Pokémon Police Force Chapter 8: A New Journey

Sheriashuu and I just stood there watching Argyle leave us behind. We stayed silent and still long after the half-masked Sneasel's figure had disappeared over the horizon.

"So, now what?" Asked Sheriashuu, "do we give chase?"

The Mienshao's face was grave as she spoke.

"The things he said to his mother's grave," I began, "you go ahead and chase him if you wish. I'm going home."

"What did he say? Normally you'd jump at the chance to chase after outlaws."

"He said 'I would leave this life if I could'," I said, "doesn't that sound familiar?"

"You said that all the time when we were children!"

"Yes. After hearing that, I seen myself in him. I just don't have the heart to chase after myself."

"You're just giving up?"

"I am. For now. A more pressing matter worries me."

"What?"

"Argyle's file, back at the station. If no one but Argyle knows anything about his past, then why does he have family members listed?"

"That's... actually a really good question."

"But who would try leading us on a wild Ducklett chase?"

"We have a mole," concluded Sheriashuu.

For several days, I wandered the roads, retracing my long-forgotten footsteps, until I returned to the place where it all started: Mystery Town.

It was around midnight when I set foot in the town. The streets were dead silent, as most the populace was asleep. Even so, I tread lightly. I was very much still a wanted man here.

I cautiously wandered the streets until I found my next target, the 46th Precinct.

(Breaking into a police station. I am definitely going to jail for this one.)

I reached into my mask and pulled out a single smoke bomb.

(Just one. I'll have to save it for an emergency.)

I put the smoke bomb back in its place in my mask and began analyzing my target. Before me stood a three-story concrete building. Each level had windows, awnings, fire escape, you name it.

"I hate going in blind."

(If I had to guess, the top floor is reserved for the big wigs and the bottom is for the day-to-day affairs. So, I'll start with the middle floor.)

I made my way as quietly as I could up the rickety fire escape. Then, I slipped into a second story window, making sure to leave it open for a quick getaway.

The second floor was completely empty at this time of night and a disorganized mess. All the desks were uniform, but papers and files were strewn about in a haphazard fashion. Obviously, the police preferred function over form. Then a cork board on the wall caught my attention. On the board, were bounties posted of different wanted outlaws. The outlaws ranged from common thieves and burglars to kidnappers, extortioners and murderers.

One bounty in particular caught my attention: my own. For stealing the Crown of Plenty, my bounty had increased to 500,000 Poké!

(Half a million Poké! I should be a bounty hunter with prices like this!)

I removed my bounty from the board and folded it up and placed it in my mask. Finally, I reminded myself why I had broken in here to begin with and resumed my search.

I began to look high and low for officer Emerald's desk, to no avail. That is, until I had found her name written on a door.

Lieutenant Emerald

Outlaw Apprehension Unit

(Outlaw Apprehension Unit? Nice name.)

I turned the knob, opened the door and stepped into her office. Unlike the rest of the detectives, Emerald kept her office nice and neat. The room consisted of a nice wooden desk and a leather chair just behind it. File cabinets, cupboards, and different degrees and other awards lined the walls along with various newspaper clippings. The only thing out of place was a single folder lying on the desk. I picked it up and read the name on the tab.

ARGYLE, SNEASEL

(My file! Why was it out here all alone?)

All that was in the folder was a few loose papers. Most of the papers listed the crimes I had done and described the events in question to the finest detail. The only other paper detailed my backstory. The latter of which was, predictably, blank. My plan was a success. I had erased my past life completely.

It was what was written at the top of the page that drew my eye.

Name: Argyle

Species: Sneasel

Gender: Male

Relatives: Weavile (Mother, Deceased), Zangoose (Father, Deceased), Snow (Glaceon, Half-Sister, Missing)

It was right there in my file. I have a Glaceon half-sister and a Zangoose for a father!

(If I had really erased my past life, how did any of my relatives get into this file and how do they know that I'm related? This file's just given me more questions than answers.)

"And there is only one Pokémon that could help me get the answers I seek."

Just then, I heard a very distinct sound of metal unlatching and brass hinges groaning.

(Someone's here!)

Mystery Town was always quiet at this time of night, everybody had gone to bed. The 46th Precinct held within was just as much so. I had approached the building with Mienshao at my side. We were going to go over Argyle's file one last time before retiring for the night.

When we got to the second floor, I got the strangest feeling that something was not right. Cautiously, I turned the knob leading into the second floor from the stairwell and pushed the door open. Thankfully, the floor looked just the same as when we left about a week and a half ago.

"Emerald, look!"

The Mienshao was pointing at my door. It was standing wide open! I always left it closed. There was the sound of papers rustling. We instinctively looked toward the sound of the noise.

"Argyle?" I asked.

The black furred weasel was half in the window, half out and seemed to be holding a folder.

"The file!" I yelled, "Sheriashuu! Let's go!"

For the first time in a long while, the Mienshao smiled.

"Nice to have you back."

Sheriashuu shot after Argyle like a bullet, quickly disappearing out of the window and out of sight. I decided to head back to the stairwell and from there, to the roof.

On the roof, I tracked Argyle's movement through the city, then when he drew near, I leapt off the building and plowed him into the ground when I landed.

"Ow! That hurt!" Argyle yelled as he got back up.

Sheriashuu chose that moment to walk behind him.

"You can't run now," said Sheriashuu, "we've learned some new tricks since last time."

"So, you resort to police brutality?"

"You were resisting arrest," said Sheriashuu, "your rights just flew out the window."

Argyle dusted himself off.

"Well, as much as I'd like a double date with you two ladies..."

Argyle tossed up the file into the air.

"Agility! Shadow Claw!"

It happened way too quickly to see. In the blink of an eye, Argyle's file lay in little pieces on the street.

"But, why-?" Was all I could say.

"You destroyed your own file!?" Asked Sheriashuu in surprise.

"Now a wanted poster is all you have on me."

"Now you've tampered with evidence and destroyed private property," I said, "Sheriashuu. Restrain."

Quick as a whip, the Mienshao slashed her sleeve-like fur at Argyle. However, something unexpected happened. Argyle caught Mienshao by the fur and used her momentum to hit me.

We quickly untangled our bodies.

"I've learned some new tricks as well."

Then, suddenly, Argyle's left eye, the emerald green one, began glowing.

"Argyle, your eye-" I began.

"Agility!"

With that last move, Argyle disappeared.

"Sheriashuu... did you see Argyle's eye?"

"Yeah, I did."

"What secrets are you hiding, Argyle?"

"Emerald, try to see into Argyle's future. See where he's heading."

I whipped the stick out of my tail, igniting it instantly. Staring into the flame, I concentrated on Argyle. After several minutes, I stashed the stick back in my tail, extinguishing the flame.

"Did you see anything?"

"Yes. I saw a temple on a remote island far out into the Median Ocean to the east."

"The easiest way to get there... he going to the Port City of Beacon!"

"Yes."

"Then, we have to follow him!"

"No. At this time of year, the Median Ocean is impossible to sail. Sudden, violent storms and pirates all around."

"Then, what do you propose we do?"

"We give him a head start. We rest for the night, update Sheriff Magnezone, wait for him in Beacon."

"You've got a point. We can't catch him if we're tired."

Several weeks have passed since that night at Mystery City. There has not been a peep from Officers Emerald and Sheriashuu since that day. Some Pokémon may think that they gave them the slip, but I knew better.

Luckily, no one to the east of Mystery City seems to know that I'm wanted. Not a single wanted poster since. My black Sneasel fur painted a stark contrast to the pleasant plain the eastward road ran through.

There have been a few Mystery Dungeons on the way, but nothing too challenging. Then, I had finally arrived at the Port City of Beacon.

Beacon was the epitome of an American Revolution era port town. Watch any pirate movie. At all.

The town was buzzing with activity. Pokémon of all stripes and sizes roamed the town, most of them sea faring. On a hill overlooking the town, stood an old lighthouse, probably where the town got its name.

(I need information. The best place to get information would be...)

I walked into the tavern. The Stinking Skuntank was a massive, two story tavern made of wood. Tables, stools and chairs filled the bottom floor, private rooms were on the second floor. I walked up to the bar and sat on the stool. The barmaid noticed me at once and approached me.

"What would you like, hun?"

The barmaid was a Miltank, dressed in a white apron.

(I wonder if she's related to Miltank in Mystery City. Can't hurt to check.)

"Kelpsy Berry Whiskey on the rocks with a Qualot Berry and Clear Gummi Martini chaser."

The Miltank stares at me for a bit before replying.

"So, you're Argyle, I take it?"

"Yeah, I am."

"My sister talks about you all the time," she said, "I'll go prepare your drinks, be right back."

Miltank went to speak to the bartender, a Tropius. Some group of drunks in the back had started singing a rather rude version of Grandma Got Ran Over by a Wyrdeer. Shortly after leaving, Miltank returned with my drinks.

"So, how's Milly doing?"

"Milly?"

"That's her name. She only lets her family call her that."

"She's doing just fine."

"My name is Martha by the way."

"Nice to meet you."

"Likewise. Milly has told me all about you. She seems quite enamored."

"Nah. She just treats me like I'm her son."

"That sounds like her."

"Never mind that now," I said, "I need some help and if you're anything like your sister-"

"Any friend of Milly is a friend of mine," she said, "what do you need?"

"I need a ship that will take me to the Insulam de Claris."

"Insulam de Claris? You must seek the Oracle."

"I do."

"Good luck trying to find a decent captain that will take you there. The seas are extremely dangerous right now."

"I didn't say 'decent'."

"There is only one captain crazy enough to sail there and he's not exactly clean. He's a pirate."

"Where can I find him?"

Dodging the pedestrians, I made my way to the dock that Martha told me about: pier 16. Beside the dock, I found the ship I was looking for, the Crystal Froslass. She was a grand old vessel that looked like she had seen her fair share of maritime skirmishes. The ship was full to bursting with all manner of Pokémon, most of which didn't look friendly.

"Oi! Stop gawking, boy!"

It was a Dewott that spoke to me.

"I'm looking for the captain of this vessel," I said, "I wish to discuss business."

"Then you may."

A Spearow landed beside Dewott. This Spearow was unlike any I'd seen before. He was wearing a captain's hat, had a belt about his waist and had his chin-feathers... braided?

"Jack!"

"Captain Jack Spearow."

"Captain Jack Spearow. Strange. I'm sure I've heard that somewhere before."

"Of course you have lad," said Dewott, "this here's the worst pirate ever."

"They're just jealous. So, why have you cone calling, mate?"

"I would like passage to the Insulam de Claris."

Dewott grew visibly angry at my words.

"Do ya have any idea what you're askin'!? The sea be treacherous and we're pirates, not a ferry."

"I do. I have no other choice," I said before turning to the captain, "I heard that you are the only one who would even consider crossing these waves. The fact that you not only will, but can speaks volumes about your skill and the trust your crew places in you. If you refuse, then you do yourself and your crew a disservice. You betray them and their loyalty."

"You come to my ship, demand a ferry and then insult my crew and myself. There are over a hundred of my men and only one of you and you have the gall to threaten us?" Asks Captain Jack Spearow, before his beak curls into something resembling a smile, "I knew there was something I liked about you, mate."

"Yea not bothered by the fact that we're pirates, are ye?" Asked Dewott.

"Not really. The law and I parted ways long ago."

"Ah, just one more thing, mate," said the captain.

"Yeah?"

"If I let you aboard my vessel, there are two rules you must follow, mate. Do what I say and help out the crew."

"I can do that."

With those words, I was let aboard the ship and we had soon cast off. I was swabbing the deck when Dewott approached me.

"Things be calm now, but jes' wait until we get out ta deeper waters."

"Just how good is the captain? Why do you all trust him so?"

"True, some may say he's inexperienced, foolish, crazy or even downright terrible, but you see him in action and ye'll se he be the most brilliant pirate ever."

I stopped swabbing and looked at the captain. He was tending to the wheel, his gaze focused on something beyond the horizon.

"Yea don't look like a law-abiding citizen lad, who are you?"

"Argyle. I'm burglar, thief, et cetera."

"A thief are ye? An' was the most valuable thing ye've stolen?"

"A little trinket called the Crown of Plenty."

"The Crown of Plenty, lad? I admit I've heard of it, but I don't know why it's valuable."

"The Crown itself is useless. The legend surrounding it is what gives it its value."

"Captain! We're heading right into a storm!"

The captain flew to the bow and looked out onto the horizon.

"Aye! The sea be an angry mistress tonight. Men! Hoist the sails! Let bow to run free!" Shouted Captain Jack Spearow, "Mr. Bigs! Fill our guest in on how things work here!"

"Mr. Bigs?"

"Aye, that'd be me," said Dewott, "listen up. Yer about ta learn how to talk like a pirate."

Mr. Bigs spent some time teaching me a bit of maritime terminology. I more or less got about half of it before the storm was upon us. Waves and winds tossed the ship to and fro. The clouds overhead blocked off all sunlight, casting us in near total darkness.

The captain sailed us right into a hurricane!

I stuck with Mr. Bigs, listening to the captain's orders and following them to the best of my ability.

"How are things looking up in the nest?" Yelled the captain.

"Not good! Visibility is low, even for me!"

"Listen up! Can anyone on this ship see in the dark?"

I stepped forward at once.

"I can, captain. I have limited darkvision."

"Limited is what we're going to use then. Up to the Honchkrow's nest with you, mate!"

I ran up to the mizzenmast (the mast at the center of the ship) and found a line of little metal pegs leading up the mast. I climbed the makeshift ladder, making my way into the nest.

What I found in the nest was not a Honchkrow as the name implied, but a Pidgeot.

"Hello."

"Who are you!?" Squawked Pidgeot.

"Argyle. The captain sent me to help. I have darkvision."

"Well, your help couldn't have come at a better time! Watch the waves! Tell me where the biggest ones are!"

I stared out toward the sea and instantly seen we were heading right for two huge ones!

"Port 12 degrees! Starboard 35 degrees!"

"Captain! Turn the rudder to starboard, then hard to port!" Pidgeot shouted down.

"On it, mate!"

The ship lurched around the waves in response to the captain's steady hand. The scene continued like this for what seemed like ages. I would tell Pidgeot where the waves were and Pidgeot would translate them into orders for the captain. My heart was hammering like a drum. Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, the signal of the approach of doom. A sense fine-tuned by years of evading the law.

Something was horribly wrong.

Without warning, I ran to the back of the nest.

"What are you doing?" Asked Pidgeot.

"Quiet!"

I'm going to have to use an ability I don't often get to use. I closed my right eye, only allowing myself sight through my left green one. The wind and waves and even the ship vanished from my sight. Far beyond normal visibility, I seen a ship! A massive ship filled to the brim with cannons, crew and an ominous-looking flag. We're not alone here!

I reopened my eye and shouted to the wheel.

"CAPTAIN! WE'VE GOT PIRATES APPROACHING FROM BEHIND!"

"Pirates!?" Squawked the captain and Pidgeot in unison.

The captain flew up and roosted on the edge of the Honchkrow's nest.

"Are you sure, mate?"

"Positive! Just behind that wave there!"

"Looks like things are about to get a lot more interesting. Pidgeot, lead us to the Demon's Gauntlet!"

"Aye, aye, captain!"

The captain flew back down, landing back behind the wheel.

"The Demon's Gauntlet?"

"A patch of waters even more dangerous than these. It's a death trap."

For even this suicidal captain to even consider using those waters as a trap, the Demon's Gauntlet must be a maelstrom!

"Argyle, you keep an eye on the approaching ship. I'll be able to lead us to the Demon's Gauntlet better alone."

I never questioned her orders. I returned to my place at the back of the nest and used my eye to keep a close watch on the ship. It was approaching fast. Much faster than the vessel should be able to move.

"Captain! The vessel is approaching fast! We won't be able to outrun her!"

"Change of plans! Have Pidgeot lead us to the eye!"

"Right! Pidgeot! Orders from the captain! Lead us to the eye!"

"Right! Captain, rudder hard to port! Full steam ahead!" Shouted Pidgeot.

"We're going to need cannons at the stern!"

"Ya heard him, mates!"

No sooner had we emerged into the calm waters in the eye of the storm, than the ship had appeared right beside us. I could clearly see each individual crew member. They were all Water and Psychic types (probably how their ship was able to catch up to us). The captain, I recognized instantly.

(It can't be!)

"You really have no idea who's ship this is, mate."

I slid down the mast, landing back on the deck.

"Slowbro," I said, addressing the captain, "what are you doing here?"

"That mask!" Said Slowbro, anger rising, "you're that Sneasel from before!"

"Friend of yours, mate?"

"Sort of. He was poisoning a town's water supply. Long story."

"YOU CUT OFF MY HAND!" Shouted Slowbro, "LOOK!"

Slowbro held up his arm and, to my surprise, he had a shiny metal hook in place of his hand.

"What's the big deal? You have a hand."

"This is not a hand! After our episode, I tried finding work, but I kept getting rejected! The only job I could apply for was piracy. Aced the interview, too."

"Wait. You have to apply to become a pirate? There was an interview?"

"That's a sad fact of life, mate. The bureaucratic process is so overinflated that it has even bled over into the underworld," said captain Jack Spearow.

"Not to mention all the taxes to ye," said Mr. Bigs, "apparently, piracy is taxable."

"What even are pirates anymore?"

"Freedom, plunder, paperwork and taxes," said Mr. Bigs.

"Anyway...," said Slowbro, "give us that Sneasel there, and we'll let you live."

"He's not going anywhere, mate," said the captain, "here's a new deal. Get lost and you'll keep your ship."

"No deal! The Sneasel or else!"

"Mr. Bigs. Fire."

"FIRE!" Mr. Bigs shouted down into the hold.

A sudden broadside of cannons blasted holes in Slowbro's ship, eradicating almost all of the ship's starboard side. Needless to say, the ship began sinking.

The crew began bailing. Slowbro leapt for the ship with a yell. He managed to embed his hook in the side of our ship. I reached down and pulled him onto the deck.

"Well, well, looks like you've captured yourself your first prisoner, mate," said the captain, "Mr. Bigs."

"Right."

Mr. Bigs took one of his scalchops and caused a watery blade to form out of it. He walked up to Slowbro and rested the blade against his neck.

"Your call, mate," said captain Jack Spearow, "what do you want done with him?"

I walked up to Slowbro and knelt in front of him. Slowbro's face was a mixture of fear and stubborn defiance.

"Slowbro. If the captain would've given me up to you, what would you have done?"

"I would've given you a hook to match mine!"

"So, if you can't be like me, you want me to be like you?"

"That isn't what I meant!"

"So now that you're at my mercy, give me one good reason why I shouldn't take the captain's suggestion and end you right here."

"You aren't going to kill me. You could've killed me down in the sewers but you didn't."

"Maybe today, I'm not in such a great mood. Jack?"

"Captain Jack Spearow!"

Slowbro's eyes grew wide at that last exchange.

"Captain Jack Spearow!? Captain of the Crystal Froslass!?"

"I see you've heard of me, mate."

"Please! Let me serve you!" Said Slowbro, suddenly pleading with me, "that man is crazy! Don't let him anywhere near me!"

"What did you do to him?" I asked the captain.

The captain just shrugged.

"Okay, here's the deal," I said to Slowbro, "you serve under me now. But you get even the slightest idea in your head about betraying me and I'll leave you to the mercy of this ship her crew and the captain!"

"You won't have any problems from me, boss!"

"We'll see. We haven't made it out of the hurricane yet, so you listen to the captain for now. Disobey and I will personally punish you. Maybe another hook."

"I'll be the best crew mate ever, captain!"

Mr. Bigs put his scalchop away and everyone got back to their places.

"Watch yer back mate," whispered the captain as he passed by, "he's just waiting for the most opportune moment."

With the warning fresh in my mind, I climbed the mizzenmast again and resumed my position in the nest. I looked up through the eye of the storm. It was a bright, clear, sunny sky. Things are starting to look up.