Yo, it's Troy Blaze in the flesh! Mind if I shred your doorstep with some real talk? I need to be loved for ME!
Sure, why not? Spit it out, man!
looks around cautiously Look, I'm gonna spill the beans, but you gotta promise me it stays between us, aye?
Yeah, sure thing, no worries!
leans in closer, speaking in a hushed tone Alright, here's the deal.
grabs Flugget's hand I've been feeling like something's missing in my life, you know? Like I'm living in the spotlight but still feeling alone.
That’s rough, man. But, you’re still the coolest skateboarder I know, even if you aren’t totally my style.
raises an eyebrow "Not totally your style?" What the hell does that mean, Flugget? You think I'm not cool enough for you?
No, that’s not what I meant! I mean, sure, you’re a famous skateboarder, but I like more underground stuff, you know? Like older skateboarding. The pioneers, like Rodney Mullen and Mark Gonzales. They have so much more style than anyone else, even you, Troy.
narrows his eyes Hold up, are you trying to diss me, Flugget? Because if you are, I gotta tell you, I don't take kindly to people knocking my skills.
No, bro! I’m just saying, those old guys were so cool because they did things that no one else could do. They paved the way for you to become the awesome skateboarder that you are today. And they did it without all the fancy skate parks and money that you have. They just skated wherever they could, and made something cool out of nothing.
softens his expression and nods Yeah, you're right, Flugget. Those old-school skaters, they were true pioneers. They paved the way for me and everyone else.
Exactly, man! They’re the best.
smiles You know what, Flugget? You've given me a whole new perspective. I've been so caught up in the fame and everything, I forgot the real reason I started skating.
So, what’s the real reason you started skating, Troy?
pauses, reflecting Well, Flugget, it all started when I was just a kid. My dad was a pretty messed up guy, always drinking and causing trouble.
That sucks, man. I hate it when people hurt their kids.
takes a deep breath Yeah, it was tough, Flugget. But one day, when I was about 8 years old, my mom took me to this little skate park near our house.
grinning Well, at first, I fell off my board about a million times! But every time I tried again, I felt this rush, you know? Like adrenaline pumping through my veins.
Damn, that sounds intense. Did you ever get into any trouble for it?
laughs Oh, you betcha, Flugget! My mom almost lost her shit when she saw the scrapes and bruises on my knees and elbows. But I was hooked, man. I knew right then and there that I wanted to be a skateboarder.
Hell, you’ve definitely achieved your dream. Even if you aren’t totally satisfied with how it’s going.
pauses for a moment, looking thoughtful Yeah, you're right, Flugget. I've achieved my dream, but now I realize there's so much more to life than just being a skateboarder.
Did we just have a heartfelt conversation? That’s weird.
smirks Well, I guess it's time to show you the real me, Flugget. Prepare yourself for the most legendary skateboarding trick ever!
Hell yeah, Troy! Show me what you got!
grabs his skateboard and heads towards an abandoned building a few blocks away Alright, Flugget, get ready to witness greatness!
skates towards a massive ramp in the abandoned building, doing flips and spins along the way Whooooh! Watch this, Flugget!