[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

New music begins, and the four dancers begin their dance. Challengers aren't expected to dance much, since they are unlikely to be trained in such a thing, but Pokemon usually get into it without instructions! Which is not to say that trainer dancing is looked down on in any way. There are also example steps actually set into the parquet floor, showing you where to put your feet to move in a simple pattern that looks good with what the Kimono Girls do.

Let me know if Nathan is doing any sort of dancing and I can edit this.

Kimono Girls vs Nathan Round 1

Jolteon begins with a step involving placing all four paws, one by one, into the air, until she is no longer on the ground! Instead, she floats a few feet above it.

Magnet Rise
4 Dex + 1 Fight +4 Canalize -6 perform = 3d6
(5)(4)(2), (3)(2)(3)(5)(2)(3) + 4 = 5 performance (Your specialty in this case is a flat bonus, like supereffective moves)
Jolteon began levitating!

Forthright spins happily in place, trying to do a pirouette like she's seen Kirlia do, and realizes it's her turn to make a move! She flings herself forward and pretty much bounces off of Jolteon. Happily.

Tackle
(6)(4)(5)(3)(2)(5)(3), (1)(3)(6) +2 = 3 perform.
(2)(2)(3)

The party may be surprised to see just how tough these slender Kimono Girls are! (They're on par with Nathan).
Those with Alert may even spot a few Gym Badges worked into their jewelry!


Kimono Girls vs Nathan Round 2

The music shifts to a gentle rainlike sound, and Jolteon gives a little contented growl. She moves her feet quickly in short little steps in time to the rain. The Kimono Girl is concentrating fiercely on matching those steps and communicating wordlessly with Jolteon. A light rumble sounds, reminding the onlookers of rainy days cozied safely up indoors, maybe looking out a rainy window, and hearing the storm far off in the distance.

Thunder, held back.
9 dice, -3 accuracy, -3 perform = 3d6
(6)(1)(1) Only a gentle static brushes through Castform. She looks intrigued, then a little cunning.
Perform: (3)(3)(6) + 4 = 5

The Kimono girl relaxes. The danger in this move is using too much force, not too little. Her face is serene despite the apparent failure.

Castform spins forward and sort of trips up Jolteon, except Jolteon doesn't fall: she dances her legs out of his way, even going so far as to take on an awkwardly sprawling balance, but never loses control. She does get a little twisted up and pressured by Castform's attack. And she does all this without actually touching the ground.

Tackle
(3)(2)(2)(3)(5)(2)(4), (5)(2)(5) + 2 = 4 Perform.
(4)(2)(5) Jolteon takes 2 dmg 5/7hp -1 pain.

Kimono Girls vs Nathan Round 3

When Castform passes through Jolteon and the Kimono Girl, she nods. It's time for them to make their move.

She stretches out her hands, and Jolteon charges up with power. Arcs of yellow energy sail between them like a pair of jump ropes. Castform is batted by the 'ropes' whenever she fails to dance fast enough, and they travel in such an intricate interweaving pattern that it's hard to do so. All in time to the music, of course.

Thunder Shock
9 dice, -6 perform, -1 pain
(6)(5), (4)(4)(2)(3)(2)(1) +4 = 6 perform
3 Str +2 power +1 stab -3 vit = 3d6
(5)(6)(3) Castform takes 2 dmg 5/7hp -1 pain

Castform responds with... a Tackle! She giggles at how obstinate she is being.

Tackle
(3)(3)(5)(5)(6)(5), (6)(2)(5) = 4 perform.
(3)(5)(2) Jolteon takes 1 dmg 4/7hp -1 pain.

Kimono Girls vs Nathan Round 4

Jolteon dances past Castform, in the air just like she is, and gives a graceful side kick. Then she pivots and gives her the other leg too!

Double Kick (but it's still just one action).
(4)(4), (3)(3)(5)(1)(5)(4) = 7 perform
3 Str + 2 power -3 vit = 2d6+1
(2)(4) Castform takes 2 dmg 3/7hp -2 pain

Tackle
(4)(4)(4)(6)(5) Critical hit, though all moves have to be held back with 5 dice at this point. (4)(1)(4) +2 = 4 perform.
(4)(5)(6)(2)(5) Jolteon takes 2 dmg 2/7hp.

For a finale, Jolteon allows the tackle to carry her up high into the air, where she does a flip and lands with her feet primly on the ground - the actual ground, as Magnet Rise ends.

"Nathan Warren is the victor in this ceremonial battle," croaks the old man, and rings a small gong. Your opponents courtesy deeply to you, and the Kimono Girl gives you a very polite peck on the cheek and a lovely red flower. "Red is the color of victory," she says. It has a little Pokeball decoration clipped to it, emblazoned "K."

Forthright gains 6Xp, and Nathan gains 5.

The crowd claps very politely, and the ceremony is over!

A man comes out of the white building and approaches Nathan.

"We make video recordings of all the dances, and pass the best ones on to show up in a compilation later. We pay $600 for the rights to each trainer's video, if we find their Pokemon's performance beautiful. We also sometimes crop the trainer out of the shot, so let me know if that is necessary. This is all entirely voluntary and you do get a copy after three days of post-processing."

He hands you a form to sign, explaining everything he just said.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva does join in that polite clapping as well. That expected Thunder was scary, but Jolteon did a fine job making it non-scary but graceful, and seeing small Castform having her fun in this battle was quite refreshing!~

[Iron]

Castform also gains 1 Happiness. She's already incredibly happy.

[Dragonstrike]

For a finale, Jolteon allows the tackle to carry her up high into the air, where she does a flip and lands with her feet primly on the ground - the actual ground, as Magnet Rise ends.

"Nathan Warren is the victor in this ceremonial battle," croaks the old man, and rings a small gong. Your opponents courtesy deeply to you, and the Kimono Girl gives you a very polite peck on the cheek and a lovely red flower. "Red is the color of victory," she says. It has a little Pokeball decoration clipped to it, emblazoned "K."

The crowd claps very politely, and the ceremony is over!

A man comes out of the white building and approaches Nathan.

"We make video recordings of all the dances, and pass the best ones on to show up in a compilation later. We pay $600 for the rights to each trainer's video, if we find their Pokemon's performance beautiful. We also sometimes crop the trainer out of the shot, so let me know if that is necessary. This is all entirely voluntary and you do get a copy after three days of post-processing."

He hands you a form to sign, explaining everything he just said.

Nope, no dancing from Nathan.  He just lets the pokemon handle it.  He does bow at the end of the battle, though.

Nathan very visibly blushes when the kimono girl pecks his cheek...and then proceeds to examine the pokeball decoration pinned to the red flower.  K...heh...how ironic...

"So...what's the 'K' on this pin stand for, if I may ask?  Oh, and the video's fine.  Don't have to crop me out either."

He signs the paper, obviously.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

For the sake of pace and progress (of course the scene at the Pagoda can carry on as long as desired), small flash-forward to the start of the meeting already, rest from my side will come tomorrow as I'll turn in for the night then.



What a precious battle, and Shiva could still see that Sylveon's graceful leap over the aisle in front of her mental eye, as well as that Jolteon taking some steps into the air until it leviated... Magnet Rise is a Tutor move for this electrifying Eeveelution, that much she'd know as it naturally can't be bred on Eevee. Now, Shiva was somewhat wondering whether these Eeveelutions knew precious Wish, like Spectral does? Huuuh, regardless whether they do or not, now she was silently looking forward to her own Style-Battle 'gainst these Kimono Girls - she'll check back to the next drawing at noon. When Nathan arrived back at them, she would give him a playful punch on the shoulder, meaning a friendly 'Well done'.


She was up and about to head onward to the Violet Tent to see the Medium there, before she remembered something when thinking back (and already looking forward to re-visit) to that Tent - immediatley but impercibly, she perked up before she carefully *cough* attempted to catch the attention of the others. "Uhm... People, you remember how I've sent that round-message yesterday? Yes, I...eh... wanted to share something a Nurse Joy told me - affects all of us! - and eventually roughly discuss another thing... *time-checking on cell* "Well, can we head to...my dorn then, please? Nothing too delicate, but it'd be better if we're not pondering over this in the Lobby of the Center."


If they all agree, onward they go to the Eastern Pokemon Center of Cress City, where Shiva would at first get a plate neatly filled (but not overloaded) with an assortment of all sliced fruit and berries the Cafeteria was currently offering, before heading upstairs to Room 91 - the dorm she occupied in this Center. "Oh, wait a moment, where did I put they keys.... *rummaging sounds in pocket and backpack* Oh, here they are! *she unlocks the door and opens it semi-wide* I'll let some fresh air in in an instant."

Given how she has camped outside yesterday night, everything of the room looked pretty much the same as she has left it yesterday before heading to see Professor Mallorn. Which means, relatively tidy, lots of personal touch here and there, and a very faint smell of incense and herbs was still lingering in the room, which was quickly replaced with the smell of the fresh air incoming from the big window now. In that window, her selfmade dreamcatcher was still hanging, Shiva carefully stroked over the Noctowl feathers as she opened the window.

Apart from that, there were a decent amount of books laying on the table belonging to the room, these were 'Hitmonlee's Guide to the Chreshire' with several bookmarks in each a different color in it, Earth Lore from that healer's shack near Wineberry, the book containing native swampsongs the Fortune Hunter sent her, one about runereading, something that looked like a book containing genera  info about every known Pokemon from Kanto to Alola incl. a Berry Guide attatched, and her trademark starpatterned journal somewhere in between the other books, if anyone would be curious about them. Besides, pens and some materials for crafting plushies. Speaking of plushies, Reshiram was currently out of sight, so was her Almanac, though Snivy Plush was sitting on the bed where now Shiva would place herself as well nowin an upright sitting position, taking Snivy in her arms while Cottonee chooses to rest atop of her head again. Eventually, she'd share the brought fruit and a small handful of Gourmet Food between herself and the fluffball. "Uhm... K then, find a seat everyone, somewhere, I guess..."

It's somewhat obvious that she's not used to holding meetings at her place, but she'd rather does so here than in a backroom of the Pokemon Center.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

The little pagoda makes a lovely silhouette in the half light when you all arrive so early in the morning. At 5:25, the first people come to sit on the marble steps in a half circle surrounding the pagoda. At 5:30 precisely, a little music starts playing, and all the slatted sides of the pagoda slowly open, creating an open-air pavilion with a parquet floor. A tiny ivory building left of the dance theater opens up too, but just on one side......

(...)

The music calms and the dancers pull aside like curtains. From a light mist steps the silhouette that has been missing for most of the dance: the rare Sylveon, the ultimate in grace and propriety. She prances forward like a show dog, right down the aisle, and slips a small cube of sugar into some of the cups, so rapidly it's incredible that she makes no mistake and never lacks for grace.

(...)

The music retreats to mere background noise. The dancers each pick up a tray and move among the crowd, bowing and offering tea to the guests before they drink themselves. From the coloration you can see a few different flavors of traditional teas: Green, Black, flowering, red, Oolong, or delicate. It becomes clear that the different dance steps obscured a complexity of different preparations for these different tea flavors, which require different heats and steeping times. And some don't require sweetener.

The Kimono girls retire to their divans and sip their tea. The Pokemon sit quietly and politely lap their tea from saucers. An elderly man walks among the crowd, answering questions in a quiet voice and passing out thin wooden flyers that explain in two languages that those who wish to may have a chance to battle with a Kimono Girl.

Seeing the Kimono Girls and their Eeveelution gayly dancings to and fro as they put on the Tea Ceremony was a truly fascinating and intriguing to Ventus, and it did ever so slight bolster his spirits with some much needed good cheer/levity! The Tea Ceremony being preformed was nothing like the slow, deliberate, and carefully orchestrated ones his home city practiced, and the sheer vibrant positivity and energy that was being channeled and extruded by the women and furry partners as they went about their no doubt painstaking dance moves with deceptive ease/florish was certainly different from how their Tohjo counterparts conducted themselves on stage! He can now say with utmost certaintity that Cheshire certainly did have a unique interpretation of the time honored tradtion!

Unfortunately the performance wasn't flawless, though, as Slyveon's showy debut on the scene did generate a faint sensation of nervous wariness that coursed through his body, causing the paranoid sociologist to minutely frown and carefully regarded the fae fox for a moment, before he closed his eyes and shook his head slightly, forcibly dispelling and quashing such feelings. 'The Slyveon means you no harm, and the ladies here wouldn't bring a Pokémon capable of doing vile things unless it was rigorously trained to restrain itself, so be calm, be calm.....' he thought to himself, as he marshaled his happiness back to the forefront of his mind once more and re-opened his eyes, and resumed watching + enjoying the ceremony. Having a fear of an entire type was hardly a stroll in the park, but never the less Ventus has long since mastered keeping it undercontrol.....for the most part, anyway.

Eventually the ceremony came to an fantastical end and gradually eased into a serene lull, resulting in the researcher letting out a small pleased sigh of content, quietly saying as he did so: "Wonderfull.....simply wonderfull....."  When it came for the dancers to pass out the tea, Ven took a cup of Oolong, saying to the quietly server "Thank you, madam," in perfectly fluid Japanese, as this was an opportunity to demonstrate his grasp on languages other than code speak and Common. Being a college taught doctorate and working with people who spoke the language taught him much indeed! He declined the opportunity to sign his own slip of paper and put in the basket for drawing, however, as he had other things he needed his Pokémon and time, and beyond that wasn't too interested in participating in such a randomized and restrictive battle format. Call him hard nosed or lacking in grace/nuance, but he much preferred regular fierce single battling by and large than other styles, with the occasional double battle as an exception.

That didn't stop him from happily clapping when Nathan ended up getting selected as the honored contestant in this battle, nor did it prevent him from enjoying the graceful match as his choice in Forthright as they pranced on the battlefield and exchanging 'Dance Moves' with the Jolteon. 'Shame Ralts is no longer a Kirlia, for they would truly be in bliss dancing in such a prestigious event, but a cute child playfully skipping about is certainly a fine enough choice,' the empath thought as he watch the ceremonial battle, and before to long he was once again clapping as the young trainer was declared the victor of the match!

'For few moments I thought Foreright would blow away by Jolteon's performance, but they've succeeded despite the odds! I guess youthful energy, cheer, and a little luck can compensate for skill and talent!' Ven thought, smiling a bit impishly + quietly chuckling at Nathan's flustered reaction over getting a simple chaste kiss from the Kimono Lady ('Oh, how precious.....I'd take a picture if I didn't know they would react poorly to such things....'), before waiting for him to finish his business and join up with group so that they can depart to Shiva's room for the meeting she called. He may have important 'business' to take care of, but he wasn't going to forget a request from his dearest friend, no way no how!

He did have something to say to Nathan along the way, though, gesturing to him with a polite and entreting smile as he did so.

"Nathan, may I perhaps purchase some Honey off you again? I've been out for awhile, and I wish to keep stocked up on Lilith's favorite sticky treat if at all possible. I want at most 3 jars/small barrels of it, but I'm perfectly happy to take less. $100 Poke per amount, right?"

Some time after the meeting, the research also head out into the city to purchase a large burlaps sack and buck knife for 0$ Poke altogether, neatly packing away those Items into his satchel until it their time for use comes....

He also went to his PC to configure his party as thus: Lucifer, Apsis, Michael, Hanael, Haziel, and Abaddon. Putting his precious archangel away was almost inconceivable to him, but he didn't want to risk the possibility of his plans causing them to react adversely/become Unhappy/Disloyal to him, like what happened when he razed the Forest Den so long ago. Better safe than sorry, as they say....

As for what he does after the meeting, Ventus proceeds to exit Cress City, and go find a large burrow of Patrets and deliberately provoking them to attack him en mass (Perhaps by throwing a rock at a sentry and saying derogatorily 'Rattatta make better rodents then you and your fellows will ever amount to be), before releasing Apsis to summarily scare the bejesus out of them and knock them all out with frightening ease. He would then order his beautiful snake NOT to eat them all ,earning him a pout unit he later explained his plan to her and the rest of his Pokémon far away from any would be spies (Will PM them to you Iron!) as he stuffed as many of the furry critters as he could into the burlap bag he recently bought, at which point she immediately ceased such action and instead let out an approving + diabolical *Hiiiiissss....!* Oh, that wretch light fixture won't know what him them when it comes time to exact their revenge against them, *Hiiiissss.....*

Oh, and Ventus also fully equipped his Disguise of Mask/Hat/Cloak when he was well out of sight of anyone. Didn't want to be recognized by his target or any would be rescuer of the damn spirit, now would he?

When ALL of that is finished, only then would the masked marauder begin his journey back to Mt. Sentry (preferably Teleporting near the entrance to save time/energy if possible), making a beeline for the Candelabra where Chandelure cravousnously hides......

'One two, I coming for you Chandelure.....'

Order: Wait for Nathan to finish his business with the Kimono girls, before asking them along the way to the Pokémon Center to purchase some Honey, paying $100 Poke each for each unit they are willing to give up, up to 3 unless they want more Poke for it, in which case some haggling will have to be done. Ventus will then depart from the group immediately and discretely after the meeting, taking care not to be follow by them/anyone else, before he begins Phase 1 of Operation Jack: Purchase all those Items, Knock Out a whole burrow of Patret (Like You Said, Iron!) and jam as many of them into the Burlap Sack as possible (Carted about by Apsis if necessary), before he tells his Plan to his Pokémon (PMing to You Iron!), donning his Disguise at some point along the line, and heading towards Mt. Sentry. The first Phase should take one Encounter, so this should go along smoothly up to this point! The rest of the plan....well, we will just have to wait and see, won't we?

The reason I'm announcing all these plans/doing them already is because Iron call roll out these Encounters while I/Ven simultaneously can be a part of the meeting during his own personal Flashback, for maximum efficiency on all parts! At least, I hope that is the case!

[Iron]

For a finale, Jolteon allows the tackle to carry her up high into the air, where she does a flip and lands with her feet primly on the ground - the actual ground, as Magnet Rise ends.

"Nathan Warren is the victor in this ceremonial battle," croaks the old man, and rings a small gong. Your opponents courtesy deeply to you, and the Kimono Girl gives you a very polite peck on the cheek and a lovely red flower. "Red is the color of victory," she says. It has a little Pokeball decoration clipped to it, emblazoned "K."

The crowd claps very politely, and the ceremony is over!

A man comes out of the white building and approaches Nathan.

"We make video recordings of all the dances, and pass the best ones on to show up in a compilation later. We pay $600 for the rights to each trainer's video, if we find their Pokemon's performance beautiful. We also sometimes crop the trainer out of the shot, so let me know if that is necessary. This is all entirely voluntary and you do get a copy after three days of post-processing."

He hands you a form to sign, explaining everything he just said.

Nope, no dancing from Nathan.  He just lets the pokemon handle it.  He does bow at the end of the battle, though.

Nathan very visibly blushes when the kimono girl pecks his cheek...and then proceeds to examine the pokeball decoration pinned to the red flower.  K...heh...how ironic...

"So...what's the 'K' on this pin stand for, if I may ask?  Oh, and the video's fine.  Don't have to crop me out either."

He signs the paper, obviously.

"Why, 'Kimono', of course! This is so you can remember your battle."

The guy hands over the money on the spot and collects your paper.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

For the sake of pace and progress (of course the scene at the Pagoda can carry on as long as desired), small flash-forward to the start of the meeting already, rest from my side will come tomorrow as I'll turn in for the night then.



What a precious battle, and Shiva could still see that Sylveon's graceful leap over the aisle in front of her mental eye, as well as that Jolteon taking some steps into the air until it leviated... Magnet Rise is a Tutor move for this electrifying Eeveelution, that much she'd know as it naturally can't be bred on Eevee. Now, Shiva was somewhat wondering whether these Eeveelutions knew precious Wish, like Spectral does? Huuuh, regardless whether they do or not, now she was silently looking forward to her own Style-Battle 'gainst these Kimono Girls - she'll check back to the next drawing at noon. When Nathan arrived back at them, she would give him a playful punch on the shoulder, meaning a friendly 'Well done'.


She was up and about to head onward to the Violet Tent to see the Medium there, before she remembered something when thinking back (and already looking forward to re-visit) to that Tent - immediatley but impercibly, she perked up before she carefully *cough* attempted to catch the attention of the others. "Uhm... People, you remember how I've sent that round-message yesterday? Yes, I...eh... wanted to share something a Nurse Joy told me - affects all of us! - and eventually roughly discuss another thing... *time-checking on cell* "Well, can we head to...my dorn then, please? Nothing too delicate, but it'd be better if we're not pondering over this in the Lobby of the Center."


If they all agree, onward they go to the Eastern Pokemon Center of Cress City, where Shiva would at first get a plate neatly filled (but not overloaded) with an assortment of all sliced fruit and berries the Cafeteria was currently offering, before heading upstairs to Room 91 - the dorm she occupied in this Center. "Oh, wait a moment, where did I put they keys.... *rummaging sounds in pocket and backpack* Oh, here they are! *she unlocks the door and opens it semi-wide* I'll let some fresh air in in an instant."

Given how she has camped outside yesterday night, everything of the room looked pretty much the same as she has left it yesterday before heading to see Professor Mallorn. Which means, relatively tidy, lots of personal touch here and there, and a very faint smell of incense and herbs was still lingering in the room, which was quickly replaced with the smell of the fresh air incoming from the big window now. In that window, her selfmade dreamcatcher was still hanging, Shiva carefully stroked over the Noctowl feathers as she opened the window.

Apart from that, there were a decent amount of books laying on the table belonging to the room, these were 'Hitmonlee's Guide to the Chreshire' with several bookmarks in each a different color in it, Earth Lore from that healer's shack near Wineberry, the book containing native swampsongs the Fortune Hunter sent her, one about runereading, something that looked like a book containing genera  info about every known Pokemon from Kanto to Alola incl. a Berry Guide attatched, and her trademark starpatterned journal somewhere in between the other books, if anyone would be curious about them. Besides, pens and some materials for crafting plushies. Speaking of plushies, Reshiram was currently out of sight, so was her Almanac, though Snivy Plush was sitting on the bed where now Shiva would place herself as well nowin an upright sitting position, taking Snivy in her arms while Cottonee chooses to rest atop of her head again. Eventually, she'd share the brought fruit and a small handful of Gourmet Food between herself and the fluffball. "Uhm... K then, find a seat everyone, somewhere, I guess..."

It's somewhat obvious that she's not used to holding meetings at her place, but she'd rather does so here than in a backroom of the Pokemon Center.

For a finale, Jolteon allows the tackle to carry her up high into the air, where she does a flip and lands with her feet primly on the ground - the actual ground, as Magnet Rise ends.

"Nathan Warren is the victor in this ceremonial battle," croaks the old man, and rings a small gong. Your opponents courtesy deeply to you, and the Kimono Girl gives you a very polite peck on the cheek and a lovely red flower. "Red is the color of victory," she says. It has a little Pokeball decoration clipped to it, emblazoned "K."

The crowd claps very politely, and the ceremony is over!

A man comes out of the white building and approaches Nathan.

"We make video recordings of all the dances, and pass the best ones on to show up in a compilation later. We pay $600 for the rights to each trainer's video, if we find their Pokemon's performance beautiful. We also sometimes crop the trainer out of the shot, so let me know if that is necessary. This is all entirely voluntary and you do get a copy after three days of post-processing."

He hands you a form to sign, explaining everything he just said.

Nope, no dancing from Nathan.  He just lets the pokemon handle it.  He does bow at the end of the battle, though.

Nathan very visibly blushes when the kimono girl pecks his cheek...and then proceeds to examine the pokeball decoration pinned to the red flower.  K...heh...how ironic...

"So...what's the 'K' on this pin stand for, if I may ask?  Oh, and the video's fine.  Don't have to crop me out either."

He signs the paper, obviously.

Spoiler

The little pagoda makes a lovely silhouette in the half light when you all arrive so early in the morning. At 5:25, the first people come to sit on the marble steps in a half circle surrounding the pagoda. At 5:30 precisely, a little music starts playing, and all the slatted sides of the pagoda slowly open, creating an open-air pavilion with a parquet floor. A tiny ivory building left of the dance theater opens up too, but just on one side......

(...)

The music calms and the dancers pull aside like curtains. From a light mist steps the silhouette that has been missing for most of the dance: the rare Sylveon, the ultimate in grace and propriety. She prances forward like a show dog, right down the aisle, and slips a small cube of sugar into some of the cups, so rapidly it's incredible that she makes no mistake and never lacks for grace.

(...)

The music retreats to mere background noise. The dancers each pick up a tray and move among the crowd, bowing and offering tea to the guests before they drink themselves. From the coloration you can see a few different flavors of traditional teas: Green, Black, flowering, red, Oolong, or delicate. It becomes clear that the different dance steps obscured a complexity of different preparations for these different tea flavors, which require different heats and steeping times. And some don't require sweetener.

The Kimono girls retire to their divans and sip their tea. The Pokemon sit quietly and politely lap their tea from saucers. An elderly man walks among the crowd, answering questions in a quiet voice and passing out thin wooden flyers that explain in two languages that those who wish to may have a chance to battle with a Kimono Girl.

Seeing the Kimono Girls and their Eeveelution gayly dancings to and fro as they put on the Tea Ceremony was a truly fascinating and intriguing to Ventus, and it did ever so slight bolster his spirits with some much needed good cheer/levity! The Tea Ceremony being preformed was nothing like the slow, deliberate, and carefully orchestrated ones his home city practiced, and the sheer vibrant positivity and energy that was being channeled and extruded by the women and furry partners as they went about their no doubt painstaking dance moves with deceptive ease/florish was certainly different from how their Tohjo counterparts conducted themselves on stage! He can now say with utmost certaintity that Cheshire certainly did have a unique interpretation of the time honored tradtion!

Unfortunately the performance wasn't flawless, though, as Slyveon's showy debut on the scene did generate a faint sensation of nervous wariness that coursed through his body, causing the paranoid sociologist to minutely frown and carefully regarded the fae fox for a moment, before he closed his eyes and shook his head slightly, forcibly dispelling and quashing such feelings. 'The Slyveon means you no harm, and the ladies here wouldn't bring a Pokémon capable of doing vile things unless it was rigorously trained to restrain itself, so be calm, be calm.....' he thought to himself, as he marshaled his happiness back to the forefront of his mind once more and re-opened his eyes, and resumed watching + enjoying the ceremony. Having a fear of an entire type was hardly a stroll in the park, but never the less Ventus has long since mastered keeping it undercontrol.....for the most part, anyway.

Eventually the ceremony came to an fantastical end and gradually eased into a serene lull, resulting in the researcher letting out a small pleased sigh of content, quietly saying as he did so: "Wonderfull.....simply wonderfull....."  When it came for the dancers to pass out the tea, Ven took a cup of Oolong, saying to the quietly server "Thank you, madam," in perfectly fluid Japanese, as this was an opportunity to demonstrate his grasp on languages other than code speak and Common. Being a college taught doctorate and working with people who spoke the language taught him much indeed! He declined the opportunity to sign his own slip of paper and put in the basket for drawing, however, as he had other things he needed his Pokémon and time, and beyond that wasn't too interested in participating in such a randomized and restrictive battle format. Call him hard nosed or lacking in grace/nuance, but he much preferred regular fierce single battling by and large than other styles, with the occasional double battle as an exception.

That didn't stop him from happily clapping when Nathan ended up getting selected as the honored contestant in this battle, nor did it prevent him from enjoying the graceful match as his choice in Forthright as they pranced on the battlefield and exchanging 'Dance Moves' with the Jolteon. 'Shame Ralts is no longer a Kirlia, for they would truly be in bliss dancing in such a prestigious event, but a cute child playfully skipping about is certainly a fine enough choice,' the empath thought as he watch the ceremonial battle, and before to long he was once again clapping as the young trainer was declared the victor of the match!

'For few moments I thought Foreright would blow away by Jolteon's performance, but they've succeeded despite the odds! I guess youthful energy, cheer, and a little luck can compensate for skill and talent!' Ven thought, smiling a bit impishly + quietly chuckling at Nathan's flustered reaction over getting a simple chaste kiss from the Kimono Lady ('Oh, how precious.....I'd take a picture if I didn't know they would react poorly to such things....'), before waiting for him to finish his business and join up with group so that they can depart to Shiva's room for the meeting she called. He may have important 'business' to take care of, but he wasn't going to forget a request from his dearest friend, no way no how!

He did have something to say to Nathan along the way, though, gesturing to him with a polite and entreting smile as he did so.

"Nathan, may I perhaps purchase some Honey off you again? I've been out for awhile, and I wish to keep stocked up on Lilith's favorite sticky treat if at all possible. I want at most 3 jars/small barrels of it, but I'm perfectly happy to take less. $100 Poke per amount, right?"

Some time after the meeting, the research also head out into the city to purchase a large burlaps sack and buck knife for 0$ Poke altogether, neatly packing away those Items into his satchel until it their time for use comes....

He also went to his PC to configure his party as thus: Lucifer, Apsis, Michael, Hanael, Haziel, and Abaddon. Putting his precious archangel away was almost inconceivable to him, but he didn't want to risk the possibility of his plans causing them to react adversely/become Unhappy/Disloyal to him, like what happened when he razed the Forest Den so long ago. Better safe than sorry, as they say....

As for what he does after the meeting, Ventus proceeds to exit Cress City, and go find a large burrow of Patrets and deliberately provoking them to attack him en mass (Perhaps by throwing a rock at a sentry and saying derogatorily 'Rattatta make better rodents then you and your fellows will ever amount to be), before releasing Apsis to summarily scare the bejesus out of them and knock them all out with frightening ease. He would then order his beautiful snake NOT to eat them all ,earning him a pout unit he later explained his plan to her and the rest of his Pokémon far away from any would be spies (Will PM them to you Iron!) as he stuffed as many of the furry critters as he could into the burlap bag he recently bought, at which point she immediately ceased such action and instead let out an approving + diabolical *Hiiiiissss....!* Oh, that wretch light fixture won't know what him them when it comes time to exact their revenge against them, *Hiiiissss.....*

Oh, and Ventus also fully equipped his Disguise of Mask/Hat/Cloak when he was well out of sight of anyone. Didn't want to be recognized by his target or any would be rescuer of the damn spirit, now would he?

When ALL of that is finished, only then would the masked marauder begin his journey back to Mt. Sentry (preferably Teleporting near the entrance to save time/energy if possible), making a beeline for the Candelabra where Chandelure cravousnously hides......

'One two, I coming for you Chandelure.....'

Order: Wait for Nathan to finish his business with the Kimono girls, before asking them along the way to the Pokémon Center to purchase some Honey, paying $100 Poke each for each unit they are willing to give up, up to 3 unless they want more Poke for it, in which case some haggling will have to be done. Ventus will then depart from the group immediately and discretely after the meeting, taking care not to be follow by them/anyone else, before he begins Phase 1 of Operation Jack: Purchase all those Items, Knock Out a whole burrow of Patret (Like You Said, Iron!) and jam as many of them into the Burlap Sack as possible (Carted about by Apsis if necessary), before he tells his Plan to his Pokémon (PMing to You Iron!), donning his Disguise at some point along the line, and heading towards Mt. Sentry. The first Phase should take one Encounter, so this should go along smoothly up to this point! The rest of the plan....well, we will just have to wait and see, won't we?

The reason I'm announcing all these plans/doing them already is because Iron call roll out these Encounters while I/Ven simultaneously can be a part of the meeting during his own personal Flashback, for maximum efficiency on all parts! At least, I hope that is the case!

After the battle Heart decide to praise Nathan for his last victory against the Kimono girl. "Great battle out there Nathan. I cant wait to be my time to fight too! Dont decide yet what pokemon I should use for now..." Then Heart follow Shiva to her to finally discuss what she want to talk. Heart take a seat then wait her to speak. Shiva have a nice room. "Wow. You have a pretty room Shiva. Mine its a chaos from the mess of books sometimes, heh." Heart say blusing a little. "I should buy a few plushies too when have the chance." Then Heart say again. "So...what you want to discuss with us Shiva?"

[Dragonstrike]

Castform also gains 1 Happiness. She's already incredibly happy.

(Yup. 4 Happiness. She's certainly a happy little cloud, isn't she? Ah, innocence...)

"Ah yes, right...'K' for Kimono...rather obvious, now that I think about it..."

Nqthan gives the old man a bow too after the money has changed hands. "Thank you for your time as well, sir. You're doing a wonderful job."

Shiva's playful punch leaves Nathan rubbing his shoulder in mock pain. "Awe, come on, Shiva, was that really necessary? Thanks, though...like, seriously. Thank you."

*turns attention back to Forthright and smiles, giving her a big hug and a cuddle as well*

"Amazing job, Forthright. That was a spectacular first battle. Simple, but effective. You'll be bending the weather to your will soon if you keep that kind of enjoyment in mind. Battles can be dangerous, yes, but they can be fun, too."

*looks at Furret*

"Well, what did you think of the performance, Furret? Think Forthright did a good job?"

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

Ventus pulling him aside on the way back to the East Center kinda catches him off guard.

"Honey...? $100 each...? Uuuhhh...oh yeah, right...sorry, been awhile, so I...kinda forgot...yeah, sure, alright. 3 large jars of Honey for $300.

Cha-ching! Just made $900 in one encounter. Sweeeet! Potentially one step closer to that Telekinesis TM...

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

In Shiva's room, Nathan just simply sits on the floor with Forthright, Furret, and Ralts. (if Furret allows it, Nathan will be stroking her fur). Furret gets to cuddke with Forthright.

He's just patiently waiting. Looking around the room more carefully this time. Wow, she's got a lot of books...Hitmonlee's Guide to Creshire...ah yes, that brings back some memories...he has that one practically memorized...a book on...earth lore, if he's reading that title correctly? Hmmm...

...some journals with various topics...that one looks like a pokemon compilation...hmmm...

Overall, Nathan's fairly relaxed, if just a tad more uncomfortable since entering Shiva's room. He prefers his own veeerrry lightly decorated spaces. He'd probably hole up there if he wasn't doing things abroad, in fact. (Fun fact: he actually does this at the end of almost every day, for an hour or two before getting some sleep. Try visiting him at that time at some point, after he's been holed up for half an hour or so...) The amount of books in the room is helping him relax a little more, though.

"...smart, young, scientist girl. That's what he called you, by the way." Nathan chuckles. He's twirling the red flower now, taking some time to appreciate it and the 'K' pokeball pin, a small smile on his face as he does. It reminds him of a story he once heard about his dad's own travels...happy memories, with only a hint of sadness currently.

Overall, Ralts is in a really good mood right now. He's happily joining Forthright and Furret in the congratulatory cuddles.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

For the sake of pace and progress (of course the scene at the Pagoda can carry on as long as desired), small flash-forward to the start of the meeting already, rest from my side will come tomorrow as I'll turn in for the night then.

She was up and about to head onward to the Violet Tent to see the Medium there, before she remembered something when thinking back (and already looking forward to re-visit) to that Tent - immediatley but impercibly, she perked up before she carefully *cough* attempted to catch the attention of the others. "Uhm... People, you remember how I've sent that round-message yesterday? Yes, I...eh... wanted to share something a Nurse Joy told me - affects all of us! - and eventually roughly discuss another thing... *time-checking on cell* "Well, can we head to...my dorn then, please? Nothing too delicate, but it'd be better if we're not pondering over this in the Lobby of the Center."


If they all agree, onward they go to the Eastern Pokemon Center of Cress City, where Shiva would at first get a plate neatly filled (but not overloaded) with an assortment of all sliced fruit and berries the Cafeteria was currently offering, before heading upstairs to Room 91 - the dorm she occupied in this Center. "Oh, wait a moment, where did I put they keys.... *rummaging sounds in pocket and backpack* Oh, here they are! *she unlocks the door and opens it semi-wide* I'll let some fresh air in in an instant."

(...)


"Uhm... K then, find a seat everyone, somewhere, I guess..."

It's somewhat obvious that she's not used to holding meetings at her place, but she'd rather does so here than in a backroom of the Pokemon Center.

*Flashback!/Not Future Events!*

Ventus graces his most precious and kind friend with a simple honest warm smile as she gathers everyone's attention, dipping his head towards her in agreement as he replied. "Ah yes, I indeed remember you wished to discuss some matter with all of us, my dear. Well, I certainly can attend this, as I cleared my morning schedule when I first got the news! After all, time discussing something important is time well spent!"

Meanwhile (@Dragonstrike)
------------------------------

Ventus pulling him aside on the way back to the East Center kinda catches him off guard.

"Honey...? $100 each...? Uuuhhh...oh yeah, right...sorry, been awhile, so I...kinda forgot...yeah, sure, alright. 3 large jars of Honey for $300.

Cha-ching! Just made $900 in one encounter. Sweeeet! Potentially one step closer to that Telekinesis TM...

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

The sociologist smile reaches for his wallet and pay for the 3 Large Jars of Honey, stowing them all away in a nice safe place in his satchel, before they suddenly clasped Nathan on the shoulder and give them a grateful and congratulatory smile.

"Here you go then! My deepest thanks, as this will certainly tide over my boss' sweet tooth for awhile and keep her from needling me for it! I would also like to say you and Forthright did spectacularly in your match against Jolteon and their trainer. She may be inexperienced and naïve to such conflict, but she certainly showed great promise with her neat Tackles and her playful weaving! Her Happiness with you is certainly and indicator of that, and infectious too! A fine performance on both your parts overall, and I must thank you yet again for the opportunity to witness such a delight!"

He then let them go, and continued to walk with them to the Pokémon Center

Upon arriving, the researcher proceeded to offer to carry the plate of nutritious and delicious fruit for her with another of his patented heart warming smiles , before he enters the room and takes a seat near Nathan, releasing Azrael (He hadn't changed his party yet at this point!) and gently pulling them into his lap for a nice cuddle/stroaking session, to which she responded by letting out a cute/eager cry and latching onto his hand to happily nibble on it instead.

Papa is here with her, protecting her from all the things she can't see, but knows is out there (She can smell and hear it!), and providing lots of love! Nice, warm, and safe...... He just chuckles in response and switches to his other hand to freely pet his beloved dark angel, for now unbothered and endeared by such antics. When she starts growing in her teeth, though......well, that will be the day some restraint will have to be taught! (How does all the Pokémon react to Azrael? Yes, this is important, as she IS a rather notoriously Disobedient species, so some might have more caution than others/unique reactions)

Ventus himself is put at ease in such familiarly characteristic surroundings and the boy and his cadre's own relative comfort/relaxing vibes, brushing off their (Nathan's) unease as another minor case of their own nature acting up. Their seemingly random (Ven didn't hear the old man) comment, however, catches and draws his attention to the boy, tilting his head and eyeing them curiously as they did so.

"Hmm, what's that about, Nathan? Forgive me for asking, but I'm a bit out of the loop on this matter, so...."