[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

"YES, YOU HAVE DONE NATHAN. WAY TO GO!!!" Ventus cheers at the top of his voice, stopping his spastic movements in the stand. He attracted quite a lot of attension with his Cheerleading squad, but he wanted to show the young trainer that he had his complete and utter support. His Pokémon, while a little bit winded from the vigoruos activity, were is such great spirits that they were able to power through their slight exhaustion. "Everyone, you did a great job, but now is not the time for rest. We have a gym battle to awaiting us!" he said, getting all his Pokémon's attension

Raphael just let out another cheer, and began to dance around with the electric mice and Ralts in happiness. Apsis, on the other hand, lifted up her entire body in a show of strength, and gave her most regal looking pose possible! Michael, meanwhile, looked a bit hesistant, as battling with all that Ice was not going to be a pleasant experience at all. Noticng his mushroom's discomfornt, he brainstormed a bit, before an idea struck him. When Nathan walked up to him to give him his other Carny Coin (with the promise he would get it back, of course), he smiled and clasped his hand.

"That was a splendid battle, Nathan. You are on your way to becoming Champion, I forsee! I'll do my utmost to succeed in this battle, which bring me to ask a favor of you. You see, Michael isn't so euthused about fighting against Zamboni, so I thought I would let him sit on the side lines and cheer me on, while I borrow your Porygon for the match. It hasn't had any battle experience yet, and I know a thing or two about the species, so it would be a win win for both. What do you say?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

'Who ever was cooking teacher, I personally want to thanks them.'

(Thank her mother. Just a clerk from Castelia's Medal Office, but relatively good at making Pokemon food. She also gave Shiva that orchid-patterned plate to serve food to her own Pokemon.)


Shiva did notice that he was watching her cutting berries... Oh Arceus, this only made her nervous. A little. Not enough to loose focus though - this would only result in injuries.

It was just adorable how joyful Ventus was the whole time! It surely raised Shiva'a own spirits. Who knew that baking with a friend could be so much fun?

Though, she was a little sorry for him for having no actual berries to add... however... "Oh, sure we'll share them once they're done! We'll just use all berries of mine then. Good thing I did save the Ranc berries especially for this purpose. Thought that my companions might enjoy them even more in the shape of poffins than as a whole. But, I hope Raphael did enjoy the enjoy the berries as much as even possible!"

"So... eh, you have the dough ready?"

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 (Can I assume we're in a backroom of the Pokemon Center for the sake of speaking? It's too early yet to shift it to a private room, since it's around afternoon.)


Ah, he did came. Splendid. Well, why should he not? It was good to see that she suceeded on making it clear how important this meeting-up was...for more than one reason.

Cottonee, as usual, was outside her Pokeball and just rested on the table close to her caretaker. Fom time to time, the fluffball was getting gentle strokes through her cotton. Helios the Abra was there as well, he was mostly dozing off, though. Not blaming. He shall get as much rest as he currently can get. Most important now was that the Psychic Pokemon was getting used to his owners presence.

Jumping right in. She could sense that Ventus was literally starring at her, wondering what was wrong, what is the matter of asking him to come, and what may be with Vincent. One concern after another.

She kept her voice neutral. For now. But it was clearly visible in her emotions that the chance to bring up the concerns towards him was important for her, and that she was very thankful that he could make it. " So... glad that you came."

Hesitantly, she continued. "Eh... First up, I... caught up that something was wrong with you yesterday. You literally stormed into the Pokemon Center, coming from the direction of the Festival. From Nathan, who I met inside then, I caught up that something 'has spooked you, and that you went to bed earlier'. ... I... hope you are not angry with me to ask you what has happened."

"Another thing. I...picked up that I cannot hide any emotions from you. Even if I might unconsciously try, or do not know how to express them in words. You already somehow had quite an impact on cheering me up when I was sorta gloomy and worried upon Plusle's bad state... It is like you read in me like in an open book. That kept me wondering... What is this?"

She already had an assumption what it was, and why he was able to do that... but asking straightly 'Are you one of those empaths?' sounded way too rude to her to ask him.

[Dragonstrike]

"That was a splendid battle, Nathan. You are on your way to becoming Champion, I forsee! I'll do my utmost to succeed in this battle, which bring me to ask a favor of you. You see, Michael isn't so euthused about fighting against Zamboni, so I thought I would let him sit on the side lines and cheer me on, while I borrow your Porygon for the match. It hasn't had any battle experience yet, and I know a thing or two about the species, so it would be a win win for both. What do you say?"

"Thanks. Maybe I'm better at this whole trainer thing than I first thought..." Another sheepish smile.

Nathan's not super surprised when Ventus asks about Porygon. He gives it a little thought.

"Sure, I guess.  If Zamboni will allow that, that is.  I want to see my other pokemon grow too, after all.  Ask him about that before you begin.  And be sure to ask Porygon real nicely about it too if it's allowed." (If Zamboni will allow it, Nathan will also lend Porygon to Ventus.  Porygon probably won't mind too much.)

Since Zamboni needs a break after that battle, Nathan hangs around the gym for a bit. Zamboni is very good at entertaining, that's for sure! Everyone looks especially happy right now!

When it's time for Ventus's gym battle, Nathan takes a seat in the stands with Ralts and Swiftfire, who are happy to be relaxing after such a difficult fight. The three of them are enjoying their well earned pink snowcones.  He also lets the combee out, and Staryu.  The combee are really uncomfortable in this cold building, though Staryu seems to be doing a little better.  "Alright, you three.  Come on over here.  It's warmer.  And we're going to be watching Ventus as he battles the Gym Leader.  Swiftfire, no burning them, right?"  She's still tired, but happy.  That battle was really fun!  She's not burning anyone that gets close right now!  The bees are a little reluctant to approach, but they can't complain about the higher temperatures near the fire.  "Go get 'em, Ven!  You can do it!"

[Iron]

Zamboni needs a bit of a break, maybe an hour or so. He keeps you entertained with food and blather. Then he'll be ready to accept Ventus' challenge! (This gives us a good way to get all the timelines caught up). (If they're not caught up by tomorrow, well, I guess I can't wait that long and we'll move onward).

He doesn't care if you borrow a Pokemon, and would likely never have known if you hadn't asked.

[Lord Windos]

'Who ever was cooking teacher, I personally want to thanks them.'

(Thank her mother. Just a clerk from Castelia's Medal Office, but relatively good at making Pokemon food. She also gave Shiva that orchid-patterned plate to serve food to her own Pokemon.)


Shiva did notice that he was watching her cutting berries... Oh Arceus, this only made her nervous. A little. Not enough to loose focus though - this would only result in injuries.

It was just adorable how joyful Ventus was the whole time! It surely raised Shiva'a own spirits. Who knew that baking with a friend could be so much fun?

Though, she was a little sorry for him for having no actual berries to add... however... "Oh, sure we'll share them once they're done! We'll just use all berries of mine then. Good thing I did save the Ranc berries especially for this purpose. Thought that my companions might enjoy them even more in the shape of poffins than as a whole. But, I hope Raphael did enjoy the enjoy the berries as much as even possible!"

"So... eh, you have the dough ready?"

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 (Can I assume we're in a backroom of the Pokemon Center for the sake of speaking? It's too early yet to shift it to a private room, since it's around afternoon.)


Ah, he did came. Splendid. Well, why should he not? It was good to see that she suceeded on making it clear how important this meeting-up was...for more than one reason.

Cottonee, as usual, was outside her Pokeball and just rested on the table close to her caretaker. Fom time to time, the fluffball was getting gentle strokes through her cotton. Helios the Abra was there as well, he was mostly dozing off, though. Not blaming. He shall get as much rest as he currently can get. Most important now was that the Psychic Pokemon was getting used to his owners presence.

Jumping right in. She could sense that Ventus was literally starring at her, wondering what was wrong, what is the matter of asking him to come, and what may be with Vincent. One concern after another.

She kept her voice neutral. For now. But it was clearly visible in her emotions that the chance to bring up the concerns towards him was important for her, and that she was very thankful that he could make it. " So... glad that you came."

Hesitantly, she continued. "Eh... First up, I... caught up that something was wrong with you yesterday. You literally stormed into the Pokemon Center, coming from the direction of the Festival. From Nathan, who I met inside then, I caught up that something 'has spooked you, and that you went to bed earlier'. ... I... hope you are not angry with me to ask you what has happened."

"Another thing. I...picked up that I cannot hide any emotions from you. Even if I might unconsciously try, or do not know how to express them in words. You already somehow had quite an impact on cheering me up when I was sorta gloomy and worried upon Plusle's bad state... It is like you read in me like in an open book. That kept me wondering... What is this?"

She already had an assumption what it was, and why he was able to do that... but asking straightly 'Are you one of those empaths?' sounded way too rude to her to ask him.

Baking Time!

He noticed rather quickly that directly observing her action caused her to be nervous, so he shift his view away and settled for watching her discreetly. 'Don't want her to accidentally mince up her finger, or scald herself on the hot oven,' Ventus thought, smilling to himself as he created the dough. Mixing up the Poffin mix with some milk, dusting the counter with some flour before rolling out and kneading half of the dough, before smashing it down and dividing it up into 4 separate pieces. Moving swiftly, he rolled each of them into dough balls before placing them into bowl covered with ceran wrap.

Dusting off his hand, he turned his attention again towards Shiva. "My little angel did indeed enjoy their treat, even if they made a small mess of themselves. They are just a child, though, so it is to be expected," he said, gently smiling at the lass. The waves of happiness rollng of her...it was a truelly heartwarming 'sight' to behold. "Yes, the dough is thoroughly integrated and completed. I have already prepared half of them, but I left some of the dough if you wanted to try your hand at working the dough. Its hard work, but I find it most enjoyable!"

Meeting Time!

After Nathan's Gym Battle and receiving both the Carny Coin and Porygon, he was ready to fight the Leader. Then he remember that Shiva wanted to meet him, and quickly told Nathan that he had to go for a bit. Fortunately, Zamboni need a break from that intense battle, so Ventus immedianlty left the vicinity and made his way to the Pokémon Center without a cause for worry. When he arrived, Shiva lead him into a backroom; the same one that he and Nathan used to 'interview' Valder. She had all her Pokémon out with her, and they seemed to be quite calm and in control. "Here I am, Shiva. If you are wondering about Plusle and Minun, they are still at the gym with Nathan. They wanted to skate around on the ice, and he said he would watch them. He won, by the way, so I guess our effort really did motivate him to victory. As for my challenge...Zamboni said he need a break, so I came back here to speak with you, like you requested. Let's hear what you have say," Ventus said, looking rather worried and serious at the same time. The topic of Vincent's wellbeing was...quite the sensitive matter.

Her first response was not about the grumpy ex police officer, but about his reaction from yesterday. Caught off guard by this sudden question, he could only blink rapidly at her. Stoping his errant eyes with his hand, he just let out a long, suffering sigh. "So you saw my...freakout, and Nathan informed you that something perturbed me? I wish the boy would just have explained what was the matter, as I don't like thinking of the fortune I received, but I don't want to keep you out of the loop. *Sigh* Let me explain..."

(Insert Entire Fortune Telling and his suspicions here [Yes, this is lazy! I won't do this again, I promise!])

As he wrapped up his short story, he was in a much less pleasant mood. Thinking back on the wisewoman's visions...he felt shivers racing down his spine. 'I hope to Reshirem I'm wrong. Please, protect me from harm...' Shiva's next question, though, was something he could quite readily explain without hesitation. It would help get his mind off that fortune, at least. "Well, truth be told, the reason for my uncanny perception is that I'm an empath. I've had remarkable empathy ever since I was a babe, and it has only grown stronger as I have aged and learned more about the world around me. Its as much of a part to me as breathing, so I'm sorry if I have caused and discomfort from my readings. I do try to use the ability for good rather than ill, rest assured."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

First up, Poffineering. Yes, I like this term.


Oh, thank Arceus, he stopped starring.
And he had the dough ready. Yay! At least, half of it.

"Oh, if you find that particular part enjoyable, then you can prepare the other half as well. I'll just add the berries then!"

Still hoping the staff isn't mad at them using the kitchens at late evening... But if they'll clean up everything later, it should be fine...right?



Second, serious matters.


Oh. Fortune Telling. That's the cause... While Shiva did not quite understand the meaning behind the teller's prophecy, she cleraly picked up that Ventus imself was quite terrified by it. Whatever reason he might have for that... But after all, she already knew that he would not react negatively on something without a reason for that- see the Deyo Flowers.

Still... "Listen... I wouldn't take the preditction for too sersious. A lot of Fortune Teller's are no real seers, and rather engage in shady things, or outright exploit people. Plus, Pokemon will always be better than actual people in this field. Good Psychic Types might be more trustworthy in such matters... "

"Ah... so I was right." Oh, did she just spoke that out aloud? "Eh, nevermind... It's not causing me any discomfort. It was just...interesting to see. Couldn't help to pick it up."

Next thing...

[Lord Windos]

First up, Poffineering. Yes, I like this term.


Oh, thank Arceus, he stopped starring.
And he had the dough ready. Yay! At least, half of it.

"Oh, if you find that particular part enjoyable, then you can prepare the other half as well. I'll just add the berries then!"

Still hoping the staff isn't mad at them using the kitchens at late evening... But if they'll clean up everything later, it should be fine...right?



Second, serious matters.


Oh. Fortune Telling. That's the cause... While Shiva did not quite understand the meaning behind the teller's prophecy, she cleraly picked up that Ventus imself was quite terrified by it. Whatever reason he might have for that... But after all, she already knew that he would not react negatively on something without a reason for that- see the Deyo Flowers.

Still... "Listen... I wouldn't take the preditction for too sersious. A lot of Fortune Teller's are no real seers, and rather engage in shady things, or outright exploit people. Plus, Pokemon will always be better than actual people in this field. Good Psychic Types might be more trustworthy in such matters... "

"Ah... so I was right." Oh, did she just spoke that out aloud? "Eh, nevermind... It's not causing me any discomfort. It was just...interesting to see. Couldn't help to pick it up."

Next thing...

Poffineering Time!

"Well, if you insist! The dough I had prepared should have risen by now, so feel free to punch it down and add your berry filling to them!" Ventus said, before he started working on the other half of the dough. He certainly grown found of cooking as he grew up, as he always like to experiment and create delicious dishes. 'Or not so delicious dishes in some cases, but everyone makes mistakes at some point during their education. I think I did rather well, given I am mostly self-taught in the cullenary field,' Ventus though, enjoying beating the dough while Shiva helped in the background.

Serious Time.

"...I understand that, Shiva, but I am certain she is a soothsayer. The wisewomen had two Pokémon from the Gothitelle line, and the way she reacted during the seeing...it was far too violent to be faked. Still, I thank you for trying to alleviate my worries. All I can hope for now is that whatever will come to pass, it will not affect everyone around my, Reshirem Forbid." Ventus said, still looking rather uncomfortable talking about the mystic, but he was at least smiling for her. Wouldn't do to for her to start worrying as well!

He let Shiva's other comment about his affinity pass; there wasn't much to comment on there. He already told her the gist of it. The researcher was glad that she found his ability interesting, at least. His smile soon disappeared, though, as he something else came to mind. 'Since we are alone now, and she has been curious as to why I freaked out about those blasted flowers, now would be the time to inform her...as much I wouldn't want too. At least the retelling won't hurt as much as last time,' Ventus though, before coughing to get Shiva's attension.

"Shiva, I imagine you are still interested for the reason of my...erratic behavior during the Flowers Incident. I'm willing to tell why, but its a long story, and not the most pleasant. Do you wish to hear it?"

[Super_trainer_Larry]

META: theres a fortune teller?

Larry walks up to (what ever stand Rachel was wanting Larry to play for a pearl) "alright Rachel watch me in action!" Larry said as he let weedle oshawott and nicada out "cheer for your VIL guys!" Larry said as his pokemon where confused on what Larry said "you don't get it? VIL means Very Important Larry." Larry said as he stretched his arms

LARRY IS PLAYING FOR THE COIN RACHEL WANTED

[Nylon]

Earlier

Valder still doesn't like Nathan that much, but he did get a feeling of victory when Nathan won for the team. +1 respect to Nathan  

 But right now Valder is complimenting Ghastly for his good work. "Well done, Ghastly! Keep it up and you'll become really strong! I just hope you'll still like me at that point..."

 Valder withdraws Ghastly with a meek smile on his face as he looks at River Rat, "Theo is mine, mine to me. you'll have to find your own Pawniard if you want one, sorry" 'not really' he added to himself.

 (I guess I'm not getting any more money from this trainer?)


Now

 Valder was listening to the ongoing conversation while playing with his potion. He threw it up. caught it. Threw it up, etc, etc.
 He got tired of it and went outside to get some air. (my pokemon are healthy and with me at this point, right?)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Poffineering Time, wheee!


Still adorable to watch how much Ventus seemed to have the whole time. Maybe he was looking forward to this just as much as she did. In the end, it was his idea to actually make Poffins, but in fact it started with him mentioning he can bake as they all encountered the RV... She just carefully picked that fact up. Wouldn't be here if she did not!

*poffin forming and filling them with berry pieces* First up, Ranc Berries! Those elusive happiness-triggering wonders with the beautiful flowers. Too bad they mostly grow in moist areas of forests and therefore a little hard to reach in case one stumbles over them.

"Eh, how many Poffins out of all the berries, you said? Nine, right...?" She carefully layed those containing the Ranc berries a little aside on the (already prepared) baking trey, overall five from the dough. Now waiting for the other half of it!


Oh, and this talk of course.
How about a theme? I find Waterfall rather matching...


That smile he gave her as expressing his thought of the Fortune Teller likely being a real one... There was more behind it. Shiva meanwhile was certain of this. There was a clear difference between his honest smiles and those...faked ones. Oh well, why does he have to force himself to smile when there is no need to do so... Maybe he hoped not to worry his company. But by doing so, he only raises her awareness even more.

"... ... ... If you say so. After all, I was not present, so I cannot give you my impression of the matter. But two Pokemon from the Gothitelle Line should not be underestimated, that's indeed right..." ... "Let's hope for the best - that the forecast turns out to be not life threatening, if it it turns out to be true at all. The Skull Ruins themselves are somewhat South East from here." In a somewhat calmer voice while facing him directly she added "If there are any vicious Fairy Types involved, please leave them to me."

Now there it was. The offer to tell her about the cause of Phobia. Shiva's not asked for it, the offer came from his side only. It was...like with the Eevee at the Daycare - show that you care, and approach carefully. In case of avoidance earned respect that and provide the space and free time needed. If it comes on its own in the end, you did it right. Just way swweter than at the beginning.

She could feel though that the offer was plaqued by...was this fear? Is his story that horrible and painful for him? Likely... But...
...it does not feel right at the moment. Like if time to dig into his background is not ripe yet. Therefor...

"No. Not now."

Of course she was interested. But if something advices against elaborating the issue just now...

Hesitantly, she continued with her concern. The one that was likely the...most difficult one. But it has to be done now, before it may cause something that could have been prevented in the long run.

"Ven... Listen. Please. I don't mind that you're that empathic, nor that you somehat enjoy this versatile world of emotions I happen to have. But... it is important you not get any ideas by this talent that may lead you into worry, or paranoia if things are getting serious."

"Thing is... I'll likely act or feel suspicious for you from time to time, starting from now on. Likely even both. You may pick up feelings that do not match the situation, or wher you wonder about the origin. This is because... it has to do with my work at the Daycare. I've been asking them to keep me updated on a certain matter. A matter that I am not allowed to speak about." ... "It is NOTHING to worry about too much. It is nothing dangerous. Nothing fey, nothing shady or illegal. In fact, it is a thing between me and them, It only will affect me" - well, for now - "and it DOES not hinder us as a group. I'm not keeping any information that might be a threat to us."

"All I am asking you is to please not to ask me about it if you spot something that direction. I know what I am doing. None forced me to anything, it was me who wished to be updated, me alone. I know how to spot danger when it approaches. Just...don't worry too much for me... Just...trust me that I am aware of what is going on."

"And least of all, do not engage in any investigations. Don't...corner me. I promised the Daycare owners thatI will not share any details. I saw what you were doing with Nathan as you thought he's hiding something from you. Do you really have to repeat that with me? Have you not learned a thing out of the issue? You really have to shatter my trust in you just because you are worried for me?" At this point, the thought of them in a fight because he is just caring for and and wishes to protect her from harm when there is none - it was just...scary. And depressing.

"I'm just wishing for you to understand. Not much, but it is important that you do."

The next part scared her even more. In fact, her voice got more quiet and jitery between the lines. "If you... do not... then it would not only be me you'd hurt drastically. It would also be the Daycare owners. You know, I feel that they are putting some sort of trust in me. This feels...like...you are important. Someone values you, you see? Let me enjoy this. Don't shatter my connection to them. You would betrayal them, and they do not deserve this at all. They would have a hard time dealing with the misuse of their trust. You'd ruthlessly destroy the hope they are putting in me, and ruthelessly destroy my will to help them where I could. You'd hinder me strongly in my future, since I would love to enjoy an apprenticeship there. Destroying this hope just because you think I am in danger...is something I would find hard to forgive, if ever."

... Plain meaningful silence now began to linger in the room.