X-X-X-X

Chapter 28

X-X-X-X

I silently ate my food, Kanna doing the same beside me. The two of us easily ignored the chaos that ensured when Mukuro and Mafiosi are involved. Reborn, he knew he had no chance against. Bianchi...yeah, too easy of a target. Lambo is just a child and Mukuro is smart enough not to harm a child within eyesight of me or risk me breaking his arms and legs. Mukuro and Bianchi were glaring at one another from opposite ends of the table. Mukuro because the woman tried poisoning him halfway into breakfast. Bianchi because she dealt with horror filled illusions since she began staying here.

"Tsukichiyo." Kanna is showing me a piece of paper. "Can I go?" Kanna asked looking at me.

"Let's see...ah, a summer camping trip with your class? Let's see...the last week of summer vacation...for three days and two nights...Do you wish to go?" I asked looking at her.

"Un."

"Okay." I pulled out my pen and I signed my name. "We can go shopping for supplies a bit before the trip, okay?"

"Thank you, Tsukichiyo."

"I wanna go camping!" I looked at Lambo and he is way too excited. "I want to go to! I want to go too!"

"Lambo." The boy froze up when I spoke his name. "We can go to the water park instead, but only if you behave yourself. Camping isn't as fun as you would assume."

"Water park?"

"Water park."

"Yay!"

"Mukuro, stop messing with Bianchi and leave for school. You'll be late if you don't catch the train in the next ten minutes."

"Kufufu, very well."

"Tsuna, we're leaving now. Souta is here."

"Ah, right!"

"Bianchi, don't cause trouble! Nana-san, I'll leave my dishes by the sink." I gathered my dishes, placing them at the sink. I helped the boys put theirs by the sink as well before heading back to the dining room to grab my bag. Kanna handed it to me and I held her hand as we walked out the front door. "We're leaving!"

"Take care, everyone!"

"Souta, sorry for waiting." I pushed the gate open, giving the male a small smile. "Did you wait long?"

"Nah, I was here only for a minute or two. What's up, Mukuro, Ken, Chikusa?"

"Higurashi, you're as unassuming as usual. Kufufufu."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

We began walking and I waved at the Kokuyo trio as they parted ways with us. Kanna gave her brother a small nod of her head before continuing to cling to my side. I spotted a girl up ahead...walking on the fence...in this direction...she looks ready to fall. Judging from her uniform she's from Midori middle school...but...her panties...they can be seen. I doubt she cares since she's hyper focused on Reborn...for some strange reason.

"My name...is Miura Haru." Miura said staring at Reborn with a blush.

"She's blushing..." Souta is leaning against me, whispering quietly. "Is she a Shota-con or something since she's staring at Reborn like that?" Souta asked and I snorted quietly.

"-be my friend?" Miura asked still staring at Reborn.

"Maybe?" She managed to land on her feet while cheering how she became Reborn's friend. "Strange girl..." When Reborn didn't hesitate to tell her he's a hitman...I reacted when she tried slapping Michiru. I gripped her wrist, staring at her coldly. "Don't." I said quietly.

"H-Hahi?!"

"Tsuki-hime..."

"I don't know what you think you're assuming, but I don't take kindly to those who tries to harm one of my own." I pushed her wrist away and I walked past her. "Kanna, come. You'll be late if you don't hurry."

"Yes, Tsukichiyo."

"W-Wait!"

"Reborn, this is your fault." I ignored the girl as she shouted at our backs. "Don't go telling civilians your actual occupation. It'd be annoying if they start creating rumors about us."

"Most would take it as a child's game with my appearance."

"How annoying..." I released Kanna's hand. "Then, take care, Kanna."

"Un. Take care, Tsukichiyo. Also, that girl...she'll probably stick around."

"I hope not."

I smiled at the girl, patting her head...but Kanna was right since she was actually stalking us on our way home...even going so far as to watch the manor from a distance away behind a tree. I had to send a text to Mukuro telling him not to kill her or even use his illusions on the girl since she's a civilian...the paperwork I'd have to do if she got attack...is no joke.

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"...Tsukichiyo, this girl is an idiot." Kanna said pointing at Miura...who is...dressed in strange armor while wielding a hockey stick.

"Don't point, Kanna, it's rude. Miura...san...are you alright? You look ready to pass out." I said a bit concerned with the mental state of this girl.

"Haru is fine, I just didn't sleep very well last night because of all the thoughts I had." Miura said with thick bags beneath her eyes.

"Please go home and go to sleep properly. Also, take that armor off before you pass out from heatstroke."

"Haru will not! Reborn-chan is a real hitman and I know that you're a really strong mafia boss." Oi, I'd be more yakuza than mafia! The Aozora are Japanese, damn it! "That being said, if I want to-ow!" She held her forehead after I gave her a semi-decent flick. "Why did you flick Haru's forehead?!"

"Reborn might look like a child, but he's a full grown adult."

"H-Hahi?! Reborn-chan is a child!"

"Reborn is probably as old as your parents, maybe even older."

"H-Hahi?! T-That has to be a lie!"

"It's not. He's probably even older than your parents."

"Hahi?!"

"Tsuki-chan!"

"Ah, Kyoko."

"Who...is this?" Kyoko looked at Haru curiously. "A friend?"

"Not really."

"Don't go ignoring Haru!"

"Well, she's sleep deprived while in that armor...I'll help her home so can you walk Kanna part way to school for me, Kyoko?"

"Eh, are you sure?"

"Ah. If I just ignore the girl and she ends up fainting from heatstroke then it'd leave a bad taste in my mouth."

"I suppose so...Then, Kanna-chan, will you go with me?"

"Tsukichiyo said so then I will obey."

"Now then..." I easily lifted the girl bridal style. "Seriously, don't go causing trouble for other people."

"H-Hahi..."

I dropped the girl off at home, informing her mother that her daughter was close to suffering heatstroke due to how red she became on the way here. I was thanked and I waved off any need for repayment. I ran the rest of the way to the school, just barely making it in time before Hibari decided he wanted a 'friendly' spar just before classes begin...or end if I can't get away in time to attend.

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"Ne, Tsuna-chan, who was that girl from this morning?" Kyoko asked giving me a curious look.

"An idiot." I stated calmly.

"You got it rough, don't you? Hahahaha!" Yamamoto laughed with a grin.

"Why are you monkeys here? If you keep hanging off Tsuki like this then people will get the wrong idea about her." Hana said glaring at the boys.

"I'm Tsuki-hime's family so it's fine for me to hang off her." Michiru said with a smile.

"Tsuki-san is-bwah!" Gokudera was stopped by Souta who slapped his mouth over his mouth. "MPWH?!"

"Gokudera, Omerta, Omerta." Souta said quietly to him.

"Hm?" A very expensive sleek black car pulled to a stop before us and the back window rolled down to reveal a handsome man in his late twenties. His short blond hair is styled neatly while framing his cat-like amber eyes. "...Why are you here?" I questioned with a frown.

"Is that any way to speak to your dear uncle, Tsukichiyo?"

"T-That handsome man is your uncle, Tsuki?" Hana is gripping my shoulder with an excited look on her face. "He's so cool..."

"...Does Kotaro know that you are here?"

"Of course not."

"I thought not."

"Take a ride with me, Tsukichiyo."

"I prefer not to, Taiga."

"You dare to refuse a request from your elder?"

"You're not so old yet." The two of us smiled at one another, but you can tell that neither of us were pleased with the words of the other. I took a glance in Reborn's direction and I released a small sigh. "Still, with your weak body its best that I do as you ask, isn't it?"

"Good choice, Tsukichiyo."

"It's not as if I can just let you wander about in Hibari territory..." The driver's side door opened to reveal a well-dressed bodyguard with short black hair with eyes hidden behind his sunglasses. He opened the door for me, motioning for me to get in. "I will return home later on. Don't wait up on me."

"Tsuki-hime..."

"I will be fine, I'll be fine." I waved off Michiru's concern and I got into the car. The driver entered the car and we were off. "So, what did you want to talk to me so badly about, Taiga?"

"I realize we might not see eye to eye." Understatement considering your brother is the one who is trying to boot me from my position as 'heiress' despite knowing it's merely a title given to me to protect me. "However, you are playing with the mafia..."

"...Is that a problem?"

"No, I just think that it's dangerous for a small cub like yourself."

"Worry more for your own health than my own, Taiga."

"I say it because I worry! You deem those humans a non-threat because you were-kok-kok!"

"Calm down." I reached out, pressing a hand to his chest while using my flames to help his body. "Kotaro shouldn't have allowed you to wander so easily."

"I am fine now, thank you...Tsukichiyo. Your situation is strange and it is dangerous. The Aozora cannot protect you if we hide the fact we are youkai...We cannot lift a finger to assist you should you find yourself in a dangerous situation. You are mostly human, this is a human problem...as such no youkai within the Aozora will dare to follow you or try to assist you. Doing so will risk their lives and the secret we have upheld for the last 200 years."

"I had no intentions of dragging the rest of Aozora with me, Taiga." I stared at the man with a frown. "I do not know what Kotaro believes of me, but I care deeply for the Aozora and I will never call upon the family for anything. Michiru followed me of his own accord. He is the only one within the family I chose to take with me as my mother can barely be considered Aozora after what happened to me as a child."

"...Kotaro is...stubborn..."

"I realize that after he sent me another letter of challenge and the fact he purposefully mixed in marriage portfolios with the paperwork I'm normally sent." I really don't like him. He looks down upon me because I'm a woman and the fact I'm mostly of human blood. Last time I saw him, he didn't hesitate to start a brawl despite the fact I was dressed in a very, very expensive kimono...that was ruined and we both got a nasty scolding from the head maid. "Taiga, I'm already involved with the humans, don't bother to try to convince me to become a princess that needs to be hidden away from the dangers of the world."

"...There's a very good reason why Kotaro wishes to protect you so badly, Tsukichiyo."

"Protect me...?"

"Well, it's a story from about 300 years ago. Perhaps I will tell you about it another time."

"I...see?"

I remained silent as the drive continued on. Taiga had me dropped off a few blocks from my home. He got out after I did and he began nuzzling the top of my head...his scent invading my senses. He released me, biding me farewell before taking off. Kotaro and Taiga...the two are Aozora whose mother is a tiger youkai so they're a fourth lion youkai, a fourth human, and half tiger youkai. Taiga is fond of me for some odd reason...his brother not so much. I don't know if is because everyone assumes that I really will lead the Aozora in the future...or because of this curse I took upon myself so willingly.

"..." I lightly touched the rose at my neck, feeling the smooth surface of the Sky Pacifier. "I already chose my path...I will not turn my gaze away nor will I run...because...I refuse to do so..."

I returned home and I endured Michiru's questioning...even Reborn was curious about my relationship with the man known as Taiga. I merely dismissed their questioning with a smile. I went to my office and I silently laid my head across my desk, staring at my phone blankly. I stifled a sigh before deciding to make that dreaded call. It took a few minutes for him to pick up.

"Good evening, Kotaro-oji-sama. What do you say to meeting up in a few days?" I asked with a weak smile.

The meeting was set a bit before summer break ends...alone. It's more of a dinner date than a meeting considering he chose a high class Tokyo restaurant for the two of us to meet at. Michiru entered my office, silently shutting the door before giving me a look from over the rims of his glasses. I stifled my sigh, flooding the room with my Sky flames to prevent any unwanted listeners.

"You hate Kotaro, why are you meeting with him?" Michiru questioned with a frown.

"Kotaro and I do not see eye to eye, but I do not hate him." I might dislike him, but not outright hate him. "He's still family..."

"Well, I guess I can understand where Kotaro is coming from." Michiru leaned against my desk, crossing his arms. "Nana isn't completely blameless, but we will never forgive Vongola for what they had done to you. The Aozora will stand with you, Kotaro and Taiga have already begun interfering..."

"Kotaro and Taiga don't think I'm suitable for any position of leadership."

"Can you blame them? They survived both World Wars, they killed countless humans in order to protect the secret of Youkai, they have seen their human friends live and die...they saw what the atomic bomb did to our people and to our countrymen...It was bad, Tsukichiyo. I was just an infant when it occurred, but we lost many of our people..."

"What about me then?" I shot him a sharp stare. "I survived in a land 500 years before that when Youkai didn't have to hide. I was there when Naraku was around, when the Shikon no Tama still existed. I was merely human and still sealed, but I survived. I betrayed someone I saw as my own sister, I left behind my Sun and Lighting when I was forcibly returned to this timeline. I was not given a choice, but I will never allow anyone to play with my future now that I am here."

"...Such a headstrong child..."

"All Aozora children are headstrong."

"..." Michiru tried not to laugh and he ruffled my hair affectionately. "I have your back and I know that your little human friends won't betray our secret. If all else fails, we have Mukuro and a few others who are good at manipulating memories."

"I just hope it doesn't come down to that..." I pushed his hand away. "I'm against that kind of stuff..."

"It's useful...especially if you wish to forget or to never forget certain memories. So, you're meeting with Kotaro, right?"

"I want to discuss a few things with him...about the Aozora and my plans...I really hate dealing with him though, he's so overbearing...!"

"He's protective of you. Tsuki-hime, there's a difference."

"Overprotective."

"I cannot deny that..."

"He's trying to make me marry Sesshomaru-sama...! I see the man as a father or elder brother, not as husband material!"

"What?!"

"It's not obvious, but all the guys he chose are lower class youkai mixed bloods." I pointed at the marriage portfolios in the corner of the room. "No way Sesshomaru-sama will let that happen..."

"Speaking of Sesshomaru-sama...How long do you have until you're allowed to meet him?"

"After Kagome-san leaves...no...when she returns..."

"...You're not allowed to go..."

"...I know..."

Even if I yearn for it...even if I think of it as unfair...now that I am cursed...now that my fate is tied to this time period...I have no right to return to the Feudal Era. I cannot see Rin or Kohaku...but...I will give them something to ensure they never forget me. I rested my head against my desk, emotions running wild for the first time in a while...as Michiru remained at my side silently protecting me in my moment of weakness. I cannot break...I cannot bend...I must stand strong with my head held up high...because I am Aozora Tsukichiyo, heiress to the Aozora family...I'm not a puppet for anyone to use. Not now, not ever. I decide my own future.

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Chapter 28 Ends

I am not dead yet! Okay, jokes aside, I really haven't had any motivation to write so...yeah...sorry. Lioness might be my main focus for a while, but I'm rewriting Time X To X Play from the beginning so I'll either be posting here or there, sometimes Flower of the Night if those stubborn little plot bunnies start moving. Hopefully, I'll be posting every week like before.

Let's see now, I'm introducing two new Aozora members. Kotaro and Taiga, both having the meaning of tiger in their names due to their lion-tiger heritage. They're Ligers! Ligers like Xanxus' Bester, for those who don't remember it is his box weapon. Their position in the story is for character building as they will constantly remind Tsuki time and time again that she isn't an adult. That she's a child and that is is alright to ask for help and to not alright for her to handle this burden alone. Michiru enables the girl along with her grandfather so neither of them are of any help. That's where Kotaro and Taiga comes in, they're to help her grow as a person. For now, Kotaro is merely a meddling uncle who is making life difficult for Tsuki who has bigger fish to fry.

Welp~! That's all for now~! Bye-bye~!