[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The food trades go well. Poochyena eats the berry like a bug, gnawing along the length until it's gone. But he instantly chomps that log in half, if it's a reasonable size. He enjoys rough play like that.

No one hardly reacts to the Tropius, but that Poochyena is something else. You have a crowd of people offering to trade for it, asking how you bred it, or scuzzballs trying to collect the Shield Dust.

Just as strong as a usual Poochyena. Okay, maybe a little stronger. Guess Shiva has to look out for something he couldn't chomp that easily, while being lucky that he's seemingly not agressive to consider biting her.

A whole cowd of people have gathered meanwhile though around her, because of that Poochyena it seemed... Causing Shiva to pick up the dog-hyena and hug it cloooosely, eagerly expressing that this Pokemon belongs to her and is not up for trade. Not even for three Sun Stones and a Pokedex. "Do forgive me people, but it's mine! I didn't bred it as don't desire to mess with Pokemon's genes, I picked ths fella up on Route 4, closer to Ginger Town then here. Collect the Shiled Dust if you like, but please leave me alone afterwards! Yena, bite them if anyone comes too close for your taste!"

[Iron]

Oh man, at that threat, they all back off immediately. Except one of the dust collectors who has to be pulled away by more sensible people.

[Dragonstrike]

"Well, I don't know about all that stuff about Sarimanok, but we'll pass on your Kirlia's advice. Anything else you have? Visions on how to deal with the source? Dagny kinda agrees with you about that, that there must be something more going on. That we'll struggle against an army of Tangrowth and their vines."

"Just reiterating that fighting the Tangrowth off means nothing if their leaders aren't taken care of.  The Claydol my group was fighting earlier used Teleport to get away when the Tangrowth fell.  It kept its distance too, primarily hanging around on top of the cliff and striking us with rocks and psychic energy.  I was going to have my Starmie snipe at it if I got a chance, but the Tangrowth were pretty good at discouraging me from trying since it would have become their main target immediately."

"Well, that's about all I've got on the topic, I guess. Mind answering two of my own questions before I take off and rejoin my group? When did you first notice these vines sprouting and spreading? And is Dagny accepting challengers currently?"

[Lord Windos]

You grump your way into Stair City. Route 04 splits into three civilian entrances:
1. A magnificent stone stairway, cut into the mountains, winding around a small peak of the Great Divide and descending down into the city. Like Route 04, this has market stalls and tourist attractions set into it in wide stone spots. Small waterfalls wend their way through it.


Coming up the escalator or the end of Route 04 is a group of about 20 people. Most of them have Pokemon out. They are the source of the shouting - they perceived your combat with the Tangrowth and are on their way to help. You see an Officer Jenny on an Ariados, two grim League Shieldmaidens, a grinning man you'd call a League Bureaucrat, three ordinary cops, and a Pokemon Ranger with a Tangrowth of her own. (Ventus can easily slip away from these people). Also with them is a Nurse Joy, in official brickprint Stair City uniform, and a dozen normal trainer volunteers (many of these guys are not with the authorities). Three of the volunteers have Magnemite, and one has a Magneton. Nurse Joy tries to make a big fuss over anyone she can capture.

Ventus Zackarieh was in bad mood.

A very black, bitter, and thoroughly unhappy mood.

Its a rarity that the empath ever becomes this negative, as they normally were able to bounce back from all forms of trauma in a relatively short amount of time, all with his trademark smile on his face. It would take either an exuberant amount of misfortune to overwhelm his iron hard grip of emotional control, let alone penetrate the thick layers of resistence he already has built up, or something to come along and press his sensitive, well hidden buttons.

Nathan Warren managed to achieve the later to spectacular effect, and the best part was they did it INTENTIONALLY.

All just to spite the researcher for refuting his stubborn, closed mind ideals, and aired out his legitimate greivances regarding them.

He tried to compromise with them.

He tried to so hard to reach some middle ground, to find a point where they both can at least agree to disagree.

He even tried so far as to modify his regular approach, to try and at least get them to think, to consider his own belief and ideal for a moment, just as they always have done in regards to their's.

He has tried almost everything with the boy, and nothing worked.

He had already given so much to them, sacrificed so much, open up to them , but it just wasn't enough for them.

The only possibility the ranch hand would seem accept was for him to forshake his own belief, his own philosophy, his own codified logic and life choices, and summarily adopt their own. To give up on parts of what made up himself, the parts that the boy can not abide by, condon, or even tolerate, just to have a chance at their long term approval.

Otherwise, Nathan would remain obstinate towards them, or at least all sign and trends point towards that conclusion.

That realization only made him hurt worse.

Ventus Zackarieh was in a bad mood.

So much so that he turned away his dearest friend, perhaps his only friend now, comforting support, as he did not want to inflict his pains and sorrows on them, and give her reason to start loathing Nathen with a passion once more. As bitter as he was with the boy, the sociologist didn't desire to ruin HIS friendships with the mystical lass, as he knew they truly needed someone who could actually provide him the type of support he could accept and find palatable. Taking that away from him would be unspeakably cruel, and despite his nebulous history, Ventus has never been a cruel man. Ruthless, spiteful at times, agruementative even more rarely, Unfettered when called for, and have a cheerfully blatent disregard to social norms, yes, but never cruel.

Not that he was imply that Nathan was so; no, the boy was just stubborn and insensitive.

The researcher didn't know whether that was better or worse at this point, though.

They, along with Apsis (who was now glaring daggers at Nathan for putting her master in such a bitter melacoloy mood) and Haneal (Just being comforting, or trying at any rate), waited for Heart and Shiva to finish up their business and conversation with the young trainer, before they all departed towards Stair City. When they approached the elevator and he saw the gaggle of League Official and Law Enforcement heading their way, Ventus just quietly whispered to the lass that he find his own way towards the city, and discretely made his way from them, pulling out his own hat from his satchel and placing it on his own head to hide his face from the law/feds. He was already in a wretched mood from his confrontation with Nathan earlier, so why subject himself to their cold scrutiny?

Since he felt he required a large portion of time to fully marshel his currently scattering emotions and deal with his miserable feelings, on top of decompressing from his battle against both the Tangrowth and the metaphorical one he had with the young trainer, so he choose the long winding path cut into the divide. Truthfully, that decision turned out to be an excellent choice, as the breathtaking scenery and the vistas of Stair City were the perfect backdrop for him to sort himself out and help begin to finally relax. Seeing such sprawling and industrious city reminded him distinctly of Castelia, and the assorted memories associated with the place had him both smiling and grimacing in turn. It was a place of great opportunity and life changing experience for the empath, for better or worse , so staring down at Stair (Ha!) filled him with an odd sense of determination and resolution, and made him realize something so important, he couldn't believe he lost sight of it, even in the midst of his own sorrows.

'I have suffered greatly in my life. I have stood witness and endure pain and tragedy that would cause most other people to break, and have commited crimes of all kind that I now find either reprehensible or regrettable. Despite it all, I did not succumb despair, or go completely mad from bereavement. It made me strong, opened doors and possibilities to me that I would have never gain access to otherwise, and granted me wisdom, experience, and control beyond the keen of most. Because of all this, I can not be put down any longer. Nathan may have wounded me from his stubbrn, spiteful words and rejection, but he can never crush my spirit or dominate me unless I allow him to do so. I am my own master of my destiny, my own relationships, and if its impossible to forge a genuine friendship with them without compromising myself in the most grevious of way, then I can do without. I am Ventus Zackeriah, The Pokémon Sociologist and Survivor, and I will not forgot that ever again!'

The researcher now had a small yet fiercely content grin on his face as he let go of the tiresome, painful burden of being a subservient friend to Nathan Warren, and resolved to make the most of his quest/journey through the region with or without their camaradence or aid. After all, its like he thought: they can only hurt them if he lets them. If they choose not to get along or accept them for who they are, then he could live with that and be at peace. In turn, they would have to accept the fact that the reverse could be applied to them as well.

Not that he would be rude to him, of course. He was a kind, generous, and understanding man, and could peacefully coexist with Nathan so long as he desired, and even support him from time to time. They were just no longer going to shackle themselves for the boy's approval or seek their justification or approval for his action in the future if he so choose. From now on, it was up to them if they wanted to maintain a positive relationship with the empath, and if they choose not to....oh well! Life was too short to fret about what you can't change or control, so he would just roll with the punches and move on, like he had always done so.

With that resolution in mind, Ventus continued make his way towards Stair City and the Pokémon Center, humming a pleasant tune and a pleasant smile on his face.

Ventus Zackeriah was in a good mood.

Order: Have Ventus continue his journey towards the Pokémon Center, and when he arrives he'll wait in the lobby until he see either Shiva or Valder, were by he'll either be open for conversation for the former or wanting to conduct that King's Rock crafting with the later. Nothing can keep my character down for long!

[Dragonstrike]

(Jumping forward to after Nathan's conversation with the League representatives)

Nathan looks in Calam's direction and whistles to get his attention.  It was time to go.  Just looking at the Ruins wasn't going to change anything, after all.  

Once Calam's rejoined them, Nathan recalls him, Starmie, and Swiftfire, then picks up Kirlia and sets him on Skiddo.  No more walking for Kirlia today.  Didn't need to make that ankle any worse before getting it properly looked at at the Center.  Skorupi venom on top of a sprained ankle wasn't fun for anyone.

He get Shiva's text on the way to Stair City.

"Greetings! I'm in the park of the Center or GPC as the citizans call it, near the jungle gym if someone searches for me. Just look out for someone with a Tropius. See you later, or in case we don't see another again today: Sleep well and 'till tomorrow!"

So, she was spending some time with her new Tropius...well, nothing wrong with that.  He wasn't particularly in a talking mood right now, though, and Kirlia needed to get to the Center ASAP.

Stair City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YX1tLfbCGIs

The City of New Hope and Progress (How ironic...)

Despite there being countless signs showing where everything is, Nathan feels like he's gotten lost almost immediately.  He's a country boy, not a city dweller.  The main road looks daunting enough to him.  And he hasn't even gotten to all the other ways to get around the city...

He's lucky the Grand Pokemon Center is not only on the main road, but is also incredibly flashy and easy to spot even by Pokemon Center standards.  He drops Kirlia and Calam off for healing.

What he hears next is not something he was expecting, though...

He has to share a room with someone other than Kirlia and his other pokemon.  Well, unless he wants to pay for a nicer room...he's not got the cash to spare for that, though...

Ugh.  And seeing as Shiva was in all likelihood going to bunk with Ventus (Blegh.  Why does he get all the special attention from her, anyways?), and Heart and Valder were going to either outright avoid him or do who knows what...guess that means he's going to have to put up with someone chosen at random...

Well, key for his room obtained (he really hoped he didn't end up rooming with someone that would get on his and Kirlias' nerves...), Nathan gets directions from a Nurse Joy for where he can set up a trade while his pokemon heal.  He really didn't know what else he was going to do with Skorupi and Zubat (he withdrew them from the PC since Kirlia and Calam are out of the action for now).  He didn't think he was ever going to use them, and they deserved better than being stuck in the PC semi-permanently (like practically every pokemon).  Maybe someone who likes Poison types that are either somewhat rare or semi-unique would take them in exchange for something...heck, he might even throw in some cash if he could get something particularly interesting out of the exchange for it...

Got a Skorupi and a more intimidating than usual Zubat that knows Taunt up for trade.  Willing to throw in up to $1000 cash as well if the offer is sufficiently interesting.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Okay, all that hastle due to her elusive Poochyena was pretty uncomfortable for Shiva, even if these people are gone ow and will likely reconsider twice approaching her if the Pokemon they are interested in is given premittion to bite anyone who dares to come too close. Now though, she could only hope that the rumor of someone some traveler has a very special and unique Poochyena calling her own... Still need to talk with Professor Mallorn before considering showing her dog to the party. Besides, it was getting dark and even if the city never sleeps and there was so much to do and so many places to visit here, Shiva was still exhausted from what has happened along the way to reach this capital and after some considering things and reconsidering things:

Get some rest, my dear.
But there's the Department Store! That Fountain I need to vsit with Azurill! And...
Gest some rest, the black-spotted egg wil hatch soon.
Ah, right - I need to be prepared.
Where do you take all that eager from so suddenly?
....Don't know?

Anyway, after giving a few last pets to Tropius' forehead and strokes over Poochyena's grey fur - taking care to not touch the butterfree-wings - she withdrew them both and just motioned to leave the place - as she noticed what some of the people were eager to get their hands on: Some of the Shield Dust fallen from Poochyena's wings was sprakling in the light that illuminated the park. It wasn't that much, but it was visible on the ground and Shiva cannot just leave it there. Okay then... Drawing the empty tube that formerly contained the Vitamin D pills she was taking every morning (still need to restock on these somewhere in town), she collected all the Shield Dust in it, taking care to not leave any visible traces of it behind.

Once that has been done, back to the Pokemon Center or GPC as the citizans melodically call it, where she was rather suprised to see Ventus in person sitting in the Lobby! She was even more suprised that he didn't seem to be in a bad or down mood at all, but rather...relieved. Alright with himself. How did he do that, given he was Unfettered and perhaps in a fight over morals not too long ago?! Eh... Anyway, Shiva couldn't deny that and instantly felt better herself. (Subliminally and possibly traceable for his empathy, she was still just a little worried for his well-being). However, if Ventus got his peace over the issues, that doesn't mean Nathan got so as well, and rather quickly worried for HIM. Maybe it was a better call to leave Ven alone in this case and talk with Nathan over hat has happened, as well as see whether and how he copes...

Not today though. For now, all she gave Ventus was a carefully delighted smile as a greeting, a coy wave and showing him in gestures that she will get dinner in this Center's Cafe restaurant and afterwards head up to their room.

[Lord Windos]

Once that has been done, back to the Pokemon Center or GPC as the citizans melodically call it, where she was rather suprised to see Ventus in person sitting in the Lobby! She was even more suprised that he didn't seem to be in a bad or down mood at all, but rather...relieved. Alright with himself. How did he do that, given he was Unfettered and perhaps in a fight over morals not too long ago?! Eh... Anyway, Shiva couldn't deny that and instantly felt better herself. (Subliminally and possibly traceable for his empathy, she was still just a little worried for his well-being). However, if Ventus got his peace over the issues, that doesn't mean Nathan got so as well, and rather quickly worried for HIM. Maybe it was a better call to leave Ven alone in this case and talk with Nathan over hat has happened, as well as see whether and how he copes...

Not today though. For now, all she gave Ventus was a carefully delighted smile as a greeting, a coy wave and showing him in gestures that she will get dinner in this Center's Cafe restaurant and afterwards head up to their room.

The empath was swift to pick up the characteristic emotions of his blessed friend Shiva when she entered the lobby, turning toward her and giving them content smile to more or less assunge her fear that yes, he was perfectly at ease now with himself. If he didn't want to burden the mystical lass earlier with now dissipated bitterness and pain over Nathan slight against him, then by Reshirim he did not wish for her to languish about his peace of mind or overall stability! He could also detect that she was worrying over something else as well, and the researcher had some Insight as to who it was, but since he was officially done in regards to investing his time and energy into caring for/preserving their feelings, he left well alone. Besides, it was not as if his support would even be appreciated by the erstwhile boy, much less accepted!

Ventus  gestured back to her that he was going to reside in the lobby for the time being for business with Valder/Nathan, before acquiring a meal for himself and heading off to their room. He just hopes that nothing goes amiss during that interval of time, as he has enough drama for one day!

[Iron]

"Well, that's about all I've got on the topic, I guess.  Mind answering two of my own questions before I take off and rejoin my group?  When did you first notice these vines sprouting and spreading?  And is Dagny accepting challengers currently?"

"The vines were first noticed about 18 hours ago." (Sometime in the late evening just before you set up camp on Route 04, if I did the math right). 

"But they got really bad only this morning."

"That's true, Ed, I'd say they started feeling threatening around 11am." (That's a few hours before you ran into them yourselves.)

"Yeah. But also I caught this Tangrowth the day before the vines appeared."

"Oh, right, you did. Didn't Dagny ask you to take care of it?"

"Yeah, she seemed worried. She said it didn't feel right to her."

"Always was a woman of good hunches, our Dagny."

"Yes. And that, young man, is why when she says solving this crisis is more important than facing challengers, we support her decision."

"But I think she would be interested in hearing your suggestions. No one around here seems to know squat."

"That's true, Ed, on both counts. Just look for the big fortress across from the GPC. Someone there can take you to her. She also has some sparring trainers assigned to help trainers work off steam."

[Spiritmon]

"So? We have a deal? I would like to begin the job."

[Iron]

"So it's a deal. Let's go, we warm up to begin!" Heart wave his punch along with his Pokemon. They are ready to begin.

You warm up and set to work bending bars. 

Axew Loyalty: (2)(6)
Disobedience: (4)(3)(6)

Axew causes a little trouble, but Clauncher takes it upon himself to keep the baby dragon in line. Sometimes Gustav has to redo Koa's work, which makes him grumpy.

You're not finished until the city has lit up for the night. Every 25' is a bright light of some kind, and the moving walkways all have tracklights. As Shiva guessed, this city never sleeps. 

You get paid! And you get invited back again tomorrow.