[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

*moar toneless sobbing and shed tears, but she's capable of speaking in full sentences still*  "T....thanks, I guess?" *whipping an eye* 'Just as strong' - was is that what she was subliminally after? She didn't quite know, but one thing was for sure: "I don't feel like standing behind and outside of the the light anymore because I'm not as strong as I want to be, even if I'm not at all a natural battler or anything, sick and tired of it..."

The ground is pretty interesting to watch actually, as she doesn't face Nathan or anyone in the party directly.

"Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people.  Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites.  That's what Karen of the Indigo League's Elite 4 says.  It's one thing to enjoy leisurely battles, but real battles can be a severe trial.   Truly strong Trainers sometimes must be prepared to choose Pokemon that can win rather than their favorite Pokemon.  I don't know who said that exactly, but they were from Hoenn."

...

"...whatever strength is, though, I think Alder definitely has the right idea.  To paraphrase: It's not just enough to be strong.  It's why you seek to become strong and what you do with that strength that really matters.  Of course, he never addresses what strength is in the first place, but he speaks from experience, as I'm sure you already know..."

...

"...there may be no right answer, and maybe being truly strong has many appearances.  Alder does also say this, though: Even if you lose in battle, if you surpass what you've done before, you have bested yourself. Take the opportunity of a battle to look at your opponent, look at the Pokémon involved, and look at yourself!"

...

Nathan goes quiet again...pondering the subject a little more...he has his own opinion on the matter, but he's just presenting information for the time being...

...maybe he'll offer his opinion if asked about it, though?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Heart was comemorating for Shiva and join with the other to congreate the great of her! "Dont feel like that Shiva! You battle was awesome! Now there is no doubt you are the Fairy Dragon Slayer and Destroyer of Steel Walls! I knew it you could do it! Make me more eager to fight you in the future! You are one of my rivals so be prepare in future! But serious you show a great out there. Great job!" Heart, Koa and Rose make positive finger to Shiva.

"Oh, the battle was a-awesome! Like, have you seen that Delta Porygon turning into a Dragon Type? Like a Mini-Tracton it looked a little then, and my fox was able to burn it down... But.... But... that was so clooose! And dangerous! And, well, eh, thanks for...supporting... hehe." She doesn't speak it out aloud, but the opening that Heart saw her as a future-rival hit her hard. Not in a  negative way however, but in great wondering, innocent curiosity what may has caused this and how she became a 'rival' of his at all...? This casued her to finally look up from the ground again.

"W-we can friendly-battle one day as well if you insist, Heart... But, rival for what? Why such competitive sentiments?"

Ventus was inclined to agree with Nathan's assessment of Shiva's capability, though he expressed such sentiments in a decidedly different way: he practically materialized right behind her and swooped his most mystical darling into his arms in a great big and bubbly Bewear Hug! Plusle and Minun, not wanting to be left out of such a beautiful moment at all, leaped over from the researcher's shoulders and onto hers, nuzzling (Not Nuzzling!) and hugging both sides of her head and letting out the cuuuutest squeeks! The devil bat, on the other hand, decided to keep his distance from the fae woman, as while he cheered them on during the match that does not mean he was in anyway going to take his chances with her, no way no how!

"Oh joyous days, Shiva! For you have conquered Dagney, and with cunning and aplomb no less! I'm so proud and delighted to she how far you've come since the beginning of our journey, and I just can't wait to see you next great big performance, my dearest!!!"

He then gently let her down onto the ground and, after returning Plusles's and Minun's Pokeballs to her care, threw out his arms wide and had the most charming, cheerful, and infectious grin the group has seen yet!

"This momunmentous event of your and ALL our victories against the Steel Wonder calls for a celebration, I think! I recently purchased a giant Swirlix made of cotton candy in the wake of my own triumphant win, and have already shared it with my family and Nathan's Pokémon, so why not indulge yourselves and your own teammates, my friends (Motions to Shiva and Heart)? My treat!!!"

Arrrrrghhhhh! When did Ventus came so close so suddenly ? A-and when did she level-up from his 'dear' to his 'dearest'? Of course this and his heartfelt praise caused some some shy blush emerging from her inner, she couldn't help it but she didn't want to make it obvious, so she leaned into and returned that sweeeet and tight hug of his, practically burrying her face into his green tweed that was always so comfortable to touch. Haaah... She'd thank him for his prasiewith a kiss especially, but currently she was too busy with sobbing in delight. How lucky(?) for him! Plusle and Minun were thankfully accepted as well and are free to nuzzle their Master as much as they wanted, as Shiva does happily and thankfully return the sentiments! "My, Ven, th.....thank you...! oh well. Oh you again!~"

Thei Pokeballs are accepted back as well, and Shiva packed them away for now while keeping the Electric rodents right there on her shoulders, one mouse of the pair on each shoulder. That grin of Ventus ALMOST caused her to dart right there into his arms once again and cuddle him once more, but this time she restrained herself while she was drying some more tears with that tissue while trying to hide the blush that definitely came up now once again.

The mentioning of COTTON CANDY, which Shiva also knew a Fairy Floss, caused her to stop mid-movement and stare at him again, at first in a wondering expression - before it grew completely innocent, sweet and sugary, just like a Swirlix. "I-I happily accept your invitation, my dear! Hummmm~ B-But, can we head to the GPC first, please? I'd like to give my...fainted Pokemon to one of the Nurse Joy in duty..."

"Strong Pokémon. Weak Pokémon. That is only the selfish perception of people.  Truly skilled trainers should try to win with their favorites.  That's what Karen of the Indigo League's Elite 4 says.  It's one thing to enjoy leisurely battles, but real battles can be a severe trial.   Truly strong Trainers sometimes must be prepared to choose Pokemon that can win rather than their favorite Pokemon.  I don't know who said that exactly, but they were from Hoenn."
...
"...whatever strength is, though, I think Alder definitely has the right idea.  To paraphrase: It's not just enough to be strong.  It's why you seek to become strong and what you do with that strength that really matters.  Of course, he never addresses what strength is in the first place, but he speaks from experience, as I'm sure you already know..."
...
"...there may be no right answer, and maybe being truly strong has many appearances.  Alder does also say this, though: Even if you lose in battle, if you surpass what you've done before, you have bested yourself. Take the opportunity of a battle to look at your opponent, look at the Pokémon involved, and look at yourself!"

Aha... Shiva carefully listened to what Nathan had to say here. Oh, of course she knows Alder! Well, not personally, but as best as a Unovian does know its former Champion and proud owner of a fierly and graceful Volcarona.

At first, Shiva doesn't say anything concerning this, as she's pondering. "Th...thanks for these words... I think I know indeed what I see as 'strenght' in my personal case. That's nothing to be taken for granted, but I eventually realized - it feels like quite a boon to approximately know what you are seeking." She looks up to the darkening sky or the steely ceiling of the Gym. "And I enjoy battles with my favorite Pokemon, ot at least with those I'm enjoying closeness and some sort of connection." She throws a short glance over to Gothitelle as she said this. "W-what's the point of training and dealing with a Pokemon one does not like and that pretty much doesn't like you either?"

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Let's see.... When arriving at the GPC sooner or later, all while drying her last tears and occassionally drawing that Ankerite Badge and look at it in awe similar like Kyuu sometimes did with his Pink Apricorn Nut, Shiva does some switching in her party:


At first, Marill, Braixen and Vaporeon are handed to the current Nurse Joy in duty! "Can you please heal them back for me again? Marill and Braixen are fainted, Vaporeon is just very weak and tired. Thank you! I'll pick them up in the morning."

Second, to replace the two other Pokemon Shiva has prepared for the battle, Pancham and that Pineco, Pluse and Minun can stay with her a little longer! <3

Third, welcome back, dearest Cottonee! Shiva couldn't help but to immediately release the fluffball only to give her a looong and lovely Bewear-Hug in the style Ventus has just given her!

Fourth, Gothitelle of course remains in the party, and since there are still two Slot left, Kyuu and Spritzee come back to Shiva!

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Ventus was inclined to agree with Nathan's assessment of Shiva's capability, though he expressed such sentiments in a decidedly different way: he practically materialized right behind her and swooped his most mystical darling into his arms in a great big and bubbly Bewear Hug! Plusle and Minun, not wanting to be left out of such a beautiful moment at all, leaped over from the researcher's shoulders and onto hers, nuzzling (Not Nuzzling!) and hugging both sides of her head and letting out the cuuuutest squeeks! The devil bat, on the other hand, decided to keep his distance from the fae woman, as while he cheered them on during the match that does not mean he was in anyway going to take his chances with her, no way no how!

"Oh joyous days, Shivat! For you have conquered Dagney, and with cunning and aplomb no less! I'm so proud and delighted to she how far you've come since the beginning of our journey, and I just can't wait to see you next great big performance, my dearest!!!"

He then gently let her down onto the ground and, after returning Plusles's and Minun's Pokeballs to her care, threw out his arms wide and had the most charming, cheerful, and infectious grin the group has seen yet!

"This momunmentous event of your and ALL our victories against the Steel Wonder calls for a celebration, I think! I recently purchased a giant Swirlix made of cotton candy in the wake of my own triumphant win, and have already shared it with my family and Nathan's Pokémon, so why not indulge yourselves and your own teammates, my friends (Motions to Shiva and Heart)? My treat!!!"

Order: At the soonest opportunity, reveal the Swirlix and let the feast begin! Also, Ven will be reconfiguring his Pokémon Party to the format now: Raphael with no Items, Apsis with her Necklace back in place, Michael, Lucifer with his Wides Lens, Hanael with no items, and Abaddon with no Items. That's all for now!

Heart was comemorating for Shiva and join with the other to congreate the great of her! "Dont feel like that Shiva! You battle was awesome! Now there is no doubt you are the Fairy Dragon Slayer and Destroyer of Steel Walls! I knew it you could do it! Make me more eager to fight you in the future! You are one of my rivals so be prepare in future! But serious you show a great out there. Great job!" Heart, Koa and Rose make positive finger to Shiva.

"Oh, the battle was a-awesome! Like, have you seen that Delta Porygon turning into a Dragon Type? Like a Mini-Tracton it looked a little then, and my fox was able to burn it down... But.... But... that was so clooose! And dangerous! And, well, eh, thanks for...supporting... hehe." She doesn't speak it out aloud, but the opening that Heart saw her as a future-rival hit her hard. Not in a  negative way however, but in great wondering, innocent curiosity what may has caused this and how she became a 'rival' of his at all...? This casued her to finally look up from the ground again.

"W-we can friendly-battle one day as well if you insist, Heart... But, rival for what? Why such competitive sentiments?"

Heart then begin to explain Shiva his reasons to Shiva be a rival. "Well, because you are definitive a strong person, great strategies of combat to avoid the typing weakness from your team. Was able to beat that Excadrill inside a dire situation, and defeat a Tracton wanabee Porygon. Even I and Rose have dificult to beat him in the final battle, and you have not much problems to deal with him, even he became dragon-type. And even with winning I faint from exaustation, so you deserve greaty praises Shiva! And like I say to Ventus: From the four of us, you are the one with great potential to be the stronger of us. And I not saying this to raise your spirits. Its my honest opinion from what I have witness until now. Thats why I consider you a rival." Heart give a honest smile. "You are great Shiva. Both as a person and trainer."

Heart was quite indeed with watering mouth about Ventus sugestion. "Oh yes I would like to share that food too Ventus! I make some supplies for our journey to Cress City too. Since we dont know how much we will journey (and avoid the certain events) I make a lot of food supplies for our journey too. But I definitive think we deserve a comemoration people."

[Dragonstrike]

Aha... Shiva carefully listened to what Nathan had to say here. Oh, of course she knows Alder! Well, not personally, but as best as a Unovian does know its former Champion and proud owner of a fierly and graceful Volcarona.

At first, Shiva doesn't say anything concerning this, as she's pondering. "Th...thanks for these words... I think I know indeed what I see as 'strenght' in my personal case. That's nothing to be taken for granted, but I eventually realized - it feels like quite a boon to approximately know what you are seeking." She looks up to the darkening sky or the steely ceiling of the Gym. "And I enjoy battles with my favorite Pokemon, ot at least with those I'm enjoying closeness and some sort of connection." She throws a short glance over to Gothitelle as she said this. "W-what's the point of training and dealing with a Pokemon one does not like and that pretty much doesn't like you either?"

Nathan quietly ponders how the statements pertain to him as well, and how they might relate to other people he's read and heard about...

"...yes, I think it's best if trainer and pokemon actually wish to be together.  That's how a pokemon's true strength can be revealed...I personally agree with both Karen and that unknown person from Hoenn.  Some pokemon are clearly stronger than others, yes, but they're all strong, one way or another.  Karen was referring to the inherent skill of bringing out a pokemon's best, and the unknown person referred to the highest level of battling...at least, that's how I see it."

Back to quietly pondering...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Back at the GPC, it's a little bit of a celebration, though Nathan and Kirlia are a bit aside.  Since Starmie and Charmeleon didn't get any cotton candy earlier, they get some as well if they like!  (I'm sure Charmeleon will be more than happy to have some to celebrate Dagny's defeat).  Forthright's had enough already, and Kirlia's being polite and not taking any more so everyone else can have some.

Nathan's quiet.  Doesn't have much to say right now.  Just thinking about things.  The battle, what happened during it, what happened before...his mood's fairly light again, but there's still a heaviness behind it since there's still some stuff bothering him.  There's still that chat with Ventus that needs to be finished, after all...

[Lord Windos]

*moar toneless sobbing and shed tears, but she's capable of speaking in full sentences still*  "T....thanks, I guess?" *whipping an eye* 'Just as strong' - was is that what she was subliminally after? She didn't quite know, but one thing was for sure: "I don't feel like standing behind and outside of the the light anymore because I'm not as strong as I want to be, even if I'm not at all a natural battler or anything, sick and tired of it..."

The ground is pretty interesting to watch actually, as she doesn't face Nathan or anyone in the party directly.

*Insert Nathan's Speech Here*

The boy's speech + quotations about the unique and individual strength of Pokémon and the ethics of those viewpoints earned them curious, ponderous look from Ventus that he hide behind his cheerful demeanor and smile. Instead of commenting on those points, though, he just left his dearest Shiva to give her opinion while he filled away this Insightful tibit for later. With Nathan still in a taciturn mood and being mainly focused on lauding his fae friend's grand accomplishments, and the ever so slightly distasteful fact that he has a 're-schedualed and re-vamped' chat concerning Shadow Pokémon tonight with him, the empath frankly didn't have any desire to converse with him right now. He'll just enjoy this splendorous moment with his dear, trusted friend for now, and save his Strength for that most likely dredful talk in the near future....

(...)

Arrrrrghhhhh! When did Ventus came so close so suddenly ? A-and when did she level-up from his 'dear' to his 'dearest'? Of course this and his heartfelt praise caused some some shy blush emerging from her inner, she couldn't help it but she didn't want to make it obvious, so she leaned into and returned that sweeeet and tight hug of his, practically burrying her face into his green tweed that was always so comfortable to touch. Haaah... She'd thank him for his prasiewith a kiss especially, but currently she was too busy with sobbing in delight. How lucky(?) for him! Plusle and Minun were thankfully accepted as well and are free to nuzzle their Master as much as they wanted, as Shiva does happily and thankfully return the sentiments! "My, Ven, th.....thank you...! oh well. Oh you again!~"

Thei Pokeballs are accepted back as well, and Shiva packed them away for now while keeping the Electric rodents right there on her shoulders, one mouse of the pair on each shoulder. That grin of Ventus ALMOST caused her to dart right there into his arms once again and cuddle him once more, but this time she restrained herself while she was drying some more tears with that tissue while trying to hide the blush that definitely came up now once again.

The mentioning of COTTON CANDY, which Shiva also knew a Fairy Floss, caused her to stop mid-movement and stare at him again, at first in a wondering expression - before it grew completely innocent, sweet and sugary, just like a Swirlix. "I-I happily accept your invitation, my dear! Hummmm~ B-But, can we head to the GPC first, please? I'd like to give my...fainted Pokemon to one of the Nurse Joy in duty..."

The overaffectionate (Or perhaps not affectionate enough? Hora Hora~) and estatic researcher could only beam with unbridled joy and experience some partial amusement at Shiva's flustered yet never the less reciprocating reaction to his hug. He mused her hand with one of his hands as she buried herself into his sweater, looking down upon her with a happy, content, and simply......fond smile on his face, though when he let her down it (the smile) reverted back to its previous festive form!

"No thanks are necessary, my dear! In fact, I should be the one thanking you for giving us all yet another splediforous moment to celebrate together, so please, accept my deepest gratitude for this!"

For a second he thought/felt that his mystical friend was going to return his previous affections with Huge Power, but was relieved? (disappointed?) when she opted to calm herself down instead, though that didn't stop him from letting out a couple of chuckles at how bashful she looked. Sometimes (Well, most of the time [Or maybe not at all?]) , he forgets how sensitive she is to his more kind, caring, and/or tender interactions with her, but he can't say he doesn't enjoy it all the same.

His grin only grew brighter as both she and Heart accepted his proposal to share his sweet, sugary Swirlix, clasping his hand together and simply saying: "Excellent! Let's us make haste to the Pokémon Center then, so that everyone and their Pokémon may feast and be merry for this occasion!"

Order: Head to the Pokémon Center with everyone else, then bring out the Swirlix for them and their given Pokémon to enjoy! Also, change in Party line up: He'll be storing Hanael in the PC so that he can hold his Black and Blue Egg and check on it/carefully cuddle it for the night! Progess on Magnemite Eggs too?

Afterward the fun is over, he'll walk over to were Nathan sitting, and wait for them to bring up the topic of last night's conversation if he wants.

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan's quietly thinking...

...when he does speak to Ventus, he doesn't jump into the expected topic right away.

"...ya know, it was nice to see Charmeleon genuinely enjoying himself there. It was...kinda relaxing. A little."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

The overaffectionate (Or perhaps not affectionate enough? Hora Hora~) and estatic researcher could only beam with unbridled joy and experience some partial amusement at Shiva's flustered yet never the less reciprocating reaction to his hug. He mused her hand with one of his hands as she buried herself into his sweater, looking down upon her with a happy, content, and simply......fond smile on his face, though when he let her down it (the smile) reverted back to its previous festive form!

"No thanks are necessary, my dear! In fact, I should be the one thanking you for giving us all yet another splediforous moment to celebrate together, so please, accept my deepest gratitude for this!"

For a second he thought/felt that his mystical friend was going to return his previous affections with Huge Power, but was relieved? (disappointed?) when she opted to calm herself down instead, though that didn't stop him from letting out a couple of chuckles at how bashful she looked. Sometimes (Well, most of the time [Or maybe not at all?]) , he forgets how sensitive she is to his more kind, caring, and/or tender interactions with her, but he can't say he doesn't enjoy it all the same.

His grin only grew brighter as both she and Heart accepted his proposal to share his sweet, sugary Swirlix, clasping his hand together and simply saying: "Excellent! Let's us make haste to the Pokémon Center then, so that everyone and their Pokémon may feast and be merry for this occasion!"

A slight pity that Shiva didn't really saw that fond smile as she was faintly nuzzling and snuggling into the green tweed sweater of the oddball of researcher, enjoying the touch ('Please never stop wearing such cuddly sweater, Ven!', her emotional pool seemed to silently tell him), closeness and all these warm feelings they both seemed to feel - with an affinity to the traveling group to get into conflicts with one another for one reason or the other, Shiva was actually kinda relieved and delighted that they have grown much closer to one another than she - or probably both of them - may have thought as they have met up there in the lab in Trillium Town so long ago.


+++++


She mostly kept quiet during the walk back to the GPC; by the time they all arrived there she has recovered enough from the slight (positive) emotional breakdown caused by the unexpected oddity that she managed to defeat the Steel Wonder, and her senses were practically yearning for some sugary treat! The battle has exhausted her, much, but pleasant rest fir the night would have to wait for just a little longer as there's a victory to celebrate. What's better to celebrate the evening with an overload of sticky cotton candy resembling the sweetest of all Fairy Types, and it certainly wouldn't be only her Pokemon that'd get a bite off, as Shiva was sharing that affinity for sugar and sweet with Fairy Type and digged in to the same degree as all the Pokemon she currently kept with her (which were, as above, her Electric rodents, Cottonee, Gothitelle, Kyuu and Spritzee). Coffee was still the one thing she'd walk miles for to get though, but sweets came right after it, and given how she was constantly feeding cookies and sweet dried berries besides the Dry or Gourmet Food to her own Pokemon, they'd surely appreciate the treat! Maybe Cottonee even remembers how a Vendor at Ginger Town's Festival gave the fluffball a free sample of cotton candy as she spotted some white fluff that reminded her on herself. (That's your call, Iron.)

For now, Nathan can quietly ponder as much as he wanted, Shiva does notice that he's doing that as well as how he's a little aside both mentally and physical on free will, but she simply doesn't care right now, there was nothing wrong with it. All she now wanted was to enjoy the evening with Ventus, Heart and all their Pokemon, if Nathan himself doesn't want to be part of it, then by all means so be it then, he's old enough to make his own decisions. Run-ins with him had a tendency to drag her mood down, and Shiva does certainly not want that to happen now, so she just opts to enjoy the evening, that'll do it for tonight.

As for Ven, he certainly deserves another dear cuddle that she has silently denied him originally, as well as an actual thank-you-kiss when they'll turn in for the night, whether on the cheek or on the lips depends what he'll allow then. For now, she 'only' had a delighted smile for him whenever he'd look at her. If he allows, Shiva also keeps a portion of the candy for Nightshade later, as sugar was pure energy and the cherrylike Pokemon could use every source of energy there is. There was also one more thing she needed to let him know, so she nudged him in the side to get his attention. "I accidently missed to tell you earlier, Ven, but you do remember these Magnetmine Eggs Dagny has given us two, do you? Well, ehm, they're very close to hatching (according to GM they'll hatch on Day50!) , and I've been carrying yours all the time... Magnemite may not have that much of an instant attatchement to their hatcher due to their partial Steel Type, but you'd want to have your back so that it'll hatch when being with you, do you? Well, here you are, do you have room for it in your party?"

+++++

Eventually, it was getting late and very soon it was about time to head to bed. She thanked Heart again with an appreciating pat on the shoulder for his attentant and support, waved Nathan and Kirlia a goodnight and made attempts to leave in direction upstairs to the dorms, when Ventus very suprisingly opened up that he'll come later as he needed to...talk with Nathan? This earned him the sight of Shiva's former smile rather quickly melting away into an expression of wondering, subtle disappointment and a hinted lack of understanding, her emotional response was practically the same except there was a very very small hint on furiosity in between.

However, it felt wrong to soft-force him to stay by his side longer than it may be necessary even if she'd enjoy to keep his company as long as possible and even if she didn't get what was so important that it must be discussed this evening when they had the whole day to talk and even were late to her battle. Ugh... Doesn't matter though, she'll get through, cuddle up into bed earlier and maybe enjoy some more Rounds of Pokemon Tetris, all while ending the pleasantly for her and subliminally wait for Ven to eventually return.

Oh, and now she had the time to actually read that the Almanac says about Tracton and how Kyuu, her small psychic kitten probably still emitting waves of psychic energy, reacts to a mighy and noble Gothitelle that controlled immense psychic power.

[Spiritmon]

Heart eat a bit of the candy cotton and thanks Ventus for the delicious food. "Thank you Ventus! But I must go now to my resting room people. I still a little tired after my battle against Dagny and I must rest a bit for tomorrow to help my pokemon in his training tomorrow." Heart also nod his head about Shiva thank him. "Ah its nothing Shiva! If you need anything, dont hesitate to ask." Then Heart go to his room (unless anyone have anything to talk with him) and go to his room to sleep for the next day.

[Iron]

All the Pokemon enjoy chowing down on the faux Swirlix, and with that many characters eating at it, soon it's nothing but a sticky cone that used to hold the ENORMOUS cotton candy.

I've been looking for a good chance to give out some Happiness points, and this is perfect!
+1 Happiness to:
Espurr
Numel, if he's really in your party?
Starmie
Rose

Espurr is especially happy because Gothitelle lets him wear her tin foil hat for a little bit, helping him learn a little more control.


Tracton
Tracton, the Crane Beast Pokemon.
Tracton is one of the most obedient of all the Dragon Pokemon. If it is given work outside of battle, it will obey orders in battle, making it very useful despite its rarity. Its jaws can crumple steel or tear up stone. It has no evolutionary capacity. It is currently unknown whether Tracton grew to mimic modern construction equipment or if it was altered that way by man. Its lack of reproductive organs suggests the latter.