Alex:Welcome to chapter 9! I hope you all enjoy it, this turned into an all day project but it was fun nevertheless!

Enjoy!

XxxXxx

Chapter 9:It Begins

It was hard to believe only a single year had passed since Reborn had come to Namimori. And what a crazy year it had been. Mari was still in disbelief; she decided to go along with the chaotic shenanigans and immerse herself into this crazy mafia family. She still denied Vongola full heartedly, make no mistake about that. But to have friends to hang out with, to share laughs and memories that was everything to Mariko.

Each day always brought something new. It was life threatening, random, and made Mari question many decisions she made in her life. However, nevertheless it was the most fun she had ever had thus far in her new life. Mari would never admit it out loud for many ears to hear, especially Reborn, but the chaotic life threatening days were fun. It sounded so bizarre to even think such a thing even though it was true.

Deep down Mari was content.

Since she started hanging out with Tsuna and company the days slowly trickled into weeks and then suddenly months. Before she knew it an entire year had come and gone within a blink of an eye, it was surprising to say the least. So much had happened within that timeframe but as the saying goes a lot can happen in a year.

Mari continued to show everyone gymnastics, helping them stretch their bodies, showing them various skills and move sets. It was hard work but she enjoyed practicing with her friends. She was particularly proud of Tsuna who adapted quite well. Sure he had struggled for a time, seemed even on the verge of failure. Sometimes he did fail.

Tsuna surprised her greatly by persevering, striving forward to learn. Though to be honest Reborn was a driving faction to succeed lest the brunette wanted to get slammed into the ground with the Leon mallet. Regardless Tsuna worked hard, complained through it all, but worked hard and soon he was able to do basic skills. Successfully going down into the split position, a cartwheel, and even a hand stand without toppling over.

Basic things.

It was nowhere near the extent of what Mari could do, no he would need more years of training until he reached her level. She recalled one day observing Tsuna as he did a perfect handstand managing to maintain balance for a few minutes. Tsuna's face was contorted in intense concentration as sweat streaked down his face. He seemed determined to hold his position for longer than a few seconds, to not topple over.

Arms crossed over her chest she watches him closely, occasionally glancing at the clock on the wall. She keeps track of the time as Tsuna continues to hold his position without falter, his arms tremble slightly from the exertion. No matter what he doesn't release his position till the three minute marker is up. After he topples forward onto his back gasping for breath, smiling Mari unfolds her arms and claps.

Most impressive she thinks as Tsuna tips his head backwards to look at her. He flashes her an exhausted smile, through the exhaustion she could see a happy pride within his eyes. It was a momentous moment for the boy, he managed to do something perfectly without screwing up, without being a failure.

She was proud too.

Whatever happened to the weak pipe cleaner of a boy she always defended?

He was slowly dwindling away, transforming into someone new. Someone strong. Mari knew Tsuna was always strong, that he would become the strongest individual out there. To see where he once began and how he changed by the day was awe inspiring to see, Mari was glad to witness this first hand. Reborn would tell her she had a hand in making Tsuna strong, she would say otherwise.

The others adapted well to gymnastic training, at one point Haru and Kyoko even joined them. It was all in good fun. Mari helped everyone in the right positions, teaching them stretches, proper hand holds, balance, how to shift your weight. Everyone excelled in various ways, sometimes during training something random and fun would happen involving them to run for their lives.

Like accidentally breaking the gym window.

In all fairness it was Lambo's fault as he came barreling into the gymnasium one day after school as they trained. Aiming for Reborn with several hand grenades he screamed like a banshee as he charged to take the baby hitman down. Reborn didn't even bat an eye as he sipped his espresso and effortlessly backhanded Lambo away from him. The force was strong enough to send the toddler careening out the window.

"Hahi!" Haru cried as she promptly fainted on the mat. Laughing, Kyoko looked around confused as she wondered what had just happened.

"Where did Lambo-Kun go?" Cute but dimwitted Mari thinks, shaking her head as Gokudera cusses loudly.

"Damn cow deserved it. Hime please continue with the lesson!" Bright green eyes stare at her expectantly. She still hated that ridiculous name.

"AN EXTREME HIT!" Ryohei shouted loudly, causing Mari to wince. I think I went deaf she thinks as she glances at the boxing obsessed idiot. She had always known about Ryohei Sasagawa, he was an upperclassman and captain of the boxing team. Before she had intertwined herself with Tsuna's gang she had come across him a few times before. He always loudly asked her to join the boxing team which she always refused.

He wasn't a bad guy, very loud and excessive but Mari found him to be nice, a bit dimwitted like his sibling perhaps even more so when she thought about it. But Mari liked him well enough.

As Mari opened her mouth to rally everyone back to focus her body tenses as a dark foreboding feeling enters the gym. Slowly looking behind her she sees Hibari Kyoya standing in the doorway, his steel grey eyes focused on the shattered window.

Oh shit.

"Vandalizing school property," he says slowly as he begins to step forward. Tonfas at the ready he strides towards them like a predator after it's prey. "I'll bite you to death."

"HIIIEEEE Hibari-San!" Tsuna shouts terrified. Yamamoto and Gokudera seem a little nervous at the sight of Hibari. No doubt remembering the beatdown they once received from him.

I can only save one person Mari thinks as her gaze drifts over their large group. Reaching out quickly she snatches Tsuna's hand and sprints towards one of the side exits in the gym. Thank the Lord there were many more doorways than just the one.

"Every man for themselves!" Mari shouts over her shoulder as she bursts through the door. Running down the adjacent hallway with Tsuna behind her the two of them run as fast as they can away from the gym. Honestly she wasn't sure if the others were following or if they scattered to the other exits, her only concern was saving Tsuna.

"HIIEEEE Mari he's following us!" Tsuna shouts alerting her. WHAT!?

Glancing over her shoulder Mari can see Hibari hot on their trail, a dark aura surrounding him and it was as if the shadows in the hallway coalesced behind him to form one great big shadow. Truly it was terrifying!

Facing forward she kicks it up a notch, running faster she urges Tsuna to do the same as her grip on his hand tightens. He grips her hand just as tightly for Mari was his only lifeline. The two of them turned down many hallways, dodging various students who were studying after hours. The sight must have been hilarious to see two bare footed teens wearing gym clothes running down the hall.

Personally Mari didn't give a damn of what they looked like.

"He's still following!" Tsuna cries as they make another turn. Of course he was! Hibari was the demon of Namimori.

"Why the hell is he hounding us and not the others!" she groans. Her breathing was coming out in gasps now as she pushed her body harder. There was a stitch in her side that caused her pain but she couldn't stop. Mari didn't dare stop.

Reborn easily floated next to them using Leon who was transformed into a mini helicopter. "I told him you two were the one to break the window." he explains nonchalantly.

"You what!?"

"Reborn!"

Smirking Reborn chuckles at both of them. "I want to see how you two escape this together. As husband and wife you two need to work together for the good of Vongola." And with that Reborn was flying out of her reach as Mari tried to strangle him. She was going to murder this baby if it was the last thing she did!

"Mari!"

"I know!"

Turning another corner Mari sees Dr. Shamal in the distance flirting with a female teacher who merely walked away from him. Seeing him an idea sparks in her mind as she waves her hand happily to him catching the dejected man's attention.

"Shamal! If you help me then I'll give you a kiss on the cheek!" she calls loudly. Tsuna makes a strangled noise behind her but she doesn't focus on him. The sleazy dark haired doctor becomes head over heels with her proposition. Running towards her he aims to help her in her dire need, a damsel in distress is what he's most likely thinking. Easily going around Shamal was no big deal, at the very least she hoped he would buy them a few extra seconds before Hibari continued the hunt.

The sounds of a body slamming into the wall could be heard behind them. Shamal was a noble sacrifice indeed!

Their running seemed never ending till Tsuna had the idea to hide in the bushes outside the school. Taking a gamble the two of them dive inside and waited quietly for the slightest sound of movement, the two of them didn't dare breathe though they desperately needed air. They waited stock still holding their hands over their mouths.

They waited five whole minutes before they moved. Looks like Shamal was useful after all, hopefully he didn't kill Hibari. Or perhaps Hibari found something even worse to catch his ire, either way the two of them were safe to live another day.

Dropping her hands from her mouth Mari stares upwards at the leaves of the bushes they were crammed into. Sucking in much needed air she couldn't contain the laughter that bubbled out of her throat, Tsuna was no doubt staring at her like she lost her mind.

In a weird way this was fun she thought amused. She never caught Tsuna looking at her with a warm expression on his face.

As the seasons changed the cool touch of fall settled in before winter sunk it's cold claws into everything. Mari couldn't help but get antsy at this time of year, it always happened. She had died in the fall and as such whenever the autumn season rolled around she was nervous, wary even. Mari knew she was being paranoid but frankly the young girl couldn't help it.

Her nerves seemed to be even more shot this year than last. This time she was hanging out with Tsuna, before she was actively avoiding him. Now she embraced everything full-heartedly to an extent.

Rachel buzzed in her head like an annoying gnat urging her to run away and flee especially at this time of year. But life brings many dangers as Reborn told her once so like always Mari shoves Rachel away.

Tsuna could tell something was wrong immediately when the seasons changed. The hot summer transformed into cooler temperatures and with it Mari's attitude seemed to alter. He had noticed before through the years that this time of year seemed rather unpleasant for her. He had a feeling something bad had happened to her around this time though he never questioned her. Questions would make her even more uneasy and the last thing he wanted to do was make her uncomfortable.

So whenever they hung out and she looked panicked or uneasy a boldness swept over Tsuna. He would always take her hand tightly into his whenever she fell silent. It had surprised the young girl at first when he had first done this. They had all been hanging out after school as usual, they were clustered around outside in the cool air as they headed to Tsuna's house. Mari wasn't focused on the conversation and instead was invested on her surroundings.

Warily watching for anything out of place, any stranger that walked by caused her body to tense as she expected to be snatched by them. Her heart raced rapidly, her palms sweaty as her mind raced with many frantic thoughts.

"Go home. Get out of the public eye and go home, ignore Tsuna. He's dangerous."

Rachel talked to her endlessly urging her to simply go home, to ignore all her friends. Mari fought off every thought that wasn't hers.

"You know this time of year. He could come back like before and take you! Go home!"

Feeling a soft hand slip into her own caused her to stop walking and jerk away fearful of what was happening. Mari soon calmed when she recognized Tsuna. He was gripping her trembling hand tightly, as he did he simply gave her a gentle smile though deep within his Carmel colored eyes she could see concern for her wellbeing. Breath hitching unshed tears burned behind Mari's eyes before spilling forth, slipping down her cheeks silently.

Tsuna is startled at first by the sight of them but continues to merely smile. Reaching with his free hand he gently wipes her tears away. "It's alright, Mari." Soft spoken comforting words are whispered gently to her. They mean everything to her at that moment.

A soft whimper escapes her before she throws her arm around Tsuna and hugs him like she did that day so long ago. Tsuna is prepared this time as he hugs her back gently, this time there are no silent tears from Mari but loud sobs. Gokudera and Yamamoto, who had continued walking ahead unaware their two friends had stopped walking, froze hearing the loud cries. Looking back they see Tsuna comforting Mari.

"Everything okay?" Yamamoto questions worried as the two of them double back. He had never seen Mari like this before and it concerned him greatly. What was troubling her to the point of tears?

"Juudaime is Hime alright?" Gokudera questions wondering what made the girl cry. Whoever or whatever brought her to tears he would be sure to get rid of it! This he swore.

Smiling at his two friends, Tsuna reassured them that she was fine. Mari simply needs this moment to cry. So they let her do just that.

Moving over to a nearby bench, Tsuna sits down while Gokudera and Yamamoto head off to buy some comforting items for Mari. Tsuna suggested warm tea as that was Mari's favorite drink of choice

There the two sat alone.

Mari's loud crying eventually dwindled down to soft, keening sobs. Through it all Tsuna rubbed her back soothingly with his free hand while his other held tightly to hers. Her head was buried into his chest as her free hand fisted his shirt tightly. Even when her crying came to a complete halt the two didn't part from their embrace. Tsuna just continued to rub her back as he softly whispered that she was alright.

A few civilians walked past them, seeing the sight of the two of them prompted much cooing and awing from the passersby.

"Such a cute couple!"

"Relationship goals right there."

His face grew warm from the comments but he didn't say anything. Of course Tsuna would like nothing more than to date Mari but he was content with the relationship they had now. They were good friends and for Tsuna that was more than enough for him. Would he like for it to possibly go further? Yes. Was he going to strive and push it? Push her? No. If it happened it happened. For now being friends was what made him content. Afterall he had always wanted to be her friend.

"Sorry…." Mari mumbles as she lifts her head up. Green eyes are red rimmed and puffy from all her horrible sobbing. No doubt her face was a horrible mess of tears and snot. How gross was that.

Smiling Tsuna uses the edge of his sleeve to wipe her face clean. "It's okay you need to cry." he informs her gently. Sniffling Mari nods her head as her long hair moves to cover her face, a light blush dusted her cheeks. The two lapse into comfortable silence for several minutes.

Chewing on her bottom lip she peeks out from behind her hair briefly to glance at Tsuna. He wasn't looking at her, his gaze was forward as he watched several people walk by. He looked very peaceful….cute even. His messy brown hair swayed gently in the cool breeze as his soft caramel brown eyes watched the world moving around him with a gentle expression.

He's really cute.

Blinking, she retreats, hiding quickly behind her hair once more. What the hell was that thought!?

Shaking her head she strives for conversation if only to get out of her thoughts. "U-Um thank you for helping me again…." she squeaks out as she lets go of his hand. Mari hadn't realized she was white knuckling Tsuna's hand. Oh, god she was cutting off circulation for him!

"Don't mention it. I'll always help." he smiles. Seeing that warm smile directed at her caused a fluttery feeling to well up inside of her. Flustered, she looks away from him, resting her hands on her knees; she's saved from further embarrassment when Gokudera and Yamamoto call out to them. Looking over she sees the two of them running over. Gokudera held a tray of warm drinks while Yamamoto held a box of warm dumplings.

"We found a stall that was selling fresh dumplings! He even had some Oolong tea as well, the owner was very nice." Yamamoto laughs. He was happy to see Mari's tears had ceased.

"Here you go Hime! This should warm you up." Gokudera smiles as he hands her a warm cup. Smiling Mari thanks him and takes a long comforting sip of her favorite drink. For the first time in a long time Mari felt at peace this time of year.

Ever since then whenever the panic rose within her threatening to boil over Tsuna was quick to take her hand. Whenever he did that the panic receded away like a tide, she felt grounded and safe, reassured that she was alright.

Tsuna made her feel safe.

As fall fell into winter the world around them became blanketed in white as a heavy snowfall graced the town of Namimori. It was nice to have snow on the holidays, hopefully the snow would stay in time for Christmas. The day before Christmas Tsuna's house was a cacophony of noise, everyone was over the brunette's house preparing for tomorrow's festivities.

Nana Sawada worked happily in the kitchen baking all sorts of treats with the help of Kyoko, and Haru. Mari jumped in to help as soon as she arrived, handing Nana the bag of baked goods her mother had made the day prior Mari moves to wash her hands and prepare cookies with the girls. It was a long task baking from scratch but the end result was always the best.

At one point Mari had to save several batches of cookies from Bianchi. That was a task in itself but she managed.

When enough sweets had been baked Mari headed off to see what Tsuna and the others were up to. The remaining crew were outside making snowmen, Lambo and I-Pin ran about tumbling in the snow ruining Gokudera's masterpiece. Disgruntled Gokudera grabs Lambo, chucking him into a snow drift and cursing the small child.

Shaking her head Mari soon smirks as she grabs a handful of snow. Creeping up behind Tsuna who was diligently working on a snowman Mari grabs the back of his jacket and stuffs the snow inside. The boy lets out a ridiculously loud shriek, dancing around as he struggles to get the cold ice out from his shirt. Keeling over in laughter Mari hugs her sides as she laughs long and hard.

"Mari!" Tsuna huffs.

"Hey Mari-Chan!"

"Welcome Hime!"

"Welcome to the EXTREME!"

Wiping tears from her eyes she waves but soon yelps when snow is dumped over her head by Reborn. The baby merely smirks at her telling her to always be prepared for an enemy to strike at any moment. Annoyed, she shakes the snow out of her hair.

Joining in on the fun Mari helps Tsuna fix his snowman, to be honest it looked anything but that, they all stay outside until the cold proves too much. Shuffling in they enter the warmth of the house as the delicious smell of dinner and baked goods wafts to them. Herding into the crowded kitchen they all take a seat.

It was a loud boisterous affair but fun nevertheless. Reborn stole half of Tsuna's food prompting Mari to share her portion with him. Tsuna was thankful.

Lambo tried to swipe all the cookies during dinner which sparked outrage and annoyance. Mari calmly explained if Lambo wasn't good then Santa Clause wouldn't come to deliver him presents. That changed his tune real quickly as he placed all the cookies back. Taking a seat back at the table he was good for the rest of the evening.

As the evening dwindled on people began retreating to home. Mari starred in surprise at Reborn as the hitman handed her a small elegantly wrapped present. Plucking it from his small hands she examines it before setting it down quickly.

"Is that gonna explode?" she questions cautiously. It wouldn't be the first time he's pulled a stunt like that.

"No stupid Mari!" Reborn huffs. "Open it or I'm taking it back."

Nodding her head quickly she takes the present, slowly opening it she blinks several times. Inside the box was a small twenty centimeter rod. It was gold in color, the ends of it had a clam design carved into the metal. Picking it up she noted it was smooth to the touch as she ran her fingers along it, quirking a curious brow she felt the hint of a small button. Pressing it she jumps in surprise when the rod extends farther than twenty centimeters.

It was easy to hold though Mari had the feeling whoever got nailed with this would be hurting.

"You need a weapon to defend yourself and I felt this was fitting for you. Your skills in gymnastics are good but let's work on implementing rhythmic gymnastics to your routine as well as a few various fighting styles." Heh leave it to Reborn to give her something for defense. However, Mari wasn't opposed to such an idea, she welcomed it.

Smirking at him she shakes her head. "A welcome idea but you do realize I'm not accepting my place in Vongola, yes?" Mari would refuse till the end of time, there was simply no way she was marrying Tsuna.

"You say that now but you will." Reborn calmly stated so sure of himself.

"As if," shaking her head she attempts to twirl the rod in her hands. Fumbling it clatters to the ground, this would take some getting used to. "Thank you for the gift. I think learning how to fight would be good." Mari knew how to throw down like the best of them, granted they were meager punches and kicks with obvious cheap shots to the groin area. She knew how to fight but learning further was always useful. She was excited for this new venture.

"Good because after the holiday training starts at dawn."

At least he was giving her a day off to enjoy Christmas, that was something at least.

Retracting the rod Mari tucks it away safely before tossing Reborn his gift. It took her quite a while to track this down but she figured he would enjoy it. Being an avid coffee drinker Mari managed to acquire a rare espresso she had a feeling the hitman would like. Wishing him a Merry Christmas Mari heads off to gather her shoes and coat.

Tsuna walks her outside to the gate. The snow beneath their shoes crunch beneath their feet as they make their way forward. Night had already fallen as up above the stars shone brightly above, the light of the moon bathed them in it's ethereal glow. Snow lazily drifted down overhead making the night even more beautiful than it was.

"I had fun." She comments softly. Tsuna smiles, glad to hear Mari enjoyed herself throughout the day.

"That's good. It got a little crazy as I was sure the fire was going to burn down the house." he laughs. It wouldn't be the first time Gokudera set fire to something and nor would it be the last. Luckily they were quick on their feet to put the flames out.

Giggling at the recounted event she nods. "I think we managed to avert a crisis."

They were at the gate now but Mari wasn't leaving quite yet. She enjoyed Tsuna's presence, and conversing with him was always a joy to her soul. Reaching into her bag Mari pulls out a small gift wrapped in snowflake covered wrapping paper. A small red bow adorned the top of the gift.

"Merry Christmas." she mumbles blushing. Thrusting the gift forward towards him she looks away as Tsuna stares at her in curiosity. Smiling he gently takes it from her grasp, whispering a thanks he unties the bow carefully unwrapping his gift. Inside was a soft orange colored scarf, it's hue reminded of a soft warm flickering flame. Something he vaguely recalled seeing once when he was very young.

"I figured something practical would be nice considering the weather." Mari says as she kicks some snow to the side. Did he like it? Did she do a good job of making it? Were their mistakes? Why wasn't he saying anything?

Her mind was such a muddled mess that she missed the look of adoration Tsuna sent her way.

Slipping the scarf around his neck, he hands her a small wrapped box.

I wasn't expecting a gift in return Mari thinks as she slowly takes the present. Opening it up Mari finds a beautiful butterfly hair pin. It's wings were a beautiful lavender color, it looked iridescent in the moon's glow.

A soft gasp escapes her. "This is beautiful."

Blushing it was Tsuna's turn to look away. Slightly flustered a rosy blush dusts his cheeks as he looks anywhere but her. He was glad she liked it.

"Merry Christmas, Mari."

Mari sees Tsuna sheepishly looking at her from beneath his eyelashes. He gave her his usual soft smile, his cheeks were pink in color due to the cold. Crap they had been out here for a long while, the hour was growing later by the second she really needed to head home.

"Thank you, Tsuna." Smiling, she reaches out to take his hand. Giving it a tight squeeze she's about to say something further when something small and green hangs over their head from out of nowhere. Looking up the two of them see Reborn dangling a small sprig of mistletoe over their heads with a fishing pole causing the two of them to let their hands go and deftly move away.

"Do you mind!" Mari shrieks at Reborn.

"Reborn!" Tsuna glares. Seriously, why did he always have to push these things?

"Tradition states that those caught underneath must kiss."

"Bye!" Mari cries before running down the street. God Reborn was such a nuisance! She was not becoming a mafia boss's wife dammit!

All Tsuna could do was stare forlornly as he watched Mari run home. What would it be like to kiss her he wonders as he wanders back inside.

The holidays brought its extreme craziness but went off without a hitch. New Years was fun as Dino returned for a visit with his family. As such the Vongola New Years games were started, like Kyoko and Haru, Mari wore a kimono. Every year her mother made her a new one, and this year her mother made a beautiful red kimono with gold butterflies adorning the material. Putting her hair up she used her new pin to hold her hair into place.

Mari hadn't cared if the color of the pin didn't follow the outfits color scheme.

The days blurred together once more as winter fell away into spring. One evening Mari was over at Tsuna's house working on homework. Gokudera and Yamamoto as always were over as well, leaning back against Tsuna's bed. Mari held up her worksheet as she tapped her pencil against her lips as she processed the next question.

Heaving a heavy sigh she writes in the supposed answer before sitting up. Glancing at Tsuna who was sitting on the floor with his back against his bed Mari rests her chin on his shoulder. "Hey, what did you get for question three?"

Startled Tsuna drops his pencil before looking sheepishly at Mari. His worksheet was devoid of any answers, as always he was struggling with his work.

"I got forty-two, Mari-Chan!" Yamamoto pipes up from the side. Hmmmm she got the same.

"Dame-Tsuna needs to work harder." Reborn huffs from his easychair. He'll have to implement an even harder training regime to help Tsuna focus on his studies. Tsuna groaned in despair for he knew what would be coming in the future.

Lifting her head up Mari laughs as she moves to sit cross legged on the bed. "It'll be fine, Tsuna besides…..Oh crap is that really the time?" Mari was startled to see that the clock read eight o'clock. She hadn't expected to get so wrapped up in studying to the point of losing track of time and tomorrow she had to be up early to meet with her team members. They had a competition in the morning.

Jumping off the bed she haphazardly stuffs her items into her bag. "I'll see you guys tomorrow at school. Gotta run!" she waves as she runs out of the room.

"See ya! Good luck at the competition tomorrow Mari-Chan!"

"You'll do great, Hime!"

"Good luck, Mari!"

Hearing the well wishes of her friends caused a smile to curl her lips as she bolted out the front door. Wishing Nana and the kids a goodnight Mari runs down the street heading to her house, where she lived several blocks away. So much to do she thinks as she decides to draw a bath once home, a nice relaxing bath before a competition always helped relax her.

The warmth of the night felt nice against her skin as she lightly jogs. The stars were already beginning to come out to play as various street lights flickered to life. The neighborhood was calm, all was quiet, not a soul was around.

It was hard to believe so much had gone on in the past year. Thinking back on her life this time last year she could see how much everything had changed. Mari had friends now, she no longer kept to herself, though she dealt with internal struggles she strived every day to push past them and live her life. It was a welcome change.

Mari had grown close with everyone but the one person she grew the closest with was Tsuna. To her he was her best friend. It sounded strange to call him that considering how she treated him for years.

Nevertheless she was content with how things were.

As Mari passes an intersection she halts upon hearing a voice from the shadows.

"Mariko Himuro of Namimori middle school, seat number ten." The voice was soft spoken, practically devoid of a defensive stance Mari looked towards where she heard it, someone knew her name. She didn't like this.

"Who's asking?" She questions warily.

Soft footsteps reach her ears as a boy her age steps out into the light of a streetlight. Glasses adorn his face as he adjusts them slightly, the light glints off them casting an eerie glimmer as oceanic blue eyes stare into her own. Dark colored hair framed his face, the boy wore a white beanie and what seemed strange to her was the fact he had a barcode tattoo on his left cheek. Wait….that uniform!

Taking her rod out from her bag she takes an offensive stance. Damn she didn't think they were in that arc already, looks like the daily life arc was over for awhile.

"I would prefer it if you'd come quietly." Chikusa sighed as he observed the girl before him. It was rather strange she seemed to take an offensive stance at the mere sight of him. Something noteworthy to mention to Mukuro-Sama.

"What do you want?" Mari hisses glaring. She couldn't help the shake in her hands, tightening her grip on her weapon she stared down the boy. The real danger was starting to sink its teeth in, the realization settled deep within her. Shit was going to kick off now.

"You." Chikusa stated calmly before charging forward. Alarmed Mari dodges to the right effortlessly moving away from him, twisting around she aims a well timed strike she nails Chikusa in the side. Grunting that barely deters him as he pulls out his Yo-Yo. Gotta be careful of the poison needles she tells herself as she cartwheels to the side to avoid a strike.

Chikusa expertly sends out his weapon, a bunch of needles scattering into the air raining down over her head. Moving deftly Mari manages to move quickly out of the way avoiding every needle that gets pinned to the ground behind her. Lunging forward she thrusts her weapon straight just as Chikusa winds up to send another volley of needles her way. She had to interrupt him before he strikes again. Slamming the rod into his face she's satisfied when the boy crashes to the ground. A gush of blood bursts into the air as Mari takes another stance.

"Missed me!" she laughs. The training with Reborn was certainly paying off well.

Grunting again Chikusa slowly sits up, his face is stained with blood, his nose begins a steady stream of the crimson liquid. It spills down his face, sliding down his neck and staining the front of his clothes.

He really wanted a shower at that moment.

"Did I?" he questions raising a brow.

"Yes you…..Ngh…" Mari's words are cut off as she hisses in pain. A burning sensation flares through her body pulsating from a certain pinpoint. Looking down Mari sees several needles embedded into her left calf. Eyes widened she looks towards Chikusa who shows her another Yo-Yo. Two….he had two...he had only used the one before and Mari had completely forgotten he had another one. Damn she had become too sure of herself, Mari could hear Reborn chiding her now.

Wincing in pain her weapon falls to the ground clattering loudly. Black spots dot her vision and it's becoming harder and harder to stay awake. Her body felt like it was burning from the inside out. Whatever toxin was in the needles was working quickly through her system. As Mari collapses to the ground, terror unlike any other grips her. It's happening again.

No…...I don't…..

Mari is unconscious within seconds.

Getting to his feet Chikusa slowly walks over. His face hurt from the harsh blow to it but it didn't matter much to him. He could patch himself up and take a nice shower when he returned to the hideout. Kicking the girl's things into a nearby shrub, Chikusa reaches down to the unconscious girl, slinging her effortlessly over his shoulder as he begins his trek home.

Mukuro-Sama would be most interested in her.

XxxXxx

Alex:DUN DUNNN DUNNNNNN! I wonder what's gonna happen to poor Mari;) As always let me know your thoughts and I'll see you guys in the next chapter.

Ciao Ciao