Chapter 14: The Villain Victorious
Anya blinked her eyes repeatedly as she tried to bring her vision into focus. Her head felt like it was spinning and everything seemed hazy. She realized that she was lying on her back so she tried sitting up. There were no bonds holding her, but her movements were heavy and clumsy, almost like she was moving through molasses.
What's wrong with me?
Slowly she swung her legs over the side of the bed then moved to stand. As soon as she was off the bed, her legs buckled underneath her and she fell to the floor like a rag doll. Anya gritted her teeth and hit the floor in frustration. She had never felt so helpless in her life. Whatever was wrong with her, it had to pass at some point. She took a deep breath and took a look at her surroundings. The room she was in was plain with four white stone walls and a bare wooden floor. Aside from the bed, the only other furniture was a small dresser and a table with two chairs. There was nothing there that could indicate her location. Wherever she was, Knives wanted to keep that information from her.
Anya sighed and reclined back against the bed. The cobwebs were beginning to clear and she was starting to think more clearly. Her limbs were recovering more slowly, still feeling heavy and clumsy.
The last thing she remembered was saying good-bye to Wolfwood. She had just put Vash to sleep and the priest had been ready to fire on Legato. Anya had shouted at him not to fire since Legato was still linked to the townsfolk. Wolfwood had begrudgingly put up his guns and looked at Anya.
"Look after Vash," she had said. The priest merely nodded but his face showed that he still didn't agree with her decision to leave. Anya had then felt a sharp, stinging pain in her neck and soon she had been unconscious. Legato had probably drugged her so the route they had taken would remain a secret. Legato needn't have worried. She wasn't going anywhere, nor was she going to try and contact Vash. It would only incur Knives' wrath and she knew that he would kill October, kill Vash, just to punish her.
Vash.
Tears stung Anya's eyes as she thought of him. After such a short time they had bonded completely. She was certain that they were the other's perfect mate, ready to spend eternity together. And now it was nothing. All gone and dust, like everything else on this planet.
Amidst his sorrow, Anya had felt Vash's despair. Once again, when Vash had found happiness, his brother quickly snatched it away. Anya had a feeling that Vash would not recover so easily this time. For once, he hadn't been alone, he had someone with whom he could truly share his life, and like a jealous child with a toy, Knives took her away. The thought of Vash alone and what he would do, pained Anya greatly. She leaned her head back to fight away the tears.
"Forgive me, Vash," she whispered, so quietly that she almost didn't hear herself.
A soft knock on the door shook Anya from her thoughts and she quickly dried her eyes. They would not get the satisfaction of seeing her cry.
"Enter!" she called out strongly, even though her mouth was so dry it felt like sandpaper.
The door opened slowly and Legato entered with a glass of clear liquid in one hand and some type of garment bag in the other. He shut the door behind him and draped the garment bag over a chair before he even looked at her.
"Ah, I see you tried to move. That was foolish. The sedative I gave you was too strong," Legato chided her as he approached.
"It wasn't necessary. I wasn't planning on running," Anya replied coolly.
Legato smirked as he knelt beside her.
"My master didn't want to take any chances."
"I gave my word and I don't go back on my word. Of course, Knives is too busy judging and distrusting people, he wouldn't know anything about honoring a person's word," Anya replied disdainfully.
To her satisfaction, Legato winced slightly and silently handed her the glass that he had been holding. She accepted it but eyed it suspiciously.
"It is only water. I knew you would need it. The sedative leaves one feeling a bit parched," Legato answered, nodding for her to drink. Anya cautiously sniffed the drink then with eyes on Legato, took a tentative sip. The water felt cool and refreshing as it hit her dry lips. She waited a moment and when nothing happened, Anya gulped the rest. She had been thirstier than she had originally thought. The water also seemed to clear the rest of the grogginess from Legato's drug. When she was done, Legato took the glass and helped Anya to her feet. He then took the garment bag and handed it to her.
"I will leave you to get ready. My master would like you to join him for dinner. He has provided a change of clothes for the occasion," the assassin explained. Anya frowned slightly but nodded her acknowledgement. This would be her life from now on. She would be at Knives' beck and call, with no word of complaint. Because if she did not, then he could easily take his anger out on Vash or the citizens of October. Freedom had been nice while it lasted.
Once Legato had taken his leave, Anya went into her small adjoining bathroom and took a quick shower. She then changed into the dress that Knives had chosen for her. It was a simple, knee-length dress in white that set off shoulder and the only decoration was a white lace border that lined around the shoulders and chest. It was pretty, albeit a tad plain, though she wasn't surprised since Knives had chosen it. Honestly, what surprised her was that he had chosen this particular style in the first place. The off-shoulder dress gave a good look at the scar on her shoulder.
While it was still damp, Anya braided her long hair then draped it over her scarred shoulder. Hopefully Knives wouldn't notice. Once she was ready, she sat at the small table, dutifully waiting for her escort. Legato returned in a timely fashion and led Anya out of her room. The walls and floors were devoid of pictures or rugs. It must have been a less affluent hotel or Knives went through a lot of trouble to erase any hint of their location. When they reached the stairs, Anya noticed something else. It was silent in the building. Anya had worked at the hotel in October for years and there was always some sign of human presence. Here though, in this unknown hotel in this unknown town, there was complete silence.
What has Knives done? Anya wondered as a chill went down her spine.
It took all of her composure to continue following Legato. The assassin led Anya to a small dining room that was off to the side from the foyer and check-in area. This room was different from the rest of the building. Rare flowers decorated every countertop while vases dotted every table. Candles were interspersed among the tables, giving the room a warm glow, but Anya felt none of it. She felt cold as she stared at the man in the center of the room. Knives looked exactly the same but now he was wearing a loose cotton shirt with the top three buttons undone, tucked into gray, linen pants and black leather shoes replaced his boots. It was a handsome look, but on Knives it seemed a bit odd.
Though he was smiling, Anya was terrified. Her heart hammered so loudly in her chest; she could scarcely hear what he was saying to her. She tensed as Knives embraced her, images of knife-like extensions tearing flesh flitting through her mind.
If there is a God, make me numb like ice, make me like stone! she prayed fervently. She wished she could separate her mind from her body so she could ignore his touch, to be anywhere else.
For a split second, her thoughts went to the safety of Vash and his warm smile. Just as quickly as she thought of him, she quickly banished him from her mind. If Knives found out, who knows what he would do?
"Anya? Darling, are you feeling well? You look a bit pale," Knives' voice sounded calm and concerned, just like when she was a child. There was probably a shred of true emotion but Anya knew that overall it was an act. It took all of her strength not to scream at him or throw furniture at him. She simply nodded and quickly took a seat.
"I'm fine. It's just been a long day," she answered softly.
"But you're home now! This is a celebration!" he said happily.
"A celebration for you, perhaps. I was home. I had parents who loved me and friends who cared for me," she blurted out. Knives frowned and motioned to Legato to bring a glass and a pitcher of water. As Legato poured, Knives stared at Anya.
"They were only human. Your place is with me. Not with those lesser beings," he retorted.
Anya stared at him coolly, suddenly not caring about his reactions.
"I'm only here because you threatened the people I love. I'm only here to protect people from you."
Knives gripped his glass so tightly then that Anya thought he would shatter it. He then slowly put it down and just as slowly sat across from her. Anya tensed, preparing for an attack, but it never came. Anya's captor simply smirked, resting his chin in his hand.
"I'll admit, I acted rashly when you were younger. It led us to where we are today. I'm prepared to wait for you, to do what it takes to win you back. In that time, you will see the humans how I see them and you will come to my way of thinking."
With his free hand, he reached across the table and carefully stroked Anya's cheek. A spark danced along the skin that Knives touched, which made his smile grow.
"Yes, you will come to my way of thinking and then all will be as it should be."
Anya's gut twisted at Knives' confidence. He seemed so sure that he could change her and it frightened her. She didn't want to be like him, not like this monster who craved blood and murder. Anya bit her lip to keep from screaming and sat utterly still in her chair, terrified to attract his attention. Knives merely continued with his confident smile and took a sip of water. In his mind he had won and now it was time for him to enjoy his prize, in this case Anya, the only other humanoid plant in creation. The villain had won and he was enjoying every second of it.
Soon after, Legato brought out their dinner. It was some sort of meat dish with a salad. Anya barely touched it, whereas Knives ate with gusto, that pleased look on his face the whole while. She wondered if she hit him hard enough, would he keep smiling. That thought encouraged her to eat a little more.
After dinner, Knives escorted Anya back to her room. Once again, no one wandered the halls or could be heard from the rooms. The silence greatly unnerved Anya.
"Knives, where are all the people?" she asked suddenly.
"I got rid of them. I didn't want any distractions when you arrived."
Anya gasped and she stopped in the middle of the hallway.
"You…you killed them?!" she whispered in shock. Knives stopped then laughed aloud at her reaction. She stared at him, her anger rising.
"You think murder is funny?! How dare you?!" she exclaimed, raising her hand to strike him. The older plant easily caught her wrist and held it firmly.
"Relax, Anya. I didn't kill the hotel guests. I just kicked them out. I knew it wouldn't make a good start to our reunion if I did otherwise," he explained in that same calm voice.
Anya breathed a sigh of relief as they continued the walk back to her room. They walked in silence the rest of the way. Knives seemed unsure of what to do next, whereas Anya just didn't care. This wasn't a reunion, like Knives said. He was the captor and she the prisoner. No happy ending would come from this.
They both stopped when they reached Anya's door. Knives frowned when he saw the grim look on her face.
"Anya, please cheer up. We're together again. This is a good thing," he said brightly. Anya sighed and looked up at Knives with sadness in her eyes.
"Knives, I'm no longer a child. I see you, the real you. And I cannot abide with what you're doing. Things cannot be as they were," she replied.
Knives raised a hand and gently traced the outline of Anya's face with his fingertips, leaving a trail of sparks along the way. Anya shivered, reflexively pulling away from him. Knives only gave a slight smile.
"Like I said, I think I still have some time," he whispered, "Sleep well, my darling."
Anya didn't say anything in response and simply ducked into her room, locking the door behind her. The last action was a bit pointless, especially with Knives' abilities but Anya needed what comfort she could find. The exhausted woman sank to the floor and held her head in her hands, regretting her decision.
Vash. Vash, I'm so sorry.