Chapter Text
Vinestaff sat on one of the branches of the big oak tree that overlooked her small garden. The sun had already set, leaving only the moon to illuminate Vinestaff’s cursed wooden arm. She held her cursed arm delicately, staring at it. Why me? Vinestaff wondered. What did I do to deserve this? She couldn’t help but think back to when her arm got cursed.
Shuriken, Slingshot and Vinestaff had just moved to Crossroads so Slingshot could open his café. The group were tired of unpacking and decided to take a break to go urban exploring. Shuriken had always loved urban exploration. He would go out to the wealthier areas of Thieves Den and steal stuff from abandoned buildings to pawn off. Then he would give the money to charity. In his eyes it was a way to give back to the community. Although Vinestaff didn’t necessarily agree with this form of charity, she knew his heart was in the right place and preferred to go with him on his adventures to keep him safe, rather than let him go alone. Slingshot said he liked urban exploration because he wanted to support Shuriken’s vigilante endeavors, but Vinestaff had a feeling it was because he liked the adrenaline rush.
So there the group was. Standing at the entrance of an abandoned lab on the border of Blackrock and Crossroads. Shuriken insisted they go there because it was a sure way to make a couple hundred bucks, but Vinestaff on the other hand was more than a little hesitant. She knew the inventions from Blackrock could be unpredictable and there was no good way to plan for unpredictability. Still, she agreed. It was better she be there than Shuriken and Slingshot go alone.
It wasn’t long after they entered the building that they found a shiny yellow crystal lying on a table. Shuriken perked up at the sight.
“Ooh,” he said, mesmerized. “I bet that’d sell for quite a bit, what do you say Sling?”
“Yeah, it’d look good in a ring, or necklace, or maybe embedded into a nice pair of sneakers,” Slingshot replied.
Vinestaff furrowed her eyebrows. “Wait, Shuriken, I don’t think- “
“Relax sis! I got this!” Shuriken says, reaching for the crystal, but Vinestaff just couldn’t risk her little brother getting hurt.
“No.” Vinestaff insists, pushing her brother way from the crystal. This action proved to be detrimental, as Vinestaff lost her balance and fell forwards. As she landed, her left hand brushed against the glowing yellow object. Immediately a pain shot through Vinestaff’s hand.
The group left immediately after that, worried about Vinestaff’s safety. A few days later when Vinestaff removed the bandages she found her arm had started to turn to wood. The curse started out small, but even then, no amount of her healing could fix it. Over time it creeped up the left side of her body and now it reached her neck. Vinestaff can’t help but feel insecure. Half her body’s wood at this point, who wouldn’t be?
Vinestaff’s thoughts are interrupted by the sound of crunching leaves. She looks up to see her brother, Shuriken, approaching.
“Hey, Shuri,” Vinestaff greets quietly.
“Hey sis,” He replies, climbing up into the tree and sitting next to her. He always reminds Vinestaff of a gecko when he climbs. “Watcha doin’ up here so late?”
“Just thinking.”
“About?”
Vinestaff sighs. She didn’t want to tell Shuriken about her insecurities, but it wasn’t like she had much of a choice. Shuriken could read Vinestaff like a book, and if she wouldn’t tell him what was wrong, he’d find out some other way. After a pause Vinestaff finally speaks up, “Just… my arm. I can’t help but think why me? No one else in crossroads has a curse like this… I just don’t understand. I feel so worthless… So broken…”
“But doesn’t it boost your healing?” Shuriken inquires.
“Yeah, I guess,” Vinestaff murmurs breaking off a twig from her arm, barely wincing. It did hurt, but the pain was insignificant if it meant she could look at least halfway normal. “But I could heal just fine with my gear alone. I just… I don’t know how much more I can take.” Vinestaff meets Shuriken’s gaze for the first time in the conversation. She sees the silent fear in his eyes. There are so many unknowns, but the two have a feeling that the curse will one day take over Vinestaff’s body and mind, effectively killing her.
“Look Vine, you’re such an amazing person. You’re friendly, and thoughtful, and you have such a big heart. Curse, or no curse, you’re still you. You’re still the beautiful, kind, un-broken, sister I know and love,” Shuriken says before holding up his bandaged left arm. Shuriken had told Vinestaff he injured it in a Phight a few days ago. “And just look what I made for you.” Shuriken un-wraps his arm to reveal not a wound, but a tattoo comprised of swirling green patterns running along his arm. “In honor of your strength, resilience, and all that you’re worth. I wouldn’t do something like this if you were broken, now would I?”
“You did this yourself? Since when could you tattoo?” Vinestaff asks, amazed.
“I taught myself, although Sling did help hold my arm steady,” Shuriken replies smiling. “I just wanted to do something to show you that no matter what I’ll love you, and I’ll always believe in your strength. Now mark my words, we’ll figure out this curse thing together, even if it takes a while. Now can we go back inside? It’s cold out tonight.”
Vinestaff smiles. She was so lucky to have a family who would love and support her no matter what. Her insecurities weren’t gone, but she knew Shuriken and Slingshot would help her figure this all out, and she hoped the situation would get better.
“Sure, I’ll make some tea.”