2cm // video (backdated to the 30th)

[hardworkingprince]

Greetings, everyone! It is I, the Prince of All Cosmos, and I have another question for you.

[Hmmm, hmmm, hmmm. The Prince leans back. Given the background of the video, he's lounging around in front of the meeting hall.]

You will have to excuse my ignorance, for though I have made attempts to study humans, the longer I stay here, the more I realize that I actually know very little.

But, I am sure you have noticed that there has been much talk of "birthdays" recently. Would anyone happen to be willing to explain to me what exactly a "birthday" is, and why it is so important?

Comments

[myfedorarocks]

[He looks pretty human to Flemming, but hey. He'll answer honestly.

Really, someone calling themselves the Prince of the Cosmos...]

It's the celebration of the day that a person is born. It doesn't really mean much to me anymore, but it's oftentimes a means of a parent showing love for a child on a special day.

Gift giving and all that.

[hardworkingprince]

Ah! I see!

That does sound like a lot of fun. But when does it happen? The day they are born, yes, but how long after that day do they have to wait to celebrate it?

[myfedorarocks]

Exactly a year after their birth, though there is a celebration upon the child's birth as well.

After that it's usually the same date every following year.

[hardworkingprince]

An annual celebration! That sounds like a lot of fun.

Why does your birthday not mean as much to you any more?

video;

[risette_truestory]

For humans, it is the day we are "born" and we celebrate it with everybody ... because its fun I guess ...

... and I think it is also because we'd just like to celebrate because we're happy to be born?

video;

[hardworkingprince]

That sounds wonderful! Humans have the best ideas.

What do you do at birthdays?

video;

[risette_truestory]

Well, we spend them with family and sometimes ... with someone special. Like a girlfriend ... or boyfriend. [ Looking at you, Wally. ]

We have parties, cake and just have fun!

video;

[hardworkingprince]

Ooooh! How exciting and joyful!

[a brief pause

then

the Prince gets a serious look on his face]

Hmmmm...

[action]

[renegadedriving]

[Shepard is down getting something to eat, followed loyally by Monodramon, who is eating hot dogs double fisted and not looking at all attractive while doing so. Shepard eating her singular hotdog isn't any more dignified, but at least she isn't cover in relish.]

[Oh, someone's already here. She only hears the word 'birthday' before she gets over there, wiping a bit of ketchup off her lip.]

Is it your birthday?

[action]

[hardworkingprince]

[At the sound of someone directing their words at him, the Prince turns. I'd say that he perks up, but he's always cheerful, so who can tell the difference?]

No, it is not! I do not even know what mine is. But it is something that keeps coming up on the network, so I decided to ask about it!

[action]

[renegadedriving]

[There's a confused pause before Shepard asks.]

Then how old are you? Do you... know?

[action]

[hardworkingprince]

I do not! Ages and birthdays are not counted in my family.

[Video]

[robotfightclub]

Exactly how it sounds, the day of their birth. Humans will celebrate just about anything.

[They're really weird that way.]

[video]

[hardworkingprince]

I am rather disappointed that I never had the opportunity to get humans before this. They must be a lot of fun to be around, with all these celebrations!

[video]

[robotfightclub]

[She's trying so hard not to laugh at that. Oh yeah, they're a hoot.]

That's...one way of looking at it.

[video]

[hardworkingprince]

[out of pure curiousity:] Is it not the way you do?

Video

[wall_flower]

Well...it an anniversary of sorts, for the day you were born. You celebrate it every year, as a sign you've grown older.

[Marley has no idea if she's explaining it right, or that he'll understand.]

video

[hardworkingprince]

Every year? How exciting! Does this mean that the celebration gets bigger and bigger with every passing year?

[it only makes sense. your age gets bigger, so should the party. #katamari physics]

video

[wall_flower]

Well, sometimes? There are certain birthdays that are considered bigger than others, I guess. Like someone's first birthday, fifth birthday, thirteenth, sixteenth, eighteenth. These are basically milestones in a human's life.

[She blushes lightly.]

Does that make sense?

video

[hardworkingprince]

It does, it does! Thank you very much for helping me with this, I truly appreciate it. [♥]

Though, might I ask why those birthdays are milestones?

[dekochan]

Why are there so many weirdos here? Are you trying to tell me that you aren't a human?

[hardworkingprince]

Of course I am a human! But I was not before I was brought here to the Digital World.

[Video]

[justicealwayswins]

-in two minutes!
...didn't catch that last part. It's on.

[It appears that there's been a miscommunication- there's nothing but a clear view of Ryudamon's back.]

Well then, greet him!
He's asking for a human and-

[Ishimaru just raises his voice to cut Ryudamon off, taking a friendlier tone to address the device. As he speaks, his hands drift into the periphery of the screen and the world drops until his face comes into view.]

I'm very sorry about my partner! Mr. Prince, a birthday is exactly what its name suggests, a day commemorating one's birth. Many people celebrate the birthdays of family and friends by giving gifts; in exchange, as one's age increases, he or she is expected to take on greater responsibilities as a member of society!

[video]

[hardworkingprince]

[The Prince watches the scene unfold, first with amusement, then with rapt attention, nodding as Ishimaru explains. When it's all said and done, the Prince nods one last time and smiles brightly.]

Thank you very much! That was very informative! I did not consider the increasing of responsibility. So, the gift-giving is more than just "congratulations for being born," but also "good luck"! That is equal parts fascinating and logical.

You do not need to call me "mister," however. I am simply the Prince. What is your name?

[video]

[justicealwayswins]

Excellent observation! If you continue to study diligently, you will overcome your ignorance soon, the Prince.

[He beams back at the Prince.]

What an unusual name! Mine is Kiyotaka Ishimaru, and you may consult me if you have any further questions about humanity!