Chapter 5: Runaways
Knives POV
The police. Did they know she was here? My brother was now behind me. I was actually glad he was here.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"Yes. Do you know a young girl named Serena Yamamaki?" the police officer asked.
"Yeah. Why?" I question.
"Her parents were killed last night. We're still trying to figure out who was responsible. Do you know were Serena is?"
"They're both dead?" Serena asks.
Quickly I turn to her. She has wide eyes, and she looks ready to cry. I kept telling myself that her foster father didn't deserve those tears, but I knew that this whole thing was just too much for her. "Serena..."
"Serena Yamamaki?" the one officer asks causiously.
"Yes. That's me." she answers.
"Serena?" I ask as I look at her. I don't like where this is heading. I can see the pleading look in her eyes. I know what she wants. I back up from the door a bit, and move to hold her. I know she doesn't want to get too close. She's afraid they'll take her away and we will never see each other again.
"We need you to come with us Serena." one of the officers says.
"Why?" she asks.
"We need you to tell us what you know, and try to help us..."
"I don't think now is a good time." I say as I hold her tighter.
"I assure you nothing will happen to her..."
"We've all been going through a lot. Now is not a good time for this."
"Can we talk to your parents son?" one of the officers asks
"No." I say. They look at me hard. "They're not here."
"Where are they?"
I scoff at that question. We've heard nothing from them. Not even a missed call. "Who knows. They had a fight and took off."
"I see."
"Knives..." Serena says.
I look at her. I know what she is saying. She doesn't have to use words. We can't avoid this. I nod my head and turn to the police officers. "Alright, but I'm coming too. And I am not leaving her alone." Serena and I move towards the officers. As I pass them I make a statement that only they can here. "I have a promise to keep."
I head down the side walk of our house and stop. I turn around to look at the others. Vash has a look of pure worry. I try to smile but fail. "Vash. Take care of the house, and don't open the door for anyone." Vash gives me that 'I'm not 10' look, but I know he understands.
Serena and I enter the police office. They interigate us, and we give them the story. She tells them what she saw, and I tell them what I know. They then tell us that Serena's foster father was also killed. They say that he might have killed himself.
A lot more is discused before they tell us that Serena will have to go to another foster family. They said that she can stay with us until they find a place to put her, but I know it won't be long. They'll want to put her in an ophanage type of place till they can find a family, and I know that will take no longer than a day or two. Somehow I know that Serena is aware of this.
We walk back to the house in silence. Both of us are afraid to speak. When we get back to the house Vash is gone. Thankfully he left a note.
Knives,
We went out to get the other. Their parents heard about what happened, so we have to go pick them up. Sorry. We all went different ways. We won't be long.
Vash
I put down the note and sit down. I'm out of ideas. I don't know what to do. Serena stands behind me and wraps her arms around me. If I don't think of something, I'll loose her. My mind is spining, and I feel like I'm ready to puke.
"Knives..."
"Yes Serena?"
"I don't want another foster family. I don't want to do this again."
"Serena..."
"I've made up my mind Knives. I'm going to run away."
I turn to her in shock. This was an option I was hoping to not consider. She says nothing, but she doesn't have to. I know what she wants. She wants me to go with her. I have nothing. I can't talk.
"I've made up my mind Knives. I'm leaving. I have no right to ask you this, but will you please come with me?"
I don't know what to say. Vash will be back soon. If we are going to leave, then we'll have to leave soon. What will I do about Vash. He is my brother. But I can't let Serena leave alone. I made her a promise. I soon realize what I'm going to do.
"Alright. I need to pack some things first." I say. I go to my room and pack. I take only the necessaries. I also pack up some things for Serena. I remember we need money. Our father left us some money....no. I can't. Vash will need that money. I open up the box that has my allowance. I had been saving it up to buy something, but I will need this. I have about $80.
After I finish packing I make a note for Vash. I can't just leave and not say anything. I leave the note on his bed, and head downstairs. Serena is waiting. We leave the house and carefully leave. I don't look back.
Vash POV
I was just getting home. I figured that Knives and Serena would be back by now, but they weren't. Eveyone gathers in the living room, and I head upstairs. I go to my room to get my camera. We had all been talking, and had decided that we would take some pictures in case Serena left.
I grab my camera and turn to leave when I notice something laying on my bed. It's a peice of paper. I go to read it, and my heart sinks. It's from Knives.
Vash,
The police said Serena would have to go to another foster home. I hope you can forgive me Vash, but Serena and I are running away. I promised her I would protect her, and this is the only way. I'm sorry. I won't be able to keep in touch since the police will be trying to find us. Take care brother. I will be thinking about you always.
Love,
Knives
I don't move. My brother is gone. I'm all alone now. I make my way down the stairs with the paper in my hand. I can understand my brother wanting to protect Serena, but I just can't believe he's really gone. I walk into the living room and stand in the door way. Everyone is looking at me.
"Vash? What's wrong?" Meryl asks.
I hold up the paper as I try to speak. "They're...they're gone."
"What do you mean they're gone?" Midvally questions.
"Serena had to go to a foster family so they ran away." I say as I take a seat on the couch. Wolfwood takes the paper from me and reads it aloud.
No one says anything. Meryl comes and sits next to me. I start to cry and she holds me. I don't feel too bad cause everyone here is in pain. Knives is gone, and he's not coming back.
"Ok, this isn't as bad as it seems..." Legato starts.
"Not as bad as it seems! Knives and Serena are gone!" Wolfwood yells.
"Well yeah, but Knives isn't a criminal or anything so the cops can't bust him. And Serena can't be put in a foster family after she turns 18. All we got to do is go after them and tell them about that. Then when Serena turns 18 we can all come back." Legato says triumphantly.
Everyone turns to look at Legato. Even me. I don't know how he knows this, but I am glad that he does. If her birthday is soon, then they wouldn't be gone long. But we don't know where they are going. How will we be able to tell them.
"Good plan Legato. Just one tiny problem. We don't know where they are, or where they will be!" Wolfwood states.
"That's why we have to go after them. Not all of us can go though. I can go. And Vash can go. Who else can either con their parents, or go cause their parents are already gone?" Legato was getting a bit bold, but everyone was thinking about it.
"I can go."
I look at the girl sitting next to me. "Meryl?"
"I don't care what my parents say. I'm going with you Vash."
"Meryl..." I try to protest. I can't get her in trouble. I realize it's a hopeless effort. I smile at her and remind myself how glad I am to have her. I go up to my room and pack.
Everyone left to do something or other. Each of them brought something useful for us to take on the trip. I tried to refuse, but they persisted. Wolfwood even gave us the $120 he had been saving up. I felt really bad about taking it. When we were all set we left.
Legato checked what transports had recently left. He picked one, then Meryl and I picked one. I agreed to let her come, but I wasn't about to let her go off on her own. We were in for one heck of a trip. I just hoped it wasn't going to be to wild a trip. _______________________________________________________________________ Knives POV
8:42
How long have we been gone? Two...three hours? Who knows. I tried not to think about Vash and the others. I was worried enough with how we were going to survive as it was. I felt Serena shift a little in her sleep. I had let her lean on me cause she was tired.
Why we chose to get on this bus I don't know. It was heading for Arizona. I had lived in Colorado my entire life, and now here I was in a different state. I looked out the widow at the scenery. It was definitely different.
Serena started to wake up. I was still angry with her father for what he did, but I still can't figure out what happened after she left. Could he have really killed himself, or did he get himself into more trouble than he let on. I can't help worrying what will happen next.
"Hm...Knives?" Serena asks as she starts to wake up.
"Yeah?"
"Where are we?"
I smile a little. She's trying real hard to forget that anything happened. "We're somewhere in Arizona. Go back to sleep." Serena snuggles up and I wrap my arm around her. I too try to sleep. _______________________________________________________________________ Legato POV
I have been friends with Vash and Knives my entire life. They've been my best friends, and they've always been there for me. Now was my chance to be there to help them. Vash and Knives were really getting torn apart. First their parents left, and now Knives is gone, and Vash is all alone.
I thought long and hard before I chose my destination. Arizona. Knives had talked about moving down there, so maybe he would head there. I prayed that my choice would lead me to my friends. I wished strongly that we had made that pact before. _______________________________________________________________________ Meryl POV
I tried to sleep, but I couldn't. I layed against Vash's warm body as the bus drove on. He was staring out the widow. I hoped that things wouldn't get any worse. I felt Vash's grip on me tighten slightly.
"Go to sleep Meryl." Vash said with out turning his head.
I was shocked. I looked at him, but he never turned to face me. "How did you..."
"It wasn't hard to tell. Besides, you're too tense." Vash said as he finally looked at me. "We have a long trip ahead of us, so get some sleep."
I want to do just that, but I can't. I have to ask. "Is everything going to be ok?"
He says nothing. I wander if he is mad that I came. I wish he would say something instead of just ignoring me. What could be on his mind.
"You've done nothing wrong Meryl." Vash suddenly says. "I just hate how things are going. It's all too much. I just...I just want to scream."
"We'll find them Vash. We'll get them back." I say. Suddenly I feel a lot better. "You're thinking too much Vash. Go to sleep. You need to rest." Vash looks at me strange. He then smiles and we both sleep in each others arms. _______________________________________________________________________ Knives POV
11:00
Finally the bus ride is over. I get out and immediately stretch. Serena does the same. We grab what few things we have and attempt to find a cheap hotel. It's a good thing I looked into coming here a while ago. It takes us some time, but we finally find a place.
It's late, and even though we slept on the bus we are still tired. We quickly change and prepare for bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth while Serena changes.
"Knives?" Serena calls.
"Yes?" I call back.
"Thanks for coming."
"Hey. I promised I would take care of you." I respond.
"I know, but you still didn't have to come."
I sigh heavily. Sometimes she can be as complex as Vash. "Yes I did. I love you, and I am not going to just let you take off, or disappear from my life. You're stuck with me Serena."
She giggles. "I'm stuck with you hun? For how long?" she asks jokingly.
I walk out into the main room. She's sitting on the bed dressed in some of my baggy clothes. I sit down next to her. "Forever." I say as I kiss her.
"mmm...I can live with that." Serena says.
I crawl into bed, and Serena follows me. I wrap my arms around her and we go to sleep in each others arms. I say a small prayer for Vash and the other, then a prayer for Serena and myself. Tomorrow is going to be rough.
~End~
Well, that's it for chapter 5. Sorry if it's kinda short. Sorry if most of the POV's are from Vash and Knives. I am having a hard enough time with the other characters as is. Please no flames. Love and Peace
Knives POV
The police. Did they know she was here? My brother was now behind me. I was actually glad he was here.
"Can I help you?" I asked.
"Yes. Do you know a young girl named Serena Yamamaki?" the police officer asked.
"Yeah. Why?" I question.
"Her parents were killed last night. We're still trying to figure out who was responsible. Do you know were Serena is?"
"They're both dead?" Serena asks.
Quickly I turn to her. She has wide eyes, and she looks ready to cry. I kept telling myself that her foster father didn't deserve those tears, but I knew that this whole thing was just too much for her. "Serena..."
"Serena Yamamaki?" the one officer asks causiously.
"Yes. That's me." she answers.
"Serena?" I ask as I look at her. I don't like where this is heading. I can see the pleading look in her eyes. I know what she wants. I back up from the door a bit, and move to hold her. I know she doesn't want to get too close. She's afraid they'll take her away and we will never see each other again.
"We need you to come with us Serena." one of the officers says.
"Why?" she asks.
"We need you to tell us what you know, and try to help us..."
"I don't think now is a good time." I say as I hold her tighter.
"I assure you nothing will happen to her..."
"We've all been going through a lot. Now is not a good time for this."
"Can we talk to your parents son?" one of the officers asks
"No." I say. They look at me hard. "They're not here."
"Where are they?"
I scoff at that question. We've heard nothing from them. Not even a missed call. "Who knows. They had a fight and took off."
"I see."
"Knives..." Serena says.
I look at her. I know what she is saying. She doesn't have to use words. We can't avoid this. I nod my head and turn to the police officers. "Alright, but I'm coming too. And I am not leaving her alone." Serena and I move towards the officers. As I pass them I make a statement that only they can here. "I have a promise to keep."
I head down the side walk of our house and stop. I turn around to look at the others. Vash has a look of pure worry. I try to smile but fail. "Vash. Take care of the house, and don't open the door for anyone." Vash gives me that 'I'm not 10' look, but I know he understands.
Serena and I enter the police office. They interigate us, and we give them the story. She tells them what she saw, and I tell them what I know. They then tell us that Serena's foster father was also killed. They say that he might have killed himself.
A lot more is discused before they tell us that Serena will have to go to another foster family. They said that she can stay with us until they find a place to put her, but I know it won't be long. They'll want to put her in an ophanage type of place till they can find a family, and I know that will take no longer than a day or two. Somehow I know that Serena is aware of this.
We walk back to the house in silence. Both of us are afraid to speak. When we get back to the house Vash is gone. Thankfully he left a note.
Knives,
We went out to get the other. Their parents heard about what happened, so we have to go pick them up. Sorry. We all went different ways. We won't be long.
Vash
I put down the note and sit down. I'm out of ideas. I don't know what to do. Serena stands behind me and wraps her arms around me. If I don't think of something, I'll loose her. My mind is spining, and I feel like I'm ready to puke.
"Knives..."
"Yes Serena?"
"I don't want another foster family. I don't want to do this again."
"Serena..."
"I've made up my mind Knives. I'm going to run away."
I turn to her in shock. This was an option I was hoping to not consider. She says nothing, but she doesn't have to. I know what she wants. She wants me to go with her. I have nothing. I can't talk.
"I've made up my mind Knives. I'm leaving. I have no right to ask you this, but will you please come with me?"
I don't know what to say. Vash will be back soon. If we are going to leave, then we'll have to leave soon. What will I do about Vash. He is my brother. But I can't let Serena leave alone. I made her a promise. I soon realize what I'm going to do.
"Alright. I need to pack some things first." I say. I go to my room and pack. I take only the necessaries. I also pack up some things for Serena. I remember we need money. Our father left us some money....no. I can't. Vash will need that money. I open up the box that has my allowance. I had been saving it up to buy something, but I will need this. I have about $80.
After I finish packing I make a note for Vash. I can't just leave and not say anything. I leave the note on his bed, and head downstairs. Serena is waiting. We leave the house and carefully leave. I don't look back.
Vash POV
I was just getting home. I figured that Knives and Serena would be back by now, but they weren't. Eveyone gathers in the living room, and I head upstairs. I go to my room to get my camera. We had all been talking, and had decided that we would take some pictures in case Serena left.
I grab my camera and turn to leave when I notice something laying on my bed. It's a peice of paper. I go to read it, and my heart sinks. It's from Knives.
Vash,
The police said Serena would have to go to another foster home. I hope you can forgive me Vash, but Serena and I are running away. I promised her I would protect her, and this is the only way. I'm sorry. I won't be able to keep in touch since the police will be trying to find us. Take care brother. I will be thinking about you always.
Love,
Knives
I don't move. My brother is gone. I'm all alone now. I make my way down the stairs with the paper in my hand. I can understand my brother wanting to protect Serena, but I just can't believe he's really gone. I walk into the living room and stand in the door way. Everyone is looking at me.
"Vash? What's wrong?" Meryl asks.
I hold up the paper as I try to speak. "They're...they're gone."
"What do you mean they're gone?" Midvally questions.
"Serena had to go to a foster family so they ran away." I say as I take a seat on the couch. Wolfwood takes the paper from me and reads it aloud.
No one says anything. Meryl comes and sits next to me. I start to cry and she holds me. I don't feel too bad cause everyone here is in pain. Knives is gone, and he's not coming back.
"Ok, this isn't as bad as it seems..." Legato starts.
"Not as bad as it seems! Knives and Serena are gone!" Wolfwood yells.
"Well yeah, but Knives isn't a criminal or anything so the cops can't bust him. And Serena can't be put in a foster family after she turns 18. All we got to do is go after them and tell them about that. Then when Serena turns 18 we can all come back." Legato says triumphantly.
Everyone turns to look at Legato. Even me. I don't know how he knows this, but I am glad that he does. If her birthday is soon, then they wouldn't be gone long. But we don't know where they are going. How will we be able to tell them.
"Good plan Legato. Just one tiny problem. We don't know where they are, or where they will be!" Wolfwood states.
"That's why we have to go after them. Not all of us can go though. I can go. And Vash can go. Who else can either con their parents, or go cause their parents are already gone?" Legato was getting a bit bold, but everyone was thinking about it.
"I can go."
I look at the girl sitting next to me. "Meryl?"
"I don't care what my parents say. I'm going with you Vash."
"Meryl..." I try to protest. I can't get her in trouble. I realize it's a hopeless effort. I smile at her and remind myself how glad I am to have her. I go up to my room and pack.
Everyone left to do something or other. Each of them brought something useful for us to take on the trip. I tried to refuse, but they persisted. Wolfwood even gave us the $120 he had been saving up. I felt really bad about taking it. When we were all set we left.
Legato checked what transports had recently left. He picked one, then Meryl and I picked one. I agreed to let her come, but I wasn't about to let her go off on her own. We were in for one heck of a trip. I just hoped it wasn't going to be to wild a trip. _______________________________________________________________________ Knives POV
8:42
How long have we been gone? Two...three hours? Who knows. I tried not to think about Vash and the others. I was worried enough with how we were going to survive as it was. I felt Serena shift a little in her sleep. I had let her lean on me cause she was tired.
Why we chose to get on this bus I don't know. It was heading for Arizona. I had lived in Colorado my entire life, and now here I was in a different state. I looked out the widow at the scenery. It was definitely different.
Serena started to wake up. I was still angry with her father for what he did, but I still can't figure out what happened after she left. Could he have really killed himself, or did he get himself into more trouble than he let on. I can't help worrying what will happen next.
"Hm...Knives?" Serena asks as she starts to wake up.
"Yeah?"
"Where are we?"
I smile a little. She's trying real hard to forget that anything happened. "We're somewhere in Arizona. Go back to sleep." Serena snuggles up and I wrap my arm around her. I too try to sleep. _______________________________________________________________________ Legato POV
I have been friends with Vash and Knives my entire life. They've been my best friends, and they've always been there for me. Now was my chance to be there to help them. Vash and Knives were really getting torn apart. First their parents left, and now Knives is gone, and Vash is all alone.
I thought long and hard before I chose my destination. Arizona. Knives had talked about moving down there, so maybe he would head there. I prayed that my choice would lead me to my friends. I wished strongly that we had made that pact before. _______________________________________________________________________ Meryl POV
I tried to sleep, but I couldn't. I layed against Vash's warm body as the bus drove on. He was staring out the widow. I hoped that things wouldn't get any worse. I felt Vash's grip on me tighten slightly.
"Go to sleep Meryl." Vash said with out turning his head.
I was shocked. I looked at him, but he never turned to face me. "How did you..."
"It wasn't hard to tell. Besides, you're too tense." Vash said as he finally looked at me. "We have a long trip ahead of us, so get some sleep."
I want to do just that, but I can't. I have to ask. "Is everything going to be ok?"
He says nothing. I wander if he is mad that I came. I wish he would say something instead of just ignoring me. What could be on his mind.
"You've done nothing wrong Meryl." Vash suddenly says. "I just hate how things are going. It's all too much. I just...I just want to scream."
"We'll find them Vash. We'll get them back." I say. Suddenly I feel a lot better. "You're thinking too much Vash. Go to sleep. You need to rest." Vash looks at me strange. He then smiles and we both sleep in each others arms. _______________________________________________________________________ Knives POV
11:00
Finally the bus ride is over. I get out and immediately stretch. Serena does the same. We grab what few things we have and attempt to find a cheap hotel. It's a good thing I looked into coming here a while ago. It takes us some time, but we finally find a place.
It's late, and even though we slept on the bus we are still tired. We quickly change and prepare for bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day. I go into the bathroom to brush my teeth while Serena changes.
"Knives?" Serena calls.
"Yes?" I call back.
"Thanks for coming."
"Hey. I promised I would take care of you." I respond.
"I know, but you still didn't have to come."
I sigh heavily. Sometimes she can be as complex as Vash. "Yes I did. I love you, and I am not going to just let you take off, or disappear from my life. You're stuck with me Serena."
She giggles. "I'm stuck with you hun? For how long?" she asks jokingly.
I walk out into the main room. She's sitting on the bed dressed in some of my baggy clothes. I sit down next to her. "Forever." I say as I kiss her.
"mmm...I can live with that." Serena says.
I crawl into bed, and Serena follows me. I wrap my arms around her and we go to sleep in each others arms. I say a small prayer for Vash and the other, then a prayer for Serena and myself. Tomorrow is going to be rough.
~End~
Well, that's it for chapter 5. Sorry if it's kinda short. Sorry if most of the POV's are from Vash and Knives. I am having a hard enough time with the other characters as is. Please no flames. Love and Peace