[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Let us go, sister. We need not fall behind the others, and worry them unnecessarily. Stay close now."

Ventus and Apsis then departed from the Candelabra, him leaning on her as they went, not once sparing it a backwards glance. He also pulled out an incense on the way and lite it up, puffing on it to try and soothe his weaken, tarnished soul.

Shiva didn't make it to run off as far away she may have enjoyed or as her cowardly side was telling her to do, as that Evolutionary Item has stopped her midway, catching her attention and stopping her on the trail to get back to the others of the group. For some moments of joy over having found such an Item, she got distracted as she examinated it and eventually packed it away. (Uhm, yes, this very general, I may edit this later once GM revealed what I have found here [so curious now!]) For these few moments, she has forgotten that there was a Chandelure lurking nearby, a wild one, illuminating the chamber together with the lavender flames of the Candelabra in an way more eerie bluish light than her small Litwick ever could.

Running away from it was no option anymore, that Ghost Type would not only be faster, but walls may not be too much of an obstacle for it and a prey that fled may allure it even more. Plus, Shiva had enough of that running-away from danger, from that Pineco-Encounter she learned that she CAN get stuff done... Eventually, seeking cover behind some rocks, waiting for Ven to return to continue the rest of the path together and all the time looking out for the Chandelure being nearby seemed like a good decision. Lilith got recalled into her painted Premierball all Shiva didn't want her to encounter this ghost, same with freshly-evolved Silverbolt, in return Marill got summoned to her and hugged closely and tightly for comfort and to have a Water Attack ready to be used right away shall it be necessary. Blue mouse returned the sentiment and seemed all willing to protect her sweet Master, Yena would be out as well now would Shiva have him on hand and with her now.

The two just waited like that for a while. Only concentrating on their breath, waiting for any signs, waiting for a felt entirety...


...Eventually, after quite a while, a faint scent of lavender incense caused her to perk up. Why, within a mountain... It could only mean one thing, so relieved but still somewhat carefully - you never know for sure - she left her hide-out, still hugging Marill hard and Marill hugging her hard, and what she and her lingering hopes were assuming turned out to be very true - Ventus returned. It was indeed him, whoelse would smole incense sticks wearing green tweed sweaters and keeping an Arbok that safe... None she knew of.

Though from the way he looked - somewhat...weary, his walk was 'heavier', was something burdening him..? - and how she knew the only smoked lavender incense when he need/wants to calm himself or recover from something, she cottoned on that dealing with the Chandelure has affected him in some way.

She knew Apsis would hiss at her shall Shiva approach the cobra's Master and family member. She very well knew, she knew very well knew that Apsis doesn't enjoy this young woman too close to him, but she also knew that Ventus himself would never allow her to harm his dear... There's always a small risk despite how well Ven has her under control, but maybe - probably - her fear of Apsis made this risk bigger than it was in the first place... Not that Shiva cares right now. If it means that she can comfort Ven and simply being there for him if he allows and accepts her company now, that's a risk she very well takes upon.

Though she holds back with her care to not put Apsis on edge as well as not scare Marill too much than necessary, so as soon as Ventus was within reach, Shiva stepped by his side and gave his hand a stroke with one of her own as well as a trademark coy smile from the side before she opted to muster the path ahead, smile somewhat fading as she did so. Now that she was close to Ventus, the impression that he had some reason to calm himself/cope with things via smoking incense intensified, but she had no idea what happened and she won't ever find out. After a few moments of silence between them both, it was Shiva who spoke up first, in a tone that was careful, caring and quiet. She's not angry, not sad, just a still a tad bit fearful/shy and now concerned for Ven's wellbeing and state. "It's good to see you again... You..... well, have dealt with that Chandelure, have you? You have... I don't want to know how and what, *she slightly shaked her head at that to show she really doesn't* it's enough to know that you did. You have, did you? ...Thank you. Reshiram knows how many spirits of innocent visitors it already burnt, I'd take on it by myself and caught it for safe containment and later giving away but you were faster and I...welll.... How do you feel now, you're okay?"

It doesn't really matter what Ventus did or did not. Despite everything, it's still him, it's still that oddball of researcher she was sharing a close bond with.