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

[unsundered]

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?

[darkcharge]

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.

[unsundered]

[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....]

[darkcharge]

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.

[unsundered]

[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.

[darkcharge]

[ 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?

[unsundered]

[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.]

[darkcharge]

[ 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.

[unsundered]

[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.]

[darkcharge]

[ 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.

[unsundered]

[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.

[darkcharge]

[ 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.

[unsundered]

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?

[darkcharge]

Honestly, I don't know. I've already been threatened here and I haven't even tried anything.

[ Perhaps it is simply because Aqua believes the only way to actually accomplish this is by taking in Ventus. Chances are she would be opposed to the idea because he's a monster. Vanitas can't be trusted.

Which. Fair. ]

Once evil, always evil I suppose. Because even though I've made it clear what I want, at least one person thinks there's more to it than that.

[unsundered]

You'll certainly have your work cut out for you.

[Such troublesome heroes indeed. If he cared more, he'd almost be sympathetic.]

Assuming you'll even bother, of course. [A small shrug.] Well- I wouldn't fault you for giving up on convincing them, or for not trying in the first place. But persistence did, at least partly, lead to a positive result with those champions from my star... so 'tis not impossible.

[darkcharge]

[ His lip quirks once more. ]

Positive result being that they are your friends now, right?

[ Vanitas waves his hand dismissively. He doesn't need anyone to be sympathetic nor does he expect anyone to care anyway. ]

There's no benefit in it, is there? What would I do with friends anyway?

[unsundered]

[A mostly-covered twitch, a flat look.]

Yes, we're all quite comfortable with one another now.

[But then he sighs, shaking his head.]

You needn't go so far as friendship- wouldn't simple tolerance be an improvement? An acceptance that you mean no immediate ill under the current circumstance? Only to save yourself the hassle of being bothered.

[darkcharge]

Again, I was mostly trying to just have nothing to do with them. They insist on approaching me.

[ Vanitas is going to ignore the look shot his way. He's amused by Emet-Selch and his ire. It can't be helped. Still, he shrugs. ]

Granted, I'd make do with a truce of sorts, but hard to do that with a Keyblade almost constantly at my throat.