Both Raul and Nueve went down to the dining room, holding hands and happy. When they arrived, they were welcomed by a furious Leonardo, angry Felise and cowering Marcell. Nueve was hiding her nervousness while Raul felt nothing, more like glad that they had finally learned the news.
"Son do you know what you had just done!?" A furious Leonardo asked his son. Raul smirked, "I do father and I hope you already know what that means. She belongs to me now."
"None sense!" Felise shouted, "You street woman, what had you done to make Raul become like that!? I knew I was right that you shouldn't have stayed with us."
Raul narrowed his eyes to her, "She did nothing, more like I am the one who made the first move than her."
The two were shock. "RAUL!" Felise growled and Raul felt irritated as he showed three pictures which shocked Felise.
Those three pictures were evidence that she had brought men entertainers with her friends. Raul smirked on the paling look of Felise. He walked with Nueve as they went to his father. He showed the pictures to him which shock Leonardo on the sudden pictures.
"I caught this when you were not at home father. I think it was best enough to get a divorce paper and leave that woman now." Raul said to his father.
"N-none sense! How can you prove it was real and what makes you think I'm doing that!? It was your woman's doing Raul, she called them and set me up just to-"
"I took this picture January 16, 20XX. In this year, I am very sure that Nueve was still not with us back then." Raul reasoned which surprised Felise. He continued as he explains the other picture. "The other one was March 30, 20XX, Nueve is finally with us and I am sure in this time and date, we were in the middle of our tutorial which our tutor back then never saw us leave. Finally, December 21, 20XX, I remember this day that I and Nueve were on the party with my father. I don't see how Nueve can set this up to you at all. Any question because I'm still in the good mood to do so."
Felise felt horror, how does Raul able find out everything? Leonardo studied the pictures before facing his son in narrowed eyes.
"What's the meaning of this son?" Leonardo asked, wanting to clarify everything on what he had seen on the photos.
"As you can see father," Raul began, "She calls her friends to have a every time party without you knowing. They were gambling, drinking and calling men entertainers for them. It's been happening after you married her. She's using your money for her fun if you ask."
Leonardo glared to his wife, "Is this true Felise?" His tone could tell his angry.
"I-I..." Felise can't find a word on how to get out on this situation. Raul smirk on her reaction, knowing she has no idea how to escape to her cornered fate. "Any secrets will someday show up. Too bad it turned to be now."
Felise glared Raul while he smirked in return. Nueve kept herself silence, knowing Raul was telling that to her even without voicing it out.
"Father" Raul called his father and he faced him, "I have videos for evidence, Marcell can get that for you if you wish. I been keeping more evidences and if you want to know them all now then go ahead." Raul's expression shift to serious, "In exchange of accepting Nueve to be my wife."
Marcell and Leonardo were shocked to his demand.
"But-" Leonardo was cut off when Raul spoke.
"I'll take care of the Vongola for you. I will face that spoiled brat and show him where he belongs." Raul assured which became a horror for Leonardo. Knowing what he was thinking, Raul followed up. "I will show him that he should never mess around with other famiglias, even the Fergana Famiglia."
Raul turned around and left with Nueve beside him. Leonardo was even more shock and so was Marcell. How did he found out about Fergana Famiglia? Does he know that they were involved in mafia activities?
"I know everything from the very beginning father, it was no surprise at all. Great idea on changing the supposed Fiore Famiglia to Fergana Famiglia to protect your real identity and so are us." Raul said with very impressed tone, "We'll be taking our breakfast on Nueve's room, my room still needs to be clean up later." Raul and Nueve left the room, leaving them all speechless.
Soon, their breakfast was sent to Nueve's room and the two were eating together. Finally, Nueve spoke.
"So what do you plan to do Raul?" Raul smirked as he answered, "We'll give him a meeting between us and him, after that I'll send him to my trap."
Nueve gave a questioning look, "Trap? Are you planning something bad again?"
Raul gave a teasing smirk, "Oh I did, and I'm sure you will love it. He will do something which he never thought he was moving under my string."
Nueve smiled, knowing Raul's bad side it could be any good or bad. "I believe on you Raul."
Later, Raul was called by his father and went to his office. Nueve with Marcell alone on her room. Marcell was ordered by Raul to stay by her side, since he had a feeling it was all about Felise revealed scandals and about him and Nueve. Marcell can't help but sigh, he really can't understand his master.
"Umm… are you alright Marcell?" The butler turned on the person who spoke and it was Nueve. She worried for him. He smiled and answered her, "No I'm fine Mistress. Is there something you want?"
Nueve thought for a minute before she speaks, "How about you sit here, I actually like to have a chat with you."
Marcell was bit surprise but comply. He walk on the sit in front of her and sat there. Nueve offered him a cup of espresso, he immediately decline.
Nueve sigh, "There's no need to get formal around me. I want to speak with you as an equal, will you let me?"
Marcell felt warm for her words. He sigh in defeat and nod. "I will Mistress, I'm sorry for making you worry."
"I told you not to be formal… here." Nueve gave a cup of espresso, even if he decline. Marcell took the cup and blow it few times before drinking it. Nueve smiled, glad that finally he's comfortable.
"Marcell… can you tell me something about you? I mean, how are you so attached to Raul? He told me when you two met, Raul already saw how determine you were to be by his side and protect him... Just out of curiosity that's all."
Marcell was again surprise on the sudden question then looked down. He decided to tell his story.
"It happened when Master Raul was just four years old and Mistress Auralia was still alive. I was training to be part of the Fergana Famiglia. Its my dream, since my father was part of it and I want to follow his foot step so I trained hard on my own without anyone teaching me. People say I'm just playing around but for me I am serious as I kept training until… Master Raul found me. He was just walking around with Mistress Auralia and my father's men back then. Master Raul went on the walk on his own and saw me. I immediately knew he's the son of the Fergana Boss since I saw the crest of the family in his shoulder… You know Mistress, Master Raul really surprise me when he first talk to me, something I can never forget."
"What did he say?" Nueve curiosity asked.
Marcell smiled, "'I move too reckless. I shouldn't twist and bend my body if I don't want to die early. I have a speed but lack of strength. If I want to become stronger, I need to work out first on strength then follow up with speed. Attacking is not the only point I should think about but also defense, I had a lot of opening that can kill me so easily.' And before he left, he told me I should do something about my clumsiness. I don't even know how he found out that I'm clumsy."
Nueve sweat drop a bit, "Haha… So he had given you pointers?"
Marcell nodded happily, "Thanks to his words I finally knew what I should do for my training. The day of recruiting came in Fergana Famiglia, I joined in even if I'm still teenager. My father was surprise but let me go because he told me to follow the path I had chosen without fear and I did. I was accepted and it really surprised me when Master Leonardo assigned me to guard Master Raul as his butler. I was overjoyed and thought that if ever I do my job well, I can repay him from giving me those pointers."
Nueve smiled, "So that's why you already have loyalty toward him… thank you Marcell, for being Raul's side. He might never voice it but he too was thankful that you're there for him." Marcell laugh a bit, "I don't know Mistress but its fine by me… I mean…"
"He cares for you Marcell. He actually talks more in action, maybe you still haven't notice."
"Talks in action…" He remembered every time they were in training, Raul was the first one to attack him. He's always being hit and kept falling to his defeat. But thinking his repeating defeat, he realized his master was doing one pattern. He thought about how to fight against the pattern until they train again. He finally able to predict his movements and counter it, he thought that he finally got a chance… or not. He saw his master's smirk give him a different hit and defeat him. No matter what he does, win never came.
He realized now, his master never voice what his mistakes and what's his weakness were because he wants him to become stronger on his own. He laugh at it, really funny but grateful to his Master.
"I think… Master was indeed talking through action… Mistress."
Nueve smiled, knowing he realized something. Both chatted until Raul return, telling them that they had business to do.
Afternoon Raul called a private meeting between him and the Vongola candidate, Marfred. Marfred was confident as he arrived on the meeting place. When he arrived, he was welcomed by Raul and Nueve on his side. Marfred mentally smirked evilly, seeing her again makes him want to take her now and lick her like an ice cream for his dessert.
Nueve who could sense his dirty mind glared, furious and disgust. Raul noticed the expression of his lover, he swore he will clean that mind of his and make him regret for messing him, especially to her.
Raul smirked, his eyes was showing malice but hidden to his fedora. "Come in Vongola Candidate, Marfred Francia Bayle we have a serious business to talk about."
"Sure Sir. Fiore." Marfred replied, although there was a hidden evil intent within it.
The three sat down on opposite side to one another and began their discussion.
"I heard about what happened to your company, it must be tough for a young age to solve such problem, correct?" Marfred said, a few mocking tone in it that made Nueve wanted to punch him but controlled herself.
Raul never lose his composure as he continued to smirked, "It is but not much of a problem. Since I already know who was behind it, I just need to kill the pest and everything will be back to normal." Marfred narrowed his eyes. Raul smirked dangerously, "The pest is you, Marfred Francia Bayle."
Marfred sense his confidence then began to laugh, "Tha-that was something… pointing me on why your company being bankrupt… hehe… can you prove that its my doing?"
"Of course, I made your spies talk before I could torture them even more. I did let them roam around for a while until I got what I need then torture them." Raul told which made Marfred stop laughing and Nueve shock on the sudden information.
Marfred smirk, admitting it was him who started it. "I'm impress you knew and even caught them. So what do you want to do about it? Is this the reason of our meeting?"
"No." Raul immediately replied which earned Marfred a questioning look. Raul stood up and spoke in authority, "I want to]challenge you. If you win, you can get Nueve." Marfred was surprise on the demand. Raul continued, "If I win, Nueve will remain mine and I want you to throw away your position. Meaning, your position as a Vongola Candidate."
Marfred was even more surprise while Nueve smiled and nodded.
"That seems a good idea, I agree for the declaration that Raul had spoken." Nueve said as she smiled. She's actually confident on this kind of challenge.
Hearing that, Marfred smirk evilly and respond. "Very well then. If I win, I can take Teresa and also, I want your life Raul."
Raul smirked, agreeing. "Fine by me. Since I'm the one who challenge you, you can decide what match we shall fight with. I don't mind at all, anything will do. Just never forget that in this match," He narrowed his eyes, "There will be no second chances, only the winner can get the price."
"Agreed." Marfred replied, liking it.
Nueve stood up and went on the center of the two as she gave two papers to be filled up. "To secure this challenge, this contract will be our security that this indeed had happened to make a clear battle between us. Please fill them up and sign it clearly."
Raul smirked as he took his pen from his pocket and sat to his sit then began writing. Marfred began filling them up as Nueve standing, watching the two filling them up. Soon, she gave a stamp pad on the two. The two used it to stamp their thump finger on the paper. The two exchange papers as both had read the content on each other's paper. After clarifying them, they both had signed it, meaning they had agreed on the content.
Both exchange back papers while the other paper was given to Nueve. She put the other copy of their sign papers on the attaché case and locked it with password. She bowed the two.
"The contract is sealed. Now there will be no turning back, ones the challenge begins." Nueve told them.
She return to her sit which was beside Raul. The Fiore Boss questioned, "When will our challenge begin?"
"I'll just message you, once I had decided already on what kind of battle that we will be completing with." Marfred answered him, "Don't even try running away Raul R de Fiore."
"Heh, I'll say the same to you Marfred Francia Bayle. Be ready because I won't just let you take Nueve away from me, I will also take your position from you." Raul said confidently as he stood up and so was Nueve.
Both walked away, silently telling the meeting's over. Marfred began to laugh evilly, excited at the same time, knowing that finally the girl he had caught his eye on will be his.
Outside, Raul and Nueve in the car and left the place.
"What challenge do you think he will choose Raul?" Nueve asked smiling. Raul smirked and kissed her cheek which made her blush. He replied, "Something he'll ever regret."
Returning to the Vongola Mansion, he was greeted by a not so happy Gokudera Hayato the Storm Guardian of the Vongola 10th.
"Just where the hell did you gone kid?" Gokudera asked Marfred in irritation. Marfred smirked, "Somewhere interesting Gokudera Hayato. By the way, here."
Marfred hand over the contract he had from Raul as Gokudera took it and read it. After reading it, he was surprise on the content and looked back to Marfred.
"Ready the field for me, everyone are welcome to watch my victory." Marfred left Gokudera with the paper.
Gokudera sigh as he looked on the paper on what he had just agreed. 'Is this kid will be alright?'
"What's with the long face Octopus Head?" The coming person asked as Gokudera sigh on his arrival.
"Lawn Head there is something I'd like you to do." Gokudera said seriously on the person who just arrived. It was Sasagawa Ryohei the Sun Guardian of the Vongola 10th.
Ryohei gave a questioning look as how Gokudera too serious about something.
Three days after the meeting, the message that Raul was long waited arrived, of course with the uproar of his father.
"SON WHAT'S THE MEANING OF THIS!?" Leonardo asked loudly as he entered to his son's room, seeing his son relaxing to his espresso with Nueve on his side and Marcell serving them.
For those three days Leonardo had seen all the dirty activities of his wife and without letting her give more excuses, he immediately gave a divorce paper and forced her to sign it through fear. The two got separated without giving any shares from him and left her with nothing.
Raul was more than happy that woman was no longer on his life. She gave her last word which she will give revenge but of course he will never let that happened as he gave her terror of torture before she left cowering. She really has no idea how this household work.
Now that its peaceful for Leonardo, he received a letter from Vongola and saw the time and place of their battle between his son and the Vongola candidate. And as it happened, he burst in to his son's room and demanding some explanation.
"Did the invitation arrive?" Raul asked to his father as Nueve sigh on his greetings.
Leonardo widens his eyes before shaking his head, telling himself there was no time for that. He showed the paper of invitation and pointed it, "Son tell me the heck is this?"
Raul looking carefully smirked. He put down his cup on the table and answered his father. "As it said father, I gave a challenge to the Vongola's candidate. I had bet my life and Nueve in exchange of his retirement of his position and keeping the protection of Fergana Famiglia under Vongola Famiglia. That way the problem of the company would be over and so the famiglia you always take care."
Leonardo sighed and asked his son, "Do you know what you had just entered son? This match could end your life which I don't want to happen."
"I will not die." Raul reassured, "If ever I made my Nueve pregnant, she needs me to be the father of her child." He teased as he looked to Nueve.
Nueve now blushing like a red tomato almost shouted, "R-Ra-Raul!"
Raul gave a small laugh on her reaction. He turned back to his father and smirked, "You may come and watch father, I'm sure you will like the show. You too Goffo Marcell."
Marcell was bit speechless before nodding. He can never predict anything about his young master.
The day of the challenge, in the open field in the middle of the forest near Vongola Base, Marfred was there, his gun on waist and black gloves ready. He's smirking as he really expect victory in this challenge.
The audience on his side which were Sawada Tsunayoshi's Guardians: Gokudera Hayato, Yamamoto Takeshi, Sasagawa Ryohei, Bovino Lambo, Hibari Kyoya, Rokudo Mukuro and now Rokudo Chrome. Ex-Arcobalenos were also there: Fon, Colonnello, Lal with their first baby son, and Fon. They weren't there to cheer him, they were observers for this match.
No one speaks, waiting for the competitor to come and finally he arrived. They saw the boss of Fergana Famiglia wearing his usual mask with his son Raul, Nueve and his butler, Marcell. In truth, his father insist Raul to wear a mask like him but Raul refused, his fedora was enough. Marcell and Nueve were carrying an attaché case as they approach the battlefield.
Marfred smirked to his arrival, "Heh, I thought you had run away already."
Raul smirked back, seeing him confident in this battle was too laughable. Gokudera and the others were observing the newcomers when Gokudera, Yamamoto and Hibari recognized Nueve.
Yamamoto was the one who voiced it, "Oh aren't you the girl from before?" He questioned as he waved his hand, giving her a big fake smile.
Nueve saw them and surprised that everyone were present. She turn down before glancing them and giving her force smile. She greeted back, "He-hello..."
Hibari narrowed his eyes while Mukuro gave a suspicious look. Ryohei and Lambo were staring her while Gokudera and Yamamoto secretly observed her. Chrome who noticed everyone studied them carefully before feeling something off from them. Lal became serious as she observed Raul, she's right when she first saw his picture, he's someone must never be mess around. Colonnello for some reason recognized him but he couldn't remember where he had met him. Fon was calm but within was suspicious on the two. They may look ordinary teenagers but within them were strength of an adult.
Both Raul and Nueve knew they see them as suspicious people. Nueve looked away, not wanting to meet their eyes that reflects sadness and guilt still within she's glad they're doing fine and healthy. Now all she had to do was separate herself to them to avoid more pain, after what she had done she don't have a right to see them again so she hoped this day would be the last time she'll see them again. Raul knew how she felt, that's why he will end their ties, for her to be happy.
"I now tell you our challenge Raul R de Fiore." Marfred began explaining, "Our battle is survival battle. We will fight, any weapons are allowed and the one who can never stand up or die loses."
Raul pulled down his fedora, "Like a war... interesting." He smirked, its really going according to plan. He's too easy to read.
Nueve smiled as she walked heading to Raul. Raul turned to meet her. Nueve opened the attaché case she was holding and revealed his silver gun.
"Good luck on your battle Raul. I love you." Nueve told him, wishing good luck to his battle.
Raul's smirked turn to soft smile and kissed her in front of everyone, that gave different reaction to their audience. Raul broke away and took the gun on the case.
"Thank you Nueve." Raul said sincerely which made Nueve happy, even she was blushing.
Raul checked the amount of bullets then put them to standby. His evil smirk appeared. There were eight normal bullets but enough for him, maybe too much for him to used. Marcell somehow feared his young master every time he gave some murdering aura. He just hope that Vongola candidate wouldn't die.
Raul gazed to his opponent and step forward, going on the battlefield. Leonardo was worried hidden to his mask. He truly wanted his son to have nothing to do on these mafia and live as a normal citizen but everything went upside down. He knew from the very beginning that Raul will soon learn the hidden facts within their family. Remembering back, his first wife, Raul's mother was the same. He never told anything about mafia for her not to be worried but in the end, she knew. Up until now, he still doesn't know where she had figured out about the mafia.
"Don't worry Sir." Nueve spoke to Leonardo which made him surprise on the sudden assurance. He looked to Nueve's eyes fixed to Raul, "Raul will win, he is number one."
'Number one?' Leonardo questioned as he looked back on the field, seeing both Raul and Marfred were already on the center. The one who will become a referee will be Gokudera, studying the competitors.
"The match here is just simple, defeat your opponent without any hesitation. You may use any means to defeat one another… but..." Gokudera trailed off as he looked back to Yamamoto who's smiling. Yamamoto took out some kind of remote control and clicked something that made a barrier around them. The barrier was clear like transparent glass but was strong enough to handle anything, even dying will flames. Gokudera continued, "Only around this field, no one can get out until one of you wins. Is that understood?"
"A clear battlefield, I like it." Raul commented. Marfred laughed, "What an overconfidence you have… I'll make sure you will die here."
Raul no longer spoke but clear in his eyes as he was saying the same thing to him. Gokudera was observing him, he can feel his strength. The Storm Guardian can't help but keep his guard up every time he's around.
Gokudera raised his right hand, "Now let the Battle begin!"
Marfred smirked as he grabbed his gun and pulled it out to shoot but something happened that him and all the audience surprise, except Nueve. Raul was below him and immediately kicked him. He rolled on the ground but immediately sat up and again, he was already in front of him and kicked him.
Everyone was shock, even Leonardo and Marcell while Nueve was smiling. He is Raul, at the same time, the number one over the world, the strongest hitman, Reborn. She knew at the very beginning, Raul was the clear winner.
Marfred unable to take it anymore that he decided to use his dying will flame but was quickly shot by Raul, using his gun and hit his right hand, earning a painful yell from Marfred. Raul was enjoying it as he slowly walk, approaching him.
"What's wrong? Over already?" Raul asked, taunting him.
Marfred glared him hard. How dare he shoot him? This is unforgivable!
"Ohh, unforgivable? Are you joking me?" Raul questioned as he answered back, knowing what he's thinking. He pulled down his fedora and gave a serious tone as the same time, dangerous. "From trying to take someone that already been belong to and your incompetence for becoming a Vongola boss… don't say things that it was clearly your fault."
Marfred flinched, Raul continued. "The Vongola is a place for the people where they will be protected, the place where the strong protects the weak and the weak became stronger to protect the weak. You, who will disgrace that, is not worthy to be the boss of Vongola."
"The Vongola doesn't need a ruler like you." Nueve said so clearly that surprised everyone as all attention except Raul who was busy giving a serious and dangerous glare to the unwanted candidate boss turned to her. "Vongola must remain vigilante like the first boss of Vongola had truly created. You who wish for power are no use for us." The way she addressed was like she's in her hyper dying will mode, "I do not proclaim you as my successor."
From the Guardian's eyes, they saw their sky and boss, Sawada Tsunayoshi within her like he was the one speaking in front of them. Their eyes were same, aura and will. They can't help but remember him.
As Nueve done her address, Raul hit Marfred with his gun, making him lose some of his teeth then kicked him to his stomach, vomiting some blood from the strong impact. His consciousness began to fade.
"A-amazing kora..." Colonnello commented, amaze on the teenager in front of him.
Fon nodded in agreement. He noticed something familiar around Raul. The way he fights, the speed, the move… They were same… same on their dead comrade… Reborn.
Raul glanced to his lover. Nueve smiled for his victory, Raul can't help but smiled back. Seeing Marfred can no longer stand or battle, Gokudera decided the winner.
"The winner, Raul R de Fiore."
Raul adjust his fedora when he heard his name. He turned around and walked away, "Remember the deal Spoiled brat, you can never take my woman and you will automatically lose your position of Vongola Candidate. Return home to where you belong."
Marfred wanting to protest but his body and mind refused him. It was like being restrained by pain. Who would ever knew he's a good fighter, far better than anyone he had trained with before. Can no longer hold himself as his eyes closed, falling to unconsciousness.
Raul observed carefully on the barrier then shoot the weak spot as it was immediately been destroyed. Raul went straightly to Nueve's side and peck her cheek.
"I won as I had proclaimed Nueve." Raul told her smirking. Nueve smiled and nodded, "Thank you Raul."
Raul turned to the guardian and Ex-Arcobalenos, "The copy of the contract between me and him is on that case. Goffo Marcell give it to them." he ordered.
"Yes master Raul." Marcell immediately went to Rokudo Mukuro and gave the attaché case. Mukuro observed the case before accepting it. Marcell quickly went back to them.
Raul pulled down his fedora before walking away and followed up by Nueve and Marcell, leaving his father and everyone else.
No one knew but from afar, someone was watching everything. It was Kawahira, smirking on what he had witnessed at the same time plan formulating within his head.
"I will start the promise I had made from you… Auralia." he murmured as he disappeared from sight.
I do not own Katekyo Hitman Reborn