The Typhoon ~Vash x OC AU~

Chapter 17: The Hunt

Leilani

~2 Days Later~

My stomach churns as a thick heaviness coats my throat. My legs itch and jitter with the longing to move – to do something or go somewhere. To run.

If I could, I would.

Inside, a coarse layer of anxiety balls in the center of my chest, clenching. I try to remain at ease. I try to calm my thoughts, but they are hectic and sporadic. I am swarming with this strange concoction of hope and dread.

It took some elbow grease – on Brad's part – and even more convincing beforehand – on Luida's part – but Ship 3's surface scanner is up and running. It's functional. Firing off unseen frequencies to No Man's Land's surface, scouring across the sandy terrain as it works at hyper speed, using facial recognition technology to search for Jonas.

According to Luida, the scanner is already directly linked to SEEDS's database, allowing it access to any information – including images – of any residents and crewmembers. If someone has been on any of the ships at any time, the scanner will be able to detect them if ordered to.

And right now, it's in search of Jonas.

My arms are folded tightly over my chest as my fingers tap against my arms. The buzzing in my legs is increasing, growing to an annoying fidget. I really do feel like I need to move but I'm already pacing.

Back and forth.

Back and forth.

Over and over, back and forth.

"Looks like Blondie was right. You are here."

I look up, my eyes colliding with Nicholas's dark stare. He takes long strides toward me, the soles of his shoes gliding across Ship 3's glossy linoleum floors. His hair is wild and untamed, matching his unkempt appearance.

He smiles crookedly as he approaches. "Well, well, well. Wasn't expecting to find you, but it seems Blondie does know a thing or two."

I snort, "Where is Vash, anyway?"

"What? Is my company not good enough for your highness?"

I roll my eyes, chuckling, "You know what I mean."

He studies me before shrugging, "Maybe I do. Maybe I don't. I wouldn't know. I haven't seen you two in, what? Days? Weeks? I was starting to forget what you look like. Do I even know you?"

I almost go to shove him playfully, but I stop myself. Joking aside, there is truth to Nicholas's words. It's been over two weeks since we arrived here. Over two weeks since everything that happened. And just as long since I've seen him or Roberto, and I only saw Meryl once shortly after that.

A twinge of guilt tugs at me.

"Yeah. It has been a while," I say, stuffing my hands into my pockets. "I guess that makes me kinda douchey, huh?"

"Kinda? You are douchey," he snorts, then shakes his head. "Nah. I'm just fuckin' with ya." He inhales sharply, his eyes drifting to the wall of windows. Sparse clouds roll by as the suns' glow penetrates the atrium's space. He is quiet for a moment. Then: "We all know that you've been busy. Parenthood has snatched you two up, hasn't it?"

"I guess you could say that."

These last few weeks have been filled with new. New routines. New challenges. New schedules. New everything. And Vash and I have been trying to navigate it. Together, of course, but it is not easy. It is taking a lot out of us, but I still wouldn't trade it for anything else.