[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Iron, I'd assume Cottonee would be more prone to simply look down from her current seat atop of her Master's head to smol Deino in Ven's arms with a relatively unimpressed expression, or using Growth to increase her fluff to playfully-mischievously show that she's boss against a Dark/Dragon Type, and she's somewhat out of Azrael's headbutting-range. But Cottonee also knows Ventus and how Shiva thinks highly of him. Something like 'I already defeated dragons that were way scarier than you, I have home-field advantage here in this room, so don't ya dare misbehaving, blue and black baby dragon!~')



While the others were somewhat elaborating how that elderly man has adressed her there, Shiva herself was silently enjoying the sliced fruit and berries + the handful of Gourmet Food, all while sharing the food with Cottonee resting atop of her head (she has probably slumped down comfortibly meanwhile). 'Smart, young, scientist girl', huh.... Eh, now that Shiva's spirits have came back, the tiredness of getting up very early has vanished and she rethought about it, it was a tad bit...obvious, because she knows the honorifics... She didn't face anyone while she was pondering and the others were talking, she somewhat failed at hiding that blush that came up as she thought about such a praise from the elderly man. Though a coy smile soon joined that embarrasment. S-She was just curious, attentive and holds a liking for Eevee and its various evolutions, so asking about it was rather naturally for her! Now, another thought came to her, as she was wondering what would have happened and how things would have developed if Spectral would have random-evolved into a Sylveon instead... She had the potential to do so, definitely, now that Shiva thought of her Umbreon at home, and it'd probably leave her whole familiy even more positively stunned over her 'accomplishment', if she'd have come downstairs for breakfast some years ago with a Sylveon having her ribbons wrapped around her arm instead. Would she still be the same person then...? Maybe not exactly the same, and that thought scared her a little.

If Ventus doesn't stop soft-complimenting her and increasing the flustered thankfulness she felt by doing so visbly and emotionally, he'd get a pillow thrown in his face that'd make him stop, followed by suprise-tacklehug. She does understand what he spoke in Japanese for the some part, mostly because she joined a free course in highschool to learn this language, but she doesn't speak it much as her focu laid on understanding and reading this language. Now to think about it, she was lucky that she hadn't have to learn a new language to get along in Chreshire before she came here.

Pokemon are allowed in her dorm, unless they're too big (like Tropius), scary/uncomfortable for her (like Delta Houndour or any Poison Type) or outright disobediant and dangerous. Now to think about is, with a flash of white light she summoned her own - caught - Furret, and let him interact with the smaller Furret Nathan was holding as much as these two liked.

Since Nathan was investigating the books on the table with his eyes, he'd likely notice another one in the small stack that I had in mind but missed to mention, it was a dark fantasy novel featuring Pokemon from a Unovian author, probably something Shiva was reading curently. Given the title, it contained romantic elements, maybe tragic love.


Finally though, Shiva does speak up, as they're not here to discuss various languages. "Uhm... Well, eh, yes, Heart, there's reason I asked ya all (you too, Valder/@Nylon!~) to come up here - thing is, I was at the Violet Tent yesterday and will head there again, not only because I...well... I ran into someone, or let's say he found me instead, who could help us finding the Secret Library." At least now it should be clear why Shiva wanted to not discuss this down in the Lobby. "But first...."

Now, she actually faced Ventus, waiting until he returned her gaze - he'd find her keeping eye contact for a little longer than usually, somewhat calmly - before she would a bit timidly look down to investigate the floor pattern instead. An impercibly sigh escaped her, but she's faintly smiling as if she must have made up her mind about things. She has dared taking quite a step in booking that room at Romantic Hills, and now she means it. "Ven... I still want to be at your...side. Despite Apsis. I have found us a place for dinner and an overnight-stay here in town, already booked a room for tonight..." Now she carefully faced him. "So, can you...spare some time to spend it...with me? Can we meet up in the Lobby of thic Center at, say, 7pm?" (Means, after the drawing of a name at evening, and that in case her name won't be drawn, she can do a quick Training Session or similar?)

Shiva moves on to Heart though, mostly to give Ven some time to ponder and answer and for her to channel this suble nervosity somehow. "Heart, uhm... I do remember you wanted to have a battle 'gainst me, do you? If you want, we can do that right after we're finished discussing stuff here. We'd just have to find a place a little outside of town..." Shiva asking for a battle herself was rare, pretty rare, so it must mean something like how she's silently looking forward to facing the PUNisher in a friendly battle for training... It was alos a bit flattering how he thought that she was so 'strong' in battle meanwhile to have him see her as a worthy opponent.

[Lord Windos]

Gotcha.

Guess that makes Nathan's confusion even more warranted, if barely anybody speaks 'Japanese' in the first place!

*Flashback!*

Noticing the clear confusion being displayed by Nathan, Ventus could help but smile in bemusement at them and let out another chuckle, whilst Azrael briefly stopped nawing on his head to 'look' up at them with a inquisitive tilt of her head. What's making papa laugh like that? She doesn't smell or hear anything funny or weird, besides the gobble de goop they spoke earlier....?

"My fluency in Japanese takes yet another individual by surprise, I see. To answer the question as to why, my father taught me.  You see, he was a native Tohjoan and had learned the language himself in his home region, before he immigrated to Unova to pursue better and more interesting research opportunities. When my brother and I were born and old enough, he taught us it both a means to carry on some of his own values and culture, and simply because he thought it would be useful for us to be proficient in it should we all have to move back to Tohjo or other Japanese speaking regions for whatever reason. That.....didn't happen, but I digress. By the time I had gone through my childhood and begun my college education, I had good comprehension of the language, and self study, courses, and working with people that spoke it only honed it to a keen mastery. While I seldom have a reason to use it, its a skill that I'm rather happy to possess."

As he finished the researcher lapsed into comfortable silence, letting others respond to his short story as they may. The dark angel let out a happy growl as story time was finished, glad to learn just a little bit more about her papa, before resuming her nibbling. Got get her practice in, before she goes to chomp on some mean Pokémon!

Chandelure doesn't appear. But two Litwick briefly show up, right out of the flames. They land on the man's outstretched hands - he looks confused but curious. Then he goes about in a frenzy, unpacking his notebook and scribbling down a bunch more things, all while laughing loudly. "Aha! Ahahaha! Yes, yes, this is it!"

The Litwick start to fade away again as soon as he starts this.

Ventus has a mixed reaction towards this sudden turn of events. For one, he was exasberated and a bit miffed that this interruption took place, as it meant the Ruin Maniac would linger in this area for even longer. However, their reaction at the twin Litwicks appearance suggest whatever discovery he made related to them manifesting themselves, which was an intriguing prospect to the revenge minded scientist.

In the end, the researcher decided to follow his gut feeling and approach the man now, ghosting out of the shadow with nary a sound until he was a comfortable distance away from them, before announcing his presence in a deep, raspy tone of voice.

"Well...well, I wasn't expecting.......others to be hunting for Ghost types.......around here. Haven't had.....much luck myself....but you seem to be......cottoning onto something......if you attracted two Litwick to you. Mind sharing how......stranger?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

Pokemon are allowed in her dorm, unless they're too big (like Tropius), scary/uncomfortable for her (like Delta Houndour or any Poison Type) or outright disobediant and dangerous. Now to think about is, with a flash of white light she summoned her own - caught - Furret, and let him interact with the smaller Furret Nathan was holding as much as these two liked.

(...)


Finally though, Shiva does speak up, as they're not here to discuss various languages. "Uhm... Well, eh, yes, Heart, there's reason I asked ya all (you too, Valder/@Nylon!~) to come up here - thing is, I was at the Violet Tent yesterday and will head there again, not only because I...well... I ran into someone, or let's say he found me instead, who could help us finding the Secret Library." At least now it should be clear why Shiva wanted to not discuss this down in the Lobby. "But first...."

Now, she actually faced Ventus, waiting until he returned her gaze - he'd find her keeping eye contact for a little longer than usually, somewhat calmly - before she would a bit timidly look down to investigate the floor pattern instead. An impercibly sigh escaped her, but she's faintly smiling as if she must have made up her mind about things. She has dared taking quite a step in booking that room at Romantic Hills, and now she means it. "Ven... I still want to be at your...side. Despite Apsis. I have found us a place for dinner and an overnight-stay here in town, already booked a room for tonight..." Now she carefully faced him. "So, can you...spare some time to spend it...with me? Can we meet up in the Lobby of thic Center at, say, 7pm?" (Means, after the drawing of a name at evening, and that in case her name won't be drawn, she can do a quick Training Session or similar?)

(...)

*Flashback!*

Being engaged with Nathan on their (rather one side for now) conversation, he didn't notice Shiva's flustered reactions or her own actions until well after she had re-composed herself and promptly summoned her Furret to her side, causing him to twist to regard her with his full attention as she informally began the meeting.

The very first thing she said nearly made him straighten up in surprise, before a thrill of excitement caused the researcher to grin widely. She had potentially found a means to locate the Secret Library? Magnificent! Just as he was about start voicing his undisguised glee and opinions on this, the fae woman's next proclaimation caused his to freeze, as if she had suddenly taken all the wind out of his sails.

'.....Oh. This is......unexpected. Most unexpected......yes.'

He was stuck like this for a full minute, before he slowly swallowed the lump in his throat and gave Shiva a nod of his head, along with a very nervous smile.

"C-Certainly, my dear. I'll try to be prompt, but o-other business of mine might delay me. Regardless, I-I'll be there, so worry not........"

While being essentially asked out for a date was the very last thing he expected, and he wasn't exactly in the most receptive moods for such......affection , he couldn't nor wouldn't deny an opportunity to spend more quality time with his most blessed friend, especially after his sister nearly gave them a heart attack and his...unreactiveness to it.

Doesn't mean he it won't cause him to become a meek and shy about it, though, as he struggles to (successfully) hide his blush and tilt his head down to avoid direct eye contact with anyone!

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva does return that nervous smile from his with a between the lines just as nervous and other wise dear one of hers, but she too fails to keep direct eye contact with him for now. Seeing him, that dark oddball of researcher she seeked a strong shoulder at from time to time, so meek was highly uncommon for her, but it was just as cuuute! Hummm, only seeing such a reaction was almost worth the effort to book the room and tell Ven about it already.

"Thank you.... Ven. Dear. Hehe, really. I'll just wait for you then, let me...know if it gets very late please." Cottonee gave a triumphant chirp, she must have enjoyed the show.

[Iron]

[quote pid='40517' dateline='1521052483']
Chandelure doesn't appear. But two Litwick briefly show up, right out of the flames. They land on the man's outstretched hands - he looks confused but curious. Then he goes about in a frenzy, unpacking his notebook and scribbling down a bunch more things, all while laughing loudly. "Aha! Ahahaha! Yes, yes, this is it!"

The Litwick start to fade away again as soon as he starts this.

Ventus has a mixed reaction towards this sudden turn of events. For one, he was exasberated and a bit miffed that this interruption took place, as it meant the Ruin Maniac would linger in this area for even longer. However, their reaction at the twin Litwicks appearance suggest whatever discovery he made related to them manifesting themselves, which was an intriguing prospect to the revenge minded scientist.

In the end, the researcher decided to follow his gut feeling and approach the man now, ghosting out of the shadow with nary a sound until he was a comfortable distance away from them, before announcing his presence in a deep, raspy tone of voice.

"Well...well, I wasn't expecting.......others to be hunting for Ghost types.......around here. Haven't had.....much luck myself....but you seem to be......cottoning onto something......if you attracted two Litwick to you. Mind sharing how......stranger?"
[/quote]

The man is extremely startled by your strange appearance. He raises his notebook, ready to fight you! He doesn't lower it as he speaks.

"It certainly wasn't on purpose! But it certainly was a happy accident! I came here to study this ancient artifact of the First Technical Society. It's extremely interesting. It bears extraordinary resemblance to other artifacts used by the FTS within their own homes, so I think, yes! Their use of plumbed or piped natural gas for heat and light - quite extraordinary! Those Litwick are a direct manifestation of that, oh yes, hahaha! And it all led to another discovery...which I shall never share, no, never! Never!" He clutches his notebook closely to him, in direct contradiction to his earlier use of it as a potential weapon.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

The man is extremely startled by your strange appearance. He raises his notebook, ready to fight you! He doesn't lower it as he speaks.

"It certainly wasn't on purpose! But it certainly was a happy accident! I came here to study this ancient artifact of the First Technical Society. It's extremely interesting. It bears extraordinary resemblance to other artifacts used by the FTS within their own homes, so I think, yes! Their use of plumbed or piped natural gas for heat and light - quite extraordinary! Those Litwick are a direct manifestation of that, oh yes, hahaha! And it all led to another discovery...which I shall never share, no, never! Never!" He clutches his notebook closely to him, in direct contradiction to his earlier use of it as a potential weapon.

The disguised researcher could only shake his head and let out a whispy, throaty chuckle at the Ruin Manaic's, clearly amused by their behavior.

"He He He......skittish one, aren't you? Relax......I'm here to hunt Ghosts, remember? Nice to know that.....this device can summon.....Litwicks, though, so thanks for.....the info."

Ventus then shrugs his shoulders as the archeologist become more guarded about his knowledge, accepting it plainly and no fuss.

"Knowledge.....isn't of use if it not.....shared, but every man is.....entitled to their own secrets. Still......I'm willing trade info for whatever your.....for some of my own, since whatever you are...excited about sounds.....interesting. I know a thing or two....about the Legends of this land......particularly about the Tusk, The Southern Wind.....and little old Mespirt. As you can see I'm not the.....most sociable of types, so I wouldn't share what you've told me. How about it, stranger?"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

If Ventus doesn't stop soft-complimenting her and increasing the flustered thankfulness she felt by doing so visbly and emotionally, he'd get a pillow thrown in his face that'd make him stop, followed by suprise-tacklehug. She does understand what he spoke in Japanese for the some part, mostly because she joined a free course in highschool to learn this language, but she doesn't speak it much as her focu laid on understanding and reading this language. Now to think about it, she was lucky that she hadn't have to learn a new language to get along in Chreshire before she came here.

Pokemon are allowed in her dorm, unless they're too big (like Tropius), scary/uncomfortable for her (like Delta Houndour or any Poison Type) or outright disobediant and dangerous. Now to think about is, with a flash of white light she summoned her own - caught - Furret, and let him interact with the smaller Furret Nathan was holding as much as these two liked.

Since Nathan was investigating the books on the table with his eyes, he'd likely notice another one in the small stack that I had in mind but missed to mention, it was a dark fantasy novel featuring Pokemon from a Unovian author, probably something Shiva was reading curently. Given the title, it contained romantic elements, maybe tragic love.


Finally though, Shiva does speak up, as they're not here to discuss various languages. "Uhm... Well, eh, yes, Heart, there's reason I asked ya all (you too, Valder/@Nylon!~) to come up here - thing is, I was at the Violet Tent yesterday and will head there again, not only because I...well... I ran into someone, or let's say he found me instead, who could help us finding the Secret Library." At least now it should be clear why Shiva wanted to not discuss this down in the Lobby. "But first...."

Now, she actually faced Ventus, waiting until he returned her gaze - he'd find her keeping eye contact for a little longer than usually, somewhat calmly - before she would a bit timidly look down to investigate the floor pattern instead. An impercibly sigh escaped her, but she's faintly smiling as if she must have made up her mind about things. She has dared taking quite a step in booking that room at Romantic Hills, and now she means it. "Ven... I still want to be at your...side. Despite Apsis. I have found us a place for dinner and an overnight-stay here in town, already booked a room for tonight..." Now she carefully faced him. "So, can you...spare some time to spend it...with me? Can we meet up in the Lobby of thic Center at, say, 7pm?" (Means, after the drawing of a name at evening, and that in case her name won't be drawn, she can do a quick Training Session or similar?)

Spoiler

Noticing the clear confusion being displayed by Nathan, Ventus could help but smile in bemusement at them and let out another chuckle, whilst Azrael briefly stopped nawing on his head to 'look' up at them with a inquisitive tilt of her head. What's making papa laugh like that? She doesn't smell or hear anything funny or weird, besides the gobble de goop they spoke earlier....?

"My fluency in Japanese takes yet another individual by surprise, I see. To answer the question as to why, my father taught me.  You see, he was a native Tohjoan and had learned the language himself in his home region, before he immigrated to Unova to pursue better and more interesting research opportunities. When my brother and I were born and old enough, he taught us it both a means to carry on some of his own values and culture, and simply because he thought it would be useful for us to be proficient in it should we all have to move back to Tohjo or other Japanese speaking regions for whatever reason. That.....didn't happen, but I digress. By the time I had gone through my childhood and begun my college education, I had good comprehension of the language, and self study, courses, and working with people that spoke it only honed it to a keen mastery. While I seldom have a reason to use it, its a skill that I'm rather happy to possess."

As he finished the researcher lapsed into comfortable silence, letting others respond to his short story as they may. The dark angel let out a happy growl as story time was finished, glad to learn just a little bit more about her papa, before resuming her nibbling. Got get her practice in, before she goes to chomp on some mean Pokémon!

Spoiler

Being engaged with Nathan on their (rather one side for now) conversation, he didn't notice Shiva's flustered reactions or her own actions until well after she had re-composed herself and promptly summoned her Furret to her side, causing him to twist to regard her with his full attention as she informally began the meeting.

The very first thing she said nearly made him straighten up in surprise, before a thrill of excitement caused the researcher to grin widely. She had potentially found a means to locate the Secret Library? Magnificent! Just as he was about start voicing his undisguised glee and opinions on this, the fae woman's next proclaimation caused his to freeze, as if she had suddenly taken all the wind out of his sails.

'.....Oh. This is......unexpected. Most unexpected......yes.'

He was stuck like this for a full minute, before he slowly swallowed the lump in his throat and gave Shiva a nod of his head, along with a very nervous smile.

"C-Certainly, my dear. I'll try to be prompt, but o-other business of mine might delay me. Regardless, I-I'll be there, so worry not........"

While being essentially asked out for a date was the very last thing he expected, and he wasn't exactly in the most receptive moods for such......affection , he couldn't nor wouldn't deny an opportunity to spend more quality time with his most blessed friend, especially after his sister nearly gave them a heart attack and his...unreactiveness to it.

Doesn't mean he it won't cause him to become a meek and shy about it, though, as he struggles to (successfully) hide his blush and tilt his head down to avoid direct eye contact with anyone!

Wow, that's a lot of flustered emotions for Ralts to take in all at once.  Guess he's going to start mirroring them a little!  Only a little, though.

Yeah, it's pretty clear to Nathan what's going on here.  He doesn't comment, just silently sits there a little uncomfortably as it's all going on.

When he DOES comment, it's to get the conversation back on track.  He doesn't comment on Ventus's short story, but he's quietly making his own comparisons and assembling his own thoughts on the topic.

"...Atheneum.  Valder thinks it's called Atheneum.  Bit less of a mouthful than Secret Library, to be honest.  I'm going to send Dagny a quick message here in a moment, see if that helps her with turning anything up.  I doubt it will, but we won't know until we try, since she has access to records we don't."

[Iron]

"I said never and I meant it! Summon ghosts? I don't know if I'd call it that...they are spirits of the gas! The brilliant blue flame!"

He's starting to calm down a bit. "The First Technical Society used vast gas deposits underground to light their cities. Piped it directly into their homes. But with that gas came the first sightings of the original Litwick, Lampent, and Chandelure. They weren't like the ones in the Skull Ruins. Instead, they were incarnations of the gas, with its distinctive blue-purple color. Pretty eerie! But have you ever been to the Skull Ruins? It's a whole different story! The Lampent there are horrifyingly destructive. The flame clings to you and doesn't let go. I've lost colleagues that way. That's why only fools go to the Skull Ruins."

He starts stuffing his notebook in his pack again.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"I said never and I meant it! Summon ghosts? I don't know if I'd call it that...they are spirits of the gas! The brilliant blue flame!"

He's starting to calm down a bit. "The First Technical Society used vast gas deposits underground to light their cities. Piped it directly into their homes. But with that gas came the first sightings of the original Litwick, Lampent, and Chandelure. They weren't like the ones in the Skull Ruins. Instead, they were incarnations of the gas, with its distinctive blue-purple color. Pretty eerie! But have you ever been to the Skull Ruins? It's a whole different story! The Lampent there are horrifyingly destructive. The flame clings to you and doesn't let go. I've lost colleagues that way. That's why only fools go to the Skull Ruins."

He starts stuffing his notebook in his pack again.

Another nonplussed shrug from the masked marauder, saying in response: "Fair enough. I'll keep my secrets......you keep yours. Spirits of the Element Fire......though? Interesting. Wonder if.....bad old mother nature has....other ways of making Ghosts and ghouls."

Ventus was silent as they gave him a brief run down of how the Litwick line first came into contact/being with man, but when the maniac started to speak about the Skull Ruins Lampent and stacked to pack away his stuff once more, he tilted his head down and started to laugh.

Soft and slowly first, but gradually it deepened into a harsh, crackling bellow that would leave a normal man breathless, but the researcher in disguise was still able to speak after he was done.

"Oh yes....I've been to the Ruins before.....and meet some candlestick spirits and their flames.....myself. That's why I wear a mask and shroud my body, for it left a deep and lasting impression on me. He He He He He Haaaaaa......!"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Once Heart/@Spiritmon agreed to hold that battle as soon as meeting has been wrapped up (your call, Spirit), onward she goes with sharing information. Okay, eh, what was on the mental agenda again?

...Oh right! "Eh, one more thing, something a Nurse Joy told me when I checked on my wounded Pokemon after... Druddigon. Well, ehm..." That was when Shiva visibly perked up, a tad bit excited. Bill is residing in Chreshire, seemingly! Yes, that Bill from Bill's PC. He's residing during spring and summer at a small lake called The Jetty on the outskirts of Rounte 12, west from here. Yes, I'd be happy to see him as well... " This time, she opted to share her thoughts first before it'd get lost and she would have to adapt to the others. "But, listen, he's there the full spring and summer. I don't feel like paying him a visit is very...well, urgent? Finding the Secret Library before these ...Scimitars can has somewhat priority to me, then meeting or even facing Tanuki. But we should visit him as a group, or so I feel." Phew, now Shiva leans a bit back on her place on the bed, it was still a step for her to share her thoughts and sentiments like this. Cottonee continued to be there for her beloved Master, simply by resting up there on he head.

"Which leads to that other point, what I've already hinted... So, uhm, this guy found me and caught my attention while I strolled over the fleemarket *on purpose not saying 'occult' to not put Ventus on edge*, in Violet Tent, something that could help us find...The Atheneum? Valder, how do you get to that name, why do you think the Secret Library could be called like that?" Shiva does enjoy the term 'Secret Library' somewhat more though, this term had more style in its ring.

"So, that guy's an elusive man, as he calls himself 'Mr. Finder' and offers a service of finding things. Actually, sniffing them out. That's pretty cool! Yes, he gave me a proof of his skills. We've talked a little, where I eventually asked him about finding the Secret Library - he'd agree to sniff out a path to that location through Mount Sentry, but of course it's not free. So, uhm, if I remember correctly, it'd be 5000$ plus expenses, how high I don't know, it'd cost more if 1. someone prevents us from finding this place, likely the pestering Scimitars and 2. if it's dangerous. I, well, think we can work together with our Pokemon to make it a less dangerous search and keep any 'foes' at bay... Yes, I'm feeling postive that he can help us. But we'd have to share the costs please, fair-minded."

Phew... Shiva turns quiet again, let the others ponder about her words, and reaches up to give Cottonee a dear stroke over her cheek, simply because it felt nice and calming to touch her white fluff.