Ka-chick! Ka-chick! Went Melody's camera as she snapped off picture after picture of the palace garden. Allie had let her go up onto the main bridge to get a better view of things. She angled her camera as she got a shot of the golden statue of Golurk and Bisharp that was standing in the water beside the bridge. She'd already taken several snapshots of the Reshiram and Zekrom statues that her brother had been standing by before. Turning her gaze to the fountain, she spotted a wondrous sight. 

Her lens zoomed in on two Swannas and their Ducklett who were playing around in the water. What caught her by surprise was the coloration of both of them was entirely different from any other species of Swanna she'd seen. One was entirely black from his head all the way down to his webbed feet with the exception of a crimson underbelly. His beak was red as well, and a single white stripe ran across his long neck. The female had a white head and neck that tapered off into a primarily black body. Her beak was also red with a single black stripe across the top. 

Melody didn't know how many pictures she'd taken, but she'd guessed that it was enough to fill up a page or two in an album. Turning about, she looked out across the garden to where Allie and Furfrou were sitting. Allie had her grooming kit out and was giving her a Debutante Trim. Melody zoomed in more and spotted something familiar floating alongside Allie. It was a little Flabebe from the garden. Remembering she'd brought her own Floette, she released her little friend from her sphere and urged her to go and play. 

The little one smiled and zipped off excitedly to meet the Flabebe beside Allie. Melody kept taking photo after photo as the two danced around each other in merriment. Allie blinked, pausing her grooming to see her garden friend playing with what she knew as a new face. She recognized all the Floette in the garden, but this one she didn't know. Turning her head, she saw Melody taking pictures and then made the connection. Allie smiled warmly and waved to Melody who happily waved back. 

The sound of stirring water caught her attention, snatching her gaze away from the joyful scene to yet another beautiful sight. A cream colored, serpentine figure—with glittering blue and red scales—shot out of the water and looked down at Melody with a curious gaze. Melody's eyes widened as the Milotic lowered herself down and leaned over the bridge to look her in the eyes. Melody lowered her camera after getting a few quick shots. Melody gently reached her hand out to stroke the Milotic on his head. 

Milotic closed his eyes and let out a musical sound that sent shivers through Melody's frame. He was simply gorgeous! Milotic nudged her gently and then turned his gaze to his approaching trainer who was giggling at the scene before her. 

"Well aren't you just pleasant today?" Allie replied, grinning from ear to ear as her prized serpent greeted her by nudging his face into her outstretched hand as gently as possible. 

"He's beautiful!" Melody chirped, taking a photo of the two of them for her collection. 

"He absolutely loves the camera. He was probably observing you from underwater, waiting for the opportune moment to make his grand entrance," Allie said, giving Milotic a knowing look. 

Melody smiled and nodded, sifting through the pictures she'd taken. These were definitely going into her portfolio to give to Viola. Allie gave Milotic one last pat on the head before sending him off to his mate. 

"Would you mind if I took a look at some of those? Seth tells me you're really good with a camera and I've been dying to see some of your work," Allie asked. 

Melody's eyes lit up at the inquiry. She was hoping for the chance to show her the pictures she'd taken. Beaming ear to ear, she turned her camera around for the princess to see. Allie took in the shot of Milotic and her eyes popped. She managed to catch the sun glimmering on his scales perfectly. Every detail was so vivid and pronounced, it was jaw-dropping. Allie looked through slide after slide until she came upon one that held her attention far longer than she would have liked it too. 

It was her and Seth. Somehow, Melody had caught the exact moment after Seth had landed from catching her. She saw the sparkle in her eyes, the slightly dropped jaw that was the highlight of her awestruck expression as the feeling of death didn't hit her when she was expecting it. There was even a slight tint of pink on her cheeks as she was looking up into the deep blue depths of her rescuer—Seth—as he looked down at her with concern and relief written on his face. 

"Melody?" Allie spoke up, a certain sternness to her voice that caught Melody off guard. 

"I'm—did I do something wrong?" Melody asked hesitantly, locking eyes with the princess whose serious gaze had her rooted. 

"No, you've done nothing wrong. In fact," Allie paused, looking down at the photo for a prolonged moment before turning back to Seth's sister, "I want you to send me a copy of this. Can you do that for me?" Allie asked, her usual smile and calm tone returning, bringing relief to Melody's anxious mood. 

"Of course! for a moment there, I thought you were going to be mad at me for taking that," Melody laughed nervously. 

"How could I be angry at something so beautiful? it's no wonder Seth treasures you so. You capture moments that would otherwise go unseen if not looked at close enough. I could learn a thing or two from you, Melody," Allie said with a bright smile. 

Melody was at a loss for words. Today was going better than she'd hoped. She'd seen so many wonderful sights that most would have to pay an arm and a leg to see. 

"If you don't mind, I'd like to put some of these up in my room. That one of Milotic is especially fetching, and I think it would look nice on my wall. Speaking of that handsome serpent, we've a statue of one in the foyer if you'd like a picture of that as well. There's much to be seen inside as well if you fancy a tour," Allie prattled on. 

First, she was let into the garden, now she was getting a tour from one of the most famous women in all of Kalos? as if knowing Mathilde wasn't enough, she was becoming friends with Princess Allie. Life could not get anymore exciting than that. 

"I'd love to! there's a ton of things I've always been curious about. This is so exciting!" Melody cheered, putting her camera back around her neck, giddy as can be as she practically skipped her way into the palace alongside Allie who was simply thrilled just to have another girl to talk to for company. 

Seth stared down at his badge case, simply looking over the badges he'd won along his journey. Each one had special moments tied to them, moments he'd treasure for years to come. As his eyes met with the fourth badge he'd won from Ramos, he remembered the occasion that it marked for him. Having that granted him access to the upcoming ball. A ball that was held within a week's time if he remembered correctly. He also recalled the stipulation of bringing a date, something he'd nearly forgotten about up until now. 

It was noon, and the others were out and about, most likely shopping and enjoying the little break in the action. They had agreed to spend some time in the city for a while before traveling again. They were over halfway through their journey and Lumiose was the ideal stopping point. Reaching into his pocket, Seth brought out his holocaster and dialed out. After a few moments, a hologram of Serena materialized into view. 

Serena smiled upon seeing her friend, and waved to him. 

"Hey Seth, what's up?" she asked as she reached up to pull a blouse from one of the racks in the shop she was in. 

"Not much, just got done eating breakfast and figured I'd give you a call," Seth answered. "If you've got a minute, I'd like to meet up with you if you don't mind."

Serena paused and draped another article of clothing over her arm and said, "sure, I'm at the Boutique Couture if you wanna come," she finished, turning another garment over before adding it to her growing collection. 

"That place is expensive... and you're carrying quite a bit," Seth replied with a nervous laugh. 

"Hey, don't judge! besides, they're having a sale anyway. Half off everything in the store," Serena replied apprehensively. 

"That explains the arm pile you've got going on there," Seth said with a raised brow. "Anyway, I'll be there in a few. I'm actually at the center on Vernal Avenue so this works out perfectly. See you soon."

With that, Seth and Serena hung up. Seth pocketed his holocaster and exited the center after hitching his sword back to his belt. Cerise reclaimed her place on his back with a contented sigh. Exiting the center, Seth strolled down Vernal Avenue toward the Boutique. As he approached, he bumped into Kate who was just making her way out of the store. 

"Seth! hi!" she exclaimed excitedly. 

"Been a while Kate, how are you?" Seth asked, his eyes darting to the packages she was carrying. 

"Oh you know, same old, same old. Melody invited me over for game night tomorrow so there's that. Your mom's making her special chocolate cake tonight and we're going to watch Swanna Girl: Exordium. It just came out on Pokéflix and we've been dying to see it."

"That sounds like a good time," Seth chuckled. 

"Definitely! anyway, I need to get going. Just came to get a few things my sister had on layaway for me. She's off today so it's safe to go in if that's what you're doing," Kate said in a hushed tone. 

Seth smiled faintly and nodded. 

"Thanks for the tip. See you around," he waved as he went into the store. 

It didn't take him long to find the honey blond. She had a cart with her by now and was wheeling it to another section. Laughing under his breath, he made his way over to her as she was picking out another outfit. 

"Quite the stash you have there isn't it?" 

Serena turned to look at Seth and grinned. 

"I know right!? Shauna and I couldn't resist the sale. She's in the back trying on a few outfits right now. I've yet to do that, but I will... eventually," Serena replied frowning. 

Seth didn't need to ask if she was going to try on every outfit in the cart, because the answer was obvious. 

"What was it you wanted to talk to me about?" Serena inquired as she dropped the last item she was going to try on into the cart. 

Seth took a deep breath and then met her gaze, a smile forming on his face to set whatever nervous thoughts she had at ease. 

"I just wanted to ask if you wanted to be my date to the ball. If you don't mind that is..." 

Serena's eyes popped at the question she was asked. She had nearly forgotten about that! A giggle slipped from her throat as her face went red from her own embarrassment. How could she forget? Normally she was keen to remember everything, but she'd let this slip from her mind entirely. She and Shauna had even discussed it briefly several weeks prior. Wiping a tear from her eyes she chuckled out her reply. 

"Sorry," she laughed, "I had nearly forgotten about that. Of course I'll go with you! Thank goodness you've asked me now while I'm here because it'll give me an excuse to browse around more," Serena replied excitedly. 

"I had a feeling he'd ask soon!" came Shauna's voice as she popped her head out of one of the dressing rooms in the back before scurrying out to meet them. 

Seth began to sweat nervously as Shauna began to chatter excitedly with Serena. After a moment or two, Serena turned back to Seth. 

"I'll probably pick out my outfit today if that's the case. A week is a little bit of a time crunch, but I can swing it. With Shauna's help I'll have a dress that will match what you've already got," Serena informed him. 

"Sounds good. I'll be looking forward to seeing what you chose," Seth responded before turning toward the door. 

"Oh trust me, we'll be the talk of the town by the end of the night," Serena called out, a smirk etching onto her face as she watched him walk out the door. 

The day soon drew to a close as Melody and Allie walked out the front gates of the palace to where a Rapidash-drawn coach was waiting for her. Melody tilted her head as she saw the familiar set of steeds in front of her. 

"Are these—"

"The same one's who brought your brother here? the very same. My mother took the liberty of doing that for him and now I'm doing the same for you. I thoroughly enjoyed our time together and wanted to show my appreciation to you for such a fun day."

"Are you sure? I mean I couldn't possibly—"

"Don't even think about it. As your friend, I insist," Allie said firmly. 

Melody turned to look at the Rapidash and stepped onto the platform before the open coach doors and turned to look at Allie. 

"Thank you for inviting me here. I had a blast! will I be able to come again?" Melody wondered hopefully. 

"Of course! once I'm freed up I'll let you know when I'm available. This weekend I'm going to be away so unfortunately that won't be a good time. But I'll message you from time to time if you don't mind that is."

Melody's face brightened. "That would be wonderful. Oh! maybe you can come and visit me sometime? I mean... if you want. We're in Vanville Town." 

Allie tapped her chin in thought. It didn't sound like such a bad idea considering she was getting to know the rest of the competitors. She knew who most of their families were, but she knew very little about Seth's. She knew why though, and it saddened her to a degree. Determined to change that, she smiled back at Melody and nodded. 

"I'd love that. How about... next week Tuesday? I should be back from my trip by then and I'll have a break between so I'll be free then."

"That works perfectly! there's no school that day so it works out. I'll even introduce you to my other friends too. They usually come over for game nights and things like that." 

"Then it's settled. Next Tuesday, I'll be joining you. Until then, have a good evening Melody, and thank you again for such a fun day," Allie said, stepping forward to pull a surprised Melody into a hug. 

Melody smiled and embraced the princess in return before letting go and closing the door to the coach. She stuck her head out the window and waved to Allie as the coach pulled away from the palace and headed toward home.