[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

Shiva caaarefully crawls down the makeshift staircase. (6)(3)(4)(2)

She's down at the lowest level of this structural cavity at the ship's heart, her feet planted on firm wooden decking once more. It's the ceiling of the cargo hold, in fact, so that emergency trapdoor shouldn't be too awfully far away.

Looks like the light is coming from the button on a Pokeball! It has rolled up against a pile of old sawdust. Perhaps this blinking is the ball's way of seeking its proper owner. Fellman didn't mention any occupied Pokeballs being lost, but perhaps he didn't know about it.

Fennekin's head perks up when Shiva steps off the plank ladder. The fox growls softly in Shiva's ear...but too late.

4 Dex +4 Survival + 1 Stealth (5)(5)(4)(2)(6)(4)(4)(1)(1) - 5 successes
3 Insight +1 Survival + 0 Alert (2)(6)(5)(6)

A bundle of rags leaps from the shadows and careens off of Shiva's shoulder, hurling itself in the direction of the Pokeball.

Strike
4 Dex + 1 Fight +1 Brawl = 6 dice
(6)(5)(4)(2)(5)(3)
2 Str + 1 power -2 vit = 1 dice
(6) Shiva takes 1 damage.

Initiatives:
Bundle of Rags: (4) + 8 = 12
Kyuu: (6) +4 = 10
Fennekin: (2) + 4 = 6

The bundle of rags rolls right over the Pokeball. A grubby human hand stretches out to claim the ball before Shiva can get it. Then the figure rolls into the shadows. Shiva can see wide eyes blinking at her from the darkness, just a bit too far back for her lamp to penetrate.



(can you read this color OK?)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Wait... It was INDEED scary down here. She never thought this this job would go in sucha  direction. What was 'living' down here? First a Totodile, then what seemed to be an occupied Pokeball - just the thought of what it may contain gave her shivers -  and now what seemed to be a person hidden in the shadow...

Luckily, the attack didn't gave her more than bruises and a nice scare. For now at least. Hopefully for now...

There was something. It was just too dark to see... There was no way to run now, although Shiva remembered that this emergency trapdoor Fellman mentioned can't be far away. Just in case.

Whatever there is or not, that light Shiva was clearly too weak in this situation. None of her Pokemon knew Flash, and Helios would be unlikely to teleport her out of this place... But she had fire on hand.

She spoke out into the darkness at first. "Whatever there is, please don't attack! I may be an intruder, and I am sorry if I invaded personal territory, but I am not up to cause trouble." Before turning to her well-known fox. "Fennekin, you still have that basswood stick? Set it ablaze with an Ember of yours, and enlighten things a little by using it as a torch!" She was scared of what she'd see within the light, but it wasn't like there was any choice: Outright starting a battle may be dangrous for her, at least trying to calm situation is it. If it comes to a battle, Shiva would at least know against what or who. And where to aim.

(Dunno if Fennekin needs an Accuracy Roll for his action here, but feel free to roll one.)

[Iron]

Fennekin lights the torch. A young boy is revealed in the flickering shadows, wrapped in rags. Gaunt, scared, but clearly well-adapted to living down here. His eyes gleam, telling you he can see in the dark just as well as by light. He clutches the Pokeball and looks ready to use it, though it is still blinking (is he not the owner?). There's another Pokeball on a chain around his neck; this one is not blinking. He does not speak, but he does look ready to fight. His pockets are bulging with Potions, Berries, and unused Pokeballs.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

What...an unsual sight. Shiva never ever even imagined to encounter such a person, or a person at all down here... From what she could tell, though this boy was in no good state in general, but he called the depth of the HMS his...home? Why else would he be here? Or he's a prisoner and this ship wasn't as unstained as it displayed itself..

Very very carefully, Shiva backed a way a little to not get too close than necessary to that person found. Who knew what he was capable of, and whether he could be a threath... Fennekin backed a way alittle too, but was ordered to keep the torch close to enlighten the human figure.

She took effort to sound calm, to keep that soft tone of her voice although deep inside, she was somewhat scared. But she won't run away now. "Hey... Don't worry, I am not here to harm you. I am here because I was offered a job to collect items that fell down here. Like those you are keeping there in your pockets. Would you explain to me who you are and why you are here? I won't drag you to deck, nor tell anyone about you 'living' here if you wouldn't want this, but I'd appreciate if you'd at least hand me some of the items if you don't want to talk to me..."

[Lord Windos]

( ... )

"Your visit filled me with so much joy and delight. Someone cares for me! Enough to worry for me and check on me! How wonderful, you deserve thanks. But...your visit quickly elevated into something bad. You know, I didn't mean to drive you away... You came to me, enlightened my day, but then left me alone coldhearted because of a dumb misunderstanding? I nEVER EVER meant to badmouth Nathan! I do care for me, equally to you, I wouldn't go to clear matters with him and wish him good luck on the Gym Battle if I wouldn't! That comment you must have gotten wrong wasn't for him, it really wasn't, I meant all those who leave their safe home in the young age of 10, gathers a Pokemon and jump headfirst into trouble and arrogance because although without an inkling of knowledge about the Type Balances and different kinds of Pokemon, they succeed magically! They don't see they may have won a battle out of pure luck. No, it was their non-existent skill that brought victory! Such fools... When they fall, their fall is high and devasting and it's their fault. But Nathan is never such kind of person. He has knowledge, he has skill, he is an outright good person. When he wins, he won due to his cunning and skill, not thatnks to fortuna entirely. And still, he doesn't get arrogant... That is a valuable trait that should not be forgotten."

"You see what this misunderstanding nad your following abandoment caused in me, alongside the issue with him - but these at least have been cleared. I love that secret mission, I don't get why you people have to bother me about it, why it is causing so much dicomfort when it's actually my chance to shine! You know that old spat between a tough hero in the spotlight and the quiet one in the background? Although the latter's performance may be better, it's more likely that the first will be recognized and titled 'true hero'. I...have enough of being overshadowed and not taken for full, is it just because I am no natural battler? WHY? Why is it that way? Am I not allowed to taste spotlight when given the chance?"

"Your abandonment over a foolish bad phrasing has hurt me greatly, you know how the mind is a powerful thing? What if it begins to tell you are worth nothing, your mistakes and actions have driven away those you care for, it's your fault, you don't deserve to live on top of that! Never, NEVER leave me like this again, I don't want to go through such a trail of thoughts... Don't hate me when you called me 'your best friend' and 'adorably beautiful' formerly, you could have stayed at last to tell you I dodn't mean it instead of destroying the joy I had from your visit when I was in need for support... You said my support to you eases you and lightens your quest, why am I not allowed to ask for a little support in return? I don't...understand it... I don't want to... just stay with me when I need it, is that too much to ask for?"

Next, she leant onto his shoulder and begab to cry. All silently, but the tears she tried hard to hold back refused to stay hidden. She didn't even cared if she was moisting his green tweed, only now she realsed how cozy it actually is...

Looks like she only wished for Ventus to stay with her this time and protect her over the night, as well as leaving Corsage soon enough to be distracted from any issues.

"..."

Ventus was left speechless . No eloquent came to him to comfort his dear friends . No inspirational speeches to lift her spirits , as she lay there crying on him , desperately trying to bleed out the pain he causes . The trauma that HE caused . All over a stupid misunderstanding , something he could have easily unraveled If he has just stick around and felt her emotions , or just listened more attentively at what she ment in her earlier tirade.

A part of him was certainly happy that the situation with Nathan was on the mend , and that he is at least SOMEWHAT. He understood exactly why it was important for thier friend t o be partrtialy in the know , as being left out and in the dark about the mission 's true purpose caused him great emotional distress , especially since it was pertinant to Kirlia 's evo . They still would not completely reveal the secret to Nate , but at least things can began to get better between the group .

That was at the afar recesses of his vmind currently , though , as he was smack dab in the middle of a total breakdown of his friend that HE caused . Ventus just nimbly sat thier , his mind strangely empty yet FILLED with the both his and Shiva 's emotional distress , as he held gently held his friend as she cried and cried and cried . Lucifer was now quite worried himself , as he scooted closer to the fairy lady to pet her back with his wing while letting out saddened croons . The lady might intimidate him somewhat , but no one dwarves to be this sad ! 

' ...Why must I always be a fool? Why can I not avoid harming my friend ?  Why is it seemingly impossible for me oto just be just another part of the group , instead of an agent of Chaos ? Why ? Why.... ' he though , thouroughly disappointed in himself for his actions , and fast approaching depression himself . Ventus refused to let himself EVER return to that state of mind , though , and quickly got a right tight grip on his emotions . He tried to think of what little positive was left in his sitiational , and ANYTHING that could make his friend feel better.

' I have not ruined my friendship my sweet Shiva irreparablely , but it's clearly in tatters right now . Even after what I did to get , she still wants my company , and seeks my solace despite me being the reason for her distress . I...I can still salvage this mess I have made , but how ? How do I show that she is important , a valued member of the group , and that she means the world to me ? ...Wait . That could ...that could work , but she ' s ...! ...No , it must be done . I need to show that I care deeply for her , and this is the directest way possible . Reshirim , I pray that this works ...'

Slowly , yet timidly , Ventus pulled Shiva away from his shoulder , and wiped her years away with a gentle smile . "Shiva... I'm so sorry for this . So sorry for doing this to you , for creating such a horrid state of mind . It shoulder never have occured , and I'm such an idiot for letting it happen . What good is my education and empathy If I cause this in my dearest friend ? You ... You are so dear to me , Shiva , and I want to show you just how much I mean it . So...as a form of apology ... would you care for me to treat you to dinner by the sea? I know of a place that serve great seafood and allow Pokemon in their , all for a resonable price. You don't HAVE to accept , tbut I want to treat you like the true treasure you are tonight..."

The nervous , somewhat flustered empath awaited her response , desperately hoping his plan does not go up in flames .

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Slowly , yet timidly , Ventus pulled Shiva away from his shoulder , and wiped her years away with a gentle smile . "Shiva... I'm so sorry for this . So sorry for doing this to you , for creating such a horrid state of mind . It shoulder never have occured , and I'm such an idiot for letting it happen . What good is my education and empathy If I cause this in my dearest friend ? You ... You are so dear to me , Shiva , and I want to show you just how much I mean it . So...as a form of apology ... would you care for me to treat you to dinner by the sea? I know of a place that serve great seafood and allow Pokemon in their , all for a resonable price. You don't HAVE to accept , tbut I want to treat you like the true treasure you are tonight..."

Crying helped. It helped greatly, although the tears were bitter. But Ventus was there to catch them. In the end, he was there for support this time... He even had that familiar smile left for her. After all this time, he never lost that trait! When things go bad, he's never above smiling. Either to comfort himself or a close person... He was strong, despite seeing all his family members leaving this world. How did he do that... Shiva wished she could be that strong, but somewhat doubted she'd ever be.

As he finally spoke to her, Shiva was indeed feeling somewhat better. A little, the situation was eased, Ven does not hate her, even his Noibat was trying to comfort her. Neither did he wanted to abandon her. In fact, more than ever he seems to desire to be with her... Because whyelse would he inviter her to dinner? Because he still cares for her. Doesn't matter that - and why - he began to act strangely around her, he didn't mean to abandon her.

She was still somewhat hesitant. But, anything was better then parting ways now, plus the fact that she hasn't eaten a thing since breakfast. Too numb, too busy with gathering items out of the bottom of a ship, too busy with recreating bridges between her and the others.

"Don't call you an idiot... It happened, and it's aweful, but at least were can talk about it instead of plain abandoning each other... I gladly accept dinner, if this is what you wish for. I have...nothing else to do anyway... Not anymore. Therefor, thank you."

"But...what about Nathan? You think it's alright if we just go out and he's still here?" She knew that Nathan said he'll teleport to the Pokemon Center soon, but still...

[Lord Windos]

"Don't call you an idiot... It happened, and it's aweful, but at least were can talk about it instead of plain abandoning each other... I gladly accept dinner, if this is what you wish for. I have...nothing else to do anyway... Not anymore. Therefor, thank you."

"But...what about Nathan? You think it's alright if we just go out and he's still here?" She knew that Nathan said he'll teleport to the Pokemon Center soon, but still...

A wave of relief swept over him at Shiva timid yet heartfelt acceptance of his offer . Somehow , his smile became even sweeter , as he gazed into her eyes , showing how thankful he is for this second chance . " Perhaps not an idiot , but I still consider myself a fool , my dear friend . I ' m just thankful that my ignorancet actions did not shatter out friendship like glass , and that I can being boy and comfort to your soul once more , " Ventus said , before he gave her another tender hug.

Lucifer , elated that his master and the fairy lady had made up , hopped up an land on the back of Shiva 's neck. , and gave his own version of an hug . The curios bat is not one to be left out of the moment , and wants the lady to feel like she belonged with everyone !

Hearing Shiva mention Nathan made him pause for a moment in his affections , before drawing away from her slightly , still holding into her her body but looking straight at them. "Nathan and I relations are ... strained a bit from today's events , but leaving the Center without informing him would be bad form for the both of us .Let 's wait for him in the lobby and tell him of our dinner plans. Maybe we can even invite him as well , if you wish , and treat this as a group outing . Nothing says friendship like fine cuisine , correct ? "

[Iron]

Shiva's Insight+Survival+Empathy:
(2)(1)(5)(5)

The boy holds out his items in both hands, then snatches them back as Shiva tentatively reaches for them! His throat moves, and you realize he is laughing soundlessly.

He hefts his two Pokeballs, and gestures to your fox and cat Pokemon. He mimes throwing his Pokeball and looks at you questioningly. For good measure, he gestures with the items again, too.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Hugs helped too. A lot! Didn't matter whether from Ven himself or a draconic bat. Oh, and that worried expression he gave he earlier has been replaced by thankfulness... Finally Shiva was able to face him and return the gaze. For a little.

Oh... Right, maybe thsi wasn't the best idea.... Nathan said in his message that he doesn't want to see Ventus now, and now Vnetus said thinsg are somewhat difficult between them currently. Wonder why? And hopefully not too serious... But given Ven was able to speak normally about him and not fall into despair over broken bridges to him, it can't be that bad, can it?

"Sure we can wait for him and tell him our plans, but we should not pressure him to join, alright? Neither would I want things to go mad between the two of you, just when we all cleared matters. We should give one another space if needed without feeling guilty about it." ... "Besides, I'd enjoy spending the evening... alone... with you... been awile." She couldn't help but to lean into his shoulder again at this point, and mutter the last few words into his green tweed. Who thought this fabric was so cozy? Besides this, Shiva was overly delighted that things between them did not fall apart because of some bad phrasing in some words, and trusted that things will become better/the group's bond would become stronger due to surviving such issues.

It looks like in the end, Corsage did had quite an impact on her apart from the sleep issues.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The boy holds out his items in both hands, then snatches them back as Shiva tentatively reaches for them! His throat moves, and you realize he is laughing soundlessly.

He hefts his two Pokeballs, and gestures to your fox and cat Pokemon. He mimes throwing his Pokeball and looks at you questioningly. For good measure, he gestures with the items again, too.

Wait... he cannot speak? Either he lost his voice somehow - has he been too long alone without contact? Wait, was that Totodile maybe his companion? No...doubtful. Did he knew about it at all?

Or he is one of these who grew up without learning to speak.

Either way, he seemed no harm - for now - and not above mischief.

He also seemed interested in her own Pokemon. Could mean good or bad... But let's believe good for now. "Hmm?... You mean... Yeah, these two belong to me and are my companions. Both are from the world outside this ship. Before you ask, I am not trading them away, sorry for this. I hold them dear just too much."

"However... " Before that could react again, Shiva offered him a free page in her start-patterened Journal and a simple black pen. "You can't talk it seems to me, but can you write? Like, what are you doing here? And what does that Pokeball you wear contain?" There also was that other ball on the floor, blinking, that gave her headaches.