*The Italian spoken in this chapter is from Google Translate. I know that it isn't the most reliable so I apologize if I offend anyone through them. I'm open to any corrections if needed.

DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN

Natsuki's POV

"How do you... Have... Dying Will Flames?"

~Flashback eight years ago

I watched silently from afar as guests slowly poured into the mansion. This happens from time to time. A group of formally dressed people would come in and talk for hours. During this time, I was not allowed to be seen by any of them.

I didn't know what they would talk about other than I wasn't invited. Most of the time I stuck to my room. It was the safest place. None of the guests ever strayed away from the meeting. If they ever did it would be their mistake.

"There you are, Natsuki-sama. You should be in your room. Someone might see you here." I paid little attention to Ricardo as an old man walked in.

He was surrounded by six men that kept their guard up. At first glance I could already tell that something was drawing me to him. Maybe that's why this was the first time I left my room while guests were over. There was something familiar in the way he made himself known.

Slowly the man raised his head away from Mistress Celeste in my direction. Out of the tens of people that came through, none of them saw me. We made eye contact. The way he looked at me was a mix of happiness and loneliness. 'His eyes. I know those eyes.'

"That's enough Natsuki-sama. We should head back now." He was going to take me away when we saw Mistress Celeste wave to us. I ducked so that she wouldn't see that I was breaking her rules.

"Come out child. I mean no harm." The strange man spoke up. I hesitantly peered my head back out. "Fumiko-chan, if you allow me to, I would like a second to talk to her."

"Are you sure?" He nodded. Mistress Celeste gestured for the two of us to hurry down. Not wanting to push my luck I jumped down the floor causing him to laugh.

"A lively girl you are. Jumping a high height doesn't scare you?"

"No sir." He gave a weak laugh. He crouched down to look at me with the same sad gaze.

"You calling me sir makes me feel old. I suppose that's to blame more on my actual age than on you. Tell me young one, is there anything else that you see in me besides being an old man?" I looked at his men. I could feel that even Mistress Celeste was nervous behind me.

Yet from this man I could still feel the familiar pull. He was so sad with a smiling face. And somehow I knew that it was me making him feel that way. Staring at him I felt that sadness. Like I was missing something I didn't even know existed.

"You've suffered a lot. I don't know who or what caused that but thank you for remaining strong." He bit down on his lip. His breath shortening as if holding back tears.

"Thank you for that. I- thank you so much."

"Did I say something wrong? I didn't mean any offense to you." He shook his head.

"On the contrary, I haven't felt this happy in a long time."

"You have a weird way of showing that happiness. I really didn't mean to hurt your feelings. I only said my impression of you. I could be completely off."

"Let me show you then. How happy I am." He held his hand out near my face. I wouldn't have imagined that it was possible but in the palm of his hand was a ball of orange flames. Softly the flames flickered in my way like a greeting. "This is called a Dying Will flame. It's something that is made from people's resolve. It shows a person's true self. Why don't you try making one yourself?"

I copied him in holding my hand out. I closed my eyes, calming myself down. It sounded crazy. If I didn't see it just now, I would say that this was a work of trickery. Something in the way he spoke intrigued me to try it myself.

'My resolve.' Opening my eyes, I found a small, faint orange flame in my hand. It was warm danced on my hand. I couldn't help but smile looking at my accomplishment. Sure, it wasn't the first time I did something right, but it was the first time that something made me feel like this. It was comforting. Like looking into a mirror of myself.

"You're a natural. Though it's still small, in the future it will grow with your resolve. I'm sure of it." I stopped my flame as he stood up. "Now. Shall we head to our meeting? We wouldn't want to keep the others waiting any longer."

Mistress Celeste turned to me. "You should head back to your room."

"Yes Ma'am." I bowed to them all. I kept my head down despite knowing that all their eyes were on me.

~Flashback Over

I never did see that man again. There wasn't a lot that I knew about the Dying Will flame either. Mistress Celeste said that I was unique is being able to produce it with my hands. It only raised more questions as to who he was and how we were able to make one.

Bel's boss was the only other one that I've met that could produce flames. His didn't have the same warmth that the man's did. His flames were destructive. Where as mine felt more submissive. Both were clearly a Dying Will Flame. Not only that but his were in his control that he could use them as a weapon. The flames I made as a shield was purely on instinct and drained me of all of my energy to protect myself.

"So you know about your flames." Xanxus stopped talking for a moment to gather his thoughts. "Change of plans."

"If your old man taught you about your flames then it was as a means to protect you. There's no way he would accept your sudden death without proof. Killing you now will make it harder to cover up. Vongola is probably already looking for you. Presenting your corpse, myself, would only anger him and I'll never become Vongola Juudaime. However... If you're alive then he'll risk everything to keep it that way. That even includes keeping his guardians away from us."

Was I that important that they would be looking for my corpse? Now I was going to be a hostage? I suppose that's better than dead. But he assumed my death made it easier for him to be the leader of the Vongola. Does that mean I was a main person to decide who gets to be Juudaime? That wouldn't make any sense since I wasn't technically a part of the Mafia.

He wasn't talking about me specifically though. He was talking about my father. He must have been very important if he was the one to decide on the next Vongola head. Not only that but he controlled enough resources to come save me if he saw fit.

"I wasn't even aware that the old man had another child. A daughter nonetheless." Leviathan mumbled.

"She was labelled dead 4 days after her birth. A victim of the Heir Hunting Season." Xanxus answered. Realization struck the other members as they took in what he said, while I was still confused.

"Heir Hunting Season, the continuous Mafia game of cat and mouse of who gets killed first, the heir or the hunters. Murdered with her mother 15 years ago, the news rang out for months. If I remember correctly, 'the first flame to go out', was it? I wouldn't have thought she survived the ordeal. To think that Celeste Terzo was harboring her for so long. Not her own daughter, Celeste Natsuki but instead Vongola's final heir, Fia di Vongola. " Mammon circled around me. Probably to take a better look at who actually was. Though his facial expressions didn't give me any hints on his thoughts.

Wait a minute. Fia di Vongola? Was that my birth name? Wait another minute. I'm the Vongola's final heir? That makes my father Vongola Kyuudaime?! And since Varia is it's independent assassination squad, then this is a coup e'tat! With me in the middle!

If I really am Vongola Kyuudaime's daughter, then I would become a possible candidate for Vongola Juudaime. From the looks of it, I was already stamped dead after birth. No, apparently Fia di Vongola was. Then why did Mistress Celeste take me in then? Did she know who I was? She must have. What really happened the night of my alleged death?'

In the midst of all the confusion I didn't realize that I had started to cry and laugh at the same time. I didn't know why I was doing either. Information was thrown at me one after another. I didn't know where to start unpacking it all. Should I start with my family being in the Mafia and me being some high up ranking? Or should I focus on the people surrounding me right now that just a few moments ago were trying to kill me? Maybe using too many flames exhausted my brain too.

I was losing my mind. The other members of Varia looked at one another, probably just as confused about my actions as I was. I staggered up on my feet, wiping my tears away. "I-I'm sorry. It's been a… stressful day."

"Lussuria you will be in charge of watching over her. The rest of you are not to kill her unless I say so. Tell the rest of the trash that they can't attack her either. Any information about her is confined. And you." He turned his attention back on me.

"You are not to speak to the other members besides these core members. You are also to be accompanied by one of us if you leave Varia grounds. And don't misunderstand your position. I can't kill you yet but I can make your life here a living hell. If you step out of line I will show no mercy. Consider this your only warning." I bit my lip tightly, giving him a shaky nod.

"Dismissed." Lussuria patted me on the head to grab my attention.

"How about a tour, Nat-chan?" 'I guess if I'm stuck here I might as well make the best of the situation.'

First off was the grand kitchen. It was a high class facility that was in charge of all the members of Varia's food. Most of the time Varia members cooked their own meals while the main members had professional chefs and Lussuria cooked. As we went around headquarters Lussuria pointed out some spots I would need to remember like certain people's rooms, training area, infirmary, dining hall and lounging area. The places that stood out the most were the library and garden.

The library was filled with books on 2 levels. Some books were on the history of Mafia Famglias and weaponry. Others were textbooks or reference books on a variety of topics. There were also classic story books written by authors like William Shakespeare and Jane Austen. The place was a bit dusty but cleaning it up would certainly keep me busy for a while.

Next was the same garden that I saw from the window in my room. It was even more beautiful up close. By my feet were rows of fruits and vegetables that Lussuria planted. Too bad they weren't ready for picking just yet. On the far right side was a Sakura/ cherry blossom tree that provides an ample amount of shade in the middle of the day. Despite being in Italy, this garden had a Japanese feeling to it.

After the tour finished, I decided to head back to, now, my room. I sat on the bed. Alone I had time to think for myself. The Celeste. Vongola. Varia. I'm a hostage here. My father, who I think was that man that taught me of my flames, is the top person of all of the Mafia. I'm the final heir to that legacy. What happens to me now?

"I'm coming in." I jumped off hearing Bel's voice outside. I rushed over to open the door.

"Can I help..." With one foot in the room my head started to hurt. 'What's going on?' I took a closer look at Bel standing up with a pile of clothes in his hands.

"An extra pair of clothes for you. They might be a bit big but it'll work for now." As he got closer I found myself backing away from him. It didn't feel like he wanted to hurt me but Bel was starting to make me feel uncomfortable. It was different than our first encounter. Back then I only knew to run from Bel, to get to safety. Now my head screamed don't trust.

"You're not Bel, are you?" Over the years I've learned to trust my instinct over facts. Even though it looked and sounded exactly like Bel this wasn't how he presented himself. Bel gave a final grin before his appearance started to shift into Mammon.

"I see you also inherited the Vongola Hyper Intuition, Fia."

"I guess so?" Honestly I did not know what that meant but a literal definition is the ability to know something without proof. I guess Vongola blood truly is special.

"But um I actually go by the name Natsuki. I mean you can call me Fia if you like, I can't really stop you. Just a little suggestion. I didn't even know my name was Fia until today. So it will take a bit a time to get use to... Natsuki will be a bit easier is all I'm trying to say." I could feel myself shrinking as I realized that I started to ramble for quite a while now. Mammon didn't say anything but stood there staring at me. Or at least I think he was.

'Great first impression.' I thought sarcastically. I coughed to clear my throat. "So why did you come as Bel?"

"He told me to deliver these clothes to you while he talked to the lower class members. The illusion was so that you would take them without question." So that disguise was just an illusion. Mammon was surprising me a lot today and it was only my first day.

Mammon placed the clothes in my hand and started to make his way out. "Wait." I started to twiddle with my fingers a little. "Illusions. How- How did you do that? I doubt you're using the classic parlor tricks. Would it be possible for me to learn?"

Illusions were intriguing. They hid the user's true appearance and who knows what else.

"Good grief. Your first day and you're already asking a lot more than you should." He thought a little before giving out a sigh. "Illusions are a lot more complicated than your run of the mill magician. Don't compare my skill to theirs. Not everyone could master it. Though being able to see through them does give you potential. Any additional questions will require a fee to answer."

'Wow Mammon is even as greedy as Bel said he was. Hopefully the money I saved from Mistress Celeste is enough. Do I still have access to that account here?' I gave Mammon a bow as he left my room.

'I guess I can take a shower now.' The bathroom already had some towels and soap inside for me to use. When I removed my arm's gauze I saw that the wound had opened up a little. 'Must have been from Xanxus' attack. Too bad I can't stitch it up. This has to be like a 3cm cut. It'll probably leave a scar too.'

I took a long, hot shower to help relax myself. When I was done I put on Bel's borrowed clothes. Bel was only 15 cm taller than me so his clothes weren't that big. His dark red striped shirt had sleeves that covered my hands and stopped in the middle of my butt. While the end of his black pants piled on my feet. I had to fold the ends to keep it from dragging on the floor. Good thing Bel gave me a belt too or the pants would have fallen too.

I considered putting on my used clothes but it was ripped from my wound and slightly burnt from Xanxus. Plus, it was my school uniform so it was too stuffy. I only reused my undergarments since I couldn't borrow his.

When I went back into my room I noticed the real Bel lying on my bed. I couldn't tell if he was asleep or not from his bangs. I carefully approached him trying not to wake him. I slowly raised my hand to try and brush his bangs away.

I jolted a bit when Bel suddenly grabbed my wrist. "Ushishi what do you think you're doing Hime?"

Yep this is the real deal.

"N-nothing! I was doing nothing. I- just- um why are you here?" I changed the subject because I couldn't find a reasonable explanation for my actions. Sure I could tell him the truth but it sounded weird to say that I was trying to see his eyes.

"Changing the subject?" Why does this guy have to be a genius? "Lussuria wanted to ask for your help in the kitchen."

I scratched my head vigorously to show that I was displeased with not being able to relax. But I was in no position to argue against his request. I was technically under his charge after all.

"Fine. Let's go." Bel laid back down with his hands behind his head.

"Not yet. I'll rest here until dinner's ready." 'In my bed? Alright then.'

As I was making my way to the kitchen I caught the Varia members either avoiding eye contact or bowing in respect to me. 'I guess Xanxus rules Varia with an iron fist. I should have known by the way he acted in front of me.'

When I arrived in the kitchen, Lussuria was already cooking. "Um Lussuria?" I said to catch his attention from the sizzling pan.

"Oh Nat-chan, I wanted you- What are you wearing?" I looked down at my attire. "Oh I didn't have any clothes so I borrowed Bel's."

"No no no a young girl should not dress like that! It's hideous!" I sweat dropped a bit. I didn't expect him to react so drastically. "It's decided. I will take you shopping tomorrow for an entirely new wardrobe. All on me."

'Well that takes care of my clothes problem. I just hope he doesn't choose frilly dresses.'

"Thank you Lussuria. Sooo what are you cooking?" Lussuria untied his apron and put it on me.

"I'm cooking Boss's Salisbury steak. Do you want to take over while I make Squalo's tuna carpicco?"

I gave out a nervous laugh. Should I mention I barely cooked before? I may know the basics but I wasn't entirely confident in my skills. On the other hand, I couldn't let Lussuria down. He was trying his best to welcome me and was even buying me clothes.

"Nat-chan?" On the other other hand, Xanxus seemed like a picky eater. But it was just one thing. Surely I can do that. Right?

"Nat-chan!" I shook my head clear of those thoughts. "Are you okay?"

I felt quite embarrassed. I was doing the same thing as I always do. Not meeting people's expectations. I thought that if I got along with Bel then I could do so with the other members. No matter where I go, everything is always the sa- "It's okay to be a little nervous around us."

What did he just say? Lussuria turned around continuing to cook Xanxus's food. "I saw how you stepped behind Bel to hide from me. I heard how before every answer you gave there was a pause. At first I thought you were just quiet until I saw you in Boss's office. I then realized that you aren't a Mafioso. You are surrounded by professional killers and is forced to live here under strict conditions, of course you'd be scared. So I'm telling you now that no one here expects you to be happy with your situation. Some of our members are a little grumpy but you'll be fine. If you're nervous, scared or even a little mad, no one can blame you."

'No way is this real. It's okay to be... me?' Nobody had ever told me that my shyness was okay. Others would only assume the worst and start to ignore me. The Celeste Famiglia raised me to be strong. To take on any challenge that came my way including my emotions. Lussuria knew nothing about me yet he was able to see what others couldn't. That I was struggling to keep up my image. He had gone against that and welcomed me.

"Is there something you want to say?" I took a deep breath.

"I-I want to help cook, but I don't know i-if it would be good. I don't cook often so I don't- I don't want to mess anything up." I whispered. Letting that out I realized I never told anyone my thoughts.

Lussuria gently patted my head. He picked up some nearby spices for me. "First off, Boss likes his steak to be very juicy and tough but still able to rip off. He also likes to drink it with wine so we have to consider that too."

He didn't say anything about what I said. We just started cooking. Him guiding me from the worries that I had. He kept my mind off the idea of me being a hostage for a bit but I started to talk about the Mafia. He told me so much that I talked more than I ever had in my life. No that wasn't true. I talked pretty much the same with Bel earlier today. Both of them as Varia members.

After it was done Lussuria strangled me in another hug which I allowed. Until I had trouble breathing in which I demanded he release me. Overall I was proud of the work we did.

We called everyone down to eat and in seconds everyone was present. We mostly ate in silence with the occasional 'bring me this'. During the time together I found Leviathan giving me dirty glares. Squalo started out staring at me at the beginning of dinner but found no threat in me.

"Non vedo perché l'ostaggio debba mangiare con noi. Lei rovina solo l'umore." (I don't see why the hostage has to eat with us. She only ruins the mood.)

"Zitto Levi. Non ha causato alcun problema quindi è solo più fastidioso trattarla come un vero ostaggio." (Shut up Levi. She hasn't caused any problems so it's only more annoying to treat her like a real hostage.) Mammon scolded him.

"Ci stiamo praticamente facendo delle anatre mentre mangiamo il suo cibo pieno di veleno." (We're practically making ourselves sitting ducks as we eat her poison filled food)

I sighed, setting down my utensils. I can tell where I wasn't wanted. Just don't make a scene and leave. "If I can excuse myself. I don't feel that well."

"Fia stay." I froze at Xanxus calling me my birth name. "Levi, if you're going to bad mouth people then do it properly. No doubt Terzo taught her Italian fluently. If she did poison us then it's our fault for not seeing it. Now shut up and eat or starve."

Leviathan clicked his tongue once but he ate. 'Should I thank Xanxus-sama? Or was he madder at Levi than me? I really shouldn't be eating here in the first place.'

"Nat-chan you speak Italian?" It was Lussuria's bright tone that brought some comfort through the tension.

"Y-yes. I've been taught a few languages. Italian being one of the first. Besides Japanese of course. That should be a given. And while I have been studying languages to the best of my ability I haven't gotten much natural exposure to many of them so I'm not truly confident in them. I did understand what Leviathan was saying I should clarify. I didn't poison your food. Any of the foods by the way. You can ask Lussuria if you don't trust me."

"Ushishi there you go again Hime. Running your mouth off will get your food cold. Next time you should just tell Levi to vaffanculo." I held back a laugh at the insult.

"Leccaculo Bel." I hardly used swear words in my studies. Hearing it thrown so easily reminded me that this was a completely different environment. than with Celeste. Not to mention how the harsh words didn't even affect them.

"You first geezer."

"What'd you call me?!" Just that simple the tension changed to loud screaming and fighting. This was the norm here.

Maybe saying norm was giving too much credit. This bunch was so strange. There were times when they seemed to get along in terms of knowing each other well but still pushing the other's buttons. I don't think normal was ever going to be appropriate to describe them. And without a baseline in expected behaviour, I felt that I was the odd one out.

Today I learned that I was the remaining daughter to the most powerful Mafia family. I was kidnapped to find out. A lot has happened today. Yet somehow I feel like it is only going to be the start of a very strange life.