AN: For those who have kept up with this story sorry for making the characters OOC Thanks for keeping up
Chapter 5: A Rose by Any Name is Just a Rose
5 weeks later
Vash and Meryl stood together taking each other's hands, standing in a church. Millie watched as Meryl and Vash took their vows and Vash slipped a ring on her finger. As Meryl slipped the ring on Vash's finger she felt tears fall from her face. They were pronounced husband and wife at the time the town clock struck 12. Vash kissed Meryl and embraced her in his arms.
" Oh, Vash," she whispered
The two walked down the isle and Millie followed behind them as they walked out the church. As they got out they stopped and looked at Knives standing there. Vash breathed deep as he stared at his brother.
" What do you want Knives?" Vash asked
" Here to congratulate you and your beloved wife," Knives said
Meryl grabbed hold of Vash's hand as Knives stood there. Vash walked down with Meryl close to him. Knives' lips turned up to a smile, one different from what they wouldn't trust. Knives put out his hand and Vash looked at him, then shook his brother's hand. Knives then leaned and kissed Meryl on her cheek. Meryl felt a cold feeling climb up her spine as Knives' lips touched her skin. Knives turned and started off and Vash hesitated to say anything.
" Won't you join us Knives for dinner?" Vash said
" Vash," Meryl whispered
Knives stopped and smiled then turned.
" Dinning with you would interfere in the wedding night's plans," Knives said, " Even I know these humans customs well Vash."
" No, please come," Vash said, " While we are here we can a least act like brothers."
Knives narrowed his eyes seeing Vash mocking him, by using his own words. Knives smiled and then Vash extended his hand towards Knives.
" You can make it up to us since you didn't come to the wedding," Vash said
" Very well," Knives said, " I shall join you for dinner this evening."
Knives then turned and walked back towards the house and Karen wrapped her arm around Knives' arm.
" Vash, I don't trust him," Meryl said
" If we don't try to make him at eased then there will be blood and pain again," Vash said, " Don't worry."
" Oh Vash you have a bleeding heart for your brother," Meryl said
Kaijin stood on the edge of town and watched as Knives walked away with a woman. Kaijin narrowed his eyes and looked at his two assistants. Raven and Megami stared at Kaijin.
" He knows I'm here," Kaijin said
" Perhaps it's time to kill him now, there is no way Vash will make him change," Megami said
" He still heals I will not hit a wounded man," Kaijin said, " Send him my message ladies."
Megami and Raven nodded holding to pouches of ash and then walked down to the town dressed as any woman would dress. Vash noticed them as Kaijin's women, and he saw they were heading directly to where Knives was staying.
" Something's up," Vash said
He turned and looked to see Kaijin standing there on the edge of the town. He sighed and looked at Meryl.
" Shall we celebrate," Vash said
" Of course," Meryl said reaching up and kissing him
Vash, Meryl and Millie went to a small place to eat. Vash knowing the future that Meryl carried and soon find out, didn't want her to drink. Kaijin smiled as he watched the newly weds go on their way.
" In time Vash you will see that I live for each moment to bring peace to this world. Rem's love and tender touch has brought you to be who you are, but I fear her touch was not noticed by our brother. Now it is time that he become nurtured once more, by someone to love," Kaijin thought
Megami and Raven introduced themselves as friends of Knives to the old woman. She let them in and Raven smiled along with Megami as they entered. Knives was sitting inside being served by Karen when they entered.
" Still think you're power can control humans," Raven said
Knives looked up at the two women that stood there, he could tell they were plants. They were more straight to the point and they had certain smells.
" A rose by any name is just a rose," Knives said
He stood up and looked at Raven and Megami then gently took in their soft smells.
" A rose," he said, " That is all you are."
" Here is our master's message," Megami said
Knives smiled and said, " What does my good for nothing younger brother want?"
" You have very little time to prove to him that you are worthy to stay on this planet. If by the time the year ends and you are as you are then he will be destroy you. If Vash stands in his way he will be crushed. Choose wisely Knives or you could end more than just your life," Raven said
They tossed the two pouches and Knives looked at the black dust fly from them. He growled and Raven smirked and gave touch on his nose.
" See you around Knives," Raven said
" Don't think your threats on me will diminish my power," Knives shouted
Megami smiled and turned and raised her left hand.
" Don't allow us to destroy you here, we are capable master Knives," Megami said, " Your angel arm will harm no one, but yourself."
Raven and Megami walked off with their flowing satin dresses. Knives narrowed his eyes seeing the rose placed on the table. Karen walked over to him and grabbed his arm.
" Mr. Knives," she said
" Get off me," he growled
Karen looked at him as he walked back to his room. He still had a limp as he walked and Karen sighed. She sat down, hearing the door shut and then looked out.
" That bastard, he's alive," Knives growled
He sat down on his bed and looked around. He then with all his anger threw everything that rested on the night stand. Karen opened the door hurrying in and Knives fell to his knees. She ran and fell to her knees and gathered him into her arms.
" Oh, Mr. Knives," she whispered
" Get off me!" he shouted
She shook her head and embraced him and leaned her head on his back.
" No, I won't let you go," she cried, " Your hurt deep inside and I want to be with you to ease your pain."
Knives' breathed deep, she could feel his shoulders rise and fall at a quicken pace. His eyes showed the surprise of the girl's actions, as well as his brother's messengers. Knives was pulled too Karen and she laid him in her lap as she knelt down. His arms wrapped around her waist and rested on her lap. Karen stroked his head and arms. He had become more violent and yet so kind to her, allowing her to hold him in her arms.
" Why are you still here?" Knives questioned
" Because I care about you Mr. Knives. I told you that you're my responsibility and I will care for you," Karen whispered, " I'm in love with you Mr. Knives and I'm afraid I can not be parted from you."
Knives breathed deep and swallowed deep. Knives pushed himself and sat up and looked at Karen. She reached over and placed her hand on his face, then leaned over and kissed him. Once more Knives' body betrayed him and he kissed Karen in return. Knives pulled away and Karen breathed deep and she traced his lips. Knives breathed letting this woman touch his lips.
" I know you don't care about me, but as long as one of us cares about the other, then it will work out," Karen said
Knives narrowed his eyes and turned away from the woman that embraced him. Her warmth took the chill off his shivering body. Karen grabbed his chin and turned his head to face her.
" Stop it," she said, " Your afraid, afraid that someone may actually love you."
Knives narrowed his and swatted her hand from his chin. For some reason this woman's touched made him shiver, but then put him at eased. He noticed this when he first arrived and she came and tended to his wounded body.
" Spare me your feelings," Knives said, " We are not made to love or have human emotions, we are just tools to aid humans. I am for one will never be a human's tool and aid them in their survival."
Karen stared at him and with a complete control, slapped Knives across his face. Knives narrowed his eyes at her as she then embraced him.
" I understand your power Knives, but you don't need to use it here," Karen whispered, " You need to use your heart for once."
" I have no heart," Knives stated, " I tore it out long ago to seek my revenge on mankind."
Knives tried to pushed her away, but it wasn't worth it. Karen stroked his head and it was as though he had fallen under her control. His body relaxed and his desire to kill vanished.
" I can't let this human trap me," Knives thought, " Let me go."
An hour later Knives opened his eyes and breathed deep. He turned and looked down at Karen sleeping next to him. His arm was draped around her and Karen's hand entwined with his other hand, while her hand rested on his chest.
" Knives," she whispered, " Please change."
Knives took in a deep breath as his hand stroked Karen's back. Her skin was soft under his finger tips, that it made him shiver. He looked at her form outlined under the sheets and how he felt something inside.
" No, I won't let this feeling," Knives thought, " I won't let it win over me."
Later that evening Vash and Meryl had a warm meal prepared and they waited for Knives.
" He's not coming," Meryl said
" He will," Vash said
Vash kissed Meryl's head and she looked at him.
" Vash," Meryl said
" Yes," he asked
" Why are you acting strange around me, your suddenly protecting me from everyone one. Your evening saying strange things about the things I eat," Meryl said
Vash looked at her and said, " I'm just looking out for you. Isn't that what a husband's suppose to do?"
" Well, yes, but it's been since that night," Meryl said, " That night you came from the desert. You seemed so, full of feelings, but inspired."
Vash felt a little warm, and he walked towards the door.
" Oh no you don't, I want to know what's going on?" Meryl stated
" Like I said I'm just looking out for you…ok now got to go," Vash said opening the door
He shut it and breathed deep.
" How do you tell a woman that she's pregnant because you saw it in the future?" Vash questioned
" The same way she would tell you," A voice said
Vash looked up and felt the cool breeze come off the emptiness of the desert.
" Kaijin," Vash said
" Go ahead Vash tell her," Kaijin said
Vash sighed and said, " What if it's not true? What if she's really not pregnant?"
" I've shown you the future Vash, how much proof do you need to believe that she is," Kaijin said
Black dust blew at Vash and Vash covered his eyes, then once it was gone he looked up to see Kaijin. Vash walked and met him half way.
" Why did you send a messenger Kaijin to Knives?" Vash asked
" He needed to know I was alive, the next time I will visit him," Kaijin said, " Raven and Megami have done their jobs well."
" How did you create them?" Vash asked
Kaijin smiled and pulled a red and pink rose.
" I created them from the seeds of roses, their DNA is tied together in roses such as these two," Kaijin said, " I watched Rem and the crew use the perfect mix and I took that mix and created millions of plants to help humans. I am what Rem wanted, the one who could create her dream."
Vash looked at Kaijin and Kaijin took the roses and laid them on the ground.
" A rose by any other name is just a rose," Kaijin said, " My girls know how to help those I desire make see what their errors are."
Vash sighed and said, " If you release those plants into that world there will be chaos. Rem wanted us to help."
" Rem also told us we weren't made to truly show affections, but look you proved her wrong. You loved her and you've taken that love and loved another. We are a mystery to the humans and one day they will understand," Kaijin said
Kaijin sighed and lifted the roses. He stared up in the stars and watched as a shoot star shot across the sky.
" Our dear brother isn't coming to dinner," Kaijin said, " He's kind of busy."
Vash shivered at the thought that came to mind as Kaijin smiled a simple smile.
" Please tell me your joking," Vash said
" He's becoming quite fawned of that woman, the one who's taken care of him," Kaijin said
" What did you do to him?" Vash asked
" His wounds have caused him great pain and a woman such as her, has a very tender touch that can change a man. I've done nothing, but if you ask me Knives is becoming more than just a man, he's experiencing feelings that will change," Kaijin said
Vash shook his head and walked into the house where Meryl looked at him.
" Vash," she said
" I want to tell you something," Vash whispered
Vash led Meryl into the kitchen and told her everything. Told her about Kaijin and how he went to visit him. He explained to her about the dream that Kaijin wanted to live with his new race. Meryl sat down feeling her knees starting to shake.
" I'm pregnant?" she asked
" Yes," Vash said, " It's been a little over a month since I visited my younger brother. That night was when I saw you differently Meryl, I knew I had to be with you forever. Everything starting from today was because of the visit."
Meryl grabbed Vash's hands and kissed them, then hugged him.
" I didn't want to tell you right away cause I was afraid you'd change your mind," Vash said, " In less than 8 months we'll have a family."
Meryl smiled and just leaned her head on his chest.
" Marrying you was the best thing that has happened to me," Meryl said, " I would never change my mind. I'm glad now we're going to have a baby."
" A new race will soon be born, starting with your children Vash the Stampede," Kaijin's voice echoed from a past conversation
Kaijin was right and so was Meryl, Knives didn't show, but that didn't stop Vash, Meryl and Millie from enjoying the meal.
" To the future," Millie said
" To the future," Meryl and Vash replied
2 months later
Vash watched from the distances studying Knives' movements. Knives had developed a new personality, but still Vash could pick up his other side. Was he trying to pull another of his tricks? Vash watched as Karen followed behind Knives like a lost dog, she carried the groceries and other things.
" What are you up too Knives?" Vash whispered
Vash continued and hid behind every building still keeping an eye on Knives.
" Are you quite done spying on your brother, because I'm starved," Meryl said
" Shh, I'm close on his trail," Vash said
" Vash, I swear you'd fit in a show of freaks," Meryl said
" Hey wait a minuet why are you here anyway?" Vash asked
" I'm shopping with you," Meryl said
Vash scratched his head and said, " Oh, right. Uh…what are we exactly buying."
" Food," Meryl shouted
Vash rocked back and forth as Meryl stormed off. She then stopped and grabbed Vash, by his shirt.
" Men are such idiots," Meryl mumbled
" I believe most women have their moments too," Vash said, " Especially if their pregnant."
" Vash," Meryl said
" Coming sweet heart," Vash said
Knives looked around knowing there were people staring at him. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Karen.
" Hurry up," he said
Karen came to his side as he grabbed one bag from her then led her into the house. She unloaded the bags and looked at Knives, he stared out the window as though someone were watching them.
" Knives," she said, " Is everything alright?"
" Fine," he snapped
Knives walked over to Karen and stroked her cheek and she grabbed his hand.
" I just want you to not worry," Karen said, " I'm sorry.
" You humans and your emotions," Knives said
Knives turned and looked hearing food steps on the wooden porch outside the house. Knives made a quick move pulling Karen down as bullets suddenly came flying. One bullet penetrating, Knives' right shoulder, he held Karen as the bullets continued to fire in their direction. He looked at Karen seeing her form cradled in his arms as he protected her. He looked around for anything to use as a weapon. Wood splintered flew everywhere as their attacker continued to shoot. Once they had stopped Knives looked up breathing deep. Blood dripped from his wound and he gripped his shoulder. Foot steps entered the destroyed home and Knives looked at Karen.
" Stay here," he ordered
" Ok," she said
Knives stood and walked out and he saw several men enter. They carried large guns made for killing. Knives was unarmed without his infamous black gun. He narrowed his eyes trying to do this without getting himself killed.
" Come out here you freak," a man called, " You think you can just take what you want?"
" You filthy bastard, come out and die like a man," another called
" Easy, he's mind," a familiar voice said
Knives narrowed his eyes and his fist balled up.
" Where's Karen, my woman, she was mine before you came," Jordan's voice echoed
" She's no longer belongs to you," Knives said
He stepped out and all the men aimed their guns at him and Jordan narrowed his eyes.
" You come here with that brother of yours, we took care of you and now your healed and you'd do well to leave now," Jordan said, " This is your first and only warning. Take your filthy body out of here."
Knives narrowed his eyes at the man who threaten him. Knives smiled a devious smile and grabbed Jordan by his neck.
" You dare threaten me, an inferior being trying to tell me that I am unwelcome," Knives said
" Kill him!" Jordan shouted, " Make sure he's dead!"
Knives threw Jordan towards the loaded guns and ran for cover from their nasty bites. He was helpless without a gun and he looked around. Jordan pulled a trigger seeing a good angle to hit Knives at. He fired the shot hitting Knives in his upper chest. The magnitude of the shot was not like any human made gun. Knives was thrown threw a window on the hard wooden porch. He laid there helplessly and breathed deep feeling the bullet's sting pierce his flesh and inside.
" Knives!" Karen cried
Karen walked out and a man hit her on the head, she fell to the ground unconscious. Jordan walked out and looked at Knives as he suffered, he smiled, then kicked him.
" Inferior being my ass, you're the one who is inferior to us," Jordan said
He raised the gun and aimed it at Knives. Knives opened his eyes and weakly looked at Jordan.
" This human has defeated me with one blow, how is it possible?" Knives thought, " I must finish."
Jordan lifted Knives' by his shirt and threw several blows to Knives. Knives reached up to try to strangle Jordan, but his body was giving up.
" Your so weak," Jordan said as he threw Knives onto the dusty soil.
People came out to witness the fight that was taken places. Many had already gathered upon hearing the gunshots. Knives pushed himself up hold his wounded chest and arm.
" You want more do you!" Jordan exclaimed
Knives narrowed his eyes as Jordan fired a shot and hit Knives once more in the up part of his chest on his left side.
" Your finished," Jordan said lifting the gun to take a final blow
As he was about to, suddenly his gun was thrown out his hand, by a bullet.
" No one has the right to take another's life, even though they have committed a heinous crime," Vash's voice sounded from the back of the crowd
Vash pushed through holding his silver gun and he looked at Jordan. Then knelt down next to Knives.
" Hang in there," Vash said
" I had him where I wanted him," Knives said
" I know, I just helped you," Vash said with a smile
Vash stood up and looked at Jordan seeing the anger.
" Vash the Stampede, how can you help this man?" Jordan questioned
Vash gave a soft smile and said, " Easy, he's my family, a little rough on the edges, but nothing to stop me from taking care of him."
" Your just as bad as he is," Jordan said pulling out another gun, then firing
Vash walked closer to the angered man and lifted up his hands.
" Put your weapon down, there is no need to hurt anymore," Vash said, " Do it or I'll be force to shoot again."
Meryl walked from the crowd and looked at the scene. She looked at Knives and knelt down beside him. She checked his pulse and looked at Vash. She stood up and waited for a nice smooth settlement. Jordan released his gun and then Vash looked at the others. They all set them down and Vash walked past them. He went into the house and lifted the unconscious Karen. He then brought her out and gave her to the town doctor. He then walked over and lifted Knives and looked at Meryl. He walked through the path as the crowd parted and Meryl followed.
" Vash your no leaving again are you?" Meryl asked
" I'm going to visit my brother," Vash said, " I'll return in a week or so."
" A week," Meryl said
" Yes, a week," Vash said
Vash entered the desert and walked for the miles he need to get to Kaijin. As expected Vash saw Kaijin and his two assistants standing there.
" I've see that once again our foolish brother has been wounded," Kaijin said
Vash looked at him as Kaijin welcomed him in, once more the coolness touched Vash's face and dried the sweat of his face. Kaijin led Vash into the lab and aloud him to lay Knives' on the table. Kaijin removed Knives' shirt and looked at the wounds closely.
" Shot three times, that must be a record for him for the least bullet holes," Kaijin said
Kaijin removed the bullets that had pierced Knives' flesh and removed the piece of material that the bullet took in. Kaijin wrapped cleaned bandages on Knives' wounds.
" These bullets I have seen them before," Kaijin said
Knives' moved his hand and moan a little as Kaijin continued to treat Knives. Vash watched as his younger brother set up a capsule for Knives. He placed Knives into it and the capsule filled with a treatable water that would help Knives' heal. Kaijin turned to Vash as he sat down.
" What is it?" Kaijin said
" I thought you hated Knives," Vash replied
Kaijin washed his hands and said, " I can't stand him, but there are things that change Vash. I am not a killer, nor a saint, we only try to survive with those who are strong."
" So, you are saying Knives' is weak," Vash stated
" Yes, he is weak because he has no heart to ever love," Kaijin said
" I disagree," Vash said, " See the future Kaijin, we all change with time."
Kaijin picked up the tray with some of Knives' blood. Vash looked at his younger brother and raised an eye brow. Kaijin looked at the sample and then turned off the lights and focused it on the screen. Images flew by and Kaijin watched as he saw Knives change, his edge of desire remained, but for the most part Knives had changed.
" Well, done Vash, I see you truly are right, we all deserve a second chance," Kaijin said
Vash looked at his brother and suddenly that cold feeling struck him. He narrowed his eyes and looked at Knives asleep. There was something wrong though he could feel it crawling up his spine. What was it though? His brother hid it well, he couldn't find it. Kaijin smiled and from behind hit Vash in his head and Vash fell.
" You think I would dare let you be right Vash," Kaijin said
He lifted Vash and opened a capsule, he smiled and stripped Vash of his weapons.
" Sleep well brothers," Kaijin said
He turned to Raven and Megami and they bowed then left the room.
" So, very soon, I will take control of this world," Kaijin laughed, " Humans will be my slaves."
Flashback
" Vash, wake up," Rem's voice said
Vash opened his eyes and he looked around, he was on the ship and he was young again. He looked at Rem as she smiled at him and then he heard the footsteps running towards them.
" Rem," Knives' voice called
Rem turned and saw Knives running. She knelt down and Knives wrapped his arms around her. Vash looked at his twin brother and wondered what was going on.
" Knives, what happen to your face?" Rem asked
Knives looked at her as she cleaned the cut off. Knives had tears in his eyes which surprised Vash very much.
" I fell," he said quickly
Vash looked at him and looked at Rem as she kissed his cheek.
" You have to be more careful," Rem said, " Now, let's get that taken care of."
Rem grabbed Knives' hand and then Vash's, she walked them down to where the first aid was. Rem placed a band aid on his face and kissed it.
" Better?" she said
" Uh ha," Knives said
Vash sighed and lifted his hand up.
" Rem, my hand hurts can you kiss it?" Vash said
Rem smiled and said, " Alright Vash."
She kissed his hand and then lifted Vash into her arms and grabbed Knives' hand.
" So, are your ready for your lessons?" Rem asked
Both nodded in agreement and Rem smiled a soft smile.
" Then let's go," she said
It seem everyday Knives would return with cuts and every time Rem would take care of him. Vash finally asked him where he continued to get cuts and bruises, but Knives continued to give him the same answer.
" I fell," Knives said, " But I'll be better soon."
Vash had never excepted, that another being was created. A darker being that claimed he was living Rem's dream, one that entered the sleep of every being using their past to draw them in.
End Flashback
Vash opened his eyes and found he was submerged in water. He looked at Kaijin and narrowed his eyes.
" He's awake," Raven said
" Good, just let him remain there," Kaijin said
Vash breathed deep and looked over to see Knives remain unconscious. Kaijin walked in and looked at Vash.
" It's amazing you lasted this long, look at your scars dear brother, humans are a pain are they not?" Kaijin questioned
" Your making a mistake," Vash said
" Am I, I'm getting rid of the bad plant that has spoiled this planet's soil with his bad presence," Kaijin said
" Why are you doing this?" Vash asked, " To your own family?"
" Because Knives had caused me great pain, in fact he's done me a favor, I have more power than you two combined. I can take your memories and change them to control people. You came to me didn't you?" Kaijin said
" Because I thought you were living Rem's dream," Vash said
" Rem was a foolish woman, bond to get killed, by her own creation, And in the end she did, Knives did me the favor in killing Rem. I have controlled many humans to become my slaves," Kaijin said
" The children," Vash growled, " You took those children."
" Yes, isn't it brilliant?" Kaijin said with a psychotic smile
" Your sins are unforgivable," Vash shouted
" Touchy, touchy," Kaijin said
He walked over to Knives and smiled.
" He will never over ride my power," Kaijin said
A red button appeared and Vash narrowed his eyes at Kaijin. He needed to find away out. He needed to help Knives, but he was trapped, and he knew he was next.
" Wake up Knives!" Vash shouted
Suddenly all around them the capsules began to glow, an ominous color. Kaijin looked around and then looked at Vash.
" What in the Hell are you doing!" Kaijin shouted
" It's not me," Vash said
" Idiot," Knives said
Kaijin turned and looked and Knives looked at him.
" You have no power over me," Knives said
Vash looked at Knives seeing his eyes opened, but he wasn't speaking. Kaijin narrowed his eyes at Knives and reached for the button, but suddenly he was pulled back.
" Do you really think these plants will be welcomed in this world, you have insult the power that we hold," Knives said, " In the end you were the weak one Kaijin."
" What the hell!" Vash exclaimed