Toshi listened with interest, although still rubbing at his face, while Riku gave his explanation. He looked towards the ground again, still trying to find his brave face. I-I guess so. They were comforting words for a more lengthy future, but right now he was still sad. He tried to find the positives for now, and settled with some obviously little-kid logic. Then...I need to make friends with everyone new I see, because one of them could be Finny!

He tried to perk up a little more at Riku's suggestion, letting his imagination go further. He'd build a castle big enough for both of us! he declared. And all our other friends, too.

His father crossed his arms and sighed, a small smile on his face. At least he had something else to focus on than grief over what happened.

The cat definitely wasn't expecting Riku suddenly yanking on the vines under its feet. It nearly fell off the wall with a surprised yowl, but jumped back up before it completely lost its footing. It took off running down the wall and jumped from there to another tree and then to the grounds, deeper into the gardens, growling and hissing the entire way. Before too long, it was gone.