notabluesbro | 28th Confession [Lotsa' Action/Video]

[Wolfwood had been taken Sunday night, but surprisingly, they didn't keep him for long. Monday afternoon spat him right back out onto normal Luceti grounds. And to what? To being miniature again. Four years ago, Nicholas had ventured Luceti, looking unkept and nervous. Now, he's still unkept, but in a way that seemed to just be a lack of caring—clean now, free of dirt, but still carrying the bruises of struggle. Where they were once from running amuck on the streets of Gunsmoke, they were now marks of success or failure during training.

His hair is always a mess, of course. Who needs brushes. :|

But that's the least of his concerns! He's more occupied with his cross. Yes, that big, hulking cross, you know. The one Wolfwood could carry without any difficulty? Well, Nicholas has his, and he's busy with huff-puffing across the forest with it. It's on his back, but he's not the usual straight, dignified 20-something. No, he's hunched and might as well be relabeled The Little Engine That Could.

... time for a break. He sits under the trees near the lake, careful to keep away from it, and runs a hand across the journal. He remembers this place... though he never thought he'd be back. Four years may seem long, but really, it's hardly any time at all, is it? The 12-year-old opens the book up and looks at the set-up, remembering.

This button, right?]

[Video]

This thing's working, right? Is this really Luceti, or am I just having a weird dream? Feels real enough... but... I didn't—I mean... I didn't remember it. Why didn't I remember anything? [He runs a hand through his hair.] I shoulda' remembered something like this... even just a little, I definitely woulda' remembered.

[... Hm.]

Say, anyone knows if there's a kid here with long blonde hair? Blue eyes? Name was Vash. Did he make it back home, or...?

... Guess I should find a way back.

[And so he goes, with some effort at the 250+ lbs on his back! And he's a little lost, because while he remembers Luceti, he doesn't remember it that well to know his way through a dense forest. If anyone'd like to help him out or run into him, that'd be super duper. Otherwise, when he finally does get back to the village, he's hitting up the bakery after walking around to recollect his bearings and memory. One may find him in said bakery with his crazy-ass cross that's still an entire head taller than him, munching on a plate of sweets.

:|;;; it's so tasty okay

And of course, he'll give the strawhat kitchen a visit. He remembers you, Sanji. Very well. You and your shitty kitchen. Hmm... Challange accepted. He'll consider this task training, too. CAN HE GET PAST ANY OF THE OBSTACLES?! CAN THE FRIDGE BE OPENED WITHOUT DOOM AND DISCORD THIS TIME?!?!]

((ooc: all replies coming from

notpunishingyet ))

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... You were a pretty big baby.

And you still pout too much, too.

I do not!

Do to.

Do not!

Considerin' your replies, I'd say I already won this one.

[He huffs, then adds lightly under his breath.] Did not.

[... grin.]

You really are him, aren't ya?

Yeah, I am. It's funny how this place works sometimes, isn't it?

... Yeah...

[Awwwkward.]

Uh. Didja'... take my advice from last time?

[Vash is just going to hope you're not talking about the one where you told him where if something bad happened he had to do everything he can to make it better. He is, but he knows it's going to come too late to save Wolfwood.]

About not caring what people think of me? I don't think I'm doing too bad at it!

Huuuh... [Well you know exactly what he'll ask.] What happened with your brother? And... uh... Rem? [That was her name, right? :|]

[Damn it! Well, lie face is a go!] Actually, it all worked out. [Er, he hopes.] Rem is actually here with me this time.

[He scuffs a foot, unsure. Something about that didn't seem genuine, Vash.

But at the mention of Rem, he manages a look of contentment.]

... That's good. I'm glad.

Congrats.

Heh, thanks. You should stay with us while you're here. We have a house and even a spare room. You could meet her.

Well...

[He itches his elbow, looking away.]

I dunno'...

[:|;; I'm so socially awkward, okay]

We live right next to Sanji.

... You do?

[Well... :|]

I guess it doesn't sound so bad. I'll stay for a little bit, if ya' really say it's okay.

[At that he drags the heavy cross over his shoulder with some effort. He's only had it for a month or so back home, so this is pretty new for him.]

Of course it's okay. We're still friends aren't we?

... Y-yeah. I guess we are.

So why wouldn't I want to help you out.

Fine, fine, I get it. Lead the way then, spikey.

I will, but my hair isn't THAT spikey.

....

Is, too.

[And when Vash starts off, Nicholas will slowly follow. Slowly. He's having a difficult time navigating his cross through the entanglement of leaves and brush, and the weight hardly helps, but he seems pretty determined to keep up nonetheless.]

Is not.

[Vash decides to walk slowly and doesn't offer to help. If he knows Wolfwood, the kid isn't going to want any help. Okay, well... a little help. He can't help himself from holding back branches a little longer than he'd have to so the kid can get by.]

[They get about halfway there before his legs buckle and he goes to sit against a tree, tired from the effort. Jeez, this training is so uncool looking. 3:^|]

You can go ahead. I know the direction now, so I'll find you later.

[See, at least he's polite enough to tell you not to wait around on him.]