Pokemon: Fire and Ice

Chapter 22

Ash decided it was the most boring, worst party he ever been to. He didn't know if that was because he was surrounded by Team Rocket agents or it was one of those awful adult parties. It was held in an elegant ballroom in one of Castelia's fanciest hotels. Beautiful grand chandeliers illuminated the room in a brilliant light, not allowing any corners of darkness. Faint classical music played, even though no one was listening to it. Tables of food and places to sit were spread out across the floor, each carefully decorated.

Filling the rest of the space were the party's guests. Most of them were none other than Team Rocket agents in disguise, taking advantage of the situation to escape their painful work. The rest of the guests were the city's powerful officials, businessmen, and simply wealthy citizens. Ash tried to hide his disgust towards them. Team Rocket's presence was obvious, and the official and businessmen were probably bribed into coming, while the rich had no reason to be here. They were only attending because they saw it something to do, oblivious to the fact they were surrounded by criminals. Ash quickly came to the conclusion that they were either too foolish, or more likely, too selfish to care.

The boy wanted nothing other than to be anywhere else, but as Giovanni's prisoner, he was forced to come along. And as Giovanni was the honored host, they were one of the first to arrive.

Ash tried to keep his distance from the bastard, aimlessly wandering across the gala. But once he found himself out of his uncle's protection, he immediately felt exposed. He was like vulnerable prey being swarmed by hungry sharks. It was because of that uncomfortable sensation that, no matter what the boy did, he eventually found himself by Giovanni's side. The man would only acknowledge him with a glance or some half-hearted greeting before returning to his business. But Ash stayed next to him like the good little heir he was.

"How about you sit down?" Giovanni offered. "You need to relax."

Ash was with him again, but he was restlessly fidgeting and avoiding curious glances. Giovanni, however, was settled comfortably in his seat as he sipped on his overpriced bourbon. Ash turned on him with an angry glare.

"I'm surrounded by Team Rocket and people who are too self-centered to do anything," he hissed. "How am I supposed to relax?"

And with that, the hot-headed brat stormed away. Pierce, one of the few agents still in uniform and on duty, saw his leave. The elite agent moved to follow him, but halted when his Boss raised his hand.

"Let him be," the man sighed.

"He's obviously not cooperating and bound to cause trouble," Pierce insisted. "The boy's not used to this."

Giovanni glanced at his nephew as he disappeared further down the ballroom. "He'll adjust."

Ash sighed as he forced to slow his rampage. The looks weren't worth it. Several times he had thought of escaping, but the forbidding figures clad in black surrounding the room's perimeter made him think twice. Now bored, the boy eyed and made his way of the buffet table, lined with extravagant appetizers. Well, there was nothing better to do. And the food did look good...

He was placing several spoonfuls on his plate when suddenly a figure appeared next to him.

"Long time no see," a friendly voice murmured to him.

Ash drew a short gasp before glancing at the man next to him. He was wearing a neat tux and had his head lowered, but Ash immediately recognized him.

"Agent Looker?" he gasped.

The IF agent shot him a friendly and amused look. "You didn't think we were going to leave you, did you?"

That was when Ash looked over the detective's shoulder to see a very familiar group. They were all dressed in formal attire and wearing facial masks like everyone else, but the boy recognized them immediately. Iris, Cilan, and even Professor Juniper! He immediately smiled and did everything in his power not to shout and jump in joy.