Ritsu: Whaaat? A chapter that doesn't have a one word title?!

You will see why.

Chapter ost: Tokyo Ghoul OST Yutaka Yamada (Idk if it has an actual name or not, but that's what people call it.

Chapter warnings: Cursing. Rotten Melon. Badass Tomo. Mukurowl.

Enma was going to die.

I had to do something. It wasn't about my 'duty' anymore. It was about my feelings. Enma was my friend. He mattered to me. He was important. I refused to let him die!

Without hesitation, I began running towards him, ignoring the yells of both Mukuro and Tsuna telling me to stop. I had already lived two lives. Enma was just beginning his. I had survived before. I could do it again.

Because I was certain…

That as long as my spirit remained unbroken, Daemon Spade would never be able to truly kill me.

"Don't you dare touch Enma!"

Enma's eyes widened. Tomo was running towards him. She wanted to save him. She would be in danger.

Don't come here!

A moment later, everything seemed to stop.

The next, she was in front of him, arms spread out protectively.

Daemon came closer.

No!

And then something happened.

A blinding light made him close his eyes, but he could feel the blast of energy before him. Surely, Daemon Spade had-

His hair stood on end, almost as if it had been electrified.

And when his eyes opened, he stared in amazement as the blades Daemon had used, the Rain Vongola Gear, shattered as they bounced off of the crystal like green shield connected to Tomo's hands.

On her forehead, green lightning bolts flickered continuously, and as she turned her head to the side, partially meeting his gaze, he met a calm eye, vividly green rather than the color he'd expected.

She was smiling, though it sharply contrasted with her expression of calmness.

A moment later she turned back to stare at the enemy before them.

"How strange… A moment ago my emotions were running so wild… but now, I feel oddly calm…" she spoke, her voice taking on a lower tone than what Enma was used to. She sounded almost… bored.

"Hyper Dying Will Mode…" he heard Tsuna mumble in shock.

"And that flame on her forehead… Lightning." Reborn added, eyes narrowed.

Tomo sent them a small smirk.

"So this is what it feels like… to fight with your dying will…"

Enma finally found it in him to move, walking up beside her.

"Tomo… you…" he began, unsure of what to say. She closed her eyes, shaking her head.

"We'll talk later. Right now… you and Tsuna-san's got a melon to crack."

He found himself grimacing at her crappy joke, and hearing it spoken in such a deadpan voice almost made him want to cry.

I'm sorry I hurt you… Tomo… I… I want to become strong enough so it'll never happen again!

He never spoke the words out loud, but the smile and the softening of her eyes told him she understood it regardless.

As Daemon made some distance between himself and the shield Tomo had formed, his eyes never once left her form.

Daemon was pissed. I didn't need any kind of intuition to tell. His eyes held so much anger in them, they alone could've killed me if looks could kill.

I was glad they couldn't.

It was odd, having brought out my dying will.

I was already dead, so it shouldn't have even worked in the first place, but I was so glad it did. So so glad.

The moment it had happened, when I had reached Enma, it had felt like my feelings were being stuffed away into a jar, and while the lid had been screwed on I could still feel them. But they were dull. As if they were coated in ice.

In a way, it was nice. I could think rationally, I could focus and I felt strong.

I was a crappy fighter, I had no doubts there, but things had changed and even if all I could provide was a distraction and a shield, it was something.

I could do something.

And that filled me with a sense of pride I'd never experienced before.

Additionally, the strain of the Hyper Dying Will Mode would surely fill me with a sense of pain I'd never experienced before, but hopefully that wouldn't happen until after Daemon went down.

If I can't last that long, I'm as good as dead…

"You really love getting in my way, don't you? Couldn't just die, like you were supposed to."

I let out a chuckle, trying to will the shield to disappear. I'd be vulnerable, but the shield was draining my strength at a rapid pace.

"I suppose I've gained a sort of affection for it, yes," I replied smoothly, narrowing my eyes at him. I had no doubts he would use anything he knew about me against me, but I believed in Tsuna.

"But do us all a favor and shut the fuck up, and just die already. Go to hell where you belong, Daemon."

It was rather amusing. Despite the serious situation we were in, Tsuna had this hilarious look of shock on his face, and he muttered something akin to 'Tomo-san's kinda scary…'.

I sent him a look, and he promptly shut up. My gaze came to focus on the silver necklace around Daemon's neck. It truly bothered me he had that important necklace on him. It may have been Mukuro's body, but Daemon's spirit had no right to wear it.

My eyes narrowed as I met Daemon's gaze.

"And get rid of that disgusting haircut while you're at it, piece of shit eggplant…"

I honestly wasn't sure why I suddenly found myself cursing so easily. Perhaps having my emotions stuffed away made my otherwise polite manners null and void. But the look on Daemon's face was worth it.

When he recklessly lunged towards me for another attack, the look on his face when I blocked it once more made a feral grin spread on my lips.

"You know… I once sympathized with you, Daemon. But then you went and took away someone precious to me. As if that wasn't enough, you hurt my friends, manipulated Enma to the point where he lost himself… and now you've gone and stolen a body that you have no right to possess. Do you seriously believe… you're justified in your actions just because you lost Elena?"

Daemon glared at me and I found myself wondering if I had just done something stupid. I probably had.

"You don't know anything!" was his furious reply, face contorted with anger. I merely sent him a blank stare before smirking.

"So you do believe it justifies your actions. Well, let me tell you something, Daemon Spade."

My eyes narrowed.

"You blamed her death on Primo. That it was his fault for not making the Vongola strong enough. But you know what? You can possess all the strength in the world, and still fail to protect someone. There are times when you're simply too weak. And that isn't Primo's fault. Just like how I was too weak to protect Mami… you were too weak to protect Elena. I was heartbroken when she died, but I accepted it and I moved on. You claim you want to change the future Vongola, to make them strong… but someone like you who refuses to let go of the past… Someone like you can't make anyone or anything strong, because you're still clutching onto that weakness from back then."

He attempted to shatter my shield again, this time leaving a mark behind. I was using up too much energy, but I needed to rattle him, to increase Enma's and Tsuna's chances of winning.

"You're weak, Daemon. And you always will be, precisely because you can't let go of the past."

The mark grew larger, and I found myself wondering just what the hell Tsuna and Enma were doing, just standing there looking dumb. I shot them both looks.

"Stop sulking, Enma, and beat this guy. That goes double for you, Tsuna. I'll explain everything later, so focus on the battle, got it?"

"Wha- Tomo-san!"

I let out a chuckle.

A moment later, Enma sent me a nod, determination replacing the guilt that had once been on his face and Tsuna sent me one last look, a pout on his lips.

Good… Please… go according to plot… please…

Seconds passed and I removed the shield. Enma took off, Tsuna now by his side, and I took a step backwards before my legs decided to stop cooperating with me. Of course, there was a chance of Daemon attacking me, but I couldn't will myself to move, and I noticed the two bosses were making good work of moving the battlefield away from me.

Watching the 'no-good combination' was fascinating. The way they fought as if they were longtime allies was stunning.

That, was the first thought that struck me as the flame on my forehead died out.

But I was worried too. In the manga, it had taken them everything to win.

Now would be no different.

Moments passed by, and something white fluttered by before landing on my shoulder. A moment later Chrome approached, having once stood where Tsuna had been. I felt a twinge of guilt for not noticing her properly, but she simply crouched down next to me.

"A..Are you okay?"

I turned my head to look at her before nodding. I gestured towards my legs.

"My legs refuse to work with me, however…"

As I said that, I felt a sudden pang of pain in my abdominal area, and I found myself coughing up blood, clutching my stomach.

My wound must have opened up!

Enma's jacket was growing darker, I mused, not wanting to stain it, but not wanting to take it off either. After all, if I did, I would just cause more worry. Chrome sent me a look of worry, but remained silent as I wiped the blood off of my chin with my- with Enma's sleeve. I'd have to apologize later.

Perhaps it would be better… if I had Mukuro remove my physical body. It would be easier on him too. Having to maintain my body as well as Chrome's organs can't be easy in that form…

But I didn't voice my thoughts out loud, instead managing a curse under my breath.

A moment later when I heard Mukuro complain about Daemon using his body however he wanted, I found myself chuckling. Mukuro probably hadn't noticed my wound, so absorbed in the fight. Daemon had split up into six copies by now, causing the two bosses great struggles. It made me wonder why he hadn't attacked me yet, but I figured he wanted to cause me pain by killing them first. He seemed like the type.

"Tsuna and Enma are more than capable of crushing you."

I tuned into the conversation as I realized Reborn had situated himself on my lap. In a way, I felt a bit irked, as if I was being looked down on when I personally thought I had been pretty awesome back there. But in another way, it made me feel somewhat safe. Mukuro was there, Reborn was there. Even Chrome was there and we had never met before.

I could see why Tsuna was stronger when surrounded by his friends.

"Don't think I haven't noticed that blood stain, Tomo."

My face went blank.

Crap. Mukuro sounds kind of angry.

"Don't forget who's maintaining that body for you. I could more than well sense the moment you were struck. You did something stupid, didn't you?"

He was speaking quietly, no doubt not wanting Reborn to overhear. Of course, Reborn was bound to hear it considering he was on my lap and Mukuro on my shoulder, but I decided to let Mukuro think he was smart.

"… It… It wasn't that stupid," I lamely defended myself, my cheeks growing warmer.

I awkwardly shuffled closer to Chrome, but soon realized it didn't make a difference when Mukuro flapped a wing in my face. I spluttered, my mouth full of feathers, before I slapped the back of his owl head roughly, my eyebrows twitching.

"Just… pay attention to the battle instead, you… you… stupid owl!"

The way his owl face shifted, I realized he probably raised his eyebrow at my crappy insult. However, he did decide to focus on the battle, deeming my injury to not be life threatening.

I took it as a good sign.

If I could just maintain my will to live, I hoped my spirit would repair itself, so to say. And I figured Mukuro would fix up my physical body when he got his body back.

If.

But I hoped.

"BOSS!"

Chrome's sudden yell snapped me out of my thoughts and my eyes widened in horror as Tsuna was struck down. And then Enma went all out.

His black holes had caught Daemon, and the look he sent Tsuna was clear.

"Shoot right in here, Tsuna-kun!"

My heart clenched painfully.

"Use every bit of your flame, and incinerate Daemon into ash!"

Enma's willingness to sacrifice himself had always surprised me. Even though he found out the truth and he came to consider Tsuna as a friend again, it had surprised me. A part of me worried it was because he felt guilty about hurting me, another part told me Enma was simply a good person who could make difficult decisions.

Enma…

"Could it be…" Reborn trailed off, his eyes never leaving the battle.

Mukuro mumbled his name to himself, seeming surprised by his actions.

Tsuna however, was hesitating.

"If I shoot, you'll get hit too, Enma!"

"That doesn't matter! It's the only way we have to defeat Daemon! Hurry, Tsuna-kun!"

I found it too hard to listen to it, closing my eyes.

Until Mukuro spoke next to me, when I could no longer ignore what was happening around me.

"Daemon is correct. Sawada Tsunayoshi still lacks the rational logic and consideration needed to lead a group to victory. The thought of sacrificing his comrades in order to obtain victory terrifies him. That is a fatal weakness for any leader."

Mukuro had a point, I mused to myself. But he also had a fatal flaw. He was talking about Tsuna.

"This is Sawada Tsunayoshi we're talking about. There are many reasons why he's not cut out to be boss. He's indecisive, unable to commit to action when victory is on the line. But it's because he considers his comrades' safety above victory that we've made it all this way."

"That's why people follow Tsuna, isn't it?" I added quietly, gaining a nod from Reborn.

"And that is what saved Enma from being lost. He values life."

I found myself wanting to stand back up. I so badly wanted to run to Enma, to protect him, so Daemon could be defeated.

Even though I knew it wouldn't be over, I wanted to believe it would.

Having lost myself in my thoughts again, I didn't react until Chrome suddenly went running.

I found myself staring dumbly, my mouth open in shock. I had often heard people complain Chrome was so weak, but for her to run straight into danger to protect someone she didn't know was quite a powerful thing to do.

"Shoot, boss! I'll protect Kozato Enma!"

Chrome's words shocked everyone, even me. I had to admit, I found myself surprised by the supposed plot more than I had expected.

But I also found myself oddly annoyed when Enma's cheeks grew red as Chrome activated her mist barrier. I couldn't quite place why.

"Chrome! The XX Burner isn't attack that your flames can defend against!"

Did he blush in the manga?

"Now you've gotten caught up in Sawada Tsunayoshi's careless passion… This is far too rash…"

He could have. I wouldn't have memorized such a small detail.

"What a troublesome little girl. No matter what happens now, there's no way Sawada will shoot…"

As Mukuro collapsed from using up his flames to aid Chrome, I caught him easily in my arms.

Why the hell was it bothering me so much that Enma blushed anyway?!

"… The barrier should be fine now… Fire already, Sawada!"

I shielded him too!

Mukuro let out a groan, and I blinked in surprise before I realized I had tightened my grip quite a lot. I instantly loosened my hold on him, muttering a quick apology.

Then I found myself tightening my hold once more, the force of Tsuna's XX Burner almost sending me flying.

Before it actually did.

And when I got my bearings back, I watched Reborn pull Mukuro out of some rubble before kicking him away. I wanted to facepalm.

I could hear them talking, but I found that I was too far away to actually hear their exact words. And with my legs out of commission, I could only slowly shuffle closer, which I decided against. My body was starting to hurt as an after effect of the Hyper Dying Will mode, my wound had reopened and it would be rather pointless. I knew what would happen.

But then something changed. The fake Enma I knew would run up to Tsuna was nowhere to be seen. The fake Enma that would turn out to be Daemon that would do the creepy hair thing and hurt him wasn't there. Their rings that would become one so they could defeat him-

Footsteps approached me.

No-

No-!

NO-!

Why is it different?! Why?!

My eyes widened as I willed myself to form a shield- anything- to defend myself.

A moment later it shattered, the sound echoing across the entire island.

I couldn't breathe.

"TOMO!"

Daemon Spade's hands were around my neck.

Something cracked.

Ritsu: Cliffhangers are great, don't you think? I hope... I hope no one will maim me for giving Tomo lightning as her flame. As fitting as sky might have been, I've seen it used far too often...

Anyway...

... I...