Chapter 4: Brothers with love
Vash stopped and saw someone standing there. He stepped closer and the man took a swig of water from a bottle. Vash took a deep breath and walked up too him his eyes lowered from the young man's own.
" Hello, Vash," the man said
" Hello Kaijin," Vash replied looking up
Kaijin snapped his left hand and two women walked over to him.
" Bring us some wine," Kaijin said, " Come my brother, you and I must speak."
Vash walked towards his new brother and then walked with him inside the crashed ship that rested on the dusty soil. They entered and suddenly it was like Vash was once more back on the ship. He looked around as Kaijin led him to a sitting area, there the two young women brought them glasses of wine.
" Now, my brother, tell me what have you been doing these past years?" Kaijin asked
" I've managed to start a new life in the town and have someone to take care of our brother, that has been wounded for the last 5 days since our last battle," Vash said
" So, Knives is wounded, I knew that blood was his on the sand. It led me straight to you and him," Kaijin said, " That is great, how is life with your humans that follow you. After all they seem to be attached to you."
" They're not my humans, they are human beings that desire my company and I will protect them," Vash said
Kaijin nodded and sipped his wine and he stood up and had one of the women removed his trench coat. He wore the same exact suit as Knives, just a different color he even had the ships' logo.
" So, it's true you were a live all along," Vash said, " How though?"
" I told you Vash, Rem saved me, she knew I had a chance, and she sent me out with the humans," Kaijin said, " She kissed my head and left me with these words. Take care of your brothers they will help you start your life and help the humans start theirs."
" How come you never associated with us, where were you?" Vash asked
Kaijin lifted his glass and said, " Preventing Knives from making his move. You see I have become his worse nightmare Vash, I am the one who scares him and haunts his dreams. I have warned him that I will come for him."
" But, its not possible that I would have not known about you," Vash said
Kaijin smiled and laughed, his crisp laugh made Vash wonder if what Kaijin was saying was true. Kaijin was much younger than himself and Knives, so how was it possible that he didn't know about Kaijin's presence? Vash sipped the wine and looked at it. It was the same kind of wine Knives was drinking when he met up with him. The finest of wines on this desert planet. Vash narrowed his eyes and then sighed, his brother was as bad as Knives, but in a different way. If he killed Knives, there would be no worry to take care of him. Vash could live a normal life, but as long as Knives was a live there would be pain. Vash shook his head and then looked up at Kaijin.
" I can't allow you to kill Knives, he's improving in his current condition," Vash said, " If he is not given a second chance to live the dream that Rem wished then I could not live with myself."
" A second chance could bring your down fall Vash, our brother is no better than the humans we are to protect and help bring life too," Kaijin said
" I know, but I feel that like everyone he can change," Vash said
" Then you have better faith than I do," Kaijin said
" Someone once gave me that faith, with his friendship, though in the end he died with it," Vash said
Kaijin sighed, " I am sorry brother, but I believe there are things you must see. Like you and Knives I have the ability of controlling plants to do our bending. Raven and Megami are among the two I have created to help spread the life of plants. There are others and soon millions one to every human to help them learn what we know to bring Rem's dream back."
Kaijin stood and Vash did as well, he then led Vash to the back where he was then taken to a lab, which went down into the ground. Kaijin turned on the lights and Vash looked underneath him seeing the capsules of plants that Kaijin has started. Vash gasped remembering seeing the same thing once filled with humans that would survive on a new planet. Vash turned to his brother and Kaijin smiled and then led Vash further back to another lab. Raven and Megami stood beside Kaijin as he entered sleeping quarters. He turned the lights on and small moans came from the room.
" Come and meet family children," Kaijin said
A dozen children walked out and looked at Vash and smiled. Kaijin smiled as he lifted a smaller girl into his arms.
" These children have been separated from their mothers and fathers and have stumbled here. I collected them and they are who help me run this lab. Vash looked at the children, amazed at what Kaijin was doing. His own civilization in this ship's shell.
" Vash, can you let Knives see this? Can you let him steal these children's lives away in the blink of an eye or steal these plants' life. I have worked to hard for him to do so," Kaijin said
" Rem's dream your making it all happen, but how long did it take you?" Vash said
" 149 years and 5 months," Kaijin said, " Brother give me your hand."
Vash extended his right hand and Kaijin pricked his finger, Vash pulled his hand back and Kaijin smiled.
" You bleed just as the humans do and I as well," Kaijin said as he placed Vash's blood on a tray.
" What are you doing?" he asked
" Letting you see the next hundred years of your life my brother," Kaijin said
Raven and Megami turned off the lights, Kaijin focused the sample onto a screen. Slowly pictures came, and he saw a picture of Meryl.
" This woman has followed you and giving her life to do so," Kaijin said, " Now, in 9 months will she give birth to your offspring Vash. She only wishes to make you happy."
Another picture came and there Meryl laid holding two young babies. Twins that showed many of Vash's features. He stood there gasped at the scene as he saw himself lean over and kiss Meryl and take the two babies in his arms.
" 9 years later Vash, these children will look like teens, they are no ordinary children they are son and daughter of a new race of human and plant. They share they heart of a human and the desire to live as a plant. You and this woman will share a life for 70 years, she will be come older, but you will remain as you are. Your youth and your willingness to live, your children will follow you until they reach a certain age before become unable to allow you to control their lives. They will pass their genes on and soon it will continue forever," Kaijin said
He looked at Vash as he suddenly felt weak in the knees. He fell back and the two women caught him. Kaijin smiled and placed a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it.
" Vash, let me show you what the future holds for Knives if he lives," Kaijin said
Another screen came up and Vash watched as in time that Knives' body healed his wounds. His madness never stopped and never would. Vash watched as the town's peaceful nature was destroyed.
" No, the future shouldn't be like that, Knives will change," Vash remarked, " I can make him change. It's only time."
" Time, there is no time. If he is well he will kill until he is killed," Kaijin said
" Your wrong there's another way," Vash said
" Look at you, never once killed a man, but it won't last for long," Kaijin said
Vash looked at Kaijin and looked at the children, they stared at him and the little girl, who stared with bright green eyes. Hope was what Kaijin called her cause she was the weaker one.
" Knives, will die," Kaijin said, " He has claimed many lives including our beloved Rem. I wish for you to kill him. He is after all the cause of your pain."
" No," Vash said, " I'm sorry. I can't kill."
Vash turned away and looked at the miles down of plants that rested. One to every human. Vash understood that Kaijin wished to make the race of a new type of being. He didn't truly want to save the planet. He wanted to created his own, where he could rule it. Vash's hand shook and then he balled up his fist.
" Tell me Vash, this woman, she wants to be with you," Kaijin said, " Why not allow her to become like you. Her youth will remain and you can be happy with her."
" Meryl," he thought, " I can't let her."
" She desires to make you happy Vash isn't it about time you were," Kaijin said, " Especially if you will soon become a father. Once they are born these plants will awaken."
Vash sighed and turned to his brother with a smile on his face.
" That will make you an uncle along with Knives, we can't break a family apart," Vash said
Kaijin sighed and Raven and Megami walked over to Kaijin.
" I give you a year Vash the Stampede to change Knives into a plant suitable for humans. Make him one that would fit into society. See if he will be the next one to help create the new race," Kaijin said
" One year, fine," Vash said
Kaijin shook his younger brother's hand and then walked out. He walked back into the desert's massive land and headed back.
" Do you think he'll be able to do it?" Raven asked
" Perhaps, he's Vash the Stampede," Kaijin said
" Shall we help?" Megami asked
" Not yet, If Vash is able to claim a human as his own then it shouldn't be hard for Knives. I've watched already to see that a woman has already desired him," Kaijin said
By evening Vash entered the town and walked back to the house. He entered and he heard a chair being pushed out.
" Vash is that you?" Meryl called
" Yes," Vash said
Meryl walked out and Vash stared at her, after what he saw in the future he was afraid. Afraid now Meryl would be in danger. He walked to her and she brushed him off.
" I was so worried, I made some soup for you," Meryl said, " Are you tiered, I can draw you a bath and you can wash?"
Vash just stared at her and he gently reached over and touched her face.
" Vash is something the matter?" Meryl asked
Vash shook his head and said, " Nothing is wrong, I'm just glad to see you."
He embraced Meryl and she reached up and kissed him. He pulled her close and deepened the kiss. Meryl pulled away and stared at him, he was different, but she didn't know how describe what she thought. Meryl ran her thumb over his lips, he stared at her then lifted her into his arms. Meryl wrapped her arms around him, then he took her to his room. He shut the door and locked it. Meryl looked at him and then kissed him, he kissed her back with full want. Meryl gently reached up and undid the top of his suit and worked her way down and Vash undid her shirt working his way down. They deepened the kissing and Vash took her into his arms. He laid her down on the unmade bed, where he joined her. He kissed her with full desire and pulled her to him.
By early morning Vash stroked Meryl's bare back as she rested peacefully next to him. He kissed her head and breathed deep feeling that this was what was right. Meryl was with him, Knives nor anyone else could tell him other wise. Kaijin had foretold his future with Meryl, but had he told him everything? Vash sighed and leaned his head by Meryl's so he would be the first thing she saw in the morning. He sighed and continued to stroke her back.
" The future has already began," Vash whispered, " One year or Kaijin will kill Knives…why is he so afraid of Knives?"
A week later
Knives heard the door open and he opened his eyes. He then heard the door shut and he pushed himself up. His arms were healing faster than any other part of his body, he would remain strong in his upper body, but it would be his lower body that needed help more. He saw Karen standing there, she held towels and clean clothing.
" Good morning Mr. Knives," Karen said as she advance
" Your well I see," Knives said
" Very well Mr. Knives," Karen replied, " May I come back and take care of you?"
Knives folded his arms and said, " Do as you wish. I am much stronger now."
" I can see, you have grown stronger," Karen said
She walked to him and helped him come to the edge of the bed.
" Where are you taking me?" he asked
" To clean you," Karen said, " Since you are well, I can take you to the bathroom and tend to you there."
She put one arm around her shoulders and lifted him up. He looked at her as her little form lifted him. She grabbed the towels and led him to the bathroom. She opened the door and set him down while she drew his water. He watched her as she tested the water and then turned to him.
" It's ready," she said
She walked over and helped him up, this time he leaned against a wall to balance, as she undressed him. She then guided him to the tub and helped him. She undid his bandages and tossed them, then cleaned him. Knives stared at Karen trying to understand why she was doing this for him. Of all the cruel things he had said and done to this woman she continued to see to his needs. She was as loyal as the sun is to the moon, she often stayed with him all night hearing he had often had nightmares. As she rinsed him off she found herself staring at his scars again. When he noticed her doing so she often lowered her head.
" Do you wish to soak awhile," Karen asked
" No," Knives said
Karen nodded and prepared a towel for him, then helped him stand. She got him standing and she wrapped the towel around his waist. She then helped him bend his legs to get out seeing they were weak after lying in bed for a week. As he stepped out, his legs clasped from under him, he stumbled and Karen grabbed hold of him. His weight being much more then Karen's, didn't even out. They both fell and Karen managed to get him to his knees. Her hands on his arms grasping tightly and his hands on her arms bracing himself. Karen breathed deep and Knives stared at Karen as his breaths became deep.
" Are you alright?" she asked
" I'm fine," he snapped
Karen nodded and then stood up and Knives grabbed her down. She fell to her knees, but this time stumbled. She fell right into him knocking him to the ground with her weight. She laid on top of him and breathed deep trying to move, but couldn't.
" My legs they won't move," Karen whispered
" Get off me," He growled
" I'm sorry, I can't move," Karen said
Karen calmed down, but her heart still raced and she pushed off Knives' chest. He made a grunt and then sat up. Karen folded her legs under her and stared at Knives. Knives narrowed his eyes and slapped her across the face.
" How dare you fall on me," Knives growled
Karen's head turned away and tears fell from her face. Knives' slap had hurt her more than it had ever, it was perhaps that he was angry at her for her fall.
" I'm sorry," she whimpered, " I didn't mean too."
Knives looked at the young woman and then reached to touch her. He pulled back and growled at his own foolishness.
" I won't be come the weaker being," Knives growled
He stood up and he balanced on the tub. Karen stood up and put one arm around him. She sat him down and wrapped his wounds, then had him stand. She dressed him and then led him back to his room. There she stopped seeing Vash standing there. Knives looked up at Vash seeing he was different.
" I'll take him from here," Vash said
Karen nodded and Vash took Knives back to his room. He set him down and Knives looked at Vash.
" What do you want?" Knives asked
" I ask that you change, if you treasure your life," Vash replied
Knives let out a laugh and said, " Or else you will kill me Vash."
" No, an assassin that seeks revenge," Vash said
" What assassin?" Knives said
" Kaijin," Vash said
Knives looked at Vash and narrowed his eyes.
" Where did you hear that name?" Knives growled
Vash remained to stand, but replied, " I met him, the brother I never knew about, but you did. He's alive and wants nothing, but peace."
" He's a coward and a servant to these humans," Knives spat, " He's no threat to me."
" He's developed a lot with in the last hundred years. He does both plants and humans. He asked me to help you change. So, I'm here to help you change or your life will end very soon," Vash said
Vash stood up and Knives looked at him and narrowed his eyes.
" Your becoming weaker Vash, that woman has dulled your senses," Knives said
" I've seen my future, it's time you've seen yours," Vash said, " Get some rest you have a long year ahead of you."
Vash walked out and looked at Karen.
" Mr. Vash," Karen said
" Yes," Vash said
Karen looked down and said, " Your brother."
" What about him?" Vash said
" I think….I think," Karen stuttered
" What do you think? Is there something wrong?" Vash asked
Karen looked up at him and said, " I think I'm in love with Mr. Knives."
She covered her mouth as tears fell from her face. Vash looked at the young woman's face seeing it remain red from Knives' powerful hand. He wiped her tears and embraced her. She looked up and stared at him.
" What should I do?" she whispered
" There isn't anything you can do unless he's ready to except your feelings," Vash replied, " He's sensitive right now his prides been injured, but maybe you can make a difference."
Vash walked off and Karen nodded then walked back into Knives' room. She stood there and he signaled for her to come over. She walked over and knelt down, without being called to sit down. Knives looked at her and reached for her chin, then lifted it.
" What do you desire?" Knives said
" You," she replied
" You're an idiot human, you only desire me because I am powerful," Knives laughed. " I will out live you."
Karen breathed in deep and stood up and then with a fluent motion, Karen kissed Knives. Knives' fist balled up and to his surprise his body betrayed him. He kissed her back, but then pushed her away.
" Why you idiot," Knives yelled
" I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself," she whispered
She stood straight and prepared for a slap across the face.
" I don't care how bad you treat me Mr. Knives, but I desire you and no one else," Karen said, " I saved you because I cared for you. I don't want to be apart Mr. Knives."
Knives was suddenly taken over by strange emotions. He was mad because his body has betrayed him, kissing the young girl. Now, these other feelings which he couldn't describe. Knives forced himself up and Karen stared at him wincing as he did. He laughed a sinister laugh seeing the girl fearing his power.
" Please," she whispered
" If you so desire me then lay with me," Knives said
Karen felt her heart beat against her chest. She stared at him and then walked to him. Knives put his hand out to the girl and she placed her hand in his own. He wrapped his hand around her small hand and pulled her to him. She fell into his chest and looked up, he stared at her with lust in his eyes. She felt her body shake and Knives smiled a deep dark smile. He wrapped his arms around her while she faced the front with her back to him. He leaned over and whispered something into her ear.
" To night your mine," Knives whispered, " You will be mine until I say other wise."
He ran his finger down her chin and then neck. He then just trailed his finger down the front of her shirt. She shivered and Knives laughed as he felt her body become tense.
Meryl sat up suddenly and looked around, she felt a cool cloth on her head. She then saw Vash sitting there leaned over.
" Vash," she whispered
He lifted his head and stared at Meryl. He then got up and walked over to her side.
" Vash what happened?" Meryl asked
" You just fainted, I was there to catch you though," Vash replied with a smile
" I must be really be exhausted if I just fainted," Meryl said
She sighed and leaned back and Vash just sat by her. He grabbed her hand and stroked it with his thumb. He stared down at her and Meryl stared at him.
" What is it Vash?" she asked
Vash brought her hand up to his lips and kissed it then leaned over and kissed her.
" Meryl, will you marry me?" Vash whispered in her ear
Meryl felt her eyes go wide and a smile curve into her lips. She wrapped her arms around Vash and kissed him.
" Of course I'll marry you," Meryl replied
" I'm afraid I don't have a ring for you just the love in my heart," Vash whispered
" It's alright Vash, I don't need a ring, I just need your love," she replied
She kissed him again and he rubbed noses with her.
" I'll be right here, just rest," Vash replied
The evening came and Karen came to do her usual evening caring for Knives. She brought him food, where she joined him. His usual taste for the finest wine in the town along with a healing meal. Karen sat there and Knives finished then wiped his mouth. He drank the glass of wine. She then poured him some more and this time he offered her some.
" Drink," he said
She took the glass into her hand and drank it. She then handed him the glass back and Knives stroked her cheek with his thumb.
" It's the finest, and I only deserve the finest," Knives said
Karen grabbed his hand and kissed it and Knives looked at her. His arm slipped around her waist and he pulled her towards him.
" You will see how strong I am," Knives said
She stared at him as he gently trailed his hand down her back. He undid her dress and let it fall of her shoulders. Karen breathed as Knives finished undressing her. She helped him stand and undressed him. Karen turned the lights down low as Knives waited for her. He took her into his arms and gently laid her down on the bed. He leaned to her and kissed her, though each kiss he gave her meant nothing, it was just something to satisfy her hunger for him. While he kissed her, he stroked her soft skin and then lifted her into his strong hold.
By the early morning Karen laid in Knives' arms. Her head rested on his chest and one arm around his waist. Her hand entwined with his other hand. Knives opened his eyes and looked at Karen. He smiled a devious smile as the young girl slept in his strong hold.
" These human women are easy to please," Knives said
He closed his eyes and fell back to sleep feeling his body telling him he needed to recover.
By late morning Vash and Meryl were up and Vash looked at Meryl.
" Are you sure your ok?" he asked
" Yes, I can handle this," Meryl said
" Are you sure you want to face my brother again," Vash said
Meryl sighed and said, " I'm ok with it, let's go."
They entered the house and Vash walked with Meryl to Knives' room. They opened the door and Vash raised an eye brow. Meryl covered her eyes and buried her face in Vash's chest.
" Ew," Meryl said, " Vash."
" I'm agreeing with you," Vash said
Meryl pulled Vash outside the room to recollect their thoughts on the sight they had just seen.
" It could have been worst," Vash stated
Meryl cleared her thoughts.
" Well, a least your brother got some action maybe he'll be happy," Meryl said
Vash sighed and looked in, Knives had Karen in his arms and their hands entwined like lovers. Both seemed content, but it was strange to see his brother with a woman and yet be so pleased with himself.
" I don't get it, maybe he really was doing it for the pleasure. After all it's been years since the last time he's had something," Vash said
" You would know this how?" Meryl questioned
Vash slightly went pink and said, " I kind of walked in on him, before the year he left."
"Oh, you peeking tom," Meryl said
" Hey, like I said it could have been worse," Vash said
Vash looked at Meryl and kissed her cheek.
" You seem distant," Vash whispered
" Just thinking about the other night," Meryl said
Vash looked at her strangely and then she took his hands.
" What made you feel that way?" Meryl asked
" The future," Vash said, " A future with you."
Meryl smiled and said, " I hope the future always inspires you."
Vash gave a chuckle and then heard footsteps in Knives' room. The door opened and Karen walked out, she was dressed, then walked past them. Meryl and Vash walked in and Knives sat there with a content look.
" Perhaps a human isn't all that bad to sleep with," Knives said
" Yuck, you pig," Meryl said
" She's come back to only insult me," Knives said, " I see you've kept her well."
Vash sighed and said, " Why did you sleep with her if you have no feelings for her."
" Every once in awhile even I need a companion to sleep with. She just came along at the right time," Knives said
" You filthy bastard," Meryl said
" Meryl," Vash said
" Yes, tell her to stop that screeching," Knives said
Vash sighed and then put his arm around Meryl.
" Meryl and I are getting married Knives, we want you to be there," Vash said, " That's all I came to say."
" I'd rather rot here," Knives said
" It would mean a lot," Vash said
Knives shoed Vash off with his hand.
" I don't feel like attending," Knives said, " I don't support the marriage and never will. A plant will always be the superior being."
" I disagree," Vash said
Meryl grabbed Vash's sleeve and he looked at her. Vash lifted Meryl's cheek and kissed her.
" Remember Vash, in so much time that woman will be shriveled up," Knives said
" Not with the help of Kaijin," Vash said
Knives growled in his throat and Vash smiled a little. They walked off and walked towards the door. There Karen stood and Karen blushed a little as she was about to say something.
" Vash, I told him how I felt, he told me I'm his until he says other wise," Karen said
" He's using you," Meryl said
" No, he really has a heart Meryl," Karen said
" Karen, you'll see," Meryl replied
Vash and Meryl went to work and Karen went up to see Knives. Vash and Meryl stood there and sighed a helpless sigh together. The pain and suffering had yet to begin with the young woman. Would she see who Knives truly is or will Knives change?