Didn't I tell you?
Yes, you did.
Did you listen?
No, I didn't.
…
Tsuna watched from his window as the elite guards exchanged shifts in preparing for the upcoming and avoidable war against the Vendice.
It wasn't supposed to happen really; it was only supposed to be a transaction to release Mukuro out. Yet as fate decided, things would not go smoothly.
Tomorrow, no, today would be the decisive day. Today would be when the strongest Mafia family with its allies go against the underworld's law keepers.
It was a risky move, he knew that. Lose and be captured as rebels, win and be burdened as the next law keepers.
Then again, the Vongola has always acted as an intimidating force to prevent most mafia families from doing anything rash due to their widespread network. The Vendice was there as a hidden force to dish out the servings of punishments. So what was taking more responsibilities? He could always pass on the duties to other families or get Reborn to create a whole new Vendice anyway.
The main problem was losing. Most of the alliance families have already backed out, signing an agreement with the Vendice that they had absolutely nothing to do with this. Dino said he would participate, but not with the Cavallone family - though his subordinates seem to have disagreed. If they lost, the Vongola would be disbanded. Forever. And who knew what they would do to the rebels.
As worry enveloped him, a knock sounded.
"Come in," he called, voice wavering at the start.
Gokudera's familiar messy silver hair came into his vision.
"Tenth, we are ready for battle."
A strained smile crossed his lips.
"So fast?" Tsuna asked. He wasn't all that surprised really. This is the Vongola after all.
Gokudera nodded.
"We hope that you could rally up the men with some words."
"Give me some time."
Gokudera nodded and shuffled out of the room.
Walking over to his desk, he sat down in his plush leather chair.
Burying his head in his hands, frustration and doubt hit him like a freight train.
Am I doing the right thing?
He answered the question himself. Not exactly himself really, his other side, The Hyper Dying Will mode side.
Yes. This is for the sake of the Vongola.
Will I have to kill?
If you are strong, no you won't. However, do not hesitate in battle.
Those are Reborn's words.
Silence.
"Tsuna? Are you ready?" Yamamoto called out.
A rueful smile on his lips, he replied, "I'll be out in a second."
…
Tsuna flew at the frontlines, guardians flanking him as they sped towards the place where the Vendice were waiting.
The strip of fire at the horizon was increasing, indicating the sun was rising.
As he propelled himself from the flames released at his hands, his mind wandered back to the words his subconsciousness had said.
Don't hesitate in battle.
... /3 ...
It was an advice I should have taken, wasn't it?
Yes, it was.
He crumpled there, surrounded by bodies. Many not moving, more not breathing.
His guardians littered him, all on the floor.
Reborn was there too, glaring at him through those dark eyes of his. Dark eyes which will never see the light of day ever again.
The Vendice glided towards him, looking more inhuman than ever.
It was his fault they were like this.
It was his entire fault.
And he had only made one mistake.
Hesitating.
...
A/N: As you can see, I made Tsuna's HDW mode something like an alter ego / subconsciousness thing. Review are greatly appreciated. :D