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Ash really hated formal gatherings. But, the occasions he was invited to them were rarely optional, especially after becoming the Indigo League Champion. Status meant influence and the means to do good, but it's like that old comic book hero says — "With great power comes great responsibility."
And, that meant attending formal balls and functions to mingle with league officials, hometeam and abroad, charitable organizations, businesses, and more. It meant being crammed into a stuffy black suit, and tie, while entertaining dignitaries and whoever else. Now, he was a social Butterfree. He didn't mind talking to people. Doing it in this environment, however…
Well, it just had him awkwardly tugging at his white wrist cuff. The way it hugged his wrist felt like a bad itch. He wanted to tear the damn thing off, and with his strength, he probably could.
Luckily, this particular League Ball was so crowded that his fidgeting wasn't altogether noticeable. People talked and danced about him, not giving the Champion all that much attention… yet, anyway. He almost wished someone would hound him. It'd be a distraction.
"You really hate those things, don't you?" Right. He wasn't altogether alone. A tall woman tugged gently on his sleeve. Brownish-red shoulder-length hair curved into bangs framing her face, with two wild tufts standing out like a pair of ears. She had peach-toned skin and golden eyes, and her cherry lipstick matched her glimmering glitzy dress, with only one strap reaching over her shoulder, and reaching down just above her knees. "Who would have thought the Champion would be afraid of a little formal wear?"
"Look, we all have our weaknesses. You have Dark and Fairy-types, I've got this." Ash shot back, rolling his eyes at his date.
Formal events typically demanded a plus one. While he would have loved to bring Dawn or Serena along, both of them were currently in different regions, pursuing their dreams. Which was great, and he was happy for them, but it left him short. He'd come close to asking Misty, at least, to come along platonically, but another idea had struck him first.
He hadn't forgotten the glow his Latias had given off when he'd asked. That was, perhaps, the main thing powering him through tonight. The Eon was fully capable of disguising herself and blending in seamlessly. And better yet, she fit the bill for a well-mannered conversationalist.
"Bug and Dragon as well," Critias corrected Ash with a cheeky smile. She looked Ash up and down shamelessly. "But, look at you! Despite all your complaints, you look, well…" A cheeky purr rolled off of her tongue, telepathically. His hair was cut fairly short and neat, pardoning a well-coiffed set of bangs framing his forehead, and a few messy tufts framing his face as always. It complimented his sharp jawline, she thought, and his well-trimmed beard.
"I look what?" Ash prodded.
"Like a five-star, four-course meal," she giggled, before watching his eyes widen in real-time. "Oh, relax. I kept that between the two of us." Smiling brightly, Critias tugged on his arm. "Come on. Quit staring like a Deerling in headlights and dance with me, won't you?"
"Alriight, alright. You win, missy." He laughed, taking her offered hand to step onto the dance floor. Naturally, everyone who was already moving with their partner maintained a slow, steady ballad. It wasn't the most exciting, but it'd at least keep Ash from tripping over himself or Critias.
"Good!" Critias offered her hand to Ash, while placing her opposite on his hip. It took a bit of shuffling and fidgeting, but he found his place, and they started to step in tandem. "You still look stressed, though."
"Huh? Yeah, I guess. This is just a lil' on the slow side for me," Ash laughed sheepishly. "Feeling antsy, you know? I always liked festival dances more. You get to move and groove at your own pace!"
"That does sound more nice, I'll admit," Critias agreed. "Then, could I be your date at the next one you attend?" The little hopeful glint in her eyes made Ash's heart pound.
"Y-yeah! Of course you can!" Ash grinned. "The summer festival's coming up in a few months. We can go with Misty and Brock, Peeks, Gary, Tracey. You've never been to the ones in Kanto, have you?"
"It is my first full year here, so no, I haven't." Critias shook her head, leading Ash awkwardly, step by step. "Alto Mare has their own ceremony for it, though… The many channels are coated in a dazzling light… Oh, it's bittersweet, but it's absolutely beautiful. I think you'd like it."
"Maybe next year I'll come see." Ash gave her hand a gentle squeeze. He could see the brief loss of light in her eyes. The summer festival he had in mind was typically a day of seeing off the departed, and it wasn't hard to guess why it drew Critias's thoughts away. "This year, though, we're gonna scarf down all the fried food we can eat. Alright?"
"All we can eat? Until our stomachs ache?" She giggled.
"Until we can't eat another bite!" Her laughter was contagious. Critias was contagious. While he'd succeeded in drawing her attention away from her woes, Ash had also escaped his own.
"Oh! Excuse me… Champion?"
He'd escaped them until now, at least. But, the voice of an older man drew his attention and Critias's; the latter stopped dancing, and so did Ash. "Uh, that's me!" Smooth, Ketchum.
"Ahem! Yes, well, it's nice to make your acquaintance." A middle-aged man in a white suit greeted Ash with a very corporate smile. Critias noticed the lack of even a slight bow. Despite Ash's title, this man still had a decade or two on him in seniority. "You can call me Yuto. I work for Silph Company's Public Relations Department. I was hoping to meet you, face to face."
"Oh! Nice to meet you. Ash Ketchum," Ash introduced himself, offering his hand to shake. "But you've probably already heard my name," he laughed lightheartedly.
Yuto squinted, but met Ash's gesture nonetheless. "I believe I have. It's a pleasure."
~Sounding a little arrogant there, hun. That's not polite.~ Critias quietly relayed her thoughts to Ash, if only to help him. But, there was no undoing a little blunder, so she smiled sweetly, and held out a hand. "Ahem! He's new to the job. You'll have to forgive him. Critias," she introduced herself.
"Ahah… Yeah, sorry." Ash rubbed his neck guiltily. This was why he hated formal arrangements.
Yuto smiled and met Critias's handshake, despite the gaffe. "It's quite alright. I've heard our new Champion is the height of youthful enthusiasm; an error here and there is bound to happen. On that note, that's actually why I wanted to speak to you. Your commitment to making the region a safer place is admirable. I'm glad to see you take after your predecessor, Lance. He was always committed to KanJoh's wellbeing, if not quite as outspoken as you."
Ash was beginning to understand why this man was here. Silph was said to be among the present groups at the Spring Ball. With Ash's recent push to aggressively pursue Team Rocket, the league was becoming a touch more political, and they needed powerful sources of public support. Politics were the last thing Ash cared for, but if it meant making a difference…
"You know Lance! He's a no talk, all action kind of guy," Ash chuckled.
"Indeed. Normally I'd say that's the best way to go, but I have to give you credit; you put your money where your mouth is, so to speak. I don't think anybody in Silph has forgotten the takeover incident. That was… Four years ago now, wasn't it? The Silph Vigilantes?"
"Not what I want to be known as," Ash chuckled, "but, I'm glad I could do my part! And when it comes to protecting everyone from Team Rocket, I always will." The Champion thumped his fist against his chest.
"And that's very admirable. To say nothing of the human cost, many Pokémon were protected that day. I don't think anyone questions that you back up your candor."
"Yes, he is quite the hero isn't he?" Critias added, smiling sweetly. Although she was picking her words to aid Ash's cause, she very much meant it, linking her arm in his. "He's done so much for us!"
"Us…?" Yuto's nose scrunched. Critias could feel her heart jump into her throat at her faux pas, as scrutinizing eyes looked her over for anything amiss. His eyes landed on the sterling silver ring on her left ring finger. "Ah… Sorry, is that a Mega Stone?"
Although she technically wasn't here in secret, Critias hadn't hoped to make a stir. "Oh! Um, yes," she giggled out nervously, holding up her hand to show off her prized possession. A swirl of lavenders, pinks and reds glimmered in the marble atop her ring. "It's, ahem, a Latiasite."
"Yup! That's Critias." Ash gently pulled on her arm, flashing his brightest smile. Either he didn't realize the man was giving her an odd look, or he wasn't going to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging it. "Latios and Latias are pretty amazing that way. They can disguise themselves as anything!"
The slick-haired businessman blinked twice. His lips pulled into a thin line before he managed another plastered smile. "Aha, yes! I'm sorry, I should have known better… Leave it to the Champion to attend with a legendary Pokémon as his plus one."
"He does have a knack for the improbable." Critias cleared her throat. If that was the end of his poking, that would be fine and good, she thought.
"Indeed. Though, it's awfully nice that you can disguise yourself to suit this event, isn't it?"
Critias bit the inside of her lip. "I beg your pardon?"
"Well, I… you know, I really shouldn't have to spell it out." Yuto chuckled in a quiet manner that he seemed to think was polite. Or, at least walking a line that he realized he'd stumbled onto.
"No, I don't think I'm quite clear on what you mean, actually," Critias enunciated.
"Well, I don't want to be untoward… But, I can't imagine the Champion would enjoy the optics of attending a formal public event with a dragon hanging off of his arm… Or, an avian? I'm not really familiar with the Eon duo, forgive me," the man laughed. As if none of the wretched, hurtful bile slipping from his lips had burned his throat on the way out.
Her tear ducts started to burn, holding back what was surely a torrent. Moreover, Critias felt sick. Hot, perhaps, from the blazing red filling her cheeks. How could just a couple of sentences make her feel so humiliated? She shouldn't be so weak as to crumble to a couple of…
…A couple of ugly truths, perhaps. Although she clutched Ash's arm, she was too ashamed to even notice that her accompanying party hadn't even gotten a word in, edgewise.
Yuto, on the other hand, was starting to pick up on the atmosphere he'd created. He coughed into his hand. "Ahem… Excuse me. I should be going. I do hope to speak with you again soon, Champion. Have a pleasant evening." With that, the man turned to walk the other way.
Critias felt rotten. So rotten that she only just noticed Ash's arm clutch more tightly around hers. When she looked up to meet his gaze, she was astonished. His jaw was clenched and locked, baring his rather sharp canines, and his features were twisted in something between shock and fury. It was perhaps the angriest she'd ever seen him.
"Apologize."
Yuto slowed in his steps. He'd surely heard Ash say something, though he hadn't stopped yet.
~Ash, please.~ Critias relayed to him only, lightly pulling on his arm. ~It's not that important.~
"I don't think you heard me," Ash hissed out. It was like he hadn't even heard her. "Get back here and apologize."
"I… beg your pardon?" Yuto held a hand up to cup his ear, as if to encourage Ash to repeat himself.
"Do you have something in your ear? Take back what you said to Critias," Ash repeated. His words were no longer hushed to a discretionary volume, and were starting to attract looks.
~Ash, please,~ Critias prompted. ~I'm as angry as you are, but this isn't the time or place…~
"There is no other time," he muttered back to her, as the businessman made his return.
"Champion, please… Ahem." Yuto coughed into his hand. "You're attracting stares. I'm sure you can understand what I meant…"
"I understand exactly what you meant. You were telling my date I should be embarrassed to be with her. If anyone's an embarrassment here, it's you!"
"I… er, you…" The businessman was wide-eyed. He sounded like he had a frog in his throat, stumbling over his words, anxiously and indignantly adjusting his collar. "With all due respect, I don't believe this is how a Champion should be-'
"I could be a Mankey's uncle, for all I care! That doesn't give you the-"
"Ahem!"
Lance loudly cleared his throat, with a steady authority that attracted and quieted anyone in the immediate vicinity. Standing at the forefront of the ball, the Dragon Master stood, clad in a pristine white suit with gold and green trimmings. His tall and upright posture reflected authority, as it always did. Ash could spot the irritated twitch of his brow, but only because he'd known the man so long. He had the feeling he'd be chewed out about this later. Not that he cared.
With that said, Lance took a deep breath, maintaining his composure. "I'm sorry to intervene, gentlemen… But, is there a problem here?"
Although Critias had already been taking it in, this was the first time Ash noticed that a muttering audience had turned all of their attention on the Champion and their opinionated guest.
Critias wanted to crawl into a hole and disappear.
Ash, on the other hand, held his ground. "That's a good question, Lance. Why don't we ask our friend Yuto? Do you want to tell Lance what you said?"
Critias blinked the tears out of her eyes, turning to the initial offender. He looked as white a sheet; all the color had drained from his face and then some.
"I, erm… it's… really not necessary! It's… It was just a trite misunderstanding," the man muttered, thoroughly embarrassed under the crowd's eye. "I, ahem, apologize for troubling all of you." For the first time, he bowed his head, before shrinking and shuffling into the crowd.
As the perpetrator had made himself scarce, Lance exhaled sharply through his nose. "...Very well, then. Pardon the commotion, everyone." A mere few words garnered command of the gathering, and the majority of attendants went back to mingling among themselves.
Though a few still lingered and muttered gossip, the storm had passed.
"I'm… going to get some fresh air," Critias muttered. Although Ash called her name, she quickly made her exit, hiding her visage behind the back of his hand.
Ash breathed a heavy sigh. Before he could pursue her though, he caught Lance's eye.
His predecessor nodded his head towards the refreshments, beckoning him without a word.
Ash walked over to meet Lance, who was gently swishing a glass of wine in his occupied hand. He could see the indent of the man's furrowed brow. But, Lance was rarely one to snap.
His rage was usually silent, like the calm right before the storm. "Might I ask what prompted you to make such a scene at a gathering for the purposes of public relations? Or have you already forgotten why you chose to inherit the throne of Championhood? I'd certainly hope not."
"Never," Ash shook his head. He reached for one of the hors d'oeuvres sitting on the table, popping it into his mouth. A quick sample would hopefully help calm him. "I just… couldn't take that sitting down. You should've heard the way he was talking to Critias. Where the hell does he get off?"
"That was one of Silph's men, no…?" Lance raised a brow. "I can't imagine he'd have a reason to pick fights at an event meant for making connections. It's not exactly good for public relations."
"Get this. He was their PR department." Ash rolled his eyes. "Made some crack about how she's lucky she could disguise herself, because we'd look bad if she didn't. It was humiliating for her!"
"I do need to coach you on responding to indignities with tact," Lance grumbled. "I'll take the blame for that much. With that said… As much as it's your job to keep up appearances, standing by your own is an even greater priority. As a trainer, as well as… Whatever label you might give your standing with her. A precious partner is precious, all the same."
"She is precious," Ash insisted. "And I don't give a shit that she's a dragon, or whatever. She's a person. She's been there for me when I was at my worst. Just last winter…" His fist tightened. The perils and turmoil of his journey through northern Johto were still fresh in his mind.
"I am aware of your pilgrimage," Lance assured. His hand fell on Ash's shoulder. Steady and affirming. In such a short time, Lance had become not just a guide in Ash's career, but perhaps in life, as well. "And none understands the heart of dragons quite as much as members of the Dragon Clan. She is an intelligent and steadfast partner, in any respect. But, she just had that challenged and spat on, in front of a crowd. Even a strong heart can waver, as you know well."
"You're damn right I do," Ash muttered. His hand hovered near the laid out morsels, before it hit him that he didn't have the stomach for it, right now. His gut was tied up in knots. "But… What should I do?" I can't just leave her hanging like that."
"You can't. I assure you she's telling herself to be strong. To endure her humiliation and ostracization with an iron will. But, you must challenge and crush any misconceptions brought forth to her without mercy or restraint. Remind her of who she is to you. To our region. I don't believe I need to tell you that she's been vital in our fight for justice, since your reunion."
Indeed, she'd committed herself to the cause of crushing Team Rocket, ever since she'd joined Ash in Johto. Her speed, stealth, power, and intelligence had all been key in their G-Men missions, since. "...Thanks, Lance. I'm glad you see her the same way I do."
"Maybe not quite the same," the man chuckled in good humor. "But, in all respects that matter."
"Aha, right! Right." Ash shook his head, and took a deep breath. "...I think I've got it. Thanks, Lance." His eyes widened. "Oh, but what about Silph?"
"Leave it in my hands. Should anything unfortunate come upon us, I will make the nature of your altercation quite clear. No representative should be making unsolicited personal comments." Lance showed the faintest hint of a smile. "Now, make haste."
Despite his lingering anger, Ash smiled. "Thanks, Lance. You know, you may be a total hardass, but you're a good boss." He gave the redhead a fraternal pat on the back, before walking off.
Lance stared at the youth, unblinking. "...Was the backhanded compliment truly necessary?"
The one refuge of this awful night, perhaps, was that the weather outside was pleasant. The early throes of spring delivered a gentle, temperate breeze, nudging her chestnut bangs. Stars were scarce, with Indigo Village's light pollution drowning out the majority of that natural beauty.
It was funny, really; how a crowded, suffocating populace could choke out natural light in all of its unique beauty, to enforce a man-crafted standard. The stars, forced to hide their natural glow.
It felt poetic, even.
"Hey. How's my favorite Eon doing?"
Critias jolted upright. She normally felt his presence coming. But, Ash had caught her completely by surprise. He leaned against a nearby wall, outside the Indigo Hall. His smile was hopeful, but rather transparent.
"...I should just go home. You can tell them I felt ill." She linked her arms behind her back, averting her eyes. He didn't need to see her tears.
"You're not going anywhere," Ash answered. "You're right where you ought to be."
"Clearly, I'm not," she spat bitterly. "You heard him. I'm a source of shame for you. Better off hidden."
"Screw that guy!" Ash snapped back. "What does some stiff with an attitude problem know?"
"If I can be honest…" Critias looked up to meet Ash's gaze. Her golden hues trembled intermittently. Her eyes were red and puffy, and tears still stained her cheeks. "...It's not just him. I've feared this, since our reunion… No, that's not right, either." She sniffled. "It's… gone back much further. For all my errant daydreams of meeting you again… Part of me knew that it was a far-off fantasy. That we could never be. No matter how much I wished for it."
"We could never… Critias, where the hell is this coming from?" Ash asked. Hurt and confusion was written all over his features.
"Look at what just happened, Ash. It was inevitable! I can hide, behind this mirage…" She stared down at her human hands. "But, behind it, I'm just…" She only stopped when Ash took her trembling hands in his. They were as steady as they were warm.
"Behind it, you're one of the most amazing people I've ever met." He gently squeezed her palms, running his thumbs over her false fingertips. Her shell. "When we met, you showed me nothing but kindness. You trusted me with a home that you never showed anyone, played with us… Being there in that garden with you was one of the best days I've ever had."
"And I'll never regret that day. I knew I could trust you and your heart. I never stopped. But… not everyone is you. What of them? What of your career? How long until someone else takes issue, and I become a problem for you?"
"The next person can take their problems and shove it up their… well, you get the idea." Ash rubbed his neck. "Listen. You're not a problem. You never have been, and you never will be."
"And, the next time someone sees through my façade?" She asked. He hopes hung on whatever Ash words chose to speak. Her posture hung forward. Wide, glassy eyes awaited him.
"Forget your façade!" Ash waved a hand dismissively. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I like it… You've got it going on," he purred, looking the tall, well-dressed bombshell up and down.
Critias giggled behind her hand. "Well, thank you. But, I'm not sure what you're getting at."
"I like how you look, like this… But, I want to see the real you, tonight. I don't want a question in anyone's minds about you. About us. So, c'mon. Drop it, alright? Drop it, and let's get back inside. We didn't finish our dance."
"...You're serious." Critias blinked, skeptical of his words.
"Am I the type to kid around with stuff like this?" Ash asked.
His eyes said no. She exhaled. "...Very well. But, can I keep the dress?"
"Do you want to keep it?"
"I do." Critias twirled on her feet. The thigh-length dress twirled about her, glittering under the stars. "It makes me feel distinguished. Sophisticated, even!"
"Then that settles it, Miss Highbrow," Ash snorted. "Let's see it!"
A great radiance swallowed the whole of Critias's form; eclipsing Indigo on Earth, and the heavens above all at once. A beautiful shell broke away to shed light on the Eon, inside.
Critias hovered just above ground, taking her proper form, with snow white and striking red feathers, grand and proud wings, and the same kind, golden eyes. Just as she'd said, though, she wore the same dress she'd disguised herself in, hanging a bit awkwardly off her form, perhaps, with its one strap draped over one of her wings. She looked herself over, blinking.
~How do I look?~
Ash took in the sight of his plus one from head to toe. Her dress blended in with her form; it looked as though her feathers were shimmering under the heavens. More importantly, she looked content with herself. The smile she wore made his heart jump into his throat, most of all.
"You look fan-friggin'-tastic."
She would be lying if she told herself that they weren't attracting looks, after taking to the dance floor. Eyes did linger on herself and the Champion, while he attempted to lead his steps with some awkward difficulty. His formal dance skills were rusty, at best, and the fact that her feet didn't quite touch the ground in the first place made finding harmony difficult.
"You should feel lucky—" A chortling Charles Goodshow had jeered, laughing behind his beard — "As long as you're floating, he can't step on your toes!"
She felt like an outlier, for sure. She'd been asked where she got a dress that suited her shape, before politely explaining that it was illusory. She'd heard jokes about Ash being accompanied by such a rarity that, luckily, didn't follow Yuto's terrible script, afterward.
She'd simply said he was one of a kind. This was true; the dashing man who'd been the apple of her eye, and partner in heroism for so long was wholly distinct. In the way he'd pointedly stare at anyone whose gaze lingered too long. In the way he got carried away, and spun her by the tip of her claw, forgetting this was a slow, dignified dance…
She'd laughed her way through that one.
In the way he cradled her round body without shame, holding her close with his hand on her waist. The complete absence of space between them took her breath away.
"So… You feeling better?" His voice was sweet as honey. His saccharine smile made her sure she'd get cavities, just taking it in. "Or, am I going to have to tell someone else off?"
~No, no.~ Critias took the lead in their ballad, stepping in a half circle before throwing her weight into a complete reversal; she lifted and pulled Ash into a dip. Floating above him, and cradling his back with the smuggest of expressions. ~I do believe I've been put at ease.~
He stared at the Eon, wide-eyed. Perhaps he'd been psyched out by how easily she'd lifted him into her arms. Or, perhaps she was just too close for him to think straight. Either way, nervous laughter was his immediate response. "Good, 'cause I don't want anyone interrupting our night."
"Oh! Pardon me, I'll come back later, then." A gruff, almost elderly voice jolted the two out of their trance. His was scratchy and thick, as if it'd been laden with tar; like he'd smoked too many cigars in his lifetime.
Ash immediately recognized that voice. Before he knew it, too, Critias had placed him and herself back upright with her telekinesis. "President Silph!" He exclaimed. "What a surprise."
"It's a pleasure." A short, stocky man with a bushy mustache and a receding hairline had made their acquaintance. His mustache turned up with the creases of his lips; a sure smile, even if it was hidden. "I hear that there was a touch of commotion with one of our employees."
~I'm afraid there was.~ Critiasfrowned, bowing her head with her claws crossed in front of her dress. ~You'll have to forgive us. I know that the League's connections with Silph are very important. I'd hate to compromise that, even if I do have my pride.~
"Oh, nonsense!" The President dismissed her apology with haste. "From all I've heard so far, our interests are squarely in common… I know that well, from the history I share with your company," he gestured to Ash. "This man saved my life, when he was too young to even drive!"
~Like I said to Mister Yuto… He's a treasure.~ She smiled, and held out her clawed hand. ~Critias. Nice to meet you, President.~
Unlike his employee, Silph didn't hesitate, shaking her hand. His eyes widened, though, as his pudgy finger grazed the sterling on her ring. "Hm…? Ah! A Mega Stone. Incredible little things, are they not? Using the power of a bond between two kindred spirits for battles…? I love it!"
Ash grinned. This was an excellent change of pace. "It's amazing, isn't it? And, that's what we're all about! A Kanto and Johto that work for people and Pokémon! You know?"
"I believe I do!" Silph nodded emphatically. He chortled, then. "Well, I'd love to talk details with you and your associates more soon, Ash. But I believe we've troubled you enough for one night. You'll hear from us again, soon," he bowed his head.
"Aha, right… It's been a heck of a night," Ash chuckled nervously. That was putting it lightly.
~It was nice meeting you, President!~ Critias cooed, waving him off. With that, the President saw fit to make himself scarce as well. ~Very sweet man. He's better than his PR team.~
"He's a great guy. Covered our asses, when the whole incident went down." Ash nodded fondly. When the man was out of earshot, he smirked. "Now, what was that I told you about how you'd blend in, just fine, Kan?"
~I do believe it's time for me to, as they say, 'eat my words.'~ The Eon shook her head, smiling wistfully. ~Now, shall we resume where we left off?~
"You're on!" Ash laughed, as he reached for her claws, once more.
They resumed their ballad about the dance floor. Claw in hand. Glimmering red dress, contrasting with a dapper black suit. Wings dipped in to cradle her beloved.
With that touch of privacy, she grazed his cheek with her lips. She felt no need to hide, this time. There was no ambiguity or anonymity, behind a friend's visage. Hot spotlight shone down upon the Champion and his plus one, and that was fine. She was visible, and she was free.
Being seen was difficult. It was complicated. But, Critias preferred it to secrecy.