Pokémon Police Force Chapter 33: Apex Mountain
I woke with a start, gasping for air. Nothing penetrated the air but the sound of splashes and a constant, yet soothing heat.
(Water? What?)
"Argyle! Take it easy."
Returning from the realm of sleep, I found myself waist deep in hot spring water and Jessie holding me steady.
"You've had a rough day," said Keldeo, to the left of me.
I noticed he'd returned to his original form.
(I'm at the hot spring?)
I looked around and noticed everyone staring at me. Teddiursa looked like his jaw was about to fall off.
"What's everyone looking at?" I asked.
"Your face," Jessie whispered in my ear.
"My face?"
I raised my hand to my face, where my mask rested. Or rather, where it was supposed to rest. It wasn't there! Everyone was staring at my face!
"My mask!" I yelled, trying to cover the green patch with my claws, "where is my mask!?"
Jessie reached behind her and pulled the charred remains of my mask. The straps had somehow survived, but the mask was just a shredded piece of charcoal with a large hole ripped out of the middle.
"Your arm bindings are ash," said Jessie, looking downcast.
"Well, at least the straps look good," said Keldeo, trying to cheer me up.
"Argyle, did you say your name was?" Asked Vigoroth.
"Yeah?"
"First of all, don't try to hide it, we've all seen it."
I reluctantly lowered my claws.
"Second, how did you get this way? What was with the light show?" Asked Vigoroth, "I need answers."
"Argyle wishes for them to stay secret," said Torkoal, "you should let them stay secret."
"Why?" Asked Mankey, "do you know what happened?"
"No, but I do have my suspicions."
"Well, onto something you can answer," said Ursaring, "I believe I've seen your face on a few wanted posters. Are you an outlaw?"
"An outlaw, eh!?" Said Primeape, apparently raring for a fight.
"Calm down!" Said Teddiursa, "we just witnessed a crime. Those two foxes kidnapped someone, but Argyle saved her."
Teddiursa walked over to me and rested his teddy bear-like paw on my thigh.
"Anyone like this is not a bad guy. That's what I believe," continued Teddiursa, "can't we just ignore his criminal past?"
"Teddiursa, you are just too pure for this world," said Ursaring.
"Either way, we've kind of already called Officer Magnezone to pick up those two," said Vigoroth, "if I were you, I'd get out while the getting's good."
"That's right!" I yelled.
"The police?" Asked Jessie.
"Jessie, remind me what happens when I absorb Zygarde's power."
"Absorb what?" Asked Primeape.
"Well, your body becomes enveloped in green fire. Then it shoots up into the sky right before the Cells enter you, then-"
I shot out of the hot spring.
"The fire! Don't you get it? I was just a beacon!"
"What does that mean?" Asked Jessie.
"It means we'll be getting some company soon," said Keldeo, "and not the friendly kind."
"I just let everyone know where I was!"
"Oh," said Jessie, with an 'I'm stupid' look about her.
"We need to- no, they'll find us there," said Keldeo.
"Let's go to Rocky Pass," said Jessie, "it's secluded. We can talk there."
"Where is it?" Asked Keldeo.
"Just to the East of here. At the southernmost portion of the Barrier Mountain Range."
(The Barrier Mountain Range!)
"Get on my back," said Keldeo, "it will be faster."
I had about passed out from exhaustion. I've been running non-stop for I-don't-know-how-long. Roserade and Cobalion have been chasing me for that entire time.
(I'm not even sure they realize that Argyle's not with me.)
Argyle's plan worked like a charm. We divided the house. Luckily, I was paired with two Pokémon I was double super-effective against. Bad news, both my stalkers are ridiculously strong.
(I've got to get back to them as soon as possible.)
I was currently in a forest, resting in a hollowed-out log, catching my breath.
(Everyone. Be safe.)
"I can feel you."
My heart nearly stopped. Roserade.
"No, you can't."
"Oh, be quiet. You know I don't like teaming up with you."
(They teamed up? Just my luck!)
Suddenly, the Earth started quaking. I fought a losing battle to keep steady and quiet.
"What is that!?"
"It feels… alien."
Out of the corner of my eye, I found movement. I creeped forward and beheld a small green slug-like creature.
(A Zygarde Cell! Argyle!)
The Cell became cloaked in an emerald green light and shot off into the distance at light speeds. I stumbled out of the log and stared in horror as I seen a plume of green flame rise far in the distance.
"No. Argyle!"
Cobalion leaped down and landed beside me.
"I thought he was with you," Cobalion said.
"Know what that fire means, officer?" Asked Roserade.
"It means Argyle's in danger," I said, "I could use your help."
"You have my blade," said Cobalion.
"I don't like helping outlaws," said Roserade, "but that flame…"
"Cobalion, can you give us a ride?" I asked.
"I am not a horse," said Cobalion, "but hop on anyway."
(I just can't read that guy.)
"Here we are, Rocky Pass," said Jessie, "it's just a bunch of rocks. Don't expect a tour."
"This is a good place to talk," said Keldeo.
"Use that alcove there," I said, pointing at a hole in a huge boulder.
Jessie and I dismounted and the trio of us entered the hole. We each found a comfortable spot.
(I guess I'll start.)
"I guess I have the most to learn here," I said, "Jessie, Keldeo. What happened? Why are you two so friendly now?"
"It all started after we dealt with Team Skull," said Jessie, "as we were walking, I was ambushed and captured."
"Strange. Why didn't I feel the trouble coming?" I asked myself.
"Why would you feel it?" Asked Keldeo.
"I have kind of a sixth sense," I explained, "I can feel danger coming. Not in this case, apparently."
"Maybe the three years in Blizzard Island dulled your senses," said Jessie.
"Yeah. Maybe."
"As for the second question," said Keldeo, "I found Jessie tied up in the forest. I freed her."
"You know my criminal history," said Jessie, "why are you so nice to me?"
Keldeo stood up and walked a short distance away.
"As you may have guessed, I'm the newest member of the Swords of Justice," said Keldeo, "I joined because I wanted to become strong. A few years ago, yes, I would've left you there."
Keldeo turned back to us.
"Terrakion has been teaching me how to control my strength. Virizion has been instructing me in how to be smart in battle and my everyday life. Cobalion has been talking about other forms of power."
"What do you mean?" Asked Jessie.
"I don't rightly know myself," said Keldeo, "I'm still learning, after all. I feel like I'm starting to understand. That's why I had to save you. To help me understand."
Keldeo looked dead in my eyes.
"I've promised myself that I would only fight those who truly deserve it, or if there's honor in the battle," said Keldeo, "I would like to fight you at some time, Argyle. To an honorable fight. Just to test my skills."
"Now's not a good time," I said.
"I know," said Keldeo, "but would you be interested?"
"Been a long time since I've been in a straight-up battle," I said, "might be fun."
"Heh, you're starting to sound like Virizion," said Keldeo, "if things don't work out with Jessie here, she might be interested."
"I'm right here!" Said an annoyed Jessie, "Keldeo, it's your turn. Do you have any questions?"
"Yeah. You probably get this all the time, but what's with, you know, all that?"
"Argyle's kind of sensitive about that part of his life," Jessie said.
"I'm not asking for his life story, just what all that back there was about."
"Well, short version it is," I said, "when I was a kid, I was beaten within an inch of my life. Zygarde itself found me and healed me, by fusing itself with me."
"Woah! Zygarde did that? I've never heard of a god doing something like that for a mortal!"
"Wait Keldeo, do you know about Zygarde?"
"It was one of Cobalion's teachings," said Keldeo, "I don't know all the details. Just that it's the last line of defense for the world. And you fused with it!?"
Keldeo then did something unexpected. He bowed before me.
"Keldeo, what-?"
"Lord Zygarde," said Keldeo, "I would like to pledge myself to you."
"Keldeo, don't do this," I said, "I don't need to be bowed to."
"Oh," said Keldeo, rising up, "I guess I should give you some Swords of Justice lore."
"How about not right now?" I asked, "we've wasted too much time here already."
"Where should we go now?" Asked Jessie.
"The Foggy Forest," I replied, "quickly."
No one argued as we made our way. It took a bit of leg work and several Mystery Dungeons, but we eventually made it to the Foggy Forest.
The forest, as it turned out, lived up to its name. Foggy Forest was covered in fog so thick that you could slice through it with a knife. Normally passage would be impossible, but using my left eye, I was able to slowly guide us safely through the trees.
"I assume we're just passing through," said Jessie.
"You assume correctly," I said, "we're actually heading to Apex Mountain."
"Why? What's there?" Asked Jessie.
"Zygarde," answered Keldeo, "at least that's what the rumors say."
"Why do you want to meet someone you're already bonded to?" Asked Jessie.
"I'm looking for Yveltal," I said, "Zygarde might know where she is."
"I do not know a Yveltal," said Keldeo, "but why this path? There are better ways to get there."
"One of those ninjas was listening in to my talk with Torkoal," I explained, "this is the one way Torkoal advised me against."
"Mind if we take a detour then?" Asked Keldeo, "I have something I want to show you. Luckily, it's not too far from Apex Mountain."
"Alright. Make it quick," I replied.
"Lead us out of the forest first. I'll take over from there."
I nodded and then continued leading them on. Along the way, we passed a brightly glowing stone, like a fire, then a partially sunken statue of a great lizard Pokémon, but we didn't have time. After some backtracking and trailblazing, as well as dealing with several hostile Pokémon, the fog began dissipating. We had arrived at the edge of the forest.
"You don't realize how much you love being able to see until you can't," said Jessie, plopping down to rest.
"Where to, Keldeo?" I asked.
"You have a Wonder Map?"
I began rifling through the Treasure Bag, surprisingly undamaged from the flames that consumed my mask. It took no time at all to find the Wonder Map and roll it out.
"According to the Wonder Map, we're directly north of the Foggy Forest," said Keldeo, "so that means… ok! I have our heading!"
"I was hoping to rest more," said Jessie.
"You can rest once we've met Zygarde," I said.
"Hmph. Slave driver."
With no further complaints, Keldeo took the helm. We began walking North to North East.
(I wonder what he wishes to show us.)
Keldeo led us further on and into the foothills of the Barrier Mountain Range. That's when he took a sharp detour and up to a massive cliff face.
"Keldeo, what are we doing here?" Asked Jessie.
Keldeo didn't answer the Mawile, instead he used Secret Sword and shifted into his other form. A form he dubbed his Resolute Form.
"Hyaah!" Keldeo yelled out as he slashed the cliff wall.
For a while, nothing happened. Then, as I was about to give up hope, a small section of the cliff disappeared in a flash of white light. In its place, the entrance to a hidden cave.
"It's in here," said Keldeo, before walking into the cave.
Jessie looked at me apprehensively, and then she followed me into the cave.
Inside the hole, I was greeted with a sight I didn't expect to see. A large stone hall like you would see in the Middle Ages. Each side of the hall was lined with many marble statues depicting various Pokémon and even humans! Well, granted, I've never seen a human before, but I assume that is what they are.
"Welcome to the Memoriam Del La Angel," said Keldeo, "or the Angel Memorial for those of us that don't speak French."
"The Angel Memorial?" Said Jessie, "Keldeo, is this place linked to that Angel War fairy tale?"
"It is no fairy tale," replied Keldeo, "the Angel Wars really did happen. Pokémon and humans really did fight in a massive war, and as a result, the world was split in two."
"Wow."
"There's more to this story," said Keldeo, "there was a third group. A conglomerate of humans and Pokémon that worked together to try to stop the fighting. They called themselves ANGELS. This shrine is dedicated to every ANGEL that lost their lives in the war. This hall right here is where the real heroes of the conflict are honored."
"Why did you bring us here?" I asked, "a history lesson?"
"I'm getting to that," said Keldeo, "we Swords of Justice are four of the six remaining members of this order."
"Are you trying to say that you fought in this war?" Asked Jessie in disbelief.
This made Keldeo chuckle.
"No. This all happened several thousands of years in the past. We are just knights of the order of the ANGELS."
Keldeo began walking through the hall, prompting us to follow him.
"You said there were six of you," I pointed out, "who are the other two?"
"Zacian and Zamazenta," answered Keldeo, "don't worry if you haven't met them. They keep to themselves."
Keldeo kept leading us through the hall until he sat in front of a statue depicting two humans and a Sylveon.
"These three here are the reason that the world still exists today," said Keldeo in admiration.
The left statue depicted a tall human with long, spiky hair and dressed in fancy clothes, probably high-society dress. He sported a large halberd with a long spike where the blunt side of the axe-head would normally be.
"I see your eye was drawn to the left statue," said Keldeo, "though he isn't the center figure here, you're looking at the leader of the trio. By all reports, he was a brilliant strategist. His insight led the ANGELS to victory in the great war."
"What's his name?" Asked Jessie.
"Their names have been lost to history, but their actions remain. As for Sylveon here."
My eyes darted to the smaller Sylveon statue. The only Pokémon here, and yet it was sculpted at the forefront of the trio, adopting a defensive stance, as if expecting an attack.
"That isn't a real Sylveon. She was once a human."
"A human turned into a Pokémon?" I asked.
Keldeo stared at me for a while.
"You don't sound very surprised," said Keldeo, studiously.
My eyes met Jessie's. I could tell we were both thinking about those two kids from earlier.
"After what we've seen, I'm open-minded."
Keldeo chuckled once more.
"I swear, you sound like Cobalion sometimes."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It was, but we're getting sidetracked. Now, let's discuss the last statue."
In stark contrast to the first statue, the last one was another male human, with shorter, and less spiky hair. This human wore an old, ragged traveling cloak and wielded a giant sword just as big as he was.
"This one may be the most important statue here," said Keldeo, "at the end of the Angel Wars, there was a huge blast that split the world in two. He sacrificed himself to protect everyone in the world from said blast. He was the last casualty of the war."
"What about Sylveon?" Asked Jessie, "what's her significance?"
"Oh, right. I didn't finish explaining. Sylveon was once a human. When her friend grew deathly ill, she gave up her humanity to save him."
"That's amazing. Such compassion."
"Now you sound like Virizion."
I approached the first statue. The statue of the fancy-looking leader.
"Argyle? What's with you?" Asked Keldeo, "you seem fixated on that statue."
"I don't know why, but I feel like I've met him before. Recently."
"That was over 10,000 years ago," said Keldeo, "that's impossible."
"I know. It's just a feeling I'm getting. Almost like…"
"Argyle, you're crying," said Jessie.
"I am?"
I rubbed my eyes and found a few wet patches on my cheeks.
"That's odd."
I pressed my claw to the statue.
"I feel like I'm standing at the grave of a dear friend."
"I see what's going on," said Keldeo.
We both turned to look at Keldeo, still in his "Resolute" form. There was a slight smirk plastered on his face.
"Zygarde and a Pokémon known as Kyurem were the two central players in ripping the world apart," explained Keldeo, "you remember them because Zygarde remembers them."
Keldeo stood in front of me.
"We ANGELS have been sworn to protect the world from whatever darkness may befall it. There is no such thing as a coincidence. The fact that I separate from the Swords of Justice right as you reveal yourself as Zygarde is fate."
Keldeo looks me dead in the eye as he speaks.
"Follow me. What I have to show you lies just beyond the hall."
Keldeo began walking away. The look on Jessie's face was one of both anticipation and apprehensiveness. I cupped her shoulder and nodded. Wordlessly, we followed Keldeo through the hall and out of an archway beyond.
Just beyond the hall, waited a small, solitary, grassy hill surrounded on all sides by steep mountains. Such a place shouldn't exist, but it does.
"Welcome to Pledge Hill," introduced Keldeo.
He was standing on the top of the hill, beckoning us to join him.
"I believe you appearing to me is a sign. A sign that my time with the Swords of Justice is over."
"Keldeo-" I began.
"No, let me finish. I believe fate brought us together for a reason. I wish to pledge myself to your service. As your knight."
"Keldeo, I don't need a knight," I replied, "and besides, I'm an outlaw, with a huge bounty."
"I know. I don't like the outlaw part, but something Cobalion taught me is that every Pokémon has a role to play. I think this is mine. Accept my pledge and you'll never come to harm."
"Argyle, I would accept if I were you," said Jessie.
"Jessie?"
"From a survival viewpoint, it makes perfect sense. It won't hurt and besides, you can let him go later."
"I see. Well, I guess I'll accept for now."
"Unfortunately, we can't quite make it official right now," said Keldeo, "the last part of the pledge is an honorable battle between the two of us. We've got no time for that right now."
"Yeah, we're kind of running for our lives," said Jessie.
"So… rain check?" Asked Keldeo.
"Been a long time since I've had a real fight," I replied, "you've got yourself a deal. Let's not keep the other Zygarde waiting."
From the cave, it was just a Hoppip, Skiploom and a Jumpluff to reach Apex Mountain. I am legally obligated to inform you that no Hoppip, Skiploom or Jumpluff were harmed during our journey. Woopers, on the other hand…
We arrived at a massive mountain. Only, this wasn't your typical mountain. Where a mountain would normally be snow-capped it was actually green-capped.
(Miracles and oddities are becoming daily routine here.)
"Looks like we've got some climbing to do," said Jessie.
"Luckily, this mountain is also a Mystery Dungeon," said Keldeo, "so it's an easier climb than you'd expect."
"At least, we can double back if it gets too-" began Jessie.
As she spake those words, a wall of emerald-green flames erupted from behind us, blocking is in.
"Or not. Zygarde, quit being a jerk!" Said Jessie in frustration.
"Zygarde is expecting us," I said, "this flame is to block our pursuers."
"We should take the invitation," said Keldeo.
"Right."
From there on, we traversed 30 floors of Mystery Dungeon. As we were hiking up a mountain, we just found the standard mountain-dwelling Pokémon. After the 30 floors, we took advantage of the rest stop provided to catch our breath. The air is thinner higher up, after all. Finally finished with our pit stop, we ascended the mountain once more.
That's when the scenery drastically changed. The entire peak was covered in a hexagonal patchwork of greenery. Plants that would normally be found in a rainforest thrived here. How could a paradise such as this exist on a mountain?
"It seems we've found Zygarde," said Keldeo.
"This must be where Torkoal turned back," I said.
"That Torkoal came here?" Asked Jessie.
"Yeah. He said he turned back as soon as he discovered Zygarde-"
Just then, I felt something climb on me. I looked under my left arm to find a Zygarde Cell.
"Personal space, please."
The Cell ignored me, climbing up my body until it rested on my head.
"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Argyle, who are you talking to?" Asked Keldeo.
"A Zygarde Cell decided to take a nap on my head."
"Um, there's nothing there," said Keldeo.
"Because Argyle is Zygarde, only he can see the Cells," explained Jessie, "though I wish I could see that. Zygarde using Argyle's head as a bed."
"I am so glad that my discomfort entertains you," I said, "let's just find a Zygarde that can actually talk back."
And so, we continued 20 more floors upward. The Zygarde Cell remained on my head the entire way.
At the summit sat an old and forgotten shrine. The walls and pillars were made of perfectly hewn and sculpted marble, now broken. This shrine was falling apart due to centuries of neglect. Vines, lichen and other plants were reclaiming the area.
"I have been waiting for you."
At the far end of the shrine sat a large Doberman. This dog was a dark brown with green front paws, jaw and belly. There were a couple of green hexagonal patches on its chest and brow line. It lacked pupils or irises, instead had white hexagons in place of eyes.
"Zygarde is a dog?" Asked Keldeo, now back in his original form.
"Is that how I look when I transform?"
"Kind of, but not quite," said Jessie, "your first form is a little more Sneasel, and a lot more feral-looking."
"I sound ugly. I mean not as ugly as that guy, but still."
"I'm sitting right here, you know," said Zygarde.
"You want a medal?"
Zygarde groaned in response.
"On to business," I said, "why were you waiting for us?"
"Tell me first, why you have sought me out."
"Yveltal has been awakened," I replied, "we need to know where she is."
"I know."
"You already know? Then why the Voidlands did you ask!?" Snapped Jessie.
"Jessie, behave yourself!" Said Keldeo.
"Calm down," said Zygarde, "I was expecting that response from Crimson."
"Crimson?" Asked Jessie in confusion, "you know my alias?"
"I've been watching that Sneasel and all of you since that rouge Core bonded with him," explained Zygarde, "I can look through the eyes of any Cell I wish at any time. Including that one on his head."
"Argyle! There's a slug on your head!" Shouted Keldeo in surprise.
"Oh, so now you see it."
"He looks happy," said Jessie.
"Shut up. Zygarde, exactly how much of my life have you been privy to?"
"Most of it. I began, shall we say 'using', the Core inside you shortly after you fused," explained Zygarde, "then I stopped once you went into exile. Once I'd seen the green pyre nearby, I knew you were on your way here."
"So, you know nothing about what happened after Blizzard Island?" Asked Jessie.
"Normally, I can see through most of my Cells simultaneously, but since Argyle is not entirely Zygarde, I have to use all of my focus to see through his Core," said Zygarde, "once you exiled yourself, I focused on other matters."
"What other matters?" I asked.
"I began looking for Yveltal. I searched through all my Cells and Cores trying to find whatever knowledge I could."
"What did you find?"
"Yveltal's location. She's been taken prisoner."
"How can you capture a goddess!?" Asked Keldeo in shock, "who captured her?"
"Team PWNK, with their experimental weapon."
"But that happened several years ago," Jessie reminded us, "why are they still testing it and why didn't you free her!?"
"Neither development threatens the order of this world, so I did nothing. As does the planet dictate."
"Okay, so you know why we're here," I said, "why do you want to talk to us?"
"You can save Yveltal, in fact, I'm expecting you to. With my Core, you can survive her deadly arsenal of attacks. They, however, won't be so lucky."
Zygarde motioned toward Jessie and Keldeo.
"With your grasp of my powers so sporadic, you will be of no help to anyone. I'm offering you training. Accept and you'll be able to call on the Cells and Cores more readily and not just at the peak of stress."
"Argyle, remember that we're still on the run," said Jessie.
"The barrier I placed around the mountain can only be removed by me," said Zygarde, "you may train in peace."
"I'd do it," said Keldeo, "you'll never get another chance like this."
After considering my options for a good, long while, I made up my mind.
"Zygarde, I accept."
