DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN

Natsuki's POV

I patted my side pocket for the 5th time assuring myself that Mammon's pacifier was still there. It was a dangerous bet to bring it to battle but I couldn't think to leave it behind. 'Nervous, Natsuki-sama?'

"Just making sure." I slipped on my leather gloves, giving myself one final inspection in the mirror. My Varia jacket was neatly kept to match my black and grey attire underneath. My belt was buckled on the second last hole with my staff attached to the slip on the back, along with my gun and backup ammo resting on my right hip.

I tapped the toe of my combat boots a few times adjusting to properly fit. I double checked that my braid was rightfully in place under a shorter top layer before completing my look with my usual black skull mask with yellow plated eyes. 'For Mammon and Verde. I guess Colonello too.'

'Wise words before battle.' Fantasma jumped on my shoulder where I petted him with one finger.

"Sometimes I feel like you're mocking me." He didn't say anything much like his master.

I met up with the others in the meeting room. Tsunayoshi pulled me to the side where he asked me to watch over the girls in battle. Once Irie had gotten dressed we went to Namimori Shrine where the battle was supposedly to be taken place. We were, however, transported to a city through a flame powered transportation machine.

My attention was kept on the unruly, green haired male holding a mangled stuffed rabbit with many scars that matched the one across his face. His movements were too fidgety for my liking, not to mention his lingering stares at Kyoko and Haru. It was after Tsunayoshi and Byakuran spun the roulette that made the man react. I held my staff against his neck as I pinned him down to the floor, hearing Kyoko and Haru squeal behind me.

"H-how?" The man uttered, his eyes bulging out.

"It's rude to attack someone when there's a conversation happening." I pushed my staff further into his neck only to have an eerie, familiar Cloud vine wrapped around the man's wrist dragging him back to his side.

"I'm sorry about that. The second I take my eyes off him. Daisy has a weakness for lovely and fragile, like you two." I felt the two girls shivered behind me. I took half a step back to further cover them, never taking my eyes off of Mammon's murderer. 'What kind of monsters are these people?'

Byakuran started to clap in my favor. "Hmm." He hummed cheerfully. "To match Daisy's speed is something I can praise. As expected of the Haunting Shadows. Or should I called you Natsuki di VV-AR-IA." I scoffed at Byakuran's childish form of mockery. Not only did he reveal my real name but I could tell he knew that I had Vongola blood. It was the way he stretched out the letter V in Varia. It was unnecessary yet at the same time it wasn't. He was specifying that I was a part of Varia as if I didn't belong there.

"Whether or not you know my name means nothing to me, Byakuran de GE-SS-O." I returned the gesture for fun.

"I'm surprised you even helped Tsunayoshi-kun considering the things I've seen from you. Your lineage had many paths that you could have taken, Fi-ah I suppose Natsuki-kun would be more appropriate." I felt myself tense at him almost calling me by my birth name. For him to find out the name Natsuki was shocking enough. Yet to find out my birth name was next to impossible. Just what exactly was Byakuran's power?

"What are you applying here?" 'Purposely using my Vongola name... Was he suggesting that I should have over thrown Tsunayoshi-kun?'

"Nothing much. So Tsunayoshi-kun, have you decided your players yet?" Byakuran diverted his attention over to Tsunayoshi not answering the question. I was tempted to push any of the other participants aside so that I could partake in the battle but decided against it.

In the end our side lost in Choice. The battle was cut close with both targets being knocked down at the same time. However, Daisy was pumped with a high amount of natural Sun flames that almost instantly brought him back to conscious.

The loss was not taken well by Irie who demanded to continue even at the expense of his own life. According to him the loss meant that Byakuran now had control over all the parallel worlds through the power of the Tri-Ni-Sette. Irie demanded a rematch on the account of an old promise that Byakuran did not recall.

"I, as Millefoire's boss, formally rejected that." I placed my hand on my staff readying myself to attack Byakuran's smirking face.

"I oppose." An unknown voice spoke. I felt Mammon's pacifier warm up in my pocket despite the Mammon chain around it. I placed my hand over the light that was trying to seep its way out. 'What the-?'

"Byakuran, as the boss of Millefoire's black spell..." My eyes widened at the familiar object that hung around the mystery girl's neck. "I hold half of the authority to decide."

Mammon's pacifier cooled down without anyone noticing as all their attention was on the Sky Arcobaleno, Yuni. She had been in a state of hypnosis under Byakuran's control making the Gesso and Gigilo Nero Familgia's join together. After once more refusing the rematch, Yuni left the Millefoire and begged Tsunayoshi to protect her.

"Not only me, but the pacifiers of my comrades too." She revealed her hands filled with the pacifiers of the fallen Arcobaleno. Yuni made them glow in a brilliant light making Byakuran have a sudden change in attitude. As he made his way towards Yuni I felt my blood boil.

Two gun shots rang out from Reborn and I's guns. Reborn's at his sleeve and mine in front of his shoe. "Don't push your luck, Byakuran. I don't give a damn who you are. But if you lay one finger on the Arcobaleno boss, I won't stay quiet."

"Playing the knight in shining armor, strongest of the babies, Arcobaleno Reborn? And what about Natsuki-kun? What do you gain from helping Yuni-chan?"

"The satisfactions of letting you lose." I moved closer to Yuni's side.

"Do not worry Byakuran-sama. We will take back Yuni-sama." Kikyo flew up, throwing his Cloud thorns at us. I smirked under my mask as I felt Squalo's shift in position. I didn't have to worry about counterattacking with Squalo's tendencies around. After Tsunayoshi announced that we would be protecting Yuni I finally let loose.

I jumped onto Alo along with Squalo. While Squalo sliced at Kikyo I attempted to kick the Storm Mare barer from the side. Both skillfully dodged our attacks. Squalo stood back on Alo with his sword held up to the side. Without any signals needed I used his sword to propel myself back at them. Using the momentum of Squalo's push I was able to slip in between Kikyo and the Magma man. From behind, I bounced off the building, tackling Kikyo into Alo's waiting open mouth.

Kikyo noticed where I was aiming him and used his vines to shut Alo's mouth shut. With his flames he managed to stabilize himself out of Alo's tail whip while prying me off his back. I returned over to our side catching Tsunayoshi and friends already making their way to the transportation device with Gokudera blocking the path.

"Oy you people." I looked behind me at Kyoya holding his box out. "How long will you continue to aggravate me? That's my prey." Not a second later, Kyoya let his hedgehog box weapon spread around the Funeral Wreaths.

I grabbed Gokudera by his forearm, roughly throwing him onto Alo to make our retreat. We had to get some of future Mukuro's help to escape near the end but still made it back to Namimori in one piece. For now we had about a few hours until the enemy could make it back. I retired to my room where Reborn told me about a meeting in front of Irie's time machine in 2 hours.

I laid on my bed with my right arm resting on my forehead. 'Yuni, huh?'

I flinched as Squalo threw open the doors in an angry fit. "VOOOOI I'VE BEEN LOOKING FOR YOU!"

"You know knocking wouldn't kill you, right?" He slammed the door behind him ignoring my statement. I sighed before sitting up, careful not disturb the sleeping Fanatsma next to my pillow. "Did you need something?"

"You used your gun today."

"I realized."

"You hate your gun."

"I am aware of my feelings, yes."

"Is the fact that we lost bothering you?"

"No, not really. It was more Tsunayoshi-kun's loss than mine. At least now I have a chance to kill Kikyo with my own hands. That's what makes it interesting."

"THEN WHY ARE YOU ACTING SO MONOTONE! YOU SOUND LIKE FRAN!" Squalo started to swing his sword in my direction in an angry fit.

"I take that as a compliment." I shifted my body to lean against the wall. "I've been thinking. That Yuni girl. Does she seem... off to you?"

"Off?" He placed his sword back into it's sheath and leaned against the wall.

"Yeah. I can't put my finger on it but my instinct is telling me that she is hiding something from us." I ran my hand through my hair in frustration.

"Do you think she's a spy for Byakuran?"

"No it's nothing malicious. I could say that much. Her resemblance to her grandmother and mother is creepily, uncanny so I have no doubt on who she claims to be. But if she's anything like them then she's intelligent. She stole the Tri-Ni-Sette away from a power hungry dictator. She knows that we can't hide her forever so she has something else up her sleeve. I just can't figure out what."

"Well if that's the case then she stole the pacifiers for a reason. With the power of the Arcobaleno's pacifiers who know what she could do. She would need Mammon's pacifier next." He paused. "You're not going to give it to her, are you?"

"Is it that obvious? Of course not. Princess of the Arcobaleno, sure, but she is no more than a stranger with familiar blood. She holds no place for me to begin to trust her. I know better than anyone that blood means nothing if you have no name on yourself." My mind repeated the memory of Yuni shining the pacifiers in her warm light. She held an abundant amount of power for a child that it was frightful. Yet despite her immense amount of power she was holding back something.

"Are you seriously acting stubborn right now? Yuni may be planning something but if you deem her safe then she is our sole weapon against Byakuran."

"Have you not been listening? I hope you are not implying that I give Mammon's last possession away to some stranger." I glared at him.

The bed jumped a little when he took a seat next to me. "Look here, Mammon is dead. We haven't said this to your face before but now you have to accept it. If Yuni needs that pacifier to defeat Byakuran then it's up to you to give it to her. Not hoard it like a selfish child."

My eyes downcasted to my lap. "Squalo-sama." I said in a lower volume. He tensed up at me being in a vulnerable state. Despite his 'kill the small fry' ethics, Squalo never thought to attack anyone that was shown to be innocent. I took advantage of his vulnerable state to kick his side, pushing him off my bed.

He fell on his butt then slammed his hand on the bed frame. "VOOOOOI!"

"What do you take me to be?" I held back my need to tackle him and instead stomped my foot. I could feel my nails dig into my palms.

"I know that Mammon died. I saw with my own two eyes the whole scene. Everything that he thought beforehand. The exact moment the dagger pierced his body! I can't deny his death nor would I. I'm not like Tsunayoshi-kun who's never seen the light go out in someone's eyes. Maybe it's because future me had more time with him or maybe because she didn't have Fantasma, but I will not use his death as an excuse for my miscalculations. Yuni is an unknown entity that appeared out of thin air and you expect me to just trust her?! Don't joke with me!"

I hated that I was getting worked up again. But how was I suppose to react? Mammon left me with one of the world's most precious items and here was my second in command telling me to give it away to some stranger. A stranger that has been considered an enemy not even a day ago! I couldn't understand Yuni. I refuse to let Mammon's death be in vain.

"Are you done?" Squalo pushed himself off the floor, dusting off imaginary dust before walking over to me. I bit my lip not daring to look up at him knowing that my face was probably red.

I swiftly lead back far enough to avoid Squalo's sword. I flipped out of his sword's distance and stayed in my kneeling position with one hand on my staff behind my back. He plastered his prideful grin at me. "Looks like your hyper intuition is still working. I can't argue against your logic then. If you are going to remain stubborn then prepare for the consequences that come with it."

I lowered my head as a knight would to a higher rank. "Of course, Squalo-sama."

He still towered over me when he brutally punched my head. "Owww! What the hell was that for?"

"KICKING ME OFF JUST NOW!"

"Well excuse me for thinking that a man who got eaten by a shark would be able handle falling a few centimeters onto his butt. What? Did Xanxus-sama actually destroy it over the years?" Squalo's face went red with anger from the mention of the running gag we had in Varia about them. He pushed our foreheads together.

"THAT'S NOT THE POINT! IT'S THE PRINCIPAL OF THE THING!" He used his forehead to further push me, not mentioning anything about my little accusation.

"Oh please, Fran is about 15 years younger than you and I'm sure the last thing he wants to do is respect you."

"YOU BASTARDS NEED TO LEARN THEN!" I used one finger to push him in the chest so that I get somewhat away from his screams.

"And you need to learn how to not break people's ear drums."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?"

"Oh I'm sorry. Did you go deaf from your own voice? I guess I'll just have to speak louder then!" I raised my volume at him.

"HOW ABOUT INSTEAD OF MAKING YOU DEAF, I'LL JUST MAKE YOU DEAD!" At this point Squalo had grabbed my collar to bring me up to eye level where we initiated a staring contest.

"I'll love to see how you explain that everyone else." My cocky smile countering his snarling teeth. A knock on the door caused Squalo to throw me back down.

I patted down a few of the wrinkles on my shirt. "Yes?" I shouted to the other side.

Tsunayoshi popped his head through. "Um am I interrupting?"

"Not at all. Just having a little conversation. Right, Squalo-sama?" Squalo turned his head in the opposite direction. I laughed at his foolish behavior giving him a light pat on the shoulder. "Did you need something Tsunayoshi-kun?"

"The girls are almost done getting Yuni ready to leave. We'll be heading out soon."

"Alright. Just give me a minute." He nodded and closed the door.

"Where are you guys going?" Squalo asked.

"From Reborn's limited information, most likely the past." I moved over to grab my mask off the bed and into the inside pocket of my Varia jacket. I bent down to gently poke Fantasma awake.

"Fantasma, you'll be watching over the pacifier in my absence." I placed the pacifier next to him while he went back to sleep.

"I don't know how long we'll be gone but I'll be using this time to observe Yuni. After that I'll make a final decision on whether or not I should give it to her. Is that okay with you?" Squalo gave his nod of approval. I gave a glance towards Fantasma.

"Please watch over them." I said to no one in particular. A part of me said it to Squalo, to watch over Fantasma. Even though he was a powerful esper on his own, he was against the Real Funeral Wreaths with full capabilities still unknown.

Another part of me said it to Fantasma to watch over Squalo. Heaven knows that man was too brash for his own good by valuing winning over life. Then finally I wanted to say it to Mammon's pacifier. A colorless item that held no power without a soul. Yet it was a representation of Mammon that I did not want to let go. If it has any power left, which I did not believe in, I knew that it would take care of Fantasma and Squalo in my place. But that was just hopeful thinking.

"Natsuki, don't forget in your time period Mammon is still alive. Don't wrap yourself to much in our problems."

I didn't take my eyes off of the colourless pacifier. I will not let him die for us. "I'm already in too deep to turn away now."

I walked behind the rest of the group as we made our way through the town. The guardians, minus Lambo, remained quiet for the most part. Tsunayoshi being the one with the most weights on him which was understandable considering the circumstances. Not only was he to save Yuni, he was the one that was meant to save the multiverse from Byakuran's reign. Even with Reborn's unknown plan there was no guarantee that it would be enough.

I double checked for any followers before closing the door to the Melone Base. Luckily, since the majority of the Melone Base was transported away, Millefoire activity was reduced to nothing. There were no followers which meant that we were not being tracked. Not yet at least.

I took a few steps in when I ducked under an attacker's weapon. I took out my staff to try to jab him in the stomach. He bent himself back enough to avoid my attack but still held up his weapons. "Seriously Kyoya-kun! I understand that you're blood thirsty but have you never heard of perfect time and place for everything. This is literally the second time that someone tried to cut my head off in the last hour."

"For disturbing the peace of Namimori. I will bite you to death." He started to swipe at me again.

"I already told you that I'll leave once my business is done." I continued to dodge his attacks having known that Kyoya won't listen to what I have to say. I could hear Tsunayoshi yelling behind me, calling us to stop. Actually it was more like him panicking, trying to make sense of the situation while stuttering for us to calm down. I looked over to Spanner mumbling about how Kyoya was moving too much to start the machine up.

"I didn't get to fight much today. You are the next best thing."

"Well now is not exactly the best place to be fighting!"

"Less talking -more fighting." I held my staff up to block his tonfa.

"You're being impatient Kyoya-kun." I saw him smirk a little at me finally making a move. "But I'll play with you another time." I lit a Mist ring and closed my fist. Kyoya's arms suddenly flew behind his back along with his legs.

"What is this?" He struggled to move his body so I tighten my hold.

"Given your history with Mukuro, I figured I would need something stronger than illusions. Ever felt the strength of telepathy? I practiced for Choice but I guess I'll settle for you as a target." I crouched in front of his scowling face. I couldn't help but poke his cheek in such a helpless position. "Spanner-san, you can start-up the machine." He nodded before typing a few things into the computer, sending us back in time.

We were transported back to Namimori Shrine, our time, safety. I released Kyoya from my grip but instead of attacking me, he hit a bush to reveal Colonello. One by one the Arcobalenos made their appearance, excluding Verde who was observing from a nearby location. The interesting part was that Yuni was able to summon the wills of Vongola Primo from the Vongola rings.

Each guardian was to receive an approval from their matching element member in various tests to prove their rightful place over a week time frame. Meanwhile each Arcobaleno was assigned to tutor their element. However, it was pairings like Skull and Verde that were incompatible, to say the least.

Once Reborn finished his statements we were all free to go. I walked over to Tsunayoshi holding out a small paper. "Here. This is my direct number. Call me if you need anything."

He gratefully took the note. I walked over to Mammon looking up to his floating body. "Shall we?" I closed eyes taking a few deep breaths before transporting to our hotel suite. On the landing I lost my footing making me fall while Mammon went over to the table.

"You've improved since I last saw you. Landing still needs some work. Try phasing in rather than plopping yourself." He said. I stood up and took the seat on the bed across from where he was seating.

"Thanks." I gave a sheepishly smile at his compliment. 'I never realized how much harder transporting was without flames. All that training with Fantasma really paid off. First restraining Kyoya-kun now getting a compliment from Mammon.'

"Quite a drastic change if I say. You even gave Sawada your direct line without your mask on." My body froze for a bit.

"W-well a lot happen... Since yesterday. It kind of just happen." My growth in power was normal for 10 days of training with Fantasma but to Mammon it was too much of a change to accept. According to Reborn there was only a day difference in time travel. My identity was even revealed to Tsunayoshi's family during our time together time that I forgot to hide my face again.

"Does Boss know about this?"

"Not yet." Does future Xanxus count? "I was going to tell him after I finished. They don't know who I, actually, am though. Only that my name is Natsuki. I don't plan on telling them any further." Mammon nodded, not asking any additional questions. I breathe out a sigh of relief that Mammon was not one to poke his nose in people's businesses.

I looked at Mammon writing a few things into his notebook. Most likely the price of the hotel and the amount of time we would spend here. I felt myself frown when I saw that he had his pacifier out in the open instead of under his cloak like usual. "You're not going to chain your pacifier?"

"No point really. The other Arcobaleno already know that I'm alive." 'For now at least.' I couldn't help thinking solemnly. I started to space out staring at his pacifier. Mammon must have noticed my stares.

"What?"

"N-nothing. It's um... No. Nothing much." I adverted my gaze from his pacifier.

He scribbled a few things into his little notebook. "You should tell me before someone like Lussuria finds out."

I fumbled with my Rose ring. "What do you think about Varia?" I mumbled under my breath. The whole reason for his suicide was to protect Varia. I wanted to hear it from his own voice, not his death flashbacks. I wanted to hear his voice.

"Varia?" He pondered a bit on his answer. "A group of bloodthirsty, reckless, assassins that get the job done. They could work on being less destructive above all."

I pulled my knees up to my chest. "I'm being serious, Mammon." He finally raised his head from his book for a moment. He did a double take between his book and I, then set his book down.

He floated in front of me handing me some toilet paper that he kept on him for spells. "You're crying."

I gasped taking the paper to quickly wipe away my tears. "Sorry. I-I didn't realize." I kept wiping but I couldn't stop. Soon my breath became choppier feeling my body shake. I buried my head between my knees not letting him see my face.

"I-I don't w-why I'm crying. I-I-I just want-ted to ask you a-bout Varia. There's nothi-ng wrong." Of course, I knew why but I couldn't tell Mammon. I wanted to tell him so bad. A bad taste was left in mouth as I cried and lied to him at the same time. "I mu-st look w-weak now." 'Please don't look at me.'

"Good grief, being around Sawada and them made you soft." 'Funny, I said the same thing to you dying.' My breath hitched when I felt Mammon place his small, baby hand on my head. He tentatively stroked my head in a soothing manner like a mother would a child.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." My apologizes sounding like whispering pleads. I pulled myself into a tighter ball in an attempt to comfort myself. 'How pathetic. Fantasma even told me that Mammon hated seeing me troubled. Why won't the tears stop?'

"If you feel sorry then stop crying. Is there a reason that brought you to ask about Varia?" I shot my head up.

My nails gripped my arms while shaking my head viciously. "None whatsoever!"

I stared him dead on with my lip quivering. 'I want to tell you. I want to tell you that you shouldn't die. That I know your true feelings of Varia. That you aren't as cold as you want me to believe. Even now you're trying to comfort me. I don't want you to die. Please Mammon.'

Mammon sighed, shaking his head at me. He muttered incomprehensible words under his breath. My vision became blurry, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over me. My body tried to its best to resist the temptation of sleep but soon gave in. Before I knew it I fell asleep.

The next day- or really afternoon- I woke up with a throbbing headache. I weakly sat up from the bed, rubbing my irritated eyes. Looking down I found that I was properly tucked under a blanket with my weapons and mask on the nearby table. From the looks of it Mammon placed a sleeping spell on me last night. I sluggishly threw my legs over the side of the bed slightly cringing at the cold, wooden floor.

I mustered up the strength to stand up and walk over to the bathroom. Taking one glance in the mirror I could see how much of a mess I was. My hair was disheveled like future Bel's was, but worse as I found many knots building up. What's worse was that my eyes were blood shot red and puffy to show that I had cried. Not to mention that my snot and tears had dried on my face overnight creating a stiff feeling. I ran my hand through my greasy hair grimacing at my appearance, reminding myself that I didn't shower yesterday.

I took a long, hot shower making sure to properly clean myself off. I cleared the steamed off the mirror looking into my, now clean, reflection. Besides my headache from Mammon's spell my appearance was back to normal to the point where no one could tell that I cried. I would just need to get a proper rest later on to fully feel rejuvenated. Hopefully at least.

I wrapped a towel around my neck patting down my dripping hair. I checked around the suite for Mammon but to no avail. Knowing him he was taking some low ranking jobs near Namimori, avoiding his job of tutoring Chrome if anything. I glanced over to the analog clock that hanged on the wall. 'Tsunayoshi-kun and they should be finishing school soon.'

I dried my hair, got changed, reattached my weapons to my belt and left. What Tsunayoshi didn't realize was that his pathway to and from school was predictable. Unless he was going to one of his guardian's house, specifically Yamamoto's, he had only one path to his house that would be the easiest route. This came in handy whenever I needed to find him. I would need to remind him to change that if there was ever a real threat.

Tsunayoshi was walking with his guardians, like figured, when I found him. I followed them on the nearby rooftops not bothering to intervene. My timing was impeccable as I made it just in time for Vongola Primo's Rain guardian Asari Ugetsu to appear and inform Yamamoto on his inheritance test. 'Hour of the dog? That should be 8pm? That's about 3 hours from now. I should find some way to kill time.'

I jumped down into the alleyway. I looked both ways before entering into Namimori district. I would need to buy some stuff to make Mammon and I dinner so might as well get a head start. I combed through the aisles, wondering what I should make. 'The kitchen in the hotel isn't that advanced so I'll have to stick to being simple. Mammon wouldn't like it if I spent too much either. Especially after last night, the last thing I need to do is make him mad over something silly like wasting money. How embarrassing. Letting him see me cry like that. He even had to knock me out too.' I grimaced at the memory.

"Natsuki-chan!"

I turned around to find Kyoko and Haru shuffling their way through the crowd of middle-aged women. "Good afternoon, Kyoko-chan, Haru-chan. Grocery shopping? I thought you would take a break after all the cooking you did in the future."

"Yep but we wanted to make something for Chrome-chan since she didn't eat much at the base. We're going to make it tomorrow if you'd like to join us." Said Kyoko.

"I-I don't know. With the trials going on,I have a responsibility to be available to watch over the guardians at all times. But frankly speaking sending you by yourselves to the desolate wasteland that is Kokuyo Land is risky. Even with Chrome-san there."

"Don't worry about it. Bianchi-san said that she would come with us- desu."

'The poison scorpion?' I felt weak to my knees thinking about her cooking skills. "M-maybe it'll be best if Bianchi-san stayed away from the cooking." They looked at each other in confusion before giggling to one another. I didn't really get the joke but I assumed that it was along the lines of me acting strange. We decided to do our shopping together so that we could get advice from one another.

Afterwards I chaperoned both of them to their individual homes then went to Namimori Shrine for Yamamoto's inheritance. He absolutely deserved to fail in my opinion. Even Squalo would never attack someone in the back unless the opponent was unworthy. It was shameful to, not only, the role of the Rain guardian but to a sword-man's pride. Yamamoto had forgotten his place to attack Usari from the back without being provoked thus making him lose.

I even had to slap Gokudera and Sasagawa at the back of their heads for encouraging him. He was lucky that he was given a second chance if anything. In spite of it being easier to tell Yamamoto his faults it would have meant nothing if the Rain guardian could not embody his role on his own. So instead, I remained quiet until he realized it for himself. When the next testing came along Yamamoto was able to regain his usual attitude and won over Usari's will.

By the time I returned to the hotel, Mammon was already back. He hadn't returned the night prior which left me alone for dinner. Since I didn't know about Mammon's whereabouts, and was smart enough not to call, I didn't bother to cook for one.

I cleared my throat to ease a few of my nerves. "Hey, are you hungry? I planned to make some soba noodles yesterday if you're up for it."

He hummed in response which I took for a yes. I worked swiftly to place the noodles in the pot of boiling water and started to cut the vegetables. Mammon sat next to the sink, silently watching me.

After quite a bit of time I had the need to explain what happen to me. "Um Mammon... About the other day. I was-"

"So where did you go earlier?" He asked while cutting me off. I blinked a few times in confusion. Mammon wasn't the type to cut people off. It was impatient of him. Even overreacting if I had to say for him.

"I-um- I was at Yamamoto-san's inheritance test. This was his second try except this time he actually managed to finish properly. Besides that, I was trying to say that-"

"Did you not cook last night? The fridge was only filled with raw items when I came back." I tilted my head, scrunching my eyebrows up a little.

"No? I didn't really feel like cooking. You were away so I just ate in the restaurant downstairs. Did you take a mission or should I not ask?"

"It was Reborn. He placed cameras around Namimori so I can't leave without tripping any of his wires. I've was trying to find a way to maneuver around them but Reborn doesn't have any blind spots." I placed the knife down, wiping the excess garlic off.

"Makes sense, seeing how you haven't checked up on Chrome-san once. Maybe you should, at least, give her some advice. Then Reborn would get off your back."

"Reborn doesn't get off anyone's back. He's a persistent parasite that won't shut up." When I found that Mammon was staring at the pot instead of my direction I realized what he was trying to do. He was trying to avoid the subject of me crying. Past, present or future, Mammon didn't change his values. He didn't care about why I was crying about more than the fact that I was. My little epiphany didn't show me a new side of him but one that I always knew was there. No matter what he said about Varia or me, Mammon was Mammon.

I smiled softly at him. "I love that side of you most." My hands flew to my cheeks as I processed my words. "I-I mean that I- me- you are very special to me! Not that everyone else in Varia wasn't- isn't. I'm just saying that you acting like this is why I lov- lik- appreciate you g-guys so much!"

I caught my reflection in the sink tap. My cheeks had turned bright red letting my hands feel the heat radiating off them. Good thing Mammon was already used to this or I think my face would have exploded. "Natsuki."

"Y-yes?" I winced when my voice cracked out a response.

"The pot is over boiling." I gave a little squeal when rushing over turning off the heat and carefully moving the pot over to the next spot. Cautiously I removed the lid letting the steam flow out. I gave a breath of reprieve before jumping at a sudden noise coming from my pocket. Recognizing the ring tone meant it was my main line and not one of my disposable phones for work. The number was unknown in my contacts so it only could be one person.

"Afternoon, Tsunayoshi-kun. Is everything okay?" I slid my phone on the counter letting the phone go on speaker phone.

"Ah- Good afternoon, Natsuki-san." I started to pour the noodle in a colander. "So tomorrow Lambo is having his test at the amusement park. I just thought I should tell you beforehand if you wanted to come."

"Oh you didn't have to tell me. I would have followed you anyway." I giggled at Tsunayoshi's slight stutter at my response. I could already picture him being flabbergasted at the idea of me following him around. He probably didn't even realize that I've done it even during the Arcobaleno trails. I would need to tell Reborn to sharpen that part of him.

"Okay then? I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Sure." I let Tsunayoshi hang up on his side as I ran cold water through the noodles. I then returned to grinding the garlic, smiling to myself.

"You really like to mess with people's heads, don't you?"

"How could I not? He makes it so easy." We spent most of the night in silence like usual. We didn't bring up anything about me crying from that point which lifted a huge weight off my shoulders. Yet I didn't realize how good it felt that I didn't have to keep all of my emotions to myself. The future was stressing me out. Not to even take in account the Yuni situation, but it was nice that I could rely on Mammon during everything. I don't want him to die. That's why these inheritance tests were vital.

Lambo's test was made interesting with Verde's interference but he still managed to complete the trial without a significant hitch. Naturally Verde was peeved at me not helping his side of his experiment but he was not one to hold grudges. A bit stubborn about his side though.

Gokudera's trial was amusing to watch when he spent the day hunting down Uri all day when in reality Fon and the first storm guardian, G, were messing with him to test Tsunayoshi and his relationship. Gokudera proved, once more, that he was completely devoted to Tsunayoshi showing G that he was worthy of being his right hand man.

Kyoya was a different story. He refused to take on Alaude's test leaving the rest of us chase him all day. He refused me specifically when I didn't agree to fight him. In my defense, I knew that if we were to fight it would take all day. Most likely longer. We didn't need to waste any time with endless fighting. It took all of my energy not to shoot him in the heart.

I had to take a break away from his attitude by resting on rooftops of houses nearby Nami Chuu. From a distance I saw that Haru was approaching the school with I-pin and a few bentos in hand. She met up with Kyoko giving each other smiles when they met up. I shadowed them as they headed in the direction of Kokuyo Land probably to visit Chrome again.

I stopped in my tracks once it was in view. I've only been here once during Skull's failed trial yet I already knew that something was off. The place was dosed in potent, high concentration Mist flames that made me sick. The presence was filled with hatred that called me closer. I felt it difficult to breathe under the weight. I needed to get the girls out before I anything else.

I leaped down in front of the gate causing them to bolt back noticeably. They had to place their hands on their chests to stop the sudden attack from the looks of it. "Nice to see you girls too." I said caustically. I gave them a few seconds to catch their breaths. "I warned you guys that Kokuyo land was a dangerous place to be in by yourselves. If it was one of Chrome-san's friends, they wouldn't have stopped at a jump scare."

"Yeah we remember but today Bianchi-san was too busy to take us." Haru said.

"Well if you're looking for Chrome-san she's not back yet. I already went inside and she's not in there." True I was lying. I needed them to get far away from this place. At least until I could get Tsunayoshi to check this place out. If his intuition was telling him the same thing, then we would have some serious trouble.

"I think it's best if you guys talk to Tsunayoshi-kun about Chrome-san's disappearance. She was always more is lenient with him. Maybe he'll be able to find her. He's still at Nami Chuu if you want to try talking to him."

The three of them agreed with my suggestion making the new direction to Nami Chuu. I sneaked behind their backs to do some further investigation of the area. The whole place was cleaned out only with sweet wrappers littering the floor. How the gang actually lived here was the real mystery. From the looks of it the source of the Mist flames was not going to show itself anytime soon. Logically speaking the girls would probably get Tsunayoshi to come visit tomorrow and that would be the perfect time for whatever attack. I would have to bet on it.

The next morning, the presence had weakened that I almost didn't feel it anymore. I stood by the gate for the rest of the group to come. Taking into account of a weekend schedule I was able to think of a set range in time that they would arrive. They never were ones to mess up my calculations. Though I was surprised that the girls were running ahead. They yelled something about Chrome being back, running full speed not looking back.

We found Chrome sitting quietly on the couch in the, use to be, movie theater. She didn't respond to the girls' kind gestures until dropping a rice ball on the floor causing her to go into hysteria, declaring that she no longer wanted to fight. After a while the boys thought it would be a good idea to leave us girls to tend to Chrome without any distractions.

I grabbed Tsunayoshi away from the group. "When you come back bring Kyoya-kun with you. I want him to confirm something for me."

Gokudera didn't give him time to respond calling him back to the group, yet I could see on his face a mixture of fear and confusion. It was not urgent for Kyoya to visit but if anyone could find the source of the Mist flames it would be him. Mammon would refuse if I didn't offer any money for him. Even if it was just a favor. However, at this point I could already feel the point that had the most flames.

Chrome was silent for the most part trembling when the girls tried to comfort her. The only sound heard was coming from the girls' desperate attempts to get Chrome to react. First they tried making her eat then telling funny stories. One in particular about Reborn's April fool's joke on Tsunayoshi caused them all to laugh. Chrome responded to neither.

Meanwhile, Yuni and I sat furthest away from the couch. Like me, she looked sick to her stomach when coming close to her. The presence was no longer around the building but spewing out of her body. It was not strange for illusionists to lose their grip on reality. Mammon had warned me about it many times in training. This was not the case though. Mukuro was not weak to lose to temptations so he wouldn't let Chrome fall under. This was pure anger Mist flames. It didn't feel like either of them.

I watched Yuni shiver for a short period. Kokuyo land didn't have any electrical power to heat the place which was only natural. Yuni didn't complain though. It didn't even look like she noticed seeing how focus she was on the girls. I got annoyed with her selfless action that I had to hang my camo shirt jacket on her shoulders. She gave me a smile pulling the jacket closer to her body.

I was not aware of how much time past when we heard Lambo's laugh echoing the walls. Haru offered to fetch them but I felt myself shudder at a shift in pressure. "Nufufufu, good afternoon."

I ran in front of the couch holding by staff out towards the collection of dark Mist flames. I felt Chrome's evil presence deplete and the Mist flames grow stronger. An opaque man stepped out with a scepter in hand. It took me a moment to process who the man was.

'Daemon Spade?' Of course I knew the history of Daemon Spade. He was the deviant Vongola traitor that forced Primo out of office. He even took on the role of the Mist guardian for Vongola Secondo. Many history books wrote that he was a heartless monster over and over again. Anyone could tell that he was the reason for Chrome's strange behavior.

"The Vongola has no need for the weak." I was caught off guard when a whip wrapped around my wrists. I threw my staff at Daemon causing him to release his hold. My staff hit the wall and rolled back at me.

"I don't know about you but I refuse to be called weak by a ghost." He gave out a sinister laugh. Spinning his scepter, he tapped it once on the ground. The floor beneath my feet sunk downwards. I tried to jump out-of-the-way but the illusion was too quick for me to counter. I heard Kyoko's scream fade out as I was fully enveloped.

I winded up submerged in water of what looks like sea. Fish swam by my feet as I landing on the sand. An illusion version of me stood before me. "It seems I misjudged you."

"What are you trying to accomplish? Tsunayoshi-kun won't take kindly to you messing with his friends." I was so tempted to punch that smug look of his face. I mean my face?

"I deem Sawada Tsunayoshi unworthy of being Vongola Decimo. The Vongola has no place for the weak-minded like him. It's a shame though. With your Haunting Shadows persona and Mafioso demeanor you would have been a candidate that I approved of. Wasted blood and potential."

"I have no intention of inheriting Vongola Juudaime. My place is in Varia."

"Ah yes. Varia, Vongola Kuudaime's independent assassination squad. Even with your skills in killing you still want to work beneath the fake Vongola son? Yes, you are lower than him in strength but you can still beat him in rank. I know all about you, Celeste Natsuki. What do you say?" He held out his hand. "You can overthrow that puny boss that tarnishes the Vongola name."

I rolled my eyes, slapping his hand away. "Pass. Tsunayoshi-kun is frail in our world no doubt. Isn't that the reason you were controlling Chrome-san? To anger him? Push him over the line? Well I'll tell you one thing about him to save you some time." I smirked at his dropping face. "He's not going to change his childish ways."

He sighed shaking his head. "You, new generation are so troublesome. Wait here until you change your mind."

My copycat disappeared along with any trace of him. I slipped my staff back into its place taking a better look at the situation. This sea illusion was realistic to the point that I sometimes felt water droplets on my arms. If it gets to my mind any further, I'll drown. Mammon would make me go through hell training if I can't get out of this. That sent a shiver down my spine. I shook my head. I needed to stay focus. I slipped on my Mist ring. Even being the first Mist guardian he was still just a ghost that was kept in the ring.

I closed my eyes, collecting my thoughts into one. 'I can still feel Daemon's flames surrounding me. This is an illusion. As long as it doesn't break me, I can do anything in this world.' "I can crash it." My Mist flames stretching across the sea tackling the walls. "It's like you said Daemon. I'm a killer. Did you really think I can't escape some half-ass illusion?"

I could feel the ground shake hearing the water crack all around me. I opened my eyes finding myself back in the movie theater. Tsunayoshi and his guardians were already back with a very angry-looking Kyoya.

Daemon played dirty by avoiding all of Tsunayoshi's hits, taunting him. Mukuro had to help him out in the end but it was all proven necessary when Daemon finally gave his reluctant approval. Vongola Primo was the last to go. He was more than welcome to give his seal after watching Tsunayoshi from the beginning.

We were all leaving Kokuyo land for the night noticing the rings glow for a short period signalling the end to all the trials. Chrome had come up to Mammon and I, thanking Mammon for helping her out during their hostage time frame. I felt pride as Mammon's first student that I was able to escape on my will.

Mammon was interrupted by Squalo grabbing him out of the sky, already screaming his head off. Bel made his appearance explaining why they were here. Xanxus was not happy that we, two illusionists, were away when a job came up. Squalo lulled Mammon away but Bel stopped before leaving.

"Still not done, Hime?"

I regrettably shook my head. "Not yet. Almost. I promise." He threw his hands behind his head, as he often did when he was bored, walking back to Squalo and Mammon. I heard Squalo yell some things about me needing to come too to be stopped by both, Bel and Mammon. They both knew that I could not go back just yet.

Watching them leave left me to feel empty inside. I clenched my locket trying to get rid of the pang that grew in my stomach. I was going to a future where I was required to go to soon war with complete monsters. Where one of my most important family members had been pushed to suicide. Mammon being near me this past week only reminded me how much he meant to me. I was not ready to let him go. I don't want to be alone.

'Daemon was wrong about me. I'm killer yet I was not the heartless Vongola boss that he envisions of. Squalo was right. My demeanor isn't just a Mafioso assassin. I was a child afraid of losing the first people that welcomed me.'

"Natsuki-san." I turned away from Varia to face Yuni. She held my jacket out in her arms. "Thank you very much for letting me borrow your jacket. When we were trapped it helped keep Dokuro-san warm after being released control."

"You're still shaking too." I placed my jacket back on her shoulders once more. "Tsunayoshi-kun's house is quite far from here. We don't need you getting sick. Tomorrow we'll be going back for our final battle. Please be prepared for anything to happen."

"I already am." Yuni replied.

*A/N: As I was thinking about future chapters I realized that Natsuki is the only Japanese name in her Italian/ Japanese family (Enrico, Massimo, and Federico). So I made it so that Fia (meaning a flickering flame) was her birth name while Natsuki was her adoptive name. I'll get into the reason why she needed to change her name later when he finds out the reason why she was adopted.

Nothing changed much just in chapter 3 and anywhere Xanxus calls Natsuki since I made it so that he is the only one that calls her Fia. Summing up the changes, Xanxus tells Varia that no one knew who she was because she was "killed" 4 days after her birth in a Mafia event I made up called Heir Hunting Season, where if you are an Heir to a powerful Family you get an automatic target on your head. So Natsuki was proclaimed dead when in reality she was adopted by the Celeste Famiglia but you'll find out why in later chapters (like 2 more).