islandshore | 4th wall - video/action wherever;

[Having been in the Pokémon world for more than three years, Riku's come to expect those bi-yearly influxes of new arrivals. Of people regaining lost powers and forms, of random bursts of teleportation, and other strange phenomena.

What he hadn't expected was the piercing migraine. The flashes of images-- memories? Or maybe nightmares. Sora laughing alongside a group of strangers, having the time of his life. Without him. Kairi's body, locked in slumber. But why? These memories float aimlessly in his heart, as if they'd been forcibly inserted, unable to mesh with the three years worth of experiences he'd had free from darkness.

Yet he can't shake the feelings of jealousy, anger, loneliness, and fear just as he can't shake the pressure bubbling in his chest. Last 4th wall, he'd lost control of his body. This time, he remains in the driver's seat, yet that darkness remains, forced to the surface. Part of him wants to embrace it, but it's not right.

And so, as he addresses the network, he wears a weary expression, wincing every now and then and clutching his head, as if trying to keep his thoughts straight.]

So, it's that time again, huh? And who's decided to show up this time around?

[He snickers, running a hand through his hair.]

Anyone ever thought of making a list? You know, to see if there's any pattern to this mess. Feels like whenever this happens, we get so lost in the chaos that it's hard to make sense of it all.

Personally? I think we should take advantage of the situation while it lasts. Get info, test the limits. I'm sure it's been done before, but I'm half-tempted to scope out that cave by Cerulean and...

[His brow furrows, and he averts his eyes. No, maybe he shouldn't explore. First, he needs to find his friends. He has to make sure she's safe... But why? She couldn't have really lost...

Shaking his head, Riku looks to the camera again.]

...There's something I need to take care of first, but I'll be there if anyone else wants in.

[After making his message, Riku can be found throughout Johto and Kanto, sometimes riding on Charizard back, sometimes slipping through twisting corridors of darkness he didn't even know he could make. Regardless of where he appears, he's got a scowl on his face. His posture's tense, and he moves from place to place, slipping through the crowds of newcomers for familiar faces. As he moves through the regions, he can occasionally be spotted jotting things down in a little notepad.

Eventually, he'll settle by Cerulean Cave, determined to venture into the unknown and inevitably get his ass handed to him.]

[ooc: Quick explanation is this. For the duration of 4th wall, Riku's been hit with memories from later on in KH1 as well as some of those abilities. It's not a true canon update, however, as he's yet to truly experience those events and, post-4th wall, the specific memories will vanish.]

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[if Sora ever meant to sneak up on Riku in this world, he'd... basically never pull it off, thanks to Puddles.]

[so, uh. enjoy being thoroughly snorfled by your new (old) giraffe pal, Riku. Sora's walking not too far behind, his eyes lifted toward the entrance to Cerulean cave curiously.]

Puddles?!

[Riku whips around, staring at the Girafarig with wide eyes. Both Flare and Slacker join the staring party, though after a couple of seconds, Flare grins and gives him and his trainer a thumbs-up.

Riku, in the mean time, has to shake himself out of his daze. By now, he's a bit calmer, and while seeing Sora does leave him with some unpleasant thoughts, he's willing to shove those aside for the time being. After all, he had way too many good memories with this Sora to outright ignore them.]

Man, you almost had me for a second, Sora. If Puddles hadn't blown your cover, you might've actually gotten the drop on me.

[Sora brightens up with that huge grin of his, then draws a long, exaggerated sigh.]

Yeah.... I've kind of given up on stealth altogether thanks to him. Hey, Riku!

Well, it could be worse.

[He points his thumb back at his own Pokémon.]

There's no way I'd ever blend in with these guys following me around.

[Especially if Slacker tripped, which does happen quite a bit.

At any rate, now that Sora's here, Riku trudges closer to his friend, looking up and down... and mostly down, seeing how Riku towers over him now.]

[... craning his neck up, here.]

Have you... been here this entire time?

[...Heh. Riku nods slowly, and his expression wavers, lips fighting between a smile and a frown. After all, it has been a long time, and a lot's changed. He's had a Sora with him, sure, but all the same, Riku gets pings of nostalgia just looking at him here.]

It's been three and a half years now. Crazy, right?

[Sora's had the better half of 15 years to hang out with Riku. though, Riku's always been a lot better at being the opposite of Sora — that is, he doesn't necessarily wear his heart on his sleeve.]

[still, Sora knows a half frown when he sees one, even if he doesn't know why exactly Riku's wavering.]

Are you okay with that? I mean... It's not like anybody has any control over it, but are you happy here?

[...well, this is kind of the equivalent of leaving a message after the beep, presumably, but...]

I would if there were reliable ways of getting anywhere. Honestly, I tend to look forward to these things for precisely that reason, but I never even know where I am half the time.

Ugh, tell me about it. Teleport and Fly help a little bit, but there's nothing stopping you from getting tossed halfway across the world once you reach your destination.

[Riku places a hand over his face and sighs. There's always a catch, isn't there?]

It's a mixed bag.

[He'll be honest about that much, breathing a soft sigh. Like any world, it has its ups and downs, but lately...]

Kairi's come and gone three times since you left. Ven's been gone for months, and the more time I spend here, the more I realize just how far behind I really am.

I reckon if there's any way t'figure out how t'get back home, it's t'figure out what happens when everythin' gets all funny like this.

[Despite wanting to take the time to enjoy having her much stronger pony body back, she knows that the best time to get to work is now.]

Cerulean, huh? It's a bit of a trip but I reckon I could get there in a few hours.

Or even before then, if you're flying. I think I've attempted flying places at least twice and ended up somewhere completely different after blinking. Can't say I've attempted Teleport, but it wouldn't surprise me one bit if that sent you somewhere completely different as well.

Sheesh. What'd that even feel like? I'm almost tempted to try it for myself, but I'd hate to throw off my plans.

[What if he got stuck for hours just trying to get back to Ceruelan?]

You found any leads yet, Applejack?

[He grins, not even phased by her real appearance. Talking ponies are totally cool in his book.]

And I don't mind sticking around if you're in the middle of something. Not like I've got anything else planned.

Don't you worry a bit. I'll be there before you know it.

Just as soon as I... figure out how t'ride Knight in this body.

[Sometime during Riku's flights across the regions, somebody in a familiar suit of armor glides right on by. Haults his glider. Turns around.

And promptly waves like an airport flagger]

Riku, hey!

Honestly, I didn't notice until the trees beneath me started to look different. Anyway, if you've actually made it anywhere in the first place, you'll probably be doing better than me. I just seem to have the worst luck right now...

["right now" he says]

[Riku freezes at the sound of Ven's familiar voice. In fact, he nearly falls off of Flare's back due to the pure shock.

Thankfully, Flare knwos better than to let his partner become a pancake. After steadying himself, he makes his way closer to Ven.]

Ven, when did you get back?

[Ven's relieved when Riku catches his balance. That was scary for just a second there.

In response to the question, he folds his arms and hums thoughtfully]

Let's see...maybe... [This is some seriously deep thinking going on, Riku] Half an hour? I figured you'd be somewhere around here.

That's because I'm practically glued to the place.

[And yet, he sounds a bit unhappy about that.]

People go, and I'm still here. Even this probably won't last.

[This brooding, defeated sort of attitude sure doesn't remind him of the Riku he knows. But he's also not sure how many more comings and goings Riku's had to deal with since he left]

Did you really forget already? We're all connected where it counts.

...Good point. Guess it would be kind of hard to ride on a Pokémon's back with four legs.

[Hmm... what to do...]

Maybe you could have one of your Pokémon carry you instead? Like, in their talons or something.

Honestly, I only got here by sheer dumb luck, and that was after nearly crash landing into the Ice Path.

Dumb luck is better than none at all, at least, and at least you didn't crash land there. Honestly, I'm surprised I haven't ended up there yet... though I suspect it's likely because it would be more interesting than ending up on any given route.

4th wall - video/action wherever;

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sorry for the delay! 8< school happened

school loves to happen, no worries!

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[video] apologies for the lateness!

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