#10: Close to death
Tragedies come in the worst moment of your life, taking you by surprise, yet this time it was no wonder that things were like this. From the very beginning it was something that it was supposed to happen sooner or later, especially with the damage that the ship took from all that reckless piloting, from hitting the wall countless times and being also a target. Beside, using the turbo motors wasn't such a good thing to do, not when there was the danger that an explosion could occur. Slowing would mean that the pressure on the ship would be too great and the change of speed could cause another error, taking into account that it was already ruined. But when things had to happen, nothing could change their course. Not even when you found out a solution, because in the last moment was too late, especially with a damaged ship. That only meant death. If somebody managed to survive, then the luck was on their side, but if the fire was too strong, nobody could ever save them.
That was Elen's case as well, because thanks to her anger, she drove recklessly and now the ship was destroyed, there was fire around them thanks to the explosion, but that wasn't the worst. Her eyes were teary, because it didn't matter that she was still alive and for now defied the death, because she was there because Reiji protected her in time. She was hurt as well, because the girl was lying in a pool of her own blood, thanks to those metal bars that went through her body, but she could have been dead if Reiji wouldn't have took the damage that was meant for her. If he hadn't interfered, she would have had something through her heart, with no chance of living. It was a wonder how he could manage to say his last words, before smiling like that. 'Live no matter what and don't waste your live!' Elen felt guilty, because it was her fault, but she couldn't move. Her body wasn't listening to any of her commands and the pain was really strong, but there was nothing she could do. If she tried to move, nothing happened and there was no way she didn't think of not being able to walk ever again or use her upper body. The accident had been serious, but if she managed to live, there was no way she wouldn't get revenge for Reiji's death. Because that mocking note that fell from the torpedo told her that everything has been planned.
She was angered, but if somebody managed to get there on time and save her, she would ask Byakuran to help her, even if the recovery would be long. More than a year, she couldn't went missing, but it would be better for others to think that she was dead, so Elen could acquire more information and finish the experiment that Egil stole from her. Yet, her intentions weren't evil, because she wanted to develop it for strengthening their weapons, not for experimenting on humans, but there was also a reverse process, because she had been smart enough to erase some of the data. But…was she going to die there? If everything ended like that, Elen felt bad because she couldn't apologize properly to Byakuran, he had made her promise not to die. Despite that, she got injured and could lose her life any moment. She felt sorry even for Dino, because they were friends and she couldn't say 'good-bye to him' or even to those idiots in the Varia. It would be a pity to die like that, especially when she didn't settle anything with Hibari Kyoya, but thinking of him, made her even sadder, like something was really important and she couldn't see it.
Thinking about the cloud guardian, she couldn't help but smile weakly, because she remembered somebody like him in her last moments. They had been so cruel to each other, mocking the other and so on, but maybe he was really right about her. It hurt to move, but she had to go out of there if nobody was coming, no matter what, because she wasn't that weak. Elen refused to believe that her efforts would end there and that winning a race would mean her death. It didn't matter that she wouldn't be able to pilot again, but she wanted to live, even if she would be a mafia boss. "Too bad, Kyoya…I'm not stupid enough to give up half way…I'll prove you that I'm not a herbivore, so just don't die until I get back…" It was a wonder that she even managed to speak, but this time, Elen was really keen on living. She didn't want to die like that. Not after her life had been saved.
Elen's big problem was that she was too injured to even move, let alone try to get out of there. There was no way to escape, if somebody didn't come for them, but for how long would she have to stay like that? She was sure that soon enough she would lose conscience, because the pain was really too great for her to stand. It was a miracle that nothing has fallen on her further on, because that would mean the end, but for that she had to thank Reiji. But, there was no way she could do something to get out on her own, not only because her condition, but also because a wrong move would mean that every piece of the broken ship could fall and kill her or worsen the state of her body. Her voice wasn't that useful, since she could barely breathe and the taste of blood in her mouth was too strong for her liking. Elen was aware that if somebody didn't find her really soon, she would die there. Yet, she wasn't afraid of death, but it was painful to see that face again and again. To see Reiji's face, who lost his life in order to save hers.
Was she that close to death? Sure, she was really injured, but despite not being afraid of losing her life, Elen didn't want to die. It was…painful to know that her end would be like that, especially when she remembered all those faces. The faces of her friends and subordinates that were waiting for her to come back. But…now Italy seemed just a far away dream, but the worst was that she broke a promise. Elen knew that Byakuran couldn't be that happy with the fact that she could be dead, that she actually crashed. It was…something bitter that she was afraid to remember, because Elen didn't want to die like that, not after she promised him that in this world she'll keep living. It didn't matter that she didn't have that kind of power he held, because from the very beginning, she felt that there was something between them. A real strong bond that soon would have…vanished. Now…everything was too late, because even her vision started to blacken. It seemed that her luck ran out and now her life reached its end. It was stupid, but she felt like laughing, before closing her eyes, letting the darkness engulf her.
-Italy, several days later-
The critical situation hadn't changed at all, but Rayne was able to gain some control, with the help of other and for the moment they could rest in peace, but the problem was another. No matter how much he tried to contact his boss, Elen wouldn't answer at all. It was like…there was no possibility of getting in touch with her, but he couldn't help but wonder why. Dino managed to talk with her some day ago, but nobody could reach her now. As if she didn't want to talk with her, but he knew that something must have happened for her not to answer their calls. Not even Jolly could get in touch with her, no matter how hard he tried and from that he understood, he was the closest person to her. It was weird that she didn't want to talk even to him, but maybe the others knew something they didn't. Maybe the Vongola discovered something that they would tell at the meeting, because he understood that Sawada Tsunayoshi had something important to tell them. He hoped that it wouldn't be related to Elen, that she was fine.
He sighed, trying to think positive, despite being a mess with his nerves stretched to the maximum, especially with nobody speaking. Like they were waiting for something. To tell the truth, from what he saw, Jolly was a very calm and collected person, but this time even he lost his composure and seemed anxious, like something bad happened. He clenched his teeth, feeling annoyed thanks to the look on their faces, but nonetheless, he kept his mouth shut and waited for somebody to actually speak. Yet…there was something wrong about everything there and it wasn't as if there was a traitor, but…it was like they would receive bad news about Elen. He could feel that, but Rayne refused to acknowledge that till the end, till he had enough proof. He took a deep breath, before looking at the screen. It seemed that the guy that was there was the one that the Vongola waited for, but he didn't understand why.
"Tsunayoshi-kun! I'm glad that you could gather everybody here! So…how have you been?" If there were normal conditions, Rayne would have laughed at that, but he knew that something really bad was following and he was afraid of even asking. Yet, he looked how that man kept eating his ice-cream, like nothing was happening, but he knew that there was a reason behind that call. The strange thing was that nobody seemed to answer to his question, like they loathed him. He knew that it could have been related to the incident when he tried to take control of every parallel world, but now he had changed. Rayne was able to see that thanks to the years he spend with Egil, but…if not even the Vongola's boss or Xanxus were going to say anything, he could be the one that dared to ask him the real reason for gathering them. "Hei! Tell me…I want to hear the real reason for why you gathered us here. It's it about boss? About…Elen?" From the change in his behavior, Rayne knew that he was right, especially when that smile disappeared, being substituted by a frown.
There was anxiety filling the room, but actually, everybody was silent, like nobody cared or wanted to pass that moment. He wanted to speak, because Elen was the only one that treated him nice, despite knowing that he was a criminal and didn't fear him. Even if the age difference was big, she considered him a human being, not a tool. Even if it hurt his pride to admit, despite not being liked by Jolly, even he accepted him and tried to get along for Elen's sake. The strangest thing was to see him lose his composure and snap like that. "Just tell us already! What's happening to our boss?! I…nobody could get in touch with her these days! You must know, right?" For Rayne it was strange to see him like that, but the boy had a point and he waited for an answer from that man. From what he remembered, he was Byakuran, one of the heads of the Millefiore famiglia, but that was not relevant. He wanted to know what happened with Elen, because something must have had occurred, since he bothered to gather everyone there. But the strangest thing was that even Hibari Kyoya was there, even if there was a big distance between them. The funny thing was that he was displeased to be there and he almost challenged everybody to annoy him.
"Hmm…you're quite observant, Jolly-kun…Indeed, it's about Elen-chan." Only by hearing her name, his attention went back to Byakuran who had such an expression…one that made Rayne swallow in vain, thinking of the worst, because that man was happy everytime. It didn't matter how he knew that, as long as he found out what happened to Elen. He tried to lie to himself that he was fine, despite his heart telling him that it was impossible. "To put it bluntly, she's dead." That word…That word made him feel like the world has ended, because it was impossible. She was a stubborn girl. Sure, she was mortal like everybody, but what could have happened there if she wasn't alive? Did she meet somebody stronger than her or what? Rayne didn't know how to react, the shock overwhelming him, but Jolly sure controlled himself better. He didn't like that idea; it was like everything has ended, because they didn't have a boss anymore and nobody wanted to be under the orders of Vongola. "Byakuran." Rayne turned a bit to look at Sawada's face, which was now very serious, but if he dared to say something wrong, there wouldn't be any hesitation before he killed him on the spot.
Rayne kept his mouth shut, wondering what was going that kid to say, but it was more hilarious than he thought it would be. "It was you, wasn't it? You were the one that killed her, because you still hadn't given up your stupid idea of controlling the parallel worlds! Just admit it!" Hearing all that crap, Jolly was the first one to start laughing crazily and Rayne had to admit that the theory was fucked up and Vongola was just trying to find a cause too fast. The worst was that Byakuran didn't even react and kept looking at him like he was insane, before actually speaking. He didn't expect somebody his caliber to actually accept that little game Sawada was pulling, but there was no way that shock didn't struck them really hard that time. Even Jolly who reacted faster than him was now petrified and didn't know what to say. They were at a loss of words, because it seemed that Byakuran knew more than they have thought. "My fault? I believe that you're wrong, Tsunayoshi-kun." Byakuran made a slight pause to take another spoon of ice-cream, before continuing. "It's Kyoya-kun's fault and of course, Squ-chan's~. They were the last persons that talked with Elen-chan before she died. I heard that they said very rude things to her that made her act recklessly..." Rayne felt his blood boil, but it looked like Byakuran wasn't done and he still had things to add. It was better to hear everything before acting, because he felt like breaking the neck of some people. It didn't matter anymore if his actions were stupid or not. "Why don't you turn the TV and see with your own eyes? Hm~ I guess I'll leave for now. That was Elen-chan last wish before she died, so my job is done here. Bye-bye, Tsunayoshi-kun~."
To say that what he heard wasn't a shock…would be a great lie, because Rayne felt helpless more than ever. What could have happened that things went that far? He talked with her and she was fine. Seemed fine. Maybe that was the key word and in reality Elen didn't feel that good. Why didn't he notice that earlier so he could help his boss, the person that could care less about all his crimes he committed and how he behaved back there? Part of that was his fault, but from what Byakuran just said, it looked like there were other persons that were at fault too, yet…if she was dead, there was no reason to kill them. Doing that…wouldn't bring Elen back no matter how hard he tried. But he realized that, thanks to his extended experience, but it seemed that Jolly was hurt. Far too much for thinking clearly, because he had to held the boy down, so he wouldn't do something stupid. He understood the boy's anger, but even if he let him act according to his instincts, nothing would change.
Of course, that it would have been better if Sawada Tsunayoshi would have kept his mouth shut, because that was the last string of his self-control. Rayne could be too cruel sometimes and now with all those things, especially the news about Elen's death…he was going to do something he could regret later, but there was something in Byakuran's tone that made him think twice. It didn't matter that the TV was turned on and they could see the exact moment of her death, because he understood what the Millefiore boss tried to tell them without making the Vongola suspicious. He felt the need to laugh, because Elen had always been somebody that knew how to make people think something, even if the truth was other. Now he had to take control over the family, even if it would be for a while. Yet, Rayne didn't want to see anybody from the Vongola there, not after what he just heard from Byakuran. He was aware that the situation between Elen and Hibari wasn't that good, but he must have made her feel really bad if she acted like that, yet…it was impossible to crash like that. He watched her one more time before this, by mistake and saw that she was skilled and that something was wrong. Something must have gone wrong.
"Vongola…just leave right now! Forget your stupid alliance! You think we're going to sign that shit when you're at fault that our boss died?! You're out of your mind then!" It was surprising to hear Jolly act like that, but he understood to a certain extend, yet he couldn't tell him his suspicions there, where the Vongola could listen as well. It was so hard to control that boy, because he was too angry, thankfully or not he was taken out by another member of the family. It was bad enough that he snapped like that, but he could not blow the cover that Byakuran made in order to make Jolly feel better. "He's right Sawada, so please leave before you die. I don't care that you have your guardians or that your assassination squad is here." That cruel smile he put on his made actually made Tsunayoshi shiver, because despite meeting different kind of peoples, he wasn't accustomed with Rayne's type. Somebody could care to day that he was scared of what could happen if he pushed his buttons too far. Rayne just waited that opportunity, because it would be easier, yet he knew that it wasn't the right time to start a conflict.
The worst was that Hibari Kyoya didn't even feel guilty and somehow it was better that Jolly was outside, because if he noticed, there were big chances of a fight resulting. There was no guarantee that the cloud guardian was going to stay and listen to the insults that were going to be addressed to him, because it wasn't in his character. Rayne sighed and thought of what they were going to do, because there was no way he would ask the help of the Vongola. If they were lucky, maybe they would manage to finish that ceaseless war before…Rayne just wanted to do that not only for himself, but also for Elen who only wished that there wouldn't be any victims thanks to that cruel experiment. Indeed, he was at fault for coming up with that fucked up idea of making the weapons more resistant towards flame pressure and even Elen blamed herself for actually putting it into practice, modifying it to such extend that there was a lot of data that Egil stole. Yet…she had the same purpose as him, thinking only about the weapons, not about human experiments. He could thank her for deleting some of the data and changing some files, so there would lack certain things really useful, because everything Egil did until then was a failure. It didn't matter that the people were alive, because the experiment wasn't perfected, yet, the worst thing was that they didn't know how to actually counter that. That man managed to make his lackeys immune towards their flame pressure.
Rayne glanced back at Sawada's guardians, because it seemed that they were keen on protecting their boss till the end, but that didn't matter in the end. They were only a few, compared to the huge number of people that were in the mansion. It would be suicide to start a ruckus there, but he knew that at least Sawada was smart enough to stay in his place, before he caused a conflict. "So? What are you waiting to leave? This isn't your mansion, Vongola, so the door is there. You know…that boy might end up killing you, but if you decide to stay even one more second, I won't stop him." That looked like an empty threat, but as expected of Hibari Kyoya, he couldn't keep his tongue, not after he felt threatened by somebody that he considered to be inferior. Yet, this time it seemed like Tsunayoshi had a brain and used it well when he stopped his guardian's attack, because one wrong move and he would be injured heavily. Not to mention that there were many people that would have their attention drawn by the noise and that could lead to a war between their families. That if they managed to get out alive of that room.
Of course that it wasn't wise to act like that, but Rayne had to do something about the Vongola, especially since he didn't like them at all. He knew everything about them, especially their progress over years, because he collected that type of information before and there wasn't a thing that he didn't know about them. The most annoying thing was he had nothing about Byakuran, because he was a man that knew how to do things in order not to let anything behind that would make his enemies gather information about him. But there was one more person beside Byakuran that he didn't know that much about. Elen. Despite practically living in the same house with her, he couldn't acquire anything useful that could serve him. As a proof, he knew little. "Hmm…do you need something else, Tsunayoshi? I believe that your job here is done, isn't it? I suggest that you'd get out through the back door. That way we'll avoid a fight between you and Jolly, because if the others found out...nobody would stop him." Rayne didn't say that only to scare Sawada, who was trembling for sure, because it was hard to keep his composure in that situation, but everything was true. He managed to find out how much they loved Elen.
That wasn't everything, because he also found out where her father was, but now it would be pointless to search for him, because nobody desired another leader. Rayne made sure of that by creating different theories that he presented to them. He almost got into a fight thanks to that, yet that showed that Elen was loved there and that they didn't need anybody else. The worst was that now, they were going to be an easy target for the human experiment that Egil conducted. For her guardians wasn't a problem, but there were people that couldn't defend themselves that well. "I'm…really sorry about this. I never wanted this to happen. My only intention has be-" Rayne had enough of his bullshit, because he stopped Sawada by starting to laugh insanely. That was so funny that he couldn't help but act according his instincts. Even if that was true, he didn't believe a single word that came out of his mouth. He could care less that there were people that looked at him as if he lost his mind, because he found it funny to hear an apology from him. It was also Vongola's fault for making them talk, knowing that Hibari and Elen didn't get along. "Sorry? Such a good joke…You're really pathetic…Get out of this house before I decide to kill you on the spot. You hypocrite. Out of my sight."
-In the meanwhile, in France-
The awkward silence was filling that hospital room, where Makoto was currently in. He was more than shocked when he saw what happened in front of him and it was so painful to remember everything, yet he was there, telling Kotaro the turn of the events in the last race. He was speechless hearing that Elen and Reiji died there, but Maruko managed to survive despite the explosion she was caught in. It was…unfair, but it would be so hard to tell Julie that, because she got attached to the other girl. Sure, she woke up two days ago, but she wasn't in the state of receiving that kind of news, but hiding it wasn't an option. She would notice that Elen and Reiji wouldn't come to visit her and she would ask about them. It was worse to leave her in the darkness than telling her the truth. It would be a powerful blow that could destroy her emotionally, because Julie cared about Elen. They also felt guilty, despite knowing that it wasn't something they could avoided even if they were there, because from what they heard from Makoto, she wasn't listening to anyone.
"You're…getting out of hospital today, right? We should visit Julie and tell her…" His voice was wavering, because to be honest, it was still unbelievable that Elen and Reiji died. That they weren't alive anymore. Didn't they said at the beginning, after that stupid meeting that after one of them wins the race, they would go to celebrate together? Now…it was only a dream. A far away and impossible dream, because nothing could be done anymore. Makoto sighed and thought that it was going to be difficult for those in Italy when they would learn of her dead. Especially if those were the people that most cared about her, because he understood that feeling. In their hometowns, there were also people that loved them and would suffer if something bad happened to them. "You're sure it's good to tell Julie about what happened? He could find out later…we could say that Elen had to leave to Italy because there was an emergency…" It was the lamest excuse they could ever make, but they also thought of Julie's health, because the doctor prohibited them to give her that kind of news. However, it was surprising to see Byakuran there, entering his room, especially when he didn't know him. Only Makoto met him twice, but Kotaro was clueless about his identity.
"You shouldn't worry that much about Julie-chan~. She took the news of Elen-chan's death better than you could imagine. She's a strong woman~." Makoto was speechless, because he had no idea that none of them would tell Julie that, but Byakuran. It seemed that he didn't hesitate as much as he did and maybe they doubted Julie. It was a bit infuriating that he did that without telling them first, but in the end, Byakuran did what it was fair and he wasn't a coward like them. On the other hand, Kotaro was confused, because he didn't know that man and why he told Julie that thing when it wasn't his duty, but he couldn't voice his question, because Makoto seemed to guess that he wanted to ask that. "He's…a friend of Elen. I think you've heard of the Millefiore famiglia, right? He's the boss…Byakuran." To say that Kotaro's face was funny was a big mistake, because his expression was priceless. He wouldn't have imagined that somebody like him would actually come to visit him. Him out of all people. Because Kotaro was sure that Byakuran didn't even know his name, because he was a mere subordinate, nothing too important that he should remember. And yet… "Hm? Something the matter, Kotaro-kun~?
Makoto was accustomed by now with Byakuran's way of talking, because Elen told him about that and it wasn't something new, but Kotaro was surprised and he didn't know what to say or think about it. They didn't know each other and he couldn't understand why that man treated him with such familiarity when they could be enemies. Even that friendly atmosphere made him wonder why he was acting that nice, but he was that innocent. Unlike other people, Kotaro couldn't see though that façade and offenly he mistook that fake kindness with the real thing. "Hei, stupid. Don't get this wrong. He's as dangerous as he seems, so don't trust that smile. If you're not careful, you can die." But Kotaro couldn't believe that what Makoto told him was true, because it was impossible, yet despite being aware that he should trust the look of a person, he couldn't help it. Yet, before he had the chance of speaking, Byakuran looked at him directly and it was then when he felt that he shouldn't trust him so easily. Yet…his looks was so deceiving…But how could have he missed that aura Byakuran had around him? He was no ordinary person, but maybe he was as hopeless as other told him he was.
"You hurt me with your words, Makoto-kun…" Byakuran put a hurt look on his face, but Makoto wasn't fooled by that and instead of apologizing, he frowned, before replying to that. "Sure, I did…Do you have any feeling to begin with? I don't understand how Elen could put up with you…" Kotaro listened to both of them without saying anything, yet Byakuran seemed unaffected by that statement. Instead…he looked at them, his smile widening, like he knew something vital, they didn't. "Don't you want to find out how? For that Kotaro-kun and Julie-chan must be completely healed, so…we'll see each other then." He made a slight pause before existing the room. Byakuran looked into Makoto's eyes, continuing his phrase. "You'll find out then how Elen-chan put up with me~."