[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

"Thanks..."

...

...

"...just...give us some space for now...got a lot to think about..."

He's back to that 'bearing the weight of the world' feeling from earlier, and he, Calam, and Kirlia are quick to leave the room.  

The researcher gave a respectful nod of his head to them, not wishing to speak out of turn when he had inexplicitly caused Nathan to despise the very thing he calls his existence. He watched the boy leave the room with his Kirlia and his newest faithful companion, and when the door moved to seal of the room completely, Ventus expression turned from stoically uncomfortable to plain upset. Not at Nathan, mind you; Zekrom knows that the boy desires none of his disdain or scorn! Nor was it about having a secret past life as a Plasma Member, for he had come to terms with that foolish mistake of his so long, long ago. All his current discontent was laided soley at the feet one individual not present there, in Cheshire, or perhaps not even Unova: Ghetsis.

"Damn you to hell, you bastard...damn you to a hell worse than the one of your own mind! You ruined me completely, guided and condemned me to become this half mad freak of a human being, and fucked with the lives of countless, innumerable others, all because you couldn't accept being set back anyway at all! DAMN YOU DAMN YOU DAMN YOU !!!" The former Plasma Member slams his fist into the cold metal table with great force, denting from the sheer force of his wrathful spite. Ventus was huffing over his outburst, barely even feeling how bruised his knuckles were now, before his head slumped down, his orange hair shadowing his eyes from all that could see. "Why couldn't you remained faithful to your beliefs, your truth, remained kind to the family you made with all of us... Why could you not remain as you were, a brilliant and driven man with great plans for all, instead of turning into a demon? Why could you not..have...remained.......with.........me."

*Plop* *Plop* *Plop*. The sound of tears filled the quiet little room, as Ven cried for the betrayel made by Ghetsis to everything he held once dear, and the life with Team Plasma he thought was noble, just , now turn vile and corrupt to its very core by a madman that knew no reason except his own. Ven cried like this, long and hard, until no more tears could be shed. He still grieved long after that, until he felt his heart had finally bleed enough negative feelings on that part of him. The empath straightened up, pulled out a small towel to wipe up all the excess moisture he released, before wiping down the table and everything he touched himself thoroughly out of habit, before putting it away. He then exited the private room, and headed straight for bed. He needed all the rest he could get, in order to recover from today's hectic events, and prepare for tomorrow itself. By morning, he would be back to his cheerful self and not give the others reasons to worry about him, but for now....he just wants to be alone himself.

Order: Ventus is heading to bed right now, as he really doesn't feel like he's in the mood for ANY sort of activity besides some bed rest. The day has been hard on him too, guys! Awaiting the new, more pleasant day!

[Iron]

Grid gets a training roll.

Swiftfire gains 1 point of Loyalty. Note about Orthros' ability: he technically needs to be in the party when a point is gained to benefit, but if you just stashed him recently or are about to go get him, you can still count it. Loyalty doesn't truly increase in discrete increments; that's just a gaming abstraction.

Kirlia is confident that Nathan can figure it out in time. He points to the same line you are thinking about, "a sharer of unselfish love," and laughs his silent laugh.

Ventus gains 1XP. It's all tied together, now!

[Spiritmon]

After that day, since everyone is in some type of heavy atmosfere he decides to call that a day. Then he head to the bed and sleep.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Quoting Masterpost incoming.)

"Ah, I suspected as such from what  information I've gathered on the subject, but you would certainly know more on the subject of Breeding than I do, so for now we will let this subject settle between. Perhaps we can talk about the topic again at a later point, though? My knowledge is concentrated in the fields I've mentioned, but I have certainly took a myriad of course and conducted all sorts of researcher while I was working towards my Majors and Doctorate. What better way to pass the time than by learning, after all?" the empath said, returning her smile with a brilliant one of his own. With the drama and twisted sub-plots laid to rest between him and her (for the time being...), it was rather nice to just have a pleasant conversation with a good friend, rather than tactical meetings or arguments of all varieties. He wishes for more of these, obviously, but given that he still has yet to speak with Nathan....

"Oh, sure we can talk again!~ Always when I'm not busy with other things like my Pokemon needing me. Feel free to approach me with questions or simply an exchange of information concerning the care and breeding of Pokemon whenever they arise." ... "Besides, my offer to you to lend you my Electric rodents or that Comite for studying those is still on the table. Eager to learn what your findings will be!~"

At 'may Reshiram protect you protect you while you conduct your errand,', she looked up to him in a...very sppreciating expression mixed up with some amount of suprise. That was quite a powerful wish-well he gave her there and she must mean a lot to him if he hoped for the Truth-Seeking Dragon to protect her... It felt a little like being under the effect of luckychanting, and it filled Shiva with warmth and safety that she was in need for just now. Ven's empathy likely picked this up.

It indeed felt noce to her to have a rare pleasant conversation with Ven, Shiva felt like she could talk and listen to him for hours without getting bored. From what she could tell, Ven was feeling just the same way. How adorable! Sadly though, their talking will likely be interrupted by Nathan arriving anytime now, so for now comfortable silence was the choice. She didn't speak out that she was enjoying his unusual inherited hair colour.


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Nathan just sounds really tired, like there's a huge weight on his shoulders.  "No, Calam wasn't 'toying with me,' Shiva.  Not much of a chase when you're being lead somewhere, though we certainly were moving quickly.  Okay, maybe he toyed with Kirlia a little in our battle, but whatever the case, we pulled through practically unscathed in the end."

Kirlia smirks at that remark, while Calam shrugs.  They'd both done their best, so he didn't mind.  It certainly showed how skilled Nathan and Kirlia are.

"Speaking of which, thank you for lending me Braixen.  I don't know how much it actually helped, but it certainly felt like luck was on my side for quite awhile after he used Lucky Chant.  Things certainly could have gone a lot more badly than they actually did, I know that much...Kirlia also joined Braixen in the Lucky Chant and learned the move himself, so that's good if I happen to need its effects later.  Lots of good outcomes from this Run, I guess...though I hope Braixen didn't mind being in his pokeball all day. I was kinda focused on...other things...oh, uh, right...here."  Nathan hands Braixen's Pokeball back to Shiva.

Shiva cleary noticed that Nathan was tired, exhausted and probably needed some good rest currently, but she didn't dared to come closer and appreciating pat him on the shoulder. She couldn't estimate how Absol might react, and it's better to not stress things with this particular exemplar.

So, she took and effort to sound appreciating instead. Somehow. At least let him know that she's glad that he made it back to the group safely. "Okay, sorry... No 'toying' then. But, seemingly doesn't matter much in the end since he joined you either way."

Also, she gladly accepted back the ball containing her beloved fox!~ He'll be needed tomorrow morning after all. Staring at it for a few seconds with a warm and thankful smile, she packed it away safely to the other occupied Pokeballs she carried, before facing Nathan again. "Glad that chanting was helpful to you, and thanks for returning him in one piece. Oh, nevermind that he stayed inside for most of time, he'll enjoy lots of action tomorrow in battle."

On his decleration of Kirlia having learned the move from her Pokemon though... She had to take efforts to not let the smile fade to a plain expression and arise questions from Nathan what was wrong. "...It's pleasant to hear that Kirlia joined chanting adn you ow can rely on its effects whenever you wish. Though... Don't overdo it. Calling for the stars to help is nothing to be taken lightly, the move itself is more powerful than one might believe in the first place. The Ralts-line is surely capable of doing helping their owner by protecting them from harm and misfortune that way - even more combat-orientated Gallade can do so when trained well enough - but a big part has to come from the owner themselves. ...And... do excuse me to say it directly, but" *looking away* "...a logically and scientifically thinking person like you are should definitely be careful with the move. Like, using it moderately and only when really needed. The stars will grant you their guidance when asked to do so, but calling for them only to take a benefit during a battle while not caring for their other aspects is something... Well, it just feels wrong to do so. I personally..." *facing him again in a neutral expression* "...well, my fondness for fae and natural magic is an open secret."


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Zamboni can be seen icing up windows whenever there's not enough lumber and plywood. He is capable of producing a perfectly clear ice, which works great for this purpose! He looks busy, but looking around, most of the windows have been fixed.

Neat... Okay, actually not, since the Running cleary paid its tribute to the town. Shiva could not help but to somewhat feel gloomy over all the broken glass structures, especially with keeping in mind how pretty and decorated the town was back then during the Festival, but looks like this was just the way it was... If she'd ever reside in Ginger Town for a longer period, she'd certainly have to get used to both events occuring. She was confident that she would do so though, but stopped herself then from thinking too far into the future and letting her mind wander off too far.

That Miltank clearly reminded her on Belle and Tramp, if she recalls correctly they should linger somewhere in town as well. A slight pity that Shiva didn't made it to visit them again so far, but for now she's too busy to do so anyway. Maybe tomorrow things will be better.

No sightings of Valarie or Xiani, but a few meters before Shiva arrived at the mart, nonelse than Zamboni in real and in person was standing close! Seemed busy and not busy at the same time. Oh hell... Well, this must be it then.

Taking a deep breath in an attempt to gather up all her valor, she stepped closer to him. "Uhm... Hi! You're free for a moment?" ... "Thanks. Well, thing is, dunno if you remember, but I was watching the battle of someone in green tweed and a Togepi a while ago, not battling myself. However... Well, things and circumstances ever change, and now I...uhm...decided to challenge you on my own. Okay? You're free tomorrow morning?"

"Also, you'd accept a Double Battle with battling until fainting? These are more suitable for my skills and Pokemon. And, am I allowed to know how many Pokemon you will use, and how many I can use to try to defeat them? Does it have to be the same number or can I use my whole party? (This is highly important to know for my planning.) Any restrictions on the use of items as well?"

"Girls can eat our Gourmet Pokefood. But satisfaction guarantee does not apply on human consumption! Gourmet food is specially formulated organic protein sauce, no preservatives, organic cornmeal, Miltank milk, secret herbs - secret! - and he come in fun shapes like Pinap berry or Pokemon head."

Well, the first comment got her curious. A perk to be the only female of the group?

"Thanks a lot. Organic never hurts, and it seems suitable for every Pokemon, may it be herbivor, carnivor, or omnivor. Right?" Funny how Shiva hasn't noticed the last time she fed this elusive stuff to Helios and Braixen that it's even shaped non-randomly. Guess it was just a matter of time until the retailer would get the idea to colour them non-synthically to make the food look like sweets.

"Aha... Well, if that's the case I'll pay attention whether I'll stumble over one piece shaded like an Eevee- or Sylveon-head within all the packages I bought today. If so, I'll certainly remember that I'm capable to eat it by mself."

[Iron]

Training Roll: 3 Dex + 3 Knowledge + 2 Canalize.

Grid is learning about the electricity in the room, practicing manipulating the energy that appears everywhere.

(6)(1)(3)(5)(2)(2)(6)(6) +4 bonus XP

[Nylon]

(Can I be auto'd to have training sessions with my Pokemon, especially Piloswine?)

[Iron]

"If you wish for a double battle, ma'am, it'll have to be 4 Pokemon apiece. You can choose your Pokemon after seeing mine. No limits on Held items. You can use one Potion during the battle if you have one, and I'll be doing the same if I feel it will keep my Pokemon safer or give me a chance. I'm not a fan of using them just to draw out a lost battle. You can switch Pokemon at any time as many times as you like."

Note: not all Gym Leaders are into double battles. Zamboni doesn't mind them.

"Tomorrow morning sounds fine! Bright and early! I'll be waiting. Should have all these windows up by then."

[Iron]

Valder leaves the Running, vaulting over the wall. There's only a few straggler Pokemon left. Suddenly, there's the sound of splintering as the wooden barrier is breached! A Donphan, glittering with shiny scales, comes charging out. Valder notices that it is pure white, all over, except for pink eyes. It slows down when it sees him and Piloswine, and trumpets with interest. It follows him around all day, but vanishes again as the sun begins to sink.


Later, Valder takes his Pokemon up to his room. He lets Theo and Gastly spar as they love to do. He trains with Piloswine, but uses Froakie only to clean up the mess.

Piloswine 1 XP.
Theo XP: (2)(2)(6)(4)(5) +1 +3 XP
Gastly XP: (5)(4)(1)(4)(1) +1 +2 XP - Gastly is distracted by a spitting lightbulb in the room. He loves to take a break from training and just go play in shadows.

[Dragonstrike]

Kirlia is confident that Nathan can figure it out in time. He points to the same line you are thinking about, "a sharer of unselfish love," and laughs his silent laugh.

Nathan smiles.  "Thanks for the vote of confidence, Kirlia.  Arceus knows I need it right now...you performed amazingly today, by the way.  I couldn't have asked ya to do any better than ya did.  And thanks for being here for me, buddy.  I don't know what I'd do without ya.  Together forever, right?"

(Just gotta wrap up the thing with Shiva, then we can move on to the next day)

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

On his decleration of Kirlia having learned the move from her Pokemon though... She had to take efforts to not let the smile fade to a plain expression and arise questions from Nathan what was wrong. "...It's pleasant to hear that Kirlia joined chanting adn you ow can rely on its effects whenever you wish. Though... Don't overdo it. Calling for the stars to help is nothing to be taken lightly, the move itself is more powerful than one might believe in the first place. The Ralts-line is surely capable of doing helping their owner by protecting them from harm and misfortune that way - even more combat-orientated Gallade can do so when trained well enough - but a big part has to come from the owner themselves. ...And... do excuse me to say it directly, but" *looking away* "...a logically and scientifically thinking person like you are should definitely be careful with the move. Like, using it moderately and only when really needed. The stars will grant you their guidance when asked to do so, but calling for them only to take a benefit during a battle while not caring for their other aspects is something... Well, it just feels wrong to do so. I personally..." *facing him again in a neutral expression* "...well, my fondness for fae and natural magic is an open secret."

"I know, I know...it's a little like Teleport.  Responsible usage and all that.  I'm not a very mystical trainer, so I expect my usage of it will likely be fairly limited, but I can't help but feel a little more...connected to those mystical energies after today...Calam had quite a few surprises in store for me, after all...anyways, I've had a long day.  I'm gonna be here if ya need me for anything.  See ya later, I guess..."

(And then Ventus stops him, he has that brief conversation with him, he does some training, and does some bonding with Swiftfire and Kirlia.  And Orthros by extension.  Not a bad day, all things considered)