Guest Author - The Futile Existence

Vash wakes up in a bed and remembers the events of the recent past, killing Legato, knowing Wolfwood was dead. Meryl shows up with food. Apparently Vash has been asleep for 10 days. Millie is working at the well. Meryl goes out to Millie and they look up to see a grizzled Vash up on a mountaintop. Vash is confused, he feels he's a sinner just like Knives.

Vash feels he should have had another choice because Rem said so. He collapses again. The two girls work and clena while Vash heals. One morning when they leave, Vash is sitting with the cat. Vash puts his hand out and the cat whacks at it before running off.

Two men show up to visit the town, but drive off in a hurry when they realize it's Vash the Stampede sitting there, healing. Later, Vash sits under the stars singing - and Meryl joins him. The next morning Meryl says she didn't get very much sleep to Millie - but the two are cornered by the townsfolk.

The townsfolk are dragging Vash behind a truck, blaming him for those who have died. Meryl tries to protect him. Vash looks up and thinks Rem and Meryl are the same. Meryl ends up saving Vash. Vash says that they've given him the answer.

Vash cleans himself up and puts on his red outfit. Meryl stands on the wall and says "see ya later". Millie gives Vash Wolfwood's cross-gun. Vash thinks back to Rem's saying "Vash, take care of Knives." Vash feels he can still save Knives.