Denton couldn't help but laugh at Holly's look of confusion. "See? She feeling better already."

"As for your question... " Denton pat on Alex's shoulder. "Mankind is bound to recover to its former glory. And I think of it as a duty... "

((heh, yeah i know, i just wsh i was that original... lol))

Alex looked to Denton then back to Holly. "you've been out for awhile... an hour maybe two..." he looked back. "he... he saved you..." he looked back. "He's all I could find..."

((Maybe, but wish Kara and Shien post often as we do.))

"She not the only that I will save." Denton open the window blinds reveiling the unlimited greenery outside. "But perhaps people's view on this ever dying planet."

He looks at Alex, identifying his looks and equipment. He also stared at Holly for a moment doing the same. "You guys look like the type of gun slingers. Is there by any chance you seen a person named Ash?"

((Note: Ash never told Alex and Holly his name, so your answer should be no.))

((Yes, but Alex has a little mor knoadge about alot of things than he lets on... XD))

Alex shakes his head, but something within his mind recognises the name. "No, never heard of him..." Alex sits down, still somewhat baffled, or at least actinbg as such about what he had just seen.

OOC: Hey, I can't go online that often thanks to crappy dialup. Anyways, I talked to Shien on the phone this morning and he says he'll post something as soon as he gets better...he's been really sick lately.

BIC:
Holly's eyes went wide as she saw the view through the window. Was this some kind of weird dream? Since she'd been healed and felt so good, perhaps it was just a dream..... but a very real-feeling one. She looked so confused now.

"Ash... why does that name sound familiar to me? How weird..."

((Come on, having dial-up doesn't stop you that much. What you think I been using for the past few years?))

He bent over towards Holly, where his face was very close to Holly's. He gave a sarcastic face gesture. "...ooooooh? Is that so?"

He then burst out laughing. "Who am I kidding?! Of course there could be hundreds of people on this dust planet named Ash!!! Silly of me not to meantion his last name or title."

Denton slowly stopped laughing. Turn to Holly again and smirk. "Isn't that right? .......Holly?"

Alex took his glasses out and slid them on, his blue eyes now having a peircing intimidating look. "Leave her be ... she's been through alot..." Taking out a cigarett, he elaned back in his chair, lit and smoked it then sighed. "God... in one day the world turns upside down..." he looked over towards Holly. "If you think we should try to make it back to our job tommorow, we should go in a few hours... but I'd rather we get a nice place to sleap and eat first... nightfalls upon us..."

Alex recieve no reply from Denton. When Alex's eyes' view turn away from Holly to find Denton. He was already gone... no sound of steps or sounds of the door opening. However Alex sees a unused cylinder needle standing on it's tip on the floor where Denton was once standing. It was the exact same one used on Holly.

------------------------

"Mother?"
"Yes?"
"Did... did you ever have a family to call your own?"
"Besides us? ...Well ...I have a sister ...a twin sister. Heh... I never met her but I know she must be like me."
"What makes you so sure?"
"She is my gen... Hey! Details! Details! Get out of bed already!"
"Sorry... yesterday made me restless. Tell me, did you at least know her name?"
"Of course. She was part of that space project team recently. How could I forget? Her name was Re..."

Ash woke up, and found himself in the cargo bay, his back against the cargo boxes. He thought about the dream, and forgot it the next second. A dream is a dream he said to himself. No use figuring it out.

He slightly kicked the case next to his feet with the box of roses on top.

"Hey you!" a man shouted from across the bay. Ash stared at him in response.

"I saw you sleeping! Don't slack off your work! Tonight is important! Srew this up and your getting you pay cut!! Ya hear?!!"

Ash stretch his arms and then his back. Then he gave a slight yawn. "Sorry about that. I'll get to work right away."

((OOC: Dear god. I am quite sorry I have not posted in forever...Life sucks sometimes. -.-; ))

Trundell blinked quite a few times and began to go over the items about the place, listening to Tobias as he did. He picked through a few jars of money, seeming more interested in the various scraps of paper littered about the place then anything else. He walked over to a wall and ripped a paper off the wall and began to look through it, then tossed it over his shoulder. "Not a single clue to as to what this place was...." he said, then something caught his eye...

He walked over to a large cabinet he had not noticed before, and opened it wide. Inside were lines and lines of old drinks, presumably the old stock for the Bar upstairs. He pulled a bottle off the shelf and dusted it off, then smirked. He turned to Tobias and grinned slightly, the wicked look on his face almost terror inducing. "Tobias, Dangol..Welcome to our new place of buisness." he said, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Think of it. We can run the bar normally and rake in some small cash to add to this lovely stuff here, I can open some sort of Treatment Center upstairs for even more money..And of course, the ocassional 'near death' case..." He said, his eyes almost glowing in the darkness. He placed the bottle back into the cabinet and closed it slowly, then made his way over to the Weapon laying in the middle of the room, staring at it slightly.


----

Upstairs, Dangol mirrors Trundell's grin. A perfect little scheme, he thought as he watched the madman stroll past the opening. Enough cash and they could track Vash down quicker, and have enough left after they killed him to live nice, comfortable lives somewhere. Goliath shook it's head, standing up over the hole slightly. "Well, it's a good idea, but we'll have to refine it later, you know. Someone might raise a question or two as to how three men suddenly came into possession of an old bar..And we'll need to repair the place and..And..Ugh. Why do I even bother with you humans?" he said, his robotic voice carrying an agitated tone with it.

Holly nodded in agreement with Alex's suggestion.

"Yeah, let's get some shut-eye. I can feel that tomorrow is going to be the start of something awesome. This will be my first time that I won't be in pain during a job, and I look forward to giving my all for Mr. Silverblue in this. Whatever scum tries and attack that shipment is going to be one sorry s-o-b..."

She was almost a different person now that she felt so well. It was as though she'd been fueled with a vast source of energy that made her more youthful. Knowing that you're no longer going to die soon can do that to a person.....

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tobias grinned at his brother's proposal. They sure could use some means of making cash, and this seemed like the best one yet. And he could imagine the pretty girls that might show up in the bar for him to flirt around with.

"Bro, I like your style. Nice one. And Dangol, this is doable if you at least pitch in and help. With that hulking metal armor of yours, a lot of cleanup and remodelling can get done - just gotta put some effort into it. I say we get started right now and begin cleaning things around here, starting with any useless junk we won't need. As for myself, I'm going to sit this out and get some rest a bit, thanks to a 'certain someone' f-ing my arm up...grrr..."

The long-haired teen glared at Dangol as he stated that last remark, still fuming over making him fall down into the secret room beneath the floor.

Alex nodded and smiled then sat down in a chair besideds the bed in which she lay. "its nice to see you with so much energy, Now I'm certain you'd win at any races now on." he winked, although it wasnt so apperant, his blue eyes sheltered by his glasses. "I'm glad your better..." he stood and stretched and gave a slight yawn then turned back, leaning againstt he door frame. 'well, you still up to that drink, or do you wanan just call it a night here and now?"

When Tobias glared at Dangol, something unsual was staring back at Tobias. It wasn't Dangol, but behind him. It seems so faint that it was hardly noticeable. It couldn't be make out what it is but it was smiling at Tobias. A rather... very disturbing smile. Before anything was said or done, it faded away.

The next that he would notice is that something was written on the wall. Still a bit faint from the dark but the words can be make out. The word 'Formido' appeared on the wall written in blood next to it a child's bloodly hand print. What more disturbing is that nothing was on that wall seconds ago when they came in.

Then the hollow sound came, echoing in the room. It was made clearly what it was smiling at him... the little girl is laughing again.

Holly smiled at Alex as she rose from the bed.

"Yeah, a drink would be nice. And let me pay for it - after all you've done, it's the least I can do. But nothing strong, since we have work tomorrow."

She smiled as she prepared to leave, motioning to Alex to follow...

------------------------------------------------------------------------

As the word "Formido" and the bloody handprint appeared on the wall, Tobias eyed it with absolute terror...grabbing his brother tightly by one arm to make him face the wall and see the grim scene. His breathing was becoming rushed, and he was frozen where he stood - not even his worst nightmares ever contained strange things like this. Whatever it was, Tobias was freaked out...

"Shi......shi.....sh!t..... Wh-what the... h-hell... is... th-that?"

Alex chuckled. "You would have won you know... i should pay." he gave a slight half smile before followwing he. "I'm more or less new in town, so i dont know much when it comes to good drinking places. What about you?"

Trundell stared at the wall for a moment, as unfazed as possible. "It appears to be blood. A lot of blood. The real question is how did it get there?" he said, stepping over to the hole. He looked up at Dangol and said "You get to work on the repairs..We'll deal with whatever is happening." in a calm voice, devoid of even his normal arrogant tone. He turned back to Tobias and sighed. He turned to the wall and calmly stepped over to it, observing it in almost a clinical fashion.

Dangol sighed at Trundell and nodded, standing up. He looked around and shrugged, then began to walk around the room and studied what needed to be done about the place. He decided to ignore what was happening, instead focusing on his task. Trundell and Tobias could handle it.

Tobias was annoyed at how calm his brother was acting, but it did make him less freaked-out at least. But this was so creepy... supernatural...

"A ghost did that, I know it. Maybe this damn place is haunted. If that's the case, then it might not be such a good idea to turn this into a bar again. Or worse, what if this whole damn city is haunted? Heard that lots of folks have died here, especially in bar fights - the 'Lucky Thomas' is famous for them. Whatever the reason, that scared the crap out of me, bro. If I'd been an old geezer, I might've had a heart attack just now. Bleah...my pulse is still racing."

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Holly smiled at Alex. "I know of a place I saw on my way into the city."

She led him off to a small cafe called "Rufio's" and took him inside. The place was really cozy despite its little size, and featured a lot of things that were mostly Asian in orgin - the owner was obviously the descendant of Asian settlers. Holly looked at the shelves near the register and hungrily eyed all the delicious and even rare treats that were adorning them. She motioned Alex over and pointed out that they could get "Bubble Chai" and "Thomas-yaki" (though that last bit seemed a little weird at first glance; then she remembered the time she had to eat Thomas meat to survive for a few days).

"I love what they sell here! So unique and tasty-looking. Going to order?"

Alex chuckled. "i dont eat this sort of food too much, and you seem to know whats good or not, I'll just have what you have, sorry. I'll pay though." he lit up a cigarett and sighed. "God... thats good..." he close dhis eyes and exhaled, catching the attention of the bartender.

"No smoking!" he then pointed to a sign that must have read 'no smoking' but it was in a foriegn langauge so he hadnt read it right. "sorry..." he took the cigarett out, got up, threw it into the trash after smashing it out, and sat back down and looked to Holly. "Sorry about that..."

Denton was on a rooftop over looking the city covered in green life. He caught a glimps of Holly and Alex as they left the hospital where he disappeared from. It seems that they were acting like the dramatic moment before has never happen.

Then another man appeared him. Dress with a suit and a tie and with black sunglasses, like a important bodyguard. He tilt his glasses to see a better view of the now green city. “Nice display of show you got there Denton. Is this just a small display of your ‘genesis’ effects?”

Denton slowly turned to the man. “My, my. If it isn’t General Nova. And the answer to your question is yes. When it’s complete, it will be in a large scale.”

General Nova laugh a little and rub his chin with interest. “The perfect child of man indeed you are. Even you can notice me a general in this poor set of disguise. But tell me, to turn this planet into another Earth without the enough water to support it?”

Denton point to the sky. “Did you not see the rain? We don’t have to have water, we will create it! There are plenty of hydrogen and oxygen in this planet. And with the twin suns there is more than enough energy to support this fusion.”

“What are you now? A God?” The general grinned.

He smiled at the general in response. “It like what you said before… I am a child of man, as to take care of my mother, mankind.” Denton stood silently for a second then he pointed to the west outside the city. “However, there is no need for the child that represents and born to man’s war.”

-----------------------------
Ash was moving boxes left and right. Then came a whistle from a man from the second story of the bay. “Yo! That’s it! Break time everyone!”

Ash followed everyone as they walked outside. The sky was turning red, it was about to be night in a hour or two. People around him were eating from their iron lunch boxes. Some ordered meals from the kitchen inside. He didn’t have nothing to eat so he just stood there, alone.

Then he heard people laugh and yelling. He looking into the source of the direction and saw some of the workers crowding around a small rodent like animal. They were kicking it around as the helpless animal struggle to get away, until it is unable to move. Then they finish it off by stomping on the animal’s head, crushing it to death in the process.

Suddenly something came to Ash, another vision. He saw a man on his knees facing him. “Forgive, we mankind.” The man spoke. The next thing he saw was the man being impaled by something unusual. The vision stun Ash and he fell to the floor.

The people around ran toward him and pick him up to his feet. “Hey new guy! Are you okay?!” shouted one of the workers.
Ash rub his head and stood up straight. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.”

OOC: Kei, interesting backinfo there..... and this "genesis" stuff is cool
(though oddly reminding me of the "Blue Aqua" from Tokyo MewMew).

BIC:
Holly ordered something she thought Alex might enjoy, and took her order outside to a little eating area. Sitting down, she motioned to Alex to join her and Holly soon began to hungrily devour her own meal. Apparently, it was good...

"Mmmf... this shtuff is so... mmm... aweshome... you gotta try it..."

Sometime later, Holly had finished her repast and sat contentedly looking up at the sky above the city - still marveling at how beautiful it had become since that mystery man had arrived and changed everything. She'd always heard stories about grass and flowers, or rain, but never imagined she'd ever be able to see such things of a far away world long-dead...

Alex smiled, leaning back and staring upwards. "Its nights like this that a person can just... throw all worry away... regroup, remake themselves... its nice to be able to just... sit down and relax after such hectic times..." He looked up towards the stars and chuckled. "I recall reading that long ago, our ancient ancestors used the stars to travel... even after such things as flying ships... 'constalations' as they called them helped them navigate... its an interesting idea really..." he leaned forwards slighlty from his seet, resting his arms on his legs and staring down at the grean grass. he suddenly seemed to grow silent, staring at it before taking off his glasses and looking to Holly. "I've never said this before, but after everything, I have to genually say I am glad to have met you Holly, and although trouble seems to follow close behind you... I doubt i would be like this... staring at stars, relaxing... i would be just... traveling from town to town... trying not to die..." he trailed off then looked away. "not exactly fun times..."

“You know I been watching you this whole time.”
Denton gave out chuckle. “Of course you would. It’s no surprise to me. You been watching me ever since I was born.”
“But today you seem a little different…” The general replied.
“Oh? How so?”
“Normally you would help people from the outside without them knowing you. But today you would confront them personally…”

Denton turns and shrugs while giving him a half confuse and half smiling facial gesture. “Is it really a problem to you?”
“I wanted you less known as much as possible and not start anything too dramatic.”
“Why may I ask?”

The general tilt his sunglasses, then threw them away to the alley below. “Humans haves their ignorance of opposing too much change. For example, Galileo Galilei theories were true but the people foolishly considered it dangerous and close to heresy at his time. What would you think these people would think when we show them the lost technology of Earth?”

Denton just smiled and cross his arms. “As long they don’t know anything about us. They can’t do or say anything. Then they would have no choice but to accept the change no matter how big the scale of change comes.”

“And the Vash and Knives project?”
“Like I said… as long as they don’t know.”

OOC: Holy crap, TZM, is that avatar of Cloud from FF7:LO? Whoa...

BIC:
Holly's smile seemed to fade a little as she heard Alex's words. She kind of forgot that most people had a harder time than she did when it came to defending yourself. Life wasn't that great for her either, but she always came to act like she was the only one going through crap every day. And at that moment, she got this strange feeling she'd never had before - and she kind of liked it. Gazing up at the stars, then staring at Alex. Somehow, his face seemed to be more interesting to her than the stars, and she couldn't help but keep looking over every feature about him. Then, an even wilder feeling came over her and she couldn't help but let it guide her. Holly promptly leaned close to Alex and kissed him. Not a sweet innocent kiss, but one that's filled with passion.....

BIC: Nope, its Zack, close though.

Alex slowly broke away from the kiss, looking back at Holly. "Holly I..." He stopped speaking and took his glassses off, his blue eyes revealed to her. Taking his glasses off was always a sort of symbol for him, the revealing of his eyes stood as a sort of weakness within him, his eyes no longer hid, the syntemental look and pale blue eyes shimmering as the stars twinkled. He looked back inyto Holly's eyes then slowly came towards her, kissing her back as she had him, just as passionatly, bringing his arms around to hold her in the kiss.

((Ugh... How could not know its Zack, Kara? You hurt my feelings that my favorite FF character is once again mistaken for Cloud.... T_T))

As Alex and Holly had their passionate moment, they been interrupted by the sounds of a single person clapping. The clapping coming from Denton who stood by the entrance.
“You know, back where I’m from we call that PDA, public display of affection. And must be quite well from what I hear that you two just meet. Maybe the dramatic events cause of all of this. But what do you care what I have to say? It’s none of my business.” He laughed, quite openly too.

Denton slowly walk towards them, as friendly as possible since interrupting their moment together could upset them.
“Sorry to interrupt your big moment, but from what I heard from people is that Holly is quite the Vash fan. So my final question for Holly before I leave…”

Denton’s friendly face suddenly turn to a uncomfortable stare. He closed his right hand to a fist and slowly place his clench hand in front of Holly. Slowly he open his hand as it gave a strange glow. The glowing yellow light hovered and began to make a form. The light then made a 3-dimensional image of Vash the Stampede. “Would you really like to know what really happen to Vash?”

Alex close dhis eyes. "Vash the Stampede is dead..." He looked towards the man. 'you know that..." he looked back towards Holly, seeing her expressions and sighed. "Look... denton... i'm thankful you helped me save Holly... but what do you want from us?..."

Denton didn't move, he was still staring at Holly. Denton was very serious and straight foward. But he did reply to Alex. "Dead or not, I ask if she wants to know what happen to him. And I believe the question was towards her, not you. If you really do have passion like you two were a second ago, you would let her make a choice that she is given. Otherwise you would unfairly force your values to her."

He tilt his head a bit toward Alex. Giving him a cold stare. "I want nothing from you two. What I only want to do is show the truth. There is going to be a lot of changes Alex. And if you two like to see it being clueless, be my guest. Thats your choice. But for now, the choice I given her is waiting for her answer. And not yours."

Alex gave himm a cold stare, his glasses gone, his eyes seeming to change entirly,,a glare that could send shivers up ones spine. "Fine..." he shook his head then sighed, slowly bringing his arm around her, not thinking much about it... but somthing in him felt he needed to right now.

OOC: Ack...so sorry. I'm used to his sprite version with the DBZ Raditz-hair. Btw, get a load of my wild, crazy FF7:AC avvie I whipped up in 1 minute. And yeah, my art program can do Japanese katakana (oh how I love it; but you've gotta know the letters in order to use it; I owe my sis for teaching me). Oh, btw, I'm in charge of Trundell and Dangol now that Shien is weaning himself off of the internet. They're still his characters, but whenever he's offline, I can do whatever I want with them. This'll be interesting, I assure you.

BIC:
Having been so wrapped up in the fire of the moment, Holly was rather flustered by the sudden interruption from Denton. She wasn't quite sure how or even if she should answer him. For a few moments all she could do was stare at him nervously. Then, as she felt Alex put his arm around her protectively, Holly came to feel a lot more secure and inclined to answer the strange man...

"I'm curious to know as to why it's so damn important to you for me to ask. But anyway, here's my answer: Tell me all you know, and it better be the truth or else the business end of my rifle will be shoved way up your ass."

Holly glared menacingly at him as she said this, instinctively caressing her rifle where it rested in its holster by her side. And not realizing what she was doing at the time, Holly slightly relaxed in Alex's defensive embrace...

((You should know that I will give facts from the Trigun Manga, and not the Trigun anime. If you haven’t read the Manga, it would be kind of odd to you.))

“Tell me Holly, what’s the point at threatening me if you are unarmed?” He grinned. At first there was a silent confused moment. But then suddenly Holly’s arms moved by themselves, unloaded her rifle, disassemble her rifle into parts, and threw her rifle parts across the room.

“I only came to ask a question and see if you want answers. And what I get from you two? I get you treating me as if I was pointing a gun at your face.” He shouted. “Now I suggest you not to try anything on me Alex. Otherwise that embracing around Holly will kill her, if you know what I mean…” Alex’s arms, like Holly’s, were no longer under his control. And they start to tighten around Holly to a unpleasing embrace.

“For people who you save treat you poorly, you simply take advantage of the danger you save them from, and use it against them. You trusted me and threw it away, so I too threw my trust away. Consider us even!

Now then, about Vash, you should know by now that you wouldn’t consider him human. Heck, he isn’t human at all. He is one of those beings inside the plant… if you knew those very well, you should already know they are ageless. Do you know when Vash was born? He’s a hint, it was before mankind even reach this planet. Because plants can’t age doesn’t mean they can’t die by their bodies alone. When they overused their power, their hair turns black. When all of the plant’s hair turns black, their bodies simply destroy themselves.”

Denton reach into his robe and pull out a two photograph of Vash. And toss them at Holly’s feet. “Don’t you find it kind of odd that the whole back side of Vash’s hair is suddenly black? So what does that tell you?”

“Well I told you everything I know, well… only half of it.” Denton smiled. “Now I leave as promised.”

Static lines appeared on Denton. His image pulled left and right until he disappeared. A hologram. But oddly, the photographs are real. And both Holly and Alex were able to move again.

Alex let go of Holly quickly as not to crush her. "Damn it..." he stood and walked over, collecting the peices to Holly's rifle. "whats his problem?..." he looked towards Holly's direction, sighing. "Holly... what are you thinking?..."

OOC: Holly's statement to Denton wasn't as harsh as it looked, btw. And
nice use of the pics, Kei. I've always wondered why his hair changed...

BIC:
Holly did hear what Alex said, but she was miserable about 'Fiesta' being
taken apart. She needed her beloved rifle for their job in the morning, and
seeing it damaged like this was very depressing for her. Her gun was the
only thing of value she owned. Also, she was feeling very strange after she
heard all that Denton had said about Vash the Stampede. A plant? Wow.
She'd always marveled about them, and for her to discover that the man
she admired was one of them - quite a shock. But it didn't upset her at all.
Since she was a kid, she'd been fascinated by science and old technology.
And what made her feel so oddly right now was that Denton's information
told her one thing she'd been denying - Vash was still alive somewhere.

"I'm thinking... I'm thinking we need to fix my gun and get ourselves to bed.
It's late, and we have to get up early enough to get to work. And Denton
was just pissed at me over my harsh comment. As for what else he said...
I'm not sure what to say at the moment, and... well, I'm rather torn a bit."

Taking the pieces of her rifle from Alex, she tried putting it back together.
While she was doing this, a memory suddenly flashed into her mind like a
bolt of lightning - kissing Alex. Though she tried to hide it, Holly's cheeks
were beginning to blush brightly from the memory of what she'd done. And
she wasn't quite sure why she'd done it, either...

------------------------------------------------------------
It was late into the night when Dangol decided to stop his work.
A great deal of the cleanup had been done to the old building, and
it was starting to look decent enough for them to start on prepping
it the next day for turning it into a bar. Trundell amused himself in
turning the old refridgerator into some kind of operating room, and
Tobias (still freaked-out over Dangol shoving him in the hole and
from the ghostly message appearing on the wall) had resorted to
transforming two back rooms into bedrooms for everyone to use.
Dangol thought it would be fun to spook Tobias again and when
he'd stopped work, walked in on him as quietly as the ACS could
allow him to. Tobias screamed when Dangol touched him on the
shoulder (and not just because he startled him, but because it
had been his injured arm). Trundell came out of the fridge to go
see what was going on and came upon his brother hanging onto
Dangol's neck - smacking him on the head in utter annoyance.

"Will you two quit fooling around! Everyone in the whole damn city
can probably hear you. I don't know what set this off, but quit it.
Tobias, I suggest that you go scrounge around the hospital for me
tonight and get any useful gear you find. That fridge is ready for
us to use and I'd like to spend tomorrow recruiting some 'patients'.
Dangol, you keep watch for me while I finish up the final touches
on the bedroom my brother made for us. In case we get unwanted,
or even ghostly, visitors."

Tobias grumbled as he went off into the darkness to complete his
task for his brother. And though he was still mad at Dangol for being
such an ass, he was glad to go scrounging - he wondered what
sort of things could be found near the hospital. Or if he dared, he
could sneak in there somehow and steal some good stuff from them.
One thing he'd always wanted to get was a device from the old
days called a Cardio-Scanner. It allowed someone to literally look
at someone's heart beating inside their chest. Trundell knew how
to use them, and taught Tobias how to use it when he was a kid.
Of all the old technology that he knew of, this was one that he'd
longed the most to have and enjoy...

Alex sat in silence, watching her. "Holly..." he paused then sighed, looking away. he was fighting the urge to kiss her again. he didnt know why, but he felt he ahd to confort her... somehow. Finally, he brought his arm around her and held her ever so slightly. "I'm sorry for what denton almost made me do to you..."

Alex's actions caught Holly a bit by surprise, making her blush more.

"It's allright... don't feel bad about it. And I don't think Denton would've done anything awful. Wouldn't have benefitted him in any way, I believe."

Alex's arm being around her like this was giving her an odd sensation that
made her tingle all over like her body was criss-crossed by strings of fire.

"Come on - let's... let's get going. We really need to get some sleep. But...
if you won't mind, could you stay with me tonight? With all these strange
things that have been going on, I don't feel that secure about staying in my hotel room alone. That's if you're able to stay. If you need to be elsewhere, then by all means don't feel ashamed to go to wherever it is you're staying."

Alex nodded. 'i'd rather it actually... i dont trust this town too much after all the dshit thats happened... so far... I'd hate for anything to happen to you..." he let go of her slwoly then stood, looking down to her, offering his ahnd. 'lets go find a palce to stay..."

((If someone would say to me "Tell me the truth or I'll shove this rifle butt up your ass" I would find it harsh. That and Alex's unfriendly stare back.))

“Very interesting display you have set for the couple.” Grunted General Nova, as Denton took off his VR headset. “But you have no idea what you are costing us Denton.”

Denton said nothing. He just smiled in reply, as if he were ignoring the comment the general has made. The general turn his chair away from Denton and to the wall, not paying much respectful attention to Denton. “I have no idea of what you are doing Denton but that was suppose to be classifield information. What do you expect of this? What does these two have to do with you? If you expose more, we may have no choice but to eliminate you.”
“Heh like I am worried of what you might do.”

There was a dramatic silence in the room. “…She looks like mother. Doesn’t she?”

“That’s impossible.”
“There is something you are not telling me when I arrive on this planet…”

OOC: *pulls out her hair in frustration of having been offline for 11 days* And what's with this "looks like mother" stuff you've put down, Kei? Mysterious...

BIC:
Holly took Alex by the hand and led him off towards the 'Lucky Thomas' and the inn where she had booked a room. After a brief dash through the hall in the hopes of not bumping into any unsavory characters around, they made their way up to Holly's room and she unlocked the door. The room was only meant for one person, but it wasn't that too small and was quite cozy despite shabby decor. Holly plopped down onto her bed and tried to relax - carefully placing her repaired rifle on the nightstand.

"Sorry about there being nothing for you to sleep on. You could, um, well... uh... nevermind. Just hope that we sleep comfortably and feel refreshed enough in the morning to start our job. And I sure hope we get to the transport on time - I'd hate to make Mr. Silverblue angry with us."

Holly had been about to suggest that Alex could stay in her bed, but then suddenly blushed like a tomato and dismissed the notion. And even though she'd kissed him, sleeping together the same night seemed a little bit too much for her.

He catches whats he almosts aid then shakes his hea.ds 'i'd rather sleap on the floor... i'm more used to that then beds." the next moment wizzed by, yet felt like eternity. he came closer to her and then kissed her, his ahnd coming up and caressing her cheak then broke away, a soft whsiper coming froth. "goodnight..."

OOC: Despite the fact that I am eager for different stuff, I will stick to this story and hope it can come to an interesting end... especially in terms of this romance going on between Holly and Alex.

Holly was flustered yet delighted by Alex's surprise kiss. And after a few awkward moments of trying to get comfortable in her bed, she soon drifted off to sleep. Her dreams were very strange, consisting of flashes of memories from her past, the present, and of when she witnessed Vash the Stampede put a hole in the 5th moon. Alex was there, too, and for some reason she kept trying to stay close to him but they were being driven apart by various things. When she finally awoke the next morning, Holly was sweaty and exhausted - not to mention accidentally woke up Alex by letting out a strange little yelp.

"Hey, hey... I'm allright. Just a bad dream. What time is it? I hope we have enough time to eat breakfast and relax before heading off to do our job. And with all the totally weird stuff that's been going on lately, we need to be careful. Take for example that ghost thing we met near the dunes. I have no clue how to explain that, and it really creeps me out. Hoo boy... I hope that whatever Mr. Silverblue plans to pay us, that it's worth all the trouble."

Stepping into the room's tiny bathroom, Holly proceeded to undress - tossing her clothes messily out onto the floor. Since water was so scarce, the only thing she could get close to a shower was to pour a pitcher over her head into the sink and be able to wash her hair. Not caring what Alex was up to, the sharpshooter did her best to freshen up before getting ready for work.

Alex watched her go to the bathroom then nodded. "i'm going to go see about breakfast... I've already gotten all ready to go for the day" he smiled slightly then stopped before leaving. 'holly... are you okay?..." he sighed slightly. "I'm sorry about last night..."

"Ha! You still working even adding up with the whole night shift? Trying to get a promotion or a reward or something?"

Ash rolled his head around his neck slightly. Then gave the odd stare. "Yes... You can say that."

The man laugh hard enough to get a echo going across the empty hall. But no one else is there to hear it, not much people work this early. Morning is when people start coming. Besides, Ash and the man were many walls across from another person that maybe there.

"Wish I can do something like that, otherwise I have this take this stupid trip. But it seems I am the only one who can make great coffee and all that crap."

Ash gave a slight chuckle. "Don't worry about it. You're not going."

"Hmm? What do ya..."

OOC: I recently re-read previous posts, and it was fun to see what
interesting bits I'd written before. But lately, it's been kind of dull.
And I am having an odd time right now having come to love the
anime called "Hyper Police" and wishing there was such a thing as
catgirls and wolfboys on planet Gunsmoke...LOL...

"Last night? Not sure what you mean, but oh well. I hope Mr. Silverblue gives us a map or something when we show up at his place. Because I don't know this area at all, especially if something happens and we get separated."

Holly proceeded to hurry up and get ready, wondering what sort of breakfast Alex might treat them to. Putting on a fresh shirt from her suitcase, she dressed and then set about going over every inch of her rifle to make sure that it'd been put together properly from being dismantled the night before. Fiesta could use a good polish, so she happily went to work making it look decent - being certain to make the holly leaves on the handle sparkle. She whistled a cheerful tune while she worked, unsure of where the tune came from and not really caring.

------------------------------------------------------------------

Meanwhile, Tobias awoke with a start after having spent the night in a rather uncomfortable position, sleeping on an old chair. Wondering what his brother and Dangol might be up to, he sleepily stumbled accross the room and looked around for them. Not finding them in the expected places, he climbed down into the lower chamber and found Trundell asleep in what used to be a fridge. He'd done quite a job of turning it into a sort of hospital room, using things that Tobias had pinched from garbage cans. He smirked at his brother, seeing that he'd worked himself to sleep over his peculiar little project. But then he got a horrid shock when he remembered that Dangol wasn't anywhere around. Damn... he'd better not be causing trouble somewhere in August. The last thing they needed was another incident like the one he pulled earlier with a guy he met. If their bar scheme was to go off without a hitch, they needed the people not to know that they're known criminals - gain their trust. So he donned an old hooded trenchcoat he'd found and scribbled a note for his brother. Then he took off out the door and silently sped along many alleys in search of Dangol.

he watched her work and shook his head, chuckling before chekcing his own guns. Content on their form, he putt them away and turned to Holly. "lets go... i know just the place for breakfast." It wasnt long untill they were in a small cafe, eating a great breakfast between the two of them, and, after paying, ready to go.

“I know what you are thinking… And I trust that you would do what’s right. Do not worry about me. Heh. Yeah I know that it would trouble you that I may not return to you… if I… if… anything happens to me… then maybe my last words to you…
I love you. Please watch over your brother.”

Denton spend the morning in what looks like a very dark office watching closely at a holographic blue image of female scientist. His head laying on the desk overlooking the image video as if to find a meaning to it. The holographic video played over again as it did all morning.

“I know what you are thinking… And I trust that you would do what’s right. Do not worry about me…”
He pause the video, fast-forward, and set the repeat at the end.

“I love you. Please watch over your brother… I love you. Please watch over your brother… I love you.”

Doing that bothered him so much that he sigh of the painful memory coming back. That dying memory of a dying world that many, many years away. Corruption, greed, and torment on what suppose to be a bright future of tomorrow. In that returning memory, he believe she was right, those were her last words.

OOC: WOOHOO! *does her happy "Vash found some donuts" dance* I just had the priveledge to read all of volume 3 of Trigun: Maxium! (that's the one where Nicholas fights Grey the Ninelives and Vash is against the uber creepy guy known as The Puppetmaster, a.k.a. Emilio the Player) Ahhh... now my love and passion has been refueled. Heh heh heh...

Things were pretty normal at Roger Silverblue's home when Holly and Alex finally arrived there. Roger was waiting at his front door to greet them, and just as Holly had hoped, he held in his hand a map to help them on their trip. Escorting them off towards another part of his property, he led them to the vehicle they'd be guarding. Holly was shocked at its rather tank-like appearance. Not at all the kind of thing to transport antiques inside, even if they were highly valuable ones. For one thing, she couldn't make out where the hell they'd even be stored! And there was a small, mysterious crate attached near the entrance to the driver's seat that made her nervous. Roger put on convincing smile and assured them that it wasn't anything to worry about - they should focus on their duty. And once more, he tried his best to remind them that the antiques are extremely rare and irreplacable items, so of course they'd need plenty of protection to ensure not one bit gets harmed.

"I don't know, Mr. Silverblue. This just seems a bit fishy to me somehow. But, a job's a job and I'll give my all for your sake. Same with Alex, too."

Holly flashed a warm and encouraging smile at Alex when she said that.

Roger: "Enough worrying! We've got to get this to its destination as fast as physically possible. And if any of you wishes to get paid, you'd damn well make sure that nothing happens that'd cause harm to the antiques. Don't go poking your noses into stuff that isn't any of your business. Say for instance I needed someone to transport highly dangerous toxic waste or something? If I told my employees what they were dealing with, they wouldn't do the job! Heh... and get that freaked-out look off your faces. The antiques are not something dangerous, allright? I was just giving that as an example."

Holly: "Okay, we get the point. 'Mum's the word' deal, right? Fine."

And with that, Holly climbed aboard the tank-like thing and stood on a platform that was specially designed for marksmen like her to ride on. As soon as Alex came aboard and stood beside her, they started on their way.

Alex climbe donto the tank like machine as the dirvers enttered, a rough looking man and another, both holding shifty aperances.

"I dont like this... somthings not right...' he looked around them and shook his head, bringing out the cross from his back, holding it before them. 'if I only had my other gun...' he smirks, shaking off his words thn looks to holly. "well, either way, I'm sure we can take whoever might be after this cargo...' he sighs, shaking his head then stroking his chin. "Just seems fishy..."

Og course it does... he knows what he's doing here... this isnt 'antiques' as he so said...

OOC: Sorry I've been gone so long, guys. Hope you'll forgive me. Let's try and get this story picked up more but not too rushed for it. As much as I love Trigun, we've been drawing out this story very long and only a bit of major excitement has been happening. And it sucks that Shien has lost interest in using his characters and put them under my control - I'm not sure what I should do with them, though I know the outcome in the end (we discussed that on the phone when I first came up with this story).

BIC:
The trip was long and uneventful for most of the day. The heat was horrible, but not so bad that Holly couldn't handle it. If she were still sick as she was a few days ago, then it would've been a wretched nightmare. As the vehicle trekked over countless dunes on the way to their destination, Holly's mind wandered in thought as she tried to guess what the hell it was they were transporting. If these were 'priceless antiques' as Roger put it, why all the damn secrecy and protection? Then it came to her that they could be high-tech weapons from the past. She shuddered to think of how many insane vermin would do anything to get their hands on such things. But with how quiet their trip had been so far, would this be an easy job? Nah... get a grip. Chances are, if any of the local gangs found out about this, they possibly could've found out about the drop-off point and could be already lying in wait to ambush them. If this were the case, she needed to stay sharp and not get too relaxed - especially now that they were only an hour's drive away from their goal.

"Hey Alex, only another hour 'till we get there. You ready in case any uninvited guests are waiting to greet us? Since things have been so peaceful today, I reckon that it's 'the calm before the storm'..."

*the tank-like vehicle suddenly jolts to one side while driving over a large dune, and Holly is flung against Alex and has to grab onto him for support*

".....whoops! S-sorry. Didn't expect that to... h-happen... heh..."

Holly was now blushing brightly, feeling the same awkwardness that she'd felt the night she was kissed. It was wonderful, but at the same time rather confusing for the young woman. He looked so much like Vash the Stampede - could that be what troubled her so much? That she's falling for a guy who looks so much like the man she idolized? Then again, that wouldn't be so bad. But if she ever met the real Vash, now that she knew he still lived, it'd certainly be a stranger experience for her than she had once dreamed of.

He couldnt help but smile as she was flung against him, holding her slightly as if he hads caught her, his hands lingering longer than they should have... but finally leaving. he sighs slightly, knowing that if she held any attraction for him... it wasnt because of him himself, it was Vash...

"Dont worry about it... Really Holly, you are the only person i'd ever let get this close." he grinned an odd grin, looking both playful and yet serious in an odd sort of way. "I might guess at least SOMTHING would happen soon...' he chuckles slightly before backing away so the aqwardness he noticed within her blushing might continue to bother her, reaching to his back and sliding his twin pistiols from their holster.

The Eye of Micheal...

He looked aorund suddenly. "What?..."

You are just like him... funny...

A rain of gun shots suddenly peirced the air about them as he blocked ashot with his gun and grabbed Holly, pulling her down, pulling his sunglases down slightly and glaring off at the distance. "There, 3 'oclock we've got about 10...' he smirks. "Five for me...five for you..."

Hitting the release upon his guns, they spring outwards and form into their fullpistol form, himaiming one at one and one at another. "I know holly... nothing lethal...'

OOC: LOL... don't worry. It's not because of his appearance that makes Holly like him. But interesting to have him think that...heh...

BIC:
Trying to keep heading in the direction of their goal, the driver of the vehicle kept it revving at full speed in the hope of losing the attackers. This made things a bit difficult for Alex and Holly, but not too difficult. Holly pulled out her beloved Fiesta and cocked it as she watched Alex begin his assault. Problem with moving so fast is that getting a non-lethal shot might be tricky, even for a good marksman like Holly. But she cast that doubt away in her mind and focused on whoever the hell was shooting at them. 1...2...3...4... down they went from Fiesta's bellowing roar. But for some reason, she lost sight of the 5th man she was aiming for, and it puzzled her as to where he could've gone so blazing fast. A human couldn't have moved like that.

"Alex, I managed to wound 4 of 'em, but lost the 5th I was after. Disappeared on me like a damn ghost. Be careful, whoever or whatever that is moves like greased lightning. Looks like we've got a freak to deal with."

Gritting his teath he nodded, the muzzle flair of their cuns showing slightly... these guys were either dumb, or just carless... but it wa slike the one Holly had mentioned wasnt part of these guys...somthing didnt feel right... Within moments he had hit one man in both arms, another in the leg, and had shot the last in the hand, none of them would die, just blead a ltitle bit... thats the ebst Alex was willing to do.

"Holly... I think we might have trouble...' he turns, facing her. "these guys... you said one of them was different... the other may have been a decoy..."a shot from a tottally different direction trang out, much clsoer than the others. 'fuck!" he had only enough time to duck down a little, the shot ctahcing him in the shoulder. "Fuckin hell..." Somehow, without hesitation, he was able to return fre, with the same arm, but only a few shots. 'take him Holly..."

The Eye of Michael...

is this rp over?...

OOC: Noooo! Sorry, just been busy as hell lately.

BIC: Fiesta roared as it fired in the target's direction, Holly hoping that her aim was still keen despite all the action. A yelp of pain rang out as proof she'd hit the bastard and Holly felt a little relief. But she didn't have long to rest when all of a sudden, strong arms grabbed her from behind and held her fast - the cold tip of a knifeblade dangerously pressing against her chest. A dark amused voice barked in her ear:

"Fast, but not fast enough, lady. No one can match my speed - not even with a weapon like yours. And forget about your buddy rescuing ya, because if he even tries, this here knife's gonna be deep in your heart. Then it'll be in his head before he can even reach us. So if the two of you value your lives, I'd suggest leaving this vehicle to me and going your merry way."

The man laughed cruelly after he said this, and Holly could feel the knife pierce through her shirt as the man pressed it harder in his eagerness for the deal to be carried out. But before Alex could even say anything to the man, a rock came out of nowhere and hit the man in the head - pissing him off.

"Rrraaagh! Whoever did that is one damn fool... Show yourself, or I'm gonna tear this woman's heart out and toss it at ya like you did that rock!"

A voice from behind a dune: "Hmmm... if my brother were here, he might enjoy such a sight. But only if he were the one doing it. I, however, just like to watch. You're 'Lightning Lance', aren't you? Super fast in speed, especially from having your muscles and heart surgically enhanced to be more powerful. Too bad my big brother isn't here, because I'm sure he'd love to... cut you open and see how strong that heart really is...

As he said this, Tobias Raven appeared from his hiding place, wielding his ornate scythe and smirking fiendishly as he approached the man holding Holly. Being curious as to what they were doing, he'd followed Holly and Alex to Roger Silverblue's place and then off to where they were now. He also wondered if Dangol was doing the same thing - tailing them. But so far no sign of the biomechanical behemoth. Having a bit of hatred towards this man for turning down Trundell's offer to 'enhance' him and going to another surgeon, Tobias felt a desire to duke it out with the speed-demon. Gripping the shaft of his scythe, he readied himself for whatever reaction Lance would give him and eyed the freak with a look of bloodlust akin to that his brother often gave. Holly moaned softly as she felt the tip of Lance's knife poke her chest a tiny bit, and wondered which one of the men would strike first... hoping that Alex would do something to rescue her from getting hurt...

((For the past month and a half, I thought this RPG is dead. ^^; ))


The vehicle came to a slow halt with the showdown with Tobias and Lance with Holly in the middle and Alex in tight situation. There were few choices for them. If Alex tried anything, surely it would cost Holly her life as well as his own, as the same with Holly’s situation. Lance with change of scenario now has keep his eyes on both Alex and Tobias. Tobias is awaiting Lance's move, it a doubt he ever cares what happens to Holly or Alex. Choices. Consequences. But… it wouldn’t matter after.

Suddenly the driver’s door kicked open and the first to show was a heavy magnum pistol. Fired before any of them could react, the hollow point of the bullet flew towards the knife. Doing it’s purpose, the bullet hollow edge created a heavy impact rather than a piercing effect, shattering the knife in the process.

The man holding the gun step out of the driver’s seat. He played as the false driver but he was no stranger, Holly and Alex have already met him, when he killed that old man. That mercenary, that hitman, that assassin or perhaps that cold murder… Ash.

“I think you should know that you already failed your mission and that I have completed mine. But perhaps it isn’t your fault but Mr. Silverblue’s fault, because he failed to notice that cargo was empty to begin with.” He was implying the statement to Holly and Alex, and maybe Lance as well since he attempt to hijack the vehicle with it’s truly empty cargo.

"As for you," He glance at Tobias. "Get lost little punk. You got nothing to do with anything but asking for trouble. I think that little blade of your is too big for you to handle."

Alex took in the action as it unfolded, the mass number of new characters in this ltitle play changing drmatically. He still held his gun within his ahnd... he could work it fine enough, but aiming was another story...


"Everyone... calm down...' as he said this suddenly a gun shot fired off from his gun, having suddenly shifted his arm up and to the right, hitting the man's hand that held the blade to holly, which he then grabed outwards with his other arm, catching nothing but her shirt,a nd pulled her towards him quickly, neverminding the tearing sound he heard as he did. whatever, she could get a new shirt, what mattered was she stayed alive.

OOC: Glad to see ya, Kei. I'm sorry if things have seemed dead.

BIC:
Tobias almost turned a deep shade of crimson at being called a "little punk", and looked ready to slice off Ash's head with his scythe. And having someone interfere with his fight with Lance was quite distressing for him.

"I remember you... you beat my brother to ending that old man's misery back in the city. Well, I don't care what the hell your business is here, but to interrupt my business is a major offense. Oh, and call me 'punk' one more time, you'll either be decapitated or have a hole where your heart should be."

His hand riddled with pain from Alex shooting him, Lance looked really pissed that his plans were being shattered just as his knife had just been. And to hear that the cargo was missing from the transport was a shock. Once Alex had gotten Holly from him, Lance launched into action - moving with hyper speed and wrenching the scythe from Tobias before the teen even knew what was going on. Holding the blade near the teen's neck, Lance chuckled in delight as his victim yelped in alarm. Mocking Tobias, he said:

"If your big brother wants to know how well this heart of mine works, let him know that it's perfect - unlike the shotty job he might have done. That is, if you live long enough to tell him that...heh heh heh..."

As soon as she'd been freed from Lance's grip, Holly wrapped her arms around Alex and buried her face in his chest. Breathing heavily, she relaxed in his arms - feeling safe in his warm embrace and not sure how to react to all that was going on. While Lance was threatening to kill Tobias, a soft comment was uttered in Alex's ear by Holly (and a concerned tone in her voice).

"If the cargo is gone, I wonder what it was and where it is now. Roger is sure going to be pissed off about this, and we probably won't get paid. And this Ash... I'd sure like to find out what the hell his mission was, not to mention I think you should do something to keep that boy over there from getting killed. As for me, well, I'm a bit shaken up right now and... damn spooked..."

Holding Holly to him he nods in reposnce, aiming his gun to Lance's head. "...you and i both know where i come from ...and you know what i can do... so i say you leave now and nobody dies... or you could stay, and i take away another hand of yours... i promised holly hear no killing... so i'll do anything but..."

Having no care for what Alex just said, Ash revealed his ‘Minhander’ from under his coat and fired a rocket on the ground between Lance and Tobias. Immediately flames from the blast covered the two in split second and shrapnel flew everywhere around the impact. When the smoke cleared, the two where missing from where they stood. However, there was no trace or clue of what happen to them or even if they were killed by the blast.

“Punk…” He silently laugh, remembering the statement that Tobias made about being called punk one more time.

A short moment of silence was followed. And soon after… A large escalating white unnatural blast erupted behind from a distance where the gunmen who were shooting a Holly and Alex.

The same one that cost July… but this one was different as huge white flames emerge from it.

OOC: ACK! I do hope you didn't just kill Tobias, because you have to have Shien's permission to do that (and plus, it'd ruin my plans for him - namely that he's not quite the creep his brother is...).

(( "There was no trace or clue of what happen to them or even if they were killed by the blast." So I don't think they are dead. I thought that you would pick up that idea that they survive. I never control the fate of death of any characters but mines.))

OOC: Thanks for pointing that out, Kei. I just panicked since I recently had someone at another site think it was okay to kill a character of mine...

BIC:
Holly was stunned to witness the devastating power of the Minhander, and especially since she didn't expect Ash to possess a weapon like that. She wondered if the man and the teen had been utterly dissappated by the gun's blast and that was why nothing remained. And to be so close to someone wielding a weapon of such immense power, rather frightful for her to realize since they weren't on friendly terms with the man.

"Alex, I wonder what the hell we should do now. If we head back without having completed the job, I'm not sure what Mr. Silverblue will do to us. Not to mention that I'd certainly like to know just what that cargo was and why this guy Ash was after it. He certainly won't be easy to question on it, too."

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tobias saw the flames erupt from the Minhander and for a few moments had the wretched thought that he was going to be burned to death. Definitely not a way he'd like to die, and to die this young would be awful. In reaction to the brightness, he closed his eyes and soon could feel intense heat surrounding him in waves. Then all faded to darkness and he had a strange dream of his brother trying to roast him on a barbeque spit. After a while, he began dreaming of being alone and wandering the sands in search of civilization. Soon he blinked open his eyes and happily realized that he was still alive, though he had difficulty breathing and coughed a bit. But he was not alone - he was graciously being shielded from the suns by some massive figure towering over him. It was Dangol! Annoyed that he found him this way, but grateful that he'd apparently been rescued by the metal freak, he stated:

"Don't know how you saved my ass, and frankly I don't give a damn. Glad I'm still alive, though having your metallic bulk be the first thing I see ain't so great. Funny that instead of finding you, it was the other way around. *cough-cough* Ugh, I hate to say this, but I think I'm going to need my brother's help. *cough* And I sure hope that bastard Lance is dead..."

"And right you are miss." Replied Ash, butting into Holly's words. "But even if I talk, it would be pointless. Because once it is given to my client, who knows where it might be."

Ash turn his sights back to the large white explosion that erupt seconds ago after taking out Lance and Tobias. It got him in wonder..... it could be him.

He reach into his coat and tosses into ground next to both Holly and Alex a stack of $$ bills wrap in a band. From the size and the bills it contains, it was worth more than a $$700,000. "Keep it... there is something else I find rewarding."

Ash stepped down from the vehicle and into dustly ground. His eyes gaze at the white flames as he set his sights on that direction walking towards it. It seems like it brought something else more important in mind. Something he was bound to experience.

Alex watched the explosion, sheilding his eyes. it wasnt the firsttime he ahd seen such a thing...he was there when July had exploded, it was a miracle he had survived the blast even. He glared as he looked away. "... I really dont know what to say now...we see him ruthlessly kill someone then leave us money..."

"Alex, should we take the money and head back to the hotel? We certainly can't go back to Mr. Silverblue's or he'll probably kill us for screwing up. What're we going to do now? I'm rather confused..."

Holly gently rested against Alex in his strong embrace, almost falling asleep as she listened to the rhythm of his heartbeat. At this moment, she felt better if he decided what they should do next - bad enough she was beginning to get a headache from thinking about this mess.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Dangol might have saved Tobias from certain death, but no one was there to have saved him the annoyance of having his clothes burnt to ashes. His mechanical armor looked alien and monstrous against the sand around him. Tobias coughed harshly where he lay at his feet, and the man decided he'd find out what troubled him by using Goliath's bioscanner to investigate. The mecha's creepy voice soon related to Daniel the results of his scan...

"He's suffering from smoke inhalation. Also, it appears that heat from the blast entered his lungs and slightly singed the lining of them a bit. He'll need hospitalization soon or he'll die here in the dunes. What's your plan?"

Daniel wasn't sure what to do next. He didn't like Tobias at all, but at least the teen wasn't as creepy as his psycho brother (except for his heart fetish and passion for fighting with a scythe). Seeing him lying there in pain brought horrid memories flooding back to Daniel, and made him almost curse out loud. The scene reminded him of all the dying people he'd seen amid the ruins of July that fateful day he'd lost his legs and found Goliath. Clenching his fist in rage, he wished that Vash the Stampede was there so he could punch a hole through him - make him pay for all the destruction and death he'd caused. But dwelling on such thoughts wouldn't do him any good right now, so he went about gathering the ailing Tobias into his arms and hurriedly began making his way over the sands towards the city...

"Like it or not...we have to speak to silverblue about this... it sounded too fishy to me... I dont like it at all, the guy made it sound like WE were the bait and the real package was being delivered another way..." he softly rubbed her back gently then looked towards the direction of the blast. "...but whats for sure is we are not messing with some small time idiot... this guy just did practically the same as the Humanoid typhoon, Vash the Stampede..." he sighed slightly, his arm aching now as he held her. "my arms pretty banged up...' he slightly let go of her, trying to move it with a wince.

Once Ash reach the blast site after a few hours of walking from where he left the two, he discovered it was much different from what he thought to be just like July. White flames still scorch ground after a few hours and hints of electric current ran around the site. But those were nothing compare from what he saw in the epicenter of the blast site. A large blue pillar of light that stretch high enough to touch the sky, surrounded by blue light spheres that rose from the ground.

"Unbelievable, don't you think?" said a voice from behind him. In reaction, Ash turned around and aimed his magnum at the person's head. It just turns out that the person is Denton, althought Ash doesn't really know him. Denton gave him the usual smile in reply to having the gun aimed at him.

"Tell me... Ash. That is your name isn't it? Did you really expected Vash or perhaps Knives to have done this?" Ash gave nothing but a frowning stare in reply to Denton's question. "Of course not. Those would happen in populated areas like they did in the past. And the blast itself is far different from what people of this planet have seen. Vash or Knives did not evolve or enhanced enough to reach this kind of level."

"Are you saying you did this?"

Denton grin. "What if I did? What conclusion can you come up with to why I would do this?"

"There were gunmen here. And I don't think they are willing to blow themselves up in a massive scale."

Denton couldn't help but laugh to Ash's answer. "Right you are as usual. Your not the type to be incorrect at all."

"I am human. And as a human I am bound to be incorrect at times-"

"But what if I told you we aren't human?" Denton interrupted. "But that I am an 'Angel' and you are the 'Demon' ?"

Ash couldn't find the words to answer such a question. So he became silent for the moment and let Denton continue to talk.

"You may not notice it, but we both control the fate of mankind in the past. And as of today, that role of yours is no longer needed."

Holly understood that they'd have to face Mr. Silverblue on this mess, but wasn't that pleased about doing it. Hearing Alex's comment on his arm hurting made her worried, and she tried to examine it to make sure it wasn't broken.

"I hope it's not too serious. Ugh, I'm not a doctor, so I'm not sure how bad your arm is just by looking at it. Oh well, we'd better hurry and get to Mr. Silverblue's house and let him know about all this crap."

Trying to figure out how to get back was a major pain in the ass, but after a while they managed to find their way to Roger Silverblue's home and nervously rapped at the main door. For a few moments, there wasn't a response, and Holly wondered if he was even home. Then she noticed that the door was open and made Alex follow her inside to investigate. There was a creepy aura of danger filling the air as they made their way through the building, peeking in each room as they went. Coming out of the house into the back area where Alex and Holly had proven their skills to Mr. Silverblue, they were met by the smell of blood emanating from somewhere in the area. Holly looked over where Mr. Silverblue had a well and almost shrieked in alarm - for there, beside the well, lay Roger Silverblue. He was an awful mess, and he appeared to have been unable to draw his gun fast enough to protect himself. None of his servants or hired men were anywhere around, and Holly wondered if they were dead or took off. Checking his pulse, she was amazed to find that he was still alive, considering how much blood he'd lost.

"Alex! Over here! I found him, and he's damn close to kicking the bucket. Not sure, but it kinda looks like someone tried to turn him into a piece of swiss cheese, and - "

Suddenly, Roger grasped Holly's arm and opened his eyes to look at her. It was hard for him to breathe, and almost whispering, he muttered to her.

"I ain't no... damn cheese. Bastards only... got one shot in me. Been here... by myself... for hours. Glad to see you... but guess that means... you lost the shipment. At least... yer not dead."

He bandaged up the arm, a lack of blood seeping through but he bandaged it anyways. "God... he's a mess...' he looked around. 'you see what you can out of him, i'll look about and see if any more of the guys who atacked him are around.' he patted her shoulder before drawing his weapon and tkaing off.

OOC: AGH! I am such a grammer nazi, that it's hard on me. I really do not want to offend people, but... I really hate poor spelling and bad grammar while roleplaying. *starts pulling on her hair out of frustration*

BIC:
Holly hoped that Alex wouldn't meet with any trouble while he perused the rest of the estate, and meanwhile busied herself with getting Mr. Silverblue into his house. With some direction from Roger, she rummaged through the rooms to find some first aid material and began doing a better job of dealing with the bullet wound. He kept looking at her curiously, as if he couldn't believe that she was even there and helping him. Wondering what the hell was his problem, she finally decided to ask about his odd glances.

"Sir, I don't mean to bother you, but why do you keep looking at me like I'm some kind of freak or something? It's just... a bit creepy..."

"Sorry. Just that, well... I didn't know... you'd ever come back. The asshole who shot me... said something about you and Alex being dead as stone..."

This puzzled Holly immensely, and made her wonder if more than one group of people had wanted to hijack the shipment, and that someone outsmarted the ones who beat up Mr. Silverblue. Curious indeed...

OOC: Oh, how I'd love for Kei to come right now with something awesome.

Alex continues around the area, looking for any others that might have come from those whome hijacked the ride, as well as attacked silverblue.

"I know you...you are the wolf..." Alex turned, the man was shot, laying upon the ground. "I knew you'd be here...I KNEW it..." Studying the man for a moment, Alex pointe dhis gun at him.

"who are you?..."

"One who knows the truth about the Eeye of M ichael and what role you played in every-"

he was cut off by the sudden shot through the head.

"May God have mercy on your soul..."

((.You guy should of continued without me. My characters and their groups are more active later on. Plus I am busy with my comic.))


It sounded pretty stupid to Ash. Angels? Demons? He and this strange person controlled the fate of mankind in the past? It so stupid to Ash that it goes past the term 'Bullshit' to something even shittier. He tightens his grip on the magnum ready to pull the trigger to end this lame conversation. "I rather leave it a mystery by killing you now as far as I care!"

Have that said, the magnum unleash a chamber upon Denton. However the bullet stops in front of Denton's face and was caught in what seem to be a web of electricity. In reply, Denton pointed at the magnum pistol, which suddenly explode the chambers of the magnum causing the whole gun to fall apart leaving the handle in Ash's hand. "I think you find my words a little far fetch. Not that it matters, I plan to kill you anyway."

Still eager to kill him, Ash unleashes his Minhander. But Denton was quick to react and disassemble his weapon by just sliding his hand on the Minhander as the screws flew out making the Minhander nothing but metal parts.

Most of his weapons were gone, but he still had his blades. Ash un-sheath the dual blades which one of them met by Denton's hand and the other knocked out of his hand. With quick hands, Denton turns the blade against him and shove Ash to the ground. The blade then lay besides Ash's neck. "Now you are without a weapon. It’s useless to resist, so don’t underestimate me no matter how skillful you have become.”

“Might as well kill me then.” Ash replied. The strong statement really got Denton laughing.

“HAHAHAHA!!! Still seek to be killed in battle? Yes, I know that you want an honorable death. Why else would you not spend your reward to please yourself in riches and still work in the black agencies?”

He lifts the blade and stabs it right next to Ash’s head. “I will not give you that honor! Not until you realize how dishonorable you really are. Not only you but everyone else like you in this god-forsaken sinful planet!”

He stood there over Ash with what seems to be a sinister smile. Both were trading stares then Ash realize that what seems to be gigantic wing that stretch as far as the eye can see coming from behind Denton’s back.

“A Plant?!”
“No… something more.”

A huge gust of wind blown in, blinding Ash for the moment. When he looks again, Denton was gone and the sky was filled with falling feathers. He raises his head to the sky. “Angel…”

Then he looks upon his own hand.
“…Demon?”

__________________________________________________ _

A chill over came Holly. She then hears that echoing voice of that little girl once more. “Get out” she whispered. “Get out or you will join lost souls around you.” Flash of images of explosives around every corner of the mansion appeared. The sound of clicking of a clock echoed in her head.

The chill disburse and suddenly every exit of the mansion slam shut.

Alex looked back the doors behind him closing. '...shit...' he ran up and slammed the door. ' It's locked... their all locked... a trap..."

OOC: Sorry about that, Kei. I had no idea you were so busy. My bad...

BIC:
"What the fuck is going on?" shouted Holly in alarm after hearing the ghostly whispering in her mind and seeing the brief vision. And Roger went wide-eyed when he heard all the doors close so harshly, beginning to seem paler.

"Shit! This is horrible! Alex, how the hell are we gonna get out of here?"

He pounds on the door, trapped outside as she is isnide. ' i dont know...' he goes to fire his cross gun and it clicks, empty. "...great...' switching it back into its cross form he slides it into its holster on his side then sighs, looking down to his left arm. '...I'll get you two out of there..."


The explosion rocked the entire area, the front entrance exploding inwards and the wood door collapsing. The dust clearing, there stands alex, his left arm differing in shape, smoke billowing from a large gun structure . "Come on..." A whirring of moters happens and the gun clicks back into a position, looking just like a prothstetic arm, his coat shreaded from the transformation.

OOC: Sorry it's taken me so damn long to post in this, but I've been dealing with some major RL crap lately and it's been rough for me. Ugh.

BIC:
Holly was stunned at what she'd just witnessed, and stood there a few moments. But the images of the vision flashed into her mind again and she raced to gather Roger Silverblue into her arms (along with a blanket). Rushing out past Alex, she tried her best to get the hell off of the property before the bombs went off. But that was a bit difficult, since Roger was quite heavy.

"Alex, hurry! Come on... and help me carry him!"

He nodded, running besides her and picking up the man easily with his left arm, the size of the man seeming to be none in the arm. " lets get the hell outta here..."