Riku

[The feed opens with a view of the sky as twin Charizards zoom by, scattering streamers and confetti. One is large and bright orange, the other black and red, and as the duo swerves down, so does the camera, panning down to a sign with brightly colored letters and words that viewers may not be expecting.

Breeding Center.

A Hawlucha stands at the top of the sign, a rose in his talons as he takes a dramatic bow. He trills and dives at the camera, swooping up at the last second. Whoever's recording this is going a bit crazy with the choreography. Well, assuming it wasn't the Pokémon's idea.

A rose drifts to the ground, caught by a leaping Heliolisk who does a quick spin, and... okay. This is getting kinda silly. So silly that there's a whistle off screen, and the camera pans away from this silly display to show a silver-haired dork, about six feet tall and twenty years old, smiling wryly at his goofy party.

For a long time, the Breeding Center was one of the top trainer-run businesses in Johto and Kanto. It got its start around four or five years ago and kept going strong until last fall, when its owner disappeared and the place finally shut down.

It sucked, because the place had a lot going for it. Free eggs for newbies, a Foster Home for abandoned Pokémon. It was the go-to place for trainers and breeders alike. So, Sora and I decided to start working on bringing it back to life. And speaking of goofs, there happens to be a spiky-haired dork with him.

But what's the deal? Why the fanfare? Turning away from the building, Riku addresses the camera.]

So, some of you guys might remember the Breeding Center. Before it shut down, it was the place to go if you wanted to scoop up new Pokémon eggs. Thing is, they closed down last fall, and ever since, there hasn't been a central hub for egg sales. So, Sora and I got the bright idea to bring it back, and we're planning on bringing back the Foster Home for good measure.

[He casts a side glance to Sora.]

And no, you can't keep them all.

[It's said as a joke more than anything. Sora's roster's already huge. They're definitely gonna have their work cut out for them if people put their 'mons up for adoption.]

[ of course Sora has his arms full of eggs. as Riku makes the comment, he sticks out his tongue. ]

Ignore him. He's the one that always wants to breed. And it's not my fault that these guys like me!

[ Sora. the pied piper of pokemon. ]

[Well, that didn't sound awkward at all. So, it's not even remotely intentional, but it's enough to make Riku cough and avert his eyes for a moment.]

Hey, c'mon. It's not like eggs come out of thin air.

[Plus, it's a good way to make money and get people the Pokémon they've always wanted. A win/win situation in his book.]

Anyway, if you're new or just looking to expand your team, we've got a roster of about fifty-four species to start, and newbies get a free pick of one egg, plus a fifty percent discount on all other eggs. But more than that, we could use your help. See, Sora and I have a lot of Pokémon, but there's no way we can cover every species out there. So if you've got spare eggs or don't mind lending a few of your teammates, we'd appreciate it. Or heck, if you're out of town, we're always up for donated catches.

[And just when he's about to wrap things up, a Weavile takes his turn onscreen, speaking with a fake accent, though in fluent English. He's kind of a nerd.]

I, for one, would adore the company of an intelligent and refined member of my fine species. Or a Sneasel. The point being, I'm--

[Riku pushes him away.]

Getting kinda desperate, and this isn't a dating service.

[Ugh. Why's he gotta ruin the mood?]

So, if you've got questions, we'll do our best to answer them. And for those of you who just popped up, I finally got around to updating my guide if you're still feeling a little lost.

[This is still sounding like a glorified ad, so just to give people something to talk about...]

Think I'll close this off with a few quick questions. What kind of Pokémon do you prefer? Big, tough and intimidating? Small and cute? Do you like evolution or hate it? And just for a random curve ball, what's your favorite background music here?

[With that the feed ends, leaving a few attachments.]

Training for Dummies.txt
Breeding Center Contact
Foster Home Contact

[It's a beautiful day in Mahogany. No rain. No hurricanes. No falling cats and dogs. A few clouds, but nothing too out of the ordinary.

The camera pans around to show what looks like a weird amalgamation of a Rotom and a portable oven. Next to the oven we have two teenagers some might recognize as Sora and Riku. Grinning, Riku steps aside and turns to his friend.]

You ready for this?

[ and Sora looks about as giddy as ever. that means this is either going to be AWESOME ...or an utter disaster. probably a disaster but there's no way that they are going to stop this ]

Ready!

All right. Then let's get this show on the road.

[The Rotom whirrs and grins, as the read aura surrounding its body flickers and dances. It shuts its eyes, leans back, and then, WHOOSH!

Out pops a pizza, flying through the air like a frisbee. Riku's grin grows even larger than before, and he crosses his arms.]

Ha, I knew this'd pay off.

[Or so he thinks. Off camera, there's an audible SPLAT, followed by a shriek that can only be described as that of a banshee crossed with a screaming, red-tailed hawk. A shadow descends over the boys, and a flock of feathery figures descend, led by a bird coated in bits of cheese, sauce, and crust. The birds all have one thing in common: they're new, and they all have lucha masks.

The feed cuts abruptly as the cheese-stained bird hurls a rose at the dorky duo.]

text;

[Later, the following message appears.]

So bird wrestlers are a thing now.

Word of advice: don't hit them in the face with pizzas. I barely got out of there without getting reduced to jerky. The good news is, we found out you can turn Rotoms into portable pizza launchers. Anyone else try hooking them up to appliances?

Downside's that I wound up wasting almost all my Pokéballs. Anyone want a weird, masked eagle? They're free.

Might as well tack on a shameless plug while I'm at it. Our Pokémon had a little quality time together, and now we got eggs to sells. Charmanders, Treeckos, Gligars, Darumakas, and Gibles. I'll attach a list of prices and moves.

P.S. Could somebody explain why those birds have masks in the first place? I feel like I'm missing something.

[ooc: Eggs can be found here. Chars from the last app round and the upcoming one get a 50% discount.]

[Well, it's happened again. When the video starts up, Riku's dressed in an adorably goofy getup-- reindeer antlers and a fake red nose that actually glows! He slaps a hand over his face, grumbles, and after a few seconds frozen in that position, finally lets his hand drop with an enormous sigh.]

Sora won. Stantler can fly. Santa probably exists here... It's like this place wanted to rub it in.

[Ugh. Well, a bet's a bet, so after a few moments, he starts to sing in a very, very annoyed voice. He doesn't sound bad, just... remarkably unhappy.]

We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas, and a...

You know what? I'm done. Can't go any further than this.

[Sora pops into view at about this time, nudging Riku and prodding him. He's dressed just as festively, donning a Santa hat.

After a couple more seconds, they both start singing, though Sora sounds much happier about it than Riku.

By the time they finish, Riku rips off the nose and flings the antlers aside.]

Well, I guess that's a wrap. Have a merry Christmas, don't get run over by Stantler and take it easy on the eggnog.

And please, just... don't laugh too hard.

[With that, he shuts off the feed.]

[ooc: Here's a list of gifts Riku got people. If you think you're missing, please let me know in the thread. Sometimes I forget things I really shouldn't.]

[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.]

[The feed opens up with a close-up of a Wartortle's face. Seems Riku caught something new when he went down to the Lake of Rage after he lost to Leon.

But Riku quickly snatches the Gear from the Wartortle, who lets out a scratchy groan. He looks less than pleased. Probably with good reason.]

Sora's gone. Again. And just when I thought he'd stick around.

[There's a pause. He could say more, but...]

Just thought you guys would want to know. Ven, I'll see you soon. Should only take a few hours to hit Violet if I take Flare with me.

[The video feed ends. People around Ecruteak City might find Riku gathering supplies frantically before he takes off on his giant Charizard into the susnet! Feel free to intercept him then. He looks like he's a wee bit distracted.

On his way to Violet, he'll toss up a text message.]

What would you do if all your Pokémon hit the max level? And badges aren't an option; I've got all eight.

[He's been at it for a while now, searching for his best friend. For any sign of him or his Pokemon.

It's probably been a few hours by now, and when he finally turns on his PokeGear he sounds far from pleased.]

I don't know what happened, but Sora's gone missing. Haven't seen him all day.

[He could say more, but right now Riku's feeling particularly blunt. After all, time differences or not, this is his best friend who's suddenly vanished.

Anyone in Violet is free to notice the agitated teen looking around. Occasionally he'll wander over to the nearby routes, but not so far that he can't get back within an hour tops. He has to be somewhere... or so he'd like to think.]