[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Nathan's quietly thinking...

...when he does speak to Ventus, he doesn't jump into the expected topic right away.

"...ya know, it was nice to see Charmeleon genuinely enjoying himself there.  It was...kinda relaxing.  A little."

After spending what felt like several highly pleasurable hours celebrating with Shiva, Heart, and the rest of their Pokémon over their collective victories against the mighty Dagney, Ventus notice eventually drifted over to where Nathan was currently quietly thinking. This caused them to let out a somewhat tired yet quite put upon sigh and shake their head slightly as he realized why they were doing so despite their partners joining in on the festivities: He was waiting for their schedueled talk over Shadow Pokémon and Cipher.



Frankly, the empath had been doing his best to ignore them since their 'conversation' during their dear friend battle, as he was far from in the mood to deal with their pentulent and moody behavior over his advice and Heart's presence ('When am I ever, honestly? Also, note to self: get Heart's side of the story regarding the incident between him and Kirla/Nathan...."), but he knew that their was hardly a point in delaying the inevitable conversation they would be holding tonight. For one, The boy desired to reclaim the Knowledge their mind had obliterated due to sheer psychological distress, and so sought him wishing to rekindle that discussion. If he tried to dodge the topic or outright fabricate a story to ameliate them, it would likely end with them in an even less favorable mood in short or long term interactions, be it abrasive hostility or more sullen moodies on their part. For the other, he gave his word such a meeting would be forthcoming this night or in the near future, and he almost always makes good on it (his word) whenever possible. He may be have been/still is in some aspects a dubiously ethical individual, but he never once broke any his promises without extenuating circumstances forcing his hand, and he wasn't planning on changing that trend ever.

So it was with a weary heart that after the party died down and everyone else departed to their rooms for the night that the sociologist went over to sit with them. Shiva's disappointment and subtle reaction of distaste neatly mirror his own thoughts on the matter when he informed them of his plan, but ultimately it did nothing to persuade him against it. It had to be done sooner or later, so he might as well get it over now while fortified with cheer from the celebration(s).......

To his surprise, however, Nathan had decided to instead speak of Charmeleon's enjoyment of Shiva's match, which quickly turned to thoughtful (and thankful - any chance to delay/derail things was phenominal in his eyes!) curiosity as he pondered over the boy's lighter topic.

".....Agreed. Indeed, I was pleasantly surprised by how ethusiatic they were about the whole affair with Shiva's Gym match, though in retrospect I can understand why he might have been invested in the first place. Seeing the adversary that beat you down receive their commupance is a heartening and joyful occasion, even if I feel its a bit too vivicarious for my tastes. This is still a positive development with them however you define it, though, so I hope you'll find more ways to bring out that side of him. Training, handling, and properly encouraging 'good' development in Disobedient Pokémon is a difficult and often thankless task, but I know you are quite capable of doing so, Nathan."

He says this last part with a kind smile, before going silent and letting them set the pace of the conversation. No need to rush things if he can avoid it.......especially since perhaps he could possibly derail their thoughts entirely on last night 'conversation'. Most likely not, but still.