Pokémon Police Force Epilogue: A New Zygarde

Eclipse's birth was in of itself both a blessing and a curse. Playing with her was the highlight of my day. Though, with Emerald as a police officer and me as a trainee, we had to give some thought about how to juggle our schedules. Luckily, Wolf and Dusk had already offered to be babysitters. Salandra as well.

Sal watched her most of the time, but Wolf and Dusk put in hours as well. Regalia has even babysat now and again. Eclipse has even started calling Sal "Auntie Lizzie". With their help, raising Eclipse has been nothing but a joy.

To tell the truth, I was really worried about my ability to be a dad, but a couple of months in and I think I figured out what I'm supposed to do. That kid really looks up to me. I think I spoiled her. Anyway, about three months passed since Eclipse was born, and then came the most important part of my new life as an ex-thief: my graduation from the police academy.

I was playing with Eclipse before the ceremony. The graduation was being held in the courtyard of the police academy. A raised platform was temporarily erected with a podium at the fore. A banner proudly displaying the Pokémon Police Force badge was strung up behind the platform and several chairs sat far back on the platform, upon which sat the graduating class. Zeta's chair was nearest to the podium.

Chairs were set up on the grass, facing the podium. Some guests chose to stand though. Not only was Zeta graduating, but I was selected to be the presenter, so I had to be here. Sheriashuu and Keldeo were here too, as well as Weavile and Regalia. Weavile chose to remain at the back of the gathering crowd, as she said she felt uneasy with so many officers around. I think she just didn't want everyone to hear Eclipse call her Grammy.

When it was time for us to start, I left Eclipse with Regalia (Sal had an errand to run for Miltank). Eclipse sat on Regalia's lap as the ceremony began. I stood on the platform with Sheriashuu and other officers as Arcanine approached the podium.

"May I have your attention?" Said Arcanine, "It's time to begin the Water Continent Police Academy graduation ceremony."

The crowd quickly found their places and stopped talking.

"Our graduating class is only eight this time, but don't worry, we beat the law into them," said Arcanine, "some more than others."

(Was that a jab at Zeta?)

"I am Police Commissioner Arcanine of the Neo City Police Department. I was asked to do this, so here I am. Now, without further ado, let's present your new graduates."

I walked to the center of the stage along with Sheriashuu. She was holding new binders and I, badges and framed certificates. This is the first time that I've been invited to do this, but I wasn't worried. For me, I was just glad that Eclipse could see her daddy graduate.

"Presenting the awards are the lovely lieutenants Emerald and Sheriashuu of the Neo City Police Department."

Someone wolf whistled, so Sheriashuu flipped them off.

"Now, now. Be professional," said Arcanine, "our first graduate has shown great talent in the field of forensics and is not such a bad cop either, welcome Zappy to the force!"

(Zappy? That name sounds familiar.)

Sure enough, the Pikachu Libre from the Octagon came forward and graduated first. Never would've expected her as a cop. Arcanine went down the list, welcoming six more Pokémon as police officers. Then, it came down to Zeta.

"This last Pokémon most of you know. He was a thief, but now he's turning his life around and has even saved the world," said Arcanine, "his training, from what I've been told, has been stacked against him from day one, but he has met every challenge and persevered. He even managed to woo this little blushing Braixen up here."

"Could we just get on with it!?" I spat.

"He was revered as one of the best thieves in the world and has brought that same talent to his training. Surprisingly, his specialty is Outlaw hunting," Announced Arcanine, "He's the valedictorian of this class, Zeta!"

(Valedictorian!? Zeta never mentioned that!)

Zeta stood up and walked over to us. As we've done with the seven other trainees, Sheriashuu handed him a binder and I handed him the certificate. Due to his lack of hand mobility, Zeta's badge was attached to a cord that I slipped around his neck. Just like the Razor Claw before it. We then shook hands, paws and whatever the heck Zeta had now.

"Now, as is custom, the valedictorian will now present a speech," said Arcanine.

Zeta took Arcanine's place behind the podium.

"Public speaking isn't one of my best qualities, so don't expect a long, flowery monologue," said Zeta, "everyone officer here, myself and my fellow graduates included, are in the force for a reason. We all have something worth fighting for. Some are in it for the money, others out of a sense of duty, while others just want to beat up baddies. As for me, I'm joining the force for my daughter, Eclipse."

"That's me!" Said Eclipse, proudly.

"I want her to have a better life than I did. I want her to live her life without having to fear anyone or anything. I am a cop so that she doesn't have to be. This is the beginning of a new chapter for each of us. I pray that it is a leaf worth turning over. Thank you."

Zeta stepped away as applause rang out. Sheriashuu stepped forward to the podium.

"As some of you may be aware, the Water Continent precincts each watch the police academy and look out for interesting recruits. Some of you have already been given a job," said Sheriashuu, "open the binders I gave you. They will tell you where you'll be stationed from now on."

Zeta opened up his binder and smirked.

"How predictable," he said, "I'm in the Neo City Outlaw Apprehension Corp in Emerald and Sandra-a-wallyboo's unit."

"Oh, come on!" Yelled Sheriashuu in annoyance, "you still can't get my name right!?"

After the ceremony, we said our goodbyes and began packing for our move back home to Neo City the following day. We had been living in Treasure Town up till now. Emerald decided to evolve after the ceremony, much to Eclipse's amazement.

Several years passed and Emerald quickly moved up the ranks and became the Neo City Police Commissioner. Sheriashuu, in turn, became sheriff. Meloetta continued touring with her band and eventually became renowned as a famous pop diva. Jessie continued her work for HAPPI and managed to reform many more Outlaws.

Salandra and Regalia went into business together starting up the humanitarian organization the New Leaf Foundation. They're still small-time, but they provide the poor and outcast with food, medicine and career training. With their help, the Narrows has actually decreased in size.

As for Keldeo, he kind of dropped off the radar. He said he wanted to start exploring again and decided to go off alone to some big glacier up north. I was worried, but I knew he would be fine, though Virizion has gotten more distant as of late. She'll tell us what's going on when she's ready.

As for Slowbro, he decided to leave Jessie and come work for me once more. Don't know what's with that guy and serving us. As for myself, I somehow became mayor of Neo City. My name wasn't even on the ballot!

I know what you're asking. What about Eclipse? Well, she starts up school in a couple of months. She's super excited about that. Says she's going to grow up to become even stronger than me. Let's just hope she never asks me any math questions. Huh, come to think of it, I never went to school myself.

Now, some of you are asking "what about that terrible thing I saw in my vision in that tomb? Isn't that a big plot hole to just leave open?" Well, that's a story for another time. However, let's rewind to just before we left Treasure Town. There is an important detail I missed.

Emerald was attending to Eclipse back at our rented tent. I was just relaxing on the beach at night when it happened. A brilliant light began shining to my right. It was an orb of the brightest light imaginable, one that threatened to vaporize your eyes instantly. However, as I looked on, I felt no pain or discomfort. It was as if my eyes have seen light like this my entire life.

"Doest thou remebereth me?"

"Yeah. You're that light from my vision in the cave. Been a while."

"Thou knowest that this is no illusion?"

"Some parts of that rite were questionable, but I knew that I didn't dream you up. My dreams don't speak to me in Shakespeare."

"Hardy, har, har. Thou hast been summoned by the gods for an important meeting."

A swirling vortex of light appeared to the orb's left.

"Thou shalt proceed through the portal."

"Who are you?"

"I am he that hast existed before and shalt continueth after. All Pokémon hath mine own name written upon their hearts."

"Arceus?"

"That is correct."

Strangely, I wasn't surprised at all by this revelation. It was just as if I already knew.

"Through the portal."

I stood up and walked through the portal. What I found on the other side, wasn't what I expected. A long, open temple made completely of white marble. The only furniture was a posh red carpet blanketing the entirety of the temple and a stained wooden round table in the middle of the room. The table was surrounded on all sides by various Pokémon. A white llama-like Pokémon with a black face and belly and a golden ring about its waist stood beside me.

"First, let me formally introduce myself. I hast been known as Arceus. Welcome to the meeting hall of the gods, the Pantheon," said the Llama.

"Why am I here? Did I break some 'don't hurt Zygarde' law I wasn't aware of?"

Either the joke flew over Arceus's head or he chose to ignore it.

"No. Thou art here because thou shalt be officially recognized as Zygarde."

"I'm gonna be Zygarde now? What happened to the old Zygarde?"

"It shalt be naught more than a formality. Come. Meet the gods for thine self."

Arceus floated away, towards the table. He has legs. Why not just walk? Lazy god. I walked as calmly as I could over to the round table. That is, of course, until a familiar face spotted me.

"You! You have some nerve to show up here!"

Something leapt toward me. It had Landorus's face, but unlike the cloudy deity, it was a lion-like Pokémon with its ankles shrouded in clouds and the halo-thing from before was its tail. As it attacked, I kicked it square in the chest and then pulled it into a painful headlock.

"Ha! Still quick on your feet!" Said the lion.

"I have no idea how I did this," I said.

I released him from the headlock.

"Sorry if you don't recognize me," said the lion, "it's me, Landorus. I adopt this form whenever I socialize with my peers."

"You still look like a cranky old man."

"Ha! I get that! Come, let me introduce you."

Landorus led me to the table and to another Pokémon I instantly recognized.

"LONG TIME," said Giratina.

"Giratina?"

SURPRISED TO SEE ME HERE?"

"I'm more confused why you suddenly have legs. Are those wings?"

Giratina now had six legs and a pair of shadowy wings in place of its tentacles.

"WHAT YOU'VE SEEN BEFORE IS MY TRUE FORM. MY FORM IS ALTERED IN YOUR REALM."

"You've met Giratina?" Asked a black Pokémon with twin arms that resembled a totem pole bird head.

"Yeah. When I ended up in the Distortion World."

"You went to the Distortion World!?" He asked in surprise.

"SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT IT'S A STORY FOR ANOTHER TIME," said Giratina.

"You've already met Giratina so I'll skip that intro," said Landorus, "the one you've been talking to is Tapu Koko."

"You don't know me," said Tapu Koko, "I'm worshipped as a guardian on a certain tropical island."

"And that is Tapu Bulu, Tapu Lele, and Tapu Fini next to him," said Landorus.

The three gods looked like they were hewn from a totem pole as well. They were a bull, a girl and mermaid respectively. None of the had a chance to speak, as an incredibly vocal god caught notice of me. A divine bird whose feathers seemed to shine with every color of the rainbow.

"I SEE YOU HAVE FINALLY GROWN," said the bird, "DO YOU REMEMBER ME?"

"Can't say I do."

"WHAT!? AFTER ALL THE TIME WE'VE SPENT TOGETHER!?" Screeched the bird.

"HO-OH, YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENED THAT DAY," said a blue dinosaur-like Pokémon with an oblong head and metal spikes on its back.

"I KNOW. I STILL HOPED. AFTER ALL THE LONELY NIGHTS," said Ho-oh.

"Oh great, even gods have fallen under the curse of my charm," I said, "is there no woman that doesn't want a ride on the Sneasler express!?"

Some of the gods laughed at this.

"Ho-oh and Dialga," said Landorus, "Ho-oh reigns over rebirth and Dialga, time."

"I WAS THE ONE WHO SEALED YOU IN THAT EGG AND- AND… WHY ARE YOU WHITE? I SPECIFICALLY CHANGED YOU INTO A JOHTOIAN SNEASEL NOT A HUISIAN ONE!"

"Huisi? Nevermind," I said, "my form changed when I got sent to the Distortion World."

"THAT EXPLAINS IT," said Ho-oh, "HAVING NEVER BEEN THERE MYSELF, I NEVER THOUGHT YOU WOULD BE ABLE TO GET THERE."

Ho-oh pondered something for a bit.

"DO YOU STILL SCREW AS WELL AS YOU USED TO?" Asked Ho-oh.

"HO-OH!" Yelled everyone in surprise.

"WHAT? HE'S A FANTASTIC LAY. I'D BET HE COULD EVEN PLEASE TAPU LELE."

"Ho-oh!" Yelled Tapu Lele in embarrassment.

"You never slept with him," said Tapu Bulu.

"YOU DON'T KNOW THAT!" Said Ho-oh.

"Um, is she always like that?" I asked.

"Sadly," said Landorus.

"I'M PALKIA," said a large white dragon.

It approached me and stuck out its hand, which I shook.

"NORMALLY I DON'T TOLERATE THOSE WHO DISTORT SPACE WITHOUT PERMISSION, BUT I RESPECT ANYONE WHO CAN PUT THAT GREEN LIZARD IN ITS PLACE."

"I'm a snake actually."

The one who spoke was a Zygarde Core. Something just told me that it was the one that tried to kill everyone.

"Zygarde? I thought you- err… we weren't a god."

"I'm not," said the Core, "but this ceremony involves the both of us."

I looked around the room and noticed another Pokémon that's remained silent this entire time. A huge grey dragon with icy wings and head. The air around it seemed to freeze in place. Whoever this thing was, was not someone to take lightly.

"That's Kyurem," said Landorus, "its… not very sociable."

Kyurem locked eyes with me. It growled a low, rumbling growl. Then, it surprisingly, motioned me over. Giratina seemed to notice my hesitation.

"GO. IF KYUREM WANTS TO TALK, DON'T PASS IT UP. MIGHT BE THE LAST TIME."

I swallowed my fear and began walking. The temperature in the room kept dropping the closer I got. Eventually, I began shivering and my breath crystalized.

(Am I actually cold?)

I stopped in my tracks and examined my arm.

(I guess I really have stopped being an Ice Type. This sucks.)

I continued to walk forward. No telling whether it was my Fighting or Poison Type nature or if I was just stubborn, but I kept forging ahead despite my better judgement. By the time Kyurem spake, I was violently shivering like a leaf caught in the wind.

"GO NO FURTHER. UNLESS YOU WANT TO SUFFER HYPOTHERMIA."

I slunk back a few feet, back to a more comfortable temperature.

"I'M IMPRESSED. NOT EVEN CRYOGONALS CAN LAST LONG THAT CLOSE TO ME."

"Cryogonals? But those things are made of ice! How can you be THAT cold!?"

"SOMETHING HAPPENED SEVERAL THOUSAND YEARS AGO. EVER SINCE THEN, MY POWER HAS BEEN LEAKING OUT OF ME."

"So, what did you want to say to me?"

"SO, YOU REALLY DON'T REMEMBER."

"Huh?"

"NEVER YOU MIND. WE'VE HEARD YOU BEAT ZYGARDE ALL ON YOUR OWN. I LIKE STRONG POKÉMON. I'D BE HONORED IF YOU'D COME VISIT ME AT MY HOME IN THE CRYSTAL PALACE SOME TIME. I'D LOVE A GOOD RUMBLE."

(This god wants to fight me? I'm still learning how to use my powers. This guy would annihilate me!)

"I'll uh… think about it."

"TAKE ALL THE TIME YOU NEED. I HAVE ALL OF ETERNITY."

I swear Kyurem chuckled at that.

"If thou art done over there, we can proceed now."

(Geez, Arceus is getting impatient in his old age.)

I dismissed myself and returned to the table and back to the warmth.

"As everyone is here, we shalt begin."

"This can't be everyone," said Tapu Koko, "we're still missing three gods."

"Xerneas and Yveltal can't exist at the same time," said Tapu Lele, "so we're only missing two."

I looked at Zygarde, who nodded back to me.

"Let me explain about that," I said.

Every head turned to look at me.

"There was an incident where Yveltal woke up early. I personally punished those responsible for this disorder."

"Then the two of us pooled our strengths together and sealed them both away," said Zygarde, "it was to restore the proper balance."

"They will wake up in the future," I finished, "but as for now, they're asleep."

"THAT EXPLAINS THEIR ABSENCE," said Palkia.

"Calcyrx and I have been working around the clock to restore the damage they've done," said Landorus.

"WHAT HAPPENED TO THE VILLAIN?" Asked Ho-oh.

"Doesn't matter," I said, "it's over."

"SERIOUSLY, WHAT HAPPENED WHILE I WAS INSANE!?" Said Dialga as 'calmly' as possible.

"Zeta, Argyle, whatever thou wish to be known as. For those who hast not heard thine own story-"

"I will tell you," I said, "no more hiding. Here's how it went…"

I told them all in detail the story of my life. Since this involved Zygarde, I made sure to emphasize the relationship I've had with the Core inside me and only mentioned the other details in passing. The temple was silent as I spake. Ho-oh in particular seemed to be enthralled by my final solo battle with Zygarde.

"We all seen Zygarde wrap around the planet," said Tapu Bulu, "most of us have even attacked it."

"Kyurem was still a lazy excuse for a god," said Tapu Fini.

"I keep telling you that Kyurem is not a god," said Tapu Koko.

"Then why does it keep showing up to these meetings?"

"KYUREM USED TO BE A GOD," said Giratina, "IT STILL IS WIDELY RESPECTED AS ARCEUS'S SOLE ADVISOR."

"Wait a minute!" Said Landorus, "Kyurem is the big guy's ADVISOR!?"

"Thou art getting too far off-topic," said Arceus.

"OKAY THEN, WHERE IS NECROZMA?" Asked Dialga.

"On an important mission," said Arceus.

"OH, IS IT TIME ALREADY?" Asked Palkia.

"Necrozma feared we could no longer afford to wait," said Arceus.

"What mission?" I asked.

"I guess we can afford to tell thee," said Arceus, "the story of thine own past and thy role in the future. There was a reason that thou wast bound to Zygarde. It is time for thee to understand!"

And that, my dear readers, is a story for another day. I thank you all for reading this entire story.

I hear you screaming through the screen right now. "That can't be it!" "What happened to Necrozma?" "What's this mission?" "What happened in Zeta's past?" "What about that horrific Buizel thing?" "Are you ever going to tell us what happened in Zeta's dream in Rogue's End?"

All those questions will be answered in the future. For now, the story will continue in my next fanfic Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Six Ways to Madness. This story will serve as the conclusion for the entire Mystery Dungeon storyline.

No, this doesn't mean I will stop this series afterward. In fact, I have a Mystery Dungeon prequel already planned. I have actually already started writing concepts for it.

Anyway, until next time!