[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

"...maybe?  I'm not sure, to be honest.  Tubareel doesn't have any bright green markings or anything.  It just looks kinda...eel-like.  And it has a particularly Strong Jaw, so I'm pretty glad it didn't have a chance to use Crunch, to be honest...it's a very good thing Princess got back in time with reinforcements, or that could have been trouble..."

Nathan considers Terra's offer to help him with trading it, a hand on his chin as he thinks.  A shieldmaiden, huh...?  Hmmmm...

"...to be honest, I am seriously considering trading it.  I could use some more funds, and more items wouldn't be bad either...this is a pretty rare pokemon, though...but not many trainers are going to want to take it if it's as Disobedient as a Tyranitar...but maybe a Shieldmaiden wouldn't mind so much...if she'd take it in the first place..."

Then he nods when he comes to a decision.

"...well, only one way to find out.  Let's see what kinda offer you can help me get for Tubareel then.  'Cuz I sure as heck don't know anyone off the top of my head who would want a super large, super Disobedient fish serpent thing."

As for Vespiquen...Nathan has to think for a moment again...

"...well, there shouldn't be any problems with meeting with her...I can't guarantee she'll take whatever advice you have for her, though, now that she's evolved.  She's spent a looooonnnngggg time thinking about what kind of ruler she wants to be, researching what past kings and queens were like, listening to stories about old royalty that I have...she's definitely going to have a firm grip on her rule, show that she's a strong ruler who isn't afraid to flex her authority if needed.  But also a kind ruler as well, one who cares for her subjects.  As the saying goes: those with power tend to use it.  It's how they use it that's really important, though."

"*Shrugs* Maybe I am wrong, but your.....description of Tubareel reminds me of Pokemon I saw. Could be no.....connection to them. *Frowns, then nods* Me too. Know how bad Strong Jaw bites can be."

To his friend's acceptance of his proposal, he only gives them a swift nod, before he pulls out his Pokedex and sends off a quick message to Brazen.

'Hello, Brazen. Have another big Pokemon that my friend is wanting to trade. It is a Tubareel. Almost large as a Gyarados, and about as Disobedient. Ability is Strong Jaw. You interested?'

(...)

His friend's tentative reply about Princess' temperament gets a small shake of the sagely monk head, before he elaborate a little more on what he wanted to discuss.

"No giving her advise on being a ruler. Not my place to - it's your's. Just a lesson, and a few question for her. That is all. She'll listen to what I have to teach, I think. If not.....so be it."

Cryptic, but not forbiddingly so. If Gallade is out with Nathan, they'd detect that Terra is not intentionally trying to be obtuse about this, only offering the briefest explanation. If requested, he'd fully explain just what he wanted to teach Princess.

[Dragonstrike]

Oh yes, there is ONE more thing we probably have to do before we head to the Skull Ruins:

Evolving Quetzal into a Delta Steelix. (since Heart seems to want to do it before we head to the Ruins)

I'm assuming either Nathan or Heart would bring it up to Terra so that it could be done after Heart's finished with the Gym Battle.  With the raw iron ore, Charizard's super hot Fire moves, and anything else that may be required, it should be doable, yes?

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(Humm... Hey @Mikaruge108 [sorry for yet another tagg], since Iron didn't come back on whether Shiva's able appoximately to track Angela at all, should we assume that she is able to a good degree with her fairies? We've seen similar things succeeding, and 'seek and ya shall find' and all that. Up to you whether Spira would accept her help in return for later cooking stuff or not. Last post about that here.)

There is one more thing she wishes to ask, mostly just out of curiosity & interest and because he's experienced in that like none else is.

click

Shiva's rather hesitant about speaking that up, and even appears a bit worried when she finally does. "You... You know, since ominous Ghost Types are your speciality, I was wondering whether you, eh... are knowledgable in handling Litwick as well? Y-you see, these small spectral candles that like nothing more than leeching on people and other Mon's life force, cute but suprisingly dangerous."

"...They're not native to Sinnoh, I guess. Or were they in your time?"

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

Original Post

(...) Reminder that they're officially visiting the Ruins to look for clues about what happened to Nathan's dad and where he might have gone.  Nathan's remains hopeful that Marco is still alive.  And it's also at this point that Nathan would mention the exact area of the ruins where Marco was last seen.  "That Ruin Maniac I talked to three years ago said that my dad was attacked just above an area known as the Kadabra Chambers.  It's apparently home to both the usual Skull Ruins occupants as well as many dangerous Psychic types , including Unown that typically spell out the word KADABRA.  It's infamous for being the last place that many an adventurer were last seen.  Nobody in existing records has ever returned from them, so nobody can say with any certainty what exactly is down there.  It's one of the most dangerous areas accessible from the upper layers of the Ruins.  They say time runs strangely in that place, that ancient artifacts can be found there, that it's possible to make deals with evil and mystical powers there...what is known for certain is that the ceiling is crumbling, and that the 'easy' way to enter them is a long, long fall.  My dad had Skarmory with him as he almost always does, so I don't think that would have been any trouble for him, though.  We've got Telekinesis users and Flying types that we can ride, so getting down there shouldn't be too much trouble for us either I expect.  We need to be prepared for anything, though.  Both there and when we explore other parts of the Ruins...Ghosts aren't the only pokemon that call the Skull Ruins home, after all..."  Nathan doesn't think he has to mention the other reason they're going to the Ruins again.  The Millennium Comet's presence is a big enough reminder as is. (...)

Shiva will listen to that with attention and also FEAR, shuddering involuntarily at the part of 'deals with the evil and mystical powers can be made there' - Whimsicott immediately reacts by nestling herself deeper into her dear Master's hair for comfort.

These mystical powers sound SO alluring, SO interesting, and she'd be willing to give a lot to make her deepest wishes coming true thanks to arcane forces. What a wonderful chance... However, her ominous and infamous inner voice speaks up to her, scolding her and insisting on her being careful and attentive concerning that:

'Dontcha know what happens in all these tales with those giving their everything to make wishes become reality, my dear?'
'I.... I do, now that ya say it. There's a catch, there ALWAYS is.'
'Right. Either is costs your life force, the life of loved ones, or the death of innocent people or whatelse you're able to come up with.'
'Okay. I-I will stay away from these, as far away as I can, maybe just check them out but not make anything even close to a deal...'
'You're a good girl, my dear.'
'............... ( ._.)'
'Be the hero you yearn to be by playing a significant role in saving this region, 'kay? '
'....! Yes. ( ÒωÓ)و☆'

Shaking her head with her messy hair flying everywhere, the only thing she feels like saying is a quiet and shy "Kadabra Chambers.... A neat name that speaks nothin' good. But if artifacts and your father can be found there, maybe worth a, yet accidental, visit indeed. Hehe... ^_^; Ugh." She shivers massively at the thought of that.


....Oh! Just as unpleasantly cold and chilling the idea of that is, just as neat it'd be put some frostiness into good use, Shiva ends up glacing at the Ball her currently icy Eeveelution is contained in. She feels and sees him wagging his tail in excitement and pleasant anticipation over that, practically spelling out 'Yes please, gimme!~'

"Hey, Nathan...", she'll carefully speak up to him once more, "You're still having that piece of ice that will never melt? Say, would be willing to loan it to me to help my Primal Glaceon powering up his Ice Type moves even more? If you're not wanting to give it to any other Pokemon to carry already, that is. ....Please?" *cue adorable puppy eyes*

When given, Shiva visibly rejoices and immediately summons her special Eeveelution to offer him this curious Item. "Look my dear one, this is for you... *she lets him sniff on the piece of ice* "It'll power up your chillin' attacks even if you happen to evolve into somethingelse! Please carry it with pride and take good care of it, as we'll, eh, have to return it at some point. Okay?"


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

Original Post

(...) "Yes. Bringing Angie along with me, so we should all be able to fly on her into them[the Kadabra Chambers]......carefully. Oinari *Motions to her, to which she perks up and waves at everyone in response* coming too, to fight off and protect us from Skull Ruin's Ghosts and Psychics. Her Illusion power could help protect us from tricks and......sorcery of the place too. ...I think. *Frowns* Don't know who else to take, though. Hard to choose which partner is best for journey. *Looks at everyone* Help?"
(...)
- Yeap, its as Dragonstrike says: Terra turns his attention over to Shiva, and with a slight incline of his head formally requests her to teach the rest of his Pokemon FLASH. Due to reasons he was not able to get them all taught by Nathan the day prior, so he wishes to rectify that issue post haste, if they allow him too. I'll leave the details as to how this takes place to Phantom/Shiva! (...)

Oiiiii!~ That Zorua with the mountain of a man is a very suprising and plasant view for Shiva, she perks up in response and joyfully waves back to the black illusion fox. "H-hello, you! Aren't you an adoooorable lil' one, for you!" She offers her half of a tasty cookie, "Hehe♡... My, it's been way too long since I saw one of your kind in real. Especially your...evolved form." Only if allowed, Shiva will gently pet the Zorua's head, she's smiling and thinks back to her time with THAT Zoroark when she was primary school age. Good innocent times those were, yet bittersweet to remember.

"W...Where did you got her from, Terra, does she have a name? And, ehm, can I show her something at some point please, maybe play a bit too even? Preferably in private ( = only with Terra present) as I cannot know how she reacts to this. It's nothing dangerous or arcane at all, though, don't worry!" *cue hopeful and almost pleading smile*


Ah, and yes, upon being asked the natural fae enthusiast very carefully and slowly draws that extraordinaire machine from her stuff as if it was an the most important part of a ceremony and places it in Terra's huge hands. "S-sure, hehe! *very faint blush* "I'm... rejoicing that you remember and ask." She persk up "I'll take good care of this machine and return it safely to the good professor, yes I will! (>v<)☆" She wishes to have it back once his Pokemon have learnt how to let loose a shining and dazzling light.

Original Post

Shortly after the group meeting concerning what Pokemon each member was going to bring was concluded, or when they are about to set off on their quest (whichever is more acceptable) Terra's Pokedex suddenly started to loudly chime like crazy in a synth like tone that had the man immediately yank it out of his pocket with an expression fit to be chiseled to check it, only pausing long enough to explain what the heck was up with it to everyone.

"Emergency message. From Ven."

That should catch everyone's but Spira's attention.

It turned out that the message was in fact a recorded video, simply labeled 'May Fortune Be With You' , with an equally succient message along with it: 'Play this video for the whole group ASAP. Please. - Ven.'

Terra slowly looks up at from his 'Dex at everyone, told them about it, and quietly looked at them.

".....Ready to play video, when you all are."

.....

Shiva happens to be startled by that sudden ring of Terra's 'Dex and his hastiness to check out what's the matter and ends up glancing to him in worry. But when it's revealed that the sender is VENTUS out of all people, any startle and nasty suprise is blown away in almost an instant and being replaced with excitement, pleasant suprise and frantic fuss. And nonono, Shiva refuses to leave Spira's side, so she'll (gently) drag him with her unless he himself fights back heavily.

"From him?! Terra, he... he probably saw that Comet, he's wishing us good luck, he's - ARRGGGHHH!" *wild and erratic hand gestures* "Please lemme see it, lemme hear his voice, please playplayplay it already, yes? (>o<) " She'll also instinctively summon Raphael to see what's been recorded as well, whispering to the benelovent archangel from whom this record comes from.

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

His friend's tentative reply about Princess' temperament gets a small shake of the sagely monk head, before he elaborate a little more on what he wanted to discuss.

"No giving her advise on being a ruler. Not my place to - it's your's. Just a lesson, and a few question for her. That is all. She'll listen to what I have to teach, I think. If not.....so be it."

Cryptic, but not forbiddingly so. If Gallade is out with Nathan, they'd detect that Terra is not intentionally trying to be obtuse about this, only offering the briefest explanation. If requested, he'd fully explain just what he wanted to teach Princess.

Gallade is always out and with Nathan.  And always gauging the situation, whether it's to help Nathan navigate the issue or keeping a careful eye out for danger and eavesdroppers.

"No need to say anything more right now, then.  It can wait until next time, after we're done exploring the Ruins."

Nathan hesitates for a moment after saying that, though.  Almost as if he's not sure if he should say what's on his mind...

Gallade nudges him in encouragement.  It'll be fine.

Another moment of hesitation, before Nathan sighs and quietly says, "...be careful, Terra.  I'm worried Deoxys is going to try and...exploit every advantage it can.  Like Black Keenglaive did.  Let's make sure there is still a 'next time' once all of this is over, yeah?"

Nathan has been thinking and worrying about that...thing for awhile now.  This might have been his last opportunity to say something about it without being vague about the exact topic.

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

(Humm... Hey @Mika [sorry for yet another tagg], since Iron didn't come back on whether Shiva's able approximately to track Angela at all, should we assume that she is able to a good degree with her fairies? We've seen similar things succeeding, and 'seek and ya shall find' and all that. Up to you whether Spira would accept her help in return for later cooking stuff or not. Last post about that here.)

There is one more thing she wishes to ask, mostly just out of curiosity & interest and because he's experienced in that like none else is.

click

Shiva's rather hesitant about speaking that up, and even appears a bit worried when she finally does. "You... You know, since ominous Ghost Types are your speciality, I was wondering whether you, eh... are knowledgeable in handling Litwick as well? Y-you see, these small spectral candles that like nothing more than leeching on people and other Mon's life force, cute but surprisingly dangerous."

"...They're not native to Sinnoh, I guess. Or were they in your time?"

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

concerning tracking Angela:
"Yeah, I'd like it if you helped me find her, maybe first thing when we get back from the Skull Ruins?"
Concerning the recent question:
"Litwick? I'm semi-familiar with the species, but I've never actually seen one or directly handled one. But the main advice I'd give for handling any Ghost-type Pokemon is to learn their predispositions to other forms of sustenance and train them to learn how to get their needed 'soul food' from that. The exact learning process differs between species though."

[Mikaruge108]

Spoiler

Shortly after the group meeting concerning what Pokemon each member was going to bring was concluded, or when they are about to set off on their quest (whichever is more acceptable) Terra's Pokedex suddenly started to loudly chime like crazy in a synth like tone that had the man immediately yank it out of his pocket with an expression fit to be chiseled to check it, only pausing long enough to explain what the heck was up with it to everyone.

"Emergency message. From Ven."

That should catch everyone's but Spira's attention.

It turned out that the message was in fact a recorded video, simply labeled 'May Fortune Be With You' , with an equally succient message along with it: 'Play this video for the whole group ASAP. Please. - Ven.'

Terra slowly looks up at from his 'Dex at everyone, told them about it, and quietly looked at them.

".....Ready to play video, when you all are."

.....

The only reaction to 'Ven' from Spira is a puzzled expression;
"Dunno who this 'Ven' guy is, but the message seems urgent, so go ahead and play it."

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

concerning tracking Angela:
"Yeah, I'd like it if you helped me find her, maybe first thing when we get back from the Skull Ruins?"

....Yayyyy!~ For some reason Shiva's pretty happy about that, and she looks forward to that now already. Now she has another piece of motivation to make it out of these scary ruins in one piece and at best with the Artifacts and lots of loot. "Yesyesyes, sure, I'd rejoice to help you with...that! May I, maybe, also watch you battlin' her? She's good, I can learn a lot from her, and I very rarely to almost not at all seen YOU fighting with your companions. Please?" *even more adorable corgi eyes*

"And afterwards we cook some neat stuff together, yeah?" (◕‿◕)☆ "To celebrate your victory, and because it's fun."

Concerning the recent question:
"Litwick? I'm semi-familiar with the species, but I've never actually seen one or directly handled one. But the main advice I'd give for handling any Ghost-type Pokemon is to learn their predispositions to other forms of sustenance and train them to learn how to get their needed 'soul food' from that. The exact learning process differs between species though."

Humm. Seems true that they're only native in Unova. "I... I see." She scratches the back of hear head in mild embarassment. "Does every Ghost Type have such a predisposition? Because, you know, I doubt that it's possible to make the Litwick I met and caught more by chance than intentionally used to feed on anythingelse than life force. He seems to have lived on nothingelse since birth, is more used to human presence than others of his kind and is in particular attracted to MY spiritual energy for whatever reason." She shrugs and shudder at the same time over that. "I occassionally fed a bit of it to him, but as soon as he evolves, that won't be enough anymore."

She takes a deep breath. "What do your ghosts usually eat or what d'you feed 'em with, if you're okay with...telling me?"

The only reaction to 'Ven' from Spira is a puzzled expression;
"Dunno who this 'Ven' guy is, but the message seems urgent, so go ahead and play it."

Oh, and about that Shiva replies a hasted "Ven is just short for Ventus, a guy a bit older than you that was traveling with us for a while before everything became too much for him to take. Very kind, very dear, yet 'blessed' with a hate and fear for anything magical you can think up and able make those who harm him or his loved ones suffer badly." She'd also whisper solely to Spira a "You could compare his importance to me to the one of you-know-who *coughLeighcoughcough* to you."

[Dragonstrike]

The only reaction to 'Ven' from Spira is a puzzled expression;
"Dunno who this 'Ven' guy is, but the message seems urgent, so go ahead and play it."

Oh, and about that Shiva replies a hasted "Ven is just short for Ventus, a guy a bit older than you that was traveling with us for a while before everything became too much for him to take. Very kind, very dear, yet 'blessed' with a hate and fear for anything magical you can think up and able make those who harm him or his loved ones suffer badly." She'd also whisper solely to Spira a "You could compare his importance to me to the one of you-know-who *coughLeighcoughcough* to you."

Nathan adds a little on to what he heard.  "...slightly more specifically, he left the group for...personal reasons shortly before our time traveling adventures started.  He's been very busy since then.  He probably wouldn't be contacting all of us if he didn't think it was important..."

Nathan sounds a little sad as he says that, which may strike Spira as a little odd...

[Mikaruge108]

She takes a deep breath. "What do your ghosts usually eat or what d'you feed 'em with, if you're okay with...telling me?"

"Yeah, the Gastly stew that I made is something that all ghost pokemon can enjoy, and for some reason, I haven't really looked into it, is able to decently sustain most of the ones that prefer spiritual sustenance."

"You could compare his importance to me to the one of you-know-who *coughLeighcoughcough* to you."

Spira gives her a knowing look that seems to say "I'm sorry you had to go through the pain of getting separated from someone you love."

Nathan sounds a little sad as he says that, which may strike Spira as a little odd...

While Spira does find it a little odd, he doesn't comment on it right now.

May I, maybe, also watch you battlin' her? She's good, I can learn a lot from her, and I very rarely to almost not at all seen YOU fighting with your companions. Please?"

"You don't have to give me that look, of course you can."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

*blink blink*

"...what?"

...Nathan hadn't been expecting to hear anything from Ventus.  He knew that Ventus had still been experiencing the lurches too, of course, but...he thought that Ventus wasn't going to be involving himself in any of this if he could avoid it.

...that's why he left the group, after all.  Well, the main reason why...

...Nathan doesn't have much more to say than what he already has.  He's nervously waiting for Terra to play the video.

...Ventus wouldn't be contacting them at all if he didn't think it was important...

Spoiler

Shiva happens to be startled by that sudden ring of Terra's 'Dex and his hastiness to check out what's the matter and ends up glancing to him in worry. But when it's revealed that the sender is VENTUS out of all people, any startle and nasty suprise is blown away in almost an instant and being replaced with excitement, pleasant suprise and frantic fuss. And nonono, Shiva refuses to leave Spira's side, so she'll (gently) drag him with her unless he himself fights back heavily.

"From him?! Terra, he... he probably saw that Comet, he's wishing us good luck, he's - ARRGGGHHH!" *wild and erratic hand gestures* "Please lemme see it, lemme hear his voice, please playplayplay it already, yes? (>o<) " She'll also instinctively summon Raphael to see what's been recorded as well, whispering to the benelovent archangel from whom this record comes from.

Spoiler

The only reaction to 'Ven' from Spira is a puzzled expression;
"Dunno who this 'Ven' guy is, but the message seems urgent, so go ahead and play it."

(Seeing as everyone but Heart has reacted to the message so far and I've time to brainstorm, its time for the message to play.)

With everyone permission granted or waiting in anticipation, Terra gave a single nod of his head and hit 'play' on the video, motioning for everyone to get by him to watch it.

At its start, their was a brief burst of static that sounded like a shreaded Chimeco's Roar, before it transitioned to a black screen for a few seconds. For the especially Insightful/Alert, they would have noticed one particular frame of footage before then: A orange bar that bisected the screen vertically, with bold black text reading 'X CLASS ENCRYPTION IMPLEMENTED.'

Then, Ventus appeared. He was sitting in a plush chair at what looked to be a mostly cleared desk, with various office supplies stacked on top of it but not important looking files or projects laying about. His appearance was different, but only fashionably speaking. He was still wearing one of his much beloved green tweed sweeters, but over it was a big white lab-coat that almost seemed to shallow him whole. His vibrant orange hair was neatly trimmed, with only a few locks of it drapped across his forehead, and he was wearing a pair of square lense glasses, beneath them was green eyes that stared at the group with kindness and sincerity. Deep with them and only noticable to the most Insightful would catch, were feeling of fear, anxiety, guilt, and......resignation. 

The researcher was silent for a moment, as if to give the group time to gather around and/or take in his altered appearance, before he warmly smiled and bowed his head to everyone.

"Greeting and salutation, everyone. Normally, I would say its good to see you all again, but...."

His smile turns apologetic.

".....Well, we're not exactly engaging in communication and direct discourse, now are we? This is but only a video playback message, carrying naught but what I wish to tell you and nothing more, leaving you no room or option to speak back to me. I've elected to convey my sentiment this way for a variety of reasons, some pretaining to security and privacy issues, but mainly because....."

At this point, the eccentric scientist's smile turns......sad and pained, and his eyes crinkle ever so slightly as he lets out a small *Sigh*.

".....I'm still not quite ready to speak with any of you at length. I'm still.....recuperating from our adventures together, despite them seeming  to happen yonder ages ago. That, and I've been quite busy with my research, work, and.....other matter, all of which I'm afraid I can't discuss. My research is still in the developmental stage and is highly confidental, and relaying it you across a Pokedex message does not seem to be the wisest course of action, no? It would certainly cause an Uproar if the wrong ears heard of it."

Ventus lets out a small chuckle, before continuing much the same as he did before.

"But I digress. So, I've decided sending a recorded message for you all was the best course of action. Simple, safe, and it would give me the ability to.....compose myself."

His smile turns apologetic and even more pained once more.

"I hope you can forgive me for this, my friends. Especially you, Shiva. I know you have longed to speak with me at length for quite some time, but.....I'm still not ready for that. Too busy with my work, and......too busy sorting out and dealing with my own issues. I'm sorry, dear."

The sociologist takes a few seconds to take a deep breath, and let it out, before he was back to all chipper smiles for everyone.

"Moving on from that, it is time for me to move on to the main purpose and bulk of this missive to you all: wishing you well and good fortune on your trip into the Skull Ruins, and to offer you some advice. Hopefully before you've all headed out to that accursed place, much less delve into its twisted and god forshaken depths, but if not......well, better late than never, I suppose."

He pauses for a moment, perhaps to give everyone a chance to react to the fact he knew what they were about to do, and who knew what else, before he continued, his smile turning a bit playful and amused.

"If any of you are surprised that I know about your upcoming trip, that is to be expected, and I'll do the courtesy of explain how. Terra's been sending me updates and general information about your adventures ever since he's joined, as a part of the job I contracted him for. I've also been keeping an eye on you myself using other means, which I won't bother you with the details. They're not important, or so I hope."

Ven's smile shrinks down as speaks, until it's only barely there.

"Suffice to say, I know almost everything that's you've been through. Your journey thus far since my departure, the event therein both big and small, and other miscellaneous details. Including about Spira, the hitchhiker that had somehow got caught up in.....everything. Though it may not mean much to you, I none the less offer my sincere apologies and condolences  to you, good sir. You shouldn't have gotten caught up in the ongoing mess that the very fates seemed to conspire to ensnare, entangle, and entrap my friends, and make them dance and weave to its demented tune, least they get swept away."

The researcher's tone and expression briefly turned caustic as he alluded to the chaos that seemed to plagued his companions, before it instantly smoothed back out int a simple smile.

"After your adventure with my friends are over, I'll endeavor to find a way to.....restore your former status and situation, if that is what you wish. If not, or I am unable to, then I'll see that you'll be well set up and provided for to continue your own ambitions and aspirations as they stand now. Its the least I can do for you, so think nothing of it."

He takes a long moment to pause for thought, face now carefully blank, before he continues, smiling again.

"As I said earlier, I want to wish you all the best for your upcoming journey into The Skull Ruins. Reshirim knows that place is one of the prime example of 'hell on earth', and that anyone needs all the grace and good fortunes if they are to enter the please, let alone explore it. Given my own forays into Relic Castle, The Abyssal Ruins, to a lesser extent Celestial Tower, and my own very brief excursion into that place, I am also extremely well acquainted with the dangers and perils associated with such places. So with that being said......"

For a second, Ventus hesitates, before his expression falters entirely, revealing what he's hidden for so long: fear and worry. Desperate fear and worry.

"Please.....please be safe. Take every precaution, resources, whatever it takes to maximize your odds of survival, no matter duplicitous, wretched, or dishonorable they may be. Do anything required to keep yourselves alive and well down in the Skull Ruins, for such a den of horrors will do everything it can to lead you to beyond ruin and claim your immortal souls. If any of you are even the slightest bit unsure you can survive the rigors of The Skull Ruins, then don't dare to go within it, or it will pick you apart at your weaknesses and eat you alive. I don't care if you are the only ones that can save the region. It's not worth it if doing so costs you your lives! In the grand scheme of things, that is the most important thing ever, period!"

"If you have any doubts and decide not to go, contact me immediately. I have plans that would see me out of Cheshire in the event of disaster, and I can readily include you all in them, including your families and loved ones! Despite what you've been told or lead to believe, you don't have to do this. You alone determine your fate, and no one else but those you allow! I escaped the turbulant and interesting times that once harried my own life many times, and If I could manage that, then you all can easily too!!"

Ventus abruptly stops himself from speaking, looking more shaken and harried from what he just said, before he took several deep breaths, and gradually regained his composure, his expression now almost painfully neutral. It was clear that he was still agitated, but the eccentric scientist seemed to have a tighter grip on himself now.

"......Please excuse my outburst. It was.....excessive. But everything in still holds true. Do what it takes to succeed and survive in the Skull Ruins. If you can't, or do not desire to risk your lives, then don't go. Don't let other's judgments and opinions hinder your own decisions. Not even my own. All I offered is my best wishes, advice, and options. Nothing more, nothing less."

...

"....Lastly, if any of you do head into there, and there comes a time were the stakes seem dire and uncertain......don't sacrifice yourselves for your cause. Not unless you are absolutely sure its necessary, and you would have no regrets doing so. For you can take back many things, but not a life. And nothing is more devastating than a senseless sacrifice. As I said before, but bears repeating: do what it takes to succeed and survive. Please."

Ventus went silent as he stared, his viridian eyes seeming to pierce through the 'Dex's screen and into everyone. Then, he smiled. It was tired, haunted, but genuine.

"Somehow, though, despite my misgivings and reservations......I believe you all will be alright. That you'll survive the perils ahead, and become heroes once more. Hopefully well renowned ones, for all the life harrowing and altering adversity you've faced and will be facing. You'll certainly such acclaim, in my humble opinion."

"And.....I believe that is everything. Everything, but farewells."

"Farewell Heart, my fellow collector of strange and wondrous Pokemon. May your bravery and boldness guide you and everyone's way, and your on the Nosepass sense of humor keep spirits bright and blazing."

"Farewell Spira, my.....well, let's call you a future friend. May your expertise and prowess with Ghosts neutralize the threat of the fell spirits that everyone will encounter, and you surefire outlook become reality for all.

"Farewll Terra, my most faithful and dutiful charge. May your immense strength and fortitude act as both sword and shield for the group, and your unrelenting resolve to keep everyone well and safe be unbending, unbreakable, and eternal."

"Farewell Nate, my most vitriolic friend, if we can say our relationship is still that. May your intelligence and wisdom craft the plans that will lead to nothing but victory, and your stubborn determination allow nothing but the very best outcomes. Gallade, make sure you continue to be a good guardian and brother to our mutual friend, and try to moderate his excessive spirit. I know he means well by it, but too much can spoil just about anything, no? "

"Farewell Shiva, my lovely savior. May your kindness be a shield for you and everyone else, and your compassion keep the group firm and strong. Raphael, my child, if you are with her and everyone else or will hear this message......then continue be the all loving, benevolent, and supportive archangel I know you are. Spread cheer and blessing to all that deserve it, and banish those in the darkness that would seek to snuff that warmth out."

"Farewell, my friends. May you all be triumphant in your quest, may you all live so we can celebrate your grand accomplishment, and may Reshirim, Zekrom, and Kyurem be with you all, every step of the way. I wish I could off you more than just words, but they are all I have. I hope they are enough."

Ventus gives everyone one last smile, one of his most radiant, optimistic, and encouraging......

And the video cuts to black, ending. Soon after, it also deletes itself with a gentle *Ping*.

.....