"Captain Levi, someone has snuck into the school grounds!" Instinctively, Levi's underling crouched down, lowering his head as he waited for any further orders. "The infiltrator has broken through our lines one after another." Another underling of the Lightning Squad spoke. "The casualties are numerous."
Levi gritted his teeth. "Damn them. Who is it? Don't let him escape alive!" He barked, absolutely furious. "Yes sir!" The two underlings scrambled back on their feet, making a run for it behind the corner of the hallway.
"I can't wait to see what kind of fly snuck in." Said the greedy Arcobaleno. "Who could it be? I can't be…" "Yes, he's returned from training." Reborn said, looking up at a pale Tsuna.
"Who is it? The Cloud Guardian?" Alice asked.
Tsuna waved his hands like a mad-man. "It's no one! No one at all!" "Tell me Tsunami! You're hiding something from me!" She pulled on his arm.
"It's the Cloud Guardian alright." Reborn traced the brim of his hat. Leon blinked, tilting his head to the side. "I bet he's handsome. Or wait, I bet he's cute! No, no, he's definitely handsome and cute!" Alice squealed while crushing Tsuna's arm, picturing a certain blonde-haired ditz as the Cloud Guardian.
"Stop drooling all over the Tenth!" Gokudera interfered. "Mind your own business, Yes-man!" "Oh yeah? The Cloud Guardian is none other than Hi-" Yamamoto and Ryohei silenced Gokudera as they pulled him back. Ryohei smacked his hand on Gokudera's face, overpowering the grey-haired Italian while grinning at a confused looking Alice.
"Who the hell is Hi?" Tsuna stared at Alice with the mouth wide open, amazed, but certainly not in a good way. It's like she completely erased every trace of Hibari out of her mind, refusing to believe he exists.
A low groan of protest followed by a loud crash was heard as everyone averted their eyes on the victim, which is one of Levi's Lightning Squad members. From the looks of it, he got the tar beaten out of him.
The clicking of a pair of shoes echoed in the hallway as he lied there, completely crushed. There he stood, the almighty Hibari Kyoya in all his glory, glaring menacingly at Tsuna for some reason.
"H-Hibari-san!" A high shrill yelp escaped his lips.
"I must be seeing things. Yeah, I lost a great deal of blood, so it's only natural that I'm facing my arch-enemy." Alice was surprisingly calm.
"He's really standing there! It's not a figment of your imagination, Pierce-san!"
"Nonsense! I'm delirious I tell you! He doesn't exist!" She retorted quite loudly.
"Babyface, you might not like what you're about to hear, but Hibari's the Cloud Guardian!" Alice turned her head to face Gokudera with a smirk on her lips. She laughed. She ended up laughing so hard her wounds threatened to open up again, clutching her stomach because of the pain.
The whole crew looked at her, thinking she's gone mad. "I'll never side with Kyoya." She said between fits of laughter. "First Tetsuya asking me to side with Kyoya, and now this?" She wiped the tears of laughter from the corner of her eyes.
"Who's the real Cloud Guardian. It's Dino right?" She finally calmed down, placing her hands on her hips as she waited for the answer. The boys pointed at Hibari without hesitation. Hibari glared them down, feeling like a conspiracy has been planned against him.
"Don't point at my hallucination." Her face was blank.
"Trespassing on school grounds, as well as destruction of school property..." Hibari spoke, taking in his surroundings as he ignored Alice completely. She was never worth his time from the start, so why would he pay attention to her foolish comments now?
"You are all jointly guilty, and I'm going to bite you all to death." "He sounds just like Kyoya." Alice blinked, struck dumb with astonishment and surprise. "That's because it is him! Stop denying his presence!" Tsuna shook Alice back and forth and all the while, her facial expression remained blank.
"Are you a Ring holder for Sawada's side?" Hibari averted his attention to the Cervello. "In that case, we can't have you-" "How dare you attack my subordinates!" Levi was in an angry mood. Hibari chose to only stand there and stare at him, saying nothing.
"We can't have Guardians fighting each other!" "Shut up Cervello-" As Levi turned to strike the Cervello female, Alice managed to intercept his attack with one single pitiful look. Levi backed up a bit. He never liked the way she moved so fast. It was quite annoying. Like a speedy little cockroach you just couldn't kill, she pops up when you least expect it.
"When did she move from her spot?" Tsuna gazed at the empty space beside him where Alice was standing mere seconds ago.
"What do you want?" Levi demanded. "What will you gain by hitting a woman?" Alice counter-questioned the question.
"And as always, Pierce-san forgets she's a girl herself." Tsuna sighed. "Not to mention the injuries she sustained."
"VOOOII! What's the matter Levi? You backing away from a fight?" Squalo mocked his partner in crime. "I'm telling you, she's dangerous!" Levi spun his head round, sending a death-glare his way.
"She's just a nasty dog who barks at everything that moves. You scared of a dog, Levi?" Levi gazed at Squalo, smirking about. He said nothing, which made the answer quite clear. "I'll cut off her tongue with my blade. I'll put a stop to her senseless barking, for sure."
Squalo's silver eyes locked with Alice's crystal blue ones. At this point, he wasn't smirking anymore. He was dead serious. "Oh yeah? Let's see you try, Hippie!" Alice shoved Levi aside, about to force Squalo to take back what he said when she lost her balance and crashed face-down against the floor.
"I'll start with biting you to death, Babyface." Hibari's words reached her ears. She was way beyond the borders of being pissed. This meant war. "You're dead!" She pounced upon Hibari, and thus the battle began.
Hibari was calm and collected.
Alice was furious and upset.
Her fist soared past his face as he dodged. Hibari lashed out with his tonfa, right and left, savagely as ever, and though Alice blocked the blows, she was still knocked backwards several steps because of the force behind it. She was drained from the last fight as it is.
"H-ha ha…" Tsuna fake laughed. He saw this coming, as did his classmates. Squalo, Levi and Mammon did not. They were rendered speechless at the sight of seeing their enemy fight amongst themselves.
Alice charged in again, filled with rage. She grew angry like never before. She wanted her vengeance. Eventually, the chance came and Alice whipped a hard kick against Hibari's ribs, only for her to wince in pain.
Hibari had blocked her kick with his tonfa.
"You're too slow."
The blow of his harsh words only made her angrier, if it were even possible. The gap between them had grown larger. He grew a lot stronger since the last time they fought.
"That's enough, Hibari." Reborn stepped forward. Hibari's eyes were on the baby. Alice took this chance to get back at him once and for all, but she found that she couldn't. Her legs gave way from exhaustion as her knees crashed down on the hard floor.
"You can go wild here if you want, but the fun you'll have later will be gone." All eyes were on Reborn. "Fun?" Alice slammed her fist down repeatedly in her frustration. "Not right now, but if you wait a bit longer, you may be able to fight Rokudo Mukuro again in the near future." Hibari lowered his tonfa, smirking.
"Really?"
Alice looked up at Hibari. She saw his eyes lit up in his excitement, his lips curved into a nasty smile. She grew extremely jealous of Rokudo Mukuro, despite not knowing about him in the first place.
After the harsh training she had to endure, she's tossed aside like a used hanky? This isn't how it's supposed to end. Alice looked down. The cold sweat rolled down her face as she faced the music.
There will always be a gap between us, no matter how much stronger I get. He's always one step ahead of me.
"Will you repair the damage done to the school?" Hibari asked the Cervello. "Yes. We, the Cervello, will take full responsibility." "I see." He walked in the direction from which he came. He stopped before Alice, looking down at her broken form. Hibari said nothing.
This was the greatest insult she received from him by far. It was alright if he said anything, because it meant he was still interested, even for a bit. But this… This silence is what fed Alice's thirst for revenge.
He walked off with Tsuna's eyes following his every move. "Hibari-san… He stopped fighting." Yamamoto helped Alice on her feet. She avoided eye contact with him, and he pretended not to notice.
"VOOOII! What was all that about, huh?" Squalo yelled as Alice clenched her teeth. "Don't get killed before it's my turn to slice and dice you up, Wind Representative!"
"Keep in mind that you'll be fighting me, and not Alice." Yamamoto glared intently at him. "You think you can prevent her from fighting? Hah! Let's see you try!" "If Squalo wins tomorrow, the conflict will be over."
The Varia made their leave.
"Prepare yourselves!" Squalo yelled before jumping out the window, bursting into a loud, ringing fit of laughter.
"They finally left." A sigh escaped Tsuna's lips. "Now that Hibari's on our side, we're stronger than before. He powered up through his training as well." "That's right!" Tsuna exclaimed, his eyes lighting up with joy.
"Yeah, I can't wait to see how he'll do!" Yamamoto backed up with a smile. Alice forced herself to stand on her own feet, feeling sick to her stomach. She felt like a parasite for leaning on Yamamoto, looking for support.
"You ok-" "I'm fine." She replied coldly while stumbling on her feet. Yamamoto stood near, fearing she might collapse. "Fighting Hibari wasn't a good choice, no matter what the reason Babyface."
Gokudera gazed at Alice from his position on the floor. Unlike Alice, he was saving his strength for the walk back home. "Shut up. He was asking for it." She replied, looking extremely tired.
"Man, I can't believe that guy is the Cloud Guardian! I can't work with him!" "He's very strong, Alice. Even you can't be caught unaware of how useful he'll be to the Vongola Family, serving as the Cloud Guardian." Reborn's words felt like a full slap in the face. Hibari, Guardian material? She would have none of that.
"Believe me; none of us can work with him." Tsuna said. Alice sends him a deadly glare, her face pale as she struggled to see straight. Tsuna was but a mere blur before her eyes.
"Pierce-san?" She dismissed the worried tone in his voice. "Let's see here." Shamal walked up to the disoriented Alice. "Hugh Jackman?" Her vision took a turn for the worst. "Okay then. You need to lie down, pronto. You've lost a great deal of blood, which is why your body can't function properly. The little stunt you pulled off earlier only made it worse."
Alice refused any treatment on the spot.
"I'm fine! I just need to… Do something." She was half drunk. At least, she behaved like one, almost tripping over her own foot as she walked off.
"Looks like I missed one hell of a party." Her head shot up as her vision cleared a bit; just enough for her to recognize the person standing before her. "D-Dino?" "In the flesh." The mafia Boss's bright smile went round like a streak of sunshine. Romario chuckled audibly a little ways behind his Boss.
"Dino-san!" Tsuna exclaimed, not expecting to see his big brother so soon. "We must have just missed the Varia. Kyoya hasn't come yet, right?" Dino walked right past Alice. She was shocked beyond belief. Hibari was all everyone thinks about.
"He just came." Tsuna answered. "W-when did he manage that?" Dino stuttered, completely taken aback at the moment. "Don't worry. He didn't do much and went home. You trained him well, Dino." Reborn eased Dino's nerves.
"I see. That's good."
"He didn't do much?" Alice exploded. She couldn't stand it anymore. How can they talk about him and forget all about what she has done for the team? Hibari doesn't compare to what she has accomplished for the benefit of everyone, so why praise him of all people?
Okay… Maybe she was a tad bit jealous of him for having trained under Dino, the man she devoted her everlasting love to, but it's her hatred for Hibari that managed to make her snap.
"He assaulted me!" She spat, slamming her hand on her chest. They could see the anger which suffused her face.
"He makes fun of me! He treats me like trash! He abuses his position as the Disciplinary Committee chairman just to get back at me! Him and I are about as compatible as a rat and a boa constructor! And you expect me to bow down before the likes him? You expect me to work together with him?"
"Pierce-san. We're not-" "You're not asking me to bow down before him? Is that it?" She cut him off while waving her hand, gesturing for Tsuna to answer. "Then what the hell do you want me to do, huh? Should I worship the ground he walks on, is that it? I have to sell my soul in order to be treated equally?"
Gokudera and Yamamoto were frozen to the spot. Never before have they seen Alice so furious. The whole neighborhood must have heard her yell her lungs out. After all that Alice had said to them- those bursts of anger and the last dryly spoken words; "You're making a big mistake… The Cloud Guardian?" She threw her head back and laughed.
"He's nothing more than a lonely backstabbing bastard, waiting for the opportunity to strike! And then, you'll be sorry for crowning him as the Cloud Guardian!" "That's enough Alice!" Dino stepped forward. His face was serious, but his eyes betrayed the sadness he felt from within.
He could not stand to see her like this. He knew that his training with Hibari would affect her, but not by this much. "Alice…Stop this. Kyoya didn't do anything wrong. He didn't even want to be a part of Tsuna's Family in the first place, so you can't place the blame on him-" "Shut up! Just shut up! He is to blame for everything he's done to me!"
She wasn't ashamed of the tears rolling down her cheeks. She wasn't ashamed of yelling at him either. Dino stepped forward, looking quite angry. "Alice, you know Kyoya is the perfect candidate for the Cloud Guardian's position. You're just thinking of yourself at this point, and as the Wind Representative, this will not be tolerated!"
Yamamoto was about to step in when Reborn took out his gun, not even turning his head to see Yamamoto's serious expression, his eyes hardening at the thought of being held at bay.
Tsuna and Ryohei were too shocked for words.
Alice looked around, as if looking for a hidden camera somewhere. Never before has Alice heard Dino raise his voice like this. She focused onto Dino again, taking a step back. I'm right! No matter what he says, I'm right! Kyoya isn't Guardian material!
"K-Kyoya isn't-" "Utter another insult, and I'll have to get serious. If you won't accept Kyoya as a Guardian," He grasped his whip with a determined energy seeping out of him, his bullwhip cracking in the air. "I'll have no choice but to view you as a potential threat to the Vongola Family."
He looked up at her and she couldn't bear it. "Why are you defending him?" She took a few steps in his direction. Somewhere deep down she didn't want to learn the answer, but she hoped for Dino to see the light.
To see Hibari's cruel side.
"Because Kyoya's worth defending." She hit his face with a flurry of furious blows. "Stupid... stupid... stupid..." Left right, left right, hitting his mouth, his eyes, and his nose. Dino lowered his head but did not try to cover up.
"Fuck you and fuck him too!" Alice screamed as tears came to her eyes, weeping her heart out while dismissing it all. Dino dropped his bullwhip as he caught Alice in his arms, embracing her tenderly before them all with a determined look on his face.
"Don't touch me!" She struggled for her freedom, but it was impossible to escape out of Dino tight hold. He placed his hand on her head, pressing her against his chest.
Her hands quickly gripped his backside instinctively, and her doleful voice, mingled with the sobbing of a child only made Dino more anxious. She took a deep breath and stopped crying, suddenly all icy calm. Her eyelids drooped down until she could see no more, slipping into a deep slumber.
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Outside Alice's bedroom the day was cloudy and damp. Besides the raindrops tapping softly against the crystal-clear windows, not a sound was stirring in her room. Only at intervals the silence was faintly disturbed, when Alice's restless turning in her bed betrayed itself by a gentle rustling between the sheets.
Her soft audible breathing was heard as the clock struck nine in the morning. Alice jerked forwards in an upright position, wide awake now, as if being shaken out of a bad dream.
She looked around in a daze, not knowing where she was. The familiar rock-band posters on the walls, the scattered clothes and CD's on the floor made her fall back on her bed with a sigh to follow.
"I'm home." "It must have been a really bad dream for you to panic like that." Alice turned her head towards the door. "Dad…" She sounded tired and a bit surprised. Benjamin placed himself on her bed in which she moved away to give him some room, sitting up straight.
He sighed while slipping off his glasses, sitting for a moment and thinking. "Dad… If I haven't dreamt it all last night, I've been such an asshole to my friends." "Watch your language Alice. I'll listen to what you have to say, but I won't allow for you to use such vulgarism." He sounded both playful and serious at the same time.
Alice rolled her eyes. What a time for him to act like a parent. "I was very unpleasant yesterday." "That's better." "Ami's here, isn't she?" Alice saw right through him. Benjamin smiled. "She is NOT standing in the hallway, listening in on our conversation." He said in English.
Alice gazed at the door, seeing a pair of slippers betraying her sneaky position. "She's spotted you, Amy my dear. There's no use hiding now." Benjamin chuckled, his eyes taking in Ami's flustered self as she appeared. "I-I think I left the stove on." She stuttered, looking quite nervous.
Casting one last glance at Alice, she bowed lightly, afterwards closing the door as her thundering footsteps could be heard on the stairs. Alice and Benjamin laughed, despite feeling guilty about it. The tense atmosphere she felt weighing on her was gone.
"For acting like a complete asshole, your friends haven't abandoned you yet. So my guess is that they understand. So don't break your little head over something so trivial." He said. Alice clenched her hand, grasping a handful of her sheets.
"Dad… Am I selfish?" She asked softly, looking down.
"You're lazy, selfish and insensitive to the real values of life." "Dad! I'm serious here!" "So am I." He retorted, not meaning to sound so harsh. "I know you the best. I can't lie about your personal flaws just to boost your self-esteem. It doesn't work that way with you." He raised her head with his index-finger, taking a good look at her sorrow-filled face.
"It's hard to overcome the thought to take care of yourself first. It's hard to give in to the group and to become selfless, and those friends of yours know that." Alice bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling so much, her eyes burning because of the tears that threaten to come to the surface.
"Sometimes, you have to be selfish in order to be selfless."
"If they know it's hard for me, then why do I get the feeling that I'm not important to them anymore? Why do they depend on him more?" Benjamin smiled at the sight of seeing his daughter becoming so emotional. She used to act so tough when she became rebellious. She never cried, at least not in front of him. It's been so long since he saw her cry like this, the tears rolling down her chubby cheeks.
"I keep telling you this, but you've grown. You're not the same little girl I used to know." She wiped away her tears, her hands becoming all moist as she kept crying.
"I have something I need to do here. I can't just walk away. Not when my friends are counting on me." He said, slipping into a sing-song voice, repeating what she said to him before.
"Don't mock me." She sniffed.
"Alice, Alice, Alice…" He shook his head. "I'm not mocking you. I'm just showing my baby girl that she can be selfless indeed." She looked up at him, putting a stop to her crying as she sniffed. "Come on. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and have some fun. You're far too young to be bedridden all the time." Benjamin got up on his feet, slipping on his glasses.
"I know! Let's get us something to eat. I'm dying for some sushi." He smiled while tossing away her sheets, leaving her in nothing but her shorts and T-shirt. She could feel the cloth of bandages on her chest area, covering the injuries she sustained in the Storm Battle. Her arm and leg were healed nicely; the wounds were barely visible on her skin.
The image of Shamal tending to her flashed in her head, making Alice sick to her stomach. Alice ran past a confused looking Benjamin, shoving him aside as she ran into the hallway. "What's gotten into her?" He wondered, only to hear her eject the contents in her stomach through the mouth quite loudly.
He sighed. "I don't even want to know anymore."
--------------
After Alice got dressed, the pair was on their way to a restaurant nearby. "I heard they serve the best sushi in Japan. Isn't it exiting?" "Whatever…" Alice shrugged. Her face was pale and she had bags under her eyes. Right now, she was the complete opposite of her cheerful old man.
I'll kill him. I'll kill him. I'll kill him. Was all she could think about at the moment, her mind set on destroying Shamal once and for all. In fact, she was so focused on her bloody deed that she barely noticed walking into a restaurant, trailing after Benjamin with a shadow cast over her eyes, cursing under her breath.
"Welcome! Take a seat, my friend!" A familiar voice shook her awake.
"Takeshi's Dad?" She looked up at the man, beaming at her with that familiar smile. "I should have known." She slapped her forehead, growing irritated at Benjamin's lame match-up techniques.
"What a coincidence!" Benjamin seated himself at the counter.
"I'll say!" Tsuyoshi laughed.
They're in this together. Alice pinched the bridge of her nose, completely annoyed. "Yeah, but it's a good thing you're here. Something's bothering Takeshi. He's been walking around with his forehead contracted in a frown." Alice propped up her head on her hands, looking bored.
"Gee, I wonder what's up." She replied sarcastically. There's no way she's gonna fall for his tricks. "He's in the dojo, training by himself. If only he'd cheer up a bit, I'd be a happy man."
"Why don't you go and cheer him up! I'm sure he'll appreciate it!" Benjamin winked at her. Alice resisted the urge to snap the bridge of his glasses. "Give me the usual, old man." She got up from her seat and walked off.
Without her noticing, Benjamin and Tsuyoshi popped up their thumbs in succession, beaming at one another. Alice was just glad to get out of there.
She opened the sliding doors to the dojo where Yamamoto resided. Alice was struck in awe at how large the place was. "Damn… This place is perfect for a party." She mumbled while taking a step forward.
Having spotted Yamamoto, laid outstretched on the wooden surface with his eyes shut, Alice smiled to herself. "You look nice in that outfit." She snickered, silently meaning it. Yamamoto shot up from his position on the floor, leaning on his arms as he sighed, relieved to see Alice standing before him.
"What are you doing… here?" His eyes traced the muddy footprints on the now soiled wooden floor, which has been cleaned by his hands earlier. The trail stopped at Alice's feet, which is only logical, since she's the only one amongst his friends who would make the mistake of not taking off her shoes before entering a dojo.
"What?"
She looked down and spotted the problem. "Oops… I need to take them off first, right?" She laughed at her own foolishness. Alice is now angrily fiddling with her muddy sneakers.
Yamamoto likes this. He likes the fact that she can make him laugh without using words. He forgot all about his worrisome match and the heavy pressure for having to win placed on his broad shoulders.
"Don't worry about the mess." Yamamoto smiled with his eyes glued shut. It can't possibly get any worse anyway. The boy caught himself thinking. Ironically, as he thought just that, Alice's lone sneaker flew through one of the paper sliding doors, causing quite the damage.
Yamamoto and Alice glanced over at the broken door, and then back at each other, blinking frequently. Alice burst out in laughter, covering her mouth with her small hands. "Geez!" Yamamoto started laughing also, and again, he didn't blame her at all for the mess.
"What brings you here?" Yamamoto asked after he calmed down. "My Dad was in the mood for sushi. Blame him for me being here." "Oh." Yamamoto said as he kneeled down seiza style. Alice arched her brow at this, but said nothing.
"What's up with the bug helmet?" She asked, eyeing the armor and helmet a little ways beside him with interest. "You don't know anything about kendo, do you?" "I know enough." She scoffed, looking away.
Yamamoto smiled faintly at the pouting Alice, sitting cross-legged across from him; like an American would, totally at ease. The difference in their culture should be a huge gap for them to overcome.
But they were close connected, even more so than with Tsuna and the others. She respects and admires him because Yamamoto makes a greater friend than anyone else, and maybe that's the sole reason why she chooses not to be romantically involved with him.
Because she's convinced their friendship would crumble to dust in her hands.
"Say something. I know you're dying to, so spill it." Yamamoto gave her a what-are-you-talking-about look. "You look a little worried, and that makes me fidgety." Alice said, earning a small chuckle.
"You must have been shocked out of your mind after seeing my latest outburst. It's only logical you'd be worried." She propped up her chin, gazing lazily at Yamamoto's bamboo sword.
"I shouldn't have yelled at Dino like that… He was just looking out for me, and I insulted him in front of everyone." Yamamoto gazed intently at Alice, listening to her every word. She came to him, and the least he could do was listen to her ramble about, no matter how long it took for her to finish.
"But I'll apologize for my rude behavior. I'm sure he'll forgive me." Alice grinned, her face lighting up at the thought of the oh-so-forgiving Bucking Bronco.
"You really hate Hibari, don't you?" Yamamoto stated the obvious. "I hate losing time, I hate fresh air, and I hate ponies. The list is endless, really." Yamamoto laughed. She certainly didn't seem like the type of girl who would ask for a pony on Christmas, and this confirms it.
"And yes, I hate Kyoya with a passion."Alice rolled her eyes. She knew that was what Yamamoto wanted to hear. "He's always been higher on the food chain. And it's not like I'm the only one who hates him." "Yeah, but you're the only one bold enough to hate him in front of his face."
"That's true…" Alice mumbled while stroking her chin.
"Takeshi…" She switched to serious mode in a flash. "Do you really think Kyoya's a good choice? You know, being the Cloud Guardian and all." "No hard feelings?" He asked just to be on the safe side. The last thing he wants is for Alice to grow upset again.
"No hard feelings."
"Yep."
Alice fell over upon hearing his answer so quickly, growing a bit dejected. She was able to mask it well with a big smile, mentally screaming at the now grinning Yamamoto to cut her some slack. "Okay, okay… I'm not mad at you for lying, Takeshi. I'll give you another shot, but be honest this time."
She tried to turn the tables on him, but his mind was set. "Not even a teensy bit? Nuthin'? Come on! Nobody can hear us here!" Alice freaked, but Yamamoto didn't budge. He simply smiled.
"I don't know what you're worrying about. Hibari is strong, that's a fact," Alice pouted while crossing her arms over her chest. "But that doesn't mean he's better than you. And don't give me that look. It's the truth." Alice grumbled something under her breath. But Yamamoto didn't react on it.
"We're all fighting for the same purpose, and that's to defeat the enemy." "Which is Kyoya." Alice piped in, resulting for Yamamoto to sigh. "Just forget about him." "Just forget about him… because he's a jerk kind of way?"
"That's not what I meant. I was talk-" Alice leaned forward, whispering into his ear as he tensed up stiffly, resembling a statue more than anything else. "Relax. I know what you're trying to say. I was just teasing you." She said with an eager, rather stupid laugh to follow.
Her laughter resonated in his mind, her soft breath tickling his ear as his stomach contracted with desire; a desire he grew embarrassed about for the few seconds that followed.
He felt her slender fingers run through his hair, letting her do whatever, "What are you doing exactly?" for about a minute or so. "Hmm? What I'm doing? I'm fixing your hair a little." "You're planning something, that's what you're doing." He argued back with mild amusement.
Alice rapidly pulled down her hair and let it fall to its full length. Yamamoto was more than worried about now, keeping his eyes on her. As he caught himself looking at her more closely, he noticed her smooth skin, her blue eyes bright and sparkling, and her hair as golden as the sun.
Again, he grew embarrassed and looked away, trying to hide his embarrassment with a most adorable smile. "Well, if you must know, our parents are spying on us on the other side of that door." Alice explained, hinting at the shadows moving about in the hallway, which could be so easily seen through the paper sliding doors.
"I just want to give them the shock of a lifetime." "Knowing you, you'll end up giving them a heart attack." Yamamoto chuckled. "Besides, how will you accomplish-" "Shhhtt!" She hushed Yamamoto while throwing him a slight wave, dismissing his words.
Without hesitation, she got up on her feet and walked towards the door. All the while, Yamamoto listened intently to what was said, and if possible, to hear the sound of someone fainting after what Alice said.
"We were like, totally frenching in there." There it was, the anticipated heavy, dull sound after fainting. Yamamoto laughed at her bold words. To think that she could say that with a straight face!
Yamamoto suddenly blushed, a typical boy's blush, feeling ridiculous through his shyness, growing ashamed of himself once more as the blushing increased, almost to the point of tears. "Geez! She's making me look bad in front of her old man, not to mention my own!" Yamamoto got up on his feet and ran towards the door, determined to clear up this misunderstanding.
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"What on earth happened to you Yamamoto?" Tsuna asked, his curiosity getting the better of him once he noticed Yamamoto's slightly crinkled clothes and messy hair. Yamamoto ran his fingers through his hair in his attempt to make himself more presentable.
"We made-ump!" Yamamoto covered Alice's big mouth. He got in enough trouble for that lie already. There's no need for any more embarrassing moments. "You what? You don't make any sense, Pierce-san."
"It's nothing. She's just bouncing off the walls again." Yamamoto pats Alice on the head with his hand, swinging his bamboo sword on his shoulder with the other. "I tell thou, with these two, thou hast nothing to fear for the following match, Sawada-dono."
Tsuna nodded briefly in agreement. Alice and Yamamoto make a great team, with the exception of Alice's foolishness. "Of course you have nothing to fear. Not when I'm around!" Alice pumped her fist in the air, clearly exited. "It's because you're here that I worry, Pierce-san! Gosh, you don't know anything." Tsuna scratched the back of his head, feeling discouraged while walking.
Reborn placed his beady eyes on Alice. He had a nice view on Tsuna's head, so why not make use of it? Alice has recovered from the last battle, both in body and spirit. Perhaps she reconsidered her selfish outburst and took Dino seriously?
Alice gave Yamamoto a gentle shove. He beamed down at her, not thinking of the battle that is to come, not in the slightest. "Alice... What's your opinion on Hibari's position as the Cloud Guardian." Reborn asked the girl, in which she stopped walking and faced the baby hitman.
In turn, Tsuna, Basil and Yamamoto placed their eyes on her. The silence was suffocating her, and Reborn knew this. But he had to know. Otherwise, Alice will never be fully ready to take on her responsibilities as the Wind Representative.
He does not expect for her to get along with him, because it will never happen. She just needs to stop fighting him for the wrong reasons. She needs to stop placing the blame on him for everything.
"I just hate to be in a corner. I hate to be put as only a spare for the team, or to stand in his shadow when I'm supposed to lead the way. And above anything else," Reborn was fixated on her, having seen her eyes hardening under his gaze.
"I hate to lose to him."
A shadow was cast on Reborn's face. Alice stood tall nonetheless, despite her fears of getting kicked out of the team. "Why are you so keen on beating Hibari-san? I mean... You're way too serious when it comes to him." Alice averted her attention to the Vongola Boss next in line.
"She clings onto that matter so stubbornly because she knows, that once Hibari has been beaten, he will be forced to deal with the fact that Alice is on equal footing with him. Isn't that what you're aiming for?" Reborn asked despite knowing the answer.
"Yeah. That's my goal." She nodded. Somehow, that sounds even worse than picking a fight with Hibari-san! Tsuna panicked in his thoughts, picturing Alice forcing Hibari to kiss her feet while sitting on her throne, throwing her head back with a bone-chilling laugh to follow.
"Hmm... How amusing." Reborn smirked. He was more than curious to see Hibari breaking down before Alice, but unlike Alice, Reborn doesn't walk around with his head in the clouds, not knowing the difference between reality and fantasy. But still, I'm willing to see how far she'll go to reach her goal.
"So we're cool?"
"As long as you don't make a mess of the following battle." Reborn raised his black hat a little ways up in order to see her better. And it was worth the trouble, looking at her pouting and quite upset expression.
"I won't! We're Ring Buddies! We're gonna kick some ass! Bump my fist." She urged Yamamoto, and he replied, "But you don't have your Ring." Alice stared at her outstretched hand, having noticed the empty space around her middle finger.
"NUUUOOHH!" She screamed, her face pale. Yamamoto pats her on the back while she gazed at her hand non-stop, as if expecting for the Ring to magically pop back on her finger. "It's not fair." She cried. "I'm not an official Ring Buddy anymore."
"Hey, don't worry. It'll be your turn to shine before you know it. You'll win it back for sure." Her mind was put at ease after hearing Yamamoto's comforting words.
"Thanks Takeshi." Alice stood on her tip-toes and pressed a lingering kiss upon his cheek, much to the others' shock. Alice grew surprised at Yamamoto's blank expression once she backed down.
"You're welcome-I mean-if you're ever feeling down-would I help out-be glad to help out." Yamamoto blundered, his face turning a deeper shade of red with each failed sentence.
"God Pierce-san. Don't make Yamamoto screw up in the fight, I beg of you." Tsuna slapped himself in the face after muttering those words under his breath. Basil struggled to keep in his laughter, seeing that it would be rather improper of him to laugh out loud.
--------------
Seeing Alice hurrying off to school was a first for Tsuna. They could barely keep up with her. And she's supposed to be injured? I don't get it! The boy thought while gasping for air.
Alice feasted her eyes upon the front building of Nami-middle. A certain silver-haired male awaited their arrival. A nasty smirk, and a hard glance of triumph was Squalo's method of intimidating her. But Alice's courage rises to a new peak at every attempt to intimidate her.
"VOOOII! So you came, huh?" He sized her up from his position above the school entrance. "Of course. I would never run away from a fight." "Funny…" Squalo flashed his teeth, grinning like mad.
"From what I've heard, you're the biggest coward in the group." By this time, Tsuna and the others stumbled onto the school grounds. Alice gritted her teeth. "Weren't you in a gang before all this?" "What's that got to do with anything?" Alice struggled to keep her cool.
"You know what they say; a gang is where a coward goes to hide. But then again, you've left that all behind, haven't you?" "Pierce-san is a better person now, so it's no use getting her all riled up about her mistakes." Tsuna interfered with a look of determination gracing his face.
Alice felt proud. She lifted her head, thinking of herself as the king of all lions, or in her case, the queen. Squalo jumped down. He took a step in Alice's direction while the others backed away a bit. But Alice refused to move.
"You don't resemble him one bit." Squalo spoke icily, practically spitting in her face. Her eyes flashed dangerously with a hint of anger, and upon noticing this, Squalo continued to throw oil on the fire.
"He's daring, boastful, cunning, ruthless, self-denying and self-devoted." "How the fuck would you know?" Squalo smirked. He was getting under her skin, that's for sure. "You're just, generous, revengeful, superstitious, modest, and commonly chaste."
"You don't know me." Alice growled menacingly.
"Funny… Those were the same brave words that asshole of a brother said about you." Alice was seething with rage. Yamamoto and Basil had managed to take a hold of her before she pounced on Squalo.
"VOOOII! That's more like it!" He roared. This was exactly the kind of reaction he expected from her. He wanted for her to give everything she got into the fight. She had to be filled with the desire to kill in order for that to happen.
The Cervello made their entrance, appearing from out of nowhere. "Tonight's combat field will be the south tower." "Please move to the south tower." Alice kept her eyes on Squalo. He was about to walk away, "How do you know him..." when he found that he couldn't. Alice blocked his path, having escaped out of Basil's and Yamamoto's hold with godlike speed.
"How do I know him?" Squalo arched his brow. He was most certainly amused by the fact that Alice actually thinks he'd tell her, just like that. "What do you have to offer me?" He mocked her. Squalo placed his eyes on Yamamoto who stood a little ways behind Alice. A sneer sat upon his lips. "I guess that could be arranged... If you hand over the Ring."
"I won't hand it over without a fight!" Yelled Yamamoto, surprised. The boy grew even more surprised upon seeing Alice staring back at him, a strange expression gracing her face. "He knows my brother, Takeshi."
"He could be lying. We can't risk it."
"He described him perfectly! That's gotta mean something, right?"
She was losing her cool. Everyone was well aware of that. Despite hating her brother with all her heart, Alice is desperate to hear from him. "Alice, think about it. He's just messing with us! Even you can't be caught unaware!"
A little frown was on her brow, and an expression of intense disgust on her face. Yamamoto's eyes softened. He felt her hard gaze upon him. "I didn't mean it like that." He said calmly. "Yeah, right..."
Alice turned her back on him and walked off. Squalo seemed satisfied with this and moved along as well. After all, the plan was to cut the tight bond they share, and it worked better than he expected. Yamamoto's hand was clenched till the nails dented the palm, and his body was rigid in his passionate effort for control. "Yamamoto... You okay?" Tsuna asked cautiously.
The boy dashed forward with no reply.
"Y-Yamamoto!" "We should go too." Basil informed a distressed Tsuna.
"Yeah."
"Sorry for being late!"
The three became aware of a sunny presence closing in on them. Sure enough, Ryohei walked up to Tsuna, apologizing once again for his tardiness. Gokudera was there as well. He was covered with multiple scratches and band-aids, but it was nothing big. "What's with the gloomy expression, Tenth?" Gokudera asked, having noticed the heavy atmosphere.
"Where's Yamamoto?" Ryohei asked impatiently.
"He didn't show up, did he? I'll kill that baseball idiot!" Gokudera exploded, whereas Tsuna tried to calm him down. "Yamamoto and Pierce-san are here, Gokudera-kun! They went on ahead of us." "Then what are we standing here for? Let's go to the extreme!" Ryohei dragged Tsuna along with his good arm, much to the boy's cries of protest.
In the meantime, Yamamoto caught up with an impatient Alice, trying her best to open a heavy looking door, which is most likely the only entrance to the battlefield. Alice stopped with what she was doing and glanced over at Yamamoto. His face was troubling her to the point that it got downright annoying to look at.
"Stupid door."
Alice kicked the metal surface, ignoring the senseless throbbing of her foot. "Aren't you gonna help me out here?" She muttered. Alice was caught off guard when she felt Yamamoto's presence behind her, standing tall. His shadow was cast over Alice, making her feel small and vulnerable. As friendly and faithful as he is, there is still a little part of him that she fears.
Yamamoto reaches out for the door handle, hesitating, it seemed, whether he should open the door or not. "Let go of the Tenth! You're gonna break his arm, Turf-top!"
Yamamoto retreated his hand as fast as lightning, like a desperate burglar caught red-handed, feeling guilty of a crime he didn't even commit. "What's up with you?" Gokudera arched his brow at the boy. Since he didn't bother saying anything, Gokudera lost interest and opened the door quite easily. Alice hissed like a cornered cat because of it.
Once Gokudera opened the door completely, the sound of running water reached their ears. The room they were in was a total wreck. The water was ankle deep as they walked in, and that the gang were nervous was quite evident. Cascades of water passed down from the crumbled ceiling, resembling streams of heavy rain. Water, water, as far as the eye could see. "This doesn't even look like the school anymore!" Gokudera exclaimed after taking in the battlefield.
Tsuna opened his mouth to say something, when a sneeze came upon him unawares, and a loud "Ah rash hoo!" succeeded into shocking the crap out of his friends.
"This is the combat field for the rain match: Aquarion." The Cervello stood amidst the rubble. "It features a three-dimensional structure and a massive amount of water that flows without end." "The water that's being introduced begins filling the tower up from the first floor." Alice took another look around, scanning the area. "Any questions so far?" Alice's hand shot up instantly.
"Where's the restroom?"
Tsuna froze like a statue at her question. I can't believe she said that!! "What kind of question is that?" Gokudera yelled in her ear. "What did you expect! There's water everywhere!" She yelled into his ear for a change.
"As long as the match continues, the water level will rise." The Cervello continued, assuming there are no questions regarding the battlefield. "The water that has pooled will gain the traits of sea water through the use of a special device. And once a specific water level has been reached, a certain ferocious sea creature will be released."
Tsuna's head shot up. "What? A ferocious animal?" "Sounds like fun."
Alice looked up, recognizing that voice instantly. The Varia crew gazed down upon the youngsters with a murderous look, as usual. Xanxus decided to grace them with his almighty presence for this match. "The ones who lose will be erased. Either the lot of you, or this trash." "Damn… What crawled up his ass and died?"
"P-Pierce-san!" Alice ignored Tsuna. She kept staring persistently at Xanxus, fixated and motionless, but not as if she were in a trance. She was in control. She refuses to recognize his power. But somewhere along the lines, grief, despair and rage overwhelmed her, all caused by his eyes alone. He could see what kind of effect he was having on her. He smirked, his eyes set ablaze.
"Xanxus is serious." Reborn said after Xanxus walked off.
"Don't scare them so much, Reborn." All eyes were on the Tenth generation Boss of the Cavallone Family. "Dino-san!" The blonde smiled with his eyes closed. Afterwards, he averted his attention to the only girl in the group, currently hiding behind Ryohei. She placed her forehead against the boxer's backside, clutching onto his blue hooded sweater.
Because he's worth protecting… Those words kept echoing in her head. Her eyes were empty and dull, seeing nothing but the blueness of Ryohei's sweater. "Alice… I can't let you fight in your current condition. So, you should let Takeshi fight by himself." Alice said nothing. "You can stand by the sidelines, but you cannot attack. No matter what the situation." Just like before, she is still seen as a little selfish girl. She gritted her teeth. If I'm seen as a little girl, aren't I worth protecting at least?
"So please, don't get involved."
"This is also my fight, not only Takeshi's. How can I not participate?" She said, making no effort of showing herself. Dino arched his brow at her answer. "Then what do you suppose we do?" He crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for her answer.
"We will beat the enemy." She answered, but Dino wasn't convinced. "What about your brother?" Alice shut her eyes, the image of her brother coming to mind. "I understand you want to find out what became of a family member, but bear in mind that you have another Family here, and one of your fellow brothers is about to engage in a life or death battle." Alice opened her eyes.
"Takeshi is your brother; not by blood, but by spirit. And don't you dare forget that." Alice stepped out of her hiding place. Was she actually planning on deserting Yamamoto just for some information about her brother? Could she even take Squalo's word for it?
"You weren't planning on stopping me, were you?" Dino smiled. He was more than glad for her to catch on. "Takeshi, I'll be watching your match." Yamamoto nodded, smiling afterwards. Dino was surprised and made happy by the unexpected embrace he received after Alice flew in his arms. She practically cut off his blood circulation, but he didn't mind.
"Does this mean you accept Kyoya as a part of the Family-owch!" "Sorry. My foot slipped." Alice said with much sarcasm, dripping from every word. "You sure are clumsy." And of course, Dino falls for her obvious lie. Wake up and smell the coffee Dino-san!
"It's decided! We're going to pull Hibari into the circle! All in favor, say aye!" Dark clouds gathered above Tsuna's head with him looking gloomy as ever. "Hibari-san's gonna kill us." Tsuna said, earning a chuckle from Dino. "Nay." "AYE!" Ryohei held onto Alice's wrist and lifted her hand in the air. "It's impossible for him to join!"
"So you agree with Alice on this one to the extreme?"
"Don't even go there." Gokudera groaned while rubbing his temples, clearly pissed. "How about we let Basil-kun in?" Tsuna suggested, whereas a surprised Basil pointed at himself, completely taken aback. "In that case, can Dino-" "Bucking Bozo ain't joining us!" Gokudera protested loudly. "Who says you can decide? You're not even a Ring Buddy!" "Says the one without a Ring. You don't even own half of the Wind Ring." Gokudera smirked smugly.
"I should have never given you the Storm Ring, jerk!"
"Now now, you two. Can't we all just get along?" Yamamoto smiled.
"Stay out of this!" Both Gokudera and Alice yelled at him, making Yamamoto's hair stand on end. "You guys, we've been standing here for like, a while now. You coming?" "Of course, Tenth!" Gokudera beamed, until Alice shoved him aside. "Me first, fake Ring Buddy." "That's my line!"
"All right! Yamamoto! Fight!"
The group cheered loudly, Ryohei and Alice coming out as the loudest of the bunch, much to Tsuna's horror since he stood in-between the two loudmouthed teens. "Now, will the Guardians of Rain please come to the center." Righty spoke. "As well as the Wind Representatives." Lefty followed.
"Because the field will be underwater, the spectators' room will be outside the building." "The match will be shown on the giant screen mounted on the wall." The Cervello turned to face Squalo and Yamamoto.
"The Guardians of Rain will have to decide whether to use the Wind Representatives in battle." Squalo eyed the doglike male beside him. He absolutely refused to use him in battle, because he works alone. But seeing Pezzo chewing greedily on his collar, Squalo figured some exercise would do him good. "He's in." He grumbled, growing annoyed of Pezzo's constant sniffing.
"Very well."
"Yamamoto Takeshi, what is your answer?"
The boy's eyes fell on Alice. She smiled, trying her best not to be envious or discontented, but it was very natural that the girl longed to join the fray. She longed to stand by his side, no matter what. After all, that is what she's there for. "I'm sorry, Alice…" He said, unable to look her in the eye. She was much disappointed. "It's okay. I understand, and I don't resent you for it, although I should." Alice joked while digging her hands in her pockets. Yamamoto's playful smile went straight to her heart, forcing her to smile back at him despite feeling down.
"No, you don't understand." Yamamoto laughed. "I wasn't finished yet." "Sure, go ahead. Rub it in." Alice grumbled.
"I was sorry for relying on you to cover for me." Alice's eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm in?" "You're in." Yamamoto repeated. Her heart gave a little flutter of happiness, giving her self-confidence a boost. "I'll seriously punch you if you do that again." She frowned, indicating that she was serious.
"Got it." Yamamoto's smile increased despite the warning.
"As for the rest, please exit the building."
The boys said whatever they had to say. "Do your best." Tsuna looked up at his friend considering his height. "Yeah. No worries." Alice engulfed Tsuna in a bone-crushing hug. "I'll take good care of him." "You'd better! Or else there's hell to pay!" All eyes were on Gokudera.
"You know what I mean!" Gokudera gave a despairing groan, and Yamamoto laughed outright while Alice watched the squirming Gokudera with interest. "See you guys later!" Yamamoto walked off toward the battlefield, whereas Alice hesitated a bit, keeping her eyes on Tsuna and the others.
"Watch yourself out there, okay?" Alice nodded her head, apreciating Tsuna's words. She ran off in Yamamoto's direction, about to get involved in yet another fight.
"This battle will have no time limit."
"VOOOII! The time has finally come! I'll cut that smirk off your face, Sword-brat!" Squalo yelled, his silver eyes flashing wildly. "The Guardians of the Ring of Rain, Superbi Squalo VS Yamamoto Takeshi. Battle start!"
"Here I come!"
Alice's POV:
With a speed that even my eyes couldn't keep up with, Squalo charged forward with his blade gleaming, ready to see some blood. Takeshi pushed me aside and took the blow with his sword, the two of them trying to push each other back in a struggle for domination. "You think you can keep this up? Let's see you try then!"
Squalo pushed him back as Takeshi groaned in defeat, losing his footing in the water. Squalo cut and slashed away while Takeshi showed difficulty with dodging. Squalo's face went black with wrath, his eyes were ablaze. There was no clearness or sanity in them - nothing but the terrific rage of a madman. It was the shark in him that I saw. Although I might consider moving a good distance away from the TV-set; I don't fully trust my eyesight anymore.
Before either Takeshi or me knew what had happened, his right arm had been ripped open from elbow to wrist by a quick slash of Squalo's sword. Takeshi backed away, a shocked expression on his face, his sword held before him in a position of defense. Blood was spouting out of his wound as generous as water from a fountain.
"Takeshi!"
I scrabbled back on my feet, ignoring the cold atmosphere as I resisted the urge to shiver violently. Takeshi's face was livid with fear upon seeing his own blood and what he might expect sooner or later from the man that cut him.
"You afraid?" Squalo sneered.
"Yes," Takeshi said defiantly and honestly, "I'm afraid."
"Takeshi... Don't mind him! You can still turn the tide! You can cut..." I grew silent, my eyes falling on his sword, the backside of his weapon turned to the enemy. He doesn't want to cut him down... Typical softhearted Takeshi. "He might as well be swinging a butter knife around." I face palmed myself. The urge to help him was rising to a new level. An extreme high level.
Takeshi ripped off his sleeve and wrapped the cloth around his wounded arm, although it didn't stop the bleeding much. A half-roar of irritation and shame made us look up. Pezzo was howling miserably on the rocky rubble, the highest one he could find.
He looked pathetic, to say the least. He shook the last traces of liquid out his hair, howling again afterwards. "What's up with him?" I asked Squalo plainly while pointing at Pezzo with my thumb. "WHAT THE FUCK IS UP WITH YOU? YOU COME DOWN FROM THERE AND FUCKING FIGHT HER!" Squalo yelled with all his might.
Takeshi blinked his eyes, currently dazed.
"Is that normal behavior?" Tsuna asked, his brow twitching nervously. "Judging from Squalo's loud reaction, I would say no, that's not normal." Dino ran his hand through his hair. He didn't know what to expect from this fight.
"What a weird guy to the extreme."
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU LOOKING AT?" Squalo's rage continued, his deadly gaze placed upon me. "N-nuthin..." I shouldn't be messing with him when he's this mad. "But still..." My eyes wandered over to Pezzo, the pathetic dog. How odd. He reminds me of Bob whenever she had to take a bath. She utterly despised the water. Wait a minute…
"He's scared of the water!" I pointed at Pezzo, smirking at the discovery of his weakness. Squalo couldn't contain his anger no longer. He roared with all his might, causing for Pezzo to whine shamefully.
As if making up for his uselessness, Pezzo sprang for me with a half-roar, about to sink his teeth into my arm when Takeshi stood tall before me. He holds his sword backwards and spins it, creating a whirlwind like shield. My eyes widened at the wonder, growing a little disappointed when the shield crashed down around us, having served its purpose.
"Shibuki Ame."
He swung his sword down with a look of determination gracing his face. "Don't be elated, little birdie!" Squalo dragged his sword through the water, speeding up considerably. Simultaneous with this, I moved from my spot and executed a flawless jump spin hook kick, striking Squalo with the heel of my foot.
Squalo managed to intercept my kick, much to my surprise. He held onto my leg, a nasty smirk dancing on his lips as he prepared to slam me down with much force when Takeshi's sword was send flying in a stab towards Squalo.
"Yarazu no Ame."
Squalo felt Takeshi's sword swish past his face, missing by a mere inch. He realized Takeshi didn't mean to cut him. It was all just a diversion, buying me the time to get away from the shark. This angered him so. It was as if he wasn't worthy of being cut down, as if he was being spared. He felt cruelly insulted.
Takeshi helped me up on my feet, his eyes hardening as he looked at Squalo. "Stay close. I'll protect you." "E-eh?" I exclaimed, totally caught off guard again. So this is what it feels like to be utterly useless, like a damsel in distress. Wearing jeans and sneakers… I looked down at my clothes, feeling out of place all of a sudden.
"Hmm…" Reborn smirked. "Pierce-san's messing things up for Yamamoto. Maybe it was a bad decision for her to fight today." Tsuna said. "Not quite… Alice is the reason for Yamamoto to confront Squalo head on. He doesn't feel the desire to cut him down, thus, his urge to fight back is low." "But that's bad!" Tsuna pulled on his hair.
"Not per se, Tsuna. You must have noticed it, right?" Then Dino added. "Whenever Alice is in danger, he steps in to protect her, and because of that, he manages to overcome Squalo in a fight. It's his desire to protect her that keeps him going." Dino smiled. "If that is the truth, one must wonder what would happen if Alice-dono was wounded."
Reborn laid his eyes upon Basil for a short while. Yamamoto won't be able to handle it. Not when he's so foolishly fond of her, that's for sure.
"YOU'RE A DEAD MAN!"
A single cut from his heavy sword almost severed Takeshi's head, but he managed to dodge skillfully with no harm done. The intermitting dull sound of sword hitting sword reached my ears. Takeshi steeled himself to brazen it out, though I could see he was trembling inwardly, but the enormous strength of the shark was too much for him to handle.
Drops of blood flew in the air as their swords gleamed before me. Small amounts of gunpowder shot out of Squalo's sword and Takeshi jumped out of range, but Squalo was far from done.
Something has happened.
He could not understand at first. Then he discovered it at the hand of seeing his hands stained with blood. His own blood. He barely felt the sharp slash of metal that tore through the flesh on his chest.
"Yamamoto!" Tsuna yelled out to his classmate, having registered what had happened in the blink of an eye. Takeshi's feet went out from under him. He simply could not stand upright and endure the agony. His muscles refused their duty. The pain was too great. He fell to the floor, feeling very faint.
"It fucking hurts doesn't it! That's what you get for playing around, Sword-brat!" He barely finished his sentence when I charged in his direction like a raging bull, and as a football player tackles an opposing runner, I tackled the shark with much force, taking him by surprise as I rammed him into a pillar.
"The designated water level has been reached, and a ferocious sea animal has been released." The Cervello warned, but I didn't heed the warning that was given. I was turned blind and deaf by my overflowing desire for revenge.
"VOOOII! The fun's over, little thief!" He yelled, at the same time, Squalo's left hand swung up and grasped my throat in a grip of steel, lifting me from the ground. I gasped for breath. And he watched me as a cat watches a mouse.
As I writhed about I could see in his eyes that he enjoyed this, seeing me squirm in his hold. I glared as hatefully and viciously as I could, rather than focusing on my breathing.
Takeshi struggled to stand on his feet, bravely holding onto his sword. He stood there, his brow furrowed and his head bowed. He did not move, blink, or show any signs of life, safe the rising and falling of his chest with each breath.
"Let her go." He said, warning Squalo of any misfortune that will fall upon him. As he placed his eyes on Takeshi, a deadly gleam came into his silver orbs, and he relaxed his hold on me with a short laugh. Come and get her." Squalo was on the move, jumping higher up in order to put his plan into motion.
The point of his sword hovered above my shoulder. I felt very faint as my vision became blurry, seeing only the silver of Squalo's hair. It doesn't take a genius to figure out he's gonna toss me in the water after he cuts me down.
"He's gonna stab her like he did before, the sick bastard!" Gokudera spat, feeling powerless to do anything about it. "Pierce-san…" Tsuna shut his eyes and clenched his hands into fists, his teeth chattering with anger.
Squalo's sword plunged into my shoulder, cruel like and soundless. A bloody stream issued forth from the wound in my shoulder, his sword still in place. The blood trickled down my arm past my numb fingers, forming a single drop of the thick liquid, falling down into the deep waters.
Down below, the horror increased by the sight of a shark prowling about in circles, as if waiting for its prey. I smiled. "What the fuck are you smiling about?" "Nothing really…" I struggled to say.
A massive tidal wave came rolling towards Squalo with the force of a tsunami. Takeshi's shadow could be seen behind the wave, causing for Squalo to glare it down. "She's fish food, little brat!" He released his hold on me, allowing for me to fall to my death. There is nothing I regret at this point. I played my part. I lived my life to the fullest.
"I' don't want to die! I haven't experienced my first kiss yet!" I complained as I held onto something like my life depended on it. My life does depend on it! "VOOOII! LET GO OF MY HAIR, YOU INSOLENT BRAT!" Squalo swung his sword about. He could actually hear the roots of his hair scream in agony.
"Seriously… Is that the only reason for her to go on living?" Tsuna sweat-dropped. Gokudera scanned Dino from top to bottom. Dino arched his brow at this. "So you didn't take advantage of her…" "Why am I always the bad guy whenever Alice is involved?" Dino retorted while Ryohei joined in on the staring.
"Come on!"
"I don't want to die!" I cried and cried as Squalo lost his balance and fell over, plummeting down to meet our doom. I closed my eyes while ignoring the waves of pain resonating from my shoulder to my arm. The sound of a sword cutting through air could be heard, followed by a fierce groan.
"He got him!" Tsuna was thrilled. Ryohei roared in victory and a tiny smile formed on Gokudera's lips. "He used Utsushi Ame to create the reflection of him in the water, fooling Squalo into thinking he moved from his position below. Then, he attacked with Shinotsuku Ame, delivering the final blow in midair." Reborn explained.
"He's amazing!"
"He wasn't that great…" Gokudera mumbled, despite feeling the same way.
"You alright?" I opened my eyes, coming face to face with Takeshi. I was in his arms, blinking away. He was a little too close for my comfort, and thus, I reacted like any normal girl would.
"Sexual harassment!"
Takeshi laughed at my words. I stopped yelling like a retarded baboon and simply watched him laugh. His laughter soothed me, for reasons I didn't know. This was my reward. This was what made me put him first; this is what made me forget all about Aiden and the information Squalo offered me.
I showed him the half Ring of Rain I stole from the shark. He cast a glance of tenderness and admiration upon the trinket, but when I looked closer, I realized his eyes were locked with mine. "Liking the view, aren't we?" I teased, now observing that Takeshi had begun to blush violently, looking away.
"So this is what it feels like… to be defeated." Takeshi placed me down on my feet. He spotted Squalo lying on a lone rock in the water, bathed in his blood. A large cut adorned his torso as he coughed up blood.
Much to my surprise, Squalo had a satisfied but gentle expression gracing his face.
Third POV:
"Squalo!" Yamamoto ran up to the edge of the water, his eyes widening in horror. "What the fuck are you so shocked about?" Squalo paused for breath. "You didn't expect to cut me with that sword of yours?" "It was an accident! I didn't realize it until it was too late. Believe me when I say I didn't want to-" "You're full of shit!" He panted and gasped painfully.
"You tried to kill me, though you did it like a civilized man, but the hell with that..." Squalo sounded satisfied with the fact that he was cut down.
This is what a swordfight is all about.
Pezzo entered Squalo's eyesight from high above. He retreated with his tail between his legs, much like a coward. "Why'd you drag Alice into the fight?" Yamamoto asked him, his eyes being shadowed as he held onto his bloodstained sword. "You don't seem like the kind of person to exploit your opponent's weakness... You just slice your way through them, so why?" Squalo smirked while shutting his eyes.
"You don't know me at all, sword-brat." He was in denial and Yamamoto knew it.
"You fucking figure it out on your own," He groaned while struggling to stand on his feet, feeling his gaping wound sting internally. "Cause I don't plan on explaining myself to an enemy, let alone a swordsman who wields a sword that heals." He chuckled darkly as blood splattered on the concrete below.
"H-hey! Take it easy! You shouldn't get up in your condition!" Alice surprised herself as the words slipped past her lips. Squalo laughed. He actually laughed in front of her face. "Worrying for your enemies' well being. The two of you aren't alike. Not at all." He panted as his vision blurred.
"He's a regular fucked up dickhead; I had to put up with a lot of bullshit from that guy." The light went out of her face and eyes. "I put an end to him because of his idiot rambling." Alice showing a stupidly sorrowful face. But this was no time to think of him, for the shark's massive fin emerged from the waters, heading straight for Squalo.
"Squalo, get out of there! You can still make it!" Yamamoto yelled out to him. He did not listen. Instead, Squalo held his head high, smirking in a way only a madman could. The shark leaped forward with his monstrous jaws wide open.
Alice's body moved on its own accord as she jumped, performing a mid-air kick; her foot denting the shark's side by impact, it's heavy body being tossed about in the angry waters, afterwards disappearing into the waves.
"She kicked the shark…" Tsuna rubbed the bridge of his nose, not knowing how to react. You'd think he would get used to these surprises. "THAT WAS WAY EXTREME!" And of course, Ryohei grew amazed at the crazy stunt Alice pulled off just now. Alice stood beside a pissed looking Squalo. For now, she chose to ignore his intense glaring and half supported the stumbling swordsman.
"I don't need your pity, so get lost." Squalo groaned, feeling extremely weak. "Don't worry, I didn't kick the shark with all my strength. I made sure to soften the impact. He'll be okay." "What the fuck are you blabbing about? I don't give a damn about the shark, dumbass!" He yelled, utterly dumbfounded with her ability of being downright stupid.
"Can't you wait with insulting me after I save your ass?" "I don't want to be saved by anyone! Especially not by the hands of a girl who's no more an idiot than he is!" He yelled, his voice filled with volume and fury. According to Squalo, Yamamoto and Alice's stupidity hold no limits. The shark's highly streamlined body moved slowly, it's fin breaking the water level, leaving tiny ripples in its wake. Squalo spotted Yamamoto looking around, as if scanning the area for a quick way to reach him before the shark did. "Don't you fucking move!"
Squalo had more than enough. He did not and will never understand their need to help a fallen enemy. "Let me go." Alice gazed at Squalo, his facial expression softening as he whispered his order out to her. "I won't let go-" "Stop being so damn stupid and let me go, petty thief. I have my pride as a swordsman to keep."
Alice fell silent. This man had tried to kill her two times, which is more than enough. It's perfectly normal for Alice to leave him to die. But she couldn't. She figured Squalo had his reasons for attempting to murder her in cold blood. He is an honorable man who –sadly enough for him- respects Alice despite the fact that she's a total idiot. Therefore, he was in her eyes a man who deserves her respect.
"You didn't kill him… I can tell." Squalo's eyes remained dull. "You're fucking annoying!" Squalo swiped at her with his sword as though she were a fly, whereas Alice jumped back beside Yamamoto, holding onto her wounded right shoulder with her left hand. "And that goes for the two of you, idiots." "Squalo…" The shark sped up considerably, already charging in for the kill.
"Brat, your skill as a swordsman isn't bad. Just get rid of that softness."
Alice glared Squalo down, expecting for him to say something to her. But he returned her glare with a more deadly one. "And you…" Alice gulped. Here it comes. "You have the potential to become even more stupid, Ring stealer." "Screw you! Go ahead and die, Hippie! I hope you rot in hell!" Alice retorted in her rage, not meaning what she said.
The shark neared as it sped up once more. With a snap, Squalo met his doom by the hands (or jaws) of a vicious shark. "Squalo!" Yamamoto and Alice just watched it happen before their eyes, refusing to look away. The water surface rippled considerably, until it disappeared, much like Squalo.
The silence itself kept silent as the rest kept their gaze on the large screen. Xanxus's laughter broke the silence. "Fish food at the very end! That piece of trash!" He commented while sitting on his fancy throne. "I've managed to wash away one piece of the past." He added after calming down quite a bit.
"Damn it." Yamamoto cursed, blaming himself for what happened. If only he didn't listen to Squalo. If only he made more effort to help him. Alice's lips now twitched with rage as she felt an intensity of loathing and revenge towards Xanxus. She was clearly boiling from the inside, but said nothing –as though her feelings were too strong to permit for words.
She looks different, not at all like herself. Tsuna thought silently. Indeed, Alice didn't look in the least like herself.
"The battle over the Ring of Rain has concluded with Yamamoto Takeshi's victory." The Cervello said with no sense of emotion whatsoever. "I will announce the next match. Tomorrow night's match will be Mist."
Alice and Yamamoto emerged from the battlefield. Neither one of them had anything to say. Ryohei placed his unhurt hand on her unscathed shoulder. "You alright, Alice of the extreme Shark Kicker?" Ryohei looked serious, which added a little more humor to his words as Alice cast him a faint smile.
"Yeah… I'll be okay."
Tsuna confronted Yamamoto. The raven-haired boy smiled as well, much like how Alice had responded. "You fought well, Takeshi, Alice." "Dino, I'm sorry we weren't any help out there." Yamamoto stammered out. "There's no need for apologies. Squalo knew what he was doing, so don't blame yourself for what happened."
There was something off with Dino, at least, that's how Alice sees it. A dreadful change had come over his face, although he did all he could to hide it. "Dino-san…" Tsuna muttered under his breath, utterly feeling sorry for the man. It was something that Dino tried to avoid, much to his failed attempts at doing so.
He noticed Alice's confused expression, practically demanding for an explanation. He was about to explain his connection with Squalo when he decided to remain silent. He could distinctly see the distraught yet angry expression on her face, realizing that it would be futile to tell her anything.
She knew he knew Squalo personally without telling her. Why else would she be so mad for failing?
His warm hand was placed on her head, messing up her blonde hair like he always does. "Just to let you know. I'm here if you need anything." Alice offered her support as she looked away, acting all tough. His bangs covered his eyes.
"Thanks…" He murmured in a voice very grateful to the little girl before him. Like I thought, she isn't the type of person to be protected by another. She can fend for herself just fine. "I appreciate it."
She doesn't need my protection.
