Pokémon Police Force Chapter 32: Tale of Three Jessies
"Wolf, are you a human?" I asked.
You could cut the silence that followed with a knife. I watched the Riolu's face as he registered what I'd asked. It was a look of surprise, not the pure shock I expected. Eevee decided to make the situation even more awkward and sniff Wolf's neck.
"Dusk, stop that," muttered Wolf.
"A human, what are you talking about?" Asked Jessie, "he's a normal Riolu."
"If a human is here," I said, standing back up from my kneeling position, "this bodes ill for the world."
"Let me answer for him," said Dusk, "Wolf here has amnesia. All he remembers is that he used to be a human."
"There was a storm and I ended up like this."
"A storm? How long ago was this?" Asked Jessie.
"About a few months," replied Wolf.
"Good, you didn't cause that," said Jessie.
"What makes you think I would've?"
"You kind of summoned up a storm when-"
"Not in front of the kids."
"Did, uh, we miss something?" Asked Dusk.
"No, it's nothing," I brushed it off, "can you two make it home on your own?"
"Yeah, we're part of Wigglytuff's Guild," said Wolf.
"That's cute, kid," said Jessie.
"I'm not cute! Or a kid!"
Jessie giggled.
"Maybe you can help us," I said, "we're looking for a hot spring."
"That's easy!" Said Dusk, "it's just to the northwest of here."
"Okay, you kids be safe," I said as we began walking away.
When we had covered enough distance, Jessie decided to lighten the burden of questions off her shoulders.
"Argyle? What was that bit about humans?"
(That's right! She wasn't at the Lake of Origin!)
"Whenever humans show up, bad things happen," I said, "every major calamity involves a human."
"He might have something to do with you," said Jessie, "why'd you let them go?"
I stopped.
"They're too young," I said, "I'm not going to let a kid fight my battles."
"Then, why do you make us fight your battles?"
I growled as I started back up.
"Why do you want to visit some hot springs? Shouldn't we reunite with the others?"
"Truth told, I was trying to ditch you and everyone else."
"Once a loner, huh?"
"I'm going after Yveltal," I said simply, "I don't want to see anyone else die."
My last words stopped Jessie in her tracks. I kept walking, undaunted, and eventually Jessie caught back up. As we walked, the heat rose until we found ourselves at a small pool of bubbling water.
Soaking in the spring were a Teddiursa, an Ursaring, a Vigoroth, a Mankey and a Primeape. Jessie wasted no time getting comfortable, jumping into the water with a satisfied moan.
"I love hot springs!" Said Jessie.
"Look, Ursa! A new friend!" Said Teddiursa.
"Don't bother her," said Ursaring.
"Don't just stand there."
A Torkoal stood just opposite the pool, on a small rock.
"The water's fine. Take off that mask and relax."
"I'd rather keep it on," I said, "nasty burn."
"I see," said Torkoal, "you look like you have a wild story to tell. Let us hear."
I dropped to the edge of the pool and began soaking my legs.
"I have a story of my own to hear," I said, "tell me about the fifth of Frostomb."
"The fifth of Frostomb?" Asked Jessie, "what's that about?"
"That story is a legend wrapped in an enigma," said Torkoal, "passed on by word of mouth and rumor. What could possess you to hear a story about the end of the world, lad?"
"I was told that I needed to hear this story," I said, "I don't know why. I'm here to find out."
"Word of warning, I'm over 900 years old and my memory is fading."
"Anything you can tell me will help."
The fifth of Frostomb refers to the date that the Angel Wars ended," explained Torkoal.
"The Angel Wars really happened!?" I asked in surprise.
"I believe so, yes," said Torkoal.
"Don't get him started," said Mankey, "we'll be here all day."
"Well, the legend that I refer to is actually a prophecy that was told before the final blast," continued Torkoal, "listen carefully."
The stars will fall, light shall expire.
First the serpent, then the darkness.
Darkness will reign in the realm between.
Emerald light shines through the coils of despair.
What is split apart will return whole.
From the emerald peak shall the world end and be reborn.
Every Pokémon was quiet long after Torkoal had finished his story.
"What does that mean?" Asked Jessie.
"I have no clue," said Torkoal, "this legend is the only one that I've never been able to figure out."
I brought my claw to my chin and pondered these words.
"The key phrase seems to be the last one," I said, "from the emerald peak shall the world end and be reborn."
"Apex Mountain," said Torkoal, "that's the place the legend describes."
"How can you be sure?" Asked Vigoroth.
"Several different legends name it," explained Torkoal, "I've been there myself. Never made it very far."
"How come?" Asked Primeape, "too tough?"
"No, the native Pokémon there were strong, sure, but I turned back out of respect. Once I discovered that Zygarde lived there."
"Zygarde!?" Said Jessie and I in unison.
"Who's Zygarde?" Asked Vigoroth, "does that name mean something to you two?"
"Um, it's nothing," I said.
"It doesn't matter anyway," said Torkoal, "as for Yveltal, just follow down your appointed path; toward Apex Peak."
"How did you-?"
"Your reactions tell me everything I need to know."
The other Pokémon looked like they were in another universe, looking in.
"How do we get to Apex Mountain?" Asked Jessie.
"Do you have a Wonder Map?"
I rifled through my Treasure Bag and pulled out the map. Then I waded through the hot spring waters, followed by Jessie, up to Torkoal.
"Apex Mountain is right here," said Torkoal pointing to a location in the mountain range directly north of a foggy forest.
"This is the Barrier Mountain Range," explained Torkoal, "there are many ways to get to Apex Mountain. You can go around the range and approach from the north, but as one of you is a cave-dwelling Pokémon, I would suggest going to this path down to the southwest. Then traversing the mountain range by way of these Mystery Dungeons here."
"What about going through this forest and approaching from the south?" I asked.
"Out of the question," said Torkoal, "that forest is known as Fogbound Woods. Those woods are eternally enveloped by an impenetrable fog. You'd get lost for sure."
I turned to Jessie and she nodded.
"Barrier Mountain Range it is," I said, "thanks for everything, Torkoal."
"Glad to help youngsters like yourself."
As I rolled up the map and stuffed it in my bag, Torkoal spake again.
"Why don't you soak in the spring for a while?" He asked, "it's a long way and this spring is very therapeutic."
"I guess I can," I replied.
Jessie and I chose a spot and settled down. I still remember the hot spring from several years ago. Strangely, Jessie didn't throw her arms around me like back then. Speaking of her, how did she find me so fast and why was everything so quiet around here? Something wasn't right.
I waited until her eyes had closed in pleasure and got up out of the spring. Vigoroth was about to say something, but I shushed him.
I waited until I was sure Jessie hadn't noticed my departure and began walking away. It didn't take long until I heard some distinct splashing behind me.
"Argyle, honey," said Jessie, "what's the matter?"
"Honey? Jessie, who are you?"
"What do you mean, who am I? I'm your girlfriend."
"Argyle!"
To my surprise, another Jessie ran out of the nearby forest.
"There you are!" Said the second Jessie, "I finally got away from-"
The two Jessies met eye to eye.
"Who's this?" Asked the second Jessie.
"I'm his girlfriend, Jessie," said the first Jessie.
"No, I am Jessie!"
"Argyle, don't believe this imposter!"
"Imposter? You're the imposter, you body-stealing freak!"
"I'm the real one!"
"I'm much prettier than you!"
"We're identical, you moron!"
"Alright," I said, "this is getting obscene."
I closed my right eye, forcing myself to only look out of my left one. Before my eyes, both Jessies vanished. That could only mean-
"Where is Jessie?" I asked.
"I'm Jessie!" Said both Jessies in unison.
"You have five seconds," I said.
I could feel Zygarde's energy building up inside of me. My sanity was starting to slip and give way to rage. This cannot repeat. There cannot be any more deaths on my conscious.
"Tell me where the real Jessie is or else."
They hesitated. Their eyes growing with fear.
"Dude, your face!" Said the second Jessie.
I needed to release some of this anger before it was too late. Quick as a flash, I punched the second Jessie square in the jaw.
"Dave!" Yelled the first Jessie in surprise, "wait! I- I mean-!"
The first "Jessie" got punched as well. The illusions faded and two Zoroarks lay on the ground in place of the Jessies.
"WHERE IS JESSIE!?" I screamed in rage.
The two Zoroarks were cowering in fear. Too scared to respond.
"Argyle! STOP!"
(That voice!)
I turned on the dime and seen yet another Jessie running up to me, followed by Keldeo from the Swords of Justice.
"Another trick? WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO PULL!?" I asked, screaming at Don and Dave.
"Nothing!" Said a panicked Don, "we can only manipulate ourselves and our immediate environments!"
"We're too weak for that, numbskull!" Said Dave.
"Argyle! Remember what happened at Isatar! Don't make the same mistake twice!" Shouted Jessie.
"Why is Keldeo with you?"
"I found her tied up in the woods!" Said Keldeo.
"He freed me and we came to find you!"
"No one but me ties Jessie up," I said, giving my words a sinister tone.
I called out to Zygarde with my mind.
"I won't kill you. But you'll hurt all the same."
I was expecting to be filled with Zygarde's power, but I felt strangely normal. Looking at my claws, I had noticed they didn't change.
"Why? What's going on?" I asked.
"What's wrong?" Asked Jessie.
"Zygarde! It didn't work!"
"What didn't work?" Asked Keldeo.
"Hey, works for us," said Don.
"Come on, Don," said Dave, "Argyle will resist less if he's unconscious."
"Wait, he's actually capable of intelligent conversation?" Asked Jessie, "there's hope for the stupid yet!"
"You're gonna die, yo," said Dave.
Don and Dave began running circles around each other.
"Evil Fusion-no-jutsu!"
Their circles became tighter and tighter until they fused into a single shiny Zoroark.
"So, their big technique is to become a shiny?" Asked Keldeo.
"I know. Kind of disappointing, isn't it?" I said with a sigh.
"A lot has changed since last time we fought," said the shiny Zoroark.
He spoke with both Don and Dave's voices at the same time.
"When I fought you before, I did it alone," I said, "and you still lost. What makes you think you have any chance with the two, maybe three of us?"
"Keldeo, will you fight with us?" Asked Jessie.
"Far be it from me to turn down an upstanding lady such as yourself."
"Keldeo, she's a mafia boss," I said.
"Um, forget what I said about the 'upstanding' part. I'm still gonna help!"
Don / Dave reached into a pocket I didn't know they had and hurled something at us. The projectile came within inches of my face as I dodged.
"Those were shurikens!" Yelled Keldeo, "they really are ninjas!"
"Jessie, you're on point!" I shouted.
As Don / Dave began to throw more shurikens, Jessie leapt in front and caught the metal stars in her giant maw. With a harsh crunch, the weapons were reduced to scrap.
"Argyle! Get on!" Shouted Keldeo as he began galloping by.
With an Agility boost, it was no problem for me to leap onto Keldeo's back.
"Those two like to disappear and then attack from behind," I whispered.
"I'll take the rear," whispered Keldeo, "Secret Sword!"
At the same time that Keldeo's horn grew to become a scimitar of energy, a bright light enveloped him. When the light faded, Keldeo had changed.
The fur around his neck had grown. It had now grown to the top of his shoulders. His tail and mane became bushier. Three feathers of different colors appeared on his forehead and his horn grew underneath that energy and got a wicked spiral to it. The horn was now a lavender color.
(Keldeo? Right. Save the questions for later.)
"Moonblast!" Yelled Jessie.
Jessie began firing pink energy beams at Don / Dave, probably trying to give us cover fire. The fused Zoroark dodged the attacks as if they were nothing.
"I see what you're doing!" Said the Zoroark, "Night Slash!"
Don / Dave's arms became cloaked in an aura of darkness. The darkness spread from their arms, to their torso and head and finally, the legs. Once fully cloaked in darkness, their claws became elongated, then Don / Dave charged ahead.
Don / Dave and Keldeo continued charging at each other. Keldeo closing the distance faster than the ninjas. He is a horse after all.
"I'm going to speed this up," I said, "Agility!"
Grasping onto Keldeo's back, the effects of Agility filled the both of us, causing Keldeo to charge forward with a speed that would make even the fastest Rapidash blush.
"Now!" I yelled, leaping from Keldeo, "Brick Break!"
I missed, of course, as the two Zoroarks disappeared from view. As soon as I'd done this, Keldeo wheeled around and slashed with his Secret Sword.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" Screamed out Don.
The illusion faded. Don sat crouched over on the ground, grasping a bloody wound across his stomach.
(Where's the other one?)
"Argyle!"
I spun on a dime and found Jessie in a headlock. Dave was pressing his free claw to the side of her head.
"Jessie!" I yelled.
"You cowards!" Spat Keldeo.
"We're like, ninjas," said Dave, "we're so not gonna play by the rules."
Don shuffled over to Dave's side and stole an Oran Berry from Jessie. He downed it in one gulp. The berry got to work immediately, sealing up his wound before our eyes.
"Sweet fruity magic," said Don, "you, Argyle."
"Let her go!" I shouted, stepping forward.
"One more step and I'll, like, so kill her," said Dave.
I stopped in my tracks and spat on the ground.
"What's with that guy?" Asked Keldeo.
"He's a work in progress," said Don, "Argyle, join us. Join Team PWNK and we'll release her."
"Are you still going on about that!? It's been three years!"
"We're nothing if not persistent," said Dave.
"Touché," I replied.
"Argyle, don't do it," said Keldeo.
I looked at Jessie, straining against Dave's headlock.
"I have to," I said, "they won't release her until I do. Zygarde. Why did you abandon me?"
I looked Don square in the eye.
"You've got a deal, release her and you can have me."
"Argyle, no!" Yelled Jessie.
"I'm sorry, Jessie," I apologized, "they'll kill you if I don't."
I began walking toward Don. Jessie stopped her struggling to watch.
"Smart move," said Don.
"Argyle! Stop!" Yelled Jessie.
We all seem to have momentarily forgotten Jessie's horns. Jessie moved her horns and bit Dave with her giant maw.
"OWIE!"
Dave released her in a right hurry.
"THAT'S ENOUGH!"
Dave punched Jessie hard in the jaw.
"JESSIE!"
Then, a familiar energy erupted from my body. I became enveloped in an emerald green flame.
"Argyle?" Said a scared-looking Jessie.
"What is this!?" Said both Zoroarks in unison.
"Get them," Keldeo egged on.
A green light blasted out of the sky and entered my right arm, right where it was bound.
(Wait! I didn't remove my-!)
Then, the pain began.
More lights entered my body as an intense pain wracked my body. I could feel my bones break and rearrange. Plumes of green flame erupted from my bound right arm and the left side of my face, only serving to enhance my pain. The mask and bindings burned away from my body and my sight became green. Everything was a tint of green.
When the lights and pain faded, I found myself on all fours once again.
(This form? I haven't felt this way since-!)
[Argyle 20% Z Activated]
"Bro? What is this!?" Asked Dave.
"Argyle? What happened?" Asked Keldeo.
"Argyle?" Asked Jessie.
Jessie had gotten to her feet and was running toward me. She cupped my face in her hand.
"Are you in control?" She asked.
I looked at her and then glanced away.
"Not sure? I understand."
Jessie left me and walked over to Keldeo.
"Keldeo, let's get out of here," said Jessie.
"What? Why?"
"Trust me. It's safer for everyone if we leave."
"Argyle. If you can hear me," said Keldeo, "we'll be waiting at the hot spring. Please be safe."
Jessie hopped on Keldeo and the two left.
(Why is he helping us? Nevermind. Onto the task at hand.)
I stepped forward; the ground trembled at my approach.
(Power feels good.)
"You think you can handle us both on your own?" Asked Don, "I don't know what's happened here, but I'm not scared at all. Dave, get up!"
Dave stumbled to his feet.
"Yeah! Time for more fusion!" Said Dave.
"Secret attack! Evil fusion-no-jut-!"
"Land's Upheaval!"
A small hill violently rose up from beneath me. The surprise landscaping stopped their move prematurely, bowling them over.
"What was-!" Began Dave.
"500 Arrows!"
Green lights shot out of my body and pierced the two Zoroarks, knocking them out before they knew what was going on.
(Thank you, Zygarde.)
"You're welcome."
The energy left me all at once and I blacked out.
