Trigun
Alien ascension
"I'm alive!" Vash cried as he fell on the bar table. The beer here tasted pretty good. After three weeks of travel Vash had finally come to December City. It had been one year since the day Wolfwood died. Vash couldn't bring himself to ever forget. Maybe, just maybe, if Vash hadn't gone after Kane. Maybe if Vash had stayed to help his partner out Wolfwood would still be here telling Vash to quite acting like a girl when he drank. Vash ignored his head's swimming with alcohol. It would be too easy to forget that terrible day. Vash couldn't let that happen. He was on a mission.
Vash stood up when the waitress walked by, "Good evening miss."
The waitress was an elderly woman. She'd probably seen her share of bad times working at this bar at her age, "What do you want? Another drink?"
"No ma'am. I'm quite finished." Vash had puffed out his chest to try to look noble, "I'm looking for an orphanage somewhere around here."
"The December Orphanage? What business could you possible have there?"
Vash blinked away a tear, "A good friend of mine used to work there. I wanted to see him."
"If you mean Wolfwood you can forget it. He hasn't been back in a year. It's a real shame to. Now the factory can take the deed."
Vash was puzzled, "What?"
"You're not from around here, are you? Wolfwood owned the land the orphanage was built on. If Wolfwood is gone for a year he is presumed dead. The deed to the land is up for grabs and there's only one man in town rich enough to buy it."
"A factory?"
"Arthur Castle. This used to be a quiet town till he moved in. He's buying up all the land slowly. That orphanage is the only thing standing between him and another factory and a few more millions. Nick always stood up to him. Now that he's gone, there's no one left to fight for the children." The old woman's eyes began to tear up.
Vash calmly reached over and wiped a tear from her eye. Vash's face was serious, "That's no way for children to be treated. I'll see to it myself."
"Really?"
"I need directions."
"Down the street eight blocks, then it's half a mile to the edge of town. You'll know it when you see it."
Tiny stars twinkled in Vash's eyes, "Then I have a job to do." Vash set down his beer mug and ran out the door.
The woman set down in Vash's chair, "What a strange man." She looked down at the table, "Wait a minute. He didn't pay!"
Vash was running down the street quickly. He looked back to see the old woman standing at the door waving at him. Vash waved back. "She seemed like a nice person."
(Insert guitar riff)
Head Banger
Vash came to a three-story building with a stone wall outside and what looked like playground equipment in the huge yard. Vash wiped the dust off the plaque on the wall. He read aloud, "December orphanage. Those abandoned are welcome here. Founder: Nicholas D. Wolfwood. PI 146." Vash sniffled and put on his glasses. He had heard about this place. It had been a very long time since Wolfwood had told him about his orphanage.
PI 146. PI was the new expression of time. Back on earth they had used BC and AD to express a period of time. Scientists had taken on PI, post impact. After project Seed had crashed on this desert planet it was all they could do.
The iron gate was already open. Vash stepped around the corner. He quickly pulled back when he saw what was going on. Three men wearing business suits were standing around one woman. "I said get out!"
"Our boss has plans for this land. You're standing in the way."
Vash heard a humming. Then there was a lot of gunfire. Someone had an automatic weapon. Vash peered around the corner. The woman had shot one of the men. She had a pair of guns, one in each hand. The guns were basically rectangular with an empty area for a hand to hold them and a trigger. Whatever they were she was fully prepared to use them. She had shoulder length blond hair with bangs hanging just over her forehead. She was dressed like a priest. Black pants, a white blouse with a black vest. She even had the loose black bow tie. One of the men reached for a gun at his side, "Miss, we have orders to remove you by any means necessary."
Vash was up against the wall, "Children shouldn't have to see this."
The woman opened fire on the second man. He had already drawn his gun and fired a single shot into the air when he fell backward. This third man was standing at the gate. He was backing away. He was standing right beside Vash although he was unaware of Vash's presence. His attention was focused on the woman with the guns.
"Where do you think you're going?" Vash's eyes widened. She was going to shoot him. Vash reached out and pulled the third man behind the brick wall just as she opened fire.
"Thanks pal."
"Don't thank me. I want you to go give a message to your boss. Don't mess with this place. This is a sacred place and you have no right to be here." The man ran off before Vash could finish.
Vash heard three shots, "Whoever you are come out! Now!" Vash stepped out with his hands raised, "What do you think you're doing? I was going to shoot him?"
Vash wasn't going to try violence this time, "Look, he wasn't going to hurt you. He was going to run off. I didn't see the point in killing him."
The woman lowered one gun. She kept the other trained on Vash. The gun she lowered was still smoking, "So you'd trade his life for yours?"
"When you put it like that it sounds kind of silly, doesn't it?" Vash laughed. He could see that she wasn't laughing.
"Are you working for Castle?"
"I don't know a Castle." Vas was being serious now.
"I swear to god if you're lying I'm going to jam this thing so far up your…"
She was interrupted by a child tugging at her pants leg. The child didn't seem afraid of her, "Miss Roxanne. Mr. Wolfwood wants to see you."
Vash's eyes widened, "Who?"
Roxanne scoffed, "Fine. You're coming with me buddy. And no tricks."
Vash walked closer, he was careful to keep his hands raised at all times. As Vash walked inside he could feel Roxanne press her gun to his back, "Are you armed?"
"Yes, one gun at each hip. If you don't trust me you can take them." Roxanne hooked one of her guns to her belt. She reached around and pulled out Vash's gun. "A colt 45 longbarrel? It's to heavy to be normal and its painted jet black." Roxanne put the gun in a holster on her belt. She picked up Vash's other gun, "And this one's white. You've either got an odd since of humor or you've got a lot of enemies."
"Would you believe I have both?" Vash's voice carried an odd since of sadness, "I knew Wolfwood."
Roxanne almost dropped her gun in surprise, "What? Nicholas? You knew him?"
"That's right. He was a good friend of mine."
"Then you know what happened to him."
"He's dead. Killed by a man named Chapel."
Vash felt Roxanne push her gun against his back, "For all I know you're the one that killed him." Vash could hear her voice break. She was crying but she wouldn't let him turn around to see it, "We're going to see the boss. Get moving."
* * * *
Vash was lead into a small office. A young man, not more than eighteen was leaning against his desk. He was dressed like Wolfwood only his suit was white with a black cross sewn onto each sleeve. His hair was just a little longer than Wolfwood but it was the same color and the same style. He even smoked the same way. He looked past Vash to see Roxanne, "Who's this?"
"I caught him lurking outside the walls. He stopped me when I was trying to escort Castle's thugs off the grounds."
"Escort? When I came in you were trying to kill them."
The man at the desk got up, "I thought I told you not to kill them unless your life was in danger."
Roxanne shrugged, "I thought it was. Anyway, this guy says he knows Wolfwood."
The man looked Vash over, "Interesting. How do I know you're not working for Castle."
Vash wasn't using his since of humor, "I'm not sure. How do you tell?"
"I've got it. Tell me a story."
Roxanne protested, "What good'll that do?"
Vash sighed, "Alright. Shortly after we came to May I was playing teacher to a few local kids. I walked into a diner one day and found him working there. He said he was trying to help out the woman who owned the place. Her husband had left her with a lot of debt and these goons were trying to put her out of business."
"How did he get rid of them the first time?"
"He said he used the good lords gospel. He actually beat them up. There was a quick draw contest in town and the prize money was more than enough to get her out of dept. We signed each other up. It turned out the judge was crooked. He had a family at gunpoint when Wolfwood tried to drop out of the finals."
"Why would he drop out of the finals?"
"Because I was his opponent. When he saw the family he tried to kill me to ensure their safety."
"Why would the judge want him to fight you?"
"Because there's a bounty on my head that was a lot more than the prize money. He wanted it for himself. He was willing to kill me to save their lives. We saw it coming. We were each carrying enough tomato juice to fake a gunshot wound. Finally Wolfwood used that cross punishment of his. His first shot killed the man with a gun to that family. It was surprising. I had him pegged for a loner but I'll never forget when he started firing on the people trying to gun us down. He yelled, 'Never again. Never again will I let another child suffer.' We gave the prize money to the family and moved on."
"I believe you. That sounds like Wolfwood to me. Rox?"
Roxanne had her arms crossed, "I'm convinced." That was a little bit of a disappointment because she really wanted to shoot him.
"I'm Sebastian P. Wolfwood. Nice to meet you." Vash and Sebastian shook hands, "Behind me is Roxanne."
"I didn't know Nick had a son."
"He didn't. I'm the oldest of these kids in the orphanage. We're all his kids. I just took the name Wolfwood when he left."
"What does the P stand for?"
"Phillip, but I like to think it's short for Priest. I want to carry on in Wolfwood's tradition. Rox, you can put your guns away."
Roxanne walked over to the corner of the room. Leaning against the wall was an eight foot metal shaft. It looked like a gun and it was remarkably similar to the cross punishment, only without the arms. Roxanne put her guns up against the sides of the shaft. The two oddly shaped guns Roxanne carried were the arms of the cross. They locked in perfectly. Sebastian had his own cross punishment. Roxanne walked over to Vash and pulled out both of his guns. She twirled them around in the air a few times for show and handed them to Vash, "You must have come pretty close to winning the contest with these."
"Actually, back then I only had the white one."
Sebastian cleared his throat, "Go check on the children. I'm sure they're a little shaken up from that attack. I'll show our friend here around." Sebastian waited for Roxanne to leave, "So, I'm glad to meet someone who knew Wolfwood. I just have one question." Sebastian pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Vash's head, "Give me one reason I shouldn't shoot you in the head and use your bounty to buy off Castle, Vash the Stampede."
Vash raised his hands defensively, "How did you know it was me?" He had taken a higher tone of voice.
"Vash the Stampede won that quick draw tournament. Wolfwood also mentioned having met Vash the Stampede. Imagine my surprise when you walked in here. Now, you didn't answer my question. Why shouldn't I turn you in?"
Vash knew the answer. Sebastian couldn't leave the orphanage without Castle bull dozing the place. Besides, Vash saw an army of Castle's men on the way into town. If he left for any reason he'd be killed. Vash simply answered, "Because Wolfwood didn't. At that quick draw tournament he thought about turning me in. A single gunshot to the head and sixty billion double dollars buys that woman out of debt but he risked his life instead."
Sebastian put his gun away, "Good answer. Almost any other answer I would have plugged you on the spot. Now I know you knew Nick. I see you noticed the cross punishment in the corner."
"Yes. At first I couldn't figure out what it was. Then Roxanne put her guns in and I figured it out."
"Yea. Her guns lock into the cross and get reloaded. Wolfwood made it himself. He wanted us to be protected so he designed it for two people to use. The shaft has a machine gun, a missile launcher that turns into a mortar blaster when I pull out the struts. When she puts the arms back on I can use a flame thrower. The arms are basically miniature machine guns. She can use the flame thrower on each gun but it's not as effective as mine is. It's a work of art really. That's what Nick said when he built it. He used ideas from his own cross punishment, Chapel, and a few other weapons. Anyway, we've been having a lot of problems lately. Wolfwood has been gone a year now and we can't prove he's alive. Castle is trying to take the land but he can't bull doze the place while we're still on it. That's why he's using mercenaries to get us to leave. That's why we've got to fight back. Now that you're here you can help."
"Help with what?"
"I'm seventeen. Until next month when I turn eighteen I can't sign the deed and get this land. Until then Castle's bidding for it. They're going to bring a wrecking crew here tomorrow to level the place but they can't do that until we're all gone. Castle made a handshake deal with a mercenary. I don't know anything about him but he's a gelf."
"A genetically engineered life form?"
"That's right. He's going to come in here, kill me and Rox, then move all the children out. If we had someone like Vash the stampede, we might be able to beat him."
"What's in it for me?" Vash was being sarcastic. He made up his mind the moment Sebastian had used the word gelf.
"You can stay here tonight. After that we'll talk."
* * * *
Sebastian stood at the doorway of the large bedroom where nineteen kids and Vash were fast asleep. Roxanne was standing behind him, "Tough day tomorrow Bastion."
"Tomorrow morning I want you to get the children out of here."
"What? I want to stay and fight."
"Vash and I can handle the wrecking crew. You take the guns off my cross punishment and get the hell out of here. There's a hidden tunnel in the shed out back."
"I know. We've played there as long as I can remember. So, did you get everyone tucked in?"
"Yes." For the first time Sebastian smiled, "They're all worried about tomorrow. I told them the guy in the red coat was here to help us."
"What about him. Did he mind sleeping with the kids?"
"He said he preferred it. That guy actually asked to be tucked in."
"You're kidding."
"Nope."
"What if he is working for Castle?"
"I'll kill him myself."
* * * *
The next morning all the kids were gathered around the breakfast table. Sebastian and Rox were seated at the head of the table. Vash had taken a seat with the kids. He had a large white bib and was scarfing down doughnuts. Sebastian watched the other kids eating, "We've got a long day ahead of us. Vash and I are going to stay here. I want you all to go to that tunnel in the shed. Don't look back, all right?"
"Yes Sebastian."
Vash smiled. These kids must have lived together for a long time. There wasn't any fighting and they all seemed very well behaved. The oldest of the kids was ten, the rest ranged from four to six. A little girl walked up to Sebastian, "Mister Wolfwood, is the orphanage going to be gone when we come back?"
Sebastian knelt down, putting himself at eye level with the little girl, "Sara, don't worry. I'll make sure everything is just like it was when you left. And please, call me Sebastian."
"Sorry Sebastian."
Sebastian stood up, "Okay everyone, go upstairs and pack your bags, just like we practiced."
Sebastian smiled. He waited for the last child to leave, "Common sis, let's go get ready."
Vash got up from the table, "Should I come to?" There was a loud rumbling. Vash could feel the ground shaking.
Sebastian braced himself on the table. Roxanne grabbed onto him for support, "They're here. Rox!"
Roxanne was half way across the room before he could finish his sentence, "I'm on it."
Vash popped six bullets into each gun, "Let's go."
Sebastian ran into his office and came out carrying the cross punishment over one shoulder, "You go first. I have to give Rox her guns."
"You got it."
* * * *
Vash climbed onto the wall outside the orphanage. There were seven bulldozers, two front-end loaders and a wrecking ball. There were at least three hundred construction workers carrying guns. "Some kind of welcoming party."
Someone was carrying a loudspeaker, "Whoever you are, we will give you one hour to leave this place. Accept my offer and I guarantee your safety." Vash put on his sunglasses. He could see the man with the speaker. He was a fat man with a cowboy hat and what passed for a business suit.
Vash called back, "Thanks for the offer but we're good right here. If you'd take your bulldozers back where you got them I'd really appreciate it."
"Who are you anyway? You're sure not from around here."
"Actually. I just came into town. I get so embarrassed when I have to introduce myself. The name's Vash, Vash the Stampede." Vash could hear muttering among the workers. About half of them dropped their guns and ran off. This was exactly what Vash wanted, "Now, unless you want me doing millions and millions of double dollars of damage to your stuff you should turn around and go away."
"So, that coward Wolfwood has a hired gun. That's fine with me." There was a loud roaring from the crowd. Vash couldn't see where it was coming from. Finally he saw the mercenary. The man stood seven feet tall. He was very muscular. Vash could see that he was a gelf. Everything above his forehead was solid metal in the shape of a flat top. His shoulders and upper arms were also made of metal and there were steel tubes connecting the back of the head to a small box on his back. Parts of his legs were also made of metal.
"So. I'm going to get a chance to rumble with Vash the Stampede. This job is worth what they're paying me!" He spread his legs. He looked like a sumo wrestler getting set. Vash jumped off the wall. He was standing outside the orphanage. He wasn't about to let this guy inside. Vash was ready to draw.
The gelf kicked up dirt and lowered his head, "By the way, they call me Head banger."
"Are you by chance a member of the Nebraska family?"
"Those overgrown losers? No way."
Vash hadn't figured out Head banger was going to charge until it was too late. Vash pulled out his gun and fired at the Head banger's shoulders. The bullet bounced harmlessly off. Head banger connected. He speared Vash in the chest and kept running. When he crashed through the wall Vash was stuck in the middle. Vash fell back as Head banger stood up, "That's why they call me head banger. My titanium skull plate can ram through anything. Even you."
Vash coughed. A few drops of blood fell on the sand, "Is that so? I thought you just really, really liked heavy metal." Vash stood up. He was limping a little. That last blow had hit hard, "I'll bet you're really strong to." Vash fired a few shots with both guns. Head banger took them in the shoulder. There wasn't even a scratch. Vash groaned. It was going to be one of those days.
Head banger lowered his head again. He was going for anther charge. This time Vash was ready. When Head banger got close enough Vash jumped into the air. He put one foot on Head Banger's back and kicked off. Head Banger's head hit the dirt and he flipped over. Vash was now standing in the large hole Head banger had put in the wall. There were construction workers already getting closer. Vash also noticed Sebastian walking out the door with the cross punishment under one arm. He was about to unload on the crowd, "Vash! Can you get rid of that guy?"
"I'll try." Vash watched Head banger get ready to charge again. This time Vash lay flat on the ground. Head banger ran right over and rammed the construction crew. Most of them fell back on everyone behind them, plus the struggle to get out of the way. Most of the ammo Sebastian unloaded on the crowd missed. Vash chuckled. Now he had a plan. Vash was already on the run.
When Head banger got up Vash was standing in front of a bulldozer, "Common! I knew you couldn't hit me." Head banger charged again. It was to easy for Vash to dodge sending Head banger into the bulldozer. Vash expected Head banger to get hurt, or at least get stuck. Vash was more than a little surprised when the bulldozer tipped over and fell. "Holy shit! What have I gotten myself into?"
Head banger dusted himself off, "That's right you little snot nosed brat. You can't stop Head banger like that."
"I hate guys who talk in third person!" This time Head banger wasn't charging. He ran at Vash and threw a punch. Vash ducked under the swing. Vash moved around three more swings, "How much are they paying you?"
Head banger did a roundhouse kick. Vash jumped out of the way. His foot hit a front end loader which fell over, "Fifty million double dollars. I'm going to ask for extra hazard pay."
Vash dodged another swing, "I wonder if he's going to deduct for all the equipment you're wrecking."
"Why aren't you fighting back? Are you a coward?" Head banger hadn't stopped punching yet. Vash was dodging easily.
"And my last question, what's the bounty on your head?"
Head banger charged head down again, "A hundred million double dollars! It'll be more once I kill you!"
Vash dodged sending Head banger charging into another Bulldozer. Vash was beginning to enjoy himself.
* * * *
Sebastian was shooting anyone who got to close to the hole in the wall. The workers were getting closer. They were counting on Sebastian running out of ammo from firing warning shots so often. They didn't know a cross punishment had a lot more room for clips than conventional weapons. One of the bulldozers were getting really close to the wall. Sebastian knew if he switched to the missile launcher he'd be letting the workers inside. He stopped to reload.
When he did the gunfire continued, "Sorry I'm late!" Roxanne was standing at the door shooting, "Use the missile launcher."
Sebastian turned the cross punishment around. He rested it on his shoulder and pushed a small button on the surface. A glass target sight came down in front of his eye, "Fire in the hole." Sebastian fired. Sebastian flipped the cross punishment over and kept shooting. The smoldering pit where the bulldozer used to be was blocking the worker's advance.
"Can you stay here?"
"Let me reload first." Roxanne stuck her guns into the arms of the cross punishment. There were two clicks, "I'm fine."
"I've got to go help Vash."
* * * *
Vash had been tricking Head banger into knocking over equipment for a while. Vash was still getting worried that Head banger wasn't getting tired. "What's the point of carrying a gun if you're not going to use it?"
"Actually, I hate violence."
"Then you're really going to hate me for this!" Head banger finally landed a punch in Vash's cheek.
Vash fell back. He was sitting against the wrecking ball, "I'm getting careless. I'm tired." Vash spotted Sebastian, "Good." Vash pointed upward. Sebastian nodded.
Head banger was standing over Vash, "This is the mighty Vash the Stampede? He destroyed entire cities and you can't even stop me."
"There's one thing you forgot."
"And what's that?"
"I've got a Wolfwood watching my back." Vash sprung at Head Banger. Vash tapped his boot on Head Banger's back. A small knife came from the toe of Vash's boot. Vash cut the cables connecting Head banger's armor to his back. Yellow fluid started spilling out. Head banger fell over. Vash jumped away, "That and you're standing under a wrecking ball."
Sebastian aimed his cross punishment at the steel beams holding up the wrecking ball, "Fire in the hole!" The blast knocked Sebastian back. The beam collapsed and the wrecking ball fell on Head Banger.
Vash and Sebastian were standing side by side, "Good shooting."
"Good fighting. I think we killed him."
"Nope. That armor can survive something like that. He won't be able to kill anybody for a while."
Vash and Sebastian grinned when the fat man known as Castle walked up to them holding a shot gun, "I won this thing now. I can kill you two and nobody will be able to stop me from taking this land."
Sebastian leaned on his cross punishment, "Look Vash, he's got a gun."
"I'm not going to loose to a pair of kids."
Vash and Sebastian walked toward Castle, "Look around you. Head banger destroyed most of your construction crew. It will take a lot of money to pay for the damages. There's also the men you lost."
Sebastian continued, "By the time you build another wrecking crew, I'll be eighteen."
Vash smirked, "Sebastian can collect the bounty on Head banger and use it to pay for the land. I'll sign for it myself, right now."
"If you kill him, you'll be committing murder. Then you'd be under arrest." Castle's hands were shaking. Sebastian snatched the gun out of his hand, "You lost this time." Sebastian hit Castle with the butt of the gun, "Not get out of here."
* * * *
That night Vash and Sebastian were sitting on the porch of the orphanage, "Let me get this straight, Wolfwood actually carried that portable confessional around?"
Vash was using his goofy laugh, "Yea, he sure did."
"You know, it's odd. I feel like I know you. After all you and Wolfwood have been through. There's one more Wolfwood tradition I want to do."
"What's that?"
"Let's go out drinking."
"You're seventeen."
"So? The kindly old lady in the bar doesn't mind. She's known me since I was five. She's known Wolfwood a lot longer. I'm sure if you pay the bill she won't mind."
"What about Roxanne?"
"Rox? What about her? She's fifteen. Besides, she's not a heavy drinker." Vash and Sebastian got up, "Oh, and Vash."
"What?"
"Thanks."
"By the way, about that old lady at the bar."
* * * *
"HEY!!!" Sebastian jumped out of his bed. His head was throbbing, "You missed breakfast you big idiot! I had to tell the kids you weren't dead!"
"Rox, hang on a second. I'm a little dizzy."
Roxanne yelled even louder, "It's called a hangover! You go out drinking you deserve it! Get dressed, you've got to help with the morning class."
Sebastian was looking at Roxanne, "Will you two shut up! Common sis. Can't Vash take care of it?"
"Last I checked Vash is passed out in his bed with a green tie wrapped around his forehead. He smells like doughnuts and beer. He came home last night drunk off his ass. I need you to get up." Roxanne threw Sebastian's coat over his face.
"Thank god. It was to bright it here."
"I will never understand guys. Wolfwood was the same way, only he could hold his liquor."
Sebastian was tying his tie as he walked down the hall, "Look, there's Vash. Go wake him up from a hangover." Rox turned her head away from Sebastian for a moment. Sebastian took the opportunity to run into the bathroom across the hall and throw up.
* * * *
Sebastian walked down stairs. He half expected to see the kids running wild with Vash tied to a rocking horse. Instead all the kids were sitting in class. Vash was on his knees talking to two kids, "It's important to remember. Violence doesn't solve anything. If you push him back you'll be just as bad as he is. You should always tell someone who can help and not use violence."
"Thank you Mr. Stampede."
Vash laughed, "Please, just call me Vash."
Vash stood up as the kids ran off to play. Sebastian was right behind him, "Here I thought all gunslingers didn't care about peace. I noticed that. Why didn't you shoot Head Banger when you had the chance? You could have cut those cables on his back at any time and shot him in the head."
"Well, you know...I just...I..."
Vash was stopped short by five children yelling at once, "Pointless act of violence!" All five kids tackled Vash at once. Vash found himself on the ground with all five kids putting him in a strangle hold.
Sebastian laughed, "Now that's a good lesson in teamwork."
"What can I say *urk* I love kids." Vash struggled to his feet, "Can I get a little help here?"
"Why? That's a pretty good way to handle a bunch of kids piling on you at once. Believe me. I had my share of that. Thanks for filling in." A thought occurred to Sebastian, "Why aren't you having a hangover?"
Vash scratched the back of his head, "Oh, uh, high metabolism I guess. That and the fact that you drank three bottles to my every one."
"Oh yea, I figure Wolfwood would have done the same."
"Yea, I guess he would."
* * * *
The day went smoothly. Vash and Sebastian took care of class for the day. Roxanne had lunch ready on time. During recess the kids preferred climbing Vash to the jungle gym. Vash put up with it most of the day. Everything seemed to have calmed down.
That night Vash and Sebastian got al the children tucked in. Sebastian turned out the lights and left the room.
Late that night a shadow came across the hall. Someone was there. He snuck into the children's room. He moved slowly, being careful not to let the floorboards creak. He saw one of the children asleep in her bed. Now he moved quickly. He stifled the girl's crying with his hand over her mouth. He quickly ran out of the room leaving a piece of paper in the bed.
* * * *
Vash woke with a start the next morning. Roxanne was crying on Sebastian's shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Sebastian handed Vash the paper, "Read it!"
"Dear Wolfwood. I have taken the child sleeping in this bed. If you want to see her alive again have Vash and one other come to 847 Castle street in the industrial district. Bring the deed to your land." Vash crumbled up the paper, "I'll go."
Sebastian put his arms around Roxanne, "I'll go to."
Roxanne looked up at Sebastian, "No. You stay here with the kids. This one is mine."
"I know Erin is your sister but I have the…"
"I'm going. Give me the arms to the cross and let me go. I don't care if your half of the cross punishment is better at long range, this one is mine."
"Fine. You know where the cross punishment is."
* * * *
Vash and Roxanne walked down the street. Roxanne hadn't loosened her grip on her guns since she had taken them off the cross punishment. Her eyes were focusing straight ahead and her teeth were clenched.
Vash was following her, "Why does Erin mean so much to you?"
"Erin is my sister."
"I've heard Sebastian call you sis."
"We're all Wolfwood's children but Erin is my real sister. Did you hear about new Oregon? That city where everyone vanished without a trace?"
Vash gulped, "Better than you know."
"The same thing happened to my hometown. Erin had wondered off to a nearby geofront. I went after her. I just found him in the forest. We looked back at the town and there was a giant black light coming from the village. We ran back. Everything was exactly as it was before but there were no people. The only thing we found was that someone had messed up the statue in the center of town. There was, written in red, the word Knives. I didn't know what to do. Erin was crying. She wanted to know what happened to our mother. I had to tell her I didn't know. After about a week Wolfwood came to town. He offered us a place to live and of course we said yes."
Vash had stopped walking, "How long ago did this happen?"
Roxanne stopped and turned around, "Four years ago." Roxanne stepped back, Vash's eyes had a blue tent, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all. Let's just get moving."
"What about you? Why do you carry two guns and talk about nonviolence?"
Vash's eyes returned to their usual color, "Long ago someone told me that no human has the right to take the life of another. I have respected that moral all of my life, accept once but that was a long time ago."
"You killed someone?"
Vash was fighting back tears, "Yes. He was getting ready to kill two of my best friends. Everyone said I had no choice but I did it. I did it because I couldn't think of any way around it. His name was Legato Bluesummer. He was an evil man who toyed with the lives of humans."
"Sounds to me like you did the world a favor."
"That's what Merle said. I just wish I could believe her."
* * * *
Vash and Roxanne walked into the factory. Vash sniffed the air, "Gunpowder. Castle is manufacturing weapons."
"That's right. He's the biggest weapons dealer within a thousand iles of December. You didn't know?"
"That's right. Castle firearms corporation. A name known throughout the land." Castle was standing on an overhang, "I hope you brought the deed."
Roxanne aimed both guns at Castle, "Where's Erin you bastard!"
"Be careful. Look to your left." Erin was tied to a conveyer belt. Just ahead was a device used to cut metal sheets, "You shoot me I might accidentally press this button." Castle held up a remote control, "This triggers that conveyer belt. Why don't you lower those guns of yours."
Roxanne lowered her weapons, "What do you want?" Roxanne could hear Erin crying. Roxanne called out, "Don't worry honey! Everything's going to be okay."
"You're awfully cocky. My terms are simple. I want the deed to that orphanage. There's a new weapon and I need a place to build it."
Vash's eyes widened, "What new weapon?"
"I'm glad you asked. Did you ever meet a man named Chapel? I did. He had a very interesting weapon. He called it a cross punishment. It was a cross that turned into a pair of giant machine guns. They carry ten times the ammo of a conventional weapon. Do you know how much mercenaries would pay for a weapon like that?"
Vash clenched his fist, "The cross punishment. A traditional weapon of the chapel of the gung-ho guns. Wolfwood carried one. You're mad! You want to use an orphanage to make weapons?"
"Not an orphanage, just the land it's built on it. If you don't want Erin to get hurt just sign over the deed to me."
While Castle had been talking Vash had been looking around. He took a step forward, "I'll make another deal with you. You let us take Erin and I won't level this place."
"Oh yes. Vash the Stampede, the humanoid typhoon who's been causing everyone trouble for years. I've done some checking. Seems you don't kill people for anything. Why should I take you seriously?" Vash pulled out both guns, "Colt 45 long barrel custom? Don't see many of those around. While they have both the range and power to shoot me at this distance you don't have the guts to use them."
"Really?" Vash turned and fired both guns at the cutting tool over Erin's head, "I just shot the circuits that operate that thing. It can't hurt anyone."
Roxanne had a sinister grin, "Really?" Roxanne raised both guns and showered the overhang with bullets from her guns. The overhang broke and fell. Vash and Roxanne both started running toward where Castle had fallen.
Vash knelt over him, "He didn't fall that far." Vash removed Castle's coat and used it to bandage the gunshot wound on his leg, "If we get him medical attention we might be able to save him."
Roxanne pointed one gun at Castle's head, "Then we'd better make sure he doesn't survive."
"What are you doing?"
"There's an old saying back on earth, live by the sword, die by the sword. You spent your life making weapons, it's only fair that one ends your miserable life."
Vash put one hand on Roxanne's gun, "Wait. This isn't right. Violence doesn't solve anything. If you push him back you'll be just as bad as he is."
"He's the reason for everything bad that's happened to the orphanage. If I kill him our problems are over. This is justice."
"This is how you define justice? Shooting a wounded man lying helpless on the floor? This isn't right. Let the law handle it. They'll get him medical attention and arrest him. He'll never terrorize anyone again" Vash could feel the gun starting to shake, "Now for the love of god, don't fire that gun."
Roxanne lowered her weapon. Vash stood up, "Someone has to pay."
"Erin is safe and right now she needs to see you alive a lot more than this man dead. Go to her."
* * * *
Vash had already began to pack his giant bag, "It's been fun you guys. I've sort of got to get going. There's someone I've got to meet and it's a long walk."
Sebastian and Roxanne exchanged glances, "You want some company?"
"I couldn't impose. Besides, who would run the place?"
"Remember that old lady at the bar? She wanted to help out. Not she can. You can sign the deed over to her and it'll be settled."
"Wouldn't it be easier if just one of you went?"
Sebastian nudged his sister, "I can't leave the kids with Roxanne."
Roxanne nudged back, "I can't let him run off with my guns on his cross punishment."
"I could always use some help. Thanks Sebastian, Roxanne. You never know when there'll be bandits." Vash laughed, "Come, let us begin our noble journey." Vash posed like a male swimsuit model.
Sebastian groaned, "Good grief. By the way, just call me Priest, it is my name after all."
"Yea, and call me Rox. Everyone else does."
* * * *
Priest steps outside. He's wearing a pair of sunglasses a lot like Wolfwood's. Rox was wearing a set of sunglasses with tiny frames. Both were wearing their usual cloths. Wolfwood with this white suit with the black crosses on the sleeves. Roxanne was wearing her black pants, white shirt with the black vest. Vash followed them outside. He was also wearing his yellow tented shades, "So, I guess we walk?"
"Hardly. Wolfwood had a thing for antique cars. He kept one in the garage. He said he wanted me to have it when I started driving." Vash and Priest walked around the house to the garage. Priest opened the doors, "What do you think?"
Vash looked on at the remake of the classic Thunderbird 53, "A real classic. I figured it'd be a motor bike."
"Yea, Wolfwood sure loved that Angelena 2."
Roxanne put the cross punishment, now wrapped up in white cloth, in the back seat. She then sat down beside it. Vash got in the passenger seat, "So, how good are you at driving?"
"I never had lessons but it doesn't look that hard." Wolfwood backed out of the garage nicking the side of the car on the wall.
"You drive Exactly like Wolfwood."
"Shut up." Priest was a little annoyed, "Where are we headed anyway?"
"It's about five hundred iles west of here."
"But there's nothing out there. It's just sand as far as the eye can see."
"Trust me."
There comes a time in everyone's life when they must choose between their personal vengeance and something greater. The human mind can become so clouded with anger it becomes impossible to see past it, an anger so thick it cannot be reasoned with. Roxanne did a noble thing. When she took care of her sister she set her anger aside but she was left with a terrible burden; to carry the anger with her always. When she finds what she is looking for, will she set her anger aside or will she let that anger consume her?
Bad Company
Alien ascension
"I'm alive!" Vash cried as he fell on the bar table. The beer here tasted pretty good. After three weeks of travel Vash had finally come to December City. It had been one year since the day Wolfwood died. Vash couldn't bring himself to ever forget. Maybe, just maybe, if Vash hadn't gone after Kane. Maybe if Vash had stayed to help his partner out Wolfwood would still be here telling Vash to quite acting like a girl when he drank. Vash ignored his head's swimming with alcohol. It would be too easy to forget that terrible day. Vash couldn't let that happen. He was on a mission.
Vash stood up when the waitress walked by, "Good evening miss."
The waitress was an elderly woman. She'd probably seen her share of bad times working at this bar at her age, "What do you want? Another drink?"
"No ma'am. I'm quite finished." Vash had puffed out his chest to try to look noble, "I'm looking for an orphanage somewhere around here."
"The December Orphanage? What business could you possible have there?"
Vash blinked away a tear, "A good friend of mine used to work there. I wanted to see him."
"If you mean Wolfwood you can forget it. He hasn't been back in a year. It's a real shame to. Now the factory can take the deed."
Vash was puzzled, "What?"
"You're not from around here, are you? Wolfwood owned the land the orphanage was built on. If Wolfwood is gone for a year he is presumed dead. The deed to the land is up for grabs and there's only one man in town rich enough to buy it."
"A factory?"
"Arthur Castle. This used to be a quiet town till he moved in. He's buying up all the land slowly. That orphanage is the only thing standing between him and another factory and a few more millions. Nick always stood up to him. Now that he's gone, there's no one left to fight for the children." The old woman's eyes began to tear up.
Vash calmly reached over and wiped a tear from her eye. Vash's face was serious, "That's no way for children to be treated. I'll see to it myself."
"Really?"
"I need directions."
"Down the street eight blocks, then it's half a mile to the edge of town. You'll know it when you see it."
Tiny stars twinkled in Vash's eyes, "Then I have a job to do." Vash set down his beer mug and ran out the door.
The woman set down in Vash's chair, "What a strange man." She looked down at the table, "Wait a minute. He didn't pay!"
Vash was running down the street quickly. He looked back to see the old woman standing at the door waving at him. Vash waved back. "She seemed like a nice person."
(Insert guitar riff)
Head Banger
Vash came to a three-story building with a stone wall outside and what looked like playground equipment in the huge yard. Vash wiped the dust off the plaque on the wall. He read aloud, "December orphanage. Those abandoned are welcome here. Founder: Nicholas D. Wolfwood. PI 146." Vash sniffled and put on his glasses. He had heard about this place. It had been a very long time since Wolfwood had told him about his orphanage.
PI 146. PI was the new expression of time. Back on earth they had used BC and AD to express a period of time. Scientists had taken on PI, post impact. After project Seed had crashed on this desert planet it was all they could do.
The iron gate was already open. Vash stepped around the corner. He quickly pulled back when he saw what was going on. Three men wearing business suits were standing around one woman. "I said get out!"
"Our boss has plans for this land. You're standing in the way."
Vash heard a humming. Then there was a lot of gunfire. Someone had an automatic weapon. Vash peered around the corner. The woman had shot one of the men. She had a pair of guns, one in each hand. The guns were basically rectangular with an empty area for a hand to hold them and a trigger. Whatever they were she was fully prepared to use them. She had shoulder length blond hair with bangs hanging just over her forehead. She was dressed like a priest. Black pants, a white blouse with a black vest. She even had the loose black bow tie. One of the men reached for a gun at his side, "Miss, we have orders to remove you by any means necessary."
Vash was up against the wall, "Children shouldn't have to see this."
The woman opened fire on the second man. He had already drawn his gun and fired a single shot into the air when he fell backward. This third man was standing at the gate. He was backing away. He was standing right beside Vash although he was unaware of Vash's presence. His attention was focused on the woman with the guns.
"Where do you think you're going?" Vash's eyes widened. She was going to shoot him. Vash reached out and pulled the third man behind the brick wall just as she opened fire.
"Thanks pal."
"Don't thank me. I want you to go give a message to your boss. Don't mess with this place. This is a sacred place and you have no right to be here." The man ran off before Vash could finish.
Vash heard three shots, "Whoever you are come out! Now!" Vash stepped out with his hands raised, "What do you think you're doing? I was going to shoot him?"
Vash wasn't going to try violence this time, "Look, he wasn't going to hurt you. He was going to run off. I didn't see the point in killing him."
The woman lowered one gun. She kept the other trained on Vash. The gun she lowered was still smoking, "So you'd trade his life for yours?"
"When you put it like that it sounds kind of silly, doesn't it?" Vash laughed. He could see that she wasn't laughing.
"Are you working for Castle?"
"I don't know a Castle." Vas was being serious now.
"I swear to god if you're lying I'm going to jam this thing so far up your…"
She was interrupted by a child tugging at her pants leg. The child didn't seem afraid of her, "Miss Roxanne. Mr. Wolfwood wants to see you."
Vash's eyes widened, "Who?"
Roxanne scoffed, "Fine. You're coming with me buddy. And no tricks."
Vash walked closer, he was careful to keep his hands raised at all times. As Vash walked inside he could feel Roxanne press her gun to his back, "Are you armed?"
"Yes, one gun at each hip. If you don't trust me you can take them." Roxanne hooked one of her guns to her belt. She reached around and pulled out Vash's gun. "A colt 45 longbarrel? It's to heavy to be normal and its painted jet black." Roxanne put the gun in a holster on her belt. She picked up Vash's other gun, "And this one's white. You've either got an odd since of humor or you've got a lot of enemies."
"Would you believe I have both?" Vash's voice carried an odd since of sadness, "I knew Wolfwood."
Roxanne almost dropped her gun in surprise, "What? Nicholas? You knew him?"
"That's right. He was a good friend of mine."
"Then you know what happened to him."
"He's dead. Killed by a man named Chapel."
Vash felt Roxanne push her gun against his back, "For all I know you're the one that killed him." Vash could hear her voice break. She was crying but she wouldn't let him turn around to see it, "We're going to see the boss. Get moving."
* * * *
Vash was lead into a small office. A young man, not more than eighteen was leaning against his desk. He was dressed like Wolfwood only his suit was white with a black cross sewn onto each sleeve. His hair was just a little longer than Wolfwood but it was the same color and the same style. He even smoked the same way. He looked past Vash to see Roxanne, "Who's this?"
"I caught him lurking outside the walls. He stopped me when I was trying to escort Castle's thugs off the grounds."
"Escort? When I came in you were trying to kill them."
The man at the desk got up, "I thought I told you not to kill them unless your life was in danger."
Roxanne shrugged, "I thought it was. Anyway, this guy says he knows Wolfwood."
The man looked Vash over, "Interesting. How do I know you're not working for Castle."
Vash wasn't using his since of humor, "I'm not sure. How do you tell?"
"I've got it. Tell me a story."
Roxanne protested, "What good'll that do?"
Vash sighed, "Alright. Shortly after we came to May I was playing teacher to a few local kids. I walked into a diner one day and found him working there. He said he was trying to help out the woman who owned the place. Her husband had left her with a lot of debt and these goons were trying to put her out of business."
"How did he get rid of them the first time?"
"He said he used the good lords gospel. He actually beat them up. There was a quick draw contest in town and the prize money was more than enough to get her out of dept. We signed each other up. It turned out the judge was crooked. He had a family at gunpoint when Wolfwood tried to drop out of the finals."
"Why would he drop out of the finals?"
"Because I was his opponent. When he saw the family he tried to kill me to ensure their safety."
"Why would the judge want him to fight you?"
"Because there's a bounty on my head that was a lot more than the prize money. He wanted it for himself. He was willing to kill me to save their lives. We saw it coming. We were each carrying enough tomato juice to fake a gunshot wound. Finally Wolfwood used that cross punishment of his. His first shot killed the man with a gun to that family. It was surprising. I had him pegged for a loner but I'll never forget when he started firing on the people trying to gun us down. He yelled, 'Never again. Never again will I let another child suffer.' We gave the prize money to the family and moved on."
"I believe you. That sounds like Wolfwood to me. Rox?"
Roxanne had her arms crossed, "I'm convinced." That was a little bit of a disappointment because she really wanted to shoot him.
"I'm Sebastian P. Wolfwood. Nice to meet you." Vash and Sebastian shook hands, "Behind me is Roxanne."
"I didn't know Nick had a son."
"He didn't. I'm the oldest of these kids in the orphanage. We're all his kids. I just took the name Wolfwood when he left."
"What does the P stand for?"
"Phillip, but I like to think it's short for Priest. I want to carry on in Wolfwood's tradition. Rox, you can put your guns away."
Roxanne walked over to the corner of the room. Leaning against the wall was an eight foot metal shaft. It looked like a gun and it was remarkably similar to the cross punishment, only without the arms. Roxanne put her guns up against the sides of the shaft. The two oddly shaped guns Roxanne carried were the arms of the cross. They locked in perfectly. Sebastian had his own cross punishment. Roxanne walked over to Vash and pulled out both of his guns. She twirled them around in the air a few times for show and handed them to Vash, "You must have come pretty close to winning the contest with these."
"Actually, back then I only had the white one."
Sebastian cleared his throat, "Go check on the children. I'm sure they're a little shaken up from that attack. I'll show our friend here around." Sebastian waited for Roxanne to leave, "So, I'm glad to meet someone who knew Wolfwood. I just have one question." Sebastian pulled out a handgun and pointed it at Vash's head, "Give me one reason I shouldn't shoot you in the head and use your bounty to buy off Castle, Vash the Stampede."
Vash raised his hands defensively, "How did you know it was me?" He had taken a higher tone of voice.
"Vash the Stampede won that quick draw tournament. Wolfwood also mentioned having met Vash the Stampede. Imagine my surprise when you walked in here. Now, you didn't answer my question. Why shouldn't I turn you in?"
Vash knew the answer. Sebastian couldn't leave the orphanage without Castle bull dozing the place. Besides, Vash saw an army of Castle's men on the way into town. If he left for any reason he'd be killed. Vash simply answered, "Because Wolfwood didn't. At that quick draw tournament he thought about turning me in. A single gunshot to the head and sixty billion double dollars buys that woman out of debt but he risked his life instead."
Sebastian put his gun away, "Good answer. Almost any other answer I would have plugged you on the spot. Now I know you knew Nick. I see you noticed the cross punishment in the corner."
"Yes. At first I couldn't figure out what it was. Then Roxanne put her guns in and I figured it out."
"Yea. Her guns lock into the cross and get reloaded. Wolfwood made it himself. He wanted us to be protected so he designed it for two people to use. The shaft has a machine gun, a missile launcher that turns into a mortar blaster when I pull out the struts. When she puts the arms back on I can use a flame thrower. The arms are basically miniature machine guns. She can use the flame thrower on each gun but it's not as effective as mine is. It's a work of art really. That's what Nick said when he built it. He used ideas from his own cross punishment, Chapel, and a few other weapons. Anyway, we've been having a lot of problems lately. Wolfwood has been gone a year now and we can't prove he's alive. Castle is trying to take the land but he can't bull doze the place while we're still on it. That's why he's using mercenaries to get us to leave. That's why we've got to fight back. Now that you're here you can help."
"Help with what?"
"I'm seventeen. Until next month when I turn eighteen I can't sign the deed and get this land. Until then Castle's bidding for it. They're going to bring a wrecking crew here tomorrow to level the place but they can't do that until we're all gone. Castle made a handshake deal with a mercenary. I don't know anything about him but he's a gelf."
"A genetically engineered life form?"
"That's right. He's going to come in here, kill me and Rox, then move all the children out. If we had someone like Vash the stampede, we might be able to beat him."
"What's in it for me?" Vash was being sarcastic. He made up his mind the moment Sebastian had used the word gelf.
"You can stay here tonight. After that we'll talk."
* * * *
Sebastian stood at the doorway of the large bedroom where nineteen kids and Vash were fast asleep. Roxanne was standing behind him, "Tough day tomorrow Bastion."
"Tomorrow morning I want you to get the children out of here."
"What? I want to stay and fight."
"Vash and I can handle the wrecking crew. You take the guns off my cross punishment and get the hell out of here. There's a hidden tunnel in the shed out back."
"I know. We've played there as long as I can remember. So, did you get everyone tucked in?"
"Yes." For the first time Sebastian smiled, "They're all worried about tomorrow. I told them the guy in the red coat was here to help us."
"What about him. Did he mind sleeping with the kids?"
"He said he preferred it. That guy actually asked to be tucked in."
"You're kidding."
"Nope."
"What if he is working for Castle?"
"I'll kill him myself."
* * * *
The next morning all the kids were gathered around the breakfast table. Sebastian and Rox were seated at the head of the table. Vash had taken a seat with the kids. He had a large white bib and was scarfing down doughnuts. Sebastian watched the other kids eating, "We've got a long day ahead of us. Vash and I are going to stay here. I want you all to go to that tunnel in the shed. Don't look back, all right?"
"Yes Sebastian."
Vash smiled. These kids must have lived together for a long time. There wasn't any fighting and they all seemed very well behaved. The oldest of the kids was ten, the rest ranged from four to six. A little girl walked up to Sebastian, "Mister Wolfwood, is the orphanage going to be gone when we come back?"
Sebastian knelt down, putting himself at eye level with the little girl, "Sara, don't worry. I'll make sure everything is just like it was when you left. And please, call me Sebastian."
"Sorry Sebastian."
Sebastian stood up, "Okay everyone, go upstairs and pack your bags, just like we practiced."
Sebastian smiled. He waited for the last child to leave, "Common sis, let's go get ready."
Vash got up from the table, "Should I come to?" There was a loud rumbling. Vash could feel the ground shaking.
Sebastian braced himself on the table. Roxanne grabbed onto him for support, "They're here. Rox!"
Roxanne was half way across the room before he could finish his sentence, "I'm on it."
Vash popped six bullets into each gun, "Let's go."
Sebastian ran into his office and came out carrying the cross punishment over one shoulder, "You go first. I have to give Rox her guns."
"You got it."
* * * *
Vash climbed onto the wall outside the orphanage. There were seven bulldozers, two front-end loaders and a wrecking ball. There were at least three hundred construction workers carrying guns. "Some kind of welcoming party."
Someone was carrying a loudspeaker, "Whoever you are, we will give you one hour to leave this place. Accept my offer and I guarantee your safety." Vash put on his sunglasses. He could see the man with the speaker. He was a fat man with a cowboy hat and what passed for a business suit.
Vash called back, "Thanks for the offer but we're good right here. If you'd take your bulldozers back where you got them I'd really appreciate it."
"Who are you anyway? You're sure not from around here."
"Actually. I just came into town. I get so embarrassed when I have to introduce myself. The name's Vash, Vash the Stampede." Vash could hear muttering among the workers. About half of them dropped their guns and ran off. This was exactly what Vash wanted, "Now, unless you want me doing millions and millions of double dollars of damage to your stuff you should turn around and go away."
"So, that coward Wolfwood has a hired gun. That's fine with me." There was a loud roaring from the crowd. Vash couldn't see where it was coming from. Finally he saw the mercenary. The man stood seven feet tall. He was very muscular. Vash could see that he was a gelf. Everything above his forehead was solid metal in the shape of a flat top. His shoulders and upper arms were also made of metal and there were steel tubes connecting the back of the head to a small box on his back. Parts of his legs were also made of metal.
"So. I'm going to get a chance to rumble with Vash the Stampede. This job is worth what they're paying me!" He spread his legs. He looked like a sumo wrestler getting set. Vash jumped off the wall. He was standing outside the orphanage. He wasn't about to let this guy inside. Vash was ready to draw.
The gelf kicked up dirt and lowered his head, "By the way, they call me Head banger."
"Are you by chance a member of the Nebraska family?"
"Those overgrown losers? No way."
Vash hadn't figured out Head banger was going to charge until it was too late. Vash pulled out his gun and fired at the Head banger's shoulders. The bullet bounced harmlessly off. Head banger connected. He speared Vash in the chest and kept running. When he crashed through the wall Vash was stuck in the middle. Vash fell back as Head banger stood up, "That's why they call me head banger. My titanium skull plate can ram through anything. Even you."
Vash coughed. A few drops of blood fell on the sand, "Is that so? I thought you just really, really liked heavy metal." Vash stood up. He was limping a little. That last blow had hit hard, "I'll bet you're really strong to." Vash fired a few shots with both guns. Head banger took them in the shoulder. There wasn't even a scratch. Vash groaned. It was going to be one of those days.
Head banger lowered his head again. He was going for anther charge. This time Vash was ready. When Head banger got close enough Vash jumped into the air. He put one foot on Head Banger's back and kicked off. Head Banger's head hit the dirt and he flipped over. Vash was now standing in the large hole Head banger had put in the wall. There were construction workers already getting closer. Vash also noticed Sebastian walking out the door with the cross punishment under one arm. He was about to unload on the crowd, "Vash! Can you get rid of that guy?"
"I'll try." Vash watched Head banger get ready to charge again. This time Vash lay flat on the ground. Head banger ran right over and rammed the construction crew. Most of them fell back on everyone behind them, plus the struggle to get out of the way. Most of the ammo Sebastian unloaded on the crowd missed. Vash chuckled. Now he had a plan. Vash was already on the run.
When Head banger got up Vash was standing in front of a bulldozer, "Common! I knew you couldn't hit me." Head banger charged again. It was to easy for Vash to dodge sending Head banger into the bulldozer. Vash expected Head banger to get hurt, or at least get stuck. Vash was more than a little surprised when the bulldozer tipped over and fell. "Holy shit! What have I gotten myself into?"
Head banger dusted himself off, "That's right you little snot nosed brat. You can't stop Head banger like that."
"I hate guys who talk in third person!" This time Head banger wasn't charging. He ran at Vash and threw a punch. Vash ducked under the swing. Vash moved around three more swings, "How much are they paying you?"
Head banger did a roundhouse kick. Vash jumped out of the way. His foot hit a front end loader which fell over, "Fifty million double dollars. I'm going to ask for extra hazard pay."
Vash dodged another swing, "I wonder if he's going to deduct for all the equipment you're wrecking."
"Why aren't you fighting back? Are you a coward?" Head banger hadn't stopped punching yet. Vash was dodging easily.
"And my last question, what's the bounty on your head?"
Head banger charged head down again, "A hundred million double dollars! It'll be more once I kill you!"
Vash dodged sending Head banger charging into another Bulldozer. Vash was beginning to enjoy himself.
* * * *
Sebastian was shooting anyone who got to close to the hole in the wall. The workers were getting closer. They were counting on Sebastian running out of ammo from firing warning shots so often. They didn't know a cross punishment had a lot more room for clips than conventional weapons. One of the bulldozers were getting really close to the wall. Sebastian knew if he switched to the missile launcher he'd be letting the workers inside. He stopped to reload.
When he did the gunfire continued, "Sorry I'm late!" Roxanne was standing at the door shooting, "Use the missile launcher."
Sebastian turned the cross punishment around. He rested it on his shoulder and pushed a small button on the surface. A glass target sight came down in front of his eye, "Fire in the hole." Sebastian fired. Sebastian flipped the cross punishment over and kept shooting. The smoldering pit where the bulldozer used to be was blocking the worker's advance.
"Can you stay here?"
"Let me reload first." Roxanne stuck her guns into the arms of the cross punishment. There were two clicks, "I'm fine."
"I've got to go help Vash."
* * * *
Vash had been tricking Head banger into knocking over equipment for a while. Vash was still getting worried that Head banger wasn't getting tired. "What's the point of carrying a gun if you're not going to use it?"
"Actually, I hate violence."
"Then you're really going to hate me for this!" Head banger finally landed a punch in Vash's cheek.
Vash fell back. He was sitting against the wrecking ball, "I'm getting careless. I'm tired." Vash spotted Sebastian, "Good." Vash pointed upward. Sebastian nodded.
Head banger was standing over Vash, "This is the mighty Vash the Stampede? He destroyed entire cities and you can't even stop me."
"There's one thing you forgot."
"And what's that?"
"I've got a Wolfwood watching my back." Vash sprung at Head Banger. Vash tapped his boot on Head Banger's back. A small knife came from the toe of Vash's boot. Vash cut the cables connecting Head banger's armor to his back. Yellow fluid started spilling out. Head banger fell over. Vash jumped away, "That and you're standing under a wrecking ball."
Sebastian aimed his cross punishment at the steel beams holding up the wrecking ball, "Fire in the hole!" The blast knocked Sebastian back. The beam collapsed and the wrecking ball fell on Head Banger.
Vash and Sebastian were standing side by side, "Good shooting."
"Good fighting. I think we killed him."
"Nope. That armor can survive something like that. He won't be able to kill anybody for a while."
Vash and Sebastian grinned when the fat man known as Castle walked up to them holding a shot gun, "I won this thing now. I can kill you two and nobody will be able to stop me from taking this land."
Sebastian leaned on his cross punishment, "Look Vash, he's got a gun."
"I'm not going to loose to a pair of kids."
Vash and Sebastian walked toward Castle, "Look around you. Head banger destroyed most of your construction crew. It will take a lot of money to pay for the damages. There's also the men you lost."
Sebastian continued, "By the time you build another wrecking crew, I'll be eighteen."
Vash smirked, "Sebastian can collect the bounty on Head banger and use it to pay for the land. I'll sign for it myself, right now."
"If you kill him, you'll be committing murder. Then you'd be under arrest." Castle's hands were shaking. Sebastian snatched the gun out of his hand, "You lost this time." Sebastian hit Castle with the butt of the gun, "Not get out of here."
* * * *
That night Vash and Sebastian were sitting on the porch of the orphanage, "Let me get this straight, Wolfwood actually carried that portable confessional around?"
Vash was using his goofy laugh, "Yea, he sure did."
"You know, it's odd. I feel like I know you. After all you and Wolfwood have been through. There's one more Wolfwood tradition I want to do."
"What's that?"
"Let's go out drinking."
"You're seventeen."
"So? The kindly old lady in the bar doesn't mind. She's known me since I was five. She's known Wolfwood a lot longer. I'm sure if you pay the bill she won't mind."
"What about Roxanne?"
"Rox? What about her? She's fifteen. Besides, she's not a heavy drinker." Vash and Sebastian got up, "Oh, and Vash."
"What?"
"Thanks."
"By the way, about that old lady at the bar."
* * * *
"HEY!!!" Sebastian jumped out of his bed. His head was throbbing, "You missed breakfast you big idiot! I had to tell the kids you weren't dead!"
"Rox, hang on a second. I'm a little dizzy."
Roxanne yelled even louder, "It's called a hangover! You go out drinking you deserve it! Get dressed, you've got to help with the morning class."
Sebastian was looking at Roxanne, "Will you two shut up! Common sis. Can't Vash take care of it?"
"Last I checked Vash is passed out in his bed with a green tie wrapped around his forehead. He smells like doughnuts and beer. He came home last night drunk off his ass. I need you to get up." Roxanne threw Sebastian's coat over his face.
"Thank god. It was to bright it here."
"I will never understand guys. Wolfwood was the same way, only he could hold his liquor."
Sebastian was tying his tie as he walked down the hall, "Look, there's Vash. Go wake him up from a hangover." Rox turned her head away from Sebastian for a moment. Sebastian took the opportunity to run into the bathroom across the hall and throw up.
* * * *
Sebastian walked down stairs. He half expected to see the kids running wild with Vash tied to a rocking horse. Instead all the kids were sitting in class. Vash was on his knees talking to two kids, "It's important to remember. Violence doesn't solve anything. If you push him back you'll be just as bad as he is. You should always tell someone who can help and not use violence."
"Thank you Mr. Stampede."
Vash laughed, "Please, just call me Vash."
Vash stood up as the kids ran off to play. Sebastian was right behind him, "Here I thought all gunslingers didn't care about peace. I noticed that. Why didn't you shoot Head Banger when you had the chance? You could have cut those cables on his back at any time and shot him in the head."
"Well, you know...I just...I..."
Vash was stopped short by five children yelling at once, "Pointless act of violence!" All five kids tackled Vash at once. Vash found himself on the ground with all five kids putting him in a strangle hold.
Sebastian laughed, "Now that's a good lesson in teamwork."
"What can I say *urk* I love kids." Vash struggled to his feet, "Can I get a little help here?"
"Why? That's a pretty good way to handle a bunch of kids piling on you at once. Believe me. I had my share of that. Thanks for filling in." A thought occurred to Sebastian, "Why aren't you having a hangover?"
Vash scratched the back of his head, "Oh, uh, high metabolism I guess. That and the fact that you drank three bottles to my every one."
"Oh yea, I figure Wolfwood would have done the same."
"Yea, I guess he would."
* * * *
The day went smoothly. Vash and Sebastian took care of class for the day. Roxanne had lunch ready on time. During recess the kids preferred climbing Vash to the jungle gym. Vash put up with it most of the day. Everything seemed to have calmed down.
That night Vash and Sebastian got al the children tucked in. Sebastian turned out the lights and left the room.
Late that night a shadow came across the hall. Someone was there. He snuck into the children's room. He moved slowly, being careful not to let the floorboards creak. He saw one of the children asleep in her bed. Now he moved quickly. He stifled the girl's crying with his hand over her mouth. He quickly ran out of the room leaving a piece of paper in the bed.
* * * *
Vash woke with a start the next morning. Roxanne was crying on Sebastian's shoulder. "What's wrong?"
Sebastian handed Vash the paper, "Read it!"
"Dear Wolfwood. I have taken the child sleeping in this bed. If you want to see her alive again have Vash and one other come to 847 Castle street in the industrial district. Bring the deed to your land." Vash crumbled up the paper, "I'll go."
Sebastian put his arms around Roxanne, "I'll go to."
Roxanne looked up at Sebastian, "No. You stay here with the kids. This one is mine."
"I know Erin is your sister but I have the…"
"I'm going. Give me the arms to the cross and let me go. I don't care if your half of the cross punishment is better at long range, this one is mine."
"Fine. You know where the cross punishment is."
* * * *
Vash and Roxanne walked down the street. Roxanne hadn't loosened her grip on her guns since she had taken them off the cross punishment. Her eyes were focusing straight ahead and her teeth were clenched.
Vash was following her, "Why does Erin mean so much to you?"
"Erin is my sister."
"I've heard Sebastian call you sis."
"We're all Wolfwood's children but Erin is my real sister. Did you hear about new Oregon? That city where everyone vanished without a trace?"
Vash gulped, "Better than you know."
"The same thing happened to my hometown. Erin had wondered off to a nearby geofront. I went after her. I just found him in the forest. We looked back at the town and there was a giant black light coming from the village. We ran back. Everything was exactly as it was before but there were no people. The only thing we found was that someone had messed up the statue in the center of town. There was, written in red, the word Knives. I didn't know what to do. Erin was crying. She wanted to know what happened to our mother. I had to tell her I didn't know. After about a week Wolfwood came to town. He offered us a place to live and of course we said yes."
Vash had stopped walking, "How long ago did this happen?"
Roxanne stopped and turned around, "Four years ago." Roxanne stepped back, Vash's eyes had a blue tent, "What's wrong?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all. Let's just get moving."
"What about you? Why do you carry two guns and talk about nonviolence?"
Vash's eyes returned to their usual color, "Long ago someone told me that no human has the right to take the life of another. I have respected that moral all of my life, accept once but that was a long time ago."
"You killed someone?"
Vash was fighting back tears, "Yes. He was getting ready to kill two of my best friends. Everyone said I had no choice but I did it. I did it because I couldn't think of any way around it. His name was Legato Bluesummer. He was an evil man who toyed with the lives of humans."
"Sounds to me like you did the world a favor."
"That's what Merle said. I just wish I could believe her."
* * * *
Vash and Roxanne walked into the factory. Vash sniffed the air, "Gunpowder. Castle is manufacturing weapons."
"That's right. He's the biggest weapons dealer within a thousand iles of December. You didn't know?"
"That's right. Castle firearms corporation. A name known throughout the land." Castle was standing on an overhang, "I hope you brought the deed."
Roxanne aimed both guns at Castle, "Where's Erin you bastard!"
"Be careful. Look to your left." Erin was tied to a conveyer belt. Just ahead was a device used to cut metal sheets, "You shoot me I might accidentally press this button." Castle held up a remote control, "This triggers that conveyer belt. Why don't you lower those guns of yours."
Roxanne lowered her weapons, "What do you want?" Roxanne could hear Erin crying. Roxanne called out, "Don't worry honey! Everything's going to be okay."
"You're awfully cocky. My terms are simple. I want the deed to that orphanage. There's a new weapon and I need a place to build it."
Vash's eyes widened, "What new weapon?"
"I'm glad you asked. Did you ever meet a man named Chapel? I did. He had a very interesting weapon. He called it a cross punishment. It was a cross that turned into a pair of giant machine guns. They carry ten times the ammo of a conventional weapon. Do you know how much mercenaries would pay for a weapon like that?"
Vash clenched his fist, "The cross punishment. A traditional weapon of the chapel of the gung-ho guns. Wolfwood carried one. You're mad! You want to use an orphanage to make weapons?"
"Not an orphanage, just the land it's built on it. If you don't want Erin to get hurt just sign over the deed to me."
While Castle had been talking Vash had been looking around. He took a step forward, "I'll make another deal with you. You let us take Erin and I won't level this place."
"Oh yes. Vash the Stampede, the humanoid typhoon who's been causing everyone trouble for years. I've done some checking. Seems you don't kill people for anything. Why should I take you seriously?" Vash pulled out both guns, "Colt 45 long barrel custom? Don't see many of those around. While they have both the range and power to shoot me at this distance you don't have the guts to use them."
"Really?" Vash turned and fired both guns at the cutting tool over Erin's head, "I just shot the circuits that operate that thing. It can't hurt anyone."
Roxanne had a sinister grin, "Really?" Roxanne raised both guns and showered the overhang with bullets from her guns. The overhang broke and fell. Vash and Roxanne both started running toward where Castle had fallen.
Vash knelt over him, "He didn't fall that far." Vash removed Castle's coat and used it to bandage the gunshot wound on his leg, "If we get him medical attention we might be able to save him."
Roxanne pointed one gun at Castle's head, "Then we'd better make sure he doesn't survive."
"What are you doing?"
"There's an old saying back on earth, live by the sword, die by the sword. You spent your life making weapons, it's only fair that one ends your miserable life."
Vash put one hand on Roxanne's gun, "Wait. This isn't right. Violence doesn't solve anything. If you push him back you'll be just as bad as he is."
"He's the reason for everything bad that's happened to the orphanage. If I kill him our problems are over. This is justice."
"This is how you define justice? Shooting a wounded man lying helpless on the floor? This isn't right. Let the law handle it. They'll get him medical attention and arrest him. He'll never terrorize anyone again" Vash could feel the gun starting to shake, "Now for the love of god, don't fire that gun."
Roxanne lowered her weapon. Vash stood up, "Someone has to pay."
"Erin is safe and right now she needs to see you alive a lot more than this man dead. Go to her."
* * * *
Vash had already began to pack his giant bag, "It's been fun you guys. I've sort of got to get going. There's someone I've got to meet and it's a long walk."
Sebastian and Roxanne exchanged glances, "You want some company?"
"I couldn't impose. Besides, who would run the place?"
"Remember that old lady at the bar? She wanted to help out. Not she can. You can sign the deed over to her and it'll be settled."
"Wouldn't it be easier if just one of you went?"
Sebastian nudged his sister, "I can't leave the kids with Roxanne."
Roxanne nudged back, "I can't let him run off with my guns on his cross punishment."
"I could always use some help. Thanks Sebastian, Roxanne. You never know when there'll be bandits." Vash laughed, "Come, let us begin our noble journey." Vash posed like a male swimsuit model.
Sebastian groaned, "Good grief. By the way, just call me Priest, it is my name after all."
"Yea, and call me Rox. Everyone else does."
* * * *
Priest steps outside. He's wearing a pair of sunglasses a lot like Wolfwood's. Rox was wearing a set of sunglasses with tiny frames. Both were wearing their usual cloths. Wolfwood with this white suit with the black crosses on the sleeves. Roxanne was wearing her black pants, white shirt with the black vest. Vash followed them outside. He was also wearing his yellow tented shades, "So, I guess we walk?"
"Hardly. Wolfwood had a thing for antique cars. He kept one in the garage. He said he wanted me to have it when I started driving." Vash and Priest walked around the house to the garage. Priest opened the doors, "What do you think?"
Vash looked on at the remake of the classic Thunderbird 53, "A real classic. I figured it'd be a motor bike."
"Yea, Wolfwood sure loved that Angelena 2."
Roxanne put the cross punishment, now wrapped up in white cloth, in the back seat. She then sat down beside it. Vash got in the passenger seat, "So, how good are you at driving?"
"I never had lessons but it doesn't look that hard." Wolfwood backed out of the garage nicking the side of the car on the wall.
"You drive Exactly like Wolfwood."
"Shut up." Priest was a little annoyed, "Where are we headed anyway?"
"It's about five hundred iles west of here."
"But there's nothing out there. It's just sand as far as the eye can see."
"Trust me."
There comes a time in everyone's life when they must choose between their personal vengeance and something greater. The human mind can become so clouded with anger it becomes impossible to see past it, an anger so thick it cannot be reasoned with. Roxanne did a noble thing. When she took care of her sister she set her anger aside but she was left with a terrible burden; to carry the anger with her always. When she finds what she is looking for, will she set her anger aside or will she let that anger consume her?
Bad Company