Having finished off the wonderful breakfast provided free of charge by a very generous host, claiming that his patronage alone would do wonders for drumming up business, Tantalus had returned to his room for a brief moment to change into something more suited for a parade. Being without the elaborate armour which had become more like a second skin to him than a fashion choice was almost unbearable, and it simply would not do to appear before the public without it. After the quick detour, and reconvening with Seras, the two Avatars headed out to the parade.

On the way there, several people had stopped them to comment on how good their outfits were and other trivial nonsense. It would seem that genuine Avatars were being mistaken for the costumed fools today, although that was probably for the best, Tantalus mused. If people realised it was him, after what had happened, things might get ugly. The parade was going to be a test of that, certainly, but that fact was all that had prevented the activation of his power to garner the proper [i]respect[/i] from those so-called merrymakers.

The two Avatars had arrived at the staging ground for the parade, where the floats were present in all their glory. Each was easily recognisable to their respective Legendary Pokemon, and so It didn’t take long to find the one meant for Xerneas. Tantalus wondered how much work had went into unused floats for Avatars who hadn’t shown up to the party, or whether each Avatar would have a float regardless their presence. 

Glancing over the float designed for the Avatar of Xerneas, a disgusted scowl washed over his face. [i]Not much at all, judging by the state of this.[/i] It wasn’t fit for a street rat, let alone the very embodiment of life. He had been considering leaving the city, wandering off with only Apate for company once more, thinking that would be the best idea. Getting out of the way of the others, attempting to deal with whatever was going on in his head. Looking at this sorry excuse for a float had just sealed the deal. 

Circling the floats like vultures were a large number of costumed festival-goers, showing off a variety of Legendary Pokemon. A few could be seen dressed as something supposed to resemble himself, as Xerneas. Unfortunately, the reproductions only held true if the elaborate spikes on his shoulders had been made from cardboard toilet roll tubes. A mental sigh plagued his thoughts for several moments. [i]I really wish my followers had better dress sense.[/i]

On the other hand, Seras was utterly overjoyed. [i]Dozens[/i] of cosplayers surrounded her float, and while it was evident that someone had picked out the best from the crowd, the range of beautiful hand-made costumes they each wore was simply breathtaking. Not a few years ago, she wouldn’t even look at herself in the mirror - now all of these women (and a small handful of men) actively [i]wanted[/i] to be like her. [i]Never mind riding the floats - these people deserve to walk shoulder-to-shoulder with their favourite avatar.[/i]

She beamed gleefully at Tantalus. “[color=f6989d]Impressive turnout, isn’t it?[/color]”.

“[color=00aeef]Well, I wouldn’t be seen dead riding that.[/color]” The man said, bitterly. 

“[color=f6989d]The guests adore them, though,[/color]” Seras noted, voice tinged with a trace of disapproval.

It wasn’t entirely surprising that he would be dissatisfied with his float. Although her own tastes were practically [i]mundane[/i] compared to Tantalus, she’d become uncomfortably used to small indulgences since becoming an avatar - wearing formal gowns or having [i]fans[/i] would have been utterly unimaginable in the past. If anyone had ever curbed Tantalus’ indulgence or refused to meet his standards in the last two years, then Seras would personally sculpt that poor soul a cathedral. It was doubtful that he was used to hearing ‘no.’

That was all well and good for private affairs, but there were thousands of guests and cosplayers who’d crossed [i]continents[/i] to see them and leaving them hanging would be outright cruel. They deserved [i]respect[/i]. Not that Tantalus would be overly concerned - he’d need a far more tangible reason to sully himself than simple altruism. After a moment’s thought, an impish grin bloomed across her face. She couldn’t help it.

“[color=f6989d]The question isn’t whether the floats are sufficient. The question is whether you can deal with a handicap.[/color]”

With the gauntlet well and truly thrown, the words impacted like a truck into the man’s delicate ego. Only just managing to swallow a flare of surprised rage over Seras’s jest, his previous doubts about attending the parade had been incinerated in an instant. Tantalus quickly decided that this infernal woman was going to pay dearly for that remark, and that watching her break would be nothing short of [i]immensely satisfying[/i]. 

Smiling darkly at Seras, he began to speak softly, so to mask the irritation present. “[color=00aeef]I’m going to make sure that I don’t need to. Over dinner, you mentioned that you do gemstone commissions to generate the finances you use to travel.[/color]” Chuckling lightly, he produced a checkbook and stared directly at the woman. “[color=00aeef]So, how much money can you afford to turn down to spite me, I ask?[/color]” 

[i]Spite?[/i] Seras had expected Tantalus to be somewhat offended - regrettably unavoidable when challenging his ego - but she hadn’t expected him to take things [i]quite[/i] so personally. On the other hand, that meant that he’d gone for the bait.

“[color=f6989d]Oh, I don’t need to turn you down at all,[/color]” she smiled sweetly. “[color=f6989d]After all, everyone would know that you begged the avatar of Diancie for help rather than stand on your own merit.[/color]”

[i]And I hardly need money - the festival alone will put my statues on the global market.[/i]

“[color=00aeef]Then I shall simply use the funds in a more productive manner. It would seem that I have some shopping to do before the parade begins. I will make [i]sure[/i] that this will not be the last time we meet, Miss Bancroft.[/color]” Tantalus began walking away, before briefly stopping to glance over his shoulder. “[color=00aeef]And for reference, the people who have seen me beg tend not to remember it for very long.[/color]”

Seras grinned. [i]Game, set and match.[/i]

“[color=f6989d]Most people aren’t avatars, darling. I plan to remember this moment for [i]centuries[/i].[/color]” She watched a flash of pure malice cross his eyes - unusual for someone so outwardly composed - before Tantalus turned and stalked off wordlessly into the crowd.

[i]Well, that went better than expected.[/i] Barbing him so much might have been [i]slightly[/i] unnecessary, but it had been months since she’d verbally sparred with someone who she’d consider a friend. Arguing with the other avatars yesterday had been frustrating, but based on the double-barreled tongue lashing they’d delivered yesterday, she’d pegged Tantalus as someone who’d enjoy the banter. An opportunity to prove his superiority seemed like an incredibly Tantalus sort of thing.

Ah well. No harm done.

Seras approached the Kalos floats, grinning shamelessly to herself. The Tournament of Legends this afternoon was little more than a glorified arm-wrestling contest - certainly amusing to watch, but demonstrating little more than the crudest form of prowess. This unexpected contest with Tantalus was a [i]far[/i] more interesting competition and she was genuinely curious to see his next move.

She waited until Tantalus was [i]well[/i] out of sight, then began pimping his ride.

[hr]

Walking through the streets of Mauville City, Tantalus’s blood was boiling in a fit of malevolent fury. To say that he had underestimated Seras slightly didn’t even nearly cover the matter. Xerneas flashed through his mind, and for a fleeting moment he wondered if staying here was the right thing to do. Leaving would most likely be the safer option, not just for him, but everyone else present for the festivities. [i]But what would she say if i did?[/i] Gritting his teeth, the decision was made. Tantalus couldn’t afford to just walk away. If this was the last thing he would ever do, then not a single soul in Hoenn would ever forget his name. Not least [i]Seras Bancroft[/i]. Somehow, he would keep Xerneas under wraps for a little while longer. No-one was going to get in the way of this. We would see who was begging when she was dealt a bad hand and required healing services. Then the circumstances for his revenge would be perfect. But why wait? [i]I’ve made a living off of forcing the matter, after all[/i] he thought, a sneer clear on his face.

Having collected a few vital pieces from stores around the city as fast as possible, he arrived back at the float to prepare to decorate it. All the while, Apate had been hurriedly chasing him, nervously scanning around. It was rare to see the man this angry. Eyes wide in sheer horror, the Mawile looked in anguish at the scene before her. The float had been bad before, but the sight of it now curdled Tantalus’s very blood. 

It was covered in diamonds.

That utter [i]bitch[/i].