- Hunted -

Not far away from the explosion was a village, home for no more than a hundred people. It was a small place to live in, within houses built of stone - apart from the square gaps making up for the windows. Dirt and sand formed the passages that lay between buildings, and after years of fierce gusts of wind, along with the occasional typhoon, the village had adopted a cream coloured shade.

In the heart of the village, two girls stood side by side watching the joyous workers celebrate around a well. All the villagers were well spirited, laughing, and smiling, as the water sprayed over them, wetting them with happiness.

'We did it! We did it!'

'Yeahhhhhhhh!'

'Someone bring out the booze!!'

A dark haired girl, named Meryl Stryfe, stood smiling with her taller work partner, Milly Thompson. They were known as the Benardelli Insurance Girls, known for their frantic job in following the legendary outlaw, Vash the Stampede, and taking steps in order to minimise the total damage that the man did.

Dressed neatly in her favourite plain white clothing - a lengthy white and purple drape, and a petite purple bow, Meryl had no intention in getting wet.

'Isn't it wonderful ma'am?' Milly exclaimed.

Milly had just completed vigorous labour work, and wore a grey, apron like uniform - different from the usual green and sand coloured clothing Meryl was familiar in seeing her in. She had short brown hair that fell to her cheeks - much further down her back, was much taller than Meryl, and always seemed pleased no matter the occasion. In other words - she was a large teddy bear. Yet, with her charmingly cuddly appearance, not much could be said about her personality..

Meryl kept smiling, unsure of whether or not to reply. Her work partner was also her friend, they had been though a lot together.. but Meryl was still having trouble trying to share with her, her thoughts. Maybe it was partially due to the fact that there was an unreasonably high likelihood of Milly accidentally blurting out her secrets.. but still either way, Milly had always seemed to find out what she had been thinking. She began to reminisce of the past, not about Milly, not about her job at the Bernadelli Insurance Headquarters, but about an almost indescribable feeling she had for him.. wondering how things might have been if only she had the courage to tell him…

'Ma'am??'

-Poof-

Meryl's thoughts vanished without a trace.

'Ahh!' Meryl stumbled back, blinking to find it was only her friend, Milly, who was leaning extremely close to her face. Eyes that were usually gleeful with delight were staring at her with anxiety.

'Its ok, ma'am.' Milly Thompson looked about the village, searching for a quiet place to talk. The two of them sat down, and there was a moment of silence.

Meryl spoke first.

'I've been thinking..' she said softly, 'where we would be now if we hadn't been given this assignment.' Her gaze slowly dropped to the ground at her feet, and she began to rub one of her boots with the other.

'Why..' Milly replied, 'back in Benardelli of course!' She gave a baby cute grin.

Meryl began to smile then laugh with ease. 'Milly! I didn't mean that! Do you really have to remind me of all the paperwork we still have to do??'

Milly giggled, about to reply, when she got distracted. The sight of workers holding large beer mugs and dancing from street to street caught her attention. Meryl didn't notice. She could only hear her thoughts spoken out loud.

The last place I want to be.. is… without him.

She smiled at her thoughts, gaining some determination, so that when she would next see Vash, she would tell him her feelings for him. Meryl lifted her head slowly, her eyes drawing to the horizon, when she saw a flash of light coming from the desert.

A faint gasp came from her mouth.
She stood up, both eyes staring.

Milly stood up too, head turning in all directions in wonder of what Meryl could suddenly be seeing. She felt a tug on her sleeve, in direction of the growing size of the light.. and she stared up ahead.

It was a small speck of light, growing larger, and larger, to Meryl's delight. As if the sun was reflecting off, what might be… Meryl looked on in uncontrollable anticipation, wishing it was so. The light flashed many times, then a thin outline came into view. Distorted at first, then clearing into the shape of a man.

A man carrying a large burden over his shoulder… His brown and black suit gradually came into view.

It was Vash. Vash the Stampede.

The two of them gasped in delight. Meryl's eyes were beginning to water with happiness. He came back. Like he promised.

-

Vash the Stampede began to walk over the last hill that separated him from the village he was headed for, looking ahead in search of a reminder of the life he wished to lead. A peaceful life. One with no wars, nor stealing… where people can live as people… where he could live amongst them.

One last foot and the small village would finally be in sight once again. A gentle breeze carrying chalks of sand blew across him. It was almost like a dream. When it cleared, the first thing he saw was.. Meryl.