goldenglasses | [Action]

[Thanks to the Kefka incident? Sanji went home and smoked off the rest of his stash in a day, his nerves were that shot. Getting attacked by clowns and seeing Nami-san being skewered? Oh yeah, he needed that nicotine. So he's out shopping today, thinking about picking something up for Chopper while he's stuck in the house. Maybe he should grab a few groceries. Lobster for the crew sounds nice...

He almost misses Vash sitting there, he's so used to the man being loud and expressive. A few days have passed and he's still quite pissed at him for his actions, but Sanji can't help but pause at the sight of that pained expression. Stupid shitty gunman]

[Sorry Sanji. Vash is a little distracted and isn't going to notice you. Otherwise he might not be talking to himself right now. If you're paying attention you might just pick up what he's saying.] What should I have done Rem?

[Sanji must be feeling indulgent today. As much as he'd love to ignore you, something tells him to at least keep the guy from talking to himself]

... Oi.

You might wanna keep your voice down.

S-Sanji... [He looks at you rather shocked as he wasn't excepting to see you and - a bit scared? Someone doesn’t know how he should act right now.]

[there's a light glare in his eyes, but he at least doesn't look like he's going to kick you]

... You're still this upset, huh.

[Fairly deadpan and yet a hint of anger directed mostly at himself.] A life was ended... and I didn't stop it.

You're not God, Vash. You can't save every life that's in front of you.

NO! There's always a way! I just didn't SEE it in time!

[And that makes him snap]

Oi! Just how fuckin old are you?! Is your world painted that black and white?!

Listen, you shit. None of us were willing to give you a way to save him. It was out of your control since the beginning, so grow a pair and stop blaming yourself!

[Oh so calmly.] No one has the right to take a life. What Kefka did was wrong. He needed to be stopped... but not like that.

And we don't give a shit. Or did you miss that part?

[He's quiet for a bit.] But... I'm glad. I'm glad that ~~you~~ everyone else is alright.

[... Damn it.

Sanji's unable to keep a firm grasp on his anger when Vash does this. He makes a valiant effort before giving up with a slightly pissed sigh]

You're such a shitty pain in our asses.

[Looks away and speaks softly.] I'm sorry...

Tch.

Why are you apologizing? You did what you thought was right. [and strangely enough, he sits down next to him. He still sounds rather irritated, but the majority has simmered off]

I don't agree with your shit philosophy, but everyone's got their way of handling things.

[He's quiet for a bit as that sinks in.]

[Then actually smiles a real smile. Even if it is a small one.]

Thanks...

[oh snap. Sanji visibly stares, eyebrows up, an amused sound coming from his throat]

Oh. Who knew you could smile like that?

[And there it goes!] S-smile? Like what? What's wrong with my smile? [And it's replaced with an embarrassed/confused one instead.]

[daw. Bai bai, Vash!smile. Sanji will remember you]

Idiot. [hey, this time he says it with no venom. But Sanji's not about to explain himself so he'll just switch topics]

You gonna stop moping for five damn seconds now or do I have to kick it out of you?

I guess I could... I don't feel like visiting the clinic today...

Then again... [digs for his new pack of cigarettes]

I suppose it depends on if I could hit your shitty ass, huh?

[oh yes, he didn't forget that part, Mr. Vash. Sanji doesn't forget things like that]

What- you mean? [Awkward laugh] That was just luck. [Of course it was!! But he's going to stare unhappily at those cigarettes.]

Don't pull that bullshit with me, Vash.

You looked ready to shoot me. [The cigarette pauses on the track to his mouth as he remembers it; yeah... there had been something different about Vash]

You kicked at me... from behind... I didn't know it was you. Did you SEE how much random death was falling from the sky?

It was kinda hard not to fuckin notice! [sob Nami-san sob. Excuse him while he wibbles a moment]

I just didn't expect you to be that fast. You really are like the muscle head sometimes.

Yeah... I got lucky... I uh... kinda slipped on the snow a bit when I tried to move out of the way.

... Slipped on the snow?

Yeah... it's a lot different from sand. For something that packs so well it's quiet slippery at times.

So there's no snow where you're from at all? [he sorta heard about the sand, but figured different parts of the planet had other climates]

No. It's all desert. Although some people have managed to work the land and have grown some trees and grass. It's really quiet amazing.

[it's like Arabasta; the memories, though a little bloodied by war and battles, still bring a smile to his face without him realizing it]

Yeah, human beings are resilient bastards. They can live anywhere as long as they have the will.

Yeah; it's really quiet amazing how strong they can be.

Still-- Nothing but desert. Doesn't sound like the most pleasant existence. [Considering Sanji's dream is directly connected to the ocean? He wouldn't be able to stand it]

It's not always... but if we keep working on it one day it will be a world of peace. A place with no war - where people can live out their lives in peaceful days. [Vash? Optimistic? Nooooo.]

[with no war? That's a load of shit. As long as there are differing opinions and people in power, there will be fights.

But Sanji's not about to backtrack on all the progress he's made, keeping Vash from being an emotard. He makes a noise in his throat that's neither agreement or disapproval and finally sticks that cigarette in his mouth]

I guess you'll find out... well, not in your lifetime.

[HA! Very funny... his lifetime.] You never know.

Human beings don't change their act that quickly. You'll probably be rolling in your shitty grave before anything of significance happens.

[Sorry Vash, he's using normal logic. Forgive him]

But maybe you're right. Who knows?

[Plant or human logic mun agrees with Sanji]

Yeah; you never know! They can really surprise you sometimes!

Nothing beats your optimism, does it?

Nope~! Not even a kick to the head I'm afraid!

Yeah, yeah, I fuckin figured, Broom Head. Your skull's too thick.

[Funny how this worked out. Sanji's feeling rather comfortable now, and the anger he's been harboring these past few days has all but diminished.]

Well it's a good thing or I'd probably be brain dead by now.

Too bad about that, huh?

What do you mean too bad!?

Exactly how it sounds.

[brb trolling you. And loving it]

Gee... thanks.

[I enjoy it... but I need to learn to do better keeping him IC when OOC... hm. Catch 22 much?]

[amused by your pain, Vash. Forever and ever.

Though while he's in a good mood... Vash will now find a bag of donuts dropped in his lap, all nonchalant, naturally, and Sanji doesn't acknowledge the move afterward. Instead he'll move to stand up.]

[What? A bag? Now getting something from Sanji at this moment in time was the very last thing he expected.] What's this?

I'm surprised your nose hasn't picked up on it yet.

[His nose... wait... now that he's thinking about it this bag - it feels like... No - why would Sanji be carrying around a bag of...? Opening bag and... glee! Excuse him a moment. Staring in surprise at the bag.]

Donuts?! [Oh nom nom! Scarfing one and while munching on the second.] Thanks! I needed these!

... Idiot.

[Grins! Yes... with his mouth full.]

[you give him such a headache, Vash. But hey, mission accomplished. With that out of the way, Sanji figures he'll take his leave before he ends up kicking the guy or something]

Tch. Later, Broom Head.

See ya Twinkle Toes! [The nickname is back - but is this a good or bad thing?]

[considering that's what Sanji wanted to hear, he'll count it as a good thing this one time]

[Alexei kept his involvement to a minimum for most of the battle. He wasn't directly involved and most the people that were there had the situation covered. Naturally if he didn't need to dirty his hands, he stood back to observe. As he notices Vash, he recalls this fella kept trying to avoid any sort of conflict. Poor guy.]

Still feeling unsettled by what happened?

[Without looking up just yet.] A man is dead... and I was right there. I should have stopped it.

Even knowing he would return regardless, because of this twisted place? A man of his history...do you believe death could have been avoidable for him?

[Quiet for awhile.] Kefka needed to be dealt with... but not like that. No one has the right to take a life.

Can you say the same in war? If Kefka was simply to be stopped, not killed, what guarantees he will not try again?

People can change. The ticket to the future is always open.

Yes...but some choose not to. Regardless, the deed has been done. He will return again, and perhaps things will be different...or remain the same.

I will make sure they change.

[At some point, Terra's walk takes her within range of that bench. Her expression is similarly solemn, not having enjoyed what happened. The fact that she knew it had to be done didn't make her heart any less heavy. Even the mental flailing over having transformed in front of so many people took a backseat to those emotions.

Upon spotting Vash, Terra pauses abruptly. She vaguely remembers his pleas during the battle, despite having known more about Kefka's deeds than anyone else except the Returners. Poor man, he only seemed to want an end to the violence...which kept escalating until she had ended it in a way that he undoubtedly wouldn't have wanted. Vash had seemed like a possible friend before, but after what happened, he must hate her. She took a step back, wondering if she should just return in the direction from which she had come. Better than to force an interaction he more than likely wouldn't want.]

Edited 2010-01-05 05:26 (UTC)

[The sudden movement catches his eye. Emo or no Vash is still a gunman who's use to having nearly the whole world after him. Quick movements are going to grab his attention. But he'll give you a smile - even if it's a bit forced.] Hello Terra.

Hello, Vash.

[The forced smile provokes one of her own. The urge to flee is there and tempting, but...Terra doesn't want to be a coward. Besides, she owes him something and she knows it. The forced smile fades, an apologetic expression forming in its wake.]

I'm...I'm sorry you had to see that....

[Even if he doesn't want to talk about it, even if he'd rather avoid her from now on, she has to at least get out that much.]

[As Vash doesn't know what happened after you flew off he's narrowing your discomfort down to the transformation.] It’s alright. I’m just glad you and everyone else are alright. [He’s rubbing his right hand nervously Terra. He wants to tell you it’s alright that he understands but he’s not use to sharing personal things.]

[Terra's assuming Adell or someone else told him, at this point. She fidgets, tugging at the end of her ponytail for something to do.]

As am I. It could have been so much worse....

[She bites her lip.]

I guess you know now why I would take the Esper's story personally. Maybe I should have told you before, but...I'm not used to people knowing about it.

Don't worry about it. [He pulls out his gun and stares at it for a moment. Should I...?] I- [No. He can't. He just doesn't know her well enough yet.] I'm sure we all have things we'd rather not share. [Genuinely smiles up at you.] And trust me; something like that probably isn't so bad.

Edited 2010-01-05 06:28 (UTC)

[If Terra thinks anything of his hesitation, she doesn't say anything about it. He's right; everyone has their secrets. There's a small smile that appears, and fades away in a moment.]

I wouldn't have transformed, if I didn't think it necessary...and it's the same, with confronting Kefka. Despite what you might think, I didn't enjoy fighting him. I did it, because it seemed the only way to protect people...and I would do it again, for that reason.

It's alright. I understand. Kefka did need to be stopped... just... there must have been another way.

[Terra looks skeptical but nods, at least willing to hear him out.]

I doubt Kefka will ever want to redeem himself, but if there's a way we can avoid fighting him all the time...I'd support you if you found it.

I guess I'll have to keep thinking then.

[Minato doesn't know Vash or anyone involved with the Kefka fight, but a somber looking guy out in the cold is hard to ignore. Deciding to abandon his shopping plans for the moment, he slowly approaches.]

[Slow isn't threatening. So sorry; right now Vash is a bit too deep in his own thoughts to notice just yet.]

[Good, because he doesn't want to be threatening. After stopping at a reasonable distance and waiting for a moment, he speaks up.]

Having trouble?

[Ah; someone who was uninvolved. Sorry if he tries to hide it with a forced smile.] Mhhm? Oh! I'm sorry I was just thinking.

It looks deep.

Y-yeah... I guess it kinda is. [Small laugh]

[...how to be nosy without being nosy. Minato finally decides for a direct approach. If Vash brushes it off, he'll let it be.]

Could I ask what happened?

[He's quiet for a couple seconds.] A man died here... he wasn't a good man... but it shouldn't have ended like it did.

[...]

It won't help, but he will come back.

I know... but it still doesn't make it right.

Was he threatening someone?

Y-yes... several people.

[It's a miracle in itself that Usopp's walking through the damn plaza right now. He questions this decision increasingly, but no return of the killer clown or random murderous psychopath, so things are looking up.

He needed to find that ring for Chopper's antler anyway. Gonna stop, stare at your emo, stare just a little more and then he'll have a seat next to you. At what he'd consider to be a distance respectful of personal space. Gdit he dislikes seeing people be emo. ;;]

So did you hear Chopper get back?

[He'll turn towards you and plaster a happy but forced smile on his face. Not as forced as others he's been giving during the day as that actually really cheered him up earlier.] I did! I'm glad he's alright!

[8| Like Usopp's not uber-familiar with the smile of denial method. But he'd be kind of a jackass if he called you out on it, given the epic fail of circumstances prior. Your emo makes happiness difficult, Vash.] Yeah, so are we. He'll be good as new in no time.

You should stop by to see him- maybe tell him a story about mayflies or something, I don't know anything about them yet.

[Grins] I'll see if I can stop by. I'd like to see him. [Translation - if I can decided if other members of the crew are going to be unhappy to see me or not.]

Good. I'm sure he wants to see you, too. [Nobody will beat you up. 8D]

[Hmmmm. Giving you side glance.] I'm sorry.

[Fake smile at least slips away at the sorry comment. He'll look away back out towards the plaza before answering softly.] I should have done something.

Edited 2010-01-05 14:45 (UTC)

[GAH. Don't give the boy flashbacks.] Sometimes there's nothing you can do. No matter how much you try.

[Usopp knows a lot about not being able to do anything when you want to the most.]

No. There is always another way. I just didn't see it in time.

...is thinking that doing you any good so far?

[He speaks softly] It will... when I can learn from this mistake and avoid it in the future.

Be better if nobody had to.

One day... there will be no war or violence. One day the world will be a place of love and peace where people can live out their lives in peaceful days.

[Oh, you.]

You're even an optimist when you're depressed.

It's a good dream to have.

[Shy laugh] Y-yeah I guess you could say that.

[He shuts his eyes and smiles remembering something.] But it's not enough to just dream it... we have to work hard and create it.

Well a dream's not worth it if you aren't willing to work for it, right? [It's like a law of One Piece.]

Exactly. [He takes a deep breath and lets out a long sigh. Then he speaks more to himself.] Mistakes are made; but if we realize them... it’s possible to make it right again.

[Good. Smiles are good.]

Ah, I better see if this ring will work for Chopper's antler. I'll see you when you come to visit.

[Well, if you aren't dead. Otherwise he clearly means your ass will be there.]

A ring? [Well... if you have antlers you might as well decorate them he supposes.]

[Dead? Wut dead? Just because a demon shows up in a person's post who likes to make people bleed for fun means nothing!]

Ah, yeah. I'm pretty sure I can use it to put it back on, that's what the other one did before- before they took it anyway. It didn't hurt him though, he swears. Just hope I can actually manage to do it, I've never had to before.

Edited 2010-01-06 11:57 (UTC)

Wait... it holds his antler... on!?

[Affirmative noise here.] Or, ah, maybe it's more like holding it together.

They cut off his antler?

They- they didn't exactly. It was already like that, just held together, but-

It just looked worse than it was. [Oh and it was also just about terrifying, but you know.]

Oh... I see... glad it didn't hurt?

Yeah, us too.

Then I'd better not keep you. Tell Chopper I'll stop by for a visit later if he's feeling up to visitors! [HA!]

No problem!

[;___; see you later. Only it's your corpse.]

[He'll wave] See ya later Captain!

[Now that the commotion is over, Jay goes to investigate the scene. There's no sign of Kefka, but he does see Vash. Jay ponders for a moment; hasn't he met this guy before?]

What happened here?

[Not looking up just yet. He's a bit lost in thought.] A man died here... he wasn't a good man but he shouldn't have died. [I should have stopped it.]

I overheard through the journals. There was an incident with Kefka, wasn't there?

[He wonders who Kefka had killed, but then hears the important bit, "He wasn't a good man."]

...You mean Kefka's dead?

[A nod.]

[Jay takes a moment to reflect, but he doesn't appear to be either happy or sad about it. Instead, he just lets out a sigh.]

He'll be back.

I know; but that doesn't change the fact that no one has the right to take another's life.

The right to take another's life...

[Ponder...]

So you'd favor saving Kefka's life over all the innocent lives that would have been lost if Kefka had continued to live?

[Probably the fastest response anyone will get today] No. He needed to be stopped - but there must have been another way.

Edited 2010-01-05 14:49 (UTC)

I...doubt it. If death won't stop him, nothing will.

No; there's always another way.

Really? Then how?

I-I don't know. I didn't see it in time. But people can change. The ticket to the future is always open.

So the ticket would be to contain him until he does "change?" How would one go about that? Kefka would've been able to teleport out of any cell.

[And thus he runs into the same wall he was hitting with the issue about his brother back home.] I don't know.

[Sigh.]

Oh well. We'll just see how he changes when he comes back from the dead.

Hmmm... [But have a slightly embarrassed fake!smile] Maybe I'll have thought of something by then.

You had better.

[Seriously, if anyone can save him from cooperating with Kefka, he's more than up for it. He's really not thrilled with the idea of cooperating with him at all.]

I'll try real hard.

[Because I was late to the party, Cyan was at the battle but wasn't very active in it. ...That's it.] It is over. Do not sorrow.

A life was lost.

Aye. My wife and child was avenged as well. A whole kingdom was.

[Oooh - he can’t say anything to that right now. But that quick intake of breath that sounds very close to a sob means he heard you.]

[A familiar face will be lurking through the plaza area sometime soon, carrying a small bag of groceries. Aside from... groceries... she's got other things on her mind as well. Like the Kefka incident. ~~and the barrier~~.

Still, she sees you Vash. And you don't look happy. Give her a few moments to decide whether or not she should approach you.]

[Vash will not notice you just yet Noel. You don't set off his: People trying to kill me sense.]

[... Oh, screw it. Walking over to you now.]

Um... Vash, was it?

[Fake smile go!] Oh! Hello Noel! You look well.

[d-derp. that was a weird sudden change of mood.]

H-How are you feeling?

I'm doing alright.

... Are you sure?

Yeah; I'm fine. How have you been? [What? Change of subject? Why would you say that?]

[Not only that, but that smile is...]

... I've been fine. [And now she's a little afraid to pry.]

That's good to hear. What's gotten you out into the cold today? [He won't bring it up unless you pry I'm afraid.]

Ah! Th-this-- [Holding up a small bag of groceries. Pause.] ... I was stocking up.

It is a little cold, though, now that you mention it. Why are you out here all alone?

I was thinking... about the other day.

[...] I see.

[At this point, she'll be sitting on the bench as well, but at a reasonable distance.]

[He's quiet for a bit... damn this awkward silence!]

[derp.]

Um... Vash?

Yeah?

I'm sorry for what happened.

It's alright. It wasn't your fault.

[Uh... what should she say?]

Th-Things will work out in the end. I'm sure they will.

Edited 2010-01-07 03:20 (UTC)

As long as people can realize their mistakes... they can be fix. It's never too late. So I'm sure in the end it will.

I hope you're right.

Yeah. A very good friend help me realize that. I know she's right.

... Who was she?

[Happy laugh] My friend Meryl actually.

Oh, r-really? I think I've heard that name before, actually... isn't she here, too?

Yeah! She helps run the bar here.

Ah. I must have heard her name over the journals, then.

Probably.

[Emil's on his way back from a shopping trip when he spots the forlorn figure sitting on the bench. He can't just ignore someone who looks so sad, so he's going to wander over and stand a few feet away.]

Um...

[Blink. Blink. Looking at you with a slightly fake smile.] Oh! Hello.

[That fake smile is not fooling him, Vash. He tries to pull the very same thing all the time.]

Is something wrong?

Oh no... not really. Just... thinking about things.

What kind of things?

Events... things that have happened.

Oh.

[Again, he understands that feeling very well.]

Did... did someone close to you get sent home?

Edited 2010-01-06 03:40 (UTC)

No... [A bit of a pause] Did you know anything about Kefka?

No, I've never met anyone by that name. Why? What happened?

[He lets out a long sigh in order to get his thoughts together.] He... he wasn't a good man; but he died here the other day.

Died? But-- how?

He's hurt many people here. Even killed one. They got into a fight.

[Emil... does not like the sound of this at all.]

I-is the other person all right?

Y-yeah... only Kefka was hurt.

Even if he killed someone, that doesn't mean he deserved to die too... does it?

[Holy crap! Someone not yelling at him for his views? He's a bit stunned.] Y-yeah...

[If Emil did, that would make him a hypocrite. But right now he's also trying to convince HIMSELF that people who kill others don't deserve to die too.]

It won't bring the other person back...

I know - but if I can figure out what I did wrong... next time maybe I could stop it from happening.

N-no, I meant... killing Kefka won't bring the person he killed back.

No. It wouldn't.

And it makes the people who cared about Kefka sad too.

Yeah. It does.

... what if this is what the Malnosso want? To trap us here and then trick us all into fighting each other?

Maybe... they did pick some dangerous people to mix together.

...

[This is not making him feel better.]

[Eventually Vash catches on that his emo is spreading and lets out an embarrased and slightly nervous laugh] Ah-ha... but there are so many GOOD people here that they certainally outnumber the bad - so maybe they're here by a fluke or something.

There used to be more good people here...

I dunno... most of the people I've met so far have been really nice and good people.

But a lot of people have been sent home too.

But I suppose in a way - that's good. We may miss them but at least they're not here anymore.

Y-yeah, they're safe from the Malnosso now. They don't have to be experimented on or kidnapped or anything like that.

Excatly. I'm sure those sent home will be alright.

But what about us?

We'll be alright too. Mistakes are made - but as long as we realize that... the ticket to the future is always open. There's always hope.

Always open...

[Emil stopped believing that he'd ever be able to get home a while ago, but this man sounds so sincere and that phrase sounds so nice that he almost finds himself believing it now.]

... um, I'm Emil. It's nice to meet you.

[He holds out his hand.] My name's Vash. It's nice to meet you Emil.

[After a moment of hesitation, he'll take the hand and give it a gentle shake.]

Have you been here for very long? I don't think we've met before.

Compared to some? Not long. About three months now.

I've been here for a year and a half, but sometimes it seems a lot longer than that.

[Small smile] But I'm sure you've made some good friends in that time haven't you?

[Aaaand drooping now. He has, but so many of them have been sent home lately...]

[Ack! No! Don't do that!] And-uh... well I mean... you get to meet a lot of people who you would normally never get a chance to meet! And uh... [Fishing in the dark] and isn't it better to meet someone even just once than to have never had those fun times?

I guess so...

I know... I'm thankful for every person I get to meet. Even if I never see them again. I think it's meeting new people that can make life intersting.

But don't you feel sad when they go away?

I do. It's alright to be sad; but not all the time. [Small laugh] I don't think they'd want me to be sad for long. [Says the man who usually does the walking out.] Besides you never know. You may see each other again.

What if you don't? What do you do then?

[Emil is kind of surprised that so many people here are so hopeful. He used to be that way himself, but after more than a year of being stuck here, it's hard to still believe that they're going to go back home.]

Then... I remember the good times. The reasons they were important to me.

On the day of our birth the future was left wide open to us. You never know what things you'll see and learn. I think that's exciting.

[Something about Vash's words is causing a lump to form in Emil's throat. He wants to believe it, he really does, but after everything that's happened the past few months, and then hearing about these deaths on top of that... well, it's hard.]

But it's alright... to be sad once in awhile. To miss them. Just as long as you don’t get stuck in that sorrow. I think they'd be sad if you were to never be happy again.

... I just want to see them again. I don't care if I never go home as long as I can be with them.

I know... and it can be hard. Sometimes nothing helps but time. It's hard to lose a friend. [He needs a moment. Shutting his eyes and thinking about his own friends who are gone.]

[That's all right, Emil needs a moment as well. What a fine pair these two make-- the derpy emo blond duo. They both have terrible luck, too.]

[After a moment] I'm sorry that you've lost your friends recently; but I hope it won't stop you from trying to make new ones. They won't replace the old ones of course - but I think it would be sad to not have any.

I do have friends... I have Ted and Faize and Colette and Rena and, um... and my chimera Sial.

[Pets count as friends too, right?]

[Of course they do! Pets rock.]

That's good. I'm glad!

I don't think Sial likes all this snow, though. It's hard for him to go outside when the snow is taller than he is.

The weather will eventually change, won't it? I think I saw in the guides that the weather changes here.

And I actually kinda like the snow! It's cold and wet and you can build stuff in it! It's really neat!

Yes, but it won't start changing until March or April at the earliest. It's probably going to be cold and snowy like this until then, but if the snow doesn't start to melt soon, it's going to start getting really hard to go outside to the stores.

Hm... that's true.

And it would be nice if it were a little bit warmer, too.

I like the cold! I think it's really neat!

It doesn't bother you at all?

Well... I mean it's cold. Just a nice change from hot!

I guess so... I never really thought of it that way.

It's nice to think that the weather will change. Gives people something to look foward to!

I'm just looking forward to not freezing every time I have to go to the store.

[Laughs] Y-yeah! That'd be nice!

[SHIVERING NOW oh man why so cooooold]

You look cold. Maybe you should head inside.

Y-yeah, that might be a good idea. Um, it was nice meeting you, Vash. And I hope... I hope you can find a way to stop anyone else from getting hurt.

Likewise! We should meet up and chat sometime someplace warm; but I should probably head home myself.

We can always talk later over the journals from our houses.

Ah, good idea! Talk to you later then!

Okay!

[Luffy will be walking by and, oh hey Vash]

Oi Vash! You okay?

[Looking towards you and quickly plastering a fake smile on his face.] I-I'm alright.

[Oh ok. Well Vash is completely fine. Sitting down on the bench]

I didn't even get to kick that guy's ass at all. I'll have to get 'em when he comes back.

...I don't think more violence is going to solve the problem Luffy.

Yes it will. I'll just keep kicking his ass until he can't hurt my nakama anymore.

[In other words he's planning to keep killing him]

There has to be another way to stop him. Violence doesn't solve problems. It creates them.

You know a way to stop him then?

...not yet.

Then I'll have to beat him again.

[Sighs. Vash doesn't like where this is going; but for now he'll try to steer it in another.] If I could find a way... would you still have to 'beat him'?

I won't kick his ass if you find a way for him not to hurt my nakama or anyone else.

[But there is no way. The only way to stop him is with violence. However he has a feeling if he tries to go after Kefka Vash will try to stop him, and he doesn't need him in the way. So once Vash loses the bet, he'll just have to accept that Luffy has to kill him! YUP!]

I'll think of something.

Okay! I get to kick his ass if you don't though!

[Vash is quiet for a good long time before he speaks very softly.] I'm sorry Luffy... but I cannot sit by and let someone die.

I won't let him hurt my nakama...

And... I won't let him hurt them either.

You want to stop him, you don't want to kill him, you won't let me kill him, and you're not gonna let him hurt anyone.

You an idiot? These guys are dangerous, you can't just play around like that.

I'm not playing around. But there is always a way to save everyone. Without killing.

[Standing up now. This is useless.]

When Kefka comes back. I'm going after him.

Violence... only leads to more violence.

Then think of something else.

I'm trying!!

[Brook wasn't planning on being out long today - he just went out to get some tea for himself when he sees you. Approaching the bench now, and he's even making sure you notice him before he gives you a heart attack like usual!]

That is quite the sullen face you're wearing, Vash-san.

[Forced smile is a go!] Oh! Hello Brook!

Hm. That's a start! [You don't fool him though, Vash. And he'll just take a seat beside you.] Now what brings you here this afternoon?

[Smile falters for a moment.] I guess... to think...

Ah. A beri for your thoughts, then? Not that I have one, of course - but so goes the saying.

I was thinking... about the other day.

[Nodding] I thought as much. You seemed quite upset over the matter when you left us.

A man died... right in front of me. I should have stopped it.

And if you had, then a large number of those present likely would have died in his place. [Oh, how blunt we are. He doesn't sound angry, though]

No! There was a way to save everyone! I just didn't see it in time! There's always a way...

[Oh Vash] Not always, and certainly not this time. With the figures present, that outcome would have been impossible. I find your talk of peace admirable, Vash-san, but do not fool yourself into this line of thought.

I’m sorry Brook… but I can’t accept that. No one ever has the right to kill.

I've made no demands for you to do so; merely to accept the fact that you couldn't have prevented it. [He's decided not to bother you with his own thoughts on that sensitive subject for now]

No. There is always a way. [Hi. My name is broken record. It's nice to meet you.]

If you haven't thought of one by now, then there was not. [Still sounding very patient. You're not 'thinking', Vash, you're still on the same track as before] Or have you thought of a way?

[~~Knocked Sanji out at the beginning and take off running with Kefka?~~ He’s quiet for a nearly a good minute. It may seem like he’s not going to answer before he finally speaks again.] I should have tried harder to make others understand. Tried to stop more attacks.

[~~Maybe Kefka would've been too shocked to kill him for a whole thirty seconds! :O~~ Not like he's going anywhere]

Hmm, that might have bought you some time. To be frank, however, I think it would have merely prolonged the inevitable. It is my understanding that those present had more reason to engage Kefka in battle than my crew, even, and holding back us alone would have been near impossible enough for you.

[Vash is quiet for awhile. He understands what you're saying but he won't accept it.] Maybe...

[At least he's not saying the same thing over again]

Vash-san... I know this upsets you, and I do not mean this to sound cold. But there are far worse punishments than merely dying. It may not give us the right to take a life, mind, but there are far crueler things that could have been done.

No. I'm sorry... but I can't accept that. Killing should never be an option.

You have every right not to, and I would not blame you. Life is a very precious thing... and in most instances you get but one chance at it.

Just because it shouldn't be an option though doesn't mean that some will not make it one. You cannot be at fault for that.

[He goes to speak - but realizes they'd just be going in circles so all that comes out is a small sigh instead.] Hm.

[Sigh. He's thinking maybe he'll have better luck later. For now though, there's not much use continuing on this subject. Have two pats on the back Vash, as he pushes himself off the bench]

There's little sense in dwelling for too long on these matters at one time. Yohohoho... I think it depresses the both of us.

Would you care to join me for lunch? Or perhaps just a drink?

Edited 2010-01-07 05:53 (UTC)

Thanks; but I think I'll be headed home soon. But I was planning on visiting Chopper later.

I'm sure he will appreciate the visit! So I'll see you later then?

Yup! Probably sometime after dinner!

[Funny, it probably was after dinner.]

Good! I look forward to it! [He tips his hat before tapping the bench with his cane] Don't stay for too long out here, neh? It won't do to have you visit with a cold!

I won't! See you later Brook.

[Just what Vash needs when in an angsty mood, another of Luceti's most dangerous.

And Yuber is incredibly bored right now, bored enough to go to the village and see who he can taunt. And look, there's Vash, what a wonderful target for entertainment.

So Vash, there's a demon coming your way.]

[Emo he may be; but he’s not completely numb to threats. He stands quickly as you approach. Hand near his gun.] What are you doing here?

(ooc: XD Yes... afraid sleep does call. Will respond in the morning and after work!)

[Oh, a hand towards his gun? Why that's a threat and Yuber is going to make the swords appear now.] Merely bored. Perhaps you could be amusing to me?

Oh well! If you’re bored I think I saw some playing cards in one of the shops! Yes! I could go get them and we could play a rousing game of gin rummy!

[He frowns at the suggestion, and it is obvious that is not the sort of entertainment he was considering.] I was thinking more of you bleeding and screaming as I put you out of your misery once and for all.

[Well it was worth a shot. His tone goes more serious; his voice has a rough edge to it but he’s trying to keep it soft.] I’m sorry; I can’t let you do that. You really need a new form of entertainment.

I think it suits me very well. If you are dead, you no longer need to worry about saving every foolish and pathetic life.

And truly, how are you going to stop me?

[Why yes, he still doesn't know people in Luceti come back. He's been told, but won't believe it til he sees it, which means he's going to have to kill someone to prove that.

And oh yeah, those two swords, they are coming at Vash for an attack. This is a good time to run away or actually do something about it Vash.]

[Yup. He’ll do something. How about dodge with a girlish yelp then take off running in the nearest direction of the forest. He’s not running as nearly as fast as he could. He wants you to follow him away from people.]

[Oh, he'll follow. He doesn't care how many or how few get hurt, just as long as someone bleeds. And that girlish yelp is definitely amusing. Seriously, Vash is indeed a neverending source of entertainment for this demon.]

[And for a quick ooc note, we can assume this is the last thread timewise here so there are no time paradoxes. Totally fine by me.]

[He's keeping an eye on his back. Watching out for any lightening attack or what else you may have up your sleeve. He'll speed up if you get too close until they reach the forest and then he'll begin to zig-zag in and out to get some tree between them in an all out sprint.] I don't want to fight you!

(ooc: That's fine! Was kinda already assuming this would be happening at the end.)

Edited 2010-01-06 04:58 (UTC)

[How mean of Vash there! Yuber wants him to bleed and he should be so honored that the demon finds him so wonderfully entertaining. Well, except for the fact that Vash will be bleeding to entertain the demon of course, but still, that's not the point!] Except you are obviously too pathetic to prevent it. You can't kill me because of your stupid ideals, can you?

[And well, that tree wouldn't do much, because you know, teleportation, but Yuber will humor Vash and instead use some magic.

However, this magic is far more powerful. It is going to call up some lightning that will strike everything in the path of Vash and of course the silly gunman too.]

[Shit. Yes. That was one of those things he was keeping an eye out for. He going to leap as far away as he can from the blast but damn it’s taking out a lot of trees. He winces as the splinters fly at him; scratching at his face. Shit. He pulls his gun and fires six quick shots but they sound like one. He’s aiming for them to graze both of Yuber’s arms. Vash wants to scare the mean demon away.] We don’t have to fight like this!

[He’s going to take advantage of one of the fallen tree to slip out of view long enough to reload his gun. He does this nearly instantly having the six shells ready for an instant reload already should he ever find himself in a fight. And this was one of those times.]

Edited 2010-01-06 06:21 (UTC)

[And yes, in fact the bullets do graze his arms, but that isn't going to stop this demon. He's taken bigger hits and kept on going afterwards.

All that really accomplishes is making Yuber get angrier. He's going to unleash his more powerful attack now and there are now three of the demon coming to attack Vash for the moment. The illusions will vanish once they all slash at Vash and he can't use this again, but still it's meant to show, the demon doesn't stop fighting, this is what actually makes him happy. He's definitely amused once he's attacking and not getting hit. He's enjoying this. He doesn't look in the least bit bored now.]

Edited 2010-01-06 06:47 (UTC)

[Crap. Three? He was having enough trouble with one! But that first slice across his back snaps him out of that brief shock. And there are five more swords left. He brings his gun up - but he doesn’t know which is the real one and which is a copy - he needs to aim, but that slice along his arm throws it off. Damn it. Damn it. Damn it. Another cuts at his left arm just above the elbow - the prosthetic takes some damage but he can still feel the control there. Another across his left thigh as he tries to jump and doge the flurry of blade descending upon him. The fifth cuts shallowly across his midsection and he just barely misses the last - tumbling and rolling away from the demon.

He stays crouched a moment. Panting heavily as if having just run a marathon - even though it had only lasted a few moments. He moves to stand. Wincing as the cuts burn and weaving slightly.

Shit.]

[And yes, it is a very fast attack, though it annoys Yuber that the speed isn't what it is in his world. And it's especially annoying because that attack only works once. Anything further and he has to call upon the power of his True Rune, and well he's not doing that. No one here is worth that sort of trouble.

Still, he is not even showing that he's bothered by the slight wounds from Vash's gun. He's going to continue to attack and hope now the man will actually do something to defend himself. It would be amusing to see if the idiot is willing to actually attempt to kill, because that is what is needed to stop this demon, especially in the mood he's in now.]

[Damn it. He didn’t want to fight. He had hoped to escape that coming here. But as the last day or so showed him; this was not possible.] Alright then. [He was going to have to hurt Yuber. Enough to stop him from attacking. He didn’t like it, but it seemed the only way.

He brings his gun up and shoots a round off aimed to graze past Yuber’s right cheek - hoping it more for a distraction. Aimed far enough that it won’t actually hit the demon but close enough to encourage a block near his face. As he fires he leaps upwards kicking off a tree branch to jump up and over the demon. He targets the right shoulder as he falls and pulls the trigger just as he lands.] Grrghhh- [Clutching his midsection he stands. He can’t keep this up forever.]

Edited 2010-01-06 07:53 (UTC)

[Yuber will only stop when he's hurt enough that there is a risk of dying at this point. Other times he's very willing to go and leave in advance, but that is more of a taunt in that they can't hurt him because he can leave at any time.

But that shot actually catches him off guard. And his journal ends up flying out of his jacket with the movement he made to attempt to dodge it and he still ended up being grazed by that bullet.

But from here on now, this is being broadcast over the journals via this post (http://blackenedchaos.livejournal.com/3737.html)]

Edited 2010-01-06 10:09 (UTC)

[Stitch sees this grim looking spiky hair man and decided what he needs is a hug. Hugs made Lilo and Nami better when they looked like that, so it should work here right. So Stitch is going to wander over to Vash and try to give him one.]

[Okay - Stitch sets off his radar because... that's not normal. What is that thing? It's coming closer.]

Why hello there little guy!

H-hi, Mister Spiky Hair. [Stitch is going to gently head butt Vash.]

[Oh wow it talks. Petting your head now with an amused laugh.] My name's Vash. What's yours?

Stitch. [He likes the head pats, but he came over here to give you a hug. So be hugged.]

[The hug takes him by surprise for a moment before he returns it. Vash is a touchy feely guy. He likes hugs!]

[Stitch will buff Vash's hand for head pats.]

Why Vash look not happy?

I've just been thinking too much about unhappy things I guess.

Unhappy thing? Vash sad. Not good.

I'll be alright.

[Stitch nods.] Vash be 'right soon? Vash have friend make Vash smile. Help Vash unhappy thing go away.

Yeah I do. I have some very good friends. Does Stitch have good friends too?

[Stitch thinks a bit about friends. He hasn't had friends for very long, and even then it's been only Lilo before coming here, so the idea is still a bit new to him.]

Maybe. Stitch not know. Stitch find friend. Stitch new. Stitch young. Stitch different.

Oh! You're new here?

Being young and different isn't so bad! After all if everyone was the same they'd be no indvi-[Hold on... Vash just creped himself out] -that would be boring!

Eh. [Nods.] Not just here. Before here. Here Stitch meet people. Stitch not know friend yet. Stitch think has friend.

Well; I'm sure your friends will be happy when you get home - but until then I'll be happy to be your friend little guy!

[People here are nice. Maybe Stitch have lot friend here.]

[Be hugged Vash.]

[Vash likes hugs! He hugs back]

What friend Vash like?

[Okay. He's confused.] Uh... you mean like... what are MY friends like or what kind of friend I am?

Vash.

Well; I'd like to believe I'm a good friend! But it's hard to define a friend really.

[Stitch shakes his head. He's confused now as he thought he asked a different question.]

What Friend Vash like? [Pause.] Friends Stitch like cook. Like cake. Not like water.

Oh! I like donuts! And I just found out how much fun snowman building can be.

[Stitch will remember donuts for it he ever needs to get something for Vash.]

Stitch like snowballs.

...and snowball fights? Those are fun too.

Eh. Lots fun. Stitch like.

[He leans down and starts packing some snow.]

[Stitch is so onto you Vash. He's also started packing some snow.]

[And Vash throws the first snowball! It is WAR!]

[Yes. Yes it is. Close range means that one hits. Stitch throws his own snowball looking happy.]

[Smacks him right in the shoulder. With a laugh he tosses a quick snowball counter attack!]

[There is a slightly maniacal laughter coming from Stitch as he (mostly) dodges the counter attack and it hits one of his ears and he return fire.]

Edited 2010-01-09 16:13 (UTC)

[Vash ducks behind the bench for cover and misses getting hit by that snowball. Grabs a bunch of snow and returns fire!]

[It's war. Stitch grabs more snow and starts making and throwing snowballs as fast as he can.]

[It's on furry, blue, cute thing! Vash quickly throws his own snowballs back at you. Feel free to win this fight though. Vash tends to go easy on cute things.]

[Stitch gives snowball fights his all, so he probably will win in that case. There will be flurries of snowballs being thrown at Vash, mixed in with slightly maniacal laughter.]

[So the game ends with Vash getting burried in snow and laughing] I surrender!

[Stitch is clapping and laughing at that announcement.]

Stitch win.

[Wait, what? Is that Vash being emo? Approaching quickly.]

OI!
Yer supposed ta be my happy buddy, what's got ya down all of a sudden?

Oh! Raven! Sorry... I guess I was thinking too hard!

[He plonks himself down next to Vash on the bench.]

If ya wanna talk about I'll listen. I'm good at keepin' secrets.

Well... it's not really a secert. [Pause] A man was killed here the other day... he wasn't a good man - but it shouldn't have ended that way.

People don't die in Luceti though, they just get resurrected and come right back with a penalty.

It doesn't matter! No one has the right to take a life! And even if he comes back... he's losing a part of himself.

[Raven's already died once, before Luceti, he's not exactly keen to bring that up but he wants to try reassure his friend. This is quite a pickle.]

Think of it positively then, at least he'll actually come back. Back home when people died fer me they stayed dead. I guess we're lucky to be given another chance here if somethin' goes wrong.

Ya said no one has the right to take a life, I'm guessin' he was murdered then.

Edited 2010-01-05 16:33 (UTC)

Y-yes... he hurt many people. I understand why they thought they needed to but... [He sounds a mix between angry and upset as he yells the next bit.] it's not right! He shouldn't have died!

OK first of all, calm down. Secondly, tell me who died and who killed him.

[He looks away.] Did you know who Kefka was?

No idea who he is. That makes me a neutral party in this.

Well... he's done a lot of bad things. He's... killed someone here himself. And the other day he tried to frame a friend of mine for some reason... but it backfired and all the people who were angry at him showed up instead.

I don't need ta know the reasons for his death. If ya think it's a bad thing then explainin' is just tryin' ta justify it. I need ta know who killed him.

But that's kinda the problem... I'm not sure if it was just one person really...

A group effort then?

[Nods]

Were you one of 'em?

No...

I spy with my pryin' eye something begining with lie. Now answer me again, were ya involved?

In the fighting? No. But yes; I was there.

Yeah I figured as much. But ya still haven't told me who killed this guy.

I'm not sure... there were so many attacks happening at once.

Ah well, seems way more complicated than it should be. Basically a bad guy died and yer mopin' around over it. Showin' yer enemies such pity is a disgrace.

[He looks away with just his eyes at first; then turns his head away.] All life is important. No one has the right to choose to end it.

Yeah yah mentioned that already. The point yer missin' is that people don't die here.

They still lose something.

Nothin' they can't get back eventually.

Though the real question is not about who died or how it happened, but more like what are ya gonna do about it? Ya gonna sit around 'ere moping all day?

No. That won't help things either I know. [He just needs some time!]

[No time for you, I've heard about this death! WTH! D:]

Right, so yer gonna come have a drink with me then. Get up.

[Hm. Bar is nearby XD He can get a drink and come back for his 'appointment' and it's not my fault!!! Blame Yuber the freak!]

Well... I guess a warm drink wouldn't hurt. It's cold out here!

[Raven holds out his arm to Vash.]

Then let's go drink like drunken buddies? Whaddaya say?

[He takes the hand and stands.] Well... maybe not drunk tonight... Meryl would be upset if I came home drunk before dinner...

Well.. Yeah I can't really get drunk either... Since I stupidly went and fatigued myself yesterday... Let's just have one nice hot scotch together and call it a night!

That sounds good.

What were you doing yesterday?

[Woohoo walking to the bar~]

Stupidly tryin' to train. Turns out that power cap here is a bit of a nasty fer old Raven.

Hm. I should probably test that out myself sometime... ~~[Like an hour or two from now]~~

~~Fff that's how Raven will die too I bet.~~

Long as ya don't overdo it ya'll be fine. Just avoid the big stuff, takes more of a toll on ya then you realise.

[Small only slightly nervous laugh] Well I don't really have too much 'big' stuff I guess. I'm just a normal gunman.

... Then don't go shootin' yerself. If ya go and die, I'll kill ya when you come back.

And I'm not jokin'.

Gee... thanks for the vote of confidence.

No problem! Now hurry up the drinks awaitin'!

I'm coming. Keep your shirt on grandpa.

Hey! I prefer 'Old Man', grandpa is just rude.

[Loud obnoxious laugh] Old Man it is then!

Well 'Raven' would be better, but whatever works for ya.

[Kicking open the bar door, he ain't touching that door handle it's freezing and he hasn't got gloves.]

Go grab a set I'll get us some bottles~

B-bottles?

[Shouting back from the bar.] Just the one little bottle each!

[He sighs and sits down, but that is a smile on his face!]

[Walking over to where Vash was sitting, Raven places down two surprisingly small bottles without labels onto the table.]

Told ya they were small bottles.

[Grins] That's good because I'd tell Meryl it was all your fault if I came home drunk.

Aww blamin' me before I even get the chance ta try!

Nah this stuff won't get ya drunk anyway, ya'd need to drink both of those bottles. It's some pretty strong rum though, it'll warm ya up inside.

[He takes a sip] That's pretty good.

A sip is the weak way of doin' it. [And saying that Raven knocks the entire bottle back in one go.]

But you can enjoy and savor the flavor if you don't down it in one gulp!

[OK he chokes a little but manages to regain himself.] Geez that burns yer insides. Ya should try it!

[With a sigh and a shrug - if you can't beat them - downs his bottle.] GAHHHHHHHHHHHH! It does!

But ya feel better once it settles. It's like walkin' into a desert!

Mmhm... not quiet...

Well I'm done. Nice ta know I can still drag ya out fer a drink haha! Go on ya should get back home yerself, before a certain someone starts gettin' worried sick.

[He throws a packet of mints on the table.] Eat a few of those so I don't get blamed fer the alcohol on yer breath.

[Picks up the mints with a grin] That's probably a good idea.

We'll have to do this again. [Winks] After dinner of course.

If we're goin' on a date then you can wear the dress.

[He waves a friendly goodbye and walks out of the bar. ~~Ffff wry you have to die?!~~]

No way Old Man. Dresses don't do anything for my figure. [Waves after you. ~~I'm sorry! Blame Yuber.~~]

[So shouting back through the door.]

YA'D LOOK BETTER THAN I WOULD! HAHA!

[Vash shakes his head with a small laugh.] Crazy old man... [Then gets back up and goes back outside to meet up with ~~death~~ a couple other people.]

[OH, FOR THE LOVE OF THE GODS!! 8| You jerkbags are making it really difficult for Miyabi to try and cheer up, you know. She was out in the plaza, gathering materials for her surprise for the Strawhats, when she notices another of her close friends looking rather melancholy.

So, yes, she's going to mentally headdesk ~~y u do dis?~~ before hurrying over to him with a look of deep concern.]

Vash! Wh-What's wrong?!

[Vash is sorry!! He didn't mean for so many people to catch his emo! Next time he's taking his ass to the forest.]

Oh! Miyabi! [Fake smile? What fake smile?! This is totally real of course! ~~not~~] I'm fine. Just thinking too much.

Edited 2010-01-06 00:58 (UTC)

[Yeah, too bad that's probably Miyabi's number one place to just hang around in and paint. She's a nature loving tree-hugger, really. Miyabi sighs. Oh, Vash...no wonder you and Sanji are friends. You two like to think that you can actually fool this young lady. What kind of friend would she be if she couldn't see how upset you really were? Hopping up onto your knee now, kthnx.]

A cluttered mind needs more than one person to clean it. Tell me what happened.

[She's giving you a hard look, Vash. Miyabi doesn't like it when she's being lied to, and that fake smile makes her kind of angry. Does she have to punish you, too? ~~Sanji's beating is still pending.~~]

Do you know anything about Kefka?

[She tenses for a moment. Oh, she's heard of him. That clown person who was giving her friends a hard time... Miyabi can't say she really likes the guy, sorry.]

...A little.

He wasn't a good person... but he died the other day.

[The girl pauses, then sighs. Baw, Vash, you're too sweet for your own good, you know.]

I'm sorry, Vash... [She did feel bad, really. Even if that guy was messing around with her friends, she did still sympathize a little.] But you shouldn't beat yourself up over it, that won't make anything better. It'll just make people worry about you.

I was right there... and I wasn't able to stop it.

[Baw, Vash, that face is so adorably sad. Miyabi bounces up and down and looks up at him seriously.]

You're a very noble person, Vash. Really, your heart is very pure~ Not many people feel remorse for a fallen enemy - it's an honorable trait to have. But you must know that some things cannot be helped, and we as people shouldn't change that which we have no control over.

No... there's always a way. I just didn't see it in time. ~~[If mun got a nickel...]~~

Vash. [She frowns, then leaps right up to hang onto the collar of that red coat of yours. Miyabi will heft herself up to precariously sit on it. She needs you to look her in the eye, mister. As...best as you can...shut up.] Please listen to me. Death is not something a person can control! We don't have the right to do so.... It would ruin the balance of the world if we did.

... [She pauses, then tries to think. Finally, she sighs and raises one hand and waves it a little to get his attention, only for a second, because she almost falls into his coat when she does.] But, if you really feel bad, and want to do something, then take me to where that man passed away.

[She has something planned that hopefully might make him feel a little better. Or at least something he will appreciate.]

Well... he actually passed away right over there. [Points to a spot in the sky because what Vash saw was an explosion in the sky then no more Kefka. He hasn't been told yet that he had vanished then died elsewhere. XD]

(ooc: I have bad imagines now of her falling down his coat and him jumping around trying to get her out.)

[Miyabi looks at where he was pointing, and vaguely makes a guess as to where it would be on the ground. She tugs on the collar of his coat and points to that spot, hoping he could see.]

Can you take me towards the ground below there, then? I wanna do something, but it doesn't work in the air. It's not anything bad, I promise.

[OOC: ...Don't tempt me. >__>]

[He smiles] Don't worry. I wouldn't think you'd do something bad. [He'll take you over there.]

(ooc: TEMPT!)

[And when the two are there, she'll move down from Vash's coat and leap down, down, down - good lord, that's some jump - to the ground and land light as a feather. What, you weren't worried, were you~? She'll unsheathe her sword, then look up at her friend.]

Draw a circle right here in the snow. Then close your eyes, okay? And don't you dare peek!

[She gives him a bit of a frown. She'd usually just show him what she was going to do, but this way it'd be more like he did it himself, and that's what Miyabi was trying to go for. The effect would be better that way, and hopefully cheer him up more.]

[OOC: YOU KNOW WHAT? NO. WHY? BECAUSE IHU. >x\!]

Edited 2010-01-06 19:00 (UTC)

Ookaay...? [Confused but he'll do it anyway, drawing the circle then closing his eyes. He's not peeking!]

(OOC: But I WUV U!)

[And while Vash has his eyes closed, Miyabi will draw her sword, and paint her own circle of black ink over the one he drew.]

Okay, open them...

[And Vash will now see that colorful flowers bloomed in the snow where they are standing, as if by magic. Their sweet aroma wafts in the light breeze that passes by.]

[Oh! Flowers! He loves flowers! They're so pretty an-]

[-wait... winter.] How'd these get here?!

[Miyabi bites her lip to try not to snicker at you, Vash. Your stupidity is adorable. ~~Must be a blond thing.~~ She does, however, smirk and lid her eyes. Secrets? What secrets? She's not keeping any secrets...]

Perhaps the gods felt what was in your heart and put them here for you, Vash. ♥

[Stares at them for awhile before giving a small nervous laugh.] Yeah... maybe I guess... [Don't mind his doubt or the funny face he's making] Just good doesn't tend to follow me on most days. [Then smirking playfully.] But maybe you're a good luck charm! [And yeah - he’s still confused as he's only seen her draw things during a certain weekend neither of them remember.]

[She laughs, fidgeting at the compliment. jvjcjfd you're making her bluuush!! Her aura turns a soft pink color for a second then she bounces once to get that out of her system.]

Oh, don't say that! If you think bad luck will follow you, then it will!! You have to think positive thoughts and good luck is sure to come. That's what I believe, at least.

And I didn't do anything. [She's not drumming her fingers over Sumomo's hilt, not at all.] It must be because of your compassion, sincerity and kindness that all these flowers grew. I'm sure of it!

Either way... they're very pretty.

[She smiles and bounces up and down happily. Yay, hopefully that cheered him up a little. She just wants you all to stop being depressed, sob. Miyabi doesn't like it when her friends are feeling sad like this. So, she'll ask sheepishly--]

Are you feeling better?

Yeah. I am. Thanks Miyabi.

[She smiles and hops up to grab onto a bit of that coat and haul herself up again - but it doesn't really work very well. Wanna give her a lift? Sob, so small.]

That's what friends do, don't think much of it. I'm just glad you're feeling better, Vash. ♥

[Of course he'll give you a lift!] So what has you out in the cold today?

[Yay! She feels so tall now.] Just gathering some things. Ink and parchment, mostly, but I have to look for some "other things"~ [She means gift ideas for the Strawhats.]

Ah. I see. [Looks around to make sure no one is around.] Need me to 'hold' anything for you?

I haven't gotten anything yet, silly~! [She saw you emoing it up first and had to slap a smile on your face before anything else.] But it'd be nice if you could. The ink and parchment I can handle myself, plus I need it with me anyway.

If I had an Astral Pouch, this would be so easy... [She sighs.]

I'm afraid I don't know what an Astral Pouch is; but I thought I'd just check. You can count on me if you need anything!

Well...I'm not entirely sure either, but I hear a lot of rumors back home. I think it's an item back home used mainly by the gods and their Envoys. It's a pouch that can carry pretty much anything, regardless of size or weight. Abd it can also carry a lot of things, too. Up to two hundred items!

Or...th-that's what the rumors say. They're also supposed to be very rare. I think.

REALLY!? TWO HUNDRED ITEMS!? IT CAN HOLD ALL THAT?!

I can see why it's so rare.

We-Well! Its just a rumor, so I don't know for sure. But I think so, yes.

[Miyabi laughs. Gods, Vash, you are so flaily and adorable, she just wants to hug you forever, sob. Miyabi moves a little closer to the warmth his massive coat provides and tilts her head, thinking.]

But it would be helpful if I could find one here, even if it is supposedly really hard to find... It'd certainly make carrying things around so much easier, and I wouldn't have to bother people or rely on animals to carry them for me.

Ah! But you forget! If they're your friends then it's no bother at all!

Hee, I guess you're right~ I'm glad I have such good friends like you, Vash.

[She leans over to maybe give his cheek a hug or a pat or something, but she miscalculates the distance and--Oops! have a ponclet falling right into your coat, Vash. WHAT WILL YOU DO?]

NYAAAH!

GAHH! [FLAIL OF COU-waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit. That may squish her and that won’t be good. He’s going to stand perfectly still.] Uhhh… are you alright?

[Thank you for not squishing her, Vash, because she'd most likely get mad and you do not want that. She does, however crawl around awkwardly. It's dark and she can't see, aaah! But it is nice and warm in here~ Wait, no, focus. She needs to get out.]

U-Uhm...yes! I-I think so. It's awfully dark in here, though.

[Hopefully you're not ticklish, Vash, because Miyabi's little arms and feet walking crawling around may or may not be awfully skin-tingling.]

[He’s actually VERY ticklish. He’s going to do his best to hold back the giggles - but it’s hard. Twitches and tries so hard not to flail about.] Hold on! I can unbutton the coat! [Starts doing so.]

[Light! Miyabi begins to crawl towards it, sensing sweet freedom from the dark and cramped space between Vash's coat and...Vash himself. ...Awkward. This is definitely one she's going to attempt to scratch from her memories forever.

When she finally reaches the light, she jumps out. Literally. But she lands right on her dear friend's nose. Being small like that, she can do these things. Don't sneeze, she will beat you.]

. . .

Hello. ♫

[Don't sneeze. Don't sneeze. Don't sneeze.] Uh. Hello~!

I-I'm...really sorry about that. I slipped. [Yes, she is rather embarrassed, and yes, her aura is changed to a soft pink color.]

That's alright. [Slightly crazed laughter] No harm done after all!

[You're not making this any easier, you know...Miyabi's just going to pretend this incident never happened as soon as they get back home. Yes, that is a fabulous idea.]

Uhm, er...w-well--Would you like to look for gifts with me?

[LET'S HAVE A SUBJECT CHANGE.]

[Pfft! Why do all you people keep trying to move him! It's like you don't want him to die or something.] I would but I'm afarid Meryl is expecting me home soon. Hm. Tomorrow maybe?

[~~DRAT, YOU SAW THROUGH MY INGENIOUS PLAN!~~ Miyabi nods her head with a little smile, then hops down from his nose, landing on the snow.]

Okay, that works. I'll see you tomorrow, then. Take care, Vash!

See ya! Be careful getting home!

[Hi, Vash. This is Nami taking a seat next to you on the bench.]

Hello Nami. [Fake smiles for everybody!]

Edited 2010-01-06 02:23 (UTC)

Don't give me that look, Vash.

[Small laugh] So what look would you like then? [He's at least attempting to be silly? It's a start isn't it?]

Edited 2010-01-06 03:00 (UTC)

An honest one would be a start. Unless you're trying to convince me you're happy Kefka is dead.

Mmmhmmm... [Sadface then]

[...she'd say 'much better', but...]

You gonna be okay?

I'll be alright. [He's being honest. He's upset for right now but this won't stop him.]

Good.

...for the record, none of us hold it against you, either. Everyone's got their own beliefs.

If there was a way to stop him without killing him, I'd take it.

[Small smile - only slightly forced because he tends to do it without thinking.] Thanks.

[Smile falters a bit.] There is always a way...

You've had two days. Have you thought of one?

I could have acted faster. Tried to stop more people sooner.

...Vash, you were acting the moment you joined us in the plaza. There is nothing you could have done.

[Except possibly succeed. In which case, you'd have been responsible for the deaths of everyone there. And she nearly says it - but even Nami is not that brutal.]

No. [Sorry Nami. This is a base of nearly everything he believes. There is no fighting Rem!logic.] There's always a way! I just didn't see it in time!

[...

...softly.]

You can sit here and beat yourself up over this all you like, and it won't change a thing. Maybe there was something you could have done. Maybe you would have saved everyone. Or maybe your actions would have led to the death of everyone there. Maybe if you'd stopped everyone from hurting Kefka, they'd have turned on Sanji instead. Or maybe we could have talked it all out and Kefka would have gone back to his forest like a chastened little boy.

And maybe he'd have gone through with his original plans, in which case I'd be dead and Sanji would hate you.

That's a lot of maybes, Vash. Any one of them is a possibility. But what's done is done.

He'll be back in a week. Instead of moping around about could haves and should haves, maybe you should use this time to work out how we deal with him next time without all the killing and screaming and blame-throwing. Because if there's a way to deal with him without killing, I'll help you.

[Quietly] That's what I'm trying to do. Find what it was I could have done. Mistakes are made... but if you realize them - it's not too late.

A-and his spells. I'll need a way to counter them... [He's not emo-ing totally without purpose. Okay... partly without purpose. Maybe a lot without purpose - but there is some purpose to it.]

Edited 2010-01-06 06:42 (UTC)

[Pondering here now.]

...there have to be ways of negating magic here. Or at least fighting fire with fire, so to speak. Your best bet would be to talk to Terra on that one. Or maybe check on the journals, see if anyone can give you advice. Killing isn't a solution here, even if you didn't have your particular belief. There has to be other people here that are thinking of solutions.

...Kefka isn't the most powerful person here. Or at least, he wasn't. So ask around. I don't think you don't know Luceti well enough to come up with a solution by yourself.

Hm. Not a bad idea. Thanks. I'll have to start asking around.

[~~Keeps the conversation going forever SO YOU DON'T DIEEEEE.~~]

Have you spoken to Sanji yet?

~~[Hides behind you.]~~

[He smiles] He was by earlier. We talked for a bit.

[~~Hey, she can totally take Yuber~~]

That's good. Everything okay, then?

Everything is good. [Laughs thinking about the donuts.]

That's good to hear.

You still on for our bet then?

Of course! When are you free?

How about tonight?

[Just for ultimate tragedy |D]

Sounds good. I'll ask Meryl if she wants to come and laugh at us. Or you know... get me home safely. See you later then!

All right.

You take care, Vash.

[DDDD|]

I will! Bye Nami!

[;_;]

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gives this icon a good work out

sigh And I can't use the ILU icon in this situation. Damn.