Episode 10: Master Lin

"What is this?" Ariala whispered, her eyes wavering upon the sight before her. After half a day's worth of travel by Ponyta and cart, her small army had reached the Stardust Treasury. They weren't exactly there yet, but the landmark was in sight, less than ten minutes away. The land it stood on brought Ariala near to tears of disbelief.

She was confused on what to think. Even though it defied all logic, the fields and colours of nature stopped dead. There was literally a line dividing the two parts of the planet, one half having grass, hedges, trees, and all other forms of nature, whilst the other half was a colourless wasteland covered in dust and cracks. The only visible landmark was the Stardust Treasury itself, an enormous rectangular box that was as tall as a city.

"This is the edge of the Tapu's domain. The blessings granted by their terrain stop here, so nature is left to its own rules. Of course, our current technology physically affects nature, so everything outside of the Tapu's domain fails to function," Vincent stated. He stared at the blank distance coldly, and squinted. "This is where the Pokémon that don't worship the Tapu live, outside of their influence."

"Where the protesters live," Ariala muttered. She slowly shook her head and focused her grip back on Naomi, to which the Ponyta nodded and galloped on their way.

"This structure is roofed over. Is the entire city indoors?" Ariala asked. The giant structure looked more like an ancient ruin, being made of perfectly square stone blocks of the same, colourless material that the planet was made from. No marks or decorations were anywhere across it, but it was being held up by thick iron bars like a prison cell.

Those iron bars ran all the way around it, hiding a single entrance where there was enough space for a Pokémon to fit through. There wasn't enough room for the carriage to go through, so they left it there – the other carriages parked outside implied it was okay to.

Inside was more pleasant than expected. The uplifting life that filled the Tower of the Tapu was present here on a far greater scale it seemed, as many more Pokémon filled the streets and paths. The buildings that lined the city were of inconsistent quality, from straw hut cafes that were a single room, to enormous skyscrapers covered with flashy logos and neon shop signs. Amongst the buildings were convenient overpasses, footbridges that crossed over central roads. Some were so high up that they ran right beside some of the skyscrapers.

"Hey Ariala, how're you holding up? If it gets too loud, let us know, okay?" Nier said.

Until then, the Clefable hadn't noticed the festivities around her. There were street performers that danced and sung, and muffled conversation from hundreds around. Now that she was paying attention, there was a mixture of delicious aromas that came from the many food stands around that made her feel hungry, even though she had eaten well for breakfast already. Curious still, she approached one of the straw stands, and eyed its selection.

"See anything you like? Some of these dishes are very rare and can only be gotten here," the Prinplup behind the stand said, using a wing to show it all off. "They're all cooked using the baking and frying methods from Eris, but made using ingredients from Faernia. So nothing distasteful!"

"Huh. I had no idea that berries wrapped in deep fried batter could smell so good. They look good, too. And it's remarkably cheap," Ariala praised, putting a finger on her lips.

"Gotta admit, they do look really good," Nier added, drooling. Vincent rolled his eyes.

"You need only ask, my lovely lady. Want something?" Charle proposed, shoving his way to the front.

"I wouldn't, if I were you. You don't know what's in street food like this," Naomi warned. "We specifically ate well before coming here so that we wouldn't succumb to unknown foods like this."

"Suit yourself. It's a once in a lifetime though, I assure you," Prinplup bragged smugly.

"You can't come to a place like this and not try the food! It's like, the law of tourism. I'll take a Cornn Berry sausage in batter, please!" Nier cheered. She giggled excitedly as the exchange was quickly made, having to bounce the snack around in her paws to cool it down.

"It's a good choice, but make sure you cool it down and have a drink afterwards. Cornn are known for their dryness," Prinplup warned.

"Bit late on the warning!" she remarked, trying to dull the heat by stuffing a large bite in her mouth. She wound up flinching and squealing as it burnt her tongue, and almost fell over.

"N-Nier!" Naomi cried. The Meowstic quickly recovered and started squealing in glee instead, taking another large bite like her life depended on it.

"This thing is so good! It's crispy and warm and thick, but sweet like a sweet!" she cheered. "I've never eaten anything like this before. We've gotta get a recipe!"

"You're making me want to try something," Ariala admitted, walking off to admire her other choices. "Toffee apple, candy Oran Berry, fried rice, baked nut cake, fizzy Sitrus Juice… I've never seen any of these foods before. And how much variety do we have back home?"

"Too much variety!" Nier agreed, her voice muffled by a full mouth. Two sticks were in her hand, both presumably having foods on them.

"Did you buy- you're gonna run out of money before we're even done here. Save some room for dinner!" Vincent complained.

"Oh I've always got room for dinner, don't you worry about that, heh heh. Say Ariala, what're we even doing here, anyway?" she giggled. Ariala slowed down and started scratching her chin, giving everything another look over.

There are electronic lights on the ceiling, and some power is being used to operate ovens and fires. Even though the Tapu's domain doesn't reach here, their society is almost as well maintained as ours, Ariala concluded, and set her sights on the road forward. Pokémon barely paid her and her group any notice, despite Vincent's hooded robe covering his appearance. I can't believe it. At first glance, this place seems completely normal. But what is it about these Pokémon that causes them to decline the blessings of the Tapu? And so much so that they would travel so far to violently protest?

The others watched her as she wandered off mumbling, and shrugged as they followed. Ariala never answered the question, she just explored without clear purpose. She did buy food and drink however, adapting to the positive vibes given out by the place. Within an hour or two the group had seen a good majority of the city, from its dining districts to a retail park and even an amusement sector filled with arcades and theatres for stage plays.

"I've been holding off on admitting this, but this city has changed greatly from how I last remember it. It's far more advanced," Vincent stated, settling down on a bench on the side of a street. The road they were on was quiet and moody, lined with many habitats made of stone. Ariala was examining a map next to the bench while the others stretched and took a break.

"Not my ideal area for a date though, that's for sure. As flashy as this place is, Nier deserves better," Charle remarked.

"Do you ever stop talking about Nier?" Vincent complained.

"Do you ever treat her as she deserves to be treated? A fantastic lady like her only comes by once in a man's dreams, after all," he replied with a cheeky smile. "You should be treating every day with her like it's your last!"

"I understand that way of thinking, but we think differently. Listen Charle, I don't appreciate you trying to lecture a married couple on how they should treat each other," Vincent folded his arms.

"Your marriage isn't even genuine. That's why it infuriates me so. This beautiful Meowstic deserves better than your efforts!" he snapped, pointing fingers at him with ridiculous enthusiasm.

"Oh boys, you can be so territorial sometimes, you know that?" Nier giggled, giving them both a playful look.

"I believe you mean 'possessive'," Vincent corrected.

"Shut up, I knew that! Listen Charle, me and Vincent may not have some fancy paper or ring to say that we're married, but we are, trust that much. Our commitment is different to most normal Pokémon," she explained.

"That's why I wanted you both, to be honest. You're nothing like the other royals. They can be so stuck up and stifling with their rules sometimes," Ariala admitted, half paying attention. She was focused on the map sign.

"But your highness, we're strict for a reason!" Naomi cried.

"Hush! Don't say that out loud," Vincent hissed. Barely any Pokémon paid attention, thankfully. "Anyway, point is, I don't like the way you talk to Nier anymore. I've been patient until now, but you just aren't respecting us at all."

"I don't mind, to be honest. I don't see the big deal," Nier shrugged.

"The big deal is that if you don't put your foot down and just tell him you aren't interested in him, he's going to keep fretting and hitting on you," Vincent warned.

"I think it's funny and sorta cute!" she giggled, covering her mouth. Charle slumped forward. "In a cartoony sorta way. When Charle gets a real girlfriend, he's gonna make her really happy."

"But don't you understand, my lady? There's only one woman I truly want to make as happy as you imply," he hinted. She tilted her head, to which the Meowth slumped.

"I won't find what I'm looking for here," Ariala said out loud, getting everyone's attention. "Perhaps if we stayed here for a few days, we would get to see the city's true colours, but we don't have that much time. So let's see if we can reach this 'Zodiac Temple' that's in the centre of the city. We'll have to pay for one of those Manectric buses to get there."

Before anyone could reply, a loud blast occurred in the stone house right next to them, and a huge Flamethrower streamed out from one of the windows. Ariala stepped away whilst Vincent and Naomi stood guard. They all flinched when a Grumpig fell through the door, covered in marks of damage and burns. A Blaziken followed, and stomped on the Grumpig's foot to keep it in the ground.

"You just don't get it, do you? It's over. You lost the bet, so the money's mine. You want more money, freaking work for it, don't gamble for it!" Blaziken hissed, ignoring the wails of pain from the Pokémon below him. "I'm sick and tired of you showing your ugly mug here every day, begging for money back. You've got three days, you hear me? Three days to get a job, cough up, or cough your last!"

"P-please get off! Okay okay, I'm begging you, no more pain, please!" Grumpig squealed.

"Looks like somebody pushed their luck," Charle commented, looking away. Ariala refused to dismiss it, despite the others turning away as well, and approached.

"Release him," she ordered with a straight face.

"And who're you? This Pokémon's been-" Blaziken growled.

"I understand the situation enough from those few words. But physically harming him will impair his ability to work. Hurting him serves no purpose," she reasoned. Blaziken spat and obeyed, slowly lifting his foot off. "Nier, this Pokémon is burnt. If you would heal him, please?"

"Wait, but if I-" she replied, glancing aside. Quite a few Pokémon were watching the scene.

"It matters not. Don't worry about it," Ariala smiled.

"Ari," Vincent muttered.

"If you say so," Nier replied with clear reluctance. She drew her rapier and held it upside-down so that the shiny orb was at the top, and then raised it high. "By the blessings of Tapu Lele and Tapu Fini, cure this soul with your healing powers. First Aid!"

The orb flashed and out came a soft, golden, glittery glow that showered sparkles over the damaged Grumpig. As each bit of glitter landed on him, it burst into a warm glow that sunk into his body, removing his burns and dirt. Seconds later he was back on his feet and admiring his healthy body, speechless at how quickly and magically he had just been healed.

"Huh. I thought that the rapier was just a fancy weapon for a fancy lady. I didn't know it could actually heal," Charle remarked.

"It's a double sided rapier. One side is a blade, the other, a healing staff. Me and Vincent needed someone to take care of us during our travels, after all," she clarified quietly, looking at the crowd around them. Many of the Pokémon now appeared to be all kinds of disgusted and scared, and avoided eye contact.

"Are you feeling better?" Ariala asked, silencing as Grumpig flinched away from her. He took the opportunity to run away, crying at the top of his voice. "… Why is he afraid?"

"I thought I recognised that voice when everything went quiet. You're awfully brave, using a Tapu blessing in a city like this," a familiar voice stated, drawing all eyes to it. Tundra the Greninja was stood in the doorway of the house, his arms folded and eyes thin.

"Tundra! At last, I've been looking for you this whole time," Ariala gasped.

"Hmm? I don't think you realise what kind of position you're in. We have no reason not to just outright kill you right here and now," Tundra warned, silencing them all. He slowly scanned the rest of the crowd, opening his eyes to appear more threatening. "Well? Don't just stand there, this isn't a pantomime. Get out of here! I will deal with them."

At his words the crowd began to disperse, Blaziken included, who went back into the house. Once they were all alone Tundra approached and hid his eyes again. "Princess Ariala, what the hell do you think you're doing here?"

"I came to stay true to my proposal. I want to resolve the issues you have with the Tapu," she answered, approaching without fear.

"Look- no- don't come near me!" he raised his voice.

"Ariala!" Naomi shouted. Ariala ignored them all until she was right up in Tundra's face, looking at him in the eyes without wavering.

"I want us to strike some kind of mutual agreement. If there is something I can do to resolve the conflicts you have with the Tapu and our society, then I will be willing to cooperate within reason. Now is the time to have your most important problems fixed." She proposed. "Please, Tundra. I do not want to see more Pokémon get hurt, or unnecessary violence performed. I am certain we can work something out-"

"Okay okay, I get it! Sheesh, you don't have to stand that close to me. Your breath stinks, what've you been eating? And you're still dressed in that ridiculous… disguise, if that's what you call it," he hissed. Ariala stepped backward. "You're speaking to the wrong Pokémon. Although I govern Stardust Treasury in a way, at the moment, we are ruled by our own religious mayor of sorts."

"Religious mayor?" Vincent replied.

"The high priest of the Constellars, Master Lin. At present, he and his followers fund and power our city with their magic, enabling us to survive. Without them, we would be out in the wilderness that you see surrounding this city. If you want to talk diplomacy, he is the one to talk to. He should be in the Zodiac Temple in the centre of the city," Tundra explained.

"We were about to head there, anyway. Thank you very much, Tundra," Ariala bowed to him. "Come on, everyone. The day will not wait for us. Let us set up a meeting with him."

"I have a bad feeling about this, your highness," Naomi warned, trotting after her. The others didn't say anything but followed anyway. Tundra watched them walk off with open eyes, joined by Blaziken after they left.

"Why did you let them off?" he wondered. Tundra groaned and fixed his tongue scarf.

"I have a bad feeling about this as well. But I want to see how this plays out, anyway," Tundra answered.

…

The Manectric Bus wasn't what they expected it to be. It was quite literally the process of renting a ride on the back of an electrified dog, and then having that dog take you to a designated stop in the city by running exceedingly fast. It was like a cheap Ponyta ride, except it had no safety equipment whatsoever.

It got them to their destination in the blink of an eye at least, an area devoid of all Pokémon. An enormous, perfectly rigid lake sat in the centre of the city littered with eerie, ghostly flowers with coiled petals and oversized buds. They floated on the water like lotus, spewing out an indescribably quirky stench that shrouded the area in pale mist. A single bridge with rotten planks led to the temple in the centre, an enormous structure that felt like it would disappear in the mist at any second.

"This is the place. But it doesn't feel like the place to talk," Ariala remarked, holding a hand out. Some sort of glitter filled the atmosphere around the lake, completing the scene by giving it a spatial feel. She couldn't touch the glitter as it faded on contact.

"Because it's a trap. Even I can see that!" Charle warned. "C'mon your highness! You've got to be smarter than this."

"Whether it is or isn't smart, I must understand the full situation. And if the Pokémon I seek is in there, then I must go," she stated, and marched forward. She gasped at the creaking of the planks beneath her, freezing to ensure that it was safe to walk on. If this bridge couldn't carry her, then what of her entourage?

"Something's been bugging me as well. Tundra called their leader 'Master Lin'. That was… his name," Vincent added, joining her with careful steps.

Oh right, Vincent's dad was called Lin, too, Nier realised, using her psychic to float across safely.

The temple looked just as any other sacred structure would look, both inside and out. Outside was aged but imposing, whilst inside was cold, vast, but well managed. The stained glass windows all showed off zodiac symbols, and each one shone a dark, spatial light onto the rows of benches. At the far end of the hall was a lone Pokémon clothed in a dark purple robe, sat down on a huge chair with his back to everyone.

Ariala couldn't help but stop here, in the central walkway between the benches. Only now was she beginning to get the unholy vibes of being in extreme danger. Her fur trembled from both fear and the actual cold, but her ears detected nothing. There was no one watching them, no one there breathing except herself and the Pokémon sat in the chair, their breaths visible before them as large gushes of frost.

"I've been expecting you, princess," the Pokémon spoke. The sudden speech of the snide voice made her flinch, and her face tensed up. The fact that no one else was saying anything told her that her allies were just as turned off by the situation, so she reached for her fan and made sure to grip it.

"Now now, there is no need to be nervous. I have cleared the hall for your arrival, your highness. You need not worry. Come forward and speak to me," the figure said, raising its right arm to wave slowly. Its voice was condescending and vile, yet wise and struggled, like that of a powerful old veteran. It pronounced every word with heavy emphasis. From this distance, Ariala could barely make out its hand either, but it looked like a claw.

"I said come forward and speak to me," it growled, gesturing a click with its sharp fingers. The movement of finger curling towards itself seemed to capture Ariala, and she went skidding across the floor against her will and control, psychically dragged right up to the large chair. She screamed and fought against it but couldn't do anything until the hand stopped its movement, in which she was now right behind the chair. As if knowing that, the chair spun around, revealing the pokemon at last.

Ariala could have screamed again if she didn't already. The monster sat before her clearly wasn't a Pokémon at all; unidentifiable to everything she knew was living in this world. It had the features of most Pokémon in its face at least – blue, wrinkly skin, pitch black eyeballs with piercing red pupils, amber hair shooting out from the tip of its layered forehead, a long, pointed nose, and a lipless mouth that was dryer than a desert. His whole face was, looking as if it could shatter into crust at a touch. Everything else of its body besides its hands and wrists was covered perfectly by its spatial coloured robe, almost causing the creature to blend in with the darkness – his eyes and skin stood out too much.

"Princess!" the others cried as Ariala tripped backwards, losing control of her calm completely. She hadn't realised she had drawn her fan and guarded her front with it, but she was thankful that the others soon stood guard over her. Just the sight of his abyssal eyes was enough to silence her from fright.

"That's a shame. I did the best I could to make this meeting to your standards, your highness. You would still have your guards attack me?" the figure continued, and slowly stood up. A large sash adorned with zodiac symbols appeared around his neck, each symbol glowing a bright, aqua blue. "I am Master Lin, high priest of the Constellars and governor of the Stardust Treasury. Didn't you want to speak to me?"

The others tightened their poses and held their weapons at the ready, resisting every urge to lash out at him. Seeing that, Ariala got to her feet and tried to approach, unable to stop herself from shuddering. She wasn't uncomfortably close to him, yet she could feel it. An overwhelming feeling in her body that told her she was dangerously close to death right now.

"Y-yes, I did. I wish to negotiate some terms with you about the outsiders of F-Faernia and the followers of the Tapu," she replied softly, clearing her throat to speak properly. "Some Pokémon from this city recently travelled to the Tower of the Tapu to protest against our planet's primary religion, our belief in the Tapu."

"I see. You have come to resolve this conflict. Well, let me be brief to settle your discomfort," Lin responded, stretching his wrinkly arms out wide. He clapped his sharp, claw-like hands together, causing the doors of the temple to shut with a loud slam. Everyone gasped and spun around at it, jumping back from Lin as he raised his hands with a wicked smile on his face. "Obey me and you shall get everything you desire from me, princess!"