42 - voice/action;

[stilldontgotit]

You know, it's kind of crazy to think about. When I first showed up here, I was fifteen, completely powerless, and all I ever wanted was to see the outside world. Everything about this place was new to me. I thought it was a dream come true.

[Mostly, anyway. He had some rough times back then. Selfishness, arrogance, mistakes... It's never fun.]

My friends were a year ahead of me. Learning about the future wasn't easy, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who's been in that position.

But it's been almost three years. I know my future, and when I leave, I'll probably go right back to where I was. The thing is, I just don't see myself as the same guy my friends know from their time. Not completely.

[There's a pause, followed by a soft 'hm'.]

Anyone else feel that way? Like, after being here for so long, your identity's just kind of changed?

[And with that out of the way, Riku can be found chilling in the battle dome after creating a simulated version of Destiny Islands. After some hanging out there, he'll just be wandering the village. Probably going to hang by the plaza, maybe drop by the library. Anything goes!]

Comments

[novelist]

Are you satisfied with who you are now, then?

[stilldontgotit]

Yeah, I'd say I am. It's just that I don't want to lose all that.

[His future... even if it doesn't stay bad, it's not him. Not after three years in Luceti.]

[novelist]

Then, you've achieved what many others can't.

[stilldontgotit]

I don't know about that. This kind of attitude's pretty common around here.

[novelist]

Is it? ... I suppose that makes sense. This world is different from "the outside world".

[stilldontgotit]

And different from every other world I've seen.

[novelist]

I see. ... So, you've explored many worlds as others have, too.

[stilldontgotit]

Yeah, it's kind of common where I'm from.

[novelist]

It could be said for that in other worlds, hmm? Though, many have only ventured through different worlds through woven tales... Heheh. Unless you mean differently.

[stilldontgotit]

I mean it literally. I'm from a universe with multiple worlds that have... pretty easy access to each other. Just takes a vessel or the power of darkness to pull it off.

[novelist]

The power of darkness?

[stilldontgotit]

Exactly what it sounds like. Basically, every heart's made up of light and darkness. If you tap into the darkness, it'll make you stronger, but it's pretty risky.

[novelist]

But, for the sake of traveling from world to world, you take that risk?

[stilldontgotit]

Back on the islands, I would've taken any risk to get away.

[novelist]

Was your home unfortunate enough to call for that? Though, Child of Man needs new worlds to explore once in a while, hm? Whether it be a tale, or another way to travel entirely.

[stilldontgotit]

Exactly. I got tired of spending every day in the same old place. After fifteen years, it got old.

[But when he finally did get to see other worlds... hoo boy.]

[novelist]

You don't feel homesick in the slightest, either... That's almost enviable.

[stilldontgotit]

Nah, I do, but I'm still in no hurry to leave. Not when my future's looking pretty grim.

[He may have suppressed Ansem for now, but he knows he has a rough road ahead.]

[novelist]

I suppose you're against saying why, hmm?