Quiet! Be thankful your punishment is not anymore severe! I could request the Guildmaster to bar you both from the expedition right now!"

It was at that moment the Guildmaster came up the ladder and smiled at the trio he saw. "Well hello, friendly friends! Did you bring me many perfect apples?"

"Uhh..." Chatot said. "There is a slight...problem."

"Oh?" Wigglytuff asked. "What's that?"

"These apprentices...well...they failed to bring back-"

"I understand!" Wigglytuff said. "Nobody wins all the time! Don't feel blue at all! Where are the other Perfect Apples?"

There was silence.

Chatot said, "Guildmaster, you misunderstand. As I just said, they failed to harvest any. We...we have no Perfect Apples...for you."

Wigglytuff's mood changed and Layne could have sworn Chatot was forcing back tears or something.

"So...you'll have to go without Perfect Apples...for a little while longer..."

There was silence.

"Guildmaster?" Chatot asked. "Um...Guildmaster?"

Wigglytuff sniffled. Layne could only say, "Here we go..." to Pyro and crossed his arms.

Sure enough, Wigglytuff began to tremble and tears formed in his eyes. "So much for the rough tough Guildmaster I at first thought you would be..." Layne thought to himself.

Chatot said, "N-no! Guildmaster!"

The room began to shake. Layne was a bit surprised by this. This had happened already once yesterday. Did Wigglytuff really have this much power in him? Wigglytuff let out a cry unlike Layne had ever heard, and he knelt down and covered his ears. Pyro did the same, and so did Chatot. Layne growled. The windows in the room burst and so did a few glass orbs off to the side of the room. Layne pressed his paws to his ears, but still felt blood drop down his ears.

It was then that Team Skull decided to drop by and say, "Guildmaster Wigglytuff! We come to deliver you some Perfect Apples."

Layne opened his eyes, because almost immediately, all the chaos that was in the room, ceased.

Skuntank walked over Layne's body and dropped a few Perfect Apples in front of Wigglytuff. "Please, accept these as a few small tokens of our partnership and friendship."

Layne couldn't believe it. Skuntank had played his strategy out almost flawlessly.

Wigglytuff said, "You got these just for me! Thank you, my friends! Friendly friends!"

Layne got up as did Pyro. Layne's anger was beyond him showing it. He simply turned away. And said nothing.

Chatot flew over and said, "Your generosity has spared us a great big disaster! I thank you kindly for that."

"Whatever." Layne said. He no longer had a thing to say. Chatot was too dense to hear them out, and probably didn't want to hear him out since Layne had been so opposed to recent decisions made anyway.

"Layne! You come back here! These three just did your job! You will show respect."

Layne turned around, a look of clear anger in his face, "The only thing I will show, anyone right now, is my paw, waving goodbye. And then I will show myself to the door! I'm done! Do you hear me? DONE!" he shouted.

Pyro was shocked. "Layne!"

Layne turned around and went for the Guild entrance. He said as he went up the ladder. "Have a great expedition! Send me a frickin' post card!"

Pyro didn't believe it. Layne had seriously just up and left. "L-Layne..." he said in a bit of sadness.

Skuntank laughed. "Please, Chatot. Your guild has been generous and hospitable enough. His thankfulness was not needed. But it would seem he does not belong here."

Pyro looked to Chatot. "He doesn't mean it! Please let me talk with him!"

Chatot was a bit angry but looked to Pyro and said, "You will still go without dinner tonight. And if you do manage to Layne to his senses, I will expect a very big apology. And if he thinks he's going on this expedition, he's got another think coming!"

"I understand." Pyro said, and took off after Layne. He ran up to the first floor, and saw the Guild gathering at the entrance, all in murmurs. Pyro ran over, Bidoof saw him and stopped him.

"I've never seen Layne so angry! Yup, yup! Pyro, what's going on?"

Pyro simply said, "I'll talk later! I need to talk with him, now!"

Corphish simply said, "Hey, hey! But dinner's about to start!"

"It doesn't matter." Pyro said as he began up the Guild ladder, "Layne and I can't have any!"

The guild watched Pyro go up the ladder.

Bidoof was in wonder. "What do you suppose happened?"

Autumn was wondering herself. "It obviously isn't anything good. Whatever it was, it forced them to suffer punishment of no dinner."

"Oh my gosh!" Sunflora said, "That's such a cruel punishment!"

Loudred simply said. "I'm surprised there isn't another hole in the wall! I would have sworn Layne would have put one in!"

Bidoof was in thought. But it was then that Chimeco called them all to dinner. Something wasn't right. He hoped Pyro would talk it out with Layne. Layne was starting to scare him. And he wouldn't be surprised if he was scaring anyone else in the Guild.

Layne stood on the cliff. The sun was just setting. He was finally going to tackle something he'd been needing to tackle since he got here. The mystery of who he really was. The Guild was a waste of time. He'd miss his friends, but if Chatot would treat him or any other apprentice like that, why bother staying? Chatot was too dense, and Wigglytuff was just a big baby who cried if he didn't get his way. Some Guildmaster. Some way of life.

He took a deep breath in and was about to walk on when he suddenly heard, "Layne!"

He turned to see Pyro running his way. "Pyro..."

"Layne!" Pyro said as he ran up. "What are you doing?"

Layne sat down on the cliff and simply said, "It's not what I'm doing Pyro. It's what I did, and I think it's pretty obvious. I'm leaving, Pyro. Leaving the Guild. Leaving Treasure Town. I need to find out who I am, and though I feel we got somewhere at times, I feel like we've come to a standstill. Pyro...I need to look for clues on who I am. I haven't had a vision in days now. I've been trying to see one. But life at the Guild's just been too much. I think it's time to pack up, and leave."

"Layne..." Pyro said. "Please don't go."

"I have to." Layne said. "Please don't make this any harder than it has to be."

"No listen, Layne." Pyro said. "I understand that things are rough. I understand you're getting desperate to find out who you are. But Layne...these weeks, I feel like I'm really getting to know you a lot better. You're becoming more than a friend to me Layne."

Layne took that in. He felt like he had never had friendship at one point in life.

"If you were to leave me, Layne, I don't know what I'd do with myself. You're one of the biggest reasons I can explore Layne. You do more than help me out, Layne."

Before Layne could reply, Autumn's voice said, "Pyro's not the only friend you have here, Layne."

Layne looked up and was surprised at who he saw. It wasn't just Autumn. Bidoof, Sunflora, Corphish, and Loudred all approached.

"Where do YOU think YOU'RE GOING, Layne?" Loudred said.

Sunflora smiled and said, "Layne, the Guild wouldn't be the same without you! What happened?"

Layne simply sighed and said, "I don't think it best to talk about what happened. But as you all can guess, it was enough for me to want to leave."

"Hey, hey!" Corphish said in protest, "You can't leave now! Not with the Expedition around the corner!"

Layne chuckled and said, "Expedition. There's no way in hell, I'll get picked now. Chatot will probably skin me alive." The guild members laughed at that. Layne looked a bit confused. "I don't see what's so funny about that." he said smiling.

Autumn said, "Layne, Chatot's got a big mouth and a feisty temper, but he has no influence over how things run in Wigglytuff's head."

"Don't get me started on Wigglytuff." Layne said. "I don't even know what to say about him. Can I ask if he's even serious?"

They all looked at each other.

"He..." Sunflora began but couldn't finish.

Loudred finished for her. "To be completely honest, Layne, we don't know WHAT goes on in his head, but he ALWAYS knows what to do, and leads us to SUCCESS!"

Layne chuckled at that as he rubbed his ear. "Careful, man. Wigglytuff's already damaged my hearing for the day."

The guild members laughed at that.

Pyro then said, "I hope you see now Layne, that if you left, there'd be a big hole in the Guild that just won't get filled by anyone. You're more than unique, and more than just a fellow apprentice. You're a friend to each and every one of us."

"Oh my gosh!" Sunflora said, "If you were to leave, the Guild would just seem so empty! Your attitude to some things...is so unique!"

"Yup, yup!" Bidoof added, "Despite you being newer than me, I look up to your team, Layne! You've impressed us all in so many ways!"

"And Layne," Autumn added in, "If you were to leave, I'd just find you and drag you back to the Guild."

Layne chuckled at that and said, "I guess I'll take that as a compliment."

Pyro then said, "So Layne...will you please...stay?"

Layne sat down and smiled, with a few tears in his eyes. "You guys are all amazing. I'll stay. Who knows, perhaps another clue is just around the corner."

Pyro cheered, "Thank you Layne!"

Layne wiped his face and said, "I guess I wouldn't be able to leave, even if I wanted. I will not deny, there is just something about this place." It was then that his stomach growled. "I will say, I wish that I had packed some food."

Pyro nodded and said, "I'm a bit hungry myself."

"Oh, which reminds me." Bidoof said.

Layne looked at Bidoof. ""Hmm?"

Sunflora cam forward and gave an apple to both Layne and Pyro.

Sunflora said, "Bidoof came up with the idea to get you some dinner. We'd give you more, but it was all we were able to sneak past Chatot."

Autumn shuddered, "And Team Skull."

"Thanks!" Pyro said very happy. Layne couldn't hide a smile anymore.

"Guys...this is very thoughtful."

Sunflora said, "We all can use help when we're feeling down."

"It goes beyond the expedition. Yup, yup!" Bidoof said.

"We weren't about to let you go hungry for the night. We've all been given the no dinner punishment at least once before." Autumn said. "Guild members always do this."

"You guys...you guys are really awesome." Layne said as he finished the apple. "But back to the expedition. I seriously wouldn't mind not going. But I can only hope Chatot isn't serious about Pyro's chances lowering."

"What do you mean?" Sunflora asked.

Pyro said, "Chatot said with our failure to do our task, we don't have much a chance of getting picked."

Autumn laughed, "The members have not been set in stone. There is always a chance of getting chosen, despite your failures."

"But..." Pyro said, "Don't you all want to go?"

Autumn said, "We all do. Expeditions are fun."

Sunflora nodded and said, "We all feel a little down if we aren't chosen, but that doesn't stop us from cheering on t hose who did get chosen."

Bidoof added in, "And everyone wants to go on the expedition with both of you."

Layne looked up at that. "Seriously?"

The guild members laughed and said, "Your team has introduced an element not before seen in the Guild. Everyone is wondering exactly how it is you conduct your missions. And on an expedition, your skills of exploring are truly put to the test."

Pyro sniffled, and said, "Everyone...honestly, thank you for everything."

Autumn smiled and said, "Keep trying, because as many expeditions I've gone on, I don't think any would match this one if you both were a part of it."

Layne looked over, and asked, "Well how many have you been on?"

Autumn shrugged and said, "A lot."

Loudred said, "Autumn is a very dedicated explorer."

Layne chuckled and said, "It would seem that way. Then, if you all say so, we'll do our best to get picked, and even if we don't, then the best of luck to you all. I can't see a more deserving crowd than what I see here." Layne said.

They spent a few more minutes simply talking and watching the sunset on the ocean before finally deciding to turn back to the guild. Meanwhile however, one had been watching them. A smile formed across his face. "Well...what do you know..."