The desert night became cool and the burning suns were steadily morphing into silver moons. Vash; The Stampede had traveled into a town baring the name City of December. As usual Vash became tired and overall hungry. He reached the town in the dead of night and looked around to see if at least the bars still remained open for business. He faced towards his left and noticed a flicker of artificial light sparkle a few miles from where he was standing. He walked closer to get a better focus on the place and then smiled with satisfaction. The place read Gun Shot Saloon.
Vash: (Tongue hanging.) Finally, I can get something to eat.
Vash seated himself at the bar. The bartender walked over and laid his hand in front him.
Bartender: Is it whiskey you want, stranger?
Vash: (Grins.) No, I just wanted a sandwich and a glass of milk.
Bartender: (Rolls eyes.) Okay! (Leaves.)
A dirty looking man with a long hat, trench coat, loose pants, and boots seated himself beside Vash. What brings you all the way down here? You look unusual to be from around here.
Vash: Oh, I’m just traveling through. I’ll be gone by tomorrow afternoon.
Man: There are plenty of vacancies in the hotels here, that’s for sure.
Vash: (Surprised.) You mean to tell me there aren’t very many people living in this town?
Man: Not since people around here have been showing up missing without a single trace of evidence.
Vash: Maybe they decided to move on?
Man: Not at all! The people we can’t find have been parents of small children. The sheriff of our town assumes there is some kind of pattern going on. But he can’t seem to discover as to what it is?
Vash: Have you seen the perpetrator?
Man: No one has seen him. All of the children who had lost their parents this way have told us they were taken by a big wolf.
Vash: (Curious.) Wolf?
Bartender: He means werewolf!
Vash: (Grins.) Oh like the ones in Little Red Riding Hood and Three Little Pigs?
Man: (Annoyed.)Those were just fairy tails!
Bartender: Children tend to have big imaginations.
Vash: (Smiles lovenly.) They sure do!
Man: There have been rumors about a werewolf roaming around here since the dissappeqarences began. The rumor had become so huge that we managed to frighten off even the bravest of men in this town.
Vash: Whatever became of those children who lost their parents to the wolf?
Men: They were sent them to an chapel and orphanage just right outside here. It’s not too far. We are willing to offer 35 thousand double dollars for the one man who put a stop to this. You look pretty well equipped. Can you do it?
Vash: (Takes out his huge silver shooter and angles it against his head.) Are there donuts included in this reward?
The man stared at him in near disbelief.
Change Scene;
Vash waved goodbye at the man and bartender. As part of the trade for guarding the town the man rented him a hotel room and free food for as long as he stayed in the town.Vash layed his gun on the desk beside the lamp. He then threw himself on the bed beside the window and relaxed against the almost flat white pillow. He looked towards the open window sill and whispered to himself, The night sure seems quiet and calm tonight. Maybe the people here won’t suspect me? Then an unusual deep growl was heard outside. Vash jumped up to face the window. It sounded something similar to a dog that was heard not too far away from where he was standing. What was that? Vash slowly took up his gun and crept closer against the window. His eyes widened when he noticed the shadow outlining of a large animal crawling around the hotel. Vash placed his gun in his pistol holder. He licked his thumb and placed one foot on the window sill. The enemy has arrived. His mission was annoyingly interrupted when a woman knocked on the door. Vash turned only his head around. It was young fair haired woman in a pink and blue frilly dress.
Woman: I came to tell you there’s trouble outside.
Vash: (Salutes her.) I’m on it, Ma’am! (Vash slides through the window and disappears.)
Woman: (Confused. Runs to the window and gasps.) Wait, why are you going through there for?
Vash: (Pokes his head out back to the window.) It’s easier I do this way without being seen.
Woman: (Relaxes.) Oh, I see! Well, good luck! (Closes the door.)
Vash crawled around the sandstone building. He found the shadow outline again and he dropped to the ground. He slid out his gun and ran around the corner. He heard the roaring of the beast again and he stood tightly flat against the wall almost feeling a bit of cowardice. He held his gun closer to his ear and he slowly turned towards the shadow.
Meanwhile the wolf looked over and sensed the breathing flesh of a young man. The wolf perked up it’s ears and raised it’s nose towards the air. Just when the wolf decided to find the man, Vash appeared right in front of him.
Vash: So, the kids of this town were right after all. You are a werewolf.
The beast bared it’s teeth and it’s eyes were blood shot red. It smiled in delight as though the creature knew what Vash was. Vash noticed a crying woman and her daughter clinging to each other franticaly.
Vash: (Looks towards the woman and child.) Leave this creature to me, Ma’ am. (Faces the werewolf.) You were going to take that innocent young woman and leave her child to fend for herself?
The werewolf grew furious and began to slash and bite at Vash. Vash dodged him and backed away several yards. Vash aimed his gun and missed. The beast backed away and readied itself to leap onto him. Vash ran outside the town and turned around immediately to shoot a raid of bullets from his gun over and over again. The moment his gun was drained of arsenals was the moment he realized he had still managed to have missed the beast.
Vash: Man, he’s tough! Vash scrounged around in his jacket to discover at least one bullet left. Afterwards he better find a store that specializes in artillery. He managed to stick it in the gun right before the wolf grabbed hold of him. The animal bit into his shoulder and clawed into his back. Vash wrestled with the wolf until he managed to become free again. He leaped back a few yards and reaimed his gun directly towards the raging beast. Please don’t let this last bullet fail me. He shot the gun and it sliced through the wolf’s left arm. The wolf fell and howled. He observed his wounded enemy to assure himself he no longer needed to weaken him further. Vash then looked up towards the sky and realized it was already becoming morning.Vash placed his eyes again back to his wounded competitor only to discover the wolf was gone. How did he manage to get away so fast?
The man that Vash had first met at the bar was standing behind a corner peeking out from the shadows.Vash overheard his motions and came towards him.
Vash: You been standing there the whole time.
Man: (Jumps and turns around to see Vash face to face.) Oh, you had me scared there for a moment. I was just watching to see if you finally got him or not?
Vash: I only shot him in the arm.
Man: (Dismayed.) You mean he may still be alive?
Vash: I don’t know? He disappeared after a few seconds I turned my head.
Man: Well, that’s funny! I haven’t removed my eyes for even a minute during the whole fight. What could’ve went wrong?
Vash: (Touches his gnawed shoulder and quenches in pain.)I have no time for answers.
Man: You look pretty torn up there buddy. You need to see a doctor.
Vash: No kidding!
Man: Okay, okay! The only available medical service we have is back at the chapel. Would you like me to assist you there? It’s a long ways away from here. You managed to reach the far other end of town.
Vash: That’s okay! I can go alone myself.
Man: Well, I hope you get there and come back soon. The bar can fry up some really delicious hot cakes for breakfast. Would you care to join me on your return?
Vash: (Weakly.) That would be great!
Man: We’ll celebrate! See ya!
Vash: Yeah sure! (Leaves for the Chapel.)
Change Scene;
Wolfwood is in a separate room behind a locked door. He is only wearing his jeans while smoking a cigarette. His body faced an open window. He took some damp cloth and made them into bandages. He slowly and proficiently wrapped the white fabric around his left arm.
Afterwards he dressed himself in a white collared shirt and black vest. He picked up the necklace and placed it around his neck. A woman came over and attempted to open the door.
Woman: Wolfwood?
Wolfwood: What is it?
Woman: There is a injured young man standing outside. He needs your help.
Wolfwood: I’ll be there directly. Take him to the room on the left side of the chapel.
Wolfwood looked around and observed the torn wooden walls. The marks were so deep that it was obvious it could have been made by an animal. Even the door looked unstable and that he would soon need to replace it. But this was his room. This is where he slept. So why was he even unaware where the marks were actually coming from? He straighten himself and grabbed a key from his pocket. He walked out to face the woman again.
Woman: He has huge deep gases in his shoulder and all over his back. Is as though he had been encountered by that wolf everyone back in town won’t stop talking about.”
Wolfwood: He probably had a severe run in with ruthless outlaws. Go get me water, a damp towel, and a some thread with a needle.
The woman runs to the back room.
Wolfwood opened the door to the room where Vash was staying. He stood in the middle of the room looking at Vash with a blank stare. Vash was sitting on the edge of the bed and he looked up.
Wolfwood: Can you stand up?
Vash stood up and turned slowly towards the light to reveal his wounds. Wolfwood almost choked, but attempted to act cool.
Wolfwood: (Studies the wounds.) I’ll say your only going to need a few stitches in a couple of places. Other than that we are just going to have to clean you and patch you up like a torn old rag doll. (Chuckles.)
Vash: (Slightly irritated.) Very funny!
Wolfwood: It’s just humor I use to cheer up those in need.
The woman returns and hands him the medical aid.
Vash bit his lips every few minutes each time Wolfwood poked the needle through his torn flesh. It was like a million mosqiutoes burning your felsh all at once. Wolfwood routinely snapped the thread with his teeth and tied it to the needle again to begin work on the next wound.
Wolfwood: You surprise me. Your seem like such a wuss and yet you seem your so willing to take so much pain from all these old scars I see.
Vash: Sometimes it’s a sacrifice I must endure in order to continue defending the innocent.
Wolfwood: I admire that!
Vash: If I had my way I would live out my life peacefully with complete solitude.
Wolfwood: You must be a real dreamer. Though I’m deeply afraid that is out of the question.
Wolfwood packs up and momentarily walks out the door. Vash stretched a bit and felt the tightness around his back. It wasn’t long untill Wolfwood returned.
Wolfwood: I suggest you relax for now and let those wounds heal. I’m giving you permission to stay here until your well enough.
Vash: But I promised I have breakfast with a friend back in town.
Wolfwood: Stubborn that you are. You can have breakfast with us here. I don’t believe your up to return back, at least not for another three days.
Vash: Three days?
Wolfwood: You will have food directly. (Walks over to a closet and takes out a shirt. He throws it to Vash.) Put this on when your ready to eat.
The woman is busy in the kitchen. Meanwhile in the dinning room Wolfwood is playing with the kids. Wolfwood was down on all fours crawling around while the kids climbed all over him wrestling and strangling him. He had gotten so involved in the game that he was unaware of the standing presence of his new friend, Vash.
Wolfwood: (Looks up and then smiles graciously.) Thank the Lord. He decided to join us!
Wolfwood got up and swung the one child off his back and gently settled the kid back onto his feet. He then walked over to grab an extra chair and placed it in front of the table. Please, sit down.
Vash: (Takes the seat.) Hey, thanks for inviting me.
Wolfwood: It was your decision to make. I’m glad you listened.
The woman began setting the table. The anxious children ran to the table ready to eat.
Wolfwood: (Observes the children taking individual portions of the food.) Aren’t they simply adorable?
Vash: They sure are!
Wolfwood: They’re just like a bunch of hungry little pups.
Vash looked disturbed. He then ignored Wolfwood and looked over to the food. What is it?
Wolfwood: Sandworm and hairless jack rabbit.
Vash became green.
Wolfwood: What’s wrong with you? Foods too hot?
Vash: No, not at all!
Wolfwood: (Curious.) Then what is it then? Are you a vegetarian? If you are you must be lucky to have survived.
Vash: I help protect people and they give me food in return as I pass through.
Wolfwood: And they all happen to be vegetarian, right?
Vash: I ask they give me donuts and sardine sandwiches.
Wolfwood: Now there’s a concept, but it sounds pretty disgusting.
Vash: It’s not much after all!
Wolfwood: Yes I agree just by looking at you.
Change Scene;
Later that evening the children were gathered in a circle in front of Wolfwood. Wolfwood had his bible open in his lap while sitting on a large round rug. He told them several different stories that night. It was routine every night for the children before they were settled into bed. Hours afterwards it was only him and Vash who remained awake. Wolfwood stared outside and noticed the two moons began to shine brightly as the twin suns. He was no longer feeling like himself and his personality began to slowly change as his human memories started to fade.
Wolfwood: Just 15 minutes. I must lock all the doors before it’s too late.
Wolfwood opened Vash’s door and found him resting beneath the sheets of the bed. Vash was bare chested with the sheets half way up above his torso. Wolfwood walked silently up to him and held out several steel chains. He began wrapping it around the bed holding Vash firmly against the single mattress.
Wolfwood: (Wolf demon speaking.) I’m sorry, my friend. But I just can’t let you follow me again.
Wolfwood then locked the door to Vash’s room. He entered his room and locked the door behind him. He listened to the air around him to assure himself he had done the job correctly. He slipped off his clothes and knelt in front of the window bathing his naked body in the moonlight. At the moment the second full moon appeared was when the burning pain erupted throughout Wolfwood’s body all over at once. He bent over in a fetal position and he remained there moaning.
Change Scene;
Vash was alerted by the odd screaming of a young man. He felt startled and he shivered suddenly. What? It can’t be...? His curiosity and concern overwhelmed him. It wasn’t untill he came to another surprise did he realize he was being held down by steel chains. He would’ve done this to me?
The male scream grew louder.
Vash: Why isn’t anyone else waking up to help him? (He restrained against the chains several times. He eventually gave up and decided to use the second gun in his artificial arm to blast one of the chains open. Vash threw himself onto his feet. He grabbed his silver shooter and ran towards the door. He discovered it was locked and he blasted it open. He ran down the hallway and knocked loudly on the woman’s door.
Vash: Ms.? Get the children. The wolf is here.
He heard no answer and he blasted the door open with his gun. He found the woman was still fast asleep. he ran up to the bed to wake her and shook her shoulder, but she did not respond.
Vash: Someone must’ve drugged them, but then why is Wolfwood still awake?
Vash left the room and opened Wolfwood’s door. Wolfwood was keeled towards the floor clawing at the right wall of the room. Wolfwood’s opened his mouth to reveal canine teeth. His fingers were long and angled and his ears shot out to form pointed ears. Vash observed his stomach and legs muscles squeezing in and out flexing upwards and downwards back and forth. Silver hair sprouted around his back and shoulders. Eventually his face shot forward making him look more animal like. Vash took no hesitation to point his gun out again and he shot the man in the shoulder. Wolfwood fell backwards clenching tightly to his new wound.
Vash: (Notices the torn bandages that was around Wolfwood’s arm. If he had remembered correctly it was the same spot he shot the wolf several days ago.) Why didn’t you tell me?
Wolfwood: ( Demon wolf is speaking with a little bit of Wolfwood still remaining inside.) You bastard you had to give me more pain. You will die!
Vash: That doesn’t sound like you at all.
Wolfwood: (Eyes become human Wolfwood is taking recontrol of his body.) It ’s the monster within me that is trying to get out. You better get out of here before it’s too late.(Eyes become animal-like again and Wolfwood looses himself once more.)
Vash: Why?
Wolfwood: Just look at yourself. Your the only one who survived messing with me.
Vash looked at his hands and realized they were beginning to look inhuman.
Wolfwood: That’s why I tied you down, you idiot. Now the town will have even more trouble to deal with than they can handle. Soon there will be no one left to protect. That place is no more further away from turning into a ghost town.
Vash felt his eyes become sharper and more cunning. The demon wolf was surprised to see Vash didn’t 100% go through the metamorphosis.
Wolfwood: What is happening? It doesn’t work that way.
Vash only had one clawed hand which was his human hand. His ears were slightly pointed. His teeth were fanged. Other than that it seemed Vash was still normal. Vash ran back to his room and took the chains. He came back and tied Wolfwood down to the floor. The transformation had already become complete and a raging wolf was there strangling against the chains.
Vash: I don’t know why this happening, but there has got to be a better way to handle this.
Wolfwood: (Wolfwood is attempting to take over. Only less than half of his human memory returned.) Just kill me and get it over with. Obviously you are the only one who has proven he can stand up to me.
Vash: I don’t enjoy knowing that I have taken a life because there is no reason for it.
Wolfwood: Damn it! Don’t you realize I’m dangerous? A monster can not be reasoned with. He will kill without mercy.
Vash: (Closes his eyes and senses his own animal instinct engulfing his mind. He begins to understand he is slowly loosing his human memories.) But it’s not you, is it?
Wolfwood: (Puzzled.) Huh...?
Vash placed his gun in his holder and traveled off back to town.
Wolfwood: (Looses himelf again and all of his memories are obsolete. Demon wolf screams.) Bastard! Release me from these restraints.
The loud demand from Wolfwood forced him to run. He relaxed against a brick wall and slide down to wait out the night. He felt around his head and suddenly his whole body shot back. He screamed which then turned into a howl. When the pain settled again he relaxed and breathed in lightly. He held himself as he bagn to feel he hadn’t eaten in months. He looked around from where he sat and noticed a stray dog was approaching. Vash crawled over and hid behind the trash can. What remained of his human compassion to him he didn’t want to do it but he was overwhelmed by his newfound hunger. His eyes bled and all human memories were gone. He watched patiently as the dog was tearing through a trash sack. When the time was right Vash jumped onto the dog and tore open it’s stomach allowing the intestines and blood to flow out smoothly to the ground. The dog had died instantly.Vash opened his mouth and growled in delight with his sharp teeth glmmering in the moonlight. He took up a handfull of the raw flesh and began to eat it.
