Let's Play! Let's Catch 'em All in PMD Explorers of Sky! (Part 38: Zero Isles & Kecleon)

Ullar

card-carrying wife-guy
is a Smogon Discord Contributor
also call Tangela DayumGurl

i met a woman once named tangela who talked like that

she said her son was into Pokemon but never told her

basic brat
 
pika pal: Excellent point. They didn't really think that through 100%, did they?
You're probably not misremembering. It's definitely possible that that happened, I don't remember if Diglett and Dugtrio have Magnitude then but they can learn it and iirc it is a move that hits all Pokémon.
lol haha that is some great logic about Bibarel, shame we never get to see it in action

HotFuzzBall: CONSPIRACY THEORIES
In honesty I think Jirachi didn't turn the hero into a Pokémon but set it up so that when it happened, the hero & partner would be close to the Guild and therefore end up there.
I answer your question about recruits in the update.

Hydrachomp: YES THE WALL OF NAMES RETURNS. Thanks!
And thanks for your feedback on episode length.

Merritt: good comic. good
and yeah Snover sucks, that's probably intentional to make the player annoyed so that his villainy is less of a shock. Or something idk.

Ullar: thanks for your input and your story I appreciate it


Going back to the adventures of Team Hurricane...

After our morning address, Chatot addresses us.


Look up jobs on the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board.
Do the listed jobs. That will do for today! ♪
Understood? No shirking your work, OK?
Well? If you understand, get on with it!
So, yeah, this is the first day in which we don't have a specific dungeon to go to. Instead, we can choose our own missions from the board. Let's go see what options there are.


So, yeah, this is the Job Bulletin Board. Like Rescue Team, you can find rescue missions, escort missions, “bring me an item” missions, “find me an item” missions (which, unlike Rescue Team, hard-code to spawn the item you're looking for on that floor, so that you are guaranteed to find it if you look enough). For the most part, the same mission options are available as Rescue Team here.

The Outlaw Notice Board, on the other hand...

… oh, oops.
Yeah, in the early game outlaw missions sometimes just aren't present. They are by necessity harder than simple rescue missions, so this makes sense. Without the Outlaw Notice Board, that makes our choice of mission simple – I picked one that would reward us with a Gummi.


If that balance looks surprisingly high, it is. All of the items and Poké that Bidoof found during his quest were automatically sent to Team Hurricane's bank & storage. Of course, that makes no sense, but whatever, I'm not anal enough to go and throw out all of the stuff we got from Bidoof's mission. (Only a little bit anal.)
I will definitely welcome the extra Poké tho.

Going to talk to Kecleon, we get some nonstandard dialogue.

Green Kecleon: Ah, yes, I've heard!

For that, please accept our sincere thanks!

… but no gifts, I guess.


FINALLY I CAN PURCHASE THE GUMMIS I HAVE THE MONEY.


As a nice side effect of the Bidoof episode's items becoming ours, we finally have a hold item we can give to Ray.


our first individually-chosen mission is a success \o/ although why do these Pokémon keep getting stuck in drenched bluff if it's apparently very unsafe, why do they keep going there

I'm not gonna show off every mission I take, just show recruits (if any) and any interesting moments, and just kinda skip ahead to the next plot bit because that's more interesting!


There is an outlaw mission here today – but we're not going to take it. I just wanted to show off what outlaw missions look like. There's a few different types, but all of them involve tracking down an outlaw in a dungeon. Some require you to chase the outlaw, who runs for the stairs as soon as the floor begin; some require you to find the Pokémon wandering around the floor; some have you fight the outlaw as soon as you enter the floor. In some cases you may need to retrieve an item for the Pokémon requesting help. Pretty straightforward.

Anyway, we take a mission at Mt. Bristle rather than this low-level outlaw mission.


Ray picks up an actual Fighting move while we're out, taking it over Foresight.


For our third mission, we'll finally take on an outlaw mission. And probably fail because outlaws are unreasonably tough, but oh well :X


FIGHT TIME


Yea see this is what I was talking about when I say the outlaws are ridic.

Lets go again


The second time, I through an X-Eye Seed, which makes the Pokémon cross-eyed and basically prevents it from doing anything worthwhile for several turns. Super useful in this game!


After two days of missions, a new chapter begins.


Before Chatot can give us our mission for the day, Loudred calls to us.


You are very excited about this something!


And we go over to this hole.

Diglett: Thank you, Loudred.
Loudred: You two are doing sentry duty today!
Ok but why tho

Diglett: Sorry. I'm usually the one to do sentry duty.
But today, my dad gave me his duty of updating the boards.
All right but what is he doing?

That's why I can't man my post.
It would be great if someone could take over my sentry duty for today.
what if we just dont tho

And that's why you're here. Please do a good job for me. Bye!
BUT WE'VE NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE COME BAAAaaaaack


oh IS it now

Ray: Huh?! I didn't follow that at all! Why are we involved in this?
Loudred: Shut your YAP!
but we're just asking a simple question!!!

NO MORE BELLYACHING! GO DO YOUR DUTY!
OKAY BUT HOW

Ray: Ow... My head is pounding...
What are we supposed to do?
Loudred: Climb down this hole and stand guard. You're on sentry duty!
Ray: Sentry duty?
… don't tell me you don't at least have an idea of what sentry duty is though

Loudred: You heard right. Sentry duty.
We can't have suspicious characters coming into the guild.
… I mean... true?

So we station a sentry below the guild entrance to evaluate Pokémon visitors.
When you first came, you had your footprint evaluated, right?
Ray: My footprint? What do you...?
that was what you were worried about when you came to the guild the first time tho remember?

Flashback to us entering the guild.


I stood on the grating, then someone shouted up at me. It was startling!
OK, you want us to climb down this hole. And then?
Loudred: The tunnel down there leads to the sentry post.

ok but why does diglett need a hole if he's a diglett


Then I decide if the Pokémon is suspicious or not and open the gate if he passes muster.
wait
so
you're basing your idea of whether or not Pokémon are bad on... their footprint... an indication of their species????

How does that make any sense?!

So we serve as the guild's gatekeepers. That's the gist of it.
But why you guys? You're apprentices. Won't you leave one day?

Loudred: Look, all you two have to do is inspect the footprints of visitors, then tell me what Pokémon they are.

Yeah I mean I've played this before.

Loudred: Good! Then let's get to WORK!
Buck up and do a GOOD job!
I'll try my darnedest!

We head down...
Ray: Ack! It's pitch black in here, Alti...
We'll have to feel our way...

…...
Well, we should be getting close to the sentry post...
Oh! There! I see light, Alti!

Loudred: HOW'S IT GOING?!
Have you taken position at the sentry post?!
Ray: Yes! We're in position!
Loudred: GOOD!
Pokémon visitors will step onto the grill above the sentry post!
Identify them by footprint, then inform me! Got that?!
Ray: Yes! Understood!
You told us before after all

Loudred: GOOD! Let's get started!

Music: The Gatekeepers
So, yeah, this is basically a small minigame featuring one of the most overlooked parts of the Pokémon main series: footprints.

You can only get two wrong, OK? Ray will keep an eye on things!
Here comes a Pokémon! Check its footprint and tell me what it is!

It will start by giving you the footprint, along with four Pokémon options...


and if you wait long enough, it will give you increasingly helpful hints about what Pokémon it is, but you get more points if you answer quickly so I always try to do that.


When you make a guess, Alti will call out the footprint to Loudred, who will let in the Pokémon and determine if you were correct or not.
If you get it wrong, the first two times, Ray will say something like “Huh? I don't think so...” and give you another chance. If you get it wrong after that, Alti will simply call out the wrong footprint and get berated by Loudred.

There are six Pokémon to evaluate, and if you get three or more wrong (e.g. Alti calls them out to Loudred), you lose a lot of points in the final scoring, so I always try to go for a perfect score if possible. There are actual tangible benefits to it...


Let me review your sentry-duty performance...

If you got two or fewer wrong, Chatot will call it a perfect score (because Alti never called out the names of the wrong guesses, due to being corrected by Ray)...

You identified every visitor correctly! ♪
Loudred: Excellent!
Ray: We did it!
Chatot: We'll reward your effort! Generously, I might add!
You all deserve an especially large reward! ♪
Narration: As the reward for a job perfectly done, Alti's team...
received 500 Poké!
In addition, the team also received a Joy Seed!
Not only that, the team also received a Ginseng!
But that's not the end of it!

Joy Seeds act as Rare Candies; Ginseng boost the attack power of a specific move; and Life Seeds increase HP. So, yeah, despite this being a minigame, you can still get actual rewards for beating it, giving an incentive to do well. (Also, you don't want to disappoint your guild members, do you?

Some days in the game will have the normal missions replaced with sentry duty, but you can also choose to do it by yourself if you really enjoy it that much by talking to Diglett and Loudred.

Narration: So many rewards! Can you believe it?
Chatot: Keep up the good work! ♪
After that, we have our normal dinner and go off to sleep.

The next day is still not plot. We take another mission.

Nothing interesting to say of this one except that it was an example of the missions where you have to find an item on a given floor and bring it out of the dungeon. Unlike in Rescue Team, it gives you a definitive floor and is hard-coded to spawn the item on that floor, so that you are guaranteed to find it, which is super useful.


Oh, right, storage is limited in this game compared to Rescue Team, that's another thing. Which is a bit annoying but admittedly adds more of a level of item management, interestingly enough.

We still have one more day of missions before we get the next plot event, so I'm going to take Merritt's Wonder Mail code, which is for Mt. Bristle.


Yep, looks good to me.


“Reviser Seed”, that's really a stretch. If I remember right, after reviving, the Pokémon laughs so hard it dies again. Amazing right?


The mission was a success :o it was for a Blue Gummi but I also got this Heal Seed out of it too. And a Violent Seed, which raises the eater's attack stats to the maximum boost level. Very useful for boss fights!


And now for the next bit of plot.


Far to the northeast, then farther into its outermost reaches...
There lies a place named Treeshroud Forest...
In Treeshroud Forest...
Time has apparently stopped...
wait
wait WHAT

Diglett: Huh?!
Sunflora: Eek! What did you say?!
Corphish: You're saying time stopped?! Hey, hey, hey!
Glad to know everyone else is as confused and disturbed by this as I am

Chatot: Yes, that's correct...

Music: Time Gear Remix
In Treeshroud Forest, time itself has truly stopped.
but... but how... and how did anyone get there and back to observe this if time is stopped
it's creepy as hell but still how

Dugtrio: T-time has stopped?!
Sunflora: But... How could something this awful happen?
It's unthinkable!
Chatot: Yes, the unthinkable has happened.
Why has time stopped in Treeshroud Forest?
Are we going to go explore and find out?

Well, it's because Treeshroud Forest's Time Gear was...

… Oh. We already know. Got it.
Not that that makes the news any less shocking... for Pokémon who didn't see that ominous cutscene from before, that is.

Bidoof: Huh?!
Dugtrio: The Time Gear was s-stolen?!
Corphish: That's what made time stop! Hey, hey, hey!
I guess that confirms what Ray thought about removing Time Gears, then.

Chimecho: I'd heard it was possible! But now it's really happened.
Loudred: I don't get it, though! Why would ANYONE take a Time Gear?!
Well, have you ever heard of “evil people”?

Chatot: Quiet, everyone!
Officer Magnezone has already started an investigation.
It's hard to believe that anyone would dare steal a Time Gear.
But if one Time Gear can be stolen, the others may also be in danger.
This is true. Let's go find the Time Gears and protect them!

The officer asked to be notified immediately if we notice any suspicious characters.
… so, we're not doing anything different than normal, got it.

So keep that in mind. Let us know if you notice anything.
That is all.
All right, everyone! Here's to another busy day of work! ♪

We are very chipper for having just learned the fabric of our world is slowly unravelling.


New dialogue. Say what Chatot?!

You two, come here.

… thanks?

I'm impressed with your capture of Drowzee. That was very admirable! ♪
So!
You all will finally be assigned a mission worthy of a proper exploration team.
Heck yeah! I'm sure Ray is excited for this.


lol yup

Chatot: Let me see your Wonder Map.

is it the pyramids or is it next to the pyramids

And... over here is where we would like you to investigate.

That's like 3 feet away has no one really been there yet before?

But by all appearances, it's just an ordinary waterfall.
But we've received intelligence that the waterfall may conceal a secret.
ok but from who, how did they find out, and why didn't they investigate?

And that's where you come in. We want you lot to investigate the waterfall and determine what's there.
Well alrighty then!


lol it's not like it's hard to figure out

Good! ♪
All right, I'll leave you all to thoroughly investigate the waterfall! ♪

Ray don't tell me you're getting cold feet now you WANTED to be here for explorations.

Ray: …
Chatot: A-are you all right?
Ray: Yes. I'm OK. It's just the anticipation that's making me nervous.
All right Ray well we have to go eventually.

This will be the first time we get to do a real job as an exploration team.
we could have explored for thief treasure in the hole in the wall in Mt. Bristle but no

I'm feeling a little worked up...
Oh, I feel like I'm going to burst from excitement!
Let's do our best, Alti!

YEAH

Aight let's get prepared and get going.


Though as soon as we go to the next floor, we are called by Chimecho.

Ray: Huh? What's Chimecho doing there?

Chimecho: I just started an Assembly here. Today, in fact.
A hwat now?

Ray: Assembly?
Chimecho: Yes! For assembling your team! Have you ever considered adding members, Ray?
Other members? Well, sure! It'd be cool to add other members!
we can hold parties!!! who doesn't want to have parties

If there were more than just the two of us...
It sure would help when we explore dungeons!
This is true.

Chimecho: Well then! You need to start recruiting new members!
Ray: Oh? How do we start?
I mean they usually offer to join your team so there's really no in-game explanation why they couldn't offer to join before, unlike in MD1 where you needed Friend Areas, since MD2 doesn't have Friend Areas.

Chimecho: I'll just ring the Friendship Bell for you, Team Hurricane!
ah yes the mythical connection of ringing bells = you are suddenly able to make friends, got it.
so shouldn't Quasimodo from Hunchback of Notre Dame have had a million friends by the time the movie took place???

Here goes! Hey-yah!
Narration: Chimecho rang the Friendship Bell!
hooray!

Chimecho: Now Team Hurricane has the power to recruit new members!
Ray: R-really?
are you SURPRISED though like this is literally what Chimecho said she was going to do

Chimecho: Yes! From now on, while battling Pokémon in dungeons...
You may earn respect from some of them... and those Pokémon will then ask to join Team Hurricane.
Once you have recruited a Pokémon, you can bring it along with you on dungeon explorations.
this is what we want. this is what this playthrough is centered around

To bring a Pokémon along, visit my Assembly, then choose which members should join your team for the exploration.
Always see me when you want to assemble a team that includes recruits! ♪
I'm not sure how you organize this but okay.

Ray: Oh, wow! Thanks, Chimecho!
So! Now we can recruit things. This differs in several key ways from Rescue Team:

-In Rescue Team, you could recruit a maximum of 3 Pokémon in dungeons, depending on body size/how many Pokémon you had on your team going into the dungeon. In this game, once you have filled up your dungeon party (which maxes at 4 regardless), Pokémon will still offer to join your team. If you take them up on it, you'll have the option to send any one of your dungeon party back to make room for the recruit (or just send the recruit back). This theoretically means that you could just hang around a dungeon for a very long time until you recruit all of its Pokémon in one go.
-In Rescue Team, if a recruit fainted after you had recruited it but before you left the dungeon you recruited it in, it would be gone forever. Now, it's considered a permanent team member as soon as you recruit it.
-In Rescue Team, only base forms, middle forms, and the occasional fully-evolved Pokémon could be recruited. All others would need to be evolved, which is why the ending of my last LP was so troublesome to get through. In this game, every Pokémon (except for 14 of them) can be recruited directly, and usually without having to get a million recruitment bonuses, making the game that much easier to finish.
-There are no Friend Areas, and as such, no requirements to recruit any one Pokémon (except for the obvious thing about whether or not the recruit rate is high enough). I personally lament the loss of Friend Areas but I do admit it makes the game easier to complete.
-THERE ARE NO POKEMON THAT ONLY RESIDE IN LEVEL ONE DUNGEONS
-Also, there are alternative ways to get some Pokémon that don't require recruiting them. Some will join your team after a mission; some will give you an Egg which will hatch into a first-stage Pokémon.

In Rescue Team, I decided that I was going to take recruits as they decided to join and not wait to get an evolved form or anything (except in some cases). In this game, I'll also be giving myself restrictions: 1) I am not allowed to evolve anything, except the ones I need to evolve, meaning I'm literally going to have to recruit one of each directly; 2) I have to get everything from dungeons and not from Pokémon who decide to join my team from Missions or give me Eggs or what have you.

Anyhow, now that we have the ability to recruit, let's get to the waterfall and see if we can pick any Pokémon up! (If there's even a dungeon there, that is.)


We're not quite allowed to roam free yet, though.


An astute observation. Good job, Ray.

There's something written on the sign...
Huh? What?
“Spinda's Café! A Shop of Hopes and Dreams, Opening Soon! Win Big!” it says.
I wonder what that means.

Looks like a new shop will be opening soon.
… yes, yes it does.

But “Hopes and Dreams”? I wonder what kind of shop this will be...
How mysterious!

Let's come back after it's open and find out.
The obvious solution. All right, let's head to the waterfall.


Sure is a waterfall. Yup.


Ray went up close to it and got btfo.

That water's coming down hard!
… yes. Yes. It's a waterfall.

Try getting close to the waterfall, Alti.
but
but I know what will happen
what do you want to kill me?!


(I can barely stay standing near this deluge!)

Of course, Alti does not have any different an experience from Ray.

Ray: See? It's intense.
… yes. Yes it is.

If you were to fall under this waterfall, you'd probably be battered.
Again. It's a waterfall.

I didn't think it would be pouring down this powerfully!
WHAT WERE YOU EXPECTING

Where should we even start looking?
underwater


Alti, however, is experiencing a familiar bizarre dizziness-type feeling.

(Something seems familiar.)
(It's that dizziness I felt before.)
And a vision comes on...

From here, the silhouette scurries off into... a cave?!


Music: I Saw Something Again...

(I saw something...)

(But what did I just see?)
Well... what did it seem like?

Ray: Huh? What's the matter, Alti?
What?! You had another vision?
This time, you saw a lone Pokémon leap into this waterfall?!
And not only that...
There's a hidden cave behind the waterfall?!
There always is, Ray. It's a video game.

Hmm...
But it looks like that water is coming down really heavily.
… yes? There being a cave wouldn't have changed that.

Imagine if there was actually a solid cliff wall behind that waterfall!
Then we die. At least we tried?

Ouch!
If we tried to jump through...
We'd be pounded badly!
An accurate assessment.

So Alti...
What do you think, Alti?
YOLO

Is there really something behind this waterfall?
I saw it? And my dream-thing was right last time?

Are you really convinced that there is a cave there?
YES???


!!!

I'm putting my faith in you, Alti!
Yes! I totally believe in you, Alti.
Good bc we about to jump in this waterfall


OK, I gotta be brave now!
If I get scared and fail to leap through at full speed...
I'll be smooshed no matter what I do!
If I'm doing it, I have to do it without hesitating.
Tbh I'm not sure how the amount of momentum is gonna make a difference considering how waterfalls work, but we can at least try it


YOU CAN DO IT

Ready! Let's go, Alti!
LETS DO IT
RAAAAAAA


There is a cave! We are not dead! (Hopefully.)

W-what is this?!
Yes! It is a cave!
You were right after all, Alti!
I know, thanks!

Let's go explore this cave, Alti!
Finally we can be an exploration team and explore something.

Let's see what secrets it holds!
And what recruits.


Music: Waterfall Cave

Recruits: Psyduck, Poliwag, Grimer, Tangela, Wooper, Lotad, Surskit, Barboach, Whiscash


THE VERY FIRST THING THAT HAPPENS.
I named it DayumBoy because it's a male :B


Named Orchid.


Named Dojo.


The beautiful and much-needed change to recruitment mechanics. I send back the new Dojo. I got attached to my first recruits... or something


hell yeah, I take it over Leer


After 8 floors we arrive at a depths of some sort. Are those gemstones? Can I take them back to sell them or something. This is what exploring is about!

Look at all the gems sparkling!
Whoa, look over there! It's a gigantic gem!

Yeah, that is extremely impressive. Let's steal it.

This is an incredible treasure!
Everyone will be amazed if we take this back.
are we just gonna carry it or what tho


… “tried”?

Ray: Urrrrgh! Urrrrgh! Ugh...
Nope, it's not budging...
It's really stuck tight.
Can you give it a try, Alti?
what do you expect me to do? You're the Fighting-type, aren't Fighting types supposed to have muscles or some shit?


Alti: (Whoa!)
(This is really stuck!)
… yes, yes it is.

(It won't budge!)
(Urrrrgh... ugh... Nope, no good...)
Ray: So, you couldn't move it either, Alti...
But we can't just give up.
Can't we like... go back to the guild and get other Pokémon to help us get it out?

If we try hard enough, we'll probably get some kind of result!
Keep believing that.

I'm going to give it another go, Alti!

Ray tried to pull out the gigantic gem again.
Ray: Urrrrrrgh! Urrrrrgh!
Alti: (Hmm...)
(It's not budging one bit...)
Correct. Now please, you guys are wasting much time here.


The dizziness returns.

(It's happening again...)
(It's...)

The silhouette goes to the gem, and...

OH SHIT WHAT

Alti: (But that was...!)
Ray: Urrrrrrrgh! Urrrrrrrgh!
It's no good. I can't pull it out...

Goddammit Ray

Alti: (Aaaack! That's...)

The ground is shaking...

Ray: Waaah! It's a flood!

RUN AWAY.... it didn't work.


THIS DOES NOT SEEM PHYSICALLY PLAUSIBLE


HOW ARE WE NOT DEAD AFTER FALLING FROM A HEIGHT AND WHERE ARE WE ANYWAY

Teddiursa: Hi, hi! Are you two OK?
You plopped down from nowhere!
h o w

Oh, you startled everyone!

Teddiursa: This is the Hot Spring.
Ray: H-Hot Spring?!
Music: Heartwarming


The Hot Spring works wonders on tired muscles and creaky joints. Many Pokémon visit here.
Tell me, youngster, have you a map?
Yea but it's probably ruined now from that flood and landing in water

Map? Oh, if you mean our Wonder Map, yes, we have one.


is it a map or not?? is the wonder map a map? if so yes it is a map

Torkoal: Unfold it for me.
There. We are here.

Ray: Oh, I see.

wait
it's all the way over there????
we should ABSOLUTELY be dead

Hey! Check this out, Alti!

I repeat
HOW ARE WE ALIVE

Torkoal: My goodness! It was the water that carried you all this way?
What a long journey that must have been! Let the Hot Spring wash away your fatigue before you make your way home.
I don't know if a hot spring is going to heal what must be multiple broken bones and shit but ok

Ray: Good idea. We'll do that. Thanks, everyone!

And so we enjoy a very relaxing day at the spring before returning to the guild.


Behind the waterfall, there is a cave...
In the deepest part of the cave... there is a gigantic gem...
When you pushed on the gem, it triggered a trap of some kind...
And, surprisingly, you were flushed off to the distant Hot Spring? Is that the gist of your report?
Ray: Yes. It's really disappointing we couldn't bring the gem back...
Wait. Waaaaaitwaitwaitwait. If that gem was a trap that triggered a trap when we tried to steal it. Shouldn't than mean it's protecting something? Isn't that how traps usually go? I mean isn't it likely that there's more there that we didn't find or see? Come on, we're not done exploring, let's go back!!

Chatot: No, no, no! Emphatically, no!
This is a major discovery!
Eh, if you say so. Not much happened tho.

Ray: R-really?!
Chatot: Undoubtedly! ♪
After all, the presence of the cave behind the waterfall...
No one knew about that before now! ♪
I mean, yes, but, like, does it really mean anything, is there anything in there or just a gem-trap guarding nothing?
Wait, no, there were other gems in there we DIDN'T bother taking.

Ray: Oh, I see! We made a discovery!
… yes. Yes, Ray. That is how exploring go.


Alti, however, has some concerns.

(The shadow of that Pokémon I saw...)

I wonder who it could be?!

(That shape...)
(I've seen that shape before...)
(That shape... There's no mistaking it!)
have you the viewers figured it out yet?? it's Such a surprise


we done did solved it


Well Chatot u see

Ray: What? What's wrong, Alti?
Huh?
You're saying Wigglytuff may have been at that waterfall before?!
Well, I have no reason to believe it was the past. Maybe he decides to go tomorrow after he hears of our discovery. Who knows?


Chatot is really bothered by this idea

If that were so, the Guildmaster wouldn't have ordered you to investigate the place, right?
I mean, maybe he forgot or something

Hmm. However, since you insist, I will confirm it with the Guildmaster...

Morals?

I should be used to it by now...
These apprentices are yet another strange crew, aren't they...?
excuse u
we're ALL weirdos here chatot

Ray: What was that, Chatot?
I like to imagine Ray says it really innocently-passive-aggressively.

Chatot: What? Oh, nothing, nothing. Nothing at all!
if you say so

Anyway, I will go confirm what you told me with the Guildmaster.
Please wait here.

When I asked the Guildmaster, he mulled it over for a bit.
And then he said...

that sounds like Wigglytuff all right

Then he danced around a bit. And then he said...
“Yes, yes! When I think hard, maybe I did go there once!”
… oh.
great.

And that's just what the Guildmaster said.
To sum it up, it's just as Alti suspected... He has indeed already been to Waterfall Cave.
I mean, we kind of discovered it if he didn't remember or never told anyone, right? Like, now everyone knows about it, so that should be meaningful? … no?

Ray: Oh... OK. That's kind of disappointing...
ray :(

We really thought we'd discovered a new place.
I wish Wigglytuff had told us right from the start...
I told you already. He probably just forgot!!

Chatot: The Guildmaster can be rather, uh, erratic at times...
I'm surprised Chatot so willingly admits to this.

Even I can't quite fathom what goes on in his head.
Well, that's too bad for you.
You don't sound sympathetic in the slightest, ass.

Nevertheless, I shall expect your best effort tomorrow! ♪
hrnggggggg

Ray: Urf...
After this, we cut to the normal dinner scene, and then...


(I should get to sleep early.)
Ray: Sigh... We went through a lot today.
But it was fun right??

But you know what? It was incredibly fun for me!
lol
Good!

Sure, there was that huge letdown...
But it was our first exploration! I thought I was going to explode from excitement and anticipation the whole time.
It was a pretty good time.

It made me realize I made the right decision in joining an exploration team.

Yes! I believe in you!

That's the dream I have.
If it ever came true, I'd surely faint from sheer happiness!
I expect you to live up to this if/when we ever do figure out what to do with your rock.

Ha ha ha ha!
But seriously, thanks...
I
for What

Alti: (…!)
Ray: I can explore because of you, Alti.
oh gotcha it all comes back to that one time u forced me to join an exploration team with u got it

Ray: Yes...

I'm the biggest chicken around, and even I managed to work up the courage!
tbh I'm not sure if jumping through a waterfall was courage or stupidity.

And it was all because you were with me, Alti.
Seriously, Alti, thanks!
… Oh yeah!
yes?!

You know, I was thinking...
i'm So proud

I noticed something about your dizzy spells, Alti.
You always seem to be touching something when they happen.
… am I?? I mean, like. Everything. exists. I am touching the ground and molecules and atoms and like... it's... always a thing????

Alti: (Come to think of it, Ray's right!)
no no he's not making Sense

When I heard Azurill's scream...)


(And that other time...)


(And when we were exploring Waterfall Cave!)
wait so
but
the first time, I had just been btfo by a waterfall, do you mean to tell me that that counts as “touching something”???? it's a WATERFALL

At least pushing on the gem made sense, I guess.

(It... It's true...)
(It was always after touching something! That's when I got those dizzy spells!)
(When I touch something, I see something connected to it... Right?)
I mean, that does seem to be the case, I guess.

Ray: There's one more thing.
When we rescued Azurill, you had a vision of the future...
But this time, you saw Wigglytuff going into the cave, right?
So that means...
This time, you saw an event that occurred in the past.
… I mean... We still haven't confirmed Wigglytuff isn't going to go, like, tomorrow. Azurill yes we confirmed that time, Wigglytuff no.

Alti: (Th-that's true!)
Ray: In other words, Alti...
If you touch something, you see its past or future.
not always tho, I'm sure I've touched other things before, things more tangible than “a waterfall” anyway.


Wait that doesn't even make sense, almost by definition the water that flows down a waterfall is probably not gonna go down it twice so why did I see something connected to the waterfall as a concept and not the literal water droplets??

You must have that kind of special ability!
lol dont ask me how

This could be something totally incredible!
You could use it in lots of ways!
Yeah but

Not just for exploring, either! This ability could be useful for many things!
It's fantastic, Alti!
YEAH BUT

Alti: (W-well, yes! I guess that's true...)
(But that doesn't mean I always get a vision every time I touch something...)
Yeah. That. What she said.

(It would be useful if I could have visions when I wanted, but...)
before any more can come of this


WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE WE COULD HAVE BEEN SLEEPING

The Guildmaster wants to see you right away.
oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh shit oh


THERES FIRE IS HE ANGRY

Guildmaster... Guildmaster?
AAAAAAAAAA


oh.

Your team went through a lot today! Yes, a lot-lot!
(no thanks to you)

But don't worry! I'm keeping watch on your activities?
… isn't that kind of your job anyway?

I should tell you why I called you here.
Yes, probably.

We're planning to mount a full expedition soon! ♪
Ray: An expedition?
Chatot: Yes! The guild will go explore someplace far away!
that sounds rad af i am Here for this

It's much harder than exploring our nearby area.
you dont say

That's why we need to prepare for the big trip properly.
We carefully choose which guild members go on the expedition.
Ray: Really?!
nah we just pick Whoever

Wigglytuff: Usually, we would never, ever consider rookies to be expedition members.
But you two are working so very hard!
oh Are we now

That's why we're making a special exception this time!
aw yeah go team

We decided to include you in the list of candidates for the expedition!
Ray: R-really?!
stop being so surprised at literally everything that happens ray please

Chatot: Now, now!
You haven't been chosen as expedition members yet.
There is still time before we set out on the expedition.
If you fail to do good work before then, you cannot expect to be selected for the expedition.
so dont get ur hopes up RAY

Wigglytuff: I'm sure you two can do it!
Try hard!
Ray: Yes!
An expedition! Isn't it fantastic, Alti?
it does sound like a good fun time that is true!

My heart is pounding all of a sudden!
This seems to happen often. You may want to get that checked out.

Let's try our best and make sure we get picked for the expedition!

YEAH

And with that we're done with this. Next time: Apple Woods!

Upcoming recruits: Caterpie, Hoppip, Budew, Burmy (Sand cloak), Oddish, Butterfree, Paras, Weedle, Exeggutor, Combee, Gloom, Kakuna, Beedrill

3/525: 0.5%
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
 
Last edited:
I always assume the Footprint thing was just a "be aware" check thing, like "this is a Nidorino Footprint, and there's a Nidorino outlaw recently" type. Mystery Dungeon's also weird in that most indications are that only one or two members of any species seem to wander outside their natural abode, since most of them can be identified by name (ergo the bank owner is just "Duskull"), so the species might be the only identifier they need immediately with the logic presented by the world here.
 

Mowtom

I'm truly still meta, enjoy this acronym!
is a Forum Moderatoris a Community Contributor
Some name suggestions:

Oddish: Evenish because the opposite of odd is even
Gloom: BloomNDoom after the seed packets from Plants vs. Zombies
Vileplume: Rafflesia after the largest, worst smelling flower in the world
Bellossom: Antidote because it loses the poison typing from its pre-evolutions

Shuckle/Spiritomb/Carnivine: Worm/Pact/Twig respectively. Those are the names of three web serials by the same author, so I picked a bug, a ghost, and a grass that weren't already part of a conceptual set of Pokemon.
 
THE WALL OF NICKNAMES CONTINUES :P
I usually nickname Caterpie after Xander a character from the anime that owns a Caterpie, which grows enormous after eating 'rare candies', Metapod can be called Morphos after Metamorphosis and finally my suggested name for Butterfree is Papillon, the French word for butterfly.
For Hoppip I think of Alma, the ancient Greek word for jump/leap.
I think for Budew a simple Sprout will work, just a variation on the 'bud' part of its name. For Roselia I suggest Talea from the Greek word εὐθάλεια, which means to bloom/flower and for Roserade I suggest Rodon after the Greek word for Rose.
ἐφαμμίζω means ' to become covered in sand' which is the perfect fit for Burmy (Sand cloak). My suggest thus becomes something like Epham.
Paras can be nicknamed after Ophiocordyceps, that zombie parasite that infects insects and stuff. So something like (O)phio, Cordy, Dyceps could work. And I guess the same could work for Parasect.
Weedle as keeping up with tradition I once again suggest Bean for no reason at all. Kakuna could get the other parts of the word and Metamorphosis and become Metasis . Finally, for Beedrill I think Bumble would be the best because I don't like bees or wasps and at least bumble bees are fluffy and cute.
Exeggutor, Coco could work as it's based on the Coconut tree. As for Exeggcute I'd go with Eggplant because it is literally a plant shaped like an egg. (I know it is a bad joke, but I had to make it )
Due to its hexagonal shaped pattern, I'd just call Combee something like Hexa.

Really enjoying the run so far and hopefully the names will be useful. Looking forward to the next part. :D
 
pika pal: That makes more sense than just deciding if the individual Pokémon is trustworthy based on their footprint to be fair lol
Mowtom and Hydrachomp: Thanks for the nicknames!! I'll be sure to use them.
lucariomaster2: Thanks - fixed.



That doesn't sound good (whether you consider it S/M Team Skull or a different Team Skull). I am worried.


For the moment, though, we don't need to worry as Chatot is talking about something else.

There are many aspects of that lake that remain mysterious.
We hope to unravel those mysteries.
Dude I'm excited to go to a lake. I'm a Water-type maybe I can get some nice swimming in?

And so, our guild is planning to mount an expedition for the first time in a while. ♪
Bidoof: An expedition, you say? Yes, please! Yes sirree!
Bidoof do you still count as a rookie for Wigglytuff's purposes?? Don't get your hopes up too much

Sunflora: It's been a long time since we went on an expedition!
Loudred: But... That means you're going to be picking members for the expedition from ALL of us, right?
Not the rookies, we've already established this

Chatot: Precisely! ♪
We will depart in several days.
… How wonderfully vague.

Over these next few days, we will choose the most worthy apprentices.
The chosen members will form the expedition party.
if we aren't chosen can I stay behind and loot the guild

Everyone, work hard so that you may be chosen for the expedition!
Sunflora: Oh my gosh! This is so exciting!
Bidoof: Yup yup! I've yet to go on an expedition. I would surely love to go this time!
Have you even been in the guild for prior expeditions, Bidoof?

Loudred: Let's work at it and get picked as members!
Chatot: All right, everyone. ♪ It's back to work as usual. ♪
well now im EXCITED and i cant work like this!!!!


SOUNDS GOOD

Anyway, we are just tasked with taking more jobs from the bulletin boards. We go up to find one...


and dialogue happens, so something important must be about to happen, right?!

Let's try to do as many jobs as we can.
But that makes days pass faster (at least in MD1; someone correct me if I'm wrong about that in MD2) so I don't want tooooo

Then they'll have to pick us for the expedition party!
Eh not necessarily...

Let's go check now, Alti!
OKAYYYY


oshit what are They doing here!!!!


Koffing: You two?!
if ur causing trouble we kicked your asses before and we'll do it again!!!

Ray: Huh? That duo...
Wait, haven't we seen them before?
lmao Ray doesn't even remember them r e k t


Yea we kicked their asses so.

Ray: I... I remember!
They're those two crooks who stole my Relic Fragment!
What are they doing here?!
not being arrested that's for sure we should rectify this

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! I'll have you know that we're an exploration team too.
wait What

Zubat: Heh-heh-heh. What's so funny about an exploration team checking out the Job Bulletin Board?
… I mean... yes?? but

Ray: What?! You're an exploration team?!
I mean they explored Beach Cave too I guess.

Koffing: That's right. Though the way we operate isn't always... by the book.
WHY WOULD YOU ADMIT TO THAT
ESPECIALLY IN A GUILD THAT HELPS DEAL IN CATCHING LAWBREAKERS

But what a surprise! Why would you be here?
We're also an exploration team?

Ray: We wanted to become exploration team members.
Yea what he said.

That's why we're training at this guild.

ffs he found his courage!!! it Happens

Zubat: You want to become a real-deal exploration team member?!

CAN YOU NOT ABDUCT MY FRIEND PLEASE

Ray: Wh-what is it?

Alti oh my god don't just stand there please protect your friend from getting attacked or bullied or what have you

Also Koffing Excuse You what makes you so much better!!!!

Ray: What?! Why?!
Zubat: Well, you're timid. You scare easy.

okay???? so????

A scaredy-cat like you can't cut it on an exploration team.
You're wrong but okay, we already half-discovered Waterfall Cave by jumping through a waterfall after all

Ray: B-but!

Ray has finally escaped the Corner of Hell I see.

But that's why I'm in training! So I can overcome my own shortcomings!
and he's doing a FINE job of it so NYEH

Even now, I'm working hard to be picked for the guild's expedition!
YEAH Ray YOU TELL 'I-wait


wait that might have not been a great idea Ray

Zubat: Heh-heh. Well, effort only gets you so far.
You won't get picked for the expedition party if you don't have talent, right?
It all comes down to talent... pure talent
I don't know how talent plays into this at all but okay I guess?
What talent do you guys even have other than being assholes and also failing to beat two level 5 Pokémon?

Ray: B-big talk!
You sure talk a lot about talent, but what kind of skills do you have?
You were so weak, we even beat you!
ray droppin some truth bombs over here and saying what we're all thinking

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! Well, we didn't have the Chief with us.
what is Mia Fey doing in this game excuse me, the Chief?

Ray: Ch-Chief?
Zubat: Heh-heh. That's right.
Koffing: Team Skull, our exploration team, has three members.
ok but where was that third member when we were fighting you in Beach Cave. Where were they

Zubat: Our Chief is incredibly talented.
at ?

Koffing: To put it bluntly, he's brutally tough.
ok but Actually brutally tough or brutally tough according to you wimps?

Zubat: Heh-heh. If the Chief were around, we'd snap you like a twig.

sm
… smell?
what?

Ray: Smell?
glad I'm not the only one

Zubat: Here's the Chief!

Music: Team Skull
That's... threatening.


NO I TOOK ON ZUBAT AND KOFFING I CAN TAKE ON YO


AH SHIT MAN DOWN MAN DOWN

Ray: Oh, Alti!
Ugh! What's this awful stench?
I DONT CARE COME HELP ME. If you were a Meowth you could because as the anime writers have shown, the animators forgot to give Meowth a nose so it can't smell anything

how is it moving still as a cloud though

Bidoof: That is foul, yes sirree!
Corphish: Hey, hey! My eyes are burning!
CORPHISH DOESNT LOOK LIKE IT HAS A NOSE EITHER


dont give in
also if i have to endure being attacked by a stink cloud you do too

Ray: Oh no...

ray you [expletive deleted]

Koffing: Chief!
Zubat: You showed them, Chief! You're the best!
Skuntank: Yeah, yeah, whatever. So, you two, did you sniff out any jobs that'll bring in the cash?
i would be like “is that all you care about??? cash” except like. Ray was also pissed about not getting paid enough so it's not really fair to get mad at them for it

Koffing: The Job Bulletin Board only posted cheap tasks, but...
Zubat: There's something else, Chief. It's got the potential to go big...

come on I can totally hear it from here

Skuntank: What? An expedition from this guild?
R A Y YYYYYYYYyyy

Skuntank: That does sound tasty.
Koffing: Doesn't it?
Skuntank: Let's get out of here: We need to do some plotting.
Come on. We're going.
Koffing & Zubat: Yeah!

They start to leave, but


Koffing and Zubat fire one last parting shot before leaving.

Zubat: Heh-heh, see you around, wimps.
bye asshats

Ray: Are you OK, Alti?!
Great! It doesn't look like you're injured.
I am in a state of emotional distress though, does that count?

That sure was rough, though.
you're not the one who got attacked tho

I couldn't work up the courage to challenge him to his face!
Even though he hurt you, Alti... I'm ashamed of myself...
ye i thought u were my Friend :(


I could be a dick but I'm too nice. Or something

Thanks for trying to cheer me up, Alti...
But...
But I really am a wimp...
ffs get over yourself stop being stupidly self-pitying

But it's nothing new for me...
I've decided that I can still do my best even if I'm not very brave.
I mean, true I guess

I'm not going to give up over something like this.
Well good.


well good for you I suppose!!

Thank you, Alti!
I would say the same except you did nothing when I got attacked. (A little salty, just a little.)

For now, we'd better keep working like we've been doing.
Today we're supposed to handle the jobs on the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board.
Yes I don't need a reminder, I know how go.

Let's keep at it, Alti!
YEAH


I decide to take the Wonder Mail mission offered by Ullar which is terrible because it's an escort mission but what can we do :X


As we leave the guild, something happens.

Good day, is it not?
… weirdos

The new shop, Spinda's Café, is now open!
Oh hey solid!

This wonderful shop is overflowing with hopes and dreams, is it not?
I mean... maybe?

Ray: Hopes and dreams?
Wobbuffet: That's right!
what are we going to like buy hopes and dreams, how does that even work


Oh god no I just want to go on a mission no don't drag me into thiiiiiiis...

Ray: I don't really know about this... Want to find out?
oh okay we can choose to go. (Sorta. We don't get a choice. Alti nods.)

Wynaut: We have two guests!



Huh for an underground place this is ok.


I wonder if this is the same Spinda as from MD1? Who knows. Maybe.

He approaches us.
Spinda: Hello and welcome to Spinda's Café!
My name is Spinda. I am the owner of this café.
This is a café for explorers who enjoy finding new things every day and who are constantly challenging themselves.
but like How is that related to explorers, I mean, it's a café

Ray: A café for explorers?
Spinda: That's right. It's natural to want to refresh yourself with a hearty, delicious drink after exploring...
I mean. Yes?

So we are delighted to provide this service to explorers, and we trust it will bring them happiness.
Hopefully it will :o

Today is our grand opening! Allow me to show you around the premises.
dont u have like business to attend to tho


I could go for some juice ngl

You've undoubtedly collected Gummis and Apples during your explorations, right?
Here, those edibles can become delicious drink sensations.
a rad concept. Find dungeon food, make drinks. Makes sense to me.

I, Spinda, will take your ingredient and use my incredible skills to create a delectable drink for you.
“incredible” skills at What exactly though

Ray: Really? So if we brought you an Apple, you'd make some Apple Juice, is that what you're saying?
Spinda: That's right! That is exactly right. That's how it works.
again that's a pretty rad concept I like it

While you're enjoying a nutritious drink, you can sit back and share exploration stories.
dont tell me how to live my life

Here's the next facility...

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?
Sometimes you have to throw out your extra items to make room...
YES you are EXACTLY right my storage is obnoxiously full and i have to get rid of things


lol

There could be explorers in dungeons out there who are desperately in need of the very things you have locked in storage.
Isn't that like, true of anything tho.

That's what we thought too. That's why we established this facility.
You can bring your extra items here and trade them for items you want. How does that sound?
On Pokémon's trash is another Pokémon's treasure, am I right?
I thought it would be fun for explorers to gather and trade items with one another.
You'll never have to throw out another item. You'll never have to say, “What a waste!” That's my goal.
So if you've got a collection of items you don't need, please make use of our Recycle Shop.
You can even get a bonus Prize Ticket when recycling items. It's a lot of fun.
… I know that was a whirlwind tour, but I hope you've got an idea of what kind of a place this is.
Yeah, pretty much.

It was newly introduced to Sky. I suspect it was implemented in response to annoyance over a) storage space being too limited and b) the lack of Friend Areas basically meaning there's not much to spend money on, meaning there's no real purpose in selling unwanted items. This way you can actually have a use for a lot of items that gets you rewards (of a sort)! Making drinks can result in stat or IQ boosts, and sometimes unlock dungeons. Recycling items can get you items you want or rare goodies, so it's always a good idea. I make liberal use of the facilities here when I play Sky.

Ray: Wow. Seems like a really fun shop.
Spinda: Thank you very much!
It is my goal to have a café of hopes and dreams, where many explorers can gather.
it is a Great idea tho tbh

I hope to see you again soon here at Spinda's Café.
i will be back!!!

Leaving the café...


We run into Chimecho.

Were you just at the café?
Perfect timing! The truth is... I have something to ask you...
In the past, when you've wanted to take team members with you to explore, they waited for you at this Watering Hole...
They didn't, because we haven't had the chance to take team members out yet, but yes, in Time/Darkness they did, if that's what you mean by “in the past”

But now that the café has just opened...
Everyone has been saying they'd like to wait while relaxing at the café.
All three of my team members!

I completely understand that... I mean, I understand how they feel.
So, Alti, what do you think?
I could not care less tbh but someone is making a huge deal over it


Yes ok Yes that is Fine Ok
(You're not allowed to say no iirc :B)

Thank you, Alti!
I'll make sure to let everyone know!
I'm sure everyone will be happy to hear that!
Yea prolly.

Oh! I almost forgot!
ok What is it What Now


>secret
>secret

Of course you would, Alti!
please stop hitting on me


they
WHAT
THERE IS NO ONE HERE

As you know, when you ring this bell... I come here from the guild...
You can still assemble your exploration team here!
correct...

So when you want to assemble your team, just ring this bell!
all right thanks i Understand

That's all, Alti! Good luck exploring!
stop using my name it is bothering me immensely

FINALLY FREE CONTROL. Let's go make some drinks and recycle shit at the shop.


Anyway, this is how recycling works. You can recycle more than 1 of a given item to receive 1 of a different item, or you can opt for Tickets where you recycle a varying amount (depends on the type of Ticket) of whatever items you feel like in order to get a Ticket, which can then be redeemed for a random item. I usually opt for Tickets and use it to get rid of a bunch of stuff I don't want to use that isn't food :B


For the drinks, you just give Spinda a food item (that's why I've been holding onto all these Gummis) and he'll make a drink that may boost stats or IQ (or is guaranteed to, in the case of Gummis and other drinks that already have benefits). Sometimes, you might get a rare “special” drink that will boost stats tremendously. At times, you might find a dungeon to explore by reading a note on the bottom of the glass. I'm not joking about that last one, it's an incentive to actually come here and do this lmao


See? Normally Gummis only boost IQ. Here they boost IQ and stats, meaning there's really no reason not to do this... unless you don't want to be overpowered lol


Oh, hey, one of the special drinks.

This drink is so wonderful, so amazing, that I couldn't have made it if I tried. It is so incredible that it is a miracle!
Ray drank the amazing miracle drink!
!!!!!!!!!!! Unbelieeeevable!!
Never before has a heavenly, super-special, incredible, miracle-combination flavor like this been experienced!
Sounds like my reaction to cream soda.

Right now, right here, Ray is enjoying a flavor that is out of this world!

“Significantly” is more than normal.
Wow! Wonderful! Max HP went up 5 points!
and that happened too. Hooray for miracle drinks?
If I keep getting crazy boosts like this I might need to intentionally underlevel myself to make the game harder, hmm


Especially when my rapid IQ boosting results in skills like that.
Fortunately stats only go up with Gummis, drinks that already raise stats, or special drinks. Now that we've exhausted my entire Gummi supply, future ones will be scarce, so maybe the out-of-control stat boosting will stop lol


anyway THANKS TO ULLAR we have an escort mission. It shouldn't be as bad as MD1 ones because a) this is a very early dungeon and b) Pokémon in escort missions don't start at level 1 anymore!!!! A huge and important upgrade.


Lol it's not a hard mission sorry Ullar.


ok but Why was there a hidden chamber for an apple, we can get that anywhere
whatever as long as I completed the mission


And we get another Blue Gummi out of it. I'm saving those for Reasons


:o!!!!
This increases our item storage from 64 to 96 which is. Super convenient.


oh I guess today we have sentry duty rather than a mission. Works for me
We get another perfect score (and beat our high score!) and get some nice loot for it: money, a Pecha Scarf (held item that protects against poison), Reviver Seed, and Max Elixir. Decent stuff :o

The next morning...

Oh? Are we finally picking the expedition members?!

Let me introduce our new allies. ♪
Oh okay it's something different. New guild members? I'm excited for that!

Loudred: Allies? What, more new apprentices?
Bidoof: Golly, I wonder what kinds of Pokémon they are?
Chatot: Hey! Over here, please. ♪


oh.

Loudred: Ugh! What stinks?!
Sunflora: Eek! It reeks like rotten cheese! Ewwww!
Bidoof: Yup yup! That is some kind of foul stench!
This dialogue is awfully familiar...


And so are the Pokémon that come from the ladder.

Chatot: These three are our new partners. ♪
Oh.
Oh.
Isn't that just peachy!

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! I'm Koffing.
Zubat: Heh-heh-heh! Zubat here. Glad to meet you.
Skuntank: And I'm Teal Skull's leader.
I'm Skuntank. Remember it.
thats literally ur species tho thats not hard to do


we know who you are and we will Fight You >:(

Chatot: What, you're already acquainted?
sadly

That simplifies things. ♪
Not really, they're kind of asshole bullies but ok

These three aren't joining us as apprentices.
They will be joining our expedition to lend us their assistance. ♪
… assistance? assistance with what? what skills do they have? what can they POSSIBLY contribute to our expedition we would not be able to do otherwise????

besides i feel like just letting outside randos come on expeditions with the guild kind of defeats the point but that's just me

Ray: Whaaaat?!
Yeah I'm shocked too! This is a serious breach of unwritten contract on Wigglytuff and Chatot's part!!!!

Chatot: Why are you so shocked?

WE ABSOLUTELY DO NOT WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU JUST FUCKING SAY ABOUT ME YOU LITTLE BITCH

Chatot: Hm. Very well, then.
but
:(
you know us right chatot??? right...?

Anyway, the Guildmaster has made his decision.
He has decided that having this trio take part will make us stronger on the expedition.
but... no

However, it would be impossible to coordinate teamwork if we were to begin working together right away.
Therefore, we've decided that the trio should live with us for several days.
ok but like... where though, where is there room

Though it will be only for a short while, I ask everyone to treat our guests with hospitality. ♪
They could stop being dicks and stinking up the place. That would be a start.

Loudred: … Doesn't Chatot think something stinks about this? Literally?
Sunflora: … Eww. How can the Guildmaster stand this?
An apt complaint, Wigglytuff is Fairy now after all.

Bidoof: I sure hope this expedition ends soon! Yup yup!
Chatot: All right, everyone. ♪ Let's get down to work. ♪
how about no


I see everyone else has the same reservations I do

Chatot: What's this? Where's your usual spirit?
Loudred: You gotta be KIDDING!
This STINKS! How do you expect us to be cheerful when...
The ground inexplicably starts shaking.

Loudred: WH-WHAT?


oh.
OH. OH GOD OH NO.

Wigglytuff: YOOOOOOM...
Chatot: No! The Guildmaster... His rage is building!
If the Guildmaster gets angry, it will be horrific!
y'all might want to work on his anger issues then but that's for another day

Everyone! Come on! Be cheerful, even if it hurts!
I DONT THINK THATS GOING TO STOP THE PROBLEM BUT OK

All right, everyone. ♪ Let's get down to today's work. ♪

And Wigglytuff abruptly stops as everyone leaves to work.


Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho!
Zubat: Heh-heh-heh!

… you don't say.

Ray: I don't know what they're scheming...
But we'd better be careful, Alti.
Yeah... probably. Definitely.

Chatot: Ah, you two.
Take care of the jobs on the boards today, OK?
We're counting on you. ♪
all right fiiiine

So we take a missions, and get some recruits out of it...

Named Jon, Catallia, and Merel, respectively.


That night...


It looks like Team Skull may be up to something, but what?!

Koffing: My belly'll never get filled on grub like that.
First off “belly'll” is not a word but second it works for the rest of us. You're a Koffing, you are tiny.

Skuntank: All right. The guild members have all gone off to bed...
Let's go find it now.
Zubat: Huh? Find what?
… are you really that dense?

Skuntank: What else? The guild's food stock.
but if the fact that chimecho makes dinner is any indication it's probably all uncooked or something idk

We'll find their food and give ourselves a proper feast.
that's not a bad idea at all

Koffing: I like that thinking, Chief!
Zubat: Okay, let's get to it!
… amazing. A great way to endear yourself to a guild that mostly hates you.
The next morning...
Chatot doesn't say anything about the food. I guess they haven't noticed?? Is there that much of it.

Everyone leaves to work, as normal.
Chatot: Ah, you two.

Oh. I guess they did notice. I mean, I'm not complaining if it means I get to go on an Important Mission!

Ray: Larder? You mean, go get some food?
Chatot: Correct. ♪
… do y'all not have like a regular incoming supply of food? You know... trade? Is that not a thing in this universe?

We inspected the larder this morning.
For some mysterious reason, the guild's food stock has dropped sharply all of a sudden.
Mysterious indeed...! You know, it's not like we invited a group of dudes to live with us and then immediately the food supply dropped, or anything like that...!!

Furthermore, our entire stock of Perfect Apples has disappeared. That was the only item to get completely cleaned out.
I remember Perfect Apples from the Special Episode, weren't they like Wigglytuff's favorite food or something?

Ray: Perfect Apples? What are those?
Chatot: They're very big and very delicious Apples.
… is that it?

But more than that, they are the Guildmaster's favorite food! ♪
ah. Well. That makes things substantially worse. (I may be a bit scared of Wigglytuff)

If there were no Perfect Apples, the Guildmaster would, um...
The Guildmaster w-w-would...
… erk!
Chatot are you okay there?

Ray: Go on. If there were no Perfect Apples, what would happen to Wigglytuff?

… yes??!? WHAT IS IIIIIT

... Yes, that's what would happen.
WHAT
that explained NOTHING
chatot you are extraordinarily useless

That's why I'm begging you two to get some Perfect Apples.
Go get them yourself!!!!
(Nah I'm fine with taking a new mission)

Ray: Uh, what did he just say?! I didn't hear! It'll drive me crazy, not knowing.
Just allow your imagination to fill in the gaps. It will be better that way. Promise.

But, oh well.
Sure, we'll go get some. You can count on us!
Chatot: Good! ♪
it gon be an Adventure


… you don't say. Apples are in Apple Woods?? What is this madness?!

Now, listen, this may seem like a simple errand, but it's a crucial job.
After all, this is all about the Guildmaster's...
… erk!
… the Guildmaster's WHAT THOUGH
WHAT IS THE ISSUE

... So please don't fail! ♪
lol aight

Ray: OK!
Let's keep doing our best, Alti!
YEAH

We go to leave...

but as we leave, see we were overheard.

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! Looks like they're going out foraging for food.
Because apparently that is the only way to acquire food in this universe.

Skuntank: That's because we feasted last night. A thankless task thanks to us, chaw-haw-haw!
ur puns annoy me stahp

Zubat: Heh-heh-heh! Let's mess with them!
how about we dont and say we did, that works too

Anyhow... off to Apple Woods!

actually no before we go there's something i want to show off briefly


So if you go back to your room when it's not the morning address, you'll actually pass through a hallway wherein two doorways are. Enter the doorways, and...


You can get to other apprentices' rooms. Not too interesting, but – wait, what's that over there?


… Well, what answer would you pick?


Let's start from the beginning...


… great system of dates we have going on there.

Oh my gosh! So glad to meet you! I'm Sunflora, an apprentice at the guild!
Eek! But does this mean someone else is reading my diary besides me?!
sorry lol but i have to in the Name of Science

Double-eek! Is someone sneaking a peek?
Oh my gosh! How horrifying! Eek!
just get to the juicy gossip already

lol that's the end of that entry
2. That Silly Loudred!
Oh my gosh! That silly Loudred! Oooooh! He can be so absentminded!
Everyone knows that if you get totally wiped out in a dungeon... you lose some items... and half your money!
does Everyone know that is that how it go

But of course that silly Loudred forgets all that and goes storming off into the dungeon...
And that wound up making us both wipe out! So I got sent back to the guild too!
what are the PHYSICS of this anyway how does this WORK

Eek! So frustrating! Oh my gosh, I never, ever want to go to a dungeon with Loudred again!
im sure ull come around eventually.

P.S. Two new kids joined the guild!
… we're only a PS?

I think they were called Ray and Alti...
Oh my gosh. They're both adorable. Yippee!
I'm not sure whether to be offended or flattered?

3. Lovely Food!
Tomorrow, I'll be off exploring with Bidoof.
That Bidoof is sure to wander needlessly, so I should stock up on lots of food.
lol probs bidoof likes to eat

Oh? Why do need lots of food?
Well, as you move around in a dungeon, you'll get hungry as your Belly empties of food.
Isn't that just life though

If your Belly gets empty, you'll get weaker and weaker... until you faint! Oh my gosh! Terrible!
not in one day but ok

Bidoof is a little short on experience, so I'll back him up.
P.S. I plan to write about how my exploration went with Bidoof...
Now that should really be something to look forward to! Eek!
true. definitely true.

... Which again makes me think that someone may be peeking at my diary?
Oh my gosh! How horrifying!
Too bad for you I'm already invested in this.
4. Exploration Basics
I promised, and now I'll deliver! Here's my report on exploring with Bidoof!
Oh my gosh! I was amazed at how little Bidoof knew about exploring.
Bizarre, he went on his own exploration to Star Cave by now after all.

An example! If an enemy stands beside you, pushing Y will make you face it. Easy, right?
… FOURTH WALLLL

He didn't even know that!
but
i totally used that mechanic in the Star Cave exploration

But all he needed was a little coaching. When I taught him, Bidoof picked things up quickly. He's not so bad after all! Oh my gosh!
Well that's encouraging I guess.

We got the job done too! ♪ Another fun day!
:)

5. Types and Matchups
Oh my gosh! I had a nasty scare the other day!
While exploring a dungeon, I was careless and took a hit from a Fire-type move! Silly me!
I'm a Grass type! So I ended up taking a lot of damage! Eek!
… I mean, sometimes you can't really avoid that happening?

I should really explain what this is all about.
oh great more mechanics disguised as a diary entry

As you know, Pokémon come in many types, like Fire and Water.
“as you know” indeed

All moves have types too! The matchup between the attacking move's type and the defending Pokémon's type affects damage!
As a Grass type, I should really watch out for Fire-type moves! Knowing how types match up is so important.
P.S. When I got into trouble because of all this... It was Loudred who saved me.
wait what

Thank you, Loudred.
WELL
THAT IS A REVERSAL FROM BEFORE
WHAT HAPPENED

That other time I yelled at him! I said, “Oh my gosh, Loudred! I never want to go exploring with you ever again!”
But... eek! Am I ever sorry for saying that! I take back everything nasty I said!
aw :) how nice they made up

I wonder if he would go to a dungeon with me ever again?
I think I will go apologize to him sincerely tomorrow. Yes, that's what I will do.
I'm sorry, Loudred. I hope we can keep on being teammates.
just ask him out already bruh

6. Mystery!
Something very mysterious happened at our guild the other day!
We were in the guild when (oh my gosh!) the place was stunk up by an atrocious stench!
… did you not, like, see Team Skull or anything?

Oh my gosh! I'd never experienced such a foul cloud of fumes. It was an eek-worthy moment!
But... everyone denied responsibility for it!
… yes, it was Team Skull, we have established this

But there's no fooling me! Oh my gosh, I know what I smelled, and there was no mistaking it!
Eek, how mysteriously it crept upon us!
… yes, that is how smells do

Who is the culprit?! Eek!
Hopefully she's figured it out by now.

7. A Rare Expedition
In the morning briefing, Chatot told us something that's worth a good scream. Eek!
There's an expedition coming up! Yippee!
Oh my gosh! It's been simply ages since our last one!
ngl i'd like to know where they went

On our last expedition, we brought home simply massive amounts of treasures!
We shared everything with everyone in Treasure Town. It was a happy, happy time!
EVEN MORE NOW

Oooh, the upcoming expedition should be fun! I wonder where we'll explore this time?
My roommate Chimecho and I got all excited guessing about the destination!
Wait didn't... didn't Chatot say it was Fogbound Lake already?

Of course, I'm going to do everything I can to be picked for the expedition!
Oooh, I'm feeling motivated! Yippee!
u can do it sunflora

Anyway that's it for Sunflora's diary, let's go check out...


… a different diary.


Oof...! Seems that it's been a mighty long time since I apprenticed at this here guild.
I get so frustated being so klutzy and slow... Yup yup! Don't I know it!
:c rip bidoof

I'm a slow worker. And it takes me longer to learn than others.
Oof... I sure miss my home and folks. Yup yup!
go on an exploration to find them :o

But! I can't be what I want to be if I admit defeat now! No sirree, by golly!
I admire Bidoof's persistence.

Yup yup! I have my big dream! I'm surely going to become a first-class explorer, yup!
And that's why I've started this here diary. It's a way for me to keep track of what I'm made of. Yup yup!
A solid plan to be fair

Yup yup! Tomorrow, I'll hold my head up high! I'll get things done!
U CAN DO IT

2. Happy Time!
Yup yup! I'm happy, by golly!
Oh? Why am I so downright happy?
Well... Finally...
Finally I've got junior members under me!
his wish came true!!

Oof! This is some kind of wonderful! And the two are both so friendly and kind. I feel so lucky. Yup yup!
Well you wished for it, so

I've got to set a good example for my new pals! I have to be better. Yup yup!
Yeaaah! I'll do better starting tomorrow!
procrastination in its purest form

3. Bulletin Board Goof-Up
I... I didn't realize it!
After you take jobs on the Job Bulletin Board and Outlaw Notice Board... to actually do 'em, you need to use “Take Job” on your Job List!

y...
yes
did no one... tell you this?

I didn't know that... So I went to dungeons without first activating the jobs with that “Take Job” command, by golly...
Oof! It's no wonder why I could never do my jobs once I got to a dungeon...
that doesn't make any sense but ok

I finally understand why Chatot's always so upset with me, by golly...
:(

4. Exploring with Sunflora
Sunflora is some kind of awesome!
Yup yup! I went exploring with Sunflora the other day.
It turns out Sunflora's a real expert at fighting in dungeons.
I mean she's been here a long time so

When an enemy is just out of reach, she doesn't move toward it! Instead she uses A to launch her regular attack, striking at nothing!
Then the enemy usually spends that turn closing the distance on her. And then, on her next turn, she's the first one close enough to hit!
gaaaame mechaaaaanics

Yup yup! She sure knows what she's doing, by golly!
Why, I wanted to whoop and holler when I saw her use that trick. So thrilling! Sigh...
amaze

As for me, I always rush into a fight... That's why I end up being first to get hit!
But it's all right, I reckon. I know the way to do it now and can explore better now. Yup yup!
i believe in u bidoof

5. Moves Are Awesome!
Well, seems there's another thing I was clueless about!
… don't say “the existence of attacks”, please don't say that

When you use moves instead of regular attacks to defeat an enemy, you get more Exp. Points. Did everyone know that but me?
oh ok good

I didn't know that! But there's more!
You need to hit the foe only once with a move.
Other than that one move, you can strike it with regular attacks. And you still get the boosted Exp. Points. How about that, by golly?
Moves also have higher critical-hit rates than the regular attack. So you're cheating yourself if you're not using moves!
… I don't think the regular attack even can crit??

I'll be using more moves! Starting tomorrow! Yup yup!
P.S. So... I did exactly what I promised I would! I used lots of moves while exploring!
But I used my moves so often that I ran out of PP for my moves almost right away...
Oof... Exploring is never as easy as it looks, I reckon.
lol rip oops

6. Gas Attack!
Something was sure a surprise the other day!
I was checking out the Outlaw Notice Board, when it suddenly stank like rotten sulfur!
… how do you know what sulfur smells like and can it even be “rotten”???

But then everyone turned and looked at me like I had something to do with it, by golly!
I swear! I really had nothing to do with that awful stink, by golly!
:( i know who it was!

I know I've been guilty in the past, like that time in my room once...
tmi tmi bidoof

then twice in the Mess Hall, and once in the Guildmaster's quarters, but...
STAHP STAHP THERE BIDOOF NO

By golly, I surely am not guilty of anything this time, I swear!
WE BELIEVE YOU BIDOOF BECAUSE WE KNOW WHO THE CULPRIT IS do we need to hold a trial

apparently not

7. Expedition!
The guild's going on an expedition soon!
It'll be my first expedition... That's sure got my heart racing, by golly.
But will they think about choosing me?
I hope you can go :o

Compared to everyone else, I'm slow and klutzy...
Even Team Hurricane's rookies are getting better and better...
what can i say, we're naturals

But I'm surely not giving up, by golly!
I'll do the best I can to get picked for the expedition, yup yup!
you can do it!!

anyway, that's it for the diaries for now. Now let's get out of this screenshot desert and go to Apple Woods already!


Yup, it looks like there are apples on the trees so ye

According to Chatot, we need to go to the deepest part of the woods.
That's where the Perfect Apples are supposed to be.
what is “deepest” in this context though... Where

Let's keep doing our best, Alti!
YEA

We head off... but...


We are not alone.

Zubat: Heh-heh. We'll go after them. Come on.

Music: Apple Woods
Anyhow, here we are in Apple Woods.

Recruits: Caterpie, Hoppip, Budew, Burmy (Sand cloak), Oddish, Butterfree, Paras, Weedle, Exeggutor, Combee, Gloom, Kakuna, Beedrill


I love the increased recruit rates in this. Named Sprout lol


Oh, the beautiful sight of being able to recruit fully-evolved Pokémon early on in this game. Fantastic. I am in love.
Named Bumble.


Bumble immediately proved her worth by murdering a Gloom with Fury Attack. Hell yeah.


Named Bean, same as the previous playthrough :B


alas. Though fortunately Bumble does not leave the team permanently, as she would have in MD1. Super convenient. So glad about this.


Other convenient feature: if you already have a Pokémon, when you try to recruit another of the species, its name will appear in yellow instead of blue to indicate you already have it. Handy, especially for things like Unown forms.


After twelve floors, we reach the “depths” of the forest.

According to Chatot, the Perfect Apples should be around here somewhere...
Oh! Alti, look there!
Hanging on that huge tree...
Those most be Perfect Apples.

They don't look much different from regular Apples but all right, if you say so.

All right, then... How should we get those Perfect Apples?
I dunno, maybe climb the tree, or like, I could use Water Gun to get them do


oh okay
Wait, how did you get here before us????

Ray: Who said that?!
… who do you think?

Voice: Chaw-haw-haw!

They jump from the tree to confront us directly.

Ray: What?! You?!
Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw! Team Skull at your service!
Zubat: Heh-heh. Hey, it's wimpy and company. What took you so long?
tbh that's what I'm trying to figure out

Koffing: We've been having us a picnic of Perfect Apples while waiting for you to show.
well hopefully you didn't eat all of them, Wigglytuff might literally explode the place if you did

What took you so long?
Ray: Whaaaat?!
Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! You took so long, I stuffed myself! Buuurp!
you can stop being a nuisance any time now you know



y...
yes. I am aware. I figured that out.

But there are still several left on the tree.
Let's knock this creeps out and take home some Perfect Apples.
SOUNDS GOOD TO ME, FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FI

Chaw-haw-haw. Knock us out? That's very rude of you!
lol like I care, let's just do it

Why, I was even going to offer my help for your mission.
Mm. Sure. I'm sure. Definitely.

Ray: Huh?!
… do you seriously believe it?

You were wondering how you could get the Perfect Apples?
you havent given us a chance to use our own brains this doesn't count as help

Nothing could be easier. Watch.

ah yes the old “bash it with your head until something happens” trick


I mean. I guess you did get the Apples down for us.

Go on, now. Scoop up those Perfect Apples and scuttle back to the guild. Chaw-haw-haw.
Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho.
Zubat: Heh-heh.
Ray: ...
ray aint on board with any of this

Hm? What's the matter? Aren't you going to pick them up?
And after I was so nice and helped you out! Chaw-haw-haw.
again. you didnt give us the chance to try it ourselves so I don't really think that counts


It seems Ray has other thoughts, but apt thoughts for sure.
Tho tbh Ray if they did we could just try to fight them right?

You can't fool me again!
hell yeah ray has wised up


lol rekt they have no idea what to do now

Koffing: Aww. How boring is that.
I know, right?? I wanted another boss battle.

Ray: I was right!
Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw. It's a little disappointing you didn't fall for our act...
But so what? What are you gonna do about it?
I mean. They have a point. We're here to collect those Perfect Apples, either we pick them up or we fight them, there's not much way around this.

Ray: The only thing we can!
We're going to knock out your team. Then we're taking the Perfect Apples back to the guild!
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

Skuntank: Well now. Aren't we feeling peppy today!
When we first met, you were shaking like a leaf too. Chaw-haw-haw.
leavin me out to dry in the process

Ray: It's true... That time, I did back down...
Even now I'm a little scared...
But I won't lose again!
YEAH

I won't ever back down again!
Skuntank: So be it.
In recognition of your courage...
We'll be honored to take you on fair and square. Chaw-haw-haw!
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT


They're going to try something!
I mean. Yes. It's a fight

Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw!
Let's see if you can withstand this attack.
Koffing and I will use our...
noxious gas combo!

fffff REALLY

Ray: Waaaaah! WAAAAAAH!
The screen whites out...


When we return... oh, this isn't good. Any of it.

Ray: Ugh... That was disgusting...
Oh, Alti!
Are you OK, Alti?
Alti nods lol

I'm glad!

Seems were are not entirely done here yet though

Zubat: Aaaaah!
Waaah! They left without me!
W O W they are terrible
Zubat runs off.

Ray: Urf... We both got knocked out...
But what an overpowering stench.
If only we had a Meowth that doesn't have a nose.

The stench is still lingering...
Oh! What happened to the Perfect Apples?!

… yyyyyep. We're screwed

Did those bullies eat them all?
i HOPE NOT i mean we are going to die if they did. That's not cool.

If they're all gone, there's nothing we can do.
Grab some regular apples and pretend they're Perfect Apples?

There's nothing we can do. Let's go back to the guild.
I guess I'm not allowed to suggest alternative options


YES BUT!!!! BUT

Are you serious? Oh no! What am I going to do?!

Go get some yourself??

There was nothing we could do. You see, Skuntank and his...
yes please let us explain the issue the reason we failed to get the Perfect Apples

Quiet! I don't want to hear any excuses!
that's not an excuse holy shit chatot please listen

Ray: Urk...
Chatot: You leave me no choice.
For the time being, you'll go without dinner tonight!
ffs that's a terrible punishment can we not

Ray: What?! B-but...
Chatot: You failed to complete an important job.
ok but starving us is not the answer!!

Your punishment could be much more severe!
HOW THO

Ray: Ugh...
Chatot: I don't want to hear anything from you!
maybe if u would LISTEN u would understand how it ISN'T our fault

You've saddled me with this terrible task!
I've got to report this to the Guildmaster now!
maybe go get some perfect apples urself

Upon hearing my report, the Guildmaster is sure to...

again. if you don't want to die maybe go get some perfect apples YOURSELF CHATOT

I will report this to the Guildmaster after dinner.
You two will come with me when I do so.
oh GREAT so we get to die too

If I had to face the Guildmaster's wrath all by myself, well, that would hardly be fair.
bring TEAM SKULL eh??

Therefore, you two will come with me!
That's an order!
great


even better


ohhhhh man I am so not ready for this.

You brought me some Perfect Apples, didn't you?
Thank you!
I feel sick

Chatot. Uh... There's, uh, a slight...
Uh... It's awfully hard to say this, but...
You'd think Wigglytuff would figure it out just based on that

Wigglytuff: Huh? What's wrong?
Chatot: You see, uh, truth be told...
These apprentices... Well, they failed in their mission to bring back any Perfect Apples, and...
So, uh, to put it another way...
Wigglytuff: It's OK. I understand. ♪
AAAAAA wait what
what

It's all right! Nobody wins all the time. ♪
Don't feel blue, don't feel blue. ♪
Well, I'm glad Wigglytuff seems to be understanding...? maybe??? it doesn't seem like we're going to die miserably though


OH

Chatot: As I'd explained... Um... They failed to get them, so, uh...
In other words, uh... the Perfect Apples...
The number of Perfect Apples harvested... would be, uh... zero.
there it is

Wigglytuff: … Oh.
oh dear. what have we wrought

Chatot: Therefore... not even one Perfect Apple was obtained...
That means, Guildmaster...
You will have to make do without Perfect Apples for a little bit.
THAT'S sure to go over well

Yep, that's what it means!

I think Chatot has lost it. Can't say I blame him

Hee-heeee! Hee-heeee! ♪ Hee-heeee... Hee...
Um, Guildmaster? Guildmaster?

SHIT
SHIT I DIDN'T SIGN UP FOR THIS

Sniffle...
Sob...
Ray: (Whoa! He's going to cry!)

SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT

Chatot: Waaaah! N-no!
Wigglytuff: Urrrrfffff... Urrrrrrrrrrr...
Ray: Yow! The whole place is shaking!
RUN AWAY RUN AWAAAAAY

Wigglytuff: Waa... Waaaaaaaaaahhh...
Chatot: Cover your ears!
Ray: W-why?!
RAY FOR GOD'S SAKE DON'T ASK WHY JUST DO IT

Chatot: Don't argue! Do it now!
Wigglytuff: WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!
Chatot: Eeeeeh!

It's a bit hard to tell but there's the end of an explosion going on beside Wigglytuff. Wigglytuff's sadness is exploding the place.

Chatot: Aiyeeeee!
We are about to explode, when suddenly...



is
is this who i think it is

Wigglytuff: Huh?

I cannot believe that just happened. I am in shock. I am at a loss. The amount of anger I feel cannot be expressed in mere words.

Please accept it as our token of friendship.
Wigglytuff: Oh, wow! You went and got it just for me?!
ffffffssshsshhshshshshs

Yay! Thank you! Friends! Friends!
FFSHSHSHSHSHSHHSHSHSHS

Chatot: Th-thank you so very, very kindly!
Thanks to you, we've all been spared a catastrophe!
NO THAT IS NOT HOW THIS WENT DOWN CHATOT THEY CAUSED THE CATASTROPHE


[incoherent angry gibbering]

Ray: Ungggh...
Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw. No, no, it's quite all right. After all, your guild has been very generous and hospitable to us.
It's only right that we try to repay that favor in our way.
seeeeeeeeeeething

Chatot: Ah! I see that you're the most admirable of Pokémon. ♪
To be able to embark on an expedition with someone as noble as you...
Did y'all miss the part where Koffing and Zubat forcefully shoved Alti and Ray out of the way for this tho

It will be truly inspiring!
Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw. No, no! You will be the ones who inspire us.
Truly, we look forward to our expedition.
It's late now, so we'll be off to bed.
Until tomorrow then. Chaw-haw-haw!
GOOD RIDDANCE TO BAD TRASH

Wigglytuff: Thank you! Good night! Friends! Friends!
Afterward...


Like giving away that Perfect Apple right then...
We should've just watched what'd happen to them after.
That would've been hilarious.
Koffing: Yeah, my thoughts exactly.
Isn't it obvious? To make you guys look like the good guys and us like the bad guys. Not hard to figure out, yanno.

Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw! You're not thinking strategically, you two.
I'll say!

Why'd we come here in the first place? The expedition, right?
Right now, the trick is for us to win the trust of Wigglytuff.
You appear to have accomplished this.

Koffing: I get it now.
Skuntank: But...
This being a famous guild and all, I was playing it cautious at first, but it's been ridiculously easy.
That's because Wigglytuff didn't explode.

Wigglytuff's been nothing more than a big baby.
no wigglytuff is a Friend

He's no big deal.
Why everyone's so terrified of Wigglytuff, I don't know. I'm clueless.
Did you miss the part where he nearly exploded the room??

Anyway, if we find a treasure while on the expedition...
Koffing: We knock out the guild's crew.
Zubat: Then we snatch the treasure and skedaddle on out!
lol good luck knocking out all of us tho

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! This plan is a sure thing.
Zubat: Heh-heh.
Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw.
aight well have fun assholes

Elsewhere...

It's great that Wigglytuff didn't blow up at us.
We might have died so YES that's good

Urf... But we didn't get to eat dinner after all...
I feel horribly hungry...
we prolly have some apples in our bag or some shit tho...

Sorry, I know you're hungry too, Alti.
Staying awake like this doesn't make it better. Let's get some sleep.
not sure how we're gonna sleep on empty stomachs but ok

Good night, Alti.
Let's keep at it tomorrow.
G'night.

Anyway that's it for today, ending on a sour note (*timmy's dad voice* team skull) but this is a long update so.

Next time: Do we get picked for the expedition?!

9/525: 1.7%
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
 
This stretch of the game always got on my nerves because it adds nothing to how the story progresses and ultimately makes every character look incompetent or stupid. Ignoring Ray and Alti not mentioning the Beach Cave incident, most of the other apprentices HAD to see Skuntank stink up the room and then assault you. No one mentioned this to Chatot when they showed up? There's also the mentioned point about Chatot not letting you speak up when he was already not very likeable, and we basically know we're going on the Expedition because of how game stories go, so the bad standing it sets seems narratively worthless. I also think it kind of squandered the reveal of Wigglytuff's monster power: just have Wigglytuff start sobbing and Chatot's concern seems more about just his boss being angry than the fact that he would literally explode, then save the reveal for later when he actually explodes something.
 
pika pal: I assume the point is to clarify Team Skull as infuriating villains and maybe give the impression they are the overarching problem in this game? Maybe? I don't know. Either way it's painfully un-fun to watch and annoying. You're not the only one who hates that segment.


Last time, we got completely shown up by Team Skull and made Chatot mad at us. Can we redeem ourselves? How is this going to affect the expedition??


After the following day's briefing, Chatot has something different to say.

Tomorrow or the day after... Or perhaps in several days' time...
We plan to announce the members of the expedition party. ♪
“tomorrow or the day after or in several days”? that is EXTREMELY vague chatot please tell us what you mean

Chimecho: Wow!
Bidoof: By golly, the members are finally going to be picked!
Sunflora: Oh my gosh! It will be so fun!
Which, the picking or the expedition?? If you don't get picked it won't be any fun eh?

Chatot: Everyone, this is your last chance to make an impression. ♪
Well … I have that right?? A second chance?

Work hard and impress us if you want to be chosen. ♪
All right, everyone. ♪ Let's get down to work as usual. ♪
Everyone: HOORAY!

Ray unfortunately can't seem to get motivated. (I feel his pain tbh)

Chatot: Ah, you two.
You two should take care of listed jobs today.
We're counting on you. ♪
Well... that's a good sign, right?

There's one other thing. About the expedition...

oh
… :(

Ray: Huh?! Wh-why?!
what do you mean “why”, remember how Chatot reacted toward us 'failing' yesterday...

Chatot: Your failure yesterday weighs heavily.
As you know, it is difficult to tell what our Guildmaster is thinking from his demeanor...
But there's no doubt that he must be seething with anger inside.
… projection much?

It's unlikely that he would bother to choose you for the expedition.
So when the time comes to announce the members, don't get your hopes up.
Now that's just cruel, god.

That's all.

And then to be told something like that... There's no way I can get motivated now...[/quote]
lets just go to the dungeon and eat a buncha apples its ok


WHOS THERE

Ray: Huh? I heard a voice somewhere...
Voice: Shhh! Over here!

are
are you supposed to be hiding
in the MIDDLE OF THE OPEN FLOOR

Bidoof: Shhh! By golly, not so loud!
THIS ISNT REALLY A SECRET THOUGH

Come this way!

no one was there but also we were in the middle of the floor

Ray: What's going on? Why did you call us in here?
Sunflora: Well... here you go.

what's this?!

Chimecho: You must be very hungry.
Bidoof: We all set aside a little bit of our dinners last night for you.
>3 pokemon
>2 apples
somethings not adding up here

Sunflora: Now, eat up!
Ray: Th-thanks, everyone!

so we do

Ray: Whoa! Thanks! I'm revitalized!
Chimecho: Great!
Sunflora: We can all use help when we're down.
Bidoof: Every one of us needs to be able to work hard in order to be picked for the expedition. Yup yup!
well u see
about that

Ray: Sniffle... Thanks, everyone...
But about the expedition... Chatot just came and told us...
We're probably not going to be chosen...
Bidoof: How could you say that?! There's no telling what might happen! No sirree!
I mean... yes????? but we kinda dropped the ball yesterday on a mission for Wigglytuff so

Sunflora: The members haven't been picked yet!
… yes, that's the issue.

Ray: Everyone... Thanks for trying to cheer us up, but...
Doesn't everybody want to go on the expedition?
What if we were chosen to go?
If that happens, someone here might not get to go.
… yes. Correct. That is how trade-offs work. Numbers. Mathematics. Statistics.
Also this may be true but I don't think the other apprentices (except maybe loudred lol) are in the process of actively sabotaging their friends' chance to have fun and explore.

Would you all be OK with that?
why are you ASKING i mean what do you just wanna withdraw yourself from the pool so that your friends could go???? I thought you wanted to EXPLORE ray

Sunflora: No, I wouldn't like that...
Chimecho: But, of course, if someone is chosen...
Then someone else can't go.
That's just the way it is!
Chimecho bein the voice of reason here

Sunflora: If you don't get picked for the expedition, you should cheer for those who did.
also true

Bidoof: Yup yup! And everyone wants to go on the expedition with you, Ray and Alti.
is that true tho or is it just cause we the cute newbies

Ray: Sniffle... Everyone, honestly, thank you.
OK! Then we'll keep trying our best to get picked for the expedition.
We'll keep on trying to the end!
plot twist: ray doesnt get picked. he keeps trying anyway. everyone has left on the expedition. ray is still trying to impress wigglytuff who is not there. the guild is no longer in use and has been shut down for years. inside ray is trying to impress wigglytuff. forever

Bidoof: Yup yup! That's the spirit!
Chimecho: Yes! Let's all do our best!
Sunflora: We've got to try hard so we all can go!
lol what if we all did SO WELL they just had to bring us all. like there were no distinguishing factors for anyone

Ray: Yes!
So let's go take some missions!!


Or get interrupted.

Ray: Oh! It's Croagunk!

ur one to talk

I suppose it's got nothing to do with me, but... Meh-heh-heh.
Anyway, that's not why I called you here. Meh-heh-heh! The waiting's over!
It's about my shop. Meh-heh-heh! The Croagunk Swap Shop is back in business!
The whatsa whosa what now?

Ray: Croagunk... Swap Shop?
ray stop being as confused as me and expressing it its getting weird

Croagunk: Meh-heh-heh! You heard right.
I finally finished repairing my Swap Cauldron, which means that I'm finally back in business again! Meh-heh-heh!
what the hell is a swap cauldron

You put certain kinds of items in this here Swap Cauldron...
And those items get swapped for an item offered by another Pokémon somewhere around Treasure Town.
witchcraft

Croagunk: There are some Pokémon around that have some pretty rate items for swapping.
So you could end up with a stupendously great swap. Get it? Meh-heh-heh!
… how wonderfully vague.

So if you two feel like swapping items, you bring them to me, all right! Meh-heh-heh!
lol k

Anyway, I should clarify, this isn't just normal items Croagunk is offering to swap. Sometimes, when you defeat a Pokémon in a dungeon, it will drop a Treasure Box. If you open it at Xatu's shop in Treasure Town for 150 Poké, it will have an item in it. The vast majority of the items you can get from boxes are species-specific: something called a Vulpix Tail, for instance, might boost the Defense of Vulpix and Ninetales when it is kept in the bag. The items you can get from boxes are usually pretty simple and have one effect, but you can trade them for rarer, more valuable species-specific items that have more effects. The Glowing Bow, for instance, weakens all Special attacks levied against Vulpix or Ninetales to half their strength. Croagunk's Swap Shop is used for trading these items.

In Time and Darkness, you would need to trade up species items in order to get rare items. A Vulpix Tail and a Vulpix Card would need to be traded for a Vulpix Tag, then a Vulpix Tag, Vulpix Tail and Vulpix Card would need to be traded for a Glowing Bow. In Sky, though, I think that you can just trade what you have for what arbitrary items available. But if you try to trade for a Glowing Bow if it appears, you'll need to trade 5 items instead of the the 3 that you would need if you had all of Vulpix's items. It's a decent way to keep items from overfilling your storage, at least in my opinion, because nearly every Pokémon has at least one exclusive item. Some lines only have a single rare item, others have a whole set of varying rarities, but everyone has something, so there's a lot of options. We haven't come across any boxes yet though so it doesn't really matter for us!

Now let's take some missions.


what Now

I wonder what's going on.

Mr. Mime: Yeah. It seems like there's some wonderful news for all the explorers.
Octillery: I wonder what kind of wonderful news.
Now I'm really interested. I'm going to go find out.
Mr. Mime: I'm going too.
Ray: Wonderful news, huh?
Hey, Alti, we should go too.
aight lets go find out what is wonderful news for explorers at the café


Oh wow! I had no idea there were so many NPCs in this game!!!


Meh. I got railroaded into it.

Today I would like to give you some wonderful news of hopes and dreams!
am I going to have mine fulfilled finally? in the real world, I mean, not in the game

Ahem.
Thanks to your kind patronage, this café has been quite popular...
its been like 3 days

We've been fortunate to have so many wonderful customers!
This shop's pride and joy, the Recycle Shop, is fully operational and has collected many items.
We would like to thank you for your kind patronage...
By opening a new service!
Le Gasp! What could it be!


please explain what project P is

Mr. Mime: Project P?
Octillery: What's that?
Spinda: This project aims to use the items gathered at the Recycle Shop to explore unexplored places.
I mean. Makes sense I guess?

Allow me to explain.

Thanks to everyone's continued recycling efforts, we have gathered a lot of items here at the shop.
The service will continue to operate in the same manner...
And now with Project P established...

We'll use the accumulated items to explore unexplored areas!
Yeahhh it made sense the first time you said it so

There are still so many places around the world that are waiting to be found and explored.
So many secret treasures and challenging puzzles waiting to be discovered...
So let's go out and find them! That's what Project P is about!
I'm totally down for finding new places n shit

Ah, the pursuit of knowledge...
And continuing exploration...

>probably

And if you bring your discoveries back to the café...

and now we are back at the start

This should keep items circulating through the Recycle Shop.
The items at the Recycle Shop will become more and more amazing!
I'm sure that's the goal at any rate


it's... really not a hard concept...

Use the recycled items to explore the world!
Don't you think it's a magnificent project, full of hopes and dreams?
I wish you'd stop saying “hopes and dreams” because I don't think that's really applicable, but okay

Mr. Mime: Whoa! This is genius!
Pachirisu: It seems so economical!
Not gonna argue with that assessment

We've already sent out an exploration team to find unexplored areas!
I feel like that sentence shouldn't make much sense but all right

There should be new discoveries before long!
So, everyone! Please keep recycling, more and more every day!
Let's all work together and find unexplored areas!
YEAH

Everyone: HOORAY!
Ray: Wow! So amazing!
Recycling leftover items, trading them around... They're bound to turn into unbelievable treasures!
Ray you are massively excited about this we haven't proven its efficacy yet.

And being able to explore unexplored areas!
but are any of those LEFT

Wahoo! I'm so excited!
I gathered

We should recycle more!
lol k

ANYWAY,,,, MISSION. TIME.


I haven't had a chance to show them off before because I haven't seen one, but Kecleon Shops can appear in Waterfall Cave, which is honestly pretty early. In Rescue Team, the first time to see them was in Mt. Blaze, the ninth dungeon (an expected level of around ~18ish or so, I think), versus Waterfall Cave being the fourth dungeon with an expected level of around ~12 or so. I wonder what inspired the decision to change it up.


you're just doing this because you don't trust us to do missions after apple woods right right

i will do it. but not for you. for the guild

(it was fine lmao i got another perfect score)


I said before that sometimes Pokémon can join your team from the café. This is that happening. This Shellos apparently decided it liked the way we drink things and wants to join our team as a result. However I'm going to turn it down because self-imposed challenge where I have to actually recruit everything!! :B I hate myself maybe


oh right sometimes if you recycle Tickets you can get a big win and if you do then Ludicolo and his team of Bellossom burst through the wall to do a dance. You really need to see it in all its full glory:

yes, that is Palkia being blown away by the force of Ludicolo's bursting through the wall. Amazing, right?

For the record, our big-win prize is a Brown Gummi. I will certainly take it!


w h y
I guess it's one of those jokes that got lost in translation.


Named Papillon. Butterfree is bizarrely OP in this game so I might take it on a few missions in the future :o


Named Alma.


Man, my last mission I recruited nothing but this time I'm actually getting stuff, huh.
Named Xander.


lol it's even a female Combee, nice. Not that that really matters since we don't need to evolve it, but cool.
Named Hexa.


Not gonna take it, it is way too situational.


Might be useful for boss fights but eh, I'd prefer to have a useful move slot for other things.

After we finish the mission...


Different dialogue! What's about to happen?!

Everyone: Yeah!
Let's get...
Chatot: Everyone! Hold up!

I wish to make an announcement.

Everyone is extremely angry at Chatot's announcement of an announcement.

Loudred: Well, spit it out already! Let's eat!
Dugtrio: You prevent us from eating what's in front of us? This is an outrage?
Sunflora: Eek! This is so unfair! I feel faint from hunger!
Diglett: Boooo! Booo!
yall are spoiled, chill out

Chatot: Order! I must have order!
Chatot: Ahem! I'm sure the selection of the expedition members has been on everyone's minds.
Our Guildmaster has apparently made his final decisions. ♪
OH SHIT THAT IS IMPORTANT

Everyone: WHOA!

And now we immediately forget our annoyance and hunger and start being excited instead.

Chatot: The members will be announced at tomorrow morning's briefing.
It's something to look forward to. ♪
lol you don't say

Now, sorry to have kept you waiting.
Without further ado... On your marks...

its Go time

After dinner...


I'm feeling sort of nervous.
Yes, I know Chatot said we shouldn't get our hopes up.
After all, we didn't bring back any of those Perfect Apples that Wigglytuff loves so much.
:c sad times

But... After that, we did work really hard, didn't we?
we recruited like 4 friends does that count for anything

We've done the best we could. Even if we don't get picked, I don't regret a thing.
If you say so.

Yaaaaawn... I'm getting drowsy. Let's get some sleep.
I'm looking forward to tomorrow's announcement. OK, good night.

Ray may be sleeping, but...

(No regrets. Right...)
(But...)
(If we're not chosen for the exploration party...)
(Ray will be crushed.)
This is true. Alti gets to the heart of it.

(Ray is trying so hard... I hope Ray gets to go on the expedition...)
(If we both get chosen for the expedition...)
(That special ability I have may be useful then...)
This is true. We can be the best explorers because of it!

(Come to think of it, I haven't had any of those dizzy spells recently.)
(I think it's a useful ability.)

no shit.

(But not being able to see those visions when I want is frustrating.)
(…)
(Thinking about everything too much will keep me from sleeping. I'd better get to sleep now too.)
(Good night, Ray. I hope you get chosen tomorrow...)
:') how sweet

And they sleep.


But... the night isn't over yet.[/quote]


Elsewhere, a Pokémon remains awake.


Oh, dear.

This is the second one!

Ominous!!

This would be a good stopping point, except this is otherwise a short update and we haven't really done any new gameplay yet, so I'm going to keep going.


hype hype hype hype hype

I shall announce the expedition members at this time.
Guildmaster, the memo, please.
Narration: Chatot accepted the memo bearing the names of the expedition members from Wigglytuff.

Step forward if your name is called.
oh i hope we get picked for like 6 reasons

Sunflora: Ooh... It's finally happening.
Bidoof: My heart's a-pounding, by golly.
Chatot: Without further ado, I will announce those who've been chosen.

alright, no opinions there

Loudred: Y-yes! I DID IT!

not with that attitude it's not!

WOO-HOOOO!
Sunflora: (Says you...)
Bidoof: (Big talker, yup yup.)
(Is he saying that he wasn't even nervous?)
Chatot: Next up is... Corphish! ♪
again no real opinions, I don't know anyone here well enough to say lol

Corphish: Hey, hey, hey! Got it!
I got picked! Hey, hey! (Whew, that's a relief...)
I like corphish, he's just relieved to go rather than being an asshole like someone


yes? YES????????

Well this is a surprise! Our next member is Bidoof! ♪
well if Bidoof got picked, we're sure to get picked, right? Right?????

Bidoof: Really?! Really and truly?!
and no one is more surprised about it than Bidoof himself of course

Golly... Me?! I'm going on the expedition?!
this is cute though :')


Lol I think he's fine.

Come on, step forward.
Bidoof: Urf... I sure want to step up, I truly do, but....
I'm feeling a might overwhelmed here. My legs aren't moving...
okay bidoof. all right

Chatot: So be it. We'll ignore it and move on.
lol rip

Next we have Sunflora and Chimecho! ♪
What you're not even going to announce them individually? They just get lumped into one group.

Chimecho: Oh? Us too?
Sunflora: Eeek! Oh my gosh!

:( rayyyy is going to be a sad
also, side note: I love how the leftover people are literally the ones who don't seem to do much actual exploring – Croagunk runs a shop, Diglett does sentry duty, Dugtrio changes out the boards – and then us. Way to rub salt on a wound, Chatot and Wigglytuff.

Ray: Urf...
again :(


well screw you too my good sir

Zubat: (Heh-heh. Serves them right!)
Koffing: (Whoa-ho-ho! They had it coming.)
ok but whose fault was that pray tell


… yes, Chatot?

(There's something scribbled on the margins of this memo...)
(The Guildmaster's writing is such a messy scrawl...)
Somehow I'm not at all surprised.

(This is so hard to decipher...)
(Erk! If I said that aloud, the consequences wouldn't be pretty. Best to keep a stiff upper beak and swallow those words.)
what, could you maybe just ask wigglytuff “what do u mean by this” or something and see if he clarifies :V

Erm... It appears that there are more expedition members.
there's only five of us left tho


UM
OKAY
BUT
LIKE
THAT'S ALL FIVE

That is all. Wait a second! What?!
What?! Whaaaat?!
Guildmaster! This list seems to include...
Every member of the guild!
plot twist: everyone is going except for chatot. he is alone

Wigglytuff: Yup! That's right!
ok but why tho

Chatot: Well then! It seems that the whole selection process was meaningless.
Moreover, if we were to all go, we would be leaving the guild empty!
and who knows what manner of unsavory creatures might infiltrate our gui- oh wait, they already have :B

Are you sure it will be all right to leave with no one to look after the guild?

You sound entirely unconcerned about the possibilities.

Skuntank: Guildmaster, I also have some misgivings.
Shut up Skuntank no one asked for your opinion and you don't even belong to the guild anyway

Do you think perhaps we may have too many members for an expedition?
Lol nah expeditions should have millions of people.
Millions.

Wigglytuff: Hmm... When a friend asks something like that, I have to wonder why...
Skuntank: I mean, first of all, why does everyone have to go?
What's the point in having everyone participate?
Strength in numbers?

Wigglytuff: Huh?! Of course there's a point!
That is...


Why am I not surprised in the slightest

Skuntank: What?!
I see even he has no idea how to react to this development

We'll be noisy and excited and having fun! I started thinking about it, and it made mo so excited, I couldn't sleep! ♪
… wouldn't the expedition members be having fun even if everyone wasn't there??

Skuntank: What...?
Wigglytuff: So that's how it is, everyone! We're all going on the expedition, and it will be fun, fun, fun! ♪
wigglytuff has spoken it is time to Go

Let's all do our best! ♪
Everyone: HOORAY!
Chatot: Urrgh... Well, that's settled.
Fine. Let me explain the schedule.
Right after this, I will hold a briefing on the expedition.
As such, the chosen members (that is, everyone)...
seems chatot is having a hard time processing this too

Each of you should get prepared to embark on the expedition.
Let me remind you that this is a guild-exclusive expedition. You may not bring nonguild members of your teams.
but
but i JUST recruited an awesome butterfree :(( and also what are team skull if not non-guild

As such, you won't be able to add members at Chimecho Assembly. They simply aren't allowed to join the expedition.
rip

Keep that in mind while you are making preparations.
When you are prepared for the upcoming journey, you should return here.
Then, inform me of your readiness.
That is all. Dismissed!
aight it is Time to prepare ourselves


tbh if I were you Sunflora I would have felt like it undermined my ability or like, cheapened it or something, since you were an exclusive pick until everyone else got picked

Chimecho: Our Guildmaster has done it again. I'm so shocked, I'm tingling!
Ray: I didn't think we'd get picked, so that came as a total shock!
I'm glad we never gave up!
you didn't really get picked so much as wigglytuff decided to bring everyone regardless of ability so that's not really how it went

Corphish: Hey, hey!
Bidoof: Sniff... By golly, I'm mighty glad that they're even letting me go on this here expedition...
Again. Same deal. Everyone is going.

Oh, but not just me! Why, everyone gets to go...
… yep.

Sniff... It's like I'm dreaming. It's making me feel mighty emotional... Sob...
Dugtrio: It's no dream. This is really happening.
Anyway, since we are all going, it means we're all going to be put to the test as well.
That's why I would like to propose that all of us apprentices work as one.
… ok but what does that even mean?????

And let's make this expedition a success!
Aight, can't argue with that one.

Sunflora: Yippee! That's the spirit!
Loudred: Yeah! THAT'S the spirit!
Chimecho: Let's do our best!
Bidoof: Sniff... Sniff...
oh stop crying already u large baby

Ray: Let's band together and do it!

Yaaaay!


Oh what the heck is this

Alti's team was rewarded with a bigger Treasure Bag!
oh ok

Anyway, we go to prepare for the expedition, but first...


first we have diary entries to snoop on

Oh my gosh! Something happened that was totally uplifting!
Tonight, Team Hurricane had to go without dinner for some silly reason...
at least other people thought it was bullshit too

While we were eating (oh my gosh!), Bidoof was leaving a part of his dinner untouched!
And this is Bidoof, right? The one we call the “bottomless barrel” because of his big appetite!
I'm surprised too tbh

Whatever could have caused that?! Maybe he's heartbroken!
Well, I guessed that at first. But then I figured out what he was really doing.
He was leaving some of his dinner for Alti's team.
Then (oh my gosh!) the others noticed too.
So we all did what Bidoof was doing. We left bits and pieces of our dinner. (Though Loudred agonized over the decision to the end.)
… of course he did

Yippee! Everyone pitched in to help! How sweet of them! Oh my gosh, I am getting emotional!
In the end, we decided to share the smaller things ourselves and leave them with one whole Apple each!
Chimecho, Bidoof, and I will keep those two Apples for the night.
Tomorrow morning, we'll give them to Team Hurricane.
They must be hungry now, but they have to endure it just a little longer...
ok but Why couldn't you have snuck into our rooms and given them to us then??

We all have to stick together and try to make it into the expedition party!
YEA

alright, time for Bidoof's.

8. Camaraderie
There was sort of a scene today!
Those Team Hurricane members were denied dinner tonight. They went to bed hungry.
I reckon they goofed up something bad to be punished that way. Yup yup!
hey :(

Still... going without dinner's a rotten thing.
I know that I surely can't last a night without a full belly. Yup yup!
So I decided that I'd save a bit of my dinner so I could share it with them.
Turns out that everyone had the same idea!
I think they got the idea from you.

We all saved a bit of our dinners, it seems.
So we all met up that night, and we talked it over. Yup yup.
And we decided we'll share our food with Team Hurricane.
We reckon we'll sneak them the food tomorrow morning after the morning briefing. Yup yup!
… again. I think it would have been easier to sneak it to us if you had done it at night.

The older apprentices are usually really strict, but it turns out they're awfully nice at heart...
Oof... This is making me all emotional, by golly.
awwww

All right let's go prepare for the expedition!
… by that i mean we just got our inventory set up.


chaw-haw-you're an asshole


this is great IQ skill and I'm glad we got it early. Super useful when you have it, insanely obnoxious when enemies do :B


The expedition will be a long journey. You should be stocked up on items. Are you all ready to go?
… totally.

Incidentally...
You may not bring members of your team that aren't members of the guild. Understood?
yup i already sadly told Papillon to stay behind :c

Good. ♪ You appear to be in full readiness. ♪
we Better be

When the other apprentices assemble, I shall commence the briefing. Until then, just wait. ♪
but the hype is killing me!!!!!! :(


We cut to the briefing, of course.

Well then. Let me explain about this expedition. ♪
First, the objective: exploration of Fogbound Lake.
Ray: Fogbound Lake?
always gotta be the inquisitive one eh Ray

Correct. It is a lake that is said to be located far to the east.
That sentence structure confuses me. “It is a lake” implies we know it's a lake, but if it's said to be located to the east how can we know it is a lake? If we knew there was a lake, wouldn't we know where it is? Shouldn't this be “It is said to be a lake that is located far to the east” or like “far to the east it is said there is a lake”?

However, it is perpetually enshrouded by a dense fog. As such, its actual existence has never been confirmed...
Again. This throws doubt on the lake, not the east.

It is merely the foggy mirage of a spot that lives to this day on rumor alone.
Regardless that's way rad!

It is also rumored...
A treasure of exquisite beauty is there. ♪
I'm down for treasure

Ray: Wow! Treasure?! We're going on a treasure hunt!
… I mean, what else were you expecting?

This is so exciting!
Wigglytuff: Yup! It will be fun, fun, fun! ♪

what >:(

Chatot: Everyone, open your Wonder Maps, please.
First off, this is where Fogbound Lake is said to be.

This just confirms my suspicion we have not explored much of this world for being an exploration-team-heavy area.


thats a long way off!!!!!!

As you can see, the lake is at a considerable distance from the guild.
lol chatot Knows


If we were to travel all at once in a single group to the base camp, our mobility would be restricted.
I suppose? There's not that many of us, but all right.

The strategy is to split up into several groups to travel to the base camp. ♪
I shall announce those groups now.
The first group is Sunflora, Loudred, Diglett, and Croagunk.
lol not going to put diglett and his dad together?

Loudred: You guys! You'd better NOT hold me back!
Oh shut up loudred no one cares.

Sunflora: You should talk!
Chatot: The next group is Dugtrio, Chimecho, and Corphish.
Dugtrio: We're a solid group!
u have 2 grass weaks tho

Chimecho: I promise to try my best!
Corphish: Hey, hey, likewise!
Chatot: Erm... Let's see...
The Guildmaster and I shall travel as a pair... That is acceptable, yes?
makes sense to me theyre totally dating after all


ok maybe not. rip chatot

That's so booooooring!
for being the leader of a world-famous guild Wigglytuff sure is unprofessional at times

Chatot: Please don't be difficult. This is a key element of our strategy.
… but why though

Wigglytuff: … Meanie.
oh my god wigglytuff hahahaha

Chatot: Our guests, Team Skull, should travel independent of us as their own group.
good, means none of us have to deal with them

Skuntank: Understood. Chaw-haw-haw!

noo but i already played as bidoof cant i get like. corphish or chimecho or something
also is that a good tactical idea Chatot, we are absolutely the weakest members between the three of us

Bidoof: We're in the same group! I hope I can keep up! Yup yup!
Ray: Ha ha ha! Same here, Bidoof!
Chatot: Well then...
Everyone, let's get to it and move out! ♪
Everyone: HOORAY!
So we all leave.


The guild's expedition party began making its way toward Fogbound Lake.
According to plan, the party was split into the designated groups.
And Alti, Ray, and Bidoof's group plotted its course.
The group settled on a route along the seacoast to reach the base camp.
… wait, we get to choose our own route?? Doesn't that seem a little... problematic as far as coordination? Like, what if we just died or something? We're pretty low-level after all


we are Going


THIS is a RAD LOCATION AND I WANT TO GO THERE.

And just look at this cliff!
Bidoof: Yup yup! I reckon this is looking more and more like a true expedition!
thats my kind of adventure!!! its an expotition

The path ahead surely will get tricky just what real explorers like to see!
getting cold feet?


expositionnnnn

It's a Kangaskhan Rock.
Ray: Kangaskhan Rock?
Bidoof: Yes sirree, you heard right. That there's a Kangaskhan Rock.
A Kangaskhan Rock lets you stow and take out items, and it lets you save a record of your progress.
Which makes absolutely no sense in canon but all right if u say so

It's a real help to travelers.
… Well, I haven't had much of a chance to use Kangaskhan Rocks...
aw bidoof

Reckon I shouldn't oughta talk like a big shot...
Well, you're right about what they do, so

Gulp...! I just want to say again that this here's my first expedition!
ur exploration of star cave was totally an expedition dont sell urself short

I'm feeling kind of nervous, by golly.
Just don't die and it'll be fine.

Ray: Ha ha ha. That goes for us too.
We're all beginners at this. Let's just do our best.
and try not to die in the process that's important too

Let's check the Wonder Map.

I bet it was smooth sailing up until then. What path did everyone else take, anyway?


MOUNTAIN CLIMBAN TIME


Sure, fine by me.

Want to try reaching here as our first objective?
Bidoof: Yup yup! I agree with that.

(It must be the excitement from exploring that's bringing it out...)
(But Ray, who was so timid before, is trying so much harder...)
it's great to see though so I'm not complaining

(Yes, Ray is getting stronger and more confident bit by bit...)
Ray: Oh... Huh?
Bidoof: Huh? Problem?
Ray: If you look closely here, there are two entrances.
Bidoof: Huh? Now, that is mighty vexing.
one leads to death so we better not. I don't know which one leads to death but eh

Ray: What'll we do, Alti?
… does “side path” sound like a place that will lead to progress, though?

(It's just there so that you can level up your pokemons if they're weak going and have trouble with Craggy Coast, since you can't go back and take more missions or anything.)

Ray: OK. Craggy Coast it is.
All right. Now...
Bidoof: Let's all three work as one and get this done!
YEAH!!! GO TIME


Music: Craggy Coast

We can't recruit anything on the expedition, but we will be able to come back later, and when we do, we can get Spheal, Krabby, Dratini, Wingull, Gastrodon (East), and Shellos.

Looks like according to Bidoof's level we are about on par with the curve. Bidoof has certainly strengthened up since Star Cave :o


Despite being on par with the level curve, it seems my stat-boosting with Gummi drinks has actually kind of overpowered our heroes. I'll probably try to remedy that in the future by intentionally keeping myself underleveled.


I haven't gotten a box before now but here is one. I will show off what you can do with it when I get back from the expedition!


After nine floors, we emerge here.

Bidoof: Whew... By golly, I reckon we're finally through.
… wait, how did the coastal cave take us into the heart of the mountains???

Ray: Yes, but we still have a long ways to go for the base camp.
especially if we're climban the mountain

Let's check the Wonder Map.

yes we know

Bidoof: I reckon we've gotten ourselves a lot closer.
… you don't say.

Ray: We're nearly there.
… do have a long ways to go or are we nearly there??? Which is it

If we cross over this mountain, we'll reach the base camp.
Bidoof: Whoops... that was my belly growling.
Ray: Ha ha ha! Us too!
If we start climbing the mountain now, I think it'll be night before we finish.
Looks like daytime to me...

Do you want to call it a day? We can rest here tonight.
I hope the others are doing the same then

Bidoof: I agree completely!
Ray: Then let's eat!
Bidoof: Yeeeehaw!
the most exciting part of the trip, for bidoof

The next morning...

We haven't moved an inch and the sky looks the same!!! Amazing.


Let's get it done!
YEAH!


Sure let's go.


… if it's called “path” i'd wager it doesn't really lead anywhere useful in this series
(a good assumption)


Music: Mt. Horn

Recruits when we come back: Beautifly, Shroomish, Parasect, Natu, Ariados, Cascoon, Venomoth, Aerodactyl, Pineco, Bonsly

Also, I guess Bidoof leveled up two levels between Craggy Coast and here? All right then.


horror flashbacks to Sky Tower in Rescue Team


Oh, right, this is a thing that can happen. Sometimes you'll just... uncover stairs.


They lead to a place called the Secret Bazaar. Here you can have Mime Jr. restore your HP, PP and Belly, escape the dungeon with Shedinja, get sticky items made un-sticky with Lickilicky, or get a grab bag random item with Swalot, each for 100 Poké. I don't tend to use the services here but they are interesting. This was new for Sky; I'm not entirely sure why but it does add a little interest to dungeon exploring, for sure. They also allow you to effectively bypass a dungeon floor, which can be handy.


After we complete the dungeon, we immediately have a new chapter.


W-we did it! We got over Mt. Horn!
We finally made it! Yes sirree! We have arrived at the base camp!

… it is certainly foggy here.
Also of course there are Wigglytuff tents.

Chatot: You all are late! Everyone else arrived a long time ago!
chatot. again. we could have died
also what route did they take then because our route seemed fine to me!

Ray: Urgh...
Chatot: Go set your equipment down. Make haste!
Now that everyone's assembled, let's get on with our strategy briefing.
Bidoof: Yes sirree!

Alti does not move.

Alti: (…)
(What's this weird sensation?)
(I don't know why I'm feeling this way...)
(I...)

wait
wait what

(Have I been here before?)
(Maybe.)
(Does it have something to do with me? Before I lost my memory?)
… I mean, if you think you've been here, it necessarily would have had to have been before the memory loss.


Oh shaddup Fogbound Lake isn't going anywhere.

Ray: Let's go, Alti.

It appears everyone has arrived at our base camp safe and sound.
yeah and what if we hadn't

We shall now proceed to the exploration of Fogbound Lake! ♪
ITS GO TIME

As you can see, we are in a densely forested area.
Somewhere within this forest, Fogbound Lake is supposedly concealed...
But so far, that has been nothing more than a rumor.
Finally Chatot gets it right. The lake is the subject of myth, not the “east”.

Exploration teams of all stripes have mounted many a challenge, but so far the lake has eluded discovery.
Corphish: Hey, hey, hey!
Hey, hey! So is it really there or what?! This Fogbound Lake?!
that's the million dollar question

Sunflora: Silly Corphish.
You'll wreck the dream if you say something like that.
… but what if it just isn't there????

Loudred: Yeah, don't spoil things now!
Corphish: Hey, hey...
yall being mean

Chimecho: Um, may I?
Um, while we were traveling, I heard about a certain legend.
… when did you have time for that?

Chatot: A legend, you say?
Chimecho: Yes. A legend about Fogbound Lake.
According to the legend, Fogbound Lake is home to a Pokémon named Uxie.
The Pokémon is said to be exceedingly rare.
Yup, that's legends for ya.

Uxie is said to lock eyes with others and wipe their memories clean.
Yep that's Uxie all riWAIT WHAT


YEAH WHAT SHE SAID

That is why, even if travelers were to happen upon Fogbound Lake...
Uxie would wipe their memories clean...
well i mean in alti's case that might explain why she has deja vu for this place...

Thereby muzzling the travelers from revealing the existence of the lake.
And that is how Uxie protects Fogbound Lake.
Well shit.
Wait, how did you hear this rumor if it's true??

I was told such a legend remains.
BY WHO
I HAVE QUESTIONS

Bidoof: Golly, that's a pretty hair-raising tale...
Loudred: What'll I do if my MEMORY is wiped clean?
Sunflora: I don't think you have much to worry about.
After all, you're so forgetful anyway, you make me go eek!
… rekt

Chatot: Ahem.
You should realize that places of this sort can be expected to have a folktale or a legend attached them.
… ok but all legends are true this is a video game

Our guild has overcome difficult challenges and obstacles when conducting successful explorations. ♪
ok but what if it's true

Sunflora: Absolutely, eek!
Dugtrio: That's how our guild has earned the reputation for being first class.
Wigglytuff: Ha ha ha! Don't worry, everything will be all right! ♪
If you say so.

Let's believe in success for this adventure too, and...

“try” seems so... idk shouldnt it be more positive or something?

Chatot: Let's move on with our plan.
The Guildmaster and I shall remain here to gather intelligence from our teams in the field.
You are to go off in teams to explore the forest.
Be aware that this forest is enshrouded in a deep fog. Once you enter it, visibility is severely restricted.
visibility is already restricted mate

We think that Fogbound Lake has defied discovery because of this fog.
Perhaps there is a way of lifting this fog.

that's weather
i dont think so

Therefore, your search is twofold. One, search for Fogbound Lake.
And two, find a way to lift the fog.
If you accomplish either thing, return to the base camp and tell me or the Guildmaster. That is all.
All right, everyone. ♪ Let's give it our best, as always. ♪

And so we will!

Sunflora: Let's all try our best!
Bidoof: It'd be nice if we made a discovery or two.
Chimecho: We'll find the lake! I'm sure of it!
Loudred: I'll be the FIRST to find it!
ok loudred if u say so

Diglett: Dad, do you think Fogbound Lake could be under the ground

wat
why

I was thinking we should try looking underground.
Dugtrio: Ah, my son, my pride and joy. You make me proud. Let's look underground.
aight lol bye

OK, everyone, we're off.
Corphish: Hey, hey, hey! We can't afford to dawdle, either!
Bidoof: Yup yup! We need to hurry!
We all split up and go our separate ways...


… well, except for them, but they also leave.

Zubat: Heh-heh-heh!
Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho!
As for us...

Ray: Let's go, Alti.
We need to hurry.
Alti: (...)
Alti may not be ready yet.

(I know this place...)
(According to the legend, the Pokémon Uxie can wipe clean the memories of others.)
(Are those two things really just a coincidence?)
perhaps not :o

(Hmm.)
(Maybe I came here before I lost my memory.)
(Then maybe I met Uxie... and he wiped my memory clean...)
(Could that have happened?)
it is certainly possible!

Ray: Hey, Alti!
Why do you keep drifting off like that? It's not like you.
well if u listen i can tell

Hurry, let's get ready and go into the forest!
Or you could just ignore me that works too.

Next time: We go to see what secrets the forest has to hold!

13/525: 2.5%
Caterpie (Xander)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Hoppip (Alma)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
Combee (Hexa)
 

Merritt

no comment
is a Tournament Directoris a Site Content Manageris a Member of Senior Staffis a Community Contributoris a Contributor to Smogonis a Top Dedicated Tournament Host
Head TD

w h y
I guess it's one of those jokes that got lost in translation.
Yep! As it turns out, the Japanese name for the Mix Elixir is ピーピーマッスグ (Pīpīmassugu), while the name for Max Elixir is ピーピーマックス (Pīpīmakkusu). What's interesting to note is that Linoone's name in Japanese is マッスグマ (Massuguma), which as you can tell is almost exactly the same as the name for Mix Elixir, just with one more character. It's also relatively close to the original name for Max Elixir.

also man wigglytuff is great and probably not dating chatot but maybe idk
 
also man wigglytuff is great and probably not dating chatot but maybe idk
For the record, both characters are male, and while there's nothing wrong with that, I don't see a Nintendo game from this era going in that direction intentionally. Chatot seems more the type to be infatuated with a clipboard than another Pokemon/person anyway.


As for the update, I like to imagine Wigglytuff spent the entire trek with Chatot in "are we there yet?" mode.

The secret Bazaar was always weird to me, given that its services are useful, but in a way almost mundane for how random and rare it is to find since you don't have much to scout for it with. I feel like making an in-dungeon Treasure Town would have been more appropriate, store or swap around items in case you've found valuable loot. I guess I can't think of too many essentials they missed, but the services just seem very haphazard in relation to each other when I list them out loud.
 
Short update today because pacing concerns or something

Merritt: Awesome, thanks for the backstory. That does make substantially more sense than Mix Elixir.
and wigglytuff and chatot are totes dating. totes. this is canon i have Decide.d

lucariomaster2: It's surprisingly good for a dungeon that doesn't have much bearing on the overall plot. Gives a spirit of adventure or something. I also like it a lot.

pika pal: u just dont know how to Dream man. I know nintendo wouldn't have gone there intentionally but that doesnt mean we cant Believe
lol i bet chatot had a fun time dragging wigglytuff around. “Are we theeeeeere yet?” “Guildmaster, please don't be difficult... According to my notes, we have six more flo-” “I WANT A PERFECT APPLE! Sniffle...” “Guildmaster, please wait until we reach base camp...”
as for the secret bazaar: yyyyeah it kinda doesn't really make much logistical sense. Why would you bank on finding a secret floor if you wanted to leave with Shedinja? I mean. They just seem pretty random services. I like to use the grab bag one but that's about it, otherwise I just don't really get the point.



Sure, let's go find out what this here forest and lake is all about, huh?


tch. the answer should be obvious


All right! Let's roll out!
sounds good!


(Anyway...)
anyway What we can't just forget about the fact that we need to go to explore this place???

(Maybe the keys to unlocking my memory are here...)
(Fogbound Lake...)
(I may find some answers if Fogbound Lake can be found...)
Maybe, it is possible


yes Ray?


… “I guess”? I mean, what else is it?

It's red and pretty. It's kind of like a gem, actually.
I mean, again. “Kind of like”, what is that supposed to mean

Ray picked up the red stone.
Ray: Wow! This stone feels warm!
It's like heat is coming from inside the stone. It's weird.
How mysterious...!!! what could it Mean?

It doesn't seem to be lava. What could it be?
if it were lava you would be dead bro

It might be rare. I'll keep it.
dont die from heat tho

All right! Let's roll, Alti!
So we head off.


Music: Foggy Forest

Recruits when we return: Hoothoot, Dunsparce, Smeargle, Cherubi, Skiploom, Zigzagoon, Pachirisu, Noctowl, Buneary, Pinsir, Breloom

As you can see this place is afflicted with the Foggy weather condition, which just affects Electric moves. Was great when I was playing as Pikachu :B


X-Eye Seeds are super awesome for boss fights by the way, they just cause the boss to wander around uselessly and not really be much of a threat. That's why I'll probably not use them :VV but they are awesome.


After 11 floors of not very challenging dungeon, we emerge in a place with waterfalls. Where the hell are they comin from tho


Where is the water going? I mean. Waterfalls are usually like, into a river or the ocean or something, something where the water can go somewhere else. This is very implausible.

But... Where are we?
Is this the deepest part of the forest?
Hmm... The fog is so thick, I can't tell which way to go.
Then how did you know there were waterfalls in the first place?? Come on Ray get it together

Voice: Hey, hey, hey!
Ray: Look, it's Corphish!

Corphish: Hey, hey! You two find any clues?
Does the red rock count? I mean, come on. It's a video game. It's gotta be relevant.

Ray: No, nothing yet...
that is a Lie

How about you, Corphish?
Corphish: I've got nothing here, either. Don't let it get you down.
I mean a ton of exploration teams came here and couldn't find anything so we realistically shouldn't be expecting much.

But... There is something here that's kind of interesting.
what is it!!!!

Ray: Interesting?
yes ray that is a word i'm glad you know

Corphish: There. Have a look for yourself.

WELL ALL RIGHTY THEN THAT SURE IS A STATUE OF GROUDON.

Ray: Wh-what?! What is this?!
what does it Look like though

Corphish: I don't know.
It seems to be a statue of a Pokémon.
I mean. Everything in this universe is a Pokémon, so. That would make sense, yup.

Ray: But what kind of Pokémon is that?
Corphish clearly doesn't know either so do you expect Alti to?

Corphish: I've never seen a Pokémon like that before.
I mean. Groudon is very large. I don't think there's one wandering around Treasure Town.


Ray investigates the statue and possibly finds something interesting.


… why do you know how to read them? Is that the standard writing form for this universe? If so why are they called “runes”???
Also whose footprints are these anyway

Umm...
“Reignite the life that burned within Groudon...”
“Then the sky shall blaze with the sun's heat...”
“The path to treasure shall be revealed.”
… you got all of that out of four short lines of footprintery?

”The path to treasure”? That's incredible!
Oh, Alti!
Treasure?! Could this mean the treasure of Fogbound Lake?!
Tbh tho even if it isn't, treasure is pretty rad no matter where it is.

”The path to treasure shall be revealed.” So this means...
The secret to finding Fogbound Lake could be hidden right here.
I mean. It specifically talked about doing things with Groudon and this is a Groudon statue so it is plausible.

Corphish: Hey, hey, hey! Y-you think so?
I mean, there's no sense in not trying to mess with the Groudon statue if it might be the path to success, right? Isn't that what exploration is all about at its core?

Hey, hey, hey! Now that's a mystery we've got to solve!
Ray: This part of the footprint runes...
This part about “life that burned within Groudon.” What's this about?
Simple. This Groudon statue is simply an actual Groudon, just turned to stone. We have to figure out how to un-petrify it. (Super Mystery Dungeon anyone)

Ray: So this “Groudon,” is it this statue?
Even if you don't recognize the Pokémon as Groudon, what else could it be referring to?

Corphish: Hey, hey! So we're supposed to what, ignite the life that was in this statue?
Corphish gets it

Ray: Yeah, but ignite the life? How do we do that?
don't ask HOW ask WHERE CAN WE FIND THE MEANS TO DO SO!!! be Optimistic ray ur such a negative nelly

Hmm...
Huh? Wait a second!
have you finally figured it out!


Maybe you'll see something, Alti!
Oh or you're gonna have me figure it out through the power of inexplicable visions.

Sure!

Alti: (...)
(I was thinking that too.)
then why didn't you say something or are you just destined to be mute protagonist forever

(If it means finding the path to Fogbound Lake...)
(If it means finding the key to my own past...)
Don't get your hopes up, it's still possible one or both of those things won't pan out.

(If the answers are held by this statue...)
Ray: You're going to do it!
We have literally nothing to lose, I have no reason to refuse. Now, maybe if touching things also sapped my life energy or something, then maybe, but that's not how it goes.


Ray: Feeling anything, Alti?
DUDE don't RUSH ME these things cant be HURRI


speak of the devil

(That dizzy feeling...)

wait where's the picture what is this shit

It's here!
It's here!

… that was it?

(Whose voice was that?)
Alti immediately gets the dizzy spell again for Arceus knows what reason.

(Wh-what, again?)
(So soon after the first one...)

… still no pictures?

Place the Drought Stone in Groudon's heart.
That lifts the fog!
Very well done! Good job, partner!
WHO
WHO WAS

Alti: (What did I just pick up on?)
(That was different from what I've gotten before.)
(This time, I only heard a voice...)
(And I don't know whose voice that was.)
Does it really matter? They gave us the answers whoever it was

(That voice...)
(Whose voice was that?)
ALTI THERE ARE BIGGER CONCERNS

I didn't even get a sense of what the voice really sounds like...)
(But it still bugs me for some reason...)
yeah. we can tell

Ray: Are you all right, Alti?
Yeah no she's obsessing over voices like a Weirdo

Did you see something?
no lol but i did hear something

Alti: (What did that voice say? Remember...)
(That voice said...)
(It said, “Place the Drought Stone in Groudon's heart,” then said...)
(“That lifts the fog!”)
(Wait a second! Drought Stone?!)
I wonder what that could be? A Drought Stone?? Associated with Groudon who has Drought which makes things sunny and therefore hot???

(Is that maybe...)
HMMMM


flashback to Ray picking up the red stone here before

Alti: (Could the Drought Stone be...)
(Maybe it's that stone Ray found...)
Gee, it's almost like video games rely on conservation of detail or something like that!


(There's a small hollow in the statue's chest.)
HMMMMMMMMMMM

Ray: Did you figure something out, Alti?
What? That stone I found at the base camp?
Glad you picked it up btw :B otherwise we might have to go back

You want me to fit that stone into this statue's chest?
Sure! I'll try it!
So I should put it into this indentation?

Ray placed the strange stone into the statue's stone chest.

ITS GONNA BLOOOOOW

As we run off, the screen whites out and Ray screams, and then...


Would ya look at that. Fantastic!

Ray: The sky cleared...
The sunlight's harsh!

what is it!

B-both of you! Up! Look up!
Corphish: Hey, hey! What is that?!
Ray: That's what the fog was hiding.
Music: Time Gear Remix

It's no wonder Fogbound Lake evaded discovery for all this time.
We were just wandering around in circles too.
Corphish: Hey, hey! So you're saying...
You're saying Fogbound Lake is up there? Hey, hey, hey?!
… where? where are you looking at

Ray: Yes. That's what I think.
Fogbound Lake has to be up there!

what the hell is this??? first off that doesn't seem like it should stay upright but second off where is the water coming from and also where does the water go once it hits the ground
this is gorgeous as hell but also doesn't make any sense


I'll let everyone in the guild know!
… oh. Oh, right. We were supposed to report back to Chatot and Wigglytuff if we discovered anything.

You two go on ahead!
Ray: All right! Let's move on, Alti.
Onward to Fogbound Lake!
… that's easy enough to say but honestly how are we supposed to get up there? Climb??


hwat is it!!!


Music: Team Skull
Oh seriously? Just let us go mang. You don't even know how to get up to Fogbound Lake, you should have waited for us to find a path and then attacked. Terrible villains smh

Skuntank: Good job! Chaw-haw-haw!
Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! You solved the mystery. You're no longer of use to us!
… again. You don't know how to get up to Fogbound Lake yet so this is a terrible plan.

Zubat: Heh-heh-heh. We'll swipe the treasure, thanks to you!
Ray: You fiends!
Buddy just run. Let's just run, we can just beat them to it. :B

So that's why you joined the expedition! You planned this all along!

….........
Ray
Did you really expect ANYTHING DIFFERENT

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! You expected anything less?!
gunna have to agree with Koffing on this one friend

Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw! Sorry to say it, but...
We'll have to get rid of you right here.

FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT

We'll stop you from getting to Fogbound Lake!
IT FIGHT TIME IT GO

Chaw-haw-haw! You're already forgotten our last showdown?
nah we just won't be caught off guard by it :BB

Let me remind you how you lost to Koffing and me...
You were destroyed by our noxious gas special combo!
just bring it lol

Ray: Gulp...
Skuntank: You're destined to fail again! Chaw-haw-haw!
no it is fite time

Enough talking! Take this!
Me and Koffing's noxious gas special com--


yes???? does someone want to join our fight?


WHY

Zubat: Wh-what?
Voice: Perfect Apple! ♪ Perfect Apple! ♪
oh why am i not surprised


WHY AREN'T YOU BACK AT BASE CAMP?? CHATOT SAID YALL WOULD BOTH BE WAITING THERE

I finally caught you! ♪ My Perfect Apple! ♪
If my Perfect Apple went away, I would... I would... Sniffle...

On second thought, maybe Ray should steal the Perfect Apple and we should run away and leave Team Skull there with Wigglytuff

Oh? Oh-oh?
Music: Guildmaster Wigglytuff

first off we discovered the secret and second can you protect us from team skull who wants to murder us

And my friends too! ♪
I hate to break it to ya Wigglytuff but Team Skull are not your friends

Everyone's all together! ♪ Yay, yay!
wigglytuff are you just completely oblivious to the clear tension in the air between us, this is not friendship

Skuntank: G-Guildmaster... Wh-what are you doing here?
Wigglytuff: Huh? What am I doing?
completely going against you and Chatot's plans as near as I can tell

I was taking a walk in the forest. Then my Perfect Apple went rolling and rolling away from me.
So I ran and ran and ran, and here I am. ♪
somehow that doesn't really seem to explain … everything

Oh, yes!
You two shouldn't be dawdling here, should you?
I, uh
Okay
Sure
All right I guess

Ray: Huh?
Wigglytuff: You two have a job, don't you? To explore the forest, right? Go on then, off you go. ♪
did
did you not notice we lifted the fog

Ray: But...

I
BUT
FFFFFFFFINE

Hurry, get exploring! ♪
Ray: Um... OK.
L-let's go, Alti.
ooooookay


Wigglytuff: Good luck. ♪
all right

Wigglytuff: Oh, I hope we get some good news soon! ♪ La la la la! ♪
are you just going to sit there with Team Skull this may not be the best of ideas


wigglytuff
just
what the hell wigglytuff.

Skuntank: Um. Guildmaster...
Wigglytuff: Hm? What's the matter, friend? ♪
We were thinking that we should go explore as well...
NO
I DONT WANT TO GET AMBUSHED AGAIN

Wigglytuff: Oh?!
That's all right! I can't trouble my friends like that!
what does that Mean wigglytuff what does it Meaaaan

We'll let those two do the exploring.
awesome

Let's wait for their report. ♪
La la la! ♪ La la! ♪ La la la! La la! ♪

lol just a little bit

Koffing: Mutter, mutter... (Team Hurricane's going to beat us to the prize if we don't do something.)
Mutter, mutter... (What'll we do?)
let us win bc we deserve it and you don't?

Skuntank: Grumble, grumble... (We have to do something.)
Grumble, grumble... (We have no choice. We'll take down Wigglytuff right now.)
o shit no Wigglytuff run!!!!! u might not be fairy type yet but it's still 3-on-one regardless

Grumble, grumble... (Then, we'll chase down Team Hurricane!)
I would say “we are faster” except for the part where they beat us to the end of Apple Woods despite entering the dungeon after us.

Zubat: Whisper, whisper... (But do you think it'll be all right?)
Koffing: Whisper, whisper... (Wigglytuff is, like, creepy.
lol is that going to stop you from attacking him??? that doesnt make sense

Skuntank: Mumble, mumble... (Don't worry about it. He's no big deal. Besides...)
Mumble, mumble... (Rumor has it Wigglytuff has an unbelievably precious treasure.)
… that's a thing?? all right

Zubat: Whisper, whisper... (Oh, really?! Treasure?)
especially if they don't know about it but skuntank does

Skuntank: Mumble, mumble... (That's right. I was planning on mugging him for it anyway, so this is a good opportunity.)

nooooo wigglytuff!

Skuntank: Mumble, mumble... (Wigglytuff is really going to get it!)

But the great, famous explorer Wigglytuff...
Is finished! Chaw-haw!
Next time: What happens to Wigglytuff, and what does Team Hurricane find?!

13/525: 2.5%
Caterpie (Xander)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Hoppip (Alma)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
Combee (Hexa)
 
I did enjoy that Sky followed up on hanging threads like this for the special episodes. Without spoiling it, it adds a lot of character/context to a bunch of the minor characters, and in a lot of cases seems to be derived from really small dialogue bits like Wigglytuff's treasure.

And when has 3-on-1 ever mattered in a Mystery Dungeon game? It's not like sheer numbers are enough to beat a solo strong mon, right? (Monster House Flashbacks)
 
pika pal: I totally agree! They're a great way to expand on the game's worldbuilding and characterization without forcefully getting in the way of Ray and Alti's story, since they're entirely optional. I absolutely love how they show us context for scenes that otherwise wouldn't have ever been explained. It was such a great choice to add them in.
lol point taken about monster houses. but it depends on how high of a level you are hahaha (flashbacks to Wish Cave monster houses)

Couer7: Oh, that's lovely. Thank you for sharing!


Last time: Wigglytuff is attacked!


We do not, however, get to see the resolution of Skuntank's attack... now.

Ray: Hey! I see it, Alti!
See? There's a big fissure.

Is that steam?
I wonder if it's going to be really hot in there.
… if it's filled with steam then probably tbh

But it's too late to get cold feet.
I'm shaking with anticipation, Alti!
ME TOO LETS DO IT

What awaits inside?
And what awaits us on the top? I can't even imagine what's in store for us.
We're heading into a place where no one has ever gone before!
If the thing about Uxie being there and erasing memories of travelers is true, then surely someone has gotten here before. Even if they don't remember it. I mean, what, do you expect to be any different?

That makes my pulse race!
Let's go, Alti! Let's go inside and climb upward!
YEAH


We can do it I believe in us


wait what

back at the Groudon statue...
oh right wigglytuff might be dead I forgot


… are they just still staring Wigglytuff down? how long has this been going on for????

Koffing: Chief... Hey, Chief... You've been staring him down for how long now...?
yeah what he said

C'mon... let's you and I give him a double dose of the ol' noxious gas...
Skuntank: Shhh! Shut your yap!

wigglytuff has no idea what is going on lmao

Skuntank: Bah... this guy's tough... really tough...
or maybe he does. Who knows?

Wigglytuff: I get it! You're trying to make me laugh with silly faces!
I
uh
okay??????

I bet I can make you laugh too!

WIGGLYTUFF what ARE you DOING

Blobba! ♪ Blobba! ♪ Blopp! ♪
Koffing: C'mon, Chief...!
I can't take this... this whole weird scene is freaking me out...
It is unquestionably an extremely bizarre occurrence that's for sure

Skuntank: OK, then... this isn't working, and we're out of options...

what's not working though? what's the issue are you just trying to stare him down until he acquiesces or what

Hey, Wigglytuff!
Wigglytuff: Whatiswhatiswhatis... what is it?
wigglytuff dont make faces too long you'll get stuck like that

Skuntank: Hey, no hard feelings, but... You're going down!
thats like the second time you've said it tho

Take this! A noxious-gas special! Straight from me and Koffing!

good shot. They are attacking wigglytuff as u can plainly see.
But... the screen goes white, and again we don't get to see how this resolves.


Steam Cave
Instead, we get dungeon exploration.

Recruits for later: Snubbull, Slugma, Magby, Numel, Farfetch'd, Yanma, Kricketune

… as you can see this place looks very, well. steamy. It would have to be basically unbearably hot if that were the case because, well, steam is by necessity over the boiling point of water which is totally enough to burn you, but what do I know about chemistry n shit, the game said this was a cave full of steam so it must be so.

Hey, just a thought, Ray and Alti: Maybe you shouldn't be here :B


After eight floors we make it to... well, this doesn't look like the top.
(There was nothing interesting to show in the dungeon because nothing interesting happened. Overleveleeeeed)

We must be getting close to the top!
Yeah we're not at the top yet. This is a halfway point, which can be saved at, which makes your life a lot easier trying to get through them :V a lot of times they signal boss fights at the end because why else would you need a save point?


WAT
WAT WAS THAT

Ray: Hey! What was that?
Voice: GROOOOOOOH...!
Ray: Just now... Did you hear that?
Did I just imagine that... or not?
… considering the narration itself acknowledged it I think we both heard it.

Well, anyway... We're almost there, so let's keep going.
because that growl wasn't ominous and scary at all but aight


as you can see from the top screen we are in uncharted territory!! we'll see how this goes


As we go to leave another growl sounds.

Ray: Did you hear that, Alti?!
So, I didn't imagine that sound after all!
Again it was in the narration so yeah probably not

It was like some sort of roar!
How astute of you

But I wonder what it could be!
uxie is angry. that's what it is. totally

Who knows what's ahead?
But let's be brave! And let's keep going on!
We're nearly there. Let's go!
ok but how do you Know that. you don't know where we are


ffs alti at least walk with ray when he goes off to the dungeon like that

(And when we reach the top...)
(We may meet Uxie at last.)
(It may answer my big question! Who am I?)
(That is, who was I... before I lost my memory?)
(That reminds me... I still haven't said a word about this to Ray.)
you probably should tbh I mean. hes ur friend right and actually believes your amnesia/human story so


it is Time to tell the secret

You have something to tell me?
What is it?

I guess we don't get to hear it :c

Ray: You... you what?
Ever since we reached base camp...
You've had a feeling that you somehow know this place?
And you also learned about the Pokémon that lives at Fogbound Lake?
Well. Yes. But everybody learned about Uxie. so. it's really not that important except for how it might relate to alti personally

And that's Uxie, right? So the legend says it erases visitors' memories?
… yes, you were listening to that, you were there for it

So, you suspect you've been here before, Alti?
You think you encountered Uxie, who then took your memory?
I see... So that's what has been on your mind, Alti!
yes. thanks for the recap

Hmmm... Alti!
Well, now we have just one more reason to get to the top!
I... guess? I mean. What if Uxie just erases our memories again

We have to meet Uxie and find out what really happened!
again though. what if we find out but uxie just erases our memories

I wonder what you were like before you lost your memory, Alti...
… presumably about the same?? i don't think personality is that hugely affected by memory despite what ace attorney investigations 2 would lead you to believe

Perhaps Uxie can provide the answers.
Let's go! Let's make our way to the top, Alti!
YEAH


Music: Upper Steam Cave

Recruits when we return: Farfetch'd, Yanma, Kricketune, Granbull, Shuckle, Volbeat, Illumise, Magmar


lol for all my bitching about being overleveled and the game being too easy I guess it is still possible to die :x


After seven floors though we get to the peak, finally. Don't ask me how a cave has a peak because I have no idea.


how can you Tell we are still in a cave after all

This place... It feels... It feels strange somehow...
The very air is charged with tension!
It's making my skin crawl... all over...
ok but what does tense air feel like, how are you getting this feeling i just dont know

I feel like I'm being crushed... by a terrible sense of danger...
WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN


WAT IS IT

Ray: Eep!
It's that sound we heard earlier, Alti!
“sound” somehow seems like an inaccurate description even though it's technically true, that was clearly like a roar or growl of some sort

Just as I thought! It was the sound of roaring!
… yes. Yes


it comes
The ground starts to shake as though by footsteps, indicating that whatever it is is approaching.

Ray: S-s-something is...
… is... coming!
PREPARE YOURSELF


Or we could just cut back to a scene at the Groudon statue.


Oh, apparently the rest of the guild is here.
Wait, where's Wigglytuff?! Don't tell me... did Team Skull knock him out and come after us?? Oh man

Sunflora: Oh! But there's no one else here!
WIGGLYTUFF IS SOMEWHERE JUST LOOK FOR HIM

Chatot: Are you really sure that you saw the Guildmaster, Corphish?
oh
oh :(

Corphish: Sure, I'm sure!
I saw him when I was scuttling back to base camp.
The Guildmaster dashed past, all willy-nilly, in hot pursuit of a Perfect Apple!
oh that would have been a while ago...

I gave him a shout and a wave, but he seemed too occupied to holler back.
… of course

But I'd guess that Alti's team went ahead.
So I'd bet that the Guildmaster went up after them, don't you think?
NO
WIGGLYTUFF MAY BE DEAD YOU FUCKS

The ground at the Groudon statue shakes.

Diglett: The ground...
Bidoof: Uh-what...? It's shaking!
Voice: GROOOOOOOH...!
Chimecho: What... whatever could that be?!
what does it sound like it's the sound of ray and alti being murdered in a cave

Loudred: What an uproar! Is it maybe...?
Corphish: Something is going on up there!
Let's head up! Hurry!

So they all head off, except Diglett and Dugtrio stop.

Hey, Dad! Did you hear something right over there?

UM

YOU MIGHT WANT TO GO INVESTIGATE THAT JACKASSES

Dugtrio: Oh, you just imagined it! Now, let's hurry!
oh ffs don't be telling diglett what he is and isn't experiencing
also can y'all not SEE something that might be over there i mean nothing is actually blocking your view

Diglett: Yep!
NO DONT GOOOooooo

They leave...


and we pan over to Wigglyt-wait that's not wigglytuff
wait
um


UM

Koffing: I'm d-d-deflated! I can't move!
Skuntank: Hork-ork-how did that happen?

oh
WELL THEN
ALL RIGHT

Zubat: And h-h-how did Wigglytuff strike back at us...
It's un-believable...
okay honestly I do find it hard to believe that wigglytuff fought back against so-called friends but i mean i can believe he wasn't fazed by the attack...

Zubat: Ack...
Koffing: Erk...
Skuntank: Ork...
rip team skull. nothing of value was lost


Meanwhile in Steam Cave


UM
OKAY
I MEAN I KNOW THERE WAS A GROUDON STATUE BUT I HEARD UXIE LIVED HERE NOT GROUDON
I'M NOT PREPARED FOR THIS

Ray: Waaah! Wh-what is that?!
It looks like the statue!
Th-that Pokémon... really exists?
did you expect anything different though i mean all the pokémon that are the subject of myths actually exist unlike in our world


OKAY THAT'S NOT SCARY AT ALL

Ray: Eep!
Groudon: GRROOOOOOH...!
YOU! HAVE YOU COME TO DESECRATE THIS PLACE?
no well u see theres a myth about uxie and and

DEPART NOW!
no!!! no we are Here for a Purpose u see and

Ray: B-but... All we want is to go to Fogbound Lake!
Groudon: WHAT?! FOGBOUND LAKE?!
… yes. Yes, that's a thing that's here, and why else would we be in this dungeon

I AM THE GUARDIAN OF FOGBOUND LAKE! I AM GROUDON!
Well shit. What about Uxie tho????

YOU WILL NEVER LEAVE HERE ALIVE! INTRUDERS!
NO I'D RATHER HAVE MY MEMORY ERASED CAN WE NOT DO THIS


DO NOT WANT

Ray: Whaaat?!

maybe these guys can get here in time to save us from the groudon

Sunflora: We can go up through here!
Loudred: Let's HURRY!
plz do!


Inside the dungeon...

H... hey... Chatot! Can I ask you something while we're running?
I like how he has to specify “while we're running”

Chatot, do you know about a Pokémon called Groudon?
I guess we said the statue was Groudon? Corphish didn't know what the statue was the first time so

Chatot: Well, of course! Just what do you take me for? I'm only the head of intelligence for our guild! Squawk!
u werent smart enough to see the truth about team skull tho
#rekt

Groudon is a legendary Pokémon spoken of in myths passed down for generations.
Corphish: A legendary Pokémon?
seems they call them that within this universe as well I guess

Chatot: Correct.
The myths say that he raised land from the sea. And that he built up the continents!
yeah so what the hell is he doing in a cave in the middle of nowhere

Corphish: Hoo-boy! That sounds like a colossal Pokémon!
yep
we gonna die


Corphish: What would happen?
Chatot: Battle?! Out of the question! Squawk!
If anyone were foolish enough to face Groudon in a battle...
Well, it would be like throwing your life away!
Well... shit

He is that strong! Like all legendary Pokémon!
but... team Wildfire beat up 5 legendaries over the course of the plot in Rescue Team, surely Team Hurricane here can do the same?


… maybe?

Ray: Urk... This is scary...
you dont say

But we need to be brave!
look maybe turning tail and running might be the smart move against Groudon?? Be reasonable Ray

And I need to face up to this!
There's no giving up now, Alti!
god
sometimes bravery is knowing when to swallow your pride and get out Ray

Groudon: PREPARE FOR MY WRATH! GRROOOOOOOH!

And... battle time!!

So Drought is going to make it hard to attack with Water Gun, but it's really the best option I have against it. I throw a Geo Pebble on the first turn as I set Ray to use Counter... which, of course, it doesn't use immediately though :x


yeah see that is not much in the grand scheme of things.
after this attack, Ray uses Counter and Groudon...


misses Alti, invoking an IQ skill where a miss will be followed by the Pokémon moving a tile away, if possible. Well, that's annoying. Alti throws an Iron Thorn as Groudon steps up again. When Groudon approaches, Alti uses Rage as Ray uses Force Palm (which does 50 damage just so you know how ridiculous Water Gun's 17 was).


and I misclick of course lol


but it doesn't really matter because Groudon doesn't really threaten us significantly before dying. rip groudon


lol wow we killed Groudon and it actually seems to be staying dead? and maybe exploding?? what is this madness

Groudon: GRROOOoooh... oooooh...
GRROOOOOOH!

that sure is a dead groudon

But... is it really...?
really What. really dead?? i mean


WHAT
WHAT IS HAPPENING


oh shit is it going to come back from beyond the grave to fuck with us some more
i didn't want this


WAT

Voice: That was not Groudon.
That Groudon was nothing more than an illusion that I conjured.
but... it beat us up

who's talking anyway

Ray: Who said that?
Voice: Like I said earlier, I am the guardian here.
And I cannot allow you to pass.
no but
no no but

Ray: Wait, please!
We're not here to cause trouble!
We came only for information!
yes but isn't the point that we're... not allowed to get info because fogbound lake is supposed to be hidden

Voice: Information, you say?
Ray: Yes! That's the honest truth!
again though that's not really the most helpful

Well, we admit that we're an exploration team...
NOT
HELPING

And we'd like to leave with treasure after all our effort!
NOT
HELPING


But we'll leave without any if you have a problem with that.
We'll be happy to say that we just made it this far.
Please! Please believe us!
it's not really about “believing” it's more about “whether or not knowledge of fogbound lake is supposed to exist” but ok Ray

Voice: Hmm...
Well... OK, I believe you.
good i guess?


yes? ok? this is a good sign? right?

I am Uxie, the guardian of Fogbound Lake.
eyyyyyyy

Ray: What?! Did you say Uxie?!
what Else was said

Uxie: Yes, truly.
I stand guard over something special... that lies in Fogbound Lake.
should u be admitting to it

Now, let me escort you to Fogbound Lake.
are you going to steal our organs when we get there tho
or our memories

Please, come this way.
… all righty


Music: Time Gear

this water though... this is very lovely. look how clear and dark that water is it's great

Uxie: It may be a little difficult to see at night, but...
Behold! Fogbound Lake!
Ray: Wow!

ds artwork ; ;

Ray: That's incredible!
Who'd expect to see such a big lake on a plateau so high up?
Still doesn't make much sense but it's great

And those floating Volbeat and Illumise...
oh is that what the lights are

So beautiful!
Uxie: Water constantly wells up from far below this place.
… is this where the water that falls off the lake goes? does it just soak into the earth and end up getting involved in the upward stream?

It flows up so heavily that it has long formed this enormous lake.
amazing it's so pretty ; ;

Now cast your eyes to the glowing area at the lake's center.
Ray: Yes, I see it!
It's radiating from below!
ray
radiate
it's a pun

That blue green radiance, right?
Uxie: Step forward for a closer look.
… how will that help, we're really close to the end of the ground as is


WELL
THAT IS A BIT OF A FAMILIAR SIGHT, AT LEAST FOR US THE PLAYERS
NOW THE CHOICE OF MUSIC MAKES SENSE

Alti: (What could that be?)
(I can't figure it out... but it's making my heart race!)
what

(But why? Why should it stir me up so much?)
yeah I mean you have amnesia

(Why is my pulse speeding all of a sudden?)
Ray: That's fantastic! But...
What is that?
what does it Look like I mean it's a gear with clock hands

It has such a mystical quality!
No kidding


probably you shouldn't be admitting to that but yes

Ray: What?! That's a Time Gear?!
what else would it be

Uxie: Yes.
I guard the Time Gear.
It's the sole reason I'm here.
again
then probably you shouldn't be telling us about it


But I used my Groudon illusion to chase most of them off.
Groudon is indeed scarier than you, sorry.



Also, wait. Wait, the whole reason Foggy Forest and everything is foggy is to prevent us from finding Steam Cave and getting to the top, right? if that's the case why is there a Groudon statue and a stone we can use to lift the fog????? like why would you include an option to get up to the Time Gear if you don't want people getting up to the Time Gear

Ray: Groudon? How'd you do that?
… we saw it didn't we?

Uxie: That is something I create using my psychic abilities.
Like so...

not shown: Groudon flickering in and out of existence

Uxie: There is no need to be startled.
As I've said, it's just an illusion.
What you fought was no more than that.
it's totally a real boss though like

There have been others before who defeated my Groudon illusion.
They managed to make their way to this spot.
just like us. oh no is it time are we going to lose our organs and/or memories now

But they were trespassers! So I took away their memories...
bit harsh though huh

And, thus, protected the lake.
Ray: Took away their memories...?
... Oh, that's right! We hope to ask you something, Uxie!
I didn't forget

Meet my partner, Alti!
HEY EXCUSE YOU I CAN TALK TOO

At present, a Pokémon! At one time, a human!
Uxie: Oh, really? A human?
Ray: Yes! But Alti has lost all memory of being a human.
So, we're wondering... have you maybe met Alti here before, Uxie?
And did you take away Alti's memory?
Has that ever happened? Did a human ever come here?
Do you remember anything like that ever happening, Uxie?
p sure if anyone would remember something it'd be uxie the being of memory


I mean I guess that answers the question but that doesn't... really explain why alti knows this place??? i still have questions

I should explain further... I erase only memories of Fogbound Lake.
ah. i see

I cannot fully erase all memories from living beings.
I had nothing to do with your friend's memory loss.
Nor anything to do with your friend's transformation into a Pokémon.
The cause lies elsewhere.
Well, shit. I guess we're back at square one.

Ray: Oh, well... that's OK.
So it doesn't seem like you've been here after all, Alti.
excuse u dont tell me what i have and havent felt I Know What I Felt

Uxie, we hoped to meet you to learn more about my partner... Uh, what's that?!
what's What ray


WHO DAT


… oh.
Oh, hey. I guess Wigglytuff's alive then! All righty. How badly did you fuck up Team Skull anyhow

Ray: W-Wigglytuff!

Wigglytuff has no care for anything that is occurring. like uxie is all about hating intruders and wigglytuff is just like IM HERE! IM GOING TO SEE THE LAKE I DONT CARE

Uxie: And who might this be?
please dont steal our organs and/or memories plz

Ray: That's our Guildmaster!
somehow that doesn't seem to help

Wigglytuff: Glad to meet you, friend! ♪ Friend! ♪ Friend! ♪ Friend! ♪
wigglytuff is insanely excited to meet uxie this is amazing


wigglytuff
wigglytuff that's
that's not
… ok.


I'm delighted we came! La-dee-la! ♪ Dee-la-dee! ♪
I'm delighted Wigglytuff somehow did not invoke the wrath of Uxie/Groudon tbh


showing you all again because it remains gorgeous


oh no are we about to have the entire rest of the guild show up unannounced to uxie's house without uxie having any reason to trust any of us
especially loudmouth loudred or bidoof who i bet can't keep secrets well

Dugtrio: No time to catch our breath. We've got to hurry!
Corphish: Hey, hey! Someone's over there!
several someones

Chatot: Let's go!

Groudon scares them all.

Loudred: Gr-Gr-Gr-
Sunflora: It's Groudon! Spit it out!
Chimecho: D-d-d-ding!
Corphish: Don't eat me! I'm not tasty!

everyone here terrified of groudon and wigglytuff's just like HI FRIENDS NOTHIN TO SEE HERE

Chatot: G-G-Guildmaster!
Wigglytuff: Oh, never mind that! Everyone, look out there!
It's spouting!
… what is? the time gear??

Pretty! Pretty!
SPEAK ENGLISH
USE COMPLETE SENTENCES

Everyone: HUH?

ds sprite graphics *.* this game is so pretty


Music (Title is kind of a spoiler)

i like how we have all invaded uxie's personal space with no invitation

Bidoof: Yup yup! Some kind of pretty!
Uxie: Yes, the lake geyser erupts every now and then.
It sends up water, just like a fountain...
And the Time Gear sends up illumination from below...
so now we're admitting there is a Time Gear to Loudred and Bidoof. Hooray

While many Illumise and Volbeat glow upon the fountain of water...
In harmony, they are the very vision of beauty!
ngl that is very true

Wigglytuff: The treasure!

I think it's still the Time Gear but if you want to believe that I won't stop you


once more for good measure

Ray: …................
Are you taking in this view, Alti? This is so magical!
i know ; ;

It's really too bad that we didn't learn anything about your past, Alti.
But I'm glad we came!
I'm happy that I got to see such a beautiful scene with everyone!
me too babe. me too

I'm truly happy.
Alti: (I'm glad I came too.)
(Sure, it's true we never learned who I am...)
p big bummer

(Hang on a minute... Uxie said...)
(Uxie said he didn't know me...)
(But if that's true...)
(How did I know about this place?!)
the question of the ages. it is a mystery

(And that Time Gear!)

(Why does my pulse race when I see it?)
it's cool as hell that's why

(And this unease I feel... What does it mean?)
that one there is a good question.


Speak in! Full sentences!

Had a fantastic time! ♪ Friend! ♪ Friend! ♪ Friend! ♪
I think Wigglytuff has gone off his rocker guys you might want to check on that

Uxie: I shall not take away your memories of this place.
You have earned my trust.
but why tho
I mean, Ray and Alti and maybe Wigglytuff sure, but everyone else??

But I must ask that you keep this place a secret.
Again. I don't think that's going to go so well with some of the guild members.

Wigglytuff: Surely! Thank you! We all know what we need to do!
I like to imagine Wigglytuff is just threatening everyone with a knife like you will keep quiet about this... RIGHT?!

You know, another Time Gear has been stolen. This one must stay safe!
Two actually. But uh somehow I feel like you shouldn't be telling that to Uxie so casually

We won't ever say a word about this place!
I swear it in the name of Wigglytuff's Guild!
now that is an unbreakable vow!

Uxie: Please hold true to that promise.
Wigglytuff: OK! Let's be on our way!
Chatot, if you will!
Chatot: I'll hop to it, Guildmaster!

aww what? i wanted to stay here with the tents and the exploration and the camping and :(

fiiiiiine

Everyone: HOORAY!
NO NOT HOORAY THIS IS A FALSE.

(Honest thought: I wish the expedition had been longer! The whole time of it was four dungeons, sure, but two of them were just kind of “how to get to the base camp”, so they didn't mean much overall. Then as soon as we get there we see all these nice tents set up but there's no, like... fireside chats in the night before we go hunting for clues. Like, think how much it might have added if the apprentices exchanged horror stories about Fogbound Lake and Uxie around a fire, instead of Chimecho kind of nonchalantly mentioning it right before we all head out. That could have been really neat. Or, like, imagine if we found the Drought Stone at the end of a nearby dungeon instead of just... off the beaten path right next to base camp. I feel like there's a lot of missed opportunities on the expedition and I would have loved to see it fleshed out some more before we finally found Fogbound Lake :c)


The guild's long and challenging expedition finally came to an end...
It wasn't that long

Wigglytuff and the members safely returned to the guild...
what no back expedition?? i didnt sign up for This

For Alti and the apprentices...
Going to the guild meant taking up the standard training schedule...
It was life as usual back at the guild!

we did NOT explore nearly that much area this is a Lie.


oh hey
what is

Alti's team was rewarded! Its Treasure Bag is now bigger!
eyyyy

You can now carry more items than you could before!
Wait... There's one more message.

That's for next time!

Comment!

13/525: 2.5%
Caterpie (Xander)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Hoppip (Alma)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
Combee (Hexa)
 
I'm convinced Wigglytuff didn't try to fight back directly. Consider that once Fairy type hits, one of its moves is "Play Rough".

Next time we get to see probably my favorite episode of the specials.
 
Regarding Steam Cave: I'm definitely not an expert, but I think what could happen is that water is heated deep underground, and then the superheated steam forces through cracks in the rock and is expelled into Steam Cave, at which point it condenses. So really it would be more like a sauna than anything else.

Now, water apparently defying the law of gravity to rise up to Fogbound Lake is another matter altogether...
 
pika pal: Probably not. Also don't forget Wigglytuff can like, explode things from afar. He's probably got all sorts of indirect tricks to deal with Team Skull.
This is my second-favorite episode. Certainly I think it's got the most character to it if that makes sense. It's just such a cutesy little fun adventure. (mostly)
lucariomaster2: All right, that makes more sense. Still not fun to adventure through but possibly not burn-inducing.
lol when are the laws of physics ever obeyed in these games. Rescue Team had us adventuring on a cloud tower


By the way, I keep forgetting to mention this, but anyone reading this run is free to contribute in more ways than suggesting names. If you would like to see me take on a mission of your choice, you can use this Wonder Mail generator to create me a mission that I can take on at some point in the game. Any of the dungeons listed are fair game, and I'll try my damnedest to finish them, even if they're in some of the worst dungeons like the Zero Isles. There's no guarantee of when I'll get to them, as that depends in large part on what dungeon it is you picked, but I will try any mission I get eventually!

For the reward, you can pick anything that catches your fancy, but I'd prefer you didn't pick Wonder Egg, because those hatch into Pokémon that join your team, and I've said before I want to recruit everything from dungeons. I also may not use your item if it's a very rare one-off item, because I want to get those legitimately as well, but I'll certainly thank you for the thoughtfulness! Lol.

(By the way this is not European version.)

Anyway, let's see Igglybuff's story!


… this isn't an igglybuff


as everyone sleeps (some more restlessly than others)...


one Pokémon remains awake.


Or maybe two. I hope Chatot isn't about to wake Wigglytuff up here.

Psst... psst... whisper... (I'm coming in...)

… why am I not surprised

Wigglytuff: Yay! ♪ Thank you! ♪
get it urself wigglytuff

Chatot: This is the last time!
Each night I sneak away from everyone and bring you a Perfect Apple from storage...
everyone's sleeping I'm not sure you're really sneaking away from anyone

I'm fed up with it!
Please, let me stop doing this!
rip Chatot :(

I'm begging! (… That is, the Guildmaster... would sneak in and eat one anyway if I didn't bring him one...)
i mean... true


hwat is it


excuse you what's a defend globe anyway


That's good. ♪ I thought it got chipped or broken when I dropped it. ♪
Hooray?

Chatot: Hee-hee! That's kind of a rare item for you, Guildmaster. ♪
You're usually pretty rough with items, Guildmaster...
But it's nice to see there is an item that you take good care of. ♪
lol somehow this seems a bit insulting

Guildmaster is always taking care of Perfect Apples... (… That is, he's like that again today.)
what is that supposed to mean
no really i'm confused

That is, it seems like that Defend Globe is a very precious exclusive item, isn't it?
it could also just be a defense attorney's badge u dont know
wigglytuff is secretly a lawyer


But... This item only has an effect on Bug-type Pokémon...
So even though you're holding on to it, Guildmaster, it's not very useful, is it?
inb4 wigglytuff is retconned as fairy/bug for some unknown reason

Wigglytuff: Yes. I know you're right...
But...

that's sweet

Chatot: Special thing?
Wigglytuff: Yep. ♪ Special thing.
… yes that is what he said before. we don't need repetitions like this

It's why... When I decided to become an explorer...
The starting point.
that was a very badly worded sentence but I think I understand?


flashback time


Yep... That was back when I was still a small child...
how long ago. How old is Wigglytuff anyway?

I wasn't Wigglytuff yet... This was back when I was still an Igglybuff.
a childhood indeed


oh it's one of These childhood flashbacks. Life on the prairie, life was simpler then, we were all happy, got it. Rose-colored glasses but still a childhood we all somehow have nostalgia for.
… I'll stop being faux-philosophical now.


yep it's even a prairie too


I can only assume y'all built the house and that's why there's a wigglytuff shape on it.

I lived happily there with my parents.

wait there's only you?? these nostalgic prairie flashbacks always involve like, at least twelve children. at least.
this is historically inaccurate
yes i've decided wigglytuff's own childhood is inaccurate so sue me


Music: Heartwarming
Yep, good morning! ♪ Papa. ♪ Mama. ♪
I see even back then Igglybuff was linguistically disabled

Mama: Hey, Igglybuff.
You've got plans to play with your friends today, right?
would he have any other other obligations? is there even a school??

I bought a bunch of Gummis. Take some to share.
Yep. ♪ Thanks, Mama. ♪

Voice: Igglybuff!
Igglybuff. ♪ Let's play. ♪
Mama: Look... Your friends are here.
Be careful... Come home before it's dark.
ah yes the days of letting kids out to do whatever and not really caring what happens because you don't really need to

Igglybuff: Yep. ♪ I'm off! ♪

… I gathered

You will progress through the story with Igglybuff as the playable character.
Also...
You can save your adventure from Igglybuff's bed.
Igglybuff's bed is the top one on the left.
To save your progress, visit Igglybuff's bed.
haaaaand holding!!!!

Now that we have control tho let's go.


That top screen. That is a prairie all right. I like the kinda sepia tint it has, got that kinda nostalgic vibe to it


aw look at this cute little gang of Friends

Igglybuff: Hi, everyone! ♪
Smoochum: Yay! ♪ Let's go! Let's go! ♪

bye


Wooper: Let's play in the mud!
Smoochum: Yuck! I don't want to!
lol the struggles of small children

It's unladylike to get all muddy! Smooch!
first off, gender roles in my pokémon??
second off you live in the middle of bumfuck nowhere who cares whether or not you're acting like a lady

Igglybuff: I brought some Gummis. Would you guys like one?
well that's the Point of why you have them, eh?

Budew: Yay!
Wooper: I want one!
Smoochum: I love Gummis! ♪ So, so much! Smooooches! ♪

igglybuff is accosted for his gummis


I have free control on this for some reason
Igglybuff: How are they?
Wooper: Great! Delicious! Thank you! ♪
Budew: Chew-chew... Gummis are tasty! ♪
You're the best, Igglybuff! ♪
Igglybuff: Hee-hee, I'm happy too... friendly friend. ♪
IT BEGINS

Smoochum: Yay! I love Gummis! ♪
Thanks, Igglybuff! ♪ Smooches! ♪
Then...


who is it


You guys! What are you doing there?
Music
Sound familiar? (It's Tiny Woods from Rescue Team.)

I'm willing to bet by the fact that they're Ghost and Poison type that they are unsavory types.

Smoochum: The bullies, Banette and Skorupi!
… yeah


Igglybuff demonstrating that he is completely unfazed by unfriendly Pokémon even at a young age

Hey, Igglybuff. You've got Gummis.
Skorupi: Give us some Gummis too.
Banette: Lots. Bunches. Heaps of them.
somehow I highly doubt Igglybuff even has that many but ok


… I mean. if igglybuff thinks these guys are friends. mama wigglytuff did say to share them with “friends” so I don't really see the issue here. I mean, they're just asking for Gummis and Igglybuff has literally no problem obliging


he Smart

Wooper: I sometimes play with Banette's group...
But they always boss me around... And if you cross them, they're really mean... Sniff...
typical childhood bullies yep

Budew: Maybe Igglybuff isn't scared of those two?
Well, what does it seem like? Igglybuff friends with everyone.


lol wow even they're like “wtf this is abnormal”

Skorupi: Yeah, they are so yummy! Chew-chew... (… But it's fine as long as we can boss him around! Heh-heh-heh!)
if igglybuff doesn't even realize he's even been taken advantage of does it really count?

Banette: Hey, gimme another Gummi!
Skorupi: Me too!
Igglybuff: Yep! ♪
lol igglybuff just does not care

Igglybuff: … Huh?

Igglybuff: I had so many of them too... I wonder what happened.
Sorry: Hee-hee-hee. ♪
… ok then igglybuff. i refuse to believe you're actually that oblivious but okay


pfhhahhaha i like how they are commenting on that fact

Banette: It's all right... We'll forgive you.
for
not having enough gummis

ok

Just bring more Gummis next time.
THEYRE IGGLYBUFFS MOMS GUMMIS I DONT THINK HE HAS CONTROL OVER THIS

Igglybuff: Yep. ♪ Friendly friends. ♪
I guess Igglybuff doesn't care about being a financial burden on his family


I'm willing to bet it somehow doesn't feel like that to Igglybuff.

Smoochum: I hate that! I won't forgive this!
FITE FITE FITE FITE FITE

Wooper: Y-you shouldn't get involved!
FITE FITE FI-aw come on y'all can totally take them on. especially with igglybuff. he destroys things sometimes

They're really big and scary!
lol so

Smoochum: Sniff...
Budew: Hey, everyone.
Hey, everyone.
We should go talk to Igglybuff's Mama. She'll know what to do.
who wants to bet she'll just say like “my child will beat up bullies if he feels like it lol dont worry”

Smoochum: Yep.
Wooper: Yeah.

what are they coming in the middle of the night to bother wigglytuff about it?? like


Music: Goodnight
oh okay
also that's a terrible lullaby I'm sorry

Sleep now sweet, little child. ♪
Igglybuff: … Mmmmmm... Mmmmmmmmm...
Mama: … All right, he's sleeping.
igglybuff never sleeps he just Listens and Understands

Hey, Papa. I've been worried about something...
Papa: Huh? What is it, Mama?

oh i guess maybe they did come by

Igglybuff is being manipulated by some bullies.
Simple, just don't give him Gummis anymore. Then what will they do? They are literally no physical threat to Igglybuff. He's a demon child

Papa: Some bullies?
Mama: Yeah. Igglybuff's friends came to talk to me about it...
how do u know theyre actually igglybuff's friends tho
can u really trust anyone

Hey, Papa. You don't think he'd become like them, do you?
Sometimes, I really have no clue what that child is thinking...
THAT is NOT A GOOD SIGN EXCUSE ME
I MEAN I KNOW IGGLYBUFF IS IMPOSSIBLE TO FATHOM BUT STILL

Mama: So I'm a little worried...
Papa: Yeah... That does seem troublesome...
But...
But I think it's all right.
thats very optimistic i dont think you even have all the details but ok

Igglybuff is still so cheerful...
yes???

No matter how he may seem, deep down, he has a good heart.
Besides... Didn't we have this discussion before...
Back when... I climbed that mountain with Igglybuff. On our way home...
wait what


well this may or may or not be the end of days


you died. yes i See

We found ourselves stuck in a sudden storm...

rip igglybuff. maybe yall shoulda checked the weather first

Papa: Are you all right?! Igglybuff?
what does it Look like

Igglybuff: Y-yeah...
Papa: Can you feel that? The storm is causing the ground to shake!
what the fuck are y'all doing you should be finding shelter not attempting to brave it anyway. jesus

We need to get off this mountain quickly...
OR FIND SHELTER

It's too dangerous to be here. Let's hurry.
Igglybuff: Yeah...

Igglybuff: Waaaaaaaahhh!!
SAVE your CHILD WIGGLYTUFF. GOD

Papa: I... Igglybuff!

This huge boulder started to fall, right above me!
well fuck

Wigglytuff: W-waaaaaahhh!
Igglybuff: Papa!!

THAT IS A HUGE BOULDER GOODNESS.

... And just when I thought that!

uM


I wasn't crushed by the boulder... Somehow I was saved...
HARDLY SOMEHOW
IGGLYBUFF PROVES TO BE A DEMON CHILD HERE WITH MAGIC POWERS


But I'm sure that it was Igglybuff that saved me.
Of that, I am certain.
At least he correctly pinpoints his savior

That kid has some kind of mysterious power.
He doesn't just have some strong power.
so what he's not JUST abnormally strong he's also MAGICALLY abnormally strong ???

When people are in trouble... That's when it appears...
You only saw it once though, can you even say that with certainty?

I get the feeling this power is full of his kindness for others.
aight if you say so

I understand your concerns, Mama... But I think we should trust our child a little more, OK?
it doesn't really have anything to do with trust if he's just too oblivious to know he's being bullied I mean

Mama: … Yes. You're right...
I'm sorry, Papa.
He'll be OK. After all, he is our son. ♪
d'awwwww

Papa: Yeah.
It's a good thing to be concerned about, Mama, so don't worry.
That is, the fact that you are concerned, Mama... It just shows how much you truly care about Igglybuff... right?
what do you mean “right” yes that is what it indicates

Yeah. Thank you, Papa. ♪
The next morning...
Music: Heartwarming


Papa: Good morning! ♪
Mama: Good morning! ♪ Igglybuff. ♪
Let's go out!


Papa: See you later!
Mama: Take care!

Wooper: You want to play explorers?!
… why are they sounding so shocked, explorers sounds gr8 i dont see the issue

Banette: Yeah, let's play explorers.
Skorupi: We want to become an exploration team in the future...
oh Do you now

So we should go out and explore unknown areas! What do you think? It's great, right?
I mean. Yes?
Wait, but where are there even unknown areas nearby? Y'all live here dont u?

Budew: So... This unknown place... Where are we going?
my thoughts exactly

Banette: Hmm. That's a good question. You'd make a good apprentice explorer, Budew.
did you guys think this through at all

We decided on a place... Murky Forest.
oh never mind I guess they did have a place in mind.


well um it didnt sound that bad but ok?
Music: Murky Forest

Smoochum: Smooches! No way! I don't want to!
Going to that forest is not allowed at all! My mommy even said so!
oh it's one of those places. Got it.

Budew: There's even a rumor that a big, scary monster lives in the forest!
Well, we know perfectly well that all rumors are true, so let's go investigate like true explorers :B

Why do you want to go there?
Banette: Doesn't it seem like the type of place that exploration teams would go?
dude got a point tho

Don't tell me... Does that mean you're scared to go?
I dunno what level are we

Smoochum: N-no... I'm not scared!
AWESOME LET'S GO

It's just that you shouldn't go places you've been told not to go!
I mean. Yes? But also no??

I-I don't like it! I'm not going!

ok bye

Wooper: M-me neither. I'm staying out of it...
Budew: Same here!

Wow y'all are sticks in the mud. Sorry they might be better friends to Igglybuff but Igglybuff is absolutely going to want to hang out with ppl who are willing to explore. i mean. igglybuff

Banette: What's this? They're all cowards.
They're scared and making up all these lame excuses. It's pathetic.
Eh. If they're scared they're scared, I can't exactly blame them I guess

Skorupi: I doubt they'll ever be a real exploration team when they grow up. Not at all likely.
Eh, their loss. Not everyone's into that and that's fine.


I like how Igglybuff is not at all fazed by the fact that we're supposed to be going into a forbidden forest and instead is just like “WHAT IS THIS EXPLORATION TEAM THING???” #priorities

Banette: What?! You don't know what an exploration team is?
Igglybuff: Nope. ♪
lol igglybuff

Banette: But you're still here, so that means... That means you've got the courage?
I don't know if it's courage or idiocy but igglybuff got somethin alright.

Igglybuff: Yep. I do. ♪

… good

Banette: … All right. You'll do. Come along.
Igglybuff: Yay, thanks! Friends. ♪
i mean they're not but ok
Music: A Fun Exploration

Banette: All right! Everyone, line up!

YEAH! IT GO TIME

Gather up your courage and let's go!
Skorupi: Yeah!
Igglybuff: Yeah. ♪
Banette: Yay! Yay!

Skorupi: Ooooooohhhh!

it's adventure time!!


lol murky forest's location is pretty obvious.


Music: Murky Forest (third time's the charm?? or something??)
this is a murky forest all right
also igglybuff is is level 17 that seems... insanely high for his age. Either he's incredibly talented or... he's incredibly talented that's about all the conclusion I can come to. He's even higher-leveled than the bullies are.

Pokémon (although they don't really matter since we won't come back here): Exeggcute, Hoothoot, Hoppip, Doduo, Weedle, Burmy-Sand, Spinarak, Weedle


Igglybuff's Pound is an effortless OHKO. I bet this is wholly intentional.
The dungeon is completely non-threatening as a result.


Oh right but we do experience traps for the first time here. In Rescue Team, traps were postgame only; in Explorers they show up far earlier and gradually get worse as the game progresses, probably so there isn't a ridiculous difficulty spike when you beat the game like in Rescue Team.


Oh hey, nice.
Still doing this episode without using any items from Alti's storage, so this is nice to have.

After a measly 7 floors...
Banette: We... We've come pretty far...
It's a really dark place, this is...
Murky Forest is dark? Color me surprised!

Skorupi: Sniff... Ooohh...
u scared?

Banette: Huh? What's wrong, Skorupi?
Skorupi: B-but... This is the place that everyone says you're not supposed to go...
ffs i thought you wanted to be here what is this nonsense!

The... The depths of this forest...
And the rumor that there's a terrible monster living here...
Banette: What is it...

lol ouch even banette has no sympathy for his comrade in arms. All right Scut Farkus

If you say that...
I-if you say that...
YES??

You... You're making me start to feel scared...
buncha wusses wow


~spoopy~

There's something here, though...
Banette: Don't... Don't say that! You!
You coward!
oh my god you are both hopeless

Skorupi: Wh-what is it?!
Now that you say it... Banette, you're really scared, aren't you!
Banette: S-scared? Me... Wh-what nonsense!
Skorupi: Don't pretend to be tough!
god this bickering is insane just admit you're both scared and be done with it

Even when you're talking, I can see tears welling up in your eyes!
… people cry when they're scared??

Banette: Gulp! N-no, that's not true. That's just not true!
if u say so my dude

I-I'll show you I'm not scared!

Wow seriously?? There's a difference between being brave and being a damned fool banette

Skorupi: Wh-what?!
Banette: I'm the great Banette! I'm an explorer!
WELL ALL RIGHTY THEN

We've come to beat you! So quit hiding and come on out!
FITE FITE FITE FITE

Skorupi: … It's... not coming out...
Banette: … Wh-what's this... Not here...
maybe there just ISN'T A MONSTER

I-I knew it. I knew it all along—from the start.
I knew that it was just a simple rumor, nothing more.
ok banette

There was no monster here... There never was one. Ha ha... Ha ha ha.
Skorupi: I-is that so... Ha ha ha ha ha.
laugh it up u scrubs but there is in fact a real monster here !!!!
it's named igglybuff

Igglybuff: Ha ha ha. ♪
igglybuff gives 000 shits

Banette: All right. I guess this exploration is done.
Everyone, let's go home!
Skorupi: Yeah!
Igglybuff: Yeah! ♪

wat

Banette: … Did you just hear something?
Well it was in the narration so yes?

Skorupi: Some... I think I heard some kind of growl...
Voice: GARURURURURURURURURUHHHHH...

OSHIT WHAT

Didn't you say you're an exploration team?!
no that was this idiot named banette here its not

GASAGASAGASAGASAGA!!!!
Banette: Ulp... Waaaaaahhhh...
Voice: Get out of here!
Coming in here...
it gonna kill us :c


Music
OH GOD IT EXISTS IT IS A MONSTER OH NO OH DEAR

GAOOOOOOOOOooooooOOOOOO!!!!
Banette: WAAAAaaaaaaaaahhhhh!
Skorupi: H-he's heeeeeerrrrrre!
lots of screaming in this here episode


… somehow this isn't surprising

Armaldo: What's this? A bunch of kids...
Huh? Weren't there more of you?
… did you not see two of them run off??

You too, Junior! You better run away quick!
GAOOOOOOoooooooOOOOO!!!
If you stay here, something bad will happen!
GAOOOOOOOooooooooOOOOOO!!!
For all his antagonistic bluster...

Igglybuff, of course, gives no shits.

What are you doing here, mister?
Armaldo: Aren't... Aren't you scared? Aren't you scared of me?!
I like how even Armaldo is confused as hell at this development

Igglybuff: Nope. ♪ Not scared! ♪
Music: Guildmaster Wigglytuff

So what are you doing here anyway, mister?
Armaldo: He... he's a strange little fellow...
how perceptive

Igglybuff: Hey, tell me? Tell, tell...
Armaldo: I told you to go home!

it is impossible to get rid of igglybuff. believe me i have tried

Armaldo: No way! Go home!
Igglybuff: A short answer is fine. Finally fine.
just indulge him Armaldo it'll be easier for everyone that way

Armaldo: Ugh... You're persistent...
… I guess I've got no choice. I'll tell you a little.
igglybuff wins again

Come with me.
Igglybuff: Yay! ♪

Oh hey it's a cave. is it time to Explore and find a mystery dungeon

Armaldo: We're going in.
it is Time


oh or it's just a dwelling I see. Nice place u got here

Secret base! Secret base! ♪
Armaldo: Not quite. It's not a secret base, it's just my home...
lmao rekt

My name is Armaldo.
I used to be an explorer... But not anymore, because of one thing...
how conveniently vague

I've taken a break from exploring... And so I spend my days here.
ok but what do you actually Do all the time

Igglybuff: So, what's exploring?
lmao What

Armaldo: Huh? You don't know about exploring?
Exploring is... so much fun... It's incredibly exciting.
Igglybuff: So much fun... Incredibly exciting?
that doesn't answer the question of what exploring IS though

Armaldo: That's right.
Distant lands, uncharted territory...
You visit many remarkable places... And solve the mysteries you find there.
Are there really so many “mysteries” though. I mean I imagine exploring would be more about, like, just seeing that a forest exists or some shit than solving the mysteries there

Igglybuff: Really?
And you get to bring back treasure and fortune with you.
again how common is that actually

Igglybuff: Oh?! That's so cool! ♪
Armaldo: And... You have to keep at it, working hard and overcoming difficulties, until you finally achieve your dreams.
For example...
For example, this secret map.

how mysterious!!

Open it up and have a look.

Music: Beyond the Dream

It doesn't really make sense, does it?
Igglybuff: …......
Armaldo: If I don't figure out the cipher, then I'll never be able to uncover the location of the treasure.
But you're just a kid, you wouldn't know anything about this...
kids can understand maps too u know!!!

I've been working on this one for a long time, but haven't been able to figure it out yet.
thats cause u Suk

However, I'm not giving up! I can't!

is
is igglybuff holding it in a fire

That's the adventure of exploration...
Its thrill! Its essence! Its never-ending attraction!

… Igglybuff, you may have fucked up.

Igglybuff: Ha ha ha! ♪ Burned it, burned it! ♪
oh my god igglybuff wow

Armaldo: H-hey! Junior! What are you doing?! Knock it off!

running around with it is not going to help

Water! WATER!
! Oh yeah! Water Gun!!
… would you look at that, armaldo knows a move that is not either of his types. What a neat concept.

He puts out the fire, then...


the map is dead, rip

My... My previous secret map...
It's... It's charred...
Igglybuff: Look! ♪
Armaldo: What?
Igglybuff: Underneath the charred parts... You can see something. ♪
If you brush away the charred parts, can you see anything special?
Narration: Igglybuff brushed away the charred parts of the map.
i
how did


Igglybuff: … Right here... Isn't there something written here? Right, written! ♪
Armaldo: Eastern... Ca...ve... Eastern Cave?!
R-really?! Is it true there's treasure there?!
except all we know is that eastern cave has a thing, not necessarily treasure, I mean, that might be a leap

Igglybuff: Yep! I knew it! ♪ Ha ha ha! ♪
but
HOW

Armaldo: That is... How did you know? How did you figure out this map's secret?
Igglybuff: When I looked at the map, I saw it was really thick.
So I figured that there must be two layers to it.
but why tho

But I didn't think there was any other way to peel off the top layer.
So I thought I'd burn it off! ♪

I MEAN...
I GUESS???

Armaldo: … (Th-this kid...)
(I've been working on that puzzle for so long, and he solved it, just like that...)
I mean this episode is called Igglybuff the Prodigy.

(That is, this kid... Just like that...)
Igglybuff: Hey, if you go to this Eastern Cave, would you find treasure there?
Please take me with you! ♪ I want to go and see! ♪
he does have a claim to the treasure since he solved the secret of the map I suppose

Armaldo: B-but I'm... I'm a retired explorer...
I can't just jump back in...
why not tho

Igglybuff: Huh? But don't you like exploring?
I mean... Earlier, it sounded like you really enjoyed talking about it.
igglybuff cutting right to the heart of the matter

And you were working so hard on the secret of that map...
If you don't go, it will be a waste! ♪
i mean true but that's awfully blunt of you


(It's true that it would be a waste not to go after solving the map's riddle...)
Yes. No buts. It would be

(But I'm hesitant to leave here...)
boo

(Maybe I wouldn't attract too much attention with a little trip to Eastern Cave.)
THAT'S the spirit!

(All right!)
Hey, Junior.
You made a good point. We'll go!
Wait...

we?

Igglybuff: R-really?
Armaldo: Yes, really.
But it's a little too late to start today. Your mom and dad are probably worried.
YEAH probably, how old are you again igglybuff????

Today, you should go on home...
Tomorrow, we'll head out.
Igglybuff: Yep! ♪ Thank you! ♪
All right! Let's do our best tomorrow. ♪ Yeah! ♪
d'awww that sounds awfully familiar

Anyhow, I'm gonna cut here for length purposes. Next time: Igglybuff and Armaldo go to explore Eastern Cave!

Comment!

13/525: 2.5%
Caterpie (Xander)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Hoppip (Alma)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
Combee (Hexa)
 
Seems like a very odd way to make the map if it requires fire to reveal the treasure location but you have to extinguish it before the actual location burns. And what was actually written on the initial thing that indicated it was a map before you burn off the top layer?
 
Have to say that I really enjoyed your narration this time. It's not like I didn't like all of the previous episodes, otherwise I would be reading this now. But I really liked all of your snarky comments on everything igglybuff did and such.
I'll be posting more nicknames and maybe even a mission or two tomorrow, because it is almost midnight and I have to wake up soon tomorrow. Keep up the good work cause I'm really liking what you are doing so far and look forward to seeing more of the LP.
 
pika pal: I dunno man maybe it was like showing a location but you had to get the top layer off in order to see the name of it idk????? I dunno that map doesn't make much sense you're right.
Hydrachomp: Thanks for the compliments! I'm always worried that my snark might actually be too much to be enjoyable, so it's nice to hear it doesn't seem that way. (… yet.)



I guess Igglybuff's parents didn't see anything off with how late he (presumably) got back last night.

Papa: Yep. Good morning! ♪
Mama: Good morning, Igglybuff! ♪

lol if I want I can just have igglybuff go explore Murky Forest again without banette or skorupi. Good decisions!
Nah let's go to Armaldo's place.


Papa: See you later!
Mama: Take care!

Oh hey.

Smoochum: Igglybuff, I heard that you went out exploring with the bullies...
They ran off so it doesn't count

Was it all right?
Igglybuff: Yeah. ♪ I was fine. ♪
At least he has enough sense to know they were right to be concerned?? Maybe???

Everyone went home in the middle of it. ♪
Never mind I stand corrected.

Smoochum: Smooches! That's good!
Budew: We were worried about you.
Wooper: Hey, Igglybuff! Let's play together today. ♪
Well I mean if u all want to come to the Eastern Cave that would be fine

Hmm... Sorry. I've already got plans for today.
he has plans!! that's so suspicious-sounding

Budew: Plans? Where are you going?

bahahha Igglybuff continues to give no shits

Smoochum: Whaaaat?! Murky Forest?!
Igglybuff: Yup. ♪ See you later! ♪
… bye?


oh no u dont have the support of ur friends to fight them with
it's ok though we've already established igglybuff is the most powerful being

W-were you OK after that?!
… are they actually concerned about Igglybuff?? What is this

Igglybuff: Yep. ♪
Skorupi: I can't believe you got away!
I thought maybe you got eaten by that monster...
lol do u really think igglybuff would taste good. Sorry

Igglybuff: ??? What monster? I don't know what you're talking about.
I made a friend. ♪
oh my god ahahhaa

Banette: F-friend?
Igglybuff: Yep—a friend. ♪
I'm headed out to play with my friend again today. ♪ See you! ♪

I can only imagine Banette and Skorupi are just completely dumbfounded at this chain of events


Music: A Fun Exploration

Armaldo: Hey, here you are, Junior.
Quick, let's go let's go! ♪
I appreciate the lack of comma there

Armaldo: No need to be impatient.
Before exploring, you have to make sure you're well prepared.
lol what's preparation
I run these Special Episodes completely without any planning whatsoever

Igglybuff: Prepared?
I see he agrees

Armaldo: Yes.

Oh yay another tutorial on how to use these

Igglybuff: What... What's this?
Armaldo: This is called a Kangaskhan Rock... Here you can make a record of your adventure and sort your items...
It's something you shouldn't pass up on your explorations.
lol

Igglybuff: Really?

w h y

Anyhow...
You can go ahead and use any items you find at the Kangaskhan Rock as you see fit...
So, let's use the Kangaskhan Rock to finish preparations for our adventure.
Igglybuff: Yep! ♪ Got it! ♪
I end up using the Kangaskhan Rock, but only to store some extraneous items. I don't actually withdraw anything from Team Hurricane's storage.


let's Go

Igglybuff: Yep. ♪
Armaldo: All right!
All right, let's go! We're looking for the treasure in Eastern Cave!
Got it, Junior? You're just a beginner when it comes to exploring.
But did you miss all that natural talent he has for the craft??

Don't be so impertinent, and don't hold me back!
Igglybuff: Yep. ♪
do you think he internalized any of what Armaldo just said, like, at all


Music
(Sound familiar? This is Buried Relic from Explorers.)
here we are in Eastern Cave!! lookit that level on Armaldo lmao. I'm pretty sure this won't be an issue at all.
Armaldo has Harden, Water Gun, Metal Claw, and Protect. Igglybuff has Protect, Charm, Sweet Kiss, and Copycat.

Pokémon: Diglett, Tangela, Nincada, Whiscash, Magikarp


lol I guess I spoke too soon about not having an issue with this dungeon
all righty then!


no wonder this dungeon is hiding treasure, it is insidious !!!!


After 10 floors of dungeon we arrive. Where, you ask? Well...

The treasure... I wonder where it is...
well I can't help because the screen is dark!!

Igglybuff: Oh! Can you see that light over there?!
… oh. They're just in darkness too. Got it.

Armaldo: Let's go check it out!

Igglybuff is impressed by things easily

Armaldo: Wh-what's... this?!

Well that's a puzzle all right.

Igglybuff: Wow! This is so amazing! ♪
now go solve it igglybuff

There's a door in the front here.
I think the treasure's past that door, don't you?
Hurry! Let's go! Let's go! ♪
do u not See igglybuff


thank you armaldo

Igglybuff: Whaaat?
Didn't you notice the design of this room?
Look carefully! There's some kind of trick to it!
Igglybuff: Trick?
i thought u were a prodigy tho

Armaldo: Yes.
I'm pretty sure that there will be treasure behind that door, but...
The trouble is, we need to figure out how to open that door.
hell yea im totally down for bizarre puzzle-solving


I think if we put some kind of rock or something in there, something will probably happen... But...
… “if we put something in there, something will probably happen”???? that's what you're going with?? How appropriately vague!

There's those giant logs on both sides... And all those little openings in the floor have caught my attention...

If we move that pillar along that track on top of the switch on the floor, something's gonna happen...
Yeah probably

This is a pretty common layout... This kind of trap is usually easy to identify.
And... These spikes here on the wall... Look at them—they've definitely caught my attention...
this is some real indiana jones shit here


Armaldo: If you hit this crystal, something's gonna happen.
that's true about EVERYTHING IN THIS ROOM ARMALDO stop being vague and start suggesting solutions

The crystal's color will probably change and something will come up from the floor... or something...
Well I guess that's significantly less vague, but still

I think that's how it works.

>probably
[insert clip of Robbie Rotten “are you a real villain” except with “villain” replaced with “explorer”]

It's pretty suspicious to find such a puzzling thing in a place like this.
… not really?? this is Clearly a puzzle guarding the treasure I mean

The more I think about it, the more it seems like someone has gone to an awful lot of trouble to keep people out...
… yes. Yes, that is the implication.

It takes a trained eye to spy out all these ingenious devices.
if you say so

Igglybuff: I see! So, we should go around and try everything! ♪
… somehow I don't think that's the answer

Armaldo: N-no! That might prevent the door from ever opening!
he understands

There are traps too!
Igglybuff: Is that so? I see...
Armaldo: Anyway... This room is full of dangers.
We really need to proceed with caution here.
Igglybuff: Yep. Got it! ♪
Yay! ♪

and of course Igglybuff just gives no shits and runs over to the door

Igglybuff: YOOM... TAH!

WELL ALL RIGHT
THAT IS ONE WAY TO SOLVE A PUZZLE I GUESS

Igglybuff: I did it! ♪ I opened it! ♪
… I mean... yes????

Armaldo: Wh-what the...?!
Igglybuff: Hurry! Let's go! ♪
Armaldo: … (What in the world IS this kid?!)
Igglybuff: Hey, hurry! ♪
Armaldo: G-got it.

that was amazing. good job igglybuff


Music: Beyond the Dream
This is a beautiful shiny room I love it.


are we sure there aren't any traps around the treasure box itself?

Armaldo opens the treasure chest.
Inside was the Defend Globe.
Oh hey there it is.

Armaldo: Th-this... is...!
Yes? It... is...?!

Igglybuff: Wow! ♪ So cool! ♪
do you even have any idea what it is though

What is this?
lol

Armaldo: This is a Defend Globe.

pahahaha
(Igglybuff is just dancing.)

It's very valuable... It's a very hard to find item...
It's an Exclusive Item for Bug-type Pokémon.
… Hey!
Aren't you listening to what I'm saying?!
finally I guess he noticed Igglybuff is dancing

Igglybuff: It's all right. ♪ I heard you. ♪
I don't really understand... But it's really cool! ♪
We did it! ♪ Ah ha ha ha! ♪
Igglybuff is just in it for the fun of finding things, not the literal treasures. A pure heart if I ever saw one


(I don't feel like transcribing all that)

Armaldo: … (Wh-what is this...? He's so happy...)
(He doesn't even know the value of this item, but he's just so ridiculously happy...)
… yes. He likes exploring.

Igglybuff: We did it, we did it! ♪ Yay, yay! ♪
Armaldo: … (Hmm... He showed a powerful intuition in getting that door open earlier...)
Eh I think it was more like blunt force that turned out to be successful. Wigglytuff's special talent as Guildmaster also seems to be “exploding things” so there you go.

(This kid is...)
Igglybuff: Yay, yay! ♪ Ah ha ha ha ha! ♪
Armaldo: … (This kid... I don't really get his personality...)
Cheerful but also a genius. That's about all there is to it.

(He radiates an unknown, unfathomable quality...)
… what the hell does that mean

(I'm guessing... this kid has an amazing natural talent or something...)
… you don't say

(For explorers... this is an unbelievable advantage...)
So consider yourself lucky.

Igglybuff: Hey, exploring is so much fun! ♪
I had no idea! ♪
the birth of a legend

...! Oh yeah!
Master!
Armaldo: ? M-master? Me?!
Well what did you expect?

Igglybuff: Yep, that's right. The exploration master.
Master, I have a request! Please... Please take me on as your apprentice!
I figured that was basically a given but all right

Armaldo: M-my... apprentice?!
N-no! I'll pass. I don't really see myself taking care of someone else as an apprentice.
wrong answer

And besides, I quit exploring!
also wrong answer. no one quits

It's too late for me to do anything like that!
Igglybuff: But... Today you came out on this exploration, didn't you?
lol rekt

You did, didn't you? Master...
Armaldo: Err...
u are Trapped

Igglybuff: This is the first time I've had so much fun. It's like I've changed somehow.
I want to keep exploring! ♪ … That is... I'd like to keep exploring.
Eh you could probably do it on your own huh?

Please! Take me on as your apprentice, Master!

is he bowing? that is amazing. do igglybuff even have like, joints

Armaldo: Umm... (Wow, he's even kneeling on the floor. He's sure intent on this request.
DO IGGLYBUFF HAVE KNEES????

(However, he's so round... It's hard to tell if he's really kneeling on the floor or not...)
ahahahhahahaha good

Armaldo: (Wh-what should I do?)
It would be extremely risky if I were to start exploring as part of a team again...)
but why tho

(But this kid has so much potential, it's amazing.)
(I'd love to see just how far this kid could go as an explorer...)
have u ever heard of wigglytuff's guild

(Being together is a little annoying... But I have another feeling as well...)
(It's really caught my attention... I think I could start exploring again, as long as it was with him.)
(All right.)

ey!!!!!!!!

Igglybuff: R-really?!
Armaldo: But... My training is very strict!
If you won't go along with me, then we're through!
Igglybuff: Yay! I did it! Thank you! ♪
Yay, yay, yay! ♪

Master recognized me as his apprentice...
And returned to being an explorer...
And so Master and I... went on explorations together.
i hope we the player get to see them too!!!


youre gonna die if you keep being over happy like that
yes thats how that works

I'm looking forward to you taking care of me. ♪ Master. ♪
wait
wait thats
what about igglybuff's parents????

Armaldo: Taking care of you... Hey, wait!
The way you're acting, I don't know if we'll be doing anything together...
I think Armaldo is all bark and no bite

Igglybuff: Don't be so strict, Master. ♪ Ah ha ha ha ha ha! ♪
pffhahhaha

Armaldo: How are we going to be an exploration team if you start off acting like that? Hey!
Shut up and let the kid have his excitement ffs

Igglybuff: Ah ha ha! I'm so happy! ♪ Ah ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! ♪

Music: A Fun Exploration
Papa: See you!
Mama: Take care!

Igglybuff: I would head off to Master's house soon after I got up every morning...

Igglybuff: Hey, Master... Let's explore this place today! ♪
This place... labeled “The End of the World”! ♪
um
WHAT
NO LIKE WHAT

Armaldo: Come on! There is no way we could go to such a place.
lmao did you forget that you're with Igglybuff


I dunno Armaldo doesn't look too pleased

And then head out exploring right away...

(there is a treasure box on the tree stump for the record)

Armaldo: Don't be so happy-go-lucky! There might be a trap!

… yep, there's a trap.

Igglybuff: M-Master! Master!
Master!!!

oh my god haha

Master and I made a great team and we found a bunch of treasure!
Just like that, we...
Went on one successful exploration after another. ♪

… a few months? and your parents never wondered what was up??


there is a shitton of treasure boxes in this room
There's so much treasure! ♪ Master! ♪
Armaldo: All right. Let's take it all back with us.
… how do you plan to accomplish this? There's only two of you

Igglybuff: All right! ♪

(We've been exploring together for a while...)
(I've never seen anyone with a natural sense for exploring like he has.)
… (I'm sure...)

I believe this is an accurate assessment if the title of the Special Episode is any indication.

Master, what are you doing? Hurry, hurry! ♪
Armaldo: Y-yeah... I'm on my way.
After they get the treasure...


Music: At the End of the Day

Hey, Master.
Where are we going to explore tomorrow?
Armaldo: Wh-what? We just finished today's exploration, and already you're talking about tomorrow's?
Igglybuff is eager

Armaldo: You're getting a little ahead of yourself.
That said... I'll bet that tomorrow's location will be even better to us than today's.
We found like a million chests today, is that really possible?

Igglybuff: R-really?!
Armaldo: Yes. Tomorrow, we're going to Fortune Ravine...
Rumor has it that there's a lot of treasure there.
Igglybuff: A-amazing! I can't wait! ♪
Let's go tomorrow! Definitely. ♪
hey why not, it sounds like a rarin' good time

Armaldo: Yeah.
Will you be all right getting home from here by yourself?
… how far away from Igglybuff's house are they anyway? Is it really the case that every single exploration has been able to be accomplished in the space of one day, with time for Igglybuff to get there and back home without worrying his parents??

Yep. ♪ I'm fine. ♪
wait where is Armaldo going then?? he lives pretty close to Igglybuff so why would they be going separate ways?

Armaldo: All right, see you at my place tomorrow.
And then we'll head out for Fortune Ravine.
Igglybuff: Yep! ♪
Bye-bye, Master! See you tomorrow! ♪


Armaldo: Phew. Same as ever... He's always so cheerful.
Cheerful is good, but...
He's so cheerful that it tires me right out. Phew...
be glad you're not his parents I guess

I should go home. I'm exhausted, but I have to admit cheerfulness is kind of contagious. Phew...
He leaves... but...

Seems we weren't alone.

That Pokémon... Was that...
The next morning...


Same ol', same ol'.

Papa: Yep. Good morning! ♪
Mama: Good morning, Igglybuff! ♪
As always we head off to Armaldo's place.


Armaldo: Oh hi, Junior.
o hai mark

Before you got here, I was doing some research on Fortune Ravine...
… how? I don't recall seeing many books or anything in your house

It's a lot harder than any of the dungeons we've visited so far.
I am UP to the CHALLENGE

Even with my strength... it will probably be difficult.
and armaldo's like 11 levels higher than Igglybuff so what does that say about him

Igglybuff: Huh? So we're not going?
Armaldo: Maybe, maybe not. I'm concerned about what to do.
Igglybuff: Let's go! ♪ It will be fine, I know. ♪
I mean he is a superpowered demon child so

Together, Master and I are invincible! ♪
It's all right, all right! ♪
Armaldo: … (That's right...)
(No thanks to me... This kid is an exploration prodigy...)
… did you forget?

(If I tried to go alone, I couldn't do it... But if he's with me...)
… All right. I agree.
Let's go. To Fortune Ravine.

I bet Igglybuff is just about to explode with joy

I knew we were going to go! That's my Master. ♪
well somehow I feel if Igglybuff got upset about not going... bad things would have happened

Armaldo: Take care of your exploration preparations at the Kangaskhan Rock.
Once you're ready, we'll go.
Igglybuff: Yep. ♪
I store some stuff and then we go.

Armaldo: All right!
OK, let's go! To Fortune Ravine!
Igglybuff: Yep. ♪

However...

At Igglybuff's house on the prairie...

oh

Mama: Oh! It's Smoochum and everyone.

Mama: I'm sorry. Igglybuff isn't here today, either.
You're always inviting him to join you. It's not very nice of him to always be too busy.
have his parents even asked themselves what it is he's doing instead of playing with them

Smoochum: By the way, Igglybuff's Mama.
Mama: What is it, Smoochum?
Smoochum: Is it true that Igglybuff goes to play in Murky Forest every day?
… well. shit might be about to hit the fan


oh dear

I-is that true, Smoochum?
Smoochum: We don't really know... But that's what we heard.
Wooper: It looks like his Mama doesn't know, either.
Budew: If it's true...
I wonder if Igglybuff's OK... Going to that place to play all the time...
Well, I mean, he's been doing it for months apparently, so

Wooper: Hey, Banette!


Banette: Igglybuff?
Oh. Isn't Igglybuff still going to Murky Forest?
I guess they haven't been back lol

Everyone: WHAAAAAAAAAAAT?!
Skorupi: We've seen him go in there several times.
To be going to that scary place...
Honestly, I don't really get him. Igglybuff, I mean.
He made a friend!! It's okay

Banette: Oh... I just saw him a little while ago...

welp if Igglybuff's parents aren't panicking yet I'm sure they're about to

Everyone: WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!
Banette: I wonder if he's all right. Being with that scary guy, I mean.

:(


o snap who is it


A character we saw before?! That's how you know something's up!

Hey, you.
Banette: M-me?
Nidoking: The part where you said there's a scary-looking guy living deep in the forest...
What's he look like?
Banette: H-he looks like...
… an Armaldo?

Banette: He's got big claws... and a shell that looks like armor...
I don't know, but he just looks really scary, you know?
… helpful.

Nidoking: … I'll bet it's him. It's gotta be.
I'm sure there's multiple Armaldo in the world tho? Well. Maybe. They're fossil Pokémon after all

Papa: Um... Who are you?
Nidoking: My apologies for not introducing myself.
I am Nidoking. I'm an explorer.
Papa: An explorer?
Nidoking: Yes.
I should introduce myself properly.
… you just did though?

The truth is, I am...
The screen blacks out, and we don't get to hear his answer.


OKAY BUT
WHAT WAS IT? WHY CAN'T WE KNOW

Wooper: R-really?!
Smoochum: We... We've got a problem!!
oh
oh dear
what is this about


But we don't know because we're in Fortune Ravine now!
Music: Fortune Ravine (a really good track you should listen)

Pokémon: Machop, Geodude, Stantler, Smeargle, Zigzagoon, Dustox, Oddish, Shroomish, Abra, Happiny

This dungeon is actually a little harder than the ones we've seen before. Igglybuff's Pound doesn't OHKO everything anymore! Fancy that!
(… Only most things.)


oh my god i'm out of Pound PP ahahaha this sucks time to use Sweet Kiss on things!!


After eight floors we arrive at the midpoint.

Armaldo: This is a dungeon waypoint...
Or a waypoint I guess

It connects to the depths of Fortune Ravine... It's a waypoint area.
… yes I gathered. Also we saw this before in Steam Cave and Star Cave...

Igglybuff: I see. ♪
So we'll be in the depths soon, then. ♪
… I guess they just haven't been in a dungeon with a waypoint before despite exploring for months. All right.

Armaldo: That's right... I'm sure of it...
While we're on the subject of waypoints in dungeons...
… yes?

Finding a waypoint usually means that something awaits you at the end.
Oh hey I guess the game does acknowledge that waypoints usually signal bosses or something.

Igglybuff: Something awaits... Like what?
have y'all never fought a boss in your travels


they dont even try to hide it lol

Igglybuff: Boss?
Armaldo: Yes, that's right.
If there's a boss in the dungeon, tread carefully.
They might misunderstand what you're doing here and wonder whether you're trying to take over their territory...
They probably won't listen to what you're saying...
You're likely to be attacked often.
sounds extremely accurate :x

Igglybuff: Hmmm... Seems like dungeon bosses don't have much patience.
lmao true

Armaldo: I don't know whether or not they have patience...
Anyway, we need to brace ourselves for what we'll find from here on.
Igglybuff: Yes, Master. ♪ Happy, happy! ♪
you might wanna fix that

We save at the save point and then continue on.


Side note tho check out the top screen. We didn't travel very far from Armaldo's house did we? How are we just now getting around to exploring this place?


Music: Fortune Ravine Depths (also an amazing track)

Pokémon available here: Exeggutor, Bellossom, Starly, Nuzleaf, Pineco

This is six floors and they are pretty unchallenging. Igglybuff OP plz nerf

… I say and then I nearly die an obnoxious number of times on the last few floors.


Also this happens and it sucks


But even though we reach the bottom, we've used my Reviver Seed and that's obnoxious. Oh well! Let's see what happens


Armaldo: This seems to be the deepest part of the dungeon.
Make sure you're prepared. You don't know what awaits you ahead.
like treasure!!! or bosses. there might be bosses we already discussed this

Igglybuff: Oh! There's a door over there!

Master, is there some kind of trick to opening the door here too?
lol why wouldnt there be?

Armaldo: You've really learned a lot, Junior.
That's right. These torches must provide the solution to the puzzle of opening the door.
Furthermore, this is a very common type of puzzle.
lol that's definitely true

Igglybuff: What should we do?
Armaldo: It's simple.
If we blow out all the torches, the door will open. Watch!
Here goes! Water Gun!
yup lets do it!


He goes and uses Water Gun on all the torches of course

All right! The door should open now!
… the floor shakes, but nothing happens.

Igglybuff: Huh? Master, the door isn't opening!
Armaldo: Why... Why not?

OH OKAY THAT WORKS TOO.

Armaldo: Ow ow ow ow ow. My back hurts...
Igglybuff: Master, are you OK?
aren't you hurt igglybuff???

Armaldo: Y-yeah. How are you, Junior?
Igglybuff: I'm OK. ♪
Oh, for pity's sake... We seem to have fallen into a pit!
that is a terrible pun Igglybuff and you should be deeply ashamed

Armaldo: P-pit... Is that what this is? This hole...
what do you Think

Igglybuff: Hey, Master.
Armaldo: What is it?
Igglybuff: Those torches... It seems like they weren't there to open the door...
… You don't say!

Truth is, they were there to open the pit... It was some kind of trap! ♪
yeah no shit

Armaldo: T-trap?
Igglybuff: But if this really is a trap...
It's so dark, I can't see a thing...
… makes sense to me

Truth is... We seem to have landed ourselves in a difficult position. ♪
welp


WELP

Igglybuff: Hey! I can hear something. ♪
you should not be sounding so happy about that omg

It seems like something's getting closer. ♪
AGAIN
THIS IS BAD

Armaldo: Y-you... How can you stay so calm?
YEAH WHAT HE SAID


what the HELL is that face

I'm incredibly... excited! ♪
ok pinkie pie


ALL RIGHT


I see now

Igglybuff: They're here! ♪
how oblivious ARE YOU

Let's go our best, Master! ♪
Armaldo: Don't we always?!
he sounds concerned/upset

Don't ever let yourself be caught unprepared, Junior!
Good advice


FIGHT TIME FIGHT TIMwait why the hell is it hailing we're in like, an underground place, and none of these Pokémon have Snow Warning???
whatever leggoo

Igglybuff leads with an Iron Thorn as everyone gets close.


After this, Igglybuff kills Yanmega with Pound and Armaldo uses Protect, which in Mystery Dungeon lasts for a few turns. A few Pokémon attack Igglybuff but don't do much damage. Igglybuff and Armaldo then double-team Claydol and take it down, again while nobody really threatens Igglybuff much.


Lol oops I spoke too soon. All right lets go again


A MAZING


i dont even have words

after those two deaths we finally get back to fight.
And for some reason this time the battle is sunny, all right.

This time the battle proceeds much more cleanly... even though I misclick again and accidentally move Igglybuff when I don't mean to.


We eventually manage to beat them all.

Igglybuff: I can see some kind of light over there.

the way Out!!

Armaldo: Let's go check it out.

pretty colors
Music: Beyond the Dream

Hey, Master. This is outside. ♪
… yes, yes it is.

Armaldo: It looks like once you leave the ravine, it connects to this place.
Among the rocks and stones... I can see some crumbled pillars and what looks like a stone wall.
Don't tell me that this is...
Ruins? Prolly.

Igglybuff: Oh! Master!
Look over there!

(beautiful art ; ;)
but I'm also questioning how no one has discovered this when it's like two miles from Igglybuff's prairie.

Armaldo: I can see some kind of ruins off in the distance...
I knew it. This is... an ancient city that's been buried by time, I believe.
aight but if Pokémon made it, because there don't seem to be any humans in this world (player notwithstanding), this implies Pokémon made this old like Greco-Roman/Aztec type architecture and then meanwhile we, in Treasure Town, a civilized area, have... stalls and some sort of tent thing for Wigglytuff's Guild. These ruins look clearly to be of a civilization more advanced than the ones we know, except they're old as hell as evidenced by the hills that surround them.

So... Mystery Dungeon is set in either a fledgling post-apocalyptic society regaining its knowledge or the Pokémon version of the Middle Ages and I dunno which.

This is my new headcanon and no one will convince me otherwise.

Igglybuff: Hey, Master!
I bet there's a bunch of treasure over there. ♪
eh it was probably all looted by people though, even if the city was forgotten people definitely still existed around it and it's not fuckin buried like Pompeii, i mean you should be able to see that giant fuckin ziggurat lookin thing from a long ways away and considering there's a prairie right next to the cave it is Egregious

Hurry, let's go! ♪ So excited! ♪
Armaldo: Oh.
… “oh”???


Oh for heaven's sake we have an ancient city to explore. We've just stumbled upon some amazing ruins and y'all wanna stop us here? What is this shit??


Oh it's him. This might be bad.

My name is Nidoking! I'm an explorer!
and we got here first asshole this is Our ruins to explore

Armaldo: What... What did you say?

waaaait what how did you all get here
and is that officer magnezone???? why

And everyone!
Mama: A-are you all right, Igglybuff?!
… yes??

You're not hurt?!
Igglybuff: I'm fine, Mama. Why?
Friends, friends... What's with everyone?
Smoochum: Igglybuff! Listen carefully!
Over there... The Pokémon next to you, Igglybuff, is...


what?

Igglybuff: What? An outlaw?
Wooper: A bad guy! That's what that Pokémon is!
Igglybuff: Master is... a bad guy...?
igglybuff :(

Nidoking: That's right.
This guy—Armaldo—is a Pokémon we've been chasing for a while.
In order to catch Armaldo, I came here.
but
what did he Do

Magnezone: ZZZT! Nidoking is telling the truth. ZZZT!
ZZZT! Armaldo is a “B” rank outlaw...
thats some weak shit

ZZZT! We've been searching the entire region for him. ZZZT!
how much region is that

ZZZT!As soon as we heard from Nidoking, we came running. ZZZT!
Igglybuff: … Th-that...
Nidoking: So. Let the kid go, Armaldo.
he wasn't – but – no

Armaldo: …......

Music: It Can't Be...
:(

It can't be true...
Nidoking: Kid. It's all right.

oh for fucks sake he didn't do that

Igglybuff: N-no! I asked him!
And... Master isn't a bad Pokémon!
I mean he really did seem perfectly fine in all the time we've seen him

Magnezone: ZZZT! All right, let's finish this! ZZZT!
Igglybuff: S-stop...
Please... Listen to me...

but :(


oh my god no that's a familiar sound

Indeed, after this, the ground starts shaking

Magnemite: Whoa. What... What is this?!
Igglybuff: Yoo... Yoooo...
Nidoking: Th-the ground... Is it shaking?
Can you not tell?? You're a Ground-type too!


OH GOD RUN.

Magnezone: WAWAWAWAWAH!
Igglybuff: YOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMM...

oh


Armaldo: I'm asking you! Stop, please!
Igglybuff: M-Master...
Armaldo: If you blast Nidoking and Magnezone...
… was that his plan?

You'll become a bad guy too, and then what will you do?!
I mean... true...?

So please stop now!
Igglybuff: But—Master isn't a bad Pokémon!
I've been with you this long, I know that!
:(

Armaldo: Officer Magnezone.
Magnezone: ZZZT! Yes? ZZZT!
Armaldo: Could you give me a minute?
It's all right. I won't try to run.
if you're an outlaw though they shouldn't trust you, you have nothing left to lose

Magnezone: ZZZT! … Understood. ZZZT!

Music: Defend Globe

Just like Nidoking said... I'm an outlaw.
I'm a bad guy.
no but :(


Listen, Junior.
I am an outlaw and they were searching the entire region for me.
what the hell did you do to warrant that and then appear like a nice dude

To avoid getting caught... I've just been running, running, running.
And I took a break in Murky Forest.
You had real good digs for just “taking a break”.

I started that rumor about Murky Forest.
The rumor that a monster lurked deep in the darkness.
I guess it was true then

Because of that, nobody came out there... So I thought I wouldn't get caught.
The police certainly don't care about monster rumors tho

That's how I took shelter in Murky Forest.
I meant to tell you the truth much sooner...
But I just couldn't bring myself to... I'm sorry.
And now poor Igglybuff's heart is broken :c

Igglybuff: M-Master...
Armaldo: Anyway. I am a bad guy.
But... You're different.
He can explode things. So yeah.

So you... You can't be with me.
:c

Igglybuff: But--
Haven't we had so much fun together?!
I don't think that's the point sweet child

I thought you were going to teach me even more as we kept on exploring!
Eh in retrospect I guess he really wasn't that good at teaching... He barely seemed to know what the hell was going on the first exploration.

Iggybuff: If Master disappears... I'll... What will I do...
Armaldo: Junior. Did you enjoy exploring?
Igglybuff: Yeah...
So... Become an amazing explorer someday, for me.
:( he'll do it, of course he will

Don't be a blockhead like me.
… “blockhead”, really?

You've got a gift for exploring.
So you should... do your best to be an amazing explorer, for me.
Igglybuff: M-Master...
oh, he cannot deal with this :(

Magnezone: ZZZT! It's about time. ZZZT!


Armaldo: Junior.
I really enjoyed exploring with you these past few days.
… I thought it was a couple months after the first expedition that this happens???

I always knew there was a danger of being caught...
But... Despite that risk, we went on explorations...
And when you were with me, I had a lot of fun.
This was the first time I ever really enjoyed exploring.
saaaaaaaad :(

And you are the one who has shown me how fun it can be.
Thank you very much.
Igglybuff: Ooooooohhhh... Master...
Don't... I don't want you to go...
Armaldo: Junior. Try to understand.
I have to answer for the things I've done.
But when I've finished... Then, if I still feel the same...
I'll become an explorer.
so... you weren't one already but you had the map of Eastern Cave, and the research on Fortune Ravine, and knew all those puzzles enough to be the mentor to Wigglytuff, one of the best explorers ever.
Sure.
Makes sense

I don't know when that will be... But when that day comes...
When that day comes... I'd like to go exploring with you again.
That's nice at least. I hope it happens/happened.

Igglybuff: It's... It's a promise!

Armaldo: Take this!

It's hard to see but there's a little glow-spot on the top of Igglybuff's head, having been thrown to him.

Armaldo: Be seeing you.
Igglybuff: MASTER!

Was the thing we found on the first exploration Master and I went on...
A Defend Globe.

Oh right this whole thing was a frame narrative, I forgot

The story of your exploration goes back all the way back to your childhood...
and yours doesn't Chatot? for Shame

Wigglytuff: Yes. That's why this Defend Globe is my starting point.
Chatot: … And, Guildmaster, your Master...
After that, what happened to him?
Wigglytuff: Oh, many things happened to him. After all...

that explains nothing though!!!

We'll save those stories for another time. ♪ I'm too tired for more today.
but
but

we need to know

Wigglytuff: You know... Whenever I look at this Defend Globe, I think of him.
It's my starting point in becoming an explorer.
And...

They are caught and punished, but...
But...
Truly bad Pokémon...

Hm. That's really sweet. Nice ending.

Next time: We return to Team Hurricane and the modern day guild!

13/525: 2.5%
Caterpie (Xander)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Hoppip (Alma)
Lotad (Orchid)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
Combee (Hexa)
 
Last edited:
The Igglybuff episode was always one of my favorites because I think it adds a nice bit of character to the guildmaster, shows a bit of depth behind his typical demeanor without it being a joke or for the sake of the plot advancement, just development for development's sake.

It also raises an idea at the end I wish the games would explore more: Outlaws as characters. Nothing about Armaldo's behavior in this story would have made me guess he was an Outlaw my first time through, which makes me wonder if he kind of reformed on the run, if he came around from spending time with Igglybuff, or if maybe he was never in the wrong character-wise and ended up a criminal by circumstance or accident or something. He and Drowzee are the only major times we see an outlaw outside of the generic arrest missions, the subject seems like a nice opportunity for more world building.
 
pika pal: It's my second favorite, the final episode being my favorite because Reasons lmao. I just love the additional worldbuilding and characterization that goes into Wigglytuff's story, and I feel like it's really a great addition to the game.
I also agree about the outlaws. I feel like one of the game's big themes is that people aren't always who they appear to be – both protagonist and antagonist characters – which is part of what makes the postgame ending so dramatic and, quite frankly, chilling. This episode really blurs the line by presenting Armaldo as an explorer and not actually doing anything to dissuade that notion even after he is outed as a bad guy. For a kid's game, this is kinda deep.


Back to the adventures of Team Hurricane and the guild!


A new character?!

Last time, we finished our expedition of Fogbound Lake and returned to the guild.

The next morning, it's back to the same-ol', same-ol'.

It's been a while since we were woken up like that...
It's been like three days. Unless the expedition took a lot longer than three days and we just only saw the “important” stuff idk


Everything's back to normal! Except Team Skull just isn't here. Good riddance to bad trash

Chatot: OK, Pokémon! ♪ Time to get to work! ♪
Everyone: HOORAY!
Ray: I guess it's time to get back to our guild training, Alti!
Let's work hard at it!
YEAH LETS GO

Chatot: Now that's what I like to see! A lot of morning pep! Impressive!
Let's see you put that pep to good use today!
oh Now you like what we do ever since we solved the mystery of Fogbound Lake


wat is happening

Diglett: I'm trying to tell you! I can't identify what I don't know...
He's not wrong...?


Loudred: We have a Pokémon visitor up top whose footprint we can't identify!
I mean, I don't expect Diglett to recognize the footprints of all 493 Pokémon. Or however many of that number actually have footprints.

Diglett is an outstanding sentry.
So it's rare for him to be stumped by footprints!
… and y'all don't have a system in place for when he is? Good job

If THOSE two were doing sentry duty, that'd be no shocker...
Excuse you!
We have gotten nothing but perfect scores on that game!

Ray: Oh, really? Well, if it's so rare that Diglett gets stumped...
What about when we first arrived at the guild?
You guys couldn't recognize Alti's footprint.
lol rekt

Right, Alti?
what are you asking me for you know just as well as I do that diglett failed to recognize my footprint

Diglett: … Hmmm? Say again? You want to meet our Guildmaster?
Who wouldn't?


… is that meaningful?

Chatot: Dus... Dusknoir?!
Loudred: The world-famous Dusknoir?!
I guess so.


We cut to Dusknoir talking with Wigglytuff and Chatot.

Dusknoir: No, no! Think nothing of it!
The honor is all mine!
There is no greater pleasure than visiting Wigglytuff's Guild! It's famous!
Buncha randos come in and out of here all the time though I don't know how special it really is


Loudred: What do you want?
excuse u im trying to be Friendly n Polite and this is the thanks i get?!

Ray: Who's that visitor?

I... um... we've only been here like two weeks shut up

Loudred: The famous explorer?!
Ray: Urk... Well, you know, I...
I haven't heard of him!
He's very straightforward in his lack of knowledge at least

Sunflora: That's not surprising, really!
… then why was Loudred so shocked

He's a new arrival on the scene!
He came out of nowhere! Like a comet! He became famous almost overnight!
how? doing what? and where?

They say his talents as an explorer are superexceptional!
even more than Wigglytuff's?

Ray: So this Dusknoir is really that amazing?
Loudred: Yeah! Here's some more good stuff that I heard!
He does things unlike anyone else! First, he doesn't work in a team. He does all his exploring solo.
… do any of the apprentices in this guild even work on a team half the time? Don't they work alone?? Bidoof did for the second half of the Star Cave mission lol

Ray: Alone?
Loudred: That's right! He's got to be pretty sure about his skills to do that!
Or just super picky i know the feel

But what's even more incredible? His wealth of knowledge!
It seems like there's nothing in the world he doesn't know! That's how much he knows!
Even more than Chatot?! Golly gee!

Ray: Wow! He's that knowledgeable?
Sunflora: So the rumor goes!
rumor? what has no one ever like talked to him or anything?

But he has used his knowledge to succeed on many explorations so far!
but how do you know that if the knowledge is a rumor!!!

So many Pokémon revere Dusknoir for his achievements...
WHAT ARE THOSE ACHIEVEMENTS

That's how I know the claims about his mighty knowledge must be true!
all right.

Ray: Does Dusknoir visit here often?
Loudred: No, this is his first time! That's why Diglett couldn't recognize him.
do dusknoir even have footprints

I think the Guildmaster just met him for the first time, too.
Ray: Huh?!
Then why is he being that friendly?
have you MET wigglytuff

Loudred: Well, that's just how our Guildmaster is.
Even if it's the first time he meets someone.
do you not remember uxie and groudon ffs


Wigglytuff: Yes, that expedition was a waste of time! Didn't learn a thing about anything!
This is simultaneously convincing and unconvincing

Dusknoir: I had heard that Wigglytuff's Guild was mounting an expedition to find Fogbound Lake.
I came here hoping to hear about your latest triumph...
sorry dude if we found fogbound lake we dont remember
(c wut i did thar)

Wigglytuff: Sorry! We didn't learn a thing!
Wigglytuff is lying easily and that scares me

Dusknoir: Not at all! It's no trouble to me!
This gave me an opportunity to visit you!
I plan to stay in Treasure Town for a short while.
where is there somewhere for you TO stay

May I visit with you occasionally during my stay?
Your guild constantly receives the latest news! Good information would be a big help on my explorations!
Where do we get our news from though?

Wigglytuff: No problem!
Other exploration teams visit us all the time. You're always welcome here!


He's going to stay in Treasure Town for a while. Mind yourself around him!
I'll try my darnedest!

Dusknoir is very famous and quite knowledgeable...
So I bet everyone would like to get advice from him!
I wanna know all the cool places he has seen tbh

But let's not overdo it! We don't want to be a nuisance!
Chatot: Now, everyone, our guest might be famous...
But don't embarrass us by asking him for autographs!
What would he even be signing?

Dusknoir: No, no! If it's autographs you want, I'm sure that I can oblige!
But... information? I'm afraid you flatter me. I have very little information.
I thought you were incredibly knowledgeable and all that shit

However, I would be delighted if I may be of service to you.
If there is anything you wish to ask of me, please don't hesitate.

Sunflora: Oooh! I'm so very glad to have met you!
Chatot: Come now, everyone! You're dismissed!
Dusknoir: I think I'll go for a stroll in Treasure Town.
Please do feel free to approach me with anything. Good day!
He leaves, and Chatot comes to give us our assignment.


I'd started saying earlier... about your assignment for today...
Today I want you to read over the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board.
And take some of the listed jobs. That will do!
oh is that all

So we go. Buuuut first we go diary-snooping

Sunflora's Diary 9: Back Home!
We just got back from our expedition now! Oh my gosh! Am I exhausted!
Ooh! This expedition left a big impression on me in every way!
it Better have

Especially the sight of Fogbound Lake... Oh my gosh, it moved me in ways I can't express!
i know bruh i feel that

Oh! But if I write any more details, Uxie would be so upset. And that wouldn't be good! Eek!
honestly you've already said enough i think anyone could infer what happened from there

This was the best of all the expeditions I've attended!
Ooh, I hope I can go with everyone again sometime!
Another expedition would be rad ngl

That's it for Sunflora's.

Bidoof's Diary 9: Awesome Expedition
We're back home! Back from our expedition at last! Yup yup!
It was my first expedition. So, yup yup, I was scared something awful. But here I am, back home at the guild, yup yup.
What does Star Cave not count? It was totally an adventure

The expedition sure was inspiring. We got to see pretty Fogbound Lake and other stuff!
But what sticks most in my mind, by golly...
was reaching base camp with Alti's team. Yup yup.
how sweet :3

It was the first expedition for all three of us. So it wasn't easy, no sirree.
Eh it wasn't that bad tbh

I ended up causing a lot of trouble for Team Hurricane, but...
We helped each other the best we could, by golly.
And xwe finally made it to base camp. I swear, that had to be one of the happiest times in my life, by golly.
honestly that's not a very impressive thing to be excited about

Oof... If it wasn't for Team Hurricane, this expedition wouldn't have been quite so fun...
I surely have to thank that Alti and Ray!
we the Best

aight time to go


After hearing whatever the happy news is that is
Thanks to everyone's recycling efforts, Project P recently made a new discovery!
This time, treasure was discovered, so...
We're offering a higher grade of recycled items!
:o hooray!


Then immediately afterward we get the message we found a new area. Nice!


this is what happens when you appraise a box, you get random shit out of it that you may or may not be able to use. Fantastic!

I go take an escort mission (gr8) in Craggy Coast.


Fortunately Chingling is not terribly low leveled unlike in Rescue Team! Hooray.


that was completely non-threatening hooray. Too bad I didn't get any recruits out of it though :c

After the mission, we get our normal dinner/sleep scene...


Except it seems this isn't a normal night.


Oh. Hey. Look who it is.
(Also why isn't the gate closed??? This seems like a serious oversight)


serves u Right

Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw... Wigglytuff wrecked us...
i wish we could see that but perhaps it is better to leave it open for interpretation.

And I'm not about to let it go! So humiliating! I need payback... one way or another.
But to be brutally honest, we don't stand a chance against Wigglytuff.
lol rip u guys how does it feel to be put in ur Place

Grrrrr! I'm so furious! It's burning me up!
You might want to find a healthy way to get rid of that anger. Have you considered rugby

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! There's gotta be some way we can get back at 'em!
Yeah probably but as long as it doesn't involve us getting chewed out by Chatot for your assholery I don't really care.

Zubat: Heh-heh-heh. I'd settle for picking on wimps. Oh! Hey!
Instead of Wigglytuff, how about we take revenge on the wimps in that Team Hurricane?
FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT FI

Skuntank: Chaw-haw! Great idea!
What, you hadn't thought about it before? You seem to hate Alti and Ray most of all so

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! And we know that Team Hurricane is wimpy!
excuse u we beat up a groudon!!!!! what did you ever do HUH

Skuntank: Time to do some plotting, boys! Chaw-haw-haw!

bye

Nothing more comes of it that night. The next morning...


it looks like we're not going to have a normal day

I'd like you to run an errand.
Ray: An errand?
oh come onnnnnn we're not bidooooooof

Chatot: Yes, an errand!
Go to Kecleon Market. Ask the owners if they plan to stock Perfect Apples.
Ray: You want us to ask if they'll stock Perfect Apples?
thats what he said innit?

At Kecleon Market? We should find out if they plan to sell Perfect Apples?
YES thats CORRECT

Chatot: Correct.
The guild's storage holds many Perfect Apples. Or at least it can...
why perfect apples specifically, does the guild just have like a secret room for them or something? I mean I guess it would make sense, especially if Wigglytuff built the place, but

… where's the food stored anyway??

But the Guildmaster raids the storage when we're not looking and uses up our supply.
Soo... it's his fault, in part, that the whole Apple Woods fiasco happened.
Cool. Great.
Good to know.

And you know what happens if the Guildmaster is deprived of his Perfect Apples!
sadly

But having to search for a fresh load of them is always a chore.
maybe itd be easier if team skull hadnt eaten them all
i mean, for all you know this could just be like a bug's life where all the food is just gone
related fun fact: there used to be a honeysuckle crop in my backyard and i'm pretty sure i singlehandedly extincted it by picking and eating the honey from all the honeysuckles one summer lmao

Sending an exploration team to Apple Woods when the supply runs out is just too much work.
Eh it's not really a hard dungeon I don't mind going back as long as Team Skull isn't there.

So, if Kecleon Market started stocking Perfect Apples, we could go buy them!
aww yiss that'd be nice

Chatot: Precisely!
Ray: OK. We'll go visit the Kecleon Market.
Chatot: Great! Way to take charge! ♪
You literally told us to that's all.

All right, let's go to the market.


Oh, hey, look who it is.


I'm surprised you recognize us, we were kind of in a corner the whole time.

Ray: Yes. We're Team Hurricane.
We work at the guild. It's great to meet you!
So what are you doing in town, Dusknoir, sir? Shopping?
hopefully he's not taking all the perfect apples that may or may not exist

Dusknoir: No, no. Simply enjoying a chat!
it is a lovely day!!

Green Kecleon: I hailed him down! The great Dusknoir is so very famous.
From where though like are there any other dwellings here?? apart from Igglybuff's village which is in some unspecified location nearby a fuckin ziggurat remnants of the ancient world as we have shown

We started a conversation! And what a surprising talk!
The great Dusknoir is so worldly and wise. I'm thoroughly impressed!
Ray: I guess the rumors are true!
Dusknoir, sir, you really must be as knowledgeable as they say!
Or maybe Treasure Town is just a bunch of uneducated hicks and Dusknoir went to university. Who knows

Green Kecleon: May I ask, Ray, what I can do for you?
Have you come to shop? Oh, yes! Fine merchandise! ♪ Fine wares! ♪
You're the only shop in town I don't think you need to advertise

Ray: Sorry, no. We came to ask you something today, not shop.
Well if you have Perfect Apples we might buy them

You see...
Green Kecleon: Hmm... I see... Perfect Apples?
I am sorry to disappoint you. We have no plans to stock Perfect Apples.
tch. u gonna lose some business that way then >:(

Ray: Oh, all right. That's too bad.
Chatot will be disappointed with this news...

Before anything else happens, though, we hear some familiar voices.

Azurill: Wait for me!

is ur mom any better yet

Azurill: Oh! Hi, Kecleon brothers!
Marill: Oh! And Team Hurricane too!
Ray: What's up? What's the rush?
They're kids. Sometimes there is no rush and they just want to do things.

Marill: You know how we've been looking for our lost item?
Ray: Lost item? Do you mean the same one you were looking for before?
Hey, look at that, consistency. It wasn't just a throwaway thing from before.

Marill: Yes! An item called Water Float!
Dusknoir: A Water Float? Now that is quite the precious item!
Well if Dusknoir says it it must be true

Marill: Yes! That's why we've been looking hard for it a long time.
Azurill: And then! Someone said they saw a Water Float on the beach today!
That's. Like. If it's such a rare item it seems like it should have been taken by someone else by now. Idk

We're rushing to the beach now!
go Fastly


oh god nooooooo can we not drag these poor children into the feud
they've been through enough with Drowzee

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! Could be useful for our plan!
Zubat: We'll bring the Chief up to speed, then get the jump on them.
can we not do this plz


Of course, Ray and Alti do not notice anything amiss.

Marill: Yes!
Azurill: Yep!
Marill: Come on, Azurill! Let's go quick!
Azurill: Yep!

yall hurry up and beat team skull to the punch!!!!!

Ray: I was wondering how those little brothers were doing with their item search.
were you
were you really

Good for them. Looks like they've found it.
not yet!

Green Kecleon: I've never heard of a Water Float.
What purpose does it serve?
well its like an inner tube u see and it lets marill and azurill go swimming. dont ask me why they cant normally if theyre water types i dont make the rules

Dusknoir: A Water Float is an item specifically for Azurill.
It can be obtained only by trading precious treasures again and again.
In other words, it's a Croagunk Swap Shop thing.
It adds 2 PP to Azurill's moves.

Dusknoir: As such, it is said to be an exceedingly rare item.
Who has it though, like we must have gotten it from someone??? where does it come from

Green Kecleon: Gah! Is that so?
Our line of work is buying and selling! But we have never heard of it. It must be exceedingly rare!
Yeah but y'all aren't dealing in exclusive items. Or Perfect Apples. (Assholes.)

To sell such a rare item! I'm afraid such a day will never come.
alas.


wat

We have to report back to Chatot about the Perfect Apples!
oh yeah I forgot about that.

Let's go back to the guild!
Back there...

sorry bud :c we tried

Squawk! What am I supposed to do now?!
What you've always done? Send teams out to get Perfect Apples even though it sucks?

Ray: Um... We could go get some Perfect Apples for you at Apple Woods...
Yeah, that.

Chatot: What?! You're joking!
um
we need perfect apples
and
even though we failed before we're offering to do it now...

You've previously gone to Apple Woods...
You failed utterly!
:( but
but
but listen

I just can't take that! I just can't go through all that again!
I think Team Skull has other plans dude it's not gonna be an issue...

... I'm sorry.
You two were outstanding on our recent expedition. I recognize everything that you've done for us.
about time we get our respect

But the incident... with the Guildmaster and the Perfect Apples...
It was a slightly traumatic incident for me.
excuse you no mention of what we went through???? jeez

Squawk! I suppose I'll have to find the Perfect Apples myself...
So it goes

You two should just look over the Job Bulletin Board and the Outlaw Notice Board as usual.
yeah bud no prob i was plannin on it

bye!!!!


Since we unlocked Landslide Cave last time I'm gonna take this mission.


We got something sent to us by “the guest over there”. It's an Egg but as per my rules I'm going to like... not bother with it :B


So off to Landslide Cave! Which does not have its own unique music so I'm not bothering.

Recruit options: Venomoth, Ampharos, Granbull, Shuckle, Dustox, Wormadam-Trash, Gible


I don't really see the need to take Reversal over anything here.

Anyway, we finish the mission. That night, though...


We get a different message before dinner, so something is Up

Everyone: YEAH!
Let's get...
Chatot: Hold on, everyone!
Whaaaaaat


There is something I must share with you.
Corphish: Hey, hey, hey!
Loudred: Come on! Out with it! Let us eat already!
Chatot: Quiet, please!
just let the man speak!!!!!

Ahem. Now we just received word of this...

oh shit i forgot about that

Everyone: WHAT?!
Chimecho: Another Time Gear?
Loudred: ANOTHER one got stolen?!
Bidoof: Uh, is it... maybe... the one in Fogbound Lake?
Chatot: No, it wasn't.
The stolen Time Gear was not from Fogbound Lake.
It's apparently from elsewhere.
But you don't know where??? How do you know one was even stolen then????

But that's the second Time Gear to be stolen.
It would be extremely bad if a third were to be taken.
Yeah.

Maybe we should, I'unno, deal with that.

Now, rest assured that I have full confidence in you all. But I must make one thing very clear.

An important statement to make, I suppose. (Still don't think it was the best idea to trust us all with that secret to begin with.)

Understood?

And of course everyone gets a bit miffed at this.

Loudred: I don't have a big mouth!
Sunflora: Eeek! I would never forget the promise we made to Uxie!
maybe u should and just forget the lake too lmao

Chatot: OK! OK! Quiet, everyone!
rip chatot

Sorry to keep you waiting.
Without further ado... On your marks... get set...
Everyone: CHOW!
have fun with that

Anyway then they all eat dinner. Afterward...


That's two now! I can't imagine who'd be stealing them!
What would anyone want with the Time Gears anyway?
it is a mystery

I just don't understand...
dont try to understand questionable

Alti: (…...............)
(I don't know either...)
(But when I was at Fogbound Lake and saw a Time Gear for the first time...)

I mean. Wouldn't anyone be excited to see something as rare and valuable as a Time Gear?

(I must be reading too much into this...)
(My pulse raced when I saw the Time Gear...)
(And the Time Gears being stolen... No, there's no connection at all.)
Absolutely not!

Ray: You know, when I think about it, Alti...
I get this feeling that our expedition to Fogbound Lake took place a long time ago.
It was like, five days ago

Wasn't the view fantastic? It was like being in a dream!
this is true, the pretty art is fabulous ; ;

I wonder how Uxie is doing?
I wonder if he's well?
The dude erases memories of (most) visitors to the lake, I think he's doing fine.


Speaking of...

I knew it...
I knew I shouldn't have trusted them.
… what??


Soon after they left...
Another Pokémon would come...
But this one...

… Well shit


I should have done it...
I should have taken their memories when I had the chance...
but we didn't spill :( (probably)
Pokémon: …...............

I don't know exactly what you're talking about... But you're wrong.
No one led me here. No one told me about this place.
I've known about the presence of a Time Gear here... for a long time.
… how? it took us a ridiculous amount of time to find it...


The third Time Gear!
no :( at this rate you're going to get all of them and then what will happen?!

The next day...


Before we can get to our work, we're interrupted by plot.

... OK. Got it! Hold on!
You two! Team Hurricane!
Us??? What

Ray: Huh? Excuse me?

yes

You've got yourselves some visitors.
who could want to visit us???? Who is it

Ray: Visitors?
Loudred: They're waiting at the guild entrance. Go see them.
dont tell me what to do

Ray: Who could it be?
lets go investimigate it!!


oh hey look i recognize them.

Ray: Oh! It's you little guys...
We heard we have visitors. Are you our visitors?
Ray there is no one else here what do you think

Marill: Yep! We wanted to ask Team Hurricane for help.
help??? what do you need from us

Ray: Help?
Marill: Yep!
Azurill: We need your help finding a Water Float.
Oh. Right. That thing.

wait
this isn't what i think it is is it

Ray: A Water Float?
we've BEEN OVER THIS BEFORE ray c'mon now

Weren't you looking for that earlier? A Water Float?
YES

Marill: Yep! Someone said one was lying on the beach. We went there looking for it!
We didn't find it. Instead, this is what we found.
what Is it


Ray: There's writing on it.
Let's see. What does it say? “The Water Float from the beach...”
“... is now in our possession.”
shit shit shit

”Just try to take it from us! We'll wait in the deepest part of Amp Plains.”
“But knowing how weak and puny you are...”
“I bet you can't even reach us! Chaw-haw-haw!”
did you really actually just put “chaw-haw-haw” into writing
all right then

”Can't handle it? Go cry to your big-shot friends! Chaw-haw-haw!” Hey! This note! It's a...
It's a ransom note! Isn't it?!
does it really count if it's an item you're holding and not, like, a person??? idk

You little guys! Promise me you won't go yourself.
I don't think they're going to get murdered if they do though

I suspect a trap.
… you don't say

Marill: But the Water Float is very important to us.
Important enough for them to risk their lives i guess

We really want to get it back.
But I can't take Azurill to a dangerous place.
if Azurill is like level 5 then I think everything is dangerous tbh

Azurill: I said I would go too!
you probably shouldnt go anywhere tho

Marill: It's too much for you. I don't want you getting into any scary scrapes.
I went to Amp Plains by myself.
Yeah and you're not dead so

But many Electric-type Pokémon live there!
I'm no match for them.
lookit that types are relevant :o what is this madness

I tried going many times. But I get knocked out right away...
“many times”? didn't we see Team Skull go to steal the Water Float like two days ago? When did you find time for this


:( it ok!!!!

Ray: No problem! I know what to do!
We'll go get the Water Float back for you.
… I thought it was a trap though?? What, you're willing to get us killed??

Azurill: Really?!
I didn't agree to this

Marill: You will?!
I DIDN'T AGREE TO THIS

Ray: Yep! So no more tears!
STOP SPEAKING FOR ME

Marill: OK! W-we're sorry to bother you about this. Thank you!
[incoherent grumbling]

Ray: You should see your faces! All that crying and laughing... C'mon!
dont be mean to the small childs

Don't worry, though. We'll get it back for you. It's a promise!
dont make promises you cant keep!!!!


AT LEAST LET ME FIX THE INVENTORY
(He lets me fix the inventory)


Oh hey.
They just improved the trade options for the Recycle Shop.


Oh wow Amp Plains is at the end of the known territory. Shock and awe (no pun intended) awaits us when we go, it would seem!


Looks very... uh... zappy.

I can't imagine what sort of bullies would do something like this...
What, the “Chaw-haw-haw” on the note didn't give it away??

I mean, threatening little kids like those brothers really stinks.
i mean YEAH the kids have been through enough!! god

We have to get their Water Float back, Alti!
let's Do It!


Music: Amp Plains

Recruitable Pokémon: Plusle, Minun, Mareep, Phanpy (after credits), Elekid, Shinx (after credits), Girafarig, Flaaffy, Pikachu, Pichu (both after credits), Yanmega, Electabuzz, Tauros, Dodrio, Luxio, Luxray (both after credits), Ampharos

So... yeah, pretty heavily Electric-type dungeon. This is gonna be great for Water-type Alti! :B

Leggo.


Named C3PO. I said to bf “but its a girl” when he suggested that and he said “then definitely name it C3PO!”


Boyfriend decided to name her Firegg for dumb Pokémon Quartz related reasons.


The enemy Pokémon are too dumb to overwhelm Alti with a constant barrage of Electric attacks, though, and we make it to the midpoint (relatively) unscathed.

Let's continue.


I don't know what awaits us. We'd better go really cautiously.
If by “really cautiously” you mean “doing the same shit we always do” then sure

So we head off.


However it seems there is more to see first.


Oh, I guess they must have mentioned that Team Hurricane has taken the case!!

What a mean thing to do!
So Alti's team is on the way there right now, yes?
Azurill: Yep!
and we gonna Succeed!!!!

Marill: They said they would go get it for us!
In other words, walk right into their trap. Yep

Green Kecleon: Good for you! You can rest easy knowing Team Hurricane is on the case!
im glad we are so reliable :')

Marill: Yes. That's true!
They once saved Azurill too. We're so grateful for their help!
we are the Best that is all


oh hey it is a Friend

Green Kecleon: Hello, Dusknoir, sir! We're talking about Marill's lost item.
Do you remember? We discussed that very same thing here not long ago.
yes it was very Interesting and Exciting

Dusknoir: Of course. I believe you're referring to the Water Float?
What else?

I seem to recall you'd heard that it was on the beach.
Green Kecleon: Exactly! Exactly! But now there is more to the story...

At least we don't have to hear the whole exposition again.

Dusknoir: I see. That is terrible indeed.
It's hard to imagine why anyone would do something so wretched.
bc they Evil

It must take some pathetic thugs to stoop so low.
True. This is true.

Green Kecleon: I just couldn't agree more! To be so mean spirited to children! And to children so young as these brothers!
… it would have been less heinous if they were older??? all right

It's utterly unforgivable!
Dusknoir: One more thing... Where has Team Hurricane gone?
Marill: They went to Amp Plains.

… yes?

Dusknoir: But in Amp Plains, at this time of year... It's the season for...
No! This is ruinous!

Wait... we are??? What????

Green Kecleon: What?!
Dusknoir: I must leave for Amp Plains immediately!

… bye??

Back at Far Amp Plains...

Maybe we shouldn't be here if it's so dangerous??
But of course this is the only way to progress the plot. Let's continue!

Music: Far Amp Plains


oh thats annoying. Yanmega used Bug Bite, stole my Big Apple and ate it. I did not ask for this :(


YES.
I take it over Rage.


Firegg picks up Swift over Leer.


Named Direction (a traditional Electrike nickname for unknown reasons). I end up sending him home because I like Firegg and C3PO.


After nine floors, we reach the end.


Not shown: Ominous lightning flashes. Scary...

Ray: Waah!
This is in response to one such lightning flash.

It's incredible! It looks like lightning can strike this place anytime!
I should be more scared of that than you!

We should get away from a place this scary as fast as... Huh?
Over there!

What is that?! Is that the Water Float?

Ray: Is that it, Alti? The Water Float?
I don't see any other items that could be a Water Float anywhere around here so

Let's get a closer look.

We start off toward it, but...

Voice: Why did you come here?!
This is our territory!
oh ffs

There's someone here! Hide, Alti!

what
even hiding is worthless??
:(

All right. We'd actually be grateful if you kept doing that.
We'll sneak quietly to get as close as we can...
… but you just told us you were going to do that it kind of loses the element of surprise if you choreograph it

All right... Let's take them out!
how bout we dont

Ray: Ugh... Not like this! If we stay here, it's over!

Ray it may not be the best idea to taunt the thunder demons

Voice: Ha ha ha!
My name is Manectric!
I am... I am the leader of these Electrike!
“these” but where are they


OH OKAY
ALL RIGHT

Manectric: Now, prepare to fight!
HOW ABOUT WE DONT


nope its fight time.
(Fun fact: In Time and Darkness, this was against a Luxray and a group of Luxio. It was changed for Sky because Shinx is a playable character.)

Firegg has Quick Attack, which can be used here to get the jump on some of these Electrike. I set C3PO to use Growl, which has a room-wide effect, and have Alti use a Geo Pebble on... someone. It doesn't really matter lol


and my Geo Pebble misses, amazing.
Here's the set up after the Pokémon approach. Electrike have Lightningrod, so I prevent Firegg and C3PO from using Electric attacks. This leaves C3PO with Tackle as her only attacking move, unfortunately enough. Ray is set to use any of his attacking moves, and Alti sticks to STAB Water Gun.


Surprisingly enough, both Firegg and C3PO can hold their own pretty well and manage to take out a few Pokémon between them. I'm pleasantly surprised.


Manectric goes down without posing much of a threat, leaving these two Electrike left. They're not a threat lol


Game, set, match!


Oh come on we beat you are we really doing this
We beat your ass. Accept it

You... you dare?!
Yes we dare and we won

Ray: W-w-wait a second!
We honestly haven't come here to make claims on your territory!
If only we could have said that before the fight :(

Enough! Take this!
oh i guess it didnt work anyway
well rip team hurricane


no :(


WHAT IS HAPPENING


Oh.
Hey.
Just in time!!!

They trespass, but they don't intend to make claims on your territory!
(… we're hardly even trying to trespass :()

Ray: Dus... Dusknoir!

wait why are you listening to him and not us??? god

Dusknoir: I am the explorer Dusknoir!
Manectric! You have every right to be angry!
Especially in light of what your tribe has suffered on these grounds...
Your hostility toward any that trespass here is natural!
ffs do we look like a threat

This place is your haven! A place where you find solace!
I understand that completely!
Exclamation marks!

On behalf of these unwitting trespassers, I offer the sincerest apology!
ALL WE WANT IS A WATER FLOAT IF YOU GIVE IT TO US WE WILL LEAVE

They entered here unbidden, but did so without malice! They mean no harm!
We will leave you in peace as soon as our errand is complete!
… “our”? Come on this was team hurricane's mission :(

Please, believe me! Manectric!
Even if they didn't believe you I think you can take em all out Dusknoir. In fact we could probably take them out again ourselves

Manectric: Hmm... You seem to know much about us, Dusknoir.
… “seem”? He just does.

You make the claim... that they mean no harm...
Buddy it's true we just want the damn Water Float


ey!!!!!

I will allow you some time. I expect you to be gone by our return.
FINE that is EASY.


They all head off.


relieved?

Ray: Thank you, Dusknoir, sir!
You saved us!
But... Who were they?
… Manectric and Electrike friends obviously

Dusknoir: A group of Manectric and Electrike.
Yeah that.

They are a nomadic tribe that always stays on the move.
They roam in constant search of places that are hospitable to them.
I mean Amp Plains seems pretty rad, why don't they just stay there

And Amp Plains is often lashed by thunderstorms this time of year.
They find it to their liking, so they dwell in Amp Plains this time of year.
I mean. Yeah. Why don't they just stay then

But, tragically, they were once attacked by enemies here without warning...
… but isn't that just how pokémon do

And I understand that they suffered terrible injuries.
Ever since, Manectric's group has been very sensitive about trespassers here.
So if anyone trespassed upon these grounds, well... they would strike first, for fear of being stricken!
Except... we struck them. We won that fight.

Somehow, at some point... That became a law among Manectric's group.
Ray: Oh, I understand now. That's why they were so intent on attacking.
Yes. And we won the fight. But apparently that means absolutely nothing.

It's no wonder they refused to hear our arguments.
Well that one's just a trait of all game bosses :V

Oh! I forgot something!

HOW COULD YOU FORGET THE WATER FLOAT
THAT'S LITERALLY THE WHOLE REASON WE ARE HERE


I like that our friends are with us, nice touch there

Ray: It's here! This is it!
Dusknoir, sir, is this the...?
It's the only thing here so that's what I would bet

Dusknoir: There's no mistaking it. Without a doubt, this is a Water Float.
Tremendous!

Ray: Really?!
no hes lying

We did it! Let's return the item to Marill and his little brother right away!
So that maybe people will stop taking advantage of it to mess with the kids. They deserve some rest.

There's something I don't understand, though. How did this Water Float end up here?
Dusknoir: I would imagine that it was put there deliberately.
That's what the note implied at any rate

Whoever did this knew that you would eventually get to this spot.
Yeah. It was a trap, just like Ray predicted.

The fact that Manectric protects its territory is well known...
… but not by us, who did literally no research on Amp Plains before rushing out into it, apparently

Someone expected a fight between you and Manectric... You were set up.

what

Ray: What?
Dusknoir: It's about time that you came out of hiding and showed yourselves!
who's even there

Voice: …...............
Chaw-haw-haw! So you knew all along! No point in hiding, then!
y'all LITERALLY WROTE CHAW-HAW-HAW ON THE LETTER DIPSHITS


Music: Team Skull
who's surprised

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho!
Zubat: Heh-heh-heh!
Skuntank: Chaw-haw-haw!
Ray: So you guys did it! But why?
… isn't it obvious they wanted to get us murdered

Koffing: Whoa-ho-ho! We were going to wait for you to get stomped by Manectric...
Yeah. That.

Then we were going to step in and mop up afterward!
You guys are probably much worse than the Manectric tribe tho

Zubat: Heh-heh! But we didn't count on this guy meddling!
Again. We. Won. Against. Manectric.

Dusknoir: Shall we settle this?
Skuntank: Chaw-haw! Sure, if it was just Team Hurricane. You can bet that we'd rough 'em up good!
Tough talk...

But against the world-famous Dusknoir...?
That's a different story!

Koffing & Zubat: Yeah!
And they run off. Fantastic.

Ray: What stinkers!
I'm never forgiving those thugs!
I figured you wouldn't have before now anyway

Dusknoir: They certainly are quick when it comes to... skedaddling.
lmao

I'm afraid our effort would be wasted if we were to give chase now.
I think we should deliver the Water Float to the young brothers.
… Yeah, prolly


Music: Heartwarming
About damn time, eh.

Yay! Thank you! Really!
Marill: You saved Azurill way back when, and now this!
we're just super helpful for children man

I don't know how we could ever thank you!
But, really... thank you!
:')

Ray: Oh, please! It's OK.
If you want to thank anyone, thank the great Dusknoir!
I guess he saved our lives...

If Dusknoir hadn't been there, we wouldn't be here now!

Azurill: Thank you, Dusknoir, sir!
Dusknoir: No trouble at all. I'm very happy for you.
It's wonderful that your Water Float has come back to you.
how do they know its their water float though what if it's just some other rando's

Green Kecleon: I must say! It is so like the great Dusknoir to be so modest!
And I must say that Team Hurricane has also been superb!
I guess we did get to the Water Float. And we beat up Manectric once before Dusknoir showed up.

After all, the team has again completed a difficult job!
When rescuing Azurill, you were so fast at pinpointing the child's whereabouts!
And so fast at reaching our young friend too!
Well u see

Ray: Oh... About the Azurill rescue, we have to admit something...
It would be great... if it truly happened the way Kecleon said...
But that's not really the truth.
We didn't pin down Azurill's location before we rescued him.
We kind of did though? Like even though Alti had a vision of Mt. Bristle we still had to find it and understand it was Mt. Bristle and not some other place

My partner here just happened to see it in a dream.
“Dream” still feels like a misnomer but ok


wat

By dream, what do you mean?
A vision not a dream thats what I mean

Ray: Oh! That's right!
Maybe the great Dusknoir will know what it all means!
I mean he does know a lot of stuff

You see, my partner occasionally gets strange dizzy spells when touching something or someone.
Again. As long as gravity and matter exist Alti is always touching something

And then my partner sees or hears events that happened in the past! Or just about to happen in the future!
Dusknoir: What?! Well, that's... that's...

it has a NAME????

Ray: What?!
Dusknoir, sir, you really know something about this?!
In that case...


Alti: (Ask about what...?)
(Oh! Right!)
(About my own forgotten past!)
What would Dusknoir know about it though??

Ray: It's OK to ask, right, Alti?
Dusknoir, sir, we were wondering if we could get your advice about something.

“our friend”

Ray: Yes, right here exactly.
How convenient the tide is at the same level now as it was then

Dusknoir: Then you regained consciousness.
Though you'd lost your memory.
Ray: Yes. With a memory of a name...
Music: Time Gear Remix

... and the memory of being a human before this!
Oh yeah maybe we should have mentioned that first, that's pretty important information as far as identifying who I am is concerned

Dusknoir: I beg your pardon?! H-human?!
But our friend here seems to be a Pokémon in every obvious way!
… yep, that's the sticking point all right

Ray: That's true...
I guess this is even beyond the great Dusknoir's understanding.
I mean, I don't really expect him to have puzzled out the secret of how I'm a human in a Pokémon world with no memory and the Dimensional Scream and blah blah

But we're certain that something caused my partner's memory loss...
I don't expect people just lose their memories all at once apropos of nothing.

... and caused the transformation from human to Pokémon!
Dusknoir: A human... with the Dimensional Scream ability...
Who else even has this ability though? Like. Where do you know it from Dusknoir.

Dusknoir: You... are...?
You said you know your name, at least?
Has Alti really never introduced herself to Dusknoir before??

And... that name would be...?
Narration: Alti told the name to Dusknoir.
Dusknoir: Ah! I see...
You're... Alti...
why do you seem so weirded out

Ray: Does that name mean anything to you?

Damn.

Alti: (Uh, what?!)
(Did I just see... the faintest...)

… Huh. I guess he did, even in the character portraits.
Hm.

(Or did I imagine that...?)
Dusknoir: I'm sincerely sorry I couldn't help you with that...
However...
I do know about the ability that Alti possesses.
Well, you did call it by name, after all.

Ray: Oh, really?! What is it?!
Dusknoir: The ability to see the future or the past by touching something...
That ability is known as the Dimensional Scream.
But why though. What's screaming got to do with it

Ray: Dimensional... Scream?
Dusknoir: Indeed.
How such an ability is learned, that is unknown.
… it's learnable? you can learn to have bizarre visions by touching an object??

But sounds and images slice across the boundaries of time, breaching objects and reaching into Pokémon...
That makes no sense but ok.

To manifest as visions...
And that is all that I know about the extraordinary ability.
Unfortunately that's not much we didn't already know, except for its name.

Ray: So Alti has an ability as special as the Dimensional Scream...
Alti: (…...............)
Dusknoir: Well, perhaps this is why we became friends.
To help unravel the secret of Alti's transformation into a Pokémon!
I offer you my full cooperation!
It's always nice to have help!

Ray: Oh! You will?!
Dusknoir: Yes. To be perfectly candid...
I can't stand knowing that there's something I don't know!
lmao solid

Quite honestly, that is the full truth of it!
Ha-ha-ha! Hoo-hoo-ha!
Ray: It's thrilling to know that we have your help, Dusknoir, sir!
I mean he's very wise so this might work out well.

Isn't this great, Alti?

We are interrupted by bird shadows on the water.

Ray: Hey! Look at all the Pelipper!

Oh. There's a lot of them.

Ray: …...............
There appears to be a lot more in the air than usual...
Suspicious!

Dusknoir: Could something be the matter?


Bidoof: I f-finally... f-found you all...
Ray: What's the big hurry? You're all out of breath!
Bidoof: The call has been put out!
All the apprentices are to report to the guild immediately!
Ray: Uh-oh. Something is up!
I'll say. What's going on?

Dusknoir: I will go with you!
Bidoof: Hurry, everyone!
So we head back to the guild. I'm going to stop here as this update is getting really long.
Next time: What is going on at the guild??

Upcoming recruits: Baltoy, Cubone, Aron, Cacnea, Larvitar, Sandshrew, Trapinch, Carnivine, Rhyhorn, Lairon, Cacturne

16/525: 3%
Caterpie (Xander)
Butterfree (Papillon)
Weedle (Bean)
Beedrill (Bumble)
Machop (Jon)
Tangela (DayumBoy)
Spinarak (Catallia)
Mareep (C3PO)
Hoppip (Alma)
Elekid (Firegg)
Lotad (Orchid)
Electrike (Direction)
Barboach (Dojo)
Starly (Merel)
Budew (Sprout)
Combee (Hexa)
 
Last edited:

Users Who Are Viewing This Thread (Users: 1, Guests: 1)

Top