[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Spoiler

Eeeek! Shiva was a little startled as Ventus adressed her  and instantly flinched a little, as she has been concentrated on exchanging cuddles and nuzzles as well as negotiating things with her Tropius. Nevertheless, as Ventus by all means doesn't pose a threat or such, she manages to catch herself rather quickly again and softened as she listens to what he spoke. It was held in a friendly and interested way, so she's all open for the input and blinked a little in wonder as he finished. "Oh... That, well, was my indeed my train of thought, Ven. But now that you say it, if the opponent holds an item themselves... It might still work, it might not work, I'm not too sure. Braixen usually learn Switcheroo when they've grown enough to evolve into a precious Delphox, which is a side effect of their awoken psychic powers.... But, we'll see, I'll find a use. Somehow." She shrugged faintly, being not fully decided on what would be the best way to use this Black Sludge effectively.



The kind request to have it on loan for Apsis however caused Shiva to react with a heavy and somewhat sad sigh, before she gently leaned into Ven's side as if by saying that, he upriled something that was troubling her. Not facing him and not speaking for a few moments, she eventually found her voice and opened up towards him. "I don't quite know whether it'd be good to have Apsis hold that Sludge from time to time... Ven, do not get me wrong! I'd happiliy loan it to you when it's benefitial for you. But... I'm still somewhat scared of your Arbok, Ven. She in return does not like me, I'm believing that either the matter that I've been training Pokemon with psychic powers and she knows that is it, or - playing a more important role - takes me as some sort of rival for you attention, possibly even for your love. I'm not meaning any harm and don't want to compete! I guess you have a big enough heart for both me and your dear Pokemon. If it'd be me who'd offer her that Black Sludge though whenever you'd like her to hold it - do you think that'd make her realize that I'm not a foe or rival, and we can at least be on a ground where we don't put each other on edge constantly?"


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From the corner of her eye, Shiva managed to pick up that something was wrong. It seemed like Ven froze at the spot, and something was telling her that it was because of HER. She believed that she caught up shock 'n bittersweet feelings but wasn't 100% sure as is disappeared as fast as it came. ...She was certain that it had to do with the way she ACCIDENTLY has called him. Hell, it must have slipped her tongue in that anger and hurt! She still didn't know what was so bad about that nickname, but she won't pressure him to tell - all she was was aware of that he didn't like being called like that, that it causes him to loose his cheer.

Still having her arms crossed but her body half-turned towards him again, she shoots him a sad look, one that silently begged for forgiveness. Yet, she didn't manage to find words to speak, but maybe later she'll do so.


(It seems like both Ven and Shiva have something to apoligize for towards the other, Windos. Maybe as soon as he's not depressed anymore as you hinted, they can talk themselves out.)

A simple nod and a calm smile was all that Ventus had to offer Shiva as she ended up shrugging at his Insight, feeling confident that one way or another his girlfriend would be able to put that Black Sludge to great and effective use. Her despondent reaction towards his seemingly innoculous request soon wiped away any positive feelings he might have had, and soon a troubled/thoughtful frown appeared as she elaborated on why she was so distressed with that. He was silent for the longest time, to the point where one would begin to think he wouldn't end up answer her at all, before he finally spoke up in a reserved sort of tone.

"I see your point, my dear, and I'm grateful you would still consider letting her use the Black Sludge as needed despite your.....fear and concerns. Your idea that she also disdains you due to considering you a nuisance or a threat is also not without merit, as I have observed myself how hostile or unhappy she is when around you. However.....I don't believe your plan to smooth over tension will work very well, regrettably. Aspis is very much a creature of passion, in addition to being quite judgmental and constantly wary. She's also rather prideful and self sure of herself on top of that, and easily hold in contempt, wrath or apathy any she deems 'unworthy' of her better nature."

A brief pause as he mulls over how to say his next point, before letting out a sigh and deciding to just be blunt about it.

"Altogether, it means that once she forms an opinion of someone, its unlikely to ever change sustaintially bar something drastic happening to force her to reconsider her views. This means that even if you were the one to offer her the Black Sludge, at best she'd be neutral about the deal and think nothing more about it, or outright reject it out of spite and anger at the very worst. Hopefully in time the more we are around she'll learn to eventually tolerate your presense better and take less offense to you, but for now I forsee no way for you to endear yourself to her. I'm sorry to say that, but its my honest opinion and it would do us neither good if I tried to soften or misconstrue it....."

More silence, this time more uncomfortable as the researcher shifts in place uneasily, awaiting with a small amount of dread how his dearest would react to the news.....

Silence - silence was something pleasant, but at first it was soft-plaqued by Ventus seeking for words and in the end by the words he spoke out. Not that Shiva'd blame him, no way, he was telling the truth and she much appreciated that he was doing so instead of soften the matter. If he'd do so and she'd approach Apsis with hope when offering her that Sludge once and notice that the cobra does not at all react favourable, it'd only cause disappointment and disenchantment and at worse one of her own Pokemon trying to let Apsis physically know that her behaviour is not tolerable!

Staying there leaned against Ven's side, she replied nothing at first as she rethought his estimation of things, but as Shiva eventually moved to rest her head in her hands, it became obvious that she's disheartened to the very core. Not enough to become depressed due to it, but she remained in this position for relatively long and at one point is seems like she failed to hold back a low sob.

She managed to find herself back soon to some degree however, especially after some tender loving care from him, but the thought that Shiva herself can't really do a thing to get Apsis to at least tolerate her of necessity - or can't do a thing at all, it seems - that hit her. When she spoke up towards Ventus again, her voice was low and the ting of sadness was very audible, but she prefers to face the ground when speaking and had to rub her eye once real quick. "T...Thanks for you insight. I guess that's partly due to the nature of these poisonous snakes... But, Ven, I guess then the only thing that's left for me is to continue trusting in you that you won't let Apsis do anything.....unfavourable to me or my own Pokemon, I have not forgotten that thing when I came to you after the Candelabra. I, in return, will make sure that I'm not putting her on edge unnecessarily, but that doesn't mean that I'll keep my distance from YOU every single time she's out... But I'll think twice before approaching you when the cobra's by your side, maybe it'll help if YOU'd be to approach ME while having her siding you." A long break followed before she added "That Black Sludge... I'll keep it, but I'm alright to sharing it with you from time to time, but maybe not while accepting the necklace SHE'S USUALLY WEARING in return, maybe she...won't like that."

More to herself and to the ground, a low "Stupid Poison Types....." followed while a for a moment a flash of anger washed over Shiva. That Skrelp she hatched was the only one that she could imagine for her to have, but she simply didn't feel ready to deal with such toxic a Pokemon, it's better for both if Professor Mallorn takes care of that seahorse.