Author's Note:

Hey everyone, it's time for another Wigglytuff chapter! This one was a ton of fun to write, especially with Brandon and Wigglytuff trying to spy on each other. It also gave me a chance to reference Gates to Infinity, which I eventually plan to write as a sequel to this story. Even if it's a small detail, it helps make all the PMD games feel connected. But you're here for Explorers, not Gates, so on with the chapter!

"So, let me get this straight: You met a more experienced explorer at the waterfall, and with her help discovered an entire mystery dungeon behind it. Then, at the end of the dungeon, you came across a room full of valuable gems, only for one to set off a trap that washed all three of you to the hot spring. Is that the gist of your report?" Chatot summarized my explanation of today's events.

That was pretty much it. If I did miss anything, Brandon probably wasn't going to bring it up. After all, Chatot still didn't know he wasn't fluent in Pokesh, and he was trapped in his own head again anyway. "That's everything," I confirmed, "but it really sucks that we couldn't bring back any of the gems."

"Regardless, it would seem your exploration was a massive success. Why, the existence of a mystery dungeon behind the waterfall is a huge discovery, and you even proved that you can work well with other explorers. Your efforts are nothing to be ashamed of," Chatot explained.

"Um, Chatot?" Brandon spoke up, choosing his words very carefully, "I know this sounds strange, but I suspect the Guildmaster has been to Waterfall Cave before."

That seemed to catch Chatot off guard. Actually, I was just as surprised. Brandon never mentioned his suspicions to me, but he must be pretty confident in them to actually say anything about it in front of Chatot. "No, no, no, that's preposterous! Surely the Guildmaster would not have sent you to explore somewhere he has already been to," Chatot responded frantically. Upon seeing that Brandon wasn't convinced, he turned to the door behind him. "I will confirm this with the Guildmaster. You two wait here."

While Chatot reviewed Team Strength's performance for today, I was busy with my preparations for the upcoming expedition. All of our other field members had successful explorations today, resulting in Sunflora and Loudred securing spots on the expedition party. That just left two empty spots to be filled. As for who those spots would go to, I was clueless. Everyone was working hard, but at this point I needed to round out the team instead of making participation a reward for everyone's efforts.

Normally I wouldn't worry too much about perfecting the exploration team, but the Expedition Society was counting on us to help with their Nexus Project. Apparently we weren't the only ones Ampharos asked for help; explorers all over the world would be contributing. Some researchers on the Mist Continent even found a way to create their own mystery dungeons! With the guild's reputation on the line, we just had to make some sort of discovery for the project.

I was pulled away from my thoughts when Chatot entered my chamber. "Oh, Chatot, has Team Strength finished their report already?"

"More or less, yes," he replied, "but there's something you need to know about their report. Brandon somehow knew that you've already been to Waterfall Cave."

Were Chatot anyone else I would have tried to hide my surprise. "How is that possible? We've never properly mapped that dungeon, and you're the only other pokemon who even knows it exists!"

"They reported receiving help in their exploration. Perhaps some other explorer knew about the dungeon, or at least knew that you had explored it?" Chatot reasoned.

"No, I was alone on that exploration," I responded, quickly losing myself in theories. Clearly Brandon was on to me, but at least I had a better idea of who he was now.

"What should I tell them then? They seem hesitant to take credit for the discovery now, we need some sort of explanation as to why you sent them to that dungeon," Chatot pushed.

I thought for a moment. From the sound of things, Crest was still clueless about me, but Brandon knew I was hiding something. I needed a response that would fit my cheerful character without coming across as overexaggerated. "Tell them I told you this: 'Memories, memories, sweet memories. Yes, yes, when I think back on it, maybe I did go there once.' That should offer a suitable explanation."

Chatot took a moment to memorize my explanation before responding, "Certainly, Guildmaster. I will give them your story and dismiss the pair for the night."

I returned to my thoughts when Chatot left the room. Brandon was clever, I'd give him that. He somehow deduced that there was more to me than my usual, cheerful persona. How he did that I wasn't sure, but it probably had something to do with the disaster that has been Crest's training. I've been so focused on fixing his confidence that their team has been taking on missions far too dangerous for their level. A careless mistake, but I didn't think anyone would pay it any attention.

In retrospect I should have been keeping a closer eye on Brandon; up until now I'd mostly neglected his training. Perhaps I should add him to the expedition party. He was pretty inexperienced, but it would help me track his progress and give me a chance to demonstrate my fake personality to him. Considering this idea, I read over my current list: Bidoof, Crest, Sunflora, and Loudred. Adding Brandon to that group would give us three rookies and two Grass types, which is not exactly a balanced team. Besides, I wanted to see what Crest could do on his own.

Leaving Brandon behind had its own set of problems though. He still wouldn't be getting the experience he needed, and it would reinforce any suspicions he had about me. At least it would help continue Crest's growth. Ultimately, training my recruits was more important than hiding my true identity, and Crest needed specialized practice more than Brandon did. Brandon just seemed to need basic strength training.

It wasn't long before Chimecho called the guild to the dining hall for dinner. Throughout the meal, I tried to decide what my best course of action was. First of all, I had to confirm my suspicions about Brandon. The best way to do that is by seeing how he thinks myself instead of through Chatot…

"Guildmaster?" Once again Chatot tore me from my thoughts. "You know that dinner is over now, right? The recruits have retired to their rooms for the night."

Chatot was right, the dining hall was completely empty. "Oops! Guess I was lost in thought, huh? Perfect apples do tend to do that to me," I half lied. Luckily the guild was used to my obsession with these things; I doubt anyone even noticed I was acting strange. Of course, I had more serious matters to attend to than dinner, so I stopped dancing my apple on my head and ate the whole thing in a single bite.

"Er, right," Chatot responded, only mildly surprised by my actions. "Anyway, I need to know what Team Strength's mission will be tomorrow. I assume you have something in mind?"

Actually, I hadn't thought of anything for them to do yet. "Sorry Chatot, I've been a bit preoccupied. Give me a moment, I'll think of something before tomorrow's assembly. For now, I'd like you to invite Brandon and Crest to my chamber. I want to talk to them myself and let them know about the expedition a bit early."

"Are you sure that's wise? We don't want to be giving one team special treatment," Chatot questioned me.

"I have my reasons. I'll leave most of the explaining to you, I just need to see how they react," I answered.

"Very well then," Chatot replied, "We will meet you in your room soon. I suggest you be in your usual spot when we arrive, I think Brandon may be suspicious of your personality."

"My thoughts exactly. That's why I want you to be there." With that I left the dining hall to wait for Chatot in my room.

It wasn't long before Chatot was outside my door. "Guildmaster, I've brought Team Strength, just as you asked," he said upon entering the room.

This was my chance to sell Brandon on my childlike personality, so I made sure to be extra cheerful when greeting him. "Hiya!" I said as I quickly turned around to face my recruits, "Your team went through a lot today. Yes, a lot-lot!" As I spoke I tried to watch Brandon's reaction without being too obvious about it. Just as I expected, he was analyzing my every move.

Luckily, Chatot knew of my little experiment and spoke up to keep Brandon off balance. "Guildmaster, perhaps it would be best to keep things brief. It is getting quite late, after all."

"Aww, you're no fun!" Even that wasn't enough to shake Brandon's focus. "And we're here to talk about something exciting! The guild will be mounting a full expedition soon."

"An expedition?" Crest responded excitedly. Meanwhile Brandon appeared mildly confused, possibly wondering why we were telling them this.

Things were not going well, so I let Chatot take over from here. "That's right. The guild will be exploring someplace far away. It's much more difficult than exploring our local area, so we will only bring a select few pokemon from the guild on the expedition. Ordinarily, new recruits would never be considered for such a mission-"

"But you two have been working so hard, we've decided to consider you in the list of candidates!" I cut in.

Chatot pretended to be annoyed by my outburst. "Ahem. As I was saying, your performance over the last few days has been quite impressive, and the expedition team is yet to be finalized. Keep working hard, and you might be picked. I believe that is all."

"Work hard and try even harder!" I exclaimed. To my relief, Brandon was no longer focused on me, but instead appeared to be lost in thought, possibly even thinking about the expedition. At least, I hoped that was what was on his mind.

"That is all, you are dismissed," Chatot finished for me.

The rookie team left the room, with Crest looking ready to burst from excitement. No matter how hard I tried though, I couldn't seem to determine what Brandon was thinking when he left. I knew one thing though: I either threw him off my trail or confirmed his suspicions about me. I was sure he was convinced one way or the other, I just didn't know which way that was.

"So, did it work?" Chatot asked me.

"Not sure," I answered, "but whatever he thinks, it won't be changed after tonight. Have them train at Marowak's Dojo tomorrow, they've done enough missions for now."

"Training, huh? I suppose they are a bit on the weak side," Chatot reasoned. "Anyway, how have your preparations been going? I assume you're at least ready to let the guild know of our plans for an expedition?"

"I'll make the official announcement tomorrow morning, though I haven't decided exactly who should go yet," I answered. "What about your preparations?"

Chatot smiled proudly, "Ahead of schedule, actually. We will be ready to depart in two or three days. Of course, we still leave on your command."

"That's good. If you finish your preparations early, go ahead and take some time off until the expedition starts. Or after the expedition, if we end up leaving early. Anyway, that will be all Chatot. You are dismissed, get some rest."

"I can't believe we have a chance to go on an expedition!" Crest said as we left Wigglytuff's chamber. "We really are explorers now. Doing missions, exploring new places, and working as a team, and we only just started too. This really is amazing!"

"But we didn't explore a new place today, remember?" I said. Not that I wanted to hurt Crest's enthusiasm, but there was no denying that today's mission was a fool's errand. "Wigglytuff had already been to Waterfall Cave. He set us up."

Crest didn't let that get him down though. "He just forgot that he had been there. You heard what Chatot said. No one really knows how Wigglytuff thinks," Crest cut himself off as a realization hit him. "Except you, apparently. You somehow knew about his exploration before even Chatot."

"Because I had another vision," I explained. "Wigglytuff set off the same tidal wave trap that you did."

"Another vision?" Crest repeated. By now we were back in our room, so talk of my strange power would not be overheard. "And it came true, just like the first one."

Suddenly a realization hit me. "Crest, that vision didn't come true! It was a vision of the past," I said.

"Hey, you're right," he agreed. Now he had a thought, "You've had four visions now, right? Do you think we could find any patterns as to how they work yet?"

Patterns? I thought about it for a moment. Of course, there was the dizzy feeling, but that really didn't help us. I tried thinking back to what I was doing leading up to each vision. The first one was at the Kecleon Shop, then after seeing Drowzee, examining the waterfall, and trying to get a crystal. As far as I could tell there were no patterns there. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place?

Crest was also thinking hard, but he actually came up with something. "Hey, your visions always occur after you touch something, right? First Azurill's apple, then when Drowzee bumped into you, and at Waterfall Cave you touched both the waterfall and the gem in the last room."

"So you're suggesting that when I touch something, I can see a vision about its past or future?" I summarized. It did make some sense and was satisfyingly simple, but I still had almost no control over when I had visions.

"Well, yeah. At least, it's an idea," Crest answered.

"But I don't always get a vision when I touch something," I thought out loud, "so I guess it's not a very reliable power. Still, it is something to try if we ever get stuck somewhere."

"I guess so," Crest agreed.

"Anyway, we should go to sleep. With how busy the last few days have been, I don't think we can expect a break anytime soon," I said, turning over in my bed.

To be honest, I wasn't very interested in exploring my visions right now. Instead, I wanted to figure out what Wigglytuff was hiding. During our little meeting earlier, I couldn't tell if he was studying me or actually as mindless as he appeared. He seemed to stop analyzing me when I wasn't as focused on him, but how can I confirm how he acted when he wasn't the focus of my attention?

I realized that if I wanted to know for sure what Wigglytuff was thinking, I would have to ask him directly. Of course, that also required convincing him to cooperate with me, which seemed to be what got us into this situation in the first place. Once again it crossed my mind that I might be overthinking things, but until one of my visions was proven wrong, I was going to treat all of them as fact. I knew I saw Wigglytuff in that dungeon, I just needed to prove it.