SailorStar9: This is Chapter 25 of this fic. (Sighs) Guys and girls, will it kill you to leave a review, instead of just putting this fic up on your favorited list and story alerts?
Disclaimers: I own nothing, except for the plot bunny and the pairings.
Chapter 25: Choice Arc, Part Six
As Kikyo broke down the last of the base unit's defenses, the four Senshi looked at each other and nodded, praying that their last resort would not be in vain.
Hibari was the only one who noticed the looks the women shared.
"Then, it's time for the main dish." Kikyo released his Cloud Flame dart at the fleeing base unit.
Just then, the tiara gems the Senshi placed on the sides of the base unit activated, creating a spherical barrier around the tank-like vehicle.
"Damn you!" Kikyo cursed, unleashing his Campanula di Nuvola in an attempt to break the rainbow-colored shield.
"Spanner." Irie pulled himself up, the interior having been demolished by the crash. "Are you okay, Spanner? Thank goodness." he felt for a pulse. "Looks like you're okay. The enemy is after me. It'll be safe for you to stay here. I'm going."
"Now then," Kikyo relented as he waited for the barrier to power down. "Would Byakuran-sama prefer to toy with the target or finish him in in fall swoop?"
"A shield?" Irie pulled himself out of the broken trailer, his hands resting on the shimmering wall. "The girls...!" he realized what had happened.
"Operation X," Tsuna's voice came over the communicator.
"Pitiful." Kikyo tsked. "I'll end this in one blow. As a form of mercy."
"What was that rumble?" Dino wondered.
"I've broken out of the illusionary space." Tsuna replied.
"Sawada is on the monitor." Basil pointed out. "That's... that destructive power... it can only be! X Burner!"
"He blew up the entire illusionary space." Reborn concluded.
"You've done well, Tsunayoshi." Irie noted. "Help Yamamoto defeat the target." he fell to his knees. "Defeat... the... target..." he got back up.
"I can't do that." Tsuna objected. "I won't abandon a comrade. I'm coming back over there."
"What are you saying, Tsunayoshi?" Irie chided. "Your top priority should be to defeat the enemy target."
"Yamamoto, I'll be right there." Tsuna assured. "Hold on until then."
"Don't mind me." Irie insisted.
"No!" Tsuna insisted. "Please take care of the enemy target, Yamamoto."
"Go on, Tsuna." Yamamoto was raining his slashes on the barrier. "I can handle the target by myself."
"You're all..." Irie gasped.
"Vongola Decimo has changed his strategy and he's coming back." Kikyo noted. "But, it's already too late."
"All right, I can do it." Yamamoto nodded, the barrier finally cracking.
Let me get there in time. Tsuna pleaded.
"It will be easier to wait for that target marker to extinguish than twisting a baby's arm." Kikyo grinned. "Time for the finish, Byakuran-sama."
"Shigure Soen Ryu," Yamamoto readied his attack. "Special Stance 10: Scontro di Rondine! I'm taking you out!" he charged right in.
A scream was heard scant seconds later, as Irie fell over, the energy barrier shattering under Kikyo's relentless assault.
"Shoichi!" Tsuna exclaimed.
"It's already over." Kikyo declared.
"Damn you!" Tsuna charged.
"I told you it's over." Kikyo repeated. "There's no reason for me to fight you."
"Please wait." the Cervello blocked Tsuna.
"I must take a closer look at Irie Shoichi's target marker." the Cervello explained. "Please step back."
"Tsuna," Yamamoto voiced. "I also defeated theirs."
"The enemy target was taken out at the same time." Dino stated.
"Well, that was a good time-delaying tactic." Venus breathed, the four Senshi recalling their powers as their respective tiara gems manifested on their palms.
"And tiring, as always." Jupiter agreed.
"Thank god, we remembered we still had that." Mars nodded, clicking her tiara gem back in place.
"So, there's no winner?" Ryohei wondered. "A draw?"
"That was pretty impressive for that baseball freak." Gokudera admitted. "I apologize, 10th. I was entrusted to defend them. You should worry about Irie before me."
"The target marker is extinguished when life energy drops below 2%." the Cervello explained. "In Irie's case, his life energy is well below 2% and still dropping which means his target marker is considered extinguished."
"I have also confirmed that Daisy's target marker is extinguished." the other Cervello affirmed.
"So, what does that mean?" Mercury asked.
"A draw, huh?" Squalo growled.
"Your decision came too early, referee." Kikyo chided.
"Wait, isn't Daisy's Flame..." Mars blinked.
"Sun Flames." Venus nodded.
"Which means..." Jupiter trailed.
"F#&k!" Mercury cursed, realizing what it meant.
"This is..." Cervello was taken aback when Daisy's marker reignited.
"I still can't die?" Daisy got back up.
"He came back to life?" Ryohei blinked.
"No way..." Yamamoto breathed. "I didn't finish you off, but you were completely defeated."
"I didn't get to die again." Daisy muttered.
"Why?" Tsuna was confused.
"What's going on here?" Gokudera was puzzled.
"Daisy has an undead body." Kikyo explained. "He's a peculiar man who has the problem of being unable to die."
"He's immortal?" Gokudera echoed. "Don't give me that crap!"
"That's..." Tsuna breathed.
"Impossible." Reborn finished the sentence.
"Do you understand now?" Kikyo asked. "This is the real power of the real six Funeral Wreaths."
"With this, we have a winner in this Choice battle." the Cervello declared. "The winner is the Milliefiore Family!"
"Wasted, huh?" Venus gave her sisters a wry smile.
"I object." Yuni declared, cutting in on the argument. "Byakuran."
"She's annoying." Bluebell pouted.
"As Boss of Milliefiore's Black Spell..." Yuni added, her Sky pacifier glowing.
"You're..." Reborn gaped, his Sun pacifier shining in response.
"I hold half of the authority to decide." Yuni reminded.
"Yuni, damn you..." Byakuran hissed.
"Yuni is speaking at her own will..." Irie was stunned.
"Huh?" Tsuna echoed. ""She's the other Milliefiore Boss?"
"There's another Boss?" Ryohei was confused. "What's going on?"
"The Milliefiore Family was created by the up-and-coming Gesso Family merged with the Giglionero Family who had a heritage that rivaled the Vongola Family." Fuuta supplied.
"The Gesso Family's Boss was Byakuran." Dino added. "And the Giglionero Family's Boss was..."
"So it was you." Reborn stated. "You've grown, Yuni."
"Yes, Uncle Reborn." Yuni beamed.
"You know her, Reborn?" Tsuna looked at his tutor. "I mean... you're her uncle? She's calling this baby her uncle?"
"Shut up." Reborn broke Tsuna's finger.
"Who is she?" Tsuna winced in pain.
"The granddaughter of an acquaintance of mine." Reborn replied.
"Granddaughter?" Tsuna echoed.
"10th, her collar..." Gokudera voiced.
"There's a pacifier hanging around her neck." Tsuna gasped. "But she isn't a baby? That color!" he recognized. "It's orange! Don't tell me..."
"Nice to meet you, members of Vongola." Yuni smiled.
"You've got me." Byakuran chuckled. "Man, this is a surprise. You look so much better. I see that you've recovered, Yuni."
"Was she sick?" Ryohei blinked.
"No," Irie corrected. "Her soul was broken by Byakuran."
"Her soul?" Tsuna echoed.
"Don't make me sound so bad, Sho-chan." Byakuran chided. "I knew Yuni was a scaredy cat so I wanted to help calm her down."
"No," Irie was insistent. "When you met with Yuni before the Giglionero Family became Black Spell, you destroyed her emotions so you would have control over Black Spell."
"Destroyed her emotions?" Ryohei was shocked.
"So she wouldn't be able to move or talk on her own?" Yamamoto realized.
"That's horrible..." Gokudera growled.
"Isn't that right, Yuni?" Irie asked.
"No way..." Tsuna breathed.
"It's fine." Yuni assured. "My soul was hiding somewhere for during that time. I was safe."
"Somewhere for?" Kikyo echoed.
"Byakuran, it appears that I can travel to other worlds, like you." Yuni added. "Back to the topic at hand, as the Boss of the Milliefiore's Black Spell, I approve a rematch with the Vongola. Because that promise, that promise between Byakuran and Irie regarding a rematch, was actually made."
"How would you know?" Bluebell whined.
"I'm glad that you're healthy now," Byakuran remarked. "But Yuni, you do not have the right to interfere with my decision. I might consult you with you when I'm not sure, but you're just number two. I hold the ultimate authority in making decisions. Discussion's over."
"Indeed." Yuni admitted. "I understand. Then I withdraw from the Milliefiore Family. Sawada Tsunayoshi, I have a favor to ask."
"A favor?" Tsuna echoed.
"Please protect me." Yuni requested.
"Protect you?" Tsuna gaped. "But you're the Boss of Black Spell."
"Not only me," Yuni added. "But the pacifiers of my comrades too." she revealed the colorless Arcobaleno pacifiers.
"Those are the Arcobaleno's?" Tsuna exclaimed.
"Oh?" Byakuran chided. "You can't take those out without permission, Yuni. Those are part of my 7 Policy collection.""
You're wrong." Yuni corrected. "These were left in my care. And they wouldn't be considered 7 Policy in your possession. That is because..." she focused, igniting the pacifiers' power. "Soulless pacifiers will never reveal the meaning of their existence."
"They're..." Irie was stunned. "They're able to shine so brightly?"
"What's going on?" Tsuna gaped. "How come she can make them shine?"
"I see." Byakuran noted. "So that's how it is. You're amazing, Yuni. I definitely need you. Come, let's make up, Yuni."
"Stay away!" Yuni snapped after the pacifiers' light dimmed. "We can no longer leave our souls with you."
"What kind of nonsense are you saying?" Byakuran chuckled. "If you're going to take that and run, I'll chase you to the end of the world and take it back. Let's return now. Come back to me. Here." he gestured.
A gunshot was heard from Leon, forcing Byakuran to back off.
"Uncle!" Yuni hurried over.
"Don't push your luck, Byakuran." Reborn warned. "I don't give a damn who you are. If you lay a finger on the Arcobaleno Boss, I won't stay quiet."
"She's the Arcobaleno's Boss?" Tsuna exclaimed.
"Playing the knight in shining armor," Byakuran stated. "Strongest of babies, Arcobaleno Reborn?"
"Byakuran-sama," Kikyo remarked. "Rest assured. We will soon bring Yuni-sama and Hoshi-hime to you." and the remaining Funeral Wreaths took to the sky.
"We won't make it!" Gokudera gasped when Kikyo's attack shot towards them.
"Hey!" Squalo growled, Hibari blocking off the attack with his toufas. "You get to deal with me. I've been itching to get loose."
"Out of my way." Hibari prodded Squalo with his weapon. "That is my prey."
"What the hell are you doing?" Squalo barked. "Don't poke me."
"Oho," Kikyo chuckled. "You guys never learn."
"Wait, what are you doing?" Tsuna panicked.
"Bring it." Hibari challenged.
"Very well." Kikyo accepted.
"Why's everyone just gearing up to fight?" Tsuna exclaimed.
"Now, let's calm down, Kikyo." Byakuran chided. "Yuni's more or less asleep for a long time. She must be upset after awaking from her long slumber."
"Yes, Byakuran-sama." Kikyo relented.
"Then, how about this, Yuni," Byakuran offered. "I worked very hard to earn the precious 7 Policy. I was supposed to receive after winning Choice. But if you return to the Milliefiore, I'm willing to return the Vongola Rings to the Vongola Family."
"But Byakuran..." Tsuna was stunned. "Really wanted the Vongola Rings, I thought."
Right now, it's Yuni. Byakuran mused. I want Yuni, now that her souls is back. The Rings can come later.
What's going on? Irie was confused. Byakuran's been acting differently ever since the pacifiers glowed.
"Byakuran," Yuni started. "I know why you want me. And that is why, we can never return to you."
"The the Vongola Rings belong to us." Byakuran threatened. "I have no intention of handing such a weapon to those protecting you. Though your prince on a white horse seems terrified by your request, Yuni.
"The Vongola Rings do not belong to you, Byakuran!" Yuni declared. "The pacifiers belong to the Arcobaleno. The Vongola Rings belong to the Vongola Family. That is a fact. Yet you forced a match of Choice and named 7 Policy as the prize so you could quickly get your hands on it. As long as I have my soul, I am a member of the 7 Policy as the Sky Arcobaleno. And I will not allow such an action. In other words, we do not accept your battle over 7 Policy and find your Choice battle invalid!"
"Invalid?" Tsuna echoed.
"Meaning..." Yamamoto blinked.
"You do not need to hand over the Vongola Rings." Yuni concluded.
"The Sky Arcobaleno certainly holds considerable authority over the use of 7 Policy." Byakuran chuckled. "But you don't want to anger me. Do you not care what happens to the remaining Black Spell members after their Boss, Yuni, betrays me? Well, they're deceived by you, so they'll probably enjoy being boiled or grilled for your sake."
"You are using them as hostages?" Tsuna was shocked.
"They all..." Yuni started. "They all understand." she declared.
"But that means..." Tsuna gaped. "You're going to let your friends die?"
"The rest is up to you, Tsuna." Reborn reminded. "Yuni asked you to protect her. What are you going to do?"
"But her friends will be..." Tsuna stammered. Those eyes... he was shocked when he saw Yuni. She's made up her mind. She knew this would happen.
"Yuni, your prince on a white horse doesn't seem very reliable." Byakuran taunted. "Come back to me. I'm still willing to forgive the two of you right now."
"Come with us!" Tsuna grabbed Yuni's wrist. "Join us! Everyone!" he declared. "We're going to protect her!"
"Thank you very much!" Yuni beamed.
"Idjit, I won't let that happen." Zakuro swore.
"Byakuran-sama, give us permission to attack and take Lady Yuni back." Kikyo requested.
"Sure." Byakuran replied.
"Right." Kikyo powered up.
"Time for destruction." Torikabuto charged.
"Shabon Spray!" Mercury released her fog.
"Hey, that's more like it!" Squalo rose to the challenge.
"Don't even move." Venus warned, her chain-sword rested on Kikyo's neck.
"Or you'll be one head shorter." Jupiter's dagger pressed against Zakuro's neck.
"I'm going to so enjoy this." Mercury's smirk turned devious, the edge of her fan laid scant millimeters from Torikabuto's throat.
"Mars, backup support!" Venus ordered.
"Roger!" Mars pulled her flaming Phoenix Bow taut.
"They're going to buy us time." Dino was ready to fight. "Tsuna, we should fall back and regroup."
"Fall back?" Tsuna echoed. "But we're surrounded by buildings."
"In that case, the Flame Ring Teleportation System which brought you here, should be nearby." Yuni reminded.
"That thing that warped us here from Namimori?" Tsuna blinked.
"She's right." Spanner confirmed, checking his laptop. "I'm getting a metallic reading above Vongola Base."
"If we use the teleportation system, we can probably make it back to Namimori." Reborn surmised.
"I won't let that happen." Kikyo promised, tossing his bell-flowers at the group.
"Avalanche Defense!" Mercury summoned her ice wall.
"Systema CAI!" Gokudera released his counter for good measure. "I'm going to stop you this time. 10Th! Use this chance to head for the teleportation system!"
"Got it!" Tsuna kicked into gear." Sorry, Gokudera. Let's go, everyone!"
"You ain't going anywhere!" Squalo blocked Kikyo's path, with Venus and Jupiter flanking him.
"What are you doing, Kikyo?" Bluebell whined.
"Idjit, stop fooling around with wimpy attacks." Zakuro chided. "End this thing with one shot."
"That would be too strong, Zakuro." Kikyo reprimanded. "Byakuran-sama doesn't want us to harm Lady Yuni."
"Got it." Zakuro grinned.
"Bastards, don't look away!" Venus snapped, bringing Zakuro's attention back to her.
"This isn't good!" Ryohei stated as he and Basil carried Irie off, Torikabuto hot on their tails.
"Infinite Hellfire!" Mars' fire pillar stopped the Mist Milliefiore in his tracks.
"There you have it!" Squalo retorted.
"Ladies and gentlemen..." Hibari muttered. "If you don't cut it out, I'm going to get angry."
"Oh shut up, Kyo-kun." Mercury grinned. "You're just mad that we took the spotlight."
"Yuni, I won't let you get away." Byakuran promised as Tsuna took Yuni and fled. "You will be my prisoner for eternity."
SailorStar9: Now that's done, read and review.