Hello and thank you so much for supporting For the Sake of Normalcy. There have been some confusion about some things and I wanted to clear that confusion up.

1) Xanxus' and Shiori's weird connection. This is because Xanxus' flame is inside of Shiori. He doesn't really know how to use his flame for anything other than destruction. So, I decided to take some creative freedom and make a 'feeling sensor' type of ordeal.

2) I purposely made Shiori older than Tsuna and the others on purpose so she fits in with the Varia more. There is a reason why, even though she took advanced classes, she's in middle school.

3) I'm sorry if I confused anyone when talking about the Hibari brothers. I will definitely it more distinguishable in future chapters.

Hopefully, this clears up some things. Again, thank you for every read, favorite, follow, and comment. It means a lot. Now, onto what everyone really came for.

Dino and Squalo decided to go check on Shiori the next morning. They knocked but there was no sound. They quietly walked in and stopped in their tracks at the scene in front of them. The two looked at each other and then the bed. Shiori was being engulfed by Xanxus. How did that happen?

"W-what is going on?" Squalo stammered out.

"You tell me. You're Xanxus' right hand." Dino said in a whisper.

"I don't know what goes through his head. I didn't think this would happen."

"They look comfortable." Dino said with a smile.

"Shiori has school, but I don't want to die." Squalo said, looking at Dino.

"I'm not waking him up." The two were grumbling about who would be the brave soul to wake Xanxus.

"Get the hell out." A groggy, angered voice echoed. The two looked at Xanxus who was awake.

"Shiori has school." Squalo said.

"She doesn't now."

The two saw Xanxus raise his gun. They ran right out the room. Xanxus grumbled before relaxing again. Those idiots won't bother them for a while. Shiori made a noise and woke up. "Go back to sleep." She turned and snuggled into his chest. He couldn't help but hold her closer. There was a voice in the back of his head telling him to protect her with his life. He didn't understand it himself, but he didn't hate it. He slowly closed his eyes and gasped when he found himself in a weird place.

The sky was black and the ground was covered in white flowers. His eyes widened. Mammon told him about this place. How did he get into Shiori's mind? Xanxus walked around until he saw Shiori. She was lying on the ground with her hands intertwined together. He saw the red scarf on her neck. Surprisingly, her hair was long and slowly became red at the tips. The flowers hid most of her body. However, he could see how her skin was red. He knelt down to her and moved the collar of her shirt down. It was all red. He cupped her cheek, seeing his own hand, red where a scar resided.

"What happened to you?" Her eyes opened. They were red.

"I'm surprised you were able to come into Shiori's mind, boss." Mammon floated over to him.

"How the hell did this happen?" Xanxus asked.

"It probably has to do with your flame still in her body." Mammon saw Shiori with her eyes open. "Did you end up touching her?"

"Was I not supposed to?"

"It isn't a bad thing. Her flame will come back at full force soon. You just sped up that process." Mammon explained.

"Will her flame kill her?"

"There's a possibility. Because of how destructive her flame is, the probability of her flame killing her is even greater."

"Is there anything to keep it at bay?"

"Keep giving her your flame. It's been working so far."

When I woke up, I was alone. I looked at the time and sighed. There was no point in going to school. I finished getting dressed just as Squalo walked in. "Feeling better?"

"I am. Thank you."

"Let's go get something to eat. Everyone else left."

"They could have woken me up."

"Xanxus told everyone not to wake you up or else."

I shook my head with a sigh. "Don't listen to him." Squalo didn't seem to like that answer. I followed him out of the hotel. "Where did everyone go?" I asked.

"They had business in Tokyo to take care of."

"Oh. So, where are you taking me?" I asked.

"Breakfast." I hummed with anticipation. I didn't really eat anywhere in Namimori. Squalo led me all over the place. He probably didn't know where to eat.

"Are you lost?" I asked as we stopped in the alley way. "Squalo?" He turned and faced me with a serious, almost dangerous stare.

"What did Xanxus promise you?" Squalo questioned.

"Huh?"

"The last time you spoke on the phone with him, he promised you something. What was it?"

"He said I could go to Italy with him permanently after I deal with that family. Dino even offered something similar. What does this have to do with anything?" I questioned.

"What if I told you he was a bad person? He's just as bad as the family that's after you." I tilted my head. "What if everything you knew wasn't the truth? What if we were lying to you?" Squalo asked another similar question.

"It'd depend on why you were lying to begin with. Doesn't everyone have something to hide?" Squalo was hesitating to speak. Was he trying to make me stay away from them? "Are…you trying to tell me to stay away?" I asked.

"No. That's not what I'm doing. It'd be the last thing I'd want."

"What is it then?" I questioned, even more confused.

"If being friends with us put a target on your back, would you still go to Italy? It could mean life or death for you." I guess I didn't have to guess what kind of business they do. That'd mean Dino was part of it as well. I knew this would be an outcome, but I chose to ignore it. I can't ignore it anymore.

"I don't know." I answered.

"Just think about it. I don't want to see you hurt in any way. I'd have to kill anyone who would. Xanxus would too. He's just not thinking things through."

"Didn't his dad say something to him about it? Being around me would get me hurt." I said with a hint of sadness.

"That's right."

I frowned. "What about you?" I asked him.

"What do you mean?"

"If you learn the truth about me, would you still be able to stand me?" Squalo stared with wide eyes. "Even now, I can't trust you, Xanxus, or anyone else. I don't think I ever could. I guess more than my body is just broken." I stammered out quietly.

"I don't know what you mean by calling yourself broken, but that won't make us go away. We're tougher than you think." Squalo didn't like how Shiori kept quiet. It was unnerving. "Has Xanxus told you about his scars?" He asked.

"No. I asked and said that it was probably a flame could only do that damage." She replied with a monotone voice.

"Why do you think so?" He asked. She let out a lifeless laugh before lifting her sleeve up. Squalo's eyes widened. She had the same burn scars on her arms that Xanxus had all over his body. "What the hell?"

"My body will never go back to what it used to be." She said in a scarily low voice.

"Where did you get that scar from?"

"Those people gave it to me." She gave a frightening smile. It was starting to scare Squalo.

"Was it the family that's after you?"

She shook her head. "You should have seen it. All the Yakuza in Tokyo banded together to retrieve me." By now, Shiori's eyes were dulled.

"She isn't conscious anymore." Mammon came out from the shadows.

"What do you mean?" Squalo questioned.

"The trauma she endured is worse than I initially thought."

"Trauma? That's a nice way to call hell." Shiori spat.

"Now's our chance to learn what happened while she's not in control." Mammon urged Squalo to continue to ask questions.

"I don't want to ask." Squalo said.

"You want the real Shiori to say it, don't you?" Squalo nodded. "You're just like boss, Squalo. You're soft when it comes to Shiori. Were you kidnapped?" Mammon asked Shiori.

"I was kidnapped by a family that is no longer. I watched as all yakuza from Tokyo killed them. The way their faces were contorted while being killed made me sick. It made me so happy I puked." Squalo had enough and slapped Shiori.

When I came to, Squalo was staring at me with concern. "Squalo? What just happened?" I asked, holding my cheek. It stung.

"You lost is and started talking about the incident."

My eyes widened. "What did I tell you?"

"You showed me your arm where you were burned and said how the family that kidnapped you was killed."

My heart was racing. I couldn't help but panic. It was more than he needed to know. "Don't tell anyone."

"I wouldn't think of it. Besides, it should be you to tell us. It isn't my place."

"Thank you, Squalo." I stared at the ground. I was ashamed of myself. I haven't had an episode like that in a long time.

"Let's go eat. I'm sure everyone will be back by the time we're done."

"Okay."

Squalo could tell I was in a depressed mood. "Hey, cheer up. I won't think of you any less." Of course, he wouldn't. He didn't know the full story. After getting something small for breakfast, we went back to the hotel. Xanxus was beyond pissed off and glared at Squalo. I looked at Squalo and then Xanxus.

"What did you do?" Xanxus questioned Squalo. I'm sure Xanxus could feel I was having an episode or something like that.

"I didn't do anything!"

Bel walked over to us with a snicker. "You must have done something. I haven't seen Xanxus this mad before." He spoke to Squalo.

"Trash." Both Squalo and I tensed up.

"Not you, sweetie." Lussuria said to me from behind Xanxus. He stood up and walked to Squalo.

"Meeting, now."

Days passed and today was the day of the play. We've only been focusing on small parts here and there for the play. So, I wasn't needed much unless it was requested. Everyone decided to go to Tokyo with me to stay. Lussuria walked to the venue with me. "Nervous?" He asked.

"What do you think? My heart can't calm down." I held my hand over my heart. I haven't felt my heart beat like this before. I didn't like it.

"That's to be expected." I messaged my parents to see if they'll come. I knew dad would, but I'm not sure mom would. I'd be surprised if she did. I haven't been home to know what's been going on. "Don't worry. We know you'll do well."

"Why didn't everyone come now?" I asked.

"They're still getting ready. Plus, they're still mad at Squalo."

"Oh…"

We entered through a back door since the front was locked. The staff greeted me. I led Lussuria to the seating. Some of the orchestra members were going over their music with others, making last minute fixes. "Where's the best place to sit? I'll save everyone a seat." Lussuria asked.

I pointed at the middle. "There but keep right. I'm sure Xanxus would like an easy escape route."

Lussuria laughed. "You sure know him well."

"We're similar. It's where I'd want to sit. Plus, that's where Kiyomi said was the best place to watch the end."

"Shiori!" Sachiko and the rest of the club ran to me.

"What?" I questioned.

"C'mon! You need to get ready. Kiyomi is already in costume and wants pictures." Sachiko said. Her excitement was overflowing. It was more potent today than it was on any other day.

"I'll be there soon."

"Go have fun, Shiori." Lussuria said, waving at me. I was dragged to backstage where everyone was either in their costume or getting ready.

"There's our Bern." The writer rushed me to sit down as two women came and did my makeup and hair.

Twenty minutes later, I was put into my dress. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. Kiyomi walked over. Her hair was up in a bun on the back of her head. "You look beautiful." She said softly, putting her arms around me.

"Look at you though. You're absolutely stunning." I commented.

"Aren't I?" I rolled my eyes. "There's a surprise waiting for you in the main hall." She said.

"There is?" I questioned.

"Let's go."

"Won't people see us?"

"No one can come in yet. It's just us that can access it." Kiyomi brought me to the main hall. I could see flowers everywhere. There were some for each member. We stopped at one with blue and white flowers. The arrangements were beautiful.

"This one is for you." Kiyomi said.

"Really? There are so many flowers." I felt like I was in a flower field with the amount of flowers in the hall.

"There are tags so you'll know who sent them."

"Can I look?" She nodded.

I walked right up and started looking. Some were from cast members. In fact, I got a flower from each member. Even the archery club got me a small bouquet. There was one from my class and even some from yakuza members which included Syoko. I then saw my dad's flower. I tried looking for one from my mom but alas, there was none. A staff member walked over with a large bouquet and placed it in my pile.

"W-what the hell?" I stuttered.

"Special delivery. A whole bunch of guys bought you this." I looked at the tag and saw Xanxus' name along with everyone else tucked in the very back. Those idiots.

"It's almost show time. They're going to start letting people in." Kiyomi said.

"I guess we go back and wait then?"

"That's right."

I sighed. "I don't want to go back there." I whined quietly.

"We'll play cards."

"That sounds fun. Can you teach me poker?"

We walked back just as they opened the doors. I could hear people's voices echo into the back. It made me feel even more nervous. Background music that fit the theme of the play played over the speakers. I peeked back out and saw men and women all dressed up. There were even students from school.

"Bad." Sachiko lightly chopped my head.

"I'm curious."

"Stop. You're the main part of the show. You can't just expose yourself like this. You're supposed to be shrouded with mystery." She said dramatically.

"I'm sorry." I walked back to where everyone else was. Kiyomi had gotten out the cards. Soon, I, Kiyomi, and two other main leads started to play poker. I wasn't really good, but I did end up winning some games. We were then whisked away with everyone else. The director and writer stood at the front with prideful smiles.

"We've worked for months to make this happen. I can't think of better people to be here."

"It's mostly thanks to Shiori." The lead male character said.

"Me?" I questioned.

"Without you, we'd have to cut the play down and cut Bern out. You made it really happen."

"Just take the compliment." Kiyomi teased.

"Alright, get ready, everyone. We have ten minutes. Places!" Everyone started moving as practiced. I was able to stay in backstage to see how the play went. Plus, seeing Kiyomi perform always made me forget about what was going on.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I welcome you on behalf of the cast and witches." The announcer, who had a goat's head, was on the side telling the audience of all the information they needed.

Kiyomi rubbed my shoulders to calm me down, but it was probably secretly her way to calm herself down. She then walked up the stairs to the platform. Loud music came from the orchestra and large choir that were on the left and right balconies. They were all dressed up in Victorian clothing with Victorian masks. While the singing stopped, we could all hear Kiyomi's laughter against the orchestra. It was certainly witch like. The audience could see her silhouette flash a couple of times.

"Let the game begin! I'll make sure no one is alive!" Kiyomi shouted to the audience.

The song ended with her laugh. She walked down with a graceful smile as usual. Then, the story began with the background and its characters. They were the minor characters, but the audience didn't know that yet. Some won't realize it even after the play.

Lussuria waited for the rest of the Varia to come in the main hall after reserving seats. When they did, they were all wearing suits. "You're all looking handsome. What took you all so long?" Lussuria commented.

"The old man is here." Xanxus bitterly said.

"I'm surprised he came to see Shiori's performance." Levi commented. They all sat down.

"Lussuria, what did you spend that money I gave you on?" Mammon questioned.

"I got Shiori flowers." Mammon sighed but knew Xanxus wouldn't care.

Unbeknownst to the Varia, their future opponents were above them in the balconies. Tsuna wasn't used to wearing a suit but was forced to by Reborn. Kyoko was more than excited. Tsuna and his two guardians haven't gone to anything remotely similar like this before.

"Why are you nervous? You're not the one performing." Reborn teased.

"I-I've never gone to something like this before. I feel out of place." Tsuna said.

Dino smiled at him. "You'll be fine. You're just here for the extra credit."

Reborn smacked Dino. "We're seeing a play created by a legendary writer and director. The fact your classmate got a part means she has unbelievable talent."

"Really? I wonder what Shiori's part will be." Dino questioned.

"You know her?" Everyone asked.

"I do. She's the one that helped me find the street you lived on. Since then, I'd meet her for coffee when I'd come to Japan."

"That's dangerous, Dino." Reborn said.

Nono was more than ecstatic to see the play and more importantly, to see Shiori. His guardians went to watch a legendary play. They didn't know Shiori was going to partake in the play. Nono saw his son who wasn't as angry as usual. He seemed to be at peace. It seemed like the two of them made up after all. Lussuria saw Nono and smiled. The plan was in full swing.

"Please don't tell me you're still going through with trying to get Shiori and Xanxus to marry. You have that smile whenever you think about that." Nono's storm guardian said.

"Why wouldn't I go through with it? They're perfect together. Let this old man play matchmaker." Nono said.

"She'll end up dead."

They heard a chuckle above them. They all turned and saw a man with pitch black hair, wearing an elaborate kimono. "Yes?" Nono questioned.

"Would you happen to be talking about the Shiori who is also a main character in this play?" He questioned.

"I am."

"And who is this man you want her to marry?" The man asked.

"He's my son."

"Red eyes?" They got suspicious of the man.

"Do you know Shiori?" Nono asked.

"Of course. It's hard for someone of my status not to know her." The man sneered.

"Shut up." He was hit over the head by Syoko.

"I forgot you were coming, mother." Syoko's son said.

"It's my little Shiori." She turned to Nono. "If your son is the one with red eyes, I think they're cute together. She's used to rough characters as you can see."

"Even though she might be in danger marrying him?" Nono's storm guardian asked her.

"Just because you're a mafia family doesn't mean my Shiori can't handle it. She's been through hell and back. In fact, she was the reason why an entire yakuza family perished in one night." Syoko said all too happily.

Nono wouldn't have thought Shiori would know any yakuza. "Really? Did she happen to fight?" He asked.

"No. She was kidnapped and given the special treatment."

Syoko's son visibly tensed and shook with anger. "I wished I was able to take that bastard's head. I wish I was the one." He spoke with hatred.

"She was put through inhumane things down there. It surprised me she lived after the many surgeries she endured. In fact, she should have died with those wounds." Syoko said quietly.

"She was tortured?" Nono questioned.

"That's too nice." Syoko then chuckled. "I still can't help but see her when she was just a kid. She had beautiful long hair and the eyes of an adventurer. She was so innocent and now, her eyes are dulled. She did come to life when she brought your son and his friends in. It's the first time I've seen her like that in years. So, if your son ends up marrying her, it'll be good for both of us." Syoko said with mischievous eyes.

"You can't make business transactions by yourself. Dad said you'd end us." Syoko's son said.

Syoko smacked her son again. "I'm sorry about my son. He doesn't know when to keep his mouth shut."

"That's fine." Nono turned back and thought about the new information about Shiori. What could she have possibly gone through that's worse than torture?

When the play started, everyone stayed quiet. Though, Xanxus was always an impatient man. Squalo could sense it but kept his eyes on the play. It was captivating enough where even assassins wouldn't move a muscle. Almost two hours have passed. They were all starting getting impatient. Even Dino was wondering when Shiori would come out. The curtains closed and the lights went out. Music played in between scenes. The curtain opened. Sitting in the white room in the other world was a girl with long blue hair. She took a sip of her tea.

"Plum tea…it's quite expensive for each serving." She lifted her cup up in the air. "Would you like some?" Golden butterflies appeared which transported Kiyomi onto the stage. Mammon could easily see through the illusion but didn't for the sake of the play.

"What business could the legendary with Bern have with me?" Everyone's eyes widened. That was Shiori.

"I'm merely a traveling witch. I didn't come here with the intent of invading your territory." Shiori spoke.

"Oh?" The orchestra started playing a different song.

"And I would be completely powerless against the witch who holds the terrifying power to kill an individual endlessly. Don't worry." Shiori's voice was different than usual, but it was something Squalo heard when she lost control.

"And yet this powerless witch dislodged Lady Lambda, the cruel and terrifying great witch capable of killing an individual without fail." Kiyomi said.

"I merely won an endurance contest. She simply grew tired of it." Shiori replied.

"However, you possess the power to make a miracle as long as the probability isn't zero." Kiyomi said and sat down in the chair beside Shiori.

"Both of your powers are frightening." Shiori commented. It made Kiyomi laugh in response. "I'm a fleeting traveler, continually moving between the fragments while running away from boredom. I came simply because I heard you had started something interesting. Have no doubt I will leave as soon as it's no longer interesting." Shiori finished her line.

Kiyomi smirked at Shiori from the side. "I, Beatrice, am most delighted to have the great Lady Bern as an observer. And your thoughts?" Kiyomi asked.

Shiori turned to her tea. "While you do appear to possess affection at a glance, I can't understand you at all. That makes you frightening." Shiori said.

Kiyomi laughed again. "Yes, a witch is truly the best kind of person to drink tea with. I'll never get bored."

"Boredom is the only poison that can kill witches. So, please don't kill me, okay, Lady Beatrice the endless witch."

"If that is what you desire, then I shall entertain you even further. Please wait a moment." After Kiyomi spoke, she dissipated into golden butterflies. The attention was all on Shiori.