But regret was pointless. By the time it saw everything, these things had already come into "existence."
Before it had eyes, the forest was "peaceful."
But after gaining eyes, the forest became "cruel."
Its perception determined its worldview. It had seen these things with its own eyes, and no amount of regret could deny their existence.
"What is the right thing to do?"
If it protected the small animals, the Hunters would die. If it allowed the hunts, it would feel the small animals' despair. No matter its choice, the vine was flooded with negative emotions.
Nothing felt right. Its nascent consciousness couldn't puzzle it out. All it could do was think and think, until its entire being ground to a halt...
Just as it was lost in thought, a rabbit ran beneath its Vine Mustache, seeking shelter. A Hunter was not far off. The vine moved to protect the rabbit, but then it remembered the starving Hunters, and its Vine Mustache froze in mid-air.
