Nov Catch-All

[darkcharge]

Who: Vanitas + Open
When: All throughout November
Where: Various
What: There are some open prompts and also some closed ones in comments. I can write individual starts for anyone who would be interested in threading something out.
Warnings: None, yet



( Magic Practice: All Month )

[ Vanitas has always excelled when it comes to magic. His elemental spellwork has always been top notch. Thus it shouldn't come as a surprise that he's taken to evocation and enchantment as his main fields of "study." Yes, he actually attends classes. Though usually Vanitas tends to stick towards the back, hood always drawn up to keep his face hidden. He doesn't openly question or mock instruction, though his body language always says he's disinterested.

There are moments where he is also found in the library, perusing over textbooks and reading theories. Vanitas also carries around paper that he's scribbling notes in.

Otherwise, he spends his time in the barracks, actually practicing. Be careful, though. There's plenty of fireballs flying to hit the intended target. The air is charged with electricity. And one only mildly irritated Vanitas complaining about how it's just not good enough. ]


( Incompatible: All Month )

[ There is, however, magic that Vanitas has never been taught. Either Xehanort had never bothered or the opportunity never really revealed itself. He's sitting down, out of the way, as he's pulling up the sleeve of his coat. There's a fresh burn there, probably from some earlier practice gone wrong - magic gone awry. ]

Sloppy...

[ He is irritated with himself. His hand hovers over the burn and he takes a deep, focusing breath. Sure enough, the soft glow of a very basic healing spell makes itself known... For three seconds before it just fizzles out. The result is a very, very agitated Vanitas that knocks over anything on the table instead. ]

Why won't it work!?


( Coven Grounds: All Month )

[ He pays very little mind to anyone as he comes and goes about the Coven. They aren't important enough to even catch his notice. However, every once and while one of the unbonded monsters sees him and sees fit to approach him. He throws up a hand and keeps walking. Every time. ]

Not interested.

[ Sometimes this exchange is witnessed by someone else. A witch. Another monster. Maybe someone bonded maybe someone that isn't. Either way they see fit to interject themselves, trying to tell him about the benefits to being bonded to another. Why he should consider it, because in the end it's unavoidable right?

Vanitas is, as always, disinterested. He couldn't care less about these bonds. How can he want something that is just a mockery of what he should have? ]

Why is it you can't get through your little heads that maybe some people are fine the way they are? No, I don't care what you have to say. I don't want it. So back off before I give you a reason to stay away.

[ He'll follow through with the threat, of course. ]


( Unfamiliar Familiars: After Nov 20 )

[ In the past, Vanitas has never bothered to keep track of his Unversed. He's never had to, being connected to them in such a way that he knows where they are at all times. After all, they are a part of him, his broken off emotions. Their entire purpose is to go out and collect more negative energy, whether through natural means or by creating it themselves.

This is why he doesn't keep the lone little Flood by his side. It's free to do as its pleases. The connection is different now, the creature no longer able to replicate or perform its intended functions. However that's not going to stop it for what its nature is.

The item in your hand that you're thinking about buying? Maybe that piece of food that you're about ready to take a bite out of? One moment it's there and the next it's being snatched up by this blue rabbit-looking thing and taking off. Or maybe the Flood is seen scurrying along the streets, pausing only to scare a small child or a baby in a stroller before going about its business once more. ]


( Wildcard )

[ Of course, there is always the option to just do whatever your heart wants if no other prompts inspire. Alternatively, I can write a starter for you or you can get in touch with me at jardaan if you want to do something. ]

Comments

Ventus | ( Closed ) | Pre Masquerade

[darkcharge]

[ Ventus saying that he actually wants to fight have been so funny to Vanitas that he, initially, turns his other half down flat. There's no reason to engage or have much to do with the guardians of Light if there's nothing that can be gained by dealing with them. However, there have been a few suggestions made to him that have encouraged a "spar." Apparently that is supposed to foster a deeper understanding for them both. Vanitas doesn't know if it will really do all that, but whatever.

In the end he has decided to go with it because why not? There's nothing to be lost in engaging in this practice. If anything he'll at least get to work out some of his building tension and aggression. So he agrees to Ventus' request. They establish a date and time as well as agree upon a location.

This is where Vanitas is at now. Void Gear is still strapped to his back, as they haven't established the rules of this engagement. After all it could just be fists or with their Keyblades. Or maybe there won't be any rules at all. Whatever the case, Vanitas knows that this isn't going to be a friendly spar. This will, as always, end up being a full-out brawl. ]

[callmeven]

[seeing vanitas actually accept his offer for a fight after spending so long shooting him down was a big surprise for ventus. by the end of that conversation even ven was beginning to question his motivations around vanitas and if it really was worth it...

but then here they were now, against aqua's wishes. at least ventus thought to bring his own keyblade, a part of him hoping that this would be fought with their blades instead of fists. or teeth. after all that chewing ven's actual new teeth, sharp canines that he kept cutting his lips on whenever he spoke, finally came in. sharpened nails turning black and a pair of pointed dog ears peeking out of his hair that betrayed his emotions had ventus fully looking the part of a turnskin.

ventus spots vanitas as he shows up to their meeting spot, trying to squash any nervousness that crops up when he sees his other half there.]

Vanitas.

[darkcharge]

Wow. The little guardians of Light really are turning into some truly atrocious creatures.

[ Vanitas isn't nervous at all. He'd prefer t get this done with. Let him beat Ventus into the ground so that he can just get up and move on. ]

[callmeven]

Everyone is going through changes right now, Vanitas.

[so don't talk about his new changes or remind him about how he keeps pulling old teeth out of his mouth to make way for canines. he settles a hand on the handle of his keyblade, uncertain.]

How... did you want to fight?

[darkcharge]

I'm not so clearly it's not everyone. Just the monsters.

[ If ya'all don't think he isn't going to go as far as he can with that, then you're sooooorely mistaken.

Vanitas huffs, picks up Void Gear and rests it on his shoulders. ]

You are the one that challenged me.

unfamiliar faces

[lightblooming]

[ If there's one thing that Aqua is bound to recognize, it's unversed. She's defeated so many in the past that it's instinct for her to attempt to defeat it. It's why the mere sight of it has her immediately running forward, attempting to capture it. Without her keyblade, she can't very well defeat it.

But, that does make her wonder why its here. With their abilities hindered, how on earth could Vanitas could have made it? It's a question she can try to figure out later. Right now, she just needs to make sure it doesn't hurt anyone.

With her new dragon-like wings, running doesn't feel the same as it used to. Still, she manages to chase it - running as quickly as her legs can carry her. ]

Stop!

[darkcharge]

[ Does Aqua really think that the Flood is going to STOP just because she's screaming at it? Well, maybe it does for a second, if only to look up at her. Its little ear/antennae things twitch...

Then it takes off down a narrow alley. Good luck with those wings in there. ]

[lightblooming]

[ Luckily for Aqua, she's been focusing on controlling her wings. She folds the ice-like wings in so they're flat against her back, running into that alley without slowing down. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Run Aqua, run. The Flood isn't stopping. Isn't slowing down. Nope. It even scales a wall to continue the chase!

But just where is it going? ]

[lightblooming]

[ It doesn't matter where it's going. No matter where it tries to go, Aqua's not going to let it out of her sight.

She follows it - reptilian-like eyes taken it in as she continues to run. ]

magic practice;

[unsundered]

[In the studies of Evocation, at least, Emet-Selch occasionally noticed Vanitas in the group. He'd never approached, because why would he? The Ascian wasn't there to socialize- he was there to learn this primitive magic, as efficiently and thoroughly as possible.

And he doesn't approach him in class now either- and really, had no particular intention of seeking him out at all. Not that he would have in the first place, but....

He has a certain caution in regards to Vanitas now. It was a strange feeling; while he'd been deeply insulted by the other's words to him at the masquerade, he could tell even then that it had little to do with him. He'd been an acceptable target, the appropriate weapons were used; after all, Emet-Selch had done the same thing in return. But it left him uncertain; an attack without specific malice was still an affront, and not something he could just casually dismiss.

At the same time, there was no point in further retaliation- his own words had found their mark, after all, considering the way Vanitas had stormed off. And considering the circumstances of the city, the Ascian preferred to know exactly where things stood, rather than leave it a question. He still wouldn't have sought after him, but coming across Vanitas on his own, practicing magic....

Emet-Selch hangs back for a while, simply observing. He had no interest in being set on fire, after all. But in a break between volleys, he advances, slowly, methodically- though he stays off to one side, rather than walking up to him directly.]

I'd say it's pretty burnt. What sort of effect were you expecting?

[A careful intro, light and watchful.]

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas' perspective is different, of course. His view of Emet-Selch hasn't changed, entirely because it hadn't really been personal. He had responded to Vanitas' jabs after Vanitas himself had initiated the entire thing. Honestly Vanitas can't fault him for that. If it had been Aqua or Ventus or if there had been no justification in Emet-Selch's actions, he'd probably feel differently. In the end the man had done noting less than Vanitas would have done.

That and there's still one very important detail: Vanitas is sort of used to similar treatment. His old master had been quite sharp with his words. Xehanort's skill with his emotional manipulation can be measured alongside his talents as a Keyblade Master after all. Maybe in the end the reason Vanitas can't be bothered allow anything like anger towards Emet-Selch linger is that his words only reaffirmed what Vanitas has always been told is true.

He had noticed when the man had started to watch him practice. That's about it, really. Vanitas doesn't pause in his casting until he is finished, looking at his hands with a frown. ]

One flame that breaks off into multiple ones, each following after the intended target.

[ Vanitas wonders if it's even possible for him to be able to conjure up something similar to Dark Firaga. ]

The way I used my magic wasn't entirely conventional.

[unsundered]

[An entirely... normal response. Emet-Selch is unsurprised, somehow; his initial reading hadn't been incorrect. As ruthless as their words had been, Vanitas didn't seem inclined to blame the messenger. And while the Ascian couldn't be quite as neutral about it, it had earned the other a point of caution, rather than any deeply-felt grudge.]

Convention is for those who lack the ability to look beyond it.

[It didn't even feel like one of those times where both parties were awkwardly avoiding some uncomfortable topic. It had happened, and there was little to discuss.

One of the benefits of living without regrets, perhaps.]

But yes... if that was the effect you were going for, I can see why you would be dissatisfied.

[darkcharge]

[ Of course they could awkwardly avoid the topic, but it's over and done with. Vanitas doesn't feel like dwelling on any of that. No discussion needs to be had because both parties aren't really apologetic for it.

It is what it is. What had happened, happened. What are they going to do? Get stuck in their feelings? Talk about them? No, hardly anything like that. To do so would put Vanitas in closer to behaving like his other have and the guardians of Light. And that just won't do. ]

I say that because I haven't seen it done by any of the others. They'll break their physical attacks to cast their magic.

[ And that's what makes Vanitas tricky to put down. He tends to weave his magic attacks and his physical ones together - so usually he is up close and personal when he uses it. His use of Thundaga is completely different as well, preferring a chain lightning effect rather than calling it down from the heavens.

He gives a huff of annoyance. ]

Never thought I'd have to relearn basic crap like this.

[unsundered]

[Discussing feelings- in a constructive way, at least- was not something the Ascian had any interest in. He was tortured enough already; deliberately adding to it in such a... vulnerable way, was not on his list of priorities. Definitely better to leave that to the heroes.]

That just sounds as though they're not confident enough in their magic, nor their melee.

[There would be no need to break physical attacks at all if one only used magic, as far as Emet-Selch was concerned. Sure, he knew how to use many physical weapons, it had been necessary as part of living among mortals and pretending their deficiencies, but when he was actually fighting as himself? Why would he rely on anything other than magic?

He can certainly sympathize with that huff.]

...Quite frustrating, isn't it? To be reduced to the level of a child, after years of mastery. And to have one's replacement abilities not remotely live up to what was lost.

Coven Grounds

[firewalled]

[Rich isn't around the Coven very often, but he finds reason to go now, usually to check in on classes Jeremy could take and maybe, occasionally, socialize. He's making small talk with passers by when he hears the ruckus, and he frowns to see the guy lashing out.

Rich can understand how he feels, as he was someone so wary to Bond before Justine, but... he's also had experience with how it feels to go feral, and he doesn't want to experience that ever again. Best to warn the guy, just so he knows what he's getting into.]

Hey, uh, you know you're probably gonna go crazy if you don't Bond with someone.

Or blow up. Depending on who you are.

[darkcharge]

[ Someone needs to mind their own business. Vanitas' expression grows rather flat and the other person that had been trying to go on and on about the benefits wisely takes off. Now that Vantias' attention is turned onto this guy, it had been a good opportunity to get lost.

Kind of like how this dude should. ]

Been there and done that already. I didn't need anyone then and I don't need anyone now.

[firewalled]

[Rich isn't good at taking off at the best of times, so as wise of an option that is, Rich doesn't stand down, even as the stranger turns his rather intimidating attention onto him.]

So... you're telling me you already got into trouble and you still don't think you need a bond? I really doubt that's gonna work out for you.

Like I get it's hard to find someone you connect with and trust enough, but it's worth it in the end.

[darkcharge]

I've been broken apart more than once. That's about the same as blowing up. There's nothing that this place can do to me that is any better or worse than what's already happened.

[ He doesn't connect with people. Vanitas doesn't trust people. There's no reason for him to because people will just hurt and betray you. They're a weakness to be exposed. ]

So, yes. I'll still pass.

[firewalled]

If you've already gone through it, why the hell are you going to risk going through the same thing again? I'm pretty sure it'll suck just as bad the second time around.

[And besides that... how in the world can someone be broken apart and still be moving around like they're completely fine? Rich did know one guy who came back from death... but this still seemed different, considering the "more than once" part of that story.]

You can always find a way to block the mental connection part if that's what freaks you out.

coven grounds

[escardos]

[ though people may be coming up to vanitas soliciting bonds--or trying to, at least--flat comes looking for nothing of the sort. if anything, he agrees a little bit with the sentiment.

he's just here for some fun, because vanitas is just far too interesting to not have as a friend.

so, when threatened, flat laughs, not moving away. ]

Is that a threat? Not bad, not bad! But I don't want to bond with you at all--I just remember you from the Ball. You're the grumpy guy from a wasteland!

[darkcharge]

[ It takes him a moment, honestly. Vanitas had intended to block out most of the Masquerade from his mind. One little thing sort of ruined the entire experience and he'd rather push it away than to dwell on it.

So it takes that second to place Flat as a person he had run into. And when he does? Vanitas makes a noise of disgust. ]

I remember you.

[ And not necessarily in a good way! ]

[escardos]

Oh, you do?! I'm so glad!

[ did he not notice the disgusted noise that he made? or does he not care? either way, flat's beaming at vanitas, especially when he says that he remembers him. that makes him happy, and gives him more reason to continue. ]

You're pretty popular you know? I wonder if it's the dark and brooding personality that makes people want to help you out?

[darkcharge]

[ ...Honestly Vanitas thinks that Flat is probably oblivious. There's really no other excuse. And, to make matters worse, he is so chipper about it all. ]

Don't know. Don't care.

[ What he needs is for people to mind their own. ]

[escardos]

[ vanitas wouldn't be wrong in his judgement either...somewhat.

he's both oblivious and not at the same time, as he's clearly aware of how much it's annoying vanitas. that just makes it all the more fun, though! ]

Oh, but you should accept it! After all, not many people would get as many requests to Bond--have you even found anyone? Or do you push everyone away?