Jump in, cross 'em up

The big one reached into his holster and pulled out an over-sized double-barrel shotgun. He aimed it into a group of people and grinned. Vash's eyes widened, and he jumped in through the hole. The gang looked over in surprise, but not worry, as he raised Millie's gun in mid-air. Before anyone could blink, he fired a huge metal cross at the gun, launching it into the giant's stomach.

"Little bastard!!" He pointed the gun at Vash, and looked in shock at the now-crushed barrels. "Uh!! What the hell!?"

The little guy was getting mad. "No one...but NO ONE....MAKES A FOOL OF THIS GAAAAAANNNNGGGGGG!!!! DIIEEE!!!" He drew a mauser-type pistol and fired repeaedly. Vash arched his back so that the bullets missed him and he was able to land on his hands, then throw himself onto his feet. The gang stared at him in disbelief. The cool man was less cool now.

"Who the hell are you? You a new sheriff?"

"No, i'm not." Vash replied simply. He strolled toward them, slowly, dramatically. The effect was not wasted, as even the big guy got nervous. "My name....is Vash the Stampede."

It did the trick, as planned. The little guy and the big guy went into a full-on panic. "V-V-VASH THE STAMPEEEEDDEEE!?!?" they yelled in unison. The cool man only raised an eyebrow. "Vash the Stampede? What do you want with us? You stealin' this haul?" Vash shook his head. "Are you after the bounty on us? You know they wouldn't pay it to a guy like you." Again, Vash shook his head. "Then...."

The little guy interrupted, but he knew what was on his comrade's mind. "You're....you're here to KILL US, AREN'T YOU?!" Vash didn't say a word. Of course, he wasn't there to kill them, but maybe if they thought he was, they'd scatter. He continued forward, his belts and gun jingling ominously. "I...NO! I'm not dying today! YOU ARE!!!" He raised his gun, as Vash raised his. the croos swept the man's legs from under him, causing him to fall forward and his shot to graze the cool man. The big one spoke up, though his speech was full of quivering words. "You...you really are him! The humanoid typhoon!" He stopped and grinned. Vash inhlaed sharply as he took a second shotgun off his back. "That means I can get that bounty! This WAS a good haul today!!"

Vash knew that many of the hostages were behind him, and that if he dodged the shot, they would be killed.

"Dammit, Vash! Think! What do I do now?"