[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

(Alrighty, since I have the time and energy, I've written up a Mega Post addressing Ven's reactions with everyone, so let them be known NOW! I'll get to Terra's own responses/decisions regarding his rewards and what he intends to do with/about them tomorrow, so don't worry about THAT being delayed!)

With Shiva!

With Shiva!

Spoiler

Despite the erratic and extraordinaire researcher's words that they are here now to bide with them all and especially her - this part made her blush and squeal, but both gets lost due to Shiva still being snuggled into their green sweater - Shiva is hesitant over letting go of them: 'Them' actually being 'him', and 'him' being nonelse than VENTUS, right here and in person. It's indeed the oddball of a Pokmon Sociologist and troubled young man that she eventually fell for!~~ (≧◡≦) ♡

Still she frees him from her fond grap soon and lets him muss up her hair and everything, but she's still going to hold onto an arm of his or cling to his sweater, as if the natural fae enthusiast was worried that if she does not, Ven will leave again. That, and of course out of love and due to the sheer joy of seeing him again after SO long.

When he calls her a bashful Skitty about affection, Shiva hides her face in Ven's shoulder out of embarassment and coyness, but she's smilling and smirlking all along and is simply HAPPY that he's there and does not shy away from her making contact like he did down Mount Sentry. "S....stop laughing and chuckling like this, dear, but, uhm.... It's sososooo nice to see you again in real and person, yes!" <3 "You're appearing....tired though."

From what, Shiva easily finds out as he does not close himself off to her and her sixth sense; but what it picks up is suffocating and nausiating to her. Immediately Shiva felt sorry and bad for Ven as she and her trip down the Skull Ruins are part of the reason for Ven's bad emotional state. She's also impressed how nothing of it is appearant on his outside though. "You're still carefully hiding it if you're not fine or if something bothers you, Ven... BUT, it is as I told and promised you, I DID make it out alive and in one piece, and I brought lots of nice things and Pokemon from down this scary place! Like the ancient Shield, it's mine for now and I was able to help in defeating Prime by protecting us, the Mistlord called me 'a hero' even!!!" There's some pride these words of Shiva, she's certainly not timid or modest over this personal accomplishment. "E....Elanor, this pretty and beautiful place, is in a bad state however, so much destruction and unnecessary deaths of Pokemon..." There is sadness and mourning again.

---


This revelation of Ventus allures a strike of curiosity and a thrill of anticipation as she smiles to herself. More rewards and praise, and from him himself even? Yes please! Despite her body language indicates shyness and a general 'Do we really deserve this?', her inner voice clearly speaks that they do so indeed. 'My dear, you and the others have saved the whole region after all, so rejoice and delight and celebrate your victory!~"

That certain grin of him and following words causes Shiva to blush massively and bury her head not in Ven's sweater, but this time in Whimsicott's fluff. The fluffbal of course lets her and snuggles up to her beloved Master. The natural fae enthusiast carefully nods over prefering privacy as she's already embarassed and coy now, then she breaks. "Y.... yes we do, Ven, you do not know how bad I felt after you've been gone, and how... how much I've been missing you!!" Still a bit of a blush in her face, she gives the erratic researcher a light punch into the shoulder.

Shiva’s lovestruck and passionate antics brings out a bit of adoration in him as Ven quietly returns some of her affection in his own way and happily letting her continue to take advantage of him like she has been. Even in the right state he was in now and his feelings towards his girlfriend still so jumbled, he would never deny the love and care they both shared. That much he was certain, after so short yet so long apart he had been from the impossibly charming woman that somehow captured his heart…


Her bashfulness to his flirtatious comments earns her yet another chuckle, before he kindly does as she requests, patting her head to show as such.

“There there, dear. A little teasing between friends never hurts anyone – especially seeing how oft you employed it against me and the others. Can’t take what you give, or are you just being Contrary as an embarrassed Servperior? Ah ha ha ha!”

Guess the eccentric researcher was not quite done with his ribbings.

The mystical lass’ comments about his health hardly dimmed his enthusiasm as he reached to cup her chin and pull it up so that she’s now staring him directly in the eyes.

“Well, I’m not trying very hard too, dear. I have much more important things to devote my mental resources too than trying to conceal my feelings, you know? And no matter how dismal my existences are, I won’t let that keep me from reuniting with you. Oh, everyone else, of course. Can’t forget about them now, *Chuckles* !”

All the discoveries she unearth from the Ruins earns the fae lady a curious and excited gleam in the researcher sociologist, and she gets another head pat as she mentions being a hero now.

“My my, what fabulous wealth and discoveries your perilous trip in that accursed place yield! If you have the time and desire for it you should share the details of such finds with me, but that can wait until later. *Chuckles* And of course The Mist Lord would bequeath you the tile of Hero, my angel! After vanquishes Deoxys clones and felling the amoral alien mastermind itself, you’re all to deserve of it! That’s also not counting the first time you saved Cheshire, least we forget the pledge you took to stop those insidious Vines Almanac so foolishly released, nor your efforts in foiling Almanac and the Scimitars You do not know how thrilled I was when Dagney shared with me that blasted corporation’s days were numbered, thanks to your and the group’s efforts!”

Her melancholy comments about the ruins that Elanor has become does not changed the rouge scientist’s affable mood at all, with him continuing beaming down on her as he squeezed her comfortingly.

“Don’t fret about that, Shiva. The devastation and atrocities committed to Elanor and its inhabitants are not your fault, and you’ve amply avenged them all by slaying Deoxys. Elanor will recover in due time, and will flourish all the more for the adversity it has endured, as is always the case with humanity and Pokemon. Rest assured of that, dear.”


---

Ventus returns his love’s flustered shyness earns her yet another fond chuckle, before he leans in to hug both her and her magical puff ball.

“Then so it will be, my dearest. We’ll make up that lost time in earnest, and be all the more radiant for it, I promise….”

(And that’s the end of that! If you have anything else to say with Shiva, then assume Ventus will respond favorably to her offscreen, Phantom!)

With Heart (With Terra making a appearance)!

With Heart!

Spoiler

Heart gather everyone around him and say to his friends. "So....it was a great battle my friends...but it is time to part ways. We save the whole Region. But...Cosh mentioned something. In Stair City, he mentioned a friend of his who can help me unlock my Earthpower potential...and mine too."

When Heart see Ventus he couldn't believe in his eyes. "Ventus? Is that you?" He almost couldn't believe it. He gave his old friend a big hug. "Heya! It's me, Heart! I a...a little different since last time we meet." Heart was with Amber fire eyes, a little more bulk, and with the fire in his arms.

The eccentric researcher lets out a small “Omph!” as Heart collides with him, before he lets out a laugh and returns their hug with the same force it was given to him!

“Greeting! Your Keen Eyes don’t deceive you, for indeed, it is I, Ventus! Its wonderful to see you too, my friend.”

Ven seemed entirely unbothered by the pun lover’s changes, clasping them on the shoulder and shaking his head.

“I know, but I don’t care. Despite the…..alterations of your human nature, so long as you are still Heart at heart, we shall ever remain Steadfast friends.”

When they announced their departure from the group, Ven gives them a dubious look at first, before they smiled and gave them a hug farewell.

“Normally, I’d advise you to take the words of a Scimitar with as much contempt and cynicism that can be mustered, and caution your Pursuit of obtaining Earthpower, but…I shall trust your judgement here. So instead, I shall wish you well on your journey, and pray that you do not fall prey to the machinations of the magical and arcane. May you find and return what you seek, my friend.”

*Grins*

“After all, we still have yet to battle each other, and we shan’t have that go unfulfilled, hmm?”

Terra’s own reaction to the news is simple and straightforward: he walks up to them, clasps their shoulder, and gives them a nod, his gaze brimming with sadness/anxious but also respect.

“Then go. Don’t like to see you leave…but understand why. All of us must find own way in life. Own path. What we wish for, and what we want. Means you must go, then go.”

*Frowns*

“Will miss you. Worry about you. Sad to see you leave. But. ….But will be fine, and so will you. That, I know. For you have grown strong. Become mighty and tough. Stand up against anything, and not falter. You not need me to protect you anymore. If you ever want my help, though……you always have it. Instantly. Promise.”

He lets go of them, and crosses his arms, and nods once more.

“Now go. Be well, my friend. *Beat* No….. *Smiles* my brother.”

With Nathan!

With Nathan!

Spoiler

"...humble...yeah, let's go with that...*ahem*..."

Well, he IS being humble, but there's more to this than that.

Though that uncomfortableness is very, very quickly replaced by pure shock as Ventus proposes his first 'favor'.  Nathan can't help but stare at Ventus for a few minutes, wide eyed.

...that was one of the last things he'd expected Ventus to ever say...and even Gallade is at least a little surprised, too.

Still staring at Ventus, and almost completely ignoring Shiva and everyone else, Nathan can't help but ask, "...who are you, and what have you done with Ventus?"

Ven can see that, but doesn’t press the issue anymore than he already has. Overbearing as he’s been, it seems there is a limit for his intrusive friendliness and praise after all.

This is proven even more true when his smile turns wry and self-derisive at the boy’s and psychic knight’s disbelief at his favor, but none the less he takes it in stride and answers thusly: “A fool burdened by his past and fears, that has never learned properly how to let go, move on, or make any exceptions for both. Until now, that is.”

He sighs.

“Or at least, for you. After having leaving the group and having a chance to reflect on our journey together, I realized that too much bad blood had been made about Orthros, and it had almost totally stained and coagulated our bond. That alone only made me loathe them even more for a time, but….I eventually saw that such hatred and prejudice served only to make me blind to their….specialness and myself miserable. Ruin my friendship too, but that should go without saying by now.”

Another sigh, before he briskly continued.

“Combine that with learning that you were going to delve into the Skull Ruins in order to retrieve mystical Artifacts to combat Deoxys, and our…..conversation prior to that, and had what you may call an epiphany. I let myself be overcome with my own feelings and beliefs about Orthros warp and nearly destroy our friendship, and it would forever remain as such if I did nothing about it. *Chuckles* For I believe it’ll be a cold day in hell before you’d ever forsake a Pokemon for any reason, so lovably stubborn and principled as you are. That …..or if I never saw you again.”

The sociologist gone pedantic wanly smiled.

“So I decided thusly: if you were to make it out of the Skul Ruins and survive your struggle against Deoxys, I would find some way to make amends with you over Orthors. Seeing as you have spectacularly done both and have – excuse me, most likely become a hero by saving Cheshire and indebted myself to you for your righteous deed, I found exactly such an opportunity.”

*Chuckles*

“In all honestly I expected you to be the one to ask me to ‘let things go’ with Orthros, but seeing that you weren’t going to do that I decided to be proactive.”

With that reveal, Ventus frowns, his expression morphing into one of utmost seriousness.

“Be warned that just because I will accept Orthros and no longer harass them or you about them doesn’t mean I will ever like or trust them. My absolution of them does not to their rest of its kin as well, as my desires to see them remain separate from humanity still burn bright and hot as ever. After what they did to Corsage, the threat that their powers pose to dreamers everywhere, and their own nature, I can’t in good conscious accept them as anything less than monsters, waiting to prey on the unsuspecting. Just because you managed to do the impossible by taming one and eliminating its kind inherent vileness doesn’t mean anyone else can, or should.”

Once more, a sigh slips from his lips as he deflates, and he gives Nathan a half smile marred with conflicted feelings.

“Be that as it may, I shall, however, be open to the possibility of being on good terms with it in the future, or at the very least amiable ones. Nor will I condemn or impinge on its relationship to you, and no longer let it stand between our friendship. It and you deserve that, I believe.”

“And…..that is that, I suppose. All’s that left is what you have to say about this.”

Despite saying so, the eccentric researcher’s smile turned wryly amused as he remembered something, and he promptly started speaking again.

“Ah, but it would be remiss of me also to not mention that our friend Terra took pains to highlight the wholesome qualities of the dog and his own positive experiences with it in his reports to me, and endeavored to persuade me to take on such a friendly perspective of it. At first I thought you managed to fool him or sought to manipulate me through his reports, but that didn’t last as he persisted in his campaign and I saw his intent to be genuine and unaffected. His words played a major part in me revising my opinion of Orthros, so you should go thank him for this when you can.”

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(And that’s the end of that! If you have anything else to say with Shiva, then assume Ventus will respond favorably to her offscreen, Phantom!)

(Humm, from Shiva's side I'll add that she blushes massively when Ven makes her look him directly into the eyes and has to strongly restrain herself from planting a kiss onto his lips in that very moment. She's also beaming with silent pride when he tells that she deserved being called a 'hero' by the Mistlord and eagerly agrees to share later whatelse bar the Shield she found and caught down the Ruins. His comfort about her beloved Elanor being heavily damaged as a town is  very appreciated as she thankfully returned his squeeze/hug.)

(Ah, and you also said that Ven will reveal his praise and reward to Shiva in privacy; I'll let you set the pace of that though, so send a PM whenever you are free.)

(...) Still staring at Ventus, and almost completely ignoring Shiva and everyone else, Nathan can't help but ask, "...who are you, and what have you done with Ventus?" (...)

Shiva finds completely ignoring her mean, pouting a little she almost demonstratively hugs Ventus' arm. ( ._.)

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

If you're 9XP short of a move, you can just pay the price as if it's a 9xp move.

Ah, that's cool. The desired move is of a different Type, so the Master Tutor for Ice unfortunately can't help in this case.


Shiva thankfully accepts an oxygen tank from Zamboni. Oof, it's kinda heavy! "T-thanks for the advice, Zamboni; yes, I'll rather fly up there..." She fondly pats and hugs Tropius. "We'll do that together, I'm counting on you and the power of that HM move I've let you learn!~" ^0^

She also mindfully gets the desired goods written on the shopping list Farore gave her, checking twice whether she has everything before mounting her grassy sauropode and flying up to the cozy cabin again. "Here are your groceries and everything, Farore! Now, let's please get to tutoring, I'm curious to see how you're doing it, pleasepleaseplease let me watch!" (Insert Shiva paying close attention and becoming max in Move Tutoring herself)

Before she's leaving again, Shiva bows to Farore in respect and thanks as well as hugs her Vaporeon and Delibird. "M-may I propose a question to you before I get going? Maybe you could help me on that... You see, I'm looking for someone to tutor a Support Move of Psychic Type to my Meowstic, do you by chance know who I could turn to?"

When your consciousness is couched within Primal Espeon, you can share his lie detecting ability! All the fine hairs on the back of your neck stand up, and they bend this way and that to judge the truth of everything you hear.
Oh, in this form you also notice something else: Espeon's mental voice, that he uses to talk to himself? It speaks Common. A very simplified version, but recognizably Common words.

Shiva is totally thrilled to bits as her consciousness has returned to her body and can't help but to stare at her special Espeon with big sparkly eyes. Rather hesitant and carefully, she removes the Pokemon's part of the Tao Amulet from his neck and gently strokes his cheek. "You abilities never cease to amaze and stun me, my dear, I would have never imagined that you... Possess the skill to talk a very simplified Common to yourself..." Shiva gets +2 admiration on her Primal Espeon.

She carefully adds what she has just learnt to her constantly-worked-on-report on Primal Eevee and as she does so, she hopes that the mental voice carries on when Primal Espeon will eventually become Primal Jolteon. But since the lie-detecting skill will do so, she considered that the chances are quite good - she'll try it out at that time then.


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


Now towards the next thing Shiva does!~

She brings that cute pink Hoppip she has gotten from Angela into her party, and with it she sprints off towards a spot in nature where there's plenty of space and plently of plantlife. Presumably somewhere at Route 1, near Greenbriar River? Alternatively, Celebi Park. Most important thing is that Shiva and her Pokemon won't disturb anyone and likewise are unlikely to be disturbed by fans, Trainers or agressive wild Pokemon; and that they're surrounded by bountiful greens.

Taking a seat on the ground and getting herself comfortable, she releases Hoppip and Whimsicott from their respective Pokeballs. The former is gently pulled into an affectionate hug. "Hello, dear one! I'm sososo glad that you're under my care now, my very own Hoppip and from beautiful Angela on top of that! Hehehe... ~♡ Whimsi, how about you two getting to know each other a little, play a bit, and get her used to being my Pokemon now? ^_^ You as my closest and dearest Pokemon are ideal for that, and we're free here... Look at all the nice plants and trees around us, and aww that fresh air... Let's have a break and enjoy ourselves, we've deserved it after all we've done yesterday." With these words, Shiva lets herself fall backwards to lay on her back right here on the grass.

She will spend a little time here to read through all the fan letters she has gotten while Whimsicott and Hoppip get to play a little. Not in such a way that it takes an Encounter Slot, but this is some sort of 'breaking-the-ice' before getting to Shiva's first Encounter of the current Day. Therefor, how are Hoppip and Whimsi getting along, good? Are there any fan letters from people she has made friends with throught traveling through Chreshire, by chance? Like Xiani, or Darius - that cute student with the Happiny who studies at Stair's extension to become a nurse.

[Dragonstrike]

With Nathan!

With Nathan!

Spoiler

"...humble...yeah, let's go with that...*ahem*..."

Well, he IS being humble, but there's more to this than that.

Though that uncomfortableness is very, very quickly replaced by pure shock as Ventus proposes his first 'favor'.  Nathan can't help but stare at Ventus for a few minutes, wide eyed.

...that was one of the last things he'd expected Ventus to ever say...and even Gallade is at least a little surprised, too.

Still staring at Ventus, and almost completely ignoring Shiva and everyone else, Nathan can't help but ask, "...who are you, and what have you done with Ventus?"

Ven can see that, but doesn’t press the issue anymore than he already has. Overbearing as he’s been, it seems there is a limit for his intrusive friendliness and praise after all.

This is proven even more true when his smile turns wry and self-derisive at the boy’s and psychic knight’s disbelief at his favor, but none the less he takes it in stride and answers thusly: “A fool burdened by his past and fears, that has never learned properly how to let go, move on, or make any exceptions for both. Until now, that is.”

He sighs.

“Or at least, for you. After having leaving the group and having a chance to reflect on our journey together, I realized that too much bad blood had been made about Orthros, and it had almost totally stained and coagulated our bond. That alone only made me loathe them even more for a time, but….I eventually saw that such hatred and prejudice served only to make me blind to their….specialness and myself miserable. Ruin my friendship too, but that should go without saying by now.”

Another sigh, before he briskly continued.

“Combine that with learning that you were going to delve into the Skull Ruins in order to retrieve mystical Artifacts to combat Deoxys, and our…..conversation prior to that, and had what you may call an epiphany. I let myself be overcome with my own feelings and beliefs about Orthros warp and nearly destroy our friendship, and it would forever remain as such if I did nothing about it. *Chuckles* For I believe it’ll be a cold day in hell before you’d ever forsake a Pokemon for any reason, so lovably stubborn and principled as you are. That …..or if I never saw you again.”

The sociologist gone pedantic wanly smiled.

“So I decided thusly: if you were to make it out of the Skul Ruins and survive your struggle against Deoxys, I would find some way to make amends with you over Orthors. Seeing as you have spectacularly done both and have – excuse me, most likely become a hero by saving Cheshire and indebted myself to you for your righteous deed, I found exactly such an opportunity.”

*Chuckles*

“In all honestly I expected you to be the one to ask me to ‘let things go’ with Orthros, but seeing that you weren’t going to do that I decided to be proactive.”

With that reveal, Ventus frowns, his expression morphing into one of utmost seriousness.

“Be warned that just because I will accept Orthros and no longer harass them or you about them doesn’t mean I will ever like or trust them. My absolution of them does not to their rest of its kin as well, as my desires to see them remain separate from humanity still burn bright and hot as ever. After what they did to Corsage, the threat that their powers pose to dreamers everywhere, and their own nature, I can’t in good conscious accept them as anything less than monsters, waiting to prey on the unsuspecting. Just because you managed to do the impossible by taming one and eliminating its kind inherent vileness doesn’t mean anyone else can, or should.”

Once more, a sigh slips from his lips as he deflates, and he gives Nathan a half smile marred with conflicted feelings.

“Be that as it may, I shall, however, be open to the possibility of being on good terms with it in the future, or at the very least amiable ones. Nor will I condemn or impinge on its relationship to you, and no longer let it stand between our friendship. It and you deserve that, I believe.”

“And…..that is that, I suppose. All’s that left is what you have to say about this.”

Despite saying so, the eccentric researcher’s smile turned wryly amused as he remembered something, and he promptly started speaking again.

“Ah, but it would be remiss of me also to not mention that our friend Terra took pains to highlight the wholesome qualities of the dog and his own positive experiences with it in his reports to me, and endeavored to persuade me to take on such a friendly perspective of it. At first I thought you managed to fool him or sought to manipulate me through his reports, but that didn’t last as he persisted in his campaign and I saw his intent to be genuine and unaffected. His words played a major part in me revising my opinion of Orthros, so you should go thank him for this when you can.”

(First thing I want to address is that Nathan almost ignoring everyone else present was not meant to be a rude gesture.  The description was meant to illustrate just how surprised Nathan is and state where the bulk of Nathan's attention is at.  Shiva hasn't really commented on any of the stuff Nathan's said to Ventus (and the opposite is true as well), either, so...I honestly didn't think it would be an issue?)

"...that's, uh...wow...okay..."

Nathan really isn't sure what to say about Ventus's response at first.

Eventually, he awkwardly rubs the back of his head and mumbles, "...I'm not sure Orthros will ever be comfortable with being around you, either, to be honest...but if you're going to bury the hatchet, then it'll probably be okay for the most part..."  Nathan doesn't have to say why Orthros dislikes Ventus out loud, really.

He coughs, then changes topics slightly.  "...so, uh...about the rest of those dogs, though...I have a new theory about why they might have attacked...I don't have sufficient evidence to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt yet, but...there's a chance that something might have caused them to be more aggressive than usual...if I'm right...that could mean trouble.  Big, big trouble.  I'll get back to you and Dagny on that later, though."

"...also...you should probably talk to Dagny ASAP.  There's a...different issue that I'm sure you'd be interested in hearing about.  I'd tell you right now, but...you know...it's one of our secret ones that we've discussed previously.  I think it's about time we took some action before somebody else did.  If you wanted to tag along, I, uh...don't think anyone would complain."

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

(First thing I want to address is that Nathan almost ignoring everyone else present was not meant to be a rude gesture.  The description was meant to illustrate just how surprised Nathan is and state where the bulk of Nathan's attention is at.  Shiva hasn't really commented on any of the stuff Nathan's said to Ventus (and the opposite is true as well), either, so...I honestly didn't think it would be an issue?)

"...that's, uh...wow...okay..."
Nathan really isn't sure what to say about Ventus's response at first.

Eventually, he awkwardly rubs the back of his head and mumbles, "...I'm not sure Orthros will ever be comfortable with being around you, either, to be honest...but if you're going to bury the hatchet, then it'll probably be okay for the most part..."  Nathan doesn't have to say why Orthros dislikes Ventus out loud, really.

He coughs, then changes topics slightly.  "...so, uh...about the rest of those dogs, though...I have a new theory about why they might have attacked...I don't have sufficient evidence to prove it beyond a shadow of a doubt yet, but...there's a chance that something might have caused them to be more aggressive than usual...if I'm right...that could mean trouble.  Big, big trouble.  I'll get back to you and Dagny on that later, though."

"...also...you should probably talk to Dagny ASAP.  There's a...different issue that I'm sure you'd be interested in hearing about.  I'd tell you right now, but...you know...it's one of our secret ones that we've discussed previously.  I think it's about time we took some action before somebody else did.  If you wanted to tag along, I, uh...don't think anyone would complain."

(I understood that, so you don't have to worry about me being offended!)

"Trouble formulating a response, Nate? *Chuckles* How unlike you. Never would I thought I'd see the day words would fail you against me, but given the topic at hand, a lack of eloquence on your part could be expected."

Ventus seemed equal parts bemused and relieved at his old friend's difficulty with Common, some part of him enjoyed putting them on the backfoot instead of the reverse (and with kindness, no less!) and another happy to see they weren't taking his decision/stance negatively. Big blessing indeed all around!

He shrugged and gave a subdued smile when they finally managed to parse a meaningful reply, looking unapologetic yet content.

"That is fine. We both have our reasons to being adverse to one another's presences, after all. So long as they continue to behave and cause nobody undeserving strife or chaos, I'll not incite such tenebrous conflict among us. Fair, is it not?"

The scholarly trainer's hypothesis managed to get double raised eyebrows from the esteemed sociologist plus an ever so slightly increadulous look, before he shook his and sighed.

"While that is certainly an explanation as to why those fiends assault Corsage, forgive me if I don't believe you. As you said, you don't have solid evidence to support your claim, and from my encounters with Orthros' ilk, they seemed to relish tormenting any dreamers they ensnare or stumble into their domain. That, and I rather not image their is another nebulous and diabolical force lurking in the shadow, waiting and eager to sow more seeds of discord throughout Cheshire. *Sighs* Still.....if you can provide proof.....I'll do more than humor it. That much I can do for you, Nate."

Not much of what Nathan would call a great reaction, but hey, at least Ventus is open to the idea that Delta Houndour aren't totally demonic filth. Hooray?

Their last remark causes the eccentric researcher's to think about it for a moment, before giving them and Shiva a nod and a easy-going smile.

"Hmm.....yes, that's a capital idea, Nate. I was planning on meeting up with her to receive a status update on [i]everything[i] that's transpired so far today and inquire about you two's meeting after I finished catching up with you, as a matter of fact. But I suppose I can bring this reunion to a close now. What we've discussed is sufficient for today, and I imagine you and everyone else is exhausted from your grueling battle against Deoxys, so I'll you two to finish you business for today and get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll meet again and pick up where we left off, hopefully with me more well informed and well equipped to aid you however I may. *Smiles*  Among other things. *Turns head towards Shiva* I'll meet up with you tonight, dear, so worry not about another extended absence from me!"

With that said, Ven shrugs off his delightful darling off with an apologetic smile, and bows to both her, the Lore Master, and his empathetic paladin.

"Until we meet again, I bid you adieu and goodnight, and pray to Reshirim your continued well-being and safety."

He then sticks his hands into his labcoat pocket and smartly turns around, marching straight into Dagney's offices, who's door(s) opened automatically to admit him without delay.

*Flashback End?*

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

(I understood that, so you don't have to worry about me being offended!)

"Trouble formulating a response, Nate? *Chuckles* How unlike you. Never would I thought I'd see the day words would fail you against me, but given the topic at hand, a lack of eloquence on your part could be expected."

Ventus seemed equal parts bemused and relieved at his old friend's difficulty with Common, some part of him enjoyed putting them on the backfoot instead of the reverse (and with kindness, no less!) and another happy to see they weren't taking his decision/stance negatively. Big blessing indeed all around!

He shrugged and gave a subdued smile when they finally managed to parse a meaningful reply, looking unapologetic yet content.

"That is fine. We both have our reasons to being adverse to one another's presences, after all. So long as they continue to behave and cause nobody undeserving strife or chaos, I'll not incite such tenebrous conflict among us. Fair, is it not?"

The scholarly trainer's hypothesis managed to get double raised eyebrows from the esteemed sociologist plus an ever so slightly increadulous look, before he shook his and sighed.

"While that is certainly an explanation as to why those fiends assault Corsage, forgive me if I don't believe you. As you said, you don't have solid evidence to support your claim, and from my encounters with Orthros' ilk, they seemed to relish tormenting any dreamers they ensnare or stumble into their domain. That, and I rather not image their is another nebulous and diabolical force lurking in the shadow, waiting and eager to sow more seeds of discord throughout Cheshire. *Sighs* Still.....if you can provide proof.....I'll do more than humor it. That much I can do for you, Nate."

Not much of what Nathan would call a great reaction, but hey, at least Ventus is open to the idea that Delta Houndour aren't totally demonic filth. Hooray?

Their last remark causes the eccentric researcher's to think about it for a moment, before giving them and Shiva a nod and a easy-going smile.

"Hmm.....yes, that's a capital idea, Nate. I was planning on meeting up with her to receive a status update on [i]everything[i] that's transpired so far today and inquire about you two's meeting after I finished catching up with you, as a matter of fact. But I suppose I can bring this reunion to a close now. What we've discussed is sufficient for today, and I imagine you and everyone else is exhausted from your grueling battle against Deoxys, so I'll you two to finish you business for today and get some rest. Tomorrow, we'll meet again and pick up where we left off, hopefully with me more well informed and well equipped to aid you however I may. *Smiles*  Among other things. *Turns head towards Shiva* I'll meet up with you tonight, dear, so worry not about another extended absence from me!"

With that said, Ven shrugs off his delightful darling off with an apologetic smile, and bows to both her, the Lore Master, and his empathetic paladin.

"Until we meet again, I bid you adieu and goodnight, and pray to Reshirim your continued well-being and safety."

He then sticks his hands into his labcoat pocket and smartly turns around, marching straight into Dagney's offices, who's door(s) opened automatically to admit him without delay.

*Flashback End?*

Yup, that should just about wrap that flashback up!  Nathan is about 99% certain that they'll be seeing Ventus when they head out to Garlicburg.  And definitely when they go DIVING for the Genesect Fossil.  They'll meet again soon.

Nathan just has one more thing to say about his theory as the researcher turns to leave.  "...I hope I'm not right, Ventus.  I really hope I'm not."  ...which is probably a strange thing for Ventus to hear, given what the researcher knows of Nathan.  Whatever's bothering Nathan about this, he's more concerned about it than the implications it might have on whatever arguments he could use to defend Orthros...

If everything goes well, Nathan will have that proof he needs soon...very soon...

Regardless, it's time to go now.   Nathan turns to Shiva and says, "Well, let's get some rest.  We're gonna need all the energy we can muster for whatever might happen in the coming days.  If ya need me tomorrow for anything, send me a text.  I've got a lot of things I need to do still, and I'm probably going to be moving around the region a lot."

And with that, Day 83 officially comes to a close.  Maybe Nathan will get to hear Ventus's reaction to the news about the trip to Garlicburg tomorrow...and maybe even however Ventus reacts to the Scimitars ending up being a part of the mission to retrieve the Artifacts and defeat Deoxys, and Terra's actions relating to them during it and after the fact...why Nathan was so awkward about addressing the topic of defeating Deoxys making everyone involved heroes will probably be clear to the researcher soon enough...

*Flashback End*

[PhantomUnderYourDesk]

(First thing I want to address is that Nathan almost ignoring everyone else present was not meant to be a rude gesture.  The description was meant to illustrate just how surprised Nathan is and state where the bulk of Nathan's attention is at.  Shiva hasn't really commented on any of the stuff Nathan's said to Ventus (and the opposite is true as well), either, so...I honestly didn't think it would be an issue?)

(Thought so and Shiva would do so as well, though she'll still react like she because it fits her so well. No harm meant, it's more a little playing around.)
(I don't have her comment on Nathan's stuff on pupose because it's rather impolite to jump into other people's talks when you're not talked to yourself, and I appreciate that the opposite is true as well.)

Ventus: "(...)Tomorrow, we'll meet again and pick up where we left off, hopefully with me more well informed and well equipped to aid you however I may. *Smiles*  Among other things. *Turns head towards Shiva* I'll meet up with you tonight, dear, so worry not about another extended absence from me!" (...)

Those words from the erratic researcher cause Shiva to pull him into another close hug before she slowly lets go off him. She doesn't want to... But she still does so and gives Ven a a coy smile and enarmored look that non-verbally lets him know that she's looking forward to him meeting up with her before turning in for the night.

Nathan turns to Shiva and says, "Well, let's get some rest.  We're gonna need all the energy we can muster for whatever might happen in the coming days.  If ya need me tomorrow for anything, send me a text.  I've got a lot of things I need to do still, and I'm probably going to be moving around the region a lot."

The natural fae enthusiast eagerly nods towards the first two phrases, and then shakes her head towards the third. "No, I... don't think I'll need you for anything, I kinda wish to get some downtime and enjoy myself my own way first and foremost." Whimsicott nudges her and gives Shiva a pouting glance. "Ah, enjoy ourselves of course. Haha! If you happen to need me for some reason, your words are still true, but I hope and feel that we'll get along... At latest, we'll run into each other again when departing, so stay safe and take care until then!~"

With a small handgesture Tropius is summoned from his Pokeball, and in a swift movement with waving hair Shiva jumps onto the back of her grass sauropode. They are flying north, towards Ginger Town.

[Lord Windos]

*Huge Flashback, Part 1!*

When Terra reunited with everyone after a long night’s respite, he looked well-rested and stoic as usual, ready to receive his due reward(s) for helping slay the dread interstellar space scourge DEOXYS. However, the more empathetic of the bunch could immediately tell he was not feeling nearly so chipper. His sense of disappointment , regret. and frustration from failing to prevent Cosh’s arrest were still lingering at the back of mind from yesterday (And the whole situation in general) – thought they were notably diminished – but at the forefront and in full force was a startling amount of shame, defeatism, and, perhaps most surprising of all, dread for…….something.

Huh? What? Why?

All those questions and more were swiftly answered as Ventus strolled onto the scene to hand out the Tao Amulets, which prompted the normally Steel solid Survivalist to become extremely nervous and take an instinctual half-step back. That stance soon shifted into a fidgety hunch and his expression turning into a massively uneasy grimace as the eccentric researcher (after giving everyone else their T.A.) turned with deceptive slowness to him.
The instant they laid eyes of him, their previously sunny, cheery excitement over the fruits of his researched withered away like Sunflora dunked in industrial grade herbicide, and their attention becomes sharp, daunting, and critical – nearly Laser Focused – eyes narrowing to the point of resembling Apsis’. A very and supremely pissed Apsis.

Such a resemblance was not lost on the sagely monk, as he stiffed underneath the venomous and caustic gaze of his boss as it honed in on them, piercing straight through his defenses and striking fear into his heart. They regarded him like his colossal cobra would a poor, tiny Marill , deciding on whether or not to torment their prey or devour them whole pronto. If looks could kill, this one would be grossly Lethal.
Ventus used Not!Glare on Terra! It was Super Effective! Terra is now Not!Paralyzed!

For Nathan and Shiva, it didn’t take either of their immense Knowledge or respective means of Empathy that the premier sociologist was not too pleased with the rugged wanderer, to put it lightly. To put it no so lightly, he was absolutely livid. Not as livid as whenever a Pokemon threatened the life of his own brothers and sisters or his friends, but not an overly long stretch away from that point.

As for why, that could be easily guessed: Ven had gotten the full and unabridged story regarding the group’s trip through the Skull Ruins, their battle against DEOXYS PRIME and its cloned forces, and Terra’s decisions throughout, and they didn’t take it well in the slightest sliver of a iota of an amount. And from his near terror stricken impression and his currently abysmal mood, the steely brawler was abundantly clued in on those facts too for who knows how long.

Time seemed to slow to a crawl as Ventus stared at Terra, seconds feeling like minutes to the man in the dog house as the irate researcher absent mindedly twirled the last T.A. in his hand and studied him.

Ven then smiled. Oh boy, did they smile. The most cloying, ultra-naturalistic, super pleasant smile that could ever play out across a human’s face. Ven smiled as he gently pressed the last T.A. into the giant man’s hands, who nearly flinched at the contact and as they leaned in to do so.

“Hmm….this is a most fitting gift, for an aesthetic and dutiful man such as yourself, don’t you agree. May it grant you understanding, balance, and unity, my esteemed vassal. You should have those qualities in abundance, but a little more shan’t hurt, no?”

Yikes.

With that said, the oddball Unovan turned away from Terra and to the rest of the group and *Snap!*, right back to being personable and so darn friendly!

(...)

“*Claps* Well, I would love to stay and chew the fat with you all, but some unexpected work has been torpedoed into my lap that demands my utmost attention. Once I get it sorted out, I’ll Return to you all with Extreme Speed and properly commemorate our reunion and your glorious victory of Deoxys, I promise. Until then, be safe, and may Reshirim’s Flames of Truth light your ways!”

They then summon their Natu Haziel, and with a *Woosh!*, Teleported away. Soon as that happened, Terra immediately straightened back up and heaved a GREAT stocking huge * S I G H * of relief, whipping away beads of sweat from his brow and putting away his T.A., the nerve fraying tension, anxiety, and other noxious feelings in him diminishing to minor levels. He was not entirely over that ordeal, but he would be able to function without glancing around nervously for demons to take him unawares.

At least, so far as anyone can tell...

Regarding how the sagely monk reception towards the cornucopia of boodle the League bequeath him and the group (in no particular order):

I.P. TM: Initially, he had some trouble deciding what TM he wished for, as the selection pool was almost dizzyingly huge and had all too many great choices lurking within those depths. His brow was thoroughly furrowed as he scrutinized the pile/list/whatever means the I.P. TMs were available through, and just as he was about to settle for Façade another TM caught his eye: Alloy. Intrigued by it (for both its name and the fact he never heard of it before), he looked over its details:

- This Move grants Pokemon a temporary barrier that deflects and absorbs harmful forces for a short to moderate amount of time (Modded Version of Protect [All Pokemon can learn it]; user only gets a pseudo Reflect/Light Screen barrier on them that lasts 3 Rounds, 5 if the Accuracy Roll Crits) .

…. before he promptly declared “Choice is TM Alloy,” and just as quickly took it into his possession with small but well satisfied smile. Oh yes, that’s Move that perfectly suites his tankish tendencies, and it’ll serve him and his friend’s partners well in alloying against any danger left that would dare come there way now. Them, and anyone else he deems fit the protection this Shield Move grants, as he’s not going to gate his IP TM off to those that need and/or deserve it! He’s conscientious and generous like that!

(FYI: If anyone in the group that wants their Pokemon to learn Alloy , just automatically add it to their Move List, as Terra wouldn’t refuse their requests. On the note of TMs, let’s presume by now that every Pokemon in everyone’s group has learnt all the Legendary HMs they can from the ones the group has gotten, via them an big teaching session, just for the shake of saving time and making sure we all have as much access to them as we want, k?)

Music Maker of Friendship: Terra’s will be a pair of cymbals, both the colour of brass yellow and earthen orange, whose bright *Tishes* and *Bishes* shall resonate with the souls of all Pokemon. Many things that he is or has become, a Skilled musician is not one of them, so he settles for an instrument that even the most hamfisted can play!

Picture of Cymbals (Ideally): https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/...Cymbal.png

Belt of Heroes: To anyone that cared to remember, Terra already has a belt (purple and white braided rope belt) that he quite likes and is loathed to replace, but neither does he want to seem ungrateful by not wearing the H.B. , nor let it languish in his Inventory. So after a moment’s thought he elected to wear it over his right shoulder and arm like a sash as a quick and easy solution to his dilemma, placing the Key Stone given to him by The Mist Lord right in it for all to see. A bit ridiculous/anime looking, but given his hero status, how chiseled he is, and the sheer amount of presence his natural Intimidate passively exudes, he can make it work. Somehow.

Collectable Cards: Terra just shuffles through them curiously once he gets his hands on them, trying to see if they’re any cards of his Pokemon among them + Deoxys, sets them aside in their own little stack in his Inventory (along with his Card of Latios), and the ones that remain are put in a ‘Sale Later’ pile. He’s not into collecting trading cards unless they’re handmade by Keni himself, so he has zero qualms about selling the ones that don’t feature any of his partner’s subspecies in them. How much the ‘Sale Later’ pile is worth remains to be determined.

Memo from Tumbleweed: He’s a little surprised by the fact a random Gym Leader wants to meet up with him/the group, but he gets over it quick and mentally pencils in to visit the man later today or tomorrow, depending on how his schedule for the day goes. While there’s plenty of stuff to keep him occupied, most of it is in the future and requires some set-up and/or delay before he can get started on it, so it isn’t an inconvenience to FLY on over to pay the man a visit (presuming Nathan or someone tells him where Tumbleweed is).

Here, Have H E R O ! : Seeing a bunch of Unown come out of Dr. Mallorn’s goodie package from the League to float around him/his friends brings some bad memories bad about Mewural and causes him to flinch at their presence momentarily and put on guard, but once they prove themselves a non-threat he greatly relaxes and let them do their own thing without qualm. Fame and advertisement of such is an old hat for the him, as he was and technically still is a Contest Master (and therefore had oddles of fans in that sphere back in Hoen), so he’s fine and unconcerned with the floating alphabetical script! So long as they don’t cause problems, that is.

Master Hidden Technician: Bibarel (in the Ball) gets an approving nod from Terra once he checks its known Moves on it’s Summery page, before sending them to his PC. He’ll get them out to introduce himself later and nickname them, after he’s finished sorting out his other business for the day!

Burnt Up Phoenix Down and Ancient Legendary Bling!: Because he’s almost entirely clueless about Pokemon that exist outside Hoen, Ho-oh nor it’s associated signature Item ring any bells for Terra, but I presume he’s told of its properties, so it gets immediately put in the most secure part of his Inventory. A not-quite life saving Item that can bring back the extremely recent deceased? He couldn’t get his hands on it fast enough! The jewelry , on the other hand, is meet with some amount of awe and trepidation, as he both appreciates it and its historical value (He makes a note to get Nathan to tell him more about those Legends later, when things are better between them), but isn’t exactly one for such finery unless it’s used for Performances or meetings. Still, he let’s whoever decorate them with the treasures, but request they do so in a non-prominent way. If he needs them to be visible, he’ll handle prettying himself with them!

Goodie Bag!: All the Items get shuffled into his Inventory with hardly a second thought, but the fan letters and miscellaneous messages from people across Cheshire is a truly startling, confusing, and somewhat baffling discovery for him. Not that he’s unused to receiving them (Again, Contest Master), but he didn’t expect to get any here in Cheshire. Aside from tackling a few Gyms and bumping shoulders with various important official, he’s had a relatively low to unknown profile in this region, so he’s unsure where and how he became so well known to the public (Bar saving the Cheshire from DEOXYS PRIME, but even including it doesn’t explain how they knew him well enough to address him mail by name).

Never the less, he’ll go through ALL the mail dutifully and diligently later on, meticulously reading every single one of them and writing a short but nice letter back to them and taking note of anything important/he didn’t know from said mail (and check to see who is writing to him). If it’s possible, he’ll also schedule a press/fan meet up with him 3 – 4 days from now, as he’s been taught by both experience and Lisia (Now there’s a name that hasn’t been brought up in awhile!) that after big events you must treat your fans and give them a chance to see, meet, greet, and enjoy their idols in person! That, and such things are necessary if you want to maintain your maximum presence in the public eye and mitigate the amount damage rabid reporters and terrifying tabloidists can do if they’re not feed properly!

(And that’ll be all for now! I’ll write up responses for the Lump Sum of Poke + Pokemon He’s Been Given + Lab Business and to Mallorn’s request later, but I’m going to cut it off here to give everyone and Iron the chance to react to the heap of text I’ve managed to cobble together of the past few days of brainstorming.)

(Also, Ven’s assessment of Terra happens before he speaks with Heart/wishes him luck on his quest [as does Terra’s own ‘farewells’] and his departure happens after that , both for said good-byes to flow better narratively and to make the shift in the mad sociologist mood all the more jarring!)

*Huge Flashback, Part 1 End!*

[Spiritmon]

@Lord Windos
Flashback!

Heart was happy to see his old friend. "Heh, thanks mate. It's good to be able to have a... Heart-to-heart conversation with ya. And to have a...Justified reason to meet you again. And happy to know your sense of humor don't get...Badly Poisoned. Eyyyy!" Heart chuckle a bit. "Welp, as you can see, I still the old PUNisher person you know and love."

"So...I suppose you see the messages I sent you before...about...well, my story and my clan. I sorry for never telling or the others about it before...I should have trusted you more Ventus…"

Heart take Ventus cautious words. "I know Ven. I don't fully trust Cosh. However, we been traveling in the Skull Ruins for more or less a week. He even knows I was carrying...this." Heart then show to Ventus the Moltres Egg inside the Incubator. "This...is a Legendary Egg. Moltres Egg to be precisely. In our trip though time, we meet a Primal Arcanine, and he trust this Egg to me."

"Cosh knew I was with this Egg. But despite this, he didn't try to steal it. I am willing to at least listen to what he said. He also helps to save Cheshire. I despise his methods and the things he done...but he was willing to join forces to save Cheshire. I also need to learn how to use my Earthpower better Ven. There is people transformed in Kadabras. It would take weeks to restore one Kadabra to normality, let alone a greater group."

"I need to help those people Ven...I am a ArcHeart. Protect and save life's is the duty of a knight. I am the last Knight of my Clan. And I need to make a new beginning for the history of my people. For those who live today...and for those who is not anymore with me. For those who died: My mother...My grandfather...my little brother Angelo...even my father."

He ignite his hand, showing the flames of his passion. "I owe them that Ven. If I want to become the Leader my Clan needs, and to Doublade accept me as someone worth, I need to learn how to use this power...and not get corrupted by them. This is not just for me...but to purify the past of my ancestors. And create a bright future for future generations of ArcHearts. For so long I walk in darkness...but meet you all gave me the determination to change."

Heart smile to Ventus. "And yes, we still have a battle to settle. Delta Steelix become even more stronger. Get ready!"

Heart was silent when Terra speaks...but then he call him brother...that was enough to leave Heart without air for a second...a few tears roll in his eyes, but he quick try to clean then. "I...I-I have something in my eyes...must be some Deoxys blood leftover I think…" Heart try to hide the tears of happiness. "Thank you…Brother. You don't need to worry about me. I will return very soon."

Heart then look at Nathan/@Dragonstrike, who was the only one who didn't speak. "So...I guess we walking different paths to become Leaders I suppose." Heart gave Nathan a weak punch in his shoulder. "Speak of which, you was great out there with that...sword thing. I was a bit butt hurted for you be the only one to hurt Deoxys...but I guess it can't be helped. When Lancelot evolve to Aegislash, be ready with that Sword. I will make sure Lancelot be the best Sword in this side of the world, no matter how much takes."

"So...you better mastering that Sword for a good old sword fight. Be ready."

[Iron]

Mesprit is feeling dolorous. Wistful.

"...are you thinking about Uxie too, Mesprit?"

Nathan keeps the question simple and straightforward for now.  He needs to approach this topic carefully...

Mesprit pauses, then finally nods sadly. But it's a small nod, and you think there might be more to it than that.