Pokémon Police Force Chapter 35: Loose Ends

My dreams were a chaotic mess. From what I can remember, the majority of those dreams revolved around Jessie, the Mawile. My first love. Our breakup was sudden and unexpected, but I could still feel her in my heart and mind.

I knew I had to move on, especially since my ex was trying to kill me. Emerald agreed to go on a date with me, but I can't stop thinking about Jessie.

I never forget anyone who leaves.

(Something's wrong.)

My eyes shot open and I sat up. All four of us were sleeping in the dark temple, Emerald, Sheriashuu, Keldeo and I. Everything seemed peaceful, but I could feel the fur on my neck standing up and my sixth sense is never wrong. I shifted and accidentally knocked Emerald awake.

(Emerald? When did she get this close to me?)

"Argyle? When did you-?"

I clasped her mouth shut.

"Something's wrong," I whispered.

Emerald removed my claw and whispered.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure. Get the others up. I'll check it out."

As quietly as possible Emerald and I got up. I walked to the doors and Emerald to Keldeo. With a strained groan, I pushed a heavy stone door open and walked through.

"Who are you?"

Over where the four Wartortles once were (apparently, they woke up and left) stood two Krookodiles. Large red, bipedal crocodiles with white bellies and black stripes. Strangely, they were both wearing punk shades and were holding bright pink guitars.

"Argyle, I presume?" Asked a Krookodile.

"What's up with the guitars?" I asked, "unable to get any dates on your own?"

"Yep, that's Argyle, all right," said the other one.

"What's going on out here?"

I was joined by the other three.

"Team PWNK," said Sheriashuu, "it figures."

"Sheriashuu! You're alive!" Said a Krookodile.

"Of course, I'm alive! Ingrate."

"What're you waiting for? Bring the Sneasel over here."

"I don't think so. I've defected."

"Don't make us use these."

The Krookodile in question motioned to the guitar.

"You know I'm immune."

"But they're not."

The two crocodiles began playing their guitars. Together, the guitars began playing a punk rock tune.

"So, their big plan is a musical number?" Asked Keldeo, "that's lame."

There was a rustling from the nearby bushes. From them, came a white leg and hoof. Then, a black leg with white, lightning bolt stripes and hoof. I was face-to-face with two Pokémon I've not seen since that day. Zebstrika and Rapidash, Mystery City officers.

"Zebstrika? Rapidash? What are you doing here?" Asked Emerald.

"Isn't it obvious?" Asked Rapidash, "we've seen the light and joined Team PWNK."

"What!?"

"I got smart and left them," said Sheriashuu, "don't make my mistake."

"You've only switched sides because Argyle here kicked your Mudbray into next week!"

"I'm just here to enact a little revenge," said Zebstrika glaring at me, "it is your fault Noctowl died!"

"I WASN'T THERE!" I shouted, "IF YOUR GIRLFRIEND DIED, IT WAS YVELTAL'S FAULT! NOT MINE!"

"Who's Yveltal!?" Snapped Zebstrika.

"The goddess of death! Team PWNK has-"

"You two are officers of the law!" Interrupted Keldeo, "I'm not a lawman myself, but I doubt that the precinct condones this!"

"Who cares what they think!?" Snapped Rapidash.

"What has gotten into you!?" Asked Emerald, "the Rapidash I know would never say that!"

"Wait, those guitars," I said, "I've seen them before. Where did I see them?"

"Snap out of it!" Said Sheriashuu, "we have to knock them back to their senses!"

"Do it yourself!" I yelled, "I never hurt law enforcement! It's one of my rules!"

"Where was that when you-?" Sheriashuu began before Emerald cut her short with a paw.

"Sheriashuu, let it go."

"Either you come with Team PWNK or I'll kill you," said Zebstrika, "and I'll be sure not to laugh too much."

"Argyle? Orders?" Asked Keldeo.

"I don't know! If I could just remember…"

"Time to die," said a Krookodile, "do it Zebstrika!"

"With pleasure."

"Strength!"

"Beauty!"

"Elegance!"

"Where is that coming from?" Asked Emerald.

"Who's there!?" Yelled the other Krookodile.

A bright light burst from our midst. The light that is only emitted from a burst Luminous Orb. When the light faded, we were all surrounded by a Lopunny, a Gardevoir and a Milotic.

"Here comes Team Charm!"

"Team… Charm?" Asked Keldeo.

"Oh no," I said, "before you ask, they probably don't like me."

"I miss having friends," said Keldeo.

"Get out of here, you four," said Gardevoir.

"We'll take care of them," said Milotic, a sadistic smile spreading across her face.

"For the record, we don't care about your past," said Lopunny, "just get out of here."

"Hey, don't have to tell us twice," said Emerald, "let's go!"

We took off as quickly as our feet would run. I was in front, Keldeo following close behind and Sheriashuu and Argyle bringing up the rear. Through a forest we ran. Over fallen trees and through the underbrush. Eventually we broke out of the trees and right into a police checkpoint.

"Woah, Emerald!" Said Sargent Arcanine, "what's going on?"

"It's Team PWNK!" I yelled, "they have Zebstrika and Rapidash!"

"BZZT! IS THAT TRUE? BZZT!"

Officer Magnezone hovered into view.

"Magnezone? What're-?" I began.

"BZZT! OUR AGREEMENT! WE DECIDED TO WAIT HERE. BZZT!"

"We have Argyle, as requested," I said, "over-"

"Argyle?" Asked Keldeo, looking around, "I don't get it. He was right behind us."

"That slippery weasel!" Yelled Sheriashuu in frustration.

(I don't think they noticed me.)

"Hope I'm not too late."

I broke off from the company when I realized where I had seen those guitars from. It was three years ago. No wonder I forgot.

I backtracked the way I came, over the logs and through the brush. Silently, I cursed myself as I ran. Time seemed to stand still as I ran.

(This is it. I can finally do justice for that day. The others don't need to be involved.)

I eventually burst out of the trees in time to see Milotic slam Rapidash into the dirt with a watery tail.

"Team Charm! Stop!"

Every head turned to look at me as I joined the three girls.

"I was just starting to enjoy myself," said Milotic.

"I swear, Milotic. Sometimes you're even more bloodthirsty than Medicham," said Lopunny.

"He has something on his mind," said Gardevoir, "tell us."

"I've seen those guitars before," I explained, "at the Narrows. They were controlling Pokémon somehow!"

"That sounds ridiculous," said Milotic, "what proof do you have?"

The two Krookodiles were still playing.

"I'll show you. Agility!"

A surge of speed enveloped me, surprising the two shade-wearing crocodiles.

"Brick Break!"

I knocked one of them away and grabbed their guitar.

"Argyle?" Asked Zebstrika, "you're alive? Where are we? What's going-?"

I cut him off by showing him the guitar.

"Team PWNK was controlling you with this! They still have Rapidash!"

"WHAT!?" Came the unified response from everyone but the two Krookodiles.

"And now for the loose end."

With those words, I threw the guitar at the temple, smashing it upon impact.

"Um, I think we should get out of here," said the now-guitar-less Krookodile.

"Agreed," said the other.

The three of them began running away together, with the one Krookodile still playing. The would've succeeded had Zebstrika not somehow teleported in front of them. He was mad, his body overflowing with cackling electricity.

"Oh, uh, hi?" Said the still-jamming Krookodile.

"You can't hurt us! We're Electric-proof!" Said the other.

"Extreme Speed!" Shouted Zebstrika.

Zebstrika knocked them on their backs with an extremely fast tackle. The remaining guitar was destroyed due to being the direct target.

"Hello boys," said Milotic, running her fan-like tail across their snouts, "are you waterproof too?"

"Holy shi-!" Was all they managed to say before Milotic launched them way over the temple with a Hydro Pump.

"I had some dream," said Rapidash, "Argyle? Team Charm? Did I miss something?"

Because of Argyle, we had to run all the way back. This time, Magnezone decided to personally make an appearance. We made it back to the temple grounds only to find Argyle having a conversation with Zebstrika, Rapidash and Team Charm.

"Team PWNK? What is their goal?" Asked Lopunny.

"They claim to be fighting for Dark Type equality or something like that," said Argyle, "that's why they keep trying to-"

"There you are, Sneasel!" Yelled Sheriashuu.

She began storming to the group before we could stop her.

"Sorry," I said, "Psychic!"

I used my powers to retrieve the Mienshao before she could embarrass herself.

"Let me go!"

"Never a dull moment," said Keldeo, "you alright, Argyle?"

"Yeah, was able to make it back before these girls could kill them."

"We never wanted to kill," said Gardevoir, "just seriously hurt or maim."

Rapidash looked uncomfortable.

"What was so important you had to abandon us?" I asked as we joined them.

"This," said Lopunny, holding out a broken guitar, "they were being controlled."

"BZZT! THIS IS SERIOUS. HOW WERE THEY ABLE TO DO THAT? BZZT!"

"Not sure myself," Argyle responded, "there's something about these guitars that enables mind control. It happened before at the Narrows."

"You mean, the Tyrogues?" Asked Emerald.

"Exactly. But how?"

Sheriashuu and I looked at each other and nodded in agreement.

"Remember how Slowbro infiltrated a Team PWNK base?" Asked Sheriashuu, "well, he discovered something about that."

This time it was Zebstrika to speak.

"What? Who is responsible for this!?"

"BZZT! I'LL FILL THE TWO OF YOU IN LATER. AS FOR ARGYLE, IT MIGHT BE BEST TO HEAR IT FROM SLOWBRO. BZZT!"

"Why are you here?" Asked Argyle, "shouldn't you be in Mystery City?"

"After the arson, Magnezone took the blame," I explained.

"BZZT! I GOT DEMOTED AND RELOCATED TO TREASURE TOWN. BZZT!"

"Sorry," apologized Argyle.

"It wasn't your fault," said Sheriashuu, "I should apologize."

"BZZT! WE CAN PLAY THE BLAME GAME LATER. BZZT!"

"And besides, Mystery City recently got its name changed," said Keldeo.

"To what?"

"Neo City."

We had come to a police checkpoint and to my surprise, I wasn't under arrest. Officer Magnezone understood the real threat here and kind of… gave me an internship?

He called it "community service". I was ordered to destroy Team PWNK and save Yveltal. If I did so, he would clear the murder charge off my record. A charge, I found out, was only placed on there so that someone would find me after I disappeared.

Who knew the police could make such elaborate traps? Now, I found myself on a boat, heading for Winoa on the Windy Continent.

"Looking for something in particular?"

Sargent Arcanine joined me on deck. I was looking through a catalogue of venues in Winoa.

"We're going to Winoa," I explained, "got myself a date to plan."

"Young love," said Arcanine with a big smile on his face, "I remember my first date with my girlfriend, now my wife. Who's the lucky girl?"

"Emerald."

"Wait… Emerald? As in our Emerald?"

"That's the one."

Arcanine's face went from a smile to pure shock to a face of pride then to a smirk.

"Good on ya," he said, "that girl seriously needs to get laid."

"Um, thanks? But we're just testing the waters right now, seeing where it leads us."

"I think you'd be perfect for her. She's always obsessed with her work. She needs someone to help her unwind and live a little."

"Speaking of that, I'm trying to find a place to take her, but I don't know much about her. You've known her longer than I have. What does she like?"

"Nothing fancy. She's never liked those five-star restaurants. Last one she went to, gave her gastrointestinal distress."

"Too much information, officer."

"The fact that she agreed to go out with you, a criminal, means that she's looking for a little adventure. Go with something adventurous yet romantic. If all else fails, she's always been fond of meat."

"Adventurous yet romantic… not exactly a direct answer, but it gives me something to work with. Thank you."

"No problem. It will take us a few more hours to reach port, so make use of this time."

"So, you two are actually going on a date?"

"I told you not to make a big deal about it."

Sheriashuu and I were leaning over the railing, chatting.

"How can I not? My best friend is going on a date. With an outlaw even. A story like that is bound to make the front page."

"If you value your windpipe, you'll keep quiet."

The Mienshao laughed.

"You nervous? Your first date and all?"

"How can I not be? The fact that it may be perfect actually scares me the most."

Sheriashuu laughed once more.

"Girl, you need to get laid."

"What!?"

My cheeks heated up when she'd said those words.

"What does that have to do with anything?" I managed to spit out.

"You'll find out."

"Could you stop talking about that!? Please?"

She winked at me.

"Just follow your heart, or whatever they say in those romance novels," she said.

"Sheriashuu, you're making no sense."

"What I'm trying to say is that you've gotten so stuffy in your old age."

"I'm not old!"

"Just relax. Have fun. See where the night leads you. Something tells me that Argyle is already planning an enjoyable evening."

I turned around and found Argyle across the deck having a conversation with Arcanine.

"Okay, Arcanine is there, so… maybe not," said Sheriashuu.

"I just… Argyle's a nice guy, but I can't help but feel that this is a huge mistake."

"Just because he's an outlaw?" Asked Sheriashuu.

"Well, that too, but I'm more worried about- what if things go perfectly? What if we got married and had a kid? I'm not ready to be a mother!"

The Mienshao just smiled and shook her head.

"You already have a daughter. She's just taking a while to come out of her shell. Just look at Argyle."

Upon closer inspection, he seemed to be sharing a joke with Arcanine. They were both laughing.

"You have a mother and a father to serve as guide. Argyle's never had a dad. Just imagine how he feels. He's even less ready to be a dad, but look at him. He's not one to let something like that worry him. He could teach you a lot."

"So don't just date him, learn from him," I said, finally getting it.

"Right, but don't be afraid to take a chance. He hates going in blind, but it's so adorable when he's caught off-guard!"

"This coming from the woman that freezes up whenever she gets kissed."

"Let that go already!" Sheriashuu snapped, "though, if it's any consolation, he's a good kisser."

"Changing the subject," I said, "where's Keldeo at? I haven't seen him this entire trip."

"Downstairs with Team Charm. The entire crew is. The only ones that seem to be immune to their… charm is you, me, those two and Magnezone."

"What about everyone else on deck?"

"Magnezone is making them work."

"Land ho!"

"BZZT! YOU ARE NOT A PIRATE! STOP TALKING LIKE THAT! BZZT!"

Over the port bow, I could see the distinctive shape of a town drawing ever nearer.

"BZZT! GET UP HERE YOU LAZY OFFICERS! BZZT!"

It took upwards of 45 minutes for the ship to find port and get tied up at a vacant pier. Magnezone momentarily left the ship to talk to the port master and a shifty-eyed Gumshoos. After the conversation concluded, Magnezone and Gumshoos walked onto the ship.

"BZZT! THIS IS GUMSHOOS. HE'S WITH THE INTERNATIONAL POLICE AND OUR CONTACT ON THIS CONTINENT. BZZT!"

"I've secured a safe house for you," he said, "you can set up shop there and establish connections with the local police force. The rest of your party is already there."

(The rest of our party? Who else is here?)

"Your name is Argyle, correct?" Asked Gumshoos.

"Yeah."

"I'd like a word with you, alone. You're not in any trouble."

"Argyle, be careful with him," Keldeo whispered to me.

"Make it quick," I said.

Gumshoos led me off of the ship and into a nearby alley. Everyone else got off the boat and headed to the safe house, except for Keldeo, who was keeping an eye on us from a distance.

"That colt can go," said Gumshoos.

"No. He's there for my safety, so you don't pull anything funny."

"Fine."

Gumshoos was a bipedal mongoose that stood only a few inches shorter than me, but the exposed sharp teeth gave him an intimidating visage.

"I've heard the story from Magnezone," he began, "but not your side of it. Why are you here?"

"You know why."

"I want to hear your personal reason for being on this continent. Is it to escape your criminal history or your bounty?"

"I don't care about that bounty. I'm here to take down the leader of Team PWNK."

"You don't know what you're saying, lad. You'll never get there with your life intact."

"I can and I will."

"You have some sort of plan of attack?"

"Sorry. I don't trust you. You could be a spy."

"You've been spending too much time around Magnezone. I'm not a Dark type."

"That doesn't matter. I've seen the instruments."

For once, Gumshoos looked utterly confused.

"What instruments, lad?"

"Don't play coy. I've- you've never seen them, have you?"

Gumshoos grasped my shoulders.

"If you know anything that can help my investigation, please tell me."

"There will be a strategy meeting later," I said, "if Magnezone trusts you, show up. I'll tell everyone everything I know then."

Gumshoos sighed, defeated.

"Fine, but a warning. You may not have a bounty here, but the police know who you are. You are being watched."

"Let them watch. I have nothing to hide."

I think Gumshoos attempted a smile, but with the teeth…

"Let me show you two to the safe house."

Gumshoos began leading me away from the alley and I motioned for Keldeo to follow. It was about a twenty minute walk before Gumshoos stopped before a nondescript one-room building. The mongoose turned the doorknob and opened the door.

"Magnezone is in here."

I walked in followed by Keldeo and finally Gumshoos. The officers were already hard at work, setting up cork boards and tables along with chairs. Magnezone and Arcanine were supervising the work and barking out orders. My attention, however, was distracted by a particularly annoying pest.

"Admiral Sneezy! There you are!"

I was pulled into a hug by Slowbro of all people.

"Get off me!" I said pushing him away, "I don't allow men to hug me."

"Sorry 'bout that!"

"Never a dull moment, is there?" Asked Salandra with a smirk.

Slowbro, Sal and Snow were all here, along with the other Swords of Justice.

"Why are you so late?" Asked Virizion.

"We kind of took a detour," said Keldeo, "met Team Charm."

"Any word about Team Raider?" Asked Emerald.

"We were hoping you would," said Snow.

A silence spread over our corner of the room.

"They can handle themselves," said Cobalion.

Gumshoos went over to talk to Magnezone.

"How have you been doing, bro?" Asked Snow, "after, you know?"

"I got a hot date," I said.

"Wonderful news," said Sal, "who's the lucky girl?"

Sheriashuu somewhat rudely pushed Emerald forward.

"That would be this girl right here," said Sheriashuu.

Right on cue, Terrakion began bellowing out a mighty laugh. This made everyone present look at him.

"Good on ya, mate!" Said Terrakion, "be rootin' for ya!"

I swear Emerald always finds ever redder shades to blush.

"Simmer down," I said, "you're embarrassing the girl."

"Sorry."

"BZZT! AM I INTERRUPTING? BZZT!"

Every head turned to Magnezone.

"BZZT! WE WILL HAVE A STRATEGY MEETING IN A FEW MINUTES. BZZT!"

A Magnemite levitated toward us.

"BZZT! PLEASE SETTLE DOWN UNTIL WE ARE READY TO BEGIN. BZZT!"

The rest of the setup went by in a flash. Once seating had begun for the mission, we each found a place around a large table in the middle of the room.

Magnezone, Arcanine and Gumshoos sat at the head of the table. The Swords of Justice, sans Keldeo sat toward the foot. We sat at the middle of the table on the east side with Team Charm opposite us. I sat at the middle of our group with Emerald and Snow closest to me. The rest of the table was filled up with officers.

"Let's begin the strategy meeting," said Arcanine, "I am the sheriff of Neo City and I will be running this meeting."

"He's the new sheriff?" I whispered to Emerald.

"Yeah. Happened last year," she whispered back.

"Truthfully, I'm just acting as the speaker here so that the author doesn't have to use Caps Lock so much," said Arcanine.

We all gave each other confused looks. What's this author? What does he have to do with anything?

"We all know why we're here," said Arcanine, "we're going to take the fight to Team PWNK. Their main stronghold, the Octagon, lies on this continent."

"What is the Octagon?" Asked Rapidash, "I've never heard of it."

"I'll take over from here," said Gumshoos, "the Octagon is a massive tower set in the middle of a Mystery Dungeon by the name of The Badlands. Here Team PWNK holds grand, albeit bloody, tournaments."

"That sound illegal," said Bolthund.

"Extremely," replied Gumshoos.

"If it's illegal, why has it been allowed to continue for so long?" Asked Persian.

"Here on the Windy Continent, the only law and order exists here in Winoa," said Gumshoos, "Team PWNK controls everywhere else."

Everyone fell silent. A criminal organization that controls an entire continent?

"BZZT! SHERIASHUU, THAT'S YOUR CUE. BZZT!"

"That's not the worst of it," said Sheriashuu, "look."

Sheriashuu reveals one of the guitars that I broke several days ago.

"Argyle? You got this one?"

"Sure."

I took the guitar and placed it on the table.

"Recently, Keldeo, Emerald, Sherry and I and later Team Charm came across two Krookodiles with these guitars," I explained, "I'm not sure how, but something they were playing allowed them to control officers Zebstrika and Rapidash."

There was a surprised gasp from everyone not present that day.

"They were made to serve Team PWNK against their wills."

"And we don't remember any of it," said Zebstrika, "that part of my memory is just… blank."

"I knew that they were underhanded," said Gumshoos, "but mind control? No wonder so many Pokémon of all types have been joining them."

"That's not the worst of it," I said, "they have an even more potent weapon up their sleeves."

Every eye was on me. I had to look away from Snow, her eyes had visible fear in them.

"What could be worse than that?" Asked Gumshoos.

"They have kidnapped Yveltal, the goddess of death."

"The goddess… of death?" Asked Lopunny.

"Do you have a chalkboard?"

A Simisage pushed a chalkboard over to me. I took the provided chalk and began to draw. The drawing resembled a Y-shaped wyvern.

"Yveltal," I said, pointing at the drawing, "she has the power to turn Pokémon into stone, killing them instantly. She is the reason for the disaster of Wreath City."

Zebstrika was at the board instantly, angry and crackling with electricity.

"She's the reason that Noctowl-!"

"Yes," I said, "there is a chance that Yveltal lost control! Sit back down!"

Zebstrika huffed and returned to his seat.

"Yveltal and her counterpart, Xerneas are on a timer of sorts. Yveltal was awaken early and she went wild."

"Are you sure Team PWNK has her?" Asked Gumshoos.

"Dead sure," I said.

"Who gave you this information?" Asked Gumshoos.

"Let's just say I have friends in high places and leave it at that," I replied.

"BZZT! SLOWBRO IF YOU WOULD PRESENT WHAT YOU DISCOVERED? BZZT!"

"Sure," said Slowbro before slapping a large piece of parchment on the table.

The parchment had a charcoal etching of the machine and headwear of the victims in the facility outside of the Narrows.

"This here is the device code named the Veil," said Slowbro, "I discovered it while working in the facility that was testing it. They were kidnapping the poor and downtrodden Pokémon that lived nearby to test it."

"What does it do?" Asked Gardevoir.

"It's part of a large-scale network of mind scrambling devices," explained Slowbro, "with enough of these, Team PWNK can brainwash the entire planet!"

Keldeo and I were the only ones of our group that was surprised. We all yelled out in utter shock and horror.

"BZZT! WE WEREN'T ABLE TO PIECE THIS PUZZLE TOGETHER WITHOUT ARGYLE'S INTEL ABOUT YVELTAL. WE BELIEVE WE NOW KNOW TEAM PWNK'S TRUE GOAL. BZZT!"

"Are you telling me the bad news isn't over yet?" Asked Lopunny.

"The Dark Liberation that Team PWNK operatives keep mentioning, we know what it is," said Arcanine, "Team PWNK seeks to use Yveltal to kill everyone on the planet. Everyone that isn't a Dark type. Afterward, they'll use their machines to brainwash everyone on the planet."

There was angry shouting all over the room.

"They want to take over the world!?" Asked Terrakion in anger.

"Yveltal? How can we hope to combat a goddess of death!?" Asked Gardevoir.

"With our secret weapon," said Emerald.

Every eye turned to our little group.

"What secret weapon?" Asked Gumshoos.

"Argyle, if you would," said Emerald.

I wordlessly stood up and unclasped my mask. I took it off with my left hand, much to the bewilderment of everyone who wasn't part of our journey so far.

"A-Argyle?" Stammered Bolthund.

"Your face-!" Said Milotic.

"Is he sick?" Asked Cobalion.

"I've never seen a condition like this," said Gardevoir.

"I won't bore you with my life story," I began, "but when I was young, I almost died. Fortunately, I was saved by none other than Zygarde itself."

"What's a Zygarde?" Asked Rapidash.

"Zygarde is a legendary being birthed by the planet itself," explained Virizion, "it serves to protect the order and the very planet we live on."

"Zygarde saved me by fusing itself with my body," I continued to explain, "it saved my life and gave me use of all of Zygarde's powers."

"This," I said, pointing at my face, "is a side effect."

"I know it sounds crazy, but it's true," said Sheriashuu, "each of us has borne witness to his power."

"What power are you talking about?" Asked Lopunny.

"Zygarde is a weapon. It scatters its Cells all over the planet in order to watch it," I explained, "at any time it can draw the Cells into itself to grow more powerful. I am capable of that same power."

The looks that exchanged, I might as well have announced that I'm having Slowbro's child.

"So, you're telling us you can transform?" Asked Gumshoos.

"Yes."

"Show us!" Said Terrakion.

"I'd rather not," I replied, "save it for Yveltal. We'll be much better off if they don't catch on."

"There's another reason why Argyle is our best shot," said Snow, "he just can't die."

I stopped their surprised gasps with a finger.

"As long as Zygarde lives, so will I."

"So, this makes him perfect for combating Yveltal," said Sal.

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

Gumshoos spread out another piece of parchment on top of Slowbro's. It was a massive, empty chart labeled "Name" and "Species". Argyle, Sneasel and Keldeo, Keldeo were already written on it.

"At the Octagon, there will be a big tournament being held there soon," said Arcanine, "anyone can compete."

"It will be a singles tournament. Only one Pokémon against one Pokémon," said Gumshoos, "the winner can ask anything they want of Zarude, the leader of Team PWNK."

"So, we can ask him to release Yveltal!" Said Snow.

"More like forcing him really," said Sal.

"Who cares?" Asked Snow.

"BZZT! SINCE ARGYLE IS OUR BEST CHANCE AT THIS, HIS PARTICIPATION IS MANDATORY. KELDEO HAS ALREADY INFORMED ME THAT HE'S JOINING AS WELL. BZZT!"

"I told him I'd feed him his own antenna if he refused," said Keldeo.

"We need as many contenders as possible, so that we have a much higher chance of one of us getting into the finals," said Arcanine.

"I'm in," said Sheriashuu at once, "I've been looking for an excuse to punch this guy."

"What's all the hate toward Argyle for?" Asked Milotic.

"Well, he did kill me," she said nonchalantly.

"Wait, what?" Asked Gardevoir.

"Yep. That where the murder charge came from," said Sheriashuu.

"WHAT!?" Yelled everyone but our little group and Magnezone.

"If you died, how are you alive!?" Asked Gumshoos.

"I'm a zombie," she teased.

"I have to get out of here!" Yelled Officer Dewott in a panic.

"Sit back down, you moron!" Said Arcanine.

"I'm not letting her eat my butt!"

"What about your brain?" Asked Rapidash.

"What about my brain?"

"Okay then…," I said, "I resurrected her, you idiot."

"As a zombie?"

"No. It was a joke."

"You resurrected her!?" Asked Gumshoos, "how?"

"A magician never reveals his secrets."

"Tell me or I will-!"

"You'll do what? You have no grounds to make me talk. No way to arrest me either. There is no body, therefore all you have is the ramblings of a madman."

That shut Gumshoos up really quick.

"Just because I don't follow the rules doesn't mean that I don't know what they say," I said.

"Back to the list," said Arcanine, "anyone else in your group want in?"

"I'm in too," said Sal.

"Sal?"

"What? I just really want to throw down with you."

"Count me in," said Emerald and Snow at the same time.

Gumshoos wrote everything down.

"Never figured you two would join," said Slowbro.

"Well, numbers and all that," said Emerald.

"I just want to spar with Sal, honestly," said Snow, "I've been developing a few new tricks to help me out with Fire types."

"As for me, I'll pass," said Slowbro.

"Not one for tournaments?" Asked Cobalion.

"No. Team PWNK believes I'm still with them. I want to keep up the lie for a little while longer."

"Let them know that the Sneasel that they've been waiting for will be fighting in the tournament," I said, "that should be sufficient bait."

"Don't worry, Admiral, I know what I'm doing," said Slowbro, "if you don't mind, I'll leave now to help validate my story."

Slowbro got up and left the building.

"So now what?" Asked Lopunny, "he doesn't exactly seem… honest if you ask me."

"He may be an ex-pirate," said Emerald, "but he knows how to play the spy game well."

"BZZT! BACK TO THE LIST. BZZT!"

"We're out," said Cobalion at once, "Keldeo wants to have a real fight with Argyle."

"We're not going to ruin his chances by competing," said Virizion.

"Ha! I'd stomp them both into next week without even trying!" Said Terrakion.

"Care to test that theory?" Asked Keldeo.

"Sure thing, pipsqueak! After the tournament."

"You're on!"

Team Charm looked at each other and nodded.

"We won't be competing either," said Lopunny.

"Things are likely to go south real fast," said Gardevoir, "so we'll patrol the corridors, secure an escape route-"

"Deal with any ambushes," interrupted Milotic, "I would like to fight, but my team needs me."

"Been meaning to ask about that," I said, "your team has something of a reputation in the criminal underworld. Aren't you supposed to have a Medicham with you? And why are you even here? Why did you save us back there?"

"Medicham left," said Lopunny, "said she had to help out another team now."

"Team Beanies or something," said Gardevoir.

"So, they upgraded," said Milotic.

"As for the other two questions, we wanted to see what kind of outlaw was worth 1,000,000 Poké," said Lopunny, "but we didn't expect you to be so adorable!"

"No wonder it was a live bounty," said Gardevoir.

"That lady cop probably wanted him all to herself," said Milotic.

"Seriously!? Even Team Charm is hitting on me?"

Keldeo pulled me down and wrapped a leg around me.

"You're my hero, man," he said, "what's your secret?"

"Be unnaturally attractive? I don't know!"

"Keldeo, release," said Sal.

"Fine."

Most officers present decided to fight as well. After this, the meeting concluded and we were let go.