Chapter 20 The Awards Ceremony

"Uh…" Shiori let out a groan as she tried to move. Her body felt heavy, her mind swimming as she fought to open her eyes.

"So, you're finally coming to, doll?"

Her silver orbs snapped open as Keith's voice resounded in her ears. She sat up quickly, realizing that she was gagged and bound. Her arms were tied behind her back, her feet tied together as well. She looked quickly from left to right, observing the fact that she was in Keith's room, lying on the spare bed. Immediately, she tried to connect with Kitaro, but felt a numbing shock run through her. She let out a moan of pain and scrunched her eyes shut, willing the pounding in her head to stop.

Keith appeared in front of her as he pulled up a chair and sat across from her. He shook a disapproving finger towards her. "Uh uh uh, doll, no connections allowed here. I can't have you getting anyone else's attentions and spoiling my plans, now can I? I wouldn't try it again; I have seen to it that you can't make any and it's quite painful if you try."

Shiori's head stopped aching and her eyes widened as she locked eyes with him. He knew how to do such a thing? "Hmph hmph hmph?" she tried to speak through her gag and he stood, chuckling.

He walked over to her, reaching behind her head to undo the tie, bringing it away from her mouth. "Now, I will only leave this off for now if you promise not to scream, doll. The moment you try, you'll be knocked out again, understood?"

She glared daggers at him, gritting her teeth. "What the hell are you doing this for Keith? I thought…I thought we were family!"

He stared at her, darkness swirling in his depths. "I don't have a family." He bit out, turning away.

"Where is my brother?" Shiori asked forcefully, eyes narrowed in his direction.

"Oh don't worry about him. He's fine. He's just out getting repairs done to the car. We need it in good condition for our trip back, don't we?"

"Keith, please…tell me why you have me tied up like this? Does it have to do with the Stryfe-Saverem's? Because I have told you all I know of them, and I really didn't think you needed the diary anymore, so I gave it back to its rightful owner!" Shiori pleaded, trying a different approach with him.

He rounded on her, anger flitting across his face. "Well you thought wrong, doll. I still needed it. But it doesn't matter now. I did read it and retained most of the important information I wanted. Now all that remains is to get Meryl's attentions."

Shiori stopped struggling with the ties on her hands, raising an eyebrow as she felt her dread increase. "Attentions? What do you mean?"

"You'll know soon enough. That's why you are to stay here until everything is said and done. I don't want you ruining things." He spoke to her as if she was a little child and she scowled in his direction.

"Keith, you've changed…"

His eyes darkened again as he forcefully put the gag back in her mouth. "No, I am just showing my true colors now, Shiori."

He turned and headed to the door, and she called out to him through her gag, trying to stop him. He opened the door, turning to spare her one last glance. "Try anything funny and you will regret it doll. Now stay here and wait." And he shut the door.

Shiori felt her panic rise, tears pricking her eyes as she fought against her ties with all her might. She tried to stand, but fell to the floor, finally letting her tears go as she cried.

"Jesse…Kitaro…someone…help me!"

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"Shiori…" Jesse thought to himself as he walked the streets of the city. She still hadn't made a connection with him yet today and he was beginning to worry. Who was 'he' that she had been talking about? Could it be her brother? He shook his head. She hadn't given off any negative vibes when Kitaro had shown up and interrupted them.

He sighed as he switched directions and began to walk back the other way. It would be time for Meryl's award soon and if he didn't get there, he would have terrible seats. He didn't want to miss her big moment…

"Jesse, right?"
The blond's attentions were drawn to Kitaro as the other plant called out to him. Jesse turned to see Kitaro standing by what looked to be an auto repair shop and walked over to him. "Yeah, Kitaro, I believe…" he said with a smile.

"Yup. So what are you doing wandering by yourself? I thought my sister would be with you, seeing as though you two are an item now." Kitaro asked nonchalantly.

Jesse felt his cheeks redden lightly and he coughed. "Um, well, I don't know about that…I mean, I like her a lot, but I don't know if she would consider us an…item or anything…"

"Oh believe me, she likes you just as much." Kitaro answered.

Jesse stared at him, trying to stop the grin that spread over his face. "Oh, I see…"

Kitaro snorted, turning away and heading towards the door of the establishment.

"Hey, have you see her today?" Jesse called to him and Kitaro stopped, looking at him.

"No, like I said, I figured that she would be with you. She didn't come back to the hotel room last night, so…" he trailed off, feelings of dread springing up within him.

Jesse felt similar feelings and narrowed his eyes lightly. "She didn't? She ran from me, saying that she was very scared of someone…do you have any ideas as to who?"

Kitaro's eyes narrowed as well. "Keith…"

When Shiori's connection had broken, Keith's name being the last thing he had heard, Kitaro had bolted from his room, looking for her. He was worried, to say the least. He searched the city for her, but came up empty handed. When he returned to the hotel room, he had seen Keith outside his door, ready to knock. He asked where Shiori was and Keith had shrugged.

"I was angry with her, she got upset and ran off. I assume it was to be with her friends from the family."

Kitaro's eyes narrowed even more. He had believed Keith…but was he wrong?

He suddenly began to walk away from the doors, towards the sidewalk. Jesse ran to catch up with him. "Where are you going?"

"To look for her. Alone." He threw back and Jesse stopped, staring after him.

'Hey, do me a favor and have her connect with me later…so I don't have to worry…' Jesse made a connection and Kitaro mentally sighed.

'All right…' He didn't know how much he liked Jesse, or trusted him, but the blond seemed to care a great deal about Shiori.

As he neared the hotel, his sinking feeing grew. What if Keith had actually done something to her? Why couldn't he connect with her? That had to mean that either she didn't want to connect, or she was unconscious.

His eyes narrowed again. "I swear, if he hurt her…" Family or not, he was going to let Keith have it.

He opened the door to he and Shiori's room. Finding it empty, he slammed it shut, going to stand in front of Keith's door. He held up a fist to pound on it and Keith opened the door, looking surprised.

"Kitaro, there you are. I was wondering how the car's coming."

"It's almost done. Say, Keith, you haven't seen Shiori, have you? It's funny, I can't make a connection with her." Kitaro's voice held accusation and Keith blinked.

"Kitaro, what are you saying? You can't possibly be thinking that I did something to her, could you?"

Kitaro folded his arms, eyes still narrowed. "Keith, this isn't a joke. I'm really worried about her! When you can't connect, it means that they don't want to, or they can't because they are unconscious. Now, what's going on??"

Keith stared at him a moment, a slow smile creeping over his face as he stepped aside, holding an arm out in invitation to come in the room. "You want to know? Come on in…"

Kitaro stepped inside and Keith shut the door behind him. Kitaro's eyes widened when he saw Shiori bound and gagged, tears streaming down her face. She was sitting in a chair and tried to stand abruptly when she saw her brother. The ties on her feet hindered her and she fell forward. Kitaro was quick to catch her before she fell and set her down gently. "Shiori…"

Shiori's eyes were wide as she tried to talk to him through her gag. "Mph! Mph!!"

He turned his gaze around. "Keith, what is the mean-" he was cut off suddenly when he was met with a rag in the face, Keith wrapping his arm about the back of his head.

"What the hell…!" he let out, his vision swimming. After a moment, he locked eyes with Keith, his piercing green depths the last thing he saw before dropping into unconsciousness.

Shiori was struggling with new determination now, calling to her brother through the cloth around her mouth.

Keith smiled as he stood and went to his bag, coming forward with more ties and a strange small piece of metal. He knelt down, tying Kitaro in a similar fashion as Shiori. He chuckled as he looked at her, watching her struggle feebly. "Now now, Shiori, he's ok. Just like with you, it only made him pass out. Don't worry doll. After tonight, things will return to the good old days, when it was just us on the open road, going where we please. I wasn't planning on doing this to Kitaro too, but clearly he would have been a hindrance to tonight's plans as well. So you two just sit tight and I'll come get you when I'm done."

Shiori stopped moving, heaving lightly from her exertions, tears still trailing her face as she glared at him.

He chuckled again, pulling back some of Kitaro's hair, just above his temple. He clamped the little metal piece under his hair, letting the rest fall over it and looked again at Shiori. "Don't look at me so, doll. It's almost done, ok?"

He stood, smoothing out his duster and then checking his watch. "Almost time. The after ceremony party will be tonight. Sit tight, I'll be back soon. Remember, no funny business. And no more connections. Trust me, you'll be in great pain if you keep trying it." With that said, he smiled and waved, closing the door behind him.

Shiori immediately tried to crawl over to her brother, calling his name despite the gag. When she got close to him, she laid her head on his chest, letting herself cry fully once again.

"What is Keith planning? I have to warn them!"

Keith had confirmed her fears when he mentioned Meryl's ceremony. She knew he was planning something terrible. What, she didn't know, but she desperately wanted to connect with one of them.

"How?? I can't! I don't know what he did but…" her thoughts trailed off when she looked again to Kitaro. Her eyes fell upon the place where Keith had put the metal piece and she cocked her head. "Could that be what it is? Is that stopping the connections?"

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From his place near the back, Jesse watched the press crowd around Meryl, Vash and Hikari. He smiled softly as he watched Meryl speak, her eyes lit brightly as she displayed her obvious intelligence to the media.

"Mrs. Stryfe-Saverem, what inspired you to write this book? It has been a controversial issue amongst the people of Gunsmoke since it came out."

Meryl smiled as the reporter shoved the microphone under her nose. "Well, all that I can tell you is that I must have a vivid imagination, that's all." She winked and more photographers snapped pictures off, the bright lights flashing off sporadically.

"Miss Stryfe, does your book have anything to do with the true events of the Great Awakening?" another reporter asked and she sighed.

"I really don't know much about it, but if you have read my other novels, you know that I love science fiction. That's all. Maybe the thought of the Great Awakening inspired me, but that's it."

"Miss Stryfe, is it true that your husband is the infamous Vash the Stampede?"

Meryl chuckled, indicating to Vash beside her. "Well, he's right here. Ask him yourself."

All eyes turned to Vash, who connected with Meryl. 'Gee, thanks a lot dear.'

"Mr. Saverem, do you have any relation to Vash the Stampede, sir?" someone shoved the microphone in Vash's face and he closed his eyes, trying to contain his irritation.

"Well, I can tell you that I don't have relations with him, if that's what you mean."

Meryl put a hand to her mouth, trying to contain the giggles that threatened to erupt from her as the reporters face colored lightly.

"Uh, well, sir, anything else you would like to say on that note?"

Vash grinned, folding his arms. "Nope."

"All right ladies and gentlemen, that's enough questions. Mrs. Stryfe-Saverem, right this way. It's almost time." A kindly looking man with dark hair and brown eyes stepped forward, holding an arm out to her.

She smiled as she accepted it, allowing him to pull her and her family away from the media. "Thank you Mayor. That was a little close and personal, if you know what I mean."

The man winked at her. "Oh, believe me, I know. Right this way. There are seats on the stand for you, your husband and daughter. Please, sit and we will begin the presentation in a moment."

She smiled, thanking him as she and Vash lead Hikari to their seats. All at once, Meryl's heart leapt into her throat as she stared out over the vast auditorium where hundreds of people were convened.

"Nervous?" Vash elbowed her and she swallowed the thick lump in her throat.

"A little. I just don't know why there are so many people here…" she trailed off quietly as she searched the audience for her family.

"Because you are the famous Meryl Stryfe-Saverem, that's why." Vash winked and she sighed.

"I really don't know why there is so much hype about my books."

"Like the reporter said, they are very controversial."

"Yeah, but this one was meant to be purely fiction and Sci-fi!"

"But there's truth in your words…"

Meryl nodded slowly. "Yes, but they don't know that…"

Vash sat back, eyes landing on Tasuki, Milly, Knives and Blue as they waved up from the first row. "Don't they? Mer, I'm sure there are plenty of people out there who believe your writings. You know, those junkies who hang on every word of their favorite authors. To them, you are more than just some random writer. I'm sure that your words have inspired thousands of people. And that, my dear, is why you are getting this award today." Vash finished.

Meryl was silent for a moment before she smiled widely at him. "Thank you Vash, for the compliments."

He leaned in for a quick kiss, smiling as he pulled back. "I love you Mer. I'm always on your side."

She nodded, waving to Milly and the others. "Look Hikari, there's your aunts and uncles! And here comes Grandma and Grandpa!" Meryl saw Grace and Jack make their way down the front row, greeting the others and seating themselves.

Meryl locked eyes with her parents, smiling broadly as she mouthed 'Hi mom! Hi Dad!'

They waved back at her, both mouthing back hellos. Whereas they couldn't vacation with them for the entire week, Grace would have been damned before she and Jack missed their little girl's award, or so she had said…

Hikari sat forward, smiling as she waved down to the group, who waved back animatedly. "But where's uncle Jesse?" she asked, eyes flitting to and fro for him.

Meryl shook her head. "I don't know sweetie. I'm sure he's here. Let's look for him, ok?"

Hikari nodded, standing and looking out over the crowds. Meryl felt her heart sink when she couldn't find him.

"Maybe he really won't come…" she whispered and Vash squeezed her arm.

"He'll be here. He knows how much this means to you." He said reassuringly.

Just when she was about to give up, her eyes landed on him. He was standing, leaning against a wall towards the back, arms folded, as he looked her way. She smiled, making a connection with him.

'Hey you, I almost thought you wouldn't be here…'

'You know I wouldn't miss this Mer. I meant to get here sooner, but got held up. Looks like I'm out of luck for a good seat, but I can still see you and hear you from here. There's sure a lot of people here, huh?'

Meryl smiled broadly, happy to have him speaking to her in more than one word. 'Yeah, there's tons! It's a little overwhelming.'

'Don't worry Mer, you'll do great. It's not like you have to give a whole long speech or anything, just stand up, say your thanks and that's it, right?'

She nodded. 'Yeah, that's about what I plan on doing.'

'I'll be here watching, ok?' Jesse said, trying to convey his support to her and she smiled softly.

'Thanks Jess…it means a lot to me.'

He didn't respond for a moment. 'You're welcome, Mer.' He finally said, severing the connection.

Meryl sat back, the smile still on her face.

"So, everything ok?" Vash asked and she nodded as she watched the mayor walk up to the podium.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Welcome to Star City! I would like to start by expressing my appreciation for all those who are in attendance today! As you know, today we honor a great author by the name of Meryl Stryfe-Saverem! It is her novels, her words, that cause us to convene today! And I am honored as Mayor of Star City to have her in our presence today! Furthermore, I would like to extend an invitation to all here to attend a gathering in her honor tonight at 7:00 pm, in the gardens of this building. There, she will be giving out free autographs and pictures. So, with these things said, I now turn the time over to Bill Foxford, the president of the Author's Guild!" The Mayor stepped down from the podium amidst the applause and smiled at the short gentleman who nodded to him as he stepped in front of the microphone.

"Thank you all! As you know, my name is Bill Foxford and I am the current president of the Gunsmoke Author's Guild. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is a rare occasion that we gather for something of this nature. The Gunsmoke Author's Award has only been presented to four other people in the Guild's seventy-six year history. What makes a great author, you ask? Well, let me explain." He reached an arm out, bringing attention to Meryl behind him, who blushed furiously.

"A great author is one who writes their feelings, despite what other's may think. A great author is one who inspires, who brings life to worlds that others only see in their dreams. And, a great author is timeless, their words stretching out across the ages, touching countless persons with their words. Meryl Stryfe-Saverem is one such author. Her stories have brought this planet to life, and they have topped the charts at number one for more consecutive weeks than any other books in the history of the Guild. It is my belief that many on Gunsmoke feel this same way, otherwise you would not have gathered from across the planet to witness this award. Thank you all for being here, for showing your support."

He turned his smiling face to Meryl, who was fidgeting nervously with her dress. "Mrs. Stryfe-Saverem, will you please come to the stand?"

Meryl took a deep breath in, trying to calm her rapidly beating heart and smiled as she stood. She held her head high as she straightened her shoulders, walking to the podium to stand beside the speaker. She locked eyes with the members of her family below and Tasuki gave her a grin and thumbs up. She smiled widely, feeling some of her tension melting away.

The Guild president smiled at her before turning his attentions back to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is with great pleasure, and a great honor, that I present the fifth ever Gunsmoke Author's Award to Mrs. Meryl Stryfe-Saverem."

Cheers could be heard throughout the auditorium along with vast amounts of applause as the man took the award from his assistant and in turn, handed it off to her.

Meryl smiled as she held the golden statue in her hands, observing that it was a replica of an open book, her name and novels etched onto the pages.

"Mrs. Stryfe-Saverem, will you say a few words before we disperse?" he asked her and she nodded.

He smiled, stepping down and leaving her alone on the podium. The applause and cheers quieted down as the audience waited for her to speak. Meryl smiled out over the vast array of people who were gathered, feeling tears of gratitude prick her eyes. "I…" she started, trying to find the right words. "I don't know if I can ever express my gratitude to all of you…to all of you who have supported me over the last eight years of my writing career. But…I want you to know how much you mean to me. It's people like you who inspire me to keep writing, and I want to continue for you. I am truly honored and overwhelmed at the vast amount of support that I have received from you all, and would like to thank each and every one of you for attending today. This is amazing…" she trailed off, wiping a lone tear from her cheek.

"I would also like to thank the Author's Guild and their kind words and support. It is an honor to have received such an award. And thank you, Mayor of Star City, for the welcoming and fun atmosphere you have provided for my family and I while here."

Meryl stopped, staring out over the audience, eyes landing on Jesse. She smiled again. "And last but not least, thank you to my family. Every single one of them. For their love, support and guidance. I couldn't do it without them." As she spoke, she traveled from once face of her family to the next, earning soft smiles from all of them.

"Thank you once again, to all of you, and I hope to see you all at the gathering tonight!"

Meryl smiled broadly as she held up her award for all to see and they cheered and applauded once again as she stepped down from the podium and sat next to Vash.

The mayor stood up and said a few words in closing before they began to disperse.

Vash smiled at Meryl, gripping her hand. "I'm proud of you Mer."

She smiled, wiping the last of her tears away. "Thanks Vash. I meant what I said. I couldn't have done it without your support. Or without the family's."

"Can I see it mommy?" Hikari jumped up, coming to stand in front of her mother.

Meryl held out the award, chuckling as Hikari tried to lift it. "It's heavy angel, watch out. I don't want you to drop it on your foot."

"Congrats Mer!" Tasuki and the others pushed through the crowds and Meryl stood, hugging him.

"Thank you Tasuki."

She let him go, making her way to each of them and embracing them as well. She stood back, smiling at her family. "Thank you all for being here guys…it means so much to me…"

"You mean a lot to us, Mer. Of course we would be here." Blue said and they nodded.

"My little girl, all grown up an getting awards and stuff…" Jack's smiling face walked up, followed closely by Grace.

"Grandma! Grandpa!" Hikari squealed as she ran and jumped into Jack's waiting arms.

"And how's my favorite granddaughter today?" Jack asked fondly as he ruffled her hair.

"Hi mom, hi dad. Thank you so much for coming…" Meryl stepped forward, hugging Grace tightly.

"What, you think we would miss our only daughter's award ceremony? I think not!" Jack winked and Meryl smiled broadly.

"So what now? It's only one thirty. We have lots of time to kill before the party tonight." Tasuki asked and Meryl shrugged.

"I don't know. What do you guys want to do?"

"Well, we haven't visited the theme park that they have here yet…" Vash said hopefully and Meryl smiled.

"You really want to go there, don't you?"

He nodded. "I hear that their rides are the best on Gunsmoke."

Knives snorted as he folded his arms. "Stupid child's play if you ask me."

Tasuki grinned as he latched onto the plants arm. "Aww come on, man! You don't mean that! What you really mean is that you're a pansy and are really afraid to go on them!"

Blue giggled as Knives reached out a hand to strike Tasuki, but the red head leaped away, chuckling. "Well, I never thought of that. Knives, afraid of something?" she teased and he scowled at them all.

"All right, you want to play it like that? Let's go then!"

"Yes!" Vash threw his hand in the air and then bent down to pick Hikari up as they all made their way off of the podium.

Meryl stopped and looked at the Mayor and Author's Guild president. "Thank you both so much again for your support. I will be back tonight around 6:30, ok?"

The men nodded, and the group was on their way.