[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Besides I was thinking make some Ice Cream later so could you help me later Shiva?"

"With Ice Beam?! I'd love to see that. ...But not today, I'm sorry."

[Iron]

Spoiler

Today you trained Phantump/Tynamo/Mudkip, battled Marla, and participated in the Little Cup, right? - that's 3.

But Tynamo is happy to sniffle around the gym while you're all talking.

"Good question, Heart. The Gym Leaders of the two capital cities have actual law-enforcement authority, more than most of the gym leaders. I've already alerted the relevant people to keep an eye out for anything that might be Scimitar-related, though they have not been given every detail. Some of it we'd like to keep secret while investigations are ongoing. I'll also have someone tail the good doctor. There were more Scimitars involved than just the four we have in custody, that much is certain. They have likely connected the dots between Ventus and Valder's involvement and the sudden raid on their lab - that lab was communicating with many other nodes. Powerfully encrypted, unfortunately - we'll see if Porygon can break it in time."

Hmm. "And did you find anything more about these gautlets more we already know? Who build them, where the Scimitars buy them, the type of material used, etc. Any piece of information might help us."

"They had some building materials in the lab that seemed relevant to gauntlet construction. The technology is incredible, as complex as a Pokeball or even a Healing Machine. The components are mostly very ordinary, steel and wire and leather, but they also use some of the hi-tech materials we use in Pokeballs, Pokedexes, and trainer cards. They are mined from meteorite landing sites."

[Lord Windos]

THAT caused Shiva to focus her gaze and attention to the oddball of researcher even more, if it was possible to do so at all.

She knows that name. Definitely, it was just this morning - discretly checking that business card he gave her, she received confirmation on what she wished would simply turn out as false. But seems like this was pure wishful thinking - an innocent thought, yet it was just a wrong one.

This must be the first time she actually speaks up in this whole, let's call it emergency meeting with Dagny to get clarification, it was audible in her voice that Shiva 1. still doesn't feel comfortable within this Gym and 2. she didn't like what she spoke out. "That name... Ven, that's the Pokepsychologist from Orre that came to the Shelter today. You didn't work there today, so it was only me who...met him... Actually gave himself as a nice guy. He made it to allure me into a conversation without apparent ease, spoke about how all Pokemon have some sort of barrier around their heart... And how there is one artifact that can open a Pokemon's heart, even of those that cannot feel love or reward anymore. A dark black stone, pillar-size, very old, often carved with strange designs... That must be the key to the Secret Library. Naturally that he caught me with that, and me, foolish as I've been, even agreed to keep an eye open for such an artifact, keep an eye open in his name... Unaware of what potential danger I could have... ... ..."

Further she didn't come as her voice broke away, she also had to swiftly rub her eyes with the back of her hand. Nope, she won't shed any pained tears here. She simply WON'T. Later, when she's back in the safety of the dorm she's sharing with Ventus, she might however.

*Slight Flashback?*

Empathetic and highly perceptive as he was, Ventus quickly picked up on his mystical and fae friend's sharp spike of interest and distress over his mention of Dr. Hyperiac. This cause the researcher turned to look at her with curiosity and worry just as she revealed her encounter with the Pokepsychologist, and to what depth the connection between her and him was at. What he heard then (and later from Dagney's background check) confirmed what he suspect of the highly dubious and nebulous man, while enlightening him to details that were unknown to him before. The reveal that an Odd Pillar was the the 'key' to the S.L. was interesting, but what really caught Ven's attention- something that caused his eyes to widen slightly and almost visibly startle - was what the 'good doctor' alluded to his dearest.

'Barriers around their hearts, those Pokemon that can not experience love nor sastifaction anymore......that sounds like an apt descriptor for Shadow Pokémon. How in Reshirim and Kyurem's name does that man know about the phenomena and mechaniac behind that horrifyingly agony ? I know the events and rumors surrounding them are widespread and available if one knows what to look for, but in depth knowledge on the condition and treatment of itself? That intel should be much more limited in terms of who is 'in the know' or not! Just who IS this doctor, and what other cyptic information does he hold,' the researcher thought to himself, his mind already brewing with feelings of distrust and caution towards the man. What his goals or intention are, he could NOT let them bring Shiva to ruin, or unleash disaster on all he knows and cares about......

When Shiva threatened to breakdown from emotional overload and strain, Ventus immediately hugged her and held it, do his level best to alleviate those wretch, unseemly feelings from her, and bring them back to an even keel. "Shiva.....dear.......don't fret, don't be distraught or frightened. The crisis has been averted, you are safe and among good company. We'll protect and provide support to you no matter what, my dear, and you know that I will always be there whenever you want me......"

[Dragonstrike]

This must be the first time she actually speaks up in this whole, let's call it emergency meeting with Dagny to get clarification, it was audible in her voice that Shiva 1. still doesn't feel comfortable within this Gym and 2. she didn't like what she spoke out. "That name... Ven, that's the Pokepsychologist from Orre that came to the Shelter today. You didn't work there today, so it was only me who...met him... Actually gave himself as a nice guy. He made it to allure me into a conversation without apparent ease, spoke about how all Pokemon have some sort of barrier around their heart... And how there is one artifact that can open a Pokemon's heart, even of those that cannot feel love or reward anymore. A dark black stone, pillar-size, very old, often carved with strange designs... That must be the key to the Secret Library. Naturally that he caught me with that, and me, foolish as I've been, even agreed to keep an eye open for such an artifact, keep an eye open in his name... Unaware of what potential danger I could have... ... ..."

Nathan thinks for a moment about this...

"...I know exactly what he was talking about, Shiva. Both what the pillar is for and where it is.  And it is completely coincidental if something similar looking is the key to this secret library underneath Mt. Sentry...or maybe it's not, and those Scimitars are just desperate for any possible clues to finding that key, whatever it is...I don't think this Hyperiac knew that conversation would lead to this." (might warrant a raised eyebrow from Ventus, and maybe some questioning later)

...something clicks in Nathan's mind...wait a second...could the secret library be the one those binders were referring to?  It was capitalized, right?

"...they're after various things that are supposedly in there...we need to get there before they do."

[Spiritmon]

"If I permited to say my part I was training in Mt. Sentry for these last days but I didnt see anything similar to a key. Unless..." Heart to think for a second. "Well perhaps the Luck Stone in the caverns or perhaps the Landorus shrine inside Mt. Sentry. These came in my mind about something value to hide a library."

[Nylon]

"Does anyone know much about a "Relic Stone"? Valder says out-loud, although he's looking at Shiva.

[Iron]

Dagny: "Oh, another thing I forgot to tell you. Following one of my suspicions, we were easily able to confirm that the Scimitars were not in fact Pokemon. So we're still stuck with this strange conflict that humans can't work magic. Didn't you say you met a strange magical orange man in the Great Divide?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

When Shiva threatened to breakdown from emotional overload and strain, Ventus immediately hugged her and held it, do his level best to alleviate those wretch, unseemly feelings from her, and bring them back to an even keel. "Shiva.....dear.......don't fret, don't be distraught or frightened. The crisis has been averted, you are safe and among good company. We'll protect and provide support to you no matter what, my dear, and you know that I will always be there whenever you want me......"

Hehe... Dr. Hypericac adressed her with 'dear' as well.

However, that immediate hug from Ventus almost caused her to breakdown right there in his arms, before, faintly, she appreciated and faintly returned that hug, without any words. She was safe. If he says so, could she believe these words...? Probably she could. Also probably this is what fascinated Shiva about him: He had a horrible life, but he manages to remain strong nevertheless, and never lost his smile. Something Ven has proved several times by now. "Thank you. Please stay with me for a little longer."

"...they're after various things that are supposedly in there...we need to get there before they do."

As soon as Shiva has somewhat digested the current shock - (it'll take one or two in-game Days, but she'll be certainly out of the woods the time she can register Gothitelle to one of her Pokeballs) - she'll also regain the eager to actually look for that Key. Not for the Doc. - well, if he IS a real Pokepsychologist, maybe a little for him as well, as he WAS a dear guy, and these purple suits do look good on him - , but more for herself.

"I'd agree to that... I'd be happy to search for and find that Key, followed by the Secret Library. But...no need to rush things, there's still business in Stair City I would like to finish... For example a Gym Battle." At these words, Shiva's soft yet currently subtly agonized gaze meet Dagny's harsh and stalwart gaze. Fae faces Steel. But the fae is armed with fire to melt the steel.

"Does anyone know much about a "Relic Stone"? Valder says out-loud, although he's looking at Shiva.

Now Shiva's gaze met Valder's stern gaze. "Uhm... No, can you enlighten me about that one, please?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Dagny: "Oh, another thing I forgot to tell you. Following one of my suspicions, we were easily able to confirm that the Scimitars were not in fact Pokemon. So we're still stuck with this strange conflict that humans can't work magic. Didn't you say you met a strange magical orange man in the Great Divide?"

It seems like now, with the ice broken and an emotional+stress-induced breakdown has been for now prevented from happening, Shiva felt fine to actually speak more words. Rather hesitant though, as she does remember how she accidently messed with Dagny before they all departed into direction Arrowroot Village, as well as how Nathan soft-told her what to do when they reunited in the Gym after the threat of the vines has been taken care of.

"W...Why shouldn't it be possible that humans work magic? It's relatively easy to pretend being a Psychic with the right Pokemon, but nevertheless - this does not mean magic does not exist, does it? Uhm... Eh, back to topic, yes, we met that eremit you are refering to at the cave of the Tusk... He is NOT a mage though, but most likely not human either, I actually don't know either. Earthpower is his speciality, however that's not magic nor trickery but instead...natural... I mean... natural strength within all of us. Nature."

Reminding herself on that elusive natural strength, the one that resides within everyone and every Pokemon as well as conecting them all, eased Shiva's nerves to a good amount. Though, in such times she felt weak and vulnerable, that natural strength seemed to run low... Or was it just out of sight, hidding? On the other hand, this natural strength was which she can rely on in such hard times - can she??

[Spiritmon]

"Oh that remind me." Then Heart turn his gaze to Shiva direction. "Since we havent the chance to battle each other in the Little Cup how about a Pokemon battle? Of course not today after everything that happen." Phantump go out of his pokeball and hug Heart face like a cute little thing. "Viktor was quite excited to have the chance to fight you for quite a while. And he is very close to learn his special move: Phantom Force. Just a little more and he can finally learn. If you want of course. Since we both will challenge Dagny I would like to challenge a strong trainer like you." Say Heart. "But like I say not today after all the events of today."