[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

He almost flitched when Shiva hand raised up to re-arrange his hair back into place, but he manage not to as he focused on how she was currently feeling. Tired, exhausted, a little resentful, curious and mystified (about what, he could not tell) , slight attraction (...) , and many more in the tangled snarl he cruelly transformed her emotional state into now. However, to his surprise, there was not a trace of anger or resentment held for him right now. Instead, in its place was....compassion and forgiveness? Then, only a moment after he processes this reversal of emotions in his dear friends, she gave her answer to his plea. Ventus carefully listened to her soft-spoken words, and was a ever so minutely disheartened that hear that the slate had not be cleaned between them, but he grateful that she was willing to accept his olive branch. Things may not be entirely fixed between him and her, but the process of mending had begun; he could take heart with that, at least.

Ven didn't trust himself to speak right now, in fear of shattering the fragile state of forgiveness between them, so he just nodded his head in response, his eyes firmly staring at her with all the sincerity and thankfulness he could bring to them. When she lightly pecked him on the check, though, he was very startled by the move, and almost let go of her entirely in shock, but he managed to tighten his hug on her to prevent such an abrupt departure. The empath stared at her for short while, and moved his other hand to touch the spot she kissed him, before he gave her a weak, timid, but sincere smile for the sign of affect. Removing his own hand from his check, the eccentric researcher brushed the hair around her forehead out of the way, before he leaned down and place a gentle kiss upon their brow, and whisper softly to them: "Bless it be Reshirim, I don't deserve a kind soul like you being my friend, but you are, and I must treat you like the precious treasure that you are. Thank you, Shiva..."

To the next part of her response (he felt that she had more to say to him, and waited patiently for her to speak), he felt slightly encroached upon by THAT stipulation being added to his eventual forgiveness, but he had to concede that she had made a rather salient point in regards to his actions. 'For every moment I've caused a spat to occur in the group, it was because of either my thoughtless actions or impulsive desire to help my friends. As much as I am loathed to have my actions moderated or restrained in such a manner, perhaps it is for the best in this case. If something isn't done to stop the perpetual cycle of hot and cold anger between Nathan and myself, then all will be lost between the three of us I imagine,' the researcher though, and was about to vocally assent to the mystical woman's actions when she unexpected Segway and brought Rachael into the conversations.

Dead Silence. Ventus expression went tense as one of his greatest failings was used as an example for his atrocious behavior as of late, and his head was titled downwards once more. He knew that she didn't mean ill by her words, and that she was only trying to make him fully understand and prevent him from repeating his mistakes (as he is quite keenly aware of), but that still didn't stop the pain he felt. Just as it seems like he might react in an overtly more negative way, the weary researcher let out a long suffering sigh, before slowly nodding his head and looking her in the eyes again. "......Alright. I promise to come to you before I make any sweeping decision or attempt drastic actions, unless its not possible at the given time. I can't promise that I won't make any more mistakes on this journey of ours, but I will try my best not to fail either you or Nathan like I have done recently ever again. As for dealing with him....I have my own plans in place. *Sigh* I'm sorry that to say this, but  I need to head out by myself now and finish up the business I have regarding the Running. I'll pick up a couple of Full Heals and a Potion for your battle against Zamboni, and we will discuss what Pokémon I own you want to utilize in the battle against him, if any. I'll be back in about an half an hour, and I'll message you if anything comes up that would delay me, so fret not, my sweet, blessed friend..."

Order: If Shiva allows Ventus to leave, have him conduct all the trade we have already completed in those Flashforwards, and then buy 2 Full Heals, a Potion, 2 Pokeballs and a Great Ball for $2400 Poke total. If its possible, can Ventus use his latest fame in town to get a 'Hero's Discount', or something similar?. He'll even dress himself up that way again to get it, if possible! After that, he'll head back to the Pokémon Center and teach Michael Façade, and continue taking with Shiva when Nathan gets back. Hopefully Ventus didn't cause any problems between him and Shiva by leaving her alone again once more...