Chapter 35: The multiple uses for a Jailer.
To I0: You are correct, it is them. Was it really that obvious? I'm surprised you remember that far back, although that would depend on how long ago you read that chapter. Lol, there a lot of OMG's in this review, I'm taking it as a good sign and am currently smiling widely. I love them too and it coincides nicely with the manga. I'm so happy you love this story. Thank you so much for the nice comments and for the review.
Wasn't the latest Reborn chapter awesome? If you haven't read it yet, then DON'T read the rest of this comment. It makes me wonder how far back Sensei planned this. Vindice means Avenger and with the current revelation, it is obvious why they are called that. In the Fight between Leon and Reborn Fic I had guessed that there were other Arcobaleno, which was surprisingly true. But for them to become Vindice was an unseen twist in my eyes. I really can't wait for the next chapter now. Makes me wonder who Bermuda is then and why he is cursed when all of the pictures show 7 people. It was cute that Reborn was glad Tsuna was there too. And I suspect it might be affecting Reborn more than he makes out. Checker Face better be running already.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: For those who haven't read the manga, this chapter contains a major spoiler in the final section. It doesn't affect the story too much, but as far as I know, most of my readers are up to date with the manga anyway. Some of you might be wondering why I've included this if it's a spoiler, but it explains something important and is an issue that could confuse some of you. I'll explain more at the bottom.
I'm uploading this on a Tuesday since I'm not going to be home on Wednesday to be able to upload the chapter. Plus I'd finished the chapter on Monday, so there's no reason not to upload it.
"Oh really?" asks the same voice, his tone indicating disbelief. "And how will you do that when you already have our screams in your head and our blood on your hands?"
The voice in his nightmare was right. Just becoming Boss didn't wipe the slate clean. He wasn't suddenly someone else. Everything he had done before that was still kept on record, looked at scrupulously and brought back at the worst of times. If he killed now, it wasn't just suddenly going to disappear the moment the title of Boss became his. So the change needed to start now.
The present dictated the future. If you know the future you wish for then all you have to do is work backwards to know what you need to do in the present. His heart and mind all pointed towards the same answer
No killing. Now or ever.
And with that choice sat firmly in his body, fuelling his resolve, there was only one path to walk down.
So he said those words that shocked the room into a fearful silence.
"By the ring of Vongola Primo I wear, I summon thee in the name of Vongola Decimo. I summon thee…
Vindic-"
"There is no need to summon me Decimo. I was coming to place judgement on you anyway." Interrupts a childish yet deep voice.
Everyone had noticed that the black flames had started before Tsuna had finished speaking. Yet being flung over Xanxus's shoulder like he was, Tsunayoshi couldn't exactly see that. If the voice wasn't something to go by, then the auras in the room were. Everyone was ready to attack, not suspecting this turn of events or intrusion.
"Put Shinichi down now" growls Kaito.
"Xanxus put me down" hisses Tsunayoshi wanting to at least be able to talk to the Mafia Jailers face to face, rather than having them talk to his behind. Xanxus complies and steps away from Tsunayoshi, wanting nothing to do with this. What the Brat brought upon himself is his to deal with, Xanxus wasn't being dragged down too. Tsuna turns around and makes himself more presentable, dusting off his clothes from his tumble earlier.
There are two shocking things with the image before the Vongola. The first, and most concerning at the moment, is Shinichi passed out and being carried bridal style in the arms of a bandaged Vindice officer. The second is the small bandaged baby sitting on the Officer's shoulder.
The appearance of Shinichi certainly put a stop in Tsuna's plan.
"W-W-why d-do you h-have S-S-Shinichi?" Stutters Tsuna rather nervously. He had forgotten just how terrifying the Vindice's presence was. It had been over 5 years. Nono had gone to collect Mukuro from the Vindice prison, Tsuna had met him in the plane later. The last time he had faced them like this was when they collected Mukuro in Kokuyo land. But this time their presence was even worse. The anger was almost touchable. It was choking, filling the air and stopping everyone from breathing.
Daring to look at the bandaged faces, he notices that they aren't even looking at him. Both are looking past him to… Reborn?
"What a grievous mistake you have made, Captured Arcobaleno. I should lock you in the deepest part of our Prison for what you have done." The baby flicks an arm out towards Reborn and chains fly from his subordinate. Reborn jumps and dodges it, only to have it bounce off the wall and continue to chase after him. However everything freezes once more when the Vindice have two captives: The Boss and Heir of Vongola. Both Tsuna and Nono have chains wrapped around their necks. Reborn ends up standing in the middle of the room, only steps away from the most dangerous people in the Mafia.
Changing on his master's unspoken command, a Gun Leon points at the baby sat on the Vindice's shoulder. "Explain. Why do you have a clear pacifier on?" There are gasps from the others around as they finally notice that detail too. That could only mean one thing.
"I have no reason to tell someone who tries to kill one of his own Family members." Snarls the Baby.
"Reborn what is he talking about?" asks Kaito, one of the few to have found their voice. As an actor, he knew how to control his emotions. Even if the aura was scaring him more than he thought was healthy, he could still act, would force his body to act. His important friend was in the arms of the Mafia Jailers after all. Looking over Shinichi, he only seemed asleep, not harmed at all.
Reborn for once, raises his fedora instead of lowering it. "I do not know what you are talking about. I haven't tried to kill anyone for a very long time now" He had been too busy teaching Tsuna to take on any missions.
"You obviously do not care for the gifts that have been dropped into your unworthy hands by fate then." Replies the Baby, leaning forwards to look down upon Reborn.
"Would you start talking some sense? There is a time and place for riddles, I know that best, and this is not the time." Shouts Kaito, taking half a step forwards.
Behind the Vindice the open doorway of the Main Entrance slowly fills with mist. First comes the spokes of a trident, followed by black gloved arms. Out of the Mist steps Mukuro. "Oya, Did you really miss me that much?" His voice is as sly and joking as it always is. Ken and Chikusa step out after him, looking scared yet determined. The Vindice subordinate turns around so that the Baby can see Mukuro. The chains stay firmly in place around Decimo and Nono's necks. Mukuro's eyes widen slightly when he sees just who the Vindice are holding. "Or are you just determined to rip my important people away from me?" Neither Jailer replies to that comment. Spinning his trident around his hands, he points it at the Baby. "I'll be taking My Precious Shinichi from you now. I'm sure I can take better care of him than you can."
The Subordinate half turns to be able to speak to both Reborn and Mukuro at the same time.
"I would willingly hand this man over to a criminal worthy of Vindice Punishment rather than hand him back into the hands of a Pet who kills who he is supposed to be protecting."
"You mean…" Starts Kaito, staring blankly at Reborn
"That the Arcobaleno tried to kill My Detective?" finishes Mukuro. Four pairs of eyes (Kaito, Mukuro, Ken and Chikusa) glare at Reborn in anger whilst the rest of the room stare blankly.
"That is correct Rokudo Mukuro." Answers the Baby.
"So you saved him right? That's why he is with you. So tell me who you are and why you saved Shinichi" begs Kaito taking another half step forwards. He really wanted to check and see if Shinichi was alright. He'd feel much better if Shinichi was in his arms rather than that of the Vindice.
"That shall be permitted. Maybe the Pet will listen when it knows who I am. It is clear that he is so naive that he does not even know what he has done wrong." Mocks the Baby. "I am Bermuda Von Vichtenstein, Head of the Vindice Prison and Arcobaleno of the Star."
"You can't be" shouts Reborn, strangely out of character for once. Tsuna could see how the appearance of the clear Pacifier had set Reborn on edge. "There are only 7 Arcobaleno. You weren't even there when we were changed. There is no way you can be so."
"Huhuhu. Of course I wasn't there last time. I don't want to be near that man at all. And isn't our glowing pacifiers enough proof? However, the more important issue here is the Star I am currently holding on to. You are not fit to keep him. These Vongola Bosses are just as useless too."
"W-What have I-I done?" chokes out Tsuna.
"You allowed this incompetent Pet Arcobaleno of yours to attempt to kill your Star." Explains Bermuda.
Which doesn't really explain anything at all. "You've already said that multiple times. But I don't see how Reborn could have done that. He's been with me all day. The only time Reborn has been in contact with Shinichi today was when Reborn gave Shinichi a … mission. Reborn you said Shinichi didn't need to take on a mission like I did since he would already do that. So they only type of mission you would send him to do without me coming along is an Execution."
"And that is exactly where the problem lays Kuroba Kaito. Do not act so shocked. We keep tabs on all Star and Moon Users. Prey tell what is the side effect of Kudo Shinichi's flames. Taming the Pet seems to have dulled it's intelligence and observational skills."
"It draws him to death, that's what he said." Mumbles Kaito, remembering that rather strange conversation on the roof of the Japan Mansion.
"It flares up whenever a death occurs" adds in Mukuro, having seen it many times before recently.
"Exactly. So forcing him to kill causes the Flame to flare up and warn him of what he is about to do. Star flames also deal in Facts. With his extensive knowledge of deaths, Kudo Shinichi's awakened flame played out every part of the death before him. And since he's made it apparent that he does not wish to kill, the Flame showing him what is about to happen is practically the same to him as if he had lived it out himself. The emotional trauma would cause him to lose control of his flames and they would go haywire. The flame would keep on working until it ran out of energy, or until he could control himself. But like I said, he doesn't want to kill anyone. Forcing him to kill is going against his very nature. So it's highly likely that he could not collect himself before the flame used up all if it's energy source: his life energy. And in the process, killing him." The others try to take this in. Kaito can understand it the best since he's been around the detective the longest. He's seen how despondent Conan has been during heists after some horrific deaths. The boy truly could not see why people killed.
The chain holding Tsuna in place moves, throwing Tsuna onto his knees infront of Reborn. "You have also in effect, been killing this child too." Only Tsuna can see the shocked look in Reborn's eyes and the way the Arcobaleno goes slightly paler than usual. "Sky holders have small parts of each Flame in them, meaning he also has a Star Flame in him too. This part of his Flame has been telling him that what he is doing is against his very nature" This sounded viable to the rest of the watchers in the room: Sky Flames could open any Box in the future.
Tsuna's eyes widen. "You mean… those nightmares and the voices in my head, that's all due to the Star Flames? I'm not just going crazy?" he is relieved to find a reason other than a mental breakdown, as are Tsuna's Guardians.
"That is a correct assumption." Answers Bermuda. He turns to look at Reborn "Maybe if he had had someone there with him, Kudo Shinichi would have been alright. But you, Captured Arcobaleno, sent him there all alone. Haven't you learned from Decimo that these Children are not like you are? That they need support. Kudo, Kuroba and Gokudera have been doing a better job of looking after Decimo than you have done. Do you truly not listen to what others say? Are you too busy yapping to hear the calls of the people you should be listening to the most? Is the dog barking so loudly that it cannot hear its master's wishes?" Reborn clenches his fists, getting fed up of the Pet analogies. Reborn was no one's pet. "Do you know the reason that Decimo has summoned me?"
Reborn looks up at Tsuna and his eyes quickly flick to Xanxus. Them being here, and in the state they were, mean that Tsuna ran away from killing the target. But what did that have to do with the Vindice?
"Speak Decimo. I will listen to you, for the sake of this troubled one." And Bermuda looks down at Shinichi, feeling very sorry for the Detective.
Some power of the Chains has immobilised Tsuna so he cannot turn around to face Bermuda when making his request. He is forced to deliver it to Reborn. The chain does slack enough for him to speak however. "I summoned you here to make a deal with you. I am going to destroy the current Vongola and turn it back into the Vigilante group it used to be. However I cannot do that if I am as bad and dirty as those who I am fighting against. I would have no right to protect anyone. I would be a hypocrite. However some people are too dangerous to have walking around freely. Some people have the connections to walk away free of their crimes. But that would not happen if they were sent to you. There is no escaping your prison. Mukuro can attest to that. So I summoned you to make a contract. I want all of the people who are sentence to Execution by Vongola to instead be sentenced to your Prison, to do with as you see fit."
Tsuna for once can't read Reborn. He can't tell if his Tutor is proud of him making that decision all on his own. He can't tell if the Hitman is mad with him for failing a mission because he doesn't have the resolve to do it. He can't tell if his Friend is mad with him for going to someone else first rather than talking to him about it. "I'm sorry Reborn, but for once I cannot follow your orders. And no matter how much you try, or what techniques you may use to try and persuade me, I shall not go back on that Resolve. I will not Kill with My Dying Will."
Gokudera remembered a time during their trip to the future. Lal was explaining about the weapons the Millefiore had, mainly the Mosca's. Tsuna had smiled then and Lal had shouted at him. Tsuna had replied to her question with: "Because there's nobody inside, I don't have to worry about killing someone to destroy it." If Tsuna hadn't wanted to kill with the fate of the world on the line then he certainly wasn't going to kill now.
"Do you now hear the wishes of the one you have bound yourself to Sun Arcobaleno? You know well enough which of these children do and do not wish to kill, yet you still pushed him into it. So whilst you and your ego are cowering on the floor, I shall make it plain to you. You were wrong to push them into becoming like you are. They do not wish to kill." Bermuda really wondered how someone could be so blind. Reborn was supposed to be close to Decimo, yet he could not see such a plain desire the boy had. He really wanted to smack some sense into Reborn, but by the look of it, his words were enough. How the mighty Reborn had fallen, defeated by words alone.
"Normally, I would have denied you. Since you are the Largest Family, I might have thought that you were trying to show dominance over me. However even I can see that your heart is pure. So I shall make a deal with you. You shall swear to fulfil out that Resolve and I shall take in any prisoners that you may give to me. If you break that promise and tell any of your subordinates to Kill, you shall face the Punishment of the Vindice, and Kudo Shinichi will come and be under my protection."
Tsuna closes his eyes. "I'm sorry Reborn" he whispers. He doesn't know why he's saying that, but it just seems like the right thing to say. When he opens his eyes, his Hyper Dying Will is activated and a flame bursts out onto his forehead as well as lighting his eyes. Not able to look at Reborn any longer, he looks out of the corner of his eyes where he can vaguely make out the black cloak of the Vindice officer. "I do swear on the Name of Vongola Decimo. No. I do swear on my Name as Sawada Tsunayoshi. I agree on the contract."
"Good, then I do also swear to hold up my end of the Contract in the Name of the Boss of Vindice."
Tsuna's sky ring bursts into flame, as does Shinichi's ring and Bermuda's pacifier. With a Black Flame surrounding it, it was clear that Bermuda really was the Arcobaleno of the Star. As the flames die out, the chain holding Tsuna moves and throws Tsuna towards his Guardians. Gokudera catches him and immediately checks him over for any damage.
"So are the Vindice the type of people to punish someone for a lack of knowledge?" That was a first, Reborn admitting to a fault. "How very fair of you. Maybe if you don't want the mistake to be repeated you should make people better informed of the subject." This sounded strangely like Reborn asking for help without using those words specifically.
"Hn, how pathetic, the Tamed Arcobaleno wishes to remain in its cage. Fine. For the sake of Kudo Shinichi I shall teach you all you need to know about his flame. However, I shall be keeping him for some time. I will be a better teacher for him than you."
"No you can't have him"
"I will be keeping My Important Detective not you"
Argue Kaito and Mukuro. Kaito's Card Gun aims steady at the Baby, Mukuro's trident aimed at the same target. They weren't letting this person take Shinichi from them so easily.
Both think that the Vindice might actually be listening to them when the chain that's wrapped around Shinichi's neck is removed. The detective groans and blinks. "Hn, why do I feel so tired?" he asks, eyes still closed against the bright lights of the entryway.
"The chain was suppressing your Flame so it wouldn't kill you." Replies Bermuda, his tone softer than before.
"Oh, that's right. I killed that guy didn't I?" and tears stream down his face. Kaito feels like his heart is torn in two. His detective hardly ever cried. He never wanted to see his detective cry.
"See what I mean" Bermuda says to Reborn, since that sentence proved his point. "No Troubled One, you did not kill. Whilst it may have seemed that way, it was merely your Flame presenting the facts to you like it always does."
Shinichi's eyes fly open at that. "I didn't… kill. He's still alive?" the hope in his voice is unheard of before.
"He is still alive but is in Vendicare now. We, the Vindice shall take care of him for you." Reassures Bermuda. Shinichi stiffens and pales before looking at the arms holding him up.
"You… are the Vindice?" he whispers before attempting to get away from them. He'd been told they were the Mafia's Jailers, feared more than anyone else. Being in their arms usually meant an extended stay at Vendicare. The Subordinate's hold on Shinichi tightens, not letting him down.
"Be still Troubled One. You have nothing to fear from me for I am the same as you" Shinichi stills and looks up towards the Baby who is speaking. His eyes widen when he sees the pacifier around his neck burning with a very familiar fire- his own. "If you are willing, I shall teach you how to properly utilise your powers. I can help you to fulfil the one wish you truly desire."
The offer sounded tempting, but Shinichi needed to know what the Baby meant. "And that is?" The others, who were openly eavesdropping- it's not like you have a conversation with the Vindice every day- wanted to know this too. They didn't know Shinichi very well, so any information on him would be welcomed. Shinichi kept to himself really.
"To be able to save people before they are murdered." Announces Bermuda. Shinichi's eyes open wider for a second before he narrows them in suspicion.
"Can you really do that? I don't think that is possible." Shinichi knew he'd tried before. But he had never gotten there in time. The body was always dead before he knew about it.
"Your Flame can make it so, with the right amount of training." Smiles Bermuda, knowing he's got Shinichi's attention.
"Shin-chan, you can't!" shouts Kaito. "These are the Vindice, they might lock you up and never let you return to us."
"He's right My Shinichi. I am not letting you go with them" agrees Mukuro. The Vindice had messed with his life enough, he wasn't letting it happen again.
Shinichi has to tilt his head right backwards to be able to see Mukuro, admittedly the Illusionist is now upside-down, and smiles at him. "I will come back Mukuro. I promise to you that I will come back. I'm not going to abandon you." Mukuro smirks back at Shinichi, but he can tell that Mukuro isn't happy.
"That's not happening my Detective. You are going to stay here with me whether you like it or not." He taps his trident on the ground but nothing happens. He taps it again and again but still nothing happens.
Shinichi sadly smiles. "You can't use your illusions to make me do anything Mukuro." He turns his eyes to the only girl in the room. "Nor can you Chrome." He turns his gaze to Kaito, holding his head up to see him better. "I'm going to come back. We have a goal after all. And someone's got to try and capture KID. When I come back, I'll be better equipped to face our Organisations. So you better train hard too Kai, You don't want to be left behind do you?"
Kaito smiles. He knew Shinichi better than anyone else, even if it was mostly through the guise of Conan. Once he had his mind set, there was no stopping the Detective. "I suppose the Phantom Lessons had better wait. But you had better come back Shin-chan. KID wouldn't be happy without Conan, and Hunter wouldn't be happy without his Partner. If you don't I'm going to have to steal you back you know."
Shinichi laughs at that comment, finding being compared to a jewel rather funny. Shinichi turns to Tsuna. "Boss, you've got to look after Kai alright, make sure he doesn't get into too much trouble without me there to tell him off. But I'm glad with the choice you have made. I can tell, you didn't kill either." Tsuna nods confirmation but still looks worried; He wasn't happy with where Shinichi was any more than the rest of them were. However Reborn hadn't made a move to stop it, so maybe that meant it was alright. Finally, Shinichi turns to Reborn. "Seems I'll be getting a different tutor. You are too busy teaching Dame-Tsuna to bother with me, right?"
Reborn smirks, lowering his fedora. "That's right, he's such a child that he needs constant supervision. But of you don't come back, I'll find you and shoot you dead, got that." Shinichi chuckles at Reborn's words. Turning his hardened gaze to Bermuda, Reborn adds. "I still don't know how you can be an Arcobaleno, nor do I really trust you. However the Vindice are known to be honourable and fair, so I doubt that you will imprison Shinichi. Any training is good training in my opinion, so even if you do imprison him, learning how to get out will be a good experience for him" The others all roll their eyes, knowing far too well Reborn's dangerous training techniques. "And you had better keep to your deal with Decimo, or I shall hunt you down"
Bermuda laughs at this. "Fwahaha. Don't think that your title as the Strongest Arcobaleno will help you. That title used to belong to me you know, a very long time ago. Any one of the Vindice could beat you. They've all held your title too you know." Reborn could hear the smile in Bermuda's voice as well as the confidence. Bermuda wasn't scared of Reborn, nor anyone else in the room, one bit. He tilts his head to the side as if listening to something. The Subordinate turns his head towards Bermuda. "Jager-kun, we shall be leaving momentarily. It seems that Junk and Jacque are finished with their mission." The subordinate, Jager, nods and adjusts his grip on Shinichi. The clear pacifier Bermuda wears fills with black Flame
"Shinichi you are not going anywhere" claims Mukuro, rushing forwards to physically save the detective.
A black portal appears behind Jager. Stepping backwards, all three disappear. The portal closes before Mukuro can get to Shinichi. Growling in frustration, Mukuro slams his trident on the floor.
"Um, Mukuro." Whimpers Fuuta. "Why are you so mad? You can still see Shinichi-nii can't you. You were at the Vendicare so you should know where it is."
"I was imprisoned there, I never went outside. I was transported just like Shinichi was. I don't know where it is. But I'm going to find out." Mukuro growls. Whirling around, he leaves the Vongola Mansion, Ken and Chikusa trailing behind him. Similarly, Kaito also disappears from the room in a cloud of smoke.
"Boy Brat, that Trash has some balls, willingly leaving with them of all people. I like that one." Says Xanxus, a smile on his face. "You sure know how to collect all the crazy ones don't you?"
"You can speak" mumbles Tsuna back. He hides behind Gokudera with a "Heeii" when Xanxus goes to reach for his X-Gun.
Xanxus turns to Timoteo, who has now been released. "Oi, Old man, my work here is done. And I still expect to be paid for this last assignment here too." Nono nods his head in agreement and watches as Xanxus leaves the mansion.
"Juudaime, are you happy with this?" asks Gokudera, looking over his shoulder at Tsuna. He honestly didn't know what to think. He was proud of Juudaime for making such a choice without Reborn's help. But he was worried about his fellow Guardian.
Tsuna comes out from behind Gokudera and sits on one of the steps. "It certainly wasn't how I expected it to turn out. However, I am happy with the deal I made with them. That was my aim in asking them to come here."
"And Shinichi, Juudaime?" continues Gokudera.
"I'm not too happy about that. I'd feel a lot better if Shinichi was here with us. However, there is something that Primo once said to me, which suddenly makes a lot more sense. "Remember that you cannot hold them as close as the rest of your Guardians. There is a reason that the moon and the stars are so far from the sky, even though they reside in it.". I suppose he was telling me to let Shinichi and Kaito go and do as they wish. So if this is what Shinichi wants, then all I can do is wait and be here when he asks for help or wishes to return."
"That is a wise lesson to learn Tsunayoshi. It is hard to wait for people to return home, yet it's the job of the Sky to make sure there is always a home to return to. This applies whether it be a Vongola Mafioso, one of your Guardians or even just a friend." Reminds Nono.
Tsuna turns to the current Vongola Boss. "I'm sorry Nono. I made that Contract without even asking you about it. I shouldn't have done that."
Nono though, smiles at Tsuna. "That is alright Tsunayoshi. Vongola is practically yours to do with as you so wish anyway. I too wish to see the bloodshed end. I'm just amazed that you even managed to get a contract with them in the first place."
"I am too actually. But I suppose having Shinichi with us helped." Tsuna looks up to the place where Shinichi last was.
"But what do you think he meant by the Vindice having Reborn's position?" asks Lambo. It was hard to believe that anyone was stronger than Reborn. Even with how scary the Vindice seemed, and even with their oppressive auras, in Lambo's eyes, Reborn would always be stronger. No one had ever felt Reborn's full aura before so there was no way to make a comparison.
"Didn't it mean that they were all really strong Hitmen?" asks Fuuta. That's what he had assumed it meant. It would make sense to have Mafia Jailers as very strong Hitmen.
However Reborn couldn't help but feel it didn't mean that. The intonation of Bermuda's voice didn't sound like it was talking about a silly title like Strongest Hitman. It sounded more along the lines of Strongest Arcobaleno. But that couldn't be possible.
Shinichi isn't going anywhere without me.
Bermuda said he needed someone there to control his flame. I promised that I wouldn't leave him alone. And I am not going to break that promise. Reborn knows that I can do missions, Hunter's taken care of that. And just like Hunter predicted, Tsuna's not going to kill, so Reborn won't send me on a mission to do so. I'm sure that my missions can be put on hold for a moment. I am going to find him and stay until he's all done. He is not staying somewhere so dangerous without me to watch his back.
So back in his room, Kaito finds his mobile and phones someone he hasn't phoned for a long time.
Il Mare Bianco.
"Hi-Hi, KID-chan. What an unexpected call" says the rather cheery voice on the other end of the phone. Far too cheery for Kaito's current mood.
"Mr Tyrannical World Dominating Mafia Boss, you know where the Vendicare is don't you? In the future you sent one of your subordinates there to go and get the alternate you, or whatever Ghost was. So tell me. Now." Demands KID. He didn't have time to be wasting on chatting with this man.
"Hummm? So serious KID-chan. What ever has you so down in the dumps? Has your Tantei-kun been naughty and you want to lock him up? Vendicare is a rather harsh place to go for just a punishment you know" sings Byakuran.
"I don't think you realise how close you are to having your Marshmallow collection mysteriously disappear" smiles KID. "Not all of my Heists need a note. Unless you want to count this as my calling card?"
"Humhmhm. There is no need to threaten me KID-chan. Apparently you aren't in the mood for fun and games. But why the Vendicare? It's not a place I would recommend going." Advises Byakuran, his voice slightly less happy than usual.
"Let's just say that I need to keep an eye on Pandora" cryptically says KID.
"So Tantei-kun really is there. But 'keep an eye'? He's not a prisoner there?" asks Byakuran, slightly shocked. Even he wasn't mad enough to go there. In the future he had sent Iris instead.
KID sighs, the things Tantei-kun did… "Yes he went willingly. He's there to learn. So, my answer please, or your supply of sugar shall disappear before the bell tolls midnight."
"Wow, quite a one you have there KID-chan. I only know where the European Water Prison is. Just so happens to be the one where Mukuro spend many fun days."
"Just tell me… Please"
Shinichi isn't going anywhere without me.
I'm going to go and get him back. The Vindice are not taking away my tools anymore. They have interfered in my life enough. So I'll take him back. And when I do I'll smack some sense back into his thick skull. What was he thinking, going with them? I'm going to keep him safe from that Arcobaleno, from both Arcobaleno in fact. I've never liked Tsunayoshi's pet Arcobaleno, and this just proves it. I'll protect Shinichi from Reborn and from his own flame if I have to. I have other ways than illusions to help him. I have other ways than illusions to make him come back with me too.
"Mukuro-sama, what are we going to do?" asks Chikusa, watching Mukuro pace along the room. Mukuro stops pacing and sits on his sofa.
He looks up and smirks his usual smirk at them. Both step forwards and closer to him, knowing that he now has a plan. "We are going to Varia Castle. I need Flan."
"Flan? Why that idiot?" asks Ken.
"Oya, have you forgotten about what happened in the future? Flan was the one to get me out of Vendicare. That means he knows where it is."
"Of course, byon. And his illusions worked on them too. We can go get Shini-chan back." Shouts Ken in glee, clapping his hands and jumping about.
"But what if he doesn't want to come back? He seemed pretty happy when Bermuda said he could help Shinichi catch killers before they killed." Asks Chikusa, ever the logical one.
Mukuro's grin turns evil and the temperature in the room drops. Materialising his trident, he holds the tips close to his face, inspecting them, making sure they are sharp enough to scratch. "Kufufufu~ he might become mine sooner than I thought."
Just as Kaito finished his call with Byakuran, after having negotiated the price of the information, his phone rings once more.
"Hello?" he says as he answers it.
"Kaito! It's horrible. Shinichi has… Shinichi has…" gasps Shoichi down the phone. He sounds like he's hyperventilating. "Ow, my stomach" he whines, not directly down the phone. "Oh, thanks Spanner" KID hears the sound of a drink, so assumes Shoichi is taking pills for his stomach ache.
"I know. Shinichi has been taken by the Vindice. Who told you?" says KID solemnly down the phone.
"Huh, you know? No one told us. Shinichi and a Vindice Guard just materialised in our lab here in Japan….
"Good morning Spanner. Have you finished working on the latest adjustments to the Security system?" Shoichi asks, finding Spanner in the Lab before him.
"Yes" is Spanner's short reply.
"I had an idea last night. Do you think it would be possible to create-"
Shoichi never finished his sentence since suddenly, out of nowhere was such a strong presence. It was the most terrifying thing either Mechanic had ever felt before.
"Hey Guys" says Shinichi. Both Mechanics turn to face the voice, not expecting it to arrive with such an aura. Their jaws drop when they see who is with Shinichi.
"Shi-Shi-Shinichi… Behind you!" shouts Shoichi. He really wants to move, to grab one of the many weapons around the place, yet his body won't obey him.
"Yeah, long story. I'm going to be staying with them whilst they teach me to control my flame. Spanner, I'll need all of the headache lollipops you have. I was running out of them anyway."
Spanner dumbly nods before slowly turning, moving shakily like a robot to open a drawer and find what Shinichi requested. Seeing Spanner's state, Shinichi walks over to collect them from him. "Thanks Spanner. Do you think you could make some more? I'm going to need a whole lot of them. I'll come each week to pick them up alright" Spanner nods in agreement. The pills weren't all that hard to make. What both mechanics were thinking was how could Shinichi move so freely with the presence in the room?
They don't believe it when Shinichi walks back to the Vindice's officer's side. "Well, I'll see you later guys. Look after the others for me alright. It's safe to go to Italy now you know. I think they could do with your logic there. Gokudera might have trouble explaining all of this to the others in a way they can understand. Just know that I went willingly. I wasn't pushed into this in any form."
He waves to them and turns to the guard.
"Shinichi!" shouts Shoichi. Shinichi turns to look at him. "We'll…see you next week, right." Shinichi smiles.
"You'd better tell the others"
Spanner smiles in understanding. If the lollipops were picked up every week that meant that Shinichi was alive and well, and not imprisoned. It was a way to reassure the others. However, Shinichi never stated that it would be he himself that would pick the supply up, meaning that they might not be able to check up on him.
And then… and then he just disappears. Kaito what are we going to do?"
Kaito half-sighs half-laughs. "Didn't you just say that you were supposed to be the ones to explain his choices to the rest of us? Shoichi, calm down. You and Spanner should know better than the rest of us why Shinichi left. Both changed sides didn't you?"
"Ah-ur- Spanner did, I was Vongola the whole time and Spanner only followed me rather than agreeing with Byakuran's point of view to start with." Mumbles Shoichi in a rush.
"Fine, I'll ask Spanner then" Kaito knew that these two always had their phones on speaker for the other to hear. They were almost like one unit. Practically inseparable. "Spanner, You were tasked with killing Tsuna, yet instead you helped him to perfect the X-burner. Due to your help, Tsuna won the battle. Why did you do that?"
"Because I wanted to see it perfected. I knew that I could do it. Without realising it, as I was fighting, I was already working out the weak points, making adjustments and calculations. I could already see the idea forming. I am a mechanic, not a Mafioso."
Kaito's grin widens. "That last line was perfect. Make sure to use that when you explain to the others. When you look over the security footage, you'll see Shinichi goes for that same reason. The Vindice promised to teach him to use his flames to catch killers before they killed. Shinichi is a detective first, not a Mafioso. That is why he left us. And that is why I am going to watch over him. I'm not heartless enough to drag him away from a dream of his. Some of the others might try to drag him back, but I'm not going to. So make sure to make those lollipops extra strong. If I know Shinichi, he'll be overworking himself until he drops from exhaustion. Even bullet wounds don't stop him."
"I shall." Replies Spanner. "Come on Shoichi, it's time we went to Italy."
(Spoiler alert about what the Vindice truly are. Better have read KHR chapter 386 first)
"Hey, Bermuda, I was wondering, but why is it that illusions work against the rest of the Vindice but not you and me? Don't we all have the same flame?" asks Shinichi, sitting across from Bermuda, drinking coffee. The upper levels of the Prison looked a lot like a house. They might be scary, but the Vindice were people too; they needed places to relax and live in just as much as anybody else does.
"No, the Flames that the rest of the Vindice hold are not Star Flames. They are Flames of the Night." expains Bermuda, holding out one hand. With a click of his fingers a pure black flame sits in his palm.
"Flames... of the night? What are those? Another element?" questions Shinichi.
"You cannot tell the Pet about this until I tell him, understand" Bermuda gives Shinichi a serious look. Shinichi nods, saying he wouldn't tell Reborn. "The Vindice are made from the surviving members of the Previous Generations of Arcobaleno." Looking at Shinichi's shocked face, he continues. "The current lot are not the first. The Vongola rings have been around for over 10 generations, as have the Mare, so it would be weird for there not to be the Arcobaleno for that amount of time too. They have always been there, watching over the balance of the world. They have always been the strongest 7 people. However, the curse puts a strain on the body and they cannot hold the power the pacifiers carry all of the time. Eventually, a new set of Arcobaleno need to be found. However when the pacifiers are removed from them, the Arcobaleno generally die."
"I'd been wondering about that- why Reborn had never taken the sign of his curse off. He can't, can he? It's stuck to his body" figures Shinichi. Bermuda nods to show Shinichi is correct.
"Only one or two of them ever survive. So they come here, bandaged up to hide their decaying bodies and watch over the Mafia. That is the reason they are so powerful, they are Arcobaleno back in their correct bodies. They were strong as babies, being adults makes them even stronger. You have not seen it, but all Vindice members wear a stone pacifier. It shows their status as ex-Arcobaleno. When the curse is lifted from them, their flames are also taken from them. However a way around that was found and we learnt how to use these Flames of the Night. They can control Space and Time slightly. Whilst their bodies might decay, it is only up to a point. At that point they are cursed to live Immortally. They can move through Space, but only in this dimension, to allow them to capture criminals from all over the world at any given moment."
"So the Curse of the Arcobaleno never really ends, does it?" says Shinichi sadly. "So why is your pacifier clear and not black?"
"Fwahaha, that is a story for another time. But first I suppose we had better find you something to eat. You must be pretty hungry after the day you've had"
Right, I've included this because I stated ages ago that Talbot senses the Star Pacifier was with the Vindice. At the time, I had a different theory as to what the Vindice were. However, I had forgotten something when giving Shinichi his powers. Shinichi's Star Flames help him to be immune to Illusions. Not totally, since if the illusion was perfect, then his flame couldn't tell the difference. However, I had forgotten that Mukuro and Flan have the power to create illusions that even the Vindice fall for. As a result, they can't have Star Flames. The Vindice are known for being really powerful, so it would be rather weird for them to have weak flames. However, this latest revelation of what the Vindice actually are helps solve that problem. Their flame isn't just suddenly going to convert to the ultra-rare Star flame. So instead I've explained it this way. I hope that it makes sense.
Whist it seems like I am playing with the Canon timeline, the Vindice aren't going to suddenly change what they are just because the Shimon arrived. They have always been called Avengers, now we just know why. So technically, I'm not playing with time at all.
However, this does End the Crack Maze Arc. There are no killing missions since Tsuna has made that contract. I hope you all like the results. And I hope my reasoning for Tsuna not wanting to kill made sense.
Do you know that it's taken me this long to figure out that I have turned Kaito into Phantom Hitman 1412, since he is Phantom KID and a Phantom Mafioso. Ironic and totally unplanned when I created my username. I was just using my fav characters/shows. Funny, right?
Phantom Hitman 1412
First Published: 29th May 2012
Minor edits: about Night flames, added 06/6/12