To my reviewers, followers and favoriters:

QuietSilence: It's intense isn't it? The conflict is so strong! Hopefully nothing bad will happen to Masako, she's too precious :D

NatureAura: Thank you for following this story!

Kiyomizu Yukiko: Thank you for following this story!

Act II

Scene III

~X~

At exactly nine o'clock, the twin-engine Learjet 85 touched down on the scorching runway of Peretola, Florence Airport. Outside the window, the rich green landscapes belonging to Tuscany's finest wineries blurred and then slowed to a crawl.

"Sir," a voice crackled, "We're here."

Gokudera stood and smoothed down his perfectly ironed shirt. After unlatching the overhead compartment, he quickly retrieved his laptop bag and leather suitcase. As the engine wound down, the plane eased out of the sun and into a deserted hanger opposite the main terminal.

A moment later the pilot appeared and popped the hatch. Gokudera tossed back the last of his coffee, put the cup on the wet bar, and scooped up his suit coat. As he approached the exit of the plane, the pilot stepped forward and offered a warm smile.

"I was instructed to give this to you," he pulled a thick manila envelope from his flight suit. On the front, scrawled in blue pen, were the words:

Reserved for Vongola Storm Guardian

Gokudera ripped the seal and pulled out the contents of the envelope. A set of car keys belonging to an Alfa Romeo and a drivers license with a false name. The storm guardian thumbed through a thick stack of purplish bills.

"Euros," the pilot offered flatly.

"I know what it is," Gokudera frowned, "But it's a bit too much for my needs." He did the conversion in his head, "There's over ten thousand euros in here."

The pilot shrugged, "I have my orders, sir," he turned and hoisted himself back into the cabin. The door slid shut behind him.

Standing for a moment in the empty hanger of the plane, the storm guardian slid the envelope into the pocket of his pants before pulling out a pair of sunglasses. Slipping on those expensive Giorgio Armani lenses, Gokudera picked up his suit coat and luggage before heading out onto the runway.

~X~

Situated further north of Florence, Don Cavallone sat comfortably on the balcony of his villa and enjoyed a selection of morning pastries. Sitting across the table, a young woman aged a little over twenty-five smiled deliciously at him. She had the bluest eyes Don Cavallone had ever seen and a soft crown of brunette hair. She called herself Sofia, and was of German-Irish decent. Yet, her Italian was impeccable.

"More juice, Sofia?" Dino lifted a crystal jug filled with orange liquid.

Sofia's big blue eyes sparkled, "Si," but she didn't move her glass, and instead battered her long eyelashes, "But how could I let a great Don like you pour juice for me?"

The Cavallone boss faked a laugh, "You flatter me, sweet Sofia," he chuckled and leant over the table to reach the girl's glass.

Sofia giggled and took a sip of her freshly poured juice. A trickle of orange leaked from her mouth and Sofia licked her lips suggestively- eyes staring straight at the man sitting before her. Dino wanted to puke.

Luckily, Romario appeared at the balcony door and quietly slipped in. The Cavallone subordinate hurried to the boss and ignored the rude look Sofia flashed him. Bending down, Romario pressed his lips against Dino's ear and whispered.

"Vongola's plane just touched down," he murmured, "Gokudera has arrived, but he's using a fake name."

The Cavallone Don gave a curt nod before turning back to Sofia. He pulled a small smile, "Well, sweet Sofia," Dino stood up, "Looks like duty calls."

Deep blue eyes turned eager, "Already?" the latter objected, "What about taking me riding?"

"Perhaps next time."

Sofia stared as the man who she took so long to get with disappeared into the villa. Romario followed behind him, and Sofia cursed the Cavallone subordinate for ruining her perfect date. Leaning back against the chair, the twenty-six year old sulked like a jealous little girl.

Dino sighed as he made his way down the hallway, "Send her home," he ordered, "I never want to see her again."

"Not of your tastes, sir?" Romario chuckled

The Cavallone boss ignored this comment and turned into his office, "And Gokudera," he pronounced, "He'll have everything that he needs?"

His subordinate pulled a serious expression, "I believe so," Romario replied

"Good," Dino smirked, "Invite him over for dinner, I'd like to speak with Vongola's Storm Guardian."

~X~

The Palazzo Magnani Feroni was a small, but stylish hotel that sat in the very heart of Florence. Overlooking the beautiful Fiume Arno and Cattedrale di Santa, this antique and well-decorated building offered fine views of Florence at every turn. And Gokudera Hayato, or Signor Pascutti as he was currently known under, chose this hotel for that very reason.

At ten-thirty sharp, Romario parked his black Cadillac along the Borgo S. Frediano and got out of the car. Heading up a flight of stone steps, the Cavallone subordinate soon found himself in the air-conditioned lobby of the hotel. Despite summer being a popular season for tourists, the hotel this morning seemed rather lonely. Only a receptionist and a young couple were present in the lobby. Romario headed for the front desk.

"Ciao signor," the receptionist greeted.

The Cavallone subordinate eyed the badge that was pinned to the receptionist's sliver vest. Luca, it read back.

"I'm looking for a Signor Pascutti," Romario replied in Italian, "I believe he is staying at this hotel."

Luca pursed his lips together, "I don't know what you're talking about, signor," he insisted, "There is no such person staying here."

Romario sighed. Reaching into the breast pocket of his jacket, the Cavallone subordinate pulled out twenty euros and rolled it up. Sliding the bill onto the counter, Romario offered a smile. Luca's eyes twinkled at the sight of money and immediately slipped it into the sleeve of his shirt.

"Oh that Signor Pascutti," the receptionist recalled, "Si, Si, he stays here."

The latter smiled. Now they're getting somewhere.

~X~

High up on the sixth floor of the hotel, Gokudera Hayato growled at the slow Internet connection. First, Alberto gives him a manual Alfa Romeo when he specifically request for an automatic- and now, his MacBook won't connect to the hotel hotspot. Talk about a good way to start a mission.

Watching eagerly as the blue bars slid across the screen, the storm guardian tapped his fingers impatiently against the table. Sitting next to him, his BlackBerry buzzed messages from both Bianchi and Masako. He ignored them and switched the phone off.

Turning his attention back to the laptop, Gokudera was just about to close the connection screen when suddenly, a knock on the suite door caught him off guard. Glancing over his shoulder, the storm guardian frowned.

"Chi รจ?-Who is it?"

Standing up and walking to the door, Gokudera reached for the Beretta that was strapped to his belt. He pressed an ear against the wood.

"Vongola Storm Guardian," a gruff voice responded in a bare murmur, "I'm from the Cavallone Family- our boss seeks your attendance tonight."

The frown on Gokudera's face creased even more, "Cavallone?" he muttered, "Why does the Bucking Horse want to see me?"

But the voice ignored his question and pressed on, "Eight o'clock tonight. A car will be waiting at the lobby."

"Oi wait-" the storm guardian flung the door open, but the voice was already gone.

~X~

Back in Catania, Sawada Tsunayoshi sat stiffly in his seat and listened carefully to what the CEDEF representative had to say. Basil, at the age of twenty-three, was marked as the youngest- but most promising member the CEDEF had ever seen. Under the watchful and influential guidance of Sawada Iemitsu himself, members of the external advisors rumored that Basil was to succeed the CEDEF after the current boss retires. Today, Basil sat opposite the respected Vongola Don and spoke in the most profound fashion.

"It's nothing serious, sir," he began, feeling the latter narrow his eyes, "But the CEDEF has just received some reports regarding the recent activities of the Vongola."

Tsuna remained calm, "The Vongola is a large organization, Basil-kun," he insisted, "We work around the clock everyday."

"Yes Sawada-dono, I am fully aware of that," the external advisor paused, "But these activities that we hold seems unusual for the Vongola."

The boss chuckled, "Oh?" he picked up his coffee and took a sip, "And what might these unusual activities be?"

Basil pursed his lips, "Two days ago, Don Cavallone and his family paid a visit to the Vongola," he explained, "Then just this morning, we received intel that your storm guardian landed in Florence Airport," the external advisor lifted his head, "We'd like to know what is going on, sir."

Tsuna's eyes were fully fixated on the promising CEDEF representative, "I can ensure you, Basil-kun," he spoke slowly, "That all of the Vongola's activities are under control."

The latter didn't look to convinced, "Then how would you explain the meeting with the Cavallone Family and the storm guardian's presence in Florence?" Basil challenged, "We as your external advisors serve to protect the Vongola, but we cannot work when there is unexplained activities!"

Silence dropped around the office and Basil immediately knew that he'd gone too far. The CEDEF served as the other half of the Vongola and worked closely to monitor and protect the members of Decimo's family. Yet, arguing and provoking with the boss himself was not a good idea. Basil learnt this lesson after seeing Tsuna's skeptical smile.

"I understand your role as our external advisor, Basil-kun," he pronounced, "But I've just sent Gokudera-kun to strength the alliance between the Vongola and Cavallone Family."

Basil frowned, "In Florence?"

The Don nodded, "Dino-san has a private villa in Florence," he insisted, "He's currently rejuvenating himself with expensive wine and fancy dishes cooked in olive oil."

"But sir-"

"Basil-kun," Tsuna stood up, "Please assure both the CEDEF and my father that everything is well here in the Vongola."

The external advisor jumped to his feet, "Y-Yes sir," he stuttered, "With all due respect."

"Well then," Decimo beamed, "I bid you a good day."

~X~

The old grandfather clock sitting in the corner of the Cavallone dining room chimed eight-thirty when Dino got up to greet the storm guardian. Strolling through a grand set of doors behind Romario, Gokudera Hayato was warmly received into the Cavallone Family's private villa.

"Vongola's Storm Guardian," Dino addressed, "A pleasure for you to join us this evening."

Gokudera took the latter's offering hand, "Ah," he replied, "I was wondering who'd been following me around Florence."

The Cavallone boss raised an eyebrow. Sharp instincts, he thought before gesturing at the long dining table, "Please, join me."

As the two men sat down on their respective seats, Dino waved for Romario and the rest of his subordinates to leave. Soon, the room was empty expect for the Vongola Storm Guardian and the Cavallone boss. There was a short moment of silence before Dino began to talk.

"I hope you don't mind dinner being serving a little late today," he ushered, "One of our best ovens broke down this morning and the kitchen's been having a field day."

"Not at all," Gokudera offered back, "Take your time."

Dino stood up, "How about a drink first?" he proposed, trotting over to the bar, "Do you go with coffee or tea?"

"Bourbon."

The Cavallone boss smirked, "Bourbon it is."

A few minutes, Gokudera eyed the crystal glass sitting in front of him. The ice cubes clinked against each other, making the golden-brown liquid swish inside. He glanced up, "What do you mean there's been a change of plan?."

Sitting across from him, Dino pulled a chilling smile, "It's not really changing the plan, Gokudera Hayato," he announced.

"If it's not changing the plan," the storm guardian argued, crossing his legs, "Then what is it?"

The smile on Dino's face widened, "A request."

Gokudera frowned, "I don't take requests from a foreign family," he rejected, "You know damn well that I work for the Vongola."

"Not even if there is a higher price paid?"

The storm flashed a knowing look.

Dino gave a nod, "You're a good guardian."

Reaching into the pocket of his blazer, the Cavallone boss carefully retrieved a white envelope. He held if between his fingers to show the storm guardian before throwing it across the table. The delicate paper slid in front of Gokudera.

"What's this?"

The latter picked up his wine glass, "An official request from Vongola Decimo himself," Dino pursed his lips at the doubtful look Gokudera pulled, "It's addressed to you."

Peering down at the cream-colored cover of the envelope, the storm guardian grimaced after finding his name scrawled neatly on the front. Sending the Cavallone Don one last careful glance, Gokudera turned the envelope over and broke the seal. Immediately, a burst of orange flames came to life.

~X~

Masako slept poorly that night. She tossed, turned and rolled around on the giant canopy bed- but sleep never came. When morning finally arrived and the lemon-colored Sicilian sun flowed through the curtains, Masako could only walk out of the bedroom with tired black circles under her eyes.

"Ma'am," she was greeted by Aya in the dining room, "Are you alright?"

Waving away the question of wellbeing, Masako sat down behind the table, "Would you pour me a cup of coffee please, Aya-san," she sighed, giving her temples a gentle rub.

"Of course," the housekeeper quickly brought over a pot of steaming hot coffee. She stole a glance at the landlady, "Would you like some scones with that, Ma'am?"

Masako answered with a nod, and Aya scurried back to the kitchen. A minute later, she returned with a metal tray bearing an assortment of different scones. She placed a few on Masako's plate and further offered some jam and cream.

"Would you like anything else, Ma'am?"

The latter shook her head and dug into her breakfast. Yet, just before Masako could take a bite of her food, a loud bang was heard downstairs. Both women looked up, but the banging continued.

"What's going on?" whispered the worried housekeeper.

Placing down her fork, Masako got up onto her feet just in time to hear the door downstairs being knocked open and a rush of footsteps entering the house. Yells and curses blared out in quick Italian echoed around the house.

"Ma'am," Aya stammered eagerly, "We need to get out of-"

The door to the dining room was suddenly forced open. Men dressed in black suits and armed with machine guns stormed into the room. Both Aya and Masako took a step back in fear. However, to their complete and utter surprise- these men all dropped their guns and knelt down onto the floor.

"My lady!"

Masako took a second to apprehend what just happened. She blinked, "W-What's-"

"Ma'am!"

Strolling into the room, Alberto sighed with relief, "Ma'am, you're safe," he felt himself breathe.

A rather confused Masako stepped forward, "Alberto," she greeted, glancing around at the men who're still kneeling in front of her, "What's the meaning of all this?"

But the young storm subordinate was in a hurry, "We need to get going, Ma'am," he grabbed Masako's wrist and began pulling her out into the hallway, "Or you could be in danger again."

"W-Wait, Alberto!" the latter exclaimed, shaking the hand off her arm, "I demand to know what is happening!"

Alberto turned to the peer into the hardened eyes of his boss's wife. He bowed apologetically, "I'm sorry, Ma'am," the storm subordinate urged, "But we lost all contact with sir this morning," he glanced back up, "And as a safety protocol, we're moving you somewhere safe."

Masako felt the her heart drop, "Did you just say you lost contact with-"

The younger male merely dipped his head.

~X~

Down in the basement of the Bortolotti-Rosso Mansion, Gokudera pulled out his earpiece and threw it onto the oil-covered ground. Turning to his side, the storm guardian stared at the computer monitor that was still flickering. Damn, he thought. If it wasn't for that stupid thing, he would be out of this mansion by now.

"You won't find anything," a hoarse voice croaked

Gokudera glanced back at the sitting a few feet away from him. Bound to a chair and surrounded by rows after rows of data centers, the Bortolotti-Rosso Don glared harshly at the man who ruined his family. He was an old man, and he knew that he's time was coming- but never in his dreams had he pictured death in this way.

The storm guardian raised his Beretta and fired. A bullet landed directly in the Don's kneecap and he screeched in pain. Blood spurted out like a waterfall and Gokudera spun back to face the computer.

"Whether the information I need is on this hard-drive does not concern you," he announced.

Don Bortolotti-Rosso moaned in agony. Lifting his head, the old man spat onto the ground, "You bastard, you're not even full Italian!" he gritted, "Who on earth would hire you?"

Gokudera's green eyes slid dangerously to the side. Raising his gun again, another shot was fired into the Don's left shoulder. A gut-wrenching scream was heard, but the storm guardian chose to ignore it.

"I-I hope you go to hell one day."

The Vongola representative smirked. He'd heard that insult millions of times already. Nevertheless, the Bortolotti-Rosso boss pressed on.

"Tell me asshole- who do you work for?" he rasped, "Tattagilla? Barzini? Cavallone?"

The computer beeped and the monitor flashed that the transaction was successful. Pulling the USB stick out from the side, Gokudera turned back around and approached the Bortolotti-Rosso Don.

"If I told you, it won't be fun anymore," he insisted, kicking more oil around the opposing boss's chair.

"You son of a-"

Gokudera knelt down, "Curse me all you want," he smiled mercilessly, "But at the end of the day, I'm the one walking out of here alive."

Don Bortolotti-Rosso stared into the harsh green eyes of Vongola's Storm Guardian. Lost for words, the old Don could only watch in horror as Gokudera pulled out a few sticks of dynamite and lit them up.

"A parting gift," he placed the explosives onto the Don's lap before getting up and heading to the exit.

A few seconds later, the data room roared and blew up into flames.

~X~

The Vongola Mansion was in a fury of action. Forced to sit in one of the lounge rooms of the west wing, Masako could only helplessly listen to the rush of footsteps and shouting outside the door. She turned and glanced at Aya- who offered a comforting smile back. A few minutes later, there was a gentle knock.

"Bianchi-san!"

Stepping into the lounge room, the poisonous scorpion gave her sister-in-law a small hug, "Masako," she greeted, "Sorry to keep you waiting."

Masako shook her head, "There's no need to apologize, Bianchi-san," she assured, ushering the latter to sit down, "Is everything alright? Have they found Hayato?"

Bianchi took her place on the couch, "Currently, we're still unaware of Hayato's location," she paused, "There's been an explosion at the Bortolotti-Rosso mansion and most of the area is damaged- including the connection line."

A worried look fell across Masako's face, yet her sister pushed on, "But the Cavallone Family has already sent for reinforcements," she insisted, "So they should find Hayato soon."

The two fell silent and Masako took in a deep breath. She nodded, "Please let me know if something happens to Hayato," she urged, "Or if there's anything that I can do to help out."

Bianchi pulled a fond smile, "Of course," she agreed, "I'll send Alberto up if we hear any news."

Her sister-in-law nodded, "Thank you, Bianchi-san."

The poisonous scorpion stood up, "In the mean time though, Masako," she announced, "Tsuna has made arrangements for you to rest here tonight."

"Here? In the Vongola Mansion?"

Bianchi's eyes twinkled, "Safety protocol," she declared, "The storm guardian has his own living quarters here in the mansion."

Masako looked rather unsure, "Couldn't I just go home and call you if anything happens?"

"No," there was a chuckle, "Or else Alberto wouldn't be very good at his job."

~X~

The sun had started to set over the northern states of Italy. Florence at the moment, was bathed under a bloody red sky. Standing atop the highest balcony of the iconic Florence Cathedral, Gokudera Hayato lit a cigarette and drew out his cellphone. He wasn't really supposed to smoke on holy soil, but he didn't care- he belonged to the underworld anyways. The opposing line rang three times before someone picked up.

"Alberto," the storm guardian huffed into the speaker, "Send for a plane, I'm coming home."

"Sir! Are-"

Gokudera pressed the red button and the line was cut dead. Lifting his head, the storm guardian gazed at the city laid out before him. A small breeze brushed past his face, bringing in fumes of smoke and dust. For a second there, the storm guardian thought of Masako. He wondered if she hated him for who he is- a man who kills for a living, a man who takes innocent lives just because someone told him to. He didn't have a conscience, while his wife did.

Finishing his cigarette, Gokudera dropped the stick onto the marble floor. Turning around, he started heading back into the dome of the cathedral. As he walked, the storm guardian reached into the pocket of his pants and felt for a small buzzer. He pressed the activation button.

In the background, an explosion erupted into the bloodied sky. The Bortolotti-Rosso Family now lay in shreds.

-End of Scene III-

A/N: I think you know what to do now :D

Bonus Preview for Next Chapter:

"Captain?"

The plane was dark. Only the emergency exits and safety lights were lit by a glow of red. The storm guardian frowned- where on earth was the pilot? He needed to be in the air and on his way home before the Italian authorities hunt him down. Turning around, he headed for the cabin door.

A faint, but genuine light flooded through the door crack and Gokudera rolled his green eyes with utter frustration. Pushing the handle down, the storm guardian showed himself into the cockpit.

"Excuse me captain, but we really need-"

He froze. Lying with his face planted into the control panel with a pool of blood surrounding his head, the pilot of Vongola's private jet was shot dead. His eyes however, were still wide open with fright.

Gokudera gritted through his teeth before turning around to fetch his phone. Yet, just as he was about to reach into his jacket pocket- a click was heard before a bullet grazed the storm guardian's shoulder.

"Who're you?" angry green eyes attempted to glare through the darkness.

A figure slowly made his way to the cockpit. He stopped just before the light could reach him. Hoisting up a gun, Gokudera could see the end of a black silencer pointed directly at his heart.

"Give me the USB," a rough voice demanded, "Or both you and your wife dies."