Mamoru Hibari's Story

"Listen here, young Ieharu."

At the mentioning of his name, Ieharu's ears perked up, but he didn't turn to look at the source. He was too busy playing his video game, torso hunched to the side, shoulders scrunched in concentration, the clicks and clacks of his controller nearly as deafening as the sound of gunfire emanating from the massive flat screen before him. This wasn't the first time he had to multitask while an adult was talking.

"I probably shouldn't be telling you this–in fact I shouldn't be, but I believe honorable men like myself should show some good charity toward the families of their targets."

Ieharu's eyes narrowed slightly, but his concentration on his game didn't falter for a second. Though he was only halfway paying attention, he did recognize the voice. Male. Upbeat. Sanguine, but with a hint of danger. It was Godot, though his twin brother Ieyoshi always called the man "their new nanny".

"You might not believe me–I get it, it's a little sudden–but I am an assassin sent by an anonymous payer of mine to knock off an heir of the Vongola family."

From where he stood in the room, Godot took a few steps closer. Ieharu didn't notice, nor did he respond. On the TV, a rival's body exploded in a plume of blood and body parts. Presumably the boy's doing, because he snickered softly.

"Namely, that would be you, Ieharu Sawada." Outside, thunder boomed, ravaging the skies. It was several moments before Ieharu reacted, but then it was as if he'd been physically slapped. The clicking and clacking from the controller ceased immediately as he slowly turned his head, looking over his shoulder at the man who had just threatened his life in no uncertain terms. He was standing pretty close, too. Eyes wide, Ieharu moved his lips as if to form words, but nothing came out.

"Indeed," Godot continued, shrugging as if it were none of his business, his attitude cavalier. "Your Daddy-o's quite an important guy, and there are certain people who are quite concerned as to who takes his nice leather-padded throne."

Ieharu dropped the controller. The sound of an explosion erupted from the TV soon after, the flat screen flashing wildly before going black. There were only two words on the screen now: Game Over.

It was then that Ieharu found his voice, high pitched and wracked with incredulity. "Wait... what?!"

"I don't think you'd be all too interested in the details, seeing as you're going to die anyway." Godot took another step closer. He was within arm's reach of the boy now. "But just think of this as my diagnosis for you."

While gaming, Ieharu had been seated on the edge of a particularly comfortable reclining chair. Having closed the distance between them, Godot leaned on the chair's back, causing it to shift and Ieharu to slide backwards. Slowly. They were practically face to face now.

"I've decided that it's going to happen tomorrow." He said, matter-of-factly. "I can't delay it any further, please understand that I really wish I could."

Ieharu simply stared in horror, the weight of Godot's words imprinting themselves onto his psyche. Could it be true? Is he serious? He sounded pretty serious. Looked dead serious, in fact. But his father would never put an assassin so close, right? ... but what if he didn't, or he made a mistake? What if it was all part of the plan? What if he was going to die?!

"I've grown to like you, young Ieharu, so this is about all I can do for you."

"But—!"

"You've got one day to live, or at least until the next time I see you. I'm giving you the opportunity to clear up whatever remaining regrets you might have. It really hurts my conscience to think about good men dying with regrets..."

As Godot spoke, Ieharu brought his hands to the sides of his face, a sound like that of a dying animal escaping his lips. One day?! It wasn't fair! He had a math test tomorrow that he'd already studied for. He had so many people to meet... so many friends to make... all of it for nothing. His hands traversed his head, moving from the sides of his face to his forehead. Tears came to his eyes at his next thought.

I'm still a virgin!

"Regardless, that doesn't stop me from doing what I'm paid to, I just like to get an extra minute of sleep later on. So, I suggest spending the night to give it some thought, just make sure you sleep good, alright?" Ieharu didn't respond, his hands still plastered to his forehead. "... Oh, and make sure you don't tell anybody like your brother or something. You don't want to get your family involved, else I'll be forced to... Well, I'm sure your a smart kid–in fact, I know you are." Again, Ieharu didn't even respond. Didn't move. Didn't dare to. Never in his life was he so intimidated by the presence of another.

After a momentary silence, Godot turned, releasing the chair and nearly causing Ieharu to fly off it as it snapped forward. "Guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow." Almost as an afterthought, he added: "Oh, and good luck on the quadratics test."

**

"Yoh, I'm not kidding. I'm serious." Ieharu threw his hands up, a gesture meant to implore. "Didn't you hear me?! He's going to murder us all!"

The boy was sitting atop his bed, covers wrapped around himself like a burrito. Only his face and hands were exposed. He looked like an Eskimo, wrapped in his layers. Standing across from him was literally his mirror image save for their hair color. It was his twin brother, the self-proclaimed "older brother" Ieyoshi, casually slipping on a T-shirt while laughing his head off. When it came to someone as eternally relaxed and laid back as Ieyoshi, "laughing your head off" meant a few soft, curt chuckles. If you weren't actively listening for it, you might even miss it.

"Pfft. Murder you, maybe." Ieyoshi's voice was gruff, his tone sober, his face stoic. It was as if someone had turned his "energy" dial way down and then broke it off. "He did say only one of us would be offed, right?" He turned from sizing himself up in the mirror to look at his brother, who hadn't yet responded. "Right, Haku?"

Ieharu sighed, his big brunette bushel of hair poking out from under the covers. "Right," he mumbled, dejected. He cast his eyes downward before speaking again, this time in a hushed whisper. "You'd save me, right?"

The response was immediate.

SLAP!

Almost instantly, Ieharu brought both hands to his left cheek, where Ieyoshi has unceremoniously slapped him, a look of surprise and anger fresh upon his face. "Yoh! What the fuck?!"

Ieyoshi took a stance, leaning to the side, hand gripping lightly the base of his skull, a somewhat exasperated expression overcoming his otherwise neutral countenance. Ieharu recognized it as his brother's lecturing pose. He'd seen it a million times before. "Look," his brother began, pointing at Ieharu's face. "He's obviously not going to kill you. Think about it." Ieyoshi brought his hands together, marking off his points by counting his fingers. "A, that no-good Tsuna might be stupid, but do you think he's stupid enough to bring a killer into the house? To sleep in our beds? Eat our food?"

"Hey!" Ieharu interrupted, his voice shrill. "Dad's not no-good!" He said, referring to their father, Tsunayoshi.

Ieyoshi shrugged, continuing, his voice as low and monotonous as a boring college professor's. "Whatever. B, the guy's been here for, like, two weeks already. If he wanted to kill you, why not get it over with quickly? Why play buddy buddy with us for nearly a month? C, we don't have time for this. Get up. We have that math test, remember?"

Though he nodded at a couple of his brother's well-articulated points, when Ieyoshi told him to get up, he responded by pulling the covers over his head and rolling back into bed. "I think I'm gonna be sick..." He mumbled, peeking out from under the sheets after a moment.

Ieyoshi sighed, grabbing his backpack by the strap and swinging it onto his shoulder in one smooth fluid motion. He then sauntered out of the room as if the universe owed him a favor. Sauntering seemed to be his natural form of locomotion. From his mannerisms and personality to the way he picked up his bag and walked out of a room, in Ieharu's eyes, his brother was the pinnacle of cool.

After hearing the customary slam of the downstairs door, there were several moments of blissful uninterrupted peace, with Ieharu nearly falling back asleep. Before he could drift fully into unconsciousness, however, he heard someone at the window. He could tell without looking that it was Ieyoshi. Reluctantly, Ieharu rolled out of bed, the frigid air biting into his exposed skin. Slowly but surely he made his way to the window. After a moment, he opened it.

"Ieharu." Ieyoshi was standing on the grass outside of their home, looking up at their shared bedroom window. Their bedroom was on the second floor.

"What? I said I'm not going."

"Yeah, I know. I just remembered something."

Ieharu raised an eyebrow. Ieyoshi had that look on his face again. The one he always got several dozen turns before he won at Monopoly.

Ieyoshi's lips morphed into a slight grin. In response, Ieharu gulped involuntarily. That grin was never a good sign.

"I know something you think I don't know. And it'll make you come to class, too."

Ieharu ducked down so that only his eyes shown over the windowsill, as if his brother were going to start hurling rocks. "Wh... what are you talking about?!"

There was a moment of silence before Ieyoshi responded, but when he did, his brother's eyes grew wide with fright. "I know who Ieharu likes."

Ieharu shot up, his upper body practically leaning out the window at this point. "W-What are you talking about?! I don't l-like anyone!"
"Yes you do."
"No I don't!"
"Then you should have nothing to worry about when I confess to them on your behalf... unless you can catch me, of course."

And with that, Ieyoshi turned and began walking away with that slow measured pace of his.

"Wait! Yoh! Don't! Stop!" Ieharu pleaded, but if his brother heard his protests, he didn't act like it. His fears of being assassinated evaporated instantaneously, replaced instead by the terror of complete social doom at the hands of his brother. Ieharu brought his hands to his face. Unlike his brother, he didn't think of himself as very cool, or smart, or anything. He didn't have many friends. No one respected him, but at least they left him alone. If Ieyoshi was serious about telling, and he's always serious...

Well, he'd never be able to show his face at that school again.

Like a hurricane, Ieharu threw on whatever clothes were lying around. He and his brother shared a room, and they were the same in size and height, so they shared apparel too. In roughly eight minutes time, Ieharu had gone from half naked to mostly ready for school. Brushing his teeth would have only slowed him down anyway. As he rushed towards the door, open book bag swinging off his shoulder, it began to dawn on him that, even if he were to run his very hardest, his brother had an insurmountable lead. Immediately, he began to regret not stopping his brother while he had the chance. Still, maybe there was hop—

Upon bursting through his front door, Ieharu tripped over his own feet and face-planted on the stairs outside. Slowly but surely, he raised himself up off the ground, propping himself up with one arm and holding his injured face with the other. He was trying his very hardest to resist the urge to cry, but it was yet another fight he just wasn't winning. That same bitter thought that always hobbled him reared its ugly head once more: the loser Ieharu has failed.

Little did he know, a shadow slowly crept up behind his unprotected back.

"Buongiorno, young Ieharu," his terrifying home tutor greeted him as casually as ever, his hands buried in the pockets of his jacket, "I didn't think you'd be so eager to go to school today, especially on such a terrible day like this." Godot looked up toward the sky, of which was blanketed in thick clouds. The air was moist from the remains of the previous night's downpour, and water glistened on the soaked grass and wet concrete. For his part, Ieharu yelped audibly at the sound of his name being called. Godot's pleasant demeanor would have eased the boy, had their last conversation not ended so terribly. Instead, his stomach did a backflip and his chest turned to ice. Gradually, he turned his head, once again looking over his shoulder. The feeling of deja vu was practically nauseating. The man always seemed to approach from his blind spot.

"M-mi-uh-G-g-g-godot... h-hi..." He managed to stutter his tutor's name, eyes wide with fear as he suddenly remembered: he was going to die today.

"Oh, by the way, about our little agreement last night... I got word from my client that there's been a change of plans." Again, there was that peaceful smile, as if all was right in the world. "It's sort of exciting, I suppose."

Iehari inhaled sharply. Deep in the recesses of his gut sparked the faintest glimmer of hope. "A change?" The pitch of his voice inflected as he spoke, making his question come out as more of a plea.

Godot nodded. "Yes," he replied, "a pretty big change. You see, I'm not going to kill you later." At that very statement, in one swift motion, Godot brought his hand out of his pocket, a black pistol in hand. All so suddenly, Ieharu found himself staring down the barrel of Godot's Beretta. That flicker of hope in his gut disappeared just as swiftly. Too scared to move, too scared to even think, Ieharu did what came natural.

He screwed his eyes shut.

There was a delay, however. Godot hesitated, although he smirked when he did so. "Seeing as you've accepted your fate already," he said, "I guess that must mean you don't have any more regrets. There's no special person in your life? No unfinished business with somebody close, not even your family? Nothing, eh?"

After several moments of silence devoid of a bullet to the face, Ieharu gathered that the question hadn't been rhetorical. Still, he didn't dare open his eyes. Maybe this way, he still had the chance to wake up from this nightmare.

From under his breath, the boy mumbled something.

"Speak up, boy," Godot demanded, "You're only getting one chance to say it, so spit it out!"

Somewhat startled at the command, Ieharu repeated himself, this time with a bit more volume. His kept his eyes closed. "W-why do you care about what I regret, M-mr. Godot?" Ieharu could almost swear he heard Godot chuckle.

"You'll understand if you die." With that cryptic statement, Godot rotated his wrist sideways and squeezed the pistol's trigger.

And that was it. A loud pop!. A flash of pain. Pressure around his forehead. And then nothing. Ieharu Sawada, son of Tsunayoshi Sawada and Kyoko Sawada, brother to Ieyoshi, friend to few, and most of all, still a virgin, died at that moment.

However, while dying, Ieharu regretted. He regretted parting with the world. He regretted what a waste his life had been. He regretted spending the time studying for a math test he'd never take. But there was one thing he regretted more than anything else. One thing that, even as the bullet pierced his skull and robbed him of life, he wished he had accomplished with all his heart.

I should have stopped Ieharu from confessing for me... from saying something stupid... I could have stopped him...

His body was cold before it even hit the ground.

... with a dying will.

On the other side of the street, several passersby screamed in horror. One was even so bold as to yell, finger pointing in violent accusation: "That thug just shot that kid!"

Ieharu's body slumped on the ground, blood pooling under his head. One second, he was certainly dead. But then in the next...

"REBORN!!!"

Ieharu literally exploded, most of his clothes burning away to ashes, his then-dead body springing to life like round two in any good video game's boss battle. Though he was still scrawny and mostly naked, he sported a look that'd never crossed his face before. His eyes were wide and full of determination, his pupils dilated, his irises practically glowing. He was grinding his teeth in seething rage. Most noticeable was the massive orange flame located smack dab in the middle of his forehead, the blaze shifting and pulsing to some unknown rhythm.

His sudden re-emergence from death and accompanying roar of rebirth startled everyone in the area, excluding Godot. One of them—an old woman—fainted where she stood.

"I'M GOING TO STOP IEYOSHI FROM SAYING SOMETHING STUPID!" He shouted at the air. "WITH MY DYING WILL!"

And with that, Ieharu sped off, his feet carrying him as fast as an Olympic athlete as he raced with all his might towards Ieyoshi and Namimori High.

Godot watched as the half-naked boy sped off like hell on wheels, and so did the rest of the neighborhood. People looked at Godot, flabbergasted at what they had just witnessed. Godot smiled at them affably.

"Things are going to be a lot more interesting around here from now on."

---

↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑¦█¦
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
¦█¦Why is that they want to disturb him so much? He does not even care for their very existence and they still flocked to him. He could never understand the logic of such people. This was completely a waste of time and breath. That is probably why he is in rather sour mood, so early in the day. Just like so, this is how one known as Mamou Hibari started his day.

Yes, like the many days that had passed.

There he is enjoying the serenity of what this world could offer when he was then approached by a group of people, all males. His eyes like cold steel looked at them with clear spite. He does not take kindly of being crowded and especially people stepping into his deemed personal space. "You're that guy who beat up our friends! We'll get you back!" One of those noisy maggots, yes that's what he had identified them as declared. How noisy. "We'll show you what happens when you mess with us!" Why is that they have speak like the fools they are before fighting? Why can't they just fight? Time is wasted and for him, his time is precious. There was no need for him to even draw his weapon as his fist connected to a face of his supposed assailants as the man was sent flying into a nearby wall. "Gah!" That was the only sound that came from that person's mouth before losing consciousness.

The others stilled themselves from rushing in, seeing that he was not an easy opponent despite him being on his own. There was no need for them to stop, because they had incurred his irritation. "Bite me." After saying that, a concerto started, but it was played with the strings of broken bones, blood splattering, and the roll of painful groans. There would also be the occasional echoes of mercy, but soon the musical had come to a close and all that remained were the tattered bodies scattered around the pavement along with their chosen armaments of steel pipes, bats, knives, and metal knuckles. There were about thirty men or so. Among them, there was but a lone man that stood. His silver eyes looked down at them with disinterest as he walked away from them with his black gakuran following behind him like a cape. One who still clinging to consciousness managed to spout one word about the last man standing before fading to the darkness.

"M--mo--nster."

That word has no longer any meaning or should he feel anything about it. People call him many names, but he never acknowledged it, because he did not allow them to have the right to do so. It was also the very fact that he only listens to himself and would never pay attention to anyone else's word. That is simply how he is ever since that moment. He did not even look back or feel any kind of remorse from the damages he had done towards the men who seek a fight with him. Why should he? If anyone enters a battlefield or issued a challenge, they must be prepared for the consequences of that, whether it would be lethal or not. He also has no interest for weaklings like them. It is only right for them to be squashed just because they believe number can solve anything. Now, they now know, it does not at all.

He soon reached his school where all of the students made sure to never enter the radius of his personal territory unless, one wanted to have a chance to be introduced to the door of death. Even more so, when some had noticed blood stains on his clothes. It cemented his reputation of a dangerous delinquent. They were obviously terrified of him as they stiffened and trembled more than ever. They were even avoiding eye contact, but as for the one causing such reactions. He was calm as day as he walked through the school grounds. He ignored everything around him. They were not even worthy of anything from his judgment. And really, there are no appeals on his court. He but only spared it a meaningless glance towards some of the entering students who were rather getting too close on his personal space territory, but since it was never overlapped, he did nothing more. Nonsense was not his business and just like that, he made himself scarce into the school building.

It was almost time.

If you think his direction was to the classroom, that was a clear misjudgment on your part. That is because he has no intentions to be in such a room with those people. He also has no intentions of listening to anyone especially the teachers who think they should be heard, because society demanded it. That was rudimentary binding and he dislikes such things. In the end, he was someone who does not like any sort of attachment whether by responsibility or by blood. They do nothing, but get in the way and that was not a very good thing for him. He managed to enter one of the vacant club rooms and then locked it before approaching a couch already present. This would be his personal room as of now. He fiddled with his pants' pocket and took out a player as he placed it on one of the nearest table and pressed play. Within seconds, the room was filled with the song of the ever familiar Namimori Middle School Anthem. It served as a lullaby and with that he laid down on the couch, making himself comfortable and then...

Mamoru closed his eyes.

The solitude that he had always been fond of surrounded him along with such a beautiful song which lulled him into the peace he desired the most. It was time for him to descend into the world of sleep as he yawned before allowing himself to enter such a state. That's right it was time for him to sleep and may heaven forbid for anyone to disturb him. for it would certainly be not pleasant.

Time wasn't of any essence. In fact, time wasn't even a thing in existence. In school time is usually the most precious thing to a student. More time meant less time and vice versa. In some cases that was a good thing, like for those students who liked talking more than listening and for others, mainly the students who liked school, less time meant less learning. Here and there you would find that the opposite can apply to both types of students. For there are students who dream for that extra minute in class so that they can finish their homework and enjoy the time they have a home or work. With the students who like school, more time sometimes hurt. For the truly smart students learned better without their teachers input on what was already in a text book for them to read.

However, to Joel, there was no concept of time in school. There were long days and there were short days. Some days even passed like minutes. Today was one of those days. Probably would have been faster if he didn't have to change rooms for classes. He remembered eating lunch and changing into his next room, but as soon as he took his seat the bell had already rung. He never did understand when people rushed out of their seats, gasping like they had just been brought back to life all while saying, "Man that was a long day. Sure do hate Mondays."

Is that what people used to start conversations these days. How was he supposed to respond? Well, if he was asked that personally, he'd probably tell the other person to count there blessings. There were worst places to be than school. Though, he realized he may have been saying that just because he was going to graduate soon. What then? Title or no title, the job stays the same. Do what you're told or get handled. He wasn't one to fear consequence, though he made sure to remind himself that there was one. Call it fuel to his already sparked fire. Though even if the fuel wasn't there, all he knows is the Vongola. So what would he do without them. He wondered if he'd make a good chef.

While packing his things a few groups of students left out and he even gave his farewell's to a few. His phone buzzed once he turned it on and read all of missed messages sighing at the last one. He was one of the last students to leave due to his attempt to beat the Monday door rush. Once again, he found himself shaking his head at the fact that some seniors would act such a way. He was thinking about switching his last class, business law, with another class. It was an easy class that had the same formula for studying as history. All he had to do was know definitions and write essays of how he would solve problems such as fraud and extortion within his own company. It was boring though. There wasn't much to do but to stare at the teacher and practice his lip reading technique. He planned on being expert level by the end of the semester.

As he walked the hallways he found himself wondering if there was a class for lip reading anywhere and if there was if he could get a pass to do that. It was a random thought to pass the time and block out the mindless chatter of the other students. When he stepped on the last step leading to the 2nd floor from the third, he caught a glimpse of sleek black hair that made his stomach curl. Today wasn't a good day for foolishness. He went back up the stairs and decided to leave from another exit. He stopped himself finding himself looking out the window and seeing Yoh and Damien. Sometimes he found himself wondering if he was younger, would he be able to hang out with them too. Being older now, he really didn't feel like being around a group of playful's, but they sure did look like they were having fun. He was happy for them. One more peaceful day to check off the books.
A few more minutes went by and he stopped staring out the window. He liked just look at the scenery, especially if there was movement to the picture he could see with his eyes. He turned around and leaned against the window to stretch before walking the rest of the way down the stairs. Joel knew that the younger members of the family weren't up to much today. Even though he could have sworn that something was going to happen, nothing came out of it. At least not yet. So, in hindsight of the time he had left, he decided to check on another member of the family. Why? You could say he had a lot of reasons. Though the most important one would be the fact that it'd make the already non-existent time faster. What would you call that? He thought if there was a word for it then he should know, but it didn't matter. It wasn't like he was going to go anywhere with the knowledge.

*Creak*
Every other door was old and faulty. It made him wonder how the school could fix one door, but leave one broken only to fix the next. Maybe it was a theme. Joel disliked themes that weren't good. He also disliked having to look for people. It wasn't exactly like finding Waldo, but more like finding a honey badger in his natural habitat in different locations. Luckily for him, this honey badger had a sleeping call.

One of the last doors to be checked and what do you know, it was one of the good ones. Must be pretty nice in there to spend an entire day. Coming to find out it also had a lock on it, he kicked the edge of the woodwork, busting the knob off completely. Joel open the door only to see an all to familiar face. He looked around the room and the first thing he noticed was the song of his old school around three years ago. If he hadn't known the man, he'd think he was stuck in the past. It wasn't a bad song however, which he had to admit. Still, as he asked himself more of what he was going to do as an adult, it made him worry for Mamoru. Joel turned on the lights and opened the blinds hoping that if the man wasn't up, he'd wake up now. Of course he knew he'd have to stance up once he did wake up, because he never woke him up nicely and each time..... There was a ruckus to say the least.

---

↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑
↓█↑¦█¦
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
↑█↓
¦█¦In his own world, Mamoru had the irreversible silence and a freedom unhindered. There was nothing binding him and no one that would dare to do so. This was paradise for him and it is the reason why anyone who would dissolve that would face quite the hellish irritation. The melody of the Namimori Middle continued to echo, though there was a sound which does not belong. Another few seconds there was a presence that he does not welcome. His eyes fluttered open in a manner that quickly settled into a glare. He does not take kindly to anyone and more so, to people who intrude to his dominion. Those silver eyes resembling that of a steel sword landed on one entity whether there is familiarity or not, it was not seen, because it was blanketed by sheer annoyance.

"Get out." His voice held no room for any negotiations, even though he was still laying on the couch and the light shining on him, creating a visage of some kind savagely beautiful creature of darkness.

Joel looked out the window and then down to his supposed class mate. He rolled his eyes to himself not wanting to have to try too hard to wake him up. However, Joel had a lot of practice waking people whom most would consider lazy. Something he could thank his father for. Crouching down, he poked Mamuro's face a few times. "Hey. You can skip classes all you want, but if you forget the homework and don't talk to your professors then you'll have to get a job instead of coming to school." He thought about it for a minute. "Actually, what are you going to do after you graduate? They don't pay people to sleep."

Waking him up is one thing, but touching his face as if they were something as revolting as friends, is another matter even more so when his personal space invaded. "Tsk." Mamoru grabbed that finger and placed enough pressure to break it before shoving this irritating guy away from him with that grabbed finger. He then stood from his position and grabbed his player in which has already stopped playing. There was instantly a notable distance between them as he was now by the door, it was quite easy with his long legs while he has a perpetual scowl on his face. "I don't answer to you."

Joel winced at his finger being grabbed. Had he not broken his fingers more times than one could count he may have had a broken finger, but luckily for him, the bones in his hands were now strong. "No need to try to hurt people. I just came to see if you ate lunch. Not trying to get you to answer to me." Joel sighed and stood up straight. He rolled his neck around to crack it while using his thumb to crack the finger Mamoru had grabbed. "Really though. You miss a lot when you sleep the day away. Meeting people you rarely talk to even though you should, learning some social skills..... Did you even eat today?"

All of the words being thrown was like the sound of buzzing flies to him. The natural reaction for Mamoru was to swat it away, in a mental manner of course. He was not even listening and thus, there would be no consideration on that part. Surprisingly though, his body did react to one key word, hungry. He could feel his stomach growling in response. That is right, he only had that bread as breakfast and judging by the sky outside the windows. The school has ended which meant, he slept through. That's good. "Hn," That is all he said as he exited the room with an intent to get something to eat it. Ignoring the fact, that there was another person inside with him earlier.

He wasn't happy with the results. Joel considered a lot of things, but one thing was certain. He wasn't about to be disrespected. It was a waste and had it been any other person besides from someone who Joel would consider an equal he would have just threw the homework in front of him and left. However, Joel cared for people's well-beings. Also, he didn't like being disrespected. On impulse he reached in his pocket below the phone to the b-class ring he would wear whenever he was in tight situations. Also, it gave him a good enough boost and control that he could get around without moving his legs. He paused though, thinking that wouldn't do much but make a situation bad. He had to approach this with care. Even now. It was quite tiresome. He pulled out his phone only to suck his teeth at the time. He'd only have a few more moments of freedom before he had to work and he was going to make the most of it. He picked up his bag and pulled out a few pieces of paper, neatly rolling it until he could wack his hand without bending it.

Joel followed Mamoru seconds after he left the room nearly skipping to catch up to him. At least that's what it would look like, but his straight face didn't follow his movements very well and when his hand when up in the air, it was obvious that the skips were just to build momentum so he could make more of a *SMACK* against Mamoru's head. He stepped back a few paces, ready for what may, but unfolded the papers to reveal a bunch of words, parted by lines and numbered from top to bottom. In other words it was homework. "A shame. You could have gotten free food, but now all you get is homework." Joel's voice was low and didn't give any waves of emotion. Still, he smirked and rolled the paper back up. "If you don't want it, then I'll make it disappear by using the force of smacking you with it to dissolve the paper. It should work. Though, that seems like a real pain. I say...." Joel pointed the paper at Mamoru in a nature which looked like he was offering it to him, while at the same time holding like a sword pointed to its target. "stay calm and take the work."

That reminded him of an irritant. Mamoru was not hurt if that was supposedly the purpose of that useless blow. The words that were being said held really no meaning to him. No words held any relevance to him, that is a point. But, there was no denying that action had well enough incurred his annoyance. He turned around to face the one who dared so and much like how a cobra would strike, his hand reached out and held the other male's neck in vice grip. Did this guy perhaps think just because they had seen each other around either in school or back at Vongola, he could as he pleased. That is absolutely wrong. Heck, He could not even remember that name of this guy. He never cared. "Piss off."

Just like so, he lifted the man with ease and threw him through the window beside it, not minding the damage on the property or on the person, itself. Fortunately, they were on the first floor, but still, that was in no part out of consideration, because even if they were on top of the building, he would do it. His silver eyes reflecting his clear cut irritation, much like a gleaming sword coated in dark moonlight. It did not take long for some of the students who were still present to take interest at what was happening due to the noise, but they quickly backed away seeing the presence of the one person no one wants to cross paths with.

Joel felt a hand wrapped around his jugular and in an instance he felt the wind in his hair as he flew. Looking towards the glass window, he fixed his posture, using his trained abdominal strength, resulting in his feet being first through the window. With a crash and echoes of shattered glass, he twirled out like a spear. Using his hands to hold the speed, he slid on the pathway leaving skid marks from his shoes. Standing up and ignoring the gazes of the civilians around him, Joel once again looked at his phone. There wasn't much time left. "You take things for granted as well then? You just don't care?" Joel held out the paper. "Well too bad. It's just homework. You got to senior year. Wouldn't it be a waste to have to repeat and feel these children gawking at everything you do? Take the papers and I'll leave you alone. Sounds like a deal."

Ever since that moment, Mamoru had never listened to anyone nor did he ever concerned himself with the consequences of his actions. He was simply the kind that takes it and does with it however he pleased. That was not going to change any time soon, apparently. At the same time, he never liked people telling him what to do and he never did so, as he preferred doing it in the way he wants it. His presence alone made the so-called crowd give a very very remarkable distance. They didn't want to be caught in the crossfire or worse be involved in the infamous Hibari of Namimori. "Shut up." The notion about repeating a year and whatever, that did not held any ground on him. He will do what he wants and that is simply it. He would remove anything that he hates and that is it.

He walked over to Mamoru's location while smacking the wrinkles off of the papers. His eyes closed most of the way. He wasn't afraid to show his need not to look anyone in the eyes at the moment. Though, when he did open them, his friendly face was somewhat turned into a pestered one. No. It wasn't an indication of impatience, even though it may have seemed that way to some. He just didn't feel like playing around if it wasn't going to work. He also didn't have that much time left. He looked his Vongola brethren in the eyes. "You leave me no choice then. I'll have to burn it. Then you'll have to hear your teacher's mouth instead of mine. Sounds like a hassle to me. If that's not good enough for you, you could hear your parents and others as they find another reason to talk to you. Unless you like all the attention." Joel was sure otherwise, but it wouldn't hurt to bring up the repercussions for ignoring him.

Who does this person think he is, really? Mamoru could not care less about school work or the likes. All of those words were not even being filtered through his ears. He was simply annoyed that this person dare talk to him and act as if he had a hold on him which was not going to be the case ever. He will not succumb to anyone or would he be connected to anyone whether by blood or whatever bonds they think existed in this world. He was really getting irritated as those eyes of his deepen, turning into a darker shade. "I don't care."

"Well whatever. I was going to give you the gyoza I had left over from lunch, but I guess since you're ignoring everything then it's whatever. I gotta go to the cafe. Offers still on the table until I can find a lighter." With that the young man's smirk returned and he walked away with his bang hung over his back. It was a problem he had. One which he found himself in. He couldn't make that many long lasting friends or family members because of his job as a mafioso and he believed that was the reason Mamoru hated him. Or did he just dislike him? Joel didn't know. It was something he could work on which would kill time. Kill time until when? He would have to think about too.

"Tch." The mention of gyoza reminded him of his hunger which had been forgotten in favor of his irritation. Without a moment too soon, he grabbed the so-called homework and then with another hand, grabbed the man's face and then pushing it to a nearby wall, holding it against there. His eyes deadly cold and clearly not showing any respite. "Never assume anything about me. I don't know you." He released the face as he then proceeded in tearing the bundled homework in one go, showcasing his raw strength. It was also a clear rejection of any aid or any attachment to his what as labeled as school work. s for the gyoza, really, he was tempted, but his irritation was far greater. It was indeed a mystery on how he reached his senior year and why he even bothered going to school in the first place. After that, he went on his way as the crowd parted before him like the sea to Noah. They would not want to get caught up with any of it.

He soon disappeared from sight, well he was known to be someone hard to find in the first place.

---

*Collaborative post with Damioa for Joel! (Thank you very much!)

The loud chatter of the cafeteria filled the room. The cafe was spacious and contained more than enough space for every student in the school as if they planned for another incoming class. Although it seemed like a normal day, there was a bit of 'tension' floating around in the air. It was Thursday, but not your average one. More specifically it was Godbread Thursday, the day where boys become men.

"Only a few more minutes to go," Lilith said watching the oven. She was still waiting to produce the gift from heaven and bring it to life on earth. The Godbread. Perfectly seasoned, buttered, and prepared with love. The ultimate bread that for today, was only one eighth of the regular price. Typically, only fully grown adults with a well-paying job could afford such a delicacy or a few students that came from rich families, but this special was made with the students in mind; however, there was a large catch with this. Only five were being made. In the spirit of competition, each Godbread will be placed separated and equal distance from the opposite side of the coffee shop. Whoever brings it to Lilith's cashier stand in the small coffee shop section located in the cafe, gets the sale. Once the Godbread container was handed to Lilith, then it is considered safe and no longer eligible for anyone to take. This was the honor rule in placed for all those who battle for it. This was a monthly affair and allows students to release any stress they have built up through school along with the chance to be blessed by the Godbread.

Today marked the second Godbread Thursday of the school year which tends to be the more popular one. By now, the nicknames of those who have participated have been given and more people would have garnered strategies in preparation for war. The first war was interesting to say the least. There five winners were the Hokage, the angry Mad Hatter, the Ghost, the Doll Queen, and the Still Reaper. This time, the fight will be more rigorous since more students have prepared their own strategies in preparation. You could see among the students that some have matching shirts to represent their factions, others have sat in certain positions closer to the Godbread locations where they would be placed. "This'll be a good show," Lilith said to herself. This was one of the few things that gave Lilith a slight rush other than stealing valuables. "I guess I'll check what's on TV then," she said as she motioned towards the remote. There was a slightly large television used to create ambiance with background music while the store ran. *Click* She flipped to the first channel, hah the news.

"This is AMAZING," the reporter obnoxiously yelled. "Tempest! From Blast of Tempest is rumored to be coming to Namimori to perform, SOON!" Her excitement was very apparent accompanied by the fans standing behind her trying to get their five seconds of fame. "I love you Tempest!" one of the teenagers shouted from behind the reporter. "Oh yeah! We love you Tempest," another fan shouted. "But that's not all folks!" the reporter could barely contain her excitement, "But Kunyo! Kunyo the model! He'll be accompanying her! Both of these idols together!"

"Her music is alright, but Kunyo is pretty attractive. Not my type though," Lilith muttered while changing to the next channel. Another news jingle came on again, "Oh great, more news."

A male reporter with a larger build stood there with a serious demeanor. "This is scary news folks. Last week, we went from covering the mysterious gamer N1E5—pronounced Nies— and his many achievements, but this week we have a notorious hacker attack...in NAMIMORI." "This man sounds like the conspiracy theorist that are on television....oh wait," she stopped midway realizing this in fact is the news. "But alas, we have hope! We have another hacker on our side!”

"Conspiracy, conspiracy, next," she clicked the remote again.

"Here we are live with the famous Wushu Master, Alois!" The reporter shifted the mic while the camera focused on Alois. "Hello Alois, I've heard you're coming to Namimori soon, why is that?" She continued to ask him probing questions on and on.

"Eh, that's cool I guess." *DING DING DING* The oven continuously beeped. It's time. Lilith pressed the power button on the remote to shut off the annoying news reporters. As she walked towards the oven, she could notice the shift in atmosphere in the cafeteria. The voices slowly began to fade as she went to open the oven. She grabbed her Namimori cafe specialized mittens with Bertha's image holding a coffee mug, then opened the oven. The irresistible aroma overwhelmed the cafe and overtook Lilith for a moment. The smell started to spread even further into the cafeteria causing an eerie silence to fill the area. "The God bread," one student muttered quietly, "Praise the gods. "The Pastry Goddess has finished the ritual," another student said while beginning to kneeling down in respect. Lilith somehow earned the title of Pastry Goddess as the legends of God Bread Thursdays began. The nicknames and different factions of students were always interesting to say the least.

Lilith pulled out the long strip of Godbread out of the oven and already prepped five durable sturdy containers out on a table. She carefully divided them up, spread butter, a bit more seasons, and finally completed the legendary God Bread by placing them in the containers. "It's time," she said while holding each container stacked on top of each other like a professional waitress. She walked slowly towards the first pedestal on the opposite side of the cafeteria. The pedestal was white and in the form of ancient Greek god. The five gods that had a pedestal design were Zeus, Hera, Athena, Ares, and Apollo and it is said that whichever bread you receive will cause you to earn a different blessing from the respective god. Each pedestal god held their hand out as if they were holding something up which conveniently could be filled with a God Bread. All five god pedestals that lie equal distance from each other while they all stand on the opposite side of the cafe. As Lilith placed the final God Bread, she began walking back like a model in all her beauty. She lived up to her title as the Pastry Goddess because as she slowly walked, her hair flew which helped show her natural allure. By this point, the entire cafeteria population was silent and watching Lilith head back to the cafe. The war doesn't start until she says those magic words. Students sat there with their fist clenched and ready.

The sound of running footsteps began near the Zeus Godbread statue. Someone tried to get a false start ahead of everything. "Sorry love," Lilith said as she quickly turned around. She reached for a small yen coin from her pocket, held it with two fingers with her left hand, and prepared her right hand to flick it. She closed one eye, then released the flick. The yen flew at a terrifying speed directly toward the student. BAM! It hit the child bulls eye on the back of the head. He fell down temporarily knocked out from the impact. Some students shook their heads, knowing that you should never try to get an early start. The Pastry Goddess is beautiful but merciless. Without saying any further words, Lilith turned around and continued walking towards the cafe. She finally reached the cashier with her back facing the wall opposite of the students and the Godbread. The tension in the air was more evident since it was about to be that time. She quickly turned around with the 'coffee lady girl' persona and smile and said, "Welcome to Namimori Cafe! We are Now Open!"

"To the Godbread!" "Ahhhh!" I'll get it!" A multitude of students had begun yelling while chasing their respective god pedestal. This was the beginning of the second bread wars.

---

✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦
✦█✦

---

"The past is not always where you have left it..."

"Sakura-sama, do you really believe this is wise?" Eyes resembling the golden sheen of the sun showed no waver as it gazed at the fluttering pink petals entering the room through the opened window. "Wise, you ask." She looked at a lone petal that landed inside her tea. "It is a result I yet to know, if it would warrant that description." She reached for her tea and drank from it with elegance uniquely hers. An odd vision she was surrounded by Japanese tradition, for she was garbed in a dress of simplicity yet the regal definition of a noble woman of the western world.

"Despite it all, they are children." She placed down her tea on the nearby table and stood from her position. "Yet to bloom, we can only nourish and guide as to who they ought to be under their own volition." She made her way to the opened shoji doors as her trailed behind like silken curtain. "In the end, we only have hope. That it would be enough for their sake."

"Sometimes, it is in front of you hounding for the future..."

Yume walked along the rather quiet hallways of Namimori High. Her eyes looked towards the window panels lining up her path as they provided a reflection of a peaceful scenery. The light defined her form creating such a silhouette of graceful radiance. So, it was not far-fetched as why the passing students could not help but be captivated by her presence and yet her attention was taken by the view upon the glass. It portrayed the grounds and the sporadic flow of students coming in. This was rather explainable as she had heard the lunch bell rang as she entered the school earlier. Most of the students must be at the cafeteria now.

Apparently, she had arrived quite late for the morning classes and managed to attend by noon. It seemed that her duties had been taking much of her time. She did have to leave early yesterday. Though, she does regret that decision to do so. Hiroshi had informed her of the events which transpired after class had ended yesterday on the way here. It seemed her mother had sensed the anomaly, clearly presenting the difference between their abilities at the moment. Nevertheless if she was present, perhaps it would not have escalated to that point. It could have been avoided entirely and yet, what is done has already been done. All one could hope to do was to stand and gather the broken pieces in an effort to compensate for that error, if only possible.

That was probably reason why she has yet to make her appearance at the cafeteria where she had heard some event was about to happen. Just like so, her gaze was not meant to linger or to understand. It was to search for an individual, to know. Then again, she has already an answer. What she required was not it at all, but beyond what is clear and sure. Just like so, she continued her pace as she stumbled upon some of the maintenance staff installing a new window. She halted at that point and recalled another portion of what Hiroshi had spoken to her. It seemed that her Ani had been in an altercation with a fellow senior. The result, a broken window as the one who went up against her brother was thrown out of it. And of course, she had to pick up after him which she did.

Many had suggested for her to simply give up on her brother. It was the best solution for in the end, his problems should not be hers. They say that at some point, even family has limitations. Their belief that she was holding on due to blood ties was not even part of the reason. She is here for him, because, she is responsible and she wanted nothing more but to be... "Witch." That voice prevented anything else to be processed by her. Her eyes met with the same silver eyes that she was born with, the greatest difference was the emotion conveyed through it. Hers, it was of surprise, a pleasant one. On the other side, it was of pure contempt. "Onii-sama. Good morning." She smiled at Mamoru with such gentleness and was rather glad to see that he had come early, that meant he was interested attending school. "I see you--- "

"Get away." Effectively cutting anything else needed to be said at that point, he walked passed Yume as if she was nothing and also ending the conversation, if that was to be considered one. She maintained her ground as the smile much like crystalline drop of water vanished into a vapor under the sun. Still, she looked over her shoulder to see her brother's back moving away without interruptions as it faded out of her sights. There was sadness present upon her facade and also something deeper, yet not truly clear to anyone's eyes. She then faced forward once more and continued onto her path. This had been their relationship for quite some time, she should say that she is used to it, but really she couldn't.

It was at that point, she caught sight of the one she was looking for accompanied by two people quite dear without doubt. Her face lit up with such warmth and kindness, yet at the same time those silver eyes held an understanding deeper than any of them could ever understand. She knew most what he might be feeling at this moment, the condition of the boy now in the hospital. As such, she began her approach when a sudden feeling awash her, making her take a heed from having another step. From the corner of her eyes, she saw something ethereal. She turned to get a better look and indeed saw someone beyond the windows. As if certain, her attention was caught, this someone began to talk and she of course listened intently as much as she could. Her focus was absolute on her expression as her eyes locked on that someone without fail, only to be broken with...

"Yume-san?" Without a moment lost, she looked at the one who called her and it was one of her classmates. "Yes?" The concerned student answered that question. "Are you all right? Is there someone out there?" She then looked back only to see that there was no one there anymore, not even a trace. "A guardian angel..." Her fellow senior looked at her oddly in which she responded with a small smile. "Do not worry about it, thank you for your concern." It was better to not speak anything further about it. "...Okay, I'll see you later." She assured her classmate with a nod who then bid her a wave and left, seemingly satisfied that she was fine. As for her, she looked back at the window and then to corner of the corridor barely catching the one she had been seeking vanishing from her line of vision.

"I wonder what to do with one who is full to the brim and one who is infinitely empty." Her voice whispered it to the winds as she began to walk once more.

---

---

---

---

"Nii-chan! Nii-chan! Nii-chan! I---"

How irritating. Those silver eyes opened in sheer annoyance. His dreams were haunted by an afterimage of something that Mamoru could not understand due to it being shattered into confusing small portions, though he knew well enough the voice that was calling out to him. Hence, his level of irritation raising to a tipping level as several factors that he dislikes are being mixed in. "That Witch invaded my dreams." There was clear contempt behind those words as the looping melody of the Namimori Anthem played through the current area, it was probably the only reason he was staying still in his position, currently lounged underneath a certain tree far from the populace of the school. If not, he would have smashed something or someone already to alleviate the edge on his temper and that was not really a pleasant sight to see.

Instead, he covered his eyes from the world with his forearm over it as he allowed the cool autumn breeze passed through and the falling leaves which served as a makeshift curtain and even cushion underneath him. The aesthetic of the place was perfect for him to be at ease and judging by the isolation, he has from the others, it was good. It also provided him to ponder on some things that would not be visible or rather known by other people, believing he does not think of anything else, but he does when it comes to himself. He removed his arm over his face and was welcomed by birds perched on the branches above him where only few leaves remained as it undergoes a change for the season, but other than that, his eyes looked passed that and saw the sun hovering at its top point. That indicated it was lunch.

Apparently, Mamoru had slept through the morning period and that was not something new really. He took up a sitting position as he leaned on the trunk behind him and noticed that he was not alone as he had assumed. Stray cats, squirrels and even dogs were around him in a quiet circle. This as well was not something new to him as ever since his childhood days, animals gather around him as if he was a magnetic pole for them to attach to. It was a good thing that they do not do anything annoying and so he tolerates them as long as his personal space is kept intact. Just like so, he gazed at a far off distance and heard distant voices of something relevant to bread and wars. That has nothing to do with him, so he didn't bother thinking about it as well, though he's aware of the idiotic affair that happens at the cafeteria.

The thought of a fight was entertaining to him, however the whole affair making it about bread was not enthralling to him or the fact, there would be a lot of people present which he does not like. Crowding of herbivores is distasteful for him. That's why overall, he does not participate. In any case, it is time for him to leave as there are people even if they are at a great distance, he does not like the idea of his presence overlapping with anyone. He then felt a weight that landed on his shoulder which made his contemplation halt for a moment. "Mamoru! Mamoru! Mamoru!" It was the only voice that he does not find irritating as it came from the notable yellow canary that had been dubbed, Hibird. In actuality, this canary had become a symbol among the Hibari Family, as it is a constant companion of the Father and even the Son.

He looked at Hibird who instantly sang the tune of Namimori in tandem with the playing from his phone. That was enough for him to relax even further as he finally stood from his position. The animals that were there raised their heads to look at him in curiosity as to what he was about to do. Well basically, he was simply going to look for another location where he would be away from everyone and sleep once more. Like so, he began to walk away as he turned off the music from his phone, Hibird continued singing for him, while the animals present also calmly dispersed themselves. That is how his daily routine work really. There were at times some idiots who would challenge him outright, believing that numbers can beat him, and he proved to them that weaklings will always be weaklings. As of now, he had never been beaten and had become a prominent icon among Namimori as someone with absolute strength and someone not to be messed with at all or even be bothered with the social hierarchy present within the school. As long as, no one does get in his way or heaven forbid crossover his personal territory, everything is rather peaceful with him.

Though, there would still be some students who are ignorant and would unfortunately suffer under his annoyance, because of it. They do provide good examples not to cross paths with Mamoru and stay far away from him, though there are those limited few that managed to go unscathed, such as the one who had been tasked in giving him the schoolwork, that certain presence allowed to linger at a distance with him or the occasional interactions with his known twin. Speaking of which, there was one earlier with his twin and now, apparently another at this moment. He had caught within his peripheral vision of that Witch through the hallway window as he walked by. She seemed to be entranced by something and that was the only observation he allowed himself to have, before a voice filtered through his inner consciousness.

"Please forgive me, Nii-chan! If I was--- This is--- Sorry, Nii-chan, fault is mi---"

The words were all mumbled in his head and it annoyed him as the meaning of it was lost on him. "Mamoru! Mamoru! Mamoru! Wake up!" He looked back at Hibird who was flapping its wings as if aware of what's happening to him. That gave Mamoru a sense of bearing again. What was the purpose of those voices, he could well live without. He took a moment to look back where he saw the Witch only to find she was gone. "Tch." That was all he could comment about that. He did not want to ponder on anything that could irritate him. For now, he went on his way to find a place where he could sleep in peace while Hibird departed from his shoulder and followed him while flying above him, resuming its singing, causing the Hibari scion to fall at ease again.