Pokémon Police Force Chapter 4: Within the Well

As it turns out, there was a tunnel behind those loose stones. I made my way through the tunnel in total darkness. The Macovoy Manor ruby cradled in my right arm, resting firmly between my chest and arm bindings.

Luckily, as a Sneasel, I have limited night vision. Only about twenty feet or so, and all in greyscale. So, I was able to avoid loose stones that might trip me up.

The tunnel was long and narrow. I had to squeeze tightly in some places to get though. The minutes stretched on until I finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel. Without a thought, I walked to and entered the light. The light was blinding after I'd been in the dark so long. Finally, a familiar smell hit my nostrils.

(Water. Flowing water.)

Sight finally returning, I opened my eyes and beheld a large limestone cave. The sound of flowing water was echoing from some distant underground river. Little streams of water were trickling across the cavern floor.

"Where am I?"

I turned around, but the tunnel I came through had vanished! A solid rock wall stood where the tunnel should've been.

"This is a Mystery Dungeon, isn't it?"

The Mystery Dungeon was quiet except for the sound of echoing water.

(Only one way to go.)

As I have learned, usually the best way to get out of a Mystery Dungeon is to go into the deepest part of it. So, since I had no idea where in the Dungeon I was, I decided to follow my ears to the underground river.

"Shadow Claw!"

With a darkness-cloaked claw, I attacked my foe, defeating them in one hit.

(I never seen a Slowpoke like you.)

The Slowpoke looked like a normal Slowpoke with a yellow, sun-like patch on its forehead. That is when a pungent smell hit my nose.

"Awgh! What is that smell? It smells like a Muk with gas!"

Against my better judgement, I began following the smell. As I walked the streams of water began transforming into a more purple color.

(It's poison. I'd recognize that color anywhere.)

I kept walking toward the smell, defeating Water and Poison Type Pokémon the entire way.

(If this poison gets into the well, it will be a disaster.)

Several more minutes passed until I finally found the source of the poison, a large bipedal Slowpoke. Its back was turned to me, but I didn't see any Shellder attached to it. I hid my ruby and withdrew into the shadows.

(Got to get close.)

I crept around the room. It was a large cavernous chamber where one could access the underground river. There were enough shadows around that I could stealthily approach the bipedal Slowpoke from behind. Silently, I made my way.

(Just a few more steps...)

I drew my claw back and prepared to use Shadow Claw.

The bipedal Slowpoke spun around and shot a purple blob at me. Fortunately, I managed to dodge in time. That was fast, far faster than I'd ever seen a Slowpoke move.

"What was that?" Asked a nearby Slowpoke minion.

"Master Slowbro!" Yelled another Slowpoke minion.

That's when I beheld that the boss did have a Shellder attached to its body, just around its left wrist. It shot poison at me from there! Slowbro was a Poison Type!

"I thought I smelled a rat."

"Weasel, actually."

"You're a Dunsparce for all I care!"

"Well, that was uncalled for!"

Slowbro raised his gun-shell again and launched more poison at me, followed by the Slowpoke. I was forced to run and hide behind a large stalagmite in order to avoid getting hit.

(This is not good. There are too many of them. I can't sneak up on them. All my attacks are physical, so playing it safe is out of the question.)

I peered around the stalagmite just long enough to take note of my foes' positions.

(Okay, the Slowpokes first.)

I reached into my mask and pulled out a small metallic disk.

(I had hoped I wouldn't have to use this.)

I pressed the disk to my forehead.

(Forget Bite.)

After a few short moments, the knowledge of how to Bite left. The TM taught me a new move. Time to try it. I rolled out of my hiding place.

"Agility!"

An energy I've never felt before filled me and suddenly I was off, running faster than I'd ever ran before.

"What the-?"

That was all the Slowpoke could say before I'd cut him down with Shadow Claw.

(Three more.)

The three Slowpoke and the boss Slowbro began renewing their attack on me, launching poison like crazy. Fortunately, I was too fast for them. Using the same Agility and Shadow Claw combo, I downed the other three Slowpoke in short order.

"Worthless minions!"

"Wow. Agility is actually great."

Slowbro pointed his Shellder gun-arm at my face.

"Stay still and let me shoot you."

"I choose option C. Shadow Claw!"

With an upward arcing slash, and a pained yell, Slowbro staggered back holding his left arm.

"What the Voidlands! You Swinub!"

Slowbro was shielding his left wrist trying to staunch the bleeding. I stooped down and picked up his bloody severed hand.

"Oh dear, it looks like you dropped something."

"THIS ISN'T OVER!" Slowbro screamed.

Slowbro shoved me aside as he ran back into the Mystery Dungeon.

"Boss!" Yelled out one of the Slowpoke.

The three Slowpoke ran after him, but before they could leave, I pinned one to the ground.

"Get off!"

"Tell me how to leave this Mystery Dungeon and you can go."

"Beyond the river is the exit. That's how we got in. Now, get off!"

"One more thing. This river feeds the well that supplies water to the town above. Make sure your boss cleans out all the poison you've released into it. Or I'll cut off your tail."

"G-got it new boss!"

I released Slowpoke and he disappeared into the Mystery Dungeon after Slowbro. I watched Slowpoke leave before turning my attention to the underground river.

(There it is. Just like he said. But the water's flowing way too fast to swim.)

I returned to the place I hid the ruby and retrieved it.

"Almost forgot about you."

Ruby safely in my arms again, I lined myself up against the far wall from the river.

"Agility!"

With the speed of a Pikachu running from a Tauros stampede, I ran to the river and leapt from the hard stone. With a leap and a tumble, I landed safely on the other side.

"Not the most graceful of landings."

I leapt to my feet and then proceeded into the passage. As the passage went on, the light got darker and a rank but familiar smell grew stronger.

(I know where I am.)

I emerged from the passage into an old sewer system, behind a barred iron gate.

"Always wanted to know what was behind here."

I pulled the handle and found the door, thankfully, unlocked. Stepping through, I got my bearings straight.

"The old city sewer system. You can get anywhere in town from here."

I began staring down a connecting pipe.

"I should see my fence. I am going to need a bath after this one."

I held my nose and trudged into the filthy water. Well, I hope it was water. It took fifteen minutes for me to find the ladder I was looking for and began climbing.

The ladder ascended into the ceiling. I pushed aside a loose tile and ended up in a berry juice cellar of a certain store.

(Knowing Miltank, she left a washtub for me somewhere down here.)

Soon, I'd found what I was looking for. In a secluded corner of the cellar, was a basic wash basin with a new bar of soap laying on a nearby shelf. Without a word, I set the ruby beside the washbasin and got in. I was allowed to bathe for ten minutes before I heard a familiar voice.

"Argyle, honey. Is that you?"

Walking around the corner, was a pink bipedal bovine Pokémon. Miltank's face lit up when she seen me.

"Argyle, it's been ages."

"Hello, Miltank."

"I thought you were the cause of all that commotion out there. Making plenty of friends?"

"What can I say? I'm popular."

We shared a laugh at that. Though my fence, Miltank treats me more like her son than a business partner.

"What present did you bring me this time?"

I reached down and picked up the ruby and presented it to her.

"Courtesy of Macovoy Manor."

"Oh, you naughty boy."

Miltank took the ruby from my outstretched hand and began examining it.

"This is the real thing all right. I didn't think you'd actually do it."

"You dared me to."

"I have quite a few buyers interested in this little beauty. I can give you 20,000 Poké for this ruby."

"Nice."

"I'll go get your money. Would you like some milk as an... additional reward?"

Miltank placed a hoof on one of her four teats and began slowly rubbing it.

"I'm good. But if you have some Clear Gummi juice, the hard stuff, I'll take that. Long day."

Miltank looked disappointed, but quickly got over it.

"Coming right up!"

Miltank disappeared back into the maze of kegs, ruby in tow. Shortly, Miltank appeared again, sans ruby, with a glass of silver liquid.

"My finest fermented Clear Gummi juice."

I silently accepted the glass from Miltank.

"I would suggest staying down here for the time being. The police are literally turning over tables trying to find you."

"Glad to know I made an impression."

"Why are they so obsessed with you recently? Usually, they just spend a couple of hours searching and then make your bounty higher."

"I may have stolen a kiss from one of the lady cops."

"You are just a regular lady killer, aren't you?"

"Nah, I was acquitted."

We laughed again.

"Well, I'd better get back to the shop. The police will get suspicious if I'm gone too long."

Miltank took a bottle off a nearby rack and disappeared once more into the maze of kegs. I heard her leave the cellar and close the door behind her.

(Miltank is in danger as long as I stay here. As soon as she hands me my money, I have to leave town.)

As soon as I was done with my bath, I climbed out of the washbasin and used a nearby rag to dry myself off. I then hid myself in some secluded area of the cellar just in case someone else came down here. However, shortly afterward, the cellar door opened again and Miltank walked through.

"Over here," I whispered.

Miltank found me instantly, navigating the maze of kegs effortlessly. She was carrying a large sack.

"Your money, honey."

Miltank handed me the sack of Poké, which I slung over my left shoulder.

"Also, you aren't going to like this."

Miltank handed me a rolled-up piece of parchment.

"The police just delivered this."

I unfurled the parchment and beheld it was a wanted poster with his face on it.

Wanted

Name: Argyle

Species: Sneasel

Sex: Male

Outlaw Rank: B

Crimes: Theft, Breaking and Entering, Burglary, Resisting Arrest, Sexual Assault

Bounty: 7,000 Poké if brought in alive, 3,500 dead

Wears a distinguishing mask over the left half of his face. Approach with extreme caution. Contact Sheriff Magnezone at the Mystery City Police with any information about the suspect's whereabouts. 1,000 Poké will be paid for any information that leads to a capture.

"Sexual assault is a new one," I said, unbothered with the wanted poster.

"Probably added after you kissed that cop."

"Glad to know I made an impression."

"You don't seem to realize just what this means for you," said Miltank, "a 7,000 Poké bounty? Every police officer and Exploration Team will be after you now! You are no longer safe here in Mystery City!"

"Not just Mystery City," I replied, "I've got to leave the entire continent."

"Maybe not..."

I looked at her, confused.

"You could go to the Black Market."

"I don't need to sell anything. Not anymore. How would the black market help me?"

"Black. Market. Capitalized. It is a place just over the Mediem Mountain Range. It's considered a haven for outlaws with exceedingly high bounties."

"Why haven't the police raided that place?"

"Too many outlaws. They try and there will be a war. That isn't to say that there won't be police there, but they will be too smart to start anything."

"Sounds promising for now," I said, "how do I get there?"

"Take the west path out of town and keep following it until you reach a fork in the road. Take the north branch. It will eventually lead you to a Mystery Dungeon, Steep Mountain. The Black Market is in a cave several miles to the south of that."

"Sounds simple enough."

"Not quite. You need a password to get in. The password is Burning Black Buneary."

"Ok. Is that everything?"

"One more thing, honey. Keep your nose out of trouble. There is someone in charge of Black Market. An infamous crime boss known as Shadow Saber. He's a killer."

"I'll be on my toes."

"I would much rather you stay here, but it's just as dangerous here."

"Don't worry, Miltank. I'll be safe. You know I will."

Miltank hugged me and I left through the back door.

(I could just leave, but where's the fun in that?)

I snuck through town, keeping to the shadows until I eventually found who I was looking for.

"Honestly, where is that Sneasel at?" Asked Sheriashuu, unaware of my presence, "I'm going to punch his lights out."

"Sheriashuu, we want him alive," said Emerald.

"I know, but I'm still going to apply a little 'police brutality'."

I silently crept away and hid the sack of money in a place I'd easily find it later. Finally, I snuck back to the alley where I found Emerald and Sheriashuu. I climbed onto a nearby roof and listened in on them.

"Fine, I won't 'brutalize' him, but I am still going to teach that little weasel a lesson."

"He's really got you flustered, huh?" Emerald giggled.

"Oh, shut it!"

"Oh, I didn't realize I had an admirer in the police department," I loudly taunted.

"That voice!" Said Emerald.

"It came from up there!"

In short order, I was joined on the roof by the two lady officers.

"Argyle! You should've stayed hidden," said Sheriashuu.

"I hear you've got a little crush on me," I taunted, "get in line, love."

"It's going to be so satisfying, locking you up."

"Give back the ruby, Argyle," said Emerald.

"Ruby? What ruby?" I asked snickering.

"Come quietly, and you'll be treated fairly," said Emerald.

"Nah, going to prison doesn't seem to fall within my interest."

"Odd, we're not actually concerned with your interest. Surrender!" Yelled Sheriashuu.

"Fine. I'll go," I replied.

Sheriashuu approached me, a set of metal cuffs in hand. Emerald stood nearby, watching to make sure I don't pull anything.

Surprising Sheriashuu again I tripped her and caught her with my arms and another kiss before she fell. Even Emerald was caught off guard. Then with a wave, I dropped Sheriashuu and leapt off the building.

"It happened again. I'M GONNA KILL THAT SNEASEL!"

Sheriashuu leapt off the building and began chasing after me in a rage.

"This is Officer Emerald, calling all police. We are pursuing Argyle! Requesting backup in the Trench!"

All at once, there arose a commotion from all around me. The officers heard the call and were now in pursuit. Something hot burned overhead. I quickly hugged a wall to avoid the Flamethrower.

(I have to be careful. Luckily, we're in the Trench.)

The trench was a small area of Mystery City that was entirely composed of narrow alleyways and rife with underground passages. It is where the poorest Pokémon lived.

(Enough playing around.)

Other officers began joining the chase. More than once, I had to change my path due to a sudden blockade of officers. Eventually, I made it back to the sack of Poké and slung it over my shoulder as I ran.

"Stop right there!"

A flood of officers were only a few yards behind me.

"Agility!"

I got a sudden burst of speed and ran right out of the west gate, leaving both the town and the pursuing officers in the dust.

"Agility!? You've got to be kidding me!" Said Sheriashuu.

"How did we not see that coming?" I asked.

"Do we give chase?" Asked Sergeant Arcanine.

"BZZT! DON'T BOTHER. BZZT!"

"Sheriff Magnezone!" Said Officer Bolthund.

Sheriff Magnezone descended from the sky, followed by his two Magnemite deputies.

"BZZT! NOT EVEN OFFICER ZEBSTRIKA CAN KEEP UP WITH HIM NOW. BZZT!"

"What should we do?" I asked.

"BZZT! LIEUTENANT EMERALD, YOU AND LIEUTENANT SHERIASHUU WILL LEAVE TOWN AND WORK TOGETHER WITH LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TRACK HIM DOWN AND BRING HIM IN. BZZT!"

"Judging by the direction, he's probably heading to Carbuncle Town," said Officer Noctowl.

"Argyle's smarter than that," I said.

"He's heading to Black Market," said Sheriashuu, "it's the only logical choice."

"BZZT! NOCTOWL GET THE WORD OUT TO WREATH CITY. TELL THEM TO INTERCEPT ARGYLE BEFORE HE GETS THERE. BZZT!"

"Right away!" Noctowl flew away with those words and Sheriashuu and I began gathering provisions for our journey.