Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Forever Mine ❯ Let the Games Begin ( Chapter 43 )

 

Disclaimer: Hmmm... I own my kids (Because I made them) I own my husband, (Because the Marriage License says so) and I own a REALLY big mortgage. (Because I'm stupid and signed on the dotted line.) However I don't own Trigun. (Because if I did, I wouldn't have said mortgage.)

“blah blah” : talking

`blah blah' : thinking

“blah blah” : telepathic talking

blah blah : other misc. stuff.

 

*~*~*

 

Forever Mine

Chapter 43: Let the Games Begin

 

 

 

Caden Walker knew the moment the two ladies stepped on the bus, yesterday morning, that they were nothing but trouble and should simply keep away. That is, until he got a closer look at the both of them. Both equally beautiful and full of class, something that he had never been around before, at least of their caliber. First, there was the petite one, with hair the color of the blackest onyx and intense silver eyes that, occasionally, flashed lavender when she was lost in thought. He could tell by her aura alone that she was a very intelligent and confident woman that didn't let her short stature be an obstacle.

 

Then there was the other one. Caden was glad that his hat was covering his face upon noticing her, because his mouth dropped when took in her height. Being a tall man, he had always found it difficult to find someone even close to his stature. And impossible to find someone that he was instantly attracted to. Well, until that very moment, that is. She was simply amazing. Fresh and innocent, like one of the beauties in the fairytales that his father used to read to him when he was, but a child. With her chestnut-colored hair falling down her back like silk and her eyes, the most incredible shade of blue, like shining aquamarines flashing in the sunlight.

 

Then he saw them smile and he was damned. The petite one, with a soft almost sad smile that made her look so engaging that he just wanted to pull her into his arms and tell her that he would protect her from whatever it was that haunted her. While the taller woman's joyful smile was so enchanting, that it made everything seem brighter, even his troubled past didn't seem so bleak.

 

Caden also knew that he wouldn't be able to not tempt fate. Even though, he tried his best to completely ignore the two. (He also hoped that they weren't interested in men.) That is, until he sensed that the smaller of the two was cold and he gave in. Now in his experience, whenever a person blew caution to the wind and did something that they shouldn't, it always ended up biting them right in the ass. Sure enough, it did, because it turned out that the two insurance girls were looking for him, so, they could keep him out of trouble. Furthermore, the outlaw knew that having the ladies tag along could cause an even bigger problem and be very hazardous to their health. And anything that could cause such beauties harm was something that he didn't want to have happen.

 

`Though it might be kinda fun having the two around for a while,' Caden thought to himself, while listening as Meryl defended herself over threatening the `wrong guy.' They seemed like a very entertaining pair, after all. Then he heard her address him using his proper name. “Caden is just fine, Meryl,” he replied with amusement in his tone.

 

“But Mr. Caden, you told me that your name was Ian?” Milly asked, almost sadly.

 

“I lied, blue-eyes,” he replied with a sigh, his back still facing them. “So are we going to stand here all day like this or are you going to let me turn around, so, we can at least talk face to face?”

 

“You may turn around, but slowly and no funny business… got that?” Meryl relented with caution still evident.

 

Very slowly, the outlaw raised his hands in the air before pivoting on his heels to face the two without his hat obstructing their view of his face. With wide-eyes, both women openly gaped at the man before them. Thinking that he was probably a handsome man was a severe miscalculation, because the man before them was absolutely gorgeous! Wisps of hair framed his tanned face, while his straight nose and the three days worth stubble gave him a rugged look that made him even more dangerous than the persona of being on the ten most wanted list. Caden Walker exuded raw sex appeal with such vigor that it seemed as if the devil himself created the man with one thing in mind, to lure women with the promise of every carnal desire being fulfilled.

 

Then his eyes came into play. They were the deepest green they had ever seen, rich, like the color of the most radiant of emeralds. That, at the moment, sparked with amusement as he smiled at the two charming ladies, showing off his perfect white teeth and the lovely dimple that only added to his appeal.

 

“So… ladies,” Caden started slowly, hands still in the air. With his smile turning deviant, he added, “Can I at least lower my hands, while you continue to ogle me? Or do you prefer your men submissive?”

 

“Wha…” Meryl responded before shaking her head to break the spell. She then glanced over at her partner and saw Milly still gaping at him before nudging her with an elbow to snap her out of it. Immediately returning her attention back to the outlaw, the petite woman spoke, “You may lower your hands, Mr. Caden.”

 

“Are you two going to lower your weapons?” he then asked, bringing his hands back to his sides. “I promise I won't try anything.”

 

“And how can we be so sure about that?” Meryl asked, with eyes narrowed.

 

“I swear on my father's grave that I won't harm a hair on either of your heads,” the outlaw sincerely exclaimed, making Milly lower her stungun.

 

“Milly!”

 

“I believe him, Sempai,” Milly said as she finally looked away from their new assignment, silently pleading with her partner to trust him.

 

“Alright,” Meryl sighed, lowering her derringers. However, she didn't trust him that much and kept them in her hands. Then switching over to professional mode, she started her spiel, “Mr. Caden Walker, my partner and I are representatives of the Bernardelli Insurance Society. We have been assigned to keep you under twenty-four surveillance in order to prevent any future liabilities that may occur in your presence.”

 

“And if I refuse?”

 

“You have no choice,” the petite beauty said with a smirk. “We will follow you whether you like it or not.”

 

“What if I decide to up and leave?”

 

“Gee… we would just find you just like we did today, Mr. Caden,” Milly simply pointed out before adding, “We are really good a finding people. Mr. Va… I mean our last assignment, at first, always tried to give us the slip and we always ended up finding him. Right, Sempai?”

 

“Ummm… right,” Meryl mumbled with just a hint of sadness crossing her features. Caden noticed. However, before he could analyze the expression, her confidence returned. “So, you see Mr. Caden, it would be futile to run.”

 

“Oh really and just what would you do if I turned and ran at this very moment?” he asked with a smirk and a dangerous glint appearing in his eyes.

 

The very next instant, Meryl aimed her derringers in his direction and shot off both rounds, while Milly instantaneously swung up her stungun and shot off two bolt projectiles a hairsbreadth later. Their shots whizzing right by the man, who stayed stock still, before hitting their targets about ten yarz behind him.

 

Then, without pause, Meryl brought her attention back to the man before her and simply stated, “That would happen, Mr. Caden.”

 

Twisting by the waist to look behind him, he saw the two previously uninjured men from the earlier clash. They were lying on the ground, unconscious, with two metallic cross-like bolts sitting on top of their chests and two new guns on the sandy earth a few feel in front of them. Completely turning around, he took a few steps closer and confirmed his suspicions. Both weapons harbored recent indentations made by a smaller slug, generally used in a derringer.

 

“I see…” Walker finally said, while shaking his head in dismay. He now knew that his earlier observation about the women was dead on. They were nothing but trouble and he had a feeling that his life was about to completely change. With a deep sigh, he turned back around. “Well, I suggest that we find a more secure space if we are to continue our little chat.”

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

Forty minutes later, the insurance girls and their new assignment found themselves sitting around the small circular table inside the girls' motel room. Caden was in the process of eating takeout from the little café where the girls had eaten earlier, while Milly and Meryl drank their favorite beverages. All anxious for the questions too begin, they simply chatted about genial things, like the weather and if they felt harvest this season would be better, since more water veins were found all over Gunsmoke. Of course, once farming was mentioned, Milly completely took over the conversation, talking about how her entire family, including distant cousins on her mother's side, all farmed and, per the last letter she received, it was going to be the best yield ever.

 

Caden just sat and silently ate, while observing the two beauties. He noted how they complimented each other, like the closet of siblings, even though they were completely different in every aspect, one petite and serious and the other statuesque and carefree. They were the best of friends that had seen a lot together and had shared so much, like him and his brother…

 

“Mr. Caden?” Milly called out, once noticing the far away look in his eyes.

 

“Hmmm…” he absently replied, being brought out of his reflections. Then with a shake of his head, Caden stood, shrugging off his duster and vest before absently tossing them on one of the two beds in the room.

 

“Oh… so that's where your guns are,” the big-girl exclaimed in wonder, noticing the shoulder holsters with the glocks securely in place. “I was wondering how they appeared earlier. It was like magic,” she added innocently, making the outlaw laugh.

 

“Well I don't know if magic had anything to do with it, but that does sound more exciting than saying I just drew them, huh?” he started, while still chuckling over her choice of words. “You are something else, blue-eyes.”

 

“No, I'm not something else, I'm just plain old me.”

 

“Oh, I don't know about that,” he then said with a charming smile before looking over at Meryl to see her looking at him with a guarded expression. “Plain is one word that I wouldn't use to describe either of you.”

 

“So, Mr. Caden, are you willing to accept the fact that we will be following you now?” Meryl asked, in all seriousness. Even though, her cheeks were showing off a lovely pink tinge.

 

“You do realize that the both of you will be in danger and could be shot or even worse?” Caden pointed out, no longer smiling.

 

“It's part of the job. We are well aware of the consequences,” the petite woman simply answered before adding with a smirk, “Believe it or not, but this isn't our first assignment.”

 

“I know… Milly told me last night,” he sighed, bringing his right hand up to his bangs and brushing them out of his eyes. Then out of curiosity, he asked, “So who else have you been assigned to?”

 

“Well… we've had quite a few, but our first assignment was Billy `the Bomber' Smith. He was a bank robber that liked to blow up entire banks just to get to the safe. Do you remember him Sempai?” Milly supplied.

 

“Yep, sure do, Milly. Then there was the nut job who used to destroy saloons and brothels, because she said that they were the work of the devil,” Meryl said with a laugh, remembering the crazy woman. “She called herself the Madonna. But, it turned out that she was a prostitute, who was getting back at her ex-boss by destroying all of his establishments. If I remember correctly, her name was Nikki Finn.

 

“Yeah… it was,” Milly said, chiming in. “Then, of course, there was Mr. Va…” she started before trailing off and looking toward Meryl to see if it would be okay to divulge that information. Meryl just looked at the table.

 

“Who?” Caden asked, wanting to know who it was and why Meryl was acting in such a way at the almost mention of his name.

 

“Meryl?” Milly asked to see if it would be alright.

 

“Go ahead Milly, It's not like I care anything about that good for nothing, doughnut scarfing, pea-brained troublemaker,” Meryl said after mentally slapping herself for the show of weakness and looking up at the other two sitting around the table.

 

“Okay Sempai,” Milly said, while giving her partner a reassuring smile. Then looking over to Caden, Milly continued, “Up until about two months ago, we were assigned to Vash the Stampede, you know… the Humanoid Typhoon.”

 

“You two were assigned to the legendary gunman?” he sputtered, not even trying to hide his shock. “I guess I should feel honored or something,” Walker then added with a chuckle, while rubbing his forehead before moving the bangs out of his face again.

 

“Yeah, you should!” Milly giggled. “We get assigned to the highest liabilities and you are number two on that list!”

 

“And what a dubious honor, that is,” Meryl mumbled dryly after taking a sip from her cup of coffee.

 

“Why aren't you still assigned to him?” Caden then asked after smirking over Meryl's smartass comment. “I mean… he's still wanted by the Feds and, I'm sure, an even bigger liability. Was he just too dangerous or something?”

 

“Who, Mr. Vash? Oh heck no, he was actually really funny and I laughed all of the time around him,” Milly happily supplied, while Meryl simply looked into her coffee cup and listened. “He was one of the kindest men I had ever met and everything that was pinned on him wasn't his fault. Well… at least not directly. I guess you could say he was framed.”

 

“That sounds familiar,” the outlaw mumbled into his glass of water before taking a sip.

 

“What was that Mr. Caden?” Milly asked, not quite hearing exactly what he said. Though, she did have a pretty good idea that he said that it sounded familiar. Meryl heard it, too.

 

“Nothing, Milly, so…” he quickly added to change the subject. “Why aren't you assigned to him anymore?”

 

“He decided to settle down and get… married,” Meryl quietly informed the outlaw, still looking into her cup. Taking a deep breath, she looked up and on the exhale sneered, “So, Bernardelli figured that he would be too busy with his new wife to cause any damages. And we were finally able get rid of that womanizing idiot for good!”

 

Sensing that Meryl was about done with talking about Vash, Milly instantly changed the direction of the conversation. “Will you let us follow you now? Please… Mr. Caden, I promise Sempai and I won't be a problem and we'll keep you entertained and out of trouble and we can take care of ourselves. So you won't have to worry about us or being lonely. Oh and we cook really good and can sew, Sempai is really good that, and I'm sure there's a whole bunch more. Besides, it would make me really sad if you said no after our lovely little chat on the bus last night and this morning and just now! So, you just have too let us tag along! Please Mr. Caden!” she pleaded to the long haired man with her baby blues glistening.

 

And he was sucked right in.

 

Before he new it, Walker heard a squeal and a `thank you Mr. Caden' before the big-girl jumped up from her seat and gave him a big hug. “Yep… nothing, but trouble,” he muttered to himself while shaking his head. He had just been bamboozled, by one innocent looking Milly Thompson and he had a feeling that she was a master at her game.

 

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

It had been four days since they had heard any news regarding the Bringer of Chaos. And they were fortunate enough to hear that last tidbit of information as it came through a satellite transmittal one afternoon while stopping for supplies. The news report claimed that he was the initiator of a brawl inside a saloon in Neo Colorado and had gotten away without a trace. In a sense, it was good news, because they had some idea as to where the girls were headed. But, at the same time, it was bad. Unfortunately, the incident occurred was almost a week ago and in the opposite direction they were heading.

 

So, instead of getting closer to his insurance girl, he was moving farther away and Vash didn't like that one bit. Actually, the thought of Meryl going after the outlaw made him sick to his stomach. The man was said to be vicious and cruel, showing no mercy to anyone who got in his way. And with Meryl and her fiery temper… Well, he didn't even want to think about that. He just wanted get the takeover thing dealt with and then go after her.

 

Actually, if Vash would have thought about it rationally, he would have said screw it to going to New DC and went after Meryl, strait away. But, with the temptation to clear his name and Knives constant planning, he knew that he needed to go. It wasn't just for him, anymore. Knives also saw it as an opportunity to repent for what he had done in the past. And, even though, his twin would never admit it, he knew that Knives needed it as much as he did. So, the gunman couldn't deny his brother the chance. He just hoped that nothing happened to Meryl and Milly in the meantime.

 

“Are you brooding about it, again?” Knives incredulously asked. Taking his eyes off of the main route to New DC, he glanced over at Vash, who was sitting on the passenger side of the truck, looking out of the window. “Vash, you need too focus. We are going to be in New DC within the hour and, if everything goes according to plan, we are attacking within two.”

 

“I know,” he sighed bringing his spectacled covered orbs over to meet his brother's uncovered ones. “I just wish this was over.”

 

“Well… if we didn't have to go back to that little hole in the wall town then this would be over,” Knives grumbled, clearly showing that he didn't agree with his brother's decision to go there. “You know, with all of the money you have, you could have just bought her another pair.”

 

“No… I couldn't Knives,” Vash bit out. “She used them to buy this truck, damn it! And with how much pain I have put her through… it's the least I could do.”

 

“Alright Vash,” he sighed. Then after a few minutes of strained silence, he spoke again, “You know they can take care of themselves, right?”

 

“I know they can,” Vash muttered as he took his shades off to rub the bridge of his nose. He then placed them in one of his many pockets before adding, “It won't stop me from worrying about them, though. You've heard the rumors… I mean… this guy's supposed to be an utter bastard!”

 

“Yes and according to the rumors, aren't you supposed to be one, too?”

 

“I am a bastard,” he replied with a disheartened chuckle. “If I wouldn't have screwed this up, none of this would have happened.”

 

“That is true. However, that is not what I was referring to,” Knives stated with a shake of his head. He couldn't believe his twin was bringing up (yet again) the fact that he screwed up. “I meant that he may not be half as bad as what the rumors claim. You know, how the humans like to embellish the truth.”

 

“I guess you do have a point.”

 

“Of course I do,” the man in the neutral colored coat haughtily exclaimed. “So, now that we have that taken care of, let's go over the plan again.”

 

“Well… shouldn't red be up here to listen in?”

 

“No, let her rest. I can feel that her headache is almost gone,” Knives answered with concern evident for his woman. For the past three days, she had been complaining about headaches and, without having a lab nearby, he wasn't able to confirm why. He did have a pretty good idea, though. “She should be just about done with them, too, I'm sure.”

 

“So you do believe that her eyesight is improving, then?”

 

“It's rather obvious, really. It was only a matter of time before the PNc corrected that particular imperfection,” the platinum blonde stated before glancing back over at Vash with a smirk on his face. “I told you my hypothesis was accurate.”

 

“Whatever you say, Knives,” the golden blonde retorted with a roll of his eyes. “Let's go over the plan again before your ego gets so big that there won't be any room in the cab for me!”

 

“I'm not feeding my ego. I'm just stating simple facts, Vash. I can't help it, if I'm smarter than you,” he cockily exclaimed before chuckling over the fact that he knew he was helping inflate his own ego. Vash immediately joined in, chuckling himself over his brothers higher than thou attitude, temporarily forgetting about the previous pessimistic thoughts swirling his head. After their chuckles died, Knives asked, “Okay… now are you ready to go over the plans?”

 

“I'm ready brother.”

 

 

*~*~*

 

 

 

“We are in luck,” the redhead stated once she slipped back into the truck's cab. “Two of the four battalions are out on maneuvers. Apparently, they are partaking in some sort of war games.”

 

“Excellent,” Knives exclaimed with a smile playing across his face, pulling away from the curb to find a suitable location to park the truck. “Okay, everyone knows what to do correct?”

 

“Yes Knives,” both Mac and Vash recited at the same time.

 

“Now woman… you make sure that once you reach the double doors you find a place to keep safe and I do not want to see hide nor hair of you, until I say its okay! Do you understand?”

 

“Yes Knives,” she mumbled again, while rolling her eyes. “Are you sure you don't want me to get you through the main gate?”

 

“No… we can get through just fine. I don't want you anywhere near us once the mayhem begins,” he gently commanded, not wanting anything to happen to her. She simply replied with an okay, while he continued to drive along the bustling street with the fenced compound on their left and various businesses to the right. A block later, he turned down an alley on the right and found a secure place to park the truck.

 

Once everyone was out of the cab, they made their way around to the back, where the twins hopped up into the enclosed bed to go through the last minute checklist, while McKenna kept watch. Pulling out a diagram that the young doctor helped create, Knives spread it out on the floor.

 

“Okay Vash,” Knives started, right before pointing to the compound's main entrance with a gloved right finger. “McKenna said that there should be three sentries at the main gate and it will be effortless to convince them to let us in.” Then sliding his finger straight up the map, he stopped it on another sketched replica. “This is where we are going. From the gate to the doors is approximately 200 yarz. And…” he continued, while pointing at four represented buildings that resided on either side of long rectangular court yard. “…these are the buildings that we will need to pay particular attention to.”

 

“Red said that the one on the closest left to the main gate is the motor pool, right?”

 

“Correct. I'm sure there will be some vehicles that will be parked outside that we can use as a diversion,” he suggested with a deviant smile, right before reaching into a small bag sitting on the floor next to him. He pulled out a small black canister and held it in between his thumb and index finger before adding, “And that is where these come in.”

 

“Ahhh… one of the presents from Doc,” Vash said with a grin. “Those little babies should make the place quite lively. Just throw, aim, and shoot, right.”

 

“Also correct, now these...” Knives started before momentarily pausing to put away the mini bomb. Pulling out a slightly larger and silver canister, he continued. “…are filled with ortho-chloro-benzal malonitrile.”

 

“Tear gas… you just gotta love that bald guy!” Vash said with a laugh. “I guess it's a good thing we can tolerate it, huh?!”

 

“The crap still smells awful, though,” the ice-blue eyed Plant groused, while putting the container back in the bag. “Anyway, most of the Calvary will be coming from the behind the castle, but we should be in the building and on our way up to the tenth floor before most of them can make it,” he then stated, while referring to the main building as the castle. “And I should be able to hold off a few who do make it up to us telepathically, as well.”

 

“Just remember… no killing, Knives,” Vash reminded his twin, referring to the few men that will get close enough for a shootout.

 

“Yes Vash,” Knives replied with a roll of his eyes before reaching for the bag and setting it on top of the map. Equally distributing the contents amongst themselves, the men placed the `gifts' in their pockets before double checking their guns and ammo supply. Then with one last look around the space, they hopped back out before securely locking the doors.

 

“Well… I guess now is as good as time as any, huh,” Vash said after taking a deep breath to clear his thoughts. Then reaching into his upper pocket he pulled out his golden shades and slipped them on. Grinning wickedly, he brought his prosthetic hand up in front of his face. A series clicking noises were heard as he triggered the machine gun to slip out of its cradle before instantly returning it back to its place. “Let's do this!”

 

“Yes lets…” Knives exclaimed, with a matching smile as he slipped his own glasses on.

 

“Knives?” McKenna whispered, showing her anxiety, as she stood behind and a few feel away from the two. “Please be careful… you two.”

 

“We will,” he said, softening his smile before stepping up and wrapping his arms around her. After a moment, he pulled away from the embrace and kissed her softly. “I'll keep our link open until you tell me you are secure. Then I'll need to close it to concentrate. Don't worry, McKenna, I'll see you on the inside shortly. Now you should go,” he told her. Then with a simple nod and a good luck she left the twins, starting the block and a half walk to the main gates.

 

Once she turned the corner, Knives brought his attention back to his twin and added, “Do you remember the building to the immediate right of the castle?”

 

“Yeah…”

 

“It's the mess hall and noon is upon us. You do know what that means don't you?”

 

“Sure do, Knives,” Vash started with a knowing smile. “I believe that we are going to ruin lunch for several unaware and probably unarmed Calvary men.”

 

“Exactly! I'll head over there, while you start the pyrotechnics at the motor pool and anywhere else you see fit.”

 

“Okie dokie… let's give them a little show with their dinner,” the golden blonde said with a chuckle, making his twin laugh as well.

 

After the chuckles faded away, the Plants turned solemn to mentally prepare for the up and coming coup. They knew that something like that had never been attempted before, especially with only two men. Of course, they weren't ordinary men and both knew that nothing could stop them from obtaining their goal. Too much was at stake for them not to succeed. Then finally after a few minutes, the time was almost upon them.

 

“McKenna has just walked past the main gates. Are you ready?” Knives telepathically advised his twin.

 

“More than,” Vash replied with a devilish smirk as he raised his real hand to his brother where Knives did the same to clasp hands. With the smirk turning into an impish grin, he added out loud, “For love and peace!”

 

“Yeah, yeah… whatever… Let's go,” Knives sent, dropping his twin's hand and heading out of the alley with Vash walking next to him stride for stride. All too soon, they were about a half of a block away from the gates when, he added telepathically, “The watch towers on the perimeters shouldn't be too much of a problem, except for the two located on front corners. They probably have snipers up there, so, watch out.”

 

“Gotcha,” Vash replied with a slight nod of his head, while watching their surroundings in the hopes that no one recognized him. He was more worried about being spotted before the whole thing began than he was about the actual battle. Fortunately, the influx of military personnel and pedestrians were completely oblivious. No one would ever suspect that Vash the Stampede would enter New DC, the single most populated city for law enforcement. They didn't think he was crazy enough. But, little did they know, he was and once he realized that, he breathed a little easier.

 

“No one knows you are Vash the Stampede,” Knives confirmed, once he felt Vash's uneasiness. He stopped for a moment and looked across the street at the short driveway that led to the gates. “She's secure,” he said out loud before glancing over to his brother. “Ready to kick some ass, brother?”

 

“Oh yeah!”

 

With intent in their stride, the Plants crossed the street and walked the thirty feel up to the sentry post. One man was sitting inside the small structure with two armed men, one standing on each side of the closed gates. Taking the initiative, Knives already had the two guards under his control by the time the third stepped out of the little building.

 

“Please state your names and business, gentlemen,” the sentry asked as he prepared to look for their names on the clip board in his hands.

 

“Millions Knives,” Knives confidently stated, before glancing back to look at his twin.

 

“And I'm the one and only… Vash the Stampede,” Vash started with his eyes flashing and an evil grin appearing on his face. “Our business is to take over the Federal Building!”

 

“Whaaa…” the man shrieked in dismay as he looked up at the men and saw that they were absolutely serious. Then he heard the clicking noise of rifles preparing to fire. Looking behind him, he saw the two guards, with emotionless faces, pointing their weapons at him. “Holy shit,” he yelled before trying to slip back into the booth to start the alarm. However, he was stopped, mid stride, as his body was taken over by, none other, than Vash.

 

“Now, now… we can't have you signaling everyone that we are here,” Vash said with a shake of his head. “Then all of the fun that we have in store would simply go to waste and we can't have that, now can we?”

 

“Oh god… what have you done to me?” he cried, realizing that he was stuck.

 

“Nothing permanent, we just need you to let us in and then once you do, keep the gates closed for awhile,” Vash replied, while mentally reprogramming the man's thought patterns to obey the command.

 

“Yes sir,” he saluted blankly before heading over to the controls and opening the gates.

 

With the entrance open, Knives sent the two he was controlling, back to their original spots, while Vash kept his inside the booth before calmly walking through the entrance. With the gates closing behind them, they stood there for a moment to take in their surroundings. They noticed that except for a few people milling about the courtyard, the place was relatively quiet.

 

“This is going to be too easy,” Vash confidently sent to Knives.

 

“I concur. Are you ready to liven this place up a bit, Vash?”

 

“Definitely! Once we get this party started, let's meet in the middle and head up to the main dance floor to request a song from the DJ!”

 

“Alright, I'll start the smoke machines, then,” Knives added before flying toward the mess hall.

 

“And I'll go and get the lights a flashin,” Vash sent right before heading to the motor pool.