[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Hearing her name being said caused Shiva to avert her gaze from her newest Psychic Type. Somehow, she was sure that Lilith already knew the outcome of this battle... But she's displaying herself calm, does this mean Shiva has nothing to fear...?

"3vs3? Oh... so it's a Single Battle? That's good to know... I-I am ready, Heart! I guess... I've prepared myself and the Pokemon I'd like to send onto the field for me sufficiently. Thank you for that support... I'm not seeing myself as a 'strong Trainer' though, I only became one almost two months ago, but I'm....well, honestly tired to standing behind you people."

She turned silent then, and simply waited while watching her Electric rodents running around, playing, nuzzling each other, and generally having their fun of being out of their Pokeballs again. Shiva does clearly remember how she met and obtained these two... silently comparing how she was back then and how she was now, she couldn't deny that she has learned quite much since then. She has grown, not really in size however. But...what does define a 'strong Trainer'?

"...yeah, it's quite the old, interesting tale, isn't it?  I've always wondered what Cynthia's opinion of it might be...guess I might have a chance to find out soon enough, though..."

"...Aotius and Mutios are mostly forgotten, unfortunately.  Tandor's the only place that actually still has dedicated places of worship around.  Arceus at least has places like the Mystri Stage in the Sinjoh Ruins and the shrine in Celestic Town that hint at its existence, and the ruins where Unown appear seem to be loosely connected to it as well.  Aotius and Mutios?  You need to go to Tandor to even hear of them most of the time, specifically to Vinoville Town or Tsukinami Village."

Nathan happens to glance at his pokedex to check the time...

...and he stares at it for a moment longer than expected.

"...uh oh...we're...going to be late...guess I yammered for too long...again...whoops..."

"Very much so, and if my friend interests in ancient Pokémon mythology is great as you purport it to be, no doubt she'll find it of extreme interest as well."

...

"Again, a shame, but such is the nature humanity, for as much as we bring into fruition all sorts of fantastical creations and tales, so to do we forget them as the march of time exoceriably carries us on. I'm glad that at least Autius' and Mutios' legends still persists in their region of origin."

....

When the boy glances at the current time and subsequently meek response, Ventus could only stare for a couple of seconds......before he shrugged his shoulders.

"Hmm, well, as the old saying goes 'Time flies we you are having fun.' This conversation drifted into some less than thrilling topics, but I did find myself enjoy it by and large. At the very least, I've learned far more than when I first initated with you, so it was a fulfilling experience at its core I believe."

The researcher then walked towards the giant Swirlix and began the process of recalling aaaallll his Pokémon, turning his back towards the boy and gesturing them to join them with a small smile.

"Come on now, let's gather up our Pokémon and make our way towards the Gym. We have Shiva's battle to spectate and cheer, and we shan't keep them waiting in suspense for any longer!"

*Timeskip to the Gym!*

After all their Pokémon were recalled and the giant Swirlix was packed away for the rest of the group to savor later, Ventus and Nathan promptly departed towards the Gym, and almost immediately saw his most blessed friend and the rare collector loitering around the entrance chattering away. Raising a hand, the empath raised his voice and called out to them to alert them of his/Nathan's presence, saying as he did so:

"My friend, we have arrived at long last! Sorry for the delay, but now that we are here, shall we all greet Dageny once more, and ready ourselves to cheer for Shiva with great gusto and spirit?"

Heart then give Shiva a weak punch. "Relax Shiva. You shall be fine! You guys fight worse. Lets think about this later since Ventus and Nathan Drake, I mean Warren, come." Then Heart wave his hand to Ventus. "Heya Ventus, how are you man?" Then Heart see Nathan with Ventus and he simple say. "Good day Nathan." He as trying to be more polite than be really "friend". Heart and Nathan dont see each other as "friends" or "members of the same team". And the sentiment is reciprocic. But Heart want to avoid conflict for Shiva and Ventus.

[Lord Windos]

(...) "Heya Ventus, how are you man?" Then Heart see Nathan with Ventus and he simple say. "Good day Nathan." He as trying to be more polite than be really "friend". Heart and Nathan dont see each other as "friends" or "members of the same team". And the sentiment is reciprocic. But Heart want to avoid conflict for Shiva and Ventus.

"Rather well in my opinion, especially since managed to achieve victory against Dagney not too long ago! I can divulge the details of which at a later date if you interested, but for now let's focus on energies on Shiva's upcoming battle, shall we?" Ventus replied with a wide, beautiful smile to Heart that was simply infectious and charming to the extreme. To Nathan and Kirlia, its as if he was never despondent or melancholey in the first place! The researcher did notice their lack of warmth towards the young scholar, but choose not to comment on it in anyway. That was a conflict best left to them for sorting out, and he doesn't feel obligated to play friendship maker for the boy at this point in time.

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan just gives Heart a narrow eyed, deadpan stare.  He doesn't have anything meaningful to say to Heart, so he's just not going to say anything.

Nathan lightens up a little when he turns to Shiva.  "You'll do fine.  Kirlia and I will be rooting for you and whatever pokemon you decide to use."

Nathan's also got Forthright out, as per usual.  She's a sweet, sticky mess, and Nathan's trying his best to clean her up.  He doesn't have any pokemon on hand with water type moves, though, so it's proving...difficult.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

When Heart weakly punched her, Shiva almost flinched as was drifting away with her thoughts again, but his punch brought her back and even allured a weak chuckle from her. Part of Shiva wanted to scream directly and at full volume 'I AM relaxed, okay?! Trust me, I'm okay! I'lll just head into this blasted Gym, do what I'm capable of, then leave either with or without a badge, it's so easy actually!! And yet it's such a big deal for me, I can't help it, nyeeeee! I'm okay!!', but she let it be for now.


When another familar voice came to her from some street however, she looked down the street... only to realize that Ven has not forgotten her. Plus, Nathan has gotten the note she left, and decided to come as well... It's alright. It'll be alright, for sure.

As soon as Ventus was within reach, Shiva practically threw her arms around one of his arms to hug and faintly nuzzle it. "You.... You indeed came here in the end! Oh Venny, thank you... It's gettting latter and darker ever more, and I've been worried all you people have forgotten me already... Call it silly and dumb if you want, but I've been missing you already." This is spoke in volue so only Ven does hear it. "Can you keep a hold of my Electric rodents again...please?"

As for Nathan, she was certainly delighted that he seemed okay, awake and in general came at all. Though it had a bittersweet taste to it, as her run-in with him, that instant-fury she felt there, was still very fresh. It'll get a lot better very quickly though if she's not reminded on that, and for now she had other worries. "T....thank you! I don't know if I'll be able to do fine, but I'll try..."

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan sighs quietly to himself and heads inside to go find a seat.  Nothing more he an really contribute to this little scene as far as he can see, so he might as well just keep on goin'...

[Lord Windos]

As soon as Ventus was within reach, Shiva practically threw her arms around one of his arms to hug and faintly nuzzle it. "You.... You indeed came here in the end! Oh Venny, thank you... It's gettting latter and darker ever more, and I've been worried all you people have forgotten me already... Call it silly and dumb if you want, but I've been missing you already." This is spoke in volue so only Ven does hear it. "Can you keep a hold of my Electric rodents again...please?"

The often eccentric researcher let out a *Omph!* as Shiva practically rushed him down to snuggle his arms, forcing him to suppress the blush that threatened to blossom across his face with a fond chuckle and tussling their hair per usual. "Of course, my dear. Just like you've always been their for me when able, so to will I gladly return that favor....." However, when he realized his mystical friend called him Venny his eyes widened as he involuntarily flitched at the utterance of that nickname. 'She....she called me Venny. How.....how long has its been since I've been called as such? ...........Oh, how I miss you Sans.....'

He swiftly managed to get a handle of himself, though, and prevent him from falling prey to bittersweet recollections of long distant time with his dear brother. Didn't stop him from feeling a little despondent, but that was something he could easily hide or conceal with his much greater fondness and cheer he's experiencing now.

"I certainly can. Hand to me, and they'll be cheering you along with everyone else in short time, my dear!" When he does receive them, he sends Michael and Hanael to the PC to make place for them at the first opportunity!

[Dragonstrike]

Before Nathan finds a seat however...well, he decides to rearrange his party a little, since there's a ready to use terminal in the gym.  Swiftfire and Yule go into the PC, and out come...Starmie and Charmeleon.

Starmie, obviously, is there to help with cleaning up Forthright.  Charmeleon, well...Nathan has a question for him.

"Yeah, we're at the gym.  I know, probably not a place you want to be necessarily, but Shiva is challenging Dagny this evening.  I think she has a fair shot at beating the Steel Wonder if she plays her cards right.  Would you care to watch and maybe even help Kirlia cheer her on?  Might even be a good learning opportunity."

[Spiritmon]

Heart make a quick change in his party. Since Nidorino is in the Shellter for tonigh, and Gustav and Rose is still resting in the PokeCenter, Heart take out Mudkip. His currently party is Koa, Beldum Egg, Netune, Tynamo, Percival and Viktor. Heart let out everyone to witness the pokemon. "Okay then everyone. We now will see the pokemon battle of Shiva. We need to cheer her up and help get in positive energy to the great incoming battle! Lets go everyone!"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

As soon as Ventus was within reach, Shiva practically threw her arms around one of his arms to hug and faintly nuzzle it. "You.... You indeed came here in the end! Oh Venny, thank you... It's gettting latter and darker ever more, and I've been worried all you people have forgotten me already... Call it silly and dumb if you want, but I've been missing you already." This is spoke in volue so only Ven does hear it. "Can you keep a hold of my Electric rodents again...please?"

The often eccentric researcher let out a *Omph!* as Shiva practically rushed him down to snuggle his arms, forcing him to suppress the blush that threatened to blossom across his face with a fond chuckle and tussling their hair per usual. "Of course, my dear. Just like you've always been their for me when able, so to will I gladly return that favor....." However, when he realized his mystical friend called him Venny his eyes widened as he involuntarily flitched at the utterance of that nickname. 'She....she called me Venny. How.....how long has its been since I've been called as such? ...........Oh, how I miss you Sans.....'

He swiftly managed to get a handle of himself, though, and prevent him from falling prey to bittersweet recollections of long distant time with his dear brother. Didn't stop him from feeling a little despondent, but that was something he could easily hide or conceal with his much greater fondness and cheer he's experiencing now.

"I certainly can. Hand to me, and they'll be cheering you along with everyone else in short time, my dear!" When he does receive them, he sends Michael and Hanael to the PC to make place for them at the first opportunity!

True, as he's cleverly concealing it with fondness and cheer, Shiva does not pick up how Ven's mood decreases for short, but she'd surely notice how he flinched and does connect it with how she completely accidental and triggered by the joy she felt of seeing him again adresses him slightly different. She must have...let her guard down. Yet why he reacted the way he does, she cannot fully comprehend.

Giving Ven's arm a last squeeze, she eventually let go of it, definitely feeling somewhat embarrased but as well delighted now. Still nervous and struck by stagefright subtly, but there was no turning back now, and as this was probably the showdown she somewhat knew woud arrive sooner or later, letting her cowardous side win now of all cost was no option.

Before she could say anything, her Electric rodents made a heartfelt leap up to their Master's shoulder, Plusle one the right one and Minun on the left one, gave her some weird yet cute and honest combination of a hug and a nuzzle (not the move) and then jumped further to Ventus to place themselves on his shoulders before Shiva had a chance to return their affections, ready to be carried straight into the Gym and cheering session! More harmful sparks fell to the ground as they eagerly-mischievously squeaked and winked. "Oh... you actually don't need to send any of your Pokemon to Bill's PC Ven, as I can keep a hold of their Pokeballs as well. Take good care of them, okay?" To thank Plusle and Minun for their support even before the battle has even started, Shiva would stroke both of them under their chin and on their cheeks, not afraid at all over their electricity.

Turning around then, she realized how Nathan has seemingly already found his way inside the Gym... She frowned at that, but shrugged it off. "Oh, besides, Ven, since you weren't at the Shelter today, I've been dealing with the task Director North had prepared today on my own... But it's been alright, I was able to do a fine job on the one he gave to me, and the Pokemon certainly enjoyed what I've crafted for them. I've...well, fulfilled my agreement at last, so from now on Gothitelle - Lilith - is under my care... You've already met her with me back when we visited the Shelter for the first time, so you know about her ocassionally having visions. Lilith, due to that, Ventus' no a complete stranger to you, is he?"

[Lord Windos]

Turning around then, she realized how Nathan has seemingly already found his way inside the Gym... She frowned at that, but shrugged it off. "Oh, besides, Ven, since you weren't at the Shelter today, I've been dealing with the task Director North had prepared today on my own... But it's been alright, I was able to do a fine job on the one he gave to me, and the Pokemon certainly enjoyed what I've crafted for them. I've...well, fulfilled my agreement at last, so from now on Gothitelle - Lilith - is under my care... You've already met her with me back when we visited the Shelter for the first time, so you know about her ocassionally having visions. Lilith, due to that, Ventus' no a complete stranger to you, is he?"

(Alrighty then, I guess Ven's not switching out any Pokémon at all this time! Though I have to wonder if that's a good thing for Shiva's team comp....)

Ventus was rather thankful that his slight panic of that old nickname Shiva unknowningly revived appeared to have gone mostly unnoticed and uncommented on by her, but he did notice a change in her mood/increase in curiousity that indicated she was aware it happened. For now, he would choose not to answer her unspoken questions, as not only did he NOT want to bring up the topic and sadden his mystical friend, but he just didn't really want to talk about it period. Maybe later, in a more private setting, but not out in the public eye.....

The electric mice's antics were meet with a friendly laugh and head pats from both of them as they danced upon his shoulders, though he certainly gave Shiva an somewhat concerned glance at her declaration. "That's generious of you dear, and I'll certainly make sure they are well looked after, but are you certain you want to limit you available Pokémon for the match? Having multiple options to counter Dagney's Pokémon is certainly a boon to have, but if you insist......"

The researcher nodded their head as they described their morning to them, and gave a smile and slight bow to the stargazing Psychic type when she was re-introduced to him. "Indeed, I figured as much when we departed in the morn, but I'm delighted to hear you've finished your agreed upon work period for the Shelter at long last, and acquired......Lilith in the party. Hmm, she shares the nameshake of my sister, but I don't imagine that will be a problem if we are clear who we are speaking to! Yes, I could hardly forgot the enlightening first impression I had with her, and I've check on her several time during my work since then. Still, its a pleasure to formally meet you as a trusted member of Shiva's team, Lilith, and I do hope we get along together splendidly."