AN: Warning; up ahead will be many different POVs from different characters.
CHAPTER 23: SO CLOSE
It was rather odd that even Mammon looked concerned for him. He had thought the child didn't care much for him, a lowly new Varia member with no special abilities under his belt, he thought he couldn't possibly trouble himself to worry about such a useless person. Apparently, when he closed the door, collapsed to his knees and planted his face onto the rug it was enough to frighten the other two occupants in the desolate hallway. Fran immediately took the liberty to run to his side, putting two hands over his shoulders, "Tsuna," Fran began slowly, as if he was cautious of words were enough to hurt, "Are you alright?"
At first he didn't answer, because he was still trying to catch his breath. Honestly, he didn't want to reply but he was afraid that Fran might take it the wrong way. "I'm fine." Tsuna had meant it to sound reassuring but even to him it sounded like he was in pain.
"Was it too much for you?" Mammon asked, tone indifferent.
"No," Tsuna replied, gaining control of his breathing, "The word; was my name. But why my name?"
"It was to remind you," Mammon answered, "Remind you how your name, the one thing you can identify yourself with, was the one thing that can break happiness. Do not forget that you are a burden, an obstacle in everyone's path, but only you can prove them otherwise." The words were so abstract and indecipherable Tsuna could only gave Mammon a blank stare, as if the answer was on the child's face instead. It didn't sound like advice, but it didn't exactly sound like an insult either. Seeing his clueless expression, Mammon continued, "Well, I say I am impressed though. You actually managed to break through our illusion. Not an easy feat. I'm actually surprised you made it out in one piece. Your intuition is rather strong, so we have no need to improve in that skill. You pass."
"How do you know Hibari-san?" Tsuna asked suddenly, seemingly not hearing a word Mammon said. How did this kid know all about his friends, his family, and the way the made the fake-Hibari talk, it was as if he knew him all his life. There was no other way unless the mist-user actually knew Hibari in person.
"Hibari?" Mammon questioned, and then shook his tiny head, "No, I gave the illusion of the person you wanted to see most." Mammon motioned to Fran distinctively, and the oldest of the group began explained in his sempai's stead.
"Everything you heard this 'Hibari' say was reflected on what you know about yourself and what you know he knows about you. We never met his Hibari, it was all just supported by your own mind. That is what makes an illusion real." He shook that off, but dwelled more on the fact Hibari was the one he wanted to see more than anyone, and it was logical he wanted to see him first. Hibari was the one to get him into this mess it was only fair he was the one to get him out. But it also made sense why Hibari was like that. He suddenly felt sick. So it was true, he didn't remember Hibari's face and even his voice. "So it's true…that really wasn't him…" He felt sorely disappointed, because if it had been Hibari then surely they would've been home by now.
"So it was a man after all?" Fran asked, not letting the personal questions go, "I was so sure it would be a girl. I did the other half of the illusion; the romantic feelings reflected from your heart."
Tsuna felt something inside of him shrivel up. 'Romantic feelings'? That had to be a joke.
"I…" Tsuna began, confused as well. He was sure of that too. If someone made an illusion of the one he loved then it would most definitely be his parents. It perplexed him why it was Hibari not his dad or even his mom. Fran must've read him wrong or something. Because…because he never thought of Hibari in that sort of way. Tsuna smiled to himself when he pictured Hibari and himself as a couple-couple. It was laughable really. "Well yes," He admitted cautiously, "It was a man."
"Then you love him." Fran declared quite confidently, "My illusions are not wrong." Tsuna gave him a two-faced look, one that bordered on disbelief and another that demanded Fran to stop speaking. After a short pause in strange understandment, and Mammon slapped Fran's kneecap silently ordering the neon-haired male to pick him up. Fran did so, with ginger hands, picked up the small child and walked on ahead. They trusted Tsuna would follow. The boy did, only giving the black door a long glance before he jogged to catch up.
"Huh." Mammon said simply and then looked down at Tsuna, and the boy promptly looked back with expectation. "Then…this kid…" Mammon trailed off with a sly smirk.
"Probably." Fran said pompously, as if reveling in the secret only he and Mammon knew.
"I really don't know what you're talking about." Tsuna persisted, frustrated that he felt like he was missing out on a good joke. His teachers—now teammates, looked at him with a knowing expression before turning face forward again. Then released a deep sigh in unison. Tsuna glared curiously at the back of their heads.
—
"Mukuro-sama!" Chrome cried, stumbling into the kitchen, "I found a lead! I think I know where Tsunayoshi went!" M.M followed behind her, arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed in thought. Lanchia pushed his plate away, sitting erect as the two girls shuffled through the entrance.
Mukuro looked up, alarmed at her report. Quickly taking her by the arm, he dragged the girl to the table and she collapsed onto a chair, tired. The others continued eating, looking up briefly at her before going back to their food. It was one of those common occurrences where Chrome wasn't eating dinner with them at the same time. It was just that nowadays she'd cook, leave to the same bar with M.M, then come back, defeated and information-less.
But tonight was different.
The tall man pulled a chair close to her and he sat in it quickly. M.M took her own usual seat silently beside Chrome. Mukuro took her hands and looked into her one eye, and quite intently asked, "What did you find?" And why did you find it now? Not days, weeks earlier?
Chrome opened her mouth to reply but Ken beat her to it, voice angry, "Why the hell are you still looking for him? It's enough alright? He's gone, out of our hands, so what's the big deal?"
The violet-haired girl turned to look at her friend, wanting to say a good excuse but couldn't come up with one. She sadly started, "Ken…"
"Don't 'Ken' me," He replied with a snarl, "I thought I told you to give up, it's enough already. If he really wanted to come back then he should've come back weeks ago. Give it up. He's either dead or finally went home."
"No Ken," Chrome said firmly. All the in the room looked up to stare at Chrome, never hearing such conviction in her voice before. "If he really went home then he would've found a way to tell us he did."
"Then explain. What if he's dead? What will you do?" He retorted quickly.
"Then I'll find out why he died." Chrome said back.
For a moment, he was at loss of words Ken bared his fangs at her, "What's this? You like him or something?"
Her mouth dropped open, confused and shocked. Where had that come from? She opened her mouth, to say what, she actually didn't know. To question it? Reject it? But Mukuro beat her to it, glaring at the bristled boy across the table, "Stop it, Ken. Don't bully Chrome. I was talking to her." Ken forced his lips to meet, effectively hiding his gritted teeth. The indigo-haired man turned to look at Chrome, "Chrome, dear. Continue what you were saying."
She began shakily, her thoughts still lingering on Ken's accusation. "We went to the bar again this evening." Ken snorted here, turning away from the group with an angry expression. Chrome shot him a discreet glance then continued, "There I met a group of very nice ladies who were taking pictures. I recognized them right away. M.M-san and I remembered seeing them on the night Tsunayoshi disappeared. We asked them if we could take a look at their pictures after explaining that our friend went missing. They were very understanding and let us look."
Chrome looked at M.M and the busty girl nodded. She handed Mukuro a picture. "We found this."
Mukuro took it from her perfectly manicured hands and scanned the picture. The camera was focused on the three ladies on the front, and in anyone's eyes they might've been very attractive but Mukuro wasn't looking at them. His eyes zeroed in on the background. It was a bit blurry but there was no mistaking the brown hair and the dress. He was slumped on the table, and across him was the back of a man's head. His hair was a unique light shade of lavender, tied into a short braid. M.M continued, "We showed the picture to the bartender. He recognized him right away. He said that this man often claimed to be the owner of the bar."
"Often?" Mukuro interrupted. "What do you mean often? He's not the owner you mean?"
"Yes. He's not the owner. Someone named Dino Chivarone owns the Il Cavalla Veloce." M.M confirmed with a frown, "Apparently that's this guy's usual place where he goes picking up girls. He must've said he was the owner to the kid and he believed him right away. That gullible idiot."
"And? Did you find out who he is?" Mukuro asked, narrowing his eyes at the picture.
"Yes he goes by the name 'Feliciano'. He's a black marketer and picks up people and sells them for a living. Apparently, the Il Cavalla Veloce is one of his normal hunting grounds." M.M's mouth twisted in disgust, her past a vivid memory, "Do you remember where you found me?" She pointed at Tsuna's drunken heap in the picture, "He brought the kid to the Al Forno theatre."
Mukuro's eyes snapped up at the familiar name. "I remember. You were in there once."
"Yes," M.M said with vengeance, "He brought the kid there. That is one thing I can't forgive."
Mukuro felt his hand grip the table so hard he almost thought he'd break it. They sold him? They sold Sawada Tsunayoshi? He felt something explode in his chest and the room seemed suddenly hotter than usual. Ken seemed to read Mukuro's mind. "Mukuro-sama, you can't be serious! We're going to go there to find out where they sold him aren't we? Well damn it, I'm not going!" Everyone turned to look as Ken stood up and kick the wall. "I respect you and all but I just don't get what's with this craze and that kid! There's nothing special about him so I don't know why we're going through stupid unnecessary problems to find him!"
Chikusa spoke up, and all eyes turned on him. "I agree with Ken, but not in lengths to offend you, Mukuro-sama. I honestly don't see what benefit we have in retrieving him." Ken nodded giving the rest of the occupants in the room a gloating look. It was a rare occasion Chikusa agreed with him and he felt the confidence in his conviction rise.
"And you!" Ken spun on his heel to jab a finger at M.M's direction. She was unfazed by his outburst. "What the hell is with your change of heart? I thought you hated him!"
M.M glared at Ken nastily, "Don't misunderstand me. I wasn't finished, dog. So sit down and listen well." Ken quieted down, but didn't take a seat. M.M sighed heavily and reached into her coat pocket. "I have something else to show everyone." She looked to Chrome at the corner of her eye, as if looking for permission. Chrome nodded. Unsheathing another picture she stood up to place it in the middle of the table for all to see and slowly sat back down. Everyone leaned in to glance at it. Everyone reacted differently but Ken was the one that choked on air.
"Holy shit!" He screamed, his voice echoing throughout the bureau.
No one blamed him for the unnecessary volume. Because this time he had a right to be loud. Chikusa looked sincerely surprised, his eyes wide and serious. Lanchia spoke up, his voice deep and somber, "It can't be…"
This time was a picture of two girls, their bust overflowing from their dresses and both smiled seductively at the camera but no one seemed to be paying attention to their chest size. Everyone was looking at Tsuna, again in the background. The boy had an arm around the lavender-haired man's neck, his face still turned away from the camera. Tsuna barely even looked awake, his eyes sleepy and head drooped. But his eyes. They were orange. There was no mistaking the flame on Tsuna's forehead either. It was a sky-flame. A sincere, brilliant, glowing sky flame. It was no trick of the light.
"It can't be…" Lanchia repeated again, and everyone looked at him, and the man said aloud what was going through their minds, "Prince…he's the prince…He's the real Prince of Spades!"
"Oh god!" Ken was the first to react from the shock and he pushed the balls of his wrists into his eyes and jerked away from the table to pace restlessly, "He was fucking right under our noses! Fuck! Oh fuck!"
"We're not sure of that yet," Mukuro denied the accusation, "But it is a sky-flame. This is the biggest chance we ever had." Mukuro felt his ears ringing. It was hard to believe that such a normal-looking boy could possibly be the Prince of Spades but it made sense. In fact it made so much sense that it made him feel like he was the fool this whole time. Mukuro slowly stood up, catching everyone's attention. They looked at him, expectant of his orders. At first, he simply just wanted Tsuna. He just wanted him because well, he found him very charming. Now, it wasn't just about attraction. This time, it was business too. "I understand. We have to get him back at all costs. We need him, my friends. We must retrieve Sawada Tsunayoshi with our lives. We go tonight to the theatre. We'll find this 'Feliciano' and force the information out of him by all means necessary."
—
"Voi, Everyone knows that tomorrow is the night, right?" Squalo said between loud chews. "Everyone is ready, right?"
They looked up from their food to look politely at him. Bel snorted a laugh, "Ushishishi, who do you think I am? I'm born ready, peasant."
"I wasn't talking to Your Excellency, I was talking to the kid over there." Squalo growled and pointed at the ever-quiet Tsuna with the tip of his boot. He didn't see Lussuria lick his lips appreciatively at the overly seductive gesture.
"He passed mine." Mammon grunted into his teacup.
"Passed." Levi reported dutifully.
"Heehee," Lussuria smiled, pressing his fingers together flirtatiously, "Passed with flying colors."
Squalo grunted, his back hitting the chair ungracefully as he nodded in approval, "Then it seems we're ready to go."
"No." Everyone in the table turned to look, hearing Xanxus voice. He spoke again and worked to make his point, "He did not partake in mine."
"Yours…boss?" Levi repeated, gulping audibly. No one knew what Xanxus taught Tsuna in their free time. But they could imagine what horrible things the boy would go through in his alone time with the boss. Tsuna felt his fingers dig into his chair. If it dealt with Xanxus, then he was sure as the soaring heavens that this would be the big bomb Xanxus would teach him. So far, all they learned was just concentration on creating the flame and keeping it there, not only that, he also learned by the others on his intuition, senses, knowledge, and just toning his physical abilities.
There was only one thing left for him to learn; how to use his flame as a weapon. It was the one thing that Tsuna from the very beginning had yearned to know. At least, if he ever made back home alive, he would have some use. Nothing else he learned mattered more than this. "Yes, mine. Tonight. We will start tonight. And you will achieve, boy. Or you will be recognized as nothing but trash and will start from the very beginning."
Tsuna felt a growl erupt from his throat at the idea.
Xanxus looked surprised at his response, and honestly even though he hid it well, Tsuna was surprised too. Xanxus howled in laughter from across the table and everyone felt the temperature in the room suddenly drop. There was a tenseness emitting from Tsuna, he could feel it, and he could feel the same kind of feeling from his boss too. "Get up." Xanxus snarled, "Later is too long. Now. Go at me now."
Tsuna felt himself move at the invitation. What was he doing? Was he suicidal? Was he finally at his wit's end? There were a million questions of the same aspect surging through his head but he felt himself swatting them away like flies. It was as if all his frustration in being kidnapped, forced, deceived, and hurt was all being unleashed and it felt like no one mattered anymore. It felt like Xanxus was the one thing that was causing all this. The one and only thing preventing him from seeing his family ever again. He felt angry, enraged even, and it just came out of nowhere. He didn't feel human.
With an animalistic manner he didn't know he had, Tsuna stepped onto the table and ran towards Xanxus, he barely even noticed the protests of his new friends or the way the food caked his shoes and legs. It was as if everything in the room was just dark and Xanxus was the only thing he could zero in on. Then he felt it, grabbed it. The bicycle handle. And just like that, his flame erupted like an explosion out of his hands and body. The confidence of the flame was back, more intense and hotter than ever. His blood pumped with an equal, solid, and familiar beat in his veins like it was greeting an old friend.
He could distinctly hear the servants at the sides screaming, his fellow Varia members exclaiming in surprise. Tsuna heard himself talk, and he didn't believe it was him at first. His voice sounded calm, it sounded strangely deep, and it had a tone of command that he never realized he owned, "I want to go home. I'm tired of being here, treated like some pet. You are going to release me. And you're going to let me go today."
Xanxus smiled wickedly, the scars on his face darkening with malicious pleasure, enticed by Tsuna's attitude, "I was getting bored of you, Sawada Tsunayoshi. This! This is what I have been waiting for! Prepare yourself, prince! You will bow under my command! You will become the ultimate weapon!"
An explosion at his hands, almost as impressive—if not more as Tsuna's, ignited with fury. The entire dining room was enveloped in rich, orange light, so intense that only few could see what was happening. The sky flames created a frightening gust, one that lifted people off their feet. The ferocity of the flames was undeniable. One of them was Lussuria, drunken into shock by the sudden fighting but sober enough to talk. "Tsuna! Stop! He'll kill you!" The man cried out over the roar of the sky-flames.
Despite the warning, he couldn't bring himself to care. The boy jumped forward, not knowing how to use the weapon, but something in his intuition already knew. He pushed his palm into Xanxus stomach and the man only took a step back from his dainty shove. Tsuna gritted his teeth, frustrated at the lack of pain in Xanxus's face. "It takes more than that to hurt me, boy!"
And Xanxus took a step forward, and backhanded an arm at Tsuna in the face with a cruel smile. He tumbled backwards over the ruined food, his arms pinwheeling fervently to keep himself upright. He felt the right side of his face ache from the hit. Tsuna felt his temple pulse, not out of pain but in rage. "That's it," Xanxus urged eagerly, "Feel that anger? Do you feel it? Yes, that is hate. Treasure it, Sawada Tsunayoshi, use it! Because only on that alone will keep you alive!" Xanxus grabbed Tsuna's shoulder, the boy still disorientated from the first hit, without missing a beat, the much older man kneed Tsuna in the stomach with amazing impact the boy felt his heart stop, stutter, and then start again, with irregularity. The man took a mocking step back, watching Tsuna collapse onto his knees and grip his stomach with his arms. His forehead touched some food as he did so, it felt cool against his too-hot head.
He didn't even let him breathe. Grabbing Tsuna by his hair, he lifted him with a painful hold onto his roots. Xanxus's fiery hand nearly blinded him when he opened his eyes to peek. Then Tsuna's entire world tilted. With a swing of his arm, Xanxus ruthlessly threw Tsuna over his shoulder and the boy landed painfully onto his back. With his remaining strength, Tsuna curled into a ball, his mistakes in life flashing before him.
There was shame, a lot of it that coursed through him. He was the one that initiated the fighting yet he was the one losing so pitifully. What was he thinking? Trying to be brave? Trying to feel like he won when he knew he lost from the very start? Xanxus seemed to sense his incoming surrender because he laughed maliciously at the right time. "That's it? All that time, all that money, for such a weak being? You are by far the worst investment I've ever made, Sawada Tsunayoshi. But no matter. Your powers cannot be ignored. Now you and I will take over by force, destroy all who stand in our way. Vongola, Kokuyo, Millefiore, it does not matter! The Varia will rule Cielo, all will be wiped out, nothing will be left but us! We are the strongest! We will bring order!"
"Is that really what you want, Xanxus?" Tsuna grounded out into the mahogany table. "To rule and kill? Isn't that what everyone wants? What's wrong with you people? Your beliefs—your beliefs are wrong!"
Xanxus stared down in disgust at the struggling heap at his feet, "You're just garbage. Your opinion isn't considered valid—"
"Shut up!" Tsuna looked up to him, unafraid. He felt something hot and wet run down his nose as he did so. It just hit him then that he was bleed profusely through the nose. He must've look grotesque because Xanxus flinched back. "Shut up! No one is trash! No one is below or above! I'm sick of these ideals!" Tsuna got up, his knees were shaking so bad that he was afraid he'd fall back down. But with raw strength and determination, he stood his ground. It just occurred to him that his flame had long since diminished. Now it was just his normal human self against a fearsome monster. Despite knowing the odds of the outcome, Tsuna continued, "I'll never become the person you want me to be! Only I decide that! Only me! Just as everyone else! They decide their own fate, not you!"
Xanxus roared in anger, his flames leaping up in the air like a sun god reclaiming vengeance and everyone but Tsuna shrank back. Xanxus shut his eyes, as if he couldn't stand the sight of everything around him. "Silence! Varia will control all, just you wait, trash! You will be there, dead, thinking of how much I was right! How you should've joined us—"
"I don't believe that's what you want Xanxus! In the end, you'll be all alone! Don't you see that? You think that ruling everyone with an iron fist will keep them here but you're only pushing them away! Open your eyes!" There was a short pause. And with a gentler, kinder voice, Tsuna whispered, "Life is long. I may not be old enough to say that, but life is long. There is time. There is always time to fix things. Let them know. Let them know how much you really care for them. Thank them, thank them for everything they did. And you won't regret it, I promise."
Then, like the calming of a storm, Xanxus's flames diminished. The air stilled and both of the sky-users fell to their knees, exhausted. Tsuna was the one that took all the damage, but he wasn't the one who fell faint first. The boy watched Xanxus fall face first onto the table. He allowed himself to keep upright on his knees, completely triumphant about the fact that he wasn't down for the count first, and then after an agonizing long minute later he finally allowed himself to sink into unconsciousness.
All in the room was quiet.
—
When he woke up, he thought he was dead in all honesty. His head felt so light, so free of worry that he thought he was in heaven. Tsuna rolled onto his side and immediately regretted it. Shooting into a sitting position, he wrapped an arm around his abdomen, resolutely blinking himself awake. His vision was fuzzy and as he looked around, he realized that he wasn't quite sure where he was. In fact, this bedroom wasn't even his. Sobering a bit, Tsuna grimaced at the extremely extravagant decorations that littered the room. The bed he was in was twice as big as the one he normally slept in. And the canopy over it was twice as eye-catching in a forest green color embroidered with flowers of gold. The colors made his head spin.
Still clutching his stomach with a hand, Tsuna gingerly peeled off the soft silky blankets with a free hand and half-crawled, half-dragged himself to the closest end of the bed. He swung his legs over the edge, feeling a bit like an old man at the slow pace he was going.
"Oh no you don't," A disapproving voice scolded. It accompanied a hand that pushed down at Tsuna's shoulders just as he was about to stand. "You need rest. Alot."
"I'm fine." He protested automatically, despite he knew that he wasn't.
Bel tensed his shoulders and he looked like he seriously considered smacking the boy some sense. But refrained only settling with what looked like a nasty stare. It wasn't very persuasive. His overly long bangs seemed to ruin the effect. The prince gritted out words of finality, "Rest. Now."
Tsuna obeyed, not bothering to hide his relieved and partly pained groan as he lied back down. There was a short moment of silence before Bel grabbed a chair and set it down next to Tsuna's bedside. "You have alot of explaining to do."
This time the boy gave Bel the incredulous stare, "I thought you wanted me to rest."
Bel was quick to cover up his mistake, "I change my mind. Talk, peasant."
Tsuna groaned lowly and Bel wondered if he should've just taken the hit to his pride instead. But Tsuna talked before he could take it back, "What do you want to know?"
"First off, why didn't you tell us you had a sky-flame? Don't you think that would've been the most important thing in an introduction?"
He opened his mouth to tell a lie but paused in thought. He had no reason to lie actually. There was no benefit in lying to Bel. So he told him honestly, "You didn't ask." Now, Tsuna wasn't trying to be sarcastic, nor was he trying to be funny, but Bel's face contorted in exasperation even though he understood Tsuna's good intentions.
"Kid you don't know what kind of gift you have, do you?" Bel said, frowning deeply.
Tsuna blinked, confused why Bel suddenly got upset when he didn't do anything wrong, "Well, it's a flame. Like yours."
"Not like mine," Bel interrupted. He sounded strangely excited, "You're special. Very, very special, kid. There is hardly any sky-flame users out there. Don't you know that only the royals have the sky-flame? You might actually be one of the royals everyone is looking for!"
There was a short pause before Tsuna laughed, really hard. He laughed so hard his stomach hurt twice as much. "Impossible! Definitely impossible!" Tsuna waved a hand distinctively, "I'm just a normal guy, Bel."...From a completely different world too. "That's just crazy-talk!"
"It is not crazy! Listen, I think I finally pieced together a mystery here," Bel leaned in to whisper in Tsuna's ear, "That's why the boss bought you for so much, he needed you because you were a royal. Did you know boss is a royal too? Crazy, huh?"
And for some odd reason, Tsuna could believe that. He could believe it so much it was a little frightening. Only Xanxus fit the bill to only one royal; the King of Diamonds. If he recalled, the King of Diamonds was prideful, ruthless, power-hungry and liked to be superior over everything and everyone else. Who else could it be? "Now that, I believe." Tsuna admitted with a tiny laugh, "But I'm no royal, trust me. I know." Bel opened his mouth to protest but Tsuna cleverly broke in, "But how does Xanxus know that he's one of the royals?"
"Ushishi, they say this castle was once a small vacation house for the King of Diamonds," Bel answered and Tsuna rolled his eyes at the thought of this castle being a 'vacation house'. This King of Diamonds was sounding more and more like Xanxus as they talked on. "And boss was born here, and he just sort of...knows who he is. I guess its some weird royal-thing."
"But there's no solid proof on this?" Tsuna frowned, "No actual-actual proof like DNA testing?"
Bel snorted, "Do you really think we have the DNA of the King of Diamonds himself? It's been nearly over centuries. It's not that easy to preserve stuff like that. But no, we just believe him…he has the sky-flame and that's more than enough proof here." Bel leaned forward, "If you ask me, you'd make the perfect Prince of Spades. Heard he was chivalrous and brave and all that good stuff. You should've seen yourself fighting head-to-head against boss, you were kind of cool, kid. Lussuria wouldn't stop talking about you."
Tsuna lowered his eyes to his hands, remembering distantly how amazing they sort of looked when he was using his flames. But he was missing an attribute; bravery. He wasn't brave at all. In fact, all his time in Cielo was nothing but hiding and running away. It wasn't being brave, it was just being stupidly lucky. Bel seemed to read his doubt, because he patted Tsuna on the head lightly, "Well, if you're not that eager to take up your throne fine by me. I'm a prince after all and we can't have two princes walking around the castle, you know. I might kill you by accident."
Tsuna smiled, and he secretly hoped that was supposed to be a very bad joke.
"Don't stress the patient, please." A musical voice called politely over Bel's shoulder.
The prince frowned and Frieda smiled back. "Sawada-dono needs to rest now, he has a long day ahead of him. This is a good opportunity before he leaves."
Tsuna only stared at Frieda, it was his first time hearing her talk with so much…emotion. She only gave blank answers, her face was always stoic. To see her smile was sort of surprising. Bel didn't seem effected by her sudden change of attitude perhaps because he never bothered to memorize all the servant's faces. The blond-haired male stood and stretched, grinning at the boy, "I'll see you tonight, Tsuna. I'm going to be going too."
He turned to move away but Tsuna called after him, "Who else is coming?"
Bel turned, "Me, the boss, Squalo, Levi, and Fran. That's about it."
"Oh." Tsuna frowned, a bit sore that Lussuria wasn't coming along. But he couldn't always have his way. "I'll see you later."
Bel waved, closing the door quietly behind him.
Tsuna pulled the blankets up to his neck, ready to close his eyes but then realize there was still another in the room. He blinked confusedly at Frieda. "Um, yes?"
"Oh, nothing." Frieda answered with a smile, "Please, go on rest Sawada-dono."
"Do, er…Are you feeling okay?" Tsuna asked quietly. He tried to hide his excitement. This was the first time he actually talked to Frieda. He remembered nights ago that she had told him that he wasn't even allowed to talk to her. But here they were, exchanging sentences like it was nothing.
"Perfectly fine, Sawada-dono. Why do you ask?"
Tsuna smiled, feeling relaxed that she replied effortlessly without looking like a guilty child reaching in a cookie jar, "You seem cheerful. Did something good happen?"
"Oh yes," Frieda said with a large smile, she sat in Bel's unoccupied chair, her knees jittering under her long dress, "I finally found what I was looking for yesterday."
"That's good," He replied, his attitude brightening at her enthusiasm, "What did you find?"
Frieda smiled mysteriously, her eyes curving in delight, "I'll tell you later."
—
"Kyou-kun," Iemitsu called tiredly. He sipped his coffee, and grimaced at its color, it reminded him of Hibari's mood; black and unforgiving. Hibari did not answer, and Iemitsu let it drop. Hibari paced restlessly in the large room, his eyes dark and heavy. Iemitsu could not forget. Hibari was a man not to be dealt with. He tried again, this time toning down the whine in his voice, "Kyou-kun, when do you think Reborn will get results?"
Hibari sighed, he ceased his pacing, turning to look at the young father. Iemitsu had now freshen up, the peachfuzz on his face was shaven off, and if you'd ask Nana, she'd probably say how dashing he looked in his new suit. He looked a ghost of what he had been. Now, Iemitsu was aware of everything. Not only was he clean on the outside, Iemitsu was surprisingly sharper than he had looked, and was very patient with Hibari. The younger man was very thankful for it too, because he did not like people prying into his life. The young father was one of the few that understood his needs. Iemitsu rarely asked questions, only when necessary.
He was tired, both of them were. And Hibari was about to off Iemitsu but sighed irritably, stopping himself. It wasn't this man's fault he was constantly left in the dark and curious about every little thing. He was very much like his son in many ways, only much, much more patient. "I'm not sure," Hibari answered grudgingly. "The infant said he would get it by today. We're very close, herbivore."
"I know we are," Iemitsu agreed in a whisper, taking a swig of his coffee again, "I know. But what if he's hurt? He's been through so many hands...I don't know if he's different or, like you said-"
"He'll..." Hibari sighed, and paused for a moment, wondering if he was telling himself this too, "...Be fine. He's fine. If he's not," Hibari paused dramatically here, "I'll make him fine."
Iemitsu laughed heartily, and Hibari felt himself relax. Something about this man always made him feel positive. It was alot like his son. Iemitsu grinned, putting his cup down, "That sounded so dirty." He was also as stupid, if not stupider. "Listen, I'm not quite sure about the rules of this Cielo-place but I think I might like you the best. Next time you don't have to go through the closet. Just knock on the door, son-in-law." He joked, draining his cup dry. Hibari wasn't sure if he liked to take up that offer or not.
"Hibari. Iemitsu." The two in the room stiffened, and Iemitsu shot out of his chair at the sound of the child-like voice. The door opened and Reborn stepped in, closing the door. "We got news."
"What is it?" Iemitsu asked quickly, putting down his mug, "Where is he?"
Reborn sighed, "Basil said he's positive it's him. Sawada Tsunayoshi is with the Varia. He's a Varia member."
Iemitsu only looked confused but Hibari let out a enraged snarl, "What?"
"Unintentionally," Reborn curtly cut in before Hibari made a fit, "He's been forced to. Tonight is his 'first mission'. Basil overheard some Varia members talking. They know, Hibari. Tsuna has already unlocked part of his abilities. It's too late. Too many people know now. We were hoping to get him back before this happens but Xanxus was very thorough to wring it out of him before us." Iemitsu had no idea what they were talking about, but he only made out the words 'Tsuna' and 'forced to'. It was enough to make him angry along with the younger man.
"How did the monkey king get Tsunayoshi?" Hibari asked the boy, his voice strained.
Reborn put pinched the bridge of his nose, a tired long-suffering gesture that looked strange on a child, "You won't like it."
"Just say it." Iemitsu urged.
"He was sold at the Al Forno theatre for one hundred grand."
There was a long, tense silence. Hibari's shoulders hackled, his hands twitching at his sides; tiny impulses that wished for action to do something, anything. Iemitsu felt his eyes focus in and out, like his brain wasn't registering the words. "Wait, wait. Back up," He choked out, holding a hand out to Reborn, as if it would explain everything, "What do you mean sold? You mean like...a slave? Is that what you're talking about? Is this what this is about?"
Reborn looked thoughtful, as if contemplating the right and easy words to say to the distraught father. "Well, it depends on who bought him."
"It's the monkey king, infant!" Hibari suddenly gritted out, and he was right, that was enough for an answer.
Reborn sighed, "You're right. Knowing Xanxus, he bought Tsuna for the purpose of using the boy for power. He's the King of Diamonds after all, it's only natural that he can identify a real royal when he sees one."
"We have to get him." Iemitsu proposed angrily, "We're getting him back now damn it!" Hibari looked like he couldn't agree more, he whipped out his tonfas so fast it was like it was there in his hands the entire time.
"Don't be stupid, you two." The child scolded and took a bold step in front of them, "Don't forget that this is the Varia we're talking about. We need a distraction while we get Tsuna out or we'll be digging our own graves the moment we set foot in there. And were both of you even listening to a word I said? We don't have to go in the castle. I said that Basil found out Tsuna is at his first mission right now. At this very moment."
There was a silent understanding in the air and everyone thought the same thing. Iemitsu was the first to voice it, "Then this is the only time we can get Tsuna back without casualties. It's now or never, isn't it?"
—
When Tsuna woke up, he sat up, stretching his hands high up over his head, lips smacking in pleasure. It was as if he didn't know how to sleep before. He never realized how much energy using flames in actual combat took until now.
Blinking himself completely into consciousness, he scanned the room and his sleepy gaze stopped at the chair next to him. If you were to ask Tsuna who he thought he would wake up next to it would've been Bel, Fran, or Lussuria, no, even Frieda. But next to him was the most unexpected visitor. Xanxus, sitting there, looking effortlessly mighty. His arms were crossed, showing just how broad his torso and muscles really were. He wasn't wearing his usual boss attire, only wearing a white collared shirt and black dress pants. He glared at him with a typical look of impatience. Tsuna slow mind could not comprehend was he was seeing. So he slowly laid back down, closed his eyes, and pulled the covers back over his head. "I'm dreaming." Tsuna muttered to himself. "I'm dreaming and this is a dream."
Xanxus growled warningly, "Don't you dare ignore me you trash, I saw you look."
He shot himself into sitting position and swiveled his head to look at Xanxus again, fully awake. He was at loss of words. Not knowing what to say, he greeted him, "Good morning."
"Evening." Xanxus grunted back informingly.
"Oh." Was all he could say.
Tsuna twiddled with his fingers and Xanxus glared at nothing in particular. And to Tsuna's surprise, Xanxus was the first to initiate conversation, "You're right."
"Excuse me?" Tsuna asked curiously. What was he right about? It was morning after all?
"What you said." Xanxus sighed heavily, a sigh sounding weary beyond the man's years, "Last night. I hate to be in debt. So…I'm…" Xanxus sighed again, putting a hand to his mouth and slamming his eyes shut in shame. "…Grateful…I guess." Tsuna was at loss for words. Did he hear right? Did Xanxus just thank him just now? Xanxus glared at the boy, "I'll only say it once. So if you didn't hear it, it does not matter. The point is…no one has dared to tell me that before. In fact, anyone that did is already eliminated. Consider yourself lucky, garbage."
"So can I go now?" Tsuna interrupted. He was eager to leave, he wanted nothing more than to go home. He didn't care that he had no idea where he was he just wanted out and far away from the Varia castle.
"No," Xanxus snorted, "You didn't defeat me. I only lost because my flames depleted. You didn't even manage to injure me. So I am still your master. And you are coming to the mission this evening. Why else do you think I was training you, punk? For fun? If you want to be fed you need to work for it."
Tsuna frowned at this answer. Well, at least he was alive. It didn't matter. He would get stronger then leave this horrible place soon. Xanxus saw his expression and he grinned maliciously, "I'm looking forward to it." Was all he said and Tsuna sighed at the unintentional challenge. Xanxus extracted his wrist, taking a glance at his watch, "It's almost time. Your attire is in that wardrobe." Xanxus jabbed a thumb at the even more extravagant furniture.
"But what about my other room?" Tsuna asked. "My stuff is still in there."
"You mean this?" Xanxus reached down to his side and revealed M.M's pink heart purse.
"Yes," Tsuna grimaced as he nodded, "That's mine."
Xanxus looked disbelieving but dropped it in the younger male's expecting hands anyway. The boy peeked inside. Good, the dress and shoes were still stuffed inside it. He needed to give it back to the Kokuyo soon. He often pictured their reunion many times, but now that his opinion of Mukuro changed, he wasn't sure how to react around them anymore. Setting the purse on the nightstand on the opposite of the bed, Tsuna kicked off the covers and trotted over to the wardrobe. He opened it and winced. There was twice as much stuff in here than his last. "Why am I in here anyway?" Tsuna asked as he pushed the most expensive-looking clothing to the far back, "What happened to my other room?"
"I decided to move you," Xanxus boredly answered, reclining his dirtied boots over Tsuna's bed. "Now you are closer to the others. They'll know whether you are escaping or not. So don't even try."
"Really?" Tsuna asked, mildly surprised. He took out the most formal black blazer he could find with matching shorts. He pulled on his socks, also black. They were going to a theater, and he was just basing his attire on what Xanxus was wearing. His normal dress shirt was different, it was the tuxedo dress shirt. "Why?"
"You've gotten too strong. If you were isolated from the others who knows when you'd make your move." Xanxus quickly replied. Tsuna's intuition went off like an alarm in his head. That was a lie. He knew it. Something was up with his old room. Why move him? There was no need to. And Xanxus admitting he got stronger? It didn't sound like him. There was something else happening behind the scenes. He didn't question it as he buttoned up his shirt and pulled his suspenders over his shoulders with ease.
"I'm ready," Tsuna reported, finishing up as he adjusted his cravat.
The man tugged his cape off his chair and pulled it around his shoulders. He took the initiative to take the first step out the door. "Come, trash. We're going to be late."
Tsuna followed, wondering how were they going to get there. He looked to his right and left and saw other doors, like the one he had come out of. So it was true, he was put with other Varia members. But why the caution? Surely it wasn't because he was 'strong' enough. It'd be ridiculous to even suggest that. He wasn't, as of yet. He looked up just in time to see Fran and Bel emerging from a door across from his. "Hey Tsuna," Bel greeted with a large grin, "Looking sharp there kiddo, ushishi."
"You too, guys. You both look nice." Tsuna complimented, his first time seeing the two in formal suit attire. He also ignored the fact the two had come out of the room at the same time. They shared a room, he realized, his face hot. Fran still had his ridiculously huge frog helmet, and surprisingly, Xanxus didn't seem to care. He sort of struck Tsuna as the strict dress code type of boss.
"Squalo called," Bel reported, holding up a cellphone, "He and Levi are already in the car."
"Good." Xanxus growled, "At least some aren't being fools." Walking ahead, Xanxus started down the hallway in stomping treks. The other three followed and Tsuna felt inferior compared the the men around him.
The scenery hardly changed around them, it was still the boring long wine carpets and stone walls. Fran turned to Tsuna, putting a hand on his shoulder, and he stared at Tsuna as if he never saw him before in his life. Tsuna could understand why, no one had known he had a sky-flame. It must've caused an uproar among the subordinates. "Tsuna, are you alright?"
"Yes," Tsuna nodded, getting the whiff that Bel had already told Fran their conversation earlier. "I'm alright."
Fran let him be, and Tsuna was thankful that at least they didn't treat him any differently since they found out. He wouldn't know what to do otherwise. Satisfied by his answer, Fran's attention drifted back to Bel and began his normal routine of sarcastically complimenting him. Bel would laugh, faking an impression that he was disgusted. Their teasing relationship was sort of comforting. He observed them, feeling a bit jealous. They were home, comfortable, and together with their loved one. Bel seemed to notice his stare because he grinned at Tsuna, "What are you looking at? Ushishi."
"Just you two," Tsuna replied, actually surprised by the sincerity of his voice, "It seems nice that you two get along well."
Bel seemed actually confused by the bluntness of his words and Fran snapped his fingers as if he remembered something. "Ah." He exclaimed boredly, "I forgot to tell you something interesting I found out, Bel-sempai."
"What?" Bel asked with a irritated sigh, just to humor his friend, "What did you remember?"
"Actually, during my combined trial with Mammon-sempai I found out something surprising." Fran looked at Tsuna slyly as he spoke, and the boy felt a bad premonition about the progress of this conversation. "I found out Tsuna likes a man."
"What?" The prince jerked away from the two, as if he heard wrong, he leaned towards Tsuna and slapped a hand to the speechless boy's back, "Is this true? I thought you were," Bel paused, "What's that word they usually say—straight!"
"No!" Tsuna screeched, backing away with his hands held up defensively, "That's a lie!"
"No it's not." Fran teased, his voice flat, "My illusions are never wrong. It was reflected right from his heart. I'd know. He likes a man."
"Who is it?" Bel leaned forward and ruffled Tsuna's hair with the largest grin he's ever seen Bel have, "Do we know him?"
"I doubt it!" Tsuna denied fervently, his face felt like it was on fire, "And it's not true, he's way older than me, by like, years! That's impossible! I'm sure you got it wrong, Fran!"
"So it's not gender holding you back?" Bel laughed, "It's just age? Kid, are you stupid?"
There was silence for a moment before he was close to crying in frustration. These two just never give up! "What are you talking about?" Tsuna gasped, his voice raising an octave, "If nothing else, it's both!" He let out a strained cry, and walked ahead to catch up with Xanxus.
Bel and Fran exchanged looks of disbelief before running after Tsuna. "We're completely serious! Now tell us," Bel insisted, grabbing Tsuna by the shoulder to slow him down, "Do you think it's okay for men to be together? It's a simple yes or no."
Tsuna blinked. He used to been so against it but after seeing so many...examples, he guess he didn't mind. Love was love. It wasn't his business anyways. "Well, it's okay. I guess. Fine. Yes." The two eldest of the group beamed in triumph, but Tsuna quickly cut in, "I mean, you guys are together so it's not a problem. It's just not for me."
Fran leaned in, putting his chin atop Tsuna's head as they walked. He swatted at him irritably, when he began talking. A moving chin felt weird at his crown, "So if this guy wasn't a guy, and wasn't more than a handful old, you'd like him?"
Tsuna ignored the question, stubbornly keeping his eyes ahead. The other two of the three let it drop, sensing the seriousness of Tsuna's reaction.
Hibari. He just wanted to see Hibari. But why was everyone making such a big deal out of it? Bel, Fran, Lussuria, and even Mukuro was always on hound's end whenever they brought the subject up. Was it wrong to want to see your friend? Was it wrong to constantly think of him all the time? He winced at the last question. He always thought about Hibari. It was like he was on a Hibari-mind set. It was a bit disturbing and unhealthy how much he thought of him. But if Hibari wasn't male, wasn't older, would the way he thought now change? He decided, yes, it probably would and he'd leave it at that for now.
By the time they reached the outside through the front wide steel doors, Xanxus was already at the car growling at the three as they rounded the corner, "Now if you three would hurry up, we have an appointment. I'm sick of listening you all have lives. If you keep talking I'll make sure you'll never speak again." Opening the door with regality (Tsuna rolled his eyes secretly at this), Xanxus stepped into the car.
Upon closer inspection, it was the most ridiculous car Tsuna had ever seen. Black, so black it was an abomination amidst the ridiculously large white courtyard. Even the wheel's rims were black and the windows were so tinted black it gave no hint of anyone inside. Carefully, Tsuna stepped into the dark exterior of the car and sat down onto the plush black leather, marveling how spacious it was. Fran and Bel climbed in after him. It was like a limo, with seats that faced both backwards and frontwards, only not as stretched. He saw Levi at the wheel and Squalo next to him on the front seat, both men also dressed appropriately. "Everyone here?" Levi asked. No one replied, so he just sighed and started the car. They drove off, and Levi circled the unnecessarily big driveway once and began straight towards the metal gates.
He was worried that perhaps the they might smash into the gates nose first but was quietly surprised by it opening by itself. They passed through effortlessly. Fran explained quietly from next to him, seeing his appalled expression, "It's electronic. Someone on the inside opens it."
Cielo was so futuristic. He thought of the possibilities of other things electronic as he reached over his shoulder by pure instinct and was confused by the lack of a seatbelt. Looking around behind the other occupants discreetly, he realized in panic that there were no seatbelts on the vehicle. He used his fingers to pry open leather chair's crack, hoping to see a hidden one in between. Finding none, the boy meekly spoke up, "...Where are the seatbelts?"
Everyone looked at Tsuna as if he spoke in a foreign language.
"'Seatbelts'?" Levi questioned from the front, he squinted at Tsuna through the rear-view mirror, "What are 'seatbelts'?"
—
Tsuna gripped the seat tightly with his bare hands, silently willing Levi to drive as safely as he could. They passed through the almost desolate streets, rarely anyone used cars in Cielo, he noticed. Most walked, and he scanned the crowds as he passed them, looking for a familiar face of some kind. It seemed like many people were heading in the same direction. Levi looked through his mirror at the others, "We just crossed into enemy territory. Everyone look sharp." Tsuna blinked, a bit alarmed by the sudden change of scenery. The buildings they passed were now the largest, the most thickest and monochrome. Then he saw it. White. The giant white building that belonged to the Millefiore slowly moved by him, and he stared at it, many memories replaying in his head. His capture, his escape. He wondered if Gamma was still in there, secretly helping others.
He also remembered Byakuran's smiling threats. Was Gamma even alive?
The car lulled into a stop, realizing that they had long past the frightening white building and were at a parking lot. "Careful. Everyone out first, then Tsuna and boss."
Fran was about to pull on the handle himself, but Bel stopped him. "Let me go first." The prince said and opened the door cautiously. Tsuna was stunned by his considerate offer. He stepped out, squinting at the building and their surroundings. "Alright," Bel whispered, "Coast is clear."
They tumbled out, one by one and finally Tsuna and Xanxus got out. He was shocked to see his fellow members standing in a protective circle around them. "Stop that," Xanxus said through a gritted mouth, "It's degrading. This kid," He jabbed a finger at Tsuna, "Is the one needing the protection."
They nodded, trusting Xanxus's words and to Tsuna complete and utter horror, the group shuffled around him alone. "I can take care of myself," Tsuna hissed into Squalo's ear, "I don't need a circle either."
Everyone ignored his request, and Tsuna sighed, allowing them to slowly guide him around to a door nearest them. Xanxus kicked it once. A peephole opened, and a single eye popped in view to scrutinize them. "Varia?" He whispered, almost disbelievingly, to himself.
Xanxus huffed, "Invited." Was his answer, and the peephole closed with a audible click. The door was opened, a man in a mask with a standard show-tuxedo opened the door and widened it for entrance. Tsuna couldn't help but think that he had seen those masks somewhere before. Their clump squeezed through, Squalo and Levi bravely in the front. The masked man seemed to stare at Tsuna through the Varia's tall shoulders, probably wondering why such an ordinary-looking boy needed such extreme attention.
Tsuna gazed in wonder around the room as they followed awkwardly behind Xanxus. It was a room exclusively for VIPs, he guessed because it's decorations and architecture rivaled even the Varia castle. Xanxus walked on ahead, a confidence to his step as if he owned the place. And Tsuna wouldn't be surprised if he did. The scarred-man immediately made a beeline to a large, extravagant set of stairs and stopped up the red-carpet with abrupt stomps. They followed, their protective circle finally diminishing, much to Tsuna' relief. Apparently this area was safe to freely roam about. When they reached the top, Tsuna was greeted by stretched hallway with doors. Another masked man was waiting for them.
"We've been awaiting you, Xanxus-sama," He bowed lowly at them, a white gloved hand to his heart. He held out a graceful gesturing hand to the door closest to to them, "This will be your box."
Without so much a second glance, Xanxus passed the masked man and went inside, leaving the door ajar. Tsuna and the others followed in behind him and finally realized where they were. A theatre. Not any old theatre, it was the same exact one he had been sold at, the same one where he had been sold to the Varia. The masks the faculty wore suddenly made more sense than ever. He looked out beyond the balcony, more memories flooding in his head.
The gallery was filled with other people, people much less important than the Varia boss, all here for a good show. He remembered the sickening, smiling, masked faces on that night, the random numbers flashing in the dark whenever someone called a price. He couldn't forget the first time he saw his eyes looked on that cheap television set, or the way those backstage men had held him in a body lock and forced the gunpowder down his throat.
And he wondered if they were going to be buying someone. He felt his stomach turn. It was unthinkable he was here again. He shot a look to Xanxus, who was already expecting his reaction. He answered his unsaid question with a malicious smile. This was so cruel, Tsuna thought, his respect for Xanxus dropping even lower. It was so cruel that he brought him here again, only this time they were buying someone else. Levi seemed to notice Tsuna's distraught expression. "What's wrong?" He whispered, looking at Xanxus briefly, as if he expected their leader to prevent him from speaking.
"Are we...buying someone?" Tsuna asked, desperate to know.
Levi was stunned by his knowledge. He shushed Tsuna with a finger to his lips, "Don't say that out loud. That is Al Forne's secret underground business. But no, we're not here for that. We're watching a program tonight."
Tsuna felt relieved, but sad that it was a known fact that people were bought and sold like animals. He shook his head, sitting down between Squalo and Xanxus. Squalo was already sleeping, his eyes closed and mouth slack. Bel was engaging conversation with Fran, their usual teasing and sarcasm's volume was politely lowered, and they kicked at each other's foot like it was their life's goal. Levi intently read the brochure he snagged from the stack just outside their box and Xanxus stared boredly at nothing. It was hard to believe these people were part of an evil organization that centered on monopolizing Cielo.
Xanxus pointed over to the opposite end of their box. "Over there." Tsuna's gaze followed his pointed finger and felt his heart shrivel from shock. He jerked in his seat.
Right across from them were only two people. But there was no mistaking that familiar white head. It was Byakuran, all dressed in formal white. He was reading his own brochure talking distinctively to the person beside him. It was a girl, about his age, maybe younger. She looked like she wasn't even listening to anything the man said, her gazed was fixed to the floor in front of her, her expression blank and unregistering.
Tsuna sunk in his seat, breathing hard, as if his brain needed more oxygen than what was necessarily needed. "Byakuran." He managed to choke out and Xanxus raised an eyebrow at him, his sharp stare moved from Tsuna and back to the Millefiore boss. As if questioning their relationship. Tsuna didn't elaborate.
"That's right. He was the one who invited us here." Xanxus's clipped tone showed he didn't favor Byakuran either. "I intend to find out his true reason."
Was this what people call a cruel twist of fate? Was it possible that Byakuran was still looking for him? Did he invite the Varia because he knew Tsuna was coming? Whether it was purely coincidental or intentional, he didn't know. Byakuran stopped talking to the girl beside him abruptly and looked straight at their box, as if his panicked thoughts had called at him. Then he smiled at them, it looked like a warm smile, but it was icy in Tsuna's eyes only. He thought he was staring at him, but realized that his lilac stare was only fixed on Xanxus. He didn't seem to even recognize Tsuna, and didn't give a second glance to the other Varia members. The man beside him growled lowly, "The bastard is challenging me. He's not breaking contact."
Tsuna realized then, that two of the most frightening men he'd ever come to know were now engaging themselves in a staring contest.
—
Mukuro waved at the others to stand back, crouching ever so slightly, he peered into the dirtied glass. Arriving at Al Forne was easy enough. It was getting around the building completely unseen with five teenagers behind him was the problem. They reached to the far back of the large building, there, thanks to M.M's experience in the area, they were met by a small, basement window that led to the backstage and eventually the dressing rooms where Feliciano would normally be spotted. After a long moment, Mukuro motioned to them and they moved closer, all peering into the glass. Ken was the first to break the silence, "So, he really is in there?"
"He should be," M.M nodded, "The layout of this place is the same as I remember it, unfortunately so." She grimaced as she said so.
"Mukuro-sama," Chrome put a hand to her look-alike's shoulder, "If anything happens, please inform me right away." He squeezed her hand, a silent agreement. Chrome's mind was connected to his, it was one of the reasons why he allowed her gentle soul to join them. He needed her as a second eye.
"You too. If anything happens to you all, run. Don't mind me. I escaped a maximum security prison before. Not everyone has much experience in that." He joked sarcastically. No one laughed, and he didn't blame them. M.M was on the edge even more so than the others. She hadn't even once told Mukuro how much she adored him today. "It's best if I go first," Mukuro said to the others. They didn't argue. One look at Mukuro would be enough to have the guy soil his pants. With expert fingers, Mukuro popped the cheap window with the balls of his gloved wrist, and caught the fully complete glass before it could fall. He handed to Chrome and she took it gingerly from his hands. He took the handle and effectively opened the window. He looked to his gang, "Only follow me when it becomes necessary." With that as his farewell, he slid through the tiny window effortlessly.
He landed softly, his feet barely making a whisper of a sound.
The hallway he was in was desolate of people, but he could hear the clamor of stagehands shuffling busily from one place to the next. Was there a show on? If so, then they had come at a very bad time. But no matter, Mukuro tapped his trident against the floor once and took on the disguise of a young janitor. His smiled at his trident-now-mop, and walked leisurely along, acting busy whenever someone so much looked his way. He walked into the hall of dressing rooms. Women were chattering in excitement as they smothered their faces with makeup. Men rehearsed their lines to themselves alone in corners or in groups. He didn't even have to lie to anyone. No one gave second glances to the working class.
Scanning the rows of doors he read the name plates. Others were stars, actors, doors exclusively for them with fogged glass and their names printed in bold letters. Finally his eyes landed on a windowless door, one that had a name plate, 'Feliciano'. He opened it without so much of a warning. He forced himself not to react repulsively when he saw the same man, the lavender braided head promptly ripping the clothes off a woman. He only smiled pleasantly, "Mr. Feliciano," Mukuro called with his most polite voice, "I need to have a word with you."
The man stopped his actions, his mouth separating from the woman's. He looked at Mukuro up and down and seeing him only as a janitor, growled in irritation, "Can't you chose a better time?"
"No," Mukuro gasped, as if otherwise was a taboo, "It's rather important. It needs to be discussed now before the show starts, sir."
Sighing in defeat, he kissed the girl on the cheek, "We'll continue later, darling. It's probably news from the boss."
The busty woman pressed her breasts against the man's chest, her hot pants breathing into his ear, "Of course. Anytime your ready, tiger." Feliciano shuddered and with one last slap to her bottom, she left, not before giving Mukuro the up and down first. As Feliciano turned around to pour himself a glass of whisky, she smiled and stared half-liddedly at him. Apparently, she approved of his form, whispering into his ear she stood on her tiptoes to slip a piece of paper into Mukuro's front pocket, "Call me when you're bored." Giving it a farewell pat, she left, closing the door behind her.
Mukuro took it out and threw it into the trash.
Feliciano turned around, sipping his whiskey, "Well? What do you want?"
"Oh just some information," Mukuro slowly changed back, his right eye a bleeding red. Feliciano dropped his glass in shock, and opened his mouth to scream but Mukuro quickly beat him in speed. He shoved the man against the wall and held his trident to his neck. "Make a noise and I'll kill you in a swift stroke. There's a surprising mess of blood from one's throat, did you know that?"
Feliciano's eyes turned so wide Mukuro thought he was going they were going to pop out. Slowly, he shook his head in no.
"Good. Now talk softly and I'll spare you." Mukuro pushed the trident harder, it hurt but it wasn't enough to break the skin. "There was a girl you sold a few weeks back. Her name is Tsuna. Ring any bells? Speak quickly."
Feliciano's whispers came out so quiet they were almost ghostly, "Ah, her...very pretty, sky-flame too...Sold...sold her..."
"To whom?" Mukuro asked, the grip with his other hand squeezed harder. After a short pause he added, "And for how much?"
At this, Feliciano smiled, it was a sickening greasy kind. He pointed out the door. "For one hundred grand...to...Mr. Xanxus himself. He's...out in box B."
He stared him down, making sure he wasn't lying. The man's confident smile faltered, as if doubting Mukuro's mercy. His mind was far away at the moment and there were many things running through his head. First, was the fact that Tsuna was with the Varia. That was one of the worst situations Mukuro had ever come across. Their gang may be skilled but they were no near as elite as the Varia. If they were to go head-to-head then it would be certain they would lose. Second, was that Xanxus was here at this very moment. If their leader really was here, then that would mean that the Varia castle's defenses would be much weaker. They could easily rescue Tsuna by tonight. That was better than nothing. Quickly sedating Feliciano into sleep, Mukuro turned his heel and walked outside, not forgetting to put on a disguise. He made a beeline to the backstage instead of going straight of the hall where Chrome and the others were waiting. He had to see Xanxus for himself before they leave.
Taking quiet steps, he peered out in the crowd through the red satin curtain. He squinted at the boxes, scanning for Xanxus's familiar scowling face and found him. He smiled in triumph to himself, marvelling how much of an easy job it had been. Then he recognized it. The familiar brown hair. Tsuna.
"Chrome!" Mukuro hissed, wasting no time.
Mukuro-sama? She replied, her voice shaky. She hadn't been expecting his voice to be so demanding, What's wrong?
"Chrome, there's been a big change of plans. I successfully found out Tsunayoshi has been sold to the Varia." She gasped here, but Mukuro wasn't done, "And he's here. Tsunayoshi is here right now. I'm looking right at him. He's with Xanxus."
What do you want us to do, Mukuro-sama? She asked, panicking.
"Stay outside. I want you to locate the Varia's car, the one they arrived in and take Tsunayoshi when the opportunity arrives." He spoke rapidly, his voice mashing together so badly even he could barely comprehend it, "Do you understand me?"
Yes, Chrome replied, What are you going to do, Mukuro-sama?
"I'm going to get him by myself. If I fail...Chrome, everything is up to you and the others." He didn't wait for a reply, breaking their connection.
—
"Are you going to be okay alone?" Iemitsu asked worriedly, "Don't you want me to come with you?"
Hibari only stared up at Iemitsu, shoving the key into the ignition. It wasn't his bike. In fact, Hibari never drove a motorcycle or anything similar in his life. Observing people was his job, it did justice at times like these. "I'll be fine. I'll bring the stupid herbivore back. And you'll only slow my progress." Iemitsu sighed, knowing it was true. It was really hard to reason with this man. He always seemed to give good excuses.
"But Kyou-kun, this Xanxus-guy. I don't like the sounds of you going alone. Take Reborn with you."
"Not necessary. The infant will only scare Tsunayoshi." Hibari was quick to reply.
Iemitsu took his hands off the handles in defeat, "Bring him back. I'll really hate you for real if you don't. And wear a helmet."
Hibari glanced at him briefly, deciding to ignore the helmet comment, then turned his gaze back to the front, "I won't come back until I do." Hibari revved up the bike, and it purred pleasantly under his capable hands. The vehicle shot off like a rocket and the gates opened for him as he sped out into the remote side of the city. He was so close. This time, he was so close.
AN: Guess what guys? Did you know Boogie Man is almost over? I'd say about four or five more chapters—hell, maybe even three and then it'll be done. Every loose end will come together. Gokudera, Hibari, Mukuro. Alot of pasts will be explained, things in the present will be explained. I'm going to be as thorough as I can when I finish so I can end in a bang. You guys rock. I cannot love you enough. I'm glad you are all out there reading my story because without you all, this would just be me talking to myself. Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you so much, I love you all!
Xanxus's and Tsuna's fight was hard to write. Like, how the hell was I suppose to write that? But I did, and almost surprisingly, a good amount of you thought it was good. :D AND OMG WHAT'S THIS? Yes, that's right! Reborn is now a child! Iemitsu is in Cielo! Their situations will be explained later. The seatbelt thing was something really random I thought of. In the KHR world, who needs seatbelts? lol. And what else? Oh right! Tsuna is finally accepting gay pride! Oh yes. Because this chapter was so, so long (it rivaled Fishbird's oneshot length and WOW that's really, really bad.) I had to split it up in two. I know, I know. I sad about it too.
Now, I guess the real question is; who will get to Tsuna first? Tell me your guess!