"If you want to test a man's character, give him power."
The young boy's small, pale fingers curled along the handle of a cup, and brought it upward. Curling wisps of steam ascended into his eyes, though it did not seem bothersome to him. He slowly lifted the hot liquid to his mouth, sipping it in slow yet deliberate sips. When he finished, the boy brought the teacup down gently onto the large, glass table in front of him. Outfitted with a black and frilly white vest and suit, he let out a sigh filled with content, letting the warm air escape from his mouth. Adjusting his dark bow tie, the boy shot a glance in front of him.
"Excellent tea as always, Desmond," the boy said in a smooth, velvety tone. His combed, light blonde hair waved slightly as he moved like sand carried by the wind. "I hope the quality persists."
The elderly man sitting across the table from him, bowed slightly. As he looked back up, one could see wispy gray hairs covering his chin. Long strands of the silver hair were slicked back into a long braid, contrasting with his fairly tan skin. Lying on his left arm rested a small cloth, while his thick white gloves obscured his large hands.
"My pleasure, Master Ceil," he replied in a formal tone.
After the brief exchange, the two looked down at the glass table between them. What sat there was a large chessboard, made from smooth marble and elegant craftsmanship. Two rows of ivory-made pieces faced each other rigidly, lined up in perfect columns. Ceil brought his hand down, grasping a small white pawn aligned in the center of the board. He brought it two squares forward with confidence, ending the turn with a small click of the piece against the chessboard. Desmond, the butler, replied to his master's move, bringing his black pawn up to meet it diagonally.
The two players were in a spacious, snow-white room. Large, pristine paintings contrasted greatly against the bright backdrop, and velvet red curtains let only a sliver of sunlight peek into the room. Classy statues of horses and other magnificent figures aligned the sides of the walls neatly. Along one of the walls was a strange, out-of-place monitor, currently displaying the current news. Both Ceil and Desmond were sitting in two large chairs, one white and one black, respectively. They were on the highest location of the room; two long staircases on either side ended at the platform they were sitting on and descended to the floor. Between the staircases was a large orchestra, with numerous music players dressed in fancy black outfits. Long, deep strokes of the cello filled the room, accompanied by the quick, flitting sounds of violins. The conductor stood at a wooden podium, delicately waving around the baton, organizing the music into a ear-pleasing sensation.
Time passed and music flowed as the two continued their game of chess, until another click was heard, this one more defiant and louder than the others, as if it had a purpose.
"I believe that's checkmate again, Desmond," Ceil said matter-of-fact tone, retreating his hand from the white queen he had just placed.
The butler's eyes scanned the board and Ceil's most recent move. Realizing the outcome, he quickly tapped over the black king with his index finger.
"It is apparent you win once more, Master Ceil."
The young boy leaned back in his chair, taking a sip of tea. He had a slightly exasperated look on his face. Several tea sips later, Ceil sat upright, folded his hands, and spoke.
"Boredom," he said nonchalantly, his eyes glazing over.
"...Pardon me, sir?" Desmond replied; the blunt remark caught him off-guard.
The boy sat upright once more, looking his butler in the eye.
"Boredom, Desmond..." he said. "An emotional state of monotony and ennui experienced due to lack of interesting activity."
"...my apologies, sir. Are you experiencing boredom at this moment?"
"I believe so," the boy said haughtily. "Yes, I feel quite bored now... over the past several days I have been in a metaphorical trench of sorts; playing chess with you in the mornings and attending studies, eating meals, and going to sleep. A cycle dreaded to repeat itself over and over, time and time again. I am aware that it is all good for my well-being, but I need some more... excitement," Ceil folded his hands neatly, and leaned back. After a moment, he reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small golden bell about the size of a small coin. With a slight shake of his hand, the bell let out a tiny, sparkling ring.
Moments later, a little Chimecho swiftly weaved through the air, performing aerial loops and dives. It quickly settled itself on Ceil's shoulder, looking pleased with itself. Ceil petted its head with one finger, then returned his focus to the conversation.
"I need some more... excitement," he repeated more loudly, as if he needed to convince himself, while setting up the chessboard once more into its standard position. He let out yet another sigh. His butler remained quiet, setting up the black pieces into their normal rows again.
The orchestra below them finished a piece, and an odd silence hung in the air. As Ceil gathered the pieces, the corner of his eye caught the large monitor to his left. His hands stopped moving and immediately, all his attention was focused on the monitor. On the large screen, there was a close-up of two Pokémon. On was a purple creature with spots dotting its hide, with a signature large horn. The other was a menacing-looking, dark indigo Pokémon with red eyes and spiky ears. A Nidorino and a Gengar. There were engaged in fierce combat. The latter took a swipe at the first; however, it missed, and the horned Pokémon took a large leap with its horn pointed straight at its opponent. Gengar side stepped, and jumped backward. It began moving its hands in a strange fashion, and the opposing Poison-type's eyes quickly drooped. It had fallen under a Hypnosis attack.
Ceil turned his gaze away from the television. The Chimecho on his shoulder grew rather bored and went to play off on its own. The young boy's eyes followed his Pokémon, doing cartwheels in the air while having a dainty little expression on its face. The young boy's rather emotionless face manifested itself into a small smirk. He caught the eye of his butler, who was looking in his direction.
"Of course, the easiest way to alleviate boredom is to do something that arouses your interest," Cecil said rather profoundly, turning his attention back onto the board. "Something that will end the tedious cycle and transform it into something much more interesting." He held a pawn in his hand, spinning it around in his fingers, before smacking it down squarely on the chessboard.
"...sir? May I inquire what this interesting action may be?"
"All in due time, Desmond," Ceil said smugly, smirking again. He leaned back in his once more, gesturing at the board with his hand.
"Your move, my friend."
The orchestra started playing again.
My second go at a tournament story. OC forms and details found in my profile.