[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Such a loud and unexpected sneeze was enough to startle Shiva and almost intuitively dart back into Ventus' arms and protection. Nudging Nathan, she offered him a clean tissue - it's white and decorated with multiple Whimsicott and random green leaves. "It's been raining all day, no wonder one could catch up colds."

Shiva still has a sightly different suspicion about that elusive Golem within the Skull Ruins, but she's keeping this for herself - simply because she didn't want to argue and was fine following her own thoughts.

[Dragonstrike]

Such a loud and unexpected sneeze was enough to startle Shiva and almost intuitively dart back into Ventus' arms and protection. Nudging Nathan, she offered him a clean tissue - it's wwhite and decorated with multiple Whimsicott and random green leaves. "It's been raining all day, no wonder one could catch up colds."

*sniff*

"...thanks."

...

"...so...how did you end up in this mess again, Valder?"  (@Nylon)

(Or are we going to assume Valder said something already/says something now and move on?)

[Iron]

Valder can simply flashback to this conversation.

It is now Day 47. It's still raining, but not so hard.

[Dragonstrike]

Okay, today's the big day! Time to finally challenge Dag...ah...ah...ahcoo!

Yup, Nathan's obviously caught a cold. Kirlia's got a box of tissues on hand practically at all times.

*sniff*

...still need to get his team together for the battle...

Nathan's fiddling with the PC first thing in the morning, despite how terrible he feels because of this cold he's caught. Kirlia's insistence that Nathan shouldn't strain himself doesn't seem to be working for some reason...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

@Lord Windos
------------------------------

It was obvious that Shiva was left in not the best state from yesterday's conversation with Dagny. That whole thing, the fact that she mere was saved from being snatched by these...blasted Scimitars or even worse abducted by them, has stirred her and her already erratic pool of emotions up. They assured she was safe now, that things were alright, that Ven was there to provide security and protection shall she desire for it... It all was calming her nerves and fear just like the Soothe Bell Marill was holding calmed that blue fae mouse. It couldn't help the shock over yesterday's sensation though.

Her life was peaceful, has always been side from some ususal trouble. Nothing worth mentioning.
Aside from that Nidoking-run-in, of course.
That peaceful life has made her weak. There's no denying it.
Since she came to Chreshire, life has decided to give her good and bad times - and especially hard times.
......
Shiva disliked her cowardly side quite much. She hated these feelings of being overshadowed. Nevertheless it was a side/feeling that shines through every now and then, sometimes it even wins.
The others were more brave.
......
On the other hand, it was undenyable that she has managed to have one or two senses of achievement.
Some of her Pokemon evolved. Azurill developed enough trust towards her to open her heart. What would have happen with Tandal if Shiva wouldn't have heard his cry for help...?
.......
Ah, 'opened her heart.'
.......
Enough of that. As often as she told that to herself, the train of thought continued.


That train of thought caused her issues to actually sleep in once she and Ven were back at the dorm and she was OVERLY delighted to finally find some well-deserved rest, eventually she must have doozed off from mere exhaustion, keeping sweet Marill close to her for this night, Cottonee directly beside her head on her side of the bed.

Luckily, no bad dreams this night, Haaah, Shiva was silently thankful for her dream catcher's aid.

When Ventus would wake her up, he'd find her in reluctant state to actually get up. For the likely first time in Shiva's life, she was subtly fearful of what may await her if she would step outside into rainy Stair City. She knew that she MUST get out though, as work at the Shelter awaited. She does not want Ventus to leave though, apart from maybe getting down the Lobby to get breakfast, and would silently try to get a hold of one of his sleeves in an attempt to keep him by her side for only a little longer.

[Spiritmon]

Heart wakes up. "Ah what a good day for training. After yesterday, I can finally focus in my training. Tynamo, are you ready for some training?" Then Heart take quick step in the PC and swap his party: Rose is back again in the team, along with Koa, Gustav, Viktor, Tynamo and Percival. When he swap his team, Heart take Percival pokeball and talk with him. "Hey Percival. How are you my little knight." Heart pat the tiny armored head of the Aron. "I have a gift for ya. Its been a while we are having problems against some grass and worse, some Fighting-type pokemon. Well, no more my friend." Then Heart show to the little armor pokemon the TM - Aerial Ace. "This my friend, is the TM40 - Aerial Ace. A Flying-type move. You dont much coverage against Fighting-Types, so this TM will help a lot in case we fight against any kind of Fighting pokemon. We still need some move to have coverage against Ground-types, but this will serve well for now." (Reaction about this @Iron)

After that conversation, Heart decided to go to Mt. Sentry again for two reasons: To train again Tynamo along with Rose and Viktor, and make a search in the place to find that odd Library the Scimitars was searching. Of course he let the nurse a note to his friends to let them know he is heading to Mt. Sentry and tell his friends his location.

After heading to the Magnetic caverns he free Viktor, Rose and Tynamo. "Okay guys, even with the Little Cup ended, we still going to continue train you guys. We dont know how much time we have left until we left Star City for good. So we need to train as much possible! Tynamo! We still going to do the same training as ever: Train your magnetic field ability and of course the production of energy. This scrapyard we are will help. Rose. You have been out for quite a while. Sorry to keep you so much time, but the Little Cup only allowed unevolve pokemon to battle. You will train your speed around this cave, jumping from location to location. Lets train your dexterity for today! A quick warrior is more dificult to be beat! Viktor, we are very close to let you learn Phantom Force so today you train you ability to hide in the shadows and use them to your favor. You will be a important Key when we fight against that Claydoll. You are Ghost/Grass. Two weakness that Claydoll have. I count with you when that day comes. Are you guys ready for today training? LETS BEGIN THEN!"

Action: Training session with Rose, Viktor and Tynamo.

[Iron]

Perceval looks a little skeptical at the thought of an Aron flying through the air, but OK.

Your Pokemon have a lot of fun training today! Especially Tynamo, who is getting his first crackles of his own electricity.

Tynamo training roll: (3)(1)(5)(3)(2)(6) He gains 2 bonus XP in addition to his normal 1 from the training session.

[Dragonstrike]

Eventually, Nathan settles on swapping out Grid for Swiftfire and Solomon for Starmie.  4 pokemon that should do decently against Dagny, Kirlia and Forthright get to watch...

...

...Forthright didn't seem to be very interested in battling, now that he thought about it.

...

*achoo*  *sniffle*

...

...he still didn't really want to put her in the PC, though.  Sure, having Yule on hand might be a good idea for this, but...

...

...well, Starmie had been in there for a loooonnnnggg time.  Time to get it out of there and warmed up again. The rain would probably be an especially nice surprise for it.  And Nathan definitely wanted Calam for this gym battle, just in case he needed another strong attacker of some kind...

...

Well, before heading out...*achoo*...he wanted to...*achoo*...review some of his notes...*achoo*...

Ugh...he still felt pretty terrible.  Wordlessly, he takes a tissue from Kirlia and starts slowly eating his breakfast as he opens his journal to the section on Orre to review his notes on the Relic Stone in Agate Village...while sitting at a table in a corner of the lobby.  The information contained in there was not for the faint of heart...

Of course, he's just kinda waiting around until Shiva and/or Ventus show up so he can figure out the scheduling, when everyone's going to be available to watch today's gym battle if they like...(Heart seemingly ignored him on his way through the lobby it seems, so Nathan's not particularly bothered about him right now)

...

*achoo!* *sniffle*

Blegh...

[Lord Windos]

Massive Catchmeup Flashback!

(...)

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."

Even while he was in the middle of attempting to squeeze the sorrowful fear out of his most blessed friend, Ventus was indeed still attentively listening in on the ongoing conversation/meeting, carefully memorizing everything of note and filling it away for review and/or retrieval. Nathan's comments concerning Dr. Hyperiac and related information DID garner the researcher's interest, causing him to give them a curious and furitive glance for a moment, before internally sighing and letting it go.....for now. 'I'll have to ask the boy why he feels the Pokepsychologist should be absolved, and how much he knows of Shadow Pokémon, but right this moment its the Scimitars and their foul magics and technology that needs to be address, not.....that.'

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?"

From Top to Bottom:

Ventus Response to Shiva: The researcher ever so slightly tightens his hold onto his near incolsolant darling of a friend, before gently musing their hair and replying with: "I don't need to be thanked for this, Shiva, for comforting a friend is what anyone should do. But you are welcome, dear. I'll be with you so long as you want me..."

Ventus Response to Nathan - Shiva Dialogue: Glad that his rushed but heartfelt emergency cuddling was having its intended effect on his fae friend (Though he was aware that it would be likely days before she fully recovered from this ordel), he readily agreed with her, saying: "Finding the Key and beating every diabolical entity to the Secret Library should be our priority, but you are indeed right that it can wait while we all settle our own various matters in Stair. Perhaps even a couples days of respite too, in order to recover from the strain this near disaster brought upon us all....."

Ventus Response to Valder - Shiva Dialogue: Nothing was said, actually, but he did give his mercenary a curious look for him asking about it.

Shiva still does not see herself as a 'strong Trainer'. Not even with Ice Beam within her rows! But she'd be happy to help Phantump learn a new move, so she gives Heart a soft glance and a hinted nod, expressing that she's agreeing. When there's be time for that though... Well, time will tell. Time does ALWAYS tell.


"Eh... Me, knowing about their...magic? Nope, sorry, nothing. I'd wish I'd do though, before they messed with me. But following the Elemental order, there must be Fire and Air Scimitars too in addition to Water and Earth. Eventually even a subgroup standing above them, 'Aether' - that's a subtle primal vitality and a presumed fifth element."

"I... do own a book about the Element Earth though, but it's very surely Earth LORE, not magic. Explains how to calculate power spots within Chresire, where to find them, such things."

Once the topic of discussion turned towards the vile, fiendish practition of Earthpower and its egnimativ/infuriating master, Ven's mood almost instantly plummented into sour discontent, as in his opinion the only thing that needed to be discussed about ANY form of magic, arcance, or supernatural phenomena connected to human wizardry/magery is 'How Do We Eradicate Such Filth and Its Knowledge From The Earth?' However, interjecting such commentary would only prove detrimental to the conversation at hand, so he just gritted his teeth and did his best to hide his scowl and indignation over all the blatent SORCERY being brought up for the most part.

Shiva's off handed comment about learning magic and the reveal of possessing an arcane tomb of concerning mystical/arcance/supernatural spots on earth did gravely disappoint and sadden the paranoid sociologist, but he repressed these feelings with a mental sigh and a slight shake of his head. 'I do not share her fondness for the arcane, and I forsee it will be nothing more than a malignant, corrupting influence that could stand to lead her astray and/or into annilation, so hearing her interest in these fell forces pains me. *Mental Sighing* However, such things are align with her Fairy like nature and compassionate, accepting heart, and since she was able to come to care about a twisted, sorry wretch such as myself, its only fair that I treat her inclinations the same way. Such kindness and understanding, along with the wonderful memories we've made on this seemingly infinite journey of ours, is why I feel in love with her, after all. Maybe one day, I can truly pay her back for everything bit of goodness she's gifted with me. But not now.'

Despite these thoughts, however, Ventus still made a note to himself to request of her to read that book for himself, so that he too can try and ascertain these 'Power Spots' himself......

What he would do with such knowledge.......

Valder thought she would know. He scratched his head, not sure if he should continue. "Can we... can I ask you some things after this meeting? There's something I think you can help with".
Valder is now anxious.

That anxious demaneour from Valder did worry her a little, but she did not express that on the outside. "Certainly you can. If your...boss allows?"

She casts a questioning look to Ven. She feels safe to speak with Valder alone if he desires this, but the question was Ventus/@Lord Windos fine with this too? He probably was, but Shiva wanted to be sure after she has been targeted by the Scimitars.

"You may speak freely about whatever you wish to bring up, Valder. I may be your employers, but despite my heritage I'm not nearly draconic enough to force you to keep silent unless I say otherwise!"

(There! Finally Caught up!.......until I see the other posts and factor THOSE into my future plans. My work is never done.....)

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Perceval looks a little skeptical at the thought of an Aron flying through the air, but OK.

Your Pokemon have a lot of fun training today! Especially Tynamo, who is getting his first crackles of his own electricity.

Tynamo training roll: (3)(1)(5)(3)(2)(6) He gains 2 bonus XP in addition to his normal 1 from the training session.

Heart notice the skeptical look from Percival then he begin to explain. "Well to be short and honest Percival, Aerial Ace dont exactly make you fly. Its fast slashing attack who make you move so fast that create the ilusion you are flying. It gives that impression at first."

Heart give a smile for see everyone doing their best and showing the results of the training. Including Tynamo who begin to show results of his own eletricity. "Great job everyone. But we not done yet. Acording to Dagny in some place around this place, a group of people was trying to find something about a secret library around here. We will take a search in this place. We will find that place and see why the Scimitars is eager to find that secret place. "Heart them release Gustav. "Gustav, since you receive your ground typing from that Sage, you might help find something in this place with your Ground essence. I hope. And Tynamo I might need you. Since you begin to control a little better your magnetic field, perhaps you can find that Library if she have some sort of metalic properties. Viktor, Rose, you return for now. I dont know what we may find so its better to keep you safe for now. Okay everyone lets begin the search!"

Action: Search Mt. Sentry for any odd clue! Sherlock Heart one the case!