Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Retaliation Corporation

Chapter 13: A Primal Milestone Lost to Time

- Chapter 13: A Primal Milestone Lost to Time -

They wouldn't stand the slightest chance.

Krista and Pineno had turned on each other more than once due to the confusing lights that blinded them, but they never suspected that Grove would be vulnerable to the same trap—no, the possibility never once crossed their minds!

But there she stood, at the opposite end. Her gentle eyes had hardened into a terrible glare that made it difficult for Krista to breathe. She felt like if she moved the slightest inch, she would get sent through the wall by a single vine.

Just thinking about it made her winch.

"What do we do…?" Pineno's soft voice broke Krista from her panicked thoughts.

Krista knew dodging any of Grove's attacks would be next to impossible. The old goat's reflexes were incredible—something Krista didn't realize until she was up against it. She would have thought that senior Pokémon wouldn't be able to fight as well, but no. She was wrong, so wrong. Grove's plow through the horde was more than enough proof.

Krista felt her stomach twist. Orbeetle hovered there with its cold eyes locked on them.

She held her breath.

"We are going to have to snap her out of it…" Krista answered.

Pineno looked at her as if she had lost her mind. Krista was sure a part of her did. "But how? She's a gazillion times stronger than us!"

"I don't know. We have to try something—"

Grove took her first steps forward. Krista almost bolted.

(Nononono wait. Wait-wait-wait I'm not ready for this…) The confidence Krista managed to build faded more with every step Grove took towards them. Why was she taking her time? What for?

Krista and Pineno took several steps back. Running away suddenly didn't feel like a bad idea. But with Oinkologne unconscious in their presence…they couldn't…

But they couldn't fight Grove, either!

Grove held her head high with a scoff. "All of you are fools."

Krista froze. (What—)

Grove launched forward in a strong gallop. Krista almost screamed.

Grass sprouted from Grove's hooves as she made a sharp turn. She twisted her body and kicked out her back legs.

Orbeetle was struck under its head. The impact shot it through the earthy wall. Dull buzzing sounded in the air as it struggled to push itself free, but it was embedded too deep.

Krista's and Pineno's mouth hung open.

Grove stomped a hoof through the ground with an offended snort. "Did you honestly believe an associate of The Retaliation Corporation would fall victim to such cheap mind tricks?! My scarf isn't just for a show of status, children!"

To laugh or yell, Krista couldn't decide what she wanted to do. They were safe. Grove wasn't going to attack them.

The scarf saved her?

Krista had no time to question it. The Dottler had noticed their failed tactics. They shuffled their bodies to face the Gogoat that had harmed their leader.

"Well? What are you going to do now?" Grove challenged them. "Come! I know you aren't defenseless! Show me!"

The Dottler spat green liquid-like energy towards her. Grove leaped out the way with little effort. The grass where she stood hissed and dissolved into goop. The liquid was unleashed in a rapid fire, but Krista wasn't worried about Grove getting hurt. She was limber enough to keep dodging their efforts.