"Little lady, can you walk a bit faster?" Old man Talbot was moving almost as if he were gliding through the air, while Saya had to hike up her skirt and run just to keep from tripping. Even then, she could barely keep up.
"Slow… please slow down," the girl whispered, panting heavily. Her body had only just been treated, and she finally had to stop, leaning her hands on her knees and gasping for breath. At that moment, Giotto and the others caught up. The red-haired man knelt in front of her.
"You can't keep up with that body," G said. Saya blinked in surprise before slowly wrapping her arms around his neck to climb onto his back.
"Achoo!" Saya sneezed right onto G's back, leaving him bewildered before she added, "I'm sorry, I'm just not very good with the smell of cigarettes."
"…My apologies," he said. "I won't let it happen again."
"Smoke if you want to. I'm just letting you know, but quitting would be better for your health," the girl said. The other members all nodded in unison.
"Our honored guest is allergic to your cigarettes, G," Giotto teased with a smile, causing a vein to pop on G's temple.
"…I'm quitting," G muttered, feeling a slight irritation that everyone seemed so united on this matter.
They followed Talbot across a bridge over a stream where servants were washing clothes. They moved to stand, but Giotto raised a hand slightly to stop them, so they sat back down and continued their work.
Ahead stood a building made of brick and metal, with an attached workshop. Smoke billowed high from a metal chimney. The workshop was open-ended, allowing them to see inside.
"This is…" Daemon Spade muttered as he looked around. The others were equally stunned. There were smelting furnaces, glass distillation flasks on tables, and various ores and chemicals scattered haphazardly throughout the workshop.
"Giotto," Old man Talbot spoke. "I have an idea regarding Vongola that I'd like to discuss with you."
"Yes, I'm listening," Giotto replied, stepping forward with a polite demeanor.
"You… and your Guardians require more power. In the future, many things will happen; this is merely one beginning."
"You mean… weapons, sir?" the golden-haired young man finally asked.
"I call them 'Equipment,' Giotto," Talbot corrected. "What people call weapons are things made to strike and slash, like swords or guns. But there are exceptions, like your gloves, Giotto."
The owner of the name nodded slowly. "If it's not necessary, I don't want bloodshed. That is not my way, nor Vongola's."
"But the lack of power to protect also leads to bloodshed, Giotto. That is why I have prepared some designs." With that, the old man spread a sheet of paper on the table. G and Knuckle cleared the space so they could gather around.
It was a rough blueprint of greaves and boxing equipment, consisting of gloves and a headguard. Knuckle looked visibly troubled, so Talbot spoke up. "This is for you, Knuckle. I know you are hesitant, but if you wish to protect Vongola, more power is needed. You cannot use your bare fists to protect what you love forever, especially after that recent bombing."
Knuckle lowered his eyes, haunted by the memory. He had been unable to do anything. The perpetrator was a new worker they had taken in out of mercy because he was homeless. But in the end, that man brought gunpowder and committed a suicide bombing in this very chapel.
"For Martin Luther! For the Protestant State! Down with the Catholic League!" the man had screamed in German before igniting himself. By the time Knuckle realized, it was too late.
Out of nearly ten children, only five remained. He couldn't save them all from the blast. The event left him injured and his ears ringing for a time, though he managed to rescue those he could reach.
"It was my fault. I was too soft-hearted," Giotto said. G patted Knuckle's shoulder, and Ugetsu offered a supportive look. Receiving their care, the young man in the priest's habit managed a sad but grateful smile.
Meanwhile, Giotto recalled the incident in the drawing room. Pedro hadn't been there; it was just him and Princess Irina talking, along with her personal servant. Then, someone burst in, screaming, and ignited a bomb.
Even though he had ignited his Dying Will Flame to protect the Princess, she pushed him away and took the blast herself.
Daemon Spade's heart had nearly shattered. He cried out when he saw his beloved covered in blood from the explosion. As Giotto lay severely injured, she spoke her final words in his arms.
"Vongola is… weak."
"You are a good Sky, Giotto, but sometimes you are too kind, to the point of neglecting your Hyper Intuition—the gift God bestowed upon you," Talbot said, pointing to his own forehead. "Do not ignore it. Trust it. It will help you even in the most critical moments or when you must make a life-changing decision. Logic is good, but intuition will keep you from losing your way."
"I will remember that. I won't fail a second time," Giotto said with determined eyes. His Guardians felt his resolve. G nodded and patted his shoulder, and Giotto smiled back in thanks. Alaude and Daemon Spade said nothing, but the girl could feel that they understood, even if they didn't show it.
Saya watched Giotto's group for a moment before asking the old man beside her.
"Then, how can I help, Grandfather Talbot?"
"That is the very point of why I brought you here," Talbot replied. "You must help me craft the equipment for all of them."
"Eh! What?! How?!" The family members cried out almost simultaneously. The loudest was Lampo. "What are you saying, old man?!"
"Tch…" Daemon Spade looked displeased, while Alaude and Giotto remained calm.
"Grandfather, if you're joking, please keep it within limits," G said, resting his palm against his face.
"I am not joking. This young lady is the one who comes to fulfill Vongola's destiny," the old man continued. "She will be the most honored guest Vongola has ever had… isn't that why you brought her here?"
Old man Talbot looked at Saya during the last sentence, but his eyes weren't on the girl. Instead, he saw someone floating above her—someone only an old man like him could see. That figure made of flames began to smile. Though the face wasn't clear because the figure was no longer human, Talbot recognized that orange flame perfectly; he would never forget it.
The figure slowly faded from Talbot's sight, while the girl stood confused, feeling as though the old man wasn't talking to her despite looking in her direction.
"I brought Leyla here myself," Giotto said. "Therefore, if there is any risk to her, I must ask you to reconsider."
"Giotto, Giotto," Talbot said, shaking his head and putting a finger to his lips, making a shushing sound. That stopped the golden-haired man. "You are Vongola's Sky. You never do anything without a purpose, do you?"
"But…" The young man started but stopped, looking at Saya instead. Their eyes met for a moment before her blue-violet eyes sparkled with resolve.
"If I can be Vongola's strength, I'll do it, Mr. Giotto," the girl said with a determined gaze and a brilliant smile. "So, I will do it. No… Mr. Giotto, please let me do it."
The golden-haired man went silent, looking at her for a long time before closing his eyes. "What does Leyla have to do?"
"She has the power of seven massive flames within her," Talbot said, surprising Knuckle, Alaude, and Daemon Spade. The other four already knew, so they weren't shocked. "Therefore, I will use that to forge equipment for all of you. Currently, the Rain Flame is manifesting, so it's your turn… Ugetsu…"
"Yes, Master Talbot," Ugetsu said.
"I've thought about your equipment many times but didn't know what to build for you," Talbot sighed. "So I want your opinion. What do you want to use?"
"I am a swordsman; I wish to use a sword." With that, Ugetsu unbuckled the sword at his waist and pulled another from his sleeve, placing them before Talbot. "If possible, I still wish to use this set. I don't need more than this. This is enough."
Talbot went quiet, thinking, before Saya spoke up. "In Japan, swords are used as weapons, but they are like a part of the body—a companion. You could even say it's their soul. So, I think it would be better to make these swords stronger without losing their original qualities."
"You think so?" After the girl nodded, the old man looked at Ugetsu. "If I make your swords stronger, what kind of strength do you seek?"
"For me, these swords exist only to protect the Family, my comrades, and the people I love, Master Talbot," Ugetsu explained. "I am Vongola's Rain of Purification. I am merely a rain shower intended to provide mercy, offering choices in battle beyond just bloodshed."
"There is a saying that having a hundred friends is not too many, but turning one enemy into a friend is a gain. Therefore, it is better to create mercy and kindness in people's hearts rather than hatred or resentment. I believe in these things too," the girl explained. This made Ugetsu smile.
"I never thought that at such a young age, Lady Leyla would understand my intentions. Your words are eloquent and pleasant to hear. I am truly delighted to know and speak with you," he said. "If you are ever free, I would like to invite you for a conversation. I will welcome you warmly at my quarters."
"Will there be manju and hot green tea?" Saya asked excitedly. Ugetsu's smile widened. "And daifuku? And a board game too?"
"Soon, the white sakura I planted will bloom for its first season. I hope to find a friend to exchange views or watch the flowers with."
"I'd love to, Mr. Ugetsu. I'll definitely go!" The girl replied. Ugetsu was stunned for a second before smiling happily, until someone's cough interrupted them.
"Ahem!" Lampo cleared his throat, followed by Giotto. They took turns coughing until Lampo accidentally coughed for real. Ugetsu patted Lampo's back gently while the golden-haired man tried not to show his reaction too much.
"Alright, let me see how you do it, Old man Talbot," the Vongola Boss said. "I want to be sure that Leyla is safe throughout every process."
"Of course," the old man said. "Then, I must tell you first: I have to re-forge your weapons using your original ones."
"Understood," Ugetsu replied.
"Then, remove your Vongola Ring." Talbot said. Ugetsu complied under Giotto's watchful eye. Ugetsu handed the ring to Saya. She put on the Rain Guardian's ring, but nothing terrifying happened.
"I see how it is," the old man said, then whispered to her so only they could hear. "You've met Ugetsu before this, haven't you?"
Saya blinked, neither confirming nor denying. But before she could say anything, Talbot put a finger to his lips and made a long 'shhh' sound, then whispered into his hands near her ear. "The Sky's vow is heavier than all the gold in the world. Before me, it is fine, but remember: do not lie before the 'Knower' of this world. Otherwise, what you face will be worse than death, Leyla Starfield… no, Saya Tomoe."
The girl's eyes widened, a strange chill running through her body. A heavy feeling weighed her down as if she carried the weight of the entire world. Only Talbot smiled, picking up Ugetsu's short sword. "Now, ignite the flame."
"Uh, I've never ignited it myself. Usually, it ignites on its own," Saya said. "And others balance it for me. Lately, I've been in the hospital constantly for observation."
"Hospital?" Giotto asked. Saya thought for a moment since formal hospitals didn't really exist yet. "A recovery ward for the sick. Friends and doctors have to look after me every day to keep the symptoms from becoming uncontrollable."
"Is that so?" the golden-haired man said. "It must have been very difficult."
"Oh, not really. Actually, I'm much better now. Hehe," Saya laughed nervously, raising both hands. "Yesterday, I had acupuncture and medicine from Mr. Ugetsu, and I feel much better."
"Then I'll show you how to ignite it," Daemon Spade said. "Igniting the flame requires resolve."
A Mist Flame was ignited on his ring, which bore a blue-violet gem. He extended his arm for Saya to see. "Like this… igniting the ring requires a purpose. Resolve transforms into power to ignite the ring's flame."
"Gather your resolve within yourself and send it into the ring," G said, igniting his Storm Flame as a demonstration. "Choose something that makes you think you can ignite it first."
"Uh…" Saya was still confused but tried anyway. Still, she couldn't do it.
"Calm down and slowly think. What is it that makes you determined enough to ignite the flame?" Ugetsu said, while Giotto nodded and added:
"For me, it's because I want to be someone who can protect people. Back then, I and another friend named Simon were both kids growing up on an island. Yes, me, G, and Simon—the three of us were friends."
"Those were fun times," G said. "Both you and Simon were reckless."
"True. But…" Giotto spoke, recalling childhood memories. "What made us think of forming a Family was the sick people in our town. They were near death. Doctors didn't dare treat them because they heard that if they made an income or treated people there, they would be charged very high taxes."
His blue eyes looked down, not in sadness, but in remembrance. "That made me feel like nothing was fair. Wasn't anyone going to help? If I had power, I would help everyone."
Giotto looked up again and spoke to Saya. "That… is my resolve."
"…I see." The girl went quiet. She didn't think he would be a young man with such deep resolve, despite his strangely polite and gentle exterior. "Mr. Giotto, you really are incredible."
The young man's mouth parted slightly before he smiled and turned away shyly. "…Complimenting me to my face like that? You truly are more sincere and straightforward than I thought."
"As for me, I just want to follow Giotto forever. I just want to follow this guy to the very end," G said, hooking his arm around Giotto's neck and laughing softly.
"I simply wish to protect my friends," Ugetsu said.
"I have my own conviction," Alaude said.
"I want to protect the Family to atone for my past sins," Knuckle said, beaming.
"I'm just the prospective…" Lampo said, crossing his arms. "I don't know how to ignite it yet."
"You'll ignite it eventually," Knuckle said, putting Lampo in a headlock until the boy's face turned purple from lack of air.
Daemon Spade was silent for a moment before saying, "I have my own personal reasons."
"Now it's your turn, Leyla," Old man Talbot said. "Close your eyes and dive deep."
Saya looked at Giotto's group, took a deep breath, and complied. It was silent for a moment before she felt herself sinking.
She didn't know who she was… actually, she no longer knew who she was. It was strange that although she knew her name, right now she didn't know who she truly was.
This time… this will be the last time. She screamed out. Strangely, it was her own voice, yet not her voice at all. So, please. This time, I will make it through.
Please, Mr. Reborn, Mr. Fon, and all the Arcobaleno! Help me! Have mercy on me! If I still can't do anything after this last time, I will…
I will…
...
...
Leyla… Leyla…
Suddenly, an orange flame flashed before her eyes, and the girl startled.
"Leyla!" Saya opened her eyes to see Giotto right in front of her. Rain Flames were erupting from her body. The young man held her shoulders. Before her, Giotto had a flame on his forehead, his eyes a brilliant orange. Both of his hands were clad in strange gloves like those she saw in the ring. Both hands had orange flames, and Giotto's entire body was surrounded by them too. "Think that the flame is in your hands! Quick!"
"Y-Yes!" the girl complied. Meanwhile, Giotto didn't let go of her shoulders. His whole body was covered in Rain Flames just like Saya's. The girl tried to think that the flame was in her hands, but it didn't work.
"Giotto!" G shouted, about to rush in to help, but Knuckle and Ugetsu stopped him. "Let Lord Giotto handle it."
"I pray for a miracle of the stars." The young man shifted from her shoulders to holding Saya's hands instead. Now, both were holding hands like those praying to God. Saya closed her eyes again and repeated after Giotto. "I pray to the starry sky and the brilliant firmament of day and night. Please, grant her/me the blessing of the Sky."
"May she/I control the seven flames with a steadfast resolve." Strangely, her mind became as calm as if the previous turmoil had been a lie. She felt the flames subside. "Open your eyes, Leyla."
The golden-haired young man with orange eyes was the first thing she saw. Those gentle, tender eyes were smiling at her, accompanied by a soft voice. "You did it, Leyla."
Blue flames were in both hands, held against her chest, with Giotto's hands over hers. It was a flame held in the palm of her hand. "I did it." The girl lifted her hands to look. "I did it."
"Yes, you did it, Ley…la."
"Primo!" Giotto collapsed backward, but G rushed to catch him just in time. Giotto laughed weakly before G barked at him.
"Good grief, Giotto! Why do you always like to push yourself like this? Damn it!" G shouted.
"But I saved her, didn't I? Leyla," he said weakly. "I made quite a mess of the workshop."
Saya looked around. Everything was scattered, and Ugetsu's swords were gone too. Ugetsu was stunned by the disappearance of his weapons and cried out, "My swords! My weapons!"
"It seems the plan to upgrade the Four Irregular Swords won't just be an upgrade, but a complete re-forging… I suppose," Giotto spoke, but before he could finish, the girl—whose Rain Flames had extinguished—collapsed into a hug. She hugged him so tightly it was as if she were afraid he would vanish. Even though Saya didn't know why, she didn't want anything to happen to Giotto.
From the Writer: I'm back! Yay! Now, let's learn a little history.
First: "For Martin Luther! For the Protestant State! Down with the Catholic League!" Martin Luther was the founder of Protestantism, which broke away from Roman Catholicism. This story takes place in Germany, the same battlefield as the Thirty Years' War. It was a time of intense religious purging.
Second: The countries mentioned include Italy, led by the Holy Roman Empire, which was on the Catholic side at that time. You could call them wartime rivals. Spain was also on the Catholic side, while France and the Dutch (Zeeland) were on the Protestant side.
Third: Regarding the Holy Roman Empire—it was an empire made of diverse territories. The Kingdom of Germany was the largest of the 962 territories in the empire, followed by the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Kingdom of Burgundy, and the Kingdom of Italy. (I had to copy this from Wikipedia; I didn't know how else to explain it! You could call it internal fracturing within the empire.)
So, if you piece it all together, you get a pretty large setting. Even if I don't play with everything, it's quite a lot! If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to tell me. I'm happy to listen.