Mana Shiraga's Story

"I am so sorry I'm late!" It was the only warning that had been presented as the double doors to the main hall where the Inheritance Ceremony for the Vongola Guardians were being conducted flew opened without much regard to the people already present inside. The perpetrator was none other than the chosen Lightning Guardian, Shiraga Mana, who wore a red maple leaf-patterned kimono and black pleated hakama with a maple leaf accent as well. The silky straight brown locks were pulled into a ponytail that was now slightly curled. She even wore a light make-up which was probably done by her mother as she has no idea what those things are truthfully. She also wore the traditional geta matched with white socks. Her cheeks were noticeable flushed which was probably due to her running late or preferably due to her embarrassment of being late. Although, the latter part is yet to be proven as the Lightning Guardian is known to be lacking in that department. More or less, she was the perfect example of someone being called fashionably late and a Japanese Maiden.

"I actually fell asleep on the bus because I felt so nervous about this ceremony and you know how I am when I zone out!" Mana immediately explained as she bowed in apology. "Then I got lost and had to wait for another bus for an hour! Before I can go back..." She continued on and then raised her head to look at the people around her with a cheerful smile as she recalled her wonderful findings before arriving here. The taste of her discovery was still present on her lips which was slightly glossy from its juices. "Then, there was these bunch of strawberry fields near the area and I just had to have some!" She paused for a moment and observed the reactions from everyone who was now looking at her with disbelief. At first, it was a mystery to her why they were looking at her like that. Then, she remembered that she had yet to tell them. "Please don't worry! I brought some strawberries to share with everyone! I left them up front! The people at the strawberry fields are really nice!" She said with a bright smile illuminating her beauty more. If only every time she opens her mouth there would be no sounds, she would be an elegant and dreamy beautiful sight. She was truly a "Beauty at Lost"

After saying her piece, Mana could literally hear birds whistling in the background for the longest time as there were no responses. Everyone was still looking at her in a vague manner as she flinched subtlety. There was also the issue of a rather pissed Eri who walked passed her without much of a greeting earlier. She did not want to bother the Cloud Guardian in such a sour mood and thought that the ceremony must have been finished. After all, Eri always scold her for being late. In any case, she went ahead to see if the ceremony was really over. However, it seemed that every one was still there along with other unknown people. Looking at Kaito and the other Vongola Guardians, she had this rather quizzical look on her face. Somehow, she looked completely adorable if only she was not much of a ditzy as she always appear to be so. It would appear that she was completely unaware of the intruders not far from the castle. Well in her opinion, every one was a stranger except for the talking babies and the guardians. For all they know, the Lightning Guardian might have thought those intruders as guests or entertainers.

"So... Uhmm... What did I miss?" Mana asked with clear confusion and those doe-eyed caramel brown eyes gazed at Kaito with question. She had no idea the danger they were about to enter or the slight debate from Eri about Kaito's strategy. But it is still a mystery if the Lightning Guardian really knew what she was in for being a member of the Vongola. After all, her understanding of this ceremony was her graduation for this "extra class" of hers. She even brought a camera to take pictures with everyone. Since, Kaito and Reborn had insisted for her not to bring her parents and all. She wondered if Eri getting angry was due to this one thought floating in her head. "Are we not going to get our diplomas?"