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: My story finally reaches 100+ FOLLOWERS AND 100 REVIEWS! Thank you so much to the people who're kindly reviewing this story, I really appreciate it!

Also, Eid Mubarak to all of you, hopefully you're having great times with your family and friends!


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: Finally the two Dons –Trevor Bonfilio and Vongola Nono face-to-face with each other and revealed the reasons why the former went against the Vongola after decades of being a neutral party. After the revelations, Suzume finally started the Rome mission with Hibari and several acquaintances came to Rome in order to infiltrate one location –Aerial Hotel.

Meanwhile, Arashi had stumbled upon the memories of the Salkind Incident that belongs to Tsuna, and realizing the faults which people did not realize in the first place, he decided to do more investigation regarding the Vulpa Family…


Destination 13: Rome Arc –Prologue to a Dark Night


I'll keep our promise

Even though

I'll be walking through thousands of thorns upon me

Because fate…

Had started to connect with each other


A pair of brown orbs slowly fluttered open. The room was blurry; he could not see, but the barest amount of light stung his eyes. He could hear sounds around him, although not very clear. His throat was hurt and aching…as if it was burning his throat terribly.

How long had he been sleeping?

He blinked his eyes weakly, squinting.

Where was he?

Nothing seemed to be familiar for him.

He tried to turn his head, but it felt like his head was so heavy it was hard for him to move. He tried to speak, but he couldn't utter a single word out as there was an oxygen mask covering his mouth. He could feel that something sharp in his arm; something sticky was placed on his skins, sooth movements on his head, as someone's hand was gently stroke his brown hair back.

"Tsuna?" a deep, yet gentle voice called. "Tsuna, can you hear me?"

A rough, but gentle hand grabbed his.

'Who? This voice…'

"Tsuna, if you can hear me, please squeeze my hand. You can do that, right?"

'Wha...? My hand…?'

He fought back with the unconsciousness that was pulling him. Soon, the lights became blur than before and before he knew, the darkness had surrounding him.

But the same gentle hand held his.

Tightly.


-Autumn, Sunset of October 2, Vongola Rome Base, Italy; Day 11 of Tsuna's disappearing-

Despite seeing the base on the live stream, Reborn still believed that the condition of the base was still in bad shape; no matter how fast or many people to repair it still impossible to make it less miserable from its original state. He also expected several men from the Bonfilio family to be seen at the compound area, surveying the hidden base. However when the limo reached the back of the base (they went through backdoor to avoid enemies), he was surprised that almost no one was staying outside.

After unloading the luggage from the bonnet, Avan led the group and knocked the door three times; a sign made by Suzume to make sure it was companions or allies and not some strangers trying to get through the door. The plane wood door slowly opened, revealed a young man with short, shaggy dark blue hair, a handsome young man with green eyes and black hair and a young girl with emerald eyes and long raven hair who called Avan 'nii-san!' before they went inside. Avan introduced them; Waldo and Ella Bonfilio –his siblings and Leon, his subordinate. They walked further inside and the sight they saw was something they almost unable to believe.

The base was dark, however there was still some light entered the operation room. It was full with files, papers, photos, handwritings on the white board, which written in English language; the person who wrote this must be someone who was very influence in English based on the words and spelling that this person had used. The windows were closed; the tables were pack with piles of papers, files, etc. The soft boards and white boards were filling with attaching papers, photos and writings, the small and large screens showed information, maps and videos, showing how much work had done in this big room. And it was done in half a day too.

Reborn could spot the tall, black hair woman who was writing something on the whiteboard while giving orders to the other subordinates; apparently only selected people from their newly allied family can be in the base, and that included the grown-up children of Trevor Bonfilio, since the boss was also there. He typed something furiously while took a large gulp of water, as he looked exhausted than before. When Suzume passed some papers to other subordinate, she saw the group finally arrived and quickly jumped over the fence of the base, successfully shocking everyone in the base.

"You're finally here!" She claimed as she jumped and landed onto the floor happily. Despite her messy hair, pale face and shadows under her eyes, she still energetic, especially since her friends were here. "Welcome to the base!"

"So energetic, but you still look horrible despite that," Said Reborn as he ruffled her hair.

"So meanie!"

"Lack of rest is the enemy of beauty and love," Said Bianchi, which earned sweat dropped on most people in the group except Reborn, Fran, Fon and Hibari.

'What does love have something to do with the exhaustion and beauty!?' They taught.

"Hmm…it's been repair," Said Fon as he looked around.

"Well…at least enough to have our investigation going this far…" Said Suzume as she looked at Hibari. "Sorry Kyouya for suddenly coming here. Did you bring anything from Otomi?"

"Yes, I did…" He said as he handed her a large shopping bag. "Otomi-san asked me to hand this to you upon reaching the base. What exactly you want to do with your shikifuku (1)?"

"Ahh…! Suzume-san, Stella-san asked me to give this to you too~!" Said Fran as he suddenly appeared and handed her a large bottle of sake. "She said that this is the second last she had in her possession so use it well."

"Oh my, it's omiki (2)," Said Kusakabe as he eyed the large bottle. "Uhh…do we have some sort of purification ceremony?"

"Sort of," She said casually, earning everyone's a question stare at her. She put both items on the table and grabbed two empty bottles. "By the way…"

"HOW LONG ARE YOU GOING TO HIDE YOURSELF YOUR STALKERS!?" Screamed Suzume madly as she suddenly threw the bottles with a precision that would make most hitmen jealous. Both Lambo and Ryohei had to jump back from being hit by the unexpected supersonic throw courtesy of Suzume, followed by sounds of something was hit hard by the bottles. The others stared with shock when they heard several voices grunted in pain as the bottles rolled over the floor helplessly...

…And the mist that slowly dissolved.

"OUCH! THAT HURTS!"

"Muu…! I don't expect that she knows us here..!"

Fon widened his eyes as he recognized the latter voice. He quickly pushed the mist and revealed Mammon/ Viper, Lussuria and a gag-and-tied-up KIKYOU of Gesso Family!

"VIPER!?" Said Fon as he saw the female illusionist (3) and quickly reached her. Lambo and Ryohei went to Kikyou and Lussuria before freeing the Gesso Cloud Guardian.

"What are you three doing here?" Asked Reborn in amused. He can assumed why Mammon and Lussuria came, but why did Kikyou come here as well?

"That's supposedly my question…!" Said Kikyou as he took a relief breathe before took the mineral bottle from Avan. "I came to the Vongola HQ to send some reports when both of them dragged me out of the blue and hid within the illusion while following you guys!"

"WHAT!?"

Suzume twitched as anger vein popped on her cheek.

"But why? Lussuria don't you have any works to do?" Asked Ryohei.

"Mouu! I heard that Suzume-chan is going an undercover mission so I wanted to give her my make-up set!" He said as he showed the group a large brown box. "So I went to the HQ but found out she's already gone. Stella-chan asked me to follow you people when Mammon came by and dragged us along the way!"

"So both of you are victims?" Asked Glenn as he looked at Kikyou and Lussuria many times.

"You can say that I follow them voluntary," Said Lussuria as he smiled.

"And how about Mammon-san?" Asked Lambo. He accidentally glanced over his shoulder and instantly went pale!

Fon smiled, knowing what exactly she had on her mind, "It's alright, and I know the reason why she's here…"

"You shouldn't do that Lussuria!" Said Ryohei. "Following us without telling your group will only snap that strategy captain of yours."

A certain long hair swordsman sneezed loudly. Belphagor claimed that he had released bad viruses towards the prince before he was chased down by the same swordsman.

"Same to you too, Viper..." Said Fon as he helped her on her feet. "Don't tell me that you're worry about us?"

"Wh-who's going to worry about you?!" Claimed Mammon before she turned around. Fon smiled fondly as he held her closer to his side.

"It's OK, I know that…"

Reborn smirked as he saw Mammon's face turned red, Lussuria squealed as he said 'how cute!' while others just smiled (minus Hibari). However the tender moment was dramatically interrupted when suddenly the temperature of the base went down almost immediately. Lambo shrieked and quickly hid behind Ryohei whose closer to him. Everyone turned around and saw a SUZUME-TURN-MEDUSA-MODE stood with dark flames appeared at her back!

"Sorry for interrupting you're so romantic moment, Fon-san, Mammon-san…" Said Suzume as she smiled sickly sweet that even Glenn swore he wanted to run away as fast as he can. Everyone stepped back, Reborn titled his fedora while sighing hopelessly as the scary woman cracked her fists.

"…But I believe it's time for LECTURES!"

Suzume had made the three of them (including Fon) sat down on the floor, and lectured them for carelessly followed the group to Rome and without informing their acquaintances. Reborn had to say that despite everything happened, Suzume still managed to keep her energy to scold the elder people whom she managed to sit like people practicing Sado (4) and kept on reprimanding them, despite her lack of rest and messy appearance. For some reasons he felt at home when he saw the scene in front of him, and Hibari seemed a bit relax as he watched his relatives and acquaintances in amused.

But they did not expect that Suzume really went crazy and lectured (scolding!) those people for 20 minutes straight!


-Autumn, October 4, Namimori General Hospital, Namimori, Japan; Day 13 of Tsuna's Disappearing-

Urgent footsteps ran up the stairs towards the hospital rooms. Seconds later, a worried Sasagawa Kyouko rushed in through the opened doorway. "I'm so sorry. I rushed back immediately when I got your message on my phone. Is something the matter?" she asked.

Sawada Nana, Higashidani Seiryu, Kururgi Suzaku and Katagiri Kakeru were gathering at the seats in front of Tsuna's room. Now, they were there in such situation that people would never believe that they had already been there that morning.

Seiryuu shook his head to indicate that he was not certain either. Andy was in discussion with the other doctors who's in another room, and the 'Tsunagumi' was waiting for his report. All they could do now was to wait. Before, the group had left the room to get some lunch after spending some times with Tsuna from morning, however only Arashi left earlier to stay with Tsuna before Andy followed up. Kyouko went out for a while, before she and the others received an emergency call from Andy and were asked to come together to the hospital.

Minutes later, Andy appeared after his discussion with the doctors and walked into the area. The expression on his face was unreadable, but Kyouko could feel that it was not something they should worry about. Nana, Seiryuu and Suzaku also felt the same.

"Did something happen to Tsu-kun?" Asked Nana, worriedly. Andy just smiled as he pushed his glasses and glanced at the door where Tsuna was laid.

"Don't worry everyone, nothing dangerous happen to Tsunayoshi-kun. He's finally awakened, but apparently as soon as he opened his eyes, he was unable to resist the sleepiness he had and fell asleep again," Explained the doctor. "We had made sure that his room is lack of light so that when he wakes up, he won't throw a tantrum over the brightness."

Nana and Kyouko held hands with each other while others held out their long breathe. Kakeru seemed clueless about everything but he did realize one person who was absent the whole time.

"Where's Arashi-ojii-san?" He asked.

Everyone startled a little as each of them looked at each other, searching for the said man. Andy just grinned before he explained that Arashi had been staying with Tsuna after lunch, and still with him. Once again everyone breathed in relief when suddenly; Kyouko felt someone tapped her shoulders. When she turned around, she was not expect that she would face-to-face with a pale but curious Sasagawa 'Kurokawa' Hana; her best-friend-yet-sister-in-law.

"Kyouko, is that you?" Asked Hana, who was standing not far from Kyouko.

Everyone was shock to see Ryohei's wife Hana stood near the group, and wondering why on earth she would be in the hospital of all places. Seiryuu and Suzaku looked at Andy; Suzume once telling the three that they need to keep Tsuna's arrival in Namimori as top secret and not allowing others, including the Guardians relatives (Hana in this case) to know that he was here. Unfortunately, they did not expect that they would be found by Hana who's suddenly appeared in the hospital…

Such a good luck!

"Ha-Hana!" Cried Kyouko in shock. "What are you doing here?"

"I'm getting my health result. Why are you here in this VIP room?" She asked when Hana saw the room where Tsuna was placed. It was well-known in Namimori that the general hospital had some VIP rooms for special patients; however it depends on the situation either. When the time of emergency arrived like during the time when Mukuro launched his attack on Namimori Middle School students that caused many students hospitalized, the same room was put into the same status and fee as ordinary room. So it was kind of surprising her to see her best friend was in the area of VIP rooms in Namimori General Hospital.

"Umm…ah, I'm visiting…my friend…" Said Kyouko, nervously. Please Hana, don't look at the room right now…I'm begging you…

"Is your friend that Sawada Tsuna?" Everyone snapped the head spontaneous and shock, while Andy narrowed his eyes dangerously towards Hana. Despite she was an ordinary person; Hana seemed to have sharp observation and sense that usually lacks in commoners.

"How do you know it is Sawada that we're here?" Asked the doctor as he pushed his glasses, seriously. He had promised Suzume to protect Tsuna and keep his location in secret, so he had to be careful with this person who seemly can see everything so easy. Not to mention that he still had the bastard stalker to investigate who following Kyouko before.

Hana narrowed her eyes as she eyed the doctor, "Just like Kyouko, I am well-inform of the Mafia world by my husband Sasagawa Ryohei." Andy almost fell on the floor comically; damn his suspicious was useless! "Besides, two days ago I went to her workplace and Miyabi-san told me an emergency had happened and Sawada's name was mentioned that time. I also saw you people in the cafeteria yesterday, looking all gloom. Plus Iemitsu-san was abroad for work and Nana-san is here, so who else is in the hospital none other than him?"

Andy pinched his nose, feeling his heart beat increased. Damn she's so sharp, he wondered what Suzume would do if she was in this kind of situation? To ask her right now was out of question; that woman was in Rome for mission and calling her out of the blue would be a death penalty for her in fear of revealing her undercover mission. He also not yet calls her that day…

"And may I know who you are, sensei? You seem really close with Nana-san and Kyouko almost to the point of suspicious."

"I am Andou Kazumasa, one of the panel doctors in this hospital as well as the Sawada Family's personal doctor," He said, eyeing Hana for a while. "I'm an acquaintance and childhood friend of Katagiri Suzume."

"Suzume-san!?"

"Seems to me that you know her, but never mind that…" Andy sighed silently as he put his hands in his pocket, "Sasagawa Hana-san, how many weeks you are?"

"Eh?" The ladies looked at him strangely. What did he say…?

"You're pregnant," He said as he leaned against the wall gently, making Hana widened her eyes in surprised. "Your face is pale, you don't look like a person who is comfortable in this place's air, and your hand," He pointed at her left hand currently placed. "You put it on your stomach in protective way…"

"Which usually done when a woman is pregnant."

"I'm…in week 6," She said, slowly while blushed. It took a while to answer since he managed to catch her off guard by mentioning her symptoms of pregnancy so easy. She had to say, this person is almost as mysterious as the first PA of Sawada Tsunayoshi, Katagiri Suzume. She can read a person and easily told him or her from where or how he or she got the injuries.

Kyouko and Nana gasped in surprised, before they went to her side and hugged her. Seiryuu and Suzaku congratulated her, while Andy calculated the date of the pregnancy; Suzume told him that the Guardians left the Vongola Mansion for missions after the Salkind Incident on 19th August, and now it was 4th October. So instead of carrying his mission Sasagawa Ryohei actually went back to Japan and met his wife?

So Hana must be known what had happened the last one month and half, right?

"Put that aside, I want to know why everyone is here?" Asked Hana as she took a breather. "Is something wrong with Sawada?"

Andy stared at the pale but curious young lady, before he slowly turned around and walk away. "I wish I could tell more, but will you please come with us?"

"Why?" Despite the argument, Hana just followed the group without hesitation.

"You can say that…something ironic had happen to him…"

"He's what…?" They finally reached the room where Tsuna was placed. As Andy was about to open the door when he heard a soft, gentle voice….singing.

'This song?' Thought Andy, shocked. 'Could it be...?'


-Autumn, Night of October 2, Vongola Rome Base, Italy; Day 11 of Tsuna's disappearing-

Reborn read the reports that he had in his hand while took a bite of his egg sandwich. Apparently the reports were about the routes of the illegal human-trafficking that happened in the Vongola territory and where the routes ended which surprising him a bit; it appears that the entire routes will stop exactly at Rome. However where the victims were taken was unknown.

Hibari, Fon, Bianchi, Kusakabe, Mammon, Lussuria and Kikyou were studying the maps of the oldest city with the Bonfilio family, pinpointed where to go and where to hide or waiting for signals. Currently Irie had contacted Suzume and said that he managed to find an officer that might help them due to some personal affairs. Reborn glanced at her, realized that Suzume look surprise as she looked at one of the international investigators on the screen; one of them named Mariska Tunnie.

"Seriously!? She's an officer of Italian DIA (5)!?" Reborn felt a bit amused when he realized that Suzume tried to search for official helps regarding their current mission. However, searching for help from the DIA is the least thing he ever expected.

He saw Trevor explaining to the group about the location of the hotel and what the advantages and disadvantages they are going to face. He saw the young girl named Ella came by with a young man (if he remember correctly) named Leon, carrying two paper bags and put them on the table. He saw Suzume picked up her phone and her expression changed from shock to excited.

"Everyone, gather here! I've got the blueprints of Aerial Hotel!" She said loudly as she snapped her phone and turned around.

Everyone that related to the mission gathered at the round table on the platform base. Suzume pushed a button on the computer and revealed a large screen with blueprints and maps on the screen.

"I just received some mails from my friend and he send me this," Suzume wore a special made dark gloves and touched the screen, waving and pushing the visual to reveal a blueprints of Aerial Hotel. "This is the first stage of Aerial Hotel's blueprint that he managed to send to us for the time being."

"Oh my, that's fast," Said Lussuria before he remembered something. "Is your friend a hacker?"

"A little bit, but not entirely, why Luss?"

"Why do you say that this is the first stage of the blueprints? Could it be that he's having a hard time to get the results? Could it be this is the front appearance of the hotel?"

"Yes, apparently the hotel had a very tight security that my friend had to use other ways to get the current result, which is obviously suspicious for an ordinary hotel like Aerial Hotel. What he sends to use is the basic blueprint of the hotel, which is that any hidden or secret rooms is not available on this screen," Explained Suzume as she shoved the front print and revealed the whole building structure. "Even so, he said to me that for infiltration for information gathering, this first stage is enough."

Reborn narrowed his eyes. The hitman tried to search for the main office or the director's, while everyone was looking at the print with different thought. Fran looked forward when he realized there was one part of the print that covered with white dots.

"Suzu-san, what's that white dot?" He asked while pointed to the dots. Everyone looked up and saw the dots, which some were moving and some were not.

"It's the people in the building," She said as she narrowed her eyes. "Apparently my friend uses a moving target to see which room we need to investigate. So far, the main longue is out of question," She touched the said place and pushed aside from the print, revealing the real picture of the longue.

"It's a common area Suzume. Try searching at the first floor," Said Reborn as Suzume followed his instruction. "Is there any rooms that can be use as an office?"

"The hotel has 8 floors excluding the ground floor," Said Glenn as he flipped his files. "The ground floor is for main entrance, big stairs that lead the guests to the rooms or for staff room, a bar and any basic facilities. First floor is for spa, game room, smoking room and casino. Second floor up to eight is the guest rooms with each floor had staff room and storage."

"What's the red dot for?" Asked Kusakabe, curiously.

"If I'm not mistaken, it's for the staff…" Said Suzume as she looked at the screen. "If we can get rid of the white dots and only red…" She quickly typed and successfully gets rid of the white dots. "BINGO!"

"Do you get something?" Asked Kikyou.

"I know how to reach the main office," She smiled as she kept on typing. "I have separated the colours of the dots that we refer to as the staffs; blue is for the spa workers, green are for the cleaner, black is for the room service, red is for security, white is for kitchen staff, purple is for ordinary staff and the yellow one…"

"Is for someone who enters the staff room without any interference," Said Reborn as he titled his fedora. "You manage to make it possible, Suzume."

"I had undercover at hotels many times when I was in police force, and based on the movement we should know which staffs they are," Leaned against the computer, Suzume sighed. "Look at the seventh floor. Someone went to the storage room and went through the wall."

"A hidden room?" Asked Fran.

"Could be the hidden brothel since the hotel's security is awfully strict," Said Fon.

"Any clue for the office room?" Asked Avan as he looked at Glenn.

"Well…as far as I remember, the Romano boss knows where the office located. If I'm not mistaken it's at the seventh floor…" Suzume quickly typed on the computer and revealed the blueprint of the seventh floor. "Starting levels six until the top floor, it's a VVIP and VIP rooms so the office might be between these three floors."

"Usually the office won't be at the highest level of the building and it would be replaced as additional penthouse, ball or as seminar hall," Explained Glenn. "So we can erase the 8th floor."

"And we're left with 6th and 7th floor," Said Reborn.

"Or they're probably hidden from this blueprint," Said Suzume. "My friend said it will take a while for him to recover the second blueprint which contains the hidden areas as well, so we need to investigate the hotel tonight and gain as much information as we could."

"But we don't know where the office was located, Suzume-san. Do you know where to get the information other than the office?" Asked Kikyou.

"Aside from the office, the next place we can get the information is the security room," She said as she touched the screen and revealed the security room. "The security room has many surveillance videos where the guards can watch over them 24/7. If we go there, we can search the office easier than just investigate each level."

"And we can go to the staff room as well," Said Trevor as everyone looked at him. "Some staff room is for management and administration. Perhaps some files are place there and we can search from there too."

"Do you think they can put the important ones at such exposed place?" Asked Mammon.

"We can try their computer system and hack from there," Said Trevor as he smiled. "I've done that many times when I was young."

"As expected from the boss…!" Said Suzume as she clapped her hands. So, our first plan to gather information is clear. Next, for the people to go to the hotel tonight are…"

"Reborn-san!" Reborn looked up and stared the dark hair woman.

"Bianchi!" The pink-hair woman looked over her shoulder with shock.

"Fon-san!" Mammon and Fon looked at each other with shock.

"…And me. That's all for the people to go there tonight," Said Suzume as she took another file and opened it. "I had ask Glenn about the hotel's activity and from what he had gathered, apparently tonight will be the time for the bar manager to work for his night shift. There will be a stage performance for the visitors tonight."

"Not all of us will go there tonight?" Asked Ryohei.

"No, it's just for information gathering. Until we confirm whether it's true that hotel is connected with many flaws (she refers to the missing Annabelle and the illegal activities) then we can set up the next strategies," Explained Suzume. "Lussuria, do you still have your make-up box?"

"Of course Suzu dear, right here," He said happily. "Could it be that you require my make-up skill for this mission?"

"Definitely need it!" She said as Suzume beamed happily. "By the way, we will go to the said location after dinner. Right now, I need everyone to return to the Bonfilio Mansion for better preparation. The base will be closed for tonight and nobody is allowed to be here until next day. Oh Trevor-san, you don't mind for additional guest, right?"

The fatherly boss laughed loudly as he said, "No, of course not! My wife and children will be happy to receive more guests, and my dear Samantha surely would love to show you her collection!"

"And I can choose for the accessories too!" Claimed Ella. "I'm dreaming to become a beautician and fashion designer so I can help with the undercover too…! Glenn, what the hell with your face!?" Everyone laughed when they saw the sibling's fight. Reborn grinned as he looked at Suzume, who nodded her head, understood what he was trying to say. The mission might be hectic, fast and crazy, but somewhere along the way they could still receive the warm feelings from these people.

Everyone quickly gathered things, closing the doors and windows and shut down the power supply and out of the base. Letting the rest except for the limo that carrying Suzume, Reborn, Bianchi, Hibari and Kusakabe left, Suzume went to the other side of the warehouse and pinched a hidden button. Slowly, an indigo mist appeared and covered the base, and changed its view into an old, half-collapsed building.

"Paulo's doing," She said as she joined the group, knew that everyone was curious with what had happened. "When I reached here, his power still available which means that he's still alive, and used his Mist flame to hide this base during his last moment."

"I really don't know where the hell our members had disappeared to…" Said Hibari as he followed the group to the limo.

"I really want to know why, too…" Said Suzume as she opened the door and went into the limo. At the moment she opened the door, she secretly flicked her fingers and quickly went inside. Despite it was not as loud as normal people would do; she knew both Hibari and Reborn heard the sound as both of them glanced at her before staring into their own space.

What they did not know was, right after the limo left the compound area, a dim light slowly appeared and engulfed the base before it changed completely into a thick forest, successfully hid the base from any eyes that trying to pry on it.


It was dark.

Tsuna was vaguely aware of his surroundings or lack thereof as it were. His eyes slid open slowly taking in the darkness. It felt like it was a cold vast emptiness. He felt…empty, lost. It was not long before the young man sensed something warm held his hand and turned quickly to see his second PA, Katagiri Arashi sat next to his side, looking calmly at him.

"Arashi…san…?" Tsuna whispered softly and noticed that his hand that was held by Arashi was shaking.

"Am I…already death?"

Arashi did not say anything.

"I guess this really means I am dead…" The young man smiled and laughed slightly at himself, though his eyes could not hide his concern and sadness.

"Or you just feel asleep for awhile and wanted to keep me company." Arashi chuckled a little. He then slowly touched the wrist which was bandaged by the doctors, earning a shock glance from Tsuna.

"I heard everything from everyone…from Nana-san, Sei-kun, Suzaku, Kyouko-san, Andy…I'm sorry for not being with you during that moments…"

Tsuna looked up and smiled slightly as tears began to fall gently down his cheeks. "I'm sorry…" Arashi moved closer and wrapped his arms around the weak young Tsuna. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't do this…but…but I…"

"It's not your fault for what had happened Tsuna."

His soft, gentle words had made the poor man cried as Arashi held him tightly. He stroked his hair and patted his back, trying to calm him down. Slowly, he took a deep breath, and started to sing s a song…

Seven Spring Herbs,

Shepherd's Purse...

At the same time, Andy was about to open the door when he heard a soft, gentle voice….

'This song?' Thought Andy, shocked. 'Could it be...?'

Ere do the Western Birds.

Andy looked at the others who also looked at him, showing that they too, heard the song. Raising his hand, he slowly opened the door and saw Arashi, sat on the bed, smiled gently as he sang the song. His deep, gentle voice that sang the song somehow managed to calm down the sad young Tsuna. The young man breathed slowly since his body was still weak; nevertheless, he managed to relax his body in the elder man's arms. His lively black eyes were close, showed that he harmonized himself with the song, created such a nostalgic and lovely scene; like a father who was singing to his newly born baby. His right hand kept stroking the youth's brown hair, slowly, but surely, made Tsuna calmer than before.

To the Land of the East...

At the same time, Andy could see a part of his past memories; the memories when he saw a young girl, with the same song and smile, holding a small child in her arms, singing lovely. The tremor of her voice singing to the small child was so nice, which making Andy's tear appeared on his right eyes, and his right hand slowly rose up, shaking. Nana and Seiryuu saw it too, as they looked at the doctor with concern and worry.

'Ahh…' He thought. 'It's this song...'

Come across the sea to roost.

Everyone was speechless as all of them looked at how fatherly, Arashi was. Singing a song that they never knew what kind of title is, Arashi managed to calm down Tsuna who was in his arms. He slowly rocked his body as he tried to make the young man calm; liked he was a baby. Even Hana, who was next to Kyouko watching the whole scene did not do anything towards Arashi and decided that she knew Arashi was doing the best for Tsuna.

Arashi leaned down and let his cheek against the youth's hair, felt him nuzzled closer. He just let Tsuna leaned against him, who was savoring his warmth. After a while, Arashi started to hum a little.

Tsuna's half-close eyes seemed heavy when he heard the humming. He is so . . . out of tune, he thought bluntly. Nonetheless, the hum carried deep into his chest, giving off a soft vibration that was somewhat soothing. And the way he continually ran his fingers through his hair made Tsuna sleepy even more. The exhaustion from the shock he received that day, plus with his weak body was catching up with his.

"You sing it," Tsuna jolted from his arms in shock as Arashi glanced over his shoulder and saw the glasses doctor stared at him with unreadable face. Arashi had to hold Tsuna who's suddenly in pain due to his sudden movement, making Kyouko and Nana went to his side with worry.

"That song..."

"Yes, it's that song."

"It's her song..."

"Yes, what's wrong Andy?" Arashi said as he slowly, but gently, placed the young Decimo back on his bed, and patted his hand over the head that wrapped with bandages.

Andy was silent. He knew that no matter what he said, Arashi would always have his own ways to counter-back his words. Not only because he was a doctor (a former one actually), it is also because he lived with a certain person that Arashi seemed to adapt some of the personality of the said person, which Andy himself doubt he ever managed to counter this person's words at all.

But Arashi had sung this song...

"Did you remember something? You're crying…" Andy jolted in shock as he quickly wiped his tears away, making Arashi frowned. He knew that the song he had sung had something to do with their pasts; something that he hoped he could forget about but impossible to do so. Then he realized that Sasagawa Hana was standing among the people at the entrance. He smiled as he gestured everyone to sit down as he raised himself from the bed. Tsuna was surprised to see his former classmate and probably sister-in-law, since he never expected Hana to know what had happened to him, adding his wariness.

As he pushed a chair for Nana, Andy came by and whispered something at his ear. His eyes went wide and said 'Are you sure about this?' before Andy nodded his head. Interestingly, Arashi just grin like a silly child as he made a hopeless face, while Andy just chuckled lightly, earning everyone a question mark on their head.

When Kyouko poured the tea for everyone, Hana sat not far from the bed, yet she could not help but keep on staring at Tsuna's left wrist, which without any doubt, making Tsuna a bit restless. It was bandaged and an IV was attaching on the same hand too. Hana only have one thing in her mind; Tsuna had attempt a fail suicide.

"Hana-san," Hana looked up and saw Arashi who was holding his cup. "When Ryohei-kun arrived here a month and half ago, did he mention anything to you?"

Hana shook her head, since she knew Arashi might have got the news of her being pregnant. "He didn't tell me anything despite his return was rather surprised. But I do remember that day he looked too awful as if he had some sort of illness or having terrible stress. However, he never told me anything or what kinds of problem he had. He stayed at my parents' house for three days before he left for his mission."

"Your parents' house?" Asked Andy as he took a sip from his cup.

"Whenever onii-chan left for mission or had to work in Italy, Hana-chan will stay at her parents' home. It's much safer like that," Explained Kyouko.

"And during that stay both of you have…?" Hana blushed as she nodded her head. She felt embarrassing to say that she and her husband had slept together to outsiders (out of her family), but she felt like Arashi had something more than just asking a simple question.

"Did he mention where he had gone to?"

"I'm not sure…but he was very quiet when I asked him that question. He asked me to take care of Kyouko and told him if something happened to her…"

"Which you didn't."

"What do you mean Arashi-san? I hope you can explain the whole situation that you people keep in secret as well as why Sawada was here instead of Italy, trying to commit suicide."

"Hana-chan!" Cried Kyouko, terrified. While she did not see the scene of the incident, Kyouko remembered well how much blood was covered on Seiryuu's blood. Remembering the moment was enough to make her terrified since Tsuna almost got himself killed.

Tsuna turned his face away from them, refused to see their reaction. He felt his tears were gathered in his eyes and were about to fall when he felt the same hand that held his hand, stroking his head.

"Don't scare them anymore, Hana-san. I just want to know the truth," Said Arashi as he pulled out his cell phone. "I will tell you the whole things, but in exchange, you have to swear 'Omerta' to me and Andy."

"The silent vow? I can understand if it's you, but why to Andou-sensei as well?" Plus, why are you calling him Andy?

"Because Tsuna is leaving the Vongola without anyone's notice except us his PA," Said Arashi, seriously. "None of the Vongola members or the allies knew where he is and how did Tsuna escaped from the mansion and come here. And it seems like Ryohei didn't tell you the whole thing. Fine, I hope you're preparing to hear what the hell is going on in the family and why instead of Italy, even I am here, in Namimori."

Then Arashi told Hana everything from the start of the conflict until when Tsuna was hospitalized due to attempt suicide. When he finished telling everything to Hana, the young pregnant woman was speechless.

"I…I can't believe it…" Hana said as she looked at Kyouko who smiled sadly to her. "…To think things had gone this way…"

"Until now, nobody knows how Tsuna ended up at the Salkind's summer mansion," Explained Arashi. "However, on the day where everything happened, all of the guardians, Iemitsu-san, Dino-san and Basil-kun received a text from unknown number; each of them was given a different text and route to reach the said mansion. Besides, the same day we actually had a meeting with Tsuna regarding financial budget for emergency case but Tsuna was not available and his location was unknown. Several hours later, all of them received the said text and went to the mansion one by one."

"Then how did both of you siblings end up at the mansion?" Asked Nana.

"Kyouya sent me the text and asking us to go there. At that time, both nee-san and I went out for some personal shopping when we received the text. I guess the people who're planning this did not expect us to show up, because when we reached there, almost nobody was there, except two maids that we met separately. One of them showed me room where Tsuna was found, yet when we were about to leave, the maids gone. If what we siblings believe, the mastermind probably doesn't want anyone other than the people they selected through the text come by, but since Kyouya had sent us the test that he received, it spoiled the plan wholly."

"You mean this is all a set up to frame Sawada for something he didn't do?" Asked Hana, looking angry. "Why didn't you say that to me my idiot husband? How come….argh! Now I really piss off with Ryohei! YOU IDIOT BOXER!"

"Hana…calm down…" Said Kyouko, tried to calm her down.

"But how come all of the Guardians refused to believe in Sawada's words?" Asked Hana, looked angry. "I can understand why everyone, even my idiot boxer husband refuses to tell me the situation since it's very complicate, but how come they just ditch him and believe in that slut's words? That bunch of monkeys that I know would never accept such things so easily, and that Gokudera is very loyal to him! To think that he also left Sawada…urgh! Now I really wish that I'm in Italy so I could castrate them!"

"Hana-chan, careful with words…" Said Nana kindly.

"They won't listen…to me…" Everyone looked at the source of voice and saw Tsuna was gripping his blanket tightly.

"Tsuna?"

"THEY WON'T LISTEN TO ME! NEVER!" Cried Tsuna as he turned around, cried. Hana was taken back with his sudden outburst, and Arashi quickly held the brunette's shoulders to calm him down.

"I told them many times that I didn't do it, I really mean it! I NEVER, EVER, TOUCH SOLARIS SALKIND! I DON'T EVEN RAPE HER! I SWEAR!" He cried as tears strained down his face. "But everyone refused to believe me, instead they believe her words! They just left me alone with Romario-san and some of Dino-san's subordinates, ALONE! I was so scared and cold; yet no one looks at me that time and just walks away! If not because of Suzume-san and Arashi-san, I would jump out from the window and better gone died!"

Nana quickly stood up and stroked her son's back many times, trying to sooth his emotional outburst. Besides, she saw Tsuna slowly hyperventilating while trying to speak up what exactly happened to him; she afraid that he would pass out again. Even Andy had to go to his side and done the same thing to him.

"No one…believes…me! E-even…Nono…! Her father…wanted me to get responsible…on-on his daughter…he-he said I could m-marry..." He was gasping for air and being panic by the second. "B-but I can't…I don't love her! I don't even…kno-know her! …I c-can't marry h-her! I on-only lo-loved…Kyo-Kyouko!" He said as he continued to sob endlessly while trying to breathe. Veryone started to worry when he looked like he almost out of breath. Andy was about to reach him when suddenly a pair of hands appeared and held Tsuna's head firmly.

"TSUNYAOSHI-KUN!" Said Arashi sternly, which finally snapped Tsuna from his hyperventilating. He had stopped crying although sniffs and tears still remained. Arashi looked deeply into his eyes before gently; hit his forehead against Tsuna's.

"There's no need for you to depress now," He said gently. "It's not a secret anymore." More tears fell down and Tsuna was trying his best to stop himself from crying, but Arashi held his head firmly he was unable to wipe his tears from his face. It hurt Nana's heart to see her poor son cried, wondering what will Arashi do to stop the tears and calmed Tsuna down.

"But…but I…Hana…san…"

"Idiot Sawada," Hana sighed as she stood up and touched Tsuna's head. "Do you think I'll be easily believed in such things just like your idiot friends?" Arashi let go of his head and Tsuna slowly looked up at Hana who was standing with hands on her hips. "It's true that it's surprising me when I heard everything from everyone here, but after listening the whole story, I realize that if you really want to do such shameful things, surely you won't call your idiot friends to that mansion right?"

Hana got the point. Why doesn't everyone think about it in the first place?

"And a rape victim should already escape rather than staying with her rapist. Besides, Sawada didn't move that time, why she just stay there than running for her life?" Asked Hana. "Is she a Stockholm victim?"

"Nope, she's nothing but a bitch," Said Arashi casually.

Everyone just sweats dropped.

"And I wonder, Arashi-san," Said Hana as she sat down and looked at the said man. "You're Sawada's assistant, right? Why don't you just tell those idiots about the truth rather than troubling yourself by hiding and doing everything in secret? I'm sure they'll listen to you and your sister during that chaotic period!"

"Heh, we did, but it resulted in Suzu-nee punched Ganauche straight to his face!" Said Arashi casually. Tsuna flinched as he remembered the day where Nono and his Guardians confronted him due to the Salkind Inicdent, before Suzume came and took him away from the group, and in the process successfully punched the Lighting Guardian. Whatever he tried to say, none of those people listened to him.

"So even Vongola Nono refuses to listen huh…I thought that he of all people would listen to him…" Said Andy as he looked at Arashi.

"To be honest with you, I was surprise and mad when I hear this Sawada," Said Hana as she looked at Tsuna. "But after I listen to everything, I realize that you're not the guilty one. Moreover, knowing you for such a long time, there's no way you're doing such thing since you're very loyal to Kyouko." Kyouko held Hana's hand, grateful that her best friend trusted Tsuna and did not judging him from one side.

"Just one thing I want to know…" Said Hana as she looked at Arashi. "Why are you doing as much as helping Sawada in such length despite just knowing him less than 3 years? I'm really curious because you even left the Vongola HQ and went here all the way, leaving behind your only sister in Italy to handle everything."

Hana's question had sparked curiousity in everyone that present in the room, including Tsuna and Andy. While Andy knew that the Katagiri sibling wanted to help the poor boss that being accused with the crime he never did, sometimes he wondered why both of them were very protective with Tsuna? They went as far as erasing the traces of the young man who using long distance transportation rather than just aeroplane to return to Japan, protecting him from any harm, stayed with him until Tsuna decided to leave the family in secret and willingly to him with the plan, and Arashi, while return to Japan due to his nephew became the victim of dengue fever, had decided to remain in Japan and moved to Namimori from Kyoto, his original hometown, leaving behind his lone father and a few relatives that can be trust to take care of their family.

Was Tsuna more than just a boss and friend in this sibling's eyes?

From what Andy could see, they seemly caring and very protective with this young man who's now under fragile and weak condition that if one push the button would send him deeper into the valley of despair and shatter his heart. With almost the people that stayed with him before were now estranged, they decided to be with him although it would means that they were against many people for the sake of Sawada Tsunayoshi. Of course, Tsuna was the 'Sky', the one who influences all the elements in the sky, he understands and accepts them; that is the mission of the sky…

So what exactly the 'Sky' did towards the 'Sparrow' and the 'Storm' (6)?

"Why…?" Asked Arashi as he sighed and leaned against his chair. "My answer is simple…"

"Sawada Tsunayoshi-kun had saved us from the despair and pain that we suffered 3 years ago, when we met at Italy that time…"

"EH!?" Said Hana, shocked.

"3 years ago?"Asked Nana.

"Could it be…that time…?" Said Kyouko, this time.

"That time?" Asked Andy, slowly regained his posture. "What is it?"

"3 years ago, after that incident that almost destroying everything we had in our life, both Suzu-nee and I went into difficult situation where it affected us both physical and mental. It was so severe that we're unable to deal the life like we used to be; I got fired from my job as a doctor and people badmouthing at my back while acting like they care and concern, Suzu-nee resigned from her position and worst, her should-be-fiancée had an affair with other woman and they broke off terribly. Our maternal relatives sneered at us for being jobless and even making fun of us; Suzu-nee always went rampage and sent them back with horrible injuries. They're lucky that she didn't decide to kill them off just like that," Confessed Arashi as he frowned and a bit tense; even Tsuna could see how depress he is while telling them the stories. "It's the worse, one-year living hell that time…still wondering how I could survive during that hell…"

"Ahh…that time huh, Arashi…" Said Andy when everyone in the room looked at the glasses doctor. "I know what had happened, and I had to say, during that vulnerable time, both of them became psychologically unstable; they couldn't eat any single food no matter how much we tried to make him eat, especially Arashi."

Tsuna snapped his head as he looked at Andy, shocked to hear that Arashi suffered from depression that prevented him from eating before slowly, a piece of memories came into his mind, whispering the words that he heard during the moment he met with the owner of the voice;

"I had suffered from some kind of problems and you too should know this Tsuna, that being unable to eat means that something wrong happened. Just drink waters wouldn't be enough for the body..."

"Then, what does it do with Sawada?" Asked Hana.

Arashi flashed a sad smiled as he said, "That time, nee-san left Japan and fly to England to visit our friend who lived there. Despite she told our father about her trip to tell me in fear that I'll do something worst, it turns out my father forget to tell me and I also left the house after three days she left, because that time, our father went off to deal with some business. I just thought of Italy and booked the ticket, took the plane and woosh! Gone to Italy."

"Yeah, Kamui-san went panic went he returned home only to find out you're gone. If not because I check on your computer and found that online ticket, surely he would tore apart your house back in Kyoto!" Barked Andy, annoyed. He still remembered the panic and chaotic situation where Arashi just left without saying anything and almost contacting the elder sister when he decided to check on his computer. Still, he couldn't do anything since Arashi left his cell phone at home and without any choice, had to pray that he won't do anything stupid.

"I went to Italy first, before deciding to take another plane to Sicily. I remember that Kyoya told us when he came back to Japan before, that he works at Sicily so I tried to search for him. Unfortunately my body was weak and after wondering aimlessly for two days, I collapsed at some woods which unexpectedly, in the territory of Vongola Family," He said while Tsuna sighed.

"It was…the same day when I first met Suzume-san…" Said Tsuna, slowly. He still feels weak, but decided to tell them the story where he met his PA in Sicily not long ago.

"Seriously? What a coincidence!" Said Hana.

Tsuna just smiled. "I also wonder about that too. I was running away from my paperwork and went to one of the pubs in the nearby town, when I saw Suzume-san for the first time. She was playing piano and the mosaic that she played was beautiful, but…"

"But?" Asked Seiryuu, after long silent. Kakeru already sleeping in his arms so he adjusted the child so that he could sleeps in more comfortable way.

Tsuna made a small, yet sad smile, as he remembered the day where he met the sibling in two separate meetings. After he met with Suzume, they both went for a short walk and stopped at the nearby café for lunch. That was when he found out that the elder woman was just recover from something that affected her physical and mental; proof was that she was unable to take large portion of food no matter how delicious they were. He even realized that, throughout their walk together, hints of sadness, pain and despair were visible even she tried to hide them; pale face, gloomy aura, weak movement…these made him unable to leave the said woman all alone. He spent almost his evening with her before she gently persuaded that he reluctantly return to the mansion where his home tutor hitman Reborn stood at the main door with gun pointed to his head, asking where did he go because the Guardians almost tore the mansion apart in search for their escaping boss minus Hibari and Mukuro who ended up fighting while searching for the said brunette (Tsuna muttered several curses after hearing his two troublesome Guardians before he went and knocked them off much to Reborn's amused).

It was that time he found out about Arashi who was found by Yamamoto and Lambo before the latter decided to take him into the mansion (which Tsuna claimed was something rare from Lambo to make decision on his very own). When he met Arashi, the young man was suffering from eating disorder that he too, unable to eat food, and had the same condition as Suzume. Later on it was revealed that he was Hibari's cousin, and Tsuna spent his days with the siblings in separate meeting the whole week, until when Tsuna had some time with Arashi who finally able to eat, told him about the woman he met at the pub. It earned curiousity from Arashi before he found out it was his missing sister Suzume, much to Tsuna's shock. The two men ended up met the elder sister at the Catacombe dei Cappuccini in the northern city, off the major town of Palermo. And yes, it was the place of tourist attraction where they have many dead corpses preserved in the building!

"But seriously, Arashi! Of all places, why it has to be the Catacombe dei Cappuccini? That corpse museum!?" Shrieked Andy, as Arashi laughed his head off. He knew Andy was not a fan of any gore and bloody things, and corpse or zombie is not his favourite things either.

Therefore, knowing that he and Tsuna met Suzume at such famous yet disgusting place (to Andy!) had irked the glasses doctor!

"We even took some pictures with our 'dear friends', including Rosalio Lombardo (7). Wanna see them?" Asked Arashi as he flashed an evil smirk.

"NO! STAY AWAY FROM ME!" Cried Andy as he pushed his chair away from Arashi. Everyone minus Tsuna laughed lightly.

Tsuna smiled a little before his expression turned sad, "You know…when the Salkind Incident happened…I had believed that…nothing can be done to change back the things that happened…"

"Tsu-kun…"

"Everyone looks at me with cold eyes and some even avoided me…I want to tell them the truth, but since everyone believes in what they had seen in front of their very eyes…I feel like it was useless at all…" Tears gathered in his eyes as Tsuna closed them tightly. "In the end, I couldn't reveal the truth to everyone…instead I'm running away from the problems, the families…like a coward…"

"Nobody says that you're a coward, Sawada. You know that," Said Hana sternly. However, she too felt pitiful with the young man since she could see the stress and sadness from Tsuna.

"But…but…! When I turned down the marriage proposal from the Vulpa Family who said it was the best solution for the problem and can saved me lots of troubles, everyone whispered at my back, saying that I was trying to avoid the responsibility that came from me. My family started to leave me alone in the names of taking missions, Dino-san said I should be more mature and not running away like that…! I don't want that woman to be my wife…! I just want Kyouko…!" Cried Tsuna as he covered his eyes, crying hard.

"WHY NOBODY WANTS TO UNDERSTAND ME AT ALL!?" He cried harder while Nana slowly stroke her son's back in worry. "I SHOULD'VE DIED! I CAN'T TAKE THESE ANYMORE!"

Large hand held Tsuna's head before he was pulled against Arashi's chest. Tsuna was startled before he realized what had happened.

"Don't say such sad words, Tsunayoshi-kun…who says that no one does don't understand you at all?" Said Arashi as he let Tsuna listened to his heart beats.

"It was due to Tsunayoshi-kun that I've manage to come here so far along with Suzu-nee. Even though she did not say anything, I know she too feel grateful that she had met you that day…" Said Arashi calmly. "You had saved our lives from falling far deeper into that awful land of darkness…" His gentle eyes shone with gratefulness and happiness, as he looked at Tsuna who stared at his PA with wide eyes and disbelieve.

"Wha…what…?" Said Tsuna, shaken. "No-no, no, no! I-I didn't do anything that deserves your words! I-I'm just a coward who runs away from the problems…!"

"No, you're not that coward you're trying to say," Said Arashi as he sat down next to Tsuna and held him closer to him. "If you're that coward, then he's not the one who came to my room to calm me down after having my worst nightmares; not the one who always pay some visit to the sick me despite having such tight schedule, not the one who listens to my words when I was too depress and patience urge me to eat even a spoon of food, not the one who always smile from the bottom of his heart…and not the one who helps and encourage me to go and find my sister at the Catacombe dei Cappuccini despite knowing that it was full of corpses…" Arashi chuckled as he remembered the memory of Tsuna almost turned green when they entered the said tourist place before they finally met with Katagiri Suzume. "You're such a kind and thoughtful person, how come that can makes you a coward?"

Tsuna just stayed silent, slowly absorbed what Arashi had told him.

"You know what, Tsunayoshi-kun…when you came to our home in Kyoto along with Kyoya and offered us the job as your PA…we knew that from that moment on, we're considering you as one of our very important people…" Tsuna sobbed silently, trying his best to listen to Arashi's words that kept on touching his heart.

"Someone form the past whom we looked up as sister figure once told us, "No matter what had happened, even if the world is against you, protect the people who're important to you, especially if they really need our help," and we never forgot what she had said, that leader…"

Nana, Hana, Kyouko and Tsuna somehow felt a little bit shock to hear the word 'leader', and wondered what exactly the person he was talking about.

"It's more like our each other's promise…" Said Andy as he pushed his glasses. "We will protect the people who are important to us, no matter what happen…"

"…Even if means that we're walking upon the thorny paths upon our journey…" Said Arashi.

"Because fate had started to connect with each other."

Everyone stared at the duo with strange yet calm feeling; felt a bit worry but at the same time, knew that these people surely would protect Tsuna since they said that they had promise to protect him no matter what.

"So don't worry about it Tsunayoshi-kun. We're going to help you as much as we can, so stay focus on healing yourself OK?" Arashi held Tsuna's face and stared deeply into his sad, brown eyes before brunette closed his eyes and nodded. Arashi hugged the young man and stroke his back gently, trying to sooth his sad feeling. He then looking at the outside and saw the sky had turned cloudy and a bit humid.

He don't mind taking the heavy burdens from Tsuna's shoulders and sharing his pains. He knew Tsuna really needed his and others' support to deal with his current life starting now…

Because, unlike Tsuna, Arashi and Andy, as well as his sister and friends had experienced something far more dreadful and awful, that he did not want Tsuna to face the same kind of experience just like him.

Enough with just him and his friends to have such experience; Tsuna did not deserve to have it.

Arashi won't allow it.

He won't.

They won't.


- Autumn, Night of October 2, Aerial Hotel, Rome, Italy; Day 11th of Tsuna's disappearing-

Bianchi opened her compact powder and looked at her own reflection, trying to search for any faults before a hand appeared and pushed her stray hair behind her ear. She looked up and saw a pair of dark orbs staring at her.

"There's nothing to worry about. You're perfect," Reborn said as he smirked a little. Bianchi was blushed a little. Reborn looked around and saw the other two behind him and he lifted Bianchi's hand, stepping beside her as he slipped it around his arm. Her hand rested lightly on his forearm as he quietly escorted her to the hotel's entrance, followed by his other two companions.

Reborn and his companions finally started their mission of infiltration their target location –the Aerial Hotel. There are several objectives for this mission; to infiltrate and gathering the information regarding the hotel and its staffs, gaining the access to the auction that will be held that week and most important, to confirm and investigate the hotel's relation with the illegal prostitution activity.

Aerial Hotel is one of the most popular hotels in Rome, and it was widely known for its 4 stars service and foods. It has an appearance of modern building, but inside the interior was so beautiful, luxurious and elegant that made many visitors came and left in awe as they never thought they could ever stay in such magnificent hotel. The price per night was not too expensive yet not enough to downgrade the hotel and was even recommended in any blogs, magazines and newspapers.

When they arrived at their destination, they had parked the limo they rented at nearby parking lot but fair away from the CCTV since they didn't want the surveillance cameras caught the image of the driver who, without any mistake was Avan himself. He could control what he wanted to bring, but for safety reason, he needed to hide himself and some people he brought with. Since they had to walk the remainder of the way, Reborn stepped beside Bianchi and resumed the position he had taken as they left the limo. Fon did the same, although he was a bit awkward while escorting his relative with him.

There were security guards at the door, but they didn't bother to check their ID and waved them in. Their eyes had already assessed their values based on the cut of their clothing. Obviously these people were not tourists, but it was common for the hotel to receive customers who came to the hotel to enjoy the bar and restaurant's services. If they were there to freely spend money, they had no reason to turn them away. It was the ones who looked like they might cause trouble that he had to keep an eye on.

Reborn, Bianchi, Fon and Suzume finally entered the hotel and as been expected, here were many people inside even though they just inside the main entrance. Many staffs moved from one place to another, pushing the luggage, carrying some bags, leading the guest to their respective room etc. It was a lively sight, and the decoration inside was grand, elegant, luxurious and beautiful.

"We're finally here," Said Suzume who's now under her disguise. Her black eyes were changed with dark brown and her black hair was now a long, wavy brown hair. Her face was done with makeup courtesy of Lussuria, while her body still clad with the thick coat with fur around her neck and end-sleeves. Bianchi's coat was also from the same type as Suzume. The men wore standard male coat which suit their body proportion perfectly.

Bianchi smiled, Reborn just smirked and Fon nodded with agreement. Touching her winter, fur hat, Suzume walked with confident in the eyes.

Infiltration starts.


End of Chapter 13


Hints or Explanations:

(1) Shikifuku –a ceremonial outfit for onmyouji, a long white tunic with deep sleeves and a pentagram on the back. It is worn with traditional tabi and includes a rosary. Examples for people who wear this full regalia are Abe no Seimei, Sumeragi Subaru and Hokuto in Tokyo Babylon.

(2) Omiki – An alcohol (sake) that has been purified by a Shinto priest and is a customary offering to the god during prayer.

(3) Mammon/ Viper as female illusionist – Despite on the survey conducted several years ago (for anime, if I'm not mistaken) with majority votes that Mammon was a male, during the Representative Battle of Team Fon VS Team Mammon, it was revealed that Mammon had the characteristic of woman; lips gloss which only women been draw like that, heel shoes and her height almost reaching the teenage Belphagor (Viper was already an adult when she was cursed).

(4) Sado – Japanese Tea Ceremony. Kindly ask Daddy Wiki for more information, haha!

(5) Italian DIA – Italian DIA or known as Direnzione Investigativa Antimafia is an organization that against organized crime. This organization also fights against the mafia and its illegal activities such as prostitution, human-trafficking etc. It can be said as one of mafia's enemies since many mafias are dealing with illegal activities that brought income to them.

(6) The 'Sparrow' and the 'Storm' – The 'sparrow' is refers to Suzume, whose name means the bird sparrow, while the 'Storm' is refers to Arashi, since his name means storm.

(7) Rosalio Lombardo – Rosalio is one of the corpses preserved in the Catacombe dei Cappuccini in the northern city, off the major town of Palermo. Her body was preserved in adipocere formation when she died at the age of 2 and has been perfectly preserved over 80 years since her death. It was said that her corpse look like she's still asleep, waiting for the time to open her eyes. However, due to her body started to decompose, Rosalio's body had been placed in place that requires low and humid temperature


Review Replies: I decided to put my replies for the reviews at the end of the story.

Guest and Yue: Thank you very much for your review, I really appreciate it. To be honest, I won't deny the fact of Tsuna's lacking moments and I'm sorry for that; however I do believe that I have to explain once again (despite already mentioning the reasons). As I told in previous chapters as well as in the latest updates of 'Where the Sky Resides', the original stories got crushed alongside with the half-make future chapters and everything got eliminated. In fact, the original ones had more Tsuna's scenes as well as the negotiation between Nono and Trevor like in the last chapter. Unfortunately I don't have any backups for the chapters that been eliminated, I had no choice but to rely on my spontaneous writing, trying to remember any bits of the old chapters (which you had seen, failed).

As for Yue-san, I really want to end the Bonfilio Arc (chapter 10-16) and quickly entering the Rome Arc (current chapter) to avoid complicated story which sadly, happened in chapter 16. I am aware of my readers want to see more canons appear and I tried my best to make it. Special chapters are made to avoid my readers keep on waiting for the next update as well as to summarize the whole story. I hope that you can keep on read my story despites the rising problems.

Ryner510: Thanks for your review. Yeah poor Tsuna but I hope you won't say that I'm such a sadist for keep on 'torturing' him! XD

Morgan: Yes, the mission in Rome is starting in this chapter. For Tsuna's moments…I'll try best to do it, because yeah…since he's in coma before so I thought his moments can be postponed for a while…

akumubride: Hey there! I've been waiting for your reviews! Yeah, my external HD got crush and destroyed everything, urgh!

Sorry for the lack of Tsuna's moments, I had some explanation in lovechild's reply so you can see it there. Yes, right now, the mission in Rome had starts and at the same time, the search of the missing Annabelle Bonfilio also had start! I think you already read where Bianchi was chosen as Reborn's partner but… you need to wait for the next chapter, ohohohohoho~!

lovechild: Hey there, thanks for the review, I really appreciate it!


Lots of people complained that last chapter almost had no 'Tsuna Moments', and despite I did tell my readers about my BIG, UNHAPPY incident with my external HD, I doubt anyone would understand why the last chapter became like that. Besides, the unhappiness continues as one of my favourite stories in KHR turns out to be YAOI! Which makes me feel very unhappy the moment I realize it. However, as long as I ignore the 'yaoi element' and just stick to the plot…well, I guess it's still OK…Nope; I'm not the fan of slash theme! End of the story.

Once again my home went through renovation –this time repainting the windows and walls, repairing the broken or cracking walls, changing locks, repairing broken window etc…lots of work to do! And I actually hated it because when the renovation took places, the dusts from the works piled up and itching my skins. Since I'm suffering from allergies, making contact with dusts or anything that can trigger my allergies equals to living in hell! AAHH!

Until we meet again. Thank you for those who read this story, I really appreciate it. Ja ne. –Aoi Kitsukawa.