[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Many thanks for waiting, @Lord Windos. Onwards then...)



Some weird sobbing from directly beside Shiva finally caused her to take her hands from her face and the tears becoming less for a short time (in the means of no stream anymore) as she turned to find the source of these sounds. How she looked plain horrible, defeated and just UNABLE to maintain her calm and whatever fortitude she has build up since starting the journey, is pretty obvious. But seeing her most dear fluffball being just as distraught as she was felt like giving her the rest: In an instant sweeping gesture, weeping Cottonee ends up being dragged into her beloved Master's arms for a hearty and heartbreaking embrace.

Being busy now with comforting Cottonee and wiping of remaining tears with the sleeve of her Ranger's cloak as she's still wearing it, she listens to what Ventus had to say about the reasons why with barely any reaction. Only when he said 'one of them continuing to haunt [him] so' a very weak and knowing smile formed on her features - he'll be free from the issues with that mockery of a dog now. Lucky him. Allured by that the faint and desperate idea of either 1. joining Ventus or 2. being the next one who's leaving the group came to Shiva, but it didn't need much pondering to get that he wouldn't allow that AND it'd go against her promise to leave him alone to cope with the happenings surrounding the Gauntlet (1.) or he outright wouldn't want that; hell, she wasn't even sure whether SHE would want that (2.): Shaking her head a little, she let go of SUCH thoughts.

She didn't react as Nathan left the room without a single word, but faintly gasps as Heart ends up laying his arms around her love, well aware that he as well was 'more than human'. Will he take it, she wondered....?


An understanding nod accompanied with a sob that she simply failed to hold was all that Shiva was able to give Ventus as he went silent before she hung her head again, pressed Cottonee a little tighter against herself and looked away from the dear oddball of researcher as she didn't want him to see her like THAT. 'Lots of what he shared matches with what you feared it was the reason, my dear, doesn't it?' .....she didn't respond, but it was painfullyTRUE.

"...I don't want that" she whispered. "I don't want that you're......going from me, us, but..... It's no use. Just like you need time and are always trying to cope and embrace me again, I need a while until I'm able to embrace your choice here, Ven... A...All I can do is TRYING to give your.....your successor *she almost spit that word out in a feeling of wrongness* a chance. I'll just......hope that he can become someone that will help me when I need aid or a strong shoulder now that you'll be.....so far away, someone who'll still be able to take me on a promised hunting trip... Someone who's happy to spend time with me.... Someone I............ someone I can call a 'friend' until you are back at my side."

Once more she had to wipe her eyes, but while doing so her gaze fell on these farewell-gifts that were still on the table and seemed to be ment to her for the most part. She still was reluctant to simply take them however, as it meant directly accepting his departure for her - she might not get a hold on them unless Ventus definitely makes sure that it's okay, but now she turned faintly interested as it seemed as she spoke up once more to him: ".....You said having 'one more gift to me to be given in private'.... When...IS 'private'?"