First Flight. [video from new bark town.]

[berkthorn]

[He's still rubbing at his skull when he starts recording. All those memories rushing back at once wasn't exactly a fun experience, but given the circumstances he's not looking that worse for wear. In fact, there's a hint of a grin starting to appear before he starts talking.]

And here I was, thinking it was all a really elaborate dream. Probably should have known better -- I'm leagues ahead of everyone else on Berk, but no Viking is this creative.

I don't know who's still here, or even how long it's been for you all... Looks like all my stuff is gone, though. Can't have anything be too easy, can I? But it's good to be back.

[A floppy-eared Emolga climbs up into the frame, clinging to the Viking's armor until he can settle down onto Hiccup's shoulder. He wasn't Dinkfin or Adder, but Hiccup's already decided he's fond of the guy. No guessing as to why Johto felt it was an appropriate partner, anyway...]

And this time? Not waiting here for a week. If anyone needs me, I'll be heading to Cherrygrove.

Comments

[islandshore]

[He waves one of his hands and shrugs.]

Nothing too exciting. Been traveling in circles around both regions. Helped with a circus, been training my butt off, and now one of my friends is back after coming and going for years.

It's probably nowhere near as exciting compared to what you've been through.

[Because the Pokémon world, while fairly exciting, is generally pretty routine. Other worlds tend to have more thrills.]

[berkthorn]

Oh, I don't know, some of that sounds about the same...

[Mostly because he didn't want to go into Things That Were Different. He shrugs automatically, making the Emolda grateful for his near-constant hand gestures as he topples and clings to Hiccup's wrist.]

Whoops, sorry bud. Anyway, what's a circus?

[islandshore]

You mean you've never heard of one?

[Riku's eyes widen just a little bit. Okay, so different worlds have diffeent customs, but man is he missing out.]

Well, it's kind of tough to pin it down to just one thing. Circuses have lion tamers, tight rope walkers, people shooting themselves out of cannons, and clowns... but we don't talk about the clowns.

[Riku doesn't really have a fear of them, but they're still slightly eerie.]

[berkthorn]

Why do we not... Never mind.

[HE'LL JUST...GO WITH IT.]

So is it like competitive games, or...?

[islandshore]

[Pardon Riku for chuckling here. The idea of a circus competition is just kinda silly in his head.]

Less like games and more like a show. It's all one big spectacle-- something to keep audiences entertained.

[berkthorn]

Oh. Okay, I guess.

[Meanwhile Hiccup is thinking that sounds pretty weird. Nice, he supposes, but very different.]

What part of it were you helping with, then?

[islandshore]

Well, a few of my Pokémon wanted to be part of the show, so it was mostly a matter of getting them there, making sure they had their acts together, and showing my support.

[Really, he can't take all the credit when it was his monsters taking to the stage. Or the big top, at any rate.]

[berkthorn]

Your pokemon, putting on a show? I thought they leaned more towards battling, judging from how many moves the eggs always had.

What sort of thing did they do? Or do I have to wait for another circus to find out?

[islandshore]

Well, Slash was basically the wingman to the Ringleader. Gave him a chance to show off now that he can talk, and... that's pretty much his whole reason for joining in. To stroke his own ego.

[He heaves a soft sigh and shrugs.]

And my Swampert's decided his newest goal in life's to become some kind of kick-boxing juggler. Don't ask me how it works-- I'm still trying to figure that out.