islandshore | 59 - video (action for Sora and Kairi)/filtered text;

[Well, he probably should've seen this coming. After last year's turn out, it's no wonder Clair opted for another prom. And, well, after getting nailed on the head by at least three of those invite balls, Riku appears onscreen in what looks like a kitchen, leaning back against a counter.]

So, I know everyone's getting amped up for the prom, and I can't really blame you guys. Tohjo's a pretty sweet resort, but something about it still bugs me. That place is supposed to to be the Elite Four's private getaway, and we haven't even seen them over the past few years, let alone heard from them.

[He narrows his eyes, shifting his position against the counter.]

Gotta wonder what their deal is. Supposedly, they're the toughest trainers out there, but ever since I came here, they've been MIA. No challenges and no explanation, but the locals talk about them like they're these big-time celebrities.

[He waves one of his hands.]

Maybe this year will be different. Beats me, but I guess if anyone wants to hang out during the party, we can work something out. That's what parties are for, right? Not fussing over battles that might not even happen...

[Sigh. With that all said, he'll switch to a private channel.]

Filtered to PGC/Allies;

Heads up. I know the timing's kind of bad, I figure we won't have a better chance then this. Sometime during the party, we need to meet up and touch base. It's been a while since the incident down in Olivine, but I doubt the Rockets will stay quiet for long.

If you're worried about getting caught, don't be: the place is huge, and I'm sure almost everyone will be too busy with the party to consider tracking us down. But just for added security, we can pick a secluded spot and talk there.

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A prom? Is that what those weird monsters were dropping on us?

[Kairi is sitting at the kitchen table, carefully nursing the pink egg in her lap.]

Yeah. Clair's kind of a drama queen, so she's gotta make a show out of everything she does. That includes pelting us with invitations.

[He snorts, tossing his invite up and down.]

So, you want to go? I think the three of us could use the vacation, especially after what you went through back home.

Thanks for the head's up. I'm planning on attending, but I can come in for the meeting once I know the time and place.

Although I am still curious about the Elite Four's deal. No challenges after all these years and not a hint of explanation? It does make you wonder what's up behind the scenes.

I think I'll be there.

Who are these elite four?

If we meet during the day, the sleeping areas should be empty enough. They'd be large enough to keep a few security Pokémon on standby, too.

[A beat.]

...Personally, if I knew dozens of people were hoping to challenge me at once in my own home, I'd choose that moment to take a long vacation. Preferably very far away.

I wouldn't count on them showing. It'll be last year all over again.

[ pauuuuse. ]

Are we really going to go?

Gives me actual motivation to go to this damn event. I'm not much of a party-person, but if there's going to be a meeting, then I'll head over.

Gives me something to do while I'm there anyway.

...there's been nothing from them at all? [Why would that happen? Where did they go? That's a mystery. He doesn't like it.]

Would anything at their private vacation spot possibly hint at what happened to them? [This...could be a reason to go there. Possibly.]

Or have people already looked and nothing turned up.

That's a good idea, actually I think I might want to introduce my friend to the group. If I told him about it he'd definitely be interested in joining, he's someone from my world so he works for the Academy like I do, so I can vouch for his trustworthiness.

[She huffs.]

That's how you ask a girl to prom?

[...Oops. Did he say something wrong? Riku frowns, fidgeting with one of his wristbands.]

...Sorry. I'm not good at this.

[Okay, maybe he just needs to rephrase it, so...]

Will you still come with us, though?

Still trying to work out the kinks. The time's gonna depend on everyone else's plans. As for the place, Cecil suggested using the bedrooms while everyone's out dancing, so I might stick with that.

If I had to guess, maybe the Elite Four's too overwhelmed with all of us. I mean, think about it. There's still gotta be at least a hundred of us. What would happen if an outsider beat their champion? It's probably a huge mess for them to deal with.

Not a bad idea, since our original plan fell through due to the attack on Olivine. The question is where. The ballroom? It'd be a bit noisy, but that might cover up our conversation as well. And leaving it in a group would be suspicious.

Good. The more people who show up, the easier it'll be.

Anyway, the Elite Four are supposedly the toughest trainers around. Once you get all the badges, you're supposed to be able to face them up on the Indigo Plateau, and the locals act like it's a big deal. Beat the Elite Four, and you're the champ. You'll probably be remembered for generations.

That's just based on hearsay, though. I'm sure there's a lot more to it.

Hey, I like the way you think. Bet if we slip in there while everyone's down on the dance floor, nobody'll even notice.

[He grins, more than a little pleased now. Here's hoping this doesn't blow up in their faces.

And when the topic of the Elite Four pops back up, Riku lets out an awkward laugh.]

Touche. Maybe they're worried about dealing with all of us. I mean, it's not like we all play by the rules. We're from totally different worlds, and they probably don't know how to deal with that.

Probably.

[He groans, swishing his head back and forth.]

And of course we're going, unless you don't want to, but...

[Well, it could be nice. After all, it'd be a different experience this time around.]

Hey, look on the bright side. Even if you're not big on parties, it's a new place, and one that's usually off limits. I'd say it's worth it for the view alone.

Current game plan's to slip into the sleeping area while the party's going on. You're the stealth guy-- you think that'll be enough cover?

Nothing.

[And at that, Riku's brow creases, and he slaps a hand over his face.]

And I didn't see anything suspicious last year. There's a few places that're off limits to guests, but the most I really saw were group photos of them and their Pokémon. If it weren't for that, I'd almost think they were myths.

Hey, if you want to tell him, go for it. The more members the better, especially since we lost a couple already.

Just make sure you run it by Tenten-- and I'll want to see him in the flesh, too. Not that I don't trust you, but I gotta make sure I know every face in the organization.

Depends on the set-up, how big the area is, and how thick the walls are.

I'll scope it out for you when I'm there; can't really do much at the moment. If people are busy with the party, then it's the best time to hold a meeting, as long as no one's too loud.

If I can't find a date.

[She snickers.]

Hmm, good point. See, I was thinking of going with Cecil's suggestion; he thought we should slip into the sleeping area while the dance is going on, but I guess the ballroom could work just as well. We'd just have to be more cautious there.

Well, if we slip out in small groups rather than all at once, Cecil's plan could work. It's just a matter of not drawing attention to ourselves.

Which admittedly is easier for some of us than others.

The bedrooms during the dance got my vote. I'm not much of a dancer, and it's not like dancing's mandatory.

That might be it. The locals probably would prefer a fellow native over outsiders like us walking in and become the champion. Whether they know us as outsiders from another world or another region, that local pride probably isn't worth the trouble and public attention.

Was there any way to tell when the pictures were taken or where? [...Maybe something happened to the 'Elite Four' but it was being covered up? Or they were not on the two areas available to them? There's a lot of questions.]

...who was there?

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