[ Riku could have possibly been pulled here at a better time, one that was not so stressful and filled with worries for the unknown -- but now that he's here, he finds himself getting distracted by all the little wonders and fantasy-like elements of this world. The tapir, the journals, the way the environment seems to respond to emotions; none of it truly feels real.

What feels the most real, being here, is Dreambucks. It reminds him of home, just a little, by nature of being a cozy little cafe. It's friendly and inviting. He could use some of that right now, given the oddness of their predicament.

He can be found sipping on a caramel delight, smiling fondly as he lowers his cup. He turns to look at his crystal lantern. It's glowing a soft shade of red and playing out a sweet memory...one of what appears to be a much younger version of himself, laughing joyfully and clapping to someone dancing. The other person's identity cannot be discerned from the dream alone, but perhaps asking would reveal something very interesting... ]

[ This competition is not built for Riku, but he's here anyway because he thought it'd be fun. His ideas of "pranks" are very tame compared to what others might have come up with by now, and they're ideas that he's thought very hard on. He has a piece of paper and a pen in his hand, and he's jotting down any ideas he can think of.

Among the list are: Candy that's spicy instead of sweet, gum that makes people laugh more easily. Things like that. The other ideas being thrown around, such as the slithering taffy, are more inventive, though Riku seems to think the spicy one is his favorite, judging by how he's put a little star next to it.

He seems pleased with his ideas, but it seems like he wants another opinion. He turns to the person working next to him and asks: ]

Ah, excuse me! I'm looking to get an opinion on something, can you help me?

[ Riku doesn't seem particularly phased by the haunted toy house. The fact that he has special abilities is actually more surprising to him, oddly enough, and when he lands in the house, he thinks that feeling a little rigid in his movements is all part of learning how to use his abilities. Whatever those are, anyway.

But there's something amiss: The corners of his mouth are curled up into a grin, seemingly stitched in place; his eyes are devoid of life, completely blank. His hair -- what was once a little messy in some places -- is neatly swept, too. It's unnerving, given Riku's sunny disposition and cheerful attitude.

He is also terribly unaware of all of this. That's why he's able to excitedly turn towards someone and give what he believes is a bright, genuine smile. It's actually pretty terrifying, more like one you'd find on the Cheshire Cat than an idol. ]

Wow... This is exciting, isn't it? I didn't think I'd ever get to experience anything like this, but I'm really looking forward to trying things out!

[ It certainly doesn't help that he seems to be happy about being in a haunted house, either. Oops! ]

[ Feel free to toss anything my way or reach me via PM or amplitude! ]