My Real Story
My story is a real story. It involves hard decisions, unfair circumstances, evil enemies, and sadness; but my story also contains hope. It isn't like fairy tails, no princes riding on horses come and save me. No, it contains real heroes, real enemies, real pain, and real salvation. So come closer and listen well, to my story. My real story.
It all started with my mom, who was a hitman, but gave it up to be with my dad. They feel in love, got married, had me, and all without my dad ever knowing who my mom really was. She told him that she and her mom were taken in by a rich friend of her dad's that lived in Italy; and that when she was old enough she wanted to try living in Japan where a friend was. There my dad was her neighbor. Mom always describes meeting dad as the sunrise after a long night. She said she had been struggling in the dark long enough and was ready to let the sun's morning rays bathe her. Dangerous missions now seemed to cost more then they seemed to benefit. So, she left all that behind her, but it didn't leave her behind.
During my early childhood, we went to Italy as a family many times. Mom liked to visit an old friend, his sister, and the boss of the Vongola family who was like her dad. She knew a lot of people in the Vongola and could name most of them, they were her family. The people she grew up with, and they loved her just as much as she loved them. The happy visits soon ended.
For a long time now, the war between families that had brought my mom originally to Japan had been over. Most rarely thought of it, but some never did and swore revenge. Particularly the former boss of the family, he never forgot or forgave. The boss of the Vongola knowing this, and employed the former boss in his personal care to keep an eye on him. This decision that seemed wise at the time, could not have been worse. The former boss was patient. Like a lion crouched in the tall grass watching it's prey, he waited diligently for the perfect time to strike. When the sun is high and the prey closes his eyes for just a second, that is when the lion makes his move. When the family is happy and war seems long forgotten in the minds of all, that is when the former boss stirs up trouble.
On one of her many visits, my mom Amber met the former boss. She didn't recognize him, but the former boss recognized her. He asked her questions, innocent questions. How was her family doing? What did her husband do? How old was the little one? How did she know the boss? Simple and innocent questions were all that were asked. When Amber implored about him, he made up his answers. He lied about his name, age, where he was from, and why he was here; all to avoid suspicion. And it worked. As soon as she left to wake up the little one from her nap, his mind started to work. A grin crept across his face. While in a position close to the Vongola boss, he had gained a little trust and a few men under his control. He used all this to his advantage. His plan was simple, take the woman and kid hostage, the old man loved that family. He would do almost anything for them. The woman had given up missions a long time ago, and even better, the husband was just an ordinary person who worked as an office worker. He couldn't protect them. He licked his lips maliciously, this was too sweet. He could basically taste it.
It didn't take long for him to gather the necessary people and weapons. Strong families like the Vongola are always hated and envied. So, he made his move. He asked the Vongola boss if he could take some time off, a vacation. The boss agreed. Smiling he said, "Thank you sir. You have no idea how much this means to me!" Chuckling slightly at his own joke, he left the room in high spirits. Soon he and his forces were in Japan, and knocking on my family's door.
"Coming," said a voice from inside. Soon footsteps are heard coming towards the front of the house, and the door starts to open. The former bosses grin increases.
"This well be oh so sweet," he thinks to himself as he licks his lips and raises his hand. He was preparing to give the signal for his men surrounding the house to attack.
In Italy at the time
"Oh," said Amber starting to understand. "So that was the former boss huh? I thought he was familiar, but I couldn't quite put my finger on it. Should have listened to my instincts, but it has been a while."
"Yes," answered the Vongola boss. "I thought he had been acting strange, so I had him investigated and followed. I'm glad that I at least reached you and Ash in time, but I worry about the boy," He sighed. He had sent messages saying he needed to talk to Amber and to bring Ash. He had planned on warning her about the former boss and get her opinion on what she wanted to do, but the former boss had made his move faster than expected. He was already at Amber's house, where Shu still was. They had told Shu that there was an emergency with the family in Italy, but that they wouldn't be long a few days tops.
"Yeah, me too," replied Amber sharing his sigh. She glanced at me. I was three years old at the time and was playing with some of the Vongola's bodyguards. Everyone in the family who knew my mom always loved me and treated me like their grandchild. They were playing horse with me.
"Faster! Faster!" I said with glee.
The guys laughed, "Yeah, Steve. Faster!"
"Haha!" the guy laughed. "I'm going, I'm going."
"Whee!" I yelled happily.
Amber smiled, and turned her attention back to the conversation she was having with the boss.
"Me and Ash barely made it, but what about Shu?" she asked worriedly.
"That is troublesome," frowned the boss. "But don't you worry, I won't let anything happen to my only son-in-law," said the boss determined and shaking his fist. Amber opened her mouth to say something, but the boss cut her off, "You are going to say that you want me to take care of Ash and send you and some backup to go to Shu, right?"
Amber smiled, no matter what, the boss was like her dad and would always know her best. "Yeah," she answered.
"Well, I'm a little worried about you being out of practice, but I think that if you take appropriate backup it will be fine," he smiled down at her with his warm, fatherly smile. Amber was overjoyed and ran to him, throwing her arms around his neck.
"Thank you!" she said.
"Haha! No problem. Anything for you my girl, perhaps I spoil you too much," He said thinking aloud on the last part. The guards laughed at the last part and agreed.
"Grandpa, Grandpa!" I said running to him.
"What is it little one?" he asked picking me up and putting me in his lap. He loved his grandchild and would always consider me so.
"I'm not little one," I pouted.
"Sorry, sorry Ash. What do you need?" he asked again smiling at my cute little pouty face.
"I want to go save papa with mama!" I said firmly.
"Haha! Aren't you a spirited one! Just like your Mama!" He said laughing. The boss was a good and warm hearted man. "But this time you have to stay with Grandpa and take care of business here," he answered.
"Why? I don't want to stay here. I want to go save Papa with Mama!" I yelled.
"Oh, come now. You'll hurt Grandpa's feelings," said the boss putting on a pouty face himself.
"I'm sorry Grandpa, but I have to protect Papa. Mama told me that it was my job to protect the ones I love, so I havta go save Papa! But don't be hurt Grandpa! I love you and everyone else, one day I'll protect you guys too!" she said smiling.
"ASH!" yelled the guards sobbing, the boss too!
"Such a good girl! My dear, you raised her well," said the boss smiling and wiping tires from his eyes. Amber was so caught up in the moment that all she could manage was a nod as she hugged her girl. Ash smiled at everyone.
"Okay, okay. I think she will be fine," said the boss. Amber nodded in agreement. So, the boss assigned a team of his strongest bodyguards, hitman, and trusted allies to go with Amber and Ash back to Japan to save Shu. They said their goodbyes and were off. It had only been a few hours since they arrived in Italy, but they needed to get to Japan fast. The group was composed of twice as many people in the former boss's group to be on the safe side. The former boss's group was made to move fast and light to avoid arousing interest, while the Vongola group was made to overpower the enemy and keep the girls safe. No one thought that this was going to be a hard mission, but everyone was wrong.
Japan
When the door opened revealing the man of the house, the former boss faltered. "No, they couldn't have gotten wind of our plans," his eyes had widened and he heart was screaming at him, giving him anxiety. He had already shoved the guy aside and started searching the house. "They have to be here!" he yelled to the empty house.
"What do you want me to do with this guy, boss?" asked a random guy who was holding Shu.
The former boss grabbed Shu by the shirt and pulled him close, face to face. "Where is your family?" he asked drawing out the syllables and with a tone full of threat.
"I don't know who you are or why you think I would tell you where my family is," said Shu steadfastly, but despite the tough tone he was shaking.
"Haha! look at the tough boy shake!" laughed the boss and his men joined in. He punched Shu hard in the stomach. Immediately Shu coughed up blood. "Now, enough with the jokes. I want to know where you family is and I want to know NOW!" he bellowed in rage.
"You didn't say the magic word," retorted Shu gasping between words.
"If you don't tell me where your family is, your life will magically disappear. How about that?" asked the boss gritting his teeth and punching Shu in the head. Shu felt like his head had just exploded.
"That's no way to treat someone you want something from. Let's see, if you give me all your money, I never see your face again, and you never EVER come near my family again then I'll think about telling you," answered Shu sounding thoughtful, but he was really just trying to stay conscious and blink the black spots away.
"THAT'S IT!," he screamed red in the face, this guy had made a fool of him and he would not stand for it. He lunged for the guy, but someone stopped him.
"Wait boss! Wouldn't this guy work for bait as well?" Someone asked.
"Your right!" he said. "Bind fold him and tie him up tight," barked the boss. Grinning he let go of the guy's shirt, causing him to stumble backwards and fall. The boss knelt down to his level and said, "I am going to use you to take get my revenge on your precious wife and her family. And when I have them in my grasp, I'll end their sad little lives right in front of her. That witch will dread the day she mess with me, oops I guess she won't be alive to regret it. HAHA!" he cackled.
"What are you talking about?" asked Shu. Two and two weren't adding up in Shu's head. Why did this guy want Amber's family dead? Shu had met them, they were all very nice and treated him and his family well.
"Huh?! Because their family destroyed mine in war," he replied.
"Family?" Shu said in confusion.
"Come on, you know like mafia," answered the boss. "They say we peacefully resolved our issues, but what really happened was a massacre until my family was forced to surrender. They only wanted us to surrender to make it sound nice, like we are all buddy buddy now," he said putting on airs. "And your wife was the one who was spying on us and ultimately made us lose. She was the trusted spy the Vongola boss sent to observe us in Japan. Right about the time you two met," He said smirking. "Who knows, maybe she married you only for a cover. Maybe it was all an act." He looks absolutely in heaven to see the look of horror and dread on Shu's face. But try as he might, Shu couldn't keep his eyes from swimming much longer. Soon he wouldn't be able to think about anything. "Gotta stay conscious," he told himself over and over again, but it was of no use. He quickly blacked out.
Hours later he woke up again. He could tell hours had past because it was night time. The blind fold had slipped down his head. The guys had broken into his house, or he had let them into his house (he mentally scolded himself here and promised himself that he would never tell Amber he let them in), late in the afternoon. The house of quiet, but suddenly a loud explosion was heard and a huge hole appeared in wall of the living room. He was laying on the couch, meaning the hole materialized right in front of him. Soon footsteps were heard running through the lawn and towards the house, and gunfire wasn't long after. Immediately, people started taking up positions in the house. The boss had come out and was barking orders. The people inside the house were doing good, but they were slowly being overpowered. The outside forces were too strong and outnumbered them.
"What are we going to do boss?" asked a subordinate.
"We are going to have to speed things up on the other end. Buy me some time," he yelled to his men. They all screamed back their consent. Apparently they all knew what he was talking about and seemed happy about it. It seemed to energize them all. After about ten minutes, the boss came back saying it was done, and the whole arm cheered. They fought vigorously, but the outside forces were coming closer and closer. Swiftly one could see particular faces in the army outside. Shu was surprised to see not only people he had met from Amber's family, but Amber herself. She was fighting just the like rest, no better than the rest.
"So it's true, they are mafia. She is a mafia" said Shu to himself.
"Haha!" laughed the boss who happened to be standing near him, and heard him talking to himself. "Hurts huh? She betray you, you married a fake. Someone who doesn't exist."
"No, NO! It's not true!" yelled Shu thinking back on all the times they shared together. Laughing when Amber tried to make dinner for the two of them for the first time and it turned out to be a flop, smiling together as they got the first glimpse of their baby girl, crying when Ash had her first fever and they were both too emotionally drain and inexperienced to do anything but cry, all the things they did together and shared together. They couldn't all be fake. No, he refused to believe it.
Just then, a smoke bomb was thrown into the house. It filled it completely, no one could see anything. Shu squinted and saw a thin shadow barely noticeable traveling fast in zig-zags. It was coming towards him, while reching as much havoc as possible. The Shadow was carrying a small, light gun and firing it to dismantle the main force. One shot misfired and hit the former boss right above the eye. The shadow dragged him to his feet and pulled him towards the hole in the house. As the inside forces where coughing and hacking, the shadow dragged him through the hole and into hiding in around the house. But by then, the smoke was long gone and the shadow was completely visible. The former boss screamed with rage, "I'LL GET YOU, YOU WITCH!"
When his vision finally cleared, Shu got a good look at the person who had taken him. It was too early to say "saved." He looked straight into the face of his wife Amber.
She had a sheepish look on her face, "I know I have a lot to explain, but-" She didnt' even finish before Shu had his arms around her.
"I'll deal with your lying later, but first please please tell me you love me," he said looking her in the eye, searching them for the truth.
"Shu," she said covering her mouth with her hands, tears coming down her face. "Shu, I love you! I promise that non of it was a lie, well except for the mafia part."
Shu sighed in relief. "Okay, since I happen to be a good judge of character I trust that you aren't lying. As for your punishment I expect you to make me a feast, FEAST I say when this is all over," he said. He rubbed her head. They were both almost laughing, partly at the ridiculousness of what he just said, and partly because of the relief they both felt. Sadly, that relief was sort lived.
Just then, someone interrupted them and said that they needed Amber back on the front lines.
"Okay," said Amber with a lingering look at Shu.
"Go, I'm fine. Besides my pride. That's a little damaged. Can't believe my wife is stronger than me!" he sighed. "Oh, what do you want me to do?"
"Oh, give me a minute," she said as she rushed off and came back with Ash. "Please watch her."
"WHAT?! Is Ash trained too?" he asked alarm in his voice. "I don't think I could handle being weaker than my three year old daughter!"
"Oh, don't worry she isn't!" said Amber with a smile.
"I don't no weather to be relieved that I am stronger or worried that she is on the battle field," answered Shu.
As the battle went on, the difference in strength started to become more and more obvious. The outside forces were pushing the inside forces. But, no matter the growing disadvantage the former boss's side fought on.
"We only need to hold out a little longer," yelled the boss and everyone screamed.
"Haha!" laughed the Vongola. "Look at them bluff," they said.
"No," said Amber with a scared voice. "I have a bad feeling that they aren't lying."
"What do you mean," asked someone near her seriously.
"I mean I think we should take care of this quickly, before something bad happens," answered Amber. She pleaded with the troops to take this seriously and to fight as if they were losing the battle, but they wouldn't take her seriously.
"Nothing's going to happen," they reassured her.
"No, no! Something bad is going to happen, we need to hurry," she insisted.
"What is going to happen," they asked her patiently, like they were explaining something to a little kid.
"I don't know, but something really bad," she said almost trembling.
"Guys maybe you should listen to her," Add Shu. Amber nodded her head vigorously.
"It's okay you two. What Amber is experiencing is something that happens to all hitman when they come back to the front lines after a long break. She is just experiencing some natural anxiety. It's nothing to worry about," they comforted her.
Amber seemed to calm down a little, but she still wanted they to fight seriously. The guys complied to her wishes and started to fight more seriously, but by then it was too late. Minutes after they complied, back-up for the former boss arrived. In total, it outnumbered the Vongola three to one. They were greatly outnumbered.
"What should we do?" the Vongola asked Amber.
"We should call the Vongola headquarters and ask for backup ourselves," answered Amber. Since they were all trained, no of them panicked. Panic only makes matters worse, this fact was hardwired into all their head numerous times. As soon as she said that though, the other forces started to laugh.
"Did you hear that? They are going to call for help!" laughed the former boss's men.
"WHAT'S SO FUNNY? HUH?!" Yelled a guy from the Vongola family.
"Calm down," rebuked Amber. "We will find out soon enough. Hopefully nothing."
"Sorry," said the guy contritely.
"It's all right," answered Amber warmly. And with that the Vongola forces had calmed down.
"Now please provide me with cover while I call the 9th," instructed Amber.
"Yes ma'am," cheered the men.
Amber smiled, "Thanks guys!" While the guys provided cover, Amber slipped from the front lines and went to call the boss. The phone rang many times before the boss finally picked up.
"Yes," answered the boss in a serious tone.
"Boss it's me," said Amber starting to worry about his tone.
"Oh, Amber," his tone softened just a bit. "What's going on there?" He asked, suddenly remembering why his tone was serious in the first place and reverting back.
"It turns out that the former boss had more men than we originally thought. He had backup, and a lot of it," she said.
"More than you or I thought," agreed the boss. "More than a third of my men are revolting against me here," he explained.
"No," it started to sink in. "Tha-that means," Amber was starting to panic.
"Right," answered the boss. "No backup can be sent to you at the moment," he said regrettably.
"You and your family need to get away now, before things get worse," answered the boss. He had good intentions, but his tone was forceful. It shook Amber to her core.
"N-," she started.
"Yes, Amber now," commanded the boss. "Think of Shu and Ash, who can't fight. My guys can hold their own," the boss continued. His tone gave nothing away, but they both knew that last line wasn't true. They only stood a chance with Amber there, and that was a very thin chance.
"Boss please," begged Amber.
"AMBER," scolded the boss harshly with a tone so cold that it made Amber shiver on the other side of the phone. "No matter how much like family you are, I am still your boss, and you will obey." Promised the boss. "Your answer," he continued.
"Yes sir," answered Amber.
"Now, that is all the time I have to spare on the subject," finished the boss. "I trust that you have nothing more to report," the boss waited.
"Yes sir," said Amber.
"Very well then, those are your orders and you are to follow them. Goodbye," and with that the line went dead. Amber walked soberly back to the guys and the front line.
"What did the boss say? When is the back up coming?" they asked not a hint of doubt in their trusting voices.
"Soon," She promised.
"Don't lie, you were always bad at that huh? We are going to have to work on that," said Shu.
"Wha-"
"Listen up guys, things are hard on the boss too. This jerk has men there too. He got more than a third of the boss's men on his side," said Shu. He had followed her to the forest and heard everything. She didn't notice his presence because she was so used to it by now. The look of hurt and confusion on their faces made Amber want to scream that he was lying, but she knew that this was for the best.
"So, you know what that means. We need to work hard and win this battle by ourselves," continued Shu. Amber looked at him in shock. Here was the man that just found out his wife and her adoptive family were mafia and who knew nothing about fighting was cheering everyone up and on. Shu looking at the look of complete shock on her face, smiled down at her then grabbed her hand.
"We have to cease this victory for ourselves, for the boss, and for Amber! Think how much this battle means to them. How much would it mean to you and to the boss, if you won this battle then marched proudly back to Italy to help him!" the men became more and more roused as Shu keep talking.
"We're with you! Shu-aniki!" they shouted.
"Woah, wait Aniki?" Amber laughed at his shock.
"Let's do this guys!" she shouted.
"YEAH!" They answered, and they all started to fight with more vigor than before.
"Thanks," said Amber to Shu when it was only the two of them.
"No problem," answered Shu.
"And thank you too for understanding my want to stay and fight," she continued. "And for believing me even-," Shu silenced her with a kiss to the forehead.
"I said it was no problem, and I meant it. It was my fault that everyone is here fighting in the first place," he replied. "Now, let's get the the fighting and winning part!" Amber laughed and agreed.
The fighting went well. The Vongola were more skilled, and soon they were winning again.
"This isn't over witch," yelled the boss. "Let's go!" he said to his men, and they ran. The Vongola cheered.
"Off to Italy! Off to Italy!" they cheered. Amber smiled.
"Alright men, off to Italy," yelled Amber. Everyone was in good spirits on their trip to Italy, they had won the fight by themselves and were about to go and help the boss. On the way there, some guys were talking about how surprised and proud of them the boss was going to be. Amber couldn't help but compare them to children telling their father they got a good grade in school. The light mode disappeared as soon as they got to Vongola headquarters.
It was bleak. The boss had been nice saying that more than a third had revolted. In reality it was more like more than half. And that was at the beginning of the fight. It must have been a surprise attack, because now only about a fourth of the Vongola who remained true to the Vongola boss were left. That meant that half of their forces were lost at the very start of the fight.
"And the boss had to fight against this the whole time," whispered someone.
"Right," answered Amber in a loud voice. "And now we are here to help. Non of you are willing to tell the boss that you were to tired or jet leg to help him fight in his time of need right?"
"Yes ma'am!" they yelled their consent.
"Why are you ma'am when I'm Aniki?" asked Shu.
"You don't like to be called Aniki, Aniki?" someone asked.
"No, I love to be called Aniki," answered Shu. Amber was trying not to laugh in the background.
"Okay enough joking around, our first objective is to get to the boss and form a plan," said Amber. The others nodded their head. Right before they left to fight, Amber pulled someone aside.
"I need you to look after her," she said pointing to Ash. The guy nodded.
"Ash, I need you to help me!" said the guy to her.
"Yeah! You guys are so hopeless, you can't do anything without me," she sighed. "So, what is it that you need from me this time?"
"Can you help me tend to the injured?" he asked, trying to keep serious and not laugh.
"Um, wait a moment," she said as she ran to her mom. "Mama! This uncle says that he needs my help, can you do without me on the battle field?"
"We will manage as best we can sweety, it's sad to see a good fighter go, but we really need you to go help the injured," she said seriously.
"Okay Mama!" Ash replied and gave a little salute and ran off with the guy.
After a hard fight, the crew found the boss. The men here were much stronger and more skilled then then ones they faced in Japan. They didn't manage to reach the boss without a lot of casualties. When they finally reached him, he seemed surprised but greeted them with a warm smile.
"You managed to win didn't you?" he asked. "You all did me proud today," he said beaming. And with just that one statement, all the fatigue fell off. The guys stood smiling proudly. "Amber, what are you and Shu doing here?" he asked sternly when the others were out of hearing.
"I couldn't abandon them, and Shu agrees with me," said Amber standing her ground. "You can punish me later, you know after we get through this," she said with a smile. The boss couldn't stop a smile from creeping across his face too.
"I knew I as always too soft with you. I spoil you too much," sighed the boss. "Now, everyone. Lend me your strength. We are going to win today and have a nice big feast afterwards!" everyone yelled their consent.
"See?! I'm not the only one who wants a feast when this is over!" said Shu to Amber.
From there spirits were high, but not for long. With an obvious disadvantage, in both skill and numbers, the Vongola started to wear thin while the former boss had replenishment. The Vongola suffered loss after loss. When it looked like no happy ending was in sight, then Amber pulled the boss aside.
"Boss, we need to talk," she said and the boss nodded.
"You want to save Shu and Ash, don't you?" he asked
"You know me so well," answered Amber.
"I will help you, but only if you go too," said the boss.
"Boss, you know that I need to stay," reasoned Amber.
"Are you calling me and my men weak?" asked the boss. "You brat. I will have you know that most of these men have been training under me years before you were ever born!" He said defiantly.
"But boss," complained Amber.
"No buts young lady," answered the boss in a no nonsense voice. "Now listen, I have a boat and men ready to take you to a safe house. All you need to do, is take this secret passage to the outside of the house. It's opening should be where there isn't much fighting. Make your way to the main road and follow it, soon there will be a slight indication of a worn path. Ash and Shu probably wouldn't notice. Your sharp eyes should be able to see it, but you will have to be paying close attention. That road leads through a thick forest and too a small river. There my men will be waiting with a boat; and as I said before, they will take you and your family to a safe place," he said. Whenever he felt like Amber was about to oppose what he was going to say, he would place his hand gently on her head and rubbed it. Doing it just like when she was a kid, triggered her habit as a kid to be quiet and obey.
"Goodbye Papa," she said, reverting back to her childhood name for him.
"Now go, go and be safe my sweet girl," he said. He put his hand on the back of her head and pulled her towards him, kissing her sweetly on the forehead. But unbeknownst to either of them, a shadow lurked in the darkness seizing this opportunity to get rid of the two biggest threats in this battle.
Ash in the Infirmary
"No! Let me go! Grandpa and Mama are in danger," screamed Ash struggling against her restrainer.
"Ash, I thought we went over this. Your Mama even said that we needed you here," answered the guy dodging her punches and kicks.
"You don't understand, Grandpa and Mama NEED me," yelled Ash. Suddenly the two paused as the door the the infirmary was thrown open.
"Emergency!" Shouted someone rushing in with a very wounded person.
"How bad is it?" Asked the guy letting go of Ash to help the person carry the wounded.
"It's pretty bad...," all the noise faded into the background as Ash ran to save her Grandpa and Mama.
Back to Amber and the Boss
As the Vongola boss and Amber where caught up in their emotions and memories of the past, the shadow crept closer and closer. The wicked gleam of a knife was seem as the shadow hurriedly pressed it against his side in an attempt to hide it. When he had gotten close enough to the touching scene, he readied his attack and lunged towards his unsuspecting prey. Abruptly, right when he was lunging Ash ran out of nowhere grabbing his leg. This made him trip and drop his weapon. Amber and the boss were swiftly brought back to reality, and quickly apprehended the criminal.
"Thanks Ash," said Amber rubbing her head proudly. "But how did you know where we were and that we were in danger?"
"I don't know," frowned Ash. "I just knew that Grandpa and Mama were in trouble and where to go. No one believed me though."
"Well, thank you Ash," said the boss just as proudly.
Ash smiled proudly, "See Grandpa! I told you that I would protect you and my family when it was time!"
"Yes," the boss said a little tearily. "You were right, now it's my turn." Though Ash was confused, Amber got the meaning. She grabbed Ash and Shu. They followed the instructions of the boss and reached the boat.
"Alright Ash get in," said Amber. "Shu next, so that you can help me in." She said after Ash got in.
"No," answered Shu. "I think that you should go in first, in case you try to ditch us and run. Bingo!" He said at her surprised face. "If you are going to go back and fight, I am going too."
"Okay," said Amber defeated.
"Mama? Papa?" asked Ash from inside the boat. She realized what was going on and tried to start climbing out of the boat, but at a nod from Amber and Shu the men in the boat grabbed her.
"Mama and Papa have to take care of something," explained Amber.
"No, no! You and Papa are going to go away! NO, take me with you!" wailed Ash.
"We can't take you with us sweetie," said Amber gently.
"NO, you won't come back! Will you?" asked Ash accusingly.
"We will come back," said Amber. "And to prove it to you, I'll give you my favorite necklace." Amber took off the necklace she was currently wearing and gave it to Ash. A simple silver necklace with a rough red stone on it.
"This isn't for you too keep permanently, I'll come and get it later," said Amber.
"Okay," nodded Ash vigorously. "I'll take good care of it!" She said gripping the necklace tightly.
"Shu, I want you to go with her," said Amber. "I made sure that my old friend and her sister would take care of and protect you two."
"You told the boss that all of us, that includes you, were going. If you disobey him, I think I should be there to protect you," he said. Amber laughed. "But seriously, I don't care how much weaker I am than you, I am not leaving you alone." Shu said rubbing her head.
"Thank you," Amber smiled up at him. After saying their goodbyes and kissing her on the forehead, Shu and Amber said goodbye to Ash. It was hard watching the boat pull away from the shore.
The boat pulled away and led Ash to a safe island where she stayed a few days. Everyday Ash would hold the necklace in her hands and ask if she could met her parents. No one could tell her the answer. Some one noticed the necklace and asked her about it.
"Why do you hold that necklace and not wear it?" she asked the little girl.
"Because it's not my necklace. It's Mama's and she will come back for it and me!" said the girl with absolute confidence. Finally, the boss himself came to met her.
"Grandpa! Grandpa! Tell me what happened! No one else will!" She pleaded.
"Okay," said the boss. "You deserve to know the truth. After your parents left, we suffered a huge loss. When your parents had come back, the worst came to the worst. We were about to give up hope, when an old friend and his sister arrived. They made a huge difference, instead of a complete loss, it turned into more of a draw. The boss and a lot of his members ran, they still outnumbered us, but they knew that if they stayed my friend would have dealt with them. We may have won the battle but we lost the war. We lost many many good friends. Right before the boss left though, he swore vengeance on Amber. This is very big in the mafia world, it means that even if it is his dying breath he will accomplish it. So, your parents were forced into hiding, they still outnumber us and we can't take another attack from them. I did all I could, I'm sorry Ash. I hide them as best as I could. Amber tried to get Shu to come with you, she had gotten my friend to agree to look after you two, but he wouldn't leave your mom. I'm sorry Ash," said the boss truly contrite.
Ash walked up to him, climbed up into his lap, and pulled down his head until she could rub it, "It's okay Grandpa! I know you love Papa and Mama just as much as me. That means that you did all you or I could have done. It's okay," she said. She looked down at the necklace in her hands. Slowly, she put it on herself. When she say the boss looking at her she explained, "This is Mama's necklace, I promised to look after it until she comes back," she said, slowly tears came to her eyes. The boss held her in his lap and comforted her. Suddenly the girl who had asked about the necklace remembered how she had refused to put it on earlier.
The girl got teary, "So, she still intends to believe in her parents. Even though she knows that it isn't likely."
Ash quickly got over her crying and looked at the boss, "We can wait for them together!" She said smiling up at him.
The last of the battle
"How many times are you going to disobey me?" asked the boss when he saw Amber and Shu returning to the battle field.
"As many times as it takes for you to realize that we are here to stay," answered Amber.
"Fine!" said the boss. His tone was mad, but he couldn't compress the smile much longer so he turned elsewhere. The fighting became more and more one sided. Until they showed up.
"We are away for what a few weeks and this is what happens when we get back?" asked a five year old Annalisa jumping into the fray.
"Well, that is why we came back," answered Reborn also joining the fight.
"Reborn! Annalisa!" exclaimed Amber.
"Wha? Huh? A baby?" asked Shu confused.
"Reborn! What took you so long old friend?" asked the boss. "What is a boss supposed to do in a fight without his most trusted hitman?"
"WAIT! ARE WE STILL TALKING ABOUT THAT BABY?" Shouted Shu. "am I the only one confused?"
"Honey, he is like that because of something called the Arcobaleno curse. I don't have time to explain right now. The important thing is that we know and trust him. His is one of my oldest and closest friends. Oh, and this is his sister. She is tried too," rambled Amber as she fought.
"Hello sister," said Shu uneasy.
"Hi!" said Annalisa waving at him and smiling as she nailed some guy.
"Okay, stay on sister's good side," said Shu aloud. Annalisa just laughed. After those two joined the fight, the Vongola started to win. The former boss and men retreated before they could lose. This proved wise. They left, but not before swearing vengeance on Amber.
"Oh, no," said Annalisa looking worriedly at Amber. "What are you going to do?"
"Me and Annalisa could stay with her," offered Reborn to the boss.
"Yes, that may be wise," answered the boss. "For the time being we don't have to resources to stand up to another attack like that."
"Um... am I missing something? Did we just win?" asked Shu.
"Honey, if a mafia swears, that means that even if it is his dying breath, he will accomplish what he said he would," answered Amber.
"Oh, OH! What are we going to do?" He asked, now experiencing the panic everyone else was.
"You are going to join Ash in a safe house. He only swore vengeance on me. Reborn, Annalisa you two will protect them right?" asked Amber.
"Yeah," replied Reborn coolly.
"Yes, but are you sure? We could protect all you together!" said Annalisa still worriedly.
"Don't worry about me, it will be safest if I go into hiding alone," said Amber.
"No," said Shu flatly.
"You promised me that feast after this battle was over," he said stubbornly.
"Shu, this is no time for jokes," sighed Amber.
"No, I don't know what kinda husband you think I am, and I don't know where you got the idea that I would leave you. You certainly couldn't have gotten it from me or the other like twenty times I didn't run to safety but chose to stay with you," he said seriously.
"Okay," agreed Amber. The truth was she was scared and didn't want to leave her family and friends behind. She was glad he was going with her. "Reborn and Annalisa can you guys still take care of Ash?"
"Of course," answered Reborn. Annalisa nodded.
"I don't like it," said the boss. "If we just-"
"You know as well as I do that the Vongola can't take an attack from them right now," said Amber. "The best thing to do for now is for us to go into hiding and you guys to grow your forces again."
"You have to agree with her, it's the truth," said Reborn. He was playing the villein. No one wanted Amber and Shu to leave, but no one wanted the Vongola family to be defeated either.
"Okay," said the boss finally. He was the most torn between his two families. After that the necessary preparations were made, and everything in the boss's power was done to help the two on their journey. The goodbyes were long and sad. It was filled with tears and sorrow.
"Reborn, I'm trusting you to protect my little girl," said Amber.
"Me too!" added Shu.
"Don't worry," answered Reborn. "I will train her well."
Not sure how to take that Amber moved on. "Annalisa I want you to protect my girl, but I also want you to be her friend and mom. Watch out for her. She can be a little stubborn and strong willed like me, but I know you can handle it. I leave her in your hands," said Amber.
"I'll be my best!" said Annalisa crying and hugging Amber.
Amber said goodbye to everyone in the Vongola by name and lastly came to the boss. "Goodbye, thank you for everything, for raising me with love, for taking care of me, and putting up with me. I love you Papa!" said Amber crying. She turned and cried against Shu.
"Goodbye sir, and thank you for all you have done for us. For my wife and me," said Shu.
"Goodbye, thanks you for trusting us and Amber. She is my precious girl. I don't care how much I like you or she likes you, I don't care how much I owe you for staying with her today and for the rest of this time, I will come and find you if you hurt my girl," said the boss combining praise and warnings in one.
"I will take care of her sir!" said Shu. Finally they had to go, they waved and waved until they couldn't see each other anymore.