Love and guns you crack me up. In another note, I usually don't say things
like this but. It seems that my choice of making it a K/M, scared a lot of
readers. Or was it me?, but I'm so pretty and nice and charming. (HAHAHA)
School is taking it's toll on me, especially that stupid early morning
Saturday class. There is nothing better than waking up a eight in the
morning, to attend a three hour class. At least he shows movies from the
discovery channel.
I was watching cartoon network, and was surprised to find that they are showing saint seiya. Or zodiac knights. I remember when I was a cute 8 year old, waking up at 5 in the morning in Saturdays to watch that show. There used to be a lot of anime in Mexico at that time, they even show the movies. I really recommend it, is a good eighties cartoon. Just watch out for the dragon ball type fights, they last forever and people never dies. That was the first cartoon that got me aware of the male anatomy *cough, cough* lots of chest, and broken armors. it was also the first time I said "I wish he was real" in a really annoying and stereotypical crazy anime girl. Unfortunately 12 years later I'm still screaming I wish he was real. Especially when Sesshomaru, Naraku, Knives and Legato are involve. (The list is actually longer, but I will spare you)
Well, enough of that. For disclaimer, read the other chapters.
Chapter 19.
Meryl woke up, with the worst headache of her life. Everything was spinning around her, and her body felt numb and weak. She was thirsty and hungry, she had no idea what was going on.
"Take this, you must be thirsty" said a male voice.
Meryl tried to recognize the owner, but she had never seen him before. He had short brown hair, and yellowish eyes. "Who are you?" the man look at Meryl with curiosity, he grabbed her chin and helped her drink the water. "My name is Paulo Luna, and you are our guest" Meryl knew that something was wrong, she tried to feel for Knives but she couldn't feel his presence. She tried to call him mentally, but her head started to hurt so bad she almost passed out.
"Don't use your mental powers, it will only hurt more. Osiel has blocked your mind, how he did it I don't know. He has lots of nice tricks up his sleeve, he is really good you know"
"How long have I been in here"
"Umm, we were on the road for four days. So that will be...nine days. You must be pretty weak and hungry, Osiel will feed you pretty soon. He will explain everything to you" said the man while playing with the cup , he was balancing it in the air.
"You have psychic abilities? who are you, and who is Osiel"
"I already told you my name didn't I" said the man playing dumb "probably if tell you my nickname you will recognize me. I'm Paulo the quick gun, my brother is Giovanni the black gun. Stupid nicknames people gave us don't you think. And Osiel, who knows who he really is. But I can tell you one thing, his psychic abilities are by far better than mine or Legato that friend of yours"
"You work for Damian Gray don't you, it was a lie after all" said Meryl calmly, but a little annoyed. "Were is Zazie?"
Paulo was surprised at the calmness in her voice, she didn't seem mad or angry. She actually looked annoyed. "He is okay, we are keeping him as insurance so you won't try to escape" Paulo saw the woman in the bed, stretching her body like if everything was normal.
"Hey, I'm hungry. Were is that man, I need to talk to him and I need my food"
"He'll be here any minute now, he knows that you are awake because you tried to used your mental powers"
Minutes later Osiel show up with food, but not enough for Meryl's needs. Paulo left the room leaving Meryl and Osiel alone. Osiel sat at the chair next to her bed, while Meryl ate silently in the bed. Osiel was watching the woman with curiosity, now that he was in his body she looked different.
"How did you do it?" Asked Meryl when she was done eating.
"I took over Eleandra's body, we caught her spying in December city. That's how we found out everything, and well you know the rest"
"I have to admit that you planned it very well, you tricked Knives for that long and got away with it. You really have talent....You found out about the Sandworms then, that's the real reason you brought Zazie with you. So what are you planning to do with me?"
"Many scientist want to understand you and create medicines and weapons out of you. You are worth lots of money to Damian. But there is something you should know before taking you to Damian's place. Meryl, it's time for you to know the truth.... Do you remember the name of your family doctor?"
"What, what has that got to do with anything?" asked Meryl, confused at his words
"Do you or don't you?"
"No I don't, last time I saw him I was ten years old"
"So the name Anthony Marlon doesn't ring a bell"
"He is the one who told Damian about me"
"He did, and he was also your doctor. You see thirty years ago, his whole family was killed in the July City incident. He wasn't the only one who lost family in that incident, there were two other doctors. These doctors had Knowledge of the great fall, and had suspicions that somehow the twins that were on the ship were involved with the accident. But they had no idea that they survived, and for such a long time. You see, after that man Knives found out about Tessla. He
started to change, the doctor in charge of that ship noticed that. I don't know if you are aware but, all of the ships were linked together by a computer program. They use to log everything that happen like a dairy, and it was saved in the program and copies were sent to the other ships. Just in case there was an accident.
After the great fall, the logs were saved and examined. But, it was keep as a secret. Just like the
remaining DNA samples from Tessla, who were stored in another ship with her data. Unfortunately, all of the rest was lost with that one ship that cause the great fall. After the July incident, the doctors knew that there was only two people in this world capable of doing such thing. And were afraid that there will be a repetition, of catastrophic proportions. Their theory
of this humanoid plants and their involvement with the great fall, and let's not forget their pain from losing their loved ones. Made them decided to take it in their hands to find the twins and destroy them. But not even creating and raising the bounty on the stampede was enough, and they couldn't locate his brother. So they took drastic measures, fight fire with fire and they created you"
"What, doctor Marlon created me" Meryl couldn't believe this, she wasn't expecting or even imagined how or why she came to be in the first place.
"Yes Meryl, they created you to locate and kill the twins. They used the DNA from Tessla, and somehow manage to clone you out of her. But they took lots of measures this time, they were not gonna bring another monster to the world. Meryl you had always been a plant, but they managed to somehow slow the rapid age process. Don't tell me, you never thought that it was weird how you never got sick. Or your tolerance to alcohol or sedatives. What about the fact that you
look so young. Actually you are still not mature enough, according to the doctor. He believed that your pregnancy speed up the process, but not to its normal speed. You probably haven't reached your set age, that must be why your body feels funny now. The closer you get to your due date, the closer to become a mature plant.
They actually put the embryos in many different woman, but only your mother was able to survive" Osiel paused for a moment to look at Meryl, she was surprisingly taking everything pretty well. "So twenty three years ago, their experiment was a success. The fourth humanoid plant was created, and her purpose was to find the brothers and kill them. And to assure your
obedience, they did something to your body....Osiel paused again, his next words would most likely cause a reaction from her...Remember when you had your appendices removed? They removed it, but they also inserted something in your body. It was intend to be used as a last resort, just in case you denied to do your job or got out of control. In short, you have a bomb inside of you. And I have the detonator"
Meryl was more than surprised, she was scared. There was a bomb inside of her, where her babies were. Reality hit her like a bucket of cold water, not only was she weak, but Zazie was being held. And to top it all, there was a bomb inside of her, and she believed the man. There was nothing she could do, not only was Zazie's life in danger but her unborn children too.
"What do you want from me?" Said Meryl In a I-give-up-before-battle tone, something she was used to by now.
Osiel almost laughed at her tone, but then remember what he saw while she was sleep. Or rather knocked out unconscious. He will used that for his benefit, he will convince her to do things on her own. Or at least give her a choice unlike Knives, who just took her without even asking her.
"We want to help you, Meryl you have been suffering for so long. Giving up your freedom just to save your friends, having to accept living by his side even thought you love somebody else. Taking him as your responsibility, and looking over the well being of humanity. But you don't have to worry anymore, you don't have to wait and see if he still wants to destroy humanity or not. He will pay for his actions. You won't have to pretend to like him anymore Meryl, you won't have to hide your emotions.
I know that you have nightmares, that you aren't even sure of your choice or the results. I can understand that you and your sisters decided to give him an opportunity but, I was wondering. Why you didn't tell them the truth, why did you hide from them that he wasn't gonna save them when he caused the great fall. I could assure you that if they found out that piece of information, they wouldn't hesitate in their choice, you know that don't you. Because it was wrong, he was going to destroy not only the humans but also the plants, his family. Oh wait, to him only his
brother is family. The rest can just rot in hell for all he cares. He is a piece of work, I couldn't stand living in that place any longer. I admire your patience with the thi...man, you are not human so it was probably not as hard. After all you did share his bed willingly, but then again you had no choice did you" the man stated his last comment, trying to make a point.
Meryl watch the man in front of her warily, he knew things that she had only kept to herself. Things that she had hidden deep writhing in her mind, to make things easier for her. To make her life bearable and not to think the worst of herself. Yes, she made a choice. Yes, she shared his bed willingly and enjoyed it. But it was enough punishment for her to know that, she didn't need people throwing it at her face.
Osiel was glad of the results, he could already see the doubt in her face. The same doubt he would use to control her, to make her his. She would help them to kill him, or at least she won't interfere. They would deal with the Stampede later, after all he had a really nice bounty on him, and if that failed accidents always happen. He used his next words carefully, he wasn't about to blow his only opportunity.
"Are you gonna gamble the lives of all human beings, only in hopes of him changing his mind. Are you gonna let him use your children to kill humans, are you really gonna risk your live just to see if he can change. Why are you giving him so much consideration, when he didn't even think twice before killing all those innocent people. Are you willing to let another July accident happen, why give him another chance when you know very well he is acting....Do you love him
perhaps?
"NO, I DON'T LOVE HIM" Meryl screamed at the man almost immediately.
Osiel smirked at her response, he had her. She was his, she will cooperate.
"Of course you don't. Forgive me for even mentioning such monstrous thought. But as you can see, I am worried about you. The short time I spent living with you, it gave me a new light, a new perspective of things. Meryl, this started only as a job to retrieve you from him and take you safely to Damian. But somehow, I took this on at a more personal level. Forgive me for involving myself in matters that don't concern me, but I just don't think it's fair. You are such a strong willed woman, with so much passion for life and he doesn't even care about that. I don't care what you are, I don't care about your powers. It's your personality and sheer strength that I admire, and I really want to help you"
"What do you want from me?" said Meryl harshly, tears leaving her eyes. Osiel sat next to her and hugged her, Meryl didn't even try to get away from him. "Let us help you, so that you don't have to carry this burden anymore" Osiel used his thumb to wipe away her tears "let me help you ease your mind, let me help you to forget about him. Forget about the past, and think
about a future without uncertainty and fear of your nightmares to come true. We will get rid of him, and we understand that the Stampede is innocent. And even if our job was to get rid of them both, we could save him. But the man Knives has to die, he has already spilled to much blood. " 'It is best if I leave her alone for a while' Osiel thought "You don't have to answer right now, I will leave you so that you can think about it. I will be back later with more food"
Meryl saw as the man left the room, and for the first time in a really long time she felt lonely. She
couldn't feel her sisters, and Milly wasn't here. She would have to make this decision on her own, and she pretty much knew the answer or at least the most logical one. Besides, the man was
right. If her sisters knew that Knives didn't care about them when he caused the great fall, they
wouldn't even think twice about him. She never told them that Knives ignored them, because he thought he was better than them. But that was because, well she still didn't know why she hid this from them.
Meryl hugged herself trying to feel any type of comfort. There was really nothing she could do, and even if she had a chance. Why would she try to escape, why would she help him. After all if Knives was out of the picture, her life will be much better. And she didn't even have to worry about him, she would be able to have a future with her children without worries or fear of Knives using them. She cried harder, unable to control her body from shaking. Her mind was telling her to forget about Knives, that he was nothing but a monster. That she should save Vash, and forget about Knives. But how could she do that, her heart was telling her to help him. That Knives deserved a chance, that she couldn't judge him because he suffered a lot to. But things would be easier with him gone, she would be free of him. No longer a possession, but a free individual that could live the way she wanted and love who she wanted.
Tired of thinking Meryl went to sleep, she had made up her mind.
Somewhere in the dessert.
After Eleandra told them what hade happened Knives, Vash and Legato set out to look for Meryl. Knives could barely feel her presence, just like that time when she left him at Neon city. They traveled south, but still there was no response from her. He knew that they were close, but still her energy was so weak that he wasn't too sure of how close. He was in a really bad mood, after learning of that man called Osiel and what he had done. He almost lost control and killed
Eleandra, but Vash stopped him. It was a direct hit to his pride, not only the man managed to enter his territory undetected. Live under his roof with his money, plotting how to strike for almost a month. But actually succeeded and took his woman, practically under his nose. He would kill the bastard, he would kill the stupid spider that had the audacity to mess with him.
Vash knew that they were, most likely going into a trap. The enemy knew too much information about them, and also the man called Osiel had many abilities that even his brother lacked. But Meryl's life was in danger, and he would save her. At least he had his brother and Legato fighting with him, they had a pretty good opportunity. But then again this time he wasn't fighting with Wolfwood, he knew that Knives and Legato were ready to kill anything between them and
Meryl. And he won't be able to stop it. 'Is it really worth it' What the hell am I saying?, It's Meryl who is in danger' thought Vash.
They have been traveling for 6 days, and most likely they were lost or traveling in circles. Knives wouldn't admit it of course, he was to stubborn to admit that he didn't had a clue of Meryl's wereabouts. You could literally cut the tension between them with a knife. Vash was mad at his brother, not only because he didn't noticed that Eleandra wasn't Eleandra. But because his brother had the audacity to say that those bastards, took HIS Meryl away from him. 'His Meryl, it was MY Meryl before he took her away from me' Also Vash couldn't understand the deal with Legato, he seemed to be really mad at himself. Well he didn't notice that there was a different person inside of Eleandra's body, even when he had his fun at ransacking her mind. But he should understand that there were people stronger than him, but somehow he took it really personal. And also, the one with the biggest and worst temper was his brother. Who didn't even try to calm down or stop calling them names. It was not the best rescue team, but at least they were powerful. Specially Legato and his Mental powers, a really great addition.
Back to the hideout of the... wait a minute, if Knives is the bad guy. What would Osiel be?
Whatever, back at Osiel's hideout. After two days, Osiel is back at Meryl's room.
"What have you decided"
"What are my options"
"Either you help us, or you don't interfere"
"You promise me that Vash and Zazie will be safe"
"Yes, if you want to I can bring him to your room"
"I won't interfere, but what does that imply?"
"All you have to do is leave this place when he arrives, there will be a man taking you to December city with the kid. Also don't communicate with him, just ignore him I will get into details later. Is for the best, why don't you eat some more. After you are done, you and the kid can take a shower. I'm sorry we don't have extra clothes, but I can lend you some. I will go and get him, enjoy your meal"
"Meryl started to eat, this time he brought her enough food to help her gain her strength. After she was done, she could already feel Knives energy. Just like that time when he picked her up. She was doing the right thing, but why did it hurt her. Why did she feel so restless. Just at that moment Zazie entered her room, and her worries went away. Without thinking twice, she jumped from her bed and hugged the kid and showered him with kisses. It wasn't until Osiel
entered the room, that Zazie complain of her affections.
"Damn it Meryl, why you have to do that"
"Don't talk to me like that you little brat, I was worried about you" said Meryl after beating him on the head.
"Follow me, I will take you to the shower room" said Osiel. Meryl and Zazie followed the man, and arrived to a big room with lots of showers. "It looks like a highschool shower room" said Meryl to the man. "There are lots of people living here, all of us are men so we don't have personal showers. I will stay on guard just in case somebody wants to come in, the clothes
are next to the lockers. I brought you different types, I didn't know what would fit you better"
When Osiel was gone, Zazie and Meryl were able to talk about what had happened. They took their time in the showers, they have been sleeping for a long time and were really dirty from the desert and stinking from sweat. After they were done, they went to the locker room.
"I wonder what kind of place this is, it really looks like a school" said Meryl to Zazie
"I have no idea, but I saw different people, and they were armed. Heavily armed, it seems that Knives is gonna have some extra difficulties. But I think it's best if you don't interfere, better chance of getting out of here safely"
"You think so?, well at least I'm not helping them either. He gave me a choice, he could have forced me to help him. And he even lent us some clothes, come on put your hands up"
"I don't like that man, he is trying to show off" said Zazie while Meryl dressed him with a black T-shirt.
"I don't like him that much myself, especially his eyes. I think they are real though, and he has
abilities not even Knives has. He is to be taken seriously, and that man Paulo also has psychicabilities. I wonder where he is, and also his brother. Have you seen them?"
"No, I just woke up today. Whatever they used on us it was strong, I only saw some men on my way to your room. Do you think that Knives will be able to defeat them?"
"I don't know Zazie, it seems that these people really want to get rid of him. Besides no matter who wins, at the end I'm still gonna be living under somebody else's orders. As long as they have that detonator, there is nothing I can do. But looking in the positive way, if Knives dies. We don't have to worry about him and his plans, it will be the right thing to do"
"Do you really mean it Meryl? *sighed* Listen I don't care what happens, as long as I get to stay with you"
"Oh now you are acting nice, you little brat. Come on let's go, mister red eyes is waiting for us"
Two days away from the place Meryl is being kept. In a little town, Knives and his group stop to get gas and food.
"I can feel her energy, she is two days away from here. We are going the right way" said Knives to Legato.
"Can you communicate with her master?"
"No we are still to far away, probably later tonight or tomorrow. Hey brother hurry up, I can feel her presence now"
"Really, how is she. Can you talk to her?" said Vash excited. Running with the food in his hands, and a doughnut in his mouth.
"Do you have to eat those disgusting things....no I still can't, get in the damn car"
Vash did as told, and got inside the car. Later that day, Knives started to call too Meryl. She should hear him now, her energy was so close.
Meryl did hear him, but she wasn't supposed to answer. She wanted to answer, she wanted to tell him that she was alright. But why? 'Don't answer Meryl, ignore him' but every time he said her name, it felt as if her heart was being pulled. Knives was about to stop, when he heard her voice.
'Knives'
'Meryl where are you?, are you O.K. did they hurt you'
'I'm fine, were are you'
'I am a day away from you, I will come and get you. Legato and Vash are here with me, can you tell me what is going on'
'Knives I can't, they have Zazie here. And...'
'And what Meryl'
'Nothing, I am waiting for you. Somebody is coming, I will see you later'
'Meryl wait *silence* Meryl, Meryl?'
Osiel entered the room, just a couple of minutes later. "Kid, wait outside" Zazie wasn't happy about it, but left.
"You weren't supposed to answer him"
"I didn't say anything, besides he is quite annoying. You are not the one who hears him in your head, I had to say something or he will think that it's to suspicious don't you think"
"Um, you are right. But still, I can't trust you completely. Can he read your mind?"
"Well I blocked it from him a long time ago, but then he just didn't try. So I stopped doing it. I am not sure, I really doubt it"
"You weren't supposed to hear him, I was still blocking you. I won't risk it, I will stay here
tonight"
"Do what you want. You know, he is only a day away from here. I am still not sure as to what you are planning to do, but I know that you are aware of his powers. And he is not alone, it can go either way"
"It sounds to me like you want him to win, but don't worry he won't get out of here alive. I can assure you that"
for some reason, his words agitate her.
"Just because I said that I won't interfere, it means that I can't give you my opinion. I am not taking places, things will happen the way they should. Either way I lose, and either way I win. I'm not stupid Osiel. I understand that Knives wants to get rid of humanity, and I also understand what Damian wants to do with me. But if Knives survives, there is still a chance for me to change his mind. And if you win, I will be leaving with Damian Gray. One of the most
powerful man in the planet. I'm still gonna be a prisoner, that doesn't change a thing.
I know what you try to do to me, try to change my mind didn't you. But, you forgot something important. I'm a really good actress, specially when it comes to emotions that I don't feel. I know you were reading my mind, and just like Knives you are acting to get my help. But I will still not interfere, I will leave my luck to whatever outcome from that encounter of yours. Hopefully you two destroy each other, that will be better for me anyway. Leave, Knives can't read my mind. and I will only tell him what I think he should know, let the kid in"
Osiel left the room, wondering one thing. Was she still acting, or is this her real self.
I was watching cartoon network, and was surprised to find that they are showing saint seiya. Or zodiac knights. I remember when I was a cute 8 year old, waking up at 5 in the morning in Saturdays to watch that show. There used to be a lot of anime in Mexico at that time, they even show the movies. I really recommend it, is a good eighties cartoon. Just watch out for the dragon ball type fights, they last forever and people never dies. That was the first cartoon that got me aware of the male anatomy *cough, cough* lots of chest, and broken armors. it was also the first time I said "I wish he was real" in a really annoying and stereotypical crazy anime girl. Unfortunately 12 years later I'm still screaming I wish he was real. Especially when Sesshomaru, Naraku, Knives and Legato are involve. (The list is actually longer, but I will spare you)
Well, enough of that. For disclaimer, read the other chapters.
Chapter 19.
Meryl woke up, with the worst headache of her life. Everything was spinning around her, and her body felt numb and weak. She was thirsty and hungry, she had no idea what was going on.
"Take this, you must be thirsty" said a male voice.
Meryl tried to recognize the owner, but she had never seen him before. He had short brown hair, and yellowish eyes. "Who are you?" the man look at Meryl with curiosity, he grabbed her chin and helped her drink the water. "My name is Paulo Luna, and you are our guest" Meryl knew that something was wrong, she tried to feel for Knives but she couldn't feel his presence. She tried to call him mentally, but her head started to hurt so bad she almost passed out.
"Don't use your mental powers, it will only hurt more. Osiel has blocked your mind, how he did it I don't know. He has lots of nice tricks up his sleeve, he is really good you know"
"How long have I been in here"
"Umm, we were on the road for four days. So that will be...nine days. You must be pretty weak and hungry, Osiel will feed you pretty soon. He will explain everything to you" said the man while playing with the cup , he was balancing it in the air.
"You have psychic abilities? who are you, and who is Osiel"
"I already told you my name didn't I" said the man playing dumb "probably if tell you my nickname you will recognize me. I'm Paulo the quick gun, my brother is Giovanni the black gun. Stupid nicknames people gave us don't you think. And Osiel, who knows who he really is. But I can tell you one thing, his psychic abilities are by far better than mine or Legato that friend of yours"
"You work for Damian Gray don't you, it was a lie after all" said Meryl calmly, but a little annoyed. "Were is Zazie?"
Paulo was surprised at the calmness in her voice, she didn't seem mad or angry. She actually looked annoyed. "He is okay, we are keeping him as insurance so you won't try to escape" Paulo saw the woman in the bed, stretching her body like if everything was normal.
"Hey, I'm hungry. Were is that man, I need to talk to him and I need my food"
"He'll be here any minute now, he knows that you are awake because you tried to used your mental powers"
Minutes later Osiel show up with food, but not enough for Meryl's needs. Paulo left the room leaving Meryl and Osiel alone. Osiel sat at the chair next to her bed, while Meryl ate silently in the bed. Osiel was watching the woman with curiosity, now that he was in his body she looked different.
"How did you do it?" Asked Meryl when she was done eating.
"I took over Eleandra's body, we caught her spying in December city. That's how we found out everything, and well you know the rest"
"I have to admit that you planned it very well, you tricked Knives for that long and got away with it. You really have talent....You found out about the Sandworms then, that's the real reason you brought Zazie with you. So what are you planning to do with me?"
"Many scientist want to understand you and create medicines and weapons out of you. You are worth lots of money to Damian. But there is something you should know before taking you to Damian's place. Meryl, it's time for you to know the truth.... Do you remember the name of your family doctor?"
"What, what has that got to do with anything?" asked Meryl, confused at his words
"Do you or don't you?"
"No I don't, last time I saw him I was ten years old"
"So the name Anthony Marlon doesn't ring a bell"
"He is the one who told Damian about me"
"He did, and he was also your doctor. You see thirty years ago, his whole family was killed in the July City incident. He wasn't the only one who lost family in that incident, there were two other doctors. These doctors had Knowledge of the great fall, and had suspicions that somehow the twins that were on the ship were involved with the accident. But they had no idea that they survived, and for such a long time. You see, after that man Knives found out about Tessla. He
started to change, the doctor in charge of that ship noticed that. I don't know if you are aware but, all of the ships were linked together by a computer program. They use to log everything that happen like a dairy, and it was saved in the program and copies were sent to the other ships. Just in case there was an accident.
After the great fall, the logs were saved and examined. But, it was keep as a secret. Just like the
remaining DNA samples from Tessla, who were stored in another ship with her data. Unfortunately, all of the rest was lost with that one ship that cause the great fall. After the July incident, the doctors knew that there was only two people in this world capable of doing such thing. And were afraid that there will be a repetition, of catastrophic proportions. Their theory
of this humanoid plants and their involvement with the great fall, and let's not forget their pain from losing their loved ones. Made them decided to take it in their hands to find the twins and destroy them. But not even creating and raising the bounty on the stampede was enough, and they couldn't locate his brother. So they took drastic measures, fight fire with fire and they created you"
"What, doctor Marlon created me" Meryl couldn't believe this, she wasn't expecting or even imagined how or why she came to be in the first place.
"Yes Meryl, they created you to locate and kill the twins. They used the DNA from Tessla, and somehow manage to clone you out of her. But they took lots of measures this time, they were not gonna bring another monster to the world. Meryl you had always been a plant, but they managed to somehow slow the rapid age process. Don't tell me, you never thought that it was weird how you never got sick. Or your tolerance to alcohol or sedatives. What about the fact that you
look so young. Actually you are still not mature enough, according to the doctor. He believed that your pregnancy speed up the process, but not to its normal speed. You probably haven't reached your set age, that must be why your body feels funny now. The closer you get to your due date, the closer to become a mature plant.
They actually put the embryos in many different woman, but only your mother was able to survive" Osiel paused for a moment to look at Meryl, she was surprisingly taking everything pretty well. "So twenty three years ago, their experiment was a success. The fourth humanoid plant was created, and her purpose was to find the brothers and kill them. And to assure your
obedience, they did something to your body....Osiel paused again, his next words would most likely cause a reaction from her...Remember when you had your appendices removed? They removed it, but they also inserted something in your body. It was intend to be used as a last resort, just in case you denied to do your job or got out of control. In short, you have a bomb inside of you. And I have the detonator"
Meryl was more than surprised, she was scared. There was a bomb inside of her, where her babies were. Reality hit her like a bucket of cold water, not only was she weak, but Zazie was being held. And to top it all, there was a bomb inside of her, and she believed the man. There was nothing she could do, not only was Zazie's life in danger but her unborn children too.
"What do you want from me?" Said Meryl In a I-give-up-before-battle tone, something she was used to by now.
Osiel almost laughed at her tone, but then remember what he saw while she was sleep. Or rather knocked out unconscious. He will used that for his benefit, he will convince her to do things on her own. Or at least give her a choice unlike Knives, who just took her without even asking her.
"We want to help you, Meryl you have been suffering for so long. Giving up your freedom just to save your friends, having to accept living by his side even thought you love somebody else. Taking him as your responsibility, and looking over the well being of humanity. But you don't have to worry anymore, you don't have to wait and see if he still wants to destroy humanity or not. He will pay for his actions. You won't have to pretend to like him anymore Meryl, you won't have to hide your emotions.
I know that you have nightmares, that you aren't even sure of your choice or the results. I can understand that you and your sisters decided to give him an opportunity but, I was wondering. Why you didn't tell them the truth, why did you hide from them that he wasn't gonna save them when he caused the great fall. I could assure you that if they found out that piece of information, they wouldn't hesitate in their choice, you know that don't you. Because it was wrong, he was going to destroy not only the humans but also the plants, his family. Oh wait, to him only his
brother is family. The rest can just rot in hell for all he cares. He is a piece of work, I couldn't stand living in that place any longer. I admire your patience with the thi...man, you are not human so it was probably not as hard. After all you did share his bed willingly, but then again you had no choice did you" the man stated his last comment, trying to make a point.
Meryl watch the man in front of her warily, he knew things that she had only kept to herself. Things that she had hidden deep writhing in her mind, to make things easier for her. To make her life bearable and not to think the worst of herself. Yes, she made a choice. Yes, she shared his bed willingly and enjoyed it. But it was enough punishment for her to know that, she didn't need people throwing it at her face.
Osiel was glad of the results, he could already see the doubt in her face. The same doubt he would use to control her, to make her his. She would help them to kill him, or at least she won't interfere. They would deal with the Stampede later, after all he had a really nice bounty on him, and if that failed accidents always happen. He used his next words carefully, he wasn't about to blow his only opportunity.
"Are you gonna gamble the lives of all human beings, only in hopes of him changing his mind. Are you gonna let him use your children to kill humans, are you really gonna risk your live just to see if he can change. Why are you giving him so much consideration, when he didn't even think twice before killing all those innocent people. Are you willing to let another July accident happen, why give him another chance when you know very well he is acting....Do you love him
perhaps?
"NO, I DON'T LOVE HIM" Meryl screamed at the man almost immediately.
Osiel smirked at her response, he had her. She was his, she will cooperate.
"Of course you don't. Forgive me for even mentioning such monstrous thought. But as you can see, I am worried about you. The short time I spent living with you, it gave me a new light, a new perspective of things. Meryl, this started only as a job to retrieve you from him and take you safely to Damian. But somehow, I took this on at a more personal level. Forgive me for involving myself in matters that don't concern me, but I just don't think it's fair. You are such a strong willed woman, with so much passion for life and he doesn't even care about that. I don't care what you are, I don't care about your powers. It's your personality and sheer strength that I admire, and I really want to help you"
"What do you want from me?" said Meryl harshly, tears leaving her eyes. Osiel sat next to her and hugged her, Meryl didn't even try to get away from him. "Let us help you, so that you don't have to carry this burden anymore" Osiel used his thumb to wipe away her tears "let me help you ease your mind, let me help you to forget about him. Forget about the past, and think
about a future without uncertainty and fear of your nightmares to come true. We will get rid of him, and we understand that the Stampede is innocent. And even if our job was to get rid of them both, we could save him. But the man Knives has to die, he has already spilled to much blood. " 'It is best if I leave her alone for a while' Osiel thought "You don't have to answer right now, I will leave you so that you can think about it. I will be back later with more food"
Meryl saw as the man left the room, and for the first time in a really long time she felt lonely. She
couldn't feel her sisters, and Milly wasn't here. She would have to make this decision on her own, and she pretty much knew the answer or at least the most logical one. Besides, the man was
right. If her sisters knew that Knives didn't care about them when he caused the great fall, they
wouldn't even think twice about him. She never told them that Knives ignored them, because he thought he was better than them. But that was because, well she still didn't know why she hid this from them.
Meryl hugged herself trying to feel any type of comfort. There was really nothing she could do, and even if she had a chance. Why would she try to escape, why would she help him. After all if Knives was out of the picture, her life will be much better. And she didn't even have to worry about him, she would be able to have a future with her children without worries or fear of Knives using them. She cried harder, unable to control her body from shaking. Her mind was telling her to forget about Knives, that he was nothing but a monster. That she should save Vash, and forget about Knives. But how could she do that, her heart was telling her to help him. That Knives deserved a chance, that she couldn't judge him because he suffered a lot to. But things would be easier with him gone, she would be free of him. No longer a possession, but a free individual that could live the way she wanted and love who she wanted.
Tired of thinking Meryl went to sleep, she had made up her mind.
Somewhere in the dessert.
After Eleandra told them what hade happened Knives, Vash and Legato set out to look for Meryl. Knives could barely feel her presence, just like that time when she left him at Neon city. They traveled south, but still there was no response from her. He knew that they were close, but still her energy was so weak that he wasn't too sure of how close. He was in a really bad mood, after learning of that man called Osiel and what he had done. He almost lost control and killed
Eleandra, but Vash stopped him. It was a direct hit to his pride, not only the man managed to enter his territory undetected. Live under his roof with his money, plotting how to strike for almost a month. But actually succeeded and took his woman, practically under his nose. He would kill the bastard, he would kill the stupid spider that had the audacity to mess with him.
Vash knew that they were, most likely going into a trap. The enemy knew too much information about them, and also the man called Osiel had many abilities that even his brother lacked. But Meryl's life was in danger, and he would save her. At least he had his brother and Legato fighting with him, they had a pretty good opportunity. But then again this time he wasn't fighting with Wolfwood, he knew that Knives and Legato were ready to kill anything between them and
Meryl. And he won't be able to stop it. 'Is it really worth it' What the hell am I saying?, It's Meryl who is in danger' thought Vash.
They have been traveling for 6 days, and most likely they were lost or traveling in circles. Knives wouldn't admit it of course, he was to stubborn to admit that he didn't had a clue of Meryl's wereabouts. You could literally cut the tension between them with a knife. Vash was mad at his brother, not only because he didn't noticed that Eleandra wasn't Eleandra. But because his brother had the audacity to say that those bastards, took HIS Meryl away from him. 'His Meryl, it was MY Meryl before he took her away from me' Also Vash couldn't understand the deal with Legato, he seemed to be really mad at himself. Well he didn't notice that there was a different person inside of Eleandra's body, even when he had his fun at ransacking her mind. But he should understand that there were people stronger than him, but somehow he took it really personal. And also, the one with the biggest and worst temper was his brother. Who didn't even try to calm down or stop calling them names. It was not the best rescue team, but at least they were powerful. Specially Legato and his Mental powers, a really great addition.
Back to the hideout of the... wait a minute, if Knives is the bad guy. What would Osiel be?
Whatever, back at Osiel's hideout. After two days, Osiel is back at Meryl's room.
"What have you decided"
"What are my options"
"Either you help us, or you don't interfere"
"You promise me that Vash and Zazie will be safe"
"Yes, if you want to I can bring him to your room"
"I won't interfere, but what does that imply?"
"All you have to do is leave this place when he arrives, there will be a man taking you to December city with the kid. Also don't communicate with him, just ignore him I will get into details later. Is for the best, why don't you eat some more. After you are done, you and the kid can take a shower. I'm sorry we don't have extra clothes, but I can lend you some. I will go and get him, enjoy your meal"
"Meryl started to eat, this time he brought her enough food to help her gain her strength. After she was done, she could already feel Knives energy. Just like that time when he picked her up. She was doing the right thing, but why did it hurt her. Why did she feel so restless. Just at that moment Zazie entered her room, and her worries went away. Without thinking twice, she jumped from her bed and hugged the kid and showered him with kisses. It wasn't until Osiel
entered the room, that Zazie complain of her affections.
"Damn it Meryl, why you have to do that"
"Don't talk to me like that you little brat, I was worried about you" said Meryl after beating him on the head.
"Follow me, I will take you to the shower room" said Osiel. Meryl and Zazie followed the man, and arrived to a big room with lots of showers. "It looks like a highschool shower room" said Meryl to the man. "There are lots of people living here, all of us are men so we don't have personal showers. I will stay on guard just in case somebody wants to come in, the clothes
are next to the lockers. I brought you different types, I didn't know what would fit you better"
When Osiel was gone, Zazie and Meryl were able to talk about what had happened. They took their time in the showers, they have been sleeping for a long time and were really dirty from the desert and stinking from sweat. After they were done, they went to the locker room.
"I wonder what kind of place this is, it really looks like a school" said Meryl to Zazie
"I have no idea, but I saw different people, and they were armed. Heavily armed, it seems that Knives is gonna have some extra difficulties. But I think it's best if you don't interfere, better chance of getting out of here safely"
"You think so?, well at least I'm not helping them either. He gave me a choice, he could have forced me to help him. And he even lent us some clothes, come on put your hands up"
"I don't like that man, he is trying to show off" said Zazie while Meryl dressed him with a black T-shirt.
"I don't like him that much myself, especially his eyes. I think they are real though, and he has
abilities not even Knives has. He is to be taken seriously, and that man Paulo also has psychicabilities. I wonder where he is, and also his brother. Have you seen them?"
"No, I just woke up today. Whatever they used on us it was strong, I only saw some men on my way to your room. Do you think that Knives will be able to defeat them?"
"I don't know Zazie, it seems that these people really want to get rid of him. Besides no matter who wins, at the end I'm still gonna be living under somebody else's orders. As long as they have that detonator, there is nothing I can do. But looking in the positive way, if Knives dies. We don't have to worry about him and his plans, it will be the right thing to do"
"Do you really mean it Meryl? *sighed* Listen I don't care what happens, as long as I get to stay with you"
"Oh now you are acting nice, you little brat. Come on let's go, mister red eyes is waiting for us"
Two days away from the place Meryl is being kept. In a little town, Knives and his group stop to get gas and food.
"I can feel her energy, she is two days away from here. We are going the right way" said Knives to Legato.
"Can you communicate with her master?"
"No we are still to far away, probably later tonight or tomorrow. Hey brother hurry up, I can feel her presence now"
"Really, how is she. Can you talk to her?" said Vash excited. Running with the food in his hands, and a doughnut in his mouth.
"Do you have to eat those disgusting things....no I still can't, get in the damn car"
Vash did as told, and got inside the car. Later that day, Knives started to call too Meryl. She should hear him now, her energy was so close.
Meryl did hear him, but she wasn't supposed to answer. She wanted to answer, she wanted to tell him that she was alright. But why? 'Don't answer Meryl, ignore him' but every time he said her name, it felt as if her heart was being pulled. Knives was about to stop, when he heard her voice.
'Knives'
'Meryl where are you?, are you O.K. did they hurt you'
'I'm fine, were are you'
'I am a day away from you, I will come and get you. Legato and Vash are here with me, can you tell me what is going on'
'Knives I can't, they have Zazie here. And...'
'And what Meryl'
'Nothing, I am waiting for you. Somebody is coming, I will see you later'
'Meryl wait *silence* Meryl, Meryl?'
Osiel entered the room, just a couple of minutes later. "Kid, wait outside" Zazie wasn't happy about it, but left.
"You weren't supposed to answer him"
"I didn't say anything, besides he is quite annoying. You are not the one who hears him in your head, I had to say something or he will think that it's to suspicious don't you think"
"Um, you are right. But still, I can't trust you completely. Can he read your mind?"
"Well I blocked it from him a long time ago, but then he just didn't try. So I stopped doing it. I am not sure, I really doubt it"
"You weren't supposed to hear him, I was still blocking you. I won't risk it, I will stay here
tonight"
"Do what you want. You know, he is only a day away from here. I am still not sure as to what you are planning to do, but I know that you are aware of his powers. And he is not alone, it can go either way"
"It sounds to me like you want him to win, but don't worry he won't get out of here alive. I can assure you that"
for some reason, his words agitate her.
"Just because I said that I won't interfere, it means that I can't give you my opinion. I am not taking places, things will happen the way they should. Either way I lose, and either way I win. I'm not stupid Osiel. I understand that Knives wants to get rid of humanity, and I also understand what Damian wants to do with me. But if Knives survives, there is still a chance for me to change his mind. And if you win, I will be leaving with Damian Gray. One of the most
powerful man in the planet. I'm still gonna be a prisoner, that doesn't change a thing.
I know what you try to do to me, try to change my mind didn't you. But, you forgot something important. I'm a really good actress, specially when it comes to emotions that I don't feel. I know you were reading my mind, and just like Knives you are acting to get my help. But I will still not interfere, I will leave my luck to whatever outcome from that encounter of yours. Hopefully you two destroy each other, that will be better for me anyway. Leave, Knives can't read my mind. and I will only tell him what I think he should know, let the kid in"
Osiel left the room, wondering one thing. Was she still acting, or is this her real self.
