Chapter 1: A Tired Awakening
Summary:
A fairly normal beginning to Andi's day. Minus the All-star.
Chapter Text
Andi took in a deep breathe. 3:20pm. She was still tired from staying up all night on her phone. She only woke up because of the zombies moaning "Braiiiinsss!"
Right. Outside. The. House.
She closed her eyes and tuned out the brain-dead skin bags. "Oh wonderful world of dreams, take me once more, for I'm- frankly sick of zombie crap right now." She grumbled into her pillow.
▪︎▪︎▪︎
"Aaaaaaaaannnnndeeeeeeee!" A familiar, and annoying voice chimed. 4:21pm. Andi was still tired.
"Serul, why are you awake. You're literally lazier that me." Andi huffed tiredly to the Winter Melon in her room.
"They promised me chocolate. They gave me chocolate." The Winter Melon said in an eerily serious tone. He was almost never serious, but when he was, it was a fear factor.
"Oh- right." Andi would be lying if she said she wasn't somewhat off-put by Serul's tone.
Why does he even like chocolate? He doesn't even have a mouth! Wait, Plants are weird, and they have magic. Probably should stop questioning that now.
"Also- Daze made pancakes!" Serul cheered. He turned with a smug look, that would've been completed by a smirk, with a mouth he didn't have. After all, he knew that Andi couldn't resist pancakes. Especially Daze's!
He's not lying. I smell them. Sorry dream world, I NEED this!
Andi bolted out of bed to feast on pancakes. After brushing her teeth of course. Natalie the Buttercup waved to her as she rushed down the stairs for pancakes. Natalie giggled as Andi almost fell down the stairs in her excited rush. Ava, the Witch Hazel, only got a rushed "Sorry!-" out of Andi as she was nearly squashed by the crazy girl's pancake lust.
What I would give to be a little taller around here! Wait- why are plants so small anyways!? Only Chompzilla is as tall as a human. Not fair evolution,- not fair. The Witch Hazel complained mentally. She would have to find a spell to work around this height problem. She didn't like being slightly taller than the halfway point to an average human knee.
Andi rushed over to the table, as she was the only one there. Daze was the only person who made breakfast this late just for her. He was also the plant that Andi practically grew up with, considering her parents where always busy tending to the Zen Garden to ensure the safety of the entire family. Crazy Dave may be crazy, but he did invent the name Zen Garden, and the meaning.
"Zen Garden: A place for Plants to grow safely from seedlings to saplings, to full grown zombie-busters. Usually the largest, and most protected area in a house."
Having grown up along with Andi, Daze was particularly inviting to anyone Andi was friends with. Anyone who'd hurt her, physically or mentally, would be, punished. The caulipower did this for Andi's sake, despite her expressing it was overprotective and unnecessary of him. He made sure to teach them a lesson, he'd always say, he'd never stoop to their level, he'd say. All he'd do was give them a bad nightmare, that was a very, very, CLEAR warning. He and Andi would bicker about it, but they'd quickly make up. Sometimes Andi would ask him to do something specific to a bully. Those requests were always hilarious.
"If you're wondering, they are fresh. As usual." He smiled, and turned back to the pan with batter in it.
"Oohh, my favorite!" Andi giggled in excitement, seeing the speckled pancakes. The bits of fruit in the batter cooked into a speckled sprinkle-like design. Luckily, Zombie fighting plants, and regular plants are vastly different, both in characteristics, and genetics. Fruity pancakes could be enjoyed by all, with no cannibalism to worry about.
Just as Andi began digging into the pancakes, a loud crash was heard from outside, and both Daze and Andi turned from the pancakes. Granted, Andi partially choked on the bit in her mouth, but it cleared up on its own. Swirlie, Andi's Hypno-shroom burst into the house, using telekinesis to open the door.
Handy if you got no hands, honestly.
"FOOTBALL STAR- GUN- HELP-" Was all he huffed out before a stream of footballs was blown into the house. Daze ducked behind the island in the kitchen, and Andi hid under the table, using a chair as frontal cover. Swirlie ducked behind the door, as a football nearly imbedded itself in his face.
"AVA- MAGIC NOW!" Andi screamed, as the chair in front of her began to give out to the seemingly endless stream of footballs. Ava leapt from the stairway, readying up a tendril in midair. She zapped the zombie, and the purple lightning was seen for a split second, and upon contact a brief stream of purple smog was spotted. It cleared to reveal a confused adult Repeater.
"W-who- am I? W-who are you?" They asked meekly. Ava grabbed the Repeater and retreated behind the door with Swirlie. The battle wasn't looking too great. The lawn plants were really struggling, but the pool and roof plants were doing just fine. Every now and then a melon or piece of butter would land on a zombie in the lawn. The roof plants definitely needed more kudos.
"Enchant-mint help me..." Daze muttered as he looked at the carnage on the lawn. Luckily all he saw were a few scattered leaves, everything else was zombie flesh. The Wall-nuts, Tall-nuts, Aloe, and other frontliners were all fine. Magnesium, the resident Magnet-shroom of the household was disturbed during his daytime slumber by Hylin, one of the many annoyingly helpful Coffee Beans. For a good reason, luckily! Some ladder zombies propped up ladders against the Wall-nuts and Tall-nuts, which is how the All-Star got into the house in the first place. Huh. Magnesium however, took them down one by one, and absorbed them, along with any other metallic objects, that came from bucketheads or Scientists.
"This battle isn't looking good. I think it's time for the big guns!" Andi half-explained, half-shouted.
Daze, and a shaken Swirlie both nodded. Andi proceeded to make a mad dash to the basement, where all the goodies, and non-battlefield plants were. Power Lilies and Marigolds slept or produced valuable Plant Food, coins, or gems here, and stored them away safely. Power Lilies almost went extinct due to combined Zombie efforts, but Humans swooped in and saved the day that time. Even then, there were only five Power Lilies in the basement, and creating Plant-Food was a tiring process for them. Andi grabbed a small bag of the marble sized power-ups, and ran back to the living room. "I GOT IT!" She screamed.
"About DAMN time!" Ava screamed, as she shot more bolts of magic lightning at the approaching horde of Zombies. None of them hit, but it made the Zombies think twice before stepping forward. A signature Flag-Zombie leaded the march into battle. Andi tossed the bag to Ava, whomst clutched the still-confused Repeater. Ava grabbed it, and used her other tendrils to grab the Plant-Food, one-by-one, and throw it out to the Plants on the lawn.
The tides immediately switched, as the various Peashooters went gatling and obliterated the Zombies in the front, as others freezed or roasted the Zombies in their areas. The Sunflowers cheered and produced hundreds of Sundrops, empowering and healing those near them. The nuts armored up, and the Aloe merrily tossed their huge dewdrops to heal all those around them. The 'wave' of Zombies quickly fell, and the plants rejoiced.
Andi smirked.
Another fine, Zombie-bustin' day in Suburbia.
"Hey, where are my parents?" Andi asked, realizing their disappearance.
Daze sipped a glass of milk. "Probably in the Zen Garden. You know how deep that place is! Can't hear anything down there." He pointed out.
Andi nodded. "You're right. And, can you tell them that I'm gonna go to Seed-Mart? I'm bringing Alan and Zuzu with me." Andi shouted back as she rummaged around for the bags of coins and gems kept in the basement.
"Yeah, but be quick. Zombies have been targeting the Shops lately." Daze called back.
"I know, besides, I got Alan and Zuzu with me! So chill!" Andi giggled while running out the door, followed by a Sweet Pea and Aloe, who promptly hopped on her shoulders as she bent down for them.
"This is the third time this week Honeydew! I told you, there won't be any Power Lily seeds for a good while! Even then, they sure won't be cheap Sweetie!" Zuzu the Sweet Pea explained to Andi.
"I know, but I want to buy some other seeds this time. Maybe Redstingers or A.K.E.E.s, hell, I'd kill to find some Zoybeans!" Andi laughed whilst Zuzu berated her for language. Alan just sighed and went on with his life.
Chapter 2: Planting an Army
Summary:
Andi, Zuzu, and Alan head to Seed-Mart to find some more firepower, and possibly Power Lily seeds. Meanwhile, Ava has her tendrils full with a transformed All-star.
Notes:
••• Means a setting change.
▪︎▪︎▪︎ Means a significant timeskip (or Ts/ts)
Fun Fact: The original name for this fic was 'Andi's Adventures' but I didn't like it, I thought it was stupid, so I gave it some more thought and changed it. Tbh it was decent for something made up on the spot.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Andi playfully flicked Zuzu's pea pods as Alan glanced towards Seed-Mart. "Daze really wasn't kidding when he said the Zombies were targeting the shops." He pointed his leaf towards Seed-Mart, which was littered with Zombie bodies.
Zuzu crossed her pods, and surveyed the area. "It looks safe and all, but I'm still concerned about any possible sudden Zombie attacks." Alan nodded in agreement, and Andi sighed.
"Guys, we'll be fine! Zuzu packs a punch, and Alan can help us in any pickles." Andi explained, but it didn't sway Zuzu or Alan. Andi thought for a moment as she kept approaching the shop. Her blue eyes lit up with an idea, and her long, curly, hair seemed to bounce with her steps. "You know, if we don't get any more plants, there'll be no one to protect! This may be risky, but think of the future guys!" Andi huffed.
Zuzu looked at Alan. Alan looked at Zuzu. "You make a good point, but be careful." Alan said, scanning over the Mart once more. Meanwhile, the girl smirked at her own victory.
•••
Ava dashed around the house as fast as her leaves would carry her, as she quickly began to accommodate their new Repeater friend. "Can you please tell me who I am, and why I have no idea where I am?" Despite being worded differently, this question was no different from the rest.
Ava sighed, for she knew that if she didn't answer, he wouldn't stop. "You got hit by an experimental sticky bomb from a Scientist. Apparently it wiped your head clean, making you a blank slate." She rummaged around for a Flower Pot, and smirked, proud of her lie.
Wait, what about if he asks about his name?
The Pea raised a pod. "What is my name though?"
Speak of the Devil.
Ava paused from her search, and made a beeline to the Zen Garden. Going down from the basement, she reached an empty room, and placed two tendrils on the floor and kneeled down. "Ava the Witch Hazel here. I need a name for a newly transformed friend." She explained to the floor.
The floor formed a small crack that was under her tendrils. She waited, and was engulfed by the crack as it quickly grew, and vanished with a puff of pink smoke. She was transported to a giant area, with multiple rooms. She looked at the light green grass under her leaves, and then at the saplings playing tag in the open field. She heard laughter behind her as a man approached her, after he had helped a Fire Pea and Snow Pea settle a squabble over a stuffed animal.
"Ava, whatcha' need?" He asked curiously. "ALEXANDER DO NOT THROW THAT POT!" He yelled to a young Dandelion that was harassing a Flower Pot, that promptly extended its spider-like roots and crawled away.
"Oh hey Damien, I uh, transformed an All-Star into a Repeater, and I need name suggestions." Ava explained, nervously fiddling with her tendrils.
Damien laughed. "A Repeater huh? You sure have grown, since you could only make Puff-shrooms before!" He high-fived Ava, and turned around to think. "A Repeater huh? Hmm..." He mumbled.
The was a brief moment of silence. "Oh! I got it!" Damien burst. The Witch Hazel jumped at the sudden sentence, but regained her focus. "How about Strike? Not the best, but it'll do for a rush job." He added, satisfied.
"It's fine! I'll go tell him his name now!" She rushed off, but not before motioning an idle Flower Pot to follow her.
•••
Andi knelt down to grab a small basket, while Zuzu and Alan hopped off. Anywhere one looked in Seed-Mart, they'd always see Seed Packets. "Oh golly! I can't wait to see what they have in stock today Sugarcubes!" The pea giggled, feeling childlike excitement from the sight of so many Seed Packets. The store itself was a small, modern, white-tiled building, resembling a gas station. Only difference were the seeds.
"So, what aisle do you guys want to visit first? The Rare seeds, Exotic seeds, or Common ones? I want to see the Exotics first, honestly." The girl giggled.
"Why not Exotics? We could look for Power Lily seeds, or maybe Wasabi Whip seeds. There's could also be Toadstools or Gold Blooms!" Alan chirped, bursting with excitement.
Andi laughed. "Alright, let's go." The Sweet Pea and Aloe followed close behind the girl as she approached the back of the store, where the most exotic of seeds were found. They were obviously very expensive, but Andi didn't mind too much.
"Oh my Appease-mint, Marigolds are here now too?!" Zuzu gasped.
Alan frowned. "Zombies aren't that dumb I guess. They're trying to hit the plants where it hurts, and it works. Luckily, Humans can help with this kind of thing." The Aloe explained, trying to somewhat lighten the mood.
"I guess you're right, but, what if we can't save a Plant on the brink of extinction? What would that mean for all of us?" Andi anxiously whispered. The two plants didn't answer, but only looked at the floor, with solemn expressions on their faces.
"Sugarcube- I-I don't know but, I can guarantee that no matter what happens, we'll fight to the end. For every Human on Earth. No matter what kinda' Braineaters show up, we'll take 'em down Honeypie!" Zuzu cheered.
Andi smiled, but her gaze was stuck to the floor. Alan quickly glanced around the Exotic seed sections, and changed the conversation. "Hey, Andi, look! Gold Bloom seeds!" Alan pointed to a Seed Packet on a high shelf.
"Woah! No- wait- I'm like, five and a half-ish, how am I gonna reach that?" Andi asked, tapping her black boots on the white tiles.
"Leave it to me, Sugar." Zuzu braced herself, and flew up the shelf with one leap, and landed on top of a hanging light. She carefully lowered herself down to the shelf, and began crawling down the high shelves, and knocked down two Seed Packets. One of them was the previously seen Gold Bloom seeds, and the other was a packet of Wasabi Whip seeds.
Andi silently cheered at the sight of the packets. "I sooooo owe you Zuzu!" She cheered. Alan removed the leaf covering his mouth and smiled meekly. "You too Alan, man you guys are awesome!" She hugged them both, and got scratches from Alan, who profusely apologized.
"Let's check out the other aisles Dewdrops!" Zuzu shouted as she sped off, with Alan and Andi chasing after her.
•••
"Strike. Striiiiike. Strike. Strike! Man, my name is soooo cool!" Strike giddily stated. The newly named Repeater enjoyed his new name, and Ava's stress was lifted.
I should see if I could do something stronger, like a Toadstool or a Grapeshot. Or maybe even Marigolds or Power Lilies.
Ava's thinking was interrupted by Swirlie falling down the stairs, again. For the sixth time this week.
"GUYS GUYS GUYS GUYS- GARGANTUAR!" Swirlie screamed, attempting to roll back on his stem. Ava blinked, not like anyone could see anyways, and Strike glared at the front door.
"I may have amnesia, but I DO know that Zombies are the enemies here." He huffed, gaining bravery since his 'memory loss'.
"Don't worry, I'll handle this Gargan-" Ava's boastful Gargantuar take-on was interrupted by Daze uncovering his face, and showing concern with his swirly eyes. He motioned a leaf to Strike, who was staring at Ava, waiting for her to finish whatever she was saying. Ava shifted her glance awkwardly between Daze and Strike.
Luckily, Daze broke the silence. "Strike, what if you and Serul took on the Gargantuar? Me and Ava will provide support if anything goes awry." He suggested, floating over to the duo.
Strike nodded, and Ava went upstairs. "I'll go get Hylin to wake up Serul, since he's most likely sleeping." She explained. The plants on the lawn had already retreated, but that didn't mean that the Gargantuar had the upper hand. The Kernel-pults on the roof rained butter down on the oversized fiend, so the Gargantuar couldn't make a single move.
▪︎▪︎▪︎
Eventually, a grouchy Ava came down with a drowsy Serul. "Hylin would not shut UP! It took like fifteen minutes to get him to wake Serul, and then Serul fell asleep again, for TWENTY FUCKING MINUTES!"
Strike looked at Serul. "Well, my tired, wintery friend, we have a lawn to save! BEHOLD!" The Repeater motioned outside after flinging open the door, to reveal a Gargantuar that was dangerously close to the house, despite the butter barrage. Serul just grumbled tiredly. "Let's do this! CHARGE!" Strike burst from the house, and charged at the overgrown corpse.
"Serul you're tired we get it, but if you don't wake up for once in your FUCKING life, then I will personally turn you into a Puff-shroom and fry you into a salad." Ava threatened, clutching the melon-head's head. Serul's dot eyes glistened with fear. Or tears. Either way, it was satisfactory for Ava.
Daze just sighed. "Please, just make sure Strike doesn't die." Serul nodded fearfully, and scampered out the door.
Notes:
Two long-ish chapters in a day! WOOT WOOT! I am on a ROLL!
Chapter 3: A Battle to Remember: Pt. 1
Summary:
Strike and Serul face the Gargantuar alone, with support from Daze, Ava, and the Pults on the rooftop. But is a transformed, 'amnesiac' Repeater really up for the job? As the battle at home fires up, Andi has to deal with inconveniences at Seed-Mart, and Alan starts to lose his cool.
Chapter Text
Andi's basket had only five seed packets in it. Zuzu and Alan chattered about how they should get more, and Andi stopped to talk to the two. "Look, we got some Exotics, and those are hella expensive. We can always come back! But for now, we stay on budget, alright?" She stated. The Sweet Pea sighed, but the Aloe cackled sinisterly.
"Behold, money!" Alan pulled out two more bags of coins, that he was apparently hiding behind his leaves. Andi looked at him with a mix of shock and impression plastered on her face.
"Listen, Honey, I know Aloe are sort of mysterious since they're rare, and elusive because of social anxiety, but how much space do you have behind those leaves?" Zuzu asked in shock. Zuzu also shot Andi a glare, that was easy to read as: If you don't watch your language, I'll give you the most painful cavities of your LIFE.
Alan chuckled and moved the leaf that constantly covered his mouth. "You'd be surprised about how much stuff we can hide at once." He re-covered his mouth and giggled quietly. Zuzu stared at him intently, before facing Andi again. She noticed that their eyes were on her, so Andi motioned them to follow her as she changed her path, from the checkout to the Rare seeds section.
Zuzu scanned the highest shelves, while Andi browsed the Seed Packets in the middle, and Alan dug through the ones at the bottom, looking through them thoroughly.
"Anything interesting yet?" Andi asked, flipping through the Seed Packets that were at her eye level.
"Not so far Sugar. I know they were recently discovered, but I was hoping to see some Inferno seeds." Zuzu explained, walking atop the shelves.
A few moments later, Zuzu almost lost her balance and fell when Alan audibly gasped. Andi, being as skittish as she was, almost screamed. They turned back to the Aloe, who held something proudly between his leaves.
"Whatcha' find dude?!" Andi asked excitedly. Alan doesn't just gasp like that, I bet this is BIG! Zuzu waited impatiently for his answer as well.
This better be good! That gosh darn Aloe knows I hate being spooked silly!
"Well, either someone didn't order this right, or some rando just dumped these Power Lily seeds right here!" Alan bursted, practically vibrating with excitement.
"That's amazin' Sugarcube! But try ta' keep it down, will ya'? Don't want any hooligans jumpin' us for those seeds!" Zuzu hushed, her accent coming through a lot more than anyone would've thought. Alan blinked a moment, registering what had just been said.
I've never heard so much slang from her. Even her accent was heavy. This must be serious!
"S-sorry." Alan stuttered, staring at the tiled floor. Zuzu patted his head, or at least the leaf that always held his healing dewdrops.
"She didn't mean to make you feel bad. But she's right. We have to be careful." Andi spoke softly to Alan as he looked at her. Alan nodded and hid the Seed Packet back in his leaves.
"Let's go to the Common seed section." Andi said, walking out of the Rare seed sections. Zuzu grabbed a packet as Alan went off to follow Andi, and hid it in her right pea pod.
"So, I'm guessing this is our last stop before checkout?" Alan asked.
"Yeah. I wanna find some Redstinger seeds. Or maybe Stallia seeds. Or both." Andi explained, humming to herself as she moved along the aisles.
Zuzu looked at Andi and laughed. "Don't forget about some Buttercup, or Kernel-pult seeds Sweetie! You can never have too much butter!" She giggled. It was a running joke in the family, since Andi's parents loved the paralyzing qualities of the butter. She did too, but forty-eight Kernel-pults seemed like a lot. At least their paralyzing butter worked on annoying and rude neighbors too.
"Yeah! If anything, we should prioritize Buttercup seeds. It must be lonely for Natalie to be the only Buttercup in the household." Alan solemnly stated.
Zuzu was barely allowed on the battlefield when they found Natalie's seed. She watched from the roof, since it only had a small handful of Zombies attacking it. Andi was six or seven at the time. Zuzu still remembered the Peashooter that found it.
¤¤¤
"Hey Amalia! I found a packet on the walking fertilizers!"
"What is it? Are there any undamaged seeds?"
"Buttercups. No... in fact, it's empty."
"Those disgusting maggot-filled braineaters! They must've-"
"Wait, I think there's something else in this browncoat's pocket!"
¤¤¤
Andi broke the silence. "Yeah, let's look for some." She walked into the Common seed section, and was almost immediately greeted by Redstinger packets. She grabbed two and gently put them in the basket.
•••
Serul pulted melon after melon at the hulking Zombie, and Strike pelted it with peas. The Gargantuar however, seemed not to notice their attacks, and instead chased the two to squash them like aphids. The only thing that let the duo survive was the chilly slowing effect from Serul's melons. Strike dodged hits left and right, having a few close calls. He had already abused his adrenaline, and was tiring out. Serul, on the other hand, was not built to move so fast, or dodge at a moment's notice.
"Uh- Strike! We're getting mashed here! And frankly, evolution didn't have stuff like this in mind for any Melon-pult that currently exists!" Serul screamed, as he dodged a smash from the Gargantuar's pole.
"We'll make it, Lazystem!" Strike shouted back, as he easily dodged the giant hand trying to swat him.
Serul pouted as he flung more melons. Without a mouth however, it looked more like he was glaring at Strike. "Can I at least have a leaf getting to higher ground?!" Serul yelped.
Just as the Gargantuar's foot lowered on Serul, Strike swooped in to save him. "Gotcha!" Strike cheered. Serul only shivered with fear as Strike threw him onto the house's roof.
With luck and balance, Serul landed on his leaves, and continued his melon-lobbing at the overgrown vegetarian. "TAKE THIS YOU FUCKING MELON-JUICER!" Serul yelled in rage, as he lobbed melons faster and faster.
The Gargantuar glared at Serul, and moved faster than Strike had ever seen a Zombie move.
I have to save him.
Serul stopped lobbing as his non-existent heart started thumping. He squeezed his eyes shut, hoping that he'd go up. Instead, he opened his eyes to the sky, and felt grass under his roots. He glanced around for Strike, but only saw a gaping hole in the roof from the monstrosity's hand. But that wasn't his only concern. "DAZE! AVA! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" He screamed in a shaky voice.
He waited for what felt like hours, but was only a few moments. "Yes. I wished Ava and I could've helped, but, I have NEVER seen a Zombie move so fast. I was- we're dumbfounded."
Serul felt Daze's mental presence, and would've relaxed if he wasn't so concerned about Strike. He continued scanning the roof rubble, seeing that all the Pults that were previously on the rooftop were scratched up, but okay. Despite going unnoticed before, Serul now noticed the Gargantuar attempting to wipe its hand, with the imp on its back trying to redirect its attention to the injured Plants. Seeing a flash of green was all it took to give Serul hope- and fear.
The Gargantuar began to shake its hand, and the spot of green landed on the lawn, while the imp finally managed to catch the Gargantuar's attention. Serul ran over to the body, and looked at Strike.
His body was partially crushed, leaving his dark green innards to spill over the lawn. His head wasn't any better, with a gaping hole where his right eye was, leaking his Plant-matter all over the lawn- and Serul as he clutched his friend. Serul would've passed out seeing this much Plant-matter spill from an ally, but he was only filled with rage. He knew Strike was just a transformed All-star, but, he just sacrificed himself to save his lazy ass from being squashed.
He glared at the Gargantuar, moving towards it. "You made a big mistake buddy."
◇◇◇
"Daze, drop the shield! I'll blast the rubble!" Ava shouted from the dome she was in, along with Daze. The dome had the same color-spectrum as a Hypno-shroom cap, albeit somewhat see through.
"DAZE! AVA! ARE YOU ALRIGHT?" Serul screamed in a shaky voice.
Daze and Ava gasped. They thought that Serul was crushed! "The shield can wait Ava, I need to assure Serul, then we can destroy the Gargantuar. I should've let you help. I'm sorry." All Ava had to do was look at Daze's swirly eyes to see his shame.
"No. It was a good thing. If I zapped that Gargantuar, Strike might question his 'amnesia' and why I was the first plant he saw when he 'lost' his memory. The last thing we want is him to question his own identity." Ava reasoned, her own voice shaky.
Daze closed his eyes, and concentrated. He opened them, and Ava could tell his resolve was back. "You're right. I'll assure Serul, and then we'll destroy the Gargantuar." He explained, determination filling his voice.
"Right." Ava agreed. She watched as Daze once again closed his eyes and concentrated.
"Yes. I wished that Ava and I could've helped, but, I have NEVER seen a Zombie move so fast. I was- we're dumbfounded." Daze felt Serul's mental stress partially alleviate, but something else was wrong. Something about... Strike.
•••
Zuzu browsed the top shelves. "No Stallia seeds in sight Sweetpea. Maybe they're not in stock today, or sold out. You know how finicky it is to gain access to Lost City Plant seeds. They're so protective of their seedlings and saplings, that it's hard to get seeds, regardless of if the seeds were intended or not." Zuzu sighed.
"She's right Andi, we were lucky to even find Redstinger seeds! Those guys are really aggressive about stuff like that. Even then, they usually sell out faster than you can say, alleviate!" Alan added.
Andi laughed at the Aloe saying. Plants had wonderful and creative ways to express how they felt. "Yeah, to be fair, I'm pretty sure Aloe are literally the only friendly Plants at the Lost City, aside from A.K.E.E.s. I'm also pretty sure that the owner of Seed-Mart hires bounty hunters to steal seeds from there, considering their hostility. Unethical, but effective!" Andi cheered, plopping a packet of A.K.E.E.s into the basket.
Alan stared at the floor. "Hehe, they wake up and choose ungrown sapling kidnapping. I also want to kidnap saplings, Andi."
Andi and Zuzu glanced around, trying not to look Alan in the eye. He had a blank, soulless, look on his face. He stared at the white-tiled floor for five minutes, with the same unsettling look.
Andi broke the fearful silence by coughing. "Oh hey, there are some Buttercup seeds." Andi said robotically, her eyes darting between Alan and Zuzu.
"Oh, Sweetiepie, you're right!" Zuzu picked up three packets and placed them in the basket.
Alan blinked three times. "Oops, got lost in dark thoughts again. Anyways, are we heading to check-out yet?" Alan asked, regaining his child-like innocence.
Others in the same aisle glanced over to the three, wondering what was happening to make them silent and unmoving for five minutes. "Yeah! Let's go!" Andi egged on Zuzu and Alan, and Zuzu hopped off the top shelf. She landed perfectly on Andi's shoulder, earning a fist-bump.
"Oh sweet! Now I can stop hiding these!" Alan pulled out the Power Lily Seed Packet. In front of six other people. Alan whimpered at this mistake. Andi glanced at the crowd that stared at the packet. Oh Alan, you lovable fool.
Everyone crowded around Alan, and completely ignored the other two.
"Hey lil' buddy, I got two huge bags full o' gems, just for you! Only for the small price of that packet!" A well-dressed, blonde woman offered.
Don't like her. Talks to me like a sapling.
"Why take that nasty woman's offer? Don't you wanna live a life of adventure on the road, with no barriers?"
Nice offer but, I'm a stay-at-home plant.
A tall, slim yet toned lady pushed the two out of the way easily. "Leave the Aloe alone! They found the packets fair and square!" The Bombegranate on her shoulder nodded.
I like her. She's the only sane person right now. But I really hope this isn't just for the seeds.
"She's right you Lemonsuckers! Leave Alan alone!" Zuzu butted in angrily.
Andi smirked. "Haven't your parents taught you public manners?" She cocked her head mockingly.
The crowd of five turned ugly, fast. They immediately pushed Andi to the floor when she protectively huddled over Zuzu. The ones who didn't push her down were trying to get past the lady and her Bombegranate, and by trying they really were. She was a lot stronger than she looked. She glanced towards Alan with her brown eyes, and smiled softly. Alan felt safer, but angry.
They're hurting my friends, my family over a Seed Packet. Now I'm a bit mad.
The man with slick, black hair who had offered Alan an adventure reached into his jacket. Alan's leaves shivered as he pulled out a gun. Andi froze, still covering Zuzu.
"What's happening Sugarcubes! I can't see!" Zuzu panicked.
The Bombegranate lady swallowed hard. "They have a gun." Andi felt Zuzu shiver as the crowd around them dispersed in fear.
"Give me the Seed Packet, and no one gets hurt." He snarled.
Alan could see Andi slowly shaking her head, as not to draw attention to herself.
I have to do something. I'm not going to endanger my own friends just for some stupid Exotic seeds.
"I'll give you the seeds. Just please leave my friends alone." Alan looked back at the lady. "Thank you for helping. But it's my job to save my allies." He stated.
The lady's afro bounced as she shook her head. "Don't do this. There's another way." She insisted. Alan just shook his body, which was his way of shaking his head.
The man grinned. "Alright. Your friends will be left alone if you hand me the packet." Alan smiled behind his leaf.
They're going to be okay after all.
If only he saw the hand behind his back.
He handed the man the Seed Packet, and hopped back. "Andi, you can stop covering Zuzu. It's alright now." Alan reassured. She stopped hovering over Zuzu, but was still tense. She wasn't the only one, as the lady and her Bombegranate stared intensely at the smug-faced man.
Alan turned around, and Zuzu moved towards Alan, and out from behind Andi. "I said I wouldn't hurt your friends, but I know you don't know her." He pointed his gun at the lady and her Bombegranate. "So you can go, and I'll shoot her, or you can wait here until the gang gets here, and I'll spare her." Andi glared at him as she knelt down and protectively grabbed Zuzu and Alan, hugging them close to her chest.
"You monster." Alan bursted, glaring at him. "You can't do this!" He attempted to wiggle out of Andi's grasp, but she held on to him tightly, paying no mind to the scratches she was getting from his spiky exterior.
The man shrugged and flaunted his black leather jacket. "Just how the street biz goes kiddo." He smirked.
Alan looked between Andi and his other friends.
This is all my fault. I could've stalled while Andi, or the nice lady thought of a plan!
He began to tear up, but that was stopped by his imminent rage.
It is my fault, but I'll redeem myself. People like him have NO place in this world.
Notes:
¤¤¤: Flashback. Anything in a flashback is always in this font.
◇◇◇: Small setting change and time reversal. Usually used for characters that disappear from a certain character's perspective, but remain nearby, or in the same setting. Time also reverses to show what they were doing, leading up to where they rejoin the character's perspective they left from, or a little bit after. (Probably won't be used too much)
Chapter 4: A Battle to Remember: Pt. 2
Summary:
Andi, Alan, Zuzu, and the mysterious lady face off against an unruly plant-stealing gang, who have their eyes on Zuzu. Alan finally loses it, and ends up gaining a stranger's interest by accident. Serul, Daze, and Ava battle against the Gargantuar, as Serul fights with more resolve than anyone has ever seen from the lazy Winter Melon.
Notes:
2/2/22- Made Alan's inner monolog less edgy... dunno why I wrote it like that...
You know
When you
When you re-read your chapters while taking a break from writing a new one, bc ur proud of them,,, and notice the stupidest spelling error,,, and then feel incredibly ashamed for the 4 people who read ur fic bc they probs saw it-
And
That's kinda a mood.
Totally didn't just happen to me at 3am
Also longest chapter yet lol, get rekt chapter 3
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Daze let the dome shatter, and Ava blasted the rubble, turning it into moss. They shook themselves off, and Ava ran off to Serul as Daze assessed the damage. The roof would probably need heavy repairs, but everyone was alright.
Except for Strike. I didn't get a clear read, but it's NOT good.
He grimaced at the sight of the Gargantuar as he floated outside.
He sensed a huge spike of panic from Ava, and rushed over to her. He was welcomed by the sight of her covering her mouth with two tendrils, gasping at the sight of Strike's disfigured corpse. Serul was already walking away.
No.
Not yet.
There's time for both.
"Go get Allevia and Dallis. Tell them it's urgent." Daze commanded, looking at Ava's eyes, or where they would be if they weren't constantly covered up.
"B-buh- but- he's gone!" Ava cried. She had begun to think of him as family. Witch Hazels getting attached to hexed Zombies was normal, and she knew that, but it still didn't lessen her grief.
Daze simply uncovered his mouth and smiled. "No matter what, I've been here since the beginning, making sure whoever was alive, stayed alive. No matter how battered, beaten, or broken. You know this." He assured.
Ava gasped. She knew this was true, and he was the third seed Damien and Alissa had ever planted, and had been there to witness the growth, and death of all those after him. He was known for his ability to keep others alive, simply by sensing their mental actvity.
So many Plants that walk alongside us on the Lawn owe so much to him.
Daze watched as Ava ran back into the partially destroyed house, filled with hope and determination.
Daze re-covered his mouth, and floated over to the Gargantuar, who looked for the Kernel-pults that had already escaped. The imp on the mighty corpse's back looked both disappointed and frustrated.
He noticed Serul head towards the rubble, and easily scale it simply by climbing. He knew all rooftop Plants could climb like spiders, but Daze still found it unnerving.
When Serul had gotten enough leverage, he leapt onto the Gargantuar, and moved towards the imp, who promptly began panicking.
The Gargantuar tried to swat Serul off, but he simply crawled all over the Gargantuar, like a giant melon-spider. When Serul did reach the imp, he let the melon in his lobbing vine fall out, and loaded the imp in it instead.
"Say hi to Brazil for me, you lil' shit." Serul hissed, before lobbing the tiny menace to Winter-mint knows where.
It didn't help that the imp screamed from hell as it was thrown.
Then the Gargantuar got pissed.
•••
The dark-skinned lady held an arm in front of Andi and the others. "Stay back, I don't want you getting hurt."
Andi frowned, and noticed Alan being quieter than usual. It was hard to tell, since, he's an Aloe after all, but Andi had known him well enough to understand why he was so quiet. She bent down so they could get more privacy. "Don't feel bad Alan, I know why you did it. I'm so glad you care for us so much, and I know that any life is worth more than some Seed Packet. Thank you." She gently hugged him as to avoid getting cut.
Alan smiled back at Andi's friendliness. She's right. "T-thank you." He stuttered, his voice smaller than a grain of dust. Andi smiled, and patted him on the leaf.
The man still held up his gun, but looked interested by whatever Andi and Alan chatted about. The lady turned around. "Sorry to say, but it is Alan's fault. Sorry for eavesdropping, but he shouldn't of given him the packet! He could've stalled you know." She hushed. Alan felt his self-esteem drift away again.
Andi didn't care that this lady was helping her. Alan meant more to her than some know-it-all. "I don't give a shit about who you think YOU are, but Alan tried his best. He didn't want anyone to get hurt. How was he supposed to know?!" She hissed back.
The Bombegranate on the lady's shoulder giggled at Andi's retort. "Look, first off, I think I'm Brianna, second off, it was obvious! Why would a man with a weapon decide to lose his leverage after getting what he wants?! He's obviously going to attempt to get more! Actually- scratch that. ANYONE with a weapon would do that!" She yelled.
The man nodded. "She's ri-ght." He chimed purposely to annoy Andi.
Before Andi could retort, she felt something tug her pants. It was Alan. He gently shook his head, and Andi could practically hear his thoughts. It's not worth it, they're right. I'm such an idiot, please don't defend me. She winced at Alan's possible thought process, and sighed, turning towards Zuzu.
Zuzu was too busy in thought to berate Andi's language. She was more concerned for Everyone's safety. Besides the man and inconsiderate lady- er Brianna of course. She felt bad for the Dewdrops.
It ain't their fault. Andi tried her best, and Alan has to come to terms with the harshness of this world.
She sighed.
The man's phone rung, and he picked it up, still aiming the gun at the two. "Yeah. They got a Bombegranate, Aloe, and most importantly, a Sweet Pea. Of course it's worth the time! These chumps had Power Lily seeds! Oh, I have them. Yeah, see you then." He hung up and smirked at the group.
Andi gasped. This wasn't any thug. This was a Plant-stealing thug. "Stay away from my family, you asshole!" She shouted, bending down to hug Alan and Zuzu reassuringly.
The man laughed. "I like your fire kid. Wanna join us? You'll keep your Plants. Either way, they'll be ours." He chimed.
Brianna glanced concerningly between the man and Andi. Andi suddenly exploded. "LIKE HELL WILL I EVER GIVE UP MY FAMILY TO YOU! I'LL NEVER JOIN YOUR DUMBASS GANG YOU PIECES OF SHIT! She screamed at the top of her lungs.
The man looked somewhat offended and impressed. "Well, that's a dirty mouth. I'm Becker. Or Beck, to close friends. You?" He sounded friendly, but it was all mocking to Andi. Zuzu would've had a ball harassing Andi for that kind of language, but now was not the time. Alan had shrunk into the background shamefully.
Andi just looked away in rage. Who the hell does he think he is?!
▪︎▪︎▪︎
It felt like hours as the group waited for Becker's 'buddies' to show up. When they did, they just handshaked, and fist-bumped each other like long time friends. Andi rolled her eyes. Brianna sized up the other group, consisting of three women and two men, including Becker. Their features were covered by hoods and sunglasses.
One of the 'ladies' spoke up. "So. You're the former Power Lily seed holders. Who's that sweet lil' pea belong too?" She asked mockingly.
Zuzu glared at the woman. "I ain't belong to no one, you dirt-chewing cow-brain!" She yelled. "I'm part of a family you bug-brains!"
The lady looked back at Zuzu with extreme interest. "Sweet Peas are rare, and I wonder how much the Black-Market would pay for an accent like yours." She rubbed her chin, smirking.
The other man pointed to Alan, who was trying to hide in the bottom shelves. "Ain't that a cute lil' Aloe, right Beck?" He laughed.
Becker looked at Alan's discovered hiding spot. "Well, you're definitely not wrong. Besides, Aloe are pretty rare too, but we gotta see how well he can heal for his real worth. Remember our saying Aleck?" He grinned at Alan, who shrunk further back.
The four others of the gang smiled, and chimed, "If it ain't over 10,000 then it's gotta go. If it over 15,000, it's a real winner. Between the two is okay too." They burst out into mocking laughter as Alan glanced at all of them.
They began casually chatting about Plant value on the black market, as other Plants approached them. "We sweeped the entire store. It's late, so no one else is here but us and someone at checkout." A Shadow Pea announced. Becker nodded. The Shadow Pea disappeared, and reappeared on Becker's shoulder, and the others approached their respective Gardeners.
They all seemed to be Shadow Plants, aside from the Missile Toe, whom stayed on the floor. The rest of them consisted of a Grimrose, Dusk Lobber, Shadow-shroom, and a Moonflower. Andi swore she could see more hiding in the shelves.
"Well now, still consider your Plants family, or do you wanna give em' up to save your own lives?" Becker spun his pistol playfully.
Brianna gritted her teeth. "If I was as greasy as your hair, I would. But I'm not." She retorted, as her Bombegranate blew a raspberry.
The Missile Toe laughed a bit before being glared at. She stifled her laughter and tried her best to cover her face. Alan glared at the larger group.
They can't do this. I know people would give up their Plants to live, but only the worst would! They know how much a Plant means to someone, and they do this so casually?!
Becker glared at Brianna. "Least my hair ain't lookin' like a puffball." He spat. Brianna's Bombegranate whispered something to her, and she grinned.
"Alright. We have a deal. On one condition." She stated. Andi and Zuzu gasped.
Becker smirked. "And what would that be?"
"Just grab my girl Darla yourself." She replied calmly. Darla had a blank look on her face too.
Becker smirked and waltzed right up to Brianna, and reached his hand out to grab Darla. "Well, 'Darla', I hope you like your new home." He laughed.
Darla smirked, and as his palm closed around her, she shouted, "NOW!" Brianna's small, open jacket was quickly pulled apart further to reveal many other explosive Plants. They all leapt at Becker, who had a twist of surprise, shock, and extreme fear on his face. The Shadow Pea looked blankly at the Plants, and they vanished in the blink of an eye, except Darla.
Brianna gasped and stumbled back, and Darla looked fearfully at the Peashooter. "Don't worry, I'm sure they're having a grand time in a duffel bag. That's in the back of a van." The Shadow Pea stated.
Becker shook himself off. "Thanks Zack." He muttered. He looked at the rest of the small group with disgust. "You dare to try to kill me, with your weak ass 'family' Plants? Now you're in for it." He held up his gun and pointed it straight at Brianna's head. Darla scowled, and Brianna faced Becker with a glare.
Alan watched with horror as Becker slowly placed his finger on the trigger, savoring the moment.
Do you really want to be useless? Alan felt his insecurity tug at him.
Only a useless Plant would do nothing to protect those that help them. Alan. Are you useless?
Alan closed his eyes. No. Of course not. Right? He focused on the scene more. Becker had his finger on the trigger now.
You're lying. If you weren't, you'd be doing something.
But, I hardly know her! It's safer here! Alan mentally shot back, shivering from fear and mental stress.
Look.
His gaze wandered to Andi, and he saw the horror in her eyes. Tears had already fallen from them. Zuzu shuddered and looked away, crying all the while.
Don't you care?
I do! Of course I do!
Then you know what to do.
Get angry.
The voice in Alan's head quieted as he came out from hiding, seething in rage.
•••
Ava rushed back with Allevia and Dallis in tow. The Aloe and Power Flower both had worried, yet determined expressions on their faces. They burst out from the partially destroyed house, clearing out the moss.
Dallis spoke up. "Where?!" He quickly looked around, as Allevia stayed quiet. Serul and Daze were fighting off an especially pissed Gargantuar.
"Here!" Ava cried, motioning to Strike's nearly destroyed body. Both healers gagged at the sight.
"I know we're healers... I've never seen... like this... I'm scared Dallis." Allevia muttered. Dallis reassuringly hugged her.
"Tell them to take him inside and treat him. Then help us with this Gargantuar. I don't want Serul to kill a potentially powerful ally." Daze's voice echoed in Ava's head as she nodded physically.
"If you can, take him inside and treat him! If not, do your best here until you can!" Ava shouted amongst the Gargantuar's bellowing voice.
A loud, alarm sound played from the house. A Plantern was on the roof, and held onto a small, box-shaped device. A look of concern was plastered on its face.
The Gargantuar was slightly distracted, and Ava gasped. "Damn it, another wave is coming soon. We have to clean this up, NOW!" Ava shouted at the now-panicked healers.
"Warn Alissa and Damien, and do it now Mikal!" Dallis shouted at the Plantern, who quickly headed down.
Allevia slowly paced her dewdrop around Strike's wounds, letting it get absorbed bit by bit, slowly regenerating the injuries. Dallis summoned as much power as he could despite it being night, and created a beam of pure light that slowly mended the Repeater's wounds.
"Allevia will have to regenerate her dewdrop every now and then, but I don't have much steam right now." Dallis explained, strain in his voice.
Ava nodded. "That doesn't matter. Get him stable, then move him to the Zen Garden for further treatment." She commanded, and the two nodded.
"We can... do that!" Allevia muttered cheerfully. Dallis smiled, and went back to focusing on his dwindling light beam.
Serul climbed around that Gargantuar, and lobbed melons as he went. Daze didn't know if it was determination or desperation, but instead of imploding into a melon-y mess, It froze spots on the Gargantuar, which promptly fell off.
Daze would never forget the sight of a frozen piece of decayed skin falling of in huge clumps from a giant Zombie.
Mikal returned with Alissa and Damien, who promptly shivered at the sight of the battlefield before them. Alissa had a Homing-Thistle on her shoulder, and Damien had a Hypno-shroom on his.
"Get the forces ready for the next attack Vivia." Alissa whispered to her Homing-Thistle, who promptly hopped off and headed back inside. Damien rushed over to where Dallis and Allevia were healing Strike.
"Is he stable enough for me to carry him?" Damien quickly asked.
"Yes, but please be careful!" Dallis warned, his light beam almost completely gone. Damien heeded the warning and carefully scooped Strike up in his arms.
"Alissa, call Andi! Tell her what's happening. I'll take Strike to the Zen Garden!"
"Don't worry about Andi, I've already covered it." The Hypno-shroom on Damien's shoulder winked.
"Crowley, you beautiful bastard you." Damien muttered in glee.
Crowley smirked.
Now that Strike was out of the way, Ava could finally do something. Daze telepathically threw Serul off the Gargantuar, (gently of course) as Ava prepared a powerful spell to transform it. The Gargantuar noticed the Witch Hazel's glow, and attempted to book it, only to be blocked by Daze.
"Now now, we don't want a valuable ally to run away now, do we?" Daze uncovered his mouth and smirked with evil glee. The Gargantuar looked at the Caulipower with pure fear. Ava finished her spell, and as she cast it, the Gargantuar had it's final thoughts.
How many buddies of mine have been turned into disgusting fertilizer eaters at the leaves of these evil Plants?
A thick, light purple smog covered the area where the Gargantuar was once at. Zombies could also be seen in the distance.
It's showtime.
•••
As Becker was a second away from pulling the trigger, Alan leapt from his hiding spot and landed on Zack. Before the Pea could even react, Alan violently used his spined leaves to assault the Plant, causing to him scream in pain. Becker almost dropped his pistol hearing the shriek in his ear.
"Holy shit man! The Aloes' gone mad!" Aleck shrieked. The Grimrose on his shoulder just looked away and gagged.
Andi and Zuzu wiped away their tears as they watched Alan tear up the Peashooter's face. Darla almost felt bad.
"A lil' help never hurt ya' know!" Becker screamed as he tried to pry Alan off of Zack. The rest of the gang attempted to help, and Andi twitched.
"Zuzu, I just got a message from Crowley!" She whispered.
"What about Chickpea?" Zuzu asked in a whisper, worrying about the Repeater.
"Can't say. It's too dangerous right now." Andi quickly explained. Zuzu nodded.
Brianna looked at the two curiously, but focused back on Becker and Alan. "I dunno what y'all are talking about, but it better be important." Andi just nodded, and Brianna slowly backed up.
"GOTCHA! You little worm!" Becker laughed. Zack's eyes were practically scratched shut, and his face looked like someone passed a cheese grater over it. Becker glanced concerningly at Zack, then focused on Alan. "Let's see how much force an Aloe can handle." He gave his pistol to the woman with a Dusk Lobber on her shoulder, and began to tug forcefully at Alan from different angles. The lady shakily pointed the gun back at Andi and the others.
Alan looked Becker straight in the eyes. "I don't think you can withstand the force I'm about to put on you." Becker looked back at Alan with confusion. Alan wiggled enough in Becker's grasp to scratch him, so he'd let go, and Alan made sure he landed on Becker's face.
Show him what fear really means.
Alan began savagely scratching at Becker's face, as he began screaming for help. Becker tried to pull Alan off, but all he did was dig in deeper, causing more pain to do so. One of Becker's gang members fainted, and another ran to the next aisle to vomit. Alan kept scratching.
And scratching.
And scratching.
And scratching.
And scratching.
Becker screamed as bloody lumps of skin and muscle began falling from his face. Each scratch flicked off a piece of his face, as more and more blood began dropping to the ground. Soon enough, the Plants that hid in the shelves backed off, and the others in the gang shivered with fear. The Missile Toe shivered in fear too, but looked curiously at Alan.
This is what you deserve you degenerate!
No one, and I mean NO ONE hurts my friends and family!
I hope you enjoy the pain you've inflicted upon others to be turned on to you!
This is karma! I am justice! ARRRRGGGGH!
Alan was almost oblivious to the gang snatching Andi's basket, and giving Brianna her Plants back for guaranteed protection from him. The only thing he wasn't oblivious to was his own inner thoughts and Becker's delightful, gurgled screams.
Choke on that douchebag!.
I am the night! Wait, did I make a Bat-Plant reference?
Alan focused on the gory sight in front of him. He was pleased, but he hadn't learnt yet. When he did, his begs would have meaning.
Spider-Vine, Spider-Vine, does whatever a spider can...
Alan hummed the tune in his head out loud, and aimed for Becker's eyes. It was bloody, but his eyes were still white enough to see over the chunks of flesh.
Alan's leaf was a centimeter away from Becker's quivering eye. "Alan, that's enough." Andi stated. "Wake up. You're being edgy again." Andi stated blankly.
Wait what?
Oh no.
That's bad.
Really, REALLY bad.
Yes, yes it is.
Alan let out a blood-curdling scream. He leapt off of Becker's face and hid behind Andi's leg, quivering in fear at what he had done. Andi carefully picked him up.
"We definitely need to hose you off. You're literally a bloody mess." Andi stated blankly. Alan just cried.
Brianna just stared at Alan, and back at the 'gang' who was down to just Becker, and a confused Missile Toe. Everyone else skedadled when Alan went crazy. "So uh, can I have an explanation on why your Aloe was just possessed?" Brianna asked, cautiously looking at Alan.
Zuzu answered instead. "Not possessed. I'm guessing you don't know about Aloe-Breaking-Points." Zuzu explained calmly. Brianna opened the duffel bag while Zuzu talked.
"Those are real?" Darla asked in confusion. Zuzu didn't verbally answer, but just nodded instead.
Andi looked visibly concerned. "Guys, we need to go home. "First off, it's late, and second off... Look, we just need to go." Andi began walking off. Alan and Zuzu followed her, but Brianna and her Plants remained confused.
"Why? Is there something going on?" Andi looked back, and nodded. She began to speed walk to the door.
Brianna stopped her. "I know we kinda just met, but let me help you." Darla softly tugged on Brianna hair. "Ow- I mean, let us help you. Please." Brianna stared at Andi.
Andi grinned. "I don't see why not. Right guys?" Andi turned back to the two Plants behind her. They simultaneously giggled and nodded.
Brianna smirked. "Well then, how's about we hit the road!" She laughed. "Race ya there, and I'll give you a head-start." Brianna winked, obviously letting Andi have the advantage, due to the fact she didn't know where she lives.
Zuzu rushed out the door first, with Brianna tailing her. "No fair! I was supposed to get the head-start!" Andi jokingly whined. She ran out too, and Alan followed her.
♧♧♧
Who are they?
The Missile Toe looked at Becker. He was alive, (and hella bloody) but unconscious due to shock.
They helped. I can run now, and be away from them.
The Missile Toe glanced at the automatic doors. She knew they'd attempt to find her again. She was important to their plans. She needed someone who could protect her, and some actual friends. Not people who pretended, or yelled at her for not doing something right.
Maybe both were right in front of my eyes.
I'll go then. I'll find them, and join them.
Earn their trust.
And finally be free.
Notes:
Also, Mikal's name is pronounced Michael.
♧♧♧: Viewpoint change. Aka you get to read another character's thoughts. They're always not connected to the 'main' cast.Sorry I'm lazy, too busy watching TV n junk instead of working on this. 4am Slimey out!
Next chapter sooner hopefully
Chapter 5: Consequences, and Forgotten Pasts
Summary:
Andi, Zuzu, Alan, Brianna, and Darla return to Andi's home to see the remains of Serul's, Daze's, and Ava's battle against the Gargantuar. Allevia tries her best to heal a critically injured Strike with help from Dallis. A shy visitor makes her presence known.
Notes:
This chapter is kinda heavy lore-wise. Also I will be doing a One-shot that goes into some of the sayings that Plants use, once I finish the other drafted chapters. If I take too long with a chapter, I might post it just to ensure it doesn't get deleted. Then I'll draft it again lol.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Andi raced home with Alan, Zuzu, and their new friends, Darla, Brianna, and the other explosive Plants that usually hid in Brianna's jacket. The mental warning Andi had received scared her. Even though Strike was formerly an All-star, she didn't like seeing, or hearing about a Plant being hurt. Especially not fatally. Not only that, but he saved Serul. She couldn't let his death be in vain, so she was gonna make sure that no brains were on the menu tonight.
"How much farther?" Brianna asked, not even breaking a sweat after running for two-ish miles.
"Not far! A few more blocks. Look for a house with a partially destroyed roof!" Andi explained, not breaking a sweat either.
Thanks to millenia of running from Zombies, Humans evolved incredible speed and dexterity. Able to outrun small groups of Zombies, and amazingly maneuver through larger ones, Humans rely on trusty Plants for offense. Not only are they environmentally-friendly, they also never run out of ammo! (Tough luck Government).
"You mean the Blue Mist colored house? With a confused looking Chomper on the lawn? Oh hey, there's a Witch Hazel too!" Brianna noted.
Darla squinted. "I think they're talking. The Chomper and Witch Hazel, I mean.
"Oh why oh why, we just HAD to live near Suburbia's border..." Andi grumbled.
Brianna laughed. "I say you're lucky! I live ON the border!" Darla chuckled
"Maybe we can visit after this wave." Andi smiled. "Oh crap! What about your house?" Andi immediately panicked.
Zuzu turned into the driveway, with everyone else tailing behind. A very cautious Plant carefully followed far behind.
"Don't worry, my friends have it covered." Brianna assured. Andi let out a sigh of relief.
The Witch Hazel waved at Zuzu, and let out a sigh of relief upon seeing Andi and Alan. "Hi Ava!" Alan cheered. "Today was. Not fun. I mean it was- but not like, in a good way. I mean- well- nevermind." Alan sighed, following his burst of stuttering.
Ava looked oddly at Alan, then screamed bloody murder. "HOLY SHIT IS THAT BLOOD ALAN?" She used one of her tendrils to point to the bloody mess on Alan's leaves. He shamefully nodded. Zuzu glared at Ava.
Alan quickly interrupted what would've been a question barrage from Ava. "By the way this is Brianna. She helped us with a shooting at Seed-Mart. Well, not really a shooting. More of a hostage situation." He explained, motioning to Brianna, who ended up behind everyone else. Ava switched her interest to Brianna and Darla.
"Right now we have to deal with a wave, but I'd like to ask about what happened today afterwards." Ava motioned for the Chomper to back up as it approached curiously.
Brianna nodded. "I'd be glad to tell you- most of the details." She glanced concerningly over to Alan, who tried to disappear more in his leaves than he already was. Ava caught Brianna's quick glance at Alan and noted it.
"Anyways, Strike is alive, and he'll make it. Also, this is Keane. Keane the Chomper. He's chill." Ava explained. Keane waved with his vines. Now that the group was closer, they noticed that Keane was a Vampire Chomper.
Andi let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God he's-" Andi immediately felt something heavy ram into her chest, and noticed it was Daze hugging her.
I'm so glad you're alright- you never leave for so long- and I was so worried, but there was a Gargantuar- and- I'm just glad to see you." The Caulipower hugged Andi's chest tightly, and she hugged him back, and patted his head reassuringly.
Brianna gasped. "Yooo! I thought I'd never see a Caulipower in my life! They're like, the Exotics of Exotics! Can I touch them? Are their heads soft or sensitive or-"
Daze stopped hugging Andi and cut Brianna off. "First off, rude. I don't like being randomly touched by strangers. Second off, none of your business. Third off, I don't care about your silly questions we're in a war dammit!" Daze hissed. Zuzu didn't even do anything about his language. She just looked away like nothing had happened.
"Daze." Serul approached the group. He looked serious.
"Yes? Is it important?" He got to the point. Serul nodded.
"No one likes being touched by strangers especially not children." He said, looking... surprisingly serious.
Daze floated down to him, looked him dead in the eye, and telepathically slapped him through the fence, and to the other neighbor's yard.
Andi bursted with laughter.
"I'm okay!" Serul called from the other lawn.
Brianna looked confused but didn't ask about what happened. "Wait- don't exploding Plants die when they uhm- explode?" Andi asked, turning her attention to Brianna and Darla.
"No. It's a common misconception. They leave a seed or something similar to grow from again. Just need a pinch of water and Sundrops to grow back within seconds." She smirked proudly. "Also memories are kept." She added. Andi nodded with interest.
Alissa and Damien appeared from the house wreckage. "ANDI!! YOU'RE OKAY!" They screamed. They both rushed over to hug Andi as her face became as red as a Phat Beet.
"Mom, Dad, stoooop! You're embarrassing me." Andi groaned as Damien ruffled her hair. Brianna scanned Andi's parents.
Damien was atleast six-foot five. He had short, messy black hair, and piercing blue eyes. The kind that you'd hate to be glared at with, like they'd stab your soul with icicles. His skin was obviously tan, like Andi's, but it was darker, like the sun-tan kind. Most likely from staying outside to garden or clean up Zombie bodies. Alissa's skin was a tinge tanned as well. He was wearing a black jacket with a Grimrose in a threatening pose on the back. It was black and white, fiting the jacket. He wore ripped jeans, but it was obvious that it wasn't bought that way. Fighting Zombies can make your clothes rip. Brianna glanced at her own ripped up jeans, and scratched up short-sleeved pale yellow jacket. She knew that first hand.
Alissa had long, straight, blonde hair. She wore a T-shirt with a Blooming Heart on the front, with the words, 'I have a Blooming Heart for you.' On the front. It was cheesy, and judging by the light pinks and reds used, it was from Valentines day. Her jeans weren't ripped nearly as much, only having a few scratches that only exposed light blue denim, not her peachy skin. She was about six-foot one. She had emerald green eyes, that reminded Brianna about when she used to climb up in trees when she was younger. Before the attacks got worse. She frowned.
Andi noticed Brianna's silence, and her frown. "What's wrong Brianna?" She was concerned.
"Nothing, I just got reminded about how I used to climb trees when I was little." She sighed. A knowing silence swept through everyone near. Everyone used to have some form of fun outdoor hobbies before the attacks worsened, like before.
The first time it happened, Scientists, All-stars, Soldiers, and Engineers were secretly trained by Dr. Zombies to wield weaponry, and use abilities that came with them, like sticky-bombs, explosive imps tied to your ankles, ready for punting, or a drone that could be easily assembled for aerial attacks. This sudden Zombie onslaught was called Garden Warfare. Why? Because every garden in Suburbia, Neighborville, and anywhere else important looked for a way to stop these dangerous new Zombies.
That's when the 'mobiles' emerged. Plants always adapted quickly, due to both magic and genetics. They gained ways to survive without Flower Pots, and became mobile, and able to shoot AND run. The first five types of mobiles were Cacti, Sunflowers, Peashooters, and Chompers. The Sunflowers healed, which was surprising, since before they could only generate Sundrops. They could also summon smaller flowers, called Heal-Flowers. The chompers stayed mostly the same, despite gaining a symbotic relationship with a new breed of Spike-Weeds, called Spike-Vines. Cacti gained a symbotic relationship with Garlic... That evolved to fly. Apparently. Peashooters gained an ability to absolutely abuse adrenaline and go 'hyper'. Oh, did I mention yet ANOTHER symbotic relationship with exploding Chili Beans? No? Well now you know.
With impeding victory for the Plants, Dr. Zomboss recalled his remaining troops for three-ish years. And found more. He traveled through time like Crazy Dave to recruit Imps from the future, found huge icebergs with Zombie Parrots and Pirates stuck in them, and created multitudes of Super Brainz from intensive experiments with Zombie matter. Then Garden Warfare 2 happened.
But Crazy Dave was crazy, and you could bet on his last Taco that he wasn't letting humanity go down. He traveled through time to recruit hordes of time-traveling bounty hunting Citrons, (which were just hyper-evolved Citrons from the far-future) and hundreds of spell-casting Roses from ages before, and the fifth mobile from Garden Warfare, the Kernel Corns. Descended from Kernel-pults, these mad butter-lobbers were stationed in China to help with the current war, before some of them were stationed back in Maerica to help with Garden Warfare 2. Even today it still rages on, one side fighting for Brains, and the other for Humanity.
The silence was broken once groans and shuffling could be heard. Vivia the Homing-Thistle came outside with a multitude of Plants following behind her. Just in time too.
Alissa sighed. "You did that on purpose, didn't you?" Vivia chuckled and nodded, her bright blue flower swaying with her.
"Look, that doesn't matter right now. All that matters is that we fend off this Wave successfully." Daze cut in. Everyone agreed, and took their places on the lawn. A Plantern was on the not-destroyed-part of the roof.
"Mikal! What do you see?" Andi shouted.
"Chickens, weasels, five-ish Gargs, and a whole lotta buckets. Oh! There's ladders too! Someone get Magnesium! He can stop them from reaching the roof!" Mikal shouted back.
In response, Crowley hopped off of Damien's shoulder and headed back into the rubble.
Vivia whistled loudly. "Everyone in position! NOW! Vivia whistled again, and the Plants quickly took their rightful places on the lawn.
The Sunflowers took places in the back, providing support and Sundrops, and Peashooters happily planted themselves in front of the lovely flowers. The Kernel-pults that were previously on the roof hopped in front of the Peashooters, and the other Plants that couldn't fit on the lawn helped the Tall-nuts, Wall-nuts, and Aloe to the very front.
The first Zombie was a Flag Zombie. Just a regular browncoat with a flag, to signal every new Wave of Zombies. The ones following right behind were Bucket-heads, and the ones that didn't get butter on their heads were usually shot down quickly by a Snow or Fire Peashooter. That's not to say that Repeaters and regular Peashooters didn't help too. The Wall-nuts were right behind the Tall-nuts, with Aloe behind them. The Aloe were specially trained by Alissa to fling their Dewdrops with incredible strength, allowing easier healing to allies in the front of the lawn, regardless of their own placement!
Vivia scanned the battlefield, admiring the efficiency of the Plants battling it out on the lawn.
"Chicken Wrangler and Weasel Hoarder Zombies inbound! Ladders are behind the buckets!" Mikal shouted from the roof.
Brianna pulled a slingshot from one of the pockets in her pants.
"How close are we talking about the Ladders?" Andi shouted to Mikal.
"We've got seven to eight minutes!" Mikal shouted back.
Zuzu looked ahead at the encroaching Wave. "Ever since Garden Warfare 2 happened, the attacks have been worse, and they just keep gettin' worse!" Zuzu cried. Andi rubbed the back of her stem slowly.
"I know it's concerning, but we'll make it out alive. Got it?" Andi asked, rubbing Zuzu's stem as she bent down to comfort her. Zuzu nodded.
"Uh, guys, these chickens are trying to poke my eyes out." The Tall-nut in the center of the lawn spoke up.
"Dammit. How did I miss that?" Vivia cursed. "Reeds! Peas! Position Wrangler now!" Vivia barked orders at some scattered Lightning Reeds, and Electric Peashooters. They immediately scrambled into place, with the Electric Peas switching spots with the regular Peashooters, and the Lightning Reeds went behind the Aloe at the front.
The chickens immediately went down, getting zapped into Zombie-nuggets. Ava cackled in glee at the sight of victory, and Keane just kinda sat there, confused and intrigued. Daze simply watched the battle, making sure that no Zombies got past the Tall-nuts or Wall-nuts somehow.
Crowley stumbled out of the house with Magnesium, and a scowl on his face. "Why the hell is Hylin so DAMN annoying?!" He fumed, Magnesium just nodding.
Vivia looked at Crowley. "Because he's a Coffee-bean." Crowley just sighed.
"We got about three minutes till the Ladders are here!" Mikal shouted from the rooftop.
Andi nodded at Magnesium, who nodded back before heading to the lawn. "Zuzu, cover fire!" Andi commanded, as Zuzu leapt and showered candy peas from above. Despite the delicious smell, they were deadly, exploding into shrapnel upon impact. The Waves of Bucketheads, Chicken Wranglers, and Weasel Hoarders quickly fell following Zuzu's cover fire.
As the electric Plants finished cleaning up the remaining weasels and chickens, Ladder Zombies were in view, and Magnesium braced himself.
"All five Gargs are right behind the Ladder Zombies!" Mikal shouted.
Vivia nodded. "Pulters, to the Frontlines! The rest of you, go get some Plant-Food!" She commanded, as the lawn switched defenses yet again. More Kernel-pults joined the lawn, replacing all the other Plants except the Sunflowers, Aloe, Tall-nuts, and Wall-nuts. The Winter Melons were right in front of the many Kernel-pults, and the regular Melon-pults got the most amazing anxiety from being right behind the Tall-nuts and Wall-nuts. The Aloe enjoyed being behind them however. One of the Lightning Reeds quickly went back inside the house to get some Plant-Food.
"Magnesium! Show us what you got!" Vivia cheered.
Magnesium nodded. He might be the only Magnet-shroom that the Ledger family had, but he easily made up for that. His eyes glowed a faint blue as he prepared for the onslaught of Ladder Zombies.
♧♧♧
The Chemist looked at the current battle happening on the lawn from afar. He held up a few pictures of him and his best friend. He ran his hands through his mostly white hair. His former friend had encouraged him to get the bright blue highlights he wanted, and he was so thankful.
The Chemist frowned.
He's gone now, because of that thing.
He glanced at the Witch Hazel. His gaze filled with rage, but he forced himself to calm down.
I need to find the right moment.
I have to wait.
♧♧♧
The Missile Toe watched in awe as the Plants easily fought off dozens of Ladder Zombies.
Wasn't the Homing-Thistle called Vivia?
She looked at the battlefield. The Tall-nuts and Wall-nuts were untouched. Not many lawns had perfect defenses like this.
She's an amazing leader! And her flower reminds me of the ice floes back home...
She frowned, and forced herself to focus on the other lawn Plants.
They're all so coordinated! Unlike those thugs, they all know, and care for each other!
She had to stifle an excited squeal. Back with the thugs, power determined respect and authority, something she never had due to her squeamish nature. Here, that didn't matter. They all worked together in perfect harmony to protect those they loved. And it appeared that authority and respect came from experience and knowledge, not pure power or cruel deeds. She smiled.
I was right.
•••
Allevia and Dallis forced their way through the crowd of Sunflowers and Aloe that had formed around Strike.
"We lost Jay, so we can't do anything if Strike dies!" One Aloe known as Amana cried.
"Calm down. We've treated worse. Remember Zapps?" One Metal Flower known as Zinca reminded the group of the worst victim they've ever treated, which was Zapps the Plantern.
With a gruff voice, and an even gruffer attitude, Zapps was formerly an Announcer, like Mikal and all other Planterns before them. The very first Announcer was a Plantern, but their name and gender was not known by any other than the ones that grew alongside them, including some of the oldest Flower Pots. The only answer they got to why their name and gender went unknown was:
"They made a decision that shook all of us. We want to respect their wishes."
Zapps was jumped by a Bungee Zombie on the roof. Five other Bungee Zombies had to help the first to restrain him. Despite not having any actual natural defenses, Zapps was able to kill them all off easily, with no wounds. The Gargantuar he took down was a different story. Even with everyone's best efforts, he had horrible scars, and didn't have the same reflexes or stamina from before. Every healing Plant in the house was exhausted after this, and Zapps decided to leave the Announcer legacy to his son, Mikal.
All the healers shivered at the memory, but it also reminded them they could do wonders. Dallis and the other Sunflowers looked up, and absorbed the power from the solar lights in the medically customized area of the Zen Garden. They all concentrated and attached beams of light to Strike, and the Aloe placed dewdrops on Strike whenever they could.
Dallis smirked.
Everyone is doing great. We got this.
•••
Vivia saw the Gargantuars approach after the other Zombies were wiped out. She snarled as she got a closer look at them. They were all Sloth Gargantuars, meaning more imps, and more problems. The Sloth Gargantuars were closer to the house than Vivia would've liked.
The Lightning Reed finally came out with a small pouch of Plant-Food. "Sorry I'm late, Hylin was lurking about in the basement. I couldn't get past him for a while." The Lightning Reed stuttered.
Vivia sighed. "It's fine Buune. Just hand it over." She stated. Buune obeyed, and handed it to her. Luckily, the Kernel-pults were doing amazing at stalling the Gargs, and the Winter Melons kept them moving slow when the butter's paralyzation effects wore off.
"Ava, go try to Plantify those Gargs, or atleast the Imps!" Vivia commanded. "Be stealthy though." She warned, and Ava nodded before darting off.
Daze watched as Ava leapt over the fence to their left, and remembered Serul. He concentrated for a moment, and found out that he got back inside. He glanced over to Andi, and quickly scanned her mind.
What do Zombies taste like? Chompers love them but other Plants think that it's disgusting.
I hope Ava will be alright.
Daze gave Andi an odd look for the first thought, but shook it off.
I hope she'll be alright too.
Ava leapt over the fence again as she made it to the street. She was behind the Sloth Gargantuars, so now she could zap 'em and get more valuable allies, like Keane and Strike. Little did she know, a Zombie hiding in the shadows made their move. As she readied her spell, she was made vulnerable, allowing the Chemist to jump her.
"OH MY ENCHANT-MINT!" Was all that Ava could scream, being blasted by the Chemist's signature weapon, the Beaker Blaster. Some of her tendrils were fried, or dissolving, but she ignored the pain solely due to survival instincts.
"Gotcha." The Chemist muttered, excited to avenge his former friend.
"I'm not done yet!" Ava shouted, using the remaining, undamaged tendrils to shoot purple lightning at the Chemist. Somehow the Chemist easily dodged all her shots, and fired at her again, frying and dissolving more tendrils. She couldn't take anymore hits, but the Chemist could not let himself be hit, and they both knew that.
So they cautiously faced off, one for survival, the other for vengeance.
♧♧♧
The Missile Toe shifted her gaze to Ava when she leapt over the fence. In a way, hearing Vivia's commanding, yet confident tone made her want to follow suit too. Her impressive leadership was infectious. Her attention turned back to Ava when she screamed though.
What's going on?! Is Ava alright?
The Missile Toe panicked, and quietly snuck over to where the Witch Hazel and Chemist were facing off. Ava's tendrils were horribly burnt and dissolved, but she still held up the last four menacingly. The Chemist glared back at her as well, each one waiting for the other to make the first move.
She looked to the left, where Ava was.
She's fighting to survive, ignoring her own pain.
She thought of Azul, and looked at the ground. Leaving seemed to be a mistake, but she would find somewhere better.
She looked to the right, glaring at the Chemist.
That Zombie seems to be fighting out of anger, or some other negative emotion.
Despite being well, Zombies, they still had body language, just like Humans.
Ava didn't expect this, and neither did the Missile Toe. The Chemist went after Ava, Beakers blazing, and Ava couldn't react fast enough.
But I can.
The Missile Toe flung a bolt of ice at the Chemist, giving him a good lower chest piercing. He fell, unconscious and frozen. Ava spotted the Missile Toe and gasped.
Atleast this is a good start to an introduction.
"I'm uhm, Ava. Thanks for saving my leaves back there." The Witch Hazel laughed nervously, extending one of her undamaged tendrils.
Still shaken by the sudden save, and the Chemist attack. I would be too!
"I'm Gloria. Nice to meet you." The Missile Toe giggled, extending her own leaf to shake Ava's tendril.
♧♧♧
How odd. It seems that one of our new allies has had a friend. Before they became useful, that is.
Notes:
No, America isn't misspelled. Since I write on a phone, I got autocorrected to Maerica, and since I thought: Suburbia and Neighborville don't actually exist, so why don't I make America a little weird too? Then bam. Official name lol. China stays tho bc it's canon to real pvz lore. Also chapters will be even SLOWER bc I'm writing another fanfic, it's about Whitty btw lol.
Chapter 6: Recovery
Summary:
With Strike stable, but recovering, Serul wonders if he was ever meant to be on the battlefield. Allevia attempts to help with Serul's mental state. Andi, Alissa, Damien, and the Plants come to terms with the damage that has been done. Daze wonders about the Scientist he saw attempting to kill Ava.
Notes:
Okay, my other fanfiction is out, so here's the order of updates for each.
Bad Times for Whitmore: Two chapters, before this one updates.
Tales of a Household in Suburbia: One chapter after the latter has two new chapters.
Chapter Text
Vivia watched as the Sloth Gargantuars began throwing their Yeti Imps. She scanned over the area, but Ava was nowhere to be seen. Vivia let out a worried breathe.
What happened? She should've zapped a few by now.
She clutched onto the Plant-Food, and focused on the battle. There were Zombie heads everywhere, and the ashes of electrocuted Zombies had already blown away. The Sloth Gargantuars were at the Tall-nuts already, but that just made the Kernel-pults desperate. Eventually, only butter was being flung.
The butter, combined with the melons being pulted, resulted in heads being rolled. Literally.
The Gargantuars slowly fell, one by one. Some of them didn't even get to fling all their Imps, and the Imps that weren't immediately killed managed to escape.
Vivia sighed.
Atleast no one got hurt.
She was quickly about to take that sentence back though.
Ava and Gloria entered her view, and she glanced over, only to gasp in surprise at the sight.
All but four of Ava's tendrils were fried or dissolved, leaving awful acid burns all over. Snow covered her wounds, and she assumed the Missile Toe did this to help with the pain. She nodded, acknowledging the help, and turned back to the lawn as she watched the Plants head back inside. The Tall-nuts and Wall-nuts were aided by the Aloe in order to get inside though.
Who is this, and why would they help out of the blue? Most Plants prefer to stick to their own lawns.
Vivia pondered for a moment before Ava cleared her throat for attention.
She looked at Ava. "Yes?"
"This is Gloria, she saved me from a surprise attack. From a Chemist." She explained anxiously.
She's been snuck up on before, but was there something different with this particular Zombie?
Gloria straightened her stem. "I didn't come from the best place, and I wanted to prove that I could uhm- earn my place here. I noticed Ava was in trouble, so I helped." She explained.
Vivia nodded. "Come inside, I'm sure the others will be glad to accept you. Take Ava as well, she needs treatment."
Gloria felt weightless.
Holy Winter-mint! I'm finally somewhere new! Somewhere kind! Oh, I feel blessed... Thank you, Winter-mint.
Gloria happily went inside, carefully dragging Ava inside as well. But Andi, Zuzu, Alan, and Daze stayed outside. Keane wasn't entirely sure about what had just unfolded, so he decided to wait for a less sensitive time to ask his many questions.
Who the hell am I? I don't remember a thing.
I feel like I should probably know about Strike.
I hope everyone else's mental state doesn't massively deteriorate, because of whatever just happened.
Daze I need to talk to you about what happened... at Seed-Mart." Andi rubbed her arm nervously, and stared at the grassy lawn.
Zuzu's dot eyes widened. "I almost forgot! I stole some seeds..." Zuzu's voice trailed off as she fished for a bag of seeds in her right peapod.
Alan looked severely guilty, and Daze knew why, although he wanted to let Alan tell him, himself. It would feel better to get it out anyways. "If you need to speak to me, feel free to. All of you." Daze said, although Alan could feel that it was more directed to him. He covered his dried, bloody, leaves in shame.
"Let's head inside. I want to keep tabs on both Ava and Strike's current treatment." Daze explained. Everyone nodded and followed him. The chorus of voices he heard were all of concern, but he knew all would be well.
What can I say? I'm psychic after all.
◇◇◇
Daze looked between the Ledger family. Everyone but Strike was alright despite being roughed up. Even though everyone insisted on Strike resting, he still tried lightening the mood, making jokes about how cool his new eyepatch was, and how Nick Fury would be jealous of his good looks. Daze smiled behind his leaves. Strike may have been a Zombie, but he was a Plant now. Daze liked to think of him as family now, as he reminded him of when Serul was young and energetic, before he became lazy. Daze frowned.
It was so sudden. I never knew why.
He shook it off as he focused on the family before him.
Andi and Zuzu were strong. They both knew the event at Seed-Mart would just be a bad memory soon. They were always fast to recover, as Andi had shown when she'd quickly perk up, going from crying to happy within seconds. Zuzu demonstrated this by adapting quickly to sticky situations, and partially due to desensitization.
Daze looked at Strike, who had an eyepatch on his left eye. His stem was littered with scars too, and those scars resembled the claws of a wild animal that went to town, using Strike as a scratching post. Daze winced, and Strike noticed this.
"For the last time, I'm sore, but alive! The scars make me look cool too ya' know!" Strike huffed.
Ava giggled. She was on a small, Plant-sized hospital bed. Luckily she'd have a full recovery, no scars. Mainly due to the fact that none of her tendrils were completely burnt, or melted off. She was sore and weak, but all in all, she was doing way better than the seemingly disfigured corpse, that Strike seemed to be before.
Ava carefully grabbed a glass of water from the table next to her. The same table had a slightly crumpled seed packet on it. She decided not to focus on it at the moment.
Crowley, Vivia, and Daze checked up on Dallis. It was nighttime, so Dallis tried his best to heal the others. Despite the energy from the solar lights, Dallis had still collapsed from exhaustion. Most likely from the lack of energy the night gave, and the stress that was present at the time of Strike's initial treatment.
Dallis gave them a Sunflower's signature smile. "I'm fine! Don't worry, it was more like a nap than sudden unconsciousness to me." His smile eased the tension.
"Good. All of us were worried about you. We're glad you're okay." Daze spoke what everyone was thinking.
Showoff.
Daze winked at Vivia, hearing her thoughts. She blushed a dark green and looked away.
Crowley laughed as Daze turned to Vivia. "It means nothing Vivia, it is just fun to tease sometimes, is all." Daze stated, chuckling..
Don't fucking act like nothing happened! You asshole mind readers!
Daze and Crowley both burst into laughter, and Vivia just rolled her eyes. Dallis looked at the group with extreme confusion and bewilderment.
•••
Serul stared at the starry night sky. Instead of sleeping like he usually did, he just decided to immerse himself in his own mind. He tapped his leaves on the crumbly roof.
If I were just faster...
"...Serul? Aren't you usually sleeping by now?" The Winter Melon was interrupted from his thoughts by a concerned Allevia.
"O-oh, yeah. I was just thinking, is all." He chuckled nervously.
Allevia narrowed her dot eyes. "Oh really? Don't try to lie about your wellbeing to an Aloe. We're practically psychics with that kinda stuff." She lectured.
Serul sighed. "Well, it's kinda... personal." He explained quietly.
Allevia placed a leaf on his head and rubbed it. Surprisingly, she didn't scratch him at all. "Look, I get it. You don't wanna talk about it right now, and I'm just gonna assume it's about Strike. I'm not gonna press on you, but talk to me about it when you feel better, okay? It'll help a lot in the future. No one should bear with such large emotional baggage." She hummed, patting Serul's head.
"Thanks. For talking to me, it means a lot more than you know. I will talk to you when I feel better. Thank you." His eyes glistened with hopeful tears.
Allevis nodded, and left without a word, allowing Serul to clear his head. Something which Serul appreciated greatly.
•••
Daze couldn't help but float back and forth in Andi's room.
Where were they? Did they see it when it happened, or did a survivor tell them?
Most importantly, who was their friend? Many of the Plants here have been transformed... but some left, wanting to find adventures, or were killed due to... unfortunate circumstances.
I need to ensure that the fiend dies, or is transformed.
Daze pushed his thoughts aside when he heard a gentle knock at Andi's door.
He sensed that it was Keane. He had asked Daze earlier for some time alone to ask a few questions. "Come in." Daze answered.
The Vampire Chomper entered shyly. "Sorry to bother you, but I had a question regarding my memory and identity blanks. I thought you'd be able to help." He explained.
To be fair, I'm quite excited to plant some fake memories. I have to come up with some for Strike though... it happened too fast for me to come up with fake memories, and he already developed a personality.
This time though, I get a chance before the personality.
"I believe that if I can scan your mind, I can restore your memories. It will be a very tiring process however." Daze lied.
"R-really?! T-thank you." He bounced over to where Daze was, and offered his head. Daze pretended to concentrate for a minute or two, and began implanting the fake memories.
He smirked.
The plan worked flawlessly. I'll let Ava know so we can come up with something for Strike.
Chapter 7: Therapy
Summary:
With spirits at an all time low, Daze enlists the happiest Plants he knows to cheer everyone up. Hijinks will most definitely ensue.
Notes:
Hylin becomes important for once. That's it. That's the chapter.
OFFICIALLY OFF HIATUS WOOOOO!
Also Fluff/Angst chapter here...
New PvZ 3 beta has awakened my inner PvZ fan.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
Daze frowned. Zombies had almost entered the house for the fourth time today. He always hypnotized them so they wouldn't eat the brains of his Human family, but he knew exactly why this was happening. He needed to perk everyone back up again, and fast. He knew only one amazing party-planner, and sighed.
This is going to be hell.
Oh boy, if only he knew what Enchant-mint had in store for him.
"Hylin. I need your help with a party." He stated, already feeling the dread suffocating him.
"A PARTY!?!?" The Coffee-bean jumped up and down in pure excitement.
The Caulipower swallowed the lump of fear in his throat. "Y-yes... a party..." He answered through gritted teeth, which were covered by his own foliage.
"Well then... let's get this party STARTED!" Hylin screamed, making Daze clutch his head.
"Please quiet yours-"
"A party! A PARTY! A PARTY!"
If Daze didn't have the self-control he did, he would've killed Hylin by now. A lot of the other Plants would've too. In a way he did envy Hylin's ability to be blissfully unaware of the constant danger he put himself in by... being himself.
"WAAAAIIIIT- when's the party? I need to know my time limit to create the best results!" Hylin stated, finally quieting down.
"Hopefully today or tomorrow. We really need a morale boost after the failed Gargantuar fight, and after what happened to Andi, Alan, and Zuzu at Seed-Mart." Daze sighed. And for the first time, he actually caught a glance of Hylin being concerned.
Hylin quickly smiled again. "No problem! I'll get some other cheery guys too! Then we'll make everyone happy again, and we can blast off Zombie heads with the power of ten armies!" Hylin cheered, and Daze couldn't help but chuckle as well. When he wasn't being loudly obnoxious, his positivity was infectious, and he was nice to be around.
Daze clapped his leaves together. "It is decided! We'll have a party and bring everyone's fire back!"
Hylin chuckled. "Get everyone together at 9pm, sharp!" Daze looked at Hylin curiously before nodding, and leaving.
"What could he be planning?" Daze wondered.
•••
Serul gazed at the broken roof. This wave had hit pretty hard, so everyone was helping one another with the damages, and house repair items were half off. It made him feel better knowing that they weren't the only house struggling, but...
Strike.
If he were just faster, or less lazy... then maybe, just MAYBE, everyone would be fine... It was all his fault, wasn't it? He wasn't sure anymore. He tried his best just to focus on the Plants hauling materials to fix the roof, but he could only fixate on his own errors.
My fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fault my fau-
NO! It wasn't his fault. Strike had been a bit too hasty to fight the Gargantuar... It was true, Serul could've warned him, but he was the same way.
Keyword being was.
Arma-mint, you're pathetic. You really think telling little lies to yourself will make everything better?
Pathetic.
You know the truth.
All your fault.
All. Your. Fault.
The Winter Melon buried his face in his leaves as he cried softly.
They were right.
All of them.
"Nonononononono, it's not my fault... I tried... I-i didn't kn-know! Not my fault! Please... I'm sorry!" He rasped, gasping between soft cries.
"...Serul?" A soft voice called out to him.
"A-All-Allevia?" He whispered, unfurling his leaves to see through his glistening, wet eyes.
"Maybe it'd be best if we just talked now... Strike is awake, and alive. Y-you can talk to him later, if you want. Clear your head and all." She whispered, doing her best to keep Serul from crying again.
Time froze as he stared at her, for what seemed to be an eternity. "...I-i want to talk with Strike. W-with you. If th-that's okay..." He stated, barely audible.
Allevia nodded and approached him slowly, taking his leaf in hers. "Let's go."
•••
Ava gazed at the solar light above her bed. She was confined to bed rest by Dallis, so she had to stay here. At least the lights helped with the photosynthesis that she couldn't go outside to do. She glanced at the table, and next to her empty glass there was a seed packet.
I wonder what it is? Zuzu said she took it from Seed-Mart, right?
Ava carefully brought the crinkled seed packet up to her face to look at it.
She gasped- there was no way... they had obtained... Boingsetta seeds! These Plants lived particularly far up North, in or near Frostbite Caves, with Cold Snapdragons and Winter Melons to guard them, along with other chilly Plants. Like Lost City Plants, they didn't take kindly to people stealing- or using- their seeds. Luckily, Bounty Hunters always find a way. No matter how morally wrong it is to the affected Plants.
Ava shivered.
They get paid for kidnapping saplings. Good thing I came from a packet, phew!
And with that, Ava carefully straightened out the packet, hoping that no seeds were harmed in Zuzu's peapods. She was caring, but she could get a little reckless in the heat of certain situations. Ava frowned. They only had a few frozen Plants, with some iceberg lettuce, three Snow Peas, and Serul as their only Winter Melon. Along with their new addition to the family, Gloria.
"Damn..." Ava swore, looking at the Seed Packet.
It was already hard enough to get the right conditions for cold Plants, but now they had an entire, Seed Packet of chilly Boingsettas to grow before they died. Getting the temperature right would be very hard... Serul's seed was found alone, and even then he only grew because Andi accidently set the freezer settings too low. They were overjoyed with the new sapling, but her parents were pretty mad about all the meat being so frozen that they were just hard, fleshy, bricks.
She giggled at the thought, but stared at the Seed Packet with concern. The nutrients they needed was little, but the kind of soil they needed wasn't soil- it was snow. And that was hard enough to get, as it was Summer. Plus, some fucking genius decided to SELL snow! She claimed all the snow in Neighborville, collecting it the second it hit the ground! What the fuck?! Why the fuck?!
The woman was a dipshit anyways, but maybe the Snow Peas could help with this. Or a spell.
Maybe.
Either way, she straightened out the packet and set it back on the table. Dallis had told her not to stress during this time, and she had to agree. The dull, aching, pain was still in the tendrils that had been partially melted or burned, and stressing seemed to make it hurt worse. It also made them heal slower, according to Allevia. Whatever, she'll heal and deal with it.
Like always.
•••
Daze had went back to check up on Keane. He had to admit, he was quite curious of how Keane accepted the memories. He had to make sure there was no rejection, after all!
Keane quickly took notice of Daze when he entered Andi's room however, and turned to face the floating cauliflower. "Hey, it's great to have my memories back and all, but why are some things kinda hazy? And like- why can't I focus on them? They just seem to get even more hazy when I do, like they don't want me to remember them!" Keane shouted in distress, using the vines that were attached to his lower leaves to clutch his head.
Daze didn't panic often, or ever, but now he was trying his best not to show it. "Ahem- if I may ask, do you know what memories in particular are bothering you?" This was bad. Very bad. Memory rejection was so rare, even for psychic and shadow Plants! It was practically impossible for normal ones!
"The more I try to focus on younger me, the foggier it gets. Like, I'm talking young dude." Keane answered, slightly less distressed.
Daze couldn't help but let out a chuckle, that quickly evolved into a hearty laugh. "Oh Keane! That's perfectly normal. Nobody remembers being a seed or sapling forever!" Keane joined the hearty laugh, obviously letting his panic go.
"Hey Daze."
"Yes Keane?"
"Thank you, like a lot. It means so much that you're willing to put so much time and effort into helping me."
"Ohohoh! It's no problem, no problem at all. Consider this... a free 'check-up'."
"Mhm."
Unfortunately for Keane, he didn't understand that he was just a vessel for some fake memories. He looked up to Daze with only hope and admiration.
Something he and Strike wouldn't dare do if they knew the truth.
•••
Alan looked at himself in the mirror. He was clean now, physically anyways. He was so mentally dirty, that no psychic bath could clean it. He knew he wasn't the only one, but Aloe-Breaking-Points were so rare to see, that it was really traumatizing to him and his friends. Everyone had a breaking point. But it was so rare for healer Plants. Sunflowers almost never snapped, and when they did, they just looked at you disappointingly. Like a mother looking at a child who did something very bad.
But it was very much different for Aloe Vera.
They would become monsters, bringers of destruction, remorseless weapons.
Like that bomb-person from that rhythm game Andi liked to play. She really liked the character, and the little robot that it was commonly seen with. She made a fanfiction of them or something- atleast he thought so.
He didn't like his breaking point. Neither did any other Aloe Vera that existed. But, living near or in the Lost City was dangerous for any Plant. They had to adapt somehow, and evolution decided that spines weren't enough.
Alan sighed and rubbed his eyes with his leaves. There was a small knock at the bathroom door. "C-come in." Alan stuttered, surprised by the sudden noise.
Zuzu meekly entered. "H-hey Sugarcube, you alright? I know that yesterday was a little rough for everyone." She whispered, gingerly patting Alan.
"N-no, not really. I know he deserved it, but, I can't help but feel bad. Not just for him, but everyone else too! I-i scared everyone a-and, w-what if they h-h-hate me n-now?!" Alan explained, coughing out the words as he began sobbing loudly.
Zuzu looked at him with remorse and understanding. She wrapped her peapods around him. "Oh Sugar, I was a little scared too! Everyone was! But if it weren't for you, everything would've been worse. You saved us Alan, whether you liked the consequences or not. Thank you. Everyone knows that. Don't get your vines in a twist now Honey!" Zuzu chuckled, releasing Alan from the comforting hug.
Alan's eyes still fixated on his own reflection. "I'm-i'm not sure. I still feel so... wrong."
Zuzu looked at Alan through his reflection. "I know. What you did will still scar you, but know this: everyone has their dark side Alan, regardless of if they admit it or not. You're no different than anyone else. Not even me! The battlefield is a horrid place, everyone knows that. But do you know why they keep fighting? Even if they've snapped so much that only their dark side is left?" Zuzu turned to face the real Alan.
Alan wiped away his glimmering tears as he calmed down some. "No. Why?"
"Because they know they have to keep fighting. Even if they lost everything, some still fight. Not for themselves, or their friends, or for those that have already been lost. But for those that have things to lose. Innocent families, little children and saplings with futures! They fight for the future Alan, and for everyone in it. No matter how much their mind breaks, they know they have to save what could be and what is. Like you Alan, you snapped but you did it for us. You did it to keep our future the way it should be. Thank you." Alan turned to face Zuzu after her speech. He smiled softly.
Just as Zuzu turned to leave, the Aloe piped up. "Hey Zuzu?"
"Yes Dewdrop?"
"I-is it okay if you stay here a little longer? I like talking with you." Alan murmured, tapping his leaves nervously together.
Zuzu giggled and gave Alan a good squeeze, ignoring the small scratches she received. "Of course Honeypie! I'll help you all I can!"
Alan grinned and hugged Zuzu back, although more carefully than she did.
Thank you Zuzu.
For everything.
•••
Hylin dialed up his two closest party friends, Amandalieas and self-proclaimed Chilly-Z. The Stuffy Flower and Snow Pea were quick to answer Hylin, making their way to the deepest area of the basement in record time.
"Ayooo, ayooo, whatup, Chilly-Z in da house!" The Snow Pea proclaimed, making a disk-scratching movement with his peapods.
"Esteemed party-goer and planner, Amandalieas at your service!" The Stuffy Flower saluted, giggling as she did so.
Hylin's face lit up. "Woohooo! Let's get this party PLANNED!"
They all cheered in unison, as Amandalieas pulled out a notebook, and Chilly-Z pulled out some music materials, ready to produce his next hit. He wasn't very well known in Suburbia, but he hit it off in their neighborhood. Maybe when he became a huge hit, the Ledgers would be too!
"Aight, what's the party for, my hyperactive bro?" Chilly-Z asked, tapping his peapods against the computer he had brought.
"We. Need. MORALE! Everyone's all sad n' stuff, and Daze gave me the task of making everyone happy again! All before NINE!" Hylin wailed, already stressing about the far away deadline.
The other two Plants looked at each other and chuckled.
"There ain't no party I can't plan, no matter the deadline!" The Stuffy Flower boasted, placing her flowers on her hips in confidence.
"Ayooo, no problamo, Chilly-Z has composed hits in mere minutes!" The Snow Pea also boasted, making more disk-scratching motions with his peapods.
Hylin smiled as he watched them get to work. But something was missing... and he knew just what. "We need a centerpiece! Something beautiful and glorious, to take everyone's breath away!" He jumped, humming as the other two perked up.
"Oh! Oh! Indeed we do! Something beautiful yet invigorating... eye-catching yet humble... a sign of struggle and hope..." Amandalieas trailed off as she tapped her head in thought.
That is, until Chilly-Z piped up. "Yoo dogs, what about that magic shiz Ava got? It's real dope yo." He pointed out, taking a high-and-mighty stance as the others agreed.
"Besides, she doesn't enchant anything to be super dangerous without telling anyone!" Hylin cheered, enthusiastic about the suggestion.
"Indeed! Indeed! Let's go borrow something from her place! But be kind! She's recovering, so we must give it the utmost care, and we absolutely MUST put it back when the party's over." Amandalieas chided, the others agreeing respectfully.
"Alrighty friends! It's decided! We'll go make the best party ever make everyone happy, and do it all with some super cool magic!" The Coffee-bean boasted, watching as his friends immediately began to work, with Amandalieas planning the party, and Chilly-Z rushing back up the stairs to grab a magic trinket from Ava's.
•••
Daze watched in awe as Chilly-Z ran into Ava's room, and pulled out a small, purple gem. It was glimmering like a sunset, and it held incredible power. But he also knew that even they would ask for permission first, so Ava obviously let them grab something from her room.
Right?
And whether he knew it or not, today was going to be very interesting. And really fucking weird, honestly.
Notes:
Might decide to improve quality of chapters 1-4 while writing new ones... Chapter 1 is really rushed to me.
Honestly I don't blame myself, I was really excited to get it posted.
chanecito on Chapter 5 Thu 09 Sep 2021 02:19PM UTC
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Andi_The_Slime on Chapter 5 Thu 09 Sep 2021 07:03PM UTC
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chanecito on Chapter 7 Tue 21 Sep 2021 10:21AM UTC
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Andi_The_Slime on Chapter 7 Tue 21 Sep 2021 12:07PM UTC
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