#now Vash needs to test this theory

[hundredsspoons]

I've been wondering why Vash and Knives still have similar haircuts, even as adults and here's what I think: Vash has a reason to cut his hair like that. His hair is probably turning black lower on his head. Now, when they were children they had matching haircuts, and we know that Knives wants to restore the relationship to the way it was. I BET that when Knives is keeping tabs on Vash (because of course he is), he knows what Vash looks like and intentionally cuts his hair to be the same. I really think Knives is going out of his way to maintain this last link with Vash, to ensure that if nothing else, they continue to look similar. They may have drifted apart in a thousand other ways, but they will always have the same face. Which is, yes, extremely creepy and not a healthy solution to the rift you created, Knives. But. You Know.

[shantalangel]

Since new canon information is here, I decided to make a list of all non-human and semi-human species of creatures that are currently present in Trigun Stampede. There are surprisingly many of them here; much more than in manga! Which is very intriguing, because it will certainly create new story arcs.

1) I called it Proto-Angel for clarity; on the art it is simply named "Plant". The mummy of a certain humanoid alien, which humans found during excavations on Earth – before Gunsmoke. For a long time they could not understand who it was and whose flesh it was, then they decided to resurrect it, but succeeded only by mixing it's DNA with human DNA.

2) And thus Plants were created. One of the first experimental ones had the same type of power as Vash - the opposite to most Plants, sucking energy from the surrounding world rather than producing it, - and with its help destroyed the laboratory of the creators (maybe it was Tesla? It’s not for nothing that her and Vash’s files on the ship were in the same folder). So the creation of Plants with this type of power was banned. Most Plants are clones of each other. A small percentage are born by breeding (both subtypes can breed with each other).

For convenience or some specific purposes, two types of Plants were created:

- Dependent: female humanoids living in in a liquid that protects them from the harmful effects of the outside world, because they have no immunity. Playing the role of a bioprinter, energy source, terraforming device and gravity generator, but unable to live without connections to certain equipment (as far as I remember, they need some kind of artificial regulation of the energy supply).

Since the concept art of Rem is shown on the same slide with them, I now wonder if it was her DNA that was used...

- Independent: ground-based and autonomous, wielding bio-weapons of enormous power (maybe everyone has them or only specific individuals. In manga, according to Nai, Tesla did not have weapon, but in both manga and anime her hand was held in a separate capsule, while Independent’ weapons are generated from the hand). Capable of merging both with Independent and Dependent - if that one being is not stronger than the other and their consciousnesses do not conflict. Both sexes; I think the Proto-Angel was asexual, and the sex of Plant is determined by female and male human genes - this would explain why in the first subtype there are only women, while in the second are both.

3) Conrad decided to create modified humans who would find it easier to survive on Gunsmoke. How exactly he wanted to do it is unclear - espesially since Plants may have many of their unique characteristic exactly because their body always connected to an alternative dimension through the Gate; where is their energy source and their mind lives in the form of the Core. So this modified humans are connected to some Core, or artificial one, maybe? Conrad began to somehow modified human children by Plants' DNA.

So, it’s already the formula of triple hybrid: (Proto-Angel + human DNA) + human.

The result was Nicholas, Livio, Monev (Rollo), E.G. Mine (the guy in bandages from 3 episodes); other test subjects did not survive.

How far this four are from humans and how closer to Plants, with what and how they were modified, is still unclear. Can they do some superhuman things like Elendira in the next experiment with hybrids is also a very intriguing question. But at least the healing blue liquid has the same glow as Plants. As well as material of at least Wolfwood's weapon (something turquoise, colored to imitate metal) (crazy theory - maybe Gun Ho Guns weapons are the same ephemeral thing that is Elendira's nails and Vash's angel arm, they just can't dematerialise it?).

4) But the first experiments didn’t turn human into Independent Plant, so Conrad started others. Judging by his words from episode 10, this time he genetically modified not children, but human embryos, resulting in Elendira.

In the context of this process were mentioned cloning and Nai’s help, but who is whose clone and a genetic relative is not yet clear.

Theory #1: Based on Elendira's apparently implanted eye, maybe this time humans were transplanted with Plant's entire organ - like in the old anime Vash's arm was transplanted to Legato and from it he received all his abilities.

So such a hybrid became closer to the Independents than to humans (including bio-weapons).

Theory #2: That was some kind of attempt to create a human embryo through a sisters’ “bioprinter”: that is, they look human visually, but physically are made of Plant DNA converted to human DNA by the same principle Plants create edible meat of animals. I think one of the reasons why humans never tried to create superbodies for themselves in Plants is because Plants can't create bodies that can live, only "dead" flash. That is, the organs or brain of such bodies will be incomplete and not viable.

What is the fundamental difference between hybrids from №4 and №5, the Independents and Nai’s future biological children is not yet clear to me. Perhaps new hybrids are weaker in terms of abilities, although they also have bio-weapons (Elendira’s nails).

Whether hybrids can merge together into a single being and whether they have Cores in another dimension is a very interesting question.

5) In the same room with Elendira are several capsules with other newborn cubs of indeterminate gender, similar in appearance to little sisters, but with strange fur or feathers on their arms and legs. After the art below, I had a guess that these are the pilots of Gray 9 Lives.

Gray in this anime is a giant robot the size of a mountain, inside of which are spheres with control devices and certain creatures connected to them, whom are literally built into it with no the possibility of escape. On the art below, the pilots clearly resemble these babies because they have Plant's petal appendages on their heads.

And here, in the center of a small city, apparently lies the same sphere, around which people built a fence and carefully covered it with a tent. The light inside is exactly the same as Plants’ one.

In other concept art, though, the pilots look completely different and mysterious, because they are not even close to any of the creatures on this long list. These are not humans, and not Plants, and probably not even mutants (although in manga had some very strange creatures: the golem servant of Legato, the original Gray's bio-body and pilots inside, and one mercenary with a face of the undead and big tusks from his chin). What is this even, who was it born from?!

6) Nai and sisters’ biological children. How they might differ from other Plants, and hybrids from №4, and why he even needed this whole “ritual”, I have no idea. Maybe it has something to do with the transfer of immunity that the Sisters don't have?

7) And, finally, Legato - he is a separate interesting person.

Manga: a completely inhuman long narrow tongue, the ability to control the flesh (but not the mind) and the processes of many living organisms at the same time (including animals and dying - cut in half Nai after July), as well as in his own body (judging by the battle with Vash in at the end of Trimax, he could even heal himself, or at least improve body characteristics), and even resurrect the dead (the head of the maniac who kept him in slavery; the murdered Elendira). I very much doubt that an ordinary human would have any possibility to do this, even with some special gadget with wires. Legato's connection is essentially a weaker version of the Plants' merge! Not to mention control over Nai (in the fortress, when he was a slave - did not allow to kill him with other fortresses residents) and Vash, whom he restrained for 7 months in a row - a superbeing, who's able to blow the moon. Plus, in one art, Legato has huge black claws on his hand.

Old anime: Vash's arm was transplanted to him, and he received all his abilities from it. It’s just gorgeous when Plants just merge with humans like that, even without consequences. 

New anime: beside controlling others, was given new ability - to crush giant parts of mechanisms like tin cans, from a very big distance. Also, as far as I remember, only in Stampede his hands are completely covered with gloves.

His child concept art, in addition to another version of the gadget, has some interesting device on those eye that is always covered with bangs.

Another interesting art, where he is holding some kind of complex automaton. Apparently, an analogue of those controlled by Leonoff. And his hands look like they're not gloves, but prosthetics like Vash's, or has blue skin.

[comfy-sofa]

Should I do an episode rant today? I think I'm just gonna reblog others instead.

Edit: I have too many thoughts going through my soupy brain right now so fuck it RANT TIME

Ok, I had a theory for episodes 6-7 that Livio would appear but not Razlo as a sort of test subject. He fails his mission, gets called back by the EOM, and the next time we see Livio he'll be bigger/buffer and THEN we'll see Razlo. Well, I was right that the EOM would get him I guess...

Seeing the return of the animation for Wolfwood/Livio's memories is always good, give me more. Plus the fact that we're slowly getting some memories from Livio is good

RAZLO I SEE YOU BITCH I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOUUUUUU AGAIN he even looked like he had his older design too! PLEASE I BEG

Also when it comes to the L/R's mask, I'm starting to think the purpose is to suppress BOTH L/R making them easier to control and manipulate. Like the moment that thing breaks completely is when we get to see Razlo in action

I honestly like that Vash is a lot more physical/combat based in this. I feel like it adds to his "life is sacred" mindset and allows him to have more control when it comes to being in fights (I hope that makes sense)

WHERE IS BRILLIANT DYNAMITES NEON???? ORANGE IM IN YOUR WALLS also Kite isn't here either kinda missed the banter between him and Vash

That little photoshoot with the bad lads and Meryl was funny/cute more moments like this please

Also for this scene I was kinda confused on why Vash was inside the sandsteamer. I kinda have theory that he was going to the old control panel so he can stop the steamer that way but got sidetracked with Meryl and Roberto being there. So he decided to protect them first and get them out of harms way (I knew you cared about them Vash<3)

Legato just being a drama queen and just activating a WHOLE ASS CANON??? Speaking of the Canon WHY THE FUCK DOES THE STEAMER HAVE A CANON??? I'm at a loss with this one y'all

ZAZIE DOING BUG SHIT YESSSSS. If they fuck up L/R Zazie is going to be my new favorite (lol they always were)

I'm sorry but it's probably due to how serious everything was for the past 6 episodes why do they think they can carry this (once again) LARGE-ASS CANON??? Honestly, it made me laugh (no wonder Vash's prosthetic cracked like sIR)

THE PLANT...I kinda have mixed feelings on. While I like the design and how it unfurled itself (I guess...you can say...that plant bloomed...) but I was kinda hoping for a bit more y'know? Who knows maybe there's more to this version that we haven't seen yet

THE PLANT MARKINGS ON VASH 100/10 GOOD SHIT. And Meryl's reaction to it? Perfect now you know why ya boy looks the way he does (like y'all the markings are beautiful please I NEED MORE)

Speaking of Meryl YES BBYGIRL STAND YOUR GROUND, plus thank fuck they talked about Jenora Rock and Tonis losing his arm. Like please let Meryl have her character development so people can see that this girl is ALSO IMPORTANT TO THE STORY

Ok, I think I got everything. I'll edit if I forgot something but I'm looking forward to the next episode! I am scared of which backstory they're gonna use for Vash and Knives and please let it be me TriMax because the 98' anime one was one of the few things I despised.

[flyingsassysaddles]

The Holy Order’s Redemption

Notes: And fuck I did it again, sorry I did this last minute ;;v;; exams are a bitch. This is my @aphsecretsanta rare pair exchange for @aph--china! They requested Prussia/Switzerland with a theme of Redemption for one of their themes, so here it is! The demon is, of course, Prussia, and the angel is Switzerland if you don’t know his name! Lilli is Lichtenstein, and Ludwig/Germany is referred to as Prussia’s brother. And...I think that’s it! This was really fun to make, and I’m glad I could write something for this pairing! 

Summary: Vash, as is his duty as the guard of the Holy Prisons, is walking the infamous soul eater demon down the halls to be judged by the Holy Supreme Court of Heaven. Being close to his sister’s killer is starting to draw out the worst in the former guardian angel, and the albino demon quickly tests his limits. 

Happy Reading!

____

   Vash gripped his sword tighter, tensing his wings against his back and snarling at the demon before him. “I strongly advise you to be silent, you fallen mother-”

“Alright, alright, I get it,” the albino rolled his eyes, red slits dancing with fire and the smell of burnt flesh following the prisoner as he was rushed along the passageway to the Supreme Heavenly Court. “You don’t like me, you don’t have to be so rude about it, yeesh.”

“Yes, I don’t ‘like’ you,” the guardian spat, sword a hair from being drawn and slaughtering the chained prisoner, “You killed my Protected. You should be lucky I don’t kill you where you stand, demon bastard.” With a flick of his fingers, the demon was thrown further down the hallway by the drones in front of him, his blond hair shining the stale light from the ceiling onto the mindless bodies that waited for their next order. Although a dark voice whispered to kill the murderer in front of him, his Inner Light, the damned voice in his head that kept his behavior in strict ordinance with Holy Order, lit a path that prevented him from snapping his neck in the most blessed halls of Heaven. Afterall, killing your enemies was demon behavior.

The insolent bastard, with his jagged, lone pair of wings and his ivory claws, started to tap out a tune as the drones become more rough with him, reacting to the slow-burning aura emanating from his halo and perceiving that as orders to shove and trip the unnatural entity. Vash didn’t stop them.

“You know where we’re going?” the demon asked, bleached tail swishing through the air, somehow escaping the normal mutilation that happened in confession rooms. Shackles rattling on his wrists, he leaned closer to the former guardian angel and said, “Am I going to the execution area already?”

“I suppose it’s fitting no one told you,” Vash snorted, dagger dangling from his wrist and green eyes glistening with the opportunity to tear the demon apart, if just with words. There were times before when his Inner Light would have clamped his jaw shut and order him to remain neutral like all guardians, but now that his title had been stripped away and he had been demoted to a simple prison guard, it was mostly silent to the loathing that had churned in him. With a mute conscience, he said, “You’re going to the Supreme Heavenly Court, where they’ll hold a mock trial and sentence you to any number of grisly deaths for eating blessed souls. Perhaps a gladiator battle,” Vash proposed, watching the pale demon’s face for any signs of guilt or horror, “Maybe you’ll finally be able to eat a demon’s lifesource. I hear they kept Ivan the Grim alive for the express purpose of watching him tear demons apart. If you get lucky, he might go easy on you.”

“No way that’s real,” the demon laughed, but there was something fearful in his eyes, Vash noted with a malicious glee. “Angels don’t just, just KILL people. You’re supposed to be the goodie two shoes of the Realms, like all peaceful and shit.”

“Not to demons like you,” Vash said, and prodded him further to his doom.

“You’re trying to make me scared so I’ll confess to the court,” he proclaimed, blood eyes dashing to the side and hands fidgeting slightly with his white prisoner’s garb.   

“Interesting theory. Too bad they already have all the evidence they need, snow bastard.”

“First of all, I’m not a snow demon, and second, how the fuck do you know that?”

“Because I have ears and don’t live under a rock in the most gossiping city this side of Saint Paul. Also,” the blond hissed, pressing his sword into the demons back until it drew blood, smiling grimly at the yelp the demon gave, “I have a special interest in your case.”

The demon whipped around, for the first sign showing flares of aggression and spitting, “What the fuck is your fucking-”

“Language,” Vash warned, and the drones besides him crushed the albino’s shoulders, eyes glowing in sync with the Holy Orbs on the walls. “No offensive language is permitted in the Heavenly Court Building.” The Inner Light moved his mouth to speak, and ever the faithful follower, he added, “Any unholy acts, orders, or speech that is not sanctified by the Court is prohibited. Please remain orderly and reasonable in all manners while in the presence of the Holy-”

“Oh save it, Vash.” A flick of satisfaction appeared on the pale demon’s face as Vash tried to keep his own face blank at the revelation that he knew his name, and knowing that he was failing when the demon laughed. “Yeah, I know your name, Vash.”

The second utterance shook his Inner Light as the name commanded him like the judges or the higher angels. Such power came with names, something whispered, we must get rid of him. Of course, we can’t get rid of him, his Inner Light bounced back. He’s a prisoner, he must face justice. But after. No, never. Yes, let us consume the demon who ate our Protected, strike him down in vengeance!

He gritted his teeth, shoving the seething hostility below the Inner Light and motioning the drones ahead of him as he collected himself.

“Don’t you want to know why I know your name?” the demon teased, now back in a position of power with guard’s name in his grasps. “It has to do with your beloved Protected-”

“Don’t you dare speak of Lili!” Vash screamed, sword fully drawn and aimed at the grinning demon's throat, and even though the guardian had the prisoner pressed against the wall, the drones fell back. “It’s your fault she’s dead,” the dark said, green eyes swirling with red, his six wings stretched out their full length, “And I should skin you alive for taking away my purpose!”

“Wow,” the demon blinked. “She wasn’t kidding when she said you were violent.” He caught his head to the side, acting in control despite being centimeters from death. “She mentioned you when she cried out for help, you know. She said, ‘Vash, why won’t you save me!’” He mimicked her high voice, eyes filled with mockery and abandon, wanting one last strike at this robotic creature before his trial, before his wings were mutilated and his body dent out to be devoured by Heaven’s pet monsters. The rumors were true, and like fuck he was going to step foot in that courtroom.

“You bastard!” Vash howled, a moment away from slicing the waiting demon’s throat before the Holy Orbs erupted in light and shoved him backward, forcing him away from the startled prisoner and onto the floor.

“No offensive language is permitted in the Heavenly Court Building,” the drones repeated, staring at the angel with empty eyes and spread their arms in front of the demon as if to protect him. “This is a prisoner. He is not to be harmed until his trial. This is a prisoner. He is not to be harmed before his trial. This is a-”

“I understand, and I apologize for my behavior in the holy building,” his Inner Light responded, shoving the corrupted energy back to its abode and bowing to the holy minds ingrained into the walls. Gritting his teeth, he said robotically, “I accept my punishment, and I accept the Holy One’s will forevermore.”  

The drones nodded, their human-like bodies glowing gold, and picked the demon up again. They were back to being the mindless beings they were before, waiting for orders as he gave a sigh of relief. Back in control, really in control, that dark spirit sealed away from his mind, his Inner Light said, “Demon, proceed. Please refrain from that conduct again. Attempted suicide is not sanctioned by the Holy Order, and you must wait for your trial before receiving an agreed death.”

“Oh Lucifer,” the demon breathed, eyes wide and taking a step back to the wall, “They really control you. Every single one of you. I saw you, I really saw you, I swear!” The demon narrowed his eyes at the blank angel in front of him. “But you’re just a robot, huh. The only thing you can really think about is Lilli.”

He clenched his fists, gritting his teeth and feeling the hideous emotions rise over him again, begging him to defend his Protected, his sweet baby sister he guarded with his life, to murder her killer and forget about whatever redemption or punishment the trial might give him. ‘What about Lili?’ it whispered.

“Refrain from attempting to provoke the guards,” Vash spoke, Inner Light glowing in sync to the lights on the walls, clenching his heart and burying those traitorous thoughts under the sheet of the Holy Order. “Lilli Zwingli is a Former-Protected, and she has the utmost respect and caused great sorrow to the Holy Order of Angels,” Vash stated, eyes as blank as the drones that now pushed the demons further down the hall.

The demon seemed to be deeply shook, tail limp and eyes locked on the humming walls and the presence of the Holy Order all around the group. Vash glossed over this, following his light guided path, stopping in front of the doors of the Supreme Courtroom. With a push on the door and a respectful step back, he looked his sister’s murderer in his red slitted eyes, and smiled, letting an inkling of satisfaction come from the heartless being’s death.

With one glance into the tense, cloudy room for the worst offenders, the soul eaters, the cannibals, the traitors, the demons, he gave one last response to the brother of the High Judge, the infamous Gilbert Beilschmidt, and not even his Inner Light could drown out hate dripped, sanctioned words.

“May you face your trial with courage,” he repeated for the millionth time, the final goodbye to the lost prisoners of the Angels, “and may you find redemption.”