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Chapter 12: White squall
Takeshi was in a forest, the light of the sun filtering through the bright green leaves warming his skin. In the distance, he heard the gurgle of water.
He walked in its direction, his legs moving as if they had a will of their own. He could not explain it, but it attracted him irresistibly, calling him. It resonated with something inside of him, and grew stronger as he came closer. Then, the music reached his ears. Despite having never heard it before -and he was certain- it sounded strangely familiar. He kept walking, and arrived in a small clearing.
There, sat near the river, was a man dressed in white and light blue robes, a tall black hat on his head and a flute in his hands.
Takeshi came to a halt, listening. He did not seem to have sensed his presence. However, after a moment, the man stopped playing and stood up before turning to him.
"I was waiting for you," he said softly. Startled, the swordsman said nothing, looking at the musician's peaceful expression.
"Who are you?" he finally asked, recovering his voice. "I cannot explain it, but I have the impression that we know each other. Why?"
The man gave him a smile.
"I think a part of you already has the answer," he replied, pointing at his heart. "I am Ugetsu Asari, the Rain Guardian of King Giotto."
Takeshi's eyes widened in realization, and he deeply bowed. "It is an honor to meet you, Rain Guardian Asari. I hope to be a worthy successor."
He knew a little about him and had noted that they shared many traits -even physically- one of them being that they were both sword fighters.
"It is also an honor to meet you, Takeshi Yamamoto. I have observed you, and I must say that you seem to have all the qualities required to be an excellent Guardian. However, we will not be sure of it until your trial."
"Is it the reason why I am here? Are you going to test me?"
"Not yet, but soon. This is why I entered in contact with you. Tell me, what is the role of the Rain Guardian?"
"To end conflicts and to make sure that everyone is safe," he replied after some moments of reflection. At his answer, Ugetsu Asari smiled, before disappearing in a swirl of blue energy.
Takeshi woke with a start.
He looked around him, and saw the familiar walls and furniture of his room.
His dream had felt incredibly vivid, as if real. As he thought about his encounter with the first Rain Guardian, his eyes fell on the silver ring on his finger.
It was lightly glowing.
Haru put the books she had finished reading back on their shelves, turned round, and came face-to-face with Captain Gokudera.
Immediately, what she had heard the previous night and had quickly pushed aside in favor of the blissful moment with the king came back to her mind, and along with it the questions it had brought. Of all the people inhabiting this castle, she had to run into him.
"Good morning, Captain Gokudera," she greeted with a nod, barely looking at him to prevent herself from staring.
The Storm Guardian noticed her suddenly stiff stance, and he did not need all of his years of lessons of etiquette to tell that the look she gave him was way too short to be considered as a proper greeting. She was either avoiding eye contact because she was embarrassed, although he could not tell why, or still resentful about the accident with the horse but too polite to unashamedly ignore him. Nevertheless, his logical mind told him that this last possibility was absolutely not making sense with her behavior afterwards. Indeed, if she was angry with him, why had she taken care of his clothing? Had she done it because she had felt obliged, thus putting her anger momentarily aside?
He could almost feel the beginning of a headache.
"Miss Miura, if it is about what happened-" he started with a slightly irritated sigh, only to be interrupted by her.
"I did not know that you liked this kind of books!" she exclaimed suddenly, looking at the leather-bound object under his arm. She had been able to deduce the title from the few letters she could see, recognizing it as one she had already read.
He stopped dead in his sentence, eyeing her. What on earth had just happened? Did she not see that he was apologizing? And what was it with her, being distant and then enthusiastic all of a sudden? But she did not seem to notice his growing annoyance either, for she continued talking.
"It is one of my favorite," she said with a smile.
The Storm mage glanced at the book. It was actually one of his favorites too, a collection of myths and stories about dragons and other legendary creatures, as well as characters with extraordinary powers or living exciting adventures.
Then, something occurred to him. It was written in Lumerian.
"Do you even understand what is written?" he asked, the hint of a smirk on his lips. Although she was working for one of the main noble houses, he highly doubted that their standards went so far as to expect from a maid-in-waiting to speak a foreign language.
"Of course I do!" she exclaimed, almost indignant. "It is one of the languages I have learned." She saw his skeptical look; it did not take more for the young woman to be vexed. Determined, she readied herself to tell him one of the stories, even the whole book if she had to, in this language. She was going to show him what she was capable of.
As she did so, Gokudera realized with surprise that not only did she understand it, but she was also able to speak Lumerian.
He had certainly not expected that from her.
"Fine, I get it," he interrupted, raising his hand. She smiled in victory.
"Your accent is almost perfect," he observed with a light smile.
"You are from this land, aren't you?" she inquired, switching to the tongue of the Sky kingdom. She was quite sure it was the case because of the uncommon color of his hair, and because she had once heard him grumble in this language.
His smile immediately fell, and his eyes flashed with anger.
"Miss Miura," he said curtly before exiting the room, the book he had come to return still under his arm. Caught off-guard by his sudden change in attitude, she could do nothing but watch him leave at a brisk pace.
Haru regretted her question. She had finally succeeded in having somewhat of a conversation with him, and more importantly she had seen him smile, a sight so rare that it had greatly surprised her.
Nevertheless, she had her answer.
Tsuna joined Dino at the entrance of the great hall, to say goodbye to the Sky mage who was about to return to his lands. The others lords and ladies had already left, for the most part.
"I am glad to have met you, Lord Chiavarone. It had been nice to have you here."
"The feeling is mutual, Your Majesty, he smiled. "And I assure you that the door of my home will always be open for you."
"And you will always be welcome at the castle. I wish you a safe travel."
From afar, Reborn watched them say goodbye to each other, a smile on his lips.
"How is he truly doing, High Advisor?" asked someone by his side. "Do you think he will be able to do it?"
"King Timoteo chose him, and I trust his judgment completely, Lady Sawada," he merely replied, turning towards her. He could see that she was slightly worried. Maybe she wasn't so optimistic in her son's ability to rule the kingdom, after all.
"He has indeed still many things to learn. However, I have faith in him," he added, his expression serious.
"And so have I" she said firmly. "But I do know that he tends to let his fear and worry get the better of him."
He nodded in understanding. He had spent enough time by his side to know exactly what she was talking about.
"It is because he is not aware of his strength yet," he said, before adding softly "I also believe that it had not been easy at all for him after his father left, as it might not have been for you." She smiled sadly as she remembered the moment when she had to tell her ten-years-old son that his father leave to never return, that he had abandoned them. First, he had blamed himself, wondering what he had done wrong to deserve such a punishment. But as he eventually realized that there was no reason for this act, the days of sorrow were followed by those of burning anger. It had taken her quite a long time to get him to accept it.
"Indeed. I came to forgive him, but Tsuna never did and I fear it might stay that way. He deeply resents him."
"Have we found any evidences that could corroborate the accusations?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. But they keep saying that they have been set up," said Oregano. The king sighed, running a hand across his face.
In the days following the coronation, troubles broke out, the population of some districts living in fear because their streets had become the theater of violent attacks between two rival guilds of assassins. One of them had found that several of its members were dead, seemingly killed by their enemies, which triggered a war. The sovereign had welcomed in the castle the inhabitants fleeing the feud, but he knew that it was not enough and that it would not be over until they find out the truth and bring justice.
"Thus, if we put the members of the guild that is accused under arrest, we must make sure to catch all of them; otherwise these conflicts will not end," she continued. Tsuna groaned internally. It was easier said than done. It turned out that the guild had a wide network, and considering their occupation, its members knew perfectly how to disappear without a trace, or to hide in plain sight thanks to their mastering of disguise.
They were interrupted by the arrival of Captain Gokudera.
"I am sorry to disturb this council, Your Majesty. A visitor has arrived at the castle. He said that he is the leader of a small region in the south of Lumeria and that he came here on his way back home to pay homage to the king. Should I tell him to wait?"
Tsuna pondered for a moment. They were going nowhere with the current situation, and they had already discussed what needed to be discussed. It might also be a good opportunity to start making contacts with other countries in perspective of future alliances.
"No, I will receive him immediately," he finally said. The Storm Guardian bowed, and left to inform the guards to let the traveler enter the castle. Tsuna then turned to the warrior sitting at the council.
"Captain Hibari, search for other elements proving that they are indeed for nothing in these crimes. You can bring the other Guardians with you. If we find nothing, we will arrest the members of the guild. This situation cannot last any longer; people are hurt and frightened." The Cloud mage nodded, and Tsuna stood before going to the great hall, accompanied by the High Advisor.
When he entered the room, the two men who were waiting bowed. Tsuna sat down, and ordered them to rise. As they did so, Reborn's breath caught in his throat, recognizing them from the description King Timoteo gave. He said nothing to the Sky mage, preferring to find out if there was indeed a threat, instead of worrying him immediately and perhaps uselessly. Thus, he settled for watching them carefully.
"It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. My name is Xanxus," said the taller of the two. In his thirties, he had a neatly trimmed beard, and long dark hair tied on the nape of his neck when they had not been shaved on each side of his head, adorned with metal clasps and colorful feathers. His dark brown and hooded eyes held a gleam of determination, giving him a fierce look that was strengthened by the scar stretching on his right cheek, and which stood out against his light brown skin. His coat, flung nonchalantly on his shoulders, made him appear even more imposing than he already was, and the two swords he was wielding did not escape the king's attention.
"And this is Squalo Superbi, my second in command," he informed, gesturing at the man next to him. Thinner, about the same age than his friend, he had a pointed jaw and high cheekbones that give him a graceful appearance. His hair, of a white color, fell to his waist and was braided from the top of his head in the way of the warriors. Judging by the sword at his hip, his bearing, and his piercing grey eyes that took everything in, it was certainly deserved and not the mere result of the desire to be stylish. The king acknowledged him with a nod.
"I apologize for arriving here without informing you beforehand" Xanxus continued. "As I said to your Captain we were traveling back home, and since the castle was on our way and that we heard about the ceremony, we decided to stop here to pay homage to you."
"I am afraid that you came during quite troubled times. But if you wish to stay for some days in our city, or to rest for a while before resuming your travel, I will gladly welcome you inside these walls."
"It is very generous of you, Your Majesty. It is true that we might indeed need some rest." The king gestured for a servant to come forward, and the man quietly left to show the visitors their quarters.
Later, the High Advisor came to see the healer who was very thrilled to see him alone. However, her enthusiasm was replaced by worry when she saw his serious expression.
"What is going on?" she inquired.
"Two men came at the castle. It was Xanxus and Squalo." Her eyes widened as she understood what it could entail.
"Do you think they are up to something?"
"I do not know, but considering who they are and what they did, it is absolutely not impossible," he replied with a dark expression.
"Do you want me to look for information?" she asked softly.
"It will not be necessary. I will speak to King Timoteo about it; maybe he knows something."
The healer nodded. It seemed to be indeed the wisest decision. "When are you leaving?"
"As soon as possible; we cannot take any risk. I need you to watch over the king while I am away."
"I will. You know you can trust me, even if I don't like him keeping you away from me." He smiled a little at that. It was a wonder that Tsuna had not yet been on the receiving end of her anger. She turned out to be quite passionate when it came to love.
"Be careful, Bianchi," he said, kissing the top of her head.
"You too."
Flat against the wall to avoid detection, adjusting the grip on his tonfas in anticipation, Captain Hibari waited with several of the guards. Xanxus had offered his help in arresting the criminals, which Tsuna had gladly accepted, and after some research and interrogations, his men discovered that there was actually a third guild involved, but they still did not know what its role had been in the conflicts. However, it was only a matter of time now that they had succeeded in finding a member of this guild, who had spilled out where they could find one of the leaders in exchange of the promise to reduce his sentence and to not send him to the Vindicare prison.
The house had two floors, a rooftop terrace and several doors that could facilitate an escape. But Hibari had no intention to let him go away. He nodded to the other Guardians and his men hidden and waiting at strategic points, and they charged.
For a moment, the world was nothing but cries, and splinters of wood as the door came crashing down. As expected, the assassin had sensed them, and covered his retreat by throwing smoke bombs at them.
Disorientated, blinded, they were unable to see where he was. But it was without counting on Hibari's powers.
"He is heading towards the roof! I want men in the streets to eventually intercept him if he changes direction!" the warrior shouted before chasing after him.
"I will take care of it," Takeshi called. "If I am close enough, I can slow him down."
The man slid out of the trapdoor, and ran towards the edge of the building, accelerating as he got closer. A few steps before there is nothing but air, he jumped. He landed on the roof of the neighboring house, rolling to absorb the shock before keeping running. A quick glance above his shoulders told him that the Captain was not far behind. Knowing that he could not count on his armor to tire him because it was made of leather, the fugitive sped up and threw knives.
The latter were blocked by a shield of energy.
He cursed. If the man who was trying to arrest him had powers, the best way to prevent him from using them was to go somewhere crowded. The risk of hurting innocent people would be too high, and there was also a chance that he might lose him. That being decided, he jumped on a balcony below, went over it and released his grip, landing on the ground.
Hibari quickly followed, moving with agility, and realized with horror that he was going in the direction of the market.
He gritted his teeth, accelerating. Just for this, the man will beg for mercy when he will lay his hands on him. He arrived on the place, pushing aside the buyers and avoiding what the man was throwing at him in the hope to slow him down. It took more to stop him. The assassin seemed to have come to the same conclusion, because he changed his strategy. He grabbed a high stall loaded with potteries and knocked it over.
There were screams, the sound of objects smashing on the floor, but no feeling of pain.
When they opened their eyes, the customers saw that purple energy surrounded them, and realized that Hibari had saved them. They thanked him, but he ignored them. He had lost his target.
The man could no longer hear the sound of footsteps behind him, but kept running until he was somewhere safe, twisting and turning in the streets.
He was abruptly stopped by someone's arm hitting across his torso.
He fell, but quickly get up by throwing his legs forward and faced his opponent. It was a girl, barely twenty, dressed in a long red tunic and white loose pants. She wore her hair braided on each side of her head.
Judging by her stance and the way she scrutinized him with her dark almond eyes, she was not like the other girls her age.
"I don't know who sent you, but I'm vexed that they chose a kid and a girl, at that," he said, annoyed. She did not reply, keeping her stance. They stared at each other for a moment, before he produced a knife from his boot and attacked her. Swift on her feet, she dodged on the side, grabbed the hand holding the knife and twisted it toward her, and then down. The movement, painful, made him drop the weapon but he managed to kick her in the stomach before she could send him to the ground. He took advantage of her grip loosening because of the hit, and broke free. Quickly, he slid behind her and locked her head with his arms.
"That was a nice try. But it's not enough," he said, slowly tightening. She struggled, gasping for air, and managed to drag the two of them near the closest wall. She leaned on it with her feet, and walked up. By the time the man understood what she was doing, it was too late. She pushed from the wall.
Her opponent fell backward, the impact knocking him out, while she landed on her feet. She approached him, checked that he was unconscious, and started searching him for any important document or evidence. She immediately stopped when she felt the point of a sword on her throat, and slowly raised her hands. Looking up, she saw a man standing in front of her. By the serious expression on his face, she knew that he would not hesitate to use his blade.
"Who are you?"
As she was about to answer, a young man with short black hair joined them.
"Captain Hibari! Are you alright?" Takeshi inquired. "We had lost track of you and the criminal. Did you catch him?" Then, he seemed to notice the girl kneeling next to the aforementioned man. "Oh." He observed her with curiosity. "Who are you?"
"My name is I-pin."
"I take it is because of you, that he is in this state; why did you do that? And I saw you searching him. Are you a thief? Do not tell me lies, I will know it and won't be pleased," Hibari warned.
"I am not a thief. My master, Fon, sent me to help the king." As she said so, she plunged a hand inside of her tunic. The Captain immediately moved his sword further.
"What do you have in there?" he asked, suspicious.
"A message, confirming what I have said." He watched her for a moment, and finally moved his sword a little.
"Slowly," he ordered. She obeyed, and produced the piece of parchment.
"Can you read?" the Captain asked to Takeshi, his sword still pointed on the girl's throat. The Rain Guardian looked slightly embarrassed.
"Not very well, Captain Hibari."
"Watch her," he simply said before taking the letter.
They waited silently for him to read it, and after a moment, the Cloud Guardian sheathed his sword.
"You seem to tell the truth. However, I have no way to be certain of that and it annoys me. How can I be sure that you are not going to wreak havoc in the city under my protection?"
"You can take me to the High Advisor, Captain," she offered. "Master Fon and he are friends, and he knows me."
"How unfortunate; the High Advisor is not at the castle. He is visiting a friend of his, who is sick."
"Bianchi is close to him," Takeshi pointed out "she might know something about this."
"It is worth the try," the Captain agreed.
When they went to see Tsuna to inform him about the recent events, they found him in his quarters, discussing with Gokudera.
"Captain Hibari, Rain Guardian Takeshi," the king greeted as they entered.
"Your Majesty. The leader had been arrested, and locked up in a cell to be questioned."
Relief washed over Tsuna's face. "Thank you, Captain Hibari, as well as your men and the Guardians."
"Who is it?" Gokudera asked, eyeing the girl who was accompanying them.
"My name is I-pin. It is a pleasure and honor to meet you, Your Majesty," she said, bowing.
"She claims to have been sent by her master, a certain Fon, to help you deal with the situation. She had this on her," he stated, giving the message to Tsuna.
"So, you are here to help me, and you are a friend of the High Advisor?" he asked once he finished reading. It could be helpful to have more allies, particularly when Reborn was not here to help him or to advise him.
"How can we know that she is not telling lies?" said Gokudera, distrustful. "The High Advisor never mentioned someone called Fon."
"As Takeshi said, Bianchi might be able to confirm it," Hibari replied. They summoned the healer, ignoring the Storm Guardian who was muttering under his breath, obviously displeased by the idea.
Bianchi arrived some moments later, and smiled to I-pin upon seeing her, before turning her attention to the king. The reason why she had been asked to come was seemingly important, if several of the Guardians were here.
"You can I do for you, Your Majesty?"
"When Captain Hibari arrested the man suspected to have triggered the conflicts, he encountered this young woman named I-pin, who says to have been sent here by her master Fon to help us. She also says that Master Fon and the High Advisor are friends. Did he tell you anything that could confirm that?"
"Indeed, they are friends. Reborn met him while traveling abroad. As for I-pin, I know her personally," she stated before turning to the young girl. "I am happy to see you. It had been quite a long time since we last saw each other. Please, give my regards to Fon."
"I am happy to see you too. I will," she replied with a smile.
"But if he wants to help us, why did he send you and not several men?" Gokudera asked, still suspicious.
"Master Fon is a martial artist, who teaches me everything he knows. My presence here, and me helping you, is a part of my training," she answered.
"A training? What are you training for?" Tsuna inquired. A quick glance exchanged with the healer told her that he did not know all of the truth about Reborn, Bianchi, and their activities. She decided to not reveal anything.
"I train to be a bodyguard." These words surprised him. She was young, barely several years older than Lambo.
"Well, I wish you good luck for your training. I know something about how harsh they can be sometimes," he smiled.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
On his way to the kitchens, Lambo came across a young girl, and he was sure that he would remember her if he had already met her. He never forgot the women he encountered, especially when they were pretty.
"Who are you? I have never seen you here before."
"My name is I-pin. I come from a far and foreign land. I arrived in the city several days ago. And you, what is your name?"
"I am Lambo, son of the head of the Bovino Clan of the Frozen Fang," he stated proudly. She laughed lightly at his behavior.
"Well, nice to meet you, Lambo, son of the head of the Bovino Clan of the Frozen Fang," she said as they shook hands.
"Are you going to stay at the castle?" he inquired with curiosity.
"Yes, His Majesty offered me hospitality."
At her words, his face brightened, and he gave her a broad smile. He liked to be with Lady Sawada and Haru, but he could finally have a friend around his age.
"Come!" he exclaimed as he suddenly grabbed her hand and dragged her.
"Hey! Where are we going?"
"To the kitchens!"
"Why?"
He rolled his eyes. "To have cakes, of course!" he said as if it was evident.
"Do you even have the right to go there?" she asked, her tone slightly disapproving.
"Where would be the fun, then?" he said with a mischievous grin. "Besides, I am the son of the head of the Bovino Clan; I do what I want." She arched an eyebrow. He shrugged.
"You can stay here if you want. More cakes for me!"
"To what do I owe the pleasure, my friend?" asked Timoteo to Reborn who was sitting across of him, the desk of wood between them.
"I am sorry to importunate you when you are resting, my Lord, but recent events caught my attention and I thought necessary to inform you about them."
The old man looked at him; it must be serious if he traveled this far to his lands, instead of sending a message. His suspicions were confirmed by his next swords.
"Several days ago, Xanxus and Squalo Superbi arrived at Namimori. Considering our history with them, it would not be a surprise if they tried something."
Timoteo nodded in understanding.
"I see. You did well in coming to me; however you have nothing to fear. I have my men tracking down his every move, and we found nothing that could tell he is planning an attack. He won't do anything. Not after all he had lost in his first attempt."
The High Advisor had still some doubts, but trusted him. "Thank you, my Lord."
"I received your letter. It seems that Tsuna is making some progress."
"Indeed, he is. But he is not strong enough yet."
"It will come; he is still young and has many things to learn," he said with a confident smile.
"And you, my Lord? How are you feeling?" he inquired, having noticed that he looked tired.
"Well, I have seen better days; but it takes more to discourage me."
"I am glad to hear that. I will let you have some rest," he said as he stood up.
"You are already leaving?"
"I wish I could stay, but I have to go back to the castle."
"You have always been dutiful," he said approvingly. "Such men are rare these days."
"I wish you a good day, my Lord."
"And I a safe travel, my friend." Reborn bowed, and left the room.
As soon as the High Advisor crossed the front door and went to his carriage, the body of the former king began to shiver, and then dissolved, replaced by a dark purple smoke.
White squall: a sudden and sharp increase of the wind's speed, which is particularly violent and almost unpredictable because not accompanied by black clouds.
