GetBackers Fan Fiction / Trigun Fan Fiction ❯ Drawn to Danger ❯ Journey ( Chapter 2 )

Title: Drawn to Danger [2/?]

Author: Rubious

Series: Trigun & Get Backers

Rating: R

Warnings: angst, violence, humor, gunplay, AU-OOC.

Disclaimer: Trigun © Nightow. Get Backers © Aoki and Ayamine. All original characters including but not limited to Blaine, Lamassi, etc, are © Rubious and are not to be used without permission. This story is a work of fanfiction and is for entertainment purposes only.

Spoilers: Contains minor spoilers for both series.

Archive: fanfiction.net under "Rubious", mediaminer.org under "Rubious2", and my home page, Odango and Donuts, URL in bio info.

Notes: While on assignment with Ban and Ginji of the Get Backers, Meryl and Milly are drawn into danger as they meet old friends as well as foes in May City.

//thoughts//

*****

As the crosswalk signal began flashing red the morning after they met the Get Backers, Milly and Meryl dashed madly across the street, their roll-along luggage clattering wildly behind them. The women were late for a meeting at the Bernardelli Insurance Society office to go over the details of their next assignment. Gasping for breath, they paused outside of the BIS building.

Meryl wasn't pleased with their situation. "Of all the days to be late," groused the petite investigator. She had wanted to convey the image of being the consummate professional, but being late to an important meeting would tarnish that reputation.

"Oh, Meryl, I'm soooooo sorry," her roommate and coworker apologized profusely, Milly's eyes almost pleading for forgiveness. "I'm sorry my oversleeping caused us to miss the bus and we had to run all the way here."

Meryl sighed, knowing that Milly's habitual tardiness couldn't be helped. Entering the building's lobby, she took off her running shoes, which had come in handy for their frantic dash, and donned her white suede ankle-high boots. "But you know how important this mission is, Milly. I just want to make sure everything goes right," she said gently.

"I know," replied Milly, nodding with a comprehending smile, as the pair waited for the elevator that would take them up to the fourth floor for their meeting.

Inside his office, Mr. Lamassi drummed his fingers in an impatient rhythm on his desk blotter, waiting for the women to arrive. He glanced over at the two young men sitting on the couch, engaged in conversation.

With a big smile, Ginji gushed about the dinner Lamassi had treated them to the previous evening. "Thank you very much, sir, for the wonderful meal."

Ban echoed the sentiment and added, "As I said last night, this place is a lot different than Shinjuku. The Italian dinner was a big change from our standard diet of rice and cold pizza. Thanks again."

The manager smiled graciously, accepting the compliments, but an irritated edge to his voice emerged when he remarked, "Where are those girls?" He glanced at the clock on the wall with a frown.

"Are they normally late?" Ban inquired.

"Milly has a terrible habit of not being punctual, but I'm surprised that Meryl is late today. She's usually very prompt."

"Maybe they forgot?" Ginji suggested uncertainly.

Before he could answer, Lamassi was grateful for the interruption by the knock on his door. "Come in," he called out.

The men turned to see the overdue insurance investigators entering their supervisor's office.

"We apologize for being late, chief. We missed the bus and ran all the way here from our apartment," explained Meryl, who was still a little bit winded. Her rosy complexion showed faint signs of exertion.

"At least, you're here," the manager said, waving aside the explanation. "Ladies, please have a seat and we can get started." The women sat down as Lamassi began to brief them on the details of the assignment and the latest police report on the firearm thefts in the region.

After a few minutes, Milly raised her hand to ask a question. "Um, chief, how are we going to get to May City? Are we riding with the boys?"

Ban scoffed at the suggestion. "Not in our little car. There wouldn't be enough room for four people and their luggage."

"Then how are we getting there?" Meryl quickly interjected.

"You'll take the bus that leaves for May City in two hours. You'll have to arrange for accommodations once you arrive there," Lamassi answered.

"But you promised us a hotel room as part of our compensation," Ban protested with scowl, he had plans for a relaxed evening for a change.

Ginji slid over on the couch to placate his disappointed colleague. "It's okay, Ban-chan. We can sleep in the car like usual," he said in a consoling voice.

"But we can't!" Meryl countered angrily.

With a shake of his head, Lamassi explained, "Since the company made the last-minute decision to go ahead with this project, the time to make the necessary arrangements for lodging was nonexistent. You'll be given an allowance to cover any necessary expenses, but I must remind you that because of the firm's financial condition, this allowance must not be exceeded or there will be consequences." Upper management at Bernardelli was pressuring him and other department heads to curb costs in order to improve profitability. But he still regretted being unable to show his appreciation to two of his best agents with a nice place to stay.

"What might happen if we do by accident, boss?" Milly asked, wondering what the unrevealed negative outcome could be.

"Disciplinary actions could include possible suspension without pay or reprimands that will go on the employee's permanent personnel record," he said, matter-of-factly. He handed the women their travel vouchers and a company credit card. "Used it wisely," their supervisor cautioned.

"We will," the senior investigator replied.

After a few minutes of additional discussion and assorted farewells, Meryl exited the office with Milly and the Get Backers following close behind.

Before the insurance agents departed for the bus station across the street, they temporarily stowed their luggage in the small trunk of Ban's car and joined their new associates for a late breakfast at a busy nearby diner.

In a booth, they ate their breakfasts quietly.

As Ban chewed a piece of his buttermilk pancake, he gazed earnestly at the two women seated across from him. He noted that in the brief period that he had known them, Meryl was the most assertive of the pair while the tall brunette was more easygoing than the short-statured woman. The dark-haired teen decided to demonstrate his abilities and use the Jagan on Milly rather than her partner, who he thought would be more apt to be upset if she found out what happened.

Peering over the rims of his violet-tinted spectacles, Ban stared into Milly's eyes and concentrated, letting his unique skill go to work. After glancing at the second hand of his watch, he turned to Ginji and winked knowingly.

Milly blinked, trying to focus on the man sitting across from her. //What's this weird feeling I have? Whatever it is, it sure feels good.// In her mind's eye, the present scene of the bustling restaurant was replaced with a pleasant vision.

On a sunny day, Milly found herself by a large swimming pool filled with chocolate pudding. She and Meryl, clad in bikinis, relaxed on chaise lounges as they enjoyed the sunshine while sipping exotic drinks that were brought to them by Nicholas Wolfwood and Vash the Stampede. The men wore nothing but bowties and brief swim trunks.

After looking at the delicious looking pool, Milly dove in, relishing the smoothness of the pudding against her skin as she broke the surface with nary a ripple. She backstroked lazily across the pool until she reached the shallow end.

When the statuesque brunette stood up, the dessert cascaded from her body like chocolate raindrops. She smiled at Wolfwood, acknowledging his admiring gaze as she moved towards him like a goddess emerging from the ocean.

While Milly enjoyed the Jagan-induced reverie, the Get Backers distracted Meryl by asking her questions about May City.

Unsure about some specifics of their last visit, Meryl turned to her coworker to ask if she remembered the details, but saw that Milly was lost in thought. She jostled the brunette's elbow to get her attention. "Milly, are you okay? Did you hear my question?" she asked in a concerned voice.

"I'm fine. I guess I was daydreaming," the taller agent responded embarrassedly. "I appreciate your asking."

Grinning impishly, Ban asked good-naturedly, "Did you have a nice dream?"

"Yes, I did. I dreamed of two of my favorite things, pudding and Mr. Priest," she said happily.

Hearing this, Meryl rolled her eyes. "Typical Milly," she mumbled.

Ban leaned forward and explained, "You just experienced the Jagan which is my ability to give you either a nightmare or a sweet dream that lasts one minute." His beaming smile indicated that he was quite pleased with the results of his demonstration. He could only use his special power three times in a day, but he felt showing them what they could do was important enough to make the investment.

Misinterpreting the situation, Meryl's face darkened as she saw the man's smugness at her friend's expense. //How dare he make fun of Milly like that? What a jerk!// Though she seethed inwardly, she realized the success of their assignment rested on cooperating with the Get Backers and she didn't want to jeopardize that by alienating them.

Hoping to soothe the woman's ruffled feathers, Ginji moved swiftly to assuage any hurt feelings. "Ban didn't mean to upset you. He just wanted to show you how we can help on the mission," the blonde Get Backer clarified apologetically. Looking at his partner, he added, "Right, Ban-chan?"

Ban nodded and resumed eating his breakfast. An uneasy silence covered the quartet like a heavy fog that was broken only by the clinking of utensils as they ate and the waitress refilling their beverages.

As she sipped her tea, Meryl focused more closely on the Get Backers. When she first saw the spiky-haired Ban Mido with his piercing blue eyes, she knew there was something different about him. He was brash and very self-confident to the point of being arrogant. //I don't know if I will ever get used to him being around.//

On the other hand, Ginji Amano seemed more affable and outgoing than his partner; his sweet demeanor was similar to that of the missing Vash the Stampede. His disarming smile and warm eyes made people feel at ease. //He sort of reminds me of Milly.// she mused thoughtfully.

Eventually, the waitress came by their booth and asked, "Will there be anything else?"

Ban answered for the group, "No thanks. Everything's fine." The waitress departed to figure out the tab.

A few minutes later, the server returned with the bill. Meryl reached into her purse and took out the credit card Lamassi had entrusted her with. Recalling his words to spend it wisely, she deemed the get-acquainted meal a necessary business expense. She signed the slip and stuck the receipt in the packet containing the travel vouchers.

As the group left the diner, the cashier called out, "Have a nice day."

Ginji glanced back over his shoulder and replied, "Thanks. You too."

Retrieving their luggage from the Get Backers' car, the petite woman checked her watch to see if there was enough time before the bus departed. "Good. We'll make it with time to spare," Meryl remarked.

When Milly began lifting the suitcases from the trunk, Ban offered, "Need me to give you a hand?" He still hoped to make up for the earlier misunderstanding.

With a reassuring smile, Milly replied, "No thanks. I can manage." She hefted the baggage with ease.

Before leaving, Meryl asked, "Do you have the map to May City?" Seeing Ban nod, she continued, "We'll see you in a few hours then."

"Where should we meet you?" Ban wondered.

Meryl thought for a moment and said, "In front of the Angst Theater. It's a well-known landmark. You can't miss it."

"Maybe we could see a movie while we're there," Milly chimed in.

"Let's go, Milly," Meryl growled, a tad annoyed with her partner.

"Have a safe drive," Milly said to the two men.

"See ya later," Ginji called out to the women as they walked away.

Leaning against their white Subaru, Ban thoughtfully lit a cigarette and took a drag from it. "Ginji, this job will certainly be a change of pace for us. We're supposed to recover things that haven't been stolen yet."

Ginji agreed, yet seemed concerned. "You're right and we're working with nice people too, but I sense a hidden sadness in Meryl." The blond had been rather quiet while observing their new associates and he wanted to share his worries with his partner.

After Ban finished his cigarette, the two young men headed out on the road to May City.

*****

Meanwhile, in the nearby bus station, the Bernardelli insurance investigators checked their luggage and waited in the terminal.

Finally, the women boarded the bus and found two seats together in the back of the crowded vehicle. As the bus pulled away from the depot, Milly gazed out the window at the downtown buildings and remarked, "Meryl, it'll be strange being at the Quick Draw Tournament without Mr. Vash. Do you remember what happened when he and Mr. Priest entered each other's names in the shooting contest?"

The mention of their old traveling companions made Meryl wince. After Vash disappeared, Wolfwood had presumably gone to search for him, but she hadn't heard any news from the gun-toting preacher in quite awhile. //Don't remind me of that endearing idiot that made such a big mess of things. I'm trying to use work to help me forget him, but it's not succeeding."

Rather than dredge up painful memories, Meryl refused to answer and changed the subject. "Riding the bus is more practical than taking the sand steamer. It's cheaper and safer, too. The last time we were on a sand steamer the Bad Lads hijacked it. If it wasn't for Vash…" As her words trailed off, Meryl sighed. //Damn. Why can't I just forget him?//

With a sympathetic smile, Milly touched her friend's shoulder reassuringly and said, "It'll be alright."

Nodding, Meryl concentrated on budgeting their expenses to occupy her mind until they reached their destination.

*****

On a barren stretch of desert highway, Ban tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, matching the beat of the music of Bon Bon Blanco and Otoha that played on the car's CD player while Ginji sang along, using an empty pop bottle as a microphone. "I really like that 'Refrain' song. The singer sounds just like Natsumi," Ginji remarked. [1]

Ban eyed his partner and teased, "Are you practicing for karaoke night at the Honky Tonk?" What he didn't see in the rearview mirror was a large tractor trailer barreling down on them at an increasingly high rate of speed.

"Watch out!" Ginji yelled, his kind smile turning to a look of alarm as the maroon cab hauling the silver trailer emblazoned with JNPDT in blue letters on the side blasted its horn repeatedly, demanding that they make way for it to pass.

Ban swore at the unseen driver of the 18-wheeler. "Who the hell does that bastard think he is?! A fucking gearhead?" He abruptly yanked the steering wheel to the right, sending the Subaru spinning off the road in a swirling cloud of dust. [2]

"Ginji, are you okay?" the angry Get Backer asked in a worried voice. Once he'd been reassured that all was well, he got out of the car and gave it a once-over. He felt better after seeing that there wasn't any damage.

As Ban climbed back into the driver's seat, Ginji remarked, "I think that was one of the trucks for the stunt driving team."

"Huh?" Ban gave him a quizzical look.

"Last night at dinner Mr. Lamassi told me that the stunt driving team was in town last week and now they're going to Little Jersey for their next tour stop."

"That idiot drives like the guy who chased us with a Mack truck down an alley." Then the two teens laughed at how they eluded the Transporters in Shinjuku.

The remainder of the trip to May City was uneventful until they were stopped in a traffic jam on the outskirts of town. A white van pulled up on the Subaru's passenger side, its driver calling out in a familiar voice, "Ginji-kun, fancy meeting you here."

A sudden chill swept over the electrifying teen when he heard the smooth yet sinister voice say his name. "Aka…Akabane!" he stammered as the enigmatic driver smiled dangerously at him.

Before Ginji could get his partner's attention, Akabane and the vehicle transporting the flayed remains of an unfortunate critic, whose last review of a well-respected author was not received appreciatively by the public at a literary discussion, was gone, but the bold image of the crimson "J" adorning the casket warehouse truck would be etched vividly in Ginji's mind. [3]

Soon, the traffic snarl caused by motorists gawking at a policeman questioning an elderly woman who had crashed her car through the front window of a restaurant had cleared up. Five minutes later, Ban maneuvered the car into a parking spot in front of the Angst Theater where the insurance girls arrived shortly thereafter.

Across the street from the theater, someone watched Ginji greet Meryl and Milly enthusiastically. "Hmm. Who are those dudes hanging out with the insurance girls? I'm gonna keep my eye on them," the observer said before going off in search of the nearest saloon.

*****

To be continued...

Author's Notes

[1] "Ichibyou no Refrain" is the first Get Backers ending theme and is sung by Otoha, who voices Natsumi in the anime. Bon Bon Blanco performs the second closing theme.

[2] The unseen truck driver is Mr. No-Brake from Get Backers.

[3] The mysterious Doctor Jackal, Akabane Kurodo, from Get Backers, makes a cameo. The Romanization of the kanji for his name is "red corpse warehouse person", hence the casket delivery van.