Title: Forsaken
Author: Akima The Stampede Maxwell
Date begun: February 25, 2002
Anime: ….
Pairings: You start getting the idea a bit here
Rating: NR for some suggestive themes and Knivishness
Disclaimers: DUH!!!
***Yo! It`s me! The writer! I obviously began writing this a little while back. I apologize to anyone that expected me to follow the manga but I didn`t . The places in these stories to come will most likely be made up. I try to keep Meryl and Knives in chracter as much as possible to the point where I decide that something changes. You will see slight changes in chracter but I try to keep it in context with what happens. Like a day ago I joined fanfiction.net and so far I have gotten very positive reviews. I REALLY appreciate that. Thank you to all who read this and give me a review be it good or bad. Now…ON TO THE FIC!!!!!!!
Chapter 5: Reunions and Feelings
The trip to Dune was relatively short. They got there in the afternoon. Vash had them park and he lead them down the street. Meryl walked closely beside Vash. She hid herself from Knives. She did not want to see him for awhile.
`Why was I that inconsiderate?`
"Meryl, is that you?!"
Meryl looked up.
`Oh God…`
There stood her old partner Milly. Her face lit up considerably when she saw it was indeed Meryl. She ran over and hugged Meryl.
"I can`t believe that Vash found you guys! I saw that Wolfwood`s motorcycle was missing so I assumed that something had happened and you had to leave! I couldn`t find Knives anywhere so I put two and two together to decide that he must have gone along too!"
Meryl was crying now. She could not find words to explain what happened or how she felt about anything. She just let Milly embrace her. Milly finally let go of her. Her face was tearstained.
"Please…come stay at my hotel room with me and tell me about what happened."
"Okay."
She followed Milly. She walked past Knives. She caught a glance at his face and the hurt came back.
-----------------------------------------------------------
They talked for hours.
"So Knives kidnapped you. You never told me why he wanted to leave."
"He told me that he hated spiders…er…humans and that he wanted…well…I don`t think that even he knows why he left. Maybe he left for some of the same reasons as…"
"You wanted to leave. Why?"
Meryl looked down at her feet.
"I was feeling lonely and worthless. Ever since our adventures ended…and Wolfwood died I have been feeling like life has no meaning anymore. I felt like I was going insane. Knives shot me…"
"He shot you?!"
"I`m okay now. He took me and took off. Now…I don`t think he is travelling for a need to hurt others. I think that he`s lonely too."
"So all you guys have done is travel around and go to bars."
"Yeah…kinda what Vash does. I…."
She looked ashamed. Milly put a hand on top of hers.
"Meryl, what`s wrong?"
"…Knives told me to go ahead and leave a few days ago. I didn`t understand why but…I couldn`t go. I felt like if I went then I would somehow get lost and I would be alone. I also…I…he…"
"You didn`t want to leave him alone either. I understand completely. I just wish that Knives had kidnapped me too."
Meryl giggled. Milly did too. Meryl went silent.
"Meryl, what`s wrong? You look upset."
"I said something to Knives that really hurt his feelings."
"Are you sure? I mean…I didn`t think that he could get his feelings hurt."
"Me either but…the look on his face…I can`t get it out of my head."
"Go apologize then."
"Apologize? To Mr. I`ll-kick-your-ass?! Why would he even listen to me?"
"He let you stay, didn`t he?"
"I…I didn`t tell you about…"
"Wild guess."
"Oh! Well…I can`t apologize to him!"
Milly put her hand to Meryl`s cheek.
"Meryl…do I detect…affection?"
Meryl`s cheeks flushed.
"No way! I rode with Vash instead because I love him not Knives!"
"I didn`t say anything about love, Meryl. You said love."
Meryl averted her eyes.
"What`s going on? Do you feel something for him?"
"No! No way! Just…well…maybe a small part of me feels comfortable around him…comfortable is the wrong word…safe…that`s more like it…."
Milly smiled.
"Well I`m glad that he has someone around who cares about him! He seemed so distant…well…he still is distant but maybe around you…with your influence…"
"I don`t think that he will want me around anymore."
"Oh come on! At least try and apologize to him! Vash would sure appreciate if you were on good terms with his brother."
This got to Meryl.
"You`ve convinced me."
"Go on then! Go find him!"
"Okay. I`ll come back later."
"I`ll be waiting!"
----------------------------------------------------------- --
"Hey, Knives! Meryl`s coming over here." Vash said. Knives looked over his shoulder.
"So."
"Knives…talk to her. Whatever she did she didn`t mean it."
Vash spun his gun around and back into his holster. He winked at Knives who narrowed his eyes at him.
"What was that for, brother?"
"Don`t do what I wouldn`t do!"
"You disgust me."
Vash left as Meryl approached. She was silent. Knives kept his back towards her. His head was tilted towards the ground.
"Knives…can I talk to you?"
"No one`s stopping you."
"What I said before…you know what I`m talking about…"
"What is there to explain? You are in love with my brother. You don`t have a chance but whatever makes you happy."
Meryl blinked.
`He wanted me to be happy.`
"You just looked so upset. I wanted to…"
"Why would I be upset? I don`t get upset. That is a spider emotion."
"It`s nothing to be ashamed of. Vash gets upset sometimes."
"He doesn`t count. He is already crossing over."
"Crossing over?"
Meryl began to laugh. Knives turned around. He growled.
"What`s so funny?"
"You just can`t have any fun without thinking that you will become more like….a spider."
She said it like it was a disease. She fell on the ground convulsing. Knives raised an eyebrow.
"Get off the ground before someone starts staring."
Too late. People were staring at them. Knives picked Meryl up by the back of the collar. He pulled her back up to a standing position.
"Do not embarrass me in front of…"
"You can`t be embarassed, Knives! That`s a human emotion!"
Knives let out a long sigh.
"You will not let this go, will you?"
"Not until you realize that humans are not something you should fear."
"I don`t fear you! I don`t fear anything!"
Meryl stepped up to him. She put a hand up to his cheek. He backed up.
"What`s wrong? Does my showing concern for you make you afraid of me?"
Knives` eyes were wide and his teeth were clenched. His fingers were out and clenched at the tips. He stood a few feet back from her. His eyes twitched. She came towards him. He backed up.
"Knives, what`s wrong?"
He shook all over when she approached. He turned away. She suddenly jumped at him. She embraced him from behind.
"Please, Knives! Tell me what`s wrong! Why won`t you tell me anything?"
He was shaking so bad now that Meryl had a hard time holding on. He could not say anything. He just stood there. He did not move to hold her or anything.
"Why can`t you open up to anyone? I don`t understand. What is it? At least…at least open up to me! I will listen!"
Knives pulled Meryl away. His cheeks ticked. His eyes were still wide. His lips were drawn out. He looked completely frightened.
"Knives…"
He ran off. He ran like someone was chasing him. Meryl blinked.
`Why is he so upset? Did I do something wrong?`
----------------------------------------------
They all met later to all discuss what they would do. Knives sat away from everyone else except Dryden who chose to sit there and talk to him nonstop no matter what he said. Vash chose not to ask about this right now.
"Milly agreed that she would like to join our little group for the time being." Vash began "And she said that she wanted to visit Wolfwood`s grave. Does anyone have any objections to doing this first?"
They all shrugged. Meryl nodded.
"Great! Wolfwood will be so pleased that so many people want to visit him!"
Vash grinned. He pulled out a few bottles for celebration of Wolfwood. At least that was his excuse for wanting to drink. Knives offered to go get the tickets for the sand cruiser that they would be riding. They would put their bikes on board. It would save a lot of money and would save them some time. Vash told Meryl to go with him. Knives wanted to protest but they were all insisting that she go. He had no choice.
"Five tickets for the sand cruiser." Knives stated.
"Make that six!" came a female voice. Knives turned to see a woman with purple eyes and blond hair in a ponytail. Meryl smiled.
"You are….Marianne, aren`t you?"
"And you are Meryl Strife! It is very good to see you again! I have been searching for an adventure for awhile now why someone else takes my position! Since you are here Vash the Stampede must be close! I would be absolutely delighted to join you all!"
"I don`t see why not! Everyone else is joining us."
"Great! Go ahead and get six, Mr…."
"Knives."
"Knives? Is that all?"
"Marianne…is that all?"
"That is what I prefer."
"Knives is what I prefer."
Marianne turned to Meryl.
"Is he always this rude?"
"You get used to it. His name is Millions Knives and he is Vash`s brother."
Marianne began circling Knives. He eyed her. He grabbed the tickets. Marianne kept staring at him as they walked. Meryl kept a good few feet between her and Knives as she did not know how he would react since the incident.
"I do see the resemblance now! Wow!"
She reached out to touch him but he backed away. He ran into Meryl. He did not seem to notice as he growled at Marianne.
"Back off! You are a very strange spider!"
"Do I look like a spider to you?"
Meryl pushed Knives away then tried to stop them from fighting. She stood in the middle only to be squashed as Marianne came towards Knives trying to piss him off. Meryl struggled to escape.
"You have a real problem! You are nothing like Vash!"
"Good thing!"
"Stop it! Come on! Knives, back off!"
"Yeah! You should listen to your girlfriend!"
Knives blinked. Meryl got flustered once again.
"Why does everyone think that she is my girlfriend?"
"Well…I have been watching people all day walk down the street and the only people I have seen are you two! The way that she looks at you all the time kinda made me think that!"
Meryl flushed the brightest red that she ever had before. She ran on ahead after grabbing the tickets from Knives.
"I`ll see you guys ahead!"
Knives and Marianne stopped walking. Knives humphed.
"She does not look at me!"
"Oh come one! She likes you! She just can`t say anything! I know that she liked Vash at some point but…"
"She still does! All I hear in her mind all day is how much she loves Vash! I am sick and tired of hearing that crap!"
"You really have the hots for her, don`t you?"
"I DO NOT HAVE THE HOTS FOR HER!!!!!!!"
People walking around stopped. Knives was leaned over yelling in her face. He looked around then fell backwards (as in most cartoons when embarassed). He scratched the back of his head then stood up. Marianne had burst into fits of laughter. Knives mumbled to himself. Meryl ran up to them as they approached. Knives looked away while Marianne began laughing again. Meryl blinked then smiled.
"We are getting on the sand cruiser now! Come on!"
They followed Meryl to the sand cruiser. Their bikes were getting loaded onto the ship. They got just as the ship pulled away. Meryl waved to all of the people as they began their journey on the ship. She did not notice the shadowed figure a few yards away. A smile crossed the stranger`s face.
"She`s here. We make our move during the live entertainment in two days."
*Who the hell is this shadowy figure and what does it have to do with Meryl? Does Knives have the hots for Meryl or was Marianne just poking fun at him? On to Chapter 6 which will NOT answer this question…at least…I don`t think so…
Author: Akima The Stampede Maxwell
Date begun: February 25, 2002
Anime: ….
Pairings: You start getting the idea a bit here
Rating: NR for some suggestive themes and Knivishness
Disclaimers: DUH!!!
***Yo! It`s me! The writer! I obviously began writing this a little while back. I apologize to anyone that expected me to follow the manga but I didn`t . The places in these stories to come will most likely be made up. I try to keep Meryl and Knives in chracter as much as possible to the point where I decide that something changes. You will see slight changes in chracter but I try to keep it in context with what happens. Like a day ago I joined fanfiction.net and so far I have gotten very positive reviews. I REALLY appreciate that. Thank you to all who read this and give me a review be it good or bad. Now…ON TO THE FIC!!!!!!!
Chapter 5: Reunions and Feelings
The trip to Dune was relatively short. They got there in the afternoon. Vash had them park and he lead them down the street. Meryl walked closely beside Vash. She hid herself from Knives. She did not want to see him for awhile.
`Why was I that inconsiderate?`
"Meryl, is that you?!"
Meryl looked up.
`Oh God…`
There stood her old partner Milly. Her face lit up considerably when she saw it was indeed Meryl. She ran over and hugged Meryl.
"I can`t believe that Vash found you guys! I saw that Wolfwood`s motorcycle was missing so I assumed that something had happened and you had to leave! I couldn`t find Knives anywhere so I put two and two together to decide that he must have gone along too!"
Meryl was crying now. She could not find words to explain what happened or how she felt about anything. She just let Milly embrace her. Milly finally let go of her. Her face was tearstained.
"Please…come stay at my hotel room with me and tell me about what happened."
"Okay."
She followed Milly. She walked past Knives. She caught a glance at his face and the hurt came back.
-----------------------------------------------------------
They talked for hours.
"So Knives kidnapped you. You never told me why he wanted to leave."
"He told me that he hated spiders…er…humans and that he wanted…well…I don`t think that even he knows why he left. Maybe he left for some of the same reasons as…"
"You wanted to leave. Why?"
Meryl looked down at her feet.
"I was feeling lonely and worthless. Ever since our adventures ended…and Wolfwood died I have been feeling like life has no meaning anymore. I felt like I was going insane. Knives shot me…"
"He shot you?!"
"I`m okay now. He took me and took off. Now…I don`t think he is travelling for a need to hurt others. I think that he`s lonely too."
"So all you guys have done is travel around and go to bars."
"Yeah…kinda what Vash does. I…."
She looked ashamed. Milly put a hand on top of hers.
"Meryl, what`s wrong?"
"…Knives told me to go ahead and leave a few days ago. I didn`t understand why but…I couldn`t go. I felt like if I went then I would somehow get lost and I would be alone. I also…I…he…"
"You didn`t want to leave him alone either. I understand completely. I just wish that Knives had kidnapped me too."
Meryl giggled. Milly did too. Meryl went silent.
"Meryl, what`s wrong? You look upset."
"I said something to Knives that really hurt his feelings."
"Are you sure? I mean…I didn`t think that he could get his feelings hurt."
"Me either but…the look on his face…I can`t get it out of my head."
"Go apologize then."
"Apologize? To Mr. I`ll-kick-your-ass?! Why would he even listen to me?"
"He let you stay, didn`t he?"
"I…I didn`t tell you about…"
"Wild guess."
"Oh! Well…I can`t apologize to him!"
Milly put her hand to Meryl`s cheek.
"Meryl…do I detect…affection?"
Meryl`s cheeks flushed.
"No way! I rode with Vash instead because I love him not Knives!"
"I didn`t say anything about love, Meryl. You said love."
Meryl averted her eyes.
"What`s going on? Do you feel something for him?"
"No! No way! Just…well…maybe a small part of me feels comfortable around him…comfortable is the wrong word…safe…that`s more like it…."
Milly smiled.
"Well I`m glad that he has someone around who cares about him! He seemed so distant…well…he still is distant but maybe around you…with your influence…"
"I don`t think that he will want me around anymore."
"Oh come on! At least try and apologize to him! Vash would sure appreciate if you were on good terms with his brother."
This got to Meryl.
"You`ve convinced me."
"Go on then! Go find him!"
"Okay. I`ll come back later."
"I`ll be waiting!"
----------------------------------------------------------- --
"Hey, Knives! Meryl`s coming over here." Vash said. Knives looked over his shoulder.
"So."
"Knives…talk to her. Whatever she did she didn`t mean it."
Vash spun his gun around and back into his holster. He winked at Knives who narrowed his eyes at him.
"What was that for, brother?"
"Don`t do what I wouldn`t do!"
"You disgust me."
Vash left as Meryl approached. She was silent. Knives kept his back towards her. His head was tilted towards the ground.
"Knives…can I talk to you?"
"No one`s stopping you."
"What I said before…you know what I`m talking about…"
"What is there to explain? You are in love with my brother. You don`t have a chance but whatever makes you happy."
Meryl blinked.
`He wanted me to be happy.`
"You just looked so upset. I wanted to…"
"Why would I be upset? I don`t get upset. That is a spider emotion."
"It`s nothing to be ashamed of. Vash gets upset sometimes."
"He doesn`t count. He is already crossing over."
"Crossing over?"
Meryl began to laugh. Knives turned around. He growled.
"What`s so funny?"
"You just can`t have any fun without thinking that you will become more like….a spider."
She said it like it was a disease. She fell on the ground convulsing. Knives raised an eyebrow.
"Get off the ground before someone starts staring."
Too late. People were staring at them. Knives picked Meryl up by the back of the collar. He pulled her back up to a standing position.
"Do not embarrass me in front of…"
"You can`t be embarassed, Knives! That`s a human emotion!"
Knives let out a long sigh.
"You will not let this go, will you?"
"Not until you realize that humans are not something you should fear."
"I don`t fear you! I don`t fear anything!"
Meryl stepped up to him. She put a hand up to his cheek. He backed up.
"What`s wrong? Does my showing concern for you make you afraid of me?"
Knives` eyes were wide and his teeth were clenched. His fingers were out and clenched at the tips. He stood a few feet back from her. His eyes twitched. She came towards him. He backed up.
"Knives, what`s wrong?"
He shook all over when she approached. He turned away. She suddenly jumped at him. She embraced him from behind.
"Please, Knives! Tell me what`s wrong! Why won`t you tell me anything?"
He was shaking so bad now that Meryl had a hard time holding on. He could not say anything. He just stood there. He did not move to hold her or anything.
"Why can`t you open up to anyone? I don`t understand. What is it? At least…at least open up to me! I will listen!"
Knives pulled Meryl away. His cheeks ticked. His eyes were still wide. His lips were drawn out. He looked completely frightened.
"Knives…"
He ran off. He ran like someone was chasing him. Meryl blinked.
`Why is he so upset? Did I do something wrong?`
----------------------------------------------
They all met later to all discuss what they would do. Knives sat away from everyone else except Dryden who chose to sit there and talk to him nonstop no matter what he said. Vash chose not to ask about this right now.
"Milly agreed that she would like to join our little group for the time being." Vash began "And she said that she wanted to visit Wolfwood`s grave. Does anyone have any objections to doing this first?"
They all shrugged. Meryl nodded.
"Great! Wolfwood will be so pleased that so many people want to visit him!"
Vash grinned. He pulled out a few bottles for celebration of Wolfwood. At least that was his excuse for wanting to drink. Knives offered to go get the tickets for the sand cruiser that they would be riding. They would put their bikes on board. It would save a lot of money and would save them some time. Vash told Meryl to go with him. Knives wanted to protest but they were all insisting that she go. He had no choice.
"Five tickets for the sand cruiser." Knives stated.
"Make that six!" came a female voice. Knives turned to see a woman with purple eyes and blond hair in a ponytail. Meryl smiled.
"You are….Marianne, aren`t you?"
"And you are Meryl Strife! It is very good to see you again! I have been searching for an adventure for awhile now why someone else takes my position! Since you are here Vash the Stampede must be close! I would be absolutely delighted to join you all!"
"I don`t see why not! Everyone else is joining us."
"Great! Go ahead and get six, Mr…."
"Knives."
"Knives? Is that all?"
"Marianne…is that all?"
"That is what I prefer."
"Knives is what I prefer."
Marianne turned to Meryl.
"Is he always this rude?"
"You get used to it. His name is Millions Knives and he is Vash`s brother."
Marianne began circling Knives. He eyed her. He grabbed the tickets. Marianne kept staring at him as they walked. Meryl kept a good few feet between her and Knives as she did not know how he would react since the incident.
"I do see the resemblance now! Wow!"
She reached out to touch him but he backed away. He ran into Meryl. He did not seem to notice as he growled at Marianne.
"Back off! You are a very strange spider!"
"Do I look like a spider to you?"
Meryl pushed Knives away then tried to stop them from fighting. She stood in the middle only to be squashed as Marianne came towards Knives trying to piss him off. Meryl struggled to escape.
"You have a real problem! You are nothing like Vash!"
"Good thing!"
"Stop it! Come on! Knives, back off!"
"Yeah! You should listen to your girlfriend!"
Knives blinked. Meryl got flustered once again.
"Why does everyone think that she is my girlfriend?"
"Well…I have been watching people all day walk down the street and the only people I have seen are you two! The way that she looks at you all the time kinda made me think that!"
Meryl flushed the brightest red that she ever had before. She ran on ahead after grabbing the tickets from Knives.
"I`ll see you guys ahead!"
Knives and Marianne stopped walking. Knives humphed.
"She does not look at me!"
"Oh come one! She likes you! She just can`t say anything! I know that she liked Vash at some point but…"
"She still does! All I hear in her mind all day is how much she loves Vash! I am sick and tired of hearing that crap!"
"You really have the hots for her, don`t you?"
"I DO NOT HAVE THE HOTS FOR HER!!!!!!!"
People walking around stopped. Knives was leaned over yelling in her face. He looked around then fell backwards (as in most cartoons when embarassed). He scratched the back of his head then stood up. Marianne had burst into fits of laughter. Knives mumbled to himself. Meryl ran up to them as they approached. Knives looked away while Marianne began laughing again. Meryl blinked then smiled.
"We are getting on the sand cruiser now! Come on!"
They followed Meryl to the sand cruiser. Their bikes were getting loaded onto the ship. They got just as the ship pulled away. Meryl waved to all of the people as they began their journey on the ship. She did not notice the shadowed figure a few yards away. A smile crossed the stranger`s face.
"She`s here. We make our move during the live entertainment in two days."
*Who the hell is this shadowy figure and what does it have to do with Meryl? Does Knives have the hots for Meryl or was Marianne just poking fun at him? On to Chapter 6 which will NOT answer this question…at least…I don`t think so…