Work Text:
It was the middle of winter in the constant, the survivors were used to it by now, fires, sweaters, thermal stones… All turning the awful weather into just another part of the routine.
There were a few people working at the camp, but others would come back soon, as to avoid being out in the dark.
Suddenly, the tall portal that stood in the center of the camp was filled with black and white swirls, and out of it came out an older man, the same holographic man that had been helping out ever since the lunar storms began, now flesh and bone before them…
Wagstaff.
He was immediately surrounded by the others.
“Mr Wagstaff?” Wilson asked, picking up the man’s glasses.
“ Pesky shadows finally decided to drag you in?” Winona helped him up.
“It was simply an accident.” He put his glasses back on.
“Unlucky gramps.” Willow handed him a sweater.
As more people came around, the chatter started to get louder…
A few were more interested than others.
Wormwood was one of the last few survivors to get to camp, leaving a nice bag of honey on his way in.
“What happen?” He asked, seeing everyone together in a circle.
“Oh! The portal brought in Mr Wagstaff!”
“Ghosty man?”
“Oh! The moon plant is your ally? I barely see it around! Good! I was looking forward to checking and researching the lunar properties." He looked Worm up and down, the plant was uncomfortable, but nobody seemed to pick up on it “Say, how about I take a look at that gem later?, I would also love some material samples to -
“No.” Worm responded, crossing his arms. “Already did in twirly tail land, no more.” The other survivors were a little surprised with Worm’s reaction.
“ WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?” And the last survivor made their way to camp. Wx-78.
“Wx! so-” Wilson started.
“ Ghosty man here now.” Wormwood was faster.
“WHAT?”
“Well, the portal just-” Winona tried.
“Wood-” Wagstaff started.
“HE WILL NOT STAY HERE, I WILL NOT ALLOW IT.” They felt about to blow a fuse.
“We do not leave anyone behind Wx, he will stay.”
Wx was tapping their foot impatiently. Wagstaff picked up some seeds from the floor during the small commotion, knowing the bot would protest for a while more.
“HE-
“ Don’t touch friends!” Wormwood warned, taking the seeds from his hand, this made Wx stop for a second, they knew why THEY didn't like Wagstaff, but Wormwood? What did Wagstaff even do to him?
“I am sorry Wx, but he will be staying, and that is final.” Wickerbottom stepped in.
Wx gave everyone an angry look, they took a lantern and turned around.
“Where are you going?”
“AWAY.” They started to walk off, but stopped for a second, looking at Wormwood with a puzzled look, but ran off.
Wormwood looked around, glared at Wagstaff.
“Don’t go near garden!” He warned, following behind Wx, taking a warm coat and an empty bag.
//////
“I KNOW YOU ARE FOLLOWING ME MINION, WHAT DO YOU WANT?” Wx asked as Wormwood stepped on their light.
Wx had been spending time with Wormwood lately, as they kept getting assigned work together, the plant was initially annoying, but turned into something… interesting, they had concluded, a helpful minion too… of course.
They didn't mind his presence, but were still curious.
“Don't like W-wagstuff, was very mean…”
“WHEN?”
“Back in twirly tail land…”
“ I WAS NOT AWARE YOU KNEW WAGSTAFF BEFORE THE MOON STORMS.”
“Was aaaaall alone in twirly tail land before, he try to know what was me, cut leaves, petals, vines… even tried to take gem piece!” He had exasperated body movements.
“HE GATHERED SAMPLES FROM YOUR BODY?” Wx looked over.
“Hurt lots, and never asked too!” He crossed his arms. “Was very mean… Made very scared”
“SCARED?”
“Would go sleep under dirt to not get gem taken, scared of not being alive…”
“I SEE… HE MUST HAVE THOUGHT YOU WERE SOME WILD CONSTANT ANIMAL OF SORTS.”
“Maybe first, but saw me die once, then got lot meaner…”
“MEANER?”
“Didn't care if died anymore, just left… Had to find many red shinies so could come back.”
…
Wx froze. Their gears slowed down a little.
“HOW MANY TIMES HAS HE KILLED YOU?”
“Hmmmm, 10? 20? More?” He tried to count, the pause to think made Wx… Feel wrong…
Worried.
…
“Wx friend not like ghosty man too… Right?”
“I… HE… HE WAS THE ONE TO PUSH ME INTO THIS PLACE, NOT ONLY THAT, THE FOOL BURNED MY RESEARCH, PREVENTED ME FROM IMPROVING MY BODY!” Worm had heard them rant about it before, for hours and hours.
“Remember…” Wormwood looked up.
Even after everything, they didn't expect that from Wagstaff… It takes a lot to torment someone like Wormwood like that… Even them wouldn't go as far as mutilating him like that.
“ IS HE… AWARE ABOUT YOUR LUNAR ORIGINS?”'
“Yes… Said wanted to ‘research’... Think he wants gem.”
They reached a sinkhole, mindlessly walking down the stairs.
“DO YOU DIE IF YOUR GEM IS DAMAGED?”
“Yes! hurts lots, very slow too! Parts all over floor.” He shuddered.
“I DON'T THINK I HAVE SEEN YOU DIE IN SUCH A WAY.”
“Am careful.”
“WISE CHOICE, MINION”
…
“HAS… HE KILLED YOU IN THAT WAY?”
“Tried… But didn't let…”
They were just walking, Wormwood picked some light bulbs along the way, and used them to make light bugs, making Wx to turn their lantern off.
“When saw Wa-wagstuff in night ball land, was very sad, night ball energy all trapped in small place is very bad…”
“BAD?”
“Too much, make dizzy, and makes night ball stuff fall on ground!”
“SO THAT IS WHY THOSE LUNAR RIFTS HAVE BEEN APPEARING…”
“Yes… Gho- ghestaaalts…? Want energy back.”
“INTERESTING… WE DID ATTRACT THE CHAMPION AFTER ALL… SO A LOT OF MOON POWER CAME WITH.”
They went through the lunar grotto and reached the archives, Wormwood felt a little dizzy after leaving the moon affected area.
“What doing here?” He finally asked, sitting beside Wx on the floor.
“WANTED TO GET AWAY FROM THE OLD MAN,”
“But why here?”
“I COME HERE AS PART OF A GRAND PROJECT.”
“Prooject?”
“I HAVE COPIED ALL OF THE SCROLLS STORED HERE, IN ORDER TO TRANSLATE THEM.” They pulled out a book, setting it in front of Wormwood, He picked it up curiously and opened the first page.
“One! “
“I HAVE NUMBERED THEM FOR BETTER CATEGORIZATION, IF I CAN DETECT A PATTERN, I SHALL BE ABLE TO TRANSLATE SOME OF IT.”
“ Oh! Fancy words here! ‘When the light shines down on land, it shall hide all darkness and it’s creatures.’” Worm read, stuttering some words a bit.
…
“WHAT?”
“Says here! See?” Worm pointed at the rune, like it was the most obvious thing.
“YOU CAN READ THOSE?”
“Learned from night ball! Very easy!” He smiled, Wx was speechless, something inside them sparked.
They held his hand and looked at the plant with some steam coming out of them.
“WILL YOU… WILL YOU TEACH ME?”
“Teach?”
“SHOW ME HOW TO READ THESE, TRANSLATE THEM, CAN YOU?” They were getting excited.
“Sure! Sound fun! “ Worm smiled at Wx, and they instinctively hugged the plant in excitement
they widened their eyes, and awkwardly pulled away… A very helpful minion indeed.
“LETS WORK MINION!”
//////
Wormwood started reading Wx’s notes, the bot excitedly writing it all down.
They found that the pages were all out of order, they kept the original numbering for now, and would renumber them once they had all the pages. Still, they tried to keep some order, putting the pages together was like a puzzle.
The notebook was quite thick, yet, several scrolls were being translated, one after the other.
The scrolls were ripe with information about the ‘moon’, some of it already known by them… creatures like the carrats and saladmanders had some interesting descriptions.
Some of the information was also new… Reading about ghestalts invading bodies wasn't pretty, they knew those things could do it, but the details of how only made Wx more thankful to their metal body.
“This one before that one!” Worm moved some pages, biting on a kabob Wx handed him.
“LET ME WRITE IT DOWN” They swallowed a spiral tuber.
“Oh! This one first! Has big start words and all!” He showed them, they could make some of them out now, the ones they picked up on stood out on the page.”
“GREAT! A BEGINNING IS GOOD TO HAVE!”
Wormwood sat a little closer to Wx, the warmth that came from them was very nice.
The papers were spread all around, over half the notebook already past. And a lot more to go through.
//////
“Ooh! This page fun!” He commented. “Talk about making warm light twig into cold light twig!”
“THE MOON STAFF PROCESS?”
“Ye! Says here rainbow shiny come from night ball, and very very shiny when fall, so hurt eyes! Take time to get all colorful!”
“INTERESTING. I WONDER IF IT’S LIGHT COULD DAMAGE MY OPTICAL SENSORS TOO.”
They kept on reading, Wormwood sometimes struggled with words, so Wx helped him out to adapt the scripts.
//////
“I BELIEVE THESE PAGES COME BEFORE THOSE ONES, SO WE CAN ORDER IT 32, 45, 70, HOW ABOUT THAT?”
“Look right! Then this ones after!” Worm handed the pile to Wx.
They had finished the translations after hours, and were trying to put together everything.
Wormwood yawned and blinked.
“LOOKS CORRECT, VERY WELL!” THEY BOUND EVERYTHING TOGETHER NICELY, PUTTING IT AWAY INSIDE THEIR BACKPACK.
“Was fun!” Wormwood smiled.
“INDEED… T-THANK YOU… PLANTLING.” Wx looked away.
“Still have to show robot friend how write words!”
“WE CAN RESUME TEACHINGS BACK AT CAMP” They closed everything up.
Wormwood lightly rested against Wx, the warmth radiating from them felt good.
//////
Wx turned their optic sensors on, had they been put in sleep mode? They were feeling a weight on their side, looking over, Wormwood was sleeping on them.
They took a look at their notebook, a sense of happyness washed over them, seeing everything translated.
They moved slowly, putting the book back in their backpack and checking their lantern.
They were full, thanks to the bulbs Worm picked on the way.
The light bugs were already going out, so they turned their lantern on.
“ MINION… MINION, BOOT UP!” They shook Worm.
“Waah, whu?” He yawned, a little confused.
“WE MUST RETURN TO CAMP!” They didn't really want to, but food supplies had to be replenished.
“What time?” He rubbed his eyes, getting up and offering a hand to Wx.
“INCONCLUSIVE.” They got up, putting on their backpack and holding a lantern.
“Think he still there?”
“UNFORTUNATELY.”
They resumed walking, making their way back out of the archives.
“Will read more with Wx!” Worm said.
“WE CAN CONTINUE AT CAMP, I WISH TO LEARN MORE.”
“It lots of fun! Will show all the things!”
“GOOD.”
They went through the lunar grotto
“Like here, but feel bad when out.”
“MUST BE THE ENERGY MESSING WITH YOUR GEM…”
“Make sense, aways sparkly when here!” He showed, lifting his sweater.
Wx saw his gem sparkle.
“INTERESTING…” They reached for it slowly, but Wormwood covered it again.
“Sorry friend… No touch…”
“OH, RIGHT… WELL… IT IS A VERY WELL DEFINED SHAPE.”
“Huh?”
“IT LOOKS GOOD…” They felt warmer.
“Oh! Thanks!”
They made it out, Wormwood stumbling a little once they stepped into normal terrain again.
Wx didn't know what made them grab Worm’s hand to guide him better.
They made their way to the stairs and got out of the underground.
Once out, it was the middle of the morning, they were out the whole night.
They went back to the camp.
“Wx! Wormwood! Where were you two?” Wickerbottom started.
“WE WERE DOWN IN THE CAVES.”
“The whole night? You could have gotten hurt!” Winona came closer.
“Both fine! Took nap and ate food!” Worm took a step forward.
“Hmmmm… You two do seem fine.”
Worm looked around.
“Were Wagstuff?” He asked.
“Oh, he has gone to your garden, saying he wanted to see some of the plants that grow he-
“WHAT!?” Worm exclaimed.
He ran to the garden, almost dragging Wx with him, they didn't let go, running with Worm.
In the field, Wagstaff was crouched down near a growing plant, Worm watched with horror as the man uprooted it, Wilson was standing beside him.
“Leave!” Wormwood ran in “Told not to go near friends! Leave!” He sounded angry.
“Wormwood! Come on, we are just running some data!” Wilson tried.
“What a fascinating array of specimens have grown here! I should take some back to see-
Wormwood saw what he held, and his face started to boil, a few leaves from his plants, 5 completely plucked out sprouts, pieces of stalk cut out.
He was livid!
He told him not to mess with his friends, told him no tests or experiments, and not only was he ignored, he hurt his friends! His baby friends who were growing!
Worm grabbed a watering can and dumped it on Wagstaff.
“LEAVE! TOLD TO LEAVE! “ He threw the empty can in his direction.
Wx felt a shiver when Worm threw the water.
They silently thanked that they had been wise as to not mess with his garden back when they found the plant annoying.
Yet, they felt that spark again afterwards.
That display of anger called to them in such a way… Their face plates heated up.
“Wormwood! Come on! Was that needed? It is freezing, you could have-
“Said leave! Go! Science man and ghosty man not welcome to garden! Go!”
He walked up to Wilson, holding a hoe.
Wilson slowly left with Wagstaff. Wormwood's shoulders had grown spikes in his anger.
He immediately knelt down to check on the plants, taking all the care in the world.
“SO… “
“Some friends hurt, took few out of dirt… Need plant more.” He frowned, calming down.
“THAT IS NOT GOOD… PLANTLING, I MUST DROP OFF THE SUPPLIES I GATHERED YESTERDAY, DO YOU WISH ME TO REPORT THIS SITUATION TO THE LIBRARIAN?”
“No need… Think Science man will tell… Will get stuff to help friends, will Wx friend come back here when done?” Worm said, getting up.
“SURE” Worm smiled, walking the other direction.
The robot released some tension.
Wormwood wasn't one to get angry, sure, they had seem Worm frustrated, and even yelling at a fire hound that dares burn a few trees down, but the way he acted around Wagstaff, not only that, but how nice he was to his friends (and them), immediately after, it messed with them in a way.
On the way back, they had decided to just swallow it… like they swallowed working with the fleshlings for survival, it was not worth it, Wx was just fed up already with the old man, so they were going to avoid Wagstaff entirely, but if he was gonna keep bothering Wormwood, that might become difficult…
They dropped their backpack in front of a chest, unloading gears and wires into it. They had no more chores for now, the survivors were well packed for winter, so they just walked over to the makeshift kitchen, grabbing some food from the ice box to fill up.
They sat and started eating, after a few minutes, Wilson came up to them.
“What did you say to Wormwood?” He asked them.
“WHAT?”
“I know you don't like Wagstaff, but did you have to drag the guy too?”
“I DID NOTHING, THE PLANTLING HAS HIS OWN REASONS.”
“Come on! Worm? He is nice, he wouldn't act like that, you must have said some-
“ I HAVE NEVER WITNESSED YOU HOLD A CONVERSATION WITH HIM, THEREFORE, YOU DO NOT KNOW HIM.”
“I-
“ASK HIM WHY, HE WILL TELL YOU. HA! IT SEEMS I HAVE FORGOTTEN, HE HAS BANNED YOU FROM HIS GARDEN.” Wx narrowed their eyes.
…
“IDIOT.” They finished eating and got up, walking back to the ice box and picking something for Wormwood, knowing the plant might be hungry.
On the way, they saw Wagstaff on Wilson's desk, taking a look at the sprouts he had uprooted, they made an annoyed noise, as they walked over, kicking the table.
“Hey! What ar-
Wx just left.
“PLANTLING, I HAVE ENERGY PACKETS FOR YOU.” They announced, back in the field, handing a bowl of chili to Wormwood.
“Thanks robot friend!” He smiled, Wx noticed the thorns on his shoulders had gotten smaller.
“DID YOU REPLANT THE ORGANICS THAT WERE TAKEN?”
“Planted new babies, but will take long to grow… Too cold now…” He looked around, and downed the chili, feeling it warm him up “Hmmm, nice!”
They sat together in a little stone bench Worm had, Wx opened their backpack.
“DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE CHORES?” They asked
“Not now…”
“CAN YOU SHOW ME HOW TO WRITE?” They pulled the notebooks out.
“Yes!” He exclaimed excitedly “What want know?”
They flipped some pages, opening on a new one.
“HERE” they pointed “WE START BY THE ALPHABET.” Worm took a look at the letters Wx wrote, taking the charcoal and writing under them.
While Worm wrote the letters, Wx wrote something with lunar runes, using some of the ones they had picked up during translation. Wormwood giggled at it.
“WHAT?”
“Said ‘moon very big.’” Worm pointed.
“I MEANT ‘GREAT’.”
“More like this…” Worm rewrote it.
“LOOKS SIMILAR.”
“But is different!” He pointed a few details “see?”
“RIGHT…”
They wrote another short phrase, showing it to Worm.
“HOW ABOUT THIS?”
“Wx friend ‘eat water’?”
“NO… IT WAS HATE!”
“Here!” He wrote it properly, this time Wx was way more off.
“DOES THAT MEAN YOU DESPISE WATER? WHAT AN ODD ORGANIC” They put their ‘comedy’ module to work.
“Veeeeery funny.” Worm smiled, tapping Wx’s forehead with the charcoal.
“ LET US CONTINUE!” They tapped the half translated letters.
//////
Worm started to write down some words, then handed for Wx to translate.
They took a look and started writing.
“Good job! All good!” Worm smiled.
“TRULLY, I AM THE VERY BEST!” Wx responded, smiling.
“This one next! “ He picked a page, handing it to Wx.
“VERY WELL, LET ME SEE… THIS SAYS ‘MOON, BREAK… AND WATER?” They pointed at individual parts.
“Ocean!”
“RIGHT… THEN-
“Mr Wormwood?” They were interrupted as Wickerbottom entered the garden, she had a stern look on her face.
“Hello book friend.” He waved, giving the notebook back to Wx.
“Hello dear… I have been made aware you had a … commotion with Mr Wagstaff, correct?”
“Oh…” His expression shifted. “He appear in garden when told to not come to garden.”
“Don't you believe it was a bit harsh to drench him in water? Especially in this weather, he could have gotten seriously ill.”
“Told not to come, came still, hurt baby friends, not leave when ask…” He listed. “Don't like Wagstuff.” He crossed his arms.
Wicker was a little surprised by Wormwood.
“... I suppose you were just… defending your garden… next time, just tell him to leave… please.” She looked at him, and then past, seeing Wx sitting at the table. “ Wx, are you involved in this?”
“No…”
“I DESPISE HIS PRESENCE JUST AS MUCH, BUT HAD NO INVOLVEMENT IN THIS.” They would roll their eyes, annoyed, but resorted to shrugging instead.
Do they think Worm is incapable of just hating someone on his own?
“Well then, please, refrain from further commotions.”
“Okey…” She walked away, Wormwood tapped his foot. “Hmph.” He sat down back again.
“IF HE RETURNS, I WOULD BE GLAD TO DRAG HIM OUT OF HERE.”
“Thanks robot friend.” Worm rested his chin on his hand. “Why no one listen when tell them stuff?”
“THEY TREAT YOU LIKE A YOUNG FLESHLING.”
“No… They still listen to young ones… “ He sighed.
“YOU ARE MUCH SMARTER THAN THEY REALIZE, THEY ARE JUST SHORT SIGHTED.”
“Robot friend think so?”
“I HAVE TRUSTED YOU WITH THE ROLE OF MY TEACHER, HAVEN'T I?” They mirrored Worm’s pose.
“Hmmm…”
“OF COURSE, I MUST AGREE, I HAVE NEVER SEEN YOU DIRECT SUCH ANGER AT SOMEONE, IT WAS... QUITE THE DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE, EVEN IF I AM AWARE OF THE REASONS.”
“Was just very tired… Wagstu- staff hurt me lots, don't want again.”
“THEN WE ARE TWO.” Wx was looking into his eyes now. “I SEE WHY ONE WOULD WANT TO STUDY YOU… YOU ARE SO… INTERESTING…”
“Am?”
“SO FASCINATING… YOUR BODY, HOW YOU WORK… HOW YOU EVEN CAME TO BE…”
They leaned closer.
Wx remembers when they first met Wormwood, already used to the fleshlings, they were a little curious about the plant, tall with thick bark covering his arms and legs, a shiny gem on his chest. They couldn't help but wonder how he came to be. The plant’s personality had bothered them at first, but not now.
“YET, THE PART THAT IS THE MOST INTERESTING…”
They remember when Wormwood started getting assigned work with Wx, helping them here and there, how eager he was to get to know the bot, and how the bot started to appreciate his presence.
“IS YOU…”
They don't remember when they started considering Worm a friend, much less when they started catching themself wanting to spend more and more time with him.
He was a very helpful minion after a-
“Wx…”
Their hand fell on Wormwood’s, they were so close now.
Worm was a warmer shade of green now, feeling his head spin.
Wx suddenly seemed to realize how close they were, and all they had said.
But before they could back away, the plant leaned in.
Worm gave Wx a kiss on the mouth, their eyes widened, their face got very very hot.
But they leaned in.
This was good.
Too good!
Wormwood broke it off slowly.
…
They just looked at eachother.
“WORMWOOD… “
“Wx…”
…
“Really… Really like robot friend…” Worm looked all around, his face getting darker. “Makes me very happy.” He put his hand on top of theirs.
“I… DEEM YOUR PRESENCE THE SUPERIOR ONE AMONGST ORGANICS…” Their wiring might melt with how hot they felt.
“Good.” Worm got up and hugged them, his face in their neck.
Wx hugged back, hiding their face in his leaves.
“WORMWOOD…”
“Hm?”
“I WON'T LET HIM HURT YOU…” They tightened the hug.
“Thanks.”
They stood there for a while.
//////
Wx had slept over at Worm’s garden, he had a small tent there, so they shared it.
This time, Wormwood got up first, he was sprawled all over Wx, a few vines unwrapped and loose all over.
He smiled at the sight of the sleeping robot, and got up to get some sunlight.
He decided to get off the garden, making his way to the main camp.
“Up this early monsieur Wormwood?” Warly was by the crockpot, presumably making breakfast.
“Wanted sun…” He yawned, grabbing some ice cubes from the fridge and putting them in a little cup.
He melted them over the fire to drink
“I heard what monsieur Wagstaff commented yesterday, about the water.”
“Don't want him in garden.” Was all he answered.
“But what has he done to incite all this?”
“He hurt baby friends…” He looked away. “ He mean to plants…”
“I understand dear friend, but that was dangerous, oui?” Wormwood was tired of people worrying so much about the scientist.
“Can just go near fire if wet.” He answered, sounding annoyed.
“Oh well, y-
“Hey! Stringbean!” They heard Winona calling.
“Hello fixer friend.” Worm turned around.
“Hya Worms, have you seen Wx around? Need their help with something!” Winona walked up to them.
“Wx still in garden taking nap.”
“I need them to come build some stuff with me, can you take me to them?”
“Sure!”
Wormwood led her to the garden, where Wx had just woken up, and was taking a look at Jimmy.
“Hello!” Wormwood hugged them.
“HELLO, PLANTLING.”
“Hya bolts, can you help me out?”
“WHAT DO YOU WANT, MECHANIC?” They asked, Winona always had the more interesting tasks.
“Need help with a new project, if you don't mind. Lots of gearwork!”
“I MAY ASSIST.”
“Thanks bolts!”
Wx turned to Wormwood.
“Will take care of friends and go get mushroom friends down cave.” He looked around.
“ALLRIGHT PLANTLING, I WILL RETURN SHORTLY.” They gave Wormwood a ‘kiss’ on the cheek, wich got a semi surprised look from Winona. “LET’S GO.” They grabbed their things, Wormwood waving them goodbye.
He started working around the garden.
//////
“So… you and Wormwood have been… spending time together?” Winona asked, looking around her toolkit.
“HIS COMPANY IS PREFERED, ABOVE OTHER ORGANICS.” Wx looked away, getting a little warmer.
“Oooh, really? He is a nice plant.” She pulled out a screwdriver.
“HE IS…”
“He said something about mushrooms when we left, I thought it was too cold for that!”
“HE GROWS THEM IN THE CAVES, I HAVE SEEN THE PLANTERS BEFORE.”
“Hm… Makes sense, that place is full of those things, guess conditions are better. ”
Wx started rummaging through some gears, they sneakily ate a broken one when Winona wasn't looking.
“HE IS VERY SMART.” They felt odd, like someone was watching, their head did an 180,, but they saw nothing, completing the 360 to continue working.
//////
Wormwood was walking down to his mushroom planters.
He had put them all near a lake surrounded by lichen, the lichen had told him they liked the company once.
He started to harvest everything, putting away the blue and green ones, then munching on the red caps.
He packed them all in his backpack, with some extra lichen too.
He then proceeded to carefully take the lunar mushrooms. He had to pack them separately, due to their sleepy properties, as to not contaminate the rest of the food.
He was picking from the last planter, but something tipped it over, making him rip the shrooms open, releasing the gas all around, making him tired.
“Wha at….” He tried looking around, seeing a monkey falling asleep beside him. He fell down, but heard footsteps coming closer.
//////
Worm’s eyes shot open, feeling an unbearable pain on his chest, he curled into himself, screaming in pain.
He felt up his gem, only to see it was broken, a huge piece taken off.
Some of his vines started to unravel, he couldn't feel them anymore, his entire body was burning.
//////
Wx was testing out the gears on the engine they built, Winona was attempting to make some kind of sorting system.
They heard some shuffling, and turned around to ask her for a tool, but it wasn't her.
They saw Wagstaff, seemingly borrowing a hammer. They stared, he stared back…
Then they saw.
Sparkly and green.
Wormwood's gem.
Or rather, a sizeable chunk of it…
They ran up to him.
“WHAT DID YOU DO?” They almost collided with Winona on the way, but grabbed his shoulders firmly.
“Let go of me, you will make me drop my research material.” He stepped back.
“What is happening here?” Winona tried to separate them.
“THAT IS WORMWOOD’S GEM!” They pointed, ready to jump on Wagstaff. “WHAT DID YOU DO TO HIM? WHERE IS HE?”
“Wagstaff…? What did you do?” Winona asked, her expression becoming worried.
“It would not allow me to run my tests, so I had to gather the materials in some way. It will be fine, you can just bring it back.”
They were furious.
“HE IS NOT SOME PATHETIC ANIMAL YOU CAN DISSECT! WHERE.IS.HE?” They shook Wag, making him drop the gem, it shattered into tiny pieces.
“Look! Now i must go back to that caves to retrieve another sampl-
Wx punched him in the face.
“YOU ARE NOT RETRIEVING ANYTHING!” They ran off.
“Why would you do that? Wormwood is our friend, and you hurt him like that?” She was disappointed, and ran after the bot.
//////
Wx was skipping steps on their way down, almost falling on a few.
They crashed to their knees at the end, scrambling to get up.
They ran to where the mushroom planters were, tripping over Wormwood’s backpack and stumbling to a stop.
They heard sobs.
Pained, exhausted noises that dug directly into their audio modules.
They spotted the mass of vines on the floor.
Wormwood was undoing himself, his leg had rolled off, his face was split in two, practically unrecognizable.
Shards of his gem fell to the ground.
“WORMWOOD!” They reached for him, lifting his head.
Winona ran in just that second, seeing the state Worm was in.
“What th-
“W…x? “ He managed to push out, all his vines curled in on him. “Make stop! Make stop! Hurts!” He cried out, a piece of his cheek broke off.
Wx was looking everywhere, trying to think on how to help.
They saw the lunar caps on the floor, and did the first thing they could think of.
They closed their air vents, ripping one open on Worm’s face, making his vines relax a little, Wx did it to another one, making Worm fall asleep.
“C-can we heal that?” Winona asked, kneeling down.
“NO.” They shook their head, holding the plant gently. Their shoulders relaxed, and Wx pulled their ax from their backpack.
“What are you gonn-
Wx cut Wormwood’s head off, killing him.
Winona was in pure shock.
Soon, his spirit came out, he looked full of relief, and went straight towards Wx, circling them.
“BETTER?” They asked, eyes worried.
Worm nodded.
“WE WILL RETRIEVE A HEART FOR YOU.” They picked up Worm’s stuff, with Winona taking the backpack.
They made their way out of the caves, with a few worried glances from the other survivors
Winona handed Worm’s backpack to Warly, walking up to Wickerbottom.
“We need to have a talk with Wagstaff.” She commented. “He went way too far…” She was worried.
“I will deal with this…” They watched as Wx picked up a heart from a chest, and used it on Wormwood, the plant coming back to life, a very noticeable crack ran down his face, with a less apparent one on his gem, those scars would remain until his next revival.
When he regained balance, he immediately hugged Wx, his face in their neck.
“ARE YOU WELL?” They ran their hand on his head.
“Better… don't hurt anymore.” Worm hugged tighter, they guided him back to his garden, holding his hand gently.
Worm laid on the dirt, breathing a sigh of relief.
“What happen to gem? Remember mushroom making sleepy, but when woke up gem was broken.”
“WAGSTAFF TOOK IT… THE PIECE HE TOOK WAS DESTROYED, AT LEAST.”
“good…” He turned on his side, seeing Wx sitting in front of him.
“DID YOU FEEL IT? WHEN HE BROKE IT OFF?”
“No… ” He got on his back again. “Could feel gem when wake up, hurt lots and lots…” he frowned, Wx just stared at him. “ All body just pain…”
He held Wx’s hand.
“WHAT ARE YOU FEELING NOW?”
“Little hurt still, but much better…” He lifted their hand up. “Here…” He placed it on top of the gem, making Wx freeze lightly. “All energy inside, making me, me!”
“ HOW… HOW DOES IT FEEL?” They run their hand slowly.
“Better! “ He smiled.
They felt so much energy emanating from it, it was… different.
Worm sat up, their hand sliding off and back on their lap.
Wx looked at Worm carefully, most of his leaves were gone, arms and legs stripped of all the bark, back to thin twigs… And the budding flower no longer sat on top of his head.
It was sad, given how long he takes to blossom in winter, they stroked his head lightly, giving him a light kiss on the forehead.
“DO YOU WISH TO REST?” Worm froze a little
“ Don't…. Don't wanna sleep again…” He looked away.
“UNDERSTOOD.”
They grabbed his hand, leading him to the table and sitting down.
“Can we read more? “ He asked, cleaning the table a little.
“SURE…” They pulled the papers, sorting them neatly.
Worm picked one up.
He needed something to distract his mind, his vines stung like hell.
He wrote a page for Wx, going slowly.
He kicked his feet around, being lighter now, than his usual logs.
He placed the page down, giving it to Wx and picking up another.
“DONE!” They handed their paper to Worm.
“Very good robot dear! All right!” He smiled, reading over the translations, then laid his head on Wx’s shoulder, feeling more relaxed.
They got through a few more pages, Wx took enthusiastic notes.
“This one….read!” Worm wrote something down.
“I… SOUL? YOU?” They tried.
“No…” He tapped Wx’s notes, they took a look.
“ I… LOVE! OH LOVE! I LOVE YOU!” They read it better.
“Yay!” Worm giggled. “Me too!” He hugged Wx, who only then realized, giving a light chuckle.
“YOU HAVE TRICKED ME!” They poked his forehead, getting up.
“You read it!” He answered, tilting his head to the side. Wx saw a thin scar, going across Wormwood's neck, they should have expected it…
“ARE YOU GO-
“Mr Wormwood?” Wickerbottom came to the garden, appearing worried.
“Hello book friend!” He waved. She seemed taken abback by the scar in his face.
“Wormwood, I have talked to Wagstaff, he would like to talk to you…”
“No.” His face closed “Don't want to talk! Want Wagstaff away.”He crossed his arms, Wx put everything back on the backpack.
“I understand, but solving this would be good, and we will observe the whole thing.”
“Don't want to.”
“Wormwood, please” she tried, he shook his head.
Wx went to them, placing a hand on Worm’s hip.
“Only if Wx come with.” He sighed, getting his arms down in defeat.
“Very well! Thank you.” She walked away.
“YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO.”
“Want this over…”
He grabbed their hand to go back to camp. There stood Winona, Wickerbottom, Wagstaff and Wilson.
Wormwood stood in front of Wagstaff.
“What want?” He looked angry, Wx saw a few spikes sprout on his arm.
“I wish to do research with materials sourced from your body.” Wag stated simply, taking a step forward.
“No.” He took two back.
“DONE! GO AWAY NOW.”
“That is it, please Robert, refrain fr-
“Why do you wish to stop my research?”
“Hurt me and hurt friends, died lots of times, with so much pain and keep hurting me all time.” The thorns grew bigger, his vines starting tangling on eachother, Wx took his wrist so he wouldn't tie a knot on his arm.
“How come you can feel pain? I have cut into your insides! You lack a nervous system.”
“YOU FUCKIN-
“Mr Wagstaff! Y-
“See? Cut body open and not even know it hurt! Feel pain! Lots of pain! Hate you! You hurt so much, made so scared! “ Some tears welled up on his eyes. “… Hurt me… Hurt Wx… Hurt little friends! You make hurt!” His vines wrapped on Wx’s arm, they were trying to hold Wormwood before he undid himself in anger.
The air was thicker.
Wagstaff seemed confused.
“What me and Wx-78 did is not of your concern.”
“Hurt them!” He pushed Wagstaff back with his free hand. “Hurt everyone and not care!”
“You are a selfish plant, all i do is important for research, you are an example of moon power and does not share it, any knowledge and energy you keep.” He let go of Wx’s arm, his own twisting into itself.
“ SHUT UP! WORMWOOD WOULD BE MUCH MORE COOPERATIVE IF YOU WERE NOT CUTTING HIM OPEN LIKE A LAB RAT!”
“It can come back and heal, there is no point in-
He punched Wagstaff with the ball of vines his arm had formed.
“Stop! Killed me and not even sorry… Why want hurt? Picked parts before! Why pick more” His eyes stung.
“Mr wormwood!”
“I need more samples for proper research.”
“Why even want research, am only one of me, could just ask!!” He sobbed.
“You do not ask an animal if you can shove a needle in t-
Wx kicked Wagstaff this time.
“FUCK YOU.”
“Never want to talk again, no research, no going to garden, no taking parts. End talk!”
“IF YOU GO NEAR HIM AGAIN, I WILL THROW YOU IN THE SEA.” Wx pulled him by the coat. “THIS IS OVER”.
“What the fuck was that Robert?” Winona walked up to him.
“Thanks for the help as they assaulted me.”
“You have brought this upon yourself.”
“Just how many times have you killed him?”
“40 something if i remember well.” Eyes widened around him.
“And that wasn't enough?!”
“ You treat Worm like a lab rat, he is a person man, what is your problem?”
“He is a plant! Some lunar monster, haven’t you seen that? It used its own arm as a weapon!”
“You pushed him! He said you were hurting him since those pig lands! I wasn't even here when that was happening!” Winona shook him.
“it is a research subject.”
“He is our friend!”
“Mr Wagstaff, fow your and his safety, I prohibit you from going anywhere near Mr Wormwood or his garden.”
“This is ridiculous.”
“Honestly, Wx might kill you for good if you keep bothering Wormy.”
“They are trying to antagonize me on purpose.”
“You killed one of the only people they like at all, that was on you.”
//////
Back in the garden, Worm sat down, laying on the ground .
Wx sat with him, his spikes slowly retreated in.
“NOW WHAT?”
“Face hurts.”
“ON THE CRACK?”
“Yeh…”
“WE COULD FETCH SOME TREE JAM, IT HELPED PREVIOUSLY WITH THE HOUND BITES.” Wx ran their finger through Worm’s face.
“Sound nice…”
//////
“Worms!” Winona walked in with Wickerbottom while he took a look at his plants.
“Dear, we have talked to Wagstaff and he will not come bother you again, we are sorry for the problems he has caused…”
“Thank you friends…”
“We are very sorry Worm, we didn't think he-
“It ok… want to stay alone now…”
“You sure?”
“With Wx… yes.”
“Take care stringbean!” They left, Wx returned with the jam.
//////
Few days went by without major incidents, Wx seemed to be buried on papers and scrolls lately, writing a lot whenever Worm tended to the garden.
After what felt like forever, they called Wormwood up to the table.
“PLANTLING, I HAVE A GIFT FOR YOU.” They stated, clearing everything.
“Gift? What is it?” Worm leaned closer.
“HERE.” They pulled two books from their pack, putting them on the table.
Both were equal, a blue cover with a drawing of the moon in the center. ‘THE MOON’ Could be read under it, as well as their names, ‘ by Wormwood and Wx-78’. They pushed one towards Wormwood. “THOSE ARE OUR TRANSLATIONS OF THE ARCHIVED SCROLLS, I HAVE ORGANIZED AND BOUND THEM PROPERLY, AND WANTED TO GIFT YOU ONE COPY.” They looked away, Worm took it, and placed a quick peck on Wx’s cheek.
“Thank you robot dear! Very nice!” He hugged them smiling.
“LOOK INSIDE…”
“Hm?”
Worm opened the book, there, at the corner of the first page was written ‘From Wx-78 to Wormwood, I love you.’ in lunar runes. The plant smiled widely.
“Love you too.” He gave them another kiss, and another and another.
//////
Worm kept reading the book over and over again, laying on Wx’s lap and smiling widely.
He was not scared anymore…
…
He was happy.