Thank you to IWannaBePopular who reviewed my last chapter. Honestly, I forgot that reviews were even a thing and was really confused when I got the notification. Thanks!
If anyone else wants to say compliments, insults or advice about the story then feel free to speak your mind! Any will persuade me to write better.
DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN
Natsuki's POV
'An exclamation of horror broke from the painter's lips as he saw in the dim light the hideous face in the canvas grinning at -' "VOOOOOI I CAN'T SEE IT!" I heard Squalo yell from somewhere in the base. You would think that with the amount of money that was put into this place, it could at least block out Squalo's screams.
'The hideous face in the canvas grinning at him. There was-' "Nooo!" My eye twitched a bit in irritation. I understand why I can hear Squalo, but even Lussuria too? I took a deep breath in and continue to read.
'There was something in its expression that filled him with disgust and loathing. Good heavens! It was Do-' a series of crashing pots and pans interrupted my reading once more.
"Okay that's it. What the hell are they doing?" I marked my place in my book and stormed out of the library towards the kitchen.
"Natsuki-sama." A member quickly saluted to me as he stood in front of the kitchen doors.
"What are they doing in there?"
"Renovations."
"Renovations? I didn't hear anything about this."
"Apparently it was Luss-nee's idea. He also said that you should enjoy your off day by relaxing and not doing physical labour." I rolled my eyes at him. Of course it was Lussuria's idea.
Relax? I threw in my jacket 19 days ago. 19 days of no jacket meant 19 days of no missions and pure boredom. I finished 'relaxing' 16 days ago. I would love to be doing manual labour right now. Without my jacket, I wasn't a Varia member meaning that I couldn't go on missions as Haunting Shadows for the time being. Though there was never a dull day, being on missions was way more entertaining. I was definitely going through some sort of adrenaline withdrawal. I should have put a deadline for Xanxus's answer instead of being so vague. Me and my big mouth.
"Fine. Just tell them to try and keep it down a little."
"Yes Ma'am." He saluted once more as I returned to the library.
They did quiet down for the most as I continued my book. Though, occasionally, I would still hear someone scream incomprehensible things. I ended finishing my book and laid on the library floor like a starfish.
"Now what?" I had already read almost all of the books that interested me. I even read this book 3 times before. I sighed. The library was too stuffy for me to get comfortable. 'I need some fresh air.'
I went to the back garden taking in a deep breath. The air was still a bit chilly from the remaining winter weather but most of the snow had melted off already. The sun was beginning to set creating a red and purple hue in the sky. 'It should be dinner time soon.'
I pulled myself up the leaf naked cherry blossom tree to the tip top, avoiding the few buds that were starting to pop up. I took in the view of the forest that surrounded our headquarters. I really did love this place. Trapped here, yes, but I still cared deeply about this place. Or more importantly the people in it.
I overlooked headquarters feeling a sense of serenity. I closed my eyes letting myself fully take in my surroundings. This large castle like building was home to some the greatest assassins in the world. Separated from the rest of society there was a sense that we were meant to be different from the norm. It was here that I felt most at peace.
'It's so nice without the rest of the members screaming throughout the day. A bit too quiet for their liking though so it probably won't happen again for a while. Especially Squalo-sama.' Something clicked in my mind. 'Wait a minute- Why would Squalo-sama, of all people, be helping with the renovations when he usually trained on his days off? Lussuria was probably in charge too. Squalo-sama would never listen to Lussuria's sense in design, so why help?'
The situation was getting confusing. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen any of the officers today. I jumped down the tree and went to the dining hall as a short cut to the kitchen.
"Natsuki. The dining hall is still off limits." Mammon materialized in front of me before I could open the door. I noticed how there was a speck of orange paint on his shoulder. Mammon did not do manual labor meaning that someone else must have put it on him. Yet what would Mammon gain from the renovations?
"Where did you just come from?"
"Nowhere special. Follow me." Mammon started to float away from the dining hall. I took one more skeptical look at the hall before running up to catch him.
"So how did you get paint on your shoulder?"
"Levi accidentally put it on me." Mammon turned left.
"What were you and Levi doing with paint?"
"Painting." I clicked my tongue. I should have known Mammon's answers would be vague.
"What were you painting?"
"Levi was painting."
"What was Levi painting?"
"Words."
"What words?"
"A message Lussuria wanted him to write." 'I wish I could strangle the information out of you.' I bit my lip in frustration.
"What message?"
"A common one."
"Be more specific."
"Something people say on certain occasions."
"What occasion?"
"A celebration."
"What is being celebrated?"
"A day."
"What day?"
"Today."
"I didn't mean when. I meant what's so important about this day you're talking about."
"I realized. My answer still remains the same." We ended our conversation when we entered the kitchen with me holding back my need to strangle him. There clearly were no renovations done to this place, only a mess, making everything more suspicious.
"Here, help me push these into the dining hall." He directed my attention towards the three carts full of food. This was more than our usual intake. 'I guess whatever we were celebrating was a big deal.'
"I thought the dining hall wasn't done yet?"
"It should be finished now." Mammon used his telekinesis to push two of the carts into the dining hall. I grabbed the last cart and followed him. The first thing that caught my attention was the bright colours that covered the room. Poorly put up streamers and balloons but colourful. Then was the banner that had Happy 16th Birthday, Natsuki! Written in orange. That would explain what Levi was doing with paint.
"Mouu Mammon, why did you make Nat-chan push in the food?" Lussuria complained.
"What is going on?" Lussuria pushed me into my normal seat putting a small strawberry cake in front of me. I could tell that the officers made it from the poor icing job. Hopefully Lussuria baked the cake to avoid food poisoning.
"Happy birthday, Nat-chan!" I looked at his beaming smile. I almost didn't have the heart to tell him. I gave a quick, nervous chuckle.
"Um, thanks Lussuria but- umm- my birthday was… yesterday." His mouth froze open as he processed the information before screaming loudly.
"No! No! No! Today is March 21. That's your birthday, is it not?"
"Actually today is the 22nd. You were in a different time zone yesterday so you accidentally missed it. We just had a small dinner yesterday."
Lussuria's face resembled the scream as he let out another shriek. I heard the rest of the members cackle at Lussuria. "You guys didn't tell him?"
"Ushishishi it was more amusing to watch Lussuria run around like a headless chicken while planning." Bel came to my side, taking a strawberry off the top.
"Hey!" He laughed at me before putting the entire thing in his mouth. I pouted a bit which only landed a card on my head.
"Belated present, Hime. I would have given it to you yesterday but this party seemed like better occasion." I took the paper off my head. An envelope? I flipped the card over. On the top had my name written in gold, cursive letters with nothing else. There was no way Bel wrote this. "A letter addressed to you from Celeste Terzo. It was hidden in her many, many family files that I took after her death."
A letter from Mistress Celeste? I saw that my hands were trembling a bit. Bel must have noticed as he placed his hand over mine. "Read it whenever you're ready."
He whispered into my ear. I looked at Bel's grinning face. That's right, Bel was the first one. The one who I could actually talk to. My first friend. He took my hand that first time into this new world. Once more he was holding my hand in comfort. I had Bel to thank for everything. I pushed my seat out to give him a hug.
"Thank you, Bel." He returned the hug. Squalo cleared his throat to grab my attention. I pushed Bel off and stood in front of a nervous Squalo.
"Happy belated birthday." He revealed a stunning bouquet of bright red Amaryllis from behind his back. My eyes widen at his specific choice in flowers. The flower of pride, timidity and splendid beauty, was it? I don't know whether or not he knew the floriography behind it but I felt that it represented me in a way.
Squalo was my teacher in Varia. He was the one who pushed me harder and the reason I became Haunting Shadows in the first place. His loud manner could hurt sometimes but it really showed how well he could assert himself. That was something else he taught me. He was the reason I even had the courage to take Xanxus on like I did.
"Thank you, Squalo-sama." I gave him a hug. He didn't really hug back but awkwardly patted my back.
"Here." Then there was Levi. He had gotten me a small brown teddy bear. It seemed to have no meaning at first but that was our relationship.
To be straightforward, we put up with one another. As long as we stayed out of each other's ways, we both got along just fine. A teddy bear was a common gift that I couldn't argue was not cute. "Thanks Levi."
"Natsuki." Mammon even getting me a gift was surprising. He didn't even bother to wrap it but it was beautiful the way it was. A light white-pink tinted jewelry box with a handle on top. I unlatched the top, opening it to see a full mirror with sectioned off squares for placement. It even included another drawer on the bottom.
"You seem to have a fondness's over shiny objects. You now owe me." I chuckled a bit.
"I know. Thank you, Mammon." I tried to go in for a hug but he only floated out of my reach. That was Mammon. He didn't like it when money was lost nor when I bothered him with useless things like hugs. Yet at the same time I couldn't leave him alone. His illusions, history, personality, all of it allured me to him. Getting to know him better, I only saw how caring and soft he truly was. No matter how much I knew about him he still manages to surprise me.
"Hi hi my turn!" Lussuria held a small box out in front of me. "I'm sorry I messed up the date, Nat-chan, but maybe this could make up for it." I carefully removed the yellow ribbon wrapping the box. I opened it to find a gold 4 leaf clover necklace. Mammon was right, I do like shiny objects. Lussuria lifted the necklace out of the box and helped me put it on.
Out of curiosity I pushed the button on the side, opening the pendant. It was a locket for 4 pictures. "It's beautiful, Lussuria, thank you. I promise I'll never take it off."
Lussuria was overjoyed that he picked me and started to spin me round. What Lussuria was to me could be described in one word. Mother. My birth mother was, from my research, died soon after my birth while Mistress Celeste only treated me as a fighter. Lussuria was the closest thing I had to a mother figure. He watched over me since the beginning with his heart filled advice and guiding hands.
Lussuria eventually released me putting me directly in front of Xanxus. Our relationship had been tense ever since our little discussion. He has not even looked in my direction this entire time. I rubbed the back of my neck and avoided eye contact.
"Oy Fia." His sudden noise made me jump a little. He threw something at me which I swiftly caught. It was my Varia jacket.
It took me a little while to fully understand the situation. "Are you serious? This isn't a joke, right? You're seriously giving it back to me? You won't-"
"Do you want it or not?" Xanxus was clearly getting annoyed with my rambling.
"Yes yes I want it. I really want it! Honestly, 100%, no regrets, want this jacket!" I slipped on my jacket taking in the feeling of the leather surrounding me once again. I really missed this feeling. Now I can continue with being Haunting Shadows. I jumped up and down, letting out small squeals of excitement.
"How about we eat now?" I felt myself bubbling with energy that I ran over to the carts and started serving everyone. Lussuria insisted that I be served today but I denied it. It was the least I could do right now. We resumed our dinner like any other day.
Looking around I saw Levi serving Xanxus his food, Lussuria trying to play with Squalo's hair while Bel and Mammon were threatening each other over who deserved the last piece of cake. At this moment I couldn't feel happier. I took out my phone, taking a picture of the scene. The shutter sound alerted everyone's attention on me.
"Nice idea Nat-chan!" Lussuria whispered to Bel and Mammon individually before running out of the room. He soon returned with his camera and a random Varia member. "Everyone, why don't we take a picture? Gather around Boss."
Lussuria instructed the Varia member while we surrounded Xanxus. I stood behind Xanxus's chair. Levi took his right side along with Mammon near my shoulder level. Bel and Squalo stood on the left side. Lussuria soon came rushing over to the right side.
"Three... Two... One... Smile!" In the instant I felt something press on both sides of my cheeks as the flash went off. I looked at both Bel and Mammon who were the closest to me. I felt my face heat up in realization.
"Lussuria dared/paid me to." Both of them said at the same time. I could hear Lussuria snickering to himself behind me. Squalo must have realized what happen and started to yell at the three of them. I calmly walked over to the cameraman avoiding getting caught in Squalo's fit. I took the camera out of the man's hands and dismissed him.
I looked at the picture. Lussuria was gesturing to the banner above our heads while Squalo held his sword up and grin like always. Xanxus barely acknowledged the camera but I still caught his eyes looking in the direction. Levi was the only one that took the picture seriously with no smile and hands behind his back.
I felt my face heat up as I looked at Bel and Mammon's actions. Like I thought Bel and Mammon had both kissed me on both sides of my cheeks at the perfect time. It even caught my shocked face with my mouth caught slightly opened. Having a photo of it was even more embarrassing. I was tempted to delete the picture, but when can I ever get a second chance to get such an image?
By midnight we had all decided to retire for the night. I finished my nightly routine before glancing at my gifts that I set on my table. Bel's was the only one that I had not touched yet. I turned on the small lamp and took a seat. With shaky hands I carefully teared open the envelope.
Dear Natsuki,
Happy 18th Birthday! I'm writing this letter now because in our certain line of business I never know what's around the corner. I will leave Ricardo this letter in case of such event that I can't make it to your 18th year. I don't want to make it too long so just bear with me for now.
There are two things that I need to tell you. The first thing is something that could be explained by your father. Don't worry he is kind man, I knew him as a friend of my father and your brothers are surely well respected gentlemen. After listening to your Father's story you might decide to go after him and maybe even follow in his footsteps. I just can't have you leave without reading this first.
I haven't been a great caretaker over your years but I've watched you grow more than anyone. I heard from Ricardo almost every day. 'Natsuki is still having trouble fitting in.' or 'Natsuki does not talk to the other students.' Hearing this only made me feel like I failed you. I only taught you to fight and nothing more. I guess that didn't work out as planned. Yet there was always something different in your fighting style that I found so captivating. It was almost elegant to the point where it was eerie. To me it was a reminder of your Blood of Vongola.
Did you know that it started out as a vigilante group that wanted to help the people of their town yet along the way it turned to the Mafia ways like it is today? I found that you were a representation of their history. You held yourself high up that nothing could stop you from your goals and yet still have the kindness that Primo and Timoteo have. Sure, you're shy but underneath that your intelligence and strength only pushed you forward.
After you discover who we are, who you really are, I never want that part to disappear. Where you go from this point in life is solely up to you. I, Sakurako, Ricardo and everyone else will miss you dearly but we are not going anywhere soon. One day I just know it, you'll be the top of Vongola. It's kind of strange to think that one day you'll be a higher rank than me, but until then and beyond that I'll just have to watch over you. I am so proud of you, Natsuki.
Sincerely, Fumiko Celeste.
I felt my throat dry and my eyes wet. Taped to the end of the letter was a picture with me being in the center of the Celeste Famiglia. I remembered this day. I was 11 years old when I, for the first time, had managed to beat Sakurako in a fight. I got a tooth knocked out, and a black eye but I did it. This photo was taken in memory of the momentous occasion.
To read this letter felt surreal. Mistress Celeste meant for this to be delivered when I was 18 when I was to learn about my heritage. This letter was not meant for me. It was meant for the Natsuki that she wanted to become Vongola Decimo. I was never meant to join Varia, nor like it. Something in me felt that I had betrayed her. Betrayed them. Befriending their killers, not avenging them. I did not belong here.
I shook my head of those thoughts. I did belong here. But I don't at the same time. I held my head in frustration. I couldn't be thinking like this. I don't want to think like this. Both families were on opposite sides of the spectrum. Varia the loud, brash killers who didn't care who they stepped on to get they wanted. Celeste the calm, calculating tacticians who mainly focused on playing the opponents minds rather than brute strength. Both are Mafiosi who made a name for themselves. I love Varia. I love Celeste. How could I choose which one mattered more?
I threw my head back letting out an ugly groan. My head hanged off the back of my chair. From my upside view, I saw my bow and quiver hanging between the bathroom and closet doors. 'It's been a while since I touched that.'
In the moment, I threw on a light coat and grabbed my bow and quiver. I ran out into the forest. I went deep in until I found a suitable spot the right amount of moonlight to see clearly. I steadied my breath and placed my hand on the tree in front of me. I took a sharp breath in and punched the tree, shaking a few of the leftover leaves down. I used the tree for support to flip myself high in the air.
While in the air, I swiftly removed three arrows and shot down 3 leaves. I landed back on ground examining my shots from afar. Even though the leaves were crumpled up, I still managed to get a perfect shot into the middle.
Perfect. Just like they always wanted me to be. I dropped to my knees not caring that the ground was wet. I screamed out my frustrations hearing the birds fly away. I pounded on the floor and letting out the tears that I was holding in.
I hated that pressure. I hated that I had to constantly live up to their expectations. But I did not hate them. They tried their best to provide everything I needed. They even got killed in order to protect me. Sure they did not understand how I truly felt but I couldn't blame them. I was the one that didn't let anyone in. I chose to become a Varia officer and I did not regret one second of it. I regret not valuing the Celeste Famiglia when I could have. I pushed them aside not realizing that our time was so short. I thought that Varia were the only people that accepted me but if I really tried then maybe I could have been closer with the rest of the Celeste Famiglia.
Why did it take a stupid piece of paper for me to realize what they all sacrificed for me?
I don't know how long I cried before I managed to finally calm down. I grabbed one of the arrows that were still lodged into the tree to pull myself up. I struggled to yank it out. I looked at the tip remembering that it was twirled. It was custom made so that once it struck something it would be difficult to remove. The only way to remove it was to twist it out, creating a bigger hole in the tree. I caught myself chuckling at the arrow.
'I'm an idiot. All day I had been reminiscing about how everyone changed my life yet I forgot the greatest influence on me. The one thing that the Celeste Famiglia taught me better than Varia. The reason that I was able to last so long. They taught me to survive. My deadly arrows, years of combat training, medicinal lessons, top of the line education, all of it was to protect me. I'm not just a Varia member. I'm a Celeste member too and its time that I started acting like it.'
"Ah Nat-chan, heading out already?" Lussuria found me before I left for my missions. Today I planned to catch up on my work as Haunting Shadows.
"Yep. My squadron already have gone out last night so I'll be going to join them. First I'll be going to Russia for a hunt, then to Taiwan for some recon and, finally, Japan for another hunt. That's it for this week but I still have a few more jobs on my waiting list. I'm still a little tired from last night but I can sleep on the plane."
"Aren't you a little outgoing Mafiosi? I see you are also wearing the locket. Did you decide on your pictures already?"
"Yep. Do you want to see it?" He nodded before hopping next to me. I placed my suitcase down, opening the locket up. Lussuria gushed at my picture choice.
On the top leaf I managed to print off a copy of the picture Mistress Celeste gave me. On the left leaf I put in the group picture I took of Varia messing around last night. On the right leaf I put in the picture Lussuria made us take together. I slightly blushed, again, looking at Mammon and Bel's positions but quickly brushed it off before Lussuria saw me. I would never hear the end of it if he saw. The final leaf on the bottom I had left empty. For the time being, I wasn't able to find a suitable picture but I could always add it if I were to find one.
"Maa Nat-chan those pictures are perfect!" I chuckled a bit before sending myself to my plane ride.
After finishing my jobs, I wanted to give my regards to the deceased Celeste Famiglia. I couldn't return to our house under the suspicion of Vongola surveillance, and since their death was covered up by Bel and Vongola, their graves would most likely be hidden away from public eyes. I, instead, returned to the town's shrine where we used to go on New Year's to pray.
I rang the bell and clapped my hands twice. 'Thank you Mistress Celeste, Ricardo and everyone else for everything that you guys did for me. I'm so sorry that it took me so long to say anything. I know that I don't deserve it but please continue to watch over me like always. I was selfish and I realize that now. I want you to know that I am happy with Varia. They're a bit strange and can be quite annoying at times but I really can't help being attached to them. I hope you guys can be happy too, where ever you are.' I didn't know whether or not ghosts and the afterlife existed but sending a prayer to those before me felt nice. Like it was final goodbye.
I removed my staff from my holster, sliding out the new addition I added in four days.
~Flashback
"Ehh you want to change your weapon already?" Verde asked over my laptop screen.
"Don't think of it as an insult. I'm just improving it. See my arrows had twisted heads so that it would do more damage when removed. The blade on my staff is best for cutting but in terms of damage it could only do so much. I managed to find a Jagdkommando in our weapons storage which has the same principle as my arrows. If I could attach this dagger onto the other end of my staff, it would provide a higher chance that my enemy won't fight back. Of course I still plan on using the blade for combat purposes." Verde stroked his chin before nodding in approval.
"Your logic is reasonable. The Jagdkommando has been labelled one of the deadliest knives before, while your blade was merely a cutting tool. Having both on the same staff would cover most aspects of a battle and being paired with your combat skills, would make a deadly combination. Alright, I'll tell you how to install it."
~Flashback over
It took me all night but I was able to properly install the dagger. It was proven helpful when I probably, permanently handicap that man's legs 2 days ago. Good thing, 'Science does not sleep' was a basis that Verde followed.
I placed my staff back on my belt before I caught anyone's attention. As I went down the shrine stairs I thought about the Ring Battles. 'Now that I think about it, Namimori is pretty close by. I should pay Sawada Tsunayoshi a visit. Maybe even scare him a little. Xanxus-sama wouldn't approve of me getting caught so I'll have to be careful in my actions.' I snicker a bit at the thought of Sawada running away in fear of me. I hopped onto the train that brought me to Namimori in little over an hour.
I surveillance over the area trying to find any of those kids. Using the binoculars on my mask I was able to spot Lightning guardian Lambo from a distance. He was being accompanied by the Sun guardian's younger sister, Sasagawa Kyoko, self-proclaimed wife of Sawada, Miura Haru and the red Arcobaleno's pupil, I-pin. An interesting combo in my eyes.
Looking ahead of their path I found a red haired, wearing glasses, middle school age kid positioning himself around the corner. He had a poor stance and lack of balance that it was obvious he lacked any sort of training. I recognized his weapon as the ten year bazooka from Levi's fight. The boy scrambled to input some ammo and took aim at the group. I thought nothing of it as it was a harmless device that would wear off after 5 minutes.
"What the hell?!" When the pink smoke cleared, the group was missing. From my knowledge I knew that they would have switched places with their future selves yet no one took their spots. It didn't make any sense as to how they disappeared when the technology behind the bazooka was absolutely flawless.
'If that wasn't the ten year bazooka, then where did the Lambo and the rest of their group go? If this mystery boy is from a rival family, it could mean big trouble if the guardians were to go missing.' I abandoned my post and followed the boy until he reached Nami-Middle. Behind the school was a baseball field where Rain guardian, Yamamoto Takeshi, was practicing his swings. The boy took cover behind a tree and reloaded the bazooka.
I couldn't kill the boy yet without integrating him on the missing Lambo and friends. However, I also couldn't let him make Yamamoto Takeshi disappear into thin air without any guarantee that he'll be back. I needed more information on the situation but there was no time left. The boy had already inserted the ammunition and was only readjusting his position.
'Squalo-sama is going to owe me big time.' I thrust myself at Yamamoto making contact as a loud explosion erupted.
A/N: A little bit about this scene. I had a lot difficulty writing this scene especially because it was entirely new to the story meaning it was not a part of the old version. I thought about how I could make Natsuki fully realize that Mistress Celeste wanted for her to be happy. I thought about having Mammon or Xanxus overhear her in her room or something along those lines and comfort her.
As you can see I went against it. I wanted her to be able to get back on her feet by herself. Even though it's nice to have someone by your side to help you along your way, eventually there will come a time when people have to grow up by themselves. No one else really knew the Celeste Famiglia so Natsuki was the only one that could fully understand their feelings. So she stood back on her own with a new and improved weapon which shows off both sides of Varia and Celeste in her. Never forget the people who took their time to raise you to who you are today.