In Too Deep Log

[darkcharge]

▶ PROMPTS

Harvest Moon Simulator: Tree Edition

[ Vanitas finds himself out and about long after Sandalphon had "convinced" him to participate. If someone had thought to ask him if he'd be out planting trees and taking care of some of the other plants, Vanitas might have laughed at them. The only sort of "life" that he's ever "maintained" are the Unversed and one could hardly call them symbolic of new life. If anything they are kind of the opposite, created from darker emotions than what gardening seems to represent. He might even laugh because the thought of doing something so mundane and normal is a far cray from anything he's ever pictured himself doing.

However, things change. Being completed has done a lot of that, even if it hasn't been for overly long. Vanitas has also given much thought about what Sandalphon and Xigbar have spoken to him about. Trying new things. Seeing what he likes and doesn't like. Figuring out who he is now that his goal is complete and there's no Xehanort to pull the strings.

In that respect he's found that this task is something that's just that: a task. It's repetitive and doing things like pruning and dead-heading flowers takes focus, a sharp eye, and precision in some cases. Most importantly, it takes his thoughts away from the array of new emotions that he still has issues processing and understanding.

Vanitas pretty much minds his own business over the course of the days and can be found on both days working like this. The crowds don't even seem to bother him. As he moves about, some small Floods can be seen carrying the gardening tools behind him. ]

Harvest Moon Simulator: Flower Crowns

I'm not interested in trying out.

[ That's what he's telling one of the maidens at the shrine. The girl smiles in understanding but doesn't seem to be inclined to leave just yet. Vanitas snaps a little, asking what she wants. Instead of an actual answer, she simply drops one of those flower crowns up on top of his head. Vanitas is taken aback of course. ]

But I said I wasn't going to join your stupid little dancing audtion.

[ "That's okay" are the words that come out of the shrine maiden's mouth. She states that Vanitas looks like he needs them more than anyone auditioning and simply turns away to find someone else to volunteer. This leaves Vanitas staring after her. Blinking. Because what. ]

What just... Happened?

[ People confuse him so much. ]

Just Like Animals-Mals: Moon Shenanigans

[ Knowing that some people he is acquainted with, Vanitas is already looking to track some of them down. Mainly Ventus because the annoying pest is likely out there and affected. Of course Vanitas himself never thought to remove the bracelet, thinking that maybe he should hang onto it just in case. That puts him in a good position to:

A) Confront anyone that is Sanguis. Vanitas wonderfully provides a service that many effected by the red moon could take up: fighting. As he enjoys a good fight himself, Vanitas will helpfully step up to the plate and "help" work out any aggression that these individuals might need to alleviate.

B) Get caught by anyone that is Iris. In this scenario there's a good chance to catch Vanitas off guard by a random hug or help him get out of a situation in which he's being smothered by a Prismal that forgot to wear a bracelet or tossed it away. ]

Comments

Sandalphon | Day 1 ( Closed )

[darkcharge]

[ Getting a message from Sandalphon had both been a surprise and really isn't all that much of a shock. Though really there's no way that Vanitas could have known that "bird boy" would actually prove to be someone he can actually tolerate to be around. This is pretty new for Van as a whole. There aren't many people he is fine being around for an extended period of time. What makes the situation all the more unique is that Sandalphon also doesn't seem to mind his presence in return.

That's why Vanitas is out here close to one of the shrines. All the message really had said had been a time and a location. Nothing more than that. Van doesn't think much of it, considering Sandalphon doesn't really seem to be the type to fuss around with messaging and is far more upfront than Vantias had given him credit for all along. ]

C'mon, Feathers...

[purport]

[Typically, Sandalphon isn't the sort to initiate much with others. Or historically he hadn't been, anyway. Having spent much of his existence alone with no options otherwise, and then preoccupied with his objectives, no one would claim he's good at people.

And he might have holed up for this celebration if certain parties hadn't shown interest. It occurs to him that he knows someone who may be similar, and it might be a good opportunity to follow up on a certain conversation.

In contrast to that occasion, Sandalphon isn't waiting at the appointed location when Vanitas arrives. Instead, the sharp tap of his heeled boots heralds his arrival several minutes later with Starbucks a to-go cup in each hand.

As though coffee wasn't going to be involved]

The lines were worse than usual.

[Said as he thrusts one of those cups in Vanitas' direction]

[darkcharge]

[ Coffee. Of course. Vanitas is wondering if Feathers has an obsession with the beverage. He's pretty sure every time he's encountered him now it's been with coffee in mind. Granted, Van doesn't care one way or another. Turns out he likes it too. That's why he takes the offered cup with a muttered "thanks." ]

You don't seem like you'd bother with lines. Just use your wings and shove people aside.

[purport]

[Lucifer introduced him to the stuff and they drank it whenever they spent time together. Coffee is very important, and fortunately Vanitas can stomach the stuff because yes, Sandalphon lives on it]

I'd rather not invite unwanted attention.

[The initial examination was enough of an unpleasant reminder of the past, as it was. He takes a sip of his coffee before adding]

More trouble than it's worth.

[darkcharge]

Of course you'd say something sensible like that. Don't you ever want to though? Make them understand fully what you are?

[ Vanitas has entertained thoughts of that. Some want to think that's nothing but a monster. He could show them exactly that! ...But at least he can acknowledge that such a thing wouldn't make him happy. Maybe give him a bit of a thrill but that would wear off eventually. It always did. Then he'd feel just as empty as he had been before. ]

Guess it doesn't matter. You still got the stuff. Now why did you tell me to be here?

Ventus | Day 2( Closed )

[darkcharge]

[ It doesn't really take much to get Vanitas back out at the shrine to start playing around with dirt and plants again. This time it's Ventus' idea, the two finally seeming to patch things up. Tentatively. This is new territory for Vanitas, after all. He doesn't really know how these things are supposed to go - what does one do after someone asks for forgiveness? How does one proceed from this point on?

That's why went Ven starts to tug on Van's arm to get him out of their home and back to the main event now that Ventus could actually enjoy it without fretting about Vanitas, he doesn't really fight that. Doesn't even tell Ven to let him go. Vanitas is still just kind of baffled that any of this is happening at all.

He simply isn't prepared to handle all these new situations that are being forced upon him. ]

I figured you would have wanted to be in the parade...

[callmeven]

[in the light of the early morning things seemed hopeful; a tentative bridge built between them in the hopes that things could become better over time. ven was afraid even the slightest weight could cause it to crumble under his hand.

but things were okay now and that's what mattered.]

I don't wanna be in the parade, I just wanna see it! [ven throws a pouty expression over to vanitas, their hands still interlocked without comment.] Even I can't be around that many people, you know.

[darkcharge]

[ Don't worry. Vanitas isn't saying anything about the hands. Doesn't seem to even notice them himself. ]

There'd be less people in it than watching.

[callmeven]

[ven eyes some of the crowds building with a slight frown.]

I don't want to go alone, though.

flowers

[catchthis]

Someone's eager to hit the dance floor. That's what happened.

[ Wow, Nero remembers Vanitas from their fight earlier. That was fun. He almost feels the need to laugh at Vanitas being stuck in his current predicament. ]

You don't dance?

[ He takes another look at Vanitas and tries to determine if this guy has any dance moves. Doesn't seem like it.]

which i need to tag that back. i think i lost the notif

[darkcharge]

[ Vanitas' head jerks around and his eyes land on Nero. What's this guy doing here and why'd he see that of all things? ]

Of course I don't dance.

[ Does he seem like the type that would? ]

s'cool

[catchthis]

Can't show up on stage without a few moves. How about I teach you some? I'm feeling generous today.

[For the record Nero can dance. He's making it pretty apparent too with how he's tapping his feet to a beat.]

You might as well give it a shot.

[darkcharge]

[ For that, Nero is going to get a curious look from Vanitas. ]

Why would I want to? When would I ever use a skill like that?

moon shenanigans!

[maintained]

[ Fortunately Lucifer himself is unaffected by the changes, having realize that there was quite a number of others who were not so lucky he figured he would make a quick round to check up on other moonblessed. To be fair, it was asking a lot to trust someone's word when they didn't provide much other information about what they were needing protection against. The archangel was hoping to aid anyone in need of it and when he catches sound of Vanitas, and finds the predicament the boy is currently in, he feels it only right to do his best to help. ]

Are you alright, Vanitas? [ At least the Prismal doesn't seem to be hurting him, which allows him to be less worried on that front and now focus on helping untangle the two. Whether that's managing to get Vanitas out of this situation entirely or be stuck with the Prismal himself-- it's entirely fine. He knows enough that Vanitas doesn't do well with certain emotions. ] I'm relieved to see you're unaffected as well.

[darkcharge]

[ By no means is the Prismal hurting Vanitas, thank goodness. Vanitas can only respond to violence with more violence. He'd be okay if that had been in the case. Instead it is others "blessed" by Iris. Latching onto him and seemingly unwilling to let him go as the cling and nuzzles and probably try to give him kisses.

So he is so very thankful that Lucifer is there to pull him away from that mess. ]

Y-yeah... [ Though to say he's entirely unaffected is wrong too. Ven is suffering the full effects of the moons and thus Vanitas, whose heart is tangled with Ventus', is also feeling some of his other half's emotions. Very easy to fall victim and not fight them off. ] I think you just saved my neck.

[maintained]

[ How lucky that they seem to focus on another person passing by. Which, on one hand is unfortunate for them, but at least they don't look as nearly trapped as Vanitas here had looked moments earlier. With a gentle and yet careful touch does he set a hand on the boy's shoulder, offering a reassuring look. ]

I'm glad I was able to help. [ On the chance they stumble onto anyone else affected, Lucifer starts to lead them just slightly ways away. Soft blue eyes observing his companion closely as they move. He did say that he was relieved he wasn't, but just maybe he is affected? He can't really tell. ] You should be fine now.

[ At least for now anyways. The archangel willing to shield him from other attention so he doesn't feel any more uncomfortable. ]

[darkcharge]

[ Maybe unfortunate. Maybe not. As Vanitas gazes to the passerby, they don't seem all that perturbed about someone now clinging to their arm. Prismals are weird. Why do they seem not bothered at all about all these touchy-touchy stuff? ]

These people are so weird. [ Yes, he's fine now that he's not being smothered. His reaction probably isn't violent because of his heart connection to Ventus. Lucky for everyone else. ] I don't understand how they can be so okay with the moons doing this crap to them.

[ Vanitas is still trying to shake off the feeling as Lucifer leads them away from other people. And uncomfortable is definitely the word that applies in this situation. ]

[serpentillusion]

[Vanitas isn't the only one who has found himself doing some gardening. Like many others, Invi has busied herself with pruning and planting and dead-heading flowers and other various plants. And she's good at it, for the record. This isn't her first time looking after plants, and she's well practiced.

She's also keenly paying attention to what everyone else is doing, including Vanitas, if only to learn more about them.

And, well, whether Vanitas likes it or not, they're connected, at least for now.]

You're better at this than I would have thought.

[He certainly doesn't look the gardening type.]

[darkcharge]

[ It's true. They are connected whether they both like it or not. Vanitas is usually pretty in tune with the presence of the hearts connected to his. This connection is new and he hasn't explored it fully. Just enough so that there is this vague awareness that Invi is close.

He doesn't realize how close until Invi speaks. He turns to regard her for a moment. Then goes back to what he's doing. ]

It surprises me too.

[ In a tone that dares her to mock him for it. ]

[serpentillusion]

[Mocking? She'd never. She's genuine the entire way through.]

Gardening is one of my favourite things to do, personally. I find it calming. [The words she speaks don't have any lit to them, there's no curiosity, no wonder if maybe it's something he may have gotten from the portion of her heart.]

Are you familiar with it at all? Or is this your first time?

[darkcharge]

[ Calming? Well Vanitas can agree with that. At least... ]

It's taking my mind off of things.

[ So in that respect, yes. Yes this is a calming activity that he can channel his energy into. ]

No, I haven't done this before. Just followed directions and here I am. I guess?

Harvest Moon: Tree

[dreamnailedit]

[Now this is an odd one.

The Knight peers down at the strange human-like creature. He's... much closer to the void than any other they've ever seen. Almost enough so to seem like a sibling.

But there's something that holds him back from the void, from pure shadow, and they're staring at him from the shade of a nearby tree, trying to figure it out.

He'll probably notice them soon, but even then, attempting to communicate is always difficult for them. If only he really was a sibling. Then they could commune without any difficulties.

Oh well. They'll step forward as soon as he looks their way. Maybe whatever he chooses to say to them will help them figure this out.]

[darkcharge]

[ It doesn't take that long for Vanitas to notice. At least he is able to pick up on the fact that someone is watching him right away. Van allows it for a time, since he's busy with watering this particular bunch of flowers and shrubs. ]

I know you're there.

[ So don't bother hiding anymore. Just come out and say something. ]

[dreamnailedit]

[Ah. He thinks they were hiding. Well, technically that's sort of true. They didn't want to disturb him. At least until they figured out how to approach him.

Well, they still aren't entirely certain, but they walk forward, turning to stand on the other side of the plants he's caring for. They stare into him, empty, vacant sockets looking him over.

Until finally they choose to gaze into his eyes. Still they don't understand. The darkness, the void, it resonates strongly with them, but something at his very core is standing in the way. Something... bright.

Maybe he'll give them a clue when he looks at them. After all, how many hearts of pure darkness, not tainted, not corrupted, not broken, but pure, undiluted shadow and void, can he possibly have encountered?]

[darkcharge]

[ Whatever Vanitas had thought had been out there, this tiny creature hadn't been it. He's not even sure what it is. Since it doesn't attack, Van figures at the very least the little thing isn't an enemy. That tiny sword can't possibly do much damage to him anyway. ]

What.

[ Vanitas doesn't really like being looked over. Is he being judged? Investigated? Whatever the case the action is making him frown a little. This is distracting him from his distracting!

Then as he really looks at the creature, he starts to sense it. There is darkness there, but different. It's not the same as the World that he and the others come from. But it is there all the same. ]

Are you trying to figure out what I am?

[ Because that's now what Vanitas is trying to do. ]