Shamal went out to drink that night. He knew Shiori was against the Hibari, but there has to be a limit to how much she'd push, right? What is the limit for her? Will the limit be her life? He didn't want to imagine Shiori being this reckless. Her father wouldn't want her to get hurt over him. She's already losing him.
Reborn jumped up beside Shamal on another stool. "You look down. What's the matter?" He asked, getting a coffee.
"How far would you go against a family that has done wrong to you?" Shamal questioned.
"It would depend on what they did, but I'd fight against them. Are you thinking about Shiori?"
"Apparently, there was a deal between Shiori and the Hibari head. If she went with him, he'd pay for her father's medical bills. However, she somehow disappeared and now she's hit with a large bill. The total right now is a couple hundred thousand dollars. If her dad stays in the hospital any longer, the fees will pile up. She could be hit with a couple million dollar bill." Shamal explained the situation.
Reborn whistled. "The Hibari don't play around. Did she go complain to administration?"
"She did. Unfortunately, the head of the department is a Hibari. She was given a choice to either end her father's life now or get hit with a big bill."
"Did she pull the plug?" Reborn asked, his fedora covering his eyes.
"No."
"She's stubborn. I'll give her that."
"That's not all." Shamal scoffed before downing his drink. "She was also given the option to meet with the family head. If she did, all bills would be taken care of."
"Knowing how stubborn she is, I'm sure she declined."
Shamal nodded before getting his cup refilled. "She said she'll meet him in hell. She'll even reserve him a seat right next to her."
"Shiori has balls of steel. Even I wouldn't threaten the Hibari like that." Reborn knew stressful situations make people do things they normally don't, but from watching Shiori, she's a calculating person. This was all part of some elaborate plan she has in her head. Hopefully, she won't end up dead from it.
"When asked if she was threatening the head, she denied it but declared if she saw him drowning, she'd destroy the life preserver." Reborn couldn't help but chuckle. "She didn't even want me to help protect her. I even offered to pay most of the bill." Shamal spoke quietly.
"Would you ask Nono for the money?"
"I would, but if I just showed up with the money, she'd be more suspicious than she already is of me." Reborn looked up at Shamal. "She knows I'm just not a doctor. She knows I'm in something deeper. She didn't even ask what I'm part of."
"You'll have to be careful around her. She's a genius. I've seen her during class and when she's out and about. All she does is observe everything. In fact, I know if I trained her, she'd be a professional hitman in a matter of months. She's be up to Varia's standard." Reborn warned. It'd be fun to train Shiori if he wasn't already training Tsuna. Maybe after everything, Reborn will add Shiori into the family if she shows more potential. Shamal finished another drink.
"I wonder if she'll die tonight." Shamal wondered aloud.
"Probably. The Hibari never back down. I'm surprised she's lasted this long." Reborn answered honestly.
"I'm afraid she doesn't have a limit. She won't stop until she's either dead or the Hibari back off." Shamal was frustrated. Reborn wanted to know more about Shiori, but if she was already weary of Shamal who was the least suspicious, she'd automatically distrust Reborn. "What do I do, Reborn?"
"We only intervene if necessary. We don't want to be the ones targeted. After all, we're only guests in Namimori."
That night, I waited to meet a few friends thanks to the warning from earlier. They'll add nicely to the collection. I had my garbage man come over to assist. With him was an apprentice. He was about twelve, dressed in the similar gray uniform. He had snowy white hair and black eyes. "This is Kira. He's the next generation."
"It's nice to meet you, Kira. Be prepared to help, okay? I don't know how many friends will be here." He nodded. He didn't speak once as he was trained to do. It reminded me of myself at his age. A car pulled up to my house. The garbage man stood beside the door where he wouldn't be seen. I just casually sat in the living room with the television on.
"They have weapons, miss." Kira announced quietly.
"Guns?" I questioned.
"No, miss."
"Good eyes, Kira." I complimented. He hid in the pantry where he could still see outside from the security cameras. "How many are here?"
"Four."
"Wonderful." They broke the door open. "Good evening, gentlemen. I was expecting more friends to show up." I announced with a sadistic expression.
"We're here to start your readjustment." One of them spat.
"That's nice."
My garbage man instantly pierced the four with needles laced with a sleeping drug. They collapsed almost instantly. Kira came out and dragged them to the other room while the garbage man fixed my door.
"You can dispose of the car. Kira can help me for the time being." I said before standing up from the couch.
"I leave him in your hands, miss."
Once he left, I put my hair up in a mini ponytail and walked to the back room. I put on an apron and a pair of gloves. Kira had tied up three together while he put one on the table. The man on the table was shackled down. There was no escaping.
"Is this your first time doing this, Kira?"
"Yes, miss."
I hummed happily in response. "There's about a couple minutes before they wake up. What shall we do with our first friend, Kira?"
"I can pick?" He asked with uncertainty.
"It's tradition after all. You won't cut them up, but you can help point me to where I should cut first."
His eyes brightened up. "The arm. He won't bleed out immediately like he will with the legs."
"Wonderful!" I took a large butcher knife from the corner of the room and with one swift movement, the arm was severed. Blood splattered everywhere. "If this makes you uncomfortable, I won't force you to watch." I said gently. I didn't want to scare him his first day of the job.
"I like blood. I like how it splatters all over. It's life's art."
"You're perfect for this job. You'll become a pro in no time." My phone started to ring. I picked it up and answered. "Hello?"
"Shiori! Do you like the present?"
"Lussuria? If you're talking about the lingerie, then yes. I like it." The men in the corner started to wake up. I chopped the other arm clean off. It dropped to the floor. Kira picked it up and bagged it with the other arm.
"What are you doing?" He asked me.
"I have a few friends over. We're having a party." The man on the table woke up and screamed from the anguishing pain.
"Oh my." Lussuria said with a chuckle.
"Quiet, you." Kira went and snapped the man's head.
"Bad, Kira. You damaged the goods. We won't get as much as we usually do."
"I'm sorry, miss. I don't like screaming."
"You're still learning to handle things. Why don't you gag the others while I finish this one up? We can't have the neighbors hearing."
"Yes, miss."
"Shiori?" Lussuria's voice was laced with worry.
"I'm sorry, Lussuria. I'm in the middle of something."
"That's alright. You seem to be having a lot of fun. I'm envious."
"Don't be." I chopped the left leg.
"Was Levi breathing down your neck the entire time you were in Kyoto?"
"Not really. He kept his distance to where I wasn't too bothered. It was strangely endearing."
"Xanxus told him to watch over you. He's really worried about you."
"I'm fine."
"We know that, but he can't help it. You're too cute not to protect." My cheeks turned pink. The three men in the back were muffled by the gags. "Is there anything bothering you?" Lussuria asked me.
"No. Why?"
"In the sense of your psyche, are you alright?"
"Actually, I feel like I can't control myself." I replied honestly.
"How so?" I cut the other leg.
"I have urges to do bad things. I feel like I won't be able to control my impulses for much longer." He hummed.
"That's certainly a problem. Let me talk things over with Xanxus and I'll get back to you."
"Okay." I was a little down because I couldn't hear Xanxus.
"Don't sound too depressed. Xanxus is in an important meeting."
"I'm not depressed." I hung up and was able to finish the man on the table.
"Who was that, miss?" Kira asked.
"Rule number one: never ask about your client's personal business."
"Yes, miss."
"That information can and will end up getting you killed and I wouldn't want that to happen to you."
After bagging things up, I looked at the three in the corner. "Who wants to volunteer to go?" They were screaming. "One at a time, gentlemen. There's no need to push and shove each other. You'll all get your turn on the chopping block." The garbage man walked in and locked the door.
"Everything has been taken care of, miss."
"Thank you. Can you assist me? We don't have all night." He nodded and brought another table out. We did two at once. Kira watched with amazement. The two of us were in sync with each other. Once we were done, we looked at the goods. "Why don't you help with this one, Kira?" I offered, shackling the man to the table.
"You mean it?"
"I do. I still remember my first time." I gave him the blade and put my hand over his. I helped him with his first cut. It didn't completely cut through the bone.
"What do I do?" He asked, refereeing to not cutting the bone. I made a fist with my hand and hit the top of the blade. A snap echoed.
"That is what you do. It'll still look like one swift cut."
"I see."
After we bagged the last man up, we let Kira clean up. That was something he was a professional at. Cleaning is very important if not the most important thing about this business. One small splatter left behind and not properly cleaned will get you in a lot of trouble.
"Thank you for the wonderful donations, miss."
"They're not donations. I want all the proceeds."
"Understood."
"Give my regards to everyone."
"Have a good night, miss." Kira bowed before leaving behind the garbage man. Kira is too cute for his own good. He'll grow to be an excellent garbage man.
The next day, I went to visit dad in the hospital. I sat down in my usual spot and stared at his face. He was peacefully sleeping. It's how he always looked like. "I read through Kanade's journal. I…I'm still not sure how to feel. She saved me because I saved her from her demons. She wrote to me that I could help others like her. You should have seen it. I was crying like a baby on the train." I held his hand.
"I went to see her again. This time, I saw everyone from my old class. They apologized for everything they've done. In a way, I feel lighter about the entire situation. I think I can slowly move on to the Tokyo incident now." I could hear dad's quiet breathing.
"I'm not sure if you'd approve of what I'm doing recently. I'm sorry for that. I'm not the perfect little girl you wished to have. The madness is starting to take over. Imagine being hungry but no matter how much you eat, you never feel satisfied. That's what I feel. The hunger will push me over the edge someday. I know the day is coming. It'll be in the next few months if nothing is done about it. I might have to be put down like the monster I am." I sighed heavily. He probably didn't want to hear my ramblings.
"I went to the beach for the first time. Kazuma's mom gave me a bathing suit I could wear that covered most of my scars. The rest were out in the open, but I was with my old class. They think it's from that day. I liked the sand and how warm it was. I didn't want to take my feet out."
Shamal walked in. "Good afternoon, Shiori."
"Daily checkup?" He nodded and went through the entire procedure.
"Were you visited by any Hibari last night?" He questioned.
"Thankfully, no Hibari came by."
"That's surprising. The Hibari in administration was on the phone earlier. Apparently, they went missing." He looked at me from dad's chart. I wonder if he suspects me. It's better to assume he does.
"That's too bad. A friend of mine came over with his kid brother. They stayed for dinner and left."
"That's nice. I'm glad you weren't attacked."
"I'm glad I wasn't either." I needed to put truth into my story. Yes, I had a friend and a kid over last night. The men did visit, but I wasn't attacked. It should be a simple story to tell.
"Your father's heart isn't doing the best." Shamal broke the silence between us.
"I'm aware. His heartbeat gets weaker every day I see him."
"I'm sorry I can't help him."
I shook my head. "You're helping him pass easily without pain. It's all I could ever ask for."
"He's scheduled for a few tests soon. You probably don't want to be here for that." I got the gist of what he was saying. They were going to undress him and assess his wounds. I stood up and put a hand on dad's cheek.
"I'll be back tomorrow if nothing comes up." Outside of the hospital, I saw a few men in suits. They were all Hibari. "Just another thing to ruin my day."
They all stared at me when I walked by. It was as if I was the ugliest thing they've seen. Kyoya was among the men outside. I saw his uncle walk to me. "I see you're unharmed." He said, eyeing me all over.
"Why wouldn't I be?"
"One of my idiot cousins sent men to kill you."
"Really? I didn't see them."
"That's funny. I watched them enter your house." This was just great. He knew I did something to them. There was no denying that now. "What did you do to them?"
"Why do you think I did something to them?"
"They never left your house."
I put my hands behind my back and gave him a smile. "They did leave."
"I want to search your house."
"Okay."
I allowed him and Kyoya to follow me home. Part of me wanted to kill them, but I decided against that. I wouldn't have as much fun as I do now. My game would get boring. Inside, the two looked around. There was no evidence they were here.
"It's clean." Kyoya said.
"How did I not see them leave?" The uncle muttered to himself.
"If you're done, can you two leave?" I asked.
"What the hell did you do to them?!"
"Why am I always the suspect?"
"You're too suspicious. No one in Namimori would harm the Hibari but you."
"You're right about that."
"See? You're admitting to doing something!"
I shook my head and got out a pitcher of tea from the fridge. "I only admitted to being the only one in Namimori that harms the Hibari. I did not admit to doing whatever happened to the men. Tea?"
I gave the two a cup of cold tea each. It was refreshing on this hot day. "I also heard you'll pay in full for your father when he dies." Kyoya's uncle said.
"That's right." Kyoya looked surprised and looked at his uncle.
"Do you even have the funds to pay the hospital millions?"
"Not yet."
"What will you do? Will you suffer academically to work endlessly?" His smirk didn't bother me.
"Do you honestly think I study? I'm ahead of this school's education by four years. I've studied in multiple countries and learned multiple languages to the point of being fluent. I don't need this school. I can easily test out of everything and graduate high school if I please." The two immediately tensed up. It made me smile. "I don't need anything this town offers."
"Why do you stay in school? Why not test out?" Kyoya asked me.
"I'm only staying for my dad. After he goes, I'll go." They remained silent. I wouldn't let them know my plan of destroying them.
"If you're thinking of running before paying, you're wrong. We won't hesitate to put a bullet in your skull." The uncle said seriously.
"Don't worry. You'll get my payment."
"I'm still interested, Shiori. How will you get the funds?" The uncle purred, his hand touching mine.
"Why are you interested?"
"If you do something for me, I'll give you all you need."
I eyed him dangerously. "What are you thinking of?"
"It'll just be little things." The way his fingers tickled the back of my hand disgusted me.
"Are you suggesting I prostitute myself?"
Kyoya looked at his uncle with slight disgust and surprise. "You're a smart girl. I'm glad we're on the same wavelength." His smile made my stomach turn. That's when my phone rang. "Go ahead and answer." I looked and saw it was Squalo.
"Hello?"
"Did I call at a bad time?" Squalo asked.
"Sort of. Did you need something?"
"I'm in Tokyo for a few days. I'm wondering if you wanted to meet up. Dino will be with me."
"I'd like that a lot." The two Hibari eyed me.
"I have a gift from Xanxus for you."
"A gift? What is it?" I questioned with actual surprise. Wasn't the lingerie enough?
"I don't know. He didn't tell me anything. I've got to go. I'm going into a meeting." I hung up. Xanxus had a gift for me. Not even Squalo knew what it was.
"Well? What do you say, Shiori?"
"I decline any sexual advances of any kind from you, scum."
"That's a shame. I was hoping to have fun with you. I always wondered what noises you'd make." I could tell Kyoya was extremely uncomfortable. The poor kid didn't know just how sick his family was. "Let's make a bet, little bird. If you end up getting the funds to pay for your father's medical bills, I'll leave you alone. If you can't, you'll become my personal toy." Kyoya's grip on the glass tightened. He couldn't speak out against his uncle. When the payment comes for the four bodies, I'll have more than enough. That depends on how the auction goes.
"Sure. I'll bet that."
"Shall we make a promise with blood? You seem to enjoy that." I nodded. The uncle took my hand and slit my palm open with a knife. My fingers twitched. "Does it hurt?" He questioned with a condescending tone.
"I guess I get to give you a wound too. It's only fair."
"Go ahead. Cut my hand." I put my feet on the chair I sat on. I'd give him a wound that'll always remind him of me. I pounced like an animal and tackled him to the ground. I held both of his wrists down as I bit down onto his shoulder. Kyoya stood up with his tonfa in hand. "No, Kyoya." His uncle said between pants. "Let her be." I bit even harder, my nails digging into his skin. I let go and stood up. I licked the blood that stained my lips.
"Despite your hideous nature, your blood is sweet." It'd sell for a pretty price. I'll have to remember that for next time. Those wannabe vampires would pay anything for this blood. He sat up and looked up at me.
"No one has ever done that to me before. You're interesting, Shiori Mori."
"We have our deal. Get out of my home, trash." The two shivered from my tone.
"You're not an herbivore." The uncle said, standing up. His hand covered my bite mark.
"Out." Once the two were gone, I regained my composure. "I'll make them regret ever making me their prey. Even if I don't keep my end of the deal, I'll just kill him and leave without a trace."
After packing a few clothes in a bag, I left for Tokyo. Squalo sent me the address of the hotel they were staying at. I've been to Tokyo a lot recently where the ride didn't feel long at all. When I got to Tokyo, I went straight to the hotel. I knocked on the door. There was silence for a little bit until the door swung wide open.
"Shiori!" Dino exclaimed and hugged me tightly.
"It's nice to see you too. Let go of me." I was used to hugging thanks to Nozomi, Hanayo, and Tsubasa. Though, I still didn't like it.
"Let go of her!" Dino did and closed the door behind me. Squalo looked as annoyed as usual.
"Hello, Squalo." I greeted.
"Are you okay? You look pretty rough."
"Do I?" The two nodded. "Well, I guess I have been under some stress, but it's nothing I can't handle." The two were deadly quiet to the point it made me worry.
"Is that family bothering you again?" Squalo asked.
"Yeah."
"I don't know why boss won't let us take them out. He's insistent on letting you deal with this alone."
"We're alike in that aspect. He knows this is personal."
Squalo sighed. "This is what I hate about you two. You're both stubborn." I couldn't help but smile.
"By the way, Xanxus got this for you." Dino handed me a long, thin box. It was a dark red box with a gold bow. I opened it and saw a feather that looked identical to the one I wore. The three of us were confused. Why would he send another feather? There was a note. I took the small note in my hand. It had perfect handwriting. It was Xanxus' handwriting. This will make me feel better? "Well?" Dino asked. I took the feather I had on off and put the new one on.
"He sent a fucking replacement?" Squalo asked himself with disbelief. For some reason, I instantly felt better. Squalo caught me before I could fall. "Are you alright?"
"I feel better." The two looked at each other before looking back at me.
"What do you mean?" Dino asked me.
"The urges are gone."
"Urges?" I nodded.
"I told Lussuria I have urges to do bad things. I've already done things I usually wouldn't. I'm slowly losing control of myself day by day, but whatever Xanxus did to this feather is helping me."
"Do you need us to cover things up for you?" Dino asked.
"I'm fine. I have my own ways. Though, it may be a lot more gruesome than what you'd do."
"You don't know that, Shiori. We have our ways too." Dino sounded too happy about that.
"I guess being in the mafia does have its advantages." The two tensed up. They looked terrified and pale. "What's wrong?" I asked.
"Who told you?"
"I'm not an idiot. It was obvious. Though, there was one thing that made it concrete."
"What was it?"
"Nikita."