Disclaimer: I don't own Trigun or any other anime - I just like making up stories…oh, and this is my second official fan fic and my first Trigun fan fic so I'll just apologize now if it sucks. Sorry!

Chapter Two: The Wages of Sin

There are times when I feel weak, times when I know that my strength just isn't enough. I can't rely on my past, and there are times when the present can't help me either. Anger is such a powerful force, can it be enough to strengthen someone in their time of need?­­­­­­­­­ My brother has hurt so many people, killed so many people…how many have suffered because he felt angry, weak and hurt? What can I say to him now, what can I do now to make it alright?

Some might find it surprising that two women could make enough noise to compete with a small army but, for Meryl Stryfe and Millie Thompson, it was an easy accomplishment. There they were, riding along in the desert. Milly giggled while her long hair bounced with the rhythm of her thomas' trot, but Meryl felt irritable as usual. She'd been riding a stupid, smelly thomas for hours now and the bumpy ride was killing her legs. If it weren't for her cheery co-worker she might have been more tempted to throw in the towel, go back to the last town and stay there forever. But, Millie was optimistic. For the past hour or so she had been singing to herself, despite Meryl's complaints and had been making up rhymes and limericks about pudding. Finally, her attention turned to the matter at hand, finding their friend.

"You know Meryl, I bet, when we do find Mr. Vash he'll sure be glad to see us," She chirped. "He always seems to be so happy whenever we're around."

"Humph!" Meryl shook her head and brushed a loose tendril of her short raven hair behind her ear. "More like he'll be breaking something and he'll be glad to have someone picking up after him!"

"Oh, now that's no way to think about it! Admit it, you're worried about him!"

"NO I AM NOT! That annoying, womanizing pig doesn't deserve to have me worried about him!" Meryl's voice rose with every word. "I mean, why would I care about that disgusting pervert? Don't forget Millie, he dumped us without even a proper goodbye, or a decent itinerary regarding his future whereabouts! Not to mention the fact that he went away to fight an incredibly dangerous nutcase who obviously lacks a lot in the morals department!"

"You are concerned Meryl… because he's our friend." Millie offered. "Besides, I don't think he could help it, you know, he didn't have much choice in leaving us, did he Meryl? He's the only one who could have handled a fight with Knives, right? So he had to go, otherwise even more people would have died."

"Why do you always have to be right all the time Millie? I guess he couldn't help it. So he's our friend huh?" Meryl stammered. Is he my friend? How can that be?

"Sure he's our friend Meryl. He's a little silly, but he's got a good heart and you know it."

"Yes, I guess that's true." Meryl was surprised that she was agreeing.

"Meryl! Look! It's a town!" Millie was beaming.

"Oh thank god! I was worried that we'd have to spend the night out in the middle of nowhere." For the first time since they parted company with Vash the Stampede, Meryl smiled and truly meant it.

The room was dimly lit; a soft glow was coming from a large bulb-like sphere at one end. On the other end, the shapes of two men could be seen, one laying flat on his back on what seemed to be a table and the second standing near the glowing bulb. The standing man raked his fingers through his light hair and sighed heavily. His red coat had been dropped on the floor beside him and Vash the Stampede was preparing himself for the experience of his life. He took steps towards the man on the table and stopped near him. I have to understand Knives; I need to know why you lost all reasoning. I want to know what went on in your mind. Forgive me for invading your privacy, but if I'm going to help…

Vash closed his eyes tightly, concentrating was always difficult and if he were honest he would have to admit he didn't like to do it often. When he lived among the humans, he didn't have to focus like this. The damage is too extensive. He thought bitterly as he surveyed his brother's body. Internal bleeding, broken bones, and the worst part is the depletion of energy. I can't probe his mind until he's healthier. But he just can't heal himself; I'll have to do it myself. During his walk to the ship, Vash had been debating with himself on how much he actually wanted to do this. Would anyone blame me if I left him here to die? Yes. Oh Rem, why is it always hard to do the right thing? Vash straightened himself up and frowned at the table before him. Laying his hands on his brother, Vash began the healing. The soft glow from the bulb was soon over powered by the glow between the brothers. Vash lost complete track of time while he worked on his brothers wounds. Finally, when he was so exhausted that he had to rest before he could do anymore; Vash fell in a heap on the floor beside his still unconscious brother.

Vash dreamt of the past. Rem. She was standing there smiling at him, telling him he was too serious. She laughed and again reminded him of his responsibility to his brother.

"But Rem, he tried to kill me. He hates me."

"Vash, he doesn't you! Brothers don't ever really hate, sometimes they just don't understand. You have to help him Vash, help him to love you again."

Rem faded before Vash could argue her point. Another dream crept into his mind. Meryl. She was tapping her foot impatiently, her hands were on her hips and she was scowling at him.

"Vash, I'm not getting any younger here! Are you going to keep me waiting forever?"

"No, but I have to help Knives, his sins are heavy. I need to help him sort it all out and – "

"Then hurry up! I don't want to have to rack my brain in order to remember your face!"

"Meryl, I love you."

She smiled and faded away.

Some time later, he wasn't sure when, Vash awoke to the gloomy silence of the room. He got to his feet in an instant and turned to the table. It was a relief to see his brother there, breathing steadily and still unconscious. Vash grimaced at the thought of his emanate chore.

"I'm coming Knives, you'd better prepare yourself." He muttered.

To be continued...
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