[ open ] Whatever it is your heart desires...

[darkcharge]

Who: Vanitas + You!!
When: All of Maiuril
Where: Various
What: Open + Closed Prompts | Hit me up at jardaan if you'd like a closed starter or want to plot something out.
Warnings: TBD



( Apiary Adventures: A )

[ An opportunity to smack things around is usually a good way to get Vanitas to participate in any sort of request/adventure/whatever. The promise of honey doesn't really do anything for him, but the cune payment definitely helps. All he has to do is keep infected creatures that get too close at bay, correct? Not really much of an issue.

For the most part he just kind of paces along the edges of the area the beekeepers and others are working. His Keyblade, Void Gear, is held fast in his hand. The moment he sees a bear Vanitas doesn't say anything. He just jumps right to it, blocking those massive claws with his Keyblade before attacking it with elemental magic.

One would think that, perhaps, Vanitas would just do enough to spook the thing off or finish it quickly. No... Vanitas is going to play with the thing before actually putting it down. ]


( Apiary Adventures: B )

[ Eventually, however, even that gets kind of old. If something isn't challenging, then it isn't going to hold Vanitas' attention for very long. So when offered to learn the bee-sleeping charm, he figures he might as well. Thus he can be found at some of the hives - sans some protection because he is something of a brat and doesn't think that he will need it - attempting to coax the insects to sleep.

Which he seems to have no difficulty doing. Vanitas is still unaware of the fact that, since he spends more time practicing healing magic than other schools of magic, that he still retains some calming effect on his person. Seems like the bees are also picking up on that. How convenient.

Though he now has a hive that's asleep and Vanitas looks puzzled over what to do next. ]

What now...

[ No one's told him what he should do next. ]



( Wilde: Some Trouble )

[ It's become something of a habit now, going out into the Wild when the Coven asks for some people to help out the refugees. Vanitas doesn't go because he wants to help people. He goes because he's so restless without some kind of goal or mission in mind. Since he doesn't have a personal one, he'll just work with what he's given. It's a great excuse to keep working on his healing arts and to beat down infected creatures and all it training.

Unfortunately, he's in a bit of a tough spot this time. While out clearing an area of infected wolves, Vanitas might have bitten off more than he can chew. There are more of them than he had anticipated. Several can be seen successfully dealt with, but there are a few more that remain.

One lunges and while Vanitas dodges, another leaps from the brush where it had been hiding. It knocks Vanitas to the ground. Before that powerful jaw can actually tear a chunk out Van, he shoves Void Gear into the beast's mouth. Now it's just a struggle to get control back. ]


( River Cleanup )

[ Periodically along the river over the course of the month, a creature not native to this world can be found picking up trash and whatever else. A closer inspection will show that the Flood does have a collar about its neck, denoting ownership of some kind. For the most part it seems content to ignore anyone nearby. Approaching it, however, will result in the Flood dropping whatever it has collected and trying to scratch whoever would think to get too close.

Not too far away is Vanitas. He's actually just sitting around, watching the Flood do its thing. No one said that Vanitas had to personally pick all that stuff up himself, right? So, really, he can just sit there and enjoy the weather while the Flood does all of the work.

Totally fair, right? ]



( Wildcard )

[ If nothing above works, then just either hit me up or throw something my way and I'll roll with whatever. ]

Comments

closed: Lavi

[darkcharge]

[ It had come up in conversation before. Ever since arriving here, Vanitas has been curious about the strangest things. Really it's an odd thing to pick up on, but a lot of people have things dangling from their ears. Vanitas doesn't really recall seeing much of that, if at all, until arriving here. What is the purpose? What function does it serve?

He might have expressed such a thought to Lavi idly at one point. And, of course, that Puca jumps on everything that he's given opportunity to. He had already suggested to Vanitas at one point that he should try growing his hair out - not something that Vanitas has quite been talked into yet. However it just means that Lavi is a horrible enabler when it comes to trying out something new.

That's the reason why Vanitas is out here with the much taller guy, walking along the city streets. And it's also why Vanitas has his arms crossed, looking skeptical. ]

Remind me again why I am letting you talk me into things.

[lostinshadows]

[It doesn't help that Lavi has a piercing of his own. Even through a tender rabbit ear. Just a small golden hoop at the end.

But the fact that Vanitas came to him about it suddenly made it more fun. Why is Vanitas letting him talk him into things?]

Why not? You were the one who wanted to see what having a piercing is like.

[Grin~]

[darkcharge]

[ Look. Imagine him asking some of the people that he's around. Emet-Selch definitely isn't going to entertain that sort of question! ...And Vanitas isn't going to just approach a random person. Unfortunately or fortunately, Lavi isn't a random person at this point. ]

No, I asked what was the point and you said I should try it and see.

[ That doesn't really answer why Van is going along with it though. ...Although he did go through with the last bit of advice Lavi gave him. Maybe he should reconsider? ]

If I don't like it, it's not permanent, right?

[lostinshadows]

It's more of a 'firsthand experience' kind of deal.

[This is what happens when you entertain this redhaired bunny.]

It isn't. But it'll take a while for it to heal completely. You can just go without the piercing though if you don't like it in the end.

closed: Emet-Selch

[darkcharge]

[ To say that there had been some underlying tension in the house last month would be an understatement. Things certainly have gone awry, even if Vanitas kind of has benefited from it. Apparently both Dark Knights had gotten into it with the old man and yet only one of them has really come out of it with their Bond intact.

Now to say that Vanitas is annoyed by how all this went down would also be something of an understatement. He is rather close with Mira, after all, and it doesn't sit well with him at all. However that doesn't necessarily mean that Vanitas can't understand how this has all come about. If anything, he does get it. Everyone kind of brought this on themselves in their own way...

However he's not going to let Emet-Selch dance around him either. Vanitas isn't responsible for anything here. So the first chance he gets to corner the old man? Oh he is going to take it. ]

I see you're up and about more often than face down on the ground these days.

[unsundered]

[Does it even count as underlying tension when it's that pervasive and ongoing? That's just regular tension. Overlying tension. And it's certainly still around.

Emet-Selch hadn't been deliberately avoiding anyone in the house. He'd slept a lot in the week after those mostly-unfortunate dreams, and his subsequent brief coma, but by now he was restored to as much energy as he was capable of possessing (which isn't much, to be honest). He'd even started spending ever more time away from the house entirely- but is loathe to actually move out completely, even if he's uncomfortable there. It was his house as much as anyone else's; he wasn't going to be chased from his territory, even if he didn't want it.

And so, he haunts the place just enough to keep the tension levels there.

So while he hadn't consciously avoided Vanitas, nor had he done anything to seek him out in those weeks following everything going... complicated. But running into him was inevitable, and he regards the kid with more than a hint of caution. Vanitas was close to Mira, and he had absolutely no doubt he would've been brought up to speed over what had happened. As for where he stood, well- Emet-Selch tended to assume the worst.]

Is that a note of relief I hear? Some appropriate concern over my health?

[No it's not. But his tone manages to be light, for all that his manner is guarded.]

But yes. As you've noticed, I'm much improved.

[So free and at ease to be rid of those troublesome Bonds.]

[darkcharge]

[ Honestly Emet-Selch's caution is understandable. The reality is, if it had been someone other than Vanitas? They might well have taken sides. Might have come running and scolding and trying to fix things. However, this is Vanitas. He has a different sort of perspective on things than most.

Sometimes the Ascian needs a reminder of that. Which is what he intends to do. After all, Vanitas isn't oblivious. He's always seen more of what's going on than perhaps some of the others in the house. ]

More like expressing relief that no one is going to break their back trying to heft you out of the way. Though I can't say I'm not exasperated by the events that have lead to your improvement.

[ Vanitas doesn't feel like dealing with Emet-Selch's guarded nature. While he's okay to not particularly hit the nail on the head too hard, he's not going to dance around the topic at hand this time. ]

Hate to say I told you so, but. [ A laugh. ] Actually, no. I don't hate saying it. I warned you. But then again... You're not the only one that got a warning either.

[ Implying that, yes, he knows what has happened. Although it also means that he had given a warning to Mira as well. Again, not really choosing sides. Not completely. ]

[unsundered]

[It's a laugh and a tone that gets an irritated look- which is probably to be expected. Though Vanitas' actual words come as something more of a surprise, having anticipated more, well... obvious side-taking.

It's not enough to keep the annoyance from his voice, though.]

Warned me of what, precisely? My reasons for severing those ties [For all that he hadn't been conscious to do the actual severing.] had nothing to do with any advice you provided. If you'd said something useful, I'm sure I would have remembered the event.

[His detachment towards this topic only lasts as long as it's never brought up, so it's... rather quickly that his tone slides towards the rude.]

wilde: some trouble

[piromare]

( wolves. he doesn't bother counting how many he sees, but he follows them as if they are onto something. whatever has them enraged makes them ignore the harpy, who keeps his distance behind them as they charge through the foliage. hunting the hunters... it's been a while since lio's felt this heated up, hearing his heart beat in his ears.

one of the beasts leap up and pounce their target, a familiar form that has lio's eyes widen. there's no mistaking vanitas with his unique looking... weapon? it's a weapon, what else would he be carrying it around for? no way he's playing fetch, especially with these abominations.

so he does what he can. he may not have a weapon, but he has his feet and his fists. and with the former, he gives the wolf on top of vanitas a swift boot as hard as he can.

then, he holds out a hand. )

On your feet!

[darkcharge]

[ Biting jaws and dripping saliva that's starting to fall on his own face is not overly pleasant. He's busy trying to figure out how to get out of this without casting magic. Magic isn't going to help matters here.

Though he doesn't have to, does he? Because one moment there's a snarling beast trying to get at his throat and the next? The wolf yelps and howls at the force of the impact. It's knocked off and rejoins one of its pack, cautious at a new arrival.

Vanitas, however, doesn't hesitate to get the hand that's offered. ]

I'm going to hope you can fight without using fire.

[ Vanitas hefts his Keyblade up, taking a more defensive stance. Right now he's not going to question Lio's presence. ]

[piromare]

Of course I can.

( he wouldn't have come out here equipped with something, and a thick branch seemed to be the most appropriate thing to take with him at the time--- self defense rather than offense. but now it's becoming very obvious to him that he's going to have to use it for more than just something to lean on.

one of the wolves to his side lunges, the shine of spittle trailing with an open maw catching his eye. lio drags the impromptu club up from his side and redirects the wolf, striking its underside and causing it to propel itself into another one of the growling animals. )

Might be more of a challenge without it.

( he waits, getting into a defensive position. )

[darkcharge]

Back to back.

[ Which he moves to do. If they stand back to back then there's no way those wolves can take them unawares. Van has to chuckle at seeing Lio smack that wolf with a tree branch. Magic would be so useful right now, but the Coven doesn't really suggest it out here. Vanitas isn't going to use any...

Why he had ended up like this.

Another wolf is more cautious. It's not going to leap like it's brother did only to get smacked. The thing snaps its jaws, trying to get Van's attention. Perhaps a distraction? He steps forward to take a swipe at it. That's when another one comes from the side. ]

Watch it!

wilde

[lightblooming]

[ It's quite the opposite for Aqua. If she's given the opportunity to help out, she won't hesitate to do so. Thanks to her wings, she's able to scout various areas from above. With enough practice using her wings, she's become accustomed to taking flight and using that to her advantage.

And that's what she's doing when she spots Vanitas. It's not only the wolves that catch her eye, but the familiar messy black-colored hair.

She gives her wings a powerful flap, using her ice powers to quickly freeze those wolves in place before beginning to lower herself to where Vanitas was standing. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Just don't freeze Vanitas in the process! ...Honestly though. Ice powers are kind of cheating. The Coven doesn't really recommend magic being used save for healing. Thus Vanitas had been trying to refrain from using any magic. Hence how he's ended up in this situation.

The wolf on top of him jumps away to avoid the ice. It gives Vanitas an opportunity to scramble back to his feet. ]

Well look who is dropping in...

[lightblooming]

[ Aqua lands on her feet easily, her wings folding against her back. ]

It looks like you needed some help.

[ Though, that isn't something he'll ask for help with. She knows him enough for that. ]

[darkcharge]

So you thought you should be the one to offer said help.

[ No, he isn't the type to ask for help. Not with something like this. Not really from her either. However what's done is done and at this point it would be pretty stupid not to accepted it.

The wolves, however, seem to be regrouping. ]

wildcard

[oathkeeper]

[It's sometime early in the month, about a week and a bit after bonding with Kor Meteor that Sora already starts to feel strange at times for it. Like there is this stretching feeling deep inside of him happening. It's not too bad to ignore at first, kind of like an annoying itch or ache, but some mornings it makes Sora feel a little groggy or motion-sick that he doesn't eat breakfast.

He should probably tell Vanitas about this...

When Sora finds him he lets out a small sigh before he pokes Vanitas in the shoulder.]

Hey, Vanitas?

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas, of course, is none the wiser. He has no idea that Sora is feeling an itch or an ache. Any grogginess isn't something he chalks up as odd. Sora is always a sleepy thing.

At the poke, Van frowns. Something is off. ]

What is it.

[ And should he brace himself? ]

[oathkeeper]

There was something I wanted--

[Brace--- for a distracted Sora. His eye goes right for the little earring in Vanitas' ear and he blinks.]

Did you get your ear pierced?!

closed: Sora

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas usually goes out a couple of times a month into the Wilde and the surrounding areas with people still thriving. If one can call it that. Even now one of those little encampments are coming into view. Vanitas only has a little farther to go until he reaches it. He can sense the presence of one of his Bondmates there, but at the moment he can't necessarily discern who. The exhaustion is settling in too much for him to be able to focus like that.

What he does know is that he needs to get there. Needs to find someone from the Coven itself. Van is pretty positive that he's leaving something of a small blood trail as he shuffles along, one hand holding his side and the other is using Void Gear as a support. Van has already done what he can with his wounds, but it hadn't been enough. He's exhausted his ability to cast spells, the injuries that remain on his person taking their toll. Blood has leaked into eye from a gash above it and he knows his ankle has twisted. There are probably a few more bruises and cuts he's missed, but it's hard to do a self assessment and get out of a sticky situation.

As he reaches the entrance and immediately finds something to lean against. Vanitas is out of breath and ready to collapse. Chances are that his Bondmate nearby likely already knows that Vanitas has ran out of magic for the time being. He needs to push on. Find a proper healer. It's just he's so tired. ]

[oathkeeper]

[Sora knew that Vanitas was going out into the wildes this month. Sora had his own line of tasks on the go with Sypha and Riku too. They both had their hands full this month which is why Sora had been content with knowing Vanitas would be okay with his own work.

He'd been out at one of the encampments after finishing with Sypha when he senses that dangerous dread. The large pot he'd been helping someone with suddenly slips from his hands and crashes onto the ground when he feels something like wavering magic and pain over the streams of his bonds. Food and ceramic shatter as Sora turns his head only to see Vanitas practically hobbling in.]

Vanitas?!

[He ignores the annoyed calls from behind him as he practically sprints for the other boy. Panic is in his eyes when he sees the blood and the rest of the condition that Vanitas is in. He lets out a worried chitter and grabs for him immediately to help support him even if that means getting blood all over him.]

What happened to you?! Vanitas!

[He's already shouting back at the others in the encampment.]

Help!! Get a witch! Please! Hurry!

[darkcharge]

[ Van doesn't hear the sound of pot meeting ground. Doesn't really see any of the residents either. He does, however, register someone running towards him. There's a vague thought of it would be the brat that tickles the back of his mind. His first instinct is to shove at someone - anyone - that thinks to help him.

Though it's not a very forceful shove. And only because it takes a minute for Vantias to actually see Sora. Then he offers just about no resistance. Sora's going to have to work around his Keyblade though. Vanitas isn't dropping Void Gear so the Puca is just going to have to deal. ]

Stupid infected beasts.

[ He hears the panic. Feels it too. Come on now. Vanitas can't look that bad. Still, one of the Coven Witches seems to be coming out to see what all of the fuss is about. Then she catches sight of the boys and tells them to hurry into one of the sectioned off areas. ]

river cleanup

[thejoyrider]

[The Flood does not have the most inviting appearance, that is for sure. However, that has never stopped Marie before. The collar does not go unnoticed. Marie does not see an otherworldly creature, she sees someone’s pet. And pets are, as the name suggests, for petting!]

Vanitas! Is this your new dog?

[If this was her Bonded’s pet, surely she would be permitted to take a closer look, right?]

[darkcharge]

[ Fortunately or unfortunately for Marie, the thing is used to that sort of treatment. So it's not necessarily going to become hostile.

Vanitas, however, immediately takes offense. Why do people want to constantly pet that thing? He doesn't get it. ]

It's not a dog Marie. It's not even a pet!

[thejoyrider]

[Not a dog, she can believe that much. But not a pet? She doubts that]

Then what it is, exactly? It has a collar... Were you not the one who put it on?

[Dog or not a dog, the Flood was adorable either way. She will pet it.]