AN:  I, the author of one crossover fic between Trigun and Rurouni Kenshin, have taken the liberties not to exceed my role and duties as series fan and fanfic writer to draw parallels between two of the main characters of said anime works, Vash the Stampede and Himura Kenshin.  I came up with this idea on my own with no help or guidance from any others less than twenty-four hours ago; if other ideas of similar or identical nature exist, kudos to you.  I love the idea, and I'll probably get around to reading what you wrote.  You'll increase the likelihood by emailing me alerting me to similarities.  All this said, I'll do what's in my rather limited power to create a pleasing piece of eye candy, and all I ask for in return is a simple read and review.  Any and all flames will be used for a post-production barbecue; invitations may or may not follow the fic.

This fic is dedicated to Kevin and Clara.  Kevin, thanks for putting up with me for four years and three months (happy early anniversary).  Thank you for guessing.  Clara, I know these are series you're not familiar with, but I wanted to give something to you in return for the happiness you've given me with School Daze.  Writer's block begone!

Thank you all for your time and consideration.  It's much appreciated.  I'll keep you posted.  Pun intended.

Trin

UPDATE:  As of February 5, 2003, I will be removing all author's notes for all chapters following this one (chapters 2 and up) in order to reduce the clutter and increase visibility, clarity, and ease of reading.  For those of you who still wish to view them, please visit Pacifist's brand new website, located at .  Please continue to be kind!  Also, please review!  Don't read and run.

Disclaimers:  I do not own Rurouni Kenshin or Trigun, nor do I own Himura Kenshin, Vash the Stampede, or Kamiya Kaoru.  All I own is the authorglue used to bind these series together in my first crossover fic.  This fic is nonprofit, shared solely for the purpose of enjoyment.  I get nothing out of posting this except happiness to share with my reviewers and other fans.

Wishing Well

Himura Kenshin sighs, tugging at the heavy rope tied tightly to the water-laden bucket.  The sun had relinquished its position in the sky hours ago; rightfully, he should be in bed by now, dreaming of the unattainable, screaming for peace from crimson-dripping nightmares.  On second thought, considering the latter, perhaps it's not so bad his beloved Kaoru-dono asked for tea so late.  Not that he'd deny her any request, even at such a late hour.  Such simple things, he thinks, speak volumes in his unblossoming relationship with the equally shy young woman.

The redheaded rurouni sighs again, looking down into the mirror like, inky black depths of the water skulking deep below.  If only I was worthy, he laments, baleful violet eyes staring, dazed, into the water, unaware he'd stopped his progress with the bucket in his musings.  If only I had the right to make such pureness mine.

Unbeknownst to him, surreal forces are at work towards just that end in the twilight hours deep below the well.

"Kenshin?"  Kamiya Kaoru's sweet voice lilts on gilded wings towards him, echoing off the compound's walls.  She'd approached the doorway in silent, tabi-covered feet when he hadn't returned several minutes after the well's sounds had stopped.  She'd never forgive herself if he'd been coincidentally in the right place at the right time for the next in line in his ceaseless entourage of opponents.  If the matter needing to be discussed hadn't grown to such feverish, urgent pitch, she'd never have approached his room so late at night, never asked him to join her for tea.  However, the situation holds such merit, and now's the best time to make her attempt, as the rest of the world ought to be asleep now.

Yanked from reverie, Kenshin lifts his head, turning immediately towards the sound of Kaoru's voice; his grip on the bucket loosens at the sight before him.  "K-Kaoru-dono, is something wrong?"  Kenshin stutters, the rope sliding painfully through his fingers, embedding small elements of twisted twine into throbbing, reddening palms.  However, nothing can draw him from the vision of candlelit beauty before him, sapphires creased in worry.

Nothing indeed.

The rope jerks as the bucket hits the water with an otherworldly splash, the sudden force wrenching through Kenshin's hands.  Cursing beneath his breath, Kenshin grips the rope painfully tightly so as not to lose the bucket and finds himself being drawn into the wishing well.

If only.