- Chapter 17: In the Hands of Fate -
Where they were going, Krista didn't have a clue. She only agreed to follow Grove because she had to. She didn't say a word because she didn't want to risk a scolding. Although, to be lectured felt unavoidable since the walk grew unbearably long. Vigor merely gave Krista a preview of what Grove was capable of.
As the silence lingered, Krista started to wonder if Grove was angry with her at all. She looked worried sick, if anything. That was to be expected.
If she chewed out Tidal and Frost, then why was Krista spared? She was just as careless—she knows she was. The silence was weighing down on her. Perhaps that was her punishment: to be crushed by anticipation.
Krista glanced at Grove, but all she could see was the bundle of leaves that formed her tail. Her hooves continued to fill the air with their rhythm. All Krista could do was drum her paws together as she followed. The walls looked a lot more interesting, somehow.
They turned down another hall, following the same path Dusk disappeared into. The air was restless with endless activity. A pair of Chansey carried a wounded Manectric on a stretcher. Krista reeled back at the sight of reddened bandages wrapped around its leg. An Audio hurried past, carrying a tray of supplies. An Indeedee was checking a bulletin that hung in the hall, clipboard in hand. They passed several rooms hidden behind curtains. Krista couldn't see what was behind them, but she knew there were Pokémon inside. The scent of berries were stronger in some places. Again, the smell of cleanliness failed to mask the stuffy air of sickness that was almost everywhere. Krista covered her nose.
How they managed a hospital with such a strange structure was another mystery Krista could only assume worked fine for so long. It still worried her. How was any of it not hazardous? What if a Pokémon was terribly sick? Mere curtains wouldn't stop it from spreading.
Her heart desired answers, but from what she experienced so far, she knew it was best to not ask such questions directly. As they passed a door, the sound of heavy coughing made Krista pick up the pace. She glanced back, feeling her face tense.
"Yes, I am not so fond of being down here either," Grove said.
Krista realized she was walking alongside her flank. Grove's focus was straight ahead, but perhaps she noticed how close Krista was.
"It's easier to treat Pokémon who are isolated from heavy activity. The patients find comfort in that as well. Down here, it's dark and cool. Makes it easier to sleep. Sleep is the best medicine."
They passed a Monferno, who was limping with what looked like a pair of crutches made of sanded wood. It kept its casted foot off the ground with every hop. An Indeedee accompanied it, watching its every step. Grove dipped her head towards them both, and they did so in return.
The doctor and patient kept looking at her…no. They were watching Krista, waiting. Heat flooded her face, as she tried to pin down what they could be looking for. She could only think to dip her head. It was a bit awkward, but they didn't judge her for it. They returned the gesture and carried on their way.
"Wooden legs. Wraps that mend the worst wounds. Yes, the humans were geniuses when it came to their healing practices," Grove said. "Stories spoke of how they would take the venom of an Arbok and reverse it somehow, turning it into an antidote that treats their bites. Stories spoke of how humans knew the anatomy of their bodies so well, they knew how to fix the most delicate areas without the process leading to chaos. Some stories even claimed they knew how to reattach limbs so they could merge and function as if nothing ever happened."
"That…sounds very cool," Krista said with a forced smile. She already knew those things, although she doubted she could do them herself.
"Pokémon have tried to replicate the practice for generations, but there are simply some things they could never figure out. Although, there has been some luck with the elixirs. Turns out all you need are aged leppa berries. It's much stronger that way, especially in liquid form. Although, perhaps the humans added some extra ingredients.
"Liquid potions remain a mystery. It would be nice to reduce a handful of sitrus berries to one bottle, but until then, we will just have to rely on ancient techniques. Your bandages, for example, had been soaked in sitrus juice. It amplifies your natural healing process."
Krista touched the bandage. That explained the odd color.
"It's quite amusing how often you hear stories of humans. They had such a strong influence on Pokémon. But as it seems, they are becoming a mere legend. They haven't been seen on this land for centuries, after all. Perhaps their stories were made up? Perhaps humans never existed at all? What do you think?"
Krista's heart jumped. "Uh…"
Grove slowed to a stop. "Whoever you believe wisdom came from, whether or not you think those legends are true, it all led to the existence of this hospital. It's not as impressive, but it is why Pineno will see a full recovery very soon. He's in good hands."
Krista felt the tension leave her body. He was okay.
He was going to be okay.
"Come, child. We are almost out."
The pair navigated through several more halls. They past branched paths and a flight of spiraling stairs. They made sharp turns and weaved around nurses and doctors. Soon, they reached the end where a massive circular stone platform sat. Eight massive ropes stood straight up around the rim, stretching high beyond the ceiling. There was no door, no cage.
Several steps closer, and they stood before the strange structure. The ceiling ended right before the large space. The chargestone-lined walls stretched high, so high that there was no way to reach the top without wings. If it weren't for the soft blue glow, Krista wouldn't be able to make out the top. It looked so tiny from where she stood, but she knew it was mere perspective. They had to be several floors underground.
The ropes couldn't be for climbing. A closer look at the platform, and it appeared to be floating just a few inches of the ground.
"Is…that a lift?" Krista asked.
Grove glanced back with a smile. "You have the face of uncertainty. Don't worry. It's completely safe." As stepped on, her hooves clacked loud on the surface. The floating platform gently swayed in response to the added weight.
It didn't make Krista feel any better. As she stepped up to join her, it was cold underneath her feet. It rocked ever so slightly every time they moved. There was no sense of balance. She was forced to drop to all fours just so she would feel more anchored.
Grove offered her a vine. Krista took it.
"We are going up. Would you like to see?" Grove extended her second vine towards the edge of the platform. She swatted something, and it slid around the rim.
It was one of the blue stones…two of them. They picked up momentum as they chased each other. The air buzzed as they reacted to the stones embedded in the walls. The bolts jumped between them like jagged webs.
The lift started to rise.
Krista watched as the ropes moved downward. They were fixed in place. She realized they were not there to support the lift, but to keep it from moving out of place. The lift had no anchors. No pulleys. No chains. It operated alone, with only two blue stones that never stopped moving.
"Magnetism," Grove said. "The chargestones pull at the ones anchored here in hopes to hold on to it, but the ropes prevent them from connecting. Instead, we move up. More chargestones react and pull us forward. It's a slow and steady ride, but the pull is so strong, it can support the weight of a Steelix."
Krista watched as the floor below grew more distant. It looked like a nasty fall.
A part of her wished they took the stairs instead.
"Observe the sights around you. There is nothing to fear."
There were only marbled walls surrounding them. There wasn't much else to see.
But the wall vanished. Cool and opened air welcomed them as another hall that stretched far in front of them. It was filled with Pokémon that entered and exited doorways. Krista recognized it as one of the housing halls. Some Pokémon noticed her and waved, or perhaps they were waving at Grove.
A wall blocked her vision again. It wasn't their stop. It took a moment for another hall to reveal itself. More Pokémon. More waving.
It made sense how Howler was able to move so fast in the mornings.
"Wait. If we had this lift the entire time, how come no one ever said anything about them?" Krista asked. "We could have used these instead of the stairs!"
"Well, it's actually reserved for…heavy labor. Deliveries or heavy supplies, or for large Pokémon that can't navigate through the stairs. Or…for those who are too wounded to use them. Or…when I simply don't feel like walking."
Grove winked at the last one.
Krista frowned. "But…your badge…?"
"I'm an old goat, Krista. I can't torment my frail body like that."
She winked again. Krista couldn't force herself to laugh.
Another wall. It soon vanished and revealed what Krista recognized as the third floor. But, they were still ascending. She didn't think there was more than a third housing hall.
"Where are we going?" Krista asked once the wall blocked their vision again.
"Far, far up, to the pinnacle of the complex," Grove said.
For a split second, the image of fangs crossed Krista's mind. Fear pitched in her chest.
"Isn't…isn't that where Dusk is?" Krista asked, her voice meek.
Grove nodded. "Yes. He wanted to see you."
Krista almost sank. "But…wouldn't he still be mad? Should we even bother him?"
"You'll be surprised by how quicky he cools his temper. He's probably admiring the fountain right about now."
Fountain?
They arrived at another hall, perhaps the widest Krista had ever seen. While the ceiling was considerably lower, it held enough space to hold a small meeting. It was plenty lit by the glowing blue stones.
The platform came to a halt. Grove was the first to step off. She helped Krista cross over to solid ground. They walked side by side, and it didn't look like it was a long one. Despite how wide the hall was, it was shorter than the one that led to the Headmaster's chamber. There appeared to be a dead end, but Krista knew it wasn't the case. They wouldn't be there if there was.
"I promise that he's not going to lash out at you or anything." Grove smiled at her. "I know it's hard to believe after…what you've seen. But, it's a common occurrence in these walls. It won't be the last time you'll come across two Pokémon bearing fangs. Just as long as they don't fight, everything usually settles."
Krista couldn't believe what she heard.
(That's normal? Is that why everyone handled it…so well?)
(Oh, of course it would be normal. I keep forgetting that they are…not humans. I mean, I know they aren't but…I guess being able to talk to Pokémon makes me forget that…they are still Pokémon…)
Grove removed her badge and pressed it against a dent that was easy to miss. Once the centerpiece glowed, the wall rumbled and shifted to the right. The sounds of melodic crystals came from inside, increasing in volume as the door revealed a massive atrium. At the very center was a shimmering statue of a Milotic. A constant flow of water poured from its mouth.
Dusk was admiring it when he heard them. He looked back, and his ears perked up.
"Ah! Krista! Am I glad to see you are well! I was hoping I would get to talk to you!"
Krista didn't know how to respond. The mood shift was…incredibly stark. (Oh wow. Grove wasn't kidding. He actually looks…happy now? That's so strange…)
"Come in, come in!"
Krista stepped inside, welcomed by the room's strange music. Grove adjusted her badge back in place, following her. She walked past and joined Dusk's side at the fountain. The door slid shut behind them.
Dusk dipped his head towards Grove, who returned the gesture. She lowered her head and lapped the water from the small pond.
Krista took slow steps towards them. She was cautious towards Dusk, but he didn't seem to pay her much attention. Even if he wasn't present, the looming fountain made her nervous enough. The reflective scales made it look almost alive.
Lifting her head, Grove turned around, unbothered by her dripping beard. She tilted her head towards the pond.
"I'm…I'm confused," Krista lied. She at least hoped what she thought Grove was hinting wasn't true.
"The fountain," Grove said. "Drink."
"Wh—" Krista stammered. "Y-you want me to drink from there? But didn't you just—isn't that—"
"The water will help clear your mind," Grove said. "I promise that nothing will jump out, if that is what concerns you."
That wasn't her main concern. She wasn't even thinking about that until Grove pointed it out. Did something live in the pond? Why would anyone willingly drink out of it? It wasn't…
"We can't very well carry on without it, Krista."
Krista didn't want to move, but she didn't want them to ask anymore questions. Reluctant, her first few steps were stiff. As she approached the fountain, the melody grew louder, almost straining her ears. She could hear the gentle flow of the fountain spilling over. Soon enough, she could see the rippling surface. It was crystal clear. Her worried reflection blinked back at her.
Maybe it wasn't so bad. It couldn't be much different from the oran berry Dusk gave her before. They were not human, after all. She had to keep reminding herself of the fact. Not every Pokémon had limbs that could grab things. They would eat something straight from the ground and walk away fine.
It was…not pleasant knowing they all drank from the same fountain, but it was clear. There was nothing murky or suspicious about it. A quick sniff told her it wasn't tainted. She just had to push the thought to the back of her mind.
(Okay. We can get this out the way quickly. It's no different from the dungeon berries, right? Don't think about it. Just get it over with. It doesn't even have to be a deep drink. Just a small sip. It will…be okay…)
She lowered her head as she held her breath.
Something disrupted the surface with a soft splash. Krista shrieked and lunged back.
Feebas and Magikarp. There were several of them in there, and they all swam in peace. They didn't appear to mind their presence, but that didn't matter. Krista minded them. Her throat tightened as she moved back. She shook her head.
"No." The word came out in a small whisper.
"Krista…" Grove called her, concerned.
"No." Krista repeated louder as she shook her head with the same volume. "No. No! I'm not! You just drink out of that! Did Dusk do it too?!"
Almost offended, Dusk answered. "It's…required for us to drink from the fountain upon every visit. I'm confused…"
"Ew! Ew no! I'm not doing that!" Krista waved her paws as she stepped back. "That's gross! How many mouths touched that water?! A-and there's fish in there! Don't they like, live there and—"
She almost gagged.
"Ew, ewwwww!"
Dusk frowned. "Meowth, we—"
"Dusk." Grove only had to call him, and he spoke no more. She turned her focus towards Krista, wearing a sympathetic smile. "Krista…I know it seems uncertain. I know it looks…strange. But I can assure you, I wouldn't ask this of you if it was unsafe—"
"It's unsanitary!" Krista protested. "I don't care if the Headmaster asks me to do it! I'm not! Can't— Can't you just grab a fresh cup of water or something for me to drink out of instead?"
Dusk's mouth was twisted in a strange smile as he chuckled his words. "Wh-where do you think we get our water from, Krista? We fetch it from the rivers. You drink it with your meals everyday."
The horrible realization struck.
The bowls of water that sat in front of her in every meal…it came from the rivers.
The wild rivers filled with wild Pokémon.
The rivers filled with sand and rocks and where the passersby probably bathed…and…
She felt herself growing queasy. Countless questions…they flooded her mind. How did they prepare their berries? Did they wash them—no it would be with that water. She ate the food. She drank the water. She never got sick but…but…but…
As soon as the thoughts came, they stopped. She didn't feel lightheaded anymore.
Grove. She was pressing her horns against her body. As she spoke, her words were almost quiet.
"I understand. I understand how you feel, Krista. But hear me. Listen to me. There is nothing to worry about. The water comes from the flowing rivers. It is never stagnant. As deceiving as it may seem…is as true as it is pure. The moss, the weeds, they filter. I promise, if there was anything wrong with it, you would have gotten sick a long time ago."
Krista searched for words. Even if it was true, even if the water was naturally filtered…there were fish in the water. She didn't…
"You don't have to drink it. Just a small sip will do. I'll accompany you, if that will help you."
"But what's the point of all this?" Krista asked at last. "I know you said it helps calm everyone down but…can't I just skip that? I don't think…"
Grove sighed, but she didn't sound annoyed.
"I won't force you," she said. "You had a long week. There's no point in adding more to your discomfort."
Relief. Krista could breathe. "Thank you."
Grove smiled again. She made her way towards the door.
"You're leaving?" Krista asked.
"As much as I would like to stay, I have a job to do," Grove said. "I brought you here. Dusk will help you on your way out. If you need anything…don't feel hesitant to have someone call for me, alright?"
The door was opened. She left and glanced back one last time when the door was sealed between them. She was gone.
Krista was alone. With Dusk. She knew she had no reason to be afraid, but after witnessing his outburst…she didn't feel…so secure.
"I don't get it," Dusk said after a few seconds passed. "Even Corsola love the pond water, and you know how picky they are."
Krista didn't respond. She didn't want to bother with the water. It was clear Dusk wouldn't let it go. She couldn't blame him for his confusion. Maybe it was normal for him, but at least Grove didn't pester her as he was doing.
Maybe if Pineno were there, she would reconsider.
"Even if you find yourself stranded in the wild, murky water won't hurt. It's just a little sand," Dusk said.
"That's disgusting," she said. Her tone was sour, but she didn't care.
Dusk's confusion morphed into worry. Thankfully, he said nothing else. He turned back to the fountain, staring at its structure.
"What about Tidal? Isn't he coming?" Krista was hoping they were merely waiting.
"Oh, no. I wanted to talk to you alone, and the last thing I need is anyone eavesdropping."
"Wh-what?"
For what reason? Krista could only think of a small number of reasons for it.
"You look so scared. You're not in trouble or anything, I promise." Dusk walked closer to the fountain. For a second, it looked like he was going for a drink, but his eyes were towards the ceiling instead. "Take a listen."
She heard it the moment the door opened. With her attention focused solely on it, it became clear. Water was dripping from above. Everytime a drop of water struck the Milotic statue, it would make a strange sound, almost similar to a xylophone.
Was the room meant to clear away troubled thoughts? Was the soft music a distraction of some sort? It was rather repetitive, but if wasn't annoying either. By listening to it, Krista could understand why Dusk was marveled by it.
"The Stoneridge Pinnacle is the highest point in the entire complex. They said that the first king loved human music, so he tried to replicate it the best way he knew how. He created melodies using the waters within this room. The droplets would fall on the statue, which is actually made of a crystal. Would you believe it? Whenever the drops fell, and the frequency…it all played in part on what you are hearing. Isn't it impressive? This quiet place…it can soothe even the angriest Gyarados in the world. You just listen to the music and…you forget how to be angry."
Krista didn't know how to respond. Just a moment ago…
"Yeah. About earlier…I am so sorry. You didn't need to see that." Dusk dropped his head. "I usually don't…allow myself to lose my temper like that. But ever since I evolved, I found it more difficult to rein in it. I guess that's one of the drawbacks when you're trying to get used to a new body. But— Oh, who am I kidding? I'm the one to blame. I'm somewhat stuck here for a while. Forced to clear my mind, I guess."
Krista listened again. The crystal-clear sounds…they were very pleasing to listen to.
"And now that I can think without being blinded by negative emotions, I know you have a lot of questions for me," Dusk said. "I didn't wish to speak too much of it, but then you met…The Houndoom. And as it seems, he's very interested in your friend. I knew I sensed something from you two when I decided to mentor you, but now it's a lot more personal. He attacked him. You fought hard to protect him. Despite your fears…you stood strong. It's something I wish I could have done."
"What…?"
Dusk sighed. He patted the ground with his paw, an invitation for Krista to come closer. She did approach, but she didn't draw too close. Although Dusk was the smallest compared to all the other associates (maybe not Eight), he still towered over her. There was a reasonable amount of space between them.
They stood, watching the Milotic statue spew an endless stream of water to the pond below. The fish there were content.
"You remembered what Pineno asked me back when we first went for the dojo?" Dusk asked.
Krista thought back. It felt like a while ago, but the question never left her. She thought it was strange too. "Why you work alone?"
He nodded. "You were going to find out eventually, so I suppose I can explain things now."
He took a seat.
Oh. It was going to be a long story.
"He had every reason to ask that question. It is strange for me to work alone. Us Mightyena always work together in a pack, because that is how we survive. Isolation is not the lifestyle that is suitable for us. So naturally, forming an Exploration team was no big deal for us. It was just another step in becoming stronger.
"But, at the time we formed a team, I was not a Mightyena. At the time, I was a Poochyena."
Poochyena. Krista remembered being told that he evolved recently, so it made sense. She could form the image of the small canine Pokémon in her head. The fragments of her memory still remembered what it looked like.
"My brothers and I, we made quite a name for ourselves. We did something that not many novice Exploration Teams would do; We strictly targeted outlaws. It was our specialty."
"You arrested a lot of bad Pokémon, didn't you?" Krista asked.
"Oh, plenty. We tried to aim for the higher-ranking jobs too, because not only were the bounties better, we also got to get some nasty crooks put into justice. It was a win-win every single time. Of course, we sometimes got a little over our heads, but when we did win, it was always worth all the hard work. And it made us feel like we had a purpose.
"But…one day, we were in pursuit with one of the toughest fiends yet. He was a fugitive; Someone who managed to evade countless Exploration Teams for years. He had plans to flee from the grass continent to somewhere else, where he can do his terrible deeds elsewhere. We knew we had to stop him. So we chased him. We chased and chased and chased, until he was too tired to move. We met him at the peak of Mount Travail, and that place was not a fun dungeon for us to crawl through. It was filled with several bug and fighting-type Pokémon. But, he was in no better position. For him to risk that route told us he was desperate to get away from us."
"It was Skullzer, wasn't it?" Krista asked.
Dusk nodded. "Yeah. We were prepared to fight him. We knew he was strong. Three Poochyena against a talented Houndoom. He had fire, but we had our teamwork and wits. He was exhausted. We thought we could win. So, I called the orders. I told my brothers to flank him while I charged forward. There was no way he could escape. Not when there was a dead end behind him. Not when he was as exhausted as he was."
Krista had the images of his story painted in their minds. It was almost as if she was there…staring down the Houndoom who opposed them for so long…
"But…but then…"
Dusk's breath held the slightest tremble as he continued.
"The sky started to crack."
Chills.
Krista felt it rushing through her spine.
"It tore through, above our heads, as if we were concealed within a dome. The light from inside was too bright to look at. Pieces of the sky started to fall. We didn't know what to do. We knew it was too dangerous to stay, so we tried to use our badges to get back home. But…they didn't work. It was as if its presence shut down all of its functions.
"The next thing we knew, the cracks tore open into some sort of rift. And a Salamence flew out…"
Claws dug into the ground. A tongue swept over Dusk's muzzle as a shuddered breath escaped him.
"I…I don't even know if it was a Salamence."
"What?" Krista gasped.
"Couldn't have been." His words were a whisper. "No Salamence grows that big. It was coated with feathers, and had terrible eyes. The sounds it made…I…don't know if it was trying to communicate with us or not. But I can never forget those sounds. How could you ever? The voice…it was all wrong. It was nothing like the wild creatures in the dungeons. The way it gazed down on us…
"Hah…
"I'll never forget the way it looked at us."
There was a crack in his voice. A plea to stop reached Krista's lips, but they never escaped. While she didn't wish to see his anguish, it felt like she had to know the story.
Every word that was spoken, it held gravitation.
"It was a mindless thing. A beast that was hunting," Dusk said. "I…I never knew to be the one to be hunted. Every nerve in my body wanted me to run. But…I couldn't. I just couldn't. For…the very first time in my life, I was paralyzed with utter fear. I tried to call my brothers back, but they didn't hear me. It was as if…they had fallen into some kind of trance.
"That was when it happened. In the middle of our confusion, that Houndoom…that coward. He blighted the beast—I didn't even think that was possible. The next thing we knew, he controlled that thing like it was a puppet. It swooped down and attacked us, and we didn't stand a chance. It was far too strong. The attacks it used…they were nothing I've ever seen before. I knew I had to do something. I had to save them. But my body…it just wouldn't listen to me… And…and then…my brothers fell into the cracks. They were swallowed inside. Just as it happened, it was as if the beast snapped out of its rampage. It just…retreated. It went back into the rift in the sky. I finally found the strength to move, and I tried to dive into the cracks myself to save them…but it was too late. The scars repaired itself. It was…gone….
"That Houndoom was gone.
"I was all alone."
For a moment, Dusk remained silent as he re-lived the experience. His ears pressed against his skull as he lowered his head.
"I…I didn't know what else to do, except to turn to the guild for help. So, I left the mountain with the strength I had left. I managed to make it to the crossroads near Treasure Town, and I don't remember what happened then. I believe I passed out.
"When I woke, I found myself in one of the guild's rooms. I didn't even have to say anything. The Guildmaster took one look at my eyes, and he knew. He knew I lost them. He sent out a search party in hopes that they would turn up somewhere, but they were nowhere to be found. Even after weeks and months of searching…they were nowhere to be found. I didn't want to believe it. I refused to accept that they were gone forever. To this day…I still refuse to accept that I will never see them again. I found my new resolve. My new purpose. I swore to myself that I will not rest until I find my brothers. And…if I ever see that creature again, I swore that I would take it down. The guild was worried about me. They knew I was restless about it. They begged me to not pursue what I saw, but I have to. I must. Otherwise, I will never forgive myself for letting them down. It was my fault that they vanished. Had I not sent that order to them…"
"But…it wasn't your fault," Krista said.
Dusk forced a chuckle. "Heh…that is what everyone said. But…when you are the team leader…isn't it your job to protect your teammates? When you fail to do even that…it's the worst feeling in the entire world."
Krista couldn't argue against that. She was almost the leader who lost her teammate. But even that was beyond her control.
But it still felt like she could have done something. Even if she was powerless, to stand by and do nothing…
…She understood Dusk's feelings then.
"I was called into the guild one day," Dusk continued. "I almost didn't want to go. I was sure they were going to try to convince me to stay put until they got leads on what happened. But then, I was told that someone wanted to see me. My curiosity got the better of me, so to the guild I went. That was when I met the Headmaster."
"He…went all the way to the grass continent?" Krista asked.
Dusk nodded. "Yeah. The Headmaster introduced himself to me and told me he could help me. He said that there were others who went through what I did, and he was part of an organization that came together to investigate and fight back against this phenomenon. He must have seen the fire in my eyes, because he was willing to take me under his wing. And…he was right. I accepted without hesitation. That's how I wound up here as an affiliate of The Retaliation Corps. I knew I had to get stronger, so I did as much work as I could. I investigated every anomaly there was, knowing it has to be connected to those things somehow. Because of my high rank as an Explorer, and the countless discoveries I made in Espilce, I was offered the high position as one of his associates, which I also accepted.
"I will admit. Even the Headmaster was a bit concerned about my unwavering determination. But he understood it. He never judged me for it. And I do appreciate his concern. I can see why everyone is worried. After all, it's been about twenty years since I was separated from them. Their case was shelved a long time ago. Deemed "cold" and unsolved. But…I still refuse to accept that they are gone. The bond we had was strong, the strongest anyone has ever seen. We were in sync when we hunted. Nobody could stop us. Nobody…except…whatever that thing was.
"Several times I was told to give up. I always told off whoever did tell me, because I didn't want to do that. My brothers need me more than anything right now. They could be out there in gods knows where. Many believe that if they somehow survived, they would be Corrupted. But, I don't care. I just need to see them. I need to know that they are alive. If…they are Corrupted because of what that Houndoom did, that is far beyond my power. There's nothing I can do about that. But if I can confirm that they are at least alive…then maybe I can save them. They say it's irreversible, but the least I can do is try. I have to try, to make up for allowing them to get taken like that.
"I knew I had to learn everything I could. I had to get stronger…much stronger. And I swore that I wouldn't let anyone else experience the pain I did. Had a sky-rift opened up while you were at the peak of Mount Ember, that Houndoom wouldn't have hesitated to puppet whatever mindless beast came out. You've seen what he's capable of—you've seen what he did to his scouts. But knowing you stood firm against his might…I know you have the will to resist it. You were terrified, but you made your move. You wouldn't give up on Pineno, either. Despite his strange power, you believe there is good in his heart while anyone else would shun him away. That is why I know I made the right choice being your mentor. I…just want you to know you have my full support, Krista."
Krista didn't know what to say. The story was still circulating in her head, but it made Dusk's anger easier to understand. He didn't just blow up for no reason.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hold you for this long. I guess…I got a little carried away."
"No, it's fine. It means a lot to you, I know," Krista said.
Dusk gave her a warily smile as he stood on his feet. "Once the both of you are fully recovered, we will resume where we left off. You should try to get some more rest. Give it a couple of days, your wound should heal."
Krista touched her bandage again. "But that's not possible. It wasn't a light injury at all—"
"You really are a strange one, aren't you?" Dusk asked. "You will be okay. Grove assured us you would be, although I think she was telling herself that more. She was worried sick, you know?"
"Yeah. I was told." Krista nodded. "She's a good friend of yours, isn't she?"
Dusk chuckled. "Well, when I met her, I was still a pup. I was a little younger than you, actually. She's more of a maternal figure, if you want to give her a title. Although, a lot of Pokémon here feel that way about her. She's stern, but she's also the best Pokémon to turn to for advice. It sometimes feels like there's nothing in the world that she doesn't know."
Krista noticed. While exploring with her, Grove answered every question they threw at her. She even gave her a good scolding, and her words still stuck.
"Grove gave me my nickname, actually," Dusk said.
"She…she did?" Krista didn't expect that.
"Yeah. Back home, my brothers and I didn't really have our own nicknames. But since we were siblings, our parents called us by number. And of course, I was One."
He paused for a moment. The mentioning of his siblings must have brought more painful memories.
"So…when Grove gave me a real word to call myself, I was overjoyed," Dusk continued. His eyes were fixed on the pond as he tried to distract himself. "Nicknames are a human concept, after all. It's known that the humans gave each other names. They rarely ever picked one for themselves. So we decided to follow the same rules. It's why earning a nickname is considered a great honor."
Earning a nickname…Krista wasn't sure if she truly earned hers. Pineno only gave her one because she was without a name. She knew she had a name before she lost her memories. Being without a word to call herself was disheartening back then. Being referred to by the Pokémon she was turned into made it much worse. Did he sense that? He didn't know she was a human at the time, so maybe something else made him want to do it.
"I see I have you thinking. It's ironic how anthropology is studied by none but a few—Grove being one of them."
"Grove studies that too?" The revelation wasn't all too shocking, but it was still a bit unexpected.
"Ahahaha. You don't look all too surprised. I guess you figured it out. She loves to talk about it."
(She…certainly does.) The talk in the hallway was still clear in her mind. "So…all the associates have nicknames."
"You've noticed."
"What about…The Headmaster?"
Dusk's smile almost vanished. "Ah…well… Well, yes. He does. But I wouldn't suggest dropping the formalities. He's still a king, you know? And well…to let you in a little secret…I have a hunch he never really liked his name. So he prefers to be called by his species instead."
"Oh."
Krista was a little disappointed. She wanted to know what it was, but she pushed it aside. It seemed better to not know, as intrigued as she was.
"Why doesn't he like it?"
But she couldn't help but know the reason.
"Not my place to talk about it," Dusk answered.
(Well, I guess it's none of my business anyway.) Krista couldn't argue with that.
"Makes me wonder. There must have been some humans who didn't like their name, huh?" Dusk asked. "Can't be uncommon. There's a lot of Pokémon I've met who changed their nicknames for personal reasons. I guess along with human wisdom, we wound up feeling similar emotions as well."
It made Krista wonder herself. Did she forget her own name because she hated it when she was a human? Another thing to consider, maybe…
His attention was towards the fountain again. Krista remained where she was, admiring the statue with him.
It was strange…how much Pokémon seemed to admire humans. But after hearing the countless stories, it was easy to see why.
If only Dusk knew he was talking to a human the entire time.
- The Next Day -
"K-Krista!"
"H-hey! Krista! Wake…wake up!"
The familiar voice flooded her head. Opening her eyes, Krista was taken back by the strange place she was in, until she remembered.
(I'm in…the hospital.)
She sat up, her mind still hazy from the sleep. She noticed someone else sitting at the end of her bed. The familiar eyes blinked at her.
"O-oh, good. I thought you were a heavy sleeper!" Tidal said, relieved.
The first thing Krista checked was her bandage. It had been changed before she went to sleep. Her body didn't ache as bad as it did the day before. Even as she stood, there was no sting. She wondered how long she was asleep.
"What…time is it?"
Tidal tilted his head. "Huh? T-time? Well uh…it's near noon."
"What?!"
"I…I know. It's so strange being awake this late. I guess Howler decided to let us sleep in," Tidal said. He hopped on the bed impatiently. "B-but! That's not why I woke you up! It's Pineno! H-he's awake!"
"He is?!" Krista gasped.
"Y-yeah! And Ms. Vigor said we can go see him! Come on!"
She didn't have to be told twice.
… … …
When they ran into Vigor, she had to escort them. It turned out that Pineno was held in an entirely different hall where more severe patients were handled. The only information Krista got out of Vigor was that him being a flora Pokémon made him more prone to trouble.
Once an Audino opened the door, they were greeted by a strong, earthy smell. Pineno was revealed, accompanied by an Electivire. He was sitting on a moss bed, right under a pair of cylinder lights shaped into a ring. In fact, it was the first sort of technology Krista had ever seen. How it was powered, her question was immediately answered. There was a sphere that held endless bolts of electricity. The Electivire had its split tail hovered over it as more was added. After a while, it stepped back.
"This ought to last 'till nightfall," the large Pokémon announced, his voice rough. "Page me when you need me."
Vigor nodded. "Of course, Electivire. Thank you so much!"
"Mmm-hm." Electivire dipped his head and made his way out. His heavy steps echoed down the halls.
Pineno was staring at the mossy wall, unaware that Vigor wasn't the only one present. It wasn't until the Machamp cleared her throat that he looked back. His blank face flooded with shock the moment he saw them. "Oh! Krista! Tidal! You're okay!"
For a second he moved, but he anchored himself back on his bed.
That was when Krista saw it. His two vines were out and stretched towards the ground. They were sunk into the soil—she didn't realize the entire room was layered with damp dirt. The air smelled crisper than the tunnels.
"Sorry. I can't really get up right now, you see?" Pineno said. "Dr. Indeedee said I would have to stay ingrained for a while. I told her I didn't even know that skill. I was sure I couldn't learn it. Then she said that every flora Pokémon could bury themselves into soil as a way to heal faster. I didn't even know my vines could sprout roots. They are kinda stuck underground. She said it wouldn't be a good idea to tear them out because it would actually hurt. She said they rooted because I was starved of water and nutrients and…this light above my head is supposed to be like the sunlight outside. My quills are a lot better! They are starting to lift a little bit, but they can't stand yet. Probably not until tomorrow. Maybe then I can harden them into needles again and—oh. Krista…are you alright?"
It was still vivid in her mind; His wild anger. The green aura. How beaten he looked…
He was lively, as if none of that ever happened.
She tried to speak, but her words were caught. She felt a lump growing in her throat, and the warmth flooding her eyes. She didn't want to cry.
But she was powerless. She couldn't help him.
She promised she would protect him, and she couldn't do that.
Heavy hands lifted her from the ground. It took Krista a few seconds to realize it was Vigor carrying her across the room. Once she was placed on the mossy bed, she approached her worried friend, and pulled him into a hug.
Pineno returned the embrace. "Aw, come on, Krista. You're going to make me cry, too."
"I couldn't do anything," Krista whispered.
"You did your best. You were up against someone scary. You shouldn't feel bad. It's okay. I'm okay…"
Krista nodded. She moved back as Pineno wiped the tears from his eyes. They both turned, seeing Tidal's head fin poking from the side of the bed. He pulled his weight up and smiled. Pineno almost pulled him into a hug, but he withdrew his arms, mindful of his space. It took for Tidal to inch close for them to share an embrace.
"I'm glad you are okay as well, Tidal," Pineno said.
"S-same to you. I am relieved." Tidal pushed back after a while. "How are you feeling now?"
"I still feel a bit groggy," Pineno admitted. "I don't remember what happened after he…"
He trailed off.
"I…really don't like fire."
Krista wasn't sure if she should tell him. Tidal didn't say a word, but he glanced over, sharing her thoughts.
"Ah-hah. Here you all are."
The trio of children turned to the door. Vigor had stepped aside, allowing Slowking inside. He wore a warm smile, but the way he walked was sluggish.
"H-Headmaster!" Tidal gasped.
"I am relieved that the three of you are well and here," Slowking said. He pressed a paw against his head, trying to keep his eyes open. "When I heard about your encounter, I had to take immediate action. I'm sorry I couldn't see any of you conscious right away."
Vigor wasn't kidding. He did look exhausted.
"I also apologize for my…unfavorable presentation. I had to make an emergency call with someone in The North, and I've been lethargic since. Such an inconvenience…"
Pineno gasped. "Wait! You spoke to someone from the Ivory region?! But that's so far!"
Slowking nodded. "Yes, yes, I have. Under normal circumstances, it wouldn't be possible. But there are ways to make it happen—"
He winced. Another wave of pain, perhaps.
"If you're asking about someone in particular, no, we haven't spoken. But, everything should be taken care of now…"
"O-oh, that's great!" Tidal said, unaware of Pineno's disappointment.
"Yes…" Slowking glanced at him. "Right. Tidal, you may be discharged. You haven't suffered anything too severe, but it's recommended you take it easy for the next few days. You may return to your team."
"O-oh." Tidal's smile faded. "Right…"
"Krista, you should be alright, but I don't feel confident about sending you to do any Retaliator work today. I have another job for you to do."
"A-another job?" Krista asked.
"No Pokémon who lives here stands around without something to keep them busy," Slowking said. "A place this large needs several hands to keep it running, no matter how big or small the effort. You will need to meet with Grove at the registration desk. She'll explain it in detail." Slowking turned to Pineno. "You will spend the next two days here."
"Huh? Two days?!" Pineno's scream made Slowking winch. He slapped his paws over his mouth. "Sorry…"
"It's…quite alright," Slowking said. "I know it's an inconvenience to you, but we need to assure that your body has fully recovered from being withered. You are a flora Pokémon, so it's important that we don't miss anything before we discharge you."
Pineno sunk against his bed. "I guess…"
"Now then, I'll be in my chamber if anyone needs me."
"Oh, Headmaster!" Vigor reached out for him as he headed for the door. "You're gonna walk the entire way back? Are you sure you don't need any help? I can carry you if you'd like!"
"No, no. That won't be necessary, but thank you," Slowking said, not slowing down. "The walk will be good for me. Teleporting won't do me any good right now, but I will be alright."
They watched him go.
Vigor sighed. "I understand he's our leader and all, but I just wish he would take it easy every now and then."
(How about take it easy on us?) Krista sulked in her thoughts. (Tidal and I don't exactly feel all the way well, and he's already putting us to work? Is that even legal?)
"Now, you two should hurry along. You have nothin' to worry about here. Pineno's in good hands!" Vigor clapped her hands twice. "You got work to do, so let's get to it!"
"Uh…o-okay." Tidal started his way out. "Come on, Krista. I'll show you the way out."
Krista already had an idea from Grove's tour, but she didn't trust her sense of direction all too much. So she followed, but not without saying goodbye to Pineno. He wasn't very pleased that they had to leave him.
It felt strange, walking without him.
To be Continued in Chapter 18.
The whimsical music within the Stoneridge Pinnacle is PMD Rescue Team's "Friend Area: Oceanic"
(Specifically, TGH's remastered version. You should take a listen.)