[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Ven's not anymore mollified or pleased by those initial statements of Nathan's, but he's too vexed with his own issues to get too work up over it all (yet), and so nods his head few times while rubbing his temples in response. 'Things are NEVER easy or uncomplicated now in days, no matter what the task may be, grah…..'

He remarkably perks up in record time as the young scholar reveals that he was drawing TANDORAIN Pokémon, leaning right back in and up close to better hear and absorb all the details ( so as to later record in his own notes) they had available on these ever rare and elusive Pokémon. In particular, Ratsy line had him most excited and interest piqued, as he though Sketching was exclusive to the Smergle and their was a certain appeal to the ideal of a 'Street Rat Artist Pokemon' to him, but all the creatures mentioned managed to capture his attention and fascination to varying degree (ESPECIALLY the Pahar, since their are apparently some residing in Cress' Cathedral!)!

Nathan's own interest in Electruxo and Masking was intriguing in its own right to Ventus, though, and for different reason to boot! Concerning the formor, hearing them give such high praise to the species when they OWNED both a Starmie AND Slaking, both Pokémon thought to be formidable in their own rights, was initially perplexing.....until they realized that its general body design/appearance was basically 'Water/Electric Equine Pokemon' . Then Ven had to resist facepalming at both the obviousness of the species appeal to the boy, and just how predictable his tastes in Pokémon lay.

'He'd be estatic if he ever managed to get his hands on ANY horse Pokémon, I imagine. Not that is a unfavorable preference, but its surprising how easily pegged his interests were, given how well read and....opinionated he is,' he though wryly, while simultaneously saying in a kind and reminding (and somewhat teasing) tone: "Solomon and Starmie might get jealous if you give such high praise to a Water type you've never even meet, so you may want to watch when you state that. Don't worry, I won't mummer a whisper about this to them....."

Masking's description.....it caused him to raise an eyebrow,  as the gears in the sociologist's mind started churning and scanning the odd details the boy put in his brief run down on it, and came to a logical but still surprising conclusion in short order. 

'Using a gendered description to initially refer to the species, when he's been gender neutral with the other Tandorian Pokemon....implied he's done and is still doing research on it before searching for intel on other Tandorian Pokémon, which means he was aware of at least the appearance of the species - if not its name too - before searching Antheneum…..his lassie fare attitude and happy attitude toward being mostly oblivious about it, a sharp contrast to his usual behavior in his given topic of interest.....oh my. Could it be....?'

As his formed his conclusion about this, a thoughtful  frown tugged at the corners of his lips as he stared at the boy in question, not knowing whether or not he should share it with the boy out of the probable chance he's overthinking things, before he eventually shrugged to himself and went ahead and told them. If he's wrong, then he'll deal with the egg on his face, but if not....

"Nathan......have you Encountered a Masking or something looking like it on your journey through Mt. Sentry thus far, and maybe.... perhaps.....caught or interacted with one? This is just speculation on my part, but it sounds and feels to me like you were and/or still are intimately involved with the species in some way and seek to learn more because of that, rather than stumbling upon Knowledge of it while searching Antheneum for other records, text, etc.. …."

(To be fair, he grew up around horses, so...)

Nathan shrugs off the statement about Solomon and Starmie.  "Maybe.  They've become some of my favorites too, though.  I don't think they have much to worry about if I ever happen to come across an Eletux or Electruxo.  Wouldn't want to trade either of them or push them away.  I always try to make some time for all of my pokemon at some point."

He shrugs again when asked about Masking, a sly, happy smile on his face.  Kirlia's chuckling to himself.  'Kirlia' is trying to hide behind Kirlia now that an unwanted spotlight seems to be headed in her direction...