Chapter 19
Chapter 37
Inhuman emerald eyes narrowed beneath bandages watching the child's hand as it hovered over one of Jager's Homemade Dutch Chocolate Cakes.
"You know addiction is bad for you, right Bermuda?"
"Reborn-Kun, if you so much as lay one finger-"
"Don't worry though, I know how to save you."
"Reborn!"
Bermuda couldn't stop the slight twitch of his fingers as the Ex-Night Arcobaleno continued on with his paperwork despite his intuition all but whispering warnings in the back of his head.
You're being watched. You're being watched. You're being watched. You're being wat-
Over and over the warning just keep repeating itself -like an eternal loop on a broken surround sound that someone forgot to turn down the volume to- despite the fact he had heard it the first time. For not the first time, Bermuda pondered on wither or not it's possible for one to mute their intuition. It didn't matter to the Vindice Warden how long he could hold the mute- You're being watched. You're being watched. You're being watched. You're being watc- he was just in desperate need for a moment of silence least he starts eradicating everything within reach.
You're being watched.
Yes, I'm aware.
You're being watched.
Thank you for pointing that out, Captain Obvious. Now if you would just do something useful...
You're being watched.
If I decapitate them will you be quiet?
...No, You're being watched.
If you don't stop repeating yourself, I'm going to hang myself.
... You won't.
Oh? What makes you say that?
Jager.
... I hate you.
Yes, I love you too. Now, where was I?... Oh yes, You're being watched. You're being watched. You're being watched.
Though none could see it, Bermuda could feel his eye twitching as his quill snapped within his grip. It was times like this the Ex-Night Arcobaleno loathed having Hyper Intuition.
It feels as though someone had pulled the world out from beneath him.
A Sky.
He has a Sky.
And it's not Dame-Tsuna.
Honestly, Reborn would be lying if he said there wasn't a bitter feeling inside him at the thought, especially upon learning who his Sky was. After all, Bermuda von Veckenschtein was a monster of a man trapped within the body of an infant and the last being- dead or alive- the dark eyed curly haired hitman would want for a Sky. Maybe he was still nursing that grudge over his wounded pride and Jager's almost assassination on his Student. It didn't help the Chibified Vindice had all but sacrificed him to his golden-eyed guard dog.
After all, Bermuda was the exact opposite of Tsuna, who Reborn himself had deemed the perfect example of what a Sky should be. Though... Reborn would reluctantly -very reluctantly at that- admit, the Night Arcobaleno had some redeeming qualities.
For starters, the Vindice Founder was loyal to the point he would willingly place himself in-between the danger and what was His once they couldn't fend for themselves.
'Tsuna, finish it.'
The Sun Arcobaleno couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction as he felt his students flames build within his palms. Should they hit, they would no doubt degenerate the downed Vindice that had taken out so many of their own yet before Tsuna could release them, The Night Arcobaleno had floated so that he was between Tsunayoshi's attack and the paralyzed man.
'I won't allow you to. Present Please.'
The Vindice Warden was protective but not to the point of suffocating. Instead, he trusted His to know their own strengths and be able to handle themselves without him having to constantly baby them or hold their hands.
Are you not going to help them?'
'They'll be fine. If we appear now, we'll only be getting in the way.'
'They're losing.'
'Nein, they're playing.'
'They're losing, Bermuda. Can you not see that or are you so heartless you just don't care?'
'If it was needed I would intervene but it's not. Just watch, Reborn-kun.'
Then there was the Chaos Factor- yes, it fully deserved capitals- that surrounded both the Vindice and Vendicare- Had he not spent so much time locked in a cell, Reborn might have considered the prison a physical wet dream with the amount of utter chaos that roamed its darkened halls- as a whole. The beautiful, beautiful chaos that sent shiver of pleasurable delight down his spine.
Still...
Despite this, Bermuda wasn't the Sky Reborn had wanted. Yet, he was the Sky Fate had decided to throw at the Hitman so maybe- just maybe- the Ex-Sun Arcobaleno would grant the other a chance to show him, how The Night Arcobaleno had managed to win over his Flames without Reborn ever noticing.
Which was why the World's Greatest Hitman had snuck into Vendicare- once more. Gods he spent more time here than at home- and was currently watching the Vindice Warden work... Or rather slowly suffering through what appeared to be a psychotic breakdown.
Huh, the hitman tilted his head slightly as the Night Arcobaleno's quill- honestly who still used those in this day and age?- snapped within a toddlerized hand, I wonder what triggered it?
Albus Dumbledore: Murderer?
By: Rita Skeeter
New Evidence indicates Albus Dumbledore had hand in the Countless Deaths Involving the Original Order of the Phoenix from the First War against He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
"Jager, what did that unfortunate paper ever do to you?"
A growl rumbled within the elder's chest as a pair of slender arms wrapped around his neck from behind and a cheek brushed gently against his own. Closing his eyes, Jager allowed himself to relax within His Lord's arms while slumping deeper into his chair. In all honesty, it wasn't the paper that was annoying the golden-eyed man; just the fact his next card had been pulled from his hand by an outside force.
"Its nothing, Lord Bermuda."
If anything, Jager supposed he should be pleased that the whole world wasn't a complete bust- the Bones woman must have inherited the brain of the community- through the golden-eyed man still felt cheated. So much for animating the corpses so that the victims themselves would have a chance to file the charges. In the end, though, it was probably best this way: Bermuda would kill him if he pulled a 'Jack' and accidentally started a Zombie Apocalypse just to snub that damn Silverette.
"Jager?"
"Yes, Lord Bermuda?"
"Why do I have the sudden urge to hit you?"
"Jack did it."
In a way, Jager fount it a bit saddening that His Lord just up and accepted his word without a second thought- it seemed even His Lord was completely resigned towards the actions of the rouge menace, the younger couldn't even muster up the strength to ask what exactly Jack had done- as a heavy sigh left the inhuman eyed teen, "Whatever Jack did, I don't want to know. Which means I don't expect to see a speck of paperwork on the matter, Jager."
"I'll personally ensure to it that you don't My Lord."
Carefully, Jager folded his paper and stuck it within one of his inner pockets while thanking whatever Gods were out there His Lord hadn't stumbled across him while he had been reading -And no, no matter what Jack said: he was not smugly gloating- over the article headline for the second page. After all, it would have been rather difficult to explain how 'Harry Potter' almost ended up as the Main Course for a tribe of Shifters in the Amazon.
"I feel naked. "
"You look fine, My Lord."
Bermuda couldn't help but shift uneasily as he tugged on the cufflinks of his suit only for tan fingers to slap his own pale ones away, "Apologies My Lord, but as you said yourself a 'Vindice does not fidget'. "
He was enjoying this too much, Bermuda decided as he stared up into amused golden eyes, "A Vindice also does not wear one these modern contraptions-" "I believe its called a 'Suit', Bermuda." "-Nor do they leave Vendicare in anything but their uniforms," Bermuda stubbornly continued onwards as though the elder hadn't spoken a word, "Which may I point out consist of bandages, a proper suit, and a traveling cloak. This is not a proper uniform, Jager. "
Shaking his head, the elder of the two once more attempted to smooth out any wrinkles His Lord had produced by tugging upon the fabric.
"I occur, we really shouldn't leave in anything but a uniform," After all, it wouldn't do for the unworthy to lay their eyes upon His Lord, "But I'm afraid My Lord that you promised Vongola we wouldn't arrive in Uniform this year so to limit the amount of panic and chaos our presence causes. "
A scowl twisted upon the teen's face as his inhuman eyes seemed to glow within the dim lightening of the room, "If Vongola wishes to stop the mass panic he should stop inviting us." Uniform or no uniform, Bermuda was willing to bet a years supply of cake this would end in some type of disaster- like it did every year. - that would once more level somehow manage to leave Vongola HQ as a smoking crater in the earth.
"He is a bit of an Optimist-"
" I thought he was Masochist-" It would explain a lot about young Tsunayoshi-kun in Bermuda's opinion. After all, Reborn spent years torturing him and they somehow become close companions. Bermuda and the Vindice attempted to kill them- or at least as far as Vongola knew- and somehow Tsunayoshi-kun considered them 'friends'. Then there was the boy's actually friends, who more than half of them actually attempted to assassinate the boy upon first meeting. Hell, at least two of the Decimo's Guardians attempted to murder him before becoming brainwashed by his charisma alongside the Purity of his Sky Flames.
"Well that too, Lord Bermuda," Jager admitted as he looked over his handiwork," but the point is we both know the Decimo feels entitled to at least attempt to reach out towards us since everyone else within the Mafia are too terrified to."
"In other words, Tsunayoshi-kun lacks common sense." Bermuda deadpanned as he permitted Jager to attempt to tame his hair.
"I believe its a side effect of having Hyper Intuition, My Lord. I've noticed that everyone I have stumbled across with Hyper Intuition seems to lack a majority of Common Sense while attracting trouble."For a moment, Bermuda fount himself about to agree- it would explain a great deal concerning Giotto and Giotto 2.0- before another fact struck him.
"...Are you trying to apply something, Jager?"
Inhuman eyes narrowed despite the fact Bermuda was unable to currently unable to see the elder man. After all, he too had Hyper Intuition.
"you know exactly what I'm applying, Bermuda. "
"I do not lack-"
"Waking the Creature slumbering within the Hills of Sweden."
"-How was I supposed to know their 'Great Evil' wasn't just a Folklore Myth? I didn't even do anything but pick up a rock to examine the Runes engraved upon it."
"And by doing so, not only awoke the Creature but released it as well."
" I don't see while your complaining, Jager, I resealed the 'Great Evil'. "
"Only after it destroyed half the town and ate half of the population."
Okay, maybe that hadn't been his best day. Still, the Vindice Warden couldn't help but scowl as he glared at the wall across from him,"One time proves nothing, Jager. It was just a series of unfortunate events is all. "
"Oh, how about the Sinking of Mu? "
"That was an accident-"
"Purposely warping the Valley of Kings into the middle of the desert-"
"Even you were tired of dealing with petty thieves, Jager." What, it had been a rough year- no thanks to Checkerface- and it was either that or committing Mass Genocide, "It's not like I hurt anyone. "
"My Lord, You convinced the Egyptians you were a God. "
"I did nothing of the sort," Bermuda couldn't help but frown as he crossed his arms over his chest, "They just assumed I was their 'Kek' and you dragged me away before I could correct them-"
"The Great Fire of The Alexandria Library-"
"-I saved all the books-"
"You still burned the Library down, Bermuda."
Okay so maybe- just maybe- Jager was onto something after all.
They can't be human, Tsuna decides as the brunette stared at the group which had just arrived at Vongola's Annual Christmas Ball.
It was a small group of four or five- one of them appearing to be the same age as himself- yet if the brunette was honest it consisted of the most ethereal looking people Tsunayoshi had ever seen and judging from the silence of the ballroom upon their arrival; he wasn't the only Mafioso to think so.
"Dame-Tsuna, A boss should always greet their guest upon arrival."
Where they his guests? Honestly, Tsuna would like to think he would remember inviting such people- who looked as though they had walked out of a mythical painting or some supernatural, legendary folklore though he wasn't quite certain. He had handwritten hundreds of invitations- some of which were to newly formed Famiglia's he had never meet- upon Reborn's insistence so for all he knew, they could be guests.
Nodding slightly, the brunette took a steady breath before making his way towards the group. The youngest of the group most of heard him, Tsuna decides as inhuman emerald eyes glance his way before he can say a word, "Good Afternoon, Tsunayoshi-kun."
For a moment, his mind doesn't register the silky voice as he finds himself distracted by the teen's Fae like features- Raven black hair, unnatural emerald eyes, and skin as pale as moonlight- but when it does; something catches his attention. The Teenager had called him Tsunayoshi-kun.
No one called him Tsunayoshi-kun- It was always Vongola, Decimo, Dame-Tsuna, and Tsuna- except Byakuran and... Orange tainted eyes widen as realization stuck the brunette like a bolt of lightning.
"HEEEIII! BERMUDA!"
"There is no need to yell, Tsunayoshi-kun. I'm not deaf. " Yet.
Behind him, Tsuna could hear several people choking- no doubt those who had been present in the Representative Battles and knew exactly who Bermuda was- and the sounds of several bodies collapsing to the floor yet he pays it no mind. Instead, his attention has moved onto the group surrounding the Fae Teenager- Bermuda- the unearthly men around the other.
The man directly on Bermuda's right appeared to be a prime example of Genetic Favoritism: Tall, well built, broad shoulders with wavy Ebony black hair, tanned olive skin and piercing golden eyes.
"Jager?"
His voice comes out a bit weak- almost a whisper- as he stared at the golden-eyed Aphroditius on Bermuda's right- who gave a slight nod of greeting before focusing upon glaring back those in the crowd with wondering eyes- before it seemed to click exactly who the other's were. After all, only certain Vindices were allowed to attend these parties due to... Past Issues.
"Alejandro, Small Gia, Big Pino."
Each of the alluring men granted a slight nod towards the Brunette as a form of greeting, confirming his theory:
The Vindice.
But How?
Unfortunately, that would have to be a mystery for another day as Tsuna's mind had officially decided it couldn't take much more and swiftly shut itself down.
Thud!
The next person he caught ogling His Lord was going to lose their eyes, Jager decides as he took half a step closer- completely ignoring the Vongola Decimo's unconscious body upon the floor- towards his beloved Lord. Beside him, his Lord sighs softly in resigned acceptance, "Honestly Tsunayoshi-kun, you were the one who insisted we didn't wear our uniforms."
"I do not have attachment issues."
Reborn couldn't help but raise a brow as pitch black eyes glazed over the burning inferno of rubble that had once been Vongola Mansion before soulless black eyes locked onto the golden pools across from him.
"Its either Attachment Issues or Anger Issues. Unless of course you just enjoy leveling Vongola for no reason."
Honestly, it wouldn't have surprised the Ex-Sun Arcobaleno if that was the case. After all, every time the Vindice attended a function at Vongola HQ they didn't leave until the mansion was nothing more than a smoking crater within the Earth.
"They were asking for it by ogling Lord Bermuda."
"Well, he's not wearing a ring, Jager. How were they to know he off the market?"
The 'World's Greatest Hitman' couldn't help but point out as he raised a brow.
"Bermuda?"
The teenager couldn't help but blink as he leaned his head back so to meet the others gaze. It wasn't often Jager just called him 'Bermuda' instead of 'Lord Bermuda'
"Yes, Jager?"
"Marry me."
"We're already married Jager."
"That's not what I mean Bermuda, Marry me properly. A proper service, a proper wedding- priest and all- without a cloak and dagger theme."
For a moment, all the Vindice Warden could do was stare at His every loyal companion as his mind tried to figure out exactly what brought this about. Sure their wedding had been a bit rushed- and maybe a bit 'cloak and dagger' themed- to the point they never bothered with rings but Jager didn't usually care for such things.
It not like Bermuda needed apiece of jewelry to show him how much the golden-eyed man loved him; Jager did that himself just by being there- for better or worse- and never straying far from his side and Bermuda had done the same for the elder man.
So what had changed?
Bermuda pondered as he stared into golden pools as he made up his mind, "If it'll make you happy, I don't see how it could hurt. How does Saturday sound for you?"
Gods he loved it when Jager smiled at him like that.
"It sounds perfect, Bermuda, absolutely perfect."
Good, that left him three days to kidnap the Pope and acquire them a reasonably sized audience. The rest he would leave up to Jager and His Guardians- after all, he did enjoy a pleasant surprise every now and then.
Later, after dealing with Vongola's so-called Recuse Attempt to Save the Pope which somehow led to them remaining as witnesses, Bermuda would find himself staring at the silver ring Jager had granted him in an attempt to figure out why the golden-eyed Vindice Warrior had seemed so smug- The Ex-Night Arcobaleno hadn't missed that look Jager had sent Reborn- the moment it was resting upon the Vindice Warden's slender fingers.
To this day, he still hasn't figured it out.
After all, as far as Bermuda was concerned it was just a piece of jewelry. The only thing that made it different from any other rings was His and Jager names engraved in gold upon the inside. All he knew was it made Jager happy when the other saw him wearing it; so the Ex-Night Arcobaleno didn't see any harm in continuing to do so- though sometimes he had to place it upon a necklace as a toddler's fingers were much too small for such a ring.
Chapter 38
"Just do me a favor, If it comes down to being rescued by anyone from Vongola; kill me."
"Shouldn't you be telling me to surrender while I have the chance?"
"Nein, if its Vongola, Just kill me. I would rather die than owe them a debt."
"Good point."
The stupidity of Magicals- especially those from Magical London- never failed to surprise Bermuda. Though none could see it, a scowled marred Bermuda's face as the infant size Vendicare Warden glowered down at the Dumbledore's precious Order Members -Some he recognized and some he didn't- Jack and Alejandro had dragged before his throne.
First had been the Ministry, then Voldemort's Death Eaters and now The Order of the Phoenix; was there no one with a brain inside their hollow skulls residing in Magical London? What did they all do: Gather together and play *Rashambo over who's turn it was to prove their suicidal tendencies alongside a startling lack of survival instincts and intellect- for why else would they decide breaking into Vendicare was a 'brilliant' idea?
"Trespassing is considered a Criminal Offense. Trespassing into Vendicare is both a Capital Offense and an Outcry for those withholding Suicidal Intentions. Usually, I would permit you to attempt to explain your presence within our halls but considering you are the third batch of London Magicals we have captured this week, I believe we all are fully aware of your intentions. Therefore there shall no individual trails but a mass Trial with one of your own representing the rest. You have twenty-four hours to present me your case until then though; I believe we have some old friends of yours within the lower levels that would love for the opportunity to be reacquainted."
Dementors- as it turned out- were rather social creatures once one managed to overlook the constant chill and attempts to devour other souls. Bermuda, himself, had been rather surprised when he had discovered himself attending a game of Poker with Jack and his creations. For the sake of his remaining sanity, The Vindice Warden did his best not to think too much on the matter especially when he caught the redhead attempting to teach them how to use something called 'Social Media'.
It's only when the room is empty of even the echoes of his newest prisoners' screams does Bermuda allow himself to relax into his throne. Bloody Magicals, he wondered what present they would send him next.
Jager only glanced down at His Lord before outright pretending he didn't hear the ominously deep laughter that rumbled from within the other's chest. Huh, last he checked it was supposed to be a sunny clear day, so where was the lightning coming from?
This wasn't something you saw every day, Skull couldn't help as he stared at Verde as the green haired nine years old shuffled around a rather large shipping box.
"Verde, what are you doing?"
Where were the gadgets? Where were the electronics, killer robots and ominous crackling that one usually associated with the scientist when he was usually working on an 'Important project'- as he had insisted he would be working on earlier this morning- within his Lab?
And why of all things was the Ex-Lightning Arcobaleno staring at a cardboard box as though it was the Holy Grail of all Scientific Discoveries?
"I need to get inside Vendicare."
Oh, was that it? For a moment there, the Ex-Cloud Arcobaleno had been concerned the older child had finally lost what little bit of his mind he had left.
"Oh, I see. Good Lu- Wait, What?!"
Verde paid no mind to the wide-eyed Cloud flailing in a corner of his lab as he placed a plush blanket into the bottom of the box for both warmth- against the harsh weather he knew would be waiting for him- and insulation, "I said I need to get inside Vendicare."
"BUT WHY?!"
"You saw The Vindice as well as I did, Skull. They weren't those living corpses we fought against at the Representative Battles but solid, whole beings. Just image the scientific discovery lurking inside that Hell Hole, waiting for someone brave enough to discover them."
"And that's exactly why you shouldn't go there! They're the Vindice! Nightmare so horrifying even Death wouldn't touch them! Do you really think they'll just sit still and permit you to run test on them like Lab Rats?!"
A soft snort left the green haired child as he placed a small duffle bag into the box, "Of course not, that's why I'll run the test while they're sleeping."
Was this what suicidal tendencies looked like? It was obvious Verde finally snapped- not even the Maddest of Mad Scientists would dare to venture into Vendicare for anything including science- and this... This must be his cry for help. Verde was silently asking- no the green haired child was begging- Skull to help him.
Was he the right person for this though? Surely there was someone better.
Yet he was the only other person here- the only person around to hear the silent plea- therefore it had to be him. Taking a breath, the Stuntman straightened his shoulders while allowing a strangely serious expression to take over his face.
He could do this. He had to. There was no time for his usually cowardly tendencies, Verde was counting on him. He wouldn't be able to live with himself if he left now and the green haired child ended up dead or worse, a new prisoner of Vendicare.
"Verde, I understand."
"You do?" Verde couldn't help but pause as emerald eyes moved to the purple haired child giving him a rather strange look. Honestly, he had expected more resistance towards his plans- maybe shouting and a fight or two but not just outright acceptance- though it was nice to be proved wrong for a change.
"Yes," Skull answered as he nodded firmly, "Don't worry though, I'm here to help you now."
For a moment, all Bermuda could do was stand there within the snow as he stared at the package outside the Vendicare gate as the strangest sense of Deja Vu filled the Vendicare Warden. After a moment chain wrapped tightly around the box, shaking it violently so to activate the bomb that was no doubt waiting inside before tossing it into the frozen wasteland without a care.
"Bermuda-Chan~!"
Though Bermuda hated to admit it, he froze- not even caring that his quill was dripping ink onto his paperwork- as that horrifying sweet voice reached his ears. No, it couldn't be. Slowly- oh so slowly- the toddler lifted his bandaged head while praying to any God out there that would listen that he was just losing his mind. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case as emerald eyes locked upon a smiling brunette woman standing within his office door next to the Vongola Decimo and The 'Cured' Arcobaleno.
Though none could see it, emerald eyes widened in horror at the woman as a dreadful silence filled his office. He should do something- Bermuda knew he should- yet he couldn't quite bring himself to breathe; let alone move and judging by the absolute silence that had filled the room neither could the rest of the Vindice who had been in the midst of delivering a report only moments before.
The horrified silence was finally broken when Jager- His beloved Sadist Angel who Bermuda should really see about getting Sanctified- snatched the Vindice Warden from his chair while calling out, "EVERY VINDICE FOR HIMSELF!" before vanishing with the younger into a burst of Night Flames which set off the Vindice left behind.
To be honest, neither Tsuna or the Ex-Arcobaleno had seen a room clear so swiftly in their lives as the Vindice- The Demonic Shinigami of the Mafia- seemed to vanish before their eyes by any means necessary: Some jumping out unopened windows, some breaking down a wall since they decided the door wasn't close enough, some climbing into vents that logically they never should have been capable of fitting into, some remembering their unique flames and disappearing within the Rift of Night Flames.
Slowly, every head turned to the smiling brunette housewife who was attempting to help a Vindice to his feet- the unfortunate soul having tripped over his own feet in his blind panic- only for the 'Demon' to rapidly scrambling across the floor into an awkward attempt at a crab walk as though the woman's touch was a fate worse than death. The housewife didn't seem to notice in the least as she reached a hand down towards the cowering Vindice- which drew out a rather girlish scream from the so-called 'Demon'- but never quite reached him as a chain darted out of a rift of Night Flames, wrapped tightly around the Vindice and dragged him in so swiftly Tsuna almost got whiplash just from watching.
Nana didn't seem to seem to notice the cautious eyes observing her- nor how there was suddenly a rather large gap between her and several of the 'cured' Arcobalenos- as she sighed wistfully, "Ah, Bermuda-Chan is such a hard worker. Every time I see them, he and Jager-kun they always seem to be rushing to work."
Slowly the woman's chocolate brown eyes moved onto her son, full of an intensity that had him stumbling backward, "Though I must admit I'm surprised to find your working alongside your Elder Brother, Tsuna-Chan. It's almost like a dream come true."
"HHHEEEIII!" Tsuna screamed as multiple voices shouted, "BROTHER?!" and even Reborn raised a brow.
The more he learned about her the more interesting Sawada Nana seemed to become.
It shouldn't be possible. For a moment, all Bermuda could do was stare with blank inhuman eyes as his mind tried to wrap around the childish form just outside the Gates of Vendicare. Usually, it would have been strange to see a child outside their gates- after all, what sane parent would permit their child wonder a frozen wasteland?- but this...
Considering the fact they were currently in another dimensional plane...
Well, it should have been impossible. Yet there it was. A small child- dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt- shivering as his lips rapidly turned a dark blue. Sighing softly, Bermuda reached upwards towards his brooch before unfastening his cloak- as he kneeled in the snow -before wrapping it tightly around the young one.
"Come, Little One, Let's get you inside."
The little one said nothing, choosing instead to snuggled deeper into Bermuda's hold much to the Vindice Warden's Surprise- usually, the only time children were near him it involved screaming and crying upon first sight- though he paid it little attention as he carried the younger into Vendicare.
"Lord Bermuda," Jager spoke slowly his eyes never straying from His teenage Lord and the small... 'Package' sitting within the Vindice Warden's Lap, "Please tell me you did not kidnap a child."
"I did not kidnap a child."
"Then where did that one come from?" The golden eyed Vindice questioned- still not quite sure he wanted the answer- as he waved a hand at the small bundle with a pair of golden eyes.
"Honestly? I have no idea," The Ex-Arcobaleno answered without a moment's hesitation, "He was cuddled against the outer gate when I went for my morning walk."
"...How... We...I... We're trapped within an empty dimensional plane until the alarm settles!"
"Trust me, Jager, I know." He knew all too well as The Vindice Warden, himself, had spent hours pondering over the confounding issue while checking over the toddler for frostbite, "I believe the little one attempted to use magic beyond his understanding and it backfired."
"Magic? A Wizards offspring?"
"More like a witch and werewolves. Neville recognized him as 'Teddy Lupin'."
"Lupin..." Jager mumbled softly as what many would consider an 'unsettling' gleam appeared within his golden-eyed, "Dumbledore's Mutt?"
"One and the same."
Bermuda confessed as the gleam within the elder's eyes darkened to a dangerous tone as it always did when Dumbledore- or anyone who was associated to the elderly wizard- was mentioned within the same vicinity as The Vindice's Strongest Warrior.
"Let me guess," Jager deadpanned as he moved closer towards His Beloved Lord and the Toddler, "The witch is also in his pocket."
"One of his 'Precious' Order Members to be exact."
"..."
"..."
"We're keeping him."
"I was hoping you would say that Jager," The emerald eyed teen admitted as he reached into his desk drawer and pulled out a file of papers, "Now if you would just sign these adoption papers for me, I can finish finalizing everything."
Later, Jack would take one look at the Dark haired, golden-eyed child in Jager's arms before giving the two Vindices a bland look, "Tell me you two did not kidnap a child. Better yet, how in The Nine Hells did you manage to do so when we're trapped outside of the fabrics of Reality itself?!"
Chapter 39
"A is for Axe which I use to chop off cheerleaders' heads with. B is for Blood which is a pain to clean from bandages. C is for Cannibal whom you should never accept a dinner invitation from. D is for-"
"Small Gia, what are you doing?" Jager couldn't help but question as he stared down at the platinum-haired Vindice crouched beside a sleepy looking toddler.
"I'm teaching this Little Morsel his ABCs of Course."
His only warning to what was to come was a slight twitch of the Golden-eyed Vindice's hand only seconds before the platinum-haired Vindice fount himself sailing through the harsh environment's chilling air.
Ignore the new 'Small Gia' size hole in Vendicare's stain glass window, Jager picked up the small toddler while making a mental note to have a word with Bermuda concerning his Rain Guardian.
"Jager?"
"Yes, Lord Bermuda?"
"What are toddler supposed to eat?"
For a moment, all Jager could do was stare at His Lord as though the emerald-eyed Chibi had whacked him upside the head with a fish, "Please don't tell me you adopted a toddler without the slightest clue on how to care for him."
"Alright then,"Bermuda spoke after a moment of silence, "I won't tell you."
"BERMUDA! I.. You!... How did you even manage to get the adoption papers for that child if you don't know how to care for him?!" Last Jager checked, there had been a law instated that clearly proclaimed: Anyone wishing to adopt a child would have to meet certain requirements before taking several tests to ensure they knew how to properly tend to their ward.
"..." A heavy silence filled the air with a sense of dread filled the Vindice's Strongest Warrior as His Lord refused to speak a word, let alone hold his gaze. He knew that look- he had seen it so many time while watching the other grow up- it was a look the younger only ever gave him when the younger had done something he knew Jager wasn't going to like.
"Bermuda, tell me you took the test."
"Kind of..."
"Kind of?"
"The Receptionist sort of screamed the moment she saw me before fainting. No matter how many times I attempted to wake her she would just take another look at me before passing out so I decided to help myself and just took the papers," Bermuda confessed as he noticed the slight twitching of the golden-eyed Vindice's brow.
"I just can't leave you alone, can I?" Jager questioned as a heavy sigh left the Vindice. If he didn't know better, he would swear His Lord- His Beloved Lord who apparently couldn't do anything the normal way- was purposely screwing with him.
Now, What did one feed a toddler?
"Here give the Brat this," It was reflex alone that had Alejandro catching the object the rouge had thrown before allowing his eyes to glance towards it.
"Jack, what is this?'
It seemed to be some sort of bottle filled with the dark crimson liquid that seemed rather strangely familiar. He's seen this before but for the life of him, the blue-haired man just couldn't place where exactly.
"Well, from what I understand they're called the 'Innocent' so it only makes sense they would require the Blood of the Innocent for their continual existence. "
"Jack, I don't think that's how that works."
"Nonsense," The rouge haired Vindice snorted softly, "You feed the brat the blood so that they stay both Innocent and Satisfied."
"Who's an adorable Little Vindice? You are!"
"There's something disturbing about this," Neville mumbled softly to Luna as he watched Alejandro coo over the small toddler dressed from head to toe in the Vindice's uniform. The blond-haired Mist gave a soft hum as she tilted her head ever so slightly in thought.
"How is Teddy breathing with all those bandages covering his nose and mouth?"
"..."
"..."
"Teddy!"
It took a moment for what had spoken to process through Neville mind but once it did the past Gryffindor jumped to his feet before rushing towards the blue-haired Vindice and the toddler he now realized was actually flailing instead of playing as he first assumed.
Luna, on the other hand, just kept smiling as she floated about the room with her tea glass in hand. Such a strange little family Bermuda had built for them.
There was a child in his lab.
Big Pino couldn't help but stare at the toddler for a moment as he contemplated what to do: On one hand, Logic demanded he removes the child from the premises before something managed to go horribly wrong.
On the other hand, toddlers were said to learn swiftly at this age and it had come seeing him out instead of the other way around.
Maybe it was interested in his work? In which case it was logical enough to think for itself and therefore should be entitled its own opinion.
"PIPIPU?"
In response, the small one beamed a bright smile at him.
Well, that was good enough for him- as it was obvious to Pino the little one wanted to be here- Big Pino decided as he reached down and plucked the toddler off the ground and placing him upon his shoulder instead.
"Excuse me, are these the Parenting Classes?"
"Why yes," The receptionist spoke allowing a smile to form on her face as she spun her chair to face the newest visitors, "How may I-"
Both her words and her smile died instantly as she stared at the cloaked, bandaged wrapped being before her. Vindice...
Blue eyes widened in horror as her mouth moved but no sound left the blond haired woman. Instead of the usual three pairing, the Vindice seemed to use; there were seven of the Mafia's- Her- worst nightmares... In her office...
THUD!
"KEKEKE! No offense Jager, but I really don't think this plan of yours is going to work. KEKEKE!"
CRASH!
Meanwhile, back at Vendicare
"Vincentius, Jack left with Lord Bermuda, Right?"
"Yeah, what about it?"
Alice shifted slightly as she stared outside the window, "If Jack left with Lord Bermuda then does that mean he's not responsible for the army of Yetis outside our gate?"
"Obviously-," The dark-haired swiftly sat up from where he had been half asleep on the floor only a moment before, "Wait, What?!"
Yetis?
Wrapping to the nearest window, crimson eyes widened seeing nothing but a mass of white- moving, breathing, and apparently not as mythical as people believed- fur marching towards the gates of Vendicare. For a brief moment, Vincentius swore he saw a flash of emerald before it too was consumed by the endless white fur.
When Bermuda and his Guardians finally returned to Vendicare- Parenting classes had been a complete failure of an idea as everyone who saw them gapped like a fish out of water before fainting- The Ex-Night Arcobaleno was confounded to discover every room, hall, and cell in Vendicare had somehow managed to require their own white fur rugs.
"Vincentius, where did you get all these from?"
"An army of Yetis, My Lord."
"..."
For some reason, Bermuda had the strangest feeling he didn't want to know. Judging from the silence of his Guardians, neither did they.