[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

"....Well, you certainly don't sound so sure or cheerful about your word. I take it there's a story behind this Gloom that's meddling with what should be a mutual feeling of accomplishment between you all?"

Despite his digging and pertinent remark, Ventus maintains his sunny tone and disposition, though the former is a little lighter and his expression a touch more concerned and empathetic. He does give Gallade a questioning glance along with a tilt of his head when their partner averts their gaze from him, however.

Them downplaying their own literally world saving accomplishment gets a small frown and raised eyebrows from the eccentric researcher, before he reaches over and rests a hand on their shoulder.

"I know that very well, Nate. Taking on a true Legendary Pokemon and slaying it is not something anyone can do alone, unless they be god-like or Legendarily powerful themselves. Those who took a part in the struggle against Deoxys deserves ample recognition, praise, and compensation, no matter how big or little their role is. As a matter of fact, I plan on congratulating everyone I can for vanquishing that dreadful and most ill reputable researcher (He says that with notable contempt) Deoxys, as well as offering my own boons for the deed too, on top of the ones the League will no doubt showering upon you all."

He briefly looks over at Shiva, and gives her a rather affectionate but bashful grin. 

"My boon and praise to you will be fully disclosed between us in privacy, as I know you'd prefer. We have a lot to catch up on anyway, so why not do everything in all one go, hmm?"

Saying thus, he lets out another chuckle before looking back over to Nathan, and gives his friend a comforting squeeze, smiling kindly and encouragingly at them.

"Of course, that include you too, least you overlook your own monumental part in that wild, diabolical, and awful scheme Deoxys forced you and all of Cheshire into, unintentionally or not. You shouldn't feel terrible, overwrought, or unworthy about that - quite the opposite, you should be revealing from your feats and the honor and acknowledgements you receive thereof, or at the very least be more positive about them. Or that's what I believe, at least. Alright, Nate?"

Ven let go of them then, and swiftly offers them a full bow and a flourish of his hand.

"For you, I know you wouldn't prefer or desire any material gifts from me, so I give you thus: three Favors, for you to ask of me whatever you wish, should it be possible for them to be fulfilled. Really, you deserve an eternal debt from me, but if I know you even a little I fear you reject such a level of gratitude on my part, even though I feel you are entirely entitled to it, like the rest of our friends."

"So....do you have any Favors to ask of me now, Nate?"

"...something like that...I don't really feel like we haven't earned any of the recognition, but...*ahem*..."

Ventus doing a full on bow and flourish just seems to make Nathan a bit more uncomfortable.

"...n-no, I d-don't have any favors I could ask of you right now."

Gallade sighs and puts a hand on Nathan's shoulder.  Nathan takes a moment to breathe and tries to relax a little.

Nathan still can't quite look at Ventus straight, but he at least has a question.  "...is this really necessary?  I mean, the League and the rest of the region are gonna be thankful enough as it is...it's hardly something I would say has earned personal favors from specific individuals, given the scale of this..."