The Typhoon ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 37: The Stain

Vash

I have never seen fear like that. So raw and potent. So true and readable. And I have never seen fear like that in her eyes.

Lei.

A knot forms in my throat remembering how she looked at me. As if I had dropped a bomb on her. Or ripped Greywynn from her arms. I suppose in a sense I had done that. The threat of Zazie the Beast pales when compared to the threat of my brother, and I revealed that to her.

Anger swells in my chest, burning my blood and lungs. There have been many, many, many times I have wished my brother was different. Kinder. Gentler. More timid, but that is not Nai. It has never been Nai. It will never be Nai.

There is a rage that lives in him that I have never understood. From the time we were young, it has simmered, the mystery behind it a shadow. And I wish I understood it better. I wish I knew why he felt the way he did – why he still feels the way he does.

But I suppose I am no fool. A memory from our life on Ship 5 resurfaces, and I see it. The day we stumbled across the other independent plant. Or, at least what remained of her.

Tesla.

It had been startling to see our kind – just like us – so broken and lifeless. So young.

Bile rises to the back of my throat as I close my eyes against the memory.

Nai never did trust humans. Not really, but that day had solidified his reasonings. In his mind, he was right in rejecting humans, but I never did agree with that.

It was horrible to see Tesla. It had been sickening, and fear had roiled through me. I remember that feeling as clear as day, but never once did I doubt Rem's love for us. I never once doubted her. What happened to Tesla could have been anything natural – illness, disease, deformities – anything.

I guess Nai did not share that mindset...clearly. While I clung to Rem for comfort, he pulled away, in every sense. Mentally, physically, emotionally. To him, Rem was just as guilty as the people who put Tesla's remains there.

But because of that day, he has become more and more hostile, and now, he could very well be trying to figure out how to do away with humans. Though, that is only speculation. I don't know how he would go about it, but I do know if he learns about Grey, his curiosity will get the better of him.

Even to someone like Nai, a half-human, half-plant hybrid could be of value.

I swallow, choking down the thick slickness in my throat and open my eyes, watching the fleeting light of the day. The sky burns a fiery gold that blends into orange, casting long shadows on the ground.

I frown. Zazie the Beast has no loyalty to me or Nai. They simply do as they want when they want, and if they wanted to, they could easily tell Nai about Grey. They could have already. He may very well be sitting with that information, plotting and scheming.

I shudder. I don't like thinking this way, and I like it even less that I've now placed this worry on Lei. Before, she was content and happy, and now she is terrified. I am too. My stomach heaves in revolt whenever I think about something happening to Grey. It is a horrible, horrible feeling, and I can only imagine how Lei feels.

But there is a silver lining. One that I had made sure to mention. That Ship 3's camouflaging technology is doing a great job in keeping us hidden. And the fact that we are in constant motion helps even more.

Even with all his power and help, Nai would still have a difficult time tracking us down. It wouldn't be impossible, but more difficult. And that is the hope I cling to because at the end of the day, if Nai took my daughter from me, I would have no choice but to hunt him down myself.

I clench my fists and grind my teeth so hard my jaw cracks.

I may be a passivist regarding most things, including myself, but I will do anything – and I do mean anything – to protect my child. Even if that means I must stain my hands with my brother's blood.

**Ello lovelies! Woo. Feels like it has been ages since I've worked on this book, but it's only been a week. I was working on a project outside of Wattpad because I needed a wee break from this. Don't worry! I'm not abandoning this! We're gonna see it through! That said, it seems Vash had a few thoughts regarding the previous chapter. Do you have your own thoughts? Feel free to share them! Well, I'm gonna end this here. Ya girl had an exhausting day. As always, thank y'all oh, so freakin' much for all the love and support! Y'all are the absolute bestest! Wuv yous!!**

-Noel Ross

P.S. I'm still accepting questions for the Q&A!