A/N: Sorry for the delay.
Five chapters left in this arc! Then the updates will come to a stop for a while!
Thank you all so much for reading!
- Chapter 20: Lessons From a Mother -
When Krista woke the next day, the chargestones were bright and vibrant, cloaked with countless dancing bolts. She had never seen them so bright in the room before…or maybe her eyes needed to adjust.
But the contrast gave the room an unfamiliar presence…almost as if something was out of place. In the very back of her mind, she knew something was wrong.
Something was wrong.
It hit her like a brick. Shock shot through her body.
"Oh, no! I overslept!"
Krista jolted from her bed, the quick motion twisting one ankle against the other. She hit the stoney ground with a grunt, her claws scraping the surface. In a mess of a hurry, she scrambled back to her feet, grabbed her badge and bag, and rushed for the door. Her paws slammed against the surface, but she froze just as she pushed it open by an inch.
She almost forgot.
"Tidal! Tidal? Where are you?!"
He wasn't there.
"Oh, nonono! Why didn't anyone wake me up?!"
As soon as the door opened, she raced out, almost tripping over her own feet.
She almost didn't see Buck who walked past at the other side. Stomping her feet, she spared them both from a collision and fell flat on her back.
"Oh, oh dear," Buck took a cautious step forward, careful not to step on a foot. He lowered his head and nudged her. "Are you alright?"
"I…what time is it?"
"Time?" Buck looked confused, but he answered. "It's near noon. Is something wrong—"
"NOON?!" Krista jumped back to her feet. "Noon! Why did they let me sleep that long? Where's Tidal? Where was Howler? Where's Dusk?! I'm supposed to be training today and I overslept—"
"Whoa, whoa…it's okay. Trust me, if Howler tried to wake you up—well it wouldn't even be a try. His voice could wake the entire hall if he wanted to do that. I guess…maybe they let you sleep in on purpose? Did you fall sick last night?"
Terror.
Krista slung her bag over her shoulder. "Sorry!"
Dropping to all fours, she sprinted down the hall. The bag was ruthless against her back, but it paled in comparison to the panic flowing through her.
(Did I make them upset? Did no one want to bother me because of how I acted last night? Oh, oh I didn't mean to! The Headmaster! I have to talk to the Headmaster!)
His chamber. It was a long run, but she knew how to get there. With every Pokémon she darted around or dove under, she made sure to apologize. Soon enough, the wide hall was within sight. The large door was within sight. She just—
A large black and purple body dropped in front of her. Krista jolted back with a scream.
Boomer stood, claws planted on the ground. He cocked his head to one side, his eyes locked on her, never blinking.
"Oi, lassie," he said. "Gon' the wrong way, haven't ya?"
"I…I just…"
Krista took several steps back. The way he kept staring at her made her fur bristle. What was so different from yesterday, when he actually looked as if he wasn't going to chew her face off? What changed that made his presence so intimidating now?
It had to be because of how she blew up at the Headmaster. He was upset at her for that, wasn't he? Or…was it something else?
She didn't want to try to guess. She could see his fangs…she didn't want to find out how patient he would be.
"The Headmaster. I wanted to—"
"Ain't here," Boomer responded, his mouth parting into a twisted grin. "Just as you should be. Out you go."
"But—"
"Out. Needs a bit of sleepin'. Long night 'head of me. Go."
No point. Krista backed away and turned around. She made sure to keep an eye over her shoulder, but the Noivern was making his way through the door on the left…his room, perhaps.
The Headmaster wasn't there. Where was she supposed to go?
The Registration desk? If anyone would know, it could be Grove.
… … …
"Sorry. She's not here today," Simisear said.
"Huh?! But she's always here!"
"Mmm. Not today." Simisear lined a stack of papers against the counter before threading them into a book. "She's taking the day off. You know the associates don't work all the time, right? You must be new here."
Krista had forgotten, but it made things a little easier. "Can I see her?"
"Yeah. That's the weird thing. She doesn't want to be bothered today," Simisear said. "Actually, I don't know what's going on with the associates today. Maybe they had a troubling meeting? They never really tell us anything right away, so maybe we'll know in a few days."
"Oh. I see…" It was easy to guess why. The guilt was crushing her more with every passing second.
"And uh…" Simisear looked at her up and down. "Is everything okay with you, Meowth? Do you need anything?"
The question was more fitting for him. Grove and Ambipom were absent. The lines were monstrous as is, and he was managing all on his own?
But she couldn't stand around for much longer. There were others waiting on her.
"No thank you. I'll be going now." Krista retreated from the desk.
"I'll tell her that you stopped by if I do see her!" Simisear called.
"No thanks…I'll leave her alone."
… … …
Stopping by the bank brought no difference. Eight informed her that he had not seen Tidal nor Grove during his morning shift. Although it didn't mean they were nowhere. It simply meant they never made their way over to that side of the complex. Which meant they were likely towards where the marketplace and dojo extended.
Perhaps she would find Dusk waiting for her there.
Upon arriving at Grumpig Dojo, however, there was no sign of Dusk either. A Prinplup there informed her that the Mightyena went out his way to chase after an outlaw that fallen under his radar. It meant he would likely be busy for the entirety of the day.
So Krista decided to seek Pineno in his hospital room. But the nurses refused her entry.
"You are no longer a patient," the Indeedee told her. "You no longer have a reason to be here."
Krista almost argued that visitation exists, but she stopped herself before the words could escape her. Perhaps it was a human concept not adopted by Pokémon. Or maybe, she simply didn't have the energy to debate with anyone.
All she could do was hope Pineno was doing well. She hated being away from him for so long.
But what else was there to do? Her mentor was gone, Tidal likely was united with his own team. Wandering the entirety of the complex didn't seem to be an ideal way to pass the day.
Perhaps, the cafeteria? She certainly missed breakfast.
… … …
"Dinner is not until later. I'm sorry." Highness peered down at Krista from behind the serving counter. "But I could lend you a snack if you'd like. We have a few fresh apples, but I can only give you one."
"Don't I have to pay for it?" Krista asked.
"Nonsense! You wear the badge of retaliation!"
The Nidorina dropped down out of sight. She returned several seconds later, carrying a rather large apple between her claws. It was offered to Krista, who took it with some reluctance.
"You seem to be having a rough day. Do you want to talk about it?"
"Um…no, that's okay." Krista took the apple. She could almost make out her shape from the shiny surface. "Actually…if you see Howler.. "
She shook her head.
"Nevermind. I don't want to be a bother to him."
Highness smiled. She thankfully didn't prod on the topic. "You don't have to stay here to eat it, you know. Some Pokémon like to have something to chew on while studying in the library."
(The library!) Krista had almost forgotten. If there was any other place to look, that had to be it!
She thanked Highness before making her way towards the massive outside space.
… … …
She was once again proven to be a fool to have such high hopes. There were no familiar faces within the breeze, save the librarian.
And he told her the same thing everyone else did.
"Have not seen them. Likely to be busy. No reason you have to be here."
"I have a reason," Krista answered.
"Meowth can't read."
She tried to not let his monotoned and metallic voice get under her skin. It wasn't an insult. It was a fact…a fact that hurt.
"Maybe I want to pretend I can," she told him.
Thankfully, Ferrothorn had no issue with her staying. If only she could read his never-changing face, she would feel a little less unnerved about what could possibly be going through his head.
She crossed the grassy space and made it to the table where the sunlight was warm against her fur. What else she could do, she wasn't so sure. As annoying as the morning routines could be sometimes, to do nothing all day felt much worse. It was terribly boring.
Why didn't anyone inform her about leaving her to her own devices?
She closed her eyes to allow her mind to drift. Perhaps her behavior last night pushed everyone away. It couldn't be that she overreacted. No one would want their mind to be probed and exposed for everyone to hear. But…Slowking was doing his job. He was trying to assure that nothing went wrong, and he did find that something went wrong. It was only the last thing he expected; A Meowth who remembered nothing, not even her own name.
(But you didn't have to yell at him, even if you believed he was wrong.)
But did he deserve it? She almost wanted to believe so. It wasn't the first time he acted so impulsively, such as when he took the reward money in front of her, knowing what Pokémon she was.
But again, was she overreacting…?
What to think, Krista didn't know. Maybe it was unrealistic to expect everyone to be mindful of every little thing that existed. Slowking was a clumsy king, but he never intentionally did anything wrong. He even gave her shelter when he could have denied her of it, and he had every reason to. She wasn't part of the escort request. He took her in from the goodness of his heart.
Perhaps he left her alone because he felt guilty for exposing her vulnerability to everyone that was present last night.
(Stupid emotions…) Krista dropped her head. (Felines and their stupid pride.)
Clink.
Her forehead rested on the stoney flat surface of the table. The metallic sound startled her silly—she had forgotten about the coin there.
A strong sense of discomfort flooded her head. Just the mere thought of scratching the coin made her winch. She rolled her head to one side, seeing the library in a horizontal view. The coin scratched the stoney surface from the soft movement, and she had to bite down the urge to search for a reflective surface just to assure it wasn't tainted.
(The stupid coin is fine. It's just a stupid headpiece.)
The words didn't quell her unease. She wouldn't be comfortable lying on the table either way. It wasn't like she could sit down.
With her thoughts running rampant, she told herself that she had to relax. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath and held it for several heartbeats. The sun was like a warm blanket that swaddled her away from all her troubles. She listened to the soft rustling of trees that increased in volume as the wind poured in the cave. Fresh and crisp, the wind felt soothing against her face. It whistled in her ears, and for the first time, she could feel the slightest pull where her whiskers could be. An unfamiliar, but not discomforting sensation.
She wondered if in her previous life, she enjoyed the outdoors. It never crossed her mind until now…but she realized being outside never really irked her. The stones were only an issue because she had nothing protecting her feet, but she came to terms about that.
Already, they didn't hurt as much. Perhaps all the walking was making her feet more resistant…or maybe she was finally learning how to tune it out and focus on what was necessary.
How many days had it been? A week, perhaps, since she woke up in that tree. It felt a lot longer than that, as if a month of events was crammed in such a short period of time: She got to meet a king. She was invited to an ancient fortress. She got to travel through cursed mazes that seemed half-alive. She met an evil sorcerer who wanted nothing more than Pineno's demise.
Didn't she run through the complex on all fours? She was already growing used to her transformed body. Sure, her gate still felt awkward, but it wasn't something that was in the front of her mind anymore. She was getting better at fighting, too. It came natural to her, as if she had been doing it her entire life…
But she was still a human. It wasn't something she ever forgot. She was reminded everyday when she woke up.
And she realized…she no longer woke with dread in her heart. When did she accept that she wouldn't return to normal anytime soon? She tried to pin it down but…
Heavy and thumping footfalls pulled her from her thoughts. Her ears strained as she peered over her shoulder. The giant was there, and he looked at her as if she was a lost child—a strange expression on his face.
"So here you are," Howler said. He spoke almost as low as he did last night, but failed to mask the power once more. "Sought for me, did you? For what reason?"
"Who…told you?" Krista asked. She tried to understand what the look on his face meant. It was making her more unnerved than whenever he looked annoyed with her.
"The Season within your halls," he answered. "The Poison-pin within the commons."
His strange dialect left her searching for who he could mean. Krista didn't want to brush it off as irrelevant, but he was talking. For what reason he was talking to her, it had to be important in his eyes.
Howler was the Headmaster's right-handed Pokémon. Talking to him meant whatever she said would reach the Slowking. She would have to choose her words carefully…something she failed at doing time and time again.
"Howl—Mr. Howler, I just…I'm sorry for what happened last night. I didn't mean to blow up like that. It's just that…so much has happened ever since I woke up, and I was all alone, and then I was attacked and…I still don't know. I still don't know anything. It's nice to be here, and I'm glad to have met Pineno and the others but…I just… I feel like I stick out like a sore thumb here, and it's not because I'm a different kind of Meowth…"
She paused. She almost considered telling him. The words were held tightly against her tongue. But in the library? Where countless ears count pick up a pin-drop?
Was she going to tell him?
The answer was no. She wouldn't. She couldn't. Even if it explained all of her behavior that they saw as strange, it was information she was far from ready to reveal. From all the tales she heard, and all of the interpretations of humanity, what would happen if the entire complex found out?
"Why do you apologize?" Howler asked.
Krista was sure her mind was trucking her. Howler didn't just…
He stepped closer. Somehow, as if the gods granted him a miracle, he lowered his voice even more. The powerful layer behind it still lingered, but it no longer assaulted Krista's chest.
"You awaken with no inkling of your own identity, without a single beat of your name. Your friends, your family, lost into the flow of time. Ruthlessly, you were ambushed by the Starly amongst your confusion. You were shoved into a space filled with hundreds of strangers. You felt pressured to speak within your vulnerable mind. It is to be expected for you to…blow up, as you call it. But when anger rings true within your heart, your true nature shows. Perhaps you had forgotten who you once were, but you had not forgotten yourself. Your heart is not twisted. You desire solace. You are afraid."
He lifted his head high once more, and his voice returned to normal volume.
"And I speak the obvious to you not because we are unaware. I speak because those feelings are familiar to many of us. To adapt in an unfamiliar environment breeds fear. Such fear is familiar to me, for I was once a wild beast that roamed within the ember mound."
It almost flew over her head.
The last sentence he spoke…she had to replay it in her mind.
"What?"
She stood tall, as if it would help her hear better.
"A wild beast? You mean…you…were…"
Howler nodded once.
The library. They were in the library. His reverberating voice could be heard anywhere. She searched the room, but there was no reaction…
"They know of this," Howler answered. "They know the tale of every one of us: Why we are here. Our purpose. They know it all, just as you will soon. Let the paranoid speak their nonsense. Their words can't harm you when you know the truth."
Krista looked back at him, into his wild eyes. It made perfect sense then. Everything about him…
"I thought…the wild Pokémon—I mean, the wild creatures are…"
"In most cases, they cannot be reasoned with," Howler answered. "For I was once as wild as they roamed. Within the distortion I lived, with the eyes of ruthless crimson that fueled my blood with endless fury. You remember the story. You remember how the primal beasts lived."
"Survival was a privilege…"
Howler nodded again.
"So…how did you get out? How did you…"
"Fought against The Headmaster who crossed my line of sight," Howler said. "I was bested within a heartbeat; it was a sensation unfamiliar to me. I was the strongest among my kind—never once did I ever lose. Then, he came. Humiliated me. Soaked and beaten, I could not move. As he left, I did not wish to lose sight of him. I was spared; a concept unfamiliar to me. His power was admirable. A power I sought to understand…so, wounded as I was, I followed him. He was aware of my presence, but neither he or his blood pushed me away. The ember mound was my home no longer."
"He took you in," Krista realized. "He taught you everything, didn't he? He said he did, back when we first saw you."
"Hm." Howler nodded.
"And your wisdom…"
"Gained here among these walls. Within the first six months, I've learned to speak. I've learned to thrive. I've learned to hold…companions. But to claim lives, it was forbidden. A lesson I almost refused to learn. A lesson that was presented to me until I understood that sometimes, mercy was a better teacher. And upon accepting mercy…I've gained my own identity. I was no longer a primal beast who had to fight to live. I am the Pokémon they call Howler."
"Did the Headmaster name you?"
"The one they call The Obsidian Prince did," Howler said. "Shared the same blood…Brother is the term, hm?"
She wondered…what was Slowking's brother like?
"To lose your identity is a pain no Pokémon should experience, little one. It cuts deep, like the blade of The Mantis. Upon hearing our Headmaster's words, your resentment, I understand. But do not let it blind you. Instead, use it as fuel to nudge you forward. Seek the answers that you've lost. That is why we are here.
"Every associate you see has a tale: Grove, Frost, Eight, Vigor, Dusk, and Boomer…they all have a story. Heed to them. Learn from them. Understand them. You may find that they share a common experience. Or perhaps their words will enlighten you. Whatever it may be…do not feel as if you are alone."
He turned, ready to depart.
"Just a second!"
Howler stopped at the exit. "Make it brief."
"Um…about the egg…I just wanted to say—"
"Your gratitude isn't necessary," Howler interrupted, not looking back. "Your strength is what matters. Harbor it. Enhance it. Channel it. Thrive in it."
He left before she could say another word.
(Again. He made time to talk to me again…)
Krista stood still, watching him walk until he disappeared out of sight within the tunnel. The soft conversations around her resumed.
What just happened? Was Howler actually being nice for once…or was it something else? All the times when he was critical, did he believe he was helping her? Did he speak to her just now because he felt pity?
She felt silly to think it…but the last thing she wanted was for everyone to suddenly be so nice to her all because of her amnesia.
Such kindness is strange to her. She was sure that anyone else would take advantage of it or…
(Ugh. Why do I always expect the worst from people?)
All she could narrow it down to was her previous life. Maybe something happened then that gave her such a negative outlook.
The feeling of Slowking in her headspace was not something she could forget so easily, either. Anyone else would have taken advantage of whatever they found in her mind. Blackmail would come so easily.
But none of that happened.
(I've been nothing but strange to them. It's not like I can tell them why. But…)
(I'm going to be living in this world for a while—whatever that reason may be—complaining won't do anything but slow me down. I should…try my best to understand things now. It's a bit scary but…)
High above, the blue sky was beginning to shift to a subtle orange. It wouldn't be long. The afternoon was late.
(Maybe this world isn't as cruel as I thought.)
(Maybe I was sent here to prevent that from happening. The Sorcerers…they are the evil that wants to ruin this kind world.)
… … …
After her visit in the library, there was nothing much else she could do. Reading the footprint runes proved to be impossible, even after taking Howler's words into consideration.
With the day coming to an end, there was only one last thing to do that came to mind. It wasn't that she made a promise, but it felt rude to decline it.
Krista stood in front of Kangaskhan Storage.
Kangaskhan noticed her right away, after finishing her conversation with a Boltund. A wide smile formed on her face as she and her daughter waved in perfect sync. "Ah, Meowth! There you are! Are you here for service?"
(Meowth…)
Krista pushed the feeling aside. It wasn't relevant.
"I'm actually here for the training," Krista said as she approached the counter. "Like you said…"
"Ah, right. You wish to learn the dig technique! Hmm, hmm. At the tail end of the day, yes, this could work. Dusk is too busy to tend to you, I've heard. We have plenty of time! So come! Come along! I'll take you to the dojo myself!"
"Huh—" Krista was double-dumbfounded as Kangaskhan set her daughter down on the rug ground. "The dojo?!"
"There's no other place suitable, I'm afraid," Kangaskhan said. "The warehouse is massive, yes, but I don't wish for any damages to be made. It would be terrible for my clients."
"Uh…yeah but…" Krista moved aside to give her room to leave from behind the counter. Her daughter made no efforts to follow her. Even stranger, the smaller Pokémon was dragging crates towards the counter. She was making quick work of stacking them.
Those crates were as big as her, and she could carry them like that?
"She'll be fine," Kangaskhan assured Krista, beckoning her to follow.
As if proof was needed, the young Kangaskhan jumped up on the stack. It gave her the leverage needed to see over the countertop.
"Part of growing up is learning to operate without someone standing over your shoulder all the time," Kangaskhan said. "It's how I learned from my mother, back when I still resided in her pouch back in Treasure Town. Of course, she learned from her mother, who learned from her mother…well, let's just say it's a very old practice. But it's one I take great pride in! And if I don't go out my way to help growing kids like you, then what sort of mother does that make me?"
Krista followed her through the large hall. Every Pokémon they walked past always greeted them with a dip of the head. There were others who would wave, but it was almost always directed towards Kangaskhan. Everyone knew her, which was to be expected. Still, it was an impressive sight on just how positive her presence was to everyone…
But her story did hold a detail that stood out. Krista could only hold on to the thought.
(What's Treasure Town? This is the second time I've heard it mentioned. Must be somewhere in the grass continent since that's where Dusk came from…)
Once they stopped moving, Krista knew that they arrived. They stood right outside of the dojo, which seemed closed off to anyone else.
"We aren't going inside, are we?" Krista asked.
"Nonsense! There's no reason to! This large space is more than enough to help you grow!" Kangaskhan laughed. "If the associates told you that you could train outside the dojo, then many recruits would never bother to step foot inside the training mazes. I wouldn't blame them."
(That…makes sense…)
"Now then. You're here to learn the dig technique, right dear? Remember what I told you about it?"
"That it's…not as simple as just digging?" Upon seeing Kangaskhan nod, Krista was left lost on any other possible reason. "Then…how am I supposed to—"
"You have Pokémon who use the earth, and Pokémon who command the earth," Kangaskhan explained. "Two entirely different things. Digging is easy. You just reach down and rake your claws through the soil, right? But in the middle of a battle, what good does that do for you, hm?"
She nodded towards the ground.
"You…want me to dig?" Krista asked.
There was only a smile.
"Um…okay."
It didn't feel like training. The ground beneath her feet…she didn't understand how she was even supposed to break the soil when it was hardened rock instead. Was digging allowed? Wouldn't it ruin the scenery? Wouldn't that get her in trouble with the Headmaster? Wouldn't it—
"You think so much. What troubles you?" Kangaskhan asked. "In the middle of a fight, you can't afford to waste any time pondering on what needs to be done. Your enemy would have knocked you off your feet by now."
"But the floor, it's—"
Kangaskhan raised a claw above her head and swung it down. Her fist broke through the surface as claws carved the damp soil underneath. Gravel and stone spilled over, no longer even with the others. A nasty gnash was left on the ground. She gestured a dirty claw towards it.
"It's a training ground," she said, without the slightest strain in her voice. "It always gets damaged."
The display of raw strength…from a Pokémon so gentle—Krista almost didn't believe it. (She…she did that without even trying…! And she expects me to do the same?! But that's not possible!)
Just feeling the stone floor beneath her feet, there was simply no way for her to break the surface. Even as she reached down and tried to pierce her claws through it, nothing changed.
(Maybe…it does require a lot of force?)
She tried to mirror exactly what she saw from Kangaskhan. With one fist high in the air, she swung down against the surface.
Crack.
"AAAAGH!"
The ground didn't shift, but something within her paw did. Sharp and sprung, the pain stabbed through the tips of her claws. Krista gripped the source of the pain, but it didn't numb at the slightest.
"Child! Has Uxie wiped your mind?" Kangaskhan scolded her.
"I was copying you!" Krista hissed through the pain.
"You'll break your bones trying a stunt like that!"
"Why didn't you tell me that before?!" Krista whined.
"Well, honey, I didn't expect for you to actually try to punch the ground. Usually those who try to dig would…dig."
"So why did you punch it?!"
"Nonsense. I didn't punch the ground. All I did was disturb the surface. The motion did the rest. Did you not see?"
(But she moved so fast! How was I supposed to pick that up?) Krista squeezed her eyes shut as another wave of pain blistered through her paw. A soft tapping on the ground beneath her was enough to make her open her eyes. There was an oran berry rolling to her feet.
"Perhaps I should have been more specific. I'm sorry," Kangaskhan said. "How about this? You start practicing on this patch I already dug out for you."
With the berry held between her paws, Krista tried to ignore the dread as she brushed the dirt from the surface. She didn't want to eat it, but she wanted the pain gone all the same.
… … …
Krista hated the feeling of dirt in her claws. It was almost like the ink that clung on to her. It had to be scrapped and peeled off, and it was cold. Why was it cold?
To make matters worse, Kangaskhan didn't allow her to clean any speck of dirt off her. "The dirt is good for you," she would often claim. How was any sort of dirt good, when the only good it did was get in the way?
"You're treating this like a chore," Kangaskhan would say. "Don't think about it as a burden. It will not shift easy for as long as you treat it like an obstacle."
"But it's so difficult. You make it look so easy," Krista said. "It feels like all I did was push the dirt around."
And she was. It was a decent hole she made, enough to fit four apples in, but not deep enough to fully bury them without it being obvious. It took a great amount of time for her to dig that deep, and her paws were shaking. She wanted to warm them up somewhere, and to soak them clean. They were gray and clumped. She worried that if she dug any deeper, she would find mud.
Kangaskhan simply instructed her to keep going.
"No one is going to master it on the first day. It's okay to feel frustrated."
Krista frowned. "I…I know it's only the first day but…you would think that I would…"
(No.)
Krista shook the feelings out.
(No more of that! No more complaining! You promised…you promised yourself that you wouldn't do that anymore! Of course it's not going to be easy! Nothing is ever easy at first! You just…you just have to keep going! Get better! Bit by bit!)
A deep breath, and she felt some weight leaving her chest. Most of her worries…they melted away.
"Sorry, Kangaskhan. I guess I let my worries get the best of me. It won't happen again."
Kangaskhan cocked her head. "Hm? Well, it seems something has changed. Are you sure you are feeling better?"
"Yes." Krista nodded. "I am."
"Hm. Now then…looking at your motion, I guess it would be difficult to teach you to dig when you aren't a Pokémon known to naturally dig. You need to learn the motion before you can properly move the ground to your will—ah! I know just the thing! You know how to use your claws in battle, don't you, dear?"
Krista glanced at her dirtied paws.
"I can easily assume you are familiar with the basic scratch technique. And by now, you must have a good maneuver of your coordination. From the trips to my storage you've taken so far, I can tell you've grown stronger each time. I think you are ready."
"Ready?" Krista echoed. "Ready for what?"
"Since you and I can't naturally produce any elemental properties…brute strength is our greatest…well, strength. Basic Pokémon are what they like to call us. We are at our most powerful when we call upon our instincts in battle. Rage, Fury Attack, and Thrash! You use your anger as fuel! Body Slam, Take Down, Double Edge! Use the force of your body as your weapon! And of course… the Hyper Beam and Giga Impact techniques. Are you familiar with those?"
The names rung a bell. A strong ring. She knew what they were. She was sure of it, but the words! Oh, the words! They wouldn't surface no matter how hard she thought. But…
"I…they are very strong, aren't they?" It was all she could remember.
But Kangaskhan's smile told her she was right.
"I'm sad to say your body is simply too small to endure the incredible energy needed to unleash such a devastating attack. But, what you do have are claws. Strong claws. And while you are not a Meowth of darkness, you outmatch them due to your physical prowl! Oh, the Meowth of this land are simply too worried about appearances to go all-out like the common type! You have an advantage here, child! Let me see them. Your claws."
"Oh." Krista flicked them free in no time. She didn't realize they had sheathed themselves.
"Now, I need you to scratch. Show me how it's done."
"Um…where to?" Krista asked.
"Oh, silly me." Kangaskhan waved a claw with a chuckle. "I suppose it wouldn't do you any good to swipe at the air. I'll be your target then."
Krista was sure she squeaked better than a mouse. "What?"
"I can't just have you strike a boulder or anything! I don't wish for you to hurt yourself!"
"I get that but, I don't want to hurt you!"
Kangaskhan laughed. "Oh, don't worry about that, sweetie! This mama doesn't go down easy!"
Her feet shifted, and her arms were spread out as she crouched towards the ground. Her warm smile morphed into one with confidence.
"You just focus on sharpening that technique of yours. Let me see what you can do."
The reality of what was happening was sinking in. Krista had half a mind to bolt out of there. "B-but! What does this have to do with digging?"
"Oh, don't you fret over me. The motions will help you! Come, come!"
She was serious about it. Krista was sure there was a joke somewhere, but upon seeing Kangaskhan's focused expression, it was clear she was dead-set on helping her. But, by getting hurt? It was easier to attack wild Pokemon only because they lacked the ability to reason.
But a friendly face? Especially someone who had been so patient and kind with her?
"Are you sure I won't hurt you?"
"Oh, now you sound like my daughter. I promise I'll be alright. Pretend I am an enemy, and come at me with all you got!"
A deep breath, and Krista sealed some of her uneasy nerves. She approached the Pokémon who was posing as her enemy. Krista tried to imagine her as dangerous, as a major threat to her and her friends, just as Skullzer was. But, it was impossible. Kangaskhan's face could only be associated with kindness. Even as Krista tried to move, her feet wouldn't leave the ground.
(It's just practice. You aren't battling for real!) she told herself. (She said she can handle it. There's no reason to worry.)
Krista made her lunge, and Kangaskhan didn't move. With a wave of fear, Krista reared back and landed, meeting concerned eyes.
"Have some faith in me, child." That was all Kangaskhan said.
Again, Krista lunged. As Kangaskhan drew near, Krista feared her claws would tear through her as she swung.
Kangaskhan ducked, and Krista flew over her head.
She landed with a messy stumble. Kangaskhan turned to face her, amused by the stunned expression she wore.
How can a Pokémon so big move so fast…?
"See? A told you," Kangaskhan hummed. "Now then, are we going to keep hesitating?"
She was going to be fine. Krista couldn't relax a little.
She made a running start and lunged again, swiping at Kangaskhan with her other set of claws. The attack was dodged as easily as it was before. Kangaskhan invited her to attack again as soon as she landed. When Krista made her third attempt, all she caught was the air.
"Keep trying!" Kangaskhan shouted. "If you can land a single blow, the session will end!"
Krista grunted and attacked again. With another failure, she turned to face her. "What if I can't hit you?"
"We have all the rest of the afternoon," Kangaskhan said.
Krista huffed. (She won't hold me all night. This is fine!)
Several attempts went by, each ending in a failure. Kangaskhan was a lot faster than she looked, always ducking or side-stepping every attack. It was then Krista realized she had no reason to hold back her efforts. And it was also when she realized than Kangaskhan was strong. Krista was swinging for her head with everything she had, but her attacks felt too slow. They never landed.
"Not fast enough," Kangaskhan said after she stepped out of range. "You're just exhausting your claws!"
Krista almost fell flat as she landed. "I'm trying the best I can!"
"Not quite. Come on. I know you can do better."
Krista grumbled, but she made her millionth lunge.
A large force knocked her aside, and she was on the ground.
Kangaskhan lowered her tail and got into her defensive stance once more. She said nothing in response to the look of betrayal on Krista's face.
On her feet again, Krista rushed forward. What wasn't dodged was deflected instead, either by a tail or an arm. With every failure, Krista almost wanted to give up, but Kangaskhan's focused eyes almost felt like mockery. If she walked away, all Krista would succeed in doing is wasting her time.
She knew what she was doing wrong.
Spreading her feet, Krista dropped to all fours.
There was a change in Kangaskhan's face. Her smile dropped, and her claws rose close to her face. She tucked her head behind her arms and planted her feet.
(How feral.) Krista lowered her own head. (But isn't this how Pokémon fight? What Grove said…when two civilized Pokémon battle— No. That feeling isn't there. But she's adapting to what I'm doing. I don't want to imagine her in a serious fight…)
Krista kicked herself into a sprint. In the air, her body was pushed aside. Landing was easier; She no longer had to fight to stay balanced. She sent her mental thanks to Dusk for that.
But even with the change in her attack patterns, there was no change in Kangaskhan's end. It left a sinking feeling of humiliation. Even if it was just practice, it felt no different compared to what took place against Skullzer. How she could do nothing, and how effortlessly he struck her to the ground—Krista remembered the blood.
To feel powerless, it was a sensation Krista didn't want to feel again.
WHAM!
Krista gasped as the blow stung her face. The ground slammed against her back before she rolled flat on her stomach. She sat up, rubbing the sting away.
She wasn't hurt. It didn't hurt. But, it was still powerful. Krista had to take a breath just to soothe her hammering heart.
Kangaskhan whipped her thick tail to the ground. It boomed against its weight, kicking up dust.
Krista felt the power through her chest. She was standing on all fours again, taking in the sharpest breath she ever did. The cold stone pressed between the gaps of her feet. Claws were exposed there, too.
Kangaskhan lifted her tail high, and swung it against the ground. Gravel rained down. Vibrations shook the earth.
The stone was scrapped as Krista anchored herself. Muscles burned. She felt it through her spine as it arched high. She tried to swallow not just her fear, but the anger that was beginning to rise.
Kangaskhan slammed her tail, and the ground boomed again.
She was just waiting. Waiting to knock Krista down again.
That was when it happened. Krista felt it shoot down her arms, then to the tips of her claws.
BMP!
It struck her core.
BMP!
Kangaskhan snorted as she turned her body one way and aimed her claws. Her tail lifted from the ground, revealing a gnash and the raining gravel that failed to cling on.
B-BMP!
There was a breeze, and Krista could see Kangaskhan shrinking below. As she descended, the large Pokémon made no change in her stance.
Krista swiped, and the motion was followed by another, then another. The sharp whistle in the air grew stronger with each swipe until it pierced her ears. It hurt, and that only made the blister stronger.
Again. And again. And again!
CLING!
Green.
There was a transparent wall of green her claws could not penetrate. It was pulsing from Kangaskhan's outstretched palm.
It was like…a shield?
"For a moment, I was worried I've lost you," Kangaskhan said, her voice almost pressed. "Grove warned me that you were not so attuned to your instincts."
(Grove?)
Slow and steady, Kangaskhan lowered her arm to guide Krista to the ground. The shield vanished with a flick of the hand, and her warm smile returned.
Krista squinted at Kangaskhan's claws, but there was no trace of it. Where did it come from?
"Protect," Kangaskhan said with a wink. "I told you that you had nothing to worry about."
"Did Grove ask you to train me?" Krista couldn't shake off why she heard her mentioned so offhandedly.
"Oh no. When I offered to teach you, it was the kindness of my heart! And my, my, you have adapted well! The way the gears in your head started turning was a sight to see! There are a lot of flaws, yes, but those will be fixed in no time. I'm sure of it!"
Her tone was so sweet. It was hard to believe that just a moment ago, Kangaskhan seemed ready to crush her. At least…it felt that way.
"Oh, don't look like that! It was effective, wasn't it? Take a look at your claws, dear! See what has changed!"
Her claws changed? Krista listed her paws.
What she saw almost spooked her.
The claws had grown. They doubled, no, they quadrupled in length, curled and thin like fingers…like blades. As she brought them closer to her face, she was sure they held a subtle glow. The tips of her paws tingled, as if there was a low hum. Perhaps there was.
She held the glowing blades in front of her face. There was no heat, no pain. And yet, the claws looked freakish, rivaling the length of her whiskers.
"I see that you find them impressive. Never seen it before?"
"No." Krista was honest. "I didn't even know they could do this— What is this?"
"That technique is called Fury Swipes. It's not so powerful on its own, but any chain of rapid and sharp blows can really leave someone with a bad day. But now you see; the swiping motion you took in efforts to land a blow is somewhat similar to what is seen with Dig."
Krista glanced at her paws again.
"You can sheath them?" Kangaskhan asked.
"Um…" Krista focused, trying to soothe the burning feeling."
"It's a lot of energy flowing. Just pull it back a bit. Take a deep breath," she instructed.
Krista focused on her breathing. The buzzing in her paws started to fade, and so did the soft glow that swallowed her claws. They didn't shrink all at once, but they were back to normal length and sheathed.
She couldn't stop flipping her paws to check both sides. (How does that work? It didn't even hurt. Did they just…grow?)
"I need you to remember that feeling. Try to make it surface again."
Again? That feeling…she felt it in every muscle. That burning sensation.
To call upon it again was difficult, but it shot out. The glowing and lengthening of her claws made her step back.
Why were they like that? Wouldn't they snap under pressure? Better question; Why didn't they snap when they struck the shield?
"They are almost as sturdy as steel," Kangaskhan said, as if she read her mind. "That's all of your fury being turned into pure energy. I'm quite positive that's how it got the name."
"You…" Krista sheathed her claws. "You know this?"
"Oh, no. I am not the sort to use such a gruesome tactic!" Kangaskhan said. "I've witnessed it many times in my life, but my claws are far too thick and dull to slice through things. Even if I could learn it, I would be far too slow to make proper use of it!"
(Too slow?) Krista didn't want to believe it.
"How do you feel? Any better?"
"I'm not sure. I guess I feel a little stronger. I just learned a new technique, after all," Krista replied. "And you say this will make learning Dig easier?"
"In theory. But please, this is only practice. Don't push yourself too much dear, alright?"
Krista smiled. "I won't."
… … …
The remainder of the afternoon was spent digging a deeper hole. By the time she was instructed to stop, it had reached her belly. What Krista believed to be decent progress, turned out to be less than the bare minimum. Kangaskhan was proud of her progress, but her sympathetic smile didn't make Krista feel very confident about her work.
(But I'm just getting started. It's okay.)
Kangaskhan dismissed her with a reminder to clean herself off. Krista did so to the best of her ability, but some of the damp dirt stained into her paws. It took ages just for her to brush off the most stubborn spots.
In the cafeteria, she was served dinner. She chose her table near some busy Pokémon. It was a different variety of berries, but it was all the same.
Pokémon had to eat it everyday, and they seemed content with it.
However, food tasted better in the company of others.
Krista didn't realize it until then. Pineno and Tidal's absence were to be expected, but there was no one from Team Spring either. Somehow, it left a bitter feeling.
She didn't realize how used to their company she had grown.
After eating, she took her time heading back to her room. The many Pokémon she walked past did not distract her from the reality of another other lonely night. She hoped it would be the last. Never again would she take any sort of company for granted.
Her hallway. The turn was slow and delayed. A few Pokémon were heading through the doors or standing in the halls.
And there was a familiar shape reaching for her door.
"Pineno!" Krista shouted.
Pineno turned and saw her. His face was beaming as he raced over to her. "Krista!"
He slammed into her with a full-body tackle that knocked her off her feet. Krista couldn't shout as her body was lifted from the ground—she couldn't feel the ground. It took her a second to realize she was caught in his strong embrace. She tried to speak, but her breath was squeezed out her lungs.
Pineno gasped. "Oh no!"
Krista wasn't prepared when he released her. She hit the ground with a grunt. As much as she wanted to stand, her already burning muscles felt like they got crushed.
"I'm so sorry!" Pineno shouted. "I didn't mean to, honest! Are you okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?!"
Krista was back to her feet with his help. She dusted off her chest, but she wasn't angry in the slightest. If anything, she was more relieved. "If you can squeeze the air out of me…then I guess that means you healed up good, huh?"
Pineno rubbed his nose, sheepish. "Yeah uh…sorry. Dad always told me to be careful with my hugs…I guess I forgot. Eheheh…"
It wasn't the first time. His strength was impressive.
Something crossed his mind, because he hopped on his feet. "Oh! Guess what? I got the clearance to be free! I can train tomorrow! Isn't that great?"
"You can?" Krista couldn't believe it. "Is it really okay to let you go? You were hurt pretty bad…"
"I'm fine! I'm fine! I know I'm a flora Pokémon so I get hurt easier, and it takes longer for me to heal but…BUT I feel great! The nurses checked me over and everything, and I'm as good as new!" Pineno struck his head, and his quills stiffened to blades as if to prove a point.
"Thank goodness. That means I won't be by myself tonight," Krista sighed. "It felt so weird with you being absent and all."
"Tell me about it! It was so boring in there!" Pineno agreed. "I mean, it was nice and humid, but I wasn't allowed to leave or anything! I told Ms. Vigor to let me go train, but she said; We have to make sure that you're feelin' all the way better before we let you go! And I get she's worried about me, but I didn't want to leave you all by yourself for too long! So as soon as I was no longer rooted, I came straight here! I uh…hope they don't mind. I'm sure that's allowed…I hope it's allowed."
He snuck out?!
She shook the thought away. It wasn't important.
"Who cares if it's not allowed?" Krista grabbed his paws. "You're not stuck in that room anymore, and you're all better! That's all I care about!"
Pineno chuckled as he looked down at her paws. His smile was replaced with confusion as he tilted his head. "Wow, what happened to you? Did you go train in the Ground Maze or something while I was gone?"
"Ground…" Krista pulled back and checked her paws. "Oh. I was uh…training with Kangaskhan."
"Miss Kangaskhan?!" Pineno's face flooded with disbelief. "She left her storage all that time?"
"It's…actually a lot more occupied than it looks. I'll tell you about it later," Krista said. "And she's a lot stronger than she looks, too. I couldn't land a single hit on her."
"You fought?"
"No, no! I said she was training me! She was trying to teach me how to dig—the digging technique, I mean. After what happened with the Excadrill, I realized I needed a way to be prepared next time."
"Oh! So that's what you've been doing!" Pineno chuckled. "You have to tell me everything that happened. I feel like I missed so much!"
(Seems he's back to his old self,) Krista thought as they opened the door. Her moment of relief was replaced with dread. He still has no idea…
(I guess that means he really doesn't remember what happened. He doesn't know the kind of power that he has. How am I supposed to tell him that? It wouldn't be right to keep it from him…would it?)
"Hold on! Just a moment!"
Krista looked down the hall. Vigor was jogging their way with a waving hand in the air.
"Uh-oh." Pineno scurried and his behind Krista. "Don't let her know I'm here!"
Krista almost laughed. "That is not a great hiding spot…"
"Krista! Glad I caught you before you settled in for the night." Vigor slowed to a stop, and not a bit out of breath. "It's about Dusk. He's open for tomorrow. You're trainin' is back in session! Isn't that great news?"
"Oh, yeah! It is!" Krista almost shook herself for sounding a bit too optimistic.
"You'll be gettin' up first thing tomorrow. He's a lot more interested in teaching you two so suddenly, so don't be surprised if he tries a thing or two. And yes, Pineno. I can see you. Please, that's such a poor place to hide when someone's taller than you."
"Ah—" Pineno stepped out of hiding, almost sulking. "Sorry."
"Now what are you apologizin' for? You think it's because you snuck out? Had it not been allowed, you would have never reached the lift! Ms. Indeedee is impressed by your speedy recovery, but she wants you to be careful, alright? We don't want to see you in that room again."
"Yeah. I get it."
"Now then, I think it's about time that you two—" Vigor paused as her eyes fixed on Krista. Her face flooded with horror.
"What?" Krista gasped. "What is it?"
"What has happened to you, honey?"
"Huh…?" Krista took a look at herself. There wasn't anything out of place.
Vigor reached down and plucked Krista from the ground as if she were a doll. "You are comin' with me."
"Huh? What?" Krista felt her feet dangling as she was lifted higher from the ground. "Where? Where are you taking me?!"
… … …
"Whoa! No! No! How many other Pokémon used this water?! I can't go in there!"
Vigor had tried (and failed) to nudge Krista towards the makeshift pond that was in the center of the marbled room. It was empty, and the water seemed clear, but Krista knew its purpose. The water had a layer of steam coating the surface. It was kept warm by a source she couldn't see. Iif she was expected to step foot in something they couldn't be drained, she was mistaken.
"It's filtered by weeds and moss. The water is never stagnant, dear. Or…would you rather groom yourself clean?"
"That's…that's disgusting," Krista recoiled at the thought of her tongue brushing dried mud.
Vigor placed her hands on her hips. "A feline who does not know how to bathe herself. You really are a funny one, aren't you?"
Krista almost argued she never did such a thing before, but she realized that would make her look a lot worse. It would be best to say nothing.
"You gotta take care of yourself, sweetie. Everyone keeps starin'. They are startin' to worry. I promise the water ain't gonna bite you."
Krista sighed. She knew…that she could not carry own with poor hygiene. It wasn't that she didn't want to be clean. She just didn't trust the water.
But if Dusk said it was fine…and if Grove said it was fine…
She did promise to herself she wouldn't complain anymore. As civilized as the Pokémon made themselves to be…they were not humans.
Reluctant, Krista agreed to tolerate the small pound. "Can I at least get some privacy?"
Vigor tilted her head. She did head for the door, at least.
"Is there anything I could dry myself in here with…? And…how do I even do this? Is there nothing to scrub with? No soap or…?"
Vigor face twisted. "What are you talkin' about?"
Again, Krista realized how ridiculous she sounded.
(Soap? Seriously? Pokémon don't have soap!)
To be Continued in Chapter 21.