Trigun is owned by Yasuhiro Nightow.

Big Sister

"Messenger? What do you mean Meryl?" Vash looked at Meryl confusion clouding his stunning green eyes.

Meryl sighed again and set the bird down on the back of one of the free chairs, and sat back down herself. She motioned Vash to do the same. Meryl secretly feared that when she finally told him everything he'd just collapse and she didn't really feel like picking his massive form off the floor. "This guy is named Jasper. He's my pet. Though I haven't seen the bird head in almost 5 years. He usually heads out before she comes to announce her arrival. Normally he flies free and only comes when called. Damn it, she's such a show off." The last bit she said under her breath and in an air of annoyance. Why was it always like this? Though Vash's constant repeating of her name disturbed her stream of thought. "Ah…I'm sorry Vash what were you saying?"

"Meryl how do you know who's coming? Why didn't you ever tell us that you had a pet bird? It would have helped you keep an eye on me that's for sure!" Vash grinned and rubbed his head while Meryl's head fell to the table. Vash was once again concerned and even a little if not a lot, confused. "Meryl what's wrong? Why are you so upset? Don't you want to see your friend?"

"That's just it Vash. She's not just a friend…she's…" Meryl broke down. She didn't know how Vash would take the news or the past that she had been hiding so skilfully up until now. Meryl's brooding and Vash's inability to understand created an atmosphere laden with thought. It was Millie that broke the heavy silence.

She came storming into the quaint home a broad smile across her lips. "Hi everyone. I know I'm home early but there's someone that wanted to see sempai so I brought her over." Millie stepped aside and there in the doorway was another Meryl, long brown hair pulled back in a braid, with dazzling violet eyes.

Meryl sprang from her seat and toppled over her chair, which spooked Jasper who flew out the still open window, squawking his displeasure. Meryl froze, her own steel grey eyes fixated on the figure before her.

Vash continued to sit, looking between the two women, confusion riding on waves across his face. Who was this woman that looked so much like his insurance girl? And why was Meryl so upset by her appearance?

Millie still smiling and not allowing the tension to affect her, clearing her throat she said, "welcome to our home Stella Strife."