**Author's Note** I'm trying to get these stories on a roll here so I can work on some of my original fiction (which can be found at www.fictionpress.net under the same penname. Please do go and read it, you're bound to find something you like there J). I'm loving the encouragement I'm getting from all of you *huggles all tightly* it's really helping me a lot.

Static Buffy- Ah…well I can imagine his parts will still work with a human girl if you know what I mean. There just might be slight alteration in DNA is all…meaning that the child would only be half human half..plant. I think it could work, really. Though, truly, I can't see Vash being a Daddy…that's kinda freaky.

AnonymousTrigunOtaku- It does help a little bit, but as I said…I'd much rather rely on my own knowledge of the anime right now…I'm just a bit afraid I'll muddle something up from the manga by going on another person's synopsis, ya know? But thank you for explaining that to me. J

Disclaimers: I do not own Trigun or any of the original Trigun characters, nor am I affiliated with Trigun in any way besides the fact that I am a huge fan.

Claimers: Original (NON-Mary Sue) characters such as Artemis Fawn, Lily, and Gemini Mimic belong to me or are co-owned, such will be the same for any other added character.

*Knives ambles in, arms crossed, ice blue eyes piercing, eyebrows arched. Hmm, doesn't look too happy does he? Let's find out why…*

"Knives, dear, you look upset."

"I am upset and don't you call me dear you foolish human!"

*Blinks* "Well pardon me…what seems to be the source of your difficulties?"

*Growls lightly…* "You are, blasted woman! Why are you writing in this idiot woman with the red hair? She annoys me so, she's a waste of air!"

"Err…have you forgotten that you need her for your plan?"

"Plan? What plan?"

*Tsk, tsk* "Knives…your plan to escape Demetri of course!"

*Blinks, looks around a bit then back to me* "I have a plan to leave Demetri?"

"Yes…don't tell me you don't remember it…you need Artemis, got that? And you'd better watch your insults buddy- I don't care how pretty you are, they won't fly with me, got it? I can write you dead in a matter of pages so watch your back…Mr. Superior."

*Looks…afraid?* "Of course I remember don't be stupid! Now..please don't write me dead and get on with the story…"

*Watches as Knives stalks away* "That was interesting…now…the rest of the story."

(At least the rest of this chapter! J)

~Under the Sky so Blue: Aftermath~

Part Sixteen

            Knives looked on hating the feeling of helplessness as Wolfwood spoke with Artemis and the blond woman at the bar. He didn't need that man meddling, and if he knew the priestess there might be more difficulty than Knives had expected. Silently he cursed Legato and his twisted sense of humor. Why did he let the priest live? Now it was just another pest to be rid of, one that should have been squashed in the first place.

            The expression on Knives' face must have contorted into one of anger because Vash glanced up from the doughnuts, concerned.

            "Knives are you alright? You look kind of mad about something."

            "It's nothing that concerns you," came the heated reply from the pale blond man. At this moment that was the truth.

            Vash followed his brother's icy blue gaze toward the bar and slowly grinned, making a connection between his eyes and expression. Of course it was the wrong connection, but leave it to Vash to have higher hopes than need be.

            "Wolfwood isn't going to steal her away from you, he's just talking- besides he has Milly to worry about, he doesn't need another girl."

            "That hu…wom…" Knives stammered slightly.  He couldn't back out of his act and couldn't have Artemis overhearing either. "She isn't a possession for someone to steal, dear brother, and I am not worried.  Have I ever truly worried about anything anyhow?"

            The intense gaze on his twin's face made Vash blink then stare for a long while. Knives met his brother's aqua green eyes steadily and sighed softly. He knew what that spiky haired moron was thinking. No longer was Vash suspicious of Knives being conniving, but he was suspicious of a secret relationship. It was nearly enough to make the pale blond man want to retch, but something made the corner of his lips tug into a slight smile. That might not be such a bad idea after all.

            A "secret" relationship could be the escape Knives needed to avoid the constant watchfulness of Vash and his…friends. It seemed plausible enough; at least it would explain why Artemis was almost always seen with the pale blond. The priestess would go along with it, especially if she wanted to leave Demetri any time soon.

            "I know what you are thinking, brother…" Knives spoke with a smirk.

            Vash raised his eyebrows, "That doesn't surprise me, but I'm not sure how to respond to that. Knives…I thought you couldn't stand people."

            'Could it be he's actually learning to get along with them? Am I doing it right, Rem? Am I taking care of my brother at last? Can I make him see…?' Vash thought in the deepest register of his mind, keeping it safe from his brother's own mind. Hope welled up in him- he almost thought he'd cry.

            "I still believe the human race will amount to nothing…they have proved it before and will prove so again. However, I am learning to live with them. Which is why I must tell you that we are no longer sharing a room, brother."

            "Huh?" Vash blinked then frowned. "What do you mean? Why not? Are you kicking me out?"

            Knives retained the smirk, "You could say that. I think it is time that I have my privacy. I've proved so far that I can live here without hurting anyone, haven't I? Don't I at least deserve my own room, Vash?"

            The spiky haired blond man was on the fence about it. He didn't want to leave Knives housed in a room alone, but he also didn't want to show mistrust. Knives had a point- he'd shown changes, though gradual, and they appeared to be for the better. There must have been something about that red-headed woman with the freckles that was making his brother change his mind. Vash grinned widely.

            "I guess I can bunk up with Wolfwood, or even Meryl, or just get my own room if I really need to…but why are you kicking me out? Your own brother!"

            Knives said nothing, turning his gaze to Artemis with implication, then back to his brother. He smiled lightly as Vash figured out what his twin was inferring to about the girl and watched with mild concern as the man burst out in hysterical laughter, tears streaming down his cheeks.

            'He's gone insane,' Knives said silently, then stood up from the table. He'd do well to inform Artemis of their newly formed "blossoming relationship" as part of his ruse. She would not take it well, he imagined, but hell, he didn't much want to do it either. Sacrifices had to be made on both parts.

            Leaving the pathetic form of Vash bawling with happiness, Knives moved to the bar, remembering to plaster on his phony newfound slight amiability, and placed a gloved hand on Artemis' shoulder. The touch was very, very light.  Even though his hands were gloved, the thought of touching a human repulsed him.

            "Come with me," he said lowly, eyes dancing toward Wolfwood for a moment.  The ice blue gleamed with heat briefly before a faint smile played on Knives' lips. "Pardon us…please."

            Ugh! Saying please to these humans…touching the girl was enough trouble…remember your sacrifices Knives, it is all for the best. Think of what will be accomplished in the long run. Eden…

            Artemis clenched her teeth, not at all looking as pleased as he felt about his hand on her shoulder, then smiled sweetly to Wolfwood. She stood, Knives' hand falling from her shoulder, and leaned forward to wrap her arms around the priest tightly.

            "It is so good to see you again," she murmured before drawing away, "I'll see you around town, Wolf-boy."

            The priest smiled, "Likewise, kiddo."

            The blond woman at the bar arched an eyebrow, seemingly having followed the conversation between the two. "I don't think you should've called her that, she hates that ya know. You're lucky that your head is screwed on."

            Wolfwood chuckled as Artemis walked away with Knives, "We go way back- she won't do a thing to hurt me.  I knew there was something familiar about her…"

            …The voices faded away as Knives led Artemis toward the well in the middle of town then turned to look down upon her, arms crossed. He took on the look of a superior being quite well, despite the…plain human clothing he had to wear. His blue eyes stared hard at the young woman for some time before she finally snapped.

            "Did you bring me outside to stare at me like I'm a speck of dust, or did you have an actual reason?"

            Knives cleared his throat. "You're staying with me until we leave."

            Artemis tilted her head, blue-green eyes widening a little. "Come again?"

            "You will reside in my quarters until it is time to leave Demetri. My brother and his pathetic friend believe there is a relationship between the two of us, and as much as I despise the idea, it is a plausible reason to be seen with you."

            "Relationship?!" she squeaked, hands clenching into fists. Artemis was about to blow her top. "If you think for two seconds that I'm going to be seen parading around town with you as though I actually…"

            "…Quiet!" Knives swiftly had his hand cupping her chin, which from far away might have appeared like a gentle touch, but in fact it was like a death grip. He leaned his head down, narrowing his eyes, "Do not think that I will actually enjoy it, but if it makes them less wary then so be it. Think about it- you will reside in my room and it will allow more time to plan the destruction of this pitiful town as well as the others.  The faster we come up with it, the faster we can do it and leave, understand?"

            Artemis felt fear grip her heart. Not because of Knives' hand holding her chin in place, but because of what he had just told her. The destruction of Demetri was never mentioned before. Her gaze held onto his, both as harsh as the other's, and she sighed heavily. She would think of something later, but for now she had no choice but to agree with him. The faster Knives was out of Demetri, the quicker her job would be over with.

            "Fine, now let me go!" She hissed and he released her. Her fingers rubbed her sore jaw and she turned her eyes from him. Wait until Lily found out that Artemis was rooming with an egotistical power-hungry man…she'd never hear the end of it.

            Knives turned to walk away but stopped mid-stride. "Curious…"

            "What is?" She muttered, smoothing down her dark blue jacket.

            "You embraced Wolfwood.  Do you know him?"

            Artemis paused then nodded slowly. "From my childhood, yes. It's none of your concern, and I won't tell him anything.  That was the past, this is the present, and you plan the future." She could feel that Knives had reason to believe she might warn Wolfwood.

            He smirked. "Glad you see it my way.  I will see you in my quarters no later than eight o'clock tonight."