Adélaïde stood beside her husband and her daughter while waiting in the foyer for the guests to arrive. Everything had been done according to her specifications as far as decor went. The musicians were all tuning up their instruments and the dining hall was all prepared for the participants and their dates to arrive. The scent of Celadon Vegetable Soup and Olivine Lamb wafted through the air, making for a most welcoming aroma. The cooks were definitely hard at work. The palace hadn't smelled like this since their last event.

"I must say, you've really outdone yourself this time," the King said as he looked around. "This is sure to be something our guests won't soon forget."

"That's just how mother is. She never does anything half way," Allie replied with a soft laugh. "When I announced that I wished to host a ball, I had no doubt that she would make something as spectacular as this. If my birthday was any indication that she knows how to throw a party, even though there was an unexpected accident," Allie paused, albeit a happy one now that I think of it, "it's only right to assume that this would be even more grand."

"Oh Allie, you give me far too much credit. This was your idea after all. I just lent you a hand in making it happen," Adélaïde giggled.

"And I suppose you also lent me a hand when you gathered the finest chefs in Kalos, along with the most well known concert musicians to be part of this?" Allie said grinning. "You did far more than I'd expected."

"Well, when you put it that way, I can't really argue now can I?" Adélaïde said smiling.

As the three royals conversed, the door opened to reveal Yusuf. The elderly butler gave a polite bow before addressing them saying, "the first of the guests have arrived. The rest are due to be here within the hour as scheduled," he stated, turning aside to open the door wider to show the line of guests at the door.

Standing at the forefront was Seth and Serena, much to the delight of Allie who greeted her with a bright smile and a swift, tight hug.

"Allie! It's so good to see you again, how are you?" Serena exclaimed happily, excited to see her newfound friend again.

"I've been well! I'm happy to see you too. Sorry I haven't been able to talk much, I've been busy as you can see," Allie replied with a nervous laugh. "Love the dress by the way, blue is a fantastic color on you!"

"Aww, thanks, your dress looks gorgeous too! I couldn't decide at first, but after spending so much time around a certain friend of mine, her and I came to a consensus on what I should wear," Serena replied gleefully. 

"Well you picked a winner I'd say," Allie responded, her eyes shifting to Seth to find his piercing sapphire eyes focused completely on her.

A smile played on her lips as she took note of the subtle once over he was pulling on her. She was about to bring it to his attention when her mother stepped forward to address him. Adélaïde placed a kiss on Seth's cheeks and stepped back. The King extended his hand and gave Seth a firm handshake as well.

"It's been quite some time, Sir Seth," Adélaïde stated, meeting his eyes with a friendly gaze.

"Our daughter tells us that you treated her to a fantastic evening on the last night you two spent together. Personally, I'm looking forward to see if you'll treat your date the same way," said the King.

"It was an enjoyable evening," Seth replied, his eyes shifting back over to Allie before redirecting themselves to Adélaïde and her husband, "one I won't soon forget. As for the other matter, you won't have to worry about that," Seth added, tossing a smile at Serena who returned the gesture.

"I've no doubt you two will do just fine," Adélaïde responded, her eyes shifting toward her daughter, taking note of the sidelong glances she was giving Seth. Seems like you've done a fine job, Seth. I've noticed a great deal of change in her these past few months. You have my gratitude once again my friend...

Clearing her throat, Allie stepped up to greet Seth, placing a kiss on his cheek as well in greeting.

"I keep forgetting how well you clean up, Pauper," Allie said, doing her best to keep her face from burning up.

"You don't look so bad yourself, Princess," Seth replied with a sly smirk resting on his features.

Allie snickered, not because what he said was funny, but because she knew what he really meant. Tonight wasn't entirely about her as that would defeat the purpose for having the ball in the first place. No, tonight was about Serena and how he treated her. Tonight would determine whether or not he would move on, and she hoped to Arceus that he would.

"I'd hate to interrupt the reunion, but there are other guests waiting. If you'll make your way to the banquet hall, you'll be able to find your table," Yusuf interjected politely.

"Oh my, you're right!" Adélaïde exclaimed as she saw the line grow longer outside.

More guests were coming onto the grounds in the carriages that were sent out to collect them. Seth and Serena looked behind Yusuf to see a few others waiting at the door. Giving a respectful bow and curtsy, Seth and Serena were shown to the dining hall by a maid who was waiting on standby.

Lysandre walked through the automatic doors and stepped into Xerosic's laboratory. It wasn't often he paid visitation to his top scientist's lab, and it made him ponder the reason he'd been called upon. Upon entry, Xerosic and the other scientists were there to greet him.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice. We know that you have a very busy schedule, but we thought you ought to see the fruits of our labor," Xerosic said, motioning to one of his team members, Mable, to reveal what it was they'd been working on.

Mable pressed a button on the control in her hand and turned to watch as a platform rose from the ground in the midst of them.

"Behold, the Expansion Suit!" Xerosic declared, gesturing to the obsidian body armor in front of him.

Lysandre stepped forward to inspect it further, admiring the details that were crafted into the sinister-looking suit. From the helmet to the boots, every piece was wonderfully constructed.

"So this is the project you mentioned... I'm intrigued," Lysandre stated, stroking his chin as he looked it over more. "What does it do?"

Xerosic's grin broadened.

"I'm so glad you asked. You see, the Expansion Suit is the perfect weapon. It provides the user with superhuman reflexes as well as durability to match," Xerosic explained, pulling up a monitor for Lysandre to look at.

On screen it showed footage of one of their members inside a testing room, wearing the suit. Inside the room were a Granbull, a Volcarona and a Malamar, each of them being Xerosic's own personal Pokémon. Upon Xerosic's command, Granbull charged the man in the suit and threw a swift jab toward the wearer's chest, landing a solid couple of hits and pushing the man back. While the blows were indeed powerful, none of them managed to knock him down or harm the suit.

Xerosic called his Granbull back and issued a command for Malamar to attack utilizing Psycho Cut. Once again, the suit's wearer was able to evade each crescent blade that came slicing through the air at him. After a few more tests, Xerosic had one final test to showcase more of the suit's durability. Volcarona powered up and launched a stream of flames at the man, and while the blast would normally have burned anyone else to ashes, the man simply walked right through it.

Xerosic looked over at Lysandre, who he found, to his surprise, was smiling. The test subject took the took the three spheres and returned Xerosics team for him to conclude the demonstration.

"This is truly your best work yet, Xerosic. All of you have really outdone yourselves," Lysandre declared with a wicked grin.

"This is all to further our desire for a new world. Any who do not wish to become part of it will be made to kneel before your might, and with these, that is all but assured," Xerosic said in a foreboding tone

Lysandre grinned, relishing the concept of the corrupt kneeling before him, the rightful ruler of the new world he planned to usher in. Recalling a prior conversation he had with Xerosic that mentioned the ball, he turned to Xerosic saying, "I assume that you created several more of these... is that what you meant when you said you had something special planned for the palace festivities?"

"You are correct, Lysandre. You see, several of our members have already been deployed to the palace as we speak. The trainer known as Seth is attending the palace ball, just as you suspected. This will be the perfect opportunity to test the capabilities of my Expansion Suit," Xerosic replied.

"Speaking of that, I'm guessing you gave Charles notice of this plan of yours?" Lysandre questioned him, earning a nod and a chuckle from Xerosic.

"Charles, to his credit, was one who suggested an invasion in the first place. I simply spiced things up a bit. He has his own personal suit so he'll be more than satisfied with the results of this little test..."

The ball was in full swing after all the guests had arrived. Each of them sat, six to a table making for a total of thirteen round tables in all. In the center of each table white or pink rose centerpiece with a white table cloth covering each table. A massive, shimmering gold chandelier was hanging right in the center of the banquet hall, only adding to the overall splendor of the room. Musicians were already playing mood music while those who were in attendance looked over the appetizers that were set on the table before them.

"Torchic and Rawst berry kebabs... grilled Rindo Berry in chili sauce? Brie Foongus pastries and Tamato Berry salad!?" Serena exclaimed, practically drooling at the display before her.

"I take it you're not familiar with fine dining are you?" Charles said as he took a bite of his salad and set his fork down.

"I mean... I've had the salad before, but to make me choose between it and all these other dishes is just unfair," Serena pouted, her eyes darting to the kebabs with longing.

"Why not just have a little of each? I mean... they're just the appetizers after all," Seth replied as he bit into one of the kebabs he'd taken from the plates in front of him.

"Yeah, good idea," Serena said with a nervous laugh before taking a little of every dish and putting it on her plate.

It was awkward, sitting there with someone who they knew was an enemy. Seth couldn't decide whether or not this was simply a coincidence or if it was purposely arranged this way by some sick twist of fate. Either way, having Jacqueline across from him was not making the experience as enjoyable as it should be. Her date wasn't exactly pleasant company either. He remembered him from the first gathering, and even back then something didn't sit right with Seth about Charles. The other two, on the other hand, were at least familiar. Grayson and his date Cassandra, along with Serena, at least made the table bearable.

It went without saying that both Jacqueline and Seth would be keeping an eye on each other, Serena included. Memories of how Seth and Jacqueline fought came flooding back into Serena's mind, causing her to become slightly nervous about what might occur if she were to decide to make a scene here. She was tempted to say something, but the look Seth had given her told her that she would be better off keeping to herself.

Seth wasn't sure why, but something was telling him that it wasn't Jacqueline he ought to be worried about at the moment. Ever since he'd stepped into the banquet hall, an uneasy feeling had overtaken him. He tried not to let it bother him. After all, he was there to enjoy the night with his friend, not get caught up in whatever stunt Jacqueline and her cohorts might pull, assuming they were there.

Minutes passed, and the entrees were now being served. Sitting before them was a wide variety of specialty dishes, each hailing from regions afar. Seth glanced down at the little display cards attached to each tray holding the entrees and arched a brow at one in particular. It read "Mallow Special" with a note beside it that said: "eat at your own risk." Seth watched as Grayson reached straight for the special and scooped it onto his plate.

Electing to go for the Almian Roasted Farfetch'd with a side of the Gnocchi with Lum Berry sauce, Seth took up his fork and began to dig in. Serena let out a squeal of delight upon her first bite of the Krabby stuffed Crawdaunt tail while Jacqueline mirrored her reaction after taking a bite of the same dish. Charles quietly ate his Olivine Lamb that was marinaded in Eterna Honey sauce.

Everyone seemed rather content with their dish of choice until Grayson immediately reached for the glass of water in front of him and began guzzling it down as quickly as possible after having one bite of the Mallow Special. Unable to shake off the spicy surprise, he poured another glass of ice water and gulped it down until it settled down.

"Dear Arceus, what the hell was that!?" Grayson panted, reaching for the card on the tray to examine what it said. "Eat at your own risk? I guess I can't say they didn't warn me..." he laughed nervously, deciding to go for a different entree that he had on his plate.

"Ah yes, the Mallow Special. Only a few brave souls ever get that dish. It's an acquired taste, and only those who can handle its absurd amounts of heat are able to enjoy it, otherwise it's only meant to be taken in small amounts," Charles said as he took a bite of the tiny amount of the special he had on his plate.

"I wish I'd have known that earlier," Grayson admitted. "Spicy foods are my favorite, but this dish is on a completely different level."

As the couples conversed among themselves, it was soon time for dessert. Seth and Serena were deeply engaged in conversation, laughing as they recalled comical parts of their journey. While the tables talked amongst themselves, a maid passed by each table. She would glance at each couple and jot down notes according to what she observed. One maid with emerald hair, casually walked past Seth's table, her eyes shifting from one couple to the next as she watched their interaction.

She took her pen and scribbled down a few notes of her own and then sauntered off to the next one, pausing by another maid in passing. This maid was slightly shorter and had curly blonde hair and wore an eye mask similar to that of the other maids.

"Having fun Nita?" the taller maid asked, earning a giggle from Nita.

"I'm enjoying this far more than I expected Morgan. It's been forever since I've attended something like this!" Nita replied as she looked around at the competitors.

"The Battle Maison's had us really busy as of late. It's nice to be able to take a break from it all. It was nice of Allie to invite us here," Morgan said smiling. "I wonder how Dana and Evelyn are doing?"

Nita shifted her gaze to the other side of the banquet hall and spotted her sisters.

"I'm sure they're OK. Evelyn's pretty good at this incognito stuff since she's a bit shy anyway. Me, on the other hand," Nita trailed off.

"Just do your best not to blow your cover just yet. We'll get to play soon. After that, Allie will have a better idea of who stays and who goes," Morgan stated before strolling away to the next table.

Allie looked down on the guests from the floor above, her eyes going from table to table to see how her suitors were doing. While she wasn't going to interact directly just yet, she was indirectly observing them from the eyes of four close friends.

Allie girl, you are a genius! Allie thought as she watched her friends gather the requested information. They have no idea who is in their midst. Pretty soon, with the help of the Chatelaine Sisters, I'll have all the data I need to decide who continues on in this venture. I've already decided that a few are not continuing based on the time I spent thus far...

Of course there were some who outshined the few that I've paid a visit to, she mused, glancing over at Seth's table and to where she had seated Thomas and one other competitor.

Aside from those visits, not many others have stood out to me. Hopefully the others —after this reduction— will show themselves to be here for more than just mine and my family's status and wealth...

"Someone's rather focused," Morgan chortled, sliding up beside Allie to hand her a notepad that had the intel she'd asked for.

"Well, what did you expect? I won't know who's here for me if I don't stay vigilant," Allie replied with a faint smile, taking the notes to look them over.

"I must say, when you told me that you were throwing a competition for your heart, I never would have expected this," Morgan said as Allie looked over the notes.

"To be honest, I feel more nervous about it now than at the start. I thought it was going to be simple. Forty men, forty chances to fall in love. They all were from well-to-do families (with a few exceptions) and had plenty to offer.  Rich, handsome and intelligent go hand in hand with wealthy, intelligent and beautiful, at least... that was my stance at the time," Allie mused, knitting her brows as she scanned a few names on the notepad.

"Then you met someone who turned that way of thinking on its head, didn't you?" Morgan giggled into her hand.

"And just how did you figure that out?" Allie replied with an arched brow.

"A woman's intuition never lies," Morgan declared, winking.

"Heh... can't argue with that now can I?" Allie sighed, her face flushing a little as Seth's face flashed through her mind.

Clearing her throat, she shook the image from her mind before addressing the notes.

"So, these ones aren't doing much huh? I wonder if Dana and Evelyn have come to similar conclusions," Allie wondered as she looked up from the notes to view the progress of the festivities.

"This is so good!" Serena chirped happily as she dug into her dessert.

It was a Castelia Leaf Storm ice cream sundae, a popular dessert in Unova.

"Don't eat too fast, it's not going anywhere you know," Seth teased, taking a bite of his Mt. Sorbet Sherbet. 

"I can't help it! I love ice cream, especially this kind," Serena shot back, taking another bite, savoring the flavor it brought.

"So Seth," Charles began, "do you fence often, or is that sword merely for decoration?" Charles asked, downing a Mawile Vice shot, enjoying the kick that it bore as it slid down his throat.

"Not that it's any of your concern, but I do practice a little every so often," Seth said casually.

"I see," Charles muttered, "perhaps we ought to spar sometime. I dabble in fencing as well. Not to brag, but I do hold the champion title here in Kalos."

That's because you haven't fought Seth yet... Serena thought with a smug grin.

"Maybe I'll take you up on that one day," Seth replied, taking another bite of his dessert.

As the music played, the Queen made her way to the center of the floor and motioned for the music to pause for a moment.

"Good evening everyone," she started, "I do hope that you are all enjoying yourselves. I'd like to thank you all for coming to this event. You should all be proud of yourselves for making it to this part of the competition. Give yourselves a round of applause!" Adélaïde shouted cheerfully.

The banquet hall erupted into applause and died down as Adélaïde held up her hand.

"As you all well know, this event is more than just a simple banquet. This event, like the time spent with my daughter, will determine whether or not you will remain in the running for my daughter's hand in marriage," Adélaïde continued as she looked around at each table.

Continuing on, Adélaïde explained how the rest of the night would proceed.

"Now that we've discussed what else will be happening tonight, allow me to introduce to you four very special guests," Adélaïde stated, drawing the guests attention to the staircase.

Four very distinguished figures stood atop the staircase that was purposely darkened for effect. After a moment, a spotlight was directed at them, revealing the shocking truth of their identities to their now captive audience.

"Aren't those—

"The four Chatelaine Sisters of the Battle Maison," Charles finished for Jacqueline, stroking his chin as he contemplated the scenario in which he and Jacqueline found themselves.

I hadn't anticipated their presence being a factor. It's said that they are on par with the Elite Four... still, my plan should work regardless of whether or not they get in the way...

"I can see that you're all very surprised, as you should be. These four are going to be evaluating you from here on out. They may even ask you for a dance so ladies, don't worry if they ask your date for a moment of their time," Adélaïde went on.

"Now that introductions are out of the way, it's time for the main event of the evening to begin," said the Queen, gesturing to the musicians to begin.

The band soon began to play, prompting the guests to take their partners by the hand and lead them onto the spacious dance floor. Seth reached out to Serena who gladly took his hand. Having waited for this part of the night, she was giddy with excitement.

The two fell into step, the rhythm taking hold of their movements as the world around them seemed to dissolve. Seth and Serena moved as one, almost as if they had danced with each other a thousand times before. Their bodies simply acted with no need for thought concerning their next move. Along with them, several others stood out among the cluster of dancing couples, piquing the curiosity of the sisters waiting in the wings.

Unable to restrain themselves, the four began to move, each with an intended target. As Seth and Serena danced, Seth felt a tap on his shoulder. Pulling Serena up from a dip, he turned around to spot Morgan, the eldest of the four standing before him.

"My apologies for the intrusion lad, but would you mind if I steal you for just a wee bit?" Morgan asked politely.

Seth looked over at Serena who gave him the green light in the form of a wink and a shooing motion with her hand.

"Not at all Miss...?"

"Morgan," she finished for him, taking his offered hand and stepping closer to him before being taken away by the music that ensnared her senses.

"So pet, how should I address a fine lad such as yourself?" Morgan asked as she was spun out and brought back in.

"My name is Seth," he replied, his eyes fixed on hers as they matched each other stride for stride.

"Ah yes! The infamous Seth, or as Allie calls you: Pauper. I think she fancy's you, pet," Morgan chuckled, coming out of a spin only to be drawn back against Seth as the tempo changed.

"I'm sure she fancy's the others too," Seth responded, lowering her into a dip while gazing down into a set of playful jade hues.

"Oh, she does. But I can tell the lass is smitten by you a great deal more than most," Morgan giggled. "Why else would I be here right now?"

Seth raised a brow at her statement, realization setting in as he brought her close once more.

"Allie is a close friend of ours you know? So when we found out about this little event she was throwin' we got all excited about it. She's been messaging us with stories about her travels, but the one name that never failed to come up was yours, pet..."

"I'm not surprised, considering she didn't like me at first. Then again, we both couldn't stand each other," Seth laughed, remembering the not so pleasant encounters they had.

"Aye, but after the time you spent with her, she couldn't stop tellin' us about it. Got me rather interested and excited to meet you to be honest. I suppose I got lucky here," Morgan said smiling.

"You mean you just picked me at random?" Seth deduced, a smirk forming as a 'guilty as charged' look appeared on Morgan's face.

"I had hoped to meet you, but I never thought I'd be this fortunate," Morgan said, wrapping her arms around Seth's neck before leaning in and planting a kiss on his cheek. "Keep up the good work pet. Allie's heart may be for the taking, but you still have to fight for it because everyone else here certainly will."

Seth felt his face grow hot at the unexpected gesture. Keeping a calm expression, he nodded in agreement.

"Trust me, I don't intend to quit anytime soon," Seth replied as he and Morgan danced their way back to Serena who was waiting to be taken away again.

Morgan curtseyed and rose back up to wipe her brow.

"You dance fantastically Seth. I'm honored to have had a wee bit of time with you. Perhaps after all this is over, you could stop by the Battle Maison and battle us there? We'd be delighted to have you."

"Same to you Morgan. And I'd love the chance to battle you four. It sounds like a fun challenge," Seth responded with a grin.

Morgan gave him a wink and turned to seek out her next dance partner. As the music played, an uneasy feeling came over Seth. He couldn't explain it, but something in the atmosphere didn't feel right to him all of a sudden. That's when the banquet hall doors were blasted off their hinges, knocking some of the guards by the doors unconscious. Smoke filled the entrance and from it came several individuals clothed in identical suits of black armor. A loud silence overtook the banquet hall as everyone stared at the sinister new arrivals.

With a simple forward waving motion, what was once a calm banquet hall, became a battle zone at the hands of the armored intruders.