"I'm still a little confused. The celebration is today, why don't you want to go?"

As if to punctuate the statement, a flat-blunted crossbow bolt soared through the air towards Argon. The projectile would have caused a nasty bruise, had the distance between her and Chimera not allowed the Raichu to preemptively levitate one of the many pieces of driftwood cast onto the sandy coast, absorbing the blow. A sense of normalcy seemed to have developed in both pokemon since the last month. Resource missions came as quickly as the went, the temperature grew moderately less oppressive as calendars shifted to the poorly named cool season, and Chimera was able to wake up without instinctively lunging to turn off the incessant beeping of a metal rectangle now nonexistent to his new life. In the periods where they were separated during their copious amounts of free time, Chimera occupied himself between occasional games of croquet with Binair and satiating the nearly irresistible urge to jump off the familiar cliff overlooking their present location. Argon found herself content to sight-see where her partner would jump, and left the occasional oran berry for when he fulfilled his species's instinctual desires. Still, every exploration by day and every finished bedside story by night found her partner equally unable or unwilling to replicate his species offensive techniques. The soothing bells chimed ferociously as ever when Raichu took Bagon along for an afternoon picnic, one that had quickly devolved from Chimera's insistence into an impromptu sparing session.

"I-I...I'm just not a fan of parties, ok? The noise, the crowded spaces, the constant demand for small talk, it's just not something I enjoy."

With the Bagon scrambling to reload his weapon, Argon dropping to all fours and charged, easily outrunning his attempts to keep a safe distance between them. In recognition of Chimera's alteration of his weapons for the spar, Argon herself held back when tackling his backside, only using a half of her electric abilities. Despite this, she was still surprised with how quickly the Bagon was able to get to his feet after being sent skidding across the sand. He dusted himself off, not a hint of malice in his expression despite the recent attack,

"I've learned that events like these are what you make of them. I can definitely understand the urge to not go, I...had my reasons for being sort of a hermit around them in the past. But they can definitely be worth it, it's better to go and decide for yourself than let go of the opportunity."

A brief silence ensued as they gave each other a moment to think over what was said. Gray clouds finished their formation, letting light rain drops drizzle onto both. Argon remained unshaken, having long adapted to exploring a familiar rainforest dungeon. Chimera was also relatively unfazed, if only because of the crudely fashioned rain cape that ran over the back half of his body, its color identical to the clouds above. Finding the right material for the apparel had been difficult, but well worth it in the face of the on and off showers that greeted them.

"I know that, I-It's just...I'm not good with other pokemon, I know that much. When I try to talk to someone I don't know, they'll be times where my brain just...freezes up, and I'll try to say something, but it won't let me."

Argon raised her paw, warning that their battle would continue. With his weapon unloaded and his enemy right in front of him, Chimera was the one to charge, making extra sure to watch for the Raichu's movement before lowering his rocky forehead. In the brief second it took for Argon to snap herself back to attention between her mind's conflicting suggestions, she was sideswiped by the attack, sending her careening to the sand. Chimera jolted to the floor over top his partner, about to hurl his forehead toward hers before stopping. Instead, he reached into the short pouch at his side, pulling out another crossbow bolt and holding the blunted end to her neck, as if about to stab. With his short arms, Argon had no trouble shooting her own paw to his throat on reflex. Brief sparks emanated from her cheeks as silence again overtook the beach, and rain drops pitter-pattered onto Bagon and Raichu alike.

"W-Well...you're definitely improving," said Argon, releasing her grip on the Bagon's throat.

"I'd say that's probably only because you're distracted," Chimera replied, likewise retracting the bolt.

Realizing their somewhat awkward predicament, Chimera moved away to let both pokemon stand up. An orange radiance spread over the calm waves as dusk appeared.

"Anyway, I can't say I relate to your situation, but I do know that avoiding it will only exasperate the problem. You do want to be able to go out and meet new pokemon, don't you?"

She turned away, raising a paw up to shield her eyes even as raindrops pelted her fur.

No you don't. This'll end poorly, you'll make an embarrassment out of yourself again, just like you did at the cafe...

Shut up.

They'll laugh at you, they'll all laugh at you.

Shut. Up.

They won't forget, they never did. You're out of your depth, and the only thing you can do now is run.

No, I can't...I won't, not today.

She turned back, shaking her head to remove the excess of water that had soaked through her fur,

"I...yes, yes I do. Y-You're right...I've been running away from this for too long. I actually made a promise before you washed up on this shoreline, that I was going to do my best to do just that, to meet new pokemon, but I could never find the willpower to actually go through with it beyond some pathetic small talk. T-Then I run away, my mind starts insulting itself, and...it's stressful to say the least. If I'm going to get myself out of that state, I suppose this is the first step."

Chimera was stunned. It seemed, even when his partner was able to stroll through a pallid-infested dungeon like one of her many evening walks, she still had her own demons to overcome. The Bagon's smile lit up from ear to ear as he retrieved two oran berries from his own bag, offering one to her,

"Well then, I'm glad to hear you say that. I can't say it'll work out for the best, but I can promise I'll be there to help. At the very least, it'll probably be less difficult if you have someone you know at your side. So...shall we get ready then?"

"Y-Yeah, we should probably get going now, if we're going to make it."

They departed, bites into oran berries signalling a feeling of rejuvenation that both suspected wasn't simply from the cured wounds.

They could hear the party long before they saw it. Even as the duo procured the proper attire at their humble apartment, jovial shouting accompanied by music more akin to belonging in a tavern wafted through the window. It was a short walk to the guild hall, one that led both past several houses silhouetted against the moonlight in varying states of completion, a testament to the seeming endless construction that had taken place around Pith Town even before Chimera's arrival.

Only when they had both set foot on the expansive courtyard could the controlled chaos be fully seen. A septet of musicians around the center fountain, proudly labeled as the 'seven treasures' attempted to play over the rowdy cheers and screams surrounding them, with moderate success. Chimera seemed especially distracted by the Togetic leading the group with recorder in hand, but the Bagon's disappointed continuance turned away before his peculiar mutterings of the name 'Evelyn' could be questioned. All throughout the courtyard were pokemon of every size and stature, a good portion without any identification to even relate them to the guild, conversing over each other and dancing to their heart's content. An entrepreneurial Ivysaur hastily ran up to the two, offering the fermented berry juice contained inside an especially large bottle in exchange for a sum of poke, but was quickly distracted as another group called to its attention, coinage in hand. The once clean floor seemed littered with fallen decorations and the discarded remains of bottles that had run dry.

Argon lifted a paw to her neck, scratching to alleviate the uncomfortable itchiness of the ornate, blue bow donned for the occasion. Much to her apprehension, in the time it had taken her to wash and comb her fur, Chimera had discarded neither the crossbow at his side, nor the worn, gray rain cape over his back.

"Well, it's certainly...festive. Honestly, now that we're actually here, I-I'm not sure if I'm over dressed or you're under dressed."

"Hey," he said with a chuckle,"at least it will make me easy to identify if I pass out. I don't intend on getting shit-faced, but...I also don't have a history for the highest tolerance, and I suspect this new body won't make it any better."

She sighed,

"Just don't do anything too embarrassing, and we should be fine.I-If you can believe it, I've seen pokemon put on special dye over their fur or scales to look like they were shiny, at least I don't think anything like that'll go on here. Also, we shouldn't have to worry about that thief you talked about, should we?"

"Eh...probably not," he replied, cheerful music growing fainter as they skirted the party's edge,"if Pith Town security is anything to be accounted for at least. And by the way, I know you had some reservations about coming here, if you don't feel comfortable, just say the word and we'll leave."

"Y-Yeah, I should be fine, I'll find you if that happens. If you want to head out and do your own thing, don't stop on my behalf."

With the crowd mostly out of their way, Chimera glanced over at the large, grassy field surrounded by palm trees, recognizable as the same familiar field he had his first conversation with Binair. It had been converted into a sort of outdoor game arena, with chairs and round tables being hastily assembled to let cards, dice, and chips be placed upon them. The modest group of pokemon around the arena appeared to be somewhat wealthier than those celebrating in the courtyard. Many of the more militaristic pokemon were donned in ornate tricorns and green coats, while those less so conversed in feathered or topped hats. The duo was surprised to not spot Binair in such a location, though their question was quickly answered when two intricate silverware cups levitated before them.

"Well old chum, fancy seeing you here, care for some punch? And Argon too! I can't express how happy I am that you decided to come."

They turned around to see the familiar Girafarig, dark green bow fashioned around his neck,

"Good to see you too Sir," Chimera replied, taking hold of the glass, "we're glad to be here."

Argon also took hold of the cup, but inconspicuously held it to her partner after sniffing the alcoholic contents,

"A-And if you don't mind me asking...this seems like a bigger celebration than just the guild."

"I suppose that was bound to happen," Binair replied, "these things always are a messy endeavor, but a fair amount of the teams were insistent, and who am I to deny some harmless bread and circus? Whether at the guild or the assembly plants outside town, I'm sure every pokemon here has done their fair share, let them have their fun."

A chatot, recognizable to both as the same one they would take their missions from everyday, walked up behind Binair with quill and clipboard in hand. A malevolent glare from the Girafarig's tail froze the Chatot in its tracks, and with the nonverbal cue it scurried back into the hall.

"You can never really get away from work, can you?" Binair said with a sigh. "And it's 'Binair', not 'Sir" old chum, I'd prefer to keep things as informal as possible during events like these. Speaking of which, Argon, would you mind if I take Chimera aside for a little game? I want to see just how lucky this Bagon really is."

After a moment's considerations, Argon nodded. A look shared between the two as Chimera left with Binair toward the field confirmed that their previous agreement still stood, and with this in mind she turned back toward the courtyard. After a few minutes wandering the chaotic scene, Argon was forced to keep her head to the floor to alleviate dizziness, and was thus caught unaware when a different voice again sounded from behind,

"Excuse me Madam, are you enjoying the party?"

The Raichu's head tilted with recognizance of the speaker's identity. Standing before Argon was a charmander, not unlike many she had seen that were either members of the guild or simply residents of Pith Town, except for its unusual attire. Over the Charmander's eyes were a pair of black, opaque goggles. A sort of metallic cone covered where the Charmander's flame would have been, only flickers of smoke noticeable out of the decorative garb. In her brief acquaintance with fire types with exposed flames, Argon could recall that such a chimney-like accessory was sometimes sold to parents of the newly hatched, in order to alleviate concern of accidental fires while they were being taught to control their flame. The sight of it on a Charmander who looked nearly as old as she was, however, peaked the Raichu's interest.

"I-It's...It's alright, a little too tumultuous for my taste, but I could get used to it."

"If it is too much," the Charmander asked, "may I suggest we head inside to the higher ranking quarters of the party? I have heard it is much more orderly there."

She glanced toward the guild hall, taking note of the Rhydon and Watchog inspecting the guild badges of those who entered. Such a location was bound to be less crowded than the conglomerate of pokemon assembled outside, and Argon found herself curious of the Charmander looking toward her with a quaint smile. She was hard pressed to remember the last instance a pokemon had taken the time to approach her during one of these cerebration, and if the goal of coming here was to be more social, who was she to deny his offer?

"Y-Yeah," she replied, "I suppose it couldn't hurt. By the way, I'm Argon, what's you name?"

"My name...call me Eoin."

The change in atmosphere as both pokemon entered the guild hall and went upstairs to the assembly area was nothing less than jarring. Eoin seemed reluctant to unveil his badge when they were inspected, but whether from Argon's assurance that the Charmander was with her, or the guard's own lack of attentiveness late into the night, they passed through without issue. The drowning noise of outside was quickly alleviated through a mix of soundproof walls and ballroom music. Its orchestral source was significantly larger than the outside septet, and Argon couldn't help but notice that leading the group was the same Kriketune that had conscripted her into a summertime march. Ornate carvings and paintings as well as a large clock lined the concave roof, illuminated by luminous orbs and moonlight from the many large windows on one side of the massive room. Any furniture that recently donned the marble floors had been removed, and in its place were around two dozen pokemon, all dressed in various levels of elaborate fashion and spinning in pairs to the leisurely music.

"Care for a dance, Madam?"

When she turned back from analyzing the room, Eoin was on one knee, hand raised up to her in a sign of offering. The gesture brought a befuddled look from Argon, if for the fact that the Charmander had not only walked straight up to her, but lead her here with seeming knowledge of what was taking place. Beneath its opaque goggles, Eoin's smile placated the Raichu as much as it unnerved her. Something about the grin drew in a definite sense of familiarity to Argon, though its source seemed to make even less sense the more she thought about it. She rubbed her eyes, looking between goggles, tail cover, and Eoin himself, were charmander scales always that shade of orange? Regardless, he was waiting, and with butterfrees in her chest she lowered her own paw to his. Answers would come, she thought, the highest priority now was ensuring that the stranger's courtesy was reciprocated, and that she didn't look like a fool in front of the many onlookers.

"I-I appreciate the hospitality Eoin," she said, locking right hand with his left and placing her other paw at his side, "and I can certainly say this type of thing doesn't usually happen to me. If you don't mind me asking, this is kind of a weird question, but...do I know you from somewhere?"

A part in the back of Argon's mind knew exactly where she had seen the strange Charmander, and the solemn grin that followed further hampered her disbelief. A couple misaligned steps with Eoin proved that the Charmander was nearly as inexperienced as she with ballroom dancing, but with downtempoed music playing, and 1, 2, 3's no doubt being counted in the back of their minds, they were able to come to a rhythm that allowed both room to think.

"You do in fact, I suppose there is no need to keep up the facade with you. I have...changed a lot since the last time we met, but as long as you are willing to keep this a secret, I see no trouble in revealing it."

The Charmander glanced over his shoulder, checking to make sure that neither the other dancers nor onlookers were watching before raising a hand to his black tinted goggles. In the brief moment they were removed, Argon's blue eyes stared into a pupilless, pallid white, still drawing a gasp from the Raichu with her inconceivable theory being confirmed.

"Y-You're the—"

"Pallid that attacked your friend in Uxie's cave?" he finished, keeping his voice to a whisper. "Yes, and I cannot begin to apologize for my actions. I know this does not excuse them, but I was a different pokemon back then, with a different way of thinking. And before I forget, I would like to return this to you both."

He reached for a short bag at his side, before holding an object to her. In the Charmander's hand was a shield-like green and gold badge, dented and with a faint line of rust forming around the edges, no doubt from being knocked from her partner's grip into chilling water. Argon was only moderately less surprised at the offering and, noticing that they had stopped, quickly levitated the badge to her own traveling pouch, in order to not arouse too much suspicious from onlookers as they joined hands to continue their short, counterclockwise circle across the marble floor. Whatever dark inquiries Argon had been able to suppress after first seeing the pallid Charmander smile at her with the remains of a tamato berry in its hand returned unrelentingly. Her opinion of the beings she had encountered for the last four years across mystery dungeons had always been of them being nuisances at best, and ferocious monsters at worst. Memories of pallids consisted of feral barks, of unrelenting aggressiveness, of wounds that had to be healed at the day's end. The Raichu would of preferred to not confront any at all, if not for the fact that their existence was the sole reason she was still in a job. And yet...here she was, holding hands and dancing with a being who once fit the worst of her conceptions.

"I-I...I have a lot of questions," she said, also confining her voice to a soft murmur. "How did you even get out of the mystery dungeon? Pallids aren't supposed to be able to do that. How...how are you even speaking? I-I mean no offence, but I've never seen a pallid that was sapient enough to do anything other than attack, until you of course. And why are you here, why come to me of all pokemon?"

"You have already seen the answer to your first question. As for the second, I will explain that and the rest in good time. The third...well, there are many reasons."

The music picked up in tempo. Such a change was unexpected, but by then both were in tune enough with each other's footsteps to keep pace. They passed another pair in their movement across the marble floor; a beedrill and bayleef, with the two vines of the latter gently wrapped around the former's stingers. A part of Argon was thankful that the stranger who had walked up to her had the same number of appendages as she did, for the process of matching her opposite's movements would be indefinitely harder if she had to be in sync with either four or no legs. She turned back to Eoin, returning the eye contact that the dance required.

"I cannot express enough how thankful I am for the impact you have had on my existence. It may have been another being who gifted me the ability to rise above my former self, but you were the one who showed me the potential to do just that. Your kindness in offering a way to heal my fire instead of putting it out proved to me that I could do more than just fight and steal in my brief existence. I...I suppose I brought you here so I could do justice to meeting such a pokemon."

Butterfrees flapped incessantly in Argon's stomach, though the slight tinge of pink seeping through Eoin's cheeks proved he was almost as nervous as she was. Whether from knowing of the now familiar Charmander's origins, or simply from the room's languid atmosphere, Argon found her mind much more organized when speaking to Eoin than what felt like ages ago to the Charmeleon at the cafe.

"W-Well, I can't thank you enough for the sentiment, Eoin. I never thought I could mean that much to a pokemon. It must have taken a lot of effort getting to where you are now, you really did all this just for my sake?"

"In truth, I...I also came here to discuss something else with you," replied Eoin, a hint of melancholy in his face, "but that can wait. The night is young, and I'd rather not burden you with those details at a time like this."

Argon nodded, letting a tranquil silence fill the narrow space between them as contentment overcame curiosity. The orchestral music again slowly picked up pace, and both pokemon were more than a little surprised when she took the lead. A paw lifted to let Eoin twirl around the Raichu's arm was reciprocated in kind, before the distance between them again closed.

"You dance well," said Eoin, shifting posture to let Argon dip and her head look toward the ceiling.

"I-It's nothing special," she replied, "I had a lot of hobbies when I was a pikachu, would pick up something for a few months before loosing interest. Dancing was one of them, I practiced enough that I learned the basics, although...I was always alone when I did."

"It suits you, you have a lot more experience using your feet than most members of your species, I presume. I can relate to your predicament, I have had to learn a lot in the past month, never got much of a chance to talk to another pokemon when I did."

Argon's head lowered at the compliment, not sure whether the feeling in her chest was pride or shame. She hastily returned his smile, chiding herself for letting the carefree atmosphere be diminished. As if my mutual agreement, neither pokemon spoke another word as their bodies moved in sync, even when the small-talk of once numerous dancers were replaced by audible yawns from the orchestra. If any noise from outside pierced through the guild hall windows Argon didn't hear it, nor did she want to. Their increasing solitude as the hours passed and music faded into nothingness brought peace of mind where awkwardness should have spawned, and Argon found that imagery of a familiar cliff side appeared into her conscious whenever a blink interrupted her vision of the Charmander's opaque goggles. The Krikitune was the last to exit, leaving only moonlight to filter onto the two occupants when the luminous orbs on the walls faded to black. With their solitude, and judging that no other pokemon would be able to judge his identity in the dark conditions, Eoin lifted a hand to reveal his white eyes. Argon smiled at the gesture, and would have danced with the pallid Charmander until daybreak, if not for silence being interrupted by a soft creak from the assembly area door being opened, and the visage of a familiar Bagon peaking into the unfolding scene, drink in hand,

"Hey—hick—Argon, are you ready to go? It's pretty late and—"

Chimera stopped, being met by a beaming smile from his partner. In that smile was a thousand words of unspoken gratitude from the Raichu, no doubt for helping overcome her apprehensiveness as she lifted her paw to again let the Charmander twirl. The Bagon happily returned the smile, though was shook by a soft bell that rang from the ceiling, signalling the start of a new day. The bell chime occurred in tandem with Chimera catching view of Eoin's exposed face when the Charmander returned to Argon's side, forcing all three pokemon to freeze. Time stood still as brown and white eyes stared at each other for the second time, both trying to decide whether the emotions in their hearts were bewilderment, curiosity, unadulterated rage, or a combination of all three. Only one sentence escaped the Bagon's mind as he pieced things together, one that perfectly summed up the thoughts of all three.

"Well...this is awkward."