Tia visits Blackthorn City and connects with one of the locals.
Tia knew that Blackthorn City had a long history of Dragon Pokemon users dating back hundreds of years, but she didn’t expect to feel the weight of all that history everywhere she went. The intensity of it, in both the traditions and the people. Especially the people. Most especially, in their stares.
She noticed it the moment she stepped out of the Ice Path for the first time. It was the height of summer, and the icy cold of the Ice Path quickly transitioned into sweltering heat. On top of this, every townsperson she met would give her an intense stare, as if they saw into her very soul. It was unsettling.
The intensity let up a little bit when Tia entered the Pokemon Center and was surrounded by tourists visiting the Dragon’s Den and Trainers challenging the Gym. She planned only on staying in Blackthorn City while she completed her research in the Ice Path and Dark Cave, but the intensity of the locals almost threatened to change her mind.
Eventually, Tia decided to leave the Pokemon Center to brave the heat and the locals’ attentions again. After walking for a while, she realized that while the younger residents and children greeted most of the visitors to the city, the older ones just stared. That deep, intense stare.
Feeling unnerved, Tia quickly walked away and entered the first public building she could find – a small, quaint souvenir shop. There were a few people inside, some tourists and Trainers, and a cheerful-looking young woman working the register. Scores of dragon-related merchandise lined the shelves.
Tia looked around, feeling much less anxious, and her eyes fell upon the far wall of the shop.
Lined up on the shelves were small sculptures of various Dragon Pokemon, some found locally, others from far-away regions. There were even a few make-believe dragons.
Tia looked at all of them, admiring the detail sculpted into each one. She was especially drawn to a sculpture of a shiny Charizard, black as obsidian, wings expanded in flight as dark gray clouds swirled around it.
“You like them?” a soft voice asked.
Tia turned to see a middle-aged woman standing next to her. She had graying black hair and a kind face.
“I do,” Tia answered.
“They’ve just been added to the store. It took some time for me to finish each one, and I’m glad to see that someone admires them.”
“You made these?” Tia asked, surprised.
The woman nodded, smiling.
“They’re beautiful,” Tia said, “The level of detail is amazing!”
“Thank you, dear,” the woman said. She watched as Tia’s attention was brought back to the Charizard sculpture.
“I based this piece on my son’s Charizard,” she said. “He was flying through a windstorm, and the sunlight hit just right. I just had to capture it.”
“It’s beautiful,” Tia said, looking at the sculpture with awe.
“My son has been away for a while,” the woman said, “He had misgivings about becoming a Dragon tamer like his father and grandfather, and went on a journey to find himself. I worry about him every day.”
“I see.” Tia was silent for a moment, then she answered. “I guess all you can do is hope that he comes home safe and sound, and that he finds what he’s looking for.”
The woman nodded. “Are you on a journey as well?”
“Yes,” Tia said, “I’m a researcher, and I’m working on Poke Ball development. I’m traveling to complete my dissertation and hopefully become a professor.”
“It sounds very difficult,” the woman commented, “and very ‘high-tech,’ as my children would say!”
Tia laughed. “That may be, but it also involves many other things, like a love for Pokemon and nature, and a healthy respect for art and tradition.” She looked out one of the shop windows, a serious look on her face. “I can feel the history of this city all around me, no matter where I go.”
The woman nodded. “It makes you think seriously about where you’ve been and where you’re going, doesn’t it?”
“It certainly does.” Tia smiled, then looked toward the door. “I ought to get going. You must be very busy!”
The woman gave a dismissive wave. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I hope the rest of your journey goes well, and good luck on your research!”
Tia waved goodbye, and exited the shop, heading back into the intense heat and the intense stares. The conversation had lifted her spirits enough that none of it bothered her any longer.