"The best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain." – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow


After Hera let her return to her chambers, Iris immediately re-directed her route to Rome.

It was already nightfall when she flew down from Olympus. White stars dotted the evening sky, and the moon was full, casting a soft glow on the world below. The night was just as beautiful as the day. No matter what state the sky was in, it was still mesmerizing.

The Rain Guardian, like Reborn, lived in Italy, but in Rome. Iris frowned. The Black Shirts were more prominent in the area she was arriving at. It'd be best to avoid them. She altered her appearance to Luce again, then conjured a wool cloak for the cold.

Again, she followed the directions Themis had given her. Colonello was the one she was supposed to find. Iris smiled. It meant "colonel" in Italian—cute. Following the street signs, she found the place she was looking for. Some civilians walked about, all bundled up for the chilly weather. It was already past midnight.

Colonello was a walking paradox. In the day, he was a university student who participated in fascist youth groups; at night, he was a secret rebel against the growing Mussolini regime. Iris had seen her fair share of double-spies in history and couldn't help but admire their passion and loyalty to their cause (even if some were questionable).

With that little information, Iris hoped he wasn't as difficult as Reborn. Colonello seemed like a noble man. Maybe he would be more accepting? Less trouble on Iris' part, but she braced herself in case.

A small, vacant school building soon came into view. The streetlights were dim, and Iris was tempted to cast her own light. She restrained herself, carefully treading towards the building. Her eyes darted around the less crowded area. If anything, she could always erase the mortals' memories. She pursed her lips. Still, that sounded unappealing.

"Signorina, are you lost?"

Gasping, Iris whirled around with wide eyes. Her caduceus nearly materialized in her hand before she managed to stop herself. The young man behind her raised his hands with a nervous chuckle. "Sorry, sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Iris tightened her cloak, stepping back. "Who are you?"

Before the young man could speak, an angry female voice shouted, "Colonello, where the hell did you go?"

The man tensed but quickly put on an easy smile as a small group of people walked towards them. He waved. "Hey, uh, Lal. Just being a good Samaritan. You know, the usual."

Blinking, Iris couldn't help but stare at the odd group. The woman who spoke had shoulder-length blue hair, most likely dyed, and reminded Iris of Athena with her steadfast gaze that could frighten men and monsters alike. There were three other people with her—two men and another woman. One of the men looked quite young, with dirty blond hair and blue eyes. The other man was tall, looking older than he seemed with narrowed eyes and brown hair. The second woman had light brown hair partially worn in a bun and pretty purple eyes behind her glasses. Iris glanced at Colonello to get a better look at the young man. He had spiky blond hair and light blue eyes with a strong jawline.

Why are all the guardians attractive? Iris thought dryly.

No wonder the Fates were obsessed with them. If anything, physical beauty could make any god throw their rationale in the wind. No, she wasn't only talking about Zeus. Maybe…

"Was he harassing you?" the blue-haired woman said, glancing between the two of them.

"Lal—"

"No," Iris said, smiling reassuringly. "He just startled me, that's all."

"You shouldn't be walking around alone at night, signorina," the narrow-eyed man said. "It's dangerous."

"I was supposed to meet a friend," Iris said. "But I'm new to the area and I seem to be lost."

"Do you know where you were supposed to meet?" the purple-eyed woman said. "Maybe we can help you. Turmeric is right. It's dangerous to walk alone at this time." She lowered her voice, even though they were the only ones around. "The Black Shirts are everywhere."

"My friend wanted to meet me in a bar," Iris said, her smile tight. "I can't recall its name though." She put on a sheepish smile. Hermes was a good teacher when you asked politely. "It was senseless of me to wander around. Thank you for your concern. I'm Luce."

"I'm Colonello!" the blond man said. He ignored the blue-haired woman's glare and continued introducing them all anyways. "She's Lal Mirch! That's Basil, Turmeric, and Oregano. We were heading to a bar, too. Maybe your friend will be there. There's not a lot around here so maybe you can find her easier that way."

"It's a he," Iris said, stifling a giggle.

Colonello flushed. "Oh, uh, sorry. I didn't know."

Lal Mirch just sighed before walking away. Iris didn't miss the wariness in her eyes. "Fine. Let's go."

"Thank you," Iris said, quickly falling into step.

Colonello nodded. "No problem!" He lowered his voice. "Don't mind Lal. She's actually really nice. It's just been pretty dangerous nowadays so it can't help to be more careful, you know?"

Iris smiled. "Of course. I don't blame her for being cautious. I would be, too. You don't seem to be dangerous people." She tilted her head. "Though I think it's quite sudden for you to trust me. I could be an enemy."

"Are you?"

"No."

Colonello grinned. "That's fine by me then!"

Iris couldn't help but smile. He was certainly friendlier than Reborn. Now, to think of a way to explain why she was here in the first place.

She didn't notice that she and Colonello were several steps behind his group until they reached the second bar.


Piccoli Piaceri was a large bar filled with several patrons.

Several men played cards in the booths over some beer; the more sophisticated clients drank wine farther away. Some wore black uniforms. Cigarette smoke curled in the air, creating a light fog, and the scent of coffee and wine mingled joined it, but Iris didn't mind. This gathering was nothing compared to Dionysus' wild parties.

She pretended to look around for her "friend" while Colonello guided her to a table further back.

"Do you see him?" he said.

Iris shook her head. "No."

Colonello frowned. "Huh, what an asshole. We pretty much passed every bar in the area."

Iris shrugged. "Well, he's very skilled with women. I'm not surprised if he left with one."

Colonello raised a brow. "But he called you out here to meet."

"It's the thought that counts, I suppose." Iris smiled at the strange look Colonello gave her. "Don't worry. He's actually a kind man, just eccentric."

And nonexistent, she mentally added.

Colonello snorted, gesturing at his friends a few tables over. "You should see how they are. Basil talks in this weird Shakespearean way, even though we're all living in the 20th-century. It takes me forever to get what he's saying. You should also see Oregano's doll collection. It's pretty cool, but I've seen her talk to them way too much."

Iris laughed. Despite Colonello's disbelief, he was tactful enough to make the conversation more comfortable. What a clever tongue, she thought. Again, she wondered how these guardians were not demigods. Perhaps mortals were capable of more without any godly blood and intervention.

"They seem like wonderful people," Iris said, sipping some water. She wasn't a drinker, but she'd take Dionysus' wine over anything. She frowned. "There's no need to keep me company. You can go back to them."

Colonello winked. "And it'd be rude of me to just leave you here all alone. Besides, this is normal for us."

Iris cocked her head. "This…?"

Taking a quick swig of his beer, Colonello marginally relaxed. "I'm not supposed to be around them to be honest."

"Is that why we kept a distance walking here?"

Colonello's lips quirked up into a smile. "Yeah."

Iris nodded. Since Colonello was also a secret rebel, that must mean his friends were too. Possibly a group. But that didn't explain why they'd keep their distance. Maybe social status? Colonello did seem more refined than his friends, who wore cheap and convenient clothing. He wore a pair of sleek black trousers and a silk, white button-up blouse; his coat, which was slung over his chair, was thick and made from fine material.

"My father," Colonello said, "was a military officer. Fought the Germans in the Great War. He's using his skills pretty well as a Black Shirt now."

Iris' hands gripped her cup tightly. "I see."

Colonello smiled with a touch of bitterness. "You don't like them."

How could she? The Black Shirts were armed squads of Italian Fascists, later becoming a national militia. They had targeted socialists before expanding to Catholics, republicans, trade unionists, and other radical and progressive groups. Though they claimed to be champions of law and order, their methods were more than questionable.

"They are not the best people," she finally said.

Colonello snorted. "That's an understatement."

"I take it you're not fond of their ideals."

"Never. Doesn't stand for anything I believe in." Colonello sipped his beer and stared at his now empty cup. "It's not right."

Iris didn't push further. While Colonello was gracious, there was more to him than she realized. He perused the room subtly, disguising it with such nonchalance that she wouldn't have noticed it if she hadn't seen the same behavior in Hermes. Iris had to remember that he was a son of a soldier.

There was a reason these people were chosen to be the bearers of the Tri-Ni-Set, and Iris was in no position to question the Fates' decision.

"So, how do you like Rome?" Colonello said, snapping her out of her reverie. "You don't look Italian, no offense."

Iris smiled. "I'm from Greece."

"Huh, your Italian's good. What are you doing all the way out here? To see your friend?"

"I hoped to see some, but there are more pressing matters."

Colonello blinked, his eyes curious. "Are you here on some kind of business?"

"Something like that. Actually…"

Her words trailed off when a tall, portly man walked over to their table, his face flushed from the alcohol. He wore a black uniform.

"Signore Bruno," Colonello said, moving to stand.

Laughing, the older man motioned him to stay seated. "Sit down, Colonello! There's no need. I just saw you while I was passing by and figured I'd say hello." His gaze immediately shifted to Iris, who tried hard not to fidget. "And who's this?" He grinned. "Another one you picked up? Pleased to make your acquaintance, signorina."

Iris opted a sweet smile rather than taking the man's outstretched hand. "Likewise, signor."

Signore Bruno didn't seem too bothered by it; instead, he laughed again, his loud voice booming in the bar. "How rude of me! I'm Macario Bruno."

"Luce."

"Ah, a beautiful name for a beautiful young lady."

I have several millennia on you, mortal, Iris thought dryly.

"What are you doing here, signor?" Colonello said, putting on an easygoing smile. "Is my dad here, too?"

Macario laughed. "Goodness, no! Angelo never comes out to these things; faithful son of a bitch doesn't know when to have fun." He patted Colonello's back heartily. "Not like you at all, Colonello. Father and son are miles apart." He leaned in as if sharing a secret. "We managed to get some commies today. Tore those bastards apart. They never knew what hit 'em."

He glanced at Iris, who smiled. "I'm glad to hear that, signor. I think you're doing Italy a great service."

Macario laughed. "I like her, Colonello! You're getting better at picking the right ones." Scowling, he peeked at Lal Mirch behind them. "Better than that bitch. I don't know what you saw in her, boy. What she doin' here anyway? Is she givin' you trouble again? I swear, sometimes you just can't get rid of these kinds of sluts."

Colonello grinned, though there was a dangerous gleam in his eyes that went unnoticed by Macario. "Nah, you know how she is. Better to leave her be than give her any attention. You know how they get. Besides"—he glanced at Iris with an apologetic look—"I got myself occupied right now."

Macario grinned back. "Smart, smart. You should give your father some tips."

"He loves Mom too much. Nothing I can do there."

Macario took a swig of his beer. "Yeah, but doesn't hurt to have him come out and drink some time. He's too uptight, you know? The only time he ever lets loose is on the field."

"Any plans for later tonight?" Colonello said.

"Yeah, we've been planning this for a while. Actually, we were just about to leave."

Colonello raised a brow. "Really? This is pretty early."

Macario grinned almost maniacally. "Never too early to take out the commies." He slipped some bills on their table. "Next drink's on me. I'll see you later, Colonello. Keep this one. She's good."

They exchanged farewells before Macario left. Colonello looked at Iris with a tight smile. "Sorry about that. He's an ass."

Iris shook her head. "It's alright." She noticed that the table Lal Mirch and her friends occupied was now empty. "Your friends left."

Colonello nodded. "Yeah. Wanna go for a walk? I'll take you home if you need to."

Iris smiled. "A walk is fine."

Slipping on their coats, they left the bar. Iris sighed, watching her breath dissolve in the cold air. Stars glimmered in the dark evening sky and not a cloud passed by.

"They went to help the other towns evacuate," Colonello said, his voice quiet. "My father's going on another raid." Iris widened her eyes but stayed quiet. "We don't really do much. We're small, but Lal's been negotiating with other groups to get together soon. There's more of them than us. No point in going in like a bunch of idiots when our asses are on the line."

"You won't go with them?"

Colonello chuckled bitterly. "Not that I don't want to—I can't. We don't do evacuations because our groundwork's limited, but since the towns are nearby and other groups are going, we thought why not. If I go, my father would probably do worse than kill me. Can't die when I'm the group's intel." He shrugged. "That's what Lal says, but still…it's frustrating. I'm more of a hands-on guy, you know?"

Iris smiled. "You're very fond of her."

Colonello's eyes softened. "Yeah, she's the greatest. I don't think I would've gotten involved without her. Being a bystander's not my thing."

"You're a brave man, Colonello. I don't think many would do what you do."

"If no one else won't do anything about it, I might as well."

"Thank you for telling me this."

Colonello grinned. "Don't go stabbing me in the back now. My life's in your hands."

And your fate, Iris thought sadly.

"I won't betray you," she said. "Your secrets are safe with me." Pausing, she turn to look him in the eye. "That's why I'm here, in Rome. I had to find you."

Colonello blinked. "Me?"

"There are some things in this world many can't explain, Colonello." Iris smiled slightly. "Even I'm part of the equation. Think of it as a balance scale. If one tips over the other, chaos will rule. I'm trying to find those that will help me keep that balance. After speaking with you, I believe you're worthy enough to help me." Colonello stared at her for a good few minutes. He looked lost but curious, and Iris silently hoped for the best. "I can't say more than this, I'm afraid."

"I wouldn't mind saying yes," Colonello said suddenly.

Iris couldn't help but laugh. "You trust me too much. It might hurt you."

He shrugged. "I'm not paranoid like Lal. I think I can read people pretty well, and you seem like a good person, even if what you're saying is definitely weird." He frowned. "But why me? Lal's much better. She has more balls than I do. If anything, you can talk to her. I can make that happen."

"There's always a reason, Colonello. You may see Lal Mirch above yourself, but you're not looking at your own worth. Both of you are risking your lives to fight for what you believe in. That is already great in itself."

Colonello flushed, averting his gaze. "Thanks, I guess."

"You don't have to say anything now," Iris said gently. "Take as much time as you need. If you're still interested, meet me in Thessaly. You'll know when and where."

Arco suddenly whispered in her mind, "Lord Zeus requests your presence immediately."

Iris tensed, which didn't go unnoticed by Colonello. He furrowed his brows. "Everything alright?"

Iris nodded. "I must go. There are other duties I must finish."

Colonello looked unconvinced, but didn't press the issue. He shoved his hands into his pockets. "So, this is goodbye?"

"I do believe we'll see each other again."

Colonello laughed. "You know, this is probably the strangest meeting of my life."

Iris smiled. "And possibly not the last. Take care, Colonello. Be safe."

"Thanks. I guess, I'll see you around, Luce."

Iris nodded. "Until next time, Colonello."

She turned around to walk the way they came. That had gone much better than she expected—well, better than with Reborn. She couldn't really blame the hitman though, and hoped he was safe too. Her lips curled into a small smile. He was the strongest hitman in the world—there was nothing to worry about.

After hiding behind a tall building, her form shimmered. Iris sighed in relief when her golden wings unfurled from her back. Her caduceus reappeared in her hand before she quickly took flight. Down below, she saw Colonello sprinting down the streets. An unsettling feeling churned in her stomach, but she had other things to focus on.

She braced herself as she returned to Olympus.


"My lord," Iris said, bowing her head, "you called for me?"

A tall and imposing figure, Zeus was very muscular with shoulder-length black hair and a beard. He was also handsome with electric blue eyes that seemed to bore into Iris' very being. His black suit was impeccable like always.

When he spoke, his deep voice rumbled like the thunder he yielded. "Iris, what are you up to?"

"I don't know what you mean, my lord." It was easy for Iris to keep her voice calm when she handled Zeus, but like the other gods, was still terrified of his infamous temper. She had to tread lightly.

"You were in Italy today—twice. Who were those mortals?"

"I was only carrying out some duties."

"For who?"

"I am not obliged to answer, my lord."

Before Zeus could force the answers out of her, the doors to his chambers burst open. Hera stormed into the room, her gown fluttering behind her furious trail.

"Hera," Zeus said, pinching the bridge of his nose, "what is it now?"

Hera scowled. "Who is it?"

"Who is what?"

"Don't be a fool, Zeus. Where are you hiding her? Who is the wench this time?"

Paling, Zeus looked anywhere but his enraged wife and cleared his throat. "Ah, Iris, where were we again?"

"Don't take me for an idiot, Zeus," Hera said. "Iris, leave us be."

Iris watched them with wide eyes before bowing and leaving quickly. She pretended not to notice Zeus' pleading look. Like Zeus, Hera had a terrible temper but it was far worse. Closing the doors behind her, Iris breathed a sigh of relief. If anything, the couple's voices rose even higher.

"Hey there, Iris!" a cheery voice said.

Smiling, Iris looked up then. "Lord Apollo, what brings you here?"

The handsome sun god grinned, his golden eyes twinkling. "Just passing by. Care for a walk?"

"It seems like I've just been walking all day," Iris muttered to herself.

Before realizing she said it out loud, Apollo smiled and gestured at the other hall. "Yeah. Come on. Leave them to it. They're going to go on for weeks."

Iris quickly trailed behind him. "You told Lady Hera about Lord Zeus' lover."

Apollo looked at her innocently. "Say what now? Lovers? What lovers?"

Iris laughed behind her hand. "Thank you."

Apollo wriggled his brows. "Can't let him snoop around you. It'll make your work more difficult."

Ah, how could she forget? Apollo, like Themis, could see into the future. Iris wondered how much he knew, but he was unable to tell anyone about his visions and probably did not know what they fully meant.

"I hope I'm doing the right thing," Iris said quietly, looking down at her hands.

"You're doing good so far. Let fate run its course—or let the Fates do their thing, whichever works for you."

Iris chuckled, peering at the god from under her lashes. "Thank you. I'd try to be more discrete, but it's impossible with Lord Zeus' sight."

"Fear no more, Iris," Apollo said, raising his hand in the air. Iris restrained a sigh. "For I shall be your great shield. Continue what you must."

"I believe that was six syllables at the end, not five."

"Huh, really?"

Muttering under his breath, Apollo counted the syllables on his fingers then cursed. "It is. Hmm, well, you get the point. Man, these constraints are annoying." He grinned. "But that's what makes it beautiful, eh?"

Somehow Apollo became obsessed with haikus ever since he explored Japan more thoroughly on one of his morning runs. He was one of the few Olympians to interact with the more eastern deities. His fleeting obsessions endlessly annoyed the other gods to no end. First, couplets, then limericks, now haikus. Even though it exasperated Iris as well—he was also terrible at it—it was somewhat endearing.

"Won't Lord Zeus suspect you? There's no need for you to go this far, Lord Apollo, but I do appreciate it."

Apollo waved her off. "I got it. Don't worry. I am his strongest, handsomest, and most talented child after all. I can manage. Just continue to do your thing."

"A spirit awaits, my lady," Cosmo suddenly hissed from her caduceus.

Iris' smile slipped from her face. "Alright."

"I'll leave you to it then," Apollo said, nodding. "I'll catch you later, Iris. Be careful. It's getting dangerous out there."

"I will. Thank you."

Apollo gave her a cheeky two-finger salute before disappearing in a flash of bright light. Laughing, Iris spread her wings and flew down to the waiting spirit. Usually Hermes guided them to the Underworld, but she took on the female spirits that were buried with irises, her flowers. She braced herself as she revealed herself to the spirit.

"Don't fret, please," Iris said gently, placing her hand on the other's naked shoulder. "I'm here to help you."

She winced when she took a closer look at the woman's nude body. Terrible bruises and cuts littered her dirty skin, and blood streamed down her pale legs. Iris pursed her lips. Spirits' appearance reflected their earthly bodies after death. They'd only return to their original physicality once they managed to get through the Underworld's trials.

Iris flinched when she noticed the spirit's blue hair. Oh, gods, no…

The spirit turned around then. Her face was beaten and burnt; a prominent scar ran across her right cheek. Recoiling, she curled herself in even more, trying her best to cover herself.

Iris gasped. "Lal Mirch…?"

The woman widened her eyes. "W—Who are you? How do you know my name?"

Not knowing what to say, Iris glanced at Lal Mirch's grave. There was no tombstone but some irises were laid on top of it. It overlooked a scorched town from a small hill. Iris' heart sank.

"I need to find Colonello," Lal Mirch said, her eyes wide. "They didn't go to the other towns. It was a trap. They captured all of us. I need to find him."

A cloak materialized in Iris' hands and she passed it onto the panicking woman. "Here. Wear this. I will bring you to him."

Lal Mirch eyed the cloak warily. "Who are you?"

"I am Iris…but you know me as Luce."


Historical Terms:

Black Shirts – members of any of the armed squads of Italian fascists under Mussolini, who wore black shirts or uniforms


Translation:

Signore – "mister" in Italian

Signorina – "miss" in Italian

Piccoli Piaceri – "simplest pleasures" in Italian (I can't name places for the life of me, haha.


A/N:

:^(

Well…there's that. Please don't hurt me, ahaha.

This was also another difficult chapter to write, and I think this will be the case for the next five chapters, ahaha. I hope the characters were written okay, especially the gods. I feel like they're way too serious compared to the PJO canon and I think I screwed up with Apollo.

I'd also like to give you peeps the option of choosing who Iris/Luce should meet in the next chapter (aside from Tsuna, who will be introduced last, haha). Their backstories are pretty much complete; all I have to do is write the chapters.

Thank you for the favorites and follows! Makes me happy to see that there are people who like or are interested in this story! I do apologize if this is taking too long, but I want the meetings with the Arcobaleno established now rather than show them through flashbacks. I'm also sorry if I'm misusing the Italian terms. Please let me know if I made any mistakes.

A bit of shameless advertising but I have a collection of one-shots with various Tsuna pairings on my profile (requests will be taken!). If you'd like, check it out.

Thank you again for reading! Please do tell me your thoughts about the story and characters so far. Is the historical background helping with their character development? Is Iris okay? Is any of the characters okay? Haha. It'd be a great help. If you have any questions, I'll try to get back to you as soon as I can!

I hope to see you again in the next chapter.

Have a lovely day~

Little Miss Bunny

Revised: 5/12/2018