AN- Here is the ninth chapter. I never thought this would go so far! But, this story is coming close to the end. Thank you to all who reviewed! There is only about five or so chapters left. I can't say how much I really appreciate everyone who reviewed and left such kind feedback! Thank you!

Chapter 9

"We're here Knives."

Vash looked over his shoulder at his brother who was panting like a dog. Knives looked up to see the sign that said,

'Karsted City: The city of dreams...'

Knives had to laugh at the sign.

'City of dreams my ass. They better be glad they can even live this far out, and not have a plant close by.'

Knives followed Vash through the city, and to the hotel they were told to sign in at. Vash walked through the doors and politely asked the women for a room

"And what's your name sir?"

She asked him with a smile.

"Eric Mandarin. I would like a room with two beds if that's possible."

She frowned slightly.

"Well, the only thing we have right now is one room with a twin bed, and one room with a queen. I'm guessing you want the queen?"

Vash nodded. She smiled and handed him the key.

"Oh. We might also be expecting somebody. So if anyone asks, it's ok to give them my name."

Vash said with a smile. She nodded her head, and he and Knives started up the stairs for their room.

"When do I get to meet these people you told me about?"

Knives asked. He was nervous because these were people who Vash was close too, and he didn't want to screw it up for him.

"We can go after we put our stuff in the room. They will be surprised to meet you too. I'm sure you'll like Lina. She's very nice. And grandma Sheryl's not too bad either. I lived with them after..."

Vash paused, and Knives asked.

"After Augusta?"

Vash nodded his head. And Knives looked down.

"No Knives. You will not start to blame yourself again. I won't allow you too."

Vash pulled Knives into his arms, and Knives calmed down.

"Thank you Vash."

"You're welcome, but now lets go and see them! They will be so happy!"

Vash smiled, as he and Knives left the room.

Not too far away...

"Has he checked in yet?"

Steven asked Josh.

"Yes boss. He checked in a little over an hour ago. Girl at the desk said he went out though. When are we gonna get him?"

Steven thought for a second, and then replied.

"Tomorrow. We will go tomorrow and get him."

Josh nodded.

"I will tell the boys about the plan."

Steven nodded his and went into Milly's room.

"How are you sweetie?"

Milly looked up in horror.

"What do you want now?"

Milly asked. She was afraid now.

"I thought maybe you would like to know that your friend is here."

Her eyes lit up.

"Vash came? Where is he?"

Milly asked. She was so happy.

"You think we would give you up that easily? He hasn't come here yet, but he is in this town. We are going for him in the morning."

Milly smiled, but thought about what he had said.

'Not giving up that easily? What do they mean?'

"Well, I need to go now. See you later hunny."

Steve pecked her on the cheek, and left the room.

Milly was happy. Vash, and Knives hopefully, had come to her rescue. All she had to do now was wait. And waiting was the hardest part.

"Oh Lina! I almost forgot. Here you go. I got these for you a long time ago."

Vash handed Lina two small bracelets.

"I got them for your birthday, but I couldn't remember where I had put them. I hope you like them."

"Oh Vash! Thank you. I love them so much."

Lina hugged Vash and Vash smiled.

"You're welcome. Now, have you guys heard anything about that gang that was supposed to be here?"

"Well, yes."

Grandma Sheryl replied.

"They came into this town a few days ago. They haven't stopped terrorizing the town ever since. The new sheriff up and left town because he was so scared of them. They're worse then those bandits that were here when you first came."

She sighed.

"I suppose you're going to take care of them, right?"

Vash nodded his head.

"And what about you?"

She asked Knives. Knives had been afraid to speak the whole time he was there, because he didn't want to say something that would upset Vash. But he was spoken to, so he must reply back.

"Yes. I will be helping Vash out as well."

"What happened to that Wolfwood fellow you were traveling with before?"

Lina asked Vash. She saw Knives shift slightly, and a sad look come to his face.

"He passed on a few months back."

Vash replied.

"I'm sorry to hear that. He was such a nice man. I'm just glad you have your brother with you though. As long as you're not traveling alone, I'm happy."

Grandma Sheryl smiled at Knives. He smiled back weakly.

"Well. I'm afraid we have to be going now. Thank you for the lunch. It was nice seeing you both again."

Vash said with a smile.

"Oh. It was nice seeing you again as well. Next time, hopefully we wont be under attack with bandits."

Lina smiled up at Vash.

"Yes. Next time we won't be under attack."

Grandma Sheryl agreed.

"It was very nice to meet you as well, Knives."

Line smiled at Knives who smiled back.

"It was nice meeting both of you too."

"Oh! And thank you again for the gift Vash!"

Line hugged Vash one last time before he walked out the door.

"You're welcome. Well, we have to leave now. Bye!"

Vash and Knives waved and made their way back to the hotel. They weren't expecting what was to come in the morning.