Authors Notes: Hello awesome followers of this story! I'm so sorry it's taking me FOREVER to update this. I'm reaching the end of the story with typing and writing it and I've become very stuck. Just all ideas flew out of my head. I thought I would make it up to you by getting this next bit up (silly thing was that my problem with this part was I couldn't think of a good title! Still not happy with this one but I thought it was rather clever if you catch my funny in it) and pray that I can find the inspiration to finish this story soon. It's up there somewhere, in my head… I just gotta shake it out or something. Any thoughts or reviews for this story are greatly appreciated. Thanks so very much for reading!
Ch 6 – On the Edge of a Knife
When Loki awoke she was alone. It was early morning; the sun was bight and the atmosphere seemed at peace. Loki figured Vash must be off doing odd jobs or getting into trouble.
Loki laughed to herself at that.
She decided to wait for Vash and sat on the sill of the open window, looking out onto the town. Everyone seemed busy and happy in the small town which made Loki happy. Suddenly Loki could hear Vash yelling as he ran through the square with children following him. Loki was amazed at how children gravitated toward him, they loved him. Vash seemed to sense her looking at him and looked to the window. He smiled at her as the children used him as a jungle gym. Vash was over taken by them again yelling in pretend agony. Loki laughed but something caught her eye across the square; a man standing by an alley. Loki stared at him as he watched Vash, his look was knowing and happy but he had a sad ashamed look in his eye. He looked like Vash and Loki could tell he was like them. It was Knives, Vash's brother. Loki stared at him she was afraid of him having found them but she didn't feel he was going to cause trouble for them. Though she knew Vash was anxious of Knives finding them. Just then Vash looked up to see Loki staring and before she knew it Vash was following her gaze. His eyes fell on Knives and he instantly went tense. The children sensed Vash's mood and became silent. Vash turned to them and smiled before they could worry.
"Sorry something's come up. I have to take care of something, we'll play later." Vash told them and they bid him farewell for the day.
Once the kids were gone Vash turned back toward Knives. Loki feared the worst and ran from her window seat, making her way out of the inn/tavern to where Vash stood outside. By the time she had made it Knives had walked closer and was close to Vash now. Loki rushed to Vash's side and held onto his right arm, hiding slightly behind him.
"Hey Vash." Knives said.
Vash was reluctant to reply and Knives didn't blame him.
"I don't blame you for what you're thinking but I'm not here to cause you trouble. I'm here to help you, if you'll let me." Knives said.
"You know about Loki?" Vash asked and Knives knew what he was implying.
"I know as much as you and I was aware that she had been born. I wanted her to have a normal life and only interfered to prevent what happened to Tessla. I aided the woman who had raised her in rescuing Loki." Knives said.
This news surprised Vash and Loki.
"And after she died you let Loki go off alone?"
"I had to, I knew what her mother wished and I had to respect it. Her mother wished for her to experience this planet on her own to come back to her one day with that knowledge." Knives told them.
"Why does she want Loki to come back?" Vash asked.
"I don't know."
Knives replied but Vash could see in his eyes he was lying and thought the same things about Loki that he did. That her mother could be the Earth Plant.
"Do you remember my real name?" Loki asked clearly missing the silent conversation between the brothers.
Knives smiled a sympathetic smile.
"I'm sorry I don't. It's unforgivable of me. I know it was a beautiful name. Would you allow me to call you Loki?" Knives asked and Loki nodded.
"Knives, will people remember her? Are you here because it could get bad?" Vash asked in worry.
"People will remember her and what happened, but I don't think they will try anything. And I'm here for support. I know more about Plants than you." Knives said and Vash nodded.
"Let's go inside." Vash suggested and Knives nodded.
They turned to go inside just as Nicolas was walking toward them. He noticed Knives and stopped in his tracks but saw no malicious intent in Knives; as he had figured and followed them in. Loki felt shy and timid now that Knives was with them. She could sense the tension between him and Vash and knew it was from the past but she had never learned what had happened. She was also curious about the Tessla being they had spoken of. Knives looked at her like he knew her but Loki was sure she'd remember Knives like she had remembered Vash. Loki could feel Knives watching and observing her out of wonder and curiosity but Loki felt shy and hung on Vash's arm. Vash sensed her mood and instead of her clinging to his arm he moved to wrap his arm around her shoulders. All four of them entered into the large inn room they had. Nicolas set the food he'd bought on the table. Things were quiet and Nicolas knew it was going to be a long night. There were many things Vash wanted to ask Knives but he didn't want Loki to hear.
"I have no idea what to do or what to expect." Vash said.
"Usually expecting the worst is the best way to go but I don't think we'll have to go to that extreme. They don't have the power to take us on and they're mostly afraid of Loki. If we talk to them they may be reasoned with." Knives said which eased Vash's worries.
After they ate they talked more and Vash found himself curious as to where Knives had been. As they talked and drank Loki began falling asleep. Knives watched his brother lovingly care for Loki. Vash picked Loki up and put her to bed in the other room. Vash then returned to Knives who was smiling. Nicolas had turned in early as well and Vash and Knives could now talk in private.
"Smiling looks good on you." Vash said.
"It feels good… So, you and Loki are… close." Knives said with a smirk and Vash blushed.
"Yes, very." Vash said.
"And where's her mark?" Knives said as he pointed to the freckle under his right eye.
Vash blushed deeply.
"Knives…" Vash said in disapproval and Knives laughed.
"Kidding brother, that's your business. I'm happy for you." Knives said.
"Thank you. I haven't been this happy in a long time… but I'm worried. I'm worried what taking Loki to where she was born will mean. I wonder what her mother wants with her." Vash said.
Knives was silent and Vash could tell his theories might be correct.
"You think she's the Earth Plant?" Vash asked and Knives nodded, "But why does she want Loki?"
"I believe she gave birth to Loki to send her out to gather information. To come back to her and tell her if the planet is worth saving." Knives said and Vash was stunned, "By the look on your face I can see Loki's life has not been a good one, until she found you that is. Let's hope if it comes to it we can convince her mother that there are good people here. You can show her that and your love for Loki." Knives said.
"What if we can't convince her? What will happen?" Vash said.
"It's rumored that the Earth Plant has the power to create fertile land and a living Earth on any planet, and also the power to destroy it. Plants are becoming more and more aware."
Vash was speechless, he wasn't sure if he could do it but to save Loki and be with her forever he could do anything.
The next morning Loki awoke in the bed alone. The room was bright and sunny. Loki got up and washed up. It was quiet in their room and she didn't have to guess where Vash was. She thought he must be playing with the kids again. Loki then wondered what had happened to Knives. She didn't know about his past but she had heard rumors that it was not good. Loki decided to go find everyone but upon exiting the bedroom she came across Knives sitting at the table drinking coffee and looking out the window. Loki thought to retreat back to the bedroom but Knives was facing her and noticed her.
"Oh you're awake. Vash went to get supplies for the trip." He said with a smile, which was a little foreign to him.
Loki stared and thought of turning away but Knives beconed for her to stay.
"Please don't run from me. I know what you must have heard of me, but I've changed really. I just want to help you." Knives said.
Loki stood there a moment looking at him, deciding if he were telling the truth.
"You know why my mother wants me home." She said.
"I am 90% positive of my theory, yes." He replied and Loki waited for an answer. "I think she's the Earth Plant."
He told her and her eyes widened.
"What does she want from me?" Loki asked.
"Vash doesn't want you to know what we think she wants. He thinks it will scare you." Knives said.
"But you'll tell me."
Loki said and Knives laughed a little.
"I will if you want me to." Knives said.
"I want to know."
"She wants to take you back into herself. She wants to use your memories to determine if this planet is worth saving. And I imagine she will not like your memories very much. I'm sorry for that."
"But there are good people here. And the ones that aren't still have the potential to be. It's just this planet hasn't been good to anyone." Loki said.
"Then let's hope she sees that in what you've seen. Let's hope it's enough." Knives said.
Loki went to the window next to the one he was looking out of and sat on the sill.
"And if she doesn't see?" Loki asked.
"She'll destroy the planet by activating all of the plants." He said.
Loki was speechless as she watched the people outside.
"You could still run. No one would blame you. But your mother will always call you home." Knives said.
"I can't run anymore. She won't let me. My dreams always lead me to her. A few nights ago I woke up standing in the street in the middle of the night. Can she control me?" Loki asked and Knives was surprised.
"She may be able to. She is the most important plant of this project. Don't worry we'll keep you from going alone." Knives said and Loki was a little relieved.
Loki sat for sometime thinking things over. She was afraid but knew Vash and even Knives would protect her and help her. Vash came back with Nicholas in the afternoon and immediately he could tell Knives had told Loki what he didn't want her to know.
"You told her." Vash accused of Knives.
"She has a right to know. If she knows she may be able to convince her mother to save the planet if she draws Loki in." Knives told him but he was still mad.
"Vash don't be mad. I wanted him to tell me. He's right, it's better I know despite how terrifying it is." She said and Vash went to her side kneeling by the window.
"Don't be afraid we won't let anything happen to you." Vash said but she shook her head.
"You don't know that. She will draw me in. she calls me in my sleep and makes me come to her. It's only a matter of time." Loki said and Vash was shocked.
"What? When did this happen?" He asked.
"A few times; I'd wake up and I wouldn't be in bed with you. I'd be in another room or in the hall… Once I woke up outside standing on the street." She told him. "You cant stay up forever watching me. I want to help this planet and I know you do too. We're plants too, we have to try and convince her." Loki told them and Vash nodded.
Vash turned to Knives.
"Do you think we can?"
"I think with Loki there we can override her mother and if she takes Loki I think little brother that you could get her back. I could try to stop her mother if it comes to it but that would mean killing the plant and the chances of saving the planet. We'd be stuck where we are forever." Knives said.
"Better that than have it blow everything up." Nicholas added.
Vash nodded again but he was nervous and worried. Loki placed her hand on his shoulder.
"So it's decided? We go to Little Saturn." Knives said.
"Yes, we leave in the morning." Vash replied.
That night the mood was grim and everyone turned in early for the journey. Vash sat on the bed, he wasn't himself. His head was low and he stared off as if running over all the possibilities of outcome. All of them accept the happy ones. Loki went up to him and caressed his cheek so he'd look at her. He did and the light of the moons made her seem to glow and alight her violet eyes. The moon was the only light for the room and it was more than enough. Vash wrapped his long arms around her waist, pressing his head against her chest and stomach. After a moment he began kissing her, starting at her stomach and moving up to her chest, then her neck and finally her lips. He lifted her into his arms to cradle her as he kissed her. He moved to lay them on the bed and set her down, laying over her and still kissing her lips. All he wanted to do was kiss her and memorize her but he paused to say something.
"Loki, I promise no matter what happens I will fight for you. Even if I have to crack the plant cell open myself to get you. I love you. I want to walk the rest of time with you on this planet." He said softly which brought tears to her eyes.
"I love you too Vash. I want those things too, very much." Loki replied.
Despite turning in early they did not get a good night's rest, for as Loki had said she had gotten up in the middle of the night. Knives had noticed her and quickly stopped her.
"Loki! Loki wake up!" He said as he shook her shoulders, but she didn't snap out of it.
Her eyes were open but they were vacant. Loki didn't fight Knives to get away and he realized her mother must need to know where she is in order to make her come to her completely. Once they were in Little Saturn this would be a problem.
"Vash! Vash wake up!" Knives called and a few seconds later Vash came out of the room looking worried but he relaxed when he saw Loki.
He went up to her and shook her just ask Knives had.
"Loki wake up!"
But still she didn't awaken. They didn't know what to do but Loki seemed to let them move her and Vash lead her back to their room. Vash held her the rest of the night.