[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Without looking away from the rock, Nathan replies, "I think I've got the idea.  Well, since you seem to know so much about the topic, how about when it comes to teaching them psychic type moves, like Confusion?  I wouldn't mind a few more ideas in that regard, particularly considering Ralts doesn't even HAVE any right now, and probably doesn't know a whole lot about using his psychic powers in the first place.  Aside from his 100% empathy, of course, which I'm sure you've noticed."  

As Nathan finishes saying this, the pokemon in the distance cries again.  Was it closer this time?  He still had one more question for Ventus after this one...he hopes he has enough time to ask it.  While not much of a question for Ventus himself, Nathan was curious to see how he would respond to it...

"Teaching Ralts Confusion would be relatively easy, given the rather strong bond it shares with you. All you have to do to help teach it is to mentally convey a sense of disorientation or 'mental sickness' for it to study, then ask it to 'pass' it along to another Pokémon or human. This way of teaching it usually causes the Psychic type to become a bit nauseous itself until it can succeful replicate the sensation in another target, but once it does the move comes much more easier to it than if it would learn it naturally. The experience even helps it learn moves of a similar nature, like Psychic or Psybeam, which is made more easy if the trainer can help them with those moves. Most typically can't, due to not having similar Psychic or empathetic ability as the Pokémon, but it certainly does not hurt to try."
 
As Ventus carefully explains how to teach Confusion, he notices that Nathan seems to be contempulating a particularly interesting question, judging by how pensive his expression has become. "Hmm? Is something the matter, Nathan? You don't have to hesitate to ask if that is the case. I always welcomes question from others, especially those that are eager to learn." While he says the, he discretely cheaks his surroundings for that noise. Its appears to be somewhat closer, so maybe he should wrap this up and get Nathan ready to head back down. Hopefully nothing bad happens, but if it danger comes, they shouldn't be here to meet it head on.

Nathan smirks, still looking at the rock.  "Ah, it's nothing of importance.  Just was wondering if you'd figured out why I haven't been completely giving you the cold shoulder despite your relatively bad first impression.  If you haven't yet, I'd suggest you think a little bit more about who gave you that Togepi egg in the first place, and why I might believe you aren't just making the whole story up.  Now then, I believe we should go.  Don't need whatever it is that's out there catching us unawares.  And when we get back, I'll even let you join me in our training session, if you wish.  Raphael's certainly going to need it."  

He stands up straight, and begins heading towards the path back to town...but not before one last look at the stone from over his shoulder.  Wait a second...was that a shadow in the trees that just moved?  It couldn't be that absol again, could it?  Had it been watching them this whole time?  And if it was an absol..."Yeah, we definitely need to move.  Let's get out of here quickly, but carefully.  Stay close behind me.  I have a bad feeling about this..."

Ventus tilts his head, genuinely confused by Nathan remark. "Huh, What is their not to believe? I'm pretty sure I told you the woman's name was Cynthia. Unless I'm missing something, she was a perfectly polite when she offer Raphael's egg to me, if a bit forceful when I initially turned her down, so I have no reason to obscure her identity. If you like, here's a picture we took together, at my request. I wanted Raphael to know what his mother of her trainer looked like, so that he would not be left wondering about it." He digs into his satchel for a few minute, before pulling out a lamenated folder. Opening it up, he filps through it for a few seconds, before stopping and remove a small photo from a compartment. Ventus then handed it over for Nathan to see for himself.

In that picture was unmistakenly Sinnoh League Campion Cynthia, smiling into the camera, with her Togekiss floating next to her, looking quite content. Ventus was standing right next to her with a Poke Egg cradle in one arm as he was waving to the camera, a serene grin stretching across his face. It looked like they in a park by the forested background of the photo, with a pool of water right behind them.

Taking the photo back from Nathan, once he got a good look at it, he placed it in the album, and the album in his satchel, before looking a bit curious at the young trainer. "Like I said, a woman with the prettiest blond hair, and imprecable taste in clothing. I didn't bother to ask her any details about her life, since she didn't offer any and I thought it would be rude to ask, but I knew she must be some trainer that was fairly well off. She did give me her phone number, and told me I could call her anytime if I had any question regarding my Togepi's raising, so I know for certain she's a rather nice and thoughtful lady ."

Picking up the prism he left on the ground, he stood up and began to stretch his legs, a little sore for sitting so long. "Regardless of that, I'll happily accept your offer. It be a great learning experience for all of us, and I'm interested on how all of our Fairy type Pokémon will interact with one another!" He said, getting ready to follow Nathan down the trail. Before they left, Ventus head snapped straight towards the treeline, even before the young trainer gave his warning. Watching the darkness carefull, he noticed that there was there that was watching them... and it knew it was being watched. "I think you are quite right. I'll watch you back, and remember that if any trouble comes, leave me behind. I can handle it."

[Dragonstrike]

Ventus tilts his head, genuinely confused by Nathan remark. "Huh, What is their not to believe? I'm pretty sure I told you the woman's name was Cynthia. Unless I'm missing something, she was a perfectly polite when she offer Raphael's egg to me, if a bit forceful when I initially turned her down, so I have no reason to obscure her identity. If you like, here's a picture we took together, at my request. I wanted Raphael to know what his mother of her trainer looked like, so that he would not be left wondering about it." He digs into his satchel for a few minute, before pulling out a lamenated folder. Opening it up, he filps through it for a few seconds, before stopping and remove a small photo from a compartment. Ventus then handed it over for Nathan to see for himself.

In that picture was unmistakenly Sinnoh League Campion Cynthia, smiling into the camera, with her Togekiss floating next to her, looking quite content. Ventus was standing right next to her with a Poke Egg cradle in one arm as he was waving to the camera, a serene grin stretching across his face. It looked like they in a park by the forested background of the photo, with a pool of water right behind them.

Taking the photo back from Nathan, once he got a good look at it, he placed it in the album, and the album in his satchel, before looking a bit curious at the young trainer. "Like I said, a woman with the prettiest blond hair, and imprecable taste in clothing. I didn't bother to ask her any details about her life, since she didn't offer any and I thought it would be rude to ask, but I knew she must be some trainer that was fairly well off. She did give me her phone number, and told me I could call her anytime if I had any question regarding my Togepi's raising, so I know for certain she's a rather nice and thoughtful lady ."

Picking up the prism he left on the ground, he stood up and began to stretch his legs, a little sore for sitting so long. "Regardless of that, I'll happily accept your offer. It be a great learning experience for all of us, and I'm interested on how all of our Fairy type Pokémon will interact with one another!" He said, getting ready to follow Nathan down the trail. Before they left, Ventus head snapped straight towards the treeline, even before the young trainer gave his warning. Watching the darkness carefull, he noticed that there was there that was watching them... and it knew it was being watched. "I think you are quite right. I'll watch you back, and remember that if any trouble comes, leave me behind. I can handle it."

As they make their way back through the forest, Nathan chuckles. "You're definitely missing something.  You might know her name, sure.  But there's more to her than just her name.  I'm surprised you didn't recognize her immediately, which is probably why she didn't offer any details about her life to you.  She likely found it refreshing that somebody didn't recognize her for a change...you should probably think that over carefully as well."  Nathan smirks again as he says that. "Trust me, the answer will surprise you."

"Though I am impressed if you do indeed have her phone number, of all things...and it's a number you might want to consider calling just based on the difficulty of raising such a, not to be rude, defenseless pokemon.  Togepi aren't exactly the best equipped pokemon for fighting.  I know some basic details that might help, but the advice of one who's actually raised one all the way to a Togekiss is definitely not to be ignored.  Speaking of which, that reminds me.  You, Shiva, and I all have fairy type pokemon.  You said fairies are usually considered more difficult to raise than psychic types as well.  When we get back, I'm sure all three of us would appreciate whatever advice you have on that matter."  

Nathan takes a moment to look around.  'Hmmmm....nothing.  It's quiet too.  Too quiet...I haven't heard that pokemon cry in awhile now...'  Looking around again, Nathan catches movement in his peripheral vision for a split second.  'Uh-oh...guess we should have been a little quieter.  Well, only thing we can do now is keep moving, stay quiet, and hope it doesn't attack...'  Turning slightly to face Ventus, Nathan whispers, 'Whatever reply you may have, either keep it quiet or don't say it at all.  There's at least one pokemon stalking us, and I don't want either of us to become lunch, for both our sakes and our pokemon's.  Be ready for it if it tries to jump us.'  Nathan moves more slowly and carefully, ready if the pokemon decides to jump out from behind the trees, hoping that they can both get back to Trillium safely.  Ralts and Raphael would both be devastated if they lost their trainers. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, back in the Trillium Pokemon Center, Ralts stops running around with Cottonee and Raphael for a moment to stare at the door.  He knows something is wrong.  Something is VERY wrong.  Ralts walks over to a table sitting by a window and climbs up the chair to stand on top of it and look outside.  He can feel worry, fear, tension...a lot of negative feelings, and they're all coming from the direction of the forest at the base of the mountain.  All Ralts can do though is stare in that general direction, waiting to feel a change in the emotional patterns...

[Iron]

At this point, the hoots and hollers, a scuffling in the treetops, is getting closer to Nathan and Ventus.

Ralts stands near Shiva and Cottonee, sucking its thumb worriedly or pacing about, in between trips to the window.


Phone service and PC service between Creshire and other regions can be really sketchy, due to the vast mountain range to the North and the oceans elsewhere. They're supposed to be beginning a hard line any day now...

I want to give Ventus 1XP for that great lecture. Way to play your stats.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Something's wrong. That's for sure. Ralts would not behave like this without a reason... But just now, Shiva could not do anything except staying by its side, providing some sort of comfort to this young thing while still respecting its personal space, given it's not her own Pokemon. She did not try to hold it back on its trips to the window since it wishes to stay nearby it, and spoke to it a clear and soothing voice. Apperantly, she knew how to handle a worried young Pokemon.

„You're worried for your Master, are you...? I can understand that well... You probably weren't seperated from him for so long yet, but please try to be patient. I'm sure they'll be fine and happy to see you once they're back.“ -I hope so, at least!-, her mind added.

Cottonee drew a little closer to Ralts, offering its fluffy body as a shoulder to lean on.

- Interlude -

(...) Larry saw the cottonee  and bent down and petted it Larry said "this cottonee  seems to like attention. (...)

Cottonee did not slap his hand away like it did with Joy's Tangela, but it stubbornly tried to dodge it. Looks like it doesn't enjoy being touched by any other person than Shiva herself.

[Lord Windos]

As they make their way back through the forest, Nathan chuckles. "You're definitely missing something.  You might know her name, sure.  But there's more to her than just her name.  I'm surprised you didn't recognize her immediately, which is probably why she didn't offer any details about her life to you.  She likely found it refreshing that somebody didn't recognize her for a change...you should probably think that over carefully as well."  Nathan smirks again as he says that. "Trust me, the answer will surprise you."

"Though I am impressed if you do indeed have her phone number, of all things...and it's a number you might want to consider calling just based on the difficulty of raising such a, not to be rude, defenseless pokemon.  Togepi aren't exactly the best equipped pokemon for fighting.  I know some basic details that might help, but the advice of one who's actually raised one all the way to a Togekiss is definitely not to be ignored.  Speaking of which, that reminds me.  You, Shiva, and I all have fairy type pokemon.  You said fairies are usually considered more difficult to raise than psychic types as well.  When we get back, I'm sure all three of us would appreciate whatever advice you have on that matter."  

Nathan takes a moment to look around.  'Hmmmm....nothing.  It's quiet too.  Too quiet...I haven't heard that pokemon cry in awhile now...'  Looking around again, Nathan catches movement in his peripheral vision for a split second.  'Uh-oh...guess we should have been a little quieter.  Well, only thing we can do now is keep moving, stay quiet, and hope it doesn't attack...'  Turning slightly to face Ventus, Nathan whispers, 'Whatever reply you may have, either keep it quiet or don't say it at all.  There's at least one pokemon stalking us, and I don't want either of us to become lunch, for both our sakes and our pokemon's.  Be ready for it if it tries to jump us.'  Nathan moves more slowly and carefully, ready if the pokemon decides to jump out from behind the trees, hoping that they can both get back to Trillium safely.  Ralts and Raphael would both be devastated if they lost their trainers. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, back in the Trillium Pokemon Center, Ralts stops running around with Cottonee and Raphael for a moment to stare at the door.  He knows something is wrong.  Something is VERY wrong.  Ralts walks over to a table sitting by a window and climbs up the chair to stand on top of it and look outside.  He can feel worry, fear, tension...a lot of negative feelings, and they're all coming from the direction of the forest at the base of the mountain.  All Ralts can do though is stare in that general direction, waiting to feel a change in the emotional patterns...

Ventus, while quite happy that Nathan was opening up to him, was still very confused about what he was saying about Cynthia. "I don't know why you are so insistent that Miss Cynthia is more than she appears to be, but I guess I can dig around a bit for more information about her, if nothing else than too clear this dubious matter once and for all. She was a good friend to me, as far as I was concerned, so I don't see why that would change if I pry into her private sector." He sighed after saying this, rubbing a hand on his forehead as he was trying to puzzle out the mystery Nathan laid out in front of him. Well, if he can't figure it out, he can just asked her about it the next time he check up with her on Raphael's progress.

'It would shed more light on the matter than young Nathan attempts at it," Ven wryly though, glancing out of the side of his eye at the young trainer. He seemed to be getting more and more unnerved by their 'follower', though he just hopes its just a curious Pokémon just observing them. Judging by how figitey Nathan was being about the creature, though, he doubts that is the case. When Nathan heard speak up about the lack of noise, he was about to soothe his worries about it, when the young trainer flitched. When he started to sweep his surrounding for something, Ventus took the opportunity to 'feel out' a target. Soon enough, he felt something akin to 'watchfulness' coming from the front right, and he turned to face it. Peering deeply into the thickets, he a first saw nothing... then he caught a bit of movement. Zeroing in on it, he found himself staring into amber eyes far across the clearing. 'Oh dear' he though, keeping his gaze dead on the Pokémon in question.

" Nathan, we are definitely being watched. Get ready to bolt if it comes to confront us. Worst comes to worst, I'll serve as a distraction. You have more of a future than I do, so don't waste it worrying on my fate.'

[Dragonstrike]

As they make their way back through the forest, Nathan chuckles. "You're definitely missing something.  You might know her name, sure.  But there's more to her than just her name.  I'm surprised you didn't recognize her immediately, which is probably why she didn't offer any details about her life to you.  She likely found it refreshing that somebody didn't recognize her for a change...you should probably think that over carefully as well."  Nathan smirks again as he says that. "Trust me, the answer will surprise you."

"Though I am impressed if you do indeed have her phone number, of all things...and it's a number you might want to consider calling just based on the difficulty of raising such a, not to be rude, defenseless pokemon.  Togepi aren't exactly the best equipped pokemon for fighting.  I know some basic details that might help, but the advice of one who's actually raised one all the way to a Togekiss is definitely not to be ignored.  Speaking of which, that reminds me.  You, Shiva, and I all have fairy type pokemon.  You said fairies are usually considered more difficult to raise than psychic types as well.  When we get back, I'm sure all three of us would appreciate whatever advice you have on that matter."  

Nathan takes a moment to look around.  'Hmmmm....nothing.  It's quiet too.  Too quiet...I haven't heard that pokemon cry in awhile now...'  Looking around again, Nathan catches movement in his peripheral vision for a split second.  'Uh-oh...guess we should have been a little quieter.  Well, only thing we can do now is keep moving, stay quiet, and hope it doesn't attack...'  Turning slightly to face Ventus, Nathan whispers, 'Whatever reply you may have, either keep it quiet or don't say it at all.  There's at least one pokemon stalking us, and I don't want either of us to become lunch, for both our sakes and our pokemon's.  Be ready for it if it tries to jump us.'  Nathan moves more slowly and carefully, ready if the pokemon decides to jump out from behind the trees, hoping that they can both get back to Trillium safely.  Ralts and Raphael would both be devastated if they lost their trainers. 

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Meanwhile, back in the Trillium Pokemon Center, Ralts stops running around with Cottonee and Raphael for a moment to stare at the door.  He knows something is wrong.  Something is VERY wrong.  Ralts walks over to a table sitting by a window and climbs up the chair to stand on top of it and look outside.  He can feel worry, fear, tension...a lot of negative feelings, and they're all coming from the direction of the forest at the base of the mountain.  All Ralts can do though is stare in that general direction, waiting to feel a change in the emotional patterns...

Ventus, while quite happy that Nathan was opening up to him, was still very confused about what he was saying about Cynthia. "I don't know why you are so insistent that Miss Cynthia is more than she appears to be, but I guess I can dig around a bit for more information about her, if nothing else than too clear this dubious matter once and for all. She was a good friend to me, as far as I was concerned, so I don't see why that would change if I pry into her private sector." He sighed after saying this, rubbing a hand on his forehead as he was trying to puzzle out the mystery Nathan laid out in front of him. Well, if he can't figure it out, he can just asked her about it the next time he check up with her on Raphael's progress.

'It would shed more light on the matter than young Nathan attempts at it," Ven wryly though, glancing out of the side of his eye at the young trainer. He seemed to be getting more and more unnerved by their 'follower', though he just hopes its just a curious Pokémon just observing them. Judging by how figitey Nathan was being about the creature, though, he doubts that is the case. When Nathan heard speak up about the lack of noise, he was about to soothe his worries about it, when the young trainer flitched. When he started to sweep his surrounding for something, Ventus took the opportunity to 'feel out' a target. Soon enough, he felt something akin to 'watchfulness' coming from the front right, and he turned to face it. Peering deeply into the thickets, he a first saw nothing... then he caught a bit of movement. Zeroing in on it, he found himself staring into amber eyes far across the clearing. 'Oh dear' he though, keeping his gaze dead on the Pokémon in question.

" Nathan, we are definitely being watched. Get ready to bolt if it comes to confront us. Worst comes to worst, I'll serve as a distraction. You have more of a future than I do, so don't waste it worrying on my fate.'

'I am NOT leaving you here to face that thing alone if it jumps us.  Just keep moving.'  They continue onwards, slowly but surely.  looking around vigilantly so as not to get jumped from an angle they don't expect.  Nathan pauses for a moment.  This feeling of unease...it definitely feels familiar...the duo continues onward though, and every time he hears a pokemon cry and looks in that direction, he sees a fleeting glimpse of a pokemon's silhouette among the trees.  At one point, he looks in the direction of a sunbeam, catching what he thinks is the glint of a shiny black blade of some kind...at another, he thinks he briefly sees a pair of glowing red eyes before they disappear from sight...

Every time this happens, Nathan steers them down a different path than the one they were taking.  If this is indeed the absol from a year ago, it was creeping him out.  Heck, it didn't even have to be that absol.  He was spooked enough from being in this usually quiet forest without a pokemon to protect him from the supposedly wild ones in the area.  'If it is that absol though, why is it following me?  I can't think of any reason it would have to tail me...but why would one be in this area in the first place?  It's not after me or Ralts, is it?  If it is...' Nathan gets increasingly nervous about this situation, and the branching paths of the trails were starting to look very similar...'Gah, which way do we go next...it was...this way, right?  I don't want that thing to attack us.  Absol are powerful creatures...'  As he turns to go that way, he hears another pokemon cry, and hears a twig snap loudly soon after.  'Okay, definitely not that way.  Guess we're going the other way...'

Nathan is starting to show visible signs of nervous panic by this point.  Absol or not, he's been in this situation before, and it's taking its toll on him.  He does not like the feeling of being in this much danger at all.  He tries to console himself to calm his nerves.  'Stay strong, Nathan.  Ralts needs you.  Don't go dying on him just because you made a stupid decision because of past experiences being contrary to the current situation.'        

It doesn't really work all that well, but he does appear to be just slightly more focused.

[Super_trainer_Larry]

Larry saw that Vincent was fighting the paras and deside to do some training instead, while training his Ekans Larry was called by a friend of his in Hoenn Larry answered the phone "hello whos there?" "Its me Caleb, don't you got my name on there?" said Caleb Larry replied "not yet, remember I got enough friend I cant even remember whos number is whos, now what where you calling about." "oh I just called to see what your up to." im training that's what I do" Larry saw Nathan and Vetus walk down from Mt Molten Larry said bye and hung up

EDIT: Larry went to the pokecenter and sat there while everyone else was on there way back

[Iron]

Paras round 1
The rain has stopped as Growlithe approaches Paras' nest. Paras continues to scrabble in the mud.

Intimidate: Paras' attacks deal 1 less dice.

Initiatives:
Growlithe (6) +3 = 9
Paras (3) +1 = 4

Growlithe
Bite
(3)(1)(3)(2)(1)(4) - With 2 1's, this comes out to 0 successes.

Paras
Scratch
(6)(4)(2) - 2 successes, hit
4 dice, -1 intimidate, -1defense (5)(3) 1 successes, Winston takes 1 damage

Winston moves in to attack, but commits the slightest bit of hesitation at just the wrong moment - Paras' muddy home reminds him of a type disadvantage, and the Ekans encounter wasn't enough to warm him up all the way.

The .05 seconds Growlithe's guard is down is enough, and Paras lands a claw swipe. It would probably have been worse if the puppy Pokemon wasn't so much larger and fiercer than its opponent.

Paras round 2 begins

[Iron]

As Larry is training Ekans, he finds that the snake will generally do what its told, albeit lazily and without conviction.
But when the phone call interrupts Larry's concentration, the Ekans begins slithering off in search of food instead of practicing its attacks, and Larry is forced to recall it before running off to Mt. Molten.

[Dies Irae]

Mechanics:

Combat Move:
Winston: Conditional Orders - Bite, If Paras uses a status move, Evade.
Trainer: Conditional Move: If Bite Connects and Paras drops to half or less health, Pokeball.

Initiative: D6+3
Dice + 3 Dex + 0 Survival
Order: Bite
Accuracy: Pool 6
3 Dex + 3 Fight + 0 Brawl
Damage: Pool 4 - Def, Flinch *3*
2 Str + 2
Flinch *3*

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

YOU'RE GETTING SLOW. He feels the vehicle approaching though he cannot see it. It's there, hurtling towards him, at once impossibly fast, yet terrifyingly stationary. An impossible mental model.

There is a man watching, cold eyes filled with disgust, his face an condescending sneer. It is him, elevated to Olympian stature, the possibility denied, the future abandoned, the impossible dream. Apotheosis denied. He folds his arms across his chest, adjusting the collar of his perfectly fitted police uniform.

SOFT.

He has seen him in a hundred dreams since the day, a dislodged piece of coalesced pride shattered loose from the wreck that defines him, a fragment of past glory impossibly trapped, sometimes abusive, sometimes angry, always a reminder of what he had lost.

I'VE COME TO TALK. He is running now, sprinting towards him, and moving with a grace and speed he knew he would never see again. BUT NOT NOW. NOW, YOU HAVE SOMETHING BETTER TO DO.

It is as much an admonition as a request. Then he slams into him, shouldering him aside, as he perversely dissolves into a riot of colour and incongruously, the cacophonous spine shaking sound of screeching metal as the vehicle races on by.

Vincent blinks. He grasps terrified at the trailing flashes of synapses, scrabbling at once to hold onto the fleeting images that hastily fled into the deepest recesses of his waking mind. Winston limps backwards, whining from a scratch he didn't see him receive, looking to him for guidance. 

"As much a warning as I'll get. Lost the plot there for a moment little guy. Sorry about that."

Winston shoots him a concerned look tinged with a slight accusation.

"Yeah. Yeah. I'm not the one doing the heavy lifting. Let's give this a do over. Winston. Bite and I'll back you up. This time for real."