𝘨𝘢𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘳

Chapter 5. Gamble

I am just lounging around in Ineperil, out of the patio of a noodle house with ramen. I mean, not exactly my favourite breakfast but I take what I can get. I, at least, had enough for the ramen, but I'm beginning to run low on my hunt for Vash. This time, I vow no bullshitting around. I take him, without indulging him. Without disclosing emotion. Then I book it. No looking back, no memories, no smokes, drinks, bullets. Just me and my money.

I hear sudden gunshots and realize it's time for me to go. So I leave my half-eaten ramen and jump over the rail, running in the direction of the gunfire.

There's more than just me, unfortunately. There's an entire crowd, confusing the hell out of me. They've got every weapon imaginable, making me very wary. I might not be the only one of his trail. But I'm the only one who can catch him.

"'Scuse me! I've gotta get through, sorry." I push through the crowd who don't seem to care, trying to get a look. Then the first bullet fires, and it's mayhem. Before I get shot, I have to get out of the crowd in a flash. Then I see the red coat high tailing it out of there and I run.

"It's the Ineperil competing with me, but I'm not about to lose, not when I'm business today!" I call after him as he leaps into roofs. I have no problem following, kneeing him in the back and he falls between the crack of the buildings. It's a long time of this, running and avoiding gunfire for hours. I leap down after him, grabbing the back of his coat and stopped a neck breaking face plant while my feet drag along two walls. My gun is nested in the back of his head. "You'll do what you're told if you want to make it to the Feds alive."

I dart out of the alley holding onto the red coat; into shadow after shadow till I find a small bar on the other side of town. I've noticed the gunshots have stopped; probably because of the man who spoke over the speakers. That is good for me.

When I step into the bar, I press the gun into his back. It took me four hours. I need a break. I need focus.

I sit us down at the bar, never letting my gun leave his temple. I light my cigarette, letting the smoke fog my glasses as I think of an escape plan. Then women pop out, aiming guns at me and Vash, but specifically Vash.

"Go tell them we've caught him! Quickly!" a woman tells a little girl, who dashes out.

"Right, you wouldn't want a little kid to see this, huh?" I ask, refusing to lower my gun. "This one has been my target for months. I'm not about to let you put a bullet in him."

"You know he's Vash the Stampede," a woman states.

"It's clear as day, but why would you put blood on your hands? The money doesn't matter when you're a murderer," I add.

"We need that money. My son is at home but the doctor high tailed out of here and I don't know what's wrong with him. If that plant doesn't get repaired, we're going to all die here in this city," an older lady says. "So let us have him. You're Shana Revy, the best bounty hunter this planet has. There's others worth your money, and you've got plenty of cash already. What good would sixty billion double dollars do you?"

"It's more than money. I have stuff with this man. And it's personal." I said no memories, but look at me now. "It's for me alone to settle, and I need to do it myself."

"Then don't shoot." Vash slowly stood, causing some of the girls to tremble. "Until I find the man you're looking for, I won't stop."

There was a sudden rumble, dust falling from the ceiling and I was up on my feet, screaming to get my message through, "Get down! Now!"

They were frozen as the crash happened slowly but surely. I dove at the women who refuse to move. "Don't you want to see your son again?!" I told one before it seemed completely dark. We are under the weight of the rubble, and I'm not sure I am going to get out. Not without getting anyone more hurt.