[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Nathan still doesn't look up from his notes when he responds to Ventus again.  Still with not much but indifference.  "And I still need to talk to you about that, if you're actually going to listen to me this time."  No time for Ventus to respond to that, though, as Kirlia and Shiva are here!

(Insert Information about Dagny, Sheldon, and Astronite here!)

It's pretty clear he's talking to Shiva now, but he's not necessarily excluding Ventus either.  In fact, if Ventus tries to slip away for some reason, Kirlia will end up just Teleporting in front of him to keep him there.  And failing that, he'll just Teleport Ventus back to the table directly.  Ventus isn't going anywhere until Nathan's done with him for the night!

Despite his own irritation/bitterness towards the headstrong boy and wishing nothing more than for them to just leave so he could continue to spend this wonderful day with Shiva without them tainting it, Ventus tempered his feelings of resentment and stayed by his dear friend's side. Kirlia giving him the stink eye also contributed to keeping them in place, as the last thing he wanted to do was cause a scene by 'politely' remove the dancer from his path of escape! 'As loathesome is Nathan's company right now, abandoning him now would only cause Shiva to voice her concerns about the status of our 'friendship', which could invariably lead to severely damaged or outright eviscerating his own friendship with her. While he certainly doesn't deserve my care and compassion for his bullish, hurtful insensitivity, that does not mean I should deprive him of the good will and happiness he share with her out of spite. Even he is justified to possessing a friend that isn't blindly loyal or dependent on him to rely upon....if just barely so,' the researcher thought, silently taking in all the information the young trainer provided about his own daytime excersions through the city. Admitidly he DID find news about Sheldon and the Astronite line to be highly intriguing, but the empath didn't show or broadcast such emotions towards Nathan, as the last thing he wanted to do was give him positive reinforcement when he deserves NONE.

Nathan's expression resets to neutral when Dagny is brought up.

"Eh.  City's okay.  Dagny's nice.  She's not JUST a gym leader, though, Shiva.  She's the innovative, forward thinking, former warrior, leader of Creshire.  Well, one of the two.  Tanuki in Cress City is the other one.  Yes, she uses Steel (she's known as the Steel Wonder).  No, I didn't see any of her pokemon.  She's not accepting any challenges until those vines are dealt with.  They're a very, very real danger that we need to take seriously.  I've had to spend the entire day trying to figure out how to stop them, and I'm still nowhere near the answer I need.  Only conclusion I've reached so far is how to delay them..."

"Oh, uh, right.  While I'm thinking about it, there's something REALLY important you need to know about Dagny when you eventually meet her.  And this goes double for you, Ventus.  Don't.  Talk.  About.  The wheelchair.  At all.  Period.  It's a sensitive topic, and her temper is rather legendary.  You'll be plastered against a wall in seconds just for bringing it up."

Kirlia's a little less forward in his intent once he's satisfied that Ventus isn't going anywhere.  In fact, now he's doing something completely different!  Now he's indicating to both Ventus and Nathan that they should head to the back room again.  And he's not taking no for an answer!

"Kirlia, what are you...oh, you think now is a good time?"

Kirlia nods.

"...*sigh*...alright, alright...Ventus, back room."

The researcher tiled his head in contemplation as Nathan gave a further in depth description of The Steel Wonder Dagny herself - 'Such a description reminds me of Clay from Driftvil City, though it sounded that she have severe temper issues and is far more grave than the cowboy is even capable of being...-, and filed away her EXTREME sensitivity towards her handicap for potential use later with a curt nod and the words "Duly noted."

He DID, however, give the boy a rather impressive glower despite still politely smiling, as the very last thing he wanted to do right now was have another 'heart to heart' with them, especially after they so viscously tried to poke gapping holes into it! However, he knew by look at both his and Kirlia's face that this was not just something he could calmly decline and avoid without causing a major commotion in the lobby and worrying/distressing Shiva greatly (well, more than she already is, anyway), so Ventus just let out a tired, frustrated sigh and nodded his head.

"Lead the way, Nathan."

Shiva didn't reply about Nathan's warning about not to mention that wheelchair, neither towards anything concerning the vines, as she was lost in these thoughts... However, she surely looked up at 'you think now is a good time' with a raised eyebrow, and that suspicious feeling only grew stronger as Nathan asked Ven to head to a backroom.

Of course something happened again, my dear.
Dear Reshiram...
Let them handle it on their own this time, okay?
Sounds good for me, as I'm busy enough, actually...

Sighing impercible, she looked away from Nathan and faced Ventus beside her. Her gaze seemed to say something like 'Really? What happened again?', but she didn't spoke out any of these thoughts. Instead, she gave the sociologist a dear and comforting squeeze of the hand (much like he did already), trying to show confidence to him. She also spoke in a lower voice to him. "I'll wait for you to return here in the Lobby... Please come back soon, okay? And please don't power yourself out too much, you know, as I STILL want you beside me when I call home tonight."

The fae lass' own questioning stare and feelings of reservation/unease caused the empath sullen discontent to ease off somewhat as he returned her hand squeeze with one of his own. "I promise you I won't. We still have a meeting with your father than needs be conducted, and I would not want to disappoint either of you by the exclusion of my presence during the call, so I won't get too worked up during my talk with Nathan and return ASAP. So please, don't worry about us, dear...."

[Dragonstrike]

Back in the back room again, door locked once more.

"Scan the room.  You know what I'm going to talk about.  But also summon Raphael, and cool it a little.  I'm trying to be reasonable, and you're making it VERY difficult to do so as things stand currently."

[Lord Windos]

Back in the back room again, door locked once more.

"Scan the room.  You know what I'm going to talk about.  But also summon Raphael, and cool it a little.  I'm trying to be reasonable, and you're making it VERY difficult to do so as things stand currently."

After doing a quick sweep of the room and finding bugger all in the way of survalience equipment, the young trainer's next request it took all his restraint not to roll his eyes and totally dismiss Nathan's request for his archangel's inclusion in the conversation, but never the less he valiantly managed, as despite how grudgingly he admits to himself, having Raphael out to provide a soothing atmosphere was a sound idea. So with a nod of his head, he snapped out his wrist, sending Raphael's shooting out and impacting the floor, summoning the angelica Pokémon in a flash of light, where upon it immediantly noticed the sheer negativity that was radiated by their master towards Nathan, causing them hover towards them and let out a very concerned chirp at their father. This...this wasn't like him at all . Ventus was almost always happy, kind, chipper, and a comforting soul when unprovoked, patient and generous with his affection with all, so what could have triggered such hostile feeling towards the boy...?

Ventus' heart almost broke at seeing his in such distress in his dear child over his dour state of mind, causing him to quickly come over to give them a tender, heartfelt hug and a few mumers of support/encouragement, as he if their is one thing he hates/despises more than Nathan right now, its upsetting Raphael in anyway! "My child, please don't fret too much about my current disposition. Nate and I.....we are not getting along Swift Swimmingly right now, but that is something we can both overcome or work around with time and effort on both our parts. Its why I presume he requested your aid to help smooth over tension between us, I believe. Isn't that right, Nate?" the empath said to them, raising his from his archangel's body and fixing him with a stare that perfectly conveyed his mood at the moment. That is, 'Resentful, Challenging, Unhappy, but never the less willing to hold a conversation with you and listen to what you say' , if only for the shake of his own child's happiness and peace of mind. He loves his Pokémon dearly, and it tears at him to even disappoint them in the slightest, so Ven will be on his best behavior here...but he expects the very same out of you as well. Otherwise.....

Feeling much better from the hug and the outpour of loving sympathy from their father, Raphael let out a content chirp that signal the end of their embrace. Ventus still gave them one last head scratch (Earning a happy coo from them) before they floated over to Kirlia's side to monitor the conversation between their respective masters/friend/father figure, ready to intervene at a moment's notice to soothe either side's temper should it flair!

Order: Raphael is out and about, and can be used by either Ven or Nathan to help the calm down in a pinch, as the archangel is an all loving Pokémon that just want to help others! Hopefully it will, in this case...

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Aha... So that Dagny was some sort of 'celebrity' of this region? Similar like Chuckles from Corsage Port...? Eh, nope, that was different... Shiva clearly remembers that picture of that particular Gmy Leader in her Guidebook. That coldness, that intimidation she felt as she saw that page for the first time... It all gave her cold shivers at that time. Plus, he uses Ghost Types, ugh.... Dagny was a different issue, it seems? Her Gym surely looks intimidating, but something about it drags Shiva to it. Was it the fact that she did so well in the battle against Zamboni and defeated him with the help of her magical fox on first try and without huge trouble, something she really didn't expected to happen? Still, it'd be lying if she'd say that she didn't very faintly had a hope to do well in that icy battle... Maybe she could repeat that in a steely battle? Maybe... Her new sweet panda surely displayed power in his punches.

Shiva didn't reply about Nathan's warning about not to mention that wheelchair, neither towards anything concerning the vines, as she was lost in these thoughts... However, she surely looked up at 'you think now is a good time' with a raised eyebrow, and that suspicious feeling only grew stronger as Nathan asked Ven to head to a backroom.

Of course something happened again, my dear.
Dear Reshiram...
Let them handle it on their own this time, okay?
Sounds good for me, as I'm busy enough, actually...

Sighing impercible, she looked away from Nathan and faced Ventus beside her. Her gaze seemed to say something like 'Really? What happened again?', but she didn't spoke out any of these thoughts. Instead, she gave the sociologist a dear and comforting squeeze of the hand (much like he did already), trying to show confidence to him. She also spoke in a lower voice to him. "I'll wait for you to return here in the Lobby... Please come back soon, okay? And please don't power yourself out too much, you know, as I STILL want you beside me when I call home tonight."

 

After some time of preparation Heart decide to go to the Lobby to wait for the others to come. He was a bit surprise to see Shiva. He decides to wave her hand and decides to aproach (but not much since he must respect her space) and talk with her. "Heya Shiva. How are you?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(I need to wait before starting my next battle in the Toureny, so time for a quick reply!)

The fae lass' own questioning stare and feelings of reservation/unease caused the empath sullen discontent to ease off somewhat as he returned her hand squeeze with one of his own. "I promise you I won't. We still have a meeting with your father than needs be conducted, and I would not want to disappoint either of you by the exclusion of my presence during the call, so I won't get too worked up during my talk with Nathan and return ASAP. So please, don't worry about us, dear...."

Shiva kept on facing him for a little longer than necessary, before giving him a single nod to show agreement to his words. "Thank you... I'll try not to worry. Not too much, hehe... Well, see you then." Then, she relucantly let go of his hand and watched them both leave.

...Seems like she was alone with her mind again. And her Pokemon. In fact, she felt just a little lost. She didn't feel like training her Pokemon now, neither to get some tea from the restaurant of the GPC. What to do? She needed and wanted to distract herself in any way.

*******

That desire for distraction turned into a neat scene of Pancham being held close with one arm of his mother owner and allowed to nap cuddled up to the Cottonee Fluff he held, while in Shiva's other hand was that Minccino's Tail with the faded Soothe Bell attatched to it. Both Cottonee and Azurill were snatching after it, enjoying this Playing Session with their Master...

When Heart came close, Shiva actually looked up and gave him a warm expression, like she didn't mind that he approaches. "Uhm... Yeah, hi? How am I doing... Fine, I guess. Just waiting for Ven to return... What did you do all day?"

[Spiritmon]

"I fine too. I have a awesome day today. Me and Koa beat a guy who have a group of Diglet and man that was awesome! All I can say me and Koa is more trust to each other heh." Heart then come with a invite to Shiva. "Actualy I came here with a invite. I...could notice Ventus and Nathan wasnt go along very well to each other, more when we came to this city after the Tangrownt battle. I know that is not my business but...I dont like to see friends hold grudges against each other. So I was thinking about a dinner in group would might help the mood of everyone and perhaps mends things between Ventus and Nathan." Then Heart blush a little. "And, well, y-you people was very nice with me and accept me in your group, so I was trying to retribute the kidness too. So I would to invite you, Ventus, Nathan and Valey to a dinner. If you all want of course."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Good, he jumped onto 'I'm doing fine'. She herself wasn't very sure whether she really was fine anymore, as the day was so pleasant until being assured that there WAS something conflictlike within the group again... Anyway, stroking over the balc ears of the young Pancham in her arms and speaking with Heart surely did the job of a distraction well.

"Nice to see that you're getting along with that green dragon...No, Cottonee, no playing Dragon Slayer right now. Take good care of him if you want him to become a mighty Haxorus one day..." ... "Dinner sounds good as well. I don't think it'll 'mend' things between them - us - but it shouldn't do any harm, should it?"

[Spiritmon]

Heart was very plesant and smile after Shiva replied. "Thank you Shiva. And dont worry: Nothing bad will happen. Perhaps It will not help very much between them, but hope is the last!" Them Hearts notice the little Pamcham in Shiva arms. "It is...a Pamcham? I didnt know they live here in this Region."

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan takes a moment to take advantage of the more soothing aura Raphael is emitting with some quiet meditation for a minute.

It wasn't the same as doing so at Vapor Falls...but it helps.

"Look, last time I want to say this.  I'm sorry that what I said came across as hurtful.  That wasn't my primary intention with stating that.  You...you can still do a lot of good, you know.  It just doesn't have to be with such...extreme measures all the time.  Particularly when they're both somewhat unjustified in this region's opinion, and when it would serve to only do more harm to you than help others.

"Truth be told...I have nothing against those methods if there's clear indication that they were going to do the same if given the chance.  I...nearly did the same to that Rattata from a couple weeks ago...I didn't though...because...Shiva stopped me.  And I...didn't want to...*sigh*...

'No anger, Nathan.  C'mon, you can do this...keep ahold of yourself...stay calm...explain your reasoning...'

Ventus has a chance to respond, ask for some clarification, etc.

Alright, here's the plan: I'm taking this a little more slowly this time instead of doing one big info dump.  Nathan's got a lot to say, but isn't entirely sure how to phrase it.  Let's see if we can't work something out here without raising tempers...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Heart was very plesant and smile after Shiva replied. "Thank you Shiva. And dont worry: Nothing bad will happen. Perhaps It will not help very much between them, but hope is the last!" Them Hearts notice the little Pancham in Shiva arms. "It is...a Pancham? I didnt know they live here in this Region."

'Don't worry' he says... That plea came a little too late. Nevermind though. It was carefully delightful for her to see Heart so filled with hope. Maybe that's what she needed currently.

"Hmm? Oh, right, that is a Pancham... I didn't encounter this lil' one in the wild though. I don't own a Pokedex either, so I cannot tell you for sure how rare this species is in Chreshire. But unless there are hidden bamboo forests around, I feel they're rather rare here, as they originate from Kalos. The origin of Fairy Type! No, this Pancham hatched just this morning from an egg I received at the Daycare in Ginger Town."