She stood in awe at him for a second, and then smacked him hard. "Jerk!" she screamed.

He held his cheek in pain and then laughed nervously. "I see you haven't changed."

She smiled.

"Well, personality-wise..." he laughed again.

She glared at him and walked to an employee of the store. "Excuse me, sir, but do you sell any, um, guns?"

"Listen, don't ya know that we ain't 'llowed-" he looked up at her, blinked, and then melted into a huge smile. "Well, yesiree missy. If you'll just folla me this way," he led her to a back room. "See miss, we're not supposed ta be sellin' guns- guess cuz' we're a peaceful town-- but fer you, I'll see if I can't make a deal." He chuckled. "So what are ya lookin' fer?"

Meryl looked up and down the wall crowded with shelves of guns. "Um, I guess just some ordinary revolvers."

The man pulled out a step-ladder and reached for several guns on the third shelf. "Well... here we are..." he muttered as he stepped down. "I can let you handle em', but I can't let you fire em'."

She nodded and took the first gun. "This one's a little heavy." She handed it back and took the second gun. She twirled around her finger and smiled. "This one's perfect. I'll take three of them and some ammunition." It was a light silver gun, having a rounded barrel and a beautiful leather design on the handle.

"Don't you want to try out the last one?" The employee asked.

"Well, it's like that old saying goes, 'second is the best'." She smiled. "How much will it be?"

The man scratched his head. "Let's see... oh um... 300 each and 75 for a six-pack of ammo."

Meryl sighed, "That expensive?"

The employee scratched his chin. "Well, seeing that I'm the manager's son and all... I'll give you a discount. But for a price."

Meryl groaned, "What is it?"

The man thought for a minute, "Um...you hafta go to the Moonlit Festival with me tonight." He melted into a goofy smile.

Meryl sighed. "Is there any other way to get it cheaper?"

"Nope."

Since this was the only blacksmith shop in the town, considering that guns were forbidden to be sold, and that she adored the model she had handled, she agreed to his offer. She paid the money hastily.

"So," he began as he handed her the change. "I'll meet you there at eight."

Meryl sighed. "Where is 'there'?"

"Oh, you must be a newcomer. Well, over that hill on the west, is the entrance to the festival site."

"What do I wear?"

"Somethin' real nice..." he adopted another goofy smile. "See ya' then."

Meryl fought to put on a semi-smile and walked out of the shop. "God dammit," she muttered.

"I hear you have a date," Vash said, leaning on the outside of the building.

"Yeah. And I see you eavesdrop." Meryl rolled her eyes.

"Hey, I was just waiting for you! I couldn't help it!" He held up his hands in peace.

"It'll be a miracle if I don't cut him in half by the end of the night."

"He doesn't seem that bad. Oh, that reminds me... What's with the robes?"

"I'm a swordsman." She said proudly.

"Uh-huh. So that's what you've been doing these three years... Why didn't you ever send a letter or anything? Millie and I thought you were murdered by that freak that carried you off." The two starting walking to the saloon.

"Well, that freak happens to be my sensei." Meryl crossed her arms.

"He seemed creepy to me. The guy knocked me out for no freaking reason!"

"He's really very nice."

"I'm sure. You do remember that he kidnaped you, probably forcing you into swordsmanship?"

"Well," she paused. "I guess. But after he explained, I suppose I was quite willing to do it."

"I think you should tell me what he told you."

"It's a long story."

"I have the time."

"Alright then... Let's see... Well, he was a swordsman and he trained only extremely qualified and interested individuals. Unfortunately, that number was enveloped by an extreme attrition. My master felt that he was wasting his life, so he decided that he would take one last pupil and then spend the rest of his life training and 'finding himself."

Vash snorted. "'Finding himself'?"

Meryl scowled, "Shut up."

"Sorry, that just sounded really schmaltzy."

Meryl narrowed her eyes. "Anyways... He sent his three students, Kamui, Hideki, and Tamoe, to find this last pupil. Tamoe was his favorite and most dedicated student. He was so good that the master felt that no more could be taught. Tamoe, obviously upset at his let off, decided that the life of a swordsman was the only life for him, and he decided to die. My master, feeling that his death would be pointless, decided that whoever could defeat Tamoe, ultimately killing him, would be the new pupil. If he did not die, Tamoe wanted the Master to promise to kill him, as an honor I suppose. They eventually found moi, and you know what happened after that. Well, when the Master took me to his temple, it took three weeks for me to completely heal. Everyday he would wash and re-bandage my wounds, and he talked to me about lots of things."

"What kinds of things?"

"Life, love, change, odd concepts people sometimes overlook. I guess I grew attached to him. When I got to the point of walking, he began to speak of swordsmanship and its ancient roots: why it couldn't die, why he had picked it up; things of that nature. He eventually asked me to be his apprentice. Feeling completely obliged, I accepted. We began training soon after." She paused. "It's been tough and all, but hey, I'm still alive."

"What's he like?"

She thought for a second. "He's a handsome devil," she laughed.

Vash chuckled. "No, no, tell me about him; you know, his personality and stuff."

She thought again. "Well... he usually doesn't have any emotion when he talks: he's completely stoic. But he's lonely, anyone could tell that. He has a past he's never shared with me, and it's something we both avoid talking about."

"Why'd he send you out here?"

"He wanted new guns," she paused. "And he's feeling ill."

"What's he got?"

"I don't know."

"Don't you care?"

"Of course I do! It's just that," she looked down. "He doesn't want to tell me. Says I'll get hurt. But I trusted his word in that I'll be seeing him tomorrow morning."

Vash nodded. They were silent for a while until he smiled wryly, "So you're still single?"

Meryl smiled back at his random question. "Well, after having no contact with the social world for three years, I guess you can say that."

Vash chuckled. "Glad to hear."

"Why?"

"Dunno, just curious I guess." The two entered the saloon and sat down at a table.

"You said you were glad?"

"I didn't know what else to say..." Vash laughed and scratched the back of his head.

Meryl smiled inwardly. Had she got him? She decided not to get too hopeful. "What about you? Got a girlfriend yet?" Meryl crossed her legs.

Vash shook his head. "Naw, I've been single."

Meryl raised an eyebrow. "Well, I imagine after all the girls you've chased, you would have met someone."

Vash smiled. "I've just realized that I've been doing it the wrong way this whole time."

"And what's the right way?"

"I'm trying to learn."

"So, you have your eyes on anyone?"

"Someone. I don't really know her though."

"Well, then get to know her better."

"Yeah, I'm trying."

Meryl leaned across the table. "Do I get to know who she is?"

Vash smiled, "Oh, you'll know soon enough..."

Meryl squinted her eyes. "I hate you."

Vash leaned back. "And after all these years, you'd think I would get a hug or a kiss or something. Instead, I get this."

Meryl giggled and settled back in her chair. "You got a story."

"I guess. A real sentimental one."

"Wait a minute, you didn't cry!"

"Huh?"

"You usually cry at sappy things like that!"

"No I don't!"

"Yeah you do! So, you don't feel sympathetic towards my Master?"

"You didn't tell me his story, what's there to be sad about? But I do feel relief knowing that you've been alright all this time."

"Aw..." She laughed. "So what are you doing here?"

"Food."

"Never would have guessed."

"Well, we do have an apartment here."

"We?"

"Millie, myself, and Knives."

"Ohhh, how are they doing?" She asked anxiously.

Vash scratched his chin. "Well, Millie was a wreck after you left, but I guess she's managed."

Meryl smacked her head. "Oh god, I'm such an idiot. I should have been more considerate about her when I accepted the training. Poor thing."

"Well, she did have a nice little visit with her family."

"Did she feel better after?"

"A whole lot better."

"That's good," Meryl groaned. "I am such an idiot....."

"Don't say that. She'll be so happy when she sees you today."

"I guess. I really missed her..." She put her head in her hands.

"Then let's go now!" Vash smiled.

"Really?"

"Sure, it's not that far away." He stood up and walked towards the door. "Coming?"

Meryl nodded anxiously and scrambled after him.

"So, how has Knives been? Any better?" She asked as they walked along the heat-stricken road.

"Much better!" Vash beamed.

"That's good. He's not a misanthrope anymore?"

"Well, sometimes he is. But all he does now is ignore them or threaten them at the most."

"That's a miracle."

"Hey, it took work."

"I believe you."

They arrived at a petite peach-colored building. Vash knocked. "Hey Millie! It's me!"

They heard a crash and a muffled, "Coming!"

The door opened and Millie appeared with extremely mused hair. "Hey Vash! Sorry, I tripped over the cat again- Oh my gosh, MERYL!?"

Meryl smiled and hugged the confused girl. "Hey there."

"Where have you been? What are you doing here? Oh my goodness, please come in! I've missed you soooo much!!!!!!!!!" Millie cried in tears.

"Oh Millie..." Meryl sniffed as she blinked back her own tears.

***

"It's been a while Kamui." The man known as Meryl's master entered into a small temple.

"Hello. I suppose you're here regarding your transformation?" A man with neatly combed black hair appeared.

"Yes. You've been tampering with something, and I want you to stop."

"Oh, afraid you'll hurt the girl? What a shame, she still doesn't know..."

The Master scowled. "She doesn't need to know."

"Still protecting her from yourself? How pathetic..."

"She doesn't need to see."

"After you betrayed me, I suppose I no longer care about what you want nor do I regard you as superior. I have been training you know."

"I am aware of that. And I did not betray you. You betrayed the truth."

"Your kind is a scourge to humanity."

"Why have you been trying to make me... change?"

"So I can fight you. I could easily defeat you in your current form. Your true self would be a delightful challenge. Your death would make Tamoe so proud."

"Yoe never knew him."

"He was my brother. What the hell are you talking about?"

"I will fight you. And Tamoe will guide the winner."

"Oh, not here. I will meet you at the Moonlit Festival tonight."

"I refuse to endanger the innocent."

"They won't be endangered. They'll all think it's just another act; just some form of entertainment."

"Why at the festival?"

"You will meet me there, or I will kill her."

His fists clenched. "Kamui, she has nothing to do with this. I'd appreciate if you left her out of it."

"Oh, I see Tamoe's little idea worked."

"What are you talking about?"

"You love her."

"She is my apprentice. There is no other...bond..."

Kamui smirked. "Hideki!"

A man with brown hair appeared, bowing. "Yes Master?"

"Master!?" The first man shouted.

"Oh, you didn't know? Hideki has been working for me. Hideki, I want you to make sure that he comes to the festival tonight. If not, kill the girl."

Hideki bowed, "Yes, Master."

"I want you to be ready. It wouldn't be a fair fight if you came rusty and unprepared." Kamui strode away. "Au revoir. And good luck, I believe you'll need it."

The first man cursed as he walked briskly away with Hideki following close behind.

"It's been a long time," Hideki said quietly.

"I wonder why," the man grumbled sarcastically.

***

"So Bernandelli thinks I'm dead?" Meryl chuckled.

"Well, we thought you were. So that's what I told them," Millie smiled.

"You humans assume too much," Knives sipped his tea.

Meryl smiled at him. "We sure do."

Knives rolled his eyes.

Meryl chuckled and glanced at the clock. "Ugh, time to get ready. You know, maybe I should forget the whole thing."

"That wouldn't be very nice!" Millie scolded. "I'm sure he's a wonderful person."

Meryl groaned. "I have to get a dress or something. I don't suppose they sell kimonos here?"

"Ki-what?" Millie cocked her head.

"Oh nevermind. Do you have a dress I can borrow?"

"They're too big for you!"

Meryl laughed, "Someone isn't thinking again today..."

Millie stood up happily. "Let's go shopping!"

"Shopping...?"

"Yeah, for your dress!"

Meryl sighed and stood up. "Nothing too fancy, alright?"

Millie nodded and led her outside. "Okay, there are about four clothing shops. There's one super fancy one, there's a huge casual one, there's a costume shop, and there's a weird antique place that sometimes sells the weirdest clothing imaginable."

Meryl thought for a bit. "The costume shop."

"Why there?"

"I dunno, maybe they have kimonos?"

"Well, okay."

The two girls walked casually through the city. As they entered the shop, Meryl figured that kimonos were too antiquated to be sold there. They headed out to the antique shop a block away.

As they entered the shop, Meryl noticed the extremely strange garments and pottery as Asian-oriented. There were these things called 'saris's, 'chi-pao's, and finally, some kimonos. There were only two, but Meryl was ecstatic. They had the same golden dragon patterned among red flowers on a navy fabric. The pattern was majestic and the garment was a soft silk. She instantly bought the smaller one and searched around the store for a fabric that could serve as an obi. After finding a pink one and paying for it, she left the store happily. "I cannot believe they had a kimono!" She breathed happily.

"So that's a kimono!" Millie laughed. "You've adopted quite a new style."

Meryl looked at the dress in her hands. "Yeah, I guess."

Millie looked at her watch. "Well, you have twenty minutes! We have to get you dressed and everything!"

"Millie, it's not that important, I mean, I don't even like the guy..."

"The least you could do is look good." She winked, "Vash is going."

Meryl blushed furiously. "What would he have to do with it!?"

Millie smiled, "Oh Meryl...Well, anyways, you need to take your hair out of that ponytail! How long is it now?"

"Half-way down my back I think."

Millie clasped her hands. "Wonderful! I think you should leave it down!"

"Hey, wait a minute, I NEVER leave my hair down!"

Millie pushed her playfully. "I'm sure you look very nice with it down."

"I don't want to look NICE!"

"Yes you do. And so does-"

"Don't even say it."

***

Meryl sighed as she looked at herself in the mirror. She never kept her hair down. Ugh, Millie was messing it all up! She turned quickly around to model the kimono. It was a bit too big, not that she was complaining; she had been lucky enough to find one in this hell of a planet.

Millie knocked on the door. "Time to go, Meryl!"

"Okay!" Meryl called and scrambled out of the bathroom. "Sorry," she muttered. "I just don't feel comfortable with my hair down. It's weird."

Millie smiled, "Oh, that's alright. It is my fault. Let's get going, shall we?"

Meryl nodded and walked next to Millie. Vash and Knives walked behind them; Knives looking tormented and Vash looking in awe at Meryl. Maybe it was the ki-whatever, but she looked so gorgeous. "Meryl?" he called quietly.

"Yes?" She answered without turning around.

"That dress looks kinda nice on you."

She blushed but was fortunately hidden by the dark of the night. "Thanks..." she muttered.

He laughed nervously as Knives elbowed him in the side. "What?" Vash whispered.

"You're such a wimp." Knives whispered back with a smirk.

As they entered the festival, Meryl found the employee anxiously awaiting her. "HEY!" He waved both his arms enthusiastically.

"Hey..." she mumbled as she approached him.

"Golly, you look nice!" The man beamed brightly.

Meryl sighed inwardly and glanced at his tuxedo. "You're not half bad yourself. So, what are we supposed to do at this festival?"

"Oh, you wouldn't believe it, there's this great show going on! You only missed the beginning. This man with the same robes that you wore this mornin' is sword-fightin' this other guy."

She froze. "W-what do these two men look like?"

He shook his head. "Oh, they were goin' too fast fer me ta' tell. But I think the one of em' had black hair; name was Kam- somethin' or another. Couldn't really hear... Hey, we're you going?" Meryl ran quickly towards the sounds of the clinking metal. She reached into her obi and unsheathed her sword.

A man knelt on the floor, breathing hard. "Meryl..." he muttered. "Why are you here? You need to...get away..."

She knelt beside him. "Master, what happened? Who's attacking you? Where are you hurt?" Her eyes became watered.

"Meryl, please, leave. I can handle him." He stood up.

"Who's him!? Master! Let me fight for you!" Meryl helped support him. Vash padded up to the two. "Hey, what's going on?" he breathed.

Meryl looked down. "Vash, please help my Master. I have to fight Kamui."



A/N: Had to get that out. Well, as of tomorrow, I'm off to a residential camp for three weeks. Obviously, don't expect any updates or responds to e-mails.



See ya space cowboy.