Lover's Day Ball [OPEN TO ALL]

It felt like forever… All these people, Celosian and not, hand after hand, the Red Queen was beginning to get very bored all by herself. Especially with the man who still hadn’t left her side yet, and who also seemingly didn’t notice she wasn’t listening anymore. At one point she did remember her eyes flicking to a familiar face she picked out near instantly. She allowed herself to even be read by Mentus by thinking very clearly, ‘Good evening Zandrophin. Always nice to see you.’ while temporarily ignoring the person in front of her, and only getting away with it because of the polite yet fake smile she always wore greeting her people.

She returned to listening to the people lined up to meet her, waiting patiently for Nicole, not noticing her date was an actual person. She would have laughed to herself if it would not have seemed rude after Nicole yelled back for her to wait. “Surprising the Duchess found someone, being so young.” The women she was greeting angrily grumbled, obviously confused as to why a nobody would have risen to such a high position. Akane only smiled sweetly and responded with a voice like fine silk.

“Age has nothing to do with maturity. With her ability, it’s a wonder she doesn’t have more.” The two women had their forced laughs, and the other moved on obviously upset about not being to size-up Lady Eira.

It was no surprise for Zandrophin to show up. Akane was most pleased someone interesting finally joined her. ”Evening Zandrophin.” She curtsied, outstretching her magnificent, yet simple gown. ”Yes I am pleased. I hope to bring many festivals from our home to this land, but possibly with more of our own flare.” She thought his words had an eerie underlying tone to them, but she wasn’t about to question with so many witnesses. She gestured and announced to those waiting in line that she was done greeting for the time being. Slowly they scattered with only the few truly desperate to greet her still waiting.

”I trust you are well? It’s been some time since I’ve had a mission for you. After the lugia fiasco, I imagined you needed a break… speaking of which…” She never let the eternal burning gem out of her sight. ”How is Zapdos? I trust he is doing well in your care?” Her hand cradled around the gem in the hidden pocket within the folds of her dress. The burning sensation didn’t really bother her anymore, she was used to it.

She had said yes…. She had actually said yes…! He couldn’t believe his luck! Quickly he shared a look of astonishment with Shard before he realized she had said more after that. Something about the two of them needing to head over to where the Celosian queen was and a question of why she had to go over there. “Um… I think it was s-something about g-greeting people?” He too wasn’t exactly sure why the girl had to go over to the Celosian queen either. Hopefully he was right and he wasn’t going to make the other embarrassed. That would suck…. A lot…. “Well… should w-we head over t-there now? I m-mean… I think you’ve b-been talking to m-me for a while.” Then it hit him…. “W-wait…. Earlier d-did the Celosian queen call you D-Duchess?!” This was said loudly and somewhat high pitched. Because if he had heard that right, he had been talking to someone who had power… and had totally made a fool of himself. Heck, he had even almost inadvertently insulted her on accident with his words. Way to go Maleko, you screwed up big time!

Tanya gave a soft annoyed grumble as she tried to remember why she was here in the first place. Was it the prize? Yeah, that had to be it. But then again, the fine print said that it went to the best couple at this shindig. Man, why the heck did there even have to be a holiday for couples? Grumbling some more, she looked over at Esperanza who was holding onto her arm, and sighed. The bug Pokemon had somehow managed to wrinkle up the little ribbon she had put on her, that matched the dress Tanya had decided to buy and wear to this ball. “Ranza, look what you’ve done. That doesn’t look attractive at all.” She commented to the Pokemon, who merely gave her a version of a shrug.

Tanya’s eyes narrowed at that and she brought the arm Esperanza was on up so she could use her free hand to try and fix the problem. “If I have to look nice, you are going to suffer as well, dang it all! Don’t you dare think, just because you are my friend, I will not shove your sorry self back into your Pokeball if you don’t behave!” She snapped, the fingers on her free hand moving on the ribbon trying to un-wrinkle the thin fabric, all the while Esperanza gave off a whine of annoyance and protest at her trainer’s actions. She didn’t want to look nice Dang it! She didn’t want to deal with fashion like most of her species did. She wanted to rebel against her nature, and wrinkling the ribbon was part of it all!

Nicole had no idea why her having a title would matter to the boy. And she also was starting to feel the need to not head over to Akane, if he was telling the truth about her having to greet people. She was not social by nature, so why would the red queen think it would be a good idea for her to talk to people in the first place? “It shouldn’t matter whether or not I have a title… It’s just something tacked onto my name as far as I’m concerned.” She said casually, feeling the need to stall becoming great, but at the same time, fighting it off knowing that making Akane wait would only make the woman upset. “Come on… We should head over to where Akane is waiting. I can’t stall this for too long or things will not be too pleasant.” She said taking the boy’s hand in hers. It was the right thing to do right? I mean he was her date now right? After she took a small inhale and gave a small exhale, she gently started to lead the other over to where the Red Queen was standing, as well as the familiar figure of Zandrophin, who also now was visible to her. She hoped then, that she and her date wouldn’t be dragged into an awkward conversation with both of them.

    The Chief of the Bureau of Pokemon and Land Management Rangers in Asemon stood at the Food Arrangement table, he quickly thought about what to eat, but decided against it and picked up a cup and poured some Punch into it. This was a Fancy party and it was a shame that the Ranger wasn't quite dressed for it even though back at Camp he had a proper Dress uniform. He felt uneasy as he stood out of place in his Green Cargo Pants, tan boots, black top and red half-jacket with BPLM Ranger Patches on them.

"Hmmm, maybe I should of dressed a little more appropriately for this situation." he thought to himself watching all the other guys at the party, watching all the fancy probably stuck up suits go around and flirt with the ladies "Ugh, I can't believe that they convinced me to come here, what do I do now... they all look as if they know each other."

Suddenly one of the party goers caught the Chief Rangers Eye, a man in a black uniform... a Military Uniform to be exact 'Well... he's certainly not dressed for this fancy party either.' he mumbled under his breathe, trying not to get anyone'sattention.
        

As if her words metamorphosed into tangible arrows, she fired them straight through his chest cavity. His limbs had drained in an aching, throbbing weight in his chest, leaving the rest of him hollow and numb. His lips were closed, but he pressed them even tighter together to seal any further comments back. He stood there for a moment with no comforts, he wished desperately for a facepalm, a snigger, anything from Kaname to wrangle him back into his comfort zone. But he was only met with Mariko’s disappointed glare. Alright. She had won. She convinced him what he did was wrong. ’Why must she keep staring like that? I’m not a child; I learn and learn quickly from my mistakes.’

The green mass of some sort of pokemon moved in to protect its trainer, a reflex from all the negativity Tsubame must’ve been putting off. Even if his outsides looked like stone, like her words were merely a nick to such an enduring piece of art, his aura surely would have been a thunderstorm, with each bang of his heart against his chest being a bolt of lightning.

Mariko brushed off the pokemon, calmly stating the blue haired man would never hurt her or her pokemon. Tsubame’s insides warmed a little at the comment. Though it was not entirely true, he could do many stupid things without knowing it and endanger many people. A shadowy, blonde figure stuck out in his mind, cracking an evil smile and stretching out a bony, clawed hand for him. He walked towards the side of Mariko that didn’t have the pokemon hovering around it, his face lowered and dark as his deep-ocean blue hair covered his eyes. His heart was pounding, his palms were sweating, he was in so much pain, he thought his heart might actually give out; especially now that he found his arms had wrapped around the cerulean crystal eyed woman he had sought the comfort of this evening.

He soon realized his limbs had begun to warm up, maybe even ignite he was so warm. She smelled wonderful, calming, gentle, everything he needed right now. His palms and his fingertips gingerly held her back to keep her close, at least as long as she would let him. He gently rested his jaw against her hair and closed his eyes. ’If she’ll let me, I’ll start our first dance with her like this.’ The thought drifted into his mind slowly, like a feather falling into a pond. Once the thought it through, he realized she may be uncomfortable with his body (pelvis included ) being so close to her. His brain began yelling for him to release her when he realized just how close she was, but his body was too comfortable to let go. Before she could push him away, he gave her a small squeeze around her waist.

Zandrophin shrugged with a small grin at the comment regarding his ability to discreetly gather information.

'We all work with the tools we're provided, Highness.'

Then the request for his aid was brought forth. Zandrophin raised an eyebrow and took the slip he was offered. He saw the map flash in his mind, trusting that Mentus had memorized it.

'A Psychic type? I can't say I blame you,' he ruffled Mentus' ears, 'they are pretty great.'

Something up North is stirring up trouble, old friend...perhaps that's why we felt uneasy?

It is possible, Sir...

Zandrophin came back out of his musing to simply nod at Adamantite.

"A very lovely specimen, Highness. I'm sure it will serve you well."

As they moved through the crowd, Zandrophin and Mentus were taking in all information from the revelers around them. Many had noticed them walking with the queen, including his old business associate. He nodded slightly at Prasha as he passed. He seemed like little more than a mercenary, but whatever he enjoyed doing...Zandrophin hoped he was making the best of it.

Zandrophin bowed slightly as Akane left, scoffing quietly as he remarked,

Look out for anything unusual?...Like we do anything else, old friend?

Very true, Sir...this shouldn't be too difficult.

As the party went on, Zandrophin continued to scan the crowd. He recognized many faces, but there were also some unfamiliar ones, as well.