[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan listens to the whole story attentively...thoughtfully...

...there's quite a lot there that he can personally empathize with.

"...funny.  You kinda sound like Brawly in a few ways...so you're from Dewford, huh?  Quite the isolated little town, that one..."

...

"...four-eyes...bookworm...I'm far too familiar with being bullied for the opposite reasons you were, to be honest...didn't even have a pokemon of my own until I first met Ralts...they made fun of that, too...even called me a coward sometimes...it's tough, being the one who never seems to fit in with the status quo...stuck to myself and dedicated most of my free time to learning more from the safe solitude of my home to try and escape it..."

...

"...well, I suppose we're both past those days, now, though.  I'm sorry for unintentionally reminding you of what happened to you with Captain Bridge's plight...I can see why that would make you uncomfortable...if it makes you feel any better, my Rapidash burned one of them to a crisp as best as she could.  Kinda hard to kill an actual specter.  Bridge himself ran the gemlin through and finished it off, though.  Hopefully that bully never forgets what that felt like...it was more than deserved after its gang killed Bridge's men over and over and over for centuries..."

...

"...those Sableye that hounded Bridge and his men were from the Skull Ruins.  Ruins Ghosts tend to be...otherworldly, and more malicious than usual...after the Last King was dethroned, a resistace group called the Crown Loyalists attempted to use that to their advantage to impede the Pokemon League's growth.  They riled up the Ghosts, and then they set them on the League's men and women..."

...

"...it takes all kinds of personalities to make up this world of ours...for both people and pokemon...I'm sorry to hear you're first experience with meeting a Sableye and the first story you heard about the ones here were...on the far left side of the bell curve...or in other words, negative to the extreme..."

...Nathan looks a little nervous about this next part.

"...there's...uh...something you should probably know, by the way..."

[Lord Windos]

Terra didn't immediately respond, choosing to maintain silence as he held Shiranui close to his heart, as he recollected himself from bearing a part of it to the boy. A minute passed like this, before he heaved a great big *Sigh* , looking back at you with not his usual stoicism, but something more.....worn, but open.

"Yes. Dewford is my home. *Smiles*….He he....Mama and Papa said same thing. Meet him a few times. Help and taught Shiranui and me many things. How to train and fight right and....rightly. Shiranui's kin's and other Pokémon potential. How to make regiments and good diets, how to find berries and other......edible food in the wild. ..….And lots and lots of other stuff."

….

"One day....he offered for me to join his Gym. Said we had a lot of potential. Wanted to do more to grow it himself, and make me 'one fine Fighting Trainer that can compete with the best! *Shakes his head* I refused. Never challenged him too. *Shoulder Shrugs* Wasn't interested in League challenge, or becoming a.....professional trainer. I just wanted to get....stronger. Better. Make and find my own way. In the world....and in life."

"Had to leave home to do that. Explore Hoen, and continue training and growing. Couldn't find my purpose at home *Eyes glance of to the side*…didn't think I could be a good merchant too. Not like Mama or Papa."

He *sighs* again at this point, a small frown tugging at his lips.

"They....didn't like that when I told them plan. Didn't like it when I refused Brawly's offer too. They were disappointed, sad....and scared. Knew I was....dumb, and wanted me close to protect me. To...not lose me. ….But they understood. Accepted my.....decision, and gave me their blessing. *Beat*…And a lot of supplies, cloths, and Poke too. That too."

At this point, the rugged wanderer blinks, then shakes his, giving Nathan a apologetic and slightly Mareepish look.

"...Sorry. Talk too much about myself when I.....recall my memories. Or....conversation is about home."

…

Terra looked visibly shocked and appalled at the revelation (Think Asgore's face when he first sees [PLAYER NAME]) that the clever and nice trainer he knew went through much the same type of bullying as he. Quick than you would expect from a lumbering giant like him, he reached over and placed a hand on their shoulder, looking them dead in eyes, his own containing nothing but the deepest sympathy and understanding.

"....Don't be ashamed for being different. For being smart and clever, for finding your own way. For being you. Ever. You will only hurt yourself if you are. *Looks...melancholy* Took me a......long time to learn that. No.....be proud. Of who you are, and how far you have come. *Smiles* Be happy you have a great partner like Gallade too. Take heart from him, for he takes heart from you. *Beat, then Chuckles* We are very much alike. Never thought I find someone like me. Its strange. …Sad too. ...But not bad. Not at all."

As for the apology, he just waves it off, simply saying "No need. You deserved to know. ….Fells......nice sharing that story with you now, too. Can breath easier, like when I stop lifting Basteele after working out…."

He does sport a rather.....impressively feral and toothy grin when you described the fate of one of those cursed demons, though, looking both highly menacing and supremely pleased/satisfied.

"Good. It deserves that, and worse. *Nods* Very nice, Nathan. Will give you and Rapidash gifts for doing that later."

Yikes! When Terra's scary, he doesn't do it by half, or even four fifths, even unintentionally!

…

"....*Shakes head* Sad. Spirits of dead and Ghost should find rest or peace. Not suffer or be.....made evil because others. *Scowls* Not right to use them as weapons. Not right at all."

...

"...True. Very true. ...Wish it more personalities in it were good and right, though. Make world better place......for people like use. *Shakes his head* Don't be. What happened, happened. Only thing I can do is...…defeat that.....fear, and move on. Have been successful doing that.....*Coughs* …mostly."

…

Uh oh. That tone sound just like his own whenever he got in trouble/was about to. This can't be good.

"....What is it? Is it......bad?"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Terra didn't immediately respond, choosing to maintain silence as he held Shiranui close to his heart, as he recollected himself from bearing a part of it to the boy. A minute passed like this, before he heaved a great big *Sigh* , looking back at you with not his usual stoicism, but something more.....worn, but open.

"Yes. Dewford is my home. *Smiles*….He he....Mama and Papa said same thing. Meet him a few times. Help and taught Shiranui and me many things. How to train and fight right and....rightly. Shiranui's kin's and other Pokémon potential. How to make regiments and good diets, how to find berries and other......edible food in the wild. ..….And lots and lots of other stuff."

….

"One day....he offered for me to join his Gym. Said we had a lot of potential. Wanted to do more to grow it himself, and make me 'one fine Fighting Trainer that can compete with the best! *Shakes his head* I refused. Never challenged him too. *Shoulder Shrugs* Wasn't interested in League challenge, or becoming a.....professional trainer. I just wanted to get....stronger. Better. Make and find my own way. In the world....and in life."

"Had to leave home to do that. Explore Hoen, and continue training and growing. Couldn't find my purpose at home *Eyes glance of to the side*…didn't think I could be a good merchant too. Not like Mama or Papa."

He *sighs* again at this point, a small frown tugging at his lips.

"They....didn't like that when I told them plan. Didn't like it when I refused Brawly's offer too. They were disappointed, sad....and scared. Knew I was....dumb, and wanted me close to protect me. To...not lose me. ….But they understood. Accepted my.....decision, and gave me their blessing. *Beat*…And a lot of supplies, cloths, and Poke too. That too."

At this point, the rugged wanderer blinks, then shakes his, giving Nathan a apologetic and slightly Mareepish look.

"...Sorry. Talk too much about myself when I.....recall my memories. Or....conversation is about home."

…

Terra looked visibly shocked and appalled at the revelation (Think Asgore's face when he first sees [PLAYER NAME]) that the clever and nice trainer he knew went through much the same type of bullying as he. Quick than you would expect from a lumbering giant like him, he reached over and placed a hand on their shoulder, looking them dead in eyes, his own containing nothing but the deepest sympathy and understanding.

"....Don't be ashamed for being different. For being smart and clever, for finding your own way. For being you. Ever. You will only hurt yourself if you are. *Looks...melancholy* Took me a......long time to learn that. No.....be proud. Of who you are, and how far you have come. *Smiles* Be happy you have a great partner like Gallade too. Take heart from him, for he takes heart from you. *Beat, then Chuckles* We are very much alike. Never thought I find someone like me. Its strange. …Sad too. ...But not bad. Not at all."

As for the apology, he just waves it off, simply saying "No need. You deserved to know. ….Fells......nice sharing that story with you now, too. Can breath easier, like when I stop lifting Basteele after working out…."

He does sport a rather.....impressively feral and toothy grin when you described the fate of one of those cursed demons, though, looking both highly menacing and supremely pleased/satisfied.

"Good. It deserves that, and worse. *Nods* Very nice, Nathan. Will give you and Rapidash gifts for doing that later."

Yikes! When Terra's scary, he doesn't do it by half, or even four fifths, even unintentionally!

…

"....*Shakes head* Sad. Spirits of dead and Ghost should find rest or peace. Not suffer or be.....made evil because others. *Scowls* Not right to use them as weapons. Not right at all."

...

"...True. Very true. ...Wish it more personalities in it were good and right, though. Make world better place......for people like use. *Shakes his head* Don't be. What happened, happened. Only thing I can do is...…defeat that.....fear, and move on. Have been successful doing that.....*Coughs* …mostly."

…

Uh oh. That tone sound just like his own whenever he got in trouble/was about to. This can't be good.

"....What is it? Is it......bad?"

"...hmmm..."

That's all Nathan really says for now as Terra continues talking about himself.  And when Terra offers gifts for burning that bully of a Sableye...

"...Bridge left us with gifts enough.  Aftermath of the battle was littered with gemstones.  And he lead us to the HM which ended up saving the lives of many of our pokemon soon after we found it, including Gallade's.  I just...reacted, to be honest...didn't really do anything special..."

...there wasn't really much joy in that last statement.  While Nathan felt it wasn't wrong to do...well, it wasn't something he particularly got a lot of enjoyment out of. Moving on to the last question Terra asked...

"...that depends on how you interpret the news...I want to...well, warn you about some things...I happen to have a...rather odd Ditto...it has a tendency to Transform into apparently random pokemon, even if it hasn't ever seen the species before.  Magnemite, Zangoose, Xatu, Mightyena, Oddish...Sableye...and given how well it imitates their behaviors, you wouldn't even be able to tell it apart from the real deal if you didn't know otherwise...it's decently well behaved, though, so there's little reason to worry about it doing anything untoward of its own accord, at least..."

...short pause.

"...I also noticed that Ditto was extremely focused on gems when it was Transformed into a Sableye...enough that it dug up...*leans over and digs through his bag*...this while we were exploring Mt. Sentry's tunnels."

Nathan sets a rather rough looking, kinda spherical object on the table.

"...to be honest, I only know of one person able to use this off the top of my head.  They don't live in this region, though, and they already have one of these anyways..."

Nathan gives Terra a chance to react to the news concerning Ditto and the Unpolished Sablenite (not sure if he's familiar with the concept of Mega Evolution/would recognize what kind of Mega Stone it is).  He still has some more to say concerning the topic of Sableye after Terra's initial reaction, though.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

That's all Nathan really says for now as Terra continues talking about himself.  And when Terra offers gifts for burning that bully of a Sableye...



"...Bridge left us with gifts enough.  Aftermath of the battle was littered with gemstones.  And he lead us to the HM which ended up saving the lives of many of our pokemon soon after we found it, including Gallade's.  I just...reacted, to be honest...didn't really do anything special..."

...there wasn't really much joy in that last statement.  While Nathan felt it wasn't wrong to do...well, it wasn't something he particularly got a lot of enjoyment out of.  Moving on to the last question Terra asked...

"...that depends on how you interpret the news...I want to...well, warn you about some things...I happen to have a...rather odd Ditto...it has a tendency to Transform into apparently random pokemon, even if it hasn't ever seen the species before.  Magnemite, Zangoose, Xatu, Mightyena, Oddish...Sableye...and given how well it imitates their behaviors, you wouldn't even be able to tell it apart from the real deal if you didn't know otherwise...it's decently well behaved, though, so there's little reason to worry about it doing anything untoward of its own accord, at least..."

...short pause.

"...I also noticed that Ditto was extremely focused on gems when it was Transformed into a Sableye...enough that it dug up...*leans over and digs through his bag*...this while we were exploring Mt. Sentry's tunnels."

Nathan sets a rather rough looking, kinda spherical object on the table.

"...to be honest, I only know of one person able to use this off the top of my head.  They don't live in this region, though, and they already have one of these anyways..."

Nathan gives Terra a chance to react to the news concerning Ditto and the Unpolished Sablenite (not sure if he's familiar with the concept of Mega Evolution/would recognize what kind of Mega Stone it is).  He still has some more to say concerning the topic of Sableye after Terra's initial reaction, though.

The boy's distinct lack of enthusiasm for their (to him) noble and just accomplishment deflates Terra's own sense of visceral satisfaction  over it, causing him to frown worriedly at them for a few seconds, before slowly nodding his head.

"....If you say so. *Shakes his head* No, you did. Takes.....bravery.....passion, and good spirit to fight [i]demons [/i]like those Sableye. Helped Bridge and his men too, so be proud and happy of what you did. *Looks away* …Couldn't do what you did. Would have.....ran away, instead of fighting......them, *Shudders*…"

His reaction to the news of Nathan's Ditto and its abnormalities was initially meet with great curiosity and interest on the mountain of a man's part. The metamorphic Pokémon was notoriously rare and useful the world over, and in his travels across Hoen he'd encounter several of them himself (by complete accident, mostly), so he was well and aware of their existence. Hearing that Cheshire's subspecies unique trait served to cement in his mind that the Pokémon in Cheshire were more strange and/or special than not, and made it all the more appealing!

When they brought up it could Transform into a near perfect Sableye, though, Terra became greatly subdued. He lost almost all his fascination in the pink gooball, with it replaced with anxiety, nervousness, and a frown as he leaned back in his chair. The unpolished Sablenite being present....well, it only intensified his reactions. ( I would say he'd be familiar with Mega Evolution, if only because he's fought Trainers that used it before and did some study on it himself after seeing it for himself [A rare thing for him!])

".....Oh. Uh....."

That's all he managed to say, before he shut his trap, gulped, and remained still and silent as a rock, his gaze anywhere but on the clever trainer right now.

If that ain't a negative response for the stoic, then what is?

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The boy's distinct lack of enthusiasm for their (to him) noble and just accomplishment deflates Terra's own sense of visceral satisfaction  over it, causing him to frown worriedly at them for a few seconds, before slowly nodding his head.

"....If you say so. *Shakes his head* No, you did. Takes.....bravery.....passion, and good spirit to fight [i]demons [/i]like those Sableye. Helped Bridge and his men too, so be proud and happy of what you did. *Looks away* …Couldn't do what you did. Would have.....ran away, instead of fighting......them, *Shudders*…"

His reaction to the news of Nathan's Ditto and its abnormalities was initially meet with great curiosity and interest on the mountain of a man's part. The metamorphic Pokémon was notoriously rare and useful the world over, and in his travels across Hoen he'd encounter several of them himself (by complete accident, mostly), so he was well and aware of their existence. Hearing that Cheshire's subspecies unique trait served to cement in his mind that the Pokémon in Cheshire were more strange and/or special than not, and made it all the more appealing!

When they brought up it could Transform into a near perfect Sableye, though, Terra became greatly subdued. He lost almost all his fascination in the pink gooball, with it replaced with anxiety, nervousness, and a frown as he leaned back in his chair. The unpolished Sablenite being present....well, it only intensified his reactions. ( I would say he'd be familiar with Mega Evolution, if only because he's fought Trainers that used it before and did some study on it himself after seeing it for himself [A rare thing for him!])

".....Oh. Uh....."

That's all he managed to say, before he shut his trap, gulped, and remained still and silent as a rock, his gaze anywhere but on the clever trainer right now.

If that ain't a negative response for the stoic, then what is?

"...as I said, it's a seemingly random occurence.  And most of its behavior when it is a Sableye is focused on the gemstones from what I can tell.  Not really a mischievous troublemaker, thankfully.  Don't even have an actual Sableye, so it's not like this Sablenite is worth very much to me unless I go and catch one and take the time to bond with it.  Partially keeping it to help satisfy that gemstone craving for Ditto if it ever turns into a Sableye again, I guess.  Little guy can't stop nibbling on it when it's like that, and it doesn't even have a scratch on it to show for it."

...

"...though, on the note of wild ones...Mt. Sentry has its fair share of wild Sableye in it ever since Captain Bridge's brigade was waylaid by those gemlins from the Ruins.  Most of them hang around the Gem Mines for obvious reasons, if I remember correctly.  They're frequently considered pests, and the Cress City Gym Leader is usually the one who has to deal with them when they appear in larger numbers.  They're not really malicious, thankfully...same with the Sableye that are occasionally seen in Earthstar Forest, for that matter.  Just nuisances and nothing more, usually.  It's the ones from the Skull Ruins that typically warrant extra careful caution..."

...Nathan's not really sure what else to say.

...so Gallade, who's been standing in a corner, arms crossed and monitoring the conversation, pushes off from the wall and heads over to Terra.  Puts a reassuring hand on the big guy's shoulder.

It'll be fine.  Sableye are actually fairly tame as far as most Ghost types go.

As long as they don't originate from the Skull Ruins, that is.

If Terra needs extra reassurance, Gallade makes a show of showcasing his Night Slash.  Any that dare pick on the weak and take advantage of long standing fears won't be standing very long on his watch.  And if any Sableye do end up joining a member of the group on their travels, they'll be watched carefully until they can be trusted to be Loyal allies.

It's a little complex, but Gallade doesn't mind taking the time to make sure Terra understands that there's plenty of help to go around and there's not much reason to worry.  And Nathan's there to interpret as well if Terra asks.

[Iron]

Gym Leader Tanuki vs Shiva Round 8

Sucker Punch 1
(6)(2)(5)(1)(5)(1)(6)(1)
(3) Yep, Vaporeon tanks it!

Rock Smash 1
(4)(2)(6)(6)(2)(6)(2)
(3)(5)(2)(4) Spinda takes 3 dmg and faints.

"Huh...I actually thought you'd push your Vaporeon to be a little faster, but it certainly worked for you! It's down to our last Pokemon, and your Vaporeon has a leg up! That's great!"

Vaporeon gains 1hp 8/8

[Iron]

Spoiler

-----------

Of course, Nathan can't really see Genie's expression.  Gallade can sense it and communicates it, obviously, as mentioned already.  Nathan just shrugs in Genie's general direction.  He's being blunt for a reason here.  Multiple ones, in fact.  Smooth isn't the name of the game right now.

(…)

"...not gonna lie, it would be nice to know a little bit more about you.  Good and bad both."

So...yes.  Kinda.

"...maybe we should save this for when we get back to the Center and can find a nice, dry, quiet room, though.  We've been out her for a little while, and we should probably be getting back soon...and I'd definitely like to be able to see stuff again..."

Genie's look became even more deadpan  at the boy's non-chalant reaction to driving her partner up the wall, and had to resist the urge to roll her eyes and face palm. In the end, she decided to ignore them, and dedicate her focus on her partner. Men....they can be sooo incomprehensible.

…

…

 "....*Sighs* So be it."

Their answer was as the simple monk half dreaded, half resignatedily expected. He REALLY didn't want to talk about it, nor about that time of his life, but if they wanted answers...well, he'll give them. It was the least he could, for all they've done.

Just before he could turn around and launch into the tale, Nathan's interjection brought him up short, causing him to pause for several seconds before he nodded his head.

"....Alright. Let us go back."

Terra turns to his Dragon Djinni of the Desert, and simply ask them "Can me and Nathan ride you back to Cress? Please? He can't see well because of FLASH, and don't want him to get hurt going down the slopes. Also don't want him ambushed by Pokémon too."

(From what I've seen, a Flygon is big enough for about 2 people to semi-comfortably ride one, and Genie is certainly strong and tough enough to handle the weight. However, I'm not too sure, and Genie usually disdains giving rides to anyone but her master and children, so I thought it be prudent to ask!)

If she can/allows, that's one way the two gentleman can get back to Cress. If not, they're roughing it!

*Transition*

However they managed to, both the mountainous man and clever trainer arrived back, and after Nathan got their eyes treat (or started the process) they escorted him to a private room, with the two of them sitting around a table however they want.

Appearance wise, Terra looked calm and more collected than he had been back on the Great Divide's slopes, but beneath it he was feeling HIGHLY nervous, great reluctance, fear, mild stress, and....melancholy.

"....Need some......time to...…prepare and....remember everything, so please wait."

(And this will be the break! I'll give Nathan a chance to react, and then the next post is the big story!)

Flygon can't carry two at once, especially not in the air. She can fly Terra back to Cress in short bursts, which is much faster than walking.

Nurse Joy gives some free eyedrops which immediately end the effects of Flash. She thinks it would have gone away on its own, 100%, after an hour.

+1 XP for Nathan and Terra.

[Dragonstrike]

Flygon can't carry two at once, especially not in the air. She can fly Terra back to Cress in short bursts, which is much faster than walking.

Nurse Joy gives some free eyedrops which immediately end the effects of Flash. She thinks it would have gone away on its own, 100%, after an hour.

Sounds like Teleporting was a good decision then!

And it also sounds like it'd be a good idea to carry some of those eyedrops around too in the event there's incidents with FLASH in the future.  Ya know, just in case.  Nice to see that an hour's rest is more than sufficient if there's no immediate worries, though.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...as I said, it's a seemingly random occurence.  And most of its behavior when it is a Sableye is focused on the gemstones from what I can tell.  Not really a mischievous troublemaker, thankfully.  Don't even have an actual Sableye, so it's not like this Sablenite is worth very much to me unless I go and catch one and take the time to bond with it.  Partially keeping it to help satisfy that gemstone craving for Ditto if it ever turns into a Sableye again, I guess.  Little guy can't stop nibbling on it when it's like that, and it doesn't even have a scratch on it to show for it."

...

"...though, on the note of wild ones...Mt. Sentry has its fair share of wild Sableye in it ever since Captain Bridge's brigade was waylaid by those gemlins from the Ruins.  Most of them hang around the Gem Mines for obvious reasons, if I remember correctly.  They're frequently considered pests, and the Cress City Gym Leader is usually the one who has to deal with them when they appear in larger numbers.  They're not really malicious, thankfully...same with the Sableye that are occasionally seen in Earthstar Forest, for that matter.  Just nuisances and nothing more, usually.  It's the ones from the Skull Ruins that typically warrant extra careful caution..."

...Nathan's not really sure what else to say.


...so Gallade, who's been standing in a corner, arms crossed and monitoring the conversation, pushes off from the wall and heads over to Terra.  Puts a reassuring hand on the big guy's shoulder.

It'll be fine.  Sableye are actually fairly tame as far as most Ghost types go.

As long as they don't originate from the Skull Ruins, that is.

If Terra needs extra reassurance, Gallade makes a show of showcasing his Night Slash.  Any that dare pick on the weak and take advantage of long standing fears won't be standing very long on his watch.  And if any Sableye do end up joining a member of the group on their travels, they'll be watched carefully until they can be trusted to be Loyal allies.

It's a little complex, but Gallade doesn't mind taking the time to make sure Terra understands that there's plenty of help to go around and there's not much reason to worry.  And Nathan's there to interpret as well if Terra asks.

Terra remained silent as the scholarly boy further elaborated on his Ditto's Sableye Transformation, looking distinctly uncomfortable the whole time. Credit due, he handled it all relatively well, as while it was clear was taking the news with no small amount of trepidation, he was trying listening with as open of a mind/heart as he could. He trusted and respected them greatly, even only after a scant few days of meeting with them, so the least he could do was hear them out and try to be at least a little tolerantly understanding. The fact he had also only a minimally negative reaction/not 'freaking out' to the ongoing topic of conversation showed he was coping nicely, all things considering.

Gallade comforting gesture was entirely unexpected, causing the rugged wanderer to tense up, jump in his seat, and jerk his head towards them. He quickly calmed down once he realized who it was and what they were trying to do, and while he didn't quite ease up/be consoled from the gesture, he did take a certain measure of comfort and Strength from it. The psychic knight's subsequent demonstration of its prowess, and the promise behind, however, rang clear and true to him, as if there's something he doesn't have a hard time comprehending from man and Pokémon alike, its conviction, good will, and valor. 

It seemed like ages passed as Terra staring deeply at the empathetic swordsman, before gave them a solemn nod, and, after closing his eyes and heaving a great *Sigh....*, turned back to Nathan.

".....Okay. I can.....handle you having a Sableye sometime. Just.....warn me when they.....are one. Want to....be able to prepare myself....for them. *Beat*…Won't promise to be....friendly with them as.....it....., or.....not.....want to be around them. *Glances away* Not now....maybe not ever. *Glance back, looking series as a heart attack* ….But I won't be mean or ugly to Sableye Ditto. *Shakes his head* Never ever. Promise."

The simple monk was and still is somewhat distressed/reluctant at the prospect of being around Sableye any length of time ( let alone interacting with it in anyway), but it was clear he was willing to meet Nathan halfway and accept them having one sporadically. Progress!

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Terra remained silent as the scholarly boy further elaborated on his Ditto's Sableye Transformation, looking distinctly uncomfortable the whole time. Credit due, he handled it all relatively well, as while it was clear was taking the news with no small amount of trepidation, he was trying listening with as open of a mind/heart as he could. He trusted and respected them greatly, even only after a scant few days of meeting with them, so the least he could do was hear them out and try to be at least a little tolerantly understanding. The fact he had also only a minimally negative reaction/not 'freaking out' to the ongoing topic of conversation showed he was coping nicely, all things considering.

Gallade comforting gesture was entirely unexpected, causing the rugged wanderer to tense up, jump in his seat, and jerk his head towards them. He quickly calmed down once he realized who it was and what they were trying to do, and while he didn't quite ease up/be consoled from the gesture, he did take a certain measure of comfort and Strength from it. The psychic knight's subsequent demonstration of its prowess, and the promise behind, however, rang clear and true to him, as if there's something he doesn't have a hard time comprehending from man and Pokémon alike, its conviction, good will, and valor. 

It seemed like ages passed as Terra staring deeply at the empathetic swordsman, before gave them a solemn nod, and, after closing his eyes and heaving a great *Sigh....*, turned back to Nathan.

".....Okay. I can.....handle you having a Sableye sometime. Just.....warn me when they.....are one. Want to....be able to prepare myself....for them. *Beat*…Won't promise to be....friendly with them as.....it....., or.....not.....want to be around them. *Glances away* Not now....maybe not ever. *Glance back, looking series as a heart attack* ….But I won't be mean or ugly to Sableye Ditto. *Shakes his head* Never ever. Promise."

The simple monk was and still is somewhat distressed/reluctant at the prospect of being around Sableye any length of time ( let alone interacting with it in anyway), but it was clear he was willing to meet Nathan halfway and accept them having one sporadically. Progress!

Nathan lets out a breath he hadn't known he was holding.  "...that's more than I can ever seem to get from Shiva and Ventus.  Thank you, Terra."  Gallade returns to leaning up against the wall for the time being.

Nathan puts away the Unpolished Sablenite again.  Without a strongly bonded Sableye, it's not worth much of anything.  With one, it's a treasure worth more than anything anyone could possibly offer...funny how that works, isn't it?

"...wish it was always this 'easy'...*sigh*...well, I guess we're just waiting for Shiva to start that...meeting now, aren't we?"

I'll leave whether Terra heard that quieter part up to the man himself.  Gallade doesn't seem particularly concerned right now, but he is shooting Nathan a...curious look for some indiscernible reason.  Hmmm...