Chapter 23: The land of Heaven, Earth and Hell.
Tsuna couldn't wait for the plane to land. He really couldn't.
Why?
Well, what do you think happens when you have Lambo confined in a small space for over 10 hours? He gets bored. And when he gets bored, he gets annoying. And then Gokudera gets mad. Shouting at Lambo is what Gokudera does, and Yamamoto tries to calm everything down. Like always, it all devolves into shouting, shouting and more shouting. In fact Tsuna could act the scene out perfectly- It happened practically every day for the past 5 years.
Shinichi also couldn't wait for the plane to land.
For just like Lambo, Kaito doesn't like being trapped in a plane and decides to entertain himself. With Shinichi. He swears that if Kaito clicks his hand ONE more time…
Click
That's it! Shinichi stands up and moves into a different section of the plane.
Luckily enough they are not on a commercial flight. Tsuna imagines that they would have been chucked out of the plane whilst still in flight if they were. No, they were on a private Vongola plane, thank God. And as such, they had the whole plane to themselves. Hibari and Kusakabe had their own section at the back of the plane. It had taken a bit of negotiation to get Hibari on the same plane as them, but he wasn't about to crowd with Herbivores on a normal flight. In the middle of the plane was the largest section, where most of the Family now sat. The last section, taking up the front of the plane, was given over to the Kokuyo Gang. And finally, at the very front was the pilot. Their luggage was in the cargo hold at the very back of the plane.
Since this was a private jet, it was rather luxurious, and had plenty of room. In addition, there was a small kitchen, an entertainment centre, and a lot of other things that Tsuna and company may like during the flight. Vongola spared no expense for their Heir and Boss to travel in after all.
Firmly shutting the door behind him, and ignoring any comments, questions and protests, Shinichi enters the front of the plane and sighs in relief.
"Oya, Oya, My Shinichi, joining us now are you?" asks Mukuro, looking up from the book he was reading.
"Yes, Kaito is driving me insane. There is only so much of his cheerfulness and attention seeking I can stand. I'd much rather be sat there with KID, at least I could have a quiet and meaningful conversation other than 'pick a card'." Shinichi waves his hands in the air with the quote before slumping down into a seat.
"Kufufu, I see. Well, you are always welcome here." And Mukuro spreads his hand as if he owns the place. Shinichi smiles in thanks before sitting back and relaxing.
"Lambo, why don't you go and join Kaito? I'm sure he's lonely without Shinichi" suggests Tsuna. Lambo nods his head and clambers over Tsuna to reach the aisle before running over to Kaito and literally jumping into his lap. Kaito just smiles and draws out a pack of cards, spreading them out for Lambo to choose from.
Knowing that the two most energetic people on the plane were occupied, Tsuna relaxes.
"How much longer Gokudera?" he asks. Gokudera takes a look at his watch.
"Less than an hour Juudaime." He answers, Tsuna nods in thanks before looking out of the window. It wouldn't be long before they were flying over Italy and on their way to Sicily.
"Italy, the place where it all began. What's it like Gokudera?" mumbles Tsuna. Gokudera looks slightly shocked, but places a smile on his face as he too stares out of the window.
"It's beautiful, Juudaime. The air is clean and fresh, everything is vibrant. There's this… atmosphere, where it seems as if the world has slowed down. There is a big emphasis on family, even outside of the mafia." He explains, trying to remember happier times. Times before everything went wrong for him. "Italy makes you feel alive, no matter which side you are on. It's full of secrets and seduction, where one can easily forget oneself" he says, turning slightly more serious. "It is a place of three worlds: Heaven, Earth and Hell. Heaven from the religious influences and the Pope. Earth from our love of food and natural produce, as well as the sheer beauty. And of course, the 'normal' people. And finally Hell, for Italy is where the mafia began, and is still running strong."
"Not too different from Japan then" supposes Tsuna "It's just a different religion- we still have temples placed around Japan. We produce different plants to them, and are known for our fields and Sakura blossoms. And we still have Gangs, we just give them a different name, that's all."
"Well, if you see it like that, then that makes it easier Juudaime" Tsuna looks out of the corner of his eye at Gokudera, who is tapping piano keys on his leg. "It makes it easier for Italy to become a home away from home."
When they finally touch down at the airport, Gokudera is the first one to open the doors. He takes a peak outside, and sees that nothing seems suspicious. He walks down the stairs and stands at the bottom. Tsuna is the next one down the stairs, where he is met by a long line of suited Mafioso, all wearing the Vongola tie. As Tsuna's feet touch the concrete, they all bow. Tsuna is a little embarrassed and distressed by this. Gokudera urges him forward with a hand on his back.
"Um, thank you" Tsuna says, allowing the men to stand upright again.
One man walks forwards and addresses Tsuna. "Welcome to Italy Decimo. We hope you had a pleasant flight." Tsuna nods. The man is about to continue, but the others interrupt.
"It's good to be back on the ground to the EXTREME" decides Ryohei, finally being able to stretch out. Walks down the gangway didn't really alleviate the cramps he had gotten from sitting down for so long.
The man smiles "I am sure that you are all tired from the journey. If you would all follow me, then we can take you to the Estate." Tsuna nods to the man, indicating that he should lead on. "Your luggage shall be brought in a different car" explains the man.
They walk towards a limo, and a woman in a sliver suit opens the door and half bows. Tsuna and the others thank her as they pile into the back of the limo. Tsuna notices that Hibari and Kusakabe enter a different car, as do Shinichi and the Kokuyo Gang. Once everyone is settled, 3 limos and their escort exit from the airport and weave their way through the city.
Ever since they had landed in Italy, everyone spoke Italian. It wasn't long after their return to the future that Tsuna found Italian added to his list of studies from the Devil Tutor. Nearly everyone he knew started to take lessons. When in college, all of them took it as a qualification. Chrome was happy since it finally allowed her to fulfil her dream of talking to Mukuro in Italian. Ken and Chikusa already knew Italian since it's their first language. Flan, being of the Varia, knew Italian, French and many more languages. Kaito and Shinichi on the other hand, had had a crash course in it, even though they had been learning it in their spare time anyway. As soon as they joined the Mafia, they decided that Italian was something they needed to learn. So everyone was now ready and able. Even if it did take 5 years for people like Tsuna and Yamamoto- everyone was now as fluent as a native.
After a little while, they enter the countryside. Tsuna can see what Gokudera meant about how beautiful Italy was. Seeing pictures really didn't do it justice. They drive further into the countryside and through a densely wooded area. When they finally come through the trees they look on in awe. The Vongola Estate sits walled in the middle of a grassy clearing. All around the wall is a very large patch of grass, meaning that any enemies had to walk into the open to be able to attack. The woods would be too far away to stage an attack from.
All Tsuna can see is the blue sky, the Estate and the green grass, and nothing could look more peaceful. Ironic considering what goes on inside this Estate.
Tsuna notices that there is a split in the road, and that the car could go one of three ways; straight, right or left. All of the cars go straight for the moment. Tsuna cranes his neck to see where the other roads lead too. The one on the right goes down a slight hill before entering the forest. The one of the left goes up the hill slightly before entering the woods. The Gates to the Estate- beautifully decorated wooden gates- open automatically and allow the convoy entrance. It's a rather grand sight that meets the mostly Japanese Vongola. The front garden is all lawns and hedges and white gravel, along with Water Fountains. The house itself is tall- at least three stories- but there were very few windows- most likely for security.
They park infront of the entrance and the door is opened for them again. They all pile out and stand on the stone steps leading to two huge oak doors engraved with a flame pattern.
"Nono is waiting for you" informs the driver. They all straighten out their clothes, make themselves more presentable and walk towards the door. The same man as before places his hand on the door handle, with another suited escort at the other door.
He smiles "Relax." Before they both push the doors wide open.
The 7 original Guardians stand in a line and are the first to be seen as the door opens. Chrome stands behind Mukuro, and Kaito and Shinichi stand behind Tsuna, on his left and right. Tsuna takes the first step into the Mansion, with the rest a step behind. Inside the mansion is a large entryway, with a grand staircase infront of them. There is a balcony running around the second floor, allowing Mafioso of the house to watch the entrance of their Heir.
Infront of the steps is Nono, sat on a large throne like chair, with His Guardians standing either side. Tsuna and company walk towards him. When the guardians get about 5 steps away, they stop and kneel, allowing Tsuna to walk the last few steps alone before he too kneels. The Ninth offers Tsuna his ring and Tsuna kisses it.
"Welcome to the Vongola Estate Decimo and His Guardians." Intones Nono.
"We are honoured by your summons Nono" replies Tsuna, before letting go of the Ninth's hand and looking up.
The Ninth stays looking serious for a moment, before he breaks out into a large friendly smile.
"It's been a long time Tsunayoshi." He greets. "Now, now young ones, get up off the floor. We're done with the formal stuff" All the Guardians get up, and the rest of their party enter the Mansion too. Reborn had told them what to do when they were still in the plane, threatening anyone who didn't comply with the promise of a nice chat and a training session from Hell. "And International Phantom Thief 1412, you should come down now. You're distracting my men." It wasn't a telling off, but just a mild suggestion. Some of the Mafioso present on the balconies are indeed looking at KID instead of what was proceeding on the floor.
Rather discretely, as soon as the doors had opened and Tsuna had taken his first step, Kaito clicked, passing control over to KID at the same time. KID had changed into full regalia, and taken a different place to everyone else. On the same level as the balconies, it appeared as if he was just kneeling in mid-air, directly above the doorway. Of course, technically he was still kneeling and showing respect to this man, so Reborn couldn't tell him off. But he was now in a place he didn't know, with men who he didn't know. There was no way Kaito was about to walk in. He had an identity to protect after all. Even if these men were Mafia, that was no guarantee that they wouldn't pass his name onto the police. All it would take is for him to annoy someone to such an extent that they pass his name on, and he would be in handcuffs. He didn't need that as a leash forcing his compliance. KID was free and no one was going to tie him down.
"Forgive me. But surely your men should have better discipline than that. Have they never seen a thief before?" KID enquires, grin firmly in place, words light and joking. Shinichi fights the urge to raise his palm to his forehead and roll his eyes. In a light purple cloud of smoke, KID appears in the centre of the room finally on the floor. However, taking advantage of light like usual, he is standing where the light from the windows touches the floor. The light reflects off the white suit making it seems as if he's glowing. This, along with the light bouncing off his Monocle, made it rather hard to actually look at the thief, especially his face.
"Well, it's not every day we have someone so famous grace these Halls" explains Nono.
"You flatter me" states KID, tipping his hat forwards. At the same time, he walks forwards through the light and dark of the room to stand at Shinichi's side. "But I am not the only famous one here" he explains
"Hm, two famous people here, well we are lucky" smiles Nono, looking Shinichi over. It was not someone he specifically remembered, even though KID seemed to think he was famous. Must be a Japanese celebrity then. "Would you mind introducing us?" apart from these two, he actually knew all of the others. However, apart from saying he had two new Guardians, Tsunayoshi had not told him anything more.
KID's grin, if possible, widened as he presented the man next to him. "This here is Kudo Shinichi, Famous Detective of the East"
The click of guns being loaded was loud in the suddenly silent room. At the same time, Shinichi found himself back to back with KID, the Mafioso all around them aiming their guns at him. However, instead of aiming his Card Gun at the Mafioso threatening Shinichi, KID has his aimed at the Ninth. And from there a stalemate has occurred. The Guardians and company don't know what to do. The suddenness of it all slightly shocked them since they weren't expecting anything to happen here.
"A detective?" growls Nougat Coyote.
"He's safe" informs Reborn, jumping onto Shinichi's shoulders. "He's not a spy or anything. Plus the Vongola rings accepted him and KID." He nudges Shinichi with his foot. Slowly Shinichi raises his arm, showing the ring on his hand. Swapping the gun from one hand to the other, still keeping it trained on the Ninth Boss, KID shows the ring on his hand too. Nougat looks unimpressed. At another push from Reborn, Shinichi sighs and concentrates. A black glittering flame appears on the ring, next to the white flame of KID. The Mafioso around gasp at these flames, and slowly lower their weapons.
"Nono, was that really necessary. Do you think Reborn would have allowed Shinichi to come here if he was going to betray us? He has his own reason to come here, and will be the last one to turn on us." Informs Tsuna, looking at the seated man.
"Well, we are Mafioso Tsunayoshi; it's a trained reaction whenever we see law enforcement in our home. However, I will have it known that he means no harm. Kudo, I apologise for the actions of my men." Shinichi nods and KID places the gun back into his jacket.
The Ninth's eyes flick to the left and he sees a maid standing in the doorway. "Ah, it seems as if your rooms are ready. I'm sure you all must be tired after that long flight. Take the time now to relax, and we shall meet up again for dinner." Tsuna and company half bow at the Ninth before following the maid out of the room.
Once they have turned a corner and are no longer in sight of the Entryway, Ken comes bounding over. "Shini-chan are you alright? They shouldn't have done that to you. Why I should go beat them up!" he growls. Shinichi places a calm hand on Ken's shoulder.
"Don't worry Ken. It's understandable. And no harm done right." Ken growls and mumbles to himself before going back to Mukuro. KID half smiles, since no one else could apparently see the slight tremors in Shinichi. Even with all the experience Shinichi has had with being at gunpoint, it still takes its toll. Adrenaline still goes through the body. Plus, this was supposed to be somewhere 'safe', not that he or Shinichi were relaxed, but still, nothing was supposed to go wrong. Even he was shaking slightly since the adrenaline was still running through his body too.
Eventually the maid stops at the start of a new corridor. This one is very long and had doors down it length. She stops infront of the first door. "This is the room for the Mist Guardian." She looks at the pair "It is suited either for Miss Dokuro or Master Rokuro. However, I have been informed about your other place of residence." Tsuna looks over at them, and smiles.
"Nono told me about this." He explains "He knew that you didn't want to live in this house with us, so he had one made for you. Apparently, it was worth it so that you could be near when I was made… Boss" the moment of hesitation was minor, nearly unheard. "There is room for the whole Kokuyo Gang to live in there, along with a few extra rooms for any guests you may have. I've seen the plans and it looks alright. You'll have a budget to decorate the place as you see fit. It's yours to do with as you wish. However this room is also available for either of you if you ever wish to use it."
The maid nods to indicate that the information was correct. "The house has been basically outfitted for you, however, at the moment your luggage is in here and the guest rooms until after dinner" she explains. Mukuro takes a step forwards and enters the room, along with Chrome,Flan, Ken and Chikusa.
She walks down the hall until she reaches the next set of doors "This is Master Sasagawa's room." He takes a quick look inside before closing the door and following the rest down the corridor. "Next is Master Gokudera's room" she explains and keeps on walking "Then Decimo's room, Master Yamamoto's room, Master Lambo's room and finally" and once again the maid turns to face them, "Master Hibari's room. However there is a similar arrangement. Master Hibari also has a separate residence where Master Kusakabe will also live. Your luggage is in here and the guest room down the hall" she explains to the pair. She takes Kusakabe around the corner and indicates his room.
"Across the hall is a living space for you all to relax in, along with a small kitchenette." She waves at the mentioned doors.
"All right. Everyone who has a room should start unpacking. A shirt and trousers will need to be worn for dinner" orders Reborn, still on Shinichi's shoulder.
Tsuna looks confused "But what about Shinichi and KID?" he asks. He looks at the maid who suddenly looks sheepish, as if she's forgotten something.
Reborn smirks and jumps off Shinichi's shoulder. Leon changes into the 10 tonne hammer and Reborn gives Tsuna a good whack. It didn't matter how much Tsuna trained, or tried to dodge, he would never be able to avoid Reborn. "Leave that to me." He smirks.
Rubbing his head, Tsuna turns around and walks to his room "Alright alright, I'm going." He complains. The others follow Reborn's order and enter their own rooms, not wanting the same fate as Tsuna.
Once everyone has left and the doors are firmly shut, Reborn turns to the maid.
"Thank you Master Reborn" she says quietly. "I had guest rooms prepared for them since I didn't know where their rooms are" she admits. Reborn just continues on smirking.
"It's alright. I can handle that. Can you bring a trolley including fresh bedding, toiletries, cleaning materials and anything else they would need. Please leave it here, even if we are not around." The maid looks confused, but she's not about to ignore a request made by THE Hitman Reborn. After bowing at the three she leaves to complete the request.
"Oy, Reborn, what's going on? Don't we have rooms?" asks Shinichi, as the Hitman jumps back onto his shoulder.
Reborn smirks, and flicks the side of Shinichi's face for asking a stupid question. "There haven't been a Star and Moon Guardian for 8 Generations. Where the rooms are wouldn't have concerned the 2nd generation, and consequently was forgotten about by the others." He explains.
"Okay, so how do you know?" asks KID.
Reborn half smiles and raises an eyebrow in disbelief. "Hn, of course I know. Who do you think I am?" Of course, Reborn knew everything.
In fact, ever since Pandora had turned out to be Shinichi and Kaito's rings, Reborn had been doing as much investigation on them as possible. Even he had never heard of the Star and Moon Flames, so research was in order. Digging through a Very private Vongola library, thanks to Nono, Reborn had found Primo's diary and notes. In addition, he had found plans to the mansion which had remained largely unchanged. The only changes had occurred underground. It was practically taboo to change the design of the actual Mansion. In these plans and journals, Reborn had not only managed to find information on where these secret rooms were, but also information on the people behind the name. It seemed that Kaito and Shinichi were as close to their predecessors as the rest of the 10th generation were- meaning almost exactly the same. From what Reborn had observed of Kaito and Shinichi, their plans for their Mafia Lives were almost exactly the same as what their first generation counterparts actually did.
"KID you're going to love this." Comments Reborn, looking over to the thief.
"Oh?" questioned KID, raising an eyebrow. "And what makes you say that?"
"Well my informants have been to your house" KID stiffens and Reborn smiles sadistically at the reaction. Reborn simply extends an arm and a fruit fly climbs out of his sleeve. The fly sits on its master's hand, looks at those around him and focuses its gaze on its master. "He" and it was clear that yes, Reborn did mean this bug "told me about the entrance to KID's lair. The entrance to your room is pretty similar"
KID lowers one eyebrow, whilst the grin slowly crawls on his face as he imagines what's to come. Reborn walks down the corridor before stopping at a wooden panel in between Tsuna's and Gokudera's door. KID examined this panel, and as far as he could tell, there was nothing unusual, no drafts, nothing that he could feel to indicate the hidden mechanism.
"Light your ring, either one of you" he orders. They look at each other and KID complies.
"Place your palm against the right side of the panel." He tells. KID's grin turns wild and childish, excited to see what was next. "Yes, about there"
"Ne, Tantei-kun, come here" suggests KID "A little bit closer, closer. And one two three…" and he places his palm against the wall panel.
Immediately a section of the floor beneath them span and all three were plunged into the gloom. On the hallway side, there was no indication of the movement, and the wall panel looked exactly the same as it's other half. Looking behind them, they could see the rest of the hallway. In fact it looked as if they were looking through glass into the corridor. But they knew from experience that the other side was opaque.
"I'll tell you about that later." Reborn says quietly.
"That was…" KID emphasises "Awesome" he squeals.
"Well, let's continue. Once we get there, I'll explain everything" Reborn gave KID a look as he and Shinichi walked away.
After a few steps, they turned a corner, and were almost in perpetual darkness. "Shinichi, put your flame here." Shinichi reaches out, and feels a hand print shaped hollow. Making his flame fill his hand, the light in the hallway changes. With rather movie-like special effects, torches set in holders along the hallway light up, one after another, giving enough light to see.
"Abracadabra and let there be light"
Shinichi looks over to KID, and sees it's not KID but Kaito again. "Kaito shut up and climb the stairs. We still need to get ready for dinner you know."
Huffing, Kaito does as he's told and starts to climb the stairs infront of them. At the top, he turns left and left again, now on a hallway facing in the opposite direction than before. It's also the direction Tsuna's room is in. The torches have extended this far too, lighting the short hallway. About 3 steps infront of him, is one door, another 5 steps after that, is a sliver square on the floor. It seems to be a trap door. Reborn nods at Shinichi to open it, and slowly he does, wary of any traps. Lifting it up slightly, and he can't see anything. Leon changes into a rope, and Reborn lowers him down before swinging him like a pendulum. As soon as the movement begins, lights flicker on, revealing a small corridor.
"Lit by motion sensors to save time and light. For the rest, it would light as soon as the doors open, but the sensors don't cover the ceiling." Informs Reborn.
"Where does this corridor lead Reborn?" asks Shinichi, poking his head in.
"This connects each of the Guardian's rooms together." Explains Reborn. "This way, if there is an attack, they can easily and secretly get to each other. It's also an escape route in case the front doors are blocked or being guarded."
Both nod in understanding before lowering the trap door. "I'll have to leave a rope here or something so we can get back up. It'll be easy jumping down, but getting back up would be hard. Maybe the elastic suspenders will work?" Shinichi mumbles to himself.
They notice that at this point, the corridor goes both forwards and to the left. Looking forwards they can see another door. Reborn takes them left. After about another 5 paces, there is another trap door. "No need to open this one. It leads to Dame-Tsuna's room- directly set into the roof. In case of emergencies." They nod, trusting the Baby Hitman before they carry on walking. Another trap door appears "Private living room" Reborn explains- meaning the one the maid pointed out earlier. Finally the corridor ends in a set of steps. Reborn opens them and they find it leads them directly onto the roof. "For secret entrances and exits." Reborn informs "Or just in case you want to sit in the sun" and he looks at Kaito "Or under the moon, and think."
They walk back to the intersection. "As you most likely can guess, we're technically in the attic, although there is only one other exit I haven't shown you. However, it's just a mirror of the way we came in, but this time it comes out of the wall in between Tsuna and Yamamoto's rooms. Shinichi, your room is that side, Kaito, yours is the one by where we came in. Now before you two go anywhere, there are a few rules about this place." Both boys look at the Hitman in concentration. "Firstly, it is to be kept a secret. No one other than Tsuna is to know where you two 'live'. That means that you must be careful when using any of the entrances or exits. Only spin the doors if no one is looking or in the corridor. Only jump into the secret hallway when no one will see where you came from. The other Guardians are not to know about them. If it weren't for the direct link to Tsuna's room, neither would he. If you are on the roof, say you used the public entryway, or you climbed up. There is a helicopter pad up there, so it's possible. These doors and lights only react to your flames anyway."
They blink at these rules, and would laugh, if not for the serious look on the small face.
"Okay, we'll follow them Reborn, but why the rules?" asks Shinichi.
Reborn lightens up, a playful smirk on his face "Hn, well, it's a bit like your plan for Mafia Life" he explains "The Night will remain in the dark, unknown, except for the Sky. You will be the last line of defence. If no one knows that you live up here, then they won't plan for you when they design an attack. They won't be able to bar your doors, or gas your rooms or anything else like that. It was all Primo's idea since it suited the lifestyle his Guardians had."
"Hmm, that is similar to the way we want to do things." Thinks Shinichi.
"Have you told Tsuna about your plans yet?" Reborn asks.
Both boys shake their heads. "Once we start going on missions we will." Kaito explains.
"I'll explain it to the Ninth. He'll be the one giving you missions at first, so he'll need to know. It'll be strictly between us four though. None of his guardians or anyone else will know. Once Tsuna's matured enough, then we'll tell him too" agrees Reborn. They head back down the stairs, and now realises why they can see through the door; to be able to tell if there is anyone else in the corridor. Seeing that there isn't anyone at this current time, Shinichi spins the door. It's practically instantaneous, and makes no noise what so ever, even despite the centuries of no use. The cart has been left there, as Reborn requested, so they gather up as many things as they can carry and climb the stairs. They decide to start by looking into Kaito's room.
All the furniture was covered in dust, and looked very antique. Everything was Georgian style, since this room was last outfitted in the 1700's. The room though was huge. Since they were in the attic, there was no limit of space. It had a separate bathroom, a separate bedroom, a huge wardrobe and even a small kitchen like area. It was like having his own flat. And based on the size, a large highly expensive flat at that. Kaito looked into one room and knew instantly that it would be KID's new lair whilst in Italy.
"Oh dear" sighs Shinichi,
"What's wrong Shin-chan?" asks Kaito coming out of the room to see Shinichi in the kitchen area.
"Whilst we have both running hot and cold water, that's about it. Electricity wasn't invented then, and since no one knows about this area, it's not been fitted. And this cooker is wood based, so we're either going to need an electric one or install gas pipes up here." Enlightens Shinichi
"Well, as long as you do it all yourselves, you have free reign. Just put the walls back as you found them and it'll all be fine." Says Reborn, sat on Kaito's shoulder.
"I can do the electrics I guess. I have enough knowledge from disarming electrical security systems, hijacking lights and electricity and wiring the KID base all from Heists. It shouldn't be much of a problem. May take a while though" Kaito scratches the back of his head, imagining how big of a job that would be.
"You'll have plenty of time before things pick up here. I'll make sure to get you the funds and any materials you'll need. I can't help much otherwise though." Reborn apologises. He tilts his head towards Leon "Leon says he'll help though. Any tools or power tools you need he can transform into. Hm, he must like you guys to offer that." Reborn almost looks in shock, if Reborn ever got shocked that is. Shaking his head, he continues "I'd suggest sleeping in the guest rooms until this place isn't so dusty- so most likely until after the renovations. We don't want you suffocating to death from all the dust in here."
"Won't people hear us doing renovations up here?" asks Shinichi, logical as ever.
Reborn shakes his head. "Nope, there is sound proofing in the form of a flame barrier around this area. You can turn it on and off at will. I'd suggest that normally you keep it off so you can hear what's going on around you, but when working, have it on. The switch is in the corridor"
"Hmm, that's interesting technology in this part of the house." Comments Kaito.
"Well, the First Generation liked to play around with what their flames could do. Lots of things in the house can be activated by using flames. Your predecessors were a lot more advanced than the rest though. They most likely worked with Talbot to find suitable resources and materials to work with. Essentially the Flames are a power source too. They harnessed it better in the future. The First Generation was the only ones interested in using the flames recreationally. After them, the 2nd generation used it for fighting only, and as you can guess, the knowledge got lost along the way." Describes Reborn.
"Like us and our gadgets then. Both Conan and KID have some pretty interesting tech." supposes Kaito. "Well, on with the dusting I suppose. How long before we have to be at dinner?"
"Hm, about 4 hours. Allow about half an hour for a shower and getting changed. That's enough time to start." Replies Reborn
"Well, all we need now is a hoover. Oh, wait, we don't have any electricity." Mutters Shinichi sarcastically.
"I'll get Giannini to make some flame powered tools for you. Ever since the trip to the future, he's been practicing at making things that run on flames. It seems that he doesn't mess these up" Reborn muttered the last part to himself, so the boys politely ignored him.
Everyone is sat down to dinner, with the 9th generation at the top of the table, farthest from the doors and the 10th generation, and their guests, at the bottom. Tsuna and the gang had agreed to have Kaito and Shinichi as far away from the others as possible, especially after the incident earlier this afternoon. So Tsuna, as tradition dictates, is sat at the very end of the table. Yamamoto and Gokudera sit on his right and left. Then there are two empty seats, before Lambo sits on one side and Mukuro and his gang on the other. Next to Lambo are Ryohei, Hibari and Kusakabe.
Tsuna looks up the table and sees that there are the only two spaces left. "So we are just waiting for Shinichi and…"
Tsuna didn't need to finish his sentence, since at that moment there are two clouds of smoke- one white, one black. The tenth generation practically shrug in unison, ignore the clouds and continue with their conversations. The Ninth generation, on the other hand, are not used to random bursts of smoke. They all tense, expecting some sort of attack. As the cloud thins, two shadows appear and reach forward. As the smoke totally dissipates, KID and Shinichi grab their glasses, take a sip of water and place them back down, practically in sync. KID had decided to add that in for special effects. Shinichi didn't even bother to raise an eyebrow, knowing full well what KID was doing, and turned to listen to Gokudera who was asking him a question.
As Reborn suggested (read: commanded) they were all in shirts and dress trousers, looking formal yet comfortable. There was a range of colours and patterns around the table, but as usual, the strangest was KID. He had simply opted for his normal suit, minus the jacket and red tie. Of course, the monocle and top hat were firmly in place, looking slightly odd. But that was KID for you. When Shinichi had stepped out of the shower earlier to get changed, KID had decided it was his job to get Shinichi ready. So after the usual cloud of non-transferable smoke, Shinichi found himself dressed in black slacks with the same dark blue shirt as KID wore. Shinichi didn't have time to protest as KID steered him out of the room. However, Shinichi did notice that his football belt was on- hidden by the untucked shirt- and his pen was in his pocket; KID had armed him, and no doubt he was armed too.
Polite conversation is passed along the table, with the younger adults getting to know the older. Conversation topics were kept light, with funny stories about their time together being shared. KID was the one to really break the ice, with a display of dancing cutlery and cruets. During the meal, wine and other drinks were changing in colour, and people began sporting different coloured ties that went with their outfits. Keeping it rather low key for him, KID only 'attacked' those who seemed willing. He had gained a sense of how far he could go with each of them. Meaning that tricks were kept far away from both Cloud Guardians. However, in general, the Ninth Generation seemed to warm up to him, and were willing to be laughed at- must come with the experience of age.
No one really noticed the slight cough KID and Shinichi had developed, since these coughs, from either of them, seemed to indicate when a trick was about to occur. The Japanese Vongola assumed that this was KID's way of being nice, and forewarning them of a prank. After dessert was served and finished, the young Vongola started yawning. Now with food in their stomachs, the long day had caught up with them, and they wanted nothing more than to sleep. However, that all changed when KID and Shinichi transported away in a big bang.
"Is he always like that? Kaitou 1412, I mean" asked Timoteo, nodding in the direction of KID's now empty chair. The young ones smile, thinking back on their short two months with KID.
"To be honest" Tsuna admits "That was rather tame of him. I don't think he wanted to offend you. However, he is generally a lot calmer at the dinner table. Shinichi tells him off otherwise."
"Gyuhaha, the house is so much fun now." Claps Lambo, laughing slightly "There's always something going on. KID is everywhere at once. He helps Lambo get ready for school since Mama wasn't there. He plays with us and he even helps Lambo with his homework. It would be boring without him."
"Hm" Fuuta agrees "KID-nii is ranked number one for having fun!"
"It's hard imagine the house without him now, and Shinichi too." Inputs Yamamoto, chin leaning on his palm. "They bicker like brothers and understand each other so well. Somehow, Shinichi is able to put up with KID's childishness for longer than any of us can. It's an interesting relationship they have. They are rivals, yet at the same time, they have each other's back. You would have thought that being a detective and a thief would drive them apart, but it's how they met and doesn't seem to be an obstacle."
"So why are they here? I can understand why the rest of your party are here. But why these two? You didn't bring anyone else over from the Japanese base" questions Croquant Bouche, Mist Guardian.
Tsuna sheepishly ducks his head and rubs his neck. "That's right, I never gave the Ninth the full details. KID and Shinichi are my Moon and Star Guardians." Tsuna drops the bombshell and the ninth generation stare at the heir in shock.
"That explains their odd flames and rings" comments Nei Brown Jr, Sun guardian.
"Well, that is interesting. I look forward to getting to know them better. We shan't hold you any longer, you all look like you're going to fall asleep where you sit." Nono waves his hands and dismisses the younger generation towards the door.
They all stand and file out of the room, however instead of going to their rooms, they all end up in the recreational room opposite.
"They seem nice" comments Yamamoto sitting on a chair. Whilst they had all met Nono before, they hadn't met any of his guardians. Not face to face like this.
"Che, they're alright for a load of old geezers" Gokudera slumps onto one of the sofas, shoeless feet resting on the coffee table.
"Tomorrows going to be interesting, byon" eyes turn to Ken, who is sat at Mukuro's feet. "We'll get to see our new house."
"And I can stop crowding with all you herbivores" Hibari says, leaning against a wall, Hibird on his shoulder.
"Leaving us already Hibari. Shame, I would have thought that you would have liked to play with them first" Heads flick quickly over to the other side of the room, where KID is sitting in the window seat framed by the setting sun. "I had better visit to make sure you don't miss me too much" KID grins at Hibari, goading him on.
Hibari growls and lets the tonfa drop out of his sleeve. Taking aim, he jumps towards KID, arm raised for an attack. KID coughs into his hand before he sighs at such a default reaction and clicks.
"Skylark-chan, you're no fun" KID is now the opposite end of the room, lounging across the back of the couch, behind Tsuna and Gokudera. The others try to stifle giggles at KID's new nickname for Hibari. The Prefect glares them into silence.
"Just wait until the next training session, then I'll bite you to death, thief" Hibari stalks out of the room, head held high. Hibird jumps into flight, flying once around the room saying "Kamikorosu, kamikorosu!" before following its owner out of the door, Kusakabe shutting it behind him.
"I think you offended him KID" comments Shinichi. Again heads turn in surprise. They didn't know either of them had entered the room, and no one was there when they first arrived.
Shinichi was leaning on the armchair Mukuro was sat on, arms crossed on top of the back. The others were worried by the picture infront of them. Mukuro had one leg crossed over the other, a confident smile on his face. With Shinichi leaning behind him, Ken at his feet, Flan sat on one arm Chrome on the other and Chikusa standing next to Shinichi, Mukuro looked like some powerful enemy, when the hero had just rushed into their trap. Tsuna knew what a display of power Mukuro was showing there. With Flan in the Varia, Chrome as a fully-fledged Guardian and Shinichi growing more powerful each day, it was a scary sight indeed. Tsuna just hoped that Mukuro had given up on his plan to possess his body. Thinking about that, Tsuna still didn't know why Mukuro had wanted to possess his body during their first confrontation.
"You'll get it later. He'll whack the magic right out of you" Shinichi laughs, covering up another cough.
"Shock horror!" gasps KID. "What would we do then? I'd have to train you up to become KID then Shinichi" Shinichi's face drops and he stops laughing. He deadpans at KID and is about to reply back when Lambo interrupts
"Gyupa! Lambo-sama will do it! I'll be KID" He climbs the sofa that Tsuna and Gokudera are on and faces KID. "Teach me!"
KID laughs. "We'll see" and Lambo's face sparkles. "But it's time for Phantom thieves in training to go to bed."
"Che, he won't do it. Thieves in training need to follow their master's orders and I don't think that the Ahoshi can do that" Gokudera warns.
"Lambo-sama can too! Just watch Bakadera" In a flash the two boys are out of the door and a few moments later, the sound of two doors shutting reaches their ears.
"I'll go check on them" offers Shinichi. The rest decide that they are going to bed too. Shinichi says good night to all of them before checking in on Lambo, who is in his PJs and fast asleep. Softly closing the door he goes down the now empty corridor, and around the corner to where the guest rooms are. Finding Fuuta's one, Shinichi pokes his head in and sighs. Walking into the room, he tucks the teen in properly before exiting.
He closes the door and turns to walk back when he sees KID aiming the Card Gun at him. Before he can react, KID has fired a glowing card and it smashed against Shinichi's chest. Shinichi breaths in as he feels the energy pouring into him. He stretches before looking back at KID. "What was that for?"
"Well, we need to get everything sorted out asap. I have something else I need to prepare for, and I can't do that if we are still sorting out our rooms. And you can't do that if you are tired, so I shot you with a sun card. It's my flames, not Ryohei's so I don't know how long it will last." Shinichi gives KID an analysing stare, trying to figure out what KID's intentions are with this 'something else' he needs to do.
"I suppose so. Well, I'm charged up now, so let's get on with it. Without a fricking hoover."
KID smiles and places his arm over Shinichi's shoulder, forcing him to follow KID's lead. "Hi-ho Hi-ho, it's off to work we go. With a sweep sweep here and a bang bang there Hi-ho Hi-ho."
"Ptf, with a bang bang huh. That'll be my gun against your head if you keep singing that song." Shinichi gives a sharp smile in KID's direction, before checking that the hallway is clear. With his flame telling him it's okay, he lights his ring and opens the door. He pulls KID's arm off him before lighting the torches and climbing the stairs.
"Aww- but Tantei-kun, you'd miss me." Pouts KID. "I do have good news though. What has no wires, no strings, yet functions without batteries?"
"Hmm, KID, I don't know" says Shinichi exaggerating and sarcastic. KID opens his door wide and presents:
"A flame powered Vacuum Cleaner!"
"Already?" Shinichi blinks at the thing. It would certainly be easier that washing everything by hand. It looked like a normal Vacuum Cleaner, but larger and rounder. It was based on the Henry Hoover design, but instead of being red with a smiley face, it was green and looked like Leon.
"That's not Leon" Shinichi looked over to a counter he had cleaned earlier and there was Reborn. Shinichi felt like his mind had been read, since he didn't say anything. Indeed, Leon was currently being petted by Reborn. "I persuaded Giannini to get the job done as soon as possible. With a little design help from Spanner, I present you with the first of a long line of Flame powered tools."
"So that's why you didn't stay long at dinner" comments KID. Both had seen Reborn enter the room, checking to see if they were all behaving themselves and dressed appropriately. However, none of the others had seen the new addition to their table enter or leave the room. Seems as if Reborn had taken advantage of KID's distracting magic. Kaito and Shinichi also knew what type of persuading Reborn had most likely done. It only took them a little while of watching his interactions with others to know what he was like. Leon would have been on Giannini's shoulder the whole time, and most likely not as a Chameleon either.
"Between him and Spanner, you'll have suitable tools very quickly. Whilst Spanner may not be able to physically make them, he can certainly design them." Reborn took a sip of his espresso before looking up at the pair "Well, get on with it."
Shinichi sighs and KID smiles singing "Well, it's off to work we go" before dodging Shinichi's kick to the shin and grabbing the hoover.
To be totally honest, anything 1st Gen related, such as their rooms, is actually based around the furniture you see in Kuroshitsuji. It's easier for me, and I'm sure for you too, to imagine that, than some random Georgian furniture. It's practically the same anyway. I would have set it in the 1800's, but I can't due to there being 10 generations. And I'd imagine that each Boss had a reign longer than 20 years. For Vongola to be powerful, they would need long reigns. Plus, there are too many 'greats' in how Giotto is related to Tsuna. Not that it's that important, but I thought I'd let you know. So just imagine Kuroshitsuji and you'll all be fine.
Gyu-pa! my storm ring and necklace arrived in the post! It's funny though, how it comes in a box with Tsuna and Yamamoto on it, lol. Along with Uri's belt (that came in a box with Tsuna and Reborn on it) that I've had for a while, I'm all set! I also got a necklace with the Vongola seal on it, as well as a t-shirt with Chopper from One Piece on it. It's his face and hat peaking over the bottom of the shirt and is uber cute.
Also make sure to check my latest Reborn fic out. It's the exact opposite of this one. It's not a crossover, the chapters will be short (yes you did read that right), and it's not serious. It's a family type fic based on the Arcobaleno. It's called Mafia row, so I hope to see you all there! I'll be posting the next chapter up either tonight or some time tomorrow.
Phantom Hitman 1412
First Published 05 March 2012