Tia and Aidan camp out and discuss research plans.
Tia and Aidan were camped out in a small clearing, as far away from civilization as they dared. Where they were, deep in the Sinnoh countryside, the lack of light pollution meant the late-winter night sky above them was bright with stars.
The two sat cuddled near the fire, enjoying the warmth and the silence together.
“Would you like to go on a trip with me?” Tia asked suddenly.
Aidan looked at her curiously. “What kind of a trip?”
“For research,” Tia replied, “But before you say anything, hear me out.”
Aidan nodded. “Okay?”
Tia paused for a moment, thinking of how to move forward. “My project proposal was accepted by Silph today.”
“The one for developing a new Poke Ball?” Aidan asked.
“Yes. It’s specially-designed to catch Pokemon in extreme environments: places with high heat, or that are below freezing. Places with higher or lower pressure. Dangerous places. Places where Legendary Pokemon are rumored to reside.”
Aidan’s interest was piqued. “I see.”
“The last few Pokemon left to complete the Pokedex are the Legendary Pokemon.” Tia continued, “and my first project as a professor is to create a Poke Ball with the highest chance of success in catching a Legendary Pokemon, in the most challenging situations possible.”
Aidan smirked. “But what about the Master Ball?”
Tia laughed. “I knew you’d ask that. The Master Ball does catch any Pokemon without fail… but not if it gets burned in a lava plume, or crushed under the high pressure of the ocean, or gets stomped on by the Legendary Pokemon you’re trying to catch.”
“It’s no good to you if it’s easily destroyed,” Aidan summarized.
“Exactly.”
“Does it have a name?”
Tia sighed. “Silph picked out the code name. They call it the ‘Legend Ball’.”
Aidan laughed a little. “That’s kinda…”
“I know, it’s lame.”
“I was going to say ‘uninspired’.”
“All right,” Tia continued, “So, catching Legendary Pokemon is one thing. Finding them, on the other hand… That’s where you come in.”
“Me?”
“You’re the only person I know who has studied and researched about Legendary Pokemon. You know where they live and how to find them-”
“Where they likely live and how to possibly find them,” Aidan corrected, “I’ve never actually seen them.”
“Well, this is your chance. While I get to test out the prototype Legend Balls, you’ll be able to track down and see Legendary Pokemon with your own eyes! It’s a win-win!”
Aidan was silent for a moment.
“So will you come with me?”
“Of course!”
“Yes!” Tia gave a cheer and hugged Aidan. “Thank you!”
They sat there, hugging each other, for a few moments.
“You know,” Aidan said softly, “You didn’t need to butter me up with all that explanation to get me to come with you.”
Tia blinked. “Huh?”
Aidan smiled. “Didn’t you know I’d follow you anywhere if you just asked?”
Tia reddened. “W-why didn’t you-”
“You really wanted to talk about your project,” Aidan said, “so I let you!”
“Thanks a lot!”
“But in return,” Aidan replied, “I’ll tell you a Pokemon Tower legend, and you’ll have to listen all the way through!”
“Aidan…”
“Are you scared?”
“No!” But Tia cuddled a little closer to him, just in case.