Tragic Ends VS Bad Ends, Trigun Flavor

[procreation]

CW: mildly Plantcesty bc of canon end events but mostly toxicity, mindfuck, extreme codependency and.... co-parenting?

Somewhere in the sands is a tall person traveling on bare feet, a cloak of galaxies and roots covering their face from the sun. Vash moves slowly, not because he's tired or struggling, but because he's not really in a hurry. He doesn't get tired anymore, or hungry. Just weak, sometimes, but he's always been weak, hasn't he? That's why his brother has to protect him.

So this place couldn't be bad, because Knives would never leave him somewhere bad.

He stops briefly to collect a bleached skull left in the sand, picking it up with the roots and wisps of shadow and then holding it with the curiosity of a detached scholar rather than a compassionate man. Human, by the looks of it. Not killed by one of their brood, just unlucky in the desert.

Shrugging, Vash lets it drop into the sand again like an unwanted piece of trash and lets all those roots and glimmering energy unfold around him. He makes a little seat for himself, black flowers with shiny blue specks acting as cushions as the rest of his cloak peels away for a canopy. The dark undersuit is an echo of his brother, including the sturdiness of four perfectly fine limbs.

No memories were left, physical or otherwise. Sometimes you just have to remake your little brother to make him understand your point of view, and Vash... doesn't really know any better, anymore. It's fine, all he needs to focus on is making new Independents.

The roots continue to stretch over the sand, slithering over the area to see if they can pick up anything other than old bones of a doomed race.

Comments

Independent Garden

[procreation]

[ It's taking Vash some time to get comfortable in his new home. Being surrounded by other independents was a blessing, but it also makes him miss his other kids at lot. He was used to the rambunctious one-year-olds running around and asking questions, and the older near-adults learning about their gates and helping out with the research. Servants and sycophants, zealots. Zazie and their flock.

Being alone is terrifying.

Then there was Nai. God, he feels like he's missing half of his soul and he barely remembers how to make choices by himself. He even started to sleep again just to dream about of his brother. How is he supposed to go on without his twin? No proud words whispered in his ear, no strong chest to lean to. Nothing.

The small dwelling is so empty.

Then there's the issue of his growing little ones. He was used to Nai checking on them constantly, happily talking about how much they're grown and how strong they are. Between being hit with a car and being stressed, anything could have happened inside his gate - and stressing about that didn't help.

Sighing, he slips some more roots out of the open window, having almost completely covered the house with them by now. Bright night-sky blue flowers bloom all over, making a beautiful statement house in the city.

...and well-fortified if he unleashes the thorns. ]

[somatichybrid]

[There's a tap on a vine, the light sort of way a person might tap a shoulder to get attention.

From the roof, though. Nobody is around but other plants, at least..]

[procreation]

[ Vash jolts at the tap, confused why it would come from the roof. Sure, some people touched his vines now and then but not up there!

Suspiciously he sticks his head out the window, mostly obscured by his cloak of smoky darkness and galaxies. Looking upwards, he calls out; ]

What?!

[ Okay, so maybe he's not the friendliest of guys at the moment. Blame faux-hormones. ]

[somatichybrid]

Your vines stole my bottle. Can I have it back?

[Whoever's up there sounds friendly, cheerful almost, and possibly familiar. Not like the Vash he encountered, a bit like Nai, but not quite.]

I don't mind sharing but.. I'd need it back first to do that.

[procreation]

[ Oh. Well, that was weird. ]

Don't put it down in the vines, they're meant to wrap around anything that might be dangerous. Like people on my roof.

[ He mutters, a little on the edge from the weirdly familiar voice. Still, Vash draws the crawling mess back to return the bottle, but also uses them to move up to the roof as well.

The sight is... well. ]

...Nai?

[somatichybrid]

[And that's definitely a laugh.]

Aw, whiskey's not dangerous! ..Okay well, not to us. I'll bring your vines a nice bit of fertilizer later, A plus for effort.

[They are not, he's aware, normal vines. But he's going to ignore that fact because it's more entertaining this way. As Vash levers himself up and matches appearance to voice, both eyebrows rise sharply. It's not hard to recognize a Vash, but this one definitely looks different!

... As does he, with the deformed bits and all, some blade sharp, others feathers, recently freed bottle held in a hand with fingers much too long for normalcy. He considers the vines, and then ... decides to not hide his own peculiar traits. Obviously this other plant is already used to weirdness, what's a little more? For all the obvious inhumanness, there's something completely at ease in his demeanor, as if all of this is normal, expected, and just fine.]

"Nai", I like the sound of that. Not as aggressive as 'knives' but it still has that implication. Alas! No, if you're looking for someone specifically, it's probably not me. We haven't met. You can call me El-ahrairah if you want.

[The bottle is wiggled.]

Want some? One hundred percent free plant made.

[procreation]

[ He gets a slight huff in repose, somewhere between amusement and a sigh.

Vash keeps his eyes on the independent, taking in all the strangeness. It's curious, how he sees both himself and his brother at the same time, but also different from it at the same time. An independent from a reality where they're joined?

...that sounds kind of nice. Always being with his brother. ]

A pity. You seem like tolerable company, at least. El-ahrairah.

[ There's no Rem to read him traumatizing stories about rabbits in his mind, so it's just another name to Vash. ]

...and no, thank you. I can't drink right now.

[somatichybrid]

[On this planet, he doesn't expect anyone to get any of his references. An obscure book from an obscure era from a nearly forgotten planet? But he knows, and that was enough to please him. A thousand enemies, indeed.]

I like to think I am, but I'm biased in my favor.

[Now that's a lie, a little tiny one, most people didn't tolerate his company well so he takes what he can get. And right now, this isn't hostile! And it's with ... a brother, he supposed, so even better. One who seemed like he might need a friend, or at least an ear. What plant needed so many defenses, in a town just for plants?

On the other hand, they all had a thousand enemies. And if they were ever caught, they'd be killed.. this might be a last refuge for this Vash.]

Why not? I can probably dig up some juice or something if you'd prefer.

[procreation]

[ It's fun when you can entertain yourself. Unfortunately Vash is still learning that, more used to always being busy. It's partly why this place is making him a little stir-crazy, because what skills does he have to even attempt a job?

So this... amalgamation of himself and his brother is a welcome distraction. Maybe partly because there's a little bit of Nai in there, and that fills the bloody gash where his brother's influence used to be. ]

Juice would be better. I don't mind sharing that kind of drink.

[ It's not like the children would suffer from the alcohol like in a normal pregnancy, but he doesn't want his senses messed with. It's supposedly a safe space here but nothing is ever fully safe, is it?

He can't risk any more damage to himself. ]

[ornamentals]

[ when nai had tucked into bed next to vash that night, he expected to have woken up in that same bed and with vash taking up most of the bed and the blankets for himself.

he had dreamed deeply and woke slowly, yet even in his groggy state he knew something was wrong. the bed felt different, firmer, a complete absence of blankets, and worst of all-

vash was gone.

nai slowly turns over on the couch he suddenly found himself laying on, sleep clothes ruffled and his hair scruffy from sleep. he rubs a palm against his eyes as he blinks away stars, slowly sitting up. ]

Vash...?

[procreation]

[ He's dreaming. Surely he's dreaming, finding a little blonde boy on his couch? Vash's heart aches as he stops in the doorway, just taking in the child. It's... difficult, at times, to keep up with five hundred of the previous generation, but this one... he looked so much like his brother used to back when they were little.

Vash radiates soothing, loving energy as he step into the room, smiling. ]

Right here. Where did you come fr...

[ Closer now, and there's no way he would not recognize his brother. Their children at this age were beautiful mixes of all kinds of blue to green eyes, dark blonde to white hair in many styles and even some dependent plant markings like darkened fingertips. Moles in different places. Beautiful and unique, even when shared by a twin.

But nobody had that awful haircut. Only they did, as kids. Vahs isn't sure why. It's shaggier now, but he knows it. ]

N-Nai?

[ornamentals]

[ immediately nai's attention is focused on his brother - older - in the doorway, what little sleep still clinging to the corners of his mind now gone in a blink. he slides off the couch, already crossing the room to vash with wide eyes as he takes in his brother's appearance.

he looked so different from every other brother he's come across here, none of that familiar, striking red he's come to associate with the older brothers by now. the dark second skin and familiar markings they shared with their sisters that decorated vash's body captivates nai's full attention. ]

I just- woke up... Are you alone here?

[ the warmth rolling off of vash along their connection is soothing, but it doesn't ease the pinched look of concern on his features. ]

[procreation]

[ It's a strange place, this brother has - walls and floor covered in roots and large flowers. Strangest of all, however, is the way Vash's legs give out and he sinks to the floor with tears in his eyes.

Good tears, if his flood of joy is anything to go by. There's pain - so much - but it's drowned in his happiness to see his brother, no matter how small. Obviously this is the child Nai the sick him and the dogs were so concerned about.

Ironic, how he was the one who came to Vash. ]

Nai... I am so alone.

[ He admits, holding his arms out to the boy. It's like having his children and his brother in one, a perfectly huggable size. ]

I just ended up out there in the desert and there are humans. I can't sense our Eden anywhere.

[ornamentals]

[ he inhales sharply when vash falls to his knees, chest tight at both the sight of his brother's tears and the wave of sweet relief that crashes into him. as if by instinct, nai closes the distance between them into vash's open arms. ]

You're not alone, I'm here with you now.

[ older, younger, nearly every brother he's come across here has been alone. nai wanted to fill that empty space beside each one, but he was only one person and so, painfully, weak. it shamed him, but there was nothing to be done when progress towards strength was a long and arduous journey.

he brushes their cheeks together, arms wrapping around vash to keep them close. he smelled nice, of flowers and sisters and warmth. ] Our... Eden? [ nai pulls away just enough to study vash's expression, wide eyes searching. ] It's real? It's really... real?

[procreation]

[ Vash hugs the small boy close, almost trembling when he can feel their connection. It's real, it's Nai, he's just small and young and so much like their children. Vash feels like a brother and a father at the same time. ]

It was so hard without you. You always know what to do, what to say. All I did was wait.

[ Vash strokes that pale hair gently, and then blinks away a few more tears to be able to look at his brother when the boy pulls back. Of course. Of course he doesn't know, he's too little. ]

It's real. It takes a long time but we made it. A paradise for us and the kids, with our sisters smiling as they watch over us. Safe.

[ornamentals]

[ there's a part of him so happy being able to give vash some small amount of comfort simply by being here. if holding him tight and with promises to stay close gave his brother some peace of mind, nai would never let go.

he had so many questions, the roots, the strangely glowing flowers, his brother's appearance... it was all so vastly different from what he's come to expect here. ]

I'm sorry... I'm sorry, Vash- [ for making him wait, for leaving him alone when vash needed him. vash strokes his hair back, still messy from sleep. he thinks about vash still back in bed, soon to wake up alone himself. his heart hurts. ]

How? Everyone has told me [ shown him, unwillingly, accidentally - ] that it isn't possible. Not like... [ he trails off, looking away as he worries his lower lip. ] I don't know. [ his shoulders fall, frustration creasing his brows. then, as if just realizing what vash had said, he looks back up. ] ... Kids?

[procreation]

[ Finally Vash's brain catches up with his codependent euphoria of being with his brother again, and he pulls himself together a little. He can try to be the big brother for once, even if he's so used to the opposite. ]

Don't apologize! It's okay, you're here now and I can feel you again. It's not empty inside.

[ He says, putting a hand over his heart. Matching links, matching pulse. The vines start to move, creating a soft pace for both of them to sit. Flowers bloom, bioluminescent speckles lighting up the room further. None of it is threatening; just a natural part of Vash, just like Nai's blades are. ]

It takes a long time, but you have a plan. Older you. You take all the plants that the humans have treated like slaves, and you save them. Then you save me.

[ That sick, confused Vash still haunts him a little. ]

Together we help the sisters made more independents, like us. Then you and I make our own.

[dontdeserve]

[ It's taken him a while, to build up enough of himself, but he's tried to not to delay coming to check on the other him too long, either.

He doesn't try to hide who he is as he approaches the house, but also he doesn't raise a hand to knock, in case his touch might be unpleasant, given how much of the outside is covered in, well, Vash. ]

Hey. Are you receiving visitors?

[ No hostility or coldness in his voice, not right now. He does want the other Vash to be all right. He just doesn't know what 'all right' may be, the screams of the person inside the shell of NAIness still echoing in his mind. ]

[procreation]

[ He can feel the other him approaching, and it takes some willpower to not activate all the thorns on the vines outside. It's still technically a him, after all... no matter how sick and wrong.

A few of the roots move to open the door for Vash, showing the hood-clad version inside with his arms crossed. He looks okay, at least... a little stressed and with dark circles under his eyes. ]

What do you want?

[ He asks, cold eyes doing a quick once-over to check for weapons. ]

[dontdeserve]

[ Of course Vash has his gun, he couldn't very well leave it for little ones to find, but his pose is relaxed, calm, and he tilts his face to make sure the light does not make the lenses of his glasses a pair of mirrors. His eyes are open and... warm. And, yes, of course he is in readiness to defend himself if he is attacked - he knows it is a high probability with this Vash - but he refuses to take it as a certainty.

And he has no intention of attacking first. ]

To check on you. Perhaps spend a little time with you, if you'd like. See if there is something you need... beside what I can't give because it's simply outside my abilities.

[ He cannot give him his Nai. It's a simple matter of fact. ]

To me, you are family. All of you.

[ It is the truth. Painful, in some ways, but truth all the same. ]

[procreation]

[ Needing human weapons is pathetic, weird-self. You're so much more powerful than a measly metal thing! Still, the wrong Vash seems honest and his smile is less annoying when Vash isn't annoyed already. No hugging dead dogs. ]

Why?

[ He asks, but the Vash answer that's quickly. Family. Family means everything to Vash, but it's hard to see another self, an impostor and a reminder of how sick he used to be before he was reformed as family.

Vash is bored, though, and painfully lonely. ]

Alright. Get inside and don't get any stupid ideas.

[ The house is small and clean but covered almost everywhere with his roots on the inside as well. Huge ones to make places to sit, smaller ones holding some baskets for storage, a large coil of roots and flowers making a bed. ]

[dontdeserve]

[ There is a short, soft pulse of love in addition to the answer he already gave. It's not even fake.

He's never known love that did not hurt him, anyway. Tessla being the closest to it - though he suspects there will be heartbreak there eventually, too, and he'll try to take it all on himself, to spare her the pain. But he will take every moment until then as the blessing that it is. ]

Thank you. And no, I don't like hurting people at all.

[ In he comes, without hesitation. Although if he's not indicated a specific place he's allowed to sit, he'll just flop cross-legged on the floor. ]

[procreation]

[ The beat of love hits a wall of mistrust and slight disgust, but it does seem to calm a bit of the tension in Vash's shoulders. He's profoundly lonely even among his own kind - because they're not his kind.

He takes a seat on a flower-covered root, soft and bouncy, and gestures to the weird copy of himself to sit anywhere he wants. It's not like Vash has any tea and cookies, so being allowed in a flowery spider web will have to be enough hospitality. ]

So.

[dontdeserve]

[ Well that's not exactly the first time it's bounced off of that. Really, that's not even a fraction of how it felt for Wolfwood to say what he said when they first met at Rem's.

And this time, he's more or less prepared for it.

He does bounce a little at the permission to sit on the carefully arranged vines and blooms, even while fully aware that they can turn into a weapon, a trap, without notice. ]

They smell really nice. Thanks.

[ ... he'll still not crush a blossom. A spot made of bare vines will do. ]

So. Have you met many of the people here? I hadn't really come before, and now I brought them some gifts, that they allowed you a place where it'll be at least marginally less unpleasant for you.

[ Alone or among humans being the other options. ]

But I can't stay, not really, too many people to take care of.

[ He's here now. ]

Do you think they miss the world that they came from?

[procreation]

[ It's... weird, to have a civil conversation with this Vash. Is it because he's so damn lonely? Still, he pulls his cloak down a bit so that his doppelganger can see his face more clearly, and then leans his chin on his hand. ]

I've met some people. It's... weird, to see Independents that I'm not related to. However, you were right that it's the best place to be until I find Nai.

[ Nothing makes him particularly angry, here. Bored and anxious, yes, but not angry. This is his people - and not, at the same time. ]

...seeing them makes me miss my little ones, though.

[ There was no way he could have had a personal hand in raising the children Nai made, there were just too many - especially in the second generation. That amount nearly killed him, which is why a hundred is the max for this and any future gestations. Still, Vash tried to interact as much as possible. They were his kin, and these people, here? There was a connection missing that makes his chest ache. ]

I hope not. I heard some of them are even from Earth.