The Starr Trainer - A Poke-Fan Fiction

Lumiose City

Belle and Grant entered Lumiose City. The hustle and bustle of the city was such a different pace from Cyllage City and the journey back here. They checked their pokemon at the Pokemon Center and grabbed a bite to eat. When they sat down in a restaurant, Belle heard a familiar group of voices. Looking up, she saw Ash and the others. 

"Hey, Ash!" Belle called out, waving. 

"Belle!" Ash came over. Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie also greeted. 

"Ash, that's Grant, and he's the Cyllage City Gym Leader," Clemont explained.

"Whoa, you're a gym leader?" Ash said, his eyes wide. "You two must be friends then?" 

"Yes," Belle nodded with a small smile. Serena's gaze met hers, and she frowned, obviously not doing as good as she thought with keeping up with appearances. "We came here for a ball!"

"A ball?" Serena and Bonnie asked, their eyes shining. 

"It's a masquerade," Grant explained. "It's open to all. You guys should come. I invited Belle, so that's why we're here." He turned to her, and she smiled as he did. 

"Well, we came for the gym," Ash started, but Serena interrupted.

"Oh, come on, Ash. Doesn't it sound like fun! Imagine a masquerade."

"Well, if you want that badly, okay," Ash nodded. "We'll come."

"Belle, let's go get dresses. Ash, Grant, and Clemont can go get their outfits," Serena enthused. 

"Okay, we'll catch up with you later?" Belle asked. Grant nodded. She was relieved to get out of the restaurant. Serena and Bonnie walked out, leading her toward different stores. 

"So, Grant, hm?" Serena asked.

"He asked me," Belle said, turning her eyes. "What am I supposed to do? James made it clear that he would remain at Team Rocket and that we couldn't be together."

"Yeah, but do you have feelings for Grant?" 

"Yeah, is he a keeper?" Bonnie asked.

"Grant is friendly, and sure he's attractive, but I don't know. My heart still hurts, so it's just a fun distraction, but I don't want him to get hurt. I don't know what I should do."

"Well, there is nothing wrong with going out with some friends and having fun," Serena nodded. "Especially when you look great doing it!" They laughed as they walked in. They all tried out several dresses until Belle found it. It was a blue ballgown made to resemble patterns of a Dragonair, and she grabbed a blue masquerade mask to go along with it. Serena grabbed a red and white dress, while bonnie a bright yellow one. 

The three walked back to the Pokemon Center, where the boys were waiting. They hung their dresses along with the others in a closet Nurse Joy set up for those visiting for the ball. Belle got her pokemon and returned them to her ankle wraps. As nighttime fell, they all set up in the Pokemon Center. Belle sighed, being the last one to fall asleep again. She stared out the window and frowned. She wondered if James was still feeling sad about leaving her or if he had moved on. She turned towards where Grant was sleeping and sighed. Belle tiptoed around everyone and stepped outside for some air. She walked around the city until finding a bench in front of a fountain where she sat. 

"Belle?" She turned, seeing Grant making his way to the bench, and he sat beside her. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm just."

"Missing him?" Belle turned her head. "I'm not oblivious that your heart hasn't been in this. I get it, and sometimes it's hard to move forward after feeling such deep feelings." She nodded. "Do you still want to go to the ball?"

"I do." Belle nodded. "I am not sure if I'm ready to move on just yet. I'm sorry, Grant. I was hoping I could get past it, especially for you. I mean, you're a total catch." She blushed. "I think that I just am not over him yet." 

"That's okay. Maybe you can still save me a dance?"

"Yeah, I'd like that."

"You know whoever this guy is. He didn't notice just how lucky he was to have someone like you fall so deeply for him." Belle smiled. "You're truly remarkable."

"You are too." Belle kissed Grant's cheek. "Thank you. I needed this small break too. After the Team Rocket thing, I wasn't feeling like myself."

"Hey, what are friends for," he smiled and stood up. "Come on. We should get some rest." He helped Belle up, and together they made their way back to the Pokemon Center.