Katekyo Hitman Reborn

My Fate is Certainly Uncertain

Chapter 13: Exchanging Pleasantries

Overall Warnings: Violence, swearing, blood and Oc-ness.

[Written to: Luke Bryan - I don't want this night to end]

~o0o~

Reborn informed me three weeks later after he had introduced Bianchi to me about his brand-spanking-new job. He told me no matter what, he would always remain a hitman. And then, he told me his predicament, which I found to be quite interesting.

I never thought that Reborn would be the type to teach anyone. He didn't really like hanging out with people nor did his image give that option, so I never really thought of it till the words slipped out of his mouth. We met at one of the botanical gardens that was located in Florence and had drinks while discussing the future; both his and mine. (Not that I had much planned out for the next couple of months, just some odds and ends to tie up.)

"I'm gonna take a stab in the dark here Reborn, but I'm going to guess it has something to do with the Vongola?"

"You are sharp today." He noted, sipping on his coffee. I twirled a long bit of hair around my finger and rolled my ankle, thinking that I should really go get a haircut soon. It had grown past my shoulders and it was long enough to put my fringe in a ponytail.

"Isn't it strange that the next boss is in Japan?"

"Part of the family migrated there, back before world war two started. Iemitsu's family. His kid will be the next candidate."

I almost spat out my tea. "You kidding me? The small fluff-ball?! Isn't he twelve or something?"

This was a kid that I had only heard of and seen through the pictures on Iemitsu's desk and his annoyingly constant cooing whenever he pointed them out. I'm sure that they're perfectly nice and acceptable people of a normal society, but since they have something to do with Iemitsu, my conscience was telling me to believe something else in the other direction. And you know how some people say keep family and work separate?

He can't.

Neither can I for that matter.

Reborn shrugged. "It's going to be a big mission, so I don't know how long I'll be gone."

"And what about Xanxus?"

"What about him?"

I silently gulped, watching the steam seep off of the surface of my peppermint tea. "Just, you know, what do you think he's going to do. From what I heard, the guy is nuts. That and ever since his release, Iemitsu has been getting constant updates. Usually I'm the one that has to record them."

He sighed into his cup and I nodded.

We were both uncertain.

~o0o~

I learned from Romario that it was only two weeks after Reborn had left that Dino had followed after him, which to me was quite a surprise. I hadn't anticipated that from him. He called me from Japan, after apparently landing in an airport near the location of Namimori. It had been when I was sleeping, so the phone call in my memory was a bit slurred.

The call interrupted my sleep. In a daze, I rolled over onto my side and reached for the receiver, being very careful not to disturb Al. I had worked a twelve hour shift prior to going to bed, so I was pretty worn out.

"..." I breathed out.

"Yes, hello? Phillipa, are you there?"

"Who is this?" I asked, still in my daze.

"Dude, it's me."

Are you kidding me.

While rubbing my eyes to try and rid myself of the caked eye-snot, I sat up and looked at the alarm clock.

"Do you have any idea what time it is? My sleep is a precious thing you know!"

He laughed nervously."B-But you were the one that told me to stay safe, so I thought I'd let you know."

"Well, thank you Dino, that's very kind of you. Just make sure that next time I'm not fucking asleep, okay!?"

~o0o~

That was about a month and a half ago. Since then, I had made a good mental effort to get out of the headquarters more. I was getting into autumn, so the outdoors wasn't blazing hot, nor was it as cold as Italy in winter. So it was the perfect opportunity for me to focus on the missions that involved stalking suspects for Iemitsu. I also often worked overtime, since Basil had followed Reborn to Japan as well. It got lonely without him but hey, I had Al. He was all the company I could ever need.

But, one late afternoon, just when I should have really begun to start dinner but couldn't since I was sorting through the paperwork again, I got a call from Iemitsu.

I heard him grumble after his usual greeting.

"What's up?" I asked, putting a murder file to my left. "Did you leave something in your office?"

"No."

"So, why did you call me? I doubt that you did because you're having nightmares."

He sighed. "I have a very important document that is waiting at the house of the Vongola, with the Ninth. I need you to go pick it up for me and bring it here to Japan. I'd do it myself, much quicker, ya know? But I'm worried about the recent movements of the Varia and that's unfortunate. I suspect that they will attack even before we get the green light. They hate going through trials just as much as I do."

"Trials?" I repeated, my mind briefly flashing back to athletics day at school, where we would run long distances.

"If there is more than one person that are viable candidates for the title of the Tenth head of a family, trials must occur to find the best candidate for the job."

"Why don't you get it shipped by mail? Why not Lal instead?" I asked. "Right now it's almost dinner time. And you know I didn't think you would trust me this much with a document that important."

"Shit happens when you get stiff shipped by mail. Having important documents in the hands of other people at this point in time is not an option I want to consider, but I have no choice but to get you to do it. You know Lal can't. She's wrapped up in other matters right now till further notice. I know Reborn trusts you a whole lot, so it's only recently that I've started to think that way too."

His sudden respect made my throat clamp up unexpectedly, so the words that came out of my mouth were mushy and unclear. Even I don't know what I meant by them, but when I opened my mouth again and realised what I had just spurted, I heard Iemitsu's rumbling laugh.

"Don't gawk now."

"Y-Yes sir! I'll leave right away!"

"Good, leave as soon as you can. I don't know if your line is safe, so don't call me. I'll call you."

"O-Okay!"

He ended the phone call and I pressed the end button, exiting out of the call app. My stomach grumbled and I sighed.

Dinner would have to wait.

~o0o~

I didn't stay long at the Vongola household, nor did they even let me greet the Ninth. (Not that I wanted to. My stomach was craving crispy chicken.) All I had to do was get clearance with the codes from Iemitsu, wait for two hours while the second floor guards convened on what they should do about me and take an identity test. I was starving by the time they had handed over the scroll.

I then took what seemed like a car ride that lasted for ages, but what was probably an hour and a half to the nearest airport and booked the next flight to Narita International airport. Al spent his time sleeping, while I sat silently on the plane at six in the morning, my eyelids barely keeping open. I shut off my cell and then closed my eyes, nervously waiting for sleep to take me.

When I realised that it wouldn't be that easy to force myself to sleep, I thought back on a similar time like this. Usually, when my mother was running from the hands of the law and taking her with us, we would travel by car. But once, before I had become a big sister, we took an airplane, from one side of the country to the other, over a period of two days. Over those two days, I couldn't sleep. I was terrified of planes at that point of time.

I sat on her lap and she stroked my hair, her fingers brushing through the many strands of hair that was once considered untamable. She told me a story of herself. How, when she was itty bitty, even smaller than myself, her father took her to a seaside carnival. Her smile was one of remembrance, when she told me she got lost.

"What did you do then?" I asked eagerly, as she continued to play with my hair

"I lost hope. I thought my world would end, that time would stop, that I would never see my family again. I was so afraid." My mother was a strong woman, who until then had only shown a stern side.

"And then?"

"And then I was found. My father took me home and I had a hot shower. We shared some leftover Shepard's pie and he tucked me into my warm bed and told me to never be afraid."

"How can you not be afraid?" I asked. "Being lost is scary!"

"He scared away my fear, my dear, by telling me that he would never stop looking for me if I ever got lost again. Each time, he would come and find me and tell me how much he loved me. So darling, you don't have to be afraid. I will always be here for you."

That time, and only then, was when I heard my heart thump in unison with hers. That was the only time that she ever told me of her past. I felt safe in her arms.

~o0o~

I arrived at Narita airport seven hours later in Tokyo, only managing about four or five hours of sleep. After going through customs, to this day who I still hate, I waited at the baggage carousel and picked up my pack. It was easier, I had learned, to take a pack instead of a suitcase. It would be harder to lug a suitcase around while travelling.

It was about one in the afternoon when I stepped into the open air that swirled in front of the airport. It was really refreshing, since all I had prior to this was circulated air that somebody probably farted in. We were both trying to adjust quickly to the time zone. I think Al had more trouble than me, as he wasn't snapping as much.

"You okay?"

"Just a little dizzy love." He replied, groaning as he rolled in my arms. "Just give me a day or two and I'll be fine."

I wanted to tell him that jet lag takes more than two days to get over for long haul flights, but I kept my mouth shut and found a bench that stood in a small park. I took out my cellphone and turned it on. What popped up were three missed calls. One from Dino and two from Reborn. Something to me felt wrong, since he called more than once.

I called him.

After the third ring, I picked up.

"Hello Phillipa! Where have you been?"

"Sorry, I was on the plane when you called. I'm in Tokyo at the moment, at the airport."

"Good good. You came quick."

"Yeah, well, it was a hassle to do so so quickly, but hey. I'm cool with it." I shrugged and rubbed my eyes. "Iemitsu better be happy with whatever's written in this scroll."

"Did you get dinner?"

"I had some stuff to eat on the plane. I'll be fine."

A loud bang was in the background and I heard Reborn snigger. "I'll get Mama to make you something when you arrive."

I guessed that was Tsuna's mother, as Reborn was staying at his residence while he taught him. Apparently, her food was really good, according to Reborn. I trusted his word when it came to stuff like that.

"Hm, thanks. Why were you so eager to call me?"

"I wanted to warn you that the Varia appeared a couple of days ago. I want you to be careful."

Is he….trying to care for me?

"...Thanks Reborn. I'll stay safe."

I found myself smiling when I hit the end button. It hadn't occurred to me that he might have actually been concerned for my well being. It made me kind of happy. I petted Al's hear and he purred gently, loving the fact that I was happy as well. He had thought I needed to smile more.

The next number I called was Dino's.

I heard him pick up and there was a pause, and then a gasp.

"P-Phillipa! W-What's up?! You don't normally call me!"

My legs were bare, and I felt the need to put on some knee high socks. "Sorry Dino, did I interrupt something?"

"No, no! I wasn't doing anything, so you're okay!"

"Woah, calm down there big boy. I'm only calling just to see why you called me."

"Why I called you….." He repeated. "Oh yeah! Basil got attacked by Squalo!"

"Again? Are you kidding me?"

I heard him stand up and walk around. His breathing resonated through the phone. "Iemitsu gave him half of the Vongola rings for apparent safekeeping. Fake ones to distract Squalo. Basil didn't know about them either."

"And Basil got in his way? Good grief."

"I know. Basil's got hurt but he's fine now. I thought you would want to know."

"Thanks. Where are you now?"

He paused and I heard panic in his voice. "W-Why?"

"I just landed in Japan and was wondering if you're anywhere near Tokyo. Cause if you're not, I'll just catch the next trail to Namimori."

"You're in Japan?!"

"Did I stutter?" I asked sarcastically. "Iemitsu needed a scroll picked up and I'm just bringing it to him."

"Oh." He sounded detached. "So the Ninth has agreed then….."

"That's the vibe I'm getting."

"Eh, I expected as much. I'll go tell Iemitsu that you got here okay."

"Thanks."

I closed my phone and slipped it into my shorts pocket, getting up off of my ass. It took over half an hour to walk to the trainstation. I stopped to eat something quick, a rice-ball, and stopped inside the train office to check the timetable.

"There." Al said smugly, pointing his nose up to the red LED sign. "There's a train travelling to Hiroshima. If you take that one, it will stop at Narakai and you can take a shuttle bus to Namimori."

"Seems simple enough when you put it like that." I muttered. Japanese was a language I had studied when I had classes with Basil. I wanted to learn about it, since Basil was learning it too. I'd taken advanced Italian as well, so I could understand my mother's language more. Japanese proved to be a challenge, but I was getting better.

But after managing to find my way around the subway, we boarded the train and I put on my headphones.

~o0o~

Namimori reminded me of a storytown out of a book . It was a fair distance from the bustling city, but not too far enough to be in the middle of no-where. The leaves had started to fall and were blocking the water drains that were embedded in the street. I didn't have enough money to take a taxi to Tsuna's house after I had gotten off of the shuttle bus, so by the time I had reached the house, I was pretty tired. Al had been lulled to sleep in my arms as I walked down the street and I was happy that he was getting at least some sleep. My little man needed it.

The house was around the size that mine was in America. It had a clean-cut lawn and laundry that fluttered as it dried in the autumn wind. No dog came to nip at my ankles when I opened the gate.

I tapped on the door and waited quietly as I heard footsteps.

The woman that opened the door was my height and had soft, brown eyes, with beautiful long eyelashes. I'd thought to myself that she was pretty when I had seen her, through photographs of a happy, quaint, oblivious family. But now that she stood in front to me, batting her eyelashes.

I put a smile on and with the sides of my eyes crinkled, I held out a flat palm.

"Um, Hi." I bobbed my head slightly. "My name is Phillipa."

"Ara?" He eyes widened as she held a spatula in one hand. She was a housewife indeed, if I couldn't tell from her apron. "Oh! You're Phillipa! Oh my, how pretty you are! Reborn is so lucky to have a sister like you! Come in, come in sweetie. I was just cooking some rice for dinner. I'm Nana, but you can call me Mama too since everyone else does, okay sweetie?"

Nana it is.

"Thank you m'am." I said, ducking down so that my pack didn't hit the top of the doorway when I walked into her home. (Which, by the way is mad-like clean. That's something that Basil nor I had when we shared a room together. Books skewed everywhere, clothes on the floor. You get my drift, it wasn't pretty.)

"Follow me, I'll show you your room."

"M'kay."

I followed her upstairs and she reached up to a string on the ceiling that dangled down with a ball on the end. She smiled sheepishly. "I'm so sorry that you have to use the attic. Our family's gotten big recently!"

"That's okay, really. Just as long as I have food, a mattress and a roof over my head, I'm fine."

She giggled. "That's something my husband would say!"

Oh really?

I climbed the ladder and gently too off my bag so that I wouldn't disturb Al. The bed had already been made, so I put him by the pillows and went back downstairs, carrying a smaller backpack that I had brought to act as a day pack.

But the second I walked into the kitchen to get something to eat, my ringtone played. I looked at the number and excused myself, apologising to Nana.

"It's fine, it's fine!" She said, smiling. I left her to cook dinner and stepped out onto the deck outside.

My, my. My phone really missed me.

"Yes Sir?"

"Phillipa, where are you?"

"I just got to your house."

"Do you have the scroll?"

"Of course." I said, frowning. "I wouldn't come all the way here and leave it back in Italy."

"Well I need you to give it to me, now. I'm sending you my co-ordinates."

"Wait, wait! Why can't you come home instead? I only just got here!" I looked inside to see Nana cooking away happily, oblivious to our conversation. "Wait, is something happening?"

"I tried to delay them attacking, but they've had enough. I need you to come here now so that I can release the official statement."

"Yes Sir." My phone beeped, indicating a text message. I hung up the phone and opened google maps, inputting what he had sent to me into the app. I opened the door and walked inside.

"Nana, I'm going now! I've got things to do and I don't know when I'll be back!"

"Okay!" She called as I sprinted out of the house and jumped over the gate. "Come back safely!"

I kept a reasonable pace when I ran, but since Iemitsu had voiced his concerns, add onto that the tone of his voice, I sped up a little bit.

I heard shrieking around the corner and I guessed that it belonged to the young Vongola before I even saw Tsuna's fluffy head. But I could feel his fear and when a very bulky swooped in to attack, I flung one on my shields between the two groups and thankfully, stopped the man's attacks. Iemitsu would have a rage if his son died before the trials even started.

He grunted at my sudden arrival and Tsuna's expression was one of confusion. I think I heard him ask who I was, but his voice was drowned out by the small child who was dressed as a cow.

"Ohoho, so you've come to challenge the great Lambo!" He shouted, from behind Tsuna's legs. This kid sounded egotistical, so I figured that was his own name he shouted.

"Stop Lambo." I shouted. "You stay put, ya hear?!"

"Out of the way, girlie." The man grunted, pulling out a rod that glowed with an electrical green current. "I'll kill you first and then the kid."

"Watch out!" Tsuna yelled.

"I advise you to keep your distance. I didn't come here for a fight, I'm just a messenger." I raised my hands. "However, that's my boss's son, so I feel some obligation to keep him safe."

"Talk time is over!" He yelled, charging at me. I dodged his jabbing attack and grabbed the arm he attacked with. Then, I whacked his neck. He stumbled back, choking out loud.

And then, without me having to hit him, he went flying due to a punch thrown by a guy that appeared out of nowhere.

"Ryohei!" Tsuna yelled, and I realised he hadn't raised a hand against anyone yet.

"That was cool!" The guy named Ryohei yelled, grabbing my hands in his. "How did you learn how to fight like that?!"

"From Lal." I said. "Please let go of my hands."

He apologised bashfully and I wiped them on my shirt.

"Phillipa, there you are." Reborn said, also appearing out of nowhere like it was an in-trend. "I hope that you're doing okay."

"M'fine."

"Good, cause it's not over yet."

"Above!"

The attacker that jumped down for an aerial attack from the top of the stock bank was hit by a flash of blue that made the branches of the nearby trees shutter. The man's body hit the ground with a heavy boom! and I could feel the shock waves rattle the ground.

Then, out of the shadows, two more people stepped out, after defeating several others of the assassination squad.

The grey haired one growled and shook his head angrily. "Geeze, why does the stupid cow have a ring?"

"It's alright now, everyone." The tall one cooed, trying to comfort the children.

"E-Everyone!"

"Good grief, I wonder if there's any more of them." I muttered, looking around. I set down the shield and swiped out my phone. I couldn't get any service around here. "Darn it."

"There's more!" Reborn shouted.

"Geeze." Tsuna looked pitifully at Lambo, who was rolling around in the dirt. "You were the one they were after. Don't you feel any sort of danger!?"

"I don't understand it at all." The grey one said, still angry. "Why did this idiot get a ring?!"

"Come on, it's alright since were all safe."

"Not yet." I said, setting up a barrier again, but instead of it acting like a barrier, I designed it to wrap around my arm like a coil. In a way, it could be used as a weapon or a shield. A quick, versatile weapon."Be on your guard."

"Phillipa's right, Yamamoto. T-" His breathing hitched and his black irises darted to the bushes above. I changed my stance and shouted. "Guys!"

"He's coming." Reborn stated.

Out of the bushes, a huge, no kidding, beast of a man jumped and landed on the ground with a rumble that reverberated up my legs.

The man eyed the unconscious lot on the ground, before laying eyes on us. "Did you do this?"

"You're welcome. I muttered.

"Who holds the thunder ring?" He asked, in a deep voice. His eyes thinned. "Is it that curly haired brat?"

Lambo flinched, his nose dribbling and I looked over to Reborn, who shook his head. I felt an unsettling feeling that a child had been chosen for this role.

Tsuna shook his arms, an attempt to calm everybody, mainly the lion man over there, down. "I-It's not! It's just a m-misunderstanding!"

The man reached for the swords on his back. "If you get in my way, I'll kill you."

I stepped in between them. "You're not permitted to attack until the trials start, mister. Attack him and I'll attack you."

"Cocky girl. I'll kill you first."

"Hang on Levi."

Oh, so that's his name? Sounds like a shoe brand. Like Nike.

Then, five people jumped down beside him, all blasing in black leather, all with killer intents. Hm, now I think that I shouldn't have made that bluff. It was the blond, the one with the wild fringe, spoke. Is that a tiara? Who's he trying to be, fucken sleeping beauty?!

"Don't be greedy, share the prey!"

"The situation has changed." Said a new voice, high and more controlled. It was coming from the shortest of the group, the one wearing the hood and I realised it was Mammon. He hadn't sent me the info yet either, but sent me updates instead. "The other guardians of the rings are here." Then, she noted me. "Oh, hello."

"S-So many?!" Tsuna seemed to tremble with fear at their presence.

"VOI! How dare you trick me, you trash!" Squalo yelled. I remembered his name from when we spied on their last battle from behind some garbage bins.

I cupped my mouth. "D'aw, does Granny need glasses?"

His eyebrow twitched as he recognised me. He growled venomously. "You."

Oh. I can see we haven't gotten over the 'you' stage since the last time we talked.

"Yes, I know who I am." I said, shrugging. "But I see that you've got the brain of a grandma too, since you can't remember my name."

He tried to attack, and to be honest, I would have gladly defended myself. But I found that as soon as he tried to attack me, my small little knight in shining fur shredded his claws into Squalo's face, before jumping back into my arms.

"Why the heck did you leave the house without me!?" He yelled, obviously upset. "I nearly had a heart attack when I woke up!"

"Little shit." Squalo spat, a little blood trickling down from the scratch on his cheek.

"I'm sorry Al. You were so sleepy, I didn't want to wake you." I smiled. "But thank you for protecting me."

"That's my job, idiot. You can't go out into the world alone. If you did, you would be lost immediately after you leave the house."

I nodded. "I know."

"Who the heck are you talking to?!" He spat. Then, he shook his head, gritting his teeth. "Which one of you has the rain ring?"

Yamamoto breathed out. "I do."

"So it's you?!" Squalo's clenched fist was shaking with anticipation. "Three seconds. I'll cut you into pieces in three seconds."

Tsuna squeaked and clutched his head. "Not good! This isn't good!"

"No shit it ain't good Tsuna!" I yelled, annoyed.

"Out of the way."

"He's here." Reborn said, and I followed his line of sight. Xanxus, a badly scarred man, had stopped Squalo, and was now taking notes of everything and everyone around him. His eyes were like daggers, they cut into everything and examined things carefully. I didn't like the looks he was giving. They weren't nice. His thoughts were on the same agenda. "I never thought I'd see him ever again, Xanxus."

Just saying his name gave me the shivers.

He was muscular, and by the look of his, very terrifying. I wouldn't want to get caught in a fight with him late at night. Nor did I want to be here. Even Al's thoughts were scattered over the scarred man.

Tsuna flinched under the man's gaze and fell back. I wanted to raise my shield up again to put between the two groups, but I couldn't have the one on my arm and another one up at the same time. I'd probably collapse from overuse.

"Get up Starfish! He's not playing games!"

"S-Starfish? What kind of nickname is that?

Xanxus didn't even acknowledge my presence.

"Sawada Tsunayoshi." He said in a low, deeply menacing voice that echoed down to us. His hand began to glow the colour of the sun, his sky flames, and I knew we were in trouble. Big, big trouble. Xanxus wasn't a man who waited, and he certainly didn't now, as his hand burned brighter, turning almost white. "Die."

Xanxus would have probably carted most of us to the hospital, if Iemitsu hadn't right then stopped him with a flying axe. I breathed a huge sigh of relief when I saw Tsuna's father, standing out in his yellow suit.

A sweat-drop formed and I sighed, chuckling a tiny, mad laugh. "O-Oh, what timing..."

"Hold on Xanxus," He ordered. "That's enough, I'll take charge from here."

"D-Dad!"

"Juudaime's father!?"

Xanxus continued to stare at him, analyzing. "Iemitsu."

"Voi! Why are you here!?"

"Xanxus, are your subordinates trying to threaten a sword at the external adviser? " He asked in a threatening tone that I've never seen him speak before. "Phillipa, get up here now."

"Yes Sir."

I jumped up onto the bank and gave Iemitsu the scroll that I had been entrusted with. Iemitsu and Xanxus exchanged looks of upheaval and desire. Iemitsu read the scroll with deep intent. He then took the two smaller scrolls and handed them to Basil and I. I gave mine to Xanxus, who read it silently.

Tsuna was still kneeling on the dirt. "D-Dad! What are you d-doing?!"

"How touching. The blood-lust between them is flying through their hearts in such a way that makes mine flutter with happiness! Why can't we have a relationship like that?!"

"Somehow, I doubt that's what it is." I replied bluntly. "And what are you talking about, we have a good relationship!"

"But it's important. And it's quite rare for a family to have two possible candidates. Most mafia families have one child to reduce in-family fighting."

Basil took the scroll from Iemitsu and handed it to Tsuna.

"This is a direct order from the Ninth."

"Direct order?" Tsuna repeated, opening it.

"A dying will flame?!"

"That's the Ninth's dying flame seal." Mammon muttered and I jotted down in my head to speak to him later. "There's no mistake. That's a true, direct order."

"I can't read Italian!" Tsuna cried. "What does it say?!"

Iemitsu chuckled a little. "To translate and summarise, this is what it says: Until now, I thought that Iemitsu's son, Sawada Tsunayoshi, was a worthy successor and acted as such. However, perhaps it is because I am close to death that by my intuition, I have changed course and chosen a new successor. My son, Xanxus. He is truly worthy of becoming the Tenth successor."

"What?!" Tsuna gasped. "He's the Ninth's son."

"Doesn't really have a lot of resemblances with the old man, does he?"

"How would you know?" I asked. "We've never seen him."

"However, there will be those who are unhappy with this change. That is why Iemitsu fought against handing the rings to Xanxus. However, I do not wish my family to fight amongst themselves for no reason. Thus, we will begin the decisive battle to decide who will be the official , through a method we can all agree on." He opened his eyes, and I knew he wanted to sigh but at this point in time, it would be seen as extremely rude. "That is what it means. Vongola successor candidate, Sawada Tsunayoshi."

I felt Tsuna's timidness.

"Also, a successor candidate, Xanxus! The Vongola rings that you both require to become the true successor….To decide who has the right to these we will begin the decisive battle between Tsuna's family and the Varia!"

"What will the battle of?" I asked.

"A one-on-one battle between those who hold the same type of ring."

"A fight?"

He nodded. "Yeah. After that, it just says to wait for directions."

My ears caught onto the sound of the rustling bushes near us, and two girls jumped out, landing on the concrete.

"Sorry to keep you waiting." One said. "During this ring conflict, we will be the judges. We are the Cervello Organisation, who serve directly under the Ninth."

"During the ring conflict, our decisions are that of the Ninth's. The Ninth believes that this measure will please all members of the family. Any objections, Xanxus?"

When he didn't reply, they took it as an agreement. He did agree too, to a point.

"Thank you."

"Wait, I have an objection!" Iemitsu called, surprising me. "Even I, the external advisor, have never heard of the Cervello Organisation. How can I allow you to judge when the future of the Vongola is at stake?"

"We cannot recognize your objection. We serve under the Ninth's orders and cannot be bossed around by the likes of you."

He was genuinely upset about it."What?"

The multi-haired man mockingly laughed. "What a shame!"

"Can it, you rodeo clown." I snapped as the Cervello continued to speak.

"Excuse me! What did you call me?!"

"Normally, one set of the half Vongola rings are held by the boss, and the other by the external advisor. And during the announcement of the successor, a completed ring is given to the chosen seven. However, this time has become an exception."

"The sets of seven chosen by the two of them do not match, and each handed out. Meaning the seven led by Xanxus , chosen by the Ninth and the seven led by Tsunayoshi, chosen by the external advisor, Iemitsu."

"Now we'll prove which is more worthy of the Rings by having you bet your lives on them."

"So what she's saying is, that they don't have a choice."

"I think if they had a choice, Tsuna would be the itchy trigger."

"How sad."

"And you know what's sadder?"

"What?"

"We have to stay and watch." I whispered quietly into his ear.

He agreed silently.

~o0o~

Living in the attic didn't bother me much at all. Before I had set up my sleeping space, the room was lined with boxes that had faded pen marks, pointing out what the contents of the boxes were. The attic was reasonably big, considering that half of it was covered by the boxes. The bed was placed by the attic window, which opened slightly and trust me, the room needed a lot of fresh air with all the dust that had piled up.

Due to the fact I had moved a lot in my life so far, adapting to places wasn't a big struggle like it would be to most people. But that didn't mean that I wasn't affected by the Jet lag. No, I'm not invincible or anything like a superhero. Therefore, due to my body yelling at me to wake up wake up wake up, I woke up earlier than usual.

I couldn't feel anything holding down my feet at the end of the bed. Looking through crusted eyes, I gazed over to the end of the bed and realised that Al wasn't here. My usual mornings consisted of him waking me up, mostly by licking my face. (That being said, I knew what morning breath smelt like. Tuna doesn't help. At all.)

Since this wasn't my house and that I was a guest, I decided to get changed into some more appropriate clothes that weren't pyjamas.

To my surprise, Nana was already up and in the kitchen, humming a tune that I did not recognise.

"Good morning." I said, scratching the back of my head, which was now free of knots. I was sure by the amount of knots that my bed-hair was particularly flamboyant today, so I had sat there for a good five minutes trying to tame it.

"Good morning Phillipa!" She called, turning around. "Would you be a help dear and set the table? Breakfast is almost ready."

"Okay."

I laid out the plates around the table and then walked back upstairs to see Reborn standing at the foot of a closed door, one that I assumed was Tsuna's.

"Getting yourself ready?"

"Something like that." He replied, his black eyes focussing on the door. "I have a feeling that Tsuna's won't adapt well. The kid is more afraid than his right mind should be."

"Yeah, he seems afraid of everything, but I think his timidness hides his determination."

"You think?"

I weighed the pros and cons mentally, moving my head as I did so. My lips scrunched and began to think otherwise. "Maybe. Maybe not. I just think he has trouble adjusting with new situations. I think he'll be alright after tonight." I paused. "I hope."

"Have you had breakfast yet?" He asked and Leon yawned.

"Nope. Nana's just making it now."

"Alright. You head down and eat while I wake Tsuna up."

I nodded and walked back downstairs to see Iemitsu and the three children, already eating what rice they had in their bowls.

"Good morning."

"Good morning." Iemitsu said, stuffing his mouth. His work suit was what had me concerned. Was this how his family saw him when he was home? "Did you sleep okay."

"Somewhat so. I'll go buy a curtain for that window today."

"Ohoho~! You're that chick that saved Lambo yesterday!" Lambo yelled, holding up a spoon in the air. The girl named I-Pin sat next to him, hovering over her own food while the lovely and polite Fuuta decided to sit next to me. "Lambo gives his thanks by making you his she-butler!"

She-butler?

"Are you sure you don't mean maid?"

"No! I mean she-butler!"

I gave up there and then because I saw no point in fighting over something that mattered to a kid, even if it was over the sake of being politically correct.

"M'rphin fy ffet."

I turned around in my seat and looked over into the kitchen to see Al eating what looked like c-grade sashimi. I usually gave him tuna or some sort of fish and not the jelly meat that he hated with a passion.

"Al, don't eat with your mouthful."

"How about you don't eat at all?"

Fuuta smiled. "Al and Phillipa are number 12 out of 126 for a good relationship between human and animal partners!"

"Thank you, my dear boy, but flattery will get you nowhere. I like girls and don't particularly like younger ones, like Reborn does."

"Shut up, will you?" Reborn squeaked as Tsuna followed behind him.

"H-Hey, you were there yesterday!"

"Yup, I was."

"What are you doing here?!"

"She is here to protect the family Tsuna." Iemitsu said and Tsuna's attitude changed from one of confusement to one that listened intently. "While I can't intervene, and neither can she, Phillipa will watch over the family while I'm wound up in the trial matters."

"There's a chance that they might go after the children." I said, shoveling a spoonful of rice into my bowl. "I'm just here as a safety measure."

"Right, that reminds me. Phillipa, would you go down to school with Tsuna and let Dino know that the trials are starting tonight."

I nodded and then ate the rest of my breakfast. It was odd, to eat rice for breakfast. It wasn't bad or anything, but after growing up on toast and cereal, that's what I'd prefer, rather than grains.

I left the house dressed in one of the summer dresses that I had tucked away in case it was to hot to wear jeans, which is something that I'd usually wear.

Tsuna's hand was trembling and I wondered if he was nervous. I couldn't blame him. The Varia had a lot of people that looked scary. But they also had a lot that were oddities.

Yamamoto, the swordsman that I saw attack Squalo yesterday met up with us, smiling away. ALthough, I felt his nervousness, which he covered with a smile that was convincing to Tsuna.

"You probably didn't fall asleep at all last night, did you? Neither did I! I couldn't calm down by training, so I thought I'd come to school instead." He seemed sad about admitting it. "I'm so excited!"

"W-Wha!"

I thumped him on the back. "At least you ain't running from it."

"Running is for the weak and unfit."

"The long-haired guy is all I could think about! I don't understand it fully, but when I'm fighting together with everyone, I realized that we were all fighting for the same reason."

"Of course!"

Gokudera shouted, as we were nearing school. He seemed just as enthusiastic as Yamamoto was. In his hands, he had a large cardboard box. "We can't leave the Vongola in their hands!"

"Gokudera-kun..."

His brow dropped when he saw me. "Who are you!"

"Oh, I haven't introduced myself to everyone yet, have I? I'm Phillipa Marsh, Reborn's sister and Iemitsu's colleague."

"You're Reborn's sister and you work with Juudiame's father?! That's surprising."

"How so?"

"I never expected Reborn to have family." He said. "I never knew he had a sister."

"Liar liar, dress on fire."

I don't think he does, is what I picked up from Tsuna, who hung his head low as we walked into the school grounds. The two students had to say their goodbyes, as Yamamoto had a meeting for baseball and Gokudera had to see the school nurse. I waved goodbye to them.

"Aren't you supposed to find Dino?" Tsuna asked, wondering why I was still around.

I pointed to the roof. "My sources told me that he's over there, so I'm gonna go there."

"B-But Hibari might attack you if he sees you wandering around here!"

"Hibari?" I asked. "I don't know who he is or if you even remember much of yesterday Tsuna, but I'm a big girl. I can handle drama any day."

He frowned and I looked at my watch, thinking that it was just about time for the school bell to ring. I smiled and patted his shoulder.

"I'm happy that you worry so much. It shows how much you care."

"Er...thanks….I think…"

Tsuna turned to walk away, when I called back to him.

"Oh, and Tsuna?"

"Y-Yes Phillipa?"

"You're right, I'm not Reborn's sister. I'm his daughter."

"D-D-Daughter!" He yelled and I whacked him over the head.

"Yes, daughter. I'm saying sister for the moment till the danger period has passed, since that's what Reborn advised. I'm trusting you with this information Tsuna, because I think that you will turn out top in the trials."

His spirit lifted a little. "You really think that?"

"No, I'm not really sure."

He gawked. "P-Please don't say that with the same face Reborn uses."

I smiled. "Sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. What I'm saying is that I'm sure that you'll succeed, if you put in the hard work. You'll never get anywhere in life if you continue to sulk the way you are now. Can't you see Tsuna, everyone is working with enthusiasm, towards a goal for the pride of your status in the Mafia world? When you're fighting, don't just think of yourself Starfish. You need to keep on fighting for those who love you."

Tsuna's eyes widened by the time I had finished my rant, his mind blank. I hadn't planned myself to go on like that but I had heard all of those bad thoughts running constantly through his mind since yesterday, and I just couldn't help myself.

"T-Thanks….."

I smiled. "You're very welcome."

~o0o~

After asking for directions, I found my way onto the roof , where a battle scene was taking place. I could have sworn that it looked like a movie set. I would have believed it too, if I hadn't known how powerful Dino's attacks can be. The entire rooftop was a mess. There were craters of crumbled concrete everywhere, evident of the height of the training session. Reborn had hinted the night before that Dino had gone into a teaching role, something that I found a little unbelievable. He didn't look like the type, in my eyes.

"Jesus, you'd think that you guys would act a little more gentlemanly." I complained, walking over to Romario, who watched his boss fight off a dark haired child, who I assumed was Hibari. (Or H-H-Hibari! as Tsuna called him.) "Guys are so messy."

"Ms Marsh." Romario said as I shook his hand. "I didn't know you were in Japan."

"Reborn called me over. Is it okay if I relay a message to him or is it a bad time."

"No, it's okay!" Dino yelled, as he landed on his feet, still sliding back from the force of a punch that Hibari threw with the tofuna. "Alright Kyoya, break time."

"Hmph." Hibari didn't give a total reply, as I felt that he really wanted to continue fighting. He then noticed my presence. "Trespassing is punishable. I'll bite you to death, herbivore."

"Kyoya, don't say that!" Dino barked. "She is Reborn's daughter." He then whispered, in a voice he thought I couldn't hear. "She can get scary!"

"Oh?"

"Calm down there boys, I'm only here to relay a message, not play fighty time with you." I said, crossing my arms. I felt Hibari's detachment and Dino's relief. "Maybe next time Hibari, when I'm not working."

"Hmph."

And there goes the relief.

"And Dino, that's information not for you to give away, okay?"

"Ehehe, sorry." He scratched the back of his neck, a cheeky smile appearing. The wind had died down to a light breeze that moved his fringe out from the front of his face. "What did you want to say?"

"Reborn say's that the Cervello have decided to start the trails tonight. They haven't released any lists or anything like that to indicate the order of the battles, so I'm going to assume full attendance is mandatory."

"Alright. Kyoya will be there."

"Is that it?" Hibari asked, directing the question to me. "Have you finished everything you needed to?"

I thought for a moment, but I knew what he wanted. "Yes."

"Good. Fight me."

"What!" Dino yelled. "But we haven't finished training yet!"

"You're such an eager beaver." Al muttered, lying in the sun. "Have fun love."

"Will do."

~o0o~

Yes yes, I know! *Shock Horror* Such a quick update! Well, yeah. I should be studying and I'm going to, so I thought I should write a chapter to satisfy you before I have to step back from Fanfiction, yet again. *hates school, but hey. You can't run away from it.* (Also, I'm on a happy streak because I go accepted for accommodation at the Uni I want to go to.) I'm having exams throughout November and at the start of December, I'll be in Japan, so I probably won't be back up till late December. I'll probably write little bits of a chapter here and there, but I don't know the next time I'll upload. Again, thank you for understanding and I love you guys heaps! :D

Thanks to everybody who reviewed, faved, and followed! I'm starting to think that this story will be one of my best. (It might even surpass my current best. I'm excited.)

Replies:

CalicoCat21: Gosh darn it. First review got it right. Kudoes to you, my dear.

LifeIsARayOfSunshine: Holy hello! You're back! I haven't heard from you in a while! Yeah, she did. I considered the idea for a while, and I wanted something sentimental in there. (Kyaa *squeals*) Voooiiii!

Mystique-World-Master: Ohohoho~ I like the way you think. ヾ(O∀Oゞ) Nutella!

Akayuki Sawada: Thank you and here you go!

Leolnuyuka: Hey deary! How you doing? I'm happy you died of feels, but you need to stay alive okay? Good? Good.

LadyDream3512: I think so too. Bianchi has that caring side to her that the other characters don't usually see. I think she'd be a wonderful mom.

GreenDrkness: It's right into canon now. (Took me a while to figure out what you asked, but meh. It's cool)

So, yeah. Thanks to my BETA as well.

-Verdigurl