I'm alive! And I updated! Yay! Since it's been a while, I just want to say sorry for the delay, and will now shut up so you can read!
Note: Currently, this chapter as a whole is a mite choppy and rushed, so I will go back to it when I have time and re-write/add missing stuff. Oh, and there IS a reason why Legato doesn't initially fight back, but I'm not telling yet!
Disclaimer: Still don't own Trigun
Silent Scream
Allegro burst out of the open door, happily slinging her canvas book bag over one small shoulder. Slumping slightly from its weight, she followed the mass of children down the hall and out of the school building. She blinked several times to get her eyes to adjust to the brightness the twin suns produced. After they took a moment to refocus, her narrow pupils took in a figure with shaggy blue hair leaning up against the building, arms folded across his chest.
Grinning childishly, Allegro bounded down the concrete stairs and rushed over to where her brother was waiting.
'Legato-niisan!" she cried happily, "You're early!"
She watched expectantly as he opened his eyes and brought his gaze down to meet hers, vaguely noting that his eyes were mere slits, giving him a feline appearance.
Legato mumbled an "Mhmm," before pushing himself off the wall to walk past her, signifying their departure.
Allegro glanced between the retreating back of her brother and the crowd of students nearby. Confused, she trotted up next to him.
"What about Rei-neechan? Aren't we gonna wait for her?" She asked.
Legato continued walking. After a brief lapse of silence, he responded with a blunt, "She's not coming today."
Her expression of confusion of confusion grew, her thin eyebrows knotting in a frown.
"Why?" She persisted.
This time, Allegro did not receive a response or any other indication of why the other girl would not be joining them.
She shrugged and continued the moderate pace her brother had set, weaving down the alleyways between buildings, taking the shortcut to their home. She knew not to inquire any further, Legato was not one to go into much detail about anything, nor was he one to be forced into conversation. But this was okay with her, she trusted him to have a valid reason, and was content with his word. So, if he said Rei wouldn't be coming, then Rei wouldn't be coming. No questions asked.
"How was school?" He asked suddenly, dispelling any lingering thoughts Allegro had on the previous subject.
"Good!" She exclaimed happily, "We made finger paintings, Allegro will show you!"
She stopped walking and fumbled with her bag, at first struggling to get it open, and then toiling to locate the her painting amongst the slew of other papers that occupied her bag. During this endeavor, Legato had either failed to notice that his sister was no longer beside him, or detected it and did not stop. Either way, he continued walking and the distance between them increased.
"Aha!" she shouted triumphantly when she found it, pulling the thick paper out proudly. Realizing her brother had not waited for her, she began running to catch up with him- only to trip over a strategically placed foot.
She went sprawling on the dusty ground, the picture flying out of her hand as result of the impact. Propping herself up on one elbow, Allegro reached for the paper that lay just a few inches away from her fingertips.
She became even more discouraged when a brown boot came crashing down upon the once immaculate paper, grinding it into the dirt.
"No," she whined, looking up into the scornful eyes of the boot's owner.
"Well, who do we have here? If it isn't Bluesummers' little sister…." The boy's voice drawled out.
Allegro looked around fearfully as the older boy's lackeys began to emerge from their positions and surround her. She turned her tearful gaze to their ringleader, who had picked up the picture and was now carefully examining it.
"Please…give it back…" she murmured.
Aiden smirked.
"Now why would I want to do that? Maybe I like it. Haven't you heard of sharing? Wait, I have an idea…" He brought his fingers to the top of the page and slowly began ripping it down the middle. "This way, be can both have one."
"No, stop! Please stop!" she cried, watching in horror as her painting was torn in half.
Aiden looked over the two pieces, eying the jagged tear that separated the halves.
"On second thought, it's disgusting. You can keep it," he said, letting the pieces leave his grasp.
Allegro watched as the two strands floated to the ground, landing right in front of her face. She hung her head, letting her tears soak the cracked earth.
Aiden and his group laughed mockingly at the sobbing girl, some even kicking up the dust at her.
They continued their relentless cackle until Aiden stopped abruptly, sensing something cold behind him. He turned around and found himself staring into a pair of fathomless golden eyes.
"What do you think you're doing?" Legato demanded coldly.
Still surprised from the initial shock, Aiden took a few paces backwards, eyes wide as he tried to discern how the blue-haired boy had seemingly appeared out of nowhere and ended up that close to him. He shook off his surprise and curved his lips upward, resulting in a sardonic smirk.
"So you finally decided to show up, eh? About time, I was beginning to think you'd leave your poor sister to fend for herself."
"Leave her alone. If you have a problem, take it up with me. Don't bring her into this. Coward." Legato snarled.
Aiden moved forward and grabbed the collar of his shirt. Tepid golden eyes stared at him blankly as he shouted in Legato's face.
"Shut up! I'm so sick of you!" He made a quick motion with his free hand and all of the other boys moved closer to encircle the blue-haired one. Two of them moved behind him, holding back his arms as Aiden raised his balled fists. "It's time you paid for all that you've done, Demon." He struck Legato repeatedly in the stomach, causing him to cough up blood, spattering the crimson liquid onto the dusty ground.
Allegro looked on in dismay as she watched her big brother get pounded by Aiden and some of the other boys that had decided to join in. She stood up shakily, and rushed over towards Aiden, tugging on his leg.
"Leave Legato-niisan alone!" She demanded, pulling harder on his pant's leg.
Aiden stopped his assault to turn around and scoff at the little girl. "Be quiet, brat!" He dealt her a swift backhand that sent her flying into the side of the nearby building.
Legato raised his gaze just in time to see her hit the wall and slump down it to collapse on the ground. His steely gaze frosted over as he broke out of the other boys' hold, punching them away. Wiping the blood from his mouth, he advanced upon Aiden, who brought his hands up to his face in defense. Legato feigned a kick at his left side, and then struck him soundly in the face. Aiden staggered back a bit before launching an assault of his own, landing few hits as Legato ducked and dodged, nimbly avoiding his attacks. The group of Aiden's follwers had formed a circle and did not hesitate to strike the blue-haired one if he got too close to the outskirts of the circle.
Aiden stepped back, narrowly evading one of Legato's well-aimed punches. He brushed his temple with the back of his hand, smudging the blood that had slowly begun to trickle down his face. Feeling the warmth on his hand, he brought it to eye level, looking it over. Breathing heavily, he glared at his opponent. With a re-newed ferocity, Aiden lept at the other boy, slamming into him with all his body weight.
Legato allowed him few hits, allowing the cocky Aiden to gain a false sense of security. When he left a careless opening, Legato wasted no time in striking him in the stomach, then kicking him just below the knee to make his leg buckle beneath him.
Aiden sunk down to one knee and glared vehemently at the smirking Legato.
"This is far from over, Bluesummers." He snarled. Looking to a section of the circle, he nodded his head to Thom and Ricco, who walked up to Legato's unguarded sides and struck him hard. He fell to his own knees, coughing. A smug grin on his face, Aiden hoisted himself up and began to walk away, limping slightly. The circle dispersed and followed him silently out of the alley.
After they left, Legato stood up, brushing the grit off his clothing. He held his stomach as he launched into another fit of coughing, spewing up some remaining blood. He slowly walked over to Allegro, crouching to examine her. He shook his sister gently, calling her name softly to awaken her.
Allegro opened her honeyed eyes leisurely, blinking as they regained focus. Seeing the battered face of her brother, she woke fully, immediately embracing him.
"Legato-niisan! Allegro is so sorry!" she sobbed into his chest.
He patted her back reassuringly. "It's alright. I'm fine. Come on." He said, picking her up. "Let's go home."
Carrying Allegro in his arms, Legato proceeded down the alleyway, slowly making his way to their house.
Yay, it's done! Again, sorry for the wait, but as I said before I was busy. Things in this seemed kinda rushed, such as the fight scene/skirmish. That may be due to the fact that it's 11:45 P.M. and my brain is ceasing its function. Hope you're all happy with this chapter, and I'll start working on the next one soon. On to reviews!
Kinkosami- Yeah, I understand about the Rei being there a little much, but it's necessary for character development. I will try to feature less of her, unless it's her interaction with Legato, which everyone will be seeing more of soon. Thanks for your review, and I hope you enjoy the new chapter!
Raditz- PLEASE don't have me raped by the Hornfreak! I rather be flayed! Sorry for the delay, hope this chapter pleases you enough to let me go this time! Ja matta!
Legata Redwinters- Awesome name. I like. Anyway, thanks for your review, and I'm glad you enjoy SS so much. Hope this chapter is up to par with the others.
Sephiroth1Ripley8- I'm honored that you like this so much to put it in your favorites list. Nothing pleases an author more than to know their work is appreciated. I'm glad I took out the Japanese too. It was distracting, and after watching a certain episode of Trigun, I learned that Vash doesn't even speak it, let alone know how to read it, so that settles the issue. Yeah, I DO need to review my other chapters and fix them, I was never one for grammar. I may rewrite some of them, and fully take the unnecessary Japanese out as well. Also happy that I'm doing a decent job of keeping Legato relatively in character. I was worried that I'd stray from it a bit, but I guess I'm holding my own, for now. Don't worry. My brain is fried too.
Touchi-chan- Yes, unintelligible confusion is right! And percussion is ALWAYS an excuse. Yeah…Biology…shudder
DireSwine- I understand. It was kinda plot-less in the beginning. Glad you realized the point of the story now, and hope you enjoy future installments.
CaptainMurphysMistress- Lol, thanks. Delighted you enjoy it that much. And thank you for understanding. Extra curricular activities take their toll at times. Well, thanks for reviewing, and I hope your able to write your fic!
Neko-chan- Lol, thanks. Yeah, definitely sticking to English. After re-reading I managed to confuse myself. Which is not a good thing. Thanks for your review, and enjoy this chapter!
I'm officially tired, so I'm off to bed for now. Ja ne, minna-san!