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: I'd like to apologize for the really long wait. I've had a lot of things happening after I posted the previous chapter and I fell sick not long after updating 'Where the Sky Resides' latest chapter. I also lost inspiration to continue this story, which actually surprising me since I don't know why it had become like that.
I also had created one community "Reaching for the Light", which consists stories of YTL (or more) Vongola Family. Actually I was aiming to put only dark stories like 'Monophobia' or 'Their Boss', however I realized that in TYL circle, not much dark stories that could be find so I just add anything that meets the criteria. I don't think I could add any slash-theme stories since I'm not a fan of yaoi, but unfortunately most of the M rank stories are yaoi, so hard to find the normal ones!
Review Replies:
Sera: Thank you very much for your review, I really appreciate it. To be honest Sera, this time it's quite hard for me to answer your questions, but I try my best to answer them.
Regarding Suzume's call to Irie on the 10th day, the call was made at the midnight after 12 AM, thus making her called for Irie on the 10th day where she fell asleep the whole day. Regarding what had happened that morning will be reveal in the next chapters.
Morgan: Thanks for your review, and I'm glad that you like the word 'Tsunagumi'. I remember that reading Rurounin Kenshin, it is said that the word "-gumi" means group, so I put it to differentiate the groups; which one is Suzume's group which one is Arashi's.
Well, everything that you want to know is here, so enjoy!
Summary: He left. Framed with a crime he never did, he believes nobody would never forgive and ever remember him so he left the family. But little did he know that everyone had been tracing his footsteps ever since he was gone...
Starting from chapter 11 (real chapter 10), the timelines of every scene in every chapter will be irregular from each other. In other words, there will be a scene where the story takes place in the future time and the next paragraph will takes place in the present time. Please read the bold line of the paragraph before you read the contents to avoid confusion.
Previous Chapter: Stella, alongside with Arashi and Andy finally found out about the truth behind 'The Bleed incident' that happened 5 years ago, where Tsuna had his first misunderstanding with his family as well as confirming the existence of the Mafia's fearsome assassin –Princess of Chaos. Suzume who was in the Bonfilio Mansion found out that the family was having inner crisis that related to the missing daughter named Annabelle. After some unexpected encounter, Suzume finally contacted the Vongola HQ alongside with the Boss of Bonfilio Family, Trevor Bonfilio…
Destination 12: The Missing Fragments of Lives…
Somehow in the vast disarray of this existence, a piece of my life went missing.
When it came back, many months later,
It was not the same as before...
And neither was I.
"Tsu-Tsuna…why did you do this?"
No…I didn't..! Yamamoto..!
"Juu-Juudaime…what are you…!?"
No, please! Gokudera-kun…!
"I thought that you're a person who's extremely loyal to my sister…"
O-onii-san, wait! This is not what you think…!
"Bo-bossu…why?"
Chrome, please don't look at me like that…
Lam-Lambo, don't be scare…please don't go..!
"Oya oya…to think that you've lower yourself like the other scumbag Mafioso…"
"Who thought that even you have this kind of side, Sawada Tsunayoshi…"
Kyouya…Mukuro…not you two too…!
"NOO! HE DID IT! HE DID THIS TO ME!"
Wha-what..!?
No…! No I'm not..!
"Ot-otouto…how could you…!?"
Dino-san, I don't do it! Please believe me!
Everyone, including Basil and Iemitsu who were along the group just stared at him with disbelieve.
Disgusting.
Hateful.
Shameful.
Arashi stared at the scene in front of him, the scene where Tsuna was found in the same room as Solaris Salkind who claimed that Tsuna had raped her while being drunk. Arashi looked around the room in Tsuna's family, and realized that with the dark room, some clothes; mostly woman's sprawled on the floor, Solaris' naked…no wonder why these people unable to face the fact in front of them.
That bitch was really a good drama queen!
The said victim cried as much as she wanted, leading to Dino and Yamamoto to bend down to her, tried to calm her down. Tsuna sat on the floor dumbly, as he watched the rest slowly turned around and left, leaving behind Romario and Dino's other subordinates. Romario bent down and raised his hand to Tsuna, who stared at it before shaking, grabbed the handed hand. He did not know what had happened next until he felt the same hand touched his face and felt something wet against his skin.
He did not even realize that he was crying.
After the scene in front of him faded, Arashi wondered aimlessly, floating inside the dark astral plane. He started to think, trying his best to remember the room where Tsuna was found guilty by his family. Him and Suzume came to the room a little bit late, since both of them had received a text forward by Hibari who had came to the place earlier than them, plus they somehow got lost in the labyrinth-like mansion before he met one maid who was about to leave and asked for direction.
Arashi narrowed his eyes. He finally remembered what faults at the incident that he almost forgot about!
When the Salkind Incident happened, he remembered that Hibari said to him that only people at the scene received the text about Tsuna was at the Salkind Summer Mansion alone, but the way to reach the place was different. Both he and his sister used the text Hibari sent to them to reach the mansion; however since the mansion was huge they decided to spilt out alone. He almost got lost after 10 minutes entering the mansion when he saw a maid who almost the same age as Tsuna, was about to leave the kitchen. After she told him the direction, he met again with his sister and immediately went to search for Tsuna. However, they came too late as the family had already reached the room, and, after some screams and shouts, they left the room along with Solaris Salkind, leaving behind Tsuna inside the room along with Romario and some of Dino's subordinates.
When he saw the memories of the incident, Arashi realized that there were several faults that should be detected during the incident but was ignored. When he saw Tsuna, strangely that fellow was found on the floor next to the bed, still with his shirts and pants. For someone who's been accused of rape, wasn't it impossible for Tsuna to remain in his clothes in one set? Surely he would only wear either his shirt or pants!
Moreover, the only clothes that scattered on the floor was Solaris' clothes, while Tsuna's was only his coat, necktie and socks, and they're found in the same place not far from where he was sitting. There was no sign of trashing or falling objects, since the rape victims would try to run away or defend herself. There were no signs of fighting that can be found on Tsuna's body.
What disturbing him more was the maid that he met that day…
When he took Tsuna out from the mansion, he realized that the maid he saw before was no longer to be found. Even before they went back to the Vongola Mansion with the still shaken Tsuna, he tried to search for her but found nothing. The same thing with Suzume too, as he failed to find the other maid that helped her to go to the curse room.
Where did they go?
Arashi couldn't help but feel that he somehow had met the maid before…but he couldn't figure out who she is. She was probably not the ones he frequently met in the past, but still…he still feels like he had met the maid before…
Arashi felt his eyelids became heavier than before and before he knew, darkness had engulfed him.
"Arashi…Arashi, wake up."
Arashi grunted uncomfortable as he raised his right hand to touch his head, his head was throbbing painfully. He felt so exhausted; one of the side effects of being deep into the memories of the person that he accidentally went into its dream. He was actually a bit surprise that he was getting the clear view of what had happened during the Salkind Incident, especially from Tsuna's point of view. The young man almost never spoke about it as if it was his greatest taboo, and Arashi couldn't help but pitying the young man for all the mischief that befall on him at wrong time at the wrong place.
Still, even within the dream he had met with the most annoying bitch he ever saw: Solaris Salkind, daughter of the 25th Head of the Vulpa Family. To think that Tsuna was framed with none other than this woman, just remembered it made him felt his blood boiled hard.
However, seeing the memories had enough for him to recollect the missing fragments in their lives, especially for Tsuna.
He hoped his sister would able to do so for the sake of their friend/ boss.
Arashi raised his other hand, trying to seek any help from anyone in the room. Not only due to his ability, since he had gave Tsuna some of his blood he felt tired more than usual. Slowly, large, rough but warm hands grabbed his and slowly pulled him from the bed. Andy supported the young man on the bed before he slowly opened his eyes, clearly exhausted.
"Are you alright?" Asked Andy as he steadied the young man. Arashi nodded his head as both of them slowly left the ward.
"Want to get some lunch? It's past the time though…" Arashi just nodded his head, trying to regain his consciousness back. Nana and the others looked at him worriedly before he waved his hand to calm them down, before resuming his walk.
He seriously needed to do some digging regarding that Vulpa Family!
It was chaos.
Far away from the ancient Imperial City –Kyoto, in other dimension and in some place at the forest, there was a burnt ground in the middle of the frozen forest. It still smoked and there was some people lying on the ground. The sky still dark, the snows had fallen on the people but none of them moved. Some of them cried in pain, some of them covered in pool of blood. The snow still fell onto them; all of them went to the place where people were lying on the ground; their fates were unknown.
A 12-year-old girl with black hair that barely passed her lower jaw slowly sit up from the middle of burning earth, before she stopped and stared at the cold bodies at her surrounding. Her whole body was aching terribly, her neck was bloody wounded although the bleeding was stopped miraculously; all in all she was injured terribly. A Blue Star insignia with lighting sparks embalmed on her left chest, showing that she was one of the people who participated in the gruesome battle.
She wondered where her friends, comrades and family were. Struggling to stand up, she looked up and realized that the scene was very horrified, much to her.
She wobbly stood up, held her injured body, looking at the scene in front of her. Unfortunately, because of the season, the moon was hidden so the light was not reached the earth. Still, she could felt the chill slowly reached her body, her nose can sense the smell of burning flesh and stinky…blood.
It was blood.
Until the clouds was slowly moved away and begin to shine, she was startled. The scene in front of her had frozen her legs, causing her walked limply and looked around with wide eyes. A cold breeze suddenly blew upon her, causing the girl's hair flew away to her backside.
Everyone, mostly who was lying on the ground were died and in pools of blood.
The injured young girl was so shock that she could not able to say anything. The forests that surrounding them, although they were in 'Power Shield' were burn to ashes, some of the corpses were burn until it was unable to recognize anymore. However, most of the corpses were lying on the ground by or with weapons stabbed, slashed or cutting their bodies, blood splashing everywhere.
Men or women, young or not, all of them were killed in nearly the same state as other corpses. Most of them had their weapons just lying next to their dead body; broken or not.
It was a terrible sight!
Then several footsteps were heard, leading to the direction where the victims lay unmoved. The young girl turned around and saw several other people who just like her, came into the place where they also had the same reaction as her.
"Is everyone alright?" It was one of the people' voices, full with concern and worried.
"…-sama! We found someone who's still alive!"
She could hear faintly, the voices of the people who came to the rescue. Unfortunately for her, she was located a bit far from the rescue team, therefore had to force herself to walk across the death bodies all by herself. She couldn't find her siblings or friends too.
"Search for the other survivors as well!"
"Report this matter to Queen Kirishima immediately! Tell her that it's an emergency!"
"We found another one!"
"Here's as well!"
The soldiers finally found other survivors other than the young man as well. She looked at the scene; it was very bad. They not only lost some friends and comrades in the battle, they also nearly lost their love ones and families. Not to mention other people who lost those people in front of them. She kept on walking until she heard weak grunts on her left side. She looked over and saw none other than her own siblings.
"Nee-san! Arashi!" She cried while running past the bodies. She cry had alerted some of the officers before they too, came to her side.
"Is he alright?" Asked the officer as he kneeled down. His eyes widened as he saw the injuries the young girl had, and wondered why she was still alive despite her worst condition.
Unless, she was "chosen" too…just like "them"…
Without any mercy from the fate.
Some people came by and went to the other survivors who were alive; the other officers at the same time went to the other side of the ground zero, investigating the incident. Soon later, the officer who found the young girl came back to the camps (which were built necessary for emergency), carrying the said girl on his back, while his other teammates carried her sister and younger brother. She was taken to other tent, where when she opened her eyes, she saw at least four people; one male and three women, laid on the bed. Only one woman who was lying on the bed near the tent's end was still awake, while the rest were unconscious.
At the end of the tent, she saw a female teenager with short black hair and long bangs cut in the middle, sat on the chair, half treated. She looked mad and intimated despite her injuries, until she saw the girl that she knocked down the chair and went to her side. "Is everything alright?" She asked.
The young girl just nodded her head; due to the blood lost, exhaustion and cold weather, she almost felt nothing including her injured neck. It might had attracted the teenager as she touched her chin and raised her neck a bit, checking on the neck. She widened her eyes before slowly, hugging the injured child.
"I'm sorry Suzume, I'm so sorry…"
The girl named Suzume just closed her eyes and let her slumped against the elder girl. Feeling the familiar warm and feeling made her feel so tired, but at the same time, a very, heavy feeling landed on her heart that made her in tears. Something was not right, and she knew from that moment on, she no longer able to return to her past life.
The battle had destroyed everything that the people in the battle had.
"Guardian-sama." Someone was calling for someone and she realized the man must be calling the sister who was hugging her. She looked at the female Guardian, whom had a solemn expression on her face and asked why.
"Bad news," Said the man as the said Guardian lifted her head and stared at him with wide eyes. "The traitor already left this place, hiding himself from the detection of the Hazzard World." He looked at Suzume and stared at the Guardian with sad expression.
"Is she the last one?"
"Yeah…" She said as she ushered Suzume to lie down next to the conscious woman. "She's the last one, although I never thought that there will be several 'apprentices' that born after the battle…" Suzume could see the girl's hands were shaking.
"I don't want them to be in the same land of the darkness just like me…!"
Suzume just stared at her weakly, before the elder girl was called from outside and went to the person who called her. She tried to close her eyes and get some sleep while waiting for the doctor, but it was futile since some people were arguing loud and angry that she could hear the elder girl's words.
"HE'S A TRAITOR GUARDIAN!"
The stern and angry voice was echoing the area; it was obvious that girl was very angry at the lost and failure task she had to face. Her job was not only protecting the area and the people, but also to stop the enemies from doing anything that can caused harm to others or the balance of nature. However, she had to do it all alone; her friends who supposedly helping her were not there, they were sending to the other place in order to heal themselves from the injuries and amnesia they had suffered.
Several hours later, nearly all of the survivors were taking to the hospitals, while the soldiers were busy taking care of the corpses. Suzume was on the gurney, being carry away to one of the ambulances when she saw the teenager, whom she heard as "Leader", was seeing standing aside from others; her eyes now were full of rage and anger. The others were also with her as well.
"Did they found anything related to this matter?" She asked.
"We don't know very much, but we only confirm one thing," Said the officer with an Earth insignia. "That the main enemies are managed to escape."
A sound of cracking wood was heard and it appeared that elder girl had slammed her fist on a tree. It was cracked and nearly split into two, much to everyone's surprise.
"Those bastards! I'll never forgive them!" She hissed.
"Calm down," Said a woman with Blue Star insignia. "Your condition is still weak."
Even from far away, Suzume could see the girl just looked at her friend as she sighed. She touched her bandaged forehead; the treatment was one of the reminders of failing to arrest the main perpetrators of the battle, which had cost many lives.
"So, what should we do? Tracking them now?" Asked another woman with Neptune insignia on her left chest.
"NO!" Everyone stared at the injured young girl. "We'll settle those things later. Anyway, call other backups. There's a lot of things to be done here," She said as she turned around, looking at the sky.
"Although the battle was over…,"she said. The others saw her too, but they remind silent. She just kept looking at the sky, and then turned away and started to help the others.
"No." Everyone looked at her with question on their faces.
"I don't think it's over now…."She said. Instead of going to help the others, she turned around and walked towards the young Suzume. As the young girl looked at the elder sister in front of her, the said person reached out and touched her forehead.
"I'm sorry for what had happened to you, my dear 'Apprentice'…" Her hand was glowing and before she knew, darkness slowly engulfed her…
-Autumn, Evening of October 2, Bonfilio Mansion, Rome, Italy; Day 11 of Tsuna's disappearing-
Suzume opened her eyes before slowly turn around and lay on her back, on the soft, fluffy bed. She laid there for some times, ignoring the time or the silent room where she currently resided. Until she glanced at her side that she realized she was not in the Vongola Mansion but rather, in the Bonfilio Famiglia's mansion.
After she and the other members of Bonfilio Family went to the base to do repairing and cleaning, she finally managed to contact Vongola HQ and let Trevor to meet Timoteo, the former boss of Vongola. After the session was over, one of the repairing crews called her and said that there was a grand piano hidden by the mist flame as well, not too far from the platform where the control area was. After make sure the piano was in good condition as well as the base, they left the base with a few Bonfilio members watching over the base, with Mist Flame Device that was stored in the base and activated it for protection. When they returned home, Suzume had herself skipped lunch as she felt so sleepy and just wanted to have some nap, before everything started. That was how she ended up in her guest room that evening; awaken by the dream of her pasts that she actually not very happy to remember.
Hi-chan (1) was sleeping on the other pillow so Suzume just sat up from the bed, her mind seemed in blank. For some reason, after she dreamed that dream, her body felt very exhausted…
Crying never made you feel in the right way…
Suzume frowned when she finally remember her dream. It was a dream where she and her siblings got involved with something very serious –a bloody battle, which killing almost all people who joined the war. She was among the lucky survivors who still alive despite her body were suffering very serious injuries that could kill her that time. That dream had been some parts of the fragments of her pasts that she better not to remember at all. The words that escaped her senior's lips during the battle, and after the battle was something she never forget about.
That's right, sometimes crying did not make you feel better at all…
After taking a shower and changed her clothes, Suzume opened her laptop and cell phone, checking if there were any news or information from Irie or Andy. The later had already sent the information that she request before, but decided to read it later. However, the email she received from Irie had mentioned about Hibari and the other people who accompanied him to Rome and they just departed from the airport to Rome. Suzume quickly typed her reply to Irie, asking them to wait for someone to fetch them and then drive straight to their Rome Base. She did not mention who since she had to inform Avan about the Vongola's arrival, although he did say that he will welcome the people from Vongola if they ever want to come here. It was rushing and Suzume was unable to tell him that they might be arrived here after sunset.
Suzume frowned. The morning incident had caused her to reveal her identity as the Vongola acquaintance, which means she was Tsuna's PA. While it was known that Arashi and Suzume were Tsuna's PA, both of them rarely showed themselves in public due to two factors; Arashi was not a party type and Suzume was deadly allergic to any kinds of alcohols and liquors (2). The reason was mostly on the later and since most of the dinners, balls or parties always consisted with the said beverage, Suzume had to decline the invitation to the social parties while Arashi preferred to stay with his sister. Thus, explaining why most people did not know the appearances of Tsuna's PA.
Suzume already suspected that Leon had investigate her identity once they reached the mansion, but she never thought that the yesterday's sudden attack from the same men who attacked Ella and her men would occurred so sudden. Also, she never expected to show them her 'real powers'…that made them felt fear to her. Damn those bastards who attacking the family; even if she wanted to invade the family, she would never do it openly. Those guys were either brave or just plainly idiots.
As she glanced at the mirror in front of her, Suzume's eyes fell onto the wound on her neck. The one that cut across in horizontal way, the reminder of the pasts she sometimes wish to be disappear like the melting snows…
A knock was heard before the door was opened. A maid poked her head into the room and said that Don Bonfilio wished to have some tea with her that evening, just before the dinner. She just nodded her head before leaving the room, but not before she scooped Hi-chan from the bed.
-Autumn, Evening of October 2nd, Vongola Private Jet; Day 11 of Tsuna's disappearing-
"Are you sure that she's sending someone to pick us up?" Asked Reborn as he watched the screen in front of him.
"Yes, it's been confirm that Suzume-san had already arranged for someone to pick you people up. But who is this person is unknown since she never reveal it in her email," Explained Irie as he wiped his glasses.
"I won't be surprise if it's a person from the Bonfilio Family," Said Fon who sat not far from Reborn's seat in the private jet. "After the shocking revelation in afternoon, I had to say the Bonfilio Family might have done something to Suzume or vice versa."
"Or maybe she's seducing the boss that he finally follows her without fail," Said Bianchi who sat next to Reborn. She held a glass of champagne while looking at the same screen as Reborn. Her strawberry blonde hair was braided and tied on her left shoulder, while her body was clad with dark maroon autumn coat. "Huh…but considering her personality, she's not the type who uses seducing techniques to gain information."
Hearing what Bianchi was saying about Suzume had made Ryohei chocked his water in shock, Hibari just grunt silently, Kusakabe coughed loudly, Lambo turned his red face away while Fran was asleep the whole time. Looking at their reactions, Reborn and Fon just smiled while Irie, on the other screen just chuckled nervously.
Reborn, Hibari Kyouya, Kusakabe Tetsuya –Hibari's faithful assistant, Sasagawa Ryohei, Lambo, Fon, Fran and Bianchi were inside of Vongola Private Jet on their way to Rome after one of their acquaintances –Katagiri Suzume, finally asking them to come to Vongola Rome Base after being away for two days. Aside from the shocking revelation that all of the members in the base were mysteriously missing, they also did not expected that she had come across with one of the angst families that originally a neutral party –the Bonfilio Family.
Reborn wondered how did Suzume manage to deal with the Bonfilio family all by herself, while the Vongola itself unable to reach the said family after they declared their opposition against the Vongola six months ago. Reborn closed his eyes as he slowly remembered the conversation between Vongola Rome Base and the HQ…
-Flashback-
Everyone watched through the screen as a silhouette of a man slowly appeared from behind and approached Suzume who's slowly faced back the Vongola members. Timoteo widened his eyes as he finally realized who the man who's now standing behind Suzume.
"You're…"
"Greetings, Vongola Nono…" He said, as the green eyes looked at the former Don Vongola. "My name is Trevor Bonfilio of the Bonfilio Family."
"Tre-Trevor?" Asked Nono, shock. He remembered that the said man was the current head of the Bonfilio Family, who six months ago had declared that they were the Vongola's enemy after remaining in neutral side for decades. For the man who had declared his opposition towards Vongola not long ago, it was a bit surprised to see him in the Vongola Rome Base alongside with their acquaintance Katagiri Suzume.
"It's been a long time, Timoteo," Said Trevor as he smiled a little.
"Hmm…" Grunted Timoteo as he took a deep breath, wondering what exactly Suzume had done that led them to the current situation. The said woman was standing not far from the Don Bonfilio with dark visor covered her eyes. It did make her look more serious than usual.
"I wonder how and why you're here, standing in our Rome branch of base alongside with our acquaintance, Don Bonfilio…" Said Timoteo. "If there is something befalls on your family, and then please tells me everything. I want to make sure if there is some kind of misunderstand between us."
"I don't know whether I should say this is only a 'misunderstanding", Vongola Nono," Said Trevor as he glanced at Suzume, nervously. "However, I want to express my gratitude to you and the Vongola for having Miss Knowles here. If not because of her I don't know what will happen to my family anymore."
"Knowles?" Asked Lal, Gokudera, Colonello, Ryohei, Reborn, Lambo, Fuuta, Mukuro, and Chrome.
"Sharon Knowles is just a pseudo," Said Suzume, shocking the people in the base except Leon. "As I told you people this morning, my real name is Katagiri Suzume, Vongola Decimo's first PA (Private Assistant) and an acquaintance of Vongola Family. I'm here in Rome to investigate the mysterious disappearance of our base as well as the members as well."
"What?" Said Lambo, unable to believe his ears. "But you don't look like a Caucasian Suzume-san!"
"Stupid cow! Of course it was a disguise!" Growled Suzume as an anger vein popped up on her head. "Unlike you, I didn't use the power of illusion just to disguise myself. Change clothes, wears wig, make-up and there! Finally a different person!"
"Kufufu…you're sure busying yourself with such things. Isn't that just using the Mist illusion is easier than troubling yourself?" Said Mukuro as he smirked curiously.
"Unlike you, being like this is safer and adventurous than keep on alert whether or not anyone could realize your illusion, stupid pineapple head!" Mukuro twitched when he heard Suzume's remarks. "Put aside this matter, and I believe this is the time both of you Dons to be honest with each other."
"Eh?" Nono looked at Trevor whose eyes contained unreadable emotions. The others were wondered what exactly Suzume meant by her words.
"Allow me to explain," Suzume sat down on the nearest seats, gesturing Trevor and the others to do the same. "This morning, the Bonfilio Mansion was under attack from the enemies who claimed that they're from the Vongola Family and tried to kidnap Trevor-san's children; Gill and Liliana. They're the same people who're trying to assault Don Bonfilio's second daughter Ella last night, and injuring several of his men."
"WHAT!?" Shouted Gokudera, obviously angry. "We never send any of our men for random attack just like that!"
"And claiming themselves as part of Vongola while attacking the enemies is not something that our men would do," Said Reborn. "We're not the ones who would aimlessly attack others, Don Bonfilio. If you insist that we're the main perpetrator of the things happened to your family then you also have to explain to us…"
"Why did you suddenly declare against us, six months ago?"
Suzume sent a stern glare towards Trevor as Ella slowly came to her father's side and held his shoulder. "Father please, tell them what exactly happened six months ago…"
"Ella…"
"That's right Trevor-san. I found it is very strange of you, who had been in neutral side since your predecessor time suddenly went against the Vongola. Judging from what had happened this morning, I have a conclusion that it might be related to your own family yourself," Said Suzume as she folded her arms on her chest, legs crossed. "Its better you tell us the truth than keep it bottle up until you almost break down the dam, if you know what I mean…"
Trevor, Ella, Avan and Glen looked at the visor woman with shock expression. Reborn and Nono looked at each other and realized that Suzume had hit the family's bull eye. Trevor looked down with guilt and fear, before he turned around and faced Nono once again.
"Vongola Nono…Timoteo…" He said, shoulders shaking suddenly that even Suzume was surprised. Glen and Avan went to their father's side before the elder man fell on his knees and bowed his head down, shocking everyone in the room as well at the Vongola HQ.
"I'M BEGGING YOU VONGOLA NONO!"Cried Trevor, as tears strained down his face. "PLEASE RETURN MY DAUGHTER ANNABELLE BACK TO ME!"
Suzume quickly stood up felt very surprise with the sudden outburst. Even Nono and Reborn, as well as the other members of the Vongola looked at each other with confusion and shock. From what she had heard during the morning raid, apparently the family itself had inner crisis that related to the family members (not the Mafia family). Ella also said that she left the compound several times in search for her missing elder sister Annabelle Bonfilio, the daughter of Trevor and his late wife Avery.
She did not know that this is the reason why Trevor suddenly declared his opposition against Vongola six months ago. Could it be that his daughter went missing within the territory of Vongola or its allies?
"Wait, I don't understand this…" Said Ganauche. "What do you mean by giving back your daughter Annabelle? What had caused you to think that your daughter is with us the Vongola?"
"We received her emergency call on the day she disappeared," Said Avan as he held his crying father. "My sister called for help, saying that there were bunch of men in black suits kept on following her. We heard that she tried to run away, but along the way they got her before the line was cut off. When Waldo-nii and I reached the place where she had her phone signal, the only thing that we found was her broken cell phone, a few drops of blood and," Avan slipped his hand in his pocket before he pulled out something. "This crest."
"THAT'S…!" Cried Gokudera in shock as he realized what kind of crest was it.
"The Vongola's crest!?" Said Stella, shocked.
"Yes, this is the solid proof that your men have something to do with the missing Annabelle," Said Avan. "Ever since that moment, we had tried to meet your Boss but always being denied, as if you're trying to run away from something so we couldn't help but thinking you might be the one who kidnapped Annabelle. We decided to declare ourselves an enemy of Vongola since Vongola did not respond with our request to meet and discuss about this matter!"
Everyone was silent as they heard the words from Avan. They felt guilty for ignoring the family's request, could not help but feeling bad for what had happened. That was what they felt until…
"Oohh…so based on this thing you decided to go against the Vongola that much?"Everyone snapped their head and saw Suzume looked at the crest Avan was holding with emotionless yet frightening face. Suzume slowly walked to Avan and took it from his hand, exanimate the crest carefully.
"You know what Avan-kun," She said as she smirked creepily. "If I'm the one who abducted your sister, it would be stupid to leave such things in the crime scene."
"What the…?"
"I'm not saying that you're at fault or anyone is at fault at the time being," Said Suzume as she flipped the crest. "On the day Annabelle disappeared six months ago, it was during the early season of spring; that day was still raining, it happened around the area were waters easily gathered enough to become small pools and muddy everyone. Your attention was greatly deviated from checking on the mud traces to this thing!"
"How-how do you know it happened on the raining day?" Asked Trevor, shocked. "We didn't reveal anything except –"
"Just this." She showed the crest before tossed it to Glenn. "When I saw the crest, there was a sign of being soak with water and covered with mud. Six months ago, if we calculate from the current time, it should be around April, which is the season of spring. During the late winter sometimes the rain downpour and continued until early spring. If this crest fell onto the ground covered with tiles, it's hard to find traces of mud unless the place where it fell close to the earth. It can be in dark alley where the drain system was awful, in countryside or in the park. From what I had gathered from the previous conversation until now…"
"She must have been abducted at the park during the raining day. Also, if she was running away and hidden within the Vongola Mansion, surely I would remember her face."
"Are you sure about this, Suzume-san?" Asked Ella.
"I'm positive. Besides, two days before coming here, I along with Reborn-san, Colonello-san and Lal-san had investigated the people who're working at the Vongola Mansion. We went through the documents, watching the surveillance cameras lots of time and even checking the time went they started to work; none of the maids were match with the description of your sister Annabelle," Said Suzume as she shuddered.
Remembering how much hell they went through for the sake of searching for the spies was enough to make her shiver!
"Besides, Reborn remembers every face of the maids who work here, kora!" Said Colonello. "If there is a new worker works in this place, there will be plenty of process to deal with, and obviously new face is very easy to remember. There's no way that we had taken your daughter in the first place."
"And if we do, we will send her back to you immediately. What's the point to keep someone who is against us without any reasons? That's a ticket to go straight to hell!" Said Lal sternly.
Trevor looked dejected when he realized that Annabelle was not in the Vongola compound. Suzume sighed as he felt sympathy for the poor father, but must revealed her reasons of Annabelle sudden disappearing.
"Don Bonfilio, from my opinion your daughter Annabelle Bonfilio was actually leaving your family for private reason, but for some reasons some people had set their eyes on her that resulting of her being kidnapped. If you think logically, nobody in this world would ever carelessly toss away such important crest just like that and left it in the hands of the enemy for such a long time unless it was done for bad intention."Explained Suzume that shocking everyone in the base and HQ. "If I was the mastermind, I would go immediately disposed your family without leaving any single traces. This is the way how the enemy who're very aggressive and would use harsh ways to solve the problems."
"I agree with Suzume," Said Stella, earning her some eyes form the other side of the screen. "Even in the Yakuza world, once you're already invading other people's territory, they will launch an attack as a sign of revenge. However in your case, the only thing that happened is that you're being attack several times with the climax of Ella-chan's almost got kidnap and violated!"
"WHAT!?" Cried Glenn and Trevor, making Ella, Avan and Suzume almost jumped from the ground, shock.
"Why don't you tell us about this Ella?" Cried Glenn as he grabbed Ella's arm. "What if you've got assault at that time?"
"So…sorry, I forgot…besides, Suzume-san came to the rescue and Leon was trying his best to protect me so…" Ella looked at Stella nervously before she bowed. "Greetings Lady Stella. If I'm not mistaken you're the daughter of Gino de Estrada, right?"
"My, I'm shock. How do you know it is me?" Asked the pregnant woman happily.
"I saw you during your wedding day three years ago," She said, shyly. "You're very beautiful with that wedding dress; the wedding itself had been talks among the women in the Mafia for some time."
"Naaah, don't bother to praise her Ella," Said Suzume as she waved her hand with annoyed face. "Otherwise she'll start to think that she's the most beautiful woman in the world!"
"How rude! I didn't even badmouthing you in the first place!" Cried Stella as she pouted, which made everyone in the HQ laughed. Suzume's reply was her tongue stuck out with left eye pulled down. The others were just sweat dropped.
"Seems you know a lot, Lady Stella." Said Avan.
"I'm in contact with Suzume during her mission. Besides, Rome is one of Estrada Family's territories so I need to have some up-to-date information too. Suzume, you didn't decide to investigate the Bonfilio Family in the first place, did you?"Asked Stella.
"It's a pure coincidence," Said Suzume. "My main mission here is to investigate the illegal human-trafficking and prostitution activities that was done in the Vongola Territory, as well as to investigate why suddenly our base in Rome was unreachable. When I finally reached the base, it was empty and full of damages. While I was checking the base, Ella ran away from her home and for fate's sake, she ended up here," Suzume just looked at the blushing young girl with a fake anger, while her father and brothers just sighed (and hits her head playfully in case of Glenn). "Luckily that I heard the commotion and managed to save them, despite the perpetrators managed to run away. That's how I ended up with this family."
"So the Bonfilio family helped restore this base because you save his daughter?" Asked Timoteo, amused.
"Yes, Nono. The Bonfilio family helped me to restore half of its parts and repaired the damages that they could done. However the members including Paulo Rubardo were missing and their current whereabouts still unknown." Said Suzume as she narrowed her eyes. "He did, however, use his last strength to protect the main computer with his illusion. I still unable to check what he had left behind, but in mean time, I'll try my best to decode what he had left behind."
"I see…thank you for all of your help Suzume-san," Said Timoteo, feeling grateful that Tsuna's PA was there to help them. At the same time, he wonders if Tsuna coincidently choose this woman as his PA or not. She was very skillful and managed to slip inside the Bonfilio family very easy, which actually surprised him a lot.
"I have some questions to ask you, Don Trevor," Said Reborn as he titled his fedora.
"Anything you ask."
"Have you heard anything recently regarding the Vongola or the Tenth Boss, Sawada Tsunayoshi?" Reborn's question earned shock gasps and tense air. Apparently the family had been too focusing on the matter in Rome that they accidentally forgot about the currently missing Decimo.
However, at least several people, including Reborn and Suzume did not forget the said Don.
"Hmmm…" The Don sighed as he held his chin, tried to remember something. "Unfortunately, for the past three months I had left most of my works to Waldo and Avan, so I don't know how much information that I could give to you."
"Eh? Are you sick or something Trevor-san?" Asked Suzume.
"Father's health started to decrease a month after Anna-neesan went missing," Said Glenn. "He eventually collapsed after working himself hard two months later, and our personal doctor advised him to let go some of his works to our brothers. I had taken the mission of gathering information in form of spying other families so that we can gather more information on what had happened to Anna-neesan."
"Geez, no wonder why you're suddenly disappeared and left your sister Ella in such mess!" Said Suzume as she hit his head, hard. "After all this commotion was over, reconcile with your sister again Glenn!"
"WHAT!? Are you kidding me? I'm not a kid anymore! Why should I –BUHUK!" Glenn fell onto the floor, face bruised after a fist met with his handsome face, causing everyone sweats dropped.
"Stop talking nonsense, you damn kusogaki (3)!" Said Suzume as she held her fist up with dark aura came out from her. "It is your fault in the first place for leaving without any explanation thus leading to this misunderstanding. I know you're worry about Annabelle but you should consider your family first rather that your hot-blood temptation!"
'SHE'S A DEMON!' Everyone thought as chill went down to each of them.
Trevor laughed nervously but continued his words, "However, if I'm not mistaken that almost two months ago, I heard that there was a big commotion that happened within the Vongola Family. I don't know what is happening, truly, but not long after that I received news that Vongola Decimo was sent to the hospital due to overwork. Many families were shock when they heard the news, however I heard last month that he was finally released from the hospital but unable to receive visitors due to doctor's advice. At the same time, certain rumors had entered our circle."
"What do you mean by that?" Asked Gokudera this time. Both Suzume and Reborn watched the Storm Guardian's expression without anyone realize their actions.
"There's a rumor said that Vongola Decimo is actually missing," Trevor said, shocking the Vongola Family. "I also heard that the big incident that I heard there was actually a clash between the Vongola and the Vulpa Family; apparently the Don was unsatisfied with the Decimo upon something that I don't know…"
Timoteo looked at Reborn who in turned, stared at him. Both of them realized that someone must have leaked the information regarding the Salkind Incident, but whoever did that did not have any intention to reveal the true nature of the incident. In other words, it must be for the intention of making the image of Vongola Decimo became worst due to the bad rumors that started to spread within the Mafia World. It was proof by the way the Bonfilio Don was clueless about what had happened but still received such news.
"Hmmm…pardon me Don Trevor, but may I know what is your opinion regarding Don Salkind?" Asked Suzume calmly. Everyone looked at her and wondered what exactly she was trying to do.
"If you ask me, he's nothing but an annoying pest."
"What do you mean by that?"
"Ever since I was young, I always know that Don Vulpa had only one interest which made me detest them: to be a part of the Vongola Family. They don't care on how they will achieve it, and as far as I know from my predecessors (4), they managed to survive the Mafia world by marrying off their daughters to other family like some sort of political allies."
"Heh, ancient politics," Claimed Suzume as she smirked. "Not that surprising. Even in the ancient civilization, it was one of the solutions for the kingdom to strengthen their powers and influences."
"Is it true that the Young Decimo is missing, Vongola Non?" Asked Trevor. "I hate to say this, but I don't know which one is true since…you know how our world's done…"
Everything was silent until Suzume decided to break the ice.
"Unfortunately, we can't say anything about this until we found your daughter Don Trevor," Said Suzume which shocking everyone who was in the conference. Gokudera and Ryohei tried to interfere, however the look they saw on Suzume's face made them restrained themselves and waited for the black hair woman to speak more. "Do you hear anymore other than these two? Did any illegal activities have take place in Rome or your territory recently?"
"AH!" Everyone turned around and saw Avan looked shock as if he remembers something. "If it's about any illegal activities, I believe I have some!"
"Really onii-chan?" Said Ella and Glenn together.
"Apparently since two years ago, there's a rumor about an auction that involved with illegal prostitution and human-trafficking in Rome. Apparently these activities were handle by the people whom claim themselves as the people of the Vongola Family, however when I asked my men to check the route of the business taking place, it starting at Palermo and heading towards Napoli," Explained Avan.
"While we did have a route from Palermo towards the mainland, all the legal businesses usually end up in the main routes where authority would check it for sure," Explained Reborn as he looked at Timoteo who nodded his head.
"So what you found is not the same as the legal routes?"Asked Suzume as Avan nodded his head.
"At the Gulf Napoli, the nearest locations are Pozzuoli, Torre de Greco, Torre Annuziata and Sorrento. It's the same as we had discussing before, Irie," Said Reborn as Irie nodded his head. "Tourist site, which makes it a good place to start illegal prostitution business and from the said place, agents will send the products (the people) to their dealers."
"Actually Don Bonfilio, before Suzume-san went to Rome for her emergency mission (5), she asked me about the last activity of our base in Rome. The last report we had from them was two weeks ago, when they mentioned about these illegal activities. They also mentioned about the enemies territories had been invaded by people who called themselves as members of the Vongola for the past two weeks, the same time as the base lost its connection to us," Most of the people in the base and HQ frowned instantly after they heard the report. "However according to Paulo, one of our men there, only one activity is confirm being conduct in Rome before they lost contact with us. It is the illegal prostitution," Explained Shouichi.
"And the rumors about the illegal prostitution and human-trafficking are true," Said Glenn which shocking everyone who heard it. "Didn't I say before that I left the family for spying other families? Last week when I infiltrated the Romano Family I came across with this valuable information."
"What is it Glenn?" Asked Trevor and Avan in unison.
"Within this week there's an auction where some women that were taken from the human-trafficking will be involved in the auction. It's supposedly the last auction for the last month's activity but was postponed to this week due to some unavoidable reasons two weeks ago," Said Glenn.
"The same time as the infiltration of Vongola Rome Base as well as the other families' assault attacks," Said Suzume as she narrowed her eyes dangerously. "There's no way it's a coincidence. There must be something that connects these three incidents in the past two weeks!"
"But what is it?" Asked Mukuro, for the first time. "Aside from the fact that some people disguise as fake members of Vongola, nothing else can be use as the connection."
"Mukuro's right, but for the time being, let's focus on this so-called last auction. Did you know where the location of the activity, Glenn?" Asked Lal, this time.
"Yes, I know where it was since I followed the boss and his lackeys' numbers of time. The auction was done at the Aerial Hotel…!"
"EH!? Cried everyone in shock, including Suzume.
"Didn't the last report from Paulo had mention about one of the places of the illegal activities took place in the Aerial hotel?" Asked Gokudera as he looked at Irie.
"And Kyouya's been there as well," She said as she looked at her cousin who was in the other screen. Kyouya's eyes widened as he realized what she meant.
"But when Sawada had sent Hibari there to investigate the hotel, it seems like nothing illegal happened," Said Ryohei.
"The auction is the dark site of the hotel owner's activity," Explained Glenn. "Only people who're invited by the members of the auction can enter the place. Besides, certain dates will be given to attend the auction and the guests need to wear a Columbina mask (6) to avoid being recognized by others. Allies or foes, everyone will attend the auction since they share the same interest."
"Is there any ways to get invite by the members to the auction?" Asked Suzume, out of the blue. Everyone now stared the elder woman whose eyes narrowed seriously.
Glenn scratched his neck nervously before he continued, appeared uncomfortable, "Well…there is, but its only work on women."
"What do you mean? Are you saying that there's a person who can allow outsiders enter but must be meeting certain requirement?" Asked Bianchi as she stepped forward and leaned over the screen.
"Well…the bar manager at the hotel is actually the gatekeeper of the auction," Said Glenn as he sighed heavily, earning curious stares from others. "
"Like any man, he has a weakness – a beautiful woman."
All eyes in the room turned towards Bianchi who just stood near Reborn, oblivious to their scrutiny. She was definitely what one would call beautiful; however everyone knows that Bianchi also well-known in the Mafia circle as 'Poison Scorpio' and surely will be recognized. Collectively, they turned their attention back to Glenn, clearly not comfortable into this idea.
"Ahh…I see…!" Said Suzume, as she smirked with evilness that could be seen even in her eyes, which enough to make the Bonfilio family stepped back a little. "Not bad, Glenn, not bad. I think this is good enough for the starter!"
"But, are you sure this will work Suzume-san?" Asked Irie as he pulled out a report. "As we know, when the Rome branch had sent their last reports, which contains the information on the illegal activities, once again the hotel's name has been mentioned. However, hearing what Glenn-kun had said, it's possible that they will have security tightened even to outsiders!"
"Don't worry about it Irie-kun. He's a leg man," she added with a smirk, knowing what they were thinking. "I could go in if you really wanted me to, but isn't there someone else fully qualified to go undercover as well?"
To make her point more obvious, she turned her gaze to Bianchi, everyone else's gazes following hers. The men just blinked in surprise, quite simply forgetting they had a candidate on their team. Gakudera's face went pale, as he finally realized what exactly Suzume was trying to do.
"Oh! That would be perfect!" Ella and Stella exclaimed.
"But… She can't move about on her own. She would still need to be escorted by a very, very nice gentleman. If it's just a normal meeting at hotel I can g with Bianchi, but since this is an infiltration mission I can't possibly go with her," Said Suzume as her gaze landed on Reborn, yes, the World's Greatest Hitman named Reborn.
Reborn blinked his eyes for awhile, before he finally gets what Suzume was trying to say. He smirked as he titled his fedora and said, "My, my, getting cocky, aren't you Suzume?"
"Ohohoho…I'm sure you're going enjoying this Mr. World's Greatest Hitman," Suzume said as she smirked cynically. For some reason, everyone seems to have seen two horns and wings appeared on her head and back.
Definitely not a good sign…
"Vongola Nono, I have a request!" Said Suzume so sudden, shocking everyone in the group. "Please allow me to conduct and lead this mission from now."
"What?" Said Gokudera and Ryohei, shock.
"Why…?" Asked Trevor.
"You people might not believe this, but what we're doing is a very serious matter," Said Suzume as she looked at everyone. "As far as I know, Aerial Hotel is one of the popular hotels among the tourists who came to visit Italy, and was known as the legal business. However, it's obviously a cover up for the dark sides, and since this is involving not only Annabelle but also the other victims of human-trafficking, we need cooperation from authorities as well."
"EH!?"
"Why is that!?"
"I have a strong feeling that Annabelle might be at the said hotel," Said Suzume, seriously. "If someone had taken a child of a Mafia Boss, it will be a great lost to kill or send him or her away. Try to think on the opposite side; there might be handfuls of benefits to keep these children hidden in order to get advantages from the parents. However, if Annabelle is one of the victims judging from her abduction and the new information we got about Aerial hotel, there must be lots of girls who're from ordinary people got abducted as well. If Mafia was known to involve in this matter, things get worst and we might be unable to save the girls from that place!"
Everyone went silent, as they finally realized what Suzume was trying to say. It was true, if a Mafia was known to get involve with such matters, things can get complicated and there was a chance that the victims might be killed to avoid troubles. Ignoring innocent people just like that was not Vongola's way to deal with problems.
"I understand Suzume-kun. Don Trevor, on the behalf of the Vongola, I am willingly to help you to search for your daughter," Said Timoteo.
"Father!" Cried Ella happily, while Trevor almost did not believe what he just heard.
"However, everything will be done through Decimo's PA Katagiri Suzume. She will be my representative for this matter," He said as Timoteo looked at Suzume as she nodded her head.
Placing her right hand on her heart, Suzume half-bowed as she said, "Please, allow us to help you and your family, Don Bonfilio."
"Same here and thank you very much, Suzume-san, Vongola Nono…" Replied Trevor as he too, bowed towards Nono and Suzume.
"Alright, get ready!" Suzume clapped her hand once, gaining everyone's attention. "Hibari Kyouya, your mission starts officially! Gather your things and get ready to come here. Irie Shouichi, I want you to investigate certain authorities, I will send the request after this!"
"Roger, Suzume-san!" Said Irie while Hibari just nodded his head, before both of them quickly leave the conference room.
"Colonello-san, Lal-san, I believe I can entrust you two with the administration matters, can't I?" Asked Suzume as she stared at the military duo.
"Of course, kora! Believe in us!" Said Colonello as he wrapped his right arm around Lal's shoulders.
"We would make sure the Guardians who left behind behave and not increasing the paperwork!" Said Lal as she quickly punched Colonello's face, with enough to make everyone sweat dropped.
"Reborn-san, Kusakabe Tetsuya, Sasagawa Ryohei, Lambo, Fon-san, Fran and Bianchi," The said people regained their composed as they were waiting for Suzume's next order.
"I want all of you to come here to assist Hibari in this mission. Bring anything that you can use for this mission and Guardians, don't forget your Vongola Rings!" Reminded Suzume.
"Of course to the extreme!" Said Ryohei.
"Yare yare, Lambo-san needs grape candy…" Said Lambo as he sighed.
"We will be there in mean time, Suzume," Said Fon as he looked at his relative (7). Reborn titled his fedora while Bianchi smiled to her while hooked her arms around Reborn's before they left the place. Suzume looked at Stella who in return looked at her with determination and trust with each other.
"Keep in touch."
"Will do."
With that, the meeting was over, and Suzume left the base along with the Bonfilio family and let the subordinates to watch over the base.
-End of Flashback-
The loud chatter and sounds created from the hustle and bustle of people shuffling about rang throughout the large area together with the constant chiming of the speakers announcing the arrival and departure of numerous flights. Amidst the crowd, Avan Bonfilio stood by the large glass windows, he was calmer than usual as he checked his phone messages. Receiving none, he sighed and pocketed his phone as he returned to watching the people frolic about around him, meeting relatives and friends or looking for their baggage and what not.
He had rushed out to the airport after he was informed to pick someone up from the airport during his family's tea time. At first he really didn't get why he had to go since that time he was discussing with Suzume and his family about their investigation of the perpetrators of their attacks, the illegal activities and the mission. However, when Suzume received a phone call from her acquaintances and mentioned who it was that he needed to meet, Avan quickly understood the reason why.
The Vongola Guardians and members were coming to Rome.
After making some quick preparations and changing into casual clothes, he immediately headed straight to the airport, feeling excited and nervous at the same time. Excited because his family had finally reconciled with the Vongola and nervous because he was going to meet some of Vongola's powerful Guardians and acquaintances. However, due to these reasons, he had unfortunately forgotten to ask Suzume about the most crucial information he needed to know.
He really forgot to ask the time of the Vongola's flight.
Damn it to hell.
Grumbling to himself, he checked the time once more on his watch and sighed. Thirty more minutes until the Vongola's private jet arrived and already, he'd been in the airport since an hour ago and he had resisted the urge to bang his head against the wall for all the hurrying and rushing that he did. His stomach's growl also did not help his situation as it increased his annoyance and realized that he did not eat anything for lunch and just going to sleep right after he returned from Vongola's base. Luckily though, he wasn't alone.
"Here, nii-san," Avan looked over and saw Glenn was handing him a big plastic bag contains food. He took it from his half-brother and sat down to eat, followed by Glenn.
"So you're grabbing some food?" Asked Avan as he looked inside. "You buy this too much!"
"I know you're hungry. You didn't come for lunch just like Suzume-san," He said as he opened a wrapper and ate chicken shawarma (8). "Besides, before father met with Vongola Nono this afternoon, don't you think she seemed a bit panic before?"
"Huh, you mean when she received a call during the reparations was held?"
"Yeah, her face changed dramatically and if I'm not mistaken, she mentioned something about suicide. She quickly left the base for a while, and if I'm not mistaken Ella said that she seems to have some argument with the caller."
"How long before father met Nono?"
"I think…30 minutes before that. And when she came back, she looked a bit depress. Something's not good, I can tell," Glenn took a last bite before he crumpled the wrappers and threw it into the dustbin. He grabbed his plastic bag and grabbed a large cup smoothie. "Uh...I wish they have chocolate smoothie…"
"What you have?" Asked Avan as he ate his burger.
"Mint with whipped cream…"
"And what you got for me?"
"Lemon with orange…"
Avan just chuckled as he quickly finished his burger. He is really hungry that he takes his second meal –chicken shawarma when he saw a group of people in suits among the crowded people. He quickly pulled out a photo from his pocket and looked briefly. He was slightly squinted his eyes to see over the throng of people crowding the area. A second later though, he saw the black fedora with a single yellow stripped; just like what he saw in the photo, followed by several people behind him just several feet away from one of the gates.
He quickly ate his shawarma and took a few gulps of his smoothie; almost choking himself in the process (worrying his brother a lot) before he stood up and went to the direction where Reborn was. When he finally met the group, he was meeting with the owner of the fedora with a chameleon that strangely, crawled over his fedora.
"Greetings," He said, while Reborn looked at him calmly. Both brothers felt nervous as Reborn and the others did not say anything, until Reborn reached his fedora and titled it up.
"Are you the ones that Suzume send to pick us up?" Asked Reborn.
"Yes, we're from the Bonfilio Family," Said Avan in polite manner. Apparently he had taken care for diplomatic as well as public relations form his father. "My name is Avan Bonfilio, and this is my half-brother Glenn."
"Nice to meet you, I'm Reborn," He said as he shook hands with the brothers. "And this is my acquaintances, which among them are Decimo's Guardians."
Avan nodded his heads, as he slowly gestured the guest to follow him and Glenn to the parking site. There were two limos that have been waiting for them, and they separated into two groups. Group first was Reborn, Bianchi, Hibari and Kusakabe while the second ones were Ryohei, Lambo, Fon and Fran. Before they went into their respective limos, Avan told them that instead towards the Bonfilio Mansion, they will go straight to the base.
"Lady Boss' orders," Said Glenn as he grinned.
Noen of them were saying anything, but went into the care silently. Along the way, none of them could predict what would happen or what kinds of plan Suzume had made. No matter what everyone had thought, there was only a single statement that can descript their current situation:
The mission in the Rome had finally started.
End of Chapter 11
Hints or Explanations:
(1) Hi-chan – If everyone don't remember, this is one of the Hibirds that Hibari gave to Suzume as alternative communicator.
(2) Suzume was deadly allergic to any kinds of alcohols and liquors –This condition is never been explain throughout the story so here's a bit explanation on how Suzume is said to be deadly allergic to alcohol or liquors. Suzume, like any other people originally can consumes any kinds of beverage or foods that contains alcohol or liquor such as sake and mirin (which are widely use in Japanese cuisines; sometimes even tamagoyaki and miso contains sake).
However, for some unknown reasons her body suddenly developed resistance against alcohols and liquors, that, even if she takes a drop of it, her body will rejected almost immediately and almost got she killed. While it can be considers as 'allergy shock', Suzume's reaction was very strange and rare that the doctors immediately forbidden her from taking any kinds of foods or beverage that contain alcohol and liquor. According to Arashi, Suzume had stopped herself from the said foods and beverages at the age of 12, and never touched them for the last 16 years.
(3) Kusogaki – Means damn brat.
(4) Trevor's predecessors –Trevor means that through his father and grandfather, he had known about the mischievous things done by the Vulpa Family including their intention of marrying their daughter off to the Don Vongola.
(5)Before Suzume-san went to Rome for her emergency mission– The real reason why Suzume went to Rome was to investigate the illegal prostitution and human-trafficking activities in Rome. However, when Irie told her that Vongola Rome Base was unreachable for almost two weeks, she decided to go to Rome earlier than being plan to investigate the sudden lost connection with the said base, thus making it from ordinary to emergency mission. Interestingly, she somehow met with the Bonfilio Family before getting involved far from what she planned.
(6)Columbina Mask – It is a type of masks wore by people during the Venice Carnival. Also known as Columbine and as a Colombino, it's a half-mask, only covering the wearer's eyes, nose and upper check. It is often highly decorated with gold, silver, crystals and feathers. It is held up to the face by a baton or is tied up with ribbon as most other Venetian masks. Named after a stock character in the Commedia dell'arte; Columbina was a maidservant and soubrette who was an adored part of the Italian theatre for generations.
It is said it was designed for an actress because she did not wish to have her beautiful face covered completely. In fact, the Columbina is entirely modern creation, since there are no historic paintings depicting its use on the stage or in social life. While both men and women now wear this mask, it began as a woman's analog to the bauta.
(7) Fon's relative – As we know, according to HaruHaru Interview with Fon in vol. 31, it was revealed that Hibari and Fon was related to each other. In this story, Suzume is also Fon's relative since she is Hibari's cousin, related through Suzume's father and Hibari's mother. From family standard, Fon can be considers as Suzume's distant uncle.
(8) Chicken Shawarma– One of Middle East's food. Shawarma is like a wrapping kebab using a very thin, round bread with French fries, salads and meat; chicken, lamb of beef. I had ate it during my university life and it's really good, however I think the sauce depends on the chief, mine was chili sauce with mayonnaise.
I re-read manga 'NANA' and watched Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica (which the screenwriter is Gen Urobuchi who involved in Psycho-Pass) as well as listening to its OST. I listened to one of the OSTs named 'Decretum' while reading NANA and I cried very hard since I was reading the parts where Ren passed away and how the people around connected to him cried too much due to his lost. Unfortunately NANA was put on hiatus since Yazawa Ai-san was sick before, and it was unknown when she will be able to continue it.
The next update will be a little bit later than now. By the way, thank for those who read, liking, following and reviewing this story, I really appreciate it. Don't forget to check my community 'Reaching for the Light'! I hope that my dear readers would love it.
-Aoi Kitsukawa-
