Mission 31: Eliminate the Bully Dog

Mission 31 in Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days sends Roxas and Xion to Beast's Castle, where they decide to try an experiment to restore Xion's Keyblade.

Summary
''A Bully Dog has surfaced in Beast's Castle. Team up with Xion, find it, and eliminate it at once.''

Objectives

 * Track down the Bully Dog!
 * Don't get spotted!
 * Defeat the Bully Dog!

Story summary
Saïx refuses to send Roxas and Xion on anymore missions together after this one. In one last, desperate attempt to keep him from finding out about Xion's loss of power, Roxas lends her his Keyblade, hoping its familiar feel might bring back her ability to again summon her own, while Roxas uses a stick. It works; upon the defeat of the Bully Dog, Xion is able to summon her Keyblade once again. They celebrate with Axel and some sea-salt ice cream, expressing their wish that their friendships all continue forever.

Mission walkthrough
Before beginning the mission, it is important to note that because Roxas has a stick for the entire mission, his Strength stat will be severely reduced for the mission, but he still has access to magic. As such, Roxas's panels should consist largely of Magic panels. Ethers (and Hi-Ethers, if acquired) will also come in handy, though plenty of Ethers can be found in the mission's treasure chests.

The mission begins on the high platform of the secret passage. There are enemies all around, a couple of Mega-Shadows and Snapper Dogs apiece. It is possible to make a beeline for the exit to the West Hall, but it is not recommended because of the many treasure chests potentially missed.

Continue into the West Hall and beat more of the same Heartless until arriving at the south end. Once again, Roxas has to sneak past Cogsworth. This time, Cogsworth makes a roughly circular pattern in the center of the hall. He will occasionally make a quick glance, but for the most part stays looking in the direction he moves in. In spite of the narrower hall, it should be pretty easy.

Once in the Entrance Hall, it is a good idea to slip down into the main part. There's a Bulky Vendor waiting at the base of the stairs, as well as a couple of treasure chests. Due to the very small Strength stat of the stick, Roxas should have magic at the ready or make sure Xion is present. There are also a couple of Sergeants in the center, roughly between the two chests. Once the Heartless are all subdued, restore Roxas's magic with Ethers before heading into the Ballroom.

After a small scene, the fight against the Bully Dog begins. Make sure to nab the treasure chests at the Ballroom before engaging the Heartless. Fire magic in particular seems to hurt the Bully Dog. Finishing it off immediately results in an RTC.

Challenge Mission
Being capped at Lv.5 makes this mission tougher, and to get all three sigils, you have to complete this mission in less than 45 seconds, which is troublesome especially with having to sneak past Cogsworth. Remember, you're equipped with a stick for this mission, so forget physical attacks and go straight for magic. Have max Haste equipped so that you can run around to dodge the Dog's attacks, then cast Lv.5 Fire or Fira, and have plenty of them. It will be easier if you freeze the Dog with Blizzara before using a fire spell. Glide if you have to, but remember that speed is of the essence. Take out the dog quickly so that you don't lose a sigil while running back to the RTC point.

This will be one of the harder missions, as you are not only capped at Level 5, but the boss is far stronger, meaning that one hit will likely knock you out. The key here is to keep moving, using High Jump and Glide to fly around and avoid the Dog's attacks. Wait for an opening, then use Fire Magic to damage it. As you are equipped with a stick, you can't rely on a special Keyblade's power, so make sure that your Fire magic is at Lv.5 and that you have lots of it. Bring Elixirs to replenish your magic if necessary. You can still freeze the Dog with Blizzara before using fire magic if you want, but you won't really need to on this mission.

Treasures
fr:Mission 31: Battre le Cabot agressif