Disclaimer: I own nothing..sadly

Chapter 2: Waking

 The first thing I saw when I finally woke from my peaceful sleep was a ceiling that looked oddly familiar. Pulling myself into a sitting position I slowly looked around at my surrounding. The first thing I noticed was the blood stained floor. It appeared to be the same church that I had died in.  Looking down at myself I noticed that I was still wearing the same clothes, thankfully. Although they did appear to be clean, which I was thankful for.

Pulling myself off the floor I suddenly remembered that I was unarmed. I looked around for any sign of my beloved weapon. Not seeing it anywhere, a part of me knew it wouldn't still be here. My only hope was that Vash had taken it.

I slowly made my way to the doors of the church. Noticing that my legs felt a little wobbly. I guess being dead does that to you. Upon reaching them I turned to take one last look at the church. Then turned and made my way out. The first thing I felt I needed to do was buy a weapon. Only problem with that was that I had no money. I also needed to eat. I walked through the town. Noticing that no one was around. But that didn't surprise me in the least.

I found myself wondering if Vash ever found Knives, and if he had what exactly had happened. Did he get he kill him, or did he let him live. I found myself believe that Vash would probably never kill him, so Knives in my mind was most likely still alive.

I made my way to the hotel in which I had stayed in the night before I had died. Opening the door it looked as if no one else had used it since then. I made my way over to the bed. Not knowing what else to do I laid down. The pillow had a faint sent to it. It reminded me of Millie. Her scent still lingering after all this time.

Pulling myself back into a sitting position I made my way towards the small kitchen. Finding nothing to eat I turned towards the bathroom. At least I could take a shower. Passing the couch I noticed something laying on it out of the corner of my eye. Passing in my steps I looked over towards it. A small smile coming to my face, well that is one problem solved.

Lying on the couch was a gun. And not just any gun it appeared to be one of the small pistols from inside my cross. Picking it up I checked to see if it was loaded. Smiling when I found that it was. Something else caught my attention when I looked back towards the couch. A small box of bullets. Good at least I wouldn't only have to rely on the ones in my gun.

Then I started wondering how in the world the gun had ended up here. Then that is when I heard a small voice in my head.

'I thought you might need it'

At first it startled me.  I thought that maybe dying had made me go crazy.

'Do not be afraid Nicholas it is just me'

'The woman with no name, and I wasn't afraid just startled' I said back. I could almost feel her smiling in my head. This was difenatly weird.

'I will be watching you for a while, just to make sure you have what you need to start over.'

'Oh really, I am not quite sure how to take that. I am not really use to have strange women speaking in my head.'

'I will not be here long'

'Well in that case do you think I could get some food?'

I could feel her smiling at me again. It was a very weird feeling. 'Go and take your shower, and I will think about it'

I started to make my way towards the bathroom. As I reached for the door a thought suddenly accrued to me.

'Can you see me?'

Now I could feel her laughing. 'I will not look'

'Heck that doesn't bother me, I was just wondering if you could see me' I then proceeded to make the funniest face I could think of.

Again the laughter filled my head. I smiled slightly and made my way into the bathroom to shower.

The water felt great. I let myself relax into it. I was enjoying being alive again. After a while I finally gave into my growling stomach and stepped out of the shower. After I had dressed I made my way back towards the couch. To my delight there was a plate of food sitting on the table in front of the couch. And to my amusement a pack of cigarettes as well.

'Thanks '

'You are welcome Nicholas. Although I am sure those cigarettes will be the death of you.' Again I felt her laugh; I couldn't help myself and was soon laughing along with her. What irony.

After I finished the meal and had my first cigarette since returning. I sat back on the couch. My mind wondering. The only thing I wanted to do now was find my friends. I can see the looks on all their faces when they see me. But I didn't even know where to start to look for them.

'Think later Nicholas, I will help later, sleep for now.'

I wanted to arguer with her that I had gotten enough sleep, but the argument slipped from my mind as I felt myself getting tired. I vaguely remember making my way to the bed and laying my head down on my Millie smelling Pillow before sleep overcame me once again.

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When I woke the next morning, I again found a plate of food awaiting me. I also found a small amount of money waiting for me as well. It would appear that my angel, as I deiced to call her, had been thoughtful enough to realize I needed the money. I said a quick thank you to her.

I left the hotel a short time later. I realized then that I was going to have to start this journey by walking. I made my way out of the city. I walked in the direction of the next town. It surprised me that I still remembered which way to go. I walked a short distance before my angel again began talking to me. She seemed to sense my need for someone to talk with. We didn't talk about much. Vash, Meryl and Millie appeared to be the topic. Then I suddenly found myself talking about Millie alone. I am not sure when the conversation took a turn in that direction, but I was really complaining.

I told my angel all about her. From the time she had pretended she was pregnant, to our last and first night together. It took me so long to realize that I had slowly fallen in love with her. I wish I could have realized sooner.

'Try not to dwell on the past Nicholas; you have a second chance remember'

'Yes, yes I do and this time I won't hold back'

Authors Note: So what do you think???? Vash, Meryl and Millie coming soon I promise.  I know it still wasn't as long as I promised but oh well!! Oh and thanks for all the wonderful reviews!!