Note: So then, first fic ever. Hope you guys enjoy it.
DISCLAIMER: I DON'T OWN CARDFIGHT! VANGUARD. IT'S BUSHI-KUN'S PROPERTY AND HE CAN DESTROY ANYONE'S OTPs AS HE WISHES
Random day in Cray.
In the middle of a dessert forgotten by God, a small town rises against the burning sun. It's name was "Nowhere". Why this name? When some husband found himself tired of their partner, he can say they're having a walk, "where are going, exactly?" could ask the other. Then, the man can say "relax, my dear; I'm going Nowhere", and ride/fly/RUN AWAY FROM THAT PLACE. See the stragedy there? The best part is that it also works with women! The town, as you could have imagined, has an Old West aesthetic ('coz I like Old West stories). Besides the heat and the fact a journey to a dessert it's not very pleasant, it was a good place. People was nice and everyone meet each other. The medical system had actually a very advanced technology and good service, so deseases and injuries weren't a problem.
The only big problem with Nowhere, were the Dark Gunslingers, speacially the "Outlaws" sub-clan. Those crazy assholes only liked to break expensive stuff, drink shit, rock the dance floor or just PARTY HARD like BOSSES. Which was actually a bad thing for local business.
So one day, the local sheriff, tired of their totally non-benefical pressence, decided they couldn't stay there, and would kick them outta town, by reason or lead. The crew was enjoying some whiskeys while listening some cool hardstyle (somehow) at a saloon, when the sheriff entered the bar, opening it's doors wide open with a awesome round-house kick. Everyone's eyes where on the sheriff. Him doing something that rude and cool usually meant someone was about to get shot in the face.
- Ya delinquents!- pointed with a fierce stare at them- Stop acting like fucking TEENAGERS! Economy is cool and all, but you are a HUGE pain in the ass for everyone here. So... How about leaving and go fuck another town?- said the sheriff at them.
- Sorry, old man, but that wouldn't be fun-. A stern looking guy in a cool black outfit stepped forwards. He had pale skin, black hair and dark brown eyes.
- So, what the young BITCH would consider 'fun'?- said the sheriff, really pissed off as he was called "old man". RESPECT YOUR OLDERS, BRAT.
- Say, I'm that kinda guy who stays outta sight when everybody else is drinking their asses off. But when it comes about shooting... I'm the first one pulling the trigger, got it?- the little man said, serious as hell. -What do I want? A duel. You and me. If I win, me and my boys have free drinks and stuff forever. BUT, if you win, us the Outlaws, will be sent to Earth as part of some shitty card-game played mostly by losers and weirdos with ridiculous haircuts. Whaddya say, good sir?
- You sure have balls, kid. Park. Today. At noon. Don't be late, you brat- the man says, just as badass as Clint Eastwood would. God, he sounded so cool that some of the gunslingers' eyes were shining in admiration.
- But it's about 4 already!- screams a guy backgrounds. *awkward silence from both sides*
- Tomorrow. Same conditions- said the sheriff, acting like nothing happened.
*it didn't work* *actually, now he looks just pathetic*
And so the big day came! The sheriff didn't have to wait a long time before the young and unrespectul gunslinger showed up.
- LADIEEEES AAAND GENTLEMEEEEEEN- said some random guy who offered himself as the announcer about 4 minutes ago (and actually, he does it quite fine). -AT THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH THE PERFECT SCORE OF 45 VICTORIES... THE MAN WHO IS LAW AND ORDER HERE ON NOWHERE, THE SHARPSHOOTER, THE KILLING MACHINE BY THE SIDE OF THE INNOCENT, OUR FELLOW SHERIFF... THE SHERIFF! Everyone cheers, claps and do fangirl stuff as the sheriff appeared on stage, as he did a glorious culturist pose; shit's was so graceful that the background changed to pink and sparkles.
- And over there, that guy- was the young's Gunslinger presentation by the announcer. General silence. No one said something but some dude who said "you're deeaaaaaad" before being shot in the face by a fellow Gunslinger girl. Nobody gave a damn about him, he sure had to be a douche.
And so, after a lot of words full of nonsense in it's purest state, it was time for the showdown. The two duelists, the sheriff and the Gunslinger, were given two guns by the reff. After that, both men gave their back to each other. The sheriff's eyes were facing the dessert, and the people (and economy) he had to protect, giving him the courage to pull the trigger when the moment come. The Gunslinger, at the time, was looking at his comrades faces; all of them were smiling at him. He smiled them back, showing them his confindence in his victory.
- Let me tell you, duelists (and people who will not hide for protection even if I were to tell you), the general aspects of this duel. The guns that have been given to you have only 1 bullet, what means that not only the faster of you will win, but also the most accurate. The conditions, as stated by the challenger, are: that if he wins, he will stay in town, enjoying the glory of victory, companions and free drinks for an entire life; but if he loses, he and hisnallies will become cards and be sent to Earth, to be part of a card-game made for losers and marginals with ridiculous haircuts. Because of this, medical assistance will be provided for both winner and loser-.
Both duelist, with sweat on their foreheads, waited for the signal.
- Listen, sheriff; if I win, I won't harm your wife or your children, nor the people in town. This is only between you and us. No one else- said the young one.
By the way he spoke, the sheriff could notice the brat wasn't joking around.
- So the brat has quite an honor code, huh? But, if I win, you know what will happen, dontcha?
- Yeahm yeah, I do. AND if I win, then I'll cut your daughter's hair, so she and I can properly...
- Hey, stay away from her, you brat. She's too good fer ya- stated the old man, smiling at him.
- Not my fault. Girls with short hair are one of my weaknesses.
The signal was given, and both men walked the 10 steps.
*dramatical western theme backgrounds* *also, prepare for some SERIOUS and DRAMATIC stuff (sorry)*
The two of them felt the world in slowmotion, as they walked away. At the 9th step, the Gunslinger stared at one of the "girls" for a while. She was tearing. Her lips said "don't die". The only thing he could do was smile at her. Smile from the bottom of his heart. He said nothing back, because if he did, he surely would break in tears too. He was afraid. Afraid of dying. Afraid of becoming a card and be sent to an unknown planet, away from everything he knows. Afraid of being alone... he, just couldn't lose.
At the 9th step, the sheriff recognized her wife's face, and also her daughter's. They feared for him, for his defeat or even for his death. But they had to see it with their own eyes. Otherwise they won't believe what happened there. The sheriff had a life besides his duty; next week, he would retire, and dedicate his life to his wife and child. Before the gun, hat and... pointy thing, his loving family. He can't be a father if he's dead (*coughs* or in another planet). He... just couldn't lose.
Then, the 10th step. Their hearts were at full. Their breathing was cold and heavy. They closed their eyes for a moment, and then, turning to each other, waited for the signal. No soul was moving. No rolling... thing around, everything was paused.
The reff raised his hand; both men had their hands over the guns, ready to shoot. The two of them had reasons to win: the sheriff, who have fought against everything, the love of his family. The Gunslinger who never had something to dear until he became a Gunslinger, a friend whose tears had to be wiped. They were ready ro rise or fall, for victory or defeat, to life or to die.
- READYYYY...- said the reff. The adrenaline, the feeling of being alive, but also the fear to lose everything (and potential death), were all mixed up in their heads. They really wanted it to finish. Even if this weren't their first duel, both felt the same fear: losing everything.
- DRAAAAAW!- the reff gave the beggining signal. Both men took out their guns so fast that no one saw the motion. And then, the loud, loud sound of the shots echoed in every corner of Nowhere. The cannons of their guns expelled the smoke of burnt powder. Everything was motionless. No one dared to move a single muscle. Until the bullets reached their destiny.
*constant beep sound backgrounds*
The sheriff saw his young foe as he fell on his back, with blood all over his chest. He wasn't moving.
Everything was blurry; too many things were happening on the sheriff's head.
Then, he saw his left arm; it was crimson red. And then, fell deathweight to the ground. Her wife ran to his side, screaming his name while his daughter teared in silence.
- SOMEONE, HELP, MY HUSBAND... MY HUSBAND...- cried the wife in despair.
- HELP HIM, HE'S BLEEDING A LOT. HE'S DYING- screamed the Gunslinger girl, as she tried to stop the bleeding from his friend's wound. The other clan members surrounded the scene. Their best shooter was lying on the ground, with a bullet deep within in his chest. The medical team ran onto the duelists' side as fast as they could. There was a lot of blood coming out from the sheriff's arm. And a hole in the middle of the Gunslinger's chest wasn't a lesser matter. They hardly could carry both of them to the medical center, due to their severe wounds. The hospital for the Gunslinger, nevertheless, had to be paid by the Clan members, otherwise he'd still be lying on the ground.
- We can't give you a guarantee that they will live. The sheriff has lost a large amount of blood due to a damaged artery. As for the Gunslinger, if the bullet can't be removed, or if it pierced a lung or the heart, it's over for him- a doctor said to the sheriff's family and the Clan.
Days past slowly for the people of Nowhere. The sheriff's family prayed everyday for his recovery. In the medical center, the girl who teared for him never left; she has been at her fellow clan member's side for 8 days now, waiting him to open his eyes. She could be heard sobbing and crying from outside the room. Even if she ate and drank, she didn't sleep. Both factions were trying their best to not fall apart.
Then, at the ninth day, the sheriff openend his eyes. The first thing he asked to the nurse in charge, was about his family. If they were okay. Then, he realized something.
- OMFG, I KILLED THE BRAT- he shouted, really freaked out.
- He's alive, sheriff. He just hasn't wake up yet- said the nurse in turn. "There's a friend of him who has been in his room all this time".
- I see...- said the sheriff.
The pain on his arm was gone, and bandages covered the wound.
- I'm glad you finally woke up, my dearest!- said his wife who entered the room. Both shared a kiss and a deep hug. - How are you feeling?
- That brat... I wanna see him- said the sheriff, worried for the kid he almost killed. And indeed, when the family entered the room, the sheriff recognized the girl in the room as the one who shot at that guy who nobody liked. She had a open light brown duster over a white t-shirt and shorts that let more skin exposed than the established by the "local moral" (actually not showing, that is), short, light brown hair, almost blonde. Also immoral (women were supposed to use long hair). She had, even with a dessert's weather, a really white skin, with some freckles on her cheecks. Her eyes were of an unusual green color.
- My mother said you have been here since the very moment father and the Gunslinger got in here. You sure are a good girlfriend, lady- said the sheriff's daughter. The girl saw her. She was a few years younger than herself.
- You think we're a... do we look like a couple?- she blushed a little. Damn, she's cute.
- When he wake up, why don't you confess right away?- said the sheriff.
- I'll dare to say yer feelings fer him are quite obvious. Also, girls with short hair, just like yours, are his weakness.
- Who told you so?
- Himself. He also tought my daughter would look cuter with short hair. Brats nowadays...- said the sheriff, smiling at the sleeping Gunslinger.
- I see... well, it's kinda late now, huh?-
There was a minute of silence. The girl keep staring at the sleeping guy. "I heard the Major declared that you won the duel" said the fellow Outlaw. The girl didn't look at the sheriff.
- Sooo, no matter what happens, these are my last days at his side. I'm waiting him to wake up to say my goodbyes. Then, if he doesn't die, he'll become a card, just like the rest of us. And that will be the last thing we, the Outlaws, will ever know about him-.
The sheriff saw her for a while. She not only knew exactly what was happening around her; but also that she couldn't do something about it. Nothing at all. So she wanted at least to stay with him until the very end.
- Young lady, it doesn't have to be this way- stated the sheriff's wife.
- Yeah? Excuse my "delinquent" language, but do me a favor and explain me just how the fuck can I do something to change the current situation...-
- He is not dead yet, and also he is still here with you. About these being the last days to his side, it doesn't really matter. You know how much time it takes to change a man's mind? The time you say those three words that moves mountains, destroys enemies and make us feel like we are in heaven: "I love you". There's nothing we can do about your special one's fate; but, you can choose how to spend them: as his loyal comrade, or his first love.
- So you're telling me the power of love will actually work this time? Sorry, but I'm really skeptical about how love works. And shit only does it in songs, comics and dreams, misstress. This is reality. I had lots of time and chances to tell him how I feel about him and wasted every single one of 'em. Now... now it's late.
- Late for what, Sam?
Everyone in the room had their eyes on the boy who just woke up. His brown eyes were staring at the girl's green ones.
- Late... late for you to wake up. The sheriff woke up first.
- Oh, I see... wait, SAM, WHY ON CRAY ARE YOU HERE? HOW MUCH TIME I HAVE SLEPT? HOW AM I STILL ALIVE? I GOT SHOT IN MY... AND YOUUUUU, YA OLD FUCK, JUST IN WHAT KIND OF SHIT WERE YA THINKIN WHEN YA SHOT ME IN MY CHEST?- yelled the now pissed off Gunslinger. *ok, fuck my attempt to write something serious and dramatic*
- IT WAS A DUEL, YOU FUCKING ASSHOLE. AND I ALSO WERE ON THE VERGE OF DEATH BECAUSE OF YOUR SHOT. I LOST SO MUCH BLOOD I SAW PINK ELEPHANTS, WEARING SUITS AND RIDING FLYING KITTENS INTO THE SUNSET. 3/4 OF MY ARM ARE BANDAGES NOW. I AM THE COOLEST MUMMY IN ALL NOWHERE- yelled back the sheriff, showing him his cool-ass bandages.
- HOW THE SHIT IS THAT EVEN POSSIBLE?-
- SAYS THE GUY WHO SURVIVED A HOLY MOTHERFUCKIN' BULLET IN HIS HEART.
- I'M JUST THE FUCKING BOSS, AIN'T I?
- SHUT UUUUUUUP! STOP SCREAMING SHIT AT EACH OTHER. IT'S A FUCKING HOSPITAL, GODDAMMIT- yelled the sheriff's nurse. - You two has just woke up, you shouldn't be screaming all around. And you, sheriff, shouldn't be walking yet. Please, come back to your room and rest. The same goes for you, young one; your wound could open again if you force yourself too much-. The sheriff left the room along his family and the nurse in charge.
- So... I guess we're alone- said Sam, nerviously.
- Yeah...- said the Gunslinger. - So... since when have you been here?- he asked.
- Since... ah, you'll think I'm creep if I told you...
- Since that day, right?
- Uh...
- I could hear your voice in the distance, all the time. Were you crying?
- Hey, I was worried, okay? I haven't meet another guy waking up after a shot like that... *cough* or ever surviving one.
- ... you like me- said the Gunslinger.
- Huh?! To like you? Did the bullet made you more stupid that you were already?!- Sam went full tsundere there, that and her crimson red blush exposed her. Oh, you stupid, stupid sympathetic system.
- I could hear you, remember? You really are a huge pessimist. And about all those wasted chances you had... those were also mine, y'know?
- So you also...-
- Yup... kinda-
- The fuck "kinda" means?-
- Means that I also have feelings for you... even before you began using short hair-
- So you do actually like girls with short hair?
- Also with green eyes and freckles. Extra points if everything's there with a personality and loyalty like yours.
Sam couldn't help about it but to blush again (seriously, brain?)
- So... nine days awake, huh? How does it feels?
- I see hear dead people saying this town is a beautiful "duwang".
- ... ya really need to sleep, Sam.
- Since I have seen you awake already, I think I could-
She just close her eyes for a while and instantly fell asleep. She looked so wasted, and her hair was a little messy. He gently kissed her head, falling asleep too. Three weeks after that, the sheriff and the Gunslinger could leave the hospital. But now, the conditions of the duel had to be accomplished. Nevertheless, the sheriff gave the Outlaws 24 hours to do whatever the hell they wanted, which didn't made a lot of people very happy. So they spent their last day with the Clan, not as the Dark Gunslingers , the Outlaws, but like a common group of friends. They paid their drinks, didn't shoot at stuff, actually talked with each other, and had a heart-warming evening dialoging about philosophical stuff, like why the toast always falls by the butter part (psst, it's the extra weight, my friend). Everything while sober. Everyone. Then, a brindis by a fellow clan member at the Outlaw's name took place.
- For the man who engaged a duel with the sheriff himself, and almost got killed in the process-
- Cheers!- His last hours were spent on Sam's room, doing ADULT STUFF 'cause they were 21 and loved each other. For those who are more curious about that scene (that I will not write because you have literally OCEANS of porn online already), Sam was on top.
The next day, the entire Gunslinger clan were at the feet of a huge artifact, "The Path of Forgiveness". The ones who crosses the Path, trascends his actual body, and becomes a Vanguard card; but, in the process, most people loses indetermined memories. The young Outlaw felt like shit when he was told this, the idea of forgetting them, the Outlaws; the entire clan clan or Sam... he really feared to lose his precious memories. But there's nothing he could do. The sheriff won the duel as the honor says, and he had to accept his fate.
- ******** ******, you have lost the duel against the sheriff. And now, you and your allies will have to walk the Path of Forgiveness. It will lead you to somewhere you can find peace and forgive yourself for your doings. As you walk, you may forget one, two of all of the three aspects that makes the inhabitans of Nowhere who they are: yourself, your nest or what you dear. As long as you don't find forgiveness, those memories won't go back, and the Door will keep closed for you until then. Is that clear?- the Major said.
- Can I do a last thing?- asked ******.
- As you wish. He walked to where Sam was, and gave her a last kiss. She gave him a closed letter. "From the person who loves you the most. Don't throw away. I'll go whenever you are just to kick your balls if you do"
- I love you too, tsundere girl- said to her
- Who are you calling a tsundere, bastard?- said the girl, sobbing. Then, the time came, and the Outlaw walked the first trough the Path...
The Path was a blurry and transparent tunnel, harmonious, peaceful. A landscape could be seen. Blue sky and floating islands above the clouds. Below the Path, some clouds surounded snowy and beautiful mountains; strange but majestic creatures, like giant whales, were flying in that virgin sky. The entire land was so... mistic. The Path leaded him to one of the floating islands; one full of green grass and a single, big tree. As he sat under it, hee began to feel sleepy. As he admired the beautiful Land of Forgiveness, he slowly fell asleep...
THREE MONTHS LATER
Somewhere in Japan...
- So, there's this legend about a certain unique clan... and there's only one copy of each unit in the world- said kid 1.
- Ya mean that one from those creepypastas on the web?- asked random kid 2.
- Yeah, it sure were spooky tales.
- Dude, those creepies are shit. Real unicorn shit; eaten by a coprophilic orc and shitted again.
- Well, I'm not saying they are not, but, I found something yesterday
- And that is...
- Somebody has one. A guy from Okinawa.
- You're suckin' me off.
- No, seriously. He even posted photos. The art is in fact a gunslinger guy. Black outfit and hair, and dark eyes; with a hat hiding part of his face. He looks as cool as hell.
- You need more time outside yer room, man.
- Oh, shut up.
- Well, did the card have a name?
- It only said Outlaw Gunslinger... but no name. It's weird, but it's really an original Vanguard card.
- No name, huh? Sounds kinda cool
- Well, I also found out something else. Prepare for the dissapointing time.
- Oh, c'mon...
- No, sorry. Actually, it's the most sorry-ass card in the world
- Say, what?
- Yup. The guy was all exited and all, but he used it, and the card only sat there, doing any shit else but fighting.
- I see...-
Kid 1 and 2 soon realized there was better ways to waste their time, and soon left Vanguard.
-END OF PRELUDE. FOR THE BUDDHA'S SAKE, I'M NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN-
A/N: You surely may wonder "what the hell is going on with all that Old West thing? who are those 'Dark Gunslingers' guys? WHERE'S AICHI? IS THIS EVEN A VANGUARD FIC?" Well, yes, it IS a Vanguard fic. I'm the sorry excuse of a fic writer who kinda sucks at writing stories, likes western films, and funny and/or cute jap toons. But, where did it all come from? Welp, it was a Vanguard dream. I was this sorry-ass G2 card who resembled a gunslinger with revolvers (two of 'em), a duster, bullet bells, cool boots, and a gorgeous HAT. So, match time; and the cardfighter summoned the unit into the arena. And the unit literally just SAT THERE, IGNORING HIS COMMANDS AND STUFF WHILE POKING HIS FRIGGIN' NOSE. After a few tsukkomis from the "fighter", the unit got up, picked up one of his guns, but didn't shoot it; instead HE THREW IT AT THE CARDFIGHTER. IT WAS A 326 DAMAGE, CRITICAL HIT FOR REN'S SAKE. So they won (by knock out), but he hated it so much, because the girl who gave it to him (her senpai, I guess) said "he's a nice guy and a powerful ally". "POWERFUL ALLY MY ASS".
So then, hope you enjoyed it, had a laugh, and if you're single, that you also find somebody to do adult stuff with.
DEMO, OUT. SEE YOU NEXT TIME *put on cool shades* *summons manly pink unicorn and rides to the sunset with the Ode to Joy backgrounds*