Disclaimer: Trigun and it's characters are not mine. I'm just playing with
them for awhile.
"Where are we?" Meryl asked as they strolled through the center of the town. "This place looks familiar..."
"October Town," Vash replied and then stopped at the look on her face. "What?"
"In the car- I was so distracted, I didn't realize..." Meryl looked around and smiled. "That's why it's familiar- little things have changed since I've been gone..."
"Since you've been gone?"
"This is my hometown, Vash. This is where I grew up." Ah hah, Vash thought. Here's a chance to learn more about Meryl without asking direct questions.
"Oh. Is there... someplace you want to visit?"
"Yes, if you don't mind?" Vash shook his head.
"As long as you don't mind me going with you." He followed Meryl down several side streets. A tiny little house sat wedged between two larger ones. Meryl walked up the steps and knocked cautiously on the door. A tiny wizened little woman opened it.
"Why Meryl!" The older woman hugged the younger. "It's been ages since we've seen you darlin'!"
"I know Grandma, I'm sorry."
"Nothin to be sorry about angel. Birds have to try their wings, and you've been so good about writin." The little woman looked at Vash. "And who is this, dear?"
"This is a friend of mine, Vash. I know I've written about him."
"So this is Vash!" The little woman shook his hand warmly. "Well, it's nice to meet you!" She looked at Meryl sorrowfully. "I can't put you up, dear- we've got a full house right now."
"I know that Grandma. We're staying at the hotel with Millie and another friend of ours. We're heading to LR city."
"Bless you child. Let me feed you at least! Go run up and say hello to the rest of the family, okay?"
"We will." Meryl turned to Vash and beckoned him to the staircase. "My grandpa can't leave his room anymore these days without my brother's help," she explained as she walked up the stairs. "So, my brother and his wife and kids live here too, making the house is a bit full." She opened the first door at the top of the stairs and was immediately attacked by two small blond whirlwinds.
"AUNTIE MERYL!! AUNTIE MERYL!!"
"Children! Let your aunt breathe!" A petite blond woman rose up from her chair where she had been knitting and hugged Meryl. "It's good to see you, Meryl. Are you here long?"
"You too Anne. Just for tonight. Is Sam here?"
"He's working late at the saloon. He'll be mad you missed him."
"Maybe I'll drop by." Meryl introduced Vash as she hugged her niece and nephew.
"You two have grown so much!"
"You always say that Auntie Meryl," the boy grinned at her.
"Well, it's the truth, Jack. You'll be taller than me soon."
"How about me, Auntie Meryl?"
"You too, Sarah." Meryl patted the top of her head.
"Why don't you children go help Grandma with dinner?" Anne shooed them out of the room.
"How's Grandpa doing, Anne?"
"Better, at the moment. He's resting right now. Your father is watching him." Anne's smile was faintly quirked.
"That's good," Meryl's voice held a hint of hopefulness. "So Dad's..?"
"Up and moving around. Even swore at Grandma yesterday, just like he used to." Anne shrugged. "It's been 6 months since the accident. Give him time Meryl."
"I know... it's just..."
"There was nothing you could do. You've been so good about helping out, sending all those cheerful letters and packages. They've helped, really." Anne hugged her again. "You know he told you not to come back, to go on with your life."
"I know it." Accident? Meryl hadn't mentioned anything, but she wouldn't have, Vash mused. Curioser and curioser. Something was definitely going on here. Something that might give him more insight into Meryl.
"Go in and see them." Anne turned her towards the door and gave Vash a cheerful smile. "Introduce this handsome young man to them. That will definitely make them happy." Meryl groaned.
"Should I let you do this alone, Meryl?" Vash asked her softly in the hallway. After all, he could always listen at the door.
"No. I'm glad you're here. I'm sorry, this must seem really odd."
"I guess... but it is your family, so..." Vash was rewarded with the return of her smile.
"Thanks a lot." Meryl opened another door. Inside an old man was lying in bed reading aloud. His audience was a man seated in the window, a swath of bandages around his eyes.
"Hey, Grandpa, Daddy." The old man looked up.
"Meryl! What are you doing here?"
"Passing through on business," she replied, voice cheerful. "This is my friend, Vash." She hugged the old man and then made her way over to her father. Vash shook hands with the old man.
"Pleased to meet you, sir."
"Well, well a friend of Meryl's, are you? Good to meet you!" Meryl's grandfather spoke warmly. Meryl's father hugged her.
"Are you really here on business, Meryl?"
"She really is," Vash replied. "She didn't even realize we were in her hometown until we went out looking for dinner."
"I was tired-" Meryl protested and her father laughed.
"That sounds like Meryl." He hugged her again. "I wish I could see you honey. How is she looking, Dad?" The old man on the bed chuckled.
"She's looking well enough." He smiled at Vash. "I'm sure my wife told you that we don't have the room..."
"She did. We're already checked into the hotel," Vash replied warmly.
"Oh!" Meryl looked at him. "Millie and Wolfwood! I forgot..."
"Don't worry," Vash grinned at her. "I doubt they've even noticed we're gone. I could tell that they were dying to be alone together all day. Couldn't you?"
"Yes, that's true..." Meryl smiled. "I doubt they'll even miss dinner."
"Wolfwood?" Her father asked. "Isn't that the preacher you said Miss Millie had fallen in love with? Didn't he die?" Meryl smiled and began to explain, with Vash helping. In the middle of the explanation, they got called down to dinner. Vash carried Meryl's Grandfather downstairs easily. Meryl's family was warm and friendly, adjusting easily to Vash and making him feel welcome, just as Millie's had. But Meryl's family was not like Millie's family. They obviously loved each other, but there were hints of things not spoken, secrets hidden beneath the surface. Underneath their happiness at being together was an undercurrent of sadness, of strength in adversity, of toughness. Like Meryl herself. He watched her across the table as she talked, her big violet eyes sparkling. She was beautiful here, surrounded by those she loved, happy in a way he'd never seen her. He regretted it when Anne looked at the clock and said she had to get the children to bed.
"Let Vash take me up and then you two should get back to the hotel." Her grandfather directed. Vash carried the old man easily up the stairs and into his room.
"Is this okay?"
"It's fine, thank you very much." Meryl's grandfather looked at Vash. "You love my granddaughter, don't you?"
"Yes," Vash replied, startled into honesty.
"I could tell by the way you watched her at dinner. I used to watch her grandmother like that. I'm glad you love her- you seem like a decent man." Meryl's grandfather's voice grew husky. "Take care of her. She's a lot like her mother- and I... I don't want to lose another one."
"What- what do you mean, sir?"
"Has Meryl told you how her mother died?"
"No sir."
"Well, it was recent- about 6 months ago. She'll tell you in her own time... She's waiting for you, son. You'd better go."
"Good night sir." Vash went downstairs, his emotions confused and tangled.
Meryl waved to her family one more time, her other hand holding a basket of food for Wolfwood and Millie.
"It's 8:30," Vash looked at his watch. "We left the hotel at 5:30ish... think they've noticed we haven't come back yet?"
"Maybe," Meryl grinned at him.
"Do you want to stop in and see your brother?"
"Just for a brief second," Meryl told him. "The saloon is probably busy this time of night. It's on the way back though."
The saloon was busy. Meryl simply pushed her way through, ignoring the comments and insults sent her way. Vash followed her like a barge in the wake of a small tugboat.
"MERRIE!" the bartender tossed his rag down and leaped over the bar, sweeping Meryl up in a hug. He was as huge as Meryl was petite. He was at least a few inches taller than Vash and built like a rock wall. He had dark hair and big violet eyes, just like Meryl did. "Did you see the folks?"
"Of course. Your kids are getting big!"
"Obviously! They take after me!" Her brother hugged her again and set her down. He turned a cool eye on Vash. "And who is this, little sister?"
"One of my business associates," Meryl replied, knowing that saying Vash's name in here would be like waving a red flag in front of a bull. "We're just passing through on our way to LR City."
"Stop in on the way back," Sam replied, as the customers at the bar started hollering for him. "I'm coming... I'm coming! Can't a guy say hi to his sister?!"
"So, that was my family," Meryl said as they left the bar and headed back to the hotel.
"I liked them," Vash told her honestly. She smiled back.
"Even my brother? He was a bit rude."
"Nah, just protective. Besides, don't you realize what ammunition he gave me, 'Merrie'?" Meryl groaned.
Meryl looked at her door with a faint smile.
"What is it?" Vash asked her softly.
"No lights underneath and the door's locked."
"They must've gone out to eat. Don't you have a key?"
"No," Meryl sighed. "I left it with Millie." She handed him the basket of food.
"What are you going to do?"
"Sleep in the car. If they get back have Millie come get me."
"Don't be silly." Vash opened his door. "You can sleep on Wolfwood's bed, or we have a perfectly nice couch if you're worried he's contaminated the bed." That made Meryl giggle.
"Thanks," Meryl grabbed a blanket from Wolfwood's bed. "I'll take the couch. Just in case he comes back and... well, I don't want to be on the receiving end of Millie's stungun."
"Who would?" Vash tossed her a shirt. "Here, you can sleep in this, and I'll even let you have the bathroom first."
"Thank you." Meryl disappeared towards the bathroom.
Vash woke up in the middle of the night. He opened his eyes and looked towards Wolfwood's bed. Empty. The door was closed, the basket of food still on the table. The sound came again, a soft choked noise. He swung his head around. Meryl had been asleep when he got out of the shower, a tiny compact bundle curled under the blanket on the couch. Now she was sitting up, leaning against the cushions, crying softly into her hands.
Meryl felt an arm slide around her shoulders and she leaned against him automatically.
"What's wrong?" His voice was warm, concerned.
"I'm sorry, Vash, I didn't mean to wake you..." Meryl wiped her tears with a corner of the blanket.
"It's all right. Can you tell me?"
"It's just... it was the first time I've gone home and Mother wasn't there to greet me. And Daddy with those bandages..." She let out a soft sob.
"It must have been hard."
"Daddy won't ever be able to see again. It will be harder for him. At least... at least most of the burns are gone...."
"What happened to him?" Meryl looked up at Vash.
"My mother... she... He hurt his eyes in the fire that killed my mother." Meryl looked away. She drew in several deep breaths and Vash knew that she wasn't telling him everything.
"It must've been a bad fire."
"It was...she... she set it." Vash's arm tightened around her shoulders.
"Why? How?"
"Dad said he woke up and she was gone...so he went looking for her...she was outside...she had drenched herself with oil... and ..she lit it... He tried to stop her... she flung her arm out...it caught him across the face...." Tears streaked down her cheeks.
"I'm sure she didn't mean to hurt him..."
"Yes she did." Meryl looked up into Vash's eyes. "She did mean to, that's just it." She frowned. "My father thought they had come to an understanding. He... he was in love with someone else. He and his lover didn't want to break up their families, so they just..." Meryl bit her lip. "He thought my mother was fine with it. She didn't seem upset or angry, she just accepted it... But that wasn't it. She just couldn't talk about it- she was afraid of telling him that she loved him. Afraid he would truly leave her... so she said nothing. She just suffered."
"And then, she just couldn't take it anymore?" Vash asked softly.
"I guess not. Her note said that she felt like she was blazing with anger, hate and jealousy. She was worried that she was going to kill my father... so she killed herself instead..." Meryl covered her face with her hands. "If I had only been there- if I had just known!"
"Did your grandparents know about your father's lover?" Meryl shook her head.
"No one knew."
"So if you had been there, how would it have been different?"
"I might've noticed something! I might've been able to do something for her!"
"Or you might not have. Your mother made her own choice. She did what she felt was right."
"I'm surprised," Meryl looked at him. "I know you disapprove of suicide more than anything."
"I do. Taking a life is never right. But maybe she saw it as a sacrifice. She must've loved him very much." Vash hoped he had said the right thing.
"She did." Meryl wiped her face on the blanket again. "Thank you for listening, Vash. I'm sorry I woke you."
"Anytime," he leaned his head against hers for a minute, arm tightening in a hug. "I'm always here for you."
"I know. Thank you." She smiled up at him, but her smile lacked something and now Vash realized how Wolfwood could tell when Vash used his false smile so easily. "I'm fine now Vash. We should get back to sleep. Did Wolfwood come back?"
"No. Bet we see him in the morning." Vash gave her shoulders another faint squeeze and stood up. "Good night."
"Good night, Vash. Thank you." Meryl lay back down on the couch and closed her eyes. Vash went back to bed and spent some time staring at the ceiling, his thoughts troubled.
Someone was banging on the door. Wolfwood stumbled out of bed, grabbed some clothes and opened the door. A huge oxlike man glared at him.
"You aren't my sister."
"For which I am profoundly grateful. You must have the wrong room." The man looked at the number next to the door and frowned.
"The front desk told me that my sister Meryl was in this room. Is she?" Meryl? Wolfwood looked at the ox again, noting the hair and eye colors, as well as the fierce tilt to the chin. Shit. Should he admit to knowing Meryl or not?
"You must be Sam," Millie had come to stand behind Wolfwood, her smile cheerful as she finished tying her robe.
"Yes, but who are you?"
"Millie. Millie Thompson. I used to work with Meryl? This is Nicholas D. Wolfwood." So much for trying to claim they didn't know Meryl. Sam looked at them suspiciously.
"Meryl might've mentioned you. Where is she?"
"I really don't know." Millie's smile remained cheerful even as Sam glared at her. "She went out with Mr. Vash and never came back." At this moment, the door behind Sam opened and Vash stepped into the hallway. Wolfwood cursed his timing. "Good morning, Mr. Vash. This is Meryl's brother Sam. He's looking for Meryl; have you seen her?" Millie's eyes widened as Sam picked Vash up in one fist.
"Where is my sister?" Vash didn't reply as he thought the phrase 'in my room' might not be the best response.
"Uh...well..." Nope, 'getting dressed' was worse. Maybe he could fake amnesia?
"Answer me."
"Well, I can see where Meryl gets her charming personality," Wolfwood commented as he leaned against the doorframe. "Though she tends to hit, not choke."
"Let's not give him any ideas, Wolfwood," Vash hissed.
"I'm waiting!" Sam lifted Vash a bit higher.
"Sam!" Meryl's voice cut through the air. "Put him down! What are you doing?"
"I could ask you the same thing, little sister!" Sam turned to glare at Meryl. "I come up here and this... half dressed man answers the door of the room you are supposed to be in! Then he claims that you never came back last night...."
"Actually I said that," Millie interjected.
"Then they tell me you were with this guy last night..." Sam shook Vash. "And here you are in his room this morning! What am I supposed to think?" Meryl reached out and pinched Sam's arm, making him drop Vash.
"As I am an adult, brother, it doesn't really matter what you think." Meryl's voice was cool. "After all, I never asked you to explain to Mother and Grandma about that night up by Mt. Halo...." Her voice trailed off and her brother flushed.
"But Merrie...." Meryl stepped back and pointed to the sofa.
"I slept there, brother. I forgot my key and didn't want to wake Millie. That's all." The couch was rumpled, a blanket scrunched up into a corner.
"That still doesn't explain this guy..." Her brother muttered as he looked at Wolfwood. "But okay, Merrie." He handed her another covered basket. "Grandma sent breakfast. Leave the baskets with the clerk downstairs, I'll get them later. I've got to get to work."
"Tell her thank you." Meryl hugged her brother and he walked downstairs after casting one more dubious look at Wolfwood and Vash.
"Sheesh Meryl. What a charmer," Wolfwood grinned at her.
"One comment about it running in the family and you're dead, preacher man." Meryl grinned back. "Just be happy he isn't Millie's brother."
"I am, believe me, I am." Then he raised an eyebrow at her. "'Merrie'?"
Over breakfast Vash and Meryl told the other two about their visit to Meryl's family. Then they packed up and headed out again. Vash was driving today, so Meryl shared the front seat with him and Millie and Wolfwood stretched out in the back.
"Is safe to have you drive?" Meryl teased.
"Is it safe to have you sitting next to me?" He replied. "I remember the last time you sat next to me when I drove."
"I don't...." Meryl looked puzzled.
"Remember when you threatened to shoot me when we were with that caravan?" Vash asked Meryl as they headed out of town. This started off a spate of 'do you remembers'? That lasted for a few hours. After that Millie made them sing any songs they could remember to pass the time. They stopped at a small way station and shared their lunch with a father and his two young sons who were heading towards October City.
After lunch, Wolfwood and Millie slept as Vash drove. Meryl was quiet, her head leaning on her arm, letting the wind ruffle her hair.
"How much longer?" She asked Vash.
"We won't reach it today," he replied. "We'll have to stop in Tonim for the night."
"Tonim... but that's where..." She glanced at the backseat.
"Exactly. We're close now." He glanced at her, his eyes hidden by his sunglasses. "Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself." Vash looked thoughtful. "But if we are going to pass through it- there's something we need to do."
Wolfwood woke up as the car stopped. He blinked and sat up. Millie was already awake, her face tight and still. "Millie?"
"Just give me a moment," Vash got out of the car. "I'll be right back." He walked into the church they'd stopped in front of. Wolfwood recoiled into his seat as he recognized it.
"We're in Tonim, aren't we?" His eyes strayed to the churchyard where rows of crosses marked the burial grounds. "Oh no...." He could feel the dirt in his mouth, in his throat, choking him. His hands curved into claws. He closed his eyes tightly. "I can't... I can't be here..." Millie's arms enclosed him. Meryl leaned over the seat, concerned. Wolfwood shook, his memories enfolding him. He could feel the press of the dirt around him and he whimpered. Millie spoke gently:
"It's all right... you're okay...."
"No..." he took a strangled breath.
"Yes. You're alive, you're fine, I'm with you..." Millie's voice soothed him. "Breathe..." He tried to breathe for her, tried to reach the peaceful place that Millie always provided him with, but the horrors in his head wouldn't be soothed.
"I can't... the dirt... I'm not dead...can't get out... too weak... can't breathe... can't breathe!" He was gasping now, nearly hyperventilating with his fear. Millie's eyes met Meryl's in horrified comprehension. Vash had returned and was standing by the car, also horror- struck.
"Nicholas?"
"Wolfwood?" The preacher couldn't hear them. His breath was getting shallower, more panicked.
"Buried... the dirt...let me out...please...."
"Nicholas, you have to breathe!" Millie said shrilly, but his breath kept coming in little gasps, his pupils wide and dilated. Meryl closed her eyes for a moment, then reached forward and pulled Wolfwood out of Millie's grip. With her other hand, she slapped him full across the face.
"Snap out of it, idiot!" Meryl scolded and slapped him again. Wolfwood took a deep breath, surprise replacing fear.
"Meryl!!" Millie's voice was shocked and Vash had already reached out to pull her away, his hand tightening on her arm, anger on his face. But Wolfwood's eyes were focused again and his breathing had calmed. Meryl released him. Wolfwood's hand touched his cheek where the imprint of her hand burned redly.
"Thanks insurance girl. I needed that."
"Any excuse to hit you, preacher man." She looked up at Vash, eyes narrowing. He took his hand away. Meryl sat back down in her seat.
"I'm all right, Millie," Wolfwood put his arm around the girl next to him. "It was just a bit of a shock to wake up and be here, I guess." He looked up at Vash. "And just why are we stopped here?"
"I thought you might want this." Vash bent over and picked up a huge cross wrapped in cloth. "I took it back here after the fight with Knives." He dropped it into the backseat and Wolfwood caught it easily. Vash got back in the car and started the engine.
"It's heavier than I remember," Wolfwood said as he caressed the familiar shape.
"That's because it's so full of mercy," Vash replied.
At the inn, Wolfwood and Millie went in to make the arrangements as the other two stood outside.
"It's good to see people here again," Meryl said. "It was a little creepy last time."
"Huh?" Vash had been looking towards the plant. Was it his imagination or had it blinked once when he'd looked at it? He looked again, but the light was burning steadily. He'd check it in the morning.
"There he goes again, off in his own little world..." Meryl muttered and turned her back on him.
"Did you say something?" Vash turned his gaze on her. The line of her back was stiff. 'She's furious.' he thought.
"Nothing important."
"Meryl?" She turned and looked at him, surprised by his use of her name. "I wanted to apologize- for earlier. I should've known you were trying to help Wolfwood. I'm sorry." Her violet eyes got a bit bigger.
"It's all right. You were scared. So was I." Meryl paused as Wolfwood and Millie reappeared.
"Here we go..." He handed out the keys.
"Where are we?" Meryl asked as they strolled through the center of the town. "This place looks familiar..."
"October Town," Vash replied and then stopped at the look on her face. "What?"
"In the car- I was so distracted, I didn't realize..." Meryl looked around and smiled. "That's why it's familiar- little things have changed since I've been gone..."
"Since you've been gone?"
"This is my hometown, Vash. This is where I grew up." Ah hah, Vash thought. Here's a chance to learn more about Meryl without asking direct questions.
"Oh. Is there... someplace you want to visit?"
"Yes, if you don't mind?" Vash shook his head.
"As long as you don't mind me going with you." He followed Meryl down several side streets. A tiny little house sat wedged between two larger ones. Meryl walked up the steps and knocked cautiously on the door. A tiny wizened little woman opened it.
"Why Meryl!" The older woman hugged the younger. "It's been ages since we've seen you darlin'!"
"I know Grandma, I'm sorry."
"Nothin to be sorry about angel. Birds have to try their wings, and you've been so good about writin." The little woman looked at Vash. "And who is this, dear?"
"This is a friend of mine, Vash. I know I've written about him."
"So this is Vash!" The little woman shook his hand warmly. "Well, it's nice to meet you!" She looked at Meryl sorrowfully. "I can't put you up, dear- we've got a full house right now."
"I know that Grandma. We're staying at the hotel with Millie and another friend of ours. We're heading to LR city."
"Bless you child. Let me feed you at least! Go run up and say hello to the rest of the family, okay?"
"We will." Meryl turned to Vash and beckoned him to the staircase. "My grandpa can't leave his room anymore these days without my brother's help," she explained as she walked up the stairs. "So, my brother and his wife and kids live here too, making the house is a bit full." She opened the first door at the top of the stairs and was immediately attacked by two small blond whirlwinds.
"AUNTIE MERYL!! AUNTIE MERYL!!"
"Children! Let your aunt breathe!" A petite blond woman rose up from her chair where she had been knitting and hugged Meryl. "It's good to see you, Meryl. Are you here long?"
"You too Anne. Just for tonight. Is Sam here?"
"He's working late at the saloon. He'll be mad you missed him."
"Maybe I'll drop by." Meryl introduced Vash as she hugged her niece and nephew.
"You two have grown so much!"
"You always say that Auntie Meryl," the boy grinned at her.
"Well, it's the truth, Jack. You'll be taller than me soon."
"How about me, Auntie Meryl?"
"You too, Sarah." Meryl patted the top of her head.
"Why don't you children go help Grandma with dinner?" Anne shooed them out of the room.
"How's Grandpa doing, Anne?"
"Better, at the moment. He's resting right now. Your father is watching him." Anne's smile was faintly quirked.
"That's good," Meryl's voice held a hint of hopefulness. "So Dad's..?"
"Up and moving around. Even swore at Grandma yesterday, just like he used to." Anne shrugged. "It's been 6 months since the accident. Give him time Meryl."
"I know... it's just..."
"There was nothing you could do. You've been so good about helping out, sending all those cheerful letters and packages. They've helped, really." Anne hugged her again. "You know he told you not to come back, to go on with your life."
"I know it." Accident? Meryl hadn't mentioned anything, but she wouldn't have, Vash mused. Curioser and curioser. Something was definitely going on here. Something that might give him more insight into Meryl.
"Go in and see them." Anne turned her towards the door and gave Vash a cheerful smile. "Introduce this handsome young man to them. That will definitely make them happy." Meryl groaned.
"Should I let you do this alone, Meryl?" Vash asked her softly in the hallway. After all, he could always listen at the door.
"No. I'm glad you're here. I'm sorry, this must seem really odd."
"I guess... but it is your family, so..." Vash was rewarded with the return of her smile.
"Thanks a lot." Meryl opened another door. Inside an old man was lying in bed reading aloud. His audience was a man seated in the window, a swath of bandages around his eyes.
"Hey, Grandpa, Daddy." The old man looked up.
"Meryl! What are you doing here?"
"Passing through on business," she replied, voice cheerful. "This is my friend, Vash." She hugged the old man and then made her way over to her father. Vash shook hands with the old man.
"Pleased to meet you, sir."
"Well, well a friend of Meryl's, are you? Good to meet you!" Meryl's grandfather spoke warmly. Meryl's father hugged her.
"Are you really here on business, Meryl?"
"She really is," Vash replied. "She didn't even realize we were in her hometown until we went out looking for dinner."
"I was tired-" Meryl protested and her father laughed.
"That sounds like Meryl." He hugged her again. "I wish I could see you honey. How is she looking, Dad?" The old man on the bed chuckled.
"She's looking well enough." He smiled at Vash. "I'm sure my wife told you that we don't have the room..."
"She did. We're already checked into the hotel," Vash replied warmly.
"Oh!" Meryl looked at him. "Millie and Wolfwood! I forgot..."
"Don't worry," Vash grinned at her. "I doubt they've even noticed we're gone. I could tell that they were dying to be alone together all day. Couldn't you?"
"Yes, that's true..." Meryl smiled. "I doubt they'll even miss dinner."
"Wolfwood?" Her father asked. "Isn't that the preacher you said Miss Millie had fallen in love with? Didn't he die?" Meryl smiled and began to explain, with Vash helping. In the middle of the explanation, they got called down to dinner. Vash carried Meryl's Grandfather downstairs easily. Meryl's family was warm and friendly, adjusting easily to Vash and making him feel welcome, just as Millie's had. But Meryl's family was not like Millie's family. They obviously loved each other, but there were hints of things not spoken, secrets hidden beneath the surface. Underneath their happiness at being together was an undercurrent of sadness, of strength in adversity, of toughness. Like Meryl herself. He watched her across the table as she talked, her big violet eyes sparkling. She was beautiful here, surrounded by those she loved, happy in a way he'd never seen her. He regretted it when Anne looked at the clock and said she had to get the children to bed.
"Let Vash take me up and then you two should get back to the hotel." Her grandfather directed. Vash carried the old man easily up the stairs and into his room.
"Is this okay?"
"It's fine, thank you very much." Meryl's grandfather looked at Vash. "You love my granddaughter, don't you?"
"Yes," Vash replied, startled into honesty.
"I could tell by the way you watched her at dinner. I used to watch her grandmother like that. I'm glad you love her- you seem like a decent man." Meryl's grandfather's voice grew husky. "Take care of her. She's a lot like her mother- and I... I don't want to lose another one."
"What- what do you mean, sir?"
"Has Meryl told you how her mother died?"
"No sir."
"Well, it was recent- about 6 months ago. She'll tell you in her own time... She's waiting for you, son. You'd better go."
"Good night sir." Vash went downstairs, his emotions confused and tangled.
Meryl waved to her family one more time, her other hand holding a basket of food for Wolfwood and Millie.
"It's 8:30," Vash looked at his watch. "We left the hotel at 5:30ish... think they've noticed we haven't come back yet?"
"Maybe," Meryl grinned at him.
"Do you want to stop in and see your brother?"
"Just for a brief second," Meryl told him. "The saloon is probably busy this time of night. It's on the way back though."
The saloon was busy. Meryl simply pushed her way through, ignoring the comments and insults sent her way. Vash followed her like a barge in the wake of a small tugboat.
"MERRIE!" the bartender tossed his rag down and leaped over the bar, sweeping Meryl up in a hug. He was as huge as Meryl was petite. He was at least a few inches taller than Vash and built like a rock wall. He had dark hair and big violet eyes, just like Meryl did. "Did you see the folks?"
"Of course. Your kids are getting big!"
"Obviously! They take after me!" Her brother hugged her again and set her down. He turned a cool eye on Vash. "And who is this, little sister?"
"One of my business associates," Meryl replied, knowing that saying Vash's name in here would be like waving a red flag in front of a bull. "We're just passing through on our way to LR City."
"Stop in on the way back," Sam replied, as the customers at the bar started hollering for him. "I'm coming... I'm coming! Can't a guy say hi to his sister?!"
"So, that was my family," Meryl said as they left the bar and headed back to the hotel.
"I liked them," Vash told her honestly. She smiled back.
"Even my brother? He was a bit rude."
"Nah, just protective. Besides, don't you realize what ammunition he gave me, 'Merrie'?" Meryl groaned.
Meryl looked at her door with a faint smile.
"What is it?" Vash asked her softly.
"No lights underneath and the door's locked."
"They must've gone out to eat. Don't you have a key?"
"No," Meryl sighed. "I left it with Millie." She handed him the basket of food.
"What are you going to do?"
"Sleep in the car. If they get back have Millie come get me."
"Don't be silly." Vash opened his door. "You can sleep on Wolfwood's bed, or we have a perfectly nice couch if you're worried he's contaminated the bed." That made Meryl giggle.
"Thanks," Meryl grabbed a blanket from Wolfwood's bed. "I'll take the couch. Just in case he comes back and... well, I don't want to be on the receiving end of Millie's stungun."
"Who would?" Vash tossed her a shirt. "Here, you can sleep in this, and I'll even let you have the bathroom first."
"Thank you." Meryl disappeared towards the bathroom.
Vash woke up in the middle of the night. He opened his eyes and looked towards Wolfwood's bed. Empty. The door was closed, the basket of food still on the table. The sound came again, a soft choked noise. He swung his head around. Meryl had been asleep when he got out of the shower, a tiny compact bundle curled under the blanket on the couch. Now she was sitting up, leaning against the cushions, crying softly into her hands.
Meryl felt an arm slide around her shoulders and she leaned against him automatically.
"What's wrong?" His voice was warm, concerned.
"I'm sorry, Vash, I didn't mean to wake you..." Meryl wiped her tears with a corner of the blanket.
"It's all right. Can you tell me?"
"It's just... it was the first time I've gone home and Mother wasn't there to greet me. And Daddy with those bandages..." She let out a soft sob.
"It must have been hard."
"Daddy won't ever be able to see again. It will be harder for him. At least... at least most of the burns are gone...."
"What happened to him?" Meryl looked up at Vash.
"My mother... she... He hurt his eyes in the fire that killed my mother." Meryl looked away. She drew in several deep breaths and Vash knew that she wasn't telling him everything.
"It must've been a bad fire."
"It was...she... she set it." Vash's arm tightened around her shoulders.
"Why? How?"
"Dad said he woke up and she was gone...so he went looking for her...she was outside...she had drenched herself with oil... and ..she lit it... He tried to stop her... she flung her arm out...it caught him across the face...." Tears streaked down her cheeks.
"I'm sure she didn't mean to hurt him..."
"Yes she did." Meryl looked up into Vash's eyes. "She did mean to, that's just it." She frowned. "My father thought they had come to an understanding. He... he was in love with someone else. He and his lover didn't want to break up their families, so they just..." Meryl bit her lip. "He thought my mother was fine with it. She didn't seem upset or angry, she just accepted it... But that wasn't it. She just couldn't talk about it- she was afraid of telling him that she loved him. Afraid he would truly leave her... so she said nothing. She just suffered."
"And then, she just couldn't take it anymore?" Vash asked softly.
"I guess not. Her note said that she felt like she was blazing with anger, hate and jealousy. She was worried that she was going to kill my father... so she killed herself instead..." Meryl covered her face with her hands. "If I had only been there- if I had just known!"
"Did your grandparents know about your father's lover?" Meryl shook her head.
"No one knew."
"So if you had been there, how would it have been different?"
"I might've noticed something! I might've been able to do something for her!"
"Or you might not have. Your mother made her own choice. She did what she felt was right."
"I'm surprised," Meryl looked at him. "I know you disapprove of suicide more than anything."
"I do. Taking a life is never right. But maybe she saw it as a sacrifice. She must've loved him very much." Vash hoped he had said the right thing.
"She did." Meryl wiped her face on the blanket again. "Thank you for listening, Vash. I'm sorry I woke you."
"Anytime," he leaned his head against hers for a minute, arm tightening in a hug. "I'm always here for you."
"I know. Thank you." She smiled up at him, but her smile lacked something and now Vash realized how Wolfwood could tell when Vash used his false smile so easily. "I'm fine now Vash. We should get back to sleep. Did Wolfwood come back?"
"No. Bet we see him in the morning." Vash gave her shoulders another faint squeeze and stood up. "Good night."
"Good night, Vash. Thank you." Meryl lay back down on the couch and closed her eyes. Vash went back to bed and spent some time staring at the ceiling, his thoughts troubled.
Someone was banging on the door. Wolfwood stumbled out of bed, grabbed some clothes and opened the door. A huge oxlike man glared at him.
"You aren't my sister."
"For which I am profoundly grateful. You must have the wrong room." The man looked at the number next to the door and frowned.
"The front desk told me that my sister Meryl was in this room. Is she?" Meryl? Wolfwood looked at the ox again, noting the hair and eye colors, as well as the fierce tilt to the chin. Shit. Should he admit to knowing Meryl or not?
"You must be Sam," Millie had come to stand behind Wolfwood, her smile cheerful as she finished tying her robe.
"Yes, but who are you?"
"Millie. Millie Thompson. I used to work with Meryl? This is Nicholas D. Wolfwood." So much for trying to claim they didn't know Meryl. Sam looked at them suspiciously.
"Meryl might've mentioned you. Where is she?"
"I really don't know." Millie's smile remained cheerful even as Sam glared at her. "She went out with Mr. Vash and never came back." At this moment, the door behind Sam opened and Vash stepped into the hallway. Wolfwood cursed his timing. "Good morning, Mr. Vash. This is Meryl's brother Sam. He's looking for Meryl; have you seen her?" Millie's eyes widened as Sam picked Vash up in one fist.
"Where is my sister?" Vash didn't reply as he thought the phrase 'in my room' might not be the best response.
"Uh...well..." Nope, 'getting dressed' was worse. Maybe he could fake amnesia?
"Answer me."
"Well, I can see where Meryl gets her charming personality," Wolfwood commented as he leaned against the doorframe. "Though she tends to hit, not choke."
"Let's not give him any ideas, Wolfwood," Vash hissed.
"I'm waiting!" Sam lifted Vash a bit higher.
"Sam!" Meryl's voice cut through the air. "Put him down! What are you doing?"
"I could ask you the same thing, little sister!" Sam turned to glare at Meryl. "I come up here and this... half dressed man answers the door of the room you are supposed to be in! Then he claims that you never came back last night...."
"Actually I said that," Millie interjected.
"Then they tell me you were with this guy last night..." Sam shook Vash. "And here you are in his room this morning! What am I supposed to think?" Meryl reached out and pinched Sam's arm, making him drop Vash.
"As I am an adult, brother, it doesn't really matter what you think." Meryl's voice was cool. "After all, I never asked you to explain to Mother and Grandma about that night up by Mt. Halo...." Her voice trailed off and her brother flushed.
"But Merrie...." Meryl stepped back and pointed to the sofa.
"I slept there, brother. I forgot my key and didn't want to wake Millie. That's all." The couch was rumpled, a blanket scrunched up into a corner.
"That still doesn't explain this guy..." Her brother muttered as he looked at Wolfwood. "But okay, Merrie." He handed her another covered basket. "Grandma sent breakfast. Leave the baskets with the clerk downstairs, I'll get them later. I've got to get to work."
"Tell her thank you." Meryl hugged her brother and he walked downstairs after casting one more dubious look at Wolfwood and Vash.
"Sheesh Meryl. What a charmer," Wolfwood grinned at her.
"One comment about it running in the family and you're dead, preacher man." Meryl grinned back. "Just be happy he isn't Millie's brother."
"I am, believe me, I am." Then he raised an eyebrow at her. "'Merrie'?"
Over breakfast Vash and Meryl told the other two about their visit to Meryl's family. Then they packed up and headed out again. Vash was driving today, so Meryl shared the front seat with him and Millie and Wolfwood stretched out in the back.
"Is safe to have you drive?" Meryl teased.
"Is it safe to have you sitting next to me?" He replied. "I remember the last time you sat next to me when I drove."
"I don't...." Meryl looked puzzled.
"Remember when you threatened to shoot me when we were with that caravan?" Vash asked Meryl as they headed out of town. This started off a spate of 'do you remembers'? That lasted for a few hours. After that Millie made them sing any songs they could remember to pass the time. They stopped at a small way station and shared their lunch with a father and his two young sons who were heading towards October City.
After lunch, Wolfwood and Millie slept as Vash drove. Meryl was quiet, her head leaning on her arm, letting the wind ruffle her hair.
"How much longer?" She asked Vash.
"We won't reach it today," he replied. "We'll have to stop in Tonim for the night."
"Tonim... but that's where..." She glanced at the backseat.
"Exactly. We're close now." He glanced at her, his eyes hidden by his sunglasses. "Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself." Vash looked thoughtful. "But if we are going to pass through it- there's something we need to do."
Wolfwood woke up as the car stopped. He blinked and sat up. Millie was already awake, her face tight and still. "Millie?"
"Just give me a moment," Vash got out of the car. "I'll be right back." He walked into the church they'd stopped in front of. Wolfwood recoiled into his seat as he recognized it.
"We're in Tonim, aren't we?" His eyes strayed to the churchyard where rows of crosses marked the burial grounds. "Oh no...." He could feel the dirt in his mouth, in his throat, choking him. His hands curved into claws. He closed his eyes tightly. "I can't... I can't be here..." Millie's arms enclosed him. Meryl leaned over the seat, concerned. Wolfwood shook, his memories enfolding him. He could feel the press of the dirt around him and he whimpered. Millie spoke gently:
"It's all right... you're okay...."
"No..." he took a strangled breath.
"Yes. You're alive, you're fine, I'm with you..." Millie's voice soothed him. "Breathe..." He tried to breathe for her, tried to reach the peaceful place that Millie always provided him with, but the horrors in his head wouldn't be soothed.
"I can't... the dirt... I'm not dead...can't get out... too weak... can't breathe... can't breathe!" He was gasping now, nearly hyperventilating with his fear. Millie's eyes met Meryl's in horrified comprehension. Vash had returned and was standing by the car, also horror- struck.
"Nicholas?"
"Wolfwood?" The preacher couldn't hear them. His breath was getting shallower, more panicked.
"Buried... the dirt...let me out...please...."
"Nicholas, you have to breathe!" Millie said shrilly, but his breath kept coming in little gasps, his pupils wide and dilated. Meryl closed her eyes for a moment, then reached forward and pulled Wolfwood out of Millie's grip. With her other hand, she slapped him full across the face.
"Snap out of it, idiot!" Meryl scolded and slapped him again. Wolfwood took a deep breath, surprise replacing fear.
"Meryl!!" Millie's voice was shocked and Vash had already reached out to pull her away, his hand tightening on her arm, anger on his face. But Wolfwood's eyes were focused again and his breathing had calmed. Meryl released him. Wolfwood's hand touched his cheek where the imprint of her hand burned redly.
"Thanks insurance girl. I needed that."
"Any excuse to hit you, preacher man." She looked up at Vash, eyes narrowing. He took his hand away. Meryl sat back down in her seat.
"I'm all right, Millie," Wolfwood put his arm around the girl next to him. "It was just a bit of a shock to wake up and be here, I guess." He looked up at Vash. "And just why are we stopped here?"
"I thought you might want this." Vash bent over and picked up a huge cross wrapped in cloth. "I took it back here after the fight with Knives." He dropped it into the backseat and Wolfwood caught it easily. Vash got back in the car and started the engine.
"It's heavier than I remember," Wolfwood said as he caressed the familiar shape.
"That's because it's so full of mercy," Vash replied.
At the inn, Wolfwood and Millie went in to make the arrangements as the other two stood outside.
"It's good to see people here again," Meryl said. "It was a little creepy last time."
"Huh?" Vash had been looking towards the plant. Was it his imagination or had it blinked once when he'd looked at it? He looked again, but the light was burning steadily. He'd check it in the morning.
"There he goes again, off in his own little world..." Meryl muttered and turned her back on him.
"Did you say something?" Vash turned his gaze on her. The line of her back was stiff. 'She's furious.' he thought.
"Nothing important."
"Meryl?" She turned and looked at him, surprised by his use of her name. "I wanted to apologize- for earlier. I should've known you were trying to help Wolfwood. I'm sorry." Her violet eyes got a bit bigger.
"It's all right. You were scared. So was I." Meryl paused as Wolfwood and Millie reappeared.
"Here we go..." He handed out the keys.