Arc 2, Chapter 9: Sponsorship offer

 

As Blaise walked down the streets of Rusty Boroughs, he was feeling a bit worried. The investigation had been making steady progress over the past few days, but it was looking more and more like the church was behind it all. He’d asked Maxie to keep a promise, but he wasn’t sure if that was going to work.

 

Privately, a part of him wondered how Courtney would feel about all of this. I suppose I’m a bit of a terrible brother, aren’t I? The last thing she’d want is for her children to join her in the great beyond…

 

It couldn’t be helped, could it? There was fire in that kid’s eyes. He could do a lot of good with the right guidance.

 

But if he bites off more than he can chew… Well, you know from experience what happens in that case, don’t you, Blaise?

 

Blaise sighed, and turned to Joshua, who’d be helping him out today in the same manner as yesterday. “What do you think of Maxie, Joshua?”

 

“Honestly?” Joshua started, “without digging into what I’ve seen of his thought processes, he seems way more levelheaded than you’re giving him credit for. Sure, he’s definitely a bit emotional, but he seems to think on his feet pretty well.”

 

“That’s good to hear,” Blaise replied. “I guess bringing him along wasn’t a mistake, then.”

 

“You could definitely have afforded to bring him along today,” Joshua commented. “I don’t see how a chat with Anabel is all that dangerous.”

 

“She’s shrewd, and she’s not above retaliating then and there if she feels threatened. Part of why our relationship works is that we both have dirt on each other. If either of us threatened the other, then there’d be consequences. As there will be today if she figures out what you’re doing.”

 

“I get it,” Joshua replied. “Relax, I know how to lay low. She’ll have no idea I’m even here. We meet in the park nearby afterwards, right?”

 

“Correct,” Blaise replied, looking down the road. “Now seems like a good time to part ways. I’ll see you in a bit.”

 

Joshua nodded. “Likewise.”

 

Something about walking towards the row of high-rise buildings nearby this part of town was strangely ominous to Blaise. He’d done it hundreds of times by now, but the way they seemed to loom over the rest of the city made him feel almost uniquely watched. I suppose it’s a bit of a shock that Wally’s parents didn’t build a hotel here. Property prices being too high, maybe?

 

Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter to Blaise for any meaningful amount of time. He knew what he was here to do today. He walked the next three blocks in total silence, entered the third apartment building from the next corner, and walked up to the desk. The Lilligant at the desk seemed exhausted, which made Blaise feel a little bad about what he was about to do.

 

“Tell Anabel that Blaise is here to see her.”

 

The Lilligant, without blinking, simply picked up the phone. “Hello? Miss Anabel? There’s this random Emboar here to see you.”

 

“Yes, his name is Blaise.”

 

“Send him up? Really? Okay?” The Lilligant sighed and put down the phone. “She says you can come up.”

 

“Rough sleep?” Blaise asked. “You must be new. I haven’t seen you around here before.”

 

“Don’t tell anyone I said this, but I’m looking for a new job already,” the Lilligant replied with a hushed voice. “These people are crazy.”

 

“I’m well aware,” Blaise replied with a chuckle. “I hope the rest of your day goes smoothly.”

 

As Blaise ascended the stairs for what felt like the millionth time, he could only guess what would even happen up there. Conversations with Anabel were less like actual conversations, and more like warfare. And the attacker usually fought an uphill battle. Hence why I don’t normally bother. But alas, here we are.

 

Eventually, Blaise made his way to a set of double doors, and opened them. There, in the living room, sitting down on the couch, was Anabel, staring right back at him.

 

“So,” she began, “What brings your pretty little face here today?”

 

“We’re going to have a little chat about your relationship with my sister, that’s all.”

 

“Oh, of course, that poor, poor woman. My deepest condolences.” Anabel took a sip out of a nearby teacup. “That must be very hard on you. I don’t know what you’re hoping for from me, though. I barely interacted with her.”

 

“When exactly was your last interaction with her?”

 

Anabel put a paw to her chin, as if she needed to contemplate this. “I sent her a letter a few weeks ago. I was attempting to strike up a deal of sorts, but that’s dead in the water, now isn’t it?”

 

“That’s a rather poor choice of words.”

 

Anabel visibly suppressed a laugh. “Erm, sorry.”

 

Blaise scratched his back. “I don’t suppose you could find me that letter, could you?”

 

“Oh, please, you can ask the post office for that,” Anabel replied. “But if it does, that clears me of all suspicion, doesn’t it? It must, if you’re bothering to ask. Why else would you be speaking to me right now?”

 

Blaise snorted. “I must be losing my touch if you can read my intentions that clearly.”

 

“Call it knowing you very well, dear,” Anabel replied. “You know, with how much dirt we have on each other, it wouldn’t be all that strange if we shared more, wouldn’t it?”

 

“I don’t understand why you flirt with me every time we meet. Is this supposed to lower my guard? Because it’s starting to accomplish the opposite at this point.”

 

Anabel laughed. “Oh, you really are a card, aren’t you, Blaise?”

 

“That doesn’t sound like a compliment coming fro—”

 

Their conversation was abruptly cut short by the phone ringing. Shocked, Anabel turned her head, and stared at it for a second.

 

“Well, that’s odd. I wasn’t expecting anyone else today.” Carefully, she picked up the receiver. “Let’s see who decided to interrupt our alone time… Hello?”

 

“The Archbishop?” Anabel’s eyes widened. “Why could he possibly— Nevermind. Just tell him I’m busy with someone else.”

 

“What do you mean you can’t?” Anabel’s expression flickered between annoyance and fear.

 

“…What? That’s…” Anabel’s voice lowered.

 

“Don’t do anything to piss them off, you hear? These people can be scary.” With a bit of a grim expression, Anabel turned away from the receiver. “You wouldn’t happen to have someone out there watching us, would you? Because that would be very helpful right now.”

 

“He’s probably too far away,” Blaise replied.

 

“Dammit…” Anabel turned back to the phone. “Let him up. Do not push their buttons.” With a heavy sigh, she put down the phone. “You overheard all of that, right?”

 

“Yes,” Blaise responded. “I can only assume that he didn’t bother telling you he was coming.”

 

“What does he want, that is the question… What do you think?”

 

“You think I’m able to predict what that man is going to do?”

 

“You really are losing your touch, aren’t you?”

 

“Are you able to predict what that man is going to do?” Blaise shot back.

 

“Well, he’s probably going to take the lift, for one… other than that, I have nothing.”

 

Blaise scratched his chin. “Well, it’s definitely possible he decided to kill us. We are both on his bad side somewhat, after all.”

“Don’t give me anxiety like that…” Anabel said, rolling her eyes. “We just have to choose our words carefully. He’ll be here in what? Two minutes?”

 

“Do you think he knows I’m here?” Blaise asked. If he does, then there could be something I overlooked. Maybe I talked too loudly? For all I know, he could’ve had people stalking me as soon as I got to the city.

 

“If he does, I’d be very worried…” Anabel’s eyes lit up. “Run into the bathroom. If he’s not expecting you, he probably won’t even say anything.”

 

“You solemnly swear there is nothing dangerous in your bathroom?”

 

“I swear it on my life,” Anabel said, just a trace of playfulness in her voice.

 

Am I really about to put my trust in Anabel? Blaise asked himself. …I guess I am.

 

Without wasting another moment, Blaise walked over to the bathroom, and closed the door behind him, being careful to lock it behind him and not turn on the lights. Then he waited.

 

Just a few minutes later, the doors to Anabel’s apartment opened, and in strolled a massive Snorlax wearing a brown cape and a golden Medallion depicting a crown over a closed eye.

 

That’s him alright… Blaise thought to himself, peering through the keyhole.

 

Steven was something of an enigma to Blaise. Sure, the church itself acted relatively predictably, always taking the course of action that solidified its control, but whenever the Archbishop himself was involved, all bets were off. Steven usually had a fifty-fifty chance to either do the same thing the rest of the church would do, or something totally out of left field—which usually meant dire consequences. Just seeing him in the room made Blaise feel nervous.

 

“It’s been a while, Anabel,” Steven started, pacing seemingly absentmindedly around the room. “Tell me, you haven’t had any funny ideas since we last spoke, have you?”

 

“I don’t believe I have, why?”

 

“Nothing like, say, I don’t know… making moves on a town where I lack influence after the sudden death of its primary leader?”

 

“Me? Never,” Anabel replied with a wave of her paw.

 

“That’s good,” Steven replied. “It would be a shame if one of the most influential women in the Eyelash Isles had an unfortunate accident.”

 

Anabel laughed. “You know, you could stand for a lesson in subtlety.”

 

Steven turned to face her almost unnaturally slowly. “So we’re clear, then? That’s good. Very good. Being subtle is such a bother, you know?”

 

“…Is that so?” Anabel asked. “Well, if you don’t have anything else—”

 

“A friend of mine told me,” Steven started, as if Anabel hadn’t even opened her mouth, “I should expect a large degree of chaos sometime in the near future.”

 

“…What?” Anabel asked.

 

“Just the world. Becoming more chaotic. That’s all.” The almost unnatural pauses in his speech sent a chill down Blaise’s spine. “I think you should worry about yourself, rather than having funny ideas. Because it might not matter soon. That’s just a maybe, though.”

 

“…Huh,” Anabel replied. “Well, I don’t really know what that’s supposed to mean.”

 

“I don’t either,” Steven admitted. “But I plan on having fun with it. And, you know, I’d be a shame if you didn’t see it. So… Just be careful until then, alright? Consider this my humble gift to you.”

 

“…Why?” Anabel asked.

“Ah. I thought the warning was fair. Would you prefer to not see it?”

 

“If it means what I think it means, then yes,” Anabel replied.

 

“Good,” Steven replied.

 

And then he walked out of the room without saying another word.

 

Gingerly, Blaise exited the bathroom. “Well, that was strange.”

 

“And worrying. Very worrying, to be completely honest.”

 

“I honestly can’t tell if he stopped threatening you at any point throughout that conversation,” Blaise said, scratching the back of his head. “I suppose I’ll wait up here for a while. Who knows what he’ll do if he realizes I’m here?”

 

“Want to place bets?” Anabel asked.

 

“No. Not in a million years. Even if I was the biggest gambler known to Pokémon, I would not place bets on what that man would do.”

 

Anabel sighed. “You know, while I’ve got you here, can I persuade you to do something for me?”

 

“Probably not, but give it a try anyway.”

 

“I think we should team up.”

 

“No,” Blaise said. “You cannot be trusted.”

 

Anabel chuckled. “Ah, it was worth a try. Seriously, you should consider it. Especially given what we just heard. Sounds like things are about to go down to me! Not the type of thing you should ignore.”

 

“Perhaps,” Blaise said. “But I would rather partner with someone who isn’t liable to stab me in the back at any time.”

 

Anabel sighed. “Have you ever considered what it would take to actually stand up to the church, Blaise? Your methods will never work.”

 

“You’re just replacing yourself as the new powerhouse,” Blaise replied. “I’ll repair what’s here, one rotting branch at a time.”

 

“You’re a fool,” Anabel replied. “And you very well may allow a large number of people to get hurt because of it.”

 

“You don’t know that.”

 

“I know what’s needed,” Anabel replied. “These isles need someone ruthless and cunning enough to dissect this dying corpse of a kingdom, and slowly tearing off dead skin helps nobody.”

 

There was a long silence after that.

 

“You’re too afraid to rock the boat,” Anabel sneered. “You used to have balls. What happened?”

 

“I woke up,” Blaise said. I really need to get out of here… The question is, when is it safe to leave?

 

Anabel snorted. “That’s one way of putting it. A little too charitable, maybe.”

 

Another silence followed, this time deeply uncomfortable. Eventually, Blaise heard a voice in his head.

 

Hey, this is Joshua. A bunch of people just left the building. Everything alright in there?

 

Let me know when they get a few blocks away, Blaise responded. I’m in need of a safe exit.

 

Are you in any immediate danger? Joshua asked.

 

Not really, but I do need to be stealthy. Some people from the church were just here.

 

Eventually, Blaise found his opportunity. When he met in the park with Joshua, as planned, he let out a heavy sigh.

 

“Things got slightly more personal between me and Anabel than I expected,” Blaise admitted. “Our next stop is the post office. I need to know that she isn’t lying about sending a letter.”

 

“The church really did just pop in unannounced, huh?” Joshua commented. “When I saw a crowd forming around the building, I got worried.”

 

“It should be safe now,” Blaise assured him. “Let’s get moving, though. The post office should be closing in a bit, and I have a favor I need to redeem.”

 

 

---

 

 

The next day, Maxie was bored.

 

Blaise seemed like he was going to leave Maxie out of the investigation entirely at this point, and the lack of input was really starting to get on his nerves. I know I can’t really do much on my own, but this is getting ridiculous. I need to be contributing something.

 

“You really seem on edge, Maxie,” Wally said.

 

Without any better ideas, he’d decided that he’d sneak off to Wally’s hotel and hang out. Small talk with Wally didn’t get him very far, but it was something to distract him.

 

“It’s because Blaise decided that I’m—we’re, rather—useless.”

 

Wally was quiet for a moment. “Do you really think he thinks that?”

 

“I don’t know, but I’m gonna lose my mind if we don’t go do something.”

 

“Well… why don’t we go do just that? Something. But fun, you know? My treat.”

 

“Fun?” Maxie asked. I suppose that might help take my mind off of things. “I guess. I was hoping to be more productive, though.”

 

“I mean, we can be productive,” Wally said. “Assuming Blaise lets us.”

 

“Hm… Alright, we can do something fun. Your pick, though. I’m fresh out of ideas.”

 

“Alrighty then,” Wally said. “Let’s walk around town and see what we find, yeah?”

 

The town itself was oddly dreary, now that Maxie had seen it a few times. It wasn’t any dirtier than Root city or Petalworth, but something about it just looked devoid of life. He knew that most were out working the factories, but something about how empty it was during the day rubbed him the wrong way.

 

“That park looks nice enough,” Wally commented.

 

“If we go there, we’re just going to run into the same issue again.”

 

“We could pick flowers?” Wally suggested.

 

“…”

 

“Look, I just like picking flowers, okay?”

 

“Don’t you get pollen allergies?” Maxie asked. “I swear I remember you complaining about that a while back.”

 

“I used to. Not anymore.”

 

“…Huh. Well, I’m sure as hell not picking flowers.”

 

“Suit yourself,” Wally said, walking over to the nearest patch of flowers. Maxie, for his part, sat down on the grass.

 

At the very least, it was calm in this part of the city. There was something a little bit soothing about it, but Maxie couldn’t quite put his finger on it. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re away from the buildings a bit? If you squint a little, this part of town kinda looks like a forest.

 

Maybe I’m just going crazy… Jacob lamented.

 

“Excuse me?”

 

Maxie jumped at the sudden voice. When he turned, he saw a Thievul, with a slight smirk on her face.

 

“And who are you?” he asked, mildly alarmed.

 

“The name’s Anabel. Your uncle may have told you about me?”

 

“He told me that you’re not to be trusted.”

 

“He told you right.” Anabel chuckled. “But, you know, sometimes you need to make that mistake, you know?”

 

“…What do you want?”

 

“Well, first of all, call your friend over here,” she said with a wave of her paw. “We can have a conversation between just the two of us, can we?”

 

Maxie sighed. My curiosity is gonna get the better of me… “Hey, Wally? Can you get over here?”

 

“…Is that Anabel?” he asked immediately.

 

“Yes?” Maxie replied, partially unsure of himself.

 

“Why are we talking to Anabel?”

 

“Because the curiosity is gonna kill me if we don’t?”

 

“…Okay?” Wally said, equally unsure of this as he walked over.

 

“Alright you two,” Anabel started. “First of all, Blaise probably told you that the church might be the culprit, and that going after them isn’t worth it, right?”

 

“Yes?” Maxie asked. “Are you saying you might have a way of going after them.”

 

“Might,” Anabel emphasized. “Not for sure. In the very least, there’s a safety net in it for you if something goes wrong?”

“Safety net?” Maxie asked. “Do you mean…”

 

“There are… certain individuals that I could throw away for your sake.”

 

Immediately, Maxie felt uncomfortable. “You’re saying there are people who would take that hit if you asked?”

 

“You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs, you know,” Anabel replied. “It’s just doing what’s necessary.”

 

“Woah, woah, woah, Maxie!” Wally said. “You can’t seriously be okay with this? What if someone dies? That blood would be on your hands!”

 

“People die all the time in these isles,” Anabel fired back. “Better someone else for the greater good than you.”

 

“Maxie! You can’t just treat people like pawns!” Wally nearly yelled. “This is a bad idea!”

 

“Don’t be naive, this is a good idea~” Anabel replied.

 

“Would both of you shut up? I’m trying to think!” Maxie looked between the two of them with something approaching disdain. Jesus, to think that a grown woman would act like this… Wally isn’t much better, though…

 

After a long pause, Maxie made his decision. “I’ll hear you out. But I’m not going to try and get anyone killed.”

 

“Excellent. Not to worry, though. As long as everything goes to plan, there won’t be any need for anyone to get killed.”

 

“I still don’t like this,” Wally said at a higher volume than strictly necessary.

 

“We still gotta check it out, right?” Maxie asked. “This whole thing has been sketchy from the beginning.”

 

“That’s not a great reason to randomly trust the first person who comes providing answers,” Wally pointed out.

 

“It’s not strictly trusting,” Maxie argued. “We’re just tentatively hearing her out.”

 

“That isn’t much better,” Wally replied.

 

“Boys,” Anabel started. “I would like to tell you what it is that you’d be doing. Is that okay, or are you going to keep arguing right in front of me?”

 

That managed to shut the both of them up.

“Excellent,” Anabel said, observing the pause. “It’s a teensy bit complicated, but in essence, all you have to do is distract someone for a while. That’s all I’m asking of you. Sounds simple enough, right?”

 

“…But?” Wally asked.

 

“Well, it just needs to be for a long while. That’s going to make things a little bit tricky, sure, but it shouldn’t be too complicated. You also need to keep them away from somewhere.”

 

“Are you going to tell us who it is we need to distract?” Maxie asked. “That seems like the most important part.”

 

“Why yes, of course,” Anabel replied, a smirk still on her lips. “Archbishop Steven Snorlax, who will be attending a feast tonight at the Rusty Boroughs League Cathedral. I need you to keep him in the foyer for a while and buy my men time to sneak into his place and get some intel, to be shared with you of course. That’s all that I need you to do. In the event of an emergency, your safety will be guaranteed. Now then, do we have a deal?”

 

Maxie paused, before putting an arm around Wally’s shoulder and forcibly turning him around. “Dude, this is an opportunity.”

 

“I can’t shake the feeling that she’s gonna use us,” Wally said.

 

“Probably, but we’re getting a lot out of it ourselves. Free intel is free intel. How hard could it be to talk to one guy for twenty-ish minutes?”

 

“And if he figures us out, and someone dies because of us?”

 

“I honestly don’t see how that could happen. Although…” Maxie turned back to Anabel. “Why exactly are you choosing us?”

 

“Because you’re nobles who wouldn’t be out of place there. Besides, I’m sure Steven won’t want to pass up the opportunity to speak directly to someone who’s a little bit more relevant right now than he knows, would he?”

 

“Sounds good to me…” Maxie muttered. Right next to him, Wally was shaking his head.

 

“This is an awful idea…” Wally lamented.

 

He was very right.

 

 

---

 

 

It took a lot of convincing for Blaise to let Maxie go to the feast.

 

“You realize that you could be walking right into the hornet’s nest, right?”

 

“I’m curious,” Maxie replied. “And most of all, I just need a reason to see these people up close.”

“…Fine,” Blaise finally said, “But don’t stay for too long. Head straight back here at the first sign of trouble. Are we clear?”

 

“I understand,” Maxie replied.

 

He did not understand.

 

“Then don’t do anything stupid,” Blaise advised. “Make no mistake, what you’re doing is potentially dangerous.”

 

“Got it,” Maxie replied.

 

As he made his way downtown to the cathedral, Maxie made sure that he wasn’t bringing anything valuable. If there was trouble and he needed to leave, it was probably better to be light on personal belongings. Plus, it served as protection from any percussive pickpocket that might happen to pass him.

 

The streets were notably more crowded later in the day. That made perfect sense, of course, but to Maxie, it was almost like the city had the life it was missing during the night. For some reason, that made the place feel a little bit more inviting. It still felt shady, of course, but it didn’t feel empty.

 

The cathedral itself was located very close to the center of town, where nearly all of the action was taking place. The streets here were crowded, And Maxie struggled to slip by at all.

 

“Pssst. Hey. Maxie.”

 

Maxie turned in the direction of the voice, and saw what appeared to be Anabel, wearing a small cloak.

 

“Over here, let’s talk details.”

 

Quickly, Maxie made his way over, careful not to bump into anyone. “What kind of details?” he asked.

 

“Not much. Just a few things that seem to be happening inside. First off, Steven seems to be greeting everyone at the door, so you’re probably going to be waiting around in there for a long time.”

 

“Okay?”

 

“Also, it seems like Roxanne Probopass is nowhere to be seen. I was going to tell you about her, but I guess it doesn’t matter now. By the way, where’s Wally?”

 

“It seems like he flaked…” Maxie observed. “Or maybe he’s already inside. Who knows?”

 

Anabel snorted. “Well, that would be something. Somehow, I think he got cold feet, though.”

 

“What could have possibly given you that idea?” Maxie asked sarcastically. “Seriously, though. You’re probably right about that…”

 

Maxie looked at the cathedral itself. ‘Extravagant’ was the first word that came to his mind. It stretched high, at least four stories, and the very front had massive stained-glass windows covering it. Maxie only really recognized the legendary Pokémon on it, while the other figures depicted eluded him.

 

“You’re still in, right?” Anabel asked. “Because it’s not too late to back out yourself, you know.”

 

Maxie hesitated. Technically speaking, she was right. He could just leave now, and risk nothing. But part of him felt bad about doing that now, after Anabel must’ve coordinated this with several other people at this point.

 

“I’m still in,” Maxie replied, against his better judgement. “Assuming you’re still going to give me that intel.”

 

“Of course,” Anabel replied. “Once I’ve had a good look at it myself, it’s all yours.”

 

Maxie took a deep breath. “Alright, wish me luck,” he said, turning around to face the cathedral.

 

“Only the best,” Anabel replied.

 

He didn’t know it at the time, but Anabel’s wishes would fall on the deaf ears of fate.

 

When Maxie walked through the doors of the cathedral, he was immediately hit with a blast of warm air. For some reason, the heating must’ve been on full power in there. The sight inside wasn’t any less warm—people were chattering about in the foyer, shaking paws, and eating food.

 

It’s a certified party in here, Jacob thought. Not a particularly rowdy one, though. Just cozy. It was nearly enough to make him let his guard down. He wasn’t about to let it down entirely, though.

 

Near the center of the room, he saw the man himself—Steven Snorlax. Given that he was a supposedly dangerous man, his appearance here seemed almost jovial. He happily stood there, shaking the paws of anyone who happened by, smiling all the while. He seemed like he genuinely appreciated everyone’s presence.

 

Eventually, it was Maxie’s turn to greet the man.

 

“Maxie? Is that you?” Steven asked. “Why, what brings you here? Last I checked, you weren’t particularly religious.”

 

Crap, I didn’t come up with a cover story! “Uh, just wanted to check out this place. And maybe talk to you a bit. Sorry if that bothers you.” It was an unusually meek response coming from him, but Steven probably didn’t know him well enough to notice.

 

“That’s fine,” Steven assured him. If Maxie was paying attention, he would’ve noticed the purple glint on Steven’s medallion. “Why don’t you go grab a bite to eat? I’m sure you’re hungry. I have many more people to greet.”

 

Remember why you’re here, Maxie… Jacob reminded the both of them. “I will,” Maxie replied.

 

There was all sorts of food laid out to eat, and Maxie certainly was tempted to dig in. There was mac and cheese, steak, wings…

 

Maxie grabbed a tiny plate of food, if only to stave off his appetite, and sat down in the corner of the room. The place was getting rather crowded by now; Maxie was starting to suspect that the only reason most were even here was for the food.

 

“Psst. Hey. Are you Maxie?”

 

Maxie gave the voice whispering to him a side eye. “Yes, why?”

 

“You’re our distraction, right?” The voice belonged to a Persian. “We’re gonna sneak into the back the second you start talking to the big man.”

 

“Got it,” Maxie replied. “Are there any other plans I should know about?”

 

“She told you that we’d need a while, right?” the Persian asked. “At least twenty minutes, maybe more?”

 

“She did tell me that part, yes. Good luck, by the way.”

 

Their conversation was interrupted by a booming voice reverberating across the room.

 

“Welcome, everyone!” a certain Snorlax announced. “It is truly a pleasure to have you all for this feast tonight.”

 

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