**Note from the Author** Alright, I've only gotten a couple more reviews but I am inclined to reply to them (especially one of them -.-). I must first tell you, my reviewers, that this is a fan fiction site- I keep the characters as much like themselves as I am able to do, I don't like changing an already created character (unless it is Knives, in this case, because it's the whole point of the story). My characters are my own- In any case, I don't want to give anything away, but I'll have to say- if you have a problem with new characters added into a storyline, please don't continue reading, and if you choose to continue reading, don't be surprised to see new additions…

Jaina- Yeah I got that . All the Gung-ho Guns died, it just seemed like someone was still alive only because I didn't remember. No excuse for me, I could've watched the episode- though I could've sworn Monev lived…if he was a Gung-ho Gun at all, that is. I agree though, what you said does make sense, as it goes with the theory…

AnonymousTrigunOtaku- *sighs heavily* Well I've already answered the part about the Gung-ho Guns.  I suppose I can write in a part somewhere about how Midvalley comes back or is revived, but I'll probably wait til later to get to that. As for writing out Artemis, that's a no go, sorry.  I mean, Gemini is a new person as well so I don't see what the problem is with Artemis being in it.  I don't add new characters to a story unless I have a legit reason, and trust me, I do have a reason that has to deal with the entire outcome of the story. Besides, there's no way in hell that Artemis would let me write her out anyway. I suppose it's only fair though, to warn you that the woman named Lily that Artemis met when she was younger is going to make an appearance as well. I suggest that if you're upset that I refuse to take these characters out, that you no longer read the story. Otherwise, be patient and you'll see my intentions.

Thai Matrix- Ha-ha…thanks, I don't plan on changing my story, as you can see…

Irin- Err, yeah, you're right. They ARE part of the scheme I'm cooking up for the story…

*Artemis comes storming in, bow and arrow in hand, arching an eyebrow* "Who wants me to be written out? I refuse! I absolutely refuse to be written out you can't make me leave, I won't go!! Besides," *tosses hair over shoulder*, "I'm an important character. Sheesh…can't people let fan fiction authors display their ideas? I mean, isn't that what fan fictions­ are for?!"

Disclaimers: Normal disclaimers apply- I don't own anyone from Trigun nor am I affiliated in any way.  Artemis, Lily, and Gemini Mimic are owned by me (with the exception of Lily who is co-owned, and then again, more likely not to be owned by anyone should she have her way…), as are any other characters added to the plot line who are not originally in the series…

~Under the Sky so Blue: Aftermath~

Part Ten

            The man in black continued up the small ascent toward Demetri with one hand stuffed in a pocket as the other placed a crooked cigarette between his lips, then lit it. He inhaled deeply as his blue eyes searched what buildings loomed ahead- there were some people wandering about outside from what he could tell.  It was evening already, so he imagined that most of those still out and about were heading toward the saloon.

            "Ah, what I'd give for a drink right now," he murmured to himself as his steps took him over the boundaries and into the town.

            He stopped a few feet into the town, puffing on his cigarette, relishing it as though he hadn't had one in a long while. Actually, come to think of it, he hadn't had one in a long while. His eyes shut for a brief time until a slight breeze and the feeling of someone passing him overcame his form.

            Eyes snapping open, he saw a tall figure pass him which was incredibly familiar. It was dressed in a long, flowing red trench coat, big boots, and had spiky blond hair. He chuckled and crossed his arms.

            "Well if it isn't Vash the Stampede- the world's favorite needle-noggined ace gunman!"

            The figure stopped in its tracks, hands clenching into fists, just as the man expected.  What he did not expect was for the person to turn around and slap him hard in the face, leaving a glowering red hand mark on his cheek.

            "Ouch! What the hell was that for needle-nog…oh." His eyes grew wide as he suddenly realized his mistake.

            The person looming over him was not Vash the Stampede, but rather a young woman who simply resembled Vash from behind.

            "In case you haven't noticed, I'm not Vash the Stampede, because last time I checked he wasn't a woman, needle-noggin!" she shouted, lilac eyes glaring at him accusingly.

            The man put a hand on his cheek where he'd been slapped, "Gee I'm sorry lady, you just looked like someone-"

            "Save it, I've heard it before," she muttered, turning around for the saloon. She needed a drink.

            Rubbing the sore spot on his cheek, he paused before noticing his cigarette had fallen to the ground.

            "Shit…" he muttered, reaching into a hidden breast pocket for another. He lit it and as he was placing it between his lips, a sharp impact from behind caused him to drop it. His eyes rounded and he let out an exasperated yell. "Can't I get a break?!"

            Whipping around, the man in black saw who it was who'd bumped into him. Another young woman, dressed in a blue top that was somewhat revealing, a pair of black pants, tan shoes, and carried a quiver on her back along with a duffel bad and a metal bow. She blushed, her lightly freckled face soon to rival the shade of her red hair.

            "Sorry mister, I wasn't paying attention- but you don't have to yell, it was just an accident!"

            His expression softened a little- there was something familiar about her that he couldn't place. He moved his hand from the hand print on his cheek and rubbed the back of his neck.

            "It's alright, hey, don't sweat it."

            She arched an eyebrow, "What happened to your face?"

            "I was attacked by some lunatic woman- I mistook her for a certain gunman and she went bonkers on me. She went into the saloon so if you're heading that way I'd advise you to steer clear."

            The red-haired woman oddly enough took on a grin from ear to ear, eyes widening. Without another word she continued walking past the man and toward the saloon with eager footsteps.  Snorting, he bent down to retrieve the dropped cigarette and finally managed to light it, inhaling deeply, scanning the dusty sand packed roads.

            'Has everyone here gone loony?' he asked silently, adjusting the cuffs of his black button up jacket. His blue gaze flickered down to the metal links on them, fingers running over the white-silver crosses on his sleeves. With a smirk he decided to try and brave the saloon after all.  So that woman wasn't Vash- it didn't matter- he knew somehow that the simpering, whimpering, big blond baby was here.  And where there was a bar with liquor, there would be Vash attempting to hold as much as he could.

            Nodding affirmatively to no one in particular, the black haired man resumed his long strides, hands in his pockets, speaking around his lit cigarette.

            "This is gonna be interesting…"