Destination Unknown.
A fan fiction by Aoi Kitsukawa
Disclaimer: Katekyou Hitman Reborn belongs to Amano Akira and its related companies; I only borrow the characters in the manga/ anime. Please enjoy reading it!
Author's Note: After posting the last chapter, I was down with writer's block due to too much ideas popping up in my brain so the update was later than usual. Also, I received several reviews that seems to me…quite disappointed that it was not a story chapter. Hehehe, sorry for that.
I realized that after I sent special chapter, there's one follower who decided to drop off from this story. From what I can assume, it seems like this reader felt a bit offended with my replies (in my personal opinion), but it's better for me to tell the truth rather than lying. Perhaps because I'm saying that I didn't like to use the same theme or due to the OCs matters? I already knew who it was, but I know it's pointless to spark the fire.
I'm sorry for the very, very long chapter but this is one of the critical moments of the story! I tried my best to make this chapter to be focusing more on Tsuna in Namimori and less on the Vongola HQ. However, if it still less Tsuna then I'm sorry. The plots really got me off! Someone please help me~~~! =3=
AnimeDAngel: Hahaha, sorry about the last chapter. Since the replies and explanations were too long, I decided to post a special chapter. That last one is not the only special chapter; there will be more in the future!
I'll try my best to focus on the original characters, however, since the plots required me to make something unexpected, it's truly a battle for me to do it.
Hippopotamus: You're welcome dear. Glad to know you like Suzume! ^3^ Oh well…not that I really mind too my dear. It's just that I don't understand the phrase. Yeah, if only I learn the literature in English, maybe I can understand more…
Good tips? Ohoho…never thought it can be consider as good tips too! By the way, I already read "Their Boss". It was done by xXChuu-chanXx right? That story gave me some impact in my life; I found this story when my life was upside down and having terrible fights with my family. I read it while kept on crying as if the story is just like my life journey, and I was very grateful that the story gave me a little courage to keep on living. Let me give you another interesting story –The Last Sky by Azahkhiel. My warning though: prepare lots of tissues and painkillers.
Animaddict: It's really rare to find a reader that can shoot the right questions that can trigger my memories back (like I mentioned in the last chapter). So happy to hear that.
I can assume that you like K27 pairing? I like that pairing too, because for me, Tsuna was perfectly fit with Kyoko and not with anyone else; Haru was too energetic, Chrome was…a bit timid and Tsuna never looked at her in romantic way, more like a brother to his sister, and Yuni…she's more suitable with Ganma.
GAH! You really hit the bull eyes! Geez, looks like I need to rearrange my plots again! How do you know the OCs are stronger than the canon ones? *POUTING* Now I really see you as a MASOCHIST! No, all of the readers seem to be masochist too (not my readers only!)!
Xeyuwe20: Well…I don't think I'll reveal it here since it's a preview from this chapter right?
Oh, it's alright dear, I really glad that you understand. I hope you enjoy reading this story again.
Summary: He left. Framed with a crime he never did, he believes nobody would never forgive and remember him so he left the family. Little did he know that everyone had been tracing his footsteps ever since he was gone...
Destination 7: The Glass Heart
"You can close your eyes to things you don't want to see,
but you can't close your heart to the things you don't want to feel…"
-Autumn, Night, Day 8 of Tsuna's Disappearing, Namimori, Japan-
He looked at the young man who was lying on the bed, which previously had undergo hysterical condition before passed out.
Andou Kazumasa or commonly known among his friends as 'Andy', a doctor who's working on his own clinic in Namimori, sat next to the young man, who was breathing roughly and unevenly, his face was red and stained with dried tears and the situation was looking less than pleased.
Andy swiftly made his way and gently rearranged the sleeping man on the futon with soft and gentle movements. In mere moments, he had acquired a pillow, propped his head upon the pillow and covered him gently with the thick blanket. Andy sighed again before he went to grab his equipment bag that he put not far from the bed (futon can be considered as mattress too).
"Is there anything I can get for you, Andy?" Seiryuu's cool voice had entered the room shortly after Andy had placed Tsuna's head on the pillow and had been watching in silence as the elder man went to work making him comfortable.
"Yes, a warm wash cloth and maybe some ice water. He seems to have a fever." Andy placed the palm of his hand on his forehead where he did indeed feel an unusual heat rise. He carefully not to touch Tsuna's body that could shock him while his body was in tense condition, as he remembered when the first time he met the young man, he could feel that he might be having a traumatic experiences in the past, which explained why he was too sacred to be touched by others.
Especially when he was in this condition.
Seiryuu complied and walked away from the guest room. Went to the bathroom where the small towels and some things were out into the closet, he opened and took whatever he wanted too. Seiryuu then walked to the kitchen where he saw Suzaku was putting the kettle on the stove and lit on the fire. He could see on the counter, a large teapot with five teacups on the tray was laid next to the gas stove. She just raised her eyebrow when she saw the young boy stood near the fridge.
"I need some ice water."
Suzaku said nothing, but she moved away from her spot and opened the fridge, took out the ice trays before putting them into a small bowl. Added some water, she then passed to Seiryuu who nodded his head. He was about to leave when he heard Suzaku said:
"Nana-san is with Sasagawa Kyouko in the living room."
Seiryuu turned around and looked at her, "They're in the living room?"
"In case you want to know where these women had gone too."
"What are they doing there?"
"Dunno…" She said as she opened the cabinet and took out a can of green tea. "But…I think better you and Andy come over there after finishing your errands. I can say it's also important as much as Tsuna-san is."
"Or maybe we can get certain info from Sasagawa-san."
Suzaku just smiled. He then turned around and quietly left the kitchen.
Seiryuu returned shortly after his brief encounter with Suzaku and passed the warm piece of material to the doctor. He watched as Andy gently washed Tsuna's face with the warm cloth. He carefully and meticulously washed his cheeks, eyes, and his nose. Thankfully, once he was done he did look better, though even the water could not help the reddened complexion that stained his face. Andy even cleaned his hands softly before tucking them back under the blanket and placing the cloth in the ice water to cool.
"What happened?"
"What do you think?" Andy let out an exasperated sigh as he slumped on the floor next to the bed. "From what I can gather Tsunayoshi-kun is in danger of having emotional-breakdown and unstable emotions…"
"I know that…"
"Then what, Sei-kun?" Andy said as he took out his glasses and stared gently to the young boy. Although he was tired and obviously, hearing the answer can easily provoke anyone with the thought of 'idiot fool', Andy knew the said boy wanted to know in very details.
As expected from one of Katagiri Suzume's Five Sacred Beasts –Higashidani Seiryuu.
"Tsuna-san…his family does no longer trust him, right?"
"…You can say like that. Although from what I finally heard from him and Suzume's, obviously it was a crime that done by someone who wanted him fall down like now." Andy wiped his glasses before wore if, and lazily stood up. "However, it's better not to say anything that could provoke his sadness. Right now, he's nothing more than a fragile glass…"
With that, Andy excused himself and went to the living room.
Seiryuu just stared at the doctor's back before he turned his gaze to the poor man in the guest room. Apparently, Andy had set up the bed lamp and turned off the main one before leaving the room, making the medium-size room glow in orange. He leaned against the door frame and looked at Tsuna.
It's not that he did not understand what that young man had gone through. If he that cold-blood and heartless, he would not care and just left him alone in his room. He can leave the house and went on checking the situation for his mistress, whether something bad had happened to the town etc.
But you can't close your heart to the things you don't want to feel.
Due to his empathy ability (1), he accidentally read the Tsuna's feelings, emotions and memories; too much that he almost fainted due to the burden that he accidentally received. Luckily Suzaku was there so that she was able to stop the pressure from taken him fully. She looked at him with a stare that he understood so well; no need for him to try anymore or he might be fainted.
But for Seiryuu, there was something about Tsuna that he wanted to know after the sudden touch of him.
He knew from the moment the trio came to the Sawada Household and met the sick man, he can guess that Tsuna was running away from something or someone; nobody would walk in the middle of the night with luggage and bag, with body too weak and exhausted that almost led to collapse. Nobody would walk in the middle of the road at night and wondering aimlessly without anyone accompanied him, until he reached his home out of consciousness. He was sure Tsuna was under deep pressure that he was unable to hear or think everything at that moment; something that he knew would always falls on the depress people.
He walked near the bed and slowly reached out to him, and gently placed his hand on the warm hand. As he touched him, he saw something that made him shock and started to hold Tsuna's hand tightly than before.
Things flashed past Seiryuu faster than he could grasp or make a sense of them. A happy family – a fight between families (2)– battles came to end (3)– an inherited ceremony –officially became a Vongola Decimo/ Neo Vongola Primo – A happy engagement –A man with a lady met him during one of parties – an invitation –a meeting at a private mansion –a glass of water before lost consciousness –a scream –disbelieve eyes and solemn looks from his families –his deepest despair– friends that he thought would stay with him gone one by one – Trust was gone from his so-called family – receiving something that broken his heart – a heart-breaking decision – left the mansion – sadness that nobody knows – guilty –
He opened his eyes and looked at the young man in front of him.
He was never though how much that man had endured until now.
Tsuna had experienced something that, although towards people as Seiryuu can endured it, it was too much for Tsuna to bear alone. For someone who never experienced such pain and loneliness that were caused by the people whom he trusted the most, the impact was too much to be taken –just like how he had a full blown breakdown after keeping it too long and passed out afterwards. But nobody ever realized that, because of his smile and personality, which he believed that man, had it naturally within himself that people were too dense to realize what exactly happened to the young man.
Tsuna's heart was a glass heart.
Once it was broken, it will never be return to its original shape.
And it was the same as human heart.
People rarely paid attention towards others' feelings, never realize how many times they had smashed and crushed the hearts that they were too bad up to the point the hearts were nothing but dusts.
But he could never close his heart tot the things he did not want to know.
Seiryuu had wonder how many times Tsuna's heart was smashing into pieces, with people being dense to what had happened. He knew that man was longing for someone to realize him as an innocent person and he knew, right now, him and the other people who siding with Tsunayoshi were the one who must acknowledge him as an innocent person…
Not as a criminal.
Oh, how much he wanted to stay away from problems but he knew no matter what had happen, he would always know.
Always.
With a sigh, Seiryuu tucked the blanket up to Tsuna's neck and left the guest room. It was then he realized that Suzaku was patiently waiting for him, leaning against it as she looked up at him. She pointed to the living room as she stared at him with sad face.
And he knew there was something that had caught his lover's attention.
And he knew, he also wanted to know….
-Autumn-September 30th, Sicily, Vongola HQ Mansion, Day 9 of Tsuna's Disappearing-
Reborn read the reports in front of him before he took off his fedora and leaned against the chair. Ever since the first clue they had on Tsuna's disappearing, Reborn had decided to postpone his mission in New York and joined the searching team. Many things need to be done, not to mention to deal with Tsuna's most hated enemy –THE PAPERWORK. However, thanks to Suzume's magnificent and amazing management abilities, at least the piles were decreased to not more than three piles of paperwork.
Even so, that amount still managed to increase the said person's blood pressure and made her turned into a 'Sadistic PA 24 Hours per Day' Mode!
Reborn rubbed his eyes tiredly as he put down the report on the table. Lately he became more exhausted than before, as if his body was carrying something heavy on his back. In addition, he even realized that whenever the meeting regarding Tsuna was mentioned, he suddenly feel a change of mind and almost leaving the said meeting before he kicked his mental back. Why does he suddenly feel irritated whenever Tsuna's name was mentioned? He realized that even Hibari too, seemed to have the same effect as him, although it might be that he hated crowd so much, but his shock reaction…
….
…
..
.
Something was not right.
Definitely not right.
He remembered that two days before the Varia left for mission in Argentina, the second Mist Guardian in the group –Fran (finally joined the Varia!), mentioned that at least he wanted to leave the mansion earlier but was scolded (yelling) by Squalo. For Reborn who always an observant person and thoughtful, he found out this was something that Fran never developed before. He looked pale and seemed afraid with something, but he could not able to point out what was going on. He only heard Fran said while hiding behind Fon, that it seemed like the mansion was colder and darker before Tsuna left, and it gave him an eerie feeling he almost throw up.
Could it someone has managed to slip through the security and put something unknown in this mansion?
Realized that something wrong in the mansion, Reborn stood up, but immediately regret his decision as suddenly sharp pains throbbing his neck, head and back, he almost fell down on face if not grabbing the desk near him. The pains were so painful that he almost feels like throwing up. He breathed hard, realized that his visions suddenly got blurry. He surely would pass out if not because of certain blonde with his famous remark 'kora!' appeared, with a woman with dark blue hair followed behind him.
"Reborn! We have something to –OI! What exactly happen to you, kora!" Colonnelo ran towards Reborn's side as the said man held his throbbing head. Although these two always rivaled against each other (4), they still cared for others. At least, all of the former Arcobaleno were never intend to increase the anger of a certain PA by doing stupid things.
"Reborn? Are you alright?" Asked Lal Mirch as she kneeled down.
"No…I'm…alright…" He said, shaking.
"No you're not. How come you're so sick but still want to do your job kora?" Asked Colonello as he helped Reborn stands on his feet. Upon doing so, he accidentally knocked down a nearby desk and a vase full with flowers falls down. It crashed with a loud noise, which made Colonello looked shock and Lal cringed with its sharp noise…
…Until something brown appeared within the broken vase that it gained the attention of the former Arcobaleno.
"What's…that?" Asked Colonello whose held Reborn by his side.
"A human-shape…doll?" Lal looked with wide eyes while Reborn narrowed his eyes dangerously. Not long after it was found, black smokes slowly appeared from the so-called 'doll'.
"O-oii! Kora! Look at that!" Cried Colonello in shock, which alerted the other two. "What's with this black smoke!?"
"It is a…bomb?" Lal said as Reborn quickly grabbed Colonello's hand, seeing the smoke grew larger than before.
"It's dangerous! Let's get out –!?"
BAAM!
Suddenly the double door was harshly open, and revealed a panting but very, very angry PA named Katagiri Suzume. The slamming doors managed to get the three former Arcobaleno almost jumped in shock when they heard such loud noise, before realized it was Suzume who kicked off the doors. At the same time, the thick black smoke had grown larger than before and almost occupied the whole room; that was when they saw Suzume strode towards the said smoke with a very serious expression on her face.
"How did you get into this mansion!?" She hissed as she took out a small juzu (5) from her suit and shoved it towards the smoke.
"Naumaku Sanmanda Bazaradankan!" (6)
A loud shriek suddenly heard throughout the room before something exploded on the floor. The thick smoke immediately vanished, and slowly the room became clear. The former Arcobalenos slowly raised their head and saw Suzume was standing near the so-called 'doll' with the same expression, except that her eyes were no longer narrow sharply like before.
"So they even went as far as placing a hitogata (7) in this mansion…Damn it! I should have known this better…!" Reborn could hear she muttered in hatred, before she bent down and picked up the wooden piece. The three Ex-Arcobalenos slowly came towards Suzume, who was holding the wooden piece in her right hand.
"What's that, Suzume?" Asked Lal as she eyed the piece with hostile.
"It's a hitogata."
"Hitogata?"
"A type of spell used in the Onmyou Practice (8)," Said Suzume as she tighten her grip on the hitogata. "It's a piece of wood usually used as a yorishiro (9) or a spirit's container but also can be used for spell purpose too. The spell of hitogata is a part of the tradition of Onmyou Practice, and it is also practiced in the Shinto religion."
"But…what's it doing here in this room? And what's its connection with Reborn?" Asked Colonello after listening to Suzume's explanation on hitogata. He had a feeling that Suzume might know something more than just what she had told them just now.
"That's what I want to know too," She looked at the three adults as she walked to them. "The use of hitogata was somehow similar to the use of voodoo doll, because if a person were to hurt someone by using a hitogata, which represent the said person, it would actually make the said person to be hurt as well. That was how close a hitogata becomes to the real person. Only an Onmyouji (10) or a Diviner can use the hitogata."
"So you mean Reborn was put under a curse?" Reborn instantly held his neck as Colonello and Lal looked at him, whom before was in great pain. After Suzume cleansed the black smoke, they realized Reborn's condition was better than earlier. "What kind of curse?"
"I thought you of all people wouldn't believe in such things?" Asked Suzume as she raised her eyebrow.
"Be in a form of baby was enough to trust you with this curse-theory," Said Reborn as he titled his fedora up. Suzume just smiled as she continued her theory while lobbed the wood piece.
"Although it's just my assumption, but I believe it's in a form of Zuso (11)."
"Zuso?"
"A spell used by one person to put curse on other person or people. By praying to the gods, Buddha, or worshipping evil spirits, one prays and hopes that a curse will be placed on others. The concept is similar on using a voodoo doll by hammering the nail onto the doll." Suzume flipped the wooden piece before raised it up so that the other adults could see it. "While the spells caused by hammering nails into a doll originally came from the way of onmyou, it seems like the curse that was put on Reborn was different from what it should be..."
"Meaning?" Asked Reborn, suddenly interesting.
"Look at this," She showed the piece which clearly was written with 'REBORN' on it. "By putting the name of the person to be curse onto this thing, it can curse the people slowly but painfully. However, what I didn't expect is that what exactly the curse befalls onto Reborn was written here as well!"
Lal took it from Suzume and looked at the back of hitogata. She widened her eyes as she read the words that were crafted on the wood:
Make this cursed person to ignore the Vongola Decimo.
Painful punishment for him if he ignores this curse.
"I believe our current situation was done by this spell too", Suzume looked around and started rummaging everything as if she was trying to search for something. "Fran told me before he went to Argentina with the Varia that this mansion somehow looks creepier than before and he was afraid with it. When I asked him why 'look creepier', he said that several days before the incident he started to see the mansion look dark."
"I did hear him complaining about that," Said Reborn. "What kind of spell did this bastard use on me?"
"Maybe black or white spell (12) or it can be both," She closed the wardrobe after found nothing. "Since it was originally from Japan, either Arashi or I can exorcise it. But the spell seems to be modified by someone…"
"Wait! You what?" Asked Colonello, shocked. "You can do the exorcism too?"
"I didn't tell you guys about this?"
Shook heads.
A sigh.
"Both I and Arashi are onmyoujis, and we're originally come from the family who working in this spiritual field. Both me and Arashi are the few powerful onmyoujis that still visible in Japan," With that, she burned the hitogata with the flames that suddenly appeared on her palm and engulfed the wood until it was gone, not even tiny ashes on her palm. The former Arcobalenos stared with shock and surprise, while Reborn narrowed his eyes and wondered how she lighted up the flame on her palm.
'She's not a member of mafia with any Dying Will Flames in her body, but how did she create that flame?' He thought.
'Who is exactly this person?'
"Well, step aside this matter," She moved both her hands to the side as if she was moving the said matter aside, which earning the other adults sweat drops. "Since Reborn-san has been cursed with 'black spell', it wouldn't be a surprise if the other Guardians are under the same condition too…!"
"The whole incidents that happened to the Tenth Generation and the causes of them…" Said Colonello. "Was it related to the new family named Amare that attacking the Guardians not long ago, kora?"
"Maybe. We can't let any possibilities slip from our grab," Reborn said as he stood up. "After all these creepy matters are brought up, I believe there might be traitors in the family. If not, how come I can get cursed in the first place?"
"Do you think the other Guardians are cursed too, kora?"
"It might be a possibility either. I have a feeling that they might got cursed just like me but earlier than I might, since I just came back from my work in New York. I also realized that Hibari seemed having a bit confused whenever a meeting regarding Dame-Tsuna (why you still call him like that Reborn?) was mention, as if he just awaken from his own world. I don't know about the rest of the Guardians but I do sense that they seem not very caring about Dame-Tsuna if nobody was there to remind them."
While Lal, Reborn and Colonello were discussing with each other regarding whether the Guardians were under curse, Suzume stood there in deep thought. She agreed with Reborn's ideas of having traitors in the family, but her instinct told her otherwise. It was not a traitor, or otherwise the Vongola will easily find the people who acted strangely. Besides, the burned hitogata might be not the only one left in the mansion. It might be others that scattered in the mansion, but where did they were put? And just now, Reborn mentioned about how the Guardians seemed not care about Tsuna if nobody remind them…
Wait a minute!
Alexis too, did mention the same thing to her after he returned from his mission with Gokudera in regards of searching any information of the missing Decimo!
Could it be…?
The mansion was large, and even if the traitor managed to bypass the security and avoiding the surveillance cameras, he or she had to act normal if this person wanted to get whatever achievement it wants to. Therefore, in order to put the hitogata in one place like Reborn's room, the person must be the one whom can always come in and out regularly without causing any suspicious to the Vongola…
Someone that they know all the time…
"I know how it was done!"
Reborn, Lal and Colonello snapped their heads towards Suzume who was looking at them with determination set within her eyes. "However, we need to go to the Administrative and Records Department for this, and we need the three inventors as well!"
"You know, kora?" Asked Colonello as the four adults started to leave the room.
"Somehow, I hope I'm not wrong with this…!"
"But why A & R (Administrative and Records) Department?" Asked Lal.
"Because that's one of the very few rooms in this mansion that required only certain people to access it, which include me as Tsuna's Personal Assistant. Now let's go!"
The others nodded their heads as they left the room in hurry.
"I know that there's a probability of the enemies sending their spies into our family, but I never thought it would become like this!" Suzume said harshly as she pushed the wooden door aside with loud 'bam', followed by the three Ex-Arcobalenos.
The A & R Dept room was one of the administration rooms in the mansion and only selected people can gain access to the room, which included Suzume and Arashi who were Tsuna's PA. It contains more than 100 files regarding the information of the staffs that were working in the mansion, including the main butler. With at least 30 shelves stood firmly on the floor and some of them were leaned against the walls, all of the files were arranged in alphabetize order; mainly like A to Z. It also was arranged with codes and sections that can be easily find by anyone. During Timoteo's period of being the Vongola Nono, this system had been applied to make sure everything was not in messy and chaotic situation, especially if there were some info they need to get a grip in rush. When Tsuna had taken the mantel of Vongola Decimo/ Neo Vongola Primo, he had improved the system by collaborated with Shouichi, Spanner and Giannini, thus having such systematic and neatly organized file system. It also contained a small area of CCTV for investigation matter.
"You mean…that human shape wood that we found in Reborn's room…" Asked Lal as she looked at the obvious irritated PA.
"To think that someone with the same path as me will cross path one day like this…! Bloody irritating!" She growled as she went to the 'Maid Section' before pulling out all of the files at the shelf. "It's obviously a person who's expert in black magic can do that, but for using Zuso…kuso!"
There were at least 200 workers who worked at the mansion, with 100 maids and 100 male staffs excluded the main butler, and the maids' names were not that hard to find out, therefore Suzume just grabbed all of them easily and put them on the table. Looking at how Suzume was doing, Colonello volunteered himself to take the files of the male staffs, while Lal started the CCTV system and played the videos. Reborn just helped Suzume to arrange the files according to their names at first, before rearranged it by the date the people started work.
"Lal-san, are the videos done yet?" Asked Suzume after she finally finished arranged the files, separated male and female.
"I already started it by the time before that incident happened," Lal said as she typed the keyboard faster. "I made it at least a month before August which is in July. Is that alright?"
"Perfect! Now, please search the faces of the maids whose working through the first week of the month, collected their faces from Monday to Sunday and place them on the right screen. Remember to mark the picture after they have been identified," She said as Suzume walked next to Lal. "Reborn-san, do you remember the faces and names of our maids in the mansion?"
"Hmp, who do you think I am?" Said Reborn confidently, making the other three chuckled. "I'm the World's Strongest Hitman, of course I remember. So what do you want me to do?"
"Please name these ladies, and slow down! I need to find their files here," Warned Suzume, which made Reborn's smirked wider than before. "OK then…START!"
"The first one is Pamela Harrington," Suzume quickly searched the name before grabbed it and placed it on the right side. "Second is Evangeline Tangye…third is Katherine Carpo…"
The list went down until the maids, which who worked through the first week of July, named by Reborn. All of the maids had been identified by Reborn and listed out their files by Suzume and Colonello…
Except one maid, who had a brown-bob hairstyle and a pair of green eyes. Her file was none to be found in the maid section.
"What's her name Reborn?" Asked Lal Mirch as she turned around.
"I don't know her full name, but I do heard one of the maids called her 'Elizebertha'," Said Reborn while Suzume narrowed her eyes.
"She's not found in the files," Said Suzume as she rearranged the files. "Let's do it again, with the second week of July."
The four of them repeated the same steps until the inspection ended on the current week, which was the ninth day of Tsuna's disappearing. They had used the same steps on the male staffs too, which was obviously a very tired process. However, they needed to confirm something and there was no time to complaint so they just stuck up together until they gained their fruit of process. It was a worth process after all, since after such long time repeating, rearranging and renaming, they managed to find at least three unidentified maids and two unknown staffs, that concluded as five mysterious people who worked in the mansion without anyone able to realize it.
"Finally…done it…" Suzume panted heavily as she slumped against the papers on the desk, obviously tired. "I swear I won't do this anymore…!"
"You're not the only one, Suzume…" Lal said as she stretched her body.
"I feel like I twist my neck, kora…" Groaned Colonello as he held his throbbing neck.
"So there were five…" Said Reborn as he titled his fedora. He too, slowly massaged his neck after such tiresome work.
"How come we don't realize it at all?" Asked Colonello as he leaned against the chair tiredly.
"It's not a surprising matter. Since there are lots of people whom working in this mansion, it's not unusual if the employer was unable to recognize the faces or names of his workers. Taking on the advantage of ordinary human is incapability to remember everything in one glance, these people slipped into this place without everyone realized. Besides, if there is anyone who realize it, they will say that they are the temporarily workers who replaced the absent staffs, since it was not against the rules to find a temporary replacement and no need to see the main don for that matter either," Explained Suzume as she went to the section of 'Absent Workers Section' and grabbed a file on July.
"According to these records, it seems like the names of our suspicious suspects are listed here," She said as she grabbed another two reports and took them to the table. Reborn took the August report, while Lal took the September report. "Elizabertha Koronosky, Sam Lacy, Aldonza Arenas, Ezdeher Benaguide and Christop Moreno."
"Hey wait up, kora! It seems like Elizabertha was hired officially at the end of July!" Said Colonello who apparently went to the 'New Workers Section' and 'Check In/Out Record Section' and grabbed several files from the said sections. He placed and flipped through several pages and said, "Elizabertha Koronsky was hired on 26th of July XX, officially replaced the previous maid named Lana Covonski who retired after childbirth."
"So she's our new employee?" Asked Lal.
"Looks like it's true, since we had Tsuna's signature here in this report," Said Reborn. "Every new worker who came to work here needs the boss' signature to make sure that he or she is an official worker of the family. It's also to prevent anyone from outside with malicious intents to join the family without permission."
"Yet they managed to slip in, but I'm not blaming anyone for this since it was done with the people with outstanding powers," The trio looked at Suzume who was looking at the four screens with something as visor covered her eyes.
"You know, when that incident happened…" Suzume was about to say something when a sudden beeping sound broke their conversation and Suzume pushed a glowing red button on the console placed on the left side of his side and the screen placed on the wall facing his desk came to life showing Shouichi looking a bit anxious.
"What?" Asked Reborn in deep tone; a sign he did not like to be disturb. Shouichi looked uncomfortable after hearing Reborn's tone, but he cleared his voice as he spoke to the people in the room.
"We're here, Reborn-san…" He said, with Spanner and Giannini behind him. Suzume nodded her head before suddenly elbowed another push button on computer desk, which actually shocked the former Arcobalenos a bit. Soon, the door was open and revealed the three inventors. Suzume made a gesture for them to come in immediately, which they followed obediently.
"Do you have something, Irie-kun?" Asked Suzume as she turned around.
"Ah…yes! We do have…!" He said nervously as he handed a file to Suzume. She took it and started reading it.
"There are rumors that had been circling in Rome, where territories of our enemies were under attack by some people who claim as Vongola. Based on the evident and witnesses, those people wore our crest on their suits…"
"Which explained why they accused Vongola as the perpetrator…" Said Reborn as he narrowed his eyes. "However, we do have our base in Rome. What exactly those people were doing?"
"We tried to contact them many times since three days ago but still no replies," Claimed Spanner.
"And the lines at the base was cut off too," Said Giannini in worried.
"Something was not right," Said Suzume as she finished reading the file, which shocked Irie a lot. "Surely those people hated the Vongola for various reasons, but I don't think they really fake these reports if the same thing happened for two weeks already. Besides, with our base in Rome was unreachable, we need to do something and investigate these matter immediately."
"So who's going to Rome? Ryohei or Mukuro?" Asked Lal.
"Don't send that pineapple head. That idiot is troublesome and I don't want to deal with more paperwork!" Claimed Suzume, angrily.
Somewhere in the mansion, a certain pineapple-hair man sneezed.
"I'll go for this mission," Everyone stared at her shock, as Suzume slowly arranged the files on the table. "However, I need Kyouya to be in stand-by and wait for my orders. I need his assistance for this mission as well."
"Lal-san, Reborn'san, Colonello-san," The three adults looked at the PA who was standing with serious expression. "Can I put you three to be in charge with everything for three days?"
"Us?" Said Lal, shocked. "Why us? And why you're the one who should go for this mission and not the Guardians?"
"It's because that they're the Guardians that I want them to stay here," She said as she walked to the table. "Right now, we're confirming that there are spies with the ability of controlling black magic in this mansion –" Irie, Spanner and Giannini were shock to hear the revelation from Suzume "and since we still unable to locate where the other hitogatas are, we had to keep this matter low. We also had this emergency case in Rome, and sending the Guardians away would increase the risk of us being under attack by the enemies. We need to gather the Guardians in this mansion unless if there is no other choice, and we had to keep the matter of curse in secrets too."
"That would mean that you three too, to keep your mouth shut!" Irie jumped in surprise, Spanner was taken back alongside Giannini who shocked with Suzume's sudden point to them. However, despite them still clueless of what had happened, they knew Suzume was meant it very seriously.
"Spanner and Giannini, I want you two to be in charge in security and surveillance. Irie-kun, I want you to investigate something form me as well as assist Reborn-san and the others while I'm gone!"
"Ha-hai!" They said immediately. Suzume nodded her head as she started to leave but not before she pulled out something from her pocket and handed to the Ex-Arcobalenos.
"This is…" Said Reborn, curiously.
"It's a protection charms," She said. "It should protect you guys from anything that related to curse, and please don't let it off from you. I know I should do something for this but the time's runs out. I'm sorry for the things that happen…"
"It's alright, go now and don't worry about us, will you?" Reborn said as he looked at the PA, whom in turned smiled and bowed down before disappeared from the room.
Everything was silent until Irie snapped from his reverie and asked Reborn about it. Sighed, he and the others started to explain everything until the three inventors realized what kind troubles they where facing now. All of them begun to take each of them their protective charms (courtesy of Suzume) and wore it around their neck. Everyone then started to discuss their main problems and what should they do, when Reborn saw the report of his special mission, given by Tsuna before the incident happened. He was just reading slightly until his eyes caught something in the reports, which made him jolted forward and shocking the other occupants.
"This is…!?"
-Sawada Household, Namimori, Japan, Day 9 of Tsuna's Disappearing-
Andy walked silently to the main door of the Sawada Household. He paused for a while before pushed the bell. A small voice said 'Coming!' was heard before the door was opened and reveal a young Suzaku, who was looking a bit surprise with his appearance.
"Ah, Andy! It's good to see you here!" She said as she smiled.
The doctor just smirked when he heard her, "What? You think I would go somewhere off out there. In your dreams young lady!" He gently flicked her forehead, which made her cried a little.
"Hey, it hurts!"
"How's Tsuna-kun, Suzaku?" The young girl slowly frowned the moment Andy mentioned Tsuna's name. Andy raised his eyebrow, as if he was asking her why.
"He's sleeping the whole day…" She said as she led the doctor inside. "His fever had decreased this morning, but he's still weak. Also, he did not realize that Kyouko-san was in this house and went to sleep again."
"Really?" Suzaku nodded her head. "Well, it's better if he keeps on sleeping the whole day…"
"Why?" Suzaku asked, while the doctor saw Nana and Kyouko at the kitchen, peeling some potato skins off and bow to greet them. Nana told them that she will make some lunch and would like to invite the doctor as well. After that, they went to Tsuna's room and Andy started his medical check-up on the sleeping brunette.
"You should know Suzaku, how everything's happen yesterday," Andy said while placing the wrapper for blood pressure. "Tsuna-kun had told us everything while being in his most vulnerable state, and passed out due to its pressure. I don't think that if he knew he had revealed everything, especially when Kyouko was there without him realize it, he can't take it very easily."
"I just…too speechless when I saw that…It's too much to bear it…" Said Suzaku as she glanced at the brunette.
"Hey, are you sure both of you wanted to stay here?" Andy asked after he took the reading of the blood pressure. He frowned when the reading was indeed, a bit higher than normal.
"Yes," She said. She could hear the sizzling sounds from the kitchen and knew Seiryuu was cooking the vegetables stir-fry. "Hime-sama wanted us to stay here, to help and protect Tsuna-san. She didn't say on how long we're going to stay, but an order is an order. We can't break our promise anyway…"
Andy just smiled as he took out his stereoscope and wore it onto his ears. As he slowly unbutton Tsuna's shirt for lung inspection, he slowly recalled the yesterday meeting…
-Flashback; Day 8 of Tsuna's Disappearing-
Suzaku put the last cup onto the table, as the others were sitting quietly on the floor. She took a seat next to Nana and Seiryuu, while at her front was Sasagawa Kyouko and Andou Kazumasa. The outside was still raining heavily, but no thunders or lightings appeared that night. She looked at the people in front of her, and realized both Nana and Andy was holding such serious expression on their faces.
After Tsuna suddenly fainted, everyone in the household became panic for a while, however Andy managed to gain control on everything. After making sure Tsuna was treated well and asleep, Andy went to the living room where Nana and Kyouko were sitting against each other, while Suzaku waited for Seiryuu before them too, went to the living room. The silence in the room was too thick, as if the knife was cut thorough the air, it can make sound easily.
Andy started the conversation by revealing him as Suzume's close friend and acquaintance, who once worked at the same hospital as Arashi four years ago. He then told the mother and fiancée of Tsuna about how Suzume had contacted him several days before Tsuna return to Namimori, asking for his help. She wanted him to become Tsuna's personal doctor in case something bad happened to him, which already did, as well as to protect him from any harms and dangers. He also mentioned that he learned everything from Suzaku and Seiryuu, who came to Namimori a day before today. The teenagers confirmed Andy's words, and said that they were send by Suzume under the same intention as Andy, although they believe their roles were more as Tsuna's bodyguard than just a mere acquaintances.
After listening to the three acquaintances, Nana then revealed her own secret: she herself came in contact with Katagiri Suzume regarding her own son's sudden appear in Namimori. The revelation somehow shocked the occupants of the living room, as they never thought that Nana would directly contact the said PA. Nana said that she found a small silky box was outside the bag. Nana took out the box and placed it on the table, as the others looked at the box curiously.
It was made of wood and covered with aquamarine silk cloth. The embroidery was made with gold and silver threads, attached with small glittery beads. Nana slowly opened the box and saw several colourful stones inside of it. She told them how she called Suzume after founded the box, and how the said woman asked her to believe and listen to her son's story so that she would not be deceive by the lies told by strangers. A paper was laid on the stones, which was the message left by Suzume to Tsuna.
Andy nodded his head, finally understands how Nana knew the truth from the beginning. He also glad that Suzume had decided to spill the beans to Nana in the right way; especially she had advice Nana to listen to both parties rather than one party all alone. Andy then asked Kyouko about the incident that caused Tsuna in his current state, and how did she knows about it.
What they heard after that was not a very pleasant matter.
Kyouko revealed that on the day Tsuna was framed, a butler from a family called Vulpa called her and informed everything; how Tsuna was found in a vacation mansion and had raped a daughter of the Vulpa family named Solaris Salkind. Kyouko almost broke down the moment she received the phone call. The same night after the first call, the same person who offered her to sponsor the ticket and all the accommodation to Italy had contacted her. They said that Tsuna had returned to the Vongola Mansion and asked if she wanted to see him. She accepted it without hesitation thus flying straight to Italy two days later. Her sudden meeting with Tsuna had broke into huge fracas and it ended up with Kyouko slapped him hard, cried that she hated him, telling him that their engagement was off and left the place with tears in her eyes.
Everyone just sat in silence as all of them watched Kyouko tried her best to suppress her cries…
Kyouko wiped her tears after she told them everything. She said that after what had happened, she did not care afterwards, and believed she should move on, leaving everything behind and started a new life. She thought that by doing so she could forget everything about Tsuna. However, she was unable to forget about him, and after her sudden encounter with Tsuna (he didn't realize Kyouko was there when he passed out), she knew she still loved him. However, she was confused, and listening to Tsuna's heart-broken confession had made her wonder what exactly happened, especially since she remembered the Vulpa Family's butler said that it was Tsuna who raped Solaris.
The revelations indeed angered the three acquaintances. The three of them indeed remembered that a family named Vulpa was involved with the incident, and for some reasons was so eager to meet Tsuna and requested for his responsibility. Even Seiryuu said that they had to be careful if any of them had encountered anyone from the said family, especially the said victim Solaris.
"What…what should I do, Nana-san?" Asked Kyouko, sniffed weakly. "I…I was so mean to Tsu-kun…I shouted at him, accused him on the crime he never did without listening to his words…he must be hating me now…"
Nana just smiled sadly as she walked around the table and sat next to her future daughter-in-law (is it still valid?), grabbed her hands tightly, "Kyouko-chan, you do heard what he said before right?"
Kyouko stared at her as if she was asking a question to Nana.
"Tsu-kun still in love with you…" Kyouko's eyes widened as she heard the words. "If he really cheats you, there's no way he just came back here, crying uncontrollable. He won't be that desperate to escape from the 'demand marriage' he had to face and insist he loves you."
"I also believe the same thing as Nana-san," Said Suzaku as everyone looked at her. "While the said matter is still under investigation, I believe that Tsuna-san is innocent. Besides, Tsuna-san looked so heart broken when he said that he was asked to be responsible with that bitch!" Seiryuu slapped her arm, but she ignored him. "He looked so afraid as if he already lost you…There's no way he had the intention of cheating on you, because I could feel that he's very loyal to you."
"But…but I…"
"Kyouko-chan…" Nana cupped her wet face as she faced Kyouko. "I want you to trust Tsu-kun. Just like Suzaku-chan told us, we still don't know what exactly happened, but we know that Tsu-kun is innocent. I just want you to keep your faith in him and in his love to you. Tsu-kun won't look at any other woman besides you…"
"Can I…?" She wiped her tears that still gathered on her eyes. "Suzume-san too…asked me to trust him…but…but can I do it? I was so confused; why I still in love with him, on everything…why…?"
"Because he still loves you. Before, now, and always…always loves you, Kyouko-chan…" Nana hugged the crying woman in her arms, warm and gentle. "He was too easy to read, that child…we all know he only looks at you, so please keep your faith and love with him, because he never asks anymore than he ever wants now…"
Kyouko's eyes were watering again before she buried her face in Nana's arms and cried, while everyone just smiled gently at the scene in front of them with new hopes for tomorrow…
-End of the Flashback-
"…That's what happened."
Andy sat on the verandah at the living room, waiting for the lunch to be served. He had checked and found that everything was fine, except with the fever that he still had. He then pulled out his cell phone and called his friend Suzume, who apparently was away for some business trip.
"I see…" She said as Suzume, who was now on airplane towards Rome, adjusted her seat. Her appearance was changed; from short black hair to long, wavy brown hair, with some makeup on her face, expensive blouse and long silhouette skirt with black stiletto, Suzume was different from her original appearance that some men in the plane glanced at her many times. "So Kyouko-chan had overheard everything…"
"Did Seiryuu and Suzaku managed to stay at the Sawada Household?"
"They did. Nana-san seems not mind at all. Hey, where are you going just now?"
"Rome."
"For what?"
"Mission."
"Mission?"
"Yeah."
"Then…how about the HQ? I don't think the mansion is still intact by the time you come back from Rome…"
"Don't worry, I ask Reborn-san and Lal-san to be in charge with my place," Smirked Suzume let out small chuckles before continued. "I heard rumors that in Rome, the territories of the other families that were against Vongola were under attack. Some witness said it was done by the Vongola…"
"But it wasn't, right?"
"Yeah. I'm going to investigate this matter, as well as this one hotel that seems to be had something to do with our suspicious families right now…"
"Families…?"
"The Vulpa and Amare families."
"Hoho…interesting. Want me to do something on the Amare?"
"Sharp as ever, thanks for that. Also, tell Arashi that he should come to Namimori. I think it's better if he's with Tsuna considering his health."
"Roger then. Keep in touch would you?"
"Sure thing."
"And don't do anything weird, mademoiselle!"
"Shut up, stupid megane!"
Click.
Andy smirked as he looked at his phone. He then stood up and stretched his body, as on cue Seiryuu came by and told him that lunch was ready.
"Well then, looks like this is going to be a long work to do…!"
-Autumn, Night, the Rialto Bridge, Venizia (Venice), Italy-
In the UNESCO area of Venice where the famous gondolas can be found in the floating city, in other parts of this historical place, several people walked back and forth; either from work or outside work activities. Beautiful and historical buildings were bath with the dim lights of the street lamps as well as from the moon, although not a full moon. Tourists and local people blend together in the crowd, searching for any kind of entertainment they could find in the floating city.
Somewhere away from the Rialto Bridge –one of the 400 bridges in Venice lays a hidden passage, away from the crowd, towards an exclusive, underground nightclub. The dim lights of the underground nightclub illuminated the dark room, allowing the people, regardless of men or women, young nor old; to enjoy themselves in the dim room. The hidden underground nightclub was called Louisiana Amore, an exclusive nightclub with high quality services to be serve to the customers.
However, it was also a club with dark side –the underworld activities were made inside this club, which included to provide sexual services to the selected customers, drug-dealing and weapons-smuggling.
The hosts and hostesses went in and out from the counter where bartenders kept shaking their hands, making drinks or cocktails according to the customers' requests. In the middle of the room, located a small stage with equipments of band on the stage. Most of the elderly customers were people whom related to business, politicians and even from the world of Costa Notre. While the young ones were collage students, either working people who wanted some time to relax from work, or rich brats who loves to spend their time partying in the said club.
A dark figure slipped into the crowd and easily went to the other side of the room. The figure didn't move, waiting, searching for the presence of another human, a small piece of paper held in his right hand. Several sexy hostesses with short, flip-up mini skirt playfully flirted with him, while he just gave them his seductive smile. Seconds, minutes passed by and still no one came. The figure tilted his head, starting to get bored and was thinking of heading back when he saw a bald man came to his direction and waved at him; let a smile grace his lips.
"It seems you finally decided to show up." The figure spoke, casting his eyes over the shadowed part of the room.
"I'm very sorry for being late, sir," Said the man as he bowed his head. "Our Boss, Don Manu is waiting for you in the VIP Room."
He silently nodded as he followed the said man into one of the hidden rooms in the club. Walking through the hallway, he could hear giggles and laughers from the rooms he past by; also moans and some erotic noises from the other rooms that made him almost fell down, laughing hard. Who knew this place was a heaven of 'black activities'?
They finally reached to the end of the hallway where a sole, black door with a sign 'VIP' was attached on it. The bald man knocked the door and opened it when someone from the inside gave him a permission to enter.
What he saw in front of him was something that he had expected fro the people of Costa Notre.
Inside the fairly large VIP room, several men and women sat on the red leather coach with drinks and some light foods on the black coffee table. In the large couch, sat a man not more than 50s, round face with grey hair that sided to his right, with black suit made from the finest and most expensive materials. His right hand held a woman –might be one of the hostesses that working at the club – on his mouth was a large cigarette and his left hand held a glass of red wine. He also realized the women wore mask on their faces; probably tonight's theme since he saw the other hosts and hostesses also wore one.
"SO, I suppose you're 'that' one?" Said the old man as he blew his smoke. He could not see clearly, since the lights were dim and the said man was standing at the area where shadows fell beneath him.
"Why don't you come out and show me who you are? After all, I did call you out to such an exclusive place." He called out, his voice smoothly flowing from his lips as he continued to stare into the dark area.
The man sighed as he slowly stepped forward. "I apologize. I was just thinking of whether it was you who's trying to contact me for the past few months."
"Oh my, don't be too formal. Please, have a seat," He said as he adjusted his self. The woman on his right side squealed as she felt his hand was touching a 'certain' parts of her, earning laughs from the people in the room.
"Let's introduce ourselves. My name is Manu Salkind, the 25th Boss of the Vulpa Family."
"I have lots of names," Said the figure who sat next to a sexy blonde woman. "However for this job, you can call me as Darius Deneiro."
"Fine then. Now, straight to the business," Said Manu while another woman on his left poured him another glass of wine. "I want you to help me, completing my goal."
"How do you know that I'm going to help you?"
"You will help me, because in the end, you will benefit from it."
"Benefit?" Darius raised a brow. "And pray tell how I'd benefit from it. Whatever it is that you're planning to do." He spoke, and the man's smile grew, knowing that he now had Darius's interest piqued.
"I have a deal for you." He started as he put down his glasses and raised his hand to call his men. "If you follow and help me with my plan, I'll give you want you want." He offered, as he now looked up at Darius.
"Oh? And what is this deal you're telling me about? Care to enlighten me?" the figure asked, obviously intrigued by the man in front of him. At hearing this, Manu's smiled turned saccharinely sweet, as if he had not heard such question.
"So you'll help me."
"Depends on whatever tasks you'll give to me."
The words came out more as a statement than a question. Manu smirked before he grabbed a file from one of his men and put it on the table. He pushed it to Darius, urging him to take and open it. Curious, Darius picked it up and opened it. He narrowed his eyes after he realized what exactly he was reading now.
"What do you want me to do with the Vongola Famiglia?"
Manu chuckled darkly, as he smashed his cigarette on the ashtray and begun his story, "I want you to make them bend down to my will, our will."
"Why?"
"It had been generations ever since the started of the Vongola, that the Vulpa Family wished to be join with the Vongola as one family. However, for the past nine generations, we failed to achieve that goal and I don't want to waste anymore time since I'm not getting that young either."
'Figures,' He thought as Darius stared dumbly at the old man. "So why asking me for help?"
"Because I heard from the Amare Family that you have the outstanding powers that can defeat a strong Famiglia like the Vongola."
Darius narrowed his eyes. Could it be heard this from–
"Yes, 'that' person recommended you to me, and I was very hopeful that could help us in this matter!"
"Actually, there's more than just a wish to join the strong family, right?" Manu flinched when he heard Darius dark tone. "I'm not stupid. I know something had happened in the Mafia world and your family has something to do with it. So tell me Manu, what exactly happened that you need my request to help you?"
Manu looked at his right hand man before he closed his eyes and sighed. He had done many times, trying so hard to make the sole, ambition of his past generations came true, but none of them were successful. From the moment he realized this wish, he knew he had to take a drastic measure even thought it could cost him his pride and life.
"Yes, you're right, Darius," He said while Darius leaned himself against the seat. "For the past generations, my family had tried so hard, tried many times to become a member of the Vongola Family, especially the one who carried the Vongola Bloodline. When the 15th and 16th Boss tried to make the Vongola Primo as their family member, there will always accidents occurred that successfully distracted him from making our dream come true. After the Vongola Primo retired, the next successor tried to get his daughter married to the Secondo but also failed! This matter kept on happening until the Ninth Vongola Generations!"
Darius and everyone in the room had to cover their mouth from laughing too hard; poor Manu and his ancestors' dream kept on backfiring them.
"Then, how about the tenth Generation?"
This time, it was Manu who smirked evilly towards Darius. "Well, the plan was going very well at the beginning…"
"Then what happened?"
"Do you remember the world's most scandalous case that happened four years ago?"
Darius narrowed his eyes before he realized what exactly Manu was talking about. "Oh yes, that case! Of course I remember! It was very famous at that time –wait! Does that mean the Vulpa Family had something to do with that case?"
"Well, we did," He said as he took a sip from his glass. "We're having a business –and I mean dark business! Not something that ordinary people would do. We have young girls from overseas taken inside illegally, children, adults; in order to be sold in the black market or to be selling to the brothels, or to work at any families in many places! On the other hand, for organs dealings, this family had been dealing with such things for such a long time! Oh, by the way the organ trafficking just starts at least 30 years ago…"
Darius did not know how give his reaction; either to smack this old bastard on his head or just blew up the place with bomb?
"However, four years ago, our business with the people from the US and Japan governments was accidentally been exposed to the world!" Manu stopped for a while to have his drink. "One of the containers that contain several children and young women was opened and several police officers who were patrolling that time found it. The thing was, it was supposedly went to America and in the document stated that it should only had furniture to be export to America! We have no idea the lock was rusted and damaged!"
"So, what happened then?"
"Well, as you know, those officers were the ones being accused of committed the crime, thanks to the men in the Japan and US Government and got suspended! Three of them weren't able to deal with the pressures and committed suicide, but the other two –I don't remember their names –managed to get away! And somehow the Vongola also gave hand in the investigation that led to the arrest of many officers and polices!"
"But I don't see this related to your ancestors' ambition."
"Oh yeas, there is. The Vongola Decimo was the one who interfering the business and helped the police to expose the business! My businesses were destroyed because of him, and to make matter worst, he sends his Guardians and the World's Strongest Hitman to investigate and interfere with the dealings!"
"Which explained was for the last six months, many of the human-trafficking deals were cut off or sabotage by the Vongola. It seems like the Don was very angry with your business Manu, since you had become like this…"
"But! This Decimo was young and still single, although he already engaged. He also well known as a soft and gentle person and easily affected by emotions. He put his trusts too much with his Family, and this is his obvious weakness that I managed to hold on him! Ahahahaha!"
"Yeah, yeah, whatever. Just proceeded!" A vein popped on Man's head when he saw Darius yawned.
"So I used my ultimate plan to crush him down! And at the same time, I asked assistance from the Amare family to attack Vongola's territories and its allies! And finally! We managed to 'capture' the Decimo in with our hands!"
"But I don't see any victory in your story."
"That's the problem," He said as Manu sighed. "After our plan to make the Decimo fell into our trap succeeded, for some reason we were not allowed to see him right after it happened. He did not call us or even sending any letters that request any formal confrontation. Even before his collapsed, Decimo had refused to accept my daughter's hand as his wife; instead, he just kept that peasant girl as his fiancée! From our spies that we managed to get in, the Decimo still managed to overcome the problems. However, at least last month, I received a report from one of my spies who worked at the Vongola Mansion, saying that the Decimo had collapsed and facing difficulties in the inner family."
"So, they finally having a problem occurred inside the family?"
"As far as we can say, since they still managed to run the Family and the allies smoothly."
Darius raised his eyebrow. 'Well, that's sounds strange…'
"Although currently the Decimo was ill and unable to work, but his Guardians and allies had been managing the family's activities and administration that it was impossible to break through the family. Instead of having the other people to take over the work, they cleverly divided the job within themselves and make sure nothing escaped from their claws. They also were investigating a certain incident aside from their own missions, which is why I wanted to have your help to settle this matter!"
"There's actually some rumors that we heard from the spies too, Master Manu," Said the bald man. "It appears that actually, there was one person who managed to gain control of everything in the Vongola; from simple task such as cleaning the room to the risky tasks like security system and intelligence network, this person managed to control everything. It's because of this person that the Vongola seems not to be in such chaotic situation."
"I see…So you want me to cast a mess into the Family and let them fall down?"
"Ohh no….Not that way or otherwise I won't get Decimo as my son-in-law!" Manu laughed creepily that everyone in the room felt like want to puke.
"Even after he shamed you twice; first when he helped the police to expose your dirty business and second when he turned down your request to make your daughter as his wife. These were your reasons for revenge, right?"
Manu just smirked as he sipped his wine. "But, I like the idea of throwing the Vongola and its allies into mess that it will make the enemies of Vongola and those who neutral in our world to fight up against each other. No matter how strong the Guardians' bonds are, they too, will fall down if we stab them from inside! Ahahaha!"
Darius smiled as he took the file and said. "Good to hear that. So, the starting point is, to attack the people in the enemies territories and blamed it to Vongola or its allies. How's that?"
"Perfect! Perfect idea Darius! Brilliant idea! However, make sure you don't let my men to disturb you, will that be alright?"
"No need to send any of your men with me. I'm fine doing alone."
"Eh?"
"Who you think I am if 'that' person had gave my name to you? I'm also the same 'kind' as him."
Smirked, Manu left out a loud laugh as he raised his glass, "We will meet again Darius, and I expected good news from you!"
"The deal is sealed, Don Manu."
Darius left after the words. Manu leaned against the couch as he drank his last wine before calling the woman who served the drinks. He told her to bring the bills since he wanted to leave the club and returned home. After the woman left the room, Manu smirked as he set his eyes in determination. Now that everything was set in place, he could now start his plan.
He would get his revenge.
Unknown to them, the hostess that served the drinks had listened every details of the conversation between the two people. Walked away from the room, she quickly walked into one of the hidden passages that only the staffs knew, went outside the club, hid within the darkness of the pathway and quickly pulled out her cell phone. She waited for some time until someone picked up the call.
"This is Henrietta Munroe."
"Do you get anything?"
She smirked when she heard the question, "Oh I did. The whole one."
"Really?"
"Does our Boss know about this?"
A chuckle was heard on the phone.
"Nope, Suzume-san and I decided we kept this matter from him for awhile. I guesses she too, already suspected that there's a spy within the Family and allies."
"As expected from the former police office…"
"So what would you do after this?"
"I quit," She sighed while the other person laughed. "Those perverted bastards kept on groping me; I had enough of it!"
"Hahaha, I see…" Henrietta smiled as she leaned against the wall. "So when you want to go back? I'll send some of our acquaintances to fetch you."
"Tonight. Besides, it's a salary day so after getting my money, I'm off~!"
"Well then, see you tomorrow morning. I'll inform Suzume-san for the next move."
"Very well, thank you so much Romario."
End of Chapter 07
Hints or Explanations:
(1) Empathy – It is the capacity to recognize and, to some extent, share feelings (such as sadness or happiness) that are being experienced by another sentient or semi-sentient being. Someone may need to have a certain amount of empathy before they are able to feel compassion. Empathy is also ability with many different definitions. They cover a broad spectrum, ranging from caring for other people and having a desire to help them, to experiencing emotions that match another person's emotions, to knowing what the other person is thinking or feeling, to blurring the line between self and other.
Higashidani Seiryuu possessed this ability but with great amount of power, even without touching any kind of objects or human beings he still can feel the effects of the emotions of memories that left behind. His ability was too strong that even the power-control device that he wore to suppress the strength failed several times and Suzaku had to help him to avoid harm effects.
(2) A Fight between Families –This fight was referring to the Ring Battle where Tsuna and his Guardians were fighting against Varia to gain the rights of the Vongola Half Rings. The fight ended with tsuna as the right owner of the Vongola Ring as well as his Guardians.
Through his empathy ability, Seiryuu witnessed Tsuna's pasts.
(3) Battles came to end –This is referring to the Curse of Arcobaleno Arc –The Representative Battle. The fight ended with Team Reborn won as a winner, defeating the other seven groups including Bermuda's team. Tsuna defeated Bermuda and finally managed to find a way to stop the next generation of the Arcobaleno, thus lifting the current Arcobaleno's curses.
Through his empathy ability, Seiryuu witnessed Tsuna's pasts.
(4) Although these two always rivaled against each other –Both Reborn and Colonello, during their cursed form, always competed with each other. Aside form having several similarities like sleeping with open eyes and head-butt towards each other; they also like to bully Tsuna during the training in Mafia Land. However, these two also relying on each other if something went against them. They can be considering as 'friendly foes'.
(5) Juzu – Literally means as "Counting Beads", it is a "Buddhist Rosary" that also known as prayer beads. They are commonly used for meditation or while doing mantras.
(6) Counter-spell – Suzume was chanting Tai-Mahou, a type of Japanese counter-spell. It is a mantra to Acala, a Vajrayana Buddist destroyer of illusions who is famous for his fierce, unmoving resolve against temptations.
(7) Hitogata – A piece of human shape wood used for spell. It was made by a piece of Paulownia wood and carves it into the shape of the person upon whom to be casted a spell. The spell of hitogata is a part of the tradition of Onmyou Practice, and it is also practiced in the Shinto religion.
(8) Onmyou Practice –The Onmyou practice began as a union of the Chinese theories of the Five Elements, and Yin and Yang, with traditional Japanese esoteric cosmology. Under influences from Taoism, Buddhism and Shintoism, it evolved into an occult and mystical practice. Onmyou was split into divisions such as astronomy, calendar –making and divination through natural signs, but its practitioners were also known for protecting the Imperial court from vengeful spirits and demons.
(9) Yorishiro – A container for the spirit to go into. It can be doll or anything that can represent the spirit's container.
(10) Onmyouji – A master of Onmyou practice. In Japan, the most famous Onmyouji in the history and legend was Abe no Seimei. It was believed that he was born of human and father and fox-spirit mother. Both Suzume and Arashi are some of the powerful onmyoujis that still exist in the world.
(11) Zuso– A spell used by one person to put curse on other person or people. By praying to the gods, Buddha, or worshipping evil spirits, one prays and hopes that a curse will be placed on others. The concept is similar on using a voodoo doll by hammering the nail onto the doll.
According to Suzume, while spells caused by hammering nails into a doll originally came from the way of onmyou, it seems like the curse that was put on Reborn was different from others.
(12) Black and White Spell – What Suzume referred here is not about Millefiore's Black and White Spell Squads in the future. She meant about the magic or spell used by people with intention either for bad or good things.
The story is ended here. It took me many strengths and ideas on how to plot the story, especially after Tsuna revealed the biggest conflict he was facing right now. Since the next chapters were already in progress, I had to make sure it would not make my readers to become more confuse or feel that this story is going insane (which I feel like it might be, too!). I think it might be due to the fact that I went back reading several past mangas that had attract my interest before so whenever I read them, many ideas popped up! Thus, causing me a very serious writer's block I ever had! However, the idea of the Katagiri Siblings come from the family of onmyouji was already plan from the beginning.
I searched for any KHR doujinshis that are 'Het' (likely about K27), but mostly that I found was 1827 and yaoi, which make me feels very disappointing. Even so, there are bunch of them that still gained my interest. I found interesting doujinshis: Vietnamese language; Buon Natale (K-H-96-Vongola 10th Gen), Mother's Mirror (1896), Brother-In-Law (18-69-96), Father's Pride (1896), Tinth & Tien (D18), Bitter Ver (1827), F.I.N.D.U (D18), English; Supernova (8059), Falling World (6996), I'm Glad to have Been Able to Meet You (6996). In Youtube too, I found 'Shiromitsu (1827, a yaoi…urgh), Bitter Ver (English version), The First time we Met (PrimoxDecimo), Butterfly Effect (1827), Posin Chocolate (1827; yes, the title was written like that), Sunset Speeder (1827, a bit yaoi), KHR El Regreso de Tsuna (Highly recommend), MAD-Alice Human Sacrifice (Highly Recommend), Tsuna's Family, Tsuna's Death.
One thing I realized whenever I read these doujinshis –Tsuna still had his doe-like eyes even though he's already adult! I mean, come on, Hibari's got his adult look like in the future, why Tsuna still got his teenager's face? I wanna see the adult-face Tsunaaa~!
Special preview for the next chapter:
-Me always chasing their backs, always chasing…
-"Good luck in the bed!"
-"You're more suitable with him than that stalker you know~!"
-"ANDY YOU DAMN BASTARD! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU!?"
-"There's so much blood…"
Please read and review. Thank you for your kindness to read this story of mine. –Aoi Kitsukawa.
