Chapter 25: And None Will Mourn
"Ladies and gentlemen," spoke a vivacious and loud man through a voice amplifier. He spread his arms, as though he were about to give a huge welcoming hug. He twirled his walking stick around, fashioned to the style of the 17th century, and slammed it hard on the ground.
"Welcome," he boomed, "to Vongola's General Annual Meeting! I am Michael Manns –"
As he said that, the words "Michael Manns" projected before him in large, bold capital letters.
"Today, we are honored to have with us, the current president of the Vongola – Timoteo!"
A round of applause.
"The second-in-command – Iemitsu Sawada!"
Another round of applause.
"And of course, the previous president – Daniela," he put his arm out in the direction of a seemingly young looking lady. She had sharp and fierce eyes that burned with fire; two scars marred her face, giving her a more imposing look than ever. The strong lady boss – one could easily be deceived by her violent beauty; while she looked no older than thirty, she was Timoteo's mother.
Of course, technology had allowed her to preserve her age, and possessing endless wealth from her time as a boss, she took that choice. Her son however, had taken aging with much pride, opting not to use his money on such procedures. While she was maybe a hundred years old by then, her son was seventy. The average lifespan amongst the rich in the world was one hundred and seventy five.
General Meetings were usually held amongst the top personnel in the Vongola, discussing company matters – like pushing products, developments and ideas. Normally, despite having only about twenty people present in the meeting, it was held with great fanfare, such that an entire ballroom would be booked and extravagantly decorated, complete with a stage and entertainment for the first two hours of the meeting. Then, their best chefs (while robot chefs existed, the best food still came from the hands of human chefs) served them the sweetest cakes and tea as they sat in a table - far too large - to discuss issues pertaining to the company.
"I would like to say a few words," Timoteo coughed.
"Firstly, on the success of the debut of our latest project – the Vongola Guardian project."
Everyone clapped.
"Research has been ongoing now for thirty years, and development has been astounding. I would like to thank everyone, from our board of directors to our scientists. Of course, we have a long way to go. The young 'band' has been on a break for a month or so now, so that we could wrap things up, especially certain important contracts.
It is time for them to step out again, perhaps internationally, so that we can display our products," he smiled.
"Of course – they aren't for sale yet, until we can stabilize the technology in our products. Our product himself isn't quite stable."
There was silence, then murmuring.
"The advent of this new technology will bring joy to the people. We have nothing but the best intentions," and then, Timoteo was interrupted. This time, Daniela spoke up.
"Perhaps I'd like to say a few words, Timoteo.
Fifty years ago, Chicago was wiped off by nuclear warfare – there is nothing of it left except the radioactive glow that covers it at night, the greeting of the sun when dawn comes, and the ash filled lands – of dead men, women, children and animals – rubble, for miles on end. Fifty years later, it was decided that the land is still uninhabitable. Not even the best of man could save it – …
A waste of resources, don't you think?" she paused to take a sip out of her teacup, and then continued.
"And we will forever continue to waste these resources in conflict. But look what 50 years of knowledge has given us. Now, amidst our – the Vongola's development, we've come across an amazing discovery – the emotion-sound technology. This has given birth to the modern bards," she smiled, with a somewhat manic glint in her eye.
"What are you hinting at, Daniela?" Iemitsu looked in her direction.
"– The Leucosia, named after the sirens in our lost records of greek mythology. Of course, we masked the project under the name of Project Asyriel – the name of our research facility.
And don't you think their wonderful powers can be used for more, my dear Timoteo? Say – if they have the power to please through their voice so easily, then it would be reasonable to assume it's as easy to give them the power to control…manipulate, and maybe destroy, but mostly manipulate. Especially for a company of our caliber. After all, the only two companies to know the trade secret of the ES technology would be the Vongola and the Estraneo – of which the latter was wiped off years ago.
Think of it, we could have absolute monopoly over something more than just the market," she said. There were discussions taking place amongst the board of directors. Some shook their heads, some looked undecided, and maybe one or two agreed.
"Daniela, perhaps you have forgotten that our company's policies have changed since Timoteo took the helm," Iemitsu said, holding a certain level of threat in his voice.
"Don't speak too soon. Look, Sawada. The Vongola's so powerful, we even have the government in our hands," she picked up a small handkerchief and wiped a grin off her mouth.
"Daniela, we did that – years ago. It failed. The experiment failed. It started with death…and then a life of an innocent child," said Timoteo gravely.
"And who's to say it won't fail now? This power, Timoteo. It is overwhelming. We don't need to use something as ridiculous and as conspicuous as bombs to achieve our goals – not through a million deaths, no? It is a win-win situation. What is a child's life, or two, worth to us?"
"I refuse," Iemitsu said resolutely. Daniela scowled.
"Not too soon, dear," she said.
In the background, Michael Manns had positioned himself underneath a table. He made sure to keep complete stealth, while recording all the information in his mind. It would be useful to sell to the Vongola's competitors later on.
"It is time we wrap up this meeting," Daniela stood up. Iemitsu was about to protest, but she whipped out a gun, aiming it at one of the table's feet. She then pulled the trigger, and all that could be heard in the room for that moment was a man's pained cry.
Underneath the table, Michael Mann's body fell to the ground, convulsed for 3 seconds, and then went absolutely still.
Tsuna was rushed around the mansion, doing her jobs as usual. Nothing extraordinary had happened since that day Mukuro visited her, though there was a blank patch in her memory that she could not retrieve. What happened then?
She tried not to let it bother her, carrying out her usual duties. Nothing out of the normal – I-Pin popped up at the mansion to do work more often, but Bluebell was absent more frequently. Haru was the usual – lively and upbeat.
In two weeks, Tsuna had built a strong rapport with Yamamoto and Gokudera – well, she finally had the guts to leave off "-san", a polite honorific, after much persuasion from Yamamoto. Within that time frame, she had also made acquaintances with Hibari, who coincidentally lived in the same apartment block with her. Occasionally she would meet Hibari in the elevator or the lobby, and grudgingly, Hibari would allow her to commute to work with him.
"There, there," she cooed. Natsu the lion cub was nestled in her lap, mewing occasionally. He had grown a lot bigger now, and looked quite healthy. Kojirou perched itself on her shoulder, while Jirou settled himself on the other side. Uri was, to his owner's virtue, a rather grumpy cat, so he remained on his own.
"Yo!" a voice piped up from behind her.
"Yamamoto, what brings you here?" Tsuna looked behind to see the cheerful man propped up against the door frame.
"There's an assignment for you, as our personal maid," he said.
Jirou and Natsu scampered off as Tsuna got up, while Kojirou fluttered up to Yamamoto's head.
"An assignment? I thought the only thing I had to do was – "
"To clean our rooms? Yeah, exactly!" Yamamoto laughed.
"The band is expanding overseas, so we'll be headed out for a month, it seems. You can't exactly clean our rooms here if we're not around right? We can't have you slacking off, so you're coming with us!"
"Ehhhh! Where to?"
"The country of Vongola's establishment – Italy! I guess the boss decided that we'd build a stronger reputation there first, seeing as the Vongola is really established there."
"Hmm, I see – but I don't have a passport?"
"It'll all be provided for. Right, I'll have to go then. The band has to show up at a public event later," he said, waving his hand off.
"Wait! When are we going?"
"Thursday! See ya!"
"That's too soon!" Tsuna shouted after Yamamoto, who had already walked several paces away. He only returned with a loud guffaw.
If only you knew the trip's true motives.
"All your clothes! Check! Shoes, check! This and that, this and that…" Haru said, rummaging through Tsuna's luggage.
"Ah…Haru, you're acting more like my mother now," Tsuna gave an awkward grin in her direction.
"Nonsense! Alright, all check. It should last you more than one month!"
"Not with three huge luggages! I can't go there like this!" Tsuna protested, much to Haru's annoyance.
"We'll make it two and a half?"
"That makes no sense!"
Finally, Haru conceded and helped Tsuna to pack everything into one case. When they were done, the both of them sprawled back onto the floor, tired.
"Italy, eh. It's been a long time since I've been there," Haru said, pondering.
"You've been there, Miss Miura?"
"I've studied there, my dear naïve Tsuna-kun," she smiled.
"Ehhhhhh! I never knew that. What is it like there?"
"Pleasant, I guess? Not much difference. You know, I studied with Gokudera over there."
Tsuna shot up.
"You knew Gokudera, Miss Miura? That's amazing! I never hear you talking about him though."
Haru flipped her head over and blushed, though Tsuna could not see it.
"Ah, yeah," she trailed off, before jumping up again.
"Ha-hi! It's already nine, Tsuna! We'll have you at the airport now!"
"B-but, nine's early! Can't we go – "
"No can do! I want to have some of the airport's famous cakes. Besides, it'll be my last time with you in a month," Haru said willfully. Tsuna bit her lips.
"Alright, if you say so," Tsuna folded her arms. Even though Tsuna could not see the blush from Haru just now, her hypersensitivity allowed her to know better.
After attacking a café, both Haru and Tsuna made their way down to the private departures area. They were met by Sasagawa, his young sister, Yamamoto, Gokudera, Lambo, Mukuro and lastly Hibari, who had taken up a corner by himself. Dino stood behind the group with his right hand man, Romario, smiling.
"Tsuna's here!"
Tsuna gave a timid wave at everyone, especially Kyoko, who made her want to shy away in a corner. Kyoko however, was giving furtive glances towards Hibari's direction. No one noticed, but Tsuna knew when Kyoko suddenly jerked up and raised her hand to greet Tsuna.
After a few tearful goodbyes (mostly, it was Haru), the group set off on a private plane to Rome, Italy. The ride would only take six hours from Namimori.
The plane ride was mostly uneventful – there was a part where Lambo was trying to make his move on a particularly pretty and effeminate stewardess, and Gokudera burst out into another one of his one-sided arguments with Yamamoto, which ended with Hibari's tonfas in both their hairs. Mukuro was unfortunately seated next to Tsuna, who, after the incident became nervous and had to constantly edge away from him during the plane ride. That did not stop the sly man from trying to annoy her further.
"And we're here!" Dino loudly announced.
The first thing Tsuna noticed was the several degrees drop in temperature. It was a lot colder there than in Japan. Well, that was about as much difference as she could notice. There was no lack of the same dull grey sky around them, though the surrounding area seemed pretty tranquil, for the capital of a country.
"Okay, we'll just head to our residence after we check out," Dino said.
As the group walked out, Tsuna turned her head towards the man.
"Why are you here with us today, Mr Cavallone?"
"I told you, just call me Dino! And also, even though I have matters to settle with my own company," Tsuna saw the ton of exasperation that was weaved into his voice, "Sawada Iemitsu said that it was imperative for me to overlook this. Well, I guess he did over to take over the reins for a while, and I trust him since the Vongola and Cavallone corporations are closely linked."
"Oh, so you're a boss, Dino?"
"Yep! I don't do stuff like sit in the office all day though. There was a point of time Kyou-chan was my student in training," Dino chuckled.
"Kyou-chan?" Oh, so Tsuna realized. Hibari's full name was Hibari Kyouya. Still, she was surprised that Hibari would have allowed anyone to address him so affectionately at all.
Their conversation was cut short when Yamamoto pulled Tsuna from her position beside Dino. He made her walk in between Gokudera and himself, and they continued to have a somewhat exciting conversation all the way up to the residential area, as Tsuna would have known soon to be a hotel that was owned by the company. And entire floor had been booked for them, so they were given utmost privacy and hospitality.
The residence was split up as such – there were eight rooms, and a central living room with a huge kitchen by the side. Tsuna noted that it was just nothing more than an enlarged apartment.
"Right, so I'll be working here for 1 month. Doesn't seem too bad," she muttered under her breath.
The group immediately called their rooms – Hibari, Sasagawa, Lambo and Mukuro got their own rooms. Yamamoto would not have it any other way than to bunk with Gokudera, and Dino got another room. Romario was ordered to stay one floor below, for reasons Tsuna could not comprehend. Still, she got quite an excellent room to live in – by her standards – it was the most posh she had ever seen. She wondered if it were legal for a mere maid to live under such extravagant conditions. Or perhaps the Vongola was trying to make up for the fact that she had to put up with seven men for one month.
Dino called them out to explain their itinerary – the first and second day would be for rest and relaxation, but work started from the third day onwards. Tsuna would be in charge of the upkeep of the rooms, for the sake of privacy, Vongola made sure that none of the hotel staff would be able to enter. Of course, Tsuna was entitled to days of rest whenever the Guardians were, but Tsuna seriously doubted that she would get any, anyway.
(Flashback)
"Dino! Sawada! What happened?"
A flustered Sawada Iemitsu came rushing in. The sight that greeted him was quite contrary to the mercilessly dented wall on the outside. Tsuna and Dino seemed to be having a normal conversation, with Tsuna propped up in bed and Dino seated by her side, and nothing extra in the sterile, plain ward. An ordinary scene. They both seemed shocked by Iemitsu's agitation, eyes wide apart and mouths unconsciously left gaping.
"Is anything the matter, Sawada-san?" Dino broke the silence when Iemitsu had spent far too long trying to absorb the scene before him.
"Miss Sawada here just awakened, so I decided to give her a breakdown on…"
"Oh, it's uh – nothing," Sawada heaved, and he walked back out a lot calmer. When the pair was sure that his presence had absolutely departed, "Tsuna" turned back and cupped Dino's chin in her palms. She gave him a knowing smirk.
"And you, Mr Dino," she purred, "shall remain subservient to me, Natsusa."
Dino's head was slumped downward, and he only expressed himself in a small nod. His eyes were blank – looking into nowhere, and eerily, his mouth was curved up into a trace of a tiny grin.
"Your first order. Do not, under any circumstance…reveal information…about…me," Natsusa faltered towards the end of her sentence, and finally Tsuna's body collapsed forward into Dino's arms. She was unconscious. Then Dino, as if having been broken from a spell, blinked once, and twice – and he had no idea what had happened. Still, Natsusa's order resonated within him, and he could find no will to disobey any of it.
Dino peered down to see the girl, breathing gently, in his arms.
She is far too peaceful.
And that was his final thought.
A/N: Sorry for the update...length...thing. I was having my exams, then I got kinda lazy/busy for the past three weeks or so.
Also, if it is unclear, the flashback is linked to the previous chapter.