[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

You actually would have held back without trouble, so Solrock isn't fainted, just defeated.

Wonder Room will persist.

Out comes Starmie! (6)
http://pokemonuranium.co/forum/showthrea...0#pid38770 - initiative order

[Dragonstrike]

Valder swaps out Froakie for Mamo. (2) Galvantula goes first due to higher Dex.

Ah, the mammoth pokemon.

Which is now caught in Grid's webbing, and slowed considerably because of it.  Just enough for Grid to take as much advantage of it as possible...perfect.  

Alright, time for Plan C...

[Iron]

Nathan vs Valder Round 2

Fury Cutter 1 through 4!
(6)(5)(4)(5)(4) Critical hit
(4)(3)(6)(2)
(5)(2)(1)
(1)(4) That's 10d6 of damage. Wow. And it's gonna break up those 1's.
(5)(2)(1)(6)
(1)(4)
(4)(3)
(3)(4) Mamoswine takes 5 dmg. 6/11hp. Grid hooks onto the massive Pokemon and proceeds to rip its thick hide apart.

Mamoswine counters with a single Ancient Power, summoning rocks from within the earth to pinch Galvantula.

Ancient Power
5 dice, -1 Web, -1 pain
(6)(1)(6)
(5)(1)(3)(2) Galvantula takes 2 dmg 2/7hp -2 pain.
Chance: (1)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

...

"...I wonder if they've ever run into Mirror B., then...or maybe Wes is hunting them down since nobody knows where he's gone in the last 10 years...I think Michael's helping with the rebuilding and continued research...it's just so...unnerving that Cipher was so deeply ingrained in Orre's infrastructure...before they'd even started their production of the vile creatures, they'd taken over the entirety of the region...and even when they got the boot, they reestablished themselves so quickly, took over the entirety of Phenac City without breaking a sweat...guess the Shadow Triad might have taught them a few tricks about stealth..."

...

"...that being said, it takes a technical genius to create Shadow Pokemon artificially, and I can't think of anyone besides Ein and Lovrina who had the know how to do it (Nathan doesn't really know much about Colress, btw), and they've turned over a new leaf since then.  Any information and locations pertaining to the creation of the creatures has been long wiped out...Citadark Isle, the Cipher Key Lair and Lab...all long demolished.  Cipher would be starting from scratch if they returned again..."

...

"...I don't want to know how they made pokemon completely emotionless anyways...I almost wish I hadn't stumbled on those ONBS news archives myself...but I'd rather know in the event something like it happens again so I could...maybe do something about it instead of standing completely idly...I...wouldn't want to be on the front lines...but..."

...

"...what scares me most is that it could still happen again...and not even Legendaries could fully stop it the previous times...I just...hope it doesn't...I hope Orre's scrubbed everything clean enough to prevent another disaster like those..."

...

"...you're probably right in that there's no point in worrying about it if it's not happening again...but that doesn't mean we should be unprepared for it...I'm sure Almanac would LOVE to get their hands on anything concerning the creation of Shadow Pokemon..."

Eventually, both Raphael's radient, comforting aura and hugs and Nathan's response managed to snap Ventus out of the depressive funk caused by reliving those very bittersweet memories of his, giving him the opportunity to firmly grasp and dispel those negative emotion and reassurt his iron clad control over himself once. After spending a few minutes thinking over how to best respond to the boy's worried filled statement, he decided to continue his approach of direct simple honestly on his part, as its worked 'well' so far.

"......If Wes or Mirror B is hunting down the Shadow Triad, then thier search has been fruitless or they are dead. The Shadow Triad are not 'found'; they simply appear when they wish and nothing more, and anyone that tries or succeed in subverting that will suffer a most unfortunate fate. More so than ever, since no doubt wherever they are hiding away is where Ghetsis is secluded at as well, unless they are employing multiple bases and frequently switch between them or have them set up as decoys. At least, that is what I suspect from what I know from working with them."

...

"......I pray to Reshirim that Michael's own beneficiary efforts are meet with excellent success, as while Orre is no longer desperately in need of a hero to rescue it from Cipher's vile clutches, their insidious influence and the fallout of their actions still needs to be dealt with swiftly, lest something arises from it once more. Hopefully Cipher's tenacious grasp will be fully stamped out in the coming years, or will be rendered so weak and vestigial that they are rendered forever impotent. Let's also hope that the Shadow Triad's teachings and techniques will serve to be less effective for the group now they've revealed their hand and have been so utterly foiled...."

Ventus was oddly silent as Nathan brought up the past Shadow Pokémon 'researchers' (He means that in the loosest of terms) , and his experssion turned......pensive and troubled as they went on about the complete and utter eradication of all knowledge to create them (Thank The Tao Trio!). It cleared quickly enough as they moved on, however, and any looks/reactions made about that reaction was deflect with a kind smile and simply saying : "Just pondering all of this, Nathan. Sorry for worrying you needlessly."

...

"The people that desire methods of creating more of those tragic creatures are few and far between, even among the criminal underworld or the morally bankrupt entrepuneurs. I rather all information concerning Cipher and their various projects be wiped from existence to all but those that need to know, as the less that know of their diabolic and evil acts committed against all Pokémon, the less likely someone will desire to replicate those results for themselves.... If artificial Shadow Pokémon make a revival in some fashion due to the shortsightedness and cruelity of others, I would be among the first to volunteer my expertise to help revert their condition, among other.......services I could provide."

....

"As I've said, do not worry yourself about these kind of things, Nathan. You have no idea or control over whether Cipher or Shadow Pokémon will make yet another comeback in Orre or another far flung land, nor any reason to suspect that anyone in your home region possesses both the distinct lack of morality and empathy required to even think of doing such an monsterous, fiendish thing. While I may at times find Cheshire's reverence and highly respectful attitude to be at time odd, in this case it serves well in discouraging individuals or organization in conducting 'research' of this type. "

"Even Almanac would be hesitate in researching Shadow Pokémon beyond anything other than opening their heart and curing them, unless they wish to suffer severe public and government backlash if or when that information is leaked. How on earth an.....dubious, unscrupulous and ethically lax and flexible Pokémon R&D Coglomerate managed to thrive here is beyond me, but they have some how. Perhaps in time we can uncover more solid and unsavory information about them and bring them at heel, or force them to tread with extreme caution if they want to continue doing business in Cheshire, but for now let's not focus on them too much. The Scimitars and the Secret Library are more pertinent matters that need our attention, so I suggest focusing on them until they are dealt with, or future events force us to reprioritize......"

Silence reigned for the longest time after this, during which Ven's incense fully burned itself out and his beloved archangel continued its duties in providing a soothing calm to the proceedings, until with a *Sigh* the researcher stood up from the bed and gave Nathan a tired but respectful nod. Tonight's conversation was far from ideal and weighed on him like a obese Snorlax, but in a way it was......relieving to be able to speak freely about his torrid past and illicit knowledge with someone, and get off such malignant feelings off his chest, even if it all taxed him greatly emotionally wise.

"We've said all that is needed about Shadow Pokémon and Cipher, and such......heavy topic have burdened and worn us down enough for one night and beyond, so I will be turning in now. I do hope this conversation has cleared things up about last night, and that I have helped in some way in alievating your concerns, or at least redirecting them elsewhere for the time being. I'd like this to be a net positive experience for us, in spite of us having every reason not to feel as such. Good night Nathan, and I pray to Reshirim that by morning's light you'll be your confidant, cheerful self once, and you'll find more reasons to be like such for the unforeseeable future....."

With that said, the empath beckoned Raphael to his side to give them one last gentle, loving carass, before returning them to their Pokeball and departing from the room, slowly making his way to his room while he processed, sorted, and contained all the information gained and feelings inspired by his discussion with the young scholar. If Shiva was awake, he didn't want to chance her cottoning on to his weary, stressed, and careworn state of being and start asking question, and if she wasn't he didn't want go to bed and rest on negative sentiment that could plague his subconscious and ruin his night's sleep.

'I rather not her learn of the existence of Cipher or Shadow Pokémon, as her strong compassion for Pokémon and emotional fragility will without fail make such revelations.......disconcerting to her, to say the least, so I will do all I can to prevent her from learning of it from me at least. Nathan.....I pray he has enough sense to do the same as I, but given how he forced the existence......demon dog *Shivers* of his onto her despite knowing her most probably reaction and the consequences of it......its not improbable he would do so anyway. I'll have to speak with him later on this, or send him a message to be certain that will not happen, and prepare safety measures should he refuse to a vow of confediatiality....' Ventus though, before he reached his room and deliberately dispelled/repressed/barred off and concealed all feelings connected to his recent conversation, and silently entered.

Phantom's Post!

Onward to Day50 we go then.
@Lord Windos, since I've decided to not teleport to yet secret place for reasons, I'm not in need to burrow Haziel from Ventus anymore as Helios can easily teleport Shiva to Ginger Town and back from Stair City.



Night's rest for Shiva was calm, enjoyable and she couldn't remember the dream, which was actually a good sign. The tiredness caused by the exhausting battle against the Steel Wonder, positive emotional upriling from winning the match and all that cotton candy snacking (sadly there was nothing left that Shiva could offer Nightshade later, but maybe a bit of actual sugar would work just as well?) must have eventually made her drowsy, as when Ventus eventually came back to the dorm, she has already turned in for the night, the lights turned out not too long ago and the curtail only shortly drawn to cover the window. Stair City doesn't sleep, but with enough tricks it was relatively easy to block out the noisy nightlife of a big city to find pleasant and restful sleep. The scent of freshly burnt sandalwood incense was still lingering in the air of the room.

Cottonee was still awake - or did she awoke? - though when the oddball of researcher came back and closed the door behind himself, the grassy fairy has fred herself from her Master's arms enough to wave him a hello with one of her leaves before she motioned to please be quiet by placing the tip of her leaf where her mouth would be, before she opted to serve as an additional vivid plushie for Shiva again.

Ventus would find a written note from Shiva on the table again. It read the following.

Ven, hi!~

Well, ehm, by the time you're reading this I'm already far away wandering the meadows of my dreamland picking up rainbowcolored flowers that'll meow when being picked, so please do not wake me up unless you're not doing okay for a reason. I don't know whether the message has reached you correctly yesterday, but I honestly thank you for your support, not only during this Gym Battle. You're an amazing...friend and I'd miss you would we be forced to part ways.

Given how we both have finished our appointment at the Shelter, you actually don't have to bring breakfast up the dorm anymore, but nothing stops you from doing it anyway if you insist. I'd appreciate if you'd awake me when you're getting up though, as I'd like to head to Ginger Town's Daycare today. Besides, how's your Kingdra doing? Will you show him to me once?

Also, the Magnemite Eggs Dagny has given the two of us are very close to hatching. I've placed them on the table - yours is the right one, the one that has been confirmed to hatch with Magnet Pull Ability.

Sleep well and pleasant rest then, and make sure to note me shall they hatch.
Love, Shiva

- This time, there's a doodled pair of Plusle and Minun in the corner of the paper, a small heart being displayed between them. -

When Shiva has been awoken by him, they have shared their plans for the day (can be done in a flashback as well, Windos), Shiva would eventually head downstairs to the Lobby where they'll probably part ways, Ventus to the Shelter and Shiva to the counter of the GPC to receive her healed up Pokemon back from Nurse Joy with a thankful smile. At the PC she'd place herself right afterwards, she swaps around in her party again until her current Pokemon were Cottonee, Gothitelle, Kyuu, Marill, Vaporeon and Helios. Phew, how many Pokemon has she actually collected by now?

When the sociologist discovered that Shiva had indeed fallen asleep as he viewed his resting form, he let out a silent sigh of relief , as that meant he no longer had to worry about her prying. Cottenee's midnight greeting and urging for silence was meet with a tired yet warm smile and a nod of his head, before he noticed the letter on the night stand and, curious, went over to inspect it. Noticing it was addressed to him, Ventus took the opportunity to scan it over, and soon he had a different type of smile on his face as he let out a quiet chuckle.

'Oh Shiva......I'd say you were sinfully sweat, if you were far too pure hearted for such a saying to ever apply to you. Rest assured that I will always be a faithful companion to you, my dear, one that you can rely and count for anything, and will do their best to help you with everything in their power..... Breakfast in bed and properly introducing Ao Guang to you are certainly within in, so I shall continuing doing the former until further notice, and get the later accomplished soon and safely, though since he reacted favorably with Nathan and he already is aware of her, I have little reason to suspect he'll lash out at her unless provoked. Still, it always pays to practice due caution, so I will have to speak with him prior to the meeting to absolutely nothing goes amiss....'

As he pondered over this he also turned his head towards the Magnemite Eggs Shiva has so dutifully and wonderfully tended to, the knowledge they would soon hatch because of such skillful care greatly eased his unease/tension/emotional exhaustion in part, along with her message in general. How did he become so fortunate to gain the trust, care, generosity, friendship, and even perhaps love?  Truly, he must be blessed by Reshirim, for he was certain without such divine providence a wretched man such as himself would never hope to become more than just simple friends with such a near perfect, angelic woman......

With those comforting, thankful, and slightly increadulous feelings/thoughts in his noggin, Ventus went over to check over the Eggs (along with his Black and Blue Egg, which was in its Fast Incubator that he'd soon laid on the table), and take his (The Magnemite Egg) to bed with him, carefully cradling it in such a way as not to break it while providing all ample warmth to it. Doing such reminded him of doing similar with Raphael's, bringing a simply happy smile to his face as he tucked himself in and drifted off into peaceful, restorative slumber. What a turbulent but delightful day overall, despite its rougher moments.....

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

*Morning of Day 50*

After what seemed to be an eternity of slumber, Ventus arose from his slumber as the first rays of sunlight washed over the earth, stretching both arms and feeling in much better spirits after a night of pleasant, dreamless, and restorative rest. He was swift to check his and Shiva's Eggs for any signs of hatching, before just as quickly (and quietly) getting out of bed, going through his morning rituals, grabbing the usual breakfast for himself and Shiva and taking it to their room, etc. before he went over to wake his fae friend up with gentle shaking and soft words.

"Shiva, time to get up and ready yourself for your trip to the Daycare........"

After that was conducted and they had breakfast/she discussed her plans with him, he tapped told her his, namely spending more time with Lucifer and conduct the Bonding Ritual with him in the  Morning, and head over to the Shelter to volunteer for the rest of the evening. He also told her that he would be happy to arrange a proper meeting with Ao Guang, after he had more time to get better aquanted with him and ensure he wouldn't cause any.....incidents when they are introduced.

"Sorry I can't introduce you to him sooner, but I rather err on the side of caution and not put you or anyone else in harm's way until I've built up more of a raport with him, and minimize the chances he could do something.......unbefitting of his regal status."

Finally, with some amount of trepidation on his part, Ventus informed her of his private meeting with Dagney in its entirety (subject to cautious editing!), making sure she was both properly updated on the group next most probable course of action and allow her the chance to offer her own input/opinion on things. It sucks when you are left out of the loop in most cases, you know!

*Flashback End!......for the most part!*

Once those discussion took place and breakfast was consumed, he bid Shiva a "Great and fruitful day in Ginger Town!" , and got started on his first task of the day: the Bonding Ritual with his brother Lucifer! To that end he got out his Grinder and Yellow Apricorn and began to carefully, methodically, and precisely grind it into dust, taking care before hand to make sure the Grinder and Apricorn were both pristine/clean of impurities. After that was done, he took the dust with equal care and place it on the table, covering it with a clean towel from the bathroom to prevent any further contamination. Next, he took out his one his journals and ripped out a few pieces of papar, flicked his wrist to produce a pen from.....somewhere, and sat down on the table to brainstorm and write an appropriate/excellent enough poem as the second component of the Bonding. Only when those first two steps were completed would he summon Lucifer into the room and begin the monumentous occasion.

Order: Finish the Flashback and do everything described in it, before getting started on the Bonding Ritual with Lucifer. Since this post is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too loooooooooooooooooong as it is, I'll cut it off right here and let you give me the signal that Ventus has completed the first two steps/released his devil bat, so that I can continue. So many words, and still so much left to do.....

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Astronomer Potts Round 3


Marill got withdrawn, nullifying the Confusion shall she be sent out again. She's at 7/8hp.
In return, Helios enters the battlefield again, at 7/8hp. He cannot flich thanks to Inner Focus Ability.
Kyuu is at 6/7hp.
Round 2 for Light Screen.

Lunatone is at -1 Accuracy but fresh otherwise, it used Future Sight during the last Round.
Starmie's fresh too, fufu. Darn it, I was pondering over switching Cottonee in!
Leer was successful, so -1 Vitality for Potts.
Round 3 for Trick Room and Wonder Room.



How increadibly releiving to know that Solrock is fine and that it's alright. B'back to friendly battling then Shiva goes!~ "Huuuh, you even have a Starmie? How neat. Do you think it really comes from outter space, as some people believe and a few even fear? It's confirmed that it can send radio signals to space via the red core, as if communicating with something. Or at least, to my knowledge..."

"Oh, but maybe not fall into theorizing too much right now... *cough* Okay, you two, ehm... we've set up enough I guess, so now show me some more synchronized blasts of psychic power, please. Concentrate on the star instead of the moon!"


Orders for this Round: Nothing too special, just synchronized Confusions! Twice from each of my own Pokemon, as I'd rather have the attacks to hit for a chance to deal at least a bit damage. Starmie certainly knows Swift, so better deal with it fast. Rolls are the same for Kyuu and Helios unless either of them suffer a different Pain Penalization.

Accuracy Roll Confusion1 : 3 Dext + 2 Fight + 3 Channel - 2 Actions = 6d6
Accuracy Roll Confusion2 : 3 Dext + 2 Fight + 3 Channel - 3 Actions = 5d6
Damage Roll: 3 Strength + 2 power of the move + 1 STAB = 6d6, though -1 autodamage as it's NE on both Starmie or Lunatone.
Additional notes: Still 1 VD to confuse!

[Iron]

Astronomer Potts Round 3

"Oh yes, I think it quite likely. They're often found in meteor craters, after all. They love Deyo flowers. And yes, the radio signals coming from its gem are scientifically verifiable! Anyone with a coil of wire and a few resistors can discover it for themselves."

"Lunatone, get in close, past that Light Screen. Starmie, attack!"

Tackle 1
3 Dex +1 Fight + 2 brawl -2 actions = 4d6
(3)(2)(2)(3) Miss!

Bubblebeam 1 on Kadabra
8 canalize dice -3 actions = 5d6
(3)(4)(6)(6)(3)
2 Str +1 STAB + 3 power -4 vit = 2d6
(6)(5) Kadabra takes 1 dmg 6/8hp -1 pain
Chance: (3)

Kadabra smiles and responds with a Confusion. Seconds later, so does Kyuu, looking at him adoringly.

Confusion 1
(3)(4)(5)(2)(1)
(3)(3)
Conf: (1)

Confusion 1
(6)(6)(3)(6)(5)(5) Critical hit.
(6)(4)(6)(6) Starmie takes 3 dmg 3/6hp -2 pain. The force of the attack flattens it.
Conf: (3)

Tackle 2
(2)(5)(1)
(6) Kadabra takes 1 dmg 5/8hp -1 pain

Bubble Beam 2
(2)(1) That's a miss, as Kadabra ducks behind the Light Screen. Another purple wave flows out from the psychics.

Confusion 2
(3)(5)(5)
(4)(4) Starmie takes 1 dmg 2/6hp -2 pain
Conf: (1)

Confusion 2
(3)(1)(6)(3)(2)
(4)(3) No damage, as Starmie knows how to handle psychic attacks.
Conf: (6) Starmie is confused!

Rapid Spin 3
(3) Miss.
(4) Starmie chips a limb in the missed attack, and withdraws from battle.

Future Sight on Kadabra: (6)(6)(2)(4) Kadabra takes 2 dmg 3/8hp -2 pain. He's still in this.
The ground Kadabra was standing on turned out to be an illusion! He falls down and hurts himself a little.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Eventually, both Raphael's radient, comforting aura and hugs and Nathan's response managed to snap Ventus out of the depressive funk caused by reliving those very bittersweet memories of his, giving him the opportunity to firmly grasp and dispel those negative emotion and reassurt his iron clad control over himself once. After spending a few minutes thinking over how to best respond to the boy's worried filled statement, he decided to continue his approach of direct simple honestly on his part, as its worked 'well' so far.

"......If Wes or Mirror B is hunting down the Shadow Triad, then thier search has been fruitless or they are dead. The Shadow Triad are not 'found'; they simply appear when they wish and nothing more, and anyone that tries or succeed in subverting that will suffer a most unfortunate fate. More so than ever, since no doubt wherever they are hiding away is where Ghetsis is secluded at as well, unless they are employing multiple bases and frequently switch between them or have them set up as decoys. At least, that is what I suspect from what I know from working with them."

...

"......I pray to Reshirim that Michael's own beneficiary efforts are meet with excellent success, as while Orre is no longer desperately in need of a hero to rescue it from Cipher's vile clutches, their insidious influence and the fallout of their actions still needs to be dealt with swiftly, lest something arises from it once more. Hopefully Cipher's tenacious grasp will be fully stamped out in the coming years, or will be rendered so weak and vestigial that they are rendered forever impotent. Let's also hope that the Shadow Triad's teachings and techniques will serve to be less effective for the group now they've revealed their hand and have been so utterly foiled...."

Ventus was oddly silent as Nathan brought up the past Shadow Pokémon 'researchers' (He means that in the loosest of terms) , and his experssion turned......pensive and troubled as they went on about the complete and utter eradication of all knowledge to create them (Thank The Tao Trio!). It cleared quickly enough as they moved on, however, and any looks/reactions made about that reaction was deflect with a kind smile and simply saying : "Just pondering all of this, Nathan. Sorry for worrying you needlessly."

...

"The people that desire methods of creating more of those tragic creatures are few and far between, even among the criminal underworld or the morally bankrupt entrepuneurs. I rather all information concerning Cipher and their various projects be wiped from existence to all but those that need to know, as the less that know of their diabolic and evil acts committed against all Pokémon, the less likely someone will desire to replicate those results for themselves.... If artificial Shadow Pokémon make a revival in some fashion due to the shortsightedness and cruelity of others, I would be among the first to volunteer my expertise to help revert their condition, among other.......services I could provide."

....

"As I've said, do not worry yourself about these kind of things, Nathan. You have no idea or control over whether Cipher or Shadow Pokémon will make yet another comeback in Orre or another far flung land, nor any reason to suspect that anyone in your home region possesses both the distinct lack of morality and empathy required to even think of doing such an monsterous, fiendish thing. While I may at times find Cheshire's reverence and highly respectful attitude to be at time odd, in this case it serves well in discouraging individuals or organization in conducting 'research' of this type. "

"Even Almanac would be hesitate in researching Shadow Pokémon beyond anything other than opening their heart and curing them, unless they wish to suffer severe public and government backlash if or when that information is leaked. How on earth an.....dubious, unscrupulous and ethically lax and flexible Pokémon R&D Coglomerate managed to thrive here is beyond me, but they have some how. Perhaps in time we can uncover more solid and unsavory information about them and bring them at heel, or force them to tread with extreme caution if they want to continue doing business in Cheshire, but for now let's not focus on them too much. The Scimitars and the Secret Library are more pertinent matters that need our attention, so I suggest focusing on them until they are dealt with, or future events force us to reprioritize......"

Silence reigned for the longest time after this, during which Ven's incense fully burned itself out and his beloved archangel continued its duties in providing a soothing calm to the proceedings, until with a *Sigh* the researcher stood up from the bed and gave Nathan a tired but respectful nod. Tonight's conversation was far from ideal and weighed on him like a obese Snorlax, but in a way it was......relieving to be able to speak freely about his torrid past and illicit knowledge with someone, and get off such malignant feelings off his chest, even if it all taxed him greatly emotionally wise.

"We've said all that is needed about Shadow Pokémon and Cipher, and such......heavy topic have burdened and worn us down enough for one night and beyond, so I will be turning in now. I do hope this conversation has cleared things up about last night, and that I have helped in some way in alievating your concerns, or at least redirecting them elsewhere for the time being. I'd like this to be a net positive experience for us, in spite of us having every reason not to feel as such. Good night Nathan, and I pray to Reshirim that by morning's light you'll be your confidant, cheerful self once, and you'll find more reasons to be like such for the unforeseeable future....."

With that said, the empath beckoned Raphael to his side to give them one last gentle, loving carass, before returning them to their Pokeball and departing from the room...

Flash Baaaack!!!
Nathan lets out a breath he'd been holding, not commenting on anything Ventus has said as he processes things.  While it was relieving to finally be able to talk about this with somebody...it was definitely still rather weighty.  Kirlia's rather glad things seem to have gone well, though.

...Ventus did have some good points...focus on what you can do something about, not worry endlessly over something that might not be a problem...though Nathan still hopes Ardos never manages to revive Cipher...and that the Snag Machine can never be replicated by those with ill intent...

...Nathan does wonder how much more Ventus might know about Orre...the Snag Machine, he definitely knows at least a little about...Team Snagem...maybe?  He's not quite sure if he knows about the team's former connection to Cipher...

...he doesn't think Wes, Rui, and Mirror B. could possibly be dead, though.  Wes has the strength of many Legends on his side, after all, and Rui is...odd.  And Mirror B...well, he's...odder.  If they really are still traveling, it'd be interesting to meet them one day (well, maybe not Mirror B.), just like so many others Nathan's read and heard about...

...though at the end of the day...does it really matter right now?

...

...probably not...but what can he do something about right now?

...the Scimitars, Genesect, the Secret Library, Mesprit, Heart and Ventus...it was all going to take time...he wasn't sure what he was going to do tomorrow if they weren't heading to Cress City...honestly, though, right now, he just wants to...help Mesprit...that's his first priority...

...Nathan falls asleep with Forthright while pondering how to go about doing that...

...and Kirlia stays awake to ponder how to help Nathan achieve just that as soon as possible...and if they're really both okay with what that entails...

And...scene.  Flashback over.

[Iron]

Grinding up the Apricorn isn't too hard, but it is time consuming. Eventually, Ventus is satisfied that it has been ground fine enough. Time to release Lucifer!

[Iron]

Nathan switches Galvantula for Solomon, the oversized Slowking.
(3) + 7 = 10

[Spiritmon]

Clawitzer goes rooting through your travel supplies. He seems to like eating bread, with no other ingredients - just the bread. Nicer bread is tastier to him. 

Rose will eat anything a human will eat, preferably fruit.

Heart then help Gustav to take a look in the supplies. "Hmm lets see...Here to you Gustav. Brioche bread just for you! We have more than enough to a long journey since I use some to make sandwitches. But you can eat bread as much you want it. As for you Rose..." Then Heart again take a look in the supplies. "Since you like eating fruits I have some options: Bananas growth from Tropius, Blood Oranges imported from other regions, some dried fruits, berries, sweet jam with flavors of fruits if you want a good sandwitch. You two can choose with no problems. I the cooker of the group for a good reason."