[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(If Heart is doing that cheering openly: )


Just when Shiva was packing away Plusle's Pokeball - wasn't that easy with one hand holding Ven's closely, and the other arm needed to balance the Electric rodent on her shoulder, she caught a glance on Heart, seemingly...having watched the whole time?! Eh... Okay... A new emotion awoke and accompanied the others while the determination and delight were having the upper hand: It was embarrasment, combined with just a slight cold shiver. The thought that he was there, the whole time, and likely heard her when Shiva raised her voice befote the battle even started... Ugh. Not even speaking about Heart already gave her and Ven a 'Don't do anything funny' as a temporal goodbye yesterday, and now...he saw them holding hands in a battle. Another part of her appreciated the cheering though, reminded on..Gym Battle...

However, she only made it to weakly yet friendly wave to Heart. Also funny how emotions keep one alive, but too much can severly messcwith a person.

[Spiritmon]

(Also, a little music to make this battle a little more spice :3 Two Steps From Hell - To Glory: https://youtu.be/d2hRTLdvdnk)

[Dragonstrike]

However, she only made it to weakly yet friendly wave to Heart. Also funny how emotions keep one alive, but too much can severly messcwith a person.

Kirlia and Nathan do notice that, though. And when they look to see who the heck Shiva's waving at...

Oh dear...not again...Heart was watching yet another battle he hadn't been invited to...yet another battle that has a lot of personal meaning for Nathan...

Nathan, apathetic as he is, doesn't really visibly react and just turns back to oversee his side of the battle.

Kirlia, however, gives Heart a very, very nasty glare before he refocuses on the task at hand.

He wasn't going to disappoint Nathan. No way. He was going to put everything he had into trying to win this battle despite the odds. And they'd deal with that nosy stranger later.

[Lord Windos]

Calam glares at Heart.  That wasn't helping matters any.  At all.  

And notably, the disaster pokemon is standing now, looking ready to bolt at a moment's notice.

Something was going to happen soon, but he doesn't know what...

Kirlia and Nathan do notice that, though. And when they look to see who the heck Shiva's waving at...

Oh dear...not again...Heart was watching yet another battle he hadn't been invited to...yet another battle that has a lot of personal meaning for Nathan...

Nathan, apathetic as he is, doesn't really visibly react and just turns back to oversee his side of the battle.

Kirlia, however, gives Heart a very, very nasty glare before he refocuses on the task at hand.

He wasn't going to disappoint Nathan. No way. He was going to put everything he had into trying to win this battle despite the odds. And they'd deal with that nosy stranger later.

Ventus turned towards where Heart was cheering jubulately, and was briefly surprised that the punster had managed to sneak up on the gathering, before he gave them a polite smile and a nod of acknowledgement for their support. Unlike Nathan, who, despite his currently, was minutely (but stil vividly) ticked off at the unexpected onlooker, or Shiva, who was nervous and embarrassed by the now revealed attention/scruitiny (He squeezed their hand once more, to remind her of his presence), the researcher didn't mind him acting as a spectator for their match. 'My friends might not be so fond of Heart's cheerleading, but I find no quarrel with it myself personally, so long it doesn't escalate to the point of distraction and he keeps it polite/well meaning for both sides. If anything, he's helping unthaw the frigid tension between us and contributing a small but vital amount of levity to this now grim occasion , so I hope he continues with his fevorous cheering- wait.' he though, his amicable thought being suddenly derailed by two MORE unexpected sources of negative/wary emotions came finally made themselves known to him: Absol and Kirlia.

The former looked and felt acutely alert, tense, and stress/forboading , like a night patrol officer that heard something suspicious, while Kirlia appeared plain furious with the collector's praise/mere presence , and seemed to be plotting nothing pleasant for them. "Oh dear. Misfortune appears to have graced this would-be friendly fight between us, if Callam stance and agitation/ominous emotional response is to be judged. Additionally, Kirlia and Nathan are most likely going to chew Heart out at a later date for whatever reason they have to object to him to viewing/supporting their match, which could potentially spoil a friendship between them before it can fully take root. Two more unfortunate events, all connect to this one. ......I am beginning to think that this battle is a severe mistake, if its generating so much abhorrent, stifling displeasure among everyone now, but its too late to back out now, lest I be the spark that ignite their (Nathan's) oil spill of an emotional mess into a raging Inferno....' the sociologist thought, his smile now appearing a tad less viberant now that he's aware of the growing severity of the situation. For now, he turns his attention back onto the battle at hand, but he too is ready to react is things take a turn for the precarious. Well, more so, really; things were delicate enough as is, if he were being honest to himself. They are still just a serene/calm as before, mind you, but their was a hard edge to it, as Ventus was waiting for the other shoe to drop and to begin ruin everyone's minor enjoyment.

How lovely. The poor researcher can't seem to catch a break, even in an Encounter that was ostensibly for the benefit of everyone involved...

[Iron]

A little clarification on League Battle rules:

First of all, the League Battle rules are not laws. They are resolved through mediation, not a judge. You cannot be arrested for breaking them, though your Trainer's license can be amended if you make repeated and serious violations during League Battles.

League Battle rules don't apply to wild encounters, but they apply by default to any human you battle. It's legal to waive these rules if you both do it explicitly, but doing so doesn't allow you to break actual Laws (such as not using moves to harm a human).

You're pretty familiar with League Battle rules already - they're about the same as what you see in the games, manga, and anime. They govern switching, legal moves, the "four unique moves in a battle" rule, and other things that make a fight fair. There are variants, of course, such as the League Battle rules for no faint battles, or no items, or special Gym Leader rules.

It's fine to let a Pokemon sit at your side after you recall it (like Plusle) - however, League Battle rules state that you can't benefit from this in a way that wouldn't occur inside a Pokeball. For example, if you used Ingrain and then recalled your Pokemon, it can't keep healing its HP. In a wild battle that's perfectly legal, though.

Some game rules state or imply that a Pokemon has to be in combat to benefit - such as Plus/Minus, and making Insight checks to remove Sleep (I've messed up a few of those in the early days of this game).

These rules are fairly standard across regions, which is why they're familiar to people who've played Pokemon handheld games. Plenty of Creshire exceptions, though.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

As Shiva ended that waving and used this hand to carefully and affectionately scratch Plulse under the chin - who greatly enjoyed this, by the way, and gave out a few playful and harmless sparks - , another thing hit her: Nathan most likely won't be happy with Heart after the battle has ended in whatever way. Sure, he'll have reasons for this and it's not overly polite by Heart to sneak up on them and suddenly reveal by his cheering that he's been watching them the whole time, but ACTUALLY, to Shiva's view, he did nothing wrong. He was no stranger, he most likely just saw her, Ven and Nathan battling and was wondering what's going on there, or/and just wanted to observe them without ill intentions and see a great battle. Then he might have picked up the tension in the air and desired to ease things a little on his own way, which seemed to be cheering with all his Pokemon. He likely was completely innocent about the 'aim' of this battle or such, but how should he have known anyway? No need to blame him for his actions.

...Nathan won't be happy with Heart. That resonated in her mind, and called out both a very quick jolt of disappointment for Nathan - too quick and bare for Kirlia or Ventus to notice, but it'd quite obvious that she'll dislike to seem them getting into a fight over things. More conflicts. Neat. My, what would the group be if Shiva wasn't there to the prevent things from getting out of hand? Probably no group at all?

Quickly followed and most likely triggered by feeling how Ven carefully increased the grip of her hand for short, another emotion was incoming: It was sympathy for Ventus. Pure one. Currently, he was doing most in this battle on their side, he was there to support Shiva and might desire to make sure Nathan's okay after the battle - if he allows, that is - and the current situationa were likely a stressful feast for his empathy. Cure and blessing the same time... He already endured so much and still not lost the ability to smile, yet it grew unstable as she glanced over to stare at him while this emotion came up. He deserved returned silent support, and luckily Shiva would be happy to grant it to him. Always.

[Iron]

Nathan vs Friends Round 4

Azurill jumps on Raphael's back and cheers the flying Pokemon on. The mouse is tiny enough (4 pounds) that Raphael can carry her with ease.
Helping Hand 1
(5)(1)(5)

Confusion 1 on Azurill
8 dice, -3 actions = 5 dice
(5)(4)(5)(6)(1)
7 dmg dice, -3 vit = 4 dice
(5)(1)(4)(4) Azurill takes 3 dmg. She's out of the battle! She pats Raphael and hops into Shiva's arms, then watches the rest of the battle from her top hat, if Shiva will hold it up!
Chance: (4)

Air Slash 1 on Kirlia
2 Dex + 3 Fight +3 canalize -3 actions = 5 dice +2 HH
(5)(4)(2)(3)(4)(2)(5)
3 Str +1 STAB + 3power -3 vit +2 HH = 6 dice
(4)(1)(6)(2)(6)(3) Kirlia takes 3 dmg 4/7hp -1 pain.
Chance: (2)(4)(3)(1)(1)

Bubble Beam 1
8 dice, -1 pain, -3 actions = 4 dice
(3)(5)(6)(1)
8 dmg dice, -4 vit = 4 dice
(6)(1)(3)(4) Raphael takes 2 dmg 6/9hp -1 pain
Chance: (5)

Draining Kiss 2
8 dice, -1 pain, -4 actions = 3 dice
(4)(5)(4)
6 dice, -4 vit = 2 dice
(6)(6) Raphael takes 2 dmg 4/9hp -2 pain
Kirlia heals 1 hp 5/7hp -1 pain.

Air Slash 2
8 dice, -4 actions, -2 pain = 2 dice
(2)(3)
Kirlia's surprising up close attack, delivered at the last moment, surprises the archangel too much!


Bubble Beam 2
8 dice, -4 actions, -1 pain = 3 dice
(4)(4)(6)
(4)(5)(3)(3) Raphael takes 2 dmg 2/9hp -2 pain.
Chance: (6) -1 Dex Raphael

Draining Kiss 3
8 dice -5 actions -1 pain = 2 dice
(4)(4)
(4)(3) Raphael is out of the fight
Kirlia heals 1 hp 6/7hp 0 pain. Kirlia stands alone on the battlefield!

Starmie gains 1 Happiness. Kirlia is happy too, at least he would be if Nathan was more chipper. Starmie leaps into the air and gives a twirl. The Pokemon are happy to be Nathan's all stars!

Raphael fought fiercely for Ventus. Their breach is mending quickly. You can also give Michael 1 point of Loyalty when this battle ends, unless something happens to cancel it by then. He loves being an evolved Pokemon.

Azurill likes battles where she doesn't faint and still gets to contribute.

[Dragonstrike]

Internally, Nathan calms down a little now that things are going much better.  Good.  Very, very good.  He has the advantage now.  Visibly, he's still the same as before.

Time to end this battle.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Seeing how his former battle partner received hit after hit and finally failed to endure any more pain, caused Plusle to not only glare over to the ones on the other side of the battlefield, but also let out a suprisingly loud cry of dislike, and let out more sparks (harmless ones to Master and blue mouse) to display he's eager to repay things his way. The foe might be strong, but that doesn't prevent trying to withstand anyway!

Azurill on her part, did an amazing job on her own, and visibly enjoyed the short flight of hers before forced to jump back into her familiar top hat, where she got herself comfy by snuggling up close to her Master for a little before resumming to watch the further going of the battle. She may not have dealt much damage or similar, but her Helping Hand was surely benefitial to the upmost. Almost a pity that Shiva had no free hand currently to pet the mouse, since holding Ven's hand in one - not going to let loose! - and keeping the top hat now with the mouse in it in the other arm.

Speaking of her, Shiva was...not very pleased, to say it nicely. Her mood threatened to fall down again, if there wouldn't be her Pokemon - faithful to Shiva for their own reasons, trusting in her that they'll grow to strenght and high with enough time and care given, and not even displaying themselves mad or sad when they can't keep up with other kinds that are trained for battling especially. When things are ill or Master is not doing well and can't entrust worries to anyone, the bond to them remains and withstands. Likely even in Braixen's case. Hopefully. It may not be visible at all, but realizing this in just this moment filled Shiva with...thankfullness to have them at all. Warm feelings. Warm feelings that quickly made room for something else though: Her voice was still calm, but the former delight received a small crack indeed. "YOU KNOW WHAT, NATHAN? I hope you're having fun in this battle. Is this some sort fo mean game you're playing there, seeing how fast you can defeat us? Whatever you were thinking, keep on thinking that, then add and boldly underline that I don't enjoy battles against you. Friends support one another, right? I KEEP SUPPORTING YOU BY CONTINUING THIS BATTLE, but don't come to me when you need a challenger again."

Now it was also her turn to increase the grip of her other, empathic friend's hand (is it even possible to hold it even more tightly?) in an attempt to find back some good amount of resilience - it worked pleasantly, but the look she was giving Ven without needing to say a word spoke enough. It said something like 'Stay with me in this...battle or whatever it became by now, and help me to end this soon. Let me go, just let me leave already, I can't endure this much longer.' Oh, was the later a signal for slight panic incoming? Shiva's subconscious mind was still undisclosed whether it shall soon give in to this or not.

[Lord Windos]

Raphael swift and humiliating dispatch by the lips of Kirlia, coupled with Shiva almost furious and most definitely wounded outlash against Nathan brutally smoothering any hopes of a happy resolution to this engagement (And the pleading look/emotions he was receiving from them), put Ventus at the very limits of his happy tolerance. The boy's detached, cold pleasure at utterly crushing both their Pokémon, and the fact that he would most definitely subject Michael and Plusle to his literally uncaring machimations was the proverbial straw broke it to pieces. His expression, once serene and filled with pleasent kindness, was replaced with stoic displeasure, and with great haste he recalled his archangel to their Pokeball, before sweeping his arm out in a motion of sharp dismissal.

"Enough." the researcher declared, his tone of voice that brooked no arguement as he stared down the apathetic trainer with a look a pure disappointment. "Neither myself nor Shiva wish to continue fighting against you as the way you are, since it appears that you are intent to achieve victory at the expense of our emotional wellbeing, and are completely unwilling to engage us positively despite my best, determined efforts to alter that. When I accepted your offer for battle, I expected it would be a enjoyable experience for us all and a chance for us to unwind and mend our frayed bonds of trust, but that dream has been thoroughly dispelled by what I witnessed thus far. If anything, this battle has does more harm than any potential good it had in the first place, and that is dramatic irony that I believe no one appreciates. I don't have a good idea why you thought this was the best way to accomplish you goal in this battle, nor what it was in the first place, but I sincerely hope it was worth the discord it caused, Nathan."

Ven then averted his gaze from the boy, thoroughly done with interacting with him for the time being, and set his sights instead on the upset, worried eyes of his blessed friend. He grip would have left a lesser man in throbbing pain, but the empath was both physically and mentally capable of suppressing those negative sensations if he could continue to provide the comfort she so desperately needed. "My dear, let us depart to the Pokémon Center. I think we both had enough 'excitement for one day, so a little peace and serentity is what we need. *In a quieter voice than Nathan couldn't hear* If you want, you can stay with me tonight. Reshirim knows this whole battle has been most strenuous ordeal on your mood and stability, so I'm here for you if you have need..."

When Shiva rather forcibly decline his escort offer and requested to be left to her own devices to regain their calm, the sociologist quickly disentangled his hand from her and gave a small nod of his head. He so greatly desired to be there for them and soothe their wounded spirit, but he understood more than most that, sometimes, the best treatment you give someone is none at all; more so when they don't desire it in the first place, as he repeatidly learned. Ventus also gladly accepted Azuril in his care, as the blue mouse Fairy nature didn't bother him overly now that he got to know it, and his stern expression thawed a bit at her belated remark. The researcher gave them tired yet quite sincere smile, before he made his way back to the Center, wanting nothing more than to get their Pokémon treated and seeking the privacy of his room to meditate away the stressful, heavy tension within himself.

....Well, that was the his intent, but Kirlia's shrill whistle jarred him out of his inner revene, causing his head to automatically snap towards the direction the dancer and gaze upon the prone form of Nathan. It took only a few second for Ven to comprehend the scene and the boy's condition, before a look of abject horror swept away and replaced his stoicisim, and a couple more seconds later he was there, right by Nathan's side. "Oh dear Reshirim, Zerkom, and Kyurem, what happened?! Was the stress of his self induced apathy and inner conflict too great for him bear any longer, or did my words caused that much distress that he had to pass out?! No, no time to deliberate what caused this, we have to get Nate to the Pokémon Center for treatment! Kirlia, Callam, Heart, assist me in carrying him, please!"



Order: Ventus is heading to the Pokémon Center to heal his Pokémon and call it a day, hopefully with Shiva too. Time for all of us to move on from this, and see if my character's sentiment on the Encounter are true or not...

EDIT: Now taking Shiva's Pokémon to the center AND unconcious Nathan to the Center as well, if his Pokémon permit him in doing so. If not, he'll just hover around them until their condition has been verified stable, before heading off to bed to brood about that for the rest of the night while meditating. When you think you were finish, BAM!, more stuff happens!