[ open ] Life is what our thoughts make it...

[darkcharge]

Who: Vanitas + You!!
When: All of April
Where: Various
What: Open + Closed Prompts
Warnings: Violence, PTSD, Fluff, and more to be added later



( Cometflies: 4/3 only )

[ Vanitas has already spent enough time watching the meteor shower. He's a little dazed and confused trying to walk back to the house and there's a reason for it, but that's neither here nor there.

He is soon distracted by all of the colorful little glowing things now fluttering around. The natives seem amused by it, but Vanitas does not. Red and yellow seem to want to linger close to him as well as blue, but he keeps batting them away before any single bug can actually hand on him. ]

Go away and bother someone else!


( Pile's Plantagorium: A )

[ Earning some funds by growing plants? Well count Vanitas in. It's not that he went out with the mindset that he is going to specialize in flora. In fact, it isn't as though Vanitas really finds any relaxation or enjoyment in this activity. However, he is good at it and he believes plants are easier to deal with than people are.

So, sure. Vanitas spends plenty of time helping out on that rooftop, tending to and growing what seedlings tare there. Vanitas can be seen putting his talent to use, standing above flower beds and soon seeds become greenery and leaves. Then they begin to bloom in an array of colors. ]

( Pile's Plantagorium: B )

[ Buuuut there's more to be had if he ventures outside, right? Vanitas is standing right at the edge of the Wall. His Keyblade, Void Gear, is strapped to his back. The problem is, Van sure doesn't know what is a deadly plant or what isn't. So maybe stop him before he goes out and offer a hand?

Or maybe Vanitas is encountered already exploring beyond the wall. He has a plant isolated, it's true. It doesn't look sick... But those are a lot of sharp looking thorns on it. That's probably not a very good thing to bring back, but it looks like Vanitas doesn't really care. Only... he's kind of circling it. Looking for how he can get a cutting of it. ]

( Out of the City )

[ Once again Vanitas takes the opportunity to not stick around the city. When the chance is offered to venture beyond the Wall to one of the settlements, Vanitas takes it. He makes sure to leave a note stating that he'll be out. Doesn't state why or for how long because who needs to know that? He played it pretty safe last month by staying within the city walls so naturally Vanitas needs to get out and actually do something.

To get rid of some of his restless, excess energy, Vanitas takes to patrolling around the settlement he is brought to. There are plenty of infected monsters in the area and the spar he had last month isn't enough. Thus he can be found engaging in battle, fierce grin on his face and laughing. It's almost like he's enjoying every single moment that he cuts down one of those monsters, hurling around Void Gear like it weighs nothing. There's no magic used, just brute strength.

And when Vanitas tires of this - not that he will ever fully tire - there is something else he can do. Don't get him wrong it's not that he cares about these people. He doesn't, at all. Vanitas isn't doing this for their sake, but for his own. He joins some of the other Witches that have set up healing stations. Vanitas, see, has been working on the healing artes for months. Now he's putting himself to the test to see just how much mastery he has over those skills. Feel free to bother him or tease. ]

( Book shopping )

[ Vanitas enjoys being self-sufficient. He doesn't like to rely on others, though there are at least a few people out there that... Well he'll let them help him out if he really needs it. Over all? Vanitas still is uneasy. Normally that would be his motivation for getting out and learning anything.

That's not the case this time, but he's going to keep that to himself. Instead he's at this bookstore, going through the shelves. However, Vanitas looks more and more irritated as he goes. ]

Augh. This one's useless too.

[ He's getting aggravated enough that he's not bothering to put all of the useless ones back. Nope. There's starting to be a book scattered here and there. ]

Why is this proving to be so difficult!?

[ All he wants is a ding dang recipe book. To meet certain Monster dietary requirements. ]

( Wildcard )

[ Anything that you wanna do with Van, of coruse. As always, feel free to contact me at jardaan

Comments

[ closed ] Sora | Nightmares

[darkcharge]

[ Honestly, Vanitas had been sleeping better since a particular bratty rabbit had decided to pay visits now and then. Vanitas' sporadic episodes where the temperature in the room drops and he just shakes and dry heaves also have dwindled. It's been a few weeks since his last one, really. and so he thought that maybe he could stop with the sleep aids.

But then there are nights like tonight. Van is twisting and turning in his bed. Sweat makes his hair stick to his face. His expression is pinched, painful. Something is amiss and he can't seem to wake from it. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Most nights Sora sleeps like he's a dead rock to the world. Unmoving and very hard to wake up. He loves his sleep, sleeping is probably one of his most favorite things to do. And he's gotten into the habit of sometimes sneaking into Vanitas' room to sleep there instead. It's warm, the bond is comforting to be near and there aren't any dogs or dragons that can set his nerves off here.

But on this particular night Sora seems to stir from his sleep. He opens one newly golden eye and notices a fringe of distress over their connection.]

... Van?

[ closed ] Ventus | Pancakes

[darkcharge]

[ Okay so pancake day hadn't actually ended up as "tomorrow." For whatever reason, the timing just hadn't worked out. So cue Vanitas' surprise when he gets a message early in the morning from Ventus about coming over to actually fulfill that little promise.

He's not at his best early in the morning, despite the fact he doesn't really sleep in. Vanitas is a bit grouchy, even when letting Ventus inside and showing him to the kitchen. Surely the others won't mind, especially if Van cleans up later.

Thus he sits off to the side, watching Ventus. At some point Breezy jumps up on his lap and, as always, Van defaults to giving her scritches. ]

[callmeven]

[things happen, plans change a little.

there's a small level of awkwardness being here that ven tries very hard not to make obvious. curiosity has him looking around as vanitas leads him to the kitchen.]

Um, so is Sora here too? [he asks as he unpacks the bag he brought with him, general pancake ingredients along with a bottle of syrup and blueberries.]

book shoppin

[glitzandglamour]

[If Vanitas is in a section specifically about Monsters in his hunt for a Monster's specific dietary needs, it's likely that Mettaton's wandered closer, holding carelessly in his hand an old-looking book entitled Aefenglom's History of Bonds. Whatever it is, not even he is finding what he's after... But Vanitas is definitely making a scene.

The idol hovers back and watches him toss books around and mumble at them, agitated, while he finds it nothing short of amusing. What could he be after...?]

Oh my. Such determination, over a topic that seems to elude you so... If your carelessly discarded literary trail suggests anything to me. Besides the obvious frustration. [He sighs.] But! I can only relate. For as many books as they have... there's a tragic lack of valuable information. A shame.

[Mettaton looms over Vanitas at nearly seven feet with a hand on his hip, but his long, silver rabbit ears make him seem even taller than that. They lean forward in interest for the small Witch's troubles as he performs a quick survey of the titles strewn across the floor.]

Just what are you looking for, darling? None of these are consistent picks. You have my curiosity...

this was bound to happen, yeh?

[darkcharge]

[ Oh if only Vanitas could know the reason why Mettaton is looking into Bonds...

Ironically all of the books Van is discarding all have one thing in common: they are books that focus on Puccas. Perhaps the both of them are here for somewhat similar reasons at the core?

His gaze shifts from another book to the person who seems to like to talk. Fortunately or unfortunately, Vantias is used to this. He's a bit of a talker himself when he puts his mind to it. ]

Go figure. It's like they assume everyone already knows everything about the creatures here. It's as if they never anticipated that people could be converted...

[ Hence all that information wouldn't be necessary. But... those ears definitely do catch his eye. ]

Actually. You might be able to give me what I need.

cometflies;

[shadowsthedawn]

[Riku is making his own way back home when he comes across the sight of Vanitas swatting uselessly at the cometflies. He should be used to seeing a familiar face on strangers by now, especially Sora's. But the mix of dark hair, gold eyes, and that face is enough to give him pause.

Kairi had mentioned he was here, but this is the first time he's seen Vanitas in the flesh. He approaches, slowly, waiting for the other witch to notice him, but when that doesn't happen immediately he speaks.]

You're not going to deter them that way. Besides, they're harmless.

[Which...is mostly true?]

[darkcharge]

[ He pauses in his little bug assault long enough to look over to who is. The best friend, right? Again, Vantias has little knowledge of who he is. He'd been around that Replica, sure, but that's not really the same as the real thing now is it? ]

You've been here long enough to know that nothing is entirely harmless.

[ Sorry, Riku. Vanitas doesn't much trust anything. ]

Plants, B

[twilightskey]

[Roxas has been helping out with the Plantigorium as well, putting his newfound gardening skills to good use. He might not have magic to help him out, but what he lacks in magical ability he makes up for in determination and persistence. So when he was told about the wild plants from beyond the Wall, he naturally opted to help.]

[He's gt Oathkeeper and Oblivion strapped to his own back, but when he goes to meet his partner for exploring the Wild, his ears perk up in surprise.]

Didn't know you were helping out too.

[darkcharge]

[ Well well well. Look who it is... Honestly Roxas and Ventus actually do have the same voice. It's not like Vanitas and Sora. Yet, somehow, Vanitas can tell the difference between the two. Perhaps it is familiarity with Ventus.

Who knows. ]

There's money involved. Even I have to do my part.

[poisontippedcure]

[Rose is at the bookstore for reasons, reasons that she's not going to disclose to Vanitas. When she first sees him, she tries her best to ignore him, but he's being too loud for her to do so successfully.]

[She floats over to Vanitas, frowning.]

Have you considered asking for help?

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas glances over, sparing Rose a look. More of a withering glare than anything else. ]

And who should I ask? You?

plantagorium - a

[piromare]

( he's not against getting his hands dirty, especially when he feels like he has to keep busy while he waits.

for what, exactly? well... that's worst part. lio isn't sure. but what he can do is very simple: he can help with the caring of these plants. he may not have magic at his disposal, but he can physically do something. it's the least he can do.

taking another bag of soil to the rooftop, it's hard to not stare at what vanitas is doing. his eyes flicker back and forth.

don't mind him, as he pulls his borrowed gardener's gloves off and takes a short break. )

well hello!

[darkcharge]

[ It's not like there's anything wrong with doing it the old-fashioned way either. There's a time and a place for that as well. The reason why Vanitas, of course, does not engage in those practices is simply because he doesn't know how. He only knows how to interact with the plants directly.

Though it's hard not to notice the staring. It's like there's a set of eyes drilling into the back of his skull.]

Never seen magic being performed or something?

[ So he's still not the most polite person to run into. ]

wildcard meteor showers

[oathkeeper]

[There's something odd about the sky this night. There's sparks and the stars seem somehow brighter. Sora swears he can see streaks in the sky of sparks of magic or light. And it reminds him of something he saw a long, long time ago.

Too curious to let it go! Sora picks up a small pebble from the ground and tosses it at the window that he's climbed through various times by now. Then a second pebble. And then another. Until a certain someone gets annoyed enough to check.

Why isn't Sora climbing up this time? Well that's because he doesn't want to stay inside tonight.]

[darkcharge]

[ Honestly Sora doesn't have to keep throwing pebbles. The first one had been enough to get Vanitas to the window. However the brat just continuously doing so is going to make him grumpy. ]

What do you want Sora?

[ His eyes flicker to the sky. Huh... Falling stars even happen here? ]

out of the city

[scatmaam]

[ Scathach doesn't need healing, herself, but it was hard to miss that familiar, messy head of black hair among those who were offering the skill for those who'd spent their labor on the battlefield. Which she could have sworn he'd ALSO been there on the battlefield, too, but had been too focused on her own work to say high. The fact that he was pulling a double shift like this was pretty impressive... ]

They say burning the candle at both ends is a good way to wear oneself too thin to hold a flame at all. [ Said as she approached, her signature red spear slung over her shoulder, cloak finally gone for the increasing spring haze, a simple black blouse and leggings worn instead, which showed more of her fur than before... ]

[darkcharge]

[ When Scathach does arrive, it's between "clients," if one can call them that. He looks up, of course. Scans her with his eyes and does take note of all of the fur. Someone looks mighty comfortable in that attire though. ]

Don't tell me you walked over here just to express any sort of concerns for my well being.

[ Because Vanitas doubts it is something like that. Really what he chooses to do with his time and where he puts his efforts are really his business and no one else's. ]

[ closed ] Mira | Baking

[darkcharge]

[ Let it be known that Vanitas always does what he can to contribute. He's never actively voiced the fact that he does this because there's a part of him that still believes that he will be thrown out if he doesn't. Now Vanitas, somewhere, knows that this is not the case. However it is still largely what drives his actions. Usually with him it's just cleaning up and making sure that the house is tidy.

Sometimes, like today, it is learning how to make something. Everyone does meals for the house every now and then and this isn't some skill that he necessarily wants to cultivate. He doesn't find cooking or baking relaxing or fun or anything like that. It's a skill that is essential to survival. He should learn how to do these things because he can't just pluck food from a Prize Pod and call it a day. Vanitas needs to know.

But maybe today... Today isn't exactly about that, though he will pretend. Instead he's asked about muffins of all things. Sure, it is a breakfast food, but it's also not necessarily the most practical now is it? Not for solo meals anyway... ]

[inlikethebrume]

[To be honest, when Vanitas had come to her and asked about making muffins, it was rather sweet. Also, it was something not pouring over potions and tomes about anything and sleeping sickness so a bonus.

So she decided to try a simple recipe for blueberry muffins. Gathered in the kitchen, she holds up the book for Vani to see, to get his approval.]

How about this one? A simple one but very good for learning.

book shopping

[bloodwit]

[ viren does, actually, consider himself something of an expert in books. he may be much more familiar with libraries (and katolian methods of classification, but he;s learned more since); but bookstores would do just as well. he spies a familiar head of hair (and he hears a familiar voice, expressing complaints he's also heard before), and viren comes to a decision. ]

Oh, it can't be so difficult.

[ hands tucked neatly at the small of his back, and with a flick of his tail, he draws nearer to vanitas. cue a tone that intentionally borders on smarmy, ]

How might I be of help, Vanitas?

[darkcharge]

Maybe start by teaching some of the people that work at that shop some manners.

[ Just saying! Vanitas might be a little bit sore over that whole thing still. He hadn't needed help getting what he wanted. Nope. Just decided to humor the girl and then things got out of hand. Touching Vanitas is never a good idea. ]

As for books? I'm looking for stuff on a specific Monster type.

[ Closed ] Lavi | Symptoms

[darkcharge]

[ Needless to say, Vanitas has been a little more irritable as of late. With the Mirrors all back to normal and memories shared, he finally has time to reflect upon certain happenings over the course of the last few months. The shortness of breath. Chest feeling tight. Hot flashes. It doesn't happen all the time, of course, but Vanitas has to wonder what it's all about. Certainly nothing like that can be normal.

Hence the reason that he is at the Coven's library. He has what books he can find setting out on a table - all about Bonds. It has to be a Bond issue, correct? These little fits only occur when he is around one of his Bonded, after all. Their connection is strong and with Vanitas only having half of a heart, a soul, maybe there are side effects that the Coven hasn't immediately thought about. Maybe there's something written there.

Whatever the case, he is definitely radiating a "do not disturb" energy. Witches and Monsters alike are pretty much giving him a wide berth. Some are pretty familiar with what he's like when he gets in these moods. Best to just leave him be, right? ]

[lostinshadows]

[As a rule, Lavi begins to haunt the Coven's library.

With this world still new and strange to him, the best place would be to go to the biggest source of information and it led him to here. He can easily spend hours in the library, lost in books and making sure to keep important notes with him. It's also old habit to just read everything until it imprints itself into his brain.

How funny it is, then, that he's looking for books on Bonds when people direct him to a certain table that has the same books he's looking for. It's as he nears that Lavi recognizes who it is, eyebrow quirked.]

You seem pretty deep into your reading there.

[Why is that?

Clearly ignoring that "do not disturb" energy that surrounds Vanitas like a wide blanket, Lavi reaches over and picks up one of the books he isn't focusing on right now, flipping through the pages.]

wildcard AGAIN

[oathkeeper]

[It's strange. In the last few days, Sora's noticed he's been a little more in tune with the smell of magic and spells. It was always a little easy to notice before but lately, it seems like it's starting to really make his nose tingle, his spine shiver or his long ears quiver. Even for the simplest of spells like Kairi using a string of magic to heat her tea in the morning. Or Riku when he would tend to the garden growing in the back yard Sora would be so much more interested in the way Riku's hands would move with the magic instead of the smell of the fresh vegetables and herbs. And the scent of magic is so sweet now.

Right now he's sort of staring at Vanitas too, a curious expression over his face. He's seen Vanitas use magic here and there lately but he's so curious if it's changed for when Vanitas uses magic now... Would it be just as sweet and alluring as his other two bandmates?

Right now he's just watching Vanitas like a weirdo.]

[darkcharge]

[ Sora isn't the only one taking note either. Vanitas has noticed all the staring as of late. Usually he can get in a few hours of studying before having to worry about when Sora is going to come knocking. A few hours of studying and practicing his own magic skills. Vanitas is aware that Sora is more sensitive to magic than a lot of Monsters, so perhaps that has drawn him in today?

Whatever the case, the staring is kind of... Weird. It's making him a little uneasy. All Vanitas is doing today is working on transmutation skills. Or, rather, he's collected a few more broken items and is simply repairing them. ]

Sora. You're staring.