Chapter Text
Spikey,
You're probably wondering how this letter got to you in the first place. That, my friend, is for me to know and for you to find out.
The lord only knows when I'll next meet you and the girls again, so I’ve decided to settle for this method of communication instead. Add my own pizazz to it and what not.
…if you do not mind that is.
Anyways, I’m gonna keep this short and simple. Take this letter as… an extension of acquaintanceship I suppose? Your response will be enough of an indication for me.
Until we meet again, Spikey.
- Wolfwood
Wolfwood,
Okay first off, creepy. How did you even find my location?? You know what, forget it; I don’t even want to know. Some priest you are heh. Jokes aside though, I truly do not mind the letters. Consider this as an acceptance for your offer of acquaintanceship ;)
You should try writing one to the girls as well sometime. I’m sure they would appreciate it!
As for the next town I will be heading to, that’s a secret. Although I wouldn’t be surprised if you somehow ended up finding me anyways.
To close this letter off, I’ll leave you with a little bit of trivia (I guess you could say I was very much an encyclopedia kid). Did you know: A nebula is a giant cloud of dust/gas in space, often causing the birth of stars.
Until we meet again Wolfwood.
- Vash
Spikey,
I fully know that you are reading this right now. Big Girl’s going a little crazy in the kitchen. Kindly open the door :)
Also, never quite took you for a star person. What you some kind of Space scientist side-gimmick or what-not?
Jackass,
You dare speak to me after the stunt you pulled (Jesus stop entering me into random competitions)?? I’m retracting that acquaintanceship -_-
To answer your question about the side-gimmick, no I am not a Space scientist.
Go away. No space facts for you today :/
Needle-Noggin,
Don’t use the lord’s name in vain. Also no take backs. Should have known what you were agreeing to before signing up for it haha.
Didn't think you were a fan of rhyme scheme either, but I guess we learn something new each day.
Now open the goddamn door.
A-big-jackass,
Nah I don't think so. Have fun helping Milly in the kitchen :)
Dumbass,
Oi I brought donuts. Open the door.
Not-so-much-but-still-sort-of-Jackass,
Ugh fine… give me a minute.
Wolfwood,
I know, it’s a bit odd that I’m the one reaching out first this time, right? Just wanted to let you know that the girls and I will be traveling again! And no, I won’t tell you where we’re headed. Try finding us this time ha.
Also damn these nicknames keep getting more and more creative. At this rate, I gotta start coming up with some of my own.
Next time we meet, we definitely need to go stargazing again (you’re buying the donuts once more; you still owe me for the tomato ketchup trick from the tournament). Except hopefully in a place with a lot less light pollution than May City. I had fun talking constellations with you! Good luck beating me in my space knowledge though. You still have miles to go, young padawan. I guess since we’re on the topic of constellations, I’ll do something a little different from trivia.
My personal favorite star has to be the star Icarus, located within the constellation of Leo. The star is tragically similar to its Greek counterpart, appearing in its blazen glory for a brief moment before falling back into darkness. Yesterday night, you told me that Icarus drowned, sealed in his fate forever. I believe otherwise.
I don’t think these stories have a true ending, Wolfwood. Only a continuation of their own. Daedalus hung his wings and greeted death as an old friend, and Icarus stood waiting with a smile. In another world, Icarus’s light emits the faintest trickles, ready to join its home within Leo once more. The point that I’m trying to make here is that a person isn’t sealed in their fate forever. There can be change. There can be forgiveness.
Until we meet again, Wolfwood.
- Vash
Corncob (don’t worry, the nicknames will get even more creative from here),
Found you. But hey, not my fault you literally decided to go to the caravan nearby. You know, because it’s the only reachable thing from May City . Don’t worry. I won’t be following you to July, if that’s what you’re worried about. Especially after the mass chaos that was today (just joking, I really do have other matters to attend to though).
…yeah I wouldn’t mind stargazing with you again (if you think you got me beat in star tales, think again Needle-Noggin; believe it or not, I actually did used to read a lot when I was younger). And what the hell do you mean “you owe me one”. You’re footing the bill for the donuts this time (be grateful I even brought you donuts last time).
I suppose we can agree to disagree on the matter of Icarus. Time will tell us who’s right in the end. You always seem to find a way out, don’t you.
I will admit this; you intrigue me.
Safe travels, Spikey.
- Wolfwood
Wolfwood,
Bet you didn’t expect this letter to be delivered to you by cat (listen I didn’t know Kuroneko would take this much of a liking to you).
Damn it's a shame you won’t be accompanying us to July. Didn’t think a silly little cat- astrophe would scare you away (Haha do you get it? Gah I can already feel you reaching for the Punisher to give me a whack upside the head).
In all seriousness though, it’s been really fun traveling with you (or bumping into you I guess) these last few weeks. Consider this a farewell until I reach July? A lapse of radio silence? I don’t quite know what to call it.
Small piece of space trivia before I grace you with my departure. Did you know: There’s an entire planet made of diamonds. It’s called 55 Cancri e, and it’s about twice the size of Gunsmoke! Pretty cool, eh?
Until we meet again Wolfwood.
Your friend,
Vash
Needles,
You’re never going to receive this letter, but I’m writing it anyway. Is it out of comfort? I have no goddamn clue. Your last letter to me seems so surreal. I just- it’s odd.
It's my fault for not stopping you from heading to July. I wish… I wish things had been different. That I'd met you under different circumstances. In a world where the orphanage isn't on the line if I make even one mistake.
I'm a monster, Vash. No matter how much you may argue, my fate is sealed (haha you won't even read this letter why the hell am I still writing).
I can’t find you. It’s just as though… you’ve disappeared off the face of this planet. I’m not gonna let you leave so easily.
Until next time.
- Wolfwood
Spikey,
Where are you damn it.
- Wolfwood
Vash,
Please
You Dumbass Needle-noggin’d-Dolt,
Thank heavens I finally found you (at least the town you're in; when I find you, you are dead meat). Don’t you dare plan on bolting, or I will send you to hell and then back.
I’m not letting you turn into a husk goddammit (I will whack you upside the head with the Punisher if you pass some snide remark about me “using the Lord’s name in vain” the next we meet god so help me).
Listen, you can’t just stop being Vash. Snap out of it Spikey, before the darkness consumes you.
- Wolfwood
Wolfwood,
Guess you found me, huh? You've always been able to in the end. I'll see you soon, Wolfwood.
- Vash
Wolfwood,
I apologize for the creases, but it was a bit difficult shoving this letter to you through the little hole by the floorboards (jeez I still don’t know why Lina and her grandmother were so insistent that we stayed in different rooms for the night).
Also, I find it hilarious that Kuroneko has just… followed you this entire time (I knew you were a cat-whisperer at heart). Didn’t think you would be spending the entirety of two years just to find me though (that’s some serious dedication there buddy). Haha it seems to me as though a certain grumpy little priest actually cares about me ;)
Hate to admit it, but… you weren’t wrong about the Vash part. It’s just- the name comes with so much baggage. I don’t even know if I can explain it all to you.
How do you know Knives, Wolfwood?
- Vash
Spikey,
If you’re gonna apologize for the creasing, then I feel as though I should as well because holy hell it was difficult to fit this note through the hole. Also, considering the fact that Lina’s grandmother nearly kicked me out earlier today, I think we should be grateful that I’m even allowed a room in the first place. Blame that idiot cat (no I’m not a cat whisperer, this one’s just insistent on following me everywhere ).
Stop gloating about your height. I am half an inch shorter than you dammit.
Now for the serious part of this letter: we all have our secrets, Spikey. Seriously, don't worry your silly little brain about it (you may be taller, but I definitely have more common sense than you).
And about Knives? You’ll know within time.
- Wolfwood
To Mr. Still-Shorter-Than-Me,
With your attitude, I can definitely see why you nearly got kicked out hmph! I was tempted to crease the letter more than necessary just to spite you, but I thought otherwise because I am a kind, genuine person.
In all seriousness though, thank you. It’s no wonder you’re so easy to talk to. You just… understand .
Gah ignore that ignore that ignore that. This is getting a little too emotional for me.
Uh um
Random star trivia?
Did you know: There are more stars than there are grains of sand on Gunsmoke. Try wrapping your head around that one ha.
Good night, Wolfwood :)
Your friend,
Vash
To Mr. Sand-For-Brain,
First thing I’m doing tomorrow morning is decking you across the head with the Punisher before we leave (or maybe not to avoid risking more brain damage). “Kind, genuine person” my ass.
Understand is too kind of a word, but I’ll take it for now. It’s no problem, Spikey. We’ll close the conversation here.
As for the star fact, that… is very hard to visualize. Jesus, just how many stars are out there?
Good night, Needle-Noggin. Sleep well.
Your friend,
- Wolfwood
To the Silly Little Cat-Whisperer,
Using Kuroneko as mail transport has got to be animal cruelty. And maybe… don’t do letter transport while Brad’s around??? No wonder he hates you (Wolfwood he’s allergic to cat hair, and you damn well know that; stop trying to incite riots with my family -_-).
I didn’t expect Sensei to take a liking to you though so quickly. I think that’s the fastest I’ve ever seen him adopt a person. And I’m talking about me…
Wolfwood, our conversation from earlier- I stand firmly by what I said. People dying, it’s a very serious matter. The worst thing one can do in the situation we were in today was do nothing , dreaming that the situation will resolve itself.
I saw you today, Wolfwood, the way you offered that man a lift from town. I could see it in your eyes: you still care. I don’t know why you choose to let your heart bleed so much, but think about it. Okay?
Your friend,
Vash
To the Star-geek,
I would never unleash the power of the mighty Kuroneko on Brad. Innocent until proven guilty, Spikey. I would like to plead the fifth. And it isn’t quite animal cruelty if the feline actually wants to perform the task, is it?
I… didn’t really expect Sensei to even tolerate me? Must be the charming personality ;)
Jokes aside though, today… I stand by what I said as well. Nowadays, people’s lives are nothing but a continuous pattern of strife. There are choices , complicated and ultimately cruel, but you have little time to make them. Even those who normally don’t fight pick up a gun if their loved one’s killed.
You could have died, Vash; we’re not omnipotent. At the end of the day, our only alternative is to become demons.
I’m gonna reiterate what I told you earlier. Keep pushing your luck like you did today and one of these times it won’t work. The day will come when you have to choose .
I’ll see you tomorrow, Spikey.
- Wolfwood
Hey Wolfwood… I brought some balm for the bruise on your face. Open the door.
I can't change.
Get some rest.
Okay.
Wolfwood,
You’re definitely not getting this letter ever , but seeing you on the hospital bed looking so… lifeless scares me. You’re at peace, that much I can tell, and I don’t know whether that’s a good thing or not. You spilled blood to save my home, and for that I’m forever in your debt.
I know about Knives, Wolfwood. Well at least, I know enough. I shouldn’t have judged you so harshly the other day. Not because I have changed my moral stance but because I eyed you with naive scrutiny in a world that is not black and white. I still stand firmly by what I believe, but… I don’t know. I haven’t found my answer yet.
Just- you’re not a monster, no matter how much you think you are.
I’m with you till the end of the line.
With love,
Vash
Vash,
You’re never getting this letter ever , so I’m gonna be very frank here. Just, uh, put down all my thoughts, let’s call it that (it’s probably the drugs speaking) .
You’re an idiot. A self-righteous moron with no sense of self-preservation. And… I admire you. So much.
I won’t apologize for killing Rai-Dei. Or the others on that ship. I stand firmly by my beliefs.
But… there’s something about you that sparks some sort of hope inside of me. It’s weird.
The way you’re able to rescue everyone, no matter the amount of scars and troubles you collect. Someone who’s able to so easily look at the bright side of life. A true gunman.
I’m a monster, Spikey. That much is obvious. But for some reason, I feel human around you.
Your friend,
Wolfwood
Vash,
I don’t know who the hell thought it was a good idea to teach Kuroneko to deliver letters, but they kindly need to re-evaluate their life choices.
I do apologize for reading the letter though. It was a private message, and I’m sorry for accidentally infringing upon that.
However, whatever soap opera drama you and Wolfwood have between each other needs to be resolved. I have no idea about what is happening between the two of you, but Milly and I could literally feel the tension emanating in the room.
Also, if you two dumbasses get yourselves injured like this again, I will ensure that the two of you regret your entire existence. Understood? Don’t you idiots go dying on us.
- Meryl
Meryl,
You can blame Wolfwood for the Kuroneko situation -_-
I think Kuroneko took a bit of a liking to him and has just been… delivering letters between the two of us (don’t worry, nothing as cruel as walking through an entire desert but she is extremely helpful when we’re in different parts of town). Jessica was kind enough to help me deliver this letter to you though, so give her a big thanks.
And haha, what do you mean by soap opera drama? Things are peachy on our end (imagine me flashing a thumbs up here at the end of this sentence).
You worry too much, Meryl. We won’t get ourselves killed so easily, promise. Guess I did eventually grow on you, didn’t I?
See you later!
- Vash
Hey there Mr. Priest!
I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to read your letter, but Kuroneko had brought it and I thought it was for me. And now I just feel so darn guilty :/
Don’t worry, I didn’t read too much of it if that’s what you’re worried about! You should probably confess to Mr. Vash soon though. Bottling up emotions isn’t good for you >:(
Also, you also think so negatively of yourself… I’m giving you the biggest of hugs the next time I see you (I have a few reports to complete right now, but I should be free in a couple of hours!)
See you then :)
P.S. – WE CAN BE GOSSIP BUDDIES!!
- Milly
Milly,
Slightly annoyed at the situation, but apology accepted. It’s not like it was in your control. I should probably rethink the Kuroneko delivery service though (says as I use her to deliver this letter).
Wait a sec- what exactly do you mean by confession??? There’s nothing to confess, and I feel as though you are reading into the situation a little too much.
Also my emotions are none of your concern, Big Girl; don’t worry. I’m a tough nut to crack, that much I can promise. I don’t think I’ll be able to stop you from the hugs, but easy on the ribs would you now? Getting crushed by two different living beings in the same evening is not the way I was planning on spending the night here.
And uh I don’t really gossip, but sure? I need more blackmail on Vash and Meryl anyways
Until later, Big Girl.
- Wolfwood
Wolfwood,
Don't ever plan on using Kuroneko for mail carrier ever again, please. I will not expand on the situation, but I feel as though you can infer what happened. Oh, by the way, don’t be surprised if Meryl comes to lecture you later on tonight (for reasons that I will once again not expand on).
I don’t know what you said or did, but Luida adopted you as well?? Where is all this charisma coming from?? First Sensei? Now Luida? Teach me your ways, o’ Priest.
I would write more, but knowing you, this conversation is probably going to be extended by many more letters. I guess now I can only await your response haha.
Your friend,
Vash
Spikey,
I was very tempted to not reply at all to your letter, but as your gentleman priest, I decided otherwise.
You too huh? Too bad for you, Kuroneko Delivery Service is supreme. I would never replace my dear cat with some… other being. Hence, this letter is being delivered to you by Kuroneko.
Are you implying that you had a letter that you didn't intend to send? What are you hiding from me, Spikey? You plan on confessing your undying love to me or something? Not quite surprised, considering the fact that we’re both in agreement that I have endless charisma. About the charisma: that’s a secret for me to know, and you to never find out, dear Gunman.
I want to write more, but my ribs are extremely sore from Big Girl’s hug session. I’ll stick to short letters for now.
Until next time, Spikey.
- Wolfwood
Wolfwood,
Weren’t you cursing out your cat just the other day?
Ugh I didn’t realize how much we relied on Kuroneko to deliver our letters until just now. I shall reluctantly continue sending you letters through her, but don’t expect me to sit there and not protest. Didn’t think you were all for animal cruelty damn (it’s a joke).
Implications? That means you had something you didn't intend to send me as well. You know, if you’re so interested in me, go ahead and ask me out. After all, I’m not exactly a taken guy ;)
Although I can’t quite say you’re my type. Not quite interested in folks who support animal cruelty, sorry haha.
In all seriousness though, take some rest Wolfwood. It’s been a long day, and I’ll see you again tomorrow anyways. A little star fact to close off the night. Did you know: A lot of stars actually come in pairs. They’re known as binary star systems, and their orbits are intertwined with each other. Kind of like the two of us.
I’m with you till the end of line, Wolfwood. Don’t you ever forget that.
Your friend,
Vash
Spikey,
Like I’ve stated time and again, Kuroneko is the supreme force. You know what they say: Live, laugh, Kuroneko.
I suppose we’ll close the conversation of ‘implications’ for now. After all, I can just needle it out of you at any given moment (this here is an example of what a proper pun looks like; watch and learn Spikey).
And Vash? I’m gonna hold you to that promise.
Your friend,
- Wolfwood
To the Humanoid Buffoon,
It’s been weeks since we’ve last exchanged letters, and to be frank here, it feels odd not having done so. I mean, it makes sense as to why: these past months have been rather chaotic haven’t they?
I’ll be back soon. I've been slacking off on my priest duties because of everything that's happened so far. Not that I regret it; I'd rather that Shortie was not kidnapped by the Gung-Ho-Guns and that you don’t get your dumbass killed.
Still doesn't change the fact that I need to complete a couple of jobs here and there to keep the orphanage in good shape.
I’ll be heading down over to Lewiston Town, so I guess I await your response there.
Until next time, Needle-Noggin.
- Wolfwood
To my favorite little Woofwoof,
Two can play the nickname game, comrade. I’m sad to hear that you’ll be gone for a couple of weeks, but I understand. Don’t worry.
I’ll be heading up North by sand steamer to Warrens City. I’d like to see how the city is doing since I last left haha. Maybe try my luck and see if I can find a spare motorbike to travel with as well while I'm there?
Quick bit of trivia before I set off. Did you know: A shooting star isn’t actually a star. It’s rock or dust that moves so fast enough it heats up when it reaches Gunsmoke’s atmosphere.
Until we meet again, Wolfwood.
Your friend,
Vash
To the 90 Degree-Angle Driver,
Who said I’d ever worry about you? We can meet at Jenora Rock since it’s in reachable distance from both towns (or city in your case). You know, if your driving doesn’t end up killing you.
And don’t call me Woofwoof -_-
Until next time, Needles.
Lov
- Wolfwood
My dearest Woofwood (that any better? haha),
I sincerely apologize for the late letter. There was a sandstorm that resulted in a delay in deliveries, so hopefully you get this letter before you leave off into the desert
You will never hear me admit this ever again, but I (surprisingly) miss the Kuroneko Delivery Service. Thankfully, I’ll be seeing you by the end of this week, so I shouldn’t have to worry about making such an admission ever again.
It might take me a little more time than anticipated to reach Jenora Rock. I’ve made it to Macca City (Meryl and Milly are here with me as well). There’s some… unfinished business I have left here, but hopefully I should be able to continue towards Jenora soon.
Until next time, Wolfwood.
Your friend,
Vash
Asshole,
Screw it. You’re never gonna read this anyways.
I hate you. I hate you so goddamn much. You and your stupid no kill-rule. I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you- SHIT you shouldn’t having fucking died. Damn you. Damn Gasback. Damn Knives. Damn the Eye of Michael. Damn everything
Tomorrow, Amelia and I are putting an end to all of this. I’ve told you time and again that you can’t- i
You didn’t listen. You promised it was together till the end of the line, but where are you now huh?
Fuck you for making me feel again.
- Wolfwo The Punisher
Nico,
You’ve been avoiding me since we caught Gasback. I- you weren’t subtle back there; I saw the hurt in your eyes. I believe I owe you an apology. You shouldn’t have- I didn’t mean to cause you so much pain.
Nicholas, open the door. Please.
- Vash
No.
Well I’m not leaving you behind. Never again.
Idiot, get in here. Door’s unlocked.
Meryl (Shortie) and Milly (Big Girl),
We’d like to apologize You mean you would like to apologize. Jeez, someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. Wonder who’s fault that is.
for departing on such short notice, but duty calls. Good luck with the paperwork for all of the expenses for the Macca disaster! Why the hell would you write that you idiot??
(Sorry I feel really bad about the expenses, but we really do have to leave.)
What he said ^^
You two, take care and stay out of trouble. We’ll see you again soon.
For now, we bid you both adieu-
Jesus what are you, Shakespeare
I'm not! Also how do you even know about Shakespeare?
Because I read, dumbass
I- that's not even my point here- just let me write my goddamn letter Nick
I think you mean our letter-
You’re the one who started writing all over it while I was writing to them- Ahem, anyways. Like I said before, this was meant to be a short letter, so wishing you both the safest travels!
Until we meet again :)
- Vash and Wolfwood
To the two dumbasses that wrote this letter (Meryl don’t be rude!) Vash and Wolfwood,
Thank you for your well wishes. We wish you both the safest of travels as well (please, please, please don’t cause any property damage anywhere).
It’s really sweet of you guys to have written to us like this! Can’t wait to see you both again :)
Also Wolfwood, you should have received an envelope detailing all my different stories. (Wait Milly, what do you mean by that???)
Until next time!
- Meryl and Milly
Vash,
God these last few months have just been an absolute mess, with you getting captured and everything that happened afterwards as a result. And… I think it’s time I absolved you of some of your problems. You know who I am. What I am. I didn’t want it to end this way, believe me. I wish things had been different. That I'd met you under different circumstances. Maybe then…
I’m leaving, and I don’t think I’m coming back. Not this time. Apologize to the girls for me, would you?
I- I’m not who you think I am Spikey. You were right earlier, when I shot Rai-Dei point blank. I’m a coward. A monster. There’s so much blood on my hands- And god, I’m sorry. For everything. For all of the secrets and the lies and the broken promises.
There’s an endgame approaching Spikey; you and I both feel it. And I guess… this is where our roads separate. Take care Needles, and don’t you dare try following me. This is my battle to fight, let me end it.
I love you. Keep smiling for me, Tongari.
Yours forever,
Nicholas
Nicholas D. Wolfwood,
You absolute bastard.
You better hope this letter reaches December before I do because I sure as hell won’t let you escape unscathed.
I’m telling you the same thing you told me a year ago when you found me as Eriks. I’m not letting you just disappear goddammit (okay so maybe I changed the wording but case in point).
You have no right to just leave like that. You exploded on me about Gasback, but now you're doing the exact same thing you utter hypocrite.
For someone who constantly calls me a moron, you seem to behave like one as well.
We're getting through the endgame together , you hear me?
I love you too, idiot.
Yours forever,
Vash