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

Entry tags:

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

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

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[Why, without context, wondering aloud what might "happen to" Vanitas if his Bonded were to waste away only sounds more like just caring about him... Key word, without context. Mettaton maintains his easy smile, a persistent sort of cheer to his person that could only be part of a person with such a general affect by condition. He nods along.]

Whatever excuse works to find him worth looking out for! [A one-armed shrug.] It doesn't change that you'd go to such lengths for his sake. Which is precisely why it shouldn't be a trouble... to at least ask where his interests lie. Asking shows you care! If he doesn't know, he'll surely think on it. You could help him discover for himself.

[Because, as it turns out, asking for likes and dislikes is a thing people do when they care... Mettaton wanders over toward one of the Puca-focused books and picks it up idly, staring at its cover before deciding to shelve it where it doesn't belong. He's not exactly tidying up, especially if it takes focus to do. Just a little.]

But a little independent research never hurt. Just in case he's totally at a loss for ideas.

[ Oh he'd explain the situation, if asked. Vanitas doesn't do this thing where he keep secrets about his origins and those that are connected to it. Though his insistence on the whole "caring" aspect makes Vantias shoot him a glare. Yes, he knows. Yes he does care. Vanitas is sort of going out of his way and he thinks that it's worth it. Because fair is fair.

But no one has to point it out like that! Of course if roles had been reversed, Vantias would be doing the same. He just doesn't like it being turned back on him. ]

Going to such "lengths" for anyone's sake... Is that why you have a book on Bonds?

[ Trying to get the topic away from him. ]

[Another book is shelved. In the not-so-proper place. Who leaves books on the floor?? Certainly not Mettaton, ever, especially not in canon.

At Vanitas's question, he slows somewhat to recall what he has cradled in his fingers against his leg. Ah, yes. Mettaton pulls the book before himself to regard it, as though needing to remember which book he holds in what hand. The most fleeting look of softness overcomes him before he redirects such an easy gaze to Vanitas.]

Why, yes. I'm trying to learn more about how they work... Their benefits. Their limitations. And, how to defy their very nature, perhaps... If it were possible.

[How else to describe what he's after? Mettaton idly leafs through pages. Wow, there are a lot of words in here... He'll have to brace himself for this one. He's a fidgety sort, and reading bores him.]

It couldn't hurt any of us to understand them better! Especially since there seems to be so many Mirrorbound who seem so ill-informed... [And oh, to list the ways. Mettaton raises a hand and raises a finger for each point.] By and large, we avoid Bonds. We don't know how to manipulate our Bonds. We don't know their own capabilities. And... why do we have an upper threshold of three? I wonder.

Edited 2020-04-06 03:52 (UTC)

[ Normally, Vanitas wouldn't either. He's actually a rather organized and tidy person. Right now, however, he's tired and frustrated. The last thing that he cares about is where these books are supposed to go. Vanitas can't take his mood out on people, but he can those books.

Which he may feel something close to guilt for later. Maybe. Depends on how things turn out.

The answer is intriguing though. Though some of this Vanitas has already sort of figured out. Benefits? Oh there are many beyond just the flow of magic and the ability to stabilize Monsters and Witches. His own heart is slowly mending, just as Ventus' had, because of the Bonds he's formed. Van's nightmares are lessened and, for once, someone can actually feel what he does - for better or worse. ]

Avoiding them... I can admit to that. It wasn't until I nearly died that I finally accepted one and now I can see how stupid it was. Though I wouldn't say that we don't know how to manipulate Bonds. That just comes with practice.

[ Or, in Vanitas' and Sora's case, experience. Vanitas is already sensitive to the feeling of being bound to another. Sora's just Sora. Bridging those connections is just what he does. Perhaps that's why it's easier for them to be able to use their Bond for one another. ]

I would assume that, like the heart, taking on too much puts a strain on the person. Why three specifically, I don't know. However the heart - or soul - can only be stretched so thin. That's why someone who has to many continues to fall asleep. Lest something cracks and breaks.

Haha. Yes, we understand how to manipulate Bonds, collectively. That's why we have so many people asking how to "turn Bonds off!" [Mettaton sighs dramatically. The network sure is a place...!] We could do with a primer, upon arrival. Besides. Who knows what other potential exists... with practice?

[Or, experience. Mettaton would agree with the sentiment wholly.

But Mettaton gives Van a stronger, gripping stare next, dwelling over his avoidance of Bonds. MTT himself avoided them, but it was a calculated risk with monetary investment and begging the Coven to keep him afloat. Nothing so reckless. To have nearly almost died from it... Somebody likely reached out to him, MTT imagines. His Bonded Puca, he'd like to think. He smiles, privately glad Vanitas didn't die. He imagines that his Bonded reached out to him in time and strongarmed him into the arrangement, to his benefit.]

Anyway. I'm surprised. That you're aware of these consequences at all. Personally, I had to go ask the Coven for specific information on that puzzle! [A perfect example of Mirrorbound not understanding their own Bonding arrangements! Mettaton rolls his eye.] Yes, a Monster with too many Witches to Bond with... will become addicted to magic and devolve into madness. Likewise, a Witch with too many Monsters...

[Mettaton glances down to the book for a second. He's a very expressive sort, all things considering, but his usual smile remains.]

... Such an arrangement would stretch his soul thin among his Bonds, who demand more magic than available. Both cases will render the individual comatose, eventually. ... I'd like to find out if there's a way to overcome this limitation.

That's their problem if they can't take the time to figure it out. If they would just stop and really reflect upon their Bond, they've be able learn about it. Find out what it takes to cut off the feelings. [ A snort. ] Though I wouldn't recommend it. At least my Bondmate didn't like it when I did.

[ Though, yes, Vanitas had been reckless. He knows this. There are plenty of times where he has lost his head over Ventus. And this? This had been because he had been freed of Ventus. Freed and he no long wanted to feel anything from anyone else. Hadn't wanted another connection to make him feel miserable and unwanted. However, that's not what happened in the end. Yes, Sora and Mira had stubbornly gotten Vanitas to Bond with the brat. The Flood also shares in some of the blame as well.

And the Bond has been beneficial. They've looked out for one another and it's worked out for the best. ]

You shouldn't be surprised. I've been here long enough to know. Though in this case, I've witnessed another Witch go through it. Had to drag his sorry self out of the doorway where he collapsed. I told him he just needed to cut someone loose, but shockingly? He refuses...

Oh, I'd get upset with mine if he did that. I can't blame yours for feeling slighted! We're here to weather it all, after all. [A smug smirk:] Likewise, my Bondmate gets all of me. And what would he do without me, in all of my vibrant optimism...?

[Continue to be miserable but with improved consciousness, probably. It's fine. Mettaton's a gift and anybody would be lucky to have him as their Bonded, with an ego like his.

MORE IMPORTANTLY, HOLD UP. Collapsing Witches? Refusing to cut anybody off? Mettaton lights up with recognition and if the marked widen of his eyes doesn't tip him off, his ears spring up to full alert. Mettaton leans forward, clearly an interest sparked in this Witch.]

You have a Witch in your life who is overloaded with Bonds, collapsing? Has he improved? Has he found a solution to his situation, that didn't involve annulling any Bonds? Or is he still... dealing with this?

[If it's in the past, they're not talking about the same guy. If it's in the now... They might be talking about the same guy, unfortunately. He's hoping for answers.]

Heh. Just what would he do indeed...

[ Vanitas can already tell that Mettaton is likely a handful. Sora is bad enough at times with his own brand of optimism. With his soft squishy feelings and endless supply of hope. Of course he's not sure how he'd handle someone who is "charismatic" and "smug" along with all of that.

Poor Mettaton's Bondmate.

It doesn't escape Van's notice that those eyes widen and ears perk up. In a sense, it had been a bit of a trap, his words. Put a little information out there and see how someone reacts to it. So this person is looking for the solution. Perhaps someone that he knows? Though it doesn't look at though Mettaton really cares that he is being very obvious ]

Yeah, I have a Witch like that. Apparently he's been falling asleep in random places. How long it's been happening I have no idea. What I do know is that the old man is being uncharacteristically stubborn about it. So yes. He is still dealing with it.

[Poor Mettaton's Bondmate indeed. Anyone who has to suffer him is in for a ride, because it's a thrill a minute within twenty feet of him, constantly.

Mettaton is so prone to trapping, more than ever with these emotive ears of his, these inclinations toward making deals, and those moments where even nerves get the better of a dauntless star. But right now it's pure him, not any development as a Puca that leads him here. His wide eye of curiosity simmers into one of knowing instead, and he straightens up his posture with a finger curled against his lower lip in idle thought.

Old man. Haha. He is old, isn't he? Sure, Mettaton himself is (secretly) older than pretty much everyone he knows... but he's not old! Not with Emet-Selch here to really set the stage. He snickers.]

Oh my. What a coincidence. Then I think my Bondmate and your acquaintance... may be one in the same. Uncharacteristically stubborn. Out cold in the rain. Self-reports similar incidents. ... Old.

[That one gets a real cheeky smirk out of him.]

You're talking about H- [Ears immediately fold back into unpleasantness before bouncing back up,] him, Emet-Selch, aren't you?

[UHH FLEETING GLANCE AWAY, Mettaton is terrible at switching back to other names when he's endeared himself to another! But he recovers quickly. ...Not that his ears don't give him away, nowadays.]

Very old. [ Might as well call him what he is. ] I already know him by both names so just use whatever he gave you permission to call him by.

[ Vanitas himself doesn't refer to him as anything other than "old man." He had inquired about the whole "Hades" thing and there was some irritation there. Though it is surprising to hear someone that's not Irhya or Mira even attempt to utter it. ]

Anyway... Yes, I am. Told him he was just as bad as the heroes he claims are beneath him because he preaches about doing what needs to be done. Then he gets himself into this mess and backs out.

[ Not that Vantias cares too much about that, really. Though the Ascian could do more to own up to these things instead of continue to claim superiority. ]

He cares and he doesn't want to admit it.

Interesting! And here, he told me only the Warriors of Light knew of his personal name...

[And for that reason, Mettaton's visibly surprised. This person's not K'rihnn, for a number of reasons, the first being that K'rihnn is a Monster. And he's fairly sure this isn't somebody named Rose. So how would he know of it?

Mettaton doesn't need permission to use a name he decides is his, anyway. His eye does narrow, skeptical, analytical, piercing gold for a moment as he sizes Vanitas and his nonchalance up.]

In any case. Yes, he's very sentimental. Good thing you see that. When he attaches to someone, well. That's it! [With a nod, Mettaton raises a finger.] And that's why he needs an alternative to annulling.

[Lofty thinking belonging to two people who think they're above the rules. Insufferable!]

They made the mistake of calling him by his name in front of me. All I did was inquire further.

[ So, no, it isn't that Emet-Selch had even told Vanitas specifically. Vanitas is more of an observant sort, watching things happen. Paying attention to that which goes on around him. Van is a far cry from anything relating to Light anyway.

Mettaton is free to size Vanitas up all he wants. The teen isn't one to really keep things hidden, until he does. He'll talk about things until they are things he doesn't want to talk about. ]

Anyway, it's obvious what he is. However I'm not sure that it's necessarily someone that he attaches to, but rather the idea of someone.

[ Vanitas shrugs. All the guy's friends and family are dead. He's lonely. And, yes, it is obvious because he wouldn't be going to the trouble of trying to fix his world if he isn't sentimental in some respects. ]

I wonder if you'll really find a solution to this problem. He seems more than content with just falling over asleep wherever.

[If that's the reason, Mettaton decides he'll use his name. Without hesitation. No sense in not: it feels insulting to use anything else, in Mettaton's eyes, but he comes from a perspective totally opposite from Emet-Selch. He shares what's his first.]

Ahaha. He would like slipping into a coma, wouldn't he?? I'm more than aware. I've had this conversation with him, after all. But that's too bad for him!! I don't like giving him what he wants, if it's this. Surprisingly, he's even less exciting when he's unconscious! I hate being bored... And I get my way.

[one of these types... He splits into a grin, one tinged by a wickedness befitting of a Puca as he crosses his arms. He doesn't size Vanitas up any longer, having confirmed that he's no Warrior of Light. He appreciates the transparency.

Attaching to the idea of someone... He hadn't considered that Emet-Selch's doing that. Mettaton has his doubts. He doesn't comment upon it, but he'll keep it in mind. ...In the meantime, Mettaton unfolds his arms and positions himself against the bookcase with a flourish, knee popped and palms against shelves. Mettaton always holds himself as though he's posing beautifully, at all times...]

Well! Now that I've established that you're unfortunately dealing with the same dour Witch as I am... Please, do let me know what manner of grief Hades causes you, in the future. Unconsciousness-related, or otherwise. I'll love to hear about it... [FOR WHAT REASON...?? It's left unclear, as Mettaton continues, his eye flashing.]

Right now... I'd much rather talk about your Bondmate, darling! The Puca who you're putting forth such effort to satisfy. For example... How did you meet?

[ "One of those types" indeed. It makes Vanitas frown a little. In a sense he can also see Hades in this too. Definitely the "get what I want" sort alongside the "hate being bored." Van could also see the old man saying similar things as well. How dare someone be unconscious and not entertain him!

His eyes don't really leave Mettaton's - watching all these grand and dramatic gestures. Oh in some ways the old man and this Puca are cut from the same cloth. Though Vanitas wonders if this is merely how Mettaton is or if it also meant to cover something else up? ]

He's easier to deal with when unconscious right now. [ Probably something of an understatement. ] Rather, speaking to him when he's like this is exasperating.

[ He turns to sort through some more books. At least, that is Vanitas' intention. He hasn't quite given up on the idea that there may still be something to be gleaned from any or maybe all of the text. Perhaps this time he'll even put them away. The idea is being entertained when Mettaton moves the topic along. Van's only tell that he's taken by surprise is the twitch of his fingers on the binding of a book. ]

I told you it's not like that.

[ He is not trying to satisfy Sora! ]

Of course it's not like that. If you weren't trying to satisfy him, you'd be content with letting him eat salads to his heart's discontent... Ha.

[Simply put. Mettaton smiles down his nose, mostly because Vanitas is down with the books and he's up here with more books, leaning sexily against a bookcase, as he does. But it sure does look haughty, especially with that prevalent smoothness to his voice.]

Intent to satisfy for not... Is he having any other troubles, as a Puca?

Augh... You wouldn't say that if you'd ever been around him when he gets fussy.

[ Sora can be annoying with his energy. Then the brat pouts and everyone just caves in. It's baffling, really. The other teen is also so stupidly stubborn and self-sacrificial. Vanitas just doesn't get it it. So no. It isn't about satisfying anything, it really isn't! Part of his vow had been to watch over the brat because he can't look out for himself outside of a fight!

Thus Vanitas is more or less glaring at Mettaton for the blatant dismissal. ]

I guess he hates the new color of his eyes.

Hates it? Why? ...It's the same as yours, nearly. And really, just look at me. It's actually quite stunning! Gold is a lovely color. One of my favorites!

[It isn't as though Mettaton's fond of having a golden iris over what he had formerly, but it's not his least favorite part of the change. He likes it enough to compliment himself, anyway... Compared to all else, it feels a bit arbitrary. He wonders if there's some good reason for it.]

Ooh, here's an idea. Maybe you should tell him you like them. [Another smile. Well, it was always there... But it's renewed.] In case you're looking for more ways to support your Puca Bonded... Some of us need all of the reassurance we can get, during these jarring months of transformation! It gets uncomfortable! Disorienting! It's not fun. So... It's a thought. Unless you also dislike his eyes...

[Lots of yellow eyes involved int his conversation. Almost exclusively.]

[ Well Vanitas isn't going to put the brat out there and talk about reasons that are personal. Granted, Van doesn't know if he is right or wrong in his assumptions, but given the fact that Sora could have been one of the Thirteen? Xehanort had nearly been successful in his possession of Sora too. Naturally that would make the shifting color of the brat's eyes something of a concern. ]

There's a more legitimate reason. Where we are from there are implications regarding someone bearing golden eyes.

[ That's about as much as Vanitas is going to explain on that. Again, it isn't his to tell. Even his own eye color hadn't started out as gold. Then again Vanitas hadn't had a face to begin with either. ]

I tried to say that it wasn't a big deal. As for whether or not I like them... What does that matter? It isn't going to change anything.

[ And yet in that conversation, he had done what he could to alleviate Sora's discomfort. ...And maybe there had been some flirting. ]

Implications...

[Mettaton can tell that there's a wall built before him, and the gears are turning in his head. Does he want to vault this wall? Bust it down?? It's a Mettaton thing to do: he's nosy, and his piercing gaze seems to suggest curiosity unending... But he picks his battles, and abstains. For now.

If not just because he'd rather talk about compliments and paying them.]

Well. Do you like them, darling? His eyes. [Important.] It could change so much to say so! Surely you understand. Having somebody in his corner, even appreciating a cosmetic change... Especially with implications involved, could be a boost he needs! One of the worst things a Monster can do is resist or resent their changes, you know... It has a drastic effect on our stability.

[Ferality awaits. Mettaton knows it well. With legs like his (previously), there is so much agony and resentment he's felt over the months. But he only smiles on it.]

Being forthright with any reassurances you could during such hardship... would always matter. And change much.

[ And, truthfully, he should continue to abstain. It isn't a good idea to press Vanitas or back him into a corner. He really isn't going to answer that question at all. There's likely a way to talk about it without putting Sora's crap out there, but Vanitas isn't in it that deep to explain. That's more effort than what it is worth. ]

No, I don't understand how my opinion could change anything like that. My opinion doesn't matter here and it likely never will. He will look in the mirror and it still won't be his. [ There's something in Vanitas' tone that seems a little knowing on the topic... ] Whether or not I like them is irrelevant. To me it doesn't change the fact that the brat is still a brat.

[ Vanitas huffs and rolls his eyes. ]

He's not going to get platitudes from me. That's what his friends are for. I simply tell him things like they are.

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

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