The four of us walked towards a black, industrial door. Chen was picking up her mess. I opened the door and saw comfortable, high-end, designer chairs and tables. There were more drinks and snacks for us. They always treated their guests well. Once I closed the door, we sat down. We could see men and women all dressed up down below at tables. They were packed in as usual.

"You can take your masks off for now." I instructed.

"Can we talk?" Dino asked me.

"Yes. Just keep it quiet."

"Can I ask what just happened with that man?"

"He's one of the key people that caused the Tokyo incident." They all let out gasps with wide eyes.

"What do you mean?" Squalo asked.

"As you're all aware, the Tokyo incident involved human trafficking and I was caught up in it. A major detail I left out was I was part of the auction no one wants to be part of. I was put up for sale and bought by one of that man's boss in this very establishment years ago. I'm sure you can piece together what else happened."

"That bastard." Squalo cursed under his breath.

"Chen took care of him." Timoteo put his hand over mine. It was as if he knew I was still bothered by it. "I'll be fine. It would have bothered me a lot more a few months ago." I let out a deep sigh. I was already tired and wanted to sleep. A man walked onto the stage. Thank god it was finally getting started.

"On behalf of our organization, I'd like to thank you all for coming." Everyone gave a resounding applause. "We have an abundance of items for sale. As always, the high ticket items will be at the end." I turned to the three.

"Put your masks on." Thankfully, they did without asking any questions.

"Now, to thank the foxes that graciously gave us our chickens." I took Squalo's jacket off and walked towards the balcony's edge. It'd be bad if everyone saw I wore a jacket belonging to the Vongola. The spot light turned on the opposite side of where we were. Each fox was introduced like usual. One by one, they went around the room to introduce the foxes. No one was entirely special. It was my turn and I was the last one to be introduced. "Now, to introduce our highest esteemed guest. She's a veteran fox of ten years and still continues to bless us with high ticket items. She's a woman of grace that can kill with a single glare. Put your hands together for our miss!" Everyone clapped for me. Once the light went out, I sat back down.

"You can take off your masks now." They did and just stared at me. "What?"

"Why didn't they say your name? They did with everyone else." Squalo asked.

"They legally can't. Plus, when you're a veteran, you don't need to have your name broadcasted to everyone."

"You're a pretty important person then." Dino casually commented.

"If you knew the extent of my power, you'd be afraid to be casual with me."

The first couple of items that went up for sale were meats. At first it seemed innocent enough, but this was the underground after all. It was all meat from humans. When that was done, they brought out carts of body parts. They were selling like they were prized jewels. Even the dead Tachibana member was sold. However, the part that sold the most were, of course, men's genitalia. Squalo looked at me to see if I was bothered.

"Shiori." He said.

"Yes?"

"Is this normal?"

"It's very normal." They were being sold as if they were high ticket items. Men and women were buying them. I could tell the regulars who buy these because they had special cases with them.

"I don't feel so good." Dino commented to himself.

"Next item is two men from the Tachibana organization." The man on stage announced. The men were rolled out in cages. They were tied up and gagged so they wouldn't make a noise or try to escape. They were also stripped of their clothes so buyers could see their bodies. They were only sold off for two million. We still didn't even have enough money, but I expected that. "Now, for one of our high ticket items." The room was filled with suspense and small chatter. "We have a special gift today." The Tachibana leader was rolled out for everyone to see. He was fighting against the restraints while screaming against the gag in his mouth. "You might already recognize him, but for those who don't, this man is the leader of the Tachibana family!"

Hands went up rapidly. People were excited. The bidding was almost silent, but in the end we got about two million off him. A man walked into the booth we were in. "Your signature, miss." He held open a book. I signed my name to finalize the deal. He bowed and stayed in the corner of the room knowing there was one more for me to sign. A couple more items were sold.

"For our last item, we have an opportunity like no other." They rolled out the man Chen tortured. Like magic, most of his wounds were all healed. The underground had damn good healers. I stood up and walked to the balcony railing. I leaned against it and watched with pleasure. I raised my hand slightly, getting the mc's attention. The mc looked up at me. "Do you have any special instructions, miss?" The man captured looked at me with fear. His fate was in my hands. I spread my arms out. Everyone waited for what I'd say.

"For years, this establishment has given me nothing but wonderful service and gratitude. I welcome everyone to enjoy their every desire on my donation. Talk it amongst yourselves with who goes first. Just remember, you cannibals are last." The entire room cheered. The man screamed as some people were getting up from their seats. "Tear him apart! Use his body for pleasure! Make him squeal like the pig he is! The more he screams the better!" I took a few deep breaths before the man in my booth came to me.

"Thank you for your donation, miss. We are always thankful for your kindness."

I sighed and turned to the three men. "Our job here is done. We have the money." They were silent and followed me out to the lobby where Chen was waiting.

"I see what you did. Smart move. He good squealer."

"It's only fair." We deposited our masks to the man who gave them to us before going outside. I took a deep breath of the chill air. It felt good. "Anyone hungry?" I asked as if nothing happened. I could tell Dino was deeply disturbed about everything that happened. I guess there were some innocent people in the mafia. Though, I'm sure Dino has a dark side to him. Everyone does.

"I leave for now. See you later, Shiori."

"Be safe, Chen." She went her own way.

"Am I the only one going to eat?" I asked the men.

"I don't have much of an appetite." Dino replied.

"I'm good too." Squalo responded. I looked at Timoteo.

"I'll eat."

"There's a good food stand nearby. I used to go there all the time. They sell really good bento boxes."

"That sounds wonderful." Timoteo and I walked down the street towards a cart where a huge line of people were waiting. "It smells delicious." He commented happily. I let out a delighted sigh.

"It's just as I remembered." We waited in line. Dino and Squalo were leaning up against a wall having a conversation. The small voice in my head told me they were probably revolted by me.

"Thank you, Shiori." I looked up at Timoteo.

"I don't know what I did to be thanked."

"You got our money back. I wouldn't have known what to do."

"You don't think any less of me because of the auction?" He shook his head.

"I've been to these before in Italy. Though, this one was more grotesque. Squalo and Dino haven't experienced this before. I imagine their stomachs aren't feeling too well." I looked at the two before putting my attention back to Timoteo.

"What about what I did at the end?" I asked in a small voice.

"I caught how your demeanor immediately changed after he started talking to you. I won't ask you anything now, but I do hope you'll tell me one day."

"Thank you, Timoteo."

"You're family to me, Shiori. No matter what, I'll always accept you for everything you are. Xanxus would too." We moved up in line.

"You think so?"

"I know my son well. If he didn't care about you, he wouldn't have sent that gift or even send his men to watch over you." I'm still a little salty Xanxus couldn't see me, but I guess if he did come now, I'd have to tell him everything. We got up to order.

"What can I get you two?" The one running the stand asked.

"Give me two of your specials, a number three, and a chicken skewer."

"I'll take a number one."

"It'll be right up." We stood to the side and waited for our order.

Timoteo's order came up quick. "You can go back to Squalo and Dino. I'll wait here."

"Alright."

Once he left, I stopped pretending to be happy. I looked at the three and then stared at the street in front of me. Even when I was with them, I felt so alone. It didn't matter who I was with, the feeling was still there. I guess that was one reason why I didn't mind killing those men. Will I feel the same when I go to Italy? Will I be even more isolated than I feel?

"Here's your order, ma'am. We put it in a bag for you."

"Thank you." I took the bag and walked over as if nothing was wrong. "I'm ready to go."

"Good. Let's go back to the hotel." I shook my head.

"I'm actually going to go home."

"Why? Is something wrong?" Squalo asked.

"I just feel like it. I want to sleep in my own bed." Timoteo could see right through to me.

"Is that what you really want?" He asked me.

"Yeah."

"You should at least gather your things." At the hotel, I retrieved my things. I had a couple more minutes until the last train left.

"Will you be fine by yourself?" Dino asked.

"I'll be fine. This is my hometown. I know this place like the back of my hand."

"Be safe." I nodded before leaving. It didn't feel right leaving them, but it didn't feel right staying with them either. Nothing felt right at the moment.

On the train, I ate most of my food. The insanity was close to overflowing. I had no one to go to who would understand anything. I couldn't rely on Nikita. My dad was unresponsive and even when he was awake, he had no way of helping me. Kanade wouldn't want to hear my troubles. If I told a stranger, the police would be after me. When I got off the train, I found myself in Osaka.

"That's strange. I didn't think I was on the train long."

I walked out the station and saw almost bare streets. I walked down the street and found myself at a park. This is where I used to play as a kid. I'd always be alone. It didn't matter if it was my past, present, or future. I'd always be alone. I hated feeling this way. I sat on one of the swings. Many possible 'what if's' situations came to mind. If the Hibari tried to kill me, I wouldn't hesitate to kill myself. Though, if I did that, I'm sure everyone would be mad at me. Even if I ended up killing the Hibari head, people would be mad at me. I groaned. It doesn't matter the situation. It's always me against the world. I got a phone call.

"Hello?"

"Where the hell are you?" It was Nikita. Her voice was a lot more harsh than usual. Something must have happened.

"Osaka."

"Why did you leave Tokyo? Those people are after you again. They saw your little stunt and weren't impressed. You were safer with the Vongola."

"You're mad at me." I said, sensing multiple people behind me.

"What do you think? What were you even thinking? You can't just leave because of your emotions. It's idiotic."

"I'm aware of how stupid I am." I dropped my arm. I didn't want to listen to Nikita yell at me. I didn't have the mental capacity to deal with it.

"Are you listening?!"

"No."

"Don't let them catch up to you, Shiori. My men are on the way to pick you up."

"That's unnecessary. They're already here." I stood up and turned to face a large group of men. I took out my gun and didn't hesitate to fire. Instead of it hitting anyone, the bullet grazed some of their cheeks. Because of my flame, their heads exploded.

"Shiori!" Nikita yelled before I hung up. I looked at the remainder of the men.

"Will you fill the hole in my heart for now?" Before any of them could even touch me, I had killed them all. I hummed quietly. "That didn't work." My phone kept buzzing.

"What now?" I answered harshly.

"Shiori?" It was Lussuria.

"Lussuria? Why are you calling me?"

"Squalo hasn't been able to get a hold of you. We're all worried. Are you safe?"

"Why are you worried? I'm fine."

"We heard people were after you." I clicked my tongue.

"I can take care of myself."

Lussuria winced at how cold Shiori was. The entire Varia felt it. Even Squalo, Dino, and Nono who were on the phone with Levi felt it. "What do we do?" Squalo asked Xanxus.

"Do whatever it takes to get her back." Xanxus replied..

"We've been trying!" Nono didn't like this situation. He knew something was wrong with Shiori but he thought she wanted some space. No one could track her phone either. This was a difficult situation. Xanxus walked out the room to get some fresh air. He knew Shiori better than anyone. Something must have triggered her to have one of her emotional episodes. He decided to call her.

"Why are you calling?" She sounded even more pissed.

"Don't give me attitude because you're having another episode." She scoffed.

"What would you even know?"

"Didn't you call me the king of attitude?" She didn't answer. "Where are you?"

"Why do you want to know?" Her voice softened.

"I'm worried."

"Why?"

"Because I am, idiot."

"Don't call me an idiot."

"Stop acting like one and I'll stop calling you one." She made a noise that was all too familiar with him. It was the noise she made when she knew he was right.

"I'm in Osaka." She responded quietly.

"Why the hell did you go there?"

"I had a mental block. I didn't realize it until the train stopped." Xanxus sighed from frustration despite feeling relief knowing her location.

"What's wrong?" He asked in a quiet voice.

"There's a lot wrong with me."

"I know that. What's wrong with you today? What made you snap?"

"I'm alone." Xanxus knew what she meant. She wasn't physically alone.

"That's it?"

"That's mostly it."

"What else is bothering you?" She let out a small hum.

"I did some horrible things."

"Are you worried about what the shark and the idiot horse thinks of you?"

"Somewhat."

"Don't focus on those flies. Squalo shouldn't be bothered by anything you do and Dino won't be in your future enough for you to care. Their feelings aren't your priority."

"I know that, but I can't help what I feel!"

"Focus on me! I'm your priority, idiot!" Xanxus froze after he spoke. He could tell Shiori was stunned. "Go to your grandparents for now and go home tomorrow. The old man will help you talk things out."

"Okay." He ended the call and walked back into the room. Everyone was deadly quiet.

"Boss…"

"What?"

"Did you mean that?" Lussuria questioned.

"You heard me?"

"Everyone did." Levi said quietly. Xanxus looked around the room and sat back down.

"She's in Osaka headed to her grandparents. She's going home tomorrow morning."

"Did you really mean that, Xanxus?" Nono spoke seriously.

"And if I did? What are you going to do about it, old man?"

"I'll do nothing."

Two arrows hit the same target. Grandpa was standing on the porch with a smile. "I'm surprised to see you here. I wasn't expecting you." He said with a smile.

"I wasn't expecting to be here either."

"Mental block?"

"Yeah." He picked up another two arrows.

"That happens every once in a while. Your dad was the same at your age. I'm glad you're here, safe and sound." Once he let go, the arrows danced around each other and hit the same target.

"How did you do that?"

"It's an old trick. I can do it with three arrows and even make them hit different targets."

"Can you teach me?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Since when did you get interested in archery?" I stood up and took a bow for myself.

"I needed to join a club for school." Grandpa chuckled and handed me an arrow. I shot it and hit the target.

"And your grandmother said you were nothing like me." He picked up two arrows. "I'll walk you through my technique and you can work out all the kinks by yourself." Grandpa took the next fifteen minutes to explain the technique for the two arrows. "Well, I should get to bed. I'm not getting younger after all. Don't stay up too late, alright?"

"Good night, grandpa." Once he left, I picked up two arrows with uncertainty. I aimed carefully and let go of the string. The arrows just fell onto the ground. "Huh?" I tried again. The arrows only hardly flew a foot before they fell. "Geez. I never knew grandpa was this skilled."

By the next day, I only got around four hours of sleep. I've been up all night trying to do grandpa's two arrow technique. No matter what I did to adjust the position of my hands, they always came out the same. Grandpa got a kick out of it and watched me while he had his morning tea. "You're doing it wrong, dear."

"I didn't notice." He let out a hearty laugh and stood up. He got behind me and fixed my position and how I held the string.

"Let go." Once I did, the arrows almost hit the target but missed and went straight into the dirt. "That's strange. It should have hit its target." Grandpa mused to himself.

"Maybe I'm not cut out for it." He shook his head and took out two more arrows.

"Let's try another technique." Grandpa got behind me and twisted my wrist so the top of my hand would be pointed towards the sky. The bow was held parallel to the ground. He then put the arrows on like I'd usually do. "Try this way." He stepped back and watched. It was uncomfortable to hold the bow this way. It was at least worth a try. I pulled back the string and took a deep breath. Once I let go, the arrows hit the target. They even danced the same way as grandpa's arrows. The two of us looked at each other with shock.

"Why did that work?!" I questioned.

"Archery is like many things. There are different ways to do some techniques. My mother used the same technique you use. I just happen to be like everyone else in my family." Grandpa explained with nostalgia. He always loved to talk about his mom. Grandma walked towards us from the kitchen.

"Breakfast is ready. Did you finally shoot two arrows, Shiori?"

"I did!" I took two more arrows and shot them the way grandpa showed me. Once they hit, grandma clapped.

"Wonderful! Look, honey, she's just like your mother. I told you Shiori was more like her father. Either way, let's eat before the food gets cold."

After breakfast, grandpa gave me a book. It was written by his great grandfather with all our family techniques. Before I could leave, grandma gave me a new kimono to wear. Like always, her kimono styles were always unique. The front of the kimono was short but was longer and flowed in the back. The obi was gold while the kimono was black. My grandfather's family crest was all over as design in silver and red. They looked like leaves from afar. I wore black thigh-high tights to cover up my legs. The top of the kimono was like a normal kimono. However, it draped around my shoulders. So, I wore a black sleeveless turtleneck underneath. Grandma had closets full of kimonos for me with various sizes. She was excited she got a granddaughter and loved to dress me up.

"Shiori." I looked back at my grandparents at the train station.

"Yes?"

"We saw your father the other day. He isn't doing too well."

"I'm aware."

"There's no need to be strong all the time. We're still here for you." I gave them a smile.

"Thank you, but you know me."

"We know. You're stubborn to the bone like your father. Have a safe trip back."