[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Valder looks at the Gallade, "A sparring session? With only Theo and Gallade?" Valder is prepaired to battle if that's the case.

(Just a quick Training session if there's time!  For flavor purposes and just a little extra xp!  No way Gallade could win an actual battle against Theo atm if I don't teach him Rock Smash )

[Nylon]

Valder looks at the Gallade, "A sparring session? With only Theo and Gallade?" Valder is prepaired to battle if that's the case.

(Just a quick Training session if there's time!  For flavor purposes and just a little extra xp!  No way Gallade could win an actual battle against Theo atm if I don't teach him Rock Smash )

Oh okay, sure.

[Iron]

2XP each to Gallade and Keenglaive after sparring to celebrate their peak evolutions!

Windos, you are cleared to introduce the new character! Shall we say you've arranged for him to meet you here, and he was already planning on coming to Cress City for a Tanuki battle anyway?

[Dragonstrike]

2XP each to Gallade and Keenglaive after sparring to celebrate their peak evolutions!

(Flasback!  Because I thought this would be fun to type )

Strike, parry, step back, lunge, feint, strike, parry...

Sidestep, duck, kick, punch, parry, sidestep...

There's a rhythm to every action Gallade makes while practicing with Theo.  One mistake, and the White Keenglaive's blows could crush him.  It's weird, fighting an opponent that he cannot possibly harm.  But it's great practice for getting used to his new fighting style and ability to anticipate his opponents' actions.

...and with every steely blow he parries and dodges, Gallade's resolve to fight his fear strengthens, even as that fear threatens to break him.

He can do this.  So long as he has Nathan and everyone else to encourage him onwards, give him reasons beyond his personal goals to fight, he.  Can.  Do.  This.

After he and Theo are finished sparring, Gallade respectfully bows to his opponent.  Theo is a master of fighting with blades, and Gallade's learned much from the experience!  No longer is he nervous around Valder's signature pokemon, and he definitely considers the kingly Steel type and his trainer valuable friends and companions.

[Iron]

It is now Day 64.

It feels good to see weather again! Today promises to be a mix of different weathers, starting with a light rain and getting hot around noon.

[Lord Windos]

By the time the morning sun had arisen, Ventus Zackariah had long since departed from the Pokémon Center, having gotten up early to finish the final arrangements with his associate, and to simply be gone by the time the rest of the group awoke. He had already said his good byes to them yesterday, and he wasn't one to prolonge the inevitable or let others suffer needlessly. Let them mourn his departure, and then move on with their lives, like everyone else in the world.

Not like they won't meet again, when all is said and done, but for now.....this was farewell and good bye.

In the lobby of the Center, sitting at a table, with a small paper plaque on top of it that read ' Ventus' Associate ' in the researcher's neat handwriting, sat a man. A tall, TALL, positively CHISELED and muscular man, easily reaching six and a half feet in height, though that was partially hidden by the fact he was currently seated and hunched over looking over a.....folder of some sorts?

His other features were also distinct and unique from the average Cheshrian, marking him as either a foreigner of some sort or some genetic oddity of the population. He look to be Arabic and of Asain decent, and had deep, bronze tan skin, along with long, raven black, and wavy hair that was tied into a neat ponytail and a pointed chin bread of the same color. The cloths he was wearing were relatively a simple affair: a white t-shirt that stretched across his adomen like it was ill fitted, brick color cargo pants festooned with deep pockets, and a purple and white braided rope belt that held his pants to his torso.

Overall, it would be no hyperbole to describe the immense man as herculian, or a throwback blend of what a mix between a ancient Persian and Oriental Warrior would look like. Talk about cutting a imposing figure!

Right now, he was alone, still hunched over looking over what appeared to be....pictures and papers with scrunched eyebrows and an intense expression; one would get the sense he was trying to fully understand what was before him, and commit it to practical memory.

"Hmm...…………"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

In the lobby of the Center, sitting at a table, with a small paper plaque on top of it that read ' Ventus' Associate ' in the researcher's neat handwriting, sat a man. A tall, TALL, positively CHISELED and muscular man, easily reaching six and a half feet in height, though that was partially hidden by the fact he was currently seated and hunched over looking over a.....folder of some sorts?

His other features were also distinct and unique from the average Cheshrian, marking him as either a foreigner of some sort or some genetic oddity of the population. He look to be Arabic and of Asain decent, and had deep, bronze tan skin, along with long, raven black, and wavy hair that was tied into a neat ponytail and a pointed chin bread of the same color. The cloths he was wearing were relatively a simple affair: a white t-shirt that stretched across his adomen like it was ill fitted, brick color cargo pants festooned with deep pockets, and a purple and white braided rope belt that held his pants to his torso.

Overall, it would be no hyperbole to describe the immense man as herculian, or a throwback blend of what a mix between a ancient Persian and Oriental Warrior would look like. Talk about cutting a imposing figure!

Right now, he was alone, still hunched over looking over what appeared to be....pictures and papers with scrunched eyebrows and an intense expression; one would get the sense he was trying to fully understand what was before him, and commit it to practical memory.

"Hmm...…………"

(Alright, let's try writing out what the new guy sees when Nathan approaches...)

Well he's not alone for long, for he's soon joined by the brown haired, blue eyed, light skinned, light coat and fedora wearing trainer of average height and his Gallade partner.  (Realized I never really provided even a cursory description of Nathan's features, so there ya go!).  The trainer also has a necklace of some kind with clay ornaments depicting what look like snake-like pokemon that are black and white in coloration.

He looks a little tired and grumpy.  A rather happy yet somewhat disturbing looking Houndour with what looks like an exposed brain trails behind, too.  The trainer is also holding a Castform that's snuggled up in some kind of fluff.

Even though Nathan has sat at the table with his pokemon he doesn't say anything yet, opting to let the new guy start the conversation.  Nathan just eyes the newcomer and that folder with a rather tired look in the meantime.  Gallade doesn't appear to be particularly worried, but then again, it's really difficult in general to tell what most Gallade might be thinking.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(Alright, let's try writing out what the new guy sees when Nathan approaches...)

Well he's not alone for long, for he's soon joined by the brown haired, blue eyed, light skinned, light coat and fedora wearing trainer of average height and his Gallade partner.  (Realized I never really provided even a cursory description of Nathan's features, so there ya go!).  The trainer also has a necklace of some kind with clay ornaments depicting what look like snake-like pokemon that are black and white in coloration.

He looks a little tired and grumpy.  A rather happy yet somewhat disturbing looking Houndour with what looks like an exposed brain trails behind, too.  The trainer is also holding a Castform that's snuggled up in some kind of fluff.

Even though Nathan has sat at the table with his pokemon he doesn't say anything yet, opting to let the new guy start the conversation.  Nathan just eyes the newcomer and that folder with a rather tired look in the meantime.  Gallade doesn't appear to be particularly worried, but then again, it's really difficult in general to tell what most Gallade might be thinking.

The stranger looked up at Nathan as they joined him at the table, before panning his vision over to their Pokémon. One that he vaguely recognized was Castform, but the other two.....they were nothing he had ever seen before.

In particular, the….odd doggy caught his attention, as he continued to stare at it.....before silently reaching into his pocket and pulling out some......marshmellows, and carefully tossed them in front of it. Giving a nod of his head to the strange dog, he then looked back to the boy, then at the open folder beneath him, until he reached into it and pulled out a photograph, then offered it to them.

The picture was none other than of Nathan with Kirlia by his side. Apparently Ventus managed to snap this picture of them unawares, and gave it to his associate in order to recognize him.

"Nathan?"

His voice was predictably low for such a big man, and a bit rough too, but....it was also strangely quiet and calm. Odd combination...

He waited for a moment for you to answer and take the photo, before he stuck his hand forward to the boy first and the unknown (to him) humanoid Pokémon.

"Terra. Terra Sanaa Ismat. Nice to meet you."

Glancing at the fluffy weather being in your arms, and then Gallade, he continued "Would they like treats too?"

He paused, looking contemplative, before also asking "What are those Pokémon (Points to Orthros and Gallade)? Never seen them, but they seem nice. Strong, too."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Being finally and safely back at the surface, having access to a comfortable bed in PokemonCenter's dorms, resting so close in Ventus' embrace when they've eventually turned in for the night and having the sweetest of all Togekiss given into her care now made a particular fae enthusiast pretty sentimental. WAY too sentimental maybe. For a long time she wished to be so close to him, and now that she was but also knew that this was the last time for quiiiite a while now caused her to smile and silently sob simultaneously as she only admired the sleeping face of her oddball of a sociologist. The urge to softly stroke his cheek was strong, but she held herself back - too scared she was to accidently wake him.

Sleeping in herself was something fearful too, as she was painfully aware that by morning he'll be already gone traveling through Chreshire himself....


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


As it became brighter and a new day dawned, she abruptly woke up as if an invisible alarm clock let out a Boom Burst. Somehow and eventually, sleep and exhaustion must have gotten the better of her.

Ventus' side of the bed was empty already.

Shiva sighed heavily as the impact of this sensation hit her. Immediately, she felt her heart making a lurch as she herself felt loneliness overcoming her, patting the side he slept at didn't really ease things. It only increased her sadness. Only when she plucked up the courage and rolled over to get comfortable in Ventus' side of the bed to inhale his faint scent, feel the fading warmth of his body, and allowed a few very last and silent tears escape her eyes she felt a little better.

– From the look of things Shiva will definietly need a while until she will be happy and about again and allow herself to fully move on. Not 'depressed' but down and probably a bit more stoic than usual, which was much given that she was a highly emotional person. Dear Pokemon may be an exception. –


Eventually getting up after lounging a little, Shiva made a slow way to the window of the dorm, taking a look outside – rainclouds decorated the sky. 'Matches my mood quite well', she thought as she stepped back to the bed with a heartfelt sigh. She should be happy, she should DRIP WITH DELIGHT over being here in Cress City again and being able to great the weather, but right now and after yesterday's happenings... she seemed a little out of sorts. Cottonee, who has gotten up by now as well, gave her a melodic good-morning-chirp as she uncurled from the blanket.

She decided to take it slow for now, try her best to make a 'fresh' start. See how Raphael is doing, spend a little time with some Pokemon of hers that waited for her in Bill's PC, maybe even craft a little or other casual activities before she'll leave the Pokemon Center. That sounded like a plan, yes.... So eventually, she made her way downstairs to the Lobby of the Pokemon, still wearing the Dragon-Slayer-shirt that she slept in today. (You know, that one with this cool print.)


First stop: Getting a fresh cup of coffee, she still had snacks from during the last quest that'll serve as light breakfast. She let her head hang a little, already missing having breakfasts with Ventus.

Next stop: Bill's PC, where she brought Alolan Vulpix, Nightshade and Vaporeon into her part in return for Azumarill, Delibird and - I'm sorry - Lilith. For short, my black moon...


(Alright, @Lord Windos, since Shiva got into the Lobby very early, can it said that she 'meets' the new member while none other is around? It's for one particular reason... That, and has Ventus nothing to reply to Shiva's words in the private scene (see last PM)...? If he doesn't, that's fine, I'd just like to know for sure or get any idea how he reacts to that opening [can be via points and doesn't have to be written out])


With that done, she turned to make her way up to the dorm again, not having noticed any new guy in the Lobby or the obvious sign over a table. COTTONEE HOWEVER paid way more attention to the surroundings than Shiva, SHE noticed this weird guy there being highly concentrated on something. The fluffball can't read because Pokemon usually are analphabets, but still this person somehow caught her attention. Or rather, her mischievous and prankful traits have been tickled awake.

With a heartfelt leap and a *woooosh*, she left her place on her beloved Master's head and landed right beside this strong-looking man, giving him an interested look. 'Who are you, what are you doing here and why in my fluff's name are you concentrated so early in the morning???'

Shiva...she realized a little too late that Cottonee escaped from her, and called her fluffball as she looked around searching. Finding her most dear Pokemon on the table, she gasped a little. And frowned upon realizing who this guy was. She didn't do more than looking into his direction however with a careful expression. She waited - how does he...react to Cottonee? And how does he react upon seeing HER? Ventus has told her a bit about his 'successor', but suddenly she wondered whether he has told this person about her as well given that she was his most dear person.....


(You know how Shiva looks. If not, refer to drawings I shared. How he reacts to Cottonee might set the way she will think of him, so hopefully it'll be a good first impression, Windos....)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(…)

With that done, she turned to make her way up to the dorm again, not having noticed any new guy in the Lobby or the obvious sign over a table. COTTONEE HOWEVER paid way more attention to the surroundings than Shiva, SHE noticed this weird guy there being highly concentrated on something. The fluffball can't read because Pokemon usually are analphabets, but still this person somehow caught her attention. Or rather, her mischievous and prankful traits have been tickled awake.

With a heartfelt leap and a *woooosh*, she left her place on her beloved Master's head and landed right beside this strong-looking man, giving him an interested look. 'Who are you, what are you doing here and why in my fluff's name are you concentrated so early in the morning???'

Shiva...she realized a little too late that Cottonee escaped from her, and called her fluffball as she looked around searching. Finding her most dear Pokemon on the table, she gasped a little. And frowned upon realizing who this guy was. She didn't do more than looking into his direction however with a careful expression. She waited - how does he...react to Cottonee? And how does he react upon seeing HER? Ventus has told her a bit about his 'successor', but suddenly she wondered whether he has told this person about her as well given that she was his most dear person.....


(You know how Shiva looks. If not, refer to drawings I shared. How he reacts to Cottonee might set the way she will think of him, so hopefully it'll be a good first impression, Windos....)

(Fine that Shiva gets to meet Terra first chronologically speaking, and I will get to that last PM ASAP, so please don't fret!)

Initially, Terra didn't notice Shiva's arrival into the lobby either, so intent as he was pouring over the portfolio that Ventus gave him. That changed when what appeared to be a living puff of cotton swoop in and began to curiously scrutinize him, causing him to pause in his reading to look over at them.

He didn't recognize this Pokémon, but with the way it was acting and the.....mischevious air it had about her, it reminded him heavily of Genie, causing a faint, fond smile to appear on his face as he leaned down and kindly greeted them.

"Hello, fluffly one. My name is Terra, and its nice to meet you. Here."

Then he pulled out a marshmellow from one of his pockets, and offered it to her.

"A treat. Its sweet and safe to eat, so do not worry fluffy one."

His attention is completely absorbed by Cottenee right now, and therefore doesn't notice Shiva staring at him from a distance.