Chapter 2: Challenging Brothers
A week had gone back and Vash had become well acquainted with his surroundings and gained a friend.
" I'm going to try out," Vash said
" For what?" Wolfwood said
" Track," Vash said, " I mean she's on the track team maybe I can impress her on that."
" Leave that girl a little. Strife is one girl you don't mess with. She and academics and athletic abilities are all one big happy family. She's a girl with a mission," Wolfwood said
Vash sighed and then shrugged.
" How hard can it be, I was on the track team at my old school. I'm built for it," Vash said
" Talk to the coach in P.E," Wolfwood said, " If you can master the 100 meter dash I'm sure you can do it."
" Are you kidding that's like taking one big step," Vash said
" Against Knives Millions," Wolfwood said, " He's the fastest one on the team. He's won this school many medals already in the last three years."
" Well, I can do that," Vash said
Wolfwood shrugged and munched on his lunch, as Vash thought about what he was up against. He had to beat his own brother in a dash, it was like being kids again. Knives was always the athletic type, where he was more the bookworm. Vash sighed and looked across the school yard, seeing Knives walking with his group.
" Knives, how good can you be?" Vash thought
Knives looked at the cheerleaders as they all gathered together working on the next pep rally and he walked over placing a rose in Meryl's lap. Meryl looked up at him and rolled her eyes. She threw it back at him and returned to explaining her idea for a new cheer.
" Come on Meryl," Knives whispered in her ear
" Get away you slim ball," Meryl said hurling her book bag at him
" Your feisty one today, what's a matter someone took you pompoms," Knives said
" Stick it up your ass Knives, your not getting a date," Meryl said
Knives smirked and walked off with his group and Meryl growled, the other members looked at him.
" I'd die if Knives Millions asked me out," One said, " What's the matter with him anyway Meryl. He's really a good guy."
" He's an ass and spoiled little rich boy who can't get his act together," Meryl said
" Maybe you can break him of his habits," one said
" That's like trying to house train a wall," Meryl said
She sighed and looked over seeing Vash talking to Wolfwood.
" That new guy is pretty cute," a member said, " I bet he's fun."
" He's a jerk too, he reminds me of Knives," Meryl said
" He's really smart you should hear him in science class, he caught on. I think I found my lab buddy for the rest of the year," another member said
Meryl smiled and gathered her books and looked at her watch.
" Ok, so practice as usual and track is canceled for girls because of try outs for a new member," Meryl said, " See you later."
She got up and walked around and Vash looked at her as she past by him.
" Focus," Wolfwood said
" She's so pretty," Vash said, " I think she's an angel."
" Ok Vash if your going to actually beat Millions you got to focus think about Strife later," Wolfwood said
" Some other time," Vash said
Wolfwood shook his head and rubbed his eyes in frustration. The bell rang and Vash once more returned to the state of reality. He walked off to class, which happened to be P.E at that time. He changed into his uniform and sighed.
" What victims do you get to torture today Knives?" a guy in the locker room asked
" Who, knows, but there will be no mercy on the track," Knives said
Vash sighed and tied his shoe hearing the last guy leave.
" Yay, this should be fun," Vash said
" Your right it's going to be fun," Knives' voice said
Vash turned and looked at Knives standing there. Vash shut his locker and folded his arms.
" So, Vash I heard from Wolfwood your trying out for the team," Knives said, " It's a pity the candidates have to run up against me. You wouldn't dare last a second."
" We'll see Knives," Vash sneered
Vash walked by Knives and pushed past him and Knives smirked.
" You just pushed your last," Knives said
Vash stretched and Knives did some warm up laps and did a warm up dash with a running mate.
" Alright Knives that's enough get these boys warmed up," the coach said
Knives smirked and looked at Vash as he got in formation. Knives did some warm ups with them then they did two by two dashes. Knives looked at the guy who was going to be running with Vash.
" Go ahead and give him a slip," Knives said
" No problem," the guy said
" Alright next," the coach said
Vash and the other guy got set up and the coach readied them. Knives smiled and once the coach gave them the go they took off. Vash pushed off and Knives smiled with a little laughter knowing his men would always pull through.
" I got it," Vash thought, " A few more feet."
Vash was just ready to cross the finish line when his running mate just pushed him when the coach wasn't looking. Vash stumbled and fell to the ground and the other guy crossed the line.
" Damn it," Vash growled
He stood up and looked at the other guy and narrowed his eyes.
" You son of a bitch pushed me," Vash growled
" You tripped on your shoe laces Vash," the other guy
" What's a matter Vash did you get stomped on by a stampede," Knives called
" Bastard," Vash shouted
" Hey now that language isn't acceptable at this school," the coach said
Vash walked by Knives and shoved him out of his way. Knives smiled and folded his arms.
" Vash the Stampede, why are you running," Knives called
The other guys laughed as Vash stood on the side and Knives smiled.
" You and me Knives," Vash said
" I'm up for a challenge Vash," Knives said, " Come try out and we'll see who has the better footing."
By that afternoon Vash had cooled down a little and Wolfwood leaned up against the wall waiting outside.
" I can't believe you talked to Knives about me trying out," Vash said
" Come on it's no biggy, he's just going to have a challenge," Wolfwood said, " It's good that he will."
Vash sighed and walked to the locker room and changed into the uniform to try out. He warmed up a little and looked at Knives as he talked to his fellow teammates.
" So, you showed up," Knives said
" Yeah," Vash said, " I'm going to beat your ass."
" We'll see no one's been able to," Knives said
" Well today I make history, winning against my own blood," Vash said
Knives narrowed his eyes and let out a big sinister laugh.
" Vash the Stampede has challenged me Knives Millions to a race," Knives announced
" I'm going to cut you down and burry you," Vash said
" You make a child look like a superstar," Knives said
Vash and Knives narrowed their eyes at each other and the coach called them. Knives called the team to him and the coach worked with the ones who wanted to try out. Different ones tried for each part of the team.
" Hey Stampede don't trip," the guy he ran against called
" Kiss my ass gorilla boy," Vash said
He narrowed his eyes and flipped Vash off and Knives narrowed his eyes.
" Alright let's go," the coach said, " I'll be timing you boys."
Meryl cleaned up in the locker room and grabbed her things.
" Hey Strife, Millions is challenging the new guy," a member said
" Great," Meryl said sarcastically, " Where do I sign up?"
" Come on Meryl the new guy and Millions, both track stars," the member said
" I'll catch up," Meryl said
" Alright," she said
Meryl cleaned her face and looked up and narrowed her eyes.
" What are you doing here?" Meryl growled
" To assure you that you know that Knives Millions is mine," Dominique said
" Be my guest, he's your asshole," Meryl stated
" Knives Millions is no asshole, I don't understand what he sees in a cheerleading bitch anyway. Your not even pretty, and your much to flat" Dominique said
Meryl rolled her eyes and threw her towel at Dominique.
" You smell go take a shower you slut," Meryl said
Dominique looked at Meryl as she walked off and threw the towel down. Meryl walked to the track field and saw the candidates warming up and the coach judging them. She saw Vash take off and she sighed.
" He's good isn't he?" Wolfwood said
" He's just like any other track jerk," Meryl said
" He's going to challenge Knives Millions in the dash," Wolfwood said
Meryl looked at him and said, " How exciting, I can't wait. Maybe they'll kill each other too."
" They act like brothers and rumor says they're twins," Wolfwood said
" Your kidding me Millions and the new guy?" Meryl questioned
She leaned against the fence and watched as Vash ran a lap and sweated. She could almost hear him breathing the way he looked.
" Well, my bets are on the new guy," Wolfwood said
" The true underdog," Meryl said, " You know Knives will slaughter him."
" Maybe, but there's hope," Wolfwood said
By the 6 o'clock the coach picked 5 worthy candidates to run the 100 meter dash. Among the 5 was Vash himself.
" Alright, no one has been able to beat Knives Millions' record so let's see if you come close," the coach said
One by one they went, none able to beat the record, but Vash was determined to. Vash got up and Knives made his way.
" You'll have to beat me to beat my record," Knives said
" Your on," Vash said
" Good, we wouldn't want a stampede to trudge over a good reputation in this school," Knives said
Vash and Knives got set and looked at the coach. The coach nodded and readied them. Meryl and Wolfwood watched and Meryl breathed in as the two steadied themselves.
" On your marks," the coach said, " Get set."
" This is it," Vash thought, " You have to break the record prove that he's not the best."
The coach's hand went down and Knives and Vash pushed off and took off like two bullets shot from a gun. Meryl watched them feeling every step both took, she heard her heart pounding in her chest. Her breath became staggered as they were neck and neck.
" I am better than you," Knives growled
" I disagree," Vash said
" I'm the only one that will win this with a good record," Knives aid
" I won't let you win without a fight," Vash stated
Knives smiled and said, " You're a fool Vash the stampede."
" Kiss my ass Millions," Vash shouted as he neared the finish line pulling ahead of Knives.
" Taste my rubber soles Vash," Knives said
He leaned towards the center and got weight off his left foot. Meryl gripped the fence as Vash was just a second from the finish line. Knives biting at his ankles and forcing all his strength to cross. The coach waited as it seemed like hours as the two fought over victory.
" I got it," Vash said
" Not today Vash," Knives said
Knives pushed off and crossed the finish line just a split second before Vash crossed it. Knives smiled and stopped and looked at Vash as he stopped just behind the finish line. Knives wiped his face and looked at Vash.
" After all these years I'm still number one. Weaklings never finish first," Knives said, " Go back to your books and stay off my field."
" How about you kiss my ass," Vash said, " Since you can't seem to accept that I'm the same as you."
" A little slow though," Knives said, " But I guess that's why they say better late then never."
" You bastard," Vash growled
He tackled Knives and Knives threw a punch at Vash. Both Vash and Knives tumbled on the ground beating the shit of out of each other. Meryl narrowed her eyes and Wolfwood smirked in amusement. A coach and a bunch of the team went over to pull Vash and Knives apart.
" Vash, Millions, what the hell," the coach said
" Keep that bastard away from me," Knives growled
" Bastard!" Vash shouted
" That's enough," the coach said
Vash wiped the blood that dripped from his nose and Knives dabbed his lip.
" You two act like animals," the coach said
" Perhaps you should ask him what an animal is," Knives said
" Why you son of a bitch," Vash lashed out
The coach held Vash back as he lashed his arms about and Knives smirked. Both Vash and Knives were removed from the field and put into a cold shower and locked in a stall. Vash punched the wall and Knives just sat there.
" Why are you ruining my life?" Vash shouted
" Me, I was here first you ignorant bastard!" Knives shouted back
" First, you destroyed our family telling our father that mother was having an affair. Then you go and live with him that horrible person. The devil himself," Vash said
" Oh, my well being doesn't matter. I couldn't stand living in that hell hole with that woman who only cared about her damn research," Knives said
" Not in this damn world," Vash said
" It's been 10 years Vash and you haven't clued into reality that your poor and have nothing," Knives growled
" Shut the hell up I'm happy where I live, I hate money and will never want it. After all dad is the one person that doesn't need it," Vash said
" Millions, Vash get out," the coach said, " Get washed up I'll deal with your problems later."
Knives and Vash walked out and did as their coach said. Knives cleaned up and packed his bag. Vash did the same and both brothers went their separate ways, never to associate with each other.
Knives got into his car and drove off towards his home and Vash took the bus to down town. Neither brother sneered or looked at each other as they left.
" I'm home," Vash called
" Oh, good dear dinners ready for you," his mother said
" I'm not hungry," Vash said
He walked to his room and his mother watched him shut the door. Vash turned on his stereo and blasted it. He looked at everything in his room and saw the picture of him and Knives as kids. He took the picture and ripped in half and flopped down on his bed. His mother knocked on the door and Vash didn't answer it. She entered his room and looked at Vash.
" Vash," she said, " What's the matter sweet heart? Did everything go well at tryouts?"
" I don't want to talk about it," Vash growled
" Please," she said
She sat down next to him and stroked his head and turned down his music. Vash shook his head and then turned and looked at her.
" What happened?" she asked
" I met him," Vash said
" Who?" she asked
" I met Knives," Vash said, " After ten years."
His mother bit her lip and said, " What happened when you met him?"
" I punched him and we got into this big fight," Vash said, " He's an asshole and more."
" Vash," she said
" I couldn't help it I was so mad, after what he did to our family. I mean it's his fault you and dad got a divorce. He betrayed us," Vash said, " I mean I don't even know if I can call him my brother."
" Of course you can Vash, you two are apart of each other. Both of you made me proud in different ways. Knives was just confused, by your father's anger that's all. He'll come too one day," his mother said, " Come on Vash get something to eat."
Vash nodded and went into the kitchen to eat. He now seemed to go into thought about the whole incident. Of course Vash wanted to wake up from this nightmare and not worry about it ever again. One day though he would get Knives back for what he did to him. He still held that grudge against him and would always.
The next morning Vash went to school and entered the school yard. He saw Wolfwood talking to Meryl and he turned another way to avoid any contact. Wolfwood saw him though. He ran over and pulled Vash towards Meryl.
" Come on you wanted her so badly," Wolfwood said
" That's ok, I've changed my mind," Vash said
As Vash and Wolfwood bickered, over how cowardly Vash was, Knives walked over and talked to Meryl. Vash looked up in time to see Knives put his arm around Meryl and he stumbled.
" Knives," he growled
" Huh?" Wolfwood said, " Where'd she go?"
Vash pushed past Wolfwood and found his spot under the tree where he first went too on his first day. Vash folded his arms and closed his eyes waiting for the bell to ring.
By the end of third period Vash was ready to get out. He leaned back into his chair and listened. By his forth hour class he stared at Meryl and watched her talk to Millie. At lunch he sat alone, but then he was called to the principle's office. There he saw Knives waiting.
" What are you doing here?" he growled
" Same reason you are," Knives said
Vash sat down across and away from Knives. The door opened to the office and both father and mother walked in arguing. The principle called both parents in and they walked past both of the boys. Vash looked and saw both parents sit down and the door shut.
The principle looked at the two parents.
" I'm sorry I had to pull you both from your busy schedules," she said
" We understand, its about the boys," their mother said
The principle nodded and said, " Yes, that's right and that's exactly what I would like to speak to you about. Let's see you two have been divorced for how long?"
" 10 years, the boys were 8," their mother said
" We decided to let the boys decide where they wanted to live. Knives wanted to come with me and Vash stay with her," the father said
" Alright and you both signed an agreement that neither boy would tend the same school," the principle said, " But you see they are."
" Yes, it was a simple mistake," their mother said, " Vash, found an interest in this school and wanted so bad to attend. I didn't know Knives would be here."
" Why did you separate the boys from each other?" the principle asked
" So, each parent could have equal share of reasonability for the boys. It was better this way," their father said, " You see, Knives tends to be more of a out going, where as Vash is a loner who stays in his books."
" That's not true, both are equal in skill," their mother said, " Knives and Vash are equal and will always be."
" It's true, she doesn't want to believe it," the father said, " Vash has a bit of an anger problem."
" I see," the principle said, " And how would you know this over just an 8 year period that you raised both boys."
" I know my children better than anything," their father shouted
" You know nothing about Vash, you didn't raise him," their mother said, " So sit down and shut up."
" It seems both of you have the problem and not the boys. I think all together this deals with lack of contact with each other in the past. That they forgot they were even brothers or for that matter twins," the principle said, " I suggest that you two work with the boys together and see if they can try to tolerate each other."
" Tolerate each other?" their mother said
" Have you thought about letting each boy spend a week with a different parent?" the principle asked
" That is what we were trying to avoid," their father said
" He's right, we just can't after 10 years, the boys are to old to start new lives," their mother said
The principle sighed and nodded.
" Ok, well there will be punishment for these two, but I won't suspend either one," the principle said, " After all they are our top students no matter how different they are."
After awhile the Principle led their parents out and both looked at them. Their mother looked at Knives as he talked to his father, there was sadness in her eyes seeing he only liked his father though she cared about him deeply. She turned to Vash and smiled and lifted his chin.
" Head up Vash, there's nothing to worry about," his mother said
" I know," he said
She kissed his head and he stood up and hugged her.
" Sorry about all this," he said, " I guess I really screwed up."
" No, it was just an accident. I'll see you when you get home, I get off early," she said
She walked off and looked at his father and narrowed his eyes. His father turned and looked at Vash.
" You're a selfish brat you know that Vash," he said, " Learn to control your anger."
" You should talk," Vash said
Knives stood up and looked at Vash with narrowed eyes.
" See you around dad," Vash mockingly said
Both walked into the principle's office and she shut the door and their punishment was given.