NLH: Hey guys. Here's that second chapter I promised you. It's about Vash. With special guest stars: Russia and France!
After they had left, a voice rang out in the shop. "You gave them gifts just because the remind you of your sister? I feel there is more than that at work, da?" The figure stepped out from behind the rack where he had been hiding; he emanated a dark and powerful aura.
Vash held his stoic facade, but on the inside, he was resisting the urge to run. "Why does it matter to you, Ivan? You and I both know even without them, they'll be fine. I just. . . wanted to give them an extra insurance. You're an older brother too, you understand."
Ivan chuckled. "Do I? My sister was not nearly so helpless when she started as yours. She is quite strong. Can you say the same for yours?"
Vash was no longer stoic on the outside, nor was he afraid on the inside. He insulted Lilli. Even if it was so obviously bait, he couldn't stand for any offenses made to his little sister. "Why you! What right do you have to talk about my sister that way?! She's not the strongest trainer, so what? If anything, the fact yours is better is a good sign. It means Lilli is kinder and gentler than yours. It means that she grew up in a safe and secure home, and didn't have to worry about where her next meal was coming from. It means she was loved and looked after. Can you say the same for yours?" He said this in an intentional mockery of the bigger man's speech.
Ivan's smile dropped. "You've crossed a line, Vash. You should have known better than to say anything about my family." His black aura churned and whipped like dark fire, but Vash stood his ground. "I could say the same for you." Both men reached into their jackets, going for their Pokeballs.
"Vash! Ivan!" Both men's heads whipped around to the newcomer. He was a tall man, though not as tall as Ivan. He had long, elegant hair. In fact, everything on this man, from is stance, to his somewhat gaudy clothes, was extremely elegant. Around his eyes and mouth were thin lines, showing how often he smiled. But he wasn't smiling now. And his azure eyes were cold and hard, like the steep of the saber attached to the belt which also held his Pokeballs. His voice, while having a heavy accent, was that of a man who was not to be trifled with. "You will cease this behavior at once! There are more important things for us to deal with now."
Both men looked down at the ground and reluctantly grumbled, "Yes sir."
"Good. Now, Ivan, you must return to Krasnyy immediately and await further instruction." Ivan nodded and rushed out the door. He knew better than to cross this man. As he exited, he grinned at Vash. "Do svidaniya, Zwingli. Next time, there won't be anyone to save you."
"As for you, Vash. . ." Vash cut him of with a hand. "The usual order?" The man smiled. "Right. But also, a special request" He handed Vash a note. Vash scanned it; his face darkened. "Is her condition acting up again?"The gaudy man shook his head. "Not yet, but Yao wanted it in before it started." Vash nodded. "I'll see what I can do." He went into the stockroom in the back.
He came back out a few minutes later with a bag. "This should be everything." He handed the bag to him. The man gave a two-finger salute. "Merci Beaucoup. Expect the typical payment in the morning." He strode out.
Vash sat down and breathed a sigh of relief. "More action in one day than I'd usually have in a month." After a few moments of thought, he picked up the schedule for the next week and marked all seven days as closed. He was going to spend the week at home. With Lilli.
WHOOOEEEE! That felt good. Lots of foreshadowing, huh? Anyway, see you later!
You know what else I'd be telling you. I said it in all the other chapters.