[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

"Nathan, you seem to know much about Absol. You seem to have treated your companion Absol well. You seem to have knowledge of the strange stone, as well. I will tell you there are ways for Absol to evolve further without the use of anything other than this stone, but I lack exact knowledge of how. It has happened in the wild for centuries before humans discovered this power. Perhaps the land acts as a natural Key Stone under certain circumstances."

"But because you have thorough knowledge of one method...and come from a time where Absol undergoes a struggle..."

"Nathan, I will give you this Absolite. You will Pledge to protect it and the Pokemon species it empowers. You will Pledge to do everything in your power to see that Absol's Mega-Evolution is sustainable, a pleasant and fulfilling experience for him or for any other Absol you may see fit to Mega-Evolve. This evolution is not inherited, it is learned, and thus it is a bigger responsibility. You will Pledge to do your best, when the time comes, to preserve the circumstances that make Mega Absol possible and healthy in the world, even if that means making sacrifices on your part. Do you understand? Do you Pledge?"

"...it wouldn't be the first time I've seen a Mega Pokemon in the wild.  I can definitely believe there are other ways to unlock that potential.  And maybe my friend would be a good example..."

"...this also wouldn't be the first time I've made a promise such as this.  When Landorus himself asks you to help preserve nature...well, it's not something you can forget, really..."

He falls quiet for a short time.

"...honestly, it's always been a hope of mine that I'd be able to help my friends Mega Evolve, achieve their true potential.  And if I can help others do the same...well, then I have no problems with making that Pledge.  So long as people like Juni exist in the world, it's important to not lose sight of what makes such power significant and important.  And if there any Fire types that I would want to bear witness if they so choose...well, what better ones than those who hold similar potential?  Just give me a sec' to grab them...or, at least one of them if I can't get the other one sent over..."

Well then...Nathan needs to send an important message to Bill to retrieve his Fire types that would benefit from the Pledge.

Hey, could I get ya to send me Orthros, my Delta Houndour, please?  We're in the middle of a volcano at the moment, no humans besides us around.  I need to discuss something with him real quick, and I'll send him right back when I'm finished with talking with him since I don't want to cause a paradox anymore than you do.  And I need to discuss the same with Charmeleon as well, so I need him, too.

If you'd still rather not take the risk, I understand, but...this is very important, and I think it's safe to send Orthros over for a short time since it doesn't seem like this era's locals visit the volcano's interior with any kind of frequency.  The basics of the topic concerns Mega Evolution, something I'm sure both of those Fire types would very much be interested in hearing.

You get a message back with the Pokemon you requested. "Please send Orthros right back ASAP. Shiva has been sending me data on how time passes in your world, so I WILL KNOW!!! JK, just be responsible."

[Dragonstrike]

You get a message back with the Pokemon you requested. "Please send Orthros right back ASAP. Shiva has been sending me data on how time passes in your world, so I WILL KNOW!!! JK, just be responsible."

Yay!  Talk time!

Nathan brings out both Charmeleon and Orthros and kneels down in front of 'em.  "Can I ask the two of you for a favor?  I'm about to make a very, very important promise.  This nice Arcanine has been watching over a Mega Stone for Absol.  He's willing to entrust it to me if I promise to take good care of it and help make Mega Absol a more common, natural sight.  He also said...any pokemon associated with Fire that bears witness to the promise and assists me in the endeavour will be granted a boon from Nature itself, powerful moves to help enforce that promise and ensure it's fulfilled. I think you two understand the importance of a Mega Stone for a pokemon.  And maybe this can also work as a promise between us for me to help the both of you achieve the peaks of your powers as well."

"...so, I guess in short, I'm asking: can I rely on you both to help me with this?  To help bring back Mega Absol and help you both reach your peak powers in turn?  Just to emphasize it again, this is a rather serious promise since the fate of a species is at stake...but I'd love to have the both of you assisting me in this task. Nature will be holding us accountable, but I think we're up to the task."

Nathan's almost certain Charmeleon will accept if it helps him get stronger, and he's fairly sure Orthros won't have any problems with following the leader, either...but he wanted to ask anyways before thrusting such a large responsibility on them both. This isn't something the two of them should rush into without knowing what will be expected of them.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

After such long battle, Heart return to the camp, waiting everyone to return from their missions. He also take the opportunity to send a message to Bill:

Howdy Bill! How things is hanging in the future? Our situation its not one of the best, but I must confess its not from the worse either. I catch some interesting pokemon though time and space. Some of them extremely rare like a overgrown Rhyhorn and a very much rare Honedge. Any clue if the machine is fix it so we can return to 2017? Gonna send you the Pinsir I have capture now and my D-Onix for heal a bit. No funny things okie dokie? In exchange, I think I will take my Beldum Egg and Larvesta. The volcano air might help hatch the egg, and Larvesta would like a change of scenario.

With the trade done, Heart release Larvesta who calm sleep in his shoulder and Heart securied carry the egg to return to the camp.

"What machine are you talking about? I'm a little jealous of your adventure through time and space, tbh. Take lots of good notes for me, will you?"

"It's a way of talk my friend. I try to say if you could found a solution to take us back to our time? Having adventures though tint and space is cool, but I still would like the know land of 2017 ."

"Trust me, I have a lots of notes to share with you."

"Ah. Well, if you can find a way to turn yourself into a Pokemon, I can probably find a way to get you back here."

Haha. Very funny Bill. Anyway, we discovered dired news: We fought against a Leader of a group of Water Scimitars called Juni. She there other groups of Scimitars, and they receive financial help of the Almanacs. They are trying to get some of strange super weapons in the Skull Ruins. They even make Nathan father go in that dangerous place.

...To be honest, we don't know if is alive, but we must do our best to save him. We take Juni as a prisioner to make her face justice. We don't know how we long it will take to return to the future, but best prepared some special help of the police. I also would like you to make some research to me: Almacs, Scimitars and Juni. Any data about her will be useful. Personal life, relationships, family, anything.

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

(Now that Spira's through chara-developing and nicknaming for now, I'll have him join in at this point, but he hasn't heard it talk, yet.)
Spira sees the HUGE Arcanine and all those eggs... "Whoa. Nice doggy..." Four of the eggs Spira recognizes off the bat: Shinx, Vulpix, Magikarp, and Absol, and has the following to say about each of them.
Shinx: "Wow, haven't seen a Shinx Egg since I was in Sinnoh."
Magikarp: he doesn't say anything out loud, but snickers thinking "What is a Magikarp egg doing with these rarer Pokemon Eggs?"
Vulpix: "Now that is a rare Pokemon Egg. I've only seen one, not including this one."
Absol: "These eggs are pretty rare to see, but I've seen one or two at Mt. Coronet."

Since you're investigating the Eggs more closely, you notice something funny about the "Absol Egg." It's almost completely transparent, aside from a twisted stripe of colors in the core. And it's only loosely Egg-shaped, looking more like a crude stone.

When you call Arcanine a "nice doggy" it bares humongous fangs. "Spiritwalker, I could send you flying with one swipe of my paw. I have lived for centuries and seen most of Creshire's history firsthand, including the rise and fall of Kings. I have slain hungry monsters and Men who dared invade my sanctum. I am not a 'nice doggy.' I care little what humans think of my obedience, and I make no claim toward goodness. My only goal is to fulfill my Pledge, to reintroduce fairytale Pokemon when they are needed most."

Spira literally jumps when he hears the Arcanine speak. "Uh... Sorry?" He's a little too shocked to say anything else to the Arcanine.
Directed to Nathan (Dragonstrike): "Huh. On closer inspection I don't think that's an Absol egg after all, it's probably one of those 'Mega Stones' that you mentioned."

"Are you a friend of these other two humans? They were just helping me defend these Eggs from predator Pokemon."

Spira is still a little shell-shocked about a talking Arcanine but manages to say: "I haven't been with them long but I do see myself as their ally." Spira also smiles a bit at the title of 'Spiritwalker'. (OOC note: kind of reminds me of Planeswalkers from MTG) Spira has three of his Pokemon that he'd like to meet the Arcanine for interactions, he doesn't feel like making the pledge, though, the Pokemon that he introduces are: Noire, Luna, and Toya, with the following introductions:
Noire: "This is my partner Pokemon and friend, Noire, a Banette, the cursed Doll."
Luna: "This is Luna, a Drifloon, said to be the signpost for wandering spirits."
Toya: "This is Toya, a Dusknoir, the guardian of the Ghost World."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Ah, so it'll be only Shiva and Nathan then who agree to making a pledge with Noble Arcanine? Alright. I'll concentrate on my stuff instead of giving reactions to further happenings for the sake of pace.

Link to the Original Post
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For the most part, Shiva seems to ignore or block out any outter occurances as she gives this Legendary Arcanine her full attention. Means, she doesn't even seem to notice the appearance of that feared Deltadog nearby, and even if she'd do it wouldn't change anything. It's like 'sensing his presence and shivering, then simply shrugging it off'.

Sadness threathens to overtake her as Arcanine speaks about Pokemon being forced to adapt due to humans changing the landscape and clearing more and more land for themselves, which Cottonee notices and attempts to subdue to to cuddling her sweet Master closer. It's working as Shiva thankfully reciprocates the comfort, a slight smile washes over her expression as she remembers that 'humans changing the landscape' doesn't have to be a bad thing necessarily: There's clearing forests and logging trees, but there's also planting flowers and young trees. Pokemon have always changed and adapted, thus is the way it is. That's evolution, that's Nature. Or 'the power of Nature', as Arcanine describes it.

She surely picks up Arcanine's approval towards her, blushes a bit to that even in timid but delighted embarrassment. Aww!~ That knowing smile she also casts tells that she is aware that she had the free choice of a Startermon for her own journey, but she has selected a Cottonee for particular reasons.



She's very tense and anticipitated as Arcanine raises his voice once more to answer her bold request towards that pinkish Egg of this curious Minicorn, hangs on his lips and barely even dares to breath. That this gift would be significant she was aware, but that it'd be THAT significant that Arcanine would ask her for an oat - that kinda hits her and catches her off-guard! She stares at Arcanine for a long minute as she ponders his words. Eventually, her own voice rings back in her mind as she speaks her thoughts out:

"Noble and Legendary Arcanine, caretaker of the Crate of Myth... Yes, I do believe I undearstand. Indeed, I do wish to shoulder the resonsibility to take care of the pure-hearted faelike unicorn. It is true, I am feeling capable of defending her regardless whether she's still growing within her Egg or walking by my side or engaging in a battle that I'll send her in. I do wish for her to, when the time is ripe, start a family and raise healthy young - and I will let her go if it is needed for Minicorn to do so." She stands up, gazes up into Arcanine's warm and protective eyes, before... "Yes, I do pledge. So mote it be."

Barely any doubts remain now. Whether she will make it to fulfill what Arcanine requests from her, she isn't sure; but what she IS sure is that she will do what she can to make it so. Being beholden to a young Pokemon's care - that's a whole new thought for this natural fae enthusiast. She's a bit shy about that.


About a witness for that pledge, she actually doesn't have to think long about, she draws a particular Pokeball. From it, a big and furry bipedal creature with splendid tuffs of red hair at the ears and a noble robe of fur manifests; Delphox greets Shiva with a melodic chirrup. "Arcanine oh Noble One, please allow me to introduce my magical fox to you; a long, loyal and beloved companion of mine. He I met at a special place on one faithful night, he is who won my very first Gym Badge for me, he is who was my very first Pokemon I've seen evolving as he turned from a small Fennekin to a graceful Braixen. Chanting and channeling fire are his specialities... He is who I wish being the one to remind me on the Pledge I am willing to make with you. Please, let him be the attester of us two."

She turns to Delphox before though, taking his paw into her hands asking him "You, my magical fox... Have you marked the words of Noble Arcanine, have you understood, do you agree? Please, tell me... I do wish for you to being able to chant in such a way that Mother Nature herself will respond to your voice, that with Her benelovence you'll be able to summon flames being capable to mercilessly burn everything around - as well to gently warm an Egg or weak companion or even me myself."


That should cover everything that's needed to start on the Pledge between Shiva and Legendary Arcanine, Delphox will serve as a witness. He will learn Fire Pledge by doing so. If allowed, Cottonee, Pancham and Purrloin are to watch as well without being witnesses/without learning a move.

Shiva has one more small question towards Arcanine that she'll ask afterwards and before leaving the cave alongside Spira and Nathan, I can actually state it now already.

Spoiler

"Arcanine... Please, if I may ask, are you alright to grant me a small tuft/ a few strands of your graceful hair as a reminder to this day?" She will add these to her necklace for it to have three pendants: That gifted shard of duskglass from the Fortune Hunter, the few strands of the Trumbeak Feather and the few strands of the Caretaker of the Cave of Myth's fur. I just enjoy that image/action. If Arcanine's reluctant or disagrees however, that's totally alright!

[Dragonstrike]

(OOC: Nathan's not done with his side of things yet, so let's not progress to leaving the cave quite yet.)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(OOC: Nathan's not done with his side of things yet, so let's not progress to leaving the cave quite yet.)

That's perfectly alright, take your time and don't feel pressured nor hurried by me, alright? That's not my intention, I stated things in one go solely for the sake of having everything from my side together in one piece as well as to prevent me from accidently forgetting something,

[Dragonstrike]

Oh yes, and I also think I have some decent music for this scene!  I think the general tone of this track is a good fit for the situation.

A Solemn Pledge to Heal: Song of Healing - The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask

[Iron]

You get a message back with the Pokemon you requested. "Please send Orthros right back ASAP. Shiva has been sending me data on how time passes in your world, so I WILL KNOW!!! JK, just be responsible."

Yay!  Talk time!

Nathan brings out both Charmeleon and Orthros and kneels down in front of 'em.  "Can I ask the two of you for a favor?  I'm about to make a very, very important promise.  This nice Arcanine has been watching over a Mega Stone for Absol.  He's willing to entrust it to me if I promise to take good care of it and help make Mega Absol a more common, natural sight.  He also said...any pokemon associated with Fire that bears witness to the promise and assists me in the endeavour will be granted a boon from Nature itself, powerful moves to help enforce that promise and ensure it's fulfilled. I think you two understand the importance of a Mega Stone for a pokemon.  And maybe this can also work as a promise between us for me to help the both of you achieve the peaks of your powers as well."

"...so, I guess in short, I'm asking: can I rely on you both to help me with this?  To help bring back Mega Absol and help you both reach your peak powers in turn?  Just to emphasize it again, this is a rather serious promise since the fate of a species is at stake...but I'd love to have the both of you assisting me in this task.  Nature will be holding us accountable, but I think we're up to the task."

Nathan's almost certain Charmeleon will accept if it helps him get stronger, and he's fairly sure Orthros won't have any problems with following the leader, either...but he wanted to ask anyways before thrusting such a large responsibility on them both.  This isn't something the two of them should rush into without knowing what will be expected of them.

Charmeleon nods and makes a fist. He seems a little jealous of Absol, and clearly wouldn't mind becoming a Charizard who can Mega-Evolve ASAP! He probably doesn't understand the intense connection required, though.  When the Pledge goes through, Charmeleon will gain 1 Loyalty.


Orthros does, because he's very close! He needs only a significant milestone to reach peak Happiness and Loyalty. Of course, he needs to evolve and to find a stone first.

Anyway, Orthros puts his paws on your shoulders and licks your face when you ask him to help you out. This loyal (though eerie) pup is the perfect one to ask.

[Iron]

Spoiler

After such long battle, Heart return to the camp, waiting everyone to return from their missions. He also take the opportunity to send a message to Bill:

Howdy Bill! How things is hanging in the future? Our situation its not one of the best, but I must confess its not from the worse either. I catch some interesting pokemon though time and space. Some of them extremely rare like a overgrown Rhyhorn and a very much rare Honedge. Any clue if the machine is fix it so we can return to 2017? Gonna send you the Pinsir I have capture now and my D-Onix for heal a bit. No funny things okie dokie? In exchange, I think I will take my Beldum Egg and Larvesta. The volcano air might help hatch the egg, and Larvesta would like a change of scenario.

With the trade done, Heart release Larvesta who calm sleep in his shoulder and Heart securied carry the egg to return to the camp.

"What machine are you talking about? I'm a little jealous of your adventure through time and space, tbh. Take lots of good notes for me, will you?"

"It's a way of talk my friend. I try to say if you could found a solution to take us back to our time? Having adventures though tint and space is cool, but I still would like the know land of 2017 ."

"Trust me, I have a lots of notes to share with you."

"Ah. Well, if you can find a way to turn yourself into a Pokemon, I can probably find a way to get you back here."

Haha. Very funny Bill. Anyway, we discovered dired news: We fought against a Leader of a group of Water Scimitars called Juni. She there other groups of Scimitars, and they receive financial help of the Almanacs. They are trying to get some of strange super weapons in the Skull Ruins. They even make Nathan father go in that dangerous place.

...To be honest, we don't know if is alive, but we must do our best to save him. We take Juni as a prisioner to make her face justice. We don't know how we long it will take to return to the future, but best prepared some special help of the police. I also would like you to make some research to me: Almacs, Scimitars and Juni. Any data about her will be useful. Personal life, relationships, family, anything.

"Good idea. Maybe I can lay some groundwork for you in 2017. To summarize what I've been able to look up: she seems to have changed her name, fled from her family, and rather disappeared from public view. Her new name, Juni, is apparently a code name based on her birth name, but I wasn't able to find that out. Someone powerful was able to redact all that information. What I do have, is based on her official Trainer Tag documentation. I will do some research on how to convict someone when you only know their Trainer Tag. I think it's possible."