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 Six: Progress

They say the darkest hour is just before dawn. I had found him in the darkness. I had found him surrounded by the shadows of hate; the sunshine of love and peace were beyond his reach. When someone has abandoned hope, how can you make them see that the shadows prove the sunshine?

Two men stood side by side in the sunlight. It was obvious that the twins had been indoors for some time based on their reaction to the light.

"Oh woah, I can't see a thing!" The man laughed and ran his fingers through his golden blonde hair. "It's really bright out here!"

"What are we doing Vash?" the second man frowned at his companion. "Are you planning on letting us stumble blindly around in the desert?"

"Heck no! We're going back into civilization Knives. I'm taking you to meet my friends."

"That's amazing. There are still humans that are willing to call you 'friend'?" Knives shot back angrily.

Yea, there's still a few alive that you didn't kill. Vash thought to himself.

"What was that?" Knives growled at his brother.

"Oh? Huh? I didn't say anything!" Vash shrugged with a grin. "Look, there are these nice insurance girls, er, at least they were insurance girls when I last saw them. I actually have no idea what they've been up to since I've been gone. Hey, Knives, how long do you suppose we were in there?"

"The last time we fought I was alot worse off.I spent 100 years recovering from the wounds you inflicted on me." Knives spouted irritably.

Vash laughed a little and with an apologetic smile said "Well, you made me do it, remember? I'm sure we couldn'thave been in there for more than a few months. At least, I hope not. If we were I'll have a lot of explaining to do when we get to our destination." Vash turned to his brother. "Now let's review, if you're feeling angry or frustrated, what have we agreed on?"

"I come and kick your ass before I go on a killing spree?" Knives smiled at his brother.

"You're not making this any easier." Vash sighed.

"I agreed to talk things over before I take action; and I will do that I agreed upon. However, I have not agreed that I will never kill again, dear brother. Don't forget that."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten that." Vash looked towards the horizon. But, I'm hoping you'll agree to it eventually, if you only knew how wonderful some people can be. How kind they can be. How sweet she can be…

I can read your thoughts Vash. Are they always this disgusting? Tell me, have you found yourself another Rem?

"Something like that." Vash gave his melancholy smile to his brother. "Let's hit the sand. I'll explain as I go, you've missed out on a lot of my life brother. I think you should hear about it, because I'm going to ask you to be a part of it all."

Dust and sand kicked up over the porch of the house. A few soft lights came through the windows and at the threshold of the door a tall woman stood in overalls and a hard hat. She stretched out her arms and with a sigh, tossed her had onto the chair as she closed the door behind her. Her loud, high-pitched voice called out into the evening's dusk.

"Meryl! I sure hope dinner's ready!"

"Don't worry, it is!" came the response, as a petite woman in an apron entered the room. "I made some sandwiches, and we have your favorite pudding for dessert. Oh, and I figured we could play a game of cards tonight."

"If you want to, we can. Just as long as I can have something to eat, I'm starving Meryl."

"Well, it's not like I didn't pack you a big lunch, good grief! When did your appetite develop into that of a growing boy?" Meryl smirked at her friend.

"Since we came back here and I started working so hard I guess!" Milly smiled bashfully.

"Alright, well, wash those hands and we'll eat." Meryl smiled.

Returning to the kitchen while Milly was washing her hands, Meryl smiled to herself. Coming back to Tonim Town was the best idea I've ever had. Milly seems a lot happier here. Meryl thought while she putting the finishing touches on the sandwiches. Hmm. Meryl looked into the cabinet where she had placed the loaf of bread. It's getting pretty bare in here. I guess I'll have to get a job to compensate for our expenses. She sighed aloud. Perhaps I shouldn't have quit the agency. If only I had explained the situation to them, the need to stay out here, even if I had a good idea that he wouldn't be hazardous anymore. I had to wait for him.

"Ugh!" Meryl groaned as she sat down at the table across from Milly.

"What's wrong?" Milly's genuine concern shown through in her expression.

"I'll tell you what's wrong. It's been three months since we came back here! I haven't done anything but worry and fret over that bigspikeyhairedmoron and I'm being perfectly worthless! I mean, I quit my job to search for him, and here I am. Sitting here! And you, poor Milly are out working every day while I sit around! This is terrible! I never thought it would come to this! I always thought he'd come back soon and –"

"And what Meryl?" Milly picked up her friends train of thought. "What were you thinking would happen?"

"I don't really know." Meryl frowned.

"I think you do know."

"What? I do know?"

"Uh huh. Meryl, you really can be silly sometimes. Don't you remember what my Big, big sister always says about following your heart? Sure, things are kinda hard right now, but you've got to stay optimistic right? Keep your chin up and keep smiling. He'll know where we are and he'll come back. Don't' you remember what you said when we came here? That he wouldn't keep you waiting? And he won't. I know it."

"Right." Meryl smiled across the table. "You're right.

To be continued...

Dang! All these compliments! I feel so much pressure! I hope I don't totally suck and make you all regret your reviews. Let me know what I can do to improve.