Chapter 11: Spirit of an Adventurer

~Stormcracker Isle, Central Part~

I hung back. Way, way back. I weren't going anywhere near that rock face until I was absolutely, five-hundred percent sure no rocks were gonna bash my skull in. I'd already taken a coconut and a Bisharp arm to the head that day, after all. So, I stayed perched in my tree, watching Metang work the rock formation.

I have identified the structural abnormality, he announced. I squinted, and just made out a visible crack running through a partition of rock. But that weren't the only thing strange about it. And judging by Torracat's gaze, he agreed with me.

"Hold up. This rock with the crack has a totally different look than the rest of the rock face," the boss announced.

"D'ya think the weather eroded it or something?" I wondered.

Unlikely. Otherwise similar structural weaknesses would present throughout the spire, Metang said.

"Maybe this was some sort of secret entrance to the caverns?" Torracat proposed. His eyes lit up. "I'll bet the Armored Adventurer must've made this!"

"Now hold yer Mudbrays, pardner," I squawked. "Weren't them stories saying the feller got lost in this island? Why would he make his own cavern entrance?"

"Maybe a severe storm forced him to do it out of desperation?" Torracat said.

Illogical. Upon closer inspection, this rock outcropping shows evidence that it was placed against the spire's surface. This suggests the individual responsible has entered and exited the cavern multiple times, Metang declared.

"Hrmph. That's mighty strange. But we're wasting time talking semantics here," I said. "Can you bust it open or not, Metang?"

Certainly. Please stand clear. Metang's arms lit up and he lashed out at the rock with Metal Claw. It shattered after several swipes, sending pebbles scattering every which way. I flew back, waiting for the dust to settle. Eventually, I could see a dim, green glow spilling on out of the hole Metang punched.

"You coming, Rufflet?" Torracat asked. He was already halfway through the opening. Metang still hung outside, ensuring there weren't anything about to crush us.

"Yeah, yeah, gimme a sec," I said. Had to take a few deep breaths and remind myself I'd been in plenty of caves and this one weren't no different. I flew inside, quickly landing beside Torracat.

Our self-made opening sent light spilling into the cavern. I could hear the scratching of claws on rock. Probably wild Pokémon booking it toward hiding spots. The opening weren't all that big, though, so the light soon faded. Instead there were these small, green patches of light scattered about the cave.

Torracat whistled. "Whoa. This place is covered in Luminous Moss."

"All the more reason not to like it," I harrumphed. "Them plants ain't natural, I tell ya."

I can hear faint traces of running water. Please be silent, Metang said. I clamped my beak shut and Metang hovered forward. Sure enough, I heard some running water echoing off the walls. I squinted, trying to use that Luminous Moss light to see if there were any brooks. The rocks lining the cave were damp, that was for sure.

"Up ahead here." Torracat waved us over. "I just stepped in a puddle."

I glided over to him with Metang following behind. The ground squelched beneath my feet as I landed. Water seeped out of the patch of mud I had accidentally found.

"Skkkreeeeeeeeeep!"

But that were nothing compared to the jolt my heart felt when that mud started moving. I squawked and fluttered my wings, hovering into the air. Looking down, I could faintly see the mud wash away and reveal the white-shelled, flattened backside of a Wimpod. The li'l feller looked up, only to recoil at the sight of my feathers. It scurried off along the cave floor and disappeared into a crevice.

"Hmm, guess those claw-scraping noises were Wimpod scattering," Torracat observed. "They're pretty meek little guys, if I remember correctly."

Course they were. But where there were Wimpod, I shuddered to think of their evolved form. Giant, hard-hitting Golisopods were the last thing our team needed. Sure, I could get in some effective hits, but Golisopods could tank 'em like champs.

I have located a stream. It descends deeper into the cave, Metang announced. If we follow it, we might locate the deepest recesses of the cavern.

"You don't suppose them scavenger fellers are in here too, do ya?" I asked, looking up toward the ceiling. Patches of Luminous Moss revealed a couple of Zubat hanging from it.

"If they are, they're not gonna know we're down here," Torracat declared. "Let's follow this brook and see where it takes us."

Metang led us forward, body reflecting light from the moss. It made him glow all green and stuff. Thanks to that, I finally spotted the brook in question curving sharply around a set of rocks. Course as luck would have it, these particular rocks had a pair of Zubat that weren't as timid as their friends from before. But a quick Zen Headbutt from Metang and a Fire Fang from Torracat knocked 'em right out.

We followed the brook down rocky stairs, into the next level of the cave. It didn't have nearly as much Luminous Moss brightening things up. So, when Metang's shiny hide entered the area, it whipped a set of Wimpod up into a frenzy. They started scurrying to and fro, hissing wildly. Bright-green balls of energy flew about from desperate Struggle Bugs launched in our direction. Weren't nothing a few Aerial Aces and some Zen Headbutts couldn't handle. But we did end up down an elixir after that, thanks to yours truly.

To our surprise, the next few levels grew steadily more waterlogged. I suppose I should've expected it. We were probably getting mighty close to the water level at this point. But the water was now up to Torracat's ankles. And some Zubat thought they could take advantage of his hindered movement for easy pickings. Boy did Metang and I show 'em they were sorely mistaken. We continued on down. At this point, I were expecting things to get pitch black. But strangely enough, the place where the brook stopped held a space full of bright Luminous Moss. The light was done reflecting off puddles, making the place look greener than a shack full of Rowlets. It made the pedestal on the far part of the cavern crazy obvious. There was some sort of circular rock atop it. And next to that pedestal, a few more rocks jutted out of the ground. They all glowed different colors.

"That's odd. It seems like someone's been down here doing something," Torracat said. "But, uh, what is it? Painting rocks strikes me as a bit of a strange hobby."

I am sensing some energy from the colored rocks. They have a similar aura to the pedestal on the far side of the room, Metang explained. I believe some sort of magical hold was placed over this room.

Something caught my eye next to the glowing rocks. I fluttered over and raised my brows at a plank of wood planted into the ground. "Hey, y'all, I think I found something," I said. "Looks like a sign of some sort." I squinted to try and read it. "And it's actually written in modern print."

"So, this wasn't done in ancient times, then." Torracat's eyes lit up. "Well, what does it say?"

"Gimme a sec here," I said, adjusting my position to better read the makeshift sign. "Says here:

'My days be numbered, my mind be fuzzy.

Adventures are done, though I've sure had plenty.

Got loads of treasure, but can't trust me crew.

Left directions here for the good eggs, though there were few.

If ye're one of me buddies looking for yer treasure's share.

Prepare me favorite brew to get yer cut fair and square.'"

I kicked up some water. "Dangummit! We ain't got time for no stinking brain teasers. Them scavengers could find us at any moment."

Torracat was of a different mindset. "Hey now, don't you see what this means? The tales are true. The Armored Adventurer really did exist. And we've found the entrance to his treasure horde!" I could practically glimpse the stacks of golden coins in Torracat's eyes. "All we need to do is figure out this 'favorite brew' riddle, and we're in the clear."

"Yeah, but what the heck is it supposed to mean?" I asked. "Sounds like some sort of fancy drink. But I don't see no drink dispensing equipment nowhere."

Torracat raised a forepaw. "Hang on. When you think about it, that rock on the pedestal kinda looks like a cup." He walked up toward it and reached out to grab the rock.

WARNING! The rock's energy level has just spiked, Metang bellowed, but Torracat had already placed a paw on it. The glowing rocks' colors all changed to red and a loud whistle sounded through the cavern.

"Agh! What in tarnation is that noise?" I squawked. A pair of screeches drew my attention and my feathers nearly turned all white at the sight of a pair of angry Golbat.

I turned right around and used an Aerial Ace wind tunnel to strike one of them. But my pardners were slower on the uptake. And that resulted in the other Golbat chomping down on my wing. Purple toxins dripped out from the varmint's fangs and made my wing burn. I felt that familiar sinking sensation that came with poison washing over your body. So, I bucked the Golbat away and fumbled through the toolbox while my pardners dealt with the varmint. I snagged a pecha berry and downed it mighty quick-like.

"You okay, Rufflet?" Torracat asked. I nodded slowly. "Guess now we know what happens if we get the puzzle incorrect. But do you think those Golbat were part of it?"

"Not a clue," I sighed. "We can't stand around doing nothing, though."

"Right," Torracat nodded, "So, the riddle said we needed to 'prepare me favorite brew.'" Torracat paced back and forth in front of the glowing rocks, whose colors had reset. "Favorite brew… favorite brew… the Armored Adventurer's favorite brew…"

His eyes suddenly widened and he shouted, "That's it!"

"Err, ya mind looping me in, boss?"

"There's a drink in old man Crabominable's place that's only for top-ranked exploration teams: the Armored Brew!" Torracat explained. "My dad told me all about it: 'One part spicy, two parts sweet, to make the best adventurers feel the heat. Add a pinch of bitter, and a half part dry, and now this hardy brew is ready for you to try!' That must be how we can solve this riddle."

"Cripes. That's one heck of an explanation," I mumbled. "I couldn't even follow ya. What about you, Mets?"

Metang faced away from us, studying the rocks intently. Upon careful analysis, I have determined that these rocks' colorations match those of the figy, wiki, mago, and aguav Berries. All of which are the primary berries used for making juices in Horizon.

I raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to tell me these here rocks are actually crystallized berries? That's total hogwash!"

Negative. Given these rocks are displaying energy signatures, I hypothesize they are figurative representations of the berries used to prepare such juices, Metang elaborated. Perhaps, if we are to interpret Torracat's recipe onto these rocks, we can solve the riddle.

"Uh... right... yeah..." I rubbed my head with a wing. "Could ya say that again with some smaller words, pardner?"

Much as I'd hate to admit it, Torracat were faster on the uptake with this. "Right, so when it says one part spicy," he said, as he walked up toward one of the rocks, "We strike this rock that looks like a figy berry." He then tapped it with his paw and its colors brightened up. "Next is two parts sweet."

"… which means we hit that mago berry-looking rock twice?" I asked, finally catching on to things. I were closest to that rock, so I gave it two pecks with my beak. Like the first rock, it lit right up like an excited Lanturn.

A pinch of bitter suggests lightly applying pressure to this rock here, Metang declared, tapping a claw to the aguav berry rock.

"Oh, good. I thought we actually had to pinch it," Torracat sighed in relief. "Cause that'd be a bit hard for any of us to manage." I sure hoped he were joking with that one.

"So then, how do we do half of a part on that last rock?" I asked. "Ya can't half-touch nothing. That don't make a lick of sense."

Torracat sized up the only rock that wasn't glowing. "Wait a second," he muttered, leaning it toward it, "There's a very fine line right through the center of this rock. It's not one rock, it's actually two!"

I fluttered over to the boss. "Huh. Well I'll be a Vullaby's afternoon snack."

Caution: the left rock is a few hues darker than the right one. The cavern's odd lighting messes with the color patterns. Thus, the right rock better resembles a wiki berry, Metang said. Torracat reached out and tapped the right rock. This time, all four rocks lit up bright green, as did the cup-shaped rock on the pedestal.

"I think we got it, guys," Torracat cheered. He leaped toward the pedestal and touched the glowing rock. The entire cavern started trembling mighty fierce. Torracat have a yowl and jumped back. Turns out, that cropping of rock holding that pedestal were a trap door of sorts! Who'dve thunk it?

It slowly slid open, revealing stone steps that descended toward a soft blue glow. "That must be it!" Torracat chirped. "The Armored Adventurer's secret treasure stash! What are we waiting for? Let's get going!"

~Stormcracker Cave, Basin Area~

I didn't think things could get so bright so deep underground. But somehow, we managed to find a room that were glowing just about every color I could done think of. It was like looking into Ho-Oh's wings or something. Though, most of the area were glowing blue on account of these massive light crystals jammed into the rock walls. Still, there were piles of golden coins and other goodies that took in that light and projected a whole bunch of different colors.

"Golly, I ain't seen this much sparkly stuff in one place before!" I gasped. "Look at all these things. How could one Pokémon gather up so much treasure?"

"You read it yourself in the riddle, Rufflet. He had a team," Torracat chuckled. "Granted, one that didn't sound all too pleasant to work with. Kind of like that no-good Feraligatr's crew."

"Are you still sore about Riolu? C'mon, get over it," I groaned. "Look at where we are, man. This is the stuff of legends." I started looking around. "But what do we take? The coins? The crowns? I think I see a King's Rock in the corner over there. Any idea how much a 'mon will pay for something like that?"

Attention. I have detected an abnormality with the room, Metang cut in. That light crystal in the middle has a markedly different energy signature than the others. I do not believe it is natural.

"Well, yeah, the Armored Adventurer said in the riddle he told the 'good eggs' in his crew where to find this place," Torracat pointed out. "One of them must have brought thi– hold on." He approached the crystal. "There's a book next to it."

"Careful, boss. Don't want to be setting off no booby traps like with that puzzle on the last floor," I cautioned. "The Armored Adventurer could've put some other magical wards up."

Torracat nodded. "Good point. Mets, open it up with your telekinesis."

Very well. Metang pointed his arms forward and the book's cover flew opened. I winced, bracing myself for some sort of attack. Luckily, nothing happened.

"Guys… GUYS!" Torracat was jumping up and down excitedly. "I don't believe this. This… this is the Armored Adventurer's personal diary!"

"Yer kidding!"

"No fooling. Listen here." Torracat cleared his throat. "This first page says, 'Cap'n's log. The crew and I returned from our expedition around the Air Continent. Our biggest score came courtesy of Mt. Freeze, where I got a memorial wing from the mighty Articuno. But the plight was perilous. We almost lost Samurott in an avalanche. Given the dangerous nature of me work, I've decided to start chronicling me travels in this here diary. I don't know what I'll do with it when my days start getting numbered…' and yadda, yadda. You guys get the idea."

He turned back to us. "We've got to take this with us, above all else!"

"I agree. It'll be the perfect proof for the guild," I said. "But, out of curiosity, what do you suppose the last entry says?"

"Mets?"

Metang flipped the pages forward until the boss held up a forepaw. He looked down at the diary and his brow furrowed. That weren't what I hoped to see. "Interesting," he muttered, "Listen to this, guys…"

Cap'n's log… what I think may be me final entry. These old bones of mine have grown too weary. I fear me days of seafaring and traversing the continents are at an end. But I can't complain. I've been fortunate to undertake such an incredible journey. If only me blasted crew weren't squabbling over who gets what parts of the treasure I've collected!

Most of 'em ain't even that loyal! Never following me orders. Always scheming about what should happen if I fall in a battle. Heck, me closest mate told me a few of 'em were thinking of mutiny! I don't want me precious treasures falling into their greedy little mitts. How is me mind and body supposed to find peace with such worries?

After thinking on it, I've made a decision to seek help from the mystical Ninetales of Mt. Freeze. I shall have a curse laid upon me. To protect me treasure, I'll forever bind me spirit to me body. Any unworthy Pokémon who attempts to take me treasure, shall suffer me eternal wrath!

Though I may not journey completely to the next world, at least this curse shall give me peace of mind.

"What a load of crock!" Torracat spat. "You can't bind a spirit to this plane of existence. When it's your time to go, it's your time to go. I guess maybe you could stay as a ghost-type? Mets, you sensing any ghost-type energy?"

Negative, Metang replied.

"I dunno, boss." I scratched my chin. "Ain't you ever heard that ol' story 'bout the curse of Nintetales? I ain't trying to end up like that poor Gardevoir."

"That's totally superstition and you know it," Torracat declared. "I'll grab the journal. You guys start packing some of those coins into the toolbox." Before I could so much as start to protest, Torracat had his claws all over the Armored Adventurer's diary. The moment he did that, a bright blue glow encased the book. His eyes widened and he dropped it to the ground, stumbling back in a daze.

Alert: the energy levels of the central crystal are rising rapidly, Metang warned. Course, his robotic voice made it even more unsettling.

We heard a crackle. And then another, louder crackle.

"The crystal's splintering, fellers!" I shouted, pointing a wing forward.

Torracat scrambled forward and scooped up the journal. "Then we'd better book it before something bad hap–"

The crystal burst open, sending jagged shards in all directions. Metang floated over and shielded the boss and me from the debris. A bright blue glow spilled out of the crystal. The cave floor quaked beneath our feet.

I am detecting a new Pokémon's presence, Metang exclaimed. He turned around toward the bright light, only to end up careening back through the room and smacking the far wall. Torracat and I turned with wide eyes. We found ourselves looking at the bulky, armor-plated form of a Golispod.

"Grrrrraaaaaaaaaaaaggggh!" that big ol' bug roared. "Treeeeaaasssuuuuuureee… muuuuuust proootteeeeeeect!"

"I knew it! We done triggered the curse!" I panicked. "Oh, real nice work there, boss. Yer gonna get our souls trapped in here for all eternity!"

"Whoa, the Armored Adventurer was a Golisopod? Who would've thunk it?" Torracat gasped. "Actually, that name seems like a dead giveaway. I can't believe we didn't realize it sooner."

"That's what yer focused on?" I yowled, ducking a swipe from the massive bug. "This thing wants to slice us to ribbons! It's his undead spirit or whatever."

"Well, it's types are bug and water, so you're the best guy to deal with it," Torracat declared.

"Then help keep me safe, doggone it!" I squawked. Golisopod's spirit let out a roar. The spikes on its right arm extended into glowing blue blades and it ran forward. It hurtled its arm around and slammed Torracat, knocking him back into a pile of gold.

"Ooooog… what just hit me?" Torracat groaned.

"That were one heck of a Razor Shell," I gasped. Course, now the spirit had its back to me. So, it was high time to get in some offense. I darted downward into an air current and hit Golispod's back with Aerial Ace. Problem was, his back were coated in thick armor. I thought I dealt some decent damage, until the spirit whirled around and broadsided me with a blue-bladed swipe of Razor Shell. I desperately flapped my wings to maintain my altitude, but Golispod focused squarely on me. "S-Stay back, you cooky spook!" I squawked, trying to use my smaller size to zip around the big feller. If'n there were ever a moment I wished I were a Braviary, it was right then for sure.

A shower of coins exploded out from behind us. Metang hovered forward, his metal face glowing bright pink. Golispod had time to turn around and let out a confused, "Groh," before he got Zen Headbutted back into the remains of his crystal.

"Nice shot, Mets!" Torracat exclaimed. "You okay?"

Yes, however we are down another Reviver Seed, Metang reported. Luckily, I do not believe the spirit can use the attack that knocked me out again.

Cripes! It had knocked Metang out in one blow? That didn't inspire all that much confidence. "Look alive!" I shouted, flying overhead to try and position myself behind the spirit. Golisopod lumbered forward, both arms lighting up with Razor Shell blades. Torracat frowned and fired a Flamethrower, hoping it would keep the spirit at bay.

But Golisopod didn't seem that bothered. A garbled roar sounded and Golisopod stomped forward, swinging both his arms at Torracat. Metang flew in front of the boss, face lit up with psychic energy. The Razor Shells bounced of Metang's glowing face, but he fell down to the ground from the force of the collision. Golisopod turned his sights on Torracat and lunged forward.

"Boss!" I shouted and made my move. Another Aerial Ace, of course. It were the best thing in that situation. I slammed into Golisopod's back as hard as I could manage, sending him crashing to the ground. That let Torracat run away unharmed. He spun around and returned the favor with a Flamethrower, giving me time to retreat and set up another angle for attack.

Golisopod roared furiously and lumbered to his feet. He spun around, snuffing out any lingering traces of Torracat's attack. Metang took this time to fire a wave of Confusion, hoping to knock Golisopod back on the ground. But the spirit held tough and lunged at Metang. This time his arms lit up green and he slashed Metang in the face with a nasty X-Scissor. Again, my pardner got flung across the cave, smacking into a mound of gemstones. He sank down to the ground, swirls in his eyes. I realized all too late that I shouldn't have stolen a glance at him. Next thing I knew I'd done been plucked out of the sky and clubbed across the chest with a Razor Shell blade.

I landed right next to Metang, who was glowing from taking in the energy of another Reviver Seed. "Ugh, just how much of a whooping can that spirit take?" I groaned. "Are we making any headway against it?"

I am unsure, Metang replied. But it is inadvisable to leave Torracat on his own against this oppo–.

"Eyyyyyaaaaaaaaagh!"

Torracat flew over our heads and struck a light crystal. He flopped to the ground with a dazed look about him.

"Treeeeaaaaasuuuuuuuurrrreeeeeee!" Golisopod hissed, fixing his sites on the three of us. Torracat needed time for a Reviver Seed to kick in. So, I jumped in front of him and spread my wings protectively. The spirit's empty eyes glowed as bright as all the blue crystals. Light exploded out all around him. I had to shield my eyes with a wing. When the light faded, there weren't no trace of Golispod nowhere.

"What the–? Where did he go?" I asked. "Mets, you seeing anything?"

Analyzing… analy–

A blur of blue light raced right in front of me. It somehow ran over Metang, sending him rolling down the pile of gems. My eyes widened to the size of melons.

"What the heck was that?" Torracat asked, now back on his feet.

"How should I know? Maybe it's part of that crazy curse ya done triggered?" I replied. I should've known better than to complain like that. But I were mighty scared with Golisopod's spirit running about.

"Well, we have to stop it, or we're never getting out of here."

I noticed a light crystal to our left glowing brighter than any of the others. That light gathered up around the crystal and looked like it was going to fire at us. "Duck!" I shouted, and tackled the boss to the ground. The same blur of light that got Metang raced over our heads. I had just enough time to roll over and see the blur strike a different light crystal. Weren't too hard to put two and two together from there. "Boss, the spirit's done jumping between the crystals," I said.

Torracat's eyes narrowed. "Then we're smashing up some light crystals. That'll leave Golisopod with nowhere to hide."

"But that's our main source of light!" I protested.

"You have a better idea?"

I saw the spirit getting ready to crystal-jump again. "Nope," I cawed, and took off into the air. Torracat turned and raced to his right. He dodged the blur and shot a quick burst of Flamethrower at the crystal in front of him. My heart sank when it failed to do anything.

Inadvisable. Excessive force is needed to shatter the crystals. Not heat, Metang said. Golisopod's spirit crystal-jumped once again. Metang fired a burst of psychic energy toward the ground, pushing himself higher up to dodge the attack. He also managed to lash out at a ceiling crystal with a Metal Claw. It broke and sent shards falling to the ground.

"Grrrroooooooooooooooooaaaaaaggggh!"

"Did y'all hear that?" I gasped.

"Yup. The spirit sure didn't like Mets wrecking that crystal," Torracat said. "Maybe the crystals are tied to the curse somehow? He did pop out of one!"

A spark lit up in my brain. "That must be it, boss. If we break the crystals, we can weaken Golisopod enough to make him vulnerable!" Both of us had to jump apart to dodge Golisopod's spirit. It struck the wall behind us and started retreating toward a nearby light crystal.

"In that case, let's try to keep the spirit busy," I suggested. "Mets! You've gotta break them crystals, pardner."

Understood. Metang floated off toward the far part of the cave. Meanwhile, I turned around and charged toward the light crystal holding Golisopod. I slashed the thing, then quickly backwinged outta there so Torracat could douse it in a stream of fire. The crystal glowed and Golisopod's form fell out of it.

The moment it did, Golisopod charged forward. I expected him to go for Torracat with Razor Shell, so I done called up a wind tunnel to hit his side with Aerial Ace. That knocked him down the pile of gemstones. "Treeeasssssuuuuuuuure!" Golisopod howled while two crystals shattered off in the distance.

"Keep it up, Mets!" I encouraged, before flying upward to dodge a swipe of Golisopod's Razor Shell.

"Gimme an elixir, Rufflet," Torracat called. "My Flamethrower's faltering."

"I'm… a bit… YOW!" I had to dive out of the air, cause Golisopod dissolved into a ball of light again. He struck the wall once more and raced for a light crystal. My eyes widened when I noticed Metang floating toward the same one.

"Hold back, Mets!" I yelled, but it were too late. Golisopod shot out from the crystal, knocking Metang to the ground. He entered the only other remaining light crystal. I tossed Torracat his elixir and flew over to Metang.

"Cripes, this guys just won't quit," Torracat complained. He turned and spat a Flamethrower at the occupied crystal, with little effect. I gave Metang an oran berry and helped him back up. Then I flew forward, only to end up slamming into a pile of coins. Golisopod had crystal-jumped right into me.

The whole cavern was spinning. I tried plucking an oran berry out of the toolkit, but my strength failed me. That spirit did me in with that blow. I spent a few moments out cold before my vision returned. Torracat was over by my side to help me to my feet.

"How's the battle?" I mumbled.

"He's hiding in the last crystal," Torracat reported. "We'll take it out together."

I stumbled to my feet and found Metang at our side. The lone crystal in the room glowed crazy bright. I thought it were gonna explode on its own. But my teammates charged toward it. And I weren't about to ditch 'em. I flew along after them, using a burst of wind to speed forward. That let me strike the crystal first. That angered Golisopod, because a ball of light raced toward me. But I did my job. Metang had his opening and smashed that crystal wide open. The second he did, the ball of light stopped chasing me. It dropped to the ground, morphing back into Golisopod's usual form.

"… ha! Not so tough without your precious crystals, huh?" Torracat laughed and fired off a Flamethrower. It struck Golisopod's back and the spirit let out a mighty loud hiss.

"Nuuooooooooh! Treeeeaaaasuuuuuurrreeee… myyyyy treeeeeaaaaasssuuuuure!"

Golisopod fell to his knees. I didn't want to see any more fancy tricks or hex-powered nonsense, so I dive-bombed him from above. Then Metang hammered him with a Zen Headbutt. Golisopod reached a shaky arm out toward us, only for it to start dissolving right in front of us. "Can… not… beeeeeeeeeeee!" Golisopod howled as his body disappeared, leaving the cavern pitch black.

"We did it!" Torracat cheered. "We dispelled the curse!"

"Yeah," I sighed. "Remind me never to speak to no Ninetales in my lifetime."

"I think this means it's safe to nab some treasure and go," Torracat said. "Anyone have any idea where that journal got off to?"

But at that moment, the room started shaking. Light spilled into it from on high. All three of us turned around, eyes widening in shock.

"At last… the legendary treasure of the Armored Adventurer is all mine for the taking!"

I heard Torracat's claws scrape the rocks. "… Feraligatr," he growled. "So, the scavengers caught up to us."

Looks like we weren't outta troubled waters yet.

Restless Spirit, Golisopod
Having eternally bound his soul to this plane of reality, Golisopod rises to defend his treasure from would-be thieves. Aside from his usual attacks, he can jump between the large crystals scattered throughout his treasure horde. But just how did Golisopod come to be like this? What sort of strange magic lurks behind Ninetales' curse?

Next time: Torracat looks Feraligatr right in the eyes and asks him, "Why can't we just get along?" Nah, just kidding! They're gonna fight.