Chapter 3: Punishment and Revenge
Knives grabbed towels that were off the ground and Vash cleaned uniforms. He sighed as he felt his stomach growled.
" Punishment sucks," Vash mumbled
" Towels, hurry up," Knives growled
" Do them yourself I'm washing uniforms," Vash said
Knives narrowed his eyes and dumped the dirty towels on the ground.
" Hurry up," Knives said
Vash threw down a cleaned uniform and looked at Knives.
" Hey, listen up I'm not the only one cleaning here, you clean towels and I clean uniforms," Vash said
" How about I'm not cleaning anything because you're the one who started all this shit in the first place," Knives said
Vash tossed the towels in the bin and shoved them into Knives' hold.
" Learn your punishment," Vash said, " I'm almost finished here you can go clean up the girls locker room too."
Vash folded the last shirts and then folded the shorts. He put them in another bin and went to back to separate them by size. He then went around picking up garbage that was left and Knives did the towels.
" Millions, Vash, don't forget to clean the showers too," their coach said
" Yes, sir," they answered
" I'm not cleaning those showers," Knives said
" How about yes you are," Vash said
A janitor walked in and handed them a mop, brushes and towels.
" Enjoy," he said then walked off
Vash and Knives pushed the stall doors opened and sighed. Vash placed gloves on and Knives did the same as they began to wash 8 showers. Then they were responsible for cleaning the girls locker room as well. Vash rolled his eyes seeing this was not punishment it was torture.
By the time they had finished they were drop dead exhausted, that neither one had time to fight with one another. Vash took the last bus for the night home and walked up to the apartment. He opened the door and saw his mom working on some paper work. She looked up and put her stuff down.
" Oh, sweet heart you look awful," she said
" I'm going to wash up and go to bed," Vash said, " I can't stand this."
She sighed and watched as Vash stumbled to the bathroom and started his shower. She sighed and went back to work and then waited for him to come out of the shower to ask him what happened.
Vash leaned against the shower and let the hot water running down him. He closed his eyes and then just washed up.
" I'm in so much in pain," Vash thought
The next morning Knives walked into the school yard, of course by now everyone had heard about his fight with Vash and the duo's punishment for two weeks. Knives walked to his group and shook his friends hands.
" So, Millions what was your punishment for the fight?" a friend asked
" Nothing to painful, have to clean up the locker room," Knives replied, " Of course I won't have to worry about that soon enough. My father's going call the school to get me out of it," Knives said, " Vash will have too do all of it on his own."
" You know that race you did with him, it's becoming history in school, the guy's becoming a legend," another guy said
" Right, I don't think he will ever become a legend, he's Vash the Stampede remember," Knives said
He narrowed his eyes and looked over at Vash as he walked into the school yard.
" Your fame and glory won't last long, your legend will die," Knives thought, " With the help of my people."
Dominique looked at him and rubbed Knives' shoulders.
" Don't tell me your jealous Knives," Dominique said, " You have more to offer than him."
" Of course I do," Knives replied, " I am rich and he's poor."
The bell rang and Knives walked down the halls with Dominique and the others like they owned the school. Vash walked in slowly in no hurry to get to class. As he was about to turn into his class he bumped into Meryl. Her books fell out of her arms and slid across the floor.
" Gee Wiz," Meryl said
" I'm sorry," he said kneeling down as she did
Both hit their heads and rubbed their heads.
" No, let me do it, You've done enough," Meryl said, " In two days worth."
" What do you mean?" he asked
" You ruined Millions' track career with your little fight," Meryl said, " I would think you would have the decency to bite your tongue."
" Huh? He started all that crap," Vash said, " Why are you defending him."
Meryl looked at him and collected her books and Vash saw a ring hang off a chain around her neck.
" Oh, I see," Vash said
Vash stood up and grabbed his bag then walked past her. Meryl looked at him and narrowed her eyes.
" For what it's worth you had it," Meryl said
" Had what?" Vash said
Meryl smiled and said, " See you around Vash the Stampede."
She walked off and Vash gave a confused look.
" Hey Vash get into class you moron," Wolfwood said
Vash walked in and took a seat and then leaned his head on the desk. Wolfwood looked over at him and picked his head off the desk by his hair.
" Why the long face?" Wolfwood said
" She's taken," Vash said
" Oh, is that all," Wolfwood said as he let Vash's head fall back on the desk
" Ow," Vash mumbled
He sat up and leaned back in his chair and folded his arms. Wolfwood pulled out his text book.
" Well, who's the guy?" Wolfwood asked, " Maybe you can steal her away with some of that charm of yours."
" KM," Vash said
" KM?" Wolfwood said, " Oh, Knives Millions. Well then in that case there's no chance in hell. Better luck next time."
Vash twitched and pulled his text book out. The teacher walked in and announced a pop quiz and everyone groaned. He handed out the quiz and Vash looked at his, then yawned.
" Wake me up when it's over," Vash said
" Not today Vash," The teacher said
Vash looked up and gave a sheepish smile and he sighed.
" No, I was just kidding," Vash said
" You have 20 minuets to take the quiz, start now," the teacher said
By the end of the quiz the teacher handed out old test papers and Vash looked at his. He saw yet another good grade.
" How do you do all that psychology stuff," Wolfwood said, " It messes with my brain."
" Unfortunately it's one of those thinking classes," Vash said
Wolfwood shrugged and read the pages assigned to read. Vash leaned his head down on the book and fell asleep. The teacher swatted his desk and he jumped up about 10 feet.
" Stay awake," the teacher said, " Or you'll stand up."
" Yes, sir," Vash cowardly said
" That's standing up to a teacher," Wolfwood said
Vash sighed and flipped through his text book then shut it. He yawned and doodled on his notebook and Wolfwood shook his head.
By the end of class Vash went to lunch and headed to his favorite spot, but to his surprise someone else was there. He walked closer and saw Meryl standing there and he folded his arms.
" Strife," he said
She turned and looked at him and smiled. Vash was surprised to see her smile at him, it wasn't something he often saw from her. She knelt down and opened her lunch.
" I hope you don't mind me eating with you," she stated
" Why are you here?" he asked
" Oh, I just wanted to eat lunch with you and not my friends," Meryl said, " is there a problem?"
Vash shrugged and said, " Not in my opinion."
She smiled and handed Vash half of her sandwich she had. He looked at her and she encouraged him to take it.
" Go, ahead," Meryl said, " I actually brought you half because you never seem to eat lunch."
" I don't eat, but once a day sometimes not at all," Vash said as he took the half of the sandwich
" You poor thing," Meryl said, " Well, I guess I can bring you something."
" You really don't have too," Vash replied, " I'm fine, I eat just enough to last for days."
" Well, of course you're a growing boy," Meryl said
Wolfwood leaned against the wall and smirked at Meryl and Vash.
" Would you look at that, Strife's losing her tough side," Wolfwood said
" What are you talking about she's always been soft," Millie's voice came from the other side of the wall
Wolfwood looked over and Millie smiled with a little wave.
" I presume your looking out for her?" Wolfwood asked
" Of course I'm her best friend," Millie stated with a smiled
Both looked at each other and kind of just laughed.
Knives narrowed his eyes and looked at his friends and Dominique smirked.
" Looks like he's a tough one," Dominique said, " Meryl's a free spirit too."
" Free spirit my ass," Knives said
" How much are you paying her?" one guy said
" She actually came willingly," Knives remarked, " I wonder how willing, she will get."
" She's not that ease Millions. She's got morals that even a guy can't break," another guy said
" She desires it though," Dominique whispered
Knives looked at her and smirked then looked back at Meryl and Vash.
" She wouldn't dare betray me," Knives said
" Righteous minds always do," Dominique said, " Allow me to help the situation."
Knives looked at her and smirked knowing Dominique always could be counted on to ruin everything. She walked off and walked over to where Vash and Meryl were.
" Oh, Vash," Dominique called
Vash turned and saw Dominique running over and Meryl looked at Dominique and narrowed her eyes at her.
" Dominique," Vash said
Dominique didn't give him a moment to think, before she pressed her lips against his. Meryl gasped and looked over at Knives seeing a sinister look on his face. Vash looked at Dominique wide eyed.
" Hey," Meryl said pulling Dominique away from Vash
Dominique smiled and gave Meryl a look then wrapped her arms around Vash.
" He doesn't want you princess," Dominique said, " He wants me."
" What about Knives?" Meryl questioned
" Millions, old news," Dominique said, " I want a legend."
Vash gave off a surprised look and Meryl's brow raised up. Wolfwood and Millie gasped at the sight. Wolfwood slapped his head and sighed.
" You are a moron," Wolfwood shouted from across the courtyard
" It can't be helped," Vash said sheepishly
" How about I see you after school," Dominique said
" He's busy," Meryl said
" What's a matter Strife…Jealous?" Dominique said
" Not a chance," Meryl said standing up
She picked up her lunch and stormed off and looked at Dominique and smiled.
" Two can play at that game," Meryl said
She walked over to Knives and grabbed him by his undone uniform collar. She reached up and kissed him. Dominique narrowed her eyes and Vash gasped.
" Why me?" he questioned
" Why that little bitch?" Dominique said
Meryl pulled away and Knives smiled and Meryl looked at him. She then turned away and looked at Dominique's reaction, but it suddenly didn't matter once she saw Vash staring at her in confusion. She walked off and Knives looked at Vash seeing that Dominique hadn't failed, but kicked it up a notch.
" No more," Knives thought, " No more lose ends."
Vash turned away and Dominique growled and Vash grabbed her hand. She turned and looked at him.
" Where do you want to meet?" Vash whispered
Dominique smiled and touched his face.
" Behind the field after you get that work done," Dominique replied
" It's a date," Vash said
Dominique stood up and walked off and Vash looked at Wolfwood who shook his head. He walked over and slapped Vash on the back of his head.
" Great job, you just did what Knives wanted you to do," Wolfwood said, " Your doomed now. Dominique is going to tare you to pieces."
" It doesn't matter," Vash said, " I saw what I needed to see."
The bell rang and Wolfwood looked at him as he got up. He walked off and headed to P.E there he changed into his uniform.
" Nice going Vash," a guy said, " You've just given guys like us hope."
" What ever," Vash replied
Knives walked over and looked at Vash as he tied his shoes.
" So, Dominique? You think you can handle her?" Knives questioned
" I can handle any girl," Vash said
" Right, every girl, but Strife," Knives said
Vash looked up and turned to Knives and narrowed his eyes.
" Did you know she has the sweetest scent, she smells like a mix of strawberry and raspberry, ha, but I guess you wouldn't know," Knives said, " You just lost your chance with her."
" You're a bastard," Vash growled
" So I'm told, by my weak half," Knives said, " Don't get in my way Vash or I will kill you and that's no threat that's a promise."
" I bet that thought runs through that head of yours very often, but it runs through my head too," Vash said
Vash walked past Knives and Knives smiled.
" I bet Strife taste good too," Knives said, " Can't wait."
" You're a sick man," Vash said, " No wonder you and dad get along so well."
" The old man has taught me a lot. Where else would I get my wonderful personality," Knives said, " Mom couldn't handle him."
Vash narrowed his eyes and walked out and Knives walked out. Knives separated the class into teams to do a relay race.
" Let's go," Knives said
Vash looked at Knives as Knives partnered up with another track team mate to warm up.
" I want Vash on the ground three feet before the finish line you hear me," Knives said, " He's not paying attention….I got him where I want him."
" Got ya, don't worry," the guy said
The guys got lined up for the relay race and Knives handed each a metal rod.
" On your marks!" Knives shouted, " Get set!"
" Go!" the coach shouted
Knives took off against another on Vash's team of course Knives was going to beat his team mate, but Vash wouldn't let their team lose. He was at the end and he was running against Midvalley another minion of Knives prep group.
" Hey Stampede," Midvalley said, " Your going down like the dog you are."
" We'll see horn freak," Vash said
As the team became close Vash got ready and looked at Midvalley as he reached his hand out towards his team mate coming towards him. Vash looked at the other guy as he was neck and neck with the other.
" Come on!" Midvalley shouted, " Get your ass moving!"
" Damn it," Vash said
Both grabbed the rod and took off and Knives folded his arms to watch the accident take it's course.
" Three feet Midvalley," Knives thought, " I want him to suffer as he watches once again my power has over powered him."
Midvalley leaned towards the center to get a grip on the curve and Vash leaned out. He pulled ahead of Midvalley and Knives narrowed his eyes.
" Come on," Vash thought, " Only a little more."
Midvalley smiled and pushed himself to catch up with Vash. Time was ticking and Knives smiled as he knew Midvalley had something planned.
" Come on," Vash thought pushing himself
" Do it now," Knives thought
Midvalley tossed something in front of Vash to cause him to lose footing. As expected Vash lost footing three feet in front of the finish line. Vash slipped back and he forced himself to fall forward, which he tumbled then fell wrong on his arm and right ankle. Vash looked and saw Midvalley cross the finish line. He narrowed his eyes and slammed his fist on hard track. The coach came running over as his assistant went to take care of the other students.
" Are you hurt," the coach said
" Damn it," Vash thought, " No, I'm just on the ground because I want see what bacon feels like on a frying pan. Of course I'm hurt."
" Come on," the coach said, " Let's get you."
Knives ran over and looked at Vash and just to spite him more.
" Here coach let me help you, the least I can do is help a fallen team mate," Knives said
" Thanks Millions," the coach said
" Don't touch me," Vash growled
He pushed himself up and limped to a bench and Knives smirked.
" Gee, I wonder what his problem is?" Knives questioned
" Shove it up your ass," Vash said
" Don't you two start this up again," the coach said
Vash removed his right shoe and the coach looked at his swollen ankle.
" You did a number on that, how's the wrist?" the coach asked
" A lot of pain," Vash said
" Well, I suppose so, you really took a fall," the coach said
Vash sighed and stood up and then felt the pain really get to him.
" Alright let's get you on ice and get the nurse out here," the coach said
" Hey coach," the assistant said
" Yeah what is it?" the coach asked
" You might want to come talk to a certain student," the assistant said
Midvalley narrowed his eyes and Vash smirked seeing justice was served. The coach sighed and looked at Knives.
" Get him to the nurse's office posthaste," the coach said
Knives nodded and Vash narrowed his eyes and pushed Knives away from him.
" I don't need your help," Vash said
" Hey, I still need to help you so for once we can a least act like brothers," Knives said
" I'll get there on my own brother," Vash sneered at him
Vash got up and limped off and around and Knives followed behind him. Vash limped all the way to the nurse's office and Knives followed. The nurse looked up at Vash and sighed.
" Vash, I'm running out of bandages because you keep coming into my office with another bump or something," the nurse said, " Your probably the first human disaster I've had in my 23 years of being a nurse. Thank you Mr. Millions again for bringing the human disaster in."
" It's no problem just doing my duty as a team captain," Knives said
The nurse sighed wrapped an ice wrap around Vash's ankle and then another on his wrist.
" What this time, someone spilt sand on your lane, or rocks," the nurse said
" Rocks, someone just doesn't want me to win," Vash said
" Your in such a bad state of mind your making up bad ideas," she said
" Sure don't believe me," he said
Knives smirked and folded his arms.
" Alright let's take a look," she said
She removed the ice wrap and moved his ankle around. He winced in pain and she sighed.
" Well, it's not broken, you'll probably have to stay off it," the nurse said, " So, your going to be out of P.E and track for a few days until it heals. Do yourself a favor and get it x-rayed."
" Why it's not broken? Vash questioned
" Alright out of my office before your create another disaster, my little human disaster," she joked
Vash got up and Knives walked behind him.
" Human disaster, I like that too," Knives said, " You're the first human disaster too."
" Shove it," Vash said