Arc I - Home is where your heart is
Third chapter - the Sun: New life ahead and old left behind

Ryohei had always been rather curious about anything out of usual. Normal things tended to blend into background with him, but new and weird things caught and kept his attention. The same was true with people.

So when, in late July, he caught sight of four people, one of who was dressed in a suit and shooting at the others, one who carried a bamboo sword and one who seemed to carry a gun and bombs, they stayed in his mind.

He was almost curious enough to start following them, but then he remembered he had boxing practice. He was the captain, he couldn't be late!

A few weeks later, in early September, he met the same strangers again during his morning jog. Surprisingly they joined him, or at least three of them did. The man with the suit stayed behind while the other three started jogging alongside him. Ryohei didn't really understand why - one of them was laughing, true, but the two others just had suffering and resigned expressions.

"Good morning", the shortest of the boys said. He was already panting a bit from keeping up with Ryohei. "Are you Sasagawa Ryohei?"

"I am!" Ryohei said. None of the boys winced at his volume, which many people did, though one rolled his eyes. Ryohei saw that a lot, too, but this time it didn't seem dismissive or malicious. "Who are you to the extreme?"

"I am Sky, these are Rain and Storm."

That almost gave Ryohei a heart attack and he slowed down. The smallest boy - Sky - seemed to let out a breath of relief and the two others seemed to be judging his reaction.

"Sky?" Ryohei said.

"Well, Tsuna to most people, but that is what my friends have called me. Can we… stop for a bit?"

Ryohei stopped. Sky leaned on a nearby fence for a bit and caught his breath, then straightened up and offered Ryohei his hand.

"Nice to meet you, Ryohei."

Ryohei took the offered hand and felt at home.

"Extreme!" He shouted and grabbed all three of them in a group hug. Rain was laughing, like he often was. Storm cursed at him and put up a fight, but there seemed to be a reluctant amusement and relief behind the scowl. Sky just smiled and Ryohei could hardly turn his eyes from that smile.

"Found you, Sun", he said with fondness.

"You're going back to Namimori tomorrow?"

"Yes. We will likely be there for a few weeks and think of where to go next, then leave together to look for Cloud, Lightning and Mist. We can visit you here on weekends if you want."

"No need! I'm coming with you to the extreme!"

"But… you have school here, and that boxing club of yours."

"Who cares about school!"

Storm snorted and Rain nodded, but Sky seemed hesitant. "But…"

"And I can box there as well as I can here!"

The tall man dressed in a suit seemed amused. "It would be good for you to practice some boxing, Tsuna."

Sky leveled the suit-man with a hurt look.

"Extreme! I can help you practice!"

"Sun…" Sky sounded hesitant. "What of your family? We met your sister yesterday, you know. We all were very fond of her at first sight. It was what led us to finding you. We know you care about her."

Ryohei deflated a tiny bit. He couldn't protect Kyoko if he wasn't close by. What to do?

"You could take her with you if you want", Sky said. "I don't mind, take anyone you want, I'll pay for it. But is she better off here? It might be less risky to leave her here."

"If she is with you, at least you can protect her", the suit-man said as he hit Sky softly on the top of his head.

What followed was an explanation of who Sky was. Sky explained Vongola royals always had six guardians, and he had hoped Ryohei would be his sun guardian.

"But you don't have to accept or anything! We'll always be there for you anyway. You're our Sun, our friend."

"Of course I'll be your guardian."

Sky seemed taken aback. Ryohei could see the insecurity deep in him. Even though Sky had decided to ask them as guardians, he was still second-guessing himself. Doubting.

He was not yet feeling like a royal heir, even if he acted the part. He was using this journey to find them, yes, but also to gather his resolve and convince himself he could do it.

Ryohei didn't see any need to doubt his own desicion. He had trained to become strong partly because he loved boxing, but partly to protect his cute little sister. Sky was just as important to him as his sister was, and he'd never hesitate to use his strength for his Sky.

"That's great!" Rain said enthusiastically. "You can come stay at my place while we're in Namimori. I'm sure dad won't mind!"

"That is good." Sky flashed a bright smile at Rain and Ryohei found his spirits soaring again.

Although he still needed to decide what to do with Kyoko.

Later in the day they all went to have dinner with Ryoheis family and he enthusiastically told his parents he would be moving out of home the next day. His parents didn't like it at all, but Reborn (Sky had finally introduced him) took them to another room for a chat and after that they agreed reluctantly.

Kyoko was somewhat silent after the declaration, though she did make an effort to make their guests feel welcome. She was such a sweet girl.

In the end Sky, Rain, Storm and Reborn left to sleep at their hotel.

"Are you sure you want to do this?" Ryoheis father asked.

"To the extreme!"

"Why?"

Ryohei looked at him seriously. "To help my friends and to be with them."

His mother looked really sad, almost about to burst into tears, but tried to smile. "Go to sleep, both of you. I'll help you pack tomorrow."

Ryohei kind of wanted to stay and comfort him, but his father shooed them away. He retreated to the upper floor, followed by Kyoko.

"Big brother?"

"Yes, Kyoko?"

"You must call me every day. I need to know that you're all right. And - and - maybe when I'm done with school, I can follow you there. I've always wanted to visit Europe, right? To dance and perform there. And maybe we'll take mom and dad with us too… The two of us can help to pay for things for them..."

She seemed really sad and Ryohei had to struggle with himself. He wanted her to come with them. Now was the time to say she could, that his Sky was okay with it.

But she had friends here, and mom and dad had their jobs. Wasn't it better this way?

He reached to pet her hair. "We'll do that."

They shared a sad, sad smile.