Disclaimer: What? You thought I owned Trigun?!? What weird and twisted
people you are! Stay away from me!
Chapter One: Reunion
=======================
Alone.
The lone figured stumbled across the dull wasteland spread out before him.
He was alone.
The figure raised a tired arm to shield his eyes from the blinding dust storm that enveloped him.
Everyone he had known was gone.
A dull throbbing occupied his mind making it difficult to walk let alone think. Not that he cared about either.
His friend, the priest, had died. He would miss him. The figure threw a glance skyward and wondered if Nick was watching him from heaven.
The sandstorm rose in intensity as if someone had turned on a fan. Exposed skin felt the sting of merciless projectiles.
His brother had died despite his efforts to save him. The figured lowered his head. His brother had given up his will to live after his efforts to wipe the human race off the surface of the planet had failed.
The figure raised his other hand to his mouth and coughed. It had been a while since he had had anything to drink. His tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth.
His love...
The figure paused. Was she really his love? Or was that merely a temporary feeling he had felt? He thought that she had some feelings for him...but humans were so hard to read sometimes.
No - she had feelings for him. No one would have put their lives in danger that many times just for a job.
A strong blast of wind stopped him in his tracks. Curse this planet! Why couldn't it be less desert-like and more...more...
More what?
The figure paused again. What was there besides deserts? Forests? Mountains? Oceans? He had heard of them before but had never truly experienced them.
The sand came rolling in waves across the dunes and the tired figure faltered. What did it matter. He was just wandering. When he got to a city he would probably stop long enough to eat. And then go back to wandering. It didn't matter if he stopped now or latter.
Don't think that way! You can't give up your will to live! Your brother did that and look what happened to him.
My brother......perhaps he was right. There is no place for me in this world.
The figure fell to his knees. His thoughts were random now. His brain had no structure. No composition.
Arms fell to his sides and eyes slid shut. Sand rolled over his body and into the void behind him. Nothing mattered now. Death was coming and he no longer cared.
The ground rose up to meet him as the storm calmed a bit. The sand was soft. A good place to die. The storm would cover up his body and no one would know that he was there...
So this is what death feels like...not too bad...hope Nick is waiting...for...me......
HOOOONNNKKK!!!!
Vash jumped several feet in the air and landed on his back. His eyes were now wide open and his heart was screaming to be let out of his chest.
"Hey mister, are you alright?"
Vash rolled his eyes. He couldn't even die correctly.
"Hey! Can you hear me?"
Vash grabbed the grill of a...bus?...and pulled himself onto the hood. "Yes I can hear you!" He saw the driver's surprised expression through the windshield. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm trying to die a peaceful death." He pushed his faced against the glass. "SO LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The driver blinked. This obviously wasn't the reaction he had expected. Vash saw movement in the back of the bus as someone pushed their way down the aisle. "Vash? Is that you?"
Now it was Vash's turn to blink. It couldn't be...
Meryl Stryfe leaned over the driver's shoulder. "Vash! I can't believe it's you!"
Vash just sat there with his face up against the windshield. He had finally found her, and all he could do was stare stupidly.
Milly Thompson leaned over Meryl's shoulder. "Long time no see Mister Vash! Fancy meeting you out here."
Vash just stared.
Meryl was puzzled. Shouldn't he be happy to see her too?
Milly spoke Meryl's thoughts. "Why don't you look happy to see OW!" Milly rubbed her ribs that had been elbowed by Meryl.
Vash blinked. Say something, you moron! "Do you have anything to drink?" Oops.
Meryl sighed, but Milly was her caring old self. "Sure! Come on in!"
The driver opened the doors as Meryl handed him an extra fare for Vash. Vash climbed onto the bus and chugged the entire canteen of water that Milly handed him. Then he looked at Meryl.
Now's your chance! "Uh...is there a restroom on this bus?" Moron.
Meryl clenched her teeth and prepared to yell at Vash, but Milly spoke first. "Sure! Just down the aisle in the back."
"Thanks." Vash turned and headed to the back. He felt Meryl staring at him. Moron.
=====
Meryl waited for Vash to emerge from the restroom. It couldn't take him that long to clean his hair.
She looked out the window at the rolling dunes as the bus continued its journey. It had been a long time since she had last seen Vash and it was her fault. Her fault for not refusing to stop following Vash and go back to the Bernardelli Office.
A soft touch on Meryl's shoulder interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Vash standing next to her. "Mind if I sit here?"
Meryl managed a soft smile. "No, I don't."
Vash sat down next to Meryl and leaned back. He looked at Milly, who was sound asleep in the seat across the aisle. He opened his mouth to say something, but changed his mind.
Meryl looked at the floor. Go on, say something! You've been hoping he would show up.
What could she say? Gee, I've missed you? Sorry I wasn't there when you came back?
She looked up, and Vash was lying back in his seat, eyes closed. He seemed so innocent, so carefree...Meryl couldn't take it anymore.
Vash opened his eyes to the sound of sobs. He looked over at Meryl and a concerned expression crossed his face. "Meryl, what's wrong?"
She looked up. "Oh, Vash...I'm so sorry! It's all my fault! I knew you were going to come back, but Bernardelli wanted me back and I couldn't lose my job! I tried to stay as long as I could but they were so insistent that I come back and I...I..." Meryl broke down as tears streamed down her face..
Vash put an arm around her. "It's alright. I knew it wasn't your fault."
Meryl looked up, surprised. "You did?"
Vash gave her that goofy smile of his. "Of course. I may be naïve, but I'm not that stupid."
Meryl blinked in surprise. Then she began to giggle.
Vash stared at her. "What? Do I have something on my nose." He reached up and scratched it.
Meryl hit him in the chest. "Stop it! You're acting like a child."
"When do I act differently?"
Meryl tried not to laugh out loud as she noticed some of the other passengers staring at her. "Oh, Vash. I'm glad you're back."
Vash smiled. "Me too." He leaned back in his seat. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to catch up on my sleep. Wandering around in a sandstorm tends to take a lot out of a fellow."
Meryl smiled and looked down. There was much she wanted to know about what Vash had been doing over the past year, but he obviously didn't want to talk about it. "Goodnight..." Meryl looked up to see Vash sound asleep. She laid her head on his shoulder and prepared for a peaceful journey.
=====
The bus' sudden jolt woke Vash from his slumber. He looked down and saw Meryl fast asleep on his shoulder. He ran a finger through her dark hair and traced her jaw.
"Glad to see you awake, Mister Vash."
Vash turned to the speaker. "Hey Milly! How's it going."
Milly laid the book she was reading in her lap. "Ok. We've been on the road for quite some time now. I'm sure Meryl will feel better now that you are here."
Vash smiled. "Yeah." He looked at Meryl again. So peaceful...
Vash frowned. "You've been on the road? What for?"
Milly reached into her coat pocket. "We've been assigned to follow another bounty. Here-" She handed him a worn slip of paper.
Vash looked it over a couple of times.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The sum of $$50,000,000,000 will be paid to the person(s) who can bring in the man known as the Wandering Demon in alive to the Drek Corporation's Headquarters. This man is considered armed and extremely dangerous. His last known whereabouts include May City and Warren City.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Wandering Demon?" Vash handed the paper back to Milly. "What kind of name is that?"
Milly shrugged. "We just follow them."
Vash leaned back in his seat deep in thought. Suddenly a tall stranger strolled down the aisle and stopped next to the empty seat by Milly. "Mind if I sit here?"
Milly shook her head. "Not at all."
Vash studied the stranger as he sat down. He was tall with shaggy brown hair and a large trench coat. As the man put his hands in his pockets, Vash noted that the skin on the inside of the man's right index finger was worn.
Vash leaned back in his seat. Great. Another gunslinger. Just what I need.
He looked back and saw the man fast asleep using a confused Milly's shoulder for his pillow. Vash frowned. Something about that image seemed familiar...
Vash shrugged. Oh well. None of his business. He settled back in his seat and quickly dozed off.
=====
Meryl woke the sound of steady breathing. She looked up and saw Vash sleeping heavily. She smiled and sat up.
The frail light of the moon illuminated the tall sand dunes sweeping by the bus. Meryl sighed. What was she to do now? It was great that Vash was back, but would he stay with them? He didn't have a reason to this time.
Not that he had stayed with them last time. They had followed him. But now other matters called, and it was Vash's decision if they stayed together or not.
Meryl looked over to see if Milly was doing alright and then frowned. Where did that man come from? And why is he sleeping on Milly?
Milly was dozing just as peacefully as if nothing had ever happened. Meryl smiled. Trusting Milly. Hope she doesn't get herself into trouble.
Meryl yawned. Obviously she hadn't gotten enough sleep. She laid her head back on Vash's shoulder.
The bus was suddenly picked up and thrown sideways by a large explosion. Meryl slammed into the window and felt Vash land on top of her. Luggage fell out of the opposite overhead compartments and she felt one slam into her temple before slipping into unconsciousness.
=======
Ever had that feeling that you knew someone but didn't? Our
minds play dangerous tricks on us, confusing reality with dreams.
I met a man who reminded me of my past dreams, but was really
part of my future reality. Who is that man? I know him, and yet
I don't.
Next chapter: Familiar Stranger
=======
Forte: What? You're still here? Wow! In cause you were wondering, that last little spiel was one of those little speeches that Vash makes at the end of every episode. Was the chapter good? Bad? Did you even care? Tell me!
Vash: Me thinks the author is subtly begging for reviews.
Forte: Look Vash, donuts! (points to the moon)
Vash: DONUTS!!!! I'll be back. (runs away)
Forte: (rolls eyes)
Chapter One: Reunion
=======================
Alone.
The lone figured stumbled across the dull wasteland spread out before him.
He was alone.
The figure raised a tired arm to shield his eyes from the blinding dust storm that enveloped him.
Everyone he had known was gone.
A dull throbbing occupied his mind making it difficult to walk let alone think. Not that he cared about either.
His friend, the priest, had died. He would miss him. The figure threw a glance skyward and wondered if Nick was watching him from heaven.
The sandstorm rose in intensity as if someone had turned on a fan. Exposed skin felt the sting of merciless projectiles.
His brother had died despite his efforts to save him. The figured lowered his head. His brother had given up his will to live after his efforts to wipe the human race off the surface of the planet had failed.
The figure raised his other hand to his mouth and coughed. It had been a while since he had had anything to drink. His tongue was stuck to the roof of his mouth.
His love...
The figure paused. Was she really his love? Or was that merely a temporary feeling he had felt? He thought that she had some feelings for him...but humans were so hard to read sometimes.
No - she had feelings for him. No one would have put their lives in danger that many times just for a job.
A strong blast of wind stopped him in his tracks. Curse this planet! Why couldn't it be less desert-like and more...more...
More what?
The figure paused again. What was there besides deserts? Forests? Mountains? Oceans? He had heard of them before but had never truly experienced them.
The sand came rolling in waves across the dunes and the tired figure faltered. What did it matter. He was just wandering. When he got to a city he would probably stop long enough to eat. And then go back to wandering. It didn't matter if he stopped now or latter.
Don't think that way! You can't give up your will to live! Your brother did that and look what happened to him.
My brother......perhaps he was right. There is no place for me in this world.
The figure fell to his knees. His thoughts were random now. His brain had no structure. No composition.
Arms fell to his sides and eyes slid shut. Sand rolled over his body and into the void behind him. Nothing mattered now. Death was coming and he no longer cared.
The ground rose up to meet him as the storm calmed a bit. The sand was soft. A good place to die. The storm would cover up his body and no one would know that he was there...
So this is what death feels like...not too bad...hope Nick is waiting...for...me......
HOOOONNNKKK!!!!
Vash jumped several feet in the air and landed on his back. His eyes were now wide open and his heart was screaming to be let out of his chest.
"Hey mister, are you alright?"
Vash rolled his eyes. He couldn't even die correctly.
"Hey! Can you hear me?"
Vash grabbed the grill of a...bus?...and pulled himself onto the hood. "Yes I can hear you!" He saw the driver's surprised expression through the windshield. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm trying to die a peaceful death." He pushed his faced against the glass. "SO LEAVE ME ALONE!"
The driver blinked. This obviously wasn't the reaction he had expected. Vash saw movement in the back of the bus as someone pushed their way down the aisle. "Vash? Is that you?"
Now it was Vash's turn to blink. It couldn't be...
Meryl Stryfe leaned over the driver's shoulder. "Vash! I can't believe it's you!"
Vash just sat there with his face up against the windshield. He had finally found her, and all he could do was stare stupidly.
Milly Thompson leaned over Meryl's shoulder. "Long time no see Mister Vash! Fancy meeting you out here."
Vash just stared.
Meryl was puzzled. Shouldn't he be happy to see her too?
Milly spoke Meryl's thoughts. "Why don't you look happy to see OW!" Milly rubbed her ribs that had been elbowed by Meryl.
Vash blinked. Say something, you moron! "Do you have anything to drink?" Oops.
Meryl sighed, but Milly was her caring old self. "Sure! Come on in!"
The driver opened the doors as Meryl handed him an extra fare for Vash. Vash climbed onto the bus and chugged the entire canteen of water that Milly handed him. Then he looked at Meryl.
Now's your chance! "Uh...is there a restroom on this bus?" Moron.
Meryl clenched her teeth and prepared to yell at Vash, but Milly spoke first. "Sure! Just down the aisle in the back."
"Thanks." Vash turned and headed to the back. He felt Meryl staring at him. Moron.
=====
Meryl waited for Vash to emerge from the restroom. It couldn't take him that long to clean his hair.
She looked out the window at the rolling dunes as the bus continued its journey. It had been a long time since she had last seen Vash and it was her fault. Her fault for not refusing to stop following Vash and go back to the Bernardelli Office.
A soft touch on Meryl's shoulder interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see Vash standing next to her. "Mind if I sit here?"
Meryl managed a soft smile. "No, I don't."
Vash sat down next to Meryl and leaned back. He looked at Milly, who was sound asleep in the seat across the aisle. He opened his mouth to say something, but changed his mind.
Meryl looked at the floor. Go on, say something! You've been hoping he would show up.
What could she say? Gee, I've missed you? Sorry I wasn't there when you came back?
She looked up, and Vash was lying back in his seat, eyes closed. He seemed so innocent, so carefree...Meryl couldn't take it anymore.
Vash opened his eyes to the sound of sobs. He looked over at Meryl and a concerned expression crossed his face. "Meryl, what's wrong?"
She looked up. "Oh, Vash...I'm so sorry! It's all my fault! I knew you were going to come back, but Bernardelli wanted me back and I couldn't lose my job! I tried to stay as long as I could but they were so insistent that I come back and I...I..." Meryl broke down as tears streamed down her face..
Vash put an arm around her. "It's alright. I knew it wasn't your fault."
Meryl looked up, surprised. "You did?"
Vash gave her that goofy smile of his. "Of course. I may be naïve, but I'm not that stupid."
Meryl blinked in surprise. Then she began to giggle.
Vash stared at her. "What? Do I have something on my nose." He reached up and scratched it.
Meryl hit him in the chest. "Stop it! You're acting like a child."
"When do I act differently?"
Meryl tried not to laugh out loud as she noticed some of the other passengers staring at her. "Oh, Vash. I'm glad you're back."
Vash smiled. "Me too." He leaned back in his seat. "Now if you'll excuse me, I've got to catch up on my sleep. Wandering around in a sandstorm tends to take a lot out of a fellow."
Meryl smiled and looked down. There was much she wanted to know about what Vash had been doing over the past year, but he obviously didn't want to talk about it. "Goodnight..." Meryl looked up to see Vash sound asleep. She laid her head on his shoulder and prepared for a peaceful journey.
=====
The bus' sudden jolt woke Vash from his slumber. He looked down and saw Meryl fast asleep on his shoulder. He ran a finger through her dark hair and traced her jaw.
"Glad to see you awake, Mister Vash."
Vash turned to the speaker. "Hey Milly! How's it going."
Milly laid the book she was reading in her lap. "Ok. We've been on the road for quite some time now. I'm sure Meryl will feel better now that you are here."
Vash smiled. "Yeah." He looked at Meryl again. So peaceful...
Vash frowned. "You've been on the road? What for?"
Milly reached into her coat pocket. "We've been assigned to follow another bounty. Here-" She handed him a worn slip of paper.
Vash looked it over a couple of times.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The sum of $$50,000,000,000 will be paid to the person(s) who can bring in the man known as the Wandering Demon in alive to the Drek Corporation's Headquarters. This man is considered armed and extremely dangerous. His last known whereabouts include May City and Warren City.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
"Wandering Demon?" Vash handed the paper back to Milly. "What kind of name is that?"
Milly shrugged. "We just follow them."
Vash leaned back in his seat deep in thought. Suddenly a tall stranger strolled down the aisle and stopped next to the empty seat by Milly. "Mind if I sit here?"
Milly shook her head. "Not at all."
Vash studied the stranger as he sat down. He was tall with shaggy brown hair and a large trench coat. As the man put his hands in his pockets, Vash noted that the skin on the inside of the man's right index finger was worn.
Vash leaned back in his seat. Great. Another gunslinger. Just what I need.
He looked back and saw the man fast asleep using a confused Milly's shoulder for his pillow. Vash frowned. Something about that image seemed familiar...
Vash shrugged. Oh well. None of his business. He settled back in his seat and quickly dozed off.
=====
Meryl woke the sound of steady breathing. She looked up and saw Vash sleeping heavily. She smiled and sat up.
The frail light of the moon illuminated the tall sand dunes sweeping by the bus. Meryl sighed. What was she to do now? It was great that Vash was back, but would he stay with them? He didn't have a reason to this time.
Not that he had stayed with them last time. They had followed him. But now other matters called, and it was Vash's decision if they stayed together or not.
Meryl looked over to see if Milly was doing alright and then frowned. Where did that man come from? And why is he sleeping on Milly?
Milly was dozing just as peacefully as if nothing had ever happened. Meryl smiled. Trusting Milly. Hope she doesn't get herself into trouble.
Meryl yawned. Obviously she hadn't gotten enough sleep. She laid her head back on Vash's shoulder.
The bus was suddenly picked up and thrown sideways by a large explosion. Meryl slammed into the window and felt Vash land on top of her. Luggage fell out of the opposite overhead compartments and she felt one slam into her temple before slipping into unconsciousness.
=======
Ever had that feeling that you knew someone but didn't? Our
minds play dangerous tricks on us, confusing reality with dreams.
I met a man who reminded me of my past dreams, but was really
part of my future reality. Who is that man? I know him, and yet
I don't.
Next chapter: Familiar Stranger
=======
Forte: What? You're still here? Wow! In cause you were wondering, that last little spiel was one of those little speeches that Vash makes at the end of every episode. Was the chapter good? Bad? Did you even care? Tell me!
Vash: Me thinks the author is subtly begging for reviews.
Forte: Look Vash, donuts! (points to the moon)
Vash: DONUTS!!!! I'll be back. (runs away)
Forte: (rolls eyes)