[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Nylon]

"I realised mine just after Haunter had defeated your Ralts. It was in my pocket". Valder looks longingly at the gems, wondering if their beauty has any worth in money as well as being pretty.

 Valder doesn't know how to react to Shiva saying that their identical gems might mean something, he just nods. He kinda wants to ask about Relic stones in adherence to her but ends up just focusing on Nathan.

[Dragonstrike]

Her gaze on Nathan intensified. "Now then, please be a little more specific IF you know anything, it's pretty late and I had a long day." Though due to having spent a few hours of pleasant sleep under the starry sky at the top of Vapor Falls, she's not directly feeling 'tired', she just wants to head back to dorm eventually.

".......Tell me, Nathan, do you think Ralt's devolution and these Gem's sudden appearance in our lives are connected? ........And if so or regardless, do you think these are both these events connected to the Merspirt in captivity in anyway? "

Nathan squirms slightly under the rather...intense gazes.  He takes his gemstone and deposits it back in his bag, along with putting his notes and journal away.  How...odd that they all found these gemstones tonight, within a few hours of each other...which means it can't be a coincidence, particularly since he only just released Mesprit this afternoon...

...normally, he'd also ask if he could hold on to the others as well, but...

...instead, he decides to hand them back to their original owners now that he's done looking at them, then heads back over to the bed and hugs his unconscious Ralts for comfort.

Ventus conclusion came to Heart realize something. "You dont mean...Mesprit somehow give to us this stones? I think its a pretty hard to believe Ventus since Nathan itself say Mesprit was seal from what I can remember. There is no way Mesprit could release himself from that seal." Then Heart heard about Ralts devolution. "Sorry I think I heard wrong. You say Ralts...devolution. I see and heard about many things during my travels, but a pokemon to devolve its the first I heard. Sure Mega Evolutions its a temporaly evolution, but a Pokemon to DEVOLVE its the first time I see."

Than Heart mind somehow blow. "Wait a minute...if you are telling the truth about Kirlia have devolve..."Then Heart look to the little Ralts in the bed. "You telling me that Ralts...its the same Kirlia of Nathan?!" Heart was now cleared surprise and mind blowing. " Then Heart begin alight the points in his head. "You have devolve Kirlia to his preivous form Nathan? I not judge but how? And why?"

Nathan sighs after a little more squirming due to the effective interrogation he's receiving.  And then he utters two words...

"It's free."

A looonnnngggg pause ensues as he lets the weight of those quiet, quiet words sink in...

"...I couldn't just leave it there...trapped and spiritless and alone...waiting...waiting...it's been like that for 300 years...Kirlia asked me to...use the Neverstone on him, to use it to free Mesprit since that's the only reasonable way to adhere to unselfish love in the short time frame we'd had...for reference, Heart, it's a new type of elemental stone Mallorn's working on.  It can devolve pokemon, and is made of the shards of almost every other kind of elemental stone, including an Everstone...Almanac and the Scimitars are trying to replicate its effects...or steal Mallorn's research...they've already tried both..."

Another long pause...

"...it was angry...pained...full of pent up emotions that it's probably been holding in for centuries while trapped...but then there was....relief...and...happiness...and then it smiled ever so slightly...and vanished...there's nothing left there but an empty room now..."

One more long pause...

"Hold on to those gemstones, and don't lose them.  Two tail gemstones and one forehead gemstone...three total.  I definitely think Mesprit has something to do with it.  I don't know what they're for, but...I...no, we...will probably need them later..."

"...I just hope Mesprit's doing okay, wherever it is..."

[Lord Windos]

Shivas Text Message!

Hello Ven! I just wanted to let you know that I'm still in Ginger Town. Trip to Daycare was fruitful, there are news about Ariel! No, no Eggs from her as far as I got to know, but something I find equally interesting. I'll update you on the nearest opportunity, my dear. 

So, I actually wanted to follow somethingelse but opted against it, so I didn't need to ask for Haziel on the loan for today. Still, I apreciate that you offered it to me right away when I asked. On my way through town, I also ran into an Astronomer! Or rather, he ran to me as he saw me strolling with Lilith. We shared a friendly and enjoyable Pokemon battle that I eventually won, and he recommended me good place for some stargazing and even offered me to burrow his telescope to do so, yay!~ I left mine at home in Castelia, you know. I've promised Lilith to watch the stars with her at a soonest opportunity, so I'll be doing that for tonight and therefor I'll be returning to Stair a little more late than usual. Please let the others know if they ask, and you don't have to stay awake for my sake if you're tired from working at the Shelter.

But, you know... i'd be, well, happy to spend a little more time with you, Ven... There are so many things I'd like to talk about with you, discuss with you, ask for your opinion... It's noble and caring of you to have a word with your Kingdra at first before introducing him to me. Speaks for your desire to keep me safe, haha!~ I'm in no hurry. But, do you think you'd have a bit of time for me soon, maybe during journeying through Mt Sentry (to stay safe and not get lost, I'll stick close to you, is that alright?) or at Cress City itself? Maybe we should- *here, at first Shiva wrote 'go out again', but after starring at these words in a slightly embarrased manner, she opted to write 'hang out again' instead* -or meet up for shared dinner at a local place or such. Would you be down with that?

Oh, and....well, how do I say that.... but speaking of your Kingdra, I figured out something that I'd like to...ask you. To give you a bit more time to think over it, I'll tell you right away.... So, ehm, you'll probably go hunting with him just like you do with Apsis on a regular basis, do you? Would you....be fine with taking me with you on one of these hunting trips, actually? Please? I know it sounds weird for someone like me to ask you that kind of thing, Ven. But, you know, I thought that my special Poochyena would maybe appreciate huntng for it's food once too, it's natural for this kind of species. My butterwolfly is seemingly used to humans and to stealing their food, but...well, you're hopefully getting the sentiment. Just once for now, seeing how he'll take it. Maybe not within Mount Sentry and we have to make sure not to prey a precious Furret belonging to town, but maybe outside of time there'll be enough opportunity?

I'd ask Braixen whether he'd want to try hunting out as well for diversion, he's an omnivorus Pokemon and takes food from me just fine. But you certainly know that he's not thinking too well of you, so better not do that. However...I can't help but to wonder WHY he has developed such a negative view of you sometimes. I'll keep you and him seperate, that's fine, but well...I can't do more than that, I guess. Have you as a Pokemon Sociologist actually stumbled over a case where a Pokemon really 'hates' a person? What do you think could maybe be done to paint a better picture of you for my magical fox?

...You don't have to reply right away, Ven, dear. Just let me know of your thoughts about everything whenever you have the time. Untill then, have a splendid day!

(You can freely decide when Ventus would receive this message, @Lord Windos. No need to stress it, it's definitely alright and reasonable to finish the Bonding Ritual first.)

Flashback To Recieving the Text!

Sometime before Ventus had returned to the Center, he'd decided to check his phone for any messages from his group mates (just in case!), and to his slight surprise discovered a lengthly text from his dearest friend in the world Shiva! He quickly scanned through it, a fond smile growing on his face as he read the first portion of her message, and it turning into a surprised frown as he studied the second portion, both his eyebrows both raising at the requests she leveled at him. After reading the message two or three times to make sure he wasn't missing anything, the sociologist went over to a city bench to sit down and ponder its contents, and in what manner should he respond to each point she made.

His fae friend making friends with an astronomer and staying out late to do some stargazing with Lilith was something he could completely understand, as any opportunity for his most blessed friend to make her own friends and explore her interests was great joy to hear indeed! The news she also checked up on Ariel for him was a bit of a pleasant surprise as well, as he'd almost completely forgotten his hunk of living coral ever since his and the group's life became exponentially more stressed and complicated as they crossed the divide. 'Note to self, teleport over to the Daycare and check up on her too. I shouldn't neglect her just because I don't have a place for her in my current party, and perhaps she'd be happy to see me after all this time......' he thought to himself, before moving on to reviewing the next portion of Shiva's message, as that part would be a cinch to answer.

Their shy yet no less earnest declaration of her rather high opinion of him and all but asking him on a d-date had him fiercely stamping down on his flustered feelings of affection and yearning uncomfortable longing in order not to become a blushing mess in the middle of the city. No matter how close he'd gotten to his much beloved friend and all the teasing/outright flirtatious and romantic behavior they indulged in, the thought of actually being in a relationship with her was absolutely an deeply unsettling and slightly terrifying for a myriad amount of reasons (The Age Gap, how mentally and emotionally distorted he was, his dark and less than moral past, etc.), all of which stemmed from his desire to not burden her with his teneborous problems. However, he was more than willing to 'hang out' with her whenever he could and chew the fat (so long as he didn't have any plans, that is!), and some quality time spent over dinner did sound wonderful, so long as it didn't stray too far into romantic territory. Hmm.....what to do, what to do.....

Finally, his most blessed friend's request to go out hunting with him and Apsis was a somewhat boggling and unexpected request, coming from the usually demure, sweet, kind hearted and gentle natured breeder. Being a strong advocate for caring/handling Pokémon with respect towards their species and natural origins, however, his shock quickly lasped into intrigue and..... excitement? Yes, excitement! 'Hunting with Shiva is an event I never forseen, but dare I say its a welcome surprise none the less! If she is willing to give it a try to best provide for the needs of Yena, I'm more than delighted to assist her in this endevour! Perhaps we could even convince Nathan and his Charmeleon and/or Grid to join us, but given his continued squeeminess about the idea, it will take some hard work on my part to get him to fully consider it.....'

Question on Braixen's......animosity towards him, and her kind request for any information about his own experience dealing with similar caused him to grimance a bit. He honestly didn't have a damn clue as to why the mage fox one day decided to despise him with all the fury of a raging Inferno, only that they decided to and he'd have to adjust to the possibility they are a threat to his wellbeing. Since he didn't know the cause and from what he could tell they were entirely uninterested in any form of friendly discourse with him, the researcher didn't know where to possibly begin to lessen their hostility towards them, or even know if its possible. Shiva's other question........

Ventus spent several long minutes sitting on that bench, the gears in his mind clicking and turning all the while......until he finally clicked a few buttons and pulled up Shiva number, and recorded a voice message for her. It sounded as follows:

"Salutation, Shiva! My deepest thanks for checking in on Ariel for me, and I'm estatic to hear that business turned out splendidly! I eagerly look forward to what else you wish to discuss with me, dear!

I'm also excited you made a new aquantice that shared you interests, especially one so kind to share their equipment with you to view the cosmos with Lilith! Stay out as late as you wish with her, as fulfilling your promises towards her is important, and spending the night watching the stars is a wonder way to spend the night I say! If the others ask, that is what I'll offer them in response, so worry not! Hopefully you two will become great friend in due time, and further still as the bond between you deepens!

As your proposal for spending some more quality time together (He says this part in a suggestive, almost flirty tone), I am more than willing to allot some time for such pleasurable company. I would say we delay such things until we arrive in Cress City, though, as we'll be busy with our own affairs during the trip, and I would the time to think of any place we can have our outing......

Your offer to join in my hunts with Yena is quite a surprise, but I'm more that happy and willing to accommodate you dear! If you want, we could go fishing for Magikarp or similar to feed our carnivourous Pokémon, as Apsis is due to be feed soon and she's quite partial to seafood and similar! Otherwise I can wait so long as you want to, Shiva.

.......(Tone of voice goes low and unhappy) I don't know why Braixen feels the way he does either, unfortunately. Given that, the intensity of his hatred towards myself, and his unwillingness to cooperate with me in anyway, I have no idea as to sway him towards a rosier view of myself. Even if I did, I doubt he'd be willing to relinquish his grudge so easily. Sorry for the lack of help there, my dear....

......(The tone now even bleaker) I have also had a few encounters and conducted research and therapy on human hating Pokémon, among others that had been treated........poorly. I don't wish to discuss those details, however. Those stories are unpleasant, and I don't like remembering them anymore than I have. If you still wish, though.......I'll see if I can't accommodate you.

(Silence....then his voice returns, chipper and happy once more) Regardless of that, I Look forward to seeing you later, Shiva! Stay safe and well!"

*Click*

Ventus then shut his phone and stowed it away, before he resumed his trip to the GSC, happy as he could be.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

No, Shiva would rather anger Apsis on purpose then trade her beloved Cottonee away if she survives the Arbok's bite than letting Nathan keep her precious half gemstone.




True story, how Nathan was clearly intimidated and put on edge by all the gazes and questions he received is certainly something Shiva does nottice, and it once again tests her patience somewhat. Mentally, she's shaking her head over him opting to not JUST openly tell him what he read there in journal and instead going over to cuddle with his...Ralts instead, but at the same time she's 1. relieved that he at least has this small Pokemon for comfort and 2. that he kept his word and she was now able to put her hexagonal half back to her Trainer's ID and Breeder's Lisence to keep it safe there. Thank you, no toxic fairydust and hurting bites.

Shiva had a fruitful, enjoyable and long day and values her rare good mood of this night, she really doesn't feel like caring too much for Nathan now or doing damage control here. Though the opening that MESPRIT was free caused her perk up one again, causing Kyuu to nuzzle her again before....a faint smile broke through the surface. However, she doesn't face Nathan on purpose when she spoke up, as to free the elusive Legend, he needed to devolve the Pokemon of his she unintentionally............... Well, this certainly explains a few things though. Why there was no psychic dancer with the boy anymore, why there were some gemstones in the group's posession, and why the assumed cave Gothitelle led her to was not present before, but open a little later when Shiva checked back on it.... Oh. That was where Mesprit was hiding? Haha... Indeed a great hideout for rarer Pokemon as the Guidebook stated, but she would have never really thought that it'd hold a LEGEND from distant Sinnoh.

"....That's what I'm believing too, Nathan. You fred the Pokemon of Emotions then...? If you...allow me to say this.....: Well done. I can certainly imagie how happy and releived she must have been. That fulfills the phrophecy, doesn't it? 'The disaster of stone, unselfish love'..... One less problem and worry, it seems. Thank you for...doing what you did here."

Yes, the nullifying of how she has evolved his companion into a Kirlia in the first place causes a sharp pain in her heart, but she's eagerly and silently trying to surpressing it. It felt wrong to be pained over this.... So wrong, almost silly, it has been done for the greater good of everything but she can't ignore it or lie to herself that it doesn't affect her. Some space, distracton as well as Ventus and her own Pokemon simply being there for her if she needs support will eventually get her over it, she needs to get used to the thought at first and sort herself a little.

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan frowns.  He's...a tad sad about Shiva's reaction, which Ralts is broadcasting to him loud and clear...

"...he's never going to forget what you've done for him, Shiva.  Trust me on that."

Nathan ponders what Shiva said next...

"...thinking about it...there was something...important about the messages.  The first part...only talked about how to free Mesprit.  The second was what talked about what needed to be stopped, and what ways it could be stopped...but it never said both had to be done to do so...just that freeing Mesprit was one way, and the only other possible way was a journey to the ends of the earth..."

...

"...the second half of the message was gone from the writing when I returned to Mesprit's cavern earlier today...as the old man at the Tusk said...there was no reason to wake Mesprit if its aid was not needed...but..."

...

"...I wonder if Mesprit ever feared it would stay trapped there forever, or at least for another few centuries or even a millenium...just because it tried to account for everything that could be done to do what had to be accomplished...?"

"...and maybe anothere part of that relief...was because it didn't have to worry about the vines...didn't have to worry about its responsibilities as a Legendary for once..."

...

"...the emotions Ralts and I felt...they were...indescribable.  There were so, so many, all coming so fast and for the briefest of moments...those four were the ones that stood out enough for the Old Unown text to clarify them just before Mesprit vanished...after reading that...the beginning and end of those feelings made so, so much more sense...the Old Unown put into words what I could not..."

...

Nathan goes quiet as he ponders what Mesprit might be thinking and doing right now.  Was it enjoying its freedom?  Trying to fulfill some other task?  Something else?

He doesn't know, and he likely never will without ever asking the Legendary itself...

...but he hopes Mesprit is still happy, wherever it is...he'd like to see and feel that happiness again one day...

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Her gaze on Nathan intensified. "Now then, please be a little more specific IF you know anything, it's pretty late and I had a long day." Though due to having spent a few hours of pleasant sleep under the starry sky at the top of Vapor Falls, she's not directly feeling 'tired', she just wants to head back to dorm eventually.

".......Tell me, Nathan, do you think Ralt's devolution and these Gem's sudden appearance in our lives are connected? ........And if so or regardless, do you think these are both these events connected to the Merspirt in captivity in anyway? "

Nathan squirms slightly under the rather...intense gazes.  He takes his gemstone and deposits it back in his bag, along with putting his notes and journal away.  How...odd that they all found these gemstones tonight, within a few hours of each other...which means it can't be a coincidence, particularly since he only just released Mesprit this afternoon...

...normally, he'd also ask if he could hold on to the others as well, but...

...instead, he decides to hand them back to their original owners now that he's done looking at them, then heads back over to the bed and hugs his unconscious Ralts for comfort.

Ventus conclusion came to Heart realize something. "You dont mean...Mesprit somehow give to us this stones? I think its a pretty hard to believe Ventus since Nathan itself say Mesprit was seal from what I can remember. There is no way Mesprit could release himself from that seal." Then Heart heard about Ralts devolution. "Sorry I think I heard wrong. You say Ralts...devolution. I see and heard about many things during my travels, but a pokemon to devolve its the first I heard. Sure Mega Evolutions its a temporaly evolution, but a Pokemon to DEVOLVE its the first time I see."

Than Heart mind somehow blow. "Wait a minute...if you are telling the truth about Kirlia have devolve..."Then Heart look to the little Ralts in the bed. "You telling me that Ralts...its the same Kirlia of Nathan?!" Heart was now cleared surprise and mind blowing. " Then Heart begin alight the points in his head. "You have devolve Kirlia to his preivous form Nathan? I not judge but how? And why?"

Nathan sighs after a little more squirming due to the effective interrogation he's receiving.  And then he utters two words...

"It's free."

A looonnnngggg pause ensues as he lets the weight of those quiet, quiet words sink in...

"...I couldn't just leave it there...trapped and spiritless and alone...waiting...waiting...it's been like that for 300 years...Kirlia asked me to...use the Neverstone on him, to use it to free Mesprit since that's the only reasonable way to adhere to unselfish love in the short time frame we'd had...for reference, Heart, it's a new type of elemental stone Mallorn's working on.  It can devolve pokemon, and is made of the shards of almost every other kind of elemental stone, including an Everstone...Almanac and the Scimitars are trying to replicate its effects...or steal Mallorn's research...they've already tried both..."

Another long pause...

"...it was angry...pained...full of pent up emotions that it's probably been holding in for centuries while trapped...but then there was....relief...and...happiness...and then it smiled ever so slightly...and vanished...there's nothing left there but an empty room now..."

One more long pause...

"Hold on to those gemstones, and don't lose them.  Two tail gemstones and one forehead gemstone...three total.  I definitely think Mesprit has something to do with it.  I don't know what they're for, but...I...no, we...will probably need them later..."

"...I just hope Mesprit's doing okay, wherever it is..."

Heart was really stuned about this kind of revelation. He understand a little the devolution was necessary to somehow help Mesprit to get free but...somehow to Heart, force a pokemon to devolve sounds so much...wrong in his ears. For Heart, the Evolution is more than just a way to a pokemon adapt and get stronger. The evolution its the combination of all the experiences, battles and moments between trainer and pokemon. Its the collection of memories and bond between them. Force a pokemon to devolve its almost like...erase all that moments and training and throw to a window. Its sounds so much wrong...

Of course that was something Heart dont say out loud. Nathan would not understand and that would only bring more conflict between them once again. And Heart simple tired to talk with so much close mind as Nathan and cause toxicity in the group. "You did know it would might work right Nathan? That would be a chance to Mesprit be piss off to use such kind of thing. To release a wave of emotions so badly it would cause someone to get insane. A powerfull Legendary, one of the first ones, have this kind of power." But Heart simple sight in defeat. "But in such situation as ours, I cant denied we need sometimes to take some risks. But you shouldnt have decided that alone. We are a party you know? I think you was a little reckless to decide that alone and do that yourself without telling the others, but I gladly you okay in one piece. But what could have happen if it could failed? What would happen upon you or Ralts in that moment? Or your pokemons?"

"Remember Nathan: The duty as a trainer its not only bring your pokemons to battle, but to care about they well being, and the pokemon will worry about you too. There are people who DEEP care about you. And for you life." Heart was clearly mentioned Shiva, Ventus and Nathan mother. "Next time dont make such dangerous decision alone. We are a team and party Nathan Warren. You like or not. Its kind of our duty protect and help each other when necessary." That is the first time Heart spell correct the name of Nathan. He dont know if he noticed or not. "But in general, you did the right thing. I think this would be something any of us would do. Heh, hell I lost count how many times I risk my own for the life of someone, human or pokemon. Sometimes, I think we can permit to be reckless I guess..." Heart smile with honesty.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Telling Shiva to trust Nathan on something is way waaaay easier said than done, it only eases the sentiments she's working hard to surpress ( =I'm not that sure whether a fainted Ralts would pick up on them loud and clear actually) by a little.

"....I'm enjoying the image that she's flying around happily and relieved again, Nathan. Maybe by these precious gemstones, she wants to thank us.... Or there are other plans that are yet written in the stars... Doesn't matter though, I'll take good care of my half. Now though.... Enjoy your rest and have pleasant sleep, alright? If we want to depart in direction Cress City when the morning dawns, it'd be a good idea to do so refreshed and energized."

In an almost automatic movement, she gently touches the hand belonging to the arm Ven has wrapped around her with one of her own hands. Whether he was getting the message of her simply wanting to return to the dorm they shared and turn in for the night beside him after he has said his piece was his discretion, but given his empathy and closure to this young faelike woman the odds may say 'yes'.


----------------
Mechanics:
Shiva said her pieces, and from my side meeting can be ended now once the others have said their part.

[Spiritmon]

"I have forgot to say! I just wanted to say one thing before we depart from Star City: I gonna visit tomorrow Caesar in the Shellter since tomorrow is the last day of behavior training of him, but from there I will join with you people so can you people wait before we depart from Star City? I only going to the Shellter then from there we can go. Promise."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Caesar?..... Oh! That was your.... oh." Unintentionally, Shiva shuddered over the thought of the Pokemon that'll evolve into the creature of her childhood nightmares, causing her to give Ven's hand a gentle squeeze and leaning in closer to dear Kyuu, one more Psychic Type that she was hoping to protect her and her dear fairies + grassy Pokemon from harmful toxins. Psychic kitten cat returned the sentiment before yawning and playfully tickling her neck with his two tails again, his prankful traits have awoken by evolving.

"I'm very fine with this, Heart!~ H-How's Caesar doing, by the way, behaving himself? And...if you stumble over Moon Stones somewhere, can you let me know, please? I've agreed to look out for one for someone having a sweeeeet Clefairy."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

...instead, he decides to hand them back to their original owners now that he's done looking at them, then heads back over to the bed and hugs his unconscious Ralts for comfort.



Nathan sighs after a little more squirming due to the effective interrogation he's receiving.  And then he utters two words...

"It's free."

A looonnnngggg pause ensues as he lets the weight of those quiet, quiet words sink in...

"...I couldn't just leave it there...trapped and spiritless and alone...waiting...waiting...it's been like that for 300 years...Kirlia asked me to...use the Neverstone on him, to use it to free Mesprit since that's the only reasonable way to adhere to unselfish love in the short time frame we'd had...for reference, Heart, it's a new type of elemental stone Mallorn's working on.  It can devolve pokemon, and is made of the shards of almost every other kind of elemental stone, including an Everstone...Almanac and the Scimitars are trying to replicate its effects...or steal Mallorn's research...they've already tried both..."

Another long pause...

"...it was angry...pained...full of pent up emotions that it's probably been holding in for centuries while trapped...but then there was....relief...and...happiness...and then it smiled ever so slightly...and vanished...there's nothing left there but an empty room now..."

One more long pause...

"Hold on to those gemstones, and don't lose them.  Two tail gemstones and one forehead gemstone...three total.  I definitely think Mesprit has something to do with it.  I don't know what they're for, but...I...no, we...will probably need them later..."

"...I just hope Mesprit's doing okay, wherever it is..."

(This conversation takes place before Heart said their part, but after Shiva interacted with Ven twice for comfort)

To Ven's credit, he didn't begrudge Nathan when he went over to snuggle his Ralts as a way to cope with their inquiries , as the topic of Merspirt's imprisonment and his/the group's pointed questions was a rather stressful one for them. He'd be on edge too if subjected towards the same treatment about his own bevy of......issues, so if the boy needed time and cuddles to becalm himself and answer their questions without crumpling like Styrofoam under pressures, he'll give them all they need.

'Let them answer at their own pace this once, and move on as appropriate. While I would this mystery around these red gemstones dispelled, he doesn't need to be hamstringed or put under umbrage in the process of doing so. I know well the ardors of dealing with mounting stress and his.....delicate mental state, so I have to be patient with him......' the researcher though, as he waited for the young scholar's response.  Discontent with Nathan's past behavior/choices or not, he's not going to deliberately cause them trouble or experience a breakdown if he could help it!

When Nathan uttered those two words, the empath could fill himself still as a quiet befall the room for a moment, before they fully launched into their reasoning behind their decision to...to  free Merspirt. As they finished he took one long good look at the gem stone half he was seemingly gifted by the Being of Emotion, now feeling the tangible weight it carried, before he careful stored it away into his bag with a solomn nod of his head. He then let out a relieved sigh, stood up and walked over to where Nathan standing, and gave them a firm clasp on his shoulder, a warm smile on his face and his eyes gleaming with pride.

"I believe Mespirt is going to be fine, and its all thanks to you. You've done a great heroic act in freeing them from their confinement, so do not feel abashed or ashamed in doing so. No, you should be proud, Nate. Proud you saved a Legendary, and freed them from miserable isolation. Rejoice, and be happy, like they are no doubt right now."

The researcher also was swift to detect his dearest friend's own pain/sadness at the revelation, and resolved to latter comfort/ask he about it later. He didn't know what could have triggered this reaction (he's empathetic, not psychic! [Yet...]), but he suspected it had something to do with the de-evolution of Ralts, given the conversation and Nathan's own comments on her distress, and he'd do his best to absolve those gloomy feelings regardless....