Truth in a Lie
By Naito Tenshi
Author's Notes:
Complete random spur-of-the-moment thing. I don't know where it came from. I don't know where it's going. It doesn't have a plot, a meaning, or anything deep going on. With that said, enjoy if you can.
This story doesn't fit in with the timeline of the anime or the manga at all. Um. Sorry? Aheh, guess I've been doing too much roleplay lately.
Oh, and one last thing; Gomen nasai, minna-san. I do not do first person. ^^;
The crunch that my boots make as they meet the sand is the only sound that reaches my ears. It's the middle of the day, almost exact, and the suns are at their mutual zenith; the first a little past its pinnacle, and the second nearing its own. The heat, to most, is unbearable, but I guess after wandering the desert for so many years, you can't help but get used to it. A thin sweat does line my face, but it's cool and the rare breezes add a slight chill to it, making it something of a relief.
Shapes begin to come into focus on the horizon, and by squinting my eyes, I can just make out that it's a town. I let a little sigh out; though the heat isn't too horrible, I could definitely go for a drink… or two. Hell, maybe even ten - all of the alcoholic variety, naturally.
I can definitely feel my mouth watering at the prospect - and ever-so-rudely, my salivation-inducing thoughts are interrupted by a fast-approaching sound. As I turn to investigate this distraction further, I'm greeted with a new sound; the squealing of brakes and slight crunch of sand as the source of this sound begins its stopping process coming straight at me and hooks around to complete it at my side. Of course, this sound comes along with a face full of sand.
"Hey there, Tongari," a familiar voice addresses me.
Once I'm through coughing and choking on the sand, I open an eye only to meet the sight of one Nicholas D. Wolfwood, seated atop his motorcycle.
"Is that how you always greet people?" I ask as I brush the sand off of my coat, not bothering to hide the slight annoyance in my voice.
"Nope, just you," he responds, grinning in the way he only does when I know he's trying to irritate me.
"Gee, lucky me," I mutter flatly, "So what brings my favorite priest all the way out here?"
"I didn't know I was your favorite priest," he replies, his tone more than a slight mockery of being touched.
"Well, I don't know any others," I shrug with a little smirk. Damn it, it's my turn to be annoying.
"I'm touched, outlaw, really I am," he sounds irritated… score one for me.
"You should be!" is my cheery reply, "But you never did answer my question. What brings you out here?"
It really is rather odd to run into the same person as many times as I keep meeting up with Wolfwood. I've met people once on this planet and never seen them again, but he just keeps showing up. It's not that his presence bothers or unsettles me or anything like that; it's just that it's a little unusual. Kind of makes someone wonder if there's not a reason after the first few times.
"Ah, nothing in particular," he says dismissively, "Just wandering and ending up where I will… as far as my girl will take me."
I raise an eyebrow, "Your girl?"
"Angelina," he grins, nodding his head down towards his bike.
"I see. So your bike has a name…" I didn't say that like I thought Wolfwood should be institutionalized. Really I didn't.
Okay, maybe just a little.
"Yes, she has a name," He really doesn't sound amused this time… "And she and I were going to offer you a ride to the next town," he jerks his head towards the horizon, "But you know, I think you've hurt her feelings. So, I'll see you when you get there!"
"Hey! Wait a minute!!" I screech as 'Angelina' roars and begins to speed away.
"I'll save you a stool at the bar, Mr. Vash the Stampede!" Wolfwood shouts over his shoulder.
…stupid priest.