Chapter 2: Brothers' Dual
The next day Vash woke up with a killing headache. He sat up and saw the sun piercing through his drawn currents. He rubbed his eyes and he could smell the zesty perfume that his mysterious woman wore that wore off on him. What had happened afterwards? Vash got out of bed and looked at himself in the mirror. He sighed and poured some water in the porcelain wash bowl. He took a clean cloth and washed his face, he then got dressed in another black suit. He once more tied his hair back and walked downstairs.
" Good morning," Legato said
" Good morning Legato, I trust that everyone has rested well and is ready for a new day," Vash said
" Yes, master," Legato said
" Where is my dear brother?" Vash said
" I believe he left early this morning with Ms. Dominique," Legato said
Vash nodded and said, " I presume to plan for this up coming wedding."
" Yes, sir," Legato said
He presented Vash with some mail and Vash looked at it. He undid a letter that was address to him and read it.
" It seems, we have just inherited another few millions," Vash said, " Our uncle's passing has left us with 3 million including his estate."
" Very nice sir, I believe that will make you two the riches men of the south," Legato said
" Ah, yes of course and that will mean another plantation to attend to," Vash sighed
Vash looked at the other mail and sighed.
" Legato, I wish for you to pay these bills," Vash said, " You will get extra pay for the work you are not paid for."
" Very well sir," Legato said
Two maids walked in with the begging dogs. They sat a plate and a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice as well as a glass of a mixture.
" What is this?" Vash said smelling the mixed drink
" That is for your head master Vash, Mother made it," one said
Mother, was what the maids called the head maid of the house, a real mother figure to them as well as to all the servants.
" That's very nice of her, but I am fine," Vash said
" Drink it little man," Mother's voice came from the kitchen
" I perfectly fine," he called
She walked out with a rolling pen at hand and her apron on.
" Now you listen little man, I promised your mother, that I would take care of you and that's sure what I'm doing. You drink that stuff right up, or I'll use this rolling pen on your ass," Mother said
Vash looked at her and grabbed the glass and took a sip, and then mother smiled and patted his head. Then gave him a smack on the back of his head.
" Hey," Vash said
" Don't test me little man," she said
" Alright, I promise," Vash said protecting his head
She smiled and then walked back into the kitchen. Vash sighed and rubbed his head from Mother's slap. He drank the mixture and then ate his breakfast before it got to cold. He finished and set the fork down and sighed.
" She was beautiful Legato, pretties and lively woman I've ever met," Vash said, " Her eyes just lit up. I don't know who she is, but I'm going to find out."
" Very good sir," Vash said
" Oh, master Vash, Ms. Lina asked you to join her for lunch at her estate," a maid said
" For lunch, but I just got up," Vash said
" It's nearly 12 sir," the maid said, " Shall I prepare a carriage?"
" No, please send her a letter with my apology for not joining her for lunch," Vash said
" Yes, sir," the maid said
" Are you finished sir so I may give the hounds these scraps?" Legato asked
" Yes, please," Vash replied
Vash sighed and asked another servant to bring him some paper and a pen. A servant did as he asked and brought it to him. He began writing and by the time the clock struck 12 he had finished writing. He sealed the letter in an envelope and sealed it with wax.
" Take this to Mr. Wolfwood, tell him to give this to the woman he sat with to his right," Vash told the maid, " Don't let him tell this woman my name."
" Yes, master Vash," the maid said
She took off and handed the letter to the stable hand.
" Take master Vash's horse and go to Mr. Wolfwood and give him the letter. Tell him to give this letter to the woman who sat on his left," the maid said, " Don't let Mr. Wolfwood speak master Vash's name."
The stable hand saddled the horse and took off, with the black stallion's fast pace. Covering grounds left and right the stable hand reached a small estate just east of the Strife plantation. Upon his arrival the stable hand had heard the church bells and he turned around and went west to the church three miles up the road. He stopped and saw people coming out from the church and the stable hand jumped off the horse. He dusted off his clothes from the dusty road and then approached.
" Mr. Wolfwood," the stable hand called
Wolfwood finish shaking hands as people went on their way. He turned and saw the young stable hand and walked over.
" Yes, my boy what can I help you with?" he asked
" I have letter from master Vash, he's given me orders to give this letter to you to give to the young woman that was sitting on your left," the stable hand
" I see and Mr. Vash has met the woman sitting to my left?" Wolfwood said
" I was just told to give this letter to you to give to that woman," the stable hand.
" All right then, I shall do as the young plantation owner ask," Wolfwood said taken the letter
He looked at it seeing the seal was Vash's personal seal.
" He's taken his time on this I see," Wolfwood thought, " He's either desperate or just flat out in love."
" Oh, one other thing is I believe his name is not to be spoken to the young woman," the stable hand said
Wolfwood nodded and then the stable hand saddled the horse. He took off and Wolfwood sighed.
" I play messenger once again," Wolfwood sighed
He locked the church up after saying a prayer, then went onward to the Strifes' plantation. Wolfwood came and saw Meryl and Millie playing a game of checkers on the screen porch.
" Why hello ladies, I see that you two have recovered from last night's masquerade," Wolfwood said
" Why yes we have, I believe we all slept in later than usual," Meryl replied, " though it took me forever to fall asleep after I got home."
Wolfwood pulled out the letter and then walked up to the porch and opened the door. He presented the letter to Millie, whom was to his left at the time at dinner.
" I believe a messenger gave me this," Wolfwood said
" Why thank you Mr. Wolfwood," Millie said, " Who is it from?"
" I don't know, he's asked me to keep his name a secret," Wolfwood said
" It seems that we both have a secret admirer Millie," Meryl said
Wolfwood sat down and said, " That is very interesting to hear."
Millie opened the letter and pulled out the fine paper, she unfolded it and looked at the beautiful hand writing that over took the paper and part of the second page.
" Well, Millie are you going to read it?" Meryl asked
Millie looked at the wording, it was fluent with endless poetic wordings. Millie sank back into her chair and then handed it to Meryl.
" I believe Meryl this letter is meant for you and not me," Millie said
" Me, why would such a purser write me?" Meryl asked
Wolfwood gave a sigh of what seemed to be of relief. Millie looked at Meryl as she read the letter. She smiled as she read the letter, and her eyes became glazed over.
" Ms. Meryl," Wolfwood said
She gently dabbed her eyes with her embroidered handkerchief. She sighed as she turned to the next page, then set it down.
" He's a man of endless words," Meryl said, " A man of true mystery."
" I can tell by the look in your eyes Ms. Meryl. How did you meet such a foolish man?" Wolfwood asked
" Only by a dance," Meryl said
She stood up and excused herself and went inside. Millie sighed and Wolfwood reached over and took the letter.
" Mr. Wolfwood, it's not proper to take someone's letter," Millie said
" I'm just going to make sure it has complete truth in it. It's for Ms. Meryl's protection," Wolfwood said
" You are a holy man Mr. Wolfwood," Millie said
Vash walked downstairs after changing into some more casual clothing this his usual fancy attire.
" Legato keep this house in order while I am away," Vash said
" Very well sir," Legato said
" Did you pay those bills," Vash said
" Yes, sir," Legato said
Vash walked over and said, " Then I'll take them to town with me."
" Yes, sir," Legato said
Legato pulled the bills from his coat pocket and handed them to Vash. Vash slipped them in his pocket. The basset hounds barked at Vash and he knelt down and patted them.
" You can't come, you have other business to attend too," Vash said
The dogs barked and walked over to Legato.
" I believe they need to go out," Vash said, " I shall be back before the four o'clock mark."
Vash walked off and went to the back and the stable hand brought out the black stallion.
" He's ready to go, brushed and fed," the stable hand
" Very good, I assume you were the one to deliver the message," Vash said
" Yes, sir master Vash," the stable hand
" That's good, no problems?" Vash said
" None, Mr. Wolfwood was just leaving sir, so I caught him on the way out," the stable hand said
" Very good," Vash said
He tapped his horse and turned him around then he took off. The servants looked out the window and sighed. The stable hand walked in and sat down and Mother handed him a glass.
" He's playing a game that's going to give him a broken heart," Mother said
" That would be master Vash," Rai-Dai said
" This southern weather changes you left and right," a servant said, " So, this woman he pursues does anyone know her?"
Legato walked in and all looked at him as the dogs pushed past him and sat down by Mother.
" I see you have ways with dogs Legato," Rai-Dai said
" Do you mind removing those filthy shoes off my clean floor," Mother said
" Of course madam," Legato said removing the muddy shoes
" These dogs are one of a kind, did they pull you through the thickets too?" Mother said handing him a cloth
" I believe I missed those and fell into the pile of mud," Legato said
Mother smiled and looked at the younger maid that was cleaning the floor.
" Well, go get cleaned up we'll ring for you when master Vash and master Knives returns," Mother said
Legato turned and walked out and the dogs whined for some food and Rai-Dai fed them the scraps.
" Master Knives is out with Ms. Dominique isn't he?" the maid said
" Yes, he is," Mother said, " For a man who hardly lives in this house he sure gives orders out like the mail carrier."
" I agree, he's just full of an evil tongue that man is," the maid said
" He needs to attend Mr. Wolfwood's services more often and hear the good word," Mother said
The maid smiled and stood up as she cleaned up the table in the kitchen.
" Has Master Vash ever stepped foot in a church?" the maid asked
" Not ever since his mother died," Mother said, " Poor boy he doesn't know which way to head, but he's lucky he got us."
" He says he finds spiritual meaning in every day's life," another maid said hearing the conversation
Mother sighed and finished rolling out some dough for bread and then gave it to Rai-Dai. The maids got back to working and cleaned the floors outside the kitchen. The stable hand went and groomed the other horses.
Vash walked along the town and sighed he went and went to pay the bills. He then deposit the 3 million to the bank. Vash walked around and then heard the sounds of the church bells ringing. He rode back to the plantation and walked in and walked into the dinning room. He set his coat on a chair and sat down, Legato walked in the dinning room and served a cup of coffee.
" Thank you Legato," Vash said rubbing his eyes
" Your welcome sir," Legato said
Vash nodded and sighed then rubbed his eyes.
" Oh, sir this came for you and master Knives, it appears to be an invitation for another masquerade at the Strifes'," Legato said
Vash took the invitation and looked at it, and sighed. The door shut and Vash looked over his shoulder.
" Legato, my horse," Knives called
" He's back," Vash said
Legato walked off and Knives walked into the dinning room. Vash stood up and Knives told him to sit.
" How was your day brother?" Vash asked
Knives sighed and said, " Uneventful, Dominique and I had a meeting with her parents. There will be a dinner held here, where Dominique and her family will come. I trust you do not have an affair to attend to brother?"
" Nope, everything should be well," Vash said
" Good," Knives said
He saw the invitation gathered in Vash's hand.
" What is that?" Knives said
" An invitation for a ball," Vash said
" And what day is this ball held that we should make our presence known?" Knives asked
" It's in 3 weeks from now," Vash replied, " A masquerade."
" Very well we should attend," Knives said
Knives rose and called the second butler to get him some fresh coffee.
" Where is that other lazy butler?" Knives questioned
" I would believe he's run away, from the cruel treatment," Vash said, " I would a least."
Knives smiled a devilish smile and said, " Only you would be as dumb as to do something so ignorant."
Vash smiled and rose from he sat.
" It wouldn't hurt brother if once in awhile you might actually bring out the softer side," Vash said, " I find that the mean side tends to scare everyone."
" Your still as foolish as you were back in our younger days brother," Knives said
" I never let that side of me disappear, the days of our youth, our mother taken care of us," Vash said, " Do you still hate her?"
" I'll hate her forever Vash, you shouldn't ask such a foolish question. We were better off orphaned. We seemed to be doing fine now," Knives said
Vash nodded and said, " Perhaps, but you were raised differently than I. The thrill of the hunt, my dear brother that is your side."
" Perhaps," Knives said
Vash smiled and walked down the hall to the back porch where there was peace and quiet. Vash sighed and saw the basset hounds running lose again and of course two maids and Legato after them. He shook his head and leaned back in the chair, then closed his eyes.
Meryl walked out on the porch and looked around. She looked at the letter and laughed.
" Such a man probably had a servant write it," Meryl laughed, " How can I be so foolish."
" Ms. Meryl, your father wants to confirm the plans for the masquerade," a servant said
" Alright, tell him I shall be there in a minuet," Meryl said
She looked at the endless miles of land and then turned and entered the house. She walked to her father's office and knocked on the door.
" Father," she said
" Come in," her father said
Meryl entered and stood there with her arms folded in front of her.
" The masquerade, my dear, what games are you playing?" her father asked
" There are no games amongst us father," Meryl said
" You always do this Meryl, why not chose a husband and marry. It's not hard, your suitors are very wealthy," her father said
" I was called in here for the masquerade not a lecture on suitors. In fact I have found one I do enjoy," Meryl said
" Splendid, what his name?" her father asked
" I don't know," Meryl said, " We met from a distance and danced and then had a game of cat and mouse."
" Meryl sweet heart you are at the age, that children's games are not an option. This man must have given you a name or else he is not the suitable one," her father said
Meryl smiled and said, " He wore a mask of black and white and a long tailed coat that was red."
Her father sighed and shook his head.
" Should I call him the mysterious suitor," her father said with a chuckle
" That's not funny father," she said, " he's more of a phantom that drifts in and out of the shadows."
" So, you believe this masquerade he will come," her father asked
" Of course, he would be a fool not too," she said
She walked out and smiled a very delightful smile.
" He'll be there I know he will be," Meryl said
Gunshots were fired and all the servants plugged their ears.
" Those two never seem to be effected by those loud guns," Mother said
" It's giving me a headache Mother, please make them stop," one maid whined
" My rolling pen just doesn't work on those boys when they have guns," Mother said
Legato walked in and pulled out some torn cloth from his ears.
" You too Legato? Retreating in here isn't your wises move," Mother said
" When they run out of gun powder and shells then there will be peace," Rai-Dai said stirring the soup
" Why are they firing at this time of the day?" Another maid said covering her ears
" Releasing steam, as long as they don't shoot each other, cause I don't want to be doing the bandaging on gun shot wounds," Mother said
The gunshots stopped and the servants sighed. Knives whistled and the dogs came running and howling. Vash opened the back door and Mother put her hands on her hips.
" Are you boys done, cause it's supper time," Mother said
" What?" Vash called
" I said are you boys done cause it's supper time," Mother repeated
" Still can't hear you let me take these damn plugs out," Vash said
Mother threw a piece of potato at Vash as he chuckled
" Boy don't make me hit you," she said
" Relax, I was playing around," Vash said
" Your just to much Vash," she said
Vash smiled and walked out again and then another gunshot was heard.
" What was that?" Mother said
" Knives shooting a rabbit," Vash said
" Tell him shoot further from the house and not next to the house, scaring the helping hands," Mother said
Vash nodded and waved his arms to Knives to telling him to stop firing. Knives looked at Vash and waved back holding the nice size rabbit. Knives walked back as Argus and Bella pranced inside with muddy paws.
" Argus, Bella, I swear," Mother said
Both coward and Vash sighed, as Knives laid his gun to the side. He slipped his shoes off and came into the back.
" Clean it up and wrap it up that will be dinner tomorrow," Knives said slapping the dead rabbit on the counter
Mother looked at him and shook her head looking at the dead rabbit. She looked at Rai-Dai and he picked it up.
" He just doesn't learn," Mother said as she wiped the spilt blood off the counter.
" He's Knives," Vash said
" Alright wash up my little angel master," Mother said
Vash shook his head and walked out then walked upstairs where he washed his hands in the wash bowl. He looked in the mirror and straighten his suit out. He nodded and smiled.
" You're a handsome devil," Vash said to himself in the mirror
He walked down and heard Knives talking to someone then heard a woman's voice ask for him. He walked down slowly and leaned to see who it was, but instead of paying attention to walking, he missed the step and tumbled down. He landed flat on his back and sighed. Knives walked out of the sitting room and looked down at Vash.
" Once more, tripping over those lazy feet of yours?" Knives said
" Only to the voice of a beautiful young lady," Vash replied
" Ms. Lina is here," Knives said
" Ms. Lina?" Vash asked, " What is she doing here?
Knives sighed and said, " She came to see you."
Knives walked to the sitting room and Knives entered. Vash entered and Lina stood up as Vash walked over and kissed her hand.
" Ms. Lina it's so very nice," he said
" Oh, Mr. Vash your so kind," Lina said, " Mr. Knives has invited me to dinner, is that ok with you?"
" Of course it's ok, I would love your company," Vash said
" Come along love sick puppy," Knives said, " Ms. Lina make sure he has a leash."
Lina smiled and giggled at Knives' comment.
" Will do sir," she said
Knives walked over and called, " Legato get Ms. Lina a plate and some wine."
Vash escorted Lina to the dinning room table and he pulled out her chair for her. He then sat down next to her and Legato gave her a plate and a glass of wine. He then stood in the corner and Knives looked at Vash as he made a fool of himself trying to flatter Lina. Knives shook his head and drank his wine.
" I'm glad I'm engaged," he thought
By the end of dinner Lina and Vash sat on the porch and enjoyed the cool air. Vash offered her his coat and she shook her head.
" Mr. Vash, thank you for dinner," Lina said
" Why it wasn't a problem," Vash replied, " It was an honor to serve such a fine young lady dinner."
Lina smiled with a blush on her cheek. Vash smiled seeing his way with the ladies was never bad.
" Your brother was very nice," Lina said, " You must really like living with him."
" He has his days just like I have mine," Vash said
By late that night a carriage pulled up and Lina stood up. Vash walked her to the carriage and stood there. He leaned over and kissed her cheek and Lina smiled.
" Tomorrow Mr. Vash, would like to have lunch at my estate?" she asked
" I would love too, what time would be best?" Vash replied
" Say 12 o'clock," Lina said
" I look forward," Vash said kissing her hand
He then helped her up and the carriage took off. He walked into the house and sighed.
" Is it love brother or just a fling?" Knives asked
" I don't know, but I like it," Vash replied
" So, tonight you won't be getting drunk?" Knives asked
Vash shook his head and said, " Nope."
" Then it's not love," Knives said turning on his heals
" How do you know about love?" Vash asked, " Your just settling with the first woman you met."
Knives stopped and looked at Vash and narrowed his eyes.
" Take that back Vash," Knives said
" Why should I?" Vash asked, " Dominique is just a tool for your amusement."
" Take it back!" Knives yelled
Vash shrugged and said, " No, cause for once in my life I'm going to tell you what I mean. I have a new woman on my arm every time you look around. You call me your womanizing brother, but I will tell you I have cared for each woman. I continue to look for one woman that I will settle down with."
" And the ones you turn into whores what of those?" Knives questions, " Your just as bad as he was. A drunk and a bastard."
Vash narrowed his eyes and walked over to Knives and punched him.
" Don't ever compare me to that man!" Vash shouted
" Why because your afraid to admit that your just like him?" Knives stated
Vash threw another punch at Knives and Knives only laughed his devilish laugh.
" Listen to me brother, every time you think of comparing me to that man again, I will kill you," Vash said
" Kill me, and you only kill apart of you," Knives said
He wiped the blood from his face and walked off. Vash narrowed his eyes and walked upstairs to his room. The servants looked out from where they were and sighed.
" A battle of brothers," one said
" Their going to end up having heart attacks if they keep that up," another said
Vash sat at the end of his bed and downed three glasses of whiskey one after another. He sighed and looked the mirror, he sighed and threw one glass at the mirror.
" I'm nothing like him, nothing like our father," Vash growled
Knives narrowed his eyes as he stared out and drank a glass of wine. He straighten up and then leaned against the windowsill.
" Who does he think he is?" Knives said, " Who, pulled him from the wreckage of his depressing life after our father shot himself and our mother died. I was, that little boy hasn't grasped reality. I created him to make him the person he is now."
Knives sat down and undid his tie and then laid back and closed his eyes.
" That bastard has no life," Knives said
Later, that evening Vash left and took a ride on the countryside and carried a bottle of whiskey tied to his saddle. He rode for hours then stopped just on a hill side where he stared up at the stars.
" What a beautiful night," he thought, " You'd love it out here mother."
He pulled his knees up to his chest and leaned his head on his knees.
" It's defiantly going to be a hard morning," Vash thought, " Another one of Mother's mix drinks would sure be useful."
After while Vash returned and opened the front door. He walked in quietly and shut it. Then made his ways upstairs, until he tripped over one of the basset hounds and they barked as Vash stumbled over the dog then fell to the hard floor. Vash sighed as the dog then jumped on him and licked his face until he cried for mercy.
" Get off me," Vash said
Mother walked out her sleeping quarters and lit a candle. She looked at Vash and put a hand on her hip.
" Now tell me master Vash, when are you going to get your eyes adjusted. It's pitch black not morning," Mother said
" Sorry, just kind of had to get out," Vash said rubbing his head
" I see, little man someone's going to shoot you, thinking you're a burglar or something," Mother said
" That would be my brother doing the shooting," Vash said
Knives' door opened and Knives came out with a gun at hand.
" Told you," Vash replied
" What the hell!" Knives shouted
Knives walked over and looked at Vash. He shook his head and then put the gun down.
" What the hell are you coming in so late?" Knives said, " There's something that's call courtesy."
" Not in this house," Vash said
Knives pointed the gun at Vash and Vash lifted his hands up.
" Hey, watch where your pointing that thing," Vash said
" Master Knives put it away, he's your brother," Mother said
" He's going me a dead one in a minuet," Knives said
Vash stood up and brushed off his clothes. Mother sighed and looked at Vash and Knives.
" Sometimes it takes a lot of patients to put up with you boys," she said
Knives walked back to his room and shut the door. Vash sighed and breathed out the air he was holding.
" He's scary, can we lock him up in the closet?" Vash asked
" No," Mother said, " Now, master Vash why don't you go up to bed and get some rest it's nearly dawn. Ms. Lina expects you at 12 tomorrow."
Vash nodded and walked up and Mother called the dog into her room.
One week later
" Tell my brother he needs to see to the new estate Legato," Vash said reading the paper
" This is really sad," Mother said, " Those two haven't spoken since that fight."
" Poor Legato playing messenger," a maid said
Knives looked at Legato and shoed him off, and Vash slammed his fist on the table.
" Damn it Knives," he growled
Knives stood up and slammed his fist on the table. Both just stared each other down and Legato casually lifted their empty dishes and walked into the kitchen.
" You better do something Mother," a maid said
Mother nodded and walked over to Vash and grabbed him by his ear and then grabbed Knives by his ear. Bother winced and struggled as Mother pulled them into the sitting room. She sat them both on opposite parts of the room and stood in the middle of them.
" You two boys better be behaving, because I don't believe you two can run a plantation if your not on speaking terms," Mother said
" Spare me," Knives said
" Lock him in the closet," Vash said
" Hush you, now tell me what has cause this mighty sibling rivalry that's lasted one full week and three days," Mother said, " I don't want to hear or see finger pointed…Vash."
Vash put folded his hands and Knives narrowed his eyes at Mother. His face showed that of a spoiled little child ready to just lash out.
" Now, would you two talk this out like civilize adults, or a least act like brothers would when their being nice to one another," Mother said
Vash stood up and Knives did too and they walked over to one another. Both removed a glove and slapped one another across the face.
" I here by challenge you to a draw sir," Vash said
" As I challenge you to a draw," Knives said
" After lunch I am free," Vash said
" No, it will have to be after supper, I have business to attend to in town," Knives said
" Very well at the crack of dawn it is," Vash said
They both shook hands and walked out and Mother sighed. Legato walked in as they walked out.
" Get to work butler or your fired," Knives said
" Yes, sir," Legato said
" You don't have to listen to him you can take your time," Vash said walking out
" Yes, sir," Legato said
Mother walked out and shrugged and then walked to the kitchen. Knives stood in the kitchen and looked at the maids sitting down.
" Get up and get to work now or you will all receive your last pays today and never work in this town again," Knives said
The maids got on their feet and left the kitchen. Knives walked out the door and grabbed his guns and whistled for the hounds. Vash walked in and whistled for the maids. They all stopped and looked at Vash.
" Listen up, what ever my brother just told you…don't listen to him, he's had a little to much to drink," Vash said
The maids moaned and continued what they were doing and then Vash walked out and grabbed his other gun. The hounds came running and one hound went with Knives the other followed Vash.
" Oh, boy," Rai-Dai said, " Looks like a hunting dual."
" A least they don't hunt each other…yet," one maid said
" One finger won't hurt," The stable hand said
" It's pretty amusing if you look at it in a comical way," a maid said
Everyone sighed and cleaned the kitchen, then sat down and took a break. Mother sighed and all the servants looked at each other.
Later that evening Vash walked into the back door and all the servants looked at him and covered their noses. Knives followed behind with the hounds dragging two ducks in their mouths.
" Oh my goodness, what happened, you both smell awful," Mother said
" Did you know we have skunks?" Vash said
" You two step outside," Mother said, " Legato, ladies I need tomatoes."
Mother washed both of them in tomato juice. Afterwards they both changed into suitable clothes for the evening and Knives left on his gray horse. Vash sat down at the dinning room table and leaned his head into one hand.
" Master Vash, would you like dinner?" a maid asked
" Just a little," Vash said, " I'm not really hungry."
The maid nodded and walked off. While Vash thought about what happened.
The next morning at dawn, Vash walked out his room, with ridding gloves and grabbed a pistol. He loaded the gun and walked downstairs and Legato handed him his hat.
" Thank you Legato," Vash said
" Your welcome sir," Legato said
Vash walked off and Knives walked out his room. He had his pistol in a holster and his ridding gloves on. He walked outside and looked at Vash as Vash stood there.
" You really want to go through with this?" Knives asked
" What afraid I'm actually going to win brother?" Vash replied twirling the pistol over his finger
" Not at all," Knives said with a smile
Both brothers walked up to each up and turned around back to back.
" Three paces," Vash sad
" Three how about ten?" Knives said
" Fine ten," Vash said, " Gees this is a draw not a board game."
" Stop blabbering and count," Knives said
Vash nodded and started counting and both marched ten paces and turned around quickly.
Mother and the other servants sighed as they heard gunshots. Mother tended to her cooking and she looked at Legato.
" Go into town and get the doctor we'll be needing him," Mother said
" Why do we need him they're going to be shooting until one's dead," one maid said
" Well, they don't know that those bullets in their guns are not real," Mother said holding a bag of real bullets
" Goodness Mother," the maid said
Legato walked off and Mother sighed
" While your at it give this letter to Ms. Lina, it's master Vash's apology for not attending lunch again," Mother said, " Poor girl probably is already mad."
After, a ten minuet silence both seemed to be tiered of running from one another and came out the bushes.
" You don't die so easily," Vash said falling to the ground
" I told you I would win," Knives said as he fell to the ground
The servants came walking over to them and helped them up. Both very sensitive in certain areas and full of bullet holes that weren't even real. They were sat down and their boots were removed and both were handed a glass of whiskey.
" Can we get some clean cloths over here Rai-Dai," a maid said
" You ran like a scared rabbit," Knives said
" Well, you ran just as scared as I did," Vash said
Knives chuckled and said, " Yeah, well count the bullet holes I won that one."
Legato returned with the doctor and he looked at them.
" Another dual," the doctor said
" You've got that right," Mother said, " These boys drink and shoot like blind men."
" They seem to stay healthy," the doctor said, " Let's get them moved."
The two maids helped Vash and Knives and brought them both to a room just down the hall where medicine and bandages were. It was needed often to apply to everyday bullet holes.
" Hey Doc we going to live?" Vash asked
" That would be the whiskey talking sir don't mind that damn fool," Knives said
After an hour of endless pulling of fake bullets the doctor walked out.
" No, more shooting people," he said
" Bye Doc," Vash waved
" Idiot," Knives said slapping Vash
" Ow!" Vash shouted
The doctor looked at the servants, who agreed with the frustrated look.
" We know," Mother said, " Be ready for another call sooner or later."