Chapter 4

There was just something about him.

The strange boy from earlier had indeed been placed in the tower's special cell, just as Clemont had instructed. At the time, he hardly realized what he was saying as the words flowed from his mouth. All he knew was he felt deeply compelled to get that boy away from the townspeople and save him from further harm. The quickest and most convenient way to do so at the time? Imprisonment. Great call, champ, Clemont thought to himself.

Now it was late and Clemont lay restlessly in his bed, unable to get to sleep. He really couldn't get the stranger off his mind, especially knowing he was locked up practically directly below him. He had some quality, or combination of qualities, that inexplicitly fascinated the young king. He had such fearlessness in the face of danger and pain, which was something Clemont admired and so wished he could accomplish.

Aside from the short display of the boy's character, his physical appearance was something remarkable as well. His brown eyes, dark skin, and black hair were a perfect contrast to Clemont's own blue eyes, pale skin, and blond hair. In fact, dark features such as his contrasted with a majority of all Kalosian natives. It was so foreign and unusual to Clemont. Especially his eyes. Those eyes, those eyes, those eyes...

He tore himself free of his bedsheets and grumbled frustratedly. He couldn't take the dust-clouded memories and the wondering any longer. Even if it was just for a moment, he had to go see him for himself.

He pulled one of his luxurious robes over his underclothes as he left his bedroom and entered the torch-lit hallway. He ran his hand along the rough stone wall as he descended the staircase as far as he could go, taking care to be as quiet as possible so as to not alert anyone of his presence. He slowed his steps and took a deep breath as he rounded the last corner. Before him stood the two night guards on either side of an iron door. It lead to where the boy was being held-the most secure cell in the whole kingdom.

"Your majesty?" one of the guards questioned, standing up straighter. They hadn't been expecting anyone to come by, let alone the king himself. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to assess this prisoner," Clemont stated. Technically, it was the truth. "The one from earlier. He is in here, correct?"

"Yes sir, but why so late? It must be past midnight by now," the other guard pointed out.

"This will only take a few minutes," Clemont replied. He didn't have an explanation for the timing, so he dodged the question.

The guards nodded and unlocked the heavy iron door. "Please be cautious, sir. He was being somewhat...uncooperative earlier." the first guard warned as Clemont crossed the threshold into a short, narrow corridor. The door slid shut behind him. The corridor ended in a small grotto-like area, and the cell's iron bars faced the door.

Finally, Clemont saw the boy sitting on a wooden bench on the left wall of the cell. He was wide awake and staring at the wall opposite him. Clemont was surprised at this for how late it was. He had been planning on preparing himself before waking the boy from his sleep, but instead he quickly put on the best serious face he could muster. He stepped into the open space in front of the cell, catching the boy's attention.

"It's you," he said bitterly, "What, did you come to 'deal with me' already? I really figured I gave those guys a hard enough time getting me in here that I'd at least be left alone for a day or two."

From this close up, Clemont noticed more details about the boy's clothes and features. He wore a plain light brown tunic with a dark vest over it, as well as tattered leather sandals. His arms looked toned and strong, but not excessively. He appeared to be Clemont's age, if not slightly younger, and his eyes continued to catch the torchlight beautifully.

"I couldn't leave you alone any longer. Troublemakers like you should be dealt with quickly," Clemont responded. He did his best not to let his voice waver.

"Hah, of course. I get that all the time. Menaces like me. It's all because of what I look like, where I'm from," the boy said. "I'm no worse than any other common thief around here."

Something clicked in Clemont's mind. "Where are you from?" he inquired. The boy turned to look him in the eyes.

"The Kanto region, and I'm darn proud of it!" the boy replied with robust enthusiasm.

Kantonese! That explains a lot, Clemont thought. The looks, the people's harsh treatment...why hadn't he figured it out before?

"I see," Clemont continued. "I'll have to treat you accordingly, then. Just answer me this. What is your name?"

"It's Ashton," the boy answered casually, "Or Ash, if you prefer." He was growing surprisingly calm and comfortable as their conversation continued.

"My name…it's Clemont."

Ash nodded. "Yeah, I've heard your name around town a few times. Anyway, I really don't get why I have to be locked up in a vault like this," he continued, crossing his feet and reclining on his wooden seat, "Stealing a little food is an everyday thing around here, you know? Of course, I do it better than most, so maybe I am dangerous…" he finished with a chuckle.

Clemont abruptly turned and started back down the corridor.

Ash jumped to his feet and called after him. "What the-? Hey, where are you going? You barely even insulted me!"

"I'll be back," Clemont said over his shoulder as he slid open the outer iron door and exited the chamber. The guards closed and re-locked the door once he was out.

"Did you let him have it, sir?" one of the guards questioned jokingly.

"He let me have it," Clemont mumbled.

"What was that?"

"Yes. I'm going to bed. Please, carry on," Clemont said as he rushed to get back upstairs, leaving the guards confused.

As soon as he got back to his room he dove onto his bed. Turning over, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.

Ash. The name echoed in his head. Was this some kind of trick? How could Ash still be acting so fearless, even after everything he had been through? He buried his face into a pillow and muffled a frustrated groan. He felt more confused than ever.