"Are you.. N?" Tia asked, her voice shaking, as she slowly proceeded up the last step and onto the top of the tower.
"Indeed I am. You come to learn to speak to Pokemon, do you not?"
"Y-yes.. yes, I do. That's why I'm here." Tia's voice was shaky, but she was finding resolve.
"You're the one who has the blessing. Iris's daughter. I was there when you were born, and this same Reshiram standing next to me is who gave you your blessing." Reshiram roared, and red energy emanated from it.
"I see. You know I have the blessing, then.. you plan to teach me, right?" Tia asked, her voice more sure of itself.
"I do. Come, girl, and stand before Reshiram." N turned around and looked at Tia. Reshiram did the same. "You're shaking. Are you scared?"
"Well.. yeah, I'll admit that I am, a little bit. The fate of the world rests on my shoulders, or something. Colress, Liao, and Nate told me a lot over the past day, but to be honest, a large chunk of it has gone over my head." Tia laughed nervously, and N softened his gaze.
"Don't be scared. Neither of us will hurt you. If Unova truly is in grave danger again.. then Reshiram and I will need to teach you how to speak to Pokemon. And hopefully shed a little more light on your unique gifts." Reshiram nodded and gave a low growl of agreement. Tia looked up at Reshiram. She shuddered, and Reshiram gave some low growls.
What do you think of me? Fearsome, amazing, glorious?
"Wha- where did that come from?! That was Reshiram, how was I able to understand it?!" Tia looked taken aback, and N chuckled.
"You're here with me, and you possess the blessing. Here." N moved to Tia's side, and placed a hand on her shoulder. "With my connection, in your early lessons, you'll be able to speak to Reshiram much more easily. However, I won't always be here to help you." Tia nodded, and looked back up at Reshiram. Reshiram spoke again.
So? Glorious, fearsome? Come on, girl, let me hear it. Tia concentrated for a second, tipping her head to one side as she thought of the best possible way to compliment a legendary dragon.
"I'd say.. glorious. You're certainly magnificent." Despite speaking in clear human tongue, Reshiram smiled, tilting it's head upwards in a graceful display, and growled again.
Of course I am! You have great taste, girl!
"I can.. understand him and.. he can understand me. How.. what?" Tia looked at N, her eyes wide.
"You have the blessing. You've always been able to speak to Pokemon, you just don't know how yet. That's why I'm teaching you. Go on, I'll keep my hand on your shoulder, now try to have a full conversation with Reshiram."
"Well, okay. I'll try." Tia looked up at Reshiram and spoke, concentrating. "So, uh.. lovely weather we're having, isn't it?" Reshiram growled.
Girl, is that the very best you can come up with? The Unova region is in mortal danger and all you can think of is weather?
"Well, I.. I didn't mean it like that. I suppose I've never talked to a legendary dragon and all."
Yeah, I can understand that. I'm sort of a big deal.
"So. If Team Neo really does intend to summon Genesis Kyurem, doesn't that mean they'll need to capture you, Reshiram?"
Indeed it does. You're a smart one, Tia. However, I've seen these kinds of people before. Twenty years ago, to be precise. I promise you, capturing me will not be as easy as it was for them to capture Zekrom. Reshiram smiled, and Tia smiled a bit too.
"That's fair. So, tell me, Reshiram. What do you think of your, err.. brothers? Cousins? In-laws? Zekrom and Kyurem, that is."
Kyurem is a careless dunce, letting out his rage at simply being in this world on whoever is nearby. Poor Lacunosa town residents, living in terror of him for so long. As for Zekrom, he's more judgemental and has a high opinion of himself and his power. Team Neo capturing him hasn't changed that at all.
"You've.. met with Zekrom, after Team Neo captured him?" Reshiram lowered his head and closed his eyes.
Yes.. unfortunately, I have.
"I see. You know, you're quite the spirited dragon. My little Axew looks up to you."
Does she? My heart is warmed. Well, it's warmer than it normally is, since I am a dragon of fire and all. Now, I've got a question for you. What's it like speaking to a legendary dragon as amazing as myself?
"It's.. it's awesome. All these things I've been told, about your blessing and whatnot.. you're really something, Reshiram. Have you ever told N to get a haircut?" Reshiram howled with laughter at this, his eyes shutting tightly.
HAHA! Of course I have! I love your sense of humor, girl. Reshiram cleared his eyes and growled again. You'll be a fine hero for this world, no doubt. When the time comes, I trust you'll be able to save it.
"You really think so?" Tia said, her eyes shining.
Nah. I know so. Now, N, remove your hand from her shoulder.
"Are you sure, Reshiram? You think she's ready to try it on her own?" Reshiram growled, and nodded. "Well, all right, if you say so." N took his hand off Tia's shoulder, and she looked back up at Reshiram, who growled some more.
So, how is it now, Tia? Still able to talk to me? Tia closed her eyes tightly and concentrated as best she could.
"I.. think I can.. can you understand me?"
Well, I can't say I learned Spanish.
"That.. wasn't Spanish."
Hm? Did you say that wasn't Spanish? I can't tell the difference.
"Rgh.." Tia closed her eyes and pressed her hands together. "How about.. now?"
That's a bit better! I can understand you now. Relax a little and empty your mind. Focus purely on me.
"Okay.." Tia relaxed herself and folded her hands together, and opened her eyes, looking directly into Reshiram's. "How is this?"
That's wonderful! Well executed. You're a natural, that's for sure. Not like we've done this before, but you sure seem to know how to speak to me.
"So.. if I'm able to speak directly to you.. what training is there left for me?"
To start, you're having to concentrate. Secondly, you're still in N's presence. Third, when you're truly done, you'll be able to give me directions when flying through clouds, clear as day.
"Oh.. oh. Yeah, I've definitely got a long way to go, then." Reshiram nodded.
Definitely. I'm proud of you, young Tia. I expected you to have a closed heart, be near unteachable, but you've surpassed NY expectations.
"Wait, have I really?"
Indeed you have. I trust you'll be able to save this world one day, Tia. Now, have N stand across the room.
"Hey, N, can you do what Reshiram said? Stand far away?" N nodded, and sat down on a broken pillar several meters away. Tia looked back up at Reshiram, and folded her palms again, concentrating deeply. "Reshiram.. can you understand me?"
Oh, Arceus. N, you know I can't speak other languages. Reshiram rolled his eyes, but Tia could definitely see a spark of humor in his red gaze.
"Hey.. no, I'm not speaking another language! I don't know any other ones either!" Reshiram chuckled.
That one came across a little clearer.
You're doing better, but again, you're still a long way from mastering the ability to speak to Pokemon.
"Yeah.. I guess I am. I hope I'll get lots of opportunities to improve myself, though."
That you will, don't worry. You'll get plenty of chances to speak to Pokemon and solve their problems during your journey. I've got a terrible feeling about something, though.
"Oh..? What might that be?"
I've got a feeling I can only evade capture for so long. It's near certain that Team Neo will be able to summon Genesis Kyurem, but I'll do my best to delay them as much as possible. The more time you have to learn, the better.
"I see." N stood up, and looked at Reshiram.
"Tell her about the dragons, and their power. All of it. She needs to know."
Are you sure?
"Yes. Tell her." Reshiram nodded, and looked at Tia, beckoning her.
Come close to me, girl. You need to hear this as clear as possible. N sat back down, and Tia walked up to Reshiram. She sat down in front of him, and Reshiram sat down in front of her. Reshiram growled, and looked up at the sky.
In the beginning, before Pokemon existed in Unova, there was Genesis Kyurem, the being that resides in a higher world. It knew no boundary between heaven and hell, life and death, yet it was.. lonely. So, it used its power to fill the Unova region with people and Pokemon. Once the region was finished, Genesis Kyurem came down to Unova, intending to rule over it. However, an unforeseen accident caused Genesis Kyurem to break apart into three dragons: Kyurem, Reshiram, and Zekrom. Reshiram and Zekrom had the power of the one dragon split between them, and Kyurem simply became the shell. Each dragon was chipped of a small part of it's body: a DNA Splicer, one for each dragon. When all three dragons and Splicers are reunited atop Dragonspiral Tower, which was built where Genesis Kyurem landed..
"Then, what happens?"
Only one who has the blessing of the dragon can command Kyurem to absorb the other five components, summoning forth Genesis Kyurem. If said human is worthy with a strong enough spirit, not only can they summon Genesis Kyurem.. they're able to command them, too. Both myself and Zekrom are able to give a tiny part of our power as a blessing to newborn humans at their birth. That is what we call the dragon's blessing that you possess. Now, as for the dragon's power. The more power a dragon has, the faster it's drained, and the less it hurts. But as a dragon has less power, draining it is slower and hurts the dragon more. A dragon cannot truly be deprived of all it's power, it will revert to a ball form at it's lowest possible power. Such was the Light Stone I used to be..
"I.. I understand. What is it you plan to do, Reshiram?"
Exert as much of my power as I can while I evade capture for as long as I can. That way, once they inevitably capture me, it'll take longer for then to drain enough of my power to be ready to summon Genesis Kyurem.
"But won't that hurt you?"
Yes. It will. But I'd rather take the pain than let Unova be ruined due to my cowardice. Unlike Zekrom. Reshiram nodded solemnly, and N did the same. I'm counting on you, girl. I gave you my blessing and I trust you'll be the hero Unova needs. Tia nodded.
"Wait.. unlike Zekrom? What did Zekrom do?"
Zekrom.. was captured by Ghetsis a long time ago, and the man brainwashed Zekrom into believing his plans of destruction are what's right for Unova. Please.. free him from Ghetsis's mind control.
"I won't let you down. I promise," Tia said, her voice clear and certain.
"Good." A familiar voice resonated, and Tia looked startled.
"M-mother? Is that you?" As Tia spoke, her eyes began to widen.
Iris. You choose to appear to her? Why?
"You know why, Reshiram. My daughter is the one who will save this world from certain destruction. I'll lend her my strength as I can."
Very well. Just remember this is her fight and nobody else's.
"Of course." A pause. "My daughter.. you've learned how to speak to Pokemon now. I'm so proud of you. I know that you'll be able to save us from the plans of Team Neo."
"I'll.. I'll do my best. For all of you. For all of us, and for all the people and Pokemon of Unova!" Tia's eyes glowed with blue light, now tinted with red, and her voice burned with resolve.
"Very well. I must go now, my daughter. I love you, remember that."
"I love you too, mother.." Tia's eyes filled with tears, and after a pause, she looked back up at Reshiram. "I know now what I must do. How long do you estimate we have?" Reshiram paused before it spoke.
It's difficult to judge. Depending on how determined Team Neo is on capturing me, it can range from a few days to several weeks. However, I doubt they'll go after me much until they have all the Splicers in their possession.
"I see. Is there anything else you wish to tell me?"
Hmm.. at the moment, no. However, take this from me. Reshiram held out it's paw, and in it was a tiny white and red marbled stone. Keep this on your person at all times. Not only will it slightly strengthen your ability to talk to Pokemon, but you'll also be able to talk to me whenever you seek guidance. However, be warned: sometimes I will withhold my aid so you can learn for yourself.
"Thank you, Reshiram." Tia pocketed the stone and embraced the huge dragon.
I.. aww, thank you, Tia. Now, go save our world. Learn all you can.
"I will. Thank you Reshiram! And N!" Tia turned and started running back down the seemingly endless steps of Dragonspiral Tower, new energy flowing through her. "I'm almost- huh?!"
"YOU!" A dark figure lunged from the shadows near the bottom of the tower and tackled her to the ground. "You.. what are you doing here?!"
"Agh! Who are you?! What do you want from me?!" Tia squealed, panicking. "Reshiram!"
"Reshiram won't help you now. Tell me what you know, girl, or I promise you won't be returning home." The mysterious boy growled at her and tears came to Tia's eyes. She quickly wiped them away and pushed the boy off, who looked surprised at her strength. "Oh, you're a feisty one. Tell me why you went to Dragonspiral Tower. You're just a little girl. And you came alone.. how brave!"
"I.. I won't tell you anything. Do to me what you wish, but I won't tell you why I'm here." Despite her resolve, Tia was nervous, and it showed.
"You fool. You absolute fool." The boy brandished a knife and twirled it in his hand. "Tell me what you know. Now. Or I sever your pretty little head right from your body." Tia knew from the look in his eyes that this boy didn't intend to kill her. It was obvious he wanted the information, desperately.
"Try me. I dare you." The boy roared, and lunged at her with the knife. Tia sidestepped, rolling across and next to a pillar. "Too slow!" She giggled, and deftly evaded his next slice. However, she was tiring quickly. Tia knew she couldn't keep this up long, and she needed to get out alive. It was then that she noticed a Druddigon nibbling on some food across the room, seemingly oblivious to the conflict. Tia remembered with a start that she could speak to Pokemon herself. "Hey! Druddigon!" The Druddigon looked up, and a look of pure shock crossed the boy's face.
Eh? Who said that? My buddy left to go get more food. His lazy self wouldn't be back by now.
"Me! Over here! I'm- help me!"
Hold on a second? A human?! How are you able to talk to me?
"Never mind that! I need your help, Druddigon!"
"Are you talking to it?!" The boy shouted. "How?!"
"Shut up!" Tia was tiring quickly dodging the endless strikes, yet the boy's energy seemed limitless. She looked at the Druddigon desperately. "He's going to kill me! Please help!"
He's going to kill you? I don't really care who you are, but if your life is in danger, I suppose I can help. The Druddigon roared and lunged at the boy, intercepting him mid swipe and pinning him to the ground. The dragon roared in his face, and the boy shrieked, his expression changing.
"Let me go, you brute!" Druddigon lifted a paw, and the boy scrambled away. "I won't forget this, girl. And I certainly don't forget you." The boy turned and ran, gripping his side where Druddigon had pinned him.
Are you all right, girl? Did he hurt you?
"N-no, he didn't. I'm okay. Thank you, Druddigon. I owe you my life." Tia smiled.
It's nothing, really. In return, can you answer some questions for me?
"Of course!"
How are you able to talk to me? Only one other human being that I know can do that.
"Well.. I was given Reshiram's blessing at birth, and I went to the top of this tower to learn how to speak to Pokemon from N and Reshiram." Druddigon nodded, and growled.
I see! You're a very unique human. Now, in return for saving your life, can you help me find my friend and gather some food? That lazy lump isn't back yet, and I'm getting hungry.
"Sure. I don't mind," Tia giggled, and Druddigon gave a happy growl.
This way, girl. Druddigon led Tia out of the tower and to a meadow behind it, filled with bushes. A few of them were dotted with berries. We Druddigon eat these berries as a primary source of food. Help me pick some, will you?
"Sure." Tia reached out to a bush and pulled off several berries, handing them to Druddigon.
Wonderful! Now do that about two hundred more times!
"Sheesh.. two hundred. Well, I do owe you my life and all. Let's get picking."
That's the spirit! Druddigon and Tia spent the better part of an hour picking berries off several of the bushes, creating a huge blue pile. Well done, girl. I really do appreciate your help.
"It's nothing, really. You seem like a really understanding and wise Pokemon, Druddigon."
I've lived in that tower for a long time, and I've seen lots of things. Tell me, what is it you seek?
"I seek.. to fulfill my destiny, and prevent the ruin of the world."
Ruin of the world? Is Unova in danger again?
"Not right now. But it will be soon. I have to use my talents to hone them and be able to save the world when that danger comes."
That's a huge burden for one so young. I wish you the best of luck. But, promise me something.
"Anything for you. What is it?"
This task you're undertaking.. it will take training. If you see a Pokemon in trouble, I ask you not to hesitate to talk to it. Speak to it, help it. The more Pokemon you talk to, the stronger your spirit will grow.
"I promise. Thank you, Druddigon." The dragon nodded.
You've got the dragon tamer heritage, do you not?
"Yes, I do. My mother's name is Iris."
Ah! Iris! I know of her. You're a great individual to be born of her blood. Now, do you need to get going?
"I do. Thank you very much for your help, though. I promise I'll come visit you some day, Druddigon!"
That's very kind of you, and I look forward to it. Now, let me guide you back to the entrance of the tower. Druddigon began to lead Tia back into the tower, and stopped at the entrance. Good luck on your quest, Tia.
"Thank you. I'll do my best!" Tia waved the Druddigon goodbye, and started back down to Icirrus City. After a short walk, she pushed open the door to the Pokemon center.
"And then I said- if it ain't broke, fix it anyways! I'm a scientist!" Laughter filled the Pokemon center. "Now, as for the other time.. wait, Tia's back!" Colress smiled and ran towards Tia, embracing her. "How are you, my little dragon girl?"
"Shaken up, but.. I'm doing well. N taught me how to talk to Pokemon, and even to Reshiram!"
"Did he now? That's wonderful news. Can you talk to Axew, you think?" Colress asked.
"I can certainly try. Hey, Axew! Over here!" Tia beckoned to her Axew, who scrambled over to her, leaping into her outstretched arms. Tia closed her eyes for a second, then looked at Axew. "Hey, little buddy! Did you miss me?"
Whoa! Tia! You can really talk to me! Of course I missed you! Why wouldn't I? Tia giggled.
"I don't know, really. Are you surprised?"
Well.. yeah, I am! You're really something, Tia!
"I know I am!" Tia grinned, and set Axew back down.
"She really can. She can talk to Pokemon. That's.. that's amazing," Skyla said, her eyes wide.
"Well, now what?" Tia asked, looking at Nate and Liao. Nate tipped his head, pausing before he answered.
"Well, Skyla, Cyro, and myself will journey in a group separate from you, Colress, and Liao. We'll maintain contact, doing our best to gather information from locals in various towns and cities about Team Neo. The three of you will travel Unova, strengthening your spirit enough to fulfill your destiny." Nate nodded, and Tia smiled a little.
"I'm ready."
"Very well! This is goodbye for now, Nate. Let's stay in contact." Colress gave Nate a pat on the back, and he grinned.
"Of course. Take care, Colress. Skyla, Cyro, let's get going." The two nodded and followed Nate out of the Pokemon center.
"And so, the three of us will set off on a journey to strengthen you. Your power will fade the further away you get from Dragonspiral Tower, and if Team Neo knows about this, they'll have their base of operations as far away as they can."
"Let's get going!" Tia smiled, and Axew roared, bouncing around Tia with enthusiasm.
"As you wish." Colress smiled and led her, Liao, and Axew out of the Pokemon center. "Now, I suppose, your true journey will unfold." Tia nodded, and looked at Colress as they walked.
"Do you have faith in me, Uncle Colress?"
"I do. You've got all the qualities needed to be Unova's savior. I do not have a single doubt in you." Colress smiled down at her, and she eased.
"Heh.. thanks. I'm glad for that. Should we find a place to sleep for the night? It's getting dark."
"That's logical. Let's just stay in the inn for now, and be on our way to Opelucid tomorrow." Colress led the way to the Icirrus inn as the sun faded behind the horizon, and pushed the door open to the inn.
"Welcome! Can I get you a room?" The innkeeper asked, smiling happily.
"Yes, please. Three." Colress held up three fingers, and the innkeeper nodded, then began to lead them up a flight of stairs, and stopped at a room.
"Is this one okay?" She asked.
"Yes, this'll do fine. We simply need a place to rest for the night, nothing more." The innkeeper nodded, and handed Colress a key.
"I'll take your payment in the morning. Enjoy your stay!" She smiled, and walked off briskly, leaving Colress to fumble unlocking the door.
"Grr.. the only contraptions that make sense are the ones I make myself." After a couple minutes of struggling, he pushed the door open. It was a standard inn room, with two beds, a desk, and a small bathroom. Nothing special.
"I don't need a bed. Not used to sleeping on one," Liao said, looking at Colress and Tia.
"Well, all right." Tia walked over to one of the beds and laid down, sinking into it. "Ahhh.. oh, this is amazing." She closed her eyes and rolled herself into one of the blankets. Colress sat down on one of the beds.
"She isn't wrong. It's plenty soft." He laid down, and Liao slumped in a chair. "So, Tia. What did N teach you exactly?" Several seconds of pause followed, before the muffled reply came.
"Mmfff.. well, how to talk to Pokemon, duh." Colress groaned.
"Apart from that."
"Well, Reshiram gave me a really pretty rock. Said I could use it to talk to him whenever I needed to."
"Oh? That's interesting." Before Colress could continue, Liao piped up.
"It.. wouldn't happen to be a marbled stone, smoothly carved into a sphere, with red and white colors, would it?"
"Well, wait. Wait, yes, that's exactly what it is!"
"Oh, that's great news. That stone will be very helpful. I possessed one for a short time. However, I didn't hold on to it long, before N came looking for it. I can only assume that's the same stone I heard voices coming from."
"Well, that's neat. Let's talk about this in the morning. Now, can I get some sleep?" Tia grumbled.
"Of course. Good night, Tia."
