Thanks guys for working with me on this. Like I said before, I'm going to do my best to update but be patient. I got bit with the writing bug again and have been working alot on this story so hang in there with me. Hey WolfDaughter, in answer to your question/comment, Vash doesn't hate knives, he's just upset that Knives went and tried to kill him and everyone else again. Wouldn't you be a little pissed if you were in Vash's situation? hehe So thats where the anger in the last chapter comes from.

Chapter Six – The Dragon and the Ace

She woke up to a very bright morning. She could tell it was barely dawn by the smell of night that still was lingering in the air. Her eyes flew open. It was a different night smell. It was dry, without any moisture. She looked around and found that Cyric was lying protectively next to her, his big head draping over hers. She saw Fantus over by a strangely glowing disk. Across from her, she saw Him! The memories of yesterday slammed into her. She remembered all of it. The pain, the fear, the loss, and, she stifled a sob, her failure. She also remembered him. When she had awakened last night he was helping her. This surprised her. She had tried to attack him yesterday, she now felt bad for that.

She tried to sit up, and pain shot through her chest. She sucked air in through clenched teeth, and tried not to wake anyone. She tried to sit again and succeeded. She looked over and saw that she failed in not waking anyone as well. Cyric and Fantus were completely exhausted by the previous days activities, but he wasn't. She met his aqua-green gaze with her dark blue one. They stayed that way for a while, simply looking at each other. Her eyes suddenly got wide. Oh no, I have to pee! She couldn't stand by herself, much less walk with the injuries that she had received, and she really had to pee!

He looked as though he was going to laugh, but thought better of it. Did he hear me? Oh it doesn't matter. If you did, don't just lie there help me!

He looked a little embarrassed and confused, but got up and walked over to her. She reached out her arms as he bent down to pick her up. With out waking the overly protective unicorn, he scooped her back up into his arms as she put her arms around his neck and walked around the corner of their little campsite.

Having her this close and actually awake was a completely different experience for Vash. She was still tired from the ordeal and had laid her head on his shoulder. She really did smell like leather and roses. Vash's insides did a couple of flip-flops. He had to muster up some major self control to keep from smiling really big. He was saved the effort of having to control that for too long by her.

Stop! This is fine! She said with almost desperation in her voice.

Vash stopped and then realized really what she needed to do. He began to panic. Umm…what exactly do you need me for?

She laughed a weak laugh. Just put me down next to the wall there, and then turn around.

Ok. Laughing nervously he did as he was instructed, then turned around and began to whistle softly to himself, rocking back and forth on his heals. I still can't believe I'm having full conversations in my head with these people, he thought that he had thought to himself.

She shook her head and laughed again. You're new at this aren't you?

Vash turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder with a bit of surprise written on his features. Yeah, I've only had the opportunity to do this a couple of other times, so I'm not very good. What he was good at was hiding his emotions from his thoughts that time.

Well, we are just going to have to teach you how it's properly done then.

She then turned and used the support of the wall to wobble her way to an outcrop of rocks that afforded more privacy.

After relieving herself she turned and began to walk back when her whole world started to spin. She fell and the impact of the ground jarred her chest and especially her shoulder. She let out a yell of pain and began to collapse. Just like before, two arms were there to catch her. She looked up into two very concerned eyes. She was too weak to hide her feelings. She knew by the look in his eyes that her agony had to have been written all over her face, the taste of saline confirmed it.

What happened? He asked.

I got dizzy, and I fell, and it hurt, each word was punctuated with an intake of breath between clenched teeth. She began to cry again. Never had she felt so much pain, or this vulnerable. She hated feeling like this.

The pain in her eyes broke his heart. He gathered her up in his arms and held her, and let her cry

His actions surprised her. He was warm, and she felt safe. The emotions of the past months all came out, the hopelessness, the failures, the fear, sadness, and hatred, all just gushed out of her in the form of tears. She didn't know why she allowed herself to be this vulnerable, she didn't even know his name, she only knew what she felt, and that was safe.

She cried till she could not cry anymore. She stayed there with her head on his chest. Thank you, for everything.

Your welcome. He leaned back so he could look at her face. Are you going to be ok?

She wiped the tears away with the heel of her hand and smiled a weak, but a sincere smile, the first in months.

I don't know. But I am going to try.

She sniffled, wiping her nose with the shirtsleeve, and then gave him a bigger smile. She had forgotten what that felt like, and it felt great. It felt even better when he smiled back.

Ready to go back and face your friends? Vash cocked his head, his reassuring smile turning into a bit of a frown. If they wake up and you and I aren't there, I think the unicorn will run me through. He scooped her back up to carry her back.

You can see him! She sounded very astonished.

Yeah, can't everybody? He looked down at her questioningly.

Well actually, no, She replied. Only innocents and people who know what they are looking for.

He didn't know what to say to this; the only thing he could come up with was an "Oh."

There was a moment of silence while she pondered what this could mean. Her tear streaked face wrinkled in concentration. She must have concluded something because she relaxed and shrugged.

She looked at him with a quizzical expression on her face and said Here you are, helping me and I feel bad, I don't even know your name!

He looked back down at her and said Its Vash, and your Jenna. Nice to finally meet you, awake that is.

He was rewarded with a laugh. Then she sobered to her serious expression again, I fell on you, and then tried to kill you, and yet you saved me. Why?

Because it was the right thing to do, Vash answered. Besides, you were so full of holes that if I hadn't, you would have died, and that would have been just as bad as if I had given them to you.

Jenna looked up at him. He was looking ahead, making sure he didn't trip, so he didn't see the wonder in her eyes. No wonder he can see Cyric! She thought to herself. At that instant she remembered what her mother always used to tell her brothers and her, "The pure in heart will always see that which is hidden." He must be very pure in heart indeed to be able to see a unicorn!

Before she could tell him this, they had reached their campsite. As Vash had predicted, standing in the middle of it, was a very irate unicorn. Vash stopped and took a step back as the creature lowered its horn in an offensive position.

WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN WITH HER HUMAN! He bellowed in Vash's head, almost knocking him over.

He felt Jenna flinch in his arms; Fantus snorted awake and sat up.

WELL! ANSWER ME! Cyric stomped his golden hoof on the ground and snorted.

Vash took another involuntary step backwards. The Unicorn stepped forward, trying to close the gap between the "kidnapper" and himself.

"Put her down and back away. NOW HUMAN!" Cyric yelled out loud still walking forward.

Vash had had enough. Jenna watched as his eyes hardened. She felt him shift her around. He's going to draw his weapon! She couldn't allow this to happen. She needed his help on this planet.Jenna's face set into its normal expression of determination.

"Stop." was all she said. It was all she needed to say. Vash looked down at her with surprise on his face. She nodded to him. He raised an eyebrow, but put her feet on the ground anyway. It hurt her chest to be standing, but Jenna knew she had to stand if she wanted to save her rescuer, and keep the peace with her guardians. Still using him as support, she looked over at the unicorn and met his angry gaze.

"Stop this right now Cyric. What has gotten into you?" she asked.

"I do not trust him. He is hiding something, I can sense It." the unicorn replied looking directly at Vash instead of at Jenna.

"Oh Cyric," her voice was gentle once again. Jenna let go of Vash's arm and carefully made her way over to the unicorn. Using his head and horn for balance, she looked him in the eyes. "It has been a very long time since we could trust anyone hasn't it?" she sighed. "I believe we can trust him. He has helped us and kept me safe and I believe that he will continue to be of help to us."

The unicorn shook his mane; to Vash this body language told him that the beast wasn't going to agree. He seemed to have guessed correctly based on what Jenna said next.

"Oh so your going to be stubborn now are you?" She said this with a hint of edge to her voice.

"Uh-oh." came the whisper from Vash's shoulder. Fantus had flown to his place during the exchange. "Cyric is in trou-ble!"

"What do you mean?" Vash asked in the same whisper.

"Just watch."

Some how Jenna found the strength to take a step back from the horse-like creature. Vash couldn't see her face, but knew by her stance that she was angry.

"Fine! Go ahead and be suspicious of every person we come in contact with. I looked into his heart and saw for a fact that he is a good person!"

Besides the fact that there was danger in her voice, Vash also felt uncomfortable with the last part of what she said. He was about to interrupt and ask about it when Fantus stopped him.

"You crazy!" he hissed in his ear. "She's not one to interrupt when she is giving a lecture! You want to keep some vital parts, you keep your mouth shut till she's done!" His face split into a grin, baring all his teeth. "Boy am I glad it's not me this time!" He let out an evil little giggle.

Vash turned his attention back to the argument in front of him with new respect (and lets be honest a little fear) for the delicate looking woman in front of him.

"Further more," she was saying to the unicorn, who was looking very chastised at the moment, "If you actually need proof that we can trust him, then go look in the mirror!"

Cyric raised his head to look at her.

"Oh as if you didn't know!" she reached up and grabbed his horn and pointed to it, "He can see you, you big lummox! And unless he is a fairy or has seen one of your kind before, which I doubt! Then he is worthy of our trust! Especially yours!" She poked him in the nose, turned her back on him (as quickly as she dared) and began to walk back to where Vash was standing open mouthed with Fantus on his shoulder biting his tail to keep from laughing.

Cyric looked at her with a shocked expression as the reality of what she said, added to what had transpired in the past twenty-four hours, hit him. He hung his head and realized he owed the boy a very large apology. His pride, however, wouldn't let him, not here, not now. His head snapped back up and with a look at Vash, he walked over to the edge of their campsite to sulk.

Vash didn't know quite what to do or what to say. Jenna walked up to him and he just looked at her; afraid that for some reason, he'd be next. Instead, she collapsed onto him with a sigh and used him as support again.

"It's been a very long anxiety filled fourty-eight hours." She said into his chest. "I think we are all on very short fuses." She looked up at his bewildered face and smiled. "Don't worry," she looked over to where the unicorn was standing "He'll come around."

He followed her gaze to the unicorn, "Is he going to be ok? I didn't mean to cause this much trouble."

She laughed, "Yes, He'll be alright. He just needs to brood for a bit before he'll humble himself enough to apologize." She looked back at him, "Cyric and I,"

"Ahem." the little drake cleared his throat

"And Fantus," she continued with a roll of her eyes, "we have been through a lot and he is, well,"

"Over protective?" Vash supplied for her.

Jennathought about it for a second, "Yes, I guess you could say that."

Both Vash and Fantus snorted.

Jenna looked at one, and then the other and laughed, truly laughed. She hadn't felt this happy in a very long time. Only problem was, her chest wasn't healed enough to take the force of laughter like that. It was cut short by a hiss of pain. Vash's position in front of her kept her from doubling over, but not from grabbing her chest and his coat at the same time.

Vash grabbed her elbows and helped to support her until the spasm was over. She went limp and he had to catch her before she hit the ground. He thought she had passed out until she whispered in his head I'm ok, and looked up at him.

Jenna felt so weak. She had done too much too fast and pushed her body to the limit.

"Please Vash, just let me sit down for a while. Fantus, will you find me something to eat?" Jenna asked.

Vashnodded and carried her over to a rock and set her down on it. Fantus flew over to where the saddlebags were and rummaged through them until he found another package of way bread. He flew over to where she was sitting and handed her the food.

"Thank you Fantus" she said as she removed the wrappings and began to eat. Vash had forgotten how hungry he was and went over to the packs and began to rummage for food. Fantus came over to join him. Cyric came back to where the group was when Vash let out a shout of triumph.

"Aha! Found them!" Vash held up yet another box of donuts.

"Where did you find those?" Fantus asked as his eyes filled with greed and he began to drool.

"That's my secret and this time they are mine!" Vash stood up, opened the box and began to scarf the donuts.

"Hey! That's not nice!" Fantus growled and he flew up to stare Vash in the face.

Vash covered the box and shifted them behind his back. "You ate my other box last night. I think that was sharing enough!" He began to stuff donuts greedily into his mouth, all the while keeping a very determined drake from the box.

Jenna began laughing, very carefully,at the antics of the two. Cyric came and stood behind Jenna as she laughed. Jenna looked up at her companion and sobered. "I am sorry for yelling." She said.

She watched as the liquid eye moved to regard her.Cyric looked down and flipped his mane. I am too. It has been a very stressful time for all of us. He looked back at the fighting pair and added, I owe him an apology as well don't I? Jenna smiled a reassuring smile and nodded, Cyric continued, It has been so long since we could trust anyone, I mean truly trust someone, I have forgotten how.

She reached up and touched his flank, smiled and said I know what you mean. I think I would have done the same thing in your position, thank you. It's good knowing that I have someone who is looking out for me.

Cyric snorted, Heaven knows you don't yourself.

Jenna laughed, Thank you my dear friend. Her expression then changed to one of seriousness, Promise me Cyric that you will try to be friends with him. He saved my life and until he proves otherwise, she looked at her spiky haired rescuer, I trust him. He has a good heart and a kind spirit. Turning to look the unicorn in the eye she pleaded, Please Cyric, for my sake?

Looking at the man who had just saved his mistress' life Cyric flipped his mane and with a snort of surrender said I promise, I shall try.

Jenna reached up and stroked his nose and kissed it, Thank you. Hearing a loud "OW," she turned her attention back to the other two. She crinkled up her nose and asked What are those two fighting over?

Cyric stomped his hoof and answered Donuts.

Donuts?

They are a type of sugary pastry with a hole in the middle. By the way those two eat them you would think they were the food of the Gods.

Hmm. Well let's find out shall we? Jenna looked slyly at the horse.

Jenna pointed at the box that was being violently flung around and passed between the two, gathered her powers and said "Ortha."

The box left Vash's hand, much to the surprise and astonishment of the two quarrelers, and landed in her lap.

Vash looked at Fantus and Fantus looked at Jenna, "Hey! I thought you were supposed to be focusing on healing! What's with the levitation bit?" Fantus said accusingly.

Jenna giggled, "I couldn't resist. I just had to know what was so good about these, what are they called?" she winked up at Cyric.

Vash crossed his arms and Fantus landed on his shoulder. "Donuts!" they both said, but Vash continued, "And they are MINE!" as he looked from the woman to the drake on his shoulder.

Jenna looked at him with innocent eyes, "May I have one of your donuts Mr. Vash? Please?"

Vash shook his head and said, "Yes, go ahead."

"Thank you!" she replied and took a bite of one. "Mmm. These are pretty good." Then she looked thoughtful for a moment, and then she brightened, "I know what these taste like!" and began to continue to consume the pastry.

Vash and Fantus looked at her in anticipation, "What?" they asked at the same time.

"Dwarven Sweet Bread!" she then sent the box back to Vash with a flick of her wrist.

Vash caught the box and he and Fantus looked into it. Vash took a donut out and looked at it as if it was something completely new to him. "Dwarves make donuts?" he asked.

Fantus answered him as he took one out of the box as well, "Yeah, only they don't have holes in them." he looked over at Jenna, "I thought they tasted familiar! Good job Jen!"

Jenna and Cyric both snorted. "I may be injured Fantus, but I haven't lost my wits." she answered him.

Fantus began to mock her but quickly stuffed a donut in his mouth when he saw her raise and eyebrow and give him a look that dared him to continue.

Vash watched the exchange and laughed. "So is that all it takes to get him to be quiet! I will have to remember that!"

Fantus stuck his forked tongue out at Vash and grabbed another donut.

Vash ignored him and turned his attention back to the woman sitting on the rock before him. For the first time since she had fallen on him he got a chance to actually look at her. She looked to be the same age as he was, only her eyes told him she was much older, but then he was 120 years old himself. Her hair was long and the same blond color as his, only with red and silver threaded through it. It was falling out of a braid that started at the nape of her neck. In the breeze it almost looked as though it was liquid fire. Her skin was very fair, like it rarely had seen the sun. She's gonna burn real quick. He thought to himself as he looked her over. His eyes wandered to her long legs sticking out of the bottom of his shirt and suddenly realized that she really had no clothes on. His face reddened and suddenly the rocks around him looked very interesting.

Jenna's navy blue gaze never seemed to miss a thing. She looked down and realized what it was that was bothering him. She heaved a sigh and muttered "Men" under her breath. "What are the plans for today?" she asked him louder. At the same time to Cyric she said Help me up so I can put something decent on. Cyric bent down a bit and she grabbed a hold of his mane and hoisted herself up, leaning on him.

Vash answered, "Well, that will depend on how well you feel." he looked at her and Cyric quizzically.

"I am going to go finish what you started."Jenna answered his unspoken question as she picked at his shirt and winked. "Please continue." Cyric helped her to an outcrop of rocks that she could use to change behind.

Fantus laughed as Vash turned a darker shade of red, and cleared his throat. He looked over at the laughing drake and said, "Shut up!" This started another, louder set of laughs from Fantus.

Vash rolled his eyes and continued his conversation with Jenna, "If you feel up to it," he said in a loud voice in her direction, "We can head for town, it's half a days walk from here," then he scratched the back of his head and looked confused at the ground and added, "I think."

Jenna, meanwhile, had used this chance to look over her rescuer. He had blond spiky hair, and wore a long red coat. His handsome face, though smiling and happy at this moment had lines of grief that no amount of acting could wash away. She felt the same sorrow radiate from him, and wondered what could cause so much unhappiness in one so young. She sighed and decided to let that be for now.

As she added a skirt and a thick leather belt to Vash's shirt that he loaned her, her attention was drawn to his left arm. She noticed that it was not covered in a sleeve by the coat; instead it looked as though it was surrounded by metal. She stopped for a moment and let a tendril of her mind touch it and found it wasn't just covered in metal, it was metal! She quickly shook her head and decided to ask him later.

She had finished dressing and stepped out using Cyric for balance and answered his question, "I think I can make it. A bed and a bath will be most welcome since I can't remember the last time I have had either." then as an after thought she added, "By the way, good job with the bandaging, you did very well indeed."

Vash felt a little embarrassed but hid it by saying with his best smile and a wink, "Your welcome miss! Anything for a pretty lady!" It did its job; he got a smile out of her. He then turned to the other two and in a matter of fact voice called out "Alright boys you heard the lady, lets get a move on shall we!"