Author's Note: Inspired by some of the lore of Destiny's charming hunter Cayde-6, I wanted to experiment with short journal-based storytelling and lore-building, and what better way to do it through the eyes of Renton and Eureka's kids.

Take it as an AU story if you will, because we all know the (undeserved) tragic fates that fall onto the Thurston family in AO, but if you're like me and consider the "sequel" series non-canon for its myriad inconsistencies, then I hope to find this perfect solace.

Keep in mind that I will be very liberal about the changes made to the Eureka Seven: AO cast as well, as I was not a fan of the way they were written. Hopefully I did my best in making them better characters here.

Enjoy.

Prologue – Author's Note

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Dear Stranger,

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Well… here you are. And what you've got in your hands, this book, it's mine. Okay… was mine. My mom had me and little brother throw away some old stuff for charity, and I figured because I no longer have a lot of interesting stories to put into my old journal, I might as well share some of my best to you.

That's right, reader person. I wanted you to get this book – whoever you are, wherever you are, whatever you are. I figure you fancy yourself for some good ol' shenanigans by a couple of roguish, adventurous, and rather likeable half-Coralians (and by "couple," I mean me).

But this journal still holds a precious place in my heart. Which makes it all the more special to be bestowed upon the venerable tales of Amber Thurston (and Ao)'s odds and ends. I understand it's pretty risky to give something personal to a stranger. Hell, I've done pretty risky things myself and thankfully I'm still in one piece. But I trust your spirits are as kindred as mines, so I'm willing to let you in on some other secrets.

Well, what the hell's the matter with you? Go get your favorite ugly sweater, make some hot cocoa, and buckle up. Let's get down to it.

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Amber Thurston

12/25/12019 – First Journal Entry

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Okay…. So where do I start?

My name's Amber Thurston. That last name may or may not stand out to you, but if the case is indeed the latter, let me introduce myself.

I'm the daughter of Renton and Eureka Thurston. Yes. Them. You know, Second Summer of Love, Nirvash, saviors of the world, yadda yadda yadda. They don't really give a crap about that anymore, but man… can you imagine growing up and finding out that your parents were actual heroes?

I remember me and my little brother Ao growing up listening to stories about our parents. How my dad's dad was the hero of the First Summer of Love, how he met my mom and fell in love, and how they went through a lot to save the world. My mom also mentioned about being part of the military during the late years of the old United Federation. She doesn't want to talk about it a lot because she says it brings up a lot of bad memories for her. I can only imagine… the old days before the Second Summer of Love must be pretty dark times for a lot of people.

I guess it's no surprise their old adventures were basically one big, epic love story. Must be nice to grow up fighting bad guys in the Nirvash alongside Gekkostate. My dad also tells me stories of how they used to pull pranks on him and beat him up for no reason… which is weird because he's by far the coolest person in the family and everyone else around him.

I wonder if someday I'll go out on an adventure like my dad did fifteen years ago. There must be a hell of a lot going on outside this pretty boring hellhole. We get some decent waves here now and then, but that's not enough. Maybe I should join the Republic military. Could be a lot different from what mom probably experienced a long time ago. Plus, you can go to a lot of places… nah, mom would kill me. Maybe I can get my big brother Maurice to bring me with him. He's got an internship in Ares Riviera, and I hear that place has amazing food… nope. Mom would still kill me.

Damn it all, life sucks.

Hey, at least mom and dad got me this neat little journal for Christmas (and my birthday) so I can write whatever I want to my heart's content and feel a little better after doing it.