Chapter Text
With a soft crunch, footprints were pressed into the snow as a figure was making its way through Dragonspine’s cave. The cavern housed frostborn icicles which observed the being in awe as their silence echoed from the hollow within. A cold numbness tingled at the creature's fingertips when feeling along the cave's walls, leaving finest traces on frosted stones due to the creature's body temperature, a pleasant warmth radiating from its very being.
Sunlight hit ash blond strands when reaching the outside, the white now stung in his eyes.
The failed specimen of the primordial human project slid down the path outside, creating the smallest of avalanches whilst leaving behind a trail to his whereabouts. Not minding it that much as it snowed softly, he started to collect a variety of items for his own experiments. Snow covered branches broke beneath his feet as he stepped through a forest glade. Having caught a bright blue in the corner of his eyes, he turned his gaze towards mint growing on an open area of a snowbank.
Nearing it, the alchemist already felt a slight kicking from underneath. Eyeing the whopperflower trap with a raised brow, his only thoughts were that this creature must be especially stupid. Once he crouched down with one knee in the snow, he pulled at the plant to reveal the oh so dangerous monster.
In seconds Subject 2 halted in his tracks, being deadpanned at this pathetic creature he was now holding in his hand. More like holding its leaves and letting it dangle in front of him.
This whooperflower was extraordinarily small and had fine hues of red sprinkles at the ends of its leaves.
With an innocent expression it looked at him and squeaked quietly. In awe, the whooperflower baby had stopped all of its movements, now staring back at the homunculus not knowing what would happen with it now.
Without showing any emotions, the alchemist stood up and took it with him. He decided that it would be a good enough guinea pig.
Letting it dangle on his side, he held it like a turnip that he freshly pulled out. However, this wasn’t to the plants liking and so it began squeaking louder, disapproving of its situation. It startled Subject 2 a little and he gazed down at it. Now starting to thrash around and squeak repeatedly, the man cracked an annoyed smirk as one eyebrow subconsciously twitched.
“Shut it, would you?” He spoke in a cold tone.
The whopperflower had its attention on him as he spoke and to his surprise it actually fell silent.
For a second.
In its distress the plant began its tantrum anew and after a few more steps, he decided that this was not worth his patience and sat it down.
Wordlessly he leaves it there not wanting to deal with it anymore. Until… he heard how something follows him underground, jumping up here and there to peek out with its head.
With a final sigh Rubedo halted again just to angrily look at the snowbank next to him. Waiting for a few seconds, the small whopperflower slowly peeked out at him, having snow on its leaf that grew from its head. He grunted to himself, scaring the whooperflower so that it squeaked and returned beneath the snow.
Averting his gaze from the hole the blue baby flower left behind, he looked ahead and wanted to return to his current base.
Making his first step he heard a squeak yet again, making him extend his step to avoid stepping on the suddenly appeared whopperflower that was now between his legs.
Inhaling sharply Subject 2 let out an annoyed growl.
It wasn’t like he wouldn’t use it for experiments at this point, it asked for it right?
Thus the alchemist kneeled down, leaving behind the awkward position he had held to avoid stepping on the baby flower. The man stretched out his hand to grab it anew, but before he did so, the baby flower nuzzled itself against his clothed fingers. With a blank expression his eyes widened just the slightest, comprehending what the whopperflower was doing. Rubedo concluded for himself that this strange behaviour is indeed interesting to investigate.
But he had a different goal. This had to wait.
So he simply grabbed it again by its head and took it with him. Just moments after the little whopperflower complained again by wiggling and squeaking. Clicking his tongue, the alchemist put it into his arms, carrying it more comfortably as he didn’t want to let go of this specimen just yet.
To his surprise, yet also relief as it was his goal, the baby flower stopped squeaking and wiggling.
Having returned to his hideout in one of the caves of the mountain, he sat it down on a self crafted table. He switched his whereabouts every so often and disposed of the equipment he couldn’t carry with him as he didn’t want to get found by his replacement. This table being one of such things.
On the table were a few papers he had written himself, noting down a variety of things he deemed as useful as he investigated Dragonspine. A few test tubes and coal that he used for writing and drawing laid on the table's surface next to his papers. He wasn’t on the same level of drawing as his successor but the elementary basics of alchemy deemed it as useful and thus crafting items that would come in handy was of much usage for him. Getting better and better at drawing the more he did it.
Kneeling down and sorting the few herbs he found, he gazed at the plant on the table at the corner of his eyes. It tumbled around with its leaves wobbling every so often, it seemed as if it struggled with something. Closing his eyes and letting out a deep sight he stood again, walking over to the small plant who had dirtied itself with the piece of coal.
Having achieved a better sight of the surface of the table Subject 2 knitted his eyebrows as he saw that the whopperflower smeared its leaves with the coal and ruined his writings.
“You…” he mumbled under his breath.
A certain aggression that was held back wasn’t noticed by the baby whopperflower as it now made its way over to the edge, trying to nuzzle against the alchemist who was currently struggling to not commit a murder.
Even though the anger blinded him for a second, his thrill of discovering new things caught up and made him realize that this exemplar of a whooperflower was indeed different. Not only from behaviour, but it certainly seemed to show affection towards him, which is extremely rare if not a singularity amongst the whooperflower kind.
‘Interesting.’ He thought to himself, the plant must have been affected by Durins blood, granting it a more developed consciousness. It certainly shared all the abilities of the whopperflower, however this one must have gained more social awareness to other living beings than the common kind possessed.
The alchemist looked down at it as it nuzzled against his fingers yet again. Softly he stretched out his index finger, making the baby plant lean into the touch. He knitted his eyebrow even more as he didn’t like the affection at first, but he didn’t want to pull away just yet. Hesitant, he opened his hand to feel around the plant's head and pat it. It made a different squeak than before, not in fear or distress, more like the sound of genuine happiness.
Subconsciously the alchemist noted to himself that he was not ready any time soon to let go of this creature. May it be his specimen or not.
The plant acknowledged him as his friend, perhaps even family, but who was the plant to tell him that, so it simply squeaked.
And so Subject 2 shoved it to the side with a grunt trying to save the papers that were beyond saving.
It was kind of nice though. Before he ended up like this he’d like to think the world was beautiful. Decent colour on soft green, he thought it was pretty. Delight eased his chest from the anger that crawled within. Trifolium pratense were so simple. Its structure and colour wasn’t extraordinary, nor was it especially pretty compared to other flower breeds.
The little violet-pink plant wasn’t even hard to find as it grows like weeds. A gardener would perhaps be annoyed by it if it was not wished to be seen in his garden. Though no matter what he would do, even after the garden was no longer a garden, it would always return.
Yes, Rubedo concluded, this damn annoyance of a weed-head was exactly like a Trifolium pratense. Annoying, yet pretty in its own way, but not forget annoying. Well, as far as he could remember they were eatable. He eyes the whopperflower in short consideration. It currently trudged around the cave, being astonished by the icicles. Though when it noticed his gaze it disappeared beneath the floor and reappeared between his feet. Wrapping one of its head leaves around his calf, it looked up at him with googly eyes.
Grunting and wrinkling his nose he picked it up again and asked, “When you do as I say, I won’t have you for dinner.” Not that he ate much in his state anyways but what did he learn from making mistakes? Oh well.
The plant seemed to have fallen silent at that and so he just sat it down again. Not really believing that the whopperflower understood a word he said just now. Kneeling down in front of his herbs again he started to pick out the ones he needed, muttering under his breath that he was missing out on mint, as he only found a god forsaken baby instead of what he needed.
He heard a squeak and when he turned the whopperflower had disappeared, leaving him alone. It really was just the slightest touch of disappointment when he realised that it left, he now had to debate with himself if it was a bad thing for this miraculous specimen to disappear or if peace was finally granted.
Although he concluded that he got a bit upset about it leaving, he remembered the threat and hummed to himself, thinking he would have done the same in the plant's position. Silence accompanied him whilst the walls of the cavern watched his doings.
“SQUEAK!!”
Everyone was shaken when next to the alchemist a small blue flower jumped out from the soil. Squinting his eyes he stared at the baby plant as if it tried to murder him by a sneak attack, no he was totally not shocked for a second. However, he soon realised it had something else in mind. Easing up, and slightly curious, he watched it open its leaves at the crown of its head to reveal a stack of mint. It was only the heads of the plants but that didn’t matter, he only needed those parts. Slowly he took it from the baby plant and viewed the examples thoughtfully. Gazing back at the plant he contemplated what to do or say.
Silently he averted his eyes from the plant and sorted the materials he received. After he finished he glanced at it before turning his full attention back onto the whopperflower.
Blinking at it once, the baby returned the gesture and a hum escaped the alchemist's lips.
He then took a tiny rock next to him and threw it into the snow.
“Get it for me.” He ordered the whopperflower in a calm monotone voice.
In seconds the plant disappeared beyond the soil and made its way over to the rock that now was bedded in snow. He could see how the top leaves were carefully wrapped around the rock and then disappear again, only to reappear next to him and presenting him the rock he just threw.
Wanting to experiment a bit further, he took the rock and marked it with coal.
“You see this? Bring back this exact stone.”
He took the plant into his arm and held its head where the eyes rested against his chest so it would not see.
Then he threw the rock further into a pile of stones and crumbles of the cave, and only when it landed he turned around to not indicate the direction with his eyes in any way possible.
He sat the plant back down and stared at it expectantly. Yet again, it disappeared.
Although, it didn’t return as fast as before.
Rubedo sat on the ground lazily staring into the direction the flower went and waited.
Hearing the clattering of stones being thrown around and seemingly distressed squeaks, a small smile appeared on the alchemists lips.
Do not misunderstand, he was laughing at the helpless plant, but when he caught himself doing so he erased his smile. Sitting there in deliberation he got caught up in a river of thoughts.
Out of nowhere the plant thought it would be a good idea to rush out of the ground between Rubedo’s criss-crossed legs and “SQUEAK!!”
Inhaling sharply he fell back, catching himself with his left arm. This time no anger held hands with his shock and he genuinely looked taken aback at the small whooperflower.
“Fascinating.” He mumbled as he carefully took the exact same rock from before from the plant's head. Then he was struck down with an idea. It was risky and he had to find the correct documents, but he was certain that this plant could make his plans work a lot easier.
So he leaned towards the plant with a smirk stretching across his lips.
“Listen here nuisances, I shall give you a more useful body, then we will root in this garden and make it ours.” Growing like Trifolium pratense in places they were not wished to be seen, they too just wanted to belong to this garden.
The whooper baby squeaked, not exactly understanding the words of his, but soon started to spin on the spot letting its leaves flutter around.
—————————————————————-
The next morning, when Subject 2 woke, leaning against the thick red walls near Durins heart he rubbed at his eyes. Sleepily he gazed around the cave when he felt something wriggle in his lap.
The whooper baby seemed to be fast asleep, and Rubedo would bet the one mora coin he had found on the ground in the mountains, that it dreamed something. How could he tell? Well it was fluttering its leaves around softly whilst one leaf was wrapped around his lower arm. Just like a baby would hold onto the thumb of their parent.
At the same time it made weird snorting noises always ending with a high key yet soft squeak.
Not caring to wake it up, he held it to his chest and left the cavern painted in red. The baby didn’t notice that the warmth of the cave left, as it was perfectly replaced by the body temperature of the alchemist. Sleeping soundly for a while longer.
Today he would be getting the records for his own experiment on the human body. However, he concluded that stealing those documents would be risky as his successor was an excellent tracker. It would be best if he didn’t discover his very being to begin with, gaining the surprise effect. Maybe setting a trap by revealing the whopperflower first will give him the opportunity to strike when his replacement lets his guard down.
His thoughts were interrupted when the baby awakened.
It started squeaking in high tones when it looked into his faces as it was carried. Was it happy to see him? Subject 2 hissed down at it, wanting it to be quiet. Unsuccessful.
The baby now wiggled with its leaves and wrapped it around his arm. Trying to peel it off he growled and once he was free he took it by its head and threw it into the snow. It made a little scream-squeak during its flight and landed with a rather muffled noise in the snow.
Rule number one as a parent, don’t yeet your kids away when it doesn’t stop screaming.
Being no father Subject 2 was no diplomat when it came down to raising a baby. It is better to learn the hard way. Just like he did.
Dizzy from its journey, the whopperflower disappeared beneath the soil and tried to go back to his beloved friend that cared so nicely for him.
Tud…
Rising one brow Rubedo stared down at his right foot. Something was pushing against his sole and when he shifted his weight to his left foot, the head of the blue baby plant struggled to lift his foot. It miscalculated, not able to come to the surface as the alchemist’s foot was in the way.
Realising this, Subject 2 smirked maliciously and began to force it down again. Stepping on the poor baby, to make it go underground again.
Rule number two, don’t step on your babies, especially not on purpose. Yes, he was a good father, if they did something wrong, just let them redo it. Maybe he was a diplomat after all.
When it finally realised that it couldn’t go outside, it disappeared again. This time it reappeared between his legs and soon wrapped its leaves around his calves. He stared down at it, not showing any emotions.
The baby was sick of getting harassed and crawled closer to his foot and sat down on it.
Being annoyed once again he started to shake his foot.
“Get off.” He demanded.
It didn’t get off.
He pulled on its head but it only squeaked and didn’t let go. Now this was frustrating. As good as this specimen may be, how unique it is, it cost most of his nerves.
As he opened his mouth to say something, he heard footsteps in the snow. Looking up he saw no one. Though suddenly he heard a girl's voice complaining about her sunsettina. The bad thing was, as she spoke the volume of the voice was quite loud, meaning she was nearby.
He had to leave right now or he would be seen.
With the baby on his foot he stumbled off, trying his best to not fall on the slippery grounds of Dragonspine. The whooperflower minded its own business not wanting to release him.
Once he reached some trees and bushes he hid.
Praying to the Archons that this plant remains silent.
Golden strands glowed in the daylight as the traveller, also known as the honorary knight, cornered a broken pillar right after with a weird looking creature flying next to his side.
Observing them and listening in on their conversation, he could make out the name ‘Albedo’.
So they were looking for his successor.
While watching them patiently, the whooperflower baby waited not so patiently. It started to slowly grab some leaves from the bush, making the smallest of noises when it pulled them off. It did annoy Rubedo but he was too concerned with the other two that he didn’t care. At first.
When the flying elf thing or whatever it was, mentioned that the atmosphere was creepy and she thought she heard something, an alarm went off in his head and he snapped the plant's leaves away from the bush.
Now they have become more attentive to their surroundings. Great.
He had to leave on the spot. Sneaking away from the two of them, he tried to bring some distance in between them, but halted in his tracks as his eyes fell on the same faces as his. He hasn't seen him yet, but he might in a second. With adrenaline taking control over his body he let his legs go out beneath him to quickly get cover behind a ledge. The plant only did a surprised quiet squeak when he did so.
He surely heard that. There was no way he did not hear that.
In all honesty, this was pathetic. The only reason why he held onto not getting caught was that his plan would be too perfect and he would wait out till the very last second to not be the one who would have ruined it. By all means, he wouldn’t be the one at blame. He held onto the baby plant a bit tighter in his annoyance. It didn’t feel responsible and snuggled closer, returning the ‘hug’.
His heartbeat then picked up quite a bit when he heard footsteps nearing him.
“Traveller, Paimon- ….”
Realising that Albedo got distracted by the two he tried to get away from, he sighed in relief.
Subject 2 couldn’t listen in on the conversation that well as he currently copied the plant from before when it was stuck in snow.
Whilst laying there and waiting for a little longer, the plant started caressing his cheek with one leave, to which he rolled his eyes.
Then it hit him. No, not the plant, but the realisation that he was able to steal the records of the other as he was distracted in this very second.
Carefully he sat up and watched them from afar. Since he had to be quick he slid down the snowbank onto another grey rock and from there he hurried to the alchemist’s lab.
While he ran, he didn’t realise that he now fully hugged the whooperflower to his chest, as he couldn’t afford another baby tantrum.
Reaching the place, he sat it on a table and started to look for the documents.
Here we go again.
The whooperflower tumbled down the table, landing with a little squeak that almost sounded as if it really hurt. Rubedo only sighed between his already deep breaths from running and almost being discovered. He had no time for this.
To his luck it just sat there. Yes, for a second, then it decided to help. However, the plant had no idea what Rubedo was looking for, simply starting to mimic him.
Soon it started trashing the place, shaking shelf’s and making test tubes fall and shatter.
It was a disaster, but most of all, it was loud.
“Stop that!” He spat at the whooperflower.
The plant turned towards him, reappearing next to him within a second as if wanted to apologise. It didn't understand. Whilst Subject 2 speed read through the papers he must have found the correct ones. A small smirk appeared on his lips and the plant shook its leaves as if it was happy for him. Not lasting long though, he soon heard the voices of the three people from before.
Grabbing the plant he ran, leaving footprints on the ground. He would be chased down for sure. He had to create a plan, quick.
Every so often he could see them catching up in the distance, so he decided to leave the plant behind with the records and make his way out of this situation with a rather risky plan.
“Sit here, don’t let this go to ruin and wait till I return.” He rolled the papers together and held it to the whooperflower head. Carefully the baby took hold of the records and looked at him with its googly eyes again.
Wearing an annoyed expression he covered it behind bush branches and ran into the closest cavern entrance.
After a while he saw how Albedo entered the cavern alone. How nice of them to cut off both of his exits, he thought. As much as he disliked his replacement, he wouldn’t dare call him stupid.
However, there was a way of making it out of here and so he took his chance.