Ch 9 Van of the Vanir

I wake with a start of drowsiness.

"Ugh" I grab my head. Hearing a commotion from outside the hotel I look over and notice Daisy was gone. Her bed made up. I sigh and decide to wash up before heading out. Who knows when the next time I'll be able to shower. Might as well enjoy it, especially after that night. I definitely deserve it…what am I thinking. I don't deserve much of anything. And there goes my depression. It seems to always come in the morningBetter get my day started before my depression really hits. Hm…I haven't thought like that in a while. Need to keep my emotions in check so I do have any issues with my semblance.

I use the shower and get dressed. Daisy must've decided to let me sleep in. Knowing her she's off to explore the town. Still hard to believe all of last night was just our first day here. It goes to show how crazy the world really is I guess.

I grab my equipment and leave the inn.

Upon exiting the inn I can already see townsfolk running to the cavern. I hear commotion as well. I think I'll check it out. I'm a bit curious. Plus I don't know Daisy's whereabouts so I should make sure the commotion isn't centered around her.

I get to the bar and see the bandits from yesterday around someone. Looks like they're about to jump him. I decide to just watch for now. The young man seems to be drinking from a large cup. He lets out a exasperated sigh as he finishes it.

"You guys always come back for more" the familiar voice comes from the young man. And it was then I knew the identity of the huntsman that sticks around this village.

He face comes into view along with the annoying memories associated with him. Van of the Vanir tribe. Now this makes sense. He's always getting into a scuffle of some sort. And when we traveled before he dragged me into them. And as if that's not bad enough he has a big ass pet wolf named Fenrir. That damn dog kicked my bike off a cliff. He owes me a new BIKE!

"Van!" I shouted accidentally. Everyone looks to me. No point in stepping back now. I walk forward.

His face the opposite of mine, lights up the moment I announced my presence.

"Red! My old friend" he stands but the bandit leader places his hand on Van's shoulder and sits him back down not so gently.

"Oh ho" Van laughs. "One second Red. This fellow desperately wants my attention"

"Your fucking dog ate my brother!" He aims his gun at Van, who simply grabs the gun and crushes it in the palm of his hand.

"Well he was acting much like dog food so it only makes sense don't you agree." It was at that moment I knew this was going to take a minute or two.

Van grabs the leader with his other hand and threw him past me out the bar. The others attack him and he deals with them effortlessly. The bandit leader tries coming back in for more. I slam the back of Kali into his forehead knocking him unconscious. After everything was said and done I walk over to Van. He wipes blood and dust from his person and smiles at me.

"It's been awhile old friend." He places his hand on his side. "You look well"

"Yeah well," I began "I'm in the middle of a mission. Then a thought crosses my mind. He may be an idiot but he's very used In a fight and this wouldn't be the first time we've teamed up for a mission. It's painful to admit but he's a better fighter than me. It comes naturally to him. Strategizing, battle, and his use of weapons. The only thing he lacks is a calm mind. He craves a fight too much. But he's actually a pretty gentle dude. My only beef with him is that his asshole of a pet Fenrir destroyed my bike. But other than that this is an important mission and I can easily rely on him to be a great partner in all this. Especially if I'm going to have assassins on my tail.

Van is a warrior huntsman of the Vanir tribe. They're said to be unmatched in combat and a tough and rowdy bunch. They were killing Grimm and men without the use of our new age weapons. Van is different though. Because while the majority of Vanir only care for the fight Van holds himself to a moral standard. And that's something I care about.

"Hey" I speak up, "wanna join me on a mission?" His eyes light up with curiosity

"Sure" he smiles "how about we have a drink while we discuss details"

"Well" I start, I need to let him know about Daisy as well. But on cue she shows up

"Hey Red. I see you've made a new friend, that you did" we all just stand there. Somehow this got uncomfortable. Van simply laughs out loud and I can tell this is gonna get annoying.