DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN
Natsuki's POV
It took quite a bit of time but everything was slowly turning back to normal. Well as normal as it gets around a group of Mafiosi.
First up was the Stelle and Buco Nero rings. We went according to our plan and transferred the power of the Buco Nero to the Varia rings as soon as each of us had a chance to rest. The entire process took a full day of Yuni and I to put the energy into each ring in a safe manner while everyone else took turns to give us their flame support. While the transfer wasn't difficult it did require us to put all of our concentration. We didn't get to rest for a second with Azalea's and Tachibana constant pull on their flames.
Buco Nero flames flowed through Tachibana's veins that removing them so that we wouldn't be connected was the hardest part. He never could control it but that only made it worse since he thought that flaring his emotions would stop us. I hate to admit it but his pure resolve to remain in power was powerful that it was proven that Azalea didn't pick him out of random. Yuni alone was able to take his power away but I was to make sure that the power wasn't going to hurt her. I'm just glad that everything was fixed in the end.
Tachibana did wind up in Vendicare after the Vendice's injuries were healed. Not until after Varia and I were able to get a few scars in. Azalea, herself, disappeared without a trace when the ring was changed. Varia had don on their new rings with no effort what so ever. They did feel a stronger strain after the first few uses but nothing too much. Interestingly enough, the Buco Nero powers had mixed with their original ring's properties that everyone could use a mixture of the Sky elements that were way more destructive and powerful. The Cloud ring was still not in use and the Mist was going to Mammon after we sorted out the Arcobaleno.
When Tachibana had lost his powers we found that it was safe enough for the Arcobaleno to turn in their pacifiers for the final time. Without the curse they could have kept it as them being owners. None of them, besides Yuni, agreed to those terms.
Each one of them had bad memories associated with their pacifiers that they opted to have them returned to the Vendice. Talbot had to build a completely new device, similar to the old one, and we had to repeat the same process as before but with Yuni in charge of moving the power in lieu of Checkerface. They, also, took hold of Checkerface's journal after everyone had a chance to read their predecessors words.
Kyoko and Haru did the opposite of the Arcobaleno and kept their Scudo rings between the two of them. They didn't have any plans to be fully involved in the Mafia when I offered to train them further. To them, their rings were a sign of their ability to protect themselves and the ones they cared about. I respected that. Tsunayoshi, on the other hand, constantly told them to wear it as a necklace when they wore it proudly on their fingers. I would have to admit that it was funny watching them bicker about the topic when neither side wanted to back down.
Meanwhile, I still kept my Stelle ring as one whole but only wore it on a separate chain than my locket. It wasn't like I needed its properties to keep fighting. Slowly I had to adapt so that I could use more of my flames when I needed it. Yuni had offered to split the powers onto other rings but it didn't feel right to do so. Without neither or our lives in danger from the bond anymore, I felt that dividing it up would just bring a hassle to find new owners. Sakurako did take up the offer though to split her Sognare ring though.
Between all the Celeste familglia guardians and herself each were given a seventh of the power of creation from the Sognare ring. There was a mixture of reactions upon meeting me and Varia. At first they were convinced that I had managed to blackmail or threaten Sakurako into calling a truce between our two families. It took a lot of explaining but they eventually understood the whole scenario and were more than happy to hold onto the Sognare rings. For a famiglia based around tacticians and mechanics the Sognare rings were ideal for them.
One by one the Tri-Ni-Sette was shifting back into balance. The day at the Vongola hotel when people tried to take I-pin away. When I saw the pacifiers hanging around Reborn's and Mammon's neck. When Mammon had told me that I hadn't changed and taken away my jacket. I, honestly, thought that it was over for me. I gave up my life for the sake of completing the mission when I found out that I had own of the original Tri-Ni-Sette. I was fully prepared for the worst to come once I saw Tachibana in possession of the Buco Nero ring.
Everything came down a halting crash at once. If it wasn't for everyone I wouldn't have made it through. If it wasn't for Varia not giving up on me I would have ended up in the same future that Bel had saw. I wasn't allowed to go on missions for a little while after the final battle as a punishment to my squadron and I. But neither did any of them. We spent most the days together training with our new powers. I think it was their ignorant selves trying to spend some time together as one after having so much stress on us. Not that they would ever admit it. This lasted around a week until we, somewhat, got sick of each other's presences and went back to our normal missions.
There were a few more differences that made everything interesting. The first news struck everyone when we revealed it. Xanxus and I thought it was a good time that I removed my Haunting Shadows mask. Originally I wore that mask because Xanxus didn't want anyone to know who I was that it became what I was known for. Now it was just something suffocating who I was. Of course we didn't announce that I was Vongola Kyuudaime's daughter. That was going to remain a secret for the sake of protecting Varia, Celeste and Vongola's reputations. Besides, me revealing that I was a girl after all that time was enough to make Mafia newspaper for weeks.
What followed my reveal was in the Celeste familgia's revival. Sakurako had promised to bring back the former glory that Mistress Celeste owned and had received a lot of positive responses in wanting to form an alliance with her. Then in Tsunayoshi finally starting his studies in Italy. After dealing with mine, Xanxus and Sakurako's argument styles, he decided that if he wanted to handle the Vongola he would need to know the basics. He wasn't going to be the official Decimo or Neo-Primo for a while but was well on his way.
The news changed once more as Sakurako and Xanxus announced an alliance between the two groups before Tsunayoshi could form his own branches. It was a sign that there was no bad blood between the two groups that people could use to their advantage if they were to find out our history. It wasn't entirely true yet with both sides having a Tri-Ni-Sette item and an obvious grudge to one another, they decided that I was going to be the mediator for the two in the behind the scenes.
Everything was getting back to our form of normal with our improved changes that the previous 2 months felt like a fever dream. It was funny to think that everything had finally settled down just in time for Sakurako's birthday.
"I don't care if it's your birthday. I'm not going to wear a dress." I told Sakurako. We were in a local store buying dresses with the rest of the girls that were invited to her party. After being forced into hiding for some many years she was insistent to have a grand party. That meant that all attendees had to dress to fit the role.
"Come on Natsuki. We haven't celebrated my birthday together for over 4 years. It's not like you've never worn one before." She continued to push a dress into my hands while pouting.
"I've also spent the last 2 years living with a bunch of men and had to play the role of one. I've watched women try to seduce me in movement restricting dresses that, excuse me, if I prefer not wear them if I can avoid it." I was trying to push the dress away when she spun me around to face a mirror. I rolled my eyes having her put the dress in front of me.
"Don't you want to impress people with skills other than killing?" In the mirror I could see that she was raising her eyebrow suggestively.
"Who exactly? Everyone that you invited already knows who I am and that I won't hesitate to kill if they try something on me."
"I don't know. You should focus more on your relationships more than on how you would murder someone for one night. Like look at me, I even invited Varia to my party. This alliance between the two groups can bring fascinating results that I'm glad we did it." I looked back at her in disbelief.
"Your guardian tried to cut Squalo-sama yesterday. The only reason they didn't was because the both started flaring flames. That's what you call fascinating results? Its literally a cold war between you two."
"Hey, in their defense the second in command is annoyingly loud. And that's not the results I was talking about. Maybe there's something that my naive little sister hasn't realized. Put on the dress and you may see what I'm talking about." I eyed the one piece of fabric.
Though the dress was beautiful I was more curious as to what Sakurako was referring to. It was literally her job to be able to read people so maybe there was something that I was not seeing. That or she could be using her persuasive skills to trick me into her plans. I hated that it was working though.
"You know I can tell what people are thinking most of the time. Just put on the dress already." I snatched the dress out of her hands before she could say more.
"I would like to clarify that I'm only doing this so that I can understand what you mean." She all knowingly nodded, pushing me into a dressing room.
I stood in front of the mirror holding the dress in my hands. In the mirror I couldn't see the mask that I've grown so accustomed to on my hip. It felt strange that I didn't carry it with me anymore. I could wear my jacket out in public without worrying that I was going to expose who I was. The only thing that was telling my story was in my flames.
A light orange and white, sleeveless dress, loose flowing ballroom dress. The orange started out dark on the top with a heart shaped chest while progressively getting lighter as it got closer to the ends. The middle of the dress was split halfway down to reveal another layer that was a white and yellow tint to it. The ends were decorated with swirls that moved with the ruffles resembling flames. Orange and white flames on me.
"Of course you picked these colours." I whispered.
I was right about the dress feeling restrictive. I didn't realize how long it was since I last wore one until I put it on. If it came down to it I would not hesitate to rip this thing to shreds. We had only arrived but the boys had already been partying the night away.
"You look cute Natsuki-chan." I glared at Kyoko's comment making her jump a little. Even though the Scudo owner has come a long way since the beginning of her training, she still knew that we were worlds apart in skill.
"I'm not having fun Kyoko-chan." I looked around the ballroom at all of the familiar faces. The entire ballroom was filled with everyone dressed in their best attires. They ate and drank with one another as if it was their last day. All formalities were dropped while they were partying away. It didn't stop any fighting that happen though. I spotted Varia almost instantly when I heard the familiar yelling noises. I sighed wanting to rub my head but it would probably mess up the hair that Sakurako did.
"I have to go settle that fight before it gets out of hand. Have fun tonight." I patted her on the shoulder, jumping over the stairs so that I could stop Varia from arguing with the Real Funeral Wreaths. It was a good thing that I had gotten shorter heels than Sakurako originally planned. I'm sure they still heard my angry heel clicks as I got closer. Varia turned to me slowly going quiet, completely forgetting about their argument.
I was going to scold them when they didn't say anything at me. "Why are you guys staring at me like that?"
"I-its just we've never seen you in a dress before. Kind of forgot that you're a girl." I went up to Levi kicking him in the shin. He screamed pulling his ankle up making him jump around on one leg. I guess a benefit of this outfit was in the sharp toes.
"Thanks for the compliment Levi." I said sarcastically. Lussuria circled around me gushing at me.
"Wow Nat-chan! You look beautiful!" I blushed crossing my arms over my chest.
"S-shut up Lussuria. Thank you though. You guys don't look half bad yourselves." I turned the attention off if myself to their nice suits. They wore the standard black and white attire tuxedo but they didn't wear them properly. Most of their ties were loosely done and it could be seen that they just threw on the nearest suit that they could find without any thought.
"Ushishi of course we do. What kind of prince can't clean himself up?" Bel cockily said. He jokingly poked Mammon who was closest to him. "What do you think about it Mammy?"
I turned to Mammon expecting a straight answer. It was strange for him to single Mammon out like this. The two of them were on good terms for the most part that his joking normal. I couldn't understand why this would be a joke type of scene right now. What was even stranger was that he wasn't answering the question. Maybe he just didn't have any thoughts. I was going to push the topic away when Sakurako called everyone's attention to the front of the room.
Everyone went quiet as the birthday girl cleared her throat. "As the party is getting started I would like to say a few words before everyone gets intoxicated."
A few chuckles echoed in the room. I watched Sakurako attentively as she stood beautifully in front of everyone. "First off, after going off grid 4 years ago I've longed to return home to show off my guardians and my gained skills to my famigllia. 2 years ago I found out from Kyuudaime that they had passed away from a raid."
The air was somewhat awkward when she took a second to collect herself. "I was given a second chance when I heard that my sister was still alive. I have to admit I wasn't happy when I found out where she was and she was doing though. Honestly, she had the most ideal future planned out for her. All she had to do was escape Varia. They had given her so much freedom with being the Haunting Shadows that I didn't understand why she didn't. I was convinced that she had been brainwashed and went against me and my family."
She met my eyes giving me a smile. "When Decimo came to explain everything to me I wanted to abandon her. Then Varia came and I knew that they were going to kill me but Natsuki wasn't there. Was it too hard to kill me with her own hands or was she lying in wait near by? I didn't know at the time. They gave me a note that was her final message that said that I was still alive and that they can do what they do with this information."
Sakurako offered me a hand gesturing me to come up to her. I hesitatingly went to stand next to her. "I told Varia and Decimo that this was a signal for me to help her. That was a lie."
Varia and Vongola were thrown off. This was the first that I've heard about this. Yes, I left a note for Varia about Sakurako but there was nothing special about it. I assumed that when Varia went to kill Sakurako, Tsunayoshi had managed to convince them to come get me in order to avoid blood shed. My note had nothing on it that would indicate for Sakurako to come for me.
"I told this lie because I saw something else in the note that wasn't intended. I saw her caring for Varia. It was no doubt that if Xanxus didn't find out about me I would have eventually attacked him with all the forces possible. That's why he came for me. To prevent my family from attacking them. In her final messages, she was protecting them. She wasn't brainwashed nor was she betraying me. If she wanted to betray me she would have told them long time ago or said to kill me in her note. In the end my alliance with Vongola was still possible that she was even bringing them another resource to help them."
Sakurako suddenly grabbed my hands, holding them tight. I saw in her eyes that she was tearing up. "I don't think I'll ever forgive Varia for what they've done to my family. But I have to thank them for helping my sister. Natsuki found a place that she belonged. People that she could care about. I couldn't be more proud of her."
I pulled her into a hug. Sakurako started crying loudly but still pulled away. I tried to wipe her tears away with my hands while she wailed. She turned dramatically towards the crowd again. "Listen up Varia! I only made the alliance for Natsuki! If you do anything to hurt her I won't hesitate to cut all ties!"
I nervously laughed pulling her back from the edge of the stage. It was embarrassing that she was doing this in front of everyone but I couldn't hate her for it. She's must have gone through a lot when I got kidnapped. We both walked off the stage as people gave a disperse applause. Her guardians took her off my hands giving her words of praise.
"Sakurako, thank you for coming to get me and for helping Varia. You're as much to thank for me being able to be here today." She tackled me into another hug. I chuckled returning the hug. I watched as Mammon and Bel came up to us. Sakurako looked back at the two, slowly pushing us apart.
"Looks like my time with you is over. Your real family is here." She specifically pushed me into Mammon's arms. I blushed, backing up immediately. I heard Bel laugh next to me but I kept my eyes glued to the floor.
"Listen up former Arcobaleno, I'm not fully approved of you specifically until you man up." I looked between the two of them. This entire time, Mammon and Sakurako's relationship was a strangely tense one. She was constantly playing with him that I wonder what happen between them since Mammon wasn't too fond of her either.
I listened as the room filled with orchestra music. "Hime, you know a good skill that a female assassin should have is ballroom dancing. Mammy could teach you that."
I looked to Mammon who didn't say anything. He just offered me his hand as if asking for permission. I haven't seen this side of him before that I was intrigued. I took his hand having him lead a bit away from Bel and Sakurako. Mammon held onto my left hand while the other held onto my hip. I instinctive put my right hand onto his shoulder, realizing how close we were.
Mammon led the dance movements carefully so that I wouldn't step on his feet. I bit my lip not knowing how to act in this sort of situation. "I'm surprised that Terzo didn't teach you ballroom dancing when you were younger."
"O-oh um she sort of did but the Celeste familglia didn't have anyone my age so height differences made it difficult to practice. Sakurako wasn't too much a dancer either last I remembered." I felt myself relax as I got a hang of the movement. "So what's the deal with Sakurako and you? She seems to enjoy playing with you."
He didn't answer. Sakurako was always great at reading people that perhaps she found out a secret of his. I didn't want to pry any further when he answered. "She's your sister. I have to make a good impression on her is all."
"You don't have to. That threat she made was empty. Now that I'm back and you guys have the Buco Nero rings, she knows not to push any buttons. It's sweet that you're thinking about the alliance. I didn't think you would."
"It's not about the alliance. Just ignore her for a bit of time."
"Until you man up?" I joked with him quoting her words. I could feel his hands tighten showing that it had made an impression on him. "Mammon?"
Mammon let go of me to gently pick up my locket. I froze in my spot, not even breathing. He opened the locket staring at the pictures. "Do you remember the days these were taken?"
"O-Of course." He closed the locket, letting it go. He remained close that I felt even more self conscious about being in a dress that I haven't felt before.
"From the Celeste familgia, to Varia and as you are now. I take back what I said at the hotel that night. You've grown a lot." I felt my heart rate increase and my face warm. 'Since when did Mammon speak so nicely?'
I could breath better once he took a full step back. I couldn't form my words properly as many random gibberish was filling my mind. It was like me getting nervous about my perfect speech but way worse. All my head was screaming was Mammon.
"It looks like you're still a little naive in the end." I snapped myself out of my trance as he repeated Sakurako's words.
"Sakurako said the same thing. Did you guys plan this out?" He shook his head but didn't say any more.
"You never filled in that last slot. Was there something you were considering?" It took a bit of time to realize that he was referring to the 4th placement in my locket. I've kept that spot empty since the first day that I even forgot that I had to put something there.
I turned around looking at everyone partying in their own way. Some were dancing on the floor near us, some eating and others just talking. In my locket had some of the best memories of my life with the best people that I've had the honor to meeting. Those people were all here today with me. The same me that didn't die when all hope was lost.
I took a deep breath lighting my hands with Sky flames. A talent only Vongola blood could do. My Blood of Vongola has brought me trouble time and time again. From my mother's and foster mother's death to my perfect personality fixation. It was, also, because of my blood that Varia had kidnapped me in the first place. Everyone stopped what they were doing noticing my flames.
I smiled at the mass. "How about we take a picture today?"
The picture was a huge mess of everyone trying to fit into the frame. The groups were defined in the picture. Vongola, Milefoire, Cavallone, Simon, CEDEF, Arcobaleno, Kokuyo, Celeste and Varia. I want to always remember this feeling. The feeling that there were people with me.
A lot has happened since Bel first kidnapped me. I can say confidently that I wouldn't trade this time for anything. My time was still going. I'm going to continue living with the people that I love. With my familigia. My story will continue. I'm just the new girl in Varia. What can go wrong?
The End.
AHHHH THE NEW GIRL IN VARIA IS FINALLY COMPLETE! AFTER 6 YEARS THIS STORY HAS COME TO END!
This story honestly means so much to mean not just as my first story but as a part of me. Writing this has brought me some frustration and even more happiness over the years that I honestly can't believe that its actually over now.
Thank you for everyone for sticking this long from the original version to now. Every time I saw that someone reviewed, favourite or follow this made me extremely happy. So thank you to every reader.
I have written a small one shot for Sakurako. I've posted it separate from this story since it's not really related to the storyline but it is something that I came up with for a bit of after story. Next up on the list is what happens to this story. I'll be going through previous chapters in order to fix some of the grammar mistakes and overall flow. Nothing will change too much but just as a btw. The old story will be removed as I said before.
Again THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HAS READ MY STORY!
As a small present below is a small part of the story that never made it through. It was suppose to be in Chapter 18: Girl's touch when Natsuki was temporarily living with Tsuna. But that chapter got too long for my liking and I couldn't figure out a way to smoothly incorporate it so here you go.
The scene takes place in which Natsuki and Tsuna are talking in his room while doing some work. Tsuna asks her about how her can enjoy the Mafia work.
"Don't get things mixed up Tsunayoshi-kun. I earned my place in Varia. I wasn't even allowed on jobs until I took on one of Squalo-sama's jobs in his place. Then I joined the others on their's. Soon I gained attentions for being a masked killer that Xanxus-sama had no choice to place me on solo. Killing as is easy as breathing to me now. Not that I had any problems with it in the beginning."
"B-but didn't you feel guilty for what you did?"
"Guilt?" I snorted at the idea. "What guilt? Like any other Mafiose I have my reasons for why I do it."
"What kind of reason would make you take someone else's life?!" He slammed his hands on the table almost out of breath with how loud he shouted. I wasn't thrown off at all resting my head on my hand calmly.
"Would you actually like to know?" I batted my eyes at him. He was unnerved but gave a shaky nod.
"For the status dear cousin. You must have noticed that I'm quite shy. For my entire life I've feared people and not being able to reach their expectations. Now they fear me. You've seen it and experienced it yourself. Their eyes widening, knees buckling, cold sweat. That use to be me. Now the roles are flipped. That feeling of being higher. That feeling of power. It's ... exhilarating."
I could see him visibly shaking at how easily spoke. "So what if a few bodies pile up? If they wanted to live, then they should have been stronger. They imagine me killing them and I meet that expectation. Simple as that."
"I could never think like that! I would never join the Mafia for that."
"Don't be so naive Tsunayoshi-kun. You've seen what the future you has done. You really think you were able to make that underground base by playing by your rules all the time? If you didn't want to be the boss, you still can't guarantee that they will leave you alone. Even the people who you trust can be dangerous. Like that Simon fellow, or even your own Mist guardian, Rokudo Mukuro, tried to kill you at least once. "
I raised my head off my hand moving my hand to my backside. "Plus you fail to realize one point."
Before he could even react I stabbed a small pocket knife made of Mist flames into the table. He remains froze in place seeing how close the blade is to his fingers. "Right now we are alone in your room. I have more years of combat training and a gun over you."
I leaned over the table keeping my hand on the hilt of the knife. He tried to back up only to have his bed stop him. "I can kill you in an instant without making a sound."
"Y-you wouldn't do that." He cracks a nervous smile. It was a statement that he didn't fully believe in.
"Why not? You were the reason that Varia doesn't have the official Vongola title. Though I believe that you are innocent and don't deserve to die at such a young age, if a job come up I would have to kill you." I met with his eyes. They were so different than when he was in hyper mode. So shaky and undetermined.
'You have your father's eyes.' I could hear Xanxus's voice telling me that. I was meant to be Vongola Decimo but didn't get the actual chance. The boy in front of me shared the same sacred blood as me but we couldn't be any more different.
"The Mafia isn't something you joined. It's a world that people dragged you into without a choice. The only choice you get from then on is if you'll kill or get killed. I'm living. And I won't tell you what to do but I suggest you to try my way once." I made the knife disappear without a trace. The moment I dropped the hostility Tsunayoshi sunk down to the floor in a shaky mess. I continued on with my work not caring for him sitting in a blank stare at me.
"Any further questions?" I smiled at him as if nothing had happened.