[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

The primal powerhouse *Bzzzzzsssss....* in the purest form of displeasure possible at the impudent boy when they DARED to threaten her/themselves, eyes flashing dangerously as she/they glared at them and The Sword they were carrying, her/their talons raised and now looking poised to attack them instead. Charizard's flagrant disrespect and demeaning of her/themselves was INFURIATING enough, but a mere child trying to INTIMIDATE HER/THEY , CHALLENGE HERSELF/THEMSELVES, using POWER he's hardly worthy or capable of wielding? Unacceptable. Unacceptable unacceptable UNACCEPTABLE!!! If they were going to ACT like a contemptible ENEMY like those clones, she'll/they'll treat the child exactly like she did to them....!

Before Arete could act of her/their violent intentions, Terra's voices resounded loud and clear throughout the ruins of Elanor. "Stop. Enough."

Just like that, the 'big' bad Bug froze on the spot, one foot raised in the air as she/they swiveled their head towards their Master, who walked up besides them and placed a hand on their forehead, his expression placid and stern, but understanding too.

"Calm down, Arete. Didn't mean to offend you, or threaten you. Let it go. It alright. Okay?"

The aquatic terror stared up at her Master for what seemed like an eternity, before she/they gave him a jerky nod, and all the rage and hostility fled her Legendary exoskeleton, prompting the sagely monk to 'release' her/them from his gri[. She/they turned to favor Nathan and Charizard with one last look that clearly conveyed her resentment towards the two, before she/they stalked off, resuming her own excavation of the wreckage of the battlefield. Maybe their were still piece of the clones that fake dragon hadn't burnt up she could still snack on....

Terra watched them go to make sure they weren't about to start trouble with someone else, before turning back to his friend and gave them a nod.


".....Thank you. For letting me deal with Arete being.....problematic. Happy nothing bad happened...."

He trails off, and a small frown appeared on his face.

"But. ....But I don't like you threatening them. Was.....keeping eye on them. Have stopped them if they did cause trouble. Think....I think you knew that......but you still threatened them. Let your Charizard.....provoke her without.......rebuke too, and let......problem grow bigger than needed be."

A short period of silence followed, before the mountain of a man let out a small *sigh* and shook his head, looking at them somewhat disappointed.

"Arete....they are my responsibility. Not yours. Ask you to help me take care of Arete. Not punish them. That my job. Only my job. Remember that......please."

Nathan crosses his arms and frowns.  "If they attack or threaten my pokemon for minding their own business, Terra, it IS my problem.  Just as you're responsible for Arete, I'm responsible for my own friends.  You don't have to like it, but I won't stand by and simply watch.  I've experienced enough of that kind of behavior in my lifetime, and it's not fun.  I've got Charizard's back, and he's got mine.  That's why we both aren't afraid to stand up to Arete.  If they insist on wanting to pick a fight with Charizard, they can save it for later.  Internal conflicts aren't worth our time right now.  Call it strict if you want, but that's the truth of the matter right now."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Nathan crosses his arms and frowns.  "If they attack or threaten my pokemon for minding their own business, Terra, it IS my problem.  Just as you're responsible for Arete, I'm responsible for my own friends.  You don't have to like it, but I won't stand by and simply watch.  I've experienced enough of that kind of behavior in my lifetime, and it's not fun.  I've got Charizard's back, and he's got mine.  That's why we both aren't afraid to stand up to Arete.  If they insist on wanting to pick a fight with Charizard, they can save it for later.  Internal conflicts aren't worth our time right now.  Call it strict if you want, but that's the truth of the matter right now."

Terra frowns himself at his best friend's rebuttal, clearly not liking it and looking even more disappointed in them.

" ....They wouldn't have caused trouble, Nathan. No matter what. You know that. What you did was......rude. Rude, and unnecessary. Not....saying you should have done nothing, but.....were better ways for you to handle Arete or Charizard. But....you did not choose them. Did not consider other ways. Meet violence with threats, not.....understanding or peace."

*Beat*

"......Arete won't.....restart fight with Charizard. They don't hold grudges like that. Will be upset, but not more than that. Problem between our partners is done. Promise."

The sagely monk made to turn and walk away from the lore master and his fiery drake, but he stopped, having one last thing to say.

"Yes. Your.....perspective strict. Too strict and hard. Like Steel.....or a Dragon. A.....unyielding...inexorable Dragon. Sometimes that is good, but sometimes.....it is bad."

And then off he went, to keep watch over his partners and do his own prep for hunting down and ending DEOXYS PRIME.

[Spiritmon]

The battle was finally over. When have ended, Heart hasty Revive Gustav and Doublade, since the battle ahead would be difficult. Heart also spray a potion to heal the Lethal wound he suffer. He also let They take as much money they need to fully restore themselves.

As for XP, 24 XP go for Doublade to have 100 XP. 7 XP for Gustav. 4 XP for Quetzal and 3 to Percival. 

Edit: Changed my mind @Iron. All that XP will go to Doublade to help quickly unlock his surprises.

Heart approach the Key Stones, feeling honored in received official such amazing items. He takes the the Red Key Stone and attached to the necklace of his family: The one who symbolizes Arceus and the Creation Trio. He put in the center, in the center of Arceus chest, like a beating heart.

As for Pokemon to learn Surf: Eletux, Shrimpumty, Gustav, Marshtomp and Delta Pikachu learn such move.

And for TM, instead of request a TM he requested another thing as reward: A Thunder Stone to evolve his Delta Pikachu later and a Beldum to complete the evolution of Metang.

[Iron]

Elanor Pokemon center was leveled in the runup to the battle. However, no bodies were found. They're taking that as a good sign.

[Iron]

Spira, when no one is looking, Kelda hands you a disc. "For your Froslass. Specially modified. Should work."

"...pardon me for asking, but...what do you plan on doing with that Key Stone, Kelda?"

"Well, maybe I'll use it to explore a little of myself. Find my place. Find somewhere I can be useful with my, er, skills."

Cosh: "Your place is right here, helping us fight Deoxys as you have trained for years to do!"

Kelda: "Ohhh, I'm not so confident anymore, Cosh. I... I'll tell you why. During that entire fight, I was petrified! Despite my speed, I could barely move. As fast as I was moving, my heart was beating faster. I barely did anything. I wasn't strong enough or confident enough."

Cosh: "More power is easily gained, Kelda. That is the advantage of wizardry over ordinary Pokemon training."

Kelda: "It'll never be enough. That's why... That's why I've decided to do this."
She swiftly withdraws the Helm and jams it on Spira's head. A trail of dark fire follows her movement.

"Why isn't it working? Why isn't it bonding?"
Cosh laughs.

He's been slowly striding toward her this whole conversation. "It's bonded too securely to you. To your Pokemon, the source of your power, which you called upon to fuel your spells and the Helm empowered. You've worn it almost a full day now. It's too late. Your only place is here."

"Ahhh! That's so like me! But wait... there's one thing I can do to sever that bond." With a speedy spell, her left hand is transformed into a dancing sword. Hypnotized, she watches it weave back and forth and approach the cable connecting her belt and gauntlet.

Cosh: "Kelda, NO!" He runs toward her, but she's moving at Helm speed still.

The cable parts with a snap and a bit of electricity. Cosh tries to grab her wrist, but the blade is critically sharp and hurts him even through his steely resistances. The sword arm strikes at the belt, which separates from the surgically implanted steel pins around Kelda's waist. Time slows as the belt falls to the ground.

"And lastly..." She smashes her own gauntlet into a hundred pieces. Lightning is sparking all around her now, and she catches up four of the Scimitar Pokeballs that scattered all around. She releases a Noivern and grabs onto its feet as it takes off in a random direction, over the mountain.
Cosh snatches up the other two Pokeballs before anyone can react - you see he is now moving with the speed of the Helm, and the Hauberk is glowing.

Kelda's Pokemon are reset to 0/0 Happiness/Loyalty, or their current stats, whichever is lower.

The Helm dims for a second, then begins tightening slowly to fit on Spira's crown. It begins the slow process of bonding.

And after all this, Nathan feels a momentary emotion he doesn't even recognize. But he's sure it comes from somewhere outside of his own heart - something foreign, though benevolent. Something subtle, capable of an emotional nudge in just the right place on someone who was in the crux of a decision anyway.

Cosh snarls. "The Scimitars will have a part in this. We were the driving force leading to this first battle, and we will be there for the end of the war.

When Nathan, I'm sure, opens his mouth to retort, the misty giant comes striding over and deposits a heavy bundle containing everything you asked for. A voice booms out from the left foot. "They found Deoxys. It's retreated... to Trillium Town. Sent a broadcast. Says it has learned something important about that town. It wants to bargain."

"We do not bargain. We do not yield. We fight to the end. Keep your damn Helm, but follow me quickly if you want your own part in this." He spreads his wings like a Skarmory and takes to the air as fast as the eye can follow - north.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Spira, when no one is looking, Kelda hands you a disc. "For your Froslass. Specially modified. Should work."

"...pardon me for asking, but...what do you plan on doing with that Key Stone, Kelda?"

"Well, maybe I'll use it to explore a little of myself. Find my place. Find somewhere I can be useful with my, er, skills."

Cosh: "Your place is right here, helping us fight Deoxys as you have trained for years to do!"

Kelda: "Ohhh, I'm not so confident anymore, Cosh. I... I'll tell you why. During that entire fight, I was petrified! Despite my speed, I could barely move. As fast as I was moving, my heart was beating faster. I barely did anything. I wasn't strong enough or confident enough."

Cosh: "More power is easily gained, Kelda. That is the advantage of wizardry over ordinary Pokemon training."

Kelda: "It'll never be enough. That's why... That's why I've decided to do this."
She swiftly withdraws the Helm and jams it on Spira's head. A trail of dark fire follows her movement.

"Why isn't it working? Why isn't it bonding?"
Cosh laughs.

He's been slowly striding toward her this whole conversation. "It's bonded too securely to you. To your Pokemon, the source of your power, which you called upon to fuel your spells and the Helm empowered. You've worn it almost a full day now. It's too late. Your only place is here."

"Ahhh! That's so like me! But wait... there's one thing I can do to sever that bond." With a speedy spell, her left hand is transformed into a dancing sword. Hypnotized, she watches it weave back and forth and approach the cable connecting her belt and gauntlet.

Cosh: "Kelda, NO!" He runs toward her, but she's moving at Helm speed still.

The cable parts with a snap and a bit of electricity. Cosh tries to grab her wrist, but the blade is critically sharp and hurts him even through his steely resistances. The sword arm strikes at the belt, which separates from the surgically implanted steel pins around Kelda's waist. Time slows as the belt falls to the ground.

"And lastly..." She smashes her own gauntlet into a hundred pieces. Lightning is sparking all around her now, and she catches up four of the Scimitar Pokeballs that scattered all around. She releases a Noivern and grabs onto its feet as it takes off in a random direction, over the mountain.
Cosh snatches up the other two Pokeballs before anyone can react - you see he is now moving with the speed of the Helm, and the Hauberk is glowing.

Kelda's Pokemon are reset to 0/0 Happiness/Loyalty, or their current stats, whichever is lower.

The Helm dims for a second, then begins tightening slowly to fit on Spira's crown. It begins the slow process of bonding.

And after all this, Nathan feels a momentary emotion he doesn't even recognize. But he's sure it comes from somewhere outside of his own heart - something foreign, though benevolent. Something subtle, capable of an emotional nudge in just the right place on someone who was in the crux of a decision anyway.

Cosh snarls. "The Scimitars will have a part in this. We were the driving force leading to this first battle, and we will be there for the end of the war.

When Nathan, I'm sure, opens his mouth to retort, the misty giant comes striding over and deposits a heavy bundle containing everything you asked for. A voice booms out from the left foot. "They found Deoxys. It's retreated... to Trillium Town. Sent a broadcast. Says it has learned something important about that town. It wants to bargain."

"We do not bargain. We do not yield. We fight to the end. Keep your damn Helm, but follow me quickly if you want your own part in this." He spreads his wings like a Skarmory and takes to the air as fast as the eye can follow - north.

Initially, Terra couldn't help but be simultaneously shocked and confused when Kelda seemingly started to have a full blown crisis of faith over her duties and status as the Helm wielder, as in his opinion he thought she used her Artifact to great effect -in the Clone Wars battle. Heck, if it was not for the constant disruption and support she provided and her suite of spells, the entire engagement would have undoubtibly end much more poorly for him and their friends, if not in outright total disaster. Kelda play an integral role in the Fight, and they couldn't have done near as well of a performance during it without her.

He would've said as much to the mistress of magic (or something akin to it), but then things escalated, and before he knew it she had relinquished the Helm to Spira and literally flew the coop, abandoning the group to pursue some unknown fate.

".....What.....?"

Indeed, what. That was the biggest question that was on the mountain of a man's mind about everything that just happened, it all leaving him visibly gasping and wide-eyed like a panic stricken Eevee. He's not in that state for long, however, as he's soon snapped out of it by Cosh's enraged rebuke, which after thinking about it for a few seconds he couldn't help but firmly nod to and voice his agreement to them.

"Yes. Scimitars have done their part to stop Deoxys. Helping us get Artifacts, and Fighting with us to defeat it and save Cheshire. Deserve to keep helping and finish things with it. They have earned that right. *Nods again* That is what I think."

Cue The Mist Lord's timely interruption to bring their requested Items and the location of DEOXYS PRIME and it's latest intent, and the techno-archmage FLYING off to confront it. Watching them leave and hearing his unwavering stance against the interstellar invader, Terra looked torn for a moment....before his expression became an impenetrable wall of Steely resolve, before sweeping a hand towards Arete and calling out to her/them (as well as recalling Dunny, if he already hasn't).

"Arete, FLY me to Trillium. After Cosh."

Presumably they do so promptly, and *WOOSH* goes Terra, chasing after Cosh. Contentious and dubiously moral as that man was, they were still his partner, and he would uphold the alliance he made with them and the Scimitars. He gave his word, and he would not break it. To do so now would be the worst betrayal imaginable, after all they've done and suffered through together. DEOXYS PRIME must be stopped for the shake of all, and he'd help his partner do just that.

.....Hopefully his friends won't hold this against him. At least, not forever.

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

Elanor Pokemon center was leveled in the runup to the battle. However, no bodies were found. They're taking that as a good sign.

WHAT? Σ(°ロ°)

"....This is not true, is it? YOU'RE WRONG, AND THE DESTROYED BUILDING YOU'VE IDENTIFIED AS THE CENTER IS ANOTHER, IS IT?? You can't tell me it'd been razed to the ground, I'm not going to believe that, PLEASE GO AND CHECK AGAIN 'CUZ YOU'RE TALKING NONSENSE!!!"

That was Shiva's voice, and it's adressed to the Leage Official who delivers her the message. She's delivering a few (ineffective) punches against them, her mind refusing adamantly to accept what's been said, she SAW the Pokemon Center standing alright when they arrived. The shock over it being appearantly destroyed now lies deep, pretty deep, just as she has stopped weeping her eyes fill with tears once more. Delphox eventually has to pull her away.

After she has calmed down and recovered a little, she'll say this: "What....Whatever. *heavy sob* As soon as I'm done with all that fighting, me and my Pokemon will help rebuilding things here in town, to a degree that's able for us. Please let me do so... It's the least I can do to this pretty place of the region." Shiva looks like she won't accept a 'No' as an answer.


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Concerning Kelda's heated decision and eventually leaving, Shiva prefers to solely watch and not intercept, mostly because she feels that the young female Scim's certain about what she's doing and no words or actions could do the trick of changing her mind. For some reason, this makes her VERY glad that she has chosen Arachnautilus as her partner duing the trip down the Skull Ruins, as she, that much Shiva's sure, would never pull off such an act of ...fraud?

She's not quite sure whether that's the right word to decribe it, and equal parts of hers understand and misunderstand Kelda. She's somewhat glad that he's so confident about taking SUCH A STEP, and silently wishes her luck in her following journey as she's escaping with Noivern - that, and an roughly equal aprt of hers is on Cosh's side, because you don't just abandon places and people like this. Kelda could have waited until the war against Deoxys is over won, but seemingly it was too much for her now already? Power, strength - that's what Shiva strives for/strived for for long, and the Scimitar Organisation could and would provide it.

In the end, Shiva decides to not side with any party and keep her thoughts and emotions about this securely hidden. Prevents fights and weird/worried looks, and they've got more important issues to deal with now.

But what's certain, is that she'll support Spira if needed now that he's becoming an Artifact Wielder, giving him a quiet "Looks good on you.☆"


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When Nathan, I'm sure, opens his mouth to retort, the misty giant comes striding over and deposits a heavy bundle containing everything you asked for. A voice booms out from the left foot. "They found Deoxys. It's retreated... to Trillium Town. Sent a broadcast. Says it has learned something important about that town. It wants to bargain."
"We do not bargain. We do not yield. We fight to the end. Keep your damn Helm, but follow me quickly if you want your own part in this." He spreads his wings like a Skarmory and takes to the air as fast as the eye can follow - north.

That's the aforementioned 'more important issues'.

Shock washes over the natural fae enthusiast over the news of Real Deoxys residing in Trillium Town out of all places, for obvious reasons - all her Pokemon that are currently out and by her side react with snarls and hisses while Shiva herself barks out an angered "Screw you for believing we'll yield towards any dubious bargains!!" That's the initial reaction, but Shiva was like that too when Cosh and Co. intercepted them just before entering the Skull Ruins - she has learnt from this, and will want to at least hear Real Deoxys out. The chance that she'll accept is still below zero because it has done too much to offend her personally.

She gets a hold of Terra as he asks Arete to fly over to Trillium Town, giving him a stern and determined look. "Nonononono, wait a second. Take me with you, will you? Please, I'm NOT going to stand just there and watch, this town is the place where everything has started, where Prof. Mallorn AND Nathan's family reside."

Shiva unfortunately does not have any flyers in her party, but she can easily come along still if Terra summons Genie for her, she has taken a flight on the desert dragon before already. (Maybe in Trillium she'll have a chance to swap a party member if it comes to a fight?)

[Spiritmon]

Heart to Kelda fly into the distance in her Noivern. "You know, until now I though all Scimitars was only a group of people who was no limits to slave Pokemon and kill people. But now...I see there is a few who has a sense of noble spirit." While she fly at the distance, Heart said a few words, enough to Cosh, and everyone hear. "May Dialga give you good times. May Palkia give you a place for you to call home. May Giratina give a peaceful death. And may Arceus bless your soul."

Heart said the old saying of his family, like a Mantra to whatever Kelda go, she finds what she's looking for. As the same to Cosh, who he begin to at least trust a bit in his intentions. Yes, Heart still hate Cosh and the Scimitars for everything they done, but only now he can see Cosh genuine want to save his home region.

As much Heart hate to admit, that's something he and Cosh have in similar: They value they're clans, and want to be reminded by history. Scimitars and ArcHearts maybe it's not so different after all.

Heart, you could make a great Scimitar.

Heart remember those words very clearly said by the Leader of the Water Scimitars. He felt offended back there. But now...he not so sure...The Scimitars walk a similar path to the ArcHearts. In it's Core, they had the same goal: Protect they home region. 

Heart however can't forget what they done. If someone show them a different path however....

Heart didn't had time to think about it. Since Terra fly towards Trillium Town. He hasty summon Quetzal. "Everyone who doesn't have a Fly Mount, come with me! The final battle await us!"

[Lord Windos]

She gets a hold of Terra as he asks Arete to fly over to Trillium Town, giving him a stern and determined look. "Nonononono, wait a second. Take me with you, will you? Please, I'm NOT going to stand just there and watch, this town is the place where everything has started, where Prof. Mallorn AND Nathan's family reside."

Shiva unfortunately does not have any flyers in her party, but she can easily come along still if Terra summons Genie for her, she has taken a flight on the desert dragon before already. (Maybe in Trillium she'll have a chance to swap a party member if it comes to a fight?)

For a moment the rugged wanderer was caught off guard by the mystical lass' sudden intrusion, as he'd completely forgotten about her, so consumed by the sense of duty and sympathy he felt towards Cosh and his own desire to immediately confront DEOXYS and end things. Once she earnestly voiced her request, however, he quickly recovered, coughing into his fist as he regained his composure and nodded to her.

"Okay. Would not leave you behind ever, unless had no choice, or.....keep you joining Fight against Deoxys. Know.....importance of Trillium to you and Nathan too, so.....that more reason for you to come."

Terra then promptly summoned Genie and motioned for Shiva to climb on, a gesture that the mischievous dragoness mirrored to a degree by craning her neck to the magical dear with an inviting *Drrrzzzt~!* and a encouraging wink! She may be battered and knackered from all the mischief she gave and received to and from those foul, gelatinous nerdowells, but that didn't mean she was out of this wild, fun, and exciting game yet, nor couldn't lend her winds to her fellow corroborater of all things faely whimsical and whimsically fae~! Besides, this whole mess would be MUCH less interesting without the two of them, te he he~!

If their are no more interupption, from here Terra would take off after Cosh with Arete, with Genie + Shiva following right behind him.

[Mikaruge108]

Firstly, Spira decides to take the Violet Key Stone, and attaches it to the pendant that Shiva gave him that currently contains Leigh's photo.
----
To the disc that Kelda gives him, Spira says "I'm guessing this is a TM." He'll check it's contents later.
----
Now onto the main event!
As the helm bonds to Spira, ever so briefly, his eyes appear to be ice-blue, before returning to their normal color. He winces as it resizes to fit him; he feels a burning in his very being. Could this be? he thinks; in spite of any reservations he had in the past, he hurridly pulls back his sleeve to check on the Lunar mark...
As he suspected, the Helm's influence inadvertantly fully-awakened his latent connection...
(Effects of this, if you would, @Iron)