[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Ventus smile left his face as Nathan began to talk in earnest, listening very carefully to what he had to say. His expression, once the very definition of dignified politeness, become stormy as they updated him on the situation with the Skull Ruins, much more severe when they began to extol on what it means to be a hero ('As if I don't already know.') , and far more dissatisfied as they again tried to dictate to them what was right and correct. Finally, when the young trainer wrapped up his motivational speech, an odd crecking noise could now be heard throughout the small room. The source of the noise was the chair the researcher was sitting in, as he had gripped the armrest so hard that they were straining under his wrath, held back by the impressive amount of self control and the promise he made to himself concerning the boy.

There was silence for a time between the two.

Heavy, tense, uncomforting, and unnerving silence.

...

"....You are mistaken, Nathan. When I said I wasn't a hero, I was not implying that I wished to be one, or strove to uphold those 'lofty' ideals associated with such a role. No, all I told you was that I was incapable of being one, illustrating to you just how poorly such a title suited me. Never once in my time with you had I said I wanted to be such a thing."

....

"....Once, a long time ago, I wanted to be a hero. To uphold what is fair and just, to protect and save those that could not defend themselves from harm, and to help and benefit the entire world in any manner that I possibly could. It was such a childish dream, but never the less it was beautiful and comforting, and it help lend purpose to my life. Perhaps, given the chance and the right circumstance, I could have become a reasonable factsimile of one, the closet approximation that any one human could attain in their lifetime....."

....

"....Life, of course, has a way of educating those that cling to such fanciful notions. First, I failed to save my family, which collapsed around me despite my best efforts to keep it firmly bound together. My brother left twisted in grief filled anger, my mother fell prey to those vile Fairy types, and...and....my dear baby sister ran away from my care, when what I did was for her shake. I still don't know whether or not she's still alive, after all this time, despite my investigations...."

.....

"....Next, I joined Team Plasma, at first to help sustain myself during my primary school days, but later on in the hopes of a better future for myself and everyone in the region, nay, the world. I rose through the ranks and became a model Grunt for Team Plasma as a whole, as I did any and all that could be done to advance my group agenda, no matter what cost, until eventually I gained the notice and admiration of the True King, Ghetsis himself. I had prove myself above and beyond my peers, and so he assigned me the roles of being both a Recruiter and one of his personal Enforcers alongside The Shadow Traid to do his will, and over time, as we worked together towards the promised goal, we became close friends with each other, sharing in each other's joys, accomplishments, and eventually we......"

....

"....For a time, I had thought I was doing what was right and just, creating a wonderful world where people and Pokémon could exist not as servents to one another, but as equals. .........You already know how that ended. All that work, years of passonate loyalty and service to a cause most would find inconceivable, rendered to naught but ashes and char. Worse, even, since now I know with a heavy heart that what I did was wrong and misguided, and that one of my only friends had gone mad and abandoned that which made him strong, powerful, and grand, and never will I be able to reconcile with them, as they have fallen so low that nothing can reach them now...."

.....

"......Finally, I took the opportunity and became a researcher and the personal handler of Genesect, and tried to do right by it when so many others failed to give it even the most basic of chances. You know the story. After all these years of putting their fate in the back of my mind, though, praying that they were doing well under the harsh scrutiny of my government, I learnt here in Cheshire that they possibly escaped confinement and ended up being captured by an even worse group, filled with abominable archmages with nebulous goals that pose no good towards it or the world over. That crushed me, Nathan, and it only served to re-affirm what I had learnt by that point. Learnt about what it means to be a hero. Do you know what it is?"

"It is thus: that a hero is naught but a fool that endevours to do the impossible, only to fail everyone and themselves. I couldn't save anyone. I couldn't uphold just ideals, and I found the law and given order to be reprehensible. The only thing I could do right sometimes was to help others, to try to make their lives more happy, better, more decent, tolerable, fulfilling etc.. It was the only thing, besides my own research, education, and personal wisdom, that served to do me and anyone else a scrap of good in the short and long run."

"So, that is what I decided to do: help others, however I can, in whatever way I can, to whatever extent that was possible, no matter what. Even if I had to do terrible, cruel, ruthless, monsterous things, things that would earn me only the scorn, derision, and hostility of those I am trying to help, I would still do it. Because, sometimes, to help someone out or solve a problem, one must not do 'what is needed' or 'what is right'. Sometimes, one must be willing to do what must be done, especially if no one else wants to do so, or even consider such unpalatable ideas. I am no hero, Nathan, because its impossible for me to become one. I wish I could have been a hero, but I just can't be one."

A long period of silence stretches out as he finished that part of his rant, panting with the physical and emotional exertion of explaining THIS to the boy, but it must be done. He couldn't let them hold on to such pretensions, and while he very much doubts they would understand his words they way he intended them to be interpreted, he knew they were wise enough to comprehend his point. That Ventus Zackarieh was no hero, and that he could never be one, no matter how hard he or others tried....

Then, when Ventus was ready, he continued, now weary from his earlier mini fillabuster.

".... I've come to recently realize that arguing with you is entirely pointless. That trying to meet you in the middle ground or work to create some between us is a fruitless if we just end up at each other's throats, like right now. Opening up to you and getting you to do the same is too painful, especially when you spite me with barbed words that you knew would only serve to hurt me at the time, instead of addressing the points I presented to you. You've have hurt me with your behavior in the past, but this time....this time you went too far. For that reason, I'm done trying to be your friend, done always trying to understand and accept who you are, done worrying constantly about your care and wellbeing, done bending my knee so as not to offend you. If I have not been a good enough friend towards you, neither have you. If you want my friendship in earnest again, for me to head your advice, to consider you and your beliefs, for me to care deeply for you, then earn it. Prove to me you can be more than who you are now. If you don't wish to change, that is fine, but do not expect the same from me."

With that being said, the sociologist flicked his wrist and palmed Solomon's Pokeball, before he rolled it towards them and standing up from his seat. "You know how to run the Trade Machine by yourself, and Shiva can be the one to help you conduct a round trade if needed. I'm going to bed. Good night." Ventus the proceeded to briskly exit the private room, and made his way to the suite he shared with Shiva. He had a busy day planned with her tomorrow, so he needed all the time he could for meditation and some rest if he wanted to completely sort out and compartmentalize/fully control the vitriol he holds towards Nathan now. He meant what he said to them, that he was done with putting up with their Tauros feces, and for the time being didn't want to interact for at least a few days. Hopefully they'll get his message loud and clear this time!

Order: .....Well, Ventus is going to meditate/sleep for the night now, and leave Nathan to deal with the consequence of his own actions. Ready for the new day whenever everyone else is!