A Piano's Requiem
Ch 05 – One Who Was Not Before
"No."
It took time for Lavi and Tyki to blink. The answer came through all too quickly. Glasses glinting, the blue haired man guessed he needed to be more elaborate.
"I don't want to go back," he continued. "I don't want to go back to that wretched life ever again. Not when I've lost everything because of that. I'm fine down here, where I can take care of these survivors. I have a new life here, and I don't want to go back to the past life."
A great pause fell amongst them, until Lavi gave a deep sigh, resigned from having done futile persuasion. The man was satisfied living here, so it was best not to let him return to the nightmare of a thousand-year war. He deserved the tiny ounce of peace he had left, and they should be willing to respect that.
"Suit yourself."
The door to his makeshift home was shut behind as the Noah and Bookman departed into the bleak remnants of Earth. Komui was busy fiddling with his quill, feeling proud of himself that he actually had a choice this time.
As much as he wouldn't admit it, he didn't become the Chief Officer of the Black Order for nothing. He was considered brilliant by his Science Department, despite the many disasters his experimental medicines and robots caused. He even fooled the Earl once, on that day, but he couldn't help his sister and the rest of his department. All because he was a coward.
That very moment, Komui Lee was beginning to regret his decision. His heart continued to sink further and further deep into the sea of conflicted thoughts as days passed by, quietly wondering when Lenalee would be at his door, crying tears of joy. He was aware that would never happen, but this was wishful thinking. Then came the day when he finally hit rock-bottom. He was left with nothing once again, in the ruins of what was his third life. Lavi and Tyki had returned, with more allies, and they stood in the fallen cottage, unwavering. They didn't make it in time to save anyone, not even Komui himself.
The said man was trembling furiously, hands buried in the rubble. No one was under the ruins, and they were all done for.
"Komui! Komui!"
A hand seized his wrists, and the former Chief Officer looked up pleadingly at his former enemy, a sincere Noah. The Noah's golden eyes were piercing, so much that Komui instead took notice of his own hands. They were collecting a massive amount of cuts and scrapes, and if he hadn't been stopped, they would've been unusable.
"Don't do something so stupid like that," Tyki said, his voice cold and unforgiving. "You're alive, and that means you can do something."
Komui wanted to reply, but Lavi asked one thing.
"Please…"
Head bowed, the former Chief Officer hid his hands in the folds of his coat and glanced the small group that Lavi managed to collect over the months. Surprisingly, there were more people than he had originally thought, and surprisingly there were a few familiar faces.
"… I'll go with you," He said with great bitterness. "I'll follow this plan of yours, and I'll see what you've come up with."
A small smile graced Lavi's lips. The redhead stood up and held out a hand to the former Supervisor of the deceased Black Order. Komui hesitated, before taking that hand and getting onto his own feet. He then looked at the small team of people Lavi and Tyki had managed to gather after a year of searching. It wasn't a great team, but they worked along well, and they handled the Akuma quite well. He could do with this, just for the few more years he could never finish counting. At once, Komui Lee was willing to start the phase of his fourth life. [1]
The trip down the stairs was endless, especially for those who were carrying unconscious people. Yamamoto had a difficult time concentrating on taking the next step, he couldn't even be aware of whom was walking next to him. At least these were downstairs. It would be hell if they had to climb up.
Yamamoto glanced wearily at Nigella, who was currently carrying Tsuna, who still seemed almost asleep. The Rain Guardian only scarcely remembered who the man was back in the future, although he remembered seeing him for a few moments before Ryohei went up against the snake man. The fact that this man from the future was at the present was questionable… how did he get here anyways?
"Watch your step," a rather dull voice caught him, and he nearly stumbled on the stairs. The sandy haired boy with the lantern was catching up to him. It took a while for Yamamoto to look and realize who this possibly was, since it really has been a while since they've last met: Basil, that one member from CEDEF that appeared during the Ring Battles and was sent to the Future. It really did take a while considering the Basil looked so different here. Generally, the boy was good friends with Tsuna and he was quite the lovable guy when not in the battlefield. Now this Basil was cold and quiet. What happened?
"Where are we going?" Ryohei demanded, hefting a sleeping Fuuta on his back. "This is taking forever!"
"Oh, be patient!" Mochida shouted back. "Sorry it takes so long, but it's because we needed to be all the way underground so the Akuma can't find us!"
"Underground?" Reborn's interest piqued. He was now sitting on Hibari's shoulder, considering for the fact that the prefect was the only walking properly enough.
"Yeah," Mochida looked at the baby. "It was a long time ago, but when the invasion of Akuma began, the founders of the Neo Black Order had to find a way to make their base of operations unknown. The entire planet is a wasteland now, so the founders decided it should be underground."
"There was an invasion of Akuma years ago?" Yamamoto was surprised. Then why haven't they heard of it before?
"Well, yeah," Mochida shrugged. "Don't know the full details, but Captain Bookman knows. Isn't that right, old man?"
The redhead sighed. "Indeed, I am a founder after all. But that is a long story that requires hours of explanation. We'll discuss once we get to the city."
"A city…" Yamamoto pondered on the thought of it. Only in books would there ever be worlds of underground cities where the people never saw the sun, with all sorts of different technology, not that he himself ever really bothered to read. That was usually something that Gokudera did. The bomber would never admit it, but he was a sucker for fantasy books, not only science fiction. When Gokudera was a happier terms, he'd babble about the books he read. Books, stories of other worlds, that was some of the things Gokudera would willingly talk nonstop about, other than appeasing the "Tenth" and being a mafia underboss. Speaking of Gokudera…
"So," Mochida sparked yet another conversation. "How'd you meet the old man anyways?"
"Us?" Yamamoto was closest to the "Exorcist," which the young man called himself. "We were attacked by Akuma and we were running across Japan until we met Mr. Bookman. He took us into his inn, before it was destroyed. What's with that face?"
"Sorry," Mochida shut his gaping mouth closed. "But running across Japan? How is that even possible? You do realize that Japan is the number one most infested areas in the world?"
"Infested?" Yamamoto was surprised. "With demons?"
"Akuma," Mochida corrected him. "You seem surprised that Akuma even exist. Where were you for the past few centuries? Have you been living under a rock?"
"School."
"What, in Fuji City?" [2]
Yamamoto wanted to ask what in the was Fuji City, since he had never heard of the place before, but Ryohei began to shout incoherently that he could see light, which prompted everyone to run faster.
The first thing he hadn't expected to see was a sun shining brilliant above them, with clouds hovering ahead of them. They were at the end of the cave, looking out into a valley of a literal city, with fairly sizable buildings, almost reminiscent of downtown Namimori itself [3]. If Yamamoto's eyes worked better right now, he could closely see a currently busy market beneath him, but he could only see masses of people bustling down there. Towers of metal and glass were centered in the main downtown, whilst small suburbs were scattered throughout. But there were people, a literally city… what type of underground city could ever take this scale?
"Breathtaking, isn't it?" Mochida commented, and Yamamoto looked at the supposed delinquent.
"Y-Yeah…" The swordsman muttered, and he stared back at the city streets below. How many years did it take to make such large and expansive place like this? How the people expand when the population grows? Many questions filled his head as he continued stare, his mouth still slacking.
"This is amazing," Fuuta gasped from beside him. "How come has this never made it into my ranking book?"
"It's almost… impossible," even Reborn, a hardened hitman, was still amazed at how the world could work miracles for him. "Just how is this… possible?"
Mochida snickered at his companions' surprised gaze, and patted Yamamoto, who was closest to him, on the back.
"You're looking very pale, care for some water when we get down?" For once, Mochida was a bit more cheerful, probably because he had returned home. "Let's go!"
Like an excited long-lost friend, Mochida grabbed Yamamoto and raced past Bookman across the bridge that passed over a marvelous river that Yamamoto couldn't believe even exist underground. They arrived to the fanfare of music and colorful banners, the chatter of civilians running about the shops.
The Rain Guardian could easily admit the place was a bit old fashioned, judging from the classic architecture used, like in the Edo period, but nonetheless, it was a happy place to be. Children, some of them wearing yukatas, were running about with bags of groceries for their mothers. Young women in long dresses and shawls noticed Mochida, and gave a small wave. Not surprisingly, the Exorcist waved back, all too happy to see them.
"Those are the girls from Anita's Hotel," Mochida grinned. "They're really nice people there, so travelers from other cities always come to their place."
Yamamoto followed after Mochida, ducking under a caravan that nearly swung something at him. He received a handful of apologies from the caravan, and Mochida continued to take across the city. First, he saw the bakery, which had rather interesting sweets that would make a girl squeal, and then he saw the farmer's market, where greens were sold by the dozen. After almost a half hour of traversing the main street, the Rain Guardian was absolutely amazed. Whatever Gokudera described in books, was actually real, maybe even better.
"And this is where I live, and where I work," Mochida pointed, and Yamamoto was ready to faint from shock and awe.
The most central of the entire city, the tallest building underground, was looming right above his very eyes. The windows were shining from the supposed sun, and Yamamoto was flabbergasted that such a thing like this skyscraper could even be made underground.
"So, what do you think?" Mochida looked expectantly at Yamamoto, who sputtered slightly.
"It's… cool…"
"Come on," The Neo Exorcist yanked him up the stairs to the grand doors. Up close, Yamamoto could see the craftsmanship of laurel, olives, and primroses. He was sure the doors were immensely heavy, but much to his surprise, Mochida, despite his size, managed to push them open with great ease. The Rain Guardian followed his host through the doors, and found himself in a different world.
He couldn't call it a cathedral, nor was it an office building. The wide first floor was decorated with decent amber lights while large stained glass windows with pictures etched into the glass lined the rather distant corridors. They were usually the same size, but they all constituted into one large window that depicted a man with white hair and white robes.
"Whoa…"
"See?" A satisfied grin slipped on Mochida's face, when a hand suddenly slapped on both boys' backs.
"Now, now, Kensuke," Mr. Bookman sighed, now that he had caught up with them. "We can't give them a tour yet. They have important matters to discuss with the Chief Officer."
Yamamoto was surprised that a man like Mr. Bookman could find them so easily when they literally ran across a bustling street. Even more surprisingly, everyone else in the party was right behind him.
"Oh, right now?" The Exorcist was almost crestfallen. "Well… how long will it take?"
"Not too long," The innkeeper now Exorcist Captain waved away. "But, you're going to be escorting them after we drop off Tsunayoshi at the infirmary."
"The infirmary?" Ryohei glanced at the Exorcists. "Are you guys extreme soldiers?"
"Um, yes, in a sense," Mr. Bookman replied before spinning on his heel. "But that will be answered when we go to meet the Chief!"
"Here we are," Lavi murmured under his breath. This small underground stronghold was stuff of legends for many apprentices of Bookmen, and even some fully fledged Bookmen. Only the elderly who passed the Trials were allowed location of this place. Luckily, he happened to study under one of those privileged people, who sometimes mused about that place.
"I was just a few years older than you," The old Bookman would say in the native dialect of the clan. "I was only allowed there once. But, mind you, I never managed to complete it. I only made it there, saw it, and left. It was an honor to see it, but I felt it wasn't my job to take on whatever was there."
To be able to reach this one place considered sacred to Bookmen was a high accomplishment for many Bookmen, Lavi recalled from his master. Usually, they were to be trekking the world with the duty of recording history, whilst searching for the clues that the ancient of Bookmen left for the younger ones to look for the stronghold the first Bookman resided in. This would take many years, and some Bookmen perished before they could even find what was in the sacred home.
However, as much as a good challenge it was to Lavi, he ended up with the shortcut version of the trip. But it was a good consideration. He and Bookman were the only people to ever stand alongside the Noah and the Exorcists in this long battle of demons. It was their division of expertise, perhaps placing them as the most capable of Bookmen. Wherever the other Bookmen were, it was certain that they didn't learn the skills that Lavi learned as an Exorcist, and surely, they probably wouldn't have survived the sudden public outbreak of demons. Lavi was almost confident of it.
"So, Junior, how about we begin opening this door," Tyki called out, stepping cautiously on the steps. Somehow, the man managed to get his hands on better clothing, and was raised his more gentlemanly look once again. He set his cane down to the next step, wary of traps. Lavi pulled at his cloak, turning on his heel to proceed.
The first thing they found earlier was an untouched mountain that still had greenery standing on it. According to Bookman's notes, Lavi was sure that inside the mountain was the stronghold. The first leg of the trip in the mountain was not so impressive, with a few skeletons lying about, and an overgrowth of dangerous stalagmites. It became easier when they found a decently built bridge that stretched overhead a deep, wide trench, they were sure it could be an abyss.
Now they arrived in a massive chamber of bookshelves, all of them filled with papers and bindings. To say it was amazing was merely an understatement. For something so old and so ancient, the place was sophisticated, with something as simple as a chandelier, all welded of metals that Tyki couldn't identify. Whatever this place is, it was clearly some bookworm's paradise.
Right on the opposite end of the library was a giant pair of golden doors, covered in an intricate array of locks and puzzles, and words, all in a language the golden-eyed Noah could never understand. He glanced over to Lavi, who had immediately taken a liking to the first book on the wall.
"I'm starting on finding a way to open that door," The apprentice spoke, answering the Noah's question in an instant. "It'll take a while, since I didn't take that big journey thing I was supposed to do."
"Well, you sure have a lot of homework today, Junior," Tyki sighed, thumbing through the books. "Though, you never really told me what's beyond that door."
"The final path to become a true Bookman, not just one of practice," Lavi spoke quietly. "Is to gain the power that almost compares you to a real god – Life."
"Your friend will be fine in no time," Mochida said as they exited the floor into a hallway. "The Matron may be scary, but she always makes sure everyone leaves the hospital happy and walking.
"That's reassuring," Fuuta smiled. "I'm glad Big Brother Tsuna has people looking after him all the time now."
"Sure thing, kid," Mochida patted the boy's head. "But, your friend seemed kinda weird."
"Well, he's had a hard time lately," Yamamoto tried to beat around the bush, but Mochida frowned.
"I see," He said gravely. "But it's not all common for people to lose their minds at the first sight of Akuma. A lot of the citizens in our underground cities have never seen a demon in their life. We've established such advanced security that no Akuma has ever came in."
Reborn gave the most skeptical look as he perched on Yamamoto's shoulder. "Never seen one? Has it been going for a long time? This war?"
"Yeah," The Neo Exorcist's face transformed to a grimace. "They've only completed mobilizing the scattered remnants of the population just a few years ago, and that took a long time, too. I know that in person… But, since you guys seemed to be on the surface for a while, you must have seen some pretty bad stuff."
"Y-Yeah…" Ryohei nodded. "It was extremely freaky, those creeps."
"They hurt Tsuna by impersonating Kyoko and everyone else…" Yamamoto muttered, and Mochida seemed to jump at that name.
"Kyoko? You mean Kyoko Sasagawa?" Mochida was surprised, earning confused glances from the Vongola Guardians.
"Yeah," Ryohei frowned, who seemed most hurt. "But how did you know her name?"
"Um… I… used to know her…" Mochida said hesitantly, heat rising to his face, but then looked forward to the hallway. "Um, I believe we turn around here."
The exorcist swerved on the corner and headed down a new corridor with the Vongola following suit. Yamamoto was quite sorry for the poor man, since Ryohei was now boring holes through Mochida's back with his eyes for something trivial but achingly surprising to know.
"We can trust him, you know," Fuuta said quietly, as if he could read their minds quite easily. The two Guardians stared down at the little boy who had pulled a small booklet. He was unable to bring his massive book of rankings when he finally settled down at Tsuna's house, so he had resorted to a small notebook so he could help Nana with her shopping and other petty things.
"Mochida is on number twenty six of the most trustworthy people," the boy rattled off like a textbook. "He is number fifteen of the strongest people here, and he is number five of the kindest people in the Neo-Black Order."
Yamamoto and Ryohei exchanged skeptical looks. Kind? Trustworthy? Strong? Since when was Mochida in any of those categories? The last time they encountered him was the time he attempted to bully Tsuna (in front of Gokudera, no less!), and he was sent to the nurse's office with only several bruises, thanks to both Tsuna and Yamamoto's efforts to restrain their enraged Storm Guardian. But that was the last they heard of him since the young man didn't ever try to bother Tsuna after that. So, since when had the famed bully and heartbreaker become one of the most reliable people in this wretched world?
Hibari had overheard the little boy and his legendary "rankings." It was a strange world indeed, finding that the troublemakers have changed for the better, but it was seemingly more comforting that there was less trouble to deal with and discipline. One can no longer judge by how a person looks anymore. Considering that he realized instantly that this world was not the same as the one he originally came from, something was bound to be a bit off.
"Ah, here, I think…" Mochida stared up at the large pair of doors, almost as grand as the front doors themselves. He pressed his hands against the doors, and by just a touched, they moved on their own. The doors slid open, and the group quickly filed through, with Hibari trailing behind last with the door shutting a few centimeters away. They were met with a large staircase that led up to the slightly raised floor, where a low conversation was being held.
"I've seen them for myself, Chief," they instantly recognized the voice of Mr. Bookman, that kind innkeeper who was not really an innkeeper.
"Well, they're coming this way, are they?" A low, rather sultry voice of a man graced the room, as if in doubt of the redheaded man. Mochida gave a small chuckle, realizing the start of a small argument when he raced up the stairs and jumped up, signifying his arrival.
"Captain Bookman!" He shouted, voice booming. "Brought the new guys in!"
"Ah, just on time, Kensuke," Mr. Bookman answered back. "Now…"
Yamamoto looked back at everyone else. Everyone else seemed to shift nervously in their feet, afraid of just going up to meet more people. He couldn't but feel the same, especially from that unfamiliar feeling of his knees shaking. The swordsman glanced up at the stairs, but a small jab in the cheek from a baby hitman set him on alert.
"Tsuna and Gokudera aren't here to lead anyone," The hitman said. "You have to take the initiative."
"R-right."
In an instant, the façade of a trained swordsman sinked in, and he was climbing the stairs, trying to look less trepid as possible. Ryohei, Chrome, Fuuta, and Hibari followed soon after, reaching the same reflective floor that hosted the new.
The first person Yamamoto saw was Mr. Bookman, though with a big contrast in clothing. He seemed to have cleaned up during the time they spent in the infirmary. He had dropped the massive amounts of coats and scarves and was wearing a rather elaborate uniform fit of a soldier. He had slipped on a headband to keep the stray red hair out of his face, and his smile was as wide as the usual one he wore as the jolly innkeeper.
The next man was rather unique, if Yamamoto could describe him. He had rather gray skin, one he would never imagine would exist in the spectrum of human skin tones, and was dressed like an 19th century gentleman displaced from the comforting streets of London. Why he was standing in Japan like this was such a mystery.
"Ah," the mystery gentleman was amused by the entrance. "How interesting these recruits are."
"See?" Mr. Bookman grinned. "I've beat you at your own game, Tyki."
"Oh, we'll see about that," Tyki smirked back. "I'll show you that I'll get more recruits from you-"
The man stopped, and then laid back on the seat he was resting in, his attention turning to the last one in the room. Yamamoto and the others followed Tyki's gaze and their eyes set upon the last person they ever wanted to see.
A man, clad fully in white, was sitting behind a desk, neatly stacked of paperwork. His glaring white hair made him stand out like a sore thumb in this rather dark office, if it weren't for the sun setting behind them. His violet eyes glanced at them, half with warmth, and half with some wariness.
"Welcome to the Neo Black Order Headquarters," the expected cheery voice made everyone jump. "I'm the Chief Officer of the Neo Black Order. You may address me as Byakuran."
"B-Byakuran…" Fuuta muttered. He had gotten snips of his friends' adventures in the future, of the evil man called so, but never did he ever wish to see the villain in person.
"You!" A voice boomed in the room, and Byakuran was watching a fist come at him, only for it to stop a few centimeters from his face. Ryohei was struggling to land a hit on the bastard, with Mr. Bookman holding the teenage boxer back from harming the Chief.
"You, Bastard!" Ryohei resorted to words. "You did all this, didn't you? You screwed up the world again so you could power and get that Trinisette! You took away my sister and killed off my friends, and you're happy to see me? I'll show you what I want to say to you!"
"Whoa, Ryohei," Mr. Bookman tried to coax the boy into stopping. "He's not going to hurt you…"
"Still," Yamamoto defied them, his hands already reaching for his sword. "You're still an enemy of the Vongola, whether you're a different universe or not. You're not welcome to us."
"I can't help but agree," Reborn said, and he responded with a click of gun, and fired. However, the moment it fired, there was Mochida with a sword of his own, and the remnants of a bullet rolled apart on the floor, cleanly split into two.
"What's going on?" The Neo Exorcist frowned at them. "You don't just shoot at the Chief like that."
"But he's an enemy to us!" Ryohei shouted, struggling against the surprising strength of Mr. Bookman. "You house an enemy under your friggin' roof!"
"Well, he's not that bad," Tyki joined in, standing from his seat. "I trust him. So please don't fight so I won't have to jump in."
"We have no choice," Yamamoto took out his sword fully, ignoring reason. Hibari, sensing the waves of an incoming fight, drew out his tonfas, ready to fight as well. Everyone was tense, ready to begin fighting, while a worried Byakuran was overlooking. That is, until the telltale sounds of the grand doors of the office opened and closed.
"Stop."
The atmosphere suddenly ran cold as a new presence loomed over them. They looked up, and saw an upper balcony that came from a higher floor. And there stood a young girl, also dressed in white. Her blue piercing eyes scanned calculatingly at the people below, as if scorning them for disturbing the peace.
The Vongola were frozen in deep surprise. They hadn't expected her of all people to be here.
"Please refrain from fighting," A cool voice drawled out from the girl's lips. Reborn could only gape at the large amount of surprises that have already passed through his eyes today. This was no exception.
"Uni…"
The first thing Komui could feel was nervousness. He was getting old, if he were to joke about it, and he has done rallying speeches a lot, back when he was only fifteen, and he was thirty when he moved into the third life. Now this was the official beginning of his fourth.
"Any time now, Chief," A voice called to him, and he glances up at the men and women who willingly followed Lavi and Tyki to form this new organization. Some of them he recognized as old companions, but some of them were new, but accepting of the dangers that would lay ahead in their new plans to continue the progression of humanity, and fix the torn time that a stray god had caused. He was ready to take this challenge, and help in the effort to fix everything. This was all for Lenalee, for Reever, for the Science Division members who didn't make it. He would gladly waste the last of his life to fix everything, and gain back that peace he wanted to have with his friends and sister, alive.
A man with long blue hair nods to him approval, his sword drawn to show his loyalty to continue the war effort. Another one, albeit much shorter, bows deeply, his large round glasses slipping over the bridge of his nose. Komui could only smile as he watched the two of them rose back again, awaiting further instructions.
Lavi and Tyki stood there, both satisfied with what they've managed to achieve in two years. They rounded up enough people who believed in them, and now they had an army, ready to fight and support the fighters. An entire new nation was formed from the ashes of the world. Komui gave a small nod, approving of their intentions.
The Chief Officer cleared his throat, and he walked out to a balcony where a large crowd of people awaited him outside in the city. Instant cheering and shouting ensued as his face came to full view overhead, and chants of support of the Neo Black Order was already beginning. When the crowd died down, he opened his mouth to speak.
"Everyone!" He began loudly, and everyone cheered.
"A new fight awaits us all!" Komui shouted at the top of his lungs. "We must continue to fight!"
"For the Neo Black Order!" the mass of Exorcists and Scientists alike were roaring.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] See? Now that wasn't so bad! I did save a few people (sadly not the main characters), but I'm not that cruel of a person. Now if these minor characters survived, what can be said about the main characters? They'll be back!
[2] Fuji City is made up and doesn't exist. In concurrence to underground cities, it will be assumed that there is another underground city nearby Mt. Fuji.
[3] Don't know what downtown Namimori looks like, sadly.
A/N: Hurray! More establishing things! And Byakuran gets a wheelchair! And sorry for being off schedule all the time. Constantly browsing Tumblr (I made my own, but it's just a development/art blog). I do ponder on actually illustrating the underground city described here… It could be modeled after the Arc or something… And some main plot points have been hinted to here, so if you are very sleuth-driven, try to connect the dots.