Marcus had stormed out of the hall, chest out and arms swaying; trying to be strong. He made it 20 steps down the corridor before breaking down against a wall and crying. Bawling, he curled up into a ball. Sofa came soon after trying to console his friend. "Just...go away."
Sofa proceeded to smack Marcus in the face. "What the heck man!?" Sofa picked up his friend and balanced him against the wall. He then banged his head against his stomach again and again. "HEY! OW! Stop that! What's wrong with you?" Marcus shoved Sofa away.
Sofa then stood in the middle of the corridor, stood up straight and saluted just like a Wobbuffet. "I'm not like her." Sofa then beat his head against Marcus' stomach again. "HEY!" Yet again, Sofa made the Wobbuffet pose. "I can't do this..." Sofa just stood there and stared at him...staring....staring.
Then nodded his head at Marcus. Marcus stayed silent for a long time, making no noise but his sniffling. He then rubbed his eyes and walking to his friend, "I hate it when you're right."
Together, the two friends returned to the Hall shoulder to shoulder right before the award ceremony.
Eira couldn't believe that she had lost. While she was glad that Marcus had managed to win when he was so against it in the beginning, she just couldn't believe she had lost when she had done so well. To say that it was a shot to her confidence was an understatement as she slumped against a wall after the award ceremony. Spheal rolled up to her and bumped her on the leg, giving a cheerful cry of his name. Eira shook her head, a few tears spilling over and rolling down her cheeks. She couldn't believe that she was so upset over losing, especially since she had never been one to care about competitions in the first place. Spheal called out to her once again, causing her to look down. Spheal bumped her leg once more before patting his stomach, a clear indication that he believed that everything was alright. Eira gave a watery smile to her partner before picking him up, deciding to prepare them for the long journey home instead of attending the ball.
We didn't come here expecting to win, we came here to be recognized and to earn respect. We have accomplished both, and made quite the bit of profit for it. I'll deposit this on my way out.
What about that ball, Sir? Should we go?
Of course we should, show our host that we're not sore losers. Besides, I haven't danced in a while. It'll be a good social experience for us.
What about that boy Marcus? If he's there, will our presence cause a disturbance?
It's like she said, the ballroom is massive. We can hide away, if need be.
The pair bowed and began to leave the stadium.
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Z was a bit let down that he had not won, but he took it with a smile and picked Axew up onto his shoulder. He decided his next step would be to collect Sparky from the pokemon center and head north with Eira to head to silvertree city. He hoped he was dressed warm enough for the trip and that sparky wouldn't get jealous that he was traveling with another girl.
"Lady Eira. If I may, a word." The red haired royal followed the mysterious woman out of the hall. "Color me intrigued by your person. If I may, I have a proposition for you. My guards have told me of more interesting news about you.
She straightened her displaced clothing from the increased pace she needed to catch up to the woman.
"Come to the ball. It is not a request." The guards that had caught up to Akane took a stance ready to arrest the woman if she refused. "I cannot ignore such an interesting person in my kingdom." The red woman walked away, her hair catching the sun's light and rippling like waves.
"Sanity is only an idea made real, to make those who are boring feel better." -Akane
Eira fidgeted under Akane's much heavier pressence, feeling like she had absolutely no choice but to follow Akane's demands even without the guards waiting for even the slightest bit of a rejection. Eira let out a breath she did not know she was holding as Akane left, knowing full well that she had better go to the ball or the red queen would have her hunted down. Eira looked down at Spheal as she headed for her room at the Pokemon Center. "What could have her so interested in me?"
Zandrophin watched the two royals meet after the judging. Eira tried to slip out, and Lady Akane stopped her...and basically ordered her to appear at the ball. Zandrophin chuckled about this.
That's what happens when you try to just walk out of somewhere, Sir.
Politics...how interesting.
Indeed, Sir. Are we still to attend the ball.
Of course...now we know at least someone else will be there. Perhaps Lady Akane will have more to share with us...I think we made quite the impression. Let's go get ready for tonight.
Do not fight for a cause or for what you believe in: Fight for yourself, because who you are rarely changes. Zandrophin
Walking back in just as his name was called, Marcus was greatly confused. "Wait, I won? What?!" He stood still and accepted his badge silently, bowing as low as possible for his award. Once it was all over, Marcus turned to Sofa, "What? We won? No seriously," Marcus spun around looking for someone to ask about a recount, "There's no way..." Sofa took out the badge and pinned it to his chest while Marcus was looking around. "Hey, no. stop that. Put that back, it's valuable."
Finding himself alone in the hall performance area with his Pokemon, Marcus was more than confused, but a guard escorted him out and told him to come to the palace tonight for the ball. "Ball? But I can't dance..." Marcus turned towards his friend, both now standing just outside of Houndoom Hall. "Well, we can't exactly say no. She gave us the badge. Guess we're gonna get you dressed up fancy tonight, buddy." Sofa turned to Marcus with a tilted, bewildered look on his face. *Fancy?*