Disclaimer: (twirls) (twirls) (twirls) (grabs on a suspended-in-mid-air-that-came-out-of-nowhere microphone and sing-sangs:) Noooot Miiiiineeee… (then throws away the microphone and twirls and twirls and twirls…)
Spoilers: Vash's room number when he was on the SEEDs ship. Dunno Knives' though. It was quite a pity. (sighs) By the way, Earth's Central Government reallydoes exist in the manga (Trigun Maximum, ch 96, pg 16). And I could not resist semi-quoting Knives from Trigun Maximum, Vol 8, ch 1, pg 36. It's written as the last line of this chappie. Knives' conviction to do what he thinks is right was just as sturdy as his brother's faith in human kind. Talk about tragic! XD
Beta: Alaena Night, Daaai-Su-Kii! XD (glomps Alaena-san and twirls her around)
A/N: My longest installment yet! Wheeee--!! (twirls around in merriment)
(Knives enters the monitor, and makes a face. It depends on the readers' imagination on how Knives handsome face twists when he sees a deranged human acting more deranged by the minute.) "She's definitely on crack. We didn't come to check for one chapter and she already went loco." (He blinks, then sweatdrops.) "…oi, Vash. What the hell are you doing…;;"
(Vash being Vash joins in the fun and twirls with the author around the monitor in merriment.) (Knives being Knives tries to snatch Vash in mid-twirl, but gets dragged into twirling around the monitor as well, albeit VERY unwilling and very not merry. Not at all.)
"LET. ME. GOOooo---!"
(And they continue to twirl around, much to Knives' dismay.)
(The author detaches herself from the twirling team, and lets Vash and Knives have fun twirling around on their own. Granted, that Vash is having fun, but Knives isn't…)
Ahem. Sorry about that. After reading my old installments, I noticed that my character developing skills are kinda like ZERO to NONE, especially when it came to Chronica. So, I did a bit cleaning up and addition on this chappie. (The reason to why this particular chapter was kinda long for my standards. I just couldn't stop writing…;;) I may re-visit the older posts to upgrade them and clean them up a bit. MAYBE. Still have too much plans for my short semester break, unfortunately. (… TvT) Please guide me and give comments, my dear readers and friends! (smiles and bows.)
(And promptly joins in the twirling team again.)
"AAAAAAARRRRRRGHHHHH!!!!"
(Poor Knives.)
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After The End of All
Part 9
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I really, really should get an extra bed in here… or change Vash's single bed with a double.
I stretched and yawned as I groggily woke up from my sleep. My back was killing me. Sleeping while crouching like this all the time was going to give me a serious case of osteoporosis…
"Go—hooo—ood—" (yaaaaawn) "Huh… mornin', Vashu…"
My brother kept eerily still.
Bed, bed… Second choice sounded well, I thought as I absentmindedly curled Vash's long black mane around my fingers. I could sleep while holding onto Vash, just like when we were children; before we got our own separate rooms of course. I didn't understand why Vash insisted that at the age of ten months, he wanted his own room to sleep in. Moreover, in a desperate fit. Sleeping with me wasn't that bad… Was it?
I scowled at Vash. "Hey. Remember, back then on the SEEDS ship, when you asked for a room of your own? Was I a bad sleeper, or did you just want some personal space?"
No reply came.
"I still couldn't believe my ears when you told Rem out of the blue that you wanted your own bedroom! We'd been sharing the same room ever since we were babies. Why the sudden change? And, moreover, you asked for room 104! That was just opposite of mine! Sometimes I just couldn't understand what you were thinking…"
I persistently griped some more to my unresponsive brother all the way to an attached bathroom.
Vash didn't give any riposte to my ranting.
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"Ready?"
"Could you stop with the idiosyncrasy of asking me the same question over and over and over again?"
"That's a yes then."
I grunted in irritation. "Whatever."
Because we were doing Vash's transfer session outside of his cold chambers, Chronica brought along with her a portable mini-guide that was installed at her wrist. So any time she needed to release me from my suppressor, with a flick of her wrist, the hovering keyboard, complete with the holographic monitor would appear out of nowhere in front of her. Talk about convenient.
Tap. Tap. Tap. Pap. "There you go."
'….that's something new,' I thought as I felt my Gate's flow circling throughout my body. Feeling the power restraints lowered was still uncomfortable, as the sudden surge sometimes made me nauseous. Stretching my limbs a bit in a habitual manner to adjust with my power, I walked away from Chronica's side and I sat at the right of Vash's pillow. I casually raised Vash's upper torso, minding the wires attached to his left forearm, letting his head nestle on the junction of my left shoulder blade with my left arm around him and the hand of the same arm intertwined with his right, resting on his hip. I pulled his prone body along with me so I could lean my back onto the metal headboard of his bed, drawing him in a more intimate embrace.
I absentmindedly rubbed my free hand through his long flowing black hair, feeling the soft touches of the silky strands under my lips. I adjusted the position of his head so it would be in a more comfy placing, and idly wondered if Vash ought to wake up earlier so that I could give him a proper haircut. His hair was already in long flowing locks, extending just below his waist. Rem was right about his hair being slightly curly; it cascaded in ripples like waves, even in its black, unyielding dark shade, it was still beautiful…
This close propinquity with my bro was strangely cozy and really relaxing. I could only hope that I wouldn't fall asleep during this session. Maybe I should hold him close like this more often… Hm? Was that lavender oil I smelled?
"…What are you doing?"
Chronica had both of the eyebrows up her hairline. Which only meant that she was utterly taken aback by the change. My usual methods of transferring energy were grabbing onto Vash's hand and feed his Gate with my power and subsequently dive into his subconscious whilst still standing. And that didn't involve me acting all snuggly-like with Vash.
When I thought of it, the situation was kind of comical: A very dumbfounded Chronica was staring at a cuddling pair of Plant twins, one of which was infamous for being a psychotic, murderous sociopath and another one was still innocently unconscious in his coma. Ha ha.
Cradling Vash's tranquil face close to mine, I nonchalantly told her, "We're not in a hurry, right? The time limit applied before was because Vash's restricted period of being outside of the Goufhon's solution. Now that he's okay, I have no reason to rush anymore. Furthermore, crouching too much lately gave me one hell of a backache. This way is much more comfortable and practical. If you don't mind, I'm going to start now. Monitor his vitals, would you. I don't want anything to happen to him."
"You're absolutely positive about telling him today…?"
The hesitation in her voice, though faint, was eminent to my ears.
Chronica could be so much like an overprotective mother hen, especially when it involved her dear vulnerable Vash. Not that I'd ever voice out this particular fact. I didn't want to lose the liberty to see her squirm as I 'bully' her unwell 'child'. I snickered at that fiendish thought.
"Yes, Mother. I did my homework, so I know which cord to tweak on. And yes, I will crack the reality to him little by little, so he won't be in too much shock. And yes, I'll send to him your regards. I was planning to tell him about you too, anyway."
I threw a sheepish smile at her as good measure. Fake as it was, but as long it did its work…
Hearing Chronica let go a small sigh of relief, I knew I got her okay in this. I drew Vash even closer to myself, if it was even possible, letting my flow course through him. Sensing the tingling sensation of his mind opening up to me, I dived in.
And stood on the green and red planes that I had come to like and hate so much…
I took a deep breath.
I liked this place because this was a place only Vash and I could exist. One that only belonged to the two of us. One that had come close to the Eden I had been searching for…
The sweet smell of geraniums invaded my senses.
But I hated the fact that this was also a prison, where Vash couldn't get out by his own. That kept my dear brother away from me most of the time. That might be the cause of his death. That reminded me so much of that woman that took him away from me…
I locked my eyes onto the blue sky.
Vash once told me, while lying on his back and pointing upwards to the high heavens, that my eyes were the color of the late afternoon sky, so blue and beautiful. Every day they'd be a different shade to look at, he said. At times, they were the most serene of sapphires, so calming to the eyes. Sometimes, they were austere azure, glooming with dark haze. But more often the blue was covered up by white clouds, the splendorous navy hiding behind them, not wanting to be noticed.
I was astounded with his comments, and asked to him of the meaning of what he said.
His reply was only a simple smile, and a change of the topic of conversation.
I never knew he could be so philosophical…
"What are you doing just standing there like a pole?"
I smirked. Vash indeed had reclaimed the insinuative side of his personality. What else could I wheedle out from him today?
His tears?
My countenance set firm and grim, and turned to stand facing my brother, who was grinning happily like always. But his smile was washed away when he has a clear view of me. Smiling shakily still, he nervously asked, "Hey, what's with the serious face? Is something wrong…?"
'Is it me?'
I could tell he wanted to ask me that particular question.
Such a pitiful creature, my brother was. Thought so little of himself, even now…
I took the few steps to him, and gazed deep into his misty turquoise orbs.
"Vash… This may hurt you, but the truth always hurts…"
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"What exactly happened? His heart rate suddenly shot up in the middle of the session, so high it could lead to another relapse! Did you know how worried I was?" Chronica burst out as I regained consciousness.
I was a little stunned; that was the first time I ever seen her so panic-stricken. Cold sweat was running down her brow, and she was trying to steady her breathing. Since this was the first energy transfer ever made after Vash was taken outside of his Convalescence Chambers, I could understand that she was worried if complications would occur, just like what had taken place just a few minutes ago.
I looked down to Vash's face. The tear streaks were prominent; running down his cheek and between my fingers. Another sign that his psychosomatic status recovering well. I rubbed away the remnants of his tears, and hugged him closer, if it was possible.
"…He has a hard time accepting reality."
"…you're kidding, right?"
"Am I…?"
Vash, seeming torn between acknowledging me or the ersatz paradise, smiling still in his disbelief. He staggered backwards from where we stood; those beautiful green spheres set an unsteady glaze at me, searching for hints of falsehood.
I stood my ground, not moving, the genuineness in my eyes fiery, unwavering; trying to convince him that I was telling the truth.
"You know that I couldn't lie to you."
That was the final blow.
Vash shook his head, the word 'No' repeatedly spewed through his quivering lips, grinning; trying to make sense of it all. "Aha…ha hah… this is one big practical joke you're pulling on me right? You're just makin' fun of me, right? Right…?" He shakily lowered his head, moaning pitifully, "… But… why… why do I feel… that everything you told me… was true…?"
He fell to his knees, and was reduced to wracking sobs.
I immediately jumped to his side, pulling him into a comforting hug. Letting him cry through his confusion, letting him clear his perplexity, letting him treat his hurt…
Silently promising to myself that I could never – must never – make him cry like this ever again…
"…Leave us."
My voice was thick with authority.
Chronica may have thought that listening to me once in her lifetime would be for the better, as she left without a word. She was pulling some understanding-mother crap out of her behind, leaving us alone with a situation such as this.
But I appreciated it nonetheless.
Because if she didn't, I'd make her leave, one way or another…
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It took some time for the tears to stop flowing down Vash's fallen features.
I had half a mind to never pull away from him. Just being there with him, hugging him close to me like this; it felt so right that I wished – numerous times – I would never have to let him go. But I still need to comply with necessary biological urges.
Like going to the bathroom. Or eating. Or sleeping.
Eating was good. My stomach had been grumbling since seventeen minutes ago. But sleep sounded much better, with my eyes heavy with drowsiness after the energy transfer. However, I had more pressing matters to take care of…
Kissing Vash's brow with a mumble of 'sleep tight', I left his room for the archive. Peeking into the small window of the archive's door, I looked for a familiar figure in front of the numerous monitors, one known as Chronica.
I continued to look on for the next few minutes, seeing her shadows shift as she shuffled in her seat, seeing the muscles of her back move as she typed and stretched. Seeing her murmur to herself and then sigh out of exhaustion and stress. Seeing her face contorting as a million and one thoughts ran through her head. Seeing her focusing into finding a cure for Vash.
Seeing her in another view. Seeing her as a different person than I was first released almost half a year ago…
This person, who was almost as perfect as I, truly was an amazing woman. She alone had been here with us, waiting, guiding me in her own way, helping me in our mission of reviving Vash. She had kept to her promise; that she would never read my thoughts as long as I kept my end of the agreement. A very trustworthy woman, I must say.
Quite an outstanding feat, to say the least; to be one of the few to really catch my eye after all these years…
Resting my back onto the metal wall next to the door of the archive, I closed my eyes, letting my mind stray to one of those few civil dinners I'd had with her…
"Vash may be returned to Gunsmoke."
"…"
I kept quiet, my eyes focused on my plate. I didn't have a clue of how the topic of discussion had been stirred this way. I was more concerned on finishing my dinner back then, but lost my appetite because of that one single statement. I poked onto the last remnant of my meal with my fork: A perfectly spherical fruit with the color of light green; generally known as a grape. A few shades darker, with more lucidity to its color, it would definitely compliment Vash's eyes…
"…and you would be put into cold sleep on this spaceship. In that… place where you were held in before. That was the decision made by the Council. The most lenient one in history, if you asked me. They have settled into keeping with Vash's last request, as agreed by the leaders of both Earth and Gunsmoke. But if Vash ever wakes up, they may have a change of heart…"
I kept my appearance somewhat inattentive, but I was digesting every single one of her words. So, reviving Vash would spell either fortune or disaster to me, and my life depended solely on the muses of humans. How… typical.
I prodded on the fruit, making small dents here and there on its surface. So that it would not be perfectly round anymore…
I could feel her gaze on me. "I could make a request to the Earth's Central Government about pardoning you, or at least giving you a less atrocious punishment. Even if I could never forgive you for what you did to Domina, you have proven yourself to be worthy and sensible, enough to be granted self-isolation on a designated planet, away from human civilization. But it would be almost impossible, since the crimes you've carried out –"
"What will happen to me does not matter."
I stopped playing with the little grape.
I knew that if I looked up, I would definitely see a very surprised Chronica; if the gasp I heard gave any inkling to her reaction to my interruption. I played around with the little round fruit some more, pushing it around the plate, my face blank of any emotion.
"I thank you for your concerns regarding me. But, our focus now is to revive Vash. I don't have to repeat myself again, right?"
I brushed off some of the annoying strands that consisted of my hair off my brow. It grew much faster now than before, as my degeneration process was kicking in full throttle. Usually I need a haircut around every year, at most. But now, it grows more than half an inch every month. I've already cut it twice before; I believe I'll be needing another one in a very recent future. Irksome. I didn't know how Chronica could put up with her hair being that long…
"Knives…"
Hearing her voice laced with concern, even how diminutive it was, I was pleasantly startled. I at last looked at her in the eyes, peeking my eyes through my lashes, seeing the dismay, shrouded, but there nonetheless, in those sea-green depths; somewhat a bleached version of my brother's…
The color of grapes.
I smiled at her.
"I'm fine with it."
My fork cleanly pierced through the small grape. I lowered my eyes on the plate again, to see that my fork punctured the little fruit right at the middle. Perfectly aimed dead center, even when I wasn't looking at it. The juice flowed out through torn flesh, down onto the surface of the plate. Perfect.
I raised the grape into my mouth, slowly chewed on it as I replaced the fork on the plate. Closing my eyes, I felt the fruit being portioned into very small pieces by my teeth on my tongue, slowly tasting the sweet flavor, savoring it until the end.
When I tasted the bitter tang of grape's skin, I swallowed.
I still felt Chronica's awkward gaze on me.
I opened my eyes to an empty dinner plate.
"I have made up my mind."
Such a pity. Just when I was getting to know her…
Convinced that she was too engaged with analyzing Vash's vitals and the recording of his consciousness, I made a beeline to the main control room.
The one place which I had never stepped into before.
'I have made up my mind.'
The plan was already in action.
It shall take us back to peaceful times, Vash…
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TURN TO THE NEXT EPISODE.
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