Tia returns to Azalea Town and discovers Kurt's Poke Balls are selling faster than usual...
Azalea Town has to be the most annoying town to visit, Tia thought as she walked out of the Union Cave, exhausted. Either trudge through Ilex Forest and brave the homicidal Paras, or hike through Union Cave and deal with the Hikers and Firebreathers hanging around. Having already encountered the Paras, Tia had decided to deal with the Trainers instead.
After arriving in Azalea Town and resting at the Pokemon Center, Tia walked to Kurt’s house and was surprised at all of the Trainers lined up outside his door.
“What’s going on?” she asked one Trainer.
“Kurt’s got a sale going on for his Apricorn Balls!” he answered, “He’s got someone new at the register, and the Balls are selling out, a lot quicker than they used to be made!”
“Really?” Tia said to herself, a confused look on her face. Did Kurt hire someone new to work on his Poke Balls? But that doesn’t explain how fast they’re selling!
Tia elbowed past the line of Trainers and opened the door. “Hello? Kurt?”
“Hi, Tia!” Kurt’s granddaughter, Maizie, said,” You’re back!”
Tia nodded. “How’s everything? I see business has picked up!”
“Guess what?” Maizie asked excitedly, “Dad’s home!”
“Your dad?” Tia asked, surprised.
“He’s on vacation from Silph, and he brought back all sorts of Poke Balls that fell off the assembly line,” Maizie answered, “And he’s selling them on the side for cheaper than they usually sell! He’s also helping Grandpa and me with crafting!”
Tia nodded. “I see.” She walked over to the register, where a man was sitting, handling orders. “You must be Kurt’s son and Maizie’s dad,” she said, extending her hand. “I’m Tia.”
The man nodded. “Nice to meet you. I’m Cameron. Though, haven’t we met before?”
“Not formally,” Tia mentioned, “But I believe it was your recommendation that got me my work-study placement with Kurt. He’s my research advisor.”
Cameron nodded. “I remember now. A paper of yours on the mechanics of Silph’s standard Poke Balls caught my attention. I figured you would benefit from learning Dad’s Apricorn craft.”
“I’m currently on a research trip, testing out the Apricorn Balls I’ve been making,” Tia explained, “but I come back every now and then to help out and restock what I’ve been using.”
“Glad to see things have been working out,” Cameron said. He was about to say something else when a customer got his attention. “We’ll talk some more later,” he added, turning to his work.
Tia looked around at all the Trainers milling about in the house and lined up outside the door. This is a bit much, she thought. She walked over to the workroom and opened the door.
Kurt looked up from his work. “Tia! You’re back!”
“Need a hand?” Tia asked, rolling up her sleeves and putting on a work apron.
“I could definitely use the help!” he answered gratefully.
Tia smiled, and got to work.