Mystery Dungeon Time- Episode: Floatzel Time

In Mystery Dungeon Time, the character Floatzel has been introduced as a more fun-loving Pokémon who gets a kick out of exploring for it's own sake, always enjoying the company of other Explorers.  However, what is it that makes him famous?  Why is he so capable of handling himself in any given situation?  And just where exactly does he go when he explores?  Finally, where was he during Team Alpha's adventure to Fireweed Village?  AKA: Chapter 7?

As it turns out, the first place he went to after they left, was his new place, where he was seen setting it up wih the Riolu Bro.

Sweating, Floatzel asked, "Seriously... how many things do you two have in that bag?"

"We don't know," said Rio, the blue Riolu.

Lu, the yellow Riolu, asked, "Why did you say the letter was for Mister Kirlia?"

Floatzel replied, "Hey, he's a smart guy.  When certain things go down, only he can piece them together.  As such, he's one of the top explorers in town."

"Better than Mister Charmeleon?" asked Rio.

"Exactly." Floatzel replied. "However, he never brags about, but instead sees Charmeleon as his equal.  I could tell that from the first time I talked with Charmeleon.  The two leaders have a lot of respect for each other, as you two probably noticed."

"I noticed," said Rio.

Floatzel then asked, "Though I am wondering about the letter you guys got..."

"You mean...the one from our parents?" asked Rio.

"No, the other one for Fang." Floatzel answered. "What, did a bumbling Fire-type just pop out of nowhere and give it to you somewhere?"

"Uh...yeah," Lu answered.

"Am I THAT bumbling?" Entering the new place was a male Delphox who had a cool, benevolent air to himself.

Floatzel tossed an Apple to the stranger. "Please, come in.

"Thank you," said the Delphox as he entered.

"So what brings you to this town?" Floatzel asked.

"Oh, you know, just visiting the guild my daughter goes to, and checking out the sights.  No biggie." The Delphox replied.

Floatzel then asked, "So... heard of any neat Mystery Dungeons lately?  Considering that both you and I are Explorers, I was just wondering if you knew any neat places."

"Oh, just a few," said Delphox.

Floatzel then replied, "Really?  Huh... do go on."

The Riolu Bros nodded their heads eagerly.

Delphox thought for a bit, then asked, "Ever heard... of Spirited Ruins?"

"Spirited...Ruins?" the Riolu Bros repeated with a look of dread.

Floatzel had a look of sheer excitement. "Ohohohohohohoh... this is going to be exciting..."

"If you think Ghost-types, Ground-types and Shedinjas are fun, who am I to stop you?" Delphox said.

"Ghosts?!" Rio and Lu cried.

"Anything else I should know?" Floatzel asked.

"Yeah, actually," Delphox said. "No one's ever returned from there."

Floatzel asked, "This isn't like that whole Shell Caverns myth that teaches children to not wander off into unknown places, is it?  Because Officer Druddigon is pretty good at making sure kids return safely from that place."

"I'm afraid it's not like Shell Caverns, unfortunately." Delphox replied, before sighing contently. "Hearing about that place gives back old memories..."

The Riolu Bros embraced fearfully.

Floatzel looked at the Riolu Bros, and assured them, "Relax, bros.  I'm not going into anything I can't handle."

"I was actually gonna head there myself." Delphox said. "Though, considering how one of the Regis are moving over to the Mystery Dungeon me and my brother set up, I can't stay in this town for long."

Floatzel nodded. "I see... Fair enough.  Though, would you consider moving to this village afterwards?  Considering how this town has an Explorer-friendly environment, I think you and I could become friends soon."

"Maybe..." Delphox replied.

Lu spoke up. "Uh, Floatzel?  When you go exploring, who's gonna watch me and Rio?"

"How about Miss Lopunny?" asked Floatzel.

"That's... not a bad choice, actually." Rio answered.

"Besides," Floatzel added, "you two will get to know the town better."

"Even Buneary," said Lu with a blush on his face.

"You know what?" Delphox said. "I'll take you to Spirited Ruins when I head out."

"Sounds good," said Floatzel.  He then turned to the Riolu Bros. "Listen up, little dudes.  I want you two to act like civilized people, alright?  Maybe just, I dunno, check up on Team Clashers.  Whatever you guys want." He quickly added, "Within reason, of course."

"Okay," said Rio and Lu.

And so, Floatzel and Delphox stepped out of Floatzel's place, and into the grand expanse.

"Be good, boys!" Floatzel called out to the Riolu Bros.

On the trip to Spirited Ruins, Floatzel asked, "So where exactly did you learn your exploring skills?  I remember going to a guild for mine."

"...I learned on my own," Delphox answered.

"So you took the free-styling route?" Floatzel asked. "Well then, the Exploration Federation probably visited you only on days where you'd jump up a rank."

Delphox smiled. "Being an indie explorer the entire time has its perks, you know."

Floatzel then said, "Really?  What was it like?"

"Well, at first, you feel...free, you know what I mean?" asked Delphox. "Like you're at one with the world."

"I can dig that." Floatzel replied.

"But the more you go out there," Delphox started, " the more you realize...it's not just freedom, anymore. It's about experience and discovery."

"And is that what drives you to be an explorer in the first place?" Floatzel asked.

"That and the chance to make new friends," Delphox added.

"Welcome to the club." Floatzel said.

"Anyways, we should be at Spirited Ruins right... now." Delphox said.

Floatzel looked up and whistled.

The Spirit Ruins was more or less a sight to behold. It was a giant stone temple with runes carved into the walls and columns, which were cracked and covered in moss and ivy, signifying its age. It had this "turn back" kind of feel to it.

Of course, Floatzel was intrigued. "So this is the place, eh?"

"That's right," Delphox said.

My daughter would have a heart attack going here, he thought.

Floatzel spoke up. "You know, the moment I complete this place, Team Alpha is going to check this place out."

"Oh, I believe that," Delphox said.

Floatzel then asked, "Hey, shouldn't you be evacuating an entire Mystery Dungeon from a Regis invasion right now?"

"Oh, right!" Delphox exclaimed in realization.  He then handed Floatzel 600 Poke. "In any case, may we meet again soon... and good luck with this place." With that, he walked onwards, towards Fireweed Village.

Nice guy... Floatzel thought.  He then turned to the ruins. Looks like I have my work cut out for me...

With that, he entered.

The first floor was filled with stone remains, lit torches, and the like, with various Ghost-types wandering around.

"I... might need some help..." Floatzel said.

Just then, a Haunter spotted him.

Floatzel prepared himself. "Alright, time for a Hydro-"

"That won't be necessary."

Upon an instant, the Haunter was taken down with a Night Slash.  Standing before Floatzel... was a Bisharp.

Floatzel smirked. "Well well... didn't expect to run into YOU again... eh, friendo?"

"Small world, I'd say," said Bisharp.

Floatzel walked towards Bisharp. "First you're a top explorer back at the old guild, then you cut a throat of a Zorua, then you sell some illegal Berries." Stopping, he added, "But then you straighten up, and finally join the police."

"A lot has happened over the last month." Bisharp answered.

What made you shape up?" Floatzel asked.

"...My little brother," Pawniard replied.

Floatzel then said, "Okay, I know Pawniard is important to you and all, but I get a feeling that's not the only reason you shaped up."

"To be honest," Bisharp said, "a lot of crazy things have been happening lately.  Mount Steel was hit with a sudden snowstorm 3 days ago.  The day after, Toxicroak is turned in.  And as we speak, the new Team Alpha is making progress in Fireweed Village on the same day that Regice is supposed to strike there." He looked at Floatzel. "And given the new expedition's timing, well... someone has to step in to make sure things run smoothly."

"So what brings you here?" Floatzel asked.

Bisharp looked down at him. "I was going to ask you the same thing."

"Touché..." Floatzel conceded.

Bisharp then spoke up. "Call me paranoid, but this place would be the perfect next place for Team Alpha to go to.  However... someone has to clear this place before others do the same."

"So you were sent here, then." Floatzel guessed.

"Yep," Bisharp replied.

Floatzel stretched. "Well... why not tag along, like old times?"

"Why not?" Bisharp said, rolling his shoulder and making it pop.

They shook on it.

"Now... let's look around for a little bit." Floatzel said.

"Got it," Bisharp said.

And so, Floatzel and Bisharp wondered around, until Floatzel stumbled upon something interesting. "Oh look, a Sitris Berry!"

But as he was about to get it, Bisharp grabbed him and pulled him away.

"Hold it!" he cried.

At that moment, a cheerful Panpour popped up. "Oh, nonononononono... feel free to have my Berry!"

"Something else..." Bisharp spoke up. "There's different floors to this place, this one being the Rain Floor."

"Alright, then!" Floatzel replied in cheer.  He then picked the berry up.

The Panpour then asked, "So... now what?"

tell you what you can do."

Panpour paled before turning around...only for a Gastly to scare him half to death using, what else, Scary Face.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!" Panpour screamed.

Floatzel faced the Ghastly. "HYDRO BLAST!!" He fired off an intense gush of water, totally drowning the Ghastly.

"Thank you...!" Panpour squeaked.

"Hey, no problem." Floatzel replied.

The Panpour then took a look at Floatzel and Bisharp, and realized, "Woah... two famous explorers in the same floor... I'm... feeling... woozy..."

"You're not gonna faint on us, are ya?" Floatzel asked.

Bisharp spoke up. "Well to be perfectly fair, he IS in the presence of two famous explorers, you know."

The Panpour straightened himself up. "Nah... it's cool... anyways, mind if i warp out of here?  I wanna go to this place called Emerald Village.  I heard it was a nice place to be at."

"Sure thing," Floatzel said before he tossed him a Warp Seed. "Heads up!"

Panpour caught the seed in his mouth, and warped away.

"Say, have you been to the Krookodile Guild, Bisharp?" Floatzel asked.

"Not yet," Bisharp answered.

"Well you HAVE heard of it, haven't you?" Floatzel asked.

"Of course I have," Bisharp answered. "I'm not slow."

"Alright, I admit that was a stupid question." Floatzel said.

Bisharp replied, "Anyways, it's gonna be kind of a big deal, going on an expedition again."

"You're gonna love hanging out with Team Alpha, I'll assure you that." Floatzel said.

"Can't wait," Bisharp said.

"Also, I heard that when you were in town, you owned up to Team Clashers." Floatzel said. "That was pretty big of you, I gotta say."

"Well...I just felt like I had to get rid of some old demons," said Bisharp. "Know what I mean?"

"I hear ya." Floatzel answered. "And I gotta say, you did pretty good restoring your name."

"Well, there are still some 'mons out there that are unconvinced that I'm on the straight and narrow," Bisharp said. "Whatever. Not like I need everyone's approval."

"And if we're gonna be honest here," Floatzel added, "60% of them are probably Pokémon in Mystery Dungeons to begin with, so really, most of them don't have good judgement to begin with."

"Anyways, let's just find some stairs, alright?" Bisharp asked.

"Right," Floatzel answered.

And, sure enough, they stumbled upon just that: a set of stairs that led up. "This aught to be good..." Floatzel said.

"You first," Bisharp said, holding his hand up.

And so, Floatzel led Bisharp up the stairs.

Reaching the top of the stairs, they stumbled upon a flame room, with fire blowing all over the place.

"Woah... don't see this everyday..." Floatzel remarked.

"Good thing you're here," Bisharp said.

"Being a pure Water-type has its perks, ya know." Floatzel replied. "For instance, if I wanted, I could use Surf."

"Only thing is if you did," Bisharp started, "you'd hit me, too."

"Augh... don't remind me..." Floatzel moaned. "It was better back in Gen Thre-he-he..."

"Stop being such a pansy." Bisharp said. "That move was becoming WAY too broken, and you know it."

Floatzel replied, "But that's why it's fun..."

Bisharp sneered at him before shaking his head.

"Just get moving," he said. "I'm melting in this place!"

Floatzel sighed. "Fine... we can do Rainy Day instead..." He clapped his hands. "Rainy Day, please."

Rain soon begin to fall in the floor for some reason.

"Haaa..." Bisharp sighed, smiling in relief. "Thanks."

"No problemo, friendo." Floatzel replied.

Several Litwicks began to look weaker. "Ugh...rain...!!" one groaned.

Bisharp pointed to a set of stairs. "We should be good to go."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Floatzel asked.

Bisharp answered, "Well... what are we gonna do about the Litwicks?"

"They'll be fine," Floatzel said. "Look."

The Litwick took shelter under some rocks to keep their flames from going out.

"Neat..." Bisharp said. "So... now what?"

"What else?" Floatzel asked. "We continue on."

Bisharp was surprised. "That's rich, coming from you."

Floatzel put his arms up. "Okay, the hypocrisy is not lost on me.  But seriously, what would be in here to look for?"

"Resources, of course," said Bisharp.

At that, Floatzel sighed. "Alright, good point... also, this place's history should be checked out as well."

"I agree," Bisharp said.

Floatzel spotted a tablet. "Hello?  What does this read?"

Bisharp looked at the tablet.

"This is written in an ancient language," the Dark/Steel-type said. "I think I can make it out."

"Well shoot," Floatzel said. "Go ahead.  Me?  I'm gonna look at some of the writings on the walls."

Bisharp squinted as he read the tablet.

Floatzel was looking at one of the walls, when he saw something interesting. "Woah... what is that?" He stumbled upon a huge golem-looking picture.

It looked like it was attacking a Garchomp.  And not only was it attacking the Garchomp, but it was slamming the Garchomp in the jaw!

"Ouch...." Floatzel said. "Talk about hardcore..."

Then he saw something behind the figure...it looked like a Sylveon, holding an Eevee in its paws. The golem stood between it and the Garchomp.

Floatzel then moved onto the next picture in the sequence, which featured the golem in question, seemingly signing an autograph on a nearby boulder.

"Why would a huge golem... sign an autograph...?" Floatzel wondered.

"Hey, Floatzel!" Bisharp called out. "I think I found something interesting on here!"

"What's up?" Floatzel asked as he went over to him.

Bisharp replied, "Apparently, people in the past made these golems, or golem Pokemon, called Gollettes and Golurks.  They were originally made to guard villages, transport other Pokemon to places a lot faster, and even to help build villages and the such, among other labor."

"So what caught your interest?" Floatzel asked.

"Apparently, one of them decided to chase fame, glory, and become a star in the name of exploring." Bisharp answered.  He looked at Floatzel. "No, you did not hear that wrong."

"Actually, I believe it," Floatzel answered.

"The kicker is that the tablet was signed with the Golurk's autograph." Bisharp handed the tablet to Floatzel.

"...Wow," Floatzel muttered. "Talk about self-advertisement."

"I think the Golurk will be at the top of these ruins." Bisharp said. "Glory seeking though it may be, it cannot be denied that it is capable of those things."

"That's true," Floatzel concurred.

"Well then." Bisharp said. "Shall we?"

"Let's," Floatzel answered, cracking his knuckles.

They soon enough came across the stairs.

"Going up," Bisharp said.

The next floor they went up to was more nature themed, with vegetation being everywhere.

Floatzel whistled, impressed.

"Well, I'll be," he said. "There are even berry bushes growing in here!"

"I suggest we restock." Bisharp replied. "I don't detect any Ghost-types in here, so we should be alright."

"Sounds good to me," Floatzel said. "Besides, with us facing that Golurk guy, we'll need as many berries as we can get."

"As always, very thought out for you, Floatzel." Bisharp commended.

"I do what I can," said Floatzel, juggling a few berries in his paws.

A Ludicolo, of all Pokémon, popped up. "Eh... ese...!  How it is?"

Floatzel replied, "Do we... know you?"

"Yeah, I don't think I've seen you before," said Bisharp.

"Bisharp, I think we gotta knock him out." Floatzel said.

"I agree," Bisharp added.

"Oh.  Oh no." The Ludicolo said. "Time for a FIESTA!!  ¡¡AIE AIE AIEE!!"

"I got quite the insane attack here..." Floatzel said.  Backing away, he cried, "HYPER BEAM!!" The massively destructive beam attack hit the Ludicolo, causing the Ludicolo to faint on the spot.

Bisharp spoke up. "Ever considered diversifying your move set?  Because that was kinda overkill."

"Yeah, maybe so," Floatzel concurred.  He then crouched down due to exhaustion. "Man... that attack really exhausted me..."

Bisharp replied, "Well then... let's wait for a turn.  Then, we can move on."

"Good call," Floatzel said.

And so, they waited a turn.  After that while, Floatzel became hungry. "Bisharp, check my bag to see if there's any Big Apples, alright?"

"Sure thing," Bisharp said, rummaging through the bag.

Floatzel turned around, and found the next set of stairs. "Looks like we lucked out."

"Here you are," Bisharp said, handing him a Big Apple.

Floatzel then began eating the Big Apple. "Okay, letsh go..." He said with his mouth full.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Bisharp chastised.

"Bite me..." Floatzel replied.

Bisharp sighed. "You really haven't changed that much, have you?"

Floatzel only let out a burp in response.

With that, they climbed upwards.  When they entered, it went right back to spooky.

Not only were shadows a plenty, but the atmosphere was darker too, with more of a Gothic feel to the floor.  In short, this was the Dark floor.

"Man, I'm getting some serious déjà vu here..." Bisharp said.

Floatzel replied, "You know, for a set of ruins, this place is pretty high."

"Yeah," said Bisharp. "You think Golurk is here?"

"Let's be real here:" Floatzel replied, "Do you REALLY think that Golurk would be in a room full of Dark-types?"

"Good point," Bisharp surmised.

"I'm surprised that Golurk would have a floor like this to begin with." Floatzel said. "Then again... considering this Pokemon's achievements, it wouldn't surprise me that it would have installed this floor for security measures."

"And given that Golurk is one of the rare Ground-types to learn fly..." Bisharp mused, before looking up. "It's a safe bet that the top floor will be the roof.  AKA: the Flight floor.  AKA: where Golurk is."

"Yeah," Floatzel said.

After a pause, Bisharp said, "Let's find some stairs, alright?"

"Right," Floatzel nodded.

And so, in the dark floor, Floatzel searched, and searched... and searched... when suddenly, a Zoroark leapt out at Floatzel.

"Bisharp, hook me up..." Floatzel said.

"You got it," Bisharp said, handing Floatzel a Quick Seed.

"Hydro Blast." Floatzel chanted.

The Zoroark was soon hit with a blast of water.  Having blasted through the wall, the Zoroark had fainted, creating a hole that brought light in as a result.

"Finally, I can see in here..." Floatzel said.

"It's beautiful," Bisharp said with a smile.

True enough, the floor began to illuminate.

"Ahh, yeah," Floatzel sighed.

They were soon able to find the stairs that led to the top.

"Shouldn't we look around for supplies first?" Floatzel asked. "After all, we're facing off against a HUGE boss at the top."

"I couldn't agree more," said Bisharp.  He then added, "Let me check our supplies first, though.  For all we know, we could be set for the match."

"Good call," Floatzel said.

And so, they briefly checked through the bag, and found that it was quite full. "We're good." Floatzel said.

"Then let's go," Bisharp said.

And so, they began climbing up.  Once they reached the top, they were greeted with a beautiful view from way high up.

"Woah..." they both said in awe.

It was truly a magnificent balcony, with a pillar standing high on each corner.   In the air, plenty of Flying-Types had flown around, making their dominance known.  At the center, a giant stone seat was placed at the center, with a deactivated golem sitting on it, awaiting to be re-activated.

"I guess this is the guy," Floatzel said.

"When do you think he'll be activated?" Bisharp asked.

Floatzel shrugged at this.  Upon the shrug, however, a deep rumbling was felt.

Tell me that was your stomach," Bisharp said.

"Sorry, but no," Floatzel replied.

Bisharp sighed in false relief. "Good thing then, because otherwise, I'd have to cut your throat to shut you up."

"...Easy with the dark humor." Floatzel said nervously. "And I don't think that's a reason to celebrate..."

The giant golem began to rise from its seat. "I. AM. GOLUUUUUUUUUUUUURK!!!" it boomed. "AND," it continued, before switching to a low, but more mellow voice, "it is quite rare for me to have company up here.  Seriously, two centuries can give you quite the rusty joints." To prove his point, he rolled his shoulders, which made unpleasant creaking sounds.

Bisharp winced in pain. "Ugh... that's gotta hurt..."

The Golurk then looked at the two explorers, and asked, "Hmm?  Are you two fans who have marched all the way over here to see my magnificent glory?  If so, then it is time for me to return!"

"Uh...we're not fans," Floatzel said.

"Explorers, then?" Golurk asked.

"That's right," Floatzel replied.

"Well then that's very good." Golurk answered. "Anyways, since I've rested enough, it is high time that I begin my stride back into the world of exploring once again.  Mind if we fight in a match?"

Floatzel held a smile. "Sounds like fun... alright, I'm in..."

I'm in, too," Bisharp answered.

"Careful," said Floatzel. "You might half Dark-type, but you're also half Steel-type, too. This guy here's supposed to be a Ghost/Ground-type."

"Very well," Bisharp said. "I'll leave any Ground-type attacks to you, my friend."

"One more thing:" Golurk added, "I can shift into a Mach 7 mode of jet propulsion flight.  In short, when I use Fly, it will go fast, it will go far, and it will hurt like hell."

"That won't be much of a problem for me," said Bisharp.

"Still," Floatzel said, "this is Mach 7 we're talking about."

"I'm half Steel-type," said Bisharp.

"Oh~!" Floatzel realized. "Never mind, let's do this thing."

No sooner did he say this, Golurk took on the form of a cannon.

The Golurk began charging a Solar Beam.

"Uh... Bisharp?" Floatzel asked.

"I don't think I can do anything about that!" Bisharp said. "RUN!!"

"SOLAR BEAM!!" Golurk shouted.

He fired at the two explorers, who dodged the attack.  The beam fired out into the sky, having it lit forever more.

Golurk switched to regular combat mode. "Now, it is time that you felt the power... of Mach 7 flight." He then retracted his legs and feet in, and immediately began blasting off at jet speeds.

Then, he dive-bombed right for Floatzel and Bisharp.

The moment air started to ignite around Golurk, Bisharp said, "On second thought... this might not be safe for the both of us..."

"LOOK OUT!!" Floatzel yelled.

At that moment, an idea suddenly popped up in Floatzel's head. Wait... what if I use THAT move..? He took a stance, and shouted, "HYDRO BLAST!!" He unleashed a powerful torrent of water.

The water hit Golurk dead-on, causing him to crash into the floor near Floatzel and Bisharp.

"That was close," said Bisharp.

Floatzel snarked, "What gave that away?  The crater that just formed?"

"Oh, bite me," Bisharp snarked back.

"Could we please resume the match?" Golurk asked politely.

"Yeah, yeah," Floatzel said, dusting off his arms.

"EARTHQUAKE!!" Golurk slammed both arms down, causing massive tremors.

Bisharp stumbled, beginning to lose his balance.

"I gotcha." Floatzel said, putting Bisharp on his back.

"Thanks," Bisharp said.

"No... problem..." Floatzel replied. "Just... gotta... work... through... the... pain..."

"Whoa!" Bisharp cried. "Look alive! Here he comes again!!"

"ACTIVATE HEAVY ARM." Golurk slammed a huge arm down towards Floatzel and Bisharp.

Bisharp caught the fist with both hands, but strained under the weight.

Floatzel walked forward. "Now, if you don't mind me, I was just gonna release another Hydro Blast." Yet another heavy surge of water blasted Golurk, causing him to stumble and fall back.

Bisharp promptly returned to Floatzel, heavily battered. "Geez, what is he MADE of?!"

"No wonder people don't return alive from this place." Floatzel noted.

Golurk slowly got up. "Actually, there's a different reason... for that..."

"Is there, now?" Bisharp inquired.

"Beat me first." Golurk answered.

"So be it," Bisharp said before using his Night Slash attack. "Night Slash."

From the darkness imbued slash, Golurk stumbled and fell back, saying, "Well... you did good..."

"It wasn't easy, of course," Bisharp said.

Golurk bowed to Bisharp and Floatzel. "Well then, I have been beaten.  So... you two want to know where I take all those explorers, right?"

"Ya think?" Floatzel asked, bluntly.

Golurk put his hands down. "Then grab a seat."

Floatzel and Bisharp looked at each other before they shrugged.

Golurk grabbed them both. "Mach 7, here we go."

"...Hey, Bisharp?" Floatzel asked. "You got a paper bag, just in case?"

"Have one in my own bag, just in case we run into a moment like this." Bisharp answered.

"Can I have it, please?" Floatzel asked.

"Here." Bisharp tossed the bag.

Thanks."

"No worries."

"Fly!" Golurk blasted off, taking Floatzel and Bisharp through the skies.

"THIS IS WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT!!!" Floatzel shouted.  Not long after, he gagged.

Being surprisingly controlled the entire time, Golurk flew the two explorers all the south over to a mountainous hot spring, where quite a few Pokemon were relaxing.

Slowing down, Golurk said, "Welcome to Highland Spring.  This is where I bring the Pokemon to after I defeat them."

"Impressive," Bisharp said.

A Torkoal looked up, and spoke up. "Eh...?  Looks like you brought some young'uns this time."

Floatzel asked, "So, wait... all this time, Explorers were just ending up at this nice ol' spring and setting up a village nearby?"

"Yeah..." Torkoal answered. "This is Stoneheight Village."

Bisharp spoke up. "Well, I'm Officer Bisharp, and I'll be happy to report that explorers do not get lost in Spirited Ruins.  Instead, we'll establish this place as another haven for Explorers, if that's alright with you."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," said Golurk.

on the map, right?  Then you got it."

Floatzel smiled. "I like this plan.  Having a place full of Explorers is my idea of progress."

"Plus, this could be like a resort spot for the other Explorers," Bisharp said.

"And as for me," Golurk said, "I think I would like to restore my Explorer credentials, and then, after that... I gotta find a place to move in."

Floatzel and Bisharp looked at each other before they grinned.

"I think I know another place you can live at..." Floatzel said. "Ever heard of Emerald Village?"

Golurk looked down, intrigued.

At that, Floatzel started walking. "Well, we're off, guys.  Follow me."

"You all take it easy, now," Bisharp said as he followed.

So eventually, they all walked back to Emerald Village, where on arrival, Bisharp was greeted by Officer Drudigon. "Okay, I was waiting patiently at the police station to see how things went from afar, but then I figured that you would be at this place, of all places." After that, he asked, "So how did Spirited Ruins go, and who's the big guy?"

"Long story," Floatzel answered.

Bisharp spoke up. "Basically, the big guy, known as Golurk, yes, THAT Golurk, flew any and all explorers who visited Spirited Ruins to Highland Spring in Stoneheight Village.  The reason nobody was recorded to return to the outside until today was because Stonehieght Village wasn't recognized on any maps, something that I decided to fix."

Golurk spoke up. "As for me, I decided to finally head out of the Mystery Dungeon to live as an Explorer again, and maybe move here."

"Did that come through okay?" Floatzel asked.

Officer Druddigon replied, "Yes it has.  We've now established Stoneheight Village as another domain for Explorers to come together to.  And Spirited Ruins will now be open for more Explorers to go to."

"Excellente," Floatzel grinned.

Golurk then said, "I'll make a place of my own in this town." He walked towards Emerald Forest. "I gotta get some materials for my new place, so I'll see you later." With that, he wondered off.

"Is it just me, or do we have more progress for explorers everywhere going on?" Krookodile, of all people, popped up. "I've been monitoring you two, and I must say, you guys truly do make a team."

"Well, thanks," Floatzel said.

"Anyways," Krookodile continued, "if you're wondering about Team Alpha, well... let's just say that they're gonna reach your status in a short amount of time."

"That so?" Floatzel asked. "Yo, Bisharp! You hear that?"

"Looks like you won't be the only certified Explorer around here for long." Bisharp said to Floatzel.

The Water-type chuckled.

"Well... it's time to call it a night, now." Floatzel said.

"Yeah, I'm bushed," Bisharp said, stifling a yawn.

That was when Floatzel asked, "Mind staying at my place for the night?"

"As long as I got a roof over my head," said Bisharp.

And so, Floatzel and Bisharp walked over to Floatzel's place, where the Riolu Bros were waiting.

boys!" Floatzel said. "Look who's back!"

"Floatzel!" the Riolu Bros. cheered as they ran to him and hugged him. Floatzel was a bit taken back, but he smiled and pet them on the head, nonetheless.

Bisharp spoke up. "Mind introducing me to them, Floatzel?"

"These two are Rio and Lu," Floatzel said, "formerly known as the Riolu Spy Bros."

"Wait...these two are those child spies?" Bisharp asked.

"Former child spies." Rio corrected. "We've been living with a more positive influence starting with yesterday when Floatzel took us in."

"Well," Bisharp said, "as long as the shoe fits."

"Oh, it fits," Lu said.

Floatzel then said, "By the way, you know Officer Pyroar?  His son was previously the one watching them."

"I heard about that." Bisharp replied. "Anyways, tomorrow's a new day, so who knows what'll happen?"

"Right," Floatzel agreed. "Time to hit the hay."

And so, Floatzel and Bisharp soon went to sleep, awaiting the next day.  However, since it was storming outside, both of them were still awake.

Floatzel sat up. "Is it just me... or did this storm come out of nowhere?"

"I'm surprised those brothers are asleep," Bisharp quipped.

"Eh... They're in a more cozy place.  I think that was inevitable." Floatzel answered.

"That's true," Bisharp said. "You make a pretty good parent, Floatzel."

"Big bro figure is more accurate." Floatzel answered. "Anyways, I heard that you were assigned for that one really big expedition thing."

"Well, it was on a whim, mostly," Bisharp shrugged.

Floatzel countered, "Then again, Krookodile was involved.  I doubt that was on a whim."

Bisharp looked at Floatzel, who smirked. "What will you do in the meantime?" Bisharp asked.

"Eh," Floatzel shrugged.

"Good night, Floatzel..." Bisharp said.

"See ya in the morning, Bisharp," Floatzel said.

And with that, Floatzel and Bisharp rested up for the next morning, ready to tackle anything the next day might bring them.

In other words, THAT is what Floatzel did during Chapter 7.