DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN

~The night of the rescue mission

Natsuki's POV

I leaned against the tree trunk with Kyoko, Haru and Bianchi crouching behind the bushes near me. 'Fuck. I really pushed myself today. Hopefully it'll be enough for them to wake up.'

"Hahi, are you sure that this is the right place, Natsuki-chan?" Haru whispered. I kept looking forward at the abandoned prison.

"Positive. I even had Yuni confirm Fong's location this morning."

"Security seems lax." Bianchi said, noticing the lack of guards present. Nothing less than what I expected.

"According to the locals this place hasn't had anyone in it for decades. It's the ideal hideout for hostages. They're most likely in the lower parts or inner parts where citizens can't detect them. From what we've seen so far, this group favours free lancers so the amount guards shouldn't be anything concerning. We should focus on not alerting the higher ups though." I heard a small beep coming from my ear piece as a signal from Unus. I clicked the button, letting the call in.

"You guys in place?"

"Yes Signoria Natsuki. I'm accompanied by Tribus at the rendezvous point for the girls and the Storm Arcobaleno. Duo has Quattuor and Quinque waiting at the apprentice rendezvous point. All have confirmed they have understood the plan. Are you sure that you want to go through with this?"

I bit my inner cheek at the sound of his voice. "We'll be going out then."

"It was an honour to work with you Celeste Natsuki." I ripped my earpiece out throwing it on the ground. I stomped on it making sure I heard the crunch under my foot. 'Likewise Unus. I thank all of you for your hard work.' I turned my head towards them.

"I managed to find a blueprint of the place. There's a control room on the fifth floor that we should check out first. We'll most likely split up at that point. Everyone ready?" They nodded their heads in sync despite the clear look of uncertainty in their eyes.

I went in first at a slower speed so that they could keep up. They remained silent behind me, never questioning or hesitating to follow my instructions. Even with the buzzing going on in my head I still remained focused on keeping them safe until we split up. There were a few close calls where I had to kill a few as a late reaction. Though judging by their skill it ensured us that we were in the right place.

All doors passed by so far were dark except the one I was looking for. I leaned closer to the door to see if I could hear anything. The room was fairly silent but there were multiple presences. I took a deep breath trying to muster up some strength to use my psychic abilities to see if I get a feel for the people inside.

My body shook as I couldn't even release anymore energy. I couldn't even try anything with my remaining flames. It was a miracle I hadn't passed out from this try. I clicked my tongue deciding to do things the old fashion way. I signaled the girls to wait in their spot around the corner.

I grabbed my staff, crouching forward. With one motion I threw open the door running in. A quick scan showed five grown men, fit, armed, half asleep. They aimed their guns at me giving a small shout at my appearance. 'Gun shots would draw attention.'

I acted quickly using my staff to knock their guns out of their hands. By slicing their hands that was. All five of them scream hurting my head even further. As they held their deep wounds I took the advantage to cut three throats and two chests. I looked at the five bodies confirming death. I kicked a few of them out of the way making my way back to door.

I popped my head out hurrying them to come in before anyone could see. Kyoko and Haru flinched at the sight of the corpses diverting their attention else where. I put my staff back in its place not minding the blood still on it.

I walked over to the monitors covering the wall. The only cameras were of different angles of Fong beaten and bruises all over. I looked closely catching his slow shallow breaths.

"Is that him?" Kyoko asked. I nodded going over the controls on the computer.

"He's on the lowest level, three floors beneath us. Still alive."

"Where's I-pin-chan?" Haru asked. I went through each file not seeing any other cameras in use. All of them were powered down that I couldn't even turn on the rest of building's surveillance.

"I can't seem to figure that out. Most likely, they wanted to keep a closer eye on her rather than cameras. I'm going to have to go back the floors and look for her by myself." I walked over to the men positioning them into a more normal position.

'Ahh my hands are covered in blood again. That's how I'm going to end my life? Killed with my own blood on my hands.' I wiped my hands on my black pants as a temporary clean.

"This won't fool anyone who looks closely. I don't know how often they do rounds so we should move quickly." Bianchi nodded, gesturing her head to the girls to follow after her. They soon left the room without saying anything leaving me alone.

I fell to my knees not having to put up a front anymore. My eye sight was starting to flicker and it was getting harder to breathe. I clutched my fist looking at the Stelle ring. 'Fuck this shit.'

I pushed to turn myself over to face the monitors. I faded in and out of consciousness watching Fong on the screens. The only thing keeping me awake was Fangs' ring occasionally growling for me to stay awake.

I gave a weak smile seeing multiple shadows moving the screens. Since the cameras were only on Fong I couldn't see what had happened in front of him. But judging from the multiple shadows running around it meant that the girls were starting to cause trouble.

I stood back up giving a sigh. 'My turn girls.'

I walked out of the room, loudly slamming the door behind me. And if that wasn't enough I took my staff knocking the door knob off so that no one could look at the surveillance.

Guards came running to check out the sounds from both sides. I rolled my shoulders ignoring them telling me to stop. Without another warning they shot at me. My body leaned down grabbing the broken door knob as I charged towards one side. Even if I was tired the mix of adrenaline, Vongola intuition and years of training prevented me from being filled with holes.

I went towards one member in the center. He must have noticed from the change in his stance. I threw the door knob at his mouth making a sharp turn to my right. I got down, extending my staff to its full length with the blade out. I spun around slicing at their ankles. They stumbled back, I sprung back to my feet kicking the center man's mouth forcing the door knob down his throat.

His eyes went backwards as he fell. I gave one last kick to his stomach making him violently spit out the knob into the air. I took a step to the side stabbing the next man with my twisted knife end violently ripping it out. Using the force from it I hit the knob backwards to the other side of the hallway, knocking someone off their feet. I pushed myself forward choking the last man on this side.

I glared at them as he clawed at my hand trying his best to kick me as I banged his head against the wall. "This the best you got?! Make my last few moments worth it will you?"

I chuckled feeling the fear that came off of them. I threw the man to the side spinning on my heel to them. I stretched out my arms out in a welcoming manner. 'Let's dance.'

I closed my eyes hearing the hallways silent. Opening them again I was surrounded by the bodies by my feet. Three floors worth of people being taken down. 'I swear if Tsunayoshi-kun says that I didn't protect them properly, I will haunt him.'

I felt a faint source of Storm flames coming closer to me. I hid behind the corner recognizing the feeling of the Arcobaleno pacifier off my Stelle ring. I leaned against the wall watching as Kyoko led the group to safety. I stepped out of the shadows as they continued their way without noticing me.

'Good work today. I'll finish the rest.' I walked slowly up all the floors admiring my work. I took my time knowing that they had completed their part. I reached the roof feeling the wind blowing through my hair. I stretched my arms above my head taking in the change from the smell of blood. Looking up to the moon I was glad that it was night.

I was proud as a Mafioso. And like so many others I will die in darkness without anyone needing to know. I walked over to the center of the roof. "Azalea I want to make a deal."

A black mist poured itself in front of me. I glared at it forming into the shape of the woman. Of course she was nearby. No idiot would leave the valuable hostage completely guarded with untrustworthy workers. "Natsuki, how nice to meet you again. What's this I hear about a deal?"

"I-pin-chan. I want her back." She scoffed at me.

"You really think we'll let her go just because you ask? You reek of blood. One look and I can tell that this building is filled with corpses and the Arcobaleno gone. We'll be holding onto the little one then."

"Azalea, answer me this. The first night we met. The holder of the Buco Nero ring offered me a spot of your team. Is that still on the table?" I met her eyes. Her eyes slanted at me.

"In exchange for the girl?" I nodded.

"I have more value than her. Speak with the owner if you'd like but we both know that I'm the one that you want in the end."

"That brat..." I listened closely to her grumbling under breath. 'Looks like they have a strained relationship.'

She faded away. For a minute I stood there staring down at the floor. Slowly as time passed I found myself feeling lonely. There were no sounds close by. The building was filled with no one alive. I'm going to be alone again. Just like how I started. 'I wonder if this is how Yuni felt.'

Azalea came back clearly pissed off. She levitated a sleeping I-pin near her head before roughly throwing her in my direction as if she was a doll. I caught her in my arms giving a keep inspection. My face soured up at the black spots crawling up her neck. 'They put her into a coma with their flames.'

"Oh relax. Those are nothing compared to your men." I filled with rage at the way she said it. It was a way of mocking me.

"Is that so?" I pulled her close to me. 'I'm sorry I don't have enough flames to help you right now. Hopefully when I pass their curses will be lifted from you.'

"I have three of my men on standby. May I deliver her to them?" I'm actually asking permission from the enemy. How low am I going until I'm done?

"Fine but I'll be watching you. Cut off all ties after that. If I find anything suspicious I'll kill all of those losers you're associated with." My mind flashed the same image that Mammon imagined in the future at Kikyo's threat.

"Understood." I walked over to the edge of the rooftop. I moved I-pin to hold in one arm with my other arm stretching out. I held my hand up so that my Stelle ring was showing outwards. Bushes rustled below me having three dark shapes jump out. They landed behind me with a quiet step.

I turned on my heel to my three men bowing to me. I approached the three as they stood up. I closely inspected Quattuor and Quinque not seeing any black marks on them. I held her out for them to take. Duo and I both held onto to her. "This is it. After today everything will be-" Over.

I paused looking in their eyes. My reflection was clear in them meaning that they were looking straight at me. It was a sign that they were fully committed. In a battle field never turn your eyes away from the enemy's because it was a sign of pride. If you saw your reflection it meant that both sides would not regret the outcome. I bit my lip knowing that they were waiting for my signal.

I couldn't say it though. I couldn't look at them and tell them to run away. I couldn't look at them and tell them that everything was going to be over. Being apart of Varia was my pride and joy. I didn't want to die yet. Not when I can experience so much more.

'You have to swear that you won't die.' I held back my emotions knowing that Bel, my first friend ever, was waiting for me to return home. All of them were. 'I'm such a coward.'

"Duo, Quattuor and Quinque pass along the message, in agreeance with my deal with Belphegor they are not to interfere with my wishes. I'm retiring from Varia to side with the Buco Nero owner." Their eyes widen for a second before realizing my change. They bowed to me then jumped away.

'Even if its as an enemy I can still watch over them.' Azalea snapped me out my thoughts by offering me a hand.

"We have someone very important to meet." I braced myself feeling the pain and sorrow from her flames. A complete opposite from my Stelle flames that promote a feeling of new and clean.

When the mist left my eyes we were left in at the front of a mansion. I looked around us recognizing the area. It was a rival family's home base. We had been here a few times to oversee our targets or any suspicious behaviour. 'Wait, what symbols were on the mercenaries today?' I ran my mind through not having any clear memories with my foggy mind. 'Don't tell me that they made this family do their bidding all by themselves.'

I felt my Stelle ring vibrate as a warning. 'What kind of monster was here?'

"Oy brat she's here!" The doors were pushed open by two men as a black figure started walking out. 'Flashy introduction you son of a-'

I forgot how to breath as the man came closer. A familiar shade of light brown short hair and green eyes that contrasted the dark attire on the fragile body. 'N-No way.' I unconsciously took a step back. 'What kind of sick joke is this?'

"Natsuki-chan!" I let the smaller male body wrap his arms around me as I froze in my spot.

"Tachibana Y-Yoshi, h-how?" He pushed me back a little, still holding on to me. He flashed his black ring in front of my face with a huge grin plastered on him. The ring was pitch black with a moving black hole image in place of a stone. The Buco Nero ring.

I lost all will, passing out on the spot.

"Celeste-san?" I peeked up from my school work to the boy standing next to me. He had a large square bandage on his cheek from yesterday's events. Tachibana Yoshi before yesterday he never even spared a second thought on me. After I set my image on the school, barely anyone was willing to try and speak to me.

"How may I help you?" 'Damn was that too formal? It should be fine, right? Technically it was grammatically correct. But most of the time students would use slang or prefer shorten forms of words. Greetings like hey or hi are most common for school - fellow classmates setting.' I returned to my school work not wanting to meet with his eyes.

"I wanted to thank you for yesterday. I don't know what would have happened if you didn't save me." He awkwardly shifted in his spot.

"You probably would have died depending on the police response." He looked shocked. 'Probably not the response that he was expecting. Its true though! Not all hostage cases end in happy ends. If the kid is not worth the forces needed they will often sweep the situation under the rug.'

"Y-yeah you're right. That's why I wanted to thank you. You're really strong!" 'Or you're incredibly weak.' Before I could respond the teacher walked in ordering us to return to our seats. "Well I'll talk to you later then, Celeste-san!"

I was startled as he waved to me, rushing to his seat. I shook my head focusing back to the teacher.

"I think Celeste-san is a bit too formal for our relationship, don't you think so?" I blinked at Tachibana walking beside me. Not that I didn't hear him coming but for him to actually stop to talk to m was surprising. He was out of breath but judging from the distance from the school's entrance he had no reason to be so tired.

I heard the people passing by us whisper about how someone was brave enough to speak to me. Hushed words of it being an infatuation. That sooner or later he'll realize that I was 'out of his league' to be even try getting on my better side. Why should I even bother with trying to please anyone when all they want is to see the side that puts them in the better light?

"I believe that you shouldn't act so friendly with me as if you hadn't just started talking to me today." I waved at the familiar black car and driver.

"My driver is here." I broke off abruptly. I didn't even know what to say as a parting phrase. Anything would sound strange coming from me anyways.

"Alright then. See you tomorrow Natsuki-chan." I almost tripped over my feet at the sudden change. I didn't look back as I rushed to the car.

I slammed the door behind me telling him to go. He looked at me from the rear view mirror. "Is everything alright Natsuki? Does that boy trouble you?"

"Nothing important Ricardo. It will eventually fade away." I fixed my appearance knowing that I shouldn't return home with a hair strand out of place.

"Natsuki-chan? Why don't you ever speak back to everyone? They keep saying rude things about you." I looked at Tachibana's eyes. Rather than fearing him because I was shy, I was skeptical of him. Its been like this for a month. Tachibana was constantly by my side that I eventually didn't find any reason to respond to his advances.

Nothing seem to make him leave like the others. It didn't mean that I was comfortable with him though. "I have no reason to. It's an old dance."

"But you're strong enough to do something. You're just going to let them walk all over you?" This was only one reason for him being suspicious. "No matter what I will still remain by your side." He flashed a smile. There was the second reason. He seemed to praise himself for being close to me. As if it was something that made him special.

"Do you really mean that?" I asked as a way to reveal any true intentions.

"Of course! Who else do you have?" A part of my brain flared sirens. 'It's true that I don't have anyone to resort to for my troubles but what makes you think that your false words would be my saviour? Eh? False words? What's wrong with what he said?'

I adverted my eyes. 'Tachibana Yoshi. Are you really the same boy that everyone called innocent?'

"Come on Natsuki smile! Its my last day before going abroad. Won't you miss your only sister?" Sakurako playfully batted her eyelashes at me. I cracked a small smile taking another bite from my meal.

The only ones sitting at the dinning room table was Sakurako sitting across from me and Mistress Celeste at the end of the table. Though we had a large scale party yesterday, Mistress Celeste thought that a small family dinner was in call. Sakurako would be leaving tonight to travel abroad in order to expand her knowledge.

"You will be missed Sakurako. I wish you luck on your travels." She pouted not pleased at my lack of enthusiasm. I pushed my smile wider to show my teeth. That dropped quickly when she shook her head. 'Wrong move Natsuki.'

Mistress Celeste laughed at the two of us grabbing to hold her hand. "Its like Natsuki said, you will be missed. Mia figlia, I hope that you learn well from your adventures. You don't have to worry about us. I heard from Ricardo that Natsuki has a new friend at school."

Sakurako nodded vigorously leaning into the table. "Its true! When I pass by their classroom I see them together a lot."

I gripped my spoon tighter. "There's no need to spread useless rumors. He's no friend of mine."

"Is there something wrong with him? Ricardo says that he seems like a fine man." I refused to roll my eyes at her.

"That's what everyone says. A sweet, innocent boy that is getting played by Celeste-san. That's the image being thrown around us. It couldn't be any more wrong in my mind. Something is off with him but I can't describe it." They shared the same concerned look before turning their full body to me. I set down my utensils, straightening my back given the atmosphere.

"Natsuki if there's one thing you should know about yourself its that your instinct is one of the best I've ever seen. Never doubt it as it can save your life." I looked at Sakurako with a serious face on her.

"My life?" I was going to question further when I saw her attention was on my hair. It was somewhat her favourite feature of mine. I never understood why but she seemed to reminisce when looking at it.

"Yes. Combine all your training with natural instinct and who knows what can happen in the future. All you need to know is to trust everything you've devoted yourself in your life. Things will fall into place."

I listened to Mistress Celeste gathering all that bothered me about Tachibana. Nothing about his stature gave off the feeling of threat. It was the way he looked at people when they weren't paying attention. Ricardo, all our classmates, teachers, strangers. He despised them. I was being played by his 'kindness' to do his bidding. Pretending he was my friend, making me fight with others to show off my skill. To make people fear me even further.

Yet they were fooled into by a weak body with an pure mask on. "You're overreacting. He only has a middle school crush. He'll disappear soon enough."

I groaned as I felt my finger buzzing. I immediately shot up scanning my new environment. I was alone in an unknown lavish bedroom. 'Fuck, how long was I out?'

The door opened having the same boy from 2 years ago step in. Not much changed about him. Not even the hidden glare in his eyes. "Morning Natsuki-chan! Sleep well? I guess I should be saying good night because you slept for almost 24 hours."

I sneaked a glance at the source of my shaking finger. My Stelle ring had warned me that he was coming. I glared at my fingers noticing that something was missing. "Don't worry I didn't touch your Stelle ring. I wouldn't betray your trust like that."

"I couldn't care about that. Where's my animal ring?" He looked confused for a second before digging in his pockets. He held Fangs in between his fingers.

"You mean this? I found it interesting so I wanted to take a closer look." I jumped off the bed to grab at it when I lost the feelings in my legs. I held my head glaring at him. He tsked at me crouching in front of me.

"You've gotten quite rebellious. Must have been from hanging out with those ruffians. Do you even realize that your potential can do a lot better than a bunch of backstabbers who do anything for reputation?"

"They're still miles better than you. They've never tried to hide under a fake persona like you do." He shook his head bringing Fangs' ring close to my face.

"So what is this? Strange design for a ring if you ask me. Not in your style." He pulled it back when I tried reaching for it.

"What do you know about what I like? Like you ever listened to me. I wasn't stupid. I knew that you only stuck around me so that you could use me to carry out whatever anger filled thoughts you had." I hated that look in his eyes.

"Well does that matter now? You gave yourself up to join me. Now I asked you a question." At least now he wasn't trying to hide it.

"A gift from the Arcobaleno. Its my form of a box animal. As one of my weapons I need it back." He rolled his eyes dropping Fangs' ring in my hands. I put it back on my finger holding him close to me.

"Since you're already aware of intentions I shouldn't bother playing around anymore." He stood back up moving to sit on a near by chair. I pushed myself back onto the bed never taking my eyes off him.

"To be honest I don't care much about the Tri-Ni-Sette nonsense. Sure its powerful but its fucking tiring. Why should I have to do this when I can have my dear Natsuki-chan back? This thing works great as a threat so I did some digging around, connected a few dots here and there and found you. Now that you're here I can relax all I want. You never listened to me before but now you have to." He smirked at me knowing that I couldn't ignore him any further.

Times were different. I had only become the item that he wanted. Someone with impeccable skills that would listen without hesitation. Our rings were drawn together no matter what.

"Well I love to interrupt this lovely reunion." I turned my neck to Azalea standing by the entrance. "I felt the book disappear."

I put together that she meant Checkerface's journal. 'How can it disappear? I left it on my desk before leaving.'

"That's how we found you as the Stelle owner. Azalea can sense the book anywhere but protected areas of the original owners. There's two rings remaining. Either the Scudo or Sognare owners have taken the book to find their rings. Shall we investigate?"

'The owners of those rings went to get them? Not possible. Squalo-sama should have given it to Tsunayoshi-kun and Yuni.' "Why does that interest you? You got what you wanted didn't you?"

"Yes, you're all I wanted but I intend to keep it that way. Those are the only remaining rings that are on the same level as us. I wouldn't want anyone getting in my way."

I crouched on a tree branch above Tachibana and Azalea watching a still mountain side. According to her this was the last location that she felt the book before it disappeared. I listened as the two of them had a conversation. "This has the twins written all over it."

"Twins?"

"Yeah, little devils were born, raise and trained near mountains. They're the co-owners of the Scudo rings. Knowing them they'll probably get two pacifist owners to take over." 'Huh? Two pacifist owners? No way. I don't sense any other flames near by. It can't be them.'

I was proven wrong when the two girls appeared by the foot of the mountain. Kyoko and Haru were on their knees, pale in the face. Azalea floated herself down. "Finally they let you go. Those bratty twins need to learn their place with me."

I panicked watching Kyoko grab the journal off the ground. On both of their hands had a pair of matching rings. 'No! They were suppose to return to Tsunayoshi-kun! I gave them basic training to protect themselves. Not get further into this!'

"Come Natsuki-chan. We have to greet them." He held his hand out to me. I jumped down pushing his hand away.

"Don't fuck with me. I'm on your side but in no way am I pleased with this result." I shut down my emotions turning on my killer side. I had to get them away from here. They have to give up hope for me.

"Don't touch them, Azazel." Their eyes flew to me as I stepped down with Tachibana by my side.

"Oh you are in no place to tell me what to do Natsuki. You're Yoshi's lapdog dog. So no back talking." 'Are you enjoying yourself? Do you feel pleasure that I have to listen to you?' She raised her eyebrows as if saying what do you think?

I looked at Kyoko without any emotions. The same way I felt back at school. Tachibana came up to me wrapping his arm around my shoulders.

"Why are you interfering Natsuki-chan?" He whispered into my ear. I sucked up my pride, bowing my head.

"I apologize for my actions. They were unauthorized." I resisted the urge to flinch as he used his finger to direct my head.

"Don't beat yourself up sweet Natsuki-chan. You're a kind person at heart that you care about these defenseless girls. It's cute." He caressed my face knowing that I couldn't do anything in front of them. If I showed any sign to them I would only encourage them further.

"Whatever you did to Natsuki-chan we're going to stop you!" Kyoko yelled. My heart raced hearing her trying to stand up for me. 'Please don't. Leave me be. Learn to be more selfish.'

"You girls shouldn't speak so roughly with strangers. My name is Tachibana Yoshi, the owner of the Buco Nero ring. Just because you've obtained the Scudo rings does not give you the excuse to be so brash." He was taunting them. Making himself known because he had no reason to hide anymore.

"Just because Natsuki-chan came to your side doesn't give you permission to touch her. She's a Mafioso. Don't mess with her!" Haru yelled at him. 'A week's worth of training made you brave Haru-chan. But I know better than anyone that you're scared. I trained you after all.'

"Well she never went against it. Isn't that right?" He nudged me to respond.

"You girls need to learn your position. Even with switched sides, I'm still a higher ranking than you. I can speak for myself." Kyoko disheartening tried to reach out to me.

"See? Now why don't hand over your rings and we'll all leave peacefully." He gestured for them to hand everything over. Kyoko's grip tightens on the book.

"I thought you only wanted Natsuki-chan. Why do you want our rings?" Kyoko asked. I held back a smirk knowing that it was Unus and Duo delivered my message well.

"How you came to conclusion is impressive. That is still very much true. All I care for is that Natsuki-chan is by my side. I can't have any of you trying to take her away from me. That's why I choose to follow where the journal led us, thinking it would lead to the next guardians. Azazel, please do the honours."

They matched her step forward with a step back until their backs were against the wall. "Natsuki-chan, a little advice?"

A small part of me wanted to jump in front of them until I felt a familiar warming flame. 'Snap out of it. You're on the enemy side.'

I glared to the right side as the flames got closer. "I have no part of this."

I pushed Tachibana to the ground, getting out of the flames' range. I never thought I would be glad to be facing Tsunayoshi's Hyper mode. "Whether you're a part of this, you're our enemy now."

"Kyoko!" I heard Sasagawa yell as they ran to catch up to their boss.

"That wasn't too nice Natsuki-chan. I'll forgive you though." Tachibana dusted off his clothes coming back to me.

"I was purely trying to save you. I don't need your corpse on my hands. Tsunayoshi-kun's finally growing up with the mind of Decimo." I could have found a different way to get out of Tsunayoshi's range but pushing him was the more fun option.

I felt proud looking into his eyes. His flames just now weren't meant to burn anyone. It was a warning signal to us. 'Do you hate me that much Tsunayoshi-kun? If only you had this attitude before everything went down.'

"Well I don't particularly feel like changeling Vongola Decimo. Shall we retreat for now?" I nodded at Tachibana's idea. I used up a bit of my Mist flames to protect me from the Buco Nero ones surrounding me.

I rather push myself then feel those flames on me again. I collapsed to the floor knowing full well that the two of them watching me suffer. I tired to control my breathing as I steadied myself onto my feet. "I'll request dinner soon. Will you join us?"

I grabbed at his collar with all of my weight on his body. "I will only say this once. Touch those girls and you're dead meat. If you so much breath in the same vicinity as Varia I will not hesitate to push a knife down your throat. Everything else. Anything else. I will listen just like you want. Deal?"

He chuckled ripping my hands off him. "You think you're in position to tell me anything? If I die, I die. When you die those people are going to be the ones that suffer."

He gestured Azalea to follow him out the room. "Fine I won't bother them. Just be my little puppet and we'll get along swimmingly."