Glad you like first chapter so here is the second part!


Chapter 2: Departing

"What?"

"You're to be the next holder of Mare ring…" Tsunayoshi finished with a thin smile on his lips to the bewildered ex-prince.

Lelouch's eyes widened in shock, they wanted to give him one of the Trinisette? A treasure that hold the balance of the world? "You're giving such treasure away just like that?"

Tsuna shook his head, "I am not giving it away, it choose you."

Which pretty much said no one had any say in the ownership but the Trinisete itself. "Like sword on the stone?"

"Yes." Tsuna concurred, "This is a contract that shall bind you for the rest of your life, think carefully… so what's your answer Lelouch Lamperouge?"

Lelouch took a deep breath and he gave his answer, "No answer as you didn't tell me a lot of things, I am not a fool who will take gift horse on the mouth." No matter how tempting.

He considered his options, "You may ask but some things… I can't answer before you agree to this proposition," Tsuna drawled.

Lelouch pondered this for a moment before he agreed, "Very well, first question… why you're suddenly short one owner? With long history of mafia I am sure it should be passed down from generation to generation."

Tsuna sighed at that, "Good question and I can answer that." He took a deep breath, "The previous owner died in our recent civil war... he has no heir. And mare ring's succession is not through a bloodline."

"Civil war?" Lelouch inquired.

"Yes." There was a tone of finality in Tsuna's voice and Lelouch understood he had no right to ask the detail before he became a part of them.

Lelouch swallowed as he prepared the next question, "What is it in me if I agree to this offer?"

Tsuna laughed softly at that, "Hm… wealth and power are the obvious things, but things you're concerned the most is secrecy and safety of yourself and your sister." Lelouch couldn't disagree about that, he didn't believe too much in their safety in Ashford now, since Tsuna who had only been here for few days had found them out quite easily. "Consider everything concerning your sister's well being covered." Tsuna was not ashamed to give another push, "We could even try to give her mobility and eyesight back… "

Lelouch couldn't believe his ears, they could give Nunnaly's eyesight and mobiliy back?! "You're not lying aren't you?" He asked hesitantly.

Tsuna shook his head, "For her mobility I am sure we could offer her this to get it back." He pushed a thin file on the table and asked the ebony haired boy to see it for himself.

Lelouch read the file and was startled by what it offered, it was an advanced and complete version of Rakshata Chawla's technology of artificial limbs. "You're serious…"

He nodded, "As for her eyesight… it depends on the cause."

"It's blindness that induced by trauma." Lelouch answered quickly. "Physically there's nothing wrong with her eyes." There's no cure for that by current technology as far as he knew.

Tsuna looked thoughtful before he replied, "Still possible." Recalling his mist guardian capability regarding mental related matter. "I am not the expert on this but I know enough to tell you there is a possibility we could help with that."

Lelouch would have think Tsuna lied to him if he say they could heal Nunnally's eyesight, but Tsuna promised a possibility instead. That was more than Pendragon's doctors ever offered. It was only his logic that stopped Lelouch from relenting without second thought, so he exerted all self-control he had to not jump to Tsuna's ship recklessly. "How about my heritage?"

"Do you still love your Darwinist country after everything you've been through?" Tsuna asked back.

"No." His reply had been immediate and sharp. "I hold no love for a country where people like Nunnally is looked down upon."

Tsuna smiled at that, "I thought so, there's a reason you're here under false identity rather than in Pendragon. Anything else? Shall we hear your answer?"

Lelouch took a deep breath, "Is there any downside of the power Trinisette wil grant us?"

Tsuna tensed a little before he relaxed, "I'm not going to lie, there is." Lelouch felt his stomach turn at that, "I can't tell you what power Mare ring possessed before you gave me your cooperation, but I will warn you that it require you to organize your mind carefully or you will lose sight of yourself. You need complete control of your mind and emotion to handle its power, or you will become insane… "

Lelouch swallowed at that, "SO… You offer me my sister's wellbeing, wealth and power in exchange of my sanity?" He asked incredulously.

The brunette shook his head, "As long as you keep its power in check and not tempted to abuse it, you will come out of this contract with your sanity intact." He assured the amethyst-eyed boy. "The same risk applies to me as the holder of Vongola ring, but my mental stability is fine by mafia standard at least. It's just like holding gun, careful when you hold it or you will end up shooting yourself kind of risk."

The ex-prince contemplated of what he had been informed of by the mafia, and wondered if there's any reason to refuse. The problem was, since Tsuna brought up they could give Nunnaly's mobility and eyesight back, he didn't know what length he wouldn't go for his sister. The risk of insanity seemed to be a small price in comparison of Nunnally's happiness. Not to mention the risk apparently depend on himself. He was confident of his self-control, after all he had been biding his time for years to avenge his mother.

Speaking of his revenge…

"Am I allowed to use this power to get my revenge on Britannia?" Lelouch asked carefully.

Tsuna knew he had seen this one coming miles away, it was too convenient the Emperor had sent the Vi Britannia children few months to Japan as hostages after his Empress' death. It was very likely Lelouch did something to aggravate his father and kicked out of Pendragon for his trouble and now the young ex-prince wanted revenge.

Lelouch froze when he saw Tsuna's amber eyes suddenly pinning him down in place, scrutinizing him as if those eyes saw through his layers of deception. "My ancestry is Italian but our family have long retired to Japan… and in invasion si years ago my mother and younger twin brother are one of its victim." Lelouch's eyes widened at that, "I want the same as you do… but there's nothing I can promise you about it as we're demanded to take care of our internal problem first before we're allowed to get revenge on Britannia… but I have to inform you that the power of Trinisette is not for revenge, you can use anything else however… "

Which mean the technology was not out of option.

"Look… if you're agree you can see for yourself all assets that come with Mare ring which didn't involve the power of the ring itself." Tsuna pointed out. "So can I hear your answer?"

"Am I required to move to Italy?" Lelouch asked hesitantly.

Tsuna heaved a sigh at that, "Yes… but as soon as everything become stable you're free to venture as you please. Of course you have always to be in contact with us."

"Which mean I am free as much as my leash allowed me to?" Lelouch rephrased with a scoff.

He snorted, "As the holder of Vongola ring I am in the same situation." Tsuna admitted, "As much as I loathe it, the fact remains we can't risk having a megalomania with the power of Trinisette running around unchecked."

"Point." Lelouch admitted. "So… should I arrange a cover story of why I have to leave to who knows where or you will provide me with one?" He asked smoothly.

"Is that a yes?" Tsuna asked hopefully.

"Yes, I will be the new holder of Mare ring for you, but I have three requests." Lelouch held up three fingers.

"Fire away." Tsuna shrugged. "As long as it's within our power.

Lelouch took a deep breath, "I want you to guarantee Nunnally's safety and well being, I don't know about your real society but from what I read and heard they're unruly bunch."

"Easily done…" Actually Tsuna could easily see many of their famiglia would dote on Nunnally, they always had soft spot for little girl. But he won't tell Lelouch he could take that request for granted, he was dealing with a teenager driven by revenge here. Oh well nothing row of Spartan teachers back home couldn't fix~

"I want detailed information about my predecessors and most importantly about the circumstances of their death." Lelouch folded his second finger.

Tsuna sighed at that, "Reasonable but not now… "

"When?" Lelouch demanded.

"Before you start your training to take on the mantle. Which would start around one month from now… and your teacher would be the one who told you." Tsuna offered, "Mine last around a year."

Lelouch was tempted very much to say the timeline was unacceptable but he held his tongue, "Very well, and the last one… I want your help to get my revenge on Britannia."

"I will consider the third one." Tsuna replied in a heartbeat, "I am the leader of a gigantic organization, I can't make decision for myself since everything about me involves my family."

Lelouch smirked at that, "You passed."

"What?"

"If you so quickly promise me the third request you're a fool, and a man who hold power over so many people shouldn't act so recklessly on behest of an ex-prince like myself." Then he added, "Even if both of us wants revenge on Britannia…"

Tsuna narrowed his eyes, "I see… " Then he smiled, a smile so carefree that it took Lelouch off guard. "Glad you're pleased then… Lelouch Lamperouge. I was wondering what kind of reaction you will give me when I answer you, and I have to say I am very pleased with you too."

Lelouch tensed a little before he forced some semblance of control over his face, "Well…"

"You're very smart." Tsuna said out of the blue, "When did you start to notice that the purpose of this conversation is too test your worth? I have to say it's surprising that you try to test me back."

"I…"

Tsuna raised his hands in placating gesture, "No don't worry… it's not offending at all or anything, if anything you just proved yourself as someone capable."

Takeshi for the first time since the conversation began laughed softly, "Boss, I think you better explain yourself… you read him like an open book and he is freaked out."

Tsuna blinked at that, "I see… " Tsuna looked apologetic as he said it, "I can't read mind if that's what you're suspecting."

The ex-prince could tell Sayoko shifted behind him, and if necessary she'd clash with Tsuna's bodyguard. "The benefit of Vongola ring?"

Tsuna shook his head, "A family trait called hyper intuition… extraordinary perception which enable us to instinctively understand body language no matter how subtle it is… "

What a convenient blood trait, and very close to mind reading as far as Lelouch concerned. Which mean trying to deceive Sawada Tsunayoshi a very foolish and useless move. He could see why this seemingly kind person could survive in mafia society, Tsuna had it in him to back up that kindness.

Lelouch hesitated when a thought crossed his mind then he steeled his resolve, "If I accept this contract… what are you to me as the holder of Mare ring?"

A friend? Foe? Rival?

Tsuna just smiled at that before he lock his amber eyes to Lelouch's and he answered. "An accomplish… neither would be able to betray each other, and soon even if the world go against you… we will be standing on the same side… to change this world…"

The ex-prince opened his mouth to retort, ready to protest no one crazy enough wanting to back up someone against the world even if that was in rhetorical sense. Well… Suzaku might do it with him as long as it's not immoral, the old Suzaku at least. But Sawada Tsunayoshi offered that as if that was the most normal thing in the world.

"This power is also a curse Lelouch…" Tsuna elaborated, "The moment you accept the same burden as I do, the least I could do as someone who give you the last push toward this path is to become your ally…" Because the last person who hold Mare ring was so lonely and Tsuna in spite of being there was unable to do a thing to help Byakuran. He won't let Lelouch to go down to the same path as Byakuran, he would be damned if he had to lose his fellow sky again.

He swallowed, "Are you serious? Hyper intuition or not you can't be seriously offer such loyalty to someone you barely know! Let me tell you! I am planning for years to change the world and it start from obliterating Britannia! Are you going to be on my side regardless?"

"I will... and it's not like I don't have the same wish… to change this war tainted world…" Tsuna admitted as Lelouch looked at him belwideredly, "I am willing to take the risk… " Especially now he had power and time to nurse this alliance with fellow sky, this time things could go right with them. "In the name of Vongola famiglia, I… Sawada Tsunayoshi the tenth boss of Vongola and the second rightful owner of Vongola ring vowed to be the most loyal ally to you, and together… we will change the world."

Lelouch didn't know how long it takes him to gain some semblance of control of his body, as he was frozen in place that someone so readily and determinedly offering his alliance. His life after his mother's death was all about war and betrayal save that one summer with Suzaku and his sister, and even that was torn by war and his father.

He didn't know if he could trust Tsunayoshi Sawada.

He didn't know what kind of future he will see as the holder of Mare ring.

He had no idea but…

"I accept this contract and your alliance to me." He had accepted before his mind could tell him otherwise.

And he also had no idea since when a beautiful ring with teardrop shaped gem and with unfolded wing encased it found its way to his finger.


One Month Later

Nunnally was shocked when Lelouch informed her that they had to move away from Area 11, which mean out of Ashford's care. Ashford was the only ally Vi Britannia line had so leaving them never crossed Nunnally's mind. She also didn't want to leave the school and their friends, she loved this place and it have become as much as a home to her as Aries Villa was.

Lelouch had apologized that it had been so sudden, but he explained that the reason was to get her medical treatment that could help her regain mobility and sight, much to her shock. He also promised that when the time was right they would come back to Ashford Academy or at least visit once in a while.

The student council was devastated by the news but when they know the reason, they thought it was for the best. The Ashford was kind enough to let them have Sayoko, apparently the maid also requested to transfer her service to them. Lelouch was very grateful that Nunnally won't be too lonely with Sayoko around. Milly threw another festival for their honor though. Lelouch was thankful but he would be happier if it's just a small farewell party instead of a festival. Milly had the gall to make a confession booth, in which he had to sit still for two hours as a very long line of girls take turns to confess to him. Apparently Milly thought he had to make it up for ignoring all those love letters. It took him off guard when he found Shirley on the line with puffy eyes as she tearfully confessed to him.

He tried his best to reject her as gentle as he could. Shirley was a good girl and had he been a normal boy with normal life he would try to fall in love with her, but with the way he was he couldn't accept her feelings. He was grateful Milly was there to comfort Shirley afterward.

After watching him and Shirley, the girls after Shirley slowly retreated as it was clear Lelouch had no intention to get a girlfriend now so it would be a moot point to confess.

After the whole fiasco was over and they had tearful good bye, they left Ashford Academy by a car Vongola arranged.

It took Lelouch by surprise to find a private jet parked in secluded location twenty kilometers away from Tokyo settlement. "A private jet?"

Tsuna who was in another simple looking yet expensive white suit raised an eyebrow, "What's so surprising about a private jet?" He had been a prince, what's so surprising about a private jet or two?

"It doesn't look like a standard private jet." Lelouch reasoned.

Tsuna's personal jet was actually not that big by standard of Britannia, in fact Lelouch could say it was the smallest one he had ever seen. However just from one look you could tell it was nothing like Britannia standard jet, it had sleek design that resembled an arrow with three pairs of wings instead of two. Whatever technology it used, Lelouch couldn't wait to learn more.

"So? A jet?"

"It's for stealth purpose… " Tsuna said dryly, "And by the way… until when you want to keep your sister waiting in car with your ninja maid?" He raised an eyebrow, "You couldn't be thinking our rendezvous point is dangerous… do I need to list all precaution I did to secure this location?"

Lelouch snorted, "Considering the whole country can evade Britannia I trust you about that… "

"Are you implying that I and my country as a whole as an expert in evading Britannia?" On the short time of knowing each other, they had come to a comfortable routine of debating about the most trivial things on the top of their head. Why? Neither had any idea.

"Not implying, but you are." Lelouch answered with a grin, as he raised his hand as a signal for Sayoko to bring Nunnally out of the car. "By all means… give a good first impression to my sister."

Tsuna rolled his eyes as they watched Nunnaly and Sayoko came to their direction, "Fine…" He raised an eyebrow when Nunnally, the blind little sister of Lelouch titling her head to the side then slowly turned to his direction. It seemed her blindness made her very sensitive, which mean she was a very attentive person.

Tsuna smiled as he kneeled so he was on her eye level. "Hello there… my name is Tsunayoshi Sawada, nice to meet you. You can call me Tsuna for short."

"The pleasure is mine... Tsuna-san" Nunnally greeted, "My name is Nunnally Lamperouge." She said as she reached out for Tsuna's hand, and smiled as she felt his warm hands.


Once they were inside the jet, Tsuna showed them a lounge for them to relax and went to speak with the pilot of the jet, leaving the ex-royal siblings and maid to familiar themselves with their surrounding.

Nunnaly hummed as she accepted a can of tea Lelouch took from nearby fridge. "Brother, do you know that Tsuna-san's hands are like Suzaku's…"

Lelouch raised his eyebrow at that, "Really, well… I guess Tsuna go through some training like Suzaku, did you?"

Nunnally shook her head, "No brother… I mean Tsuna-san's hands are very warm and kind like Suzaku's."

Lelouch didn't get how Nunnally perceive everything around her with closed eyelids, but it feels like she could see better than anyone with normal eyesight could. "If you say so Nunnally." But Tsuna was nothing like Suzaku in Lelouch's opinion.

The moment they arrived in Italy was not as surprising as Lelouch thought it would be as they landed in a completely normal looking airport but the surprise was out when they went through the city of Italy by limousine. The capital of Neo-Italy was nothing like Britannia settlement, road with paving stones, colorful brick walls, waterways and gondoliers, vendors loitering the street as they're on the way to market to start the day.

"Uwaa…" Nunnally couldn't see a thing but she had never been so overwhelmed with bustling noise of the busy street and other unfamiliar sensation she felt from her surrounding. "It's so much livelier than Tokyo settlement!"

Lelouch agreed wholeheartedly, "It's very lively."

Tsuna smiled at them, "I'm glad you like our city… and I almost forget…"

"Forget what?" Lelouch queried.

The boss grinned, "Welcome… to the capital city of Neo Italia, welcome… to Neo Venezia."

Lelouch raised an eyebrow at Tsuna's theatrics, and he found that he liked this place already.


The next day

Lelouch was not amused when Tsuna requested him to wake up so early in the morning just to introduce him to a toddler dressed in military garb. The said toddler also gave him some sort of exasperated look before speaking fluently in Italian like an adult. "This boy is like a stick, korra! But I wil stiill whip him to shape korra!"

Tsuna just smiled at Lelouch who gave him 'Are you joking?' look, "Introducing Arcobaleno Colonello... he will become your trainer form now on."

"Why?"

"I am under an impression you have prior knowledge in using gun." Since Lelouch almost threatened him with one. "So I recommend Colonello for the job."

"No... I mean why I get a toddler as a teacher?" Lelouch corrected Tsuna. "Is he even qualified?"

BANG!

Lelouch's eyes widened when two strands of hair left his scalp, "I hope that answer it." Tsuna offered when he saw the bullet missed Lelouch head by 1 cm. "Colonello used to be part of COMSUBIN..."

Colonello huffed, "Let's just start korra! Now, move brat!"

What else Lelouch could do when the toddler pointed an assault riffle at him?

"And one last advice Lelouch." The brunette said as Lelouch slowly backing away from Colonello in fear, "Don't die."He said with the most sincere smile he could muster.

The next thing Lelouch knew he was following that advice to heart as he struggled to survive under the rain of bullets from Colonello.

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