DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN
Natsuki's POV
"Yeah. We just got off the plane. Mmh I understand. Then I'll see you later. Give Tsunayoshi-kun my regards." I shoved my phone back into my purse. I had to maneuver myself and my luggage though the crowd towards Varia. They stood in front of the car in a circle discussing their plans for the time being.
"Sorry I took so long. Verde wanted to make sure everything was fine on my end." I handed my suitcase to the driver to throw into the already packed trunk.
The others filed in behind me taking a seat where ever they could fit in without touching each other. Bel leaned his back against my shoulder while Mammon was pulled onto my lap. Only Xanxus sat in the front by the driver's seat.
"I can't believe that you actually took that job. Making an enemy of us will be your mistake." I rolled my eyes at Levi.
"Oh shut up. I already accepted the job so there's no getting out. Besides Mammon, Verde and I already talked about the terms of me going to his team so don't twist your pants into knots." He cursed under his breath that I was disloyal to Varia for teaming up Verde in the Arcobaleno's representative's battle.
The deal for me participating was that I had to keep both Verde's and Mammon's positions in mind. Both of them wanted to remove their curses. If it came down to the two groups going at it, I would be called to forfeit. Until then I was to fully devote myself to Verde's group since they would get an advantage if they were to engage in combat. Verde's side would have to lose a member and Mammon's side wouldn't have to worry about an extra opponent. In short neither side had nothing to lose with me participating.
The car pulled up to the hotel near sunset. I took a deep breath in of the fresh Japan air. The hotel was the usual one that we tended to stay in during our visits to Namimori. The place was high class and would not question any strange noises that came from our suite. As long as we paid for the damage the staff couldn't care less. I called dibs on the getting the shower first, pushing Levi second on the list. Yet with his constant criticism on my 'lack of loyalty', he could shower with a water bucket in the living room as a form of punishment.
I used my towel to rub the ends of my wet hair dry. 'My hair is going to be as long as Squalo-sama's at this rate. I should cut it soon. That would probably make it harder to put into a braid. Hair isn't really a dead give away for my gender though. Why do I even need to hide myself anymore? Ninth already knows I exist. I guess Varia having a girl would draw too much attention. I should just be glad that no one has caught on so far. Do I have to hide behind my mask forever then?'
"Hieee!" I looked around the bathroom at the strange sound. Nothing seemed out of place. Wrapping the towel on my neck, I walked out of the bathroom. I scanned the room ignoring the right hand corner that Levi occupied. To think he was that desperate to take my suggestion. That or he was mocking me.
"Did you guys hear that weird screech just now?" I took the seat in front of Squalo reading the newspaper while drinking what looks like tea.
"Bel and Mammon brought Sawada in as a gift." I hummed in response, pouring myself a cup.
There was another yell coming from the inner office that we ignored for the most part. A loud knocking came at our door before my lips could touch the cup. Not wanting to stand up, I used my telekinesis to open the door. In came Bucking Dino, and Reborn, in a panic manner. We understood his motive and pointed to the office where Tsunayoshi was.
After a loud explosion and an unknown presence, we knew to interrupt their meeting. A representative of the man in the iron hat spoke of the combat rules, watches, alliances, etc. then disappeared to the next group. He himself being an enigma. Laughing to himself, writing everything across his person, he was either drunk, high or both by the looks of it. Tsunayoshi and extra went away after Xanxus's refusal of an alliance.
Mammon placed the briefcase on the table letting everyone to take their respected item. I snatched Squalo's out of his hands examining the structure. I flicked the screen once testing its durability. He took his back stretching his arm out of my reach. "Hey! Check out your own watch later!"
"No way. Besides Verde will probably try to deconstruct one so I want to conduct my own research." I tried to reach for his watch that he kept by pushing me away.
"Come on guys don't argue. How about dinner? The restaurant downstairs is still serving." Lussuria pitched in. Squalo squirmed out of my reach to be the first out the door. I stuck out my tongue at him. We followed in suit to the restaurant downstairs, each ordering our own meals.
Our plates arrived just in time as Tsunayoshi, Bucking Dino and Reborn entered the scene. I gestured for them to come join us. Reborn did have to kick the two of them to join though. Dino took the seat near Squalo while Tsunayoshi choose closer to me at the edge of the table. Smart choice.
"Huh? Natsuki-san, you're not wearing your watch?" I took sip of my soup looking at his Boss watch. I grabbed his wrist analyzing the difference between his and Squalo's. The main one, being of course the colour and size. Then there was hardness, the boss watch was thicker by the sound of it but no clear conclusion without proper testing.
He roughly pulled back in panic. "Sorry Tsunayoshi-kun, didn't mean to scare you. I guess he didn't tell you. I'll be getting my battlers watch later when I meet up with my team."
He blinked a few times. "You're not a part of Mammon's team? I thought you would have been the first to join him. You guys seemed close in the future."
I turned my head back to Levi, avoiding his crude glare. "Yeah, well a few complications came up in timing wise. I'm not too pleased with the team leader of my group either. Hopefully I can get past that to make sure I get my job done. After all, he was good at persuading me into joining in the first place. Let this be a warning Tsunayoshi-kun, my team is going to bring something new to the field and it's going to make you look like jokes."
"Mafia scum."
"Estraneo lab rat." I retorted.
"Varia's lapdog."
"Kyoya-kun's play toy."
"Will you two shut up already? You've been going at it since she arrived." I glared at M.M for being rude making her shiver a little.
"I concur. Though amusing at first, it has become repetitive and a hindrance to my progress." I shrugged my shoulders at Verde working in the corner of the room. He surrounded himself in the usual amount of machines and devices that he barely had time to look up from his computer.
"Whatever. Let's talk about our plan for today." I took my seat away from Mukuro and near Verde. I flipped through the stack of sheets closest to me. The experimental weapons were for our new illusionary gloves. Powered by Mist flames, these gloves planned to materialize objects of our will better than real illusions would. Though illusionists took it as an offensive weapon, it was a useful tool none the less.
"Let's discuss our opponents first then." Verde suggested, finally turned to us. Even the solitary Mukuro was willing to listen if it meant winning the battle.
"Well first there's the obvious. Sawada Tsunayoshi and Reborn team along with Varia and Mammon team. According to Shadows, it's confirmed that Sawada Tsunayoshi will be the handler of the boss' watch." Mukuro pointed out.
"Then there is Colonello. Given his relationship was Lal Mirch, it would only be necessary for Vongola's external adviser, CEDEF to come support them." Verde added in.
"I did some digging as well. Apparently Cloud Arcobaleno Skull has taken residency in the Simon household. Remaining is the Storm and missing sky. However my sources say that Gigilo Nero's Japan villa has recently been in use. Kind of a strange timing to be visiting Japan, don't you think? Not to put in any correlation with Byakuran's recent freedom under Kyuudaime's orders." I tilted my head to Mukuro. "Being 'Mafia scum' has its perks."
"How we retrieve information is unimportant in strategy. Playing dirty is usually the best way. Let's use that to our advantage. Our main concern is, Reborn team, Mammon team and Colonello team. Fong's mystery representative shouldn't be ignored either. The Storm Arcobaleno is no fool to recruit someone weak."
"Ah but you forget Mukuro. CEDEF may leave us defenseless at times, but your team is only as strong as your weakest link. Separate information gatherers Oregano and Turmeric into an assault without Lal is their death. Then there's the reconcile Millefoire who I doubt have gotten over their difference to get along. Even Tsunayoshi-kun has his weak spots in his little family. No different with the Cozarto kid. Take out the small fry first then play with the bigger fish. A bit opposite from Varia's teachings but in this case it's best to play strategically not prideful."
Mukuro smirked. "I see. Then it's decided. Fran and I will pay a visit to the split Millefoire. Meanwhile, you can take my group to where CEDEF is. Of course avoiding the main three fighters of their side. Afterwards the other teams will realize how big of a threat we are. That's the time we can unveil our true weapon."
"I'm insulted that you think I need their help but seeing as this is a battle of watches and not lives, I'll leave it to you." Not a second later our watches beeped loudly. It stated the time remaining until the combat start time before quieting down.
"Master, Natsuki-neesan. The watch woke me up." Fran popped out of his room holding onto the froggie plush that I had given him. He rubbed his eyes leaning on the door. I resisted my need to pet his sleeping face and secured the watch on my wrist, grimacing at the fact that I wasn't wearing the Boss watch.
"Fran take this seriously. You'll be going with the pineapple fairy into a war zone. M.M, animal boy, eraser face, let's go. Verde make sure to watch over the kids." I grabbed my Verde's equipment kit off the floor.
Fran grumbled under his breath when Verde handed him his equipment. "Fran, if you work hard then I'll treat you to dinner that's not cupped noodles and chocolate."
He perked up making me giggle. Future Fran or present one, bribery always worked. Closing my eyes, I wrapped ourselves in Mist flames transporting us to the hotel suite that the CEDEF users had booked out. I heard two gun clicks in the room.
"Joshima Ken. Kakimoto Chikusa. Illusionist woman. Do not move." I opened my eyes looking at Oregano and Turmeric pointing their guns at us. Not knowing who I was gave me the advantage above the both of them.
"Oi Where's that idiot M.M?" Ken asked, ignoring the gunned people.
"Opps must have forgotten about her. Ah well Mukuro will handle her." My mind switched seeing the CEDEF members take a step forward. The watches chimed the start of the battle. Not wasting a second, bullets were flying in our direction. Ken and Chikusa were more useful than I thought. Changing to cheetah form Ken was able to dodge his set of bullets. While Chikusa's skinny frame gave him mobility to dodge majority of his bullets with his yoyo's defected the rest.
I sat back onto one of their chairs, spinning my staff in front of me. Once their bullets ran out they gave less than a second to reload. I held up my hand signalling them a warning to hold themselves off. Examining the impalements in the wall allowed me to assess their skills. 'As expected of Iemitsu's workers.
The holes look like glock 19 caliber hand guns, similar to my own. Judging from the amount each gun fired, they must have altered the amount of rounds while keeping the preferred concealing shape. It's a good thing Lal isn't here either. It would have been more fun but way more dangerous. Iemitsu even more.'
"Oregano and Turmeric." They tighten their hold on their guns. I chuckled in returned. "As representatives of team Verde, we are taking you out of the game."
Putting Verde's illusion glove in my pocket I stood up. Resembling an animal Ken circled his enemy bearing his fangs. Chikusa stood nearby me watching the enemy. Ken acted fast to attack Turmeric from behind when his attention was on us. Oregano was better at adapting. She pivoted on her foot, taking the shot at Ken to keep his distance. She swiftly abandoned the gun when Ken's Gorilla channel allowed him to pinch the bullet out of the air. They locked hands in a challenge of strength. Knowing she had no chance she pushed her body weight in one direction to twist his weight against him.
Signalling Chikusa he threw his hedgehog yoyo's at Oregano's watch. Turmeric noticed and stood in the way causing him to get a poisoned needle to the shoulder. Tough man seeing that he didn't even flinch.
"Wait for a proper moment." I whispered to Chikusa who was better at long ranged attacks.
I pushed myself off, pulling my arm in reverse. He crossed his arms above his face. Given what he's shown so far, he wouldn't leave his stomach open. So I swung my leg out aiming to knock him off. He jumped up, flipping backwards as a temptation for me to step forward. I didn't fall for it. Using my staff I jabbed him further than he wanted, and straight into Oregano choke holding Ken from behind.
Turmeric toppled on top of them, creating a dog pile. "Did you forget about me- byon?!"
"My bad. Been awfully forgetful today." I said innocently. Chikusa saw the targets on the ground. Turmeric finding trouble in gaining his footing with Ken's arm over him. Meanwhile, Oregano was pinned by the two men's weight on her. He shot his needles at the pile, avoiding Ken entirely. The needles punctured the center of the CEDEF duo watches. They face palm themselves once they all untangled from each other's limbs.
"Good job Kakapii. Now we can go to Mukuro-san's side." Ken practically bounced in his spot.
"I would love to join the other group but I can't teleport many people, multiple times. Where they are is too far for me to take all of us. Unless you're willingly to end up there in pieces." They looked at each shaking their heads. They were loyal servants of Mukuro's but not complete idiots. That didn't stop them-Ken- from trying to run the distance.
"Battle commence. The battle period will last 30 minutes." With the confirmation of the new reformed Millefoire representing the Arcobaleno Yuni, they were decided to be the weakest team. Thus they were today's target. With the three illusionists together we hid in the forest in a pickup truck we 'borrowed'.
'This makes things more interesting. Tsunayoshi's flames are here.' "I shall start us off then." I created a series of telephones poles to alert our opponents of our arrival, covering for Mukuro's Mist track towards the villa.
"My turn." Fran rolled out of the truck, firing air missiles at their villa. I picked Fran up, running through the smoke screen to avoid him getting caught. With me protecting his physical being, he was able to impersonate Tsunomichi and defeat Kikyo's dinosaurs. Hearing a loud explosion set my instinct off. I grabbed Fran's body closer shielding him with mine not having enough time to produce flames.
"Natsuki-neesan! Are you okay?" His childish monotone voice was offsetting to hear. I leaned most of my weight onto him.
"Just fine Fran. Find animal boy for me wouldn't you dear? In that direction." Though I can feel my Sun flames working on the wound, Ken's flames would be more effective. Fortunately, the bullets weren't made from lead. Taking two of the hits, however, was less fortunate. They were shot by a skilled marksman with a special type of bullet.
Fran nodded helping me sit down before running off. Hearing Tsunayoshi shout from above it was clear that the shot was from Colonello. I stood up against the presences coming closer. Thankfully Fran was quick enough that they wouldn't be able to catch up to him. I doubt that I could take on these two by myself in an injured state but I could stall long enough.
"Come out Yamamoto-san, Gokudera-san. You both reek of fish and gun powder." I wrapped an illusion over me as they wasted no time in showing their bodies. "Hayate."
"A-aneki." My illusion of Bianchi made Gokudera's stomach churn at the sight. Even though he verbally stated that I wasn't his sister, his body spoke against it. I laughed hysterically at him crouching in pain. Yamamoto readied his sword in my direction.
"Sorry Yamamoto-san I'll love to chat but..." I heard an animal's growl behind me being simmered down along with a smell of apples and chocolate. "My escorts are here."
I jumped backwards behind the trees binding my hand with Fran's. With our combined power we returned to Verde's truck. An injured Chikusa and Mukuro stumbled in after us. Mukuro and I made a silent agreement to retreat for the night, having Verde's self-driver drive off.
I remained outside of Varia's hotel with a few other illusionists to cover up the top floor. Apparently Kyoya had run amok in our suite that we had to remake a new one before the other residents found out. Even though I was on Verde's side, I had stayed with Varia for the majority of the day. Minus the battle times and meeting with the group. Even then I sometimes did it over phone. I tried to limit the amount of time needed in that dingy place.
No sound was made. I knew something was off. Looking at the other Varia members they didn't seem to change in any way. Acting like it was a regular day.
"Act in my place." I told another illusionist. I got in the elevator rising up to the second highest level. The hairs on my neck stood on end when the elevator stopped. 'A murderous intent. It's different than the ones Varia produce for each other.' I called Fangs off his ring.
"Attack mode. Target: trapping Varia." Not waiting a second longer, I took out my staff. The doors slowly opened. Fangs charged out the doors' slight opening surrounding Varia in flames. Stepping out I slipped on my mask that was hidden under my shirt. "Mind explaining what's happening here?"
My heartbeat raised staring at the black cloaked creature standing in the middle of the room. "Vendice..." I unknowingly said.
"The Haunting Shadows." I stepped out of the elevator eyeing Varia trapped in Fangs' dome. My eyes slanted at their injuries that were not there about an hour ago. I knew that Vendice had forced their entry into the representative's battle but to do this? A sneak attack? I detached my watch throwing it at the dome. Fangs absorbed the material for Bel to catch.
"As a member of Varia, I, The Haunting Shadows will deal with the Vendice for trespassing on our property."
"Nat-chan, don't be rash! Let us out of here!" Lussuria banged on the dome. Snapping my fingers a mini pop sent him flinching.
"Don't bother Lussuria. You're not the first prisoners of Fangs. My Mists created the dome. My Storms make sure you gain a little punishment if you try to get out, not that you could with my Rains dulling your movements. All tied together with my Skys harmonizing. As a bonus for you guys, my Suns will heal some of your minor injuries. So just sit down, suck your thumb, and watch me."
"I have no business for someone without a watch." Vendice stated in a deep, raspy voice.
"Well I have business with someone that dares messes with my Famiglia." I shifted my weight onto my back foot. I tuned out Varia's shouts, strengthening the flames into Fangs.
"I admire someone so bold. I shall fight with your pride in mind then. Though I do not have time to play." Once finishing its sentence, a chain forward. I jumped up letting it pierce the wall. Landing back down I ran on the chain towards it. Without a sign of effort, it pulled the chain out along with a chunk of the wall. Losing the tension, I had to flip off before getting close.
In the air, I used my flames to push myself forward. It was in my staff's reach before it disappeared in a black flame. 'The flame of the night.' I used my leg to kick backwards at the new presence. A bandaged hand grabbed my ankle. I gasped when it used that to pull me closer. Vendice did not hesitate to use its elbow to jab my knee. I bit my tongue, suppressing my scream. It threw me across the suite at Fangs' dome for Varia to see what a mess I was.
"You should realize by now the difference in our skill. Release the watches from captivity." I held my staff on the floor pushing myself up. I attempted to extend my leg to no availability. Dislocation from a quick inspection.
'God damn it. This is the second time today that I got injured. That was just a mocking hit. Any change in direction and it could have broken my patella beyond repair.' I put on my own illusion glove made by Verde. This would be the first time that I used it out of experiment. I had to give it my all or else the Vendice would kill me. Making a pair of wings I relieved some of the pressure on my knee.
"VOOOI NATSUKI!" I switched on the glove's second function, instantly feeling the drain of energy. I tried to control my breath while still stabilizing Fangs and my wings. 'No wonder why Verde wanted to use this as the final move. I can't possibly keep this up.' I thought back to every illusion lesson Mammon gave to me.
'My illusions are weaker the more complex they were. The longer I hold on, the more exhausted I became. I need to thoroughly spread out the power especially not like this. I can't create powerful illusions like Mammon or Mukuro nor do I have the creativity that Fran has. Hopefully this glove will make up for that. I'm counting on you Verde.'
"Genjuu Nightmare Horrors!" A large pitch black mess of shadows with blood red eyes emerged from the ground. It smiled sinisterly giving off a high pitched cackling. I clutched my fist. The nightmare flailed its body, slithering its way to Vindice. Enveloping Vindice in its hold, it sucked tight enough to outline the silhouette.
'Good. Now if just keep it up-.' My system went into shock at a chain split my illusion in half. The nightmare disappeared in wisps as a chain came flying at me. My eyes clouded at the sudden drain in power. The chains wrapped all around me. I had no willpower left to fight back.
Being lifted my lifeless body off the ground my grip on my staff loosened, dropping it to the floor. I felt my wings disappeared as I had no strength to keep them up. I felt numb when the chain around my neck tighten, suffocating me. I tilted my head at Vendice. The room was spinning. There was a buzzing sound in my ears. I couldn't keep my eyes open much longer.
"You asshole." I mouthed. I took one more struggling breath when everything went dark.
'It's warm. It reminds me of the Sky. No, it's different. What is this?' I lifted my heavy eyes. I still had fuzzy vision but it didn't waver what I saw. Long blonde hair and a pale woman's face gently smiled at me. Her archaic dress style flowed beneath her in sitting position. It was like her hair was giving off a gold outline of her. Like she was an angel or something. 'Who are you?'
"You'll find out soon enough, Fia di Vongola."
Blinking a few times I readjusted my eyes to the new white light. The sound of walls crumbling and loud screaming shot me up. My body crumpled into a ball at my muscles tension. "Fuck this hurts."
"Natsuki-neesan." Fran's large apple head hit my head when his face nearly pressed against mine. I held my head giving him a pat on the head.
"Fran? What are you-" I cut myself off looking at the room's decorations. It looks like we were in a hospital with every single one of our opponents barging into the room. "Okay? Can someone explain what's happening?"
Fran and I ignored the fights around us to explain the past few days. Lussuria had to cut in at times to fully explain the events where Fran didn't pay attention. Apparently the Vendice were former Arcobaleno who seeked vengeance on Checkerface/ The man in the iron hat/ Old man Kawahira for cursing them years ago. Tsunayoshi was the one to solve the problem of the pacifiers by constantly fueling them with the flame of the night.
The curse of the rainbow was finally removed and all was right with the world. Too bad I missed all the drama. I threw my legs over the side of the bed. My leg was in a knee brace keeping everything in its place.
"The injured should stay in bed." I looked up from my knee towards the short purple cloaked man by the door. From the distance it seemed the man was as tall as me or even shorter. I squinted at the man not recognizing the voice. I knew that form of clothing though. The green frog on top of his head was the dead giveaway.
"Mammon?" My breath was taken away. I used my other leg to hop myself to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck, putting most of my weight on him. Mammon wasn't the fit type so I nearly knocked him off his feet. "Lussuria told me that your curse was removed but I didn't fully process it! You're back to your normal self."
Mammon's telepathy pulled me off him placing me on the bed. "You've been passed out for 3 days due to you working yourself beyond your limit. The illusion you created with Verde's technique completely burned you out. Other than that the doctors say your leg will heal in a few days. Facing the Vendice on your own was completely reckless. If I hadn't shown up at that point of your collapse, it could have ripped you to shreds."
I sheepishly rubbed the back of my neck. "You always did tell me that my illusions were draining. My flames no different."
He sighed heavily. Getting curious I pinched his cheeks that no longer had the baby fat on them. Mammon pouted but didn't say anything. I released my hold to caresses his face instead. "This is going to take some time to get used to."