To my reviewers, followers and favoriters:

Chocolate Candy: Aww thank you! But I'm really not that good!

QuietSilence: Yep! I'll definitely make Masako interact with the other guardians more. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Venus Oo: Oh my gosh, thank you for the support!

Aya Takeshi: Thank you for following and favoriting this story!

Black-Rabbit32: Thank you for following this story!

Act II

Scene V

~X~

Vongola Decimo leant calmly against his grand oak desk. The expensive wood felt unusually cold against his skin and jabbed sharply into one side of his back. Ignoring this pain, Tsuna stared beyond the window and at the array of gloomy grey clouds that covered the sun and sky. Moments later, heavy rain droplets began splattering across the glass. Folding his arms, the Vongola boss turned around.

"Sawada Tsunayoshi," a low voice greeted him, "What do you ask of me?"

Stepping out of the shadows, Hibari Kyoya stood in centre of the Don's office. He eyed the latter with a pair of deep violet eyes- eyes that held a mixture of curiosity and annoyance.

Tsuna pointed at the couch where he normally invited his guests to sit, but the cloud guardian didn't move. The boss sighed, "I was hoping you'd do a favor of me, Hibari-san," he ushered softly, "A favor I believe only you and the Foundation are able to pull off."

For once after setting foot here in Sicily, Hibari smirked. He hummed with interest, "I'm listening," he insisted, "What do you want me to do?"

The Vongola boss studied his cloud guardian for a brief moment, then announced, "I need you to go to Florence."

"Florence?"

Tsuna nodded, "After yesterday's activities," he began, "I fear that some very valuable information has been lost," the latter paused to gather his words, "And I need that information."

Hibari silently processed what was just said. Carefully, he understood what the boss was requesting him to do, "There's no guarantee that what you want is still there."

Brown eyes slid to the side, "I know," Tsuna murmured, "But find what you can and bring it back here."

The cloud guardian turned around and made his way towards the exit. His boss interrupted him, "Oh and-" Tsuna added, "Move quietly."

Hibari disappeared out the door.

~X~

Downstairs in the courtyard, the sound of rain spitting and spatting against the leaves and ground could be heard. Standing alone in the porch that overlooked the nicely trimmed gardens and fountains flowing ahead, Yamamoto Takeshi breathed in the scent of a wet earth. His eyes however, flickered to the side when a black Mercedes sedan pulled up along the back entrance of the mansion and stopped. A minute later, Hibari Kyoya climbed into the backseat of the car and drove off. It only took the rain guardian a second to memorize the number plate.

"Man, today's cold to the extreme," A new voice arrived from behind, "Can you at least stop this rain, Yamamoto?"

He laughed, "Can you tell the sun to come out then, senpai?"

Sasagawa Ryohei grinned as he appeared next to the rain guardian, "I'll be god if there was such abilities."

The two men shared a gentle chuckle, but the rain peddled on and the sun never came out. Seconds later, both guardians fell quiet and the gentle drip of water was heard again. Ryohei was the first to open his mouth and speak.

"I got word from Sawada," he declared seriously, "He's flying octopus-head back home."

Yamamoto cocked his head to face his upperclassmen, "Gokudera made it out of the surgery?" he challenged

The sun guardian nodded, "Barely," he whispered, like it was forbidden word, "But Sawada insists that his storm guardian seeks medical treatment here in this very mansion."

"And his condition?" the latter urged, "Is Gokudera even safe to fly?"

Ryohei shrugged, "Who knows," he muttered, "If Sawada says he is, then he is."

Yamamoto wanted to argue, but he knew it was no use. Falling silent, the rain guardian merely stared back at the weather before shifting his eyes up to the office window. There was no light- which meant Tsuna wasn't in at the moment.

"Here," Yamamoto spun around just in time to see the sun guardian thrust out his hand.

Taking a small slip of folded paper from Ryohei's hand, the latter's milky golden eyes flashed with confusion. He frowned, "And this is?"

"The time and place where octopus-head is arriving," Ryohei replied, "Sawada wants you to pick him up."

Yamamoto read through the note once before scrunching up the paper and shoving it into the pocket of his blazer. Picking up his sword, the rain guardian emerged back into the mansion. Left alone on the porch, Ryohei folded his arms and glanced up at the sky.

When will the sun ever get to shine?

~X~

Nakimura Shinji, former Japanese Ministry of Defense officer at the age of twenty-seven, arrived in Paris- Charles De Gaulle Airport that same morning. He cleared passport control with no delay and made his way to the arrivals hall, where he located a uniformed driver clutching a cardboard sign that read: NAKIMURA. The client didn't like using full names, and Nakimura didn't like the client.

Twenty minutes later, the car drew to a stop in front of a cream-colored apartment in the second arrondissement. On the client's instructions, Nakimura pressed the buzzer to the apartment twice and, after a brief delay, the door clicked open. As Nakimura entered, a man stepped out from the hallway and descended a short flight of steps

The man, as Nakimura learned, was the security guard here in the apartment. As usual, he asked the former Intelligence officer to open is briefcase for inspection. Then it was rather uncomfortable frisk search, arms and legs spread wide, for a thorough going over with a handheld magnetometer.

Finally, he was escorted into a drawing room. A formal French parlor, large and rectangular, with ivory-colored walls and expensive paintings greeted him. The furniture was Baroque and covered in rich golden material. It was a room of a man who clearly possessed money and taste in equal amounts.

Signor Accardi, the client, was an Italian-French man just over the age of thirty. He was a favorable politician, and studied law under one of France's best lawyers. Today, he was seated behind a mahogany desk and smoked on a Turkish cigar. He rose slowly and extended his hand. They were a mismatched pair: Accardi, tall and confronting, with his bright blue eyes and dark hair; Nakimura, short and tanned with a tired complexion. Accardi released the former officer's hand and gestured towards an empty chair.

"Do you have what I want?" Accardi began as Nakimura took his seat.

The latter didn't say anything and only reached down for his briefcase. A second later, a yellow manila envelope slid across the mahogany table. Accardi looked pleased and extended a hand down to reach for the contents.

"And our other hitman?"

"Dead," Nakimura breathed, "The storm guardian killed him."

Accardi muttered a phrase in Italian, "Shame."

The Japanese man fell silent as Accardi pulled out a single silver USB stick. The half Frenchmen carefully held it up to the light and examined it. Satisfied with the results, Accardi slid the USB into the pocket of his shirt. He folded his hands and stared thoughtfully for a second.

"And the Vongola Storm Guardian?" he pressed, "Was there a struggle with him?"

Nakimura shook his head, "A shot in the spine and waist," he informed, "He won't make it."

Accardi tightened his lips into a smile, "You're very good."

The latter didn't react to the compliment. His client continued, "I'll have the money wired to your account in two days," Accardi announced, "In the mean time, do some touring around Paris- it's a lovely city."

Ten minutes later, Accardi plugged the USB into the side of his laptop. He took a swung of his well-aged whiskey and chuckled when the computer beeped. Information flashed across his screen like a hurricane and the thirty-year old couldn't help but to smile.

Whoever said the Vongola was undefeatable certainly never saw this one coming.

~X~

The rain over Catania had finally stopped. Now, with the evening sky slowly latching on, Masako found it a good opportunity to step out into the balcony and take in some fresh air. After being forced to stay in the Vongola Mansion for two or so days, she found it rather uncomfortable being locked in her suite and never allowed out. The only few people she saw were her maids and Bianchi. Sometimes, the Vongola boss would stop by for a few comforting words or the two sun and rain guardians would stay for tea. But for most of the time, Masako was left alone.

After the rain earlier during the day, the air was left moist and damp. Standing along the veranda that overlooked Vongola's private gardens, Masako folded her skinny arms as a small evening breeze brushed past her body. Directly beneath her, a team of gardeners was closing in for the night.

"Masako."

Turning slightly to the side, Masako could just make out the faint shadow belonging to her sister-in-law. Bianchi, who stood near the glass door, managed a small tired smile.

"Hayato's home," she ushered, "Did you want to go see him?"

Masako took a moment to gather her thoughts. She slowly glanced back at her sister and nodded. The poisonous scorpion's smile widened as she gently took Masako's arm and lead her back into the suite.

"You can say anything you want to him," Bianchi assured as the duo headed for the grand oak doors, "I promise he won't argue back now."

~X~

There are rooms on the second floor of the Vongola Mansion that few people know of. Spare and clean, they are the rooms belonging to Vongola Decimo's private medical facility. In one there is a hospital bed. In another there are couches and chairs. The third contains an operation table. In the hallway outside the entrance is a desk for the guards. Someone always stands for watch, even when the rooms are empty.

After the shooting in Florence, Tsuna placed a direct order for his storm guardian to seek medical attention in this very room. Doctor Lorenzo Domenico, the surgeon who narrowly was able to save Gokudera's life, argued against this- but was overthrown when Vongola's very own rain guardian was sent to pick up the injured body of his co-worker.

And now, sleeping somewhat peacefully in his bed with an oxygen mask obscured around his face- Gokudera Hayato felt safe. Yet, it wasn't until late in the evening when the patient briefly regained consciousness. He opened his eyes slowly, blinking under the warm light, and looking quizzically at the face of the Vongola Don, as if he did not recognize the man whom he worshipped like a god.

Tsuna, who'd been sitting next to the bed the whole time, leant forward when his right-hand man stared at him with confused green eyes. He smiled warmly as Gokudera opened his mouth to speak.

"J-Juudaime?"

"We've been worried about you."

"I hurt everywhere."

"I don't doubt it."

He raised his eyes towards the window. It was already dark outside, "Dove sono?"

"Sicily."

"Where?"

Tsuna told him. The storm guardian managed a weak smile beneath the oxygen mask.

"Where's-" Gokudera hitched a breath, "Masako?"

"She's here. She's coming down to see you."

"Did you-" he choked, "Get the information?"

But before Tsuna could answer, Gokudera's eyes closed and he was gone once more.

~X~

Back in Florence, Doctor Lorenzo Domenico sat stiffly in front of the Cavallone boss's desk and sweated like mad. Lifting the sleeve of his white shirt, the mid-thirties surgeon gave a wipe of his face. Sitting opposite him, Dino looked amused.

"Don't worry so much, Signor Lorenzo," he assured, "You did a good job."

The doctor shook his head, "No," he murmured, pressing his face into the palm of his hands, "No."

"Please, Signor Lorenzo," the Cavallone boss comforted, "There's no need to be harsh on yourself."

There was another shake of his head, "No, you don't understand, " the latter whispered, "That storm guardian was meant to die."

Dino raised a brow, "What does that mean, doctor?" he challenged, "You don't want Don Vongola to be hearing this."

Lorenzo Domenico stared at his opposition with bloodshot eyes, "Those bullets," he demanded, "Were precisely shot to cause the most damage," the doctor pointed to his back and waist, "Hitting the lower vertebra could mean paralysis and the stomach would cause internal bleeding."

The Cavallone boss pressed his chin into the palm of his hand, "So you're saying that whoever shot the storm guardian is a professional?" he questioned, "But the mafia is filled with professional assassins."

"What I'm saying, Don Cavallone," the surgeon corrected, "Is that whoever tried to kill the storm guardian last night is not only a professional assassin, but also a doctor."

Dino tapped a finger against his cheek, "How can you be so certain?"

The latter leant back against his seat, "Just think about it," he pressured, "A normal hitman would aim for a quick and clean kill- usually just a shot in the head," Lorenzo sighed, "But our dearest storm guardian had to suffer something much more painful."

Despite not being a doctor, Dino still knew the difference between a quick death and a long painful one. He eyed the surgeon sitting before him cautiously before reaching over for his phone. A second later, a speed dial rang for Vongola Decimo's office.

~X~

A week later, on a sunny Monday morning, Vongola's storm guardian stirred in his long sleep. Slowly fluttering his heavy eyelids open, Gokudera blinked under the sudden attack of Sicilian sunlight. The oxygen mask wasn't strapped around his face anymore and Gokudera could smell a mixture of bleach and spring flowers. To his left, he felt an unusual dip in the bed and something warm holding onto his hand. Carefully shifting his head, the storm guardian altered his vision to the side.

For the past week or so, Masako barely got any sleep. Everyday and every night, she would spend her time right here, next to the injured body of her husband. She would brush away his sliver hair, hold his cold hand and sometimes even hum a soft lullaby to him. When she got tired and her eyes gave out, Masako would bury her head into her arms and sleep uncomfortably on the side of the bed. Alberto and Bianchi would usher her to get some actual rest, but the selfless Masako would refuse.

This morning, under the glary sun, Gokudera could just make out the soft features of his wife's face. Exhausted from all those restless nights, Masako was currently asleep with her head supported up by an arm. Leaning against the window behind her, Alberto's head made the occasional dip. He too, was nodding off.

Gingerly lifting his right arm, the storm guardian felt his muscles groan and complain as he forced his hand to reach over his body. His fingers soon found Masako's face and he gently brushed away a strand of black hair that hung loosely around her forehead.

Feeling something cool skim across her skin, Masako's eyelids quivered before opening. Upon seeing her husband's green eyes staring back at her, a sudden wave of happiness and relief rushed into her body.

"H-Hayato!" she cried, eyes widening, "Hayato!"

Hearing Masako's cries of joy, Alberto toppled over and shot up his head. It took him a minute to realize what was happening. But after seeing Masako flinging herself over the body of his boss, Alberto too- rushed to the bed.

"S-Sir!"

Currently trapped under the arms of his wife, Gokudera sighed and closed his eyes. A moment later, he reopened them and relaxed. He raised the same right hand and cupped one side of Masako's cheek. His hand came back wet. Seeing this, Alberto smiled and quickly bowed his head to excuse himself from the room.

"I'm alive aren't I, woman?" the storm guardian croaked, feeling the dryness in his throat, "You can let go now."

Masako didn't move, "No," she merely buried her head deeper into her husband's shoulder, "I never want to let go."

Gokudera felt her tremble- trembling in fear that she might loose him again. This time, he managed to escape death, but next time he might not be so lucky. Quietly, the storm guardian listened to Masako's sobs and sensed the cold tears rolling onto his hand. For once in his life, Gokudera realized the love he hadn't received for the past twenty-two years of his life. The anguish, the love and the care Masako held for him, made his cold heart slowly start to feel warm.

"I never thought," he managed to breath, glancing across at the head that was lying against his shoulder, "That a woman like you would ever loose tears to a man like me."

~X~

Florence was never a city for night activities. During the day, it flourished with food festivals, concerts and the usual round of autumn tourists, but at night- Florence was practically a dead city. Despite so, Hibari Kyoya enjoyed working in the dark. He found darkness more comfortable, easy to navigate and for his personality sakes- there wasn't crowding. Tonight, he arrived at the ruined remains of the Bortolotti-Rosso Mansion. It frustrated the cloud guardian that it took him a week to get here. Italian authorities were extremely tight around the area, everywhere he walked- they would be men eying him suspiciously. But Hibari was a professional, and there was no way he would get caught.

"Kyo-san, there's nothing here."

The cloud guardian eased forward. Kusakabe and a team of his subordinates trailed after him- flashlights wavering here and there every time a small squeak was heard. After the explosion, the Bortolotti-Rosso Mansion was left with nothing other than a skeleton of the house. Wood, carpet and bits of glass hung about the empty corridors and massive holes appeared on the wall and ground. Hibari was surprised that the mansion was even standing.

"We're moving on," declared the cloud guardian.

As Hibari and his team pushed ahead, a man dressed in a black coat with matching slacks and a briefcase peered through his microscope. Standing on top of an abandoned apartment just five hundred meters away from the ruined mansion, the man pulled out his cellphone after confirming his target. The line rang three times before being picked up on the fourth.

"Found him," he glanced down at the picture of Hibari he had in his free hand.

The client over the phone chuckled.

"Good, kill him."

-End of Scene V-

~X~

A/N: Feedback is always appreciated!

Now, I don't have a bonus preview for you today as the next chapter will be a new act. But don't worry, I'll won't leave you hanging for too long :D