Oh, it's been more than a month, I think... So, yeah, I'm finally finishing the eighth chapter, that one is hard. Thank you for everything, guys, and sorry for the long wait, but, as I've already said, it's really difficult to write this story...
foxchik: Here it is :3 Thanks!
mer: Why, thank you! :D
Shiho: Uhm... See here :D That's right, but I have already a plan or them, Tsuna will want to visit his old home, after all :) They don't, of course, but they'll fall xD Thank you!
Fallenstreet: Ahahahahah! That makes me laugh so much! The Arcobaleno's pets are all smart, but each differs from the other, obviously. They're more perceptive and direct in expressing their owner's desires and feelings... Or, well, I like to describe them so :D Yay! China! I've made a lot of researches for the location, you know? So far, this is my fav chap :) I'd like to live here like this *^* Yeah, Xanxus and Iemitsu are really tamed ehehe! Thanks!
Snow-hime: Reborn's a serious and responsible tutor! Well, they will notice the absence of their favourite distraction, sooner or later ahaha! Mafia is doomed. Thank you!
Guest: Ahahah! You make me happy! Thanks! Here's more! :D
Foxluna: LOL You may be right xD Ahahahahah! Thanks a lot!
KITSUNE: Yay! Gracias!
Saki: Ehehe, you're right! The area is the whole world! Reborn will have several headaches and Tsu-kun will be so happy! Thanks!
Teyona: That was exactly what I wanted. Tsuna has gone through a lot, but he's fighting in his own way. They all know and can't do more than distract him. Past comes back biting, though, isn't this the saying? Well, we'll see :) Ouch, Reborn hasn't taken him for himself! He needs to train little Tsu! There are too many distractions! (This is the official reason.) Thanks!
Elisisia: Thank you! I'm sad to not be able to update weekly or so, but this one is really hard to write :) Well, my hard work is being rewarded by your appreciation, so I'm happy! Here's the new one! Thanks again!
Wow! 11 reviews for only one chapter! Never happened before! Thank you so so so much!
Words: 4218.
Enjoy!
06 – Fon
Poyang lake was the largest freshwater lake in China. It was the perfect habitat for thousands of migratory birds and hosted several Siberian cranes during winter. It was also fed by several rivers. The most interesting part, however, was about its stories.
The lake had a sinister fame and was called the 'Chinese Bermuda Triangle'. The reason why was actually really simple to guess. Many ships had disappeared while sailing in it throughout the years. An example was the Imperial Japanese Navy ship, which carried loot from the Japanese Occupation of China. It had vanished without a trace with 200 sailors. And even the subs sent to search for the ship had not returned, except one, that was terrorized. But that is only one example. In the span of thirty years, it was estimated that 200 ships and 1'600 people had disappeared, while about 30 people had come back with mental disturbs.
Due to the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the lake suffered a heavy shrinkage. Not only had it undergone drought, but the men's work had lessened by more than half its original volume of water. At that time, vegetation had covered with greenery the dried terrain… and the surfaced shipwrecks. Even a bridge of over 400 years prior, built and then forgotten in the era of Emperors Ming, had surfaced. It was entirely made of granite.
Anyway, thanks to a certain someone, Poyang lake was again at its best. But that's a story for another time.
West of the lake stood Lushan mountain, also known as Mount Lu, or as Kuanglu in ancient times. It reached 1'474 m above the sea, towering above a surface made of clouds. Though true it was a prominent tourist attraction and seat, on its slopes, of the Buddhist temple, Dongling, Mount Lu was also a dangerous place. Enchanted because of its sights, adventurous for its cliffs and interesting for its species, flora and fauna. But not only.
It was dangerous. Because of creeks, caves, wide trees and secret passages, it was a highly wanted place to hide. From the world, from assassins, from family, from ties. A good place to disappear.
And God only knew how much Fon needed to.
As unsightly as that act may seem for an Arcobaleno, the best of the best. Everyone has a weakness. Fon's was his family, his dear brother, sister-in-law and nephew.
He had not made it in time for them all.
The Triads had not taken lightly his departure. He had decided, after talking with his brother, to detach from them, finally. They had known the consequences, they had been ready to counter them but… too many, too many…
Fon had arrived in time to save only Kyouya.
Barely in time. Some men had been pointing guns at him. The child, 8 years old, had faced the weapons with determination, teary eyes filled with the images of his dead parents. Fon had seen red and snapped their necks flawlessly. Then, Kyouya had looked at him. He knew how to interpret his expressions by then, having seen him grow up. Sadness, pain, anger. He couldn't have done more than hug him and bring him somewhere safe.
Thus, Mount Lu had come to his mind. Back when he had still been in the Triads, he'd come to know that, secretly, the higher-ups had had a lot of 'accidents' in the area, Poyang lake included. They didn't know Fon knew, so… even better.
Currently, Kyouya was sleeping in his arms, completely exhausted because of the events and of the journey. Fon brushed a hand on his raven hair and smiled softly. If that child was not a good enough reason to become a hermit, then nothing was.
The martial artist began again his walk up the mountain, through the thick forest. He felt a bit tired, but it wasn't the time to rest. He had things to do.
First, reach the summit. When he'd come across the valuable information about the Triads and this place, he'd made his own research. And an exploration. Turned out it had been the designated place for Daoist monks and Buddhists. He'd found a ruined temple at the summit. Ruined, but fixable. Perfect and hidden by vegetation.
Second, clear the mountain. He had seen several hideouts here and there. They had to be cleaned. And, to make it… 'final'… he would use an ancient legend. Or, more specifically, he would revive one and make it real. And that was...
Third, embody a demon. It was said that, in ancient times, on the mountain lived a demon, Huangfu, literally meaning 'Yellow Father', that brought epidemies. There were stories of others, but this… This one was the most usable, given Fon's love for poisons. Sooner or later, he expected the Triads to suspect his whereabouts, mostly considering that everyone daring to trespass in the near future would have ended up with strange epidemic symptoms. Taking into consideration the layout of the mountain, whose path up was only one, there would be waves of men, not too many a times. So, the answer would be: waves of poison, different every time. Oh, but to do that…
Fourth, or maybe third… well, in the midst, catalogue and use every species present. He was an herbalist, after all, thanks to his interest for poisoned darts and needles. So, not only plants but animals, too. Lichi would have helped in hunting and gathering.
And those were his plans. Fon glanced at Lichi, that was carefully checking his surroundings. His companion patted slightly the man's shoulder in understanding. Fon smiled softly, despite the times to come were not going to be easy.
'For Kyouya… for Kyouya.'
His plans had gone perfectly. There were still no sights of the Triads, but he had successfully brought the demon alive. He had heard the monks from the temple of Dongling talking about a curse. They were trying to exorcise the evil. He had laughed a lot at that, after reaching his… their safe heaven.
It was a miniature of the Dongling temple's main hall, but had an older air around itself. A stone staircase covered by ivy with two little shi's at its sides, old and a bit ruined. Vegetation all around was thick and high, covering the entire area. The building was two-storied, with enough place for makeshift kitchen, living room, two bedrooms and bathroom. Red, traditional roofs adorned the building. Truly not enough for a good living in the 20th century, but… Kyouya was only complaining about his lack of documentaries. They didn't even have electricity, dear Lord…
He brought the gathered plants inside and found Kyouya engaged in a glaring contest with Lichi. He sighed. This was not the first time. Apparently, the child could not decide if his companion was a carnivore or an herbivore. He left the basket in the kitchen and turned to Kyouya.
"What about a spar, Kyouya?"
He had tried to teach him Chinese but… He was not exactly interested. Pity. He had a wonderful mind. Anyway, Fon earned a softer glare and a curt nod. He smiled.
"Then, outside."
Well, Kyouya was surely strong. Even if Fon tried to hold back completely, the boy's strength and threating eyes brought a fraction of his survival instinct back. And desire to defend with it. The first time, about a week after moving there, he had suggested a spar, a month prior, Fon understood the urgent need to train the untamed blood thirsty child.
They exchanged several kicks and punches. Fon made it so to force his nephew to move into determined stances of martial arts. He didn't notice, of course, but the child was getting used to those stances and movements, remembering them better as days passed by. He had tried the traditional way… It had not gone well… Kyouya had frowned for an entire day, expressing his dislike for such methods with his eyes alone. If he had not known his nephew, he would have said it was a sulking day…
A creak made him surface from his memories and Fon tensed, blocking Kyouya's punch.
"Go back ins–"
"That's not necessary."
Fon knew that voice. A deep, silky baritone that had ladies on waves crumble on its owner's feet. And gentlemen, if that was not already a lot…
He turned swiftly, letting go of Kyouya's fist and hiding him behind his legs. "Reborn."
"In the flesh." The smirk only secured his guess.
"How did you…"
"Quite easy, you know. The best place to hide is near your enemy, the latest he would search." The hitman was wearing his usual suit and fedora. "A bit of hacking did the trick to find the exact location." The shirt was unbuttoned on the neck, tie loose, probably because of the heat.
"And… On whose request did you search for me?" Fon made a little step back.
"Obvious." Leon-gun appeared in his hand, tilting his fedora up. "On the Tri–"
While the martial artist was already thinking of a way to escape, even if his odds were scrawny – that was Reborn – a tiny child made his appearance behind the hitman with a pout and a shove.
Fon froze.
A child.
An Asian child.
A cute child.
With Reborn.
…
Had just shoved Reborn.
He blinked.
"Reborn, you're evil."
"Why, thank you."
"You shouldn't, he's terrorized!" He crossed his arms on his chest.
"Tsuna, leave me my enjoyment…"
"I do, but this is a bit too much, didn't you see the boy?"
Reborn's eyes flickered to Fon's legs. He nodded before looking again at… Tsuna?
"He's trying to protect him, don't be too sadist with them. They have obviously gone through a lot." He smiled. "Plus, isn't he your friend?"
And Reborn sighed.
"Fine, whatever…" He muttered, before looking at Fon. "Sorry, bad joke. I'm here on no one's request but mine." He clarified.
Reborn slowly arched a brow when he received no answers. Fon was just staring at him, gaping and unblinking. He waved a hand at him. Nothing.
"Fon, are you there?" Visibly exasperated, he looked at the child. "Maybe it was too much…"
"Told you so…" Tsuna walked up to the man and gently tugged at his sleeve. "I'm sorry for my tutor's behaviour. We're here to seek a bit of peace to train."
Fon stared at the child. He slowly closed his mouth and swallowed.
"… Tutor?"
Tsuna smiled brightly. "Yes!"
Fon wanted the dream to end.
"So… Vongola Nono appointed you to train and tutor the son of CEDEF's Boss."
"That's it." Reborn sipped the green tea mournfully.
Fon blinked, sitting on the makeshift sofa. "Why?"
The hitman huffed. "Because he has flames. Sky." He paused. "The purest I've ever seen."
"But… He's already able to use them?" Fon was surprised.
"Yes, Tsuna?"
The child's head quickly appeared in the doorstep of the temple. "Uhm?" He was slightly dirty.
"Show him."
He nodded, entering the room. The boy closed his eyes just when Kyouya entered, too, a bit dirty himself. An orange, bright, pure flame appeared on the brunette's forehead. His eyes opened to reveal clear amber and a personality slightly, if not a lot, different from before.
"That's eno–"
Fon lifted a hand, stopping Reborn. Something interesting was happening and he brought his friend's attention to the children. Kyouya had touched softly the flame. Tsuna was staring in his eyes, contemplative. His nephew stared back while playing in the fire with his fingers.
"Warm." He said.
Tsuna smiled. Fon felt the all-encompassing harmony of a powerful Sky envelope the entire building and couldn't help but gape. Reborn was exasperated, brushing a hand on his eyes. Leon flickered his tongue in the air, a bit irritated at being discarded.
Kyouya's lips twitched upwards, a smile in Fon's vocabulary. "Warm." He repeated, getting closer.
A flash of gold passed through the brunette's eyes. "I lost my mom… Someone told me she is happy I'm safe." His smile softened.
And then, as if a lid had been opened, his nephew's cheeks got signed by silent tears. His eyes were red and sadness had surfaced, even if hard to recognize. Tsuna slowly circled him with his arms and Fon was surprised to see that the child, too, was silently crying. The flame disappeared as Kyouya let himself be hugged. The martial artist felt his own eyes get teary at the sight. He had decided against bringing up the subject with him, because his nephew had always been hard to understand and he couldn't have predicted the outcome.
This… was what he had hoped for.
A cough made Fon turn to Reborn.
"That's the proof of why we are searching for peace."
Fon blinked, confused. "Excuse me?"
Reborn sighed, again. "His Intuition is strong and always right. Stronger than Nono's, I'd say. The result is…" He moved his hand to the hugging children. "This happens with everyone. Even Xanxus."
Oh… Well… No wonders. He had heard something about the… teen, wasn't he? Rage embodied.
"So, Varia, the guards, the idi–…" He glanced at Tsuna. "Iemitsu, Lal, Nono… Everyone kept interrupting the training and the tutoring almost every day. I've abducted him and travelled here and there." Leon morphed into a pack of handkerchiefs after approaching Tsuna. "However, Varia and CEDEF actually used their abilities and tracked us everywhere. Lal and Viper couldn't stop them forever. "
"And you've tracked me." Fon hummed. "Leon still reflects your–"
"Shut up."
He had to hold back a chuckle. "You want to stay here?"
"For the time being. And, if you help me training him, I'll help in making this… temple… more comfortable."
Fon smiled at that. "Deal."
Fon was, actually, happy… and still surprised. Though Kyouya was in denial about his growing attachment to Tsuna, very much like a certain hitman, the martial artist had accepted that he was slowly falling in the brunette's pace.
Tsuna was… Tsuna.
A hurricane of empathy and acceptance, mixed with dangerous Intuition and raw determination. For what, Fon was dubious.
A week had passed since their arrival. Leon was almost always working to make new things for the temple. He had started with solar panels and their system to convert electricity. Unsurprisingly, after placing electric sockets and the entire electrical system, Leon had puked a coffee machine. Much to Reborn's contentment. Tsuna had chuckled at that, earning a scowl from his tutor.
Anyway, they had finally a tv, for Kyouya's need of documentaries, an equipped kitchen, Fon was delighted for the utensils and for the feeling of a true house and not a Neanderthal cavern, and a conditioner. Leon needed to rest, after all. That much was already a lot, more than Fon could have wanted.
While Reborn took care of the tutoring in the morning, Fon trained the children in the afternoon. Initially, Kyouya seemed startled by Tsuna's lessons. He tried a lot of times to… distract him from Reborn's hellish tutoring… Truthfully, Fon thought that his friend was going really easy on the brunette, but he may have been wrong… No, not really.
Anyway, after pissing off the hitman because of his frequent attempts at destroying books, Fon saw Reborn trying to be lenient. Well, to not explode. And then, Tsuna put a hand on Kyouya's shoulder and looked at him with a smile.
"I'm sorry, Hibari-san, I need the lessons. Timo-jii said so."
"Hn…"
"Well, because I need knowledge to protect everyone."
"…"
"Don't look at me like that, you want to avenge them, right? And protect Fon-san."
Fon blinked.
"Hn."
"I know you like to fight, but what if there are priorities and, let's say, you need to interrogate them first?"
"Hn."
"Yu can't just 'beat the info out of them'. What if you don't know the language?"
"…"
"Exactly. Why don't you join me, instead?"
Silence.
"Tsuna…"
"Reborn, this or the interruptions." The child looked sharply at his tutor before smiling sweetly. "You did scare Fon-san to death, after all. And Hibari-san's obviously smarter than me."
Fon didn't know what to say. On one side, his heart had just melted. On the other, he had just seen Reborn, of all people, being defeated. Again, thinking about it. And, on another one, Tsuna had just proven he could interpret Kyouya's talking. No one apart himself and his parents had been able to. Not teachers nor classmates. In just a week, huh?
That afternoon, Fon successfully made his nephew train in the classic style. He mentally cheered, looking at both the children imitating each other and correcting their moves. Fon was sitting on the stone stairs after having shown them the kata.
"Do you know what them bonding means?"
Reborn sat near him, cup of black coffee in hand. His fedora was not on his head. He saw Leon slid near Tsuna and take place on the child's head. Lichi, just returned from hunting, curiously approached the children.
"Yes." He absentmindedly answered.
Lichi was doing the kata, too. Kyouya was frowning, not that it was easily recognized as an expression on his face, but why?
"Has he ever manifested flames?"
"Not that I know."
Reborn paused. "Are you against his involvement?"
Fon's eyelids dropped a bit. "I am. I cut my ties with the Triads, after all. At an expensive price, too."
"Tsuna is no Mafia." Reborn said, a bit severely.
"I noticed. His heart is too kind." He smiled, looking at the brunette, Lichi was showing him the correct position. "I wasn't done with my words, my friend." Fon gazed at Reborn while Kyouya arched a brow at Tsuna. "I am against it, but the choice is Kyouya's. If he wants to be with him, I have no rights to stop my nephew. I can only help him."
The children were talking about something. "I think he's being drawn like everyone else."
"You included." Fon chuckled.
Reborn snorted. "At least, it took him some months."
The martial artist noticed Tsuna's flames ablaze. "Oh, you're admitting it, finally."
"I didn't."
"Oh, please, you just did."
He should stop teasing Reborn, but Leon was far at that moment and… The temptation was eating Fon alive. The hitman growled slowly, as to not draw the children's attention.
A new sensation flooded the two men. They whipped their heads to the boys and they both gaped. Purple flames were dying on the dirt between the two children. Kyouya had his left palm facing the spot. Tsuna was happily clapping his hands, Sky flames on his forehead disappearing. At that, his nephew got a smug smirk and Fon dreaded the ways that… quirk could have ended, very much like his brother's. But, wasn't this Tsuna's fault, one way or another?
The brunette had finally managed to draw some kind of emotion out of Kyouya, after all. Not an easy feat. Not considering the crying session on the first day. Maybe, more than a fault, it was a merit… Tsuna or not, his nephew was his brother's son. Yeah, that was it.
Anyway, the problem there… were the Cloud flames.
"Tsuna." Reborn, the ever efficient one. "What… happened?"
The brunette turned to him with the sweet smile of doom. "Hibari-san ask–"
"Kyouya."
Tsuna turned to the raven with confusion. "Kyouya…. -kun?"
"Kyouya." Serious eyes and determined thin lips.
"Ok…" He turned to the men. "Kyouya asked me how I did the trick. I explained it to him and… He tried it out, I suppose."
Reborn face-palmed softly. "Only you… The journey thing was the worst idea I've ever had." He muttered through gritted teeth.
Fon covered his mouth with a sleeved hand, chuckling softly. "Kyouya, you just used Cloud flames."
"Right, I've never seen them before." Tsuna said with sparkling eyes. "Aren't they beautiful, Kyouya? They seem so powerful."
The smug smirk widened and Fon's dread increased. Reborn sighed at the sight.
"Worst idea ever."
If someone ever told Fon he could have seen his nephew, the aloof, unsympathetic, ever-scowling Kyouya, snuggling with another boy while sleeping… He would have sent that someone to a madhouse. Instead, there he was, hugging Tsuna softly and sleeping soundly. He could feel Reborn beside him seething.
Fon took his arm and lead his friend downstairs, leaving Leon and Lichi with the children. He let Reborn sit at the new wooden table and turned on the coffee machine. He was not good at it, but did his best. He had to try and see what Tsuna was able to do in the kitchen, given his ability with the coffee maker…
"Few months."
If he didn't know Reborn, Fon would have thought that was a whine. "Five months, to be exact. I'm surprised, too."
"I seriously hope your nephew is not a stalker."
Fon hummed. "I don't think so… But, maybe, he's possessive." He made coffee. "You know, he always mutters about carnivores and herbivores while watching tv. That's his way of… categorizing people. He called Tsuna 'little animal' this morning, during lessons." The smell started to spread. "But, during their spar, he called him 'carnivore'."
"So, he respects Tsuna."
Fon put the cup in front of his friend. "But he also wants to protect him. Like with the little bird he picked up some days ago."
"A good way to leash a Cloud Guardian."
Fon made himself oolong tea. "Have you informed Nono?"
Reborn shook his head. "I don't want him to let the others know. Nono would be too happy to keep it hidden."
The martial artist chuckled. "Wrapped around his pinkie."
"Everyone… And his obliviousness is much appreciated."
Fon sat and sipped his beverage. "How much time till you depart?"
"A month or so. Tsuna's birthday is approaching and I'd rather not keep him far in that occasion. They would send the presents all over the world if only for a tiny bit of possibility for them to reach us."
"Would they?"
Reborn brushed a hand on his eyes. "They already did. For Christmas. Nono is still upset we missed his birthday… I'm not going to think about what they did all over the world just to find us."
Fon chuckled. "Well, Tsuna has already mastered the basics and a little more. I made it so that he knows some tricks, too. Kyouya helped with battlefield experiences. I think I can teach him some advanced moves in this month."
"He has taken a liking to your poisons."
"I noticed, I'll take care about that, too. Meanwhile, I suggest you tell Tsuna about your departure. He may be able to convince Kyouya to not be… Ah… Overprotective."
Reborn groaned.
Tsuna smiled brightly. "We'll see each other again, Kyouya, don't worry."
"Hn."
"Oh, yes, sorry."
"Little animal…"
"I know, I will." Tsuna chuckled. "You just said you do not worry over anyone."
Kyouya scowled, but his features were soft. "Hn."
"Then, we'll see each other again in some years." The brunette smiled again. "Who knows who will be stronger…"
"Me, of course."
Fon wanted to cry both of happiness, because his nephew had just said something that was not 'hn' or 'herbivore' or 'carnivore' or 'little animal', and of dread, because the smirk Kyouya was sporting was that of a blood lusting predator. Lichi, on his shoulder, gave a free applause.
Tsuna gave Kyouya a warm and tight hug, that the other reciprocated with less warmth. Reborn took the only suitcase, filled with herbs, a book for their use and Chinese attires. There were weapons, too, gathered from the corpses of the Triads' waves, but Tsuna didn't need to know that.
"Will you be my Cloud Guardian, then?" The brunette broke the hug. "The aloof, drifting Cloud that's impossible to bind."
From Fon's point of view, Reborn wanted to correct that statement. However, both the men knew that, the way Tsuna changed it, the saying had pierced through Kyouya. The child was smirking as if he had just won a deathly match. And that was enough for Tsuna to understand the answer.
"Great, then, see you later." He turned to Fon. "And good luck."
The martial artist smiled softly. "Thank you. For everything." He knelt and patted Tsuna's head. "Good luck to you and take care." He glanced at his friend. "Of Reborn, too."
Tsuna chuckled. "I already do that. He used to skip meals and just drink coffee."
Reborn grabbed the child's hand and started descending the mountain. "See you."
Fon's chuckle resembled a laugh. He waved at the flailing child and Kyouya huffed.
"You finally found someone… interesting enough, huh?"
"Hn." He nodded.
"To really be his Guardian, his Cloud, the strongest, you'll have to train endlessly." Fon turned to lock gazes with his nephew. "Are you ready?"
Kyouya arched a brow. "What are we waiting for?"
Fon smirked. "That determination of yours."
"Tch. Like you are any different."
Well… What could he say? He had been trapped by Tsuna, after all. He just could not evade it. That child had given them hope. Even if Kyouya ended up being in the Mafia, Fon couldn't find it in himself to be angry or discouraged. His nephew was his brother's son, one way or another, and the mother had had her bloodbaths. Kyouya was bound to be a 'carnivore', as the child liked to put it. So, better under a strong and pure Sky. Plus, there was still a chance Tsuna didn't end up as a Mafioso. A tiny, microscopic chance…
Poor Fon! His poor hopes...
YaMi: Thanks for reading, we hope you enjoyed it.
See ya and let me know what you think ;D