[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Hmm, seems like the cold was still causing issues, he wasn't out of the woods yet. Didn't matter, it got better, it only can get even better if not overworking oneself. Nevertheless, Shiva mentally shook her head before drawing another small unused package of tissues from her belongings, before handing it to Kirlia with the words "Here, you two can keep these as well. Make sure your Master doesn't overdo it today, alright?" This tissues depicted multiple Roselia, dancing gracefully in breezes of petals.

"Good luck then on your Gym Battle. I'm sorry that I cannot watch you battling - you know, work, but I'll have my agreement to obtain Gothitelle - Lilith - by noon tomorrow. (^v^)☆ Yes, Ven, my dear, I know - but this name has an astrological meaning that I'm enjoying connecting her with, I'll make sure that it doesn't cause confusion when both your....what was it again... Quetzoral and Gothitelle are outside of their balls. A-Alright? Oh, I'll probably have her outside quite often... "  "B-Back to topic. I'd be, eh, happy to know what Pokemon Dagny used and how your battle was later then, Nathan... To know whether I can... I mean, to estimate how my chances to win are standing. I...I know it'll be hard probably, but....hmmm... ANYWAY, doesn't matter!" >_<


"I would like to ask you one more thing before we all depart to conduct out respective businesses, Nathan." Shiva got visibly more serious once she had spoken this out - she observes the floor for a little while gathering her thoughts, thinking about how to phrase the sentiment and whether he'd share... But... Now she finally faces him again, after having casted a glance over to the dark oddball of sociologist beside her to gather the courage to speak it out. "What do you actually know about Relic Stones? What do they have to do with sweet Celebi, and what does Chresire have to do with both?"


(This does not mean you shall let her know about Shadow Pokemon, but if it fits it can be integrated.)

(Nathan wouldn't say a single word about shadow pokemon specifically in such a public place anyways)

Kirlia gladly takes the tissues.  Nathan had gone through almost the entire box of whimsicott ones already.

"...you'll do fine.  Between Pancham and Braixen, you should be able to do some real damage.  Marill will probably do very well too, now that she's no longer weak to Steel moves."

*sniff*

Nathan keeps a straight face and never looks away from Shiva the entire time he's talking about Relic Stones.

"...I've said what I can about Relic Stones.  Only one found in recorded history is the one in Agate Village in Orre, and it holds a fraction of the mythical's power, which makes it a metaphorical key to opening a pokemon's heart.  It wouldn't be a significant landmark at all if Celebi wasn't clearly associated with it.  It'd just be a weird pillar of rocks.  The stone itself isn't important, it's the power it contains.  Why it contains that power and how long it's been there are still mysteries to this day."

...*sniff*...

"...Celebi is said to rise from the ground once every few decades in Cress City, and it does have a shrine in the ancient forest near the town.  Celebi's never been seen visiting the shrine before, though, and nobody's ever gotten a clear picture of the mythical showing up here.  Plus, it's highly unlikely to be the same Celebi as Orre's or Johto's, and there are no known Relic Stones outside of Orre.  I don't even know how Valder knew what that pillar was called.  There's no guarantees a Relic Stone is in Creshire unless we find or hear something from a reliable source that implies otherwise.  And even if there is a Relic Stone here, there's no guarantees it contains some of Celebi's power.  It could easily be the power of some other Legendary or Mythical."

*sniff*

While Nathan is by no means lying, Ventus probably has suspicions that Nathan knows more than he's letting on...

(Shiva can press Nathan for more detail if she wishes or also suspects Nathan's withholding info, since most of this is just a repeat of the information he gave originally, but that's going to start delving into the dangerous topic of Shadow Pokemon, which Nathan is discreetly trying to avoid)

[Iron]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Heart's Pokemon gain 1XP. None of them have any breakthroughs. As usual, it takes some chiding to get Nidorino to obey.

(Any signal about Tynamo energy production?)

Heart was kind tired of the training. "Welp, I think this is enough." Them Heart decided to go to another place. He wander though Star City thinking about what to do. "Hmm, man what I should do...I do not feel in the mood to find another pokemon battle...what to do hmm...." Then Heart pass though the Shellter once more. "Huh. Well, I guess it couldnt hurt to work a bit here. Lets see what I can do around here." 

After walking around, he decided to take some information. "Excuse me, could you help me with something? Some friends of mine: Shiva and Ventus work here and I would like to ask if I can work here for a while. Is there some vagues to work here or anything as a volunteer?"

(No, Tynamo just isn't as into it today. No progress on that front.)

"Oh yes, we love volunteers!" says the receptionist. "Yesterday, those two were training a Charmeleon! Today, I'm going to have them try to cheer up a Grumpig. If you want, you can work with our Skull Ruins Pokemon. We have a Lunatone, a Solrock, and a Baltoy who wandered in from the Ruins. Director North said he needs someone to build them a mini-ruins in the yard. Do you like building?"

"Thats the style of that two, heh." Heart thinks for a second. "Well, I more the guy about break things in battle, but I guess I can try something different. I accept the job. Is someone going to help me and explain what I gonna do or what material I will have to use?"

"You'll have some discretion. Have you ever been to the Skull Ruins? There's a book of pictures right here you can use to inspire you. Do you have a Pokedex? Using those two things, I bet you can build something that will make those three Pokemon feel right at home. For materials, we have lots of concrete blocks, a little bit of pourable concrete, some rebar posts, lots of wood planks, and plenty of gravel."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

That first thought pretty much hit her - in a positive way, however. It'd becoming visibly by her non-intimdating starring at Nathan for a few moments longer than usually, while her mind progressed what he just said:

He...thinks she can do well, against that Steel Wonder of a Gym Leader?
She has a chance to win in a Gym she doesn't feel too comfortable in, one that she felt faintly scared of at fist sight from the outside? Really...?!
But it was true... Now with sweet Marill being capable to control the energy of a real Water Type, her weakness towards cold steel has been eased to some degree, and she knew Water was one of the rare Types Steel takes normal damage from... But, well, what if Dagny tries to counter that by bringing in an Electric Type, would her fae mouse be fine?
Arrrrghhhhh, decisionssss....
...Well, better mull over that later, not now, back to the current planet!



"Hmm... Most of that matches with what I've read lately. It's so weird, isn't it... But I'm trusting in what Valder says, he named that weird dark black stone a 'Relic Stone' - Dr. Hypericac hasn't used that word at all towards me, whether intentionally or unintentionally I don't know. And, wouldn't it be weird if he'd come over from faaaaar away Orre just to deal some business for a few days here in Chreshire, and then head back? He clearly said he's searching for a stone that opens a Pokemon's heart, which matches the power of that Relic Stone thing, and that there are rumors of such an artifact being here in Chreshire's capital region... Why would he desire that if there are records of such a stone there where he comes from?" Shiva doesn't explicitely speaks it out, but she's actually rather sure that dark black stone with it's strange designs, the one she accepted to look for, must be a real Relic Stone. She just can't explain it to herself otherwise, and simply because more of these are not known outside of Orre, doesn't mean there are none, right? Speaking about keeping the mind open for the New and Mystical...

"Celebi is known to travel through time, and is capable of existing simultaneously throughout time, Nathan, so even if it is unlikely that it's the same one like the one connected to Orre and Johto, it doesn't mean there is none. Or maybe it is the same one and we just believe there are multiple ones due to that simultaneous existing. That shrine in that ancient forest of Cress City - It'll be most likely the first thing I'd like to visit once we've arrived in Cress. Preferably alone at first if alright, only with my Grass Types and Lilith, as it's likely a magical and sacred place. I've...already been at Illex Forest and the respective shrine, but it's many years ago, I can't really remember much of that trip. Even if that stone doesn't contain Celebi's power - if it can open a Pokemon's heart and is a key to a Secret Library, there must be some power within it."

Given her growing senses and Nathan being relatively 'easy to read', she certainly does suspect there's more to it - but she doesn't want to press him now to speak up. Whether she will do that at some point - time will tell, or she'll find out if Ventus does so, as she'll request to please not be left out it comes to moving the conversation to a backroom or such.

[Dragonstrike]

"Yes, Hyperiac was describing a Relic Stone, but I don't know why he's looking for one here.  As far as I know, Agate Village's is still perfectly fine.  And they've also manged to artificially replicate its effects, so there's no real reason to be looking for Relic Stones elsewhere.  Orre's not needed their Relic Stone's power for 5 years, either.  Hyperiac probably didn't bother with naming it because the name only really means anything to those from Orre and those familiar with its history."

"The only thing Agate's Relic Stone is a key to is a pokemon's closed heart.  It's a tall, immovable pillar.  I can't discount that there may be other kinds of Relic Stones besides that one, but I'm not holding my breath until I see solid proof.  These theories that it might be a physical key to something all might just be a bag of hot air for all we know."

*sniff*

"...if something is to qualify as a Relic Stone, it does have to have power, a Legendary or Mythical's, or it's just another rock in the pile.  The effects might not be the same if it's not Celebi's power, either."

"I know Celebi is...strange, and could be time traveling.  Orre's is almost certainly different, though, and so is Creshire's.  Much like Creshire, Orre seems to have its own set of Legendaries, completely seperate from the rest of the world's."

No elaboration on that last point.

"...I'll probably visit Celebi's shrine as well when we reach Cress City.  For...different reasons though."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"It's still DOCTOR Hypericac, Nathan, according to Dagny's investigations he's a real Pokepsychologist and things, and despite I highly doubted that after being nearly-abducted because the Scimitars somehow found out what he told me about that weird stone, I do believe in that." Yes, Shiva's relatively adamant about that. If she wouldn't have grown so close to Ventus, she'd maybe even adress him with 'Doctor' as well to pay her respect over them earning this title.

"Doesn't matter. Huh.... Until I see clear proof for the opposite, I'll see that weird black stone rumored to be here in Chreshire as a Relic Stone." The fact that she's kinda enjoying how a special stone can open a Pokemon's heart if blessed with a Mythical's power, as well as a concealed high curiosity what that Secret Library contains do play a role in that, and she's wouldn't believe in that if she wouldn't believe in Fairy Types. Oh, and in some tall stories from Torren, these too. Magic lives thanks to people who believe in it.

[Lord Windos]

*Flashback!*
' *turning away from the window* "How sweet that you're always bringing breakfast up here, Ven. Thanks! Before we head to the Shelter, I'd like to pay the Department Store a visit, as there was no time for that yesterday. I...ehm... eventually brought Skrelp into Professor Mallorn's care, and there's something I'd like to buy for the money he sent me in return... You can come too if you'd like, or progress to the Shelter." '

"*Give them a friendly smile, before ruffling their hair* I though you would appreciate such a small gesture, since it allows you to relax a little longer in the privacy of our room, instead of rushing onward into the public eye. Hmm? Oh, that's perfectly acceptable! I was planning on searching around for some sales and for a couple of books in particular, so we can go together and neatly finish our own respective searches! Thank you for giving me this opportunity, my dearest! "

*Flashback End*

*Start Lobby Scene*

During the 'earnest' conversation between his dearest Shiva and Nathan, Ventus had remained almost completely still and silent, bearing an expression that was almostly painfully neutral as watch them both converse. Kirlia's brief glance, however, nearly caused the researcher to flitch again as he was reminded of that....that.....sight, but this time he was prepared for such things and managed to keep visibly calm, even if the emotions he was broadcasting were....not. Instead of dwelling on that, though, he was focused mainly on the young scholar, who yet again was alluding to knowing sensitive topcis and then doing his best subvert any line of inquiry along those lines, choosing to rehash and regurgitate information he's more or less already told them about. Still, discussion of Relic Stone and the Time Traveler Celebi was an fascinating subject for the Pokémon researcher for a variety of reasons, and hearing a little more of the far flung land of Orre and its esoteric nature was always a boon.

Eventually, however, Ven decided to intervene into the conversation once it became apparent that it was beginning to make a turn towards the passive aggressive, stepping forward to place a hand on Shiva's shoulder and giving her a pacifying smile. "That's enough, dear. We can agree to disagree on the subject of the Relic Stone and Celebi's presence , so please don't work yourself up over it. We'll find out if their is indeed a artifact similar to the one in Agate Village, and perhaps we'll learn more of the Time Traveler's Legends in Cheshire as time goes on, so don't fret..."

"....In fact, Nathan, what else do you know on them? You've said a little about them, but if you posses more specific lore or history surrounding it and their involvement in Cheshire's history, I would certainly be interested in hearing it!" he said, turning towards the boy in question with a curious and interested look.....but their were also traces of other feelings as well. It would have been hard for even a naturally empathetic Pokémon such as Kirlia to pick those out, but it could definitely detect unease and reservation within the sociologist. Strange.....

After Nathan had/hadn't told Ventus what else he knew of the elusive green Mythic, Ventus bowed his head in thanks, and then changed the topic to something else entirely. "My thanks, Nathan. While I'm by no means a historian or lore keeper, I'm always interested in learning more about the egnimatic Legendary and Mythical Pokémon that exist in this world. Perhaps by learning more about them, we could forge powerful relationships based on understanding and trust, and pave the way for a brighter future for Pokémon and Humankind alike...... (...) Hmm......if you are going to challenge Dagney first thing in the morning, I can accompany you to watch your match after I visit the Department Store with Shiva. Sitting in would educate me on the Steel Wonder's strategy and part of her Pokémon selection, and to see how far you have progressed yourself since our last Gym Challenge."

The researcher glances over at his fae friend and shoots her an apologetic look for 'ditching' her , but hopefully she'll understand why he choose to attend Nathan's Gym match. The young scholar needs someone to show interest and support in his endevours, and any chance to prepare for his own confrontation against Dagney is something not to be passed up!

" Afterwards, your free to follow me to the Shelter, if you wish and truly have nothing pressing that needs to be attended to for the rest of the day. The Pokémon there will certainly appreciate a friendly, compassionate Pokémon lover like yourself, and you could help temper some of the more unruly creature Disobedience. I know Pyroar would be happy with more human company and attention, and Charmeleon could learn a thing or two about the power of Pokémon and Human bonds from you!"

Order: Ven's going to use his first Encounter slot to attend Nathan's Gym Match, after he goes to the Department Store to search for any sales, and books on how to craft clothing/items from Snake Skin and Folk/Natural Medicine Recipies to expand his knowledge in those subjects. Hey, if he has the resources and knowledge, he should put them into practice, yes?

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"You'll have some discretion. Have you ever been to the Skull Ruins? There's a book of pictures right here you can use to inspire you. Do you have a Pokedex? Using those two things, I bet you can build something that will make those three Pokemon feel right at home. For materials, we have lots of concrete blocks, a little bit of pourable concrete, some rebar posts, lots of wood planks, and plenty of gravel."

"Well, I see a little of the Skull Ruins. Not much close so I could use that book of pictures. And no, I do not have a Pokedex with me. Thats why I would like a little help. Do you have a book about these three pokemon or perhaps lend me a pokedex to see the info?"

[Iron]

"Sure, Director North has one you can borrow. I'll go get it."

She comes back with a Pokedex and the book of Skull Ruins, showing both the ancient castles as they used to be, towering and foreboding, and the current ruined version.

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/..._entries_2
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/..._entries_2
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/..._entries_2

Baltoy's entry of course refers to the Skull Ruins. In Creshire they are very confident that Lunatone and Solrock came from space, and they were first discovered in this region 9,000 years ago! Long, long before it was discovered in Hoenn.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Eventually, however, Ven decided to intervene into the conversation once it became apparent that it was beginning to make a turn towards the passive aggressive, stepping forward to place a hand on Shiva's shoulder and giving her a pacifying smile. "That's enough, dear. We can agree to disagree on the subject of the Relic Stone and Celebi's presence , so please don't work yourself up over it. We'll find out if their is indeed a artifact similar to the one in Agate Village, and perhaps we'll learn more of the Time Traveler's Legends in Cheshire as time goes on, so don't fret..."

(...)

The researcher glances over at his fae friend and shoots her an apologetic look for 'ditching' her , but hopefully she'll understand why he choose to attend Nathan's Gym match. The young scholar needs someone to show interest and support in his endevours, and any chance to prepare for his own confrontation against Dagney is something not to be passed up!

True story, Shiva did not wanted to work herself up over things, especially not in the morning and especially not on a day that promised to be a rather nice one according to the weather and the city visible from the window. Oh, and especially not with Nathan, she felt like that's just not worth it, as she was aware of his stubborness and logical way of thinking. Though, on the other hand she simply couldn't have her own thoughts and ideas get lost in the abyss completely - a part of her was fearful that the more confidence she's silently building up, the more likely she is to get into arguments with Nathan simply because they disagree in aspects like these... Doesn't matter, she - or rather her mind - told herself that this shall NOT be an obstacle to hinder her, she shall be strong enough to follow her own beliefs even if she'd prefer to sometimes do that from the background.

Therefor, she was actually relieved that Ven soft-saved her from going down in bad mood or start the day with a bad taste in her mouth, and simply decided to leave things now as they are, and not say anything more about that in the way 'Fine, have it your way while I'm having it my way'. Plus, she was wondering what was so special about Chresire's Celebi - as since she doesn't really care about Legendaries, she has quite a liking for the Mythics, acompanied by knowledge about their quirks. Seems like this region here was different though.

As for that apologetic look Ven gave her - Shiva kept eyecontact when he did that, casting a faintly suprised expression in a tilted head. However, sadness was not detectable in her. No, it was somethingelse, something that didn't really fit together:
First, there was wonder, some sort of mystification about why he was going so far to not only accompany his Gym Battle and invite him over to the Shelter, but also to praise him in some way after all that struggle and hassle he has put the oddball of researcher beside her through. Yes, she remembers these - has he forgiven him, or did he decided to put it aside to not cause a ruccus? Or was he just too kind to... If he was, that was just another side of Ven she didn't knpw of, but it was a sweet one nevertheless.
Second, there was a feeling of this actually being a good idea, which she expressed by leaning over to tenderly hug one of Ven's arm. Hey, if they wouldn't make it a secret that they'll eventually start a romantic relationship (at least, she wouldn't enjoy to keep it a secret of the group)... Plus, he called her 'dearest' before breakfast, which deserves thankfulness. "No need to give me such a look, Ven, it's actually not such a dumb idea. As a spectator of the Gym Battle you'll not only have the possibility to bring silent support, but also get a different viewpoint from the one the attendant of the battle does and see how Dagny's Pokemon behave, maybe what weaknesses they have... Can I hand you Plusle and Minun again to make sure they can cheer as a replacement for me, please?"

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"Sure, Director North has one you can borrow. I'll go get it."

She comes back with a Pokedex and the book of Skull Ruins, showing both the ancient castles as they used to be, towering and foreboding, and the current ruined version.

https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/..._entries_2
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/..._entries_2
https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/..._entries_2

Baltoy's entry of course refers to the Skull Ruins. In Creshire they are very confident that Lunatone and Solrock came from space, and they were first discovered in this region 9,000 years ago! Long, long before it was discovered in Hoenn.

"Interesting! 9,000 years ago Lunatone and Solrock was already discovered even before they be know in Hoen! Everyday we learn something new!" Heart take some quick notes to not forget this information. "Basic Lunatone and Solrock problably come from space, and Baltoy its a ancient pokemon who live inside the ruins. Hmm, perhaps we should make a home a little rustic style to look like some type ruin. This will need some force."Then Heart relesea two of his pokemon: Rose and Koa. "Koa, Rose. I need the help of you two to make a home with some materials. I will need concrete, pourable concrete, wood pranks, gravel, and a piece of meteor or something if possible. Lets go."

Action: Begin to build the place of the pokemon based in the picture Heart saw in the book with the help of Koa and Rose! If need, Koa can use Dragon Dance to increase his strengh to increase the help.