Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Retaliation Corporation

Chapter 19: The Interview

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.