Thirteen Truffula Trees

[whichwayyoulean]

[Well, that was an eventful trip, wasn't it? He'd actually been enjoying the world change right up to the point the fake Lorax showed up. Those words had hurt, even if a small part of him was always expecting them. So, the Once-ler is in his room (where else?) idly strumming out a guitar tune. He's not even sure he remembers where he's heard it from. Somewhere in the castle, probably. He continues to strum along as he dictates into the journal]

Okay, I have a question. Did anyone else see horrible illusions when the...whatever they were attacked us? Because I'm kind of wondering. How did they know what illusions to cast? You know, which ones would really get to us. Did they have files on us or did they just go play around in our heads and turn our own minds against us?

[He's not sure why it's important he knows that. It's not exactly going to make him feel any better, but still. That done, he has some filters to see to]

[Jane]

Your Utility Belt is all done. I would have got it done sooner if the castle hadn't decided to throw all those shenanigans at us.

[Phoebe]

Incoming, your ghosts are brining your birthday present. [It’s a scarf. Because it was something he was able to make on short notice, and hey, winter is coming so it’s practical too!]

[Kalinda]

[He’s been concerned about her, really. They haven’t properly talked since that...nightmare mess and he’s not sure if she even wants to see him again or not. Still, she’s been quiet- very quiet. He's trying not to think about those really not subtle at all hints his beloved friends decided to drop concerning her. Carefully:

...Hey.

Comments

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

...People think about that kind of thing?

But anyway, sure I can do something in purple or orange.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Of course they do! The color you wear can make a big difference between looking like a total zombie and looking like a -- oh, what's that phrase ... a million trucks?

[bucks, ino. you mean bucks.]

Good!

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

...

A million trucks?


I'm pretty sure no one wants to look like that.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Isn't that it? A million something ...

[SHE DOESN'T KNOW WHAT A TRUCK IS OKAY]

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

...

Do you mean a million bucks? Because if you looked like a million trucks you'd just be, well, I'd tell you, but you'll get violent.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

A million bucks? But isn't that a kind of deer?

Why, what's a truck??

[SO CONFUSED]

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

Yeah, but it's also a sort of currency in...well, my world, and others, I guess. It's slang for a dollar.

NO. I'm not telling you. You'll hit me.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Oh! So you just look rich. I get it!

What?? Why would I hit you? It's not something dirty, is it?

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

Well that and just...I don't know, beautiful. Beautiful like a big pile of money. A big pile of money that makes up exactly one million bucks, to be exact. [God he misses when he had big piles of money :(]

No, it's not dirty. It's just that other thing you get really violent about.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Beautiful? But they're just paper.

Other thing? [a pause] A truck's not a kind of pig, is it?

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

Paper that can buy you things. Like food and houses and status.

Oh, heck no. Not a pig thing, deeeeefinately not a pig thing. It's just a big vehicle that carries...heavy loads.

Pleasedon'tkillme

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Houses? As in more than one house?

... So it's a big car?

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

If you have enough money, sure.

Yeah. With a big box on the back so it can carry anything.

[Okay, no violence is happening yet, this is good!]

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Why would you need more than one?

So ... why did you think I was going to punch you?

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

Because sometimes you just want more than one. Maybe one's a vacation home. [He never DID get that beachhouse on Sneetch Beach]

Because you kind to get violent whenever anyone even slightly hints you might be uh...heavy.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

That sounds like a waste of money. Can't you just rent a house for vacation if you need a place to stay?

Well, I'm not heavy! Right? [said cheerfully, in that way that's tinged with I WILL KILL YOU IF YOU DISAGREE]

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

Well, the point is to splurge your money. Because you can.

[Said VERY quickly, because boy did he catch THAT] NO! No no, you're as light as a feather!

[Once-ler]

[ino]

[ ... ] I think I'm just going to have to give up on understanding that stuff.

Good! Then there's no problem.

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

You gave it a shot at least.

Oh good. I like the lack of violence in my day.

[Once-ler]

[ino]

A pretty good shot, too. But anyways, back to the point: what color you wear can totally change how people see you.

I usually prefer not having to dole it out, too~ ♥

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

You know, I never thought about that before, but people sure began to respect when when I switched to the green. [Or, you know, respected his money. Whatever]

[Sorry, Ino, he's just going to laugh at that comment]

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Well, green looks nice on you! I don't know what you were wearing before, but your suit definitely gets attention.

... What? [you almost avoided her being mad onceler. almost.] What's so funny?

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

It was grey and white usually. But thanks, I like the green.

You not enjoying violence? Come on. [He's a giant idiot]

[Once-ler]

[ino]

Well, there you go! Bright colors are naturally more eye-catching than neutral colors.

I don't enjoy it! I just dispense it when necessary.

[Ino]

[whichwayyoulean]

That's why the Thneeds were dyed pink. [OH WAIT LET'S NOT TALK ABOUT THOSE]

I think you enjoy it a little tiny bit. You do kinda do it a lot.