Canterlot, 9 PM.

Castle Ballroom runway.

The carriage containing the Trainers and their guests rolled up to the red carpet to a mob of reporters and nobles waiting for them.

"Geez, what a crowd." Matthew said, pulling at the collar of his suit. Mason sighed, running a hand through his hair. Most trainer's hats had been left at Twilight's castle, and Mason, with all the time he spent with it on, kept repeating the action.

"Calm down, Mason." May said, in her lilac dress that Rarity had made for her. May had arrived just in time to accompany Mason to the Gala.

"Easy for you to say, Sis." Mason replied. "It's so weird without my cap on."

May pouted slightly, and the other trainers laughed. As the carriage came to a stop, the trainers disembarked to a flashing of cameras and shouts. They waved or smiled, but as they entered the ballroom and the doors closed, Matthew sighed.

"What's up?" Grace asked.

"Never seen a crowd this big before." He admitted. "Closest was when I was awarded the Honor of Kalos after I defeated Lysandre."

"That was a parade." Nate said. "This is a dance. Calm down, man. We're men, at a dance, with girls by our side. Have some fun!"

"Easy for you to say." Matthew murmured as the trainers headed to a private table reserved for them. Chris and Lillie sighed upon sitting down.

"Hau would've liked this." Chris said.

"He said he was fine with heading back." Lillie replied. "Besides, It's nice that it's just the two of us."

"Thanks, I guess." Chris replied. "So, what about our Pokemon?"

"I've taken care of that." Celestia said, walking up. "The atrium near here should suit their needs if they need exercise."

"Thanks." Ash said, and Pikachu, who was perched on his shoulder, gave a cry of approval. Celestia nodded, bade them a "Have fun", and left. Ash relaxed, and Serena moved to lean on his shoulder. Matthew stretched and stood up.

"Where are you going?" Grace asked.

"Just to get a drink." Matthew said. "You want to come?"

"Sure." Grace said as they walked over to the refreshment table, and they took two glasses of water.

"Not a drinker?" The barista asked. "The wine's good."

"Can't." Matthew said. "Not old enough."

The barista nodded and went back to work. Grace sipped her water, and waited. Then, she noticed the other trainers walking over.

"I think that's the conductor." Matthew said. "Care to dance?"

"Sure." Grace said, as they took hands and walked to the floor. A waltz began, and soon, they were on the floor, moving elegantly and accurately.

"I didn't know you could dance." Grace giggled.

"Well, family reunions back in Kalos often had a small amount of dancing." Matthew said. "Pays to know."

"It does." She said as Matthew spun her gently. "And you're quite good."

"I guess I am." Matthew said, noticing the other trainer couples dancing alongside them. "Shall we finish?"

"Let's." Grace nodded. They spun to a stop as the orchestra finished. Before anyone could applaud, somepony or someone started to clap in a slow, ominous manner.

"I commend the orchestra on a fine piece. Personally I prefer the more baroque kind, but it'll suffice. Though I never could imagine how your ponies could accomplish this yourself…"

The trainers and ponies turned to see none other than Corvo walk forward, followed by a Drapion, Crobat, and a Salazzle.

"...It seems you did. Maybe once this world is rebuilt, I might just keep some of it." He said. "Though, my feud isn't with you ponies, but the trainers."

"What are you here for, Corvo?" Ash spat.

"Simple, my boy." Corvo replied. "I need to test your strength, see if you really can stand up to me, without interlopers ruining the moment."

Corvo motioned to Drapion, and the Ogre Scorp Pokemon strode forward. Ash drew out a Poke Ball from his pocket and threw it. His Greninja came out, and assumed a battle stance.

"A Greninja?" Corvo smiled. "A fine choice. Let's see who has the superior Dark-type, shall we?"

"By all means." Ash growled. Corvo nodded, and the two trainers roared their commands to their chosen Pokemon.

"CROSS POISON!"

"WATER SHURIKEN!"