[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

"High above the dreaded frost line, I wonder if even I would be safe. Shiva? Your thoughts?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Hmm... Now that Ven was not around, Shiva actually felt comfortable enough to draw that book about Earth Lore from bagpack after nevertheless hestitating for a little. After what has just happened, she feared that he might just take it from her at the next opportunity upon realizing what it actually is (or looks it is to him), then rip out and crumble every single page before burning them all to a bunch of white ash to later scatter over the next place of water the group meets. He wanted to protect her, yes, but this would just make her sad (not angry) - not only because it's this book which brought her to cross paths with a the close companion Braixen has become meanwhile.

Eh, but better stop this train of thought. Still listening what the others discussed with the eremit, she began to turn to the pages in search for any information about that 'Earthpower' he mentioned. The thought of a Pokemon being given the might to command the ground to its will was a fascinating thought, and a golem being the source of an ancient power of stone got her curious - the image of a familar Unovian Ground/Ghost Type appeared before her eyes. If this had nothing to do with all this, then she doesn't know... Did...did the Almanac accidently or knowingly(!) remove that seal on this Pokemon's chest, causing the mysterious energy that's running it leak out into the world...? Usually these Pokemon are calm giants, but... Also that Claydol - did it soak up too much of this energy?

"High above the dreaded frost line, I wonder if even I would be safe. Shiva? Your thoughts?"

Hearing her name mentioned and meeting the expecting gaze from the eremit when she finally looked up from the pages of book caused her to impercibly flinch. Not because of fear, but rather because she was suprised how he adresses her directly. W-why did he do that? And why did he ask for her thoughts on such a thing? Wait... If he's been observing them, he might as well have picked things up... Eh, now Shiva felt like she understood why that one Gliscor brought her Cottonee to her after the other has fainted her (same with one Gliscor not going lethal on Night Shlash, probably), and her appreciation for that eremit increased by a good portion.

She kept half of her face soft-hidden with the book when speaking up. "Ehm... Why d'you ask me that... Well, here, away from any frost and probably Vines you should have no issues with staying safe. But, deciding to go that way and cover ears, eyes and mouth from the issue is not going to help anybody, as I learned that lesson by myself..." *short break to let that sink in* "Yes, if nothing about the Vines is done they'll be given a free ticket to cover the whole region in their green color - why they are so eager to do that is beyond me. Humanity will have barely to no chance to fight that if I am understanding things right, and I agree that growing things is more benefitial to the soil that mining and digging. But, what comes then? Will an eternal yet forced peace reign the region? This is not better than having fought a war to achieve this as it likely costs an equal amount of lifes from innocent people and Pokemon. Those who deserve it will be dealt with, but those who don't will be punished for drifting a peaceful life - this is just not fair. Imagine how we would have come up here to speak with you only to scold you for resting your days up here, crafty eremit."

"What would happen wth us in that scenario? ...We'd be gone. No more observing of us can be done. All the people, gone as well... It'd make you a legend, but the prize for this is just too high and none will be present to admire and pass the lore of a legend to the new generation."

"What might be in for you and your goals, you ask? Well, I don't know what goals you follow... If you'd please enlighten us about that we can work together. But, one thing is certain and allow me to share: That bear Pokemon you send upon us, I managed to catch it in my last Great Ball. Didn't think it'd work, but it did... Though, I don't feel like a person being capable to work with this Pokemon especially. Owning and training a Beartic alone are not suitable for everyone, and the risk of me getting hurt or being frozen by it is none I'd like to take. I'd like to find a new owner for this Pokemon as soon as the opportunity allows. Yes, I will mention the second Ground Type and explain where it comes from if you're fine with that - this means, I will share your story to someone worthy and brave enough to take this bear from me. What kind of person this will be is yet written in the stars. Maybe one day, this person will visit you... Maybe - probably - that person is none of these fools who don't give a damn about nature and earth. "

[Dragonstrike]

"If I may respectfully disagree, I don't even think the highest peaks and most active volcanoes are safe from those vines.  If left unchecked, the mannikin kings and the Tangrowth they lead will find a way to cover them eventually.  It only took them a day to figure out how to get over the walls of Stair City.  Time is something we don't have enough of, paticularly right now..."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"It'd be amazing and horrible at the same time if this vitality the Vines use to grow turns out to be an endless source, Nathan." *cold shiver over this*

[Iron]

The book does make mention of Earthpower, a natural and everpresent magic that can be found at all points in the world. This Tusk would be an ideal place to seek it, apparently!

"Their bounty is indeed nearly endless."

"Eh, eh, eh, I don't care if I am considered a legend or not. But I do care for the soil, and the fields, and even the crafts of the earth."

He looks at Nathan as he says this last.

He raises his voice and grows very serious.

"I want you to care for them well. I want the four of you, as representatives of humanity, to assent to my help, in exchange for your word that you'll cultivate an attitude of respect for the soil. Give that Beartic to someone who will appreciate its curse. Use your Pokemon to bless the earth. Tell those in power of the strength you've learned on this journey, the strength that flows from the soil. And if you feel you have more to learn, take lessons and demonstrations from me now. For this clay here on this trestle, it shapes the FUTURE OF THE EARTH: the earthquakes, the faultlines, the crumbling of mountains, the growth of silty fields. The ends of the earth, the BEGINNING OF THE LAND. Tell the people that the Earthpower is alive and well - it is not magic, it is not trickery, it is the same natural strength that flows forth from every Pokemon in Creshire, from Rattata to Delphox. By it, all things are bound, even those who fear or deny it. It is nothing more or nothing less than the connections between everything in the environment. Nothing more than Nature itself."

"I won't ask Ventus for his assent, for he has closed his mind now both literally and figuratively. Maybe one day he will have some change of heart, but never of mind, I predict. Put that aside: do the four of you give me your assent and your promise?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

'R-Representatives of Humanity!' (//•/Δ/•//) *more hiding behind the pages of the book, but deep inside flattery awoke* Mother Nature surely is an impressive being, connecting everything and empowering those who seek it, while having laid responsibiliy into one's own hands.

"I....I, ehm... I'll promise that I'll take good care of the soil and the earth! I'll think back to this night when caring for the berries and herbs I'll ever cultivate, and make sure that Landorus himself can look down on me in delight! Me and my Grass and Fairy Types rely on the wellbeing of nature!!" After these words, the eremit received a very deep bow in thankfullness and respect from her.

"Ehm, and please don't be too mad or sad over Ventus. He may be erratic and strong on his own beliefs, but please trust me in the words that despite of what has happened here he is no bad person!"

[Iron]

"Eh, eh, eh! I never said he was a bad person. He's done nothing to offend me."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Thank Arceus!!!!" (⁄ ⁄>⁄⁄<⁄ ⁄);

[Dragonstrike]

"...he might not be a bad person, Shiva, but he could try to be a little more open-minded to ideas other than his own...he should know better than anyone here that nothing's as black and white as it seems..."

Nathan looks rather serious and solemn as he says this.  He knows firsthand how much trouble that kind of attitude can get someone into now...

"...even if Almanac hadn't awakened this golem, someone else would have...maybe it might have even been me...if my research has taught me anything, it's that humanity is a curious bunch...there's always more to learn, and someone is always seeking that knowledge..."

Nathan fingers his necklace again, still rather serious looking.

"...to you, Groudon, Landorus, Zygarde, the Tapus, Heatran, Lanthan, Actan, the other guardians of the various corners and aspects of the world, and those who watch over them...I solemnly swear to do my best to encourage and spread respect for this world we live in.  For the sake of all present and all those yet to come..."

Nathan thinks of the Castform egg again as he says that last part.  So fragile and innocent...

"...Ventus might loathe me forever for it, but I accept your offer to see a little more of what you do.  Have to practice what you preach, right?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"...he might not be a bad person, Shiva, but he could try to be a little more open-minded to ideas other than his own...he should know better than anyone here that nothing's as black and white as it seems..."

"That's only his decision and you know his paranoia and ultimate protectiveness over those standing by him and supporting him! The fact that me and him grew so close despite my enjoyment for what he fears instead of hating or despising me speaks a lot for itself, and I'm thankful that I got to meet him, hmpf."