islandshore | 66 - video - backdated to the 20th;

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

Heh. Full schedule? Can't say I'm surprised. You've got a lot on your plate.

And that could be it. Or maybe they just don't feel like talking to the kids and teens. That's a pretty huge age gap in theory.

But nothin' I didn't ask for~.

[Busy hands keep the devil away, or something.]

Hmmm, I suppose so. Some things ya don't understand until yer just a bit older, after all.

Yep. And it's probably better that way. If kids started worrying about stuff like work, love, and politics, they'd probably crumble under all the pressure.

[Kids are way more impressionable, and all that stress can't be good for them.]

Ha, don't they...

[Smiling wryly, he shakes his head.]

Still, some kids can be pretty smart. Can't just dismiss 'em off the bat, if ya ask me.

Hey, not saying we should. I was a kid once, and I know what it's like to get talked down to.

[He covers his face with his hand, slowly shaking his head.]

It's a pain. But I guess I was always smart for my age.

[Not many five year olds dwell on the future or give eerily sage-like advice to their best friends when they think someone is sad. Riku was a weird kid.]

Oh yeah? Clever one, were ya?

I'd like to think so, anyway. Even gave advice to Sora when he was going through a funk. Something about opening his heart and listening? It's been a while.

[And by "a while," he means over fifteen years.]

Sounds poetic. Ya ever pick that up, poetry?

Pfft. I don't know, man. Anything I'd try would probably come out tacky or forced.

Plus, I'm not that great with rhymes.

Think they got book these days for that sorta thing?

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