#vash the stampde

[museqmeg]

Studio Orange, baby thomas plushie and/or Vash riding a thomas figure when??

[fifthpilot]

Thinking about the footage ship 3 found of Rem. She sacrificed her life to save everyone and in the midst of it she never forgot to think of the twins. She could have tried her chances at escaping but she wanted to leave a message that might reach the twins somehow.

I wonder if Luida and Brad honored her last wishes, and showed this footage to Vash. It's unclear if they did and there's a fine chance they didn't. Since out of all the things they found on ship 5, they only gave Vash a single photo.

He didn't have the rest, they weren't on his walls, the only picture he took with him was that photo only.

Which brings up two questions; why didn't they give Vash the photos? and why did they withhold them?

In regards to showing Vash the video, we could give Brad and Luida the benefit of the doubt. Maybe it would have been too much for Vash, too graphic. And he was still so young, and his grief so raw. But this wouldn't explain the photos, that are rightfully Vash's.

Something seems odd about the whole sequence, about why the specially gave vash one photo instead of all the things they found. We could assume that the video or/and photos might make a reappearance in the final phase. Especially with the state Vash's in.

It still puts Luida and Brad in a suspicious light I think. I can't think of a better reason they'd keep the photos besides needing some kind of proof of something, which in my opinion is probably Knives.

[mydetheturk]

Oh yeah you get Two sentences from this other fic I'm working on >:3

~~

Vash didn't bother with a shovel.

A shovel would make it too easy.

[whirlwindimagines]

Can you do a plant/flower shop au vash x reader where he's in charge of the shop and the reader is a customer and becomes a regular and they finally start dating?

I love this! Like can you imagine Vash owning a little flower shop so cute! I’m also a massive sucker for flower language lol but I apologize if it's not super accurate. Also, it's babygirl’s birthday, and well since we saw how his last birthday went! Here is some fluff <3 So happy birthday to my favorite man! Also, requests are open for anything, please send some in! (warning corny af writing below this is like 2700 words of fluff)

‘I was enchanted to meet you’

Vash x Reader (Modern AU)

It starts with an impulse, you were having a terrible day, honestly, you were on the verge of tears and you just needed a little pick me up. Just to add insult to injury you had been caught out in the rain, you were soaking wet and miserable when you passed the little flower shop, you decided screw it! you deserved some nice flowers… and to get out of this weather.

So, without a second thought, you enter the small shop, a bell overhead going off as you do so. It's a charming little shop really, lots of different types of flowers and everything looks so green and fresh. You only feel a little bad about getting the floor all wet, but like plants need water, right? So, it was okay…surly.

“Hi! Can I help you?” a kind voice calls out, and it makes you jump you were so lost in thought that you weren't even thinking of anyone else being here. Turning around surprised to catch the very blue eyes of a guy who gives you a sheepish look, he's a cute, tall blonde, with large circle glasses sitting on his face and he’s wearing an apron, ah he must work here…duh! “Oh sorry, you caught me a little off guard.” You say with a soft laugh, Gee way to embarrass yourself in front of a cute guy! 

He doesn’t seem to notice your embarrassment or at least he kindly doesn’t point it out. He also doesn’t point out the puddle under you, he seems a little taken aback by your presence. He was probably shocked that anyone had been out in this weather, wait… he asked you a question. “Oh um, I was just…” you trail off like an idiot, a little lost in the blue of his eyes

“Wanting some flowers?” he says with an easy smile, God you must look like an idiot. Why else would you be in here? Today was just not your day, and this guy was being so nice to you! That was probably his job, but you were just one minor inconvenience from losing it. Your eyes drift to the name tag on his apron, Vash…

When you don't answer, Vash looks you over and notices well just how sad you look. “Here, wait by the counter, I’ll be right back!” he calls out, not giving you a second to reply as he disappeared down the aisle of bright flowers. With a sigh, you follow his instructions leaning against the counter, you’ve already made such a fool of yourself, maybe you should just leave. 

But you don't, maybe you are a little curious, and well it is still raining. Vash returns shortly after he told you to wait, he's holding a group of flowers together, they were pretty yellows, pinks, and whites some you recognized like the very obvious Sunflower. It was still very pretty, but now you are just a little confused you didn’t even get a chance to look at the flowers in the store. 

He gives you another sheepish look, as he wraps the flowers into a bouquet and hands it to you. “Sorry… it's just you didn't seem to know what you want so I picked these out for you!” You can see just the hint of pink on his cheeks, the flowers are lovely. “What are they? I mean the flowers what are they called,” you ask, finding the gesture really… nice.

And the way his face lights up when you ask, well it was worth coming in here alright. “Oh! Well, these are Sunflowers, and then these are daisies and Snapdragons with some filler greenery.” As he talks, he points to each flower excitedly telling you a little fact about them, his voice is really nice and he clearly knows his stuff. He looks embarrassed after a while to be rambling on so much, he rubs the back of his head “Sorry… I didn't mean to ramble. I’m Vash I own the shop!” 

Giving him a kind smile, you take the bouquet from him, it's lovely and simply just filled with life the opposite of the dreary attitude outside and the mood you were in when you first walked in, you tell him your own name before continuing to speak “I don’t mind, you really know a lot! How much do I owe you for these.” how could you not accept them, when he went through all the trouble, to select them just for you!

“They’re on the house.” He says kindly, and you can only look at him blankly, because why? “I can pay! I want to pay these are so nice and you went through all the trouble of picking them out!” You start to ramble a little flustered by the whole ordeal. Yeah, it was his job to provide flowers, but when was the last time a cute person had gifted your flowers? 

Vash just laughs softly; it’s a nice sound and he is clearly not mocking you or anything it’s just a friendly chuckle as he puts his hands up in defense. “Really have them! They made you smile and that’s enough payment for me” Vash goes red at his words and at how cheesy they sound he starts stuttering an apology and backtracking, but now it’s your turn to laugh. 

“Alright, thank you.” It really is a sweet gesture and honestly, it did make you smile after the day you had. You’ll have to come back and actually buy some flowers. The two of you continue to chat for a bit as the rain continues outside, he must notice your reluctance to leave back into the rain. 

To your surprise again, Vash hands you an umbrella telling you that you’ll just have to bring it back the next time you visit, he says this with such a sweet smile you can’t refuse. Accepting the umbrella with a thank you and a shy smile, you leave flowers in hand promising you’ll be back. During your walk home, you can’t get rid of the smile on your face.

You do come back, giving it a week or so to return the umbrella to Vash and to pick out some flowers. But it’s a little overwhelming, so many choices. “Need some help?” You don’t know how he manages to sneak up on you so easily, “actually yeah, I’m a little clueless when it comes to this… do you think you could pick some out for me? And I’m paying this time!” You add on quickly at the end, as Vash laughs. 

“Okay give me a second” and with one last look, he heads off in search of the perfect flowers for you, as you wait excitedly by the counter. You certainly could pick out flowers for yourself, but the bouquet he picked for you last time was so lovely that you just knew he would do a better job than you ever could. 

Vash returns with a colorful bouquet in hand, your eyes light up at the display eagerly asking about each flower, he points out the calla lilies, a white camellia, and some yellow tulips. Vash goes over each flower telling you about them, it’s nice you like listening to him ramble. The flowers as always are beautiful. 

“You know each flower is supposed to have a special meaning attached to it,” Vash says offhandedly as he puts the bouquet together for you, and that makes you even more interested, but before you can ask what the flowers, he picked for you mean you realize the time and you have to leave. You make sure to pay for the flowers, tell him goodbye, and thank you before you are off. 

After this you become a bit of a regular to the small flower shop, at this point the moment Vash sees you he knows to just pick out some flowers for you. And you love it, the special care he takes in selecting each flower, how pretty the bouquet looks, and the shy smile he gives you each time he hands it over. 

You also love to listen to talk about flowers, you ask more questions now instead of it just being a one-sided conversation and Vash is more than happy to answer any questions you have. Maybe you're going too often, but you like talking to Vash he’s so cute and nice! And it’s probably just his job to be nice to you. But you are starting to develop a crush, and it's embarrassing! It must be so obvious; you're probably making things awkward. Again, it's his job to be nice to you! You are just looking into things too deeply…unless you're not? You’ve seen Vash help other customers he's friendly of course! That’s just who he is, but it's not the same. Ugh, maybe you are looking into this too deeply. 

As you continue to visit the shop, you notice some more slight changes, maybe you are being bolder more obvious, and Vash seems to be flirting with you. It makes your heart race every time. The familiar bell dings overhead again as you enter, Vash is behind the counter helping another customer he looks up and gives you a smile before continuing to help the other person. Returning his smile, you browse the flowers. Reading the little note cards by each flower makes you remember something Vash said about flowers having meanings, maybe you’ll look up some later. 

A gentle call of your name makes you turn with a smile, Vash looks a little tired, his hair messier than usual he looks like he even has some dirt on his cheek, but he’s got that big smile on his face that he seems to reserve just for you. “You couldn't come at a better time! I just got a fresh shipment. Let me put something together for you!” you can’t refuse that, “Thanks Vash, I know whatever you pick out will be as wonderful as always.” the praise makes his eyes light up. 

Instead of waiting at the counter, you follow Vash watching him pick out each flower with care and telling you the name of each one, but you notice he never tells you what they mean. A couple of pink roses, light red carnations, a bundle of colored peonies, and even some lovely irises. You want to ask what they mean, but for some reason, you don't. Not wanting to break the spell that you too seem to be under. “Peonies are pretty rare, but they are in season and I thought you might like them,” Vash says softly.

Impulsively you reach out toward his face as he turns towards you, cupping his cheek and using your thumb to brush the dirt off his face. His face turns bright red, and you are sure you look just as flustered. Quickly retracting your hand, “Um sorry! The flowers are really nice, let me buy them right!” you manage to say this without stuttering as you turn and make your way towards the counter, God you are an idiot

Waiting at the counter and trying not to die from embarrassment, Vash eventually joins you still looking a little flustered. The two of you stand there quietly as Vash rings up the flowers for you, thanking him softly and hoping not to come off as too awkward you say your goodbyes and head home. The whole walk you can’t help but clutch the flowers to your chest, hoping you didn't ruin everything. 

It's late and you should be asleep, but your mind is still racing. With a sigh, you head into the kitchen for a drink when you see the bouquet sitting on the table. It makes you feel warm, and slightly curious Vash had seemed so excited about putting this set together for you… pulling out your phone you begin to search for what each flower means. And each search makes you blush more and more. 

Pink roses can mean blossoming romantic feelings 

Light red carnations can mean admiration and adoration

Peonies can mean romance and shyness 

And lastly, irises can mean courage 

You have to sit down for a second, you hope you're not giving this more meaning than it actually has. But Vash is the expert why would he purposely put this together for you if he had not meant…this? Did he return your feelings, looking at the flowers you feel determined and come up with a plan, you are either going to look like an idiot and you can never show Vash your face again… or the better outcome is you’ll get a date with the cutest guy you’ve ever seen!

No longer tired, you spend the rest of the night researching flowers. You just hope you don't mess this up…

You couldn't wait a day longer when you enter the store again, maybe you should have waited a couple of days, but you are scared that if you don't act now, you never will. Vash is busy with another customer; he looks up a little surprised but gives you that easy smile. It seems like he’ll be busy for a while, the customer seems very demanding. Perfect it’ll give you time to gather the flowers you need. 

You think you have what you need, holing the flowers carefully in your hands you head to the counter. Vash looks a little surprised, “I know you like to… pick the flowers out for me but I really needed these ones today!” you tell him quickly as his look of surprise turns to amusement, “Sure here let me see them.” You pass them to him, and for a second you see him frown as he looks over each flower. Before his face becomes neutral, and he begins to ring them up for you.  

Delphiniums, Gladiolus, some Stock flowers, and lastly some Lavender roses. You doubt it's a pretty selection of flowers, but they express what you want to say to him. Opening your heart, sincerity, affection, and enchantment. “This is quite a selection you picked out…” Vash says quietly, and when he hands them to you. You hand them right back. 

“These are actually for you.” 

Vash looks at you wide eye as he takes the flowers from your hands, he stares at you and you start to lose your courage here, “I looked up the meaning of the flowers you gave me yesterday and maybe I'm reading too into this… but I spent the whole night researching flowers on how to return those feelings if that’s what you even meant.” You ramble painfully, as Vash continues to just not say anything at all, oh you really done it now! 

He laughs and makes you tense up. He looks at the flowers with a bright smile and continues to laugh he sees the look on your face and reaches out taking your hand in his. “I'm not laughing at you, it's just… I've never been gifted flowers before!” You stare at him blankly… and then blush you literally just bought flowers from his shop and gave them to him to confess. Of course, he’s never got gifted flowers before! He owns a flower shop; you are so dumb. 

“Don’t worry it's really sweet, I love them! And what they mean…” Vash says kindly squeezing your hand, “Um but yeah, the flowers yesterday were a confession of sorts… I was just too much of a coward to actually tell you.” Vash says with a slight laugh and a blush high on his cheeks. It makes you feel better, that Vash is just as nervous about the whole thing as you, it makes you smile and squeeze his hand back. 

“Well, I like you too…and I was hoping, we could go on a date? Start seeing each other more?” You tell him, he smiles letting go of your hand to take one of the lavender roses out of the bouquet and leaning forward to tuck it behind your ear. “That would be really nice, and I was enchanted to meet you too by the way,” Vash says pointing to the lavender rose, he gives you a cheeky smile as you blush. It was so worth it to stop into this little flower shop, you knew you managed to walk out with more than just flowers.     

[writing-fanics]

Hello there! I'm not used to making these, but I have a Vash x female plant reader request if it's not too much trouble, and should you ever have the time.

So, the female reader is also a plant, but she can purify water and grow vegetation, at the cost of her own energy. She has the tentacle things Knives does, but they are soft and not meant for attacks or defense.

She lives in a small paradise in the desert, one she has slowly grown and cultivated over the years, filling it with lush vegetation and flowing pure waters. Several people have moved there, and they ask a lot of her daily, but she just wants to help people, so she doesn't really mind, so long as visitors and people looking to live there don't cause trouble or harm.

I'd love to see Vash discovering this little paradise in the desert, meeting female plant readers, realizing she's a plant and seeing how she interacts with her precious humans, and maybe even protecting her from some cruel raiders who seek to capture her and use her abilities for their own selfish gain?

She's not very good at attacking or defending herself, unfortunately, as she lacks the biological combat-related advantages Vash and Knives possess, but she's sweet and soft-spoken and is immediately fond of Vash.

Vash the Stampede x Fem!Reader

desert flower in paradise

Many people of the planet Gunsmoke, have heard of the little patch of paradise somewhere in the middle of nowhere in the desert. A place where vegetation is flourishing and bountiful. Flowers as far as the eye could see and trees that reached the sky. Small creeks and rivers flowed through the small oasis their waters so crystal clear, that you could see the bottom.

Many have tried and searched for the small paradise and failed. Or the few that went off to find such paradise. Never returned, being so enchanted by how such life could flourish without the help of a plant. they chose to stay among the few people who’ve settled.

Legend also speaks of a beautiful young lady, and some think of her as a goddess. Life blossomed where ever she walked wild flowers and grass blossomed, where ever she stepped. Patches of dead grass regained its bright color whenever she walked nearby.

[Y/n], an independent, had created this patch of paradise. What was once a small patch of grass and flourished and cultivated into a small community. She created allowing humans to move in whenever they wished, and only turning away the ones. Who she saw might cause harm or trouble. Two of the many things not allowed in the paradise.

“Ms. Y/n!” She turned towards the person calling out her name. She smiled, looking at the human before her he ran towards the woman.

“I’m sorry, but I need you miss. My crops they’re sick.” The farmer said, and she nodded smiling wanting to help. The farmer smiled, as he lead her towards his house.

She frowned, seeing the sick crops her heart ached for the plants. Closing her eyes and focusing her energy on the plants. A tentacle appeared on her back and it lunged towards the plants. Plunging itself into the dirt and pulsating, vines wrapped around her arm as she focused her energy on the plants.

Sweat ran down the side of her forehead, as she whispered faster as the plants regained their color. The tentacle disappeared and the vines as well, she fell to her knees bags forming underneath her eyes.

Catching her breath she smiled turning towards the farmer, “There, your crops are nice and health and will bring you and this community bountiful amounts of food.” He smiled, thanking her for her help and she grinned.

She loved helping the humans, and making sure they had everything they needed. She loved them with all her heart and would do anything for them.

[Y/n] closed her eyes, as she laid in a field filled with a plethora of different types of flowers, both species and colors. She laid in the very middle surrounded by red geraniums. Relaxing in the serene and peaceful environment she created for both her people and herself.

Despite herself being different her people loved her for what she’s done for them, giving them a second chance at life somewhere new and peaceful.

She hummed to herself; she remembered faintly a woman with black hair and brown eyes and everything else a blur. “Ms. Y/n,” Carlos said, panting running over towards on the stone path to avoid ruining the flowers.

She sat up immediately and turned her head towards him, “We have some visitors.” He said, and she smiled softly. “Bring them in.” She said, and Carlos but his lip.

“One of them is the Humanoid Typhoon,” he said, and she looked at him she’s heard of the humanoid typhoon. but has also heard how he’ tries to save people in harms way.

“bring them in, I want to give our guests the upmost hospitality.” she said, and he nodded and ran back towards the entrance.

a few moments passed, and the guest entered her private guardian. a woman with bluish black hair looked around in awe, a priest holding a big cross stared at it in awe. Everyone was in awe; the blonde couldn’t help but stare though at [Y/n]. Who stood on a small hill surrounded by red geranium, he could’ve sworn he saw Rem.

“Welcome, my name is Y/n, and where you are is a paradise that I’ve created for both humans and myself.” She said, smiling, everyone stared at her in awe. She was definitely beautiful for sure.

“Hungry?” She asked, looking at them. Fruits and Vegetables, popped out from the ground and she smiled at her guest. “Go ahead,” she said, and watched as the woman picked up one of the fruit taking a bite.

Her eyes lit up the fruit tasted different, almost sweet like candy but slightly bitter. “The fruit and vegetables here are none to be ver desirable amongst planet gunsmoke” she said, and crossed eyes with the blonde and smiled at him.

something about him was different, he looked human but didn’t feel it she sensed that in him somehow and he sensed it too in her. “Now, I’ll be showing you to your rooms. You’re welcomed to leave whenever you like. I’ll let you rest up before giving you the tour.” She said, and they followed her stuffing their faces with fruits and vegetables.

“This place is amazing!” Meryl said, in awe. [Y/n] smiled hearing this turning towards her, “Thank you,” she said, and took notice of Vash’s gun.

“But, we do have a rule here two actually. UnecessaryViolence and the causing of trouble is absolutely prohibited.” She said, and turned towards Vash.

“You have the right to bear arms, but on the condition of only using it if absolutely necessary.” She said, looking at both Wolfwood and Vash.

“Have, you had any trouble with raiders or bandits in the past?” Vash asked, and she looked at him.

“No, but have had our fair share of angry people being turned away.” She said, looking at him. “So, not many people own or have any weapons. Not seeing the point since our community is so secluded.” She said, continuing to lead them down the hallway towards their rooms.

“Sorry, if the rooms small and not to your liking.” She said, and Vash turned towards her shaking his head. “It’s perfect.” He said, and she smiled.

“I’ll come back later to give you guys the tour.” She said, before leaving them to themselves. She felt Vash’s eyes on her as she walked back down the hallway.

[ after tour ]

[Y/n], had showed them around the small community. Leaving them completely awestruck by how beautiful this place was, and after having their bellys filled. Her guest went back to their rooms to rest, and to leave in the morning.

Vash, had seen how kind and caring she was towards her people. From the moment that he laid eyes on her knee she was special. She wasn’t human, and maybe an independent like him.

She smiled, every second as she helped her community. Despite how much energy it drained from her each time she used her powers.

He watched, as the bags formed under her eyes as she struggled to walk and to focus on the task. Her people didn’t realize how much they were asking of her and depending on the task, the more energy it took from her. She doesn’t mind only wanting to help but it was an endless cycle. She’d rest for the rest of the day, and then do it all the next day.

She knelt down towards the dying flower, and closed her eyes focusing her energy. vash watched, as her skin glowed revealing her plant lines. She looked angelic as she healed the plant.

They placed their hands together, staring into each other’s eyes as their hand glowed. Revealing their plant selfs to each other, slowly intertwining their fingers. “I’ve never met another independent before,” she said, looking into his blue eyes, “I’ve never met another independent who shares the same morals as me.” He said, and she giggled in response looking up at him.

She didn’t know why her heart was pounding against her chest. Staring into his eyes made her feel some type of warmth she’d never felt before. She felt safe around him more safe than she ever felt in her small community.

Despite having only know each other for a short amount of time. A fondness for each other has blossomed between them. and now that fondness had developed into a bond, they leaned their foreheads against each other and chuckled. taking in the peaceful moment between the two, as they intertwined their fingers once again. their noses pressing against each other.

suddenly, screams were heard from outside causing them to pull away from each other. Vash immediately told her to get behind him which she obliged. Raiders barged in and saw the humanoid typhoon, and the girl that they were looking for standing behind him.

“well well well, seems todays my lucky day. i get the humanoid typhoon and the desert flower.” the raiders boss said, smiling holding his gun. [y/n] covered her ears hearing the screams and cries of her people, and of the plants being burned by the chaos that the raiders were causing.

Vash, stood in front of her protectively not letting the raiders get any close to her. “You are not having her.” Vash said, glaring at the raiders boss. Who laughed pointing his gun at the humanoid typhoon. She looked terrified looking between both, Vash and the raiders boss.

“We’ll see about that.” He said, firing gun. Vash raised, his gun and shot the bullets down with ease. [Y/n] gasped, looking up at him and smiled. Immediately, he commanded his entire crew to start shooting causing Vash to pick her up, bridal style and carry her away from harm. Dodging each and every single bullet shot at them.

Her eyes widened in horror, seeing trees being burned as well buildings. She nuzzled her head into Vash’s chest. After seeing charred remains, tears rolled down her cheeks as he carried her away to safety.

All this was because raiders were after her, wanting to use her for selfish reasons. To use her as a means to make their own lives easier and not the lives of others. They only cared for themselves and wanted to use her powers of making vegetation to do so.

After the raiders were defeated and left, the entire community gathered up those who sadly perished. Such unneeded violence she couldn’t help but not feel guilty, she underestimated the secludedness of the paradise. But now after that she made sure that some where keeping watch late at night.

Vash and [Y/n], smiled as they looked at each other. She handed him a sack full of food, herbs for healing, and other things. Telling them that they’re welcomed back anytime and for Vash to visit whenever he can which obviously he said yes too, and before he left. He planted a quick kiss on the side of her lips.

[a/n: I wrote the ending while slowly falling asleep I’ll go back and fix it later but I hope you enjoyed]

[crossroadsdimension]

If you follow members of Studio Orange's staff on Twitter, they've said that every character has their own wants, likes, and dislikes, and each one of them could serve as a protagonist in their own right. Shoot, Vash can cover both positions of male and female protagonist because of the actions he's taken and what's happened to him as a result.

But if we had to pick a protagonist specifically to serve as the audience's eyes? That's Meryl (and Roberto for the more experienced fans but I'll get to that in a sec--).

I'm mostly looking at this through the usual three-act structure that folks are usually taught in Literature classes. Where it's "leave the ordinary world, travel through the "other" world, then come back to the ordinary world changed" path.

To be more precise, Act 1 is mostly world-building and establishing the baseline, then booting the protagonist out into the world for some character growth. Act 2 is the meat of the adventure, with its ups and downs, and normally ends with an emotional low before a moment of clarity that sends the protagonist off into Act 3, to confront the main villain in a climactic scene that quickly wraps up and ends with the protagonist going back to what they were doing before, or at least something similar. Changed, but still them.

Vash, from his perspective, has been in Act 2 for a long time. His big "call to action" -- which normally happens at the end of Act 1 -- could arguably be an interaction with Nai post-Big Fall, either in the immediate aftermath or in the crashed space ship when all their sister-Plants were put through a Last Run state right before Vash arrived. Which means that right now, he could be going through the emotional low right before the point of clarity that normally happens at the end of Act 2 and the start of Act 3, mere scenes before the climax.

But here's the kicker that means we're getting another season: Meryl and Nicholas are still smack-dab in the middle of Act 2. Especially in terms of character development.

Putting this under a cut because this is gonna get long.

So, if we're looking at the 3-act structure from Meryl's perspective:

Her Act 1 "normal" world is being a reporter-in-training, getting a mentor in Roberto, and her initial, normal world call to action is to go find information about Vash the Stampede. The "other world" call to action doesn't hit her until about Episode 3 when Knives comes in and completely destroys Jeneora Rock. After we've had some world development and pulled Meryl into the "hey, there's more going on here than you know" sort of scenario.

But that's the funny thing about calls to action. They can happen multiple times in a story -- just because a story follows a "three act structure" doesn't mean it has to follow those rules to a T. I say this because a mentor character's death can be a call to action, too.

Which brings in Roberto as the experienced fans' eyes. He knows about the villains, and even knows to be suspicious of Wolfwood when we first meet him in Episode 4. He fills in the newbie on what she needs to know about the world. He's jaded and knows there's danger around every corner -- and like the fans who hate Stampede, he doesn't want anything to do with it.

But Meryl -- the new fans -- keep pulling Roberto back in, and drag him along. As a result, Roberto and the old fans' eyes die in Episode 10, because they went along despite knowing what they know.

Roberto's death represents the kick in the pants Meryl needs to develop more closely to the character we remember her being in the old show, and it makes Meryl become the eyes of the old and new fans as a result.

Roberto's death may not be the end of her Act 1 if we count the first call to action as that end, but I don't think it's her true emotional low in Act 2, either. Meryl is fully submerged in the "other" world now, and is prepared to do what she needs to in order to help Vash.

(Granted, if we count each "season" as its own book and each book having its own 3-act structure, Roberto's death could absolutely be that emotional low before Meryl's Act 3, but we know they're not done with Trigun Stampede's story yet)

And then Wolfwood. His "normal/ordinary" world is the world that Meryl gets pulled into -- that of the Plant brothers warring with each other, and the Eye of Michael. He gets a call to action with his mission to guide Vash, but it's not the call to action that gets him moving into the "other" world yet. Vash attempted to give him one by saying "I'm trying to save you too" in Episode 10 after he got shot, but Wolfwood turned that down by letting him go to his brother alone.

Episode 12 is going to give him his real call to action that'll boot him straight into Act 2. I'm certain of it. Nicholas is Vash's foil, after all, and that means they both get development, damnit.

Which lets me circle back to Vash and how he's technically moving into Act 3 territory. Like I said before, he's been in the meat of his "adventure" for a long time, and there's a climax coming for him. But that's the funny thing with story climaxes: there can be smaller ones in Act 2 before we hit that emotional low and moment of clarity before the big one in Act 3. It's just that they're gonna be smaller than the big, final climax, and maybe even mimic how the Act 3 climax is going to go.

You see this a lot in book series, mostly because it's hard to end Act 3 with being back in the "ordinary but changed" world for every single book. That means starting up again with the basic world-building, etc for the next book, with Act 1 all over again. But nope. Sequels start in Act 2, because Act 1 only happened the once, and the protagonists haven't had their true final battle yet to get out of Act 3.

So Vash could still be in Act 2, and may even slide back a little in terms of development because of Knives messing with his memories. While it may not entirely wipe out what makes Vash who he is, memories are an important part of our core. They help tell us why we react to certain things emotionally the way we do. Here's hoping Knives left a little something behind when he messed with Vash, because otherwise he's gonna be very different from the person we've been spending time with the last 11 episodes.

And Knives? He's in the meat of Act 2, too, like his brother, although his call to action came much sooner -- it was when he saw Tesla, and thought he needed to protect his younger brother. His emotional low was when Vash pointed a gun in his face, followed by the clarity of "I need to force my brother to my side. He'll see, one way or another."

Which would place Knives in a climax point, either in a lengthened Act 2 or in his Act 3. But that doesn't mean he's done developing as a character -- far from it.

Because I think Vash is gonna give him reasons to develop next week. Whether Knives likes it or not.

[existential-muffin]

I know it's been a little while since the Trigun Stampede hype has ended but, I can't get this main criticism out of my head after reading the manga--- I wish that they had made hints about Vash's willpower to restrain his anger.

In Stampede, he has the meek pacifist down, but he is mostly led by guilt. He doesn't hurt people because he thinks the planets' issues are all his fault and wants some form of punishment. In a way, it's self-inflicted flogging, which is what Knives says in the last few episodes of season 1.

In Maximum, he has guilt, but he also has a temper and often says that he does have thoughts of wanting to kill his enemies. But every single time, he still doesn't kill the object of his anger.

I think Maximums version of Vash pacifism is so much more meaningful. It's not self pity, it pure determination.

In Max, he actually feels like something that isn't human, and he is so scary if you really think about it from the normal human perspective. He is an other worldly angel/eldritch creature and he WILLINGLY chooses not to hurt people---when he has good reason too--- and instead offers kindness and second chances.

Since Stampde is supposed to be following Maximum closer than the 98 anime, I was hoping that they would still show that side of him. Who knows, maybe they will touch on it in the second season.

[lost-technology]

Conduit - (Minimalist)  [IMAGE ID: Vash the Stampde - in his Trigun Stampede style - looking at the viewer.  A young-looking man staring blankly with a somewhat sad and/or concentrated expression.  He is wearing glasses, has bushy hair that falls partway into view and his face and eyes are covered in pale blue markings reminiscent of circuit boards. Pen-image, uncolored save for the blue. / END IMAGE ID].  

Micron pen and Sharpies.  I plan to give this a full color, but I liked how the “markings only” came out, so here is a scan (just in case I screw up the full color). 

[museqmeg]

Studio Orange didn't have to go so hard designing and animating Vash's prosthetic. You can see the forearm's connection port???

(Also, I am losing my mind a little at Vash and Meryl's hand size difference)

[museqmeg]

From the Orange panel at Momocon:

sobs Trimax Meryl in her black mockneck... fist bump kiss Mery

[whirlwindimagines]

I have a request! What if you’re the mom friend of the group and try to look after Vash after he’s either had a tough day or was just feeling low? :)

Where do I need to sign up to take care of this man!!! Let me hold my babygurl! Also I’ve been so out of it this weekend in pain with my wisdom teeth, I wanted to post this yesterday but I was not existing lol so here ya go~

‘Talk about it somewhere only we know?'

Vash x Reader

You never met a group of more dysfunctional people; it was truly amazing that they managed to make it this far. Vash and Wolfwood drove you crazy enough, with the way they would throw themselves into danger. Vash was the absolute worse one of the bunch, hiding his injuries, not eating, the list was endless! Vash was always so sheepish when he made you worry, you’d think he’d stop, but no you’d notice some stiffness to him, and bam another injury he was trying to hide! Or he’d admit that the last time he ate was days ago! 

The others liked to make fun of you for your mother-hen qualities, but you knew they also thought it was endearing, well Wolfwood liked to make fun of you and Vash thought it was sweet even if he thought he didn’t deserve such kindness. But he did he really did. It was quiet as everyone set up camp for the night, Vash was fine with sleeping up on top of the car, you noticed he seemed a little distant today. 

You can’t help yourself, heading towards the car and pulling yourself up. It wasn't as easy as Vash made it look, you curse nearly slipping when a hand reaches out and catches you by the wrist. Vash gives you a soft smile as he pulls you up the rest of the way onto the roof of the car. “Thanks…” you say a little sheepishly, sitting beside Vash on the roof. He settles down next to you, with a kind smile. “No problem! Wouldn’t want you to fall now would we,” he says this with a small laugh,

Pulling your knees to your chest, you can’t help but just stare at him, taking every detail. The way the shadows under his eyes look so dark, not sleeping. The way he’s turned his body away from you, hiding something. The tenseness of his shoulders, worried about something. “Um do I have something on my face?” and finally deflecting, you hum your eyes meeting his bright blue ones, which seemed a little dull. 

“You, okay?” You're taking the direct route tonight, you can see his eyes widen, and then he gives you that easy-going grin, maybe it would tick someone who didn't know him, and when he puts his hand behind his head you know exactly what he's going to say. 

Say he's fine, deflect, and turn it on you. 

“Oh course! It's been a long day though, are you tired?”

It's like clockwork at this point, you wished you could reach over grab him by the shoulders and shake him until he gets it. You care about him, you want him to take care of him, no strings attached. But that approach won't work on someone like Vash, who is just an excuse away from running. 

“It has been a long day, hasn't it? Do you need anything?” You ask kindly, “Do you need anything.” You laugh, this was so ridiculous, he was still looking at you with that sheepish look he knows exactly what he's doing, it's almost a little painful. 

“Vash how long have we known each other?” You start instead, you’ve known Vash the longest, the two of you haven't always traveled together, but fate kept throwing the two of you into one ridiculous situation after the other, and well, you two kinda just stuck together from there. He looks at you curiously, dropping his hand to pick at the fingers on his prosthetic, “A long time I guess.” is his quiet reply, you hum at his answer. 

“So how long have we been playing this game? Is that what you want to do? Talk in circles, until I get upset so you cave or you hold out until you're on the brink of self-destruction” He doesn’t say anything, but he can't look at you. The statement hangs between the two of you, and you let it. “Why do you…keep trying then, when you know I'm difficult” his voice is so soft and quiet you nearly miss it. But you hear it and reach out your hand grasping his chin between your fingers to make him look at you, his eyes are so wide, so nervous. 

“Because it's you.” You say it like it's the most obvious statement in the world. Sure, you're a bit of a mother hen with everyone, but it's always been something a little more with Vash. Hard to explain, but a little scary to give a real name to. So, the both of you don't, you just leave it as is. You can hear his breath hitch, you need to pull back, this is a part of it, you push, lean in, and because you are a coward back off with a lingering feeling of something. 

Dropping his face, you lean back putting some distance, “I’m just saying, we’re friends Vash I want to take care of you” you say quietly with a slight blush, you don’t give him a chance to speak before you lose even more resolve.

You can’t even look at him, but you feel a shy yet gentle touch on your shoulder, so you turn to look at Vash. He’s giving you such a soft look and it makes your heart ache. “Thank you.” Such simple words and yet, they make your heart pound. You know it’s more than a simple thank you to your soft words, it’s a thank you meant for everything you do. 

Placing a hand over his hand curled around your shoulder, holding his hand lightly. You just need something to hold on to as you speak, “You're welcome.” He smiles and pulls you into his side, shifting his arm so he can rest His arm around your shoulders. You have no choice but to settle into his side, this is a part of the game too, providing you comfort when he’s the one who needs it. But you don’t push, not right now, because even if he’s giving you comfort, he’s also comforting himself so you let him take everything he needs.

Because that’s the type of person you are, maybe if you were braver, you’d tell him the truth. But this is enough for now, it’s always enough. Leaning your head on his shoulder, you sigh contently, you feel his grip tighten on you, but you shake your head. You two don’t need to talk not right now at least. You want to, God there isn't anything you’d love to do more than grab him by the shoulders and give him a good shake…and maybe a kiss. But all that could wait, right now you are content just being at his side.

Edit: Part two!