Title: Blade and Blood

Disclaimer: I don't own KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN, AMANO AKIRA does. I will only be borrowing the characters.

To reviewers: Alice-chan. Thanks. I actually wanted to do a much horrific ending for Nana-san, but I fear that the readers wouldn't like it and much crueler.

Chapter 7 recap: The guild attacked, the possibility of it going down possible, Tsunayoshi encounters Mukuro and Hibari who rescues him and Yamamoto.

8

The vampires carried Tsunayoshi and Yamamoto away far from the guild. They landed into what appears to be a haunted house.

"This place-" Tsunayoshi stares at the house that the yard they landed to, Hibari releasing him.

The house made of wood looked so old, and torn apart. It is surrounded by overgrown plants. Everything of the house screams creepy and scary that only a courageous or stupid person would dare step into.

"We own this." Mukuro informed following after Hibari who led the way. "We rarely use this place for various reasons."

Tsunayoshi follows as did Yamamoto wanting to grasp more of the situation. His eyes kept darting in the rooms that they passed. He could not understand how he could blindly trust the vampires for their safety when it was vampires that attacked the guild.

There wasn't anything in the room useable. Broken windows, broken couch – everything was practically broken, not one thing is in a good condition. That is until the vampires led them down to the basement filled with very well-conditioned items. The basement contained all the practical items a house would need. There was a single bed, a shower room, a couch, a drawer, a book case, a mini kitchen, a mini refrigerator. Unexpectedly there is even able light as there is available water. The room was well maintained.

"I'm amazed you could keep this place up." Tsunayoshi sat down on the black couch against the wall. He kept looking around as he sat making himself comfortable. 'There wasn't much but a good hiding place.'

"We needed other place to crash in depending situation." Mukuro shrugs as he sat down beside Tsunayoshi. He even wrapped his arms around the brunette's shoulders who no longer mind the body contact. "As much as possible we wanted little trouble."

"Trouble huh?" Yamamoto stood close to the door refusing to do the same as Tsunayoshi. He still has his suspicion towards the vampires, particularly Mukuro who got comfortable with Tsunayoshi. He somehow suspected that Tsunayoshi might be even being under some kind of hypnosis.

"There is a vampire who woke up, the reason that stirred the low level vampires." Hibari informed sitting beside the mini refrigerator where he had dragged a chair to sit on. "I don't know who it is or what could have caused the event. All I can say is everyone is in danger, NO being is safe. You have seen a portion of its effect. It is only a matter of time before everything collapse." He pretended not to be bothered by the body contact that Mukuro and Tsunayoshi have.

Tsunayoshi stares at Hibari, 'Is that what he wanted to talk about?'

"Can we even trust you?" Yamamoto glares at Hibari then to Mukuro. He openly shows his distrust.

Mukuro stares at Yamamoto releasing the brunette. "As long as Tsunayoshi doesn't come to any harm or remains in your guild, we will cooperate." He informed in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Why?" Tsunayoshi and Yamamoto simultaneously asked, startled by their timing. They exchanged look for a moment. Neither knew the reason why the vampires would help them in the name of Tsunayoshi's well-being.

Yamamoto broke the eye contact he had with Tsunayoshi. "Why are you helping us?" he dare ask showing no fear to the vampires despite how disadvantageous they are in. He still distrusts the vampires so he figured that he should do his best to learn more the reason of the vampires aiding them.

"You don't need to know why." Hibari answered showing a hint of irritation that Mukuro the only one who noticed. "Just that."

Yamamoto scowls, irate that the vampires did not answer him.

Tsunayoshi expected Hibari's response; though he did want to hear the reason behind the helping hand the vampires are doing. "What can you tell about that vampire you speak of?" he asked; figured he should shift back to the main subject. "I don't understand the relation."

"You seriously believe him?" Yamamoto asked enraged how trusting Tsunayoshi is. 'Damn it! He must be tricked by these vampires!' "They are vampires! You have been brainwashed by them! You-"

"We don't have anything to go around Yamamoto." Tsunayoshi sighs partially able to understand Yamamoto's rage and reasoning at the moment. He had always been understanding of everything around him, did his best to see from different angles – he acted no different towards the supernatural things. "What better option we have than ask a vampire."

Mukuro couldn't tolerate Yamamoto bad mouthing them, vampires. He wrapped his arms once again around Tsunayoshi's shoulders, leaned close his face to Tsunayoshi's in an act of whispering something; eyes locked on Yamamoto. "Won't you allow me to take care of him?" He was quite open that he did not mind killing Yamamoto.

Yamamoto tensed, though he pretended not to get affected as Mukuro bare out fangs. "But that's dangerous!" he reminded continuing his thoughts out loud not caring anymore what the vampires would do to him as long as he makes Tsunayoshi realize the threat that the vampires pose. "We can't risk it!"

Tsunayoshi showed a serious expression. "We have to risk it." He spoke in a calm tone. His expression showed that they have no choice in the matter but listen to the vampires.

"Tsunayoshi-kun is right." Mukuro shrugs releasing Tsunayoshi. "It is best that you trust us for the moment. Risk it or your little guild will be gone." He hums as a smile appear on his face.

Hibari knew that Mukuro was playing with Yamamoto.

Yamamoto frowns at what Mukuro was implying. "Tsuna…" he looked at the brunette hunter, worried. He hoped that Tsunayoshi would come back and side with him.

Tsunayoshi timidly smiles at Yamamoto implying that there is nothing to worry trusting his decision.

Yamamoto sighs. "Alright, I will trust your decision … THIS TIME." He resigned himself, trusted everything to Tsunayoshi. It wasn't that he believes the vampires, it is more like he is worried what Tsunayoshi might do.

Tsunayoshi sighs seeing Yamamoto's resign expression. He felt relieved that Yamamoto still trusts him. He stood up, faces Yamamoto with a tired expression; figured he should fess up since the blacknette had trusted him. "I did not choose a side to begin with. It is a fact that a vampire had killed my mother, you know that as does everyone in the guild. But when you think about it, if it were a human would it had been alright? Vampires, werewolves – all the supernatural things, I can't see the difference that much really. What I decided on is to follow what I SEE AS RIGHT. That is the most important to me. And I-" He stopped speaking as a wave of dizziness hit him. His vision got blurry, then he wobbles; he suddenly lost balance as everything blanks out for him.

"Oya!"

"Tsuna?"

"…"

The three males were startled when Tsunayoshi suddenly collapse. Fortunately, Mukuro had been quick and caught the brunette hunter before falling on the floor. The three exchange a silent worried look.

"What just happened?" Mukuro frowns holding Tsunayoshi gently in his arms. He propped Tsunayoshi up, carries the brunette bridal style to the only bed.

"He must be tired. I guess I have no choice." Yamamoto grumbles. He was taken by surprise that the vampires had acted. He started to see in a new light the vampires. 'These guys really care for Tsuna. WHY though?'

Mukuro carried Tsunayoshi to the bed, slowly lie the sleeping brunette. He threw a curious glance at Hibari only to be ignored. He saw the whole attention of Hibari locked on the unconscious brunette. He let out a sigh. "Seems to me that you need to return to your guild young hunter." He smiles at Yamamoto.

"NO!" Yamamoto walks towards Tsunayoshi although he did not like the idea of leaving the one path he could use to escape. He sat down beside the sleeping Tsunayoshi on the bed, faced the vampires his hand on his sword ready to draw at any moment. "I have the feeling that if I leave you would take him away. After all, he is the only reason that you are willing to help the guild."

Mukuro grins hearing the assumption that Yamamoto had come up. He gave credit at least that Yamamoto is cautious enough around them contrary to Tsunayoshi's attitude. "Kufufufu… Wisely said." He went with the flow, walks towards the door. "For now, I will get more information. I will also keep watch for your organization as well. You three stay here and hide; wait for my report." He stalked out the room.

At the guild, there was a lot of casualty thankfully there weren't many who died. Under the instructions of the Vongola Nono everyone moved into safer locations, the low level vampires no longer after them.

They sheltered in a large house similar to a church filled with a larger number of various sorts of protections. It looked abandoned though the stone walls stood strong.

Timeteo stood at the group that managed to escape under his command, not half of his hunter is able to work. He felt enraged that he had allowed his guild to fall and that his hunters had gotten hurt. He secretly blames himself unable to foresee the attack.

"Vongola Nono…" a male calls the attention of Timeteo. He turns to face a male older than Tsunayoshi. "Basil-kun."

"There are a lot of people who are injured." Basil reports in a soft voice. "I don't know if the others could survive…" He paused as he glances at the group that is under treatment. "Moving here might have worsened their condition. If there is another attack, I am not sure if anybody could fight back and survive at that."

Timeteo's face scrunched up hearing the report, it devastated him at how the guild had ended up. He didn't really need to listen, he just need to see the state of the hunters that were left. He accepted the report Basil made as a fact – that they will be annihilated if left alone.

"Basil, I will leave for a while. You help with the repairs for now. Don't attack unnecessarily." Timeteo commanded. "I will try to get help from the other existing guild, hopefully that they can send help here."

Basil nodded. "I understand. You will be taking who?"

"Kagato will be enough." Timeteo informed. (*Kagato is a name I will temporarily use because I don't know any names of Timeteo's guardians.) "Summon the high ranking officials; I will inform them of my leave."

Basil nods with a clear understanding what Timeteo intends to do.

Mukuro returns from his investigation. He entered the room, the scene he had found was Yamamoto glaring at Hibari – the pair was throwing hostilities at each other. He found the scene amusing; he had intended to watch to see what will happen next, though refrained in doing so. "What did I miss?" he asked playfully.

Yamamoto eyed Mukuro, forms a scowl. "Don't ask!" He voiced enraged.

Mukuro was startled at how Yamamoto reacted. He turned his attention to Hibari expecting to hear what happened. Nothing. He decided to tell what he learned. "It seems the awakened vampire is looking for his little band of vampires." He said with a smile perking Hibari and Yamamoto's attention. Seeing the reaction of the two made him amused. "… The guild seems to be at disadvantage, they were no longer in their home base. Right now they have moved elsewhere. I don't know where since I got my hands full. Given the situation, I suggest that telling them about the newly awakened vampire is necessary if you want to see daylight that is."

"The vampire, who is it?" Hibari asked coldly, "I am sure you learned who it is by now." He stares at Mukuro coldly which the other vampire met, receives an answer he didn't expect, "Xanxus."

Hibari tensed hearing the name. "Are you sure?"

"Positive." Mukuro nods with a grave expression. He turned his attention to Yamamoto, "Wake up the little bunny and we need to discuss it together."

'Together?' Yamamoto is in disbelief that the vampire would suggest such a thing, though he could not allow having Tsunayoshi sleep through the matter, after all it was the brunette hunter who managed to gather them together. He gently nudges Tsunayoshi awake despite the fact that the brunette might not be feeling too well.

Tsunayoshi blink his eye open. "Mother!" He sat up; saw the three males in the room. He stares at the males, slowly recalling what happened to him.

"Are you feeling better?" Yamamoto asked gently helping up the brunette.

"I am… I am fine. … How long was I out?" Tsunayoshi softly spoke hiding that he was upset for fainting a once again. He did not understand why he had been doing so lately, feeling weak and all. 'Seriously, what's happening to me?'

"Three hours." Yamamoto answered with a smile as he recalls that the brunette had asked him the same question in the past.

"Sorry for waking you up young hunter, but this is an urgent matter." Mukuro uttered with a serious expression. "Even Kyouya and I don't like to have Xanxus around."

"Xanxus? Xanxus Who?" Tsunayoshi asked. He couldn't recall knowing anyone named Xanxus.

"The vampire who woke." Hibari flatly spoke. He looked a bit irate at the mention of the name.

"…" Tsunayoshi stares at Hibari with a serious expression. 'Ah! Yes the vampire. Seems like this Xanxus guy is a real threat considering their reaction.'

"It had to be that damn vampire who woke up." Mukuro cursed looking annoyed. "Your guild is under the rubbles. You guys need to face your guild and tell them about the vampire, Xanxus. We don't want him running amuck around here. He is the enemy you would not want to mess with."

"To have you as the same species as him hate him, what kind of vampire is Xanxus?" Tsunayoshi intrigued at the vampires' reaction.

"Let us just say that he is the vampire who you wouldn't want to piss." Mukuro informed. "He is powerful, different from the other purebred vampires. He is more than a thousand year old vampire. Under him are other vampires with him who are strong as us."

Tsunayoshi noted. "Seems like you are saying that you do not possess the same strength as this Xanxus."

"Regrettably we do not." Mukuro uttered obviously hating to admit his power's limit. "We are not as old as he is or do we possess the line of vampires he have."

"Line of vampires?" Yamamoto and Tsunayoshi spoke simultaneously. Being new hunters, they have yet to learn everything about the guild history. Neither expected they would get to learn more than they bargained for and from vampires no less.

"Yes." Mukuro nods. "Xanxus have at his disposal strong vampires which I can say on the same strength as Kyouya as I or might even be stronger; though I can say if they were to attack together, Kyouya and I would indefinitely lose – at least at our current strength."

"We were thinking that it might be against our nature as yours but it is the best chance we got." Hibari uttered.

'Chance?' Tsunayoshi instinctively knew where the two vampires were going.

"We will present ourselves to your guild." Hibari informed.

'AH. I knew it.' Tsunayoshi mentally slapped himself. He instinctively read the plan that Hibari have, at least a part of it.

"WHAT?" Yamamoto stood up, too shocked for words. He knows that if two vampires will appear it will result in chaos, after all, vampires are not really welcome to their guild.

Tsunayoshi stares at the vampires the same shock as Yamamoto's. "Then what will happen to you?" he asked trying to recompose himself hiding his worry. He was aware that in the given situation, vampires would be at sight attacked.

"We will survive." Mukuro smirks. "You two will be the insurance after all." He points a finger to the hunters' direction.

"WHAT?" Yamamoto scowls, angered at Mukuro's comment with full understanding what the vampires intend to do.

Tsunayoshi did not look surprised hearing Mukuro's words. He had somehow expected it, upon observing Mukuro's character – he knew it was something that Mukuro would come up with.

"Don't mind him." Hibari uttered. "Nothing will happen. We will leave if they won't listen to us. Anyway, we will make sure that we succeed."

Tsunayoshi eyed Hibari, kept to himself his worry of the vampires and how the incident will fare out.

:::::: Insert Hibari and Yamamoto ::::::

Mukuro left Hibari, Yamamoto and Tsunayoshi in the rundown house.

Yamamoto stood staring at Hibari. "Why do you do so much in the name of Tsunayoshi?"

"Aren't you doing the same?" Hibari pointed out.

"… … You hypnotized him or … What kind of lie did you actually feed him with?" Yamamoto glares at Hibari.

"Nothing. He chooses all by himself what to do. I did not such thing as play a dirty trick."

"Tsuna is a kind guy. You must have lied to him or something."

"Why are you so insistent that I lied?"

"I don't trust you."

Hibari smiles, "And neither do I trust you. As far as I am concerned, I care less about you or the other hunters. Tsunayoshi is too good for you little guild."

Yamamoto scowls. 'Is this guy nuts? It sounds just like –' "I warn you that I will kill you if you dare drag Tsuna to any kind of danger, I will have your head."

Hibari smirks thinking 'How dare he threaten me.' "Very well, we shall see what happens."

Yamamoto did not understand himself why he felt great hostility against Hibari.