[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Nathan's completely silent until Shiva tries to tell Ventus what happened.

"...it wasn't entirely malicious, Shiva.  Not even close...they're just guarding the path to Atheneum...they have to be..."

...and then it's back to silence he goes as he stews in his own thoughts.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Shiva does not let go of Ventus as she replied to Nathan, but she gave him an appreciating look. "Not necessarily, Nathan! They could protect anything, and we can still find a different way, or tunnel one." Her expression soften a little more as soon as soon as it's clear to her that he's not pleased by the outcome of this run-in with the stony Pokemon. "But... Thank you. I wouldn't enjoy to battle them all, way too risky! Thanks that you've agreed to my plea to retreat."

[Dragonstrike]

Shiva does not let go of Ventus as she replied to Nathan, but she gave him an appreciating look. "Not necessarily, Nathan! They could protect anything, and we can still find a different way, or tunnel one." Her expression soften a little more as soon as soon as it's clear to her that he's not pleased by the outcome of this run-in with the stony Pokemon. "But... Thank you. I wouldn't enjoy to battle them all, way too risky! Thanks that you've agreed to my plea to retreat."

He shakes his head.  "They're too organized for wild pokemon.  Too determined.  And that Crustle from before was using non-lethal Rock Wreckers against Heart.  There are guardians along this entire path to Atheneum, I guarantee it.  Someone didn't want this repository of knowledge to be reopened."

"And you would've dragged me away if you had to, I'm sure...now they're gonna be..."

Back to silence...he's so frustrated and angry with himself right now...and really, really sad...

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

He shakes his head.  "They're too organized for wild pokemon.  Too determined.  And that Crustle from before was using non-lethal Rock Wreckers against Heart.  There are guardians along this entire path to Atheneum, I guarantee it.  Someone didn't want this repository of knowledge to be reopened."

"And you would've dragged me away if you had to, I'm sure...now they're gonna be..."

Back to silence...he's so frustrated and angry with himself right now...and really, really sad...

For a little, Shiva ponders about what Nathan just said, replying nothing at first, before she concluded that he may not be wrong about these guardians, but she doesn't know how he can guarantee it if they all weren't here before. "Now that you....say it, it's likely. But Nathan, please listen one last time, none asks us to defeat all these Guardians! Sometimes, it's better to find a way to avoid these guardians, trick them, or find any other way to prevent an outcome that may be unpleasant to.......deal with.... I'm honest with my thanks, and I'm more than happy that WE ARE STILL IN ONE PIECE AND ALIVE. That Carbink and its ilk will get along by themselves, these are sturdy and determined fairies."

Before she leaves him alone to deal with his frustration, anger and sadness by himself at first and wind a little down, Shiva shoots him a gaze that all too well spoke 'No, I wouldn't have dragged you away. I'd let Furret do so, though.'

Azumarill and her Huge Power can help on stacking any rubble away during the tunnel excavation, so she is summoned to Shiva's side. Furret can stay out as well, helping where he can.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

....As if to underline this thought even more, it shoot a Power Gem as a farewell at Swiftfire, which caused Shiva, in a matter of startle, shock and unpleasant surpise, to hug Nathan in front of her tightly.

(...)


As soon as they have retreated to the others, Shiva ONCE AGAIN practicaly flung her arms around Ventus' neck to pull him into another close embrace, not minding Malphena being outside and beside him. She could barely hold a sob back, and she's still somewhat scared. "Veeeeeeen! My, I'm incredibly delighted to see you again.... Danger...ahead. Malicious Fairy Type! Carbink, and three Geodude ready to explode! Scary.... Willing to attack.... Could cause a cave-in! Nathan tried to talk 'em down, no avail. We fled. *sniffle* ......That Durant of yours....can it dug a tunnel to avoid us meeting them again?"

Judging by the downright maniacal laugher pouring forth from Malphena after an intense brainstorming session with Raphael, along with as a tangible sense of sinister power that flooded his sense and sent a chill down his spine but put a wide grin on his face, his sister had successfully mastered/learned Nasty Plot. The archangel themselves also clearly detected this influx of negative feeling energy and couldn't help but shiver themselves at how perverse it felt to them, but at the same time they couldn't help but smile in kind, supporting joy at helping their fellow family member achieve such a feat, hovering over to her and giving them a great big hug! This interrupted the terrifying banshee from reveling in her newfound might, causing her to let out an undignified squack at the surprise snuggle, before she recovered and let out an half amused, half exasberated huff and leaned in to the radient flier's embrace. Honestly, it could do with not being interrupted her post Nasty Plot learning revelation/revelry, but she supposes that a hug from a cheery Togekiss is also a suitable reward for their efforts too, te he...~

"Excellent job, Malphena! With Nasty Plot, you're now able to inspire fathomless terror in our foes as you curse their very souls for trespassing against us, and produce an even great feast for yourself in the progress! We'll have to find a Pokémon for you to test the move for you to fully ingrain it, but for now I believe that's enough practice. Once again, good work!" Ventus said, hands on his hips as he beamed at his two family members with pure pride and earnest happiness over their accomplishments. No doubt that such a move will come quite in handy as the group descend deeper into the depths of this mountain, so he suspects it won't be before too long until he and his 'horrifying' sister will get to test it out, mwahahaha!

Such a celebratory mood didn't last for long, sadly, as before too long Shiva and Nathan came barreling back into camp with varying degree of scared and dispodant feelings between them and Swiftfire looking roughed up from something that tangled with them. Already this inspired a suitable level of surprise and alarm in the researcher, but when his most blessed girlfriend came barreling into and gave him what would have been a back breaking and terrified hug if it were not for his immense Vitality and frantically explained the situation.....well, his worries became all to severe. A fairly calm/neutral frown took over his expression that wonderfully concealed the seething fury of such repugnant actions from a twisted Fairy type, as he returned her hug and did his best to wordlessly sooth her all he could as she speak by rubbing her back and softly murmuring the Fireflies song to them.

During this time he also listen to Nathan explaination of why those foul murderous Pokémon would attempt to do such terrible things to them, which actually helped dispel some of the righteous ANGER over their actions as he thought about it.

'I won't forgive them for what they could have done to my beloved and the boy, but if they are truly guardians of Anthenum, then I can understand why they committed themselves to do such a catastrophic, abominable folly. How could I not, for I too have defended people and ideals I believed in with blind fevor and loyalty, even if doing such wasn't the right and correct thing to do. Pray we never cross paths, Carbink and Geodudes, for while I will not pursue revenge for you fulfilling your duties, I will not hesitate to met it out for what you could have done to my love if you show yourselves....'

The empath could also tell that the boy was torn up over his failure to parly with the cretinous guardens, and it didn't take his empathy and Insightfulness to figure out why that was, which nearly caused him to sigh and shake his head at it in disbelief and....tired sorrow. 'Such a tender hearted fool, thinking of the safety of those that would not have hesitated to see injured or worse. I wonder for how long he can so idealistic and caring, before our enemies and the very world wields itsel such compassion against him, like a spear through the heart......? ....Still, let boy have those qualities, for he need not travel down darker paths like I have if he chooses otherwise....' 

After listening to them completely and hearing them both squabble over the details, Ventus heaved a great big *Sigh* , catching both their attention as he let go of Shiva and addressed the both of them, neutral frown still in place but no longer carrying such harsh vibes as he crossed his arms.

"Enough you two. Arguing about the Carbink and Geodude's perported roles or your escapes serves no purpose but to rile up each other needlessly, so becalm yourselves please. If they possess the capacity to Self Destruct or Explode between them, then avoiding those Pokémon entirely would be the safest course of action, as not only could they inflict grevious injuries among us, but could aslo end up collapsing this tunnel and bury us all alive too. Because of this, I agree with Shiva's proposal to tunnel around Carbink's forces with Turiel. Ditto Transforming into her and assisting in the Digging would be of great help too, and if I summon Lucifer to provide them Tailwinds it then altogether that should expedite the excavation greatly. The rest of the group and their Pokémon can help clear the tunnel and provide support. That is my contribution and suggestions for our plan of action. Do you agree with it, Shiva? Nathan? Heart, Valder (presuming they are going to be here by the time this conversation happens)? (Assuming everyone does) *Nods head* Hmm, then let's proceed. *Recalls Malphena and Raphael, before summoning Lucifer and calling Turiel over from wherever she's at* Turiel, Lucifer......!"

Order: Have Turiel and Ditto Turiel dig a path around the Kingly Carbink, with Lucifer providing Tailwinds to spend up the process to the point that it only takes an Encounter to get this done. For now, Ven's keeping an even head about this whole 'Evil Fairy trying to blow up his girlfriend in the name of defense' , so hopefully nothing comes along to set him of something FIERCE....

[Dragonstrike]

...and that's one reason why Nathan was hoping to avoid fleeing from the Carbink.  Ralts could feel Ventus's anger loud and clear...

Nathan's too angry, frustrated, and sad to argue about other topics with anyone right now, though.  And he knows they need to get past Carbink and company anyways...

He's not filled with much enthusiasm during the dig at all, to say the least.  And the only other pokemon besides Ditto that he has that's really able (and willing) to help with the dig is maybe Yule...Swiftfire, Calam, and Solomon don't really want to dirty themselves in this task, and Ralts...well, isn't very helpful right now for obvious reasons. (In fact, he's paying zero attention to Malphena if she tries to bug him. He couldn't care less about what she does right now so long as she's not actually attacking him or similar)

Well, one Durant Ditto helping with the Dig coming right up.  Another encounter/Transformation slot down already...*sigh*...

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Spoiler

(6)(4)(4)(6)(2)(1) Not too bad. You and Rose play a song you think Larvesta would like. Larvesta tries to stay asleep longer, so you play a little louder, until it wakes up. It rotates around and looks at you, clearly annoyed at being woken.

(I was not interest in capture Larversta before, but I see his abilities and have Flame Body. Might help Heart with his Beldum Egg problem)

Heart and Rose bow in respect in apologizing the sleeping of Volcarona. "Sorry about disturbing you sleeping Larversta. We were trying to awake you or at least make a good song for ya. We are travelers in this mountain and we just passing by here. Sorry again for disturb your sleeping." Heart then search his bag and sit in the ground. Rose sit too beside him. He takes out the Blood Oranges Rose like so much and give to her. For Heart himself, he takes the mustard, bread and cheese and prepare himself a sandwitch. Also, Heart takes out the sweet fruit jam and offered some food with Larversta. "You might be hungry after sleep for quite a while. You can eat some food we have brought. Feel free my friend." And to show the jam its not poison or anything, Heart prove a bit and eat a bit. "See? No danger of poison." Then Heart begin to eat his sandwitch. Larversta is free to join too.

Insight + empathy: (4)(2)(1)(1) Larvesta eats the food, and likes it, but when it finishes, it starts worming its way back up the mini tunnel where it was sleeping. Seems attracted to the warmth at the back of the wall.

"Wait wait! Don't you want join with me? I have more plenty of food like that one. And some fire pokemon who can help you keep warm whatever's you need. And even more important: One friend some mine have Pokemon who can produce honey via Combee." Heart then return Rose and bring Patrat. "This little one can confirm everything. Patrat could you please talk a bit with Larversta? And who knows Larversta? You might find a mate in our journey who knows? What you say?"

That's a new one we haven't heard before! But Larvesta is a proud Pokemon, so we'll see. I'll give you +1 for it.



(3)(5)(2)(5) +1 = 3 successes.
Will: (6)(1)(4)(3)(4)(4)(5)(2)(5)

Heart gets the feeling Larvesta just doesn't trust him with such an important task. After all, he's a surface dweller!

Heart think for a second. That gonna be difficult to let this Larversta join with Heart by good. He talk a second with the little Patrat. "Little one, observe what gonna happen now. It might show you the path you might want to walk when you become a powerful Watchog." Then Heart talk again with Larversta. "Might and powerful Fire Moth, you may not trust me, and I understand how you feel. But...at least give me the chance to prove I wortly to be your trainer."

"Test me. Give me a challenge or chance to prove I am someone you can trust. Any challenge you want to test me I will accept. Give me the chance of doubt."

[Iron]

(5)(5)(5)(6)

Larvesta decides to test you. It wriggles around and shows you some scales on its abdomen. Three are missing, but two have been replaced with little droplets of stone, looking like shards of evolution stones! These are fireglass and thunderglass. If you can find a fiery-colored evolutionary shard to replace the missing scale, Larvesta will go with you. Until then, she's going to sleep and dream of being a bright sun!

[Iron]

Another Encounter slot goes by as Durant and Durant tunnel through the soft coal. You unearth a lot of the colorful rocks and a few tiny tiny quartz crystals. Azumarill is happy to cart these off and offer the crystals to Shiva.

At one point, Durant flat out refuses to dig straight ahead and digs a random detour. Mr. Finder says he smells gas here, after some consultation with Slurpuff. It's a lot darker her, and Swiftfire keeps her flame trimmed once she hears about the gas. She doesn't want to create an impromptu Candelabra.

Nathan paces off the distance he think Carbink could see, hear, or otherwise sense, and the Durant break through into the tunnel as directed by Mr. Finder. (It's clear by now that Slurpuff does all the truly impressive feats of sensory acumen).

You're still in the coal seams, though they have widened out. It actually looks like much of this was excavated long, long ago - there are sharp corners and missing cubes of coal. To one side is a tremendous slag heap, half-filling a pit so massive you cannot see the other side. Mr. Finder insists there is a ledge on the other side, guarded by two sleeping stone Pokemon. He thinks it's a Gigalith and a Golem, but he's not 100% sure - apparently there's something a little funny about them. Or it.

A mass of coal dust slopes down into the pit. At the bottom is a polluted sludge. Sandile are crawling in and out of it, a little disturbed by your light and your passage. You also see the eyes of a Hippopotas staring out at you; the rest of the Pokemon is submerged. There's a funny light in those eyes, though...

Mt. Sentry Coal Biome Part 3 - part 2 is just the tunnel you've dug.

1. Name: Gigalith and Golem
Challenge: moderate, with potential for more
Bid start: 1
Cap: 1 (2) at a time.
Required: a way to cross the dark chasm!
Notes: Mandatory encounter, as they guard the ledge on the far side.
You can delay this to Encounter Slot 4 if you want.

2. Name: Held Item
Bid start: 1
Cap: 1

3. Name: Sandile x2
Bid start: 1
Cap: 2
Challenge: Easy

4. Name: Hippopotas*
Bid start: 3
Cap: 1 (2)
Challenge: Moderate

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

...and that's one reason why Nathan was hoping to avoid fleeing from the Carbink.  Ralts could feel Ventus's anger loud and clear...

Nathan's too angry, frustrated, and sad to argue about other topics with anyone right now, though.  And he knows they need to get past Carbink and company anyways...

He's not filled with much enthusiasm during the dig at all, to say the least.  And the only other pokemon besides Ditto that he has that's really able (and willing) to help with the dig is maybe Yule...Swiftfire, Calam, and Solomon don't really want to dirty themselves in this task, and Ralts...well, isn't very helpful right now for obvious reasons.  (In fact, he's paying zero attention to Malphena if she tries to bug him.  He couldn't care less about what she does right now so long as she's not actually attacking him or similar)

*Flashback?*

Before Malphena ended up getting recalled for Lucifer to take her place by her master's side, she had the opportunity to sneak right up on Ralts while everyone was distracted , hoping to get a nice BIG revenge scare out of him for sicking that Dark brute Calam on her! That'll show him for overreacting to her teasing, hmpt! However, just as she got into position behind him and was ready to initiate the jumpscare, she was astute enough to notice two key things about the abnormal Psychic type: he appeared to be aware of her presense and yet was completely apathetic to it, and on top of that he seemed........distressed about something, to the point of distraction.

This almost immediately deflated any sense of thrill or excitement from her about scaring him, and left instead left in its place a strange mixture of confusion, perplextion, and......worry? Now THAT wasn't a feeling she'd ever expect to feel about that squirt, but.....well......to see him without their sassy temper and brave, defiant attitude was equally strange to her. Its no fun to try and to get a fright out of somebody not feeling it, nor is it seeing him like....this too.

With those thoughts in mind, the screeching banshee elected to abandon her jumpscare attempt entirely, and instead float right beside the young psychic and fix him with a questioning and oddly concerned stare, then simply contenting herself to be near him until her master recalled her. Something was wrong with the abnormal Ralts, and she would get to the bottom of it sooner or later, *Screee.....*

*Flashback End?*

(Decided it would be easier to just make a post in response to Ralts behavior, ok?)