All the regular disclaimers apply.



The situation was not quite as bad as Meryl had imagined. After the girls had helped Vash bandage his wounds, he explained that forming the angel arm required a special gun like the type that Knives had and had given to Vash. And I left them both in the desert, Vash ended.

Well, that's great, Meryl said in a hushed voice. We've got a brilliant psychopath hell-bent on humanity's destruction next door, but at least he's unarmed. Meryl winced. No pun intended. And you said that Knives got the guns that you two used. So what, did he find them, or did he make them, cause if he made them then what's stopping him from making them again?

Vash opened his mouth to talk, but Meryl wasn't done with him yet.

Furthermore, we probably shouldn't stay here. Or anywhere where there are a lot of people. I know that this town isn't necessarily large, but--

Can I talk yet? Vash asked.

Meryl got the hint. She crossed her arms and sat back in the desk chair, unhappy, but quiet.

We have to stay here cause Knives is too hurt to move him now. Both girls nodded their heads a bit in agreement. Vash changed his sitting position on the desk so that both of his legs could swing freely. I don't know whether of not Knives created the guns. He went into a wrecked ship, and about... I dunno, a year later I guess, he came out with the guns.

Well, if it took him a year, then it's quite possible that he created them, Meryl reasoned. Wait, you didn't see him for a year? What did you do, just bum around the entire time?

Yeah. It got pretty lonely. Vash said sadly.

Millie gave Vash a sympathetic look from where she sat on one of the beds. Meryl dropped her head into her hands. A low groan filled the room.

Meryl looked up sharply. That wasn't me, she said. Before she could utter another word, Vash had the door open and was sprinting to his room.

Don't follow me! he yelled over his shoulder.

How many times am I going to hear that? Meryl wondered, not without bitterness.

Ma'am? What do we do now? Millie asked.

Uh, I guess... we can start on supper, Meryl said, ending with the confident tone Millie was quite used to by now.

Millie thought. She's going to be okay.

********

The next week or so followed a similar trend. Vash took care of Knives while the girls worked. Meryl still had her waitressing job (though not without some awkward moments, as she was still known as one of the chicks who brought Vash the Stampede to town). Millie had thoroughly impressed her employer with her strength and work ethic, so he had hired her again for the newest job, constructing a windmill. The girls' jobs earned just enough to provide for everyone. Even so, Vash had offered to get a part-time job, but Meryl insisted that he keep an eye on Knives 24/7. It was a stressful way of life for all of them, but it was also peaceful thus far.

However, life has a way of changing, and one particular afternoon, Meryl came home to find Vash and Millie sitting in the girls' room looking more nervous than usual.

What? What's wrong? Meryl asked tensely. Is he fully healed now?

He's been fully healed for a while now Ma'am, Millie said, a bit surprised that Meryl hadn't realized it yet. We're just trying to think of things for Mr. Knives to do. He's getting bored.

He's read every book in this entire town! Vash said exasperated. He likes gardening okay, but there's only so much you can do with a flower box, and I'm not sure I can trust him outdoors. He might run away or start a fight. Maybe both, he said with a pained expression, apparently envisioning the disaster. I've suggested that he take up knitting or cooking lessons, Vash continued, but he just looks at me like I'm stupid or something.

Meryl decided to behave herself, so she just said, We could order some more books maybe. Uh... does he have any hobbies? Besides destroying the human race.

I asked him that, Vash said.

The room was silent for a moment. Suddenly, a loud thump came from next door.

Right! Knives! Supper! Vash said as he hurried out the door.

Meryl's thoughts about the Knives issues were just going in circles, so she decided to create a distraction. So Millie, how was your day?

Millie was about halfway through an amusing story about a thomas riding contest between her mom and dad (the subject of work had somehow been left behind) when Vash burst back into the room.

I remembered something! Oh, sorry to interrupt, he said to Millie.

No, it's okay. What did you remember Mr. Vash?

Knives likes plants! Vash said happily. He noticed Meryl rolling her eyes. No, what I mean is that he likes to study plants and stuff. I could get some textbooks, like the ones they use to teach plant scientists. I'll see if I can find any he hasn't read yet.

Wait a minute, Meryl said. First, where are you planning on going to get these books? Second, how do plan to pay for them? Third, what about Knives? How are you going to watch him? The nearest city that would have those kind of books is more than two days away.

Vash said, but the nearest caravan trail is only about three hours away by thomas. I could take off early in the day, leaving Knives a lunch of course, shop around with the money I've had stored up, and get back in time for dinner.

But, but that would leave Knives alone for most the day. No way! If anyone's going to go, it'll be Millie and me, Meryl said firmly.

But we can't, Millie protested. The caravan will be passing by in the middle of the week, and we have work.

Then we can hire someone to go for us with a list! Meryl said desperately.

asked Vash. He had a point. They really didn't know anyone who didn't have other obligations of their own to deal with. And they couldn't just let this opportunity pass. Anything to keep Knives occupied...

Sensing the resignation in Meryl's posture (and relieved that Meryl hadn't thought to ask how he acquired stored up cash), Vash reassured her the best he could. After all, you two have your guns, and without his, he's basically harmless.

Meryl snorted. she said after Vash left.

I really do think it'll turn out okay, Millie said.

I hope so, Millie, Meryl said as she unpacked the two dinners she'd brought home from work, But as Millie helped get our silverware, she couldn't help but think, There are just so many ways that this could go wrong, that's all.