[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Shiva was... well, 'amazed' is pure underestimation. She had to adjust glasses to make sure thsi is no imagination. Because...this was it! The Savannah, Tauros! Camas Desert, Skorupi! The mountains they're on, Ursaring major! But...the sea...eh... Nowhere? Probably behind this spire... Such a pretty view, indeed.

Ven's question about what to do now caused her to impercibly wince (Concentration, my dear!) and stare at him for a moment, processing that he actually asked a question. A moment later, she progressed a reply. "Eh... Ven, dear... Heading down to the desert or savannah may cost us time and effort we might be better saving. But, I don't savour sleeping at an insecure place, as you say... But, how about we move on to the base of the spire, then rest there for an hour or two before exploring? We don't have to build up the tent, we don't have to sleep... But, let us just take a break. Let us explore with a clear mind and regained power, please. I don't know about you people, but I'm exhausted..." *in a silent and anticipated grumbling* "And I want to be out when it's getting darker to see the stars..."

"...Heart, we're on the top of a very, very dangerous mountain range in the middle of the night.  You've already seen how powerful the pokemon that live here are.  I don't savor the thought of running into a Tyranitar or Aggron even when there's 5 of us.  Plus, these Metagross are more than capable of scaling the mountain no matter what the terrain is like."

Nathan looks at Shiva.

"...if you're tired, we can take a rest, but we do have to keep moving.  I'm willing to try pulling an all nighter if we have to.  Fortunately, Orthros is the perfect watch dog if we're nodding off.  He barely needs any sleep.  There's also the option of taking turns sleeping while the others keep watch, particularly if we have to do it on the move.  Would probably require some stops to switch off for the person on metagross #3, but that shouldn't take too long as long as we're away from any obvious danger."

"Okay then. Then we will do the search in ground. Shiva, Valder. You two should rest. Ventus it would be better if you stay here to watch everyone against any might danger. No that dubious about the strengh of any of you, but like Nathan say, its dangerous here. Nathan, you and I should take a look in the surroundings if we can find any clue about where to go. In ground of course. That way we can both rest and find clues. Is this a better plan for you people?"

With everyone now speaking up at once on what the group course of action should be , Ventus initially had a hard time keeping up with the flow of conversation and the plans being outlined within it. Heart's intial plan of action of splitting up the party at night and on especially hostile/dangerous terrain earned a firm dismissive shake of his head for fairly self explainatory reasons, while Shiva suggestion to take a few hours respite at the base of the spire held more appeal in the empath's eyes. The researcher wholy rejected the notion of letting that vile mongrel watching over the group in ANY capacity, but didn't necessarily mind pulling an all nighter if it meant they would be one step closer in eradicating those nasty Vines and saving Stair (and by extension the entire region). Then of course was his own plan of just camping in the savannah for the night to avoid the dangers of traveling/exploring the Great Divide at night, even if it would cost them precious time in the long run.

When the rare collector proposed a modified version of his plan, Ventus pondered it for a moment and compared it to other options at hand, before deciding that it was an agreeable enough compromise between the group's need for rest and making progress on their quest. "I find this second version of you plan sound Heart, and I'm perfectly capable of keeping vigil while you two explore. I'll send Lucifer searching for you should something troublesome stumble upon this resting point, or if you don't end up returning within an hour or two. I don't necessarily believe such misfortune will befall us, but better to have a fallback plan than not, right?"

Nathan has no objections to Heart's second plan.  It's actually a decent compromise.

Nathan just goes quiet at Shiva's comment to him, though.  Looks away, towards the spire, shoulders sagging...

...the lack of confidence is back underneath that desire to do something.  Anything.  And quickly.  He knows the ritual was tiring.  Kirlia wasn't doing a very good job of hiding how tired he is, but they have to keep going...Stair City and Creshire were counting on him...

"...then let's get started with searching.  If we can find that cave, we can probably rest there in relative safety if we have to.  I hope..."

Alright. So who is searching and who is resting? Or is everyone searing first?

(I believe Nathan and Heart are searching First, and Ventus will be staying behind to watch over Shiva and Valder while they rest/act as a sentry, right guys?)

"Thank you Ventus. Do not worry, we will not find any trouble, but it is a good idea to keep Lucifer what over us just in case. We fairly imagine what lurk around here or how much the vines change the bioma here. Better be prepare then sorry." Heart then go in direction of Ventus and grab his shoulder and talk in a way only Ventus could hear. "Also, this is a good chance to leave you and Shiva alone to not bother. Dont do anything funny when we exploring alright? Heh. Also: Dont forget to dream with Shiva :3" Heart stop whisper and leave the shoulder of Ventus. "We will back soon people do not worry! In two hours or less we might return. We go back soon people!" Then Heart follow Nathan, ready to begin the exploration. "So what way we explore? We will use the Metagross or we going explore by feet?"

(Yes it is Heart and Nathan going explore and Shiva, Valder and Ventus go resting)

[Iron]

It's pretty evident that you don't have the option to explore on foot. From the moment you set out, the terrain is rocky and with extreme elevation changes, loose soil, and bad weather.

Lucifer doesn't spot any approaching threats. But when the exploration party gets to the base of the interestingly shaped mountain, Orthros and Phantump give signs that they sense danger upslope. Orthros is growling quietly, and Phantump just points straight upward with one stubby limb. His eyes are very wide. The way up looks very crumbly and soft, and therefore rather dangerous even for the Metagross.

With your current source of light (just Orthros) you can't see very high up the peak.



For Shiva, the stars are beginning to come out, and she can see all the unique constellations of Creshire. Most of them take a lot of imagination, but that seems to be something Shiva has in spades.

[Dragonstrike]

It's pretty evident that you don't have the option to explore on foot. From the moment you set out, the terrain is rocky and with extreme elevation changes, loose soil, and bad weather.

Lucifer doesn't spot any approaching threats. But when the exploration party gets to the base of the interestingly shaped mountain, Orthros and Phantump give signs that they sense danger upslope. Orthros is growling quietly, and Phantump just points straight upward with one stubby limb. His eyes are very wide. The way up looks very crumbly and soft, and therefore rather dangerous even for the Metagross.

With your current source of light (just Orthros) you can't see very high up the peak.

Hmmmm...drat...well, only one thing for it, apparently...

Out comes Ditto!

...it looks rather irritated still...and it's totally still just a normal Ditto.

"Look, I know I dragged you out here against your will, but I wasn't going to let Tandal give you to some random breeder to use as nothing more than a breeding machine.  Yes, I know I said something similar, but there's...so much more you can do besides breed.  And we could REALLY use your help right now.  Could you please try to Transform into a Rapidash?  I know it's probably not going to be easy, trying to do it from memory, but we could really use a little extra light right now."

[Spiritmon]

Heart was quite cautious about the problably danger, but he decided to give some light in this situation.

"Come Rose! Give some light here!" Heart Monferno comes, and she could feel the danger around the mountain. "I know Rose. We need your help here." Then Heart looks to Viktor. "Perhaps its a good idea for you return to the Pokeball Viktor if you feel with fear. But we could use your help."

[Iron]

Viktor flexes to show he's not afraid.

Ditto: (4)(2)

Ditto transforms into Rapidash from memory. There are a few details wrong, but the important thing is that he can create some fiery light.

[Dragonstrike]

Ditto: (4)(2)

Ditto transforms into Rapidash from memory. There are a few details wrong, but the important thing is that he can create some fiery light.

"Thank you.  We'll have to work on your transformations from memory a little more later...probably still not entirely used to your abilities...anyways, I'm getting off track.  Stand right...there, please.  No, a little more to the right...whoa!  No , not there!  You'll fall if you stand there, and that'll hurt a LOT!  Okay, good...now a little to the left...okay, perfect.  That should help light things a little better...okay, now please use Fire Spin right...there."  (with the limited exp rules of Transform, Ditto currently knows every move that's 25 exp or less on the species it's turned into, so it just barely knows Fire Spin as a Rapidash)

Nathan points at an empty spot higher up on the spire.

And then the bees come out!

"Zippy, Princess, could you fly up there and scout around once Ditto's lit things up a little better?  We're looking for a cave of some kind.  Or something else unusual, maybe, but a cave is our main clue."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

For Shiva, the stars are beginning to come out, and she can see all the unique constellations of Creshire. Most of them take a lot of imagination, but that seems to be something Shiva has in spades.

Ahahahahahaha! That's exactly what she has been waiting for! These unique stars, those she could only see here within the region, those that hold a rare chance to find a legend... This sight alone made the journey up here worthy in every taste and way imaginable. Shiva simply...stared up to them. A few moments later, she began to intone some lyrics, more to herself.


'When I was younger, the days all seemed to last so much longer
But that was once upon a time.
There was none to remind me, a shadow waits behind me
To steal my breath away.'


They felt empowering. They were only coming out, they haven't reached their full shine yet, yet they emitted such a might that she was soaking up in every fibre of her being. They were up there watching over them, in growing glory, making one feel mighty and small at the same time... Time. They'll also stay there, 'till the end of time.


'You run from your shadow and wait here in the dark for tomorrow
As the days turn into night.
When you're looking in the mirror, you can't ignore your fear
There's nothing on the other side.'


As for the constellations, it took her a little, but eventually she managed to find the constellation Gothitelle has shown. How different it felt to see them in real now... She watched them for a little longer, until she began to copy them into a very improvised stellar chart without telescope on a free page of journal. This will likely keep her busy for a little, and she can reenergize by following this activity. A check on cell told her exact time and date. For something else...

"Hey... Ven... Do you happen to have a compass? In which direction are we gazing right now? ... Oh. Thank you!" *noting*


'In this moment
We pretend we're all that matters.
We're endless.
Do you think this is forever?
Pretending
Believing that we're safe here.
This moment is endless.'


It's incredibly quiet up here in the mountains. Oh, was that the sound of waves on the shore far away?! Then, while she was inspecting her creation"Now we're here, at the presumed end of the earth... Hehe... These stars... Valder, Ventus... Do you... Do you think we can make it? Saving the city and the region, I mean?" Suprisingly, there was barely a trace of doubt in her voice and emotions. It was just a question, and she desired for an answer. That weak yet honest smile of hers spoke a lot for itself. Oh, the others can take their time exoloring, none is rushing them to come back. She's not going anywhere.

(Lyrics are not mine, ©Birthday Massacre)

[Iron]

By the light of the Rapidash, your bees come back in the affirmative. Princess, who looked like she scouted higher, is glowing with pleasure, eyes closed, as if she saw something wonderful and is savoring it.

Zippy, by contrast, his tiny body is trembling in fear.

I took a honeybee class recently and it turns out bees communicate rather geometrically. They will crawl in a pattern that shows the other bees where the honey is, based on the current position of the sun. So if the honey was due north, and the sun was due west, they would do their honey dance going at a 90 degree angle.

Nathan has noticed the Combee do this whenever they come back from a Honey Gather trip. With a little coaxing, the bees now show the location of what they saw, on a vertical cliffside.

Zippy indicates something slightly upward and significantly to the left (south). Princess indicates something far up: first you go left, then right, then left to center and up to the goal.

[Dragonstrike]

By the light of the Rapidash, your bees come back in the affirmative. Princess, who looked like she scouted higher, is glowing with pleasure, eyes closed, as if she saw something wonderful and is savoring it.

Zippy, by contrast, his tiny body is trembling in fear.

I took a honeybee class recently and it turns out bees communicate rather geometrically. They will crawl in a pattern that shows the other bees where the honey is, based on the current position of the sun. So if the honey was due north, and the sun was due west, they would do their honey dance going at a 90 degree angle.

Nathan has noticed the Combee do this whenever they come back from a Honey Gather trip. With a little coaxing, the bees now show the location of what they saw, on a vertical cliffside.

Zippy indicates something slightly upward and significantly to the left (south). Princess indicates something far up: first you go left, then right, then left to center and up to the goal.

Hmmm...

"...so there's something dangerous in the direction you went, Zippy?  And I take it you found what we might be looking for, Princess?  Did it look like there might be a safe way up for the Metagross?"

[Lord Windos]

"Thank you Ventus. Do not worry, we will not find any trouble, but it is a good idea to keep Lucifer what over us just in case. We fairly imagine what lurk around here or how much the vines change the bioma here. Better be prepare then sorry." Heart then go in direction of Ventus and grab his shoulder and talk in a way only Ventus could hear. "Also, this is a good chance to leave you and Shiva alone to not bother. Dont do anything funny when we exploring alright? Heh. Also: Dont forget to dream with Shiva :3" Heart stop whisper and leave the shoulder of Ventus. "We will back soon people do not worry! In two hours or less we might return. We go back soon people!" Then Heart follow Nathan, ready to begin the exploration. "So what way we explore? We will use the Metagross or we going explore by feet?"

(Yes it is Heart and Nathan going explore and Shiva, Valder and Ventus go resting)

The eccentric researcher gave an nod of his head, a smile on his face as Heart support/encouragement of his Lucifer Scout idea was quite nice to receive, even if he believed it wasn't necessary. His reaction to the rare collector's teasing/coy look, however, earned the man a far more subdued reaction, as his expression smoothly shifted into one of complete calm/innocence/non-suspicion, giving absolutely NOTHING away about his true feelings on the matter. Not even Kirlia would be able to get read/crack the affable façade Ventus constructed in record time! "Duly noted, Heart. I wish you a safe, serene exploration, and may Reshirim's flames guide and protect you from that which lurks in the inky night...." he responded, watching the man leave with Nathan as they conducted their sweep of the surroundings....where hopefully nothing would go amiss.

(...)

"Hey... Ven... Do you happen to have a compass? In which direction are we gazing right now? ... Oh. Thank you!" *noting*

'In this moment
We pretend we're all that matters.
We're endless.
Do you think this is forever?
Pretending
Believing that we're safe here.
This moment is endless.'


It's incredibly quiet up here in the mountains. Oh, was that the sound of waves on the shore far away?! Then, while she was inspecting her creation"Now we're here, at the presumed end of the earth... Hehe... These stars... Valder, Ventus... Do you... Do you think we can make it? Saving the city and the region, I mean?" Suprisingly, there was barely a trace of doubt in her voice and emotions. It was just a question, and she desired for an answer. That weak yet honest smile of hers spoke a lot for itself. Oh, the others can take their time exoloring, none is rushing them to come back. She's not going anywhere.

(Lyrics are not mine, ©Birthday Massacre)

Keen as his senses are (When he's not distracted, that is!) , Ventus was able to pick up his fae like friend humming/singing to herself as she observed the constalations in the nights sky, which caused him to grin as he kept sharp vigil with Lucifer. While astrology or astronomy were not particular fields of interest to the Pokémon Researcher/Sociologist, even he could appreciate the glimmering stars splayed out across the clear night sky, their light unfiltered and unhindered by light pollution from civilization. Not to the same extent as Shiva, of course, but he did enjoy them none of the less! When she asked for a compass he easily retrieved one from his satchel, as what good former? field researcher didn't carry a few on their person, when braving the wilds/frontier?

Her question concerning Stair/Cheshire's fate caused Ventus to frown to himself as he thought it over, gazing into the sparkling heavens as if silently requesting their aid in answer his most beloved friend, before he let out a tired sigh. "I honestly don't know, dear. We have come so far on our journey, and seem so close to our goal....yet I feel that will hardly be the end to our efforts in saving Stair and Cheshire from those vile, loathsome Vines. From what I saw, the damage they have already wrought on the city is.....severe, and I expect it has only worsen in the time we've spent traveling to this location. Even if we do make it in time and eradicate the Vines in their entirety, Stair and the surrounding areas will be reeling from their assault for an untold amount of time....."

"But that is a possibility, far flung in the future. Let us for now focus on the present, and what we can immediately do to solve this crisis, alright Shiva?"