Exploring a Pair of Palaces

February 29, 2016

I started this leg of my journey by stocking up on Pokeballs and healing items. Upon attempting to leave town, a helpful bystander tells me I needed to stop by the castle. Ah. As soon as I entered, its proprietor (a karate master?) whisks away on some urgent business. I took a tour of Shabboneau Castle and found it to be utterly empty and uninteresting. Maybe I’d finally be able to leave town?

Alas, I could. Immediately upon leaving, I found a fork in the road. For no particular reason, I decided to stay on Route 7 going west instead of jutting northwest on Route 6. Tempted by a side path, I detoured and discovered a kindly old man seeking help with a berry grove. While it would be good to have access to berries and their various benefits, I was interested in continuing my journey.

My travels stopped short as I happened upon a Snorlax blocking a road. Uh oh! That must mean I need to find the Pokeflute. The karate master mentions a rival castle has it and my traveling companion mentions that we can find said castle beyond Route 6. Off we go!

Parfum Palace

A couple trainer battles later and I arrive at the palace. Predictably, it’s a stark contrast to Shabboneau Castle’s rather spartan decor. Parfum is huge, boasting opulent gold statues and well-manicured gardens. I grumble about having to pay my way in (1,000 poke dollars is a lot of money at this stage in the game), and meet the castle’s distraught owner. He’s missing is doggy Furfrou. He seems whiny, stuff, and self-important, so I’m disinclined to help, even though I know he’s the key to progressing.

I take a few minutes to explore the palace grounds and collect some helpful items; chief among them, HM01 — finally, Cut! I eventually find the dog in the back of the garden and work with my friend to capture it. We watch a fireworks show and ask to borrow the flute. The jerky owner of the castle reluctantly hands it over.

I spend some time in the tall grass looking for treasure, fighting trainers, and collecting new monsters. I’m particularly interested in Honedge (Steel/Ghost-type is a compelling combination; also, it’s a giant sword) and Nincada (bug types tend to be a favorite of mine).

Finally, I take on Snorlax. My Beedrill does a great job whittling down his HP, then I send in Ivysaur to put him to sleep for a relatively easy capture. Sweet! The Parfum guy comes by and snidely allows Karate Master to keep the flute and we all part ways.

Before saving for the night, I discovered the Pokemon Day Care. I’ll be experimenting with breeding in the future….