[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

*Flashback, as dictated by Iron!*


If Nathan assumed his daring and cunning tactic of grabbing hold of his mealy mouth words and wielding them to spur him forward to enlightenment would blindside the monkish man instead of just accepting them, then he was absolutely correct. His smile vanished as they boldly uttered their first statement, and as they continued his expression warped into what only could be described as baffled disbelief . By the end of their motivational call to action, the rugged wanderer's mouth was hanging ever so slightly agap as he stared at the boy, instinctually gawking at the boy as he didn't know what to think of them at that precise moment.

....Well, not quite.

'.....Ven was right. Nathan can be very......insistent about stuff he cares about. Didn't think my......intelligence was one of those thing, though. *Mentally Shakes Head*....I am dumb. Stupid. Making me smarter.....much too hard. Not good.....results, for those that try. Don't understand why he wants to.....'

'....But.'

'....But if he wants to try.....I accept it. ....Don't think it will work well. *M.S.H.* ...At all. But....I will not stop him. He is very smart. Very....determined. And.....very special. Maybe.....maybe he can do it. Maybe....'

...

'Nathan....he does not have to help me. Never asked for it. Tried to stop him too, from worrying about it. .....Still, he does.'

Several long minutes passed as Terra's train of thought meandered on and off into they grey, gooey abyss that was his brain, him unerringly staring at Nathan before and after his call with Dagny (Which he didn't really pay attention to, due to being zoned out from their speech)....

...Until at last he smiled, and gave them a nod, both gestures one hundred percent genuine.

"......Okay. With your help.....learning more can be done. *Shakes head* ...Not sure if I can tutor you stuff I know well, but if you want to know.....then I will try. *Chuckles* .....Never thought it possible. For me to teach someone anything. He he....guess I can now, thanks to you, Nathan..."

At that, Anubi (Who had been frowning thoughtfully/worriedly at his partner the whole time) let out a small *sigh* of relief, and turned towards the clever trainer to give him a half smile and a grateful nod. Angie, more or less oblivous to the deeper complexities of the prior conversation, never the less sensed the up swell in her papa's spirits, and let out a happy coo as she snuggled deeper into his arms, content all was well after all.

Hmm....what a pleasant turn of events, is it not?

(...)

"Ah. Hm.....sounds......unusual, but cool. Never heard of anything like it before, too. Hm...wonder if I have a.....hidden talent with a Type like you, and can learn how to use it. *Shakes head* ...Does not matter, though. Done good job caring of partners my way, so not big deal if I have one or not. Would be nice.....but not needed. *Beat, then chuckles* Ah, yes. Genie. He....she is her own master. Acts however she like, and only does stuff she wants to do. Can't tell her to behave or do what you want, unless she likes you, or prove your worth to her. Even then.....*Shrugs* She'll listen to me well, though, since she trusts, respects, and likes me. *Waves them off* So don't worry about her....much."

*Beat*

"*Looks thoughtful* ...Still, not a bad idea being careful. Genie always finds ways to cause mischief and trouble. Or make them, if their are none. *Shakes head* She is very.....creative. *Mutters to himself* More so now, with Shiva helping her. *Sighs.....*"

Meanwhile, Angie, as she listened to the clever trainer explain what affinity was and his talent with Dragon/Draconic Pokémon in general, it slowly dawned on her WHY she felt so connected to them. A thrill raced from the tip of her tail to right between her eyes as she grasped the concepts, and quickly set her sights on the boy with even MORE speculative and keen interest now. If what he says was true....does that mean she's part Dragon in some way? Is that why she feels so.....familiar with him? Hm.....

Concerning the wyrm whisper's tip, Terra and his youngsters quickly nodded (Well, more Serenely and Gracefully in the seraph to be's case) back to them, as even if he heavily doubted his own intellectual capacity, he did not with his ability to properly care for his partners. If raising a Baby Pokémon was similar in regards to that, he could handle the responsibility with full confidence! 

....Well, once he gets all the advice he can get. Can never be too safe or thorough when it comes to children!

(...)

The mountain of a man studies the boy for a moment, before shrug non-chalantly back at them.

"Always pay attention to surrounding, and everything happening in it. Try to, anyway. Never know if a Wild Pokémon will try to Ambush you, or your someone need help...."

Before he could continue extoling on the virtues of being ever vigilant and Alert, he suddenly paused as Nathan began to elaborate on what caused his earlier state of giddiness....

...and stiffened in shock as they made the big reveal.

TM: Stealth Rocks.

TM: Stealth Rocks.

The boy happened upon one of THE holy grails of all teachable Pokemon Moves, in a Berry Bush of places.

More over, he had not just found one copy, but two.

And one of them was up for grabs.

A few seconds passed, as the martial monk stared at them....

Before he was kicked into high gear, his entire being electrified by the opportunity of the lifetime held right out in front of him. Instinctively calling upon his parent's teachings, merchant's heritage AND his hard earned Fighting Discipline, Terra's posture seamlessly shifting to one of refinement , professionality , and hunter's patience, and his eyes turn sharp and keen as an hungry Loan Sharpedo's . He then spoke, his voice a low, smooth baritone that would cause a lesser person to shiver.

"You have extra copy of Stealth Rock available? Then perhaps we can come to an arrangement for it to come into my possession. In fact, I have one you would be most interested in......"

*Flashback End....?*

Orders: Finish up the Call to Education/Child Care Scene with Nathan, and then have Terra enter into Business Mode and make the offer of 6 Shiny Dwebble Shells, TM: Thief, 2 Persim Berries, 1 Sitrus Berry, and 2 Days of Training his Pokémon in exchange for TM: Stealth Rocks! After he gets it, he'll return to his normal self immediately, happy and completely oblivious of how he briefly turn into the sort of person that wouldn't be out of place on the bad side of Wall Street. I'll let Dragonstrike fill in the blanks on how the deal is conducted from between him first speaking and him receiving it, as I think it would be more fun that way!

Finally, this post is completed at long last!!! ....Now onto the next one! Hehehe....I'm a glutton for punishment, aren't I?

Perfect!  Now that response is more like it!  "Looking forward to working with ya on that, Terra.  I'm positive you won't disappoint."

(...)

Nathan shrugs.  "Maybe.  I wouldn't be able to tell ya if you do or don't, though.  You have to know both who you're descended from and what kind of pokemon they were able to raise easily.  And then you need someone who already knows the techniques to teach you them.  It's not easy, and the major road block for most is finding out who your ancestors are."

He shrugs again.  "Not that I plan to spontaneously become a Dragon specialist like Merle or anything.  It's nice to be able to interact with them more easily, but I still like other types too."

(...)

Nathan's turn to be surprised when Terra makes his (rather aggressively forward) offer.

"...are you feeling okay, Terra?  That's...a lot of stuff...like, a lot...are you sure Basteele would want to learn the move that much?"

Presumably (and because we've already agreed on this OOC), that gets a positive response on all counts.

Nathan thinks to himself, '...well, this offer seems like one I can hardly refuse, to be honest...'

Partially because he'd be a little foolish to not take such a generous offer...and partially because it seems like Terra would be potentially willing to do anything to get his hands on a copy of one of those TMs.

...it's pretty scary, knowing how quickly Terra's demeanor can shift like that.  Thankfully, there's no ill intent here, but pity the fool that does earn Terra's ire in a business transaction...

Once the items have changed hands, Nathan pockets them and just kinda stares at Terra, a little dumbstruck.  If anything snaps him out of it, it's probably Angie wondering why the heck Terra gave Nathan over half of their treasure.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(...)

Nathan shrugs.  "Maybe.  I wouldn't be able to tell ya if you do or don't, though.  You have to know both who you're descended from and what kind of pokemon they were able to raise easily.  And then you need someone who already knows the techniques to teach you them.  It's not easy, and the major road block for most is finding out who your ancestors are."

He shrugs again.  "Not that I plan to spontaneously become a Dragon specialist like Merle or anything.  It's nice to be able to interact with them more easily, but I still like other types too."

(…)

...it's pretty scary, knowing how quickly Terra's demeanor can shift like that.  Thankfully, there's no ill intent here, but pity the fool that does earn Terra's ire in a business transaction...

Once the items have changed hands, Nathan pockets them and just kinda stares at Terra, a little dumbstruck.  If anything snaps him out of it, it's probably Angie wondering why the heck Terra gave Nathan over half of their treasure.

"*Nods thoughtfully* Hm....know my family have been merchants for.....generations? Is that the right word? *Shakes head* ...Been merchants for a long time. *Shrugs* Don't know much more than that, though. Never was too.....interested in learning family's history or my ancestors. Had other stuff to focus on, so choose not to......study it."

The clever trainer's second comment intrigued him, as from his own experience back at home almost ANY trainer at some point wished they had a talent to easily tame the mighty Dragon types (Along with certain Steel and Ghost types, but that digress to much), both for battle and the prestige. Hearing them being so....casual about it was unexpected, but not a bad thing pre say. Just....different.

"....Huh. Most people I knew would want to be Dragon Tamers, if they had your talent. Dragons types are VERY powerful, useful, and much....admired. You don't, though. *Shakes head* Strange....but not bad thing. *Shrugs* Think you are better with Fire and Psychic type anyway. You have lots of them, and seem very good batting and bonding with them. *Beat* …That is what I think. If you don't agree, I understand and accept that."

(…)

(Pity the fool indeed, for an Business Terra on the warpath was a beast no one should face!)

Indeed, Angie did appear mildly miffed that so much of her papa's shiny babbles were being given to the boy, letting out small but sharp whinning *Zzss!* in protest before they (Terra) snapped to their attention. In a rare form he correctly guesses what was wrong immediately and quietly + quickly explains things. The explanation seemed to appease her, for she settled down soon after he finished, but still gave the wyrm whisper a askew look after all was said and done. Okay, they can have those S.D.S. , but if they try to take anymore she'll give them a nip they won't soon forget!

At this point Terra notice how boggled Nathan was, and grew simultaneously confused and concern in short order.

"Nathan? Is something wrong? Or did Angie's crying surprise you....?"

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"Oh, that's Florges. An orange one. Yes, please, show off your Pokemon! We're all Pokemaniacs here!"

"Just one minute please. A quick change to show off my some of my pokemons." Heart then takes a quick change on his team via Bill PC. Heart currently team: Iron, Natu, Harylect, Gargryph, Trevenant and Delta Onix. Heart proud show his currently members to Bill. "Alola Geodude. Natu. Harylect. Gargryph. Trevevenant. And Delta Onix. Thats some of the Pokemon I meet and is currently with me. Aside from Harylect and Delta Onix I trade with Shiva and Ventus, the rest of them I meet, befriend and is with me. Thats Onix its a rare variant of a normal Onix, a Delta Species with Rock/Flying type. Gargryph and Harylect are both Tandor Pokemon. Trevenant its with me since the beggining of my journey, as a little Phantump. Natu I capture close to a certain ruins. And Iron was I adopt him a while ago." (Any reaction of Bill with Heart collection of pokemon @Iron?)

[Iron]

"Trevenant and Gargryph are rare indeed, but this Onix! Wwoww! What! This thing! A flying stone serpent! Unbelievable! What do you want for that thing? Is it obedient? What are its moves like? Where did you find it? Can it be bred? Can I have one of the babies? How does it even fit in a Pokeball? This is the coolest thing I've seen all year!"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

"*Nods thoughtfully* Hm....know my family have been merchants for.....generations? Is that the right word? *Shakes head* ...Been merchants for a long time. *Shrugs* Don't know much more than that, though. Never was too.....interested in learning family's history or my ancestors. Had other stuff to focus on, so choose not to......study it."

The clever trainer's second comment intrigued him, as from his own experience back at home almost ANY trainer at some point wished they had a talent to easily tame the mighty Dragon types (Along with certain Steel and Ghost types, but that digress to much), both for battle and the prestige. Hearing them being so....casual about it was unexpected, but not a bad thing pre say. Just....different.

"....Huh. Most people I knew would want to be Dragon Tamers, if they had your talent. Dragons types are VERY powerful, useful, and much....admired. You don't, though. *Shakes head* Strange....but not bad thing. *Shrugs* Think you are better with Fire and Psychic type anyway. You have lots of them, and seem very good batting and bonding with them. *Beat* …That is what I think. If you don't agree, I understand and accept that."

(…)

(Pity the fool indeed, for an Business Terra on the warpath was a beast no one should face!)

Indeed, Angie did appear mildly miffed that so much of her papa's shiny babbles were being given to the boy, letting out small but sharp whinning *Zzss!* in protest before they (Terra) snapped to their attention. In a rare form he correctly guesses what was wrong immediately and quietly + quickly explains things. The explanation seemed to appease her, for she settled down soon after he finished, but still gave the wyrm whisper a askew look after all was said and done. Okay, they can have those S.D.S. , but if they try to take anymore she'll give them a nip they won't soon forget!

At this point Terra notice how boggled Nathan was, and grew simultaneously confused and concern in short order.

"Nathan? Is something wrong? Or did Angie's crying surprise you....?"

Nathan nods back.  "Yup, generations is the right word."  Not much to say regarding Terra's lack of interest in his family history, but it sounds to Nathan like he has at least a basic grasp on his family's lineage.

Nathan shrugs at the Dragon Tamer coment, but doesn't have much to add.

(...)

When Angie hisses disapprovingly, Nathan snaaps out of the stupor a little.  He lets Terra handle the situation first, then responds himself.

"...uh, no, nothing's wrong.  Everything's fine...I think...*ahem*..."

Then he notices Angie staring at him.

"...no need to worry.  I won't be taking any more of them.  Probably.  I imagine Terra wants to get some value out of them as well."

He thinks of something and chuckles a little.

"Well, given you like treasure, how about I show you one of mine?  That should be proof enough that I take good care of my valuables."

Nathan looks at Gallade, who nods in response...

...and then uses his Telekinesis to levitate the Clamperl Pearl in front of him.  Ooooo, shiny! Distraction time, go!

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"Trevenant and Gargryph are rare indeed, but this Onix! Wwoww! What! This thing! A flying stone serpent! Unbelievable! What do you want for that thing? Is it obedient? What are its moves like? Where did you find it? Can it be bred? Can I have one of the babies? How does it even fit in a Pokeball? This is the coolest thing I've seen all year!"

"1 - Sorry, but he is partneer and member of my team, so I cant trade him away, not even for 1 Billion of Pokedollars. 2 - More or less. He is a bit more obedient than the last time since I put him in the Disobedient Camp back in Stair City. 3 - Rock Throw, Bind, Rock Slide, Tackle and Harden. 3 - It was a friend of us, who find that Pokemon back in Mt. Sentry and trade with me in exchange of a Scyther I have with me, along with research about this pokemon, since I am someone who like very much Delta Species. 4 - Unfortanely no, since they are a entire different species, unless you find another Delta-Onix its impossible to breed. But you may have results if you breed with a Delta Ditto, who is rare too. 5 - If I may find a Delta Ditto and breed I would be happy to give to you when get the chance. 6 - Dont know. Mysteries of science I guess."

"Any more questions?"

[Dragonstrike]

At Bill's

Nathan hangs back a little, taking in everything going on in the room quietly.  He's not here to show off necessarily, but he might show Bill some cool pokemon if the PC manager asks.

Mostly, he's patiently waiting for an opportunity to talk with Bill privately.  He does make one comment when Bill first lets them in, though:

"...speaking from experience, yeah, Laurelin works people pretty hard.  I can definitely agree with that."

Nathan also raises an eyebrow when Heart mentions that Delta Ditto are a thing. He finds that...curious. He's fairly certain that a normal Ditto might be able to breed Deltas, so he's definitely not sure where Heart's getting his information from...

[Iron]

Spoiler

"Trevenant and Gargryph are rare indeed, but this Onix! Wwoww! What! This thing! A flying stone serpent! Unbelievable! What do you want for that thing? Is it obedient? What are its moves like? Where did you find it? Can it be bred? Can I have one of the babies? How does it even fit in a Pokeball? This is the coolest thing I've seen all year!"

"1 - Sorry, but he is partneer and member of my team, so I cant trade him away, not even for 1 Billion of Pokedollars. 2 - More or less. He is a bit more obedient than the last time since I put him in the Disobedient Camp back in Stair City. 3 - Rock Throw, Bind, Rock Slide, Tackle and Harden. 3 - It was a friend of us, who find that Pokemon back in Mt. Sentry and trade with me in exchange of a Scyther I have with me, along with research about this pokemon, since I am someone who like very much Delta Species. 4 - Unfortanely no, since they are a entire different species, unless you find another Delta-Onix its impossible. But you may have results if you breed with a Delta Ditto, who is rare too. 5 - If I may find a Delta Ditto and breed I would be happy to give to you when get the chance. 6 - Dont know. Mysteries of science I guess."

"Any more questions?"

"I will have to call you if I ever find a Delta Ditto then. Want to trade numbers?"

Bill introduces himself to all of you, and to Cliff.

It's obvious Bill wants to see as many rare Pokemon as possible.

"Laurelin told me a clockmaker told her that you guys were having some kind of unusual...glitch, in reality?"

Despite his nerdery, Bill is fairly empathetic (high Insight) and can see that Nathan seems to be working up the courage to ask something, as he sees it. "Nathan, want to see how fast my Alakazam can be? Or perhaps he can get you a drink?"

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

Bill introduces himself to all of you, and to Cliff.

It's obvious Bill wants to see as many rare Pokemon as possible.

"Laurelin told me a clockmaker told her that you guys were having some kind of unusual...glitch, in reality?"

Despite his nerdery, Bill is fairly empathetic (high Insight) and can see that Nathan seems to be working up the courage to ask something, as he sees it. "Nathan, want to see how fast my Alakazam can be? Or perhaps he can get you a drink?"

Nathan will leave the question about 'glitches in reality' alone for now.

How fast?  Well then...

"Think your Alakazam is as fast as my Absol?  My name's Nathan, by the way.  I've read a lot about ya, but it's a pleasure to finally meet ya in person, Bill."

lt's obviously not what Nathan wanted to ask, lol. Just some friendly chatter.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

"Trevenant and Gargryph are rare indeed, but this Onix! Wwoww! What! This thing! A flying stone serpent! Unbelievable! What do you want for that thing? Is it obedient? What are its moves like? Where did you find it? Can it be bred? Can I have one of the babies? How does it even fit in a Pokeball? This is the coolest thing I've seen all year!"

"1 - Sorry, but he is partneer and member of my team, so I cant trade him away, not even for 1 Billion of Pokedollars. 2 - More or less. He is a bit more obedient than the last time since I put him in the Disobedient Camp back in Stair City. 3 - Rock Throw, Bind, Rock Slide, Tackle and Harden. 3 - It was a friend of us, who find that Pokemon back in Mt. Sentry and trade with me in exchange of a Scyther I have with me, along with research about this pokemon, since I am someone who like very much Delta Species. 4 - Unfortanely no, since they are a entire different species, unless you find another Delta-Onix its impossible. But you may have results if you breed with a Delta Ditto, who is rare too. 5 - If I may find a Delta Ditto and breed I would be happy to give to you when get the chance. 6 - Dont know. Mysteries of science I guess."

"Any more questions?"

"I will have to call you if I ever find a Delta Ditto then. Want to trade numbers?"

Bill introduces himself to all of you, and to Cliff.

It's obvious Bill wants to see as many rare Pokemon as possible.

"Laurelin told me a clockmaker told her that you guys were having some kind of unusual...glitch, in reality?"

Despite his nerdery, Bill is fairly empathetic (high Insight) and can see that Nathan seems to be working up the courage to ask something, as he sees it. "Nathan, want to see how fast my Alakazam can be? Or perhaps he can get you a drink?"

Heart control the yell of happiness he almost let out. Heart get the number of the Legendary Creator of the modern PC! Cant wait to tell that to Ventus when get the chance! "Sure! I would love it. When get the egg, I will be happy to send you a message Mr." Heart then exchange numbers with Bill. He hesitate in asking something to Bill, he say too. "Mr. Bill, after your race with Nathan, can I...C-can I challenge you to a battle if possible sometime? I always like to test my limits in battle, and a battle with you sir would be a Honour. But only if you want."