""I am Sonya Konny, daughter of Mistress Ursula. And would you might be?"
"Jillian giggled and attempted on her line, "A-a-awauh—Jii…"
""Very close," Sonya said. "But perhaps it would be easier for you to pass the introductory."
"Jillian responded with a cheeky grin."
Okay, so perhaps Tsuna had jumped into conclusions rather too early. So she accused Sonya of being a nuisance, so what? It wasn't as if she was real or alive. But it did make her a judgmental person. But at least Sonya wasn't real. Or alive.
Sonya happened to be a nice person and instantly gained Jillian's trust and friendship—a steadier relationship that what Gaston and Jillian shares. At first, Tsuna believed that the female character was attempting to deceive Jillian in order to get her away from Gaston, but eventually she proved to be a genuine girl who was having an enjoyable time acting out as Jillian's older sister figure. Tsuna, admittedly, thought that Sonya was a great individual. However, she did make Jillian wan in comparison, just like how Gaston saw that Jillian was plain whilst Sonya was appealing. But did that mean he had feelings for the redhead? Of course not. They were just friends; obviously, the stronger bond would develop between him and Jillian. Whether they would become a couple or be closer as friends, the story is mainly focusing upon those two, not the side characters.
Tsuna flipped to the designated page where the gum wrapper held it in place. Then she commenced her reading by saying, "The black smoke drifted against the ceiling; the stench of nauseating fumes wafted throughout the building, causing her to suffocate and her eyes to water. She clasped her hands against her mouth and nasal, and held her breath. Jillian scurried out the room and to the white corridors; unfortunately, it was evacuated.
"Now what was she supposed to do? With nobody here, for some strange reason, how could she alert anyone of the stray smoke that appeared? And when was Gaston returning? Hysteric and confused, Jillian fell to the ground and began to weep like a child. Her arms wrapped around her figure as her wings folded closely, her being imitating that of a small ball.
"What was going on?"
Sonya was now out of the picture; she had to leave due to her prestigious family business, Ursula, which she was responsible for. It somewhat saddened Tsuna—and definitely Jillian—that the kind-hearted girl wasn't going to make anymore appearances, nevertheless, the narrative can revert back to Jillian and Gaston, who was also upset about the departure of his beautiful redheaded friend.
Speaking of which, the orange-hooded boy's girlfriend was rather attractive as well. Tsuna sighed, knowing that girls like her could achieve having any kind of guy they desire—but why the jogger of all people? It would have made sense if she went for guys like Gaston—tall, dark, and handsome. The orange-hooded boy appears more as a jock who was dedicated to his sport—whatever the sport was. She didn't know what his personality would be like, but she was quite sure that he wasn't anything at all like Gaston. In fact, he might as well be the stark opposite of Jillian's caretaker.
What was so great about the orange-hooded boy anyway? What was so charming about him? What does he do? What Tsuna had witnessed was that he would run and run...and flash a smile and deliver a wave. So she was still paranoid about that…but at least she overcame it and returned to reading on the windowsill where the lighting was absolute perfection. And from there, she would continue to see the orange-hooded boy proceed on his daily jogging, and there were a few changes to the routine—such as how he would now raise his head higher, hence giving her a clearer sight of his face, and there would be seldom times when he would look at her direction and smile. Just like that time before.
Tsuna adapted to the alternatives of the standard schedule. Whenever the orange-hooded boy would smile, she would stifle her reluctance and smile back. After all, it was the neighborly thing to do; she shouldn't be rude enough to ignore a friendly grin from a complete stranger who happens to run pass her house everyday. It was awkward to physically reply back to the jogger's gestures with an expression only. This merely made her want to speak to him directly, using verbal interactions instead of smiling. However, she was hesitant of doing something so straight-forward, and just thinking that she would do an act such as that made her feel slightly silly—what would she say to him anyway?
""What's going on?" Gaston shouted.
"We're under attack!" the man exclaimed. "One of the coaches ordered everyone to evacuate the building immediately."
"Under attack?" the boy parroted incredulously. "Who's attacking us?"
"I don't know, but we better get moving!" The man then scurried along with the other people hastily making their way out through the exits. Gaston grounded his teeth and bolted the opposite direction where Jillian was.
When he returned to the corridors, thick black smoke drifted heavily on by, blocking his view and irritating his eyes. He ducked below and crawled underneath, holding his breath and closing his eyes. He continued to go onward until he felt the wall of the other side and stood up against it. Gaston opened his eyes and quickly peered his surroundings; in amidst the hall stood out white wings—Jillian's wings.
"Always giving me trouble, Gaston thought. The humanoid fraud who tries to adapt into her surroundings as if she was one of them. How meddlesome. He ran and snatched the girl's arm and hoisted her up. "Come on, we're going.""
Surely she would bore him with her words nonetheless. That's how it was when she was a student at her old school; people grew bored of her instantly. This was one of the reasons why she had nicknamed as Dame-Tsuna, the girl who was no good at anything, excluding failure. And if this occurred in her previous school, then what would differ if she went to another school? Eventually the population would disregard of due to her lack of speech. Tsuna sighed in thought. How was it that she couldn't obtain anything while others easily can? It doesn't make sense.
Jillian is such a lucky girl. Depsite her not actually being human, she didn't had the burden of not being able to exchange words—even though she didn't have the ability to talk. But she still managed to have fun with Sonya and the coaches and the others, with the exception of Gaston, of course. Yet surely Gaston and Jillian would enjoy one another's company; their relationship has yet to develop. And the development is quite obvious: Gatson went back to retrieve Jillian. He could have purposely abandoned her in order to escape from his current occupation, however, the thought never occurred to him and he reacted upon his own impulse.
That clearly shows the evolvement of the two individuals' connection strengthening, and gives the story a more intriguing expansion. It just excited her of what was going to happen next. Tsuna wasn't even at the half part of the book, yet her love for the story had not diminished, just increased. However, the vocabulary was rather tiresome; how was she supposed to know what "cantankerously" meant? Therefore the dictionary is a must. Cantankerously: bad-tempered; quarrelsome.
Tsuna closed the book and yawned. It was time to sleep.
"Gaston grinded his teeth, but made no movement. The bloody gap that formed from the swipe of the thief's knife reminded Jillian of the same gash that the man with the white coat had—the same scientist who Gaston had killed ruthlessly. She tentatively stepped forward and elevated her fingers against the wound on his shoulder; the red fluid then painted her pale finger and caused her eyes to widen incredulously.
"Gaston whipped his attention to the girl and snarled, "Are you an idiot?"
"Jillian paid no heed; she was entirely focused on her tainted finger. Gaston growled but steadied himself before he would loose his temper again. He stood up, ignoring the impulse to howl from the pain, and dragged her by the wrist to the washroom. He thrust her arm into the sink and turned on the water, washing away the blood. Jillian flinched from Gaston's usual brash behavior; she will never be able to adjust to it.
"Suddenly, he glared at her. "You really are an idiot. The stupidest and ugliest creature I have ever laid my eyes on. You're lucky that you're here rather than out there where the other unlucky saps are."
"Her lower lip quivered, but she did not show it; her head was already ducked for she was too afraid to see the black, cold eyes that Gaston owned. His stare was even more frightening when he was agitated or angered. But back when he wasn't riled up with his temper, when he was sitting and resisted the slash that embedded itself into his flesh, his eyes were not obscured by hatred or arrogance, but rather concentration—of deep thought. Unfortunately, she disturbed that somewhat peace of his due to her strange wonderings of his wound," Tsuna read.
Tsuna's mother had entered her room before she had ended the paragraph. The woman set the bundle of sheets on the bed and peeked over her daughter's shoulder, examining the words on the page. "You have been reading that aloud ever since you first picked up the thing," her mother commented.
Tsuna scrunched her nose. "I just happen to concentrate better this way," the daughter said.
"So what if you are assigned to read in class but aren't allowed to make out a peep?"
"Well, I suppose my concentration would decrease, but I think I would be able to understand it than not blank out afterwards."
"That's what I always do whenever I read my science textbooks or history textbooks or—or in any other subjects. It's as if I'm reading a page full of scribbles!" her mother laughed.
Tsuna laughed as well. "I get that feeling too."
"Well, I guess they do that for a reason: to strengthen the use of description for students." Her mother straightened her back and collected the bundle to tuck it away inside one of the drawers. "It also helps improve just before they have essays to write."
"That's what you said before when I started reading this book."
"I did, didn't I?" She grinned. "How do you like the book?"
"It's awesome! Way better than the other books I read before." Tsuna tapped her lips while thinking. "It might be due to how I am actually taking the time reading than skimming, as to why I find it so enjoyable. Or maybe it's the way the writer had caught my interest, leading to how absorbed I am to the story," she explained. "Either way, this has got to be the best book ever."
"Well I certainly am glad that you managed to find something to do in your break. But shouldn't you at least go out for fresh air than being cooped inside all day?"
"Mom, I just went out recently."
"Yes, but only for thirty minutes. Plus, you even brought along that book!" she sighed, shaking her head. "It's great that you're reading, but you shouldn't get too obsessed with it."
Tsuna raised an eyebrow. "Obsessed?" she repeated.
"Oh, you know what I mean! Anyway, after I put away the laundry, I'm going to your new school to get you registered. Wanna come?"
"I'll pass," Tsuna said, bringing the book closer to her face.
Her mother pouted and placed her hands on her hips. Then she smiled and said, "I'm going shopping afterwards and since you're going to start a new school year, I should buy some bras for you."
Tsuna slammed the book down. "You wouldn't."
"You know, the last time I went to the clothing store, I saw this cute pair of underwear; there were designs of a cartoony lizard and a pig with frills and hearts!"
"Mom!" she cried desperately. "Please! Remember the last time you bought underwear for me?"
"But you weren't there so I had to pick for you," her mother said.
"Fine!" she groaned. "I'll come to the stupid school and to the stupid store."
The smile on her face widened. "Yay!"
Before they went out, Tsuna's mother told her not to bring the book along. Though she protested that she should finish the chapter, she followed the orders nevertheless. Tsuna already predicted it to be rather boring; staying home while reading Journey To The Sun would be more diverting than this. However, with her mother not aware that her daughter did not like the overly cute type of clothing, she had no choice but to accompany her.
It was devastating. Her mother bought her dresses that were too extravagant for her liking. A hoodie and shorts was more suitable for her while a blouse and a frilly skirt was not. It wasn't as if she didn't have the confidence to wear them, but more like she didn't feel comfortable wearing such attire. That was how Tsuna left the house, wearing something that she feels comfortable in. If she didn't have breasts and have her hair cut, someone might consider her as a boy. In this case, someone might consider her as a tomboy, or one who do not own feminine wear, or one who didn't have much taste in fashion. Either way, it didn't mean much to Tsuna. The only time she goes out is because of school, mail, or errands; what would pretty clothing do much anyway? Besides, a school uniform should be girly enough. It has a skirt.
Speaking of which, Tsuna wondered what Namimori Middle School's girl uniform would looks like. Would it be designed like her old school's uniform? Would it be different? If it was different, how different would it be? What color would it be? Would the tie be formal or laced? Would it look good on her? She thought for a moment, and then shrugged it off. There's no point wondering about it; she would see it by the time she returns home.
She and her mother walked inside the office of the school and were greeted by the principal. Before the two adults would commence their conversation, the principal urged Tsuna to venture around the school to get a visualization of what the hallways would be like. She decided to go for it; it might lessen chances of getting lost on her first day.
"Oh, and if there is a boy wearing the school uniform confronting you, tell him that you have my permission of being here," said the principal.
"Hai," Tsuna replied.
As she exited the office, she thought, there's a student here during break? What is he doing here? Taking extra lessons so he wouldn't repeat a grade? Weird.
She climbed up the stairs, down the stairs, walked slowly in the hallways, idly skipped in the hallways, and would sometimes pause to look out the window. Through her expedition, she found the building to be quite similar to her old school. Well, at least she wouldn't get lost on her first day.
Out the window, Tsuna saw the fields of where the school would likely have P.E at. Next to the fields was a baseball field in which is already occupied with boys and a coach. They were probably practicing before school would begin. She scrutinized each player to see if any were about her age; perhaps they might be in her class as well. Maybe one of—
"Oi, herbivore."
When she turned around and faced the person, the first thing that came to her mind was Gaston.
She blinked, rubbed her eyes, and blinked again. It was…It was the Japanese version of Gaston!
The boy narrowed his dark eyes. "What are you doing here?"
"I…" Tsuna, surprised, could only stare at the boy before her. If she were to compare the heights between the orange-hooded boy and this Gaston-look-alike, she would say that the Gaston-look-alike is an inch or two shorter. However, despite the little difference in height, Tsuna had a fearful sensation that churned her stomach while the eyes of the boy glared at her. Like the orange-hooded boy, she had an intuition that this boy held a dedication and was indeed strong. But there was a threatening aura that he emitted, which frightened Tsuna. The tonfas in his hands were the addition to his daunting façade. She hesitated, but continued her trailing sentence. "…came with my mom. Um, the principal gave me permission to—to look around the school since I'm new."
He raised an eyebrow, apparently skeptical. "Then where is your slip?"
Slip? "I—He didn't give me one…"
"So you dare trespass school grounds without a notification?" Suddenly, his position was in an opposition stance with his weapons situated eye leveled. "Herbivores who break the rules are meant to be disciplined."
Tsuna gasped and shook her head hastily, her hands waving along in her mild hysteria. "N-no! The principal told me that if there was a boy here, then I should tell him that he gave me permission to be here! You can ask him yourself," she explained desperately.
"If you did have permission, then you would have had a notification, herbivore."
"But he really did give me permission!"
"Quiet," he ordered. "I grow weary of you pathetic insisting. Prepare to be bitten to death."
The Gaston-look-alike, from what Tsuna witnessed before her eyes were closed shut, had his foot lifted forward as his other foot was pushing him off—lunging towards her. She instinctively elevated her arms over her face as her head was inclined. A small "Hiii!" was heard from her lips and the take off of the departure of the boy's black shoes and the floors. As she waited for a violent thrashing, she felt a hard thump on her head. She looked up to see the boy almost invading her personal space, and his arm was above her. When he pulled his arm back, the tonfa was visible.
"Break the rules again and I won't be so easy on you, herbivore," the boy said. When he turned away, the black uniform that was on his shoulders swished; it reminded Tsuna of a cloak. She blinked. A black-cloaked boy? Wait—wait—wait, what happened? Her hand smoothed the area where the silver weapon made contact with her head.
So…he hit her on the head with his tonfa…
Then was that dramatic pounce really necessary?
"What did it matter if she vanished? Gaston obviously detested her presence. He snaps at her. He glares at her. And he would even inflict pain upon her if it wasn't for the coaches being the authorities of the organization. So what did it matter? The others might be fretting of her disappearance; however, Gaston would be most pleased to have rid of her. Well, if he young man enjoys it so much, she shall stay put and away from him. No longer would she have to play the role as a burden…to Gaston…
"Jillian brought her knees against her chest and buried her face. Her wings ached because of the cramped space, but she didn't mind. She needed to stay here till the rain clears and till Gaston had his blissful moments without her existence disturbing it. She let out a soft sigh and tilted her head so that it was against the hollow end of the hole. The soil crumbled slightly and layered her hair, but she disregarded it. Sonya wasn't here to lecture her of how to keep her hair pretty anyway."
Tsuna skimmed down a few paragraphs, and read, "The boy was as old as Gaston with a slightly taller and muscular frame; however, his eyes were not at all sharp and cold, but almost to be emanating a reassuring spell. His hair was a fair copper whilst his smile complimented his gentle amber-golden eyes; Jillian immediately felt secured by his mere presence and the kindness he emitted. And then he spoke; his voice was a deep rumble that did not required an unpleasant snapping remark that often caused her to flinch. In fact, his voice was soft and alluring compared to Gaston's frequent irate responses, even if he spoke with a low melodic tone.
"He held out his hand, a gesture that Jillian grew familiar of. She warily accepted his hand, and their fingers interlocked simultaneously. The warmth of his large palm melted the chilled skin of Jillian's, thus her attentiveness lessened and her fright deceased. She knew that he wasn't someone to be afraid of.
"Then he spoke that soft voice of his again. "You know, you really did make everyone panic when you vanished. Ah, but what does it matter? You don't even understand what I'm saying." Then the young man chuckled.
"Jillian owlishly blinked as her head tilted.
"He shook his head and smiled, slowly hoisting the winged girl up. "Well, anyways, I'm Boric, your temporary guidance till Gaston returns.""
She shut the book and placed it down on the windowsill. Another new character had made an appearance. So far there are the adolescent individuals: Jillian, Gaston, and Sonya. The youthful coach who often assists Jillian and Gaston, making his supporting role an importance to the main characters, was Eustace. Orrick was a specialist when it comes to combat and daggers, and Knox was a skilled gunner; these two were partners who had the occupation as security and fortification. (Tsuna thought Orrick as a hilarious figure; he's so hyperactive, which brings much annoyance to Knox—the calmer of the two.) And now there is a boy named Boric.
Such unique characters enhancing the diversion of the book, and she wondered who this Boric was like. She wanted to read more, but it was late and she was exhausted, especially after what happened today. Her mother dragged her from section to section, happily talking about how adorable this underwear was and how cute this bra was. It was hectic. Though the incident with the black-cloaked boy was rather tiring, in which made her reluctance about the school. If that boy attended at Namimori Middle School, would that mean that she would see him the hallways? What if he was going to be in her class? Ugh. That would be horrible. What if he recognizes her when school commences? That would be horrible as well.
Never did she expect to see an actual figure of Gaston—the Japanese version since Gaston is European. However, while the appearance was an uncanny match, the personality was, well, different. Gaston has a temper and would not hesitate to snap at someone, but the black-cloaked boy maintained a stoic expression and a calm demeanor. Though both boys were indeed intimidating; Tsuna could relate how Jillian must feel when she first met Gaston.
!NOTIFICATION!: Ah, in the end I couldn't help myself but place the black-cloaked boy in there. As many would know, the black-cloaked boy is Hibari. I can see him a great part of a Tuna Sandwich pairing; yes, the 182769 is an original, however, 332718 could work too considering how it is SempaixKohaixSempai. TEEHEE. Honestly, I wonder why this wasn't made! If it has, then why had I yet to see it? Maybe I'm not searching correctly. Anyway, now directing to Journey To The Sun, containing Jillian, Gaston, Sonya, Eustace, Orrick, Knox, and Boric. Why yes, each character has a relation with the characters outside of the book, despite the connection to be somewhat vague. Like how Gaston and Hibari would be similar yet Gokudera and Gaston share the same personality. Sasagawa and Orrick have the same personality, but their roles are completely different. As for the others, much more is to be revealed. Although I do say that their basic roles are rather obvious. See if you can match who is who!
BTW: For those who are upset about Sasagawa not making his appearance in this chapter, I apologize. Purposely, I pushed him away so that Hibari could make his spotlight. For those who actually liked Hibari making his appearance, I apologize. He won't be showing for a while; after all, this is about 33FEM27. So to make up for his lack of show, this chapter is dedicated to him. Somewhat. This chapter has been merely the first level of Tsuna's and Hibari's relationship in order for a one-sided love to initiate. It won't be a steady bond because of who Tsuna is meant to be with; it would be a simple crush or great admiration, but hints of romance is definite nevertheless.