Pokemon: The Queen of Kalos

The Ball! And a Battle!

Even in canon this evolution makes no sense, but I have to roll with it. At least the battle's going to be a lot more interesting! And there's an announcement at the end that I'm sure will make this chapter worth it!

~

All the guests began to pair up and dance. Clemont and Pine were being very awkward, with the former as still as a robot, but as music began to play and the Pokemon eased into it, they relaxed a bit. Crystal and Red were dancing too, with a lot more experience as both had attended balls before and were more in tune when it came to music and dancing.

Miette and Serena both stayed off to the side, staring enviously at Zenith and Ash dancing. The honey blonde just got done doing a twirl when Bonnie ran over. "Can I dance with you guys, too? Please? Please?"

Zenith ruffled her hair and held out a hand. "Sure thing! Here, like this." She showed Bonnie how to step in a pattern to the rhythm of the song, holding both hands in front of them since Bonnie was too short to dance with the girl normally. "I think you're getting the hang of this!"

"Yay!" Bonnie was swirled around, and as she did, she got a look at her brother dancing, awkwardly doing the waltz. "Yay, Clemont, looking good!" She curtsied goodbye to Zenith and went over to see them.

"I'm glad she's having a good time. At first I was a bit worried she would get bored, but it looks like getting to dress up and spend time with us and our Pokemon is enough."

Ash held out his hand. "Care to have this dance?"

"Another? Sure you're not getting greedy?" Zenith asked wryly, taking the offer. Her skirt fluttered as they danced, and the waltz around the room let her see all the guests. She recognized a lot of the performers from prior showcases, like Jessilee, who was spinning her own date around.

All these people here aspire to take my crown one day... If I let them beat me, I lose my platform and get set back months, but if I beat them, I could be crushing their dreams! Not to mention if they face off against me in the finals and lose, they have to turn in their, and gather another three, Princess Keys to even try challenging me again. The only people I never feel bad for beating is Yuki and Rose, because they have the same goals as me. Not to mention they actually have a fair chance of beating me. It was pure luck I came out on top last time, and a really close match.

"I would never take a dance with you for granted," Ash finally told her. "Each one is special!"

When they slowed to a stop, Monsieur Pierre quieted everyone down and got their attention. "Alright, everyone, form into circles. It's time to change partners! Then, let's dance!"

"So much for that," Zenith said with a laugh, spinning Ash instead of the other way around. He looked pretty down, but she lifted his face up and gave him a soft smile. "Don't be sad. I'm sure we'll run into each other again before the end. Don't forget there's still some special events planned soon enough."

"Okay... I'll see you soon, Zenith, I promise!" He said as he was approached by a blonde girl in a white and light blue dress with a veil over her face. Zenith thought she recognized her when she was approached by a blond in a black suit with yellow and green highlights, a black veil over his own face.

She took his hand as they went into the formation of the outside of the circle, with the Pokemon on the inside. "Alors, music, and we're off!" Monsieur Pierre said with a snap once everyone found a new partner.

It was only when they began to dance that Zenith got a look at the boy's face, nearly tripping from the surprise. Quickly righting herself and getting back into the rhythm of the dance, she lowered her head and hissed. "Bolt? What are you doing here? And is that Icy with Ash, then?"