Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Unchained Explorers.
Chapter Six: Preparations.
Waking to Loudred's usual shotgun blast of sound, the purple Pokémon turned and walked away as Vulpix took the time to smile at me and give a very nice stretch for my benefit, and we proceeded to walk out together, hand in hand.
After the morning cheer, Chatot spoke up, Vulpix and I exchanging a glance of interest as he looked around all everyone in the room, "Ahem, one last item...tomorrow or the day after..."- Vulpix smiled at me enigmatically, my eyebrows rising in shock at how little time we'd have to prepare, -"or perhaps in several days' time..."
Oh, yeah, that...that seems more likely. Hmm...maybe we should try running through Marowak's Dojo a few times, after we clear the missions currently on our reserve list?
"We plan to announce the members of the expedition party." At this, everyone began cheering, Vulpix and I exchanging a grin as I tried to hold back my amusement.
Ah, yes, the members...also known as literally fucking everyone.
Vulpix smiled, and gently drove an elbow into my side in a wordless request to tone down my grin of amusement, my partner squeezing my hand in thanks as I did so.
Then, Chatot finished with a reminder, "Everyone, this is your last chance to make an impression. Work hard and impress us if you want to be chosen.
"All right, everyone. Let's get down to work as usual."
Vulpix and I smiled as everyone else cheered and exited the room, before I turned to Chatot and asked, "The usual, right?", getting a nod in reply before we went towards the ladder leading to the first Sublevel, without Chatot stating that we should give up on being chosen for the expedition, due to the simple fact that, in contrast to canon, we hadn't failed the mission to retrieve a Perfect Apple yesterday.
...and then we promptly had our attention diverted by Croagunk calling out to us, before he proceeded to introduce us to his "Swap Shop".
The two of us exchanged an interested glance, faint memories of using this thing extensively in my previous life stirring up, before we decided to take a look at what he was offering.
The two of us covertly looking over the menu, only one item, the Vulpix Card, caught my attention...for obvious reasons, of course, though unfortunately we didn't actually have any items to swap for it.
Huh, you know...Xatu's Appraisal should probably be open, considering the fact that this is...even if we don't actually have any shit to be appraised.
Now actually heading towards the ladder without any other interruptions, we took a moment to look at the Boards for anything interesting.
Oh holy shit, TWO Beach Cave missions with "?" as their reward? Fuckin' jackpot!
Rank: E.
Client: Poliwag.
Location: Beach Cave, B2F.
Reward: ?, recruitment.
Rank: E.
Client: Tangela.
Location: Beach Cave, B4F.
Reward: ?, recruitment.
Hmm...we'll have to take a couple extra items with us, but that should be fine.
Taking the two missions, we sped out of the Guild and towards Treasure Town via the use of Agility...and were promptly distracted by an Octillery and Mr. Mime standing at the entrance to Spinda's Café.
After a far too long introduction to Project P and reality's pro-recycling message, we finally headed towards Treasure Town, idly noting that Xatu's Appraisal surprisingly wasn't open yet.
Apple stored, 2x Big Apples stored, Oran Berry stored, Pecha Berry stored, Slip Seed stored, 2x Stun Seeds stored. Rawst Berry withdrawn.
Hmm...nothing that interesting in the Kecleon Shop...oh shit, is that Vacuum-Cut? We could use that...except we don't have enough money, fuck.
Money: 406P held, 3,617 stored. Total: 4,023P.
Vacuum-Cut, Cost: 6,500P.
Yeah, no...we definitely can't afford that, fuck.
Exchanging a nod with Vulpix, I swept her into my arms and sped towards the Beach Cave entrance, briefly stopping to deposit our money in the Bank as Vulpix selected the missions and checked to make sure we actually had the necessary items for them.
Then, I set her on her feet, and we entered the Beach Cave Mystery Dungeon, hand in hand.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
29P obtained.
You have reached a destination floor.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Shellder picked up the Oran Berry.
Oran Berry obtained.
Item successfully delivered. Poliwag left the dungeon.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Sleep Seed obtained.
You have reached a destination floor.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Sleep Seed obtained.
Item successfully delivered. Tangela left the dungeon.
Missions completed.
Recruitment declined, 1,000P obtained.
Recruitment declined, 1,000P obtained.
Then, having completed all of our missions for the day and getting a very nice haul of money, Vulpix and I settled in for the night, and let sleep take us.
...and were promptly awoken by Loudred's usual shotgun blast of sound, after which he turned and walked away as Vulpix stood and stretched, the motion doing some very nice things to her chest as she blushed and pressed her lips to my cheek, her breasts pressing nicely against my chest as I enjoyed the feeling, before we went out to join the others.
Interestingly enough, Zubat and Koffing had apparently allowed themselves to join the cheer, either because they had been caught up in the excitement or doing so in order to help their "cover", before the group dispersed and Chatot assigned us to sentry duty.
Following Vulpix down into the tunnel, she stopped in front of me suddenly and I promptly ran into her back, my dick quickly hardening against her as she turned her head to look at me, before red began to show through her fur and she smiled, pressing her lips to my cheek and heading back to the tunnel's entrance.
Smiling to myself as I hoped no one decided to look down through the grate, not that they would've seen anything out of the ordinary, I took a moment to steady my suddenly racing heartbeat and tried to focus on the task at hand.
Wait...oh. That, that makes sense. ...huh, I...I wonder if she feels the same, then?
Shaking my head as...images of Vulpix began to invade my thoughts, I looked at the menu, briefly taking a moment to look at the Teams page.
Riolu: Status, aroused. Status: Error error error error.
Well, fuck, state the obvious, why don't you? And what the fuck are those errors, anyway?
Briefly considering the idea, I navigated over the Vulpix's screen.
Vulpix: Status, happy. Status: Error error error error.
That...doesn't tell me too much, but okay, I guess?
Then, Loudred's shotgun blast of sound came through the tunnel, "Hey, first visitor's coming up!"
Right, right...I, I can figure this out later, then.
My menu snapped over to the "minigame" screen without prompting, and I focused on it as I awaited the first visitor.
Hmm...probably a Vibrava? Hopefully I didn't get that wrong...
Then, a green checkmark appeared over the Vibrava's picture, Loudred shouting down that my answer had been correct moments later.
Alright, nice...next one.
...yeah, no, that's a fuckin' Rhyhorn.
Missing Loudred's possible confirmation as I tried once again to shake the images of Vulpix from my mind, I tuned back in just as Loudred announced that the next visitor was coming up.
It claws if it is displeased. Yeah, no, that's Glameow.
Then, Loudred confirmed that I had been correct, the next visitor coming up moments later.
It communicates with electric pulses from its claws. Yep, Luxio, none of the others are Electric types, especially not that fuckin' Nidoking option, or the Infernape.
Then, the next...
It has an unstable genetic makeup. That's a description of Eevee if I've ever seen one.
And then, the last...
It is very intelligent and persistent. That...doesn't tell me as much as you think. Okay, it's either Hoothoot or Ninetales...yeah, no, it's fuckin' Ninetales.
Climbing my way out of the tunnel, I took a moment to look at Vulpix and smile, my partner appearing very happy about something as she blushed brightly and pressed her lips against my cheek.
300P obtained. Defense Scarf obtained, Reviver Seed obtained, Heal Seed obtained.
After an absolutely delicious dinner, Vulpix pressed herself against my side as we settled in for the night, pressing her lips against my cheek, before visibly considering something, and then crawling until she was laying on my front, her breasts pressing against my chest as I felt myself harden against her.
Then, as the two of us went to sleep, not wanting to break Chatot's rule for us despite everything, I just barely missed the five words she whispered.
...and then Loudred's shotgun blast of sound woke us up, the purple manifestation of tinnitus raising an eye-ridge as Vulpix climbed off of my chest, Loudred turning around and walking away as Vulpix stretched and pressed her lips against my cheek, the two of us smiling to each other as she rested her head on my shoulder and we went out to join the others.
After the morning cheer, Chatot looked over at us and smiled...somehow.
I smiled back, Vulpix's head resting on my shoulder and her hand in mine, "The usual, then?"
Chatot nodded without a word, and we separated reluctantly in order to actually climb the fucking ladder.
So, let's see...Jobs today, or Dojo? Hmm...
Ooh, there's a bunch of A-ranked Outlaw missions in Apple Woods...we could finally get Gold rank.
Rank: A.
Client: Magnemite.
Location: Apple Woods, 6F.
Reward: 300P.
Rank: A.
Client: Surskit.
Location: Apple Woods, 9F.
Reward: 300P.
Rank: A.
Client: Mareep.
Location: Apple Woods, 11F.
Reward: 300P.
Wait, hold up...huh, that's...odd? I can sort of just TELL that the two Mareep listed are different. Maybe it's something about the paper?
Rank: A.
Client: Grimer.
Location: Apple Woods, 12F.
Reward: 300P.
Then, we dashed out of the Guild and towards Treasure Town, stopping for a second to drop off our money at the Bank- 2,329P stored, 6,352P total -before storing the items we had gained on the mission.
Oran Berry stored, 2x Sleep Seeds stored.
Now, let's see what they have for sale...oh SHIT, is that Overheat!? We...we could use that, shit...
Hmm, but it DOES reduce Special Attack quite a bit when used...plus we don't quite have enough money for it unless we sell some shit.
Then, I sighed, turned toward Vulpix to ask for her thoughts on whether we should buy it for later...and found her staring directly into my eyes, a smile on her lips.
...fuck, I can't say no to that, can I?
Taking a moment to grab some shit we probably wouldn't need from storage, I began mentally calculating what we'd need to sell in order to...yeah, no, not much.
Defense Scarf withdrawn, Defense Scarf sold for 250P.
Money: 250P held. 6,352P stored. Total: 6,602P.
That...actually didn't take as long as I thought it would...huh.
Smiling as Vulpix's eyes almost seemed to light up, she pressed her lips against my cheek before I used Agility to dash to the Bank and back, buying the TM moments later as Vulpix's smile widened.
6,352P withdrawn. 6,602P held, 0P stored.
Overheat TM bought for 6,500P. 102P remaining.
Overheat TM stored.
Smiling as Vulpix pressed her lips to my cheek again- was that one slightly closer to my mouth than the last one, or am I imagining things? -I swept her into my arms and ran towards the Crossroads as Vulpix laughed to herself and selected our destination, stopping for a brief moment to drop off what little money we had left.
102P stored.
Then, we found ourselves teleported back to the Apple Woods Mystery Dungeon...and we got to work.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Burmy went away...
Twist Band obtained.
Hmm...I guess it's decent? I mean, it doesn't stop Overheat, so...ehh, money, I guess?
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Oddish went away...
...and then a Butterfree hit me with Sleep Powder, and I felt the heat of a full power Flamethrower passing over my head as I fell backwards into Vulpix's arms and my vision went dark...
...right, there aren't any fucking pillows in this world, so what is my head laying on? I mean, they're not exactly big...pillows...ohhhh...okay then?
Taking a glance up and raising an eyebrow as I felt my head laying directly on Vulpix's breasts, she took a moment to look down and smiled gently, before she rose, helped me to my feet, and pressed her lips to my cheek, before we continued on, ignoring the Butterfree twitching from its new position within the wall.
73P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
73P obtained.
47P obtained.
Apple obtained.
Caterpie went away...
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 5.
59P obtained.
43P obtained.
Caterpie went away...
And then, having turned away from the stairs in order to check for the last few items, we ran straight into a Kecleon Shop.
Yeah...I expected that, let's be honest.
Vulpix and I exchanged a wary glance, before wordlessly agreeing to at least see what the assassin god was offering.
One-Shot Orb identified.
Clear Gummi identified.
Reviver Seed identified.
Hmm...nah, we don't have enough money for any of this, and I'd DEFINITELY rather not risk trying to steal any of it.
Nodding to Vulpix and receiving a smile back, we stepped off the rug and went towards the stairs together, hand in hand, only pausing to smack aside an approaching Paras.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
13P obtained.
59P obtained.
Paras picked up the Stick(4).
Oh wow, look, an item we very much don't care about.
Via Seed obtained.
...wait, the fuck does this thing do, again? ...huh, well that's...vaguely useless? Maybe?
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
Oh, hello there, Outlaw Mareep. To quote Sans from Undertale... You, friend, are about to have a bad time.
...and then I promptly threw a Stun Seed at it.
I smiled, and nodded to Vulpix as I prepared the X-Eye Seed next. "Yeah, see...you fucked up."
Outlaw defeated.
Wait? We didn't get experience for that? Fuckin' odd...anyway.
I swept Vulpix into my arms in bridal carry and ran forward to begin our search of the floor...only to stop barely five steps after we left the room as the Getting hungry... alert popped up and Vulpix looked directly into my eyes.
I sighed and smiled, immediately caving to the look, and reluctantly set her down on her feet, Vulpix immediately taking an Apple from our Bag of Distinctly Limited Holding and splitting it in half, before she smiled back and offered one half to me.
Sitting down, the two of us ate in comfortable silence as Vulpix pressed her lips against my cheek and rested her head on my shoulder.
Apple consumed.
Then, we stood, and I held out my arms and smiled at her, raising an eyebrow.
Giggling at my blatant offer, Vulpix smiled as I swept her off of her feet and into a bridal carry, while trying desperately to ignore my suddenly fast heartbeat.
...and then she rested her head against my chest and smiled up at me, a smile that only grew as the beating of my heart increased and I sped through the dungeon's floor.
Oh shit, that's just an immediate Kecleon Shop. Hello, I guess?
Oh man, it's got a Red Gummi, but we don't have enough money for it...dammit, I'm kind of tempted...but no.
Held Money: 367P
Oran Berry obtained.
Wait, hang on, we've got the Twist Band...I could sell that, maybe?
Let's see...
Twist Band sold. 400P obtained. Held Money: 767P.
Damn, just barely not enough...let's see...
Via Seed sold. 50P obtained.
There we go...
Red Gummi bought for 800P.
Vulpix rose an eyebrow and smiled, pressing her lips to my cheek in thanks as I put the Red Gummi into our Treasure Bag.
Then, we continued on...
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
Paras went away...
Blue Gummi obtained, Sleep Seed obtained.
Getting hungry...
Vulpix took a moment to stare at me imploringly, and smiled as I immediately caved and withdrew our last Apple with a smile of my own, Vulpix splitting it in half as I activated Swords Dance- Attack increased, attack increased. -and immediately found the task of holding Vulpix in one arm to be effortless, as she handed me my half of the Apple and we ate in comfortable silence without Vulpix even bothering to leave her position in my arms.
Apple consumed.
Vulpix took a moment to press her lips against my cheek, and settled back into my arms as we continued searching the dungeon's floor.
Yellow Gummi obtained, Oran Berry obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
62P obtained.
Paras went away...
Paras picked up the 42P.
Ah, yes...the answer of life, truly a wonderful thing.
Pink Gummi obtained.
Okay seriously, what the fuck? This is supposed to be Apple Woods, not Gummi Woods, dammit.
Grass Gummi obtained.
I swear to fucking existence, this...vaguely annoys me, by this point.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 5.
You have reached a destination floor.
...and then the Outlaw Lotad, something that obviously wasn't supposed to be here, promptly smashed into me with a Zen Headbutt, taking down over half of my health as Vulpix fell from my arms and onto her feet, my partner practically vibrating with rage as I frantically threw a Stun Seed at the hostile Lotad and ate an Oran Berry in an attempt to recover.
...and then the fucking Stun Seed missed, falling to the ground uselessly as Vulpix furiously sent forth a Confuse Ray and the Lotad stumbled away from us.
Stepping forward to retrieve the Stun Seed- Stun Seed obtained-, I watched as Vulpix mercilessly used Flamethrower, hitting the Lotad as it stumbled back toward us.
I threw the Stun Seed at the confused Outlaw again, and this time it found itself paralyzed as the Stun Seed vanished into its body.
I promptly chugged a Max Elixir, having previously exhausted my use of both Force Palm and Brick Break, and prepared to hit this thing harder than it had hit me.
This time, I activated Protect, the green shield projecting itself around my body like a second skin, and begin to hit it with Force Palms as fire spilled from Vulpix's lips in a never-ending torrent and her hands glowed with Force Palms of her own.
...and then we promptly smacked that motherfucker into dreamland, Vulpix's Explorer Badge sealing the Outlaw's unconscious body as she furiously looked around for more things to breathe literal fire at, her enraged breathing doing some very nice things to her chest before she visibly calmed herself and immediately pulled me into a hug, her breasts pressing against my chest as we held each other.
"Whew...that. That was a bit too close, huh?"
Vulpix said nothing, instead extending her hand to retrieve the stolen Big Apple and put it our Treasure Bag, before she smiled and pressed her lips against my cheek without a word.
Big Apple retrieved.
Deciding to ignore my own confusion for now, I swept her into my arms and set off to explore the rest of the dungeon.
Blowback Orb obtained.
24P obtained.
Scanner Orb obtained.
73P obtained.
Heal Seed obtained.
Right, that looks like all of the items on this floor, let's get back to the stairs.
Paras went away...
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
5P obtained.
Wow. That's...honestly kind of sad.
Special Band obtained.
Red Gummi obtained.
White Gummi obtained. Escape Orb placed.
Gummi Forest, I fuckin' swear...
Vulpix took a moment to giggle at the distinctly annoyed look on my face, before smiling and pressing her lips against my cheek once again.
Getting hungry...
Vulpix took a moment to pull up the menu, her eyes widening as she noticed that the only true Food item we had was an objective, and therefore could not be eaten.
Coming to the stairs, Vulpix tapped me on the arm pointedly, undoubtedly asking for me to set her down on her feet, before I did so.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 5.
Wanted Outlaw spotted.
...and then I promptly threw a Sleep Seed at it, just wanting this to end as soon as possible.
Plus, you know...we ran out of Stun Seeds.
Outlaw defeated. Cheri Berry retrieved.
Blast Seed identified, Blast Seed consumed.
Getting hungry...
Yeah, yeah... I noticed.
Paras went away...
Power Band obtained.
Holy fucking shit, finally, we found the stairs.
Right, last enemy of the dungeon, time to take it down.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 5.
You have reached a destination floor.
Oh right...we have to look for this one, first. Fuck.
Getting dizzy from hunger...
As the effort of putting one foot in front of the other became harder and I began to lean on Vulpix more and more, we found the stairs...except the stairs weren't our objective, here.
Maybe... maybe the Scanner Orb would help?
Fuck it, I'll just eat the White Gummi...might help.
White Gummi consumed.
3P obtained.
That's...even more sad than before, what the fuck?
42P obtained.
All-Hit Orb obtained.
Blast Seed identified, Blast Seed consumed.
...that Carnivine isn't supposed to be here? Right?
...and then I threw a Sleep Seed at it, passing our last Max Elixir to Vulpix as the Carnivine fell asleep...and somehow continued floating in the air.
Immediately taking advantage of it, she breathed out a Flamethrower at the same time I did, both of them hitting what was undoubtedly an Outlaw...and it woke up and used Stockpile.
A final Brick Break finishing it off, I stepped over the Carnivine's unconscious body and retrieved the stolen Blast Seed.
Without a word, Vulpix smiled, pressed her lips to my cheek, and rose her hand to choose "yes" on the menu's leave option.
300P obtained.
300P obtained.
Reviver Seed obtained.
Orange Gummi obtained.
Oh hey, I...didn't expect that one, honestly.
Reviver Seed obtained.
Gold Ribbon obtained.
Vulpix and I exchanged a shocked look, not having expected to have gotten a Gold Ribbon as a random reward.
The next reward, though... was significantly more disappointing.
Grass Gummi obtained.
Then, hearing Chimecho's call, we went down to join everyone for dinner...
Only to be interrupted by Chatot, the parrot-like Pokémon stating that he had an announcement...to mass impatience from everyone except myself, Vulpix, and Skuntank.
...and then he reminded us of the Expedition selection, and I took a moment to process that it might already be happening.
Chatot sighed, and stated, "Our Guildmaster has apparently made his final decisions."
Huh... I-I really wasn't expecting the whole "send EVERYONE" thing to happen so soon, honestly.
"The members will be announced at tomorrow morning's briefing."
...and there it is.
Snorting in amusement, I tried and failed to prevent myself from facepalming, Vulpix letting out a giggle as I dragged my hand down my face and turned my head to smile at her.
Then, everyone else let out a unified cheer, Team Skull included, as we finally dug in...pun not intended for Diglett and Dugtrio, of course.
After dinner, we settled down for the night, and Vulpix pressed herself against my side, my arm around her waist and my free hand in her own. "So...they're really going to announce the members of the expedition tomorrow?"
I smiled down at her, "Nervous?"
Vulpix looked directly into my eyes, and nodded...nervously, "Honestly, Riolu? A...a little bit, yes."
Leaning down to kiss between her ears, she blushed as they twitched at my next words, Vulpix probably able to hear the smile in my voice at this point, "...I think we'll be fine, Vulpix."
Raising her head to look directly into my eyes, she stared at me in amusement, red still showing through the fur of her cheeks. "You know something, don't you?"
My only response was to smile wider, my smile growing further as Vulpix rolled her eyes in exasperation and settled down to lay her head back on my chest, unable to stop herself from smiling.
...and then we were awoken nine hours later by Loudred's signature shotgun blast of sound, Loudred politely and excitedly turning around to go join the others as Vulpix stretched for my benefit, a smile on both of our faces, before she took my hand in hers and we went out to join the others.
After the morning cheer, Chatot continued to speak, "Ahem! Now then. I shall announce the expedition members at this time."
Then, he stepped back to request the memo from Wigglytuff, and after receiving it, he rose it into the air before giving it a read.
"Step forward if...your name...is...called..."
...and then he began to actually read off the names on the list.
"Loudred, step forward."
"Corphish, step forward."
"Well well...Bidoof, step forward."
After Bidoof had his moment of not being able to move, Chatot continued.
"Sunflora and Chimecho, step forward."
As Chatot stopped reading, and Sunflora and Chimecho went up to join the others, I'll admit...I started to get a bit nervous.
Oh shit...what if I was wrong? It'll fucking crush Vulpix if we don't get picked... would...would she hate me for getting her hopes up?
Picking up on my internal panic, Vulpix glanced over and pulled me into a side hug, the thumb of her hand rubbing against the back of my own as she smiled at me despite her own nervousness.
"Erm... What's this..?"
Chatot stared at the paper, visibly appearing to be trying to decipher whether or not it held the autobiography of fucking Arceus, and continued.
"Erm... It appears that there are more expedition members."
And with that, my hopes began to rise, and I sent a shaky smile at Vulpix as I saw Skuntank's eyes narrow in interest.
"The others are...Diglett, Dugtrio, and Croagunk."
...and then I promptly wanted to murder both Wigglytuff and the game's plot for the unnecessary suspense, Vulpix visibly deflating next to me as it suddenly appeared that we were the only ones not chosen.
"Oh, and Vulpix and Riolu."
I promptly found myself jerked off my feet and spun around by my suddenly ecstatic partner, Vulpix visibly considering something as her cheeks reddened, before she pressed her lips against my cheek and pulled me into a tight hug.
I smiled at her, my own blush probably visible as she laughed in joy.
Yeah...yeah, I've- I've got it bad, huh?
"That is all. Wait a second! WHAT!?"
...and then Vulpix promptly started groaning in amusement and exasperation as she realized what I had reassured about last night.
She immediately pulled away from the hug, still smiling as she lightly slapped my arm and laid her head on my shoulder, before using the close position to whisper in my ear. "You knew, didn't you?"
My only response was to smile at her and nod, as Chatot proceeded to realize that Wigglytuff had pulled a "Send. EVERYONE!" moment, and had what appeared to be a short mental breakdown at the fact that the selection process had been entirely meaningless.
Chatot, after a brief conversation between Skuntank and Wigglytuff over the possibility of leaving the Guild unguarded, warned everyone that non-Guild team members from Chimecho's Assembly would not be allowed on the Expedition...despite us not having any non-Guild members on our team, given that the entirety of Team Fire Shadow consisted of myself and Vulpix.
...and then the menu appeared, gaining Skuntank's interest as Vulpix and I, still in each other's arms, began to read something that he could not see.
Warning: Stable time-lock initiated. The Expedition will not begin until you confirm that you are prepared.
Warning: All Dungeons have been temporarily rendered unavailable. Note: Marowak's Dojo remains available for use.
Oh...well, that's...significantly more prep time than I thought we'd get, honestly.
Taking a moment to close the menu, Vulpix and I joined our fellow Apprentices in the newly formed group huddle, our non-anthropomorphic fellow Pokémon sending us an amused glance at the fact that Vulpix and I still had our arms wrapped around each other's waists.
Alert: Treasure Bag storage capacity increased by 8. New capacity: 32.
Briefly jumping at the message, we separated from the group after a quick discussion, and with a wordless glance, we mutually agreed to prepare as best we could.
I don't care how long we spend in that Dojo. We're getting to Level 30...and then we're going to smack the shit out of that illusionary Groudon on an even playing field...and probably cheese the hell out of it while doing so.
Then, we headed up the ladder with Agility, and hand in hand, we ran towards Treasure Town to make our preparations for all of the metaphorical grinding we'd be doing.
Exchanging a nod with Skuntank, we first withdrew a few items from Kangaskhan's Storage that we planned to sell.
Gold Ribbon withdrawn. Grass Gummi withdrawn.
Gold Ribbon sold for 2000P. Power Band sold for 250P. Special Band sold for 300P. 2x Grass Gummies sold for 100P. Yellow Gummi sold for 50P.
Previous Money held: 826P. New Money held: 3,606P.
All items stored.
3,606P stored. New Money stored: 3,708P.
And then Vulpix and I grinned at each other, and dove feet first into the Dark/Fire Maze.
This is all going in spoilers, future Omega.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
16P obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
31P obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
24P obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Vulpix has leveled up! Vulpix has reached Level 22.
31P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
Oran Berry obtained.
16P obtained.
20P obtained.
Riolu has leveled up! Riolu has reached Level 22.
24P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Houndour picked up the 24P.
Something's stirring...
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 2.
Getting hungry...
37P obtained.
Getting dizzy from hunger...
...and then a fucking Magby two shot me with Lava Plume, and everything went black as I felt myself being carried up to the entrance of the Dojo.
I came to with my head in Vulpix's lap, Marowak standing after slipping one of his possibly infinite supply of Reviver Seeds into my mouth.
Sharing a nod with Vulpix and not at all discouraged by having lost to that fucking Magby, we went to store or sell all of the items we had gained from the Maze, and store our money.
2x Escape Orbs sold for 2P. 2x Oran Berries stored.
201P stored. New total: 3,909P.
...and then we ran back to Marowak's Dojo and prepared to do that shit all over again.
Something something definition of insanity...ehh, we're both fucking nuts if that's the case, since Vulpix is willingly going along with this shit.
"Back into the Dark and Fire Maze, Vulpix?"
She sent a teasing smile my way, and I tried to ignore the way my heart started beating faster at the sight. "As long as you don't get knocked out by another Magby, this time."
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 3.
Escape Orb obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
Escape Orb obtained.
2P obtained.
...well, that's- that's just sad. Wait, isn't that LITERALLY the lowest amount you can find?
Oran Berry obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 2.
Escape Orb obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Poochyena picked up the Oran Berry.
Oran Berry consumed.
Oran Berry consumed.
Magby used Confuse Ray, Riolu became confused.
Magby used Smokescreen.
Riolu defeated.
Trying as hard as I could to ignore Vulpix's giggling at my expense, I swept her into my arms and prepared for us to go in again...
Maybe the Grass Maze, this time?
5x Escape Orbs sold for 5P.
44P stored. New total: 3,953P.
...and then we went in again.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 2.
Oran Berry obtained.
20P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Vulpix has leveled up! Vulpix has reached Level 23.
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 3.
Riolu has leveled up! Riolu has reached Level 23.
16P obtained.
Shroomish picked up the Escape Orb.
31P obtained.
Something's stirring...
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 3.
31P obtained.
20P obtained.
Oran Berry consumed.
Oran Berry obtained.
Something's stirring...
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
20P obtained.
Getting hungry...
24P obtained.
16P obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Getting dizzy from hunger...
Riolu has been poisoned.
Oran Berry consumed.
Vulpix has been poisoned.
Getting dizzy from hunger...
Something's stirring...
Grass Maze cleared.
2x Escape Orbs sold for 2P.
180P stored. New total: 4,133P.
...and then we dove into the Grass Maze again.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 2.
Carnivine picked up the 24P.
24P obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 3.
29P obtained.
24P obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Vulpix has leveled up! Vulpix has reached Level 24.
Flamethrower has already been learned.
Carnivine picked up the Oran Berry.
Oran Berry obtained.
Something's stirring...
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 2.
...and then we initiated some of the best fucking teamwork I didn't even know we could, Vulpix sending forth the spiraling lights of Confuse Ray at a Carnivine right before I hit it with Bite and caused it to flinch, and then Vulpix turned on her heel without an instant of hesitation and sent a Flamethrower into the Shroomish attempting to approach me from behind.
A final Force Palm knocking out the confused Carnivine as we shared a smile and Vulpix pressed her lips to my cheek, we continued on.
Riolu has leveled up! Riolu has reached Level 24.
This Pokémon can learn a new move, but must -error, error, ErRoR...m̶̲͗ư̷̦s̴̭̀t̵͍̉ ̶̭̿f̴̫̍o̴̪͂ŗ̷̂g̷̹͌e̶̠͝t̸͖͊ ̸̭͒t̸̟̍ḫ̷̽ë̸̪́ ̴̠͗o̴̙͛l̷̰͗d̵͔̆ ̷̹̏o̷̫͘n̸͒͜ẹ̷̌ ̸̪̂f̶͇̿ǐ̴̜r̵̹̾s̴̩͝ẗ̵̙.̸̖͌
Riolu has learned Screech, Vulpix h̴̟̎a̸͔̾s̶̬̾ ̶̨̈l̶̬͝e̸̛̻ȃ̶͙r̶̖͋n̶̢̔e̶̘͛d̸͍̓ ̶͙͘S̵̝̏c̴̣͆r̴̬̐ē̴̝è̴̜ç̶̋h̶͔͌.̸̖̕
Carnivine picked up the 29P.
Getting hungry...
Oran Berry obtained.
Something's stirring...
29P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Keys to Galactic Super Weapons...or was that the fourth floor? Man, it's been a while since I played Halo: Combat Evolved...
Oran Berry consumed.
Oran Berry obtained.
Grass Maze cleared.
Then, hand in hand, we ran out of the doorway without an actual door, and began preparations to go back in.
Oh hey, the green Kecleon has Violent Seeds...we could use those, actually...
194P withdrawn. New total held money: 300P. New stored money: 3,939P.
2x Violent Seeds bought for 300P.
2x Violent Seeds stored. 4x Oran Berries stored.
And then, as we ran back to go into the Maze again, Vulpix turned to me and stared directly into my eyes.
"...Ri-Riolu? I'm...kind of getting tired of this."
I prepared to argue that we needed to be prepared for the boss encounter...only to realize that while exiting the "dungeon" had refreshed our physical bodies, our mental exhaustion...not so much.
I slumped, sighing as Vulpix wrapped an arm around me and pulled me into a side hug, her mental exhaustion as obvious as my own... "Yeah, I'd...I'd rather not try getting to Level Thirty either, honestly, not after all the time we've put into just getting this far... Want to try reaching Twenty-Five, instead?"
Vulpix nodded tiredly, before pressing her lips against my cheek as we walked out into the Dojo yet again, "Twenty-Five...that- that sounds reasonable."
...and then, we walked into the Electric-Steel Maze, one that we had already cleared previously, for what I hoped to be one of the last times of this time-locked day.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 2.
7P obtained.
5P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 3.
Oran Berry obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
10P obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
31P obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 4.
10P obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Oran Berry obtained.
Escape Orb obtained.
Acute Sniffer activated. Total Items on this floor: 1.
Oran Berry consumed by Vulpix.
Oran Berry consumed by Riolu.
Man...Discharge is even more bullshit than Lava Plume...ow.
Oran Berry obtained.
Vulpix has leveled up! Vulpix has reached Level 25.
Fucking...finally...ow, that fucking Mawile's ViceGrip attacks hurt. Okay...now all we need to do is get me to Level Twenty-Five, as well.
Then Vulpix reached into our Bag and shoved an Oran Berry between my lips, and my pain immediately faded as I chewed and swallowed the healing Berry.
Oran Berry consumed.
...and then a fucking Mareep hit me with two Discharges, because I forgot that Protect was a thing.
Riolu defeated.
Waking up in Vulpix's arms as she finished slipping one of Marowak's infinite supply of Reviver Seeds in between my lips, I smiled at her in thanks and promptly decided that fuck it, I could just get that last level and more on the actual Expedition.
Now, though? Now it was time to pack our fucking War Kit.
Holy fucking shit, they're selling HYPER BEAM? ...fucking shame we can't learn it, though.
2x Escape Orbs sold for 2P.
65P stored. New total money: 4,004P.
4x Oran Berries stored.
And then, Vulpix and I exchanged a glance, and we began to withdraw everything we'd need to defeat a boss enemy.
2x Big Apples withdrawn.
4x Oran Berries withdrawn.
2x Pecha Berries withdrawn.
2x Heal Seeds withdrawn.
6x Reviver Seeds withdrawn.
4x Sleep Seeds withdrawn.
4x Stun Seeds withdrawn.
1x X-Eye Seed withdrawn.
2x Max Elixirs withdrawn.
1x C̸̹͌l̵̼͂ȇ̴͜ạ̶͘n̶̹̅s̴̩̋e̴̞̽ ̷̹͗O̴̺̓ȓ̴̨b̷̻͂ ̸̝̍w̵͓͂i̷̘̿t̶̼̐h̴͉̔ḓ̷̓r̸̖̀a̷͖̎w̶̮̿n̷̪̈́.̷̮́ Ë̶̠r̵̙͝ȑ̸̟ò̴̹r̶̤̍.̸͎̂ ̴̟̉S̷͇͋p̸̛͕a̶̺̋ĉ̴̗ẽ̴̝ ̸̨͠u̸͈͒š̷̹a̷̟̾ǵ̸͙e̴͇͐ ̴̹͝n̶̠̄e̸̬͗ĝ̷͎ǎ̷̱t̶̰͑e̵̳͆d̷͓͂.̵̠̍ E̸̖͐r̷̙̀ȓ̵͇ö̷̞́r̶̿͜.̶̲̚ ̴̠̃I̸̺̍t̶̤̾e̴̻̍m̸̝̐ ̸͇͌d̷͕̚ō̶̪e̶̙͐s̵̲̊ ̴̠͑n̸̰̈́o̸̟̐ť̵̢ ̵̡̀e̷͓͑x̷̞̽i̵͍͗s̸̫͂t̴̯͆.̷̨̂
Vulpix and I turned to each other and grinned, before running toward the Guild to tell Chatot that we were ready.
End of Chapter Six.
Right, so, the Expedition, and the two of them finally getting some privacy that isn't a Dungeon?
Yeah, unfortunately, that shit's now going to be in the next chapter.
Because, to be honest, the whole metaphorical grinding session took multiple days on my end, and it was both mentally draining for me despite being stretched over multiple days and the reason why they hadn't begun the Expedition yet.
Hell, I originally planned for them to use the Dojo to grind (metaphorically) to Level 30, since they couldn't go on actual missions, but eventually I got sick of that shit and decided to have them compromise on Level 25, which Vulpix managed to reach and Riolu, in the game's save file, is only a mere 758 Exp away from.
...and then I decided that, no, I didn't want to run though the Dojo again just to get one more level up, so I had Riolu decide to just get the fucking level on the Expedition itself.
Now, as for why I had them pack the "War Kit" before the Expedition began, rather than doing it before the actual false-Groudon fight? ...I forgot whether any of the Rest Stops before said fight allowed you to withdraw items, and so decided to play it safe, rather than not pack the shit and then be forced to go into the fight without the tools necessary to cheese the fuck out of it.