Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the characters

"Your sister's painting?" Gold looked between the two and almost didn't stop Crystal quickly enough before she went to grab the tea cup to fling at him. He grabbed her around her waist but that didn't stop the daggers she threw at the older man. He hadn't seen her lose her composure before and Winypon seemed to sense her anger as well and started snarling at the man as well.

"Why do you have my sister's painting?" Crystal demanded an answer as Gold struggled to keep her from attacking his old master. Her heart almost stopped at the thought that some man had broken into her sister's studio and could've taken advantage of her. She was glad Yellow wasn't there to witness her painting being stolen because Yellow would've spoken of some strange man stealing her painting.

"Why have you brought this crazed woman into my home?" Lance demanded. Gold knew Lance's famous rage, though he was never a victim of it, and stepped between the two not knowing whose rage he was protecting the other from. He looked over his shoulder to Crystal whose eyes shot darts.

"There must be a misunderstanding," Gold tried to reason with the two. He didn't know how he had become the voice of reason but he knew that anyone of the Berlitz sisters clashing with an arrogant man would be destructive to say the least. "Lance, how did you come upon this painting?"

The fact that Lance didn't answer, damned him in Crystal eyes but with Gold holding her, she couldn't strike the man as she wanted to. When he claimed that it was his own painting, which only irritated her more and she ordered Winypon to attack but Gold grabbed the creature before it could attack. How dare he claim someone else's hard work and art as his own? That painting belonged to her sister and she wouldn't allow anyone to take the credit from her.

"When I report you to the authority, they'll throw you into the gallows!" Gold knew that Crystal would be true to her word but didn't know if the law would support her threat. He knew that Lance's station was above hers and that there was no evidence that Yellow was the one that actually made the painting. He also wanted to question Lance about how he came to the estate.

He wanted to keep Crystal happy as well though, why he was so invested with her happiness more than a friend should, he couldn't tell you. He just wanted to not have her angry at him at the end of this confutation. "I actually wanted to ask you a few question Lance. Crystal please let me speak with Lance for a moment so I can speak with him."

"But-" She started to argue but he pulled her closer so he could whisper into her ear.

"Let me speak with him, I promise to ask him about your sister's painting." He told her, his eyes begging her to trust him. "Please don't upset him, for your own safety. I'll speak with him, until then can you wait outside for me? Speak to anyone to ask if they know about your sisters painting."

"I need to take a walk," Crystal huffed, knowing that her getting angry wouldn't help her sister and hopefully Gold could get the truth from the man. She trusted him and when she walked to the door, her loyal dog followed by her side. She gave Gold one last stern look before walking out the door.

"If she wasn't your paramour, I would've struck her for such disrespect."

"You shall not speak about Crystal as such," Gold said instinctively but Lance only mumbled under his breath before gesturing Gold to sit on a chair across from his. Gold hands tightened into fist but held himself back and sat, taking the tea offered to him. "So what brings the newly titled marquis back to his home?"

"You heard about that?" Gold sighed. Was there no place he could go to without people judging him by his title anymore? "But I wish to speak with you about something else. I would like to know how I came to this estate. Did someone bring me or did one of the foreman find me somewhere on the land?"

"A man saying he was from an orphanage brought you to us." Lance said after a moment of pondering, it being so many years, he almost forgot how Gold came to them. "He carried a bag of coin and told us that we can keep the coin if you were allowed to grow up on this land and trained to be the head groom. He said that he would come to make sure that you were taken care of for the years to come. We never saw him again but there was always a presence he left, I can't explain it."

"What did his man look like?" Gold jumped at the information. It confused him that a man brought him here and not his mother. Where was his mother at this point in time? "Was there anyone else with him?"

"He did return to a carriage after he handed you to our foreman but I didn't see anyone in the carriage and it was unmarked. But I can describe the man for you," Lance told him. "He was a little taller than you and his clothes suggested a low station. I don't recall the colour of his eyes but his hair was darker than most."

"Thank you and I apologize for Crystal attacking you but I cannot recall you having an interest in art," Gold said with silent accusation. Lance's eyes narrowed into slits and Gold knew he wasn't going to get an answer without pushing the man. "Did you purchase that painting perhaps? If my recollection is correct, I have seen that painting before when it graced a friend's wall."

"Are you saying that you believe the chit?" Lance's words were said with a disbelieving laugh. Gold grabbed the man by his waist coat and could help the satisfaction he felt when he knocked the man back. Gold didn't bother to lower his voice as he threatened.

"You will not speak about Lady Crystal that way or any other woman. My family has power and if you don't want to be brought before the court on your actions towards your employee, I will suggest you tell me the truth and I will know if you try to lie to me. Where did that painting come from?"

"I bought it," Lance said reluctantly. "The man said that I couldn't speak with anyone where I purchased it but there was something to that painting and he was selling it for so little. You cannot punish me for merely purchasing a painting."

"Then you will not be angry if I purchase it from you?" Though his words were phrased as a question, his tone didn't allow for an answer beside his own. "I will pay you double for that painting and if it is not the work of Lady Berlitz, I will return it to you."

"Do what you wish," Lance snarled. Gold pulled several gold coins from his coin purse and left them on the table before taking the painting from the wall. Gold thanked the man before striding out the door. He wanted to leave before his anger made him attack the man again. But he wouldn't allow for anyone to speak ill of his dancing water nymph.

He went to place the painting in the carriage before looking for Crystal to cool his anger, not wanting to release it on someone that didn't deserve it. He made sure to lock it in the trunk so no one could steal it again before looking for Crystal. He was able to find her easily, following the sound of a dog's happy laughter. He leaned against the stable door as he watched Crystal.

He knew it was right to call her a dancing nymph whenever he saw her move as she did now. Graceful, as if tiny wings kept her feet from touching the ground. Even know as she merely danced around the dog, as she played with him, throwing a stick for him to catch. Every move she did was like watching a dance to him and he couldn't help but wonder why her actual dancing was so restrictive.

As if she sensed his gaze on her, she turned and went to his side once Winypon returned with the stick for her. The animal ran past her and Gold and into the stable happily towards a child. The young blond backed away for the moment before stepping towards the dog that held his head to the boy, eager for a pet.

"Winypon seems to like you," the boy suddenly realized that he had an audience and back away from the dog, turning his nose up defiantly. Gold noticed that he held a carrot and guessed that the boy was trying to feed the horse but was too small to do so.

"Well, I don't like him." The boy said suddenly. "I hate animals."

"How can you hate them?" Gold asked flabbergasted. As one that was always around animals as a child and saw them as his partners, he couldn't understand why the little boy would say such a thing. It seemed that animals were naturally drawn to him. He stopped when Crystal came into view beside Gold.

"Gold, don't push him! What is the carrot for then?" She asked gently and held out her hand to him. There was something about him that reminded her of someone but she couldn't place her finger on it. The boy placed the carrot behind his back and looked from her to the horses. "Do you work for the master of this estate? You look too young to be doing so."

"The orphanage sent me, my lady." He said, chewing at her bottom lip and she felt something tug at her heart for the little boy. She knew what he must've been feeling about his situation.

"Are you happy here?" Crystal asked but the boy didn't answer her, only looked down at his feet. She knew the boy was only twelve, about the time the orphanage would send a boy to work at the factory to work. She could only guess what it was like to be taken to a strange place. "If you want, I can take you away from here. I can help you find a place that you will be happier, as I was helped."

The boy didn't cry, merely grabbed onto her skirt and nodded. Gold smiled at her kindness and placed a hand on the boy's head. Crystal gave him a questioning gaze and nodded. "There is always room in my carriage for one more. It seems you take in as many needed as I do. Now what is your name?"

"Emerald."

"I need to speak with you Yellow," Red said after he stole a moment alone with her. Her sister seemed to refuse to let Yellow have a moment alone. He didn't think too much on it though, thinking that she was only afraid of him compromising her. He waited until Blue left and he visited Yellow in her studio. She was painting. He had to tell her about her painting, not wanting any secrets between them since he needed her trust to continue acting as an art thief.

"Is something wrong?" She looked over her shoulder as he came to stand behind her and studied her latest painting. The man in the painting was unfinished but the strange yellow creature on his shoulder was warm with love. She noticed his gaze on the creature and tilted her head up at him. "Lyra wanted me to draw a concept of one of her creature and these mystic monsters stem from there."

"Who's the man?" He asked and she blushed, not answering him and explained the medium she decided to use for him instead. He saw her soft smile as she smudged the charcoal with her finger to darken the colour of the man's midnight hair. He wanted to sit and watch her sketch but knew he had to tell her. "I came to tell you something but I know that you won't be happy when I tell you."

Yellow stopped at his tone and set aside her charcoals. He pulled a stool to sit next to her and sighed heavily. "We need to find this man, for you as much as me now. I don't know how but I think that he knows that I'm after him and that you're helping me. My house was broken into but the only thing stolen was your painting that I kept in a safe."

Yellow's face was frozen with shock and he knew that he had lost his bargaining power with her. He hoped to God that he would still be able to convince her to help him and went on. "My offer to pay off your brother's debt still stands though and I promise to get your painting back. I already have another lead on someone that might know who my parents' murderer is. I know your sisters were invited to the Birches' ball and I wish to be your escort so I can ask them some question."

Yellow didn't know how to tell him that she rarely participated in balls because of her illness and Blue would stay to watch over her that night. But she needed to help Red to help Ruby and she also knew that beneath that, she wanted to be the one to save the family. "If you are to take me to their ball, we must leave by noon. I will tell them that I am going to buy supplies with Tansy."

"Why must you lie to your sisters?" He asked and he knew that moment she answered that she was lying. He could hear it in her voice. What could she have to hide from him?

"My sister wouldn't want me to go with you when she only just met you. She is rather protective of all of her sisters and he might say that we are going to fast if you escort me to a ball at this time. You know how society will look at us, especially since I never had my coming out ball."

"It's a masquerade ball so no one will know it's you." He told her. "The ball is a month away and I have a few more things I would like your help with. I promise not to take you away from your sisters too much but I really need your help."

"Of course," She nodded. "Now stand still for a moment."

Blue stood outside of Silver's home and hesitated at knocking at the door. She felt someone's gaze on her and she turned to see Green staring at his, his face unreadable. She frowned at his presence, not being able to summon the energy to fake glee with him. She placed her hands on her hips and raised a brow at him.

"You seemed distracted during practise," He said as he climbed the stairs to stand next to her.

"I was just worried about Silver and wanted to check up on him," She told him but he noted that she still stood at her brother's door and it was obvious that she had yet to speak with him. He knew that she was nervous to face her brother after his outburst but knew that the two should speak to each other. He looked into the window and waved to get Lyra attention who was penning a letter at Silver's desk.

Lyra was quick to open the door and hug her sister. "I am so glad to see you. Silver had missed you terribly and I have not been able to get him out of bed! I know that you will be able to make him happier, something I cannot do. I shall tell him that you are here."

"No, he will only tell us to leave." Green walked past Lyra, pulling Blue behind him as he looked in every door for Silver's bedroom. He found the man sitting on his bed and moved aside so that Blue could stand next to him in the doorway. He was an only child that raised himself except for his grandfather and didn't understand the connection of a sibling but he knew that it was affecting Blue greatly.

He rationalized that he was only concerned because this would affect her acting and he couldn't have her emotion hurt her performance. There was no reason he should be so interested in her welfare. He had to concentrate on his investment, human connection never lasted and he knew falling in love with a mystery like Blue would only damn him to frustration.

"Lyra?" He asked even though he didn't recognize her footsteps, in fact there were two steps, one familiar and the other's Blue. Silver looked up at them but his eyes never connected with theirs.

"Green," He answered and didn't move forward to the man but motioned for Blue to stay still as well. "I want to speak with you about your sister. I understand that you had an… argument and you two are in a foul mood because of this. Now I say you speak with her and leave this silly issue behind you."

"Silly?" All three yelled at the same time and Green raised a hand to stop Blue but she hit it away. He raised a brow at her and she gave him a glare in return. Silver was the one to speak first though, "The one person I ever trusted in my life lied to me and still refuses to tell me the truth even when I discover her deceit! You dare call my anger silly?"

"I call you refusing to speak to her rationally silly," Both their cold glares met and Blue knew that they would continue to clash from their similar need for control. Blue and Lyra sighed at the two men and Blue knew he was only making the problem worst when he went on. "Now take responsibility for the hurtful words you told her. If you were calmer, she might've had a moment to tell you that you were trying to force her loyalties. I would also like an apology for making me care enough to come to this house."

"He does not need to give you an apology!" Blue yelled at Green but he seemed unaffected by her screaming, as if he expected it. Blue stabbed his arm with her finger as she told him, "I am as much at fault as he is and has a right to be angry."

Blue choked on a tear at the last word. She had thought that she had cried all the lingering tears with Green that day and cursed herself as she dashed it away. Green placed a hand on her shoulder and she turned back to Silver that sat at the edge of the bed. He was silent for a moment before speaking, "Lyra, can you get me and my sister some tea to drink for when we talk? And pour something for yourself."

Blue smiled as she went to hug her brother and sat by his side.

"I'm glad that you were able to make amends with you though I suspect that he is still a little upset that you won't tell him that Lyra was the one that blinded him." He said as they walked back to the theater. He grunted when Blue punched his arm, telling him that he still had no right to speak to her brother as he did. "I thought that it would be better if he was angrier at me than you."

"Oh," Blue said, surprise that he was actually thinking of her when speaking with Silver. "Thank you for speaking with Silver. I don't know if I had the courage to speak to him when he was so angry but I guess you had an advantage of not being emotionally involved."

Green placed the words away in his mind. If he was going to find who she was truly, her words would help him in doing so. He was still questioning if she was merely acting though he couldn't think of any other reason for her to do so. She suddenly took his hand and made him walk a little quicker. "Come, help me rehearse my lines for the next play."

He wasn't able to answer before she went into character, stepping inappropriately close to him, clutching his shirt. "You said you loved me as well. Why can you not trust me?"

How she could jump into character and step so close to him, he didn't know. But this wasn't the first time she got him to play Chris. By now, he knew all of the lines but wasn't able to portray the emotion that Chris must've felt loving a woman he couldn't trust. "I do love you Iris."

"You cannot love me if you do not trust me!" Blue waited for him to get to his next line but he stood frozen. Did she actually expect him to do so? She pocked his arm expectedly. "You're supposed to kiss me spontaneously to show me that you love me. I cannot think that the thought of kissing me is so bad."

That was so the problem. He found that her lips intrigued him the more he learned about her. She was warm and inviting yet there was something sad in her that he wondered about. She obviously cared about her family yet didn't let many people at the theater see that weaker side of her.

He was pulled out of his thoughts when Blue suddenly turned out of his arm and continued down the path to the theater, as if she wasn't just in his arms, so close that he could've kissed her. He easily went to her side and heard her mumble something beneath her breath but still kept a smile for those that passed by. He didn't know how she could ignore the strange stares that followed her though the wig might've given her a sense of freedom to act as such.

They returned to the theater and a distraught White.

Crystal placed a hand over the Emerald's head that rested on her lap as the small boy slept. Winypon was at her feet and lingering on the edge of sleep as well since it wanted to stay awake to protect its master. They had spoken to Lance and the foreman before taking Emerald with them and now they were on their way home. It already dark and she worried for Gold since he had been riding without rest.

A yawn escaped her and looked back to her as he slowed the carriage to a stop. She could tell that he was tired as well and wanted to tell him to make camp for both of their sake. She knew the danger of camping on road but didn't want Gold to push himself more than he needed to.

She gently moved Emerald's head off her lap so she could move to sit next to Gold. She looked at the stars for a moment before her gaze drifted to Gold's who eyes seemed to shine brighter than the stars. She was about to make the suggestion but Gold raised a hand. Now that the rambling of the carriage stopped, she could hear the sound of laughter and bells.

"I know that song," He said eagerly and moved the carriage forward sharply. He caught her around her waist to steady her but even after she righted herself, he kept his arm around her. She looked back to make sure that Emerald and Winypon were still comfortable before turning back to Gold. He had that rakish smile again and she could only wonder what he was thinking.

"If they're who I think they are, we have a warm place for tonight." He told her and moved it towards the sound and she saw light above the treetops. They were singing in a strange language she didn't understand but that didn't seem to bother Gold as he rode into a gypsy camp. Her heart raced at the strange clothes they wore and the way they all stopped to stare at her.

He greeted them in their native language and she thought back to the stories she heard about him travelling with gypsy and how he didn't answer her when she asked him about it. He pulled out a golden necklace from pocket and handed it to a man that came forward. He shook the man's hand before turning back to Crystal.

"I explained to him that I travelled with a gypsy group for a time after I saved their son from drowning and the Rom Baro's wife gave me the galbé as thanks. They said that we can stay the night," He leaned closer to her. "Tell Emerald to leave all of his valuables in the trunk though and keep Winypon resting near it."

She nodded as he helped her down and she went back to take care of Emerald. They would most likely be sleeping under the carriage that night and Gold moved to a relative grassy area. Emerald rubbed his eyes tiredly as he went to sit in the circle around the fire for warmth. Crystal was next to him, trying to coax him to eat a piece of bread and he smiled.

He sat next to the two and gestured to a woman walking towards them with a bag of food. "This is a relatively friendly clan so you shouldn't disrespect them by not taking their food. Don't worry about your safety, they might be distrustful but they respect what I have done."

"I never thought that the tales of you being a part of a gypsy group was true." Crystal whispered to him, "You do realize that you cannot tell anyone about this fact. You're already seen as a uncivilized Neanderthal and it will not help if they learn of this."

"How can anyone think that of me?" He asked with an exaggerated hurt expression. "You have taught me so well. I am civilized and you are proof of that. In fact I think that it is time that I teach you a lesson. Come, they're about to start dancing!"

He took her smaller hands into his and pulled her to her feet. He was laughing but the loss of control made her stomach drop. He pulled her into the center of the circle and gestured for someone to start playing. He took a veil edged in bells and placed it around her shoulder. "Dance with me."

"But I do not know this dance," She told him but that didn't seem to deter him from turning her in his arms, making the bells chime.

"Come my little nymph, you do not need to follow such rehearsed moves to be able to dance." He encouraged her, "Just move as the music tells you. Stop overthinking things and just let it flow. Now close your eyes and dance with me, please. I know you can."

Crystal closed her eyes and the tambourines rang softly around her. She could feel Gold's warm hand gently guide her into twirl but it was soon gone. She couldn't remember she danced all for her own but the moves came easily to her as she gently danced from foot to foot around the fire. Her feet touched the ground in time with the ring of the bells and let the veil dance behind her.

She found herself in Gold's arms again and he lifted her into the air and she placed a hand on his shoulder. His hand stopped for a moment as he held her above her and he gently lowered her against his body. She didn't know if it was the freedom of her dance that made her bolder but she moved closer to him until their lips almost brushed.

He closed the gap between them and she forgot all that was proper and the crowd watching them as her gaze and sensation were filled with his. Her eyes drifted close and she could feel his arm tightened around her waist. His lips pondered hers gently and she was shocked when she felt a heat rushed through her that she rationalized from being beside a fire.

He broke the kiss gently and whispered against her lips. "My Dancing Water Nymph, please don't regret this because I won't. But may I suggest you teach me about courtship for our next lesson?"

My top three OTP ^-^ I just love writing them and it's funny how they're so different too XD Well that's all and this is much longer than my usual chapter -.-