A/N: So, I'm sitting here listening to the song Clocks and typing up this new chapter for my peoples. ^_^ Sorry it took so long to get this chapter out, I've had serious case of the dreaded writer's block (insert scary music here). BUT, after about a dozen revisions, I've finally finished chapter 3. So, enjoy.
Disclaimer: If I owned it, I wouldn't write disclaimers.
Rem eyed the small pile of presents across from her with interest, noting that Millie's was set aside for last. She sighed, downcast that she would have to open the brightly wrapped present last, as it was the one she was most curious about. When Millie had handed it to her that morning, still holding a box of donuts and yelling at her son for nearly tripping her, Rem had asked what it was. The older woman had simply smiled and winked, assuring her that it was something she would like and that she would have to wait to find out what it was.
"So, the bounty hunter yells something like, 'Viva el gato!' and jumps!" Vash shook his head as everyone chuckled over the story and shook his head. "You know," he added thoughtfully, "I'm supposed to be the crazed killer, but look at the loons who used to try and find me! Including those damned insurance women!"
Meryl punched him lightly in the shoulder. "Watch it, broom head." Rem laughed as her father began to rant about his abusive wife and how this was how it had always been.
The party itself was nice. The only 'guests' who had come to her party were Nick and Millie, thought they were more like family to her. The decorations were minimal, a few red and white streamers hanging from the lower branches of the trees and party hats that she had specifically told her parents not to buy. So, Nick had brought the hats as a joke.
The food was delicious, as Millie and Meryl had cooked it all that morning while Nick and Rem played chess and Vash rooted them both on in turns. Some of her favorite dishes now sat before her, including various salads, pizza, and, of course, donuts.
Although she was happy to be surrounded by the people that she loved telling jokes and eating birthday cake, something had been nagging at the back of her mind all day. It was as if an electric current was running through her, sending shivers down her spine. Every once in a while, she could swear she could see something out of the corner of her mind, but when she turned to look at it, there was nothing. Although she couldn't explain why, she had the distinct feeling that something was about to happen, something had changed since she woke that morning and she couldn't figure out what.
"Presents!" Vash yelled, holding up a small package and handing it to Rem ceremoniously. She laughed and took it, only taking a moment to note that it was from her parents before ripping off the childish paper.
It was a small, leather bound journal, something that she desperately needed as her old journal was quickly running out of pages. "Thank you!" she said, smiling brightly and setting the book down near her to make room for the next box her father was holding out.
As well as the journal, her parents gave her a new pair of working gloves that matched her boots. They had snazzy buckles and clasps to keep them secure and reached almost an inch under her elbows. They faintly reminded her of the gloves her father had worn before he settled. The last gift they gave her was a couple new undershirts, both white and sleeveless for wearing whenever.
Finally, the gift from Milly was handed down to her. As ir sat in front of her on the slightly rumpled white tablecloth, she admired the paper Milly had picked out. It was a deep blood red with a white bow. 'Gee,' she thought as she ripped into the box, destroying the paper, 'I wonder if Milly knows those are my favorite colors?' The question was answered as she gasped and held up her present.
It was a tunic, was suited for traveling and working, with a high collar and slits up either side of the bottom to allow for a wider range of movement. It was made of some sort of bright red material, both lightweight and strong. It was bordered with white material of the same make, adding life to it. For decoration, the collar split and dipped down, creating an interesting pattern of white loops. Across the gap where the collar was split was a single gold clasp to keep it closed.
"Oh, Milly," Rem gasped, marveling at the clothing's colors and design, "it's beautiful. Did you make it?"
Milly nodded, clearly pleased at Rem's reaction. "Nick told me your favorite colors were red and white."
"Oh," Rem jumped up and hugged the older woman that was like a second mother to her, "thank you so much!"
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"All right, you two, be careful!" Vash called out as Nick waved and shut the door behind them. He had told Rem that they were going out for a post-birthday celebration of sorts, but wouldn't tell her exactly where they were going.
"Man!" he chuckled and handed her a helmet, as they were going to ride his bike to town, "I was sure your dad wasn't going to let you go!"
Rem snorted in a very unladylike way. "Yeah right. You could tell him that we're going off to have hot wild sex and he would only say, 'Have a good time!'"
Nick laughed. She failed to notice the glint in his eyes as he swung a leg over the bike and motioned for her to get on. "I'm sure he would," he agreed sarcastically as she climbed on behind him, wrapping her arms around his lithe form.
"Where are we going?" she asked as the motorcycle roared to life.
"You'll see," he answered mysteriously, winking at her over his shoulder. She just sighed and rolled her eyes.
As they sped down the small path that led from her house out into the dessert night she closed her eyes and rested her head against his back. She could instantly feel him tense up beneath her, his muscles taunt under his black coat. Rem felt as if she was flying through the night as her long hair whipped about her face and fluttered in the wind. For the first time in what seemed like forever, she felt as if everything was right in the world. All that existed was her, Nick, and the night sky as they raced across the sand.
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The city of Daegon was a fairly large one, a few miles from the geo-grove. She remembered the days when it was little more than a small town, but it quickly grew because Daegon had the one thing that was necessary for any large population; a plant. If it wasn't for the plant, the city would still be little more than a small dot on the horizon to most travelers.
"So, what are we doing here?" Rem asked as they pulled into a parking spot directly in front of a Saloon. She had her suspicions, but she wouldn't fear the worst until Nick told her it was true.
"We're here to celebrate your birthday!" he grinned down at her as he dismounted the bike. "Come on! You're such a sober woman! Lighten up!"
She sighed and rubbed her temples, knowing that he meant well. It was true that she didn't drink much, though her parents rarely cared if she had a little whiskey of wine. Her father cared less than her mother. Unfortunately, like her father, she had a very low tolerance for alcohol, but unlike him, she didn't drink herself silly. "Nick, you know I can't handle that much."
"That's the beauty of it," he told her, opening the swinging doors for her and grabbing her hand, "I'm driving home, so you can drink all you like!"
Rem steeled herself and finally gave in, telling herself that she would NOT drink herself stupid, even if Nick teased her endlessly for it.
The bar was quite crowded, though this was to be expected in a town the size of Daegon on a Friday night. The air was heavily with smoke and she chocked a little as the entered the room. The sound of the people was deafening, nearly drowning out the sound of the live music on a small stage in the front of the poorly lit room. There were very few women in the place, especially those who weren't "working", so Rem felt a little discontented walking in.
As they made their way toward a small empty table toward the front, a few men stared openly. Not many dared to do so for long, though, before the dark-haired youth walking behind her and coaxing her forward shot them a look that promised a slow death to any who took a second look at the young woman. Rem was too oblivious to even realize the hassle her friend was saving her from as she sat down in one of the wooden chairs at the table. Nick sat down across from her and smiled at her in such a way she almost feared for her sobriety.
"Don't try to get me stupid-ass drunk," she told him squarely, trying to give him her most intimidating glare, "I'm not my father!"
Something crossed through his eyes for a moment, an emotion she couldn't capture and barely noticed before it was gone. He smiled innocently. "Would I do that?"
She snorted for a second time that night and sat back in her chair, trying not to wonder about the people who had sat there before her.
Soon, a bosomed young waitress made her way over to the two, smiling cattily ad swinging her hips in such a way that Rem wondered if they were even attached to the rest of her body. "What can I get you?" the woman asked the two, though her attention was mostly focused on Nick.
"I'd like a whiskey," Nick said almost automatically, then, "and one for her too."
"I can order for myself!" Rem shot back, sending him a death glare.
He laughed. "Don't think that I'm just going to let you stop at one drink!" The waitress nodded before Rem could tell her to forget the whiskey and made her way off to another table.
"Don't worry so much!" Nick told her, obviously seeing the sort of seething look she was shooting him, "I already to her you can get all crazy drunk and it'll be fine!"
"I don't want to get crazy drunk!" she shot back, "I don't want to get drunk at all!"
"Loosen up, Saverem!" Nick told her and laughed.
She was a bout to punch him right in the face when a very drunk, very slurred voice called across the room, "Wolfwood! You dog!" A man stumbled over to the table, followed by two of his less drunk companions, still carrying a mug of beer.
"Hey, Gary," Nick answered, though none too enthusiastically. It was apparent to Rem that this Gary fellow wasn't one of Nick's favorite people to be around, though Gary was obviously either too drunk of too stupid to know this, as were his friends, as they all pulled up a chair, forcing her to sit as close to Nick as possible.
"Who's this sweetie?" Gary question, casting a glance at Rem that said more about his intentions toward her then Rem wanted to know.
Nick bristled, though Rem didn't understand why. 'Why should he care that some drunkard wants me?' she thought. Suddenly, she remembered his kiss from a few days before, almost feeling phantom lips brush against her own. "Her name is Rem Saverem," Nick answered curtly, giving as little information as possible about her.
"Girlfriend?" Gary arched his eyebrows at her, trying to act suave. Nick seemed to consider his answer and the effect it would have on the whole table, all who obviously wanted to know whether or not this girl belonged to their friend.
"Something like that," Nick responded, trying to sound disinterested with the whole conversation.
"What do you mean?" one of Gary's friends asked. Rem was beginning to wonder the same thing. He was being completely ambiguous, as if he didn't want to answer the question at all.
Before Nick could answer and inevitably say something stupid, Rem interrupted him. "We've been good friends all our lives," she smiled and grabbed his hand, "sometimes I like to think it borders on something more than friendship." She mentally swore at herself for being so honest, though she couldn't be sure if Nick knew that what she said was true.
Before the matter could be discussed anymore, though, the waitress returned, swaying her hips, with their drinks. She nearly threw Rem's in her face, but smiled flirtatiously at Nick as she handed him his. Rem glowered at the blonde woman, not understanding why she felt so jealous by the looks she kept sending her tall friend.
"Ah!" Gary said, grabbing the waitresses arm, "I want you to keep this table filled with beer, got it?" Turning to the Rem and Nick he added, "It's on me."
It was only a matter of time before the room seemed a little blurry to Rem as she downed another mug of beer to the heartening cheers of the men around the table. She felt her mind swim as she sat back in her chair and laughed. Nick watched her through partially closed eyes, a piquant smile across his features as he leaned toward her. "I think you're a bit drunk, my dear."
She hiccupped and giggled, closing the distance between them until they were only millimeters apart. "Do you think so?" she asked coquettishly, "Good thing you're driving."
They had almost forgotten that Gary and his friends were still sitting around until Gary interrupted their moment, his voice slurred by alcohol. "Guys," he whispered, though he was still speaking rather loudly to be heard over the racket in the small room, "I had a great idea! Why don't we go down to the plant? Check it out, you know?"
"Are you crazy?" Nick asked, speaking a bit loudly and sounding incredulous, "There's guards at the plant, you idiot!"
Gary grinned slyly, giving him a rather evil look, and leaned forward. "I don't mean that plant."
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The abandoned plant was only a few miles from Daegon, a dead shell of a building that lay nearly covered by sand on its right side. No one knew why the plant didn't work, though most believed it was because something had malfunctioned long before Daegon had become an industrial city. Children would whisper to one another that it was haunted and every once in a while, someone would venture out to the old decrepit thing to see if it was true.
The door creaked as Gary pushed it open with his right hand and shined a flashlight into the gloom with his left. There was nothing but old computer consoles that had long ago stopped working and sand that had somehow managed to seep into the vacated place. Rem felt a sense of foreboding sweep over her as they made their way into the gloom, each taking carful steps as to not slip into the darkness that surrounded them so thoroughly.
Suddenly, she heard it; a voice filtering through the piles of sand and dirt, calling out to her. When she looked around to see if anyone else had heard it, she was surprised to see that none of them gave any indication of hearing disembodied voices floating through the air. She heard it again, only rather than specific words or a voice, it now came to her as a feeling. Desolation, sadness, despair overwhelmed her senses as it called.
"Let's go this way," Rem said, pointing down into the darkness where she felt the presence. Though she knew that she should have been frightened of things calling out to her in the dark, she somehow felt a connection, as if the thing was a sibling. She felt it's both its pain at being alone for so long as well as its joy that its sister was near, but didn't understand the meanings.
Their footsteps echoed off the smooth metal around them, making the effect of the place even worse. "Hey there's an opening up here!" Gary said from the front of the small group, still brandishing the flashlight as if it was a weapon.
Rem felt something warm brush against her hand. At first she couldn't identify the cool calloused fingers pressing against her own, but then she heard his voice only inches away from her ear. "Stay close," Nick whispered, still holding her hand as he led her down the corridor and into a large room.
Rem gasped when she first saw the light glint against the dome, not really understanding what it was but knowing it was important. She felt as if it was a calling out to her. Without thinking she let of Nick's hand, not even hearing him call out to her in the darkness. She laid her hand against the cool glass of the sphere. A shock ran through her whole arm as she felt something stir both inside the glass and inside of her. One moment, she was simply Rem Saverem, a normal girl exploring an abandoned plant with a group of friends, the next she was something more.
She felt an awareness slip into her mind as an electric power washed through her. She shuddered and fell to the ground, breaking contact with the glass. As quick as it had come, the feeling of another mind in her own left her as she choked against a cry that threatened to overwhelm her. 'What's happening?!' her mind screamed at her, though she had no answers for it.
Lost in her own mind, she didn't see Gary approaching her, the flashlight turned off and his form barely recognizable in the dim light of the moon that shown in through a hole in the roof. She didn't realize what he was doing until his hand wrapped around her neck, like a snake about its prey, and pulled her to her feet. His mouth pressed against hers, hard, and shocked her back into reality. 'What is he doing?!' she thought, trying to force him off of her, but soon realizing that she couldn't, as he had his whole body flushed against her own. He covered her mouth with one hand and began to explore her body with the other. She struggled even harder before she felt a second pair of hands grab her and keep her pinned against the glass behind her.
'Nick!' her mind screamed, 'Where's Nick?! Why isn't he helping me?!' For the first time since she had known him, Nick wasn't there to save her. Her mind swam wildly as she tried to struggle against her attackers. She felt Gary's hand slip down between her legs, searching for something that would never belong to him.
Something snapped in her. She didn't know what was happening, even afterwards she could never really explain what happened. There was a flash of light as the plant behind her roared to life and a silent screaming in her mind as Gary dropped to the ground, a trail of blood seeping from his mouth. His friend backed away from her, his eyes wide with fear as he looked upon the woman in front of him.
Rem's eyes glowed with some unexplainable light, a bright blue that filled her sight. She couldn't see the man laying dead before her, blood pooling about his head, or his friends who were evacuating the room, their eyes wide with fear. She couldn't see Nick as he ran toward her, his eye already swelling shut and a bruise forming across his cheek.
All she could see was an angel.
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A/N: I wasn't going to make this a cliffhanger, but this seemed like a good place to end the chapter. *dodges random flying objects* I'M SORRY! As a consolation, I will work extra hard to get the next chapter out ASAP! To prompt me to do so you might review. *wink wink, hint hint* So, until next chapter! *falls over, hit by a black cat*
*in the line "Viva el gato", gato is Spanish for 'cat'. I thought that was more fitting for the Trigun universe than 'presidente'.
*As a side note: THE TRIGUN MANGA IS COMING OUT NOV. 5!!!! *does a little happy dance* If you want more info, go to darkhorse comics. ^_^
