Katekyo Hitman Reborn
The Selkie's Secret
By: SakuraSamuraiGirl
Katekyo Hitman Reborn, its story and its characters belong to Akira Amano
Chapter Seven: The Sun Ring Battle
"Thanks for the information…yes…yes. Don't worry. As her tutor I will keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't lose control…I'm the number one hitman, that's why. How hard could it be?"
Reborn hangs up the phone. Leon looks over the brim of the fedora with a worried expression. His tongue flickers rapidly in and out of his mouth. In Reborn's hand was a notepad with information he had taken from his conversation with Tsunami's aunt, Shini. Shini wasn't terribly surprised when Reborn described Tsunami's behavior. He was told that Tsunami was born an alpha. She was chosen by Buiiro to lead the Tejinaka after he had watched and observed her as he tested her instincts and her abilities. What made it final for Tsunami to be the head of the Tejinaka was when her eyes turned red when she first became feral under a full moon. Tejinaka who are born with red eyes are alphas. They have the behavior and instincts to lead a colony of several hundred bats. There are only a few bats that have red eyes. Buiiro had it of course. His red eyes were so dark that it was nearly black at times. Buiiro can use his eyes to have complete control of the clan. He could hypnotize a bat to submit to orders completely. It was very rare that Buiiro would use such power on another Tejinaka. He had quelled other supernaturals, humans and even spirits. Nana and Yoyori were vampire bat children of Buiiro that inherited the red eyes of the alpha. They were other Tejinaka bats that had the red eyes, but their power varied according to their tint.
When a young bat develops into an alpha they are moody and aggressive, quick to anger. They don't like to be push around, especially by someone or something they know are weaker than them. But what gets an alpha's blood riled was when someone they care for is in danger. Alphas are born to lead. Their job is to protect and ensure their loved ones' survival. They would risk their life and being for another. Reborn recalls how Nana had killed an assassin when Tsunami was a child. He had also seen Nana in action with Moretti the Heart stopper and when she killed one of Birds' twins. Though no harm had happened to Tsunami or any of the children, Nana was prepared to eliminate the threat permanently to ensure her family's safety. Nana had shown no fear to anyone that had tried to push her around. For Nana knew that she was more than capable to get rid of a threat! Tsunami was very reluctant to fight for herself, but for the sake of others she was quick to shield them from harm. Alphas were also possessive. Dangerously possessive that went hand and hand with protectiveness. That made sense to Reborn; Buiiro was very reluctant to give Nana up to Iemitsu. To Buiiro, Iemitsu was another male that was taking a love one from him. Buiiro believed that Iemitsu was weak, but sensed that there was something in him that could challenge him. Young male or female Tejinaka would have close relationships with potential partners. Shini mentioned this when Reborn also let the aunt know of Tsunami's intimacy with her male friends. Potential partners are kept close by younger alphas until they are old enough and were ready to have pups together. They have the strength and allure to have more than one mate. They will not let another take their mates no matter what. Last night, Tsunami was close to have going wild on the Varia lackeys and was ready to take Xanxus on right there! Thankfully, her father's presence snapped her out of her rage. Shini suggestion to Reborn was to alleviate the stressors of her mafia training just a smidge and try not to torture Tsunami so much. Reborn didn't tell Shini about the highly dangerous situation Tsunami was in now. Reborn would have to do his best to keep Tsunami calm when she would watch her guardians face the Varia before her own battle with Xanxus. He had to keep Tsunami's mother's bloodline a secret from her father. If he finds outs about Tsunami and Nana, he would lose her cooperation and would lose Tsunami completely to the Tejinaka. Most of all, he wanted to prevent Buiiro's wrath to come upon the Vongola. Reborn didn't want to imagine what would happen.
Tsunami, Reborn and Lambo were on their way to the school. Lambo raced around her legs, sometimes running behind or in front of her too far. Tsunami would have to chase him if he disappeared out of her sight, which was quick. But, instead of being frustrated, she was laughing and treated it like a game. She had left the house in the morning on edge and irritable. Reborn hoped that her guardians would ease the tension and give her encouragement. They must have done an amazing job. After Reborn finished his conversation with Shini and hung up the phone, Tsunami came home. He went to check on her mood and found that it had turned a complete 180! She was calm and very happy, purring and sashaying through the house. She goes through her daily after-school ritual of taking of her clothes on her way to her room. There were red petals on her skin; her neck, shoulders, chest, stomach and thighs! Reborn knew those marks and the one who placed those marks on her was going to beg for death as he was torturing him!
Getting closer to the school, Tsunami allows Lambo one last chase before sweeping him up into her arms and hugs him. She takes a deep breath. Lambo calls out to her and receives a pat on his head and a warm smile in assurance…but she loses smile.
"Lambo a ring bearer…what was my dad thinking!? Lambo-chan should be in bed…not out with us as we're fighting! It's a joke!"
"It isn't a joke. The choice has been made." Reborn confirms. "So, how was school? Did you feel better after seeing your familgia?"
"They're not familgia! They're my friends! We shouldn't be fighting against these people."
"Do you think that Iemitsu gave you the rings to spite you?"
"…." Tsunami bites her lip.
"He's not a fool, Tsunami. At least, not a complete one nor is he petty. He wouldn't have placed you in this position by giving you the rings unless he saw you as truly worthy of succession."
Tsunami couldn't say anything against that. Though she was mad at her father for leaving her and her mother for nine years and getting her involved in the mafia, she still loved her idiot father. She blames her mom and being a social creature. She turns her head to hide her blush from Reborn's view. He smirks. She meets her friends and apologizes to them for being late. Ryohei smiles and it makes her heart flutter.
"Are you feeling okay, Tsunami-chan?" ask Ryohei.
"Yeah! Extremely okay!" she smiles sweetly.
Ryohei steps closer to her and strokes her cheek. He moves aside a strand of hair over the back of her shoulder, exposing the reddest petal-marking on her neck and kisses it. Hayato and Takeshi were stunned.
"What the hell!?" Hayato snaps.
"Oh!" Takeshi blinks. "Maybe that's what happened at school!"
Ryohei grunts in pain and grabs the top of his head with a hand. Reborn had struck him with a Leon-mallet.
"So it was you. What did you do to Tsunami?"
Ryohei blushes but held a determined and serious expression.
"We…" he looks to Tsunami. "…we…er…we did it! Tsunami was extremely stressed! She also showed me that she's a bat."
Lambo was picking his nose in Tsunami's arms bored, but became interested when Ryohei called Tsunami a bat.
"….you two…'did it'?" Reborn muttered to himself. His fedora shades his eyes.
"'Did it'?" Takeshi tilts head confused.
"'Did it'!?" Hayato growls.
'Oh, come now!' Nekomasa snorts within Hayato's head. 'We had our little fun with her. We would have gone all the way…if it wasn't for those tight pants and ridiculous number of belts…'
"W-what!?" Hayato yells aloud.
'Furthermore, you were very much aware that poly-amorous relationships are common practice amongst her clansmen! You had this discussion with her along with Sushi-boy. What was it…it was on that holiday where you gave her presents. Besides, you've been thinking all this time of how unworthy you are of her…so you shouldn't be upset that Tsunami's virginity has been taken, boy.'
Hayato groans and was by her side, "Boss, I hope that turf-top wasn't horribly rough with you! Can you walk? Do you need to sit down!?"
Tsunami huffs and shakes her head. "I'm fine, Hayato-kun. Ryohei-kun was very…"
Growls and moans in the air…
Hot hands, hot tongue on her skin…
Teeth nipping and biting…
Claws gripping hard muscles…
Rred lines drawn on tough, sweaty skin…
Rough fingers, blunted nails digging into her hips…
Heat, heat, heat….hot, hot, hot…deep, deep inside!
Tsunami licks her lips, stealing a glance at Ryohei before kissing Hayato's nose.
"It was good." She whispers shyly.
Hayato sighs and rests his chin on her shoulder.
"Boss…~!" Hayato whines. "At least…you feel better, I guess…"
'Well, now that she's broken in…we don't have to worry about hurting her that much, right boy?' Nekomasa purrs.
Hayato hopes that Tsunami doesn't feel or see his blush while it was pressed into her shoulder. Reborn lifts his head, smiling with his dark eyes gleaming down on Ryohei. The boxer shivers. Behind the little hitman's eyes and adorable smile there was promise of untold pain and suffering that would be inflicted upon him! Tsunami also shudders, wondering where the dark aura was coming from. Surely it wasn't the little infant on her head. Takeshi scratches his head while smiling, still unsure exactly what was going on. They continue through the school courtyard. Tsunami had thought it was strange that Kyoya would allow a non-related Namimori event to happen. Being at the school at night was different for the boys but not for Tsunami. She had visited Namimori at night often to visit the ghosts that wander the school grounds. There were many ghosts and Tsunami couldn't talk to them during the day. Nighttime was the best time for they were more active when all of the living was gone. But none approached or spoke with her. She did see them from a far peeking through the windows stock still. Some of them even pointed in the direction Tsunami needed to go. It would have scared one not familiar with ghosts out of their minds. They sensed that something important was going to happen. Tsunami and her friends turn a corner behind a building into the largest empty part of schoolyard and found a metal cage set up in the middle of the yard. It looked like the kind of cage stage that was seen in fighting matches on TV. There were bright lights beaming down on the white mat. They had thought that they were the first to arrive, until the two Cervello and Varia dropped down from the top of a building, making a dramatic entrance as they all land on their feet.
"Thank you for attending," said Cervello #1.
'Like we had a choice!' growls Tsunami mentally.
"We'll now begin the tournament for the Vongola Succession," added Cervello #2.
Both Cervello point at the stage, "The arena is ready. It's a ring designed for the duel between the bearers of the Sun Ring."
"It takes into consideration the combat techniques of each fighter. Such special facilities will be provided for each match."
Ryohei was ecstatic! Not only was it his match to start all matches, but the fight was being held in a boxing ring. The Varia weren't excited, more than anything they seemed bored and annoyed. Tsunami could hear them mumbling from a distance. They still wanted to avoid the designated matches and just simply kill them all in one go; especially, the swordsman, Squalo. Tsunami sees the tiny baby hidden in his cloak. He was talking with the boy wearing the tiara. The baby was being stared at by Reborn. Tsunami wonders if Reborn was familiar with the other baby. Honestly, why were babies so deeply involved with Mafia violence! The Cervello request the fighters to enter the ring. Tsunami's teeth begin to chatter but it stopped by Ryohei putting a hand under her chin and having her look him in the eye. He was smiling with determination in his eyes.
"It's okay! I'll win this for us!"
"Hey, let's send him off properly!" suggests Takeshi.
"Yeah!" Ryohei's smile becomes a wide grin. "Pre-match huddle!"
"Huddle?" Tsunami tilts her head.
'Boy? What's a huddle?' Nekomasa asks.
"It's lame!" yells Hayato.
Tsunami was grabbed by Ryohei and Takeshi grabs Hayato. They put their arms over each other in a circle. Tsunami now realizes what Ryohei and Takeshi were talking about. This is what they do in their teams to pump each other up before a game.
Were her friends taking this thing seriously!?
But seeing Ryohei and Takeshi's bright smiles and Hayato's face flush with awkward embarrassment warmed her heart. She found herself smiling again. The boys notice her warm gaze and soft smile and return it.
"All right," Takeshi squeezes Hayato and Tsunami's shoulders.
"DAY OR NIGHT, FIGHT THE FIGHT!" Roars Ryohei.
"Yeah!" Takeshi cheers.
"Y-yeah!" Tsunami and Hayato repeat.
Ryohei enters the ring with the Varia Sun, Lussuria. After the Cervello checked and confirmed the authenticity of the Sun Half-Rings they instruct the two fighters to wear the rings around their necks on a chain. Whoever defeats their opponent and takes their ring-half is the winner. Ryohei prepares for the fight, removing his sports jacket and shirt. Lussuria noticeably looks Ryohei up and down and makes a pleased outcry.
"Oh! Oh my! Mmmm…you have a nice body and you're my type!" He purses his thick lips, "I'm taking you home with me~!"
Ryohei was puzzled by Lussuria's words. The Varia chuckle lowly and were even somewhat sympathetic that the kid had attracted Lussuria's attention. Lussuria's appraisal of his body hadn't gone unnoticed by Tsunami.
"BACK OFF!" she snarls.
Hayato and Takeshi jump at her voice, even taking a step away. Her pupils were thin and brown eyes become red-tinted. Tsunami was glaring at Lussuria for eyeing HER Ryohei! Lussuria flinches from her glare. Those eyes had been bothering him and the other Varia since they first encounter her last night! She was such a cute, petite little thing to Lussuria, but she was able to stand up against Xanxus. She had the same eyes with the power of intimidation just like his boss! But nobody was more bothered by her than Squalo. Squalo had mentioned his encounter of the other candidate. He mentioned that there was something strange about her and that she was dangerous. Squalo has regretted not killing her, consequences be damned. Reborn pulls out a stained-handkerchief from within his jacket. He flaps it open and covers Tsunami's face with it. With one whiff, Tsunami calms down. Her eyes even become a little glossy. Hayato smells herbs and spices from the handkerchief, it smelled familiar.
"Just so you know: I have soaked this handkerchief in that special tea Tsunami drinks during her 'hot flashes'." Reborn smirks proudly.
Ryohei gives Tsunami a thumb up, "Don't worry, Tsunami-chan. I know who I belong to!"
Tsunami blushes at Ryohei loud declaration. His words further soothe her as she sighs in relief. Lussuria shivers and forces himself to keep his eyes on Ryohei as the boy takes a boxing stance. That girl was something…thankfully she won't be able to stop him in getting what he wants during the match. Lussuria removes his own coat revealing muscular, bronze arms under a black tank top. He takes an interesting fighting stance, bringing his right leg up and his arms guarding his face.
"Tsk, you're a boxer, huh. So un-stylish! Muay Thai is much graceful!"
"The battle between Lussuria and Ryohei Sasagawa will now begin!" announces a Cervello.
Other sets of lights from the ceiling and sides of the cage flash on. It was as if the light of day had suddenly been turned on! Tsunami and the others had to shield their eyes. Tsunami and Hayato felt the most uncomfortable since their eyes were adjusted for the darkness of the night. The light was so bright; they could no longer see the fighters in the ring! The Cervello explains to everyone that the ring was designed for a sun battle to display simulated sunlight. Reborn passes sunglasses to the group. With their eyes protected they were able to see into the ring clearly. Ryohei was fighting blind. His eyes were squeezed tightly shut. He was a sitting duck, which Lussuria proves shoving his knee into Ryohei's chest.
"Ryohei-kun! Wait, he doesn't have sunglasses either!" Tsunami shouts.
"Don't interfere. If you step into the ring or assist in any manner, he'll be disqualified," warns the Cervello.
"W-what!?"
Ryohei punches the air, searching for Lussuria. The Muay Thai-user smiles cheekily as he circles Ryohei lazily. Like a cobra, he strikes again, hitting Ryohei in the face. Ryohei's head is thrown back and his body follows after. The force of the blow spins Ryohei onto the cables, but as his body touches them he screams in pain and throws himself away from them. The Cervello tells Ryohei that the cables were made of red, hot steel. Ryohei hisses in pain over the sizzling of his now burnt-red skin. He struggles to his feet. Lussuria giggles, casually approaching Ryohei's front.
"Mmmm, you're so close to my ideal. Y'see, my idea of physical beauty is a ravaged, unmoving, lifeless body!" Lussura pants lustfully.
Ryohei raises his fist and strikes out to the direction of Lussuria's voice. He lands a mighty blow, sending Lussuria into the air. While in mid-air, Lussuria performs a back flip. Ryohei is on the alert. Unable to use his eyes, his senses were slightly heightened. He could sense Lussuria was in the air. Feeling his presence, Ryohei tries for another punch, striking up into the air.
A loud crack echoes through the schoolyard!
Lussuria's knee, covered in steel-plating, had been thrust against Ryohei's punch. The crack was his bones meeting the steel and the force of the blow causes his arm to twist terribly. The blow caused blood to splatter through splintered skin. Tsunami whimpers when Ryohei's body hits the ground.
"Ohhh, honey," Lussuria gloats, "You shattered your little arm~! I'm afraid my left knee has a steel plate in it~!"
Ryohei was in bad shape! Not only was he seriously injured but the artificial sunbeams were taking a toll on his body. Ryohei was panting from dehydration.
"Get up, maggot!"
Colonello is flown in by his eagle, Falco. Both were wearing sunglasses.
"Sorry. I'm late cuz of Kyoko tried to put me to bed…Anyway! It's time to show them your full power, Ryohei!"
Ryohei draws himself up onto his knees, "Colonello-sensei…that's all I needed to hear," he grins.
Ryohei stands on his feet, though he was rather shaking. Steam was rising off his skin; the sweat on his body was evaporating.
"My efforts so far…had been left-handed!"
On hearing that, Tsunami remembers that Ryohei was a right-handed fighter! Even when he helped save the kids, he had used his left-hand! Why was he using his weak hand all this time?! Reborn pats her cheek from her shoulder.
"I can see the confusion on your face, Tsunami," said Reborn. "It's simple. Ryohei was saving his right hand."
"But why?"
Colonello was set down by Falco by Tsunami's feet.
"He needed to rest his cells in order to bring them to peak condition. More to the point, he is the Sun Guardian, kora!"
"The right fist is for overcoming extreme disadvantages!" yells Ryohei.
Lussuria laughs in amusement. He begins dancing circles around Ryohei. He was light on his feet and with his footwork was a blur. With Ryohei already sightless, it would be a miracle if he managed to…Lussuria strikes Ryohei on the cheek. Ryohei is down on the ground again.
"Ryohei!" yells Tsunami.
"I'm all right, Tsunami!"
Ryohei stands and braces his legs wide apart. Taking several breaths, he waits with his right hand higher than his left at ready. Lussuria attacks from the side. Ryohei feels the man pivot at the very last second.
"MAXIMUM CANNON!"
Ryohei lands his second blow on Lussuria in an uppercut. The attack was much stronger, even cracking one of Lussuria's lenses. But the Sun Varia recovers in a flip, landing on his feet. He primps himself, lightly dabbing at his slightly bruised chin. He was able to absorb the attack! Ryohei responds with a smirk. Something falls from the ceiling, catching the light. There was tinkling and cracking, when a set of lights shatter and smash onto the ring. Ryohei throws rapid-fire punches towards the lights set around them and shatters every one of them. All that was left was the normal bulb lights and Ryohei slowly opens his eyes.
"That levels things a bit."
Lussuria tilts his head curiously at the boy. The force of his punches destroyed the lights? No, there was no way. He peers closely at Ryohei's deliciously bruised body. There was something on his skin. He smirks as he figured out Ryohei's cute little trick. The sweat on Ryohei's body had evaporated, leaving behind salt on his skin. Somehow, Ryohei took the salt from his body and fired the tiny granules into the lights like bullets. The boy had a bit of a brain! But, it wasn't anything new! It was said that the 1st Sun Guardian was able to do the same thing earning the name Shining Punch. It was an easy trick. Lussuria goes on the attack and makes a punch at Ryohei. Ryohei barely dodges it as Lussuria's fist grazes his cheek. He follows through his punch and fires at set of lights and they are taken out. He giggles, leaping away from Ryohei.
"I'm too much for you, little boy! It's been fun, but you're nowhere near a real challenge."
Ryohei wipes a smudge of blood from the corner of his lip, "Tell me how much fun it's been when you take my right fist."
"But I just…copied your punch and improved it!"
"So you say! Shall we check it out?"
"Well said, Ryohei!" Colonello calls out, "Never give up! Release the energy of every cell in your body."
"Alright! I'm goin' to the extreme!"
Ryohei makes a dash. Lussuria dances on his toes ready for him. Though he was moving quickly, Ryohei was able to keep track of his movement! He shouts his attack of the Maximum Cannon with his right. Lussuria deflects the attack with his steel-plated knee. The result was the same as the first time he was struck by his knee. Blood explodes from the open wounds around his wrist. Ryohei yowls in pain and falls to his knees. Tsunami covers her mouth to keep from screaming. Ryohei had been trying to hit Lussuria with all he had! He falls and he gets back up…but with every fall he became terribly injured and Lussuria has taken little damage. What could she do? She couldn't help him!
"Oni-chan!"
Kyoko was here!? With Hana too!?
"What are you doing here!?" shouts Tsunami.
She notices her father standing behind her friend and she glares up at him.
"Dad!"
"These girls were looking for Colonello! So I escorted them here…."
"Daaaad!" Tsunami raises her hands as if to strangle him.
"Ryohei! What's going on?" Kyoko yells into the ring. "You promised me! You promised no more fights!"
Huffing harshly, Ryohei rises again. The glass and salt on the surface of the ring crinkle and crack underneath him.
"I know what I promised…and I meant it…" Ryohei pants. "But, I also said, 'I'm a man…I may have to fight again someday," he was on knee now, "But if it makes you so upset, I'll make sure never to lose again!'"
Like a bullet from a gun, Ryohei flies across the ring, "I'll show you the real…"
"Tch, so persistent~!" Lussuria starts his rapid foot work. "Let's finish this!"
"MAXIMUM…" Ryohei roars.
Colonello's eyes widen. He could feel it now! Ryohei's power had reached 100%. This was it! Tsunami felt it too. It was breath taking. Lussuria takes a graceful leap into the air and brings his weaponized-knee up.
"CANNOOOOOON!"
Ryohei's fist and Lussuria's knee collide. Ryohei holds his stance. He didn't flinch or cry out in pain this time! Lussuria's plating develops fractures…and cracks. It was Lussuria's turn to scream in pain. Ryohei's punch blew his knee open, revealing muscle and flesh! A larger blood splatter stains the ring and it was Lussuria's blood. Lussuria was tossed over Ryohei's head and he hits the floor face first. He curls into himself into a fetal position as he cradles his knee. His fellow Varia seemed none too concern over Lussuria's pain. Colonello was proud of Ryohei. That was the punch he was looking for. He is flown over to Kyoko by Falco. He takes her hand and tugs her away from the ring.
"Let's go, Kyoko!"
"Huh? We're leaving now? But, Ryohei…"
"He'll be fine, I'm sure Tsunami would take good care of him. Besides, it's past my bedtime. C'mon!" He urges.
"Kyoko-chan!" Tsunami calls out. "Don't worry! We'll talk tomorrow, I promise!"
Kyoko huffs, blowing up her cheeks, "You better promise, Tsu-chan!"
"We have things to talk about too, Colonello!" Reborn calls. "About your student's pervertism."
Colonello looks over his shoulders confused. He hurries Kyoko and Hana away from the ring. When they were gone, Ryohei steps towards Lussuria. He opens his hand out to him.
"It was an extreme battle! Now hand me the ring."
The fallen Sun Varia tries to scramble to his feet. But it was no good, his knee was in shambles.
"No! I don't want to!" There was desperation in his voice. "I'm a Varia…I can still win on one leg!"
Ryohei was confused by the Lussuria's mild panic. The strange man had broken out into a cold sweat! The blasts of gunfire were heard and the man jerks forward. Blood spraying from his back, he hits the ground with a dead thud. Amongst the Varia was the strange, large body with goggle lens for eyes and nozzles for his mouth. His fingertips were smoking.
"You're a fine aide to the Boss, Gola," the hooded baby compliments from his seat in Gola's free hand.
Tsunami couldn't believe. Not one of the Varia cared for Lussuria. They even attacked him after he was critically wounded.
"'Kill the weak.' It's a policy for the Varia so they could remain strong. Lussuria knew his life was forfeit when he lost the ring."
"Killing their own members…is a policy," Tsunami whispers in horror. "That's…that's…"
Ryohei stood in disbelief too! He tries to approach Lussuria to make sure he was okay, but the Cervello stand between him and Ryohei.
"We have determined that Lussuria is no longer able to continue the fight. Therefore, Ryohei Sasagawa, you are declared the winner of the battle for the Sun Ring."
"Tonight's battle is over. We'll now announce the opponents of the next match."
"Hey, let me go next!" yells Squalo.
"Tomorrow's battle features the Guardians of the Lightning Ring."
Tsunami's heart stops and her skin becomes white as snow. Takeshi and Hayato yell out her name but it sounds distant. The world was spinning around her then it goes dark.
