[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Wow, tonight's full of surprises for Nathan, isn't it?  First, his cousin doesn't completely freak out over an Absol being incredibly likely to show up at this year's run, then Shiva offers to loan him a pokemon to help him out despite their recent...difficulties, and now...this.  Four distinct yet...somehow same moments...it's...really weird seeing them...particularly since he's not much of a cook...

Nathan can't help but smile seeing them all, though.  The meaning of it is fairly clear to him since they all seem to be taking place at the same time as far as he can tell.  "Don't really care what you are as long as you're with me, eh?  Hehe...figures.  It's good to see reassurance of it, though.  Still, I know how much you'd like to be a Gallade when it's all said and done...so that's what we'll aim for, like we've always planned.  If you happen to become a Gardevoir along the way, though, I guess neither of us could really complain, right?  Well, let's get some...sleep...big day ahead of us tomorrow...and after that...and ESPECIALLY after...that one...zzzzz....

Day 24

Nathan feels just a little less depressed in the morning.  Still got those feelings, but they seem a little...farther away right now.  Like they aren't as much of a problem currently.

Then he remembers that Ventus doesn't intend to leave dealing with Absol to him and Kirlia during the Running, and it all comes rushing back...ugh...well, at least Shiva is helping in her own way without potential interference...having the effects of Lucky Chant should be a huge boon when the Running starts...

He's still pretty sluggish to get out of bed, even though he's up as early as he typically was back home.  He'd had some nice dreams last night, and didn't really want to ruin them with what was inevitably going to be a rather dreary day.  He was fairly certain Kirlia had shared them, though.  He'd had that strange feeling about Kirlia's psychic powers again last night...like it was more connected to sleep and dreams, now that he thought about it...it had been rather pronounced all throughout and near Corsage, but now he was only feeling it when he and Kirlia were snoozing...must be some sort of side effect from interacting with that Houndour pack's nightmare if he had to guess...though a welcome one...if his powers were more connected with dreams, then maybe he could learn techniques related to sleep more easily...hmmm...something to think about later.

For now, they had some training to get to...after a quick talk with Shiva and a text to Ventus.

He's the first one to show up in the lobby.  Been awhile since he'd done that last...this journey has really been putting him through the wringer, that's for sure...he sits at a table to wait for Shiva, and types a text to Ventus while he waits.

Ventus, I'm serious about leaving Absol to me and Kirlia.  I can't guarantee you'll be safe if you try to interfere.  Heck, I can't even guarantee my own safety, but this thing's been stalking the two of us for awhile and hasn't done anything to us so far. This Absol has some kind of beef with Kirlia and me specifically, and I don't want to see anyone get hurt by it if I can avoid it.  Besides, there's going to be a LOT of pokemon around, most of them Tauros, and there's a good chance you won't be able to safely engage it at the same time as me due to the chaotic nature of the event if you decide to ignore my warning.  It's in your best interest to stay out of this beyond helping me get to Absol, regardless of what happens.

Plus, you need to curb your worrywart tendencies a little before we get to Stair City.  You're going to LOVE the gym leader there if you don't, I'm sure.  Consider yourself  doubly warned.

And do NOT tell Shiva about Absol either. She'll hear the full story at the same time you do, after I've handled the situation. I've told her only what she needs to know: that there's likely an Absol in this year's run, and that's it.