AN: Check out my first two stories to this if you haven't read them. The Day of Change and Some Things Never change
Chapter 4: No One's Alone
Alicia looked at Knives as he raised a gun at Vash. Vash looked at Knives as he placed the bottle in his shirt.
" Are you two idiots!" Meryl screeched
" No, we're going to be ok," Vash said, " Alright, go ahead."
Knives held Vash's silver gun and fried it at Vash. Vash looked at the bullet as it came at him, then just fell at his feet. Vash knelt down and looked at it and Knives walked over to see what happened.
" Look at it," Vash said, " it's crushed."
" That's not possible I made these guns," Knives said
" 13% out put brother," Vash said
Knives held the crushed bullet and sighed and Vash looked at the blade of Hades in Knives' right holster.
" Fire the blade of Hades at me," Vash said, " If the bullet doesn't fall like this one did then I'll be able to dodge it."
Knives sighed and pulled the gun out and pointed it at Vash. Meryl looked at them and rolled her eyes. Knives fired and the bullet came at Vash and Vash stared at it. He waited and sweat fell from his face, but there was no sign in stopping. Vash dodged the bullet as he it a wooden pillar. Meryl breathed deep and walked over, she hit Vash's head.
" Hey," Vash said
" What made you do such a stupid thing?" Meryl questioned
" Hey I was just testing something, it wasn't like I was going to get hurt," Vash said
" You could have," Meryl said, " You shouldn't make me stress so much when I'm pregnant. I swear sometimes I don't know what goes through that head of yours."
Vash smiled and kissed her cheek and she looked at Knives.
" And I don't know why your using him as a test subject," Meryl said
" He volunteered," Knives said
Meryl breathed in then let out a breath of air. Knives shrugged and Vash looked at Meryl.
" I love you," he said
" Oh, Vash you idiot," Meryl said
Knives turned and looked at his audience. Alicia looked at Salus as she slightly head behind her.
" It's alright," Knives said
Salus pointed to the gun in his hand and hid. Knives sighed and placed the safety on it, then placed it in the holster. He walked over and Alicia encouraged Salus to go inside.
" Don't you have any respect for your child, bringing a gun into her life. It scares her," Alicia scolded Knives
" Sorry, I can't help it if people are trying to kill me," Knives said
" You're a very arrogant person Mr. Knives," Alicia stated
" I get that a lot," Knives said
Vash and Meryl walked inside and Knives and Alicia remained outside bickering about the well being of Salus. Salus watched from the window and read their lips. Knives growled and Alicia put out her hand.
" Give the gun," she said
" No," Knives said
" Give it to me Millions," Alicia growled
" It's mine," Knives snarled
Alicia reached for it from the holster and Knives grabbed her hand, then moved away. She stumbled and caught herself before she fell. Knives looked at Alicia and smirked then she stood up straight.
" Stop playing around," Alicia said
Knives undid the holster and held it out to her. She looked at him and reached for it then he pulled it away from her.
" Millions," she growled and stomped her foot
" You've been around my daughter to long," Knives said, " Or maybe she's been around you."
Alicia brushed past him and grabbed the gun when he wasn't expecting it. He went after her as she managed to out wit him a couple of times. He blocked her in when she had nowhere else to go.
" Give me my gun," Knives said
" No," she said, " You're a father you shouldn't have one."
" I have it to protect myself," Knives said
" Mr. Knives all do respect, but you shouldn't shoot at your brother," Alicia said
Knives sighed and said, " We do that all the time…he doesn't get hurt and I don't either."
" Salus doesn't know that," Alicia said
" Are you trying to tell me how I should raise my daughter?" Knives said
Knives' hand slipped around Alicia's waist and he undid the holster loop, so the gun would fall into his hand. And that's just what it did.
" Now, would you mind returning my gun," Knives said, " or should I remove it on my own?"
Alicia smirked and shook her head and Knives pulled the gun out and showed it to her. She looked at him and then pull the holster from behind her. She saw it was empty and Knives smirked.
" You little sneak," she said with a smile
" Apparently your not that advance as a plant," Knives said
Alicia gave a smirk and looked at Knives, she stared at his blue eyes, then reached up.
" Don't," he whispered
" Why are you afraid you might like it?" Alicia teased
" No," Knives said
" You've been wearing black to long," she whispered and pressed her lips against his
Knives was surprised feeling her lips on his, someone he didn't trust. He kissed her back and Alicia wrapped her arms around him. After a minuet Knives pulled away and looked at her. She smiled and traced his lips with her thumb, then gave him a kiss on the cheek. Knives breathed deep and Alicia stared at him, he wore a face of fear. It was wrapping around his body. Her gaze softened and she wrapped her arms around him embracing him.
" Stop being afraid," she whispered
He embraced Alicia and she stroked his head.
" You don't have to be alone No one's alone, they have someone to take care them," Alicia whispered
Knives looked at her and Alicia smiled and then stroked his cheek.
" Please, trust me Knives," she said
" I can't," Knives said
Alicia looked at him and suddenly he felt his body becoming heavy. Knives closed his eyes and she grabbed hold of him.
" I'm sorry," she whispered
Alicia whispered she gently lifted Knives and walked to his room. She then laid him down on his bed. She gently wiped the lipstick off his lips.
" Knives, I'm sorry," Alicia whispered
She walked down the hall and looked at Salus. She sat down and gently taught her a short lesson. She then left early and went to her hotel. She turned on the light and walked into the main part of the room.
" Report my dear," a voice said
" Of course, Knives is alive, his daughter has the ability to heal," Alicia said
" You will be returning with me now," the voice said
" But I don't want too," Alicia said
" Don't disobey my orders," the voice said
Alicia looked up and nodded.
" Yes, Master Legato," Alicia said
" Good," Legato said
Legato rose and grabbed Alicia by her hand. He whistled and the dog followed behind them. They walked downstairs and Legato paid the desk clerk. He dragged Alicia towards the desert and caught the desert winds. They vanished in the emptiness of the desert and appeared in front of a town. Alicia looked at the sleeping town and walked behind Legato, head lowered. They came to a mansion and Legato opened the door and Alicia walked in. She stepped on the marble floor and the dog ran into the kitchen.
" Alicia," a voice said
Alicia turned around and walked over to her.
" Mother," she said
Alicia looked at Legato and narrowed her eyes.
" Go and wash up your just in time for lunch," her mother said
Alicia nodded and walked of and her mother smiled and walked over to Legato.
" Her mission has been complete," Legato said
" Both brother's are dead?" she asked
" She didn't speak to me of that, I brought her here once she returned back to the inn," Legato said, " Do not worry, all will be done."
" Raven, will not be pleased to hear of Alicia's failure," her mother said
" I believe we have other problems," Legato said, " She did not desire to come with me, she wanted to stay…do you think she had feelings for Millions?"
" No, she doesn't, she doesn't know what that is, she would not dare betray us for feelings," her mother said
Legato nodded and looked up at the staircase.
" Hurry quickly and change into something decent, Raven will wonder where you have been," her mother said
Legato smirked and lifted her chin up.
" Yes, mistress," Legato said
He walked off and Raven entered from the back.
" Megami," Raven called
Megami turned and walked to the back and Raven look at her sister.
" Has there been word on that lazy daughter of yours," Raven said
" Yes, of course," Megami said, " She has returned….Legato brought her in."
" Legato, why is he still alive?" Raven said
Megami cleared her throat and Raven sighed.
" Yes, I forgot about that," Raven said, " He's still a dead man…a human none the less."
Raven walked to the dinning room and sat down to await everyone. Megami served and set the table.
Vash walked to Knives' and opened the door. Salus was sitting there and she looked up. Her face did not change and she held a piece of paper in her hands. Vash walked over to her and she handed him the paper. Vash looked at the piece of paper and saw a letter was on it. He read it from the beginning, which read, I'm sorry Knives, I'm afraid I have to depart…please find someone else to help your daughter. Once you wake from the deep sleep I will be gone. I was glad you had the courage to open up to me. Do not wear the black that coats your soul…You are much to willing to let a death hold you down. Forever and Goodbye- Alicia
Vash looked at Salus and walked down the hall he opened the door and saw Knives laying peacefully in his bed. Vash sighed and shut the door and Salus looked at Vash. Vash placed his finger to his lips.
" You have to be quiet," Vash said, " Come on let's get you something to eat."
Vash took Salus' hand and walked over to his place. Meryl was cooking and had been cooking up a storm. She was in a pleasant mood and Vash had already made plans to make a run to the doctor.
" Salus is staying with us right now," Vash said
" Why did something happen to your brother?" Meryl asked
" I'm afraid that would be an understatement," Vash said
Salus sat at the table and Meryl looked at Vash.
" Alicia left, she wrote Knives a note," Vash said, " A very softhearted letter."
" Why did she leave?" Meryl said
" Something her letter said made if filled with sadness, something like she had regrets about something," Vash said
Meryl made Salus lunch and Salus ate…she called Vita in and made her lunch.
" Vita sweet heart why don't you show your cousin around after lunch," Meryl said
" Yes, Mommy," Vita said
Vash sat down and looked at Meryl, she saw it in his eyes, there was something calling him.
" Vash you can't go, on your brother's behalf," Meryl said, " I can't let you go…it could be a trap."
" I told you Raven was alive and so is her sister…and if I know them, they've kept Legato alive and I haven't finish with him yet," Vash said
" Vash," Meryl said
" You can't stop me," Vash said, " Not this time, I'm going to finish what a started."
" Vash," Meryl said
Vash shook his head and said, " Please Meryl, I know you care about me, but I can't pass this one up."
" Vash!" Meryl shouted
He turned around and looked at Meryl.
" I think I'm going into labor," Meryl said
" What!" Vash exclaimed
" The baby's coming!" Meryl shouted
" I know what labor is," Vash said
Vash lifted Meryl into his arms just as he did before. Vita and Salus remained there and blinked.
" Daddy," Vita said
Vash looked at them and Vita waved.
" Come on," Vash called
Vita grabbed Salus' hand and ran behind Vash.
" My Daddy is weird," Vita said
Vash made is way to the doctors and told the nurse, that was standing there. She took Meryl in and Vash sat down. Vita and Salus sat next to him and Vita placed her hand on his shoulder.
" Hey Daddy, were you like this when I was born?" Vita said
" Ah…I guess," Vash said
Vita smiled and hugged Vash.
" Don't worry my little brother will be ok," Vita said, " He's right on time."
" How do you know this?" Vash asked
" Mommy told me," Vita said, " Plus aren't I suppose to know that?"
" Your 4 years old," Vash said
" 5 Daddy, Salus is 4," Vita said
" Your 4.5." Vash stated
Vita sighed and held up five fingers. Vash wrapped one arm around Vita and kissed her head.
" Hey, Daddy," Vita said, " What are we going to call my baby brother?"
" I don't know," Vash replied, " I'm sure your mom's got an idea…you see I named you."
" Yeah, you said from a dream," Vita said
" That's right you were a dream in your mother's eyes," Vash said
Millie came in and wiped the sweat off her forehead.
" Meryl went in?" Millie asked
Hours past and the doctor came out and smiled.
" You must be one of the most luckiest father's, cause you always get the perfect babies, I've ever seen," the doctor said, " She's alright, and they are just cleaning the baby. Go ahead and see her."
Vash nodded and picked up Vita and Salus in his arms. Millie followed behind and Vash entered the room.
" Well, there she is," Vash said
" Mommy," Vita said, " Where's my baby brother?"
" He's coming," Meryl said
Vash leaned over and kissed Meryl's head. He sat Vita and Salus down. A nurse came in and held the baby. She sat the baby in Meryl's arms and Meryl smiled.
" My baby boy," Meryl whispered
" He's a beautiful baby Meryl," Vash whispered, " What are you going to name him?"
Meryl looked at Vash and grabbed his hand.
" I don't know," she said
Millie looked at the baby and smiled.
" He's so cute," Millie chirped
" Millie, any ideas?" Meryl asked
" What about Nicholas," Millie said
Meryl looked at Millie and smiled and said, " Nicholas, it's a good name."
" It's strong," Vash said
Millie smiled and Meryl nodded.
" Nicholas," Meryl said
" He never leaves our sides at all," Millie said
Vash nodded and Meryl looked at Vash. Vash reached over and picked up the baby. He looked at the baby boy and smiled.
" Welcome to this world Nicholas," Vash said, " I'm your father."
Vita looked at her new baby brother and smiled.
" Hi, Nicholas I'm your big sister," Vita said, " And this is Salus, your cousin. Uncle Knives couldn't be here, but he'll meet you too."
It was like holding a another dream, but the dream was also very young and unaware of the world just outside the hospital walls.
That evening Knives moaned and opened his eyes. It was dark and his sight was blurry. He turned his head and saw two shadows sitting at his bed side. As his vision cleared he saw Vash and Salus sitting there.
" Welcome back," Vash said
" What happened?" Knives asked
" You had another experience with death," Vash said, " I believe there's some news."
" She left," Knives said
He sat up and held his head. Vash looked at his brother and nodded.
" She told me," Knives said
" She's working for someone, and I believe I know who," Vash said, " But like you, she's a victim."
Knives rubbed his eyes and touched his lips and said, " She has the kiss of a devil, but she taste like an angel."
" I thought you weren't going to fall in love," Vash said
" I didn't fall in love, I just wanted to taste," Knives said with a smirked
" Your sick Knives," Vash said
" Learn to live Vash," Knives said
" I have, Meryl had the baby today," Vash said
" And, yet another perfect being?" Knives questioned
" Just a rebirth, following the foot steps of another," Vash said
Knives nodded and got up and said, " Where's my gun?"
" I picked it up and put it away. We don't want you to get shot with your own gun again," Vash said
Knives sighed and leaned his head into his hands and Vash looked at him.
" This is a new emotion for you," Vash said
" Shut up," Knives said
Vash stretched and then stood up.
" I'm leaving tomorrow, I have some unfinished business to attend too. Want too come?" Vash asked
" Where?" Knives asked
" Just visit some old friends, I think my senses are back online and I want to finish this business up," Vash stated
Knives nodded and Vash gave Knives' shoulder a squeeze.
" Feed Salus she's hungry and I have to go home to wake up early. Don't for get your blade and coat," Vash said
Knives nodded and Vash walked off and Knives got up. He fixed Salus something and ate something for the first time that day. He looked at Salus, and she smiled.
" I have to go somewhere tomorrow, you will be staying with your aunt," Knives said
Salus looked at him and signed, 'don't go'. Knives shook his head and told her, that he had to. That this was a very important thing he had to do. Salus got up and hugged Knives. Knives returned the hug and kissed her head, something about holding his daughter made him feel good inside.
Knives got Salus cleaned up and sent her to bed, he filled up two canteens, then pulled out the coat of the World Beyond and the armor of the heavens. He pulled the blade of Hades and looked at it.
" I won't let you escape this time Raven," Knives said
Vash sighed and handed the scissors to Millie.
" Are you sure you want to do this, Meryl won't be happy," Millie said
" I have to do this," Vash said
Millie sighed and said, " Why Mr. Vash do you have to still fight? We thought all of this was over. After all it's been four years since that incident."
" I haven't forgotten, but they're still out there, rest hasn't come just yet," Vash said
Millie combed his long blonde hair and began to cut it. Vash stared out in the distance and looked at the turning sand.
" He's out there, and I need to kill him…again, for the last and final time," Vash thought, " It's impossible that he would last this long unless the two had truly found away to convert his body into the same form as their own."
Millie finished and styled his hair and then removed the white sheet. Vash stood up and thanked Millie.
" Why cut your hair?" Millie said
" I can't have any weight that might slow me down," Vash said
Vash walked in and looked at Vita, she hugged him and Vash embraced his daughter.
" Come back home Daddy," Vita said
" I will, don't worry," Vash said
He lifted the girl into his arms and she hugged him. He got her ready for bed and then he prepared for the next day. Canteens were filled and Vash looked at the white coat of the Heavens, the armor of the World Beyond.
" You won't destroy my life," Vash thought
The next morning Knives dressed and walked Salus over to Vash's. Vash opened the door dressed and ready, he showed Salus where Vita's room was. He then looked at Millie.
" Tell Meryl that everything will be fine, we shouldn't be long," Vash said
" Alright," Millie said
Knives and Vash walked to the edge of town and looked at the miles of desert. They started on the endless path of dusty roads, Vash with determination to finish the job he had started four years ago. Knives wanted to finally get rid of Raven and her sister…he would leave Legato Vash.
" I'm doing this for us," Vash thought, " I can't let anyone hurt my family."
For hours they trudged into the sandy desert of emptiness and Knives drank his water. He looked ahead and smirked feeling the presence of plants calling to him. Vash balled up his fist as they approached the town. The city ironically enough was called New July. Vash narrowed his eyes feeling he was being mocked by the inhabitance there.
" Don't let it get to you," Knives said, " It's time to focus."
" They're hear," Vash said
Vash walked into the town and loaded his guns. He narrowed his eyes looked around for any sign of life that might distract them. Vash walked further into down and looked at Knives as he began to explore the town.
" It's too quiet," Knives said
" I agree," Vash said
Vash and Knives walked until they came to a mansion and Vash looked at it.
" Shall we knock?" he asked
" No, I say we just go in," Knives said
Vash opened the door and the door opened wide. He looked at the darken mansion and narrowed his eyes.
" Damn another dead end," Vash cursed
" Is it," a voice said, " Vash the Stampede."
The doors shut and Vash and Knives tried to open them. Slowly the dark mansion became lit with lights. Vash and Knives pulled their guns out and walked around. Vash looked around seeing the decorated place.
" You've got a great place here," Vash said
" Isn't it though," the voice said, " I'm afraid you won't last long to get the tour."
" We'll see," Vash said
Vash looked and felt someone was in the room, the presence of a plant…not just one two. Knives looked around and he walked upstairs and suddenly something came at him. He shot at it, but it knocked him in the stomach. He fell back and fell down the stairs.
" Damn it," Knives growled
" What's the matter Knives, are objects over powering you weak body," Raven's voice said
" Where the hell are you, you bitch?" Knives growled
" Temper temper," Raven said, " I didn't know you wanted me that bad."
Vash was thrown back into a glass case and he looked up.
" Legato, show your dead self," Vash growled
" Dead? I'm very much alive," Legato said, " It is you who will be dead."
Vash was thrown and suddenly the angel arm began to activate.
" No," he growled
He threw the silver gun down and shot with his left hand. He smirked and looked around then he looked up through the glass ceiling and saw Legato standing there. He wasn't in the black armor that he had been in. He was in the infamous white coat, Legato let out a sinister laugh.
" Why you sick bastard!" Vash shouted
He shot upward and Legato laughed.
" Where are you shooting?" Legato asked
Legato vanished from site and Vash looked around, the room became dark. He was blinded by darkness.
" Where are you?" Vash thought
" Are you looking for me," Legato said
Vash turned around, Legato threw a punch and sent Vash flying. Vash hit the wall and looked then felt the air just leave his body. Legato lifted Vash and threw him once more across.
" Are you prepared to give up?" Legato questioned, " I can easily kill you with my mind."
" What mind?" Vash growled
Legato smirked and lights came on and Vash looked at Legato face to face. Vash growled and fired the blade of the Willing at Legato.
" I'm afraid even your special gun can't kill me Vash," Legato said
He grabbed Vash by the neck and looked at him.
" I should have killed you when I had the chance," Legato said, " You wouldn't interfere with everything."
Vash struggled and fooled with his gun. Legato smirked and Vash looked at him, then fired his gun. He hit Legato directly in his lower abdomen. Legato threw Vash and he slid into the wall. Vash looked at Legato as he touched the wound, Vash breathed deep and saw the bullet fall from where he hit Legato.
" Impossible," Vash said
" It's quite possible," Legato said
Vash narrowed his eyes and pulled the blade of the Willing and fired a shot and Legato blocked them.
" He's become stronger," Vash thought, " How is it possible that Legato's been reborn."
" It's quite simple Vash," another voice said
Megami walked out and walked next to Legato. She held a gun at him and Vash narrowed his eyes.
" I've given him more than enough of my blood and skin that he could live forever with it," Megami said, " I've also been able to sway his mind that death isn't the answer. It worked because we have a child now."
Raven walked in and threw Knives to the ground, he was out cold and Raven pulled the blade of Hades out.
" I will kill you this time," Raven said, " Make no mistake."
" But before you die, Legato and I want you to meet our daughter," Megami said
She turned around and someone walked in and Vash looked.
" She's most advance, because she was born between two plants and not man made," Megami said
The lights came on her and Vash gave a gasp.
" How could you?" Vash growled
" She had no choice," Raven said, " I would kill her if she failed, but she didn't because you're here. Her kiss of death was suppose to work perfectly on an off guard idiot, but I'm afraid the poison didn't work. Your brother is a strong one. But I assure you, he won't be after this."
Raven pulled the trigger and the bullet came flying at Vash. Vash pulled the blade of the Willing and fired a shot. His bullet hit the other bullet, he canceled it. Raven pulled a fast one and shot Vash with another gun. A gun familiar to him, it was the same gun Kaijin used. The bullet struck Vash in the chest and he flew into a wall. He looked at the four that stood there as he lost site.
" You said you wouldn't kill them," Alicia said
" I lied," Raven said, " It's time you learned who is a superior being."
Alicia pushed past Raven and Legato grabbed her by her wrist.
" Let me go," Alicia growled
" Alicia ," Megami said
Alicia broke free from Legato's hold and ran towards Vash and Knives. She knelt down and leaned towards Knives. She breathed deep and grabbed his hand, then looked at him.
" Knives," she telepathically said, " Please, your not dead I know your not."
Legato and Megami looked at Alicia as she knelt down.
" Perhaps you were right," Megami said, " She has fallen in love with a vile plant."
" This can not go any further," Legato said
" Alicia," Megami sternly said
Alicia stood up and looked at Knives then turned around and walked off.