A/N: I want to thank everyone who have read this story! I've written it as a fun project, so I was surprised to see how many readers are enjoying it! It means a lot to me!

Updates have slowed down as I work on Arc 2. We have 6 chapters remaining for now! Hope you enjoy!

- Chapter 19: The Interview -

"Ugh…what time is it…?"

Krista groggily followed Howler down the barren hall. Tidal next to her yawned. Although not a single stone was out of place, everything looked strange and unfamiliar. Perhaps it was due to how lifeless hallway was. The dim lighting was on the edge of being absent. The chargestones on the walls were only bright enough for the blue color to cling close to their source. They were void of energy. Krista had to squint her eyes just to see the tiniest bolts cloaking the surface. It only took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. She could make out the shapes in a sharper contrast, but the lack of color made the edges look unwelcoming.

The lingering silence didn't bring much comfort, either. There were only the sounds of their footsteps, easily drowned by the heavier weight of Howler's strut. She could hear the ground being swept by his bushy tail. He wasn't even trying to lift it off the ground, but she couldn't blame him. He looked terrible. They all did. It was as if the trio were walking down the corridor of a dark mystery dungeon. At any moment, a wild Pokémon would lunge from the darkest corners, taking advantage of their vulnerable states.

Krista had to shake that last thought out of her head. The dungeons she scarcely escaped from were still fresh in her mind. Talking would bring an easy distraction, but it required an energy that no one had. Every step required so much effort, if Howler stopped, Krista was sure she would collapse and fall asleep where she stood.

The early signs of a headache throbbed from how abruptly she was woken up. Next to her, Tidal wobbled on his feet, fighting to keep his eyes open. If they ever fell the tiniest bit behind, a low gruff would jolt them back awake. But not once did Howler ever scold them. Either it was because it was dead in the night, or he was too exhausted to bother.

Once they entered the hall where all the barracks met, the empty dim lighting in the void made Krista check over her shoulders. Not a single Pokémon was present. Their footsteps bounced back with the slightest echo. The hall felt too massive, almost crushing their tiny presence. A primal fear of ambush kept Krista checking every corner for a pair of watching eyes. Picking up her pace, she decided that walking alongside Howler's flank was the safest place to be. While Howler did notice her, he showed no signs that she was not welcomed. Krista decided she was a little too close anyway.

Once they stepped up into the dark stairway, they slowed their pace. It was easy to trip over the steps due to the darkness. Krista was thankful for her feline eyes.

"I cannot fathom why The Headmaster wants to speak when the moon is high." Howler's unexpected voice made the children jump. The words were spoken as low as he could make his voice, but it held the volume of a midday conversation. "But once his mind is made up on something, he cannot be swayed."

"Wh-why couldn't he wait until morning at least…?" Tidal whispered. "If it's the middle of the night…"

"The only conclusion I could settle on, was perhaps what he wanted to say was too important. It left him restless, so he wouldn't sleep until he spoke of it."

What could it possibly be that was so important?

No. Krista knew. It had to be about what happened at Mount Ember. Slowking did check on them when they arrived, although they were unconscious at the time. When he checked on them again, he was too irate with a headache to speak with them for long. It was only a matter of time until he decided to have a proper conversation about it.

But in the middle of the night?

Slowking was a strange Pokémon. His way of doing things was often questionable. But if he was a supposed protector of an entire region, he was probably doing something right. He was just…unpredictable. Even reading his face was impossible, and that always brought a feeling of unease.

They weren't in any trouble. Krista had to assure herself with that. He was probably going to say a few things, perhaps some advice and warnings. Maybe he wanted to see how Krista's injuries were faring. Seemed reasonable enough.

She just couldn't shake the subtle panic. What if she was wrong? What else could he possibly want?

What if it was about Pineno, and his strange power that almost wiped them out? What was Slowking going to say about that? What if Pineno was no longer welcomed? What if…

"Easy." Howler's soft gruff snapped her from her thoughts. "You reek of fear. Calm yourself."

That wasn't an insult, but it still felt like one.

Once they entered the third floor and walked down the wide hall, they fell quiet. Howler stood in front of the door and cleared his throat.

"Headmaster. I've brought them as you've requested. We are coming in."

The doors opened. Orange light spilled into the dark hall. Standing at the very end of the room was Slowking. Accompanying him were Dusk and Frost…and Boomer.

Krista felt her ears brush against her skull. She failed to swallow the heated lump in her throat.

How bad was it?

… … …

Despite the large number of Pokémon inside the room, its large space didn't leave Krista feeling cramped. There was plenty of room to stretch and breathe. Even with Howler standing behind her, his presence didn't feel any more crushing than it already did.

Howler's maw stretched open with a wide yawn. A soft whistle escaped his breath. He lowered his head and scratched behind his ear with a rear claw. Frost too, displayed signs of tiredness. His eyes were nearly as heavy as he exhaled a frosty breath. Dusk was the only one not the slightest bit bothered. He couldn't sit still as he shifted on his paws and gazed at the structure of the room. Boomer's eyes looked at no one. His mouth was parted into a twisted smile as he chuckled under his breath. A single red claw scratched his chest, but he otherwise seemed fine.

"Yes, yes. I know. I know you want to sleep," Slowking said. He rubbed his face with a single paw, minding his claw. "But I need all of you here while it's still fresh in my mind. I'll make up for it. I promise."

"I'm assuming this is of grave importance if you've brought the children here," Frost said.

"Yes, indeed… I wouldn't have summoned them here otherwise…" Slowking waved a paw near his crown. "Your encounter with the Houndoom has placed quite a setback on our plans for the week, but that isn't what I'm worried about. I need to see if he has Blighted you."

"Wh…what?" Krista felt her drowsiness fading quickly. The words brought a fresh wave of fear. "Blighted?"

Howler scoffed. "Do you not know what—"

"To be Blighted is when a Sorcerer tags you with a spell that alters your state of mind," Dusk answered, interrupting the Arcanine. "They reach deep into your subconscious and bring your primal instincts to the surface. You begin to lose the ability to think critically, until you are none the wiser than a wild creature encountered inside a dungeon."

The red eyes she had seen a thousand times...Krista could almost see herself with them, standing in a dark room, sharp claws glistening under the dim light.

She shuddered. "You...you mean...it's like The Corruption...?"

"It certainly seems similar," Frost said. "The difference is, The Corruption is an accident that cannot be reversed. The signs are dormant. Once they surface, the victim cannot be saved. To be Blighted however...it can be reversed by a powerful psychic. After all, a spell can be countered."

"Unless the target is a wild creature," Dusk said. "which you aren't. You didn't grow up as one either. So...you know. You shouldn't panic."

Howler grumbled as his lips twitched. He took a step forward, almost shoving Dusk aside as he spoke. "Regardless, to be Blighted or Corrupted are both fates that would lead you to become their puppets. You've seen what the Houndoom is capable of. It wouldn't surprise me if he tried anything underhanded as a fail-safe of some sort."

"A-a fail-safe…?" Tidal echoed, almost sinking.

Krista shared his discomfort. "W-well, okay. I get that. But if you are only checking us, why is everyone here if you just need us?"

Slowking wore a pitiful smile. "Don't take it personally, but extra security is a precaution, in case your minds have been tainted. We are yet to fully understand how his sorcery works. I hope you understand."

"O-oog…okay." Tidal squinted his eyes.

Howler perked up, although he was displeased. "So…it took for the children to be at risk for you to finally decide to do what should have been done from the start?"

Krista almost missed the pressed words. Did he just…?

Slowking's face didn't change. He just glanced at the Arcanine as if he wasn't disrespected. "I said…before the week is over. The week is almost over, is it not?"

"Hnn." Howler lowered his gaze. "It would have slipped your mind had this never happened."

(Wait. They had this planned from the start?) Krista looked between them, but they said nothing else. Slowking seemed to be deep in thought about something. (What was waiting for us at the end of the week? What are they about to do? Did they think we were tainted from the start? What does that even mean?!)

"This won't take long, children. I promise," Slowking said. "I just need Grove to—ah there she is."

Grove too?

Krista looked behind her, and sure enough, Grove entered the room with a dip of her head. Although she was just as exhausted as everyone else who despised the late hours, she still carried a strong presence. Her eyes held more energy than her body could endure.

She stood next to Slowking without a word.

Krista wanted her to speak. Why was she so quiet?

"What…what is Grove going to do?" she asked.

"She is merely looking for an altercation in your emotions. That's all."

"M-my emotions?!" Krista's paws flew over her head. "W-wait a second! She's looking inside my head?!"

"Nonsense…" Grove let out a tired sigh. "I can't do that even if I wanted to. I am no psychic."

"Although, reading your mind in this case wouldn't give us a clear answer on what has been altered," Slowking said. "It's hard to seek a fault when someone believes they are perfectly fine."

But wouldn't emotions be affected the same way? Suppose there was something wrong and she couldn't tell because she felt fine—aside from the unease that kept crawling through her. How would Grove know if anything is displaced? How many other Pokémon did they study? Was there ever a case when one was considered blighted? What did they even mean? Was it similar to a Corruption of some sort?

Terrible thoughts. They tried to flood her. Krista tried to push them away, but they still leaked through. Even if she wasn't Corrupted, suppose she crossed paths with one of The Sorcerers at some point? Could they have altered her memories? Was she blighted before she arrived? What would Slowking do if it were true—what would happen to her?

"Sobble," Slowking called, his voice breaking through Krista's thoughts. "Come forward. This won't take long, I promise."

Tidal glanced back at Krista as he took slow steps forward. He froze in place as Grove stepped in front of him.

She lowered her head, peering at him. "Grab hold of my horns, and don't let go unless you've been instructed."

Cautious, Tidal reached a single hand towards one of her horns. The moment he touched it, he recoiled back out of fright. The slightest ripple of light faded from the grooves in an instant.

Grove took a deep breath. "Please…don't do that. It won't hurt you. It's just a subtle glow. It'll go away."

Tidal nodded. He held onto the horns with both hands. The light rippled from the contact, and it pulsed across the surface of the horns. It faded as fast as it came. Worry crossed his face as Grove took another deep breath. He opened his mouth to speak, but it hung open instead as his attention snapped towards Slowking. They were sharing a long stare, silent.

"What's going—" Krista was hushed by Dusk.

So she couldn't speak. Perhaps when her turn was up, she would find out herself.

But she wasn't looking forward to it.

To stand idle, waiting in the unbearable silence, it didn't settle her nerves. Slowking said it wouldn't take long, but it felt like several minutes had gone by.

What did change was Tidal's posture. His body was no longer tense to his shoulders. While he was forced to stand on the tips of his hind legs, he didn't look uncomfortable holding on to the horns for as long as he was. Even when the horns started to pulse with translucent colors, Tidal took a steady deep breath.

He dropped back down to all fours. Grove opened her eyes and raised her head.

"Thank you," Grove said. "You may stand back for now."

Tidal nodded and removed himself from the space.

"Krista," Grove called. "It's your turn."

It was her turn.

She had to push her own legs to move. To keep everyone waiting on her wasn't something she wanted to do. But at the same time, she was beginning to realize how much she repulsed the idea of having her mind and emotions read like an open book. But she had to tell herself that it was for the best. She understood it was necessary. It was for security. It was to assure that everything was alright after their encounter with Skullzer, a sorcerer, someone who displayed the ability to puppet the helpless.

(And maybe…maybe if I was blighted long before this, they could help me. They don't seem to be the type to get rid of something that is a problem…I'm sure. I'm sure…)

But then she remembered The Headmistress in The South, and what she did with the Corrupted Pokémon there.

(No. This is different. This isn't about the Corruption. Everything is…going to be okay.)

Krista stood in front of Grove. She lowered her head as she did before, and waited.

Krista had seen the horns before, back when they were traveling together. However, at that moment when she stood so close before them, they looked a lot more coarse. Whatever polish existed had been chipped away from years of battling. Even the groves looked sanded, and the surface's cracks were deeper than initially thought.

A low gruff from Howler told her that she was taking too long

Krista grasped her paws around the surface, and she almost recoiled as the rippling light pulsed from her paws.

Was that how she could read her emotions? How would she be able to tell if anything changed? She didn't even know her!

How would Skullzer alter something without them realizing? She didn't feel any different…unless when he struck her, something did change. Was that how it worked? Did Skullzer have to make physical contact to blight her with some kind of twisted spell? What if she did change? What would happen? What would—

"Ease yourself…" Grove winched. "Your mind is restless. We can't proceed if you keep troubling yourself with countless questions."

(You can read my mind?!) Krista felt betrayed. Grove told her that it wasn't possible, so how did she—

'She can't read your mind. But she can read your heart.'

Her heart skipped a beat as she held her breath. A voice—no. A thought that wasn't her own. Telepathy. She experienced it before, from Orbeetle. Again, it was just an inner voice. It wasn't loud, nor did it ring, not like Zee's did.

So who could possibly…

Slowking.

Her eyes turned to him, and he was looking back at her with a slow nod.

'As much as I would prefer to speak to you in person, this method is the most efficient in seeking the truth.'

Slowking's mouth did not move. It was surreal, almost as if her mind was playing tricks. It explained why Tidal was so silent the entire time. Slowking must have communicated with him the same way.

'Ah-hah. Now you understand,' Slowking thought. 'Then we should carry on. The sooner we get through with this, the sooner you will have your thoughts to yourself.'

A wave of fear washed over her. The last sentence…she was vulnerable. (He can read everything now?! He can turn it on like a switch?!)

A smile formed on Slowking's face. Krista almost lost her grip. She wanted him out.

And he thought it was funny?!

'I am merely going to ask you a series of questions. I need you to answer them honestly. Seems simple enough, hm?'

(I'm…being interviewed…?)

'It would be much easier if you close your eyes.'

There was no use in trying to oppose it. Although she couldn't see him anymore, she didn't feel any less uncomfortable. It was for security. She tried to convince herself it was. But the invasion of her mind—a place where she once thought was only accessible to herself—made her wonder if anyone else decided to probe her thoughts when her guard was down.

She was sure she was fully aware of her surroundings the moment she entered the room! He wouldn't lie to her, would he?

The lingering silence was crushing her. She could sense the presence of everyone in the room. Their steady breathes merged with the soft crackling of the torch fire swelled in her ears. Why could she hear everything at once?

Slowking's words flowed in her head. 'First question… Where are you right now?'

Such a strange and mundane question. Of course he knows where they are, so what was the point of asking? Maybe… Was he checking her mental state? Dusk did say she would lose the ability to reason if she was Blighted...right?

(I'm here in your room,) she answered.

'Can you be more specific?'

He was already asking for too much, but she knew she wouldn't go anywhere if she complained about it.

(I'm in The Stoneridge Complex. In the… Espilce Region. It's…also known to be The Central, right?)

'That is correct,' Slowking responded. 'Next question. What is the name of your team?'

Krista tried not to let the question irritate her. She knew what he was doing, but still…

(Team Retribute. We are…still in the Basic rank.)

'Who is the leader? How many members does the team have?'

(Ugh…that would be me. It's just me and Pineno. Two members…)

'Who is your current mentor?'

(Dusk. The Mightyena.)

'What do you call yourself? What are you?'

(What kind of… I mean…my name is Krista. And…I'm a Meowth?)

'You sound so uncertain. What you say is true, no?'

What was he looking for? Why was he asking such basic— No. She had to focus. She couldn't let her mind wander when he—

Focus!

(It is true. I am a Meowth. I know what I'm called.)

It hurt. She hated it.

'Hm…I see. Next question. Why did you agree to become a Retaliator?'

A Retaliator? Krista never really thought about it. Pineno seemed willing to turn it down if she did, so it wasn't like her hand was forced. It wasn't like she had anywhere else to go. How different would things be if she said no? Who would Pineno turn to in hopes to see his father?

Why did she agree? She didn't even know what a Retaliator was until she met them. Maybe…maybe she felt safe with him? But why was that the case when she just met him?

She did want to help him, somehow. And after what she had seen from him, the desire to help him only grew stronger. She wanted to protect him from Skullzer. She wanted to protect others who were being hunted by The Sorcerers…perhaps. Was that her purpose? Was that why she came here?

'Understandable…' The intrusive voice almost startled Krista silly. 'Although you had no place to go, you are willing to set your own needs aside for the sake of others. Indeed, that is what makes a Retaliator so strong. You understand why we are called what we are?'

Krista has to collect herself. Every single thought. Every existing thought. He could hear them, even when they were mere reflections.

She had to be—

No, she was looking suspicious! He could hear that!

'Ease yourself. You have no reason to be frightened.'

It was easier for him to say.

Shaking her head, Krista focused her mind on the question. She had to focus on that and nothing else.

Focus.

(Retaliator. It comes from the word 'Retaliate'. Retaliate means 'to punish.' or… 'revenge', right? Vengeance against The Sorcerers, right? Isn't that what you said before?)

'It's not mere vengeance, no. Vengeance can turn sour and cruel. We are not seeking to inflict pain or despair on anyone, child. While it does mean to strike back the same way one was hit…it typically means 'to counter'. The organization was formed to repel The Sorcerers' blatant efforts, and to repel The Corruption that has plagued this land. Every Pokémon that works here has been impacted by one or both of these things. They have the drive to make this world a better place. While everyone else is too frightened to make a stand, we fight for them.'

(Well…I guess that makes sense. But you also said this before. How is telling me this now going to make anything different?)

'Because you have not seen the nature of any Sorcerers until recently. Recently, as in the peak of Mount Ember.'

Krista felt her body freeze.

'What your friend claimed back when we first met…it was all a lie, wasn't it?'

How did he…?

'Yes, yes. Your emotions give yourself away. Although, I can understand his reasoning. He wanted to help you. But why go through all the trouble for a stranger, you must be wondering? You'll be surprised by the amount of Pokémon who would go out of their way to lend a hand to someone in need, even if it appears to be an inconvenience to their own needs.'

Not where she came from. It didn't seem normal, somehow. It felt like such kindness was only displayed if…someone wanted a favor in return.

'If that is how you feel, then tell me. How do you feel about Chespin? Do you think he's honest?'

With her reflection shattered, Krista squeezed her eyes tighter. It happened again. No matter how much she tried to focus, her mind always drifted. It was something she couldn't help, something that was a subconscious act. There was no way to stop it.

Slowking could hear her at that moment. Panic tried to swell again.

Focus.

(Pineno. He's called Pineno.) Krista focused her mind. (He's…he's a really good per—Pokémon. Even back in the woods, he was willing to shield me from the Starly, knowing how dangerous it was for him. He made up a story for me just so I wouldn't be left alone. He…always listened. He always listened to what I had to say. But sometimes he pushed himself too much.)

She thought about what happened within Mount Ember…how he turned down the apple, or any care she tried to give him.

He was unbelievably stubborn, but for a cause she couldn't judge him for. Perhaps he was trying to save the apple for Sobble once they got there?

She worried about him. His kindness was admirable, but what if it hurt him?

'When you saw his display of power at the peak of the mound…how did that make you feel?'

His power? Whatever it was, he couldn't control it. Frost said it was Overgrow. Krista knew she heard the term before. Tidal said it was a grass-type's version of Torrent. There was a third. She searched, and the term almost eluded her.

Blaze. Blaze was the fire-type variant. All three did the same thing: They gave the Pokémon a second-wind whenever they were on the brink of passing out. It made their respective elemental power incredibly strong.

How she knew that, Krista wasn't sure herself. What she did know, and what Frost confirmed, was that Pineno's own ability wasn't supposed to explode like that. Something…is wrong with it. It was as if that power overtook his consciousness.

But it wasn't his ability that scared her.

It was what Skullzer saw from it. He said it was best if Pineno was eliminated because of it.

'Do you believe those words?' Slowking asked.

It was true he couldn't control it, but Pineno was no monster.

A monster would be someone who did terrible things with intention. Someone who did terrible things and felt no remorse for it.

Maybe his siblings shunned him, but it wasn't his fault that he was born at the time he was. Maybe his parents tried to protect him because they knew he had strange strength, but was it the right thing to do? To seal him from the rest of the world because of something they couldn't understand?

She wanted to help him understand himself, just as he wanted to do for her.

'I see…is that what you truly believe?'

Krista nodded. (He's not a bad Pokémon. He doesn't deserve this. I…want to help him.)

'You wish to help him. I see. How about I ask you this: What do you wish to seek for yourself? Is there anything you desire?'

Fear. It almost took hold of her.

How was she supposed to answer that if she didn't—

What was she supposed to—

Think. She couldn't think. Impossible. She didn't want—in what way could…

(I…I don't know…)

It was the only thing she could lock on to.

'Your desires are all within your heart. Look deep within yourself. Take in a deep breath. Listen to your heart.'

Her heart…?

Maybe she had been looking at it all wrong. Maybe her mind was blocked because everything was mixed with confusion. Even if she had forgotten everything else…there had to be something that remained. Her personality couldn't have been wiped, could it? She hated it when Team Slasher painted them in a bad light. She was afraid when she saw all the Starly. She hoped that Pineno would recover well if she saw him soon…

What she desired…

Something she lost. Something was missing. She could say that for anything…but there was something else. Something…that stood out more than everything else.

Something she longed for.

She took a deep breath as she was instructed. She allowed her mind to drift as she listened to her own breathing.

She could see it…!

The environment was nonsensical. It existed, but it didn't. All shapes, but all in a faded blur. No matter how much Krista willed herself to focus, the murky texture worsened. The shadows within moved. Several shadows.

One shadow…that tall shadow. It has a voice. A voice she could not make out. But it was warm. It was gentle.

There was laughter.

A face. Krista could see a face. A face…! Eyes! Familiar eyes! It…it was…!

Gone. Faded.

Nothing.

Everyone else was gone.

Just when it was within her grasp, the memory slipped away, as if to mock her. No matter how far she reached, it wouldn't come back. Already…already were the shapes of the shadows wisping away.

She didn't want them to go.

She didn't…

"I believe…that will do."

Slowking's voice…he was speaking.

Krista opened her eyes. For a while, everything remained foggy until her eyes focused. Her paws still grasp the horns in front of her—the horns that she has forgotten existed until now. Careful, she pulled away and stepped back.

The air was cold just underneath her eyes. Dabbing her paw, she felt the dampness there.

She had been crying…?

Krista didn't want to look at anyone. She didn't want to see their sympathy, or their confusion…it would only hurt more. But the Pokémon in front of her had not moved since she stepped away. It was impossible to ignore. A quick look almost made her regret caving in.

Grove's head hung low. Her eyes were squeezed shut.

"Grove?" Dusk called, concerned.

Grove shook her head.

The associates said nothing, but their worried faces held countless questions. Questions that Krista was sure she shared with them.

Slowking did not respond, giving Grove time to speak. But when there was only silence, he carried on. "Yes. You are dismissed, Grove."

Grove dipped her head. She made her way towards the door, taking slow and drained steps. Krista wanted to call her, but she couldn't find her own voice.

Grove was gone.

Krista didn't want to believe it was because of her. But she felt it. The eyes. A quick glance confirmed that everyone was looking at her.

She wanted to return to her room.

"What an outstanding display to be witnessed…" Frost almost whispered. "An aura that strong, I have not laid my eyes on before!"

Aura? That was something that could be seen…?

What happened?

"Strong enough to overwhelm her," Howler noted. "From a Pokémon so small. Just what are you?"

"I…" How was she supposed to answer that?

"Amnesia."

Krista whipped around. A quick look at Slowking, and there was only sorrow on his face.

"A terrible thing. Your confusion about everything, it's transparent to me now. I had no desire to trouble your heart when I asked you to search for answers."

He tilted his head, his face twisted.

"But…what I don't understand is why have you not told me?"

Faces around her changed. Howler's suspicion vanished in an instant as a new emotion took its place…bewilderment, perhaps.

Frost tilted his head with curiosity as he tapped his chest with a single digit. Boomer's face was flooded with disbelief…an emotion Krista didn't think was possible from him. The Noivern turned his focus towards the exit. Dusk's tail had dropped. He looked at Krista with a new form of understanding…

And Tidal. Tidal looked saddened.

At that moment, Krista felt vulnerable. Terribly, terribly vulnerable. At the moment, she envied Tidal's ability to hide out of sight, because it was what she desired the most; To be unseen. The looks of sympathy was not what she wanted.

How far in her mind did he look? He said it wasn't possible to read one's entire life history, so how did he know? Was her mind shattered? Was it a pattern that only psychics could pick up? Or, was it Grove's ability that gave that away? Did they see her confusion? Her despair?

"While it's not a common case, it's not…unheard of," Slowking said. "If you were worried about us labeling you as Corrupted, I can safely say that assumption won't cross us. Neither you or Tidal are blighted in anyway, so you are in the clear. But from how pained you look, your amnesia must be so severe. I can't begin to imagine how terrified you must have felt all this time. For that, I am sorry. I should have asked more questions before I've looked into your mind. It would have spared you from the pain."

She wasn't ready to talk about it. It was only known by one. One Pokémon. It turned into eight.

Eight.

It wouldn't be so difficult to pull her aside. Why didn't he pull her aside, to talk to her in private? Or did he trust them that much? Who was to say she fully trusted them?

Her throat tightened. Eyes were still on her. It made her burn. To hide…she wanted to hide. Her mouth quivered as she searched for words, but none surfaced. There was only the heat of rising anger.

(Spare me from the pain…he says! He doesn't think things through! He never did! I didn't even want to talk about my lost memories, and he waves it in the air! Anyone could have taken it the wrong way, I thought he would know that! Why didn't he just ask first?! How is he even a king when he keeps doing stupid things like this?!)

'Such oblivious behavior is intolerable, you are right.'

Spooked off her feet, Krista met Slowking's eyes.

Did he…?

With a twinge of annoyance, Krista pushed the voice out of her head, if she could. How possible it was to do, she wasn't sure. However, her mind no longer felt open. Perhaps she did kick him out. She didn't care. She wanted to sleep.

"If…I may ask," Dusk said. "How far back does…your last memory go?"

She really wanted to sleep. Her annoyance only grew as she felt cutting words rise to the tip of her tongue. But, the genuine worry in Dusk's face made her suppress them. A steady breath was needed just to keep her words cool. "From the day I met Pineno. I remember nothing else before then."

"Ah…" Dusk's ears dropped against his skull. "And I was so hard on you."

Krista turned her focus towards the ground. She could see the shadow of her tail moving against her will. "You didn't know."

"It's…quite alright," Slowking said. "We are just glad that you are here with us. It's a miracle you've met Pineno when you did…and he did the right thing bringing you here. Now you have more hands and paws willing to help you with your cause. Perhaps there is a way to restore your lost memories. It is…something we are familiar with searching for."

Slowking was no longer looking at her, but towards the door. It was left wide open, with only the darkness of the halls looming ahead.

He didn't even know her.

But she could say the same about Pineno.

But why? Why did she trust Pineno with her secrets when she couldn't trust anyone else? What was the difference?

She waited. Krista was waiting for Slowking to respond to her thoughts, but there was nothing. His face didn't change. Whether or not he could hear them or not didn't matter at that moment. She was positive he knew everything else.

"Meowth…no. Krista. That's what you preferred, yes? Who gave you that nickname?" Slowking asked.

"You exposed my head and couldn't even see that?" Krista almost hissed.

There was only silence, and stunned faces. Howler was the first to react, wearing a scowl. "Watch your tone when you—"

Slowking held up a paw, interrupting him. However, he didn't say a word to him. No words were necessary as he lowered his head.

"Perhaps…we should let the children go to bed," Dusk suggested.

No one opposed his words.

"Very well," Slowking said. "Take them to their quarters."

… … …

"Why did I say that?"

Regret was overwhelming her entire being. Krista couldn't sleep. She couldn't get comfortable in her own bed. Laying down was hardly an option. Paws covered her face as she sat with her legs hanging over the straw.

Again. She did it again. Why couldn't she just keep her angry words to herself? Oh, that was impossible when he was just inside her head. He was only trying to help, wasn't he? But he was so careless! How could a supposed king possibly be so forgetful?

Oh, but even if he was, she snapped at him again. It kept circulating in her head. It could had gone better…it really could have…

She groaned and buried her face into her knees.

"Y-you were probably cranky…?" Tidal tried to offer some sort of solace.

"I shouldn't have disrespected him like that…"

"I-I…yeah but…" Tidal tapped his hands together. "I'm sure he didn't mean to make you feel bad or anything."

She didn't know what to think. All she knew was that she wasn't assumed to be Corrupted due to her tampered memories, which was what she was thankful for. But what if Slowking pointed it out to an audience? How would they take it? What if Midnight took that information and used it as a weapon against her just to drive her out? What if…

(Stop overthinking it. Stop it…)

Her claws were sinking through her fur. A reminder of what she was. A reminder of what she didn't know.

All this time she tried to push it aside, to pretend that it didn't bother her as much as she thought…but she was wrong. It brought too much pain knowing her entire life was stolen away, and for what? What reason? What purpose? Why was she there?

"Why am I here…?"

She couldn't contain the words. And Tidal…he didn't know what to do.

"What did I do to forget everything? What am I supposed to do…?"

But no one would be able to answer that.

And it hurt so much more to know that there was someone out there trying to speak to her. But she didn't even know who they were anymore.

She betrayed them without meaning to.

"Why…?"

Tidal shrank back to the floor. There was nothing he could say.

A thump sounded against the door.

Krista felt herself jump. A glance at Tidal told her that he wasn't the reason behind it.

Someone was in the halls…?

The first image that came to mind was Midnight. The sneaky Sneasel could have been listening in, and if she was, the things she would do with what she overheard could be…

Krista bolted towards the door and slid it open with both paws. She stuck her head out the hall. To her left, there was nothing but darkness.

To her right, she caught the glimpse of a large four-legged figure making a sharp turn around the corner. The shape was almost missed…but Krista was sure it had horns.

(Was that…Grove…?)

- 0000 -

…

… …

… … …

Pineno could hear it.

"A danger to us all is what you are."

His voice. Every single time he closed his eyes.

"Your existence is forfeit."

"Do you finally accept that your fate is inevitable?"

"No." Pineno's voice was a whisper. Eyes were squeezed shut. A distraction—he needed a distraction. The subtle humming of the room…he focused on that.

The humming grew louder. It shifted. Screaming. It was screaming.

Eyes opened. A blanket of green engulfed his entire being. The bite of the cold snapped at his skin. A large shadow loomed over him—a giant arm fell on his skull.

"No!"

He shot awake. Alone…he sat alone in the small room. Dark and earthy, with only the rocks to keep him company. Paws unrooted weeds, weeds that were resilient and hardy, determined to grow where it didn't belong. It was the weeds where he always slept, away from the sun, deep in the dark corridors where none would approach him. Comfort, it brought so much of it. Cool and dry, never too damp. The strong scent of petrichor merged with clay. Strangely bitter but refreshing. Something he didn't realize he missed.

What rays of sunlight did find their way was subtle, only ever strong enough to make out the shapes of his surroundings. It didn't matter either way, he could feel his way around. He had the map of the entire layout engraved within his brain.

Soft and melodic, a gentle voice hummed through the tunnels. Pineno stood, his feet leaving the comfort of his bedding as he approached. At the end of the corridor, the light was almost at its strongest. It shone from a gap above. He entered a dome room, a massive space, held together by hanging roots and clustered stone.

At its center, was a large and round boulder, flattened and sanded to a usable surface. A basket of berries sat comfortably atop, surrounded by clusters of plants and roots. A sweet scent flooded his nostrils, telling him that the berries were freshly cut. The tangy scent of apple slices almost made his mouth water.

A few paces away from that table, humming a sweet song, a Chesnaught stood with her back turned. The spikes of her abraded shell had long snapped off. Deep cracks and split crevices ran down the middle, held together and swallowed by kudzu. The leaves swayed with every subtle movement. The soft clatter of plates failed to overwhelm her chorus that swelled the air.

A bundle of heat swelled in Pineno's throat as he took a cautious step forward. A plate of food was set down on the log countertop in front of the giant. It was followed by another, then a third…a fourth…

He had to tell her. Again, he had to tell her.

He opened his mouth. The words were at the top of his tongue, but his throat clamped tight.

A fifth plate was set. Her humming swelled again.

A sound escaped him. A soft murmur, too low to be heard. A sixth plate was being made. Many berries were sorted.

Again, words failed to come. The plate was set. The Chesnaught's head turned as she peered over her shoulder. Yellow eyes where the whites should be.

"Mama…" Pineno almost pressed against the earth. "They…they aren't coming…"

Mama shifted her focus back on the log counter. She picked up a number of plates.

"They…aren't coming," Pineno said again. With caution, he moved back as Mama made her way to the table. "Chester, Needler, Pecan…"

He couldn't remember his oldest brother's name. He mulled over it, but his mother wouldn't listen long. He had to keep going.

"…Big brother… and dad…dad is away working. Remember?"

Set plates clattered on the table's surface. A soft nudge arranged then in a circle. Water-filled bowls followed. Then came the rolls of bread. It was a quiet shuffle as the colors blended together. Mama stepped back to admire her work.

Her yellow gaze fell on him, expression unchanging. It never did change—always holding the same blank stare. It made it hard to read her. It made everyone else frightened if they ever did see her. It was something Pineno never understood.

But she was always gentle. Even as she summoned her vines and picked him up, she never once squeezed him.

Placed in front of his plate, Pineno found that he was very hungry. It was like that everyday. First it was days, then weeks…and today marked it as the third month. It had been three months since he last saw them. Just last week, he accepted that they would never return.

The desire to eat was too strong to ignore. He wanted to reach for the roll of bread, or the apple stacked at the very top of his portion. Muscles tensed as he tried to move his arm. A quick glance towards Mama was enough for him to know she was watching him.

His paw grazed the roll of bread, and a large shadow made him withdraw. Heavy and strong, a single clawed paw slammed on the table's surface. Plates shuffled. A loud grunt followed. Her face didn't change, but Pineno knew she didn't like that.

But he was so hungry…

"Mama please. Don't do this again," Pineno pleaded. "We can't wait for them. They aren't coming."

Mama said nothing. Her eyes were fixed on him, waiting.

"They aren't coming!" Pineno repeated, louder that time. "It's been three months! They are never coming back! There's no one else to feed!"

He reached again, but he was pushed back by a heavy arm. Mama almost roared then, slamming both paws on the table. One of the apples rolled off to the ground.

"They don't want to be here anymore!" Pineno snapped.

She shoved her weight off the table and stormed across the room. Like the day before, and the day before that, she would pace around the den. Then it would be the halls, the rooms, a desperate peek outside…there would be no one. She would check for hours, until sundown, when she would fall defeated and exhausted.

No longer was Pineno hungry.

Mama remained on the ground as Pineno left his spot. Even when he stood next to her, she did not budge. It wasn't until his tiny paw touched her back that she lifted her head. Her eyes were glossed with tears.

A glance back at the table, and Pineno could envision it; Four older and taller Chespin occupying the space, loud and rambunctious, throwing apples or laughing. Sometimes Needler would stand on the table. Other times, Chester would tilt his plate over for laughs. Pecan would steal her brothers' food whenever they weren't looking. And the eldest one…his eldest brother, he had very little memory of him.

But the four sat so close with one another, sharing smiles and laughs. Even when they were there, it never felt like Pineno was with them. Whenever he joined them at the table, all conversation stopped. His eldest brother would up and move. The others would whisper and distant themselves.

It made no difference that they weren't here.

But Mama didn't think so. And that was what made him angry.

(Mama is no mindless beast,) Pineno thought. His arms wrapped around her neck. He could feel their angry glares, even now. (I am no mindless beast, either.)

"You speak lies to yourself as a means of comfort."

Pineno spun around. Skullzer stood several leaps away, soaked in the dreaded rain as the grass swept past his legs. Around the Chespin's arms was an eroding log. He swung his arms back with a startled lunge. The wood fell apart the moment it hit the ground.

"Everything you touch, you destroy," Skullzer said. "Your family. Your friends. They will all perish by your hand… All because you insist on self-preservation."

"That's not true!" Pineno screamed.

"Consideration to be rid of you will soon cross them. Deep down, you know this as truth. They were wise to leave you. The rest will soon follow."

A glance behind him, and his siblings stood, laughing and playing in a circle. There were other Pokémon too: Rattata, Sentret, Gligar, and Wooloo. They all danced and skipped, without him being there.

"That's not true…" Pineno said again. "Not everyone left me."

Father. He appeared among the crowd, battle-scarred and a scarf tied beneath his shoulder. Then, there was Slowking, who wore the warmest of smiles. Grove and Dusk… appeared next, then there was Tidal…

…Krista.

Krista didn't smile much, but she was kind. As confused and frightened as she must be, she could have easily been bitter and withdrawn. But she instead accepted his paw.

She saw something. Perhaps her perspective of him changed, but the first thing she did when she saw him…she hugged him.

He would never forget that.

"I have friends here, friends who see me for what I really am," Pineno said. "You can't take that away from me."

He turned around. Skullzer was no longer there. The rolling grasslands were fading out of sight.

… … …

When he opened his eyes, the first thing he saw was the moss-coated ceiling.

He was still in his hospital room.

A small bowl was placed at his bedside. Its sweet scents reminded him of home. Vigor smiled down at him before she headed towards the door.

"You're still awake?" Pineno asked.

"Late-night renovations," Vigor answered. "But I'm just about wrappin' up. Make sure to eat that before returnin' to bed, alright?"

She was gone. Pineno remained still on his bed as the room door slid shut.

(Late-night renovations, huh?)

The soft stream of water reminded him of just how much he missed drinking it. Vines remained sprouting from his shoulders, but a soft tug unearthed them both. A soft gasp escaped him.

He was fully healed.

He could eat.

What Vigor left behind, appeared to be a rare green berry of sorts; one that checked all the boxes of its cousins, or so he was told.

He picked it up, feeling its firm shell. He wanted to thank her, but she was already gone.

A glance towards the ceiling again, and he wished he could see the moon. While his underground perspective was no different from when he lived in his den…it would still be nice to see the stars.

Perhaps the library would be open late at night. He hoped so. If it was as well-hidden as Ferrothorn claimed, he wouldn't have to worry about being sniffed out. Especially with the high amount of Pokémon that lived there. Skullzer wouldn't be able to fight them all

(I know he's still looking for me.)

Pineno took his first bite, the shell cracking between his incisors. It was bitter and strong, just the way he liked it.

Bitter, but somewhat sweet. Just like his own situation…

(He can keep looking. The next time he sees me, I'll be much stronger. Just watch…)

- 0000 -

Metal slashing metal screamed through the nighttime air once again. From the mouth of a gaping cave, it was illuminated with orange and yellow light. A small fire sat in the center of the hardened ground. Shadows danced and stretched, one that belonged to a limping Houndoom.

The slashing stopped in an instant as the canine collapsed on the ground. What was formerly a sleek black coat was now unruly, with some parts clumped or missing.

"What is this? Excuse me?" Knight's voice rang with disapproval. "Again? You failed again? I've given you my word. I've allowed you to double your forces."

Skullzer let out a heavy breath. He contemplated the idea of sleeping right then and there, but he went against it. Knight was waiting on an answer, one that would sound like an excuse no matter what it would be.

"The Abomosnow made himself known," he said. "My fire had no effect on his being. The scarf he wore…had properties unfamiliar to me."

"He wasn't your target." The sound of shuffling signaled that Knight had stood. "You toy with your food. That is what happened."

The assumption made Skullzer snort. "For what reason should the interlopers meet the same fate as my target?"

"For what reason should you show mercy to any fool who gets in our way? You should have scorched the air with fire! Get rid of everything at once!"

A soft growl rose from Skullzer as he rolled to his stomach. He lifted his head from the ground. "That, I was resolved to do. Then the Noivern made himself known."

Knight said nothing. He knew there was no reason to be angry with that.

"The Noivern would have plucked his teeth clean with my bones if he could," Skullzer said. He felt no fear when he said it. Why be afraid of something that was a fact?

"They somehow knew you were there," Knight said. "That's the only explanation. No Abomosnow would so willingly enter a place that feels like fire. How did they find you, when you know how to cover your tracks? They wouldn't foolishly assume every Starly serves you. The Mightyena wasn't there to make such wild claims."

"For what reason the children arrived at the peak, I do not know," Skullzer answered. "I merely received word of their travels from my scouts, and acted accordingly. That is all I know. But it is to be assumed they were never meant to be there. I've overheard them. They pursued the Sobble that fled there. I've seen him challenge the boss who occupied the mound. He'd almost bested him."

"Another talented child. A lot of those have been reared lately. For decades, if we want to be specific—does the Chespin fall into that category?"

"Runt when he was hatched, from what my scouts tell me," Skullzer said. "Embedded with unusual power. He needs to be eliminated before it swallows him whole. You know this. We all know this. But, his mother will not speak to us."

"Chessie wouldn't speak."

"Make her. I could make her."

"Wouldn't, I said. Wouldn't, Skullzer. She's no use for us."

Skullzer's mouth hung open once he realized what he meant. "Gone?"

"Disappeared," Knight clarified. "She may have lost a fraction of herself, but she still bore a mother's heart. The day after her fifth child fled, it was said she left in a mad frenzy. A shame it is."

Skullzer licked his lips. "We needed her to—"

"I was counting on you to scoop the boy up and bring him back there so we could strike two Pidgey with one stone. But as it seems, we underestimated the situation. And now we have to worry about how Zypher would respond to this. Gods know that he's seething inside. But his children are safe. Where they are, I do not know. I can care less about the others when our main target continues to elude us. What good does he see in that boy, I don't have a clue. He's just as aware of how dangerous he is as the rest of us."

"They've seen it," Skullzer said. "Abomosnow, Sobble, Meowth…they've seen the danger he presents himself to be. And still, they protect him like fools. Just as his parents did. If he grows, so will the danger. If he evolves—"

"Evolution eludes us as well. I doubt we have to worry about that," Knight said. "But, you are right. It is concerning that he would grow. I've witnessed power flares from many unfortunate creatures, but this is the first time I've seen it inherited. And that power kept growing, didn't it?"

"…Yes."

"If only Chessie didn't dash off so suddenly, we could have steered things to our favor a lot easier. But alas, what's done is done. If we ever do come across her, perhaps her mind would be a little less resistant. Yes. Your scouts. None of them are useless, are they?"

Knight's words almost surfaced a growl to Skullzer's throat, but he held it down. "A few days of recovery would be necessary. Nothing is broken."

"Good. Once they are healed, do make use of them again. And…I hope you won't fail a third time."

"Impossible."

"I hope so. A third strike never goes well for any of us. What would the boss think?"

Skullzer sealed his lips. No words would change his current position.

The sound of a foot tapping echoed through the corridor. Knight was waiting for an answer. He liked to act patient, but he was far from it.

"I will find another," Skullzer said. "Chessie's location is unknown. I cannot make use of someone who is invisible…only one who is promised to be present. I know just the individual."

"Who do you have in mind?"

"A powerful beast that even the associates will quiver under. I will have her serve me if necessary."

"A powerful…wait. Her? You're mad. That won't be possible," Knight said. "To control a beast stronger than you? All you will do is anger her. Is that really how you wish to leave this world?"

"I feel no fear. A primal mind is forever a weak mind," Skullzer promised. "I will show you my capabilities. It will exceed your expectations. The spell cast will work. We will have control of the veins that keep this continent alive. The fifth child will have nowhere to hide anymore."

"Making a bold effort to expand your forces, are you?" Knight mused. "It wouldn't be the first time you have impressed me with something that should be impossible. What you've done to Legend is one of your greatest feats…so be it. I have faith that you won't tarnish anything. Do what you must. But you understand…the thin line you walk on. If this fails..."

Skullzer dipped his head. "It's been a honor to know you, sir."

The sound of blades told Skullzer that Knight had crossed his arms. "Hrmm. All the trouble for one child. Unbelievable. What are those Central fools planning to do with that boy…? They've seen his capabilities, and yet they hold on to him. Skullzer, what has that Slacker done? His response to this…plight?"

There it was. Skullzer had to deliver another wave of unpleasant news. He almost didn't want to speak, not because he was afraid, but because dealing with such a negative mood was awfully draining. But if it would encourage more caution, then maybe there was some good behind it.

So he spoke, slowly and carefully. "My scouts…they inform me of movement from the North. The Hermit Crab dressed in a twilight cloak. The one they call The Obsidian Prince."

"The Obsidian…of course he would." A blade sliced the air. It was reflected by the campfire that seemed to flare inside the cave. "Of course he would be too cowardly to face me directly. But so be it. This doesn't change a thing."

"The Chespin will be near impossible to access—"

"Let him stay there. To try to rush things will lessen our succession. There is no harm in waiting. He'll come to us eventually. He's a Pokémon pretending to be a hero, after all."

Skullzer dipped his head.

"Besides, what you have planned here has peaked my interest," Knight said. "I didn't even consider Blighting that giant a possibility. This might actually turn out to be fun. What exactly do you need for this spell to work, Commander?"

Skullzer pawed at the necklace that shimmered under the moonlight. "A stock of supplies will be necessary. It won't be an easy journey to reach her. However, that is merely the difficult part. The reward will be...much greater."

To be Continued in Chapter 20.