Pokémon Police Force Chapter 40: Endgame
No sooner had Keldeo and I gotten back to the green room, did we get embraced in a big hug.
"Sal? How are you feeling?" I asked.
"A lot better now. Thank you."
"What happened?" Keldeo asked.
"Argyle's next opponent. She was like a one-woman army."
Then, the doors opened and we were joined by Emerald, Sheriashuu, Meloetta, Cobalion, Virizion and Terrakion.
"Ha! That was a great match! Never thought about using Ice Beam to cripple," said Terrakion.
"You make it sound like Keldeo won," said Virizion.
"I don't care who won. It was fun!"
"Argyle? Are you okay?" Asked Emerald.
"Yeah. Got beat up a bit, but it's nothing a good meal won't fix."
"What about you?" Sheriashuu asked Keldeo.
"I took a hit, but I have no regrets."
"If… I'm not interrupting."
Liepard joined our small group.
"There will be no more fights for today. Take as much time as you need to rest today. Tomorrow is the finals."
"Wait, where's Snow?" I asked, "how did she do?"
"How do I explain this?" Asked Meloetta, "I fought her in the second round and lost. Snow was eliminated the next round."
"Is she okay?"
"She's fine. Just mad at herself that she couldn't fight you in the final round."
"Where is she?" Asked Emerald.
"Last I saw her she was in the infirmary taking some pain medicine."
"Argyle," said Liepard, "tomorrow at eight hundred hours take the east elevator up to the top floor. Your opponent will be taking the west. We begin the match as soon as you both arrive."
That said, we took the elevator down until we reached the lobby. As soon as we emerged, we were surrounded.
"Oh my gosh! It's Argyle!"
"Emerald and Keldeo too!"
"Meloetta! Salandra! Sheriashuu!"
"Can I have your autographs?"
"Me too!"
"Argyle? You okay?" Asked Sal, "you look uncomfortable."
"I'm not used to having fans."
In order to satisfy the crowd, we decided to do what they wanted and give out autographs. I noticed that most of the Pokémon wanting my autograph were female and some even slipped me their home address.
(Urge to steal, rising.)
Finally, Meloetta decided to step in. She used her psychic powers to part the crowd down the middle.
"Sorry, we're in a hurry," she said, "there will be plenty of time for autographs after the tournament."
We left the frustrated groans of the fans far behind, but no one dared challenge us. As we made our way to the infirmary, I could feel the fur on the back of my neck stand up. I stopped, spun on the spot and scanned the crowd. Nothing seemed amiss.
"Argyle? What is it?" Asked Keldeo.
"I'm not sure… I get this strange feeling. I need to go check this out. Tell Snow that I'll be there soon."
I disappeared into the crowd and made my way into a less-popular corridor. In fact, it was fully abandoned.
(The disturbance is coming from here…)
I rounded a corner and found what I was looking for, a lone Croagunk standing in the hall.
Back in Wigglytuff's Guild, Chatot was ready to start debriefing the guild.
"Let's go over this again," said Chatot, "what did we find during our expedition?"
"Absolutely nothing," said Bidoof.
"That is the correct response."
"Um, Chatot?" Said Dusk, "where is Croagunk?"
"Croagunk?"
"I'd seen him just yesterday," said Diglett, "he just did that creepy laugh of his and wandered off."
"Just leave him," said Wigglytuff, "that guy disappears randomly."
"Good," said Wolf, "that guy creeps me out."
(The disturbance is definitely coming from this guy.)
"Who are you?"
"Meh, heh, heh."
"Are you with Team PWNK?"
"Meh, heh, heh…"
Croagunk's hand? Paw? Flipper? Whatever began emitting a sickly purple glow. I twisted out of the way before the Poison Jab had time to connect.
"What's the big idea?"
"Meh, heh, heh"
Croagunk tried to Poison Jab me in a flurry of blows. It was all I could do to dodge them.
"Argyle? Are you back here?"
Croagunk produced a pale blue orb from out of bloody nowhere and threw it on the ground. The impact smashed the orb and Croagunk was taken away in a beam of light.
"An Escape Orb? What the heck was that about?"
"I thought I heard you!"
I was embraced in a big hug by a familiar Glaceon with many golden earrings and other jewelry.
"Snow? Why are you back here?"
"I could ask you the same question. Once Emerald brought me up to speed, I came to find you. What are you doing here?"
"A random Croagunk attacked me!"
"Oh, my Xerneas! Are you okay?"
"Yeah. I was a little too fast for him. Why'd he try to assault me to begin with?"
"Maybe he bet on you losing to Keldeo and lost everything."
"Who knows?"
"Anyway… let's get you rested up. Your opponent is no pushover."
"Still mad that she beat you?"
"Nah. If we want, we can spar after the tournament."
"Speaking of that, what happened to the Wartortles?"
"Those clowns? They recovered some time back and left. No one knows where they went."
The rest of the day went as predicted. I spent my time recovering lost energy and making light conversation with our party. Emerald and I formally announced that we were dating, much to the amusement of Weavile.
Then the day came for the finals.
I spent some time in the east locker room on the top floor of the Octagon, waiting for them to start my match. All I knew about my next opponent is that she's female and an absolute monster on the battlefield. After cursing myself for not learning Attract, I began warming myself up with some quick jabs against the wall. It was just Umbreon and I in the room. Apparently, she had followed me up.
"You nervous?" Asked Umbreon.
"A little."
"I'd be worried if you weren't. You've had to fight type disadvantages your entire time here."
"I've beaten Sherry, Emerald and Keldeo, the strongest Pokémon I know. I doubt my next opponent is any worse than them."
"Sorry for the wait. The final match of the Platinum Cup is about to begin!"
"That sounds like our cue," said Umbreon.
Umbreon led me through the east entryway, right to the mouth of the arena.
"For those of you who were watching the Division A tournament, I am your MC, Spiritomb!"
"What happened to Absol?" I asked.
"Still trying to track down whoever wrote those cards from yesterday."
"For those of you still wondering what the prize is, we shall tell you now! The victor will get whatever they want from our proprietor, Zarude! All they need to do is name it!"
There were excited murmurs from the crowd.
"Let me introduce the champion of Division A and our first contender, Argyle!"
Umbreon wished me luck and stepped aside. As soon as I emerged there was a roar and cheer from the crowd.
"Argyle! Argyle! Argyle!"
I raised my fist into the air to even more cheers.
(I think I could get used to this.)
At once I realized why this tower was called the Octagon. The arena on the top floor of the tower was a perfect octagonal shape. With enough bleachers to fit everyone on the entire continent in. The walls were a beautiful sandstone and the arena had an open roof. Pillars were placed meticulously in the corners and gave the place a true Roman colosseum feel.
"Argyle is the dark horse in this tournament," said Spiritomb, "he hails from parts unknown and has quite the reputation in the underworld. He's had to fight overwhelming odds even on the way to the Octagon and always came out on top. From what I hear, he's very popular with the ladies. Give it up for Argyle, thief of the north!"
A cacophony of cheers rose from the audience. I simply ignored the comments and scanned the crowd.
(There's Zarude, Emerald and the others, Weavile, the Swords and… Team Raider!?)
Roserade nodded at me. I decided not to address them. If Zarude doesn't know that Team Raider is on our side, that gives us another advantage.
(Come to think of it, I haven't seen Slowbro the entire time I've been here. Hopefully he hasn't been found out already.)
"In the other corner, we have the champion of Division B and our next contender, the infamous Shadow Blade!"
(Shadow Blade!? No! It can't be!)
Out of the other corridor walked a yellow Pokémon about my size. A yellow Pokémon with a massive set of maw-like horns hanging from her head like a ponytail. The Shadow Blade was an average Mawile in every sense of the word, but a Mawile I was more than a little familiar with.
"No! That's Jessie!"
"You may know the Shadow Blade as the don of the Black Market on the Water Continent," said Spiritomb, "she's vicious as you all have seen in the Division B tournament. We have not been able to discern why she has chosen to fight, but she might as well have gone on a rampage. This fight is sure to be a doozy!"
(Jessie. Do you really hate me this much?)
"Give it up once more for the Shadow Blade!"
More cheers from the audience.
"So, you've got even more women singing your reeking praises?"
"No. I mean, yes. I mean, what are you doing here? How did you find me?"
"I was there during the little conversation with Zygarde, remember?"
"Jessie. You follow me here, you sent that army my way, and for what!?"
"Can it you!"
"Jessie. You really do hate me. Don't you?"
"No. I don't hate you. I was broken by that egg thing, but it has served to open my eyes."
Jessie walked away for a bit.
"We're not right for each other. We were never meant to be together."
"Jessie! We can still find a way to make this right!"
"You don't understand. I did the research!"
Jessie turned back around and I'd seen the tears staining her cheeks.
"I know what those charms represent! The ones you and Emerald took from the box!"
(She knows!?)
Jessie wiped the tears from her eyes.
"I've decided that if I can't have you-"
I narrowly dodged a surprise bite from Jessie's horn-maw.
"-no one can!"
She said that last line with an air of pure malice.
"Jessie! Come on! I love you!"
"Please, Argyle. We both know that no love remains."
"Come on! The match hasn't started yet!" Said Spiritomb.
"Shove it!" Snapped Jessie, "I don't care about this stupid tournament! This is revenge. Play Rough!"
Jessie grabbed me and flung me over her shoulder, slamming me hard into the ground. Then, she followed up with several bites with her maw, which I easily dodged. I pushed her off of me and scrambled back to my feet.
"Jessie! You don't have to do this!"
"Flash Cannon!"
Jessie summoned a sphere of glowing chrome-colored energy in her hands and threw it at me like a fastball. I spun out of the way and faced Jessie once more.
"Jessie."
"Sooner or later, you'll have to defend yourself."
Up in the stands, the six of us, Snow, Sheriashuu, Salamandra, Keldeo, Meloetta and myself were watching the fight.
"Boy, Jessie isn't giving him an inch," said Salandra (aka Sal).
"Did… who told her about the Sun and Moon Sigils?" Asked Sheriashuu.
No one answered her.
(If no one told her, how'd she find out?)
"I can't stand seeing this happen to my half-brother!" Said Snow, "I have to help!"
I reacted on instinct, using my psychic powers to hold her in place.
"Emerald? What gives? Let me go!"
"Let Argyle handle this," said Meloetta.
"But… but!"
"Look at Jessie's eyes," said Keldeo.
We all did so. Surprisingly, I didn't find any shadow of anger in her eyes, only an intense, determined focus.
"Jessie is not fighting him out of rage, sorrow or even revenge," said Keldeo, "remember, Jessie was up on Apex Peak with Argyle and I. She knows what's at stake."
Jessie hit Argyle with a Flash Cannon attack.
"Oh, I think I see what's happening," Sheriashuu said.
"Huh, what?" Asked Snow.
"As long as I've known him, Argyle's first instinct has always been to run when things got too tough," I explained, "but here, the risks have never been higher. Running is not an option."
"So, she's trying to beat some courage into him?" Asked Snow.
Sheriashuu chuckled.
"I think I'm going to use that later," said Sheriashuu.
"Now that you mention it, he has had a problem with self-confidence recently," said Sal, "I know it will be hard to watch, Snow."
Snow shook her head.
"I'm getting a Sitrus Berry ready just in case," said Snow.
"For the great thief of the north, you're not very good," taunted Jessie.
"Jessie, I don't want to fight you."
"You have no choice. I'm not letting you surrender here. I'm breaking all of your bones. Stone Edge!"
Giant jagged boulders erupted from the ground, knocking me into the air.
"Jess…"
My eyes widened in surprise. Jessie was gathering energy for another attack. Between her palms was a growing, pulsing sphere of bright green energy.
"Solar Beam!"
Jessie shot a powerful beam my way.
(There is nothing I have that can block this! Unless…)
"Ice Beam!"
As I fell, I spun and fired Ice Beam all around.
"Agility!"
Jessie's Solar Beam went right through the icy diversion and I fell hard on the ground.
"Come on, I thought you were stronger than that."
I struggled to get back onto my feet. When I had done so, I became aware of the blood streaming out of my body. That's when the burning started.
"AAAAAAHHHHH!" I screamed as I began clutching my mask.
"What? What's going on?" Asked Spiritomb, "he-his eyes changed color!"
(Zygarde?)
"No! Not against JESSIE!" I screamed.
"Oh no! This is terrible!" Said Snow, "if Argyle does that-!"
"He won't," said Keldeo, "watch."
"No. No. NO!" Screamed Argyle.
Argyle was clutching his right hand to his face and his left to the bindings on his right.
"Contestant Argyle, are you-?" Began Spiritomb.
"SHUT UP!"
Argyle sat on the dusty ground. He took many deep breaths and then released himself and stood back up.
"You ready to fight for real now?" Asked Jessie.
"Yeah, sorry for the wait," said Argyle, "I don't want to fight you of all people, but a certain someone won't let me lose."
"As if you could win against me."
"See?" Said Keldeo, "nothing to worry about."
"Exactly what kind of training did Argyle endure?" I wondered out loud.
"Shadow Claw!" Yelled Argyle.
Argyle did not attack Jessie. Instead, he jumped out of the arena and into the crowd. There were surprised gasps and cries as she shoved away the Pokémon he could and cut down the ones he couldn't.
"That looks like fun," said Jessie, "Flash Cannon!"
Jessie nailed a particular Slowking in the head.
"That's my man."
The screams and cries from the crowd were almost deafening as I made my way to my prize.
"Agility!"
The crowd just couldn't get out of the way fast enough. I could feel my control slipping once more.
(I have to get to Zarude before…)
Instinctively, I pressed my hand to the communicator hidden in my mask.
"Magnezone! Now!"
All at once, deafening police sirens rang out all over the arena and Magnezone's voice could be heard clearly over all the shouting.
"BZZT! THIS IS OFFICER MAGNEZONE OF THE TREASURE TOWN POLICE DEPARTMENT! YOU ARE ALL UNDER ARREST! BZZT!"
Then, chaos happened all at once as one officer after the other blew their cover and started making arrests left and right. Sheriashuu began laughing at this turn of events.
"And here I thought the final match would be boring," laughed Sheriashuu.
"We can't let Zarude get away!" I said, "Keldeo, regroup with the Swords and seal off the exits!"
"Rodger!"
Keldeo disappeared into the crowd.
"The rest of us will tail Argyle," I continued, "Meloetta, fly overhead and keep an eye on Zarude."
"Gotcha!"
Meloetta flew off and the rest of us ran after Argyle.
"Argyle?"
I had somehow found a sea of Magikarp in the crowd and was smacking them around with another one.
"Meloetta?"
"Zarude is in a VIP booth straight ahead of you. Only…"
"Only?"
"He's not exactly… moved by our little trap. In fact, he's smiling."
"I'll wipe that grin off his face. Could you assist?"
"You forget who you're speaking to. Psychic!"
The Magikarp I was using as a club began lifting into the air.
"I knew I should've stayed home today," said Magikarp.
"Shut up, you."
Still grabbing onto the Magikarp, I was launched into the air and straight toward Zarude. I took a tumble upon landing, but with no real injury.
"Zarude…"
"So, you made it."
Zarude was still smiling and reclining in his chair.
"Argyle!"
Jessie ran up to us, panting.
"No hard feelings?"
"No."
"So, this monkey is the leader of Team PWNK?"
"Yeah, kind of disappointing, isn't it?"
"I hope you know this is a grave violation of the rules," said Zarude, "I'm going to have to disq-"
"You will do no such thing," said Jessie, "we never really fought. I began attacking before the bell. Our match never happened."
"So, why go through this little coup? What do you want?"
"Yveltal."
"What?" Asked Zarude, his smile fading.
I was aware of the rest of our group drawing nearer to us.
"Yveltal, the goddess of death. We know you have her."
Zarude's smile returned as the rest of the group caught up.
"So many players, but one mastermind," said Zarude, "I suppose my invitation to join my team is still rebuffed."
"You bet it is."
"Fine. I didn't want to do this to a Dark type, but you leave me no choice."
Zarude stood up and shouted over the arena.
"Ladies and gentlemen! Today, Argyle shall join Team PWNK!"
"Like Voidlands, I will!"
"Boys! Do your worst!"
Upon Zarude's word, instruments began playing.
"Don't you dare!" Spat Sal, yanking me behind her.
The instruments soon began playing their sinister tune.
"Argyle?" Asked Emerald.
"Argyle! Destroy these cretans!"
"You're not the boss of me," I replied.
"What!? How can it-? These chords should be able to enslave any Sneasel!"
"Newsflash. I'm not just any Sneasel."
"How can you be immune? Nevermind. As a matter of fact… you seem to have a lot of women following you around. Even for one your age."
"Don't you dare!" Snapped Sheriashuu.
"Boys! Plan F!" Shouted Zarude over the arena.
The music stopped playing for a bit. When it resumed, Zarude looked me square in the eye.
"I think it's time for an exhibition match, wouldn't you agree girls?"
"Flamethrower!" Yelled Emerald.
The attack wasn't aimed at Zarude. It was aimed at me. It caught me off guard and sent me crashing into what remained of the crowd.
"Emerald?"
"I've been waiting a long time for this," said Emerald, "Argyle! You are under arrest! A-again! Wow, this is redundant, isn't it?"
"How's about we skip the arrest and go straight for the execution?" Asked Sheriashuu with a malicious grin.
"Kerry-ashy-poo…"
"I'm going to make you pay," replied Sheriashuu.
"You didn't correct me about your name," I said, standing up, "you're being controlled."
"Who cares?" Said Jessie, "now, I get to kill you for real."
"What about you, Sal? You've been loyal from the first time we met."
"And I still am," said Sal, "mostly because the author couldn't think of a good reason to have me turn on you."
"Well, that's that I suppose."
I looked at Snow. She's been unusually quiet during all of this. She seemed to be in pain, as if she was fighting something inside.
(Snow is fighting the mind control.)
"Your concern isn't with Sal," said Sheriashuu, "it's with us. We get to pummel you."
(Meloetta? Can you hear me?)
"Yes."
(Zarude is controlling Sherry, Emerald and Jessie. Destroy the instruments!)
"I'd rather not destroy such fine instruments, but I can kick some butt! Here I go!"
"Sal, Meloetta will handle the music. We need to get to Zarude!"
"Right!"
"Please. You cannot touch me. One of these ladies has your heart. Let's find out which!"
"Poison Jab!" Yelled Sheriashuu.
She tried to jab me, but Sal got in the way and tanked the hit. Sal smiled a sinister grin before countering with a move all her own.
"Toxic!"
Sal spat a mass of black sludge in Sheriashuu's face.
"Son of a Primeape!" Shouted Sheriashuu, attempting to clean the sludge off her face.
"Flash Cannon!"
"Flamethrower!"
The two attacks met in midair, turning into a cone of molten steel.
With Agility, I ducked under the lethal spray and got two feet from Jessie.
"Sorry."
I smacked her hard with the back of my hand. She collapsed on the ground, holding her face.
"Argyle? Why- why'd you smack me!?"
"Are you back to normal?" I asked.
"Back to norm-? That worthless MAGIKARP MUNCHER!"
"Hey! I take offense to-!" Protested Magikarp before Jessie hurled him off of the tower.
"Who's next!?" Yelled Jessie.
"Did I ever mention how much I love your psychotic streaks?"
"Don't start."
"Okay, would someone explain to me why my face is covered in goo!?" Said Sheriashuu.
"I may have poisoned you," said Sal.
"Meloetta must have dealt with the musicians," I said.
"Yeah, I don't hear any music," said Jessie.
"So, we were…," began Emerald, "Zarude! I am Emerald and this is Sheriashuu, lieutenants with the Neo City Police! You are under arrest for larceny, assault, resisting arrest and many other crimes!"
"Mind control for one!" Sheriashuu piped in.
"I knew I recognized you, Sheriashuu. You know siding with them is tantamount to treason."
"I changed sides!"
"After Argyle beat you to a bloody pulp."
Snow chose just that moment to join us.
"Don't tell that to the bad guys!" Said Sheriashuu.
"You hurt my brother, I hurt your reputation. Isn't karma great?"
"I order you once more. Release Yveltal. Now," I said.
"Argyle? Do you fancy yourself a card player?" Asked Zarude, his smile returning.
"No."
"For not being a card player, you've played your hand brilliantly. However, you made a critical mistake. You've shown all your cards. Time for my turn."
Zarude looked over his shoulder, behind him.
"Slowbro! You're on!"
A Slowbro walked into the booth. A familiar Slowbro with a cannon for an arm.
"Slowbro?" Said Snow.
"Well met. Bet you never thought you'd see me again."
"Slowbro here has been feeding me all sorts of information about you and now he will destroy his true enemies. Now!"
Slowbro pointed his Minican, not at us, but at Zarude's face.
"Oh, so you ditch at the first opportunity? What a worthless coward."
"I've been a double agent of the Shadow Blade this whole time," said Slowbro, "much like the Zoroark duo."
"Wait just a minute!" I said, "those two morons were with you!?"
"I don't choose my allies," said Jessie, brushing it off.
"I guess Argyle hasn't played his hand after all," said Slowbro.
Zarude actually laughed. A low mirthful laugh.
"What's so funny?" Asked Emerald.
"A coup within a coup? I knew you had the talent for our line of work," said Zarude, "in fact, I have one of my own."
I heard a great rumble over to my right. As I turned to look, all went black.
It took longer than I had wished, but I made it back down into the arena. Keldeo was here, shaking Argyle awake.
"Keldeo? How is he?"
"He's coming to. What happened up there?"
"Them."
I woke up on the cold hard ground of the arena.
"You okay?" Asked Keldeo.
"Yeah."
"So, I see sleeping beauty is finally awake."
"Good. I want him to feel our revenge."
(Those voices! No! It can't be!)
An Incineroar leapt from the stands and into the arena. Then, a Houndoom followed him down.
With Emerald's help, I got back to my feet.
"Remember us?" Asked the Incineroar.
"Can't say I do," I lied.
"What!? How can you not remember us?" Piped up the Houndour.
"It's called a lie," I replied, "I know big words are such a stumbling block for you, so I'll say this next sentence in as few syllables as possible: go find a tree to pee on."
"What…?"
"And that is called a roast," said Danté, the Incineroar.
"I'll roast his whole head!" Spat Pyra, the Houndour.
"I already survived a desert. I'm good."
"Don't worry Argyle!" Said Emerald, "we're here to help."
"You threaten him, you threaten us!" Said Keldeo.
"Why are all of you like this?" I asked, "this is not your fight."
"Is he serious?" Asked Keldeo.
"He's always like this," explained Emerald, "friends help each other. That's all."
"You're his girlfriend though," said Keldeo.
"That makes us friends plus plus."
"So, you finally tied the knot?" Asked Danté.
"Please don't say that," said Emerald, "it brings up… things I don't want to discuss!"
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't want to talk about it!" Emerald said hurriedly.
(She's hiding something.)
"…Anyway…," said Pyra, "I'm going to enjoy fighting you."
There was a glint of light to my left. Then, out of nowhere, a random Scyther attacked Pyra.
"You're gonna pay for that!" Said Pyra, with a bloody scar across her face.
"Oh, did Scyther here touch a nerve?"
A Sandslash walked up, his claws flashing menacingly in the sun.
"Sandslash? Then that means…"
A Zangoose leapt from the stands and hit Danté.
"Hey there. Been a while," said Zangoose.
"Team Razor Wind? What are you doing here?" I asked.
"We were sort of following you," said Scyther, "these two bad guys?"
"You know it. The same ones that burned down Mystery City."
"Neat," said Sandslash.
"We'll handle them. You take care of the boss," said Zangoose.
Zangoose and the others pushed Danté and Pyra back until we could no longer see them.
"Guys, we have a problem," said Keldeo.
"What now?" Asked Emerald.
"Zarude ran in the chaos."
"Oh, son of a-!"
"I beg to differ, dear."
A huge blast of water erupted out of the VIP booth, sending Zarude crashing into the center of the arena.
"What gives!?" Shouted Zarude.
"Strength!"
"Beauty!"
"Elegance!"
Out from the booth, emerged Lopunny, Gardevoir and Milotic.
"Here comes Team Charm!"
"Don't even think about running."
Cobalion emerged from the east corridor.
"We have every exit blocked."
Roserade walked out of the opposite corridor.
"Okay, exactly how many Exploration Teams do you have working with you!?" Said Zarude.
"Yes," I replied.
"You know they're going to arrest you too!"
"They can try," I said, "they haven't legally arrested me yet."
I whispered the word "legally".
"We know what you have planned," said Keldeo.
"We know you want to kill off everyone but the Dark types," said Emerald.
"What we don't know is why," I finished.
"Fine. I won't regale you with my life story. I've been in and out of prison so many times that I've noticed that over half the inmates in there were Dark types."
"Well, of course," said Emerald, "prisons are designed with each individual type in mind. Naturally, you'd be sent to Daybreak Ridge. A prison made to house Dark types."
"You only know what the police tell you," said Zarude, "every inmate I spoke to told me that they were innocent. That the law hates them."
"So, you're insane because you believed some criminals?" Asked Keldeo.
"It wasn't just the prisons. Everywhere I went even as a child, I was always picked on and bullied. When I was convicted, all became clear. I was abused because I am a Dark type. We must stand up against the abuse."
"Wrong," I said, "those criminals were locked up because they broke the law."
"You're still blind. Because we're Dark types, we have a target painted on our backs. The law has locked you up. You should know this."
"You're the blind one," I said, "I was only locked up because that Mienshao locked me up illegally under your orders!"
"You would've been arrested anyway. Dark type lives matter. Fight the system!"
"Do you even hear yourself? I wasn't branded an outlaw because I'm a Dark type. I'm an outlaw because I stole an Oran Berry, stole an Apple, fled the scene of a crime, resisted arrest," I began.
"This is going to take a while," said Cobalion.
We stood there in amazement as Argyle recounted every crime he'd ever committed. In order. Honestly, the memory this guy has is astounding. He even listed a few things that I didn't even know were illegal and it's my bloody JOB to know these things.
Sometime during Argyle's rant, everyone in our group, the police and Exploration Teams included, had wandered over to see what was taking so long. I have no idea how long we stood there, but I swear I seen the sun rise and fall at least three times.
"I shoved a Ditto inside a Snorlax's moist-"
"Okay! I think we get the picture!" I interrupted.
"I was going to say cake!"
"No, you weren't."
"Actually, I was. Snorlax almost ate that Ditto too."
"Why would you do that!?" Asked Snow.
"I didn't know the cake belonged to a Snorlax at the time! Managed to free the poor fool just in time. Next time that Ditto will think twice before unfriending me on Pokébook."
"Not to self: never unfriend Argyle," said Sal.
"The point is that I choose to back the blue!" Said Argyle, "even if they do want to arrest me for stealing an Oran Berry, stealing an-"
"Stop right there!" I interrupted again, "you are not starting that entire monologue all over again, mister!"
"Whatever," said Argyle, "either release Yveltal and surrender to police custody or I'll kick your sorry butt into next year, then release Yveltal myself and throw you into police custody."
"So… what's his incentive now?" Asked Roserade.
"Either he gets a butt whoopin' or not," said Argyle.
"Sometimes Argyle astounds even me," said Jessie.
"I choose option C," said Zarude.
Zarude snaps his fingers and more musicians and instruments show up out of nowhere.
"Boys, play Argyle's requiem."
The musicians began playing their various instruments. Unlike before, the punk music playing didn't turn my friends into foes. Instead, it turned them into rabid fans.
"You just can't live without fangirls, can you?" I sighed.
"Trust me, the instrument thing wasn't my idea," said Zarude, "but I'm not one to look a gift horse in the mouth."
"Well, whose idea was it!?"
"I believe his name was… Dave?"
"That explains it."
"Sorry to do this in front of your harem, but I'm going to have to rip you limb from limb!"
"This is not my harem! I'm only followed around by- okay, I see where you're coming from now."
"Now we fight! Solar Blade!"
Zarude drew his arm back. It was emitting a bright green aura.
(How did I not realize he was charging energy that whole time?)
Zarude slashed at the air and a disc of green energy lanced through the air. I had to perform a jump and a backflip in order to dodge the attack. On cue, Emerald and Sal held up scorecards displaying 10. Sheriashuu held up one too, but it read 1.5.
"Geez, even mind controlled she still finds a way to pick on me."
Zarude ripped his pink cape off and began gathering up sunlight in his arm once more.
"Oh no you don't. Agility!"
Agility worked its magic and I began running literal circles around Zarude. I waited until he fired his Solar Blade before I began my counterattack.
"Ice Beam!"
The circle became a whirlpool of ice.
"Darkest Lariat!"
Zarude's dark power erupted out of him. He spun on spot with his arms outstretched. The Ice Beam made a direct hit and transformed him into a large tornado of black ice.
I stopped running. This kind of reaction has never happened before, but I had to take my chances.
"Shadow Claw!"
My claws were filled with dark power and extended to twice their usual size. I leapt into the icy typhoon, ready to end this now, but my attack missed completely. Zarude was no longer in the icy tornado!
"Where-?"
"Hammer Arm!"
Zarude hit me from behind with a backhanded punch. It knocked me to the side and sent me skidding to a halt a few yards away.
"Okay, not making that mistake again."
Calling upon Agility once more, I began sprinting like crazy. I took potshots at Zarude with Ice Beam, not staying in one place for too long.
(That's right, Hammer Arm slows the user down for a while.)
I circled around to Zarude's back.
"Ice Beam!"
"Hammer Arm!"
Zarude expected the potshot, but he didn't expect me to aim the attack straight down. Hammer Arm broke the resulting ice and the shockwave sent me spinning into the air.
"Brick Break!"
The chop came right down onto Zarude's head. He collapsed onto the ground in a crumpled heap.
"Boss!"
The musicians stopped playing and went to check on their boss.
"Okay, what just happened and what am I holding?" Asked Sheriashuu.
"Just go along with it," said Meloetta.
"Get off me!" Said Zarude, pushing the concerned Pokémon away.
Zarude stood up and brushed himself off before speaking once more.
"Been a while since someone gave me a challenge," said Zarude, "great fight."
Zarude offered his hand as a gesture of respect.
(Okay, this is a 180.)
"What're you playing at?" I asked.
"Nothing. I concede."
"So… you'll release Yveltal?"
"Sure. Let's shake on it."
This little tactic was too good to be true. Sure enough, my instincts proved right when Zarude uncurled the vines around his wrists and bound me tight.
"What?" Asked Roserade in shock.
"Like I would ever agree to that," said Zarude, drawing his other arm back, "Solar-!"
Zarude was interrupted by another Pokémon freezing his arm solid with Ice Beam.
"What's the meaning of this!?"
Weavile leapt into the fray, slicing the vines to shreds with Night Slash.
"Keep your hands off my nephew, you worthless, dirty ape!" Yelled Weavile.
"Nephew?" Asked Zarude.
"NEPHEW!?" Yelled everyone else but me in surprise.
"Wait. Did I just say that?" Asked Weavile, "welp, guess that Torracat's out the bag."
"Why does this not surprise me?" I sighed.
"Okay, how long have you suspected me?"
"The fact that you keep showing up to my aid," I said while shrugging, "that and your backstory didn't make much sense."
"So, mistress Weavile is your aunt?" Asked Drapion.
"Yeah, his mother was my sister," answered Weavile.
Weavile stepped toward Zarude.
"Enough of all this music," said Weavile, "if you want to hurt Argyle, you'll have to go through us."
"Release Yveltal or else," said Snow.
"Fine," said Zarude, his face falling into a scowl, "let me go get her. Dig!"
Zarude used his sharp claws to burrow into the ground. The very sight activated my sixth sense, but Slowbro beat me to the warning.
"Keep your guard up," said Slowbro, "no telling where he'll emerge."
Just then, there was an eruption of earth right behind me. Someone grabbed me from behind and shoved something into my throat.
It all happened so fast. Zarude had emerged from the ground right behind Argyle and grabbed him by the throat. Then he shoved his fist in Argyle's mouth and made him swallow something. We were all too stunned to act.
Slowbro was a different story. He ran to Argyle and intentionally tripped him.
"This is going to hurt," said Slowbro before thrusting his hand into Argyle's mouth.
Argyle gagged and coughed as Slowbro attempted to get the offending object out. Sheriashuu roared out in anger. She leapt into the arena and punched Zarude in the gut. Hard.
"Got it!" Said Slowbro, "bear with me, I'm gonna yank it out."
With a quick jerk of his arm, Slowbro ripped out whatever Zarude forced Argyle to swallow provoking another coughing fit from the Sneasel.
All of us ran to check on Argyle, Cobalion and now Terrakion and Virizion keeping a close eye on Zarude.
Slowbro opened his hand. It was a small red and black seed with spines running along the edge. Some roots have already begun sprouting from it.
"You scum-sucking! Bottom feeding lowlife!" Yelled Slowbro, "You fed him a Cerebelomotion Seed! A real one!"
(No. Anything but that!)
"At least you got it out in time," said Sal.
Argyle began hacking up blood and throwing up.
"Or not," said Roserade.
"Poor Slowbro. You tried to save his life but you've only ensured his doom," said Zarude.
"What do you mean?" Asked Slowbro.
"That seed is a most interesting specimen. It takes root almost instantly. You may have saved him from a zombified state, but in ripping the seed out, you also tore up his digestive system. He will have a slow, agonizing death."
I whipped out my stick and used my psychic powers to levitate a bit of the gross mess toward me.
"Sheriashuu, Slowbro, does this remind you of anything?" I asked.
"Mommy? What's wrong?"
"Mommy's sick, dear."
I slowly got back to my feet and wiped some of the offending liquid off my chin. The discharged matter pooled up on the back of my claw.
"Venit aevus ille."
(This looks just like… mother.)
"Oh, Messiah. Oh, Messiah."
"Zarude. Tell me. This little stunt. Did you do this to anyone else? Someone who refused to join your boy band?"
"Hmm… now that you mention it, there was one Weavile several years ago. She's probably dead by now."
Argyle began shaking in anger, him and Weavile.
"Uh oh," I said.
"Argyle? What is it?" Asked Jessie.
"EVERYONE GET BACK!" Sheriashuu and I yelled at once.
"You… you murderous Swinub! THAT WEAVILE WAS MY MOTHER!"
"Yuduliya-Vele."
A massive green shockwave erupted out of Argyle, sending us all flying into the walls of the arena. Argyle stood up and glared at Zarude, with a murderous glint in his eye.
"Yuduliya-Vele."
With a scream, Argyle's mask exploded off of his face and his arm bindings ignited in green flame.
"Argyle? What?" Stammered Weavile in shock.
"Yuduliya-Vele."
"What-? What are you!?" Said Zarude.
"Your worst nightmare," replied Argyle in a sinister tone.
"Yuduliya Iyaliya."
Argyle's spoke with a double voice. His normal voice was quite clear, but the second voice sounded both terrestrial and alien all at once. With a scream, Argyle became completely consumed in fire.
"Feel it drawing nearer. An endless fear that takes you hold."
The sky turned a shade of green. A green I had become very familiar with by now.
"Feel it getting closer. Revealing such an evil soul."
A beam of green light zoomed past my face and shot up into the sky.
"I can't surrender at the turning point of destiny."
Many more lights eclipsed the sky. The lights transformed into a tornado that crashed into Argyle.
"Right now, it's do or die. My life is on the line and I will not flee."
The lights entered into Argyle. The tornado was consumed and Argyle's body began glowing with bright green light. His entire body structure changed before our eyes.
"By my power."
As soon as the transformation had begun, it ended. The version of Argyle that greeted us was… well, alien would be the best way to describe it.
Argyle's normal head was gone, in its place was a long, thin plate with a single hexagonal eye in the middle. The rest of his head was composed of a mass of writhing green tentacles. His torso and shoulders were made of a hard, brown carapace.
The legs were mostly normal except for the mass of green corruption that had spread from his toes to the middle of his shin. A long, green tentacle emerged from the middle of his spine and wrapped around his body. Four brown, tombstone-like structures floated behind him. What really drew my attention was his right arm.
Both Argyle's arms were corrupted, but the right one was much more so. It was so corrupted, that the corruption ate through his forearm and almost completely up to his shoulder. It left his claw suspended in midair, attached to nothing.
"Oh, it's clear to me."
No one spake a word as we stared at Argyle. Though I could see some resemblance to Argyle, the Sneasel I knew looked like he'd been experimented on by a mad scientist. This form scared me even more than his dragon form.
"My spirit grows and I will face this demon."
I looked from one face to the other until my gaze fell upon Weavile. Her face was one of shock and betrayal. Like someone had just killed her pet Rockruff right in front of her.
"Oh, with burning energy."
[Argyle 50% Z activated]
"The day of fate has finally come."
"Meloetta, do you mind!?" Snapped Snow.
"What?" Asked Meloetta, "it fit the narrative."
"Well, you- now that I think about it, it kind of does," said Snow.
"Can someone please explain to me what just happened!?" Shouted Drapion.
"I don't care what happened!" Said Zarude, "you're still no match for-!"
What followed was one of the most satisfying beatdowns I've ever seen. Argyle grabbed Zarude by the neck with his levitating hand and threw him into the ground. Not on, into. Zarude hit the ground with such force that it buried him in the floor.
There was a period of quiet before Zarude shot out of the ground and tackled Argyle to the ground. His hands wrapped around Argyle's neck, attempting to choke the life out of him. Argyle opened his mouth and showed his unnervingly long tongue. Then his back tentacle began sliding up Zarude's arm.
"This is getting dangerously close to hentai here," I said.
Then, the tentacle shot into Zarude's mouth. The sensation caught him completely off-guard. He released Argyle in shock and attempted to pull the tentacle out.
Argyle stood up and grinned? I think? The tentacle slid further into Zarude's mouth. Zarude's eyes widened in panic as the tentacle came out of his right nostril.
"That's gross," said Keldeo.
"And kind of cool," said Slowbro.
"Slowbro!" Said Sal.
"I know what I said," said Slowbro, "and I make no apologies."
The tentacle then went into Zarude's other nostril and back out his mouth. Then Argyle pulled the tentacle completely out, all at once.
"Gah! What is wrong with you!?"
Argyle grabbed Zarude around the throat with his tentacle and shoved him into the side of the arena. Then began a brutal assault of punches. Once the flurry of blows subsided, the tentacle began squeezing tighter.
(He's going to kill him!)
"Argyle! Don't!" I yelled.
Argyle threw Zarude to the ground again. Then a renewed flash of green energy. An uncountable number of lights left Argyle and returned to the sky. A familiar Sneasel with a green hexagonal pattern covering the left side of his face and right forearm stood over Zarude.
"So, that's the power you described."
"Cor blimey!" Yelled Snow, "where'd you come from, Gumshoos?"
"I've been standing here the whole time."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"I, you! DID YOU JUST SEE WHAT HAPPENED!? How are you not speechless!?"
"What are you doing?" Asked Zarude, with blood flowing down his face, "finish me off."
"No. I am nothing like you," I replied, "I don't kill. Even if you did murder my mother."
Sheriashuu deliberately coughed.
"Shut up," I said.
"You're a coward," taunted Zarude, "all that power and you're too scared to use it. What a waste."
"If he won't kill you, I WILL!"
Weavile showed up from out of nowhere. She pounced Zarude and raised her claws.
"Weavile! No!"
I grabbed her by the wrist and flung her off of Zarude.
"What was that for!?" Shouted Weavile, "he killed your-!"
"I know," I said calmly, making Weavile pause, "don't make my mistake. Don't lose yourself to anger."
I looked at Sheriashuu. She couldn't look me in the eye.
"You'll make a choice you'll regret forever."
Weavile sighed and then walked up to Zarude and kicked him in the head.
"That was from my sister," she said.
After the kick, Zarude stumbled back to his feet.
"We'll be handing you over to Magnezone," I said, "the courts will decide what to do with you."
"I don't know what happened to you. Why you're that strong or green, but I don't care. I'll die before I go to prison again. Boys! Reveal plan Y!"
The remaining members of Team PWNK ran to the sides of the arena and began opening the stone panels. Inside the arena was a chaotic mess of wires, lights, and various electronic devices.
"What is that?" Asked Gumshoos, joining us in the middle of the arena.
"Dark liberation," said Zarude, "this tower is the biggest mind control device ever constructed."
Everyone else decided to join us now.
"With just a press of a button, I will set off every device at once."
"You wouldn't!" Said Gallade in shock.
"Truth be told, I'm not exactly ready to begin my plan. All the pieces haven't quite fallen in place yet, but you've forced my hand."
Zarude reached into a pouch he was carrying and pulled out… nothing.
"Huh? What!? The remote should be right here!"
"You mean this remote?" I asked with a smirk.
I shown everyone the remote I was carrying. A small metal box with an antenna sticking out. The box had a single red button and a display that read "control".
"What? How!?"
"Let me guess, Pickpocket?" Asked Sheriashuu.
"Yup."
"Give that back!" Barked Zarude.
"I don't think I will."
I fiddled with the button and found that I could turn it. The button doubled as a dial.
"What's this? A self-destruct function for the device?"
"Why'd I even suggest that setting!?" Asked Zarude in anger.
"Let's see how it performs."
"No, you don't!"
I pressed the button. All at once, the electronics in the arena began erupting in flame. Suddenly, the explosions ramped up and the tower began shaking.
"What!? What's going on!?" Asked Sal.
Terrakion used Sacred Sword and held the blade to Zarude's chest.
"What is the meaning of this?" Asked Terrakion.
"This entire tower isn't just a mind control device, it's also a battery that powers the entire network!" Said Zarude, "the tower's starting to collapse!"
"We have to get out of here!" Said Emerald, "Roserade, I leave Zarude in your custody!"
"Right! Rhyperior!"
Rhyperior lifted up Zarude and slung him over his shoulder.
"I've got the delinquent! Let's go!" Shouted Rhyperior.
