01 | Video

[missingache]

[Finally taking time to figure out what this device fully does, Roxas just isn't pointing it the right way. The camera is focused on a sleeping Shinx in the sand.]

This thing is a lot like a Gummiphone, I think. But I can't contact anyone back home. Is that normal? [A Pikipek comes on screen and just hops around before its off screen again.]

I don't really want to leave Cherrygrove in case my friends show up. I don't know if a lot of people come through here, though.

[There's rustling as he turns the camera around to point at his own face.]

If I'm a Trainer of these Pokemon, is there certain ones I'm supposed to catch? Is there a good way to train them other than battling? I don't want to make them fight if they don't want to.

[The device is shifted again and now is just pointing at the sky.]

If anyone knows a guy named Sora, can you let him know I'm looking for him?

Comments

[missingache]

[......... that's Riku. But not Riku. At least not one that Roxas actively recognizes.

This is weird. Very weird.]

........ So if Sora's not here.... then why are you not looking for him?

[islandshore]

Can't. When people leave this world, you can't just track 'em down.

[He throws up his hands and shakes his head.]

Sora's left so many times. Same with Kairi. And Ven. Terra, Aqua, Mickey, Minnie, you...

[He sounds... tired. Strained.]

Been here almost a decade, so I'm used to it.

[missingache]

[That's a lot of names...]

Wait. I've... never been here before. [Yes, there's some memories missing, but that wouldn't include this place. He's pretty sure this was never a world targeted by the Organization.]

And how could you be here a decade! I just saw you on the beach! Before I woke up in that weird place with the lady who said she's my mom.

[islandshore]

Nah, you were. You just forgot. Happens when people leave.

[Cue a shrug. He's... used to this by now.]

Time passes differently here. People pop up from different points in time. Case in point? The last thing I remember was trying to build a raft. I learned everything else by proxy.

[missingache]

[......

Building a raft.

A raft.]

That was... a long time ago. At least for the Riku I left behind, who I am going to assume is not you.

[islandshore]

I've been here long enough that I might as well be someone else. Maybe that'll change if I ever get outta here, but for now I'm more used to this world than any other worlds I'm supposed to know about.

[Riku heaves a small sigh at that. It's a mixed bag for him.]

But this place isn't so bad. Takes some getting used to, and it doesn't always make sense, but it's peaceful enough, I guess.

[missingache]

[That's a sad explanation... Roxas shakes his head.]

I can't get used to it. I have to go back and find Sora if he's not here!

[islandshore]

I'm not saying you should give up, but there's no way to choose to leave. This world plays by its own rules.

[He reaches for his forehead, sighing through his nose.]

But time's frozen while we're here, so you won't be losing any time back home.

[missingache]

[This place is getting worse and worse. If it wasn't for the little friends beside him...]

So I'm stuck here, time won't pass back home, and all I can do here is collect creatures that will fight for me.

[islandshore]

I mean, you can explore new places. Take on the Gyms. Breed, if that's your thing.

[He heaves a heavy sigh.]

But I get it. It's not an ideal situation. But if it makes you feel any better, long term cases are the minority here. Most people are lucky to last a few months.

[missingache]

[What the heck is "breed"... anyways.]

So... just be like Sora and explore. Make friends. That sort of thing.

[The exploring part can be done easily. Making friends? Maybe not.]

[islandshore]

Well, I'm not expecting you to walk around with a dorky smile and make friends with everyone you meet. Just... try to take it easy, you know? I know, tall order, but it'll make your time here a whole lot easier.

[He shrugs his shoulders, frowning faintly. It's still funny how despite his resemblance to Ven and his ties to Sora, his overall demeanor's so different.]

[missingache]

[He's already made some friends. Well, two friends. He looks down at them.]

Do Pokemon count as friends? Because I can make those a lot easier than people.

[He knows he's not the easiest to get along with with how much less trusting he is compared to Ven and Sora.]

[islandshore]

They're not a bad place to start, but don't rule out people entirely. Always good to leave the door open, if you catch my drift.

[Strength in numbers, plus having trainers as backup. Always a plus in his book, even as more of an introverted sort.]

[missingache]

[..... Letting people in will have to be practiced then.]

I'm not making friends with the guy who set traps.

[islandshore]

[...Riku could be the calm, understanding adult.

But a hint of a smirk crosses his face.]

I'd be careful. Say that too loud, and he might try to trap you in a friendship.

[missingache]

No thanks.

[NO THANKS]

He thrives on being annoying to others.

[islandshore]

He just seems kinda... dense? Socially awkward?

[Riku shrugs. He can at least somewhat understand the irritation.]

Maybe being here will get him to branch out a bit. Or maybe it'll just fuel more crazy traps. Who can really say for sure?

[missingache]

I don't care if he branches out. I just want him to build traps in less dangerous areas! I didn't like walking and falling into a trap!

[islandshore]

...Yeah, I get that. Honestly, I still can't believe he's not going for Pokeballs.

Just seems like way too much hassle for him and for everyone around him.

[missingache]

I asked him about that, and he still picked traps.