[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

"What else?"

"That's most everything, I think.  Only other thing we really learned is that the Scimitars are a rather small organization since they don't recruit random trainers.  Oh, and we encountered a lot of really weird, varied Zubat in one of their traps.  I caught one in case you might be interested in studying it a little.  Seemed to be a little more intimidating than the other Zubat.  There was also a particularly large one, a Shiny one that got away from us, and whatever other Zubat the others beat down."

When are you planning on making your way to Trillium?"

Nathan's silent for a moment at that question.  "I'd...not actually planned to return to Trillium yet..." He sighs.  "But, I guess if we're to hand stuff to you in person, it's either that or you meet us in Ginger Town before we head to Stair City..."

[Lord Windos]

"You're...not wrong on this... Maybe things would gave gone better if we took a little more time in planing and sicussing our thoughts before just heading down the Base. Luckily, we still got out there in one piece and unharmed - and even with loot!~"

(...)

"I'll give him the desired time and alone time until he feels fine enough to approach me, and I'll surely appreciate if he does so. Trust is earned, and a very fragile flower... But I'm sure things will be fine with us over the time. It's not like I'll be avoiding or, by all means, exclude him because of what happened... Never. Never would I do that, I just hope that he knows that, too."

"Besides, what shall we do now concerning these Scimitars? Is there any use to revisit their Base?"

"*Sigh* I agree that, in hindsight, rushing into the Scimitar base was not the wisest idea, given how unorganized we were and the lack of a definitive plan of action, along with the afformention teamwork and keeping the group updated on relevant information. At least we can now take what we learned from this raid on their forces, and better arm ourselves against them in the future. Learn from our mistakes, and endevour to improve on your faults is all we can do for now, I suppose. Oh, and enjoy the riches of our partial conquest of course!" Ventus responded, a sly smile forming on his face as he thought of robbing those blasted wizards blind. He's not usually one for thievery (At least, not anymore...), but he feels it more or least justified doing it against those archmage menaces to society!

The empath just gave a radiant smile to Shiva second remark, and affectionately ruffled her hair a bit. 'Now THAT is the positive attitude I am looking for my group! Perhaps if everyone keeps their spirits up, it will help lift Nathan's as well, and salve those wounded feelings we have invaritably caused him..... No, stay positive Ventus Zackarieh!' he thought, refusing to let his own emotional state dip into a more dour and negative feelings. His adorable dear friend's comment on the Scimitar base, though, caused his smile and demeanor to take a turn for the more serious, as he carefully and quietly responded to her.

"For now, I rather not stir the hornet's nest anymore than we already have by re-entering the base so soon after our raid. I suggest that we instead head over to the pond by the Medicine Man's hunt, disguise ourselves mind way with our Scimitar Robes and Mask, and then do a much better job of destroying that underwater entrance to their base. After that, we can go visit that....'Spot' you meet Braixen at, and see if their has been any developments there since last time. I also plan on going hunting with Apsis relatively soon to sate her hunger for the trip towards Ginger Town, and while you do not have to accompany me, I'd be happy have you by my side. How do those plans sound, my darling witch...?" he said, the last term of enderment slipping out juuuust too late for him to backtrack on it. Oh dear. This....was awkward.

[Iron]

"I can meet you in Ginger Town if you prefer, or as I said you could make the transfer with a PC...though, now that I think about it, a machine of that complexity might do poorly in a Pokeball. I think the Castaclay would be safe but not the apparatus they used to build it."

"I would simply ride Rapidash to Ginger Town; it's no inconvenience. That route is very safe, and Rapidash can handle even Breakneck Ridge."

"Poison types are quick to mutate under strange conditions. Maybe that's why Scimitar picked them. Or maybe they just needed bulk Pokemon to fill a trap, and threw the dregs in there. Doesn't explain the Shiny though... Even a Zubat sells for a good price if it's shiny."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"For now, I rather not stir the hornet's nest anymore than we already have by re-entering the base so soon after our raid. I suggest that we instead head over to the pond by the Medicine Man's hunt, disguise ourselves mind way with our Scimitar Robes and Mask, and then do a much better job of destroying that underwater entrance to their base. After that, we can go visit that....'Spot' you meet Braixen at, and see if their has been any developments there since last time. I also plan on going hunting with Apsis relatively soon to sate her hunger for the trip towards Ginger Town, and while you do not have to accompany me, I'd be happy have you by my side. How do those plans sound, my darling witch...?" he said, the last term of enderment slipping out juuuust too late for him to backtrack on it. Oh dear. This....was awkward.

Oh, right... Now that he mentions it..."Oh, I'll SURELY will enjoy the money we got from selling that Nugget and Pearl. Hehe... I already saved enough to pay for my Breeder's Lisence, Nathan even helped me out on it. So generous!~ But with the bonus, maybe I can get some special treats for my Pokemon (UltraSnax?) or waaay more Balls to collect waaay more Pokemon... Or buy more shards if they sell them somewhere apart from the Aquarium in Corsage...Azurill would probably enjoy that heart-shaped shard from the gift shop. What a nice thought. She's growing confident under my care..."

However, before she could dwell into more delighted thought about her Pokemon's development, the fact that they made it out of the Base unharmed aside from...Nathan - it pained her a little that he failed to look at her as she asked him to go talk to Professor Mallorn, is it that hard for him? Oh dear... - and the money-bonus, Ventus prevented that with one of his well-known smiles. He'll never relearn this despite the misery in his so far life, will he... That was precious, hopefully he never will. Hmmm... "Hey... Your Noibat already messed up my hair not long ago, are you following his example now?" He didn't mean it ill, by all means not, and she clearly enjoyed that mischievous-affectionate gesture from him. In fact, she spoke the words out with a playful ring. "You DO enjoy this do, you?~ Well, can't blame you for it... You send me out of your room before I had the chance to bring some order in that strands. Well, nevermind... We're waiting anyway for Nathan to finish his talk..." After rummaging just a bit in bagpack, she brought out a small wooden hairbrush suited for traveling, and began to detangle the middle-brown split ends in careful movements while Facing Ventus to express that she'll still listen to him as he was about to answer her question towards the further plans. It'll be messed up in no time anyway, but that didn't meant she could just leave them as they were.

"Aww... You remember that I wished to visit the lair of my magical fox, and STILL wish to accompany me? How wonderful! We surely can, and I agree on you to better not risk things by heading down the base once more. If you're fine with that, I'll join you on your trip to the pond where we found the underwater entrance - and that Pinsir - to destroy it to some degree, or at least dismantle it. Your merchant can surely join us too, where is he actually? Also, let's wait for Nathan to finish his talk with Professor Mallorn first though, and tell him of this plan, alright? I don't know what he wishes to do now, or rather he'd prefer some alone time, but we should really not leave him in the dark. Wasn't this the place where we found the first Drive...?" And where she snatched that book concerning Earth Lore, but since they'll be disguised as Scimitars, hopefully the Healer won't cotton on to WHO 'lent' that book... Too bad, Shiva won't give it away anymore.

"I'd be fine to go hunting with you, we could do that right after or during revisiting the lair. Maybe I'll be lucky to find some herbs during that, the forest seems to be full of those..." Before she could say anything more into that direction though, Ventus did... She stopped mid-movement, and glances at him in a...pretty suprised state. Not directly 'bad', but this was EXACTLY what she meant by 'he's acting strange around me for some reason'... Now that they are safe, does he live up to the awkwardness and that playful game again? It wasn't like she held anything against that, not at all, but couldn't help to wonder what has happened. Likely to his own suprise, she didn't reacted too much to it though. At least, she didn't jumped into the game, the adorable smile she gave him did not hide any mischief in it, it was more a warm and appreciating one. "...Did you indeed just call me 'my darling witch'? How cute of you... Mum occasionally calls me like that as well."

[Dragonstrike]

"I wouldn't be surprised if those Zubat had been breeding while they were cooped up.  There were at least 30 of them, and we had to take down 20 or so before they fled...but yeah, I think it'd be best if you just met us at Ginger Town.  The sooner we get rid of that clay, the better.  I'd rather not have that around for an extended period of if we can help it..."

[Lord Windos]

"Oh, Nathan gave you some Poke to take the Breeder's License Examination? He never told me himself, I believe, but it gladdens my heart to hear him help you with that much sought after goal of yours! Perhaps you can return the favor someday by getting something nice for him in return for his generosity, like the Upgrade I bartered for his Porygon, but for now I believe that Nate has some apologizing to do before he starts receiving gifts anytime soon...."  Ventus replied, a both a little surprised and overjoyed by that gesture of kindness. Even before he was let in on the Truth (To some degree), he was still willing be a supportive, caring friend to Shiva. Maybe he needs a reminder on how kind actions such as this has great power...

At Shiva comment over hair, he gave her a bemused smile, mischief twinkling in his eyes as he thought up the PERFECT response. "Hmm...well, since your hair was a mess, I thought I'd give you a hand in getting it back into place, but I'm afraid my touch is no where near as gentle as yours. Or at least, that is what I am led to believe, judging by the way you were cuddling my side like a fluffy pillow this morning. It's unfortunate that you couldn't get your hair straightened due to my insistence, but unless you wanted to see me sketch for a half hour and strip for a shower, I spared you such dull sights, my friend," the empath non-chalently said, a perfectly composed as he teased her right back. He's not one to start playful behavior, but he'll certainly indulge it if that is the game she wants to keep playing...

The researcher was rather pleased that she agreed his plan of action, and nodded at the idea of including Valder in on his activities. They were his mercenary, after all, and more importantly a valued friend, so having them around was always a positive thing in his eyes. Especially if they get into a sticky situation, and have need of Ghastly and Theo to help sort things out! "I'll offer if he wants to accompany us to the Medicine Man's house like last time, and if he refuses I'll leave him to his own devices for the time being. He may be my hired hand, but I'm not a slave driver nor have a dictatorial relationship with him. I want him to be happy under my employment, so that he's more than willing to return the favor for me. That, and he's my friend; I want what is best for him, in the end."

Unfortunately for him, though, Shiva was quick to pick up on his slip, but at the very least she didn't pounce upon the opportunity to tease him silly (Though given his earlier comment, he's quite surprised she didn't). Her remark about it being her mother's nickname for her caused his good mood to diminish ever so slightly, but it was not perceptible on the outside of his cheerful smile. "Then your mother has great sense for naming, on top of being wonderfully supportive of your dreams as well. My own mother often playfully called me 'Her Little Rader', for my uncanny ability to pinpoint who was sad, disappoint, glum, or just feeling negative, and help comfort them in my own little special way. Wish I could have done something about her own grief later on, but I was not infalliable in my abilities. Not now, not then."

[Dragonstrike]

(That should wrap up the call, I think.  Not much else the group has to say to Mallorn, right?  I'm going to skip ahead just a little bit here, and we can flashback to the end of the call later if needed)

After Mallorn hangs up, Nathan sighs again and puts a hand on his forehead in thought.  He...still wasn't feeling very energized nor happy.  Kirlia was starting to mirror his mood, too...that might not have been too much of a problem for Ralts, but for Kirlia...he...needed to stay strong.  For both their sakes.  He'd lost Shiva's trust so easily, though...he wasn't sure he could trust himself, either...

Kirlia grabs Nathan's hand to show his support...




...and then drags him out of the chair and onto the floor?!

"OW!  What was that for?"

Kirlia just gives him a look that says 'you know exactly what that was for' and then points at Shiva.  He was pretty tired of Nathan being sad and depressed.  The faster they cleared this up, the better off they'd be.

Nathan shakes his head.  "No, not now, Ki..."

Not a wise thing for him to say, as Kirlia starts giving him a small headache with psychic power again.  Nathan winces in pain, grits his teeth, and tries to power through it...

And then Kirlia makes it just a little more painful...just enough for Nathan to understand that Kirlia's not going to let him leave this conflict hanging...

"...urgh...fine...I surrender...ow..."

That was going to sting for a little while...Kirlia helps Nathan get up, giving him a look that almost says 'you can do this' as he does so.

The two of them make their way over to the table.  Nathan's got quite the headache now, though...

[Lord Windos]

Ventus noticed the spat that Nathan and Kirlia, both from the emotions that were playing out between them and because he saw it out of the corner of their eye, but decided to tactfully not comment on it. Besides a bit more good humor in his smile, the researcher's expression was perfectly welcoming as he motioned for him to sit down beside them. "Glad to have your company yet again, my friend! Now that we all have wrapped up informing Dr. Mallorn on the recent state of our affairs and updated him on our mutual enemies, how about you share the information you gathered from those binders yourself? I only was able to glance through them before my attention was drawn to the safe, but what little I saw was quite interesting. Also, me, Shiva, and perhaps Valder are planning to go the pond by the Medicine Man's house and take care of that other entrance to the Scimitar base, and do some exploring/hunting as well. You are welcome to join us, but if you have other tasks that need be completed, then I won't mind if you decline my offer."

[Dragonstrike]

Ventus noticed the spat that Nathan and Kirlia, both from the emotions that were playing out between them and because he saw it out of the corner of their eye, but decided to tactfully not comment on it. Besides a bit more good humor in his smile, the researcher's expression was perfectly welcoming as he motioned for him to sit down beside them. "Glad to have your company yet again, my friend! Now that we all have wrapped up informing Dr. Mallorn on the recent state of our affairs and updated him on our mutual enemies, how about you share the information you gathered from those binders yourself? I only was able to glance through them before my attention was drawn to the safe, but what little I saw was quite interesting. Also, me, Shiva, and perhaps Valder are planning to go the pond by the Medicine Man's house and take care of that other entrance to the Scimitar base, and do some exploring/hunting as well. You are welcome to join us, but if you have other tasks that need be completed, then I won't mind if you decline my offer."

At hearing THAT, Nathan is startled.  Headache or no, that was one of the last things he wanted to hear right now.

"No.  Absolutely not.  That's a terrible idea.  Do you WANT them to think someone's deliberately messing with them?  I'd rather we just get out of here and far away from that statue ASAP before they potentially link the missing Castaclay to us.  We're not here to fight them, remember?  And besides, they're likely to both have other ways in and ways to repair the damage, so I doubt that would do much of anything except tip them off."

Oh my...that was quite a strong reaction...

[Lord Windos]

Ventus instantly frowned at that remark, and shook his head in disagreement of the statement. "I understand the concern, my friend, but the fact stand that we already left plenty of evidence for malicious activity on our part. Breaking into their base, knocking out their guard, security systems, and laboratory, looting everything that wasn't and was nailed do - to an extent - , and got Mallorn and his associates on their trail as well.... If those are not clear signs of foul play to them, then I doubt anything else we do will get through their think heads. They are probably well aware by this point that someone or some party is undermining their efforts, regardless of what else we do in this town. "

"I am also MORE than willing to fight them, but since you and Shiva don't share the same desire (For now....), I have to follow along if I don't want to cause unnecessary discord. As for repairs, even if they can fully fix all the damages we inflict upon their infrastructure, its a waste of both time, productivity, and resources for them to do so, so its hardly without heavy cost for them. If we keep harshing them like this over time....it can add up, Nate. Finally, if you remember from our first encounter with them in that unnatural swamp, they ALREADY are aware of us and our activities to some extent. Not that keeping incognito is unimportant, but fact is that its inevitable before they gather more intel on us at some point and use it to strike at us again. "

"Plus, we have cloack and Masks now to disguise ourselves when are crusading against them, so if they do see us, they'll think its some hired goons of another organization or group, rather than a group of traveler exploring Cheshire. Like I said, you don't have to join us if you object or have other task to do, but that is your choice my friend. Shiva is in agreement with my plan, and Valder doesn't really care one way or another as long as he gets paid - no offense ment to you, of course - , so please don't get angry at us if we decide to go through it anyway, despite your advice on the matter...."

Ventus was completely calm and affable in his tone the entire time, both not to aggrevate his friend further than he already is AND to prevent him from finding any other reason to take offense to what he said beside his rationale. This isn't the first or last time they had disagreement like this, and the empath has seen the pattern develop over time. Which mean that this will likely result in another explosion, or Nathan going back to sulk because his expectations where not meat. Oh dear.