Title: 6 Times the Guardians Came Back Injured
Summary: …and 1 time their boss came back critical.
Disclaimer: Katekyo Hitman Reborn! belongs to Akira Amano
Pairings: None
Warning: OoC-ness; Possible spoilers for TYL!Arc; Set in the canon world, between present and TYL.
Chapter Warning: Language will be slightly rougher in this chapter, but nothing too overboard.
Note: When family is used with a capitalized f (e.g. Family), it refers to any Mafia Family. When the normal version is used (e.g. family), it refers to the normal understanding of family. The same applies with the Flames of the Sky –e.g. Storm will refer to Storm flames, while storm will refer to the weather condition.
Special Note: For this chapter only, centralized italics paragraphs separated by lines takes place in the mindscape. (You'll know it when you see it. Just to give a headsup.)
EDIT (09/01): Edited some minor language and grammar error, plus added the forgotten end of chapter quote/thought thingamajig.
Fourth Time
Creating something from nothing, and nothing from something; thus bewildering the enemy, to render the Famiglia's true form intangible with visions of deceit.
10th Generation Mist Guardian: Chrome Dokuro
Tsuna slammed a fist onto his desk furiously. "How the hell is it possible?!"
The Guardians currently standing in the Vongola Decimo's office flinched. Gokudera and Yamamoto exchanged a helpless glance, while Ryohei had an arm wrapped around Lambo, who was currently sobbing into his dress shirt. Tsuna shot his Guardians a heated stare, despite knowing that it was not their fault why this was happening. His fist clenched tightly on the desk while he used his free hand to massage the bridge of his nose.
"Dammit…!"
It has been two weeks since then.
Tsuna had sent his Mist Guardian and Lightning Guardian on a mission to renew the alliance with the Tomaso Famiglia. The two Bosses had already met and agreed on the new terms beforehand, and the two Guardians were responsible for bringing the contract over for Don Tomaso to sign. On their way there, however, they were ambushed and attacked. When the retrieval and rescue team got there, they found an utterly wrecked car, a shot driver, an unconscious Lambo… and a missing Chrome. Both Lambo and the driver gave the same statements: they were attacked by men in suits with no sign of their Family Coat of Arms anywhere –in other words, no form of identification.
Tsuna had immediately sent out the rest of his Guardians to search, but they had turned up empty. The Vongola Decimo had even turned to his surrogate older brother, the Cavallone Decimo, and his closest alliance, the Simon Decimo; but both had found nothing either.
Tsuna was getting desperate.
The Vongola Decimo was about to call for the 9th Generation for help when the door to his office opened, revealing a slightly out-of-breath Hibari. The Cloud Guardian wasted no time in speaking.
"Tetsu had a breakthrough."
Tsuna was out of his chair in an instant, the Guardians snapping into motion with him.
"Lambo–"
"–I'm going."
Tsuna paused mid-step and turned to glance at his youngest Guardian. Lambo stared back determinedly, despite the tears still trickling down his cheeks. Tsuna frowned, but gave a nod.
"However." Tsuna spoke, crumbling the smile on the teen's face. "You will listen to Hayato and my commands. If we say you're not allowed to fight, you will do as we say."
"…Hai, Tsuna-nii." Lambo nodded.
"Let's go." Tsuna ordered. As they made their way out to the front door, Tsuna pulled out his phone and jammed speed-dial-1. He didn't even allow the other person to mutter a greeting before hastily speaking, "Reborn, the Foundation found Chrome. Kyouya is sending you the coordinates. We'll meet you there."
"Wait for us, Chrome-chan." Tsuna heard his Rain Guardian muttering. "We're coming…!"
Tsuna couldn't have agreed more.
"Who do you think you are, barging into our headquarters?!"
The poor Mafioso didn't get to speak further when a silver gun was shoved in his face with the opening of the car door. He shook violently as the remaining doors of the same car, as well as two others, opened, and several men in suits with varying dress shirt colors stepped out. One of them, a brunette, motioned at the silverette –the one with the silver gun– who scowled at him menacingly before removing said gun, tucking it back into its holster.
"Afternoon. I have a little business with your Boss." The brunette spoke with a gentle smile. "I hope you don't mind showing me the way."
Without so much of a knock, Tsuna threw the double doors open and stepped through.
Tsuna settled himself comfortably on a couch immediately, Gokudera and Yamamoto taking their places behind the couch on the right and left side respectively. Reborn sat on the couch beside Tsuna, while Ryohei and Lambo occupied the opposite couch. Hibari took to leaning against the wall right beside the door as usual.
Tsuna had a pleasant smile on his face, though his darkened brown orbs, tinged with the faintest of amber showed his true ire. Gokudera didn't bother with pleasantries, a scowl on his face; while Yamamoto's smile was dangerous at best, threatening at worst. Ryohei, unlike his usual self, carefully kept his face neutral, while Lambo kept glancing between Tsuna and the man at the desk. Hibari's annoyance showed on his face, his entire body tensed, like a tightened coil ready to snap. Reborn, on the other hand, casually started polishing his gun, ignoring his student's pointed stare at him.
The boss had first looked up, startled, when his office doors were thrown open unceremoniously and had gone ashen when he saw who his unexpected 'guest' was. Behind him, his own Right-Hand man tensed, gritting his teeth while the four other Mafiosi stood rigidly against the wall.
"D-Don Vongola." The boss started. "What brings you here today, to my humble abode?"
Tsuna glanced slowly around the room, but did not reply. The brunette turned to glance down at the infant hitman beside him with a graceful arch of an eyebrow, sighing when he got a mere shrug in response. Tsuna continued to keep his silence, partially to unsettle the boss and partially to calm the temper that was rising within him. He took a moment to send a mental apology to his precious Mist Guardian; he trusted Hibari's Foundation and had no doubts that they found Chrome in this place; therefore it was important that he did not let his temper ruin this for them.
The boss was determined not to lose in the mind game, yet couldn't help but swallow at the tense atmosphere. Still, he stared firmly in Tsuna's direction, not willing to speak until the other did. Unfortunately for him, his Right-Hand man did not have the same patience.
The rather ignorant Right-Hand man growled and snapped at the Vongola Decimo, "Spill it out!"
"Raimondo!" The boss shouted, jumping out of his chair to grab his Right-Hand man before he did anything stupid.
Tsuna scoffed at his name; he was neither 'wise' nor 'protective' at the moment. At least the idiot didn't point a gun at me, Tsuna thought; Hayato probably would have shot him without any second thoughts. Tsuna took in one last deep breath and spoke, "Don Scordato. One of my Guardians is missing since two week ago. Kidnapped, in fact."
"And… you think I have it?"
"Her, Don Scordato." Tsuna corrected with a narrowed gaze. "I suggest you not make that mistake again. I do not take well at the mistreatment of any of my Guardians."
"Y-Yes, Don Vongola. My deepest apologies." The boss answered, bowing his head respectfully. "Again I ask, you think I have her?"
Tsuna closed his eyes momentarily. "I don't 'think' you have her, Don Scordato. I know you have her." Any trace of a smile disappeared off Tsuna's face, leaving behind a cold, hard stare.
"I'm not sure what you're talking about, Vongola Decimo."
Why do they always have to do it the hard way…? Tsuna sighed inaudibly. He glanced over his shoulder and gave a nod.
Gokudera bowed respectfully and glanced over at Yamamoto before turning to Ryohei and Lambo. Together, the four Guardians left the room.
"Hey! What are you–?!"
"–Oh, no worries." Tsuna smiled sweetly. "Well, I thought it would be faster this way. You see, I am in much of a hurry to find my missing Guardian, and I figured you wouldn't mind if we took a look around. Don't worry; my Guardians have been instructed to only look for my missing Guardian." Tsuna explained. "And if she isn't here, I would be more than willing to apologize."
"Stop screwing around!" Raimondo snarled, aiming his gun at Tsuna. On his unspoken cue, the other Mafiosi in the room followed.
Tsuna didn't seem unfazed at all, not even a slightest bit. In fact, he relaxed further into the couch, casually crossing one leg over the other.
"Au contraire, I'm not 'screwing around' as you so eloquently put it. I am very serious." Tsuna smirked. "By the way, Reborn's Chaos Shot is capable of splitting into up to 10 arrows. A mere five of you will hardly cause him to break a sweat, ne, Reborn?"
"Hmph. You dare question me if I will miss sitting ducks?" Reborn glared. "You obviously need more training."
Tsuna chuckled. "Now…" The brunette stood up with a smirk. "Don Scordota… Shall we take a walk?"
"I'm killing them!"
Yamamoto gritted his teeth as he held Gokudera back. "Stop it, Hayato!"
"You can't be helping them!" Gokudera snarled.
"I'm not!" Yamamoto hissed. He cursed in his mind; the state of rage the Storm Guardian was in was enough to actually overpower Yamamoto. "Dammit, Hayato! Calm down!" The raven glanced over his shoulder, "Ryohei! Go take a look at Chrome! Lambo, call Tsuna!"
Lambo scrambled to turn on his communicator in his ear, sobbing into it barely coherently, while Ryohei nodded and dashed past the leader and second-in-command of the Guardians to the furthest wall.
Chrome was there, chained to the wall by cuffs that left her hanging from the wall. Her hair was no longer in her usual style, but left hanging freely off her shoulder. Even with the color of her hair, it was possible to see patches of dried blood. A trail of blood, still fresh, flowed down the side of her face, her mouth marred by a nasty bruise. Her clothes hung in tatters, darkened by dried blood wherever it tore. Parallel bands of redden skin lined either side of her exposed arms.
Ryohei gritted his teeth at the sight, using all his control to reign in his rage. He would wait for Tsuna to take care of it. Knowing his boss and adoptive younger brother, this Family is toasted. He shattered the chains effortlessly and gently lowered Chrome to the ground.
"What the hell is going on here?!"
Yamamoto cursed. He was barely holding back Gokudera –who, somewhat amazingly, was still struggling– and now there's another someone who is going out of control fast.
Tsuna slammed Don Scordota to the nearest wall, gloves-covered hand gripping his throat painfully tight. His eyes were a brilliant golden as he snarled at the other Boss, "Didn't you, Don Scordota, say that you did not have my Guardian?!"
"Such… a weak… little girl… can't possibly be… Vongola Decimo's… Guardian…!"
"What right do you have to question my Guardians, you bastard?!" Tsuna snarled. "I'll make you regret laying a hand on my Guardian!"
Yamamoto lost the last of his thought-to-be-endless patience and roared, "All of you! Calm the hell down!"
The shout from the most unexpected Guardian shocked everyone into silence. Gokudera completely froze in his arms while Tsuna let go of Don Scordota, the latter falling to the ground, gasping for breath. The other Scordota Mafiosi stood shell-shocked, pulling back from the attack they were going to unleash on the Vongola Decimo. Yamamoto glared at every single one present harshly before pulling back from Gokudera.
"Tsuna! I know you're mad and as much as you want to kill that bastard, you know there are more important priorities, so snap out of it!" Yamamoto growled. "And you, Hayato! You're the leader of the Guardians, so act like one! If you lose it when we really need you, what the hell are the rest of us supposed to do?!"
Tsuna breathed out and let the Dying Will flame fade. "…You're right, Takeshi. I'm sorry. I should have known better than to let my anger control me." Tsuna closed his eyes. "If that person saw me now, he's going to have an aneurysm…"
"…Thanks, Takeshi. I'm sorry for losing it." Gokudera murmured. "Lucky for me, I have you to stop me, huh."
Yamamoto couldn't help but smile at the remark.
"…Boss…"
Tsuna's eyes widened.
Ryohei glanced down at his lap. "C-Chrome…? Can you hear me?!"
"Hayato, hold him." Tsuna tossed the frozen Don Scordota over before dashing over to where Ryohei was.
The Scordota Mafioso was about to move, but one murderous glare from the Vongola Cloud Guardian and the cocking of a gun from the infamous Sun Arcobaleno held them back.
Tsuna skidded to a stop beside the duo and knelt down. "Chrome? Chrome…! Please… open your eyes… for me? Please…!"
"Bo… Boss…" Chrome murmured. "Is… Boss… r-really here…?"
Tsuna grasped the violently shaking hand tightly in his. "I'm here, Chrome. Come on, open your eyes? Please?"
Chrome grimaced as she used what's left of her strength to open her lone eye. Her vision was horribly blurred, and the blood dripping into her eye was not helping. Still, she managed to see a mess of brown and a mob and white.
"B-Boss…"
"C-Chrome…!" Tsuna swallowed. "I'm sorry we took so long… It's alright now… We're here. We won't let you get hurt anymore…"
"Boss… Boss came…" Chrome mumbled. "Boss… came…" With a faint smile, the Mist Guardian's eye closed and her breathing evened out.
"Chrome… Chrome! Chrome!"
"She's alright." Ryohei said. "Umm, I mean, she just fell asleep."
Tsuna let his gaze linger on his fallen Guardian for a little while longer before he stood up, brown orbs flickering into amber. "Ryohei."
"Yes, Sawada?" Ryohei replied dutifully.
"Take Chrome and head back ahead of us. Get her into treatment immediately. Also, send two clean-up teams and one retrieval team. Lambo, go with Ryohei, make sure you cover him to safely." Tsuna ordered.
"Understood, Sawada." Ryohei nodded. He got up slowly as he carefully lifted Chrome into his arms, making sure not to injure her any further. "Let's go, Lambo."
The Lightning Guardian nodded and pulled out his horns, fixing it carefully on his head. In addition, he pulled out some hand grenades, smugly juggling them in his hands. "I'm ready, Ryo-nii."
Ryohei gave another nod and the two Vongola Guardians strode out of the room, only to be blocked by Raimondo, who aimed a gun at them. The Sun and Lightning Guardian didn't even bother pausing; only pausing momentarily to nod in gratitude to the Cloud Guardian who had Raimondo handcuffed and tossed to the side in an instant.
"This is our HQ! You can't do this to us!" Raimondo roared.
Gokudera growled and put a bullet through his leg before turning to Tsuna. "Jyuudaime, permission to knock him out?"
"Yes, before you accidentally kill him." Tsuna sighed. "And Cesare, too, if you don't mind. The gag doesn't seem to be working on him."
Gokudera nodded with a smirk before swiftly knocking both the Don of Scordota and his Right-Hand man out with a well-aimed chop to the back of their skulls.
"Now then…" Tsuna turned to the Mafiosi still gathered at the entryway of the containment cell and, with his eyes still trained on them, spoke, "Hayato, Takeshi, Kyouya, Reborn."
"Awaiting orders, Jyuudaime." Gokudera answered.
"Ready when you are, Tsuna." Yamamoto shifted the sword on his back.
Hibari didn't say anything, but twirled his tonfas in anticipation. Leon turned into Reborn's trusty gun in his hand while the infant adjusted his fedora.
When Tsuna spoke, his voice was hard and cold like steel. "Tear this place down. Keep the usual for interrogation. As for the rest… take them out."
Gokudera nodded and pulled out his PDA, bringing out the pre-investigated blueprints. "Takeshi, clear out the back. Hibari, have fun with the central block –that's where most of those idiots are. Reborn-san, I'll leave the left wing to you. I'll take the right." Gokudera instructed.
"What about those here?" Yamamoto asked.
"I'll take care of those." Tsuna spoke up, already in his Hyper Dying Will mode. He glanced to the Mafiosi outside who stood, frozen in fear, as soon as their Boss and Second-in-Command were knocked out. "I want this place down in record time. Go."
The Guardians, along with Reborn, replied with varying forms of agreement before heading out. A smirk lingered on each of their faces.
As their Boss always said: "No one touches their family and gets away with it."
The Scordota Famiglia was doomed from the very moment they even thought about ambushing the Vongola Famiglia.
"Jyuudaime, please get your wound checked out…!" Gokudera pleaded for the umpteen time.
Tsuna ignored him once again and, while still holding the handkerchief Yamamoto offered him earlier to the deep gash on his right arm, continued to pace around in the small hallway in front of the operating theatre.
The Family had returned to HQ an hour ago, bringing back the Don of Scordota and his Right-Hand man, as well as eight of the higher ranking Mafiosi in the Scordota Famiglia along with them. The clean-up teams were still at the Scordota Famiglia estate, doing their duties.
Against the full wrath of the Vongola Famiglia, the Scordota Famiglia didn't stand a chance. The Vongola Famiglia themselves all got away with minimal damages; Tsuna had a gash on his right arm, Gokudera sprained his right hand from an accidental misfire, Yamamoto was grazed by a few bullets but did not get shot at all, while –as expected of them– Hibari and Reborn were both completely unscathed. (Reborn was complaining about his dirtied Armani suit, however.) Ryohei and Lambo returned two hours ahead of them, the teen suffering some minor cuts while Ryohei was also completely wound-free, thanks to the Lightning Guardian's cover.
Now, they were all gathered at the operating theatre, waiting for news of Chrome's ongoing operation to come out.
Yamamoto sighed, "Tsuna. You can have Ryohei check your wound when he comes out. Just… Please, sit down."
"Just let him, Yamamoto."
"Reborn-san…" Yamamoto blinked.
Reborn nodded in acknowledgement before turning to Tsuna, who glanced at him inquisitively. "We've secured the prisoners." The infant frowned at the bloodied sleeve. Reborn jumped effortlessly onto Tsuna's shoulder as his yellow pacifier began to glow, Sun flames emerging from it and moved to heal the gash.
With a murmured 'thanks', Tsuna began to pace again.
Reborn moved to sit on Yamamoto's shoulder instead, not wanting to be subjected to his student's pacing despite his own approval. The hitman was starting to regret letting Tsuna pace and was pondering over the idea of shooting the brunette when the twin doors leading to the operation theatre finally opened, and the one person they were waiting for came out.
"Ryo!" Tsuna stepped over to his Sun Guardian, the others –sans Hibari– moved to follow. "How's Chrome?"
"She was hurt pretty badly." Ryohei sighed. "She's covered with bruises and cuts everywhere. We suspect that, at some point in time, she also suffered successive concussions, but because it has been a while, we can't trace it accurately. She has three fractured ribs; two on the left and one on the right. Thankfully, none were broken, and her lungs are perfectly alright." Ryohei paused for a moment; pondering over his next words. "…We also found signs that her organs almost failed a few times. As in…" Ryohei swallowed, fearing their reactions. Still, he continued after a while, "…it… nearly disappeared a few times…"
"What the hell is Muku–" Gokudera started, only to be stopped by Tsuna holding up a hand; a hand that, if they stared closely enough, was shaking ever so minutely.
"Ryohei…" Tsuna's voice was tight and pained. "Are… Are you saying what I think you're saying…?"
"…Yes." Ryohei nodded grimly. "Chrome… was tortured mentally. To the point she nearly lost connection to Mukuro a few times. That's why her illusionary organs, made by Mukuro, nearly disappeared a few times."
"…How sure are you?" Reborn asked.
"You know we have a few Mist guys in the Sun Division, right? We called in those guys to check it out." Ryohei replied. "They said… Uhh, I'm sorry for the choice of words, but… They said that Chrome's mind is pretty scrambled right now. And… there's a possibility she's not going to wake up as a result."
The Guardians jumped when a fist was slammed into the nearest wall hard enough to cause a dent.
Tsuna's face was twisted with rage. His eyes had turned completely golden in his anger, his fists clenched so tightly, they feared he was going to break skin. Tsuna's body was shaking with the amount of effort he needed to rein his rage in.
No one could bring themselves to calm the Vongola Decimo –not when they themselves were feeling like tearing into the nearest objects.
A tense silence covered enveloped the entire hallway; even the Vongola Mafiosi and servants, afraid of tension within, strayed away. It wasn't as though they didn't know what was going on; news spread like wild fire in the Vongola estate, especially if it concerns the Vongola Guardians. While the Vongola Famiglia was still somewhat divided on their opinions of their new leaders, those who had opposing opinions still respected the Vongola Guardians and that meant they were protective of their own, internal conflict or not.
They knew Vongola Decimo would take care of it.
And so now... They could only pray.
It was now five days after that fateful day.
Reborn only allowed the Guardians to mope for the whole of the first day before he started kicking people out of Chrome's ward from the second day onwards, berating them that while he understands that they are worried about Chrome, they must not forget their duties as Vongola Guardians to the Vongola Famiglia. Reluctantly, the Guardians left, returning to their own duties, coming back to visit the unconscious Mist Guardian whenever they are free; be it at the break of dawn, during lunch breaks, or even mere minutes before they left the estate on their missions.
Tsuna, however, was somewhat different.
To any outsider, it would seem as though the Vongola Decimo was working as per normal; paperwork and meetings. But if anyone asked the medics on nightshift, this is what they would tell you: the Vongola Decimo visits the Mist Guardian the most –every night, after most of the estate had fallen asleep. The brunette would stay there throughout the night –sometimes falling asleep in the bedside chair; sometimes staying awake all night, watching over Chrome. At the crack of dawn, the Vongola Decimo will quietly leave, and then the cycle repeats.
Today, however, the cycle broke.
Reborn had checked; Tsuna did leave Chrome's ward at the usual time, but he never did show up for breakfast. That was enough to send warning bells in the present Guardians' minds, but Reborn easily convinced them that the brunette was alright. The Guardians settled, but Reborn knew that if they suspected Tsuna to be in any danger, they had grown enough to even defy Reborn and go after the Vongola Decimo anyway.
…Which was exactly why Reborn accidentally forgot to mention that Tsuna was headed for that place to meet that person alone.
"What happened?"
He didn't even give me a normal greeting. He must really be worried. Tsuna frowned. "Chrome… was attacked."
"And how did that happen, Sawada Tsunayoshi?"
Full-name basis. Getting dangerous. Tsuna swallowed as he answered, "Some idiot Family decided that they had the right to question my Guardians. They kidnapped Chrome and… interrogated her." Tsuna knew he couldn't see –not with him still asleep– but he bowed in that darkened room anyway. "I'm sorry, Mukuro…"
"I see. So they dare touch my beloved Nagi, do they…? I hope they suffered."
Tsuna smirked then, "Who said they're dead?"
"Surely you didn't let them go."
"Of course not. Their deaths were confirmed the moment they touched Chrome." Tsuna replied. "Right now, Kyouya is having fun with them. I told him he can do whatever he wants with them, as long as they are alive. For once, he agreed with me when I said that you should be given the right to have fun with them."
"Kufufu. The skylark is showing considerable self-control."
"Kyouya hates you, but he is still reasonable." Tsuna answered. "Mukuro… Chrome disappeared for two weeks. We got her back five days ago. Ryohei said her physical injuries were healed, but they also attacked her mind. You should know… She nearly lost connection to you a few times."
"And now I can't feel her at all."
"W-What?!" Tsuna stared, eyes blown wide open, at the floating figure in front of him.
"…Perhaps it is more accurate to say that I still have a connection to her, but that connection is faint. Like a weak thread that is about to break any moment. I'm afraid she's rejecting me at the moment."
"But… Chrome would never reject you…!" Tsuna protested.
"I believe it is more of the effect of whatever those bastards had done to Nagi, rather than her own will."
Tsuna was silent. He knew, that when Ryohei said her mind was assaulted, that the damage would definitely be worse than he imagined. But this… This is worse than the worse he imagined. "Mukuro… Please… You're the only one who can save Chrome now…" Tsuna pleaded.
There was no hesitation from the other.
"You made a promise to protect my beloved Nagi-chan until I return, Sawada Tsunayoshi. Don't forget that."
With that, he was gone.
Tsuna smiled to himself in the near darkness.
She was here again–
–The wide open field;
–The sparkling blue river;
–The single, large tree on the small hill.
She was here again –her personal paradise.
How did she get here? She couldn't seem to remember. All she knew was that she didn't want to leave ever again.
She chooses her favorite seat: underneath the cool shade of the large tree that gave her a perfect view of that ever flowing river.
She ponders over the river. Where did it come from? Where did it lead? There were questions buzzing in her head, yet she didn't want it answered.
All she needed was this: her, alone, in her small, personal paradise. She didn't need anything else.
She was safe here. Safe from… Safe from what? This was her personal paradise. It made her safe. But… why did I need to feel safe in the first place?
There was something missing. Something that was supposed to make her feel safe… r… That something wasn't here…
If… If people had everything they needed in their paradise… Then… why do I feel like I'm missing something…?
"Nagi-chan."
She sits up, and glances around at the voice.
"Nagi-chan."
Where… Where was that voice coming from? She gets up, still looking around from her position.
Was she hearing things? This is her personal paradise. There… There shouldn't be anyone around but her.
…Right?
"Nagi-chan."
"W… Who…?" Her voice was soft and timid, but nevertheless, she spoke. "Who's there?"
"Nagi-chan."
"Who's there?" Her voice, now louder, floats across the open field.
She starts moving; first off the hill, then around the field. She searches; searches for that voice. The voice… it made her feel safe. Safer than being here. The voice was nostalgic. Like she knew that voice from somewhere far away.
"Nagi-chan."
She didn't know how, but somehow, she realized.
She knew the owner of that voice.
It wasn't the paradise making her feel safe…
…It was that person.
Who… Who is that person…?
"Nagi-chan."
She stops in the middle of the field.
What is that person's name?
It was sitting there; at the tip of her tongue. Why can't she remember? Why can't she remember the name of the person that made her feel safe?
"Nagi-chan."
Did she not want to remember then? Is that it? Because… Because…
…I'm scared…
She was afraid.
Afraid of what?
This is her paradise. She didn't need to be afraid, did she?
"Nagi-chan."
No… This… Her paradise… It isn't complete.
That's why she didn't feel safe.
That person… She had to remember. That's person's name…
"Nagi-chan."
That person's…
…name…
"…Mukuro… sama…"
"Nagi-chan."
She spins around.
He was standing right there.
Just like the first time they met.
Dark blue locks framing an angular face; mismatched eyes of ruby and sapphire; all decked in white.
The one who made her feel safe.
"Mukuro-sama…!" She throws herself in his arms, crying freely into his pure white shirt. She holds him tightly; afraid that if she let go, he might just disappear.
"Nagi-chan…" He whispers. "I have been searching all over for you. You worried me."
"I'm sorry, Mukuro-sama." She replies softly.
"Naughty Nagi-chan." He scolds. "You made all of us worry."
She blinked in confusion. "All of us?" There's someone else here?
He frowns. "Yes. They are waiting over there. Down the river." He smiles and offers a hand. "Shall we go, Nagi-chan?"
"Yes, Mukuro-sama."
Taking that hand, she suddenly knows where they were heading.
"…let's… go home…"
"C-Chrome…?"
She blinked weakly and glanced to the side. It took her a while, mostly because of her blur vision, but she finally figured out who was the one calling her name.
"…Boss?"
She was right, of course.
In the chair placed next to the bed, Sawada Tsunayoshi sat, watching her in wide open eyes.
While Chrome isn't one to criticize anyone badly, she had to admit that Tsuna looked downright horrible at the moment.
Tsuna's cloak was carefully draped over the back of the chair, though his suit jacket was tossed over the arm of the chair haphazardly. He was still in his suit –white vest over orange dress shirt with white tie matched with white slacks– though his tie was loosened considerably. Tsuna was slouching a little in his seat. That, along with the obvious eye bags underneath caramel orbs told Chrome that Tsuna either hadn't been sleeping well or was not even sleeping in the first place.
A tired smile spread across his face, "You're finally awake. Thank goodness."
"Boss…?" Chrome frowned.
"Chrome, do you remember what happened?" Tsuna asked softly.
The Mist Guardian thought over the question. "I… was supposed to go with Lambo-chan to see Don Tomaso. About… a contract…?"
"Is… that all?" Tsuna questioned.
Chrome thought about it before nodding.
Tsuna let out a breath, sitting back in his chair. "Chrome, I won't tell you everything yet; just the gist of it. You were kidnapped by the Scordota Famiglia about three weeks ago. It took us two weeks to finally find you. We rescued you and brought you back to Vongola. You… have been asleep for ten days now."
Chrome's eye widened. "T-Ten…?"
Tsuna nodded slowly. "Everyone was worried sick about you. Especially Lambo. He felt really bad because he was with you, but you got caught."
Chrome's frail form sagged even further. "I-I'm sorry…"
"Chrome, do not blame yourself." Tsuna said sternly.
The Mist Guardian glanced up at him with shock in her eye.
"It was that bastard Scordota's fault. That idiot shouldn't have thought of attacking any one of us in the first place." Tsuna growled.
"B-But, Lambo-chan…" Chrome murmured.
"Lambo feels responsible. Well… it's not as though I don't understand where it comes from, but I know he tried his best, and that's what matters. Lambo is alright. We all took turns to talk to him, and he's feeling better. Although I think what he really needs is to see you up and around again." Tsuna smiled. "So Chrome, I want you to concentrate on recovering, okay?"
"Boss…" Chrome shifted a little on the bed. "…Am… Am I really useful to Boss?"
Tsuna frowned. "…Why do you ask that?"
"B-Because… I… I'm always getting caught… or hurt… and… and I always need Boss and the others to save me…" Chrome mumbled.
"But… I'm the same too." Tsuna replied.
Chrome turned to stare at Tsuna.
"How many times has Hayato covered my back? How many times has Takeshi got me out of a pinch? How many times has Ryohei healed my injuries? How many times has Lambo help defend? How many times has Kyouya taken out my enemies for me?" Tsuna said. "How many times… has your illusions covered us and bewildered the enemy so that we have an easier time fighting?"
Chrome swallowed, feeling the telltale feeling of tears gathering in her eye.
"Chrome, it's not physical strength that matters. Until now, I am still pretty convinced that my Guardians all happen to like violence, one way or another." Tsuna grinned. "But I don't think that is what's bothering you." Tsuna's eyes softened a little, "It's because you think you're weak, compared to Mukuro, isn't it?"
Chrome bit down on her lip.
"Chrome… I don't care if the Mafia world acknowledges this or not. I have two Mist Guardians: Chrome Dokuro and Rokudo Mukuro." Tsuna said firmly. "I honestly think you shouldn't be comparing yourself to Mukuro. Chrome, you specialize in support and Mukuro specialize in offense. That's two different areas. Besides, that pervert has the added advantage of being a sadist; he likes to hurt people more." Tsuna continued. "You know, I promised him I wouldn't tell you, but Mukuro said that your illusions are definitely getting stronger and stronger. I feel it too." Tsuna smiled. "So don't worry about it, Chrome."
"B-Boss…"
"You call me 'Boss'. That means you trust me, right?" Tsuna asked.
Chrome nodded without hesitation.
"Then don't bother with that other people say. Listen to what I say." Tsuna said. "I say that you are my Mist Guardian, Chrome. I say that you are strong enough to protect the Vongola Famiglia's true form. Don't ever doubt that. Understood?"
"Y-Yes…" Chrome cried. "Understood, Boss…!"
Tsuna smiled, about to reach out for his Mist Guardian when the door to the ward opened. He frowned, it was late at night, so he didn't expect anyone in here.
"Chrome-chan!"
Chrome blinked. "K-Kyoko-chan… H-Haru-chan…!"
"What did you do to my pilot? You're supposed to get here in the afternoon." Tsuna frowned at the two girls.
He had arranged for Kyoko and Haru to fly in to Italy by tomorrow afternoon; seeing as they were as close as Tsuna was to Chrome –closer than, even. Besides, he knew that Chrome needed time to recover, and it was better for her to recover with the girls watching over her.
"We were worried about Chrome-chan!" Haru said.
"Thank you for arranging a private jet for us, Tsuna-kun." Kyoko smiled.
"B-Boss…?" Chrome stared at Tsuna in disbelief.
Tsuna smiled, "I-Pin is reaching in the afternoon. She is returning with Fon-san on a commercial flight, so they can't change their flight schedule." He explained, staring pointedly at the two girls who grinned sheepishly at him. "Well, Ryohei said it would be sometime before you're cleared, so I figured you might want some company."
"T-Thank you, Boss…" Chrome cried.
Tsuna smiled as he cradled the purple-haired girl to him. He pressed his lips to her hair gently, giving her shoulder a light squeeze before pulling back.
"Well, I have a feeling you girls will be having a girl's talk, so I'll leave you to it." Tsuna announced. "I'll have Ryo check on you in the morning, Chrome. Hayato will show you to your rooms tomorrow, Kyoko, Haru."
"Where is Boss going?" Chrome asked.
"Sleep." Tsuna answered, muffling a yawn. He paused at the door and smiled at Chrome once more, "Okaeri, Chrome."
Chrome smiled, "Tadaima."
'We're sorry for being so late, Chrome. But it's okay now. We're right here. Don't worry, Chrome. You've already become the Mist that envelops us and enshrouds us. You are our family, and we're always here. Welcome back... Chrome.'
Extra Notes:
Raimondo: Italian form of Frankish German Raginmund, meaning "wise protector".
Cesare: Italian form of Roman Latin Cæsar, meaning "severed".
Scordota: Italian (Sicily); from scurdatu; 'forgotten', 'left behind'; presumably a nickname of anecdotal origin.
A/N: This... came out way longer than I thought. It nearly reached 6k, excluding AN. Still, I am very satisfied with how this came out. I thought that, since Chrome is an illusionist, hers would center more on the mind than physical injuries, but she got both of it anyway... (Sorry, Chrome!) I am sorry for jumping around between scenes -I need to work on my transitions...
Now, there is something important I need to ask you guys.
As I said, this is set in the canon time, between present and TYL. As such, Mukuro is still stuck there, which is why the Mist chapter foucses on Chrome. However, if you guys want, I can write a chapter for Mukuro, but that would be an extra chapter/bonus, and it will be done after the seventh chapter. It's a yes or no thing, so just lemme know in a review/pm.
Sorry for the long wait. I got a little distracted with New Year's One-shot, plus this came out longer than I thought.
That's all for this time, peeps! Ciao Ciao~
EDIT (09/01), cont'd: I am SUCH a forgetful idiot! I was so excited at posting this (plus I was kinda running late on this), that I totally forgot Chrome's end of chapter quote/thought thingamajig! So... It's added on now. Not sure if it spoiled the ending though... Argh. :x