gratitude

[the_very_best]

Bella flies away. She visits her parents, hits up the guild for matches and wins enough to pay her guild dues, and tools around random wilderness beating up on the wildlife.

She doesn't really expect to hear from Sherlock and Tony again.

Comments

[the_very_best]

"Well, here I am to liven up the place. I think Rachis deserves a rest, but my quadrupeds are all ready to go."

[bitofafiction]

"Ah, yes. Shall we introduce Tony to Fireflower?"

[the_very_best]

In answer, Bella releases her Rapidash and pats her neck. "If he's up for it as you predicted."

[bitofafiction]

"Good afternoon," he says to Fireflower.

[the_very_best]

"Dash," Fireflower says.

[bitofafiction]

"Well, that's a start," he says, amused. "Just a moment. I will fetch Tony and see if you like him any better."

[the_very_best]

Fireflower snorts disdainfully and noses at Bella, soliciting treats. She receives a treat.

[bitofafiction]

He fetches Tony.

[toblameforit]

"Hi!" says Tony.

[the_very_best]

Fireflower chews her treat and eyes him.

"Dash," she says after she has swallowed it.

[toblameforit]

He glances at Sherry.

[bitofafiction]

He shakes his head minutely.

[toblameforit]

He shrugs.

"Can I give you treats too?" he says to Fireflower.

[the_very_best]

"Raaaapidash."

[bitofafiction]

"But of course he does. Go on, Tony."

[toblameforit]

Tony produces treats!

[the_very_best]

Fireflower consumes them, flicking her tail. She doesn't even appear likely to bite him, although maybe that's because Bella's right there supervising.

[toblameforit]

Tony beams.

[the_very_best]

Fireflower finishes her treats and tosses her head.

Bella looks on curiously, particularly at Sherlock, who has been having a little more of a conversation with her Pokémon than she's accustomed to.

[bitofafiction]

"Yes?"

[the_very_best]

"I sometimes guess at what my 'mon are saying but not usually in much detail."

[bitofafiction]

"I understand them," he admits.

[the_very_best]

"Coooool. How'd you learn to do that?"

[bitofafiction]

"I didn't. I always have."

[the_very_best]

Bella tilts her head. "How?"