Neoteric |
split
up and an equal share given to But it wasn't, so I don't.
-----AUTHOR'S NOTES----- Lynda: **sippin' the Honey Milk that Starah gave her** Eh, Domo Starah-san! Ahem. In the great big Melting Pot of my story, I think I'll stop stirring things up and let some stuff sink to the bottom of the Gumbo. Kuroneko: ... Mya?! Lynda. I.E., let's let things settle. **points down the screen**
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2 weeks later.
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A battered old radio, given the prestigious honor of being propped
up next to vodka and whiskey bottles on the liquor shelf, was hissing
away to itself as the limbo between stations rung mingled and tortured
sounds from it's speakers. Distracting himself from cleaning glasses,
the bar man reached over and gave the pathetic excuse of a transceiver
a big, healthy thump. It spluttered slightly, then settled on a station. The rough looking residents of the saloon peered suspiciously at the
newcomers. The pair in mention paused in the doorway, both shifting
under the attention slightly. Truth be known, both were as shady as
the bar's occupants. Heavy, sand-stained cloaks smothered what figures
could've been under the hard material, and hoods hid away faces from
inquisitive eyes. Shady, indeed. The pair shrugged off the attention and shuffled up to the bar, letting the doors close on the biting chaos outside. Battered stools scraped across the floorboards and creaked as weight was applied. 'We don't want trouble.' the barman noted sharply to the now seated duo, barely looking up from the shot glass he was buffing. He was an ageing, thin, bushy-moustached individual who's sharp eyes hid behind small bent spectacles. 'Trouble? Oh no, we're just after some supplies.' the larger of the
figures exclaimed in a muffled manner. The voice was feminine. The interest
level in the saloon was hightened, albiet for different reasons, the
occupants craning slightly from their chairs and tables to try and make
out anything new of the newcomers. There was not much to see. The giant
and sturdy cloaks that wrapped the two were obviously Dune Coats; protection
against Gunsmoke when the winds picked up. It was, however, a mystery
why the hoods remained up inside a sheltered area. 'Supplies?' was his dubious reply. The second figure nodded, cloak rustling from the motion. This one was much smaller than the first. 'We lost most of our emergency rations in the sandstorm yesterday.' the second decidedly feminine voice announced, elbows resting on the grubby bench top. 'We were hoping to buy some more?' The barman set down the glass, wiped his hands, then peered suspiciously at them. 'Depends on what you're wantin'.' he retorted. 'Well, water would be helpful. Travelling rations, some blankets, batteries... Just the basics of survival.' the smaller listed off, one gloved hand raising fingers to items. 'Oh! And I nearly forgot... Excuse us, but we need directions. What town is this?' 'Dankin Town. What, you both lost or somethin'?' the barman asked, frowning. 'Just a little!' the bigger chirped happily. 'We were from December, but we were halfway to Tonim town when the sandstorm threw us off course.' was the elaboration from the second. 'December?' the bartender exclaimed in surprise. 'You people made it out of December?!' A wave a mutterings swept the sparse occupants of the saloon, and a few of the rough looking men tipped their hats in surprise. 'Yes?' both cloaked figures asked in unison. 'How the hell did you manage?' a man asked from a poker table near the kitchen door, genuine interest widening his eyes. His cards partner nodded and added, 'That whole area is crawling with those Demon Shade things!' 'I heard some Angel in Inepril call 'em Vaults.' another contributed, disgust plain in his eyes. The pair at the bar shot each other glances from under the shadow caused by the hoods. 'I guess we were just lucky, that's all.' the smaller said simply, obviously hiding something. 'Lady, it'd take a hell lot more than luck to save ya from December.' the first man snorted. 'If the Demons don't get ya, the Vaults will. The place ain't fit for livin'.' 'My cousin and his entire family used to live in December.' an ageing
man in a dark corner noted. 'Haven't heard form him. I guess he was
wiped out too.' 'Well, Bartender?' the second asked hurriedly, turning back to the man, 'Is there any hope of getting supplies from you?' 'I'll just ask Margie.' he replied shortly. Turning, he strolled from behind the bar and into the kitchen. Conversation could be heard through the chipped and bullet pocked door, but the voices eventually ebbed with distance. Silence reigned in the saloon. 'So, ladies.' one of the men drawled, leaning back in his chair and tipping his hat at them. 'Where you headin' to?' 'We're not sure yet!' the larger announced, raising a finger. She was nudging in the ribs. 'They do not need to know that!' the second hissed. 'Sorry!' was the short, but cheerful, apology. 'Well let's help yez out a little, eh? December's obviously a no-go. So's Carcasses and Jeneora Rock. Demons run riot there. And I recommend you stay away from Augusta.' the first man noted, returning to his hand of cards. 'That place is crawling with Angels.' 'What's wrong with that?' the larger asked in genuine confusion. The statement wrung surprised expressions from everyone present. 'The bastards are as bad as Demons!' the second poker player snapped, then checked his temper and gulped down the rest of his beer. 'Let's see 'em stay so damn high and mighty if they dropped their spears and picked up a hoe, or a pick axe.' one snorted. He was greeted with chuckles. 'Yeah, see how much actual labour out in the fields they can put up with. Who do they think they are, anyway? Appearin' out of no where and expectin' us to obey their every bloody command.' another agreed, cracking his knuckles. 'It's those Guardian Angels that ya gotta watch out for.' the old man in the corner snarled. 'Least ya can tell an Angel's an Angel with those wings and stuff. Those Guardian Angels hide theirs. They walk around as if they were humans. Ya can't tell 'till they've stabbed you in the back.' Hatred dripped from his words. The two at the bench froze slightly and tensed. 'When did they last do something useful?' another man spat. 'Aside from bringin' war, Demons and Vaults to a planet already impossible to live on?' one drawled sarcastically. 'That wasn't their fau-' the bigger began, but was silenced by her companion. Far too enthralled in their complaints to listen anymore, the men continued. 'You know Mc Dougal from Felnarl? After the Merger, turns out he had some girl Guardian Angel stuffin' around his place. Y'know, killin' neighbor's crops and stealin' and stuff? Carol swears her entire thomas herd caught the plague and died from the stupid thing.' 'Angels wouldn't do that!' the larger exclaimed in horrified shock, again ignored. 'Yeah, I heard about that! Mc Dougal was ok... Too bad he tried to defend that Thing.' 'He knew my sister's husband. I refuse to let her near him now.' 'I don't care what the Feds say, if I find an Angel in my town, I'll kill it.' one of the younger ones snarled. 'W-Well, what about Demons, then?' the smaller of the newcomers asked in shock, voice wavering slightly. 'Kill them too.' was the snappish reply. 'Don't forget killin' the Vaults.' the poker player reminded, grinning. 'Hell yeah!' his partner laughed, 'That's the only thing those Angels are good for! The reward for those Demon Shade things!' The younger of the crew flipped out his knife and embedded it in the table top. 'I made a haul of seven the other day!' he announced, trying not to preen in his own adulation. 'Pull the other one.' the old man wheezed, mirth shaking his shoulders. 'Nah, seriously! Oozed all over my @#$%ing boots.' 'How much did the Angels give ya?' '$$200.' 'Wha- You were ripped off!' 'Tell me about it! The bastards.' 'Y'know, I seriously think we should-' The swinging doors creaked and light spilled into the semi-dark saloon, causing the patrons thereof to instantly kill the conversation and switch their glares to the exit. Blotting against the dank light of the sandstorm was a single figure, impervious to the fury behind it and made bulkier due to the armour it wore. It didn't step inside. 'Speak o' the devil...' the old man snarled, sinking further back into his shady corner. The lack of light from the door was made blinding due to the Halo that was responsible for the dazzling effect. The Angel it belonged to cast a steeled and serious gaze over the occupants of the room within. Then, raising an overwrought eyebrow, he took a breath, a step into the room, and spoke. 'Greetings, mortals. Heaven has issued a new bounty for those who wish to pursue it.' he announced, obvious disgust causing him to wince at his surroundings. 'Bounty?' the smaller of the cloaked individuals at the bar asked in surprise. The Angel turned his repulsed sneer towards her. 'Indeed. We believe you people already have issued a warrant for the individual in mention?' He turned his eyes to the scroll in his hand, unrolled it, then raised an eyebrow and muttered, 'Of course, we actually intend on paying it.' 'Who is it?!' the young man snapped impatiently, prying loose his knife from the table. The Angel glared at him in affront, then cleared his throat. 'He's a maverick Guardian Angel. Broken all the rules and is considered highly dangerous. Goes by the name of... Vash the Stampede?' The pair at the bar jumped to their feet, stools thrown to the floor in a clatter. The other occupants of the tavern burst into laughter. 'Vash the Stampede?! The Devil's Helper?! An ANGEL?!' the old man croaked, wheezing his jocularity through broken teeth. 'What makes you think that Vash is a Guardian Angel?!' the poker player asked, laughing. The Angel scowled. 'I think we know who we hold in our ranks.' he retorted snappishly. 'The price offered was the previous one? 60 billion double dollars?' 'Wh-wh-what are his offenses?!' the smaller of the cloaked figures stuttered in a fluster. 'Lets see now...' the Angel murmured, cradling his spear in the crook of his elbow and squinting at the papyrus in his hand. 'Says here, "Grade A Property Damage, Theft, Vandalism, Fratenization with The Enemy, Assault on Higher Ranking Officers, Loitering with Evil Intent, Illegal Possession of Fire Arms, Violation of the Wingers Code of Conduct p.2093 through p.2156, Illegal Use of Materialization and Dissilation-' The Angel took a breath, wiped his brow, then continued in a high voice, 'And High Treason against Heaven.' Silence reigned. 'Wooow.' the bigger of the pair at the bar managed in an innocent voice. 'Wha- Fratinization with the Enemy?! When did he do that?!' the smaller snapped in extreme vexed disbelief. 'And Loitering with Evil Intent?! Y-You just made up offenses!!' she continued, taking a step forward with what looked suspisciously like a fist raised. The Angel took a step back. 'S-Sorry ma'am! Th-Those are the charges!' he managed, raising his own hands in defense. He then took a resoluted breath, unsheathed a dagger and pinned the notice to the door. 'The price is as stands. Catch Vash the Stampede and bring him to Augusta, and you will recieve your 60 Billion.' 'And if we don't, Angel?' one man asked, scratching his temple with the barrel of his gun. The Angel scowled at the unvoiced threat. 'Then consider it your fault when he grinds your disgusting, unholy little town into the dust.' he snarled, turning to leave. Then paused. Looking over his shoulder, the Angel added. 'There is a man travelling with Vash the Stampede. Another Guardian Angel charged with Aiding and Abetting the Enemy. A reasonable price is set for his capture. It's all on the notice, Mortals. I bid you a good day.' With that, he strode out of the tavern haughtily, wings ruffled in afront. The mysterious couple at the bar exchange nervous glances. 'Damn Angels.' a voice muttered to their left. The pair turned. The thin old bartender stood behind the counter once again, large duffle bag stuffed to the brim on the bench top in front of him. With a large breath, he returned his attention to the customers and said bluntly, 'The supplies. That's 60 Double Dollars.' 'S-Sixty?!' the shorter demanded. 'That's robber-' 'That's business.' the barman corrected. 'Do you have it or not? I'm sure other car wrecked fools will stumble in eventually.' 'Fine.' was the clipped and reluctant response. Reluctant as the fingers that handed over the money for the exchange. After a quick and skillful tug, the wad of double dollars finally changed hands and the duffle was hefted by the larger of the cloaked women. 'Thank you... We're also looking for a room. Well... Two rooms. For 4?' the unknown figure asked waspishly. '4?' the barman asked suspiciously. 'I count 2.' The bigger chirped up, 'Oh, the other 2 are An-' 'Aimlessly wandering idiots.' the shorted blurted over the other. Then added, 'They're harmless, really.' 'Why aren't they here?' was the next dubious question. 'They, uh, are trying to salvage our car. It's a little bit beyond repair though.' was the eventual reply from the smaller one. 'I ain't got no rooms left, but you can use the thomas stable.' the barman gruffly mumbled. 'For 20 double dollars.' he added. 'Wha- FOR A STABLE?!' the shorter shouted. The tender stared stoically back. With a huff, a large amount of incoherent mutterings and shakings of the head, the funds were handed over. Or rather, thrown down onto the benchtop vindictively. The barman pocketed the money with disconcerting speed, then turned and promptly ignored them. Exchanging a glance, the pair shot one last look around the now disinterested saloon lounge, then exited into the sandstorm. The granules bit deeply, yet ineffectively, into the hard material of the Dune Coats and the pair battled through the raging winds. Instead, however, of moving away from the saloon, both figures hugged the side of the building, rounding the corner to find a tiny windless haven beside the water tank. A few yarz away was the thomas stable. Once safely in the windless void, the pair threw back their hoods and gasped. 'Wow, it gets hot in there, doesn't it Sempai?' Milly panted, shaking the cowl to free the tough cloth of sand. Meryl followed suit, then immediately began massaging her temples. '80 double dollars?! At this rate we're going to be bankrupt before those idiots decide where we're going!' she groaned. Then, after a suitably long period of rest, she added in a shout, 'Alright, you can come OUT now!!' Surprisingly, her voice was nearly carried away by the storm. Vash and Wolfwood emerged from around the water tank, blinking blearily. 'Wha..?' Wolfwood managed, stifling a yawn. The placing a hand over his grumbling stomach. 'Did you get some food?' he asked immediately. Vash stretched. 'And rooms?' he contributed, wincing as his back unkinked. Meryl glared. 'Anything else?!' she snapped heatedly. Then added, 'Yes. And you owe us 80 double dollars!' '80!!' Vash managed, wide eyed. 'YES 80!' was the short response. 'If you hadn't totaled the car in the first place, we wouldn't have had to stop in this dead beat town for supplies or a room!' 'Well, you shouldn't have let me drive!' 'Y-You asked to!!' 'Hey, that doesn't mean I can!!' 'Idiot!! It's still your fault, and you better pay up!' 'But, come on! 80 double dollars?! Man, Insurance Girl, you really need to learn how to haggle!!' 'WHAT?!' 'We got lots of food and we get to stay in the stable tonight!' Milly announced to Wolfwood, both of them instinctively turning away from the arguing pair. 'And did you find out where the hell we are?' the priest asked, turning his black shaded eyes to the storm. 'This is Dankin Town!' his Guard replied. Then added quietly, 'They're not very friendly people, though.' 'Friendly? They were threatening to kill any Angel that walked in there!' Meryl corrected waspishly, relinquishing one hand from her two fisted grip on a grinning Humanoid Typhoon. She then blinked and made a small noise of recollection. 'And Heaven has issued a reward for both of your capture!' the small woman added, turning her gaze back up to the Angel she gripped to monitor his reaction. Vash and Wolfwood simultaneously jumped. 'What?!' they demanded in unison. 'A whole 60 Billion Double Dollars, Mr. Vash!' Milly clarified, raising a finger matter-of-factly. 'For all sorts of stuff too! Wow, you certainly must've been busy!' 'Oh, this is just great.' Wolfwood groaned. 'Not only do we have the legions of Hell after us, but now Heaven wants a piece.' 'Yeah, it sucks, doesn't it?' Vash whined, hanging his head in defeat. 'What the hell did you do to make them so angry?!' Meryl demanded, letting go of the 60 Billion Double Dollar Man to appraise him stoically. 'Rescue you.' he replied shortly, straightening his rumpled coat. The smaller of the Insurance Girls spluttered slightly, fighting for words and failing. Then, glaring, folding her arms and ignoring the slight blush on her face, she snapped, 'Not according to the list of offenses.' 'Well there's no use bitchin' about it now.' Wolfwood noted, flicking the ash from his cigerette. 'The best we can do is try to stay alive until things go back to normal.' 'Do you have any idea where we're going?' Meryl finally asked, resignation wrought in every word. 'Nope. But I guess we find out when we get there.' Vash announced, then yawned again. 'Man, I'm beat! Let's just hit the sack and wait for this storm to blow over.' 'I'm hungry.' Milly declared, frowning as she thought her own statement over. 'R-Remember they're emergency rations, Milly!' Meryl stuttered, hand reaching imporingly to her partner who had already stooped, picked up the duffle, and was now wandering toward the thomas stable. 'We're all starving, Insurance Girl, I'd call this an emergency!' Vash replied, grinning. 'Fine. You paid for it.' was the prompt retort before the short haired girl moved to follow her partner. 'Wha- Me?! Hey, I thought I said it wasn't my fault!' the blonde whined after his Guard, waving a hand repeatedly. 'Oh! Sempai! We forgot to buy some pudding!' Milly exclaimed, stopping dead in her tracks in the middle of the storm. Wolfwood blinked, hurriedly transfered his cigerette from his fingers to his teeth and promptly jabbed his counterpart in the ribs. 'Wha- What?' Vash demanded, cringing from motion. The priest raised an eyebrow. 'Wh- Aww... Oh alright.' the blonde whined. Then held out a hand. With a small sparkling pop, a cup of pudding was materialized into his palm. Wolfwood grinned, snatched the dessert from the hand of his partner, then jogged to catch up to the girls. 'You wanted something, Big Girl?' he asked gallantly, pudding offered. There was much sighs and rollings of the eyes between Vash and his Guard at the hugs and delighted trillings that followed. Then, remembering that they were in the middle of a sandstorm, the Insurance Girls continued onto the barn. Wolfwood took one last drag of his cigerette and squinted into the storm and back at his partner. 'What are you waiting for?' he shouted. 'Hmm? Oh, nothing. Just thinking that it's a pretty violent storm.' Vash replied distractedly. He jogged to catch up to the priest and the pair of them battled the rest of the distance to the stable. Once sheltered, they turned back to gaze at the furious wind driven sand. 'Wonder how long this things gonna last?' Wolfwood murmured. He paused to listen to Meryl and Milly unpack the duffle behind them. 'No big deal.' Vash replied, brushing sand off of his shoulders and from his hair. 'Think about it this way! Who's gonna think to look for us in a stable?' The priest cocked an eyebrow. 'Are we under the brightest star?' 'What?' 'Never mind.'
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Up on a local hill, impervious to the wind and sand, a lone figure smiled eerily as his thick knuckled fingers tightened over a bright, shiny green apple.
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-----AUTHOR'S NOTES----- Lynda: Snerk. ^_^ Hallo! Ee, gomen about the delay. Hehehe.. I'm saying
that alot lately. Er... Forgive me? Ahhh... Back to nice comfortable
sized chapters. ^_^ I'm going to be trying harder from here on in. Why? Because this is uncharted territory. That's right. I have the very end of this story all planned out in mind... But none of the stuff from here leading up to the end. O_o;; I'm just gonna wing it! Uh-oh. @_@ Kuroneko: Mya. =^-_-^=;; Lynda: It shouldn't be too tough, right, RIGHT?!? Nah. **grins** My imagination's tougher than THAT! HA! Anywho, I suppose I should go... Brainstorm. O_o |