[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Nathan has an incredibly serious look on his face now.  "There is EVERY need to beat around the bush, Shiva.  The last time an Absol showed up at the Running, it was chaos because of how paranoid Ginger Town is about the species, and the felines don't always mean well, either.  I'm not taking any chances if the vision Kirlia had comes to pass during the run like I fear it will.  I just hope my luck is a bit better during the event than it's been lately..."

(Hint hint. I guess?  Time to mention the thing we discussed via PM I guess, Phantom?)

(Sure thing!~ I'll have to go to bed after this post though, so I'll keep this part short for now and give Nathan time to think about it.)


Chaos... Misfortune... Desaster... Anything bad, least that was needed was a paranoid town because a few Pokemon decided to showed up.

While Nathan's expression was dead serious and Shiva followed that, he clearly lighted up as he mentioned luck. Wy did she bugh a luck charm just before? Why is she relying on the help of the stars, asking for their guidance and help, why does her magical fox even turned this into a real move? ...To help in exactly such situations.

Away was the seriousness in her voice. "Oh, with better luck i'm capable to help you. No, not with charms and prayings, but I assume you know Lucky Chant? It's a real move rumored to bring good fortune in battle, it saved me a few times already. True, Braixen does know the move. If... Well, whatever, since I won't participating by myself, ever, and you have that bad feeling... I'd lend you my magical fox for the time you'll be running, if you wish for the help of this move. I'd be...a horrible friend if I would let you standing, would I? Plus, you lended me money for the Breeder's Lisence on your free will... However, you'd have to promise me to take good care of him and not put him into unnecessary danger. Braixen has been sad and upset for a little, not because of me, but if I'll explain things to him, she should listen and obey you all fine. The fox means much to me... so are you, believe it or not, despite the crack of trust, I still care for you a lot."

Okay, the last part was embarrasing to say, for some weird reason. This is getting awkward Shiva, away from here! "Just, eh, please...think about that and tell me your thoughts tomorrow, alright? I'll be sleeping on the highest floor of the Center if you'd need me; for now, I do wish you a good nights sleep and a pleasant awakening. 'Til then~"

Off was she. However, if Nathan wants to say a few last words/quick thoughts about this, she'll hear them (but won't answer).

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Heading upstarirs then – it took a little longer since her dorm was on the upmost floor – the first thing Shiva did was close and lock the door, place bagpack next to the small table that belonged to every dorm and hrow herself onto the bed. Not really because she was exhausted, mosly because she was enjoying this and was still in a somewhat delighted mood after that run-in with Nathan. Shiva still prefered to follow the event from a safe place. Which was in her view a seat by the PC or TV, if worst comes to worst the Daycare. Guess they won't leave her hanging if she'd ask them to please host her while the Pokemon run...

Spending a while just laying there, enjoying the silence and the far away noises of the town that flew in from outside, before carefully getting up, drawing that weird egg in portable incubator from bagpack and placing it on the table. It still wasn't close to hatch by her assumption, but it certainly felt closer to hatching... Haven't moved once more after the first time there during Honey Party. Carefully placing one soft hand onto the glass of the lid of incubator, she spoke in an incredibly low voice, it wasn't more than a faint whisper, it was like...a thought that accidently slipped her mind. Like if a breeze or a Fairy Wind blows up leaves all on its own.

„Take your time. Whatever is in there, I'll be waiting until you feel ready to show yourself to me. One day...“ … „Indeed, you'll be mine one day. I'll be there.“

Must be the Breeder's attitude she got inherited from her father and learned at home that she now began to faintly talk with Pokemon eggs. Eh... Anyway, now that they arrived in Ginger Town, it was only a matter of time until she can get her Breeder's Lisence and get Nightshade (Cherubi) into her party!~

Before that though, a stop-by at the Daycare both to resfresh knowledge for the exam as well as get updated on the mission and Absol's being and training is it. Golds hasn't called since that one time when Absol hatched... What was the saying again, no news are good news? Well, let's hope things will be alright concerning that.

Opening the window to bring fresh air into the room as well as placing her collected books and candles on the table (the latter for her desired calm and mystical atmosphere), she called out all of her Pokemon on hand, before serving them dinner on the usual whilte-orchid-patterned ceramic place. Just Dry Food and cookies tonight. "Eat up, dear ones. Savour the energy and pleasure that comes by a good meal, there is much more if you wish. You too, Comite. I'll be in bath for a while, but it shouldn't take too long. Just showering and stuff."

… … …

It indeed didn't take that long, and as soon as Shiva was back on the bed dressed for night and the towel from the Treehouse Spa over her shoulders – she sucessfully was able to remove all petals that were still in her hair while washing them – she finally got the time to check cell... And there indeed was a Voice Message from Ventus! *after hearing it* Well, as expected, he was wandering off, but she trusted that he knew what he was doing and didn't put himself into unnecessary danger. Being called 'his mystical, darling witch' caused her to blush and RATHER quickly pack the cell away before this got awkward, without replying him as she actually intended to do. Okay, now she did miss that oddball of researcher a little, if she's very honest to herself.

Meanwhile, her Pokemon have finished dinner and were scattered all over the room resting or minding their own business. Helios was leaned against the chair belonging to the table belonging to every room, Shiva carefully approached him and croached down to be on eye level with him.

She also spoke in a caring and calm voice to him. „You're awake? Fine... Listen up, how are you doing... Or asking differently, are you up to give Double Team another try? Last time worked out not well because me was worried over Toxic as a move for you, this must have caught you as well accidently. But I'm assuring you, we'll concentrate on Double Team now and deal with Toxic later, alright? Oh, and no, you won't have to be awake to spam the move, it that is your worry.“

„You know the mechanics of Double Team, dear one, I fell we're getting to it. For now, please try to create two more copies of yourself, creating four in total. Should be enough. I'm here, watching and taking care while brushing my hair dry, alright?“


----------
Mechanics:
Tutoring Session of Double Team No.3 out of ???. 6 Successes collected, 10 are needed to master the move. Tutoring Roll: 3 Insight + 3 Knowledge + 2 Move Tutoring = 7 D6. No XP are granted during Tutoring Sessions. I'm also curious how Comite behaves, how he reacts to Shiva and the offered dinner. ^^

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Quick Flashforward since I'll go offline now.)


It was late night outside, and somewhere in a dorm on the highest floor of the Center, Shiva was unable to find sleep. A check of the clock on her cell in the dark told her that it was 32 minutes after midnight, usually she was far away in dreamland at that time. Something kept her awake. Or, some things kept her awake.

She was just laying there, with Cottonee cuddled up close to her as if it was a beloved plush. Well, her fluff was just as cuddly as a plush. She musts have picked up that something was ailing her Master, since she chirped at her as Shiva placed the cell away onto the floor beside her bed again before withdrawing the arm again and hiding it under the blanket.

Her voice was low, silent and there was a hint of self-blame in it. „You can't sleep, Cottonee, although you refused to stay inside your Pokeball for the night? Well, me can't either... Funny, huh? It's like you knew...“

It was night. It was quiet. Shiva was alone there, only with her most loyal Pokemon in her arms, cuddled in a bed... „You know, Cottonee,“ she said all quietly, „...I'm scared. Yes, maybe that's it... Scared that something does happen during the event. Both Nathan and Ven do participate now for their own reasons, Nathan has a bad feeling that something horrible is about to happen, running with the Pokemon is dangerous on it's own... I do trust them that they take care of one another and get by, but it pains me a little that I cannot do anything to help them in the matter directly...I'll be just observing them from a safe place, on my own will. Never ever will I participate and run by myself. However, does this make me a bad friend for them? Am I leaving them alone coldly? I don't know... What I know, is that I'd never be so bold and brave to bring myself into obvious danger for the sake of others.“

She paused a little before continuing, somewhat feeling well to open up to Cottonee, just having someone to listen to her. „There's also...the Gym Battle... It's my free will to battle there, I promised myself to get stronger and be a better Master for you and the others, but now... What if I do loose in the end on my own fault? No... I'll not let you battle against Ice Types though, Cottonee, while you won against a Lapras, do you remember being frozen solid by Arbok's Ice Fang? I don't want to put you in danger... Ever... I wish for you to be a Whimsicott one day... Doesn't matter what happens, YOU will be there with and for me, will you...? How long do I know you now, a little more than three weeks? How comes I grew so attatched to you, and you even return it to me... It fills me with thankfullness. Joy... Nothing, NOTHING shall ever come between us, shall it... I love you.“

At that point, she brought the fluffball even closer to herself, sealing off the one or two sobs that escaped her despite all measurements taken to prevent this.


---------------
Mechanics:
None in the party will ever hear a thing about this, she'll try to seal off any fear from Ventus' empathy when he is around (Whether he picks it up or not/mentions it towards her, is his decision). I wonder though how Cottonee reacts to Shiva opening up with her worries to the fluffball, something that is very hard for her to do, @Iron...? Last post of the in-game day for me.

[Dragonstrike]

And she was gone before Nathan could say anything in response...that was...unexpected...Nathan's not entirely sure what to say about that...Lucky Chant would be a massive boon, though...he knows Kirlia could technically learn it himself, but...it's not the kind of move one can just 'learn,' really, being extremely mystical even by pokemon standards...Nathan wasn't entirely sure he could teach the move properly to Kirlia...he's not exactly a very 'mystical' trainer...maybe with Braixen's help, though...

Kirlia, as expected, is pretty gung ho about potentially being able to help Nathan out in some significant way.  Having a way to counter the bad luck when it's really needed is an excellent way for him to help out.  He's also pretty glad that Shiva's showing Nathan things are still (mostly) fine between them for the time being.  It's helping open the way to making Nathan just a little less depressed.

Yet another sigh from Nathan.  "Well, guess we'll have to tell her our thoughts tomorrow morning before we head out to meet Kory for whatever training he's got planned...let's turn in for the night, Kirlia.  Hopefully everything goes well..."

In Nathan's room, after settling in for the night...
Goodnight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmmE5rtRtbc

Something else had been bothering Nathan as well...something he'd been thinking about in the back of his mind ever since hearing about devolution being possible...he lays on his side to face Kirlia so he can ask his friend a rather important question...

"Kirlia, what would you think about potentially being a Gardevoir for a little while?  You know, in case it happens to take us awhile to find a Dawn Stone so you can become a Gallade?  I wouldn't want you to fall behind everyone else in relative power levels simply because we don't have the item needed for your evolution yet, or because there are still moves I want you to learn before you evolve.  And since we have an easy way to reverse the process (or rather, Ventus currently does)...well, it's just something I've been considering...but you'd also gain access to a few moves you might otherwise have difficulty learning or never be able to learn as a Gallade in the first place..."

He lays on his back again.  "I don't know.  It's just a thought I've had for the past few days...what do you think?"

[Iron]

Comite scuttles around on the table, engaging in a careful trading process with the other Pokemon. Comite hands over some of its food and samples some food from each of the other Pokemon (without waiting for approval). Satisfied that no one is getting better food than it, it retreats to its own dish.

When Shiva returns, Comite grabs her ankle and sits on her foot, wanting to ride around! It weighs 60kg, so it's a bit of a struggle to move the rock monster!

Double Team: (3)(5)(3)(2)(4)(6)(3) - you now have 9 successes! Any time now, Abra will master that move well enough to use in battle.



Later that night, Cottonee creates some doubles of her own. She sheds her fluff, as she might do when faced with a predator. But instead, as Shiva pours out her emotions to the Pokemon, Cottonee tucks the discarded fluff under Shiva's head for an extra pillow. Then snuggles up beside her, showing that she's always willing to listen. Shiva need fear no judgment from this starter.

[Iron]

Four small tears rip open in the air around Kirlia and Nathan. This must be an important question, to bring on a vision.

Kirlia's eyes are shut tightly as he holds Nathan's hand, but he's smiling.

Each of the tears shows a possible time - you can tell that at least the final two tears are happening at the same exact time period, and maybe the others are too.

In the first tear, Ralts is happily wandering down a path with Nathan, holding hands much as Kirlia is doing right now.
2nd: Kirlia dances with joy for Nathan, looking just like the dance near Greenbriar River.
3rd: A beautiful Gardevoir, cooking with Nathan. They high five.
4th: Gallade, back to back with Nathan, a pleased light in his eyes.

Kirlia smiles at all the visions and at Nathan. He points to the lad, then hugs his arm tightly.

[Iron]

You may now start positing events from Day 24.

[Dragonstrike]

Wow, tonight's full of surprises for Nathan, isn't it?  First, his cousin doesn't completely freak out over an Absol being incredibly likely to show up at this year's run, then Shiva offers to loan him a pokemon to help him out despite their recent...difficulties, and now...this.  Four distinct yet...somehow same moments...it's...really weird seeing them...particularly since he's not much of a cook...

Nathan can't help but smile seeing them all, though.  The meaning of it is fairly clear to him since they all seem to be taking place at the same time as far as he can tell.  "Don't really care what you are as long as you're with me, eh?  Hehe...figures.  It's good to see reassurance of it, though.  Still, I know how much you'd like to be a Gallade when it's all said and done...so that's what we'll aim for, like we've always planned.  If you happen to become a Gardevoir along the way, though, I guess neither of us could really complain, right?  Well, let's get some...sleep...big day ahead of us tomorrow...and after that...and ESPECIALLY after...that one...zzzzz....

Day 24

Nathan feels just a little less depressed in the morning.  Still got those feelings, but they seem a little...farther away right now.  Like they aren't as much of a problem currently.

Then he remembers that Ventus doesn't intend to leave dealing with Absol to him and Kirlia during the Running, and it all comes rushing back...ugh...well, at least Shiva is helping in her own way without potential interference...having the effects of Lucky Chant should be a huge boon when the Running starts...

He's still pretty sluggish to get out of bed, even though he's up as early as he typically was back home.  He'd had some nice dreams last night, and didn't really want to ruin them with what was inevitably going to be a rather dreary day.  He was fairly certain Kirlia had shared them, though.  He'd had that strange feeling about Kirlia's psychic powers again last night...like it was more connected to sleep and dreams, now that he thought about it...it had been rather pronounced all throughout and near Corsage, but now he was only feeling it when he and Kirlia were snoozing...must be some sort of side effect from interacting with that Houndour pack's nightmare if he had to guess...though a welcome one...if his powers were more connected with dreams, then maybe he could learn techniques related to sleep more easily...hmmm...something to think about later.

For now, they had some training to get to...after a quick talk with Shiva and a text to Ventus.

He's the first one to show up in the lobby.  Been awhile since he'd done that last...this journey has really been putting him through the wringer, that's for sure...he sits at a table to wait for Shiva, and types a text to Ventus while he waits.

Ventus, I'm serious about leaving Absol to me and Kirlia.  I can't guarantee you'll be safe if you try to interfere.  Heck, I can't even guarantee my own safety, but this thing's been stalking the two of us for awhile and hasn't done anything to us so far. This Absol has some kind of beef with Kirlia and me specifically, and I don't want to see anyone get hurt by it if I can avoid it.  Besides, there's going to be a LOT of pokemon around, most of them Tauros, and there's a good chance you won't be able to safely engage it at the same time as me due to the chaotic nature of the event if you decide to ignore my warning.  It's in your best interest to stay out of this beyond helping me get to Absol, regardless of what happens.

Plus, you need to curb your worrywart tendencies a little before we get to Stair City.  You're going to LOVE the gym leader there if you don't, I'm sure.  Consider yourself  doubly warned.

And do NOT tell Shiva about Absol either. She'll hear the full story at the same time you do, after I've handled the situation. I've told her only what she needs to know: that there's likely an Absol in this year's run, and that's it.

[Lord Windos]

Day 24


He's the first one to show up in the lobby.  Been awhile since he'd done that last...this journey has really been putting him through the wringer, that's for sure...he sits at a table to wait for Shiva, and types a text to Ventus while he waits.

Ventus, I'm serious about leaving Absol to me and Kirlia.  I can't guarantee you'll be safe if you try to interfere.  Heck, I can't even guarantee my own safety, but this thing's been stalking the two of us for awhile and hasn't done anything to us so far. This Absol has some kind of beef with Kirlia and me specifically, and I don't want to see anyone get hurt by it if I can avoid it.  Besides, there's going to be a LOT of pokemon around, most of them Tauros, and there's a good chance you won't be able to safely engage it at the same time as me due to the chaotic nature of the event if you decide to ignore my warning.  It's in your best interest to stay out of this beyond helping me get to Absol, regardless of what happens.

Plus, you need to curb your worrywart tendencies a little before we get to Stair City.  You're going to LOVE the gym leader there if you don't, I'm sure.  Consider yourself  doubly warned.

And do NOT tell Shiva about Absol either.  She'll hear the full story at the same time you do, after I've handled the situation.  I've told her only what she needs to know: that there's likely an Absol in this year's run, and that's it.

Besides that odd camp fire light they saw in the middle of their treck back to Ginger Town, Ventus and his nocturnal-ish Pokémon made it safely within the town's boundries, and immediately made a beeline into to the Pokémon Center. The researcher was quick to recall his Pokémon and book a random room with the Nurse, as he quite honestly didn't care where it was, so long as it was decent and he could rest in it, and hastily made his way to and smoothly entered into it. He stripped out of his dirty cloths, took a hot, brisk shower to clean off all the grime from the humongous mud puddle, dried off, change into his night were while setting out his cloths for the next day, and then promptly dived under the covers to get some sleep. Today affairs were rather tiring, so the quicker he feel asleep, the sooner he would get the REM Sleep he needed to begin his next day properly!

Due to his late night excersions, Ventus ended up awakening FAR later than he typically did, which was mildly annoying but not a huge impediment to his plans for the day. 'We can't all be Early Birds some days of the week, especially after a hard day's worth of labor and bumbling through the night. I'll be grateful for the fact that I encountered zero trouble for the entirety of yesterday, and helped out a couple of my dear friends during it,' the empath though, as he conducted his usual morning rituals, got dressed etc.. Before he exited his room, though, he decided to check his phone for any (liably angry/foreboding) message from Nathan, and sure enough their was. Tsking a bit at the boy's attempt to dissuade him, he simply recorded a short, brief, and somewhat terse voice message, and sent it to him

Nathan: My decision on this matter is final, Nathan. You know that my own safety isn't a concern when it comes to your protection and continued positive wellbeing, so that argument will not prevail. Like it or not, you will have my assistance in this matter, if Absol shows itself during this year's running.

As for my fretting over my worrying tendacies, that is who I am. I consider it a positive quality the vast majority of the time, so I believe we can agree to disagree on this matter, and leave it at that. If the Gym Leader gives me pause for concern, I'll simply react accordingly.

....*Sighs* I don't like keeping secrets, Nathan, especially from a dear friend like Shiva. Considering that you were on the receiving end of being blockaded from knowing  the truth about Shiva's mission, I expected you would not do the same to her. Still, if you desire to keep all the cards close to your chest, you can have that privilege. After all, you'll be responsible for her most likely negative reaction of being left out of the loop until its too late. I suggest you don't make a habit of it, though. It does no one good to keep everything secret...least of all yourself. At least, that is what I have learned from my experience.

I'll be finishing up my errand with Tramp and Belle today, and find a battle or two to train my Pokémon for the Running. Feel free to join me, if you like, and the offers extends to Shiva as well, so be sure to tell her too. I wish you have to most wonderful and productive day, my friend, and may Reshirim flames shield you from dark misfortune. 'Til we meet again. *Click*

With that message recorded and sent, the somewhat disgruntled and serene researcher pocketed his phone, and left his room, intent on getting started with his day's activities!

Order: Visit Tramp to return the Miltank Bracelt to him (And Belle, by extension), see how that plays out, and then fight a Double Battle for both Michael and Abaddon (Wobbuffet), with a $500 Poke bet. Let's get the day started off right: with friendship and conflict!

[Iron]

"You found it? Wowza! What are the chances? Follow me now, hehe."

Tramp opens the door to the RV. "Belle's out with Miltank. She's due back any minute. Now, where to hide this?" He drops the trinket into a little jewelry box and hides the box in the cooler, rearranging it. Looking out the window, you see Belle approaching, so Tramp quickly leaves the RV and sits in his camp chair. When Belle arrives, he hollers "Hey, could you grab me a drink? Since you're up."

Belle huffs into the RV, and you hear her startled cry. She comes out with a huge smile on her ruddy face. "Tramp! You found it? Oh, wow wow wow!"

"Actually, it was Ventus! He took Geodude, Noibat, and Numel to go look for it, just to be friendly!"

"Then he must have a reward! Ven, what would you like me to craft for you as a reward? I can make plushies, clothing, costumes, or jewelry!"