[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Welp, there they were now. When was the last time both of them were in a room for a serious discussion the last time again? Feels like ages ago... Indeed, it gave Shiva waves of both anticipation and cold shivers. Let's hope his backstory is not as tragic as Ven's, she doesn't believe she could take another shock like this.

"The order does not matter to me. Please start with that one most comfortable to you, and end end with theone least comfortable. This way, the battle afterwards will likely take your mind off track of possible negativity. Additionally, feel free to ask me anything you might be curious about."

"You mind Cottonee being around? Fluffball refuses to return to her Pokeball again..." Currently, she was resting on the table beside her owner. Looks like she wasn't very fond of coffee, however.

"Cottonee can listen, I don't mind.  Well, then...starting with the Breeder' License...I almost have enough cash on hand to afford it outright if I were to get one myself.  I plan to spend a little on supplies and save a good portion of it, obviously, but it should be pretty easy to cover half the cost of the License.  That'd be $875 I'd be contributing if I covered half.  Is that sufficient?"

"Next topic: Battle tips.  I saw your battle with Ven.  You did well, but it could have gone a lot better, for sure.  The main thing I noticed was your pokemon were only using one attack at a time.  While that's all well and good to ensure your moves hit, it's not very efficient.  Because Aspis was attacking multiple times every time she moved, there was a lot of pressure you just weren't able to keep up with using just single actions.  Using multiples within the span of a few seconds is key to doing well in battles.  Improving yourself and your pokemon is another big part of it, of course, but a barrage of weaker attacks can be just as strong as one big attack, if not stronger.  Improve your reaction times, and you can do some more interesting things with battles.  Evading attacks entirely, using status moves efficiently, maximizing your damage output...it all becomes much more useful with multiple actions.  If you want to improve, that's the first thing to keep in mind.  

"The second thing to keep in mind about multiple actions is they become more difficult the do the more you attempt to use at the same time.  It's like multitasking.  Doing 2 things at the same time is pretty doable, but 3 is difficult, and 4 and 5 are near impossible for most everyone except the most skilled.  Makes sense, right?  Based on what I saw, you should be able to pull off using 2 at a time somewhat well...but the final thing to keep in mind is that pain makes it more difficult as well.  If the pain makes it too hard to focus, well, there goes any further actions you had planned.  I'm sure you'll get the hang of it, eventually.  There's a couple other nuances to when it's a good idea to use them, and when not too, but generally, it's better to use them than not to as long as you're fairly confident you can land the blows anyways.  If you want, I can hold back a little in our battle.  I'd like it to be a more even fight, and it could be a good chance to see how much of a difference multiple actions make since it'll be on a rather large scale."

He pauses.  The next topic was...

"Ahem...so, that just leaves...the explanation...just...give me a moment...it's a hard topic...when I told Ven, it was...not pretty.  I need to steel myself a little, first..."

He closes his eyes in a brief meditation, which Kirlia joins him in.  The memories are painful...but he attempts to throw aside most of the strong emotion that would cause him to break down, and focus instead on the happier moments.  Were it not for the recent meditation instruction from Ventus and the party he threw the previous night, he might not have been able to succeed.  As he is now, though, he barely manages to contain it.  Barely.  He and Kirlia open their eyes and look at each other.  Kirlia nods.  Nathan has his support.  

Nathan lets out a breath..."Okay, here we go..."

Nathan's Explanation to Shiva:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3o2HcIx5c7E

"You undoubtedly noticed the large difference between when Plusle took a lethal wound and Kirlia did.  There's a good reason for that...Kirlia...almost died once before..."  He looks really sad as he says this.  It's really hard on him, and it's taking almost all his willpower to keep it together.  Kirlia is standing really close to him, giving him the best support he can.

"It had been another boring day back on the ranch.  All the usual routine and whatnot.  Feed the horses, clean the stalls, keep an eye on them to make sure they don't get into trouble...to wind down, I'd sometimes go on a walk through the nearby forests at the base of Mt. Molten.  No wild pokemon there (usually), so it wasn't a big deal that I didn't have a pokemon of my own with me.  I'd just thought it was gonna be another stroll, with nothing but my own thoughts for company..."

He pauses again.  This next part...

"And that's when I found it.  A pokemon just laying on that same rock that had been under that one tree for who knows how long.  I couldn't tell what kind of pokemon it was.  It was...battered, bruised...it had been abused and left there for who knows how long.  It was barely breathing...I didn't know what to do at first...there was nobody around, nor were there any wild pokemon...finding what had done that to the poor thing...it would have been near impossible...so I did the only thing I could think to do: picked it up and ran back to Trillium's Pokemon Center as fast as I could, hoping I'd make it in time to save the barely alive pokemon...

"The rain, the shadows, the thunder and lightning, the pokemon I was holding tightly but carefully in my arms...it's not...a pleasant memory.  I barely made it back in time, according to Nurse Joy.  Five minutes later, and he would have been gone...forever..."

Another pause.  Both Nathan and Kirlia are struggling to keep it together now.

"I did make it though, and was informed the pokemon I had found was a Ralts.  I was confused.  Ralts are incredibly rare, and they don't live in the areas near Trillium at all...I didn't always take those walks in the forest every day, either.  It just...felt like I needed one that day...I don't know why I felt like that, but it was a stronger urge than usual...maybe Ralts had been crying out for help...I don't know.  He's never told me anything about what happened before he was left there.  I don't want to ask that of him, though...whatever it was, it nearly killed him...and I don't want him to relive that pain if we can avoid it...

"I took it upon myself to care for Ralts after a week of intense treatments at the Center.  He was scared at first, but he received the best possible living conditions my mom and I could afford.  Mallorn helped me with learning everything I could about the Ralts line and how to care for them, as well as what they were capable of.  Every free moment I had was occupied with either making sure Ralts was okay or learning more about the species for weeks...

"And that's how he became my first true friend...he didn't know why I did what I had...I don't really know either, to be honest, except that it felt like the thing that needed to be done...and he's stuck with me ever since.  When it was clear that he wanted to stay...

Nathan pulls out the dull premier ball and looks at it for a moment.  "...I took the only pokeball I owned, and we registered it to him.  He much prefers being outside though, as I'm sure you've noticed by now."  He puts it away again.

"So, in short...I don't know what I'd do if I lost Kirlia...he's...my best friend in the whole world, and...just thinking that this 'Almanac' or those 'Scimitars' were the ones who nearly killed him before...it makes my blood boil just thinking about it...and if they've done something like that to other pokemon, not just him...they need to be stopped.  That's...why I'm going on this journey...I hadn't even imagined that something as big as what might be a criminal organization would be responsible for the harm done to Kirlia, but I know that I don't want to just sit here and let it happen...but I don't know what I would do if something happened to Kirlia...I'm not sure if I'd be able to go on...

There's tears visible in his eyes now.  "If...something did happen...like it very nearly did a few days ago...I probably wouldn't see any point in continuing...Kirlia means a lot to me, and I to him...I just...can't bear thinking about losing him...."

Some silent sobbing ensues.  It's not extreme, but Nathan's pretty close to breaking.  Just talking about it is hard.  He pulls it together again to say one last thing though...

"It's...also why I pushed so hard trying to find out why he'd evolved...I won't ask again, but I'm sure you can understand...making him happy has been my goal for so long...and to have the rug swept out from under my feet like that...well, I can forgive it, but I'd still like to know why...but again, I won't ask.  Kirlia knows why, and I'm not pressuring him to tell me anything...so why should I do it to you?  It's not fair, and I should know that..."

A few more silent sobs.  He dries his tears, though, and tries to compose himself again with a few breaths. Kirlia's giving him a hug for comfort, though he also needs it as much as Nathan does.

"Alright, there...it's out in the open.  Now both you and Ven know...any questions?  I'll try and do my best to answer..."

[Iron]

Theo is happy to help lift things.

"The sea, Valder, the sea! Sweet freedom above all other freedoms! After years being...far less than free, this is the life!! And my skills from the previous life are applicable here. You learn to survive, don'tcha! You should give sailing a try if you ever get the chance!"

"But hey, I got a tip for you. You remember those weird cloaked guys, the Water Scimitars? Some of them disembarked this boat and headed for Wineberry town. Weren't you interested in those guys? Said something about a repair job. They had bought some pieces of red metal and some computer stuff."

"Red metal? were they doing a repair job? That... sounds awfully innocent. By the way, where are you going to stay? I wouldn't mind if we met again, I am supposed to work now. But tell me, where is this boat headed to after it's done here, just curious".

(when can I add the money I get from this job to the template?)

This job would happen during the day, so you can add the money at once.

"I'm staying on the ship. We're leaving in a week to sail south, around the Swamp and eventually over to Garlicburg to talk to the military station there."

[Iron]

Azurill hops right out of the hat and, careful not to venture into the garden, examines all the treasures nearby. She picks one up, a glass vase. The Fortune Hunter says, "Oi, be careful with that, Azurill!" and reaches for it. But Azurill reaches inside the vase and plucks out a bundle of red roses, presenting them to Shiva and the Fortune Hunter!

"Oi! How'd you do that? I've been trying to figure out what this thing does...Thanks, I guess!"

"Shards don't have any affect on humans, my dear. I think you'll have to work that one out for yourself... I'm not the type who can help with such things."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

... Sufficient? This was more than she expected. Way more. Waaay more. Oh my, looks like she'll be getting the Lisence she's pining for earlier than she expected, which filled her heart with pure joy for a few innocent moments. Aww... Generosity. How was that again, sharing is caring?

She gladly accepted the money. Yet a little shy, and not before asking twice whether it's really okay to him. But to him, it was... Still, she wished to pay the Daycare a visit and attend Ginger Town's League Office to take the needed exam. Doesn't hurt to refresh her knowlegde a bit by studying in the Daycare, and she'd surely be rejoced to see the owners again. Also, it did not change a thing about her plans to look for a proper job in Corsage. Won't battle the Gym Leader here, and there was enough time to 'worry' that creature paying her night visits afterwards, before teleporting back to the camp for a secure rest.

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

At him speaking out 'I saw your battle with Ven', Shiva choked on coffee. Took a few moments to recover from that. While she absolutely didn't mind him observing the battle, she was wondering whether he saw the aftermath as well... Hell, she really did not wanted to drag Nathan into this whole hassle! If she'd tell him that Ven behaves strangely lately, Nathan would surely get worried. Or worse, ask him directly about it. Eh... Which would make this way worse. It was enough if she was wondering about things!

"Hehe... You saw the battle, huh? Then you saw as well how Apsis practically mowed me down. Dumb... Poison Types... And snakes spreading toxicity... Eh, sorry! *cough* I don't mind you seeing that battle from the shadows. Just, eh asking, how long did you stayed? Longer than the battle, or did you left as soon as Cottonee was tawed? In the first case, you might have picked up that Ven already gave me some advice. (right after alluring)" Cottonee just looked up to her Master at this point. Fluffball hated that Fire Fang after being frozen solid, but endured the hit without objecting. Being tawed immediately was definitely better than being frozen!

"As for multiple attacking... True, I picked that up as well. You know, I might just give it a try... Just to see it by myself. How nice would it be to fire of a Flamethrower followed by a Psybeam? Well, not that nice actually. Rather nasty for the opponent. Thing is, I'm only beginning to developing some skill in the field of Pokemon Battling. Battles can and are risky takes, but they're mandatory for 1. raising a Pokemon properly and 2. growing as a person as well as the caretaker of a Pokemon, so eh...I decided to look a little more into this field. Now, don't think I'll run and challenge Corsage's Gym Leader! But maybe...a different one, if the theme of the Gym is somewhat favorable to me... Other thing is, the human brain and mind is actually not made for multi-tasking, one of the actions will always get the bigger part of the attention. Maybe that's what you mean by 'they become more difficult'? Likely... But, still it should be doable to some degree. Human mind is alos different from a Pokemon's mind, so seemingly they have lesser problems using more actions in a row. Don't you, Cottonee?~ Imagine impairing the foe with Fairy Wind or future Moonblast and then sap the hell out of them with Mega Drain! Aww..."

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

Oh, did Shiva say to herslef she wouldn't take another shock very well? Right, hearing 'Kirlia alsmost died once before' was enough of a shock. Still, she cannot allow herself to show weakness now! This topic was clearly a difficult one to Nathan. He needed the compassion. And she was all willing to provide it to both person and Pokemon.

So, she just listened to him speaking, making sure not to miss any word he said, just like she did while Ventus explained his background to her.

As he finished his story, Shiva came over, and wrapped Nathan in a close and appreciating hug. If he'd look closer, he would realise that she was taking effort not to shed any tears... It's enough if Nathan was in no good state after reliving early days with Ralts! No weakness now!

She spoke in the usual calm tone to him. No need...to put any sad feelings into it... "Nathan.. First of all, thank you for telling me all this. I did not pressure you to tell me, the will to explain things came from you entirerly. That's a valued detail. You trust me enough to share such a horrible experience, which is greatly appreciated."

"However, you did everything right back then. Don't imagine what would happen if you weren't there. Don't imagine having no Kirlia by your side now. Don't you dare dwelling in such negativity for more than a few moments! It's toxic to your mind. Nathan. YOU SAVED A LIFE. And this life became your best friend. Don't you value all the experiences you two share? I bet you do. Rejoice over being blessed with such a Pokemon, maybe you know that right after love, friendship is the strongest power in this universe? Some friendships are meant to be, doesn't matter whether they're between human-human or human-Pokemon. Stay close to your Pokemon. Show it the world. Show it that there are positive things to enjoy, show it how to be rejoice, HOW TO NOT DWELL IN WORRY ABOUT THE ALMANIAC! Hell, I bet we'll face them one day. And one thing's for sure, you won't face them alone. You'll face them with us, as a group, and - more important - Ralts isn't the shy anxious little being it was back then when you were not around in Trillium and I had to take care of him temporarly."

"That'S also why I'm not that fond of you constantly asking me why he evolved into Kirlia. It's fine as you asked me about it, but not to corner me about it. Don't dwell too much in the past, or you'll loose your way to the future. A future you can form with your Pokemon. A HAPPY future you can form with your Pokemon, you hear? Now, out there you go! Show the world you're not sad. Well, not longer than a few minutes."

During all this talk, Shiva increased the hug to Nathan... As well as her voice lost that calm tone, and became a brazing wave of energy instead.

"Just a last question... Is that the reason he's contained in a Premier Ball? You know the meaning of that type of Pokeballs."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Azurill hops right out of the hat and, careful not to venture into the garden, examines all the treasures nearby. She picks one up, a glass vase. The Fortune Hunter says, "Oi, be careful with that, Azurill!" and reaches for it. But Azurill reaches inside the vase and plucks out a bundle of red roses, presenting them to Shiva and the Fortune Hunter!

"Oi! How'd you do that? I've been trying to figure out what this thing does...Thanks, I guess!"

"Shards don't have any affect on humans, my dear. I think you'll have to work that one out for yourself... I'm not the type who can help with such things."

Ah... Well, that's what Shiva expected as a reply. Still wished to ask the Fortune Hunter Lady, since she was the closest person and she gifted that shard to her in the first place. Usually she'd as her mother for advice in such matters, but currently, with the instable connection to Unova as well a the Medal Office being still busy at the moment (at least, that's waht her father told her), that was no option. Looks like Ven's stranhe behaviour stays a mystery... for now. Shiva will still closely observe how things develope! But she won't blame the shard of duskglass anymore.

Just as she was about to loose track because her mind began to wander off in search for other explanations, Azurill caught her attention... And... presented her some red roses (Is that a hidden sign?)... Wait a moment, excuse me?

"Azu... When did you left your top hat? And more important, how did you do that? But... eh... thanks!" She gladly accepted the roses from the blue mouse and stroked over her ears as a Thank-You. "You're full of wonders, it seems..."

"*cough* Eh... Well then, I... need to get going soon." She also almost emtied the cup of tea. Perfect timing. "However, thanks you again for your time! Just one last question I am curious about, were you ever hunting for treasures in other regions than Chreshire? Where you ever... in Tandor?"

[Nylon]

(...)

"Red metal? were they doing a repair job? That... sounds awfully innocent. By the way, where are you going to stay? I wouldn't mind if we met again, I am supposed to work now. But tell me, where is this boat headed to after it's done here, just curious".

This job would happen during the day, so you can add the money at once.

"I'm staying on the ship. We're leaving in a week to sail south, around the Swamp and eventually over to Garlicburg to talk to the military station there."

 "Garlicburg? The isloted island? Wow, isn't that quite... special? I mean, next to no one lives there, I wouldn't think a ship like this would visit a place like that. Or maybe it has become a gold mine".
 Valder starts thinking... a bit. 'traveling to Garlicburg is something that's hard to do, there's probably things to gain if one visits that place, maybe I can- no. I'm not traveling on my own, and I want to get to stair city'.
 Valder shoves his small interest out the back door.

 "I, if I can of course, will come back tomorrow and work more. so we'll have more time then if there's anything either of us would want. It's nice to see you again Fellman! umm..." Valder gets a kick of shyness and walks off a bit awkwardly.

[Iron]

"Just about the only thing that ever happens on Garlicburg is military maneuvers. Maybe a bit of natural resource gathering. Timber, minerals, I don't know."

[Iron]

Azurill hops right out of the hat and, careful not to venture into the garden, examines all the treasures nearby. She picks one up, a glass vase. The Fortune Hunter says, "Oi, be careful with that, Azurill!" and reaches for it. But Azurill reaches inside the vase and plucks out a bundle of red roses, presenting them to Shiva and the Fortune Hunter!

"Oi! How'd you do that? I've been trying to figure out what this thing does...Thanks, I guess!"

"Shards don't have any affect on humans, my dear. I think you'll have to work that one out for yourself... I'm not the type who can help with such things."

Ah... Well, that's what Shiva expected as a reply. Still wished to ask the Fortune Hunter Lady, since she was the closest person and she gifted that shard to her in the first place. Usually she'd as her mother for advice in such matters, but currently, with the instable connection to Unova as well a the Medal Office being still busy at the moment (at least, that's waht her father told her), that was no option. Looks like Ven's stranhe behaviour stays a mystery... for now. Shiva will still closely observe how things develope! But she won't blame the shard of duskglass anymore.

Just as she was about to loose track because her mind began to wander off in search for other explanations, Azurill caught her attention... And... presented her some red roses (Is that a hidden sign?)... Wait a moment, excuse me?

"Azu... When did you left your top hat? And more important, how did you do that? But... eh... thanks!" She gladly accepted the roses from the blue mouse and stroked over her ears as a Thank-You. "You're full of wonders, it seems..."

"*cough* Eh... Well then, I... need to get going soon." She also almost emtied the cup of tea. Perfect timing. "However, thanks you again for your time! Just one last question I am curious about, were you ever hunting for treasures in other regions than Chreshire? Where you ever... in Tandor?"

"I've been to Tandor, once, for just a week. I was seeking a mysterious fossil, the remains of a golden Pokemon called Majungold! Alas, they are exceptionally rare even in Tandor. I'm sure I shall never find anyone to even sell me one."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"I've been to Tandor, once, for just a week. I was seeking a mysterious fossil, the remains of a golden Pokemon called Majungold! Alas, they are exceptionally rare even in Tandor. I'm sure I shall never find anyone to even sell me one."

"'Manjugold'... What a melodic name! The 'gold' in its name also sounds precious." Hehe, and explained why the Fortune Hunter was after it! "Never heard of such a Pokemon though... But, guess, what, I'll take that as a mental note! If I ever stumble over anything related to it, I'll get a hold on you. For now, see you then! Thank you for the tea, words and time, stay safe and sleep well later then~ Now, Azu, we get going. Nathan awaits us, you hear, dear one?"

It may be way waaaay more likely that Shiva stumbles over a shiny Ribombee here in Chreshire than her stumbling over the remains of a Manjugold, but let's not bury hopes right at the start. Maybe Nathan knows more about this particular Pokemon, given he was able to name the astral rock Shiva caught.

[Dragonstrike]

Well, that was an odd reaction to him observing a battle...

"No, I only watched until Cottonee was frozen solid.  Had to refocus on the training I was doing.  Why? Did something happen afterwards?  The battle looked over at that point, and I figured Ven would have Aspis thaw out Cottonee anyways..."

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

The encouragement helped.  A little.  True, they had shared many happy moments together...the past was not so easily forgotten, though.  Particularly when one shadow of it was still lurking around somewhere out there, its intentions a mystery...

Still, Nathan appreciated the effort.  A lot.  No objections to the hug from him.  Or Kirlia.  They could both tell she was doing her best to hold herself together too, after all.

That question wasn't an easy to answer one either, though.

"Yes...but also no.  Premier Balls are typically used to represent some significant event...but this one in particular is special to me...and not just because it's Kirlia's pokeball..."

'Deep breaths, Nathan, deep breaths.  You can tell her...you can do this...'

Kirlia hugs him a little tighter.

He pulls out the premier ball again.  How dull it is is the most unique thing about it.

"It's...the last thing I have...of my dad's...he gave it to me three years ago...before he vanished without a trace and zero warning..."

The tears begin flowing again.