Chapter 1: New Student
The sounds of chatter brought the morning to a delightful spot. Friends gathered in their groups and talked amongst themselves before the bell called them in. It was different though that day, when a strange new student entered the gates of the fresh filled high school. No one knew him or knew his purpose in coming to this school. In fact a lot of students feared him, just by his tall stature and unspoken personality traits. He leaned against the far wall in the shadows of the building and folded his arms. It was then that all resumed and minded their business.
The bell rang and they walked to class with chit chat on the side. The mysterious student drifted amongst the students and entered his class. He took to the back to avoid any unnecessary problems or attention. Once all settled down the teacher wrote down the lesson on the board and students waited for further instructions.
" Good morning class," the teacher said
" Morning," the students replied
She pulled a piece of paper out and looked around for the new face.
" Come here, we have a new student," the teacher stated, " He just transferred from our sister school downtown."
There was sudden chatter as she mentioned that he was from downtown. He got up and walked to the front. The teacher placed her hand on his shoulder and he turned his head to look at her hand.
" Well, go ahead introduced yourself," she said
He removed his orange yellow sunglasses and lifted his head up. His green eyes scanned the feared filled face as he cracked his knuckles.
" My name's Vash," he said
" Could you tell us anything else about yourself?" the teacher said
" Sorry, I'm just here for my education that's all, no need in going into my boring life," Vash said scratching his head
The students sighed and Vash returned to his seat in the back, while the students looked at him. He turned a little and they all quickly turned back and looked at the teacher. Vash looked at them and gave a childish smile behind their backs. He pulled out a text book and listened to the teacher.
By the time he went through three classes he saw new faces each time he passed. Of course they steered away from him as he walked down the hall. He sighed a depressing sigh wondering why.
" I'm really not that scary am I?" he thought
He sat in his next class and looked up at the writing on the board. As he was about to look down he saw a petite girl with short hair, her wide dark blue eyes were full of happiness and gave off a pleasant feeling. Vash smirked and then quickly looked down at his books. The teacher walked in and sat his things down.
" So, where did we leave off?" he questioned
A girl in front handed him notes and he smirked.
" Thank, yes that's right," he said, " Oh, by way a new face has joined us. Vash could you stand up."
Vash slowly rose and everyone looked at him, everyone, but her. He sighed and then sat down.
" Before we prepare for a lab next class, I would like to go over the homework that I assigned to you," the teacher said
Vash sat through class lost and confused, but luckily he didn't have to be for long, the bell rang. Gone and 60 seconds were most students and 30 seconds for Vash. Lunch time he walked across the courtyard of the school and sat under a tree, then he leaned back and fell asleep. Vash was finally relaxed, no one to bothering him…until another student came and interrupted that peace.
" For someone so scary you sleep a lot," a voice said
Vash opened one eye and saw a tall, slender student, he was suave for the most part, had black hair and black eyes. He wore a cross around his neck that slid under his opened neck collar of his uniform.
" Why should people be afraid of me? I'm really a nice guy," Vash said
" Perhaps it's your lack of a personality that you give off," he said, " Or perhaps they don't get along with people from downtown."
" They're judgmental," Vash said
" Ah, or just stuck up," he said, " The name's, Nicholas D. Wolfwood."
Vash sat up seeing he wouldn't be getting any sleep, he stood up and looked at the student who just introduced himself.
" Vash," he simply said
" Vash, well don't you have a last name?" Wolfwood asked, " Or maybe you don't have one because your protected by the witness protection program."
" No, it's just Vash," Vash assured him
" Well, Vash let me be the first person to actually welcome you to our humble and mixed up school. I'll be your tour guide…please follow me," Wolfwood said, " I'll go over your basic groups so you can choose from there."
Wolfwood started off and Vash followed, he looked at all the groups that really existed.
" You have your basic Goths that dread your everyday school day as well as life. They don't welcome you, but if they do they get really scary and they might actually sacrifice you. I think it's better you remain away from death's little doppelgangers," Wolfwood said, " Moving on, to your right are your cheerleaders, they don't talk to you and you don't talk to them. They are also classified preps, which brings us to our next group. 75% of this school is preps, that right snot nose, back stabbing people. You are bound to die the second you start breathing in their atmosphere because of all the gossip."
" I see, poisoned air of gossip," Vash said
" That's right," Wolfwood said, " Finally you have your dumb jocks. Let me tell you they take dumb to the next level. Don't be them they'll rip you apart."
" Ah, so what group do you belong in?" Vash asked
Wolfwood smiled and said, " I'm glad you asked. The holy group of course! We're the most logical people around here."
" Right," Vash said sarcastically
From a distance a group of preps watched Vash and Wolfwood walking around. They sneered at them from behind.
" That new guy thinks he's hot stuff. I think he needs to be taught a lesson," a girl said
" Dominique, you read to much into that pathetic loser," the boy said, " What do you think Knives, is he a problem?"
A smile creased his lips and a small chuckle escaped his foul smile.
" What are you smiling about?" Dominique asked
" That idiot thinks he can just come here without me noticing," Knives said, " He's nothing to worry about."
" Come to think of it he looks like you," the boy said
" Shut up! He doesn't compare to me. That penniless bastard can't afford half a smile," Knives growled
" Perhaps, we should have a little chat and find out," Dominique said
" He's of no relations, don't be stupid," Knives assured her
Dominique smiled and placed her hand on Knives' face then reached down to pick up her bag. Her purpose was clear that she wanted Knives to look at her.
" We'll see, let's have some fun with the new guy," Dominique said with a wink.
" You wouldn't dare betray me Dominique," Knives snarled
" Oh no I wouldn't, it's just a game I play often," Dominique said
She walked off and carrying her books and catching up with the wondering dual.
" Hey, wait up Nicholas!" Dominique called
Wolfwood looked over his shoulder to see who called him by his first name. He rolled his eyes seeing Dominique running up to him.
" Oh gee wiz, not her," Wolfwood sighed
" Who is she?" Vash asked
" Dominique, she's a prep in Knives' little group," Wolfwood said
Vash looked at him and exclaimed, " Did you just say Knives!"
" Yeah, Knives Millions, ah you know him?" Wolfwood suggested
" Ah…no of course not," Vash quickly said
Dominique stopped and caught her breath and Wolfwood rolled his eyes seeing yet again she was trying to make a fool of the new guys. Dominique stood straight and put her hand out.
" My name is Dominique and on behalf of my group I would like to welcome you," Dominique said
Vash reached out his hand and shook hers before saying his name.
" My names…Vash yeah," Vash said
Wolfwood slapped his head and looked at Dominique, seeing once again wearing yet another tight fitting uniform top.
" Hey Dominique, your showing," Wolfwood stated
Dominique looked at her uniform top and pulled it up a little. She narrowed her eyes at Wolfwood.
" Why are you looking your pervert?" Dominique growled
" It's kind of hard not to, when A your wearing a tight fitting shirt about to fall out of it and B the bright color bra that calls our attention to your seductive ways," Wolfwood stated, " It's really not that difficult in finding logic in a slut like you."
" Nicholas, your such an ass," Dominique said
" A least I'm useful," Wolfwood replied
Dominique shook her head and Vash smiled in amusement to see such a logical man fight with a rather pretty yet snotty princess. Dominique turned her attention to Vash and smiled.
" So Vash where did you come from?" She asked
" Oh, I'm from the downtown area," Vash replied
" Oh, a bad boy….I like that," she said
" Down Dominique, your being a bad girl," Wolfwood said
" Shut up Nicholas," Dominique said, " So, Vash any siblings?"
Vash sighed and said, " A twin brother, he lives with my father, but hates my mother."
" Sound like someone I know," she said
Wolfwood was getting sick of Dominique's flirting and the bad acting of being nice. So, he decided to pull the plug.
" Look Dominique, my pal here isn't going to be another of your errand boys," Wolfwood said
"What ever Nicholas," she said, " He can do what he wants. Come join us for lunch Vash one day and we'll chat."
" Dominique, don't call me by first name, you'll curse me," Wolfwood said
" Nicholas, shove it," Dominique said
She walked off and Wolfwood sighed and looked at Vash, whom just drooled over Dominique.
" Hey snap out of it man. She's a class A bitch," Wolfwood said
" She seems nice," Vash said
" What part of her Vash?" Wolfwood said
" Up top," Vash replied
" Get a grip man, she's a prep. Worst she's Knives' little lap dog," Wolfwood said
" Oh, she is," Vash said dreamily
Wolfwood slapped his head and shook Vash.
" Does she always wear those tight uniform tops?" Vash asked
" I'm afraid she does. She tortures guys like us cause we know we can't have her and guys like Knives and preps know they can have fun with her," Wolfwood sad, " It's a sad world."
The bell rang and Vash drifted in and went to his next class. He sat down in the front row until she came along.
" Excuse me, your in my seat," a girl's voice said
Vash looked up and saw heaven standing before him. There she was the girl in his fourth hour class. She was more beautiful up close than from a distance then he imagined.
" Hello, can you move," she said
" Of course, silly me didn't know there were assigned seats," Vash said sheepishly
" Well, there aren't, but I sit next to my friend," she said
Vash melted away and walked to the back. He sighed and leaned his head on the desk as though he melted and fused with the desk, with embarrassment. The teacher walked in and welcomed Vash as all of his teachers did. The teacher handed out books and then walked to the front.
" Everyone today we are doing reading partners for this novel, so I would like to turn to your left and meet your partner. This is your partner for the rest of year," the teacher said
Vash turned around in fear of who he got. When he looked he saw a man that would be classified Goth, he was very dark in spirit and yet he had the makings of a very pretty preppy boy. Vash sighed and put out his hand to greet him.
" Vash is the name," Vash said
The student looked at him and gave him a look that said " You're joking right?"
" Legato," he said in a monotone voice, " I don't shake hands and I don't read with partners."
" Oh, ok well pleasure to meet you," Vash said with a smile
" Can't say the same," Legato replied
Vash sighed feeling this day couldn't get worse. He propped one hand up and rested his head on his hand. He stared at the girl that had already captured his heart.
" Oh, I wish she was my partner, she's really cute," Vash mumbled, " Why'd did I have to get stuck with death's offspring?"
Vash looked at the book seeing this class would be very interesting. He looked up and just sighed.
" Who is she?" he asked
" Strife," Legato said
" Strife is her last name?" Vash asked
" No, her desk's name," Legato said
Vash rolled his eyes and started to tap his pen until Legato ruined the fun in doing that.
" You don't tap your pen either," Legato said
" Gee wiz what can I do?" Vash asked
" Breathe," Legato said
" Breathe," Vash mocked
Vash made it through the rest of class without being told to stop by Legato. Vash was relieved when the bell rang for the end of class.
" Strife will you pick up the books please?" the teacher asked
" Yes, sir," she replied
She got up and started to pick up the books.
" Here's my chance to impress her," Vash said
As she came to him he presented his book to her, with a bright serious yet handsome look on his face.
" Here you go," Vash said, " I appreciate your kindness."
" Appreciate this," she said pushing him out of his desk
" I feel sometimes flattery doesn't always work on a woman such as the athletic type,' Vash said
" She's not an object, she's a flesh and blood woman, that can kick your sorry ass," Legato said
Legato grabbed his things and left and Vash got up. He picked up his things and walked over to his love interest.
" Here allow me to help such a beautiful young woman," Vash said, " Such a beautiful young woman shouldn't lift such heavy books."
" Are you trying to start something," she growled
" You're a very feisty young woman, is it that time?" Vash stated, but not without penalty
" That's it!" she shouted
She slapped him extremely hard with one of the text books in the back. Vash fell back and she walked off.
" You really could have just said yes," Vash said, " That's really painful."
After class hours Vash held a pack of ice to his head and walked towards the school gates. Wolfwood met him halfway and gave his sympathies to Vash.
" So, who wacked you with the book?" Wolfwood asked
" Strife," Vash said
Wolfwood made a face and said, " Ow, yeah you'll have a mark. Strife's a tough girl, she's a cheerleader and doesn't mess around."
" She could have a least apologized," Vash said
" Not going to happen," Wolfwood said
They walked to the bus stop and Vash sighed.
" Well, I'll catch you later," Wolfwood said, " Safe trip home."
Vash loaded the bus and took it downtown, from there he walked the rest of the way to his apartment building. Vash climbed up the rusty old stairway and walked to the apartment. As he got in he called to see if his mother was home, but found she wasn't so he did his usual. He changed, laid out his books for homework, then started dinner.
" Guess she's working late," Vash said
He did his homework and finished up dinner in the matter of an hour. His mother came home and she walked in.
" Vash, I'm home sweet heart," she called
" In the kitchen," Vash called, " Dinner's ready too."
" Well, it smells great," she said
She walked in and kissed his head then went off and took a shower. She changed into some clean clothes and they sat down for dinner.
Knives and a few of the other preps and jocks stayed after school. He looked at the cheerleading squad as they practiced.
" Knives, you have no chance with her. She's so out of your league," Dominique said, " Plus you have me."
" No one's out my league," Knives said
He kissed Dominique's cheek and walked off towards the squad. They called it quits and started picking up.
" Strife," he said
She looked up and saw Knives walking over to her. She rolled her eyes and wiped the sweat of her face.
" Millions, I don't believe you qualify for the cheerleading squad. Plus I don't think the uniform would fit you," she said
" Come on Meryl when are you going to stop playing games," Knives said grabbing her by her shoulder
" When you stop asking me out Millions," Meryl said pushing his hands off her, " Why don't you ask your little lap dog Dominique out?"
" Because she's easy and you're a challenge," Knives said
" I'm not some girl that will let you make your moves on or flash your money," Meryl said, " You're a class A screw up Millions and I don't want that."
She pushed past him and he sighed, some of the squad giggled.
" Millions, she doesn't want you, she's not a prize to win," one said
Knives walked off after Meryl, far enough into the girls locker room. Meryl showered and wrapped a towel around her, then went to her locker. There were screeches and shouts.
" Knives get out of here!" girls shouted
Knives walked over to Meryl and looked at her.
" Do you mind." Meryl said
" No, not at all," Knives said
" I'm not going out with you and that's that," Meryl said
She grabbed her things seeing she wasn't going to get peace to dress for track.
" Come on Meryl," he said
She shut her locker and walked to one of the stalls where she dressed. Knives stood out there waiting for her. She walked out and brushed past him like he was nothing.
" What can I do to tame this wild mustang?" Knives asked
" Nothing, you can let me go," she said
Meryl traded her shoes and put her track shoes on and sighed. Knives shut the locker door and leaned towards her. She looked at him and narrowed her eyes.
" Go away," she said
Knives reached towards her to make a move on her.
" Meryl, get your boyfriend out of here, the coach is on her way," one girl said
" He's not my boyfriend!" she shouted
" But you know you want me," Knives said, " I can make everything a reality."
" Knives your biting off more than you can chew," Meryl said
" I hope so," Knives said
" Let's go girls," the coach said
Knives hid in the back and Meryl grabbed her bag for track. She walked out and Knives walked out after the last girl. He followed Meryl to the track field and sighed.
" Meryl!" her friend called
" Hey Millie," Meryl said
Millie walked with Meryl to the track field and the two caught up. Knives turned away and walked off. Meryl looked behind her and saw Knives had left.
" Damn idiot he reminds me of that fool today," Meryl said