Chapter Text
The sun was so close to closing its eyes as colors of orange and yellow painted like a canvas in the hot and dry day. Hues blending together like a warm beach day. In fact, No Man’s Land was like a huge beach…..with no water or waves that crash against the slightly yellowish brown sand. All around the bright and empty area was nothing but sand and some small and thin clouds accompanying the sun.
“We gotta be nearing town soon. My feet are killing me.” Hen grumbled as their dirty and swollen feet dragging against the soft textured sand. “How are you holding up there, Ter-bear?”
Hen glanced behind to notice Terrance, their trusty partner, trolling behind; unfaced by the dying heat. Terrance beeped as a response. They had a feeling that he was okay.
In their casual wear, light blue collared short sleeved shirt with a red bandana that wraps around their neck. Grayish brown long pants with lingering dirt particles stuck, almost like glued. Two pouches by their side that either seemed empty or full of something. (Either bullets or snacks) No one would know for sure. Their two iconic guns connected to hoisters that hang tightly on their back. Their guns were always loaded. No matter before or after any encounter they have with other bandits. Hen’s brownish red hair swayed with each step they took. Part tied back meanwhile some locks hid their ears. Pinkish red glasses (They once in a while took off the top of their head) were protecting their bright blue ocean eyes. It matched the clothing depicted on a wanted poster they carried in their gloved up hands.
“To think I would see myself on one of those damn bounties.” Hen growled under their breath; angrily. Terrance beeped in response. It was this high pitched noise. Mimicking the sound of when a microwave dinged.
Now Terrance was a big fellow. He clanged and ticked. Beeped as gears turned and shifted. His long clothed grayish blue one side while the other was this pinkish red jacket-like robe covered a good portion of his metal body. What only showed was his red eyes. His brown hat covered a portion of his head. He kept close to Hen as he listened closely to their frustrations.
“Like what kind of person would put a bounty on me!” They yelled in a pissed off tone. “All I did was help that town. Then the town’s people decided to pin the blame as if I was the bad guy! They’re lucky that I was able to catch that snake of a bandit before he ran off with a bunch of that green dough.”
It felt like seconds turned into minutes, then transformed into hours as the two spotted a somewhat lively town not too far away. (Resulting Terrance to carry Hen since their feet were so numb and sore) Only a few miles off towards the west of the direction their feet wandered.
“Finally! About time we reached a town! Right, Ter-bear.” Hen raised both of their clothed hands in the air as they cheered (As well with a sigh of relief).
Terrance made another noise that was a bit lower toned as he faced the direction of the small buildings that looked all crowded together in the distance.
As they near the rusted up buildings, it was invaded with many people. All kinds of people. You name and there was at least one person that fit that description. Throughout the town, besides buildings and people, there were mini tent areas where items were displayed. From guns and bullets to delicious fresh food. Almost every two buildings, a tent stood tall with multiple colored patterns.
“There’s so much life in this place.” Hen looked all around as Terrance mimicked their action. The two seemed very curious but yet….overwhelmed. Hen started to mumble to themselves. Mostly consisted with mentions with “too many people” to side stepping to hide within Terrance’s clothed coat. It wasn’t of fear…but more with wishing there were no one around.
“There’s too many damn people here.” Hen scoffed; annoyed wherever their eyes laid, townsfolk clogged the area.
Terrance scoped out to find a spot to sit at. Meanwhile, Hen heard nearby voices whispering ever so quietly, but their ears were sharp enough to make out what they mumbled.
“I heard Vash the Stampede was roaming in this town.” One said.
“That can’t be possible! The human typhoon…here?!” Another spat out.
“Isn’t he the guy with the six billion double dollars? He’s got a whole wad of cash on his head.” A third voice laughed. “With that amount of money, I’d be a rich man.”
Hen has heard little here and there rumors about the human typhoon. Out of every bounty Hen has received news of (besides theirs), Vash the Stampede was the most commonly talked about. A man in all red with dangerous and amazing gun skills. A destructive being with the abilities to wipe towns like dust. The diablo himself you can say.
They have never seen this so-called “typhoon” in person…nor do they fear this man. They have seen the posters of the guy hung in various locations of No Man’s Land. He always looked goofy looking. Or that’s what Hen always thought. After all, he smiles in his bounty. It could be the impression of pure cockiness. Maybe..who really knew.
As they started to begin walking again, another conversation that sparked perked Hen’s ears up. Terrance’s head raised up a bit as well too.
“Or that recent one too…going for a good amount.” A group of people chatted among themselves.
“That one called…the ghost of gunsmoke.” Another took a sip of some booze. “Some outlaw that leaves any town as a ghost town. Those guns that reaper carries make no sound…so easy for the victim to be shot dead.”
“Is that how the name raised attention?” Another person brought out a cigarette and lighter.
The crowd of men all began to chuckle as Hen rolled their eyes. As much as they wanted to punch or kick them all till they screamed for mercy, they refrained. A big reason was because they didn’t want their cover blown. After all, Terrance was never with the description of their bounty. The more they thought about it, the same did go for this Vash the Stampede. They wondered how the human typhoon felt about these kinds of things.
“Terr-bear,” Hen paused as they looked up at Terrance. They really wanted to say what they felt…would they and that man with having bounties relate.. “Nevermind..it’s nothing.”
Terrance beeped as replied as the two made it into a bar.
‘Can’t be..’ Hen sighed but then immediately rolled their eyes at the sight of people in the saloon.
Not many people, but still a bit overwhelming and irritating to them.