Battles for the Rings
"Remember Karen?"
"Remember what?" I asked my brother,
"Tonight is the first battle over the rings," oh crap. I really don't want this to happen. I looked away, and observed the scenery. The anxiety I had been suppressing started to resurface.
"Karen? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," I grimaced, "or actually, I'm….conflicted about this whole thing. I don't want you to fight against Tsuna and the rest; I don't…want you, either of you, to get hurt,"
"Of all the people in Namimori you could have befriended, you had to choose Sawada Tsunayoshi?" Superbi demanded
"I didn't mean to! It just happened," I protested, "Look, let's not get started," I didn't want to fight with Superbi, not when we hadn't seen each other for months. Usually, silence between me and Superbi was companionable, but now for the first time ever, it was awkward. Superbi knew I had friends in Tsuna's family, and I wasn't going to tell him my best friend was the one he would be fighting. Superbi's list of priorities went like this: my person (physical and mental) came before Xanxus, but my friends came after Xanxus. I've had less stressful missions than this where I'm just sitting around doing nothing but worrying.
"Tonight, the ring battle will be Sun," the Cervello announced when we got to Nami-Middle. If I was supposed to feel anything, I didn't feel it; I was number than anesthetics.
"Care Bear?" Lucy sang, "Aren't going to say anything?"
"Yeah, WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GET CARE BEAR?" it was awesome seeing everyone's jaws drop. Tsuna and the gang never heard me say even 'shit', while the Varia never heard any f-bombs.
Okay," Lucy was briefly off balance, "Well here I go," Please Sasagawa; kick his ass to the moon so I don't have to put up with the new nickname. Ever since we met each other, Lucy has come with various nicknames for me while I only came up with the one, 'Lucy'. The reason for the nickname is because he acts like a woman; a very nutty woman. He's Big Sis Lus to the majority of the Varia for the love all that's holy. The nicknames I've gotten from him are 'Kari', 'Lil Shark' and whole wad of others. I don't have an issue with the ones he came up with, but Care Bear is a no deal; I am NOT putting up with a nickname from a child's cartoon about rainbow colored teddy bears that fight against a loony witch and stupid fur ball on stick legs.
Poor Sasagawa. Not only did Lucy like his body, it is incredibly rare to find a body Lucy likes and he likes a body best dead, and he was blind during the battle while Lucy could see. The stadium Lucy and Sasagawa were fighting in was boxing arena with solar lamps that mimicked in the sun in heat and brightness. Lucy was use to being dehydrated while Sasagawa wasn't. Ultimately though, Sasagawa won. I still can't get over the fact Sasagawa has a punch that can break through steel, talk about breaking down adversary with your body. Sasagawa just has a broken hand, but Lucy got shot by Mosca, so he's going to be out of action for a long time.
The next battle is Thunder. Naturally, Superbi was impatient to start his fight, no doubt drooling for the chance to deck Takeshi to hell. Thunder means Levi and Lambo. I hope the stupid cow uses his ten year bazooka otherwise we'll be having burnt beef for a snack later.
Tsuna' team one point, Varia zero. I hope Tsuna can keep up the lead.
The day of the Thunder battle bloomed dark and forbidding. Storm clouds were dancing their way across the sky. Thinking back, I should've figured it was an omen.
I can't decide if the battle was an eye opener or typical. Lambo's electrical skin, Elettrico Cuoio, makes him the embodiment of the purpose of the Thunder Guardian: to take the damage directed to the Family and return fire. Good thing Lambo used the ten year bazooka twice. First we got fifteen years old Lambo, who took Levi's shot but ran away crying and jumped into the bazooka, which brought out twenty-five year old Lambo. Twenty-five year old Lambo is hot, cool and dangerous. Unfortunately, the five minutes that the future version could stay is apparently five minutes from the first shot, so before adult Lambo could finish Levi off, he reverted back to his five year old self. If it wasn't for Tsuna's intervention, Lambo would have been fried to ashes. Fortunately for the Varia, they got the Thunder and Sky ring. The Storm battle is up next; Bel and Gokudera.
Tsuna: 1, Varia: 2 Damn.
The Storm Battle's conclusion was irritating. Bel had Gokudera on the ropes until the latter figured out the secret behind Bel's attacks. The time limit with the Hurricane Turbines was not helpful in anyone's anxiety level as the entire floor of the school would be demolished when the timers were at zero. At the end, Gokudera was the winner but Bel's 'prince instinct' kicked in and the two were wrestling over the ring. Gokudera would've been killed if Tsuna hadn't convinced him to drop the quarrel and get to safety. When the Hurricane Turbines started exploding, I thought Gokudera was a goner.
"Gokudera!" I yelled, my eyes bouncing from screen to screen trying to find him alive. I wasn't in the same observation room as Tsuna, so I wouldn't be able to tell if Gokudera was alive until the monitors cleared up. Both Gokudera and Bel survived, but both were severely injured and Bel was the one with the storm ring completed.
"Now than, the next match will be Rain," the Cervello announced. I felt like I got a hundred nukes dropped on me in one go. Superbi and Takeshi were going to be fighting. It makes sense for me to hope Takeshi wins because it will give Tsuna a boost in the contest and it means both he and Superbi will be alive since Takeshi is too kind to kill. However, I also feel I should hope for Superbi's victory, but that would mean Takeshi would be dead since my brother is merciless in battle. Now I get to spend the next day and this night stressing out.
Tsuna: 1, Varia: 3
Admittedly, I didn't start freaking out during the battle until Takeshi was deemed the winner. I already knew the secret behind the Shigure Souen sword style: each new generation added on their own movement. Due to the name Invincible Sword Style, a lot of aspiring swordsman would take on the Shigure Souen styles users; the strong movements endured while the weak movements were wiped out. More than once, I thought Takeshi was a goner, but he managed to come out top with no killer intent. He even managed to avoid getting stuck like a pig by Superbi's mechanical hand. Superbi's mechanical hand was an additional benefit from his battle with Tyr who had damaged his hand beyond repair. It was ultimately Takeshi who won the battle. By ill fortune, that was when the water level in the arena had reached the certain level the Cervello said would allow a sea monster to be released. Lou and behold, the monster was a great white shark. A person can't say the Cervello don't have a sense of humor. Takeshi being Takeshi, tried to save my brother, but was unable too when the shark took out the column he was standing on. Damn my brother's pride to hell, the bastard had to preserve his pride by letting the shark make chow out of him! Thank God Dino had his subordinates ready to rescue him. Of course, not knowing about Dino's subordinates I completely freaked out. Up until than, I didn't realize my biggest fear was to loose my brother, who was everything to me, while I couldn't do anything to help him. Another thing that pissed me off was Xanxus acting all tough and laughing at my brother when he really was upset. Xanxus will never admit my brother is his friend, or as much of a friend as Xanxus can make. Dino had to knock me out in order to keep me from breaking into the arena.
Tsuna: 2, Varia: 3
"What the Fuck were you doing Cavallone?" I demanded when I finally came to,
"This is bad," Dino muttered to himself, "Look Karen, I couldn't have you becoming shark food yourself, I mean you can't maneuver very well in water,"
"You think my training was limited to just on land? I have to…I…" my voice broke. Superbi was dead, shark food. If it wasn't so debilitating it was humorous in a sick way.
"Karen the thing is, I had snuck my subordinates in to rescue Yamamoto. Imagine their surprise when they ended up rescuing Squalo instead," he chuckled,
His words slowly formed meaning in my head, "Wait, so Superbi…"
"Is alive for the moment," he sobered up, "we're doing the best we can to help him." Superbi is alive and getting medical attention?
"I got to see him," I rushed for the door,
"Okay, okay, this way," Dino smiled.
I spent the rest of the night and the following day by Superbi's side until Dino kicked me out,
"C'mon Karen, go see the mist battle," he insisted
"But," I protested,
"The doctors are going to be doing operations all night, so fill your time constructively. You want to find out who the Mist Guardian is don't you?"
"I have a suspicion", I sound like Lambo,
"Then go confirm the suspicion!" and with that Dino literally kicked me out. Might as well go, I hated to admit it, but I would just be in the way and I wanted to confirm my suspicions on Tsuna's Mist Guardian right away. Not wanting to be late for the match, I sprinted for the school.
"Karen, you showed up," Takeshi waved me over,
"Huh? What are you doing?" Gokudera snarled
Not in the mood to be riled against, "I obviously came to watch the match,"
"Over here," Bel indicated,
"No thanks," I glanced over at Bel, "if it's okay with you guys,"
"Huh?" Tsuna asked,
"If I watch with you," geeze,
"Works with me," Takeshi grinned, "nice to have you back,"
"Where did I go?" I asked, unable to keep a smile from blooming,
"Fine with me too," Tsuna added.
"Boss?" I heard Levi whisper to Xanxus. A quick glance revealed Xanxus's usual scowl but no indication of him attempting anything…yet.
The Mist Guardian revealed is Chrome Dokuro, an ally of Mukuro Rokudo or at least I'm assuming she's Mukuro's ally based on the fact Ken Joshima and Chikusa Kakimoto are with her. There is something off about her, like there are multiple things in her aside from herself. I've always been good at sensing people so long as they are within a ten meter radius. Superbi says it's because I'm psychic, but I don't think I am; I just have good intuition. The instant I saw her first illusion, I knew Mammon was going to wipe the floor with her. She would have stood a chance if Mammon hadn't used his Arcobaleno powers.
"What the?" I gasped. Mammon had broken Chrome's trident and now her stomach has caved in
"Mukuro…sama…" Chrome gasped, Mukuro? So she is an….ah, ow it hurts. Mist started to flow from Chrome's body,
"Karen? Tsuna? What's wrong?" Takeshi jerked. I glanced at Tsuna, he was on his knees clutching his head, and Xanxus's scowl had just deepened. The pain I was feeling felt somewhat familiar, Oho? You can sense me as well, Karen Squalo, a voice slipped through my mind,
Get out! I retorted,
Huh?
"GET OUT!" I screamed.
"Oya, oya, you have quite the strong mental capacity, Karen," the real Mukuro Rokudo appeared. I didn't say anything; I was just glad the pressure on my mind was gone, "Next time you want access to my mind, ASK!" I snarled
"You're quite interesting," Mukuro ignored my demand, "Now than, shall we continue?" Mammon had rebelled against the thought of Mukuro actually being here, in the school gym, and attacked him. I would like to think there are limits to idiocy, but when people want to deny something because it goes against their beliefs, than they be extremely idiotic and that's an understatement. Mammon is in trouble, I thought to myself
Yes, your little avaricious Arcobaleno is going to loose, Mukuro answered,
Weren't you listening? Get the fuck out of my head!
What colorful language you use, he sounded like he was just going through a walk in a park which he probably was, I hadn't intended for you to see what I'm showing Tsunayoshi Sawada, but you'll end up seeing it regardless of what I do, the conclusion of his thought brought an image to my head. Actually, it was a memory of his recent attempt at escaping Vendice and Iemitsu recruiting him into the Vongola Guardians. Even though he was a criminal who deserved being locked in a water tank underground, I still couldn't help but feel sympathy for him. Of course I don't pity him as he brought it upon himself but it was cruel even for a criminal of his caliber, to be just fifteen and locked away underground, where he can't hear, see or feel anything.
With a jerk, I found myself back in the present. It hadn't been just me who saw Mukuro's memories, but Tsuna as well.
"Oi, are you two okay?" Takeshi was concerned,
"I'm fine," I answered, not being to sure if Tsuna was good to go.
The mist battle progressed with the apparent winner of Mukuro Rokudo. I do not want to mess with him until I can figure out how to get pass his illusions, kufufufu, you already do that Karen. For the entire battle, you were unaffected by the illusions since you saw through all of them, was the last thought I got from Mukuro. He collapsed and released Chrome. I don't know if I should be surprised that Ken and Chikusa abandoned her.
The thing that is really irritating me is Xanxus's confidence. Now that the number of rings is tied the next battle will decide everything and he's completely confident he will win.
"The next match will be Cloud," a newer Cervello announced. So that's why Xanxus is so confident, Gola Mosca, the military's anti-personnel machine was the strongest of this ages weaponry however, Hibari is a human fighting machine whose lost only once to Mukuro but that loss was because of the sakura-kura that Shamal had infected him with, which Mukuro had taken advantage of. The military's prized machine versus a stronger than average human being; I don't think it will be match worth watching since it's obvious, in my opinion, Hibari will win. The Mosca is designed with average human capabilities in mind, and Hibari is Varia quality, a super human a.k.a above average by a lot. But I still got a bad feeling about the match.
Tsuna: 3, Varia: 3
"That was a long sigh Karen," Dino greeted me at the hospital,
"Yeah. The Mist Guardian mopped the floor with Mammon,"
"Wow, he must be amazing," Dino grinned,
"And creepy, brilliant and it's not just a he," I added
"Huh?" Dino raised an eyebrow
"The Mist Guardian is two people, a girl and boy. They're both the same age as me give or take a year and some months. How's Superbi?"
"Lucky you, he'll live. He better avoid missions for the next month or so," the relief that drowned me was a welcome escape from my anxiety
"But there is still some work that needs to be done," Dino added while I groaned, "and you should go see this match,"
"It's obvious Hibari's gonna win though," I protested,
"Yeah I know, but you're still going,"
"Are going to make me?" I challenged,
"You have no reason for hovering like a bat now that your brother's life is guaranteed," Damn him
"I'm staying, and that's that," I growled as I headed for my brother's room. Since I saw him come in battered and bleeding with shark bites, he looked a lot better. The little color both of us usually have in our skin was back and he was clean and properly bandaged with no salt water stinging. Wrap up his face, pull out the organs and do the rest of the Egyptian's procedure for mummification and we'd have a perfect mummy on our hands. Even though it was highly unlikely for Superbi to feel my hand on his arm, I still gave him a slight squeeze to let him know I was there waiting.
The relief of stress I'd been feeling since the Varia came to Japan made me realize how tired I was and just how stressed I had been for the last week. Unable to help myself, I put my head down by my brother's hand and fell asleep faster than Superbi cuts through bamboo.
"WHAT? Are you kidding me?" Dino's shout woke me up; it was after the Cloud battle. Holy shit, I slept through the night and day?
Good evening sleepy head, Mukuro commented
I don't want to hear it out of you, who slept until now.
Materializing myself and using…
Illusions for the length of time you did are exhausting yadda, yadda I get it. Mukuro finally shut up; it's probably not the best idea for me to irritate him but when I get irritated and had just woken up, I lack diplomacy and was a force even Xanxus was cautious around.
Dino stormed, "Oh crap I didn't wake you up did i?"
"What's wrong?" I ignored his question
"Nothing…"
"Don't lie what's wrong? Hibari didn't loose…did he?"
"No…well uh-it just,"
"WHAT?"
Seeming defeated, "The Ninth Vongola was found in the Mosca's core," horror washed through me,
"The Mosca had gone berserk and attacked Tsuna's friends," Dino didn't have to tell me the rest: whenever his friends are danger, Tsuna beats down the attacker until either it gives up or is dead. Tsuna, more than likely, would've had to cut Mosca in half, and would cut the Ninth, which Xanxus would take advantage of in no time.
"The Ninth is okay right? He didn't…"
"He's not dead, but will be if he doesn't get to the better equipped hospital in time." If the Ninth didn't get there in time, he would die and Xanxus would avenge the Ninth and gain the trust of the entire Vongola; his rise to leadership would be without defiance, and even when the Vongola tried to rebel from his dictatorship, the members of the Varia would squash any resistance before it could touch Xanxus or even bud.
"What about Tsuna and the rest?"
"They're fine. The final battle is still going to take place,"
"Final…battle? ah!" The Sky battle is Tsuna versus Xanxus. Dread seeped through my joints. Xanxus was and still is a formidable fighter. Since the Cradle incident, his anger, which is the foundation of his strength, has been stewing and increasing for eight years. No doubt Tsuna has gotten stronger, but Xanxus was strong to begin with, I mean he had the Ninth on the ropes when they fought, and since than his power has upped by at least two hundred percent, so twice what he was before. Just thinking back brought up the memories I want to forget: flashes of Xanxus's flames, Xanxus's yell and my brother's injuries.
"Karen?" Dino brought me back to the present, "You okay? You look a lil pale,"
"I always look pale," I tried some humor. Giving me a strange look, Dino left the room. I let out a sigh,
"Karen?" Superbi's voice rasped,
"You're awake! I'll get the doctor," I turned around
"Wait one second young lady," I stopped and turned back to look at him, "You better tell me what's going on," Quickly I gave him a summary of what has happened since the Rain battle,
"Not that, I mean what's happened to you"
"Oh, well, where do I begin?"
"Voi", he growled softly, "just tell me why you were going nutty during the wait for the rain battle,"
"That is over and done with," I really didn't want to tell him,
"Spill it or I'll fillet you," of course it was a semi-empty threat but he would give the verbal version of fillet rather than the physical and verbal is a lot worse. Gotta choose the lesser of two evils: tell my brother about Takeshi which would end in five minutes or endure a ten hour verbal spiel,
"That sword brat is…" Squalo's eyes bugged, showing his thoughts going in the direction I did not intend for him to go,
"Yes he's my best friend and his name is Yamamoto Takeshi"
"What's the difference?" Squalo raised an eyebrow
"Katana-Brat just refers to him being a young teenage swordsman while Yamamoto Takeshi refers to him as…well, what he is as a whole," I spoke slowly through gritted teeth, "to continue on your first Q, I didn't want my best friend and brother fighting each other to the death!"
"You have a crush on that idiot though," he stated,
"No I don't," I sighed
"Yes you do,"
"No I don't," I repeated
"Right," he dragged out the long 'i' sound
"Can I get the nurse now?" I snapped
"One sec," Dino had eavesdropped, the piece of shit, though I'm one to talk, "Sorry, I want to talk to Squalo first. Do you mind leaving for awhile?"
"I guess," wariness caused my vision to zoom in on Dino,
"Don't worry, I just have questions," he tried in vain to reassure me,
"I'll check on the others," meaning Tsuna and Takeshi. I thought about staying behind and doing what I do best, but Dino somehow caught me and kicked me out before I made up my mind on what to do. Absently, I wandered around town enjoying the night while my thoughts came and went like ocean waves. Without realizing it, I had come to Takeshi's place. I yearned to go in and talk to him, but I doubted he'd have the time or inclination.
The door slid open and I was busted "Sup, Karen," Takeshi grinned his usual grin
"Oh hey, just passin' by," awkward, "Your eye!" I noticed the eye patch band aid. I missed it at the mist match because I was trying to figure out the mystery of Chrome's split personality.
"Oh this? Romario's just being careful,"
"Oh, I see," thank goodness,
"Want to come in for a bit?" Takeshi offered
"No it's okay,"
"Hey, this isn't about being enemies right?" as usual, he sees right through me, "Sure Squalo and I fought," his face tightened, "and I let him die,"
"No you didn't!," I interrupted, "the idiot choose his pride over his life,"
"You think you're brother is an idiot?" he laughed,
"Some days. Most of the time he's just loud," I couldn't help laughing as well,
"You're okay though? With him…gone," should I tell him my brother's actually alive?
Without missing a beat, "Yeah, I do miss him," I honestly answered, "but, well, what with him being a member of the Varia it's not unexpected for him to die…usually Varia members have a short life and to survive as long as he did is a world record," I shrugged,
"Wow, that's so different," seriousness actually came into existence with Takeshi as he looked over my shoulder at something only he could see, "well if your cool with it,"
"Somewhat," this was so easy; to be around Takeshi, to talk to him, "good night," I waved after a pause,
"Hey?"
"Yeah?" I looked over my shoulder, and Takeshi went speechless for a second,
"You'll be at the Sky match?" he eventually recovered,
"Who knows?" I teased, "Yes I'll be there, but you won't see me," I grinned.
Takeshi POV
I closed the door when Karen turned the corner of the street. What's up with me? Why did I just go speechless when she looked at me over her shoulder? She looked so beautiful. I shook my head; Karen's just a friend, not someone I would date. The panic she had shown at the end of the Rain battle was gone, and she seemed, relieved, relaxed even. And what did she mean by "You won't see me"? Is her hair getting longer?
Karen's POV
That was really nice to see Takeshi again. Of course I wouldn't miss the Sky match since it will be interesting to see if Xanxus finally meets his match. Let's hope Reborn can hit Tsuna with the Rebuke bullet, otherwise Tsuna will be used to paint the school.
I left the hospital earlier than Dino and Squalo. I made my way to the new hotel the Varia was staying in. Naturally with Xanxus, it was first class. Quietly, I slipped in hoping no one was here. That's kind of ironic when a person thinks about: here I was, planning on betraying Xanxus with his best interest in mind, or at least I think it's his best interest and the Vongola's. The Vongola doesn't need a dictator. I grabbed my double edged sword that Superbi had given me when I finally graduated his training regime. The sword was custom made by a traditional blacksmith so it fit me perfectly. The blade was straight and sharp, if chipped in some places. The belt I had for it looped around my chest and secured the blade flat on my back so I wouldn't break it if I rolled over or something else like that. Unfortunately, I was going to have to get a new belt, and the next one was going to be fine quality leather instead of this cheep shit I used.
If I knew the Xanxus, and by extension, the Varia, he was going to pull a fast stunt that would ensure his succeeding the title of Tenth Vongola. Unlike me who had some codes of honor and morals, Xanxus embodied the underworld. By no means am I an angel; I am proud but not arrogant enough to believe I am the one to decide who lives and doesn't. The anger I feel at Superbi for choosing to become shark chow rather than living is the same thing I would've done if I had been in the same situation if I didn't have anyone to live for. The anger also stems from the fact I would like to think my brother cared enough about me to put his pride aside, but I guess me seeing him get his ass kicked added to the humiliation. Oh well, time to do what I should've done when Xanxus first showed up in Namimori.
As much as I wanted to tell Tsuna good luck, I didn't; I kept myself hidden in the trees. The Cervello don't seem especially concerned with anything aside from watching the battle as they didn't try to confirm Superbi's death or thoroughly search the area. Even if they did do a search, they still wouldn't have found me. I'm not the Varia's number one spy for nothing even though I am the only one; you don't break into any facility without being the best,
So Karen, spying are you? Mukuro's voice slithered through my mind again
What's up with you? If you're going to say something spill it already,
What do you mean? I got the impression of a playful smile with a shrewd mind,
Playing dumb doesn't work well with you,
Kufufufu, so you noticed?
You didn't strike me as the kind of person to just chat with no reason
Well, you said say something. Did I say it's a statement?
Question than, whatever you're thinking reveal it already
I'm going to posses Tsunayoshi Sawada.
That's really freakin obvious that's your goal but Tsuna kicked your ass first time around so good luck, I snarled. I hate beating around the bush so what is it you want already?
How much do you hate me?
I don't hate you. Maybe some of things you did, irritate me but I've done similar things so it doesn't have any meaning coming out of me, I know I'm a hypocritical person, but I still keep doing what I do
You caused those things you didn't do them, Mukuro corrected me. Now that's weird, And what did you say about hating to beat around the bush?
I didn't say anything about that!
You were thinking it, is there such thing as psychically beating a person to a pulp because I was really starting to think it,
Yes there is, and to answer your first question, how opposed are you to becoming my student?
I had no answer to that because that was last thing I would expect him to ask me of all people, Is that really so surprising? He asked
Yes it is because I'm loyal to Tsuna and I don't see how you could gain an advantage over him through me aside from getting info, but you already do that with perfection,
You're shrewd, and that's why I want to teach you how to use illusions. You have a lot of potential in that area and I believe it will benefit you in the end
How does it benefit you though?
I just want a favor from you. You're the kind of person to keep a promise no matter what.
Where is this going? Now he was making me wary
I'm just asking you to protect Ken, Chikusa and Chrome…I guess I come as a part of that package.
WHAT? I half yelped, half yelled,
There is such thing as mental ear aches, he groaned
You're going to teach me illusions so you can keep your sorry hide, along with your gangs?
…Yeah,
Fine. How can I say no to someone like Chrome? She was so cute and innocent, unlike me.
Oh yeah, and just to let you know, if the Varia tries anything funny,
Which they will, I interrupted
Lancia will help out,
Lancia? I thought, than the image of tall, but muscular man with a big steel ball popped back into mind. My arm that had been broken twitched slightly at the remembered pain.
You don't like him?
No. The him you weren't possessing I do like, now shut up so I can concentrate, Mukuro actually shut it.
I had set up cameras around the hospital Kyoko and the others were at. The camera's video stream was linked only to my watch, a gift from Lucy. Superbi and Dino had just arrived. Not long after they showed up, Xanxus got frozen again in the Zero Point Break Through First Edition. Seeing him frozen brought back a lot of memories.
Screams tore the air as Superbi pulled me along behind, "Hide in here and don't move, no matter what. Got it?" his eyes made me say yes, just to reassure him I would be safe. Time passed, and people kept saying the Varia was attacking, "Find the Ninth!"
Superbi leaning against a pillar injured, bursts of the Flames of Rage lit up the deep, dark, damp underground labyrinth, the Ninth standing tall and strong but sorrowful, Xanxus's yelling ringing in my ears and head.
I shook myself the past wasn't going to help here. Turning my back on Xanxus, I headed for the hospital where the Varia would strike to eliminate anyone who would stop Xanxus, even if they were five or ten years old. Now is one of the many times I wonder why the hell I work for the Varia. I can it is to do my best to help the Vongola, but I do the same things I do in the Varia as I would working directly under the Ninth. I can say it is to keep my brother safe, but that doesn't work because the only way I can really protect him is to be there with him doing the assassinations and there is no way he would let me go with him. Honestly, I should change who I work for but I guess I would be doing the same dirty work regardless of who I worked for so since I already dug myself deep into the Varia, I'm staying there.
Slowing down, I inched my way to the most likely spot the Varia would strike from and hid myself there. Not even ten minutes later the men showed up. Wait for it, I thought, breathing in the chilly, gasoline filled air to calm myself. Carefully keeping myself in the shadows I crept towards the door. Just as their hands touched the handle to door I took out two of the ten with karate chops to the neck to paralyze them. The rest I had to fight against. Swing low hook, jump back a foot, kick low to hit their knees. These men may be second only to the commanders of the Varia, but I didn't break a sweat even fighting against eight of them. Superbi taught me well; dodging Xanxus's projectiles helped as well. That was ironic; the things Xanxus did in irritation just made me a stronger, more experienced fighter.
"I guess you don't need any help over here," Lancia's eyes bugged,
"Nuh-uh. Though we're going to need help over at the match fields but take care of any others please" I was already taking off in that direction
"Uh wait a sec!" he yelled
"Later," was the answer I gave him.
By the time I got back, nothing had changed. I shook myself for the second time, but the memories kept clamoring for my attention. The last time I went down to the labyrinth was just after Xanxus was freed. I don't know who it was, but I'm pretty sure it was the Ninth; or at least I wouldn't be surprised if it was him. The Ninth loved Xanxus as much as he had loved his other sons, more so in the fact he adopted Xanxus.
Everyone in the observation cage were insisting the Cervello let them out; they must have forgotten the rule that the match was not over until the one carrying the sky ring had to collect all of the Vongola rings. Bel and Mammon showed up with all the rings. I don't want to think of what they did to obtain them. Tsuna was so exhausted he could barely move. I glanced briefly at the infrared lasers that kept everyone in the observation cage. I should operate under the assumption the lasers had been tampered with. That way I won't be backed into a corner with no hope of assistance if the lasers were tampered with. Good thing I did.
Bel and Mammon showed up with all the rings. Stupid, stupid, stupid, I thought to myself. Tsuna's Guardians must have given all their rings to one person who was defeated. Crouching low to reduce the area air had to flow over me, I prepared to fly. The flames from the rings melted the ice encasing Xanxus. After putting the ring on, he started coughing up blood. Not good,
You think? Mukuro popped back in,
The next time I want to talk to you, I'll let you know, I growled. The Varia has finally rebelled, "Fifty members of the Varia are coming," Bel declared, while I stifled a laugh, keep dreaming. The second last squad made an appearance, but looked like they got hit by a metal ball, which they did. Ignoring them I turned my eyes above and behind the collapsed Tsuna. Bingo. Putting all the power I could into my legs, I shot over to the remaining squad in five seconds which is a new record for me. These guys were tougher than the others who I had used my one-two attack; now I had to use my one-two-three strike, "Anybody else?" I glared at Bel who wilted like a flower with no sun. A person would think I was shark baring my jaws.
"Give," the commanders raised their hands in surrender.
"Tsuna!"
"Tenth!" Takeshi's and Gokudera's voices cut through. I whipped around and ran over, only to find the turd had just passed out from exhaustion. Shaking my head in affectionate exasperation, I muttered, "Don't you guys scare me like that again."
The next day, we all met at Take-sushi for a party, with the outward reason for celebration is Lambo's recovery and winning the 'sumo' tournament; the brat should stay asleep, and the actual reason being celebrating the victory over the Varia. Xanxus is probably steaming mad if he's finally woken up. I'm sending up my prayers of gratitude for not being in Italy, and salvation for the poor people who get to be Xanxus's punching bags.
Lancia had to apologize to me for breaking my arm, "That was my fault. Keep regretting it and you'll be catching up on old times with your Family,"
"Okay," he smiled. I knew it. The guy is a big softy once you get Mukuro out of him I heard that, Mukuro's irritated voice drifted in only to run into a psychic brick wall.
The party began, and apparently I'm accepted back into the circle of friends, though Gokudera insists on being an ass. Oh well, when isn't he, and when isn't Tsuna freaking out about being the Vongola's next boss?