[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(I got a tad bit busy, but let me quick-respond to things between things: )


Overall, Shiva's not too happy that the departure is likely to get delayed a tad bit more than necessary, but she does somewhat understand it that time is needed for Ventus to accquire the promised 2000$ to pay Mr. Finder. That's alright, and from the emotional response he gets that.

However, she's not too happy that the departure shall be delayed because of a Pokemon Egg and the hatchling, and she voices that rather calmly. "Pokemon Eggs can be played onto the PC, Nathan. They don't mind at all."

[Dragonstrike]

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

(How about Emolga and Charmeleon?)

It makes Nathan happy to see all his pokemon having a good time.  And he smiles at Furret, too.  She's doing a good job for sure.

However, she's not too happy that the departure shall be delayed because of a Pokemon Egg and the hatchling, and she voices that rather calmly. "Pokemon Eggs can be played onto the PC, Nathan. They don't mind at all."

Nathan shakes his head.  "Not my choice.  Look, can we just...drop the topic, please?  I'll think of something.  This...isn't the time for this."

[Iron]

Emolga focuses on honey, and tells the Combee how great it is, at length. Charmeleon is a little hesitant to join the party - he's still nervous and Shiva and Ventus - but he carefully licks a little honey at a time from his claw.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(If we're already asking for reactions from our Pokemon, I hope [my] Lilith does enjoy the handed out honey, as that's the first time she's present in such a scene!)


Fine, Shiva doesn't mention the topic anymore and simply lets it be now. She'll count that by the planned time of departure - the day after tomorrow at afternoon, as soon as Ventus got the cash - Nathan has dealt with this.

[Dragonstrike]

Going back to the topic of Charring Cross...Nathan starts reading from his journal.

"Charring Cross is called such for two reasons: the large number of Charmander, Charmeleon, and Charizard that live in the area, and its position as a crossroads of sort.  From the city, you can head in three directions: into the desert in the west, towards the volcano in the east, or through the mountains to the south.  Earthstar Forest is nearby, too, and the roads through it are well traveled.  'Charring' wasn't originally in the city's name, even.  It used to only be famous for being a popular crossroads in Northwestern Creshire.  It wasn't until after the League's establishment that it came to be known for the large concentration of fiery lizards and noble blooded folks alike.  It's a common theory that Sarimanok hails from this city.  

"Creshirean nobility tends to get along well with dragons and draconic pokemon, which is why it's traditional for young men and women to search the Divide for a Charmander.  Well, that, and it's usually recommended to leave wild Charmeleon and Charizard alone for obvious reasons.  Those who can't find a Charmander...well, they'll usually head into the desert to try and find a Helioptile next, another pokemon well liked by the populace.  Some lucky few will rarely find Dratini in the Great Divide, though they usually only reside in the purest waters of the mountain tarns at higher (usually highest) elevations.  The residents think one of Sarimanok's pseudo-legendary dragons might even be living in the general area, though there's been little to no concrete proof of that so far...oh, and there's no rules on who can and can't train the Charmander line and other dragons.  Those with noble blood just tend to have the easiest time training them.

"Ironically, despite bordering the Great Divide and the Camas Desert, Charring Cross sits at the lowest elevation in the entirety of Creshire.  And unfortunately, despite being a crossroads at one point, it's more of a dead end presently.  After the League was established, many of the HMs in Sarimanok's posession were either lost or scattered.  The League did have a single Rock Smash HM...but they broke it while trying to replicate it.  That eventually lead to Captain Bridge starving in Mt. Sentry's tunnels while fleeing from ghosts from the Ruins and the passage from Liverwort to Charring Cross being unable to be cleared when it caved in...if someone were to find another Rock Smash HM or pokemon that knows the move, though, the path could be reopened rather easily..."

[Lord Windos]

(If we're already asking for reactions from our Pokemon, I hope [my] Lilith does enjoy the handed out honey, as that's the first time she's present in such a scene!)


Fine, Shiva doesn't mention the topic anymore and simply lets it be now. She'll count that by the planned time of departure - the day after tomorrow at afternoon, as soon as Ventus got the cash - Nathan has dealt with this.

Ventus coughs into his fist to get Shiva's attention, before whispering (IE: Nathan or his Pokemon can't hear it unless they are trying to be obvious about it) to her in an conspiratory tone of voice: "Don't take my words as gospel, dear, but I believe that Egg isn't Nathan, but rather that Furret's. I assume as much based on her (the Furret's) constant vigilance and affectionate feelings towards it, so its only reasonable that he doesn't want to enact his will upon her expectant child without her consent. Somewhat inconvenient for us to be sure, but it is what is it. Assuming my guess is correct, of course."

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"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."

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?"

"To me its okay the day and hour to go to Mt. Sentry. We may need to careful though, since we might be expect some resistance from there...since its a library of Sarimanok he might be left some sort of defences: Death traps, ancient pokemon and problably some sort of final boss wanabee guardian. I play videogames, read books and watch treasure hunter movies to suspect there some sort of thing there. It sound crazy but lets agree: We already see some sort of strange things: Vines coming from some sort of ruins, Claydolls coordenate attacks, a man with eathpowers, and a Primal Altaria. And I have see some things myself. With remind me." Then Heart go in Ventus direction and give some notes to him. "This is some notes I have forget to give you Ven. This is a few notes from journal about Delta Pokemon I have meet during my travels. You might find something interesting."

Heart take some cakes and share with Koa, Rose and Netune (Gargryph have return to the pokeball). Koa when he see Azumarill in Shiva lap he take the cake he have in his mouth and make a glare against the Fairy Pokemon and make some moves like a boxe fighter almost saying: I take you this time. Heart grab the little anger dragon and try to calm him. "Not now Koa. We having a good time here so please hold your rivality insticts for now got it?" Koa makes a "tch!" and go in the direction of window to look the City. "Huh, sometimes its a pain to take care a dragon. Even with the Axew evolution line. They are very pride, even among the dragons. And if I recall right, they are one of the few races of dragons capable of learn moves against Fairy such as Iron Tail and Poison Jab." Then Heart bow his head. "Sorry about that Shiva. Koa still angering a bit after our last battle. He is very proud of his strengh, and feel a little angered."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Huh... Now that Ventus mentions it and Shiva takes another imprecible look over to that Furret, she gives him (Ven) a just as impercible nod, silently agreeing to him.

However, then she wonders even more why that Furret takes care of an Egg that obviously isn't it's 'own' in the manner of 'she has not laid it herself' due the that not being the case due to the Egg's coloration, but...to be honest, currently she has enough things that keep her mind occupied and she's not too much up to rack her mind with that. Now however, some sympathy for Nathan awakes. Still, she stays at her wish to departure into Mount Sentry at the time she already mentioned, wrapping up some of her own businesses first tomorrow and see whether she herself can't find a job to raise her personal budget again.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Change Cottonee with Azumarill, then that small scene of your works, as that's the fairy that's currently with Shiva - the fluffball isn't.)


Hmm.... True story, not that Heart mentions, they cannot really know what may await them all down there in Mount Sentry, but Shiva herself has read enough stories and played enough games to imagine the WILDEST things, but right now she does not desire to worry about things too much... She already dealt with a Druddigon and its minions alone and survived, what may await deeper down...?

She doesn't mind Koa being openly mad with her blue fae rabbit, as it's nothing new for a Dragon Type to either fear or despise a Fairy!~ The tone she replies to Heart is a quite amused one. "That's alright, Heart, do not begrudge the smol dragon too much. I guess that's only his nature."

[Lord Windos]

Ven wordlessly accepts the notes with a nod of his head and look of utmost thankfulness and curiosity, before he begans to scan the pages with rapt attention, trying to quickly yet studiously divine all the information contained within those pages. With Delta Pokémon species being extremely rare to the point of almost considered a myth by some, useful facts or intel about them was just as equally scarce, so the documents that Heart gave him were practically worth its weight in Nuggets (At least to him!). He's going to learn from them all he can effective immediately, starting with..... (What knowledge do these notes contain, Spiritom? Can't have Ven learn anything if I don't know anything, after all!)