[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Nathan chuckles as Ventus asks why the young man is so insistent on asking for the researcher's help with such large tasks.  "Let me answer your question with another question.  Why did Mesprit give you a gemstone, a piece of the very item I plan to use?  I can't claim to know exactly why, but I think it isn't inaccurate to say that Mesprit trusts you, even if...others are finding it difficult.  I may be asking on Mesprit's behalf, but I'm also asking because I know for a fact that you can be depended on if you put your mind to it.  This is less about if we think you can help and more a show of faith.  Regardless of your decision, though, Mesprit and I will both understand.  It's entirely your choice, not some destiny that's being thrust upon you.  If there's something in it for you, that'll likely be something you're free to choose as well."


Nathan looks in the direction of the ocean, over the horizon.  "...ya know, I kinda wish I had as much choice as you do right now, Ven.  The timeline may not be set in stone entirely, but I can't help but feel that Gallade and I are going to have important roles in whatever comes next no matter what happens.  I can accept that, but...well, it's a heavy burden to bear, honestly..."

Again, Nathan's hand slips to the hilt of the Keenglaive Sword.  His mom had once said that Legendaries usually have multiple contingency plans to solve any issues they need human assistance with, but...does he really believe that?  Would another have come to free Mesprit and defeat Deoxys if he hadn't?  After so many visions and prophecies involving him and everyone else in the group, the time travel linking Keni and Calam to both their past selves and the group in the present day...he's not sure if he does believe it.

Ever since defeating Deoxys, that's been a constant thought at the back of his mind.

"...I hope it'll all be worth it one day, that everyone in this region can get that peaceful future they desire...that one day, there won't be a need for the Four..."

Nathan continues to stare off into the distance, deep in thought.  A weighty topic, to be sure...

Ventus looked a bit perplexed at first by the young historian rebuttal, not quite sure where he was going with it, but when they get to the point he couldn't help but smirk at the concept and let out a singular low laugh that sounded rather....unsettling. "Mesprit, The Being of Emotion, trusts in me? Ha. If that's the case, they either have a rather poor sense of judgement, exceptionally low standards for humanity now, or has a far more alien perspective on me and others than I originally conceived. Or perhaps they trust only my actions and common mode of behavior? That is equally baffling to me, but it makes more sense that the alternative. Hmm....unless they haven't peered a bit deeper into me, and has only been observing what could be plainly seen? *Shakes head to himself* No, no, that's an asinine idea...."

The eccentric researcher was mumbling to himself by the end of his statement, but he shakes his head again and refocuses on Nathan with a somewhat amused smile, clearly finding the whole matter funny in some perverse way. "Well, I suppose that all doesn't factor into the question, in any case. Why they choose to bequeth unto me a gemstone is mostly irrelevant in the end. They gave it to me, then I gave it to you later for you to use as you wish, and that is all that really matters in the end. Trying to decipher the rationale and logic of an ancient Legendary I have no particular personal interest in or history with beyond their ties to you is something I have neither the time nor desire for, so I will not."

And that's all he has to say about that question, for now. During that wholes speel, though, I think Nathan would notice he never did properly address the later half of their rebuttal, though it could be gleaned that the faith the Pink Pixie was showing him did not matter all that much to him either. 'Irreverent' is the word to describe the tone of his response as a whole.

Once the young hero starts brooding about his lot in life and the future, however, Ven's demeanor shifts into one of quiet reflection himself.....until he reaches out to them and gently offers an open hand. "You can, if that's what you truly desire, Nate. Rather simply and easily too, if you believe me. All you have to do....is stop. Stop....and pick another path. One with less hardship, less responsibility, and less uncertainty. Neither of you don't have to accept nor embrace what you are or who you are now and all that comes with it, despite what others or you yourselves might have lead you to think. You always have the choice to decide anything, no matter what. If the sort of freedom I enjoy is something you want......well, you've done enough to earn it, if you'd ask for my opinion."

Ven looks earnestly at his friend, his smile now encouraging and his eyes holding a welcoming gleam to them. For him, right then, the often inscrutable aims and macimations of the Legends or Nathan's part in them didn't warrant even an iota of concern or speculation. What did was his friend's own true wishes, their dreams, and they wanted for themselves, and whether or not he could help them achieve it all.  Especially if he could influence them into being less risky and for his friend to act more in their own self-interest than without. Rather selfish and narrow minded of the supposedly empathetic researcher.....but that's just part of the uniqueness that is Ventus.