T R I G U N

Knives was almost certain that Eve was simply being difficult, and that after a few hours alone to herself she would return to him, ready to apologize and agree with him before they mated again. He stayed awake throughout most of the night, and when she did not come, he walked back to July and spent the night at an inn, angry and confused.

When he woke up the same questions were whirling around in his mind. Why was love so important to Eve? It was an illusion, a human emotion used only to put a beautiful face on something that came naturally. Her desires were stronger than his and she resisted them because she wanted love. Knives sighed, got dressed and entered the streets, heading towards the outskirts of town where the caravan was.

Vash spoke of love when he was younger, and Knives was certain that he did not know what love was, much less capable of loving. Knives was not sure he knew, himself. "What the hell is it, anyway?" He grumbled.

When he arrived at the gypsy camp, he was surprised to see that there was no one there except for a few small children playing outside in the sun. They saw his approach and waved at him excitedly. One such child stepped forward.

"Good morning, Mr. Knives," she said sweetly.

Knives brushed past her. "Aren't you going to say good morning, to me?" The little girl asked, following him.

"Good morning." Knives grumbled.

"Sarah," the little girl said.

"Good morning, Sarah." Knives repeated rather impatiently as he headed to Eve's trailer.

"I wouldn't go in there if I were you, Mr. Knives." Sarah said, looking rather serious for a young girl.

"Oh really?" Knives said skeptically. "And why is that?"

"Because."

"Look, Eve may be mad at me," Knives scoffed, opening the door and stepping inside, "but that is not going to keep me from--"

He stopped, looking around Eve's home. Something was wrong; the air did not smell right and there was a sense of death in the room. The covers on Eve's bed were greatly disturbed, as if there had been a struggle.

Knives' eyes fell to the floor. Blood stained the carpet. "Oh my God." He murmured, feeling suddenly sick to his stomach. He could not understand why; the sight of blood had never bothered him before, but it was everywhere, on the walls, on the kitchen counter.

He strode to the bed and uncovered it. It was Mary, gagged and mutilated, her dark eyes open and glazed over. The smell worsened; Knives stepped away, his heart suddenly overcome with anger.

"They killed her because she was a plant."

Knives turned and looked at Sarah, who stood in the doorway. She smiled innocently at him, and he suddenly had the urge to crush her skull. His hatred of humans had been rekindled. She was like some sort of a demon, no care or regret in her heart whatsoever to the destroyed life in the bed. "They're evil, plants." Sarah continued. "Everyone thinks so. That's why anyone that kills a plant outside their bulb gets paid. It's a new law."

"Paid."

"That's right." Sarah said, giggling. "Are you going to help the others hunt down Eve, Mr. Knives?"

Dread overcame him when he thought of Eve. She must have fled last night. "Mr. Knives?" Sarah backed away from him, suddenly scared. "What's wrong with your arms?"

Knives looked back at her, his eyes terrifying as blades emerged from his arms, his fingers growing sharp and deadly. He snarled.

"You have until the count of five to hide from me."

---

Eve was as graceful but even faster than a bird as she flew close to the ground, maneuvering through the fire of her enemies, who were once her friends. Fear clutched at her hard like an icy fist as she tried to fly faster, flying a little higher into the air. Sweat poured down her face-- she had fled on foot but when they had caught up with her in their trucks, Tommies at the ready, she had taken to wing.

The area was becoming jagged with cliffs and mountains. Eve headed towards them, knowing that now she had the advantage, being more airborne and more agile than any human vehicle.

She dove into a nearby canyon, her pursuers now awkwardly following her. She swung left and lost them, flying higher up onto the face of a cliff. She pressed her body to the ground, her wings receding back into her shoulderblades. The trucks were far in the distance, now, searching for her.

Crying quietly to herself, she fell asleep.

-----------

Vash held Ellie in his arms all through that evening, whispering gentle and reassuring words that did little to calm her; when she had fallen asleep he carried her up to their room, dressed her and set her down gently in the bed. He pulled up a chair and sat down beside her, not wanting to defile her space. He sighed, his mind wandering off.

He had waited 165 years to be with her again, and it had not been easy. He had endured temptations of all sorts, and once in a while entertained thoughts of moving on and trying to love again, but for some reason he could not understand, he held fast. When he had seen her again, for the first time as a grown woman, his heart had been practically bouncing for joy.

They had expressed their love the first night in words--they had spent it in its entirety simply talking about what they had been through, revealing all secrets. The second night they had expressed it physically. Vash had plenty of practice in self-control, so when they made love it was gentle and sincere--but for some reason it troubled her, and he did not understand. It was not just her pregnancy that scared her, it was something more.

"You don't have to watch me all night."

Vash looked up and smiled gently at his beloved, reaching over and stroking her hair. "I want to."

"Why?"

Vash took her hand and squeezed it. "Because I'm worried about you."

Ellie lowered her gaze sadly and attempted to sit up. Immediately Vash was on his feet. "Here, let me help you."

"Vash, I'm fine," Ellie chided with a smile as he jumped into bed behind her, letting her rest on his shoulder. "You don't have to worry about me."

"But I do." Vash whispered, holding her close. "I want to help you with anything and everything I can--and I know that something is bothering you."

Ellie said nothing, cuddling deeper into his embrace. He kissed her. "Please let me help you. I hate seeing you suffer, you know that."

Ellie sighed. Vash loved how light and soft she was, almost like a little child. He closed his eyes, listening to the sound of her steady breath. "You think we moved too fast." He murmured.

She glanced at him. "You don't?"

"No." Vash shook his head. "I have waited for you all my life."

"But we know so little about each other."

"I don't care." Vash answered quietly, caressing her shoulders and trying to relax her. "I have the rest of my life to find out everything about you."

"You may change your mind."

Vash pulled away from her a little, hurt that she could even suggest such a thing. "Do you really think I'd leave you?" He asked, his tone serious. Her eyes shimmered with tears. "Ellie, was that what you were afraid of?"

"Yes." Her quiet words stung him like a group of angry hornets. "It was."

"Ellie, listen to me." Vash said, raising her face to his. He kissed tenderly once more. "I love you, and because I love you I will never, ever leave you."

"Even though . . ."

"Even though we're going to have children. I won't leave you." He wrapped his arms around her tightly. "I thought I lost you once, now I'm never going to let you out of my sight again."

She turned her head and cried on his shoulder. He kissed her tears away, feeling like there was nothing more he could do. "Wherever you go I will follow." She whispered. "I've loved you all my life."

"Shhh, don't cry..."

"Vash?"

"Mm?"

"You said you would marry me, once." They shared a deep kiss, Ellie staring into his eyes hopefully. "Would you?"

Vash's face suddenly broke out into a wide grin. "What do you mean, would I? I did."

"Excuse me?" Ellie gawked.

"That's right. You don't remember because . . . well . . . you had too strong of a drink that night," Vash winked. "But we got married in the little chapel down the street. You can ask the priest, he'll remember."

"You mean . . . you mean . . ." Ellie stammered.

"That's right." Vash held up his hand, proudly showing off a gold band. "We were and always will be legal."

Ellie threw her arms around his neck. "Oh, God, Vash, thank you, I was so worried that . . ."

"Hey, you were drunk, but you wouldn't let me touch you." Vash chuckled. "I believe your exact words were, 'take your hands off me you sick bastard, we have to get married first.' So, we did." They shared a joyful kiss, and he broke away, laughing whole-heartedly for the first time. "And I'll never regret it!"

"I'm your wife." Ellie said in disbelief.

Vash smiled lovingly, watching her. Her face shone brightly, as if it had been lit up by the very stars in heaven. She had never looked so beautiful to him. "And I'm your husband." He said gently, placing his hand on her stomach. "And these . . . these are my children." He held back happy tears. "These are my kids."

"Well, they'd better dang well be your kids." Ellie said, giving him a funny look. "Unless I was REALLY drunk."

Vash laughed and pressed his lips against hers briefly before gently laying his head down upon her stomach. "This is really it." He said. "All my life I've been wanting to start over, forget all of my mistakes. I know now that I can never forget . . . but this."

He looked up at her and smiled. "This is really the beginning."

---

"Hey there, lazy."

Vash giggled when he felt Ellie prod his stomach. "C'mon, now," he groaned, extremely tired from the night before. "I'm ticklish."

Ellie gently kissed his cheek. "We should get moving."

"Awwww . . . is it morning already?" Vash turned over on his belly, glancing up at her. "Why? It's so comfy . . ."

Ellie grinned mischievously as she slipped out of bed. "All right, fine," she said. "I guess I'll just have to take a shower all by myself."

"WHOA!" Vash fell out of bed and scrambled towards the bathroom. "I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm--"

"I'm tellin' ya, if ya have 'em here, take 'em out! They're giving out rewards now fer each one ya bring in, it's good money!"

Vash stopped in mid-scramble, listening to the gruff voices in the hallway. Ellie heard as well and emerged from the bathroom, holding a towel around her.

"Is that so? How much?"

"500,000 double dollars."

"Wow!" The other man whistled. "That's a lot of money.

"They double it if ya manage ter bring down a female."

"Really? Why is that, I wonder."

"Common sense, ya see. The females have the offspring, after all, so if ya rid yerself of the females there's nothin' left fer the males ter impregnate!"

Vash and Ellie exchanged worried glances.

"The goverment wants 'em all obliterated, seeing as they live longer 'n humans by a long shot."

"Good riddance, eh? If they didn't this planet would be crawling with those freaks."

"Yer damn right. Who needs 'em? Just a waste of water."

"Them plant lovers ain't gonna like it."

"Who the hell cares? It's government law, now. They're gonna make sure every single one o' them damn freaks is killed."

"Weren't there a few of them in town a couple days ago."

"Yeah, a pair." The man paused. "Wait a second--Bill, yer a genius! A pair, and their prolly fixin' to make young 'uns. Can ya imagine how much money we could make?"

A third voice chimed in. "What the hell are you two standing around the hallway for?"

Vash's eyes widened. He recognized that voice.

"Haw haw, well I'll be damned. What are you doin' here, Kyte?"

"Just stopping in. Heard there was a bounty on those plant-people."

"A few were here just a couple nights ago--Bill and I are goin' after 'em!"

"You'd better high-tail it, then. They left just last night--headed South. I saw them but I couldn't catch up."

"Oh no!" The other two men ran off. "Thanks a bunch, Kyte, we owe you one!"

"No problem! Heh, suckers."

Vash hissed through the door. "Kyte?"

The door opened and a man hurried inside. He was dark-haired and tanned skinned, rather short for a man in his late twenties, wearing a dirtied white shirt and suspenders. Vash hugged him. "Kyte, what brings you into town?"

"That's a stupid question to ask." Kyte snorted. "You, of course. I heard about the new law so I came to warn you. A little too late, I guess." He glanced at Ellie and grinned. "Hello, what have we here?"

"A little young for me, kid." Ellie answered shortly, turned away from them as she pulled on a shirt, now fully clothed.

"That's my wife, Ellie."

"Ellie, as in the Mustang, Ellie?" Kyte whistled. "Wow, you know how to pick 'em."

"Long story." Vash said. "Look, we really need to get out of here."

Kyte held up his hand and smirked. "Say no more, that's why I'm here. You both need to scram, and fast. I have a means, and a destination."

"Which would be . . .?"

"The old Parker farm."

Ellie put her hands on her hips, not impressed. "That dump?"

"It isn't a dump anymore, lady." Kyte answered. "The Parker kids really made it into something, I hear. Gardens and everything. They own 10 acres of land, and they shoot trespassers."

"How do you know about all this?"

Kyte looked rather proud of himself. "Why I just happen to be the lucky husband of the lovely Jess Parker. She adores you guys--she's a damned activist--and she'd be all too happy if you guys stayed with us until this whole government thing settles down."

"We're not imposing?" Vash said, uncertain.

"Of course not. She'd especially love to know you, Miss Ellie." Kyte lowered his voice when he heard stirring in the next room. "I've got a truck outside. I'll take you out the back way, and make sure you're not followed. Head straight North from here for 200 miles--you'll be on the Parker estate before you know it."

"Thanks, Kyte."

"No problem. Now," he winked, "get moving."

-------------

When Knives found her, she was unconscious on a high peak. He ran to her and took her into his arms, shaking her gently. "Eve."

She stirred and opened her eyes, only to shout and jump away from him. "What the hell is the matter with you?" Knives demanded. "Why do you keep running away from me?"

"Why do you think?" Eve said, shaking angrily. "And why does it matter to you, if you don't really love me you can find somebody else who's as shallow as you are!"

"You're just being fickle." Knives said, remembering what Mary had said about females.

"Perhaps so." Eve said shortly, turning away from him and walking to the edge of the cliff. Knives' eyes widened and he grabbed her hand. "What the hell do you think you're doing?"

"I'm leaving." Eve answered. "I did it once, I can do it again."

"You can't," Knives said, holding her there. A sudden fear overcame him-- he did not want her to fly away and leave him, like she had done so many years ago.

"Why can't I?"

"Because you're pregnant." Knives said angrily. "With my children."

"I am not." Eve said, fighting his tight grasp on her wrist. He released her in his surprise and stepped back, staring. Tears formed in Eve's eyes. "I'm not, and I never have been. I'm barren."

"T-that . . ." Knives swallowed. How could it be possible? He had felt the presence of life within Eve's womb; could it be that perhaps it was only his imagination? He shook his head. No, she can't leave me. She just can't. "I-I don't care!" He shouted.

"You most certainly do. We did what we did out of instinct. For children. Remember?" Eve said coldly.

"That doesn't matter to me anymore." Knives answered. "We can live without the children."

Eve cried and turned away from him. "Goodbye, Knives--"

"Wait!" He grapped her again and brought her up against him. He felt like a little child. He did not understand what was coming over him, why he suddenly had the urge to hold her there and never let go of her, why he wanted so much to spend the rest of his life with her. "Please don't go." He whispered.

"Give me a reason why I should stay." Eve whispered.

Knives thought desperately. There had to be a reason, a good reason. After a long silence, Eve pulled away. Her expression was sad and heart- broken. "Eve . . ." He murmured, reaching out to her, unable to understand why there were tears in his eyes. "Don't leave me."

"Why?"

"Because I need you."

Eve stopped. "What?"

"I need you with me." Knives said. Eve suddenly saw a side of him she had never seen of him, the last remnant of his child-like innocence that was hidden away under hatred and anger. "I need you with me and if you leave I don't . . . I don't know what I'd do."

A faint smile slowly crossed Eve's face. "Knives," she whispered, coming to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. "You do love me."

Knives blinked. "I what?"

A shot fired; Eve went rigid with shock. "Eve?" Knives asked, startled. "Eve, what's . . .?"

"We got her, boys!"

"15,000,000 double dollars, here we come!"

Eve trembled, gripping Knives' shirt in fear. "Hold on," he said desperately. "Hold on, I'll get you some help . . . oh God . . ." Her blood was beginning to stain her shirt.

"Put your hands in the air, freak."

Knives narrowed his eyes dangerously and turned to face their attackers, Eve unconscious and limp in his arms. "Did you hear what I said?" The leader of the bounty hunters asked, a smirk painted across his face. "Hands up."

"I'll give you five seconds." Knives snarled.

"Five seconds until what?"

Knives' eyes gleamed, his fingers growing sharp. "Time's up."

----------

Ellie touched her belly gingerly as she and Vash rode far from civilization and into the desert. They had been driving for a day now; the sandstorms had been so bad that they had to keep their speed at a slow and controllable level.

Vash was at the wheel. He pulled over after a moment, in order to rest his eyes. The sun had set and they were well hidden by the terrain. He brought out a blanket out of a hidden compartment and wrapped it around her, pulling her close. "Are you feeling okay?"

"No." Ellie groaned, putting her hand over her mouth. "Oh God . . ." She swung open the truck door and staggered out a few feet away, wretching.

Vash panicked, tripping over himself as he quickly came to her side. "Oh, honey . . . what can I do? Do you need a pillow? I can get you a pillow . . ."

"I'll be fine, it's . . ." Ellie wretched again. "This is normal."

Vash watched her sympathetically. Poor women, he thought to himself, having to go through so much in order to have kids. As normal as nausea was, he could not help but feel worried. "Are you sure everything's okay?"

"We should probably get moving." Ellie croaked, as he supported her, his arms around her.

"Not until you're feeling better."

"If we waste too much time, we may get caught." Ellie looked drowsy. "We need to keep going."

"But . . ." Vash reluctantly sighed and helped her back into the truck, and they began again. "Hang in there," he reassured, clasping her hand lovingly. "Just hang in there, honey."

Ellie looked up at him and faintly smiled. He smiled back. "You're gonna make it."

----------

"You're going to make it." Knives whispered as he hit the gas pedal. The motorcycle sped through the desert like a knife through water, sending up clouds wherever he went. He held Eve in front of him; she was awake but struggling to stay conscious, shaking terribly.

Knives had stopped the bleeding but knew she needed more help than he could give. He had never been so frightened in all of his life--confronted with the very thought of losing her was almost more than he could bear. "Please stay with me." He whispered, kissing her forehead. "I love you."

"Now you tell me." Eve said weakly.

Knives managed a small smile. "Stay awake."

She tried but was far too weak to keep her eyes open. She fell asleep on his shoulder, limp in his arms. Knives kissed her again, tears in his eyes. "Hold on."