[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

An evening at Murkrow Cove

Nathan could tell both he and Kirlia were still on edge.  Something just felt...off.  The despair in the air was heavy...

Despite that, the meditation did help.  And as they wrapped it up, they found themselves looking at a beautiful sunset.  Some water pomemon were blowing bubbles into the air farther out in the water.  It was...calming.  Swiftfire was running around the beach, meeting her own criteria for fun.  The bugs were all grouped together, socializing.  Or was Princess trying to give Grid orders? It was hard to tell.

Staryu was illuminating the surface of the sea, and enjoying the company of some water pokemon that had come over to see what the cause of the bright light was.  It looked like it was having fun seeing what the ocean was like.  "We'll have to visit the aquarium later.  I think Staryu would like that, dont you, Kirlia?"

Kirlia just nods, a rather troubled expression on his face.  He knows what's coming...

Nathan sighs.  "Okay, look.  I'm not mad at you, okay?  I know you know that.  I don't blame you for acting the way you did around Lucifer.  But...there's enough conflict in this group as it is, ya know?  As much as I don't like saying that, it's true...I'm at odds with Ven over morals...Shiva's keeping secrets from us..."

Nathan looks equally glum now.  "I just don't want you to have more to worry about than what you already have.  I know this place is reminding you of whatever hopelessness you once felt...but you know I meant it when I said you have me.  Have all of us.  You're not alone in this.  And even as tense as things are between us, I'm fairly certain it includes Ven and Shiva too."

Nathan turns to face Kirlia now.  "And as for what's troubling this town...I think we might be able to do something about it.  I don't know what, but it's a gut feeling I've got.  I'd rather run away from it, too.  But we set out on this journey to face our fears, right? And I know I wouldn't be able to do that if you weren't with me, buddy.  

"So, I guess what I'm trying to say is...I'd rather be on this journey with friends we know we can rely on, not companions who we're always mad at...I've had to give that a lot of thought...but I'm tired of feeling alone...you helped me realize that, you know.  I just want you to think about that too, okay?  We might not always be able to solve our problems by ourselves, after all..." 

Kirlia listens to the whole thing carefully.  He still didn't particularly like Lucifer, but maybe he had been a little too harsh on the bat...maybe.  Kirlia just nods in response.

"Alright, it's good you understand.  Well, let's gather everyone up and head back to town and the Center.  We'll need to be well rested for tomorrow's training.  We do have a Gym battle to win, after all."