From Another World

36. Deep Pain

"Once this is all over, I'll tell everyone what I've been hiding."

Tsuna took an audible intake of air, his eyes going wide.

"'Once this is all over'...?" Gokudera repeated. "Does that mean that we come out as the victors?"

Tsuna winced and I glance at Reborn who looked at me with a curious expression.

I turn back to Gokudera and smile. "Now, why would I tell you that?"

Reborn chuckled.

-

"I would have never believed that the Vongola Family had deep roots with the Shimon Family." Gokudera said as we walked through the path before us.

"Yeah..." Tsuna replied. "Not to mention, the First Shimon's boss was a better person than I imagined. But... why did things have to come to this..."

"I've also wondered that," Gokudera's eyebrows furrowed. "I can't think of any reason that there would be any betrayal between that Vongola Primo and the First Shimon."

"Who knows..." I said.

I could feel Reborn looking at me so I try to avoid looking at him, turning my eyes to the ground.

"Let's take a rest here." Reborn said, jumping onto my shoulder. "I need to talk to Satsuki."

I sigh. "Alright. How far away do we have to go...?"

Reborn turned his head up, looking at the sky. I follow his gaze, seeing nothing.

"There should be a small water source nearby." He said, pointing to the trees at the left.

I tilt my head, wondering how he knew... "Can you smell the water?"

"Just go."

I shrug and walk in the direction he pointed and sure enough, there was a small pond surrounded by large rocks. I chose one and sat on top, looking down at the pond, seeing my reflection on the surface.

"Is this about my memories?"

"Yes." Reborn jumped onto my lap, facing me. "You were pretty freaked out earlier and you said something about not remembering what you forgot?"

I nodded.

"What do you mean?"

I purse my lips, putting my thoughts together.

"It's kind of weird and kind of harrowing... I know I knew the outcome of the match, which is why I was so relaxed in the beginning but I forgot and no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't remember. Sometimes, I would forget something but think about it a little and the memory would come back to me but this time... I couldn't. I can still remember some things that will happen in the future but I think that when the time comes, I'll forget and I won't be able to remember anymore..."

"So..."

I look at Reborn with a sad smile. "I'll probably forget about everything by the end of this arc. I'm hoping that some memories will stay but I'm not that hopeful."

"Arc...?"

"Ah, sorry. I mean, by the end of this battle."

Reborn jumped onto my shoulder and raised an arm to pat my head. "It's alright. I never relied on your memories anyways."

I chuckle. "I did."

"But now, you have to rely on your strength to protect your friends. Fight for what you think is right."