[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan looks over towards the door as Ventus enters the room. After a few seconds of that, he looks back at Pinsir.

"Sigh...begrudge me all you like for helping to treat a criminal's pokemon, but I won't let a life be taken if it's not for good reason." There's almost no traces of the anger he'd been feeling only ten minutes before. Just a sad, worried feeling.

[Lord Windos]

Nathan looks over towards the door as Ventus enters the room.  After a few seconds of that, he looks back at Pinsir.

"Sigh...begrudge me all you like for helping to treat a criminal's pokemon, but I won't let a life be taken if it's not for good reason."  There's almost no traces of the anger he'd been feeling only ten minutes before.  Just a sad, worried feeling.

Walking over to him, Ventus took a set a little bit away from the young trainer. Close enough for them to have a conversation, but not too close to make him nervous about his presence. "...I may hate that Pinsir for harming you Nathan, but I will not chastise you for your compassion. Its something I find that lacking within myself, when it comes to my enemies, and I don't desire to see you become cold like me in that regard. I'm the affable monster of the group, so don't feel guilty about your actions, nor mine. I'm the one that is responsible for myself, in the end," he said to the boy, looking down at his hand resting in his lap. After Nathan's swift departure, he felt quite uncomfortable in his presence, but he had important information to tell him.

"...I didn't want to bother you so soon after you...left me, but my investigation of the statue have turned up positive. Inserting the Burn Drive into the statue causes it to react, moving away to reveal a secret passage underground. I do not know where it goes, as I choose to come back here immedianlty to inform you and the group of this, but I am certain that it leads to a Scimitar base. Speaking of them, Valder," he motions towards the normally tactrum mercenary, "decided to inform me more about our mysterious cabal of wizards. They rely heavily on their skills, like he said, but the Pokémon they favor are primarily Psychic and Steel types. In addition, he told me that the Scimitars we have faced are not just one cohesive group, but one that is split into several factions. He informed me that of the two he was certain of: Earth and Water."

"We already encountered an Earth one, but the Pinsir man, who is most likely a member of that black group, is liable to be of the Water faction. Given this information, we can only assume that they have access to a wide variety of arcane spells, and that they are a highly competent organization if they can handle massive amount of those two types of notorishly difficult to raise Pokémon. Nathan...however much you hate to hear this, but I believe that the enemy we are facing is a severe, region wide threat, instead of an isolated one. We will have to prepare to encounter them in the future, as its unlikely they will forget about us anytime soon," Ventus finished, looking up from his hands and over at Nathan. While he had more to say, he had to pace himself and let the boy react in favor. No need to overload him, and have another breakdown on his hands.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Wait a moment... What was that weird atmosphere here in the room? It did not come from the Pinsir... The bug looked so calm currently... Almost a peaceful view if one forgets what it has done to her, Ventus and Sage. But, what was that Ven said...? That Pinsir harmed Nathan as well ? When? And most likely, how? ... It must have happened at some point while she was running around with Ventus in town.. She felt inclinged to ask about it... But would it be a good idea?

... ... ... Something between Nathan and Ventus must have happened while she was away to meet the elusive Fire-Type in the woods. That's something she was somewhat sure about. Oh my... She's no present for a while to serve as comforter and mediator, and they almost immediately get into spats... Again... But honestly, she didn't mind that. If anyone in their group needs comfort, they should know that she'll be happy to provide it - if she's present at this time. She may not be much of a direct fighter, but she surely saw it as some sort of task to keep the group together. Serve as the secure spot. Ventus already picked that up and greatly appreciated that. Or so she assumed given his behavior around him.

Very very slowly, she looked up to face Nathan. With an expression that showed understanding mixed up with caution and curiosity. Then, in a quiet voice that dwelled in the room nevertheless: "Nathan... Is it true what Ventus says? That this Pinsir attacked you as well?"

[Dragonstrike]

Wait a moment... What was that weird atmosphere here in the room? It did not come from the Pinsir... The bug looked so calm currently... Almost a peaceful view if one forgets what it has done to her, Ventus and Sage. But, what was that Ven said...? That Pinsir harmed Nathan as well ? When? And most likely, how? ... It must have happened at some point while she was running around with Ventus in town.. She felt inclinged to ask about it... But would it be a good idea?

... ... ... Something between Nathan and Ventus must have happened while she was away to meet the elusive Fire-Type in the woods. That's something she was somewhat sure about. Oh my... She's no present for a while to serve as comforter and mediator, and they almost immediately get into spats... Again... But honestly, she didn't mind that. If anyone in their group needs comfort, they should know that she'll be happy to provide it - if she's present at this time. She may not be much of a direct fighter, but she surely saw it as some sort of task to keep the group together. Serve as the secure spot. Ventus already picked that up and greatly appreciated that. Or so she assumed given his behavior around him.

Very very slowly, she looked up to face Nathan. With an expression that showed understanding mixed up with caution and curiosity. Then, in a quiet voice that dwelled in the room nevertheless: "Nathan... Is it true what Ventus says? That this Pinsir attacked you as well?"

"What?  He didn't tell you about his suspicions about what that trainer did to me?  Well, better I tell you both what happened now rather than later, I guess..."

"First of all, just to confirm that the trainer is the same one you encountered, Kirlia is fairly certain this is the same Pinsir we fought.  Not 100% certain, unfortunately, but that's likely because there's no Mega energy surrounding it right now.  That, and there's almost no chance it was a different trainer because he was using a Mega Pinsir.  Mega evolution is rare enough as it is, but Pinsirite is even rarer.  You hardly ever see Megas in Creshire, and when you do, it's typically only used with common pokemon like Pidgeot and Beedrill.  The rarest one I've heard about is a Mega Slowbro, and those are still relatively common, all things considered.  I'm about 99% certain that you guys encountered the same guy, and that he's part of something bigger.

"Anyways...I sent the combee out on a Honey Gathering mission earlier while I was doing some training with Staryu and Porygon.  Around the time I wrapped that up, Zippy came back alone.  No honey, no Princess.  He looked incredibly frantic and worried, and I figured they must have gotten into some kind of trouble, so I followed him to the southern part of the forest.

"Sure enough, Princess was in trouble.  What looked like a wild Pinsir was attacking her, and preventing her from gathering the honey like she was supposed to, said honey dripping from its mandibles.  Thinking it was a wild one, I ordered both Combee to use Gust on it repeatedly...

"And then it mega evolved.  I immediately tried to stop the battle, but the Pinsir's trainer had set out to gather honey, and he wasn't going to leave without it.  He refused to negotiate peacefully, instead threatening to kill me and my pokemon if I didn't get Zippy to gather at least two small barrel's of honey for him.  He was apparently trying to attract a pokemon with strong moves for the Cress City gym.  My guess is he was looking for a Heracross, since they're known for having a wide movepool and being particularly strong in addition to loving honey as much as Pinsir.

"I refused to give in to the demands.  I was more than willing to negotiate as an apology for the misunderstanding, but he continued attacking instead of stopping to listen.  I'd ordered the combee to only continue attacking if Pinsir received orders to continue attacking, and they almost KOed the Mega Pinsir, just barely missing the KO when Zippy missed a gust in his anger at Princess getting KOed...

"And then he pulled out all those damn potions."  Nathan slams a fist into the ground.  As much as I fought him, he taunted me for being unable to touch him.  He had more pokemon, more potions...Mega Pinsir was only one pokemon in his team.  And I was struggling to take it down.  He wasn't expecting me to have a full party of 6, but that wasn't going to mean squat if I had to use at least 4 of them to take down one pokemon that should have been KOed before I'd even lost one...

"I got lucky.  Pinsir let its guard down, and I managed to recall both combee and Swiftfire, and managed to get out of there with Kirlia's Teleport.  Princess had come dangerously close to being squeezed by that Pinsir way too hard, and she needs an overnight stay here to recover."  

His fist tightens.  "I refuse to be seen as weak by him.  The next time I see him, it's going to be different.  He'll see how strong me and my pokemon are.  Relying on Megas and a large supply of potions...I'd say he's the weak trainer in the end.  He said he didn't fear the League, but he turned tail and ran when I escaped and sent the authorities after him."

Nathan's not really registered what Ventus has said about the statue yet.  Shiva's question has distracted him from that issue.

[Lord Windos]

Hearing the full, unedited story about that Pinsir trainer threaten to send his blood boiling again, but he just gritted his teeth and willed the viterol away. 'I chased him away in the first place because he was afraid of my wrath, so expressing even more will drive him up the wall in panic. No need for me to burn my bridge with Nathan because of my righteous fury,' Ventus pondered, gripping his fist tightly as he thought the pain that the Mega Pinsir subjected those Combee to.

He was not fond of those two, but they didn't deserve to have their lives assaulted and held hostage. 'Nothing deserved to be confined against there will, under penalty of death. Nothing.' The researcher decided kept silent at Nathan revelation, not wanting to cause another scene, and have a little time to contemplate what he going to do to that bastard when he gets his hands on them...

[Dragonstrike]

Hearing the full, unedited story about that Pinsir trainer threaten to send his blood boiling again, but he just gritted his teeth and willed the viterol away. 'I chased him away in the first place because he was afraid of my wrath, so expressing even more will drive him up the wall in panic. No need for me to burn my bridge with Nathan because of my righteous fury,' Ventus pondered, gripping his fist tightly as he thought the pain that the Mega Pinsir subjected those Combee to.

He was not fond of those two, but they didn't deserve to have their lives assaulted and held hostage. 'Nothing deserved to be confined against there will, under penalty of death. Nothing.' The researcher decided kept silent at Nathan revelation, not wanting to cause another scene, and have a little time to contemplate what he going to do to that bastard when he gets his hands on them...

Kirlia picks up on this REALLY easily, and notifies Nathan.  "Ventus, STOP.  You're in enough trouble with the Rangers as it is.  And what makes you any better than him if you act the same way?  My problem, I'll deal with it.  If I need your help, I'll let you know.  Got it?"  There's a fire in his eyes as he says this, looking straight at Ventus.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Eh... nope, he did not. You talked with Ven by phone, remember?"

So it seems that this particular Wizard was practically out to get them? First Nathan, then the others... Weird. There must be something about them. They wouldn't keep a hold of them just because they feel like doing so.

Also couldn't help but to pick up one important thing: That the Wizard Nathan encountered threathened to kill him and his Pokemon. Or at least Nathan says so.

She got up to take a closer look at the Pinsir laying there before speaking again. Not too close though, because Bug types... "So...And what do you plan to do with it once it has recovered?" That was an honest question. Her call would probably be handing it to the Officiers, likely Lumin himself, for containment, then move on with own business. They shall deal with it. As for the Megastone... Well, she was pretty sure who had it currently. Where that particular person was though, was a different question.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Kirlia picks up on this REALLY easily, and notifies Nathan.  "Ventus, STOP.  You're in enough trouble with the Rangers as it is.  And what makes you any better than him if you act the same way?  My problem, I'll deal with it.  If I need your help, I'll let you know.  Got it?"  There's a fire in his eyes as he says this, looking straight at Ventus.

Well... The situation surely escalated quickly. Too quickly. Already fighting again... Something between them must hav happened while she was away. Oh well... But if she'd stayed, she would not have met lil' Fennekin.

She turned to Ventus. And spoke in a tone that clearly said 'Listen to him, and stop.' in the friendlies way possible. "Ven... Let him deal with his own business. If he needs us, we'll gladly help. But there's no reason to interfere unasked, is there?"

[Lord Windos]

Kirlia picks up on this REALLY easily, and notifies Nathan.  "Ventus, STOP.  You're in enough trouble with the Rangers as it is.  And what makes you any better than him if you act the same way?  My problem, I'll deal with it.  If I need your help, I'll let you know.  Got it?"  There's a fire in his eyes as he says this, looking straight at Ventus.

"I don't care how far I sink, Nathan. If I have to be a monster like them, just to protect everyone in the group, so be it. I will do whatever it take, commit the vilest, most abominable crimes imaginable, damn my very soul to Kuyrem's icy domain, to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and lives of my friends. Nothing you say or do will ever change that Nathan, and I am sincerely sorry for that..." Ventus quietly say, loud enough only for the people surrounding him to hear.

His friend's temper helped extinguish his own, but all it left him was a knowing saddeness in his gut. What he said was absolutely true: he would do any and everything to protect his family, no matter the cost. He'd lost to much in his life, been through to much pain to allow even the slightest chance of malady to befall his close friends, even if he has to bloody his hand to do so. Still....he heard what Shiva told him, so maybe it would be best to relent on his jihad. " If you truelly wish of me not to take that man's life, however, I will refrain from doing so. If you die because of this, it will hurt me far more than you can comprehead, but I rather you be happy with me than forever scorn me for my protectiveness..."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Such determination in his words... But...while it was indeed noble to see such bravery and eager to protect, she felt like that could easily lead to things Ven would regret later... Maybe it was a little like the encouner at the Healer's house. He may fave taken the sudden appearance of Mega-Pinsir as a threat to the people close to him. He also showed some of his protective nature to here there. Maybe, in the end she clinging to him triggered something in him, and the decision to allow lethal force emerged from that...

She decided to keep an eye on him. Not letting something ike that happen again. He doesn't deserve to be trated ill for his almost obsessive trait to protect those close to him... Was some kind of trauma behind this? Wait... There's also his phobia for Fairies and magical things in general... Were these somewhat connected?

Oh, Nathan has still not given his thoughts on what to do with the Mega-Pinsir once it has recovered fully, as well what to now. Just now, she meant. It was rather dark outside... A storm prepared itself, she noticed that while she was on her way back from the elusive place she encountered her new companion Pokemon. Both Nathan and Ventus looked exhausted after all these events of the day, especially Ventus gave her an impression to burn out because of all this. Maybe it was better to call it a day by now and start off with a little better feeling next morning. Yeah...maybe.