Chapter 9

The Day of the Festival

4 hours before the official start of the festival, and 1 day before the MV and live performance contest

All of the students of Nami-Private and Nami-Middle are now altogether in preparing the booths that they have prepared for the rest of the festival for three consecutive days. All have been panicking and making final arrangements. Inside class 2-SS, Shinkiro was the one in charge with the help of Ai as the program technician for all of the electronics inside the room concerning their booth. Himeno and the others are at the opening grounds making sure that no invaders will disrupt the peace of the festival along with the Disciplinary Committee of Nami-Middle. Which of course, Kantaro is also with them.

"Shinkiro, is everything inside in tip top shape?" Himeno asked over the phone as she was checking the maintenance of the stage at the grounds that will be used at the band fest that will be held on the first day, before the MV/Live performance contest that will be held on the second day.

"All is positive, Kaichou! We will be running on time!" Shinkiro replied with delight.

Himeno let out a smile, "All right. I'll come and take a look in a few after we finished checking maintenance here at the grounds," she informed and hung up.

Then Julian came to her, "Everything is good with the lighting, Comissioner," he informed formally.

The brunette looked around the place, "Where is the Disciplinary Committee members, including Kantaro Hibari-san?" she asked.

Julian answered with a tired expression, "Over at the booths of the classrooms making their rounds,"

Himeno gave a sigh. Ever since she found out just yesterday that they would be working beside the Disciplinary Committee, Yohanness and his squad have been bickering with Kantaro on their meeting. So she decided for the best to let them all have spaces by dividing them into two. She then met the children of the Vongola Guardians and got along well. She now treats them as if she has known them for years, gaining her trust and high expectations, even though she is aware that they are mafia. "Very well; we will continue the outside rounds, split in groups of two. Julian will go with me," she ordered. "If you spot some students who are digging their own graves during the festival, bring them to me for the sentence," she ordered her group.

"Yes Boss!" they replied and scattered around the grounds.

As for the brunette, she went on rounds with Julian. "So you have gotten along with all of those Vongola kids huh?" the white haired boy said.

Himeno just smiled, "Afraid so," she replied. "Hey Juls," the white haired boy turned to her, "Do you think…I'm getting all softy at them? I mean, we all just met, and I'm already acting as if I've known them for so long. Am I being annoying?" she asked.

Julian looked at her 'It was supposed to be that way…' he thought "What's the matter with you? You're only being friendly." He replied. "Remember, because of that, you are where you are now," he reasoned. 'You've been feeling that way because they are destined to protect you one day and be loyal to you…'

By Julian's words, Himeno still can't think straight about the Vongola. She has known of the truth that Julian is a son of the boss of the Vongola's biggest rival, but she shows more attention to them, "Is it…bothering you somehow?"

Julian was taken aback by her question, "N-No of course not!" he defended while waving his hand, "If you want to get to know them, then I'll let you right? It's up to you. Even if our families are rivals, you're not included in that fight, so it's fine," he replied. "You're my best friend, and I don't want you to get involved in mafia wars at any circumstances," Himeno looked at him with a rare sad and confused face, "Now don't give me that look! You're making me feel guilty,"

"I just can't help but think that you're becoming distant ever since I became friends with them," she said sadly.

"D-Don't say that! No matter what, you're still my best friend," he said making the brunette smile again. He hates seeing her like that and it makes him fell uneasy.

Their conversation was interrupted when a man went to them, "Excuse me," the two looked at him. Julian flinched a little bit in seeing that familiar face.

'V-Vongola Decimo!' he panicked. Crap! If he finds out that she's…wait…what the hell am I worried about? It's not like he knows…maybe he doesn't…yet…'

Tsuna was with Gokudera and Yamamoto in their formal attire. Tsuna recognized the face of Julian from before, so did the other two. But what surprised him the most is the young brunette with him.

"Yes, may I help you?" Himeno asked innocently before she recognized the face of the older man. She looked at his chocolate eyes and his untamed spiky hair. His face seems too familiar to her. If he is converted into a fourteen year-old, most likely he can pass off as an identical twin of hers, except for her honey eyes. If he is even blonde, he will look like the man in her dream after she was hit by the soccer ball a few days ago. And to the other two, she reminded her of the dream, or somehow, a memory that she has been having ever since she turned fourteen.

"We're looking for Ayako Gokudera and Seishiro Yamamoto, have you seen them?" Tsuna asked.

"Ah, you mean Aya-chan and Sei-kun," Himeno replied. "Yes I've seen them. They are at the music room helping Aya-chan with her piano recital that she will play at the classical music concert this afternoon at the auditorium. If you want, I could show you the way," she offered.

Tsuna smiled, "Thank you," he answered.

"Juls, would you mind-"

"Continuing the rounds while you're gone and you will catch up in a bit," he guessed. "Alright. I'll see you in a few," he said and left.

The young brunette was left with the three men, "Shall we get going?" she asked. 'He really looks like me…probably just a coincidence,' she thought.

"May we know your name?" Yamamoto asked.

"My name is Himeno Suiri, Nami-Private's school police Commissioner."

"Then it's a pleasure to meet you, Suiri-san," Tsuna said.

As they were walking, Himeno can't help but ask, "Tell me, are you two the parents of Aya-chan and Sei-kun?" she asked.

"Yup," Yamamoto replied cheerily.

Himeno chuckled, "I see that you two will be in-laws. Those two are always inseparable," she said. A few minutes later, they came to the music room. When Himeno knocked and opened the door, they heard a beautiful melody being played on the piano. It was Ayako who was playing, while Seishiro was watching her with admiration.

"Wow, Aya-chan is really good in the piano," Himeno murmured in amusement. "I know I've heard she's good, but I never thought she was this good," she praised.

"Just like Gokudera." Yamamoto added.

"Of course she is," he agreed proudly.

When Ayako was done, the three went inside. "Aya-chan, Sei-kun, you have company," she informed.

"Dad!" Ayako said happily. Hayato went to her and praised her piano skills.

"Well, I should take my leave now," Himeno bid.

"Thank you very much for the help, Suiri-san," Tsuna thanked. Himeno bowed in reply and left to catch up with Julian. As she left, Tsuna was watching her the whole time.

"So you finally met her," Seishiro said.

"Why was she with Julian?" Yamamoto asked.

"As unfortunate as it is, Julian is her childhood and best friend. Those two are highly inseparable," Seishiro answered.

Ayako then spilled them a certain rumor, "There is one dark rumor coming from all of the students in her batch that they are secretly going out, or they have an arranged marriage." She informed.

Tsuna and the other two were as shocked as hell. "What? Is that true?" Tsuna asked as he started to release buckets of sweats. If that were true, then they would have to make peace with the Millefiore for the sake of Himeno. Or, they could just get rid of Julian, and face her wrath.

Ayako and Seishiro knew what Tsuna was thinking. Then Anya went inside the room, having full knowledge on what they are talking about. "It's just a rumor. And it has been confirmed by Suiri herself that Julian is just her friend," she assured.

Seishiro then asked the wigged girl, "By the way, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be on the ground patrol?"

"I was asked here by the student council to tell Ayako that they need her now in the auditorium for the classic music concert starting in a few hours," she told them.

Ayako stood up. "That's right. I need to go there now," she remembered.

Two hours later

Himeno was done with the rounds for the day, with only two hours left before the official start of the festival. She then let out a yawn as she came out of their classroom, seeing that everything is set for the day.

Julian perchance saw her. "Getting sleepy?" he asked.

Himeno smiled, "I guess so…" she replied. She then took out her music player from her pocket and placed on her earphones. "Wake me up in an hour. I'll be at the rooftop," she said and left.

Julian just smiled. "Alright, but don't blame me if I can't wake you up," he added.

"Then I'll kill you!" Himeno shouted as a joke reply before she went up the rooftop. She really needed some alone time. What better way to do it than go to sleep at the rooftop.

She strode placidly amid the noise and haste of the students who are still on the brink of preparing their final touches. But when she opened the door to the rooftop, she was met by a girl in a red jacket, red pants, boots and gloves. Her shirt is the only one that is white. She wears a mask that of a red rose and her blonde hair was let down in curls.

"Red Rose, how's it going?" she greeted.

Red Rose came to her and gave her a letter with the organization's crest in it. "Here's a message from Mistress Moon Raven."

Himeno took it from her hand and opened it. As she read the contents, her eyes widened in surprise, "What? I'm being chosen as a Vendice's agent?" she asked.

The blonde gave a smile. "You got that right. Congrats White Lotus. You're officially a real assassin of the Mafia world," being an agent of Vendice is the highest honor an agent could ever have. Her parents are also agents of Vendice, so they know how it is when working under them at some special occasions.

"And I'm officially in the Mafia warring state era. God, Anemone warned me about that," Himeno said with a sigh.

"So that's why…" Red Rose wondered.

"Why what?" the brunette asked.

"Hmm? You don't know?" Red Rose questioned, "Just last year, Anemone was offered that position, but he refused. I guess he did that because he is a Mafioso himself on his real identity…though the only one who has seen his face is you and Mistress Moon Raven and her most trusted agents…"

Himeno looked at her, "You got that right…" she replied.

Red Rose then prepared to take off, "Well, I better get going. I still need to send this to Red Spider Lily, formerly known as Lycoris," she said. "Really that girl, she has taken the name Spider Lily since her siblings changed names…" she said in disappointment.

Himeno giggled at the blonde's complaint. "See you soon Red Rose," he bid as the blonde girl left the rooftop by jumping on the railings, secretly joining in to the mass of people at the grounds. Himeno, now alone, sat on one her favorite place on the rooftop, turned on her player and went to sleep after three songs. She then succumbed into a dream…

A man with brown spiky hair in a black suit was carrying a baby girl in his arms, holding her tightly for the last time. His face was a blur. Beside him was a woman with light orangey hair. Like the man, her face was a blur.

The two were facing to men. One had silver hair, and the other was a man with black hair. Both of them were wearing black tailored suits. Just like the brown haired man.

He then handed the baby girl to the silver haired man, taking her with care. "Please take her somewhere safe; somewhere far from this world. She needs to live hr life before she could experience the dangers we have faced over the years. I don't want her to carry this burden on her early age, and this is the only way for her to be safe," he said with grief.

The silver haired man nodded, "You have our word Juudaime," he answered.

The brunette then reached in his pant pocket and took out a chain with a ring on it. He then handed it to the silver haired man, "When you find a safe place for her, place this around her neck. That way, we can find her immediately." The silver haired man took it, and the brunette looked at the child and touched its cheek, "I'm sorry, but it's for the best. You may hate us in the future, but you will understand when the time comes…" he then looked at the two men, "Now go. Our sources have sent a message that there will be another ambush of assassins. You will have to leave now," he informed.

The black hared man took out his bamboo sword and placed it on his shoulder, "You got it Boss. We won't fail," he said.

The man nodded and they left the room. The woman beside the brunette had tears coming out of her eyes as the child was out of their sight.

Just then, Julian came to the rooftop an hour later to wake up the brunette. He spotted Himeno at the corner of the place, but was shocked at what he saw. Tears were streaming from her eyes. With worry, he quickly went to Himeno and shook her awake.

"Himeno," he called, "Time to wake up sleepyhead,"

Himeno groaned and stretched before she opened her eyes. Her eyes then fluttered open. Seeing her vision blur, she wiped her eyes and was surprised to see tears coming out of her eyes. "What the?" she said in surprise. Have I been crying?" she asked.

"Afraid so," Julian replied. "Although, that depends on what kind of dream you were having," he informed.

Himeno looked away while remembering that dream. "I don't know what kind of dream it was…somehow…it's a memory of some sort…" she replied. Then she remembered what the agent, Red Rose gave her. She then sat up and brushed off some dust on her skirt and they exited the place.

As they walked, Himeno spilled the beans to him, "Juls, looks like I'm officially involved in the mafia," she informed.

"What?" Julian snapped while turning his head to her. Himeno took out the letter she got from Red Rose and let Julian read it. "An official agent of Vendice? Are you insane? You could get slaughtered in mere seconds!" he scolded.

Himeno just smiled at her friend's hysterical expression. Good thing they were only coming down the staircase from the rooftop. "Just the same thing that will happen to me anyway. And besides, I've had enough of killing politicians. I'm not just ranked as a mercenary anymore. I can also do rare undercover works like I wanted to," she replied.

"That's beside the point! You know what happens when war is brewing in the mafia! They will ask Vendice to give them agents at their disposal when the need arises! Do you know what it means?" he said.

"I will get to face stronger people?" she guessed.

"You will die! Don't you get it? You will never have a proper burial, let alone a grave!" he panicked.

"Don't you think I will become an assassin if I didn't know that? Besides, it's a great honor to us being chosen as such on our early ages. Most assassins are only chosen once they reach eighteen, and having great skills that is on par with the elites," she explained. She then patted Julian on the head, "Calm down Juls. I've wanted this for a long time; to be the greatest assassin of the family. To be known as a real Suiri child even if not by blood. I want to prove to them that they raised a skilled child under their teachings,"

After hearing the resolve of the teen brunette, Julian calmed down in a few seconds and gave a sigh, "I don't know what to do with you Himeno. You're the only one who's making me act like a worried mother hen," he joked. Then they walked outside the school to prepare for the opening ceremony.

This is the end of the chapter. Not the story.

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