Haze

Chapter 2

~ 16th Birthday ~

"You need to prepare for an attack by Byakuran. He will choose to attack during the upcoming party that your family are about to hold for your 16th birthday party. "

Yuni's voice echoed in Naomi's mind repeatedly. Could she really fight off Byakuran's troops? She pondered anxiously. However, she had no choice; she had to do it. Naomi's eyes stationed on a particular object in the room as she plotted how to respond to the attack.

According to Yuni, Byakuran would directly attack the mansion while her allies were there. She had to ensure that her family members were safe.

But how? Naomi walked in circles, fidgeting anxiously, twiddling her thumbs, occasionally tching and groaning in frustration.

Suddenly an idea came to mind. This would do it.

At eight o'clock, she stood at the gate, scanning over the familiar faces of the allied families, greeted at the sight of them and handed out the birthday party timetable. Dino was standing across her; doing the same.

A particular familiar figure arrived at the door step. "Good evening, Nedrik," Naomi greeted and smiled at a lone ally member that belonged to the Benevo family that was also her childhood friend.

Nedrik, dressed in a stylish suit with red leathered suit nodded curtly. He was a blonde haired boy with striking green eyes and face looked as if it had been sculptured. When he smiled at the Naomi's statement, the immaculate-looking mouth turned up at the corners and eyed Naomi up. "Same to you. You look—I'd say, pretty dashing in this outfit."

Naomi brushed off Nedrik with a sweep of her hands in a dismissive manner without batting an eyelid. She was used to his usual compliments as always.

"So cold." Nedrik smirked, and walked into the mansion.

The Benevo familiga. Naomi looked at Nedrik from the corner of her eyes. He was the only successor. And supposedly lone successor should have bodyguards. Either the family may not have the resources for hiring a body guard or that Nedrik was skilled enough to protect himself. Naomi smiled grimly; she hoped that that it would be the latter.

After receiving of the rest of the allies, everyone was gathered in the hall, which had tables that laid small pastries, cakes and several tantalizing desserts. The siblings walked onto the stage. Naomi stood in front of a standing microphone already on stage and announced.

"Welcome to the Cavallone Mansion." She beamed brightly with her hands spread out in a welcoming manner. "I would like to say a few words." The murmurings in the hall died down and she continued, "I assume everyone received the party timetable. Please take a look at it. The first event is dinner that will be served right after I finish this speech. After that at nine, please make your way to our basement for a movie screening and other events. Everyone please make sure you are on time."

This was part of her plan.

In front of her stood the subordinates that she trusted the most. They were looking at her with curiosity, as Lady Naomi seldom gave orders.

Naomi commanded, "On the day of my birthday, there will be attack. It will be at nine-thirty sharp. I plan to gather the guests and my family members, except brother into the basement and lock it up to protect them. Split into two teams. One will help me in my task to lock down the basement and cover up my presence at the party as I fight. Ensure none of the guests are able to exit the basement, even if they protest strongly. The other will be my support group. "

There was a myriad of expressions. Some gave wary and shocked looks, others; disbelief and incredulity.

"I know you all are worried. But know that brother and I will be able to handle the attack. You all just have to support us." She grinned and yelled. "Got it?"

"Yes!" They responded with gusto.

Smirking with confidence, Naomi attached the microphone back to the stand and walked down stage. As she walked into the horde of allies, she grabbed a grapefruit cocktail from the silver serving plate. People approached her, congratulating and wishing her a happy birthday, others tried to engage her to conversations and marriage offers.

Being uninterested in such offers, Naomi offered back a few word of thanks and kept the conversation short, while she searched for her childhood friend, wanting to interact with him after all this while.

Finally she spotted a red suit with blonde hair and green eyes, standing at a corner, glancing over towards her. She made her way towards him, leaning against the wall next to him.

"Hey" She greeted and smiled. Emerald eyes brightened considerably as he locked gazes with Naomi.

"Hey. Missed me?"

"A bit" Naomi admitted. "After all I haven't seen you since you went to the Mafia training school last year."

"Can't been helped—you know rules. I've missed you too."

"Yeah" Naomi dropped her gaze. The Mafia training school enrolled all young mafia that were of sixteen years of age. During the first year, it was mandatory to pick a weapon in order to survive. Her brother Dino had at first had trouble picking out a weapon two years ago when he first enrolled. After introducing to her brother the whip, he learnt the way of the whip and polished it at school. He even became one of the school top Mafioso, nicknamed Buckling Dino. Because of school, she rarely saw her brother for two years. Students were only allowed to leave school if there were any emergency or important events.

Suddenly Nedrick grabbed her arm, making her look at him. "I've heard your title—Dead-accurate Naomi. I can't believe you've got a title before you went to the Mafia training school. You must be strong."

His green eyes were filled with admiration and an emotion that Naomi did not recognise. "How did you get that title?"

"…Hard training, I guess?" Naomi lied with a straight face.

Nedrick looked at her skeptically. "Lets spar. I would like to experience your fighting skills worthy of your title first-hand." He jerked his head towards the crowd. "I would also like to get out of here."

Naomi pursed her lips; and looked at her watch. 8.45. There was still time before the attack started. He must have chosen his weapon already. She was eager to know how much he had mastered it. The inner Reborn in her was eager to know his fighting ability.

She laughed to herself. She had gotten pretty close to reborn, and knew his personality well.

Anyways, he should be pretty well-versed in fighting if he came without a bodyguard. It would be also vital to know an ally's information.

She nodded. Nedrik smiled in satisfaction.

He began to open his mouth to ask. "So where—"

"I'll lead you to it." She interrupted. Nedrik looked mildly surprised.

Naomi smiled fondly and pointed a finger at herself. "I, having the privilege of being your childhood friend, know what you're thinking about."

Nedrik threw back his head and laughed heartily. It was years that he felt this way. As if on instinct, he flung an arm over her shoulder in a single movement like they did in the past when they were young.

"That's right." He said cheerfully, but after a few seconds, he suddenly removed his arms around her shoulder as if he was stung.

Puzzled at his reaction, Naomi looked at him in confusion. His gaze was cast downwards, not meeting her eyes. She thought she saw his cheeks were a bit more red than normal, but thought nothing of it.

They entered the training room that Naomi specially requested. Nedrick went back to normal as soon as he stepped into the room; his sight captivated by the design. He ran forward, examining the structure by roaming his hands over the metal surfaces.

"This —" he croaked out. "— is amazing! Are you sure you're the one who designed it?"

Naomi shook her head. "I got this idea from somewhere else; and was just set onto building it."

His mouth formed an 'O' and went back examining. She shook her head in exasperation; he was always intrigued in new things.

"Haa…" After sitting down on the floor; stood up; walked about in a circle as Nedrik was busy examining, Naomi felt that she should hurry.

She glanced at her watch. It was currently eight-twenty. Five minutes had passed unknowingly. The time ticked closer towards the time of attack.

Naomi coolly approached Nedrik. "Are we going to start the sparring?" she said to Nedrick who was currently peering through a magnifying glass to examine the structure of the training room. Nedrik froze in his actions and glanced back apologetically, keeping the magnifying glass in his suit pocket.

Why does he carry one anyway?

"Sorry…was too absorbed…" He rubbed the back of his head.

Nedrik paced himself and immediately withdrew two medium sized swords from his suit with eyes flashing a determined emerald at Naomi.

Several goose bumps appeared on her skin and a slight shiver rippled through her as Naomi felt Nedrik's intimidating presence that had been unleashed. But even so, it was incomparable to Reborn's — that made her hair prickle up at its ends.

"Let start."

Naomi nodded and withdrew her Beretta from the holster attached on her hip. The next second, she ran forward and shot at Nedrik with bullets covered in storm flames. Nedrik immediately defended by crossing the swords, defending against the bullets. The impact made him skid backwards. Then he leapt, repositioning both swords to face outward from his body and slashed at her sides.

Except her suit was immediately coated with lightning flames, rendering it impenetrable to the swords.

Seeing that the sword could not pass through her suit, Nedrik immediately switched tactics and kicked forward, aiming the jaw. Naomi instinctively tried to minimize the damage by bending her body backwards and leaped backwards. The attack missed by a hair's length.

Without giving her a moment to spare, Nedrik aimed towards Naomi with a flurry of attacks. It was less accurate but in this way, he hoped to at least inflict damage. However, Naomi showed no hesitation and managed to follow the attack avoided the blades as she let rain flames trickle from her ring and surround Nedrick. Slowly but gradually, Nedrik's felt his movements became duller.

Nedrik's face showed the increase in frustration as he could not defend against her attack properly with his slowing movements. Seeing an opening, Naomi used the chance to use a kick that made him lose his balance, having learnt martial art techniques from Fon.

Nedrik's body wobbled. He tried to steady himself but to no avail. A loud clang and thump was made as the swords fell to the floor together with the owner.

Ashamed from the defeat, Nedrik could not look at Naomi in the eyes. From the spar, he could tell that Naomi was way above his current fighting ability. What fearsome power at the age of 16. In the two years that he did not see her—it was disconcerting to know she improved more than just leaps and bounds in terms of power.

"Hey" Naomi called out, and Nedrik instinctively looked up at Naomi at her voice. "You're pretty good with your blades; don't be discouraged you can't beat me. I'm just an exception." She encouraged and smirked towards the end.

Nedrik smiled grimly. "How does that cheer me up?" He sighed as he drooped.

A pat resounded from his back. "Now now; it's not time to get depressed. It's my birthday remember?" She winked. "Let's make our way towards the basement. It's already nine-fifteen. Time for the special show." She said and went ahead of him.

An enigma. Nedrik could not help but to feel this way about Naomi. Was she the same childhood friend that he knew? As she walked away from the room in the corner of his eye, he thought he felt a sense of distance between them.

"Guys…are you ready? Remember not to act that you have anticipated the enemy's attack. Act surprised and eliminate them swiftly so there will be no suspicion."

"Yes Naomi young lady!" Her subordinates chorused.

Naomi stood guard at the reception hall with anticipation of what to come. She was confident with her skills, but this would be her first real battle, some sort like a test to her. Her elder brother, Dino was also facing the same situation, handling the other side of the mansion together with his close subordinates. She was sure her brother would handle the enemies well, for she had taught him how to coat the whip with his sky flames, and introduced several physical Ki techniques that reinforced the use of the whip and served as a defence mechanism.

As Yuni predicted, the attack began at 9.30pm. The Milliefiore troops infiltrated the mansion with ease and battled with Dino's and Naomi's sides respectively.

At Naomi's side, when the Milliefiore troops entered the reception hall, they were ambushed and wrapped up in rain flames, limiting their movements.

"Now!" Naomii shouted, and at once, the subordinates knocked out the enemies, reducing their numbers, leaving only the captain who possessed greater skills.

The captain's gaze grew sharp. "How curious…" the captain murmured. "You were prepared for the attack, weren't you?"

Naomi gave no answer, and instead shot several bullets that aimed at the captain's non-vital parts coated with storm flames. But the captain repelled them away easily with his scythe.

"To have finally met a worthy opponent…I was getting bored sitting around at the base." the captain smirked and slashed the scythe towards Naomi's direction. Lightning flame formed from the scythe attack was thrown at Naomi. Naomi immediately leapt out of the way and protected her subordinates who were caught in the attack.

"Everyone, stay back!" Naomi shouted and ran towards the opponent, surrounding the both of them with haze flames, creating a barrier between themselves and her subordinates.

"Hoh, to be able to use such techniques." The captain whistled. "Really, where did you pop out from?"

"Fuse Shot!" she shouted as she pulled the trigger three times in a row. Yellow flaming bullets launched out of the gun and aimed towards the captain.

With precision, the captain sliced the bullet with the scythe, but widened his eyes with shock as he suddenly felt an impact on his abdomen.

"How did you…" he muttered as he groaned from the pain. "As I thought, I only cut down two. The last one was invisible, wasn't it?"

"That's right." Naomi replied. This was a technique taught by Reborn. He had taught her how to infuse the bullet with flame that was vastly different from coating weapons with flame, and enveloping mist flames around the bullet had gave it invisibility.

The captain hurriedly slashed the blades in retaliation, forming an X, enveloping the whole space with the attack. "Take this!"

"Dispersion" Naomi muttered. Her form dispersed into particles and congregated in front of the enemy. Before the enemy could even react, Naomi used Memory shot and shot at his head.

Once done, the barrier around them dispersed and subordinates gathered around her in worry.

"Are you alright, Naomi young lady?"

"Yeah. I'm more worried about the situation at my brother's side. Sight!"

Naomi's normally orange eyes turned into silver, allowing her to see through the compound sight of her butterfly that was released from the Vongola haze box. Just in case, beforehand she had instructed it to track and protect her brother. He was currently battling and holding out with another captain while his subordinates were busy defeating the weaker troops.

Seemed like the fight ended earlier on her side; she mused. Judging from the battle, her brother was currently leading, being stronger with his whip.

Naomi smiled in relief and gave the command to clear up the compound and then make their way to her brother. Subordinates immediately tied up the enemy and carried them to the dungeons as Naomi made her way towards the opposite end of the mansion, at the same time observing the situation for any other enemy lurking around.

Sweat beads rolled down from Dino's forehead. One can never underestimate the enemy's strength. Facing the opponent directly made him grateful that his sister's strength was way above the current enemy he was fighting. He was, after all able to get his title because of her help.

After a few more whip slashes; dodging of the enemy's attack, Dino finally was able took down the enemy and catch his breath. It was then he realized a presence behind him who was shooting in the background. Was it an enemy he missed? He froze from the thought but slowly turned his head towards the direction of the sound, heart palpitating fast.

The scene he saw rendered him speechless than the thought of an enemy. His little sister was emitting a killing intent while aiming for the unconscious enemy's head.

Chills rose up his back and he shuddered from the act. "Wha-what are you doing?!" Dino shrieked. His voice made his sister's gaze turn towards him, with orange eyes that burned with intensity. Flinching, he took a step backwards.

Naomi's killing intent suddenly disappeared as her expression turned non-threatening. A chuckle leaked out from her which quickly turned to laughter. She placed her hands on her stomach, trying to curb herself from convulsing too much. Tears formed in her eyes from the continuous laughter.

"I'm just joking. I just intend to wipe their memories of the attack using my skill, Memory shot. Pftt.." she continued chuckling as she wiped her tears, "I can't believe you fell for it, brother."

Dino blushed hard at his misunderstanding; and tried to defend himself. "Who would've known what you were going to do? I was just being cautious." But on second thought, he should've known his sister was not the type to be ruthless.

She wouldn't harm anyone…right?

"Any injury on your side? I can help to heal them." Naomi questioned; which interrupted his morbid train of thought.

"Um…Not much, just some scratches and cuts." Dino replied sheepishly while rubbing his head. "The others are the same too."

"Ahh…Again? Tsk…What do I do with you, brother?" Naomi said as she glanced at her brother's light surface injuries mostly on his face and arm. The younger sister approached the brother and hovered over his injuries with her hands, emitting a warm yellow light onto it.

A tingly sensation could be felt as the yellow light touched the skin. "I've always found this process fascinating." Dino said as he watched his injuries heal. "Who knew sun flames had this ability. Maybe you're the first one to discover it, Naomi."

His younger sister gave a shrug, "I'm probably not the only one to have noticed this."

"Haha… That's true."

Naomi smiled in response, finished healing Dino's injuries and went on to heal the others.

"Let's regroup with the others at the party." said Naomi upon applying the finishing touches on the injury.

Dino nodded. "We should. Grandfather must be worried about us. We'll discuss about the attack afterwards when the guests return back safe and sound."

Naomi nodded in acknowledgement.

"Here comes the main actress of the day!"

Stage lights were shown onto a lady dressed in stunning crepe-back satin V-neck black mermaid gown with tumbled skirt. Her beauty blew away the spectators as they ahhed and oohhed at the lady they saw. In response, she gave a bashful smile that highlighted her cheekbones that reached her beautiful Mandarin orange eyes. They seem to sparkle as stage lights were reflected.

A blond haired gentleman with hazel eyes approached the young lady and offered a hand. The lady took it and walked down the steps, the stage lights following her. Upon reaching the bottom of the steps, the whole hall lighted up and the orchestra began playing. The crowd clapped enthusiastically, welcoming them, and the two of them bowed elegantly in reponse.

"Shall we dance?" The brother whispered into his sister's ear. She nodded her head. At once, the brother gave a hand, and the other took it.

The orchestra, sensing the two intentions immediately switched to ballroom music. Other dance pairings follow suit, but the main highlight was still the two siblings twirling in the middle of the dance floor, smiling at each other.

"Have you noticed?" Dino asked as he danced.

"Yeah. Several hostilities are directed at us. As expected, there are Miliefiore's influence within the guests. But don't worry brother; they cannot do anything with the high level of security."

"I hope so." Dino replied as he furrowed his brows. At that moment, a figure approached them. Dino displayed a cautious stance towards the person, but relaxed as soon as he saw who he was. He twirled his little sister towards the man.

Open arms caught her as she almost stumbled. She felt herself bumping onto someone's chest and recognised who it was from his scent.

"Nedrik!" She exclaimed and laughed as she steadied herself.

Nedrik smiled and touched her hair that was wavy for this occasion. "First time seeing you in a dress and makeup. You look great." He complimented.

"Thanks. You look dashing too, in your red suit. Complements your blonde hair and emerald eyes. " Naomi bashfully complimented back.

Nedrik gave a smirk. "Then…" he thought for a while, "Your dress makes your clavicle stands out."

"What?" Naomi chuckled. "Who says that?"

"Yours truly, Miss." Nedrik replied with an irresistible charming smile. "Let's dance for your 16th birthday and coming to Mafia School."

The two of them made their way to the dance floor.

"By the way, I didn't see you when I made my way to the basement." Nedrik inquired.

"Oh, about that…" Naomi sweatdropped. "Uh, I was preparing for my makeup and dress. Yeah."

Nedrik raised a brow at the suspicious answer, but made no further comments.

"Ahh…Youth" Jack Cavallone commented as he watched the pair from the side. "Doesn't she look great with Nedrik?"

"Indeed" Dino Cavallone who was beside him replied, watching his sister with fond eyes. "But don't skip to conclusions, grandfather. I know what you're thinking."

The old man looked at Dino with a twinkle in his eyes. "Ahh…that's right. My mistake. Seeing those two reminded me of my younger times."

Dino raised an eyebrow. "More importantly, sis and I have felt the enemy's eyes on us ever since we rejoined the party. I'm afraid that perhaps they may launch an attack on us while we're distracted."

Jack Cavallone's amber eyes turned cold. "No one would be allowed to do that while they're here. We have more allies than enemies protecting us. A rash attack may just be an advantage to us."

"Sis had mentioned that." Dino interjected.

"That's right." He smiled. "Regarding the attack—" Dino straightened his posture and listened attentively.

"Our mansion may have been fortunate to have gotten over the attack with yours and Naomi's elite team, but the enemy can pick us out when we are alone. Ensure that you two have your bodyguards around at all times. Also limit scheduled appointments with others. Lay low for now."

"Got it grandfather. I propose that we should also gather our allies to defend ourselves." Dino inputted.

Jack nodded. "That will be a task for you. Since you're at Mafia School, it will be the best place to gather connections."

Dino nodded back in confirmation.

Byakuran smiled a fake sweet smile and gave off terrifying vibes to his subordinate that made him shiver in fear. "Did you just say that the squads I sent to attack the Cavallone family are all wiped out?"

"Y-yes sir. The squads that have been sent there were returned with their memory wiped out of the whole attack."

"Hoh…That is interesting." Byakuran lips thinned and tapped his finger on his chin. "What of the reports our allies that attended the party?"

"Sir- According to them, the party was not disrupted by the attack at all. However, it is suspected that the main actors were not present for a period of time when they were entertained with movie screening and musicals. The families were also blocked when they wanted to go out of the basement."

"Is that so?" Byakuran answered while twining a marshmallow between his fingers. Bykauran's gaze turned sharp as stared down at his subordinate who kept his head down and was biting his lips to prevent whimpering voices from escaping them.

"You may go."

"Yes sir." The subordinate released a breath that he unconsciously held and turned to the door. When the subordinate exited the door, Byakuran studied a profile of Dino Cavallone. "Hmm~ more resistant than I thought, Cavallone family." He murmured. Next to it was a profile of Naomi Cavallone.

A/N: Tsuna will be appearing in the next chapter! Look forward to it!:)