The room was filled with silence. Squalo looked at everyone with a file in his hand. It was relatively thick in size compared to the files I was looking at. He plopped the file onto the table which made a loud thud. Nikita opened it. There were profiles on each child they took. She spread everything around the table. I recognized all of the faces. They were all locked up with me before I was separated from everyone. I saw my profile and got nervous. I'd finally learn why they wanted me.

"Let's see what we have. Code name Tamamo-no-Mae for her beauty and ability to enchant anyone that looks at her is one of the best we have." I tensed, remembering that name very well. I didn't like it at all. That's all they called me. It's how they'd taunt me.

"That name…"

"Tamamo first got our attention at the park with her family. Once she looked at me, I could feel it. Such a young child with perfect flame control was rare to find. Most children don't even develop a flame until they hit puberty."

"They knew I had a flame?"

"Some people can sense it as if it's their sixth sense. You can equate that feeling with your gut telling you someone is bad news." Squalo explained.

"I want her to myself. I want to see how I can grow that flame. I'm sure it'll bring down anyone in the underground. She'll be a perfect wife like the legends. She'll be my one and only. She'll be a perfect secret weapon." Nikita read the words with disgust in her voice and flipped the page.

"I…was meant to be a weapon?" My heart dropped.

"It sounds like it. How do you feel about that?" Nikita asked.

"Numb."

"That shouldn't matter. You're not in their hands anymore and you'll never be. You're with me now. You only do what you want." Xanxus firmly stated. I heard Nikita flip through the papers.

"There's an examination report made by a doctor." I looked at her, pleading her to keep going. I wanted to know everything no matter how painful it might be. "The patient seems to not be showing any symptoms of shock or PTSD. Even when put in different simulations, she seems to adapt to any environment. She kept her calm throughout all simulations. That adaptability will lead to her survival in this place."

"It seems like the doctor was here against their will. I wonder if they forced all the doctors to work here as well." I pointed out.

"It's been a week since the patient has been here. After being subjected to torture and documented experiments, her mental state was considerably normal compared to the other children. Her heart rate would quicken when I grabbed a scalpel or a needle, but she would not act panicked. Her blood pressure would not deviate from normal. It was as if this was a normal routine for her. Looking into her family history, her father is from a family of profound military leaders. Looking into history books, they were viewed as demons to the enemy and saints to their allies. Nothing else was found about their personal life. Her grandfather is a master bowman, feared amongst those that know his abilities. Records show of his stellar performances at archery competitions around the world. Did that influence Tamamo's personality? As cliché as it is, she has the blood of a warrior. Some might believe she's a reincarnation of a general. Her mother's side had nothing of importance. I'll keep looking into Tamamo when her blood results come back."

I felt off. They did that much research into me? Even I didn't know grandpa was feared. He didn't give off that vibe at all. Xanxus and Squalo looked at me. I wonder what they were thinking. Hell, I didn't really know what to think. "Do you want me to continue?" Nikita asked.

"Please. I need to know more."

"Very well. The blood results came back with very strange results. Both red and white blood cell counts are higher than an average adult. Her results show she should have an illness or cancer, but there was none I could find throughout thorough testing. I wonder if her father's side of the family had the same blood. Her body was a mystery to me. I've never had a patient seem normal on the outside yet abnormal on the cellular level." Nikita looked up at me. "Did you know about your blood?"

"I didn't. I don't remember if the hospital even said anything about it to my parents. If they did, I wasn't told."

"I'll have one of my men take care of that. I'll try to get answers for any open-ended questions you may have." She went back to the paper and flipped the page. It was a list of all documented experiments. My stomach churned. I remembered all of them and how they felt. I could still hear their voices call out to me saying, 'It's time for your examination', before taking me away for hours. "They tried to inject you with flames? The rest were just torture methods used in world war II but injecting flames? That seems like it'd kill a person instantly." Nikita questioned with shock.

"It should have killed her." Xanxus and Squalo stared at me with surprise. I was in the spotlight again. "What did they inject you with?" Xanxus asked.

"If I remember correctly, they used storm flames. The only thing I remember is the red color." My arms hung by my sides. "They kept saying they wanted to see if I'll survive it. The other children couldn't and were discarded at the auction. I survived everything else, why not this one? That's what they thought. They shackled me to the wall and injected me with flames. My body…hated it. My insides burned as if I was being lit on fire. I wanted to die just to stop the excruciating pain. My entire body was eating itself on the inside. The torture they put me through was a scratch compared to that feeling."

"What happened after that?" Xanxus asked.

"That's when my cloud flame became destructive."

"Your natural ability to adapt to any situation adapted to the flame. It couldn't get rid of it. So, your flame absorbed the storm flame and became one." Squalo was almost at a loss for words.

"You created your own flame of wrath." Xanxus said as a matter of fact. We had the same flame with different attributes.

"I blew up after that incident and killed just about everyone. It was the only thing that made me feel better. The more power I used, the less pain I felt." I explained softly. I couldn't stop myself from killing everyone. I broke anything I could touch to stop the pain.

"You were still unstable when we found you. That's why we kept you down there. We had no choice. You would have killed us." Nikita said.

"Can we go see it? There's nothing else in the profile, right?"

"There's one more thing." Nikita flipped to the last page. "It seems they based your experiments on a paper made by a famous scientist."

"Did they have anything to do with this?" Xanxus asked.

"No. It seems like these idiots were just fascinated with using humans for experiments. They just fell for Shiori's charm."

"Who's the scientist?" Squalo questioned dangerously. It wasn't towards Nikita. I knew him and Xanxus would be furious at whoever the scientist was.

"Someone named Verde." I saw the two men tense. What did they know? Nikita ignored the looks and straightened her back. "Let's go, Shiori. One last stop." I nodded and we left the office. We went down a few stories into the basement. It smelled like a mixture mildew and metal. Nikita turned the lights on. They were still dim. It was all too familiar for me. "Lead the way, Shiori." As I walked down the hall of various cages and cells, I could remember who was in each cell. We tried to stay sane by talking to each other despite it being against the rules. I stopped at the very end and turned towards the right. "Is this the place?"

"This was where I stayed." I opened the door and walked inside. If I remember correctly, there should be something I took from the scientists after an experiment when they let their guard down. I looked around and moved everything around.

"What are you looking for?" Squalo asked.

"I stole something important from them." I moved the mattress and found it. It was a small flash drive.

"You've always been smart."

"They were going crazy over not finding this. I think some of the grunts were killed because of it." I handed it to Nikita and walked through another door at the end of the hall. They silently followed me. I went up a few stairs before going into a huge room that was covered in blood. There was broken equipment everywhere in the room with a single bed in the middle. Shackles were still on the wall. "This room is where it all ended."

I walked right to the wall. There was a faint outline. I wasn't as bothered as I should have been. I felt relieved that it was over, that I killed everyone that day. "You really did a number to this facility." Nikita said while looking at more papers.

"They hurt me, so I killed them. It's a fitting punishment for all they've done to me, right?"

"Do you remember exactly what you did?"

"No. My body went on autopilot while my mind was unconscious. I needed to survive and killing was my only way to survive."

"How are you feeling now?" She asked.

"I have control. They can't hurt me anymore. Honestly, I thought I'd be a wreck coming back here. I thought I'd lose control and have a fit, breaking things, sobbing because of what they did. But the more I walked, the more I understood about myself and everything that's happened. I don't feel scared or anxious anymore. Is this what closure feels like?"

"It's not total closure. There are still a lot of things that haven't been answered."

"We look at the paper Verde made and go from there, right?"

"That's right. Plus, we're not sure what's on the flash drive."

"It has to be that important if people were killed over it." I kept staring at the shackles. I could remember how they felt, how scared I was. "I'll have to ask grandpa about the blood thing."

"He and your grandmother should be visiting with Syoko. They wanted to see you off when I told them where you were going."

"Should we go then? I'm done here. I have no reason to stay anymore. I've seen everything I wanted to."

When we left, Nikita brought us to Syoko's place. Weird enough, the rest of the Varia were there as well. I saw grandma and grandpa laughing along with Syoko. They saw us and got quiet. "It's about time, Shiori. Come sit and have tea. It'll be the last time we see you for a while." Grandpa said cheerfully. I walked over to the table and sat across from him. Squalo and Xanxus made their way to my side. Grandpa looked at Xanxus and stopped smiling. His eyes narrowed and a sense of danger rolled off him.

"Grandpa?"

"So, you're the one that's taking my granddaughter away."

"She's coming on her own accord." Grandma kept smiling which told me this was normal for grandpa.

"Shiori, are you sure you want to go with him?"

"I'm sure."

"Will he take responsibility?"

"Huh?" I tilted my head with slight confusion. Did he mean what I think he meant?

"I'm talking about marriage." The entire room was silent. He really didn't beat around the bush. In fact, he was always blunt when it came to everything. I had no intention of marrying anyone. Grandma winked at me. What was with them? "Are you two not in a relationship?" He asked.

"No."

"Really? Not even intentions?"

"No." We answered.

"You could have fooled me. With what I've been told, you two sound like a married couple." I saw Lussuria quietly gush over the thought from the corner of my eye. Levi was nodding his head, agreeing with grandpa. What the hell was going on? Was this even reality? I hope Mammon was using an illusion to mess with us. We kept silent. I don't think either of us could reply to that. "Even if there is no intention, it'll happen." He spoke with certainty. Grandma took a sip of her tea. We made eye contact. She nodded. I figured out what they were doing. This was worse than Nikita. She cornered me and now grandpa is cornering Xanxus. "Let's say hypothetically it'll happen. Will you be able to take care of her?"

"What makes you think I won't be able to take care of her?" Stop! Xanxus! Stop! You're playing into their hands! Squalo and I looked at each other, silently panicking. "Why are you panicking, Shiori? Do you think he can't take care of you?" Why was the question turned onto me?!

"I'm not panicking."

"You are, dear." Grandma pipped up.

"Answer the question, Shiori." Nikita and Syoko were enjoying this from the background.

"Xanxus is capable of taking care of me. Why do you not think that?" I turned it onto him. He hummed.

"Are you planning on using her for an heir? Will you throw her away after that?" Squalo was silently seething.

"She's the only one of my men I'd never throw away or use for personal gain." Lussuria squirmed with happiness. This whole situation was too unreal.

"By the way, Xanxus, why are you holding her hand if you're not thinking or pursuing her?" That's when I realized he was holding my hand. His grip tightened.

"She's nervous." That makes it worse, Xanxus. How do you not see that?! I tried to free my hand and couldn't budge. He wasn't planning on letting go of my hand.

"So, you're helping her calm down by holding her hand? Not even I knew that and I'm her family. Wouldn't you think it's odd for someone who isn't romantically interested to do that?" Grandpa kept pressing.

"It isn't weird."

"Would you hold your other men's hand?" That'd definitely be a sight to behold and if it ever happened, I knew it'd be a strange dream or some sick alternate universe.

"I'll kill them."

"Then why Shiori? What makes my granddaughter different?"

"It's Shiori." Well, that is a very Xanxus answer. Whenever he didn't want to answer anything that involved me, he'd use that excuse and no one thought it was strange.

"That's enough. I think you had your fun." Syoko said. Grandpa let out a hearty laugh.

"It's fun to make them squirm. Anyway, I approve of your relationship."

"We're not in one." I pointed out.

"It's for later." I sighed heavily. I didn't want to argue any more. "By the way, grandpa, do you have abnormal blood?"

"We have the blood of warriors."

"You have an increased cell count?" Nikita questioned.

"I do. Every man and woman in my family does. It's nothing to worry about. It's what gives us an edge on the battlefield. We can fight for days on end no matter how much we're injured."

"No wonder Shiori can fight that long." Bel said.

"It must be another factor why she was hard to contain." Nikita added. Grandpa let out a hearty laugh.

"That's my girl! Every man and women in our family were stronger than the normal person."

"Even dad?" I asked.

"Even him. It's why he even survived as long as he did. He was a strong man that only desired peace."

"He was the black sheep in the family. Everyone else wanted to fight yet your father didn't have any interest." Grandma said softly. I could see how the two of them were still grieving dad's death. She smiled when she noticed I was watching. It made me feel better. It's where dad got his smile. Food was being brought out.

"What's this for?" I asked Syoko.

"It's for the long trip home. I know it'll be a while before we see you again. Anything can happen between then and now. It's a treat for my new family." The Varia looked at her with surprise. "Shiori is part of your family and she's part of mine. It makes sense that way. Whenever you need help in Tokyo, let me know. I'll try to help." Syoko announced before eating. Like always, she gave me twice the normal amount. I'd definitely need this.

It was just hitting me. Everything was moving so quickly. First Yoko died and then dad. Now, I'm moving away to Italy to live. I wouldn't be able to see Syoko and her family. I wouldn't even be able to see Nikita whenever I wanted to. I was a little scared. It'd be the first time really going out of my comfort zone. Sure, I didn't see them much while I lived around Japan, but it put my mind at ease. They were my safety net and I wouldn't have that in Italy. All I had was my trust in Xanxus and the Varia. Chen will be with me, but it wouldn't be exactly the same. I wouldn't be able to eat Syoko's food anymore. Even if it wasn't fine dining, it was still delicious and had a special place in my heart. She fed me when I got lost. She fed me when I was found. She was even there when I didn't need her. Everyone was there. I silently ate everything. More food was being brought out for me.

"Are you alright?" Squalo asked me but I ignored him.

"Let her eat." Syoko said. They all left me alone. Xanxus put a hand on my back. He could tell I was feeling down.

After eating, Syoko hugged me tightly. We were giving out final goodbyes before we leave to the airport. She hugged as hard as she could. "I'll be here waiting for when you come back. You always have us even if I'm not here."

"Thank you." I muttered in her shoulder. She let go with a teary smile. She took out the pin from my hair and redid it.

"There. Keep me in the loop, alright?"

"I will."

"You better invite me to your wedding."

"I'm not even close to that." I saw grandpa glare at Xanxus. He instantly became uncomfortable and took a step behind me. "Grandpa…"

"Let him glare." Syoko said with a small chuckle. Nikita walked to me and saluted. I started to panic a little. Why was she doing this? She smiled and put her hand down.

"None of my men have left the family like this. It's a bittersweet feeling. Though, I know it'll be the best thing for you. I had a feeling you weren't right for my group."

"You did?"

"You were always looking for something but never knew what. Your gaze was always towards the sky and now you've found it." She didn't have to embarrass me like this. "Chen, I expect perfection from you."

"You know me. I will protect Shiori no matter what." Nikita looked down at me. Even I could see her eyes start to water. It wasn't like her to cry or get this emotional.

"Stay strong, Shiori. You've gone through so much. I'm almost scared to let you go for fear you'll experience hell again."

"It's because of that fear you have to let me go." I said quietly.

"That's right. Now go. Your flight will be leaving soon."

Nikita and Syoko watched Shiori leave with the Varia. The two were holding back tears for her sake. If they cried, she wouldn't want to leave. When the car left, they kept staring in the distance. "She's gone, mom." Kaoru said.

"We know." Nikita took out a cigar and lit it. She didn't even smoke it. Even Kaoru was saddened by Shiori leaving Japan.

"That girl is just like my mother." Shiori's grandfather spoke with pride.

"Is she?" Syoko questioned.

"They're always searching for something. My mom never found it but I feel like Shiori found it. I'm not sure what 'it' is though. Her heart feels pain, but it isn't empty anymore. It's full of many things. Through all the hardships, through all the pain, through all the stress and tears, my son raised a wonderful young woman." Everyone looked and saw he was silently crying.

"He certainly did." Syoko took out a handkerchief and wiped her tears away.

"You all worry for nothing." They looked at her grandmother who was smiling widely. She didn't even look the tad bit sad. "It's because of those boys we got to see our Shiori again. I know she'll be fine. She has what she needs here and at her new home. Our son is able to rest peacefully because of them."

Nikita took a deep breath and slowly released it. "Even when she's gone, she still gives me a headache."

"That's one of her many skills." Syoko said brightly. Nikita couldn't help but laugh.

"That girl is going to give them all hell. I can't wait to hear all about it."

"Oh my. I've never seen you smile like this before, Nikita."

"It's a wonderful day, Syoko. Shiori didn't even look back once. She was firm on her decision and followed through with it. She's finally learning to live for herself. What more could a mother ask for?" Nikita was beaming with happiness.

"That's true. It's a happy day, one we never thought we'd see."

"For her to leave the country?" Kaoru questioned, obviously not in the loop.

"That's not it, Kaoru. It's the day Shiori takes her first step forward on her own."