The Arcobaleno

Chapter 18 - Recovering from Past Wounds

It's been hours since Verde had diagnosed their Meister before leaving for his labs, a vial of the drug in his hand and a dark glint of determination in his eyes. The rest of them had scattered, Vivien having gone to cash in the various debts she held for information on both Kraus and the drug. Leonora had vanished, presumably to search out her various contacts in hopes of answers, while Collonello himself had gone back to the base, in search of Lal's expertise and any information he could get on Kraus and his department in the government. Aurelio had disappeared in a whirlwind of fire, only stating a curt "China." before vanishing, trusting that the half-Chinese man knew what he was doing since he was no doubt going to the Triads -one of the biggest Mafia in China- , the hitman simply sent a small nod his way.

That left Reborn in the room, along with the various animals companions most of the Arcobaleno had. The man was seated in the bed, legs stretched out on the soft orange sheets, gun securely by his side. On his lap settled sideways with her head on his shoulder, was Anastasia, the girl was drenched in sweat and trembled slightly. Every so often a soft pained moan would escape her lips as her eyebrows furrowed with pain. Mortale was draped all over the girl's form, triangular head placed over the girl's head, ready to defend in the case of a threat. Behind the girl, was Verde's pet alligator; Keiman, who had pressed his form as close as he could to the girl without actually crushing her, His snout was placed over the hitman's thigh as he slightly curled back, green eyes stared intently at the door, as if anticipating enemies. Leon was curled around the girl's neck, occasionally sticking out his tongue to lick at the girl's cheek, as if wanting to comfort her. Aurelio's white monkey; Lichi was being held by the girl, her head on the girl's chest in an attempt to monitor her heartbeat.

Despite the rather cute additions, the hitman's intimidating factor hadn't decreased in the slightest. On the contrary, Reborn had looked ten-thousand times more dangerous when he was guarding the girl. This fact was heartily verified by Collonello, who had returned bearing food and several stacks of information; his falcon perched on a shoulder, only to shudder in fright at the sight of the hitman, despite the welcoming nod he had received.

"Good news, Verde says that he's getting closer to find a cure. He's doubling the efforts and after that happened, he finally accepted outside help. That old fling of yours; the poison specialist one, was sent to his lab, they're on their 5th batch. Last I hear, they think that this one will finally work and should be done in another couple of hours." The blonde stated as he set down a small bowl of soup and a glass of cold water.

Reborn could only nod his head absentmindedly, thoughts already on the incident; one Collonello simply refered to as that. It had happened not too long ago, during the first hours of their waiting. When Anastasia had been breathing heavily, body spasming slightly every 3 seconds.

They had thought that it was the worse, the feeling of being unable to do anything but watch.

And then the screams came.

It was the most terrifying sound any of them had ever heard; and every one of them have heard the sounds of death. It was a sound that by all rights should not exist outside the lowest circle of hell. It would haunt their nightmares for years.

For Anastasia screamed as though every nerve in her body was on fire. As though she was burning alive. As though her world was ending.

Reborn blinked his thoughts away, hands carding through onyx hair as if to ground him to reality. He shook his head at Collonello's inquisitive look before arching an eyebrow pointedly. "And the bad news?"

"Apparently, someone leaked out the information that The Arcobaleno's leader is back and in quite the vulnerable state, so we're expecting several unwanted guests soon."