[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Only 3XP more to go to learn Bubble Beam, yay!)


... It was amazing to see how eager and determined lil' Azurill was while training her Water Gun. Indeed, it warmed her owner's heart! The time spend in the Aquarium must have done wonders to the blue mouse, much to Shiva's delight, and the best part was that Azu did not show any sadness at all of not receiving a seashard. What was more important was that all the affection Shiva was bringing up to the sad Azurill seemingly begin to reach through. It feels like Azu got a little closer to her desire of evolving into a a round and blue Marill.

Cottonee was enjoying the Training as well, it didn't mind being hit by Azu's Water Gun, but was rather...happy to serve as a moving target? How droll~ Maybe it was the partial Fairy Type that these two shared that made them get along so well. Eh, most likely.

Additionally, ans just as Shiva expected, Ronin Spearow clearly was fond of the thought and opportunity to train in a real Dojo. Even if he had no weapons - there is no way Shiva will hand that knife to the bird! Still have to approach Ven about that issue - he just created weapons to use. Didn't matter that the bird was not her own, practically speaking. But it's the same in a Daycare - the Pokemon given are not 'one's own' and still it's expected to treat them as best as possible. Like they were one's own? Anyway... Hopefully Valder will accept and rejoice over being a Master to this special Spearow.

She was just offering a half of the lately bought Pirsif-Cookies to Azu, followed by appreciating strokes over the mouse ears and adjusting the flowercrown, before offering the other half to Cottonee - as Ven appeared by her side. He seemed delighted over how things went. Still, as he brought up he wishes to discuss something with her in a more discreet setting, she couldn't help but to pick up the sensibility that was in his words spoken. And become curious what the matter will turn out to be. From what she understood, it's seemingly a matter between just them, otherwise he would not directly ask to be alone with her. Eh...

While the concept of leaving one's Pokemon train or roam free without their owner around, regardless of Nathan and Sensei being within reach, seemed wrong to her... "If that's your wish, sure thing." She told her Pokemon not to fret over her since she'll be back soon enough, if something's wrong, they can always get a hold on Nathan over there or herself, before following Ven wherever he led her to.

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan had been trying to decide if he should challenge Shiva or Ventus to a battle still. He wasn't in any particular hurry, though, so he didn't particularly mind Ventus pulling Shiva aside for a private talk. It gave him a little more time to think about who he should challenge, actually...he'd probably come to a decision by the time they came back.

Of course, if he decided to challenge Shiva, he'd have to figure out how to approach her as well...hmmm...

[Lord Windos]

While the concept of leaving one's Pokemon train or roam free without their owner around, regardless of Nathan and Sensei being within reach, seemed wrong to her... "If that's your wish, sure thing." She told her Pokemon not to fret over her since she'll be back soon enough, if something's wrong, they can always get a hold on Nathan over there or herself, before following Ven wherever he led her to.

Shiva sudden anxiety and her glancing at Azuril, Cottenee etc. was not lost on Ventus, who quickly put a hand on her shoulder, and squeezed comfortably. "Your Pokémon will be fine, Shiva. They be focused on honing their skills, and both Nathan and the sensei are there to make sure nothing goes amiss. Still, its a good idea to inform them your going to be unavailable for a bit, so I'll wait until you are done with that action," he said, before he went over to a pair of doors to a back room in the dojo, and waited there patiently.

Once done with her self appointed task, Ven opened the screen a empty backroom, and beckoned the young lass over to it. When they both entered the room, he closed the doors behind them, carefully glanced over the room to see if they were anybody trying to be nosey, before nodding his head and focusing on Shiva once more. Even with his ability to mask and hide his true emotion state, the young lass could clearly see tiredness and stress lurking behind his gaze. "*Sigh*....I'm sorry for the cloack and dagger business, but I'm not in the most trusting or positive mood as of late. I'm sure by you noticed, of course, but it wasn't my debt or the thought of you and Nathan fighting that put me into such foul state....its this entire town, Shiva."

"Ever since I have set foot in the Reshirim forsaken face, my empathy has been assaulted by the constant levels of despair that appears to saturate Corsage. It has not only stunted abilities, but it has left me sleepless, irritable, and uncaring about those around me, which, as you are aware, is truly abnormal behavior for me. What is worse, I'm not the only one affected in such a manner. Nathan and Kirlia positive, upbeat attitude is slowly being altered into a dismal, anxiety state of being for them. If it were not for our trip to here and the Aquarium, I have no doubt he would have eventually succumbed to the atmosphere of the town, and I don't want to imagine what would have occurred had that possibility came true...." Ventus said, his tone of voice so full of tiredness that one could feel their bones ack.

"Due to the state of disarry that the port town is actively inflicting upon me, Nathan, and perhaps even you, I have that it would be within my best interest to leave Corsage for a couple of day or more. The longer we stay here, the greater the chance something horrid will happen to our mental wellbeing, so I'm camping out in Fireweed until I have recovered from the worst of the gloom that befalls me as a preventative measure. I offer Nathan the chance to come with me, and he accepted my offer, so now their is only you to ask. Do you wish to accompany us into the forest? If you can't or don't want too, I will understand and not hold it against you, but I won't change my mind on this. This may be the last time you see me for half the week, so think carefully, my friend..."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

She was quick to return to Ven's side again after assuring her Pokemon that she'll be back soon. Both Cottonee and Azurill did not really mind and continued their training. „Hehe, sorry that I kept you waiting for short. It's just that I find it wrong to let them train or roam freely without their actual owner nearby, but it's fine for now.“

It was unusual in her view for him being suspicious over eavesdroppers, but she blamed his usual worry over private matters and for those he's close to – nothing new actually, Shiva knew that side from him by now. It was, sadly, not that that unexpected to hear him complaining about the city, how it affected his mood and empathy negatively... Should have known from the first time they entered Corsage and had its gloomyness and dread slapped in their faces. This must have been the reason for why he abandoned her without saying a word in the first place, this mood in the city must have been too much for Ven...

She carefully listened to his words. While doing so, she cleary noticed that tiredness and exhaust that plaqued him, probably for days since he mentioned being sleepless. If he lacks sleep, likely even more than Shiva does (that't true actually, since she was getting a few hours of sleep at last, while Ven hasn't slept for a few days in a row!), it must be a serious matter to him. She wondered if it was due to experiencing nocturnal nightmares - given the happenings in his past he shared with her, it was not hard to guess that these nightmares must be really fearsome to him. Shiva felt quite sorry for him, but there sadly was nothing she could to to help him here aside from providing comfort. But even with all that ailing him, he gave her a delighted smile upon getting back the Black Glasses and was expressing rejoice over the trip to the Aquarium...

It took a little before she replied to him, in a hesitant yet soft voice. Struggled a little to face him while talking. "I see... In fact, I could have easily guessed the atmosphere in this town is no good for you, given your abilities and usual worry over things. Same with Nathan and Kirlia, I noticed that he's, well, behaving odd. Just don't know exactly why, but likely your right that it's just the city itself that weights him down. That poor young one..."

"So, let me tell you, it's indeed not only you two who are having their issues with Corsage. While after getting used to it, this city certainly has its special flair, this gloomyness might have some soothing effect if there was no insomnia. But...I glady join you two on camping in the forest. In fact, I slept over in the Pokemon Center for the time being, and they really take care that their visitors are taken care of well. Like, there's free tea in every room and plenty of coffee in the morning. And still, I feel that there is...something that is visiting me every night. Giving me a restless sleep. I don't know what it is, but I believe it's a Pokemon - No, not Drakrai itself. Like, the fist night I found my Dream Catcher harmed in the morning, and today I realised it has not been harmed, but there is something off about it. Luckily, I was able to protect me and my Pokemon by sleeping within a circle of salt." ... She gave him a slight smile that acompanied the ext few words. "It's...a weird thing, isn't it?" She could not deny that she was curious about this creature, and believed that if she puts a little work an preparation into it, she might even encounter this furry black creature.


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Mechanics:
So, now Ven knows that there is seemingly a creature visiting Shiva every night. Wonder how he thinks of this - I better not show him he black tuft of fur as a physical proof of this, it might worry him too much.

[Lord Windos]

Upon Shiva mentioning she didn't know what was causing Nathan abnormal behavior around, Ventus gave her an uncharacteristically deadpan look. "If I were to make an educated guess, his strangeness is most likely due to whatever you two discuss the night before we entered Corsage. Ever since then, he's been distant towards you, and seems to be on edge whenever he's directly speaking to or about you. Since you most likely remember all the details of that night, do you care to enlighten me about them. I'm beginning to worry that whatever is causing this rift between will grow ever worse if something isn't done about it soon, so please...tell me about it," he said, giving a concerned yet serious look at Shiva. Nathan was being obtuse with the information, he doubted that Shiva would outright tell him anything, but better to try and fail than not attempt anything at all.

Hearing Shiva mention that some creature was haunting her dreams caused him to sharply inhale, before his hands darted to hers and gripped them hard. "Dream Demons, or some similar fell creature," Ventus hissed, his weariness now replaced with a vitriolic passion. "I knew it: something is haunting this port town! Whatever it is, it mean no good for you or anyone of us. It might not have harmed you the first night, but that may be because your dream catcher weakened it enough that it couldn't make amuck of your dreams. The salt circle is a brilliant form of protection, however; I should have remembered that, it would have granted me some respite these last few nights!" Ven ranted to himself, eyes cast down and angry that he forgot such an important defensive measure, his grip on Shiva's hand tightening a bit.

Soon enough, Ventus gaze was looked onto the young lass' face, boring into with an intensity unlike any see had seen before. "This is bad, Shiva, if such a creature is directly targeting you. Now, more than ever, I urge you to come with me. You protective measure will keep you safe for the time being, but I don't know for how much longer until itfinds a way to circumvent them. Please, come with me!"

(Oh, dear. Phantom, you should have known better than telling Ventus that! Now he's going to loom over your character overprotectively, and there is nothing you can do to stop that!)

[Nylon]

Waking up from his slumber, Valder opened his eyes as the sun jump-scared him back to the ground. Valder squinted at the sun, and realised that a staring contest was out of the question and so he looked away and made a personal note to bear a grudge against the sun for the rest of the day.

 'That's right, I fell asleep right here'. he thought to himself while reaching for the monster capsules at his side. He released all three companions and greeted them with another nod. To Froakie specifically, he said "How was your rest? You were very active yesterday" Valder hoped that he didn't sound as stupid as he thought he was. at least with sociology.

 "How about" Valder looked his companions straight in the eye, "we get a little morning hunt before we return?"

(If possible, @Iron, I'd like a possibilty of one or more encounters as training, if not I'll just edit this out)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Oh... That seriousness and faint suspicion that was in Ven's stare - It meant nothing good. She tried to avoid it, but spectacularily failed on that. There is no possibility to escape at the moment, they're within a room and Ven was practically nailing her down here.

But luckily, he was choosing his words wisely and did not outright jumped at her, which would make Shiva feel cornered in fear and trigger an...unpleasant reply and reaction.

She was still uncomfortable to speak about this issue, but understood that it might be a bad idea to leave things unspoken. Worst case, Ven would begin digging into things on his own and eventually find out about.. "Well, if you...ask for it... Eh, I assume it's still the matter of Ralts evolving into a Kirlia. You know how they evolve, I may guess? Uh... I strongly believe it has hurted his pride as a Trainer a little to see that it was me who somehow triggered evolution of his companion without an intention to do so. I didn't do anything, but Ralts must have picked up my happy and overjoyed mood, felt it somewhat connected to him, and decided random-evolution is a good idea then." ... "I told him the same thing as I do you: That he shall not mull over things too much, please, and move on soon. I cannot do anything about his hurted pride, in fact, I assumed he might have fixed it by now. Seemingly not fully... But same time, I am sure he'll get over it soon enough." That was her deep hope, indeed. No point in stressing on the issue for ages.

...Okay. That reaction was intense. Should have known, though, that bringing up a mysterious Dream-Catcher-disliking creature visiting Shiva at night to Ventus of all costs was not the best idea... But he was the one who began with sleep issues, after all. "I... I still have a package of salt, just in case! Calm down... I'm fine, Ven... That creature has not gotten me yet, and it won't get a chance to do so while we're camping outside of city... Of course I'll come with you, if you ask for it so badly..." She smiled a little, but was a little ruffled by his reaction. The grip he was holding her hands clearly spoke that Ven was serious about his worry.



(Let Ven recover a few moments and relieve over the assurance that she'll tag along camping, before the following comes.)


Now, with the assurance that she'll join him and Nathan camping and restocking on sleep outside of city - as well as the promise to take good care about anything that has to do with this...creature, Shiva remembered a thing: Upon doing so, she faced Ven with an subliminally eager glance in her eyes behind glasses.

"Ven... Listen, as you mentioned sleep issues - You remember telling me about your habits of meditation to deal with troublesome things plaquing your mind, as well as a source of energy and to keep your empathy alive? You know... Maybe this could be something for Helios as well. I wish for him to be a mighty Alakazam some glory day, one that does listen to me in some degree instead of plain doing whatever it wants. My protector against pesky Poison Types... Currently, I adviced him to use a silverly spoon I gifted him to focus his mind and develop some awareness of his Psychic Powers with my help. The next step once that has been done to satisfaction is familiarize with the Alpha Waves of his brain. After all, Kadabra are known capable of emitting them on will, causing headaches in some nearby individuals."

"So... Would you, uhm, be up to help me on this at some point? I'd greatly appreciate it..." *insert looking him directly into the eyes at this point, filled with hope and innocence, expressing this by a coy smile for him*

[Lord Windos]

*Before Night Demons came up!*

Ventus gave her another leery eye stared, before letting out a frustrated sigh. "That is not how a Ralts evolves, and I am sure you know that as well. I've worked with the Ralts evolutions several time during my stay at Castelia university, enough to know that their evolution triggered not by other's happiness or positively, like my Togepi, but from a singular event that cause them to become absolutely elated. The only way Ralts could have evolved, if what you said is partially true, is if he shared your joy in an event, not because of it," he said, giving her a stern, disappointed look at her. To say that he was displease with her answer would be an understatement.
 
"Shiva...why in Kuyrem's frosty domain are you dodging my question, and trying to paint Nathan as offender for that matter? We both know he's not the type for his ego to be bruised by events outside his control, and I have also examined his emotions for that matter. His pride isn't what was wounded, it was his good feelings towards you,, and if answered his inquiry the same way you did to me, its no small wonder he's reluctant to be around you! *Frustrated Sighing* If you keep denying me the answers I seek, I'm just going to Nathan with this knowledge and get his input on this matter. Now that I'm aware of what transpired between the two of you, I should be able to get him to open up and ask his view. One way or another, I will get to the bottom of this," he concluded, crossing his arms at Shiva. Yeap, definitely unhappy with her.

*Now transition to full blown Panic! scene!*

Ventus let out a shuddering breath he didn't knew he was withholding, and gave a wane smile to Shiva. 'She coming with us! With her salt and my knowledge, everyone will be safe from that vile creature! Great Reshirim, thank you!' he thought, his grip on Shiva's hand loosening considerably. "Thank you, Shiva. You cant realize how much relief this brings me, but thank you. I'll be happy to help train Abra in his Psychic power, with either meditation or my own personal knowledge of the matter. My brother first Pokémon was one, and he told all about how to raise one competitively, so if anyone can help Helios' personal growth, it would be me."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Hmpf... Ven can do what he wants. He's a grown man, after all. But there is no way Shiva would entrust him with the Secret Mission involving the Infiltrator-Absol... She promised the Daycare Owners not to. It'd endanger the mission as well as destroy the trsut they have put in her. Hopefully, when everything falls into piece and succeeds all nicely, they will understand. They just...have to.

Somehow, this whole thing began to annoy her. Not the mission itself, she was overall proud and happy to help out from the comfortable background, but rather how the other party members reacted towards her in the matter. It's not like she was engaging in anything illegal or dangerous per-se, but unless she'd bring up what the mission is, they might not believe her and take it for empty assurances to make them be quiet. Oh well...

That slight impatience was a little audible in her voice. She's done with the issue. But there was a hint of sadness dwelling in it as well. "Ven... You mightcleraly know why I am unable to give straight answers - The Daycare Owners prohibited it. And I will not break my promise with them. Also, I assured you that I know what I am doing, so if you'd please just trust me on it... Nathan will taw up over time, I'm sure. Give him a few other things to think about, like the Gym Leader Challenge, and he'll be fine. Hell, I might even try to take his mind off-things by initiating a friendly battle by myself to show that we're good with one another." Getting bold here? But that's indeed an idea.


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He mentioned his brother... That one who comiited suicide. So he had an Abra as first Pokemon? What a...coincidence. However, Shiva was delighted that he was willing to help! And returned his smile a little. Good catch, dear one, drag his attention away from the creature and other moot things.

"Hehe... Thanks for offering your help! I gladly come back to it at some point." ... "Additionally... I haven't thanked you for the day yet. But, listen, I really enjoyed out trip to the Aquarium as well as the offer to train in this Dojo. Therefor, thank you." Next, she placed a faint but dear kiss on the researcher's cheek, before letting go of his hand - he was still holding them in the first place - and moving herself to the door. Before she opened it to return to her Pokemon and the others, she turned around to say "So if you're free and done with training as well, we can get going to set up camp for the night, don't you think?"

Yeah, right. This means she'll see his reaction.


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Mechanics:
Windos, I hope it's clear now what I meant by 'soft-forcing a reaction'~ Anyway, it's about time to reunite and move forward. If it comes to a friendly battle between Nathan and me, I'd like to pick up Fennekin from PC first to have him battle instead of Helios (he'll be put on PC in exchange for Fennekin) - we could just teleport with Helios to the Pokemon Center for that sake.

[Iron]

As Froakie and the others are stalking through the forest, a Ledian buzzes by, armored with a lilypad it is holding as a shield in one of its many arms. It's followed by a second Ledian in hot pursuit at some playful game, then a third.

Froakie eyes them with a nasty look in his eyes.

Initiatives: (2) Froakie, (2) Theo or Gastly, (5) Ledian, (3) Ledian (1) Ledian.

+3 Dex +3 Survival for all of Valder's initiatives

+3 total for Ledian.


Froakie
Theo or Gastly
Ledian
Ledian
Ledian.

Let me know which 2 Pokemon will be fighting, and what their orders are!