[Game thread] Skull Ruins Pokerole

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Nathan frowns as Ventus inquires further.  The only reason he brought that up specifically is because Shiva did first, and he was honestly trying to avoid getting into the specifics for now.  "...yeah.  It has a lot to do with it, actually.  I'll explain more later if you want to hear the story, but...I should warn you that it probably won't be a very...comfortable tale to listen to.  Heck, I'm still unnerved by the whole thing...we're really far away from the center of the Eye's influence right now, though, so I don't expect major trouble, but it pays to be prepared regardless..."  Nathan puts a hand on the hilt of the Sword to emphasize the point.


Then he realizes what Ventus just said.  "...wait, you've seen more of the Eye too?  We definitely need to exchange information later if that's the case.  Maybe not now, since we have more immediate things to worry about, but...definitely later."

As for the matter of Terra: "I'll see if I can talk him into it.  Having the Hauberk would be better than not if we want to do crazy things like assist the Lake Trio.  I'm not entirely happy with his decision either, to be honest, but...well, I'm trying to move on.  It's...hard."

"Oh, and uh...speaking of our resident overprotective person, I know Terra texted you about this, but I wanted to ask in person.  If you want to help us with the Lake Trio after we're done with our spelunking here, you'll be more than welcome.  I...know you probably don't want to get wrapped up in stuff like that, though, so it's fine if you'd rather not for...personal reasons.  If you do decide to help, though...well, Mesprit was fairly certain that Uxie and Azelf would be willing to grant boons in exchange if requested after we do...whatever it is we need to.  Mesprit would probably do the same, I feel.  It's a difficult to pass up opportunity, honestly, provided you're confident you can be of assistance and can handle...whatever happens.  Personally, I don't really want to ask any major favors of them myself, though.  They've been through a lot...anyways, if you could give it some thought, I'd appreciate that.  I'm fine with whatever decision you come to."

And as for Porygon-Z and Pulse: "Programmer, huh?  That's not a bad idea, but...well, the only ones can say I've met are Dagny and Bill, and they're usually rather busy, so I wouldn't want to bother them with that.  I think I'll stick with some simpler methods for now, see how they work out."

"My original idea for Pulse was actually...similar to that.  Ideally, I'd like to...encourage some of their more mischievous behavior so they can assist Porygon-Z should I never need them for...certain activities.  I'm not going to assume I won't have to deal with computer systems in some fashion in the future."  Or in other words, Nathan wants to be prepared in the event he has to infiltrate another Scimitar base.  It definitely won't be as easy as the last time if he has to do it again...

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

Whatever might help with making Seadra's evolution as smooth as possible, Nathan welcomes it.    He's completely expecting to deal with an incredibly Disobedient Dragon since he only just caught Seadra.

As for the HMs, Nathan is completely fine with Ventus teaching his pokemon a few of them.  "Meowth's out of the bag on ROCK SMASH, by the way.  League doesn't have any issues with me holding onto it until I decide if I want to strike a deal with them for it, though.  I've also got the HM for CUT, which Deoxys extracted from Mt. Molten.  Nearly got eviscerated by the move myself...*shudder*..."

"Heart's holding on to FLY for now, which my dad retrieved for us, so you'll have to wait for the collector to arrive if ya want to learn that one.  And Shiva should still have FLASH, which we have on loan from Mallorn.  He'll need it back before long, so I'd go ask Shiva about it sooner rather than later."

And that should be all the HMs that the group has on hand currently!  By the end of this trip, we should hopefully have DIVE as well.

You manage to get a message to Keni in his current location at a hostel.

Seadra doesn't lose any Loyalty, thanks to your combined Ancestry. It will gain 1 point of Loyalty as soon as you make for Garlicburg.

Perfect!  Hope he's looking forward to what Nathan will show him when the rare pokemon is ready!

And thanks!  I was really hoping that'd work out like I thought it would, because otherwise we'd have a really hard to control Dragon on our hands because they have a whopping 5 Disobedience after evolving.  4 Loyalty should be manageable.  If anything, Nathan wielding the Sword should give the winged king reason enough to respect Nathan's authority to some degree.

But oh boy, do I bet they look majestic compared to a normal Kingdra.  That single, large fin on its back is two instead (correct me if i'm wrong), and they're much larger than usual and still allow Kingdra to take to the skies!!  His dominion over sea and air shall be unparalleled now!!

Nathan lets Kingdra try out his new 'wings' for a bit before signaling to them to land.  It takes a few attempts to get the newly crowned royalty to listen, I'm sure, but when he does, he decides to be...creative with his landing, using SURF to create a large patch of water for him to DIVE into.  Thankfully, they're in the middle of a desert and there's plenty of space, so nobody gets hurt.  Besides, it's understandable that Kingdra would want to be a bit damp considering how dry it is here.  Despite being able to FLY, he is still a creature of the sea, after all.

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

As for Nathan's squad of pokemon, he's planning to bring:
- Gallade, obviously
- Winged Kingdra
- Juliet
- Servine
- Mizu
- Yet to be nicknamed Dratini

That should be most everything that needed to be addressed on Nathan's side, so he's ready to go to Garlicburg when everyone else is!

".....I see. Or rather, Eye see, if you can pardon the pun."

His tone and delivery of it was flatter than his face at the moment, which he maintains as he finishes his statements about it.

"......Under most circumstance I would refrain from delving into such.....august topics, but seeing as we've all been harried and encrouched upon by The Eye, further ignorance about it on my part would be most unwise I think. So yes, we should converse about this at a later date after our little group vacation. Can't have it spoil the fun we have planned, hmm?"

Ven's gaze turns critical when the young historian gestures to The Sword, saying nothing about it but showing a clear interest in the Artifact that supposed helped slay the mad 'scientist' Deoxys.

When they entreated his aid themselves for their upcoming quest of behalf of Mesprit, the eccentric researcher expression somehow becomes even more featureless, every line of imperfection on it smoothed out as he listened, staring softy but intently after they finished. About half a minute passed in disquieting silence between the two, before he abruptly started to speak slowly and deliberately.

"Mt. Sentry, Anthenuem. The events thereof concluding to make my friends more than any human should be, nearly threatening to permanently estrange and shattering my trust and faith in them all and pushing me over the edge into full on mental breakdown. That foul matriarchal Legendary Bug Queen Seikamater, whom our encounter with nearly ended with multiple of our Pokemon dead and eaten along with the rest of us, and nearly caused me to have a panic attack that probably would have costed my life. That eremit , whom I've begun to suspect was a Legendary Pokemon in the guise of man, ensnaring you and the rest of us sans I and Terra in that Kyurem awful oath pact in order to stop The Vines from chocking out all life in Cheshire, and tried to entrap me along with you all in a path I had no interest in. Our foray into that nightmarish hellscape that ended with you obtaining Orthros, whom regrettably acted as a catalyst that nearly drove the group's trust, respect, and good will in you to ruin on more occasion I care to admit. The Scimitars, those diabolical cabal of mages that have caused us and so many others incalculable vexation, grief, and pain. My own past, which tumultuous times need no re-examination. Ah, and yes, lest I forgot, those delightful involuntary trips through Cheshire's history I somehow got dragged into, despite being nowhere near you all when they started occurring with alarming frequency."

He hammered each event into Nathan, nailing an argument to a cross that was only now being to take shape.

"Each and every time I've been involved in Legendary and even the most remotely supernatural or arcane business, I have suffered dearly for it, and gained not a whole lot I appreciate or could have done without receiving in such auspicious occasions. All these trails and ordeal I never wished to be a part of, yet inexorably being dragged into their viscous, rending currents, like a pieces of floatsum caught in a tidal whirlpool. The entire culmination of these events nearly causing me to lose what is left of my sanity and become a paranoid, hateful, and fearful mess of a creature that would indiscriminately lash out at the one I once held so dear to my heart."

Ven went silent for several seconds afterwards, letting what he said hang heavy in the air like a thick, smothering blanket, before he resumed speaking, this time in an air light, feathery, and reminiscent tone of voice.

"Do you remember why I came he to Cheshire, and why I ultimately left my group of friends, Nate? I wanted nothing more than a second chance for a peaceful life, which had been denied to me in my homeland ever since I was but a young child. Create a family here with the Pokemon I caught, perhaps with someone I came to care for and would accept me for who I am, and have a light hearted journey through the region, gathering data for my research on Pokemon Empathy and Communication and just enjoying the whole novel experience of being a Pokemon Trainer. A new beginning, in sum. One that ended up being constantly near ruined by how interesting everything become almost immediately at the start of it all."

*Chuckles*

"You know, I'd almost say I'd been cursed with interesting times, but considering everything that befell my and my family....perhaps that's not too far from the truth. And now here you are, trying to bring me back into the fold for yet another Legendary quest that will almost certainly be prove more than even you could bargain for or conceive. That eventful destiny I barely managed to escape from, and only am now beginning to learn to cope with and recover from."

Silence. Then, gentle reassurance

".....I know you only mean well by your offer, Nate, so I am not trying to condemn you for it. I only want you to see why I am so reluctant about accepting it. The Lake Trio's boons are indeed an enticing lure, but what good will they be for me if what they ask me to do costs far too much from me? If I am to subject myself, my family, and the ones I love to that dire level of self-risk, what I will ask of them in exchange will be very heavy indeed. And ultimately, what good am I to our group at this point, for matters of this particular kind? You've all far eclipsed me in terms of power, and what Skill and talents I have can and probably already have been assumed by one of our numbers. What sort of help would an above average Pokemon Researcher be to a group of Trainers that rival this region's Elite Four in power individually on quests that require, nay, demand such capability?"

"You have to already know all this by now at some level, for you're a very intelligent young man. Stubborn and foolish young man at the worst of times, but very intelligent none the less. So I ask this of you: why? For what reason do you want me to be a part of this, in spite of everything going against my inclusion?"

As for the rest of the topics they've discussed....well, they've sorta fallen off to the wayside in light of this tangent by the empathetic researcher. Maybe the two will come back to them later after its been resolved.

-------

Considering the fact that Iron just autoed the whole process, I'll refrain from actually writing a detailed response, and just say that Ven described the Trade Evolution as 'a means to greater power to guard and protect what you hold most dear' , and that it would only be a temporary discomfort to overcome for it and their companion (Nathan) to reap the rewards of it, so long as they continued to hold faith in them. Ven's Kingdra (whose name escapes me right now) conversation would probably be something similar along those lines, if far more gruffer and sagaciously told. That, and I have to imagine they'd show some 'nice enough' curiosity and interest in his own sub-species, no matter how tempered it was by their Draconic Disobedience.

As for the HMs, then Ven's going to teach ALL the family members he has access to (Sans Corsola, who's still chilling at the Ranch and probably has had oddles of Eggs by now) the HMs , and later get Heart and Shiva to teach 'their' HMs to his eligible Pokemon eventually (Lucifer being taught FLY almost immediately, since they're with him almost all the time!) ! His family is armed to the teeth with near Legendary power now, which is good for their well being AND his research down the line! The ever charming man frowns at the mention the League knows about ROCK SMASH, but since it seems that Nathan has that whole matter taken care of he doesn't raise any questions about it.

Finally, I believe Ven would ask to be taken back to Shiva before Nathan goes off to visit Keni, since he does want to spend some more actual holiday fun time with her before the group gets started on the real task they wanted to do. As such, by the time Nathan gets to Keni, they may have received Terra's gift of restored Youth by that time, in which case should come as a shock to the boy!

------

Finally, Ven's Team for the trip will be as follows:

- Lucifer the Noivern
- His Kingdra
- Malphina the Mismaguis (Ven should have had the off-time / just working with her during his research [she WAS interested in learning what he did] both build her Loyalty to 4 and teach her Grudge, and the money from his job + connections with Dagny to get a Dusk Stone for the Evo itself)
- Haziel his Natu
-Azrael his Deino
- And last but not least Aspis his Arbok

With that, Ventus too is ready for the Garliburg Mission!

[Dragonstrike]

Spoiler

".....I see. Or rather, Eye see, if you can pardon the pun."

His tone and delivery of it was flatter than his face at the moment, which he maintains as he finishes his statements about it.

"......Under most circumstance I would refrain from delving into such.....august topics, but seeing as we've all been harried and encrouched upon by The Eye, further ignorance about it on my part would be most unwise I think. So yes, we should converse about this at a later date after our little group vacation. Can't have it spoil the fun we have planned, hmm?"

Ven's gaze turns critical when the young historian gestures to The Sword, saying nothing about it but showing a clear interest in the Artifact that supposed helped slay the mad 'scientist' Deoxys.

When they entreated his aid themselves for their upcoming quest of behalf of Mesprit, the eccentric researcher expression somehow becomes even more featureless, every line of imperfection on it smoothed out as he listened, staring softy but intently after they finished. About half a minute passed in disquieting silence between the two, before he abruptly started to speak slowly and deliberately.

"Mt. Sentry, Anthenuem. The events thereof concluding to make my friends more than any human should be, nearly threatening to permanently estrange and shattering my trust and faith in them all and pushing me over the edge into full on mental breakdown. That foul matriarchal Legendary Bug Queen Seikamater, whom our encounter with nearly ended with multiple of our Pokemon dead and eaten along with the rest of us, and nearly caused me to have a panic attack that probably would have costed my life. That eremit , whom I've begun to suspect was a Legendary Pokemon in the guise of man, ensnaring you and the rest of us sans I and Terra in that Kyurem awful oath pact in order to stop The Vines from chocking out all life in Cheshire, and tried to entrap me along with you all in a path I had no interest in. Our foray into that nightmarish hellscape that ended with you obtaining Orthros, whom regrettably acted as a catalyst that nearly drove the group's trust, respect, and good will in you to ruin on more occasion I care to admit. The Scimitars, those diabolical cabal of mages that have caused us and so many others incalculable vexation, grief, and pain. My own past, which tumultuous times need no re-examination. Ah, and yes, lest I forgot, those delightful involuntary trips through Cheshire's history I somehow got dragged into, despite being nowhere near you all when they started occurring with alarming frequency."

He hammered each event into Nathan, nailing an argument to a cross that was only now being to take shape.

"Each and every time I've been involved in Legendary and even the most remotely supernatural or arcane business, I have suffered dearly for it, and gained not a whole lot I appreciate or could have done without receiving in such auspicious occasions. All these trails and ordeal I never wished to be a part of, yet inexorably being dragged into their viscous, rending currents, like a pieces of floatsum caught in a tidal whirlpool. The entire culmination of these events nearly causing me to lose what is left of my sanity and become a paranoid, hateful, and fearful mess of a creature that would indiscriminately lash out at the one I once held so dear to my heart."

Ven went silent for several seconds afterwards, letting what he said hang heavy in the air like a thick, smothering blanket, before he resumed speaking, this time in an air light, feathery, and reminiscent tone of voice.

"Do you remember why I came he to Cheshire, and why I ultimately left my group of friends, Nate? I wanted nothing more than a second chance for a peaceful life, which had been denied to me in my homeland ever since I was but a young child. Create a family here with the Pokemon I caught, perhaps with someone I came to care for and would accept me for who I am, and have a light hearted journey through the region, gathering data for my research on Pokemon Empathy and Communication and just enjoying the whole novel experience of being a Pokemon Trainer. A new beginning, in sum. One that ended up being constantly near ruined by how interesting everything become almost immediately at the start of it all."

*Chuckles*

"You know, I'd almost say I'd been cursed with interesting times, but considering everything that befell my and my family....perhaps that's not too far from the truth. And now here you are, trying to bring me back into the fold for yet another Legendary quest that will almost certainly be prove more than even you could bargain for or conceive. That eventful destiny I barely managed to escape from, and only am now beginning to learn to cope with and recover from."

Silence. Then, gentle reassurance

".....I know you only mean well by your offer, Nate, so I am not trying to condemn you for it. I only want you to see why I am so reluctant about accepting it. The Lake Trio's boons are indeed an enticing lure, but what good will they be for me if what they ask me to do costs far too much from me? If I am to subject myself, my family, and the ones I love to that dire level of self-risk, what I will ask of them in exchange will be very heavy indeed. And ultimately, what good am I to our group at this point, for matters of this particular kind? You've all far eclipsed me in terms of power, and what Skill and talents I have can and probably already have been assumed by one of our numbers. What sort of help would an above average Pokemon Researcher be to a group of Trainers that rival this region's Elite Four in power individually on quests that require, nay, demand such capability?"

"You have to already know all this by now at some level, for you're a very intelligent young man. Stubborn and foolish young man at the worst of times, but very intelligent none the less. So I ask this of you: why? For what reason do you want me to be a part of this, in spite of everything going against my inclusion?"

As for the rest of the topics they've discussed....well, they've sorta fallen off to the wayside in light of this tangent by the empathetic researcher. Maybe the two will come back to them later after its been resolved.

-------

Considering the fact that Iron just autoed the whole process, I'll refrain from actually writing a detailed response, and just say that Ven described the Trade Evolution as 'a means to greater power to guard and protect what you hold most dear' , and that it would only be a temporary discomfort to overcome for it and their companion (Nathan) to reap the rewards of it, so long as they continued to hold faith in them. Ven's Kingdra (whose name escapes me right now) conversation would probably be something similar along those lines, if far more gruffer and sagaciously told. That, and I have to imagine they'd show some 'nice enough' curiosity and interest in his own sub-species, no matter how tempered it was by their Draconic Disobedience.

As for the HMs, then Ven's going to teach ALL the family members he has access to (Sans Corsola, who's still chilling at the Ranch and probably has had oddles of Eggs by now) the HMs , and later get Heart and Shiva to teach 'their' HMs to his eligible Pokemon eventually (Lucifer being taught FLY almost immediately, since they're with him almost all the time!) ! His family is armed to the teeth with near Legendary power now, which is good for their well being AND his research down the line! The ever charming man frowns at the mention the League knows about ROCK SMASH, but since it seems that Nathan has that whole matter taken care of he doesn't raise any questions about it.

Finally, I believe Ven would ask to be taken back to Shiva before Nathan goes off to visit Keni, since he does want to spend some more actual holiday fun time with her before the group gets started on the real task they wanted to do. As such, by the time Nathan gets to Keni, they may have received Terra's gift of restored Youth by that time, in which case should come as a shock to the boy!

Nathan chuckles as Ventus asks why the young man is so insistent on asking for the researcher's help with such large tasks.  "Let me answer your question with another question.  Why did Mesprit give you a gemstone, a piece of the very item I plan to use?  I can't claim to know exactly why, but I think it isn't inaccurate to say that Mesprit trusts you, even if...others are finding it difficult.  I may be asking on Mesprit's behalf, but I'm also asking because I know for a fact that you can be depended on if you put your mind to it.  This is less about if we think you can help and more a show of faith.  Regardless of your decision, though, Mesprit and I will both understand.  It's entirely your choice, not some destiny that's being thrust upon you.  If there's something in it for you, that'll likely be something you're free to choose as well."

Nathan looks in the direction of the ocean, over the horizon.  "...ya know, I kinda wish I had as much choice as you do right now, Ven.  The timeline may not be set in stone entirely, but I can't help but feel that Gallade and I are going to have important roles in whatever comes next no matter what happens.  I can accept that, but...well, it's a heavy burden to bear, honestly..."

Again, Nathan's hand slips to the hilt of the Keenglaive Sword.  His mom had once said that Legendaries usually have multiple contingency plans to solve any issues they need human assistance with, but...does he really believe that?  Would another have come to free Mesprit and defeat Deoxys if he hadn't?  After so many visions and prophecies involving him and everyone else in the group, the time travel linking Keni and Calam to both their past selves and the group in the present day...he's not sure if he does believe it.

Ever since defeating Deoxys, that's been a constant thought at the back of his mind.

"...I hope it'll all be worth it one day, that everyone in this region can get that peaceful future they desire...that one day, there won't be a need for the Four..."

Nathan continues to stare off into the distance, deep in thought. A weighty topic, to be sure...

[Iron]

Yes, it has all the Deoxys moves from Bulbapedia appropriate to whatever Forme it's in. The Deoxys clone doesn't get the benefits of Deoxys Prime, though, like being immune to everything.

The connection seems to have entirely faded with the demise of the leader. The clones were not meant to survive without the Prime, but they are still a repository of its powerful DNA. If a new leader gem was somehow engineered and bonded, Deoxys would probably perk up.

After Syrentide has ducked back beneath the water, you hear a quiet cough. Giant Sneasel pokes his head around the corner, seeing if you are interested in making any purchases. He's got Black Apricorns, Dusk Stones, Blackglasses, Nevermeltice, and other minor things.

Brazen isn't really interested in sacrificing her Pokemon's energy. She does, however, negotiate with Sneasel, buying a Black Apricorn.

After you get your wish, though, and return to Cress, you find that Mega Syrentide has done something other than grant your wish. Keni's card has nearly faded away entirely. Looks like there's only enough juice there for one more trip.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Yes, it has all the Deoxys moves from Bulbapedia appropriate to whatever Forme it's in. The Deoxys clone doesn't get the benefits of Deoxys Prime, though, like being immune to everything.

The connection seems to have entirely faded with the demise of the leader. The clones were not meant to survive without the Prime, but they are still a repository of its powerful DNA. If a new leader gem was somehow engineered and bonded, Deoxys would probably perk up.

After Syrentide has ducked back beneath the water, you hear a quiet cough. Giant Sneasel pokes his head around the corner, seeing if you are interested in making any purchases. He's got Black Apricorns, Dusk Stones, Blackglasses, Nevermeltice, and other minor things.

Brazen isn't really interested in sacrificing her Pokemon's energy. She does, however, negotiate with Sneasel, buying a Black Apricorn.

After you get your wish, though, and return to Cress, you find that Mega Syrentide has done something other than grant your wish. Keni's card has nearly faded away entirely. Looks like there's only enough juice there for one more trip.

(Stellar! I was not expecting it to be as strong as Deoxys Prime, just for it to be as good as what was seen of its performance against the group during the Clone Wars!)

Hmm.....well, with that Insight, it looks like Terra has another few avenues of research to explore then: making use of his Deoxys Clone's DNA, and find a way to fully restore its previous vigor WITHOUT causing it to become uncontrollable. A tall task , but if anyone could do it, it would be Terra and his lab!

Oh! Terra was not expecting meet to the bid Dark sly feline around here of all places! Unfortunately he isn't too interested in purchasing any of their 'wares' , but he would have a look through them for anything Shiva might be interested in (Read: Phantom, tell what Shiva would like to see in the Meta Thread, as Terra should know Shiva well enough by now to guess her desires!). That, and if I recall correctly he or one of the group DID promise them that they'd get them to the surface someday if they wished, and so would also ask them if they'd want to tag along with him out of the Wishing Well (not as his Pokemon or become his partner, but just leave the Ruins with him, then do as they wish) .

Yikes. That puts a damper on some of his (and my) future plans on working closely with the Syrentide Queen, but in the end he just shrugs it off it and accepts what happened to his Card, either intentionally or not. If he only has one quick and easy trip back to the Wishing Well, he'd best think carefully on how he used it, and how he was going to get out of the Skull Ruins afterwards.

And that should do it with his set up stuff, so.....

*Flashback End!*

[Iron]

"Oh, you're, you know, venturing directly back to the, uh, to the surface, then? Sure, I will come with, you know, along on your journey. I'll be making directly for the, I'll be, you know, you can find me up in the coldest, highest, darkest place I can find. I hear there are tall mountains along the center of the Region. That would be a good place. Thanks!"

[Spiritmon]

With Terra message about see everyone right away, Heart get his things ready. He bring his teleport Pokemon Fate the Xatu. "Remember my promise Fate? In teach you FLY? Well, time finally come."

After teaching Fly, they Fly right away to the place where Terra and Nathan is. "Hey guys. Long time no see. What you wanted to talk about Terra?"

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Nathan chuckles as Ventus asks why the young man is so insistent on asking for the researcher's help with such large tasks.  "Let me answer your question with another question.  Why did Mesprit give you a gemstone, a piece of the very item I plan to use?  I can't claim to know exactly why, but I think it isn't inaccurate to say that Mesprit trusts you, even if...others are finding it difficult.  I may be asking on Mesprit's behalf, but I'm also asking because I know for a fact that you can be depended on if you put your mind to it.  This is less about if we think you can help and more a show of faith.  Regardless of your decision, though, Mesprit and I will both understand.  It's entirely your choice, not some destiny that's being thrust upon you.  If there's something in it for you, that'll likely be something you're free to choose as well."


Nathan looks in the direction of the ocean, over the horizon.  "...ya know, I kinda wish I had as much choice as you do right now, Ven.  The timeline may not be set in stone entirely, but I can't help but feel that Gallade and I are going to have important roles in whatever comes next no matter what happens.  I can accept that, but...well, it's a heavy burden to bear, honestly..."

Again, Nathan's hand slips to the hilt of the Keenglaive Sword.  His mom had once said that Legendaries usually have multiple contingency plans to solve any issues they need human assistance with, but...does he really believe that?  Would another have come to free Mesprit and defeat Deoxys if he hadn't?  After so many visions and prophecies involving him and everyone else in the group, the time travel linking Keni and Calam to both their past selves and the group in the present day...he's not sure if he does believe it.

Ever since defeating Deoxys, that's been a constant thought at the back of his mind.

"...I hope it'll all be worth it one day, that everyone in this region can get that peaceful future they desire...that one day, there won't be a need for the Four..."

Nathan continues to stare off into the distance, deep in thought.  A weighty topic, to be sure...

Ventus looked a bit perplexed at first by the young historian rebuttal, not quite sure where he was going with it, but when they get to the point he couldn't help but smirk at the concept and let out a singular low laugh that sounded rather....unsettling. "Mesprit, The Being of Emotion, trusts in me? Ha. If that's the case, they either have a rather poor sense of judgement, exceptionally low standards for humanity now, or has a far more alien perspective on me and others than I originally conceived. Or perhaps they trust only my actions and common mode of behavior? That is equally baffling to me, but it makes more sense that the alternative. Hmm....unless they haven't peered a bit deeper into me, and has only been observing what could be plainly seen? *Shakes head to himself* No, no, that's an asinine idea...."

The eccentric researcher was mumbling to himself by the end of his statement, but he shakes his head again and refocuses on Nathan with a somewhat amused smile, clearly finding the whole matter funny in some perverse way. "Well, I suppose that all doesn't factor into the question, in any case. Why they choose to bequeth unto me a gemstone is mostly irrelevant in the end. They gave it to me, then I gave it to you later for you to use as you wish, and that is all that really matters in the end. Trying to decipher the rationale and logic of an ancient Legendary I have no particular personal interest in or history with beyond their ties to you is something I have neither the time nor desire for, so I will not."

And that's all he has to say about that question, for now. During that wholes speel, though, I think Nathan would notice he never did properly address the later half of their rebuttal, though it could be gleaned that the faith the Pink Pixie was showing him did not matter all that much to him either. 'Irreverent' is the word to describe the tone of his response as a whole.

Once the young hero starts brooding about his lot in life and the future, however, Ven's demeanor shifts into one of quiet reflection himself.....until he reaches out to them and gently offers an open hand. "You can, if that's what you truly desire, Nate. Rather simply and easily too, if you believe me. All you have to do....is stop. Stop....and pick another path. One with less hardship, less responsibility, and less uncertainty. Neither of you don't have to accept nor embrace what you are or who you are now and all that comes with it, despite what others or you yourselves might have lead you to think. You always have the choice to decide anything, no matter what. If the sort of freedom I enjoy is something you want......well, you've done enough to earn it, if you'd ask for my opinion."

Ven looks earnestly at his friend, his smile now encouraging and his eyes holding a welcoming gleam to them. For him, right then, the often inscrutable aims and macimations of the Legends or Nathan's part in them didn't warrant even an iota of concern or speculation. What did was his friend's own true wishes, their dreams, and they wanted for themselves, and whether or not he could help them achieve it all.  Especially if he could influence them into being less risky and for his friend to act more in their own self-interest than without. Rather selfish and narrow minded of the supposedly empathetic researcher.....but that's just part of the uniqueness that is Ventus.

[Dragonstrike]

Ventus's response probably doesn't generate a reaction that the researcher was expecting.

"Maybe I could just drop everything like Kelda did, but...I don't think I would be able to look at myself the same way ever again if I did.  It's a burdensome path, but it's the path I chose by continuing to wield this Sword, no matter how heavily it weighs on my shoulders...and Creshire only just got out of the frying pan.  There's still a fire below it, just out of most everyone's sight, waiting to burn us all to a crisp...someone needs to put it out.  Can really only hope that I'll have enough reliable and capable help trying to accomplish that goal..."

It isn't so much the burden itself that's worrying him, but the thought that he and his pokemon may have to bear the burden 'alone' that is...Nathan's only one trainer, after all.

The young historian sighs, then shakes his head and turns his gaze in the direction of Garlicburg instead.

"...well, enough of that.  If you'd think over my request, I'd greatly appreciate it.  For now, we should get going.  Garlicburg and our treasure hunt await, after all.  Best not hold everyone else up any longer."

[Iron]

You sail into Garlicburg from Charring Cross. There's a heavy military presence everywhere, as expected. You're passing lots of Corsola and the resultant reefs. At last, you enter between the long jaws of Garlicburg Island itself, and dock upon a sandy beach with lots of military constructions, barbed wire, the works. You can see trained Yanmega flying overhead, equipped with Wide Lenses and even more technological equipment.

A man and a woman, both in the neat military uniform of Creshire, approach. "I'm Sergeant Eduardo, and this is Lieutenant Rita. We have been assigned to your group, to help you achieve everything you need during your visit here. Would you like suggestions as to where to go, or do you already have your orders?"

-Dive amid the reefs. There's a minefield to the west, where no one goes. To the southeast are a series of tunnels through the coral, which is where Kingdra is interested in exploring. To the south is a practice field, where submarines and divers and technicians swim among stocked Pokemon.

-Tour the facilities. There are lots of tunnels and labs beneath Garlicburg.

-Shoretown, the nickname for the beach where soldiers take their leave. It's atop the island's convex surface and bedecked with palm trees. Surrounded by rocky crags, but just the right mix of shade and sun.

-Wargame Forest. A forest vast and quick-changing. Lots of caves and some old shellshocked ruins.

[Lord Windos]

Spoiler

Ventus's response probably doesn't generate a reaction that the researcher was expecting.

"Maybe I could just drop everything like Kelda did, but...I don't think I would be able to look at myself the same way ever again if I did.  It's a burdensome path, but it's the path I chose by continuing to wield this Sword, no matter how heavily it weighs on my shoulders...and Creshire only just got out of the frying pan.  There's still a fire below it, just out of most everyone's sight, waiting to burn us all to a crisp...someone needs to put it out.  Can really only hope that I'll have enough reliable and capable help trying to accomplish that goal..."

It isn't so much the burden itself that's worrying him, but the thought that he and his pokemon may have to bear the burden 'alone' that is...Nathan's only one trainer, after all.

The young historian sighs, then shakes his head and turns his gaze in the direction of Garlicburg instead.

"...well, enough of that.  If you'd think over my request, I'd greatly appreciate it.  For now, we should get going.  Garlicburg and our treasure hunt await, after all.  Best not hold everyone else up any longer."

Judging by the way the draconic foreigner gave a sad but expectant and accepting smile as he pulled his hand away from his friend, their answer didn't surprise him at all.

"Choosing to ever remain the hero, hmm? *Chuckles, before shaking his head, still smiling* A path of self-sacrifice for the shake of others or towards an ideal isn't as noble or fulfilling as you'd think Nate, but if that's your desire.....well, I'm the least qualified to object. I'd request you first discuss this with your parents or think of how your path affects them, but something tells me they'd support you no matter the endevour. Whatever you do ultimately decide to do, though, I implore to you to remember this, if nothing else of what I've said: you can always change your mind, and you can always change your destiny , if you find that the life you lead is no longer....what you believe in."

*Chuckles*

"At the very least, you'll have our friends and Terra to aid you, so I wouldn't overly fret about the future. And if disaster comes and only you alone can face it.....I think you are capable of resisting, overcoming, and subduing it, through that sheer resolve and stubborn determination of yours."

Ventus lets the conversation end their, looking tired from it, yet strangely content as well. He'd wished his often vitriolic friend would've forshaken the shackle of omen that bound them like he and choose to rest and enjoy what they've accomplish, but at the same time he can't help but be a little proud and happy they're following their own Truth and Beliefs so ardently for his shake and many others. Being a true hero is oft a thankless and foolish role, consigning those who hold it to an untimely demise or constant, unrelentingly adversity, but.....he can't deny the certain sense of satisfaction and peace it can bring to all, so he won't.

When Nate looks towards the group's 'holiday destination' and makes their request again, he lets out a soft *sigh* and stares at the adolescent wistfully before giving them a single nod.

"Very well, if you must insist. I should have an answer for you sometime in the near future, but I can't promise you it will be to your or Mesprit's liking. And yes, let us depart posthaste. The sooner we can begin our vacation proper, the sooner we can finally get some much earned quality leisure time for ourselves."