Brody's POV

"Ahem! As I was explaining... there is a lake far to the east" Chatot said "There are many aspects of that lake that remain mysterious" He said "We hope to unravel those mysteries" He said "And so, our guild is planning to mount an expedition for the first time in a while" He said "An expedition, you say? Yes, please! Yes sirree!" Bidoof said "It's been a long time since we went on an expedition!" Sunflora said "But...That means you're going to be picking members for the expedition from ALL of us again, right?" Loudred asks "Precisely!" Chatot said "We will depart in several days" He said "Over these next few days, we will choose the most worthy apprentices" He said "The chosen members will form te expedition party" He said "Everyone, work hard so that you may be chosen for the expedition!" He said "Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!" Sunflora said "Yup yup! I've yet to go on an expedition. I would surely love to go this time!" Bidoof said "Let's work at it and get picked as members!" Loudred said "All right, everyone. It's back to work as usual" Chatot said "HOORAY!" We all said and everyone went their ways "Ah, you two" Chatot said "Today, I want you two to check the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board and handle their listed jobs" He said "That will do for now" He said and Sim and I headed upstairs.

"So today they want us to work on the jobs listed on the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board?" Sim asks "Let's try to do as many jobs as wr can" He said "Then they'll have to pick us for the expedition party!" He said "Let's go check now, Brody!" He said and we saw a zubat and koffing looking at the job board "Look! Those pokemon..." Sim said "Hey!" Zubat said spotting us "You two?!" Koffing asks "Huh? That duo..." Sim said "Wait, haven't we seen them nefore?" He asks and we thought for a moment "I....I remember!" Sim said "They're the two crooks who stole my Relic Fragment!" He said "What are they doing here?!" He asks "Whoa-ho-ho! I'll have you know that we're an exploration team too" Koffing said "Heh-heh-heh. What's so funny about an exploration team checking out the Job Bulletin Board?" Zubat asks "What?! You're an exploration team?!" Sim asks "That's right. Though the way we operate isn't always...by the book" Koffing said "But what a suprise! Why would you be here?" He asks "We wanted to become exploration team members" Sim said "That's why we're training at this guild" He said "Whaaat?!" Koffing asks "You want to become a real-deal exploration team member?!" Zubat asks and the two go to each side of Sim "You! Come with us for a second" Koffing said "Wh-what is it?" Sim asks as they push him towards the side and I glare at them "Now don't take what I'm about to say the wrong way. You should just forget about being on an exploration team!" Koffing said "What?! Why?!" Sim asks "Well, you're timid. You scare easy" Zubat said "A scaredy-cat like you can't cut it on an exploration team" He said "B-but!" Sim said walking towards me and looks at them "It-it's true that I'm timid...But that's why I'm in training! So I can overcome my own shortcomings!" He said "Even now, I'm working hard to be picked for the guild's expedition!" He said "Oh? An expedition, you say?" Koffing asks "Heh-heh
Well, effort only gets you so far" Zubat said "You won't get picked for the expedition party if you don't have talent, right?" He asks "It all comes down to talent... pure talent!" He said "B-big talk!" Sim said angry "You sure talk a lot about talent, but what kind of skills do you have?" He asks "You were so weak, we even beat you! Like Brody said you're just a bunch of bullies!" Sim said "Whoa-ho-ho! Well, we didn't have the chief with us" Koffing said "Ch-chief?" Sim asks confused "Heh-heh. That's right" Zubat said "Team Skull, our exploration team, has three members" Koffing said "Our chief is incredibly talented" Zubat said "To put it bluntly, he's brutally tough" Koffing said "Heh-heh. If the chief were around, we'd snap you like a twig" Zubat said "Whoa-ho-ho! Speaking of the Chief, I can smell him coming now!" Koffing said "Smell?" Sim asks and a Skuntank come from upstairs and stops infront of me "Move! Out of the way!" Skuntank said attacking me with a stink attack knocking me back "Oh, Brody!" Sim said "Ugh! What's this awful stench?" He asks and said stench moved over towards Sunflora, Bidoof, Corphish and Chimecho "Eek! It reeks like rotten cheese!" Sunflora said "That is foul, yes sirree!" Bidoof said "Hey, hey! My eyes are burning!" Corphish said and Skuntank moved and stopped infront of Sim "Move it! Or do you want to end up like that wimp over there?!" Skuntank asks "Oh no..." Sim said moving away "Chief!" Koffing said "You showed them, Chief! You're the best!" Zubat said "Yeah, yeah, whatever. So, you two, did you sniff out any jobs that'll bring in the cash?" Skuntank asks "The Job Bulletin Board only posted cheap tasks, but..." Koffing said "There's something else, Chief. It's got the potential to go big..." Zubat said and whispers something to him "What? An expedition from this guild?" Skuntank asks "That does sound tasty" He said "Let's get out of here. We need to do some plotting" He said "Come on. We're going" He said "Yeah!" Koffing and Zubat said and Sknutank walks away out the guild "What are you all staring at? This isn't a public performance!" Koffing said to the others and goes after Skuntank "Heh-heh, see you around, wimps" Zubat said to us and followed Koffing "Are you okay, Brody?!" Sim asks me worried "Yeah...." I said standing up "Great! It doesn't look like you're injured" Sim said "That sure was rough, though" He said "I couldn't work up the courage to challenge him to his face!" He said "Even though he hurt you, Brody....I'm ashamed of myself...." Sim said looking down "They're right...I am a wimp....A big chicken" He said "No you're not!" I said confident and Sim's eyes fill with tears "Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Brody..." Sim said "But...But I really am a wimp..." He said "But it's nothing new for me...." He said "Sim..." I said and Sim walks closer nuzzles against my cheek to tell me it's fine "I've decided that I can still do my best even if I'm not very brave" Sim said "I'm not going to give up over something like this" He said "I'm going to be cheerful and keep trying" He said smiling happily making me smile back "Thank you, Brody!" He said "For now, we'd better keep working like we've been doing" He said and I nodded and once we choose some missions we headed outside.

When we reach the crossroads we saw a Wynaut and a Wobbuffet "Oh! A customer, is it not?" Wynaut asks "Good day, is it not?" He asks "The new shop, Spinda's Café, is now open!" He said "This wonderful shop is overflowing with hopes and dreams, is it not?" He asks "Hopes and dreams?" Sim asks "That's right!" Wobbuffet said "Hey! Why not come on in? Don't be shy!" Wynaut said "I don't really know about this. Want to find out?" Sim asks not sure how to react "Yeah let's go" I said "We have two guests!" Wynaut said and we went inside.

"Wow! This is a big place!" Sim said with bright eyes and a Spinda walks over to us "Hello and welcome to Spinda's Café!" Spinda said "My name is Spinda. I am the owner of this café" He said "This is a café for explorers who enjoy finding new things every day and who are constantly challenging themselves" He said "A café for explorers?" Sim asks "That's right. It's natural to want to refresh yourself with a hearty, delicious drink after exploring..." Spinda said "So we are delighted to provide this service to explorers, and we trust it will bring them happiness" He said "Today is our grand opening! Allow me to show you around the premises" He said and takes us to a bar stand "This is the Juice Bar" Spinda said "You've undoubtedly collected Gummis and Apples during your explorations, am I right?" He asks "Here, those edibles can become delicious drink sensations" He said "I, Spinda, will take your ingredient and use my incredible skills to create a delectable drink for you" He said "Really? So if we brought you an Apple, you'd make some Apple Juice, is that what you're saying?" Sim asks excited "That's right! That is exactly right. That's how it works" Spinda said "While you're nutrious drink, you can sit back and share exploration stories" He said "Here's the next facility..." He said takes us to the second stand "This is the centerpiece of our place, the Recycle Shop" He said "I'll bet you have a bunch of items in storage that you picked up in your travels and have little use for, am I right?" He asks "Sometimes you have to throw out your extra items to make room..." He said "Doesn't that seem wasteful?" He asks "There could be explorers in dungeons out there who are desperately in need of the very things you have locked in storage" He said "That's what we thought too. That's why we established this facility" He said "You can bring your extra items here and trade them for items you want. How does that sound?" He asks "One pokemon's trash is another pokemon's treasure, am I right?" He asks "I thought ut would be fun for explorers to gather and trade items with one another" He said "You'll never have to throw out another item. You'll never have to say, 'What a waste'! That's my goal" He said "So if you've got a collection of items you don't need, please make use of our Recycle Shop" He said "You can even get a bonus Prize Ticket when recycling items. It's a lot of fun" He said "....I know that was a whirlwind tour, but I hope you've got an idea of what kind of place this is" He said "Wow. Seems like a really fun shop" Sim said excited "Thank you very much!" Spinda said happy "It is my goal to have a café of hopes and dreams, where many explorers can gather" He said "I hope to see you again soon here at Spinda's Café" He said and they went to thwir respectives shop and Sim and I walked out the café.

When we walked out we ran into Chimecho "Oh, Brody!" Chimecho said "Were you just at the café?" She asks "Perfect timing! The truth is... I have something to ask you..." She said "In the past, when you've wanted to take team members with you to explore, they waited for you at this Watering Hole..." She said "But now that the café has just opened..." She said "Everyone has been saying they'd like to wait while relaxing at the café" She said "I completely understand that... I mean, I understand how they feel" She said "So, Brody, what do you think? She asks "Would you like to meet up with your team members waiting at the café?" She asks "Sure thing" I said "Thank you, Brody!" Chimecho said "I'll make sure to let everyone know!" She said "I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear that!" She said "Oh! I almost forgot!" She said "I placed a secret signpost here... Did you see it, Brody?" She asks referring to a signpost with a bell "Yes" I said "Very perceptive Brody" Chimecho said "If you ring the bell attached to this sign.... I'll come here from the guild..." She said "You can still assemble your exploration team here!" She said "So when you want to assemble your team, just ring this bell!" She said "So try it sometime and see!" She said "That's all, Brody! Good luck exploring!" She said heading back to the guild and Sim and I went of to do our missions of the day.

*A few days later*

For the following days we've been doing regular missions and yesterday we had to do another sentry duty task and today we woke up and went to the usual morning attendance "Everyone! I have an announcement before we get down to work" Chatot said "Let me introduce our new allies" He said "Allies? What, more new apprentices?" Loudred asks "Golly, I wonder what kinds of Pokemon they are?" Bidoof asks "Hey! Over here, please" Chatot said and a cloud of stinky smell came from above the stairs "Ugh! What stinks?!" Loudred asks "Eek! It reeks like rotten cheese! Ewwww!" Sunflora said "Yup yup! That is some kind of foul stench!" Bidoof said and Team Skull walked downstairs towards us all suprising us "It-it's them!" Sim said "These three are our new partners" Chatot said "Whoa-ho-ho! I'm Koffing" Koffing said "Heh-heh-heh! Zubat here. Glad to meet you" Zubat said "And I'm Team Skull's leader" Skuntank said "I'm Skuntank. Remember it" He said "Especially you two. Chaw-haw-haw!" He said looking at me and Sim making me glare at Skuntank "What, you're already acquainted?" Chatot asks "That simplifies things" He said "These three aren't joining us as apprentices" He said "They will be joining iur expedition to lend us their assistance" He said "Whaaaaaat?!" Sum asks "Why are you so shocked?" Chatot asks "Chatot, sir, it's nothing. That one always overreacts to every little thing. Chaw-haw-haw" Skuntank said "Hm. Very well, then" Chatot said "Anyway, the Guildmastet has made his decision" He said "He has decided that having this trio take part will make us stringer on the expedition" He said "However, it would be impossible to coordinate teamwork if we were to begin working together right away" He said "Therefore, we've decided that the trio should live with us for several days" He said "Though it will be only for a short while, I ask everyone to treat our guests with hospitality" He said "....Doesn't Chatot think something stinks about this? Literally?" Loudred asks "...Eww. How can the Guildmaster stand this?" Sunflora asks "I sure hope this expedition ends soon! Yup yup!" Bidoof said "All right, everyone. Let's get down to work" Chatot said "...Hooray" We all said dully "What's this? Wgere's your usual spirit?" Chatot asks confused "You gotta be KIDDING!" Loudred said "This STINKS! How do you expect us to be cheerful when..." He said and suddenly the ground started shaking "WH-WHAT?" Loudred asks confused "YOOM....." Wigglytuff said sad "YOOOOOM...." He said "No! The Guildmaster.... His rage is building!" Chatot said "If the Guildmaster gets angry, it will be horrific!" He said "Everyone! Come on! Be cheerful, even if it hurts!" He said "All right, everyone. Let's get down to today's work" He said "HOORAY!" We all said and Wigglytuff calmed down and everyone walked their ways "Chaw-haw-haw! Glad to have met you" Skuntank said and those three walk away "Urk! Something's definitely suspicious about them for sure" Sim said "I don't know what they're scheming...." He said "But we'd better be careful, Brody" He said "Ah, you two" Chatot said "Take care of the jobs on the boards today, Ok?" He said and Sim and I went to get some missions and we go to complete them.

*Later at night after dinner*

Third Person's POV

"We just had dinner, but I could go for some more food" Zubat said "My belly'll never get filled on grub like that" Koffing said "All right. The guild members have all gone off to bed..." Skuntank said "Let's go find it now" He said "Huh? Find what?" Zubat asks "What else? The guild's food stock" Skuntank said "We'll find their food and give ourselves a proper feast" He said "I like that thinking, Chief!" Koffing said "Okay, let's get to it!" Zubat said.

*The next Morning*

Brody's POV

"Ah, you two" Chatot said "Your task today is to obtain stock to replenish the larder" He said "Larder? You mean, go get some food?" Sim asks confused "Correct" Chatot said "We inspected the larder this morning" He said "For some mysterious reason, the guild's food stock has dropped sharply all of a sudden" He said "Furthermore, our entire stock of Perfect Apples has disappeared. That was the only item to get completely cleaned out" He said "Perfect Apples? What are those?" Sim asks curious "They're very big and very delicious Apples" Chatot said "But more than that, they are the Guildmaster's favorite food!" He said "If there were no Perfect Apples, the Guildmaster would, um..." He said "The Guildmaster w-w-would..." He said "...erk" He said "Go on. If there were no Perfect Apples, what would happen to Wigglytuff?" Sim asks confused "The G-Guildmaster would...." Chatot said and stayed silent "...yes, that's what would happen" He said confusing us more "That's why I'm begging you two to get some Perfect Apples" He said "Uh, what did he just say?! I didn't hear! It'll drive me crazy, not knowing!" Sim said "But, oh well" He said "Sure, we'll go get some. You can count on us!" Sim said smiling happy "Good!" Chatot said "Perfect Apples can be found deep in Apple Woods" He said "Now, listen, this may seem like a simple errand, but it's a crucial job" He said "After all, this is all about the Guildmaster's..." He said "....so please don't fail!" He said "Ok! Let's keep doing our best, Brody!" Sim said and I nodded as we started to walk out.

Third Person's POV

"Whoa-ho-ho! Looks like they're going out foraging for food" Koffing said "That's because we feasted last night. A thankless task thanks to us, chaw-haw-haw!" Skuntank said "Heh-heh-heh! Let's mess with them!" Zubat said.

*Meanwhile*

Brody's POV

"This must be the way into Apple Woods" Sim said "According to Chatot, we need to go to the deepest part of the woods" He said "That's where the Perfect Apples are supposed to be" He said "Let's keep doing our best, Brody!" Sim said smiling big and I nodded and we head in.

Third Person's POV

"Whoa-ho-ho! Looks like they're off and running" Koffing said "Heh-heh. We'll go after them. Come on" Zubat said and three go after them.

*Later*

Brody's POV

Eventually we reached the deep apple woods "This is the farthest you can go in Apple Woods, isn't it?" Sim asks "According to Chatot, the Perfect Apples should be around here somewhere..." He said "Oh! Brody, look there!" He said pointing at a huge tree "Hanging on that huge tree..." Sim said "Those must be Perfect Apples" He said and we walked closer to it "All right, then...How should we get those Perfect Apples?" Sim asks "Chaw-haw-haw! Easily done!" We heard "Who said that?!" Sim asks and Team Skull jumped off the tree infront of us "What?! You!" Sim said "Chaw-haw-haw! Team Skull at your service!" Skuntank said "Heh-heh. It's wimpy and company. What took you so long?" Zubat asks "We've been having us a picnic of Perfect Apples while waiting for you to show" Koffing said "What took you so long?" He asks "Whaaaaat?!" Sim asks "Whoa-ho-ho! You took so long, I stuffed myself! Buuuurp!" Koffing said "Theyre saying they ate the Perfect Apples, Brody" Sim said "But there are still several left on the tree" He said "Yeah, let's beat these jerks and take home some Perfect Apples" I said "Chaw-haw-haw. Knock us out? That's very rude of you!" Skuntank said "Why, I was even going to offer my help for your mission" He said "Huh?!" Sim asks "You were wondering how you could get the perfect apples?" Skuntank asks "Nothing could be easier. Watch" He said amd headbutts the tree making it drop five Perfect Apples "Oh! Some perfect apples!" Sim said "See? What'd I tell you?" Skuntank asks "Go on, now. Scoop up those Perfect Apples and scuttle back to the guild. Chaw-haw-haw" He said but we stay silent glaring at them "Hm? What's the matter? Aren't you going to pick tem up?" Skuntank asks "You think we were born yesterday or something?" I ask "Yeah! You just want to pull another dirty trick on us!" Sim said "Color me suprised! They didn't fall for it at all!" Zubat said "Aww. How boring is that" Koffing said "We were right!" Sim said angry "Chaw-haw-haw. It's a little disappointing you didn't fall for our act..." Skuntank said "But so what? What are you gonna do about it?" He asks "The only thing we can!" Sim said "We're going to knock out your team. Then we're taking the Perfect Apples back to the guild!" He said "Well now. Aren't we feeling peppy today!" Skuntank said "When we first met, you were shaking like a leaf too. Chaw-haw-haw" He said "It's true... That time, I did back down..." Sim said "Even now I'm a little scared..." He said "But I won't lose again!" He said "I won't ever back down again!" He said "So be it. In recognition of your courage..." Skuntank said "We'll be honored to take you on fair and square. Chaw-haw-haw!" He said and Koffing stand next to him and Zubat stands back "W-watch out, Brody!" Sim said "They're going to try something!" He said "Let's see if you can withstand this attack" Skuntank said "Koffing and I will use our...noxious gas combo!" He said and they do it "Waaaaaah! WAAAAAH!" Sim screamed as we got knocked out by the gas.

When we regained consciousness Koffing and Skuntank were gone along the apples, Zubat got knocked out by the gas too and when he woke up he run off "Are you ok, Brody?" Sim asks and I nodded "Urf... We both got knocked out..." Sim said "But what an overpowering stench" He said "The stench is still lingering..." He said "Oh! What happened to the Perfect Apples?!" He asks "Aw! They're gone!" He said "Did those bullies eat them all?" He asks "If they're all gone, there's nothing we can do" He said "There's nothing we can do. Let's go back to the guild" He said.

*Back at the Guild*

"Whaaaaaat? You failed?!" Chatot asks "Are you serious? Oh no! What am I going to do?!" He asks "Seriously! What am I to do?!" He asks "There was nothing we could do. You see, Skuntank and his..." Sim said "Quiet! I don't want to hear any excuses!" Chatot said angry "Urk..." Sim said "You leave me no choice" Chatot said "For the time being, you'll go without dinner tonight!" He said "What?! B-but..." Sim said "You failed to complete an important job" Chatot said "Yoir punishment could be much more severe!" He said "Ugh..." Sim said "But it wasn't our fault-" I said "I don't want to hear anything from you two!" Chatot said "You've saddled me with this terrible task!" He said "I've got to report this to the Guildmaster now!" He said "Upon hearing my report, the Guildmaster is sure to..." He said "I will report this to the Guildmaster after dinner. You two will come with me when I do so" He said angry "If I had to face the Guildmaster's wrath all by myself, well, that would hardly be fair" He said "Therefore, you two will come with me!" He said "That's an order!" He said. And so dinner arrived and all we could do watch as everyone else ate dinner including those three bullies.

*Later at Wigglytuff's room*

"Hiya!" Wigglytuff said "You brought me some Perfect Apples, didn't you?" He asks "Thank you!" He said "Uh.... There's, uh, a slight..." Chatot said "Uh... It's awfully hard to say this, but..." He said "Huh? What's wrong?" Wigglytuff asks "You see, uh, truth be told..." Chatot said "These apprentices....Well, they failed in their mission to bring back any Perfect Apples, and....." He said "So, uh, to put it another way...." He said "It's ok. I understand" Wigglytuff said "It's all right! Nobody wins all the time" He said "Don't feel blue, don't feel blue" He said "Where are the other perfect appkes?" He asks "As I'd explained.... Um... They failed to get them, so, uh...." Chatot said "In other words, uh...the Perfect Apples..." He said "The number of Perfect Apples harvested... would be, uh...zero" He said "....Oh" Wigglytuff said "Therefore....not even one Perfect Apple was obtained..." Chatot said "That means, Guildmaster... You will have to make do without Perfect Apples for a little bit" He said and laugh to not cry but Wigglytuff hasn't said anything yet "Um, Guildmaster? Guildmaster?" Chatot asks and Wigglytuff sniffs and sobs 'Whoa! He's going to cry!' I thought and Wigglytuff started shaking "Waaaah! N-no!" Chatot said and the place started shaking "Yow! The whole place is shaking!" Sim said "Waaa........ Waaaaaaaaaaahhhh...." Wigglytuff said "Cover your ears!" Chatot said W-why?!" Sim asks "Don't argue! Do it now!" Chatot said doing it "WAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" Wigglytuff said crying and small explosions started happening around the room "Sorry to disturb you! We've come to deliver a Perfect Apple!" Someone said and Team Skull entered "Huh?" Wigglytuff asks calming down ad Zubat and Koffing push us aside and Skuntank walks over giving Wigglytuff a perfect apple! "Here you go. A genuine Perfect Apple" Skuntank said "Please accept it as our token of friendship" He said "Oh, wow! You went and got it just for me?!" Wigglytuff asks cheery "Yay! Thank you! Friends! Friends!" He said "Th-thank you so very, very kindly!" Chatot said "Thanks to you, we've all been spared a catastrophe!" He said "Hey! You two! Quit dozing and show your respect and appreciation!" He said to us angry and I frown "Unggggh...." Sim and I muttered looking at Team Skull angry "Chaw-haw-haw. No, no, it's quite all right. After all, your guild has been very generouz and hospitable to us" Skuntank said "It's only right that we try to repay that favor in our own way" He said "Ah! I see that you're the most admirable of pokemon" Chatot said "To be able to embark on an expedition with someone so noble as you..." He said "It will be truly inspiring!" He said "Chaw-haw-haw. No, no! You will be the ones who inspire us" Skuntank said "Truly, we look forward to our expedition" He said "It's late now, so we'll be off to bed" He said "Until tomorrow then. Chaw-haw-haw!" He said and the three leave 'Thank you! Good night! Friends! Friends!" Wigglytuff said.

Third Person's POV

"But, chief.... Why'd you bother helping out that chicken?" Zubat asks "Like giving away that perfect apple right then..." He said "We should've just watched what'd happen to them after" He said "That would've been hilarious" He said "Yeah, my thoughts exactly" Koffing said "Chaw-haw-haw! You're not thinking strategically, you two" Skuntank said "Why'd we come here in the first place? The expedition, right?" He asks "Right now, the trick is for us to win the trust of Wigglytuff" He said "I get it now" Koffing said "But.....This being a famous guild and all, I was playing it cautious at first, but it's been ridiculously easy" Skuntank said "Wigglytuff's been nothing more than a big baby" He said "He's no big deal" He said "Why everyone's so terrified of Wigglytuff, I don't know. I'm clueless" He said "Anyway, if we find a treasure while on the expedition...." He said "We knock out the guild's crew" Koffing said "Then we snatch the treasure and skedaddle on out!" Zubat said "Whoa-ho-ho! This plan is a sure thing" Koffing said "Heh-heh" Zubat said "Chaw-haw-haw" Skuntank said.

*Meanwhile at Brody and Sim's rolm*

Brody's POV

Sim sighs "Skuntank's team showed us up over and over again...." Sim said "It's great that Wigglytuff didn't blow up at us" He said "Urf...But we didn't get to eat dinner after all...." He said "I feel horribly hungry..." He said and looks down "Sorry, I know you're hungry too, Brody" He said "Staying awake like this doesn't make it better. Let's get some sleep" He said "Good night, Brody" He said cuddling up to me and I cuddle back as we both fall asleep.

*The next Morning*

"Ahem. One last item" Chatot said "Tomorrow or the day after... Or perhaps in several days' time..." He said "We plan to announce the members of the expedition party" He said "Wow!" Chimecho said "By golly, the members are finally going to be picked!" Bidoof said "Oh my gosh! It will be so fun!" Sunflora said "Everyone, this is your last chance to make an impression" Chatot said "Work hard and impress us if you want to be chosen" He said "All right, everyone. Let's get down to work as usual" He said"HOORAY!" We all said and everyone went their ways "I'm so hungry, Brody...." Sim said "Ah, you two" Chatot said "You two should take care of listed jobs today" He said "We're counting on you" He said "There's one other thing. About the expedition..." He said "You should give up on being chosen as expedition members" He said "Huh?! Wh-why?!" Sim asks "Your failure yesterday weighs heavily" Chatot said "As you know, it is difficult to tell what our Guildmaster is thinking from his demeanor....." He said "But there's no doubt that he must be seething with anger inside" He said "It's unlikely that he would bother to choose you for the expedition" He said "So when thw time comes to announce the members, don't get your hopes up" He said "That's all" He said and left "I was already weak from hunger..." Sim said "And then to be told something like that.... There's no way I can get motivated now..." He said "Psst! Listen up!" Someone said "Huh? I heard a voice somewhere...." Sim said and I nodded and we looked around "Shhh! Over here!" Someone said and we look to see Bidoof, Sunflora and Chimecho "Oh! Bidoof!" Sim said "Shhh! By golly, not so loud!" Bidoof said "Come this way!" He said and they take us to our room.

"Whew! No one saw anything, except maybe Croagunk..." Bidoof said "What's going on? Why did you call us in here?" Sim asks "Well....here you go" Sunflora said and puts an apple infront of Sim and one infront of me "Oh! Apples!" Sim said "You must be very hungry" Chimecho said "We all set aside a little bit of our dinners last night for you" Bidoof said "Now, eat up!" Sunflora said "Th-thanks, everyone!" Sim said happy and we started eating them fast "Whoa! Thanks! I'm revitalized!" Sim said happy "Great!" Chimecho said "We can all use help when we're down" Sunflora said "Every one of us needs to be able to work hard in order to be picked for the expedition. Yup yup!" Bidoof said "Thanks, everyone...." Sim said and sniffs "But about the expedition.... Chatot just cames and told us..." He said "We're probably not going to be chosen..." He said "How could you say that?! There's no telling what might happen! No sirree!" Bidoof said "The members haven't been picked yet!" Sunflora said "Everyone.....Thanks for trying to cheer us up, but..." Sim said "Doesn't everybody want to go on the expedition?" He asks "What if we were chosen to go?" He asks "If that happens, someone ere might not get to go" He said "Would you all be ok with that?" He asks "No, I wouldn't like that...." Sunflora said "But, of course, if someone is chosen..." Chimecho said "Then someone else can't go" She said "That's just the way it is!" She said "If you don't get picked for the expedition, you should cheer for those who did" Sunflora said "Yup yup! And everyone wants to go on the expedition with you, Sim and Brody" Bidoof said "Everyone, honestly, thank you" Sim said sniffing "Ok! Then we'll keep trying our best to get picked for the expedition" He said "We'll keep on trying to the end!" He said "Yup yup! That's the spirit!" Bidoof said "Yes! Let's all do our best!" Chimecho said "We've got to try hard so we can all go!" Sunflora said "Yes!" Sim and I said and the two of us high five and we all left our room and the three went their way.

"Meh-heh-heh! Hey, you two over there..." Croagunk said "Oh, it's Croagunk!" Sim said and we walked over to him "Meh-heh-heh. What are you up to with Bidoof and the others? It all looks so sneaky" Croagunk said "I suppose it's got nothing to do with me, but....Meh-heh-heh" He said "Anyway, that's not why I called you here. Meh-heh-heh! The waiting's over!" He said "Its about my shop. Meh-heh-heh! The Croagunk Swap Shop is back in business!" He said "Croagunk....Swap Shop?" Sim asks "Meh-heh-heh! You heard right" Croagunk said "I finally finished repairing my Swap Cauldron, which means that I'm finally back in business again! Meh-heh-heh!" He said "You put certain kinds of items in this here Swap Cauldron...." He said "And those items get swapped for an item offered up by another pokemon somewhere around Treasure Town" He said "There are some pokemon around that have pretty rare items for swapping" He said "So you could end up with a stupendously great swap. Get it? Meh-heh-heh!" He said "So if you two feel like swapping items, you bring them to me, all right? Meh-heh-heh!" He said and we nodded and then we went to grab missions and we left the guild.

"Huh? There's someone at the café entrance" Sim said "I wonder what's going on" He said and we walked to the Octillery and Mr. Mime "Hey, is something going on? Something at the café?" Sim asks "Yeah. It seems like there's some wonderful news for all the explorers" Mr. Mime said "I wonder what kind of wonderful mews" Octillery said "Now I'm really interested. I'm going to go find out" He said going inside "I'm going too" Mr. Mime said following him "Wonderful news, huh?" Sim asks "Hey, Brody, we should go too" He said and I nodded and we went inside.

"Wow, there's a crowd" Sim said "May I have everyone's attention, please! First of all, I'd like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules!" Spinda said "Today I would like to give you some wonderful news of hopes and dreams!" He said "Thanks to your kind patronage, this café has been qute popular..." He said "We've been fortunate to have so many wonderful customers!" He said "This shop's pride and joy, the Recycle Shop, is fully operational and has collected many items" He said "We would like to thank you for your kind patronage..." He said "By opening a new service!" He said "We're calling it Project P!" He said "Project P?" Mr. Mime asks "What's that?" Octillery asks "This project aims to use the items gathered at the Recycle Shop in order to explore unexplored places" He said "Allow me to explain" He said "Right now at the Recycle Shop, you trade several items in exchange for one of the shop's items" He said "Thanks to everyone's continued recycling efforts, we have gathered a lot of items here at the shop" He said "The service will continue to operate in the same manner..." He said "And now with Project P established...." He said "You might be wondering how Project P fits into all this..." He said "We'll use the accumulated items to explore unexplored areas!" He said "There are still so many placed around the world that are waiting to be found and explored" He said "So many secret treasures and challenging puzzles waiting to be discovered..." He said "So let's go and find them! That's what Project P is about!" He said "Ah, the pursuit of knowledge..." He said "And continuing exploration...." He said "We'll find dazzling treasures and new exploration areas!(Probably...)" He said "And if you bring your discoveries back to the café..." He said "You'll get a special deal at the Recycle Shop!" He said "This should keep items circulating through the Recycle Shop" He said "The items at the Recycle Shop will become more and more amazing!" He said "What do you think? Do you understand?" He asks and we all said yes "Use the recycled items to explorethe world!" Spinda said "Don't you think it's a magnificent project, full of hopes and dreams?" He asks "Whoa! This is genius!" Mr. Mime said "It seems so economical!" Pachirisu said "We've already sent out an exploration team to find unexplored areas!" Spinda siad "There should be new discoveries before long!" He said "So, everyone! Please keep recycling, more and more every day!" He said "Let's all work together and find unexplored areas!" He said "HOORAY!" Everyone said ans cheered "Wow! So amazing!" Sim said to me excited "Recycling leftover items, trading them around.... They're bound to turn into unbelievable treasures!" He said "And being able to explore unexplored areas!" He said "Wahoo! I'm so excited!" He said "We should recycle more!" He said and after that we went to do our missions, determined to be selected.

*A few days later during dinner*

"Everyone! Hold up!" Chatot said before we ate "Ahem! Before we begin dinner tonight..." He said "I wish to make an announcement" He said "Hey, hey, heeeeeeeey!" Corphish said "Well, spit it out already! Let's eat!" Loudred said "You prevent us from eating what's in front of us? This is an outrage!" Dugtrio said "Eek! This is so unfair! I feel faint from hunger!" Sunflora said "Booo! Booo!" Diglett said "Order! I must have order!" Chatot said and everyone calms down "Ahem! I'm sure the selection of the expedition members has been on everyone's minds" He said "Our Guildmaster has apparently made his final decision" He said "WHOA!" Everyone said excited "The members will be announced at tomorrow morning's briefing" Chatot said "It's something to look forward to" He said  "Now without further ado... On your marks..." Chatot said "LET'S EAT!" We all said and started eating. Once dinner was over Sim and I went to our room.

"Tomorrow they're finally going to announce the members of the expedition" Sim said "I'm feeling sort of nervous" He said "Yes, I know Chatot said we shouldn't get our hopes up" He said "After all, we didn't bring back any of those Perfect Apples that Wigglytuff loves so much" He said "But...After that, we did work really hard, didn't we?" He asks "We've done the best we could. Even if we don't get picked, I don't regret a thing" He said and yawns "I'm getting drowsy. Let's get some sleep" He said "I'm looking forward to tomorrow's announcement. Ok, good night" He said falling asleep and I hold him close laying down 'No regrets. Right...' I thought 'But...If we're not chosen for the exploration party...' I thought 'Sim will be crushed' I thought 'Sim is trying so hard...I hope Sim gets to go on the exploration...' I thought 'If we both get chosen for te expedition...' I thought 'That special ability I have may be useful then...' I thought 'Come to think of it, I haven't had any of those dizzy spells recently' I thought 'I think it's a useful ability' I thought 'But not being able to see those visions when I want to is frustrating' I thoght 'Thinking about everything too much will keep me from sleeping. I'd better get to sleep now too' I thought 'Goodnight, Sim. I hope you get chosen tomorrow' I thought falling asleep cuddling up to him.

*Elsewhere*

Third Person's POV

"There it is! Another Time Gear!" Grovyle said finding a Time Caver in an cavern with a lake "This is the second one!" Grovyle said "Three more Time Gears remain. I must have them..." He said.

*The next Morning*

Brody's POV

"Ahem! Now then" Chatot said "I shall announce the expedition members at this time" He said taking the memo Wigglytuf gave him "Step forward if your name is called" Chatot said "Our first member....Loudred!" He said "Y-yes! I DID IT!" Loudred said happy and stepped forward "Next up is... Corphish!" Chatot said "Hey, hey, hey! Got it!" Corphish said stepping forward "Next is...Oh, what's this?" Chatot asks "Well this is a suprise! Our next member is Bidoof!" He said "Really?! Really and truly?!" Bidoof asks suprised "Golly....Me?! I'm going on the expedition?!" He asks and doesn't move "Hm? Something the matter? Come on, step forward" Chatot said "Urf...I'm feeling a might overwhelmed here. My legs aren't moving..." Bidoof said "So be it. We'll ignore it and move on" Chatot said "Next we have Sunflora and Chimecho!" He said "Oh? Us too?" Chimecho asks "Eek! Oh my gosh!" Sunflora said and the two step forward "Erm, yes...And there we have the expedition party members!" Chatot said "Urf..." Sim said "So that's it for the expedition members....Erm... What's this...?" Chatot asks and took a moment to read it "Erm... It appears that there are more expedition members" Chatot said "The others are...Diglett, Dugtrio and Croagunk. Oh and Sim and Brody!" He said "That is all. Wait a second! What?!" He asks "Guildmaster! Everyone's on this list" He said "Yup! That's right!" Wigglytuff siad happy "If we all go, we would be leaving the guild empty!" Chatot said "It'll be fine. We'll lock up properly" Wigglytuff said "Guildmaster, I also have some misgivings" Skuntank said "Do you think perhaps we may have too many members for an expedition?" He asks "Hmm... When a friend asks something like that, I have to wonder why...." Wigglytuff said "I mean, first of all, why does eeryone have to go?" Skuntank asks "What's the point in having everyone participate?" He asks "If everyone went, it would be more fun!" Wigglytuff said "What?!" Skuntank asks "So that's how it is, everyone! We're all going on the expedition, and it will be fun, fun, fun!" Wigglytuff said "Let's ll do our best!" He said "HOORAY!" We all said "....Well, that's settled" Chatot said "Fine. Let me explain the schedule" He said "Right after this, I will hold a briefing on the expedition" He said "Each of you should get prepared to embark on the expedition" He said "Let me remind you that this is a guild-exclusive expedition. You may not bring nonguild members of your teams" He said "Keep that in mind while you are making preparations" He said "When you are prepared for the upcoming journey, you should return here" He said "That is all. Dismissed!" He said and Team Skull leave and Wigglytuff goes to his room and us apprentices form a circle "I could scream, I'm so happy! Everyone is going on the expedition!" Sunflora said "Our Guildmaster has done it again. I'm so shocked, I'm tingling!" Chimecho said "I didn't think we'd get picked, so that came as a total shock!" Sim said "I'm glad we never gave up!" He said "Hey, hey!" Corphish said and Bidoof sniffs "By golly, I'm mighty happy that they're even letting me go on this here expedition....." Bidoof said "Oh, but not just me! Why, everyone gets to go..." He said "It's like I'm dreaming. It's making me feel mighty emotional..." He said and sobs "It's no dream. This is really happening" Dugtrio said "Anyway, since we are all going, it means that we're all going to be put to the test as well" He said "That's why I would like to propose that all of us apprentices work as one" He said "And let's make this expedition a success!" He said "Yippee! That's the spirit!" Sunflora said "Yeah! THAT's the spirit!" Loudred said "Let's do our best!" Chimecho said "Let's band together and do it!" Sim said and everyone went their ways and Sim and I went to Treasure Town, since we were rewarded a bigger Treasure Bag I'll be able to bring more items.

*Some long preparations Later*

"All accounted for, it appears" Chatot said "Well then let me explain about this expedition" He said "First, the objective: exploration of Fogbound Lake" He said "Fogbound Lake?" Sim asks confused "Correct. It is a lake that is said to be located far to the east" Chatot said "However, it is perpetually enshrouded by a dense a fog. As such, its actual existance has never been confirmed..." He said "It is merely the foggy mirage of a spot that lives to this day on rumor alone" He said "It is also rumored..." He said "A treasure if exquisite beauty is hidden there!" He said "Wow! Treasure?! We're goinf on a treasure hunt!" Simnsaid excited "This is so exciting!" He said "Yup! It will be fun, fun, fun!" Wigglytuff said "Everyone, open your Wonder Maps, please" Chatot said and we all did "First off... This is where Fogbound Lake is said to be" Chatot said showing us "As an uncharted territory, the area is shown under a cloud cover" He said "Our guild is here" He said "As you can see, the lake is at a considerable distance from the guild" He said "Therefore, we will encamp at the foot of the highlands here. That will serve as our base camp" He said "If we were to travel all at once in a single group to the base camp, our mobility would be restricted" He said "The strategy is to split up into several groups to travel to the base camp" He said "I shall announce those groups now" He said "The first group is Sunflora, Loudred, Diglett and Croagunk" He said "You guys! You'd better NOT hold me back!" Loudred said "You should talk!" Sunflora said "The next group is Dugtrio, Chimecho and Corphish" Chatot said "We're a solid group!" Dugtrio said "I promise to try my best!" Chimecho said "Hey, hey, likewise!" Corphish said "Erm... Let's see..." Chatot said "The Guildmaster and I shall travel as a pair... That is acceptablr, yes?" He asks Wigglytuff "Awwwwwww?! I have to go with Chatot?!" Wigglytuff asks "That's so boooooring!" He said "Please don't be difficult. This is a key element of our strategy" Chatot said ".....Meanie" Wigglytuff said "Our guests, Team Skull, should travel independent of us as their own group" Chatot said "And the final group is Sim, Brody and Bidoof" He said "We're in the same group! I hope I can keep up. Yup yup!" Bidoof said "Ha ha ha! Same here, Bidoof!" Sim said "Well then.... Everyone, let's get to it and move out!" Chatot said "HOORAY!" We all said and walk away.

Third Person's POV

And thus....The guild's expedition party began making its way toward Fogbound Lake. According to plan, the party was split into the designated groups. And Brody, Sim and Bidoof's group plotted its course. The group settled on a route along the seacoast to reach the base camp.