Chapter 3: The Dance

For a moment, Cynthia could only stare at the hand before her, waiting to sweep her onto the dance floor. Her mind blanked slightly, almost as though she had forgotten her manners— until she dutifully remembered: Charon was still waiting outside, hoping that he would get into the museum. To abandon him where he was now— the thought of that made her uncomfortable, as much as she was wary of the strange scientist.

"I— I'm sorry," Cynthia stammered, feeling her reluctance take the better of her. She felt an unusual twinge of regret at having spoken those words, not sure of knowing why this was exactly the case. "I mean, I..."

Steven looked at Cynthia, perplexed at her reaction. Then, a look of disappointment spread across his face and he gave her a rueful smile. "Oh? Is that right? A 'no' from the Sinnoh Champion? I must admit this is the first time I've been rejected by a woman for a dance this evening."

Cynthia felt herself blush. Instinctively, she covered her mouth with a hand, feeling flustered. "What I meant to say," Cynthia tried to clarify, hoping she didn't sound pitiful, "was that I had another matter that needed attending to. I— I would be happy to dance, but I..."

"And so that's why you were gone for the last half hour?" Steven went on, intrigued by Cynthia's reply. He crossed his arms, as though he had the rest of the night to listen to her.

Cynthia attempted to give him a smile. "Well," Cynthia said with as much poise as she could gather, "it was rather... urgent, you see."

"Ah, look," another voice observed, "if it isn't the Hoenn Champion and the Sinnoh Champion standing side by side."

Steven and Cynthia turned their heads to the direction of the voice, finding Lucian walking over to them. At the sight of him, Steven found himself slightly vexed, sure that he had finally had a moment alone with Cynthia. On the other hand, Cynthia merely expressed surprise, no sign of annoyance on her face.

"Lucian, how nice of you to join us," Steven greeted him coolly, making sure his voice showed no indication of irritation. "I was just talking with Cynthia about where she had been the past half hour."

"Ah." The psychic-type expert glanced at Cynthia. "By the way, your sister Stella offered to take your clutch. I don't know where she is right now, but it's in her hands."

"Oh," Cynthia said, taken aback by Lucian's remark. She had completely forgotten about it, having been too occupied with Charon. "I see, thank you for informing me about that."

"Of course," Lucian said. "But yes, Steven's mention of your half-hour disappearance has me wondering as well. Where did you go?"

Seeing that she was cornered by both men, Cynthia offered, "I— I had to be alone for a bit. There was something important I had to attend to."

Lucian raised an eyebrow. "On a night like this?"

Without missing a beat, Cynthia replied seriously, "Yes."

Both men looked at her strangely. Then, Cynthia knew she sounded ridiculous.

"It can't be that important," Lucian continued, wondering what had gotten into the Sinnoh Champion. "Tonight is a gala, a celebratory event. What, were you called on Champion duties just now?"

"Well, no," Cynthia admitted. The thought of telling Lucian and Steven about Charon crossed her mind, but she instantly dismissed the thought the moment it came up.

Lucian sighed. "You should relax, Cynthia. Sometimes, I think you're too much of a workaholic."

Cynthia gave a slight frown. "Where did that come from?"

"Well, you certainly look a little stressed right now," Lucian said in a matter-of-factly manner. "If I didn't know you any better, I'd surmise that that's your expression you make when you're working diligently on something."

"And you did seem stressed earlier," Steven chimed in, finding Lucian's statement agreeable. "Right as I found you after having talked with Kate, you seemed worried about something."

Gosh, when and how would she end this conversation? And how was she going to get back to Charon if she couldn't even find a way to help him in? She didn't need to have anyone else intervene in the situation.

Cynthia considered ditching both men on the spot with some feeble excuse— perhaps she'd say she'd need to head to the ladies' room again. However, just as she began to move, she saw a man look hesitantly at her as if about to approach her. Cynthia had quickly glimpsed of him earlier before the dinner only because of his gaping, and frankly unpleasant, stares at her, and she was not flattered at this odd man's attention in particular. If she had to guess, he had had the idea of asking her to dance with her. In response, Cynthia turned her head back to the two men, instinctively and unknowingly nudging closer to Steven and acting as if she hadn't seen him.

Both Lucian and Steven were quick to catch what she had experienced— the Sinnoh Champion was unquestionably beautiful, and it was no surprise that she had attracted the eyes of other men this particular evening. Steven said nothing in response to her movement, and Lucian resisted cracking a smile at the amusement of it.

"You were talking with Kate earlier about something?" Lucian carried on the conversation as if it had never been interrupted in the first place.

Cynthia jumped back into the conversation smoothly. "Yes. Am I not allowed to talk to her all of the sudden?" she asked calmly in defense.

"No one said that," Steven replied, relaxed. "But it was the manner in which you talked with her that made me wonder."

Steven was watching me talk with Kate? The thought left Cynthia stupefied. She didn't know if she was supposed to feel displeased or flattered at his previous notice.

Lucian was interested in Steven's comment. "The manner in which she talked to Kate?" he mused.

"Well, it seemed like it was something urgent, from what I was seeing. I assume that's why Cynthia said it was something important that needed attending to," Steven elaborated.

Lucian looked back at Cynthia. "Is it so important that the director needed your attention for this?"

The direction the conversation was heading towards began to unsettle Cynthia. How could she defend herself?

"Well, I guess it really wasn't that important anyway, since Kate said she wasn't able to help me after all," Cynthia said a little too quickly, and then gave a brisk laugh. "It's nothing, really." And at these words, Cynthia thought: maybe, Charon and his supposed claim that he could confirm the existence of the Griseous Orb and its location really does mean nothing. If he really wasn't invited, doesn't that bring his credibility into question anyway? And I can always look into him later...

Both men didn't seem to buy Cynthia's explanation, but they didn't prod the Sinnoh Champion any further. Steven had the charismatic grace to continue the discussion with ease.

"Well, if it really was nothing, then there should be nothing holding you back from dancing with me now," Steven said breezily, looking boldly at Cynthia now.

Cynthia almost flinched at that unexpected comment.

Lucian couldn't help but release a chuckle. "Is that right? You asked Cynthia to dance with you earlier?"

"I did, but Cynthia refused."

"Oh." A smile spread slowly on Lucian's face, and he looked at Cynthia, amused. "Cynthia, don't tell me you refused his offer to dance because of your…"

The Sinnoh Champion cast a sharp glance at the psychic-type expert, wordlessly challenging him to finish his statement. Lucian merely chuckled in reply, undeterred by her threatening expression.

"I'm missing something here, aren't I?" Steven asked, feeling that there had to be some kind of inside joke.

Lucian shrugged casually. He glanced at Cynthia as if to give her a fair warning before teasing, "Why don't I put it this way: perhaps Cynthia wishes that she had discovered the orbs instead."

Steven blinked in surprise. Meanwhile, Cynthia felt like throwing her hands up, exasperated at Lucian's unnecessary remark. "I think I'll leave this conversation now."

With this, Cynthia began to leave once more. Her timing could have been better, however: the odd man from before was sauntering his way back to the trio. Startled at his arrival, the blonde pressed herself against Steven this time without thinking, clutching her arm against Steven's arm. In an effort to appear courteous, she mustered a smile at him. The ploy seemed to work. He hesitated and then turned around.

Cynthia breathed a sigh of relief, its significance not missed by either Lucian or Steven. Acutely conscious of the fact that she was gripping Steven's arm, she loosened her grip. A combination of embarrassment and comfort brewed in the blonde: Cynthia was sure Steven knew why she did what she did — it was so obvious that that man had been coming towards her — but like before, he said nothing.

"I take it you mean that both of us will leave the conversation now," Steven said, looking gently at Cynthia.

Cynthia allowed herself to smile in defeat. It was pointless to argue with him now. "You got me, Steven Stone. I accept your invitation to dance."

Now that he had Cynthia's permission, Steven held the Sinnoh Champion's arm and excused the both of them from Lucian. He led her to the dance floor and pulled her into his arms: one hand rested on her waist, and the other grasped her hand. Trembling nearly imperceptibly, Cynthia allowed her hand to rest on Steven's shoulder.

As they arrived, the orchestra began their next piece, an unhurried and leisurely jazz oldie, the strings warmly crooning the melody with brass harmonies melting underneath. The two Champions settled into the motion of the mesmerizing music for a good minute or so before Steven spoke.

"Are you actually alright from earlier?" Steven asked Cynthia, looking directly into her eyes. His tone was genuinely concerned. "You seemed rather disappointed about something."

Cynthia blinked, looking away from Steven's eyes. What was it with this man and direct eye contact?

"I'm fine," Cynthia said in the most assured voice she could say. "Really, it wasn't anything that significant."

Steven pulled Cynthia a little closer to him, his grip on her waist just a bit tighter than before. In turn, Cynthia felt her body stiffen slightly at this. Yet, she had to admit: it was not completely unpleasant. She actually liked the feel of it, his rugged and hard body against hers. He must have been so fit from all of those dangerous rock hunting expeditions across the mountains. Cynthia also made out the scent of his musky cologne: whatever he wore was quite sensual and seductive.

"Relax," Steven reassured her in a low voice, recognizing that she hadn't been expecting his embrace. "I must say, however, you have been rather distracted before our dancing now."

Distracted was the right word, Cynthia realized.

"You don't need to talk about it, if you would prefer not to," Steven went on. "But I'm willing to listen."

Hearing this, Cynthia felt herself loosen up a bit. As she did her best to concentrate on the dancing, she said, "I suppose... Well, I had come across an... interesting person in the lobby earlier. A scientist working for the Galactic Energy Corporation claimed he was invited to the gala, but was denied entry. He didn't have an invitation and his name wasn't on the list."

There was a pause. Then: "Ah. I see." Steven released a sigh, pondering on Cynthia's words. "And so it seemed that you got caught up in it and asked for assistance from Kate?"

"She couldn't do anything. If the man was truly invited as he said he was, then his name would have been on the list regardless if he had lost his invitation."

Steven was silent before he spoke again. "What makes him of interest to you?"

Cynthia paused quickly before speaking. "Well, truthfully speaking, he seemed... dubious, but he must have had something interesting. Now that you've discovered the Adamant and Lustrous Orbs, the possibility of the third orb came to mind, and..."

"The third orb?"

"Oh." Cynthia realized the Hoennian probably didn't know enough about Sinnoh's lore to understand what she referred to. "The Griseous Orb. It's an orb supposedly able to prove the existence of the third unspoken creation dragon of Sinnoh... Giratina."

"Ah, I see," Steven murmured contemplatively. "Does this scientist have information about it?"

Cynthia gave a slight nod. "He claims its existence and its whereabouts."

"Do you trust his word?"

Cynthia hesitated. "I'm not entirely sure, but I might just look into it later."

Steven smiled. "Is this what Lucian meant earlier when he said that you wished you had discovered the orbs?"

Cynthia was swift to react, saying immediately, "Lucian was joking. We've been colleagues long enough to be on good terms in this way."

Good terms? Steven thought. Cynthia's mention of their relationship piqued his curiosity, but he would not be provoked. Instead:

"Why don't you take some time off to explore the world?" Steven suggested. "Have some fun. Go on an adventure."

"You mean, do as you did? I need the job, Steven. Those bills aren't going to pay themselves."

"The salary of the Champion title pays well. I presume you would be fine for a while without it harming your Champion status," Steven continued. "Come to think of it, I've never seen any absences from you on your league records when I was still Champion. You shouldn't feel guilty about taking a break. You can use it to say that you wanted to look for the Griseous Orb with this scientist, as you mentioned. I'm sure the League will accept it."

"Maybe," Cynthia said, nodding along. Then: "I like to work. There's nothing wrong with that"

Great, now she really sounded like a workaholic, as Lucian had said earlier.

Steven was amused. "You sure are serious about your Champion duties. Even more than I was."

It was true, Cynthia thought. Steven always took on a more lax approach to his duties than anyone she had seen of all the Champions in the Japanese Regions. Now, Cynthia wondered if she didn't sound interesting due to her workaholic nature.

"You're the heir to the Devon Corporation," Cynthia replied in return. "I always thought you were occupied with your corporation duties."

"Which is true," Steven conceded. "But it will be many, many years before I become the CEO. My father intends to work until the day he dies. In the meantime, I'm enjoying my youth before the day comes. Having the title of Champion is nice indeed, but the world offers so much more than a famous title."

Steven's words struck a chord in Cynthia. He was right. At this, the blonde was quiet, saying nothing. Steven smiled, delighted to see the Sinnoh Champion, normally so self-possessed and unruffled, now vulnerable and soft. He suspected this was a side of her that she rarely let others see.

"And I think you agree with me," Steven added in a lowered, serene voice.

Cynthia felt her cheeks flush once more. The orchestra was still performing as though it would never end. The longer this moment went on, the more uncomfortable she would grow. Steven certainly was enjoying himself with her as she was now, and feeling as though her sense of dignity were disturbed, it was time to change topics.

"Isn't the music wonderful?" Cynthia said abruptly, suddenly acting as though the previous conversation hadn't occurred. Music was the first thing that came to her mind. "You know, if I hadn't become a professional battler or even a scholar, I always thought I'd become a professional concert pianist. I've always thought of music as an incredible means of human expression, don't you think so?"

Steven was puzzled at the unanticipated change of topics, but he smiled nonetheless. Cynthia knew she was babbling like a toddler.

"I even have a piano at home, and it's quite a good one, too," Cynthia went on, unable to stop herself. "But yes, I suppose I haven't had that much of a chance to play it recently because I've been so caught up with Champion duties. Still, I suppose I shouldn't let that get in the way. So yes, maybe like you say, I should allow myself a break or two. I can get back into doing what I love. Although, I'd have to call a piano tuner and then get back into practicing piano— which is difficult, by the way. Playing piano is so difficult."

Cynthia paused, knowing she needed to breathe. Sweet Mew, she thought, I can't close my mouth, rambling on and on and on! Thanks to Steven's astute scrutiny, she now had a bad case of nerves.

Steven, having taken the lead throughout, stopped the two of them from dancing. "Did I make you nervous?"

Duh. As if he had just realized that.

"When you began talking about me and my work, yes," Cynthia said, knowing she sounded preposterous. "Maybe we could talk about something else. Like the music."

Steven smiled. "You don't like to talk about yourself."

"No," Cynthia replied evenly with a nonchalant smile, "not really."

Releasing his hand from her waist, Steven nudged Cynthia's chin up with his index finger. Cynthia didn't stop him. "May I make a suggestion?"

"Sure. Suggest away."

"I daresay you should retire from the League."

Cynthia almost stopped breathing. Then, the blonde released a nervous laugh. "Steven, you and I are two very different people. You have the luxury of retiring from the League. I don't. You're far more carefree and uninhibited. I am not."

"It's true. I won't deny that. But I think there are a lot more similarities between us than you realize."

There was a challenge in his voice, Cynthia heard. "Such as?"

"The thrill of adventure, the ruins to discover, the myths to study," Steven responded easily, looking boldly into her eyes once more. "You know as well as I do what it feels like."

Cynthia didn't say anything, diverting her eyes away from Steven once more even as he held her there. From a distance, she saw from the corner of her eye that several pairs of eyes were on them — including many jealous female ones. The gossip was going to begin, Cynthia realized.

To both Steven and Cynthia's surprise, Cynthia jerked her head away. The growing attention on the two Champions dancing together was easily hot gossip. Steven, however, held her hand, refusing to let her go.

Nonetheless, it was perfect timing: the orchestra had just finished the piece, and light applause scattered around the crowds as all the dancing partners stopped.

Steven gave a regretful smile to Cynthia as he said, "I wish we had more time to dance." And before Cynthia could say anything else, Steven lifted her hand to his face and kissed it lightly.

"Ah, Steven!" Kate's voice, businesslike, traveled from a few meters. Both Champions shifted their attention to the museum director, who was waving her hand. "We're about to start our press conference soon. We need you here!"

Steven gave Cynthia one final smile before releasing her hand. "I do hope we'll encounter each other again this evening."

Then, Steven was gone, his back to her as he walked over to Kate. Cynthia shivered slightly, holding the hand that was held at Steven's lips just a moment before. Shaking herself, she went back over to her table and hoped to find a drink — a good glass of red wine would numb her nerves. She felt dreadfully self-conscious all of the sudden.

"Cynthia!" Stella's cheerful voice grabbed the blonde's attention from a short distance away. "There you are! I still have your clutch."

"Ah," Cynthia said, watching her younger sister make her way to the table. Stella handed her the clutch. "Thanks for holding onto it."

"Sure!" Stella said, and then looked at her older sister slyly. "I saw you dancing with Steven earlier." Cynthia couldn't deny it. Casually, as she filled a wine glass from an opened bottle of red wine at the table, she replied, "Mhm."

"He's so attractive, isn't he?" Stella sighed dreamily.

Cynthia merely nodded. She could understand his appeal, all right. "Yes."

"You're lucky you got to dance with him," Stella went on. "Grandmother pulled me aside before she would let me consider dancing with him. And it looked like Steven didn't dance much tonight."

"Really?" Cynthia blinked, surprised to hear those words. She was midway in a sip of water. "He didn't dance much tonight?"

Stella shrugged. "I dunno why. I guess he was picky about who he wanted to dance with?"

Cynthia didn't need to hear that. "Well, I'm sure he had his reasons."

"Well, I don't know if you've noticed, but you've gotten the jealous attention of other women here." Stella smiled at her sister.

"I realize that," Cynthia admitted, not at all feeling as if this was something to be proud of. "I can't do much about that now, can't I."

Lucian had arrived back at the table, greeting Stella and Cynthia as they conversed.

"It looked like you had a nice dance with Steven," Lucian said in a friendly tone. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think he was flirting with you."

Cynthia tried not to roll her eyes. Wanting to push aside this topic of discussion, she said, "Well, whatever that was, it's over now."

Lucian chuckled. "Looks like this made you uncomfortable."

"I wouldn't say uncomfortable per se," Cynthia said, "I mean… Never mind."

As Cynthia looked away from both Lucian and Stella, she glanced back at Steven, who was occupied with Kate and a couple of other museum directors. From a distance, the blonde noticed small crowds of women once more giggling to themselves as they pointed at the ex-Hoenn Champion. For a split second, Cynthia thought it repulsive.

"Lucian," Cynthia said calmly.

"Hm?" The psychic-type looked over at her curiously.

"If I ever act like that around Steven—" Cynthia indicated the fawning women "—please promise that you'll shoot me."

The psychic-type expert burst out laughing. "I'd be happy to do so." To Lucian, it was evident that the blonde had just slightly fallen under the charming spell of Steven Stone.

Within a few minutes, the orchestra had ceased their performance. Amongst everyone, there was the collective understanding that the press conference would begin soon. However, as Cynthia sat waiting back at her table with Lucian and Stella, she still found herself occupied with the scientist outdoors. Despite her having danced with Steven, she couldn't let the matter with Charon drop. She was doubly sure that there was no way he could get in now, and the thought of returning to Charon only to tell him that she couldn't do anything was disconcerting. With a temperament like Charon's, Cynthia was sure she would get the brunt of his attitude.

Still, maybe that's better than just leaving him there, Cynthia thought. I could say that I tried, perhaps…

It was true: she had tried, but to no avail. Though the press conference was to start shortly, it was possible for her to rush out and quickly inform him… wasn't it? She could make it back in time to see the press conference begin with the few minutes left.

"Lucian," Cynthia addressed to him, "I'm going to go check on something quickly. I promise I'll be back in a few minutes."

The psychic-type expert raised an eyebrow. "Again? Does this have to do with something from earlier?"

"Well…" Cynthia knew she sounded peculiar. "Somewhat. Yes." The Sinnoh Champion stood up suddenly. "It'll be quick as I said."

Cynthia left before either Lucian or Stella could say anything further, hurrying out of the main hall. Glancing quickly around the foyer, she saw that many of the security guards were no longer present. Briefly, she questioned where they went, but that wasn't as pertinent as the current matter at hand. There was only one security guard standing by the corner of the museum foyer, dutifully on watch.

When Cynthia opened the museum doors to its entrance, Charon was nowhere to be seen. Before her were merely the red-carpeted stairs and the night skyline of Eterna City.

What? Cynthia was perplexed. She took a breath. Where did he go? Did he leave? Or maybe the guards forced him out for loitering?

Cynthia walked a couple of steps down the stairs, shifting her head around her surroundings. Indeed, Charon was nowhere to be found.

The thought of calling out his name crossed Cynthia's mind. However, she decided to walk a few more steps forward just to be sure he wasn't just along the streets instead. As she walked down the steps, a small stained card caught her attention from a meter away.

Is this…? Cynthia went over to the card, leaning down as she picked it up to read it.

Charon

Professor at Eterna College

Scientist and Researcher at Galactic Energy Corporation

200 10th Street, Veilstone City, Sinnoh

555-1212

Cynthia shifted her head back. This was the business card he held out earlier when he tried to confirm his identity, there was no question about it.

Well, now, I guess it can't be helped. Charon isn't here. Perhaps it would be better to contact him? Cynthia thought. She took one final glance around her. The city surroundings were empty and silent.

Sighing, Cynthia tucked the business card into her clutch and made her way back to the museum. It looked the same as before, though more people had settled into their seats, presumably waiting for the event to begin. Swiftly locating her table, she hastily arrived back and placed herself next to Lucian and Stella.

"I didn't miss anything, did I?" Cynthia asked.

Lucian shook his head. "You're lucky, you've made it back in time. But the event is starting late for some reason. We're already a few minutes behind."

"Well, we've been behind anyhow this entire evening, haven't we?" Cynthia said, thinking the lateness insignificant.

"That's true," Lucian conceded, "but I have a hunch that this isn't like before."

Cynthia looked at Lucian, intrigued. "What do you mean?"

Lucian looked back at the Sinnoh Champion evenly. "I saw Kate just a minute ago, and she didn't seem too happy. She looked heavily stressed. Steven wasn't looking so well either."

Cynthia frowned. "What's going on, then?"

"Something strange, I would assume."

And as if to confirm Lucian's words, Kate had now walked onto the raised platform, making her way to the podium. She almost looked as though she were shaking, as she turned the microphone to her lips and prepared herself.

"Um, good evening, everyone," Kate said, her voice wavering. As much as she tried to contain herself, it was evident she could not. "We apologize for the delay… There's been a very unfortunate event…"

The attendees began exchanging confused glances amongst each other.

"Of course, we are supposed to start our press conference right now, but…" Kate took a nervous sigh. "Well, this is going to be extremely difficult to say. And, of-of course, we're meant to host this event to discuss Mister Stone's incredible discovery, but…"

There was a pregnant pause dangling in the air. Knowing she had to continue, Kate braved on. "The orbs… they're not in their cases. They've been…" Kate took one more nervous sigh, reluctant of her next word. "…stolen."