After a long day of friendly sparring matches, Seth had finally decided to call it quits for the day. However, though he was finished testing out Avalugg and her capabilities, one thought still lingered in the back of his mind the entire time. Images of his battle with Enzo and his match with Valerie kept invading his thoughts. Somehow Bisharp was able to trigger the transformation again. From what Seth could gather, it only happened whenever Bisharp was either backed into a corner or under a lot of pressure from the opposition. While those were the most probable causes, one thing still didn't add up.

As far as Seth was concerned, Bisharp's transformation was an anomaly. Then again, there was Vespisol to consider as male Combee were never known to evolve. He'd chalked that one up to being an extremely rare case. Bisharp appeared to be going through Mega Evolution without there being a keystone or a mega stone for that matter. Whatever it was, he knew he wasn't going to get anywhere trying to figure it out on his own. He was going to have to have to call in an expert. And in order to do that, he was going to have to see Mathilde.

Taking out his holocaster, Seth began messaging his friends to let them know he was going to head out on his own for a little while. While he enjoyed their company, there were certain matters that took precedence over others. Allie, at any point in time, could be set upon by Team Flare. To say that Allie was a capable trainer would be a grave understatement, however... judging by what he's seen from Team Flare, they were not against threatening someone with lethal force. Hearing the incoming message alert, Seth read the messages from Felicity and Jamie which stated that they'd meet up later if they didn't see him in Snowbelle City.

Smiling, Seth quickly shot a message back to them before sending one to Mathilde and pocketing the device. Standing up, Seth made his way out of the center he was relaxing in. Reaching for Staraptor's ball, he released the sky predator into the open and greeted the avian with a pat on the head before hopping onto his back.

"Hey Staraptor, we're gonna back track a little bit okay? I need to pay a visit to a few people so I need you to step on it a bit okay?" Seth said while taking his holocaster back out again after hearing it go off.

Santalune Forest huh? I can't say that I'm surprised that she wants to meet there considering that's where most of my training took place. Then again, I don't think any other place would be more fitting. I'll head there soon, but I need to make a little pitstop first...

"Alright, let's go then," Seth commanded, lightly kicking Staraptor's sides to signal him to take off.

The mighty bird of prey spread his wings and launched himself into the sky toward the destination that his trainer had set for them.

Allie stepped out of her closet after having been in there for what most would consider an unreasonable amount of time. Deciding on what to wear wasn't the easiest thing in the world when the closet was big enough for someone to get lost in. After an exhaustive effort, she, with the help of Furfrou, managed to settle on a belted, pink drop shoulder, high neck sweater dress with matching boots. Her curls fell over her one shoulder while the rest were tucked under a black cap with sunglasses resting on them.

"That took way longer than I thought it would," Allie said with an exasperated sigh as she closed her closet door. "I suppose it's a good thing I get ready several hours in advance before meeting with the contenders."

Furfrou stretched out before padding over to the bed and hopping onto it. Allie meandered over to her desk and sat in front of the mirror to apply the finishing touches on her makeup. As she did, there came a knock at her door.

"Enter!" She called.

The door opened to reveal Yusef who gave a respectful bow before addressing her.

"My apologies princess, but it would appear that you have a guest. Shall I have them wait in the lobby or send them here?"

"That depends... who is it?" Allie inquired as she capped her pink lipstick and put away the rest of her makeup.

"I do believe it's one of the men from the competition... Seth if I recall correctly," Yusef disclosed, much to Allie's surprise.

"Well this is unexpected," Allie replied chuckling. "I most certainly didn't think I would see him today."

"Shall I tell him to run along then?"

"That won't be necessary Yusef," Allie said grinning. "I've got a little time on my hands before I venture out to Laverre City. Until then, I'll entertain him for a while."

Yusef nodded. "Very well then, princess. I shall carry on with the rest of my duties," Yusef replied as he left Allie to her devices.

After Yusef left, Allie swiftly whirled around in her chair and looked herself over again. She was definitely not expecting to see Seth today.

Okay, easy Allie girl, it's just Seth, no big deal right? I mean... it's not like you've any reason to be nervous around him, Allie mentally coached herself, he face tinting pink as an image of a shirtless Seth coming out of the water at the beach crossed her mind.

Feeling her face burn, she quickly shook the image from her mind and regained her composure, reminding herself that he had seen her in a similar fashion. It was bad enough that she'd felt his touch in one of the most intimate ways possible-dancing-but she allowed his hands full access to her body during their dance, something she could never hope to forget. She couldn't remember the last time her heart raced like that. His touch was gentle and while most men in his situation would have taken full advantage, he treated her like a princess and a person, and didn't overstep his boundaries. All these thoughts and more swam through her mind as she finally stood up to exit her room.

Furfrou raised her head as she heard Allie get up. Sniffing the air, she caught the familiar scent of a friend which set her tail to wagging furiously. Leaping from the bed, she bounded after Allie and kept pace with her while wagging her tail the whole way. Allie peered over the railing that overlooked the lobby and spotted the brunette waiting by the Milotic statue. Upon seeing him, a smile etched its way onto her face.

"Why hello there stranger. To what do I owe the pleasure of your company today?" Allie called out.

Seth looked up at Allie and grinned.

"Would you believe me if I told you that I was only dropping in to say hello?"

"Are you sure that's all you came here for? Last I checked you were well on your way to Snowbelle City. It's quite the ways away from here even if you do fly, so forgive me for being skeptical of your claim of only wanting to say hello," Allie replied with a smirk.

"Well, if you don't believe me, then what do you think I'm here for?" Seth responded, his eyes watching her as she made her way to the stairs with Furfrou at her heels.

"Well I can't say for certain, but I have a theory," Allie added as she descended the stairs and strode toward him, Furfrou bounding ahead of her and sitting in front of Seth, looking up at him expectantly.

"And just what might said theory be?" Seth played along while kneeling down to pet Furfrou on her head.

The fancy pooch nuzzled her head into his hand out of approval. Allie giggled into her hand as she watched the interaction. It never ceased to surprise her just how much Furfrou had warmed up to Seth. While Furfrou was excited around the other men of the competition, she wasn't nearly as ecstatic as she was with Seth. It was something she could never figure out no matter how much she tried. After a few moments, Seth stood back up and met her eyes, allowing her to continue walking up to him.

"Oh, let me think... perhaps you're here because you deduced that there was more to the competition than just me coming to visit the others and have come to pay me a visit in regards to that, or..." she paused, placing her hand on his chest and confidently locking eyes with him, "you missed me and came of your own accord in hopes that you might gain more of my interest, in which case you have already succeeded," Allie said, her tone sounding more hopeful during the latter end of her statement.

"I can't pull the wool over your eyes now can I?" Seth replied as calmly as he could while holding her gaze.

She looked as beautiful as always, and seeing as they were no longer at odds with each other, he couldn't deny that he'd become attracted to her. As true as it was that there were still several other men vying for her heart, he being one of them, there was no question that he desired to explore these feelings that developed on a much deeper level.

"Of course not! I can pretty much read you like an open book at this point, especially after our last meeting. Truth be told, I had hoped you'd come see me more often, but beggars can't be choosers I suppose," Allie stated, leaning in to press her lips to his cheek to finish her greeting, all the while taking in his natural scent as she pulled away, doing her best to restrain herself from acting in an undignified manner.

There was something about his scent that captivated her, almost driving her mad even. She'd picked up on it during their first encounter and it only worsened with each interaction. Their first date was when she became fully aware of her attraction toward him. Was she attracted to the others? certainly. Did she find them desirable? absolutely. But there was something about Seth that drew her in like a Venomoth to a flame. Stepping back, she cleared her throat before speaking again.

"Well... shall we take a little walk in the garden? I've a friend I'd love for you to meet if you have time that is," Allie continued.

I guess it wouldn't hurt to stay for a little while. She wasn't far off when she said I'd missed her. Truth be told I was excited about backtracking and seeing her for a while. But that's not the only reason I'm here... Seth thought as his conversation with Olympia raced through his mind. I need to discuss it with her. I'm now fully convinced that Allie has a target on her back. So while I'm here...

"That sounds like fun actually," Seth responded, his eyes shifting down to Furfrou who had her eyes fixed on the spheres on his belt. "Mind if I let some of my friends out to play? I haven't had much of a chance to let them all stretch their legs today and I think it would do them some good," Seth inquired, much to the delight of Furfrou.

"Knock yourself out pauper. I'm more than happy to allow it," Allie said beaming.

Mathilde sat with her back against a tree as she partook of a cream-filled gallette. Sweets, if anything, were her one weakness. Lucario-who was seated on the opposite side of the tree-enjoyed them as well and was reaching for his third.

So, he's finally decided to proceed to the final step in mastering his aura. Are you going to allow him to remove his restraints, or will he be keeping them on?

Mathilde swallowed the last of her second gallette before replying, "I might let him take them off now. That armor I crafted was designed to incubate his power as it grew and now that the light is slipping through the cracks..."

You think it's time that he be loosed from the shackles you'd placed on him ten years ago...

"Bingo!" Mathilde chimed, picking up another gallette and taking a bite. "He's proven himself ready to handle his ability well enough without losing control. And with the most recent development and taking into account that activity of the enemy, I think it's imperative that he be able to have full access to his aura since it's matured this much."

And you're certain he'll be able to handle it?

"My dear friend," Mathilde said chuckling, "he's been firing on all cylinders since I had him put on those restraints. He's only been able to access a fraction of what he can do because that's all the armor would allow. He's been keeping his aura channeling at full throttle in order to excersize it under restraint. Once lifted, it won't be any different because he'll have complete control over his output which is very different from how he was upon first discovering his power..."

So what you're saying is, you took my advice after all, Lucario said with a slight laugh. And here I was thinking that you wouldn't. Then again, it was never easy teaching you how to control your aura flow. I'm glad to hear that you heeded my advice.

"And why would I not take the advice of my teacher?" Mathilde replied, feigning offense to his words.

Because you're as stubborn as they come, Lucario said bluntly.

Mathilde crossed her arms and sighed. "I can't argue with you there," she said, a wide grin forming on her face at his words. "At any rate, we have about half an hour left before he gets here. Wanna kill some time with a spar?"

Hmmm... I suppose it couldn't hurt. It's been a while since I've had the chance to stretch my legs. Very well then, engarde!

A powerful shockwave pulsed through the forest as Mathilde raised an arm to block a drop-kick from Lucario, the force of which causing her knees to buckle slightly. Grinning wickedly, she flexed her aura and formed a small blue sphere in her palm and swung her hand up to launch it only for Lucario to quickly counteract it with one of his own. The commotion they caused disrupted the tranquility of the forest and caused many inhabitants to hurridly flee from the scene before being caught in the crossfire.

Allie led Seth out of the palace and into the garden. It was here where she would introduce him to a special friend of hers, one she rarely saw but always enjoyed having around.

"Now where could she have gotten off to?" Allie wondered aloud after having scanned the garden for the Floette's whereabouts. "Maybe she went to play in the maze..."

"Who are we looking for exactly?" Seth inquired, scratching the back of his head in confusion.

"Well, it's not so much as a who but a what. She's a Floette, and a very shy one at that. She's not difficult to spot though as she stands apart from the rest that occupy the garden. Trust me, you can't miss her even if you tried," Allie replied with a laugh.

"I see," Seth said under his breath.

"M'lord... I sense something strange in the air. Judging by your expression, I take it you feel it too?"

Seth nodded in agreement with Cerise's statement. While Allie and he walked around the garden in search of the Floette, he could definitely feel that there was definitely something wrong. The closer they got to the maze, the stronger the uneasy feeling became. That was when they heard it. A loud cry went up from the maze followed by a loud snarling with squaking accompanying it.

Bursting into the air was a Honchkrow who was in hot pursuit of what Seth could only assume was the Floette Allie spoke of. Following it out of the maze was a growling Houndoom who abandoned his current mission upon seeing Seth and Allie. With a loud howl, Houndoom gathered flames into his mouth and loosed a five-pointed blast of flames at them. Quick as a flash, Seth pulled Allie behind him while simultaneously channeling aura through his body to his now outstretched hand. As the aura flowed, a small orb of energy grew swiftly in his hand and was released hastily as it was formed in attempts to dispel the blast. When the smoke cleared, Seth and Allie were revealed unscathed. The Houndoom backed up a step out of surprise, snarling as Seth lowered his hand.

Seth recognized that Houndoom the moment he laid eyes on it. And if that Houndoom was here, that also meant that they were here as well.

"Pesky as always aren't you?" growled a familiar voice, prompting Seth and Allie to turn around.

Standing about twenty yards away were several individuals dressed in matching Expansion Suits save for one who wore a crimson one of similar design. The one speaking was dressed in a white suit and was bald, outing him as the same man Seth had met in Glittering Cave back in Ambrette Town and in the Power Plant, only this time... he brought company, and lots of it.