Chapter7: Performing and Meeting

Legato stood by a window and watched Midvalley and the young bartender walk the street of December.

" So, Vash has made anther move," Legato said

" Yes," Dominique replied

" Good," Legato said

Dominique walked to the window and stared at the couple.

" He's distracted again," Dominique said

" Just as you are," Legato said turning to her

" I'm not distracted," Dominique said

Legato turned back to the window and said, " Your thoughts are wandering."

Dominique looked at Legato and shook her head. She smiled and Legato looked at her once more.

" Your distracted by your wondering thoughts of lust," Legato said, " If you fail me, those thoughts will be the last thing you think about before death."

Legato controlled her and pulled her to him, she looked at him.

" You get nothing if you fail me," Legato said

" I won't fail you master," Dominique said

She removed her hat and pressed her lips against Legato's non responsive lips. Though after a second of the kiss Legato returned the kiss.

Midvalley looked at the sky and then back at Anna, he pulled her close to him. She stared up at him and kissed him. He returned the kiss and with his smooth moves as he dipped her, then kissed her. Anna was surprised and laughed a little, it was the first time he had heard her laugh. Her laugh was music to his ears, as so to speak.

" Midvalley, you can stay here, not even leave," she said

" I'm afraid, that wouldn't be easy, you see I travel with some others and we're only aloud a certain amount at one time per city," Midvalley said

Three hours later, as Dominique laid in Legato's arms, Legato laid awake. He wasn't exhausted, his mind was full of thoughts. He lifted his left hand and a smile of emptiness creased his lips.

" I understand master, it is time," Legato thought

Legato looked at Dominique as she slept and his arm caressed her soft skin.

" It is so easy to please her," Legato thought, " She only wanted me, no one has ever wanted me."

Legato looked towards the window and closed his eyes.

" It is time for us to leave Midvalley, say good-bye to your lady friend. Meet Dominique and myself outside the city lines' north entrance," Legato thought

Midvalley stopped to hear Legato's message and then sighed. He looked at Anna and grabbed her hand.

" I must head back to the Saloon and pick up my things, it's time for me to head on," Midvalley said

" Why, did something happen?" Anna asked

" Don't worry your pretty little head off, nothing has happened," Midvalley replied

Anna nodded and they headed back, Midvalley headed upstairs and collected his things. Anna stood in the door way and Midvalley stopped next to her.

" I'll come back," Midvalley said, " I promise."

Anna smiled and reached up and kissed Midvalley. She didn't want him to leave her that would mean that she would have to worry for him. He headed off after a 5 minuet kiss and went to the North entrance. There Legato and Dominique stood, the same expressions on their faces, though there wasn't, told Midvalley that wasn't totally the case.

" Where are we going?" Midvalley said

" To meet my master," Legato answered

Dominique looked at Midvalley and narrowed her eyes at him. They entered the desert and their journey began. Legato looked at the two followers, out of all the one's he had chosen they were the best. His master would be pleased with the decisions he had chosen. Midvalley looked back at the city.

" I'll be back, unchanged," he thought

Midvalley trailed behind them and removed his jacket as they covered the desert grounds. Legato looked ahead at the sandy terrain ahead, Dominique joined him and Legato looked at her.

" You seem rather pleased with yourself," Legato said

Dominique looked at him and said, " I wouldn't say pleased, I haven't done anything to please myself."

Legato looked ahead and didn't say anything. Dominique looked at Legato and smiled. She was content that she had possibly broken through Legato's obsession with death, with her charm. Even if it was once that she got to him. Midvalley looked at them and narrowed his eyes out of pure disgust.

By the first day of travel they entered a town and Midvalley took off on his own.

" Don't let me interrupt the lust," Midvalley said

" Jealous," Dominique said

" Never, I don't have to go far to get laid," Midvalley said

Midvalley walked off and Dominique looked at Legato.

" He's so full of pride," Dominique said

Legato walked off and Dominique sighed before she pulled her coat tighter. She followed Legato as he found a spot in the middle of town. He would watch Midvalley from that part.

Midvalley enter a saloon and sat down for a drink or two.

" Hardest thing you got," Midvalley said

" Sure thing," the bartender said

Midvalley looked around and saw the women looking at him. He gave a nodded and the women smiled. A couple of them got up and walked over to him and sat on both sides.

" Your new here stranger," one said

" I'm passing through," Midvalley said

" What do you do?" the other asked

" I'm a saxophone player," Midvalley said

" A traveling sax player, I bet your good at it, how about a sample," the first said

Midvalley smirked and said, " As you wish."

He pulled it out and began to play and suddenly it was silent as he did. He looked at everyone seeing they tapped their foot to his upbeat playing. The music burned into their drunken faces as sorrow was redeemed by happiness.

" It's not your style Midvalley, to play depressing songs," Anna's soft voice said

" I know, it's just apart of me that I can't help," Midvalley thought, " It's all about feeling the music, not killing it."

Midvalley stopped and people just stared at him and then clapped.. The women smiled and Midvalley looked at them.

" You amaze me Midvalley," Legato's thought interrupted his own

" Now what do you want?" Midvalley thought

" It's not what I want Midvalley, it's what you want," Legato said

" Since when," Midvalley replied

Legato laughed and said, " Since your hometown was turned into a war zone because July was turned into rubble….this is only to be blamed on one man Midvalley."

" Is this about loyalty to you?" he questioned

" Perhaps, or maybe life hasn't showed you want you want," Legato said, " My loyalty is to my master as it should be."

Midvalley smirked and played on as the saloon became silent to hear his music. Midvalley played a few slow tunes as the saloon business slowed down. The bartender smirked and looked at the ladies.

" Great job," the bartender said, " For a person who travels a lot you sure know how to play some tunes."

" It's all about the music and the style, the audience loves that," Midvalley said

He put away his sax and headed out toward the silent night. The desert winds blew and the air got colder. Midvalley headed towards an inn in the city and looked up at the fifth moon.

" For some reason your closer, why today?" Midvalley questioned

Midvalley dusted his jacket off and he then walked on. He felt at peace for a brief moment and walked inside. He paid for a room and headed upstairs, where he took off his jacket and tossed it on the bed. He heard something fall out of it and he knelt down and picked it up. He looked at the stone that had fallen out and stared at it.

Flash back

Midvalley looked at Aemilia as she handed him something. He opened his hand revealing a green emerald.

" What's this?" he asked

" It's my gift to you," she said, " It's not worth much, but I want you to have it."

Midvalley looked at Aemilia and grabbed her hand.

" Promise me, we'll be happy together," Midvalley said

" Of course, you're the only man I've ever wanted to be with," Aemilia said

" I'll ask tonight," Midvalley said, " I won't take no for an answer…your father's got to see I'm good for you."

" Really, you want me," Aemilia said

Midvalley nodded and stood on the ledge of the balcony. Aemilia gasped a little, hoping he wouldn't fall.

" I want you to marry me, I want you to be my wife," Midvalley said

" Midvalley," she said, " Please get down you'll hurt yourself you silly man," Aemilia said

Midvalley jumped down and took Aemilia into his arms.

" We're madly in love aren't we?" Midvalley said

" We're young, we're idiots if we get married now," Aemilia said

" But isn't that the point?" Midvalley asked

Aemilia smiled and kissed Midvalley and ran her hand through his hair.

" I'll find away to get us money, get us far from here….move to Augusta and live the life we were meant to have," Midvalley said, " If I have to, I'll play my way through life just for you."

Aemilia smiled as she listened to what Midvalley thought out a future. She shook her head and kissed him

Midvalley looked at Aemilia's father as he shook his head.

" You're a penniless sax player Midvalley, what can you give my daughter?" Aemilia's father asked

" Life, love," Midvalley said, " I promised everything."

" Your 16 years old Midvalley, not even old enough to take on the role of a married man," Aemilia's father said

" I am, I play sax at the saloon everyday and night, I have over 90 double dollars saved up," Midvalley said

" Minus your rent that leaves you 75 double dollars. Playing sax isn't going to get you anywhere especially to Augusta," Aemilia's father said

" I'll have 100 by the end of this month, can you a least give me you blessing," Midvalley said

" I can't, your not what's good for my daughter, her hands been promised anyway, to the mayor's son…now that's a boy. Rich and can take care of my daughter," her father said

Midvalley shook his head and sighed.

" She wants to be happy not deprived," Midvalley said

Aemilia's father looked at him and stood up gave him a look.

" You listen, I took you in boy, you can a least show some respect to those who have helped you back on your feet. Now get out of my sight," her father said

Midvalley narrowed his eyes and turned on his heals. He wasn't going to let Aemilia's father tell him other wise.

" I'll marry you Aemilia, if it's the last thing I do," Midvalley said

One week later there was an engagement party for the mayor's son and Aemilia. Midvalley played his sax being paid twice the money he made at the saloon. It didn't matter Midvalley wanted Aemilia and he would get what he wanted. Midvalley looked at the B flat and a smile caressed his lips.

" I'm sorry," he said, " but this is what it has come down to."

As they made the toast Midvalley stepped down.

" Isn't this a fools game?" Midvalley remarked

" What are you talking about young man?" the mayor said

" Don't mind him everyone he's the penniless sax player that wants my bride to be," the mayor's son said

" Am I?" Midvalley questioned

" Midvalley, young man don't you do this," the grocers wife said

" Sorry," he said

He lifted his sax to his lips and smiled.

" Midvalley!" Aemilia shouted, " Don't!"

" He can't do anything but play himself into the grave. Wanders never make it anywhere."

" We'll see," Midvalley thought

He closed his eyes and played and the dangerous B flat that he hardly ever touched, released a powerful wave. Aemilia looked at Midvalley in horror as he did this, the mayor's son drew a revolver.

" I always knew you and that sax were trouble!" the mayor's son shouted

" Take him down Sheriff!" the mayor shouted

Guns were fired and Midvalley protected himself from them by turning them another way. He got closer towards his true target and the mayor's son pushed Aemilia out the way to protect her. She pushed him knowing Midvalley wouldn't hurt her, but as both tried to protect one another both were hurled. Midvalley watched as his beloved Aemilia was thrown into a window.

" Aemilia!" he shouted in his mind.

Midvalley's jealousy had pulled a darker side to him and had caused the one he loved to get hurt.

" You bastard!" the mayor shouted

He fired a shot and hit Midvalley in the shoulder. He looked at the mayor who prepared to finish what he started.

" Arrest him," the mayor said

Midvalley was torn away for the first time from his sax, he was taken away and chained into the jail cell.

" Aemilia," he whispered

" Jealousy," the sheriff said

" Denial of love," Midvalley replied

" You were stupid Midvalley," the Sheriff said, " Here are your things…tomorrow you are to be sent on the first Sand steamer to July."

" But July is gone," Midvalley said

" That's right, and so are you, you will help rebuild that city one brick at a time…hard labor for 4 years," the sheriff said

Midvalley narrowed his eyes.

" Give me my sax," Midvalley said

" You can have it when your done," the sheriff said, " Don't you forget that you are the first to be banished from this town. Hopefully the last."

End

Midvalley threw the stone across the room and looked at where it fell. He breathed deep and removed his shirt.

" Damn," Midvalley said, " I've been chased out twice and second time pain had been given back to me."

The next morning Midvalley moved on and started off in the desert with Legato and Dominique. He was sore from the endless tossing and turning, his thoughts were to full of hate and anger. Dominique looked at Midvalley as he rubbed his neck and groaned every time he hit a very sore spot.

" Pathetic," she said

" What now?" Midvalley growled

" Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed, did your sax take most the covers," Dominique taunted

Midvalley pushed past her and held tight to his sax case. He looked in the distance to keep from having to make aggravating remarks to Dominique.

" How can you continue to drag us through desert land?" Midvalley questioned

Legato stopped and Midvalley looked at Legato. Dominique came beside Midvalley and looked at Legato.

Suddenly there was the sounds of stomping and wheels. Midvalley looked over and there their ride was.

" Get in," Legato said, " he was gracious enough to send us a ride."

Midvalley looked at their covered ride and smirked.

" I guess we won't be giving directions to anyone else," he remarked

Legato opened the door and Dominique got in with his assistance. Midvalley walked on the other side and climbed up. They took off and Midvalley leaned back and closed his eyes, he drifted to sleep, Dominique looked at Legato.

" How long will it take us to get there?" Dominique asked

" A day," Legato said, " Another 2 days by foot."

" He is gracious," Dominique remarked

She moved next to Legato and removed her hat. He turned and looked at her, and took her chin between his index finger and thumb.

" You should rest as well, you will know when we are there," he said

" Of course master," Dominique replied

Legato slipped his arm around Dominique and she leaned her head against his chest.

" All is in place," Legato said, " It will all start soon."

The carriage stopped and Midvalley opened his eyes.

" Wake up we are here," Legato said, " My master has no patients for waiting."

Dominique opened her eyes and looked around. Legato opened one door and Midvalley opened the other. Both men got out and Legato helped Dominique down. Legato then led them to some doors and they opened. A light shown brightly as it pierced through the darkness. Midvalley and Dominique covered their eyes and then as it dimmed slightly Legato entered. They followed Legato in and Legato looked straight ahead and then bowed. Dominique looked ahead and Midvalley looked as well. Neither one saw anyone until they heard a voice.

" Legato, you have found worthy assassins to kill my brother?" Knives' voice echoed

" Yes, master all are here to do your bidding, to kill Vash the Stampede," Legato said

" Very good," Knives said

" Where is he?" Midvalley questioned

" How should I know," Dominique replied

Legato looked up and then stood up, he stepped aside and presented Midvalley and Dominique.

" These two, are two out of 12 assassins that I feel will sever you well," Legato said

Knives laughed and Dominique and Midvalley stood there.

" I see they do not believe I exist, but they are mistaken," Knives said

A blinding light came from the distance and Midvalley and Dominique turned away. They felt the area around them shake and a bridge formed, they saw another door open and someone walk out of it.

" You see me now don't you?" Knives questioned

Knives walked across the bridge and Midvalley and Dominique slightly gasped at the sight of Knives. Knives' features were distorted by the metal attached to his body in which was creating muscles and skin from the damage he received from the angel arm Vash has shot at him. His whole left side was pieced together and regenerating with the machines. His right side showed pieces of flesh that had not been touched just yet. Dominique was disgusted with this image and hid her expression towards Knives. Midvalley only stood there and Knives stood close.

" Now do you believe I exist?" he questioned

" Are you well master?" Legato asked

" I will in time, my body is taking it's time to heal, but I should be back to normal in time," Knives said

Knives looked at Midvalley and smirked.

" This one has seen much," Knives said, " He's a little naive, but he will put on a great show. Train him harder Legato, he's still rebellious to my cause."

" As you wish master," Legato said

Knives looked at Dominique and grabbed her chin and turned her head towards his gaze.

" Do you find me repulsive my dear?" Knives questioned

" No," she said, " I have a weak stomach."

Knives laughed and said, " Another trait you humans have that makes you inferior to me."

Dominique looked at Knives and studied his eyes, their blueness looked into the soul if not deeper.

" Foolish woman, you are weak inside, you only, but desire one thing. Has he fed this desire?" Knives said

" Yes," Dominique said

Knives looked at Legato and slightly pushed Dominique back.

" Legato do you know the where about of my brother?" Knives asked

" He was last seen in a small town which had been destroyed, Geo town," Legato said

Midvalley looked at Legato from the corner of his eye. His fist balled up and his breath quicken. Knives looked at Midvalley as Midvalley grinded his teeth together. Knives smirked and then walked in front of Midvalley.

" Does this anger you?" Knives asked

" Yes," Midvalley said

" It's pathetic that he would hit such a small town," Knives said, " The people there were worthless."

" That's a lie!" Midvalley shouted

Knives narrowed his eyes at Midvalley. Midvalley felt his fist become tighter ready to fly and hit someone.

" Is it?" Knives questioned, " I believe this town had heartless greedy people. They only wanted more wealth."

" No, that's not true!" Midvalley shouted, " How could you say that!"

" Silence!" Knives growled

" No, you speak a bunch of shit, you didn't experience life there," Midvalley went on

" I said silence!" Knives snarled

The plants around began to react to his sudden change in emotion. Legato looked at Midvalley as he stood up to Knives.

" The town lived and died because it's greed, just like every little town will," Knives stated

Midvalley felt anger consuming him and his hand shook. Knives looked at him and smirked.

" Your just a human being, don't think you will be able to over power me," Knives said

He looked at Legato and Legato nodded and Midvalley threw a punch at Knives. Legato pulled Midvalley down by choking him. Knives knelt down and looked at Midvalley, he grabbed Midvalley by his neck and began to squeeze his neck.

" You are already walking on a thin line," Knives said, " You're a loyal subject and I wouldn't throw that away."

Legato released Midvalley from his hold, Dominique rubbed her neck, getting sick. Knives threw Midvalley down and Midvalley coughed as he gasped for air.

" Pathetic, don't let me have to do that again," Knives said

Knives looked at Dominique and she lowered her head. Midvalley got up and rubbed his neck.

" Get them out of my sight," Knives said, " I will be in touch with you Legato."

" Yes, master," Legato said

Knives walked back into other set of double doors. Legato turned and Midvalley narrowed his eyes.

" See that's what you get for being a smart ass," Dominique said

Midvalley narrowed his eyes at her and followed Legato. The three once more took off, Midvalley leaned his head back to sleep. Dominique sat beside Legato and leaned her head on his chest again.

" Master, what now?" she asked

" We make Vash suffer," Legato said