The paper advertised some specialty cocktails, a SAZERAC being the beverage in the spotlight. Lex didn’t quite care for it, so she went with an Old Fashioned instead, much preferring whiskey over whatever it was in the other drinks.

As soon as it arrived in front of her, she zeroed in on the amber liquid, rolling the glass around to watch the clear, spherical ice cube trace the edges of it. While Elisabeth kept an aire of sophistication, Lex built up cold stone walls. She hunched over her drink, leaning against the bar while propping one boot up on the heist bar of the stool to subtly lift her knee.

It wasn’t until Elisabeth’s voice cut through the background noise of the bar that Lex took her gaze off her drink. It was a familiar voice, and that’s probably why she looked a bit surprised when she focused on Elisa. She shouldn’t be surprised, this was a Rocket bar, after all. She was bound to run into someone familiar sooner or later.

The Beast lifted her glass in return. A small smile cracked at the edges of her ruby lips, “Agreed,” though part of her didn’t. The last thing she wanted was to be bored but she could certainly do without being threatened by haughty know-it-alls like the DRK Triad.

Typically, Lex would let the invitation fall flat and tuck back into her own little world. However, she had been curious about the admin since Littleroot. Elisabeth had demonstrated a viciousness she hadn’t expected from the otherwise aloof woman. They fought alongside each other which did forge something of a subtle connection. It could be nurtured and blossom into something or neglected and left the wither away.

Curiosity got the best of her, and Lex chose to accept the invitation. After a long moment of silence, she spoke again, “So, how have you been?” since Littleroot. Groundbreaking conversation, really. Way to go, Lex.

---

Elisabeth Fiorelli

Elisabeth’s answer was about what she expected. It didn’t give too much away but implied there was more buried beneath the surface without being too vulnerable. The Beast’s dark red lips twitched into somewhat of a smile, “Splendid?” she sensed the sarcasm, that’s likely what made her smile, “Ahhh yes, Hoenn has been one hell of a trip,” a series of events flashed to forefront of her mind, the raid of Littleroot being the most recent. She took a sip of her drink to wash hem away.

“Resolutions?” Lex hadn’t really thought of having resolutions for the new year. She didn’t answer right away. It was clear she needed to think about it in the way her amber gaze lifts to inspect the ceiling.

To finally get married to Killian Decker was an obvious one. With the barrier down, they could go back to Johto for the ceremony which is what they both wanted. That seemed to personally to share with an acquaintance, though her and Killian’s relationship was no secret, “Hmm, that’s tough, I hadn’t thought about it. Uhhh train more, I suppose?” what a boring and generic answer, “More specifically, I guess train up on how to handle avatars. That Groudon one gave me a run for my money,” her tone had turned bitter by the end.

---

Elisabeth Fiorelli

That made her laugh. Well done, Elisabeth. It’s light but genuine and Lex raised her glass in agreement, “Yes, to their downfall,” Lex politely sipped afterwards, too superstitious with such a toast to let it go.

Lex listened to Elisabeth as she expressed her discomfort. Littleroot apparently weighed heavily n both of their minds. Elisabeth did get it worse than Lex, but any failure Lex had in Littleroot was a painful reminder of her standing amongst the top tier of trainers in Hoenn. She didn’t belong up there amongst the other Beasts. Her prowess in battle was average, at best.

“I use to be just like that,” she mused, thinking of earlier days, ”I was like a ghost,” no wonder she had a fondness for them, “I still prefer it that way but most of my assignments involve blunt conflict,” something she was still getting use to and, in a way, did find exhilarating, “You don’t have to be on the frontlines, you know. That’s what we’re for,” she vaguely motioned to herself, referencing the other Beasts without mentioning them, ” There’s plenty of important work behind the scenes.”

---

Elisabeth Fiorelli