[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

'Ventus received a thankful and faint smile from her for clearing things with the Shelter, before she spoke up once again, in no less careful tone. "I'd actually be down to...well, wait until noon to have a Ponyta with us as well... It doesn't hurt to have backup in case the Metagross are unable to transport us for reasons. Like, if we unexpectedly get attacked or similar. I know how to ride Pokemon, so it's no problem for me... Ven, I'd be down to depart right away as well, but we should not overrun things. Don't you think?" She kept her gaze fixated on him in a non-threathening way while awaiting his reply now, as well as Heart's and Valder's opinion on whether the group shall depart right away or wait a few hours.'

The researcher let out a small sigh at the expantent look/tone/emotions he was receiving from Shiva about delaying their departure towards 'The ends of the earth', but he still gave her a warm smile despite it all. "If everyone is insistent on waiting and receiving a Pontya mount from Stable Z, then I would not begrudge waiting for a couple more hours. However, I much prefer we leave immediately, as every hour could mean the difference of halting those Vine from strangling Stair, to being unable too...."

' "That's what I'm asking of all four of you.  Everyone has the potential to grow a little if they choose to.  I don't think any effort put into that is wasted effort.  What is wasted effort is not trying when we're already pressed for time.  Particularly since we don't know what option 2 is going to require beyond a long trip." '

'Oh right... "As for both of you, Heart and Ven... It's obvious you are having ... well, your issues with Nathan. I had and have too. But widen this to his Pokemon, especially in this situation... feels just wrong. Pokemon can exist on their own, without humans. Don't forget that..."'

"*Sighs* Nathan, Shiva despite my....reservations over recent events, they do not extend to young Kirlia beyond whatever mischief or trouble it brings upon both him and myself. I would be normally willing to help unlock his potential and have him become the Bear of Unselfish Love, but it is because of our strained relationship towards one another that I believe its pointless in helping in their growth. At this point in time, do you honestly believe that Kirlia would consider my efforts anything but insincere or suspicious at best, or outright ignore or scorn them at worst, considering the feelings I harbor towards you *Motions at Nathan*? Given what I've seen of his behavior, I don't believe he's magnanimous enough or able to separate his problems from your own and cooperate with me, so I rather not waste both our times trying to bond when nothing of the sort will happen."

(Essentially, Ventus is fine waiting a couple of hours for the Ponyta, but if Valder/Heart decided they want to leave ASAP, he's going to prefer going that route instead.)