A/N: The more things change, there are some that inevitable no matter how much you try to stop it.
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Chapter 11
Will he always train under his master? (part 3)
"By the way," Romeo casually begins. Federico looks at his lightning guardian warily.
"I love your blade! It must cost a fortune and by the few moments I've seen you fight with it by covering it with your rain flames..." Romeo had his fists on the side of his head and open them up, "Mind-blown."
"Romeo, I believe I specifically remember you use your flames in the similar manner in our last spar," Genkishi frowned.
"Half-Brow, man," Romeo pats his arm and makes a dramatic show of exasperate that made Basil grin, "That is only strengthens my precious Hera. This kid used it outwardly that causes damage without even being touched by the blade."
"Its nothing much, I was still learning with Master on unlocking my Hyper Dying Will."
"That's you still learning how to unlock it?" Federico asked incredulously, "You're incredible Basil!"
Basil chuckles and looks down bashfully.
"Decimo-sama?"
Basil stares strangely with a strong curiosity at Genkishi that Federico filed to ask later and answered, "Yes, Genkishi?"
"Later today, you have a banquet to go to," he reads off from his phone calendar.
"Banquet...oh yes! The Serpente's in honoring Lancia's change of status! Remind me an hour before we go, please." Genkishi nods.
"Speaking of Serpente famiglia," Romeo sits up from laying down on the couch, "I have been helping with the weapon inventory the other day and found there are missing ammunition and weapons. Its subtle, but I feel its suspicious."
Federico looks at him in worry, "How so?"
"I talked to some people about it," Romeo had his rarely serious look, "They thought I was just being paranoid, but it has been happening for a while."
Federico taps his desk in thought. Once he done processing what he should do, Decimo turns to Genkishi, "Genkishi make note of that. I will speak with Father about it later, probably tomorrow since today is going to be busy with meetings and the banquet."
Genkishi quickly types in his phone and who knows where else.
"Your first meeting is finalizing your alliance with the Nuevo famiglia. There are coming in less than 30 minutes."
"Well that is my cue to leave. Lets go see other fun stuff in this stuffy mansion, Basil!" Romeo walks a bit too fast with the rain flame user. Federico shakes his head, knowing Romeo either doesn't like the too excited chatter of the Nuevo famiglia or is it the fact its a meeting that Romeo rather not deal with.
"-Like dude! You went brutal and bam! Got those child molesters where it hurt! Is it true you sic those scary zombies or mummies wannabes?"
Federico only smiles and nods. He is yet amazed by the blank look Genkishi had next to him, unfazed by the non-stop chatter of the Nuevo famiglia.
"If that is all, I fear I must cut the meeting short, I have..." Federico quickly tried to think of a good excuse, but fortunately the Nuevo boss gives him a thumbs up.
"Right-Oh! Being the head honcho must be tiring, am I right, yo?"
Federico nods with a frozen smile, "Very busy, yes."
The boss reached for Federico's hand to shake it and the Decimo internally panicked when he saw Genkishi reach for his swords. It was very fortunate the other man who came with the boss pulled the Nuevo boss and whispered something.
"Oh!" his eyes widen as the whispers sounded fierce. The Nuevo boss excited hero-worship look changed hurt to anger to resignation in a span of couple of minutes.
"It will seem there is a problem."
Federico straightens up at the serious tone of the Nuevo boss.
"I am still new at this mafia thing and I really appreciate how the heir of the boss of all bosses in this underworld took his time to have a meeting. I...seemed to have a traitors in my ranks. I been recently informed where they might be located. I don't know why they went there, but I know its trouble since they have a long bloody record against them. Ever since I took over and change some of the policies, they actually showed displeasure."
"So you wish for advice?" Federico asked. He really isn't sure how he will deal with traitors himself.
"No, only if you ever see them," the Nuevo boss had an angry look, "they are to be killed on sight."
Federico pale at this, but kept his council. He is aware that some famiglias have their own rules and this one from the other side of the Atlantic would have the same.
"They had coerce and hurt too many good men and a few of our women, all because of their pleasure of watching them scream in pain. That is not acceptable and now they went to Japan looking for some Tunafish-"
"WHAT?!" Federico and Genkishi lost all posture at this. The boss looked worried and steps back in fear.
"Where did they heard-shouldn't-" Federico mutters to himself.
The Nuevo boss explain, worried if he somehow offended, explained, "I don't know why Japan since the only reason I know this from trails they left behind. We suspect it was after some blond guy kept gushing about it at the cruise ship before we reached to Mafia Land."
"I see," Federico slumps at his seat. He closed his eyes and mentally counted enough to be sure he calmed down. He looks at the Nuevo boss again, "Please do not spread information of what happened in this office."
The two Nuevo members nods furiously, "Its like they say back home; What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas!"
Federico absentmindedly waves the two Nuevo as signal to being dismissed.
Once the door shuts, Federico groans, "I was just commenting offhandedly earlier about Iemitsu exposing them. I never expected..."
The door slammed opened and Romeo entered with Basil in tow.
"Reminds me the Tomaso boss's kid..." Romeo comments once Basil shuts Federico's office door.
Genkishi groans and pinches the bridge of his nose.
"I heard they mention...Japan," the younger boy seemed to tremble.
"Basil..." Federico isn't sure how he will explain the boy that someone found out about his master's son might have a target on his back.
"I wish I can go to Japan," Basil sighs dreamily. Federico paused his worry and turns to stare at the boy.
"Their culture, the samurai's honor and their swords!" Basil seemed to glow in excitement and Federico temporary forgotten why he was worried for.
"Oh~So you like Japanese stuff?" Federico puts his hands under his chin, feeling amused at the happy young boy.
"Yes! I even learned Japanese! My master taught me and-" his bright smile dimmed at the thought.
Federico eyes darken. He cannot have the boy upset, it doesn't sit well with him. He quickly thought a way to distract Basil, but Genkishi curse interrupted his thoughts.
"What's wrong? Remembered you had a hot date to go to, but turn out it was for me?" Romeo smirks as he jumps to the nearest chair.
"No," Genkishi glares at Romeo who was spinning around in one of the office chairs. Basil looks torn in joining him to sitting obediently in his seat, "He is coming."
"Who?" Federico asks.
Genkishi looks at Basil. Federico frowns for one second and his eyes widen.
"When is he coming?" Federico hissed, still eyeing Basil who was now distracted by Romeo showing him something in his phone.
"Fortunately in an hour-" his calm face twisted into annoyance. Federico frowns and turns around to see the door open.
It revealed Iemitsu with a large grin. The one time the man decides to come early, it had to be today.
Federico mentally sighs. Iemitsu was sitting in front of the his desk, next to the Basil. The usual amused look boy is now blank ever since Iemitsu entered his office.
"So I heard you in need of rain guardian," grins Iemitsu while Basil tenses.
Federico narrowed his eyes at the man, "I am not currently looking for one as one hasn't present himself or herself as of yet."
"Good. I wish to make an offer," Iemitsu's face looked very serious that Federico hoped the man isn't honestly going to say what he think is saying, while acting Basil not being present in the office.
"Decimo-sama would hear it, but no promises would be made," Genkishi nods diplomatically. It seems his right hand man is getting better with his diplomacy skills. He is so proud.
"I wish to offer my apprentice to you as payment of rescuing him from exposing our secrets in a interrogation."
Federico froze and growled, but Genkishi pokes him with one of his sheathes. It was a signal to calm down. The Decimo glared at him and notice how tightly Genkishi was holding his blades that thankfully were still sheathed.
"Have you spoken with him for this? Its not that I would deny it if Basil wishes it," Federico looks down at the Basil.
"Are you giving me a choice to deny such a honor?!" Basil blurt out in surprised. Federico knew it wasn't meant to be offending, but that cannot be said the same with the Outside Advisor.
"Basil!" snapped Iemitsu. Promptly the boy looked ahead with a blank look once again. Romeo for once was silent, knowing Federico will take care of it.
"May I inform you Iemitsu, I do not want a mindless guardian candidate," he felt Basil flinched, but goes on, "More so those who are forced into the position. He is a child and may be under your protection, giving you more right to choice what he needs.
It doesn't change the fact how I prefer that Basil to join only because he wishes to. Being Vongola guardian isn't something you can take back. It can even take your life and the path is much crueler if the person isn't prepared."
"So you're saying my apprentice is weak?" Iemitsu glared at Federico. He wasn't fazed by Iemitsu glare. There was a time he would quall before it, but he is determined to protect Basil.
"No, I wish to speak with him alone, if you don't mind. Then we will reach to an agreement that would satisfy your debt and my interests."
Federico crossed his arms and waited until Iemitsu bows stiffly followed by Romeo and left the room.
"Genkishi?"
"Room sealed. No one in exception of family and guardians may enter." Federico raises an eyebrow, "So far the only guardian out there is Romeo."
"And a handful." Federico chuckles and turns to Basil. The boy began to shake, but keeping his blank face. It was futile and Federico can see the hurt and fear.
"Hey Basil...I don't believe you are weak. You are still young, yet to reach your full potential." The boy still wouldn't look at him and Federico isn't going to force him to, especially now.
"You know, you don't have to be a guardian to join. You can be one of our wards and we will take care of you and if you want to train, all you have to do is ask," Basil seemed to call down a little, so Federico goes on, "And if you wish to train, you may join us. I for one believe Romeo would be most eager. He can be a child for weapons of any kind. The rarer or older, the better."
"Is just...I want to join you," Basil looks up wide eyed, "Its not because Master said so! I can think for myself-!"
Genkishi drops on one knee to speak to Basil in eye level, "It is a intimidating decision to be a guardian. Something most people aren't going to be naturally at and it will take time. The question is, do you have the will to become one?"
Basil looks at Genkishi and nods. The boy turns to Federico and bows, "I, Basil, wished to take the position, who can one day will bring tranquility and all the necessary things I need to learn to be worthy to become your Rain Guardian, Decimo, sir!"
Federico who been watching the interaction between his right hand man and the boy was blown away. Those words sounded like the official words he always wanted to hear and to hear it from a young boy, determined, Federico has no regret to respond in kind.
"Rise, candidate of the Vongola Decimo Rain and trained long and hard in your art and become the weather for your sky, the Vongola Decimo heir has spoken."
The boy stands up and grins. Federico grins back and ruffles the boy's hair, "Genkishi can you take our Rain to join our Lightning? You may have the Father's Outside Advisor enter."
Basil looks up worried at him, but Genkishi speakes up, "Worry not Basil, Decimo-sama would not be alone. The mist never completely leaves."
Federico shakes his head in amusement, but sobers when Iemitsu comes in looking somewhat calmer now.
"He decided to become my Rain," Iemitsu looks up in surprise, "It was his choice. Seems excited too. If you don't mind, I will like for him to stay with me."
Iemitsu sighs, "It was what I originally wanted, but now that its happening, I'm not sure what to feel." Federico just waited for what else Iemitsu wanted since he can feel there is more to say.
"You actually met him couple of years ago," Iemitsu crosses his arms as if remembering something sad.
Federico frowns at him, wondering where is he going with this.
"Do you remember the woman you practically threw at me?" Federico frowns, but shakes his head.
"The woman from the time you saved before the first of many kidnappings you had," Federico groans at this, but nods, now remembering the pregnant woman. He made some quick mental math.
"Yeah, her baby should be about 4 or 5 right? Whatever happened to them?"
Iemitsu looks at the window. He whispers with no hint of emotion, "The mother and her unborn child died. The stress was too much."
Federico pales at the blunt statement. Then realizes he failed her...
"Decimo, it was not your fault…at least her son survived and they are in a better place."
He looks worried for some reason as he fingers his golden ring band on his left hand. Federico wonders for a moment before he realizes Iemitsu probably thinking about his own son.
Curious what the Outside Advisor at what lengths he went to protect his son asked, "So what are you doing to cover your huge slip up of painting a large target on your own son's back?"
"What?! Is that what Basil exposed in the interrogation?!" Federico frowns at his surprise, but most of all the lack of faith he has of Basil.
Didn't he trained Basil? He should know the kid peeped nothing! How dare he accuses him for his mistake!
Trying to distract himself from killing the current Outside Advisor Federico asked, "On topic of the passing of the mother, what become of her older boy? He should be Basil's age-"
Wait...the boy and the woman looked alike and both had dirty blond hair and blue eyes!
His eyes widen, "You took him in..."
"Of course! He had no one else, it's the right thing to do," Iemitsu shrugs, but then suddenly found himself against the wall, being pulled by the collar.
"Its that what you call it? Forgetting the child when you find something different? Not having faith on the boy? Sometimes I wonder with the blatant show of how cute and loveable your family, do they know you even exist? Do you talk to them? Or too busy with work?"
"Decimo, you don't understand…." Iemitsu's eyes flashed gold, furious at the Vongola heir, who paid no heed.
"What kind of father are you?! At least mine acknowledges and cares about us!"
Iemitsu snaps back, "Does he, Federico? Last I checked, your father let a 20 year old young man care for a child that he himself pick off the streets."
Federico glares intensifies as he felt his flames flicker around his hands, "How dare you?! That's sounds talk of treason to me!"
"Decimo-sama," A voice interrupted and Genkishi's flickering illusion self appeared before them and nods stiffly Iemitsu, "Outside Advisor."
"What is it, Genkishi?" grumbles Federico. He had let go Iemitsu when Genkishi appeared, but still glaring at the man.
"You wished to be reminded an hour before we have to take off to the Serpente's Mansion."
"Very well. Thank you for the reminder Genkishi," the right hand man nods and disappeared.
"Leave Xanxus out of our affairs, Outside Advisor," Federico goes back to his desk and grabs a wrapped box. When he look up, Iemitsu was gone.
Dang it! I forgot to tell him about the Tunafish thing!
"Welcome! How-?" Lancia's bright smile faltered at the gloomy and furious air around the older guardians, "What happened?"
"Good afternoon, Lancia-san. Is it true you want to be Vongola guardian too?" Basil asks politely.
"Of course. I am glad you look better, young Basil. Decimo is a very kind boss."
Basil nods in agreement.
"Its best if we be in good behavior, right Decimo sir?" Basil asks. Federico suddenly felt calmer and his tensed shoulder relaxed.
"Dang the kid is a natural," Romeo mutters, but grins, "So much potential~"
Federico pulls Basil to his side, "Hey look, there some girls looking this way, Romeo."
"What?! Where?" He turns and winks at some giggling girls, "Cometh Half-Brow. Lets us get you someone who has a strange quirk of loving those things you call eyebrows."
Federico decides not to think leaving his guardians to their own devices is asking for disaster.
"I bet Romeo would have loved the weapons competition," Basil stares at the other side of the mansion main lawn.
"Its alright, it would not begin after we have dinner. We do appreciate strength in different weaponry. Its a shame Serpente isn't eager with the Bovinos," Lancia gave a resigned smile. He was leading them to their designated table of honor that is next to the main famiglia's table.
"Does it matter now?" Basil asks. Federico looks down at the boy in surprised. It seemed he warmed up to Lancia. Then again anyone who stays long enough to get to know Lancia will too, he is an easy going guy to get along with.
"What do you mean?" Lancia pulled a chair for Basil to seat next to Federico.
"Well in Vongola, no one can say no to the guardian's request, or is it Federico cannot be told no?" he looks at Federico with a questioning look.
"I guess is more like the Ninth, since I am still heir and had not gone through the Succession ceremony let alone hold the Vongola rings to have much say in some affairs."
"Vongola rings?" Basil frowns as if he heard it, but isn't quite sure where.
"Yep. Father says its only a matter of time I will get the box of rings that show the world I am Decimo and its almost time for the ceremony. He thinks I will get my whole set of guardians very quickly."
Basil counted his fingers and frowns with two fingers left over, "What are you going to be Lancia? Storm?"
"Nope, Sun. I could've with my two flames, but I am more comfortable with my sun flames."
"Two flames?" Basil looks at Lancia in awe.
"Hey, you can go into dying will with your rain flames, its a sight to behold," Federico pats Basil's shoulder. The boy ducks down in embarrassment.
"We all amazing in our own way," Lancia gives the boy a small smile.
"Now can I have Lancia to the stage! For our last moment as Serpente and soon start a new journey, a new path for him to slither away," the last part gained some chuckles from the crowd.
Lancia stands up and joins his boss who soon would be replaced by another. Romeo and Genkishi who looked tired, barely made their seats when the Serpente boss began.
"Do not look back, keep moving Lancia for the past will hold you back. When you are released from the Serpente famiglia, you will be missed.
To think you were just a lost orphan child from the streets, but even scratched and beaten, I knew you were strong. You became stronger than any of us and gained the title of the Strongest man in Northern Italy. You were once lost to us, but we were wrong. We lost you twice at the same time.
You have found your true calling. The call of the clam. Well done Lancia and may your strength bring honor. Once this banquet is over, you are no longer a Serpente, but the Vongola guardian!"
People applaud excitedly. Federico half-hugged to cheer up Basil, while Romeo grins and whistles. Genkishi casually brushes off some tears in his eyes.
"Now that feeling part is over, let us eat and after wards we would have our Weapon demonstration begin!"
People cheered.
"Did he say Weapon Demonstration," Romeo looks around and tries to look for the best spot to see it.
They watched, but not as eagerly as Romeo, how each Serpente fought each other with strange weapons that somehow manipulated the wind.
"...the engraving on their weapons...the air currents...I could use that...need to start practicing Hera more..." Romeo mutters next to them.
Genkishi eyes lit up when it was Lancia fight, "Worthy opponent."
There was a click of a photo being taken. Everyone turn to Romeo who grins to himself.
"Aww, isn't Genkishi cute? With this photo posted everywhere, I wonder how many girls would be willing to buy them?"
The Decimo's right hand man pales and runs after a crackling Romeo. Basil shakes his head, "Shameful."
Federico accidentally let out a sniffle. Fortunately no one heard it. Finally someone sane! Finally! Thank you whoever is out there!
When it was time for someone to came up to show a demonstration of precision with a bow and arrow, Federico was close enough to hear some whispering between the Serpentes.
"-he got caught up in an explosion and could not make it."
Lancia looked worried at this, "It was the final one too."
Federico walks with Basil next to him, whispers to Lancia, "You need someone to use the bow? Can someone elsenot from Serpente do it?"
"Yes. Are you going to ask Romeo? I heard he is a weapon expert," Lancia responded.
"Not the Bovino reject," muttered one of the Serpente.
"That Bovino reject is my Lighting," Federico glared at the annoyed Serpente, "Besides I was actually going to offer myself."
"You can wield it?"
In response, Federico gets the bow from Lancia and not realizing he had a sad, nostalgic smile, "Let my arrows strike the point you wish for me to aim."
"Ladies and Gentlemen of all Mafia related things, we have a special demonstration as our last weapon with the ancient art of the bow. Lets give a hand to our future boss, the Vongola Decimo!"
There was a louder cheer and Federico smiles sheepishly. He catches the eyes of his guardians and waves. They only stared in confusion and curiosity.
Basil volunteered to hold the quiver of arrows and stood next to him. Normally it would be tied to his back, but he didn't mind Basil helping him out, "Ready Decimo, sir?"
"Lets do this," Federico pulls the string back and focused his breathing. His grip was unwavering with the arrow tipped with fire. He aimed it toward a row of rings soaked in oil, ready to be burn.
Remembering his old lessons with a faint melancholy, he double checked his stance, and the conditions before letting the arrow sing when he let go.
The arrow whizzed through the rings, only slightly off center from what it was supposed to be aimed at if one paid attention, but fortunately it did its job. All the rings were aflame as the arrow flew straight without dropping height until it passed the last ring. There were more Serpente members at the end, who put out the flamed arrow so the fire wouldn't spread more than it was planned.
Federico ignored the applause and cheers as he stares at the bow, feeling its familiar weight in his hands.
"That was-" Genkishi began, but Romeo pushed him off and grip Federico's shoulders.
"Incredible! Magnifico! Since when you can use the bow. For that matter, why you didn't use it for our duel?"
Federico shrugs, "I never consider it as part of my arsenal since I was too busy focusing in perfecting my flame needles. Besides I always like to use it for fun. It was something my grandmother taught me before she passed away."
His eyes seemed to glow as he remembered Vongola Ottavo, the woman he always remember as his dear nonna, "She was amazing! The way she stood confidently with her crossbow and the dying will arrow ready to launch at her enemies. If she was good at the age I met her, I can only imagine at her prime!"
Lancia arrived barely to hear the story, "You should practice it, Decimo. It will be good to have something to lean back to. For example I actually specialize in hand-to-hand combat, but I also use my steel ball and chain."
Genkishi nods in agreement, "Besides, Decimo-sama, you can have this failure of a romantic to hold it for you in his jacket."
"Yeah-Hey! Its not my fault none of the girls didn't want you," Romeo flicks his collar and dusts off nonexistent dirt off his sleeves.
Genkishi grins, "You sure? Once you left, a couple asked for my number. By the way they loved the slug on my phone. They believed it was 'cute.'"
Romeo froze.
Federico began to worried, but then Romeo exploded, "Yes! My lessons has been paying off! You now have a fan club. All we need to work on is the others," he eyes Lancia and Basil who looked back warily, "Don't worry Boss-man, you still a working progress. Don't think I've forgotten about you."
This reminded Federico and looks at his phone. There are no new messages or missed calls, "Did you guys see Enrico? He said he would be coming."
Genkishi had walked off and made a couple of calls. He quickly returned, but looking confused, "I tried calling the mansion and no one is answering."
Federico's dread began to increase, "I think its best for us to leave," he looks at Lancia in worry.
"Worry not Decimo, the party is now going on for party's sake. I can leave at anytime in especially when you need me, I will go."
Federico turns and stares at Lancia, who didn't fidget. For a split minute they had a silent stare off before the Vongola Decimo nods, "Lets go then."
Genkishi was driving the car that barely fit the guardians. Federico made a mental note to invest into a bigger car or just get a helicopter.
There is a faint nagging feeling that something is off. Enrico never lets me down, unless he is in a last minute mission, but he always inform me himself or have someone else do it as soon as possible. Problem is that it has been a couple of hours!
He decides to call the Varia, but there was no answer, not even from Xanxus. Worried, Federico calls Ottabio.
"Hello," he sensed a faint smile from the greeting. Federico wasn't sure what to feel about that, "Ottabio? This is Federico, is there something I should know about?"
There was a silence, a split second of it, but enough for Federico be suspicious, "I'm sorry Decimo, but there seemed to be a problem. It happened so fast and the Vongola mansion-I have to go, bye!"
Federico pulls back his phone and stares in shock at the end tone.
"Genkishi can you get a security feed from the mansion?" Genkishi nods and the phone floats about and barely visible.
"Should he be doing that, while driving?" Basil asks surprisingly with no worry in his tone.
Before anyone could respond, Genkishi curses, "Something is blocking me."
"Geez, let me," Romeo makes a couple of phone calls, and frowns at each dropped call until he reached a certain number, "Maria, my sweet little-What?! Fire? Who is attacking the mansion? Don't worry sweetheart, Romeo and his merry men are coming to the lovely lady's rescue-!"
The call was dropped again. This was easily heard as the car had stopped at the sudden traffic and everyone processing what they heard.
Suddenly Lancia practically threw Genkishi to the back and drove like a maniac with screaming girls at the back. Scratch that, three screeching girls at the back, while Basil screamed in joy.
When he saw the mansion aflamed, Federico thought the worst. He quickly rushed in with his guardians at his heels.
Federico asks without looking back, "Can you pinpoint where is my father?"
Genkishi closed his eyes and frowned in concentration, "I believe so...its best if you hurry, there is a problem-"
The mansion shook with another explosion frm a flame so familiar, but Federico was too worried to think to deeply about it.
"Get all the servants and wounded out of the mansion!" He ran toward his father's flames flared, but felt uneasy when he also felt another familiar flame. Especially when he can feel the pain and betrayal and agony. Unbeknownst to him, his guardians protested at being separated, but something silent their cries.
It was as if a mist of smoke covered every wall and hallway, but Federico decided then to use his intuition.
Did something happen to Father?! Dang it where are my brothers in all this?!
As he got closer and closer where the explosions happened, Federico became more frantic. Some people seemed to want to fight him, but suddenly step back when they realize who he was. Some of them were Varia. Good we need all the help we can get.
There were shouts of what Federico isn't sure what. It took him a while to hear what it was and left him so shocked that he tripped over a fallen column. It was the word treason.
When he looks up, he saw Massimo scowling at something further ahead of him, unseen to the Vongola Decimo. His older brother was throwing flamed knives and barely caught a glimpse of a couple more hidden under his sleeve, ready to be thrown or slash if whoever the enemy was got near.
Brushing off any debris and a quick check for any wounds, Federico started to run again. He sensed something ahead and threw flame needles at the corner of one of the broken walls.
"Ow!" A baby with a cloak appeared taking off a flame needle from his/her cloak, "Still good aim as ever, Decimo."
Federico lowered his hands, but still had his flames flickering around his knuckles, "What is going on, Mammon?"
The baby looked contemplated or as far as one can tell when the person is covered by a cloak, "Cleansing."
Then a strange ring glowed over the baby's head. They were gone, as if they were never there.
"Now that doesn't sound foreboding," Federico mutters at the empty space, then proceeds to duck a couple of bullets shot around him. He kept running, getting closer to the Vongola main boss' office, where the damage is most extensive.
Federico steps forward, almost losing his balance again when a shot of sky flames flew past him. Almost like a desperate shot. Not to mention familiar...
Ignoring the faint suspicion, Federico shook his head in disbelief, unable to believe the sight before him:
Father and son were fighting, but in opposing sides.
"I bet you thought it was funny! Was I simply your pet project of some kind?! To make yourself better than anybody else?!"
His father was silent with cold eyes, which only were reserved toward the worst of men. Something that shouldn't be ever directed at Xanxus.
The Ninth had somehow got hold of Xanxus' pistols, unknowingly throwing them next to the frozen Vongola Decimo. Xanxus was on his knees exhausted, probably he is the one behind whole mansion being covered in flames.
"You fuc*ing lying scum! Worse than scum, you're nothing! A nobody who happens to carry the title of Vongola within his veins!" Federico flinched at the sheer hate in Xanxus' voice.
He thought things cannot possibly get worse until he saw the Ninth's cane become engulfed in sky flames flicker on and off, in a quick rhythm. He knew what it was. His father is preparing to unleash the Zero point breakthrough on his little brother.
I-I don't under-What-Federico shook his head trying to focused. Desperately, he closed his eyes and fully listen his intuition, no longer ignoring the little bit that whispered Xanxus actually did do something stupid.
I want to stop them! I don't want to lose them! I don't understand what happened, but this must stop!
He let his senses guide him and threw a couple of flame needles near his father's feet.
Federico steps out of the shadows and jumped between his father and younger brother. He glares at his father in an accusing manner, "You hypocrite! You made me swear to never use that on family! And now you think is alright to use it against your son?!"
"Decimo," Federico flinched at Xanxus formal tone behind him, "I'm not his son, but you already knew that."
"What are you talking about? You are my brother!" Federico shouts desperately, putting all his love and sincerity into his voice.
"Tell it to my face, scum!" Federico's heart broke when he heard Xanxus' voice cracked.
If I turn my back to Father, I will not able to protect you, Xanxan, but Federico felt Xanxus wouldn't believe him even if the does turn around. Probably believe the words are merely empty words.
Instead he focused on his father, already feeling the signs of the forbidden attack activating, "I will not let you use it!"
"Stand down Decimo!"
"No! I will not!"
"You should know why I have to do this! He dares to attack the boss with intent to kill. That is committing the ultimate treason."
Federico clenches his hand, but tilts his chin in defiance, "Then it is the one in charge for letting that person go that far."
"What the he** are you saying Federico! You can't just accused Dad!" Massimo shouted from the sidelines as everyone including some of the Ninth guardians, who were not busy rounding up the Varia stood and watch this train wreck.
"I'm not!" Federico yelled with the strong command for silence. He whispers, "I am the one at fault."
No one spoke, even the Ninth stopped with a frown, for once not able to read his son.
"Its my fault. I am closer to him and I should've noticed he was hurting. You put me in charge of his wellbeing, so its me who you should freeze. After all you are foremost the boss and I am just a failed subordinate of your orders."
There was a silence until with a cold, imposing voice the Ninth asked, "So you chose Xanxus over Vongola? Giving up your inheritance as its heir? After you told me you would do anything and nothing will change your mind?"
Federico stares wide-eyed at his father. His body shook, realizing he is stuck between the metaphorical sword and wall, unable to defend. Unable to decide between two important choices.
"I-I…"
He remembers feeling Xanxus' pain in his flames. Then thought about Vongola and the power to lead and guide everyone from going too far. His wish of not becoming like Estraneo in attacking their own family members. To not fail Vongola as Massimo did and…Enrico.
He drops on his knees, bowing his head.
As the Ninth slowly walked around him toward Xanxus, Federico thinks quickly to figure out what else he can do without committing treason himself while trying to save his brother from going through that.
.
.
.
A/N: What? No omake?
It will now show up as its own chapter, so what happens next... that is a story for next week or so! LaniAhava out!