sticksandbones | Netbook 002: Of Moons and Mommys and Bugges

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Netbook 002: Of Moons and Mommys and Bugges

Hey, guys. It's Vash. If you haven't seen me around the Grove yet then... Surprise. I'm back.

I found... a few things out in the Forest. Or, adjacent to the Forest, I guess? There's a lighthouse out there, you see. I really really don't recommend going in it. There's someone in there that's been extremely Corrupted. I tried to talk him down, but about got killed in the process, so... haha! Don't do that.

But that sort of. Brings me to the first topic at hand. What progress have we made in curing Corruption. And, uh. What can I do to help with that? I don't want him to suffer any longer than he has. I want to help him if I can.

And... Uh. Secondly. Near the Lighthouse I found a statue. It was of a woman. She seemed really pretty, but really sad. Anyone recognize her?

[Beneath the message, anyone watching will see a relatively rough sketch start to take shape. When he finishes, he gets back to writing.]

She saved me. If I had to guess, she's a Guardian. I heard her voice and felt her around me. Cold, but not dangerous. Like a cold wind on a hot day, I guess? And she felt... sad, too.

I want to help her as well. Though I guess I really don't know where to begin with that. So uh. Any help you've got, I'm listening.

And, I guess. Uh.

Sorry for disappearing. Hope everyone's okay.

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I believe it is worth the risk. I may be able to cast a shield large enough to protect those who go well enough if not. But if this is something that can reverse the Corruption, even a small bit, we must try it. To sit idly on the possibility is an idea I cannot abide. But to reduce the possibility of injury, only a small handful should go.

Very well, my friend, give me one moment.

[ Silence for a bit as Pure Vanilla gathers his notes and thoughts about the meeting. ]

There was quite a lot spoken about. Is there anything in particular you wish to know if we discussed?

I'm not disagreeing. This is something we need to look into. I just want everyone to be aware of the risks. And... if something does happen, we need a way to subdue him. I promised I would save him. I won't break that promise.

[Vash waits patiently, though a few dots might appear around the sheet of paper as he taps his pen idly against it.]

Anything you can tell me about the moon, for now.

You are a good person, my friend. I give you my word, just as you gave him. I will help you save him. I am sure others here will say the same. Together, we will break this curse.

As for the Moon Goddess, there is not much known. We are unsure of her name, Moder was unfamiliar with her to the point of not knowing it, but we do know She were able to lock the creature away along with Beiwe's help, after it betrayed Beiwe and struck her down from the sky, injuring her. It is a false sun, a pretender, and caused the corruption of the world. It was the Moon Goddess that began weaving life once more, healing what She could, though it would seem she has become severely weakened with the creatures release.

[ A pause, as he reviews his notes. ]

We also believe we may know the location of the Moon church, Mizuki found a map that noted a Moon symbol on it. I believe he is planning a journey to it, and we may find more information about Her there. Mizuki said the location was marked on Elswords map.

Thank you, Pure Vanilla. I really appreciate that.

[Vash reads and re-reads the information he's given. He knows that trying to find some secret that no one else was aware of would be a long shot, but he's still disappointed when he comes up with nothing actionable.

At least PV gives him something actionable.]

I want to be involved in that. Whenever it happens.

Edited 2024-03-26 19:16 (UTC)

As would I, my friend.

[ Spots appear as he taps his notebook with his pencil, thinking. Then script again. ]

There may be other things in which to try to ease the Corruption on someone, but I do not know how viable it is, nor exactly what of my actions caused it.

[ He will then recount a bit of his conversation with Nene and the flowers that then seemed to be... less of on her. ]

I do not know if it was simply love, and a promise, or whether it was scolding the creature out right, standing up to it and putting my foot down like one would toward an unruly child. But it may be worth keeping it in mind.

Edited 2024-03-26 20:59 (UTC)

You really did all that for her?

Nene's a good kid. Doesn't deserve anything like this. I... wish I could help her more than I have been. But maybe I'm makin' it out to be more difficult than it is. I'll try to keep that in mind.

... but I guess it'd make sense, if it was the scolding. The way it acts is... young, I'm sure you've noticed. When I was away it kept insulting me, but in the way a kid might. "You're boring." "Come play." That sort of stuff.

Guess we need some more adult figures around here like you, huh?

[ Oh he tried more. But he'll keep that to himself, he doesn't know how Vash will respond to 'attempted to switch places'. ]

Mayhap it is all it took is a firm hand, or maybe it was simply the act of inspiring hope and defiance in Nene, giving her wishes beyond that of the creatures. I wish I could say. But do not discredit yourself, or anything you have done previous. Every little step forward we take, even if it does not seem much, is yet a step forward. Together we will find a way for this corruption to be eased. What one creates, the others may build upon.

Aha, I do not know much about parenting, I'm afraid! I have never had children, and was only a GodCookie to my friends'. But if this being is indeed simply a child, then perhaps approaching it with love and understanding may aid? Are human children like this? Cookie children can be willful, but are often as sweet as their ingredients.

Right as ever. This is what I mean though. You have a firm head. Good grasp on emotions and comforting people without talking down to 'em. That kind of thing.

Could have fooled me that you weren't a parent, though. Maybe just a really good babysitter? Can imagine you with all types of kiddos clinging to your knees, asking to play rocketship and all of that.

[Someone has his own fond memories to recall...]

Thank you, my friend, it is kind of you to say that. Though I must point out you yourself are quite easy to talk to as well, as many would find your approach vastly superior to mine own. I understand mine can come off overbearing, yet you engage from a position many would find more empathetic.

[ You can't deny it, Vash, he has seen you speak to people through the journal.

And he has his own fond memories, though not of his own children. Dark Cacao with Dark Choco, Hollyberry with Royal Berry. ]

Ah, babysitting I can most certainly do and have done quite often. It is a joy to see the little ones grow, to see them happy and full of wonder at the world around them.

It just means you mean well, right? Can't say I haven't been overbearing myself before. It's easy to lose yourself in trying to do what you feel is right.

Point is? No judgement here.

[He can't deny it, but he can choose to not acknowledge it!]

You can say that again. I like seein' 'em in their element. Getting to enjoy life before it gets too rough.

[ Oh those words strike home. Vash understands, and Pure Vanilla can't help but wonder if the other has also accidentally harmed those he loves while trying to do what he believes is right. ]

You have the truth of it. I am thankful we have those around us to keep us from falling too deeply into our own trappings.

Have you had much dealings with children?

[ Why are you so cute, sir? ]

[Maybe one day, after some time to build up trust, Pure Vanilla were earn that story. Probably after some shenanigans and a bit of bodily torture later.]

Yeah. Other people... really help.

... I have. Run into kids a lot on my travels. They're always adorable. And happy to get to know a new face if it means stories from places they'll never go.

[ He is not sure if that is a 'okay sure' or an agreement. For Vash, he will tell his story, just in case the other doesn't believe it. ]

They do. When I found myself keeping the Truth from my dearest friends, hurting them in the process because I believed keeping it from them would ultimately be less painful and thus The Right Thing to Do, they were there to remind me to trust them. To lay what I may on their shoulders as well, for to share these things. That what I believe is Right, may be clouded by my love for them. Though I may fall into that pit once again, I know my friends are there to... ah, haha, shake me out of it, as it would be.

[ God he's so fond of his friends... ]

Ah! You traveled as well! They do indeed tend to listen so raptly to stories about the places you've been, the creatures you may have fought, and the deeds you may have done. That is one thing I miss sorely about being an Adventurer.

You... seem like a real good friend.

[The rest feels like it strikes too close to home. He knows he's not exactly being subtle about his discomfort, but it's not like Pure Vanilla is going to call him out publicly for it.

... Right?]

Yeah. I've been all over my planet. Not that I tell kids the gritty details. Just the fun stuff!

[ Sadly Pure Vanilla has no idea how closely their stories resonate. Or, if he does, it's in the faint way that feels like deja vu, due to his time in another world with another person. The feeling will make him stare down at his journal in a confused frown. This is only his fourth or fifth time speaking to Vash, yet- ]

Forgive me, have we spoken about this subject before? It feels most strangely familiar.

[ Even the talk about adventurers... what is this. ]

Yes of course. Tails to thrill, but never to linger in their heads in anything but pleasant dreams and fond memories.

[Vash has to squint down at the paper for some time. It's been a long few weeks. It's not impossible to believe he's forgotten the conversation. Still, Pure Vanilla gave off the vibe of someone who wouldn't forget such things. Which means the fact that he's asking...]

I don't know. I don't think so?

[Vash doesn't share the same sense of dejavu. Without the experience of the penninsula, Pure Vanilla had begun as a stranger to him. And while yes, Vash might consider them allies, and PV a good man, he doesn't have that same attachment.

Yet.]

Figured you'd get the idea. You don't seem like the type to want to scare kids anymore than I am.

[ Silence for a moment, as Pure Vanilla tries to puzzle this sensation out. Is this something from their past lives here in the Grove? Or is he simply confusing this conversation with another. ]

How peculiar! Perhaps old age is finally creeping on me! Please forgive my mistake.

[ Plus it also works as a way to gentle move away from that conversation, as he could tell Vash was uncomfortable. ]

I am glad to see we share the same ideals, my friend. It warms my heart knowing it is the same worlds around.

[Vash is just as relieved to see that the topic is shifting away. Not that the deja vu bothered him, that's normal enough in a world like this. Everything else, though? He'd rather avoid the topic.]

I agree. Where I'm from, it's a bit hard to find folks that think the same. Even the people I care most about I tend to but heads with. It's... nice to feel a little more connected.

Butting heads is a part of life, even with those we hold dearest, but it is indeed nice to find someone who understands the littler things! Love and peace are what we should all aspire to, and to bring joy to those around us. Even if they are tales of adventures that lift a small ones spirits.

[Hold on. Give him a minute. Did his heart just skip a beat? So many people tolerate him and his strange ideals. He doesn't think he's ever met someone who well and truly embodied them, however. He quickly underlines "Love and Peace," then draws their symbols near both words!]

That's my motto! That's how I live. I want to bring Love and Peace to the world, wherever I can.

[ The underline and symbols make him smile, and he draws his own opposite Vash's, enclosing the words. ]

Aha, I may be biased, my friend, but it is the perfect motto and way to live! To stretch out your hands to others, to ease their hardships, to use what you are graced with for the well-being of those around you. That is my path. Peace, healing, and harmony.

Exactly. But also... not being afraid to fight back where and when you need to. Not to harm, but to prevent harm, and do as little damage along the way when you do.

Yes!

[ Vash can't see it but the sheep tail wiggles in glee. ]

I have fought my fair share of battles, protecting those from Leviathans and Monsters that would do them harm. To fight for the safety of others goes hand in hand with love. To love those around me, to fight for them and offer them safety... that is the greatest joy I know.

You get it. You really get it.

[Picture it with a dreamy sigh. It's the kind of good, reassuring news that he needs after everything that's happened.]

I do. And my heart is glad to see you understand as well. I hope together we can continue bringing these ideals to those around us.

[ He will draw a heart around love and peace and their doodles. ]

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