[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

(I understood that, so you don't have to worry about me being offended!)

"Trouble formulating a response, Nate? *Chuckles* How unlike you. Never would I thought I'd see the day words would fail you against me, but given the topic at hand, a lack of eloquence on your part could be expected."

Ventus seemed equal parts bemused and relieved at his old friend's difficulty with Common, some part of him enjoyed putting them on the backfoot instead of the reverse (and with kindness, no less!) and another happy to see they weren't taking his decision/stance negatively. Big blessing indeed all around!

He shrugged and gave a subdued smile when they finally managed to parse a meaningful reply, looking unapologetic yet content.

"That is fine. We both have our reasons to being adverse to one another's presences, after all. So long as they continue to behave and cause nobody undeserving strife or chaos, I'll not incite such tenebrous conflict among us. Fair, is it not?"

The scholarly trainer's hypothesis managed to get double raised eyebrows from the esteemed sociologist plus an ever so slightly increadulous look, before he shook his and sighed.

"While that is certainly an explanation as to why those fiends assault Corsage, forgive me if I don't believe you. As you said, you don't have solid evidence to support your claim, and from my encounters with Orthros' ilk, they seemed to relish tormenting any dreamers they ensnare or stumble into their domain. That, and I rather not image their is another nebulous and diabolical force lurking in the shadow, waiting and eager to sow more seeds of discord throughout Cheshire. *Sighs* Still.....if you can provide proof.....I'll do more than humor it. That much I can do for you, Nate."

Not much of what Nathan would call a great reaction, but hey, at least Ventus is open to the idea that Delta Houndour aren't totally demonic filth. Hooray?

Their last remark causes the eccentric researcher's to think about it for a moment, before giving them and Shiva a nod and a easy-going smile.

"Hmm.....yes, that's a capital idea, Nate. I was planning on meeting up with her to receive a status update on [i]everything[i] that's transpired so far today and inquire about you two's meeting after I finished catching up with you, as a matter of fact. But I suppose I can bring this reunion to a close now. What we've discussed is sufficient for today, and I imagine you and everyone else is exhausted from your grueling battle against Deoxys, so I'll you two to finish you business for today and get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll meet again and pick up where we left off, hopefully with me more well informed and well equipped to aid you however I may. *Smiles*  Among other things. *Turns head towards Shiva* I'll meet up with you tonight, dear, so worry not about another extended absence from me!"

With that said, Ven shrugs off his delightful darling off with an apologetic smile, and bows to both her, the Lore Master, and his empathetic paladin.

"Until we meet again, I bid you adieu and goodnight, and pray to Reshirim your continued well-being and safety."

He then sticks his hands into his labcoat pocket and smartly turns around, marching straight into Dagney's offices, who's door(s) opened automatically to admit him without delay.

*Flashback End?*

Yup, that should just about wrap that flashback up!  Nathan is about 99% certain that they'll be seeing Ventus when they head out to Garlicburg.  And definitely when they go DIVING for the Genesect Fossil.  They'll meet again soon.

Nathan just has one more thing to say about his theory as the researcher turns to leave.  "...I hope I'm not right, Ventus.  I really hope I'm not."  ...which is probably a strange thing for Ventus to hear, given what the researcher knows of Nathan.  Whatever's bothering Nathan about this, he's more concerned about it than the implications it might have on whatever arguments he could use to defend Orthros...

If everything goes well, Nathan will have that proof he needs soon...very soon...

Regardless, it's time to go now.   Nathan turns to Shiva and says, "Well, let's get some rest.  We're gonna need all the energy we can muster for whatever might happen in the coming days.  If ya need me tomorrow for anything, send me a text.  I've got a lot of things I need to do still, and I'm probably going to be moving around the region a lot."

And with that, Day 83 officially comes to a close.  Maybe Nathan will get to hear Ventus's reaction to the news about the trip to Garlicburg tomorrow...and maybe even however Ventus reacts to the Scimitars ending up being a part of the mission to retrieve the Artifacts and defeat Deoxys, and Terra's actions relating to them during it and after the fact...why Nathan was so awkward about addressing the topic of defeating Deoxys making everyone involved heroes will probably be clear to the researcher soon enough...

*Flashback End*