Le Pendule du Temps
Chapter I
The Sky that Encompasses All
RECAP:
My dear past self,
I know you must be shocked by the sudden arrival of the ten years in the future Hibari-san and Chrome. In addition, I guess you have noticed the rather 'conspicuous' object that gave away their civil status. Trust me, I have the same reaction when Hibari-san asked for Chrome's hand from me (I took Chrome as my ward including Lambo, Fuuta and Ipin).
Anyways, the more important news that I shall convey to you is that an arising independent assassination squad, Acqua Serpente destroyed all whatever what was established here in the future. Their power was beyond our imagination. I was convinced that we would be able to annihilate them but it seems that my calculations were wrong.
The Cavallone family was severely damaged by a recent attack. Dino-san was injured badly and was reported to be missing by his right-hand man Romario. The Varia's Lussuria and Fran were assassinated. Rokudo Mukuro was able to escape the prison but was recaptured by the enemies. At present, three thousand men belonging from minor Famiglias affiliated to the Vongola were decimated. I must ask you to intercept this terrifying enemy while their power and influence is still budding and underdeveloped.
I am truly sorry for letting you shoulder the burdens of my time. However, I knew that I was strongest when I was still a young boy, innocent and hesitant but resolute to protect my friends and family. I will do my best to stop them from destroying everything in this time but I am relying in you and our Family to defeat them before the roots flourish and bear fruits of destruction. I sent Chrome and Hibari of my time to guide and aid you on your quest. They are my strongest assassination combo that has accomplished lots of high-risk mission during our times. I pray for your success.
Remember, you do not carry the burden of the bloodiest Mafia in history, instead you carry the power and responsibility to protect thousands of lives that have sworn their loyalty and allegiance to the most ancient and largest Mafia Famiglia in Italy.
Buona fortuna mia cara passato di auro.
Sawada Tsunayoshi
Vongola Decimo
"Now THAT is way too serious to be considered as a friendly message," said Tsuna. His family stared at him in shock, perturbed by his blunted reaction but Tsuna appeared unconcerned as he touched the pure Sky attribute flame shining brightly on top of the letter, indicating that it was genuine from his future self.
"Jyuudaime, are you ok?" asked Gokudera worriedly. Even Yamamoto was a bit surprised that their friend who always panicked so easily would be this calm. Too calm that it leaves them unsettled, afraid that their friend would just break down from all these ridiculous events.
"Maa, maa. I think you should all be used to this kind of stuff now. I don't know why my future self seems to be picking on me. He asks me to do an almost impossible task that teenagers shouldn't be able to handle. But I am not most teenagers. I am who I am talking about here. I am reluctant on taking risks, in fact if possible, I avoid them like crazy. But if it is for the sake of my friends and Famiglia, I would do anything, even if I have to put my life on the line" said Tsuna while smiling gently, honey brown eyes shining with deep resolve.
Hibari Kyoya saw a glimpse of the future Sawada Tsunayoshi in a split second. So the herbivore started growing a backbone when he was backed in the corner, the repercussions of his weakness bared to him boldly. In truth, he never acknowledged anyone whom he would respect as an equal or even more consider someone as superior to him. But as time passed, selected people such as that Bucking Horse and the Storm Arcobaleno became possible candidates. However the Bucking Horse's resolve to protect his family is not as striking as that of the herbivore they call as "Boss". His Boss.
Yes, his boss. The future Sawada Tsunayoshi or popularly known as Dame-Tsuna is the only one whom Hibari accepted as someone worthy of his undying loyalty and service. The Guardian of the Cloud is supposed to be solitary and independent that protected the family indirectly and Sawada Tsunayoshi is their all-encompassing sky.
The Vongola Famiglia was none of his concern. He'd rather fight enemies alone than crowd with those weaklings. However as time passed, Hibari became accustomed and in tune with the presence of his strange family. Many of its members are annoying and were still herbivores yet they inched to his heart and he considered them as his "family". And he lives by his motto that you never abandon your family.
The Vongola Decimo, Sawada Tsunayoshi faced many trials and hardships yet he stood strong and fought alongside with his friends. Using his own body, he is willing to sacrifice even his own life in exchange for the safety of his Famiglia. Hibari was once of the witnesses of their stupid Boss' heroic stunts by shielding Kyoya with his own body to protect him from numerous bullets. The skylark never wanted to owe anyone so he made sure to pay him back.
Flashback
"You're such an idiot and worthless herbivore," said Hibari. Tsuna smiled for a bit, not giving away the pain that he felt for receiving seven bullets on his body that were originally directed to his Cloud Guardian. He lay still on the arms of the Namimori prefect as the traitor family made a surprise attack at the Vongola HQ.
"Ha-ha. You should not sa-say that Hi-Hibari-san. I just saved your ass from getting ki-kicked you know," replied Tsuna weakly. Hibari almost flinched at the seven visible bullet holes on his stupid boss' chest oozing with crimson blood and staining his immaculate suit.
"I hate owing someone. What do you want herbivore?" asked Hibari. Tsuna fought to keep his eyes open. He lost too much blood and his vision is getting hazy. He looked at the blurring figure of his guardian cradling him gently. The once independent cloud has come to grace the sky and keep him company.
"K-Kyoya, please protect them from any harm. I-I know you hate crowding but please even at the sidelines, please watch for them. Each and everyone is precious to our family. As the Vo-Vongola Boss, I now appoint you, Hibari Kyoya as the interim Vongola Decimo." Tsuna mustered up his last strength and slipped the Sky Vongola Ring beside Hibari's Cloud Ring. With a final smile, Tsuna closed his eyes and smiled for the last time before succumbing to unconsciousness.
Hibari remained immobile, clutching the unconscious man in his arms. His mind failed to comprehend everything that was said by the sentimental herbivore. The only thing he heard were the words 'protect', 'family' and 'temporary'. Nevertheless, Hibari understood the situation, the boss entrusted into his hands the fate of their precious family. And Hibari Kyoya never goes back to his word.
"As the temporary replacement of the Vongola Decimo, Tsunayoshi, I, Hibari Kyoya swear my unwavering loyalty and service to the current Vongola Boss alone. Whatever he may command shall be executed and I will annihilate whoever blocks his way," Hibari swore before kissing his boss' hand. It was very warm. You can feel the gentle rhythm of his heartbeat. Good, the herbivore is still alive.
He would return the damned heavy ring later, but first, he has a mission to accomplish. It's time to hunt the remaining traitorous herbivores.
A MONTH LATER
Hibird was perched on his master's shoulders, relaxed. It is the start of the summer and many people, especially the children are out enjoying the warmth of the sun.
Nestled in a private quarters away from the usual hustle and bustle in the Vongola Headquarters, lay the unconscious frame of the Vongola Decimo. The interim Decimo, Hibari Kyoya was calmly sitting, reading another classical novel at hand and sipping barley tea. Soon, the tranquillity is interrupted by a knock on the door.
"Enter,"
"Hi-Hibari-sama it seems that Gokudera-sama, Yamamoto-sama, Sasagawa-sama, Kyoko-sama, Haru-sama, Lambo-sama, I-pin-sama, Fuuta-sama and Bianchi-sama are outside. They wanted to visit the Decimo," reported by the nervous maid.
Hibari narrowed his eyes. Didn't those idiots just visit five hours ago? Are they trying to count the number of breaths that the herbivore would take?
He sighed inaudibly in mild annoyance.
"Let them in. Don't disturb us unless it's urgent." Soon enough, the crowd of nine slowly piled up on the room occupied by the sleeping boss and the skylark.
The room was immediately abuzz with the influx of occupants. Gokudera and Lambo are arguing about Lambo's excessive grape candy consumption, Yamamoto and Haru are discussing the different forms of Namahage, while Fuuta and I-pin are chasing each other. Bianchi and Kyoko sat in a corner doing each other's hair. This is what happened everyday since the herbivore fell into coma. All are eagerly waiting for the return of their Boss and trying to live each day normally. Hibari would just sit by the window and watch them, oddly feeling at ease despite their crowding.
Something caught his eye and he immediately stood on his feet. The occupants of the room stilled, wondering at his strange behavior.
"About time you wake up, lazy herbivore." The brunette smiled weakly having woken up at the sound of his precious people.
"I believe this is yours," Hibari fished the Sky Vongola Ring in his pocket and slipped it on his boss' cold finger. Tsuna quirked a small smile. Now, what Hibari did was clearly not within the family's imagination. He picked up his boss' hand and kissed the ring.
"It was an honor to be of your service whilst you were gone Boss. Welcome back," said Hibari, loud enough for the half of the room to hear.
"I'm back."
End of Flashback
The Vongola Decimo was the first to earn his loyalty, and that Bucking Horse earned his respect. However, an herbivore is still an herbivore. Hibari may have sworn loyalty to Tsuna but that doesn't mean that he won't berate Tsuna for his herbivorous acts and tendencies that he found silly or a waste of his precious time.
Hibari felt someone staring at him and he saw Kuromu watch him with knowing eyes. She smiled before nodding. In perfect synchronicity, Hibari and Chrome stood up and together they made their way to the Vongola Boss who was crowded by his Famiglia.
They kneeled in front of him and each held Tsuna's hand, Hibari on the left and Chrome on the right. They both recited in chorus.
"As the future Cloud/Mist Guardian, I, Hibari Kyoya/Hibari Chrome, swear my loyalty and service in protecting and aiding the Vongola Decimo, Sawada Tsunayoshi together with my fellow guardians. With thy sacred vow, I bind thy promise with my life and soul," with that said, they both kissed the hand of a baffled and embarrassed Tsuna.
つづく
Tsudzuku
