Chapter 4: The Farewell Waltz
3 days to the Masquerade
Vash stared out the window and sighed.
" Cut the ties with her now before her father finds out and before something bad really happens," Wolfwood's voice echoed
" How can I?" Vash thought
Vash sighed and someone knocked on his door.
" Come in," Vash called
The door opened and Legato walked in.
" Sir, I believe you have a meeting with Ms. Lina, ," Legato said
" Send my apology to Ms. Lina," Vash said, " I must tend to a matter now."
" Yes, of course," Legato said
Vash tied his hair back and walked down as he placed his gloves on. Knives was entertaining guest at the moment and didn't need to know his business. It wasn't as simple though. Knives walked out that moment and saw Vash slipping his ridding gloves on.
" This has to stop," Knives said, " Your becoming weak. I don't want to see my dear brother weak. Wolfwood has so kindly explain to me what game you are playing. This woman is destroying you and turning you into a soft hearted bastard."
" What do you care?" Vash said, " Your greatest goal for the longest time, was to get rid of me."
" You speak so ill," Knives said
" Perhaps it is better that I leave for good," Vash said
" For good?" Knives questioned
Vash walked off to the back and Knives followed him to find these answers.
" What do you mean?" Knives asked, " Vash stop and speak."
" I'm leaving," Vash said, " That's all you need to know."
Vash saddled his horse and took off, this time he road through town and straight to the sounds of church bells. He got off his horse and dusted himself off and breathed deep.
" I need your guidance more than ever," Vash thought
He stepped closer and stepped foot into the church that was filled up with the usual people who attended the services often. He took a seat to the back and closed his eyes as though to pray.
After the service let out Vash walked out and Wolfwood stood there ready to greet those who came.
" Why this is a surprise Mr.Vash," Wolfwood said, " I thought you found your spiritual ways in nature?"
" It only came to this because I needed guidance," Vash said, " Don't read to much into it."
" I believe you've just given me a little more faith," Wolfwood said
" I'll be leaving," Vash said
Vash started to saddle his horse and Wolfwood shook his head. Meryl and Millie walked out and Meryl saw Vash saddling his horse.
" Hold on just for one minuet Millie," Meryl said
She walked towards Vash.
" Eriks," she said
Vash turned and looked at Meryl, her beauty never seemed to fade away. He smiled and she walked closer and kissed his cheek.
" Come Mr. Eriks and have some tea at my estate," Meryl asked
" I'm afraid I can't not today," Vash said
" What are you scared of my father perhaps," Meryl teased
" I can't today is just filled with ideas to try to find my way in life," Vash replied saddling his horse
He looked down at her and nodded, then tapped his horse. She sighed and then turned to see Wolfwood watching. She walked past him and then stopped behind him.
" Why do I get the feeling that your more involved with what just happened than I am aware of?" Meryl said
" I'm looking out for you Ms. Meryl," Wolfwood said, " That man has no desire to settle down anytime soon."
" Stop helping me," she said hitting Wolfwood with the back of her hand
" Hey, you shouldn't hit a holy man, especially straight after church," Wolfwood said
" And you shouldn't encouraged someone to turn away," Meryl said
Meryl walked off and got into the carriage and went home to finish preparing for the masquerade.
Vash got home and heard gun fires in the back yard and he got off his horse. He walked inside and maids and others were in the main part of the house.
" What's going on?" Vash asked
" Your brother's gone crazy sir, he's been shooting and cussing," one maid said
" What do you mean he's gone crazy?" Vash questioned
He grabbed one of the maids by her shoulders and she wince slightly.
" Master Vash, he's been shooting at us, one by one," the maid said, " He's not himself. It's not like him."
" Where's the butlers?" Vash said
" Outside holding the dogs, he's threaten us Mother tried to hold him down, but she couldn't get him," a maid said
Vash walked to the back and saw Mother sitting at the table.
" Mother, what made him go off?" Vash asked
" I don't know, Legato asked him if he want tea or coffee and he just snapped, the guest had left. He kept on saying that you were the reason for the wrongs," Mother said
" Has he hurt anyone yet, has he hurt you or the others?" Vash asked
" Only small hits," Mother replied
Vash walked out side and looked at both butlers and then looked at Knives.
" Knives!" Vash shouted
Knives lowered his gun and turned around to look at Vash.
" You've come back," Knives said with a sinister smile
Vash narrowed his eyes, his pistol was in his holster under his coat, he could draw it incase Knives fired.
" You know brother, you've made me realize something," Knives said
" What that, your insane," Vash said
" No, not at all, I perfectly fine, You've made me see how weak you are, unable to make big decisions, that's why you run, like a herd of scared animals. Do you know what they call a herd of scared animals?" Knives said, " They call them a stampede. That's what you are, a mixed group of scared animals. Vash the stampede, it has a nice ring to it doesn't it?"
Knives raised his gun at Vash and smiled.
" Run away Vash," Knives said, " This is not your business."
" It damn well is my business," Vash said
" Cut the ties Vash with that damn woman and pay attention to those more important," Knives said, " Or I will make you sorry."
" You won't," Vash said
Knives turned and shot in two shots both Legato and the second butler in their shoulders.
" Two by two, I kill them Vash and you will be the final show," Knives said, " I will not show mercy."
" Knives put it down," Vash said
" Fire two Vash," Knives said
Placing his finger on the trigger and smiled. Vash narrowed his eyes and tackled Knives firing a shot in the butler's direction. He punched Knives and grabbed the gun and pulled his gun from his hand.
" Your to soft Vash the Stampede," Knives laughed
" Bastard," Vash said
Vash took his gun and drew his out and aimed it at Knives.
" Spare me your heroics," Knives said
" No spare me," Vash said firing both guns into Knives' shoulders
Vash stood up and looked at Knives and left him there, his arms were useless until a doctor came. He whistled and Zazie walked out slowly.
" Send for the doctor," Vash said
" Yes, sir," Zazie siad
He walked over to where the butlers were and saw Knives second fire has marked one directly in the heart.
" Damn it," Vash shouted
Vash knelt down and pressed his hand on the second butlers heart.
" Damn you Knives," Vash growled, " Damn you to hell."
Knives didn't reply only a small smile claimed his lips. It was then that Vash knew he could no longer afford to live under the same roof as Knives. Vash watched as the second butler died and Vash narrowed his eyes and walked over to Knives. Vash placed a gun towards Knives' head with a threat to kill him.
" Master Vash," Mother said, " Don't you do it. If you do your as bad as he is."
" That's right Vash, just as bad as me," Knives said
" I should pull this trigger and end what you have done," Vash shouted, " You're the one who's caused everyone to die!"
Knives laughed and Vash pulled his gun away and then walked off.
" Pick him up," he said, " And lock him up as well."
" Yes, sir," two maids said
They picked up Knives and brought him to a empty room where only a bed remain. Vash often ordered the servants to isolate Knives, when he got the urge to be trigger happy and threaten even himself with a pistol. They lifted him onto the empty bed and Vash sat down in the dinning room.
" Why?" Vash said
Day of the Masquerade
Vash walked around the main part of the house and would ignore Knives' taunts.
" I'll get you Vash," Knives said
Vash walked upstairs and prepared for long day. He had now to send for specialist to treat Knives' obsessions of sudden killing.
" He's deprived of something," a doctor said
" He's insane," Vash said
" It comes and goes don't worry about it," the doctor said
" Don't worry about it you say? he's mad, he killed one of my butlers," Vash said
" They have others who serve," the doctor said
Vash narrowed his eyes and said, " Get out of my house before I find a gun to shoot you."
" I sense hostility," the doctor said
" Get out!" Vash shouted
The doctor walked off and Vash sighed
" Find what ever doctor you can, I don't care who, find someone," Vash said
" Yes, sir," Legato said
" Master Vash, your not looking so good, maybe going to this party isn't what's best," Mother said
" I have to see her one last time," Vash said, " Only one last time even if it's only a second."
Mother sighed and folded her arms then chuckled.
" That's exactly what your father said about your mother," Mother said, " You have his qualities Vash, and there's no denying it. Though in the end he did find a habit of drinking to much. I warn you, you and brother push back those drinks and you'll never have to worry about the that."
Vash sighed and sat down and Mother sat beside him and hugged him.
" What happened? Why did all this happen?" Vash asked
" Your brother has always been the unstable one, it really didn't become bad until your father took that last drink and shot himself," Mother said, " He didn't like or care for your mother, so he pulled away. She had you though Vash, she loved you very much. And though Knives doesn't know how much she cared about him, she would save him from danger."
Vash looked away and Mother got up and walked off and Vash leaned his head on his hand.
Flashback
" Mother wake up," Vash whispered
" She's dead Vash, its only you and I," Knives said stepping out of the shadows
" Your lying!" Vash shouted
" We can only count on each other," Knives said
Vash looked at him and pushed Knives.
" You're an idiot she did everything, why did you have push her away!" Vash shouted
" She's a woman, they come and go, she was weak," Knives said
Vash pushed back Knives and Knives smiled.
" Idiot woman, how could you think you could make me love you," Knives said
He walked off and Vash was with their Uncle who vowed to take care of them. He and his new wife took care of Knives and Vash for the time until they reached the ages of 17. They were then handed the deeds for the plantation. Vash remained away from the world and Knives started picking help.
" Come on Vash stop being lazy and let's go make a living," Knives said, " Millions rest in our hands."
" You go ahead, I'll find some other means to occupy my time," Vash replied
" Lazy bum, you don't belong here," Knives said, " You belong on your hands and knees with the servants."
" Shut up," Vash shouted
" You're a sad man Vash," Knives said
Vash rose and punched Knives across the face and Knives threw a fist.
" I hope you realize that life isn't some pass around," Knives said
" Go to hell," Vash growled
" I've been there," Knives replied
It seemed their fights were endless and their ideas were different, Knives began to attend services at town's church. Vash watched from afar and learned to find his answers through nature walks and running through the country. His spiritual life different from the ones others seeked and Vash was happy with it.
As they grew up together their relationship tended to be more like brothers, in a civil way. Vash took up other hobbies away from nature, some Knives called his way to hell. Vash found Knives' quiet life boring and watched him pick up hobbies of hunting getting the two basset hounds Bella and Argus. All of it came to one moment now the final steps of leaving what he knew behind.
End
" Vash wake up," Mother's voice said
Vash opened his eyes and saw he laid on his bed. He sat up and rubbed his eyes then looked around.
" What happened?" he asked
" Oh, you just fell asleep, so I had Legato take up," Mother said
" Oh," Vash said
Vash sighed and looked outside.
" It's nearly 7 sir, you might want to get ready for the masquerade," Mother said
Vash nodded and looked at the clothing laid out. His mask which would cover half his face instead of all his face. A black cape and a black suit with a white shirt laid out.
" Thank you mother," Vash said, " But I won't be going."
" Boy you better go, cause that girl needs to see you, she needs to meet the real Vash, not Eriks," Mother said
Meryl watched as people came and the butlers took their invitations. She walked around and spoke with the guest and danced with many men that offered to dance. Millie and Wolfwood danced often observing the men Meryl danced with.
" May I have a dance with you Ms. Meryl?" Wolfwood asked
" Of course you may," Meryl said
Meryl looked at Wolfwood and they danced together.
" Ms. Meryl this is for the best, if you want to be happy you must break ties with Mr. Eriks. He's not who he says he is," Wolfwood said, " It would be best for the both."
" I can't do that, I'm completely in love with him," Meryl stated
" You can't be…I mean that's ok, but you can't see him," Wolfwood said
Meryl looked at him and smiled, and the song ended. The servants called for dinner and the guest moved into the large dinning room where food was laid out. Meryl sighed as she sat beside her family and to her left sat Wolfwood then Millie. She wished to be seated by her mysterious man, whom called himself Eriks.
" He's got to come," she thought, " Dinner is starting and he isn't here."
Vash dressed in the clothing provided. He buttoned his shirt and then slipped the black vest. He button that, then slipped his tied on and tied it. He breathed deep as his heart pounded in his chest. His coat was slipped on and he then placed the cape on.
" I'm ready," he thought
He walked downstairs and held his mask in his right hand and Zazie prepared his black stallion. Mother and the other servants looked at him and smiled.
" Good luck master Vash," they said
Mother looked at him and kissed his cheek.
" I'm nervous," Vash said
" Don't be, just remember your there to tell her who you really are. Don't be scared," Mother said
" Your horse sir," Zazie said
Vash walked out and got up on his horse and then took off and the servants sighed.
" Where is my food?" Knives shouted
" Did you hear something?" A servant said
" Nope," they said
They walked into the kitchen ignoring Knives' complaints. All sat down and sighed waiting for Vash's return with good news.
" Shouldn't we feed master Knives?" Zazie asked
" Nope, it's his turn to suffer," Rai-Dai said
" He's going to be very angry," Mother said
Vash came to the Strifes' plantation and breathed in. He walked up the stairs and presented his invitation. The butler showed him in and Vash heard the music, he saw couples dancing and un familiar faces under the masks. He walked around with his cape flowing behind him.
" Mr. Vash I presume," a man said
He turned around and saw Meryl's father standing there.
" Mr. Strife," he said, " A pleasure to meet you."
" Yes, how is that brother of yours?" Mr. Strife asked
" Ah, I'm afraid he's a bit under the weather right now," Vash said, " He's been going through so much stress."
" Sorry to here that, he's missing a hell of a party," Mr. Strife said
Vash smiled and excused himself and went on looking for Meryl. He saw Wolfwood and Millie and then walked past them. Wolfwood looked over his shoulder and saw Vash.
" What do you know he did come?" Wolfwood thought
Vash stopped and saw Meryl talking to a group of young women. She smiled which caught him in a gaze and then she turned. She walked off and towards him.
" You came," Meryl said, " I thought you weren't coming."
" Yes, I'm sorry I'm late," Vash said lifting Meryl's hand
Meryl and Vash walked around and guest stared at them, he felt uncomfortable around them. Meryl reached up and kissed his cheek, the women turned away and minded their business. Meryl and Vash dance and she stared up at him as he stared down at her.
" I still don't know what to call you," Vash said, " It's strange, but all I can say is complements about how beautiful you are."
" Your such a flatterer," Meryl said
She leaned her head on his chest as they danced and Vash sighed.
" This is getting harder for me," Vash said
Meryl looked up at him and saw he was staring off into space. She reached up and touched his face, and he broke from the stare.
" Your traveling," Meryl said
" Sorry, I tend to do that when I dance with a beautiful woman, it's just apart of me I can never control," Vash said
After they had danced several dances Vash swallowed his pride and guided her outside on the porch. It was quiet and she looked at him and he stared at her.
" Come on Vash you have to tell her," Vash thought
" The stars are shining brightly, they're nature's candle lights," Meryl said
" They're beautiful," Vash said
He grabbed her hands and stroked them with his thumbs.
" You're a beautiful woman Madam, but please I have much to tell you before this night is over," Vash said
Vash looked at her and kissed her hands and placed his hand on her face. He breathed deep and then leaned against the railing.
" To night we must end this game," Vash said
" Alright," Meryl said
She put her hand on his shoulder and he looked at her.
" My name is Meryl Strife," Meryl said
Vash stared at her and said, " Your name is beautiful."
Meryl looked at Vash and grabbed his hand and stared up at him. Her eyes shined like the stars and her skin was like the moon light, but he could no longer flatter her with his soft spoken words.
" What's wrong?" she asked
" Ms. Meryl, tonight we pull away from one another," Vash said, " I must tell you who I am. The real me, not the side you know."
" Eriks what are you saying?" she questioned
" My name isn't Eriks, it's Vash," Vash whispered
" Vash, meaning your brother is Knives," Meryl whispered
Vash nodded and said, " Yes, he is my twin and my estate is not the Millions. That is my uncle's estate, who past away three months ago."
Meryl looked at him and she turned away with tears in her eyes.
" Why?" Meryl whispered, " Why did you lie to me?"
" I didn't wish to lie," Vash said, " You left me no choice."
" No, choice? You had many choices," Meryl said, " And you chose the wrong one Mr. Vash."
Meryl wiped her eyes with her handkerchief and then turned to him.
" Mr. Vash, I am sorry that you chose me to play your little games," Meryl said, " You and I must never speak of this incident to anyone. For I am a fool to believe such a man really exist. Please, Mr. Vash, please leave. I do not wish to hurt you or get myself hurt anymore by these affections of deceit."
" Very well," Vash said
Meryl called for the butler to ask the stable hand to bring his horse around. She walked in without a word and Wolfwood watched her.
" Ms. Millie will you speak with Ms. Meryl?" Wolfwood asked, " I believe she is in need of your guidance."
" Yes, of course," Millie said
Wolfwood walked outside and Vash leaned on the railing of the porch.
" It's a beautiful night," Wolfwood said
" Say what you want Nicholas," Vash said, " I don't desire to hear rambling."
" You did the right thing Vash. She needed to hear the truth from you," Wolfwood said
" Did I?" Vash whispered, " Or did I follow a fools advice?"
Wolfwood walked over and stood there then placed a hand on Vash's shoulder.
" Don't touch me," Vash growled, " You betrayed me. In your sermons do you tell your followers to betray their friends?"
" No, I tell them to help their friends when they can not accept the truth," Wolfwood said
" Well, I hope your happy." Vash said, " Cause, I've been force to make my decision."
" It was what needed to be done," Wolfwood said
Vash turned around and grabbed Wolfwood by his shirt.
" Bullshit, I was happy, she was happy," Vash growled
" Calm down," Wolfwood said, " Did your really expect to live a lie as Eriks Millions. Sooner or later she would have found out. it's the cold hard truth."
" The truth can kiss my ass," Vash said
The stable hand brought Vash's horse around and Vash threw Wolfwood back a little. He stood up and walked to his horse then saddled and then took off. Wolfwood sighed and shook his head.
Millie looked at Meryl as she laid crying in her bed.
" Meryl," she said, " What's wrong?"
She sat down beside Meryl and Meryl sat up and wiped her tears.
" He lied to me only to keep me interested," Meryl said, " Millie I was a fool."
" Shh, you weren't you were in love with him, that's why you continued to play the game," Millie said
" I only got myself hurt," Meryl said
Millie sighed and hugged Meryl as she cried.
" Perhaps, tomorrow we shall tend Mr. Wolfwood's Sunday service, that will make you happy once more," Millie said
" I don't think I'll ever be happy," Meryl said
" Of course you will," Millie said
The rain began to fall as the party ended and sadness seeped through the home of the Strife's. Meryl watched as guest got into their carriages and left. She only could think of one person, the one she believe had taken her heart along with her happiness. She walked to the sitting room and just sat there. Her father looked at her and Meryl didn't even glance.
" I believe it went well," he said
" Yes, of course," Meryl said
" Did your mystery man show up?" he asked
" Yes, and he revealed him self," Meryl said, " His name is Vash."
Her father sighed and said, " You sound disappointed."
" Only in my mind," Meryl replied, " Excuse me father, I'm feeling ill."
Meryl walked upstairs and she flopped on her bed and tears left her eyes once more as the rain fell.
Vash stood in the back letting the rain hit his face and the servants watched him.
" He's been out there since it started raining," a maid said
" That boy has spoken the truth," Mother said, " How can he forgive himself now."
Vash fell to his knees and looked up and he watched the lightning strike across the sky. He lowered his head and let his hair fall over his shoulders.
" Why are you punishing me?" he whispered, " I have done nothing, but believe in my own way."
He looked up and shouted, " Why have you taken away all I have cared for?"
Mother and Legato walked out and she knelt down and lifted Vash up.
" Come now master Vash, your going to catch a cold," Mother said
" Am I? I might as well join the ill in mind, and spirit," Vash mumbled
Legato and Mother helped Vash in and sat down. She called for some towels and they dried him off.
" What happened to master Vash? He looks like he just got hit by a runaway carriage," Zazie said
" Hush you," Mother said, " let's get you in some dry clothes and into bed before you catch cold."
" Cold, would improve how I feel now," Vash said
" Rai-Dai can you make some warm tea for master Vash?" she asked
" Yes, I can," Rai-Dai replied
" Legato get Mr. Vash upstairs," Mother said
Legato nodded and walked Vash up to his room and the maids helped get Vash out of the wet clothing into the warm clothing. They warmed his bed then got him into bed.
" Your tea will be ready soon sir," Legato said
" I don't want any, I just want sleep," Vash said turning away from the servant's stare.
One maid put out the oil lamp and Legato and the maid walked out and downstairs. Another maid was coming up with tea as they came down.
" Master Vash is asleep," the maid said
Vash stared out the window and sighed.
" Meryl, what a beautiful name, but it's a name I will not hear again," Vash whispered
He closed his eyes and sighed.