Author's Notes:

A: Wow…a whole one review… (Not that we don't appreciate the person who did review, and those who've reviewed in the past!)

B: You'd think we'd get a little more recognition… They need to be more conscious from now on. Don't you agree?

A: Indeed… But you must admit that dream sequences are a good way to show history…

B: True…

A/B: *Announce in a creepy unison* By the way! The answers for the challenge question will only be accepted up until Chapter 7! SO get guessing!

Disclaimer: *little card taped to page reads 'See Previous Chapters'*

Chapter 5: To Dodge a Bullet

Iriya wandered through the bustling city. Children played in the streets while adults were busy with a number of tasks: from merchandising to cleaning. IT wasn't a high tech city like she was used to, but it certainly left a lasting impression on her. They're all so happy…and to think we thought this planet was uninhabited. They must have been here for some time to have a city this large. Then there was the giant light bulb shaped plant in the center of the city. It looked like ancient technology not of human origin. She'd been to Earth numerous times and theirs was by far different.

Continuing down the street she noted all the different kinds of shops and stores there were: flower, cloth, jewelry, weapon, and many more. As she passed a tavern, the enticing smell of freshly cooked food traveled to her nose. Her stomach growled. That's right, she groaned inwardly, I haven't eaten anything since we were brought out of stasis. Changing her direction, she entered the noisy tavern.

Ignoring the looks she received from various individuals, she walked straight up to the counter, "Excuse me," she said with a polite smile, "What kind of food do you have?"

The Barmaid - a nice looking elderly woman - took in her appearance. She'd had some strange people come in over the years but none, especially none of the women, had worn clothing like that. She must have been a brave girl. Her manner, however, was polite and warm so the barmaid decided she liked this strange young woman. "We have salmon, turkey, and beef sandwiches, flour cake, and fried pork," She told her with a smile.

"I'll have beef sandwich."

"Right away dear,"

Iriya sad on one of the tall stools and lost herself in thought. What now? I should probably find Lomnen; I bet she's worried. She hadn't intended on wandering that far. However, seeing thee city made her forget completely about going back.

Someone blundering into the tavern brought her out of the reverie and she spared a glance at the door. Oh sh… Of all the people it could be, it had to be them. Quickly she turned her head back to facing the bar and ran over her options.

The rowdy group of bandits took up about a quarter of the room. "Can I get you anything?" the fearful voice of the barmaid asked. The bandit leader - the same who had threatened to kill Iriya and Lomnen less than a day before - ordered drinks for him and his men. Their talk and laughter filled the room.

Iriya sat unmoving, not wanting any attention drawn to her. Maybe she could ease her way out without them noticing. The barmaid placed a plate with a huge sandwich in front of her, "Here you go," she said but Iriya could tell her worried mind was elsewhere. This knowledge stirred something inside her: a fiery pulse. She hated idiots like this gang leader and his bandits. Clenching her teeth, she told herself over and over to stay put. Unfortunately, irony would have its way as a rough hand rested, or rather grabbed, her shoulder.

"Well lookie what we have here! What are you up to babe? Love the outfit by the way," he laughed, she could smell the alcohol on his breath. Pathetic…he's already drunk, her mind sneered.

"Take your hands off me," Her voice was cold, controlled, and low.

"Or you'll what?" he sneered.

That was it. She felt something inside snap. Slowly, still with her back to him, she stood. With one swift swipe of her arm, he was on the ground with a bewildered expression. His companions immediately noticed and one of the brighter ones, if it was possible to be a bright bandit, recognized her, "Boss! It's that girl from before!"

All attention was on her now as the leader growled, "What are you waiting for you morons, GET HER!"

Unfortunately for them, that was easier said than done. The smile on Iriya's face chilled every one of them to the bone before they realized she was no longer standing behind the stool. One by one they fell. Some were thrown across the room; some were felled where they stood, until all but one was on the ground, groaning in pain.

He stood, pressed against the wall staring with wide eyes at what he though was a deamon. When she turned her gaze to him, he was sure of it. Not brilliant green, but red was the color of her eyes - the color of blood. Her smirk didn't help his fear one bit as she began to slowly advance on him.

She stopped just a few feet away, "And then there was one," she said. He barely had time to think before he felt a searing pain in his midsection and flew through the air. With a crash, he went though the window and to the street beyond.

The tall, slender young woman stood amid the bodies she'd personally laid on the ground. Her gaze did not change as she said, "If you ever show your faces near this town again I'll make sure you're not around to do so anymore," She turned to the barmaid who looked at her in shock, "I'm sorry about the mess," emerald eyes reflected her apology. The old woman smiled, "It's all right. I can deal with a broken window. They've caused worse before," Iriya returned the smile.

They were interrupted by the sound of slow, rhythmic clapping.

Alert once more, Iriya turned around to find a man wrapped in a black cape leisurely sitting in a chair. His sarcastic applause was enough to spark her anger once more, "Can I help you?"

He stopped and tilted his head, "Nicely done," the silver haired man stood and walked towards the door. As he passed her, he whispered, "Though it would have been better to just kill them," Iriya froze. As he walked out, she spun around to see his retreating form. What…?

* * * *

Lomnen rushed into the tavern and collided head on with the man in the black cape who was trying to exit, she knocked him back into a table in her rush and fell forward onto her knees in front of Iriya. "You...used...your...power...I...take...it..." Lomnen panted, and glared up at Iriya for leaving without telling her.

"No actually," Iriya replied with a grin, "I just beat them up,"

"...What? I could have sworn..." Lomnen stood up, and remembered the man she knocked over.

Lomnen spun around and stared at the man she knocked over, she blinked, and took a few steps towards him. "I am so very sorry sir! I really am!"

He slowly stood up. All eyes were on him as he straightened. Lomnen was a bit startled by the expressions on his face. He was…furious would be the best term. They could hear his breaths quicken and deepen and saw his eyes widen, "How…dare…you…?" He ground out.

Lomnen took an involuntary step back. The intensity of his blue eyes alone would be enough, but the rage clouding them was overwhelming.

"How dare you?" He repeated, his voice more calm this time.

In the blink of an eye a peculiar black gun was drawn from somewhere inside the cloak. It was aimed directly at her head. With the slightest movement of his hand, he could end her life without a second thought.

Her blue eyes narrowed. He's going to do it…that was all she had time to think before the gunshot echoed through the small tavern.

The silver haired man's eyes widened farther - but not of fear, anger, or glee. He looked at her with astonishment. The sound of metal hitting the ground resounded in his ears. He looked down to see the bullet lying at her feet. He failed to notice, however, the small bit of moisture around it.

The two locked gazes.

The crash of someone coming through the door ended the staring contest.

A very flushed Vash stood just inside the door, "Lomnen!! What…" He trailed off when he realized just who stood across from the woman.

"Knives…?" Vash uttered with astonishment, his bewildered face soon turned cold when he spotted the dark gun in Knives' hand. He narrowed his eyes and moved into the room, facing knives the whole of the time. "What are you doing here?" Vash asked while keeping a close watch on his opponent.

"Vash, Brother, so good to see you again." Knives smirked and almost sang the greeting to Vash. Both Iriya and Lomnen looked horribly confused and even a tad afraid a moment after they heard the term 'brother.' "I was just trying to teach this woman some manners but it seems she has managed to outwit my gun." Knives smirked and narrowed his eyes at Lomnen like a wolf awaiting the kill.

"What?" Vash stepped in front of Lomnen, and a flash of worry shot through his eyes but was quickly replaced by the same cold apprehension he felt every time he saw 'this' Knives.

"It seems we will be seeing each other more often Brother. That is, if these two ladies happen to be staying with you…" Knives shot Vash a rather cool smile, and an insane flash shot through his eyes. He turned from Vash and walked out of the bar calmly, disappearing from sight almost instantaneously after he walked out the door.

The people in the tavern seemed rather tense and stared at the three and there was a prolonged silence.

"We should probably leave…" Vash sighed, and finally stopped staring at the tavern door.

"Yeah," Iriya nodded and walked over to check on Lomnen. Lomnen looked tired, but she paid attention to Iriya and began to walk out with her and Vash. They left the tavern, and headed back towards the Cabin.

* * * *