01--VIDEO

[shatterings]

[ There's a curious someone fiddling around with her PokéGear. She's a little surprised she managed to click it on, since she's never actually dealt with much technology. ]

Ah... um, hello. [ Her surprise is replaced by a reserved sort of smile. It's pretty brittle--she's not supposed to be here. So why is she, then? Carefully, she tucks a bit of hair behind her ear. A nervous habit, but it's not one she actually notices. ] I'm a little... confused. I'm not sure what's going on, and-- [ Wait. Is that... music in the background? It's faint, and she hadn't really noticed it until she was lost in thought. ] I think I might be hearing things, but... is there music playing somewhere?

[ She lets out a little sigh and gives the Minccino beside her a pat on the head. ] I think I just need a little bit of help, or... an explanation.

Comments

[shatterings]

[ She doesn't comment on that, Riku, because she has had worse. But she pushes those thoughts aside and nods. ]

Mm... she was very helpful. Your guide explained a lot, too.

[islandshore]

Oh, that thing? Sheesh, I really ought to go back and update it.

[He rubs the back of his neck and shakes his head. Man, that'll be something.]

Still, if you got any more questions, just say the word. I got about five years worth of experience here.

[shatterings]

Five years... You've... really been here that long?

[ She's beginning to wonder just when in his timeline he got here. ]

... Thank you, Riku. [ For being so willing to help her, she means. Not just for answering her questions. Because even though he isn't the Riku she knows, he's still Riku... and Riku helped her when she needed it the most, when she was dangerously close to being disposed of. ]

[islandshore]

Almost. Still got a few months to go.

[But still, that's a quarter of his life spent in this world. Needless to say, it's been on his mind for a while, though he'll refrain from bogging her down. That's probably not what she wants to deal with at the moment.]

So... anything specific you want to know? Or, hey... if you want, we could come get you. Sora, Kairi, and Xion are already here.

[shatterings]

Ah... well... I'm headed to Cherrygrove with a couple of other people, but... if you really wanted to-- [ She's surprised, honestly, that they all seem to want to join with her. ] --we could meet up. [ She really does want to. But at the same time... why, exactly? ]

[islandshore]

If I didn't want to, I wouldn't have offered.

[He chuckles, rolling his eyes in amusement.]

C'mon, it's no big deal. Travel's a breeze when you've got access to teleortation and flight.

[shatterings]

Ah... thank you.

[ Naminé's visibly more relaxed, but still... people wanting to meet up with her is new. ]

You can really do that, Riku?

[islandshore]

Wouldn't offer otherwise.

[Heh. It's been so long, he forgot how timid she was.]

Can't teleport everywhere, but we can probably warp to New Bark and meet you in the next town.

[shatterings]

Okay. [ She nods, and Mini squeaks at the camera. Hey there, nice guy! ] I'll... stay in Cherrygrove, then.

[islandshore]

We'll try not to take too long, all right? Just keep your eyes peeled for a big, orange dragon, and you'll be fine.

[shatterings]

Oh, I don't want to rush you too much... But I'll make sure to keep an eye out.