Ash is out in the middle of the courtyard of the Valuer house training his Pokémon. Amelia was in her dance studio giving the finishing touches on her performance. He wanted to watch how she practiced but she didn't allow anyone in her special place while she was working out or else she might get distracted. Ash respected her wishes so he just went training by himself. Being in the courtyard he did draw some attention to himself cause of his Pokémon.
Pikachu was training against a strange Pokémon. A red green under body with a gigantic blue head with two really tiny fins on both sides. Pikachu's tail shone silver as he then aimed for Dracovish's large head. The weird Pokémon overpowered Pikachu easily by moving its head up. Its prehistoric might too much for the mouse Pikachu got launched up, turned in the air and landed on his feet.
"Excuse me Mr. Ketchum." Amelia's personal aid went to him as he got pulled out of his training. His face stoic not showing his motives he did have some questions for the boy Amelia invited on her behalf.
"Hi Alfonzo. Do you need something?" Immediately Ash asked him.
"Just a moment of your time if you please."
"Sure. Take a break guys!"
Pikachu glad he could sit down for a minute. Ash looked at the aid again as he went to take a seat on one of the benches in the courtyard. The aid standing across him now he offered Ash some Fresh Water for after his training. Ash took it from him and gave one to Pikachu and poured on in Dracovish's mouth before returning it to his ball.
"What can I help you with?"
"A little talk, mothing more." The aid said his intention.
"You and miss Amelia seem close. How did you get to know her?"
"I saw her perform in her hometown before but didn't get the chance to talk to her. It wasn't until the SS Shimmer where we got to know each other. She performed on the ship, she recognized me from the Kalos League and we started talking. We kind of just hung around together after it so we explored the ship together as she didn't wanted to be alone."
"So she cozies up to you. Usually it's the other way around." Alfonzo thinking that Ash was a huge contrast to most of the other men his age. While they actively courted the heir and tried to impress her, it was only him that with natural behavior out of place for a potential suitor that she liked to be with boys.
"And nothing special between the two of you occurred?" The aid asked as his keep wasn't one to normally hang out with someone so…ordinary. Despite Ash's accolades which were impressive in the field of battling there wasn't too much known outside his ability of a trainer that would lure the Valuer heir to him.
"Not much." Ash did not wanted to tell the real reason Amelia looked for him just because he was connected to Serena. What happened on the vessel would stay between them as it was Amelia that failed in another endeavor of hers which no one but he had to know. Or any mention of their close dance and pecks she gave him which heated him up and he keeps feeling the sting of if he thinks about it. Swallowing a lump in his throat Ash regained focus.
"And the Power Bands she gave you?" The aid had been instructed by the girl to get a full set of the tools and put it in the car which he would pick her up from the harbor of the cruise liner from. The box missing after she got out it was easy to deduce she gave it to the unexpected occupant on the seat.
"Just a thank you gift from her." Ash blatantly said surprising the aid. A full set of Power Bands weren't just any gift knowing how expensive they are.
"And now?" The aid wondered.
"I want to see her perform and we'll go from there. How long I'll stay depends on how long she wants me here."
"I see."
"Anything else you need from me?" Ash wondered if the aid wanted to know more about him. Alfonzo still under order of Amelia's father to scout out the boy didn't dig deeper now to make Ash too suspicious of his motives.
"You are most kind but I should be the one to aid you. Anything I can provide?"
"Do you battle?" Ash would like a training partner. Maybe one of the staff can take a break from maintaining the house and help him. Alfonzo shook his head. The security system is enough protection for the house so there wasn't much need for powerful Pokémon to roam through the building as security staff.
"Unfortunately not. I do know someone that can help you but he isn't here right now. Olivier, the family's bodyguard." The name feared by most of the people working for the family. He was the head of security for the family and took his job seriously. Olivier currently with Amelia's parents on a business venture he was protecting his bosses.
"Is he strong?"
"Quite the imposing man if I say so myself." The aid knowing better than to challenge him. But from the look on his face Ash couldn't wait to try battling the Valuer bodyguard. Ash having another question as he was in the mood to explore the Valuer family dynamic a little more.
"How did you come to be Amelia's personal aid?" Ash asked the aid as he took a drink from his orange juice. Alfonzo raised an eyebrow. Not many asked for the backstory of a simple servant.
"Why do you wish to know? You're not after my position are you?" He joked afterwards. Ash shook his head laughing softly too.
"No. I just want to hear other people's stories. Amelia must trust you a lot if you are her personal aid."
"I excelled at my duty and was personally selected by her father. I've had this position for four years now."
"Is it hard work?" Ash was far to adventurous to keep a job as someone's aid. Plus he would just spill tea and ruin anyone's clothes with the managers kicking him out of the line of employment. He had trouble keeping his own room tidy let alone someone else's.
"Not with this many people working at the mansion. It's honest work." They heard a beep going off. Alfonzo recognizing the sound of his pager took it from his jacket.
"Is that Amelia?" Ash wondered.
"No. I'm needed elsewhere. Before I leave is everything provided for you?"
"It is. Thank you Alfonzo."
The aid moved on leaving him to his own. Going through the house heading to the front door he met Amelia who hasn't been in her dance studio art at all. Dressed up in a purple dress that flowed over her knees, with a yellow sachet and her golden bracelets and earrings, she adjusted her make up as she was going to see someone else she did not want.
"I hate this. I told him I did not want to do this while Ash is here. I'm planning on handling this as quick as I can so I can go back to what really matters."
As heir her father tried to put her in an arranged marriage to secure the future of the Valuer family and business. This close to a Showcase she cursed her father but still obeyed his request. Not looking for a partner of her own due to her own career focus there was only one with the potential right now but it was a work in progress. And she did not need Ash to know what her parents are trying to pull this close to their meeting in Kiloude City to avoid any strange situations. Seeing Alfonzo she hoped he did his job well enough in keeping Ash hidden away in the courtyard with everything provided for him so he won't interrupt proceedings.
"Are you prepared miss Amelia?" The Performer nodded as she's done this drill a dozen times before.
"Did you read up on who he is?" The aid going through the motions as his boss told him too.
"Yes Alfonzo."
She complained with a sigh to her aid as she pictured her new guest. He had brown chestnut hair and eyes usually wore white polo with golden buttons, black pants and the plus mark of a king piece in chess on his heart. Trained from birth by his family to compete in battles, he was a chess master who's talents extended into battling only recently entering the PWC ranking. A bit too late for the last gathering but is projected to qualify well before the next one.
The bell ran of the house and the aid moved to the front door. Having one last look to Amelia she put up her fake smile. Opening the door he was greeted by the visage of who Amelia is meeting.
"Good afternoon Viktor. Welcome to the Valuer family estate." The boy nodded his head as a thanks for the greeting.
"Thank you sir. Is Amelia presentable?" Used to girls still needing to powder their nose or something before they're done the aid stepped aside and pointed over.
"She's right over there sir." Viktor took in the sight of the Performer as he passed the aid.
"Amelia. I must say your picture doesn't do you justice. You're even more beautiful in person." Trying to flatter her Amelia waved it off in her head. An opening line to impress her as she heard it a bunch of times she did keep up her character work.
"Viktor. I heard about your accomplishments as well. I must say it's wonderful to meet someone like you in person." Trying to be nice in return the boy seemingly fell for it as they shook hands on a pure meeting standpoint. Releasing the handshake Viktor reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
"I brought you a gift. A celebration of our meeting."
"Thank you." Amelia unwrapped the ribbon of it and opened it up. A finely crafted queen chess piece was sitting in a perfect mold. Knowing Viktor's fondness for the game the item did not garner much of a honest response.
"This is going straight in the box when he goes." Amelia thanked him to keep up the act. It would fit nicely with the other trinkets she collected as gifts from her guests and stashed in a dark corner in her walk in closet.
"The refreshments are in the main dining hall. May I escort you there?"
"Of course." Alfonzo wondered as Viktor took in the sights. Heading towards the dining hall the table was laid out with cups of tea, different biscuits and a fancy looking flower set as the two took their seat as the aid both poured them a cup of tea as they started talking.
Professionally Amelia did her thing. Show some interest in his hobbies, his family situation, Pokémon and plans for the future. Feeling like an old tape recorder it was more of an interview then getting to know the other person. Keeping one eye on the clock the whole time she wanted to wrap it up before her true guest got bored of training.
Viktor eyed the clock too. He had another appointment he needed to catch.
"Would you look at the time. I'd best be on my way."
"Thank you!"
"I hope to hear from you soon."
"Bye Viktor." Amelia waved him goodbye as Alfonzo led him to the exit with the Performer in tow. The chess master left the house as Alfonso closed the door behind him. No longer in Viktor's presence Amelia slumped against one side of the stairs. Alfonzo understanding her reaction as he did not agree with the appointments Mr. Valuer made on behalf of his daughter. Not in a position to comment on her happiness it was a task Amelia had to do on her own.
"Urgh…" More tired then after a good day of Performance training she could fool Ash with it. Looking at the time it was an hour before regular dinner and she wasn't that hungry. Her aid looked at her as well as she looked more tired than usual after an appointment like this.
"I thought that went quite well." The aid said as Amelia turned her head to him giving him a side eye look.
"You're not funny."
"I told the staff to make some soup as a light dinner for you."
"Thank you." Amelia knows Alfonzo means well for her but was still bound by her parents rulings.
"You want me to get your guest?" Amelia forced herself off the wall.
"No. I'll get him myself. You can take the rest of the day off for helping me."
"Thank you miss. A pleasant evening to you as well." Alfonzo retreating to his own room to dive into a good book after dinner Amelia headed to the courtyard. Seeing herself in a mirror on her way she saw her face still dolled up. Using one of the many bathrooms downstairs she quickly wiped off most of it and reapplied a tiny layer to look a bit more casual for Ash. Going to the courtyard she saw Ash and Pikachu still taking in the sight. Sitting on a bench tired from today's workout she greeted him from behind.
"Hey."
Ash turned to look over his shoulder and saw the Performer.
"Nice dress. It looks great on you." Commenting on her looks he made it sound more honest than Viktor ever said. Her fatigue earlier vanished a little at his compliment feeling better.
"Thank you. I thought I'd slip into something more comfortable after today." She wondered if she could sit next to him. He nodded as he picked up Pikachu on his lap and moved over a but giving Amelia space.
"How was your day?" She asked him.
"The usual. Bit of training, bit of eating, then some more training. Yours?"
"I got distracted by something and couldn't practice as much as I wanted too. I still feel confident about my act but I'll put on the finishing touch in Kiloude City."
"Why didn't you ask me for help then?" Ash wondered as Amelia tried to create a good excuse for it without lying too much.
"It was a family affair. Nothing that should worry you." They left it at that as Ash understood how difficult it might be for her to juggle family and her own desires.
"You ready to go to Kiloude City tomorrow?" They would be transported to the train station in town and they'd hop on and travel to the sight of Amelia's next Showcase and the first Ash would really support her and see her progress.
"Are you ready to meet my parents? They want to see you before the Showcase is happening." One little thing left on Amelia's list of duties before the event. Her parents implored her to present him to them as Amelia was pushed into it or else he wouldn't be staying in her house but the Pokémon Center.
"I guess I am. I know a bit about them from you so I'm sure I'll be fine."
"I should tell you about their bodyguard. He can be a bit forceful."
"Olivier?" Her ears peeked up.
"How do you know?"
"Alfonzo told me a bit about him. Is he really strong?"
"He's scary but I don't know how strong he is. I've never seen him battle." This surprised Ash as he would think that as the bodyguard of such a family he needed to swat away a lot of envious person like Team Rocket or that jerk Byron they came across on the SS Shimmer.
"As my father said, only a weakling or a fool would challenge him."
"Guess we'll just have to prove we're neither."
Ash said full of confidence looking forward to the challenge. Amelia worried just a little for him at the unknown strength of the bodyguard was secretly looking forward to it too in watching Ash beat him. Another maid came to get them to inform them dinner is ready. The dining hall was cleaned having left no trace of Viktor's visit with Ash being none the wiser.
As they wished each other goodnight Amelia flopped on her bed not even bothering to change out of her dress. She would change into her normal outfit tomorrow anyway and as she almost fell asleep hoped that this would one of the last times she had to keep the truth from Ash again.
Bit more backstory on Amelia and her aid Alfonzo and the Valuer family. Pulled out every chess cliché I could for Viktor and wonder if we hear from him again.
As for Ash, it's meet the parents next time. Oh joy.
Later.