[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Almost visibly shrinking at the spot once she spotted Heart and eventually Terra returning, Shiva didn't make it to give them more than a friendly "Nice to see you having returned safely here" in a lower and more shy tone than usually, maybe she just greeted them to be polite. She discreetly turned away from both of them and went back to playing with young Eevee and the Dark Types while admirering the starry sky above, the reason for this mildly unusual behaviour from her side was simple: Both Heart having indeed found a Honedge and Terra returning in practically full armor with these Eyes painted on some pieces was incredibly frightening for the sensitive fae enthusiast, she even felt a bit intimidated by the latter.

She simply kept quiet, waited for anything to happen and tried to keep her own peace to not make an unnecessary fuss over things, occasionally she threw glances over to the campers of ancient times.

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

(I'll say this happens after Nathan's conversation with Spira.)

Nathan doing a double take is an understatement.  He's not sure he's seeing things correctly at first.  Is that...Terra?  With medieval weapons and armor equipped?!

They hadn't experienced another lurch or anything, right?  And he's not asleep, right?  Well, it is entirely possible he dozed off...

Gallade pinches Nathan.  "Ow!  What was that for Ga..."

He looks back at Terra...

Oh.  He's not dreaming.  Well then...

At first, Nathan's still stunned enough that he only asks Terra about the gear itself, and not what's been painted on it.  "...where and how did you manage to get that?  And do you even know how to use any of it?"

The mountain of a man was in quite a good mood as he returned to the group's campsite with Shiranui, the both of them smiling and humming a wordless melody as they ambled along. Though his attempt to get a Bunnlby/Diggersby ended in failure due to not possessing the sufficient capital, it caused him to explore the King's Era Campsite more thoroughly than he would, leading him to discovering all sorts of people and things. Finding Sir Artist and learning about the Legends he painted, happening upon the commoner's camp and doing charity work for them all (and becoming a priest/cleric, strangely enough), locating the weapon's wagon and making a savvy trade......all of that and a little more wouldn't have happened if he'd gotten his bunny and returned to the group immediately. 

'Guess Mama sayings were right again: 'When one doors closes, many more open.' He...I'm glad. ....Hope everyone here does okay when Sammy.....hm.'

Overall, it had been an exceptionally pleasant outing for Terra, one he would not soon forget as he continued his journey through the region.....and time itself! It was marred a bit by the fact that the ancient harmony he witnessed wouldn't last forever due to Sammy tyrannical future, but he did the best not to let that get him down.

When he finally arrived back, Nathan's expression of gobsmacked disbelief was meet with confusion on the simple monk's part. Why were they so surprised to see him, when he said earlier that he'd be back soon enough.....? 

Contrarily, the sumo wrestler took on good look at the boy, his blood brother, and then let out big non-derisive belly laugh, enjoying both of their reactions. Unlike his partner, he understood instantly why the clever trainer was so stunned, and could not help but find some enjoyment in the anomalous situation. He didn't mean ill by his laughter, though, which Gallade could easily attest. It was just that this situation was so absurd that with or without context, one couldn't help but find some humor in it!

Their questions managed to rouse Terra out of his perplexed state of mind, prompting him to think a bit before he answered , pointing at the King's Men Campsite as he did so.

"Got armaments at the camp. Traded for them with the Treasure Maps I bought. Was interested in getting some, so I could sell them back in.....our time. *Beat* Also thought they were cool, so got them for that reason too. (...) How to use them? Hm.....sorta. Know how to use shield, but sword or spear.....not so much. I Fight mostly with my fists, but have swung around.....big sticks and logs to defend myself many times. So know how to handle Melee Weapons a little. Hm....maybe Gallade can teach me more, though? He uses blades on his arms to Fight, so should know how to handle them well."

He gave the psychic knight a curious stare at this point, asking if they would be willing to give him a lesson(s) on the art of sword fighting. If not, he'd understand.

Heart was indeed impress in see Terra armed like a ancient warrior of that times and let out a wristle. "Wow. I guess your incursion was very produtive Terra! Incredible! I might want to try myself in some battle too. Its been a while since Koa and Typhon have go in some good ol battles. My search was goo too my friend. I have found and captured a true ghost sword pokemon with me! But dont worry, I already send him to the future to not cause any great ruckus. Also, mind if someday I train hand to hand combat my friend? Some spar without pokemon battles would be cool."

[Spiritmon]

Flashback!

Before Heart meet the other, he have written the symbols from the stones. Just in case Shiva might want for the cleanse tags.

Flashback end!

When Heart return he talk to Shiva/@PhantomUnderYourDesk. "Hey Shiva, I have find some strange stuff back where I found the HoneEdge. Its looks like some sort of protection against ghosts or something. I remember you was making the cleanse tags so maybe those symbols might help since you have the materials?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Heart was indeed impress in see Terra armed like a ancient warrior of that times and let out a wristle. "Wow. I guess your incursion was very produtive Terra! Incredible! I might want to try myself in some battle too. Its been a while since Koa and Typhon have go in some good ol battles. My search was goo too my friend. I have found and captured a true ghost sword pokemon with me! But dont worry, I already send him to the future to not cause any great ruckus. Also, mind if someday I train hand to hand combat my friend? Some spar without pokemon battles would be cool."

Terra made the motion to rub his hair bashfully at their praise, but then remembered he was wearing his helm, and so he settled on coughing into his fist before crossing his arms and nodding.

"Yes, it was. *Grows a bit more serious when Heart declares he wants a brawl* Hm.....if you battle with those soldiers.....be very careful. They are.....like me. More than, maybe. Strong.....mighty......bold....tough......and never gives up. Ever. Saw they use lots of Fighting and Steel Pokemon, and some Fire types. Heard about Psychic types being......well liked, but did not see any with them. Some soldiers use......Diggersby too. Think they are Normal types, but not sure. *Shakes head* Haven't checked Pokedex yet.....didn't want to......bring bad attention to self. Hm....that is all I Know. If you Fight soldiers, then be prepared."

When they brought up their capture of a Ghost Sword Pokemon, the simple monk's eyes lit up with wonder and curiosity as he stared at the collector with unreserved interest.

"You caught a.......spirit blade? *Shakes head* ....Never heard of a Pokemon like that. Must be very rare. Hm.....maybe a Ghost/Steel type? ......Nice. Very nice. *Smiles* Great catch, Heart. May you form a strong bond with......it that......lasts a lifetime."

Their request for a spar......that caught the rugged wanderer off guard, judging by him blinking twice at the man. That was....unexpected. A few times he'd been asked to help train another's Pokemon, after they've seen their great Strength and fortitude in battle, but somebody directly challenging him? Almost never. Which, given the fact he's built like a Sherman Tank and can be just as overpowering, wasn't much of a surprise. After all, who in their right mind would want to tussle with a man like him?

Apparently Heart, for they seemed both adamant and earnest to Fight him, even if only to hone their own martial skills. 

Several seconds passed in stunned silence, before slowly Terra nodded, now giving the pun lover a look of uncertainty.....and seriousness.

"Hm.....very well. If you wish to learn how to Fight from me.....then I will teach you. But. .....But it will not be easy, or.....gentle. I train hard......push myself to limits every time I do so. And beyond, if I can. Do that, so that I can......match Strength of my Pokemon, and be a strong, worthy partner to them all. Anyone that learns Fighting from me......I expect same effort as me, from them. *Gives them a steely, FIERCE, and piercing look* Understand, Heart?"

He ominously concludes his short speech, his entire being now looking more imposing and Intimidating than ever. The simple monk takes his martial discipline extremely seriously, it seems. Hoo boy......

[Spiritmon]

Spoiler

Spoiler

Heart was indeed impress in see Terra armed like a ancient warrior of that times and let out a wristle. "Wow. I guess your incursion was very produtive Terra! Incredible! I might want to try myself in some battle too. Its been a while since Koa and Typhon have go in some good ol battles. My search was goo too my friend. I have found and captured a true ghost sword pokemon with me! But dont worry, I already send him to the future to not cause any great ruckus. Also, mind if someday I train hand to hand combat my friend? Some spar without pokemon battles would be cool."

Terra made the motion to rub his hair bashfully at their praise, but then remembered he was wearing his helm, and so he settled on coughing into his fist before crossing his arms and nodding.

"Yes, it was. *Grows a bit more serious when Heart declares he wants a brawl* Hm.....if you battle with those soldiers.....be very careful. They are.....like me. More than, maybe. Strong.....mighty......bold....tough......and never gives up. Ever. Saw they use lots of Fighting and Steel Pokemon, and some Fire types. Heard about Psychic types being......well liked, but did not see any with them. Some soldiers use......Diggersby too. Think they are Normal types, but not sure. *Shakes head* Haven't checked Pokedex yet.....didn't want to......bring bad attention to self. Hm....that is all I Know. If you Fight soldiers, then be prepared."

When they brought up their capture of a Ghost Sword Pokemon, the simple monk's eyes lit up with wonder and curiosity as he stared at the collector with unreserved interest.

"You caught a.......spirit blade? *Shakes head* ....Never heard of a Pokemon like that. Must be very rare. Hm.....maybe a Ghost/Steel type? ......Nice. Very nice. *Smiles* Great catch, Heart. May you form a strong bond with......it that......lasts a lifetime."

Their request for a spar......that caught the rugged wanderer off guard, judging by him blinking twice at the man. That was....unexpected. A few times he'd been asked to help train another's Pokemon, after they've seen their great Strength and fortitude in battle, but somebody directly challenging him? Almost never. Which, given the fact he's built like a Sherman Tank and can be just as overpowering, wasn't much of a surprise. After all, who in their right mind would want to tussle with a man like him?

Apparently Heart, for they seemed both adamant and earnest to Fight him, even if only to hone their own martial skills. 

Several seconds passed in stunned silence, before slowly Terra nodded, now giving the pun lover a look of uncertainty.....and seriousness.

"Hm.....very well. If you wish to learn how to Fight from me.....then I will teach you. But. .....But it will not be easy, or.....gentle. I train hard......push myself to limits every time I do so. And beyond, if I can. Do that, so that I can......match Strength of my Pokemon, and be a strong, worthy partner to them all. Anyone that learns Fighting from me......I expect same effort as me, from them. *Gives them a steely, FIERCE, and piercing look* Understand, Heart?"

He ominously concludes his short speech, his entire being now looking more imposing and Intimidating than ever. The simple monk takes his martial discipline extremely seriously, it seems. Hoo boy......

"If my memory dont fail, Diggersby are Normal/Ground Pokemon. So they are immune to Eletric and Ghost attacks, and they have a couple of resistances. Damn, thats gonna be a difficult thing. But I can deal with that. I pretty strong and sturdy myself, and I have some couple of pokemon capable of deal damage against them."

Heart smile wide open. "You damn right my big guy friend! The ghost sword I caugh its indeed Ghost/Steel. A Honedge. They can evolve 2 times: Doublade, a double blade pokemon. And his final form: Aegislash a sword and shield pokemon. His final form its special because they can change forms into Shield Form or Blade Form. One is focus in attack power and the other in defences. Its a damn strong pokemon. But they only can wield by a trainer wortly of him. Guess I will have to work quite a bit in my training with him."

Heart give the same glare to Terra, but with a more smile one. But not less confident. "I wouldnt want different my friend. If there is something I do is push my limits. I perfect understand Terra, but I still want spar with you when got the chance. Gonna show you why they call me the PUNisher."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"If my memory dont fail, Diggersby are Normal/Ground Pokemon. So they are immune to Eletric and Ghost attacks, and they have a couple of resistances. Damn, thats gonna be a difficult thing. But I can deal with that. I pretty strong and sturdy myself, and I have some couple of pokemon capable of deal damage against them."

Heart smile wide open. "You damn right my big guy friend! The ghost sword I caugh its indeed Ghost/Steel. A Honedge. They can evolve 2 times: Doublade, a double blade pokemon. And his final form: Aegislash a sword and shield pokemon. His final form its special because they can change forms into Shield Form or Blade Form. One is focus in attack power and the other in defences. Its a damn strong pokemon. But they only can wield by a trainer wortly of him. Guess I will have to work quite a bit in my training with him."


Heart give the same glare to Terra, but with a more smile one. But not less confident. "I wouldnt want different my friend. If there is something I do is push my limits. I perfect understand Terra, but I still want spar with you when got the chance. Gonna show you why they call me the PUNisher."

The mountainous man had nothing to comment on the rare collector's alluding to their battle plans, other than a nod of his head. He knew them to be a competent and Skill combatant, and so wasn't too worried about his match ups against the King's Era trainers. 

Similarly, he didn't have much else add about the newly revealed Aegislash line itself, beside offering a smile/nod + grunt of approval to show his support of his friend's efforts. However, the simple monk was quick to frown and point a finger accusingly at the pun lover, looking rather......admonishing?

"Language. Cursing is not proper. *Shakes head* Shows you are ignorant, and.....uncouth. That is what my Mama taught me, *Nods* ."

Huh. Guess the monk's mother raised him with good manners, and did a good job of it too given who he is and the life he choose. Nathan and maybe Shiva probably wouldn't be surprised, but everyone else most likely wouldn't expect that out of him.

Lastly, Terra evenly held Heart's determined gaze with his stony own , peering deeply into them to gauge the true measure of their words. Several tense seconds like this passed......until he broke it off with a closed eye chuckle, before grinning back at them, respect now shining through his expression. 

"Good. That is how a trainer should be: willing to do anything to better himself, and his Pokemon. No matter what. We will spar when you are ready. Come ready and prepared.......or be ready and prepared to be beaten."

[Dragonstrike]

When Terra asks if Gallade can help him learn a little about swordplay, Gallade starts thinking very carefully about that.  More on that later.

When Heart arrives, the first thing Nathan does is hand Heart his cloak with the golden heart sewn onto the back.  "Here.  I recommend putting that on before somebody starts asking questions about our strange attire."  When the collector says he found a Honedge after all, followed by recounting how and ending by saying he sent Honedge to the present time...well, he doesn't immediately say anything because Terra started discussing it with Heart.

Nathan listens quietly and carefully the whole time.  When they finally finish, Nathan says his piece.  Very, very quietly.  "...don't be so loud and boisterous about it, please...and don't let anyone in this time catch wind of that, Heart.  The King himself will probably deal with such treason personally if he starts hearing rumors about that.  Creshirean Aegislash are the quintessential representation of the right to bear authority.  Only those deemed worthy of holding that authority, be it King or Champion, can ever hope to evolve a Doublade into the Royal Sword pokemon.  Even in our time, that still holds true.  Only the Champion is permitted to use an Aegislash in official League battles.  Honedge and Doublade are fine for anyone to raise in our time.  But here?  Treason, no matter what stage of the evolution line you have.  Be very, very careful, Heart.  Creshire holds their Aegislash in much higher regard than Kalos does."

What Nathan doesn't say out loud is just how...significant Heart obtaining an Aegislash would be.  Heart's father had raised and trained Heart to go beyond his limits, be more than what his father had been...it'd probably be a little fitting and potentially a little comforting for him to have a symbol of leadership.  Particularly since he has to rebuild his clan from the ground up...

Then Nathan looks at everyone else.  "Everyone understand?  No talking about Heart having a member of the Honedge family in this era.  That could endanger him, plus us for associating with him.  The less we talk about it, the safer we'll be.  I don't think any of us want to end up dead, imprisoned, or worse because of this."

He looks back at Heart.  "...you can raise it without getting in trouble if you're careful about when you use it, just...don't get yourself...or us...in trouble with authority figures by doing so, alright?"

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

Now then, on to the soldiers.

First, Nathan sighs.  "...let me elaborate a little on what I said earlier, Shiva.  There is SOME oppression, I'm just...maybe being overly paranoid.  For the most part, if you could command pokemon well or were of a noble caste, you'd be treated well regardless of gender.  If you were a commoner with no skill with regards to commanding pokemon...no guarantees.  Heck, if someone like that was lucky and good looking enough, one of the 'better' lives they could have was being a personal slave/servant to a noble or even the King himself.  Again, with gender equality being factored in...mostly.  Males are still dominant in most of the areas you'd expect them to be.  Don't ask how I know all that.  It's a looonnnnggg story."

Then he points towards the camp, and is talking to everyone now.  "As far as those soldiers go...they're all minor nobles.  Every.  Single.  One.  And Terra's not wrong about them not being average.  They're what some researchers call Progenitors, and they make up about half of the population in this era if you can believe that.  Sarimanok claims their general capabilities are primarily due to his bloodline's influence...and he's not entirely wrong...but there are other factors too.  Not only did the Progenitors win the genetic lottery, they're also better fed and educated than the peasant caste.  Because of that, they're almost able to be classified as a separate species of human entirely.  They're tougher, stronger, bigger...and they have an almost innate ability to raise pokemon with ease (OOC: basically a +1 Empathy surprise specifically for raising pokemon)."

Another sigh from Nathan.  "...to be honest, I don't want to go anywhere near them if I can avoid it.  I don't want to go anywhere near those statues, either.  You said there were Ghosts in those statues and the gems on them seemed to be decorative, right, Spira?  I'm thinking the Ghosts might be there as sentries of sorts.  If someone were to tamper with those incredibly valuable gems...the Ghost would probably follow whoever did so, and then report back to someone and lead some soldiers to the culprit's hiding place.  Sarimanok's rather infamous for 'laying curses' on things and using 'magic', but there's almost always some kind of reasonable explanation for most of that kind of stuff.  He's also well known for using Magic Crystals, which were the basis of early apricorn based pokeballs.  Don't think they actually are magic, but it probably seemed like that to most everyone that didn't know any better.  Heck if I know exactly how a pokeball works."

A pause, then he continues.  "...peasants could be conscripted into the army too.  They were usually just expendable cannon fodder, though.  And punching bags for the Progenitors to train with.  I don't see any in any of those camps, though..."

One last pause.

"...well, welcome to 500 AD, everyone.  Or at least, we're in the general ballpark of that century.  Being 1500 years in the past...well, 1400 in your case, Spira...it's certainly going to be a...different experience, to say the least...we'll need to tread carefully, and second guess anything that seems even remotely out of the ordinary..."

Whew, that was a long lecture...

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

At some point, Nathan also introduces his stranger pokemon to Terra and Spira.  "Ah, right.  Terra, Spira, this is Charmeleon.  One of my few dragons, and one looking for an opportunity to prove his strength.  And the big guy behind me..."

Nathan points behind him at the big, scruffy looking dog that appears to be wearing a cape.

"...that's Ditto.  Currently Transformed into a Herolune, a rather rare and...heroic dog pokemon.  Just a quick question, Ditto, but are you able to detransform at the moment?"

Dittolune barks, focuses...then shakes his head.  Nope.

"...well, I suppose there's worse things you could be stuck as..."

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

After having giving Terra's question some thought...Gallade turns to Nathan to discuss something with his best friend.  He extends one of his blades, slashes at the air with it, then sheathes it, waves his hand around, and shrugs. Nathan turns to Terra to 'translate'. "...he's not sure how well that might go. He could try if you really wanted to attempt to learn, but fighting with bladed elbow is a bit different from waving a sword around."

It's at this point that Gallade notices the images on Terra's shiny, new, medieval gear and points them out to Nathan, who hadn't really paid too much attention to them at first.

"...ummm...Terra, I think it might be better if you don't use those...I'm not sure it'd be a good thing if somebody thought we were part of Sarimanok's army because of all those eyes..."

Then he notices the pictures of what appear to be pokemon on the shield and helmet.

He blinks a few times.  "...Terra, what are those pokemon depicted on the helmet and shield?  That paint still looks fresh if I'm not seeing things..."

(OOC note: if Terra wants Nathan to elaborate on anything he said during the course of this post, he's free to ask)

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

When Terra asks if Gallade can help him learn a little about swordplay, Gallade starts thinking very carefully about that.  More on that later.

(...)

Then Nathan looks at everyone else.  "Everyone understand?  No talking about Heart having a member of the Honedge family in this era.  That could endanger him, plus us for associating with him.  The less we talk about it, the safer we'll be.  I don't think any of us want to end up dead, imprisoned, or worse because of this."

He looks back at Heart.  "...you can raise it without getting in trouble if you're careful about when you use it, just...don't get yourself...or us...in trouble with authority figures by doing so, alright?"

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

Now then, on to the soldiers.

(...)

A pause, then he continues.  "...peasants could be conscripted into the army too.  They were usually just expendable cannon fodder, though.  And punching bags for the Progenitors to train with.  I don't see any in any of those camps, though..."

One last pause.

"...well, welcome to 500 AD, everyone.  Or at least, we're in the general ballpark of that century.  Being 1500 years in the past...well, 1400 in your case, Spira...it's certainly going to be a...different experience, to say the least...we'll need to tread carefully, and second guess anything that seems even remotely out of the ordinary..."

Whew, that was a long lecture...



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

At some point, Nathan also introduces his stranger pokemon to Terra and Spira.  "Ah, right.  Terra, Spira, this is Charmeleon.  One of my few dragons, and one looking for an opportunity to prove his strength.  And the big guy behind me..."

Nathan points behind him at the big, scruffy looking dog that appears to be wearing a cape.

"...that's Ditto.  Currently Transformed into a Herolune, a rather rare and...heroic dog pokemon.  Just a quick question, Ditto, but are you able to detransform at the moment?"

Dittolune barks, focuses...then shakes his head.  Nope.

"...well, I suppose there's worse things you could be stuck as..."


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

After having giving Terra's question some thought...Gallade turns to Nathan to discuss something with his best friend.  He extends one of his blades, slashes at the air with it, then sheathes it, waves his hand around, and shrugs.  Nathan turns to Terra to 'translate'.  "...he's not sure how well that might go.  He could try if you really wanted to attempt to learn, but fighting with bladed elbow is a bit different from waving a sword around."


It's at this point that Gallade notices the images on Terra's shiny, new, medieval gear and points them out to Nathan, who hadn't really paid too much attention to them at first.

"...ummm...Terra, I think it might be better if you don't use those...I'm not sure it'd be a good thing if somebody thought we were part of Sarimanok's army because of all those eyes..."

Then he notices the pictures of what appear to be pokemon on the shield and helmet.

He blinks a few times.  "...Terra, what are those pokemon depicted on the helmet and shield?  That paint still looks fresh if I'm not seeing things..."

(OOC note: if Terra wants Nathan to elaborate on anything he said during the course of this post, he's free to ask)

While the use of some terminology and a little complexity of Nathan's treatise on the Aegislash line was lost on Terra (Mainly the word 'Treason' ,and why exactly it was barred from League Battle usage by everyone save the Champ), the overall message was not, especially with the dire warning they issued at the end. His expression went firm and hard like the mountains, and his posture became Alert and rigid as he listened, a growing sense of concern and apprehension replacing the happiness and curiosity he felt over Heart's capture.

'.....Honedge are THAT special and important? Enough that the soldiers and Sammy would.......punish us all badly? Just because Heart caught and own one? *Shakes head* ......Not good. Not good at all. Hm......but Heart said he sent them back to our time, though. Maybe.....we won't get in trouble, if we are careful? *Expression darkens, as he tilts his head down* ....I hope so. My duty is to protect them......but can't from the King and his kingdom.....'

After having a moment of silence to dwell on the grave new, the simple monk looked up at the scholarly trainer, and gave them a solemn nod of his head.

"Understood. Will not talk about.....it at ALL while we are in the past. Promise."

That was that for the man.  He wouldn't do anything to endanger the lives of his charges, and would sooner sacrifice himself than let any disastrous misfortune to befall them all - something which all the group but Spira could attest to....

(...)

Like with Nathan's lecture on Aegislash, parts of his explanation of The King Era were not entirely well understood by the rugged wanderer (Genetic Lottery, Sammy being related to all those soldiers, etc.), but he got the gist: Life was rough in past unless you were Noble or strong, Soldiers and people like them were super human, Ghost were in statues and Sammy had 'magic powers' (Both of those facts sent a shiver down his spine), and the group was way back in time. It was a dizzying amount of information being dumped on him at once, and unlike his exploration of the campsite he didn't have that same connection that kept him from being overload. 

Still, he managed by focusing on the main points he garnered, and relegating the rest to long term memory to chew over/question about later. Get the general details now, and worry about the complexities later, or in other words: K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

As such, Terra only had a few things to comment on after the boy finished speaking: The matter of the peasants, and what the heck were they going to do now.

"Uh....their are peasants. Have their own camp, little bit away from soldier's. Went over their to help them out after seeing.....how bad off they were. *Shakes head* Didn't know it was THAT bad, though... ....Hope they will be alright."

If his tone was anything to go by, he was genuinely worried about the commoner's well being and safety, despite them having no connection to the mountain of a man or a sense of duty/bond to motivate him to feel that way. Hmm....

"......*Shakes head* Never mind. *Looks at Nathan first, then everyone else* Nathan.....everyone.....what do we do now? We are......trapped in this time. Have no way to get back to our own. Only have Bill to help us out, and.....he can not do much. Not now....*Shakes head* ....maybe not ever. So....we need to plan our......next actions. Carefully. Hm....Do we stay near soldier's camp for the night? Or leave now, and.....make some distance from them? And.....should we continue going to Tezeal Valley? Or go..... somewhere else? Like a place that could......help get us back to our time, or.... safe location until we are......moved again? *Shakes head* Don't know....not yet. Need to think more. But.....maybe you all have.....idea of what to do?"

Thus spoken, Terra falls into silent contemplation, leaving the rest of the group with several important question that he himself had no answer for. At least, not now.....

(...)

Later on, once everything was settled, he was more than happy to be introduced to the red dragon and lunar doggie, offering them both a warm smile and plenty of marshmallows!

"Hello Charmeleon, Ditto. Nice to meet you. Here, have some sweet treats, if you want."

*Looks over at Nathan*


"Know about Ditto.....but not about Charmeleon or Herolune. You also said that Ditto.....is stuck as Herolune? Can you tell me more about them, and that? Please?"

(...)

He took a moment's pause of his own to think over Gallade's response, and then gave them a nod of his head.

"Yes, I do. Never know if Skill with weapon could help.....or save a life. *Bows* Please, teach me what you can, Gallade....."

Nathan's concern over the Eyes he requested Sir Artist to paint was meet with a small amount of confusion - "Uh....okay? Can wash off purple eye if they are a problem. Only had them added because I though they would increase armaments value...." - but their question about the Legends that adorn his helm + shield provoked a tilt of his head before realization dawn on him.

"Oh! Hm.....those are the Legendary Pokemon, Child of Garlic and Kazesidhe *Points to each respective image as he names them*. Child of Garlic convinced Sammy's grandfather to free peasants, and Kazesidhe is one of the four Legendary Beast that serve Ho-oh, all of them.....represent.....sacrificing friendship....I think. They are.....the Legendaries of Commoners. *Nods* Had an Artist paint them on, after he told me about them and Xerneas, Landorous, and Cobalion, the Legendaries of Royalty, Kingdom, and Knighthood."

Spurred on by this Lore recital, Terra recounted something else too, and in turn pulled out the Sack of Soot and presented it to the boy.

"That......makes me remember. Found this.....bag full of ashes while exploring campsite. *Shakes head* Don't know what to do with it.....but maybe you do? You are clever and smart. So.....you want it?"

[Mikaruge108]

"Let's see... Gym Leader Alaska in Ginger Town, ice-type, Gym Leader Dr. Mort R VT in Botanville, a veterinarian, specialized in pokemon good at healing, Gym Leader Sir Edmund in Corsage Port, water-type, Gym Leader Ettie in Cress City, normal-type. As for the gyms themselves, Corsage's gym was practically built into the port itself, Botanville's gym was a rather modest building that the gym leader also did his veterinary work from, Ginger's gym had ice-styled accents on the outside of the building, and Cress city's gym was a rather plain, but large building." Spira pauses and thinks. "All the gym leaders were very nice. Don't remember much about their personalities." 

"...so that means, Ginger's always had an Ice Gym, though the design's changed over time...Cress hasn't changed much, predictably, minus the addition of the Furret tubes...Botanville's has an interesting theme, but that might change depending on who's running it...and the building probably isn't as modest either given how much Botanville grew in 92 years..."

What Nathan finds the most interesting is Corsage's Gym, though.  "...Sir Edmund used Water types, you say?  Must definitely have been more lively than the Corsage I'm familiar with.  Gym's still built into the port in 2017, but...type's different.  It's a Ghost gym by that time, believe it or not.  It's in tribute to the sailors that went out to sea and never returned from what I understand.  A rather sad tale, but life in Corsage goes on despite that."

Shiva probably arrives at this point.  "Oh, Shiva.  Welcome back."  Nathan and Spira both have dark brown traveling cloak's on.  Nathan's has metallic purple and red trimmings in the shape of flames around the edges of his, and it's sparkling in the dim light of Charmeleon's fire.  Spira's has the basic shape of the 2017 Hearthome gym badge on the back (if Shiva gets a chance to see it).  "I made a couple traveling cloaks for blending in from some material Bill sent.  Spira had a quick look around...Terra...I think he went off over that way to explore the camp a little.  Heart..."

He pauses.

"...he's still not back from looking for a Honedge.  Don't know if he's going to find one, to be honest...they're really rare pokemon..." @PhantomUnderYourDesk

For everyone's reference, the pokemon Nathan has out at the moment (besides Gallade) are Herolune Ditto (which Spira and Terra won't recognize) and Charmeleon (which Terra probably also won't recognize).

Nathan turns back to Spira to continue asking him questions.  "So what does Botanville's badge improve?  The ability to do damage (Strength), the ability to take hits (Vitality), or general vigilance (Insight)?  And is there any particular reason you skipped the Gym in Stair City?"

Another question, @Iron.  Since Spira showed Nathan the badges he got from 1925, how do the designs of the three badges they have in common compare (Ginger, Cress, and Corsage)?  Are they the same, or different?

"The Feldspar badge increases the ability to take hits. As to why I skipped Stair City, well the gym was closed for renovations."

[Mikaruge108]

EDIT: She'd investigate this weird black seed Spira has found with much interest and share everything she might know about it, but doesn't ask to see it or so despite maybe she has spotted huge and creepy Dusknoir holding something that looks like a seed. It's up to @Mikaruge108 if he wishes to show it or not, she's none who'd push it. The black color reminds her faintly on Nightshade's Worry Seeds, this one here though gives her an eerie feeling just by holding it - such a curiosity by Mother Nature broadens her horizon and she gains her 4th point in Nature Speciality for 18xp.

Nature Roll: 6 Insight + 3 Knowledge + 4 Nature = 13d6

If Spira does not let her see the seed, she gains the point by investigating some plants near the camp she has never seen before, must be some ancient or extinct kind.

"Oi, Shiva, I found this seed earlier," Toya hands the seed back to Spira, "You seem to have a at-one-with-nature vibe to you, figured you might know something about it." Spira then hands the seed to Shiva, his fingers accidentally brushing her palm.