Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Retaliation Corporation

Chapter 25: Where You Belong

- Chapter 25: Where You Belong -

You know...I sometimes try not to think too much about it...

When I first came to this world...I was scared. So scared.

Everything was different. Everything changed. I lost my body. I lost my mind.

I begin to question the world...the gods...

"Why did you bring me here?"

"Why did I change...?"

"Is this a gift...or is it punishment...?"

But the answer never came.

The answer may never come.

So all I can do...is wait and see.

Wait and see what happens. See if my presence in this world has any true purpose.

Until I find the answer...

...I will continue to do my best...as always.

- 0000 -

Morning had passed by the time Team Retribute woke. The activity that buzzed through the complex was almost quiet as the early noon swept through. Many teams had long departed for their missions.

Again, Krista didn't dream last night. If she did, she couldn't remember. What she did know was that she had a surprisingly decent sleep. She found that most of the pain from day before had vanished. It was still going to take some time for her to grow used to having a rapidly healing body.

Pineno was fine himself. He assured Krista that the worst of the pain he felt was Skullzer's presence. It was because of that that he remembered little of Gyra's rampage. All he was concerned about was getting away from the pain, but he couldn't move. Even the smallest attempts made the blisters worsen. It was a horrid description, but Krista understood why he remained so helpless on the ground.

When she asked him what the Headmaster wanted from him, he merely shrugged.

"He just asked about my mom," Pineno said. "And my siblings. I told him I found out what my eldest brother was called, but that was really it. I guess he just wanted to check on me after the Skullzer incident."

Pineno was so nonchalant about it. Krista was sure it was likely a sensitive topic that revolved around his mother's Corruption. It wasn't her place to prod about it, but curiosity still bugged her.

When they arrived in the commons, they found that the cafeteria line wasn't so long. By the time they got their breakfast, Highness already had their late breakfast prepared for them. She heard all about their misfortune and made an exception for their late arrival. They would have otherwise been forced to wait until dinner to have a proper meal.

Once they chose an empty table to stand at, it flooded with several other Pokémon. Krista held an apple halfway towards her mouth when she felt the space close in around her.

"Uh...hi?" Krista greeted them with a forced smile.

"So, you actually did it?" A Shinx stood upright as his front paws pressed firmly on the table's surface.

"Did what?" The grin on the Shinx's face was so wide, Krista feared his mouth would consume his head.

"The Sorcerer!" A Phanpy shouted, a toot slipping from his trunk. "You beat him up!"