Title: A Call to Arms… Sayonara Nihon, Ciao Italia
Character / Pairing : Keikain Hidemoto. Keikain Koremitsu, Ugetsu Asari, Giotto and G
Rating : T
Warning : Bad Grammar, Un-beta-ed, English is not my native
Summary : Continuation of Asari Past. (Crossover with Nurarihyon no Mago)
Disclaimer : Umm... no? (how many time I have to do this?)
It's been three years since his fateful meeting with Giotto. Masayuki still remember the afterward of his fall, G curse back and forth while pointing his gun at face while Giotto try to calm him down. Masayuki only laugh nervously while apologize at them. Not that both parties could understands each other. Masayuki smile fondly. He stuck there for two weeks. But it the best two weeks of his life. He and Giotto quickly became friend and G while hesitant also warm up at him after a while. At the same time, they teach each other their basic language. Masayuki also had a pleasure meeting a young man with beautiful red eyes, Shimon Cozart. He also had an honour of seeing them helping other people who in trouble. After two weeks up, he end up leaving a pairs of shikigami with Giotto so they can continue their friendship.
Two years ago, Giotto had informed him in the letter about forming a vigilante group. He tells Masayuki that it was Cozart and G ideas; however he would want his opinion on this. Masayuki replied that he agreed with them, over the year of their friendship, he couldn't help but worry whenever they in trouble. Giotto didn't reply until a few months later. This time, the letter had an official crest on, The Vongola. Masayuki couldn't help but smile proudly at his dear friend. He sends the most expensive sake as a celebration gift to his friend.
After that, Giotto letter will consist of the group progress. They still talk about other non-relate thing just for fun. Now, two years later, Masayuki look at the letter worriedly. He had read between the lines; know the storm was approaching toward his friend. However Giotto, be kind he is, refuse to tell him anything. It's was G who told him, even he refuse to tell full story. Masayuki sigh, he had a feeling that he will be need there soon, but even he couldn't abandon his duties here. He still Ugetsu heir, there still lots of thing he need to do. He looks at the letter before coming to a conclusion.
"I need to talk with Hidemoto-san about this,"
Keikain Hidemoto, the 13th head of Keikain House, a prodigy of omyouji, stare intently at Rittaimokei no Shikigami, his cheerful persona gone replace with a serious face. The papers scatter around him. With so much concentration on the Rittaimokei, he almost misses a knock on the shouji door.
"Come in," he said absently.
"Hidemoto, I'm heading out to Yohime-sama home" his brother, Koremitsu said while looking around. A frown marred on his face.
"Ahh… have a save trip," Koremitsu only sigh at his brother behaviour. He walks toward his brother and put a hand on Rittaimokei, dispelling the shikigami. "Hey! What's that for?"
"You ask me to come here, saying there something you need to give to me for Yohime-sama. What it is?"
"Oh that. Right… here, I want you to give it to Yohime-sama as an additional protection," said Hidemoto while hand over a sword to his brother.
"An exorcism sword?"
"Yup, my greatest creation. It name Nenekirimaru, it will cut down any youkai, prefect for Yohime-sama," Koremitsu nod his head, agree with his brother. He cover the sword with cloth before he look at his brother and point at the second sword.
"Who's that belong to?" Hidemoto smile gently before hold the sword.
"It's farewell gift for Masayuki," he swing the sword and with it transform into a shinai. "And this is it sealed state,"
"So the boy will be going then,"
"No… not yet. His heart still has a doubt,"
"You still didn't tell him about that?" Koremitsu look at him ridiculously.
"Hahah…. I forgot about that. Sorry," He could yell at his brother for being so careless about that. But he know how busy are they, the youkais are getting bold, some of them even attack human on the broad daylight. The latest report they heard was, Hogoromo no Kitsune crave for ikigimo had increase and the lesser youkai have done their best to earn the Queen favour.
"There's a report that Nura-gumiare heading this way,"
"Oh, really," Nura-gumi, the new upstart clan lead by Nurarihyon, the group already defeat half the clan around Japan, now heading this way. He didn't know it's a blessing or a curse.
"I'll be going, take some rest Hidemoto and don't forget to talk to Masayuki about that," said Koremitsu while heading out. Hidemoto only wave his hand at him while restart his Rittaimokei. Koremitsu only sigh. He hopes his brother did remember when the time comes.
"It's seems we always had a conversation under the moonlight, right Masayuki," said Hidemoto to his ward a week later. Masayuki only nod while pouring the sake into their cups. Hidemoto accept the cup and slowly sip the sake, enjoying the taste. He looks at Masayuki who clearly lost in thought. "Masayuki," startled, he looks at Hidemoto, who smile at him. "Something troubled you for a while now. You can tell me Masayuki," said Hidemoto with a knowing smile. Masayuki look at him for a while before he talks. Like a broken dam, he talk about Giotto who may or may not be in trouble, his duties as Ugetsu heir, his duties toward the Keikain House and his doubt about the said duties. He then fell silent after that.
"Hm… that's really give you trouble isn't, I'm sorry that I'm the one who cause it,"
"Wha… what are you talking about Hidemoto-san?"
"Because of what happen when you're kids, I'm forget to tell you what happen to Ugetsu family archive,"
"Oh…,"
"There was an agreement that if something happen to any omyouji clan aroud Kyoto, we the Keikain House will take care of the family archive. The same goes with Ugetsu. There's a branch family that specializes with Ugetsu style omyouji now," said Hidemoto. He couldn't help but smile at the disbelieve look before it turn into relief on Masayuki face.
"But… ten years it a long time Hidemoto-san,"
"I know… that's why I'm sorry about that," said Hidemoto while snapping his fan open while laughing merrily. He didn't try to deceive Masayuki, he truly forgot about that. "Now about your duties toward Keikain House, consider it being paid by having your family archive with us. If someday you wish to revive your clan, I will gladly give it back to you," Masayuki nodded his head numbly. He never knows about all of this. But then again, anything that relates to his family, he little bit hesitates to handle it. It's still hurt him until now.
"Now that's all clear out, what are you going to do now Masayuki?"
"Er…," what now? It seems so sudden; he thought there will be trouble about his duties. But the way Hidemoto-san tells him, he was free from that.
"How about this, why don't you severe the ties here…,"
"WHAT! You… you… Hidemoto-san!"yell Masayuki, feeling betray and hurt. What he mean by severe his ties here. Was he unworthy enough now that he had to let go everything here. To let him go, the one whom he think as brother?
"Masa-channn… you should wait until I finish talkinggg…," said Hidemoto while gently tap Masayuki head with paper fan. Masayuki turn red when he realizes this.
"Umm… sorry,"
"What I mean is Masayuki, I want you to stop being the omyouji. Right now, everything you need to do have been done. You're free to shape your future any shape you want," Hidemoto look at him with a knowing smile. "If you agree with this, you also need to change your name, because it tied you with your past," Masayuki continually look at him. "And just because you stop being omyouji and change your name, that doesn't mean our bond have to be severe too," this snap Masayuki out and look at Hidemoto with renewed look.
"Really?"
"Yes. However take your time. This kind of decision need a lot of time to think of. Don't you think?"
Hidemoto had given him a two week to think. However, the time had been cut short on the fourth day when a letter comes from Giotto. Masayuki read the letter and the only thing his brain register is that Giotto is in trouble and ask for his help. Masayuki get up from his study table and grab his precious flute, quickly make his way to find the best blacksmith shop in Kyoto.
Meanwhile Hidemoto watch from a far at Masayuki, he sense more than seeing the appearance of Masayuki shikigami. One looks at his face show his hard resolve face. Hidemoto couldn't help but smile proudly at his ward. "Looks like the caged bird ready to fly toward the sky," he said softly. He quickly ordered his shikigami to pack up Masayuki belonging. Hidemoto look up and frown marred his face. The fear has getting thick it cause darkness around Kyoto becoming worse. The sooner the better for Masayuki get out from Japan before him too getting caught in supernatural war against Hogoromo no Kitsune.
Later that night,
Masayuki stumble back into compound tired, it take a lot of time for him in search the best blacksmith (he could ask Hidemoto-san, but he didn't want to burden him more). He did find one, but it was outskirt of Kyoto, by the time he made back, he was dead tired. He will heading straight to his room if not the Gissha standing in the middle of courtyard.
"There you are Masayuki, I almost decide to send a shikigami to search you out," Masayuki look toward the main entrance and saw Koremitsu-san and Hidemoto-san sitting on the stair of the house.
"Koremitsu-san, Hidemoto-san, I'm sorry… I'm…,"
"Save it brat. We know," said Koremitsu.
"Really?Hahah that's a relief," Koremitsu mutter something under his breath while Hidemoto laugh merrily at both of them.
"Everything is ready Masa-chan. All you're belonging already in the cart. You're ready to go now," said Hidemoto while pointing at the Gissha. Masayuki widened his eyes before nodded his head.
"Have you choose your name already brat?"
"Yes… on the way searching the blacksmith," said Masayuki. He remembers the Vongola crest and the market food. Smile widely he said " Asari, Ugetsu Asari," he said proudly. Koremitsu only nod his head while Hidemoto chuckle.
"It suits you, Masa-chan," he made a come here motion toward Masayuki. Masayuki walk toward him and stand still. Hidemoto rise and hand him the long item covered in piece of cloth. "It's a farewell gift," Masayuki take it and opened, it's a shinai. Before he could ask, Hidemoto ask him to takes a swing, Masayuki nodded and swing the shinai. To his astonishment, the shinai turn into a gleaming sword. "It's doesn't have a name yet. I hope you could name it. Take your time, Masayuki," he stared at the sword before look at both Koremitsu and Hidemoto before quickly kneel down and bow to both of them.
"Thank you so much for everything, both of you… ha… have been with me since the beginning and… and…," he couldn't said it. Tears streaming from his eyes, it's too much. Koremitsu face softens and simply patted his shoulder. Hidemoto get down and hug the man in front of him.
"We know… we know…," said him softly. He couldn't help but remember the small boy many years ago that calls his dead family to come back. "Now wipe that tears, you should be going soon," Hidemoto wipe the tears with handkerchief. Masayuki nodded his head and tried to calm himself. He stood up and looks at both of them.
"I'll be going,"
"Hmm… good luck on your journey,"
"Take a good care of yourself, Masayuki,"
Masayuki only nod and get into the Gissha. He afraid to talk in case he end up crying again. He closed the door and the cart slowly moving before the Gissha took off into the dark sky.
"Araa… it's is the feeling when a parent send his child away?"
"Stop saying nonsense Hidemoto, come we still have work to do,"
"Donna wanna, I'm tired… I want to sleep… or play…,"
"HIDEMOTO!,"
"Hahahahaha….," looks up Hidemoto smile sadly
"Sayonara Ugetsu Asari,"
A month after Ugetsu Asari departure…
Keikain Hidemoto sits outside his room while sipping the sake slowly. Lots of thing happens in the past week, the Yohime-sama kidnapping, the battle against Hogoromo and Nurarihyon, the destruction of Osaka Castle and lastly the departure of Nurarihyon along with his clan and his new wife Yohime-sama.
"You should get some rest Hidemoto,"
"Nii-san… I will later. How the reconstruction over Osaka Castle?"
"It's already begun. *Sigh…* finally it's over now but in the end we end up need his help after all,"
"Hm… hm… Nii-san, I'm…"
"Save it. I already know about that. That Nurarihyon tell me personally,"
"You're not mad?" Koremitsu look at his younger brother, sometimes he forgets that as the Head Keikain Family, there's a lot of burden to shoulder.
"No. If this is the price to stop that damn fox from giving birth to Nue, then I'll gladly accept it."
"Oh… thank you nii-san," Koremitsu only nodded.
"Go get some rest. This is an order Hidemoto, tomorrow we got a lot of work to do," said Koremitsu walking away from his brother. Hidemoto nodded his head and put down his sake cup and ready for bed. Before he slowly drifting into slumber, he couldn't help but feel relive that Asari severe the ties and away from Kyoto. He won't share the same burden like the rest of them.
Italy, a year after… Vongola Primo office,
Asari knock the office door slowly, Giotto had been avoiding him after hearing the rest of his story a week ago. One doesn't need to be a genius to know that Giotto feel guilty about his sudden departure. Asari shake his head fondly. His friend really kind, to blame himself for that, he really want to talk to Giotto about this, but his friend keep avoiding by taking mission and meeting all by himself. It was after some talking with G that he manages to meet Giotto. G and the rest of the Guardian purposely double the paperwork leaving Giotto holed up in his office.
"Come in," at the command, Asari open the door and enter the room. He looks at where Giotto is and couldn't help but feeling a little bit guilty, Giotto in his white shirt, his mantle on the rack and jacket draped over the chair, all his attention on the paperwork, while G on the sofa reviewing the paperwork making sure there's no mistake in it. G look up nodded at him before silently put the paperwork down and walk out of the office. Asari walk toward the table before invite himself on the chair in front of Giotto.
"Giotto, my friend," Giotto furious writing put into stops and looks at Asari with wide eyes.
"A… Asari, where's G?"
"He's going out. We need to talk my friend,"
"There's nothing to talk about,"
"There is, you've been avoiding me lately. After the story telling last week,"
"Ahh… well, there's a lot of thing to do…"
"Giotto…"
"I'm sorry… I'm truly sorry that I pull you in this world, I should ask you first, it just that…"
"Giotto, there's nothing for you to say sorry…"
"But, I…" Asari raise his hand to stop his friend from babbling.
"Listen well my friend; it's not your fault. It's never is. From the beginning, I've never had any interest on omyouji, I'm more interested in music and flute had become my passion, after… that incident, the only reason that I've been learning because I'm the one and the only heir. But my heart never in it, then I've meet you, I've slowly realize that path never belong to me. After Hidemoto-san tells me what happen, I've never been happier; I never regret to come here and aids you Giotto. In fact, it's an honour that you trust me well enough for asking my help," Asari tells him with a confident voice. Giotto look stunned before relief appear on his face and a genuine smile grace his face.
"Thank you, Asari. It's also my honour for you to answer my request," Asari only laugh.
"Now that's settle, let's go have some dessert, I ask Knuckle to bake that cake you so fond of,"
"Really? Thanks Asari!"
Asari Room,
After the impromptu party that evening, Asari decide to retreat to his room early. Now, sitting in seiza, he looks at the shinai in front of him. He never had a real chance to test the sword yet. But he knew it would be a powerful weapon to wield. It's been made by Hidemoto-san after all. Asari gently touch the shinai. The shinai hummed gently with power.
"Forgive me my dear friend, for me unable to use you yet," the shinai hum to reassure him. Asari only chuckle at the sign. "Such beauty... I've been stall long enough from naming you. I've got a perfect name for you, are you ready?" the sword hum with excitement, it's finally get a name!
"You're wielder must be the one who wash away all the tragedy and the sadness, the one who will provide the tranquillity within their comrade and family... and the enemy, your name would be...
Shigure Kintoki ; Shower in Late Autumn, Golden Moment
Gissha : An ox-cart shikigami
Rittaimokei no Shikigami : A 3D map which shows the location of the eight Kyoto seals and almost the entire map of Kyoto.
The burden / curse : Hogoromo no Kitsune had curse the Keikain bloodline so that all the males die an early death.
Nura-gumi : A group of youkai that been lead by Nurarihyon.
A/N : THANK YOU so much to all who review, favourite and follow me. I'm so happy that you like it.
Anyone willing to be my BETA?
To Natsu Yuuki : Hahahaha... I did write in Malay, unfortunately halfway through the chapter, I'm realize it end up too flowery and too poetic for my taste. I re-write twice before give up and write in English.
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