A week has passed since we arrived back in Hexa. During that time, I've just been relaxing. Scorch and I sat outside one morning as he worked on a small project he started. I didn't pay him much thought until he spoke.

Scorch: Man… I just noticed that it's about Christmas. Crazy… I expect Autumn to have a Christmas party again.

Looking up to him, I sighed.

Shaymin: My fur should've told you that Winter is here just about. Not fun… I prefer my lush green look. Not brown…

Scorch looked over me and nodded.

Scorch: It's still kinda cool that your fur changes colors.

Shaymin: I guess…

Scorch placed down his project and stretched.

Scorch: Well, I am kinda excited. So much food and games during the Christmas celebration.

Shaymin: Sounds nice…

Scorch: Yep! But other then that… I can't wait for Spring.

Scorch got up and looked down the road. He stretched and looked at me.

Scorch: Well, I guess I'm heading back inside. Need to put some finishing touches on this.

He picked his items up and walked back inside. I remained outside to enjoy the somewhat warm air. I was interrupted by Bolt a few minutes later as she looked at me.

Bolt: Hey. Doing better?

Shaymin: Oh, uh, yeah.

Bolt: That's good.

She then stopped.

Bolt: Oh, right. Have you seen Cloud lately? She hasn't been around for a few days.

Shaymin: N- no. I hadn't seen her either.

Bolt sighed and shrugged.

Bolt: Guess she's out on her own adventure then. Don't worry… It's nothing serious. Autumn's just been wondering.

Shaymin: Well, uh, I'll keep an eye out.

Bolt: Thanks. Well, I better get back to Autumn. We have a lot of work to do…

Bolt smiled at me and walked back up to the guild house. I sat there for a bit before getting up and walking down to the plaza. The place was quite busy as I walked around. I wanted to find Nira and after not finding him, I decided to visit the bar. Saz was closing up and looked at me.

Saz: Ah, we were just closing up.

Shaymin: Oh, um… I was just looking for Nira.

Saz: Hmm? I believe he went home already.

Saz gave me his location as I left and headed to it. I reached a house and knocked on the door. Nira opened the door and looked a bit confused to see me.

Nira: Oh…? Didn't really expect visitors. But uh… Fine with me. Is there something you needed?

Before I was able to speak, Nira had cut me off.

Nira: Ah, actually… I'm glad you came by. I've actually been thinking…

I tilted my head.

Nira: Before getting a job at the bar, I was actually an explorer. Well… Not entirely one. I helped a team that no longer stays here. I was the navigator. Keeping this team out of trouble when they explored very dangerous locations. Bet they still do… But uh… Yeah, I spoke to Saz about it and he seems cool with me going along on your adventures and keeping you safe.

Nira took out a small circular device and showed me it.

Nira: This little thing saved them quite a lot. It connects to this tablet that I have. This device, called S.A.P scans the surrounding area and gives me a 3D map that I can check for dangers like drops and other dangers.

Shaymin: That's… Pretty cool sounding.

Nira: Yep. So if you are unsure of a location, you should come get me and I'll make it safe for all of you.

Nira looked to the side and spoke.

Nira: Ah… I need to check on something. Why don't you find me tonight?

I stood quiet and simply nodded as he closed the door.

Shaymin: U- uh… Thanks for helping us…

Turning back, I walked back home. I didn't know what to do. Everyone was out of the house. It was really boring. As I entered the house, I fell onto the couch and sighed. I looked around at the empty room before turning on the TV.

Shaymin: Maybe I can just wait for them…

I laid down and watched some TV, hoping that they would return soon.

1 Year, 341 Days Ago
10:22 AM
Mountain Campsite

I awoke and sat up in my sleeping bag. I yawned and unzipped the sleeping bag. I got out of it and left the tent to see Azelf doing his research stuff. I didn't want to bother him, so I just sat near the campfire and cooked a can of food. I stood quiet as I started to eat.

While I was eating, Azelf finished up and turned back to look at me.

Azelf: Well, I think that should do for now…

He sighed and stretched.

Azelf: Not fun staying up most of the night, but I needed to get this done…

He sat next to me and closed his eyes.

Azelf: Hey, so… Thanks for taking time to celebrate my birthday.

Shaymin: Of course.

Azelf: Heh… First time I had a decent one. My sisters, well… They enjoy tormenting me. But all in good fun. Last birthday, err, lets just say it was explosive. Quite a shocking prank for me, h- heh…

Nodding, he laid his head against me.

Azelf: Anyway… I'm pretty tired. Mind if I get some rest…? We'll do some stuff later…

Azelf didn't let me reply as he rested against me and fell asleep almost instantly. I looked down at him and shrugged. I just sat there and allowed Azelf to sleep on me.

Current Day
7:30 PM
Team House

I was woken up by knocking at the door. I looked at the time and gave a soft sigh before getting up.

Shaymin: C- crap… I must've fallen asleep…

Rubbing my eyes, I walked to the door and opened it to see Nira.

Nira: Hey, I've decided to save you time and come directly to you.

Shaymin: O- oh, right…

I stepped to the side as he entered. He walked up to a table and opened up a map. Placing the map on the table, he looked at me.

Nira: So… I went ahead and got this map from a shop. It has locations marked on it.

Shaymin: You, uh… Seem quite interested in exploring with us.

Nira sat down and nodded.

Nira: Eh, somewhat true. I've been wanting to go out and enjoy the sights instead of serving at the bar. It can be quite tiring…

Shaymin: Oh… Well, I am fine with you coming along with us.

Nira: That's good to hear. I was somewhat nervous that you would reject. A- anyway… Look here.

Nira pointed at a part of the map.

Nira: This is Moonlight Trail. No one has ever been there due to it being well over 80 miles… But I've been really wanting to explore such a place. In a book I read, it mentioned this place. From what it said, it sounded perfect for me.

Shaymin: Uh… It looks like it's in the middle of nowhere. Just, err… Loads of trees.

Nira: Yeah, I know. It's far from any towns and all that. I just been really wanting to check it out.

Shaymin: Huh… I could tell the others. See if they want to come along.

Nira: Hmm? That sounds good. Hopefully we can still go if some won't go.

Shaymin: I kinda want to take a walk, so it is possible.

Nira smiled and nodded before getting up from the chair. He folded the map up and walked towards the door.

Nira: I'm kinda excited. I'm sure Saz and Alk can hold the bar for a few days.

He opened the door and left. I watched as he closed the door, seeming somewhat happy. Once he left, I took my phone out and messaged everyone. I waited for a few minutes and soon, I received some messages. It appeared Scorch, Shock and surprisingly Cloud wanted to go. Ember had some business, so he wouldn't go. That was fine since the other three wanted to go. After getting these messages, I sent one to Nira. He was quite excited as he told me we would go tomorrow. I was fine with it and told the others. After that, I put my phone away and laid back down on the couch. Closing my eyes, I yawned and fell asleep.

I slept throughout the night and once morning came, I got ready. Ember had already left and the others were preparing with me. Nira came by about half an hour later and once everyone was ready, we started to head out on the long journey. Nira had his map out as he lead us to this location.

Nira: Alright. If we keep moving, I am sure we'll get there by day three.

Scorch: Three days of walking. Not the most exciting thing, but eh… I get to see undiscovered lands.

Shock: Just don't wander off…

The two started a conversation as I walked up to Nira.

Shaymin: What is this place like…?

Nira: Hmm? Oh. Well, it is a really nice area. Especially at night. I've seen a picture or two and it really interested me. I'm sure you'll like it too.

Shaymin: Huh…

Nira: Don't worry…! This is worth the walk.

Shaymin: Autumn should try and get a vehicle. Would be better than walking everywhere.

Nira: We do have ATV's. But those are for deliveries mostly.

Nira looked at the map and tilted his head.

Nira: Anyways… I've packed some gear for us. Mostly a tent and mini stove along with some food. Should last us.

He smiled and followed a trail that lead into a thick forest. It was kinda strange. Once we entered the forest, it got dark pretty fast. I wasn't really sure why. The trees were large and all, but there was openings between the leaves that could allow sunlight.

Scorch: Oh, Shaymin?

Scorch spoke which broke my focus on the darkening forest. I looked back at him as he continued.

Scorch: I'm kinda surprised you didn't invite Sky. Having Sky in, well… The sky could help with recon.

Shaymin: Oh, um… I didn't want to bother him. He is the guardian of Hexa, right…? Shouldn't drag him away from his job.

Scorch: Oh. Guess that makes sense.

Cloud: Eh, I'm sure we can do this alone…

Nira: Yeah, I am sure nothing bad will happen. This place is in the middle of nowhere, right? I doubt any trouble will rise.

Nira stretched and looked around at the dark forest. I watched as his rings glowed which lit the nearby area with a dim yellow. He questioned the darkness, however he shrugged it off without much issue. He just kept walking through this forest as we followed.

Nira: Okay… So over here? Yeah… Looks like the path…

Shaymin: We won't get lost, right?

Nira: Of course not. I can see where we are on the map. Lets keep going!

He happily walked down the path and we followed him like this for the entire day. Around evening, we managed to leave this forest and now stood in front of a large open field. Nira looked around and nodded.

Nira: Sweet. This is on the map. Though I didn't expect it to get so dark… And I'm starving… So lets set up camp for now.

He walked into the field and found an area to set up our camp. When we had our camp set up, we just sat around and chatted. Nira was looking at the map as the others talked. He looked over this for a bit and soon looked up.

Nira: Okay, everyone. We are like 30% there. Luckily it seems like it's a pretty open area to travel. I'm pretty excited to see this place. Thanks for coming with me.

Everyone nodded as we enjoyed the night. Nira meanwhile checked over the map but did join us a bit later...