AUTHOR'S NOTE (Important! Please read it!)

I want to announce something to all the followers of this story. First of all I like going over stories that I have written and just reading them again and again. While reading this one I thought "Something is not right. This is not the character it should have.". Secondly just because I am really into Katekyo Hitman Reborn I decided to do a little more research into their character so I realized that there are some errors and finally I decided to rewrite this, because I love this story's followers so much. I didn't expect it to get so many reviews so since my writing style has improved I write this again, this time with more passion!


Yuko and Squalo kept on walking through the seemingly isolated forest when more troops appeared. Squalo was furious since the communication device broke down and they couldn't get more backup. Yuko was lost in her thoughts for a moment before hearing Squalo's cry that was a mix of anger and exhaustion.

"VOOOOOOOOOOOOOI!" Of course that was no longer the case seeing as storm class hyenas attacked the heavy rain shark and two of them managed to cut off Squalo's artificial arm tossing his sword to the side. Yuko knew that he wasn't going to escape and due to the exhaustion he felt he would be gravely injured if he stayed there in the middle of the battlefield.

"Woman!" Squalo barked as Yuko came close to him when the rain shark soon forgot the pain and quickly assaulted the enemies again.

"Yes, captain?" Yuko asked as she examined his arm.

"VOOOOOOOOOOOOI! Idiot! You must run!" Squalo shouted and Yuko leaned back and stood up.

"I'm afraid that that is impossible." Yuko said as she stared down at him.

"We won't be able to fucking get away!" Squalo yelled angrily as he yanked her arm bringing her close enough for him to hiss the next words in her ear.

"This. Is. Not. The. Time. To. Play. Hero. So leave…" Squalo said but Yuko only smiled at him moving towards the troops that had successfully surrounded them.

"Captain, rest for a while…" Yuko said and it was then that Squalo noticed that a long fury animal was wrapped around her neck…At first he could not see it but now that it left her shoulders it was clear that there was a creature that looked like a snake nuzzling her neck. He was wondering what she was going to do since as far as he knew there was not such a box weapon.

Squalo watched as that small animal was encircled by fire and when it vanished there was a fox in front of Yuko. However it was not a normal fox. That creature had mysterious marks on its forehead and its eyes were closed not to mention that it had nine tails that were gracefully spread behind it forming something that looked like a flower.

Squalo dashed quickly taking his sword back and trying to re-attach it to his artificial hand. His gaze was stuck on that fox that was now defeating an entire squad with the fire that came out of its mouth. How did that woman possess such a creature? In less than five minutes the enemies were on the ground , immobilized. Yuko patted the fox on the head rewarding it for the help it offered and the fox in return nuzzled its head on her hands that stroke the fur behind the ears.

"How are you feeling?" Yuko asked as Squalo stood up with a few scratches on his cheeks and chest.

"Fine…just move on until someone…" And there it was, the thing both Yuko and Squalo were waiting for. Varia's men approached them holding their flag. After bowing to Squalo and Yuko one of them spoke.

"Squalo-sama…We have taken control of the enemy's base and we have eliminated their leader. The operation is over." He said.

"VOI, gather your men and head to our quarters. Xanxus will want to learn the news about his victory." Squalo stated.

"What about you, sir?" One asked.

"Che, we will head that way too…" Squalo said as the men bowed again and left. Yuko's fox turned into its original form again and got into her pocket.

"You better explain about this shit woman!" Squalo said as he headed to the base.

"About the fox you mean?" Yuko asked as she glanced at the silver-haired male that despite the scratches, was able to continue walking normally.

"What was that thing and why isn't it in a box? Hell, you don't even have a ring!" Squalo said scanning their surroundings.

"It is a gift." Yuko replied seriously stopping behind Squalo.

"That is a very weird gift, woman." Squalo said as he pushed some branches out of their way while stepping on small bushes.

"Indeed." Yuko said not really nervous at the captain's interrogation.

"You seem quite suspicious to everyone." Squalo stated suddenly. Yuko just placed her index finger on the tip of her chin in a thoughtful manner that was of course fake seeing as the witch was never really surprised. No matter what her clients said every time they tried to lie or defend themselves the truth could not be concealed. She knew from the start that the Varia were not idiots. Fran had already talked to her about his suspicions and Squalo had just said it clearly. Belphegor had sure understood. The one that might not have suspected a thing was Xanxus that didn't seem to care about his officers.

A couple of minutes later Yuko and Squalo had arrived to their base. Squalo went immediately to meet Xanxus knowing that if the report was delayed he would be in trouble and Yuko went to take a hot shower. She wasn't the type to fight often. She would most likely deal with magic seals and spirits that tormented Watanuki. That was her job. Of course when the situation calls for it she will use her powers to defend herself.

Meanwhile Bel and Squalo were in Xanxus's office but for different reasons.

"Ushishishishi. I have to say something to you, boss." Bel announced with a grin.

"What the hell is it?" Xanxus asked looking at them both.

"VOOOOOOOOOOOOI! Can't it wait! I have to give a report here!" Squalo yelled impatiently.

"Just leave it here scum." Xanxus said and Squalo did so glaring at him while Bel moved forward as Squalo exited the room.

"Hurry up , Bel." Xanxus demanded leaning back in his armchair.

"I just wanted to say that Yuko-san seems a little bit weird….to all of us." Bel said placing his hands in his coat pockets.

"Che. Why should I care?" Xanxus asked clearly uninterested.

"Ushishishi…Fran said that there are high possibilities of her being a magician of some sorts." Bel chuckled.

"I would have known that." Xanxus said as his storm guardian just continued.

"Then how about this: Squalo said that a fox appeared out of nowhere and it had the ability to shoot fireball. As far as I am concerned, Yuko-san doesn't have a box weapon, does she?"

"A fox with a sky flame?" Xanxus thought before motioning for Bel to get out of his office. If what Bel said was true then it meant that Yuko was hiding that from him or he hadn't noticed. Of course it would be written in her file….But when had he received her CV. Damn…he hadn't received anything. Just to be sure Xanxus called a few of his followers into his office immediately.

"Xanxus-sama." One said as they bowed to him. "What can we do for you?"

"Che… Search into our member files and try to locate that of Ichihara Yuko." Xanxus ordered harshly. The three Varia members vanished immediately closing the door behind them.

Would anyone ever dare to hide something from him? The last person to do that was his father and now there was a huge possibility of that woman hiding her true identity. The question is why…After all no one in the mafia was a law abiding citizen. If she faced such problems she wouldn't have to care anymore. Still lying to Xanxus was considered betrayal. He was seriously thinking of interrogating her but before doing so he should have clues that would prove that Yuko was indeed a witch. He filled a glass with Tequila , bringing it to his lips while his eyes closed.

At the same time Yuko watched the bubbles in the bathtub as she lifted her leg , revealing the creamy skin that was previously under the water's surface. She took a ship of her light drink before leaning back and relaxing. The hot water seemed to have a major effect on her . It made her even more laid back. Of course when she was at the shop with Watanuki around he would suffer from her attitude afterwards. When her mind drifted off to Watanuki she felt a foreign feeling coming to the surface. Was it…was that moment close? She really wanted to know the answer to the question but right now that was impossible. Yuko had to concentrate on the business she had with Xanxus, now. That was her first priority and she had to admit that being around the short-tempered male was actually fun. In a way he was like Watanuki. The difference was that Watanuki was more important than Xanxus to her…? She had to think about that again. Of course that loud kid was one of the few persons she was glad she met but what about the Varia leader?

In the other side of the HQ three men entered Xanxus's office before knocking twice. They didn't want to make their boss angry. Xanxus eyed his followers before lifting his legs on the desk in front of him and folding his arms.

"Xanxus-sama…" One of them said his voice slightly trembling. It was then that the raven-haired boss understood that this was probably going to infuriate him.

"What do you want?" Xanxus asked seriously.

"Uh…There are no files under that name, sir." Another one said.

"Che…Is that so?" Xanxus growled and the three of them had to restrain themselves from running out of the room.

"We searched two times…We can-"

"Get out of my sight." Xanxus said and the men walked out of his office as soon as possible leaving Xanxus alone.

"What the hell was she thinking?" Xanxus thought as he moved the glass on his desk with his fingers as if he was toying with it. There were rare moments like this one that made Xanxus acknowledge strange feelings and hidden sentiments. He would push them all away of course not liking the idea of being affected by these things. He thought that emotions were rubbish and they were only for weaklings and yet that woman seemed to be passionate about everything. She would talk without putting emotions in her voice but at the same time she would express her firm ideals with such pride and certainty that it almost made the Varia leader feel a certain heat. She would respect him and at the same time correct him or say what was on her mind without being afraid to look straight into those mesmerizing oriental eyes of his.

Nonetheless her motives were unknown to the man and he had to admit that his curiosity was getting the best of him these days. He suspected her of being a traitor and Squalo to help her cover the fraud but there was also a third thought that didn't appeal to him at all. It involved his second in command the woman and the relationship between them. He still questioned it even now and aside from the fact that Xanxus was not the type to show that he was jealous he felt that it was quite annoying…disturbing or maybe even disgusting.

Yuko got out of the shower wearing a silk kimono and sitting on her bed taking the phone in her hands and dialing the number of her shop. Watanuki was staying there now that she was in Italy and Yuko imagined that the boy would be quite worried even if he wouldn't openly admit it. A genuine smile appeared on her face Watanuki's voice through the phone. He still had the same attitude, Yuko realized as Watanuki yelled at Mokona that was making noise in the background.

"Hello?" Watanuki said.

"Hi Watanuki!" Yuko beamed making sure everyone in the shop heard her.

"Mistress is on the phone , mistress is on the phone!" Maru and Moro could be heard as they clapped their hands with excitement.

"Quiet you two!" Watanuki said sighing.

"So what are you kids doing there?" Yuko asked with enthusiasm.

"Well everything is fine…Yuko-san." Watanuki said with a small smile on his lips.

"I am so glad! That is my Watanuki always keeping the things in order!" Yuko said.

"So…When are you going to come back Yuko-san?" Watanuki asked.

"I still haven't tasted some wines so-" Yuko teased the boy and the reaction she got was more than enough to persuade her that everything was okay.

"YUKO-SAN ! I told you not to overdo it! You never change!" Watanuki yelled and Yuko pulled away from the phone in order to avoid severe ear impairment.

"Oh don't be like that, Watanuki!" She said sweetly.

"Be careful! When you drink you become completely defenseless !" Watanuki insisted.

"Oh and before I forget! Go to the demon parade and get me some of that tasty liquor!" Yuko said clapping her hands.

"WHAT? No way!" Watanuki said.

"You tyrant! You are so strict with poor me." Yuko said pouting.

"I am not going where spirits are gathered!" Watanuki said.

"Then take Domeki-kun too…" Yuko whined.

"Che that jerk is sure not coming!" Watanuki said.

"Fine then treat me like I am-"

"I'll go and I 'll take him with me, happy now?" Watanuki asked .

"Yay! Thanks Watanuki send my greetings to Mokona and the girls too!" Yuko said.

"I will." Watanuki replied.

"Okay then! Ciao Watanuki!"

"Goodnight…or whatever it is there…" Watanuki said and You detected the smallest hint of sadness in his voice. She herself wished she was there to pinch his cheeks or make a sarcastic remark or even mock him about Himawari. The desire to see Watanuki was very intense but unfortunately she had to meet with Xanxus and that came first.

After putting one more formal clothes Yuko headed to her boss's office immediately. Before knocking on his door she made sure not to have a single emotion on her face. When she didn't receive a proper answer, meaning that the reply was a mere grunt , she walked in closing the door behind her and stepping in front of Xanxus's desk.

"I have the folders you-"

"Dinner." Xanxus said and Yuko had to resist the urge of raising an eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon?" Yuko asked.

"You, me, dinner at 10.00." Xanxus said as Yuko left the folders on his desk.

"I don't feel quite-" And then Xanxus glared at her with his head leaning on the back of his palm. He knew…He knew something about her…Yuko realized it as his dark gaze wondered on her face searching for the tiniest emotion.

"I don't give a shit, trash." Xanxus said as he sipped more liquor from his glass.

"And what if I don't agree?" Yuko said and Xanxus was the one to raise and eyebrow at her question.

"What makes you think you have a choice on the matter?" Xanxus asked but it was more like a statement.

"I shall be going then." Yuko said as she went to the door when Xanxus's voice was heard.

"Formal clothing is compulsory…" Strangely enough Xanxus was I the mood for a little chat today but Yuko was not so their conversation ended with a nod from Yuko.

This is where Yuko started thinking about Xanxus being suspicious. Why would he want to see her alone at night? No, she was definitely not afraid of him but she was very curious as to which expression she would see on his face. Yes, she had officially put Xanxus in her list now.