AN: Thank you for all the reviews, follows, and favourites! In response to one reviewer's question, the only pairing is between Iemitsu and Nana. The main focus is still on familial love.
On another note, when writing this story, I realised how dark almost all nursery rhymes are. You'll soon realise it too (if you haven't already done so).
Anyway. Here's chapter 1.
EDIT: I've tweaked the story so everything spoken in Italian will use the Italian version of quotation marks. It looks like this: «Speaking Italian.»
The Golden Canary
One little duck went out one day,
Over the hills and far away.
Daddy duck called "Quack-quack-quack-quack,"
But no little duck came wandering back.
Chapter 1: The Duck
The bus to Kokuyo Land took less than fifteen minutes, and after Iemitsu bought their tickets, they made a beeline to the bird sanctuary that was in a small section to the side of the garden zoo (to Tsuna's great insistence and Iemitsu's amusement).
As it was a regular Thursday, there were only a few people drifting about, and they were alone by the time they opened the door to the glass dome of the bird sanctuary. Tsuna raced off to see his favourite birds hiding among the arching trees, and Iemitsu kept pace, keeping a discreet eye out for escape routes, security cameras, and possible threats.
"Otou-san! Look; that's Kuri-kun! He makes a 'Kururi-kuru' sound."
He allowed himself to be distracted by Tsuna's excited tugging on his pant leg, and looked towards the orange-breasted thrush sitting on a branch above them. As if to prove Tsuna right, the bird called out a greeting.
"Kuru. Kururi, kuru!"
Tsuna smiled, and responded in the same manner before tugging his father in another direction. Each bird had its own name and song, and it made Iemitsu wonder what Tsuna would be like if he applied his love for birds to his studies. Nana-chan had commented several times over the phone about her worry that Tsuna was always a little slower than his peers, and there was still a clumsiness that lingered in his bones no matter how hard she tried to fix it.
Speaking of which, his clumsiness showed every now and then, and in his eagerness to get round to every single bird, Iemitsu already had to save him from face-planting a few times.
"Tsuna, slow down! You're gonna hurt yourself if you keep running like that!"
His words fell on seemingly deaf ears as the boy ran off again, then proceeded to trip over his own feet and fall before his father had a chance to catch him.
Tenth time's the charm. Iemitsu resisted the urge to face-palm as the boy's eyes welled with tears and adopted the sniffling sound of a child trying not to cry.
"See? What did I say?"
But he was still his father, and Tsuna was still a child, so he picked him up gently and checked the damage done.
Apart from twin scrapes on his hands and gravel on his knees, he was fine, so Iemitsu reached into the backpack for the water Nana-chan mentioned and – thank heavens for his wife's foresight – a box of bandages. Tsuna winced at the cold water being poured over his scrapes, but his father's firm grip on his hands prevented him from shrinking away.
He looked up as his father, still teary-eyed from the fall.
"Is…is otou-san mad? I'm sorry," Tsuna said in a tiny voice, his bowed head and body full of misery.
Iemitsu was surprised. He didn't think his face showed any displeasure at all.
"What makes you think I'm mad?"
"Well…mama always sings 'itai itai deteke' when I get hurt. And…and I know you warned me, but I really really wanted to show you all the birds, because sometimes they fly away and it's hard to chase after them."
Huh. His son had heard him after all.
"And I know we have to be home for dinner, b-but I want to play with you as much as I can before you fly away, too."
Damn, and didn't that just melt his heart and give him a kick to his backside all at once.
He swallowed the lump in his throat before patting his son's hands dry, and stuck a colourful bandage on each scrape before softly singing "Itai itai deteke" in a husky voice. Then he pulled his son into a quick hug to show he's nowhere near angry, before bouncing him up onto his shoulders.
"So! Where to next, my little birdie?"
His son's arms around his neck warmed him more than the afternoon sun, and soon enough Tsuna was twittering away again.
After they'd seen every single bird in the sanctuary (Tsuna made sure to keep count), they wandered back outside to try to catch a glimpse of any wild birds before they had to leave. Iemitsu had suggested a visit to the karaoke room or the theatre, but Tsuna was vehemently opposed to the idea. To him, 'fun' meant doing the things he liked, and after his tumble, Iemitsu didn't mind indulging the boy just a little more. It would be all too soon for his cute tuna-bird to grow up, and while Iemitsu dreaded the day, he felt it would be best to reveal the truth about his 'business', as it'd be unlikely that his son could avoid the mafia world.
After all, Iemitsu was the second-hand man to the biggest famiglia in Italy, which meant occupational hazards and generational curses all rolled into one. It'd be best for Tsuna to have an idea of the harsh outside world, but not now, of course – it was one of the reasons why he'd insisted on having his residential home in Japan instead of Italy, so that his son could have as normal of a childhood as possible. At least until he turned fifteen.
It would be a heavy burden to bear, but for the sake of his family and famiglia, it was the only thing he could do. That, and pray to any god out there that Tsuna would be strong enough to handle it all.
Said son was currently searching and singing at the same time, quietly as there were a few strangers here and there (he discovered early on that the boy was actually quite timid around people he didn't know), but the innocent melody of a famous children's song drifted around in a pleasant way. Tsuna was hoping to somehow attract birds in this manner, and the comment had made Iemitsu grin.
The song was interrupted by a ringtone, and he had to pause before remembering he'd brought his work phone.
"Sorry Tsuna; I have to answer this…ah, secret call," he smiled apologetically while setting his son on the ground.
Iemitsu gave a quick survey of the area and deemed it safe before taking his phone out.
"Otou-san will be sitting right here," he pointed to a bench a little ways off the main path, "and I don't want you wandering off too far, okay? We can head home after getting some gelato."
Tsuna cocked his head.
"What's gel-a-to?"
"Oh, it's Italian. Ice cream. Very yummy." Distracted by the phone's incessant ring, he waved the boy off, and flipped his phone open. "Moshi-mosh? Yes; I'm still in Japan. What's wrong?"
Tsuna knew when he'd been dismissed, but he still lingered for a few seconds before shuffling off.
As promised, Iemitsu sat on the bench and kept an eye on Tsuna while the person on the other end attempted a few mangled sentences in Japanese. He cringed inwardly when his subordinate's voice took on a very panicky note and started swearing in Italian, so he saved him further embarrassment by switching to the same language.
«Breathe, Turmeric. Just because I'm in Japan doesn't mean I've suddenly forgotten Italian.»
«Oh. Right. Of course. Sorry boss; I know this is a terrible time to be calling, and I didn't really want to make the call because you know my Japanese isn't up to par, and I know I shouldn't disturb you while you're on vacation and with your family…» Turmeric continued to blabber, but since he was still at a tender age of twenty, Iemitsu patiently waited it out. He'd have to train him in the art of relaying information when he got back.
While his subordinate tried his best to talk it through, he scanned for Tsuna again, and spotted him by the tall palm tree to the side of the road. He seemed to have increased the intensity of his search for a different bird, as he was craning his neck towards the sky.
«…but…you NEED to come back!» The last sentence was practically a wail, and he turned his attention back to Turmeric. «HE has discovered the truth of his heritage, and is now leading a full-scale revolt against Vongola headquarters!»
It took him a moment to realise who Turmeric was talking about, but the revelation managed to shock the happy-go-lucky Iemitsu out of his seat.
«WHAT?! Him and what army?! And tell the whole story, from the top! In summary form!»
«It-it's the Varia, sir!» Turmeric's nervousness betrayed him, and he cursed his own fear. But he never expected to be thrown in a rebellion this big so soon after formally becoming a part of CEDEF. «I'm not sure how, but Xanxus-sama discovered that he's not actually Nono's illegitimate child. You know how strong his ambition to become the Decimo is, right? And he has quite the temper.»
A few distant explosions crackled through the hum of static, and Iemitsu started to pace, fearful for his boss' and subordinates' lives. He sensed rather than heard Turmeric wince, then some shuffling and panting rustled through the phone as the other man ducked into a safer place before continuing.
«He took five of his most loyal subordinates in the Varia. There's only a grand total of six of them, but they're talented, mafia-trained, and former famiglia. And you know how he has the 'Flame of Wrath'; even Nono's guardians are having trouble with him!»
«What about other CEDEF members? Or our close allies, like the Chiavarone? Surely you're not all out of commission, are you?»
«W-well, Saffron, Nutmeg, and Dino are working together to somehow hold off Squalo, but I doubt they'll last for long. I hope them being…former classmates will mean that the swordsman will take it easy on them, but I highly doubt it. His first and foremost allegiance is to Xanxus-sama. Other Vongola allies were either uninformed to prevent this scandal from spreading, while most of our closer allies are either busy with something else, or sitting back to let us deal with our 'internal problem'.»
The man paused, and muffed yelling sounded through before the world around exploded again. Iemitsu waited with baited breath, and breathed relief when Turmeric's voice came through once more.
«As for me, I only managed to get away because Saffron told me someone had to report to you. A few others helped hold off some of the other Varia members while I slipped away. Everyone else…» He trailed off, and Iemitsu can pretty much guess the rest.
Swearing a storm of all the curse words he knew from several dictionaries, he racked his brain for the best course of action while trying to calm down. It would do him no good as the CEDEF leader to falter now, especially during a time of crisis.
«Turmeric. I want you to listen, and listen carefully.» He paused so the younger man's heavy breathing could even out a little. «Do not, I repeat, do NOT engage the enemy. Leave the rest to Nono and his guardians; I'm sure they can handle a few rampaging children. Instead, I want you to start combing and clearing the area of any survivors systematically, starting with the room Squalo and Dino were in. If they're still fighting, tell Dino to retreat for his father's and his famiglia's sakes. If Squalo insists on pursuing, tell him that Xanxus is currently fighting against the Nono and his guardians. As for me, I will get on the first plane headed to Italy to deal with the aftermath.»
He paused to let it all sink in, before continuing carefully and clearly.
«And last, but most importantly, if you at any point find a nine-by-fourteen ebony box with golden-ridged edges, the Vongola crest embossed in gold on the top, and a lock in the shape of a golden clam in front, take it with you. Hide it somewhere safe; somewhere only you would know.»
He gritted his teeth, knowing that if any one of their enemies got a hold of this piece of information, he'd have just signed a death sentence for Turmeric. But until he got there himself, he would have to trust in the loyalty and strength of his young charge, and in the rest of the CEDEF members – that what they lacked in strength, they made up for in their teamwork and devotion for one another.
«That is all. Are you ready to carry out orders?»
Static reigned for a few heartbeats, then his subordinate's voice sounded out loud and clear.
«Yes boss.»
The call ended, and Iemitsu shook his head to clear the tense atmosphere they'd created.
What a disaster.
He slowly massaged his temples with calloused fingers, feeling much older and wearier than his thirty years. It came with the job description, but it didn't mean he'd ever gotten used to it.
Despite the end of the call and his promise to get back to headquarters as soon as possible, he still couldn't shake the stone that had settled in his stomach. It'd been niggling at him ever since he picked up the phone, and the sense of dread had increased when he learned of the Vongola's plight, but it should have calmed to a simmer after he'd given instructions to Turmeric.
Iemitsu learned early on to never dismiss his sixth sense, even when it sounded with seemingly no reason.
The man scanned his surroundings again, looking for the slightest hint of danger. But rather than finding danger, it was more like something…was missing…
TSUNA!
His mind finally kicked into full throttle, and he whipped his head around, trying to spot a mop of brown hair.
"Tsuna! TSUNA! Where are you?" He tried to keep the panic out of his voice, knowing it wouldn't help anyone. "TSUUUNAAA!"
A few sympathetic expressions from other parents turned his way, but when he didn't get the desired response, he scrambled around, looking for any clues on where his son might have gone.
I told him not to wander off! What if he's lost? What if he's hurt? Or – dear God – what if an enemy famiglia– His brain clamped down on his heart, refusing to finish that sentence until he'd found proof.
He'd never been the best at tracking, but for Tsuna, he would dredge up every last ounce of the skill. Taking a deep breath, Iemitsu forced himself to look at the land in the most objective and attentive manner. The last time he'd seen Tsuna…was over there, by that palm tree.
Walking over and off the paved path, he bended towards the grassy area, taking care not to disturb the marks that were left behind.
There were a few bigger footprints made of crushed grass, most likely made by the groundskeeper watering the trees, his mind supplied, but he found a trail of tiny footprints leading off the grass, onto the paved road (he lost the trail there, but it picked up again in the grass on the other side of the road), over the foot-high fence and into the small forest.
He reached into his back pocket to pull out the complimentary map the ticket seller had given him, unfolding it and smoothing out the wrinkles.
Seems like Kokuyo Land was built in the forested land between Kokuyo and Namimori. We were at the sanctuary…that's to the east of the zoo…and I sat on this bench here. The palm tree is outside the sanctuary; where his trail starts again is on the outer edge of this forest between the zoo and the theatre. The rest of the forest is walled off by rocks and a mountain, although I doubt he'd wander that far.
He hmmed, thoughts churning with emotion.
Maybe he cut right through and ended up at the theatre. But for now, he glanced around surreptitiously and hopped the fence, I'll follow the trail of breadcrumbs.
It was easy to see where Tsuna had gone, as the young boy had no training on how to conceal his tracks. He moved as fast as he could without missing out on any new clues and kept an ear trained on the closest speakers, as the staff at Kokuyo Land used the PA system to broadcast closing times and the occasional lost child announcement. He also kept his son's trail intact, in case he needed it later.
All the while, his sixth sense kept egging him on, and it took a sheer force of will to keep his heart and mind calm. Until a flash of scuffed white stood out against a small clearing.
He stopped, and picked up the object.
It was Tsuna's shoe.
It was funny in a not-funny kind of way, how he worked so hard to control the clamouring of thoughts, and now his mind ceased to think.
So his heart took over, and for the first time in his life, he ignited his Hyper Dying Will mode without the pills in his inner pocket.
One set of small footprints, by themselves. Tsuna had found what he was looking for, as the small flattened patch of grass shows he turned around in the same spot a few times. To the left, a set of large footprints, almost as big as my own. They lead in from the front. He followed them a few metres away to a spot behind a tree, where the man would've been completely concealed from an unsuspecting Tsuna.
He inspected the area, the orange flame on his forehead burning fiercely.
A faint scent of smoke and gunpowder left on the bark. A chain smoker then, but one that wasn't smoking at the moment. And someone familiar around guns, but if he was armed, he didn't fire. No blood, bullets, or burns. Probably a dealer, yakuza, mafia, or gun-enthusiast.
He extracted a thin green thread from the crevices in the bark, and spotted several more in the same general area.
Someone leaned against this tree, wearing a green cotton shirt, most likely to blend in with the environment. Height of where the thread was found indicates his shoulders are about two centimetres above mine. An unusually tall man then, who was waiting here. But what for? Further inspection didn't reveal anything else, so he pocketed the thread and traced the trail back to the small clearing.
He ran after the other set of footprints this time, the ones leading towards the other side of the forest.
No sign of Tsuna's backpack, so he must've taken it with him. And clumsy, seeing as he left this trail for me to follow. Either a panicked grunt in the mafia, or an opportunist who has an interest in young boys and guns. His mouth set into a grim line. But both will be dead by the time I get my hands on them, he promised.
He pushed himself to a deadly sprint, his Hyper Dying Will mode allowing him to process information ten times faster than he normally could, eyes missing nothing – not the widening distance between each of the kidnapper's footsteps, nor the broken branches and fallen leaves along the path. The scumbag was desperately trying to escape with his son, but Iemitsu's instincts boiled hotter than the hell that waits for all those who dared to harm his family.
He broke through the last of the trees a moment later, and forced himself to slow down as the trail ended again on concrete pavement.
The sun was already beginning to set, and it was almost five-thirty. Nana-chan would've started cooking the rice by now, and dimly, Iemitsu heard the speakers announce that it was thirty minutes until closing time.
Wait a minute – the staff!
He raced along the path, realising with a curse that the kidnapper had finally wised up and hidden himself by sticking to concrete. So he headed straight for the exit, asking the staff he met along the way whether they'd seen a six-year-old with messy brown hair or a man taller than him wearing a green shirt. He practically growled his frustration when their startled looks revealed their ignorance, and it wasn't long before he reached the exit gate.
Useless, all of them.
The last of the visitors were trickling through the turnstiles; some couples, but mostly parents and their children. He scanned them all for Tsuna and his kidnapper – whether they were as small as Tsuna, possible adults who could be holding or carrying something that could fit a child inside, or whether they were a giant wearing a green shirt.
He watched them like a hawk, mindless of the time as it crawled to six, and kept looking, even after he'd been shooed out and the gates closed.
All of a sudden, he looked up, and realised he was alone.
"Tsuna?"
He jogged down the road that led from the parking lot to the highway where the bus stop was located, hoping they'd been delayed by rush hour traffic. He traced the last of the visitors climb onto the bus that headed home, and those who didn't take the bus all merged into the highway traffic in the luxury of their cars.
"Sir? Are you getting on?" The bus driver asked, but he shook his head numbly, allowing him to drive away. Tsuna wasn't on the bus – he checked.
He looked back, and all the cars were gone. The bus and its waiting passengers were gone. His son was gone.
The stone at the pit of his stomach grew until he choked on its ashes, and he sank to his knees. The flame on his forehead petered out, but not before he could wrench out one final word.
"TSUUUUUUUNNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
AN: Cliffie. And there will be more to come. Any predictions? Leave a review to let me know! Any and all support is much appreciated.