come_sailaway | [open] god will grant me my wishes if i'm a good girl.

Entry tags:

[open] god will grant me my wishes if i'm a good girl.

Who: Fio, her two stuffed animals (Judith and Calcite), and YOU!
When: May catch-all
Where: Playback, various eateries/dining areas during the day or evening. Sports deck in the late evening only. Wildcard option available.
Summary: Fio playing arcade games for once, cleaning up everyone else's mess, and playing around with her magical memory NieR weapons.
Warnings: None that I can think of, but I'll update as needed.
Notes: Will match. Brackets is my default and usually my preferred.

MORNINGS/EVENINGS (CLOSED/META ONLY)

[ On some days, in the mornings, those in the cabin hallway may hear a certain little girl cheerfully call to seemingly nobody in particular, when she thinks no one is listening: ]

Hello Sparkles! [ And sometimes, in the evenings too: ] Good night Sparkles!

[ She doesn't know if it hears her. She wants to believe it does. Nonetheless, she calls out, to let it know that she's here.

Unless it's someone that she knows isn't clearly upset with her, she freezes up like a deer in headlights when anyone else sees her talking to nothing. She expects mostly everyone to be disappointed with her. Everyone has a right to be angry. She won't have a good argument apart from "it's my friend." It toyed and killed Vance in one of the memories. While she doesn't know the complete details of the labyrinth, she knows it toyed with everyone else with cruel games.

Dipping her head in shame, she rushes off as quickly as possible to go about her own business around the cruise ship. ]

■ A. PLAYBACK - DAYTIME OR EVENING (OPEN)

[ Fio thinks about what kind of activities that she wants to do together, when Sparkles turns up again. They've played hide-and-seek before. What if it wants to play something else? And she knows it enjoys watching movies. At first, she thinks about asking Pratt if they could have another watch along in the Cheese Shop, but she doesn't know if making that request would go over well when she wants to invite her friend that hurt many of the passengers on the ship...

So, she's at Playback to try solo learning about some of the games. Her presence in the arcade is surprisingly rare, when she usually spends most of her playtime on the deck or independent activities that involve reading or crafts. The loud noises from the machines bother her sometimes. It's not something that entirely puts her off at least, not like the angry voices of the adults and teens yelling.

She can be found at one of the machines, trying out a fighting game for the very first time. Her character of choice is... a cute fluffy panda. She's just mashing the buttons repeatedly, hoping she'll win. That strategy gained her victories for some rounds.

When she notices that she's being watched, she lifts her hands away from the gamepad, getting ready to leave... ]

...Did you wanna play?

■ B. MOST EATERIES (WINDJAMMER, SAND DOLLARS, OR SCOOPS) - DAYTIME OR EVENING (OPEN)

[ Cleaning up after herself has always been a habit of hers. And she always tried to eat a sizable portion for each meal. She would sometimes overindulge, but she's careful not to get into that habit too much. It doesn't take long for her to notice that the food trays haven't replenished themselves to the top as they should. And that some of the dining areas aren't as clean and tidy as they should be.

Someone left their dirty dishware out. There's a spill and some fallen food on the floor. It's not her doing. (Maybe it's yours?) Though she's not responsible for any of it, she makes it her task to help clean up.

She can be found trying to wipe down some of the mess with a clean towel. Or stacking dirty dishes like its her job... ]

■ C. SPORTS DECK - LATE EVENINGS ONLY (OPEN)

[ Long streaks of glittering lights can be seen soaring above the ship.

The regular nightmares have resumed and on some of those rare late nights when Fio wakes, she spends time at the sports deck (with her usual stuffed animal companions sitting on the nearby beach chairs.) She has no reason to try looking forward to her nightly slumber anymore. Sparkles is already living on the ship, somewhere.

A set of two, bauble silver lanterns levitate by the little girl's side, shining bright. With lazy gestures of her arm, she motions the orbs upwards into the sky like fireballs. About several feet into the air, they disappear. Then seemingly reappear again next to Fio within a second.

The motions are repeated over and over. It's like she's playing with a giant set of glowing, magical yo-yos. Her mind wanders off, spacing out. At the slightest hint of noise, she startles, turning her head. ]

Oh! ...Hi. Sorry if I was bothering you.

[ An awkward, apologetic smile. Once disrupted, she stops playing with her "toys." The orbs melt away into shadows and vanish, as if they were never there in the first place. ]

■ D. WILDCARD

[ Feel free to give the current prompts adjustments to fit better to your liking. I know I'm bad at top-levels. Have a different idea? Toss me anything here or PM me! Not mentioned here, but she can also be found in the library. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Siffleur has spent the first bit of the month hiding in Tommy Bahama's, too people'd out to stand being around humans for any length of time. He's better now - his back no longer twitches randomly and it doesn't feel like nails down a chalkboard when he hears people around the corner.

He still prefers to be alone, so he goes out late at night, or in the early hours of the morning to eat and stretch out. Siffleur has been missing stretching out in the sun, and though it's night, he finds his way up to the sports deck, thinking that there will be no one around and he can just flop out on his side and watch the stars for a while.

It's a surprise to find Fio there - and to find her putting on a light show. He treads near quietly, watching for a while, eyes following the lights as they dart around-

And then suddenly stop as he's noticed.]

No, keep playing. You aren't bothering me at all.

[Siffleur sits down a little ways from her, so he doesn't frighten Fio anymore than he already has. As he settles, he rocks his haunches a few times until he's tucked into a loaf, trying to look like a housecat, and not a predator.]

The lights are pretty. I was enjoying them.

Oh. [ A sheepish smile. No cold remarks or anything? ] Okay...

[ Surprised, it takes her a moment to say those words. This is the second animal that she's seen that's capable of speech! (There was a talking puppy at the carnival too. Was Mister Yakko a passenger or did he just live there?)

The pair of silver bauble lanterns reappear around the little girl, glowing brightly like before. She simply has to think about it and will them into existence. No fancy incantations or hand gestures. There are sharp pointy bits on the floating objects too... making for good weapons. Everyone's lucky that Fio isn't a violent person in the first place! ]

Um... [ Back to idly "throwing" these orbs into the air. Like yo-yos. ] Are you like Miss Valdis?

Yes, I am like Valdis. Max and Ylva are like us too. We all turn into animals, though they are usually wolves. I am only ever a cat.

[Like the cat he is, Siffleur's eyes are right back on the silver lamps, his eyes getting big as he watches the lights go back and forth. The chase instinct is there of course, like it always is, but he's more than happy to sit still and enjoy the lightshow.]

My name is Siffleur. We met once around Halloween, but there was someone else in your body at the time.

[ Ylva being able to shapeshift is news to her. And Max? ...Okay, she's thinking about the Omnic now and not the other Max. Before she can express her surprise over this new information, mention of Halloween causes her entire body to tense up and she stops tossing the orbs into the sky for a moment.

She was kept unaware of any gruesome details that might have happened that night. All she knows is that a mischievous ghost was causing trouble in her body and caused others pain and worry. Her shoulders sag. ]

...oh. I'm very sorry if I caused you any trouble that night.

[ Fio turns to get a better look at the cat, dipping her head slightly. ]

[There's so much worry in her small body. It's not right. She's a child, and it isn't her burden to bear. Children are not to blame for these things.]

You have never caused me any trouble, Fio. You do not need to apologize. I was not hurt that night by you. And you did not hurt anyone, because you were not there. It was only a body, and a body is not to blame for someone else's actions.

[He rises from where he's sitting and pads a little closer to her, sitting down about a foot away.]

I am only sorry that I was not able to give your Halloween candy to you. Ava was very excited to take you trick or treating.

[ Though it happened months ago, she still can't resist the urge to offer a belated apology. She doesn't speak on it any further, giving a quiet nod. She would be going in circles again, when many others in October's aftermath similarly reassured her that she was never at fault. ]

...It's okay. There's always next Halloween to go trick-or-treating. [ Assuming she's still around by then and that it won't be as horrific as last year's. That's a concern pushed to the back of her mind. Fio attempts a small, yet bashful smile to assure him that she doesn't feel entirely torn up.

Siffleur is closer now. He looks just like the illustrations of wild cats that she would see in books. But she's tempted to reach out, like he's a house cat. First, it's only polite to ask: ] May I pet you?

This is true. There is always next Halloween. And if you wished, you could trick or treat anytime you wished. People like children, and like to see them happy. I am sure many would be delighted to spoil you.

[So polite. It's no wonder Fio has so many mothers on this ship, all who wish to keep her safe and sound. It is a shame she carries so much weight on her shoulders. There is no such thing as a truly carefree childhood, especially on this ship, but he doubts Fio has felt carefree a moment in her life.

He nods to her and because she's so kind, he moves his tail away from his body so she can touch it as well. His fur is very soft all over, but he knows his tail is especially nice to touch, so puffy and light.] Thank you for asking. Yes, you may.

[ Not all people. But she feels blessed to have shown up in a reality where most people genuinely love and care for her. She's not sure how many passengers have seen her hug Sparkles on the bridge's roof and if their opinions have changed since then. It worries her, but she'll eventually figure it out. (And she'll later find out most passengers still treat her kindly...) ]

You're right. I can trick-or-treat any time here. [ Time is infinite and hopefully they won't have to face another problem where reality is in danger of falling apart any time soon. The food not replenishing itself as it used to is a bit worrying though! ] I'd like to share my candy with my friends, 'cause I'm happy when everyone's happy. [ She wants to be a good child. Not a spoiled child! ] And too much sugar is bad for one person.

[ Fio steps closer and sticks a hand out to stroke his fur ever so gently. She's never pet a large cat before! Or many animals, honestly. She's being extra cautious not to accidentally hurt him, even though he's likely far tougher than her... ]

...Siffy. I'm gonna call you Siffy.

[Fio is so mature for her age, and it makes Siffleur feel very sad for a moment. He knows what it means to grow up quickly. But such is the way of life. All one can do is try enjoy the moments while one can, and to be prepared for the worst. Her lanterns had a sharp look to them - he hopes they cut as well when the time comes for her to use them.]

Then we will make sure you have plenty of candy to share with all of your friends, and all of you can eat it slowly over a long time to make the feeling last.

[She is very careful when she pets him, and he begins to steadily purr for her. Siffleur is expecting questions about his fur, or maybe his ears or claw. He doesn't expect the nickname, and he lets out a soft pleased chuff. Siffy. Very sweet.]

I will enjoy that. ... my mother has a nickname for me too. She calls me Fleur. It means 'flower' in French. But I am not much of a flower anymore. I have grown like a weed. [He chuckles to himself.] Do you have nicknames, Fio? Or is your name too short?

[ For now, she silently dismisses one of her lanterns. It melts into shadows, vanishes from sight. A single ball of light remains, floating several feet above the two. She's taking extra caution, while standing next to Siffleur.

She runs her hand across his fur. Slow and awkward at first. Then she hears the pleased purring and she grows a little more confident in her strokes. ]

That's a pretty nickname. I'm sure your mommy thinks of you as a flower no matter what.

[ Those that know Fio best would probably be unsurprised with her approval, since she always loves flowers. As for her own nicknames, well... ]

Well, Miss Goggles calls me "Sunshine" sometimes. [ "Miss Goggles" is... another passenger. Her nickname for Rita. Because of the goggles that sits on her head obviously. ] I like it, 'cause the sun makes me happy.

[He chuckles softly and nods. Even now, she addresses him as Fleur in her letters. It makes him feel small in a lovely way, like he could be scooped up and held again. Those days are long passed, but at least here he can enjoy the benefits that being large gives him - like how he can purr loudly for Fio as she strokes his fur so gently.]

Sunshine is a lovely nickname. I like the sun as well. It's nice to lay out in its warmth and to sleep peacefully in it. But there are so many people around in the daytime, and sometimes I just want to be alone.

[And he nods to her, adding-] Or with only one other person. I do not know about you, Sunshine, but I grow tired around many people, and then I need to spend some time where they aren't.

[ Days under the sun with clear skies were her favorite, back home. It's one of the few things that made her happy, while living in a town where everyone hated her. Not here though, where she has people that genuinely love and care for her. But she does have moments where she would rather engage in independent activities or simply have quiet time to herself.

Fio lets out a happy giggle as Siffleur repeats her "nickname." That makes two passengers that are aware of it now. Or three, if counting "Sunshine Princess," the name she thought of taking while in Skulduggery's memory. ]

I think I understand. Sometimes I wanna be alone too. I don't really like it when it's too noisy. [ She especially hates it when she hears yelling or loud arguing.

A glance over to his tail. ] ...May I touch your tail too, Siffy?

Yes, you may. [The tail is just as fluffy as it looks, the actual flesh and bone beneath deceptively small. He wonders idly if his own daughters would have enjoyed petting his tail, if he had been able to be a cougar around them. Maybe. He's glad that Fio is enjoying herself.]

I miss the forest. It was nice to be there. It was never fully silent, but it was often very quiet. You could hear animals here and there, birds overhead, the wind through the trees, but you could also be very alone. I miss it... but I am also glad to be here, and to know people like you, Sunshine. I have never been quite so happy as I am on this ship.

[ She reaches to pet the tail, being just as careful and gentle as before. Her smile twitches slightly wider as she realizes how soft it is. ]

...That's kind of like my secret place. I miss it sometimes. It was an old ruin a ways off from my town, with a bunch of trees around. [ Not as dense as a forest, but it was peaceful. ] I went there a lot 'cause it was nice and quiet.

[ Away from her parents' arguments. Away from the hostile gazes of the townspeople. She's careful to avoid giving too much information about her home life. She doesn't want to accidentally steer the conversation to who she once was, thinking her old title and status might eventually come up. Here, she's just Fio... a kind little girl aboard the ship. ]

I'm glad to be here too. I have so many friends now!

[ Assuming most of them haven't thrown her away over the Sparkles situation... ]

It sounds very nice, very peaceful. A good place to be by ones self.

[She is so very careful with the things she says, the way she behaves, how she holds herself. Most children talk in a reckless way, eager to share anything they know. They tell you about how loud their fathers fart, how their mothers screamed at the Avon woman for ringing the doorbell for waking up their baby brother, how grandma is dead and they had to wear tight shoes to a funeral, or loudly endlessly talking about Minecraft, Five Nights at Freddies, Roblocks and a whole host of things that Siffleur barely grasps. They're games. He's sure they're games.

Fio wants privacy and peace. He will gladly give her this, as he suspects she has had little else that was hers. ]

I know how you feel. I have never been good at making friends. I had my mother, and she was a very good mother to me. We were alike, so it was easy to talk to her. Other people have been... more complicated. And I am often a terrible person, so it is hard for them to like me for very long. But it's different here, and I'm very happy.

[Siffleur smiles at her with his eyes.] It is a good place where people like you and me can be happy and have friends.

[ The ruins had been a favorite playground. At the same time, it often reminded her of how lonely she was. Other children steered clear, only because her lowly title either frightened them off or indicated she should be a person that deserves abuse. It was also a memory of her lowest moments and final resting place. Her reality had been filled with hardship, so much that she's careful not to go into the heavy details. Even among the sadness, there are some small moments of happiness that she can cherry pick from her life and openly share with others. ]

There's lots of people here like us, huh? Scary things happen here a lot, but I always find ways to get happy again. I'm glad that you can be happy here too. And I don't think you're terrible!

[ Based on the short amount of time they've known each other so far. If he has some deep dark secrets, it doesn't cross her mind to go digging for it. ]

It's nice talking to you... and I like petting your fur.

[ She stops stroking his tail, only to return to petting the fur on his body. She's a little more at ease, having been on edge earlier and uncertain who would be "safe" to speak with. (And later, she'll find out no one's really mad at her. ]

[He chuckles softly. He is a terrible creature, but it is still nice to hear from time to time that he is not so terrible. Siffleur hopes that as she grows older, she will also learn that she is not so terrible either - or perhaps, not terrible at all, though Siffleur thinks that it is good to be terrible at least a little bit. Teeth and fangs and even sharp lanterns are necessary to keep someone safe, but you must be willing to use them to truly ensure your safety.]

I have enjoyed talking to you as well. You are always welcome to visit me if you would like to pet my fur, or to talk, or to simply sit quietly with someone. I live in the Tommy Bahamas, and if you call my name, I will come if I hear it. ... or you can text me. I have my phone there.

[As he's pet, he purrs softly and steadily, his eyes half closing.]

[ After October's events, she had spent a few months away from the endless Tommy Bahama since it once shared the same spot as the Spirit Halloween. She's not so afraid of visiting the shop anymore. Surprisingly, before the terrible Halloween party, she used to enjoy frequenting the store while playing on her own. There's a lot of colorful clothes with wild patterns to try on... and she finds enjoyment by running towards the never-ending back wall...

She wouldn't mind coming to visit Siffleur sometimes, though she's surprised that's where he's staying. ]

That's where you live? Do you dislike staying in your cabin? ...Do you have a cabin?

The ship assigned me a cabin. I wake up there when I die, and I go there to shower so I don't get stinky. [And to get the blood off sometimes, but Fio does not need gruesome details.] Daisy lives there too, if you know her. But when I came to the ship, I had spent a long time living as a human and I had planned to live in the forest for many months.

There is no forest here, but the Tommy Bahama's works as a replacement. It is very big, with many hiding spots, and I can run in every direction forever. I like it there. I've made nests to sleep in, and it is quiet and private. I can go to the cabin but I prefer to sleep completely alone. And Daisy is also a big animal, so we would find it uncomfortable to be in the same space all the time. [He's fairly certain the only reason he can call Daisy a friend is because he sleeps elsewhere. The two of them get along well, but he can be very territorial and he suspects she's the same. And knowing what he knows now, their placement together was done on purpose to generate suffering. He's glad that it didn't, because Daisy already has enough reasons to be unhappy without a big cat making things worse.

He tips his head at Fio.] Do you share a cabin too?

[ That sounds reasonable to her to make the Tommy Bahama a replacement for a forest. No doubt she has imagined the clothing store full of colorful coastal patterns as a forest while playing around in there. She can also relate to finding enjoyment in running every direction forever. ]

I share a cabin with Dimi! [ ...Dimitri. ] I don't really stay there very much, except for when I need to go to bed at night and when I need to shower and change my clothes. [ Obviously when she dies too, but that's something she doesn't want to talk about! Mainly during the daytime, she spends her time at Sand Dollars or the library. ]

I've never met Daisy. [ The name might sound familiar though? It's a pretty name, like a flower! Is she another shapeshifter? While she has been living on the boat for a long while, she hasn't had a chance to meet every single passenger. ] What kind of animal is Miss Daisy?

[Dimi... that must be Dimitri, the man who turned into a lion while they were in the labyrinth. He was also the one who started the escapes.] I've never spoken directly to him, but since he turns into a cat when nearly everyone else is a dog, I have decided he is worth liking. [This isn't even slightly true but there's something about speaking with children that makes an adult want to be at least a little silly, even if just to get a giggle from them. He doesn't know if Fio likes to giggle, but he thinks it would be nice if he could make her laugh.]

Daisy turns into a very big wolf. She has short blond hair, and is very stern looking, but she is very thoughtful and cares about her friends a lot. We often talk because we are both similar kinds of monsters. It's nice to talk to someone who understands you. I hope you have friends who understand you too, Fio. Parents are very good, but it is hard to talk to a parent about everything since they worry too much.

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[open] god will grant me my wishes if i'm a good girl.

C. SPORTS DECK

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