Trigun is owned by Yasuhiro Nightow.

Meadows

Meryl and Vash woke late into the morning; they stumbled their way into the kitchen where Ben was already wide-awake.

"Morning Ben," mumbled Meryl. Vash's shirt tied in a knot against her stomach showing off her leather pants.

Vash didn't look any better. Both had slept in their clothes from the night before and they were rumpled and creased.

"Good morning you too. Come eat, then I want to see your wound Meryl, then we'll head over to your place."

After eating, Ben looked over Meryl's wound. It was healing nicely though it would leave a scar. It had been cut so many times in the attempt to remove the bullet that it had permanently damaged the surrounding skin.

"Well now that that's done lets get a move on. I would think that Stella would be worried about you." Ben led the way through the throngs of people going about their lives. Many of them called out to Meryl and waved. Meryl still drowsy over the night before simply smiled and leaned on Vash. They soon came upon a small two-story home, well kept and clean. They could smell the breakfast that had just passed and the sound of cleaning dishes could be heard.

Meryl walked right in and collapsed on the couch. The sounds in the kitchen stopped and Millie and Nick stepped out.

Millie's smile lit up the already bright room, "welcome home sempai!"

Nick, Vash and Ben took their leave and made their way to the dinning room where Knives was sitting still nursing his coffee. Millie sat with Meryl as they waited for Stella to join them.

When the men were in one room and the women in the other they began to talk.

----

"So the short girl's alright needle noggin?" asked Nick as he tired to wrestle away the morning paper from Knives.

"Yeah, she's all better thanks to Ben." Vash patted Ben on the shoulder and leaned forward to look the still wrestling men in the face. "Has Stella said anything about how long we are going to be here?"

Knives shook his head. "Nothing, she's been giving smiles and acting like noting has happened. I think she was waiting for your woman to come back so she could discus it with her." 'She would rather talk to Meryl about it then her own mate. She's so foolish.' Lamented Knives to Vash.

"Well then we'll just have to let them to it then." 'Stella and Meryl have been doing this for years. Meryl knew what they were going to do, she is the better judge then we are, we just have to trust them. Do you no trust in Stella's judgment?' answered Vash, both for the human's around them as well as his brother.

"Well if that's settled then, Ben is there a place here where we can get some cigarettes and ammo?"

'Knives lets move this away from here.' said Vash, he glanced at Ben and Nick knowing that they were giving them a chance to talk.

Knives nodded and the brothers headed to the back porch. Under the shade of the roof they 'talked'.

'What do you think they'll do? They can't leave us now, but Millie and Nick need to be left behind otherwise they'll get hurt.' Started Vash his body leaning against the porch support.

Knives shrugged and settled into the rocking chair, 'we will have to see. You are right though, I have to trust Stella and if she trusts Meryl then I have to as well. Though with her welding her guns once again it may be too much for her to handle.'

Vash nodded, 'I know. I'm afraid for her. It is my fault that she has had to take them up again. I…I just didn't want you or myself to kill anyone ever again, but it seems that we may have to.' Vash audible sighed, 'I hate to ask this, but, is there a chance that you could make a similar gun to the ones I left behind with a normal gun?'

'Get me two of the same kind, and I'll see what I can do.'

----

"We have some things to discus." Said Meryl as Stella seated herself. "We need to leave here as soon as possible so they don't catch on to our scent."

"Why sempai?" questioned Millie. "You know we'll go where ever you lead."

Meryl sighed. That's what she had been expecting, Millie and her blind devotion. "You can't come with us Millie. It's too dangerous. I want you and Nick to leave as soon as you can travel and disappear. There is no future in following my lead anymore."

"But sempai…" Millie whined in response.

'This is going to be more difficult then we expected.' said Stella looking quietly on at Millie's reaction.

'I know, but we need to leave them behind. There is no way that Knives and I can look after another two people. I know Nick is skilled with guns but there is only so much that he can do when protecting Millie.' Said Meryl, "I'm sorry Millie but you have to leave."

'But Millie is such a strong woman. You have told me that she doesn't shy away from a battle.' "She's right Millie."

'That is true but she has never been forced to kill. She shouldn't have to see it done on her behalf.'

"But…but sempai, don't you need me anymore? Aren't we friends? My big big sister always tells me that a true friend will do anything for another. I'll follow you anywhere, I promise!" Millie reached over and took Meryl's hands in her own, her eyes begging.

Meryl looked to the floor her mind unsure of what to say. She adored Millie for her determination but there were limits to how long it would be safe. "I'm sorry Millie, but that is my final decision." Meryl rose and headed towards the stairs. There was packing that needed to be done, as well as patching her shirt.

"I'm sorry Millie, but Meryl's right. I think you and Nick should stay here for a bit then you can leave. They should be following us by that point." Then she too rose and followed Meryl.

Millie was left sitting on the couch questions and rebuttals on her lips.