[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Considering Ralts is sitting right in front of Nathan, that catches both Nathan AND Ralts off guard.

...and it's VERY uncomfortable for Ralts, getting 'hugged' by a ghost.

And to his credit, Nathan reacts almost immediately, as he attempts to separate Ralts from Malphena.

"...let me make this clear, Malphena.  You deal with one of us, you deal with both of us.  No exceptions.  Don't act like I'm not here, like I can't feel how uncomfortable you're making my best friend."

That's really all he needs to say.  He's not really angry, per se, but...Malphena definitely hit a nerve, however unintentionally.

"...give us some space, please.  We have some thinking to do."

He directs Swiftfire to trot away from the ghost.  And then he gets to work at soothing Ralts and giving Swiftfire some proper brushing (she doesn't complain as much as usual since it seems to be helping Nathan calm down) while everyone waits for Ventus to find that Durant of his.

Problem partially solved, I guess?  It's certainly a step up from before as far as Nathan's mood goes...

Malphena, not really desiring any conflict with Nathan right now despite how unimpressed and unhappy she was with him, and somewhat surprised herself that Ralts react the polar opposite to her cuddles, separated herself from Ralts when he came to their aid. She had to STRONGLY resist not cackling in the boy's face as he tried to lecture HER about behavior, though, but that didn't stop her from smirking at him in a smug/knowing way. Oh, that was rich, considering that until she dediced to intervene and do something to solve Ralts fearful misery he was content to let them both simmer uneasily in it! Her vengeful jumpscares and teasing yet genuine concern might not be to his liking nor her disdain for him, but all of that DID manage to snap them out of being so SAD and DO SOMETHING about your/their woes. Something by all right HE should be done in the first place, but had to be provoked into doing so, and unintentionally at that, as she had given up on him by the time she decided to cuddle with Ralts!

That, and his warning was ultimately pointless, as she HAD dealt with the both of them by that point, and only decided to ignore them/write them off as a lost cause at the end and tried to tease/comfort Ralts by herself since he refused to care enough to look past this own troubles. One shouldn't say make such a statement, least ye began to paint yourself a fool, te he he!

Still, when the boy decided to avoid her and actually constructively deal with his problems and care for his Pokémon, (FINALLY!) , the screeching banshee didn't follow, electing instead to trill a very perky farewell screech, showing once again that not only was she unfazed by his words/actions, but that she was completely happy with the results of their 'exchange'. Dislike her all you want (She doesn't care~!), but you'd and your Pokémon would have been worse off if it weren't for her help, and she QUITE smugly content with that Knowledge, *Screeeeee~!*