How astute of her. She almost got it right.
'Yeah, pretty ironic, all things considered.'
Are you sure you wish to continue with this?
'I've made up my mind. There's no turning back now.'
Very well then. But if you screw this up, there are going to be consequences.
'I know. And I thought I told you to be quiet.'
And yet you're responding anyways.
'Hmph.'
Nathan closes his eyes again, not answering Shiva's last question. "It's not the battle I'm taking seriously. You don't want to know what I'd be doing right now if I wasn't like this. The difference between you and me when we do this, Ventus, is why."
He'd be attacking mercilessly...or a complete wreck...or both...he wouldn't be able to face either of them properly in the capacity he needed to. Holding himself together by the thinnest of threads was about all he could manage, and that was only because he wasn't in constant contact with either of them for the past few days.
He needed to be stable here. To not lose himself in the heat of the moment. He needed to properly analyze what he learns here.
He NEEDED to ignore his emotions. No matter how unpleasant this was for him and everyone else.
Shiva was worried and scared according to Kirlia. Intimidated, even. Ventus was highly concerned and just a little scared.
Nathan hoped they'd understand. That they would believe him when he said he wasn't going to go all out. If they didn't, he'd already failed to do what he'd set out to...
Out come Starmie and Grid!
"Enough chatter. We all have other reasons we're here. Now then, which two shall you be starting with?"
Heart feel unease about what about to happen. He couldnt heard what the heck they are saying, but he could feel the tension in the air, and..."something" more. Almost like something terrible is going to happen. He cant tell "what". He simple feel that. Koa (who was in his shoulder all the time) could feel too the tension in the air, and make a serious look to Nathan. A dead serious look.
"You feel too friend? I dont know what the heck is going on, but I feel this battle wont end well. We wont interfere of course. Is they battle, and we cannot interfere....I wish I would more close to them, but we can only pray all will end well."
Heart close his eyes and make a pray to Arceus that all will end well. Along to the two right and left hands of Arceus, Palkia and Dialga. And the two dragons, Reshiram and Zekrom. He hope all end well.
Even through the thick, doughy layer of numbness and emptiness, Ventus could still pickup two 'emotional' response within in the boy as they were contemplating their earlier, however muted and ephemeral they were. 'So my friend is still operating on some level of feeling...he's just actively suppressing it while another part of their mind is helping function 'normally' while in this dead state of his, though they don't seem to be getting along from what I can tell. And from what I faintly, barely detect within him, past that yawning void he created...its a nervous, angry, and disfunctional catastrophe. Its a wonder that he hasn't suffered from a nervous breakdown yet, even with his 'control mechanism' in place,' he thought, pondering just what the Kyurem's frosty hell was so important to the boy that he was putting himself through at least 3 different varieties of intense emotional distress just to witness it, let alone participate...
Nathan next statement only further solid his brief hypothesis on his friend self induced apathy, and nodded in understanding, his own expression now completely neutral in of itself, almost mirroring their face were it not for the concern still shining in his eyes. "You don't have the same level of absolute mastery over your emotions that I do, and are unable to make any type of decision without them controlling you or forcing you into inactivity. Even at my worst I can still be reasoned with, I can react to others beings without my own emotions clouding/affecting my own judgment, if I so choose, and contain/cycle through all my feelings as I please. You, unfortunately, can't, and have to resort to this dreadful state to accomplish whatever goal brought you to challenge us in the first place. I still don't agree with you being like this, mind you....but I understand why you have to do this. If this task of yours is that important....then I will abide by your present state for now."
Pokeballs where tossed out by the young trainer, summoning Grid and Starmie, and with a nod of his head, Ventus flicked his wrist out, sending his own spirling into the battlefield, summoning Michael in fine form! The kick boxing champion, quick to pick up on the distinct lack of FIGHTING SPIRIT! emanating from his master's, gave them an uncharacteristically concerned look before turning towards their master with the much of the very same expression. "I know Nate is rather....unenthusiastic right now, but this is what he needs to be right now for him to face your stunning power. Still, I request that you don't use Spore or knock out any of his Pokémon, as this is supposed to be a friendly fight, despite how frigid things currently are. You understand me, my brother?" Ven asked him, receiving a firm nod and a fist pump from them, before they hopped out to the battlefield. The kid might not be feeling alright now, but a few Rounds seeing his furiously fierce fighting finesse should light the fires of PASSION in them! ORAH!
"I do have one request of to ask Kirlia, before we start the battle: watch my emotional state carefully. Nathan might not have the same empathy or lifetime of experience with emotions as we do, but that doesn't mean you can't teach them to him. See how I managed and control my own emotions and maintain a state of calm throughout the battle, so that you can later grant him the same ability I posses. It will not work right away, I imagine, but I believe its the first step in the right direction."
"Now then, let's begin, shall we?"
(09-16-2017, 09:16 PM)Spiritmon Wrote: [ -> ]Heart feel unease about what about to happen. He couldnt heard what the heck they are saying, but he could feel the tension in the air, and..."something" more. Almost like something terrible is going to happen. He cant tell "what". He simple feel that. Koa (who was in his shoulder all the time) could feel too the tension in the air, and make a serious look to Nathan. A dead serious look.
"You feel too friend? I dont know what the heck is going on, but I feel this battle wont end well. We wont interfere of course. Is they battle, and we cannot interfere....I wish I would more close to them, but we can only pray all will end well."
Heart close his eyes and make a pray to Arceus that all will end well. Along to the two right and left hands of Arceus, Palkia and Dialga. And the two dragons, Reshiram and Zekrom. He hope all end well.
(Something terrible, you say?
 )
Calam appears from the shadows and is right next to Heart and Koa all of a sudden. He gives a respectful nod to them to show them he means no harm (and if he has to, an intimidating glare to dissuade Koa from attacking), and then lays down to watch the upcoming battle from where they're grouped together.
Calam can feel the tension as well, and to a much larger degree, even. A lot hung in the balance for the young trainer. Calam's a little too strong for what Nathan has planned. The trainer had explicitly ordered him to stay away from the battle, in fact. A curious move to make, but maybe Nathan just didn't want the temptation of relying on such a brutally powerful and experienced fighter. It could tip the scales in his favor far, far too much if he were to use Calam...
(09-16-2017, 09:30 PM)Lord Windos Wrote: [ -> ]"I do have one request of to ask Kirlia, before we start the battle: watch my emotional state carefully. Nathan might not have the same empathy or lifetime of experience with emotions as we do, but that doesn't mean you can't teach them to him. See how I managed and control my own emotions and maintain a state of calm throughout the battle, so that you can later grant him the same ability I posses. It will not work right away, I imagine, but I believe its the first step in the right direction."
Funny. He doesn't even suspect that you're already doing exactly that for different reasons.
'Well, let's hope he doesn't focus too much on that, then. He'd do well to curb his tongue a little, though.'
...quite. There was no need to be so blunt about something so obvious.
'And he's not entirely right, either.'
He has a point in this case, though.
'Just...stop. I thought you were supposed to be on my side.'
I'm not on anyone's side, technically speaking. Well, unless inside counts.
'Okay, now you're taking it too far...this isn't the time for jokes.'
Kirlia doesn't respond to Ventus, focused as he is on the task at hand already, his eyes closed in a deep concentration. His job is to both make sure Nathan doesn't get out of control and analyze Shiva and Ventus. He can't spare a moment right now to focus on anything else, what with dividing his attention between three different people like this...but once he's sure Nathan will be fine on his own, then he can refocus a little bit...
"Well... Very well then, Nathan."
That was practically all Shiva had to say to him for now. Those words very spoken out in an almost threathening calmness and quietness, but every word was still audible for those they were adressed too. She just stood there, still close to Ven, with arms crossed and herself semi-turned away from the young Trainer on the other side of the battlefield while nevertheless holding eye contact. With enough imagination, she somewhat was giving an image of an Umbreon on a nightly foray; dark, silent and calm, but ready to pounce and sink fangs into the target every moment. Coincidence that the bow on her outfit was held in this Pokemon's colours today.
"YOU KNOW WHAT, THOUGH?" These words were not shouted, but definitelly spoken out louder in cold anger, loud enough that Heart would hear them. (Of course she doesn't know he's around, though.) "If it weren't for you, if I wouldn't cling to the idea that I am HELPING you here, I'd now turn away and quiet the challenge. Because this is not what I expected, nor does this do any good to me any my Pokemon, this atmosphere is almost suffocating for an highly emotional person like me, and even more for my sensitive fairies. BUT, since I promised to be there for you and still consider you a friend, I'll GO THROUGH IT NEVERTHELESS. Value this, because it means a lot to me." Finally she faced him, and her expression was...calm and reserved, but not in a positive way. It was icy. Nothing was shown on the outside of the emotions in her being completely unlocked now. From somewhere, she also drew a Pokeball and enlarged it, but kept its content inside for a little longer.
Her voice also lost that soft tone, and got a serious tone, one that she only succumbed in a pure state. Still, there was a lot missing to reach the next level of her being, which was...a vile witch. After all this, Shiva still had enough control over her emotions even if they'd now got the figurative allowance to roam and brew freely and for vile-witch-mode to be unlocked, it'd need much more than the current situation. "I'll battle you if that is your wish, and I glady repeat that I'm only doing this for you. It's kinda beyond me HOW this all should help you, but who am I to object, who am I that would turn away from A FRIEND in the last moment? However - you'll find me raw and pure, but you'd notice how I nevertheless manage to keep my emotions under control and keep calm and reserved. Being highly emotional and sensitive like I am is a curse and a blessing, and I learned in my so far live to live with that and keep them under control. Maybe not in the state that Ventus does with his-" *throwing a careful and appreciating glance over to him* -"but enough to not let something happen that I'd regret afterwards." ... "If you so badly wanted to see us pure, then you'll get at least from me. Though, allow me to warn you, dear Kirlia and Ventus, please don't get overwhelmed by how fast and intense my emotions might swing during battle. And Nathan, if you want so badly that this battle shall feel like I am facing an enemy, then you'll get that. Whatever your intentions for this whole thing may truely be, LIVE WITH THE CONSEQUENCES. One of it will be that we won't be able to start our way to Stair City today. The others...will resolve during and after battle. I'll trust that you'll nevertheless play by the rules we set earlier."
Then finally, in a way too energetic movement, Azurill came out from her Pokeball! Blue mouse was immediately stratled by the current setting and turned to her Master in a worried expression. She received a warm emotional response that she'd pick up with her Fairy Nature, while Shiva's expression stayed calm. "I know that you dislike this, my sweet mouselet, but we'll go through this in the means of helping a friend. Just...trust me on this as I trust in you, be brave for me and you'll be rewarded greatly afterwards. Alright?" Azurill considered her words for a little, before it displayed that she agrees by jumping closer to her battle partner for now, Breloom, and greeted him with a careful chirp, making her Master...incredibly proud of how much the mouse has grown by now under her care. "That's the attitude I've desired to see. Now... ready when you people are."
---------------
Mechanics:
Am awaiting Init Rolls now. While my actions for the first Round of this battle are soft-set already, I'd prefer to see the Init order first before sending actions to GM.
No immediate reaction from Nathan.  On the outside, at least.
'Dang it, she's missing the mark.'
And whose fault is that?
'Stop throwing blame around.'
You're hoping they work together still, though.
'They have to. Â Or this is all for naught.'
Ventus understands. Â Shiva does not. Â What will you do?
'Meet their respective expectations, I guess. Â If Shiva wants to take the battle seriously, that's what she'll get.'
You'll go back on your word? Â Go all out?
'No. Â I have something different in mind. Â Ventus better not fail me and Shiva now...
'
With that, Nathan shakes his head in a mock concern (since that's all he can physically show).  This isn't the 'purity' he was hoping to see.  No going back now, though...the success of this plan falls to Ventus now, apparently...there was nothing else Nathan could do or say concerning this.
Now, it was time for battle.
Nathan's Serious? Battle Theme:Â
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JohXu5ABzoM
Ventus reaches over and gently lays a hand on Shiva's shoulder, causing her to look in his direction and see the calm, yet slight worried smile he was currently ready. "Be calm, my dear friend. Be calm. Getting yourself worked up now will only result in exhaustion and a bevy of negative feelings building up slowly as our battle with Nate goes on, so do not let your heart harden. While he might be incapable of fulfilling the original purpose of our fight with him, that doesn't mean we are unable to cooperate magnificiantly on the battlefield and relish its stimulating intensity, so please don't let your own mood drop precariously. Perhaps if we show him how much of a splendid time we are having, he might emerge from his apathetic shell and join in our merriment, or crack a genuine smile at the very least! So let's have a great time, my blessed and delfightful friend. If for not our shake, then for Nate and his Pokémon..." he said, trying to convey his own serenity and happiness to his dear friend so that she doesn't have to needlessly endure both her own dour feelings and they young trainer's apathy. Sometimes, his iron cold grip over his own emotions is more of a hinderance than not, but in this case its paying dividends on the investment he put into it in this situation, where erratic feelings are the last thing anyone desires...
She was almost startled as she felt a familair hand on her shoulder. "I am calm, Ven... But maybe too calm... It must have gotten me for a moment and something must have snapped in me... I'll keep your words in mind though. I'll take care. We're not facing an enemy... We're not. There is no need to overreact and reach an icy state. No more... We're facing a friend and it's still a friendly battle... It's friendly despite it does absolutely not look like it is... It's our part to make it friendly... No need to go all out... Still facing a friend...Not serious..." Guess this will be her mantra during battle. The Umbreon is her figuratively relaxed, as if it did notice that the prey it was about to pounce at was no prey at all, but a harmless individual.
It was clear though that this battle will be exhausting for her to endure, but the negativity successfully has been put aside for now, and some of the coldness thawed. "Sorry for that... I've gone too far and lost track of the purpose... Won't happen again. Let us just go through together for Nathan, and try to give our best despite it's STILL a friendly battle... Just, let me hold your hand during battle, and I'll be fine." It looks like some of the serenity and happiness indeed had the desired impact on her, and if he'd touch her hand, Ven would indeed notice this. The icy tone in her voice got milder as well, yet it remained serious. She just couldn't relax under such circumstances, similar like Braixen couldn't relax earlier. "Let's just go through it, and enjoy...this battle...somehow, okay?"
Heh. Â I didn't think your gamble would pay off.
'Be quiet, ye of little faith. Â My plans rarely ever fall through so easily.'
You were doubting yourself for a moment, though.
'I said be quiet. Â I need to focus now.'
This was a dangerous game Nathan was playing...one wrong move from him, and he could lose control over this situation very, very quickly...