[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

"Aww thank you Nathan. We may have some problems in the past but I gladly we could be able to everyone get along very well. You know people, it's kinda funny. I inside of the group for just a little time, but I must confess it's awesome to be with you all. The crazy adventures we have until now, the Pokemon we have meet and capture it, the pokemon battles, it's almost looks like the first day we have meet in Mallorn laboratory. I still have some scars from Koa first bites." Heart touch his nose a bit remembered the bites of Koa.

"Anyway, happy birthday Warren. May you have a long and happy life. If you say it is your birthday I would have prepared a birthday cake. I the cooker of the team for a reason! Also is anyone bring a radio? A birthday party can be even better with some music!" Then Heart make a pose like Elvis Presley.

"...*ahem*...uh...don't mean to put a damper on things, but...you weren't there when the rest of us first met...Mallorn's lab is in Trillium...it was...not really like this at all..."

...

"...my mom's cake is fine as is...music's...really not necessary, though..."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Lolz. "Heart, it's late, maybe we shouldn't turn on any music in order to not disturb other people in the dorms next to us."

[Spiritmon]

"Aww thank you Nathan. We may have some problems in the past but I gladly we could be able to everyone get along very well. You know people, it's kinda funny. I inside of the group for just a little time, but I must confess it's awesome to be with you all. The crazy adventures we have until now, the Pokemon we have meet and capture it, the pokemon battles, it's almost looks like the first day we have meet in Mallorn laboratory. I still have some scars from Koa first bites." Heart touch his nose a bit remembered the bites of Koa.

"Anyway, happy birthday Warren. May you have a long and happy life. If you say it is your birthday I would have prepared a birthday cake. I the cooker of the team for a reason! Also is anyone bring a radio? A birthday party can be even better with some music!" Then Heart make a pose like Elvis Presley.

"...*ahem*...uh...don't mean to put a damper on things, but...you weren't there when the rest of us first met...Mallorn's lab is in Trillium...it was...not really like this at all..."

...

"...my mom's cake is fine as is...music's...really not necessary, though..."

"I mean the day I have meet you guys remember? You guys have already know each other, but I join with you guys a little time later."

Lolz. "Heart, it's late, maybe we shouldn't turn on any music in order to not disturb other people in the dorms next to us."

"Ahh I would like some music but that's okay. But I think we should discuss our plans about our next step. About the library thing. What makes me remember..." Then Heart takes a look in his wallet and give 1000 pokedollars in Shiva hands. "Here the money to help hired the services of the guy you have told us. I was thinking about challenge the Gym tomorrow after a little training with Typhon in Mt. Sentry. To have a idea what kind of Pokemon is there. Since it's a Normal-type gym, Rose, Percival and Gustav will have a party with Fighting moves and a good defense with Steel-typing."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"Simply make a note in your PokeDex or cell and add a reminder a few days before the date, Nathan. Can't the Dex to that?"

"...a lot's happened...never really crossed my mind as a result...I, uh...don't have a cell phone, either...never have...*ahem*..."

"No need to be so bashful or charinged about your lapse in memory, Nathan. We all have been rather busy these past few weeks with various ......unsavory complications, so its perfectly reasonable for your birthday to slip your mind. Though I am curious why you are some rueful about nearly forgetting about this one in particular, so what makes this birthday more significant than your others, if I may be so rude as to ask?"

(Has Nathan passed out the cake yet, or is everyone allowed to get some by themselves if they wish?)

(passin' out the cake in this post!)


"...it's, uh...my 17th birthday...in Charring Cross, there's an old tradition of those descended from noble blood venturing into the Great Divide to find a wild Charmander to be their partner when they come of age...usually around 17 or 18 years or so."

Nathan looks at Charmeleon specifically.

(...)

"...and...I'm glad that everyone is here.  That there's plenty of friendly faces around."

...

"...*ahem*...well, there's 5 chocolate gateau, so that's enough for each of us to have one...if you don't mind, I'd, uh...like the Rapidash shaped one...my mom doesn't usually make such a...special looking cake...oh, and don't worry if you're pokemon aren't able to share.  I've got some honey as well.  Thank you for gathering it, Zippy and Princess."

Let's get out the 5 chocolate gateau and 7 jars of honey!  Nom nom nom time!

Spoiler

I'm not quite sure how I am supposed to bring Luvdisc into this scene. :C Maybe Ventus allows Azumarill to fill the Fast Incubator with water, so that the heartshaped fish can be contained in there?

Nathan actually gets out the small pool he got earlier that day once he sees/hears about the Luvdisc.  "Use this instead.  It'll probably be more comfortable, I imagine.  I'll make some room for it.  Somehow...maybe if we move your bed a little over that way, Furret?  Or maybe we just have to put it away for a short time while we have visitors?  or maybe it'll go on top of the bed?  Hmmm..."

He doesn't comment on the heart fish itself, though.  He also doesn't say why he's got that small pool in the first place...

A faint look of surprise flickered across Ventus' face as Nathan described the antiquated right of practice, followed shortly by a surge of curiosity and deep interest as the gears in his mind started turning as he pondered the information.

"Truly? That sounds remarkably similar to The Rite that my people in Opelucid have been practicing for untold ages, though not as......adverse and forboding. If it wouldn't be a bother, could you tell me more of what you know about Charring Cross and its traditions? Part of my sociological research involves visiting the Zen Garden there, and while I know a little from what Dr. Mallorn has told me, a more thorough understanding of the local would be a great boon!"

The researcher's expression then grew more thoughtful as this talk of Charring Cross and his studies stirred up a similar topic from the depth of his mind.

"Hmm....that reminds me of something..... ah yes, the other specific destination I need to visit: The Safari Zone and Nature Reserve in the Hog Potato Swamp! I should plan my expedition into the later at some point, as I didn't have a chance to visit the last time we were in the area due to circumstances, and do some studying on the formor. Dr. Mallorn said I'm permitted to have guests with me while I conduct my research and investigations in these area, so you and everyone one else in our group is free to accompany me", if you wish."

Seeing the boy retrieve a pool from his supplies befuddled the empath for a moment, as why would they own such a thing....until her remember the Egg and the potential Pokémon it could produce. 'Oh my......perhaps I shouldn't rule out Clampearl or Carnarva after all, if he's both a pool they could use. Hmm.....now I'm even more curious as to what Pokémon that Egg contains....'

When the time for the cake to be passed out and the festivities to begin in earnest, the sociologist happily availed himself the opportunity to release Malphena and Lilith, and gestured towards/obtained some Honey for them to feast upon, as each deserved the chance to revel in merriment and enjoy such a sweet treat! Azrael, on the other hand, started to wine piteously as she smelled the rich, moist Chocolate Gatu placed off to the side of him, wiggling in her Papa's lap as she tried to get him to release her so she could track down the delicious treat and start munching on it! At her sweet craving antics, Ven eventually sliced off a small portion of it and held it out for his blind drake to nom on, chuckling as she let out a happy noise and nearly bit his hand off to get at it, and watching her with a fatherly fondness as she enjoyed it (Reactions for all Pokémon, Iron?). 'One day she will be a fierce and brutal Hydregion, ready to annilate all that opposes her or gains her ire, but for now she my little angel, one that a cherish with all my heart....'

Overall, Ven enjoyed himself at the surprise birthday party, as it lifted his spirits and gave him plenty of things to think about besides gloom and doom.

Shame he was going to undo all that by resuming his crusade against Chandelure.

Oh well, its as the saying goes: 'Revenge before Reason, and at the cost of oneself....'

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

?????????

The confusion of Shiva after that opening was rather real on the inside and visible on the outside. She easily noticed that something WAS pretty much troubling him, but she'll be there for him to get over it, like she always was. More out of a habit than consciously, she also reached over to choose a particular Pokeball belonging to her, and eventually summoned Cottonee (which she withdrew from Bill's PC for the night) to hug her dearest Pokemon for succour and security.

"Why should I think ill of you? Ven, I already saw you unfettered and didn't flinch away."

".....You may seen how unpleasant I can be, Shiva, you've hardly ever been a target of such ugly beheavior coming from me. Our conversation won't be nearly so bad as that, but what I intend to say may wound you all the same, despite me only saying out of concern and to help you. So please.....I ask you......don't begrudge me."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

"Ahh I would like some music but that's okay. But I think we should discuss our plans about our next step. About the library thing. What makes me remember..." Then Heart takes a look in his wallet and give 1000 pokedollars in Shiva hands. "Here the money to help hired the services of the guy you have told us. I was thinking about challenge the Gym tomorrow after a little training with Typhon in Mt. Sentry. To have a idea what kind of Pokemon is there. Since it's a Normal-type gym, Rose, Percival and Gustav will have a party with Fighting moves and a good defense with Steel-typing.

That turn into a more serious topic out of the blue - actually, Shiva didn't want to think of that topic tonight, and instead simply enjoy the rest of the night as well as possible - caused her to almost choke on that bite of chocolate gateau. Luckily, only 'almost', and she caught herself rather quickly again.

Handing the plate with her piece to Azumarill to hold for a little, she carefully accepted the 1000$ wordlessly but in a slow movement as if it...meant something special to her, only to afterwards put it securely away into own wallet, drawing her hardcover star-patterned journal as she put the latter away, paged through it a little all calmly and eventually crossed and scribbled something on a particular page:

Total Costs: 5000$ + expenses, these were asked to keep as low as possible as we ourselves can provide food, ropes and such things.
Note, return to Mr. Finder one day before the planned departure with a book on loan from the second-hand bookstore in Stair City's Department Store, head there with Helios' help.
2500$ shall be paid upon departure, the rest afterwards.

Heart aka ArcHeart 1000$, received

Only when Shiva closed journal again in a swift movement, she faced Heart, still looking somewhat calm and serious. "Many thanks for you contribution, Heart. I've noted it down." *packing away of journal* "Uhm, for discussing plans... I'm planning to see Mr. Finder tomorrow to make a definitive contract, which means that I'd be happy if you we could head down into Mount Sentry the day after tomorrow. Preferably in the morning, but if anyone of you needs to finish some business or make some last-minute cash, we can delay departure to the afternoon, there is no day-and-night-circle inside a mountain. Is that...fine with everyone? If not, please speak up."

"Oh!" Now her expression visibly lighted up. "Good luck on your Gym Battle then, Heart! Greet Tanuki from me, maybe. ^_^ I'm busy however, so please forgive me that I'll be unable to witness your battle." Something deep within Shiva quietly told her and gave her some forwarning that sweet Tanuki CERTAINLY knew how to break the fact that many challengers probably follow a similar strategy like Heart, and that was to rely on Fighting and Steel Types. Shiva knew that simply Rattata was able to hatch with the genes needed to know Flame Wheel and neat assortment of Fighting Type moves, and there were many normal birdlike Pokemon with dangerous moves, as well as few Pokemon that have some psychic power. Like Girafarig or sweet Meloetta! Huh, silently, she was already coyly looking forward to her own facing of this young Gym Leader. But first, the Library had priority.  

" (...) Part of my sociological research involves visiting the Zen Garden there, and while I know a little from what Dr. Mallorn has told me, a more thorough understanding of the local would be a great boon!"

The researcher's expression then grew more thoughtful as this talk of Charring Cross and his studies stirred up a similar topic from the depth of his mind.

"Hmm....that reminds me of something..... ah yes, the other specific destination I need to visit: The Safari Zone and Nature Reserve in the Hog Potato Swamp! I should plan my expedition into the later at some point, as I didn't have a chance to visit the last time we were in the area due to circumstances, and do some studying on the formor. Dr. Mallorn said I'm permitted to have guests with me while I conduct my research and investigations in these area, so you and everyone one else in our group is free to accompany me", if you wish." (...)

This time Shiva didn't choke on the gateau, and instead calmly listened to what Ven had to tell and share. Eventually and pretty subtle and calmly, she got a hold of the edge of his green sweater with one careful hand. "The Safari Zone is on the way to Elanor...and there are rare plants I'd like to...collect, so I'd enjoy to visit this place one day.... As well as that Zen Garden - " 'Imagine the calmness dwelling there! The grace, the peace...', she silently added in her mind as a joyful anticipation awoke within her, "...as well as the Nature Preserve. Pleeeeeaaaaaseeeeee... I won't cause any trouble for you. I just want to...expreience this place... See what Pokemon live there."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

".....You may seen how unpleasant I can be, Shiva, you've hardly ever been a target of such ugly beheavior coming from me. Our conversation won't be nearly so bad as that, but what I intend to say may wound you all the same, despite me only saying out of concern and to help you. So please.....I ask you......don't begrudge me."

The confusion silently increased, and so did some worry as what was troubling him to make such a show out of it.... Facing Ven for a few silent and thoughtful moments that felt like minutes, she then opted to lean a litte over to be right at the side of this oddball of a troubled researcher, facing him again from there with an expression of....yes, subtle fear. But at the same time, she slently askshim to speak up and not bottle things up now - it's way too late already to retreat.

"I'll try not to begrudge you, but I can't promise that 100% unless you let me know what's wrong. But.... I don't want to leave your side now after all we have shared and built up together.... I hope you don't either. Ven, you don't want to break up, do you? Does your sexual and romantic orientation prevent us from being together?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Only when Shiva closed journal again in a swift movement, she faced Heart, still looking somewhat calm and serious. "Many thanks for you contribution, Heart. I've noted it down." *packing away of journal* "Uhm, for discussing plans... I'm planning to see Mr. Finder tomorrow to make a definitive contract, which means that I'd be happy if you we could head down into Mount Sentry the day after tomorrow. Preferably in the morning, but if anyone of you needs to finish some business or make some last-minute cash, we can delay departure to the afternoon, there is no day-and-night-circle inside a mountain. Is that...fine with everyone? If not, please speak up."

(...)

This time Shiva didn't choke on the gateau, and instead calmly listened to what Ven had to tell and share. Eventually and pretty subtle and calmly, she got a hold of the edge of his green sweater with one careful hand. "The Safari Zone is on the way to Elanor...and there are rare plants I'd like to...collect, so I'd enjoy to visit this place one day.... As well as that Zen Garden - " 'Imagine the calmness dwelling there! The grace, the peace...', she silently added in her mind as a joyful anticipation awoke within her, "...as well as the Nature Preserve. Pleeeeeaaaaaseeeeee... I won't cause any trouble for you. I just want to...expreience this place... See what Pokemon live there."

Heart's donation to the Mr. Finder fund was something he initially took with non-chalance acceptance, as it was something he expected the rare collector to do post haste once he received funds from selling his Sableye Garnet, but when it prompted Shiva to announce + set the due date for Anthenum Search that caused Ventus to take rapt attention in the conversation.

"That sounds like an excellent plan, Shiva, as we've lingered in Cress long enough to recuperate and I don't desire to give those blasted Scimitars anymore time searching for the Anthenum, or Reshirim forbid find it. *Sighs* ....Unfortunately, my own personal funds have run low since the last time we discussed our plans, so I will likely need until The Day After Tomorrow Afternoon to accure my promised $2000 Poke contribution towards the Mr. Finder fund. Rest assured I will be ready by then, though, so we can all proceed to leave ASAP without me delaying us any further, alright."

The pun lover's declaration to challenge Tanuki tomorrow did receive a surprised look from the researcher, as he figured everyone would challenge the Gym after they made efforts to search Mt. Sentry for the hidden trove of ancient secrets, but in the end he just nodded his head with a smile accepted their decision. He didn't imagine Heart would have an easy time despite the considerable Fighting type coverage and Percival acting as a staltward shield for their team, as he read/heard that the Gym Leaders in Cress have been dealing with such adversity for generations and would be well prepared for such tactics. Still, hope for the best for his friend, and hope they prepare for the worst as well too!

(...)

Ven full attention was on his fae fancy when she tugged his tweed sweater, and hearing/feeling the eager yet shy response caused a gentlely radiant smile to blossom on his face as he reached over to fondly rub her hair.

"Of course you can join me, dear. You won't bother me or hinder my research in any fashion, and I know I can trust you not to cause anything to go amiss, at least not intentionally so. I'll tell you when I'm ready to visit each place and my plans when the times comes, so rest assured you will not be left out unless you choose to, ok Shiva?"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

A faint look of surprise flickered across Ventus' face as Nathan described the antiquated right of practice, followed shortly by a surge of curiosity and deep interest as the gears in his mind started turning as he pondered the information.

"Truly? That sounds remarkably similar to The Rite that my people in Opelucid have been practicing for untold ages, though not as......adverse and forboding. If it wouldn't be a bother, could you tell me more of what you know about Charring Cross and its traditions? Part of my sociological research involves visiting the Zen Garden there, and while I know a little from what Dr. Mallorn has told me, a more thorough understanding of the local would be a great boon!"

The researcher's expression then grew more thoughtful as this talk of Charring Cross and his studies stirred up a similar topic from the depth of his mind.

"Hmm....that reminds me of something..... ah yes, the other specific destination I need to visit: The Safari Zone and Nature Reserve in the Hog Potato Swamp! I should plan my expedition into the later at some point, as I didn't have a chance to visit the last time we were in the area due to circumstances, and do some studying on the formor. Dr. Mallorn said I'm permitted to have guests with me while I conduct my research and investigations in these area, so you and everyone one else in our group is free to accompany me", if you wish."

Seeing the boy retrieve a pool from his supplies befuddled the empath for a moment, as why would they own such a thing....until her remember the Egg and the potential Pokémon it could produce. 'Oh my......perhaps I shouldn't rule out Clampearl or Carnarva after all, if he's both a pool they could use. Hmm.....now I'm even more curious as to what Pokémon that Egg contains....'

When the time for the cake to be passed out and the festivities to begin in earnest, the sociologist happily availed himself the opportunity to release Malphena and Lilith, and gestured towards/obtained some Honey for them to feast upon, as each deserved the chance to revel in merriment and enjoy such a sweet treat! Azrael, on the other hand, started to wine piteously as she smelled the rich, moist Chocolate Gatu placed off to the side of him, wiggling in her Papa's lap as she tried to get him to release her so she could track down the delicious treat and start munching on it! At her sweet craving antics, Ven eventually sliced off a small portion of it and held it out for his blind drake to nom on, chuckling as she let out a happy noise and nearly bit his hand off to get at it, and watching her with a fatherly fondness as she enjoyed it (Reactions for all Pokémon, Iron?). 'One day she will be a fierce and brutal Hydregion, ready to annilate all that opposes her or gains her ire, but for now she my little angel, one that a cherish with all my heart....'

Overall, Ven enjoyed himself at the surprise birthday party, as it lifted his spirits and gave him plenty of things to think about besides gloom and doom.

Shame he was going to undo all that by resuming his crusade against Chandelure.

Oh well, its as the saying goes: 'Revenge before Reason, and at the cost of oneself....'

"Yeah, that's really no bother.  Let me just pull out my journal real quick..." (@Iron, PMing some further info on Charring Cross would be great!)

Nathan shrugs at Ventus's mention of his future studies.  "I kinda wanted to visit the Safari Zone anyways for my own reasons.  Not sure about the nature preserve, to be honest...maybe it'd be good for one of my pokemon, though..."

Despite everyone's clear surprise at the small pool being revealed, Nathan doesn't answer any unphrased questions.

(Yeah, I'd like some reactions from Nathan's various pokemon as well.)

Spoiler

That turn into a more serious topic out of the blue - actually, Shiva didn't want to think of that topic tonight, and instead simply enjoy the rest of the night as well as possible - caused her to almost choke on that bite of chocolate gateau. Luckily, only 'almost', and she caught herself rather quickly again.

Handing the plate with her piece to Azumarill to hold for a little, she carefully accepted the 1000$ wordlessly but in a slow movement as if it...meant something special to her, only to afterwards put it securely away into own wallet, drawing her hardcover star-patterned journal as she put the latter away, paged through it a little all calmly and eventually crossed and scribbled something on a particular page:

Total Costs: 5000$ + expenses, these were asked to keep as low as possible as we ourselves can provide food, ropes and such things.
Note, return to Mr. Finder one day before the planned departure with a book on loan from the second-hand bookstore in Stair City's Department Store, head there with Helios' help.
2500$ shall be paid upon departure, the rest afterwards.

Heart aka ArcHeart 1000$, received

Only when Shiva closed journal again in a swift movement, she faced Heart, still looking somewhat calm and serious. "Many thanks for you contribution, Heart. I've noted it down." *packing away of journal* "Uhm, for discussing plans... I'm planning to see Mr. Finder tomorrow to make a definitive contract, which means that I'd be happy if you we could head down into Mount Sentry the day after tomorrow. Preferably in the morning, but if anyone of you needs to finish some business or make some last-minute cash, we can delay departure to the afternoon, there is no day-and-night-circle inside a mountain. Is that...fine with everyone? If not, please speak up."

"Oh!" Now her expression visibly lighted up. "Good luck on your Gym Battle then, Heart! Greet Tanuki from me, maybe. ^_^ I'm busy however, so please forgive me that I'll be unable to witness your battle." Something deep within Shiva quietly told her and gave her some forwarning that sweet Tanuki CERTAINLY knew how to break the fact that many challengers probably follow a similar strategy like Heart, and that was to rely on Fighting and Steel Types. Shiva knew that simply Rattata was able to hatch with the genes needed to know Flame Wheel and neat assortment of Fighting Type moves, and there were many normal birdlike Pokemon with dangerous moves, as well as few Pokemon that have some psychic power. Like Girafarig or sweet Meloetta! Huh, silently, she was already coyly looking forward to her own facing of this young Gym Leader. But first, the Library had priority.  

This time Shiva didn't choke on the gateau, and instead calmly listened to what Ven had to tell and share. Eventually and pretty subtle and calmly, she got a hold of the edge of his green sweater with one careful hand. "The Safari Zone is on the way to Elanor...and there are rare plants I'd like to...collect, so I'd enjoy to visit this place one day.... As well as that Zen Garden - " 'Imagine the calmness dwelling there! The grace, the peace...', she silently added in her mind as a joyful anticipation awoke within her, "...as well as the Nature Preserve. Pleeeeeaaaaaseeeeee... I won't cause any trouble for you. I just want to...expreience this place... See what Pokemon live there."

Nathan doesn't really want to think about that topic tonight, either.

He does make one comment.  "...I'll have to go find out if I can talk with Tanuki tomorrow, then.  If we can delay heading back into the mountain until that egg hatches, that'd be great.  A I said, it seems like it will hatch in two days.  I...don't want to head down there with a pokemon egg if at all possible...though the further we could push back when we start looking, the better..."

That, and he needs the time to help Furret with caring for the newborn...dang it, he doesn't have enough party space to both help Furret and properly prepare for delving into a cave...unless...

...he'd have to ask tomorrow.  Now isn't the time.

[Iron]

Deino gets chocolate cake all over her face, which she doesn't mind at all. A long tongue comes out to slurp up what's left.

Furret brings Forthright over and seems to be informing her that they can both have some cake or Honey. The Combee seem extremely proud that everyone is enjoying their work so much.