We head to to Shadowy Temple, which is where we're supposed to find Scraggy hiding. As we walk along the winding path surrounded by vast fields dotted with flowers, I remember arresting Dragalge, Rotom, and Serperior. Although, I suppose 'arrest' is a strong word—all I really did was have them return to their pokeballs. But it makes me wonder…
"Hey, Delcatty? When we find Scraggy, how do we actually arrest him?" I ask. The idea of finding him, probably battling, then having to drag him all the way home makes me feel tired before we've even reached the dungeon. "Ah, good question! It's a little different to how you and I used to do it back in the day," she winks. "So! We go in there, search around until we hopefully find him, and then—" "ooh, ooh, I wanna tell them! This is the best part!" Hoopa interrupts with a frantic wave of their hands. "After we beat him, we just shine our badges on him and BOOM! He gets transported all the way back to the Center!"
Dragalge and I look at them, eyes wide. How could such a thing…? "Amazing, I know! One of the many perks of being me," they say smugly. "Every Exploration Center badge has been enchanted by yours truly, so they have the power to warp a party and their companions straight back to headquarters!"
That's…incredible! I never realized the Center's badges were so powerful. I wonder how Hoopa could…'enchant' them?
"Hang on…if that's the case, when we first got here, why did Espathra and Grapploct have us walk all the way to the Center, instead of just portaling us there?" Dragalge says with the tiniest hint of annoyance. "Ah, excellent question indeed! As with any great magic, even one as great as mine, there are limits! The limit of this being that the badges only work inside a mystery dungeon." "…oh," "And probably better off that way. Imagine, you're having your vacation in another continent, you accidentally shine your badge on yourself, and you're teleported back to the Center!" "Guess it could put a damper on things," I laugh awkwardly.
That could explain why Delcatty and I never utilized the feature before. I'm certain she must have known about it, but we were never technically 'in' a mystery dungeon. At least…not that I was aware of.
I'm assuming this was another of Hoopa's unrecognized contributions—something that's benefitted generations of explorers, without them even getting the slightest bit of recognition or thanks.
The fact that they're finally getting to do some exploring makes a small smile break on my face. It hasn't escaped my attention that, despite watching from the shadows for all these years, they're going on an introductory mission with the rest of us. I suppose observation, even over many generations, is no substitute for field work.
We continue on the winding path for a while. The surrounding fields eventually giving way to heavy growth. We enter a forest, which slowly morphs into a more swamp-like setting. The stagnant air lies heavily around us as our visibility starts to go down, the sun obscured by the ever thickening canopy.
"Certainly an…interesting place for a temple…" Dragalge says, regarding our dreary surroundings. I agree, it's not glamorous, although maybe a it suits a temple referred to as 'Shadowy.' "You fit right in with the dark and gloomy atmosphere!" Hoopa grins, slapping them on the back. "…excuse me?" "Not sure about you though," Hoopa continues to me, ignoring them, "but you might look more like a regular zorua by the time we're done here!" They laugh. Well, I'm sure a bath wouldn't go amiss after all this, I'm bound to end up walking through a pile of something or another, I think with a shudder.
"Keep your eyes peeled, it should be close. A seasoned explorer always identifies the start of a mystery dungeon before waltzing in, otherwise you may be caught unawares by attacking pokemon." Delcatty says, reassuming her role as teacher. I search the area, but so far see no sign of any structures or potential mystery dungeon entrances.
Maybe they should invest in a sign.
"Wait, what's that over there?" Dragalge says, interrupting my thoughts. I squint, and just manage to see it; hidden within the heavy foliage is a large, dark structure. "Well done! That's it! The famous Shadowy Temple!" Delcatty says proudly.
We carefully go around to the front, where we're greeted by a grand entrance. I peer inside, but can't see anything; it's certainly shadowy, just as advertised.
"Alright team, now that we've found the entrance, we do a final check—what's our mission?" Delcatty probes. "To find and arrest Scraggy!" Hoopa booms so loudly that the outlaw in question is probably already making escape plans. "Correct! So, everyone feeling ready? Remember, not all pokemon in there will attack, but if they do, you need to be prepared to fight! And watch out for traps! Some dungeons have more than others, but if memory serves me correctly, this one boasts quite a few."
I consider her words, and worry I may not be cut out for this after all. I make a mental note of my moves—I know Scratch, Leer, and Shadow Sneak (I don't remember knowing that last one before, but somehow I just…know that I know it). They're not bad…it would've been nice to have four, but I suppose that's what the training is for. Still, I can't shake the feeling that I'll be holding everyone back—I do have the least experience being a pokemon, after all.
"Well, without further ado, let's head in!" Delcatty says, shaking me from my thoughts.
We cross the threshold, and when I turn around I see the entrance has sealed itself shut. "Delcatty…! The door!" I say, feeling a panic creep up. Is this…normal? "Not to worry, that's just the nature of a mystery dungeon like this. We'll need to use our badges to escape when the time comes," she smiles. I hope other pokemon don't get stuck in here without a way out…it briefly reminds me of the Echoing Ruins, the way it forced you down, one floor—one terror—at a time.
Delcatty and Hoopa go ahead to check the path, while Dragalge checks in on me, "are you alright? Had you not…done this before?" They ask, wearing a curious expression. Evidently they can sense my nerves. "Well…yes and no. I'd only really ever gone exploring in pursuit of you and Rotom," I admit, feeling my cheeks go warm. "Ah, well then, I guess it's a new frontier for both of us," they smile, "what moves do you know?" I tell them, and they look impressed. "Wow, Shadow Sneak? That could be useful, it always goes first, you know!" I…had no idea. How do they know, I wonder? But they're right, it does sound useful. "But, if you ever feel unsure about your moves, or get backed into a tight spot, you can count on me to be there." My chest tightens, their words remind me of ones I spoke to them back when they were a new addition on my team. "Th-thank you. I just…don't want to slow you guys down…"
"Hey, what are you two doing back there? We need to stick together!" Delcatty calls from ahead. "Exploring 101; unless otherwise discussed before starting the mission, always stay with your other teammates. And always look for them if you get separated." She says with authority. "Sorry boss, will do," I laugh as we catch up with them.
We descend the dungeon, occasionally running into pokemon. Some watch us curiously, probably wondering why we're marching along with such purpose, while a few decide to spice things up with an attack. We've been dodging ghost type moves left and right. I tried Shadow Sneak, but I think my routine is off—the mismagius I hit barely looked phased. A ghost attack on a ghost type should've definitely had a bigger effect. Or maybe my attack power is just low. Dragalge had to bail me out with their Dragon Pulse, sending our opponent packing. If it was a match, I might have had them use Aqua Tail instead—it's got a higher attack power, but then again you do pay for it with the reduced accuracy…
I shake my head. I'm not their trainer here, just a regular teammate; what's important is that I focus on my own moves. If I think about theirs too much, I'll never be able to improve myself.
"No worries Gwen, it takes time to nail some moves," Delcatty reassures me. "I remember being on the other end of that Dragon Pulse though, wouldn't wanna be that mismagius right now!" She grins at Dragalge, who looks a little embarrassed.
We carry on, each trying our moves, while Delcatty leads. She gives us some basic pointers while also letting us take a little charge every now and then. With so many ghost types around, she's not able to utilize most of her attacks, but she's also not particular effected by theirs either.
As we walk, I feel a tile click into place under my foot. Looking down, the ground suddenly looks different—it's displaying a strange pattern. Is that…a trap? "Delcatty..?" I say, getting her attention, afraid to move. "Ooh Gwen, you landed on a Seal Trap! You're not gonna be able to use one of your moves until we're on the next floor!" "How…how do I know which move?" I say, feeling stupid and totally out of my element. "Uhh…hmm, if you don't know instinctively, then I guess you'll find out next time you can't use one," she shrugs. "But don't worry! We're bound to find the stairs soon!" She says, trying to lift my spirits.
We continue walking along a narrow path, which enters into a spacious room. There, with his back turned to us, huddled around a pile of treasures scattered in the corner, is the infamous Scraggy.
"Ok team, this is it!" Delcatty whispers. "Here's our guy! Now we want to go in carefully and—" "you there, thief! By order of the Exploration Center, you are under arrest!" Hoopa cries, rushing forward. Scraggy whirls around, dropping a handful of coins and wearing a panicked look. "I always wanted to say that!" Hoopa says, clapping their hands together and giggling.
"You'll never take me alive!" Scraggy yells, stuffing his treasures into a bag and slinging it over his shoulder. "Quick, get him!" Delcatty yells as we all rush forward. Dragalge unleashes a powerful Water Pulse, which Scraggy dodges, leaving them in my path for a Shadow Sneak.
…which I can't use. I go through the motions, and nothing happens. I guess that solves the mystery of the sealed move. Scraggy regards me quizzically, then blows a raspberry before hitting me squarely with a Headbutt. I'm knocked backwards, and feel about ready to faint. My defense can't be that low, can it? A move like that…it wouldn't have even slowed down one of my teammates, I think sourly.
As I struggle to stand, I find myself thinking about what to tell Dragalge to do next…maybe Sludge Bomb? It could leave Scraggy poisoned, or…
No! I'm not the trainer here! I only get to decide my own moves. Dragalge dives between us, using Water Pulse again. It hits, flinging Scraggy backwards. He lands on his front, tries to push himself up, and collapses.
"Woah, way to go Dragalge!" Decatty says, eyes alight. "No fair, they didn't let me get a turn," Hoopa pouts.
"Are you ok?" Dragalge says, ignoring them and studying me closely. The other two are both over me a moment later. "I…I'm alright…don't worry…" I groan, getting up. All this fuss…I feel so embarrassed. I just want to be able to battle alongside them, not make them feel like they have to…protect me.
"It's nothing to be ashamed of! If all your moves were working, I'm sure you'd have sent him packing!" Delcatty says, trying to cheer me up. "I…don't know about that…but thanks," I smile.
"Wow, my first real mission in a team! I can't believe it!" Hoopa cheers. "In your face, Scraggy!" They say, pointing at the partially unconscious pokemon. "Now now, Hoopa, a true explorer doesn't need to gloat in their victories. Much," Delcatty says with a small smile. "Well then, ready to head home?" Delcatty says, pulling out the badges from her bag. After all that, I'm more than ready to head back—I'm wiped. Delcatty hands out our badges, which we first shine on Scraggy, who disappears in a beam of light. "Ok, now use them on yourselves and we'll be back at the Center. See you there!" She says before demonstrating and disappearing. Hoopa goes next, looking giddy the whole time. "I guess they don't really need that, could probably just portal straight back to the Center themselves," Dragalge says. "True, but where's the fun in that?" I grin. I'm sure Hoopa's been dying to get their hands on one of these official badges for years.
"Are you sure you're alright?" Dragalge probes again, before we set off. I feel bad, making them worry—I hope the whole team isn't going to be so nervous about me exploring. "I'm fine, really. I think I'm still used to being more of a trainer than an actual battler is all," I laugh weakly, trying to reassure them. "Seriously though, I'm fine, don't worry! Thanks for having my back," I smile. "Of course! Whether here or in our world, you can count on it!" They reply, making my chest feel tight again.
"Well, the others are probably wondering what's taking so long. You ready?" I ask, to which they nod. "Alrighty, see you there," I say, then we shine out badges on ourselves and disappear in their light.
