Chapter Twenty One:
Brother
The pain from a broken heart was more devastating than any gunshot wound, Knives soon realized. An actual wound gave you something to fight against, a pain to overcome, it essentially boiled down to either fight or die. But a broken heart took away all reasons for fighting. It sapped your energy, ached too deeply for words, and made you want to lie down and die. Once again he realized just how naïve he was, and for someone his age it was purely shameful. And once again he felt a surge of pride and admiration for his brother. From the very moment they had set foot on this world Vash had been struggling against a broken heart over Rem. And the fact that he had endured this torment again and again over the course of his life and yet still kept going was a marvel to Knives. Some days, the inspiration of such strength was the only thing that kept him going.
For the first time in his life he had found love, and had received it in turn. It wasn't the platonic love that he had only known in his life, it was something more, something indescribable. And yet he had to let it go, for her sake...and for his. Many times at night out in the desert, when he finally had to stop in his hunt for his brother out of exhaustion he had far too much time to think. Too much time to second guess himself. Too much time to miss her.
He could have always stayed with Elizabeth, lived with her, and aided her (and the world) with his intimate knowledge about plants. He could have had a home. But as appealing as that thought was, Knives knew that he would never truly be happy. He would have had to have lived in hiding, the both of them constantly wary of being discovered. Even if it was what he wanted so badly, it would never work. Not like that. Eventually the situation would be too much for either of them to handle. And he loved her too much to put her through a charade of happiness and contentment. She deserved better.
Even if his need for secrecy hadn't been an issue, Knives would have still been troubled. Despite how amazing Elizabeth was and how in love with her he was, the empty space in his heart would continue to eat at him until he was nothing. And that empty space was Vash. His brother. He had once mocked Vash saying that he needed him to survive but as irony, fate, karma, or whatever would have it, Knives realized that it was the other way around. He desperately missed the others as well. Wolfwood, Millie, Meryl…especially her…What he wouldn't give to have them all near again. But as much as he loved them, they were not him. He and Vash shared something that went beyond mere genetics, beyond their long history together, it was a bond…they were…brothers.
And it was more than what he wanted, it was more than his pain. Knives knew that what he had done had been the right thing to do, but that didn't mean that it didn't hurt. Yes, it had hurt him and in more ways than one, but Knives could only imagine how Vash felt that day he had left. To wake up confused at the betrayal, finding the note, finding out that the world believed him to be dead. To realize that the brother that he had fought so hard and so long to save was now lost forever. He owed it to Vash to let him know that he was alive and well. But as time went on Knives was beginning to wonder if he had left Elizabeth in vain.
It had been three weeks since he set out on the long lonely road. Vash wasn't wanted anymore but Knives knew that he wouldn't be so foolish as to stay in a large place such as December. It was more likely that he would attempt to stay hidden, as was his nature and good sense. And Knives also knew that if Vash didn't want to be found that it would be nearly impossible to do so, but he had no choice but to keep moving. His brother had spent decades hunting him out, and though he hoped that it would not come to that, Knives was willing to do the same.
At first Knives had thought about seeking out Meryl's family to see if they knew anything about their whereabouts. But he quickly shied away from that thought. From the reception that they had given Meryl, Knives didn't doubt that they would turn him away and then immediately turn to the authorities. No, he couldn't rely on anyone to help him with this. He was on his own.
The only supplies he carried were the few items he could fit in a small bag, the remains of his gun, and Vash'es gun. Just like all those years ago, most of his traveling was done by foot and he slept exclusively in the desert to conserve the precious little money that he had. It was much harder than it used to be, Knives admitted to himself. And he found himself gaining a new sense of pity for humans and their frailness, and a great sense of admiration that they endured nevertheless. But still…his human state made things hard. Weariness, hunger, and heartsickness threatened to drag him down into the sand never to rise again. But the need to see his brother was stronger than all of that.
Knowing that it was his best bet, Knives had made for the town of Cira first, thinking that they would have returned to Millie's family as it was the closest (and probably only) friendly place for them. That afternoon when he had wearily walked up the long road to the farm the family had spotted him and instantly ran to him. They had heard the news of what happened in December and were beside themselves in worry and grief. With questions and concerns flying at him from all sides from people that were still mostly strangers to him, Knives didn't know which to answer first.
His floundering for a reply and his ragged appearance immediately made them assume the worst. Knives finally took control of the situation and told them everything that had happened: that he had tried to take his brothers place, that Vash and the others were fine, and how he had been saved. After the brief moment of relief, Millie's father asked to have a word alone with Knives, which was fine with him because he needed a moment with the man as well.
After a long pained silence from the man, Millie's father finally spoke. "I'm not saying that I agree with what you have done. There were other ways to solve this problem, although they might not have been apparent at the time. And the pain alone that you must have caused your brother and my children probably would have been worse than this bounty. That being said…it was an awfully noble act you have done on your brother's account. Despite whatever is in your past that you tried to escape by cutting those scars into your hands, you have truly proved that you are a man of character, and I offer any help I can to you. Because son…you sure look like you could use it." He said noting Knives'es downtrodden appearance. Knives chuckled at this despite himself.
"Thank you. That means a lot coming from you…And I needed to talk to you anyway…to ask a favor of you."
"Yes?"
"Could you and your family forget that you ever saw me here? Pretend that I was a stranger, and make sure that everyone here knows to act like that you all fully believe that my brother is truly dead." Knives quietly pleaded, not looking the man in the eye but rather out over the horizon.
"…I understand son…Too much at stake for people to find out the truth, or to even suspect it." The larger man kindly said. Knives nodded quietly in reply. "And if my daughter happens to come by or to write, what would you like to tell them? That you are still alive and looking for them?"
"…Yes. Tell them that I'm going to go search at Lina's then perhaps…hell…I'll go to Promontory, Tonim, and even L.R. if I have to." Knives said with determination flaring up within him, warring with the heartsickness and weariness.
"And where do I tell them to find you if you can't find them?"
"Nowhere. Because I'm not going to quit searching."
The big man nodded in quiet understanding. With nothing left to say they went back and rejoined the anxious waiting family. The patriarch silenced everyone with a simple rising of one hand. He then went and told everyone that, for the safety of their adopted family, they needed to continue on acting as if they believed Vash to be gone. They understood and agreed. They all did their best to try to convince Knives to stay with them and rest, at least for one night, but he resisted. He knew the wisdom of getting good rest and even better meals but couldn't deny the need to move onward. In the end, he had to settle for getting plenty of supplies and a good deal of money, because the family refused to let him leave in his condition.
And so he left, looking back over his shoulder to the group of kind gentle people waving him farewell and wishing him luck. Even though it was the last thing in the world he felt like doing, he turned and gave them the best smile he could muster and a wave in return. Once he had turned back around though the smile faded back into that tired melancholy expression that was the only thing on his face anymore.
Looking to make it out of town to find a place in the desert to settle down before nightfall, Knives trudged along ruminating once more about love, broken hearts, and the woman that for too short of a time had been his.
-L&P-
Knives hesitated at the entrance of the familiar little town. The memories of the few days he had spent here were not pleasant ones. Sometimes, even so long after, he still had dreams about what happened in that alleyway. It wasn't the first time he had been abused by humans…people, he corrected himself…but it certainly was his most violent encounter. Looking over the town he could feel the blade running down his back now…
He shrugged his shoulders, as if physically trying to shake the thought off, and to work out the strange tingling sensation that his scars were giving him. Another reason for his hesitation was the familiarity of the townspeople with Vash (and several with him). Were they familiar enough with his brother to be able to distinguish the two of them apart? Or would his strolling on in cause rumors of a humanoid typhoon sighting to flair up?
Knives frowned. Considering the alley incident had been started with a case of mistaken identity, the odds weren't stacked too high in his favor. His best bet would be to wait until cover of darkness then make his way around the town to Lina and grandmas house. His course of action settled, Knives ventured off the road in search of some rocks to take shelter behind from against the sun and heat of the day.
Considering his rather nasty attitude when they had first meet, and the fact that they were more than likely grieving over the loss of their adopted stray, Knives wasn't too sure that they would be too receptive of him. And since Vash had surely told the two about some of their rougher history together, thing might even blame him for what had happened. Well, he thought with a smile, if he managed to survive trigger happy Sheryl and Lina's left of doom he would certainly have news for them.
Knives paused his train of thought. He was thinking in an already defeated state of mind, that Vash hadn't stopped by and that they haven't heard a hint of him. No…Vash loved those two far too much to leave them hanging like that. He would have found a way to let them know at least. Yes…they would know. The thought comforted him and helped renew his patience as he waited for cover of night.
Once darkness fell, he made his way far around town. He stayed a little further out than was actually necessary, but this was too important for him to be taking chances. Approaching the house from behind, he was more than a little surprised to see nothing but blackness though the windows of the house. Not a single light was to be seen from within.
Going around to the front door, Knives knocked loudly several times then waited. But there was only silence. Testing the door, he found it to be unlocked and it swung open with a protesting creek.
"Hello?" He called out tentatively. "Lina? Sheryl? Is anyone home?" Nothing. Frowning and fighting back worry, Knives fished around in his bag for a moment and pulled out a lighter. Upon lighting the tiny flame, he was shocked to find that the house was completely empty. The furniture, scant decorations, and all signs of occupation had been removed. Swearing loudly, he stormed back outside to sit on the porch.
They had moved on already. His brother had undoubtedly contacted them and they had left to stay with him. And from the looks of the place they had been gone for a few weeks. Swearing again, although quietly this time, Knives fought back tears of frustration and despair. What was he to do now? This had been his best hope, but they had moved on. Without him. How was he to find them now?
It was simple, he realized a moment later sitting up straighter and gripping the handle of his gun. All he had to do was go ask.
-L&P-
Mitch staggered out of the bar and into the night. Yet again, he had far passed his limits and was now paying the consequences. Oh but this would be nothing compared to what he would be paying in the morning, he hazily thought as walked on, leaning heavily on the alley wall for support. That and he had work tomorrow, then he had to go pick up that thomas like he had promised John that he would, and…
His rambling to-do list was cut short and he sobered up real fast as the cool metal of a gun barrel was pressed to the back of his head. He slowly raised his hands up into the air, trying to be as complacent as possible knowing that he was in no condition for a fight.
"I don't haave much. But you can have it alll. Juss don't shoot me. Kay?" Mitch slurred out. When his things weren't taken and the gun wasn't removed, he chanced turning slightly to see who it was, all the while praying that it was some sick joke of one of his buddies. Instead of one of his friends, he saw a vaguely familiar blue eyed man.
"Remember me?" Knives asked coldly, the memories of the past injustice giving bite to his voice. Mitch stared at him confusedly for a moment, then his eyes widened as recognition set in through his alcohol drenched mind.
"You…" He whispered. And suddenly he knew that right there he was going to die. Pride abandoned, he began to cry and beg. "P-please don't k-kill me…I'm sorry! I'm sorry f-for what I…I…I didn't mean…please don't kill me…p-please…"
"Enough." Knives sharply said, shoving aside the vengeful thought of making the terrified man plead and squirm some more. "If I were going to kill you I believe that I would have to use a knife, not a gun. Fitting…don't you think?" The man just trembled. "But my intention is not to kill you. What I want to know is where Sheryl and Lina have gone. I have a message to give them…it was a last request to me from my late brother. And since you and I are…acquainted…it was only fitting that I come and ask you." Knives said, letting the old ice slide into his voice to let the man know that he meant business.
"Y-you…you're not gonna kill me?" Mitch breathed out in disbelief. Knives pressed the gun harder against the back of the man's head.
"I might just rethink that decision if you don't tell me what I want to know." He said, giving in just slightly to the vindictive pleasure of hearing the desperate pleading tone of the terrified man.
"S-Sheryl and L-Lina?"
"That's right…"
"I…I don't know where they went."
"Not acceptable." Knives spat, pulling back the hammer to emphasize his point.
"I swear! I swear it! I don't know! Nobody does! Just one day they up't and left! Not a word to anybody. Those two have never been much for socializn', but after you and your brother showed up and left again they hadn't had much to do with anybody! In fact, the folks here only found out that they were leaving the very day that they hit the road. That's all I know! I swear to ya!" Mitch pleaded, beginning to shake once more. To his indescribable relief, the gun was removed from the back of his head. Before he had a chance to relish the realization that he was going to live, a sharp impact to the side of his head sent him into darkness.
Knives looked down disdainfully at the unconscious man at his feet. He wanted to do more than just knock him unconscious, but he refused to go down that path again. Instead his consolation was that, in addition to his hangover, the man was going to have one hell of a headache whenever he woke up.
Thoughts of revenge aside, Knives thought over what the man had said. That they had moved on without a word. It made sense for them not to tell…but that left him with nothing. After all the journeying to get here and searching about, he was back exactly where he had started. No…things were worse now than before he had arrived here. Because before he had hope, a chance, but to get so tantalizingly close only to have it ripped away from him was almost too much for him to bear.
Without a look back at the little boring town, Knives turned and walked away into the night in search of what he had lost once more.
-L&P-
Town after town…nothing. Beginning to despair of ever finding his brother after more weeks of searching, Knives turned to New Oregon. Because they had spent such a long time here, being seen far too much, Knives highly doubted that Vash would dare return here. But out of desperation and a sense of duty, Knives turned and made the long trek through the desert to New Oregon, not only to hunt for Vash but to speak with the old scientist as well.
Because they had been friends and confidants for so many years, Knives was sure that the old man was hurting over the news of Vash'es death. The Doc deserved to know the truth of what really happened and that Vash was well. And Knives also had a personal reason for going to see the old man. When they all had left the ship Knives had still been somewhat of a…bastard. Without the help of that little old man he probably would have still been a monster, a hateful being doomed to live forever. And without him Vash never would have had the chance to live the life he had always longed for, and to Knives that in itself was deserving of immense gratitude.
The massive ship was in the early stages of being decommissioned. Buildings were already starting to sprout up around it giving Knives a nostalgic déjà vu. In the months that they had been gone the change that had already occurred was dramatic. This also meant that the ship was no longer habitable and that the man was currently residing elsewhere. But Knives could not just walk up and ask where he was. The people here knew him, knew his brother, and even though it was probably verging on paranoia, Knives was taking no chances. He spent the day hidden out in the desert and waited until night fell before creeping in the town and stealthily searching him out. After three nights of hunting Knives finally found him. In the hospital.
Climbing up through the second story window, Knives hid in the shadows until the nurse went about her rounds and left. He moved into the chair next to the bed but was unwilling to disturb the sleeping patient. Quietly he watched him, reflecting back on all the conversations he had with the man. He looked no different than when Knives had last seen him, but he seemed to exude the feeling of frailness. It was odd to sense such tiredness from the once lively man. The feeling of being watched soon woke the old scientist and he gave a slight start at the sight of someone sitting beside of him.
"Vash?" The Doc asked quietly, voice straining.
"No. It's me Knives."
"Oh…" The sorrow was evident in that single syllable. So he believed that Vash was gone as well. Quickly composing himself, the Doc turned to his unexpected visitor. "It's been a while Knives. How are you doing my boy?"
"Better than you apparently. What's wrong?" Knives asked bluntly. This elicited a small chuckle from the little man.
"Just old age catching up with me. The breakdown and betrayal of your physical self by time. Oh dear…I'm afraid that I'm not giving you very much to look forward to." The Doc said with another chuckle that quickly turned into a cough. "But it seems that it is a fate your brother has been spared from. How are you faring after such a loss? It may seem nosey but I've been deeply concerned for you ever since I heard the news." He said sadly, but was slightly taken aback whenever Knives smiled kindly at him. Having only seen Knives with a scowling or neutral expression, the foreign look was somewhat jarring. It was almost if he were looking at Vash.
"Actually, it was my brother that I came to talk to you about. I wanted to know if you have seen him lately."
"Seen...him?" The Doc asked confused, probably wondering if Knives had lost it. Again. Knives chuckled at him.
"It wasn't Vash that the feds thought they had killed at December, it was me. I had intended to die for him but it seems as if Vash didn't inherit all of that miraculous luck that had protected him through all those years." Knives told him.
Upon hearing that Vash was still alive and was now free, seeing the miraculously changed man before him, and the touching confession of his sacrifice, the old man's emotions overcame him. Such an outcome he had always hoped for but had never dreamed of happening was now a reality. Unless, of course, Knives was lying to him.
But as looked at the slight smile on Knives'es face along with a weathered and wiser look, Doc knew that that simply wasn't true. He had been heartbroken over the news of December, and his grief at the news had probably set off his failing health, but this wonderful news gave him peace. Peace that he hadn't thought possible. Unnoticed, a single tear traced its way down the lines in his face.
"That's…that's good news. I-I'm glad to hear it. To hear that both of you are well. But you have lost one another? Yes?"
"Yes. I have been out of commission for a while. Vash didn't realize I was still alive and moved on. I've been trying to find him for a while now. Weeks actually." Knives said looking down, the frustration creeping back into his voice. Whenever he looked up again he was mildly surprised to see the old man smiling wilily at him.
"…I believe that I may be able to assist you." The Doc said, the shine coming back to his eyes once more.
-L&P-
The uneasy feeling of being watched pulled him away from his dream of Rem. She hadn't said anything to him, she had just excitedly looked past him to the horizon as if she were expectantly waiting for something to happen. Or someone to show. But Vash had never found out what she was looking for because of that intruding sensation. He opened his eyes to see a pair of abnormally large green ones staring right back at him.
"Nyaa." The black cat meowed happily once it saw that he was awake. It meowed again from its seat on his chest and waited expectantly. This was the third morning in a row that the cat had done this, Vash thought mildly annoyed.
"Go tell Lina you're hungry. She's the one who adopted you after all." He whispered to it, trying not to wake Meryl. The cat's response was only to yowl louder.
"I swear she should have named that thing Nicholas instead of Kuroneko." Meryl mumbled from under a pillow. "It's as loud and as pushy as him when it comes to meal times."
"It can be as loud and pushy as it wants to be…so long as it does it in Lina's room rather than ours. How it gets in here past a closed door I'll never know…" Vash said, taking the little cat and sitting up. "Alright, alright…let's get you something to eat…"
"I might as well get moving too." Meryl said, mid-stretch. "Or better than Nicholas, she should have named the thing 'alarm clock'. Same time every morning…" Vash quietly laughed at this.
The morning got moving slowly. It was a weekend, and everybody was perfectly content to stay half dressed and drowsy until their second up of coffee, or until noon, whichever came first. Millie and Wolfwood came by later than usual for breakfast. Mille was her usual self, asides from the occasional yawn, but Wolfwood was disheveled groggy mess whose vocabulary had been reduced to 'mnn' and 'uh-huh'.
"You know Nicholas, you shouldn't stay up so late working on that church of yours." Sheryl said pouring him yet another cup of coffee. "If you wear yourself out and fall ill it will only set you behind in the long run."
"Mnn."
"Things would go a lot faster if you guys let me help out you know." Lina sulked, talking though a mouthful of biscuit.
"You know perfectly well that I don't want you anywhere near construction." Sheryl shot back.
"I second that opinion." Vash threw in. "The being allowed to help I mean…" He corrected as Lina glared at him. "I'm not too bad with that sort of thing you know. Gimme a chance Wolfwood!"
"Sorry needle noggin, you're more suited for destruction than construction."
"A few little accidents and I'm branded for life." Vash whined.
"A few? Try over three hundred. I've studied your files, remember?" Meryl teased.
"Well maybe now that he's not on the run any more and has decided to take root somewhere there won't be anymore accidents. And do you always have to bring up the records? Just leaf him alone." Lina said mischievously, glancing over at Vash.
"You're not going to cut it out with the plant puns, are you?" He asked, propping his chin up on his fist. Ever since he had told her his story and what he really was it had been plant jokes left and right. She and Sheryl had been shocked at what he told them, but they believed and accepted him. Accepted it a little too well, he thought looking at Lina.
"Oh…I'm just getting started…" She said wickedly, rubbing her hands together.
"And for your information…" Vash loftily began. "Most of those incidents were not my fault. It was mostly bounty hunters and the like." He said then stopped sadly, looking out the window. Bringing up the hunters and the reward also brought with it how he had been set free from it. And that spot in his heart was still too raw to approach yet. Everybody sensed the sudden turn in his mood and fell silent as well. Vash quietly excused himself and went and sat out on the porch.
How long has it been now, he wondered, staring down at his hands. It's been months yes, but how many days, hours, minuets…Time had marched on without Knives and everyone had no choice but to move along with it. But Vash had never been one to answer to time's rules. He knew that his brother was gone, but he felt stuck in the past. To him it felt as if Knives had never left but whenever reality would make itself known it was like losing him all over again.
In the time that has past, these empty buildings had become homes. He had sent out word to Grandma and Lina and the two of them had immediately set out to live with them. They all had done well in establishing themselves in the little community. No one suspected anything and the town fully welcomed them. And Wolfwood had even made a fair amount of progress on his orphanage since then. Life was moving on, but Vash couldn't seem to move along with it.
Everyone was patient with him, and for that he was extremely grateful. They never pressured him and he knew that they never would, no matter how long this lasted. But he loved them too. They were still here with him, waiting for him. And for their sakes, despite himself, he knew he was going to have to move on. He knew that he was going to have to let his brother go.
Vash wearily stood up from his spot on the porch, preparing to go join the others. He couldn't afford to sit by himself anymore. He was playing by times rules now and didn't want to waste another minuet of what he had left. Before turning to walk inside something out along the road caught his eye. Someone in the distance was coming. Considering the out of the way location of their homes, it was rare that they got visitors.
"Hey Grandma." He called into the kitchen, leaning in the doorway.
"Yes dear?" She asked, and everyone at the table turned to look at him.
"Is there any breakfast left? It looks like we're gonna have company."
"Who is it?" Meryl asked.
"Dunno yet. I'm gonna go see." He said then stepped back outside. He was going to go walk out to greet their guest but something stopped him. It was some strange feeling about this person…something…He hesitated at the steps while the tall figure neared.
"Vash?" The person called out to him. Vash froze. That voice…The man didn't call out again but kept approaching. The tall, worn yet alive, blond-haired blue-eyed man.
"…K-Knives?" Vash asked in disbelief, voice barely a whisper.
"Yeah…Long time no see, huh Vash?" Knives asked quietly, looking down at his feet. "I uh…" Knives faltered, glancing up at the stunned people gathering on the porch. "…Nice umm place...I'm…it took me a while to find you…I'm not too late to be your best man, am I?" He asked uncertainly. Instead of a reply, he was immediately taken up into a bone cracking hug.
Vash couldn't say anything to him. He couldn't speak even if he wanted to. All he could do is hold tightly to him and cry for joy, with Knives soon doing the same to him. For an amount of time unknown to them, they just stood there embracing one another, partially afraid that this was all a dream and if they let go of one another that once again they would be lost to one another.
The joyful reality soon asserted itself when the others were broke loose of the spell of stillness and ran to join the two. No one knew how the one that they thought they had lost was standing there, but at that point no one cared. The only thing that mattered was that he was standing there.
-L&P-
It was quite some time before everyone managed to calm down, and even longer before they were settled enough to talk. Sheryl fussed over his ragged appearance and taxed health. Lina was in sort of a state of shock over his dramatic change in attitude. Both Wolfwood and Meryl were torn between beating him to death over what he had done or praising him for it. And Millie and Vash had become downright clingy with bouts of hugs every few minuets or so. Eventually everyone managed to get a hold of themselves and start asking Knives what had happened and why had he been away for so long.
Knives had recounted his story from the moment he had written his farewell note. Of how he had planned on getting the people riled up by upsetting the plants. He felt sorry for what he had to do to them but the situation had to be dramatic if the people were to believe Knives was who he was pretending to be. He also made it very clear to Wolfwood what he thought about him interfering and risking getting himself captured whenever he was stuck on the plant. Wolfwood who had not told the others about this, just sheepishly smiled at the disapproving stares
Reluctantly Knives told of unintentionally killing that one man. Nobody said a word about this, nothing could be said. The narration continued on with his being shot, tricking the fed into clearing Meryl, and of his last request. By this his audience was getting antsy to know how he had survived such a devastating explosion. But their impatience turned to confusion once Knives told them that he never would have if someone hadn't saved him.
Knives retrieved his small pack and almost reverently pulled out the melted remains of his gun. "I didn't think it was possible…I certainly didn't design them that way, but despite the alterations I had forced upon them, these things are not only alive…but aware." He said, setting the ruined gun down on the table and drawing its sibling.
"What? What do you mean aware?" Vash asked sharply, reaching for his gun. "How is that possible? Not once have I felt anything from it. Not once did it respond when I reached out to it." He said looking it over.
"I can't quite explain it myself, but I do have a few theories. But we can wait until later to theorize about it. What I do know is that right before the explosion it activated and shielded me…although at the expense of itself. They were meant to function with us…a plant, not on their own. I guess it burned itself out…"
"What happened after it saved you?" Millie asked him, looking down at the ruined gun and feeling sorry for it.
For some strange reason, Knives wasn't ready to tell them about Elizabeth yet. So he told them about being trapped under the rubble and found by an engineer, one of the Kantacle Union workers that he had helped in Ineperil. This was true of course but Knives left out the details that the worker was the chief engineer, a beautiful woman, and one that he had fallen madly in love with. Instead, he suggested that the person was returning the favor of saving their life. When concerns arose about the worker spilling the secret about his survival, Knives quickly assured them that he trusted the person and that they shouldn't worry.
Before the subject could be pressed further, he went on to tell everyone about his hunt for them, about all the towns he visited, Millie's home, Lina's, and finally the Doc. "That man is far craftier than I ever gave him credit for." Knives laughed. "And that's a good thing too or else I would have had that ship destroyed decades ago. With all the hell that they've had over the years tracking you down, he decided to implant a tracking device in this in the event that they needed you." He said holding up Vash'es left hand.
Vash realized what he had meant and started to laugh. And on the inside he was praising his old friend for his foresight. He asked how the old man was doing. Millie asked about her family. Knives asked about how they came to be here and what had happened after he had left. They talked and talked and talked. And whenever they were too tired to do so any longer they sill resisted sleep for fear that it all was just a happy dream.
-L&P-
A few days later everyone was still adjusting to the return of the prodigal brother. Sheryl fussed nearly incessantly about Knives'es health and his eating habits. While he had never been one to eat much, Vash noticed that his appetite was far smaller than it should have been. Lina behaved tentatively around him first, but as true to her nature, she began to regain her courage and test his buttons. And to her delight, she found that he not only could take it but he could dish it right back. Meryl took him aside one evening and had a long talk with him. When they came back they both were suspiciously red eyed. Later, Wolfwood did something similar. And Millie…well she was Millie.
For all intents and purposes everybody should have been ecstatic about the reunion, but Vash noticed that whenever he thought that no one was looking Knives would stare off into the distance, looking melancholy. And this was how he found him one afternoon, sitting at the table by himself staring down into an empty cup.
"Hey Knives, what's up? You're awfully quiet over there. Something wrong?" He asked, sitting down beside of him. Knives glanced up at him then back down to his cup.
"Yeah…I'm fine. Just lost in memories, that's all."
"You don't look fine to me." Wolfwood said, catching the snippet of conversation after having been run out of the kitchen for sneaking food. "In fact you look like someone just died." Vash shot him a look.
"You're exaggerating. And no, nobody died."
"You could have fooled me."
"Knock it off Wolfwood." Vash told him, and then he turned back to Knives. "You said that you were lost in memories…of what? Do you want to talk about it?"
"No. It wouldn't do any good. What's done is done and what's lost is lost." Knives said, swirling around the few remaining drops of his drink in his cup. There was a knock at the door soon followed by the sound of Lina tearing through the house shouting at the top of her lungs 'Ill Get It!'.
"Sorry man, I didn't mean it like that…I was just picking." Wolfwood stammered out, knowing that he had just stuck his foot in his mouth.
"I know. It's alright."
"Just out of curiosity…what did you lose? Or who?" Knives didn't answer, he just continued playing with his cup.
"Hey Knives!" Lina called loudly from the door, interrupting their conversation.
"Yes?" He called back to her.
"You've got somebody here to see you! She says her name is Elizabeth!"
Vash and Wolfwood watched in stunned silence as Knives'es eyes grew wide and he sprang up from the table knocking his chair back and ran to the door. They gave each other a look and rushed after him.
Was it her? Could it really be her? If so, how did she find him? All this ran through Knives'es mind as he ran for the door. And there…standing out just beyond the porch talking quietly with Lina…was Elizabeth, looking even more perfect than she had the last time he had saw her, if that was even possible.
"Elizabeth?" He asked quietly, wondering if he was actually seeing her or if it was all a dream.
"Knives?" She asked hopefully, looking up from talking with Lina. After a second of disbelieving hesitation, Knives rushed to her and held her tightly. She dropped everything that she had been carrying and embraced him as well, burying her face in his neck. After a moment, which was too soon for Knives, he could have held her forever, she drew back. Then to his shock she slapped him hard across the face.
"How dare you leave me like that! You should have just told me what was going on! I could have helped you look for him. And don't you think for a second Millions that you know what's best for me and my life because if you do then you have another thing coming. I love you and I don't give a damn about whatever…" The rest of her rant was silenced with a kiss. Elizabeth wanted to slap him again but instead pulled him closer. They had been away from one another for far too long. Scolding him some more could wait, this couldn't.
They slowly pulled away as they felt the weight of six pairs of eyes resting on them. The expressions of their audience on the porch ranged from amusement, to disgust, to utter glee. Ignoring the obvious fact that he was blushing, Knives turned to face them.
"Everyone this is Elizabeth Ianotti." He said taking her hand. This earned several 'awwws' from the more sentimental of the group.
"Hello." She greeted politely.
"The plant engineer I told you about that saved my life…this is her."
"Hey! I remember you!" Vash exclaimed loudly. "You're the one who…um…yeah…" He trailed off uncomfortably. Elizabeth also looked slightly embarrassed.
"I would like to apologize about that." She began. "I acted cruelly and out of vengeance with no idea of what had really happened in July. And I would also like to thank you for what you had done for me before."
"Huh?" Vash asked, oblivious. Elizabeth smiled at him.
"Perhaps that is a story for another time."
"What I want to know is how you knew to come here." Knives told her. "I've been looking for Vash for weeks, how did you find me?"
"I remember you telling me about the scientist in New Oregon that had helped you all so much, so I went to him looking for you. He told me that he hadn't seen you and with no other clues I had no choice but to give up and head back to December. But then about a week ago he got in contact with me saying that he's seen you and how I could find you." She fished around in her purse for a moment then pulled out a small tracking device. "He told me to follow this to find Vash and that you would be with him." Vash looked down at his arm as if it had just called him an insulting name.
"I'll be dammed…" Wolfwood laughed quietly.
"Well don't just stand there in the sun dear." Sheryl said. "I'm sure that you've had a long and tiring journey and would like a rest. And then we can get you settled in here."
"Oh no, I couldn't impose…"
"Nonsense dear. You're our honored guest. Anyone who Knives obviously holds in such high esteem is welcome." Sheryl said with a wink, smiling at the slight blush that spread across the younger woman's face. "…But oh dear…Here I am acting like this is my home…"
"It may be our home Grandma but everyone knows that you're the boss of it." Vash laughed.
"True." She nodded, earning several laughs.
Knives gathered up Elizabeth's fallen things and ushered her on inside, chattering happily to her the whole while. Knives was so obviously smitten with her it was all Vash could do to not die right then and there of adorable overload. That was why Knives had been acting so down and hardly eating lately, Vash realized, he was lovesick. He had hoped that one day his brother would fall in love, but part of him had doubted that Knives would ever allow himself to. But apparently he had fallen, and hard. Once again the cuteness of it all was nearly fatal.
Once Elizabeth had gotten settled in and all the introductions made, they all got to hear the full version of what happened when she had pulled Knives from the rubble. When the account had been finished, a teary eyed Millie had swept up the slightly stunned woman in a huge hug and had declared the story one of the most romantic things that she had ever heard. Then she enthusiastically suggested that she and the other girls go out for ice cream and to get to know each other better, which Elizabeth accepted. She was slightly taken aback at her instant acceptance and warm reception, not used to such interactions or having close friends, but found that she enjoyed it.
After the girls had left to get better acquainted Wolfwood and Vash turned to Knives, whose look dared them to say something…which of course they took this as a challenge and the intense teasing ensued. Meryl, Millie, Lina, and Elizabeth returned later to find Wolfwood on the floor holding his side, snickering at the same time he was gasping for air and Vash begging for mercy for Knives to stop the noogie from hell, but at the same time he was trying not to laugh at the deep blush that was spread across Knives'es face.
Upon seeing that they had returned, Knives released him and had a slightly sheepish expression but also one that said that he regretted nothing. After that everyone backed off and let the two go off and talk one another like they were obviously dying to do. Hand in hand they walked off into the desert talking quietly with one another until it was time to come back for dinner. No one had said anything about the two when they had gone out to talk, the way they looked at one another said it all.
-L&P-
Vash lay out in the desert, staring up at the night sky. The sand wasn't hot anymore just pleasantly warm, helping to fight away the chill of the night air. He was alone this evening but felt far from lonely. He was out here in the desert because he wanted to be, not that he had to be. The houses were still in sight in the distance and waiting for him to return after his quiet moment of reflection.
Only one of the moons were up in the sky at this time of night and the diminished light really let the stars shine. He searched out a dark patch of the sky amidst the hundreds of glittering lights. Even though it wasn't visible to the naked eye, he still knew it was there. Far out there through the vastness of space was a single star, and orbiting it was a small planet known as Earth. It was where they were all from. It was where everything had started. It was where she had called home…
"It's been a wild couple of years, hasn't it Rem?" Vash asked up into the stars. "With everything that was going on I didn't know what was going to happen or where I was headed from one minuet to the next…Although for the longest time, I didn't care where I was headed. All would be well as long as I kept moving. Kept running. Running from the bounty hunters, running from my fears, running from my past…It kept me going, but in a way…I'm glad that I wasn't fast enough. They caught up with me…and all at once it seemed!" He laughed into the night air.
"Thank you so much for guiding me, I would have been lost without you, but in the end I had to get through it on my own…like I knew one day that I would have to. And I did it Rem…I made it through. And I took care of him just like you asked me to, and I know that he'll make it though too. Especially now that she's around now for him. And I honestly think that she's here to stay. Did you know…I wonder…did you know what was going to happen? What was going to happen in the future? Or was it just what you dreamed of happening? I guess only you know the answer to that, huh Rem? I don't know if it was the kind of future you had in mind…but I can't imagine that it would be too different than what I have now. Well maybe a little cooler and a little wetter…And don't forget the red flowers!" He laughed again.
"But this…nah…I can't imagine anything being much better than this. Because whether a world has oceans of sand or oceans of water, it's still only made of two things after all…Love and peace."
A/N: Awww...now don't everybody love a happy ending! =^^= I want to thank everybody that has stuck with me through this fic. I've reached over 2000 hits! Wooo! But there's still the epilogue to go so don't forget about me yet! And on a completely unrelated note but I'm gonna write it anyway...I am currently posting this from the tsubasa con in Huntington WV! I'm cosplaying as Meryl (We are eerily alike, both in attitude and appearance). Once again, stick around for the epi...its less of an ending and more of a new beginning. Read to find out...:) Later!