[Game Thread] Pokerole: Mount Coronet Mystery

[Lord Windos]

(Alright, took me awhile to think up this first scene, so here goes nothing!)

*Flashforward!*

Once his business with Kee, Karen, and Kogeki is done for the morning, Ran inevitably finds himself in a Private Room in the back in the Center, sitting in a chair with his purchased Dragon Gem Necklace in one hand and a cup of cocoa in the other. He stares at it for a time, studying the intricate metal work of the golden chain and peering deeply the flawless, deep dark blue Gem set in the pendant, his reflection on it unusually serious and contemplative. The longer he gazed into it, the more thoughtful and frustrated he got, until finally he let go of it and pinched the bridge of his nose, heaving out an slightly irritated 'Bah!' as he shook his head in consternation. 

"Verdammt, what do I say to Zorn when I give this to him? 'You've been a treasured partner of mine, so here's something to show how much you mean to me?' *Shakes Head* No no no. Too mushy and awkward, yet not sincere enough too. Big brute would just gawk at me if I spouted that drivel, or think I'm buttering him up for something and get Leerly about it and me intentions. Gah....."

Yeap, you heard that right. The midget man is indeed fretting about his delivery of the Dragon Gem Necklace bling to his Dragon.

Abnormal as that was, he DOES have his reasons for doing so. Mainly, what was troubling him so much it was he honestly didn't know how they would react to it, as he NEVER gave the big brute anything other than meals, training, and the occasional scolding. Couple that with them being right grumpy bastard like me most the time, and add in the fact that their relationship hasn't exactly been the warmest or kindest on average, and it became a valid concern of his that they might not end up liking or trusting the Necklace if he doesn't phrase why they get it. Saying nothing at all about the gift would sidestep this issue, but doing so would defeat the whole purpose of giving it away to them - to further cheer Zorn up and strengthen their bond. It probably leave them more bewildered and concerned about their seemingly spontaneous windfall too, knowing his luck.....

Simply put, Ran was stumped about this. Or maybe he was overthinking things with his scaled subterror. Who knows?

Eventually, the dwarven craftsman threw up his hands and shouted "Enough! I'll just wing it like Beethoven during karaoke night at the bar. If I put myself on the spot, I'll think of something suitable  that'll get the point through his thick scales and skull....."

With that abruptly decided, he grabs the Necklace, hides it behind his back, switches Zorn into his party and, after a moment's pause, releases them into the room. He let's them get their bearings, before he lightly coughs to grab their attention.

"Zorn......"

Ran hesitates for a second, before letting out a small *Sigh* and brings out their gift for them to see, holding it by the chain letting the Dragon Gem pendant dangle in the air.

"Here. Got ya this made personally for you, for playing your BIG part in winning me Badge from Candice, and.....all the hard work you've achieved thus far. You've come a long way since we've teamed up, and while you still act like a bit of a hard headed, Rough Skin bastard.......I can honestly say I'm proud of you. So take this, and claim it as your rightful prize for all you've accomplished. You deserve it."

Now, their reaction......

---------------

Fastforward a bit more, and NOW it's time for Ran to introduce himself to his dark prophet Absol! This event is a far easier matter for him to handle, as all he does is (After returning all his Pokemon) release them in the same private room, and greets them as thus:

"Greetings, Absol's. Name's Randolph, and I'm your new partner. Old Fashion - Rowan - traded you to me by my request, as I need a prophet and a Pokemon with a Keen Eye for danger like you to help me with my latest job. Think we can mostly get along?"