05| Fifth Flame [Video]

[courage_of_fire]

[Open to the network]

[In the background you can tell the girl is at the beach. The weather is clear, the sky is bright and the sound of party-related festivities can be heard. Trying not to flood the network with noise, Hikaru has isolated herself long enough to post! Sometimes the camera reveals more scenery, involving tiki torches and a tables

Comments

[eagleofautozam]

[Eagle hadn’t forgotten his promise to Umi and upon viewing Hikaru’s happy smiling video post it seemed like perhaps the best time… ]

Happy Birthday Hikaru.

[Noticing the decorations and noise in the background... ]

It looks as if you are having a fine time today.

[soulofocean]

[She sees this. And even though she'll make no comment, she's feeling very grateful for your thoughtfulness, Eagle.]

[courage_of_fire]

Thank you Eagle!

I didn't know you knew about my birthday... who told--

Your scanners couldn't have detected how old we are that precisely! Could they?

[Is grateful for the well wishes, and confused by them]

I am. Umi and Fuu went to so much trouble!

1/2

[eagleofautozam]

!!

2/2

[eagleofautozam]

No, of course they can’t! Umi told me about your upcoming birthday on the Network.

1/2

[courage_of_fire]

2/2

[courage_of_fire]

Oh! [Sweatdropping over here] Sounds like Umi was telling everyone!

I'm glad you remembered anyway!

[eagleofautozam]

Yes… Umi was planning quite the ambitious party from the sound of things, inviting everyone one she had met in this ‘City’.

[courage_of_fire]

She really did go to a lot of trouble...

I hope she didn't work too hard on it..

[eagleofautozam]

I’m sure she had plenty of help as well… Fuu for instance?

[Pauses to add a friendly smile. ]

There are so many people in this ‘City’ that wish you well, Hikaru… I would be surprised if there had been a lack of volunteers for this project.

[courage_of_fire]

You really think so?

[Feels more relieved]

Come to think of it... Will. you.

.. be at the party?

1/2

[eagleofautozam]

[He knew that question was coming… and had his answer already prepared. ]

I am afraid I can’t… I still have quite a few things that I must do.

2/2

[eagleofautozam]

[And smiles again to soften the blow… ]

I trust you won’t be too disappointed? You already have so many guests to entertain… you shouldn’t run out of interesting things to do and people to meet.

1/2

[courage_of_fire]

You could use a little break...

2/2

[courage_of_fire]

[Even if a break would be for his own good, Hikaru couldn't help feeling a little selfish. Did she really want him to come for himself, or for her?]

Yes, I won't run out of things to do.

You could just come by for some refreshments.. whatever you're doing you'll still need to eat something!

1/3

[eagleofautozam]

[A laugh… Most people would have been turned off by his polite refusal, taking it in stride that some one with previous engagements couldn’t possibly attend a party, but Hikaru… she wasn’t like most people… ]

It would be a bit far to walk… from where I am… even for good food and refreshments.