hospitality

[the_very_best]

Bella and Sherlock sit on the lake beach for much of the rest of the day, chatting about this and that, until it is dinnertime. Bella has not a bit of self-consciousness about taking him up on his dinner invitation.

Comments

[bitofafiction]

Sherlock makes dinner.

Sherlock is a very good cook.

[the_very_best]

Bella is effusive in her compliments, and she lets out Zag to give him small tastes of each dish on top of his daily Pokéchow, and he is likewise enthused.

[bitofafiction]

It's terribly cute.

[the_very_best]

"Since Irene knows Rest, she could be up and at'em in a minute if she wants a go against Juu or Branch," Bella comments.

[bitofafiction]

"True," says Sherlock. "I will consult her after dinner."

[the_very_best]

Bella grins. And noms.

[bitofafiction]

Irene, when consulted after dinner, affirms that she would love another round.

[the_very_best]

"Got a preference between Branch and Juu?" asks Bella, producing the Pokéballs containing each.

[bitofafiction]

"We do not," says Sherlock.

"Aiiiiiiiir," says Irene.

[the_very_best]

Juu it is. Juu doesn't require an explanation for what she's doing here. She just wants to fight.

[bitofafiction]

Funny thing, so does Irene!

[the_very_best]

It's very close.

Juu's strategy relies on precisely aimed hits, though, and while she's got a helpful lens item, she doesn't get lucky today. She passes out in the end, before landing the punch that would have let her heal.

[bitofafiction]

Irene coos triumphantly.

And then she begins to glow.

Sherlock grins.

[the_very_best]

Bella returns Juu and applauds.

[bitofafiction]

When Irene ceases to glow, she is taller and more orange. Also, she has wings.

"Dragonite," she says smugly.

Sherlock hugs her.

[the_very_best]

"Spiffy," says Bella, beaming. "Congratulations!"

[bitofafiction]

He beams.

"And now to adjust your moveset," he says, petting her, "assuming you don't object."

"Draaaaaaagon," says Irene.

[the_very_best]

Ace beams. "Thank you, I really do appreciate it."

[bitofafiction]

"You are very welcome."

And off they go.

[the_very_best]

Bella tags along to supervise, unless someone objects.

[bitofafiction]

Bella is welcome to watch Sherlock consult the tower's Move Machine collection, select the HM for Dive, and administer it to his newly evolved Dragonite.

[the_very_best]

"You want to head for the lake right now or wait till tomorrow?"

[bitofafiction]

"Your project is a fascinating one but I do not think it is especially urgent. We may as well wait until tomorrow when we are all well rested and have the whole day ahead of us."

[the_very_best]

"Sounds like a plan," says Bella. "I think I'll go raid your library again." Up the stairs she goes.

She is up bright and early the next day.

[bitofafiction]

So is Sherlock!

[the_very_best]

How convenient!

Off to the middle of the lake, then?

[bitofafiction]

Yes indeed.

[the_very_best]

The lake, alas, however deep they dive -

contains no evidence of Uxie.

"Rattata," says Bella.

[bitofafiction]

"Quite," says Sherlock. "I'm sorry."

[the_very_best]

"Oh well," sighs Bella. "Thank you so much anyway."

[bitofafiction]

"You are welcome."

[the_very_best]

"I guess I'll go stay with Renée for a while and figure out what to do next. You want to swap numbers? In case you see anything or want a rematch or something," she adds with a smile.

[bitofafiction]

"I would be delighted."

[the_very_best]

And they swap numbers, and get out of the lake, and Bella waves goodbye and she's off on Pidgeotback.