[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

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After thanking the Fortune Hunter Lady once again for all the time and pleasure meeting her, Shiva made her way back into town alongside Cottonee. Yes, she really did although she felt a little relucant to do so as dusk began to fall... The Aquarium will likely be closed for visitor by soon, if it hasn't already. Well, there's hopefully tomorrow time to pay it a visit! Azurill might enjoy the trip as well. The blue flowercrowned mouse showed quite an eager with her Water Gun, which was adorable to see!

There was something though that dimished her good and delighted mood aside from the nightmares and Corsage itself. It was the fact that she hasn't seen any of the other party members today yet... Wonder where they were and what they are doing...

[/quote]

On the way to the aquarium, Ventus passed a young woman dressed in a pitch black dress, and was wearing what looked to be a talisman of some sort. He tightly clenched his fist as they caught a glimpse of them, as their appearance all but screamed 'Witch! WITCH!' at him, and a scowl formed on his face. 'Not only is there nightmare infesting this port town, but mages as well? Kuyrem freeze them to their core! I can't initiate conflict with them; who knows what dominion of power they draw from, and how experience they are with their craft. Hopefully if I continue along to the Aquarium, I'll part ways with their company,' the researcher though, quite unhappy with having to share any amount of his time with a witch.

After a few more minutes of walking, the witch was still trailing after him, and they had just about enough that. Gracefully turning around, he was about to politely ask why they were following them-and readying Apsis Pokemon for quick release-when they got a better look at their stalker. It was Shiva, dressed in the attire of a witch! Greatly confused by the change of wardrobe by his closet friend, he called out to them haltingly. "Shiva...is that you? By Reshirim, I almost didn't recognize you in the attire you have chosen today! What prompted such a change. More importantly, how have you been doing since my departure yesterday? I'm sorry for leaving your company so abruptly, but I was in an especially foul mood at the time and was focused on getting work, so I left without much regard to your feelings," Ventus said, rubbing the back of his head in chastisement. Leaving them without warning in such a dismal port town was, on reflection, a pretty boneheaded decision.
 
"Can you possibly forgive my rudeness, Shiva?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(You messed up the quote above, my dear. ^^; )


Shiva did not care much about that young man passing her. She was too lost in thought, stroking through Cottonee's fluff and focused on getting back to the Pokemon Center before real night would fall over the town... Reminds on the lore of a monster coming at night to Lacunosa Town. Just that the 'monster' were sleep issues and the city itself.

She just cared to look up and concentrate on the surrounding as this young man was calling her name, in a hestitant tone... Turned out it was Ventus at all costs. Oh my. Speak of the devil... She was happy to see him, though. Maybe not as happy as, hmm, 'usually', but still. He'd have to listen closely and take a better look at her emotional state to notice this.

Couldn't help but to chuckle silently. Looks like he hasn't realised it's her at first. "Hehe... You like it? I surely do. As for what prompted such a change - Simple. I don't want to arise any attention in this city, so I just dress according to the mood here. Not in such a city, you know... It's so much different from Castelia although there are similarities."

What followed, wer words of apology from his side. She listened closey and...appeciated them. Took a while before she replied. "You show remorse... Which is a good sign. Because it was somewhat hurtful to me to see you, theh Nathan and Vader leave without a word to me, where you'd head to and what you're going to do... But at least in your case, Ven, I could guess that you were in no good mood due to the fine, court and stuff." ... "Your mistake has been forgiven." Which didn't mean 'forgotten' at all, but she gave him a slight smile while saying this. She did not take his hand to walk the rest of the path together like this, however. (Wonder how he'd react if she did...)

"As for what I've been doing... Well, I can tell you later, better not here on the path. What holds more priority, is were you able to gather enough money to pay at the Court? As well as where did you left Nathan?" He said he'll be fighting in the Gym despitethe Leader being a local hero, so Shiva guessed he was busy with training and battle-related things... The noble and determined fighter as always, huh?~. She ment those words in a postive view.

[Lord Windos]

Couldn't help but to chuckle silently. Looks like he hasn't realised it's her at first. "Hehe... You like it? I surely do. As for what prompted such a change - Simple. I don't want to arise any attention in this city, so I just dress according to the mood here. Not in such a city, you know... It's so much different from Castelia although there are similarities."

What followed, wer words of apology from his side. She listened closey and...appeciated them. Took a while before she replied. "You show remorse... Which is a good sign. Because it was somewhat hurtful to me to see you, theh Nathan and Vader leave without a word to me, where you'd head to and what you're going to do... But at least in your case, Ven, I could guess that you were in no good mood due to the fine, court and stuff." ... "Your mistake has been forgiven." Which didn't mean 'forgotten' at all, but she gave him a slight smile while saying this. She did not take his hand to walk the rest of the path together like this, however. (Wonder how he'd react if she did...)

"As for what I've been doing... Well, I can tell you later, better not here on the path. What holds more priority, is were you able to gather enough money to pay at the Court? As well as where did you left Nathan?" He said he'll be fighting in the Gym despitethe Leader being a local hero, so Shiva guessed he was busy with training and battle-related things... The noble and determined fighter as always, huh?~. She ment those words in a postive view.

The atmosphere might have been strangling his natural empathy, but Ventus still could detect and feel Shiva's emotions loud and clear. 'She was clearly affected by my abandonment , but choose not to let it ruin our...relationship. Still, the affection she has for me has been weakened by my folly, and perhaps the town itself. I must endeavor to make this up to her, somehow,' he thought, smiling at her while concealing his uncomfortableness that Shiva unintentionally inflicted them with. Seeing her dress almost exactly like a beguiling witch...it made him distinctly uneasy. Still, he was able to smoothly talk to her without belaying his true feelings.

"Certainly a large change from your usual fanciful style, but it suits you quite well! It's also clever of you to use your sense of to cloak your presence in the port; I almost missed you entirely, if I had not had not examine you more closely. Such an ability, to assimilate into the crowd with such ease...its rather impressive. Castelia and Corsage are akin to distant cousin, in my opinion: they share some similarities, but they are vastly different to those that know one better than another. My impression was that this was going to be a cheerful, bustling place like my second home city, but I was gravely mistaken, and was left in a much poor mood for it. I should not have let you felt the brunt of it, so again, please forgive me."

Hearing Shiva accept his apology greatly relieved him, but he still felt that sense of reservation from her; it appears he will have to try much harder to be fully pardoned his distasteful treatment of her. When she deflected his inquiry with one of her own, his smile waned ever so slightly, but he stilled answer her in an happy tone of voice. "Yes. From all the work I have conduct in town, I raised just enough to be able to barely pay of my fine at the Court House. I originally though to try and get my fine waved, but I have the inkling that such a plan would be a waste of time, so I decided not to raise more of a fuss than I already have. The legal system here has the feel of 'Guilty until Proven Innocent', and I believe I would have to work unreasonably hard to clear my name to a judge and jury that will likely be apathetic to my case, if not outright hostile. That is what my intuition told me, so I head its advice and went there to pay my fine, and left.

"Nathan himself is currently training at Dojo that appears to be currently customized for Water Pokémon. We were invited there for a herbal drink by a martial arts master that we overcame together, and I talked to them briefly for a time about his Honedge. We shared our respective knowledge- his recipe and my insight on his Pokémon-, and then we departed. I plan on heading back there to train Ariel, and I know your Azuril is trying to train its Water moves, so would you like to accompany me there tomorrow? I have more business tonight that has to be settled, so I can't take you now, I'm afraid," Ventus said, taking a deep breath before exhaling it. His habit of long winded speeches was an often tiresome burden, but one he bore with hardly a problem.

A flash of rememberance crossed his face, before he reached into his satchel and pull out his pair of broken Black Glasses, along with the material he purchased to fix it. "Oh, yes, I almost forgot about this! That homeless I gave money and my diner to gave me this as payment for my kindess, but as you can see they are in a state of disrepair. I bought some material to fix it with, but since I know you are better with crafts than I am, can you fix these for me?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

That 'it suits her quite well' has been taken as a compliment. How cute by him! It warmed her heart a little.

"I thought the same about Corsage... But turned that thought and hope were crushed at the actualy sight of this city. Stiil, once one got used to it, it certainly has some special flair, hasn't it? If there weren't this insomnia and stuff plaquing people here..." She was just about to ask whether he suffered any restless night and/or nightmares, when she decided not to do so. At least, not now. Given she noticed that he was a little uncomfortable around her... If she'd only knew why... Because he was sorry for what he did, sure. But there was something else, Shiva was sure about it.

Upon hearing he was able to pay off his fine successfully and without getting into more trouble as well as Nathan being fine and alright, she felt greatly relieved. Those were splendid news, indeed. The unexpected part was being invited to a Dojo. But Water Types... Azu... "That's good to hear! And... eh... I, gladly come with you I think. I don't have any plans yet for tomorrow beside visiting the Aquarium, so I'll surely make it if you get a hold on me then." Looks like if Ven relises he's done something wrong, he's eager to repay for it as soon as possible. A good trait.

She also accepted the materials and Black Glasses from him. "Sure thing! I'll look into it and will hand you them tomorrow as well. Hopefully in a better state." Tomorrow... First comes another night, but she won't be foolish and be an easy target for that black furry creature indulcing nightmares and messing with her Dream Catcher...

There was another thing. Now that Ven was here anyway, lucky! Saved looking for him. "Ven.. Listen.. You know where your mercenary is? I need to speak with him as soon as possible. In fact, I have something that I think she can handle better than I can. If you know, could you let me know so I can see him soon or tell him at least that I've been looking for him? It's nothing bad, but it's important to me." She also had to mention the knife and asking to exchange it with a Stick for Spearow... But that can be done tomorrow.

[Lord Windos]

Ventus let out a tired sigh, shaking his head at the mention of Corsage's nightmarish difficulty it has. "Unfortunately, I don't believe I will ever grow fond of this port to like you. As an empath, the town atmosphere is almost unbearable to me; if I hadn't enured myself to trauma early on in my life, I would be far worse off than just being moody and irritable. As soon as me and Nathan get our badges here, I plan on taking my leave of the place, and venturing for sunnier shores," he said, his normally energeticness diminishing to show just how bone tired he was. The town was wearing him down, ever so slowly; his recent battle bolsted his flagging spirits, but just how long will he last here?

Feeling Shiva's happiness over his now former debtor status quickly returned the pep in him, and her accepting his invitation just made his smile grow boldy radient, a shining beacon in the gloominess of the town. "Thank you, my friend. If you are heading for the Aquirium tomorrow, I'll wait for you there; I have guard duty tonight at the locale, so we should be able me up with ease. Perhaps explore the exhibits too, if you wish. They have an Water Pokemon Petting Zoo featuring a rather friendly Vaporeon, so I'm sure you'll enjoy your time there!"

He handed over the Black Glasses and the material with only a nod of his head. Given the knick knacks and the various objects she displayed in her rooms throughout the journey, he's completely confidant in her ability to complete the task, and it shows!
When she acquired about the location of Valder, he shook his head in negatively. "Unfortunately, I have not. I gave him permission to explore the town at his discretion, and conduct whatever work he wanted, so long as it has no negative consequences. He'll eventually turn up to inform me of his activities, but as of now I am as much in the dark about him as your are. When I do meet up with them, though, I will escort him to you for whatever matter you desire to discuss with him," Ventus said, looking a little worried about what she said, but dismissed it almost immedianlty. Shiva, despite what her appearance my belay, was quite the capable women, and could handle tricky situation quite well.

Ventus let out a sigh, and turned to reluctantly leave Shiva's company. "As much as I would love to continue to chat with you, I must head on to my appointed task. We'll see each in the morning, though, so fret not about me, and try to get a good night's sleep."

Order: Leave Shiva (Sadly), and head towards the Aquarium to start that encounter there. In the morning, Ventus will hang around there and show her around the place, and hopefully give her a great time as well!

[Iron]

Porygon slips into the security system with ease. Why do they hand this Pokemon out as carnival prizes?

The digiduck confirms to Nathan and Ventus that nothing is wrong, and continues to keep guard.

Insight: (4)(6)(4)(2)
Sneak: (6)(1)(6)(2)

Ventus is moodily staring at the corals and sand at the bottom of the tank, sipping a coffee. Then one of them moves! An ancient coral in the shape of a spiral shell - it shifts, glows a bit, and transforms from dusty pink to light, rejuvenated tan. A few blue tentacles emerge from the shell, and start feeling their way toward a sleeping Goldeen.

Corsola looks at it with wide eyes and looks to Ventus for guidance. She's behind a thick plane of glass, accessible only from the top high above Ventus' head. The revivified fossil is across the tank from her.

[Lord Windos]

Ventus, quickly picking out the movement of the disguised fossil Pokemon-'An Ominite!'-, made a hand motion that basically amounted to 'Intercept and attack them!' Ariel, giving a nasty look at the living fossil for attempting to snack on her ward, lets loose a massive bubble at the offender! Meanwhile, the researcher alerts the Octillary (His boss gave them it and a Poliwhirl to protect them on the job), whispering to them : "Octillary, climb up into the tank and assist Corsola in subduing this mimic! If things get complicated, wake up the Milotic in tank for back up. I'll monitor the situation from here."

 Ven then turned his head up, and snapped his finger, getting his Niobat's attention. Making another hand motion, he silently conveid for them to alert Nathan, and bring him over to the tank for further support! Letting of a silent screech, it shot off towards the boy's last known location!

Order: Have Corsola intercept and fire off a Bubble at the offending fossil Pokémon. Since we are underwater, does Bubble get a damage bonus on top of being boosted by Hustle and STAB? Also, he command Octillary to go in as backup, and Lucifer to get Nathan's attension and lead him over here for even more support. Ventus takes his job as Security guard seriously, mate!

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan, meanwhile, had been sipping on that protein drink. He's feeling a little bit stronger now, actually...maybe there was something to this drink, after all...even though it still isn't the best tasting thing in the world...(Spending 20 exp to raise Strength to 3!)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Ventus let out a sigh, and turned to reluctantly leave Shiva's company. "As much as I would love to continue to chat with you, I must head on to my appointed task. We'll see each in the morning, though, so fret not about me, and try to get a good night's sleep."

She wished him a good night as well, followed by a sucessful Guard Duty, and waved him goodbye for now. First he abandoned her for almost two days, then invited her joing Training at a Dojo specialized on Water moves, then to the Aquarium the next day. While she appreciates his offer greatly, she struggled a little to clearly figure him out.  But looks like they'll be spending quite some time with one another tomorrow, which Shiva indeed looked forward to. Cottonee, who was still beside her the whole time, seemed eager to train and see an Aquarium as well.

Looks like she has to hope to just run into Valder by accident... Or await until they all reunite to leave Corsage. Well, not like she minds, she just wishes to hand him the Spearow soon enough before the bird either gets bored or angry because of being srammped into a temporary Ball for too long. But before that, she had to get a Stick from Ven back... (@Nylon, you there? I have something for you!)

Soon, she arrived back in town and was looking for a shop that was still open for customers. Luckily, there was one nearby, not far a way from the Pokemon Center even! Upon entering, she looked around a little to see if they offer any local specialities (or a book containing mechanics of Double Team, but she had little hope to do so in this shop), before stepping to the counter wih a free chashier.

""*cough* Well, good evening there."She then placed the tiny Nugget she received from The Fortune Hunter Lady on the counter. "So, I received this as a payment earlier, and would like to sell it. How much can you pay for it?" The Fortune Hunter Lady, said it's worth 300$, but let's see what the cashier will say. Most likely the same prize, but it's still worth trying.


Additional purchases
- A new package of Pirsif Berry Cookies, edible for people and Pokemon alike
- A 500g-package of simple table salt
@Iron, how much to pay?



"By the way," she asked the cashier a little hesitantly while packing away her purchases, "you know where in Chreshire would be a good spot to buy or get a Sun Stone?"


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Mechanics:
Once shopping has been done, I'll head to the Pokemon Center. But not going to bed right away! I have things to do before that.

[Iron]

"I can give $300 for this Nugget. Will that be OK?"

No need to spend money on simple food items. They cost so little that it's not worth keeping track of the nickels and dimes. If you're going to get an entire load of something, like Ventus' apples, then it's worth pricing.

"The town of Elanor is famous for its Sun Stone mines! It's the only place to reliably get a Sunstone. You'll know you're there when you encounter a wondrous field of Sunflora! Sometimes wild Pokemon even evolve just from the trace amounts of Sunstone element out there."

For local Pokemon specialties, she points you to the aquarium. "They have seaglass shards in their gift shop! They are like tiny fragments of a Water Stone, and useful for learning watery moves!"
This store does have a specialty cake pop brand shaped like Poliwag. Mostly, it is humans who like these.

While you're shopping, Geodude and Rattata wander in! Rattata goes sniffing after your Pirsif cookie material. Geodude separates from the rat to check out the store's foundations, and grunts in approval.