[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Original Post, quick flashback

"So, ehm.... Mr. Finder, if you allow me a question - what kind of cards are the ones you're using, and how do they work or help you? And...can you already roughly estimate how long it'll take us to reach the source of the black stone we gave you for the scent?"

"Oh, well, to tell you the truth, my bloodhound Pokemon are trained to tap these cards to help me communicate with them. They are some of the things Slurpuff might smell on the path ahead. You see, it's a bit of an...exaggeration...that I do all the finding and sniffing myself. So don't spread it around, if you don't mind. Here, I'll give you a demonstration to answer your other question."

He lays a field of cards. "Slurpuff, do you smell the source of the black stone?" Slurpuff taps a boulder card and a 'Yes' card.

"Slurpuff, are there any new obstacles on the way that will slow us down?" 'Yes.'

"Any that are displayed on these cards?" 'Rockslide', 'wall', 'Pokemon', 'hole', 'trap'.

"And I know it will take a little less than a week if we are not delayed at all. So with these delays...probably more than a week! Luckily, there are several long stretches where I've sensed no obstacles at all, other than the rugged terrain."

With much visible interest Shiva watched how Mr. Finder communicated with his Slurpuff, whenever the fairydog had his turn and purposefully taped a card she quietly clapped to it one or two times in appreciation. The sensation that he wasn't doing all the work himself was a mildly suprising one - neither positive nor negative, in fact, Shiva took it relatively well. How she adores the species of Swirlix and Slurpuff greatly helped on that, she appeared calm and friendly when responding. "Ah, so you partly earned that name and the status at the Violet Tent thanks to the Pokemon you've trained and use? That's...actually pretty cool. And no, of course I won't spread it around!" Her tone in voice softens. "I know about a Slurpuff's sense of smell that barely compares to anything existing, though in most cases I read and saw it the loyal companion of high-level chefs and exclusive confectioners. It's truely amazing what Pokemon can do, in so many cases they're way better at things than we people are - like, you could probably have managed by now to, well... guess that I'm not the strongest one physically. But I have an Azumarill with Huge Power that can help me covering that weakness! ...In fact, it's hard to imagine a world where Pokemon and people are seperated from each other, it'll prevent Pokemon from being hurt, harmed and misused by humans, but it would also put a stop to you and me - all of us - relying on and trusting in Pokemon as their dear companions. Many many people, including my family, would even end up jobless in such a scenario."

A thoughtful look flashes up on Shiva's side, and she turns silent again while letting these thoughts figuratively echo back from the cave walls and continuing to somewhat absent-mindedly let Dizzy fetch and bite after the Noctowl's feather. It was delighting and cute in an interesting way for her to see this particular Absol, being trained for a specific mission where he might not return from, playing with her freely and joyfully like most young Pokemon. It very very faintly reminded her on a particular Eevee when she was younger.

A little less than a week, humm... Mentally, Shiva already prepared for that. Most likely her circadian rythm will end up in a messy state sooner or later, how heavily she couldn't yet estimate. A weak part within her wished to return and soon see the daylight again, but the determination was a tad bit stronger and won, she was also rather curious about that Secret Library if being honest to her heart. One week without her dear Cottonee would also cause a crack through her heart, luckily Ventus suggested taking her instead... Sooner or later when Azumarill's shared joy proved not sufficient for Shiva, she'll also turn to him and his Togekiss for aid over the exhaustion and struggle to cope with the constant lack of daylight, she'll also make sure to take 2 pills of Vitamin D and St. John's Wort every morning (that's been stated as the limit for her) each to feel a little better - and to stay battleready and alerted of course without a rainy cloud in her mind.