Formal Surprises (Pokémon AU)

ACT I

His dark eyes glinted with the moonlight as others followed suit around him. Adjusting his tuxedo—dusting and smoothing it—Giovanni opted to take a casual stroll, Jessie and James, their arms interlocked, pursuing him. Stepping into the mansion, the lights from the chandeliers reflected in the glossy marble floor, the walls a beautiful neutral color, and the carpet on the grand staircase a deep shade of red. Gala-goers danced about, chatted, and drinked. Gazing around the party, the costumes of the couples were as about what he expected. A variety of suits, mermaid dresses, hoop skirts, the like, and the female hairstyles were nothing short of dramatic.

Standing off in a different section of the main foyer was Ash, Misty, and Brock. The former sported a groomed suit (courtesy of his mother), the girl wore a flowy periwinkle dress, and the latter dressed in a two-piece outfit. Twirling around, her dress fluttering about, Misty smiled cheerfully. „This is such a pretty party!"

„Yeah, it was so kind of Erika to invite us," Ash relied, taking a sip of his punch. „It's only a shame that Pikachu can't be here..."

„But, imagine if everyone had their Pokémon out? It'd be so confusing and crowded!" Brock chuckled, straightening his vest.

„I... I guess you're right—"

Suddenly, the voice of a young girl filled the air, everyone's attention being turned to her. She looked to be around the kids' ages, about ten; her dark green hair was pulled up tightly into almost a beehive hairdo, loose pieces being curled and lining her face, along with her bangs. Her classy gown glowed shades of red and white and looked like a spotlight from how it surrounded her and a lace train trailed longingly behind her. Most striking of all was what was placed on her head: a shimmering diamond tiara.

„Excuse me—may I have your attention! Hello and good evening to you all!"

She curtsied as cheers and clinking of glasses arose from partiers.

„I will first like to personally thank all of you for attending the ball. My name is Aisaki, the daughter of Tadachi-Senpai."

„Tadachi? The entrepreneur and jeweler? No wonder the ball is at his home!" Misty squealed softly, shaking Ash and Brock's arms. „I love his jewelry!"

„And I will like to formally announce that, later this evening, I will hold a dancing competition. The prize being..."

A butler kneeled down beside her, a rhinestone-encrusted box in hand. Opening it gently, Aisaki held up a scroll. „The location of the private and secluded oasis my father discovered all those years ago."

Many awed at the sound of it. Tadachi Hasumi scored fame and fortune in his earlier years when he discovered a hidden paradise full of natural minerals, plants, and even Pokémon. Now that he was an older man, already having a business of his own, there was no need to ruin the beauty of the place, so he left it be, naming it Tadachi no himitsu. It is now a popular and secret location that many would love to find, Tadachi even making it illegal to take from there, including capturing the roaming and free Pokémon.

The announcement of the grand prize captured Giovanni's full attention. He knew that there were to be many Pokémon he could take—even minerals to sell. Grinning, the quiet and exasperated cheering from Jessie and James echoed in his ears. Pinching the both of them to hush them up, Giovanni watched as Aisaki replaced the scroll and took the box, wishing everyone a momentous time and good luck for the competition. Knowing what he had to do, he motioned for his followers to ready themselves for the competition before he stalked off to find Aisaki.

„A dancing competition!? Is he serious!?" Jessie hesitated. „I-I can't ballroom dance!"

„Unlike you, dear, I can," James laughed, fanning himself.

Glaring at him, Jessie huffed. „You idiot—we have to dance together!"