Chapter 9

20XX, June 1ST, CHIBA…

"Yare, yare, that was a rough landing…" Lampo sighed, as the pink smoke that once was engulfing him cleared. He glanced around his surroundings – though his first reaction was to wince at the condition of the atmosphere. "Such polluted air… what is this? Smoke? Dust? Ore-sama prefers to stay around in areas with fresh oxygen, you see…" Lampo noticed the cars parked at the edge of alley, and then scowled in confusion. "Are those…" He paused for a while. He observed the vehicle carefully, until he spotted the rubber tire. "Something like a wheel of carriage. Must be a transportation system of sorts."

"The future surely is a fascinating place." Asari popped up out of nowhere, as Lampo jumped and squeaked helplessly. He turned and saw Asari, Yamamoto, Knuckle, and Ryohei. "It's dark though. Well, time differences across countries, I suppose?" Knuckle shrugged, as Ryohei nodded. "There is a 8 hour difference with Italy and Tokyo. Since we left Italy at 4 in the afternoon, in Tokyo its 12. So basically it's June now." He explained, and the adults nodded. "It's the equator thing. Though the orphanage didn't teach us about it yet." Yamamoto added, though the adults didn't exactly know what the equator was.

"So, where are we?" Knuckle started off, glancing around their dark surroundings. He could occasionally hear the sounds of beeping horns, and loud crowds walking across the street. "Chiba. It's near my orphanage." Yamamoto said with a rather depressed expression. "I know this area well. I escaped the orphanage several times, so I'm used to the roads and everything… this area seems to be… well, my orphanage is in the center of Chiba, and I made some long escapes to different provinces in Chiba on foot so… ah." Yamamoto paused as he saw a sign standing in the sidewalks of the alley. "It's Narita."

"How far will that be to get to the Millefiore base?" Lampo questioned. "We don't have the currency of Japan in this era, so we will have to move by foot." Ryohei seemed to think about it for a while. "Chiba itself isn't very far from Tokyo. Since we're in Narita, by foot, it might take a few days or so, but we'll get there before… about June 3rd, I'd say, if we start right now. And you might've noticed, but the Millefiore base is in Tokyo to the extreme." Asari frowned. "Tokyo would be…" "Edo." Ryohei nodded helpfully, as Asari finally relaxed a little, glad that kids in the future seemed to be studying history well enough.

"So, where are we supposed to start? Takeshi, do you know?" Knuckle asked, and Yamamoto gave a troubled glance at the sun guardian. "No… I lived in Chiba for as long as I remember. I don't know much about Tokyo." The adults nodded, not blaming the boy. Whether Takeshi made wide ranges of escapes or not from his orphanage (and not to mention, caught all the way back again) it was rather challenging to move from major cities and so on. In Italy, it would kind of be like a little kid trying to walk from Rome to Naples. "I know." Ryohei replied quietly.

"You do?" Lampo raised his eyes. "How?" Ryohei shrugged, as if it was nothing that needed to care about. "I rode a train before, from Narita International Airport to Tokyo, where my family used to live. That was about 5 years ago, so it might've changed, but it's worth a try, isn't it?" The adults eyed one another, trying to read eachother's minds of whether to go with Ryohei's sense of direction or not. Used to. Knuckle noticed, and thought. The frequent of usage of past tense of when he talks always bothers me… God bless him, who knows what happened.

"Well… ore-sama thinks that's the only option we have for now… It's either that we're stuck here, asking around with the citizens of modern Japan in very ancient-styled Japanese, or actually walk according to someone's brain. Now, which?" Lampo asked rhetorically, as the others nodded in agreement, deciding that they did, indeed, didn't have a second option – at least, an option that was actually better than the latter. "Well, then on foot that is. Though, 2 days… that's a pretty good chunk of time. I wonder who was actually transported to the correct location?" Asari wondered out loud, as Lampo shrugged a little.

"It might be that none of us were actually transported to the correct place at all. Talbot did say his time machine was incomplete – and he made it clear, too. It surely succeeded in transporting us 5, into this era – and well, at least to a city near Tokyo. There is a faint possibility that the time machine wasn't able to hold the amount of people, and that's why we started at the exact same location, but didn't end up in the same one as well. We're now scattered – different places, and I surely I hope this didn't happen, but different eras. I doubt that though." Lampo said calmly, as Asari and Knuckle glanced at eachother. They both seemed to be thinking identical things – Why was their lightning guardian so serious and sharp, out of sudden? They gave a weird look at Lampo, as the neon green haired male narrowed his eyes.

"What? Do I have something on my face?" The other two guardians shook their heads rather abruptly. "Nothing. Just… wondering how good the weather was." Asari laughed lightly at Knuckle's excuse, as Lampo raised his left brow, but sighed and turned away. The 4 adults and descendants walked behind, Ryohei often yelling the directions, before thinking about it pretty hard, fumbling through his already pretty much faded memories – which added to the memories he didn't wanted to be reminded of. Lampo was the one leading the crowd (unexpectedly, if the others had to mention) with a grim expression.

Lambo… Lampo thought, as he continued to walk briskly, looking at the ground mostly covered with damp dirt and cement. My… family. The he looked behind at Asari and Knuckle, both talking to their own descendants. The kids looked more relaxed than the previous month and weeks – if Lampo had to word it the cheesy way, then it was almost like the kids were at home – and they belonged, somehow, to the noisy crew of their vigilante Famiglia. He then remembered the little male descendant of his own – the cute black, curly haired boy who looked just like him.

FLASHBACK

"What do you like to do?" Lampo asked, sitting on his own personal couch placed in his office, his legs on the table as he lazily signed the sheets of paper neatly stacked on his desk. He was helping Giotto out with his work – and at the same time carrying out a certain order Giotto had all told them to do – sitting in their respective offices until they finish their paperwork – with their descendants. Many complaints were shouted at the boss – especially from one red head, one melon head, and one platinum blonde – but Giotto didn't budge and simply ignored their desperate retorts. So now, here Lampo was, sitting in his office with Lambo, who was looking out the window.

The boy didn't respond for a while, and Lampo twitched, narrowing his eyes at the thought of being ignored by his very own descendant. "… I like to play hide-and-seek." Lambo said, and then paused. "And to read books about machinery and electronics." Lampo looked up, and frowned. "What are those?" Lambo narrowed his eyes, until he remembered that the person he was talking to was someone from 400 years in the past. "Hide-and-seek is a game where there is a person, usually called the 'it', catching other people who are hiding in a certain location. It's a fun game, but it's not very exciting when you're the first one to be caught. Machinery and electronics are basically a part of the studies of modern technology of the 21st century and the 20th century combined. It's interesting."

Both parties didn't say anything for a while. "Why did you like them?" The older male asked, as Lambo shrugged again. "Just because." Lampo, not able to understand what the boy was trying to say, just remained silent, writing his signature on the sheets of fresh paper. "I played hide-and-seek when I was young. With who, I don't remember. But I know I did it with someone… not Haya-nii, but someone else… and his hair was blonde. I wonder who it was." Lampo stopped writing. "Books about machinery and electronics are what Haya-nii introduced to me, though. I have a vague memory about reading about it when I was very young."

"Didn't you say that you were picked up from the streets, and Hayato was the one that took you in?" Lambo nodded at the question. "It is, indeed. But it wasn't like that from the start. At least, I think so." Lampo lowered his head and started writing again, as he placed another piece of paper on the stack to his left. A few minutes later, he was finally done. He stretched his arms as he yawned, and sat up from his chair tiredly. Lambo stared at him for a while, and then went back to observing the green scenery outdoors. Lampo thought for a while, as he stared awkwardly at the ceiling. Then he opened his mouth.

"We can do it some time, I guess." Lambo frowned in confusion, as Lampo just remained silent. "Do what?" the boy asked after a long period of time – or as long as it seemed to be. "That so called Hide-and-Seek." Lambo rolled his eyes. "That game is only fun when it's done with many people." The older male shrugged. "Then we'll just invite the other adults and kids." Lambo's expression turned blank. He stared at Lampo, as if he was insane. "Are you serious?" Lampo scowled at the younger boy, as if he was the weird one. "You think I am not?" Lambo blinked, and then hesitated. "Then…" Lambo held out his pinky finger. Lampo stared at it, wondering what the boy wanted him to do. "Promise me." Lampo snorted lightly. Kids are still kids, he thought, as he curled his pinky around the little boy's.

"A promise that is, then."

END OF FLASHBACK

Lampo smiled a little, as he twisted his pinky around in his pocket. Cute kid. He then took his hand out and stared at it, and soon clenched it tight, making it into a fist. He looked up, and then sighed.

"I still have a promise to keep, I suppose…"

MEANWHILE, IN TOKYO…

"So dark… I am sure going to like this." Daemon chuckled. "It's a shame my dear Elena isn't here to enjoy this moment with me. And instead, I have a grumpy dog by my side, complaining why his master isn't with him…" An animated vein popped up comically on G's forehead. "A grumpy what?" Daemon smirked. "Nothing… just…. Talking to myself, that's all. Isn't that right, my dear Chrome?" Daemon hugged his descendant closed to him, as the girl blushed and nodded. G, not even being able to cuss violently because of the kids, just groaned and scratched his head like mad.

"Anyways, where are we? It's kind of dark, but there seems to those… weird standing stuff that gives out light block to block." Gokudera rolled his eyes, as G pointed out. "Those are called street lights, or street lamps, whatever you want to call them." G shrugged, and moved on. "Looks like a busy city." He commented, as Gokudera, Mukuro, and Chrome started glancing around the place as well.

"It's Tokyo." Chrome whispered quietly. "It's where the main base of the Millefiore Famiglia is situated." Daemon and G stared at the girl in surprise. Mukuro cleared his throat to explain. "You can see the Tokyo Tower, that's why." He pointed at the big, glowing orange structure a little far away. "It proves that we're somewhere around the center of Tokyo. Around Minato, I assume. The Millefiore base is located near Waseda, right in the center of To- well, to make it easier to understand for you people, I would say Edo. Its forces spread around the whole perimeter of the main base, and sometimes even further. It depends, really, each day. Now, their defense would've loosened a little, because Byakuran is probably focusing on how to go to the past."

"But it might be otherwise as well." Gokudera pointed out. "He's the Byakuran. Who knows what he is planning right at this very second?" Mukuro narrowed his eyes back. "Such negative statements are unnecessary. Our only chance is now, to actually go into the base and plan an attack." The silver haired boy spat in reply; "I am just merely explaining the bold truth you are seemingly attempting to deny." Mukuro simply growled. "I am trying to what?" The two adults sighed, as the intense argument continued. Being their descendants, continuous fights were rather expected – but inheriting such elements as well were totally needless.

"Enough." G said as he waved his hand in front of the two, stopping the commotion. "It's for us to decide whether to attack their base openly, or not. This way or that, the war and battle will be unavoidable, and it is something we will need to face someday. If Giotto was here…" G trailed off a little. If he was here, there would be no such need for discussions in the first place. "No, never mind. The first thing we can do is look for the so-called Arcobaleno dude with the black fedora. They should be close as well, as they seemed to be planning a rebellion against the Millefiore. Besides, they did say they would be waiting for us."

"That's reasonable." Daemon nodded. "And they might be able to know where the others are. Because obviously, we seem to be scattered all over this very country." The mist guardian pointed out, sounding rather discomforted. "Now, we can't help that." G replied, "Ours was a rather… basic time machine, if I should say. With the state of the technology in our time, it is even most impressive that we were even able to be transported to a whole new, different era in the future. My thanks will be presented to Talbot when we return." The storm guardian nodded, as Gokudera looked down and whispered.

"If we will even be able to return, that is." Daemon and G's eyes widened as they heard what the silver haired boy said, and stared down at him, startled at the negative remark. The boy didn't say any more, as G and Daemon glanced at one another worriedly. This kid… always hopeless. Did he really inherit my blood? G grumbled in his mind, as they started walking based on the directions Mukuro and Gokudera and Chrome gave them time to time.

"Wait." Mukuro stopped them, standing in their path abruptly as he quickly pushed them to the side. He eyed the men in black walking around the corners of alleys, some standing the middle of the road. Cars carefully went past, not wanting to bother with the men of the most powerful Famiglia in Japan – or possibly even the whole world. They are making this many patrolling men at this time of the night? Sure, Byakuran always raises the amount of his forces during this hours of the day, but I wasn't expecting… The boy bit his bottom lip. He turned towards the others who were giving him a confused look, probably except Gokudera, who seemed to be catching up quick on what was happening.

"It's the men in black." Mukuro muttered quietly. Gokudera narrowed his eyes. "They're from the Black Spell, then. What squad are they from?" Mukuro glanced again, until he saw a vibrant purple haired man walk towards a few of the men. "The 3rd squad. That means Gamma, the man of Lightning must be here somewhere…" Gokudera growled. "Gamma? That Gamma? Can't you do something?" Mukuro glared at the silver haired boy. "Don't think that all the squad captains from Black Spell are friendly. They are undeniably the half that makes of the power of the Millefiore Famiglia – whether they were the Giglio Nero in the past or not. The only nice person I ever knew-" Mukuro paused, as he remembered the pretty female will dark hair, a small orange, flower-shaped birthmark under her eye. "I ever knew…" Mukuro trailed off, and then stopped. "Nothing." He sighed, and then focused on the men again.

"10… 11… 12…" Mukuro counted. "From what I see from here, there are about 14 men, but there's probably way more behind the walls and hiding in the alleys. It would be wise to go through another way, but I am sure other places are being guarded heavily as well. So, find another path, or break through?" He asked the adults, as G and Daemon glanced at one another. "If I was with Alaude I would say break through… actually, if it was only us, then I would say break through as well. But with you kids…" Daemon sighed, rubbing the back of his neck, trying to think of what to do.

"I do know how to fight, excuse you." Gokudera grunted, and Mukuro nodded as well. "You guys aren't the main problem I am concerned about. I know that you guys can fight better than an average man. The one I am worried about is Chrome here, you dense brats." Daemon corrected, as he grunted. Chrome jumped, as she clutched onto the shirt sleeve of Daemon.

"No need for such discussions." A sudden voice was heard behind them, as G unconsciously pointed his gun at the head of whoever it was, and Daemon released his mist flames as fast as he could. "Wait-wait-wait-wait-wait!" The voice stuttered nervously. "I- I'm your ally. I swear, I really am, on the name of my, uh, something. I was sent to you guys by the order of Reborn-senpai and Colonello-senpai. And well, Luce." G and Daemon lowered their weapons with a small scowl on their faces. The tall male in front of them was wearing make-up, with a leather outfit that motorcycle riders seemed to wear. His hair was a dark shade of purple, and his skin was pale. "My name is Skull, the cloud Arcobaleno."

"The cloud?" Daemon mumbled in disbelief. "What has really come to this time of the future? I have never met a shuddering cloud guardian even once in my whole life before." G grunted in agreement. "Not to mention, a cowardly one." Skull narrowed his eyes. "I'm not cowardly. Besides, for some reason, the attribute we received doesn't match our personality, excluding Luce. That's not my fault, is it?" He shrugged. Then he glanced at the forces of the Black Spell looming about a few meters away from them.

"This place is way too risky to share a proper conversation. Follow me. I will lead you to our base." Skull gestured, as Daemon and G glanced at one another, and then started walking. Mukuro and Gokudera seemed suspicious as ever, but came to a hard decision that they had no choice as well. Chrome simply clung to Daemon the whole time, shuddering time to time in fear.

"By the way," G started, as they went deeper into the dark alley. "Do you know where the others are? You seem to know us, so you better be aware of our companions, right?" Skull remained silent for a while. "Well," he started, "It is true that you people were all scattered when you first arrived. One group is only a few miles away from us, and another is…" Skull seemed to be calculating the distance from Tokyo to Akita. "Very far away. All of us decided to focus on you guys first, the only group that landed in the correct location of where you were supposed to." G nodded, as Daemon just simply shrugged and looked away.

They finally stopped after a few minutes of what seemed like forever, coming to the dead end of the alley. Skull went through the wall, as Daemon chuckled in his mind. An illusion using high-classed mist flames. My, my, it seems like our supporters aren't half bad at this… They all went through the wall – or rather an illusion that simply led to another path. In front of them there was a dark corridor, its walls made out of steel, metal, and though they weren't visible, cameras hidden in soundproof walls – just in case there was an invasion.

"This is our base – the base for the Arcobalenos. If you go down this staircase, you will immediately be able to gain access to the facilities here, after the permission of that snappy Rebor- I mean, Reborn-senpai. The name is Sotto Base – which basically means a base underground, but everyone calls it the AUB – Arcobaleno Underground Base, just to make it easier." Skull said, as he typed something into a small keyboard, as the first door opened quietly. They started walking again. "In a few days, the Varia will come for assist – thanks to Mammon and the numerous amount of people she (In various sources, it says Mammon/Viper is a 'he', but it isn't officially verified anywhere – therefore I would make it a 'she'.) knows, with her money business and everything."

"The Varia?" Daemon questioned, as Skull placed his hand on some kind of machine, as the second door opened. "It's Vongola's Private Elite Assassination Squad. Most of us, the Arcobaleno, ended our faithful ties and bonds whatsoever with the Vongola now, but Mammon is quite different. She was a member of the Varia in the past, and it seems like most of them owe her some kind of debt. And trust me, it isn't good when you owe something to Mammon – though it's nice when it's the opposite situation." Skull typed a second password into the third door. "They are fairly strong assassins, and they will be helping us in invading the Millefiore forces." Skull led them to a room, and then stopped. "This is where I will have to leave you. Reborn-senpai and Colonello-senpai will be waiting for you inside. Good luck." With that, Skull walked away, glancing at his watch, picking up his pace as he disappeared into the dark.

G twisted the doorknob, and entered the room. It was considerably bright, and the atmosphere was rather warm and welcoming. The color of the room was generally yellow, just like the color of the sun flames, and two fully grown males were sitting on a red couch in the middle of everything. "Greetings to you, G, the storm guardian, and Daemon Spade, the mist guardian of the first generation of the Vongola Family." The male with the fedora said with small smile that made the kids cringe with discomfort. "And our fellow guests." Reborn nodded.

"Funny, how you seem to know us very well – when we know nothing about you." Daemon sat down on the opposite couch, crossing his right leg, as he placed on top of his left. He simply Chrome settle down next to him, as G cautiously slumped down next to him. The boys just stood by the wall, just by mere suspicious instinct. "Let me list things off we know about you. I don't know who the blonde man next to you is, but whatever. You are Reborn, and you're an Arcobaleno. You need us to defeat the Millefiore Famiglia, just like we need you for the same purpose. But what is there to add?" Daemon lowered his upper body towards the sun Arcobaleno. "I think we deserve an explanation, for this abrupt call."

Reborn and Colonello remained silent for a few seconds. "Very well, then. We will tell you. Yes, it is true that all these meetings we called for are all sudden. More than the bare truth, you have just said. Let me apologize and introduce myself in a more civilized manner. My name is Reborn – though my real name, I can't say. This man next to me is Colonello, and he specializes in weapons of every sort." Colonello simply gave a polite nod. "Firstly, about how we know you – that will be rather straightforward. All of us, the Arcobaleno, were a part of the Vongola, or some kind of external force connected to the Vongola in the past. Some were members of the CEDEF, and some were supporters of the base of the Famiglia." Reborn paused, and then continued.

"In order to raise your social status – or rather, your rank, in the Famiglia to a higher place, you need to be knowledgeable, strong, and worthy of being qualified. Strength can be solved by training. However, knowledge is something you need to study for. The Vongola Exams test you about how much you know about the past of the Vongola, it's allied Famiglias, its enemies, and most importantly, the first generation of the Vongola – the ones that built the Famiglia. All of the Arcobaleno aced that exam, so it's obvious that we know you." G and Daemon eyed Reborn and Colonello, impressed.

"For example," Colonello cleared his throat. "The first boss – Giotto Ieyasu Sawada. The first man to unleash the power of the sky flames, and is also known as the most powerful boss in Vongola history. G – the greatest right hand man the mafia world has ever had. Supported his boss with extreme loyalty and power. Asari Ugetsu, the undefeatable swordsman, Knuckle, the supreme boxer of the Vongola – also the best healer ever recorded. The list goes on, continued by Alaude – also one of the strongest guardians ever known, and Daemon Spade, who went shoulder-to-shoulder with Alaude. Also, Lampo Bovino, the man who possessed the shield – and was deemed worthy of a guardian." The mist guardian and storm guardians of the Vongola stared at Colonello in awe.

"Fancy titles they gave us." G said, though he felt flattered in the inside. "Surely." Colonello smirked, as he folded his arms. Reborn cleared his throat. "To continue from there – is there anything else you want to know? Because then we need to make some preparations for you." G glanced at Daemon, as the mist guardian shrugged and opened his mouth. "If I need to ask, I was just curious – why is your base so nearby to the Millefiore's? In my opinion that is very risky – even if your main entrance is very well hidden with high classed mist flames and illusions, it doesn't change the fact you are exposing yourself to the enemy."

"That cannot be helped, really." Another voice appeared in the scene. An indigo haired female stepped into the room, as Colonello jumped in surprise and quickly stood up from his seat. The female took his place and sat down, folding her arms. "Most of us work in the Millefiore Base. Forcefully, of course. Byakuran doesn't know that some of us are still alive, but well. Verde works at the laboratory with his cousin, Luce is the second-in-command for the whole Famiglia and the boss of the Black spell, so on." G raised his eyebrows. "And you are…" The female nodded. "I'm Lal Mirch."

"We are doing a fairly good job hiding our plans from Byakuran. Though I hope Fon wouldn't be the reason for our identity being revealed. He's our storm Arcobaleno. I think you'd be surprised if you meet him." Reborn grinned a little. "He looks very similar to a certain somebody among your gang, so he would release a familiar aura. But he holds a totally different personality, so it might be rather startling." He paused once again, and then continued. "Any more questions? And by the way, your comrades will be arriving to our base soon, I assure you. They have the assistance of two of our best members – Fon and Mammon. The group in Akita will take about 4 days to arrive, since they are all moving on foot, but time will go by very soon."

"What are the preparations you have to make for us?" Daemon leaned back on the comfortable couch, cracking his neck a little. Reborn, Colonello, and Lal Mirch glanced back at eachother back and forth, as if they were having quiet but intense debate about who was going to explain. In the end, Colonello opened his mouth to speak. "It's about… well, increasing your strength, I should say, kora." Daemon and G listened attentively. "The Millefiore Famiglia is an exceptionally grand Famiglia now. It has been growing ever since it was made, and it is now almost at the peak of it's power – which, is fully capable of completely crushing the Vongola and it's very few remaining allied Famiglias at its current worn out state."

"So?" Daemon asked impatiently. He was expecting such poor circumstances. Colonello continued. "We ended our ties with the Vongola, as Reborn said earlier. This means that we will not be holding hands with them – leaving Varia out as an exception. The supporting forces we have – the only supporting forces we have – are our own bodies, the small but influential power of the Varia, the spies we planted in the Millefiore base, a few members of the Black Spell that work with Luce, and finally, you." Colonello pointed at the two of them. "That's the main reason why we called you to our era. Well, I am presuming you would've arrived anyways, seeing how that Bovino kid is being held hostage due to what the cloud boy did."

"Now, to summarize what you're saying… or what you are about to say, either one," G cleared his throat. "You want us to train, or whatever, to increase our physical and mental strength in general, in order to gain the power to stand against the current force of the Millefiore Famiglia. Am I right?" the 3 Arcobalenos nodded. "And I am also assuming that you have all those facilities ready so that we can accomplish that goal, yes?" They nodded again. "Then that's good… we can do that. But I think you have something more to add."

Reborn smirked. "As expected of G. Your interpretation skills are exceedingly impressive. Not to mention, your natural instincts surprise me. Yes, there is indeed more. In truth – and the most purest intentions possible for us – we want the children to go through the training as well." G and Daemon immediately narrowed their eyes in discomfort. "You want," Daemon started. "These vulnerable kids to train? Go through all that physical pain and to be strained mentally, after all that they already went through?" G was startled at the mist guardian's calm but furious outburst. It was almost what Giotto would've said, if he was here.

"Pain brings people power." Reborn stated quietly. "And besides, it's not like I am exactly fine with this idea. I personally go against it. However, we don't know what will happen. Especially when we don't know what Byakuran might've done to Lambo and Kyoya…" Reborn trailed off. "… It's not good. You people are not aware of what happened to Kyoya yet, aren't you?" The two adults shook their heads. "Then it's better to leave it at that. The time to know will eventually come. But now, we really need to hurry. Byakuran will make his move any time soon – and he probably now even knows that you arrived in this era. It's a piece of cake for him, after all." Reborn stood up. "Follow me. I will lead you to the places you will all need to go respectively."

They were led to a room each – and soon, the kids were separated as well. Chrome didn't want to be left alone – she especially wanted to remain with Mukuro, and for some reason, Mukuro didn't want to let her go on her own either – but Lal Mirch assured them that they will meet soon. Gokudera went into his, wordless, and soon the others were all in a training room, made for each of different purposes.

G sighed, now left by himself, after receiving simple instructions and points about his room. He released his storm flames, and the room's system activated itself automatically. G destroyed the metal comets that were falling and aiming for him from the ceiling one by one with his gun. He gritted his teeth, as several explosions went off all at once in an intense manner.

Giotto, where are you…

ON THE OTHER HAND, OFF IN AKITA…

"My, my, so dark…" Elena mumbled, as they continued to walk along the road. It was almost 2 in the morning, and most of the stores were closed, and people were gone – with the exception of a few drunk men, and poor pedestrians looming around aimlessly. "I am glad I am wearing my most comfortable outfit." Elena said, as she glanced down at her silky green pants and white blouse, with her leather boots that had no heels. It was the clothing she wore when the Vongola was out in the battlefield, fighting with an enemy Famiglia. She would often join in, and support the others with her own mist flames.

"Well, at least we know where we are going. The map did say that Millefiore base was somewhere in Tokyo." Giotto said, as Alaude grunted. "That will undoubtedly take at least 5 days to go by foot." Giotto shrugged. "If we can't earn public transport because we are short on money, then we can simply get one from somewhere. I also saw that there was a base of an allied Famiglia of the Millefiore here somewhere. I think their name was the Gesso… that's where we are headed right now, anyways."

"Well, that's some scary statement to make in front of a kid, Giotto." Elena glared meaningfully, carrying a sleeping Tsuna in her arms. "He's sleeping, though…" Giotto protested, as Elena rolled her eyes. "It's called, you don't know when kids are pretending or not. Though, I will go over it for now. Are you sure you know the exact location of the Gesso Famiglia's base, Giotto? Are you sure the map was correct?" Giotto nodded, as he turned another corner. "Yes, I am pretty sure it was…" the 3 all paused and stared at the sight in front of them. "Here…" A building – or what seemed like it used to be a building – was in ruins, destroyed in a devastating manner. It hasn't been more than a few hours… Giotto thought. Who might it be? Alaude scowled, as he saw a few men fly up into the air from the side of the tall ruins. A shadow appeared in the midst of the dust, as Elena took a few steps back, with Tsuna in her arms.

"This horrible stench…" Giotto crinkled his nose. "Smells like garlic." Alaude scowled as well, as the shadowy figure started walking out of the ruins. Giotto noticed the unnaturally long hair the person possessed – that was neatly braided to the side. The person stopped, the long cloth of his top flapping side to side at the cool midnight wind.

"Well, well… that was a pleasant fight. Though the Gesso is really no good at battle, they always have nice strategies that aren't half bad… very interesting." The voice spoke quietly, as if it never noticed Giotto and his lot. When the dust cleared up, Elena gasped a little, and Giotto stared at the person is pure disbelief. Alaude seemed to be mystified by the sight that folded up in front of his very eyes. The male finally looked up and stared back – in shock, if Giotto had to add.

"I did hear from Mammon that there was going to be guests in Akita today… but I never knew it would be…" the male smirked, as he walked towards Giotto. "Vongola Primo, is it?" He smiled – something Giotto didn't expect from a person that held such resemblance with Alaude. "I understand this is rather sudden, but it's my pleasure to meet you. The storm Arcobaleno, Fon, at your service." He bowed politely, as Giotto blinked a little. "Um, hello, sir Fon." Fon smiled. "No need for the honorifics. I am also one of the direct descendants of your cloud guardian over there, after all." Elena's expression softened. "Then that explains your appearance. Though, you seem to be way more… well, less frustrated than Alaude and his other descendant." Alaude gave a look at Elena, as Fon chuckled.

"You are talking about Kyoya, yes?" He asked, and Elena nodded. "He is my cousin. I used to keep an eye on him, but…" Fon trailed off a little, as his expression saddened a little, as his smile vanished. "Nothing. Sorry for that." Fon paused, as he inhaled a deep gust of air. "You need to go back to where your comrades are, yes? Well then, I think I can help you with that. It would usually take a few days, if you walk… but for now, we will use these." Fon said as he pointed at the motorbikes that were parked far away.

"What are those?" Giotto asked. Fon smiled. "A small transportation system. With enough fuel, if I should add. They are good stuff, and in a matter of hours, we will be there in Tokyo. Hop in." Fon got on his own, with Elena riding on the remaining back seat with Tsuna in her arms. Fon handed her a helmet, in which she was rather confused on how to really wear – until Fon put it on for her. Elena thanked the male, as Giotto and Alaude adjusted to the new machine for a while. Alaude got used to it fairly easily, figuring out how to use the controls, and Giotto also got the knack of it after trying a few times.

"Are we ready, then?" Fon asked, as they all nodded. Alaude simply shrugged, as he started the engine. The loud sound made Tsuna wake up, but Elena soon hushed the boy back to sleep.

"Well… here we go."

SOMEWHERE IN THE MILLEFIORE BASE…

A boy was lying down in the middle of the cold metal floor, his body half covered in red blood and stained with what seemed like dirt and sweat.

"Did you know, Kyoya-chan? Dolls that are done with use are trashed into the rubbish bin. Your mission is finished. You successfully delivered me the Bovino boy, which will finally trigger that idiotic Spanner to do some work. I have no more use for you."

"Disappear."

The boy grunted as he turned to side, his hand unconsciously clasping his broken legs in pain. He hissed as he touched the raw wound, and turned to opposite side again. He was used to abuse and neglect. He was also used trying to stand up against the harsh attacks, and attempting to act strong, but failing. It was useless to plan a rebellion against Byakuran. He knew his efforts would prove itself unnecessary, and again, he would be the trashed doll that was done with use.

Finding the backstories of the kids of the Vongola for nothing. Tricking an annoying pineapple for nothing. Murdering thousands of men for nothing. Capturing a Bovino for nothing. Kyoya thought, his right eye half closed. Everything I did for my whole life, for nothing. Now, after all he did for Byakuran, the man was going to kill him, just like this. Kyoya glanced at the cell door that was wide open. It was a message of Byakuran – "You can escape whenever you wish. Just remember that you will always find yourself in your little cage all over again. Your efforts are useless, Kyoya-chan – you know that, don't you?"

He gritted his teeth in frustration. He hated being looked down at. He hated it, and despised it so much, and yet he couldn't do anything about it. Yeah, one hell of a carnivore he was. He sighed heavily as he stared at his bloody hand that was covered in bruises. I want to live. He thought. I need to escape. So why am I not doing that? I know it's the right thing to do, and yet… Kyoya eventually chuckled to himself, his arm dropping by his side.

"It's herbivorous. So herbivorous…"

Once again, there was heart to be mended.

But Hibari Kyoya knew efforts were futile.

He knew it a little too well.

End of Chapter.

Finally, the rising action and suspense begins. Not all of the Arcobaleno are introduced, but they will appear sooner or later. And yes, the Varia does appear in this story… as how I changed my mind. I didn't want a character overload, but I suppose I will be able to control them, since most of you reading this story should know all the characters that made their debut so far – as they are all characters that make their entrance in the anime.

This chapter was pretty much straightforward, with a small update on the state of Kyoya and everything. Man, Byakuran is harsh. But he has his reasons, as what will be revealed later on. It's a shame that I can't show hints of Byakuran's past, just yet. It has more than just was is shown on the previous chapters – just like all he pasts of the other kids are.

If any of you are confused about anything in this story, please write it down in the reviews. I understand that there are some elements I don't clarify very well in the chapters itself, so yeah…

So now, here goes the replies to all the lovely reviews I received!

Inulover305 – Thank you very much – I appreciate the fact that you like my writing, and my chapter.

YamiKeitsuki822 – was that little too much for a cliffhanger? It's good if you enjoyed it, but… oh well. Thank you for the review.

Queenbee – It really depends. I try to make all their stories sad – and Tsuna's past has a twist like all the others.

Zairaswift – I am very happy that you are enjoying my story. Being up at 2 am is very hard though… make sure to get enough sleep.

Frost190 – I am glad I made things clear for you. Please inform me in the reviews again if you have anything more to add. I apologize if I word my chapters in a confusing manner, as well.

Natsu Yuuki – I am glad to hear that you will always love my story. That's very nice of you.

Ghostunderasheet – Ah, yes, me and my taunts. That always seems to be a problem, don't you think? And well… the Arcobaleno will be appearing frequently as the story goes, so I guess you can look forward to it.

This chapter was over 7000 words… it's the longest chapter I ever wrote. Thanks for the support, guys.

~Meiko~