germinant
Dr. Verde ran a few more last-minute simulations before turning back to the plant. The stems clung to the trellis, and the leaves were broad. All the tests he and the computer had done said this would work as intended. But he did not count it a success until he could confirm it with the actual plant.
He held his breath as he looked at the single, large bud at the top of it. That would be the key. If it germinated, it should work. If it died, well, it would not be his first failure. He looked at the myriad small vines that branched out from the thick stem. They did not look like much, but he knew what they could do. Or at least, what he hoped they could do.
A plant that could feel when it was in danger and defend itself accordingly. The very idea was ludicrous. Plants were, by their very nature, passive. But he knew this one would be different. This one would be active. It should be able to use those vines like whips. Maybe even blades if it could move them fast enough. Maybe they would not work against armored humans, but that could come later. Once this first plant proved successful.
The bud twitched. Dr. Verde watched, unwilling to move as it began to unfold. It was working. It was blooming. His work had finally come to a successful conclusion. At the petals peeled away from the central structure of the bud, his brow furrowed in confusion. In the middle of the flower was a face. A human face, save for the fact that it was green. An idyllic, almost perfect child was emerging from the flower. That was not what he had planned.
The petals folded more than he thought they would, coming down and wrapping around the stem. It reminded the scientist of a dress of fine make. The illusion was all the greater when two tiny arms emerged from the increasingly humanoid body. It was still attached to the stem, and did not have any legs, but everything else looked like a green skinned human child, although much smaller.
Dr. Verde took a step closer to the plant. Its eyes opened slowly. Its head moved of its own accord. It looked at Dr. Verde and blinked. Then it smiled. Its teeth looked like thorns.
“Well now, this is an interesting surprise.” Dr. Verde said. The plant child tilted its head to the side. It seemed like it could hear him, but not understand. At least, not yet.
He knelt in front of it and held out a hand. The child looked at him with curiosity, then held out its tiny hand. It was small enough to fit on the tip of one of his fingers and was cool to the touch. Definitely a plant instead of flesh. He gently rubbed the back of its hand, and the child grinned, seeming to enjoy the touch.
His heart swelled with pride. He had done this. He did not know how, but he had brought forth this creature. This being who was both plant and animal. He felt a sudden sinking in his gut. There would be others. Others that would want to take the beautiful being away from him before it was ready. They would want to study it. Dissect it like a common frog. He would not let them.
“The world is a scary place.” He said quietly. “But don’t worry, you can trust me. I’ll make sure to keep you safe. I’ll protect you, my little Alraune.”
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