66 - video - backdated to the 20th;

[islandshore]

[It's around evening that the feed clicks on to show Riku... seated on a rooftop overlooking the ocean because hey, sunset. It's a great view, an even greater backdrop, and there might be some greater reason behind it.

In fact, there most certainly is.]

So, summer. Probably the best time to hit the beach. The sun, the sand, the surf... What's not to like? For all my complaining about the islands, I'd be lying if I said I didn't miss them sometimes.

[He pauses, shaking his head.]

But this isn't about me. It's about Sora. See, his birthday's coming up on the 23rd, so we're gonna be having a party down in Vermilion. A beach party.

[He raises an index finger, grinning.]

But, see, Sora's a sap. He'd make friends with just about anyone, so this party's gonna be open to anyone who wants a good time. Might even make it a potluck-- celebrate the summer with a bang, before the temperatures drop. It is almost August now...

[After a few moments, his grin fades, and he looks toward the ocean with a calmer expression.]

Though I've gotta wonder. What do you think the average age is for guys like us? And for that matter, I wonder how many people have stuck around for more than a year... Seems like there aren't as many kids as adults nowadays. Kinda funny when you think about it.

[The locals start their journeys at age ten, yet so many of them are twenty and up...

He shrugs, waving a hand.]

Anyway, we can set up transportation if you're outta town. Otherwise, I'll catch you later.

Comments

[paopuprincess]

Average age for guys like you? Like, 200, probably.

[islandshore]

Really, Kairi?

[He gives her a dry, deadpan stare.]

C'mon, enough with the age jokes already. There are people way older than me here.

[paopuprincess]

There are? I didn't think that was possible.

[Biggest. Smile. Ever.]

[heartdive]

He sure acts like it some times.

[paopuprincess]

Eh, he just gets cranky when he doesn't have his nap.

[friendyousohard]

Children, if the three of you don't stop making fools of yourselves over the gear I may need to put you all in time out.

[paopuprincess]

Woah, Twilight's calling Riku a child? She must be super old.

[Don't enter the war if you don't want to get hit.]

[islandshore]

Wait, you don't really think I'm like a kid, right, Twilight? They were the ones who started this...

audio;

[freshprints]

...August 18th. That's when it'll be two years, for me.

Assuming that's something you seriously intend to poll about.

audio;

[islandshore]

Been thinking about it for a while, honestly. There was this guy who tried doing a census before-- a really detailed one, too.

Think people'd be interested in that kinda thing? I'd just have to think up some questions...

[Still, the population's changed a lot since the last poll. Might be worth revisiting.]

audio;

[freshprints]

I wonder if I've been here long enough to recognize his name.

Who was it, if you remember?

[Video]

[seasaltkey]

Uhm... [Roxas looks rather awkward.]

I don't think I can make it... I'm leaving Goldenrod tomorrow to go to Violet City! So, I'll just send Sora something.

[Video]

[islandshore]

Violet City?

[There's a slight twitch in his eye. Oh, Roxas, you poor soul.]

Just make sure you don't get sucked in. That place is like a black hole...

[Video]

[seasaltkey]

Huh? Really? I'm only going there for the badge. Is it really that bad?

video;

[pipers_son]

Well now, a whole big party... Ain't that temptin'! Might take ya up on that offer. Good do ta venture off in that direction anyway. Keep sayin' that I will, after all.

As for age, well, I'm in my twenties. Been here 'bout a year too, as y'know. Does seem like things are a bit quiet adult-wise here nowadays but maybe that just means they'll get quieter...

video;

[islandshore]

Heh. Well, you've got your circus, so I can't blame you for staying behind. Kanto's definitely worth it if you've got time, though.

Could just be that all the other adults haven't bothered with the network. It's a tough call, but I know there's at least a few others hanging around.

video;

[pipers_son]

Oh, I've heard the stories! I already have plans made up, all rough like, just have ta find the right time ta go visit.

Frankly, if I didn't have Angel ta show me how ta work the Pokegear and all that, I doubt ya would have seen me on it either, ha. Didn't understand a bit a technology when I first got here, and I know I ain't the only one.

[friendyousohard]

A party with you two? I wouldn't miss it. I bet you could even give Pinkie a run for her money.

[islandshore]

Heh. You really think so? She seemed like a pretty tough act to beat. Even Sora's not that energetic.

[friendyousohard]

True, but there are two of you, and you're both... creative.

I'm putting my foot down on one thing, though. I do not want to be the recipient of any impromptu dunking games out there.

[video]

[paladinlost]

A birthday beach party? Don't let the Wingulls steal all the food and presents, now.

[Then again, the Pokémon around Vermillion are weak enough that they shouldn't be too much of a problem.]

It'll be five years for me at the end of next month. I suppose this makes me both one of the oldest adults and one of the longest uninterrupted stays. ...That sounds sadder when I say it out loud, somehow.

[video]

[islandshore]

[Riku brings his palm to his face.]

Oh, great. Just what we need: a bunch of feathery freeloaders.

[Nothing they can't handle, but Wingulls are kinda annoying. He should've thought of that before.]

And I don't know. Age brings wisdom, right? Kinda cheesy, but at least there's a silver lining.

[video]

[paladinlost]

Feathery freeloaders are a given everywhere in this world, except within caves. But avoiding their presence is not worth dealing with the Zubats, in my opinion.

[Really, as far as he's concerned, Wingulls > Zubats. It's not even a contest.]

Wisdom is good to have, but it does not quite compensate for all the losses one suffers after five years here. Still, I do appreciate the opportunity to help younger arrivals.

[soundmind]

Well, you know I'll be there. As for the average age...it seems like a lot of us were pulled here as teenagers, then as time went on we somehow turned into adults.

[She cracks a smile.]

Not that I'm as old as you guys yet, but I'll be 18 in January.

[islandshore]

Careful, Maka.

[He cracks a sinister smirk, leaning in real close.]

Soon, you'll be as crusty as us.

[He says despite the fact that they're still quite young. What a loser.]