Author's note: This was inspired by a manga called "Shounen Dolls". I've also done this a long time ago and never got to finish it. I hope posting all of this stories up will get me out of my slump. Someone help me get my 8027 spirit back!

Summary: Sawada Tsunayoshi is the single heir to the famous doll makers-Vongola. He has to find six suitable dolls to become the legendary "Shugo-sha no Ningyo". Once these six dolls are accepted they can turn into a human at night with a sign of affection from their master. In this case, Tsuna's kiss.


Shugo-sha no Ningyo

Chapter 1 The Legend Foretold…

"Sawada Tsunayoshi…" Came a loud booming voice. One of the people kneeling on the floor squealed as he sat up at the call of his name. His big brown eyes looked nervously at the door where the source of the voice came from.

"Y-Yes?" He gulped as he slowly stood up. He looked sideways at the people who were still kneeling around him.

"The Ninth wishes to see you." Came the voice again. No doubt it belonged to the Arashi no Ningyo of the ninth.

The brunet gave off a tired sigh. He could feel the looks (glares) the rest of the Vongola were giving him.

"I understand." Tsuna said as he slowly walked towards the door which opened once he was only a few steps away. The brunet looked at the pale face of Coyote Nougat and nodded his head at the guardian doll. It was night time so it was no surprise that he would be here.

"This way Tsunayoshi." Came another voice. It belonged to the ninth's Kaminari no Ningyo, Ganauche III.

Tsuna nodded shyly as he followed the well-respected doll. His eyes observed the graceful movements of the two dolls in front of him and not for the first time he felt dread in his stomach. Dolls were so perfect in appearance and in their movements. Doll makers are considered greater because they are the creator of the dolls. It is therefore expected that they too would have some sort of perfection in them…

But then… what sort of perfection do you find in someone as No-Good as him?

Another door opened and Tsuna found himself ushered into the familiar room of the Ninth doll-maker of the Vongola. Timoteo Vongola, the creator of the Shugo-sha no Ningyo no dai kyu no sedai.

The old man smiled at the brunet who entered and Tsuna find himself smiling back. He still couldn't believe that the powerful person before him, the absolute maker of this generation's guardians, was his grandfather.

Timoteo stood up and made his way to Tsuna, his arms extended. Although his movements were somewhat clumsy because of a cane- human beings are frail creatures- you could feel the power emanating from him and you could see in his old face the shadow of what used to be a perfect face.

"Tsunayoshi-kun, I'm glad to see you." Timoteo hugged the young Vongola who hugged back gently.

"Grandpa, it's good to see you doing so well." Tsuna replied and the old man chuckled as he pulled back.

"Well, my Shugo-sha no Ningyo are taking very good care of me." Timoteo said and Tsuna saw the way the guardian dolls circled around the chair Timoteo was sitting on.

"Now Tsunayoshi-kun, let us get on to business. Sit beside me so we can begin." Timoteo said as he hobbled to his chair. Immediately, his Hare no Ningyo, Nie Brow Jr., helped him to his chair.

Tsuna followed, his eyes once more straying to the faces of the guardian dolls. Brown eyes observed carefully the faces and the seemingly glowing eyes of each guardian. The way they were made was so flawless that it made Tsuna's stomach churn once more in self-loathe. He couldn't make dolls as perfect as that. He couldn't make dolls that look so human when they transform.

"Now Tsunayoshi-kun, I know that the story of the Shugo-sha no Ningyo is not uncommon to you." Timoteo said as he looked at the young heir. "I recall that you often asked for it during bed time."

Tsuna blushed at that memory and nodded as he said, "Y-Yeah it was about Giotto-san and his first dolls right?"

"Yes, Vongola Primo and the first Shugo-sha no Ningyo, the dolls that were rumored to be the best artworks of his century. They were, as I was told, breath-taking." Timoteo began. "Skin as pale and smooth-looking as porcelain but for some reason when you touch it, it was as soft as a baby's skin. Eyes that seemed alive and glowed with the First's resolve and craftsmanship that many were willing to die for." Timoteo turned to Tsuna and smiled. "The legendary dolls."

Tsuna gulped as he slowly nodded.`

"Ever since that time the guardian dolls were created, Giotto Vongola used them to protect and maintain the balance between gods and people." Timoteo said softly. "The spirits of dolls were said to be deities reincarnated from the purest souls of human beings. However, some people often mistreat these dolls and as a result a dark aura forms about and they attack the helpless humans. It was Giotto Vongola's job as a doll-make to help these people and to exorcise the hatred of the dolls. Without him, the balance of the world would be at stake and dark will win over light."

Timoteo took a break as Tsuna looked down quietly.

"Of course Giotto Vongola cannot live forever so he had begun the ritual of passing down his powers to his successors. They have to undergo a trial to be able to take the title of 'doll-maker' and to inherit the position of the Vongola." Timoteo urged Tsuna to look at him. "Do you know this trial?"

Tsuna squeaked in his mind as he shook nervously. What trial?

Timoteo gazed at his guardians who smiled and he smiled back. "You have to look for your own six Shugo-sha no Ningyo."

"Eh?" Tsuna said stunned. "Wha-? You don't make them?"

Timoteo chuckled and around him his other guardians chuckled as well. "Well you have to find dolls that are suitable to be the Shugo-sha no Ningyo. After that, if the spirits of the first Shugo-sha no Ningyo approve of them you can begin the process of 'making'."

"Process of making?" Tsuna repeated.

"It's where your chosen dolls change their appearance to become stronger and better." Timoteo smiled. "The quality of their craftsmanship depends on the emotion the doll-maker felt at that time. The stronger the emotion, the better the quality of the doll."

"O-Oh…" Tsuna said confusion in his features. So he had to re-make the doll? With his emotions…? What?

"Ninth." The Kumo no Ningyo, Visconti, said quietly. The ninth acknowledged his silent reminder with a nod.

"Oh yes, the dolls you are supposed to search for are five not six." And once Timoteo said this, he frowned.

"What? But didn't the First have six dolls?" Tsuna asked in confusion.

Timoteo looked up and met the eyes of the Ame no Ningyo, Brabanters Schnitten, who just nodded. "Yes he did. At first that is…"

"At first…?"

"Well, there was a time… before the First retired wherein one of his dolls, the Kiri no Ningyo, was taken over by the darkness." Timoteo sighed. "It was a hard battle and there were many casualties. It seemed like the First's mist doll had gathered quite a number of followers and added to the fact that the First didn't want to destroy his doll… Well, sacrifices had to be made."

Tsuna listened, his eyes wide, and ears alert at what came next.

"It was thanks to 'that' happening that turned the tide of the battle." Timoteo stated. "The First was tired from controlling his dolls, he was exhausted but his Kiri no Ningyo didn't have that problem since he kidnapped humans and made them mediums to the dark dolls he was controlling."

"At the last moments of the battle, the First was being overwhelmed by the dark dolls and as his consciousness was slipping, the dark matter from the dolls was starting to envelop him. One of his dolls, the Ame no Ningyo, intervened and fought off the dolls giving the First enough time to escape. However as a sacrifice, he was swallowed by the dark matter."

Tsuna gasped at the narration as the Ninth nodded gravely.

"However, the Ame no Ningyo had a pure and simple heart and instead of being overtaken by the dark matter he had succumbed into a deep slumber and was taken away by some of the dark dolls." Timoteo said. "This event had horrified and awakened such sadness and frustration in the Primo's heart that he managed to win the war at the last minute."

"And the Ame no Ningyo?" Tsuna asked worriedly.

"He was lost forever." Timoteo said sadly. "No one knew where he went. Even after the First exorcised the darkness from his Kiri no Ningyo, the doll was unable to remember where the rain doll went. Primo tried to search for him, even in his last moments… He searched every possible place and purged every dark doll he could find… But still nothing."

"No…" Tsuna said his eyes reflecting sadness.

"Ever since then, when any of the heirs wished to find their Shugo-sha no Ningyo they would only look for five since only five of the Primo's dolls were able to rest peacefully. No matter how hard any heir tried, there would be no response from the First's Ame no Ningyo and so the chosen Vongola would just pick any doll for the position." The Ninth sighed as he looked at his own rain doll.

The Ame no Ningyo stepped forward and bowed at Tsuna. "I am the Ninth's Ame no Ningyo although I am not officially the Ninth's guardian doll." The scarred but pale face frowned. "I did not receive the blessing of my deity." The rain doll held up his hand. "Although I have the contract ring I did not make an official contract with my 'doll-maker'. This ring was the last memento the Primo had of his Lost Doll."

"Ever since the Primo lost the Ame no Ningyo, the ring has never shined even once." Timoteo said as Brabanters stepped back. "The lacking of a sixth guardian has decreased our powers as doll-makers greatly that's why every heir would always do their best to locate the Lost Doll."

"So… when Giotto Vongola died…" Tsuna began his tone quiet and thoughtful. "Mom and Dad told me that he died side-by-side with his dolls in peace and that their spirits look over the Vongola… But he didn't really achieve true peace did he?"

Timoteo shook his head. "No. We, the heirs have heard his voice every time we found a suitable doll for the Shugo-sha no Ningyo… He is always asking for someone to find his Lost Doll. To find Asari Ugetsu."

"Asari…?" Tsuna said as he let the name roll down his tongue. "…Ugetsu?"

"Yes." Timoteo said. "Tsunayoshi-kun, do you know why I am telling you all this?"

"Uhm…" Tsuna began. He had a feeling in his stomach that he did know.

"The time will come when you too will hear the voice of Primo." Timoteo said. "You are the sole heir of the Vongola and you must know the trials which will await you. Right now, I am preparing you for what you are about to face."

"What I'm about to-?"

"The time has come for you to start on your journey for your Shugo-sha no Ningyo."

Silence.

"W-What?"

"The search might take some time and I'm not as young as before." Timoteo stated. "I believe that you are ready and that you can overcome any trials thrown your way."

"Eh? B-But g-grandpa- HIEEE! What are you DOING?"

Timoteo watched calmly as his Kiri no Ningyo, Croquant Boche,began to grab Tsuna's wrist and place rings into the other's fingers.

"HIEE! STOP!"

"Calm down Tsunayoshi-kun, Croquant is just placing the contract rings on your fingers." The ninth explained.

"C-Contract rings?"

"When you have found suitable dolls as candidates all you have to do is let them kiss your ring and they will be deemed worthy or unworthy by their chosen deity: Kiri, Kumo, Hare, Kaminari, and Arashi." The Vongola boss said quietly. "You'll know what ring to let them kiss when you meet them, so don't worry about mixing it up."

"E-Eh? B-But-!"

"Also, since you are not the official heir yet, whichever doll you kiss at night will automatically be transformed into a human. That's why be careful… you will closely be targeted by dark dolls." The Ninth warned. "However once you're in full contract your kiss will only be effective against your Shugo-sha no Ningyo so it would be best to hurry."

"U-Uhm…" Tsuna didn't know what to say so he just nodded quickly.

"And do not forget that you can exorcise any dark dolls that target you. Just use your Sky contract ring. Focus your emotions into your ring and touch the doll on the chest to deliver your pure feelings." Timoteo explained. "It will come out in the form of fire and purge the evil and darkness from the doll's heart."

"Y-Yes…"

"Ah and please, do not forget that you don't only have one trial… but two." Timoteo's eyes softened. "Please find the Primo's doll. Even though it might seem impossible, please try to find it."

Tsuna's eyes looked at the tired old man's and he sighed. "I understand."

"Very well." The ninth said. "Now, it's time for you to pack your bags. You are moving to your own house tomorrow. You must prepare."

Tsuna nodded numbly as he stood up and made his way to the door.

"Good luck Tsunayoshi-kun." Tsuna turned a bit to see the people around his grandfather turn into dolls and he smiled as he watched his grandfather carefully place them on a nearby sofa. It must be sunrise already.

"Thank you, grandfather." Tsuna stated quietly before leaving.


A moving truck stopped in front of a modern two-storey house in Namimori. Neighbors looked out of their houses to see a brunet jump out of the front seat and smile at the driver who also went out to help with the moving.

"You new here kid? Or just moving back?" The man said gruffly as he opened the back of the truck. His fellow movers went out and began moving the sofa and other stuff inside.

"I'm new." Tsuna said honestly as he went up to the house and opened the door with his house key.

"Hn, well good luck then to you, kid." The guy said as he led the move. "Them neighbors liked to gossip."

Tsuna gulped as he watched the movers. Suddenly he heard a snicker and his stare turned to look at one of the movers who was looking at his box full of dolls. The brunet felt his cheeks burn before he rushed forward and took the dolls from the man's arms.

Such big arms…

He has a moustache.

Why can't we grow a mustache?

The dolls murmured to each other, and Tsuna, being a doll maker, could hear them. He sweat dropped.

"Uhm, I'll take these." Tsuna said, his face still red as he took the box and rushed up to where his work room would be.

Tsuna, we heard.

You're the new 'doll maker' of Vongola right?

We'll have new friends when Tsuna finds his Shugo-sha no Ningyo

"Guys…" Tsuna sighed as he placed the box on his work desk. "Don't get your hopes up okay? Grandpa sent me here in Namimori to run one of the branches of Vongola. It's a small doll shop so I doubt you'll have many friends and besides…"

Tsuna's eyes hardened as his grip on the box tightened.

I doubt I can find dolls who are willing to be my Shugo-sha no Ningyo.

Suddenly he felt small and cool hands on his.

Tsuna…

Tsuna, don't make that face.

You can do it.

We believe in you Tsuna.

The brunet smiled as he patted the dolls heads. "Thanks guys. I'll make you a set of new clothes later."

YEHEY!

"Uhm, excuse me." Came a voice and Tsuna looked up to see a mover by the door. He seemed to have seen what happened because he was looking at Tsuna weirdly.

"Y-Yes?" Tsuna squeaked indignantly as he hid the box behind him.

"We've finished moving the things in. Can you go down and tell us where they should be moved at?" The guy said and Tsuna nodded his head hurriedly as he rushed downstairs.

Good luck Tsuna!

I want a better view than this room!

Go Tsuna!

Tsuna smiled as he paused at the door and gave a small wave before closing it behind him.


"Finally it's done." Tsuna said as he finished arranging the set of dolls in the shop. The Vongola Nono very kindly rented a small antique shop for him to use. His shop was basically a mending shop for broken dolls and stuff toys.

It looks great Tsuna!

I'm sure we'll get a bunch of new customers soon!

I can't wait to see what type of dolls these Namimori people will bring.

The brunet smiled at the excited chatter of the dolls as he began sewing new clothes for them. However, his brown eyes strayed towards a glass casing and he stopped to stare at the closet longingly.

It was a closet exclusively for his six guardians. It has six small but perfectly made chairs with specific designs for their chosen elements.

The brunet put down what he was doing before he approached the closet. As he was about to extend his hand however…

RING!

"Excuse me!" Came a female voice and Tsuna immediately turned to look at the source.

Customer! A customer!

Yehey! And we just opened too!

"Guys, shh…" Tsuna said as he rushed to the front door. A black-haired ponytail girl blinked curiously at Tsuna who greeted her with a nervous smile.

"W-Welcome to the shop…" Tsuna greeted. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"Hahi? You're the owner of this shop, desu?" The girl said as her eyes sparkled in interest. "So young, desu! And I was expecting some kindly old man too!" She giggled.

Tsuna sweat dropped as the face of his grandfather came to mind.

"Uhm, well technically the owner of the shop is my grandfather." Tsuna said. "I'm just helping out."

"I see!" The girl said and suddenly her eyes sparkled in remembrance to why she was here. "Oh I almost forgot! I came here to get this doll fixed." The teenage girl reached in for her bag and rummaged through it before pulling out a battered doll with silver hair from it.

Tsuna's eyes scanned the small figure as it was extended to him.

"I found this doll nearby and I thought it would be such a waste to throw it away." The girl pouted. "I mean, I'm sure you can see that it was once very beautiful right?"

Tsuna nodded mutely before he took the doll gently in his hands. His eyes softened as he pressed nimble fingers against the dolls dirty skin. "Yes, it was very pretty once and I'm sure it can look nice again with the right amount of work." Tsuna looked up and smiled at the girl. "You did a very good job in saving this doll."

The girl blushed at the smile directed at her before she said shyly. "A-Ah, n-no it was no big deal really!" She said as she looked at her feet nervously.

"It is." Tsuna insisted. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of paper. "Oh and before I forget, please sign your name and address here miss-?"

"Oh, I'm Haru! Haru Miura!" She said enthusiastically as she reached out, took out a pen, and wrote down her name and address. However she suddenly stopped. "Uhm, wait why my address too…?"

"Well, so that I can deliver this doll to you when it's finished." Tsuna said.

"N-No! You don't have to do that!" Haru said, raising her hands defensively. "The doll's not mine in the first place and besides my sister hates them and likes to tear them apart. That little one won't be safe at our house."

"Then…?" Tsuna began slowly.

"Please keep it instead." Haru said and then she blushed. "I mean, I'll pay the expenses for getting it fixed but please keep it!"

Silence.

"Eh?" Tsuna said although what he really wanted to say was 'really?'.

"Yes please do! I can't think of a better home for him!" Haru insisted. "Please?"

"O-Of course b-but the expenses…"

"I'll handle it! You don't have to worry! My dad is a university professor so money isn't an object!" Haru said indignantly. "State the price now and I'll pay immediately!"

"Oh but-"

"It doesn't matter really!" She insisted. Brown eyes looked into amber ones and seeing the resolve there, Tsuna sighed.

"Very well…"

"Hahi! I'm so happy desu!"


"Please come again soon." Tsuna said bowing slightly as Haru left with a wave.

"I'll make sure that I do!" Haru said as she went out. "I can't wait to tell my friends about this place."

Tsuna smiled as his first customer left. When he was sure she was out of earshot he sighed and looked at the doll in his hand. It was awfully quiet.

He's not speaking! He's not speaking!

Is he alright Tsuna?

Hey new doll, speak!

Tsuna placed a hand against the tainted cheek of the silver-head doll and his eyes ran over the crippled figure. What the girl said earlier was true. This was a very beautiful doll. With pale skin and emerald orbs and what used to be a shiny head of silver hair.

"Hey little one, are you okay?" Tsuna whispered.

Silence.

"It seems like he doesn't want to speak yet." Tsuna said. "Let's give him some time. Everyone please be nice."

Yes Tsuna! Came the chorused reply.

Tsuna nodded in approval as he went to his workplace to get to work.

Now to get started…


Author's note: Yes, I have already thought of the ending and everything and what would happen next and all that, but the problem is getting it out of you. The idea, the essence, EVERYTHING! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, thanks for reading! Everyone is amazing! Readers and reviewers rock!