middaeg | Nov Catch-All

Nov Catch-All

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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[...alright, that did sound pretty needlessly complicated. And the effort it would take to understand it likely outweighed his vague curiosity. So in the end Emet-Selch waves it off.]

Fair enough. Perhaps one day we'll both be sufficiently bored that you can make an attempt to explain, and I will make an attempt to listen, simply to have something to do.

[But until then...

The Ascian sighs.]

And that's what you would expect. There's no reason to hold onto a Bond that's causing more harm than good. [Though Emet-Selch had a hard time imagining them giving up. Heroes were too stubborn to admit defeat on anything. Granted, he was no less stubborn, but that was... different, somehow.] Who knows, perhaps you can inflict enough of yourself on whoever you tie yourself to, so that they'll think better of approaching you again. Though it sounds as though you have... experience, in this field?

[The only soul-bonding he'd ever done, in a sense, was with Zodiark. This would presumably be quite different.]

And it's a few heroes that I'm looking after. Who have already asked me for this connection, no less.

[ It gets even better when Namine gets thrown into the mix. So if Emet-Selc really gets bored enough to want the explanation, Vanitas could give it. Whenever that happens, if it does at all. ]

Maybe the next time people are turning into monsters and going feral.

[ Vanitas snickers at that. He fully expects it to happen at some point. Though he does have questions of his own. At this point he's met several individuals that call their home their star and that's not common now is it?

Anyway, he listens all while focusing magic into his weapon. He has the same idea, of course. That heroes aren't going to throw away any bond just because it is hurting them in the long run. They are stupidly self-sacrificial like that aren't they? He scoffs. ]

Through the connection I have to my other half, I could feel his emotions. I always knew where he was. It only became difficult when his half was separated from his body. [ Not their body. Never theirs again. But he moves on from that. ] Though this sounds like a good idea, inflicting my disposition onto someone else that is, there will always be the ones that are stubborn enough not to let go because they have the misguided notion that they can "fix" what ails you.

[ Ventus would probably be like that, given his current thoughts on the matter. Though Aqua would probably try to kill Vanitas for even getting close. Not that he wants to. ]

Do you want to subjugate yourself to them? To the people who will probably try to do that "for" you?

[It would presumably happen eventually. Even if it wasn't a priority, Emet-Selch wasn't uninterested. So he just nods in acknowledgement; considering the strange nature of the city, some new and troublesome disaster would no doubt be along to plague them presently.

In the meantime, he idly watches Vanitas work with his weapon instead. Though the first part of what he says has him pause.]

...When his half was separated from... his half of what? His soul? [Considering souls separate from bodies was something the Ascian was used to, at least.] And if your- companions are so determined to stab themselves upon your nature, is it wrong to let them? It's not as though they can fix you.

And I'm not- [A dismissive wave of his hand.] subjugating myself to anyone. They're well aware I'm unlikely to change for them, or for anyone.

Yes. His half of our heart. When I first tried to unite our halves together, Ventus decided he was going to pick his friends. Since he couldn't defeat me, he decided to shatter our heart instead.

[ At the moment Van's spell is to just make the Keyblade itself lighter. Imbuing it with elemental magic is easy enough but what about actual enhancements. He stands once he thinks it's complete and takes a few experimental swings. ]

Only he's really all that determined. His friend would love nothing more than for me to crawl into some ditch and disappear completely. She'd probably take a stab at you for implying we're anything close to companions.

[ He chuckles at that thought. Oh well. It really doesn't matter. The thing is, after speaking to the Coven on the issue, a bond just might give him what he wants. At the very least, it would alleviate the emptiness. The question is whether or not he wants to give Ventus the chance after being shut down so many times.

However Vanitas can't help but think Emet-Selch is a little too dismissive. ]

And yet you said you're looking after them. Don't tell me they are actually growing on you.

[So hearts were souls... presumably. One was often used as a metaphor for the other, so it made enough sense. Though Vanitas' actual explanation surprises him slightly.]

A rather spiteful act from a presumed hero. Does Light scorn you so badly, it would rather destroy itself than join with you...?

[Then again, Light only knowing destruction sounded about right to the Ascian.]

And while attempted stabbings are nothing new to me, does she tolerate you for the sake of her friend, your other half? Or is she the type to try and keep you apart?

[Either of those was the usual way those sorts of things went.

The last part gets a somewhat defensive frown from him; Emet-Selch is not at all certain how much to tell Vanitas, well aware that it could end up used against him at some point.]

And we have a complicated relationship. Though we fundamentally disagree, I never said I misliked them.

[ Honestly? Vanitas has wondered the same. Does his Light really just despise him so? Granted, the version of Ventus right now seems to want him, but Vanitas knows that's not what's to be. A Ventus from the past doesn't change the fact that he will grow to hate Vanitas eventually. ]

It's more like the safety of his friends made it that way. As for Aqua? She'd prefer it if we stayed apart forever. In the end she can't control what Ventus does. Maybe he's finally grown passed the point of listening to whatever she says.

[ Vanitas clicks his tongue, eyes sliding from Emet-Selch back to Void Gear. Something is still off about it. ]

Though I think she'd be willing, but only if I agree to her demands. This, of course, is not something I am willing to do.

[ Mostly because of how she can't let go. That's her prerogative, of course. Vanitas isn't suddenly going to become this soft person just because she thinks he is going to attack people left and right. ]

So... You like them well enough, then. How is it that you all tolerate each other when you "fundamentally" disagree?

Why would the two of you balanced together have anything to do with his friends? [Surely a nice intact soul/heart would be just as capable of friendship- if anything, even moreso. Affection from an unbalanced heart just sounded shallow.]

Hmm... but it sounds like you're beset by a troublesome group on all sides. And what part will you take? If one decided to throw a Bond into the mix as well....

[The Ascian makes a halfway amused sound.]

And I can't imagine demands would go over terribly well with you, regardless of what they were.

[Demands were a terrible way to get most people to do something, really.]

And as I said, it's complicated. To all appearances, they've accepted my nature, my actions, and continue to treat with me without hostility. I've little reason not to cooperate with them in return.

Maybe you should give me some pointers. After all I've done little more than say a few things here and there and it's me that they believe to be the hostile one. Not sure how, considering every time it's Aqua that becomes aggressive.

[ And Vanitas thinks that just running his mouth is a vast improvement compared to what he could be doing. He could be trying to beat the lot of them up and force a union one way or another. But, for the most part, he has left them alone. They don't seem too keen to leave him alone. ]

You see, when I intended to join with Ventus, it wasn't his personality that would take the forefront. This time it would be my turn. To them it doesn't matter if we'd have been whole or not. They don't see Ventus as only part of the person we used to be.

[ Naturally this means that Aqua and Terra would believe Vanitas to essentially be killing Ventus instead of becoming the real Ventus once more. So yes, very troublesome. ]

As for what part I will take? I didn't plan on doing anything with them. Why should I bother? It's not like I care if Aqua would hate me for initiating a Bond with Ventus, but if I have to have a Bond, it's not going to be with anyone that comes from the same place I do.

Perhaps my star simply has more agreeable champions. I should mention that our current... ['Alliance' was too strong a word. 'Mutual tolerance' didn't work either. 'Friendship' was the most accurate, but he wasn't about to use it.] arrangement is an unusual one. My kind and theirs do not typically find common ground. It's likely your heroes are just the obstinate variety.

[Granted, considering the type of things Emet-Selch knew Vanitas was capable of saying, he'd be just as unsurprised to hear that any claim of hostility was well-founded.]

And if that's the case, I can see why they would be unlikely to forgive you for consuming their friend, or attempting to. But, assuming you can't do that here, there's likewise no reason to treat you as if you were constantly on the verge of doing so. If they seek conflict regardless, it's only for the sake of it.

[And he feels a moment's relief that his various Warriors were not so unreasonable to start up a war for no cause.]

But I'm a little surprised you wouldn't take up a Bond with this Ventus. It's as close as you may get to being whole, and it would irritate an enemy. And, thusly connected to you, he may be forced to recognize your plight in a way he hadn't considered.

Somehow I think that they aren't children either. For the most part the majority of my "champions" are under the age of eighteen.

[ So there might be more of an opportunity for them to grow and change. Hard saying. At the very least, it seems to be a learned response, allowing situations to mold and shape how you respond to them. ]

Considering Aqua does get on her high horse every time I've come across her? It likely is purely for the sake of keeping her anger and rage justified.

[ Vanitas shrugs then. Oh well. It doesn't matter to him in the end. He isn't seeking forgiveness. He doesn't regret anything that he's done. Speaking of things that he's done, for Vanitas it purely had been for survival. There's nothing personal about it, honestly. ]

And right about now I'd trade mine for yours in a heartbeat. Even in stating I wanted nothing more to do with them, they keep it up.

[ As for Ventus? Van starts to walk to seemingly inspect the charred remains of his earlier target. He doesn't want anyone to see the scowl on his face. Ventus is, and always will be, a sensitive topic. Then there's trying to come up with an answer that doesn't expose just how tender Vanitas is when it comes to the subject. That's why there's a bit of a lengthy pause. ]

It might not be the only way. The Bond doesn't necessarily have to be with Ventus for it to have the same effect here. There's no reason to waste my time attempting something I already know is bound to fail is there? That and frankly I couldn't stand to look at his stupid face all filled with guilty and pity when it's his fault we're in this situation at all.

[ And Ventus doesn't want him. Not really. Maybe right now, but ultimately? That last conversation he had with Sora and Ventus before he departed still weighs rather heavily on his mind. ]

And as much as I love annoying Aqua, I'm not fond of being chased by a giant dragon.

Well, even if I could, I don't think I would trade my heroes off. And they probably would leave me alone if I asked, though I feel no reason to do so. After all, I've tended to be the one bothering them, than otherwise. Perhaps you should try that? Exhaust them with your company, and maybe they'll finally leave you be.

[An unlikely thought, but it amused him slightly to suggest it.]

If not, you might very well have to wait for them to age out of their most troublesome years. Adults are much easier to reason with.

[This Ventus was definitely a sore topic. But how sore? The more antagonistic Aqua seemed a more straightforward hassle. Both were facts that weren't terribly relevant to Emet-Selch, but he wasn't about to write them off. If Vanitas ever ended up snapping at the Ascian again, it would be good to have more details to use against him.

He follows after Vanitas at an idle pace.]

I can understand the want to avoid pity- the arrogance of the Light is boundless, is it not?- along with dragon assault. [What troublesome associates.] What other way did you have in mind?

There's a thought. I could probably annoy Aqua that way. Not so much Ventus, I think.

[ Hard telling though. Sometimes just seeing his other half's face is enough to set him off. That is the very reason that Xehanort sent Ventus away to Eraqus in the first place. Vanitas might have tried to kill Ventus. At first anyway. And while Vanitas no longer possesses that exact impulse, Ventus has reacted violently towards him as well. Really there is no way of knowing how that will turn out.

Still there's some merit in that. Vanitas sure does love to annoy people. ]

As for them growing out of it... I wonder about that.

[ Somehow he doubts that they actually will. Ventus will probably be naive and stubborn while Aqua is almost set in her ways. He kicks a little at the pile of ash. There is also a part of Vanitas that likely knows he's being conned into talking. Emet-Selch doesn't actually care to listen, after all. But it goes back to Vanitas just not being the sort of play all of his cards close to his chest. ]

The don't see it that way, of course. Because my perspective on things makes them sad they think that I should see it that way too and embrace what they have to offer. It's disgusting.

[ Or they seem so surprised when he reacts negatively to what they see as their olive branch. What do they expect, really? ]

Let's just say I've seen something like a Bond mend a fractured heart. It took time, but that's not overly important to me. I've already waited this long.

That is the way of heroes, isn't it? Most accepting and accommodating, until one dares to refuse the one thing they're offering. Try and give a different perspective, and the best one can expect in return is suspicion. It's unfortunate.

[There was a fine line between 'understanding' and 'pity'. Neither did anyone any good, but one was much easier to tolerate.

But assuming that 'heart' meant 'soul' and wasn't a metaphor- that was actually somewhat interesting. Enough to get a genuinely curious look.]

And what is this... heart-healing method?

Or that you must be unwilling and harbor a continued desire to "be evil."

[ Once more Vanitas rolls his eyes. This is about all the circular arguments that he's had with Aqua, of course. Ventus at least stopped and thought to consider, even if that ultimately ended with him still wanting to find a way to "make things right."

It is what it is: hopeless. They are hopeless.

He falls into silence for a moment, clearly debating on if he should continue to talk or if Vanitas should just leave it be. Again, it is something that might require further explanation on down the line but... Eh, whatever.

Vanitas turns to look at the other man. Not so surprising he might be slightly intrigued. ]

A bond, of sorts. A small offering of oneself to make up for what another lacks. Ventus, you see, was on death's door when we were broken apart. I took most of everything. And yet one small child, one whose heart was still forming, allowed Ventus to share.

[ His hands rest on his hips and Vanitas is thinking about that whole mess. Though he's also thinking about the "little brother" in general. ]

That brat has a knack for those sorts of things.

[It was certainly an intriguing idea, at least, and the Ascian is thoughtful.]

And what happens to the heart that is- 'shared'? Is it reduced in any way? And would it work with anyone's soul- or heart, rather, or would it have to be from a child?

[It didn't sound like something that would be possible. But then, the Ascian had never interfered with the integrity of souls. The idea was somewhat abhorrent. Apart from the Rejoinings, of course, but- that was a mending, a healing towards the soul's intended shape, rather than an alteration.

But if one soul could help out another without harming itself....]

The brat is perfectly fine. He grew up never knowing about the shared connection between we three. I had to spell it out to him for it become clear.

[ Sora had been so oblivious to the fact that there were other hearts resting within him. He hadn't known about Ventus at all. Nor Xion. Roxas had been glaringly obvious, but perhaps that's because Roxas actually bothered to reach out. Vanitas had too, in his own way.

But to say that the experience had diminished Sora at all? Not even remotely. The boy's heart shone fairly bright. ]

As for the rest, I can't really tell you that. I'm not sure if age is a factor of if it's just a willingness to open oneself to another. Fully and completely.

[Very intriguing. Still of dubious use, even if he could find a way to replicate whatever this method was back on his world. They didn't exactly have a store of souls of sufficient quality. And would it work to restore an entity like Zodiark?

But the possibility... It certainly would make it easier to genuinely find a path without bloodshed.]

Hmm... that is something of a limitation, but not necessarily one that could not be overcome.

[A huff of frustration. Of all the times, places, to be without his sight, his magic.]

A pity I lack my original abilities. I would've liked to test whether this would work on those not from your star.

[ Oh Vanitas is watching out off the corner of his eye. There is a reason those questions are coming up, aren't they? Some gears are turning, though Vanitas himself couldn't guess what for exactly. Knowing what he does about this man, his guess would probably be something to do with the restoration of his world, his star.

Granted, Vanitas knows that worlds can be restored. However, he's only seen Light return to them. Not the other way around. No need to say that though. After all he could be wrong. ]

As for that, I couldn't say. Maybe it would. Maybe it wouldn't. Though I would say that there will always be people that seem to do the impossible. Make what shouldn't be... Well be.

[ And in this case he's not talking about heroes. Not entirely. Xehanort broke a lot of rules. Vanitas' own existent had been nothing but an accident. And, again, there's Sora. One who had not been Chosen, but still wields - the kid that's brought back worlds and has essentially helped to create a heart from nothing. ]

But just how would you test it?

[Whether it would be a productive line of thought, he couldn't tell, and somewhat doubted, but it was a tempting dream.]

And I certainly have no lack of impossible friends.

[Though Emet-Selch is referring entirely to his heroic associates. Granted, the Crystal Exarch was possibly even more impossible than they, but he was hardly a friend.]

If I could create such a link- I could restore those heroes from my star to their full potential. In turn, they could restore others. Renewing the world in a way without sacrifice.

[Though if this did take an openness of heart or whatever, he'd have a hard enough time with those champions, and he liked them. There'd be no chance with some random mortal.]

[ A tempting dream, indeed. Vanitas is also of that mindset, in a way. Just because it worked for Ventus doesn't necessarily mean that it will work for him. The Coven might have suggested it, but they also suggested that it is possible, so that also implies that they are not entirely certain themselves.

But it would be worth it, wouldn't it? To at least try? ]

Ah, so they're friends now, hmm?

[ Vanitas can't help but offer a little smirk. Seems like a bit of a shift. However, Emet-Selch does say something interesting doesn't he? To restore people would be a test?

So, what? Now he is entertaining thoughts to achieve his goals without all the mess? That is definitely a change in attitude from before. Vanitas wonders what sort of influence those "heroes" must be having. ]

Alternatively, you could just find all their missing pieces. Sure, it wouldn't be without some sacrifice, but then you wouldn't have to worry about opening yourself up at all. Unless you want that as well.

[A pause. He hadn't actually called them that in front of Vanitas before, had he?

Rather than deny it, it was probably better to pretend it didn't mean anything. His shrug is casual, tone light.]

Well, they certainly seem to consider myself as such, and who am I to deny them?

And it's not that I mind the sacrifice. [A dismissive wave, expression turning slightly irritated. He had no regrets at the first Rejoining, nor the seventh. He'd continue to the last if he had to- if he could.] But this might be more effective, in the end. There would be no reason for those champions not to assist, as they care for all those 'lives' they would save.

[Though they might balk at Zodiark. Or rather, Hydaelyn would.]

[ No, in fact he hadn't. Vanitas knows that pause. Of course he could call him out on that, but he won't. It's not really worth poking at right now. ]

Oh of course. I'm sure you're allowing it for their peace of mind.

[ That's fine, it can be dismissed. Emet-Selch's expressions and how they shift with his emotions are far more interesting at the moment anyway. And, really, he wonders how much of this is true - that it would be more effective. Or is it that Emet-Selch himself would prefer to work with them rather than against?

Whatever. None of his business. ]

I suppose it might. Everyone working towards the same goal and all.

[He had the most annoying sensation that this might come back to bite him later. But whatever. There wasn't much he could do about it now, other than to try not to seem too defensive.]

Of course.

[Not defensive at all.]

And exactly. I don't believe they're necessarily opposed to their souls being completed- only the methods taken to get there. This would solve that issue.

[ It might, in the future. After all who knows what tomorrow holds? Right now, though, Vanitas won't poke at that particular nerve.

Why should he? It's a touch annoying that those heroes still want to be complete and only have problems with the steps to get there. They aren't opposed to actually becoming whole. What novelty. ]

I can honestly say I'm jealous. [ He is, really. ] Sure, it's not perfect since they care about things like methods, but it doesn't sound like they are unreasonable. Or completely set in their ways.

Your heroes are against the idea entirely?

[That surprised him a little. While it was true that all those broken peoples were either ignorant of their lack, or didn't mind it, concerns about the Rejoinings had seemed purely about the lives lost.]

Yes, of course they'd disagree with absorbing one another, short-sighted as it is. But if there's a way to work around that, why would they ever be opposed?

Nov Catch-All

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