Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Retaliation Corporation

Chapter 9: Mysteries Afoot

- Chapter 9: Mysteries Afoot -

The Stoneridge Pinnacle was always a beautiful atrium, even during the most heinous of times. Its towering structure bore witness to several generations of councils. It brought solace to the troubled minds of Pokémon. As ancient as it was, it always remained sturdy and strong. It had served its purpose for hundreds of years. It would serve its purpose another day more.

The sound of flowing water bounced from its dark rippling walls. Identical to the rest of the complex, the spacious room was lined with glowing and floating chargestones. Hung high above from the center of the ceiling was a giant boulder carved into the shape of a rhombus. It bathed almost every corner in a soft blue light.

Walkways were sunk into the walls like the grooves of a canyon. It was perhaps one of the few modified spaces, with each walkway spacious enough for large Pokémon to traverse through comfortably. There were no more than five stories, and above the fifth were cavities across the wall, nine in all, lined with stalagmites. It was the perfect home for gargoyles. Perhaps once they glared down at Pokémon before, but had long since been removed. The barren cavities appeared lonely as they sought for the light that was just out of their reach.

However, it wasn't the cavities or the walkways that were the most prominent feature of the atrium. The very center of the floor held a towering stone fountain, one carved into the image of a Milotic who spewed an endless trail of water from its mouth. Round stones of all sizes decorated the edge of the giant pool. The surface was swarmed with Magikarp and Feebas who swam within the waters peacefully.

Footfalls grasped the attention of one Magikarp, who took immediate interest at the approaching reflection of a Slowking. Startled by his growing presence, it dove into the pool depths.

A shame.

Slowking studied his reflection in thought. The other fish had the same idea to avoid him all together. They appeared to be more skittish than usual. Whether or not it was related to the ongoing phenomenon wasn't so easy to determine.

There was no melody in the room today. The reality almost saddened him—a part of him looked forward to it. But it didn't matter. Not at this very moment. The fountain stopped pouring water. The surface was no longer disturbed. He took a deep breath as he gazed into the statue's gentle but wise eyes.

The giant peered down at him as if he were a lost child that sought refuge. With no water to pour anymore, its open mouth made it look as if it spoke silent words to him. It watched over him as he drew closer. It guarded him as he knelt down for a drink from its pool. It brought him comfort as he stood in silence, eyes closed as he dreamt. The faint smell of damp rock almost brought a smile to his face.

With a soft sigh, Slowking raised his head and stepped forward, his cape swaying with every step. As if it were alive, the statue lowered into the pool. Slowking stepped up to its head. He folded his hands behind his back as the statue lifted its body back to its normal position.

Once everything stopped, the entire floor was visible from a new perspective. The height Slowking had gained only leveled him to the second story. It was perfectly fine, he only needed to stay off the ground. To tower over others in such an imposing height was not necessary, not when they were Pokémon he could trust with his life.

It was why with each and every time he stood atop the statue, he reminded himself that he was as much of a Pokémon as they were. It was why at this very moment, he felt himself growing more nervous by the second. The wide range of species and ages meant a vast shift of perspectives. But with the news he was given, he almost dreaded the headache that was yet to exist. He already had an idea on what the responses would be.