Chapter 4
Lambo sigh for the umpteenth time. It has been three weeks since he's hospitalize and two weeks since he woke up. During those times, his family never miss a day without visiting him. Kyoko and Chrome would come along with I-pin, bringing him foods and homeworks courtesy of I-pin. His brothers would come either bringing catastrophe or stories about their recent mission. Sometime he wonder, can his family be anything but normal? Throwing his gaze outside the window again, his eyes narrows as he counts the car going in and out of the hospital. Tomorrow he will be discharge, free to go home. The sound of his door being open snap him back to reality.
'Hey', Tsuna enters the room with a basket full of sweet and cakes in his hand.
'Hai, Tsuna-nii', Lambo simply reply before returning to what he was doing. This shocked the brunette, Lambo will always be escalated when he sees candies a meter away let alone a basket of them. Seeing him so out of spirit worries the don. Putting his gift on the counter next to his brother's bed, Tsuna takes a seat near the window, looking at whatever his baby brother is looking.
'You can go home tomorrow'.
'Hmm'.
'Kyoko-chan and I-pin are cooking you tons of food. There's steak, your favorite'.
'Yeah. Nice'.
'Lambo.' Tsuna's stern voice manage to pry the teen's gaze from the window. Lambo shifts his eyes toward his brother. 'What?'.
'Are you okay?'.
'No.' Tsuna furrows his brows, Lambo isn't a child of few words. He would ramble on and on about candies if he could. Seeing him so dishearten is agonizing. Putting his hand on Lambo's shoulder, Tsuna hope Lambo knows he's there for him.
'Tsuna-nii...'.
'Yes, lambo'.
'Where's Haru-nee?'. Upon hearimg the question Tsuna could feel his heart breaking. He couldn't tell Lambo what had happen. What Haru had chose. Not in his current condition. Pulling a bitter smile, Tsuna stand up and pat the boy's head promising him an explaination when he is back at the mansion.
Lambo on the other hand didn't pry further about it. His brother seems to have a lot on his mind judging how distraught he looks when that question slam him in the face. He is grateful, at least his brother can spend more time with him than usual, though the child do wonder. How did his brother have a free time despite his hectic schedule?. Through out the visiting time, Lambo didn't talk much, he doesn't have the need to. None of his family ever mention about his dear sister when they visited him and she didn't visit him since after he woke up. He wonder, where in the world could his sister be right now.
Haru gape when she arrive in the airport. Nothing change much, over the past three months of her absence. Pulling her luggage from the retrieve center. She makes a beeline towards the entrance. The people of her hometown are same as ever, busy as a bee one might call it. If you ask her taking the subway would be much quicker; since she has already made her appointment, she needed to wait for somebody to fetch her.
Haru couldn't put it in words the euphoric feeling she get the minute the airplane enter Japan's airspace. She's glad, she's finally home. Pulling out a pair or earphones , she thinks a few music would do before her friend come to pick her up.
'Haru!', Haru put the ear phones back into her pockets when she sees her long lost friend Hana waving at her. Their relationship might not be as close as Hana's with Kyoko but at least they are good friends.
'Hana-san, it's good to see you again!'.
'Same here', Hana chirp. 'Let me help you', she grab Haru's suitcase much to the girl protest but ignore it anyway. Haru didn't bring much. A suitcase, a sling bag and a duffel bag. Pretty simple for a lady if you ask her.
'Hahi!!! Haru cannot do that to you Hana-san.'
'What's with the honorifics? Drop it already. Beside, you're sleeping at my house right?', Hana knew almost everything that had happen from her involvement with the mafia to her feelings for the don. Hana crane her neck, when she didn't hear a response. She isn't surprise to see Haru lags a few meters back from her. The latter has her head hung low, as silent tears roll down her cheek.
'You haven't let go of it yet now have you?'.
Shakily Haru shakes her head from side to side, still keeping her gaze rooted to the ground. A pair of warm arms slither around her neck. Shaken by the gesture, her brain couldn't comprehend what she should do next.
'I'll tell you everything that had happen. For now, let's go back to my home'. With that the two girl made their way to the parking lot, unbeknownst to them. A pair of eyes are watching their every move.
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The next day, Lambo is greeted by his doctor. She's beautiful, with her braided silveric hair, her slightly tanned skin and her enchanting smile. She's an alluring enigma, that he acknowledged.
'How are you feeling Lambo?'. The teen is sitting on his bed, all the needles are gone from his body. He got a bandaged chest nothing too serious. A few bruise but he's fine, he is the lightning gurdian after all.
'Fine'.
Lambo queer behavior didn't go unnotice by the young doctor. Taking a seat next to him, she takes out a pen and a pad with checklist probably the assement sheet she need to hand over to clarify him as okay.
The test is brief, a few check ups and he's done. 'Now would you tell me what's bothering you?'.
'What do you mean Doctor?'.
She shot him a knowing look. Lambo shivers seeing how familiar her smile is with a certain sadistic brother he have. 'You know what I mean Lambo. Now you better tell me what's going on in that mind of yours', that sentence might have come out with a soothing calm voice but it sounded more like a command than a question.
Knowing he couldn't lie, Lambo grip the sheet next to him. His face scrunch up with veins popping on his temple. 'I don't know why but I feel stressful for the past few days'.
'Is it because of your condition? I can assure you you are fine without any side effects'.
'No. That's not it. It's my sister. She have been acting weird when she visited me a forthnight ago. She seems distance and I'm worried. None of my family members mention anything about her when they visit me. I just got a feeling that she's gone.'
'I see. Is that sister of yours precious to you?'.
A small smile tug his lips when he remembers all her eccentric ways of cheering people up. She's his sun and warmth. 'Yes. She is. I hope she wouldn't left us.'
'Trust her. That's all I can say.'
'What?'.
'Well, if she did leave. Then there must be reason for it. A legit one at that. Even if she left, I firmly believe she will come back. And when she do you don't want to be a grouch now would you?'.
'Do you really think so doctor?'.
For the first time in weeks, Lambo's eyes regain it's sprakle. The young doctor couldn't say no, she didn't have the heart to say it.
'Yes, I believe so'.
'If you can believe her. Then I'll believe on Haru-nee too.' That name rings a bell but Aria couldn't put her finger why, she tries to cover her shock with a smile. Hurriedly, she bit the boy good day before heading towards the main office to hand in her report. The girl Haru piqued her interest. And she swear, she hears the name somewhere before. 'That name gives of a bad vibe', she murmurs. Checking her watch, she slightly cuss as she is late for her appointment with the respective engineers. Hanging her doctor's cloak on her chair, Aria waltz pass an enigma whom she can consider as an enemy.
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Hana put down her tray, there's two cups of ice lemon tea and two plates of strawberry cheesecake. A dessert suited for their soon to be heavy conversation. Right now, both women are sitting in Hana's room. Her room is simple like any other normal woman's room. The little coffee table near her bed is convenient enough for the both of them.
'So. Are you going to tell me or what?', Hana grab one of the cup and start sipping it's content. She had told Haru about the recent activities in Nanimori. The least Haru could do is explain her sudden idea to visit the town. Finding, the table much interesting, Haru grab the other cup, not really drinking it's content rather playing with the rim of it with her fingers.
'I will start living here again'. Hana feel like spitting the tea when she hears that. Gulping the liquid down, she hurriedly wipe her lips. That is not what she had anticipated. 'Excuse me? Now, how can I find that convincing?'.
'I thought you would say that. Well, I'm not leaving permanently. At least not yet', the last part is more of a murmur but still didn't go unnotice by the black haired girl.
Leaning back on the side of the bed frame, Hana rub the bridge of her nose. 'Did you tell that Dame-Tsuna about this?', she reluctantly ask. That kid is known to be the biggest dopest worry wart in all god damn history. He could tear up Japan if he ever finds out about this.
'I did but not fully', Haru slight hesitation to answer the previous question makes the latter quirk her eyebrow. Putting both her hand on the table, Hana lean forward, her intense gaze searching for the Haru's orbs.
'What do you mean not fully.. huh', that might sound a bit threatening but belief her, it's vital to dig out secret from her dear friend. Haru could feel her heart beat increasing. Should she tell her? She knows Hana can keep her mouth shut if Haru ask her to. The real problem lies when Hana start judging her reason. That black haired girl can make any human go back on their ideas by word play. That's one of her charms that manage to keep the over EXTREME man in Vongola in check.
Haru sheepishly scratch her chin,' Eto... I told Tsuna-san that I need a vacation. And I left him with a note'. Haru quiet down for a few minutes after that sentence, she seems to be in a world of her own. Maybe contemplating whether to spill the beans or not. In Hana's preceptive that doesn't seems too serious at all, yet something rouse within her saying that there's more to the story. Drumming her slender finger on the table, Hana's interrogation session begin!!!!
'If you did say that. Tsuna would had sent you bodyguards along since he knows what the risks are being in the business.'
Haru fiddle with her thumbs, she has a heavy heart to continue yet Hana's intense glare makes her truthful.'I kinda run from them'. Hearing that response, Hana starts to doubt her decision to be in cahoots with this girl. 'You did 'it' didn't you'. Haru flinch, the girl in front of her... How did she read her mind? Is she an ESP or something?.
'I'm not an alien. Plus your body language is easy to read. Work on your facade; your face is crystal clear for the enemy. You know if you go out like this, they might get to pry off some secret from you'.
'Mou.. don't be such a meanie Hana-san.'
'Forget about that. Then.. why you are fidgeting like a heated earthworm. Tell me straight Miura. What had you done?'.
Haru fumble with her fingers 'Well, I might sort of tell them that I'm leaving in a letter. I gave it to Tsuna and instructed him to only open it when the whole family is assemble.'
'You're saying we have precisely a few days to settle the score before Tsuna bring the whole famiglia down to tear this place brick by brick in search for you'.
Haru nods shyly, she's well aware the consequences she might need to face, but her resolve cannot wait anymore. It has been three days since she last visit Lambo and she cannot let her sacrifice of abandoning Lambo go to waste. Looking at how little guilt is written over her friend's face, Hana sigh.
'Fine. I'll tell you about their gathering', their conversation quickly meet an end when Hana pull out a map of the city and splay it on the table. Haru is amaze to see the well written notes of sightings and activites. There's even photos and record time about their gang meet up. What intrigue her is the big fat red dot on the map close to Tsuna's mom district. Lucky for her, the woman is on a break with her lovely husband in Peru. So there should be no valid leverage to the enemy this time.
'Are you ready to let it lose?', Hana question playfully. Taking a bite of her cake, Haru nods. This is her first time since her parents death she feel giddy and excited; something like serenity envelope her being when Hana start explaining to her the details of their plan.
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Lambo slump on his bed. It's good to be back. His luggage are long forgotten when he threw them somewhere in the corner of his room. His piles of clothing are missing. The maids probably cleans up his room when he was away he guess.
He roll on his bed gaze stuck to his ceiling. Posters of his family hung around his wall filling every crook and cranny the room has to offer. Since the meeting is at three, his festivities was delayed a few hours. That didn't bother him the slightest though. What truly bothers him was his brother's words when they were on their way back to the mansion.
Lambo was happily chatting with his Take-nii when Tsuna decided to break the conversation. Today, all of his brothers are there to pick him up with exception of the sky lark and the mists of course. Lambo shot a goofy smile at his favrouite brother.
'What is it Tsuna-nii?', he ask whilst rocking from side to side.
Tsuna chuckle at his behaviour. The don brought out a pink letter from the pocket of his thousand worth of white tuxedo.
'Haru-nee wrote this for you', Lambo's shoulders slumps. He wasn't sure whether to feel escalated or disappointed. He was nervous that's for sure.
'But she told me to open it when all of us are together so I was hoping you would read it tonight. Is that okay with you?'.
'Yeah, that's okay. But Tsuna-nii. Will Haru-nee be there?', that question had been lingering in his mind for awhile. He want to know the answer.
Tsuna close his eyes and take a deep long breath before facing Lambo once again. 'She can't come. She's on a vacation for the time being'.
'Oh', clearly Lambo was disappointed by that thought.
The sound of his alarm ringing bring Lambo back to reality. Looking at his clock, he has precisely another ten minutes before the meeting. Feeling the need for his candies, Lambo crouch down and grab one of his bags whilst rummaging though it's content to find his beloved grape candies. By the time he did, he only have another five minutes. Fearing the wrath of his brothers the little kid sprint through the hallway towards the humongous white door. Feeling the need of some extreme entrance as his Ryo-nii had say it, the boy barreled through the door and purposely slam the end of the table banging his head in the process.
'What are you doing Lambo?', Lambo flinch when he hears the familiar voice. Peeking his eyes from the bottom of the table, his mouth gape open like a fish stranded on land.
'What!!!!! W-What are you doing here doctor?!!. Did you intrude our mansion?', Lambo winggle his finger accusingly causing an eruption of groan through out the room. He feel something a bit odd. His brothers aren't panicking like he is. They are calm like the doctor is meant to be there.
'She's our new advisor. Reborn's replacement'.
'Really Tsuna-nii.' Tsuna nods sheepishly. He pat the boy's head and told him to take a seat next to Ryohei. Lambo oblige without much protest mainly because he is still in shock of the news. Seeing that they have calm down, Aria put down the eight vials on the table. 'As I had informed you the other day. This power is essential for Vongola to survive in this genesis'.
The rest went bla...bla... You need to drink to power up and defeat villians. Ecetera...ecetera...meetings isn't Lambo's cup of tea, he couldn't understand half of what they were saying. The doctor keeps on rambling about compatibility, running test... Still boring. But his ears perks up when she mention something about controlling new hybrid flames.
The liquid in those vial intrigue the young lad, 'Umm Doctor. Do I have to do it?', Lambo ask meakly.
'No my dear. You have already completed the phase when you was shot. As of now you are the only one that's ready for a battle. Still, you'll need training to control that new flames of yours. So if you don't mind Decimo. I want to be his coach'. Tsuna didn't hesitate to say yes. But he still have his doubts about Aria's schedules. It seems pack judging from all the things she is juggling. After that all his guardians dismiss themselves probably readying their mental fortitude against what ever trial they have to endure leaving him and Aria alone in the room.
'It's time for the party. Are you coming?'.
'I will be there in a minute. You go ahead Tsuna'.
''Kay see ya'. Aria bit the don good day before turning to her heel, her back facing the door.
'It seems you have no trouble keeping them straight. Aria.' A black dot protrude from the screen in front of her. It shifts around creating a body of a five year old. Aria beam hearing the compliment, really she deserve it after working herself half to dead. The hitman pull his fedora down further shading his already jet black eyes. 'We're leaving at midnight. During that time you better do all you can to cover us. Not that you would have much hassle judging by how blunt their senses are. Seriously, how can that Dame-student of mine didn't sense my presence. He would need another buttload of training after this whole fiasco ends.'
Aria sweatdropped when she hears that. She had heard rumors of how harsh and cruel these training can be. The results are superb just look at the current head of Cavallone and Vongola soon to be Tenth.
'Uncle, who is staying in Europe?'. Reborn smirk, 'We'll decide that later. Ah! You're late for the party. Now run along before Tsuna start to feel suspicious'. Aria give him a slight nod before she make way to the dining hall.
Reborn bask himself in moonlight. His thoughts are airy and his mind is blank. He does not know how dangerous this fight can get or what their enemy possibly do. For what he knows this time they are fighting something out of this dimension. 'You better be up for it Dame-Tsuna', he half whisper letting the wind carries his words.
Lambo's welcoming party isn't extravagant, it's modest like some old family get together. The guardians and a few additional people sit around the table. Dishes of various kind are serve to them. The aroma could make a man fall down on his knees and beg for more. There are streamers hanged around the room with cow printed photos on them. And there's a big banner saying 'Welcome back lambo!!! ', written in bold pink letters and a big fat cow at the end of the exclamation. He didn't mind the cow but he do mind the pink letters. After this he would strangle whoever broke that little secret of him liking the pink hue. They are waiting for Aria before starting the party. When she did come. All hell break loose.
Let just say, his family really do enjoy the festivities. Ryohei and Mukuro are fighting about something concerning whipped cream. He and I-pin are fighting over who have the largest piece of cake and how unfair Fran is for getting the icing most (He wouldn't let it slide). Gokudera and Yamamoto are at it again with Tsuna in the midst trying to break their scuffle. Kyoko just laugh whilst Fuuta sweat dropped. The maids are getting a hell tomorrow. At last their fun reach an end quicker than anticipated because a certain skylark is edging to go back home to Nanimori as soon as possible. So Lambo is push forward with the letter in hand. Carefully, he rip it open bringing the paper out. All eyes lands on him, wanting to know what Haru had written.
Dear Vongola,
Hahi!!! How are you guys? I wonder how long has it been since I gave this letter Tsuna-san. Well. No matter how long it takes I'll deliver you what I want to say anyway. I'm leaving Italy. I'm going back home. Sorry for not telling you guys personally, so very sorry. Don't worry, I'll be fine.
P.S
Lambo I know you would be crying when you read this but I need you to be strong. I hope you can be happy without me. And tell the rest of them that I'm happy here, okay. I love them and tell your brother Tsuna, that I really love him. I do. I love you Lambo. Be happy.
With love,
Haru
Tears stained the paper when he reach the middle causing smudges but he still manages to read it till the end. His hands are shaking with uncontrolable anger, sadness and disappoiment mixing into one. Subconsciously, Lambo let out buckets of tears . Responding to his anger and sadness red lightning envelope his hand incinerating the letter. Little by little lightning covers his whole figure causing everything around him to disintegrate. His family are shock to feel the heavy pressure emitted by a single child. Its as if they are feeling his pain.
'Lambo!', the child turn his head towards Tsuna. His brother slowly creep closer, the flames on his fore head flicker into life. It is a good thing he's in Hyper Dying Will Mode or the flames would seriously injure him.
Tsuna wrap Lambo in an embrace, his flames soothing out his little brother's anxiety. 'It's okay Lambo. Haru-nee will come back to us. I know she will'.
'Really Tsuna-nii', Lambo innocently ask.
'Really', Lambo nods his head slightly, happy with Tsuna's answer. He is so tired due to the fact he subconsciously let out his flames, he falls asleep in his brother's arms. Seeing Lambo has fallen asleep, he carefully lift him up before handing him over to Yamamoto while he usher the rest of their shocked family to bed.
The Skylark is the least bit shock to hear it, he knew that herbivore will do what ever she thinks is right without putting much thought about how others would feel. Gripping his tonfas tighter, the skylark make his way towards the airport. Time is of the essence, he have some bitting to death to do.
Not wasting another minute of his time, he quietly strode towards the entrance where his car is waiting. Feeling a presence behind him, Hibari quickly whip out his tonfas, hitting who ever is tailing him.
It didn't surprise the skylark to see a gloved orange flames infused hand grab his tonfas mid section. He click his tongue irritated by the fact his opponent use little effort to stop an attack that could kill. That goes with out saying that his boss definitely has becomes stronger.
'Bring her back', Tsuna demands. No fear no pleads, just a stern command.
'Wao', Hibari retract his tonfas, he groans, one of his tonfas is crooked thanks to Tsuna. Better yet, he's impress Tsuna hadn't stumble over his words.
'Hn', still feeling bloodlust, Hibari do a side kick catching Tsuna off guard and ramming him into the walls. 'Don't tell me what to do omnivore', with that he strode off outside into his car.
Tsuna grunt, that kick is strong, he thinks he has a fractured rib. He should've know better that Hibari wouldn't leave those who pisses him off unsacthed; and he also knows he could trust his cloud. With a smile, Tsuna limps his way to the infirmary where Shamal resides.
'Ah! Kyouya. Mind if I join you?', a child voice ask. Hibari turn around, half surprise to see a child in a chinese garment who look a lot like him smiling very sweetly. The Ex- storm arcobaleno, is on his way back home when he meet Hibari at the airport. Since he just realize he forgot his wallet back at the hotel. He couldn't buy a ticket even if he wants to. Asking a favor from the skylark would be a great way to sort out his predicament.
Hibari didn't give much of a response other than his favorite 'Hn'. He did not try to bite Fon to death either when the child follows him to the cockpit of the jet. Fon could safely say that the skylark wasn't bothered by his idea.
'So. Kyouya. Are you finishing an unwanted threat?', Fon ask, trying his best to reel in the Skylark's attention. Kyouya, didn't answer. He doesn't have the obligation to start a conversation with him nor anyone if he deem it as meddlesome.
'Refusing to answer ea.. well I'll start with my mission then. Kyouya, let me give you heads up about what is to come. If you manage to get out of Nanimori safe and sound. Pass this message to Tsuna. What ever you do, don't stop her from fighting'.
Kyouya quirk an eyebrow, who is her? He wants to ask Fon further about his message but the child had already fallen asleep. Throwing his gaze back to the darken skies, he got a feeling that they are in for the big guns. With thought in mind, he lick his lips. Couldn't wait to taste blood on his tonfas. Really, he's too bloodlust for his own good.
