[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Shiva was still busy with stroking Raphael but she did notice when the mountain of a man faced her, that was when she looked over to him as well, hearing what he had to say as a response to her request.

She sighed impercibly at first, before soft-surrendering and putting on an agreeing weak smile. "That's fine. Yes, thank you... Maybe, whatever... Maybe, or, eh...hopefully we'll find time later to do things together or hang out or anything." That's all.

Doesn't seem to feel much better, but it's way better than nothing and she doesn't feel like elaborating further. For a moment she felt an urge to screw it and go back upstairs to her dorm, but that'd be the coward's action - Shiva didn't want to choose that way anymore, plus it'd damage things more than necessary (which she knew for sure)!

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Onwards then to Lapis!


Shiva IS bothered by the rain and prefers to stay under a black umbrella with Raphael by her side and Tanuki on her head/in her hair, unlike Terra and unlike Azumarill who even found joy in dancing around and making it rain EVEN MORE. Eeeeeeehhhh!~ Finally she gets to spend some time around sweet Master again, even will head on a cave adventure with her! The fae rabbit seems to be wuite aware that Master was valuing her a lot on such trips due to her sporting the physical strength Master was lacking, so no way she'll gonna disappoint her - a quick hug of confidence shared after she fully materialized emphasized that, yes!! THIS swiftly elaborated Shiva's deceased mood quite well.

Azu is carefully avoiding Terra's closure/is eager to have Shiva between her and him, she hasn't forgotten that explosion that hit her the last time they battled. 

Though when that big and long and precious and *add more adjectives* Milotic was summoned by the wandering monk, Shiva couldn't help but to stop in wonder and GASP, being pretty caught by that grace and beauty Milo send out of EFFORTLESSLY. She's never gotten the chance to be so close to an exemplar of the species, nor even meeting one! Upon him saying his version of 'Hello' to them, figurative sparks were flying and Shiva instantly understood why some people argued for Milotic being banned in Pokemon Contests. 

She meekly looked over to Terra while Azu was carefully offering a summoned red rose to the waterly serpent, as if to silently ask whether it'd be really okay to stroke her forehead. She'll only do so if he/Lapis himself allow! "Such a....precious Pokemon.... With a fitting nickname....~ How long is he with you already? Have you helped him evolve?" *eager raising of her voice* "Oh, you....You HAVE to tell me at some point how he evolved and what you did to help him on that and what it was like, okay? Please!! If you're...from Hoenn, have you already participated in a Contest with him for the experience or is that not your thing?"

Terra let out his own much less subtle *Sigh* of relief at being able to appease the Fairy woman's desire for company, missing the more subtle undertones of mulish resignation in her gestures and reply.

"*Smiles at her* Your are welcome, my friend. *Nods* We can. You and Genie have a.....playdate planned? Right? *Presumably he gets agreement, and nods* Okay. Maybe we can do it later today? Have no other plans, so I am.....not busy. All of us can spend time together, and she (Genie) would be glad to see you again."

---

Due to being so dense/him being focused on his marvelous fish, the simple monk completely misses Azu's discomfort with him. Otherwise, he'd probably feel sad but understanding of them shunning him. Basteele's EXPLOSIONS leave quite the impression, after all...

Lapis Lazuli couldn't help but preen a bit at the awe inspired and near rapturous expression Shiva was giving him, before they graciously accepted the rose by delicately pluck it out of the blue bunny's paw and placing behind one of his feelers, and craning his head down to allow them to pet them. He always enjoyed the attention he receives for simply being a Milotic, and the fae lady's ministrations were no exception.

As for her question about evolving L.L.L, Terra looked contemplative for several seconds.....before he shrugged.

"Not sure. All I did was train him. Take best of him I could as a Feebas. Grooming, feeding them Pokeblocks, and other stuff. Did this for years, until one day, he just.....evolved. We were VERY surprised.....but very happy."

...By the sound of it, the simple monk more or less evolved Lapis Lazuli into a Milotic through sheer accident and dedication to them. Wow.

Her inquiry about him participating in contests were meet with a smile and nod, however.

"Yes. Me, Lovely, Shiranui, Basteele, and Genie....participated in many contests. They were good practice, and fun to do. *Looks thoughtful* Hm....got Master Rank in Toughness with Shiranui and Basteele, and Hyper Rank in Beauty and Cleverness with Lovely and Genie (respectively). *Shrugs* Never could get to Master Rank with them. Not smart enough to help Genie win Master, and Lisia always beat me with their Alteria in Beauty. *Smiles* Never lost in Toughness contests, though. *Chuckles* Shiranui, Basteele, and me had lots of fans there. Made good living doing Contests sometimes, until I came here. *Shrugs* That is all."

...Well, what do you know, Terra's accomplished in Contests. Who'd have thought the hulking brute was capable of THAT?

[Dragonstrike]

*Flashback to the prior night*

After the meeting finished and everyone returned to their rooms, it's probably safe to assume that everyone got a decent amount of rest, right?

Well, in Nathan's case, yes and no.  He hadn't really touched the food Heart had provided during the meeting, so he took his serving with him to his room.  He was going to do some reading before heading to bed, as usual, and snacks were always a welcome addition to his research and review sessions (or simply just R&R, if he were to just casually mention what he does on most nights.)

What's he reading, you might be wondering?

Well, he'd been putting it off for a few days now due to feeling...uncomfortable with it, but he figured it was about time he got to reviewing the information in...that report book.

Ya know, the one that shan't be mentioned in any public area.

The Project Silverfish Report Book.

He got a decent look at it when Ventus first showed it to everyone waaaayyy back...but now that he can take a look at it on his own time...well, now he can really attempt to digest some of the more nitty gritty details.  Of course, he makes sure to lock the door first.

Nathan takes the  black book out of his bag and sets it on the desk in his room.  Stares at it for a moment...is he sure he's ready to...?

...

...he needs to review this eventually.  Now seems as good a time as any.

...he turns it open to the first page...

...

...there's the picture of Ventus in a lab coat again...standing next to the tall, purple, metallic bug known as Team Plasma's model of Genesect...

...Nathan just stares at that picture for a good few minutes.  He's...still not sure what he really feels about this situation.

...well, better get started reviewing this information...he goes to turn the page...




...and then a piece of paper slides out from between the pages and onto the desk.

Nathan blinks a few times.  He didn't remember Ventus keeping loose papers in this book, given how neat and tidy the whole thing is...that's...very...odd...why would there be...?

It's with great hesitation that Nathan picks up the paper...turns it around...oh, there's...writing on it...

It's a note.  From Ventus.  (A note which I asked Windos to type up.  Thanks again!)

The Note from Ventus

I leave this and, by extension, all that has to do with Genesect and Silverfish, to do with as you wish. Regardless of the adversity and strife that lies between us, and the difference of beliefs we hold, there is no other person I would trust this than you Nathan, for I know you will never conceive of doing ill with the information that lies within. All that I ask of you in return is to prevent Silverfish’s fate from being repeated with any other of its kind, should they ever be unearthed and revived. Nothing deserves to be exploited, least of all a being innocent of mankind’s vicefullness. Nothing. 

PS: …If you happen across my old friend by some old turn of fate, and they don’t try to blast you to smithereens and/or eviscerate you on sight, tell them that…..Venny misses them, and he’s sorry he couldn’t do more for them. 

….Scratch that, tell them I’m your friend by name first before you speak with them and share my message. Hopefully that will dissuade them from attacking you and the group on site, or at least given them enough pause for though for you to convey my message, before beating a timely retreat (preferably by Teleport or FLY, whichever is more feasible/available).

PPS: Included below this note is Cynthia’s number, as I have not forgotten your desire to meet my old friend, even though I still don’t entirely understand why you are so fascinated with her to this day. I’ll contact her myself and tell her to be expecting a ‘Nathan Warren’, as well as put in several good words for you (I will be sure to exclude anything you consider ‘personal’, as those matters are not mine to disclose). Just remember what we discussed about how to conduct yourself, as I do not want to hear back from her criticizing your behavior. I believe that would be an embarrassment neither of us could live with, or at least not easily…

(Insert Phone Number Here)

...

...

...

...yeah, Nathan's really unsure about what he should be feeling about this situation.

He sighs again.  Puts the note back in the black book.  Closes it and thinks for a moment instead of reading.

He'll get to reviewing that information in a moment.  He just remembered that he has...something else that he needs to do...and it involves contacting Ventus.  Ooh boy...deep breathes...

Nathan has to think for a few moments about how exactly he's going to phrase this...once he's decided on how to do so though, he sucks up his uneasy feelings as best as he can and sends a text to Ventus to ask him a simple question.

...hey, I know I'm probably the last person you want to hear from right now, and I know you're you're probably busy and probably don't want to answer this question, but...have you been feeling any more of those...weird lurches recently?  Like the ones that we experienced in the tunnels.  Having your input on this would be...helpful...very helpful...

Once that text is sent, he opens the black book and starts reviewing the information in it.  He doesn't know if Ventus will answer tonight...or if it will be tomorrow at some point...or if there will even be a response at all.

He hopes Ventus answers.  Having the researcher's input on this...it would really help solidify Nathan's budding hypothesis one way or the other...



TLDR; Nathan pulls out the SRB to review it, stumbles upon Ventus's note, learns that he has the go ahead from Ventus to call Cynthia for a friendly chat/advice (which was originally agreed upon in the meta thread between me and Windows), and text Ventus to ask if he's felt any more of those weird lurches since parting ways with the group.  That oughta set the stage rather nicely for some future stuff.

Until Ventus responds, though...back to the present!

*Flashback End*

[Dragonstrike]

Her inquiry about him participating in contests were meet with a smile and nod, however.

"Yes. Me, Lovely, Shiranui, Basteele, and Genie....participated in many contests. They were good practice, and fun to do. *Looks thoughtful* Hm....got Master Rank in Toughness with Shiranui and Basteele, and Hyper Rank in Beauty and Cleverness with Lovely and Genie (respectively). *Shrugs* Never could get to Master Rank with them. Not smart enough to help Genie win Master, and Lisia always beat me with their Alteria in Beauty. *Smiles* Never lost in Toughness contests, though. *Chuckles* Shiranui, Basteele, and me had lots of fans there. Made good living doing Contests sometimes, until I came here. *Shrugs* That is all."

...Well, what do you know, Terra's accomplished in Contests. Who'd have thought the hulking brute was capable of THAT?

Nathan blinks a few times.

Seeing the Milotic again is no surprise to him or Gallade, obviously.  What surprises Nathan though is Terra name dropping one of Hoenn's premier Contest stars...

"...wait...you know Lisia?!  As in, Wallace's niece?  The one with the Mega Altaria?  She didn't scout you for contests, did she?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Nathan blinks a few times.

Seeing the Milotic again is no surprise to him or Gallade, obviously.  What surprises Nathan though is Terra name dropping one of Hoenn's premier Contest stars...

"...wait...you know Lisia?!  As in, Wallace's niece?  The one with the Mega Altaria?  She didn't scout you for contests, did she?"

Terra was momentarily taken aback at the scholarly trainer's stunned outbursts, blinking several times and instinctively shrinking back a little as he thought how to answer them. The living gemstone tilted his head curiously at the Nathan, before he started humming a soothing melody to hopefully calm both their and his master's nerves. It wouldn't do for either of them to get too worked up this early in the day, now would it?

Though its effectiveness can't be spoken for the boy, the mountainous man was able to recollect him much more swiftly, giving Lovely a thankful smile for his help before turning to answer them (Nathan).

"Yes, I do. Also know Wallace too. *Shakes his head* No, she didn't. Decided to do them myself, out of.....curiosity. *Looks reminiscent* Did come see me later, though. Said she wanted to.....'meet the dark horse that's been blazing a trail through the competition and making a name for himself.' *Shakes head* Her words, not mine. *Smiles* We became fast friends.  Very.....peppy, and good company. Inspired me to do Cleverness Contests with Genie, and Beauty Contest with Lapis. Tried Cute competitions with Melly, but......she was too....eager for them."

He shakes his had at that point, looking somewhat embarrassed as he remembered what a show that was, before pushing onwards.

"Became rivals with her later, after I beat her in Master Rank Toughness Contests. *Chuckles* ...Repeatedly. She got....spirited about it, but wasn't mad, *Chuckles*. Always beat her in Tough Contests then on, but she always beat me in Beauty ones. *Smiles, and chuckles* Was all good fun for us, though. Never held it against each other. We only tried harder to get better, and have good time. *Frowns* …Was sad to hear I was leaving Hoen…*Smiles* ...but was happy for me too. Gave me her number to call her when I wanted. *Shakes his head* Haven't yet, but....hope she is still doing well."

Ending with that, Terra falls silent, still smiling to himself as he remembered all the joyous moments and frenetic excitement he had back in the Contest Halls in Hoen. Its a shame to him (and his partners) that Cheshire didn't have them to his Knowledge, but eh, what can you do about it?

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Terra was momentarily taken aback at the scholarly trainer's stunned outbursts, blinking several times and instinctively shrinking back a little as he thought how to answer them. The living gemstone tilted his head curiously at the Nathan, before he started humming a soothing melody to hopefully calm both their and his master's nerves. It wouldn't do for either of them to get too worked up this early in the day, now would it?

Though its effectiveness can't be spoken for the boy, the mountainous man was able to recollect him much more swiftly, giving Lovely a thankful smile for his help before turning to answer them (Nathan).

"Yes, I do. Also know Wallace too. *Shakes his head* No, she didn't. Decided to do them myself, out of.....curiosity. *Looks reminiscent* Did come see me later, though. Said she wanted to.....'meet the dark horse that's been blazing a trail through the competition and making a name for himself.' *Shakes head* Her words, not mine. *Smiles* We became fast friends.  Very.....peppy, and good company. Inspired me to do Cleverness Contests with Genie, and Beauty Contest with Lapis. Tried Cute competitions with Melly, but......she was too....eager for them."

He shakes his had at that point, looking somewhat embarrassed as he remembered what a show that was, before pushing onwards.

"Became rivals with her later, after I beat her in Master Rank Toughness Contests. *Chuckles* ...Repeatedly. She got....spirited about it, but wasn't mad, *Chuckles*. Always beat her in Tough Contests then on, but she always beat me in Beauty ones. *Smiles, and chuckles* Was all good fun for us, though. Never held it against each other. We only tried harder to get better, and have good time. *Frowns* …Was sad to hear I was leaving Hoen…*Smiles* ...but was happy for me too. Gave me her number to call her when I wanted. *Shakes his head* Haven't yet, but....hope she is still doing well."

Ending with that, Terra falls silent, still smiling to himself as he remembered all the joyous moments and frenetic excitement he had back in the Contest Halls in Hoen. Its a shame to him (and his partners) that Cheshire didn't have them to his Knowledge, but eh, what can you do about it?

"...you've met Hoenn's Champion and his Milotic too?  Wow...that must have been quite the day..."

Suffice to say, Nathan's rather awestruck that Terra's gotten to meet such famous people.

Hearing about the Cute Contest thing with Melly...well, Nathan has a thought concerning that.  "...never tried a Cool Contest with Melly?  I think I remember reading somewhere that Manectric are popular picks in that category..."

Next question:  "...how about May?  Did you ever run into her, by any chance?"  (For reference and as a reminder, the events of the Hoenn games took place 10 years ago, and May is a contest star in Hoenn, Kanto, and Johto in this universe)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...you've met Hoenn's Champion and his Milotic too?  Wow...that must have been quite the day..."

Suffice to say, Nathan's rather awestruck that Terra's gotten to meet such famous people.

Hearing about the Cute Contest thing with Melly...well, Nathan has a thought concerning that.  "...never tried a Cool Contest with Melly?  I think I remember reading somewhere that Manectric are popular picks in that category..."

Next question:  "...how about May?  Did you ever run into her, by any chance?"  (For reference and as a reminder, the events of the Hoenn games took place 10 years ago, and May is a contest star in Hoenn, Kanto, and Johto in this universe)

Now its Terra's turn to be surprised, as what Nathan said about Wallace caught him off guard too.

"Wallace...is the Champion? Of Hoen? *Shakes his head* ….Never knew that. Meet him through Lisia, and she never said that about him. Only said he was family, and brought him to meet me to help me with Lapis Lazuli. *Smiles* Taught me lots about him. Gave me advice on how to make him more beautiful too. Nice man....but never knew he was Champion. *Shakes his head* …Wow."

It took Lovely nudging him and trilling a soothing note that snapped him out of his daze, causing him to shake his head and dispel it the best he could and continue answering their question. Quite the task, consider the metaphorical bomb the boy dropped on him, but he pressed on.

"*Shakes his head* No. After her......debut, decided not to risk it again. Didn't want to cause.....that much trouble again. *Shakes his head* Cost me lots to pay for damages, so didn't want to go broke too. Or jail..."

…

"*Shakes head* No. Heard of her, but never meet. Still doing well in Contests last I checked, but that is all I know, *Shrugs*."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Terra let out his own much less subtle *Sigh* of relief at being able to appease the Fairy woman's desire for company, missing the more subtle undertones of mulish resignation in her gestures and reply.

"*Smiles at her* Your are welcome, my friend. *Nods* We can. You and Genie have a.....playdate planned? Right? *Presumably he gets agreement, and nods* Okay. Maybe we can do it later today? Have no other plans, so I am.....not busy. All of us can spend time together, and she (Genie) would be glad to see you again."

Oh. OH.... Uh.... Well... Okay. Being called a friend by the wandering monk already caught Shiva's attention and she stopped mid-way in petting Raphael to give him (Terra) a flattered look, but when he offered (to her) out of the blue to at least try making friends with his desert princess today instead of sometime in the future, she had to avert her gaze to prevent Terra from seeing that embarrassed but delighted smile from her side.

"That.... That can be done, I'm not busy either, I'd look forward to it, yes..... Hehe.... T-thank you?"

Frankly, she's been feeling a bit lonely and even homesick if being honest in the past few days, as she can't just call home due to the instable connection from Chreshire and forbid herself contacting Ven for a while to not disturb him in his work. She just...glossed over these feelings, appearantly?


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Lapis Lazuli couldn't help but preen a bit at the awe inspired and near rapturous expression Shiva was giving him, before they graciously accepted the rose by delicately pluck it out of the blue bunny's paw and placing behind one of his feelers, and craning his head down to allow them to pet them. He always enjoyed the attention he receives for simply being a Milotic, and the fae lady's ministrations were no exception.

As for her question about evolving L.L.L, Terra looked contemplative for several seconds.....before he shrugged.

"Not sure. All I did was train him. Take best of him I could as a Feebas. Grooming, feeding them Pokeblocks, and other stuff. Did this for years, until one day, he just.....evolved. We were VERY surprised.....but very happy."

...By the sound of it, the simple monk more or less evolved Lapis Lazuli into a Milotic through sheer accident and dedication to them. Wow.

Her inquiry about him participating in contests were meet with a smile and nod, however.

"Yes. Me, Lovely, Shiranui, Basteele, and Genie....participated in many contests. They were good practice, and fun to do. *Looks thoughtful* Hm....got Master Rank in Toughness with Shiranui and Basteele, and Hyper Rank in Beauty and Cleverness with Lovely and Genie (respectively). *Shrugs* Never could get to Master Rank with them. Not smart enough to help Genie win Master, and Lisia always beat me with their Alteria in Beauty. *Smiles* Never lost in Toughness contests, though. *Chuckles* Shiranui, Basteele, and me had lots of fans there. Made good living doing Contests sometimes, until I came here. *Shrugs* That is all."

Shiva felt a bit blessed and couldn't take her eyes of him as Lapis accepted the red rose from Azu, it was a bit as if a jolly Togetic would appeare randomly before her during taking a casual stroll through a healthy forest. Though when the graceful serpent openly allowed her to pet his head she was almost trembling with excitement, it seemed to take minutes instead of seconds until her outstreched hand made contact with Lapis' skin.

It felt naturally moist to the touch.
Slippery, but not in a gross way.
Incredibly soft as if every scale of him was perfectly in place.
Shiva could almost feel some grace being transfered over to her, despite knowing that a Milotic can't do that.
Though simply from interacting with a friendly Milotic, she's feeling more confident in graceful movements herself, so she's getting a 3rd point in Perform Speciality here! (-12xp) She'd do so anyway at some point, felt like a matching moment.

"Hehe... The people, the books and the media are right on you deserving the title of the most beautiful Pokemon known to mankind. You're a good gi... guy, Lapis." She withdraws her hand.

Shiva can definitely comprehend the suprise of that (as bad tongues call it) 'mockery of a Fish-Pokemon' glowing and elongating to become a precious Milotic, some chuckles escape her at imagining such a thing randomly happen. "That's....very noble of you, Terra.... Uh... N-not many people are patient enough to grant a Feebas love and proper care for so long." That's indeed a concealed compliment, don't know whether he catches it or not.

Though what really was a suprise for her was his participitation in POKEMON CONTESTS ! That was a topic of her interest, that was something she's always eager to hear more about, to learn more about or simply chat about. It displays by her attention being brought to Terra a little more while for a short moment sparks washed over her eyes behind glasses, even Azu has perked up.

*Once he has finished talking* "W....whoahw... Thank you for sharing.... *coyly returning a smile* That's so cool! ( >o<)☆ Even Master Rank...! I.... I... always wanted to take part in a Cute or Cool Contest with my...Umbreon, but there are none where I come from... D-didn't feel bold enough to travel for one. But.... One day?" A girl can dream, can she...? "Why did you, uhm, stopp if you had many fans and enjoyed it, if I may...ask?" *mildly confused glance*

[Dragonstrike]

Now its Terra's turn to be surprised, as what Nathan said about Wallace caught him off guard too.

"Wallace...is the Champion? Of Hoen? *Shakes his head* ….Never knew that. Meet him through Lisia, and she never said that about him. Only said he was family, and brought him to meet me to help me with Lapis Lazuli. *Smiles* Taught me lots about him. Gave me advice on how to make him more beautiful too. Nice man....but never knew he was Champion. *Shakes his head* …Wow."

It took Lovely nudging him and trilling a soothing note that snapped him out of his daze, causing him to shake his head and dispel it the best he could and continue answering their question. Quite the task, consider the metaphorical bomb the boy dropped on him, but he pressed on.

"*Shakes his head* No. After her......debut, decided not to risk it again. Didn't want to cause.....that much trouble again. *Shakes his head* Cost me lots to pay for damages, so didn't want to go broke too. Or jail..."

…

"*Shakes head* No. Heard of her, but never meet. Still doing well in Contests last I checked, but that is all I know, *Shrugs*."

...aaaand Nathan's somewhat surprised again.  Aside from Alder, Wallace is probably the most vocal about being Champion given how much he loves the spotlight.  And the spotlight certainly loves him, too!  Nathan snaps himself out of his stupor rather quickly though and politely 'shuts his trap' on the matter for the time being.

On the matter of Melly:  "...oh.  That kind of overeager.  I see..."  And that's all Nathan has to say on that.  I don't think more elaboration is necessary in the case of this one.

On the matter of May: Nathan doesn't actually have much more to say on this topic either for the time being.  Not really the time or place for such long stories.  There is a moment where Nathan looks like he's about to say more...but again, he politely 'shuts his trap' for the time being.  Talking about Terra and his pokemon right now, after all, not Hoenn's most famous people!

So, different topic time!

"...would you mind if I were to sketch a picture of you later, Lapis Lazuli?  Definitely not right now.  Rain's not exactly good weather for drawing stuff, unfortunately..."

[Dragonstrike]

I would like to use Nathan stock to not use much of my own pokeballs.

"Alright. I'll keep an eye open for small Unown, if you could lend me a Ball or two of your own just in case that'd be appreciated. That way they'll be registered to your ID and OT!~ - Though, if I may ask, do you know whether these in the cave are the usual black ones or the ancient blue ones?"

(Terra only has 4 Pokeballs and $500 Poke right now, and I'd like to build up that supply a bit more of both, so getting 1-2 Pokeballs from Nathan to catch the Unown would really help. Please?)

Okay, so everyone wants to borrow some of Nathan's pokeballs...got it.  So, in that case, Nathan will purchase another $1000 worth of red pokeballs before we set out for Ancestor Cave (which is another 6 since there's a sale going on).  He'll loan Terra, Shiva, and Heart 2 each.  Means Nathan will likely be keeping all 5 reward Great Balls for himself since he's spending so much on pokeballs today, but we'll see how things go from here.

As for Shiva's question about what kind of Unown live in Ancestor Cave...Nathan shrugs.  "Not sure.  Laurelin didn't say.  If I had to guess, though, I'd say they're most likely Modern Unown."

Well then, I think we're just about ready to get this sidequest started!

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Oh. OH.... Uh.... Well... Okay. Being called a friend by the wandering monk already caught Shiva's attention and she stopped mid-way in petting Raphael to give him (Terra) a flattered look, but when he offered (to her) out of the blue to at least try making friends with his desert princess today instead of sometime in the future, she had to avert her gaze to prevent Terra from seeing that embarrassed but delighted smile from her side.

"That.... That can be done, I'm not busy either, I'd look forward to it, yes..... Hehe.... T-thank you?"

Frankly, she's been feeling a bit lonely and even homesick if being honest in the past few days, as she can't just call home due to the instable connection from Chreshire and forbid herself contacting Ven for a while to not disturb him in his work. She just...glossed over these feelings, appearantly?



-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shiva felt a bit blessed and couldn't take her eyes of him as Lapis accepted the red rose from Azu, it was a bit as if a jolly Togetic would appeare randomly before her during taking a casual stroll through a healthy forest. Though when the graceful serpent openly allowed her to pet his head she was almost trembling with excitement, it seemed to take minutes instead of seconds until her outstreched hand made contact with Lapis' skin.

It felt naturally moist to the touch.
Slippery, but not in a gross way.
Incredibly soft as if every scale of him was perfectly in place.
Shiva could almost feel some grace being transfered over to her, despite knowing that a Milotic can't do that.
Though simply from interacting with a friendly Milotic, she's feeling more confident in graceful movements herself, so she's getting a 3rd point in Perform Speciality here! (-12xp) She'd do so anyway at some point, felt like a matching moment.



"Hehe... The people, the books and the media are right on you deserving the title of the most beautiful Pokemon known to mankind. You're a good gi... guy, Lapis." She withdraws her hand.

Shiva can definitely comprehend the suprise of that (as bad tongues call it) 'mockery of a Fish-Pokemon' glowing and elongating to become a precious Milotic, some chuckles escape her at imagining such a thing randomly happen. "That's....very noble of you, Terra.... Uh... N-not many people are patient enough to grant a Feebas love and proper care for so long." That's indeed a concealed compliment, don't know whether he catches it or not.

Though what really was a suprise for her was his participitation in POKEMON CONTESTS ! That was a topic of her interest, that was something she's always eager to hear more about, to learn more about or simply chat about. It displays by her attention being brought to Terra a little more while for a short moment sparks washed over her eyes behind glasses, even Azu has perked up.

*Once he has finished talking* "W....whoahw... Thank you for sharing.... *coyly returning a smile* That's so cool! ( >o<)☆ Even Master Rank...! I.... I... always wanted to take part in a Cute or Cool Contest with my...Umbreon, but there are none where I come from... D-didn't feel bold enough to travel for one. But.... One day?" A girl can dream, can she...? "Why did you, uhm, stopp if you had many fans and enjoyed it, if I may...ask?" *mildly confused glance*

 
At first, he thought that he'd offended her/made yet another social faux pass when Shiva turned away from him, causing him to frown worriedly, until her response cleared away his doubts and brought back his smile.
 
"*Shakes head* No thanks needed. Genie or me don't get to spend time with others much, so we're happy to do so with you. *Smiles* Thank you, Shiva."
 
Terra misses the subtler feelings of Shiva, but he does pick up that she's happier now, so that could only be a good thing indeed!
 
---
 
Lapis, being naturally more attuned to the feelings/emanations of others, detected the surge of self-confidence in the soft hearted lass, and shared a smile and sly wink with her. He's always happy to be admired, but he's even more pleased whenever he manages to help others, and bring positivity/happiness in their lives/self. Shine on, Shiva. You are wonderful too, just like him, in your own unique, indescribable way...
 
Terra misses that her next comment is a compliment, but he still takes as such, nodding his head with simple content.
 
"Just wanted to Lapis to reach full potential. Did everything to help him. All that work....over the years....to see him Evolve into a Milotic.... *Grins* …It was one of the happiest moments of our lives. *Reminiscent Look Returns* ...Once, he was weak. Looked ugle to most. Always....underestimated.....never given a chance. *Looks up to Lovely* ...Now, he is strong. He is beautiful. And nobody will look down on him ever again."
 
Hearing his master's impassioned words, the aquatic serpentine fish smiled beatifically, and then fluidity rose up into the air, towering over the group as he extended his whole luxurious body and radiated his own satisfaction and joy with his Evolution as he crooned beautifully. Yes, he is no longer a feeble, fetid looking Feebas, but a mighty, gorgeous Milotic. He will always take pride in that....and be eternally grateful for his wonderful master helping him achieve it....
 
---
 
The rugged wanderer accepted Shiva's praise and awe with great humbleness, simply smiling back at her and nodding his head. He's always touched/felt special whenever a person or fan was so enamored with his past exploits, but never took that for granted or let it go to his head. It was a rare, almost unique thing for him, given how much he was ostersized or shunned/ignored for his appearances.
 
"Thank you too, my friend. *Nods* Could go to Hoen and participate in them, someday. Hm...think you have the potential. To be a star, like Lisia. Just keeping working hard, and you'll make it. That is what I believe, *Nods*. *Beat* ...What is an Umbreon, though?"
 
At her question, he shrugged, and simply said:
 
"Quit to come to Cheshire, and explore it. Contest were fun, good living.....*Slowly shakes his head* but were not my purpose in life. That is all."
 
Though he doesn't show it, Shiva and Gallade could feel at that moment.....aimlessness from him, a sense akin to melancholy (but not quite...), and a wanderlust that the former hadn't felt since she first meet him. Huh....