[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

" At the university , we had containment measures to keep Pokemon that could teleport or phase out of normal holding pins , and specialized items that limits the power of a Pokemon that wears it . How else would we be able to examine various Ghost Pokemon for any length of time ? Keeping Houndour in one place would be far from impossible , but since you are adamant about keeping him with you ,I will stop trying to sway you on this matter. "

At Nathan bringing up the Houndour 's pack angry towards him , Ventus just lets out low , deep growl , causing the table to vibrate a but . " If I cared what those demons thought of me , I would not have slaughtered them like the vermin they were . After the first one that dared to hunt me was killed by my own hands , it's pack mate's should have known I was not to be thier prey. They were warned twice , but they did not head me , so they died like the fool's they were . Your Houndour only is alive right now by your mercy and guidance , and my trust in you .  Keep them happy , loyal , or just under your leash , whatever ! As long as he is no threat towards me and the other , do what you want with them . "

Noticing that he was letting his wrath start to bleed into him , he reigned itn back in with a deep breath , letting out as much frustration as possible. He didn't want to quarel with Nathan over that dog , he just desired it be dealt with , one way or another ...

"... If you are going to keep fresh meat on your person , Apsis will certainly notice .She prefers living prey , but the Arbok line are not known to turn thier snouts up at any given food source . So long as you are ready for a giant snake hovering around you for treats , I don't see fault in enforcing compliance with your dog this way ."

The empath gives his friend a wane, but genuine smile for his compromise. " Thank you , Nate . In a couple of days , we can broach the subject with her , but for now let us leave sleeping dragons lie , and prepare for our upcoming challenge ahead . Chuckle will hardly be a laughing matter to fight , but we can conquer him in due time ."

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan's eyes narrow.  "Let me just be clear on this one last time.  If there's any problems with Orthros, I'll deal with them.  If it's too much, he's leaving, and we'll likely never have to worry about it again.  If you treat him like 'vermin,' don't expect any better treatment in return.  If those Houndour threatened to kill you or your pokemon, fine.  This one didn't.  This one was mourning for the friends he'd lost, along with the rest of his pack.  I didn't get the impression that the ones that chased me and Swiftfire were out for blood, either.  Orthros wants to be here for the time being, and I intend to keep it that way.  At the end of the day, he's still a pokemon, is just like any other living creature, and deserves even just a little respect."  There's an unspoken warning in his quiet tone.  Ventus seems to have struck a nerve with the disregard for those Houndour...

Kirlia's looking a little nervous, but he's staring Ventus down too.  He wants to get to know this strange dog better too, after all, and he wouldn't tolerate any veiled threats against a potential friend! His expression lightens though when Nathan eases up in response to Ventus...venting.  No point in arguing further if they can agree to disagree, after all.

"The meat's not for enforcing compliance.  It's so I don't have to worry about where I'm getting his food from.  And it's certainly better than dry and canned food, I'm sure.  Orthros seemed to appreciate it when I gave him some last night.  If Aspis decides to be 'friendly' because she smells meat on me, I'll try to be tolerant of it.  As long as it's not giving me and Kirlia any reason to be nervous.  You respect the pokemon, they'll respect you, and vice versa."

He sighs.  "Enough of that, though.  I'm sure we'll all have a lovely discussion about it later, anyways...yeah, Chuckles.  You have awakenings?  I was warned he likes to use the sleep status as well.  I need to get a few, myself...and a potion or two, maybe...barely going to have enough for just that though...hmmmm...that reminds me.  You still technically owe me $500 for that Net Ball, right?"

[Nylon]

Gastly practices Shadow Ball again. Before he can extinguish the lamp, Valder glimpses that form again - it is squat and almost mansized, and suspiciously low to the ground. Valder can't quite follow where it goes. When a cold chill makes Valder shudder, he catches a glimpse over his shoulder of that same shape, which quickly coalesces into the shape of his own shadow!

 *smm-nap* was the sound that Valder made when he turned around to face this... idiot-like shadow. 'Who is this? I think I've seen this face before... somewhere'
 Valder stays silent and just  l o.o k s  at the shadow. He won't make the first move. Running away is a move of course, so he won't let that happen either.

[Lord Windos]

Ventus just places a palm on his face as he just lets out an aggrevated sigh , trying his Kuyrem darkest not to lash out at the two of them . " Respect is never given , Nathan . It must be earned , or somehow granted for a deed or accomplishment . Some brings don't even desrve the chance , at that . Do you think the fairies that corrupted my mother and turned her into a monster deserve my rspect , or the Scimitars that nearly brought us to ruin twice over ? No ."

" I don't trust nor respect that beast you own . Not after my experience with them , and seeing what they are capanle of . " he says , before lowering his hand and just looking miserably into Nathan 's eyes. " I trust in you , though . I trust in your in judgement , respect your experience with Pokemon , and value your assurance in battle . I don't have any faith in that dog of yours to be any good on it's own , but with you as it's shepard ... perhaps thier is hope for it yet ."

I don't for care for it , not Now and perhaps never , and I just want it gone myself . I am willing to put my fears , my doubts , and all my misgivings about it , however , for you . Make good of something wickeded , Nate , prove me wrong ! Just ... Don't expect me to show it kindness until then . "

The normally affable researcher was clearly teaching his breaking point , with him visably struggling not to just get up and stormoff or go on another tirade . Maybe it would be best to leave this topic to cool for awhile ....

"... At the very least , you are insuring your Houndour has a healthy diet , so I respect that decision . Apsis will Not harm you or your Pokemon , so long as you Do not threaten her yourself . I've educated her on what happens to predatory Pokemon that can't control themselves , so do not worry about her snaking on Kirlia , " the empath says , just beganing to call down from ealier .

When Nathan not so subtly needles him for supplies , Ventus just let out an exacerbated sigh , feeling VERY put upon today , before reaching into his bag and pulling out a Potion and Awakening and handing them over to the young trainer . " Technically , you got the market re sale value for the ball , but if you need supplies , take these . I hardly have any money left myself after my recent shopping , but I can spare these for you ... "

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan takes the Potion and the Awakening.  "Thank you.  That should speed things along.  As I recall, you said you'd pay me back the other half, which is the only reason I brought that up.  We'll call that even.  I want to get that gym battle done ASAP.  So...are we just waiting on Shiva before we head out?"

He's kinda run out of things to talk about...while he wants to push his point on respecting pokemon further, Kirlia is not so subtly telling him not to...with the pressure of psychic energy.  'Alright, fine, fine!  I'll worry about it later...you can stop...being pushy about it, ya know.  The last thing I need right now is a headache from one of your Confusions...'  Kirlia just smirks in satisfaction when he feels Nathan give.  He's seen enough of this conflict.  And while he was on Nathan's side, that also means keeping him from getting into unnecessary trouble.  Nobody needed to be fighting right now.  Ventus was trying his best to be nice about this, after all.

Nathan just holds his head as it throbs slightly.  "Ugh...was that really necessary, Kirlia?" 

Kirlia just chuckles.  He knows Nathan will keep at it later if it comes up again, but for now, they should just enjoy what fragile peace they have while it remains.

[Lord Windos]

Ventus could tell that Nathan had more to say about Houndour , but just they where about to laugh into another argument with the belesgured researcher, he both saw and felt the boy wince. Thier seem to be a some sudden resistance to dragging this out , which eventually forced Nate to drop the topic ( For Now ... ). 


When the empath saw the young trainer turn and lighly admonish Kirlia for messing with him , Ben knew who to thank for saving him from this argument . '....Thank You , young Dancer. I'm trying to be ... polite about that dog , but it's very trying for me currently . Later , I can complete this conversation , bt I need a break from the topic for now , ' Ventus thought both to himself and Kirlia . While they may be more attuned to Nathan , they should still be able to pick up a message from him if he directly broadcasted it .

" Yes , we are . We should not run of without at least informing here where will be at , as I don't want her unhappy at not being up to date . Im glad my debt with you is squared away , but I'll be even more delighted if you use the to become victorious against Chuckles . I don't want your Pokemon to faint dead at the sight of him , so these restorative will help prevent that from comming to pass ! "

[Iron]

Red eyes and a broad, toothy grin appear in the shadow when it knows it has been recognized. It winks at Valder, and then it winks again, perhaps at Gastly. Then it fades into the ground. When Valder examines the spot, everything seems normal.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

This still happens on the evening of Day 18. Yes, flashback, but I'm not letting go of this before I officially ended it.


Both the food and the light show with the Spheal were absolutely splendid. Everything was upper class, how comes that a gloomy place like Corsage has such a warm and noble place to reside...

Kyuu was also more than enjoying the treatment. Shiva wasn't very suprised that they indeed served Pokebeans, given it was a port town and the coffee in the local Center had that 'colourful' taste. Grey scottisch-fold kitten soon cuddled up to his Master and dozed off, and as it was about time for Ventus to pay for the trip - not before she asked twice whether it's really okay for him - he got withdrawn in to his Pokeball for some proper rest.

...Good catch, because now Shiva had her arms free to walk back to the Pokemon Center holding hands. Just casually, it was nothing special or new since they already did that occassionally. Corsage had a different feeling since lately, by walking around in the city now after it got dark she was rather sure about it. Though she still was unsure what has actually caused this change, but she made a clear connection to the mysterious creature turning dreams into nightmares. Now with her Dream Catcher lost but insted gotten rid of the balck tuft of fur, Shiva could only hope that things will be better now concerning the restless sleep...

Rather soon because she was lost in that thought and began to get a little scared of what may await if she decided to get some rest, both arrived at the entrance of the Pokemon Center. It was lightened and gave a cozy feeling. Only now Shiva recognised that she was a little...relucant to let go of Ventus now. Horrible thougths were dimished though, so it should be okay... Plsu, she didn't want to cause him any more distress.

Therefore, as some sort of farewell for the night, Ven rathre quickly found himself in a close and gentle hug. Tweed was still so comfy... "Oh well... Eh, I mean, thank you for spending the evening with me... It surely distracted my mind and eased me a little. I should be better soon... I hope... Eh... I know it makes you all nervous for some reason I'm clueless about, but still..." Letting go of the hug and taking of his hands in both of hers, Ven received another tender kiss on the cheek! Still faint and rather soft, but at least she held contact longer than for just a moment.

Afterwards, she rather quickly let go of his hand though and turned to neter the Pokemon Center. But not before turning around , giving him a dear smile as farewell and wishing him "Sleep all calm and peacefully then, dear oddball of a researcher, I bet we'll see one another next morning then. See you~" (Ideal moment for another level-up in Allure! Charm's and Nuzzle's Accuracy will be thankful for this.) (@Lord Windos, reaction?)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Now moving on to Day 19!

...
... ... ...
... ... ... ...hmm...


Wait, this wasn't afterlife, neither a landscape of burnt cinders... It looked like the usual dorm in the Center she has occupied for a while now. There were the usual books on the table, with the usual orchid-appterned ceramic plate, and the burnt Dream Catcher...

No bad dreams. No nightmares. No suprise-lucid dream... Her rest has been alright too... In fact, Shiva couldn't remember anything weird or bad about the sleep she just woke up from. Things were...okay... But now she was rather sure that it had to do with the mysterious creature. What has happened that it immediately disappeared? Not that she was missing it, but why should it leave the city all of a sudden? Was there a good reason? Did it have to do with her new Espurr? Doubtful... Hmm, gotta ask the others about it soon enough. Maybe they know more, or have an ideas what could have caused that change in the city.

What time was it... 07:02am. Way too early to get out of bed yet. It felt nice to be here and not somewhere else... (What a reverent moment to level up in Survival.)

Unless... It's next morning, so Azu should be healed up all fine by now! Hooray!

Before anything could happen to kill off that thought, Shiva practically stormed downstairs to the Counter of the Center. Not caring that she did so still in nightdress and with hair even more messier than it usually was. Barely any soul was there except Nurse Joy anyway, who joyfully handed her the ball containing the blue mouse. Must ave known how Shiva awaited this moment...

Just as fast as before, Shiva was back upstairs in her dorm again, cuddled up in bed and immediately called out Azurill. Before anythingelse could happen, the blue mouse found herself all wrapped in a cozy embrace of her Master! Oh happy day... Shiva feared that Azu's growing self-confidence had suffered some damage by fainting adn wished to make up for that as soon and best as possible, before....

"Eh... Azu... You're okay? In fact, you don't seem sad at all over what has happened to you... You seem happier. Hehe, did all this encouraged you to work harder? How nice to see~ Oh my..." Embrace for the Azurill only increased. After a while... "You've grown that much... As I received you, you wwre hiding in your top hat all the time. Now, you expressed knowing magic tricks to me... Beautiful roses... You truely are an amazing exemplar. I wonder... what has happened to you previous Master. Why didn't you stay with this person? What happened that you got seperated? What kind of person was it that would reject such a magical mouse like you? I could stay here...cuddling you all day...Hmm..." (Iron, I wonder how Azurill reacts to cuddle session and mentioning of her former Master...)

Rather quickly, Shiva dozed off with Azurill still close and secure in her arms.

... As she woke up again, everthng was just the same. Clock on cell showed 10:32am by now... Ah, hours have passed. It was...so comfy here in bed though. None would care if she'd stay her longer. None would care if she'd stay the whole day here... Wait. This felt like a déjà-vu... She woke up here, all alone, expect with her Pokemon close. None cared for her. None would notice that she was still here in the dorm while the others likely left to go out and explore the 'new' Corsage... And challenge the Gym Leader... Yeah, they were too busy to even waste thought on what would be about her. Better stay here, instead of being a burden to anyone...

[Iron]

Azurill enjoys cuddles, naturally. When you mention the top hat, she gets worried and looks around until she finds it. Nurse Joy keeps it close, knowing how Pokemon can love their comfort items. As you start talking about her old master, she jumps into the hat and clings to it tightly, even when she pops out for pats on the head.