[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Oh, right... She completely forgot about the fact that this Psybeam most likely caught the attention of citicans nearby. Or from miles away, like Nathan suggested. Well, at least this saved her from searching for the others! Not that she was planning to do that since she was up to head to the forest, but it was totally fine, really. After all, yesterday night the suggestion to leave town and head forward to Corsage Port was on the table.

She waited for the others to catch up on her. Hearing Nathan's compliment was greatly appreciated! From a fierce battler like him, such a thing means quite much to her. "Hehe... Yeah... Eh, thanks! I mean, I wanted to see Fennekin's powers anyway, so that Trainer boy who ran into me came in rather handy."

Just as she wanted to say one more words, a draconic bat practically leaped on her. Whoahw... Was it a new member of Ventus' team? Likely... Given it was nesteld up on him before it flew over to her AND he formerly expressed a liking for Dragon Types AND having a childhood among dragons. Shiva's view on dragons was...interesting. She was totally fine around the smaller ones, Dratini, Noibat and the like. As for the bigger, more intimidating dragons like Salamence, Garchomp, Charizard - well, maybe not the leatter, but you get the idea - she actually did not cared much for them. A neutral view, mixed up with some awe would desribe it best, given it takes quite an effort to raise a Dragon Type and have it obey a person. But she was not 'scared' of them - she trusted in Fairies to defeat these beasts. A cunning and magically-inspired attitude mixed with the hidden power lots of Pokemon of this type held was of a higher value than the pure power and pyhsical strenght of dragons to her.

It were cleary the Poison Types, most of all big snake-like Pokemon, that gave her shivers. Quicly followed by Nidoking and preevolution.

Therefor, she could not hep to smile a little at the draconic bat and carefully stroke its cheek. Noibat seemed to enjoy that, given the response she received! "You sure are a curious young wyvern, are you?"

Ven himself though... He seemed a little upset. Not because of the behavor of his new Pokemon or the giving-away of the Scyther, there was something more. Maybe he DID realize that she snuggled up on him a little last night. Or things did not go as he wished. Or his fine was overly high. Well... Let's hope he catches himself soon enough.

He asked what she was planning to do... "Ah, I was actually about to visit the woods once more. The library here in town is rather small, and we agreed to leave town anyway, did we?" ... "I also picked up there are herbs in the woods that can be crafted into a Held Item, so I wanted to investigate that alongside Fennekin. Search for more of those. If I'm not completely mistaken, I saw them on our way to the Healer's shack."

[Dragonstrike]

"Might I suggest you do that on our way out of town? There's plenty of forest left to go, after all. Corsage is a bit of a ways away still, and we should be starting the trip there fairly soon. My pokemon and I are ready to go, so we're just waiting on Valder if you two are ready."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Oh, sure thing. No problem about that." They needed to travel through the forest anyway on the way to Corsage if she's not mistaken and the selfdrawn map in the Guidebook is correct - why should it not be? - and would need to cross it once again if business in Corsage has been wrapped up, so thos practically ensured yet another visit of the forest. Given how versatile Fireweed Forest dsplayed itself so far - furious Bug Types, folkart, a tree house resort and hidden power spots - she was a little curious what other suprises this place will hold furthermore!

[Lord Windos]

Lucifer, elated to make at least ONE friend today (He shot a worried look at Kirlia), hops up from his perch to give Shiva a nuzzle on the forehead, before darting back to his favorite resting place, Ventus' tweed sweater. It was so darn comfey; no wonder his master wears it, *scree!* Still, just before it makes it there, he does a low flyby over the Fennekin, sweeping it for any golden goodies. His master said he couldn't Frisk people, but never said anything about fellow Pokémon!

Scratching behind his little devil's ears once more, he addressed both his friends points. "Some might find Lucifer's antics to be a nuisenece, but I find it utterly delightful myself! The young drake reminds me so much of myself, so I'm happy to have them on my team Shiva, and I'm glad you feel the same as well! As for the herbs, I concur with Nathan's sentiments, but may I help assist you in your foraging? My Shroomish and Niobat could help us track down some of the more difficult to find medicinal herbs present in the forest, and I am interested in learning more about herb lore myself! How about it, my friend?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Ah... If Ventus WAS upset, he did not show that on the outside. in fact, someone who was s stranger to him would most likely never realize. He also seemed to be completely innocent about what was her first assumption why he was somewhat agitated. Neat! If she won't tell him, he'll never know. ... Dear, say, why are you making such a big deal about that? Eh... Be quiet. It happened unconsciously.

Good thing Fennekin did not carry any golden items. Maybe it was the yellowish fur that attraced the bat... Ah, the old tale of the dragon harboring treasures.

Oh, he wanted to help on the herb-search! Interesting... While he apprearantly detests anything that had to do with magic - better not tell that the herbs she currently posessed are appearantly connected with ancient Fairy-Pokemon - he was fine, if not eager, for mystical things. Smoking lavender incines... However, she gladly accepted his offer. "Sure thing! I can tell you a little mreo about the herb lore and what I found out recently on the way, if you'd like to know. We can go as soon as your mercenary is ready, as Nathan suggested."

[Lord Windos]

Ah... If Ventus WAS upset, he did not show that on the outside. in fact, someone who was s stranger to him would most likely never realize. He also seemed to be completely innocent about what was her first assumption why he was somewhat agitated. Neat! If she won't tell him, he'll never know. ... Dear, say, why are you making such a big deal about that? Eh... Be quiet. It happened unconsciously.

Good thing Fennekin did not carry any golden items. Maybe it was the yellowish fur that attraced the bat... Ah, the old tale of the dragon harboring treasures.

Oh, he wanted to help on the herb-search! Interesting... While he apprearantly detests anything that had to do with magic - better not tell that the herbs she currently posessed are appearantly connected with ancient Fairy-Pokemon - he was fine, if not eager, for mystical things. Smoking lavender incines... However, she gladly accepted his offer. "Sure thing! I can tell you a little mreo about the herb lore and what I found out recently on the way, if you'd like to know. We can go as soon as your mercenary is ready, as Nathan suggested."

Again, he briefly picked up that second pattern of emotion, and this time it felt curiously admonishing. Tilting his head at Shiva, he looked somewhat intrigued at what was he observing. 'I haven't seen such a phenomena since Vincent, but that man had FAR more deepseated problems that I could faintly detect than this young lass ever will have. Just what is causing that within her, though,' Ventus though, giving Shiva a ponderous look for a moment, before nodding at her answer.

"You have my gratitude, Shiva! I've always been interested in plant lore because of my mother's job and hobbies. She always tried to use natural treatments of herbs or spice to cure any illness we had before going to a doctor, so you could say my interest stems from there. After all, if you can use nature's bounty to correct any problems with yourself, why rely on modern medicine?" Ven said, giving the woman a radiant smile for her generosity. She's always been so kind and perceptive of his interest, and he hopes they have been the same as well!

"If you want, we can head over to the Challenger's Board and see Valder finish his match. I lost a couple battles there, which has set me back quite a bit in paying of my fine to the Cheshire League. $625 is no too much normally, but it is when you need $3000 by 7 days, its a more poultry than not. Bastards...isn't a mark against my record punishment enough, without having to drain my bank account dry?" Needless to say, the researcher was still quite bitter over his current standing, despite his repentant attitude towards Lumen now.

[Dragonstrike]

"If you want, we can head over to the Challenger's Board and see Valder finish his match. I lost a couple battles there, which has set me back quite a bit in paying of my fine to the Cheshire League. $625 is no too much normally, but it is when you need $3000 by 7 days, its a more poultry than not. Bastards...isn't a mark against my record punishment enough, without having to drain my bank account dry?" Needless to say, the researcher was still quite bitter over his current standing, despite his repentant attitude towards Lumen now.

Nathan's jaw practically hits the ground.  Krlia almost drops the pearl in surprise as well!

"Wait, THREE THOUSAND?!  Ventus, what did you get charged for?!"

Giving it some thought though, a charge as hefty as that would likely mean...

"Never mind, I have a bad feeling I know the gist of what it is, based on our earlier conversation..."

Nathan starts rubbing his temples again.

"Sigh...if you're struggling to get that much cash before the deadline, maybe I'll help you out.  Maybe.  Only this once, though."

[Lord Windos]

"If you want, we can head over to the Challenger's Board and see Valder finish his match. I lost a couple battles there, which has set me back quite a bit in paying of my fine to the Cheshire League. $625 is no too much normally, but it is when you need $3000 by 7 days, its a more poultry than not. Bastards...isn't a mark against my record punishment enough, without having to drain my bank account dry?" Needless to say, the researcher was still quite bitter over his current standing, despite his repentant attitude towards Lumen now.

Nathan's jaw practically hits the ground.  Krlia almost drops the pearl in surprise as well!

"Wait, THREE THOUSAND?!  Ventus, what did you get charged for?!"

Giving it some thought though, a charge as hefty as that would likely mean...

"Never mind, I have a bad feeling I know the gist of what it is, based on our earlier conversation..."

Nathan starts rubbing his temples again.

"Sigh...if you're struggling to get that much cash before the deadline, maybe I'll help you out.  Maybe.  Only this once, though."

Uh oh. 'It appears I have forgotten that Nathan was a part of my conversation with Shiva, and now he knows the full extent of my folly. Oh dear....' Ventus thought, letting out a sigh as he turned to face the young trainer. He noticed the gobsmacked and consternated look on his face, and gave up the complete Swana, as it were. "Yes, Nathan, $3000. A fine for authorizing Lethal Damage on that Pinsir you are trying to befriend, to be completely forthright. I made the choice because I thought the beast was going to kill Apsis with its action, but apparently Lumen see differently on this matter. I would appreciate any aid I receive to pay off the debt, but do not feel obligate to do so. I desire not to lay even a fraction of my burdens on your feet, my friend..."

[Dragonstrike]

Uh oh. 'It appears I have forgotten that Nathan was a part of my conversation with Shiva, and now he knows the full extent of my folly. Oh dear....' Ventus thought, letting out a sigh as he turned to face the young trainer. He noticed the gobsmacked and consternated look on his face, and gave up the complete Swana, as it were. "Yes, Nathan, $3000. A fine for authorizing Lethal Damage on that Pinsir you are trying to befriend, to be completely forthright. I made the choice because I thought the beast was going to kill Apsis with its action, but apparently Lumen see differently on this matter. I would appreciate any aid I receive to pay off the debt, but do not feel obligate to do so. I desire not to lay even a fraction of my burdens on your feet, my friend..."

Nathan looks a little irked at Ventus's interpretation of his conversation with Pinsir.  "Who said I was trying to befriend that Pinsir?  I doubt it'll ever be happy to see me, and I don't expect it to stop following its trainer's orders given its bond with him."

Nathan calms down a little, and lowers his voice to a whisper only Shiva and Ventus can hear.  Well, and Lucifer as well...

"That's besides the point, though.  Look.  You CANNOT afford to miss that fine's deadline.  You have too much at stake.  I'm willing to help just this once.  You'd be remiss to deny that help after what we discussed last night.  No guarantees if you get in trouble like that again, though."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Oh? So he already got in contact with the hidden powers of herbs and other plants? How interesting... She remembered his mother from the photo he showed her. What a beautiful woman she was! Almost looked a little...esoteric. Wondering what her job is then...

...
... ...
... ... ... wait a moment...


Shiva stopped mid-motion. After Nathan has given his comment an reaction, she seemingly has gathered enough energy to express her thoughts.

"VEN!  ... HELL, THREE-THOUS - THAT HIGH? BY ARCEUS AND THE FORCES OF NATURE ABOVE, I HOPE YOU LEARN FROM THIS AND SHOW RESPONSIBILITY LIKE A GROWN MAN! I appreciate that you were eager to protect me and Sage from any danger that person may have posed in your eyes, I really do, BUT THAT IS NO EXCUSE FOR YOUR BEHAVIOUR AND ACTION THERE AT THE POND!"

Next, she double-facepalmed. She knew his fine was most likely higher than the one she received from Officier Lumin, but that high? Oh dear... The threat of inflicting lethal damage is indeed a very serious matter... Even the simple threat is... When she faced Ventus again after a few moments, the expression he gets was one that displayed anger and disappointment. Not over him as a person - but over the mistake he has done and the situation he brought himself into. That's a huge difference!

Fennekin was all cool over this. He just twitched his ears a little over the sudden change here and kept on munching on the tasty twig he found.