Side-Track 13: Sawada and Sawada
Warning: Sudden seriousness… and the beginning of a real plot –gasp-
Side-Track 13: Sawada and Sawada
"Mu-chan! What happened to you?" Sawada Kyoko, Mutsuhi's loving and caring mother, gasped as Mutsuhi entered their house drenched from head to foot. Mutsuhi chuckled softly and tried to reassure his mother.
"I'm fine, mother. I just…" Mutsuhi blushed, "I just happened to come by some bad luck."
During the trip back from Amakura, Mutsuhi's clothes had already dried while he was in the bus but, unfortunately, Namimori had a little rain spell. Mutsuhi, having nothing but a few yens and his student id, had to run from the bus stop to their house against the falling rain.
"Mou, this is why I asked you to bring an umbrella." Kyoko scolded softly, drying Mutsuhi's hair with a towel. Mutsuhi blushed once more.
"Ah… I can take care of it, mom." Mutsuhi said, taking the towel from Kyoko's gentle hands. Kyoko sighed and nodded.
"If you say so…" Kyoko sighed, "Take a bath before you get a cold."
"Yes, mom." Mutsuhi nodded, rushing towards their bathroom. Kyoko sighed once more and began to prepare some tea for her son. While Mutsuhi was in the bathroom, the doorbell rang. Kyoko walked towards the front door.
"Please wait a minute." Kyoko called out as she grabbed the doorknob. Turning it, Kyoko peeked and smiled at the young man outside, "Mako-chan."
Makoto grimaced at the nickname but said nothing, "Good evening, Sawada-san."
Kyoko giggled as she opened the door, "Please, there is no need to be so formal with me. Are you looking for Mu-chan?"
"Was he able to return safely?" Makoto asked, earning a cute nod from Kyoko.
"You know, Mako-chan… if you're so worried about Mu-chan, why don't you just show yourself to Mu-chan?" Kyoko giggled as she continued, "Although the whole 'protecting-from-the-shadows' is cute."
Once more, Makoto grimaced but kept quiet. For a short moment of silence, Makoto stared at his mother's best friend before sighing, "I came here because I have a message from Eleventh."
"From Mitsu-kun?" Kyoko's smile faltered as she looked at Makoto with concern in her eyes, "How is that child doing?"
"Eleventh's…" Makoto searched for a safe word to use, "… doing okay…"
"I visited Mama and Papa yesterday. Is it true that Mi-kun has yet to visit them since he moved out?" Kyoko asked.
"I hope that you will be able to tell Eleventh's grandparents that it is not his intention to hurt their feelings. The… current turn of events has left him with no choice." Makoto's fists closed as he looked away, "Eleventh has to bear the shame of being unable to use the name his parents gave him. It… has been hard to him."
Kyoko's eyes glistened in concern, "That child… He's just like his father."
"His father?"
"He tries to do everything by himself." Kyoko sighed, "Even though there are those that wish to help him."
"That's why I'm by his side." Makoto replied, his eyes showing his unfaltering determination and loyalty, "Even though Eleventh has ordered me to stop following him, I will not stop. I will become Eleventh's strength."
Kyoko smiled at Makoto, "You really take so much from your parents, Mako-chan."
Makoto smiled back, "Thank you, Sawada-san."
"Well? What was Mitsu-kun's message?" Kyoko asked, returning to the topic at hand. Makoto's smile faltered and he faced Kyoko with a serious expression.
"The Tenth, Sawada Tsunayoshi, is currently missing." Kyoko gasped and covered her mouth.
"Tsuna-kun…?"
"At the moment, there is no indication that he had been captured or otherwise. My dad, Yamamoto Takeshi, is currently looking for any leads while father… I mean, Gokudera Hayato is currently acting as Vongola's support. If the Tenth is not found soon enough, Vongola had agreed to being led by Tenth's guardians and the Arcobaleno." Makoto continued although he knew that Kyoko was focused on the fact that the Tenth was missing. Makoto dreaded the words that came out, "Although it is a mere speculation, there had been rumors that Tenth may have been captured by a rival family."
"But… that's impossible. Tsuna-kun is strong."
"That is why it is still a speculation." Makoto continued, nodding reassuringly to Kyoko, "But… Tenth's disappearance has reached the entire mafia world. Looking at the worst possible scenario, Eleventh has asked of you, Sawada Kyoko, and your entire family to stay in the Sawada household until we control the situation."
"Sawada household? To mama and papa?" Kyoko asked, earning a nod from Makoto.
"One of the guardians is already on their way back to Japan. As of the moment, it would be wise if all of Tenth's Famiglia stay in the same place." Makoto continued, "And… concerning Sawada Mutsuhi…"
"Yes?" Makoto and Kyoko stiffened as Mutsuhi walked towards them, wearing an overly-large t-shirt and shorts as he dried his hair. Makoto looked at Mutsuhi and coughed.
"Sawada Mutsuhi…" Makoto looked at Mutsuhi seriously, "Although the head of prefects has forgiven your tardiness, I must ask that you never repeat it."
"Eh?" Mutsuhi blinked before bowing, "I'm so sorry!"
"For that purpose, I have come here to ask that you do not return to school for a few weeks."
"Am… Am I… being suspended?" Mutsuhi asked fearfully.
Makoto shook his head, "That's not it. I'm asking this because of your condition."
"I-I-I'll be fine! Please do not concern yourself with my… condition…"
"But Sawada Mutsu-"
"Please let me go to school." Mutsuhi pleaded, bowing lowly to Makoto. Makoto grimaced once more and Kyoko smiled sadly.
Kyoko whispered to Makoto's ear, "Can't you let him go to school? I mean, he really wants to go."
Makoto gritted his teeth, "I can't see why one would want to go to that shit-hole."
Kyoko giggled and whispered in a teasing voice, "You sure you want to say it like that? Mitsu-kun may not forgive you."
Makoto looked at Kyoko with frightened eyes and whispered, "T-T-That was a slip of the tongue! Please don't tell Eleventh!"
Kyoko giggled once more and walked towards her son, placing her hands on each of Mutsuhi's shoulders, "Then… may you please allow my son to continue going to school?"
"But Ele-"
Makoto could not finish that sentence as Mutsuhi began looking at him with eyes that Makoto swore could have made even that frightening man they call Xanxus feel uncomfortable. Makoto tried to look away but it did not help as he could still feel Mutsuhi's eyes staring at him, pleading him to look back and give in to him, pleading him and threatening him that if he did not comply, Mutsuhi would cry. Makoto began to curse inwardly. This boy was frightening in some way, being able to use such a thing unconsciously. With a frustrated sigh, Makoto closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, "Then… I'll be looking for your attendance tomorrow, Sawada Mutsuhi."
Mutsuhi smiled and nodded, "Thank you very much, senpai!"
Makoto walked away reluctantly, his mood becoming worse as he saw Mutsuhi and Kyoko waving at him. With a forced smile, Makoto waved back briefly before sighing once more. Makoto began to run away from the Sawada household and ran his way towards their school.
Lighted only by the moonlight, Namimori Middle School seems more frightening but, to Makoto, what made the school seem more frightening were the consequences of his report. Makoto walked towards the discipline office, once known as the reception room, and stopped before the close door. Makoto gulped and closed his eyes, turning the knob and opening the door. Makoto opened his eyes and prepared himself.
Basked only by the moonlight, the silver hue of the man's eyes were more prominent, causing his caramel eyes to glistened in an amber-like hue. The man was leaning on the window as his back was facing outside yet his head was cast sideways, staring at the moon. The first two buttons of his shirt was undone and his jacket was simply placed over his shoulders. Makoto could not find the words to say as the man reached out a hand towards the nightly sky, a silver ring with a purple stone placed on top glistening as it was basked with the moonlight. The man's eyes softened and he lowered his hand as if disappointed by something. The man turned towards Makoto and smiled, "It seems a little late to come here, Makoto. And by the looks of it, you seemed to have run quite a mile."
Makoto blushed and saw his reflection on a mirror by the corner. He looked haggard and he only realized that he had been breathing heavily. Makoto tried to regain his composure, cursing inwardly for letting his Eleventh see him in this state. While Makoto was busy trying to look more presentable, he stopped when he smelled something quite familiar. Makoto turned in time to see the man sitting on the chair as he opened the lid of a cup ramen. Makoto's eyes widened and he rushed towards the man, "ELEVENTH!"
The man blinked as his cup ramen was took away by Makoto in a very swift motion. Turning towards Makoto, the man smiled in amusement and asked, "Would you also like one, Makoto?"
Makoto sighed and looked at the man seriously, "Eleventh. This is not good for your health."
The man frowned slightly and tried to grab the cup ramen, "Well, it's not like I have any choice. It was either that or another one of those micro-convi-foods."
Leave it to Eleventh to make a nickname for those foods that you can buy in a convenient store that only had to be heated in a microwave before eating. Makoto grimaced as he tried to keep the cup ramen away from the man, "Well, those 'micro-convi-foods' are at least better than this."
The man sighed once more and leaned back to his chair, "I've been eating them for so long. Can a man not ask for a change in food for a day?"
"That's why I brought you this, Eleventh." Makoto replied, taking a pink wrapped box from his bag. Makoto placed the box on the table and looked at the man with concern in his eyes, "Well, it's still warm, I hope. I wanted to give it to you as soon as I can but you did order me to drop by Sawada Mutsuhi's house."
The man took the pink cloth off and opened the box. A simple obento greeted him. The rice was in one side with grated daikon on top. On the other side were a mix of vegetables and meat, the fragrance suggests that they had been stir-fried, and some other ingredients that were wrapped in eggs. The man held his chopsticks and took one of the vegetables. With a small smile, the man ate it and looked at Makoto, "Haru-nee…"
Makoto nodded and threw the cup ramen on the trashcan. It may be a waste but he will not let his Eleventh eat it while he was still around. The man began to eat silently, a small smile on his face while his eyes seem distant. Makoto sat on the couch and let the man eat in silence. When all was left on the obento was a slice of crab stick wrapped in a layer of soft egg, the man closed his eyes and asked Makoto, "So… what did Kyoko-nee say?"
Makoto looked back at the man and replied solemnly, "She was concern in what had happened to the Tenth. And… Sawada Mutsuhi…"
"Sawada Mutsuhi?" the man turned towards Makoto, opening his eyes. He waited patiently as Makoto frowned then sighed before frowning again.
"I could not stop him from coming to school." Makoto reported, "I'm sorry, Eleventh. He was… more persuasive than I imagined. I underestimated him."
The man looked back at the obento and poked the egg with his chopsticks. Smiling sardonically, the man said, "I guess I could imagine how you failed. Maybe… this is also inevitable."
"Eleventh?" Makoto called out. The man picked the egg from the obento and looked at it.
"It's strange. No matter how much we covered the crab stick, we still know it's there."
"Well… it's because we can taste it." Makoto replied. The man turned his eyes towards Makoto and smirked.
"Nothing can truly be hidden." The man said. He ate the egg-covered crab stick and placed the chopsticks down. Leaning back, the man asked Makoto, "Tell me, Makoto. What do you think is the best defense?"
"Hmmm…" Makoto closed his eyes, "A formidable fortress with more than five layers of security."
The man smirked once more, "But unfortunately we do not have such a thing. Well… there is something of the like underneath Namimori but can you stand such a thing, Makoto? Waiting day and night, encased in steel walls, away from the world?"
Makoto grimaced, "I could care less of other people, Eleventh."
"True. So true…" The man closed his eyes and turned his face away from Makoto, "Unfortunately, if we were to hide like you say, what would happen to Namimori?"
"What… would happen to Namimori?" Makoto tried to imagine what the man may mean by that. The man could feel that Makoto could not truly comprehend what he meant and sighed.
"I have lost a lot of things." The man explained, his voice void of any indication of what he may feel, "Truth be told, I did it with free will. I also did it because it was needed. Stripping the name my parents gave me, leaving the warmth of those who loved me… Tell me, Makoto. What do I still have? I cannot use the name I was given. I cannot be with those that love me. What do I have left?"
Makoto looked at the man seriously, "You have me, Eleventh."
The man smirked, "That has too many implications, Makoto. You might want to clarify that."
Makoto blushed, losing his composure, as he stuttered, "W-w-what I meant was that- Well… I-I-I-"
Makoto gave up and groaned, slapping his forehead briefly. Makoto inhaled and looked back to the man seriously, "What I meant is that there are a lot of people here that still wish to be with you, Eleventh. You have the entire discipline committee practically worshipping you. You have this school that you keep in order. The entire town may not remember your real name, but they still pay respect to you as 'Kusakabe Kyoushin'. And, even if you say that you have left them, they still love you. Maman and Papan are still waiting for you. And… well… he may not remember who you are but, if what had transpired on Amakura is to be take in consideration, there is still something between the two of you."
The man turned back to Makoto and opened his eyes, a small smile playing on his lips, "Really, Makoto. There is no need for such a speech. You could have answered me with one word."
"One word?" Makoto repeated what the man said. The man stood and walked towards the window.
"What do I have left?" The man repeated his questions. He placed a hand on the window before turning back to Makoto, "Namimori."
"Namimori?"
"Yes." The man smiled, "This town holds too many memories to those that loves me and to those that I love. Namimori, who holds all I hold dear, is all I have left."
"But Eleventh… Italy-"
The man cut Makoto off, closing his eyes, "Italy has too many lovers. Too many lovers to please, too many lovers that wishes for my demise. Italy, as far as I am concern, has turned her back away from me."
"Eleventh…"
"But Italy has not turned her back towards Otto-sama." The man opened his eyes once more, "Vongola is one of her most precious lover and Italy loves Vongola as much as Vongola loves her. Don't worry, Makoto. I plan on making Italy love me as well."
The man turned away from the window and leaned back, "But at the moment, I must protect Namimori. Namimori who loves me as both Hibari Mitsuki and Kusakabe Kyoushin… Namimori… who has never betrayed me…"
"For that reason… as much as it pains me, I will have to become a demon for a few weeks." The man smiled sardonically, "If he begins to hate me, then so be it."
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"Mu-chan. Mu-chan." Mutsuhi groaned as he was shook lightly. Opening his eyes, he smiled at the kind old woman that greeted him.
"Good morning, maman." Mutsuhi greeted as he got up. The old woman had graying auburn hair and kind eyes. Nodding softly, the old woman smiled back at him.
"Good morning to you too, Mu-chan. Breakfast is ready." The old woman told him as she began walking slowly out of his room. Mutsuhi nodded.
"I'll be right down." Mutsuhi replied as he walked towards the shower. It had been two days since his family suddenly decided to live with the Sawadas. Mutsuhi seems to remember bits and pieces of meeting them before but that was as far as he could recollect. His mother had introduced the old couple as Maman and Papan but their real names were Sawada Nana and Sawada Iemitsu. Iemitsu was supposedly a retired oil worker while Nana was a housewife. He turned the shower off and began drying himself. While he was putting his school uniform on, Mutsuhi frowned as he remembered how his mother had explained it. His mother had said that she wanted to be with them for a while but Mutsuhi could feel that she wasn't truly explaining everything. And the call they received from his father only put grease on the fire Mutsuhi call curiosity.
"Things are a bit hectic here in Italy so I may not be able to come home for a bit. We… we still can't find him…"
Who was the 'him' his father talked about? Whoever it was, his mother looked so concern, as if this 'him' was someone so special. Mutsuhi checked his bag before leaving his room. After he closed the door to his room, he looked at the room on his left. The door was closed, as it was ever since he had been here. Once, Mutsuhi decided to peek inside. It had been a simple room and Mutsuhi wondered who may have been using it. The only thing that seemed out of place in an otherwise simple room was a picture frame. What had been quite weird about it was the fact that there was no picture inside the frame. Mutsuhi had wanted to investigate some more but someone caught him while on the act.
"Mutsuhi-kun?" Mutsuhi flinched and looked down. By the door leading to the dining table, a young man with golden brown hair looked at him with a kind smile, "Breakfast is getting cold."
"Ah, Fuuta-san…Sorry." Mutsuhi smiled apologetically and rushed towards the dining table. As usual, breakfast was served by his mother and Nana, who greeted him with a kind smile once more. Iemitsu was also on the dining room, drinking a cup of tea. Mutsuhi ate in silence as a conversation about the sudden increase of the price of meat became the main topic of the Sawadas. His mother seems so comfortable with them that Mutsuhi wondered if they were related in some way. Mutsuhi excused himself and told them he should be going to school. As he began to walk towards school, Mutsuhi reminded himself.
There were a lot of people with the last name of Sawada in Japan alone. What was the possibility that all of them were related with each other? Not to mention, the way their Sawada was written was quite different to how Fuuta-san and his family's Sawada was written.
"I'm just thinking too much into it." Mutsuhi said to himself as he saw the gate of his school. Another boring day as Sawada Mutsuhi…
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As usual (and as expected), school was pretty much boring. This was one of those days that Mutsuhi wished he had just done what Makoto had asked two days ago. But he shook that thought away as he remembered how endangered he was with his current attendance. The bell finally rang, indicating that school was over for now. Mutsuhi sighed and began gathering his notebooks. Mutsuhi flinched as he was pricked by something from underneath the table. Mutsuhi looked and frowned as it was a thumbtack taped to one of his notebooks. Looking up, he noticed some of the girls in one corner looking at him before giggling. Mutsuhi forced a smile and continued packing. After he had finished packing, Mutsuhi was about to walk out of the classroom when one of those girls called out to him, "Sawada-kun."
Mutsuhi turned back and saw the malicious smile on their faces, "Be sure to make sure you have your math notebook."
Another one of them grinned, "Oh! Sawada-kun, did you know that the school pool is still open?"
After that comment, they all laughed and Mutsuhi walked out of the room. As soon as he was by the stairs, Mutsuhi opened his bag once more. Mutsuhi frowned slightly as he could not see his math notebook inside. Sighing, Mutsuhi began walking towards the school pool, a slight frown decorating his youthful face. Just as those girls hinted, he saw a notebook floating on the water. Mutsuhi placed his bag on the ground and began taking his shoes off. As he was about to take his socks off, Mutsuhi stopped when he heard someone behind him, "What are you doing?"
Mutsuhi squealed and fell. Looking behind him, he saw his senpai wearing nothing but a pair of simple black swimming trunks while holding a white towel with his left hand. Mutsuhi blushed and looked away, stuttering, "I'm… I'm j-ju-just… Uhhh…"
His senpai smirked and walked towards the pool. He stopped and turned back towards Mutsuhi, "Is that notebook yours?"
Mutsuhi blushed and nodded lightly, unable to answer him verbally. He heard his senpai sigh and Mutsuhi closed his eyes, too embarrassed to look at him. Mutsuhi opened his eyes when he heard a splashing sound. Turning towards the pool, Mutsuhi noticed something moving from underneath. The figure rose and Mutsuhi's blush reddened when he saw his senpai was holding his notebook. Floating towards him, his senpai placed his hand on the end of the pool. He brought Mutsuhi's notebook from the pool and presented it to Mutsuhi in a nonchalant manner. Mutsuhi blinked for a few minutes before crawling towards his senpai. Taking the notebook with trembling hands, Mutsuhi softly mumbled, "Thank you…"
His senpai smiled before diving under once more. Mutsuhi yelped as he was slightly sprayed by the water. Mutsuhi stood slowly, silently watching his senpai swim. Blushing furiously, Mutsuhi bowed in respect before picking his stuffs and running away in a hurry. As soon as his footsteps seemed like whispers in the wind, the man floated from under the water. As he stared at the reddish sky, the man called out, "Makoto."
Makoto appeared from the shower room. The man asked, "Are they here?"
"Yes." Makoto nodded, "Some of our members have reported a few suspicious individuals sighted all over Namimori. As I have suspected, some of them were wearing rings."
"And?"
"And…" Makoto looked away, "As Eleventh has predicted, they have taken the bait. They have been sighted in the school premise."
The man stood and walked towards the end of the pool. Makoto walked as well, picking the discarded towel on his way. He stood on one knee and offered the towel to the man as the man got out of the pool. The man took the towel and ordered, "As the Discipline Committee, we should do our job. We're proceeding according to plan. Kill anyone on sight. I'll take care of our bait."
Makoto nodded slightly and stood, leaving the man alone. The man threw the towel to the ground and covered his head. Growling softly, the man looked at the direction of the main school ground, "I'm sorry… Mutsuhi…"
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Mutsuhi looked back and blinked. Did he just hear someone call him? Mutsuhi shook his head and chuckled softly. He was hearing things again. Mutsuhi began to walk once more, trembling slightly as the deserted hallway of their school seemed frightening at the moment as the reddish sky was being engulfed by the nightly sky. Mutsuhi stopped when he heard footsteps. Mutsuhi gulped as the footsteps were coming in front of him. Then… it stopped…
Mutsuhi took a step backward, eyes intently staring at the empty hallway in front of him. Mutsuhi could feel his heart beating too fast for comfort. Mutsuhi took another step back. No sounds… Just him…
"Ah!" Mutsuhi threw himself to the ground, cradling his head. All of the windows broke in succession, starting from the direction the footsteps came from. Mutsuhi didn't even know why he suddenly did what he did but he was mildly relieved that he did. The glass shattered and only managed to graze his foot. If he had been standing, the damage could have been worse… much worse. Mutsuhi crawled away from the glasses, flinching as his palm was cut by one of the shards.
From the windows, three people were staring at Mutsuhi. It was the third floor… how can they be standing on the other side of the window?!
"Found him." One of them said, smiling maliciously. They entered the hallway through the window, Mutsuhi's eyes widening as they floated towards him. Under their feet, Mutsuhi saw red flames. Their Japanese had a slight accent and, from their complexion and faces, Mutsuhi could see they were not Asian. Maybe they were European or American. The footsteps begun once more and Mutsuhi saw another person approach them.
"Are you sure that this is the Eleventh?" One of them asked, glaring at Mutsuhi. Mutsuhi shivered under his glare.
The one who was walking answered for them, "Well, Vongola did not leave even a strand of hair. The only indication that there was even an Eleventh is that he's a male and he's most probably in Namimori. This boy's name is Sawada Mutsuhi."
"Mutsuhi?" One of them repeated, "I thought the name of the Eleventh is Mitsuki?"
The one who was walking shrugged, "Who knows. Mitsuki… Mutsuhi… It could have been a typo or something. Well, Vongola Decimo's name is Sawada Tsunayoshi. His last name is Sawada. He should be it."
The last man who wasn't spoken shrugged, "Who cares? If he isn't the Eleventh, he should be connected to the real Eleventh. We'll just make him a warning, then."
"I like your idea. Now then…" The only man not floating clapped his hands and smiled, "Kill him."
They brought out their weapons. One of them was holding a huge sword, the entire blade engulfed in red flames. Another one of them was holding an axe which was also engulfed in red flames. The last one was holding a flail, the spiked ball and chain of the flame were engulfed in red flames. Mutsuhi couldn't move. It was as if his entire being refused his command.
He had to run.
He had to run.
They all began to float towards him, their weapons ready…
Run.
Run…
Run…
"AHHHH!!!" Mutsuhi closed his eyes and covered his ears.
Those scream…
It didn't belong to him…
Mutsuhi opened his eyes. He paled at the sight he saw. Around the man with the axe were purple clouds. Each of them had spikes that were all embedded onto the man. The man looked like he was taken by surprise, his eyes widened so much that it looked like it would fall off. His jaw was slacked as if in a middle of a scream. The axe he had been holding was on the floor, no longer engulfed in red flames. All of them were taken by surprise, no one could move. From the other side of the hall, a lone figure walked towards them. Mutsuhi recognized him immediately, "Kusakabe-senpai!"
"Kusakabe?" One of them repeated before smirking, "I remembered that Hibari Kyouya has a subordinate named Kusakabe. Well, that settles it."
He turned towards Mutsuhi once more, "So you are Vongola Undicesimo."
"That man is probably his Cloud guardian! Kill him!" He ordered. His senpai smirked and readied his tonfas. The tonfas were suddenly engulfed in purple flames.
"DIE!!!" The man with the flail yelled as he threw the spiked ball towards his senpai. His senpai side-stepped and hit the spiked ball with his tonfa. His senpai stopped in mid-strike and backed away. The man smirked, "Storm flame's attribute is destruction. I'll destroy all of your flames."
"HA!" His senpai crouched to evade the horizontal slash of the man with the huge sword. He backed away once more.
"Both of you are Storm flame-users." His senpai smirked and reached out his hand, "Come."
All of the purple cloud furiously turned towards his senpai, missing them by an inch. All of the clouds compressed into one and Mutsuhi couldn't believe his eyes when the clouds became a hedgehog. The very same hedgehog that Mutsuhi spent time with just two days ago…
The hedgehog hissed towards the men and his senpai dropped one of his tonfas. The ring on his finger was engulfed in purple flame. With a smirk, his senpai placed his close palm to the hedgehog, engulfing him in purple flame. The hedgehog hissed as his entire body was engulfed.
"Cloud flame's attribute is propagation." His senpai said, picking his tonfa once more and standing, "Can you destroy my partner?"
From the purple flames, various jets of clouds erupted, all directed at the two men. The man with the sword began to slash all the upcoming clouds. His senpai did not waste any time. While the two men were preoccupied trying to fight off the clouds that had began to surround them, he rushed towards them. The clouds opened up for his senpai, taking the two men by surprise. The one with the sword parried his tonfa but was not able to move in time as he was kicked on the stomach painfully. The man staggered backwards and was unable to block the tonfa directed at him. The man was hit on the jaw, causing him to fly slightly. Before he could reach the ground once more, spikes embedded from behind him. His senpai had hit him directly towards the spikes.
"You bastard!!!" The last remaining man yelled as he threw the spiked ball once more. The clouds moved in, swallowing the spiked ball. The man was momentarily thrown off-balance as the spiked ball was being swallowed. Another part of the clouds parted and his senpai dashed towards the man. Dashing behind the man, his senpai smirked.
"If you like your spiked ball so much, let me help you embrace it." He taunted as he hit the man on the back. The impact caused him to fly in front. The clouds parted and his spiked ball ricocheted back towards him. The man could not even scream as his spiked ball came in contact with his face. His senpai walked away from the clouds which had now taken the shape of a sphere. As soon as he was out of the sphere, all of the spikes embedded the two men once more.
The last remaining man growled, "All for the Eleventh boss of Vongola…"
His senpai smirked, "Let's get one thing straight, since you're probably going to be the last. If you decided to do this manhunt using the alphabets, it is no wonder that you made a mistake. You should have looked at the kanjis that make his name. His Sawada is written differently than Vongola Decimo's Sawada."
"What?"
"You shouldn't rely too much to alphabets in this country." His senpai continued, "The one you're looking for? He doesn't go with the name 'Sawada'. His name is…"
"Hibari Mitsuki."
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Deci-Decimo Ask ANYTHING Corner!
"Welcome once more to DDAAC." Mitsuki greeted, bowing slightly at them, "As you can see, we have decided to change scenery for once."
All of them were in one of Namimori Middle School's classroom. Other than Mitsuki, they were sitting on the chairs, wearing a Namimori uniform… well… other than Emilio who was still wearing a suit. Makoto, Murasaki and Mutsuhi were on the front row while Nataniele and Emilio occupied the sits behind them. In front of them was Mitsuki, wearing his Namimori uniform complete with the black jacket that has the Discipline armband on one of its sleeve. Mitsuki was sitting on the teacher's table, holding in his hand, the box filled with last chapter's questions. Mitsuki smirked, "Now, we have a lot of questions for this chapter and I would like Murasaki and Makoto to repeat what I have told them before we began."
"I promise not to use violence upon other people for this chapter." Makoto and Murasaki repeated what Mitsuki has told them. Mitsuki nodded and took out one paper from the box.
"Oh! This one is for me." Mitsuki laughed as he read the question, "icannotspeakenglish asked: 'other than Mutsuhi who is Mitsuki's favorite guardian? Or at least… the one he trusts the most?'"
The guardians leaned in, curious with Mitsuki's answer. Mitsuki grinned, "I trust everyone. I mean… I really don't have any favorites. I mean…"
Mitsuki sheepishly grinned, "If I had a favorite then I wouldn't really be a good boss, right?"
Makoto looked like he was in the verge of tears, "Eleventh…"
Mitsuki chuckled and picked another piece of paper, "Next question is from… oh, Hamtaro-chan… Let's see… 'Does Mutsuhi have any fetishes himself? And is there anything he would say no to?'"
Mitsuki turned his wooden stick, which appeared out of nowhere, and pointed it to Mutsuhi as he ordered in a teacher-like tone, "Sawada Mutsuhi, please answer the questions being presented.
"Y-Y-Yes!" Mutsuhi stood and fiddled as he looked at the ground while his cheeks became increasingly red as time pass by, "Well… I-I… I don't have any fetishes that… I know about… and I say no when I know that something is wrong or will hurt those I love dearly…"
Mitsuki stared at Mutsuhi before saying, "That's a boring answer."
"I'm sorry, Mitsuki-san." Mutsuhi apologized making Mitsuki laugh.
"I was joking. Well, let's see later if I can get you to say no to some… more interesting things… next question!" Mitsuki began to pick on the other pieces of papers still left but noticed Mutsuhi still standing, "You may sit down, Mutsuhi."
"Tha-Thank you." Mutsuhi sat down immediately.
"Next questions are from Lala-tan. Oh. I shouldn't have told you to sit down, Mutsuhi. Anyway! Question 1: 'Mut-chan! Have you ever rided Mitsuki? Cos' riding the uke the con-"
"I HAVE NOT DONE SUCH THING!!!" Mutsuhi yelled before Mitsuki could finish the question. Mitsuki smirked as Mutsuhi began to blush, just like it was written in the question. Chuckling to himself, Mitsuki motioned Mutsuhi to sit down.
"We have not done anything like that… yet." Mitsuki clarified, making Mutsuhi blushed once more at the last word, 'But thank you, Lala-tan, for the idea."
"MITSUKI-SAN!!!"
"Question 2: 'MAKOTO~ MA-CHIN! When are you going to stop in denial and declare your love for PURPLE-tan? You know-"
"What the fuck? Did she just call me Ma-chin?!" Makoto yelled.
Murasaki growled, "Who are you calling Purple-tan?"
"Well… your name does mean pur-"
"Nobody asked you, cockroach!" Murasaki hissed at Nataniele. Nataniele backed away and smiled apologetically.
"Don't you fucking call me Ma-chin! That's… That's a monkey!" Makoto yelled and pointed at Murasaki, "And I am not in denial. I fucking hate this brocon!"
Murasaki glared at Makoto, "My hatred towards you is greater than your feeble existence, dog."
"What was that, you fucking-" Makoto was about to light his ring when Mitsuki clapped his hands.
"Now, now, remember what I told you guys?"
"No violence…" Makoto and Murasaki growled and looked away from one another. Mitsuki chuckled.
"Honestly. The two of you act like something out of a yaoi manga."
"ELEVENTH!"
"ANIUE!"
Mitsuki sighed, "Shame… I didn't get to finish the second question. There's something about the two of you changing seme and uke po-"
"AH!" Mutsuhi stopped Mitsuki, "Next question please, Mitsuki-san. Please don't add oil to the fire!"
Mitsuki chuckled and continued, "Lala-tan's last question is: 'Tsunna! How have Hibari and you been doing lately? Any interesting stuff? Oh. Are you guys planning for another sibling for Mitsuki and Murasaki?'"
Mitsuki blinked, "Well, considering that Otto-sama is currently missing in this chapter of Side-track, I think it's safe to assume that an interesting stuff that has happened is Otto-sama currently missing."
"I don't think that's the answer Lala-tan was looking for…" Mutsuhi commented.
"As for another sibling…" Mitsuki looked at Murasaki, "What do you think?"
"Che. This Butterfly-fucker would absolutely not want one because he's a brocon." Makoto commented, making Murasaki glare at him.
"Maybe it is you that does not want another sibling because you fear that Aniue would find finally find you worthless." Murasaki growled.
"Finally?!" Makoto glared at Murasaki, "You fucking- You're really pushing your luck."
Murasaki scoffed, "I beg to differ."
Emilio sighed and said to Mitsuki, "Please continue, Mitsuki. Don't pay attention… to these children."
Mitsuki nodded and took out the last remaining piece of paper and read, "This is from Rin. A. who has four questions. Question 1 is directed to me. 'Let's pretend that you were the uke type, if you have to choose a seme, what do you expect from him? Who, in your mafia family, would most likely be lucky person?'"
"…" They all stared at Mitsuki who smiled at them.
"Hmm… I've never really thought about it. I mean, no offense… but no one in my immediate mafia family seem… well… seme enough to be my seme." Mitsuki grinned, "But what do I expect from him. Hm… Well… if I have to think of an answer, I guess… someone who can challenge me? I mean… out of all of Vongola, I think it would be…"
All of them leaned in to hear Mitsuki's answer. Mitsuki smiled, "I have no idea."
They almost fell from their chairs as Mitsuki began to read the second question, "The second question is for Makoto and Mutsuhi-"
"Mitsuki-san! Your avoiding the question!"
"Quite the contrary. I answered the question to the best of my ability."
"LIAR!"
"Anyway! 'To Mako-chan and Mutsu-chan: Besides from sweets and cakes, what kind of food do you like? And which do you prefer, junk food or healthy food… or… ahem… the other kind of food?'"
"Umm…" Mutsuhi raised his hand, "What other kind of food does she mean? Something like rice or extravagant food?"
"It's better not to think about it. Just choose from the two choices." Murasaki suggested, knowing fully well what the other kind of food means.
"Okay…" Mutsuhi nodded, "Because of my weak body, most of what I eat other than cakes and sweets are fruits and vegetables. I rarely eat junk foods and… I like… well… I like pastas. What about you, Makoto-san?"
"I like sushi." Makoto replied, "And I guess… my mother's cooking. She's not the best but it's… you know… her cooking."
"Cute." Murasaki sarcastically commented, making Makoto glare at him.
"As for the junk or healthy food thing? I do not fucking care. I eat what I want to eat when I want to." Makoto leaned back to his chair, "I actually don't get girls who seems so obsess in eating healthy food just because of their weight."
"You shouldn't say that. Most of our readers are of the female gender." Emilio warned.
"Yeah, yeah. Whatever." Makoto crossed his arms.
"Question 3 is for Emi-nii and Na-nii: 'What do you think of your father, Dino-san's clumsiness and the fact that your mother, Rika-san, is older than your father and the fact that your father used to be yoru half-brother, Hiba-chan's tutor AND the fact that I'm calling him Hiba-chan?'"
"…" Nataniele blinked, "I'm sorry… what?"
"I was expecting a question or two but this…" Emilio sighed, "What do we think about our father…"
"Father is a very reliable man. I mean, he is clumsy but… well, I look up to him." Nataniele replied, smiling.
"As a father, he is certainly one of the best. As the boss of Cavallone, father does his best and his best is usually more than enough. The only thing I cannot approve is his casual relationship with that Varia." Emilio replied as well, "Mother… being older than father… certainly is more eccentric. I cannot understand why she does not act violently against his relationship."
Nataniele chuckled, "Well… mother seems to adore Squalo-san for some reason. I think Hiba-chan doesn't seem to suit Kiyo-nii-sama…"
Emilio sighed, "I do not understand why. And I have only heard that father tutored Kyouya-nii-sama but I never did ask both of them so I do not know the details. Please do not call Kyouya-nii-sama Hiba-chan… it does not sound right."
Nataniele blinked, "Father did? I never knew…"
"Maybe…" Mitsuki looked away, "Chichiue threatened Dino-jii to keep it a secret? Anyway! Last question is for Murasaki-"
"If it's another dog-related question, please do not bother asking, Aniue." Murasaki growled, making Mitsuki grin.
"Oh. This is a serious question… See, she even wrote: 'THIS IS SERIOUS! Do… you have a CRUSH on ERI-KUN?'"
"…" Murasaki, for once, doesn't seem to look offended, "Where on earth did she manage to formulate such idea?"
Mitsuki shrugged, "Beats me, but a question is a question. Please answer, Murasaki."
Murasaki looked at Emilio for a moment before answering in a dead-panned voice, "No."
"Ouch. That was anti-climatic, you know. No berating or anything?"
"I do not see the point." Murasaki replied.
"Hmmm…" Emilio looked up, "I feel… uneasy…"
"Woah. Now that sentence can mean a lot of things." Mitsuki grinned, "Anyway. That ends our Deci-Decimo Ask Anything Corner. See you next chapter!"
"We wait for your questions." Mutsuhi smiled at the readers and bowed.
SMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMTSMT
Author's End Rants: I hope nobody hates Mitsuki after this chapter. Hahaha. Anyway, RVDSide-Track is finally getting more serious and… I hope I can finally introduce Nichiyo and Kiriku but that make take a while… (especially Kiriku). Anyway… next chapter: One of Tsuna's guardian makes an appearance. Whoever answers first and right gets a prize. Hahahahaha…
Re-To-Re Corner:
Sephony: Um… at the moment… I have yet to think of a sequel for Cracks on the Mirror since I felt as if I already completed it. –grins sheepishly-
Oceanmegami: It's weird as a few of you actually thought something has happened to me. –laughs- Don't worry, because of school, I won't be able to update like usual but I will update. –grins- Oh! And I love your fanarts! Especially Mitsuki. Thank you! –hugs-
Tsuki no Akebono: It's actually good to be back. –grins-
klok755: I'm not sure if this is 'soon' but I hoped you liked the new chapter. –grins sheepishly-
ToonyTwilight: Thank you for the compliment. Update may be slower than usual but I will update. –grins-
grak: Well… -smiles sheepishly- I guess my A/N last chapter was funny.
: You're welcome. I've been meaning to have a fluff chapter for Mi-kun and Mu-chan for quite some time now and the suspense of the last chapter was because of Supernatural. –grins-
Moons-Chan: Hahahaha, good to know I'm not the only one. –grins- I can only imagine how cute the hedgehog is actually and I know Xanxus and Hibari working together is like (OoO) but Xanxus is the one of the few people that can actually spend time with Hibari without being bitten to death… without a fight… -laughs-
-Skyz-Angels: I have no plans of discontinuing RVD so don't worry. –smiles apologetically- And that's actually one of the reasons why I made them work together. Xanxus-Hibari moments will be in next chapter. –grins mischievously-
RuByMoOn17: Hahaha, sorry it took so long to update. –smiles apologetically-
SweatDrop: I'll try my best to update faster but… less complicated… -looks up- I don't know if I can… I'll try. –grins-
H. Veldargone: There something deeper between Shion-hime and Yoshitsuna (Well… They are twins) and their relationship with Primo is also… -mumbles the next words- Anyway! Stay tune to know the connection and of course I'll continue writing. I'm too insane to stop. –grins-
icannotspeakenglish: Hahahaha, nine months is really like forever –grins- and the 'Family Business' will be the stepping stone for what is to come in RVDSide-Track. –smiles evilly-
akuma-river: Ah. The 4th century is about the biologist named Geppetto Lorenzini who made the concepts of the boxes that Innocenti, Koenig and Verde used. It's in Chapter 160 of the manga. –grins-
Hamtaro-chan: Hahaha, gomen. –grins sheepishly- Oh, good for you… getting Reborn merchandise. My only merchandises are my Tsuna plushie and the Vongola rings. –sniffs- And of course we're still going to write that other story –grins-. I haven't been able to go online for so long. I'll probably be online tomorrow… if my brother won't be using the computer… -grumbles-
MisikaChan: Hahahaha. Anemone-san's movements are restricted but he may hold the key to what lies in the West Wing. –grins-
Kei: -grins- Well… I was having Post-Supernatural delirium during the time I was writing that chapter so the suspense thing sorta got stuck. But there is still the mystery of the mysterious voice they hear over in the West Wing. Kufufufufu. And a lot of people were actually surprised when Mitsuki used the name Kusakabe. –laughs- Oh, and sorry. This Side-Track is not about Setsuna and Tsuna.
Lala-tan: I hope I'm not late in pulling you… to another cliff hanger… -grins apologetically- Of course Tsuna had no say to this. This is to protect the precious Vongola Decimo. –laughs- Mitsuki… with Kusakabe's hairstyle… -thinks about it before- AHH!!! –tries to erase the image out of my head- That's… one scary thought…
xXxSmidgexXx: Kufufufufu. Reborn is bad but he certainly knows how to make people's life miserable (which is why I like him). –grins-
Nekochibi-chan: Ah. I'm sorry. (stupid website… -growls-). Thanks for telling me about those mistakes. –sniffs-
ohlordies: The copy I have isn't really that clear so I thought it was a rat. –laughs- Anyway. Thanks for telling me. I hope what I did for RVD chapter 21 seems believable with Verde's crocodile. –grins- … Hibari and Kusakabe… as a couple? –pales- That's… uhh… I don't wanna imagine it! Hahaha, yeah. One of my friends even told me: 'If you get married, I'm going to congratulate the guy and ask him: 'dude, are you sure?'". –laughs-
HibariKyoya4ever: I love Chrome's song. It's sad and really fits Chrome. And TYLHibari's image song… -drools- One of the reasons why I watch the anime other than the 1827 inclination it has is because of Hibari's voice. –fangirl moment- And thank you for being understanding. –smiles-
Caithdean: I missed writing 1827 as well but it's part of the plot so… -smiles apologetically-
Rin. A.: Sorry for the long wait. –grins- And I don't mind if you put some of my characters in your stories. (Samuele: Oh! Oh! Pick me!) Shut up, Samuele.
Happy Life: Um… -grins- Hell knows I'm going to try and rule over it so they won't let me die… yet. –grins-
usagi018: Yup! 1827 is certainly the best. –grins- and a lot of people actually said that they cried in Cracks on the Mirrors.
Tuna Kat: Thank you for loving to the extreme. –grins-
I'MOTAKU: While You Sleep is actually my favorite since it's seems to be the only one who is angst from start to finish.–smiles- I added a bit of humor in Cracks on the Mirror chapter 2 because I felt that chapter 1 was too angst already.
Raine Haruto: I agree with you. Hibird is just so cute! –laughs-
Deception Point: Thank you for reading What Money Can Buy and I hope that I love the pairing. –smiles sheepishly-
Geminirose: I wouldn't go as far as saying Tsuna is from a royal family because Yoshitsuna and Shion-hime's relationship with Vongola is very different from their relationship back in Japan. –smiles evilly- And Tsuna learning the koto? Hm… If he gets over his trauma over why he's dreaming of the same room. –grins-
MsDuck: I'll go for the maid. –grins- I don't want a maid like Letizia. –shakes head- Oh, can you tell me more about your mafia librarian? Maybe I can add him. –grins-
The Peanut-Sydiie: Thank you. –grins- Pineapple-haired pedo is my favorite idea of all. (I love Mukuro but nobody fits the description more than him).
Acherona: I'll try and update faster… -smiles apologetically-
ireadtoomanybooks: I can't help it. –shrugs- I'm a sucker for happy endings. –grins-
Nusku: Thank you for thinking RVD is so cute. –smiles sheepishly-
Sexy Ookami: Thank you for reviewing my works. –bows- I'm sorry I wasn't able to answer your pm earlier… -sniffs-
nagihachan: Thank you for loving all my stories and I'll try to update faster. –grins- And yes. Tsuna is the best uke ever created. Mukuro and Irie's relationship is one of my… uhh… well… strangest ideas. But it just seems appropriate because Irie's a shy guy who seems to be the type to stalk the one he likes rather than talk to that person. Mukuro is… well… creepy enough to either molest the one he likes or stalk that person. –grins-
easterlily16: Yeah. I always think that Tsuna would be treated like a princess if she was a girl. –smiles sheepishly- I mean, Tsuna is already being treated like one by Gokudera and all of his guardians seems to have a soft spot of him.
Yutaka Satoe: Thank you for saying those things and I'll try and update faster. –grins-
weldeschtein00043: Melt… ing…? Is that… a good thing? Thank you for loving my works. The Unexpected series was meant to be crack-y. –smiles sheepishly- Long stories are my speciality –grins- (that's why I always hated maximum requirements when writing)
-xShiroi-chan: Being confuse is actually what I wanted to happen. –grins- Don't worry, Kyouya is suppose to keep a lot of secrets from us.
Chibi Tsuki Hikari: If I understand it correctly what happened with Tsuna in the future is actually in Unexpected Revelations. –tilts head-
morissa: -grins- Lil Mi-kun is always cute.
Chibbi Nations Ruler: Thank you for loving my works. I'll try and update faster next time. –grins- And for the downloads, I usually just go to aarinfantasy and livejournals. With Murasaki and Makoto? Hmm… -grins- I'll try but I have to make sure that the two of them don't realize what I plan to do to them. –smiles evilly-
Jikage: Yes. TYLHIbari is so hot. –drools- And I love Chigusa in Little One. Little One was actually inspired by the Chapter 2 of RVD. –grins- One million yen is not that hard for our favorite tonfa-wielding maniac. And a lot of people seem to like U Rev more… probably because it's more crack-filled than U Vis. It's just not Tsuna if it tasted good… well other than the desert part. –grins- I also want an LM. C apron even if it wouldn't fit me. –laughs- Tsuna is one of the girls… in some way… Thanks, for thinking Hibari's past was believable. I was afraid someone might think it was just so out there. Setsuna-kun's identity will be revealed later… as in… really later…
wAndEreR: At first, I actually wanted to use Juudaime but stopped because I didn't want to make the fic too Japanese. And 'Tenth' is easier to write… especially when you take in the case of Mitsuki because if I used 'Juudaime' for Tsuna then I have to use 'Juuichidaime' for Mitsuki which… doesn't really appeal to me that much. But I agree with you that Juudaime has the evidence of 'high'.
totallycraz4anime: Hahahaha. I'm not offended. The Unexpected Series was meant to be light-hearted and crack-filled. –grins- Byakuran being a lovesick puppy is actually funny although… the last few chapters of the manga makes me like him less. (Irie!)
Laughing Bandit D Royale: People wanting to kill for Tsuna's sake is love. –grins- I can actually see your point and I agree with you, Tsuna is way too selfless and if he knew what was happening, he will be devastated… but that's more another chapter. –grins-
-w- easy enough: Thank you for thinking What Money Can Buy was cute. –grins-
ShiraiHime: Thank you for loving While You Sleep –grins-
Clue For Next Side-Track:
"Irie… Irie Shouichi…"
