CHAPTER 5: HAVING AND EXECUTING
Meryl waved to her three companions as they set off toward the town. After much convincing, Vash had finally agreed to let Meryl look after Knives for the one night. He had taken her aside as Wolfwood was helping Milly clean up in the kitchen.
"You know, you don't have to do this." He said quietly.
"But I want to do this, Vash. Consider it a payback for all the times you saved me over the past year. And you need a break. Besides, if you drop dead from exhaustion, who's going to care for your brother then?" She said teasingly.
"I don't need sleep to survive. You do." He said flatly, holding her gaze steadily. Meryl held her breath. It was the first time he had referred to the fact that he wasn't a human being since that time in Tonom.
"I'll be fine." Meryl forced herself to say with conviction. "Honestly, it's only for one night. Trust me."
Vash studied her face with a worried look, and then he sighed and shook his head. "I suppose I'm fighting a losing battle here." He gave a capitulating smile, "So, I guess you win. Just...just be careful, alright?"
"Yes, sir. I'll hold down the fort!" She said jokingly, giving him her own salute. But she gasped audibly when she saw Vash moving forward, arms open.
Oh, god, he's gonna touch me again! Her mind screamed, as he folded her into a gentle hug. His arms pressed her into his body. Meryl felt like a marching band was playing Stars and Stripes in her chest and she feared Vash would feel the bass drum beats of her heart. But he only rested his head on top of hers and sighed deeply, bringing a hand up to guide her head so it was soon leaning on his own chest. She tensed, wide-eyed.
Relax.
Meryl heard a deep voice in the back of her mind say, and not knowing why, she released herself from the tension and molded her small frame into Vash's soft hold. She closed her eyes and pressed her cheek against the crisp linen of his white shirt, deeply breathing in his fresh clean scent.
"I guess I forgot to say, thank you." He said, causing rumbling vibrations in Meryl's ear.
She was so lost in the electric feel of his voice and embrace that all she could do was nod her head in return. Typhoon Jacquelyn could have been raging all around them and she wouldn't have noticed at all.
"Meryl..." Vash whispered, pulling back slightly and holding her gaze with a serious expression, "You know that you...you...are..." he trailed off, and she saw in his eyes that he was fighting a mental battle. He gave up.
"Just take care of yourself...promise?" He sighed, giving her a gentle squeeze before he released her, smiling once more and turned toward the town.
Meryl stood looking after him, dazed and cold due to the absence of his hold.
What, Vash... she thought as she watched him walk away, what were you going to say? What am I to you?
In the darkness, three sets of eyes watched the others depart, and they slowly began to close in.
Wolfwood and Vash both sat at the bar of The Rusty Trigger. They had both thrown back a few and were talking and laughing like old times. Rickman was behind the counter as usual and the place was packed with local townspeople having a great time.
"Haven't seen you two around much anymore," Rickman smiled as he poured them what must have been drink number ten, "Where are the girls?" He asked.
"Ah, the girls..." Vash sang holding up his mug in a toast; he already had a tie around his head.
"The small one decided to stay in tonight, and the big girl is was going to visit an injured co-worker before she joined us here." Wolfwood answered, knocking the plastered outlaw on the head.
"Hey!" Vash cried rubbing the lump on his head, "What's the big idea?"
"You, Needle Noggin, are getting all dreamy eyed again," Nicholas laughed loudly and roughed up Vash's hair so it fell over his face. "Woman are a marvel, but you should see the sappy look you get every time I mention them."
"Cut it out!" Vash whimpered, carefully molding his hair up again.
"Seems you're getting awfully touchy feely lately, Mr. Outlaw." Wolfwood smirked, glancing at Vash from the narrow corners of his eyes. "You're not after Milly, 'cause you know I'd have to kick your skinny butt. So, care to let me in on it?"
"Hey, hey," Vash flashed a goofy grin and put his hands up in mock surrender, "It's not like that, honest."
Wolfwood narrowed his gaze and chuckled, "I don't know who you think you're fooling, me or yourself."
"I'm not trying to fool anyone," Vash said lamely quickly changing the subject, "Besides, we're here to have fun, right? Ah! There's a couple of cute girls over there," he spun around in his chair and pointed with his drink in his hand, "Wanna bet I can get to second with one of them before midnight?"
"Sorry buddy, but I don't think either of them would give you the time of day." Nicholas laughed.
"All right! You're on!" Vash flashed a winning smile.
"I know one girl," Wolfwood said smirking into his drink, "who'd give you the time of day every hour on the hour."
"Which one of those girls is hotter, do you think?" Vash asked as if he hadn't heard Nicholas.
"She's a good girl, and she's quite a looker when you get past the bitchiness."
"Maybe I should turn on my famous charm?"
"Plus, she's loyal,"
"Or play the tall silent type,"
"A good cook,"
"Maybe they're into sensitive guys,"
"And for some stupid reason, she's hopelessly devoted to you."
"I know," Vash snapped his fingers, "I should pretend to be shot! Girls love taking care of a wounded guy! Now, where's the ketchup?"
Wolfwood grabbed Vash by the arm and slammed his own drink down on the counter.
"You know, I don't get you." He hissed, "You throw yourself in front of every hot chick that won't have anything to do with you, and when a nice attractive girl who actually seems interested in you comes along, you haven't got the guts to do anything about it!" There was a high popping sound. Nicholas glanced over at Vash. "Huh...?"
Vash hadn't moved, but his eyes were shut, and his glass had a long crack running up and down from where his hand had gripped it. His face became a stone mask as he slowly turned around toward the bar, leaning on it and staring into his leaking glass, his earlier jovality instantly deflated. Wolfwood gave him a puzzled look.
"You ok there, Vash?" He asked hesitantly. For a few minutes, Vash didn't answer, and then...
"I can't." Vash spoke quietly.
"What?" Nicholas frowned.
"I can't." He said again, looking up at Wolfwood. "I just can't."
Wolfwood found he couldn't reply, so they both sat in silence for several more minutes. Finally, Nicholas turned to face the famous gunslinger.
"You know," he said calmly, "when I almost died, I realized something. Life is too short to wait. You either are a part of the show, or you just don't play at all. When life gives you something, you don't wait. Because, you're a fool if you think it will be there forever."
Nicholas finished, draining the last bit from his glass and turning to leave the bar. "I'm gonna go find Milly." He said as he walked away.
Vash didn't move, but continued to stare into his drink long after Wolfwood had left.
The staircase creaked and groaned as Meryl carried the tray of soup and bread upstairs with her toward Knives' room. Her mind still reeled with the happenings of the afternoon and she had been agonizing over Vash's last words to her. Why was he looking at me like that? What am I? What was he going to say? Uughh, I give up, that stupid broom-head is impossible! She thought as she propped the tray up against the wall and opened the door to the bedroom.
The room was just like she had left it earlier. Dark and silent. She could hear Knives' steady breathing as she walked over to his bedside and set the tray down on the end table. She pulled up an empty chair and sat down heavily by the bed. Her foot hit something metal underneath the bed and she winced, rubbing her toe. Milly, I told you not to store your old stun gun up here. She thought. But, instead of leaving right away, she studied Knives' face as he slept.
He looks so much like Vash, but..." her hands clutched the bedspread as she remembered the kiss she stole. I know it's not Vash, but...but then why do I feel like I want to do it again? Meryl blushed at her own realization.
She reached out tentatively and touched the top of Knives' limp hand, brushing her fingers down along his. Meryl's eyes fixed themselves on his partially open mouth.
Vash's voice flashed through her brain, Meryl, you know you...you...are...
She snapped out of her trance and shook her head to clear it, feeling guilty all over again.
"Wake up, Meryl." She said out loud. "You are here because you're doing something special for Vash, so get moving. What does Vash do when he's with his brother? Hmmm. Ok, he usually tries to get him to eat and then talks to him about his day." She said, having peeked in on Vash many times while he was tending to Knives. She set to work with the soup, which mostly dribbled down the front of Knives shirt until she tucked a cloth under his chin. After a while, she gave up on the soup and just started talking to Knives about her day. It was a little weird at first, talking to someone who never responded, but after a quarter of an hour she grew more comfortable with it and was talking freely.
Meryl was so engrossed as she told Knives about the rising price of water and it's economic effects on the industry, that she didn't hear the noise in the hallway until it was too late.
She had just enough time to throw herself behind the bed as the door flew open, and light poured into the room. The Locos Gang stood grinning wickedly at her.
"All right! We've got her boys!" Louis shouted, "Sean, you grab her and let's get out of here. We'll get that fuckin' outlaw this time."
"Not so fast, mister!" Meryl whipped around brandishing two shinning derringers in her hands. She had made sure to wear her jacket this time. "Make one wrong move and it'll be your last!" She said calmly, although her hands shook slightly as she aimed. This must be that Locos Gang from the paper. she thought. Vash, where are you?
Louis took one look at Meryl's guns and burst out laughing. "What are those suppose to be, little girl? You tryin' to pick flies off my head? You better come along nice and quiet, or you might get hurt, and I don't like damaged goods."
A gunshot rang out.
Half of Louis' moustache twitched. The other half floated down to the floor in a smoking pile. He raised a shocked hand to his mangled moustache as the two other gang members hid behind their boss.
"I don't' think so, you monkey-faced bucket of lard," Meryl spat, "Now get the hell out of here, unless you want me to even out that face for you."
Louis shook with anger. "You little bitch! Don't think I scare that easily. The Locos Gang always comes prepared! Sean, Tony! Do it!" He yelled.
Both men pulled out large shotguns from under their coats, while Louis ducked behind and yanked a cord from the wall out with his knife. Meryl froze, "Oh no, that was the electric..."
There was a flash, and the whole house went pitch black as Meryl aimed wildly with her pistols. "Vash, where are you? Help me!" She yelled.
A strong hand clamped over her outstretched wrist. Meryl looked down and gasped. "Vash...!"
Vash leapt up from his stool at the bar, eyes wide and blazing.
What was that? He thought, It felt like... he put a shaking hand to his head. "Oh...no...!" His eyes went wide and his hand shook as he reached over to grip the counter of the bar.
Rickman came over, giving Vash a concerned look, "You alright there?" He asked.
But Vash was already halfway to the door, gun drawn and a steely expression carved on his face. Just as he reached the swinging doors, Wolfwood and Milly came in arm and arm, laughing at something Milly had said. Vash stopped short and looked at them with panic written on his face.
"We've got to go back to the house, right now!" He shouted.
Wolfwood and Milly both looked at him with surprise, though Milly was the first to speak up.
"Why, Mr. Vash, what's wrong?" She leaned in and looked into his eyes.
Vash only clenched his teeth together and tightened his grip on his revolver.
"What's the rush, Vash, I thought you were about to make your move over there?" Nicholas questioned sarcastically. "Hey, what's with you?" He said as Vash pushed past them and ran out into the street.
"Oh no, Mr. Vash! It's Meryl, isn't it?" Milly gasped.
Wolfwood turned to stare at her, "What makes you think that, Hon?"
Milly leaned over and whispered in his ear, "It's in his eyes, dear."
Vash was in the middle of the street, gun drawn, eyes darted around warily. "Come on you two! Wolfwood get your pistols, Milly get your stun gun, we haven't got much time. Let's go!" He yelled as he took off like a shot toward the house.
"Right." Milly said grinning, "I'm glad I carry this with me at all times." She swung her stun gun out from under her coat and up onto her shoulder.
"What! Where've you been hiding that?" Wolfwood shouted as he ran to catch up with the others.
The house was dark when Vash, Milly and Wolfwood burst in through the front door. Vash was the first to see the broken glass and shattered pieces of debris that littered the front room and hallway. Other than the fluttering of the torn curtains in the window, nothing moved. It was dead silent.
"What the..." Wolfwood muttered as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, "Who's responsible for this?"
"Oh no!" Milly gasped, "Meryl!"
Vash was up the stairs in a flash, flinging open each door as he past. Meryl...Knives...please be there...please... his mind raced. Milly and Wolfwood sped after him, checking the closets and passageways, calling Meryl's name as they went. There was no response.
"She's not here!" Nicholas shouted angrily. Getting no response he ran toward the blonde gunman, "Hey, Vash! I said she's not here. We gotta go look for her! What are you...uh...hey...w-what is it...what's wrong..."
Vash was standing frozen in front of the only open door on the second floor. His wide eyes stared in shock, and his breath was harsh and ragged. The door had been blown off its hinges and sharp shards of shrapnel and bullet holes were imbedded in the opposite wall and doorframe. On the dusty floor, tiny streams of red ran and pooled around Vash's boots. His mouth opened in a mute cry.
Wolfwood exhaled slowly, "What happened here...?" His voice shook.
Milly ran up behind Nicholas and covered her mouth with her hand, "Oh! Mr. Vash...is...is it..."
Iron faced, Vash stepped through the doorway and into the room. Gun smoke still hung heavy in the air. On the floor, arms splayed out at grotesque angles, lay the bodies of two men. One had been tall, with red hair, and the other had been short and squat, with half his moustache missing. Both men's faces were contorted with terror, and their bodies were shot so full of holes that every inch of them was covered in bits of blood and gore. The room was splattered red and every scrap of furniture and hangings had been blasted apart.
"Who are these guys?" Wolfwood mused.
Wolfwood and Milly stared ashen faced at the slaughter. Milly stared frantically around the room.
"She's not here." She breathed in relief. "Then where...where is she?"
Wolfwood took a cautious step toward Vash, whose gaze remained locked on the pile of splintered fragments that had been the only bed in the room. "Vash..." he whispered warily.
"He's gone." Vash breathed. "They're both gone."
"You mean...that Knives...he..." Wolfwood started.
But before he could finish his thought Vash spun around, his teeth clenched and eyes glowed with a dangerous light.
"GET DOWN!!" He screamed.
Vash knocked the two of them over and out through the door just as the entire room exploded in a blinding flash, from the bomb that had been hidden underneath the bodies of the two dead men.
Next Time on Edge: Chapter 6 Commanding and Torn
Meryl waved to her three companions as they set off toward the town. After much convincing, Vash had finally agreed to let Meryl look after Knives for the one night. He had taken her aside as Wolfwood was helping Milly clean up in the kitchen.
"You know, you don't have to do this." He said quietly.
"But I want to do this, Vash. Consider it a payback for all the times you saved me over the past year. And you need a break. Besides, if you drop dead from exhaustion, who's going to care for your brother then?" She said teasingly.
"I don't need sleep to survive. You do." He said flatly, holding her gaze steadily. Meryl held her breath. It was the first time he had referred to the fact that he wasn't a human being since that time in Tonom.
"I'll be fine." Meryl forced herself to say with conviction. "Honestly, it's only for one night. Trust me."
Vash studied her face with a worried look, and then he sighed and shook his head. "I suppose I'm fighting a losing battle here." He gave a capitulating smile, "So, I guess you win. Just...just be careful, alright?"
"Yes, sir. I'll hold down the fort!" She said jokingly, giving him her own salute. But she gasped audibly when she saw Vash moving forward, arms open.
Oh, god, he's gonna touch me again! Her mind screamed, as he folded her into a gentle hug. His arms pressed her into his body. Meryl felt like a marching band was playing Stars and Stripes in her chest and she feared Vash would feel the bass drum beats of her heart. But he only rested his head on top of hers and sighed deeply, bringing a hand up to guide her head so it was soon leaning on his own chest. She tensed, wide-eyed.
Relax.
Meryl heard a deep voice in the back of her mind say, and not knowing why, she released herself from the tension and molded her small frame into Vash's soft hold. She closed her eyes and pressed her cheek against the crisp linen of his white shirt, deeply breathing in his fresh clean scent.
"I guess I forgot to say, thank you." He said, causing rumbling vibrations in Meryl's ear.
She was so lost in the electric feel of his voice and embrace that all she could do was nod her head in return. Typhoon Jacquelyn could have been raging all around them and she wouldn't have noticed at all.
"Meryl..." Vash whispered, pulling back slightly and holding her gaze with a serious expression, "You know that you...you...are..." he trailed off, and she saw in his eyes that he was fighting a mental battle. He gave up.
"Just take care of yourself...promise?" He sighed, giving her a gentle squeeze before he released her, smiling once more and turned toward the town.
Meryl stood looking after him, dazed and cold due to the absence of his hold.
What, Vash... she thought as she watched him walk away, what were you going to say? What am I to you?
In the darkness, three sets of eyes watched the others depart, and they slowly began to close in.
Wolfwood and Vash both sat at the bar of The Rusty Trigger. They had both thrown back a few and were talking and laughing like old times. Rickman was behind the counter as usual and the place was packed with local townspeople having a great time.
"Haven't seen you two around much anymore," Rickman smiled as he poured them what must have been drink number ten, "Where are the girls?" He asked.
"Ah, the girls..." Vash sang holding up his mug in a toast; he already had a tie around his head.
"The small one decided to stay in tonight, and the big girl is was going to visit an injured co-worker before she joined us here." Wolfwood answered, knocking the plastered outlaw on the head.
"Hey!" Vash cried rubbing the lump on his head, "What's the big idea?"
"You, Needle Noggin, are getting all dreamy eyed again," Nicholas laughed loudly and roughed up Vash's hair so it fell over his face. "Woman are a marvel, but you should see the sappy look you get every time I mention them."
"Cut it out!" Vash whimpered, carefully molding his hair up again.
"Seems you're getting awfully touchy feely lately, Mr. Outlaw." Wolfwood smirked, glancing at Vash from the narrow corners of his eyes. "You're not after Milly, 'cause you know I'd have to kick your skinny butt. So, care to let me in on it?"
"Hey, hey," Vash flashed a goofy grin and put his hands up in mock surrender, "It's not like that, honest."
Wolfwood narrowed his gaze and chuckled, "I don't know who you think you're fooling, me or yourself."
"I'm not trying to fool anyone," Vash said lamely quickly changing the subject, "Besides, we're here to have fun, right? Ah! There's a couple of cute girls over there," he spun around in his chair and pointed with his drink in his hand, "Wanna bet I can get to second with one of them before midnight?"
"Sorry buddy, but I don't think either of them would give you the time of day." Nicholas laughed.
"All right! You're on!" Vash flashed a winning smile.
"I know one girl," Wolfwood said smirking into his drink, "who'd give you the time of day every hour on the hour."
"Which one of those girls is hotter, do you think?" Vash asked as if he hadn't heard Nicholas.
"She's a good girl, and she's quite a looker when you get past the bitchiness."
"Maybe I should turn on my famous charm?"
"Plus, she's loyal,"
"Or play the tall silent type,"
"A good cook,"
"Maybe they're into sensitive guys,"
"And for some stupid reason, she's hopelessly devoted to you."
"I know," Vash snapped his fingers, "I should pretend to be shot! Girls love taking care of a wounded guy! Now, where's the ketchup?"
Wolfwood grabbed Vash by the arm and slammed his own drink down on the counter.
"You know, I don't get you." He hissed, "You throw yourself in front of every hot chick that won't have anything to do with you, and when a nice attractive girl who actually seems interested in you comes along, you haven't got the guts to do anything about it!" There was a high popping sound. Nicholas glanced over at Vash. "Huh...?"
Vash hadn't moved, but his eyes were shut, and his glass had a long crack running up and down from where his hand had gripped it. His face became a stone mask as he slowly turned around toward the bar, leaning on it and staring into his leaking glass, his earlier jovality instantly deflated. Wolfwood gave him a puzzled look.
"You ok there, Vash?" He asked hesitantly. For a few minutes, Vash didn't answer, and then...
"I can't." Vash spoke quietly.
"What?" Nicholas frowned.
"I can't." He said again, looking up at Wolfwood. "I just can't."
Wolfwood found he couldn't reply, so they both sat in silence for several more minutes. Finally, Nicholas turned to face the famous gunslinger.
"You know," he said calmly, "when I almost died, I realized something. Life is too short to wait. You either are a part of the show, or you just don't play at all. When life gives you something, you don't wait. Because, you're a fool if you think it will be there forever."
Nicholas finished, draining the last bit from his glass and turning to leave the bar. "I'm gonna go find Milly." He said as he walked away.
Vash didn't move, but continued to stare into his drink long after Wolfwood had left.
The staircase creaked and groaned as Meryl carried the tray of soup and bread upstairs with her toward Knives' room. Her mind still reeled with the happenings of the afternoon and she had been agonizing over Vash's last words to her. Why was he looking at me like that? What am I? What was he going to say? Uughh, I give up, that stupid broom-head is impossible! She thought as she propped the tray up against the wall and opened the door to the bedroom.
The room was just like she had left it earlier. Dark and silent. She could hear Knives' steady breathing as she walked over to his bedside and set the tray down on the end table. She pulled up an empty chair and sat down heavily by the bed. Her foot hit something metal underneath the bed and she winced, rubbing her toe. Milly, I told you not to store your old stun gun up here. She thought. But, instead of leaving right away, she studied Knives' face as he slept.
He looks so much like Vash, but..." her hands clutched the bedspread as she remembered the kiss she stole. I know it's not Vash, but...but then why do I feel like I want to do it again? Meryl blushed at her own realization.
She reached out tentatively and touched the top of Knives' limp hand, brushing her fingers down along his. Meryl's eyes fixed themselves on his partially open mouth.
Vash's voice flashed through her brain, Meryl, you know you...you...are...
She snapped out of her trance and shook her head to clear it, feeling guilty all over again.
"Wake up, Meryl." She said out loud. "You are here because you're doing something special for Vash, so get moving. What does Vash do when he's with his brother? Hmmm. Ok, he usually tries to get him to eat and then talks to him about his day." She said, having peeked in on Vash many times while he was tending to Knives. She set to work with the soup, which mostly dribbled down the front of Knives shirt until she tucked a cloth under his chin. After a while, she gave up on the soup and just started talking to Knives about her day. It was a little weird at first, talking to someone who never responded, but after a quarter of an hour she grew more comfortable with it and was talking freely.
Meryl was so engrossed as she told Knives about the rising price of water and it's economic effects on the industry, that she didn't hear the noise in the hallway until it was too late.
She had just enough time to throw herself behind the bed as the door flew open, and light poured into the room. The Locos Gang stood grinning wickedly at her.
"All right! We've got her boys!" Louis shouted, "Sean, you grab her and let's get out of here. We'll get that fuckin' outlaw this time."
"Not so fast, mister!" Meryl whipped around brandishing two shinning derringers in her hands. She had made sure to wear her jacket this time. "Make one wrong move and it'll be your last!" She said calmly, although her hands shook slightly as she aimed. This must be that Locos Gang from the paper. she thought. Vash, where are you?
Louis took one look at Meryl's guns and burst out laughing. "What are those suppose to be, little girl? You tryin' to pick flies off my head? You better come along nice and quiet, or you might get hurt, and I don't like damaged goods."
A gunshot rang out.
Half of Louis' moustache twitched. The other half floated down to the floor in a smoking pile. He raised a shocked hand to his mangled moustache as the two other gang members hid behind their boss.
"I don't' think so, you monkey-faced bucket of lard," Meryl spat, "Now get the hell out of here, unless you want me to even out that face for you."
Louis shook with anger. "You little bitch! Don't think I scare that easily. The Locos Gang always comes prepared! Sean, Tony! Do it!" He yelled.
Both men pulled out large shotguns from under their coats, while Louis ducked behind and yanked a cord from the wall out with his knife. Meryl froze, "Oh no, that was the electric..."
There was a flash, and the whole house went pitch black as Meryl aimed wildly with her pistols. "Vash, where are you? Help me!" She yelled.
A strong hand clamped over her outstretched wrist. Meryl looked down and gasped. "Vash...!"
Vash leapt up from his stool at the bar, eyes wide and blazing.
What was that? He thought, It felt like... he put a shaking hand to his head. "Oh...no...!" His eyes went wide and his hand shook as he reached over to grip the counter of the bar.
Rickman came over, giving Vash a concerned look, "You alright there?" He asked.
But Vash was already halfway to the door, gun drawn and a steely expression carved on his face. Just as he reached the swinging doors, Wolfwood and Milly came in arm and arm, laughing at something Milly had said. Vash stopped short and looked at them with panic written on his face.
"We've got to go back to the house, right now!" He shouted.
Wolfwood and Milly both looked at him with surprise, though Milly was the first to speak up.
"Why, Mr. Vash, what's wrong?" She leaned in and looked into his eyes.
Vash only clenched his teeth together and tightened his grip on his revolver.
"What's the rush, Vash, I thought you were about to make your move over there?" Nicholas questioned sarcastically. "Hey, what's with you?" He said as Vash pushed past them and ran out into the street.
"Oh no, Mr. Vash! It's Meryl, isn't it?" Milly gasped.
Wolfwood turned to stare at her, "What makes you think that, Hon?"
Milly leaned over and whispered in his ear, "It's in his eyes, dear."
Vash was in the middle of the street, gun drawn, eyes darted around warily. "Come on you two! Wolfwood get your pistols, Milly get your stun gun, we haven't got much time. Let's go!" He yelled as he took off like a shot toward the house.
"Right." Milly said grinning, "I'm glad I carry this with me at all times." She swung her stun gun out from under her coat and up onto her shoulder.
"What! Where've you been hiding that?" Wolfwood shouted as he ran to catch up with the others.
The house was dark when Vash, Milly and Wolfwood burst in through the front door. Vash was the first to see the broken glass and shattered pieces of debris that littered the front room and hallway. Other than the fluttering of the torn curtains in the window, nothing moved. It was dead silent.
"What the..." Wolfwood muttered as his eyes adjusted to the darkness, "Who's responsible for this?"
"Oh no!" Milly gasped, "Meryl!"
Vash was up the stairs in a flash, flinging open each door as he past. Meryl...Knives...please be there...please... his mind raced. Milly and Wolfwood sped after him, checking the closets and passageways, calling Meryl's name as they went. There was no response.
"She's not here!" Nicholas shouted angrily. Getting no response he ran toward the blonde gunman, "Hey, Vash! I said she's not here. We gotta go look for her! What are you...uh...hey...w-what is it...what's wrong..."
Vash was standing frozen in front of the only open door on the second floor. His wide eyes stared in shock, and his breath was harsh and ragged. The door had been blown off its hinges and sharp shards of shrapnel and bullet holes were imbedded in the opposite wall and doorframe. On the dusty floor, tiny streams of red ran and pooled around Vash's boots. His mouth opened in a mute cry.
Wolfwood exhaled slowly, "What happened here...?" His voice shook.
Milly ran up behind Nicholas and covered her mouth with her hand, "Oh! Mr. Vash...is...is it..."
Iron faced, Vash stepped through the doorway and into the room. Gun smoke still hung heavy in the air. On the floor, arms splayed out at grotesque angles, lay the bodies of two men. One had been tall, with red hair, and the other had been short and squat, with half his moustache missing. Both men's faces were contorted with terror, and their bodies were shot so full of holes that every inch of them was covered in bits of blood and gore. The room was splattered red and every scrap of furniture and hangings had been blasted apart.
"Who are these guys?" Wolfwood mused.
Wolfwood and Milly stared ashen faced at the slaughter. Milly stared frantically around the room.
"She's not here." She breathed in relief. "Then where...where is she?"
Wolfwood took a cautious step toward Vash, whose gaze remained locked on the pile of splintered fragments that had been the only bed in the room. "Vash..." he whispered warily.
"He's gone." Vash breathed. "They're both gone."
"You mean...that Knives...he..." Wolfwood started.
But before he could finish his thought Vash spun around, his teeth clenched and eyes glowed with a dangerous light.
"GET DOWN!!" He screamed.
Vash knocked the two of them over and out through the door just as the entire room exploded in a blinding flash, from the bomb that had been hidden underneath the bodies of the two dead men.
Next Time on Edge: Chapter 6 Commanding and Torn