Ok! Well, I decided since I liked the first two chapters so well, I would re-open this fic and write some more. The first two chapters were from Knives' POV: This one will be from Vash's.
I hope you enjoy it, and that it lives up to the other two. XD
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The wind whipped around us, as heaven screamed at the impending loss of it's child. Rem always told us that we were angels; that we were precious to the gods that be. I had never thought seriously about this- the idea that there were winged creatures flapping in the sky, answering to an almighty creator's beck and call? Preposterous. Science wouldn't allow for it. But as my mind matured and deepened, I realized that it was no more unlikely than thousands of humans descending on a barren planet in flying ships. Maybe plants were angels. Maybe we weren't.
Did it even matter now?
I held the precious bundle in my arms, willing her to stay with me. My coat and a nearby rock were the only things protecting us from the horrid sandstorm that lashed against us. I would've stayed inside the plant facility, but anything was better than facing my brother. I wondered silently what he hoped to gain from his murderous revenge on the human race. What he could ever hope to accomplish. Peace? Sure. Peace, because everyone would be dead.
The girl in my arms stirred fitfully; I knew she was reacting adversely to my emotional state. I willed myself to calm: I couldn't get upset now.
Relaxing, I wrapped my mind around hers in a sort of a comfort blanket. There was nothing in my vast knowledge that could help her now. It was too late. I could already feel her embracing the quieting thought of death.
I held her tighter, burying my face in her damp hair.
'It's okay. Everything is going to be alright. It's not your time. You are loved.'
I felt her untangle her limbs from the fetal position she had been in. She carefully and deliberately brought her arms around my waist, digging her claws into my back. A tear slid down my face as I held her close. It was the most tragic thing I could comprehend: in all of her long, exhausting life, she had never once been touched by another living soul.
'Va...sh...'
I was startled by my name, but then realized that she must have heard it from Knives.
'You have a...name.'
I realized with a sad smile, that it was a new concept to her. She was still discovering, even at her end.
I brought my mouth to her damp ear, and spoke aloud. "Would you like one?"
'No. I am fine. I do not need one.'
She didn't communicate with words anymore, but I could feel a sense of guilt wash over me, as I realized that she was apologizing in her own way. Sympathy was the only thing I felt. She was sorry for biting me. For doing something so animalistic. I held her closer, letting my forgiveness surge across her. I knew she was no animal.
One of her clawed hands found mine. She ran one of her fingers across my bloodied wrist, and within moments it healed, small drops of blood still clinging to the perfectly restored skin. I was awestruck. I had regenerative powers over my own body, but they weren't that swift or effective. I certainly couldn't heal others. And how could she do it now, when ever fiber of her body would be focused on keeping her alive?
She was special. That was the answer.
The storm was beginning to die down. The rock we were leaning against was casting a long shadow- nightfall was imminent.
Her breathing was beginning to shallow, and I could feel her pulse flicker under my hand. I brought my hand up under her neck, as she fought to keep control. She started to audibly whimper, and I squeezed my eyes shut to avoid doing the same.
***
The little blond boy pressed his hands against the huge bulb, eyes wide with wonder. A tall woman crouched beside him, eyes sparkling with love for the child.
"Rem! There's someone in there, Rem! I can feel it."
"Of course there is, Vash. They're what keep this ship running. When we get to our new home, they'll help us!" She smiled at him, amazed at his intelligence. He was only three months old. She didn't know how it was possible, but it was. He was her little miracle.
"Who are they, Rem? Who are they?"
"Silly. They're you sisters!"
***
I opened my eyes and let the tears run freely. My sister. That's who she was. She was so much older than I was. Maybe I had seen her that day on the SEEDS ship. Maybe she felt my presence. Maybe an old, familiar knowledge is what had been keeping her alive the past hour.
Maybe...Maybe...
I wept bitterly into my coat. Hot, bitter, selfish tears. This was her pain. I was taking her grief upon myself. It wasn't right! I pounded one of my fists into the ground, blind with the pain of sadness. It had all but consumed me, when I felt a hand on my face. The words suddenly poured into my head.
"Do not mourn. I do not understand. I am weak, but not near death. Please stop."
I gasped and let my tears clear. As her face slowly came into focus, I could understand why some would be frightened of our species. Her eyes were pitch black, and she never blinked. Her eyes were open, or they were closed. Her skin was deathly pale, strikingly resembling a ghost. She rarely opened her mouth, -using telepathy was her only means of communicating with anyone- but when she did, it would show a row of dagger-like teeth. But apart from that and two folded wings on her back, she looked as human as I did.
I looked into her deep eyes, at a loss for words; I could feel my mind being invaded, and I knew she was scanning my thoughts and memories. Not a hint of emotion crossed her face, but I could feel her empathy.
'You want...to be loved.'
I blinked at her out-right obviousness. Of course I did. Didn't everyone? (Everyone who isn't a homicidal maniac, that is?) But then, I had to remind myself that part of the reason Knives was the way he was, was because of the cruel treatment he had faced as a child. I faced it too, but he had always been the weaker of the two of us. For all of his power, and all of my cowardice, I was still the stronger twin.
Night was finally here. There weren't many animal sounds, but fear of the unknown kept me on the alert to danger.
She snuggled close against me for warmth. So childlike.
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Please review! I should mention that this story is pre-series. Although I'm a die-hard VashxMeryl shipper, I'm toying with the idea of making this plant a love interest. Just wait 'till you see what she can do. ^.^
p.s. -set to your story alerts, please!! Chapter 4 is not far off!
