Pokémon Police Force Chapter 30: Cave of Sorrows

We had left Yggdrasil and Xerneas far behind using an Escape Orb that Sal just so happened to have be holding. I had to find wherever Yveltal was, but since we'd learned that she's the goddess of death, I decided to take a little detour to hopefully ditch the others. No more blood would be on my hands, that I swore.

"So where to now?" Asked Snow.

"You don't know?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"We kind of didn't make plans past reviving you," replied Snow.

"Let's go to Blissey," said Sal, holding the Pokémon egg, "she runs a nursery in town. She'll be able to tell us who the parents are."

"I know where I'm going," I said.

"Your mother?" Asked Jessie.

"Not this time. When I was real little folks started disappearing in town. They think they were taken to some cave. I was too scared to find the truth then."

"Why didn't anyone go to the police?" Asked Emerald.

"We were poor beggars living in the Narrows," I reminded her, "no one cared if the homeless went missing."

"Well, we'll go with you!" Said Snow, "right, girls?"

That conversation happened several hours ago. I had hoped they would let me go alone, but I forgot how stubborn these women were. Now I had to take them there. At least it would give me time to plan another escape. Why must I be cursed with so much charisma?

I glanced back at the egg Sal carried. There was no doubt the kid was mine and it definitely wasn't Sal's since we never shared the same egg group. The egg was about the size of Sal's torso and was a bright orange-yellow with different shapes of bright colors decorating the egg's surface.

Snow's first evolution stage was an Eevee and the egg's colors didn't match an Eevee, so it probably wasn't hers. So that left either Emerald or Jessie.

I made a quick pit stop at the Black Market to pick up some smoke bombs and other supplies and then we went back up to canyon where the Bastion sat. Emerald had confiscated the Rainbow Tear a few miles back and was studying it. Sheriashuu and I stood far apart from each other, still uncomfortable with this whole scenario.

"That's it!" Shouted Emerald suddenly, causing all of us to jump.

"Don't do that!" Yelled Sal, "I almost dropped Junior!"

"Sorry," apologized Emerald, "Sheriashuu, does this shape look familiar to you?"

"It looks like a teardrop," replied Sheriashuu, kind of annoyed.

Emerald turned it to a certain angle and that seemed to cause a spark of recognition in Sheriashuu's eye. Sheriashuu snatched it from Emerald and examined it closer.

"The Seal of Konpf!" Said Sheriashuu in wonder.

"Okay, no one touches the gem but me," I said, snatching the gem back from the Mienshao, "what are you two lawmen talking about?"

"No doubt Emerald told you that we're childhood friends," said Sheriashuu, "that gem resembles part of the Seal of Konpf."

"The Seal exists on a special lockbox that was stolen from our people centuries ago," explained Emerald, "the box may be in this cave you mention."

"The lock requires two keys to open. Your Rainbow Tear might be one," continued Sheriashuu, "the other key resides in a shop known as Cherry's Curiosities in the Bastion, but there's a problem."

Emerald was quiet for a bit.

"The owner doesn't like me," said Emerald.

"Well, it's been three years since Argyle disappeared," said Snow, "maybe he's simmered down?"

"Hopefully," said Sheriashuu, shrugging, "I don't know what has happened since I've been… well, dead."

"That's actually an important question. One I would like answered as well," I said, "what has happened these past three years?"

Emerald, Sal, Jessie and Snow then began to explain to Sheriashuu and I all the events leading up to this point. Slowbro had apparently vanished off the face of the Earth right after I did. Meanwhile the police had basically declared war on Team PWNK, blaming them for the city-wide arson of Mystery City.

Speaking of Mystery City, in just three short years, the city had more or less been reborn, forged in concrete. As for the girls, they combined their resources and connections to track me down. They didn't even bother to chase after Danté and Pyra after they escaped.

"You let those two psychos ESCAPE FROM PRISON!?" I shouted in fury.

"Argyle!" Calm down!" Yelled Jessie, "you know what happens if you get-!"

"Don't you talk to me!" I snapped.

I gasped when I realized what had happened.

"Sorry," I meekly apologized, "I don't know what came over me."

"Don't," said Jessie, "you deserve to be angry."

"When we get down to the Narrows," said Sal, changing the subject, "do you mind if I sit this one out? Someone has to watch the egg."

"You don't have to come if you don't want to," I replied, "my cave should be safe enough for the both of you."

Our conversation continued on like this until we arrived at the front gates of the Bastion. With the exception of Salandra, who opted to head to my cave early to care for the egg.

"So, who stands the best chance of getting us inside?" Asked Snow.

"Let me do it," said Jessie, "I have a way with people."

Against my better judgement, we let Jessie be on point as we approached the gate guards.

"Halt! We need to see your papers before we- gaah!" The guard sputtered out as he was punched in the gut.

"Do you really not recognize me?" Asked Jessie, "I should have your head for this!"

"B-b-b- boss!" Stammered the guard.

"Boss?" Asked the other guard, a Graveller in confusion.

The first guard, a Midnight Lycanroc, got back to his feet.

"You idiot. This is the most important lady around! Open the gate!"

Graveller shrugged and began cranking the gate open. Once inside, Sheriashuu decided to ask the question.

"What was that?"

"I have several Bastion guards on my payroll," explained Jessie, "never hurts to have a spy."

"Come on," said Emerald, "Cherry's Curiosities isn't far."

Emerald and Sheriashuu led us through city streets, past artisans and around various venders. You can bet I got a "five-fingered discount" at several stalls as we passed by. The Medieval scenery gradually passed behind and we were drawn to a district full of brightly colored tents and banners. It had looked like a fair had moved into town.

"Right through here," said Emerald, pointing at a large tent surrounded on all sides by various displays of all kinds of curiosities and oddities.

"Are you not coming?" Asked Snow.

"I'd… rather not," said Emerald, turning away, "you'll find Cherry inside. Just be easy on her."

I took point this time, barging into the tent without as much as a by-your-leave. The girls soon followed me inside. Inside the tent was a place that reminded me so much of Meloetta's place.

Tapestries of brilliant purple draped over curtains of pink. Censers of incense filled the room with a calming lavender scent. A large table sat in the middle with a baby blue cloth covering it. Finally, a sheet of star-studded cloth decorated the top of the table.

"Oh, customers," said a Delphox, walking to the table, "I'm Cherry, owner of this establishment. Who is in need of a reading?"

The Delphox was quite feminine in voice and movements, however, you could hear hints of her age and stress in her voice.

"Fortune teller, huh?" I thought out loud.

"Of course," said Cherry, "shall I ask the cards what fate has in store for you?"

"Cut the crap," said Sheriashuu, "we need the key."

"What key?" Asked Cherry.

Suddenly, the tent doors opened and Emerald walked in, apparently over her apprehension. Cherry gasped when she had seen her.

"You!"

"We need the Amaour Ruby," said Emerald, "I know you don't care about our reason."

"You learn quick," said Cherry, "you should also be aware that you are not welcome here! Leave!"

"Not until we get what we came for."

"I'm not giving you anything!"

"Argyle. Hurt her."

I had no idea what was going on here. Emerald would never tell me to hurt someone. She should also know I would never intentionally hurt a woman, except Pyra, she deserves it. After some consideration, I decided intimidation might be better.

I walked slowly around the table to Cherry's side. Her guard was up instantly, expecting an attack. With a smirk, I called upon Zygarde, letting my body fill with its power.

"Your eyes!" Gasped Cherry.

With her guard dropped, I was on Cherry before she could react, pinning her to the table. I called Shadow Claw, extending my claws with dark power. I then pointed them at her throat.

"I would listen to the lady if I were you," I said.

Cherry's eyes closed in concentration and then opened in shock.

"I can't read your mind!" She gasped again, "what are you?"

I moved my claws closer to her. Emerald took the opportunity to use her psychic powers to confiscate Cherry's stick, hidden in her sleeve.

"It's in the dresser!" She said finally, "underneath the bottom drawer."

Jessie did the honors and retrieved a bright red crescent-shaped gem.

"That's it," said Emerald, "Argyle, release."

"Just because I have this power doesn't mean you should use me as an attack Arcanine," I complained, releasing her.

Cherry's stick was returned shortly afterward.

"Just leave. All of you," said Cherry, "except for the Sneasel."

"Go," I echoed, "I'll be fine."

The girl left without another word.

"Cherry, what's going on here?"

A different curtain opened and a Lucario walked in.

"The Ruby is gone," said Cherry calmly.

"Do you know what you've done, twerp!?" Lucario asked grabbing me by the neck.

"Set! Let go of him!" Shouted Cherry, using her psychic powers to put some reins on the Lucario.

"What's the big idea!?"

"That Sneasel is Zygarde!"

"What? Zygarde?"

Both of the Pokémon bowed low in reverence.

"Get up!" I said, "I don't need this!"

They stood back up.

"What did you say?" I asked, finally realizing what transpired, "Zygarde?"

"A Pokémon whose mind cannot be read," Cherry said, "that is to be the sign for our people to welcome the arrival of Zygarde."

"We were instructed that only Zygarde was to receive the Amaour Ruby," explained Set, "we named our daughter Ruby in hopes that she would lead Zygarde to us."

"Set, Ruby was here," said Cherry, "she just left."

"She was!?" Asked Set in surprise, "I miss her."

"We both do. This must be fate that she left though. She was able to bring Zygarde to us."

"Who's Ruby?" I asked.

"Figures she would use a fake name," said Set, "but I'm sure she'll make herself known when she wants."

"Argyle," said Cherry, "take care of her."

I was ushered out of the tent shortly afterward.

(Well, that was rather abrupt.)

"Argyle!" Said Snow, "are you okay?"

"Yeah," I replied, "Emerald? Why did you change your name from Ruby?"

Everyone looked at Emerald, dumbfounded, except for Sheriashuu.

"So, they let it slip?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"I suppose it's time for you to hear about my past," said Emerald, "but not here."

"Let's go to Sal," said Jessie, "she must be worried."

"You must know a different Sal," said Snow, "she's not exactly the 'worrying' type."

"We're going to Sal," said Jessie in a threatening tone.

I led the group through a path I have taken many times, a secret way between the Bastion and the Narrows. So, secret I won't tell you about it. So there.

It only took ten minutes to get from the Bastion to my cozy little cave. Sal took great care to set the egg aside as we entered.

"So, how was it?" Asked Sal.

"Got what we needed," I replied.

"So, where is this cave?" Asked Sal.

"First," interrupted Emerald, "I have some explaining to do."

I knew that this story was going to have to see the light sooner or later, but I was hoping for much later.

"My name isn't actually Emerald. It's Ruby," I admitted.

Predictably, Argyle and Sheriashuu seemed to be the only ones not shocked by the revelation.

"Why the name change?" Asked Sal, "honestly, I prefer Ruby."

Thankfully, Sheriashuu answered for me.

"We're what you refer to as gypsies," explained Sheriashuu, "or rather, we were."

"You're gypsies?" Asked Jessie.

"Once upon a time," I said, "we were trained from birth to lie, cheat and steal from 'normal people'."

I did air quotes with those last two words.

"Cherry and her husband outside were my… parents," I continued.

Again, Argyle wasn't surprised. Everyone else, sans Sheriashuu, was visibly shocked.

(Just how much did they tell him already?)

"But Cherry despised you!" Said Snow, "what happened?"

"The police happened," said Sheriashuu, "years ago, a thief broke into our camp and made off with an armful of valuables. The police caught that Sligoo."

"I was just a Fennekin then, training to follow my mother's footsteps as a fortune teller."

"I was a dancer," piped up Sheriashuu.

"I was so impressed, I decided that's what I wanted to be," I said.

I turned away as I said the next part.

"My parents weren't thrilled."

"Why not?" Asked Sal.

"In gypsy culture, if you seek to work elsewhere, it's counted as abandoning the gypsies," explained Sheriashuu.

"I was disowned and excommunicated," I finished, "that's when I changed my name."

"I left home right after she did," said Sheriashuu, "didn't bother telling anyone. That was shortly after… you."

All eyes went to Argyle, who just scoffed.

"I had hoped that my parents would've accepted me back," I admitted, "they must hate me."

"They don't," Argyle chimed in at once.

"What makes you say that?" I asked.

"I spoke with both of them," he replied, "the reason that they named you Ruby was because they knew you would do them proud."

"Wait, what?"

All eyes were on Argyle as he spoke.

"You were named after the Amaour Ruby," I explained, "they had hoped you would bring the Ruby's true recipient to them. The one that they were instructed to give the Ruby to."

I was incredibly confused. Was someone in our group meant to receive the Ruby? Did mom try to explain it to me? Am I really that Grumpig-headed!?

"Who was it?" Was all I was able to ask.

"Zygarde," answered Argyle, "the Ruby is meant for Zygarde."

That when the realization hit me.

"The Herald of Order!" I shouted, "I remember that old legend now!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself," said Sheriashuu, "you've had a busy life."

"So, why were you chosen for the Ruby?" Asked Jessie.

"I don't know," said Argyle, "but the answer lies in that box."

"I won't need your help inside the cave. Just get me inside."

Those words rang in my mind as we approached the cave.

"You won't be alone in there," said Jessie.

(What did she mean by those last words?)

We approached a small, non-descript cave guarded by four Fighting Type Pokémon. The plan was simple, create a distraction and then I'll slip in. I left the method up to the girls so I could focus on my task. At the cave, we split apart, so we could enact the plan.

Over five minutes of waiting and I spotted a small pink cloud heading to the four Pokémon.

(So, the plan is Sal's pheromones?)

One by one, the guards wandered off.

(Unbelievable. Perverts.)

Remembering myself, I slipped into the cave. Inside the cave was a narrow steel hallway, not the spacious cavern I was expecting.

(Mystery becoming more mysterious.)

I followed the hall to its end and found myself on a catwalk overlooking a large room. In the room were Pokémon of all shapes and sizes, tied to hard stone tables. Each one with a strange helmet covered in all sorts of mechanical doo-dads. Yes, that is the technical term.

"A mad scientist's laboratory!?" I said, "what is this?"

"Keep it down! They'll hear you!"

My head shot to the source of the voice. The Pokémon that stood there was perhaps the last one I'd expect to see. A pink and purple bipedal Pokémon with a cannon strapped to his left arm.

"What are you doing here?" Whispered Slowbro.

"Slowbro! Why-?"

Slowbro shushed me.

"Why are you here?" I whispered.

"No time," whispered Slowbro, "get out before they find you."

"I can't," I explained, "I need to find out what happened to all the missing Pokémon."

"You've just met them. Team PWNK is using them to test their ultimate weapon."

(Team PWNK is behind this?)

"I'll come with you and tell you what I know."

"Not yet. Supposedly, there is also a lockbox with a mysterious seal here. Sound familiar?"

Slowbro pondered for a moment.

"Only one comes to mind. It's in the boss's quarters."

"Can everything be easy, just once?"

"So, what's the plan?" Asked Slowbro.

"Screw the plan," I said.

I pressed my claw to the communicator I hid in my mask.

"Jessie. Do something violent."

"HA! I WAS HOPING YOU'D SAY THAT!"

Then, the girls ran into the catwalk and stopped in shock once they'd seen Slowbro.

"Slowbro?" Asked Snow.

"No time," I said, "the victims are down there. Let's trash the joint!"

"Argyle, I love you," said Jessie, before pressing a claw to her ear, "alright boys, operation salvation is a go."

"Operation Salvation?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"You might want to get back," said Jessie with a wink.

No sooner had she said that, then the ground started shaking. We all stepped back in a hurry as a literal sea of Pokémon flooded the corridor and broke through the catwalk glass. Then the unmistakable sounds of battle.

"Um… isn't that kind of… overkill?" Asked Sal.

"No such thing!" Said Sheriashuu.

"Sheri, you just made my good list," said Jessie.

Emerald gave me an accusatory stare and I just shrugged.

"Let's find that lockbox," I said.

Slowbro led us through the complex to the leader's room. The halls were, thankfully, empty what with the distraction happening in the main room.

"Slowbro, what are you doing here?" Asked Emerald as we walked.

"Jessie asked me," said Slowbro.

"Jessie? You knew?" Asked Snow.

"But of course," said Jessie, "he's been my inside guy at Team PWNK for quite some time. In fact, it was his intel that led us to Argyle."

"I was wondering how you found me," I replied.

"What are they doing here?" Asked Sheriashuu, "is this where they're testing-?"

"Stop," said Slowbro, stopping us in our tracks, "right in here."

We stopped in front of an ornate wooden door. The only non-metal thing in this whole facility. Inside we found a large office space with wooden furniture and two wooden, high-back chairs. Everything was draped in scarlet tapestries. Someone sure had a high opinion of themselves.

"The lockbox is under the desk," said Slowbro, "I've seen it only a few times."

I ducked under the executive desk and pulled out a small, riveted box made of metal. It was a shiny chrome. All except for a blue seal that decorated the top. A seal with two odd-looking slots carved out of the top.

"That's it, all right," said Emerald, "Jessie?"

Jessie wordlessly handed Emerald the Amaour Ruby.

"Hmm… a third century puzzle lock," I said, examining it, "ancient, but impossible to pick. The only way to open it is with the keys."

"You can't even pick it?" Asked Sal.

"If I lived back then, I probably could," I replied, "but all the knowledge of said locks has disappeared over the years."

"Here, take the Ruby," said Emerald, "you should be the one to open it."

I took the Ruby from Emerald's outstretched paws.

"Alright, let's see what was worth all this trouble," said Snow.

I set the Amaour Ruby in first, its crescent shape fitting snugly into the crescent-shaped slot. Then I took out the Rainbow Tear from my Treasure Bag.

"You okay, bro?" Asked Snow, "you're hesitating."

"Yeah, just… nostalgic," I lied.

I could see Emerald's brow furrow out of the corner of my eye. She knew I lied.

It took some work, but I fit the Rainbow Tear inside too. Then, with a dull clank, the seal portion of the box popped up, raising it above the rest of the box.

"One more step," I said.

I grasped the seal with both hands and began turning it slowly counter-clockwise.

"This thing needs oil!" I groaned.

"You need help?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"No. Just need some… elbow grease."

One slow, complete rotation was all it took for the lid to pop open.

"Emerald, you want to do the honors?" I asked, "it is your family's box."

"It belongs to the gypsy people, we just guarded the key," explained Emerald, "but I agree. A gypsy should be the one to open it."

Emerald approached the box and I stepped back. She effortlessly opened the lid and stuck her paw inside. What she withdrew from the box gave us more questions than answers.

In Emerald's paw was a small sun-shaped brooch made out of the most beautiful rubies you've ever seen. I stared in wonder at the beautiful piece of jewelry. Emerald on the other hand, turned beet-red.

"Oh, dear Arceus!" Said Emerald in embarrassment as she quickly stuffed the brooch back where she found it.

Sheriashuu completely lost it at that point, bursting into a fit of uncontrollable laughter. This only made Emerald get even redder.

"Uhh… did we miss something?" Asked Sal.

"The egg!" Said Jessie, "what happened to Junior?"

"Back at the cave," said Snow, "but that's not important! Why is Sheriashuu carrying on like a Mightyena?"

I reached into the box and pulled out another brooch, similar in size to the sun brooch, but fundamentally different. This one was shaped like the full moon and was made of equally beautiful sapphire.

"Good Arceus, this day can't get any worse," said Emerald, hiding her face behind her paw.

Sheriashuu, on the other hand, only grew louder in her laughter.

"Are you kidding?" Asked Sheriashuu through tears and laughter, "this is the best day of my life!"

"Sheriashuu, please stop laughing," plead Emerald.

The rest of us exchanged confused looks.

"Emerald, you know it's binding," laughed Sheriashuu.

"It is not!" Snapped Emerald.

She then reached into the box and pulled out the sun brooch. Emerald thrust it into my face as she spake.

"I'll take it, but that DOESN'T mean I accept it!" She yelled.

"What?"

"GOT IT!?"

"Uh… sure?"

"Good!"

Emerald stuffed the brooch somewhere inside her tail.

"I'm completely lost," said Slowbro, "what just happened?"

Sheriashuu eventually controlled her giggles enough to speak.

"It's a gypsy thing," she snickered, "when the sun sigil and moon sigil are exchanged-"

"HOLD IT RIGHT THERE MRS. MUSTACHE FACE!" Interrupted Emerald.

"Oh, so you want to tell them?" Snickered Sheriashuu, "go right ahead."

"Yes, tell us."

The voice came from the doorway. Standing just inside the room, were two painfully familiar Zoroarks. Don and Dave.

"We'd all like to hear," said Don.