Lazura: It took awhile, but here's the latest chapter for KHR Alice in Wonderland Style! :)
Disclaimer: I don't own KHR or HNKNA at all
Previously
"Kyoya, where in the world did you go during the past two turns ago? I was going to announce the-"
"The foreigner."
"Huh..." Dino stupefied by Hibari's sudden words. Processed a bit on what Hibari is talking about, "Ah, I see."
That Kyoya...he already picked a fight with the foreigner...
Dino grinned, "Was he strong?"
Hibari only gave one line, "A female carnivore in herbivorous clothing."
"I see...I see-" Dino practically did a spit take to recollect what Hibari Kyoya stated, "WAIT THE FOREIGNER IS A GIRL?!"
As of now...only four...no five out of the twelve territories learned that the new foreigner is a girl.
Dream World
"So what's that?" Mukuro questioned me.
"What?" I uttered. Unable to determine the subject Mukuro decided to go by.
With a sigh, the watcher of the dream world made his way toward me. Raising a gloved hand, Mukuro practically poked my forehead. In reaction, I felt a strong sensation of pain radiate.
"Ow!" I yelped in return, "What the heck was that for Mukuro?!"
Ignoring my response, Mukuro continued, "The wandering cat gave you this didn't he?"
Oh. The bloody mark I received from Hibari Kyoya. That's the one Mukuro was talking about.
"I wouldn't necessarily say that...but..." Rather I was the one who head butted the wandering cat, the impact technically caused me to have a bloody forehead. Although I don't know of whether Hibari Kyoya had the same mark...
"I see." Mukuro nodded, "Although, you must be considered lucky. Normally the Wandering Cat would've been out for your blood if you weren't fast enough."
I practically paled. I can visually picture it.
"Though..." The Watcher of the Dream World paused for a bit, "He must have taken an interest in you, if the cat allowed you to escape. However, this doesn't mean Hibari Kyoya is willing to let you off the next time you two meet."
"I-I'll keep that in mind."
Ugh...just great. I'm suddenly feeling like a mouse readied to be preyed on.
"Oya?" Mukuro's form started to become blurry as my eyes turned heavy, "It seems it's time for you to wake up. I'll see you next time, Sawada-san."
Castle of Hearts (Guest Room)
Slowly opening my eyes, I sit up to find, "Gokudera-san?"
Seated on a chair positioned by the window, Gokudera continued to rest. He moved a bit, but didn't wake up at all.
In fact, Gokudera's expression seemed to be pissed off at the moment.
"Best not to wake him right now..." I muttered to myself. I think Gokudera-san is having a little chat with a certain role holder in the dream world.
...
But doesn't that mean...Mukuro knows of the fight through either Gokudera-san or Hibari Kyoya?
Either way, one of them must have said so...although I highly doubting Hibari would say it. However this may explain why Mukuro went outright direct by his questions. Normally he'd gradually add a subject into the mix, however-.
Knock. Knock.
"Nnn..."
My train of thoughts halted as I turned toward the source of the voice.
"Decima?" Gokudera blinked.
Then blinked again, until he jumped in surprise, "Decima-sama! You're finally awake?! Oh gods, I'm terribly sorry or falling asleep right in front of you-!"
I waved off the prime minister's apologies, "I-It's alright Gokudera-san. I'm fine."
"No it's not alright!" Gokudera's tone became stern, "As Decima-sama's first subordinate, and storm guardian...I'd be leaving you defenseless to enemies."
"He's right about that." That voice!
Shifting my head, there standing right by the door of my room was none other than my tutor.
"Reborn!" Both Gokudera-san and I exclaimed in surprise.
"Congratulations, Dame-Tsuna." Reborn congratulated me, "You earned your first guardian..."
"Though." I tensed hearing Reborn, meaning that it was far from over, "The remaining five members are needed in order to win the game."
Gokudera raised his head in a prideful manner, "Hmph! Decima-sama only needs me in order to win the game! We don't need the other five members if it's just my boss and I!"
The hitman sighed, disappointed by Gokudera's response, "Gokudera, the game wouldn't even progress to the next stage until Tsuna gets the rest of her guardians. That's purpose of the alliance system. Forming alliances with the leaders of each area would even the odds of future battles."
"Tch." Gokudera clicked his tongue in frustration, "Alliances, Alliances, Alliances! Is that all you think about?!"
G-Gokudera-san?!
"It's your alliance system that made you banned from the Castle of Hearts!" Gokudera angrily threw at Reborn, "In fact, you shouldn't even be here...if my sis catches you on the spot...!"
"W-Wait, Gokudera-san!" I stopped Gokudera's fit, "What do you mean? How come Reborn is banned from the Castle of Hearts in the first place?"
The prime minister gritted his teeth, "He-"
"He abandoned my sister on the day she married-" Gokudera was going to finish his words, until a door slammed against his face, "OUCH!"
"Tsuna-chan? Gokudera?" I sweat dropped watching the same happy go lucky knight that nearly lead me to my death enter the room, "Oh Tsuna-chan! Have you seen Gokudera?"
Raising my hand, I directed the knight where the prime minister would be.
"Behind the door, Yamamoto-san." As the knight moved the door, a very pissed off Gokudera sent a glare directly toward Yamamoto's direction.
"You sword idiot..." The venom in that response didn't scare the knight at all, in fact Yamamoto merely placed a hand at the back of his head. Returning the prime minister an apologetic smile stating, "I'm sorry, Gokudera."
Though in the end, Reborn had immediately taken off the minute Yamamoto stepped into the room. I wondered why...is this the reason why Reborn wants me to forge alliances on my own? Did the alliance system set off a bad reputation for my supposed tutor?
Castle of Hearts (The Gardens)
Upon entering the gardens, Gokudera begrudgingly escorted me alongside Yamamoto. Much to Gokudera's dismay, the prime minister straightened himself the moment his eyes met the queen. As my eyes followed the center of the attention, I felt mesmerized of what I saw.
A table filled with petite cakes and cookies, decorated in the colors of red and pink. A fragrant aroma of roses filled the air. There were four chairs, one at the opposing end was none other than the Queen's spot. Queen Bianchi placed the porcelain tea cup back, as she welcomed us with a genuine smile, "Ah...it's nice to see that all three of you are here."
"Especially you, Sawada-san." I stiffened a bit once those kind eyes focused on me, "I heard of the incident that happened last night through Hayato. I'm sorry for the inconvenience you experienced."
"Oh no," I hastily replied, "It's not too much trouble...but..."
"I-I'm truly sorry!" I bowed in shame, not even bothering to raise my head, "It's entirely my fault that a part of your castle hallways ended up getting ruined."
"Raise your head." The Queen's voice sounded. Lifting my head, the queen had her eyes closed, "It wasn't your fault...Hayato explained what occurred during that turn."
"Gokudera-san..." The prime minister turned his head away, avoiding my gaze. Although you could faintly see a hint of redness in his face. I felt grateful for his genuine kindness, "Thank you."
Gokudera focused his stare toward the ground, "Not a problem, Decima."
"In any case," Queen Bianchi resumed, "Please sit, Sawada-san, there's plenty of snacks here."
Before I could even respond, Gokudera immediately pulled a chair out for me. As I thanked the prime minister again, Gokudera's ears twitched as he gave a small smile...does that mean he's happy?
In the mean time, the four of us dined on delicious treats. Strawberry shortcake, black forest cake, red velvet cakes...and countless others pertaining a red hue.
However each time I got a cake, Gokudera would end up taking a bite first. I wonder if it's habit...? After all there is a high chance that the queen could've accidentally poisoned the food too. Basil did say Gokudera had a hard time.
"Hey, Sawada-san?" The Queen's voice snapped me out of my thoughts, "Would it be alright if you'd visit my room?"
The prime minister choked as he dropped his fork. Slamming a fist to the table, Gokudera protested, "Oh hell no! There's no way I'm allowing Decima stay with you sis!"
"Hayato." Gokudera stiffened the minute Bianchi's eyes were directed toward him, on instinct he turned his head away.
"No."
"Hayato."
"No."
"Hayato."
"No."
Yamamoto simply continued to eat his cake in bliss, somewhat used to the siblings discussions. While I merely watched as the conversation kept getting tossed back and forth.
"Hayato."
"No."
"Hayato."
"No."
"Hayato."
"..." The prime minister heaved a heavy sigh, "Fine...but if I see a scratch or that wretched scent of your poison on her."
"I won't forgive you." Bianchi's eyes widened in surprise, "My...I never expected you of all people would challenge me, normally you'd barf all over the floor after seeing my cooking."
For minute there, I thought I saw her eyes glance over to me. Unless my mind is playing tricks on me? Nah...it's already bad enough that I'm in this crazy mafia filled world.
"Hey, Tsuna-chan?" Yamamoto asked from across the table, "Will you be still here tomorrow?"
Tomorrow? Oh that's right! Tomorrow is the day I'm supposed to return to the Clover Tower with Gokudera-san!
Flash Back
"I'm not sure whether there's a time limit in this game," Reborn brought up, "Due to circumstances, I'm only allowing you to stay at the areas for three days and two nights. That way you'd be able to become familiar with the area, find guardians among the residents assimilating, and observe what's happening currently in wonderland."
"Three days and two nights..." I muttered reminding myself.
"Now don't try to stay in an area more than three."
I sent Reborn a questioning expression, "What do you mean?"
Reborn's face became hidden due to the shadow created by his fedora.
"Checkerface isn't the only one watching this game," Reborn added on, "The other areas won't sit still after hearing the bell chimes. The announcement of the foreigner is quite a rare occasion. Some will attempt to assassinate you before you could even progress, look down on you, prevent you from forming allies, and etc. etc."
My grip tightened on the hem of my skirt.
"But don't worry, as long as your focus in winning the game is strong," Reborn returned his focus back to me, "You should be capable of trampling the enemies plans in stored for you."
"Oh and before I forget...if you found a guardian," The hitman pointed at me, "You have to bring them back to Clover Tower. A contract ritual can be formed between guardian and boss alone, however there is a specific item in which proves that the person you've chosen is your guardian."
"An item?"
"Well you'll see by the time you formed a contract."
End of Flash Back
"I will, but I'll probably end up leaving around the afternoon." I retraced from Reborn's scheduling, "Why? Is there something happening tomorrow?"
Yamamoto waved his hand, "No, I just wanted to see if you'd watch my sword play practice."
Sword play...? You mean that Shigure...Shigure...err...drat. I can't seem to remember what Reborn called it. I know it's Shigure, but I feel like I'm missing something.
"Sure." I gladly accepted. Now that I think about it...I've been meaning to ask Yamamoto-san as to why Reborn calls him a natural born hitman.
"Great!" Yamamoto grinned, where as Gokudera gritted his teeth.
How dare he...! That damn sword freak better not
"I'm going too!" The prime minister brought up, until the queen stated before taking a sip of her tea, "No."
"H-Huh?! What the hell do you mean sis?!"
"Tomorrow in the afternoon, you and Sawada-san are going to Clover Tower. There are some things you still need to do before you head over, and since you'll be busy...it'd be better if Sawada-san is with the knight."
You could say, Gokudera was nonetheless extremely pissed off afterwards.
Chapter 12-13: One Who Holds Many Secrets (Preview)
"Sawada-san," The Queen began, "How is Reborn?"
I tensed, holding the lion stuffed animal the queen handed off to me, "W-What do you mean?"
I am only one.
"You know..." Yamamoto lowered his sword down, "Sometimes I wish dad could see me right now."
"Yamamoto-san..." The tears didn't stop overflowing. I couldn't believe it, "Yamamoto-san...how can you continue to smile like that?"
One who bears a falsified smile.
"Shi shi shi..."Belphegor pointed at the girl standing beside the knight of hearts "She's the one, Squalo. The new foreigner. Should we kill her?"
"No." Squalo answered as he placed a hand against the hilt of his sword, "I want to see how strong the new boss of the Vongola family, if she's weak then I'll be the taking out the trash for the boss."
One measly being.
"VOI! IS THIS ALL YOU'VE GOT FOREIGNER?! YOU'VE JUST GOTTA BE KIDDING ME!" Squalo was disappointed or furious of seeing Tsuna's weakened state, "Compared to that shitty boss of mine, you're a real piece of trash!"
"Squalo!" Yamamoto shouted readying his sword, "Your opponent is me!"
And I hold not just one...
"Y-Yamamoto-san..." A blue circle of flames surrounded us. Giving off a peaceful presence.
"Um...I know that it's wrong to do this to a girl...but...please," The knight of hearts leaned his face closer to mines, "Allow me to protect your smile."
But many.
"You damn sword freak, get back here!" Gokudera chased after Yamamoto around the room, "I won't forgive you for what you did to Decima!"
It made me laugh watching the two, in fact they remind me of children.
Many secrets.
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