#07: Revelations

The first race had been quite easy to win, but Elen was aware that those who followed would be more dangerous and Maruko wouldn't stay without doing something to stop them. She had been lucky because her mother died while she was clearing the same circuit, but the others were unknown even for her. Asking Byakuran would be pointless, because in every parallel world, there were different obstacles and a different kind of terrain. She could use all that information, but Elen didn't want to cheat like that, she wasn't like Maruko. The girl sighed and tried to think of a strategy to win during an unknown circuit, but she hoped it wouldn't be that hard. Shoichi and Spanner could tell her what routes to follow, since they would have the map, but she knew that this time, it wouldn't be a simple race. They would have to protect their lives from that crazy Maruko, who would try to kill them. That woman wouldn't accept that easily that she had been defeated, Elen was aware of that.

Her first win was enjoyable, especially since the main purpose was to make her mother proud of her, but it would have been better if she could have seen her daughter there, in her place. Yet, there was another person missing in her life: her father. Elen didn't know what had happened to him, if he was alive, but she wanted to find him as soon as he got rid of that man that was responsible of killing her mother. She was aware of everything that happened back there in Italy, since she kept in touch with Jolly and that was why she wanted to go back there as soon as possible. But the most unpleasant moment was going to come, because there was a call from the Vongola headquarters. Even if they weren't allies yet, it seemed that Sawada Tsunayoshi wanted to solve the problem of those mysterious disappearances as soon as possible. She didn't mind that they had to talk, the fact that annoyed her was that she had to talk with that man. The one that humiliated her twice and was acting like a smart-ass. Hibari Kyoya, the first person that gained her hate to the full extent. Even his name made her grumpy.

Elen took in a deep breath, trying to calm herself, because it sure followed a lot of insults, since they disliked each other with passion. The girl rubbed her temples, before sitting on the couch. She hesitated about pressing the button to accept that conversation, but it was better to be free of him as soon as possible. It wasn't like they could harm each other physically, since there was such a big distance between them. She finally made her decision and it didn't take long until the image of Hibari appeared on the screen. Elen tried her best to stay calm, to ignore ever rude thing that he would say, but it wouldn't be that simple. He had a sharp tongue, she knew that because they had confronted before. "What took you so long, stupid herbivore? Don't you understand what 'urgent message' means?" Elen frowned, because it seemed that he couldn't stay a second without insulting her, but that wasn't the moment to fall into his game.

"What do you want? Unlike you, I am busy, so make it fast, I don't have your time!" That had been a lie, because there was enough time until the second race started. It was just ten in the morning, so she had almost six hours until its beginning. Of course that the proud cloud guardian didn't like her answer, but he could insult her another time, how much he wanted. He was even more annoyed, because there was a troublemaker and he couldn't find out who that person was. It was frustrating. He sighed, like he had been tired of Elen, but she could care less. The girl wanted that conversation to end. "Herbivore…don't push your luck." Yet, he noticed that his words fell on deaf ears, because she didn't even care if he was talking. If she had been near him, how much would he like to hit her with his tonfas, but there were other victims on whom he could direct his anger. Like those suspects they caught. "As useless as ever, herbivore. I imagine that you aren't even aware that there are people disappearing, even from your famiglia." That made Elen look in his eye, with a frown on her face. That wasn't true, because she kinda doubted who that person was, but there was only one man that could confirm her doubts and even if her subordinates were brave enough to fight against other mafia families, they were afraid of a person that couldn't move during his restrains. She sighed dramatically, only to annoy further Hibari. "Kyoya-chan, as fool-mouthed as always! And being an idiot after you looked like a smart man. Pity~." Elen liked to play with his nerves, because by now a fight would have started if they were in the same room. Too bad that she didn't finish humiliating him.

The girl chuckled, while Kyoya felt his eye twitch since he had guts to confront him like that. There weren't many persons that dared to do that, but he was unlucky, since there wasn't any possible way to bite her to death, until Elen came back to Italy. He couldn't wait for that moment, because that would be the moment when he would teach that girl that he wasn't one of those herbivores with whom she interacted daily. It was hard to control himself, but he felt regret for not biting her to death harshly the first time they met. But there was also that pineapple with his horrid and twisted sense of humor. Only thinking of Mukuro made Hibari growl lowly in his throat, but focused his attention on what that stupid girl in front of him was saying. "You are the useless one, here! I know that there is a person, a man in fact that keeps kidnapping people from our family to experiment on them. Something similar to what the Estraneo was doing." Elen made a small pause, looking into Kyoya's eyes, since he seemed grumpier than usual, especially now that she had more information than them while being away. The girl made a hard enough to control her laugh, before thinking of how to make a fool of him even more. She could say everything she knew, because if they were to become allies, if didn't matter anyway, but the glory of catching that man wouldn't go to Vongola. That would make that Hibari be even more confident in his strength. "His purpose is to take control over one of the important families from mafia, but he has to acquire information about us, so it will take until he makes his move, but don't worry, my dear Kyoya." Elen was aware that his eye twitched and that he wanted to bite a retort yet controlled himself. At least she managed to piss him off and that was a great success. "Once I come back, I'll take care of everything, so you don't need to think too much. Oh, please tell Dino-kun that I love him and I'll try to be back as soon as possible. Bye~."

Elen didn't wait to receive an answer from him and as soon as she cut off the connection, the girl started to laugh, because Kyoya's expression from the end had been too funny! He was beyond pissed off, especially since she practically implied that he should give Dino that message from her. The cloud guardian was probably fuming in anger and she couldn't help but have her share of fun. But now, there wasn't time to laugh at Hibari, but she had to get prepared, because there was no way she wouldn't come up with a strategy for today's race. Elen got up from the sofa and stretched her body, before going to her room. She wanted to take a hot bath, to relax her muscles. To be honest, she felt too lazy to even compete, but she couldn't give up so early, not without putting a fight. One that would learn Maruko not to mess with the other pilots again in her life. The girl looked through the window, seeing that the sky was clear, so she wouldn't have to worry about ruining the ship again, because she was sure that at least Shoichi would make a big deal out of that. If what she did was that serious, he should have seen the state in which her mother brought back the ship in those days when the prize was really motivating.

Letting out a small smile to herself, Elen went to her room, decided to get prepared as soon as she could, but there was no way she wouldn't enjoy her bath. The girl entered and closed the door, beginning to look for clothes that she could wear after. It didn't take that long, since she didn't want to wear something that would trouble her, beside it was a nice day, so it didn't matter too much if she took some thin clothes. It would have been a great help to have somebody, a friend to help her, but well…Byakuran didn't count since he wasn't a girl. She even laughed at that thought, but he would be a better choice, one thousand times better than Mukuro Rokudo. That perverted illusionist would do anything he could to annoy her or break the lock of her room to get inside. If she could so something about that and sleep for once relaxed like she did in France. Elen shuddered at the thought of that pineapple sneaking into her room and…well, it was better not to remember anymore what he did. After all, what she could expect from him, a person that possessed her body and used it to go to Kyoya Hibari? That had been the most humiliating experience from her life, but she couldn't control anything while he was having his share of fun. But she had to admit that he didn't look that bad…well, he was good-looking, but that was enough! They were enemies, so that was not a way to think of him! He was just another jerk that thought that he was the strongest man on Earth.

Chasing out of her mind those thoughts, Elen went to the bathroom before Byakuran came to drag her to God knows where like he said he would. She sighed and entered into the shower, fully enjoying the hot water until she could. That talk with Hibari made her annoyed for a reason or another, yet the girl didn't want to be in a bad mood before the race, so it was better to go with Byakuran. She didn't know where he was going to take her and at least try to calm herself or enjoy whatever they were going to do. Elen didn't know how much time she spent in the shower, but after she got dressed, she used a towel to dry her hair. Going back into her room, the girl noticed that Byakuran was already stuffing himself with marshmallow and seemed so bored. Maybe he had been waiting for a long time for her there. She chuckled, sound that drawn his attention from what he was doing. Elen sat on the bed, still drying her hair and felt a bit sorry for letting him wait so much. She knew that she could take her time when she wanted, so it wasn't something abnormal, yet she was glad that he had the patience to wait for her.

"You really take your time, Elen-chan! I became so bored waiting for you…" His voice made her laugh, before apologizing. It hadn't been her intention to stay so much in the shower, but she didn't expect to find Byakuran in her room waiting for her. The girl should have expected that, but well, he was an unpredictable man, so it was really all her fault. When she finished drying her hair, Elen brushed it a bit, before she followed Byakuran. She still didn't know where they would go, but as long it wouldn't imply work, it was okay. But the girl doubted that he would do something in his holiday, so there was no reason to get worried over that. Elen didn't even get the change to protest, when he took her hand and dragged her after him, but the girl didn't oppose him that much. In fact, she was trying to keep the peace with him, since she felt too lazy for that day. "Where are we going~? Just tell me already, Byakuran!" She stopped walking and that made him look behind, seeing her pout that only made him laugh. Elen didn't know if she should feel offended by that, yet there was no way to get angry at him. All he did was to treat her in such a good way, but his cheerful nature made her think twice before getting angry. "Didn't you say that you wanted to get revenge on Mukuro-kun?~ I'm just helping you with that by taking some pictures together~!"

Elen didn't expect Byakuran to use that lame excuse, but she bought in nonetheless, since he had good intentions after all. She only laughed and followed him without contradicting him. Yet, the girl wanted to know where he would take her, but there was no way she would ask that. The surprise would be ruined and she wanted to enjoy there the place, because he would choose something nice for sure. When they were outside, there were a few persons that looked at them, but they didn't pay them any attention and Elen followed him until the place where the car was parked. So it was a long way to where he was going to take her, but she didn't complain. The girl wanted to see where Byakuran would take her and of course, she wanted those photos to have nice memories from France, even if the copies would be used to annoy Mukuro. If her friend was willing to help, then who was she to deny his help? It was really good, because she was feeling better knowing that he didn't love her and that way she wouldn't use him. For Elen that meant a lot and beside it wouldn't hurt to entertain him once in a while.

The road seemed endless, yet Elen began to talk about different things, so they wouldn't keep that silence between them. Byakuran listened to her and seemed to like to tease the girl everytime he got the occasion, but she didn't get mad at him. It was actually funny and pleasant to be with him there. She couldn't wait to get to that mysterious place and enjoy it until four p.m.. It was still early and even if they didn't have enough time to waste there, the next day was perfect, since there was a pause for the competitors to relax. Elen was happy that she managed to have so much fun and forget about all the problems back in Italy, even about the earlier discussion with the cloud guardian. It was really good to detach yourself from everything and everyone and enjoy the life!

The girl didn't know when both she and Byakuran became that close in that world, but Elen felt happy to know that beside Dino, there was somebody else that cared about her. Beside there was no way she could actually say no to him, to stay all the day in the home. That man knew how to convince a person to do what he wanted without too much effort, but there was no way she could refuse him. It wasn't bad to enjoy yourself and relax a bit before doing something important. Indeed, Elen was worried about the situation back there in Italy and regretted that she didn't free Rayne before she left. He was the only one who worked with her supposed father and knew how to stop him. Even if there wasn't too much time that was the first thing she had to do when they would return to Italy. Or at least that's what she planned to do, because speaking frankly, she was scared for the lives of her family. What if they died? Yet, Elen had to focus on finished her business there with success so she could return to them, to find that criminal and eliminate him forever, before other people died in his hands.

"Hm?! Elen-chan, is something the matter? You look angry for a reason or another.~" Hearing those words, Elen almost felt the need to laugh, because there was no way to fool a man like Byakuran. She was indeed mad at Hibari, but that was only her problem, yet she was aware of the fact that he wouldn't let her alone until she told him why she was like that. It was a bit annoying, but deep in her heart, the girl was glad that somebody was willing to listen to hear, without thinking that all she did was complain. Yet, Elen didn't want to tell him the entire story, so if she made up a bit, everything will be fine. As long as he wouldn't notice that she was lying or if he did, there wouldn't be any question asked. "I'm just a bit angry that I can't do anything to help my family…I think you heard about those mysterious disappearances. What if one of them is caught and used to be experimented on?" It wasn't a complete lie, because Elen was indeed mad at herself for not being able to help them and couldn't help but get worried about every one of them. The real reason for being like that was Hibari Kyoya, who seemed to know how to step on her nerves every damn time they talked. Too bad or him that she knew how to answer to his smart-ass comments. Maybe that was the problem they had. What if she had been like the others and didn't confront him? Then everything would be boring and she wouldn't feel respected.

Byakuran didn't seem to buy that lie and leaned in, his face being so close to hers, looking into her eyes. He knew that she didn't tell him the truth and Elen became aware of that. After all, the girl was sure that it would be hard to try and fool Byakuran, especially since he knew her better than anyone else and that thanks to his knowledge gained through the parallel worlds. She sighed and look through the car's window, but she could feel Byakuran's piercing gaze into the back of her head and understood that there was no way she could ever return without telling him. Maybe that was what she needed. To tell somebody what kept bugging her for a while or kept her mouth shut and go crazy. When Elen looked at him, Byakuran was waiting for her to start talking, because it didn't matter that they finally reach their destination. Yet, she would feel more comfortable if they would speak outside, without anybody listening. At least he listened to her request and both got out of the car.

The scenery was more than wonderful, Elen had to admit that. There were no building, no smoke, anything that could make her remember about the city. The scattered trees made her look around more, to see that the sky felt so unlimited there. She ignored even the fact that Byakuran kept dragging her after him, because she was busy admiring the landscape. There were also small birds chirping around. How could she not know of something like that? It was somewhere inside the country, yet she had been so busy every time she went somewhere, that she ignored small details like this. Details that were so pretty. Elen stopped walking when she bumped into Byakuran and looked in front of her. There was a small lake, but everything was really beautiful. She even regretted not bringing a camera there. The girl was impressed by all she saw and decided to sit on the grass, before laying on the ground. It had been long since she spent time like that, but the scenery was breathtaking. She was thankful that Byakuran brought her there, even if it was the for the sole reason of trying to make her talk.

It was pointless to try and hide all those things from him, because Byakuran was no fool. Elen knew that, but she didn't want to abuse of his kindness. She wasn't that type of person and didn't want to become like that. Closing her eyes for few second, the girl remembered her mother and all those great things she did while being alive, especially while piloting. All those amazing moves made her relax, until she opened her eyes suddenly, since the memory of her crash felt so alive, even if it passed so long. Why did she have to see that again after so long? Elen shuddered, because she tried to believe that it wasn't a warning to stop piloting or she would die. Yet, the girl felt even more determined to finish the race, to prove to even Byakuran that she wouldn't die no matter what happened in other parallel worlds!

Taking in a deep breath, Elen didn't need to look at Byakuran, but began to talk, since they were alone and nobody would hear. "You really are persistent!" That was what she said before hearing his soft laugh, a sign that he indeed agreed with her. She couldn't help but follow, since it was contagious, but even his persistence was a good thing sometimes. Yet…it felt so weird to be there, with him, but she couldn't complain. From the very moment they met, Elen had a feeling that she knew him from somewhere, yet since she couldn't wonder through parallel worlds, she didn't know until he told her. The girl looked at the sky, before continuing to talk. "I told you about Mukuro's stupid joke…well, it was also my fault since I mocked him in front of everyone, but…I also had to lie to Hibari that…" Elen stopped, knowing that what she was going to say would probably make him laugh, because thinking about it know…she couldn't help but laugh, because everybody knew that she and Dino were nothing more than friends. There had been rumors that she had an affair with somebody from the Varia, but nothing similar related to Dino. She only hoped that her lie didn't cause more problem to him, than it already had after she left from Hibari's home.

"…That Dino was my lover…" Elen waited and as she expected, Byakuran started to laugh, because it was funny, especially if you had been there and saw the whole scene. For her it was, now when she remembered, even if then it had been the greatest embarrassing thing that could happen. She covered her eyes with her arm, before listening to Byakuran's breath. "Mm~, Elen-chan, you sure are a surprising girl! I never expected something like this!" She giggled before starting to laugh like crazy, since indeed, if somebody ever told her that one day she would be pinned under Hibari and then lie that Dino is her love, the girl would have probably told them they were insane. Yet she stopped when she remembered how bad she felt when the Varia doubted her, even if she never betrayed her. It hurt to know that they preferred to believe the words of some strangers that attacked them as soon as she left, to possibly make all of them kill her. That would be a good thing for many of them, so the girl wouldn't be that surprised, but that didn't mean that she would forgive them anytime soon.

"So…the morning I left…thanks God that Mukuro was sleeping…it seems that somebody planned and attack and…" Elen stopped once more, since it didn't matter that she wouldn't forgive them, because until then, the girl thought that they were friends in a certain measure! Well, it seemed that she had been wrong and all the members thought of her as nothing more than a tool that could get rid of anytime. If that was the case, then, no matter how hard it would be, she would treat them as mere subordinates, even if until then, the girl acted like they weren't just the assassination squad of Vongola. "Well, his majesty, Xanxus, thought that I had given them information so he almost killed me…Way to come here…" At the end, her voice had been filled with irony, since Elen didn't like to remember all that.

Byakuran seemed to listen without interrupting her, but that didn't work that well, since she sighed and stretched her hand, as if she wanted to touch the sky. In that moment, the girl felt so insignificant compared to other things from there, but there was no way she was useless. Unlike the Vongola, she knew more about the culprit that kept experimenting on the members of their family. She was decided to free Rayne, no matter who didn't agree with her decision. But there was more to tell and it seemed that Byakuran waited for her to finish the whole story. The girl sighed and closed her eyes, before starting to speak again. "Earlier, Kyoya contacted me, because I will get allied to the Vongola when I return, to inform me about the disappearances from both our families." She stopped for a while, thinking that she still didn't talk with Dino, because there was no way that she would keep speaking with the cloud guardian. They would keep insulting and mocking each other and that wouldn't be benefiting any of them. Too bad that the Vongola boss didn't know about that, but she was keen on making him find out and especially pay Mukuro's staying in her house, because he thought that she allowed him to waste everything like he was part of the family or something, but talking with him, was useless!

"Everytime we see each other, we start to insult or mock the other, so I got annoyed after talking with him, but nothing more." She sighed, finally finished that never ending talk, but the girl had to admit that she felt better after she finally told somebody everything that kept bugging her. Byakuran on the other hand seemed to be on deep thought, but there was nothing on his mind. He only wondered why this world different so much to the other parallel worlds. Even the Elen from there was different from those who he met back there, but it wasn't a bad thing. If her last race would go well and wouldn't be the beginning of a tragedy like then, he was content. The change of the events would bother him at all. Byakuran also wondered what would happen if she knew about what happened with Mukuro in the other parallel worlds, since she since to tolerate him a bit. It was worth the try, because he knew that the girl was aware of his powers and she wouldn't think that he lied. "Ne, Elen-chan~, I was wondering…" She looked at him, but didn't say anything, waiting for Byakuran to finish his phrase. In fact, she was curious about what he would say to her after all she said, but Elen hoped that he wouldn't do that.

She heard him laugh, before continuing with what he was saying. "How will you react if I told you that in some of the parallel worlds…you were Mukuro-kun's lover?" At first, Elen blinked, before starting to laugh like crazy, because he should be joking about that, but Byakuran frowned. He didn't expect that kind of reaction from her, because he was serious. Was what he said so unbelievable that that she couldn't stop herself from acting like that? He didn't know, but as soon as she saw his face, Elen stopped, because there wasn't present any grin or smile, but a frown. The girl didn't know what to say anymore, because it seemed so unreal, especially with her current relation with Mukuro, that there was no way they were together in other worlds. From Byakuran's expression, he wasn't joking and yet…Elen couldn't believe that she and the illusionist were involved in a romantic relationship. Not with their personalities, but if he said that, then the girl would also request and explanation. She wanted to know more about that. Not that her attitude towards Mukuro would change in any way. She was…curious.

"…How did I get to be his…lover?" she was so shocked, that the girl couldn't even control her reactions, but Byakuran seemed to be amused now. Elen seemed really surprised, yet he would tell her what she wanted to know. "Hm~, well you fell in love with him, because Mukuro-kun was different from other people, but how did you made him to love you, beats me~." She frowned, because there was no way that she fell in love with that guy. It was more possible to have a romantic relationship with Dino, but not with the said illusionist! Now that she knew that, Elen could get her revenge on him, because Byakuran could confirm what she would say if she asked him. Yet, she couldn't believe what she had just heard, but there should be more, even if that meant her to be more shocked than she was already. Getting up to sit and put her arms on her knees, Elen looked at Byakuran, practically telling him to go on with the story. "If you wouldn't have died then…you told me before the race that you were so keen on coming back, since Mukuro-kun proposed to you in his own way~." When it was enough, it was. Elen couldn't help but start to laugh, since it was more than hilarious. She wondered how Mukuro would look proposing to someone!

When she finally calmed herself, the girl looked at Byakuran with tears in her eyes from all that laugh, but she was happy. He didn't only cheer her up, but also gave her something with which she could make Mukuro speechless for at least a couple of hours. Elen couldn't request more, but now she had to go back, there wasn't that much time until the race would begin and she wanted to win this one as well. With her current mood it would be more than easy to crush once more Maruko's hopes. It didn't matter that she didn't know what waited for them. It was important that now there was one more person that would like for her to return alive, so she couldn't disappoint him or the others!

"Thanks for cheering me up, but now I have to win a race and this time, it will be for you, so you'd better watch it closely!"