[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Off to the daycare we go, then!  Nathan considers what kind of battle conditions he wants on the way there.  It's a complex situation, and if he's going to achieve what he needs to, he needs to pick the details carefully...

Calam's racing ahead of everyone else again as well, eager to get going.

[Iron]

Golda opens the door to let in the horde.

"Oh, Shiva, you brought all your friends! Great. This must be the man with the Corsola. Hello! And, oh my, this trainer has an Absol!"

Indeed, Absol has come bounding in, almost knocking over Wir, who is just coming in with his newspaper.

Calam races through the house and even manages to operate the handle of the door by himself. Then he goes out into the pasture.

Everyone who's here to see the baby Absol follows. (Wir and Ventus can step into another room to discuss business. )
They find Calam nosing the young Absol, who is twitching his tail. Kirlia grins broadly at the sight, and Nathan feels that happiness wash back into his mind.

"Well, don't be shy!" says Golda. "He responds well to cuddles and playing. But not to aggressive play, so please don't pretend to use attacks."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Spoiler

The researcher thought long and hard about this as Shiva and Nathan discuss a 2v1 battle of all things against him (He saved that thought for later, as well as the scattered, hestiatant emotional mess that the boy was currently enduring right now), before he finally responded to her. "Normally, I would greatly desire the chance to study the young of the seculsive Absol species, but I'm afraid I will have to decline your offer. I doubt the caretakers would appreciate a stuffy researcher doing a thorough examination on their latest breeding project, and I wouldn't want to impose on them in anyway. However, you can tell me your experience with the pup at a later date for my notes, since I consider second hand knowledge just as good as my own investigations, especially coming from a dear friend and Breeder such as yourself!"

At a later point while on the road towards the Daycare, Shiva's question about his skill in cosmetics, he just casually told her : "My mother taught me what she knew concerning makeup and its various applications. My sister was not very feminine, taking heavily after my dad's passionate yet simplistic demeanor, I was the opposite in that regard, and I showed an interest in it, so my mother figured 'Why not?' Later on, after...that happened, one of the various jobs I took before I entered College was a makeup artist, and I received some of professional training in that field, mostly concerning on how to alter one's appearance to varying degrees and varieties. If you are interested, I can always share some of my knowledge with you. Its not the usual field I'm accustomed to teaching, but I would still enjoy it regardless!"

*Slight Flashback and Flashforward!*

Ventus's thoughts on the matter were rather straightforward surprisingly, given his usually tendency to be descriptive and elaborate with his words. "I don't mind challenging Nate to a fight, Shiva. While conversation and discussion can help clear many a problem between friends, sometime a good Pokémon battle is needed to let those resentful emotions and stress go. For those that have difficulties with social interactions, or have reason not to speak normally to another, it is perhaps the fastest way to resolve conflict between parties. Of course, I would like to know the conditions of the battle before I start drawing up any plans, but that can be discussed on the way to the Daycare Center. Let us move out, my friends!"

Shiva actually could not help but to feel just a little disappointed as Ven declined the offer of meeting the young Absol, but she certainly understood why and how it'd be a hassle to both discuss Ariel's stay at the place as well as study to black-white feline. Therefore, she rather quickly let go of the negativity and gave him a slight appreciating smile. "Makes...actually sense, you'll probably be busy enough with discussing things concerning your Corsola with Golda. But, I'll certainly let you know about how the socializing of the Absol worked out. Okay?"

Though, what came a little suprising - or actually not on the second glance - was that Ventus seemed to way more free and willing to solve things via a Pokemon Battle. That was when slight feelings of incomprehension emerged, but who is she to object if two out of three are down with the idea right away? Ah... It must be the issue that they never said no to a good Pokemon battle and clearly are more experienced in the field, while Shiva seemingly was more of the pacifistic type when if comes to similar issues. As for venting negative emotions and stress, it still felt like a Pokemon Battle was still not the best way to do so, but seemingly the saying 'To each their own' was more than right here. Knowing that she lost the fight and her worries DESPITE a true eagerness to help out Nathan here are her own, she gave both Ven and Nathan a carefully clance, before sighing impercible and "Fine... If both of you agree with things without any problem, then we'll go for it. We can discuss further conditions for this battle along the way, since we spend enough time in this Lobby already. I don't wish to miss the Absol, certainly not." Meanwhile, Azurill had finished feeding on the offered sliced fruit and got herself comfortable on his Mastre's lap, where she received carefull strokes over the ear. It seemed like this was more a gesture to calm Shiva's own worries towards this battle, but for now there were other things to take care of first.

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Nathan's Absol was surely very eager to meet a young one of its kind, and in contrary to Shiva, he was even openly showing this. It was pleasant to see, but secretly she still hoped that everything will work out well.

Wait a moment, that seemed to be yet another side of the oddball of researcher, one that she didn't know of before. My, he certainly was full of suprises, and gladly Shiva kinda enjoyed this. "So... Really? YOU of all costs worked for short as a make-up artist? That's actually rather interesting to hear!~ I'd love to casually talk with you about what they teached you there, but sadly not know... But maybe we can do so, don't know, when we might have some free time in Stair City, maybe over a casual cup of coffee?"


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Mechanics:
Ven can surely reply on things to her if he wishes, especally on the last part, but for now I'm also down to meet Infiltrator-Absol now~ Oh, the anticipation.

EDIT: Whoops, already happened. Well, in that case, this post is a flashback.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Well, don't be shy!" says Golda. "He responds well to cuddles and playing. But not to aggressive play, so please don't pretend to use attacks."

"Oh... Well, in that case..." After a little bit of rummaging in bagpack, Shiva brought out the familiar Minccino's Tail with the old and faded Soothe Bell attached to its base with a light purple ribbon, before carefully calling Infiltrator-Absol to her both to stroke it carefully over the white fur on his head - Shiva actually never had the chance to stroke an Absol, not even at home - before seeing whether the Absol or even both are up for a casual playing session. The young one deserves to be socilaized and enjoy some casual time before his time has come to actually play his role in the mission.

[Lord Windos]

Golda opens the door to let in the horde.

"Oh, Shiva, you brought all your friends! Great. This must be the man with the Corsola. Hello! And, oh my, this trainer has an Absol!"

(...)

Everyone who's here to see the baby Absol follows. (Wir and Ventus can step into another room to discuss business. )

"A pleasure to meet you as well, mam. Now, if you excuse me my friend, I'll be going over the fine details of Ariel's residency at this fine facility. Have fun!" he said to Golda and his friends, before stepping into a side room with Wir. With a flick of his wrist, Ariel's Pokeball was in hand, and he gave the man a friendly smile as he began hashing out the price for his sister's stay here.

"As Shiva has already informed you, I wish to leave Ariel, my Corsola, in you care for the time being. I currently have no space in my party for her, so up until this point I had to box her in my PC, as loathesome the decision was. Yesterday I remembered the local Daycare, and seeing as my friend is a friend of yours, I wanted to see if you would look after her with the rest of your stock of Pokémon. Now, I'm delighted that you agreed to host her, their comes the matter of the upkeep cost associated with properly raising a Pokémon. I'm a Pokémon Researcher by trade primarily, but I have friends in the Breeder sector in Unova that can attest to how expense it is to run their operations, so I don't want to undercharge you. So...." Ventus said, trailing off as he stuck his hand into his satchel and withdrew the two Corsola Branch that Ariel had shed over the weeks!

'...I propose a business arrangement that would benefit the both of us. Every seven days, my Corsola sheds one of these branchs, which are highly sought after by both collectors of oceanic nick nacks, but for also their medicinal and supplemental properties they posses. In exchange for the two branches I have currently, and the rights to all the ones Ariel sheds while in your care, she can stay at the Daycare indefinitely, bar any unusual circumstance on either of our parts. The base price for each Branch is roughly $400 Poke, and it only goes up with further Crafting and processing, so you would be amply compensated by the deal, while my Corsola gets all the care and support she needs. I'm also willing to discuss breeding rights for her, if you care to have her reproduce for more Corsola for trainers or for various purposes. Do we have a deal, sir?"

[Dragonstrike]

First off, Nathan apologizes to the daycare owners for Calam's eager forwardness.  "He's been really, really eager to meet this young Absol since Shiva told us about it last night.  He's refused to stay in his pokeball despite any insistence on my part.  Not sure why exactly.  He means well, though.  Calam might look a bit rough, but he's very well mannered, all things considered."

Seeing Calam socializing with the young Absol...it does remind Nathan a little of how some Rapidash socialize with their young.  Well, not Max, but he was a bit of an exception to the rule, being the strict taskmaster of the ranch whenever he was out there.  Which was often.

Kirlia was really happy to see this Absol too...hmmm...or were there other reason contributing to that as well?  The last time Nathan had felt Kirlia being this happy was...when he...evolved...

Kirlia wanders over to socialize with the Absol while Nathan processes that information...

[Iron]

Wir grabs a drink for himself and intuitively chooses a strong Coffee for Ventus.

"Deal," is all he says, and they shake on it.

Golda later has occasion to explain that sometimes Pokemon breed without any human encouragement, and it actually costs extra to give a Pokemon private quarters. She'd like to know if you've determined Corsola's gender yet. Pokemon breeding isn't as sure a thing as it is in the games, though, not by a long shot.

Absol and Kirlia roll around in the dirt, having a grand old time. Kirlia even teaches Absol how to dance, and it seems to be all Calam can do to resist joining in! He watches the baby Absol fondly. Absol and Kirlia have a few races - which the quadruped always wins, of course - and they play fetch with a ribbon Kirlia found. Kirlia also points to Shiva's Minccino Tail and gets her to wave it around for them to play with.

When Baby Absol gets tired, he will rest on his belly, usually chewing on someone's shoe or something. He needs a lot of breaks, being so young.

[Lord Windos]

Wir grabs a drink for himself and intuitively chooses a strong Coffee for Ventus.

"Deal," is all he says, and they shake on it.

Golda later has occasion to explain that sometimes Pokemon breed without any human encouragement, and it actually costs extra to give a Pokemon private quarters. She'd like to know if you've determined Corsola's gender yet. Pokemon breeding isn't as sure a thing as it is in the games, though, not by a long shot.

Ventus returns Wir's handshake with the just the right amount firmness and a simple smile, before toasting to their business together. May it be splendid for the both of them! When Golda later meet up with him and explained some of the details of Pokémon Breeding/ask about Ariel's gender, he elaborated a little more on the topic. "That understandable and acceptable, Ms. Golda. If Ariel takes a fancy to another Pokémon here and decides to reproduce with them, then I find no reason to object to this. My Corsola is a female, though you wouldn't be able to tell by the way she acts most of the time. If she happens to produce the Egg, though, who's ownership would it fall under: the Daycare's or my own? I'm willing to let you take possession of any of them she produces...for a set price, or course. While I am a fairly generous person, I am a traveling all of the Cheshire region conducting research and providing for my friends, so I do need all the Poke I can get to fund both operations."

[Iron]

"Usually the trainer of the mother Pokemon is given ownership of the Egg. Sometimes we help trainers find a suitable adoptive trainer to raise the Egg, as a free service on our part. The trainers dictate the terms, naturally."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Somewhat, it was absolutely sweet to see both the Psychic Fairy as well as the Infiltrator having their fun together, and Shiva could not help but to feel both warmed and somewhat rewarded as she placed herself down under the tree she formerly spend the night before the Gym Battle alongside her Pokemon. For a very short time, there was something like a peaceful mind flooding her, while the splashing of Vapor Falls was present in the background- no worries over the later battle against Nathan, no issues with any of the party's members, no constant taking of over-the-counter meds every morning, and even the feelings of being overshadowed left her alone for just a mere moment. The world was fine.

Though, some small part in her was a little stunned over how WELL they got along, and especially how well Kirlia interacted with the Infiltrator. But, on a second glance the dancer already evolved when he picked up that the Infiltrator hatched, so it wasn't such a big wonder to see him valueing the opportunity to meet the Infiltrator in person before he'll start his mission. Well... Nathan knows as much about why Ralts evolved that he needs to, and things will resolve in the end.

When the young Absol put himself to rest, Shiva carefully and calmly stroke over the white fur of his back, instantly amazed how smooth and soft his fur was. probably a benefit of being an exemplar that has been bred on purpose, one that likely never would see how hard life up in the mountains was. Well, no need to learn this in this case, but...what will happen with the Absol when it completed the Mission? If everything turns out well and he makes it out alive and relatively unharmed? Would Shiva...ever see him again, or was today the first and the last time she was able to pet the Infiltrator like this? Almost instantly, gloom emerged from deep inside, slowly intoxicating that peaceful mind of hers.