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

[friendyousohard]

It was a joke, actually. I was referring to Snails, but as I'm sure you're aware, letting him out could all too easily backfire on me.

[islandshore]

Which could be exciting.

[There's a pause for effect.]

...Or it could ruin the whole party.

[Which isn't what he's going for. He wants it to be special!]

[friendyousohard]

I'd say both is likely. On that note I probably should keep Tower out of things too. At least unless I want to keep Megasoma with me.

No matter, Spike should be sufficient deterrence.

[islandshore]

Plus, do you really want to bring a walking sandstorm to a beach? Beaches are for sun, surf, and swimming.

[And sand castles, but with sand raging everywhere, they'd be more likely to get buried than build.]

Just make sure he has fun, too. I get keeping an eye on things, but even dragons deserve to kick back.

[friendyousohard]

Ironic you should say that, considering Tyranitar can actually learn surf. Figure that one out.

[She still hasn't tried it, herself.]

Oh don't worry about him. Spike spends nearly all of his time in a completely relaxed state. If I do call him in for help he'll probably just lumber by and casually shove them aside with a wave or something.

[islandshore]

The same way Rhydons can? Or, forget rock types. The fact that a ferret can learn to surf and breathe fire still gets me every time.

[And there's a small, envious sigh.]

Wish Draco was as laid back as Spike. It'd make training him a million times easier.

[friendyousohard]

Spike is just so... Rainbow called him "chill". It's like almost nothing can ruffle him. I guess given how big and powerful it is it makes sense. He's a real gentle giant.

[islandshore]

Was he always like that, even as a Dratini?

[Because if so... huh. Sounds like he matured a lot better than some 'mons in his experience.]

I swear my dragons could learn a thing or two from him. Well, besides Crush. He's always been pretty docile.

[friendyousohard]

Yep. Always just kind of moving through life at his own pace, never really letting anything bother him. I don't think I've ever met someone more easygoing, except maybe AJ's brother Big Macintosh. I'd call him lazy, but he's never slacked off.

[She still remembers when he finally evolved to Dragonite the first time. He took a couple glances at his arms, then his wings, then flapped up into the sky and just kind of lazily drifted around for a while.]

Your Pokemon, well... I don't know what it is with your luck, but you just keep seeming to get the more, ah, intense personalities.

[islandshore]

So he's like Sora, if Sora wasn't an overactive puppy. I can buy that.

[Why yes, he just went there. Teasing never ceases with this loser.]

And I don't get it, either. I lucked out with Slacker and Flare, I guess. Ace is generally laid back, but then you've got Phantom, Draco, Terror...

Maybe I'm a trouble magnet.

[friendyousohard]

Maybe you're being punished for some terrible deed.

[Not that Twilight can imagine Riku doing something too awful. Really, what's the worst he could manage?]