A/N
Hello! We're shifting perspectives for a bit to look at Arabella from the outside, see what other people see. Enjoy, please review!
When the plane finally had wheels down in Tokyo, Reborn was relieved. He'd realized in the last few weeks that his tertiary assignment was a barely contained basket case with a fiery temper.
The hitman had narrowly avoided letting loose the full fervor of his rage when the brat had disposed of the Colombian coffee beans he'd received as a gift. It was a loss he felt keenly as the batch had been especially good, espresso laced with exquisite fruity and acidic tones.
What a loss.
He wasn't proud of how he'd snapped, but the incident had forced him to change his opinion of her: the girl was willful and stubborn, unwilling to take an insult lying down. It was yet another inconsistency in her file.
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Readying himself for the door to be opened, Reborn monitored Arabella out of the corner of his eye. Legs crossed up in her chair, eyes closed and breath even, she'd spent the last three hours meditating. It was impressive control for one so young and he hadn't noticed even one slip into dozing off.
She was aware of her surroundings, aware of what was happening even as she removed herself from the flow of movement and command.
Dangerous. She's talented…but loose, without an anchor…without direction. A timebomb...
She's more resilient than Bouche gave her credit for, and more perceptive. She's already identified ways to level out the power dynamic between us…created an opportunity to fire back at me the minute I gave her an opening.
She doesn't accept orders or directions without question. Hm...
Promising.
He reflected again on how the Kan girl had ended up under his authority.
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Mancini had very reluctantly given her file to the Vongola after her last eval showed little progress in the recovery regimen, and one glance at her psych scores had given their specialist pause.
The file had transferred hands through various divisions before it ended up on the desk of the ninth's guardians. It had taken a while for the thick records to receive attention, but when they had, a lengthy meeting had been called.
Nono was intrigued by the girl and a decision was made to use this opportunity to gain a foothold in the academy; Manicini had become unpredictable, and his latest decision in the successorship of the school was unexpected in too many ways. Besides, Nono had other reasons to be suspicious.
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Bouche was ordered to go over the thick reports meticulously, combing the lengthy notes and conversations for inconsistencies and signs of tampering. Nono's instinct had been right, and although the mistakes had been minute and clever, they led to the discovery of multiple fabrications in her story.
Control of Arabella's recovery had shifted further into Bouche's hands as the investigation deepened and the old snake had panicked, sending her away from their direct surveillance and bungling his cover. Arabella was ceded to CEDEF completely, and though the girl was ignorant of the details, she had clearly sensed that something drastic had occurred.
Communication between the two was cut off, and Arabella had thrived.
It was CEDEF that arranged her position with the Bovino famiglia in the countryside, sidestepping complaints and suspicion, twisting the current head's arm to agree. It had come to no one's surprise when Cesarino had welcomed the girl into his home, safely swaddling her in the tradition and structure of their little city.
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CEDEF called her in often for rehab, and Reborn had followed her story loosely after fielding an irate call from Colonello; the girl had rather extreme deflection habits.
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Italy had proven almost miraculous in its impact on her health and adjustment back into society, and despite the tension her presence created, she was clearly improving and regaining functionality. Her monthly check ins with CEDEF advisors had given the Vonogla a chance to get further insight into her mind, and Colonello had been particularly helpful in assessing her from a military standpoint.
The results were a mixed bag.
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On one hand, her recovery had finally made headway and she was returning to a baseline she'd moved away from steadily since her twelfth birthday. On the other hand, there was an alarming amount of memory distortion and developmental stunting that had made themselves known.
Her instability as a hitman caused the organization to question mission 258, and it was unsettling the lack of answers they could glean. Who exactly had cleared it? Why had she been the one assigned so early in her training? What happened in the 27 hours missing from the official record?
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All these questions had only added to the suspicion and caution used to handle her case, even as Iemitsu assigned her a new handler to help heal the damage. The young lion made it clear she was no longer in the red and had tried to remove her name from the list, but official documentation did little to change people's hearts. As far as the mafia was concerned, Arabella was a loose cannon.
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The problem is, her behavior is out of line with Iemistu's statements. It looks like nothing's changed over the past year and a half...
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Rosemary had cited more than 500 incident reports of insubordination, blatant duplicity, and in some cases borderline treachery in the first year of her assignment. The reports had only grown as the Kan girl continued to prove difficult to control, abrupt changes in manner following no discernable pattern.
Rosemary had insisted that there was a logic to the girl's madness, but in the intervening time she'd been dubbed "The Red Jinx" for her track record on the red list and her consistent involvement in failed ventures.
If she wasn't driving someone crazy, she was blowing a plan out of the water. If a plan was going well, she was causing a stir with the higher ups, getting funding revoked due to her sharp tongue and heavy fist. There were plenty of people that had wanted her booted and wiped from the organization, even a few that wanted her name open for hits, and several held Nono's ear.
It was fortunate for her that the boss had a soft spot for troublemakers and youths. Reborn had thought the girl an idiot with a death wish, but his interactions with her were proving these assumptions wrong.
She was smart, careful even.
Unexpectedly, she was also completely invested in the job. She wanted to keep Tsunayoshi safe, for no other reason that he could see then because she'd decided it was right.
Dangerous...that kind of thinking is dangerous...
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After his first week with her he'd requested full access to her records, the unpleasant discovery that the brief summary of the past two years was not enough to prepare him for her personality and abilities.
He'd expected that digging into the past would unveil some of her motives, make clearer her drives and rationality, but he'd come up against an unexpected wall. It was then he recalled the many half ignored phone calls he'd had with Colonello about her case and the academy.
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Apparently her documents couldn't be held credible starting six months into her stay at the school, and Mancini had left out significant portions of classwork, the details of her training trailing off into nothing when questioned.
The process of teasing out the truth was complicated, and her family background had evidently never been recorded. This was suspicious in ways the wider public was unaware of, and it had given Reborn reason to call the sky arcabaleno to demand a full explanation.
An hour of talking only cemented Reborn's realization that Nono was really asking him to play detective. Neither Rosemary nor Colonello had been able to get anything from the girl about her past, and Colonello had the strangest theory that she couldn't speak of it.
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"Mah, Reborn, it's not a simple case, kora."
"So I gathered."
"Don't sound so irritated, kora! We're all annoyed, kora, and you just got on the case!"
"I've been aware of it since it went to Bouche. Nono mentioned Mancini's been…questionable…for a while. I assume the boss has had him on his radar for a few years."
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Colonello sighed deeply, voice dropping lower.
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"Well what did you expect? He came back different after attending high school. You can't expect me to believe that Nono really thought the school had no part in the…incident."
"Mm."
"That's it? Well whatever, we're handling her case now, although it's a little too late, kora. That bastardo did something to her, kora!"
"What are you thinking?"
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He could almost hear Colonello's face darkening, fists clenching in anger.
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"He trained her differently, he was preparing her for something, but we can't get at what. No one can, kora."
"And that makes you angry? Ridiculous."
"No. Not the training, not the hidden mission. It's the timing. Whatever he did, it was too soon: she wasn't ready, kora. She's…she's the way she is now because of whatever he taught, however he got inside her head. He skipped steps, kora! There's a reason you're supposed to have a one-to-one relationship with your teacher, kora, why we hold people accountable. Asshole's had too much leash for too long kora. Rose and I have gone over the record a hundred times but there's nothing to follow, kora."
"Why not just ask the girl? Bring her to T&I and let them grill her?"
"Bastardo, don't you think we've tried!? She can't answer, she doesn't know, kora!"
"Lies."
"Reborn, I'm serious, she doesn't know kora."
"You must've failed to interrogate her correctly. Were you directly involved? Or was Grennada? Are you going soft because she's a girl? Make you think of Lal?"
"Watch yourself, Reborn. Keep Lal out of it."
"Hm."
"…"
*sigh* "Well if that's not it, what is it? Explain."
"…do I really need to? You've never experienced it? When you can't speak about something because it's just that bad, kora? Because there aren't words, or your mind has wiped it out for you? Or because someone else tucked it all away. I know you have. I have, kora."
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Reborn was quiet. The faintest wisps of memory eeked into his mind unbidden, blurry and broken images of a time before he was...this.
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"...So that's it. That's what's happening. PTSD or some form of induced amnesia?"
"Yeah. We think so, anyway. There are so many inaccuracies in her paperwork, kora, it's unbelievable what that fucker got away with kora! It's doubly bad 'cause she's not the most reliable historian either. She distorts her past after a certain point, a little before that job, 258."
"On purpose?"
"No. Turmeric and I went over it: we think she has another wall, something Bouche didn't pick up, kora. We scanned her and it's not at the marker Bouche left, it's gotta be deeper. And get this, it's not one of ours."
"What."
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This was big. If Bouche couldn't pick it up, if the sweep that was done wasn't reading specifics, where exactly was it in her mind? Who put it there? Why didn't the Vongola have records of such a skilled mist user? More questions without answers.
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Colonello sighed again.
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"We don't know, brat doesn't know either of course. We keep digging and coming up empty. It's a fucking mess, kora."
"Smells like treachery."
"It is, but not enough to get our pal sent to Vindicare Prison, kora. Listen, if you want to know about her record or why she's the way she is, I got nothing, nothing that's hard fact that you don't already know. Best you'll get is Rosemary's opinion of her, kora. If you want a breakdown of where she is now, I can give you that. So what do you want, kora?"
"Hm…if that's the best you can do, send me a write up from Rosemary by tonight, and give me what we have on Mancini. I want eyes on the snake; we've let him go for too long. Give me her specs."
"Right."
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There was some yelling in the background as the order was relayed and then Colonello was back.
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"She's pretty normal for a recruit, with a few exceptions, kora. Standard lightning, some affinity for other flames but it's weak. She's weak, being honest. Eyesight is 30/30, she's a natural with long range shot, picks up a gun and moves with it like it's second nature, kora."
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There was a brief pause and the sound of rustling papers.
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"...Handy with daggers; she's a two hand in combat, favors her left slightly with daggers and vice versa with guns. Chooses a Glock over Sig, but she also reaches for a Yargin when it's available. Don't know when that started, we assume Siberia, but it's a damn strong habit. Avoids snipers, but when she's pushed she has 7/10 accuracy on a cold shot, one thousand meters."
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Reborn gave a low whistle.
No wonder they kept her in the fold...
Colonello acknowledged his surprise and moved on.
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"She's been out of shape, but we have her clocking two miles at 15 minutes and 54 seconds the last time we evaluated her. We told her if she came in over 16 again she had to start formal training kora, so that's one of her triggers, along with sniping."
"Noted."
"Handles hand to hand like a noob, but her foundation's solid, some mixed martial art style, kora. It looks American, but she's heavy on Chinese footwork and framing. She's got a weird Russian throw she does, but it doesn't matter 'cause she sucks, kora. If she's pushed she can get out and run, but her only real strength up close is speed."
"…but she's not fast."
"Yep."
"So she's open."
"Exactly, kora. A liability. She's all over the place, damn idiot, but she can learn when she wants to. Quick study when she's motivated. Don't know who gave her the basics, that's the only thing that's damn solid, kora. Packs a punch when it actually lands."
"Hm. She usually misses?"
"Mentally she's out of it, kora. Psyches herself out, hesitates on following through or gives in at the first sign of a threat, kora. She cracks if you push her to shoot, so don't. Just, don't. It ain't pretty, kora."
"Does she lash out?"
"No, goes catatonic. Rose broke her out of her reflex to go on the offense: it was a real bitch to retrain her, kora. Now we're working on not shutting down. There's some headway, so be thankful, kora. She doesn't respond well to punishment, just regresses into bad habits so don't try that either. Fucking skipped and shot up a platoon when I took her to town about close combat rifle use, kora!"
"...so she's stable now?"
"Are you even listening, kora? Let me put it this way: she's thin ice over a field of landmines. We don't know where those landmines are or if anyone ever dealt with them because shit-for-brains Mancini is exactly that, shit-for-brains kora!"
"Your vocabulary never ceases to amaze, 'Nello."
"Shut it, kora. We've been dealing with the motherfucker for over a year now and I'm ready to take an injunction to that school, kora! Just wait until he comes knocking on your door, asking for a report, kora. Damn entitled asshole thinks he won't get caught."
"…I thought he was on probation, that he was stripped of his privileges?"
"Well so was she, and look where we are, kora. He's the principal, damn fool has friends, kora. He does have official orders for separation and restraint, I think, but we haven't been able to use that, kora. Slips away right when we're about to pin him."
"I see. And how many friends does the girl have?"
"Jinx? Who knows, kora. Not many, probably, not anymore. There were a few people she was partnered up with, but no friends or external loyalties listed in her record. 'Course, the record is all bull, so what does it matter kora? She could be hiding ties to Carcassa and the rest of that scum and we wouldn't know. Neither would she, kora."
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Colonello sighed deeply, and Reborn frowned.
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"You sound tired."
"I am. A lot of shit's gone down since Iemitsu reopened the Flood of Blood case. It's hard on him, it's hard for all of us."
"...he still feels guilty?"
"Never stopped."
"Hm. I haven't visited in a long time, I should stop by, say hello, pay respects. The statue makes for a good memorial."
"Yeah."
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Reborn's frown deepened, his voice growing softer.
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"Don't think about it, don't dwell, you can't bring them back. You know that."
"I know."
"Iemitsu's in the right to reopen the case, to bring them justice. They deserved so much more than what they got, and I will personally assist in any venture Iemitsu chooses to settle the score."
"...but will it bring them peace? Will it bring any of us peace? I still see it sometimes, the doors opening, their bodies...their faces...and I wonder, I can't help but wonder..."
"Yes. It has to. It will."
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He sighed again, and for a moment Reborn saw that cheerful face in his mind as it once was, swarthy and handsome but hardened by the job, the life of a soldier. How many terrible things those blue eyes had witnessed, how many comrades he carried on his shoulders. It was with great effort, Reborn knew, that he returned to the topic of Arabella.
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"You know, it's funny that you called about her, I was just starting to think about the brat, kora."
"Oh? Miss her?"
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He chuckled, and Reborn smiled. That was better.
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"She's not the type you forget about, Reborn. You might hate her, but you'll notice when she disappears."
"The embodiment of lightning it seems."
"If you want to get poetic. She's a damn brat, kora, but she's got guts. Give her a chance, Reborn. You might take a shine to her."
"Mm. She surprised me."
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He could hear Colonello grinning in earnest now, shaking off the sorrow.
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"She tends to do that. What was it this time, kora?"
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Reborn paused before breezing forward, ignoring the question as he studied his nails.
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"I'll call if I see anything outside you and Rosemary's report. Remember to send over Mancini's location and full file, I want the orders restricting his movements. I'll set him straight if he tries anything in Japan."
"Oi, details Reborn. What'd she do?"
"…"
"I told you what I know, now spill, kora! Depending on how bad it was, we have to write her up."
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He'd stoked Colonello's curiosity enough, distracted him enough to allow the embarrassing event to come to light.
What I do for friends...
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"…she burned my coffee beans…the last bags I had from Colombia."
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A choked gasp sounded, and then raucous laughter. Reborn smiled.
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"Fucking hell, that girl's got balls, kora!"
"I see where she got her mouth."
"From the best, kora! Fuck yes, I'll give her a call myself and-"
"You do that 'Nello and I'll tell Lal about the Caribbean mission."
"What?"
"Call her, ask for details, and the whole story comes out. Every. Last. Detail."
"…why are you such a damn killjoy, kora?"
"We'll talk again, 'Nello. Take care."
"Yeah, yeah, you too, kora. And Reborn?"
"Yes?"
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He hesitated, voice loosing its bravado and gaining weight when he spoke,
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"…look after her. She needs it."
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Reborn stayed quiet for a long moment. Promises made between their group were a serious thing, and the kid was already a headache. He'd read enough into her facade to get an idea of what was behind the mask, and he didn't hate what was there. But there was a big difference between remaining neutral at an arms length and taking someone under your wing.
He wasn't in the habit of giving out passes to irritating newbies, but Colonello also wasn't the sort to ask for a favor. In the end, somehow that wretched girl had come up on the right side of the rain arcobaleno, and that meant something. He'd already made an effort to lift Colenello's spirit, it'd be worthless if he backed out now.
Sighing and already half lamenting his decision, he replied,
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"I'll do what I can."
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They were walking through the airport now, Arabella glancing back at him now and then. Her shoulder's were tense, always tense, and Reborn watched her case the area reflexively. At least she let him walk behind her now without spooking. He'd hit her with Leon the first few times for how easily she'd startled and the deep seated mistrust that had come through those big eyes.
The glasses didn't help.
It seemed in the past week or so she'd accepted him, somewhat. Now he just needed to reinforce his position of leadership and control, get her to follow through on orders without a flood of questions or a five minute delay. He could already tell it was going to be a long process to get to that point, and a part of him really didn't see the brat becoming dependable any time soon.
All this wasn't even taking into account his main job, the Japanese kid. Christ, what a mess. I need a drink…
...and she's talking again.
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"Reborn, do you think the hotel has toilets that play music when you go? I heard Japan does that, something about modesty. Think they play classical or rock n' roll?"
"I don't care."
"They also have heaters in the seat! And built in bidets according to the pamphlet I saw...do you use a bidet? Actually, can you even use an adult toilet? You're body's so tiny and disproportionate..."
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A gun was in his hand and pointed her way, startling several passersby before they relaxed at the sight of his baby body.
Stupid civilians.
Bella raised her hands in mock surrender.
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"Wahh, so short tempered! It's an honest question you know!"
"I have my answer, right here."
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The girl blew a loud raspberry and Reborn shot a hole through her bag. Crying out, she twisted and turned the leather backpack around, looking for missing items as her water bottle spilled all over the floor.
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"You're so rude, you ugly baby!"
"Hmph. You irritate me."
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He ignored her glare, lifting the gun once more at the muttered stream of curses from her lips.
Bad habits, no doubt Colonello reinforced them the fool...good mastery of language, except the one she needs.
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"I'm just trying to hold a normal, civil, conversation with my boss-baby-thing- whatever I'm supposed to call you! Is that really so bad? C'mon you fedora wearing demon, you must have some interest in Japanese tech. They have bread in a can! Everyone needs to know that, the Japanese are geniuses! And they have really advanced toilets!"
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Why? Just...why? I don't get paid enough, I don't get enough vacation or benefits for this shit. The damn brat is pushing again, testing the limits...patience. Don't let her win.
He took a subtle breath as her eyes flashed under the lights.
Brat.
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"A true hitman is not surprised by the technology in his assignment. There should be no surprises."
"Uh-huh."
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She looked unimpressed and disappointed, but for a moment Reborn saw something calculating in those eyes.
What are you plotting?
Walking to the baggage claim, Reborn weighed his options. He didn't feel like talking, but it was an opportunity to build their meager relationship and to probe her mind in return. Swallowing his distaste for the mundane topic, he gave a short answer.
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"...there is an impressive apple peeler on the market."
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Bella blinked once, twice, and then burst into laughter, clutching at her sides and wheezing.
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"...laaaammmee!"
I'll kill her.
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Set to update: 3/21/2020