[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Almost bowled over by Nathan's words, Ventus put his hands in the arm and made calming motions towards the somewhat frantic trainer. "Be calm Nathan! There is no crisis to be had, so let's not make any rash decisions or assumptions now. Now, let me see if I can't answer your questions..." he said, before putting his hand on his chin and stroking it. A few minutes went by in tense silences, before the hand to his side, and he shrugged at Nathan in bafflement.

"Hmm...for your first concern I have no real idea as to why Shiva seems to have played a role in Kirlia's evolution. Even if I were to make any assumption as to why, I don't want to raise any alarms or cause problems for Shiva by coming up with unsubstantiated theories. Perhaps you should go to her later and ask her ideas as to Kirlia's unexpected growth," Ventus said, placing careful emphasis on certain word and broadcasting a feeling of investigation towards Shiva. While he said didn't know why this happened, in actually he had an inkling what was going on, but couldn't come out directly with it.
 
'This phone call from the daycare and Shiva's 'mission' from them are likely the reason for Ralts transformation, but I am unable to say that directly to Nathan, as that would void my promise with Shiva. However, she never bared me from alluding to her secret activities for the daycare at all, so giving the boy a subtle 'push' to investigate her is totally within my power. If I just so happen to ask him about his findings, I can obtain whatever intel he has collect as well, all without breaking my oath. I don't like manipulating people at all, but I hate having secrets dividing the group even more, so its a necessary evil,' Ventus pondered, feeling a bit rueful for setting Nathan on her trail.

Dispelling those emotions before they could get out of hand, he turned his mind to the 'Visions' that Kirlia showed Nathan. Ventus eyes started to darken when he recalled Nathan mentioning this 'king' Sarimanok and his grisly thrown. "As for your vision of the future, I am as baffled by them as you are. I have been around a Garvador many years ago, but never a Ralts, so I don't know when or where that happened. As for your former king... he sounds just like Ghetsis, the bastard. May both of them freeze in Kuryem's world," the researcher spat, as he suddenly started growling in anger. Ariel, who had finally caught up with her master, immedianlty noticed that he was in a foul mood now, and decided to go over to meet Kirlia instead. She hobbled over to him and wobbled one her stumpy arms in greeting!

[Dragonstrike]

Almost bowled over by Nathan's words, Ventus put his hands in the arm and made calming motions towards the somewhat frantic trainer. "Be calm Nathan! There is no crisis to be had, so let's not make any rash decisions or assumptions now. Now, let me see if I can't answer your questions..." he said, before putting his hand on his chin and stroking it. A few minutes went by in tense silences, before the hand to his side, and he shrugged at Nathan in bafflement.

"Hmm...for your first concern I have no real idea as to why Shiva seems to have played a role in Kirlia's evolution. Even if I were to make any assumption as to why, I don't want to raise any alarms or cause problems for Shiva by coming up with unsubstantiated theories. Perhaps you should go to her later and ask her ideas as to Kirlia's unexpected growth," Ventus said, placing careful emphasis on certain word and broadcasting a feeling of investigation towards Shiva. While he said didn't know why this happened, in actually he had an inkling what was going on, but couldn't come out directly with it.
 
'This phone call from the daycare and Shiva's 'mission' from them are likely the reason for Ralts transformation, but I am unable to say that directly to Nathan, as that would void my promise with Shiva. However, she never bared me from alluding to her secret activities for the daycare at all, so giving the boy a subtle 'push' to investigate her is totally within my power. If I just so happen to ask him about his findings, I can obtain whatever intel he has collect as well, all without breaking my oath. I don't like manipulating people at all, but I hate having secrets dividing the group even more, so its a necessary evil,' Ventus pondered, feeling a bit rueful for setting Nathan on her trail.

Dispelling those emotions before they could get out of hand, he turned his mind to the 'Visions' that Kirlia showed Nathan. Ventus eyes started to darken when he recalled Nathan mentioning this 'king' Sarimanok and his grisly thrown. "As for your vision of the future, I am as baffled by them as you are. I have been around a Garvador many years ago, but never a Ralts, so I don't know when or where that happened. As for your former king... he sounds just like Ghetsis, the bastard. May both of them freeze in Kuryem's world," the researcher spat, as he suddenly started growling in anger. Ariel, who had finally caught up with her master, immedianlty noticed that he was in a foul mood now, and decided to go over to meet Kirlia instead. She hobbled over to him and wobbled one her stumpy arms in greeting!

Nathan narrows his eyes.  Kirlia's stopped dancing momentarily, having caught wind of what Ventus was thinking.  "Uh huh.  Ya know, he might not be a Ralts any more, but he can still sense your emotions and thoughts, and that pearl he has is probably a Clampearl Pearl.  You're not telling the whole truth about that, either.  But fine, if you don't want to tell me either, so be it.  I'll just have to grill Shiva later..."

Ventus's intense hatred for Sarimanok quickly overrides what he'd been feeling prior, and Nathan and Kirlia both feel it, distracting them from the previous topic of conversation.  Nathan sounds...rather annoyed.  And not just because of Ventus blowing off giving a direct answer to his first concern.  "I'm not sure they're all that similar, to be honest.  Ghetsis was power hungry, from what I've read of that crisis.  And he was already pretty crazy.  King Sarimanok...he already had a lot of power.  He was well beloved by the people of the region.  He commanded the respect of even legendaries, at least enough to have an entire team of them.  And then...something apparently changed.  Something snapped according to the history books, and it was the original Pokemon League that dethroned him when the people came to hate him.  He wasn't a tyrant by nature, unlike Ghetsis, and we don't know what caused him to change so drastically.  Careful with comparing the two of them around locals, Ventus.  They might not appreciate the discussion as much as I am currently.  The people here might not care much about other regions, but they'll likely know just enough to know what you're talking about.  This region's history and anything stemming from it is a VERY sensitive topic, I'll have you know.  You can't just go around making statements like that willy nilly."

Kirlia hasn't noticed Ariel due to the small argument.  He's not cowering like he used to as a Ralts, but he is getting a little uncomfortable.

[Lord Windos]

After Nathan lectured him about the king, Ventus took a deep breath, exhaled, and began smiling like he had never lost his temper. If anything, it proved that the researcher had remarkable control over his emotions, even if the fluctuate wildly from time to time. "Sometimes one can't speak freely, 'less will hurt others in the process. That is all I can say on the matter, for now," he said to the younger trainer, looking rather apologetically at him. Still, better him being annoyed than completely clueless about Shiva's ongoing activities.

Then, like a switch, Ventus stop smiling in an instant. He looked wistfully into the air, as if remembering something long forgotten. "...The news is a fascinating source of information, but it often gets its facts wrong, or is missing the finer details of the matter. Ghentsis was always desired power, that is true, but he was not always a madman, nor was he overly malicious. He had a good heart, once. He wanted to rule Unova, but he also wanted what he thought best for the region as well. A country were Pokémon were truly free, a age where man and beast could coexist without exploiting one another...."

A sad smile graced his face as he trailed off, as he reminisced about by gone day. "...He changed, though. He changed."
Shaking his head a bit to clear his anger, he turned his attension back to Nathan. "Forgive me, but I was lost in thought for a moment. Your description of the king...it brought back strong memories. I'll practice upmost discretion in regards to what I talk about your cultural background for now on, so worry not my friend," Ventus said, smiling at Nathan as if nothing happened. Forgive and forget. Forget and Forgive.

[Dragonstrike]

After Nathan lectured him about the king, Ventus took a deep breath, exhaled, and began smiling like he had never lost his temper. If anything, it proved that the researcher had remarkable control over his emotions, even if the fluctuate wildly from time to time. "Sometimes one can't speak freely, 'less will hurt others in the process. That is all I can say on the matter, for now," he said to the younger trainer, looking rather apologetically at him. Still, better him being annoyed than completely clueless about Shiva's ongoing activities.

Then, like a switch, Ventus stop smiling in an instant. He looked wistfully into the air, as if remembering something long forgotten. "...The news is a fascinating source of information, but it often gets its facts wrong, or is missing the finer details of the matter. Ghentsis was always desired power, that is true, but he was not always a madman, nor was he overly malicious. He had a good heart, once. He wanted to rule Unova, but he also wanted what he thought best for the region as well. A country were Pokémon were truly free, a age where man and beast could coexist without exploiting one another...."

A sad smile graced his face as he trailed off, as he reminisced about by gone day. "...He changed, though. He changed."
Shaking his head a bit to clear his anger, he turned his attension back to Nathan. "Forgive me, but I was lost in thought for a moment. Your description of the king...it brought back strong memories. I'll practice upmost discretion in regards to what I talk about your cultural background for now on, so worry not my friend," Ventus said, smiling at Nathan as if nothing happened. Forgive and forget. Forget and Forgive.

Nathan's still a little annoyed.  It's subsiding some, though.  "I think you'll find the news is a TERRIBLE source of information here when it comes to other regions.  Nothing much comes up on it that's related to anything but Creshire.  If it doesn't affect this region, most won't care.  I'd like to see you try to piece together everything I just stated using nothing but old web articles and books brought over by travelers.  If Ghetsis was ever like what the last king of Creshire used to be like, it was before the media ever noticed him, before he ever found and raised N.  That would have been years before Red and Blue even began their journey through Kanto.  And that's not even accounting for when he found the Shadow Triad, which nobody knows the details about except them."

Kirlia's walked over to Nathan now, glad the anger had subsided some.  In its place was a history discussion!  He can feel that Nathan's glad to some degree to be in this realm of discussion.

[Lord Windos]

Ventus looked surprised at the mention of Cheshire isolationist status, and looked rather confused about it as well. "Truly? I knew gaining entry into the region was quite difficult, due to their strenuous and frankly convoluted transportation channels, but I never imagined that obtuseness extended to such an extent! My oh my! If you want, I can certainly educate you about my region Unova, and any other regions you might be interested. I've always been interested in the stories and legends I hear from both at home and  the world over, and my time in college did wonders to enlighten me about the past and its mysteries!"

The researcher looked quite happy to find that Nathan was just as interested in knowledge as he was, but his expression briefly falter for a moment as he remembered what he said about Ghetsis. "Though, I would like to request that we don't talk about Team Plasma or....Ghetsis. I know more than most would about them, but...nevermind. Forget I said anything."

[Dragonstrike]

Ventus looked surprised at the mention of Cheshire isolationist status, and looked rather confused about it as well. "Truly? I knew gaining entry into the region was quite difficult, due to their strenuous and frankly convoluted transportation channels, but I never imagined that obtuseness extended to such an extent! My oh my! If you want, I can certainly educate you about my region Unova, and any other regions you might be interested. I've always been interested in the stories and legends I hear from both at home and  the world over, and my time in college did wonders to enlighten me about the past and its mysteries!"

The researcher looked quite happy to find that Nathan was just as interested in knowledge as he was, but his expression briefly falter for a moment as he remembered what he said about Ghetsis. "Though, I would like to request that we don't talk about Team Plasma or....Ghetsis. I know more than most would about them, but...nevermind. Forget I said anything."

Nathan chuckles at Ventus's request to teach him about Unova.  "Unova.  A region with respect for the past but hope for the future.  Thousands of years ago, it was founded by who the people know as the Twin Heroes, two brothers who valued truth and ideals respectively.  They came to blows over those ideals, and the dragon that had helped them found the region split into two, becoming Reshiram and Zekrom.  They resolved the argument by declaring the battle a tie with no right answer between which belief was correct.  Their sons continued the argument, though, and all but destroyed Unova with Reshiram and Zekrom.  How their conflict ended is not as well known, but we do know both dragons went into a deep slumber afterwards.

"The region has also seen civil war, and it put many people and pokemon in danger.  It is said the Swords of Justice came to hate humanity during this time, and fought and even killed humans as they tried to save pokemon from the destruction the foolish humans were causing in the midst of their war with each other.  Eventually, the trio ended the war, and it's said they took in the mythical Keldeo as a student adterwards.

"Some say Kyurem is the shell of the Original Dragon, all that's left of its former glory.  How true that is is unknown, but there are rumors that Kyurem has some sort of secret power and potential.  Lacunosa Town thought it had come from space for the longest time since it crash landed in the Giant Chasm, but recent theories suggest that was a result of the Original Dragon splitting.

"The region is also often plagued by thunder and wind storms said to have been caused by the legendary pokemon Tornadus and Thundurus, with the legendary Landorus appearing to quell them.  Nobody seems to have seen them recently though, and the last reported storms of that caliber were just before Hilbert officially became champion.

"7 years ago, the region was subject to a campaign by Team Plasma to free all pokemon from the suppressive rule of pokemon trainers and the League, Ghetsis being at the head of each demonstration the group did.  Ghetsis's true plans of regional domination were foiled by Hilbert, a 14 year old trainer from Nuvema Town.  Ghetsis escaped capture, and Team Plasma's King, N, who is reported to have been manipulated by Ghetsis, disappeared along with Reshiram, which he'd been using to try and win over the people.  The other 6 of the team's Seven Sages were all brought to justice by the International Police.  Hilbert disappeared for unknown reasons soon afterwards, along with the legendary dragon Zekrom, which had helped him oppose Team Plasma at the very end of the crisis.

"3 years later, Team Plasma struck again, this time with less diplomatic means.  Members of Team Plasma who still followed Ghetsis donned a different uniform, and were known by some as Neo Team Plasma.  Some former members still believed in N's ideals, and were working to help undo the damages they'd done 3 years ago.  Nobody reported seeing Ghetsis himself during that event, but some say they've seen a scientist by the name of Colress working with Neo Team Plasma after the trouble blew over.  Some also say N visits the region once a month, specifically showing up at the Pokemon League before heading into Victory Road.  And then Nate, a trainer from Aspertia City and champion of the region, enters Victory Road from the League soon after.

He pauses, smirking.  "I think you'll find I'm an exception to the rule, here."  Kirlia's chuckling at Ventus's surprised look.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Ah... Somehat tricky situation here. But for now, I'd assume that I get Golda's phone call just as I come back from Training Session and Ralts evolves immediately after that  as @Iron stated here, but that would mean that both Dragon and Windos have to edit their posts a lot to match with the fact that I'm practically present while you are talking about why it evolved/the vision/Ghetsis and Chreshire's King. Or you'd leave that and talk anyway, but Shiva's just too concentrated on Azurill and playing with the newly evolved Kirlia to listen to them. Hmm... The latter sounds more acceptable, personally.)


First up, Training Session! Happens in a Flashback?


Just as Shiva made attempts to leave for mentioned Training Session, Ventus following, the Fishing Rod he layed out tugged hard, and he expressed that he can't abandon that chance now. 'Nevermind!' was practically all she thought and felt about this. It was a comprehensible situation in her eyes after all, she would probably have reacted just the same. Neutral feelings about this. On one hand, she'd gladly have him around just because...she'd enjoy his presence and hearing about his knowledge on different Types of Pokemon. On the other hand, this gives her an opportunity to spend some alone time with the Azurill.

She left then, leaving the others minding their own business just as she does right now. Azurill was perking at her from the rim of the top hat she was carrying - wa the mouse scared or curious about her? Well... It immediately made direct contact as Ventus gave the hat to her, so maybe it's the latter...

Soon, Shiva found a small patch of grass, framed by bushes and maples on two sides. The fresh breeze coming from the river was noticable here as well, the air was clean. It had sunny and shady spots, depending on what you prefer, and was obviously more quiet because of being somewhat hidden. Perfect.

First of all, she sat down there and placed the top hat next to her, before calling out Cottonee and Helios. Fluffball was happy to out again, and after gazing at the currents surroundings, it floated around randomly to see more of it. Helios was...wake, at the very last. Just yawning, but it faced his caretaker upon being called out.

Shiva turned her attention towards the small Azurill now, and spoke to it in a calm and soft voice. After all, not the first time she's dealing with a younger Pokemon. "So... Lil' one... Do I get this right, you're unhappy with yourself, and would like to reach and evolved status? ... Ah... I surely can help wou with that!" At this point, she gave the blue mouse a slight smile and petted it carefully behind the ears. "But... listen to me, please. You won't get to evolve if you're overall down and depressed. I don't force you to lighten up immediately, rather for you to allow me reaching through you and work with you on your powers, please. This might as well raise your spirits, and give you a positive feeling towards yourself. A little...self-confidence."

Cottonee the noticed Master had something new around, and curiously came over to check out. Oh... just a small sad-looking blue mouse in a top hat. "Haha... Azurill, you're part Fairy Type as far as I know. Well... Fairy is practically my type of choise, this lil' fluffball here belongs to them as well. Surely you'll get along." At least, she hoped so... Fairies might see other fairies as friends or rivals, depending on the circumstances. Right now... Cottonee was rather appreciating of the blue mouse, and gladly let her cuddle up to her cotton! Adorable view. Azurill felt a little more secure and calm. At least, from what Shiva picked up.

"Haha... So, I'll leave you this one here next to you." - from bagpack, she drew one Pokeball and placed it next to the top hat - "If you agree on coming with me for now, just jump in. Of course we'll take your dear top hat as well!" She felt a little sorry for the Azurill for not being able to provide something else than a regular Pokeball - a Love Ball for coziness or Luxury Ball for comfort would be sort of a better fit for the Azurill in her eyes.

Turning to Cottonee again, she gently nudges the fluffball to draw her attention. "Now, dear one. There'll be plenty of time to play later. For now, listen to me." Short break here for the fluffball to turn her attention to Shiva instead of the new (literally and practically) blue party member.

"You did great there against the Lapras, you remember? I think... that by now you are strong enough to go further. You gained quite a strenght and determination since our fist time together against Nurse Joy, didn't you?" ... "You did indeed. So... see that bush over there?" - Shiva pointed to a random bush nearby - "Yes? Good. Please use Absorb on it, but with enhanced power. Try to drain even more energy from it than usual!"


---------------
Mechanics:
We'll teach Cottonee Mega Drain, as soon as that succeeds, turn to Abra. I want to get it to show me some of his psychic powers. Azurill is free to stay inside the top hat, just watch what I am doing, and jump into the Pokeball.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Next up... Jumping forward to after my Training Session. @Iron, I'm not finished there yet, but it's alright to flashback the Training. Leaving a reaction neutral since I cannot estimate the outcome without your replies to it. Adding the XP you gave Cottonee now, and leveling up on Canalize and Move Tutoring. The Tutoring Rules are now available! (≧▽≦)




Ah... Dusk will fall soon... It'll be dark soon... Better go back to the others.

Withdrawing Cottonee and Helios - and picking up the Azurill in top hat of course - Shiva made her way back to where she came from. Thankfully Nathan had sent a message where he and the others currently reside and most likely spend the night- just following his description and nothing shall go wrong.

Just as she was in sight of the others, she received that meaningful phone call from Golda. Whoahw... So, plans are going great. Good process. In fact, she did absolutely not expect them to hatch a matching Absol so soon... But, this was splendid to hear and filled her with confidence! Too bad Golda hung up before Shiva could say a single word. Haha, but she surey knew that she'll rejoice to hear the process. After all, it was Shiva herself who asked to be updated on the process!

Next, four things happened almost at once. Shiva's gaze fell on a Corsola that was unmissable given its typical coloration, Azurill chirped at her from the top hat in her arms, Ralts displayed so much happiness that Shiva immediately picked it up - if she does, empathic Ventus must be thrilled to bits by that! - , followed by a light and a Kirlia standing where the small Pokemon was standing before, then gone and back again - it teleported? It went...way too quick for Shiva to catch up everything that just happened - but withing moments, she found herself receiving a smile and a thankful chirp from the Kirlia. Oh my... adorable! Couldn't help but to pet it, still carefully avoiding the red parts on its head. The Pokemon parctically danced around her for some reason, overjoyed, drawing all her attention.

She didn't even cared for what Nathan and Ventus were discussing, she was quite busy with playing with the Kirlia, flattered and overjoyed about the part Fairy Type's attention. She only looked up as she heared Nathan ask if she had any idea why Ralts evolved and why its so happy to be around her...

"Oh... Eh, no idea." That was quite an honest answer. Shiva surely was in a happy mood during this day, given the oarty was moving on and she just lately received a Fletchling and was gifted an Azurill. but...doubting that this was enough to trigger Nathan's companion's evolution...

[Lord Windos]

Surprised was right. He didn't expect a boy of his age to be so interested by other region's events that he would have memorized there basic legend and what happened! Overcoming his initial befuddlement, Ventus could only laugh at this revelation. "Oh my, I didn't expect you to be knowledgeable, but I find that to be a most fortuitous surprise! I guess you don't need to be updated on my region, but I can still inform you about the other Legendaries, if you wish! You didn't mention anything about Geneosect, specifically, and I can further enlighten you about the details of Kyurem that not many would be aware of!" the researcher said, now chattering amibly with the young boy about the past. Not only is he happy that he didn't ask about Team Plasma, but he's pleased to see a boy his age so interest in such topics. It sure does his heart good!

[Dragonstrike]

Surprised was right. He didn't expect a boy of his age to be so interested by other region's events that he would have memorized there basic legend and what happened! Overcoming his initial befuddlement, Ventus could only laugh at this revelation. "Oh my, I didn't expect you to be knowledgeable, but I find that to be a most fortuitous surprise! I guess you don't need to be updated on my region, but I can still inform you about the other Legendaries, if you wish! You didn't mention anything about Geneosect, specifically, and I can further enlighten you about the details of Kyurem that not many would be aware of!" the researcher said, now chattering amibly with the young boy about the past. Not only is he happy that he didn't ask about Team Plasma, but he's pleased to see a boy his age so interest in such topics. It sure does his heart good!

"Hmmm...Genesect, Genesect...that's a tough one.  All I've heard mention of concerning the bug is rumors.  Rumors that Team Plasma brought a prehistoric bug back to life and outfitted it with a powerful cannon.  As far as I can tell, almost nobody has seen it, though, so whether the rumors are actually true is up for debate.  I'm pretty certain it IS out there somewhere, but any info I found was incredibly vague...

"There's also the legends of Meloetta and Victini.  A singing and dancing pokemon that lost its will to perform and its red shoes when the people fell into despair...brief, but sad.  Can't say I've heard of anyone seeing Meloetta, either...

"Victini though...ooh boy.  I found a whole set of articles on that one.  And not just old ones.  There was even a recent spotting.  Apparently, Team Plasma went after it at its home in Liberty Garden.  Were it not for Hilbert's interference, they would have snagged it, too.  I think Hilbert ended up taking the Victory pokemon with him after the offending members of Team Plasma were arrested by the Castelia authorities, but I couldn't find anything confirming whether he did.  Victini's surprisingly well documented for a mythical pokemon, to be honest...it had apparently been living underneath that lighthouse for 200 years, the sanctuary it was in having been built by a very wealthy man who wanted to keep it from falling into the wrong hands.

He pauses, thinking..."Well, what else do you know of those legends?  You hail from the region, so you might indeed know more than I, and I'd be very interested in filling in any gaps in my knowledge regarding that.  If you haven't quite figured it out yet, I'm a bit of a history buff.  When I wasn't helping on the ranch, I was reading whatever books and web articles I could get my hands on that pertained to what was happening and had happened in other regions.  I might be self taught, but I like to think that I've got most of the known facts down pat.  It's those vague legends concerning the legendary pokemon and trainers from within the last 10 years that seem to be the most elusive ones to pin down, actually..."

Kirlia's walked back over to Shiva now. He's enjoying dancing for her!