[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Nylon]

Valder greets his dandy roommate and leaves the center for fresh air.   He looks over at mt. Sentry and starts walking in the opposite direction as he sends Theo and Froakie out for walking partners.
 He looks around town for good places to train. Both him and his pokemon. He got energy let loose, and attention to be distracted.

 (@Iron, what-whenever, Valder finds, he'll exploit. It can be a training session or some unique gym he finds. Work is also fine, just something that can focus his mind and body. And his pokemon of course)

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

First thing that came to Shiva's mind: When did Ven got a Slowpoke, and more important a King's Rock? 
Second thing: Eh, doesn't really matter I guess...

Once again a few seconds passed while considering how to solve this. Since actually, she wanted to... "Oh, that's the thing, you wanted to teleport over some distance... Hmm, I'd have nothing against lending you my shortly evolved Kadabra (there was still a hint of awe in that part, since it gave her the feeling that she WAS able to get challenging things done!~), however I'm afraid I cannot do that currently... Because, eh, he might not obey you? And I wanted to find a battle for him in the city... Trying out Double Team and his psychic powers, you know... ... ...Ah! Buuuuut I can offer you that he simply uses Teleport on you to send where you where you want to go! This way, he'll stay with me and you keep Kirlia fresh to teleport back. Sounds agreeable? Maybe? I can look into Skiddo and your fierly horse and maybe let the magic happen with a Destiny Knot later when I'm less busy..."


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Once that has been solved, we'll get to...the hatchling!~



Immediately Shiva's mood raised. Not that it has been bad in the first place, but simply thinking of her panda delights her and will probably do so for a few more days. Or weeks? 

"Sooo... Told ya that the black-spotted egg hatched, right? It did so this morning, hearing the cracks in eggshell was like an alarm clock. The Pokemon that hatched...Is a proud and noble Pancham!~♡ From checking his Stats on PC he also knows two rare moves. Let's see..."

It was quite useful that half of the Pokeball turns transparent when the owner(?) touches it. (You know, like in the manga --->https://i.imgur.com/i5A1a.png) Young Pancham was sill sleeping cuddled up to Cottonee's fluff, the shard of the eggshell was hidden away somewhere it seemed. "Oh, he's still resting as I asked him to do, means I cannot show him to you in real... Later, probably. Here, take a look anyway.*showing it to Nathan while keeping it in hand* Isn't he cute?!"

(Nathan didn't actually say anything about a King's Rock.  Just said he was evolving a Slowpoke.  I was actually expecting Shiva to ask why Nathan has to go to Vapor Falls to evolve Slowpoke, tbh...)

"Teleporters have to go with their passengers, unfortunately.  It's not quite the same as teleporting small objects.  If you're worried about him not listening though, I don't expect him to.  All you have to do is tell him to Teleport me there, and then Kirlia can Teleport us back on the return trip.  Shouldn't be any problems if you're the one asking Helios to Teleport, right?  I promise I'll not burden him with anything he doesn't wish to do while I've got him.  And I'm sure Skiddo won't give you too much trouble...maybe...he is a little rowdy...but it should be fine if I explain what's going on to him...I think..."

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Nathan looks at the pokeball carefully, and has pulled his pokedex out to get a more detailed summary of what this Pancham can do.  "Huh...a Pancham...that's a really rare species to see in Creshire...hm?"

He's pulled up the 'known moves' section...

"Drain Punch and...Bullet Punch?  Those are definitely some really rare moves for him to know...particularly Bullet Punch.  I've only ever heard of Pangoro being able to use that move, and only if they're from Alola..."

Nathan draws back from the pokeball now that he's done examining it.

"When he's awake, would you mind if I took a picture of him?"
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When it comes time for the loan, Nathan summons Skiddo to inform him about what's going on.

"Hey there, buddy.  Ya know, I've been seeing more of your species than I've been expecting, lately.  So, how about a nickname?  I was thinking 'Yule' sounds pretty nice.  A nice and strong, passionate name.  I think it suits ya, but what do you think?"

"Also...I need to borrow one of Shiva's pokemon for the day, so...well, I've said she can have you on loan for the day in exchange.  Yes, I know Swiftfire's still with me, but hear me out.  Shiva might have a few tips for you on how to win her over.  Maybe a trick or two that might help as well.  You'll probably have to be on your best behavior though to hear them.  Okay?"

[Iron]

Skiddo remembers Shiva and senses her Destiny Knot too. He'll be on his best behavior.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Well, if that doesn't work... Then you can have Helios for the day and return it to me around evening, I guess. And it's only fair since I can almost always try out his moves while you need his skills right now and I'll need to borrow your Porygon-Z at some point to look into something on my PC, so it's only fair..." Whoops, the words simply came. "You heard that, Helios? You'll be with him for a little more than half of the day, but all I desire you to do is teleport alongside him to Ginger Town. You know, the town where we met and our time started... Maybe you also remember the falls visible from the pasture where I let you and your companions enjoy some free time? (hence, the Daycare, but I don't think he knows which place I mean if I name the place like this) Also, uhm... Give me back that red ball of yarn, please."

Meanwhile, Cottonee managed to win the Destiny Knot back and seemed rather protective over it - but when Master asked, she gladly handed it over to her. "Thanks... That is actually no toy to play with, the effect is a different. But, you surely enjoy that item, nice to see..." For now, though, Shiva packed that Knot away into bagpack for safety.

Same with Pancham in his Pokeball. "Alola is PRETTY far away from here, I think? Hmm... Well, I still need to meet up with a Professor of the University concerning this panda, so maybe that'll enlighten me a little. Sure you can take a picture, just don't know when... Do remind me on it if I accidently forget, okay?"

Shiva surely remembers Skiddo as well and gave the grassy goat a carefuly smile and stroke over his forehead, not touching the horns. "You're coming with me today, huh? Well, nice to hear! I was about to head to the city, so please don't be...too mad or sad when I won't be able to get to you right away, okay?"


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Mechanics:
Unless Nathan has anything more to say, I'm down to leave the backroom now, go outside the GPC as Teleport works not indoors and order Helios to teleport with Nathan. Once that has been done, Shiva will go back into the Lobby, swap her party a little and rejoin with Heart and Ventus.

[Dragonstrike]

"Borrow Porygon-Z later?  Well, I suppose that's fair, but...be careful when you do.  It likes research, but it could unintentionally do more harm than good if you aren't careful...anyways, let me get ready for the trip to the Falls...oh, and uh, two more things real quick that I almost forgot.  If you need Calam's help when Pancham is ready to learn some slightly dirtier fighting techniques, let me know.  And...enjoy your day with Ventus."  There's no bitterness nor anger in his tone and emotions as he says that last part, though. But there is a little bit of...hope? Hmmm...

And then he's back in the lobby before Shiva can react to that, preparing to head out for the day.  He was going to be really busy...

Nathan swaps Starmie for Solomon at the PC, grabs his stuff, recalls Kirlia (Teleport also only affects two creatures and their belongings, so Kirlia would be left behind if he was out of his pokeball)...and then with a tip of his fedora, he's ready for Helios to Teleport him to Ginger Town/Vapor Falls. 

It was time to start looking for more answers...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

There was actually not much to say here, or it was just Shiva who didn't reply to Nathan about the things he said concerning Porygon-Z, to enjoy the day and...my, he also was thinking a little to far ahead for Shiva's taste. Her new panda has hatched this morning and he and Ventus were already pondering about his evolution into a big Pangoro... Must the the natural battler in them or simply the non-natural battler in Shiva. Whether Pancham evolves or not, time will tell... She has that Poochyena. And Spectral at home. Just in case... Simply thinking of 'her' Umbreon was sweet and bitter at the same time.

Once Helios successfully teleported away with Nathan, Shiva remained there where she was giving the order to her Psychic - "Just as discussed, Helios. I'm looking forward to welcome you back alongside me..." - enjoying the fragrance and atmosphere of the city surrounding her. Now not in half darkness anymore, it certainly looked just as pretty as enlighted. As well as more busy.

...Back inside the GPC, first she was making a turn to the PC - despite so many guests in this Center/Hotel, that PC was free and she got to it right away! How do they do that... - and swapped her party a little to her taste (see charasheet), before approaching Ventus in the Lobby who seemed occupied with taking notes - probably his research? Did he waited for her the whole time without going away? How sweet... - and Heart who was there as well (no signs of Valder as he already went to city). Azurill was already in her arms, and...she was wearing that artificial flowercrown featuring felted red roses Shiva snatched at the Clothing Store on Route 4. She must have placed it onto her blue mouse's head without saying a word as a suprise alongside the way from PC to the table Ven and Heart where at. ☆

"Greetings, both of you! Sorry that I kept you people waiting, but thanks that you waited anyway... So, eh, Ven..."

 *coy smile* "If you're ready to get going, we can do so. First thing I desire to see is that Fountain of Brotherhood alongside Azu! From an online city map I picked up that it's not too far away from here, we should arrive there by foot in like five minutes."

[Iron]

Valder is exploring the city.

He passes Dagny's gym. She's not there, but there's a bunch of posters saying Steel trainers are still available to battle, and that a Surprise Special Guest will be in town tonight, Tuesday evening.

While the Gym focuses mostly on trainers, Valder finds word of another training grounds, one that is not run by the League. It's in an old warehouse basement, accessible from a fenced off stairway. Inside the gray brick room is a machine that constructs simple little Pokedroids, animated by contact with the mildly electrified ceiling. You can order up a sparring match with any Pokemon species from Gens I-IV inclusive. The secondary type is always Steel, but you can pick a different primary type than is typical for the Pokemon. Some types are completely unavailable: Dragon, Fairy, and Psychic.

The first time a Pokemon has a training session with these guys, he gets +1XP in addition to the normal benefits of training.

[Iron]

Helios obeys Shiva's last command, and instantly brings Nathan to the Ginger Town Pokemon Center.

No sign of vines here, but Zamboni is outside his gym talking to a Ranger.

[Dragonstrike]

Helios obeys Shiva's last command, and instantly brings Nathan to the Ginger Town Pokemon Center.

No sign of vines here, but Zamboni is outside his gym talking to a Ranger.

"Thank you, Helios.  I'll let you get some rest now."

Nathan recalls Helios, and then Kirlia's quick to take his place without needing any prompting.

'Well, at least the vines don't seem to have gotten past the mountains yet...that's probably going to be a big obstacle for them...I'm sure they'll get past them if given enough time, though...better get a move on...though I am just a little interested in what Zamboni's discussing with that ranger...'

As he passes by the gym on the way out to Vapor Falls, he makes sure his new fedora is partially concealing his face (a good hat, or lack of one, can make you look vastly different, after all).  Maybe he could catch a little of what Zamboni was discussing with the Ranger without the gym leader recognizing him as he passed by...if not, probably not a big deal.

[Iron]

Well, you catch the word "Vines" for sure. Their faces seem serious. As a Gym Leader, it's one of Zamboni's responsibilities to be aware of threats to his area. You also hear "Ice vs Grass."