Chapter Nine:
Rejecting Eternity
"Well it's about time!" Wolfwood exclaimed.
"To my defense the Doc had us busy. We had to keep what we were doing to ourselves and I had to keep this secret from everyone. I say I did well under the circumstances." Andy said, somewhat haughtily. The two of them were standing in the hall, outside one of the tech rooms. And it was a room that he had spent all of his free time in for the past few months. If he had known it would be this difficult he would have charged the stranger more. "I didn't have to do this at all you know."
"And I must say I appreciate it. Now gimmie!" Wolfwood said, reaching for his new gun leaning against the wall. With no hope of ever seeing his old one again he had hired one of the crew to make him a new one. And he had to admit as he picked it up resting it on one shoulder; he had really missed the thing.
"Ok, sheesh…I followed your instructions to the letter. Everything's in top shape. I even loaded it for you. But you'll have to get your own handguns to put in there."
"Bless you. I don't think I could have got along without it. It and I are ooold friends. It's the sentimental value, you know?"
"Whatever man. I still think your nuts. What's wrong with a handgun?"
"Handguns don't have rocket launchers." Wolfwood said smugly, walking away. Ahh, it felt good to have that old familiar weight on his shoulder. It felt almost symbolic to him, and fitting. New gun, new life. Wait until the others got a load of this, he thought with a smirk. Everyone else had their little secrets on this ship, it had only seemed fitting that he had his too.
Let's see…spiky would be first on his list. He could even put him on a guilt trip for leaving his last one and con him out of his lunch. Sure, it was do unto others as you would have them do unto you, but what was life without a little mischief? Wolfwood made his way to Knives'es hall. Vash had been on his way to go see Knives when they had parted ways in the hall. That had been about ten minuets ago, so any time now…
The door flew open, startling the guard into dropping his book. Vash stepped out, clearly angry, and slammed the door shut.
"What in the world is wrong with you?" He yelled to Knives through the door. Faintly Wolfwood could hear Knives shouting back. Vash gave one last disgusted look and began to storm away.
"I take it that it went well?" Wolfwood called out to him and picked up his own pace before he could get too far away.
"No it didn't! And I don't…Hey!" He shouted as he turned around and saw what Wolfwood was carrying. "Your gun! But how…?"
"Magic." Wolfwood said mischievously. He repented of the statement, seeing as how Vash'es patience was already worn thin. "Actually I hired one of the guys here to make me a new one. And from what I can tell he did an excellent job. I can't wait to give it a go round. So what's up this time?" He asked with a jerk of the thumb towards the door.
"It's about tomorrow. And he's making his opinion about it very clear." Vash sulked angrily. "You know, for someone who has rarely been around people I wonder where he picked up such a vocabulary."
"Ahhahaha!" Wolfwood burst out laughing despite himself, trying not to drop his new gun. "That's great! Hahahaa!"
"I don't find it very funny." Vash said, then walked off. Wolfwood started out after him.
"Hey wait. Sorry, but it is funny."
"You wouldn't think so if it had been directed at you."
"Actually, I'm kinda used to his mouth by now." Wolfwood said, easily keeping pace with him. "He just does it to get a rise out of you, you know?"
"It's not the profanity Wolfwood, it's what he's going on about."
"Let me guess…you giving up your power?"
"Right. In fact, he seems more upset about my doing it rather than the fact it was done to him. It's odd."
"Your right. That is strange. Maybe it's a genetics thing."
"Hmm." Was the flat reply.
"Think about it. Since he's practically human now the next best thing would be to make sure you stay a superior being." Wolfwood mused. Vash stopped walking and turned to him.
"Don't ever call me that. Ever." He said, dead serious.
"Sorry." Wolfwood said, slightly taken aback. Wordlessly Vash walked on. "Hey, I didn't mean it. I was just, you know, thinking from his point of view. Don't take it personally."
"Just drop it."
"I said I was sorry. Is it just me or are you really cranky today? Was it something Knives said?"
"I'm not cranky."
"You are too. Your tone says it all. You've been this way since breakfast. You and short girl haven't been fighting have you?"
"No. We have not. I really don't want to talk about it."
"Tell me, tell me, tell me, tell meeeeeeee." Wolfwood whined. Vash gave him a sour look.
"If you must know, I'm upset today because I had a nightmare last night."
"You're kidding me right?"
"What?"
"You're all bent out of shape because of a nightmare?" Wolfwood laughed.
"It wasn't the nightmare itself Wolfwood. It was the fact that I woke up aiming directly at her. She was just trying to wake me up and I nearly killed her. I'm gonna have to unload this thing before going to bed from now on…" He said distantly, rubbing his wrist.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pick at you. I didn't know…"
"It's alright."
"You're probably just tense about tomorrow, that's all."
"I wish. I have nightmares often. But since we're on this topic of tomorrow, I have something I want to show you that I haven't shown anybody else."
"Ooooh? What is it?"
"You'll see. Just follow me."
He followed Vash into one of the sealed off areas of the ship. The power for this level was entirely shut off so they had to rely on a flashlight to find their way. As they went deeper in, Wolfwood's curiosity grew. What could there possibly be that he wanted to show him so deep in this metal monster. He was on the verge of asking again, when Vash spoke up.
"Just in case you're wondering, it's so out of the way because I want it to keep hidden. In fact, the only other person that knows about this is the Doc, but only I have access."
"What is this 'it'? And why so secretive?"
"It's what I created. And its been kept under wraps because if Knives had ever found out…That's no longer a threat obviously, but it still needs to stay secret. Well…until tomorrow that is. The Doc may know his men, but unfortunately I have trust issues. If any of this were allowed to leave the ship I'm afraid of what the results would be."
"You're not being very clear about this." Wolfwood pointed out, his interest growing. Ahh, nothing like a good mystery!
"The procedure that we put Knives through and what I'll be going through tomorrow isn't the true source of his change. It only enables it and enforces the change."
"So help me Vash, if you don't tell me right now…"
"Oh, hold your horses Wolfwood. Here we are." He said, entering in a code into an active door panel.
"What's a horse?" He asked. Vash laughed then stepped on inside, Wolfwood instep behind him. Unlike the dark halls, this room was lit. It was small, nearly bare, and only ten square heels. Set against the far wall was a monitor and a steel cylindrical column. Vash walked up to the computer and began entering in information. Wolfwood stepped up to observe the column. It wasn't solid, it had seams and such. It almost looked as if…The middle section turned with a hydraulic hiss, causing Wolfwood to reflexively jump back. The column had opened up in the front.
"What's that thing?" He asked, slightly angry at being frightened.
"Think of it as a safe…for this." Vash said, reaching in and pulling out a little ampoule. He held it up for Wolfwood to see. It held a translucent yellow liquid, and it was only half full.
"What is it?" He asked, reaching for it.
"Un-uh." Vash said, pulling it back. "Can't touch. No offence."
"Ok. So what is it?"
"This is what I engineered. It took me years and years to get it right. It's a poison. A genetic poison. Once this stuff enters a plants bloodstream it deteriorates them until they die. Being a delicate biological system, non ATP energy production is the first thing that's crippled. This stuff spreads throughout the entire body, targeting the DNA in every single cell. The damage it causes is irreversible, almost a chain reaction. Existing cells are damaged, and then new cells are produced. Those in turn are damaged. And it continues on and on until the DNA sequence is destroyed altogether."
"Uhhh…"
"It simulates aging."
"Oooh…I get it. That's why you didn't want this stuff to leave the ship. Those fanatical terrorist technophobes would love to get their hands on something like this. It's like…death to plants."
"Exactly. The moment I inject this stuff…my death warrant is signed. I guess I'll be committing suicide after all…"
"So what would happen if I were to take that stuff?"
"Nothing at all. I engineered it to target my DNA; it would be ineffective against humans. I made sure of that. And since all plants are the same…"
"This is morbid stuff Vash. I mean really…"
"I know…" Vash said, replacing the vial and sealing the chamber once more. "But I've made up my mind. Don't try to talk me out of it."
"It never crossed my mind to Vash." He said quietly. "I'm sure you've made your peace with this."
"I have. And as frightening as it is, actually it's a huge relief!" He laughed.
"I can understand that."
"I uh…I have something serious to ask you now." Vash hesitantly began.
"What? And our conversation thus far has been light?"
"I'm serious. Tomorrow there's going to be some risk involved. And if something were to happen…"
"I will." Wolfwood said solemnly.
"Huh?"
"Knives. I'll take care of him. Promise."
"Thank you."
-L&P-
"And then, after I lost that pawn, I had to sacrifice my rook to get his knight, but that's ok I knew what I was doing. I thought he was going to go after my queen but he took my other rook instead trying to get me into check." Millie rambled out excitedly. Meryl listened patiently as they stood in line in the mess hall. Many were getting their food and leaving, the place having a good number of chairs and tables missing, courtesy of the dueling brothers.
"You know I don't know that much about chess Millie…"
"Oh but I'm just getting to the good part! I took his pawn and put him in check! The only way to get out was to sacrifice his queen, but it still didn't save him! Two moves later and checkmate! I can't believe that I actually, honest to goodness, really really really beat him!"
"I bet he was angry." Meryl said. She could just imagine his furious response.
"Not as bad as you would think. He only swore a little bit then picked up a book and started to ignore me. I expected a lot more. It kinda confused me."
"He's probably preoccupied about tomorrow." And that's probably why he lost, but Meryl was too kind to tell Millie so. "I think we all are."
"Yeah, but until then I'm going to tell everybody I know that I won. No…that would just be gloating and mean. I'll only tell Nic and Vash, yeah that's what I'll do. Where are they anyway?"
"I don't know about both of them but I see one coming. And hey! Isn't that…"
"Why hello ladies." Wolfwood said strolling up, ignoring the dirty looks he got from skipping ahead in line. "Well? What do you think? Just like my old one huh?" He said sitting the cross down.
"You got a new one! That's great!" Millie cheered, inspecting it. "I think it looks better than your old one. This one's all new and shiny! And yup…it has the same amount of mercy in it too." She said picking it up. Wolfwood laughed at the old joke. Meryl just rolled her eyes.
"Yeah, it took ages but I'm glad to have it back. Oh and before you two ask, needle noggin is currently at a doctor's appointment."
"Huh?" The girls asked simultaneously. Wolfwood sighed; no one got his jokes…
"He's with short man."
"Oh, well he had better hurry. They just got some apples in today and they're going to go fast." Meryl said.
"They have what? Move aside people, coming through!" Wolfwood shouted, pushing his way to the front. Millie sighed.
"He's yours you know."
"I know. And I wouldn't have him any other way. Besides, I have no room to talk. I kinda maybe snuck the last of the cookie packs last night."
"Millie!"
"What? I was hungry." She pouted. "And they were chocolate chip too. Nobody can resist the power of chocolate. Not even Knives."
"Am I the only one in the bunch that doesn't have a sweet tooth?" Meryl sighed. Her only vice was caffeine. Aside from the occasional ice cream she just didn't see the appeal of sweets.
"Here! Catch!" Wolfwood called out from across the line. Meryl caught the apple; it was a deep golden color. "Just in case he doesn't make it."
"You're not eating with us?" Millie called out to him.
"Are you kidding? I'm gonna go test this baby out!"
"Ooh! Teach me how to shoot it! Please please please please pleeeeese?" Millie begged, lunch forgotten. So much for company, Meryl though dully as they left her. She didn't want to eat alone so she dropped out of the line. She walked through the halls, tossing the apple up in the air then catching it again.
She wasn't in the mood to go see Knives right now. Her last visit had ended in an all out shouting match. She couldn't even recall what he had been yelling at her, she was too preoccupied at screaming at him. It had probably the other way around as well. Sometimes she just wanted to throttle that man. It was times like these when she would go do paper work, but that was a no go. If only they could finally get out of here and back into the world…
A good trip outside sounded nice. She decided to go hunt down Vash and force him to go shooting with her. Millie and Wolfwood would be happy for the company as well. It had been some time since they all had gone out together and had mindless fun like that…
"If only that whiny, annoying, egotistical, arrogant, foul mouthed, pathetic excuse for a man would actually get over himself and quit thinking that he's the center of the universe then we could leave and have all the fun we wanted. But noooo…he has to insist on staying stuck in that selfish childish state of mind and do nothing but cause problems for us all. Ooh he makes me so mad…" She ranted quietly to herself on her way to the Docs personal lab. Judging from Wolfwood's statement, that would be the most logical place to start looking in this metal maze.
The door was shut. She knocked and pressed her ear to the door. So what if the lock panel had little speakers? She was old fashioned…or rather…new fashioned…whatever.
"Whoever it is come in! I could use a little help!" The old man's voice called out from inside. Curious, she stepped on inside.
"What in the world is going on?" She demanded, slightly horrified.
"Never mind that miss, just grab some gauze and help me out. I only have two hands after all." The small man muttered, obviously flustered.
"Oh, hiya Meryl." Vash turned waved sheepishly from his seat. His voice was strained and he was worryingly pale. And it was no wonder; blood was streaming down his side from the grate and beginning to drip onto the floor.
"What happened!" She cried out throwing the apple aside and doing as the Doc asked, reaching for the medical supplies.
"It's nothing serious…" Vash faintly began, trying to reassure her.
"Don't you dare tell me it's not serious!"
"You couldn't have come at a better time dear." The Doc stepped in. "These are bleeding more than I had expected and I can't put pressure on the wounds and remove these at the same time." He said, indicating the steel grafts.
"You're removing the metal…but why?" She asked, quickly putting pressure on the three bleeding openings.
"Cause I have to…for tomorrow…" Vash said through gritted teeth as the Doc began working on removing the next bolt that held the metal to him. There was the nauseating sound of metal grinding against bone.
"Tomorrow? But what to these have to do with tomorrow?"
"It's just a precaution, but if we need to revive him as we did Knives, we need to have all these removed." He said, setting aside the bolt.
"The metal would…interfere with the current…Just keep your fingers…crossed that I…I won't need it…"
"But what about your arm? What are you going to do about that?" She asked, putting pressure on the forth opening as well.
"That will be fine; it's only in the torso area that we need to worry about."
"And besides…you have no idea….how annoying these are. They can really itch. I'll be glad to have….them gone…" He tried to joke, failing miserably. A sickening crunch and a sharp cry of pain later the steel mesh fell free.
"One down…" the Doc said heavily, beginning to perspire.
"And more to go…"
"Let's get these bandaged up before moving on." Meryl suggested, reaching for the bandages.
"No not yet. We're not done here."
"But why? What else is there to do?"
"Some of these, such as this one, are not ready to be removed. We can't leave the metal in but we can use a temporary plastic replacement."
"Now I remember why I put it…off until the last minuet…Soo much fun…"
"Now. I've told you once and I'm going to tell you again for good measure…even though there will be temporary settings in place you by no means, allowed to do anything serious. No lifting, no running, and for goodness sake, no more fighting."
"Believe me, I don't plan on it."
After all the metal was removed, two temporary settings were put into place, and he was patched up both Meryl and the Doc insisted that he go lay down. He wanted to argue that he was fine but was too tired and in too much pain to put up much of a fight.
Admitting defeat, he left her and the Doc behind to clean up his mess. Halfway to their room he changed direction. He would get scolded for it for sure, but if he went to bed now he would probably be out until tomorrow and by then it would be too late. After knocking, Vash stepped on inside.
"Get out. I want nothing to do with you." Knives snapped, his face still heavily bruised. He was already healing at a slower pace, Vash noted.
"That was fast. At least wait until I get all the way in before trying to drive me out." Vash tiredly said, slowly and carefully sitting down.
"What's wrong?" Knives asked noticing the strange way he moved, his voice taking on a strange note.
"It's nothing to worry about. Just a little…outpatient surgery. That's all."
"What happened?" He demanded. "Who was it?"
"It's nothing like that. Just getting ready for tomorrow. Thank you for worrying though."
"Ha. Don't flatter yourself." Knives spat at him. Vash frowned but said nothing. "So…you're actually going to do this?"
"For the fifty second time Knives, yes. And I don't feel up to arguing with you, so could you give it a rest? Ok?" Knives couldn't think of an immediate response so he just glared.
"Hmm." He said after several minuets of silence. "Since you don't want to discuss one of the worst decisions of your life, what do you want to talk about?"
"I don't know. You pick. I'm all talked out."
"That's a first."
"Meh." Was the apathetic reply to the insult.
"Alright. When are you going to let me out of here?"
"When I can trust you."
"And how do I go about earning your trust?"
"Well for starters, don't go asking untrustworthy questions like that."
"Grrr….You can't keep me in here forever."
"I will if I have to. I don't want to. It breaks my heart to see you like this, but I won't let you kill people Knives."
"You can't force your views and way of life on me. It's wrong. I can think for myself and I've chosen. You don't lock up every malevolent human you come by. And you've practically reduced me to human status so why me?" Knives asked him. Vash looked at him searchingly, puzzled. There had been no anger, no sarcasm. It was a simple, honest, question.
"Because you're my brother Knives. I may care for those people but I don't love them. Not like I do you. And I'm not trying to force my way of life on you, I just want you to see. To understand. You're never happy, but I know you could be. I don't expect you to clown around like I do, but I would like you to lighten up some. You're too serious. With you it's always been all or nothing. In some aspects I admire that about you but it can't be applied to everything in life. There's surviving and then theirs living. And yes, there is a difference. I just want you to see that."
"Somebody's in full blown mushy mode today." Knives commented, dryly amused.
"Ah, blame it on the pain. It makes me sensitive."
"Pun intended?"
"What do you think?"
"Go on. Get. If your going to start with the sentimental stuff I don't want you around and I don't want to have to listen to you snore if you pass out on me. So shoo…"
"I don't snore…" Vash said indignantly. At least…he didn't think he did. He would have to ask.
"Look. You are getting on my nerves. I have already had enough of you earlier today. And for the record I'm still pissed, and I still think you're an idiot for doing this. But since you're always right and I'm the poor misguided soul that needs correction, my opinion means nothing."
"I've tried to explain my reasons to you but you didn't want to hear any of it. Remember this morning…"
"Yeah. How can I forget? It's for them." He said with disgust. "I don't want to hear it. And I am warning you, you have no idea what you're doing. But you don't want to hear it. So leave. Go!"
"Alrighty already cranky. I'm going…" Vash said getting up and going to the door. He paused before leaving. "Knives?"
"What is it now?" Knives sighed.
"It's nothing…never mind."
"What? Tell me."
"No. It was just a silly question. You would just get annoyed. Sorry." He said and quickly left before Knives could press the matter further. It had been a passing thought. No, Vash corrected himself; it would more accurately be described as a passing wish.
Perhaps all the outrage and the nearly incessant pressing for him to not go through with this wasn't about the other plants or him living with people at all. Maybe it was just simply for him. What if it was all because Knives was worried? Would that be too much to hope for, that his brother was concerned for his well being? Vash didn't ask because…he didn't want to be told otherwise, that, no, Knives didn't care about him. He would have only denied the fact anyway on the remote chance that it was true. Whether it was wistfulness or intuition, the thought wouldn't leave him, following him even into his dreams.
-L&P-
"Is it just me or is anyone else getting déjà vu?' Vash asked the others as they walked toward number one after their small breakfast on the balcony.
"Yeah well it had better not be a repeat performance or I really will kick you ass this time." Wolfwood threatened Vash, who in turn just laughed.
"You seem very relaxed about his." Millie noted. "Not like last time."
"You know, it's funny. I was more scared last time because I didn't know what was going to happen but with this I know what's going to happen and I'm fine. Even though I know it's going to be rough. Or maybe I'm just crazy. What do you guys think?"
"I always knew you had a screw lose somewhere." Meryl picked, trying hard to keep the light mood going. Rough wasn't the word she would have chosen to describe it. He said he knew but he really didn't know. He didn't have to watch Knives. She just wished this whole episode were over with now.
"A screw lose? He's lost the whole tool box."
"Your one to talk Wolfwood. Why are you carrying that thing around in here?"
"Its mine. I just got it back. And it's none of your business. And do I detect a hint of hypocrisy, Mr. Gunman? Why do you have that, huh?" He accused, pointing at the gun in the holster.
"Old habits die hard."
"Likewise."
"Yeah but mine doesn't weigh a ton."
"It's not my fault that you're a wimp."
"Hey!"
"Will you two knock it off? We're here already." Meryl snapped, opening the doors. Several crew members looked up briefly then went back to checking everything.
"Well…I guess its show time." Wolfwood said moving to a chair at the control station. "Did anybody think to bring…HEY! What the!" He shouted, standing straight up after settling down in a seat. A black cat spat at him for being sat on then ran off into the shadows. "Damn pest…"
"You know you guys don't have to stick around. I'm sure you would rather not see this." Vash said, removing his coat and draping it over a chair, taking off the holster as well.
"Don't be silly!' Millie scolded, shaking her finger in his face. "We're your friends and were going to be here for you no matter what."
"But really the only thing you can do is watch. And it's going to take forever."
"Shush! Not another word! We're staying and that's that. Do you hear me mister?" Millie demanded, taking on a threatening tone.
"I would listen to her. She doesn't look like the type to take no for an answer." The Doc said, joining them.
"Yes ma'am…" He tried to sulk, but was happy knowing that they would be there for them.
"I've just got through checking and everything is in order. Once again, we are ready when you are." The Doc said.
"I told you guys…déjà vu. Lemme get my shirt off…a kiss for luck…'kay, I'm ready." He said walking up with the little man to the platform.
"Have you already…" The Doc began.
"Yup. Did it this morning." Vash said, rubbing the pinprick at the nook of his elbow.
"You do know that we are going to have to restrain you as well?"
"I know…" He whined. "And I've already told all of them so they won't have a fit. But their still not happy about it. Could you do me a favor though Doc? Make sure that they're alright. They don't act it, but I can tell they're really worried."
"You wish to make me a hypocrite?" The Doc asked as he and two others began attaching the adapting equipment. He got a frown in reply. "Alright…I will do my best. But I think we all will be relived when this is finally over."
"Then lets not waste anymore time." Vash said solemnly. Just as they had done with Knives, he was strapped down completely immobile to the floor, hands out in front of him. They had no choice to but to put on the restraining collar as well to insure that he would not pull anything loose should he try and fight against the machine.
Vash tried to give his most reassuring smile to the three waiting up at the control station, but considering his current situation he could only imagine at how bad he failed at it. Yes, he had tried to act like it was nothing around the others, but he wasn't crazy like he had joked earlier. He was plenty nervous, a nervousness that rose to new heights as the assistants stepped away after sealing the glass, signifying the start. But despite whatever happened in the hours to come, he would not back down and would regret nothing. This was how he wanted it to be.
The machines hummed to life. Nearly immediately an unpleasant, but bearable, sensation ran through him. It was like an electrical current, a mixture of pain, itching, and a tickle all in one. He was forced to close his eyes tightly as the ultra bright luminescence began. This…this wasn't like the other time. This feeling was closer to the one he had originally feared while being used as a power source. It was so bright…and the longer the strange sensation went on the more aching it began to feel. Still, he would not back down. Never. He did his best to hide his face from the light and listened to his own breathing. And waited.
-L&P-
"How long has it been now?"
"You just asked that ten minuets ago Meryl."
"Just tell me Nicholas."
"Seven hours now. Now here, take the watch. Your not helping my headache any."
"I told you that you shouldn't have looked at him directly." Millie scolded. "Do you want any aspirin?"
"No I'm fine. Hey Doc!" Wolfwood called to him, even though he was only two chairs away. "What's taking so long? We're at seven hours now. This was about how Knives was at five." He said pointing to Vash, who was still enveloped in the hazy light. He had his head bowed, almost as if he were sleeping. But they all knew better, judging by the heavy breathing.
"My guess would be is because that he is not fighting it as Knives had." The Doc said, slightly annoyed with the man.
"Oh, yeah…I remember him talking about that now."
"Well how do we tell him? Should we tell him?" Millie asked.
"I'm not good at charades. Don't look at me."
"Just leave him alone." Meryl snapped. "He already knows this. Don't pester him."
"Meryl, maybe you need to go take a break…" Millie began. "It's been a long time and you haven't left even once. You could use a cup of coffee. And Nic here could use some aspirin, even though he says he doesn't."
"Because I don't."
"Please, please, pleeease?"
"Alright, don't have a fit. Actually…I was going to go take a break anyway."
"Really? Ok then. And get me a coffee too please?" Millie called to her on her way out. Meryl leaned heavily against the cold steel after she had closed the doors. This was excruciating to have to watch, and the worst was to come. Truth be told, she had something else in mind other than fetching coffee. She only hoped her idea would work and she could offer a small measure of comfort.
Leaving number one and bypassing the mess hall altogether, she went to their room. She reminded herself to apologize for snooping later and began to pilfer around in his bag until she found what she was looking for. The pen. He had forgotten to remove the communicator this time. The glass he was in was soundproof but perhaps this would work. She hesitated for a moment, a brief moment, then twisted the cap, turning it on.
Immediately the little device began to transmit the sounds of slow labored breathing. He was hurting, and beginning to tire. Hesitantly she spoke into it.
"H-hello?"
"…Meryl?" He quietly asked, surprised.
"Hey. Yeah it's me."
"I forgot…about this thing. Where are you at?...I don't see you anywhere."
"I'm back at the room. I just remembered this and went to go get it."
"They don't know?"
"No. They think I'm after coffee."
"Heh…you're so stingy with me…I love it…How are you doing?"
"I was going to ask you the same thing." She said, sitting down on the bed.
"Been…better. It's starting to…get to me a little now. I'm so tired."
"I know you are and I'm so sorry."
"It's ok. My choice. Remember? Please…whatever happens…don't forget your promise."
"I know…I won't make them stop."
"Good." He breathed out. It was more of a sigh than a word. "How's others?"
"They're all worried. Millie's trying to talk it off and failing miserably. Wolfwood is covering up his concern with his temper, as usual." She heard a pained laugh from the device. "And the Doc is the picture of stoicism."
"And…you?"
"I'm doing fine."
"You're such…a bad liar."
"Honestly? I'm worried sick about you. It's killing me to have you like this. I just wanted to talk to you. To know how you were doing. If I can distract you from it even in the slightest than I want to try. Please let me help." She begged him, wiping at the corners of her eyes.
"You are…just hearing you is enough…"
"Good."
"You know? Its going to be weird…being normal…I wonder if I…can pull it off?"
"Vash, as long as you're you, you'll never be normal. And we all love you for it." She heard him try to laugh; it was painful to have to hear.
"You're…right. I'll always be odd…I don't even have a…last name. The Stampede just…doesn't quiet cut it." She laughed.
"You have a point. How about you adopt a last name?"
"…Might just do that…but which one?"
"You have your pick of any name out there. Do any appeal to you?"
"I uh…well…I have thought of one."
"And?"
"I don't know…she wasn't really…my mother but I can't…help but think of her that way…What do you think of…Saverem?" He asked hesitantly.
"I think its fitting. I bet she would be honored that you would choose her name. And it's such a pretty name too."
"Really? You like it?"
"I do."
"Is it a name that…you would be interested in…having too?" She froze. Was she hearing things or did he just…
"Meryl?"
"Did you mean…"
"Yeah…I know that this isn't…the best time…I swear I'll ask you properly…once I'm out…I just wanted…"
"Of course." She said, cutting him off. "I would love to have that name. I really would."
"Good." He said, she could hear the relief on his voice. "I was worried…that you wouldn't. Don't ask…me why…I just was."
"You worry too much." She said, smiling. He had actually asked her. She didn't know whether she wanted to laugh or cry.
"Meryl?"
"Yes Vash?"
"I need you to…do something…for me…"
"What?"
"You won't…like it…"
"What?" She asked, becoming concerned.
"Please…turn this off…"
"But…"
"I know! I'm sorry…But…I can't…I'm getting…Just please turn it off!" He begged her, on the verge of tears.
"…Alright"
"I'm sorry…"
"I understand. Until later. I love you."
"I love you too." She faintly heard before switching the device off. Tossing the pen back in the bag, she left for number one at a run.
-L&P-
He tried to fight what he was doing, but his body had a mind of its own. It had started while he had been talking to her. Just a simple twitch of the arm. That's all. Until he pulled again at the restrains. And again. The next thing he knew he was fighting to break free. He had begged her to turn off the transmitter. He didn't what her to hear him suffer. And he couldn't risk breaking down and begging her to free him. He just couldn't. And the temptation was growing.
A distant detached part of himself was shocked at what he was doing. Vash tried to make himself stop but ended up struggling even more desperately. It was pure survival instinct spurring him on. He had done his best to remain calm and quiet through the entire ordeal, but couldn't fight it any longer. In vain he pulled to be free.
He knew he was dying. The deep aching pain and utter weariness pressing down on him told him so. It wasn't an entirely unfamiliar sensation. Now it was a fight to stay alive against the will to finish what he knew needed to be done. He was thankful though that the decision had already been made and was now out of his hands.
After of what seemed like ages of struggling he finally quit. Exhausted. With a tremendous effort he looked up. They were all there, at the control panel. And not one of them was looking at him. They simply did not have the heart to. Wolfwood sat leaning forward, his face hid in one hand. He looked so tired. The Doc was continuously going over the consoles, but Vash doubted that he was actually reading them. Millie was clinging onto Meryl for all she was worth. Like a living security blanket, he thought trying to smile. And Meryl allowed herself to be held, her pained gaze never lifting from the floor. Unable to look up any longer, he slumped back over.
Is this what you had to endure Knives? I didn't know. I'm so sorry, Vash thought faintly. If only I had known…I would have let you sleep through the whole thing. No wonder you hate me. No wonder you're not worried about me. You probably see it as fitting that should hurt too after what I did to you. I can't…I'm so sorry…sorry…
-L&P-
Not one person said a word. No one got up, no one fidgeted. They just waited. They all knew that it wouldn't be long now. It was now approaching the tenth hour. They couldn't decide which was worse: seeing him fight to be free or him staying still. Either way…they knew that it wouldn't be long.
No one so much as flinched when the alarms rang out; it was almost as if they had collectively sensed its coming. The machine was switched off and the crew was on their feet and moving even before the glass had finished fracturing. They quickly tossed away the ruined pieces of glass and began to free the still figure before them.
"This is it…" Millie whispered, holding onto Meryl even tighter. The attachments were pulled off and callously tossed aside. The crew men moved him to a shard free area where the Med Tech immediately began to examine him.
"No good! Bring it!" He loudly ordered his assistant.
"Oh no…"
"Damn it." Wolfwood growled, standing up. The four of them stood at the control station, scarcely daring to breathe, while the man performed the resuscitation process.
And failed.
They watched with growing horror as the tried again and again to revive him. Immediately they ran out onto the floor.
"What's wrong…"
"The hell…
"Why?"
"Can't you…"
"Just back off people and let me do my job!" The Med Tech screamed at them, ordering several others to keep them back.
"Justin! What's wrong?" The Doc demanded.
"He's just not responding Doc. I think you guys left him in there too long."
"Don't say that! Don't just sit there! Save him!" Meryl shouted at him, verging on hysterics. Millie held her back.
"I intend to. Now back away! Everybody!" Justin ordered. Obediently they all stepped back and watched the terrible scene unfold before them. "Clear!" He shouted, applying the electrical current. Vash jerked in a brief arching spasm then fell back to the floor. Nothing. Justin tired again. And again. Finally he sat back, head bowed in defeat.
"No, no, no, no, no…."
"Hell…"
"No, please. Isn't there anything you can do?"
"…No. He was just too tired." Justin said heavily.
All the strength seemed to leave her legs, causing Meryl to fall to her knees. No…this couldn't be happening. It wasn't supposed to end like this, she desperately thought. Not like this, not now. He couldn't die, no…Not right after he had just asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. No. She was vaguely aware of someone pulling her away.
Never again would she see him. No more smiles, no more tears. Never again would she hear him. No more of that annoying laugh, no more hearing her name. Gone. They would never have the chance to spend the uncertain but hopeful future together, telling each other their dreams, wishes, thoughts. No…she refused to live without him. There was no possible way she could live out the rest of her life with a scar like this on her heart. She just couldn't.
Wait…scars?
It came back to her in a rush, their intimate conversation weeks ago. That was it. That was why. She broke away from her escort and scooped up a shard of the broken glass, oblivious to it cutting deep into her palm.
"NO Meryl! Drop it!" Millie said grabbing her by her wrists.
"Let me go! Let me go now!" She demanded desperately, struggling against Millie's iron grip.
"Meryl stop, he's gone…" Millie sobbed out, forcefully lifting her up and pulling her back while Wolfwood tried to pry the glass out of her hand.
"No you don't understand! It's not too late! Let me GO!"
"I'm sorry but there's nothing more I can do. He's gone." Justin told her sadly.
"No! He told me! You have to let me go. There's still metal!"
"What? What did you say?" The Doc asked her sharply.
"In his back! There's more metal. He told me, I felt it! That's why it's not working! I know where it's at! I can get it!"
"Do it!" He commanded her. The two released her. She ran over and dropped to her knees beside of him, trying to ignore how horribly pale he was. As she struggled to roll him over, numerous helping hands did the task for her. She immediately sought out the scar he had shown her that one morning. But there were so many…
Pressing down hard on one she thought was it, she could feel the mass underneath. This was the one. Silently apologizing for what she had to do, she cut deep into his back with the sharp fragment. As she did she felt it run over something hard. Violently tossing away the glass, she felt into the deep cut until her questing fingers found what she wanted.
Pulling it free, she looked at the bloody object in her bleeding palm: it was an old broken off bolt. Still staring at it, she felt someone take a hold of her and quickly pull her away from him. Distantly she heard Justin shout something then a few seconds later he gave out a cry of elation. A sound that was loudly echoed throughout the room.
She looked up to see him being moved to a stretcher. Bleeding. Breathing. Alive. Then everything went black.
-L&P-
This was beginning to get very annoying, Knives fumed. It had been hours since he's seen or heard from anybody. Even the in-room guard had been absent for a quite some time now. If they were going to keep him caged then the least they could do was tell him what was going on out there.
Oh he knew what was going on; he just didn't know how it was going. Vash had come in early that morning, waking him up. He had wanted to talk about something before he had to go, but Knives had run him off. He was simply too furious with Vash to have anything to do with him. What his brother would be doing that day…he just couldn't stand it. Giving up everything on some emotional whim. It was just too much. That fool, he thought bitterly pacing about.
Hours now. Hours! And no one had come by. Was anyone going to come by? In the midst of his 'perfect' brother's ordeal, had he been completely forgotten? Had anyone thought about him, just once? He kicked his bed hard. It didn't matter. None of them did. He was used to being alone…
Knives kicked his bed even more violently this time. He looked up as his door opened. The person who stepped in was none other than Wolfwood. Silently, the priest closed the door behind him, all the while avoiding eye contact with Knives. Wordlessly he fished around in his pockets for a moment then pulled out a match. Then a cigarette.
"I though you had quit that." Knives commented, watching as Wolfwood lit up and slowly blew out smoke.
"I think I'm entitled to this one." He said, taking another drag. "I need this one. A few shots wouldn't hurt either."
"Could you not do that in here?" Knives asked, struggling not to cough. He wouldn't give the man the satisfaction of it. "Just because you have no problems about ruining your lungs doesn't mean that I want mine full of tar as well."
"…Yeah. Fine. Its not as good as I remember anyway." Wolfwood said putting it out on his heel. Knives quietly watched him, surprised that he actually did as he asked. "I suppose you want to know what happened, huh?'
"Yes." He simply said, forgoing the sarcasm for once.
"Where do I even start…" Wolfwood sighed wearily. "Well…at first everything went fine. He was in there two hours longer than you were though."
"He didn't fight it, I assume?"
"No. Well…not until the end anyway."
"And…" Knives pressed. Anger and worry began to flair up when Wolfwood didn't answer him. "AND?" Knives demanded even louder this time.
"Just like with you, his heart stopped. Only… this time…they couldn't get it going again…"
It felt as if someone had just hit him in the stomach. Knives refused to show even the faintest flicker of emotion, but he honestly wanted to lean against something for support. Instead he settled for giving the man a flat stare. Vash was…gone?
"You don't give a damn, do you?" Wolfwood misinterpreted, seeing Knives'es cold expression.
"Should I?"
"There truly is no hope for you." He said sadly.
"Whoever said that there was? I would sooner die, and him too, than to be like you creatures."
"Then it would probably only annoy you to know that thanks to some quick thinking on short girl's part, we managed to revive him. He's over in the infirmary right now."
"Hmm."
"Is that all you can say? We nearly lost your brother! Don't you care about that even in the slightest?"
"Of course I care. And I'm glad that he's alive too. If he weren't I wouldn't get the chance to kill him myself."
"Damn you." Wolfwood spat then left without a single look back.
Once Knives was sure the man was gone, he sat down heavily on his bed. He propped his elbows on his knees and hid his face in his hands. I told you not to idiot, now look what almost happened. Why couldn't you have just listened to me for once? And if you thought that was bad…the worst is yet to come. I tried to spare you from it, but you chose them over me. I hate you…but don't you dare die on me. Don't. Don't leave me all alone here.
A/N: I beg forgiveness for being a day late in posting, I was having computer problems. Another shorter chapter but remember...not all chapters are made equal.
