Trigger: N/A
Warnings: N/A
Important Stuff:
Small OC Cheat Sheet
Spirits:
Zephyr -The wind spirit that Reborn met in the Spirit World.
Kamikawa - The origami spirit that Reborn exchanged information with.
Engetsu - Silver kitsune that Reborn met in the Spirit World. Knows Ayame.
Meishi - A green falcon that lives in the Sawada Household
Farran - the woman who challenged Fon

Ienari's Guardians:
Matsushita Hachirou - Ienari's best friend. Captain of the Judo Club. Lightning Guardian
Akemi Kaori - President of Ienari's fanclub. Black Hair, Purple Eyes. Sun Guardian
Kakusu Hideki - Former student council president, son of politician. Red Rimmed Glasses. Mist Guardian
Koujin Fuun - Ninja assassin. Dark purple hair, crimson eyes. Kunais as weapons. Cloud Guardian
Inmen Hisen - Mochida's cousin. Ienari's crush. Hime-cut black hair and ocean blue eyes. Rain Guardian

Others:
Hibari Koumei - Kyoya's Father. Interpol Agent.
Hibari Yun - Kyoya's Mother. Deceased. Fon's sister.

798 reviews, 1897 favorites and 2064 follows! Thank you for all the support!


Reality of the Situation

Reborn felt something sour in his mouth. He chalked it up to the intruder in the house. One Basil from CEDEF had arrived early this morning with half the Vongola Rings in his hands.

Nana greeted him with cheer, serving him a cup of tea. She cooed and gushed in all the right places as Basil explained that he worked for Iemitsu.

Frankly, Reborn had realized how far he had come in Namimori. It was oddly jarring to see how Nana played the oblivious mother and wife to Basil who had no clue that Nana (most likely) knew exactly who he was and why he was here. Even if Nana didn't, Ayame did and would fill Nana in as soon as possible.

The reality of the situation was beginning to settle in. Reborn clenched his fist in frustration. The half of the Vongola Rings were here. This was the first step to secure Ienari as Decimo.

Reborn hated this.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Ring Inheritance

Ienari was bouncing with excitement. Something good was about to happen, he knew it. When he woke up this morning, he had expected to be dragged outside by Reborn for another hellish training lesson. Instead, he found a visitor at the dining table.

"Hello Sawada-dono. I am Basil from the CEDEF. I was tasked with delivering the halves of the Vongola Rings to you. With your acceptance of these halves, your candidacy for the Vongola Decimo position is secure," Basil said. He handed Ienari over the wooden brown box bearing Vongola's crest.

Ienari grinned as he opened the box. So these were the halves of the Vongola Rings. They didn't look very impressive, but Ienari could feel the power coming off of them.

All he had to do was win the other half and Vongola would be his.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

A Swift Goodbye

"Leaving so soon?" Nana asked. She wasn't really surprised. If this boy was anything like Iemitsu, as soon as his business was done, he would be gone in the wind.

Basil smiled softly at her. "Yes, I should get back to help."

"Surely you can stay longer?" Nana wheedled. It would be nice to hear what Iemitsu had been up to, considering he barely called. He barely came home.

Sometimes Nana wondered why she tried. She loved Iemitsu ferociously but it was like her husband insisted on killing that flame. Sometimes she wondered if she had fallen out of love and was just mechanically playing a role these days. Maybe she would never know.

Maybe he had fallen out of love too? Was that why he never came home? Or was Vongola and the CEDEF just that more important to him?

(Did he appreciate her faithfulness?)

Here was a relationship built on lies. It was surprising that it had lasted as long as it had. But Iemitsu never explained and Nana never questioned. Now, here she was plotting how to separate her children, choosing one over the other, and keeping just as many secrets from her husband as he was keeping from her.

(Her parents must be rolling in the grave.)

"I cannot," Basil said mournfully. "I should get back to help Master."

"Did he raise you well?" Nana asked quietly. She recognized that childlike adornment. Basil was not just Iemitsu's apprentice but something closer. Bitterly she realized that Iemitsu had raised this child, was close enough to Basil for Basil to consider him as a father figure, yet was never home for his two own flesh and blood.

(If he had been home to help her raise them, would her children have grown the way they did? Would Ienari not attack Tsuna every chance he got? Would Tsuna have more confidence in himself?)

"It's selfish to say this, but yes," Basil answered her question kindly. He gave her a deep bow. "Please allow me to apologize for my Master's behalf that he couldn't always be here."

Apologies don't amount much to Nana these days.

"But, Master will be home soon. He's taking time off to come and visit you and your son," Basil said.

(She didn't miss the singular. Son. Did Iemitsu forget that he had two? How could he only tell the boy he did raised about one of his sons?)

"Ah? Is that so?" Nana said with false cheer.

Basil didn't notice and matched her smile. "Yes. Goodbye Sawada-san. Thank you for the tea."

She waved goodbye as Basil left. Once he was gone, she locked the door and rested her forehead against the door.

"Mamma?"

She looked down to see Reborn, clearly reading the worry behind his impassive face.

"Iemitsu is coming home," she said.

She noticed how Reborn's eyes flicker towards Tsuna's room first before looking at Ienari's. Thankfully, she didn't have to explain. Reborn seemed to understand.

Iemitsu was coming home.

It terrified her more than she thought.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Cloudy Sky

Skull balanced on the top of wall. He had some time before he had to meet his student. Hachirou wasn't very proactive and Skull wasn't exactly sure how to get him to move. He wasn't like Reborn who could motivate his student through sheer fear and awesomeness. Honestly, Skull wasn't sure why Reborn had called him in the first place.

"Ah, hello."

Skull turned to see brown eyes staring up at him, surprised by what he saw. They were gentle looking, more round instead of sharp.

"Hello Ienari," Skull said.

A wryly smile appeared. "You have me mistaken. I am Tsunayoshi, Ienari's twin. Please call me Tsuna."

Huh. Reborn didn't mention a twin. Wait. Tsuna? "Ah, you're Chrome-chan and Haru-chan's Tsuna?" Skull asked.

Tsuna nodded. "Yes. We're friends," Tsuna said, beaming. "They mentioned meeting you."

"I'm Skull!" Skull introduced himself. "I'm a stuntman!"

"That's cool," Tsuna said. "What kind of stunts do you do?"

"Motorcycle ones!" Skull said proudly, all too happy to boast about his favorite activity in the world. He liked that Tsuna didn't immediately dismiss his job. "I ride my bike down ramps and do amazing flips and tricks. I'm the Amazing Immortal Skull!"

"That sounds amazing," Tsuna said. "When is your next show?"

Skull hesitated. He hadn't been able to do any shows since being inflicted with the Arcobaleno Curse. His body just couldn't handle the stress of it. "I haven't had one recently," he said, shoulders sagging.

"You'll have to invite me when you have your next one then," Tsuna said firmly.

"It's a promise!" Skull said. Even if the curse never broke, he would find a way to hold some sort of show for Tsuna and his friends. This was the first time his job was so easily accepted.

Besides, he couldn't disappoint a fan!

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Maximum Punch

"Harder kora!"

"HYAAA!"

The post shattered by the force impact of Ryohei's punch.

"Great job Ryohei!" Colonnello said. The sun hung low over the horizon, slowly rising. The lesson would have to end soon as Colonnello would have to swing by to pick up his other student. Finding out that Ryohei was often up before the sun even rose was a blessing. It allowed Colonnello to train Ryohei without it conflicting with him training Hisen.

Looking at the power behind Ryohei's punches, Colonnello felt a swell of pride. His eyes didn't deceive him. Ryohei was indeed a strong student. It had only been a few days and already Ryohei had increased the strength behind his punches thanks to Colonnello's training.

"Extreme!" Ryohei said. "My punches are even stronger!"

"Alright! One more round before we part ways for the day," Colonnello instructed. "Give it your all Ryohei!"

"Yes!"

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Don't Bow Your Head

Tsuna hummed to himself. It was a rare morning where no one had met him at his house as he left for school. He wasn't complaining as he rarely had a moment to himself. Tsuna couldn't blame the others for their paranoia, but sometimes Tsuna appreciated a little breathing room. Plus, it had allowed him to meet Skull.

"Tsuna-sama!"

Well peace was always short lived in Namimori.

"Good morning Hayato," Tsuna greeted.

To his surprise, Hayato got on his knees and bowed. "I will accept Tsuna-sama! Thank you for considering me as one of your Storms!"

'Oh Hayato,' Tsuna thought fondly. He tugged Hayato back up into his feet, dusting the dirt off of his friend.

"I'm happy you accepted the ring, but honestly Hayato. As I told you, walk beside me and just be my friend. That's all I ask," Tsuna said. He smiled gently, feeling warmed that Hayato would go this far.

To think that Tsuna was originally just going to avoid Hayato. Looking back, the idea seemed like an impossibility.

"Of course!" Hayato said.

Another friend had come home.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Feeding Storms (Why am I here?)

Kensuke gasped for air as Fon threw him again. His head throb from coming into contact with the ground again, seeing the stars for a brief moment. Above him the blue sky stretched for miles, endlessly. He huffed and puffed, feeling the hard ground beneath him, hearing the cry of a bird in the distance. Grasping at the dirt and wondered again why he was doing this.

"Giving up?" Fon asked. "A Storm is relentless. We never give up."

Kensuke felt something brittle in him break. In the back of his head, he could hear Hisen berating him, telling him to stand up. He struggled to stand, reaching for his discarded bouken.

"Where is your resolve?" Fon questioned.

Kensuke faltered. What was his resolve? Why was he doing this? He didn't know.

Still, he stood.

"Well, continue to crawl your way," Fon said. "Maybe you'll find your answer in your path."

He would! (He wouldn't.)

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Stupid, Stupid, Stupid

Kaori hated this, hated all of this. She was dirty and covered in sweat. If Ienari hadn't asked her, she wouldn't be here. It was so stupid! She was tired and her muscles hurt and ached. Plus Ienari's tutor had the nerve to shoot at her!

Her Sun Flames burst to life, washing away her exhaustion and healing her. A bullet graze her cheek and she glowered to see Reborn staring down at her like she was a bug in the dirt. "You have ten more laps to go. I suggest you run," Reborn said flippantly.

"Keep it up Akemi!"

Kaori swooned. Ienari was encouraging to run! She got back up and ran.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Dodging Bullets

Hisen could admit her teacher was good. He was an infant, (something she didn't quite understand), but there was no denying that he was powerful. She flared her Rain Flames just in time to slow down his bullets enough for her to deflect with her iron fan.

She grit her teeth as one broke through her Rain Flames and pierced her thigh.

"Ready to give up, kora?" Colonnello asked.

Hisen snarled. "Never."

Colonnello grinned. He took aim. "You asked for it."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Moving Mountains

"Hey don't sleep!" Skull shouted. His shout fell to deaf ears as Hachirou didn't move.

Skull scowled and bulked up. He didn't want to do this, but Hachirou wasn't giving him much punch. He swung a punch down at Hachirou.

Hachirou managed to roll out of the way. "What the hell?" Hachirou said.

"Stay still and take hits like the lightning you are supposed to be!" Skull said.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Stake Your Claim

"You wanted to see me, kora?"

Shamal lit a cigarette, drawing in the smoke and breathing it out. He knew this conversation had to go delicately. No matter what, Colonnello was still an Arcobaleno which made him dangerous. Unlike with Reborn, there was no friendship between Shamal and Colonnello, just only that he knew who Colonnello was.

"What is your motive for training Sasagawa Ryohei?" Shamal asked.

He had been surprised when Ryohei had come to him saying that Colonnello had offered to train him in the early mornings. It didn't conflict with Shamal's training with Ryohei as Shamal was a night owl, preferring to teach Ryohei in the evenings.

It was fine. Ryohei had proven he could maintain this schedule on top of his schoolwork. Shamal had no idea when Ryohei was sleeping, but figured Kyoko would ensure her brother's health.

If it had been anyone but Ryohei (and Hayato), Shamal wouldn't have bothered by too much. It was simple formula. Shamal was teaching strictly healing and medicine. Colonnello was teaching strictly how to become stronger and how to be a better fighter.

But Shamal could admit the kids had gotten under his skin. Namimori was the closest thing he was calling home and he was protective of Tsuna and his friends. With the shit they had gone through, they didn't need any more people trying to take advantage of them. So if Colonnello was trying to use Ryohei in any way, Shamal was going to remind the Rain Arcobaleno why he was considered to be one of the world's deadliest assassins.

Colonnello crossed his arms and huffed. "I just saw a bit of myself in him. That's all. Ryohei mentioned his evening training were being taught by you. I figured I would just help him become stronger."

"I see," Shamal said. Stronger. All the kids wanted to get stronger. They had people they wanted to protect, a close-knit group that grew larger and larger.

"Don't push him too hard," Shamal grumbled. "He still has to school to attend."

"I won't," Colonnello said. "I thought you already had a protégé, the Smoking Bomb Gokudera Hayato."

"Hayato isn't interested in learning medicine. Ryohei is," Shamal said. "Don't go picking up Hayato either. He has enough teachers."

"Fair enough."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Goggles

"Success!" Shoichi said. He held up a pair of goggles with comfortable leather straps and green tinted lens. "I think we've finally figured it out."

"Shall we test it out?" Spanner said, just as eager. He pulled the goggles over his eyes and to his disappointment nothing had outside the green tint of the lens.

"What's all the racket about?" Ayame asked, poking her head into the lab.

Shoichi grinned, not feeling overwhelmed by her presence for once. "We finished the Sight goggles," he said before deflating a little. "Only they don't seem to work?"

"Back to the drawing board," Spanner said with a sigh.

"What part of Sight are you testing?" Ayame asked.

"The one to see ghosts," Spanner answered.

Hesitation flashed across Ayame's face. It was enough that Shoichi winced, remembering that particular level of Sight was something she wasn't all that fond of. "We can try a different level," Shoichi offered.

"It's fine," Ayame said. "But if you're testing it, there aren't any ghosts nearby for you see to test if it is working."

"There aren't?" Spanner asked.

"No, I don't like having them around," Ayame said. "So, there are protections and wards to send them off. But if you want, we can take a walk and see if we can find any. If nothing else there's Kasumi-chan."

"Who?" Shoichi asked.

"Little girl ghost who haunts outside of my apartment," Ayame said dryly. "I keep trying to get her to move onto the afterlife, but she doesn't understand."

Shoichi felt a stab of sympathy as he winced. He really didn't want to see a dead little girl. That was probably why Ayame didn't like this particular ability. People died all the time, tragically and brutally. As he understood, Ayame had no way to really turn off the ability either.

"I hope we find someone else," Shoichi said.

Ayame threw him a look of understanding. "Mmm. You shouldn't test it without me either. Not every ghost is friendly after all. That goes especially for you Spanner. Until you get your Rain Flames fully active you have no defense and Shoichi you're going to have to learn how to fight with your Sun Flames if you want to properly defend yourself."

Oh dear. Maybe these goggles weren't such a good idea.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Gameplan

"So?" Reborn asked. It had been one week since Skull and Colonnello's arrival and Reborn wanted to know where everyone stood. The four Arcobaleno had gathered on Namimori Middle School's rooftop: a wide and open area with some privacy. Kyoya knew they were up there and hadn't been bothered by it.

In the distance, the sun was already beginning set, coloring the sky rich oranges and reds. Their students had been dismissed for the day, staggering home exhausted and barely able to move.

"I'm having trouble with Hachirou," Skull admitted. "Getting him to move is the biggest issue. He's… unmotivated."

"Getting Kensuke to move isn't an issue," Fon said. "But he doesn't know what drives him. He is the type that will lose their way later on in life, following others only to wake up to the crushing realization when reality finally hits him. I think of all of Ienari's Guardians, he is the only one who doesn't truly realize what he's getting into."

"No, he's the only one who doesn't realize and will care when he does realize," Reborn added. "Hachirou is too apathetic. It's all a game to him. Kaori doesn't realize it either, but she's so infatuated with Ienari that as long as Ienari continues to encourage her, she won't care."

"And when she realizes that Ienari doesn't like her that way?" Fon asked.

"She'll go on a killing spree. If they weren't halfway synchronized, I would say she be the type that if she can't have him, no one else can. But, since she's a Sun, she might never get to that point, or simply content with her fantasies," Reborn said dryly. Akemi Kaori was never the ideal Sun and if Ienari would have listened, Reborn would have never recommended her. In Vongola especially, your Guardians were your lifeline, your first and last line of defense. Kaori was far too unstable mentally to be a good Sun. Not that others were any better.

Maybe it would work for Ienari to have such volatile Guardians. Ienari himself wasn't exactly the picture perfect stable candidate. Not with his aggression issues.

"Hisen is fine," Colonnello said. "A little too bloodthirsty, but for a civilian, she'll probably be one who can actually hold her own against the Varia. Not sure how she would fare against Squalo himself, but she'll be okay, kora. She can hold her Flames pretty well. You might want to take her back just to work on her stamina and reflexes."

"We'll swap Kaori and Hachirou," Reborn said. "Kaori has absolutely no training so, Skull work on her stamina and ability to dodge. I'll get Hachirou moving. And if I'm taking Hisen back, you can have Hideki. He needs to work on his Flames."

Colonnello nodded. "He does that strange thing with that brush of his right?"

"Yet another variation of Spirit Energy," Reborn muttered.

"What?" Colonnello asked.

"Yes," Reborn answered.

"I'm fine with Kensuke," Fon said.

Reborn nodded. "Then it's settled."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

More Tutors

"Are you planning on bringing in more tutors?" Fon asked after Skull and Colonnello left.

"Iemitsu is coming back," Reborn said. "Most likely Ienari will be trained by him if he decides to stay. I'm thinking of asking Dino and Bianchi, if they're willing to tolerate Ienari's Guardians. Dino will agree most likely, but Bianchi is firmly on Tsuna's side that she might turn it down. We'll shuffle them again if that's the case. Kaori will be better suited under Bianchi for example."

Fon hummed as they walked back to the Sawada Household. "Should I be concerned that Iemitsu is coming back?"

Reborn scowled. "If Nana's reaction is anything to go by, yes."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Set the Sky on Fire

"NANA DARLING! I'M HOME!"

"I-Iemitsu?!"

Naturally, Iemitsu's return to Namimori was without any warning, loud and noisy. It was like a tsunami, sweeping in and engulfing everything in its path without any care.

"Tousan?" Ienari asked, dumbfounded.

"Nari-kun!" Iemitsu laughed, picking up his youngest son. "How have you been?"

"Wh-what? You're alive?" Ienari asked baffled.

"Of course! Papa is sorry he's been away for so long," Iemitsu said. He let go of Ienari to swing Nana into a hug.

Nana gave him a startle look, her smile straining just a little. "Welcome back," she said.

"Where's my tuna-fishie?" Iemitsu asked, putting Nana down.

"Hello Tousan," Tsuna said softly from behind Nana.

Iemitsu grinned, reaching out to tousle Tsuna's hair. "Papa is back."

In the corner of the room, observing the small family, Reborn frowned.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Drunk Rambling

"So how goes training my son?" Iemitsu asked, taking another swing of his beer. His cheeks were rosy red, but Reborn knew Iemitsu was only lightly buzzed.

Reborn frowned again, noting the singular usage. There wasn't even clarification. "Fine," Reborn said. Nowhere near the standard that Reborn had wanted, but without Dying Will Bullets (that Reborn was never firing at Ienari again), Ienari was going as well as expected.

The rest of the house was quiet. Everyone else had gone to bed, leaving the two of them up and alone. Fon had locked himself in shared bedroom of Fuuta and Lambo and Bianchi had done the same for hers and I-pin. Nana was always safe but Reborn had no doubt that Meishi was with her. Ienari was still blissfully unaware and Tsuna was the only who was technically vulnerable if only because Reborn was out here with Iemitsu instead of with his Sky.

It spoke of something that it had taken Bianchi all of two minutes to understand the disparity of the Sawada Family. Bianchi's instincts were top notched. She never had any problem noticing the undercurrents, but she still inexperienced enough that she didn't always understand what the undercurrents were, the cause and reasoning why. That she had pinpointed the cause and why spoke loudly of how serious the situation was.

Iemitsu disrupted the flow in the Sawada Household and was, as far as Reborn could tell, completely blind to the change in atmosphere.

Everyone was walking on eggshells except for Ienari and Iemitsu and Reborn was just a little baffled by it. Nana was uneasy, her smiles weren't nearly as happy. Tsuna got so quiet that Reborn was constantly checking that he was still present. It was so entirely jarring.

"The Varia are coming," Iemitsu said, sobering up. "Will Ienari be ready to face them?"

"You should train him," Reborn said. "I can't get all of his Guardians and Ienari strong enough by myself."

Iemitsu frowned. "I will stay as long as I can, but…"

"But what?" Reborn pressed.

"I have a feeling Nono will need me for something soon," Iemitsu admitted.

That was disquieting. Iemitsu's Hyper Intuition wasn't as strong as Tsuna's, but it was enough. Was the Varia planning something?

"When the Varia does come, we know they will, make sure you protect Nana especially," Iemitsu said, sipping his beer.

"Ah," Reborn said, acknowledging. It left a bitter taste in his mouth that Tsuna remained unmentioned in the entire conversation.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Training Shuffle

"Wait, Tousan, you're training me?" Ienari asked in disbelief. It had been a quiet relief to find out that Reborn would no longer be overseeing, but he had been surprised that his father had stepped forward.

Iemitsu lit his Sky Flames. "Of course Nari-kun! Now show me what you got."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Cooking Buff

"Honestly, I could care less if you got any better," Bianchi said, tossing her hair over her shoulder. She stared down at Kaori who was scowling up at her.

"I don't need your help!" Kaori snapped.

"Then you die," Bianchi said.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Cutting Water

Dino wondered if this was really a good idea. He would never turn down a request from Reborn, but Ienari's Rain was a violent bloodthirsty girl. Reminded Dino a bit of Kyoya to be honest. Not that Dino would ever tell Kyoya that.

He dodged the slash from the iron fan, wrapping his whip around Hisen's wrist.

"You're too aggressive," Dino remarked. "You'll run straight into an enemy's attack."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Motivation

"But what are you fighting for?" Skull pressed. When Kensuke was given to him, Fon had cautioned that while he wasn't the strongest fighter, his belief system wasn't there. But how could someone just robotically fight? Surely there must be a reason why? Any reason was fine, as long as there was a reason to begin with!

Kensuke faltered, still unsure.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Relentless

"So you're the Koujin heir," Fon mumbled to himself. The youngest of Ienari's Guardians was the strongest and most experience in both fighting and the underworld.

Fuun balanced his kunai on his finger. "What of it, Storm Arcobaleno?"

Fon never had met a Cloud willing to blind themselves, but the power and prestige of Vongola was a tantalizing one. Still, Fon couldn't stop the parallels between Fuun and Kyoya. Even compared to Yun, Fuun was just so… small.

"Let's see how you fare in a storm," Fon said.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Draw

Colonnello took aim and with a quick shot, the brush fell from Hideki's hand. He watched as Hideki manage to dodge the next shot (not that Colonnello was really aiming) and pulled out another brush. The kanji for rock appeared, summoning a rock wall for Hideki to hide behind.

Colonnello had to admit, Hideki's ability was something different. Combined with his Mist Flames, it was easy enough to confuse what was real and what wasn't. Very tricky and underhanded, and would work well for anyone who wasn't an Arcobaleno. Colonnello could still tell the difference.

He grinned as he took aim. By the time he was done with Hideki, Hideki would able to switch between his ability and Flames with ease.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Run

Reborn cracked his whip, causing Hachirou to run faster. Honestly, Reborn hadn't met such a lazy and unmotivated person before. Skull was right, getting Hachirou to move had been an issue and right now Reborn was forcing him to run laps around Namimori, dragging Reborn along in a tire.

He cracked his whip once more, the minute Hachirou slowed down.

"Goddamnit!" Hachirou swore. "Stop cracking that whip!"

Reborn was still not impressed. If Hachirou wanted it to stop hurting he could have summon his Lightning Flames to deflect Reborn's whip.

Of course, it hadn't occurred to him.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Dinner Time

Since coming back, Iemitsu wanted everyone to sit down and eat together. He didn't seem to notice that Nana immediately tensed at the idea, Ienari scowled and Tsuna practically shrank into himself. He also wouldn't take no for answer.

Dinner was… an odd and strange affair. Ienari quickly and excitably told Iemitsu about his friends, his school and how far his training was going. He even boasted about his many trophies he had won. Tsuna mindlessly picked at his food, remaining silence at the entire time.

Nana's eyes darted back and forth, watching her husband, watching her sons, watching the rest of the kids. Bianchi helped feed I-pin and Lambo and kept a watchful eye on Fuuta. Fon and Reborn inserted themselves between Ienari and Iemitsu and the rest of the family; an additional buffer between the most vulnerable.

Every so often, Iemitsu would remember Tsuna and shot a question to him down the table to him. Tsuna would always manage to smile, politely answer the question, even managing to look interested. The conversation held long enough to satisfy Iemitsu but always died a swift death.

"It's like a delusion, forcing a fantasy onto a reality," Fon remarked quietly, his words so soft that even Reborn had to strain his ears to hear them.

Reborn nodded in agreement. This was barrier of separation and he wondered if Iemitsu and Ienari saw it and knew why it was happening.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Acknowledgement

Tsuna hated being home. Iemitsu was there and it felt… false, cold, hollow like his world was tilted just a little too much and he hated it.

He didn't exist in comparison to Ienari in Iemitsu's eyes.

Iemitsu… Iemitsu has always been an odd subject for Tsuna. There wasn't any way to really describe the depth of his feeling towards that man. Tsuna hated him, loved him, a conflicting paradoxical ocean of emotion.

Tsuna understood. He knew why Iemitsu was gone for so long, why he didn't dare to come home often in fear of leading his enemies here. He knew that Iemitsu had many responsibilities and a famiglia he couldn't abandon. He knew that Iemitsu was frighteningly competent at his job and that the safety Tsuna had in his early childhood before Ayame's arrival was due to the hard work of the CEDEF. (It wasn't that they didn't continue to protect the Sawada Family. It was just that Ayame was exceeding more efficient at it.)

Just because he understood, didn't mean he liked it.

Tsuna remembered the days when all he wanted was his father to come home. They were always different, Ienari and him. Before they had splintered apart, Ienari always shined brighter, had more friends, slipping into society and the high social circles with easy. Tsuna was aching lonely, watching his brother run ahead, his father stay away and his mother grow overwhelmed.

Iemitsu didn't even need to actually come home. All Tsuna ever wanted from both his parents was the simple belief that he could do anything he wanted if he set his mind it, the support that would have carried him to high heights just because they believed in him. He found it in Ayame, in Reborn, in Giotto, eventually in Nana, that patient waiting, endless faith and belief that Tsuna could and would pass all their expectations. He found it in the friends that would walk beside him, waiting for him to catch up, offering a help hand when he need it.

Iemitsu may have loved them, but it didn't erase the fact that Iemitsu wasn't there. Tsuna was so tired and bitter over that fact.

But mostly, all he wanted was Iemitsu to acknowledge his existence.

(He wasn't invisible. He wasn't a failure. He wasn't.)

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Suffocating

Tsuna took a deep breath as he slipped out of his house. Reborn came along with him, immediately noticing Tsuna's plan. Truthfully, Tsuna didn't mind. Some company, company that actually acknowledge that he existed, would be appreciated.

It was a warm evening, heralding the slow approach to summer. The sun had just set, its bright yellows and oranges just beginning to cool down in the dark blues of the night sky.

For once, it felt like Tsuna could breathe.

"Are you alright Tsuna?" Reborn asked.

Tsuna managed to give him a shaky smile. "Ah, yes. It felt too crowded at home."

They wandered the streets of Namimori mindlessly and without any direction. Briefly, Tsuna wondered if he should just head over to Ayame's apartment or Kyoya's house. He wasn't sure he could return home tonight.

"Ah senpai! Tsuna!"

"Oh, hello Skull," Tsuna said. Carrying a bag of food was Skull. With him, was Colonnello with his own bag.

"Skull, Colonnello," Reborn greeted.

"Isn't that Ienari?" Colonnello asked.

"No!" Skull said. "That's Tsuna. Ienari's twin brother. He's much nicer."

Colonnello fixed Reborn a leveled look. "You didn't mention a twin, kora."

"Tsuna wants to stay out of the mafia business," Reborn said. "I don't want you to draw attention to him."

"Why are you out tonight?" Skull asked Tsuna.

Tsuna smiled. "Just taking a walk."

"We'll join you," Skull said.

Tsuna nodded in acknowledgement and continued his wandering. He felt Reborn's heavy and concerned gaze, but paid no attention to it.

The stars started coming out one by one, shining and gleaming. Tsuna traced the few constellations he knew, a small smile on his face. He took another deep breath, the tight suffocating feeling that had been building in his chest slowly fading.

Finally, his wandering brought him to Kyoya's house.

"Reborn," Tsuna said, looking down at him. "I don't plan on going home. Kyoya-senpai will welcome you if you want to stay, but if not, I'll you see you tomorrow."

"Go on inside, Tsuna," Reborn said. "I'll be in shortly. Don't forget to call Mamma."

"Hmm," Tsuna hummed with a nod.

With any luck, Kyoya wouldn't be too mad about Tsuna's late appearance.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Rest Your Weary Heart

"What the hell, kora?" Colonnello asked the minute Tsuna had disappeared into the house.

"Why isn't he going home?" Skull demanded to know.

Reborn looked at the closed door, frowning. Iemitsu's appearance at home was beginning to take a toll on Tsuna. But he hadn't realized how much it was wearing on Tsuna until today. It had only been four short days since Iemitsu had returned and the entire Sawada Household was under strain.

Iemitsu's continued insistence that everyone eat together was not helping. The thinly veiled insults that Ienari threw, the way Iemitsu's attention drifted to Ienari first and foremost, it was like Tsuna continued to shrink into himself.

It had everyone concerned. Iemitsu's appearance also meant that Ayame and her wards didn't come over for breakfast anymore. Reborn wasn't even aware of Vongola's stance on Mukuro anymore. Ayame had already offered to let Tsuna stay at her place, despite her own apartment being filled to the brink.

"Remember, Iemitsu is home," Reborn finally said, leaving them to draw their own conclusions.

"Doesn't like Iemitsu, kora?" Colonnello said. "Why didn't you mention a twin before, Reborn? None of this Tsuna doesn't want anything to do with the mafia world. That never stopped you before. His blood relation alone means he won't escape."

Reborn shrugged. Either Colonnello and Skull will figure it out like Fon or they won't. They hadn't even met Ayame yet.

"Is there anything we can help with?" Skull asked.

That took Reborn by slight surprised. He had known Skull had met Tsuna earlier, but he hadn't realized how fast Skull how gotten attached to him.

"Tsuna likes friends," Reborn said. It probably was the only thing Tsuna actually wanted in life. Good friends to walk beside.

"Friends, kora?" Colonnello said. "Who are you and what did you do with Reborn?"

Reborn didn't dignify that with a response. Instead, he said, "Good night."

He didn't wait to see them leave. Right now, all Reborn wanted to make sure Tsuna got some rest.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Entering Endgame

"Good morning, Kyoya-senpai," Tsuna said with a yawn.

Kyoya gave him an exasperated but fond look. Reborn was already up as well, sipping at a cup of green tea. The sun had just broken the horizon, pouring sunlight through the opened shoji door.

"I'll bite him to death," Kyoya said.

"It's better to leave it alone," Tsuna said. He was under no delusion whom Kyoya meant.

"Not if you don't feel safe in your own house," Kyoya said.

Tsuna didn't have anything in defense.

The remainder of breakfast passed in silence. Finally, Kyoya stood. "I'll be leaving for Namimori Middle. Don't be late for class and lock up the house. Someone will pick up your school bag from your house," Kyoya said.

Tsuna nodded. "Thank you."

"Baby, don't let him out of your sight," Kyoya said.

"I don't plan to," Reborn said.

Kyoya nodded and left.

Tsuna cleaned up the last of the breakfast dishes before grabbing the spare uniform he kept at Kyoya's house. There was still some time left before he had to go when there was a knock at the front door.

Reborn beat him to it, tentatively checking who it was.

"You two," Reborn said, opening the door wider to reveal Skull and Colonnello.

"Good morning," Skull said.

"We wanted to check in, kora," Colonnello said.

Tsuna smiled, waving hello. That was nice of them.

His senses tingled, feeling someone spying on them. The subtle shift in the three Arcobaleno told him that they also noticed it as well. However, before anything could be done, there was a scream and a crash. A body was launched out of a window from the house across the street, crashing to the ground. Ayame appeared after it, landing on the person's stomach and knocking them out.

"Neesan?" Tsuna asked, running out of the house.

"Who the hell is that, kora?" Colonnello asked.

Ayame tied up the person. "Ah, Tsuna!" she greeted him. "Don't mind the mess. I'll call someone to clean that up."

Skull blinked. "Did she just throw someone out a window?" he asked confused.

Tsuna stiffened a laugh, catching Reborn's irritated expression. Of course, Reborn would be annoyed by that. Ayame spent her entire time avoiding Reborn when he first arrived, but for Skull and Colonnello she practically did something strange and odd the first time they meet.

That was when Tsuna caught the uniform the man was wearing. "Neesan…" he said trailing off.

"For a Varia member, this is certainly poor Varia Quality," Ayame dryly remarked. She threw a concerned look his way.

"They sent a spy kora?" Colonnello asked.

Tsuna pursed his lips, that tight suffocating feeling returning. He knew Varia were coming, but they were certainly getting ready to mobilize if they're already starting to send out spies and scouts.

"Breathe Tsuna," Reborn gently said.

Ayame rested a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay Tsuna."

"Does that mean the Varia is already on their way?" Tsuna asked.

"Xanxus is almost back to full health, but no. I promised Reborn here that I would go cause some chaos and stop them from coming so soon. But it won't be that much longer," Ayame said.

Tsuna took a deep breath and tried to relax.

It felt too soon.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Sleep Spell

Nono clenched his fist in worry. They had received another investigation report of the Shadow Court. He had no idea what they wanted in Italy but it was enough that everyone was beginning to take notice. They had been silently active but had gone quiet just a few weeks ago.

There didn't seem to be a real pattern to the attacks and thus no reason why they had suddenly stopped (or started in the first place either.)

Nono rubbed his eyes, feeling drowsy. With Iemitsu gone, his workload had doubled. The remainder of CEDEF were busy keeping an eye on the Varia. Xanxus had remained silent since his group had broken him out.

"I think I'll take a nap later," Nono said to himself. His eyes felt so heavy. He was no longer a young man; the stress of this job was finally beginning to get to him.

Slowly he his eyes shut. Just before he slipped away, he heard someone.

"Voi, that was easy. The old man didn't even resist."

"This job is going to cost you."

"Yeah yeah. Let's get him back to the boss."


And everything is starting to line up. Iemitsu is back, Ienari and his Guardians are getting training and Tsuna doesn't feel safe in his own home. Checkmate is coming soon.

Also please check out my original fanzine, Graveyard Shift here (remove #) seiartsu#.#storenvy#.#com/products/18990682-graveyard-shift-volume-1

Please leave a review on your way out!