[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Iron]

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Heart once again make a respect bow to Zamboni. "Thank you everyone. Also thank you Zamboni for the chance of battle. Also, if you dont mind, there is something I must discuss with you. Something who is...urgent of your attention. If you dont mind of course."

"Sure, champ. Come to my office in ten minutes, eh?"

He's waiting when you get there.

When Heart meet Zamboni in his office Heart begin to finally talk. "Well, first of all: I believe you remember my friends: Ventus, Shiva and Nathan. They have challenge your Gym for a long time ago. I believe Dagny or Tanuki have already informed you about some problems with a group who was causing problems in Cheshire for quite a while. The Scimitars. Have you heard something about that?"

"A little. They are not here in Ginger Town, but were spotted in Wineberry. They skirt the law in many ways, but they're careful not to get caught doing anything outright illegal. Magicians, they call themselves."

"Believe me. They are more doing than illegal things. They abusing pokemon. Me and my friends was in Mt. Sentry making some investigation about something the Scimitars are searching in that place. They slaving pokemon, brainwashing them. Get riding them from emotions and will. Using some sort of...machines or whatever. They brainwash Reuniclus and Solosis. They must be stopped."

"I've heard tell. Don't worry. Sooner or later, everyone makes a mistake. You can ask your friends - they know I can handle things in a crisis. If any Scimitar breathes wrong in Ginger Town, things will come crashing down on them. Cold, pointy things."

[Iron]

So, on to Nathan's third encounter for the day...it's back to visiting Pyroar at the Shelter he goes!  His current party is Gallade, Swiftfire, Forthright, Rhea, Ditto, and Orthros.  Since Gallade has done double Teleporting today already, Nathan asks Ditto to do it instead.  Conveniently enough, Ditto's a Xatu once again today, so it doesn't even need to Transform to Teleport.

Nathan makes sure to give Pyroar a good rub down as a way to say hi once again.  "Hey there, Pyroar.  Brought Swiftfire back with me today, as promised.  Also have some other pokemon that might like to meet ya.  Maybe.  If you want to give meeting them a shot, I'll tell ya more about them.  We can start with just Swiftfire if you'd prefer that, though."

He wants to start with Swiftfire, but he looks hopeful about potentially meeting another friend.

[Spiritmon]

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"Sure, champ. Come to my office in ten minutes, eh?"

He's waiting when you get there.

When Heart meet Zamboni in his office Heart begin to finally talk. "Well, first of all: I believe you remember my friends: Ventus, Shiva and Nathan. They have challenge your Gym for a long time ago. I believe Dagny or Tanuki have already informed you about some problems with a group who was causing problems in Cheshire for quite a while. The Scimitars. Have you heard something about that?"

"A little. They are not here in Ginger Town, but were spotted in Wineberry. They skirt the law in many ways, but they're careful not to get caught doing anything outright illegal. Magicians, they call themselves."

"Believe me. They are more doing than illegal things. They abusing pokemon. Me and my friends was in Mt. Sentry making some investigation about something the Scimitars are searching in that place. They slaving pokemon, brainwashing them. Get riding them from emotions and will. Using some sort of...machines or whatever. They brainwash Reuniclus and Solosis. They must be stopped."

"I've heard tell. Don't worry. Sooner or later, everyone makes a mistake. You can ask your friends - they know I can handle things in a crisis. If any Scimitar breathes wrong in Ginger Town, things will come crashing down on them. Cold, pointy things."

Heart was gladly to know. "Thanks Zamboni. I gladly to know. Could I exchange numbers with you Zamboni? Just in case any of us find any other information. Also, the last time I checked, they have making machinations in Mt. Sentry. I believe it could be a good idea to you enter in contact with Tanuki and Dagny."

"Well, I have to go now. Need to talk with my friends to update everything. See you later."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

If he himself wants to see her feinting mean Gengar, so be it then - all calmly she calls out to Spinda to "ATTACK!", one moment later the toxic Ghost disapearrs through the floor, hopefully he'll go deep enough to reach Styx.

Still coughing and breathing heavily, Raphael lands lightfootedly, but one moment later Shiva is right by his side. "I'm so sorry for what happened... For you, as promised - You'll be better in an instant, the rest of your pain will he taken care of by a Healing Machine." But before she could spray him with an Antidote, the Butler was already so kind to do that, and never would Shiva herself say no to tea. He chirps thankfully and melodically to new Master as she pats him on the back alongside a whispered "Good battle" before he gets recalled.

Spinda meanwhile is eventually plucked from the ground, due to her stumbling it was harder than expected to catch the panda and she still looked highly disorientated here in Shiva's arms. So diorientated that she directly bit into the flower being offered, but this turned out to be a correct choice as the moer she chewed it the more her senses returned; and one having gulped down the Kirlia Slipper she was looking refreshed and content again thanks to the juicy taste. She shyly returned the smile Master gifted her and squealed in the following hug, doesn't seem to mind remaining in Shiva's arms where she's held close like a big plushie. She contributed much to the positive outcome of this Battle, so she certainly deserves some praise!

Silently accepting the Gym Badge, Shiva could only stare at it at first, she looked insecure whether this was even real - but upon a voice within her wshipering a 'Told you you can make it', she starts laughing to herself in a delighted tone. "Thank you... I'll memorize this day, and am glad that you enjoyed the battle yourself as well."

Huh, from the look of it, Shiva was actually sure that Chuckles himself has trained Mismagius to use a wand, now she frowned in wonder upon hearing that Mismagius has done so themselves. She nods in silent thanks for the insight - eventually Delphox summons himself during Shiva mustering that Badge once more, he sniffly the air a little then smiles a telling smile when accepting back his burning wand from Master. The flame was still white and blue, but via swinging the wand around in slow and etheric movements it gained back it the bright orange tone as the dark energy got burnt away fully. Delphox now knows how to channel the energy ghosts draw their strength from if needed, means he's able to use Shadow Ball now (for 0XP). Having learned about their antics and behaviour, he also capable of mimicking them to a degree, though he'd prefer to keep his inner blaze burning. (Role Play for 0XP). "Ah... I guess Delphox is on a good way to learn it as well."

She hasn't anything more to say apart from a respectful bow and grateful goodbyes, and she's actually relieved to leave this mansion.


The next stop by is the Pokemon Center, where she hands Yena and Raphael to the current Nurse Joy in duty with the kind request to heal them up overnights. In return for these, she picks up Lilith and Cottonee, wWith a warm smile to herself Shiva looks at the white Premier Ball she painted with made-up constellations and stilized stars ☆ that Gothitelle was registered too. A sigh escaped her as she packs it away and loggs off - her exhaustion due to the Gym Battle against ghostly Chuckles was very real, so now some some calmer activity and mental escape from it all came in rather handy and appreciated. Swiftly, she made her way up to her dorm to hold that whimsical Bonding Ritual she heard so much about already, as her original plan to hold it outside near the shrine of Celebi in the respective park has been crossed by the rain. Doesn't matter though, it's cozier inside!

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

Shiva does not summon Lilith from her Ball before she has prepared the room however, which mostly consisted of:

- Dimmed light, and candles and tealights in various holders scattered at various places.
- A warm scent of burning Sandalwood Incense lingering in the air, it's said to increase focus and relaxation.
- Window's slightly open anyway, the room feels fresh.
- The cup with the White Apricorn Dust laying on the table, a can/bottle of Tea from the Violet Tent directly beside it.
- A pillow laying in the middle of the room on the floor, the blanket of the bed folded into a pillow directly beside it.
- Door of the dorm locked to not be disturbed accidently.
- She herself was also dressed comfortably and in black.

Then, and only then, the gothlike fortune teller got summoned from her Ball, she'd find her Master smiling lightly and welcoming to her. Almost ethereally. (Small break for her to react to the setting, how does she take it...?) "Welcome, Lilith...." was all that Shiva spoke in a quiet tone of voice. "My Black Moon. Can you remember what I once asked you while we were still traveling the dephts of Mount Sentry? It was one morning still inside the tent... A ritual. One that is performed mostly by the people in the swamp of this region and the matching village, one that is said to bond Pokemon and owner and bring them closer to one another. Involves this fine dust of Apricorns..." She picks the cup holding it from the table and shows it to Lilith, "...as well as usually a poem. 'Usually' because for us two in particular, I want something slighty different. In fact, I wanted to hold an imaginary journey, a travel of the mind... back to our most meaningful moments. Ah, no, do not worry." *hand gesture of 'It's no big deal'* "I joined and held these many times already, for a few years by now. It's ironic that I got interested in these and learned the technique due to a Dark Type whose casted illusions were so real that you were almost sure to.... Ah, anyway. What's more important: Lilith, dear one, do you wish to do that with me? It doesn't hurt, all you'd have to do is taking a seat on one of the pillows here *points to them on the floor*,  concentrate on my words and let your mind and psychic power do the rest. I'd be happy if you'd agree.... But it's up to you."

A bit of tension was visible on the natural fae enthusiast awaited her noble Psychic Type's answer, she clenched the cup holding the Apricorn Dust a bit as she kindly offered it once more.


-----------------
Mechanics:
Chuckles defeated, Spinda healed from Confusion, hooray!! That battle was fun despite I was rather worried whether it'll end well. Next: Bonding Ritual with Gothitelle, but asking whether she'd stil like to do that first before actually starting.

[Iron]

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When Heart meet Zamboni in his office Heart begin to finally talk. "Well, first of all: I believe you remember my friends: Ventus, Shiva and Nathan. They have challenge your Gym for a long time ago. I believe Dagny or Tanuki have already informed you about some problems with a group who was causing problems in Cheshire for quite a while. The Scimitars. Have you heard something about that?"

"A little. They are not here in Ginger Town, but were spotted in Wineberry. They skirt the law in many ways, but they're careful not to get caught doing anything outright illegal. Magicians, they call themselves."

"Believe me. They are more doing than illegal things. They abusing pokemon. Me and my friends was in Mt. Sentry making some investigation about something the Scimitars are searching in that place. They slaving pokemon, brainwashing them. Get riding them from emotions and will. Using some sort of...machines or whatever. They brainwash Reuniclus and Solosis. They must be stopped."

"I've heard tell. Don't worry. Sooner or later, everyone makes a mistake. You can ask your friends - they know I can handle things in a crisis. If any Scimitar breathes wrong in Ginger Town, things will come crashing down on them. Cold, pointy things."

Heart was gladly to know. "Thanks Zamboni. I gladly to know. Could I exchange numbers with you Zamboni? Just in case any of us find any other information. Also, the last time I checked, they have making machinations in Mt. Sentry. I believe it could be a good idea to you enter in contact with Tanuki and Dagny."

"Well, I have to go now. Need to talk with my friends to update everything. See you later."

"All Gym Leaders, Elite Four, and Champion are in constant contact here in Creshire. You may have my phone number, but don't even think about calling unless it's an emergency. Bye now! Great battle!"

[Iron]

Of course Gothitelle agrees. She doesn't even hesitate.

[Dragonstrike]

He wants to start with Swiftfire, but he looks hopeful about potentially meeting another friend.

Awesome.

"Another round of tag sound like it might be fun?  Swiftfire's been looking forward to doing some more running.  We'll do something different with my next friend."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Bonding Ritual, beware the sheer amount of words. ><; )


Shiva bows a little herself to Gothy and waves to the two pillows he has prepared on the floor of the room already. "Thank you. So, please take a seat then on one of these, make yourself a home." Shiva will do the same while keeping the cup of White Apricorn Dust within her hand.

"Alright", she adresses Lilith quietly, "For the start, close your eyes please. Concentrate on only your breath, inhale deeply and try to follow the flow of air as you breathe in and out. Calm down, relax and allow thoughts to come and go, and focus on my voice as you listen." A few minutes pass before Shiva actually speaks up again, her voice being calm and warm as it forms clear words.


"Think back to when you were a wild Gothitelle yet - picture your surrounding and home.
What was it like to be a wild Pokemon, to live freely, how did you spend your days and how did you feel?
Concentrate on that time...
....and remember why you decided to head to Shelter for Disobediant Pokemon in Cress City.
What made you go there, why would you approach humans on your own and give up that life as a wild Pokemon?
Did you read something very important within the stars to reason this decision? Did you feel like it has to to be shared with the right person or persons?
Either way, this decision of yours marks the beginning of our shared path."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"You arrive at the Shelter. How did the people there react to a rare and precious Pokemon like you?
And how did you react to them?
What about the other Pokemon there?
And the visitors of the Shelter, how was it for you to being called 'bad' when showing your visions to them?
You patiently wait, bide your time until you feel the 'right' time has come - one day, I arrived. Can you remember me entering the room with a young man by my side, and how I was caught by your display of constellations and stars?
I got interested in you. Pondered about adopting you even. How did you feel when I came to see you after having worked for hours for some days, all to bring you into my care?"

"Eventually, me and Director North came to you together, and you seemingly knew already. From that day on, we were partners, you've been adopted while I became the one responsible for your wellbeing.
To me, it was a happy moment seeing your self-made border on the ground fade. You smiled - I did too.
Our path continues."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"Though I quickly noticed that you were sceptical. Having a Trainer was new to you. A few times you wandered away from me, but I always pursued you and never scolded you for going your way. I respected you - We had to get used to one another at first.
Can you remember my promise to stargaze with you? And, can you remember how I kept that promise and watched Chreshire's unique stars with you on top of a waterfall?
It was a clear night and the crashing of Vapor Falls was audible in the background. Inhale - Ah, the air is frigid but fresh.
A small grey cat with folded ears and big round purple eyes was with us that night.
As we made our way down from our spot again, he halted us, only to evolve into his new form right there under the nightsky.
I was very delighted by that - partly because he evolved thanks to you, thanks to you helping him gaining control over his own psychic powers.
Maybe you were able to sense that I was grateful for you then."

"Our way continues as we boldly follow the path. The few battles we held, the time we shared, the activities we've done together - it all was new to you and new to me as well, but I always took care to give you your space. I respected you, let you get to know me at your own pace.
We got used to one another, slowly but surely.
...Until we faced a horde of Spinda while having traveled the depth of a mountain for days."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"We've overcome the threat. The Spinda were taken care of by us, I managed to bring things to a positive end for our side.
You were impressed. Shyly, but I could feel it - maybe you have learned to trust me by then? Haven gotten used to my presence and care? That's an important step in the path of a Trainer and Pokemon - mutual trust."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"Traveling on. Deeper and deeper into Mount Sentry we descend, further and further our quest brings us.
We stumbled over some weird plants. Vines sporting glowing fern - I wanted to collect some of these. Sadly, they were out of my range.
- Shiva takes alonger break here. -
Out of range if there wouldn't be you, that is. Knowing about your psychic powers, I asked a favour from you - lifting me up to gather the ferns with your Telekinesis. Yes, you can still take that as a mark of confidence from my side.
I greatly enjoyed that. Floating under your psychic influence is a unique and relieving feeling - all matter, all worries disappear.
We've grown closer."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"Further we go, leaving the fern behind us. The biome we now find ourselves in, is weird in every aspect: It's dark, the air is heavy, a calmness of relaxing and surpressing lingers. Most curiously, Tall Grass grows here. Run your hand through it - does it remind you of your life as a wild Pokemon?
Ventus asked to speak with you while I was off collecting some of that grass. I ran into a big Liepard while doing so - maybe you sensed however that I didn't battle it.
We shared our very first vision then. The connection was brief and instable, and it hit me out of the blue - but I was amazed. Amazed by that sharing of a vision itself, as also by you seemingly returning a mark of confidence. The Six and the Four, a comet, a single big eye, a crumbing Whimsicott - can you remember?
You made your way back to me on your own, carrying some piece of meteor he has burrowed to you. Can you feel it heavily in your arms still?
I welcomed you back. I was glad that we have met, that something has brought us to one another.
You....were too."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"We reach the destination of our quest - whimsical and elusive Gauntlet. Finally... It called for us. Called to place our hands on it to become more than human - I followed, but I didn't want to experience this without you.
Together we touched the Gauntlet, to be forever changed - in way we could not yet know. What I know, was that you were happy to be there with me this moment. Think back to that moment, extend your hands as if to touch the Gauntlet once more - good memories, a warm feeling they awake."

- Another longer pause. - "Looking back, we have experienced so much together in a relatively short time. We have become a union, I am seeing so much more in you than a simple Pokemon of mine that I'm in charge for.
No, you have become a close partner for me. Earning your trust was a prozess that took effort and it's own pace, by now.... by now I feel that I'm having your trust.
Your trust and favor, it means a lot to me as you are a Pokemon capable of channeling so strong psychic powers.
You wouldn't let anyone become so close to you.
Yet you let me."

*sprinkling some Apricorn Dust*

"Maybe I never told you how thankful I am for this. Maybe I never managed to find the proper words, or a proper way to express this to you - I hope that via all these images you were able to recount how much you mean to me.
Concentrate on my voice though, hear it as it breezes through your mind - Breath deeply.
Every time you inhale, ascend a little higher. Wave the ground goodbye. Soon you see every memory I recounted for you as a part of a mosaic - though you notice that it's not complete. Part are missing to determine what this mosaic depicts. These missing parts are future events, more experiences we'll share.
Maybe you can briefly foresee them, but I can't! But... I do look forward to unwrap what future holds for us.
You look up, and you can spot me waving to you in between the clouds - smiling even.
If you are fine to approach, you slowly return to the room again - open your eyes when you are ready."

The cup is empty of Apricorn Dust by now, Shiva does keep it in her hand though. "Welcome back....", she greets her Black Moon. "Let us share a tea." It's the Tea from the Violet Tent, that one that'd heal some HP but also - more important now - grants a minor augrey after drinking. Since Shiva and Lilith share this tea they'll hopefully share the augrey as well - if all goes well and the Ritual was a success, they'll share it perfectly as Gothy will have reached her last point of Happiness in order to become perfectly happy and loyal.

I'm also spending the massive amount of 50xp now, but the effect of her Insight reaching 6 points without Gym Badges will only be felt by her upon the vision/augrey. Her empathic senses highen, how much is up to GM.


Placing the empty can/bottle of tea down the, Shiva adresses Lilith one more while calmly facing her: "How do you see me, me as the human that once came to the Shelter out of coincidence and curiosity?
Are you thankful that you travel with me? Do you enjoy my attention, my care, even entering battles against wild and tamed Pokemon under my command? I can only guess, assume, hope - unless you show or tell me."


(...That took me way too long to type, I'm exhausted.)

[Iron]

He wants to start with Swiftfire, but he looks hopeful about potentially meeting another friend.

Awesome.

"Another round of tag sound like it might be fun?  Swiftfire's been looking forward to doing some more running.  We'll do something different with my next friend."

Tag goes about as well as last time. You've got Pyroar looking forward to what Pokemon you'll bring out next.

[Iron]

Gothitelle is silent through all your poetic questions and reminiscings, but as your thoughts probe her and your empathy swells, you can sense her thinking hard the whole time. And her eyes, you notice, are full of stars...

Gothitelle gains +1 Happiness and +1 Loyalty, maxing both out. The negative effects of trading Gothitelle away are doubled.  A support/status move targeting Gothitelle will also have a reduced effect on Shiva, good or bad: usually about 3:1 dice. For example, if Gothitelle somehow used Belly Drum, she would gain 3 Strength and Shiva would gain 1.

As you sip your tea, you suddenly feel a hand grasp yours. Looking down, it looks like a transparent version of Gothitelle's own, yet you can see with your eyes that your Pokemon is still seated on the pillow with fingers interlaced together. This has never happened before. Gothitelle's astrally projected body leads your own spirit up through the ceiling. Looking down, you can see Gothitelle's true body is crying, but you can feel happiness in the spirit beside you.

When you gain the roof, the stars are clearly visible in the midday sky. Their movements make complete sense to you, at least the ones Gothitelle is focused on.

....and remember why you decided to head to Shelter for Disobediant Pokemon in Cress City.
What made you go there, why would you approach humans on your own and give up that life as a wild Pokemon?
Did you read something very important within the stars to reason this decision?

Together, you travel to a group of stars where great things seem to be afoot. A meteor hurtles through space, coming perilously close to each planet as it nears...one day it will strike true. This promises great danger to the world of humans and Pokemon.

An ancient warrior with a Keenglaive pursues the meteor - Shiva knows he is not a real person, but that the message is in what Gothitelle shows you next:
The Keenglaive has come to pieces, four individual stars. Keenglaive's head, torso, and two arms become these stars, still following in pursuit of the meteor though the human and Keenglaive have ceased to be.

Four somethings are necessary to stop whatever danger the comet represents.

Did you feel like it has to to be shared with the right person or persons?

Shiva, stars caught in her long hair. Ralts, hurling desperately through space. Dizzy, the moon crossing his eye, the moon darkens to becomes his horn. Nathan, caught between them. Cottonee, a cloud across Earth or Venus, leading the others onward....toward the path of the meteor.

You arrive at the Shelter. How did the people there react to a rare and precious Pokemon like you?
And how did you react to them?
What about the other Pokemon there?
And the visitors of the Shelter, how was it for you to being called 'bad' when showing your visions to them?

Gothitelle stood alone then, behind her line, her event horizon. She was a danger, sure - but the risk to her plan was the real concern.

(Loneliness fades, now...)

You patiently wait, bide your time until you feel the 'right' time has come - one day, I arrived. Can you remember me entering the room with a young man by my side, and how I was caught by your display of constellations and stars?

That display was no accident.

I got interested in you. Pondered about adopting you even. How did you feel when I came to see you after having worked for hours for some days, all to bring you into my care?

Could it be time? So hard to interpret the stars...having a trainer allows that sense to focus and sharpen as you grow together.

"Eventually, me and Director North came to you together, and you seemingly knew already. From that day on, we were partners, you've been adopted while I became the one responsible for your wellbeing.
To me, it was a happy moment seeing your self-made border on the ground fade. You smiled - I did too.
Our path continues."

You sense impatience. The time draws near while trainers dally. The path, the plan, is going well, for all that impatience. Gothitelle has begun to care less about the plan and more about partnership...a weakness, perhaps, but a noble weakness.

Floating under your psychic influence is a unique and relieving feeling - all matter, all worries disappear.

Worry never ceases for Gothitelle. But in travelling, she can hope to be distracted from it.

The Six and the Four, a comet, a single big eye, a crumbing Whimsicott - can you remember?

These dangers are still present. You know a bit more now, with a sudden intuitive leap!
The Four are the four stars, the four somethings or someones necessary to stop some great danger, foreboded by the Absol and foretold by Gothitelle and Kirlia.
The single big eye is the same thing the fortune teller's Gothitelle sensed - something to do with Sarimanok, but still important to this day. Still...alive.
Crumbling Whimsicott - the ram - the constellation of war and warlords. Where the warlord crumbles and collapses...that can only be the Skull Ruins. At the same time, it could mean war, because of the power of that Eye.

"We reach the destination of our quest - whimsical and elusive Gauntlet. Finally... It called for us. Called to place our hands on it to become more than human - I followed, but I didn't want to experience this without you.
Together we touched the Gauntlet, to be forever changed - in way we could not yet know. What I know, was that you were happy to be there with me this moment. Think back to that moment, extend your hands as if to touch the Gauntlet once more - good memories, a warm feeling they awake."

That touch is the reason these visions are today becoming so clear.

As Gothitelle assembles these memories and understandings as a mosaic of stars and planets and interstellar ice, you realize that although all the revelations are about world-shaking events, there is also incredible power and connection between you and Gothitelle now. It's not related to those visions, it's not necessary, but Gothitelle no longer worries about how it might possibly weaken her. Far better to face these things together. What could be more important?



Another sip of tea. You see the Skull Ruins, peeled into four layers. There are more layers, but they are small and unimportant...they contain no stars.