There was indeed, a creature in the Beach Cave, not more than a few hundred feet from where the intrepid three were, but this thing wasn't a Nidoran by any stretch of the imagination. An oblong, cyan figure lay upon the damp, unforgiving floor, its arms and stubby legs splayed across the rocks--a Wobuffet. Though no Pokemon, neither cave-dweller or adventurer, was in position to observe it, an observer would note that the Wobuffet appeared to be sleeping. A smooth, rubbery torso that glossily reflected what little light penetrated this deep into the cave rose and fell slowly as the Pokemon breathed, but its movements were anything but peaceful. Arms and legs twitched incessantly, and every so often the creature would roll over, as if subconsciously seeking a more comfortable patch of rock upon which to slumber. These movements became increasingly erratic, as if the Pokemon's nightmares were rising to fever pitch. Finally, with a heaving spasm, it tumbled from its stony bed into a random pool of seawater, making a hefty [i]slap[/i] that echoed throughout the cave.

Suddenly thrust into the waking world, the Wobuffet gasped for air and struggled in the puddle, flinging brine in all directions as he tried to catch its bearings. Everything felt incredibly strange to him; not what he felt (cold, wet, and hard were familiar if disliked sensations) but how he felt it. He had no clue where he was, what he had been doing, or even who he was. Nothing but shadows existed in his mind, the kind that shrink away like bugs when reached for. Though light was scarce in this place, he found out very quickly that something was very wrong with his body. It was entirely unfamiliar, totally alien to him for reasons he couldn't comprehend, and yet...somehow, it felt right.

Getting his bearings at last, the Wobuffet dragged himself from the chilly seawater back onto the stony cave floor, shaking drops from his four legs. It was then he noticed a little black thing trailing behind him. Upon glimpsing his tail, Wobuffet was stricken by a surge of emotion. Though he had no clue where the knowledge had come from or why it even made sense, he was suddenly seized by the notion that he needed to protect that tail from anything and everything. It was vital! Defend it! Keep it! Shield it! A few seconds passed before he could think clearly again, after which the Wobuffet dismissed the sudden panic attack. "I'm so confused..." he whispered to the dark, and he found some comfort in the fact that he could still speak.

His comfort vanished when the darkness answered back. "Keep on your toes, they could come from anywhere," echoed across the cave walls, and the Wobuffet shrank back into the darkness. Were there others in here? A hint of fear stole up on him only to be crushed by a newfound, natural sensation of confidence, and he waddled boldly forward until he could peek around a corner. What he saw (a Smoochum, Aipom, and Tyrogue silhouetted in the light of the distant cave mouth) caused him to recoil in fear, momentarily forgetting his bravery. He was equal parts repulsed by the light and the other Pokemon, but his hasty retreat might have caught someone's eye. Had they seen him?