wing_attack | |1| [Video/Action for near New Bark Town]

[There's a... very uncertain-looking young man peering into the camera. He's really not sure what to make of any of this. It's a little hard to believe that he's like this, and he can't morph, and that there are Pokemon.]

[... He's trying to keep it together.]

So... uh.

[Great start, Tobias.]

I guess... I'm stuck here? No one in town really had anything useful to say. None of this makes much sense. And I'm guessing asking how to get home isn't going to get me any real answers, either.

[There's a squawk off-camera, and he looks concerned for a minute.]

I'm guessing the first step is to head to the next town, right? And start building up a team...

[... Why did he make this broadcast anyway?]

... If anyone's got any advice for that kind of thing, feel free to give it.

[He clicks the broadcast off.]

[Action]

[He's not in New Bark Town anymore. He's nearby, but he's sitting in a small area free of tall grass, staring down his Pokemon. What's a Rufflet, anyway? ... At least the body language is familiar. He holds out his hand, waiting for the little Pokemon to approach.]

[... This might take a while.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I know everyone's saying to head west, but don't think that's your only option. If you're feeling more adventurous, you could always try catching the fairy and heading out to Kanto instead.

[Riku smirks. Why yes, there might be some personal bias involved here. Kanto's awesome and deserves more love.

It also means he won't be stuck in the dreaded Violet City.

...yep, totally biased.]

Anyway, team building... You've already got people talking about balance, but I think it's important to look past typing and think about the individual strengths of the Pokémon. Are they fast? Slow? Sturdy? Frail? Personally, I like to get as much variety as possible, but I doubt you'll want to have a team of fifty...

[Yeah, he's... kinda silly in that regard.]

Well, if I can get that many...

[He grins a little bit. Then again...]

Doesn't that ferry cost a bunch of money?

[Ack. And there's the kicker-- the price for a ticket. Riku reaches for the side of his neck, giving a slow nod.]

That's the one downside. Saves you a few days of walking, but if you want to keep a little pocket change, guess it'd be better to just stick to Johto.

Really depends on how adventurous you're feeling. Johto's early routes are all pretty straightforward. You won't hit your first real forest until you reach Azalea.

I could always build up some money and come back to take the ferry. Forests aren't really that much of a problem for me.

Ruff!

For us.

Oh, you one of those outdoorsy types? Then you'll probably better off than most of us.

[He waves one of his hands and shakes his head.]

You wouldn't believe how many people complain about walking.

Not walking so much, but I'm used to sleeping outside. I did spend most of my life in suburbia, though.

Suburbia? Guess I can kind of relate. Grew up in a small town off the coast of an island. Not the most exciting place to live, but it had one heck of a view.

[There's nothing like watching the sun dip below the sea, casting a colorful reflection over the water's surface. Much as he wanted to escape his home, Riku's yet to see a better sunset. Not even in Olivine.]

Really? I lived near the sea, too. Two different ones, actually, since I got moved between two different family members.

Yikes. Parents divorced, then?

[It's the only thing he could think of. Not a luxury he ever experienced, but still... ouch.]

Guess I got off pretty lucky. My parents were together, but... well, let's just say I had a lot of time to myself.

Not... exactly.

[... This is awkward.]

But sometimes time on your own is pretty nice.

Sure. And don't get me wrong, I liked having some freedom. Got to hang around my friends more, work on my training...

[Still, his words come out half-hearted, because it's only just sunk in that he was gonna bail without even saying goodbye. Hindsight 20/20.]

[... Yeah.]

What sort of training?

Oh, just some sword fighting. Been doing it ever since I was a kid.

[Granted, it was with a dinky, wooden blade, but at least it was something.]

Like martial arts or something?

Sure, if you replace karate chops with slashing and stabbing. Nothing lethal, and all we had were wooden swords, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to build some skills if I ever got to explore the outside world.

...Actually, make that plural.

... Multiple worlds.

[... Okay then.]

Yeah, that's kind of a thing where I'm from. You'd be better off asking Sora or Kairi for more details. I'm kinda... stuck in the past.

[He shakes his head.]

But hey, this place is proof that there are other worlds out there.

I guess so. It's still really weird.

[alskdfsldkfs there's a bird face in his face. Rufflet what.]

... Yes hi.

[Pfft. Riku laughs at the sight.]

Looks like someone's itching for attention. I'm surprised he waited this long.

I guess so. I think he wants to get going.

Well, don't let me slow you down.

[A beat.]

Just make sure you make your food last. Trust me, you don't want to eat the berries around here.

I don't? How come?

Because chances are they'll either taste like wax, or you'll start hallucinating. They won't kill you or anything, but there's some nasty side effects you gotta watch out for.

That's uh. That's good to know.

|1| [Video/Action for near New Bark Town]

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video - sorry for the delay. I was out of town

video - no worries, I'm about to head out for a few days myself but i'll tag when I get back!

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