Chapter 3: Visit from the Dead
A desire to kill and a desire to live and dominate those who are weaker. A shadow crawled out into the light, he stood 6'3 , short and shaggy black hair, his complexion showed the long hours of travel in the sun. He wore clothing made for the desert climate and shoes. He walked to the edge of the town and a smile climbed up his lips as he stared into it.
" He's here," he said, " They're both here."
" Alright easy," Karen said as she helped Knives get up
Knives took in Karen's sweet scent, that filled the air around him, as she helped him. He looked at those who came to help, but he didn't want their help.
" Karen he's much to heavy for you let me help," the young man said
" No, stay back he only wants him to help him," Karen said
The young man came towards them and Knives narrowed his eyes.
" Listen to what she says," Knives growled
" Listen you son of a bitch," the young man siad
" Stop it," Karen said, " I can handle this."
Karen made her way slowly towards the open doors and the old woman stepped aside outside. Vash and Meryl had been walking at the same time as the old woman pulled a chair in the shade and sun.
" That should be enough sunlight," she said
Vash let Meryl go on her own and he walked over.
" What's going on?" Vash asked
" Oh, why hello Mr. Vash how are you?" the old woman asked, then replied, " Well, your brother demanded that he come outside. So Karen's bring him out."
" Knives," Vash said
Karen walked out with Knives and sat him down on the chair. He looked at her and then saw Vash standing there. He smiled and chuckled in a sinister way.
" Well, hello Vash, it's nice to see you've come to visit me," Knives said
" What do you think your doing?" Vash asked
" Well, you told me to live amongst the humans so that's what I'm doing," Knives said
" I didn't tell you to use them," Vash said sternly
Knives looked at Vash and said, " Now brother you didn't specify."
Vash narrowed his eyes and then walked off.
" You've been here to long brother," Knives said
Knives laughed a sinister laugh and then leaned back.
" Suffer more Vash, I will finish you off soon," he said
Karen looked at Knives and then started to walk off, when Knives grabbed her by her wrist. Karen felt his strong grip and Knives pulled her back towards him.
" I didn't tell you, you can leave," Knives said
" I thought you would like alone time," Karen said
Knives pulled her down to her knees and Karen winced in pain as her knees hit the ground. She lowered her head and Knives reached over and lifted her chin up.
" Damn it," the young man said, " That's it, get your hands off her."
He walked over and slapped Knives' hand off Karen's chin.
" You'll regret that fool," Knives snarled
" Fool, who are you calling a fool. You're the one unable to move without help," the young man said
Knives started to get up, but felt his body fall back. The young man laughed a little and Karen placed her hand on Knives' shoulder.
" Leave Karen, I have some business with this man," the young man said
" No, I can't leave Mr. Knives, he's my responsibility," she said
The young man pulled Karen by her arm and pushed her away from Knives' hold.
" She is my servant," Knives said
The young man pulled out a gun and aimed it at Knives.
" No, Jordan," Karen said
" You can't kill me," Knives said
" We'll see," Jordan said
" Jordan No!" she shouted
Karen pushed her way and draped her arms around Knives right as Jordan pulled the trigger. There was silence and Karen looked up at Knives as he just stared at her. She smiled and then closed her eyes. As Karen fell Knives grabbed her and took her into his arms.
" Karen!" Jordan cried
Knives looked at the wounded woman and then Jordan took her from his hold.
" Karen I'll get you some help," he said
He took off and ran past Vash as he and many others came to see where the shot came from. Knives looked at where Karen had fallen and saw some of her blood on his shirt.
" Filthy creatures," he said
Meryl walked out and she looked at Vash.
" Vash," she whispered
" He killed a girl," gossip started
Vash walked off and Meryl went to try to catch up.
" Vash," Meryl said
Vash walked over as two people helped Knives up from where he sat. Vash stepped in front of him.
" Why? Why did you kill her," Vash growled
He grabbed Knives by his shirt and narrowed his eyes. Knives remained expressionless. Vash threw him to the ground and stared down at him as Knives stared up at Vash.
" Why did you kill an innocent girl?" Vash growled
" Mr. Vash, he didn't do it," the old woman said
A smirked crossed Knives face and he spoke, " So, quick to judge Vash. Your quick to assume that I am the culprit ."
Vash looked at his brother and breathed deep and Knives smiled. Vash grabbed Knives by his shirt and then decided to help his brother for the second time.
" Don't think I'll believe this next time," Vash said
" You're a foolish person Vash, you'll never last in a quiet town like this one," Knives said
Vash walked into the house and got Knives settled back in. Knives narrowed his eyes as he winced. His body was shaking from the amount of energy he used. Vash didn't say anything as he walked off and out the room. The old woman stood there as he walked off.
" Mr.Vash he didn't do it," the old woman said
" What happened?" Vash said
" Oh, my son got a little jealous of Mr. Knives," the old woman said, " He and Karen are quite in love. He's just protective."
Vash rubbed his chin and said, " So, he pulled the trigger."
" Karen protected your brother from Jordan's anger," the old woman said, " It was an accident."
" She could die," Vash said
" It missed many important organs I saw where it hit," the old woman said
" Don't protect my brother," Vash said
" I'm not, he's innocent," the old woman said
Vash nodded and walked off and looked at Meryl and she grabbed his arm. Vash shook his head and they walked off back to the saloon. Meryl looked at him seeing he was still in thought.
" Vash," she questioned
" I'm fine," he said
Knives breathed deep and he turned his head and closed his eyes.
" Human's are such fragile creatures, and foolish," Knives said
Knives opened his eyes and looked at the blood on his hands and let out a psychotic laugh.
Vash and Meryl finished up and closed up for the evening. Vash swept up and Meryl cleaned dishes.
" Good night Vash, good night Meryl," another waitress said
" Good night," they said
" Lock up Meryl would you" the boss said
" Sure thing," she said
Meryl sighed and took in a deep breath, then she looked at Vash as he stopped to breath a little.
" We did pretty good today," Meryl stated
" Yeah, I'd say we earned a day's rest," Vash said
Meryl smiled and walked to the back and grabbed their pay checks, then walked back out. Vash sat down leaning his head on the table fast asleep. She smiled and walked over to him, then placed a hand on his shoulder.
" Vash," she said
He reached up and grabbed her hand and she blushed a little.
" It's time to go home," Meryl said
Vash opened his eyes and released her hand. He got up and the two locked up the saloon, then headed home. Vash looked at Meryl and thought about what Millie had told him.
" Maybe it's time to tell Meryl," Millie said, " She's waited long enough."
" Your right maybe it is time," Vash whispered
" Time for what?" Meryl asked
Vash looked down at her then put his hand behind his head
" Oh nothing just thinking out loud," Vash sheepishly said
" Oh, I see," Meryl said
Vash watched her walk ahead and then he stopped. Meryl continued walking until she didn't hear Vash's footsteps behind her. She turned and saw him just staring at the stars. She walked over and placed her hand on his shoulder. He turned and looked at her as she smiled. He smiled back, this time from deep within, he truly was happy. He was now ready to officially settle down with ease.
" Meryl," Vash said
" Yes, Vash," Meryl replied
Her voice was full of hope and Vash stared at her, then placed a hand on her face. She placed her hand on his hand and leaned her head into his hand. She smiled and Vash gently caressed her lips with his thumb. He then leaned towards her and he saw her blush, her blush made him feel good as he leaned towards her. Inches away from her lips something stopped him. He thought for a minuet and then shook it off and kissed her with a full kiss. Meryl closed her eyes feeling butterflies suddenly vanish, now it was just her and Vash standing there. She fell into his gently yet deep kiss, which left her in her own world. A minuet went by and then Vash pulled away and looked at Meryl as she treasured the 60 seconds of true feeling. She opened her eyes and stared at him.
" Vash," she whispered
" I should have done this a long time ago," Vash whispered, " I should have told you how I felt deep inside, but the truth is I didn't know how. I was afraid to tell you, afraid someone would harm you."
Meryl looked at Vash and reached up and touched his face.
" This isn't a dream," Meryl whispered, " Vash, can we be together."
Meryl blushed as she tried to say that she wanted to be with him for the night. She was to afraid to, but words didn't have to be said. Vash kissed her and scooped her in his arms and carried her back towards the home they remained at. Vash opened the door and picked Meryl back up in his arms. She wrapped her arms around him and he walked her down the hall to his room.
The night continued through hours and Vash sat in the window. He looked at Meryl as she rested peacefully in his bed. He smiled and looked at the abandoned clothing that rested on the ground. He stared out and leaned his head against the window, then he heard Meryl stir and he turned to see her open her eyes. She suddenly became startled and sat up holding the sheets up around her. Vash walked over to her and she turned to him. She smiled seeing it wasn't a dream this time, Vash sat beside her and gently kissed her.
" I had a dream Vash that you left again," Meryl said as she leaned her head down on his chest.
Vash wrapped his arms around her and stroked her soft skin. He kissed her head and let her just breath out her worries.
" I'm not going to leave you Meryl," Vash whispered, " I want to stay with you for as long as I can."
" Let it be forever," Meryl whispered, " I don't want you to leave my side ever again Vash."
Vash looked at her and then kissed her again, he laid her worries to rest as he took her once more in his arms.
By morning Meryl and Vash were curled up in the sheets, hands entwined together. Vash's hand embraced Meryl's small form, he gently stroked her skin as he opened his eyes to the rising sun.
" It's morning again," Vash thought, " But I don't care. For once I am at eased. I don't have to worry."
Vash pulled the sheets over Meryl's bare shoulders and then kissed her head. He closed his eyes once more and then fell asleep.
By late morning Meryl opened her eyes and saw Vash was gone. She sat up and pulled the sheets over her. She reached just by the foot of the bed, one of Vash's shirts rested. She placed it on and buttoned it up all the way. She slipped out of bed and poked her head out of the room. She then tipped toed towards the bath room to clean up, but to her surprise Vash was already there. She shut the door, and went to her room to grab some clean clothing. Once she heard the door open she walked out and stared at Vash. He seemed refreshed and he shined.
" Morning," Meryl said
" Morning," Vash replied
Meryl smiled and then walked over and embraced him. He smiled and embraced her, she looked up and kissed him.
" Oh, Vash," she whispered, " I'm glad you told me how you felt."
" It's a relief to get that off my chest," Vash said
Meryl chuckled and then said, " It makes me feel great."
By early after noon Vash and Meryl walked along the town, both feeling brand new. Vash seemed happier and Meryl was more relaxed. She was glad this time it wasn't a dream. Meryl watched as they shopped at the local grocery market together and picked out fresh fruit and vegetables. They ate at a small restaurant, where Vash paid for a meal. Meryl grabbed his hand and gave it a squeeze.
" Meryl," Vash said
" Yes," Meryl said looking up at him
Vash sighed and said, " I want you to come meet my brother."
" Your brother, why?" Meryl asked
" I want you to see he's not as dangerous as he looks," Vash replied
Meryl was uncomfortable with the idea, but she would do it for Vash. She nodded and Vash smiled. So, they went and visited Knives and Meryl stood behind Vash as they entered his room. Knives was sitting up fine and he was reading when they came.
" Knives," Vash said
Knives set the book down and looked at Vash.
" Well, what a pleasant surprise," Knives said though he didn't mean it
Meryl stepped from behind and beside him.
" Knives, I came to let you meet Meryl," Vash said
" Another human toy you wish to play with?" Knives said, " Once your done with her she'll be useless."
" How dare you?" Meryl growled
" She's feisty, it's a surprise you could find such a human to strike an interest. It's difficult growing up and not understanding that these women are trouble. In a month she will find someone else to have fun with and leave you on the side," Knives casually said
" Why you little bastard?" Meryl said, " I love Vash."
" Of course, your in love with a plant that, will out live you," Knives said, " And like all humans, they die very easily."
Vash was feeling the anger that Meryl felt at the moment.
" Do as you please brother, humans will never be useful to us the way we want them. They're such fragile creatures, that wish they could be immortal like us," Knives said
" How can you say these things, after being cared for by one for 5 days?" Vash questioned, " How can you be so cold?"
" It's in my nature," Knives said, " One day you'll see it. Other's have."
Vash grabbed Meryl's hand and then pulled her close.
" Hold on tight to her Vash, she may slip out of your site and find another. Do what you have to do to claim what you call love," Knives said
Meryl narrowed her eyes and Vash put an arm around Meryl. Knives smiled a devious smile, one that burns into a person's soul.
" Are you done, showing off your little toy, cause I'm tiered of seeing that human in my sight," Knives snarled, " She's polluting my air."
Meryl pushed away from Vash and walked over to Knives, then slapped him across the face. She ran out the room and Vash looked at Knives.
" They're so easy to get to," Knives said
Vash narrowed his eyes and walked out after her and Knives laughed out a psycho laugh. Vash caught up with her and grabbed her arm and she fell into Vash's hold.
" How can he be so cruel?" Meryl cried
" Shh, don't let him get to you, he's full of anger," Vash said
She buried her face into his chest and let the tears fall from her face.
" I'm sorry, he did that to you," Vash whispered, " but it won't happen again."
Later that day Vash and Meryl walked back home. Meryl made dinner and they waited for Millie to come home. Vash stared at Meryl as she prepared dinner, but he could tell that Meryl was thinking about the visit with Knives. He leaned against the wall and then walked into the kitchen. He gently wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck. Meryl didn't react and Vash stared at her, then she turned off the stove.
" Vash," she whispered
Vash looked at her and replied, " Yes."
" I want to be with you forever, I want to be there by your side until the end of your days," Meryl said
Vash pulled away from her and she turned to face him. She reached up and placed her hand on his face.
" Meryl," he whispered, " I don't know how."
" You have too," Meryl said, " Your too amazing not too."
" Only one team knew how, one woman who truly created my brother and me. She's dead now though, Rem knew how too," Vash said
Meryl let her hand drop to her side and Vash stared at her. He wanted to have her live with him forever or until he died. He pulled her closed to him and rubbed her back.
" Don't let my brother get to you," he whispered, " You can't be hurt by his words."
" How can I not Vash," Meryl said
" Hello, Meryl, Mr.Vash," Millie's voice called
" In the kitchen," Vash called
Meryl wiped her tears and served up dinner, when Millie came in. She looked at everyone and smiled.
" So, how did you two enjoy your day off today?" Millie asked
" It was nice," Vash sad
" Dinner's ready if anyone wants to eat now," Meryl said
" I'm starved," Millie said, " I'll eat now."
Vash nodded in agreement and Meryl handed them each a plate and then joined them with drinks.
" Oh, this looks great Meryl, where do you learn to cook?" Millie said
" I've picked up a few things while in town," Meryl said
Vash took a bite and then looked at Meryl nodding in approval.
" Very tasteful," Vash said
" Why thank you Vash," Meryl said
By the late evening Meryl went down the hall and to take a shower, but once more beaten by Vash.
" Vash!" she screamed
" Sorry," Vash called
" You take more showers than anyone is this house," Meryl said
Vash opened the door towel wrapped around his waist. He smiled and Meryl blushed and he grabbed her by the waist.
" Come in and take one with me," Vash said
" No, I can wait," Meryl said
Vash kissed her and Meryl shut the door and locked it. Millie sighed and shook her head, then sipped her coffee. She looked at it as the steam rose from the cup and she pushed it away. Tears fell from her face and she leaned her head down on the table.
" I miss you so much," she whispered, " How can I ever get over you."
After, a shower Meryl walked out dressed for bed, then Vash followed her drying his hair. She smiled at him and grabbed his hand then brushed his hair back from his face. Vash looked at her and put his arms around her, feeling the happiness just bursting inside him. She put her hands on his arms and stroked them as he just held her.
Later that night Vash and Meryl slept curled up in each other's arms, with pleasant faces. That was until a cold icy feeling crawled up Vash's spine. He opened his eyes and looked around. There was a different feeling in the air, he sat up shivering.
" Vash, Vash, take care of Knives," Rem's voice echoed
" Rem," he whispered, " Rem, is that you."
" Vash, you must take care of him, I'll join you soon," Rem's voice echoed
Vash slid out of be bed and got up, he slipped a shirt on and walked down the hall. He stepped on a sandy substance, he looked down and saw ash all over the floor. He breathed deep as he continued to the kitchen. Once more stepping in ash on the floor.
" Vash, it's time to open your eyes," a voice whispered, " Time to take care of Knives . Tell me where he is."
" Who are you?" Vash questioned
" Vash, the stampede, he's a disaster waiting to happen," a voice said
" No, stop," Vash said
" Vash, Knives is your brother you have to help keep him safe," Rem's voice said
" Rem, where are you?" Vash called out
" No one has the right to take another's life," Rem's voice said
" I am prepared to die," Legato's voice said
Vash looked around and Vash fell to his knees.
" Come now Vash, come to me and feel the relief from eternal pain," the voice said, " I have the antidote for healing."
Vash breathed deep and looked at the ashes, there was piles around him.
" Who are you?" he shouted
" I am your only hope to save yourself, to save those you care about from eternal pain. Reunite you with those who you deeply cared about or will ever care about," the voice said
Suddenly the door opened and the ash blew all over Vash. A man stood in the door way and stared at Vash. Vash gasped and backed off and stopped. He breathed deep and the man raised a gun.
" Where is Knives Millions, Vash the Stampede," the man said
" I don't know," Vash said
He snapped his left hand and two forms walked behind him. Vash looked at them and the man grabbed their hands. Two women stood there and Vash looked at them.
" Raven, Megami," the man said, " Their beautiful aren't they."
" Who are they?" Vash said
" Plants like you and I," the man said
The man walked into the light and Vash stared at him, his form was much like his and Knives and his skin and face structure was like his and Knives. The man smiled and let Raven and Megami pick Vash up.
" Who are you tell me?" Vash said
" Kaijin," the man said, " Your younger brother."
" Kaijin," Vash said, " But you were dead before they even had a chance to save you."
" Wrong Vash, Knives tried to murder me along with the crew that put their lives on the line," Kaijin said, " Don't defend a murderer."
" Vash take care of Knives," Rem's voice echoed
" Our mother, the woman who created us protected me and sent me on my way to take care of Knives, the culprit who stole Rem's life," Kaijin said, " Don't you understand she saved me and now I have a debt to pay to her. And so do you."
" No, I won't kill," Vash said
" Then you will die with your twin," Kaijin said
He fired a shot directly at Vash and Vash was thrown to the far end of the house. He looked at Kaijin and weakly got up.
" Vash, no one has the right to take another's life," Rem's voice whispered
" Rem, Rem," Vash said getting louder until he yelled, " Rem!"
" Vash, Vash," Meryl's voice broke Vash's sleep
" Meryl," he whispered
He sat up and breathed deep and looked at her. She stroked his head and then laid him down stroking his hot body
" You have a fever Vash," she whispered, " You were dreaming."
Vash looked at Meryl and breathed, then closed his eyes as she sat there stroking his arms.
" It was real," Vash whispered, " So, real that I could touch it."
" What was it about?" Meryl whispered
" Another brother, Kaijin who died," Vash said, " I remember hearing them talking about him. He was a failed attempt to make another one of Knives and I," Vash said
" Oh, Vash that must have been traumatic for you," Meryl whispered
Vash sat up and Meryl once more laid him down, she kissed his forehead. Vash looked at her and wrapped his arms around her waist. She rubbed his back as he laid his head on her lap.
" Oh, Vash," she whispered
By morning Vash had fallen asleep and Meryl felt Vash's fever die away. She wiped his face as he breathed deep a couple of times then she laid beside him to sleep.
" Vash," she thought stroking his head, " Don't carry anymore pain."
By the late morning Vash laid in bed and Meryl fed him soup. He seemed to go back to his old ways, afraid to show feelings. He felt pain, but didn't want to show it in front of Meryl.
" Vash," Meryl said knocking on his door
" Come in," he answered
Meryl came in and asked" I'm going to work, do you want me to get you anything?"
" No, I'm fine," Vash said
" Alright," she replied
She kissed his cheek and then walked off and Vash stared out the window. He sighed and then stood up staring at his black suit. He nodded and changed into it and placed his sunglasses on. He then walked out dressed and ready to go, then grabbed a canteen filled with water. He started out and walked out of town tying his holster and placing his famous silver gun in it.
" Kaijin is it true your alive, if so, I can not allow you to kill Knives even though Knives has killed the only woman we loved," Vash said