A/N: Just like in 'Sweet Absolution,' I'll reply to all your reviews on the next chapter. ^^ Also, 'Eternal Bind' is definitely being worked on. I'm struggling a bit because it's a total turnover from my other fics so please be patient. Thanks for reading, the reviews and alerts, everyone!
Another bright and windy day made home into Italy's suburbs and of course, the Vongola Mansion. Doe brown eyes opened slowly, dainty fingers covered a small mouth as a yawn spew from soft lips. Tsuna raised himself slowly, his sight still blurry from the remnants of his drowsiness. He blinked multiple times trying to rid himself of his tired state.
His headache seemed to fade after a night of good sleep. With a warm coverlet and soft breeze fluttering around, he's never had such peaceful rest in a long while. Ever since Reborn came, he was always forced to wake abruptly either by sledgehammer or bullets or waking up with aching limbs and raw eyes. It's been a long, long while. Tsuna smiled softly to himself. How much time had passed since he was able to bask in utter silence?
Not with Gokudera's tantrums and his other Guardians' explosive tendencies. It was unique in a way but he wasn't comfortable with it. Somehow, the noise has always served as a reminder of his wonderful life with his Famiglia. Though it was tiring and very much exhausting even to the brink of collapsing, he welcomed it. If it's for his Famiglia, anything was an option.
His nightgown fluttered about him and he felt delighted as the spring breeze surrounded his lavish room. The balcony was as luxurious as his room. Sometime in the middle of the night, he found himself waking up due to his starchy clothes. For once, he wanted to sleep comfortably and fortunately, he came across a large, long-sleeved nightgown.
He knew it wasn't meant for a guy since the fluttering ribbons and flowy hems prove to fit a girl but his figure was good enough. So what's the harm? Like he said, he was unable to get over the fact that his face looked so feminine and Reborn sometimes takes advantage of that. Dressing up as a woman and doing undercover weren't his cup of tea but his tutor was a sadistic baby so anything goes. Oh right, speaking of which.
"I wonder how you guys are..." His mouth formed the words but no sound was heard. His eyes lowered and he touched his throat. So I still can't speak, huh? Maybe, that was a good thing but it felt really uncomfortable. He sighed and walked towards the end of the balcony, leaning on its stone rails.
He closed his eyes and savoured the air. It was really beautiful here. His eyes opened and he spotted a healthy garden of roses all in full bloom. Definitely beautiful. A weak movement to his left caught his attention and his eyes widened. Without thinking, he jumped over the stone railings, his eyes intent on one thing. He didn't think of the consequences of his actions though and that was his downfall.
...
It was mandatory to hold early morning meetings whenever all the Guardians were present in the Mansion. Today wasn't any different. Giotto sat at his desk briefing his Guardians who were scattered about. New missions were usually given out during such meetings and everyone listened attentively. Another Mafia Famiglia's threatening the Vongola and precautionary measures needed to be acted upon. One careless mistake could lead to their downfall and though the threat seems to be medium at best, they still needed to be cautious.
Mafia families can be very crafty when the need arises and they won't allow that. Assigning his Guardians tasks where their forte lies seem to be the best option. Usually, they work individually but in their next mission, some need to work in pairs. Giotto winced thinking this, Alaude and Daemon would definitely kill him when they get back. They've been glaring at him all morning and he really couldn't blame them.
He never understood the unbreakable rivalry they had for each other and that started when they first laid their eyes on each other. Daemon always liked to rile people up but Alaude was usually very indifferent no matter how disastrous the Guardians get. A simple taunt from Demon had Alaude's shackles rising to the nth degree and the result always prompted him to ask G to compile a financial report. Really, if they didn't have ridiculously large amounts of money, they'd be grovelling in the streets like beggars by now.
"The Estancia Famiglia has been gathering allies left and right. It's quite suspicious as to how they seem desperate in accumulating people." Giotto paused and held out a folder for each which contains the details of their mission.
"A week from now, a celebration would be held in their branch estate down north. It would be most beneficial for us if we could attend the event. However, the Estancia Famiglia considers us as..." Giotto paused. "...rivals per say." The flipping of pages could be heard all around and the quiet atmosphere was disconcerting. It seems unnatural with the way they act usually but business is business. Fun and games can wait.
"Since Alaude and Daemon are usually on their feet, the Estancia Famiglia still has not recognized them as my Guardians." Alright, so maybe he was wrong about the quiet atmosphere. He could definitely hear the minute crackling in the air. His gaze swept around the room trying to stop a sigh from escaping his lips. The glares directed at each other were already frightening to say the least.
"Daemon would work from the inside while Alaude would attend as a Mafioso representing the Vento Famiglia, our confidant." His Mist Guardian was best at manipulating and controlling hapless individuals. Alaude was the best option for attending finery and social events. Although conversations were shot down point-blank, he was a nobleman previously from the New World before he decided to join him in Italy as a Mafioso.
"We need all the information we can get from that family and all their allies. If my hunch is correct, an overthrow is about to take place." His expression was grim and all his Guardians mirrored the same. An overthrow was something they should be accustomed to but the sudden rise in alliance for the Estancia Famiglia is increasingly alarming. The Vongola may be a powerful Mafia Famiglia but such numbers would drain them. It was a game of chess, even if only the King was left, a checkmate was still possible. They just need to play their pieces right.
"Asari and G would sort out the information while Lampo would continue establishing connections from the high society." Giotto turned to Kunckle who was busy staring outside.
"Kunckle would recuperate for the time being and would serve as the main medic for the Vongola Mansion." A set of nods greeted him. Well, it was the same for everyone except for his Sun Guardian though. Giotto tilted his head to side confused with the sudden behaviour. Usually, Knuckle would complain or exclaim something enthusiastically but he was staring outside as if something disturbed him.
"Knuckle? Is there something wrong?" Said person was suddenly basked with attention as every head turned to him, every Guardian seemingly aware of the strange behaviour.
"Correct me if I'm wrong to the extreme but isn't that Tsuna?" Kuncle pointed a finger outside and they looked out apprehensively. A flash of white and everyone was on their feet. That long brown hair was noticeable from miles away. Tsuna was the only person they knew who had such locks. Giotto felt dread suddenly course through him. Nobody knew who Tsuna was and no one was informed of a guest arriving.
If he gets spotted by the guards, he could be killed on sight. His Guardians seem to realize the same because everyone was already going for the door. Well, the windows would suffice for some like him and Alaude, he guessed. Not that it was important but they really needed to get there on time. His insides were churning and his intuition was prodding him. He bit his lip and tried to still his nerves. He needed to calm down. They'll get to him soon. He will make sure of that.
...
"A lion, huh? A fucking lion!" Tsuna mouthed his words desperately but his mouth produced not a sound as always. Ok so maybe acting without thinking always got him into trouble but an animal was injured and from afar he thought it was a cat. And what does he see? A lion... A fucking lion which was growling at him fiercely. If looks could kill, he'd be dead where he stood. It alternated between whining at its wound and growling at him but he just couldn't let it stay that way.
The lion reminded him so much of Natsu. Tsuna sniffed lightly at this. His box weapon was still being upgraded and Natsu was supposed to be returned to him in a few days. Seeing as he was nowhere near his era, Natsu would still be a far-fetched dream. Tsuna sighed and carefully approached with the herbs he was able to collect from the surrounding bushes. It would have to do for now. The gash on its upper paw looked a bit deep but he wouldn't be able to assess it properly if the lion won't let up its guard.
With cautious steps, he moved forward though the lion was baring its canines at him and he was a bit scared, Tsuna continued. It was in pain and the wound might fester soon and an infection would spread. He was here already so this lion's safety was guaranteed even if it's the last thing he did. Tsuna could see the lion was scared and in pain but it still held its head high, Tsuna smiled gently.
It reminded him so much of his Mist and Cloud Guardians and most especially Reborn. Such a stubborn bunch they were. His eyes softened considerably as memories flooded his mind. Hibari, Mukuro, and Reborn never let themselves be healed by anyone else but him and Ryohei; that or he alone. No one was allowed to see them being treated, absolutely no one except the aforementioned. He raised his right hand, reaching slightly for the lion's head.
"Grrrrr!" Tsuna winced slightly feeling the pain burst from his hand. He already expected it to happen. The canines drew blood as it pierced his skin but he could feel that the bite wasn't deep, it hurts though. Letting the herbs plop on the ground, he caressed the golden mane, petting the injured animal softly. He smiled slightly as the lion's countenance lightened and the teeth buried in his hand were removed. The mild sensation of licking tingled his spine and Tsuna petted the animal affectionately. You're asking for forgiveness, neh?
The lion's head found its way on his lap and without further delay, Tsuna began his work. He ripped parts of his clothing substituting the silk finery for linen bandages. A few tearing of the herbs and slight soothing, the lion's wound was bandaged up and Tsuna found himself having a lion sleeping peacefully on his lap.
"You really are like them, aren't you?" His words seem nonexistent but slowly he was getting used to the feeling of silence even from his own mouth. He just wished his family was safe though. He'd endure anything just for his family. His eyes felt heavy again, drooping close and he wondered why it was so peaceful within the Vongola premises. His eyes closed fully and at the back of his mind, he realized that maybe he shouldn't have wandered so carelessly like this. Too late now though.
...
Sky, blue eyes watched from afar as his target's breathing evened out. From the shadows, he stepped out and smiled slightly at the sight. A picturesque image lay before him and he imprinted it in his memory for a few minutes. This unknown boy who suddenly appeared out of nowhere was able to tame his beloved pet.
His pet was known to be loyal to him and a number of his Guardians, it hated Daemon though. Leon, yes he wasn't good at naming, absolutely hated strangers and didn't hesitate attacking anyone he couldn't recognize. Leon also does not warm up to anyone so quickly. It took him a whole day to get the once lion cub to trust him but this wary, adult lion deemed Tsuna worthy of its trust within minutes.
"Oya? Quite a tamer, isn't he Giotto?" Daemon stepped out from behind a cherry tree. Alaude followed suit and quickly walked towards the slumbering boy. Soft growling was heard and Giotto smiled. Leon was already protecting Tsuna like his own family? Surprising, really. He stepped forward and buried his fingers in the soft mane. Gently shushing the lion as Alaude carried Tsuna away and for a brief moment he felt irritated at the thought.
"Shh...It's alright. Tsuna just needs to rest." Leon growled in content and was soon asleep. He turned to his Mist Guardian who stood silently a few feet behind. That's new. Usually, he'd be taunting him.
"When you see Knuckle, please tell him to attend to Tsuna's wound." Daemon nodded. Giotto smiled a bit and he was on his way towards the Mansion. A soft whisper made its way to his ears and he stopped minutely before continuing; his Mist Guardian's gaze still on his back as he walked away. Giotto frowned to himself. What Daemon said bothered him more than it should have. He sat at his desk chair heavily and found himself staring up at the sky, all the while pondering his Guardian's words.
"Tell me, Giotto. Are you getting tamed too?"
"I'm asking the same thing too."
...
"A dent was left inside when the Ten-Year Bazooka fell so the information might be distorted." Everyone sat around grimly. Silence prevailed naturally. All life seemed to be forcing itself to continue though he wasn't sure about the others. He was though. Why wasn't he there when his boss suddenly left his office? Right, he was busy looking for his box weapon which ran away again. Gokudera gritted his teeth. For such a stupid reason...I...Baka! He clenched his fists tight and listened carefully to the mechanic's analysis.
"...The chances of finding Baka-Tsuna?" Reborn stared emotionlessly as Irie cowered in one corner while Spanner continued his work. A few clicks and his gaze was back on him.
"This won't sound good." Reborn tsked angrily and Spanner shrugged. He was worried of course but worrying won't help him fix the bazooka sooner or help him find the young Vongola faster.
"Shut up and tell me." Everyone within the vicinity leaned a bit closer preparing for the worst which they hope won't happen.
"Close to 25%." And all hell broke loose, literally.
"NANI?" His shackles were rising and it took all of Yamamoto's strength to hold Gokudera down. Hibari was already seen walking out, his tonfas ready and about, no one did mind him though. It was better that way because if he didn't leave, they'd be the ones at the receiving end of his rampage. Let some other Mafia Famiglia get destroyed and not their base. Mukuro was out of sight long before the sudden commotion began and Chrome knew her master was angry, very angry. She prayed for the poor soul tormented later on.
"What the hell does that mean?" For once 'the extreme' left Ryohei's speech and every violent reaction just pressured Irie to explain the situation.
"T-The f-fall c-caused more d-damage than expected, especially since the Bazooka was used prematurely. We would need the Bovino Family's help." Everyone turned to the sulking Lightning Guardian in the corner who abruptly stood up and quickly went for the exit. He should know what to do by now, it was his fault in the first place.
"I see..." Reborn stood and walked towards the mechanics. Leon turned into his favourite gun, cocked and ready pointed towards them.
"Five days and if you don't have the information we need, your lives are forfeit." His threat was emphasized by the bullet shot in between their feet. His footsteps echoed loudly, the silence prevailed from the sudden gun shot. They've never seen Reborn this angry.
"Tsuna's Guardians are supposed to be protecting him not endangering him. Vongola has no need for useless individuals, may they be family or friend." The exit slammed shut and Reborn's words echoed solidly, drumming their chest with guilt. Reborn was right and they felt even worse knowing how true every word was.
Don't forget to R&R everyone! Much love! ^^