Pokémon Police Force Chapter 27: What Monsters are Made Of

"The Sneasel is scared," said Darkrai, "scared of his own power. He won't stop me."

Darkrai began glowing with an otherworldly energy.

"I've wasted enough time here. Time to check on my pet project."

With a quick motion of his arms, Darkrai vanished into thin air. Argyle dropped to the snow-capped ground, shaking.

"Argyle?"

"Zygarde… I will never use that power again."

Argyle had eventually led us into the tight, little tower he had been living in. None of us had really bothered to talk since Darkrai had vanished. We were all sitting in a sort of mess hall in the tower's lower levels before Argyle broke the silence.

"How long has it been?" He asked.

"Three years," I said.

"Three years? Has it really been so long?"

Sal broke the awkward conversation by clanging a couple of pots in the kitchen area.

"Where's all the food at?" Asked Sal, "I can't find even the smallest Pecha Berry in here."

"I ran out of food about two years ago," answered Argyle, "believe me, I looked."

"So that's why you look so hungry," said Jessie, "you haven't eaten in years."

"I wanted to cook something," said Sal, returning from the kitchen, "but that plan's a bust."

"I guess we have Zygarde to thank for your survival," I said, "but why haven't you left to get more food?"

Argyle didn't answer.

"Darkrai said you were scared of Zygarde's power," said Snow, "is that true?"

"Of course, I'm scared!" Responded Argyle at once, "you didn't see the look on her face as I- it was pure terror."

"That wasn't your fault," I said.

"It was my fault!" Said Argyle, "I was in full control back there! I wanted to kill her. Wanted to hurt her! I wanted to make her hurt just like my mother did."

A small tear rolled down his cheek.

"All Zygarde did was facilitate that need."

Argyle turned from us.

"I turned her into ribbons," he said softly, "I'm a monster."

"Argyle, you are not a monster," said Snow, "remember what Kyogre and-"

"I killed a cop out of pure rage!" Snapped Argyle, "what kind of a hero does that?"

"You don't believe that," said Jessie, placing her hand on his shoulder, "I know you don't."

Argyle suddenly wheeled around and smacked Jessie to the floor.

"You don't get it!"

Argyle paused when he'd realized what he done.

"See? I even hurt those closest to me," Argyle said, before beginning to walk away, "when you are fully rested, please leave."

"Who are you?" Asked Jessie, "you are not the Sneasel I fell in love with."

Argyle attempted to leave, but something stopped him. It looked like he walked into an invisible wall or something.

"What happened to the confident Argyle?" Asked Jessie, "the Sneasel that would defend his friends to his dying breath? The Sneasel that inspired courage in everyone around him?"

"That kid grew up," said Argyle, "Emerald! Lower this barrier!"

"But… I'm not doing anything," I replied.

"What?"

Argyle began clawing the air, ineffectual against the invisible force keeping him here.

"Don't tell me that rouge Mr. Mime snuck into the tower again," Argyle said.

Argyle glanced back at us.

"That was a joke. Laugh!"

"Oops, I did it again."

"Who said that?" Asked Sal.

"I played with your heart."

"Meloetta," sighed Snow.

"I'm not that innocen-ahh!"

Suddenly, another Pokémon was in our midst. She was completely white and dressed in a black dress with flowing green hair with a headband shaped like a musical note.

"Now I am the one who's insane," said Jessie.

"Darn it!" Said the new Pokémon, "all that practice, wasted!"

"Who-?" Began Sal.

"Greetings! I am the oracle of the Insulam de Claris. Call me Meloetta!"

She did a strange pose after that.

"Uh, why are you here?" Asked Snow.

"Because Argyle is my bestest buddy in the whole wide world!" Said Meloetta.

"I am?"

"Of course, silly!"

"Why did you erect this-? Wait, are you gonna kiss me, too?"

"Nope! Unless… you…"

"Nah."

"Okay!"

"Let me guess," said Snow, "you knew all this would happen and chose not to tell him."

"What!? Why?"

"I have no idea what you may be referring to," said Meloetta with a wink and her tongue sticking out.

"For some reason, I want to punch you," said Snow, "and I don't even have fists!"

"Okay, can someone explain to me what is going on!?" Yelled Jessie.

Meloetta floated over to Jessie.

"Oh. Is this the girlfriend you told me about?" Asked Meloetta.

"But I never-"

"Argyle just gushed about you when we first met," said Meloetta, "said you were the most wonderful, most beautiful Mawile in the whole wide world."

"He really said that?"

"Of course! I never lie! I'm a Psychic type."

"Hard to argue with that," I said.

"Well, you're okay in my book, Meloetta!" Said Jessie.

"That girl is good," said Sal.

"Meloetta, you never told us why you're here," said Argyle.

"Okay, serious talk," said Meloetta, floating over to Argyle, "did you ever find your sister?"

"Yeah, Snow, right over there."

"Aww, I was hoping your sister would end up being Regice," said Meloetta, "that would be amazing! Also really, really, hard to explain."

"Are you saying I'm not as cool as Regice!?" Said Snow, "who even is Regice?"

"No one. Really."

"I'm lost," admitted Snow.

Meloetta floated over to Snow.

"Did you follow my words?" Asked Meloetta.

"Yeah. Became a pirate. Found my half-brother. No longer a pirate," replied Snow.

"Okay, time for part two of Argyle's reading!"

Sal sat down just in time for Meloetta to use her psychic powers to rearrange the furniture. There were mixed yells as Meloetta even decided to rearrange all of us, except for Argyle, that is. Before we knew it, we were all sitting on chairs lined up on the far wall, and all the rest of the furniture was neatly stacked up on the other side of the room. Then, Meloetta summoned a coil of rope to her side.

"Get over here!" Yelled Meloetta.

The rope coiled around Argyle. Then, he rocketed through the air, straight toward Meloetta.

"Heh, always wanted to do that," said Meloetta as she caught Argyle.

Argyle looked like he didn't know what was happening.

"Yes, I knew all of this would happen," admitted Meloetta, "but if I would've told you, you would've started getting all mopey on me."

"I don't get mopey!"

"What are you doing right now, cry baby?" Shouted Sal.

"Don't call him a cry baby," said Jessie, smacking Sal, "even if it is true!"

"Point taken, I guess," Argyle said.

"I only told you what you needed to know," said Meloetta, "now to tell you the rest of the story."

Meloetta floated away a bit and took the stereotypical meditative stance.

"Death has reigned and life has lost. A broken life must now mend. For where there is death there must also be life. Rebirth awaits at journey's end."

"How is that supposed to help!?" I snapped.

"Emerald, let it go," said Snow, "that's how Meloetta gives her predictions."

"Hmm… A broken life," said Argyle, pondering Meloetta's words, "journey's end."

Argyle shrugged off the ropes and began pacing the room.

"A broken life, that must refer to Sherry Marry."

"Sheriashuu!" I yelled.

Argyle ignored me as he continued to pace.

"She died, death has reigned and life has lost. Part 1 is easy. The key phrase is 'journey's end'."

"Snow, do you have any-?" Began Jessie.

"It's for Argyle to figure out," said Snow, "not us."

"Can we help?" Asked Sal.

"Doesn't mean anything if he doesn't do it on his own," I explained, "that's how visions work. They must be puzzled out by the person whom they are about."

"So, what happens if someone gets help with a vision?" Asked Snow.

"Many things can go wrong," I explained, "a wrong interpretation being the least of these."

"The end. The end of all things is death," said Argyle, "the end of all our journeys. You must die to be reborn? Obvious. That isn't it."

Argyle stopped pacing and looked up in realization.

"Life and death are two sides of the same coin. In order to find life, one must know death. Rebirth shall happen from death's cradle. I think I've got it!"

"What did you find out?" I asked.

"I'm not sure, but there may be a way to bring your friend back to life."

Emerald was quiet for the longest time before she basically screamed.

"YOU CAN BRING SHERIASHUU BACK TO LIFE!?"

"Easy. It's only a theory."

"But still, that's huge!" Said Emerald, "let's go!"

"Sure, but first, I need to make a few things clear," I said, "I know what I did was wrong. I killed someone out of pure rage. It may never be safe for anyone to leave me alive."

I looked right at the others.

"I do not ask for forgiveness and I expect none. I'm just doing this to correct a mistake. After this is done, I will give myself up to the police. Whatever happens, happens."

"Just like that?" Asked Sal, "shouldn't you be running?"

"You followed me to the most desolate place on the planet. I have literally nowhere else to run."

"I can't believe what I'm hearing," said Jessie, "the Argyle I love would never let the law catch him. He would taunt the police and give them the middle finger by hiding in plain sight. What happened to him? What happened to the incorrigible flirt of a rouge?"

"That kid grew up," I replied slowly, "we leave on the morrow."

I walked out of the room and retired to my quarters. After I locked the door, I sunk into the bed and fell fast asleep.

I don't know how long I rested, but fortunately, there were no nightmares this time. In fact, my dreams were uncharacteristically whimsical. When I woke up, I found the lock on my door frozen shut.

"Not this again."

I kicked the door open.

"Open sesame."

I walked down a few flights of stairs and found the ladies sleeping in a bunk room.

(I guess Meloetta went back home. I'll let them sleep a while longer.)

I continued down the long, narrow, stone spiral staircase that was the tower and out into the snows.

"A little fresh air might be just what the doctor ordered."

I spent some time wandering the wastes before I felt the fur on the back of my neck start to stand up.

(Been a long time since this happened. But where is it coming from?)

I had seen a flash of white and hurriedly ducked to the ground before a sharp blade took my head off. There was a little ripping sound as I dove. Instinctively, I raised my hand to my mask-covered left ear and found a small tear in it.

"You ripped my mask!" I shouted, getting to my feet, "show yourself before I rip your HEAD!"

From behind me, I felt a deep shake.

(That's impossible! Snow doesn't shake.)

I spun around and found a great big, brown bear-like Pokémon approaching. This bear had strange horns sticking out of his head and orange crystals sticking out of his leg joints.

"Ha! Looks like you got sloppy, Cobalion!" Cheerfully roared the bear.

From my right, another Pokémon walked into view, a blue goat-like Pokémon with a regal look to him. A blade of pure energy extended from his head. I assume this was Cobalion.

"This Sneasel's fast," he replied.

"Well, it wouldn't be fun if it was easy. Isn't that right, Terrakion?"

A new Pokémon appeared to my left, a beautiful, female, green deer-like Pokémon.

"Hah! You got that right, Virizion!" Said the bear.

"Would someone explain to me why we decided to attack a lone Sneasel?"

A fourth Pokémon walked into view. He resembled a unicorn foal with a mane of red hair and a blue tail.

"We never cared about outlaws in the first place," said the unicorn.

"We already told you, Keldeo," said Cobalion, "we seek to better ourselves against tough foes. This outlaw is Rank S with a multimillion Poké bounty. He's bound to be tough."

(Multimillion Poké bounty? Since when!?)

"Look at him though!" Said Keldeo, "he looks like he hasn't eaten in years!"

"I haven't," I replied simply.

"What? How?" Asked Keldeo in shock.

"I ran out of food," I said curtly.

"No! I mean, how are you still alive?"

"I'm immortal."

"You WISEAS-!"

"Terrakion!" Shouted Virizion.

"What?"

"PG-13!"

"Huh?"

"Don't worry about it, brother," I said, "the fourth wall gets broken a lot around me."

"I'm lost," admitted Terrakion.

"Terrakion, you are an excellent companion, but thinking has never been your strong suit," said Cobalion, "Argyle, is it?"

"Yeah."

"We are the Swords of Justice."

"I've heard of you guys," I replied, "you've made quite the splash in the underworld."

"Hah! I bet they run scared at the mere mention of our names!" Chimed Terrakion.

"Actually, they think you're cowards."

"Wait, what?" Asked Keldeo.

"Some big-shot fanboys pretending they're superheroes."

"I'm not a fanboy!" Said Virizion.

"Except for you, Virizion," I replied, "you have quite the following in the underworld. As a pinup girl."

"Wait. You mean all the perverts get off on me!?" Asked Virizion in shock.

"Welcome to Rule 34, princess," I snarked.

There was a long period of silence that was only broken by Terrakion's booming laughter. While Terrakion continued to die of laughter, I tried to sneak away. "Tried" is the key word. Cobalion caught my movement almost immediately.

"Stay where you are, Sneasel."

Cobalion slowly drew near, with his head still powered with Sacred Sword.

"Why haven't you eaten, boy?" He asked, Virizion's embarrassment seemingly forgotten, "and why is your bounty so astronomically high? You do not have the look of a caged Raticate."

(Thankfully, I had the foresight to put on my mask. That would be hard to explain.)

Cobalion drew his blade down to my neck.

(Mommy!)

"Something's keeping you here. What is it?" Asked Cobalion, his voice unflinchingly calm, "who are you?"

"Do it," I replied, "you'd be doing the world a favor."

Cobalion withdrew his blade, extinguishing the energy blade.

"You're here by choice," said Virizion.

"But why?" Asked Keldeo, "not exactly a paradise out here."

"Virizion, you know what to do," said Cobalion.

Virizion approached me and put her hoof on my head.

"Close your eyes," ordered Virizion, "you shall not be harmed."

I did as ordered and closed my eyes. Instantly my mind was flooded with images of my entire life story. When Virizion finally relented from her mental assault, she sat on the snow, panting heavily. When I came to, I found myself crouched over with tears flowing down my cheeks.

"What did… you… do?" I panted.

"Virizion!" Shouted Terrakion as he and Keldeo rushed to her side.

"We cannot claim… this bounty," panted Virizion, "we have… to kill… him."

"Virizion! That doesn't sound like you at all!" Said Keldeo, in shock.

"What did you see?" Asked Cobalion.

"That is no Sneasel," said Virizion, "he's a living weapon."

"A weapon!?" Shouted Terrakion, "things are starting to get interesting! Stone Edge!"

A pillar of stone erupted from the ground underneath me and catapulted me into the air. I was dumped unceremoniously on the ground.

"Terrakion!" Shouted Cobalion, "you shall not attack unless I give the order! Do I make myself clear!?"

"Sorry…"

"Argyle!"

As I struggled to my feet, the girls joined me in the battlefield. Emerald and Jessie helped me back to my feet.

"Quit picking on defenseless Pokémon!" Shouted Sal.

"Defenseless?" Asked Terrakion, "he's a weapon! Though, he's rather weak for a 'living weapon' if you ask me."

"That's because he's given up!" Shouted Snow.

(Snow? Given up?)

I knew her words to be true, but hearing those words spoken by my own half-sister really stun like a swarm of angry Mega Beedrill.

"Snow?"

"It's true, isn't it?" Asked Snow, turning to me with a look of visible concern on her face, "you made a mistake. That much is true. You ran away and hid here. Then you tell us to leave you here. Isn't that why?"

Now tears were forming in her eyes.

"You don't eat because you ran out of food. You want to die!" Cried Snow, "we haven't known each other long, but I love you! You know what it does to me to see you like this!?"

"Snow…"

"I see what's happening here now," said Cobalion, "you've done something horrible and now guilt has caused you to run from the world."

Cobalion sat next to me.

"Listen here. Even the most powerful warriors get broken from time to time," said Cobalion, "when the worst comes to pass, it is they who get back up again that are truly strong."

For the first time in years, I began to feel lighthearted. Was this hope?

"Look around you. You have friends that love and care for you. Do not look to the past. Look to your friends. They'll keep you on the straight and narrow."

"I doubt that," I replied, "one of these 'friends' is a mob boss."

"Hello!" Said Jessie, waving.

"Well, maybe not that friend."

"So, what are your orders?" Asked Virizion.

"After hearing all the 'living weapon' talk, I wouldn't mind fighting him," said Keldeo, "but something doesn't feel right about fighting him when he's weak."

"Agreed," said Cobalion, "we shall leave you to your own devices for now. But when you recuperate, we'll be back."

Cobalion and the others left with those words, wandering somewhere out in the snowy wasteland.

"Everyone, before we go to deal with the Mienshao problem," I began, "could we make a quick detour?"

"To visit your mother?" Asked Emerald.

"No. It's been several years since I've done anything. I have to test my skills."

"How?" Asked Sal.

"A place in the desert called Rouge's End. Rouge's End is a tomb where many would-be grave robbers have met their end," I explained, "we've been there before, Sal."

"No," said Sal in realization.

"Yep, that's the place. But first, I could really use a hot meal."

"We have food on the ship," said Snow, "hope you like seafood."

"I haven't eaten in years," I said, "at this point, I'd bite a Garbodor with a rare parasitic fungus."

"Gross," replied Jessie in disgust.