Two days went by of normal guild activity for Layne and Pyro. Layne had apologized to Chatot, though in hesitation, for his disrespect towards him. Chatot, though he gave Layne a little more scolding, accepted the apology and dismissed Layne from worrying anymore about it with a simple, "Continue to do your best for the guild. The Guild was getting tense. They had said they'd be announcing the expedition members soon, and well...it was on everyone's minds.

It was then that it was brought back to everyone's mind, if it left at all during dinner. Layne was looking forward to dinner for he and Pyro had brought three outlaws in that day for arrest, and it had taken a lot out of him. Chatot spoke up, "Everyone, hold on! Before we begin dinner tonight, I wish to make an announcement."

This of course drew a lot of complaints from everyone in the guild.

"Hey, hey, heeeey!" Corphish said.

"Here we go..." Layne said, eyeing the fish on his plate.

Loudred spoke up, "Spit it out already! We're hungry!"

Dugtrio spoke as far as, "You prevent us from eating what is laid before us! Outrageous!"

Chatot spoke above all the complaints, "Order! Please, everyone, order!" Everyone managed to quiet down finally, and he fluttered. "I'm sure the selection of the expedition members has been on everyone's minds. Well, I'm sure it will please you all to know, that Guildmaster Wigglytuff has made his final decisions."

That got the table excited.

Bidoof sighed, "By golly, it's finally settled!"

Chatot continued, "Tomorrow morning, the members will be announced during our briefing. I'm sure you all look forward to the results. Sorry to have kept you waiting, let us begin dinner!"

That dinner was one to remember for Layne. Even if the past few days were days to forget. Layne was happy for once. He was surrounded by good friends, and things though he didn't see it, were starting to look up somewhat. Sure Team Skull was still messing around with them, but Layne had finally managed to let it all go for the moment. Because at that moment, nothing mattered.

Layne had once again gone to the cliff that night before bed, and he and Pyro talked for a while there. "Tomorrow, they're announcing the members of the expedition party." Layne said.

Pyro nodded, "I'm a little nervous. Despite what everyone said, Chatot's words are still ringing in my head."

"Meh." Layne said. "The Guildmaster can live without his Perfect Apples for a while. I don't see the point in our failure there being so severe. And besides, Pyro..." Layne said. Pyro looked over, and Pyro gave a thumbs up. "After everything, we've worked our best, perhaps even better. If we're picked or not, you can't hold any regrets."

Pyro smiled. "You're right, Layne. And it's like they said, we cheer for those who do get picked."

"There you go." Layne said.

Pyro yawned which made Layne chuckle, "We've had a rough day. Why don't you go get some shut-eye? I'll be with you shortly."

Pyro nodded, and said, "Don't be too long, the gate will shut any time now."

Layne nodded and said, "I won't let myself be trapped out here."

He watched Pyro walk off before looking back to the sea. He reflected on his words. No regrets. He meant it, but Layne still knew that if Pyro wasn't chosen tomorrow, his pride would be crushed for a while. Layne had said it before, he wouldn't mind, staying. To Pyro, this was his dream. Exploring.

Layne sighed and stood up. Pyro was trying so hard. He deserved a spot on the expedition party. Layne thought deeper as he turned to the guild. The ability he had...perhaps it would come in handy if they were chosen? Layne shook that thought away. He barely knew how it worked. Why bother thinking about it? He sighed and put those thoughts away. He had a big day tomorrow, and he had to get some sleep.

He said one quick prayer in hopes that Pyro would get chosen at least tomorrow...at least Pyro...

A pokémon ran through the dark in a cave. His foot landed in water. "It's near. It has to be around here somewhere..."

"You!" a voice said.

The figure stopped. "Who's there?"

"I am the guardian of what lies here. You are not welcome here!"

"A guardian? Legend did not tell me of any guardians for this location. Never-the-less. I have no quarrel with you, but I will be taking the Time Gear that you guard here, one way or another."

"You are free to try, thief. Stealing the Time Gear will only lead to disaster."

"Yet we face disaster if the Time Gear is not used properly."

"You speak of nonsense. Leave at once!"

"I will not. I will be taking this Time Gear, one way or another."

There was a short scuffle, and the guardian was quickly put down. He wasn't much of a guardian, but that was the last thing on the pokémon's mind. "Three more remain. I must get them."

"You won't get away with this, thief."

"Save your energy. And get out before time takes you..."

"UP AND AT 'EM, GUYS! IT'S MORNING!" Loudred ran through the hall.

Layne rubbed his eyes and yawned. Pyro followed in his steps, and stood up and stretched. He shook his head a bit before saying, "Well, morning's here, Layne."

Layne sat up and popped his neck, smiling. "Yup, so shall we go assess the damage?"

Pyro smiled and said, "Might as well get it over with."

Everyone in the room was filled with anxiety. Layne could only cross his arms and wait. He leaned on the guild wall, taking it all in. He seemed a bit happier than usual. He didn't know why, but he just felt, strangely at peace with life right now. Who knew the reason why.

Chatot spoke up, "Attention!"

The guild room fell silent. Layne almost chuckled, but he didn't wish to break the silence.

"I shall announce the expedition members at this time, as chosen by Guildmaster Wigglytuff." He walked over to Wigglytuff and received a piece of paper. Chatot cleared his throat. "The names of the chosen members are on this piece of paper. Please step forward should your name be called."

The Guild burst into murmurs. It was finally happening. Layne leaned into Pyro and said, "Now we'll see if all that hard work ore any fruit." he said with a chuckle. "No regrets."

Pyro nodded and repeated, "No regrets...

Chatot once again cleared his throat, silencing the room. "Our first member, Loudred!"

Loudred smiled. "Yes! I DID IT!" He stepped forward and said, "But then again, it was only NATURAL I would be chosen."

Layne chuckled at that statement and leaned into Sunflora, "Big talk."

"Tell me about it." Sunflora said. Layne knew that Sunflora and Loudred could be a bit shaky sometimes, but were good partners when it came to exploring.

There was a small round of applause for the gatekeeper before Chatot continued.

"Next choosing is...Corphish!"

Corphish smiled, "Hey, hey! I got it!"

Layne smiled and joined the applause. Corphish had acted like a big brother almost to Pyro, and Layne held high respect for Corphish. He was grateful he was chosen for this expedition.

"Third, we have...well well. Congratulations, Bidoof. You've been chosen!"

"Really?" Bidoof asked shocked. "Really, and truly?"

Autumn led the round of applause here for the young explorer. Layne quickly joined in as did Pyro. Layne knew how much Bidoof wanted to go on the expedition, and that dream for Bidoof had just become reality. Layne could only hope Pyro's dream would be reality as well.

Chatot continued on. "Autumn, you may step forward, for you have been chosen."

Autumn smiled and Layne gave her a nod. He still knew rather little about her, but apparently, she was a dedicated explorer. "Come on Chatot, Pyro deserves this." Autumn could look after Pyro too.

Chatot continued. "Next we also have Sunflora and Chimeco."

Layne applauded them as well but was beginning to think, "Dang, this is one big party. How many members do they need?"

Chatot then said, "And there we have the expedition party members."

Layne sighed. He didn't choose Pyro. He guessed he should have really seen it coming, but still, he knew Pyro would not be that motivated today. He already could see Pyro looking a bit down. Layne then noticed Team Skull across the room, smiling smugly as usual. Layne could only shrug it off. What could he do?

Chatot said, "Okay so...wait a minute. There's a few more names scribbled on the margins here."

Layne looked at Pyro. "Big expedition."

Chatot spoke up, "There are a few more names here. The others are...Diglett, Dugtrio, and Croagunk."

Croagunk was a mysterious pokémon who lived in the guild as an apprentice. Layne had a few conversations with him before, but the guy either lacked motivation, or was plotting something all the time. Layne could only wonder why he was chosen, but he wouldn't argue. It looked like he and Pyro were basically on their own here while the Guild went exploring. It would seem that their failure with the perfect apples and Layne's behavior with Chatot had paid it's price.

"Oh and Pyro and Layne." Chatot said.

Layne wasn't sure he heard that right. He and Pyro were indeed chosen? But that meant...Chatot had read off the names of every pokémon in the room.

Chatot concluded. "That is all." The look on his face that came next was priceless. "Wait a second! What?" He looked to the Guildmaster, who had a big smile on his face. "Guildmaster, this list seems to include every member of the Guild!"

Wigglytuff nodded. "Yup. That's right!"

Chatot fluttered "Then what was the point of the selection process? Also, if we were to all go, the Guild would be completely empty! Are you certain it would be okay for us to leave with no one to attend the Guild?"

Layne almost said, "Well you could always stay," but held his tongue. He didn't need to get himself in anymore trouble.

Wigglytuff spoke, "It'll be fine! We'll lock up, properly!"

Skuntank spoke up, "Guildmaster, I too have some objection to this."

Layne sighed, "Here we go..." he said to himself.

"Do you not think this is a bit too many members for this one expedition?"

Wigglytuff looked to be in thought. "When a friend asks that, I have to wonder...why he would ask that..."

Skuntank said, "Well why does everyone have to go? What's the point?"

Wigglytuff smiled and said, "Of course there's a point! That point is, if everyone went, it would be more fun! The more the merrier! I don't know why I never thought of it before!"

Skuntank was astonished at that answer, "What?"

Wigglytuff went on. "It'll be noisy, and fun, and exciting, and we'll all have a wonderful time! It came tom my mind a couple nights back, and it made me so excited, to the point where I couldn't sleep! So that's how it is! We're all going on the expedition, and it will be fun, fun, fun!" Wigglytuff said. "Let's all do our best!"

Layne chuckled as the room went into a cheer. So he was going after all. Perhaps something good would come out of it. And even so, Pyro was going too. And that was what mattered most to Layne right now. He looked to Pyro and said, "It would seem the work paid off."

Pyro nodded and said, "And you're coming too, Layne. I couldn't ask for a better day."

Layne chuckled and gave his partner a nudge. "Smiles go for miles, Pyro."

Chatot sighed and said, "Okay...that's settled. Let me explain the schedule, and from there we will brief up on our expedition. As such, we will need to take this day to get prepared to embark on the expedition. I will want you all to report here in three hours after your preparation. And we will go over certain things you will need to know before we leave. Dismissed!"

The Guild went upstairs as one, separating themselves from Team Skull, who went away to talk by themselves.

Sunflora was hopping happy, "I could scream! I'm so happy! Everyone's going on the expedition!"

Chimeco drifted next to her, "Guildmaster Wigglytuff never ceases to amaze me. I'm tingling!"

"Literally and figuratively." Layne said chuckling.

"I didn't think we'd get picked! That came as a total shock to me!" Pyro said.

Autumn laughed and said, "Told you not to give up!"

"I'm glad we didn't!" Pyro said.

"Hey, hey!" Corphish said.

Bidoof was also pretty dang happy. "They're even letting me go! This has got to be one of the happiest days of my life! Yup, yup! Everyone's going! It's almost like a dream!"

Dugtrio spoke up as they walked out of the Guild, "This is no dream! This is really happening. But as we are all going, it only means we'll all be put to the test. Which is why I propose we work together as one."

Layne spoke up and said, "Sounds good, and we'll make it a success!"

"There you go Layne!" Sunflora said. "Didn't expect to hear that from you!"

Layne shrugged as they walked down the ramp, "Surprise?"

Loudred let out a cheer that made the group stop walking for a moment and laugh.

Diglett said, "This is my first expedition too! I'm actually a little nervous."

Dugtrio spoke and said, "Ah, my son's first expedition." He looked to Diglett and said, "Stick with me and you'll know how important a first expedition can be."

Layne stretched and popped his neck and said, "Well we're all in a good mood. I say we hurry with our preparation, and hopefully if there's time, why don't we all hit that new café in town?"

"Oh you mean Spinda's Café?" Pyro asked.

"Oh yeah! I LOVE that place!" Loudred said.

"Then is sounds like a plan!" Sunflora said excited.

"Then lets get to it!" Dugtrio said. He looked at his son and said, "Come with me, son, and we'll prepare together."

The guild then split through Treasure Town. Pyro, Layne, Bidoof and Autumn were left standing in the square. Bidoof was rather nervous.

"Golly! It's my first expedition, and I have no idea what to prepare for!"

Layne shrugged and said, I'd prepare for it like any other mission, perhaps just a bit longer."

"Sort of." Autumn said as they started walking to Kecleon's Market, "But you also have to put into account the possible weather you face, the terrain you may have to handle, and other natural phenomenon."

Pyro said, "Well we're going to a lake apparently."

Layne added, "To the east. What do we know is in the east?"

Autumn said, "There's a mountain range but the Guild's not gone farther than that before. So we can only hazard a few guesses."

"Well that will give us something to work with." Layne said as he approached the Kecleon brothers.

"So we heard the entire Guild's going on an expedition!" Kecleon-G (or at least that's what Layne mentally called the green brother) said.

"Yes, we've been busy all day!" Kecleon-P (what Layne mentally called the purple brother) said.

Layne nodded, "You heard right. What do you have left in your stock?"

As they went to fetch what wares they had Layne leaned on the counter to face the group. "So we don't know what landscape we face, other than mountains. How long do most expeditions take?"

Bidoof said, "Golly, it really depends."

Autumn said, "Most take maybe a week or so, but some of which I've been on have lasted up to a month."

Layne looked in thought, "Well hopefully we're not out that long, because Pyro and I are on a budget."

Layne and Pyro through their career as explorers did not have much money. What money they did earn mainly of course, went to the guild, but the rest was spent mainly on material they used during their missions.

Autumn then stepped forward and said, "Don't worry about that. I'll take care of purchases."

Layne then said, "Autumn, at least let us pitch in, I mean-"

Autumn shook her head, "I have more than enough money. Probably more than I know what to do with. You just worry about buying drinks at the café."

Layne chuckled at that, "Sounds fair, I guess. You ever been there?"

"Once or twice. Their Oran Berry Juice is good."

Pyro said smiling, "It certainly gives me an extra boost when I need it."

Layne shook his head and said, "That's nothing. You ever had the Wacan Tea? It will change your life!"

The Kecleon Brothers returned with their wares and Autumn said, "Well, let's do our business here, and I'll put that little theory of yours to the test."

Later that afternoon, the entire Guild was assembled in front of the Guildmaster's Chamber. All were in excited chatter. Layne had managed to give a brief goodbye to Marowak, and promised to return for more training.. He owed a lot of his new knowledge of fighting to Marowak, and he had since learned a couple more new moves while under his training.

And Spinda's Café, well, the guild had fun there needless to say. The café, which was rather new in town, was extremely busy the past couple hours as the guild enjoyed their last day before the expedition. And Spinda, the owner of the café, indeed enjoyed the business end of it all.

Chatot and Wigglytuff came out of the chamber and Chatot calmed the chatter. "Is everyone all accounted for?"

The guild members looked around and said nothing. Chatot looked and nodded, "It would seem we are all accounted for. Let us briefly explain about the expedition. Our first and main objective is the exploration of the lake known as Fogbound Lake."

Fogbound Lake. The name...another name. Layne once again had strange feelings he should know this name. But as for why, once again, he knew nothing. A simple name. And that strange feeling in the back of his mind was trying to start his memory up again, but to no avail.

Chatot continued. "Fogbound Lake is said to be located far to the east. However, is it perpetually enshrouded by a very thick fog. Because of this, it's actual existence, has not been confirmed. It is merely subject to old legend and rumor that lives. We hope to uncover the rumor, and discover the truth. However it is also rumored that a treasure, unlike anything, ever discovered, unlike anything anyone has ever laid eyes on, also resides there."

Pyro was excited. "Layne! We're going on a treasure hunt!"

Sunflora spoke out, "This is going to be so exciting! Oh my gosh!"

Wigglytuff said, "Yup! It will be fun, fun, fun!" he chanted.

Skuntank and his goonies simply looked as smug as they usually did.

Chatot spoke up, "IIf you all look at your maps, you will see an area to the east which is not as detailed as the other areas of your map. This is the rumored area which is said to have Fogbound Lake. This lake is indeed a considerable distance from the guild. Our base camp will be the highlands right before we hit a forest that is said to house the lake. Due to our large number, Wigglytuff and I have been putting together teams. If we were to travel as one big group, our mobility would be heavily restricted. We will split up and travel separately to the base camp."

That got the guild chatting.

Chatot spoke up again. "I will announce those groups right now. The first group consists of Sunflora, Loudred, Diglett, and Croagunk."

Loudred looked at them. "You better NOT hold me back, guys!"

Sunflora reacted to that, "Look who's talking!"

Layne and the others laughed and Layne said, "Please, we should all be happy right now!"

Chatot continued, "The next group will consist of Chimeco, Corphish, and Dugtrio."

Corphish nodded, "Right!"

Dugtrio added in, "We're as solid as can be."

Chimeco said, "I'll do my best not to hinder the group."

Chatot continued, and looked at Team Skull. "Our guests will travel independently of us and as their own group."

Skuntank said, "Understood."

Layne couldn't help but feel as if he wanted it that way. Who knew.

Chatot then spoke, 'And our final group is Autumn, Layne, Pyro, and Bidoof."

Layne smiled as the group was announced. "Fun."

Bidoof smiled, "We're all in the same group! I hope I can keep up. Yup, yup!"

"Same here!" Pyro said.

"No one will be left behind." Autumn said. "I don't plan on failing an expedition now."

Wigglytuff looked a bit confused. "Chatot, who are you traveling with, and who am I traveling with?"

Chatot looked to the guildmaster, "Isn't that a bit obvious?"

Wigglytuff looked in question and then said, "Dugtrio's group?"

"Guildmaster, You and I will be traveling together as a pair." Chatot said.

"Awww, really? That's so boring though!" Wigglytuff said, a bit dismayed.

Chatot sighed, "Guildmaster, please don't be difficult, this is a key element to the strategy."

Wigglytuff did not look convinced, and simply mumbled, "...meanie."

The guild members laughed quietly at that. Layne would have said something but he was getting used to the Guildmaster's...very strange behavior.

"Well then..." Chatot spoke up. "We are officially ready. Let's get a move on this expedition. It starts, now!"

Layne said nothing as the guild members cheered around him. He was hoping something would come up during this expedition. Something that at least linked him in the right direction to who he was. He had no idea why he was hoping this. He didn't expect it to be so easy. He sighed, but shook the thought away as most of the groups began to leave.

Autumn and Bidoof joined both Layne and Pyro. Autumn spoke up, "Well, are we all ready?"

Pyro nodded, "I'm as set as can be."

Bidoof said, "I'm so nervous!"

Layne simply shrugged. "Lead the way, because, I'm new at everything here." he said with a small smile.

Pyro spoke and said, "We'd better plot out a course for this first part of the expedition."

Autumn looked a bit surprised. "Sharp thinking. I was about to mention that. You sure you haven't done this before?"

Pyro chuckled, "I thought it just as a common sense thing."

"Well," Autumn said, "Common sense or not, you're right." She pulled out her map, which was heavily detailed as compared to Pyro or Layne's map. She was a dedicated explorer all right, and her map which was littered with side notes, and places Layne had never even heard of, proved it. "I'd say we go along this route here along the coast. It will provide the least amount of mountains to climb, and if we're lucky, we could reach the base camp tomorrow afternoon."

Layne smiled and said, "It would seem like that's our best bet. Shall we get started?"

Bidoof spoke up, "This is exciting, and we're still in the guild! "Let's get a move on!"

Layne chuckled, and followed everyone out of the guild. As they left the guild, Layne took one last look at the tent on a hill. This place had certainly changed his life for the time he'd been there, and he couldn't help but feel, there was something good heading his way. Who knew...

END PART II