I'm sincerely grateful for all of those who reviewed the last chapter. Also the many reactions to Tsuna and Mia's ship name were fun to read. Many thanks but I think I'll stick with 'TsunaMi' just because like one reviewer said, 'they sound like a force of nature together' and I really liked that.

Also to Wolf626 - I'm really sorry but I'm afraid I might not be able to do that omake, not because I don't want to but I really can't imagine it. I'm new to romance. Heterosexual relationships were hard enough for me to write, goodness I don't even know where begin with Yuri. I guess I might be able to but you'll have to squint really hard to find the romance in my friendship-heavy fanfic.

Yumi014 - if you think Ian is a dick then he's doing his job right. He's meant to be despised lol.

Japanese - This is how you know when they're speaking in Japanese.

English - This is how you know when they're speaking English.

Italian - Mi piace cactus.

Disclaimer: I don't own KHR. I just own a shit-ton of merch.

When the exhilaration faded, it just hit her that they were a couple now and that left her awfully dazed. She had no idea what to think. It's not like she thought this far ahead. Before, anything concerning dating was a well laid-out plan in her mind and she had expected it to happen in when she goes to Uni, not in Middle School. She thought she would meet a really nice guy who she could relate to, go out with him, marry him, have three kids and settle as teacher like her Pa.

Pretty straight forward right? But the guy she imagined was a blank slate. Now that Tsuna's image has been uploaded into her brain, she hadn't been entirely able to process it and resulted with a shut-down.

Confessing also took a lot out of her and now she was unsure of how to proceed. Luckily Tsuna knew her – faults and quirks included. He gave her time because she was emotionally stunted like that. So here she was, sitting on a rock watching as he resumed his training. She had never seen him move with so much purpose before and even Basil was surprised by it. He had to put in extra effort just to keep up with the young Don.

"I never pegged Tsuna for a romantic but he's always been ridiculously sentimental." Her cheeks went warm at the teasing lilt in her tutor's tone. For dignity's sake she didn't groan or anything. It was expected for Reborn to tease them. She tried hard to ignore Reborn and focused instead on the two teens.

Tsuna was obviously working hard but he was still struggling using his new skill in battle. The longer she watched them the more her eyes began to be drawn to the flame on Tsuna's forehead. Curious, she slipped into meditation. When she was tracking Ian and Tsuna down before, she kept losing sight of the trail because she wasn't focused enough. It wasn't easy when you were worried out of your mind but she managed to find her way and at least she was getting better with this.

Brilliant lights filled her vision when she opened her eyes. Tsuna glowed with brazen but gentle orange while Basil emanated a soft blue. She was thrilled that Tsuna and she shared something even if it was as ridiculous as a color. She turned her head and squinted at the yellow light coming from Reborn – well she says yellow but his seemed like the shade of medallion. Orange, indigo, blue and yellow… were there more?

Like Ian, Reborn had white strands connecting him to the earth. She counted that it was less than thirty. Basil had one and Tsuna seemed like he had the same number as Reborn. She looked down on herself and was disappointed to find not a single white strand.

"Hyah!" Tsuna caught Basil's blade in between his hands. His flames began to flicker abnormally and along with it, his entire figure. It was like watching a light show. His figure blazed brightly then quickly dimmed until it almost seemed like his entire being lost its vibrancy then grew bright again but in his center there was one small part that dimly glowed constantly. Immediately she knew it to be where the Flames of Wrath originated from. It looked wrong on Tsuna who was like a beacon of warmth.

There was a yelp as Basil kicked Tsuna right in the stomach, making him lose focus and the boy staggered backwards, tripped on his feet and fell flat on his back. The flame on his forehead extinguished. She could hear the face palm in Reborn's sigh. Smiling, she went to him and reached out her hand to help him up, still using her second sight.

He smiled back and took her hand and an immediate change came to him. "Mia?" he called her name out. "Hey, what's wrong?"

She blinked and the world turned back to normal. She stared at him. "I was just…. Surprised."

He frowned and stood on his own. "Surprised? At what?"

"That you could still trip on your own feet," was her instant reply. Embarrassment colored his cheeks and he snatched his hand from hers sulkily. She laughed a little at him but inside she was shaken. The small part inside him, the part that allowed him to use the Flames of Wrath brightened when he touched her hand. What was that supposed to mean? "A few days ago you were having a hard time with this technique but you somehow managed that so how is it you can't keep your balance?"

She expected him to reply sarcastically but Tsuna's expression turned uncomfortable. The joking mood vanished. "I… I didn't learn it on my own. I got help." He turned away, frowning.

"Help?"

"From Ian." The distaste was obvious in his tone but she was too shocked to notice it.

"That doesn't make sense," she said, touching her head. "Why would he do that if he was so hell bent on you becoming a rampaging warlord?"

"You were right. I don't get that guy either." He sighed and dropped his frown. "But when he was teaching me I didn't get any malicious intent or anything."

"That's because he never had any ill-will towards you Tsuna," Reborn intervened. He jumped on Tsuna's head and nestled there.

"Reborn! Your shoes are filthy!"

"So are you. You smell."

"I do not!"

"Just because Mia is too nice to say it doesn't mean I won't."

"Can we go back to what you were saying before Reborn?" Mia cut in their banter impatiently. "No ill-will? You do remember his evil scheme right?"

"All I saw was a brat's puny revenge at you but I had to give him credit, it was a pretty vicious plan. In the long run it might have benefited Tsuna but you would hate it." Reborn settled comfily on Tsuna's head.

Tsuna's expression darkened. "I don't want power like that. It's just hate and fury… I don't want it."

"Were you thinking like that before or after you used it?"

"… After."

"After Mia stopped you from killing the brat?" They flinched at the reminder. "If Mia hadn't stopped you things would have been different. Regardless if you still wanted that power or not, you killed someone in cold blood and that makes all the difference."

The look on Tsuna's face said it all. Reborn nailed that one hard. "Seems pretty extreme if you asked me," she muttered. "Going as far as to get himself killed…" But she stopped there. Ian's only family was as good as dead and even if it wasn't directly her fault, she still had a hand in it. Was his grief so strong that he didn't care if he lived or died?

"If he had succeeded then Tsuna would have power that would match against Xanxus but he didn't." Mia looked up at Reborn. "He must have been aware there was a chance it would fail so he assisted to bolster our chance for winning because that's what he had been ordered to yes? The revenge thing must have been some contingency plan. In the end his objective was still the same. Assist Vongola Decimo."

"That's fucked up." Tsuna yelped when Reborn pinched his ear. "Ow! I'm sorry! Geez… I can understand him a little bit now. But I still don't like him." He glowered at the ground. "He's done too much for me to forgive him but… I get it."

"What I'd like to know is how he knew Tsuna had the potential for that." They both looked towards her. "Do you?" Reborn asked her.

She thought about telling her tutor about the second sight but the token she kept in her pocket reminded her that she wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the Order. Ian may have hated her but he taught her this ability with full confidence she would learn. She didn't want to betray what little she had with him. She shook her head in response.

"I'm not too sure about it either."

Reborn smirked. "But you have a theory?" She smiled a little. "Good. We'll talk about this after the Ring Conflict."

"A theory is just a theory if I don't have anything to back it up."

"Um Sawada-dono… are thou in pain?" Basil asked anxiously while he awkwardly stood away from them.

"Not at all! I'm alright really sorry to keep you waiting! Reborn, would you please?" The hitman transferred from his head to Mia's shoulder in one short leap. Mia watched as he jogged back towards Basil. Just then her phone vibrated. When she saw her Pa's ID she immediately answered it.

"Mia." Her Pa sounded stressed which immediately worried her. "Did your Nonnino return to Namimori? I can't seem to get a hold of him."

"Not that I know of," she replied. "I'll go check at his hotel right now. He might have come back."

"See that you do. Also Mia – KOIZUMI!" She nearly dropped her phone. Her Pa rarely raised his voice. He barked something to what she assumed was to the troublesome student. There was a deafening crash coming from her Pa's line that made her flinch. Silence. Nicholas Matteis gave a long suffering sigh.

"…Pa?" she called out tentatively.

Her Pa was back on the line, wearier. "Sorry about that."

"Who was that?"

"A freshman." Her Pa said it as if it was the most dreaded thing ever. "Send me a message when you find out more will you?"

"Promise."

"Also, Nana called me the other day. Did something happen?"

Oh shit. "Um, what did Auntie say?"

"Lambo had an accident the other day... Mia, is something going on with you and Tsuna? Nana said you ran out on her at the hospital."

Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit. Tsuna caught her expression from the field. He stopped sparring with Basil.

"I - um..." what was she supposed to say?

"You two are good kids. Did something happen Mia?"

She shut her eyes, hating that she had to bring this up. "Aunty brought up Mama and I - I couldn't take it. I'm sorry."

She heard her father breathe in sharply. She went on, "Lambo got caught playing near some wires where Tsuna's tournament was being held and well... he got shocked. Lambo is okay, just out of it but Tsuna..." she swallowed heavily. "He's feeling guilty over it. I'm sorry Pa, I made a mess."

"No no, its okay Mia. Its no ones fault, it was an accident."

She sniffed, her control over her feelings wavering. She missed him. "But - "

"No buts," he cut her off firmly. "Neither you or Tsuna are at fault okay? You tell him that for me and I'll talk with Nana."

"Since when did you guys get so close?" she asked with a wet chuckle.

"Don't know, not now or ever." He let out a sigh. "Just... don't worry. Everything will be okay."

For days she had been trying to convince herself of that but hearing it from her Papa helped her believe in it a little bit. She held her phone tighter. She missed him so much.

"Okay, I'll let Tsuna know."

"If he's still down we can take him camping next time."

She smiled. "He'd like that."

"I gotta go now, good luck at the tournament. Love you mi bambina."

"L-Love you too Papa," she said, a little taken of guard. She knew he loved her but it wasn't often he said it.

Tsuna approached her, worried. "Did something happen?" She lowered her phone.

"Um, it was Pa..." she told him what they talked about. Tsuna ran a hand through his hair.

"I didn't mean to worry Mom that much. I'll say sorry when this all blows over. You okay?" he touched her cheek.

Cheeks turning pink, she nodded. Hearing from her Pa he loved her was surprising. It made her happy even though she felt awful for lying to him.

Tsuna smiled warmly at her then jogged back to Basil. She watched him, her thoughts turning to a different route. The mafia was one thing but didn't even want to think what her Pa's reaction would be when he finds out about them as a couple. Her Uncle Ben though would probably have his automatic shotgun at hand, gun ban in Japan or not and her Nonnino? Her thoughts quickly shifted as a ball of dread began to form in her stomach.

Surely he had to be okay right?

Levi was a man devoted to his work. Heart, body and soul. There was no one in the Varia that could match his devotion. He would do anything for his boss and ever since he had joined the Varia, never had he displeased Xanxus… until now that is. The pretentious 'Vongola' brats have humiliated him. Tarnished his image before his boss and making him out like a damn fool. But they will get what is coming to them.

When they win this conflict the first thing he would do was to get his hands on that blonde and fry her disrespectful and insolent mouth to a crisp. The boss had been too kind to threaten her. Levi believed they should have killed her and sent her mangled corpse to the brat. The things she said to the boss deserved a punishment worse than death. After her would be the Sawada impostor. Unfortunately the boss wanted those two to die by his hand.

But at the moment he was stuck with guard duty. The boss had given strict orders to bring a certain individual to their temporary base and guess who was charged with the task to guard? Him. Levi A Than. The boss' most trusted subordinate. It frustrated him to no end that a job that could easily be given to a lower rank ended up with him. He didn't spare a single glance towards the two members of his squadron and proceeded into the room where the captive was kept.

He stood imposingly in the center of the room, silently glaring (staring) at the old man who had his back to him.

"Now what would a group like you want with an old man like me?"

Levi instantly hated the old man that slowly turned to finally face him.

"You're our prisoner now old man so if I were you, behave yourself." Levi's aggravation rose when the old man quirked an eyebrow humorously.

"Well," he says. "I haven't been a prisoner for sixty years now. Last time I was captured I woke up in a beautiful woman's room. Ohhh feisty that one was – I met her before I met my wife. Liked crossbows."

Levi pulled out one of his parabolas and pointed it at their captive. "Shut it. I don't care."

The old man studied his weapon with unnerving calmness. His blue eyes were hauntingly familiar. "I have been threatened with many things in my lifetime – the strangest being a spoon but an umbrella? Quite a first."

"It's a parabola!"

"And it's a fine one I'm sure."

If it hadn't been for the boss' order Levi would have struck the old man into ash. But he should have anticipated this. After all, the old man was the grandfather of the blasted girl. They shared the same god damning eyes. He hated it. He could see nothing but mockery in those eyes.

"Don't be smart with me old man." His parabola sparked to emphasize his threat. "Do anything out of hand and we'll pay a visit to your sweet little granddaughter here in Namimori."

He had expected the old man to break down, to be begging like all the others to come before him but instead he met with a hard and cold stare. The old man then spoke, his voice rough and low, "What is it you want? Money? Revenge?"

And just like that, the mood shifted.

"We want nothing from you."

Blue eyes flashed with indignation. "I have little to do with the Cosa Nostra yet here I am. What impudent Famiglia did swine like you come from?"

"You're asking for it old man – !" Face turning red with rage, he would have stabbed the old man had it not been for the urgent knocking on the door.

"Captain Levi!" calls one of his subordinates. "Preparations are done!"

Levi clicked his tongue and sheathed his weapon. "You'll regret what you've said old man. Just like your bitch of a granddaughter. The Vongola will not forget this insult!"

"Vongola?" The old man's hardened exterior finally wavered at the name. Levi smirked, triumphant. But the fear he had wanted to see still did not appear. His smirk faltered. Cold fury lined every wrinkle on the old man's face; a sense of power radiated faintly from the aged man like a volcano preparing to erupt. The most frightening sight though was the eyes. He had seen a glimpse of it in the girl before but the old man far surpassed her. Levi had found it hard to breath, feeling as though he was being marked for death. "And you," Nero says. "I will not forget this."

He quickly left the room, away from the old man and his terrible eyes.

Nero Matteis watched as the pathetic fool flee from him then turned his eyes back to the window where it overlooked a beautiful blue crystalline sea. It was a glorious day but it was a shame that such a sight couldn't be enjoyed at the moment.

Such a shame indeed.

"I thought you weren't going to keep anymore secrets from Tsuna," Reborn says.

The acorn that she was fiddling with cracked in her grasp. "I'm not. Pa said that Nonnino might just be bar hopping or taking leisurely strolls. Apparently he does that often."

"But you're worried." Reborn noted.

Mia had picked up a rock this time. Unfortunately she couldn't break it. "I am," she admitted. "It's awful timing Reborn. My Nonnino just happens to go missing while the Varia are around."

"I'll send some people to look for him."

Mia shot her tutor a grateful look. "You've done so much for me… thank you Reborn."

Reborn did not react and Mia inwardly smiled. She wasn't the only one uncomfortable with gratitude it seemed. In a way, it felt pleasant to share something in common with the hitman. She turned her eyes towards Tsuna. He was close to completion but he was racing against time. The sun was slowly beginning to set and soon Hibari's match will commence.

"Do you want to go ahead with the others?" Reborn asked her and she shook her head.

"I want to see Tsuna master this."

Reborn snorted. "As if, you just don't want to see Hibari because you skipped school." Mia didn't even bother dignifying it with a response knowing that it was partly true. To try and calm her unease she slipped into meditation to watch Tsuna's progress with her second sight.

Tsuna's flames truly were beautiful. She could watch him all day and not get bored. However, a considerable strain began to build behind her eyes and the colored lights were starting to make her nauseous. There had to be some way for her to prolong its use though but she'll get to that when she has more time. For now, she went to look inside of herself instead. It was harder without Ian's help but she persevered.

After a while of blindly groping about in the darkness of her mind, she finally was able to look inside for her lake of fire. It scared her to think that something that big was inside of her and wondered if it was normal. She noticed thin threads of fire spiraling downwards into the center of the lake. That was new. She came closer to look at it. The threads were loosely tangled and they felt different. Somehow she could tell it was not hers.

It didn't seem to hurt where it made contact with hers. It actually felt natural. Curious all the same, Mia willed for a thread of her own to wrap around it. The moment she touched it, she felt a vast emptiness of nothing. It was cold and she didn't like it when suddenly something powerful slammed into her, pulling her deep with it like tides of the sea.

Her consciousness quickly snapped back to her body. Her eyes flew open just as a bright light filled the entire clearing forcing her to cover her eyes. When the light died out, Basil was on the ground and Tsuna was staring at his hands. Both of them shared similar expressions of shock.

"He did it," Reborn said beside her. He was wearing a pair of sunglasses.

"Tsuna did it," Mia repeated faintly. Then much more strongly she cried, "You did it!" Even though her body was stiff from meditating, she charged straight into him, knocking him down. "Tsuna? What's wrong?" He was looking at her strangely but he blinked and turned serious. She frowned.

"We need to head to the school," he says gravely.

"What's with the urgency?" She quickly got off him.

Tsuna turned his head to the side. His eyes seeing what she couldn't as if he knew where the school was from where they are. "Something is wrong."

"Did your Intuition pick up on something?" Reborn asked.

Tsuna's expression twisted into concern. "I'm not sure. All I know is that we need to get to Namimori Middle – immediately."

"Getting down from this mountain to the school shalt taketh fifteen minutes at most!" Basil said.

Tsuna's flames burned strongly. "Five minutes if I go ahead." He clenched his fists and fire burst from his hands.

"Wait!" She cried. "Take me with you!" Tsuna was shaking his head but she won't have it. They were her friends too and if Tsuna says something bad is happening then by God she wasn't going to stand and do nothing.

"I need two hands to fly if you haven't noticed!"

"F-F-Fly?!" Basil gasped. They ignored him.

"I'll just hang on your back!"

"That's an awful idea."

She scowled. "Why won't you let me ride you?"

Tsuna's mouth dropped open but he quickly shut it and shook his head again. "That's – you know it's dangerous. Last time you almost choked me to death!" His voice cracked a bit at the end. Mia would have burst into laughter if the situation wasn't so serious.

"Was that before or after you almost knocked us into a tree?" she shot back.

"Ah…" Poor Basil was caught in the middle of it all. He had his hands up but he couldn't decide which of them to calm down. Mia would have felt sorry for him if Tsuna wasn't being stingy. She knew he was strong enough to carry her to Namimori.

"It will slow me down," Tsuna argued. "I can't fly and make sure you don't fall at the same time Mia."

She felt something crawl on to her shoulder and Mia had the greatest idea ever. "Then I'll use Leon!" she cried as the chameleon scurried into her palm. "He'll turn into something suitable! How's that?"

Tsuna turned to Reborn and gestured helplessly at her. The hitman smirked. "I don't mind and Leon doesn't either. Just get on with it Dame-Tsuna – you're wasting time meanwhile Basil and I will leave now."

Tsuna scowled but couldn't argue back. "Fine," he said.

A minute later they were airborne. Mia was riding a Leon glider that was attached around Tsuna by a long green rubbery thick chord. It appeared that way but it was hard as steel. "I told you this was a great idea!" she said loudly, smug.

"Shut up!" Tsuna shouted irritably in response. With an extra oomph! They were speeding off towards Namimori Middle.

The last time she was in the air with Tsuna, they almost crashed and burned. Mia didn't really give a damn about the view back then but now… wind sang in her ears and the entirety of Namimori opened up to her. It's been only two years but already this little town felt like home to her. Looking from their height, brief as it was, Mia allowed herself to appreciate Namimori. This view would only last a moment after all.

Five minutes later Tsuna began to descend in front of the gates. From the outside, they couldn't see nor hear anything. He dropped out of the air first then swiftly caught her after. Leon burrowed himself inside her pocket. They looked at each other because the silence really was unnerving. Wasn't there supposed to be a match? How many illusions were needed exactly to cover this up?

They proceeded through the gates cautiously and were immediately taken to a whole different place. Smoke was rising from behind the school and explosions rocked the grounds. Tsuna and she dashed to the back to a sight painted with flames. The entire second building was reduced to hollow ruins and the school field was an image of war. In the center of it all, rising from the smoke like an austere giant was Gola Mosca.

"That's not human," Mia whispered. "Where is everyone?"

Gola Mosca was rampaging and attacking everything in its sight. His gaze suddenly locked on three figures and Mia recognized them as the Kokuyo gang. The gaping hole in the middle of Gola Mosca's chest began to glow and a Gatling gun nearby had turned to the three teens who were surrounded. Both fired off at the same time.

But the attacks never reached them. A wall of fire shielded them and the one enforcing it was Tsuna. She didn't know when or how he got there but thank God he did. There were cries of surprise and Mia found her friends. She ran towards them. "Guys!" she shouted.

"My Lady it's dangerous to be here!" Hayato met with her first.

She ignored him and scanned each of them to see if they sustained injury. Finding none, she quickly turned her attention back to the field. Tsuna had already begun fighting Gola Mosca. Mia truly hadn't seen Tsuna in battle, only in training so it wasn't a surprise when he blew them all away as he effortlessly battled the machine and ripped one of its arms off. Pride swelled strongly in her to see how strong he had gotten. Tsuna was strong and in a matter of minutes, reduced Gola Mosca into an immobile pile of junk. Everybody was stunned, including the Varia.

The one person who didn't seem concerned by the power display was Xanxus.

The smallest of smirks that he had was the sole reason why Mia hadn't felt like they won just yet. A chill went over her just before Gola Mosca staged one last desperate attack at Tsuna like a kamikaze. He stopped it with one hand and with the other, delivered a single blow to end it. His hand sliced it open like a blade and Gola Mosca finally stopped as it dropped heavily into the ground.

A lighter body fell by Tsuna's feet from inside the machine and Mia watched as his face went white.

"G-G-Grandpa…?" His voice shook.

Mia sprinted towards him at the same time Reborn did as well. When she was close, she had to stop for a second to absorb the sight that was the Ninth. He had been bound and his face had thinned since the last she had seen him. His lips were taking on a blue tint but the most terrible thing he had was large wound on his chest given by Tsuna. She bit down hard on her lip, enough to draw blood, in order to make use of herself.

She dropped beside Reborn who was checking the Ninth's vitals. "He's still alive but barely," Reborn said to her.

"Uh…" She was going to cut the binds off but paused. "Spinal or any broken bone injury?"

"None." Leon turned into a knife for her and she cut the bonds loose.

"Reborn, I know I'm not a doctor or something but even with a wound like this why is he…?"

"He's severely weakened." Reborn looked up at Gola Mosca. "I've seen Gola Mosca's schematics once. It would seem that the Ninth was being used as a power source." After hearing that, what was left of her shock and fear gave away to anger.

"W-Why?" Tsuna said faintly as his flame fizzled away.

"It's a little late for questions." Xanxus' eyes were filled with glee as he swaggered into the field. "You attacked the Ninth. You killed him." Tsuna was frozen in shock. He looked at his shaking hands, horror filling his eyes.

Reborn clicked his tongue. "First Aid won't be enough – he needs to be taken to the hospital!"

"N-No!" Tsuna cried in despair.

"Who was it?" Xanxus pressed on. "Who struck the old man with no mercy whatsoever?"

"Come ti permetti di accusarlo di omicidio!" Mia was so angry she had taken to speaking Italian ("How dare you accuse him of murder!"). How dare he? How dare he? Tsuna was staring buy-eyed at her. His hands weren't shaking anymore. She let out a shaky breath to calm herself. "Hai un sacco di palle dicendo che quando siete quelli che hanno messo la Nona in Gola Mosca!" She said lowly, her anger begging for release ("You've got a lot of balls saying that when you're the ones who put the Ninth in Gola Mosca!").

"M-M-Mia..." She turned around to face Tsuna. The guilt was crushing him and tears were forming in his eyes. "I-I killed him. I killed him." He said to her.

"No, no you didn't. You didn't know," she whispered, her heart honestly aching for him. "It's not you're fault."

"Listen… to her…. Tsunayoshi." The two of them whirled towards the Ninth, who had gained consciousness. He looked upon them with deep regret and pain. "The one at fault… was me…" he wheezed.

"Grandpa!" Tsuna exclaimed. The two of them were by his side instantly.

"It was my… weakness… that allowed Xanxus to wake up from his long sleep…" he panted heavily.

"Ninth, please don't push yourself!" Mia said, terrified. Her mind couldn't help but ask 'Long sleep?'.

"What do you mean sleep?" Reborn asked. "After the cradle affair, Xanxus was casted out from the Family and was kept under strict surveillance wasn't he?"

"Cradle affair…?" Tsuna looked at his tutor.

"It happened eight years ago. It was the largest coup d'état in Vongola history," Reborn answered.

"I… I didn't know that," Mia said faintly.

"Xanxus lead the rebelling army." Reborn explained. "The truth was treated with out most secrecy and the only ones who knew it were the upper echelons of the Family and the Vongola's highest elite that fought back then."

The Ninth coughed weakly. "Xanxus… he was stopped there… eight years ago… since then he'd been asleep…while his hatred and grudge grew to frightening proportions."

"What do you mean?" Tsuna begged.

"What happened?" Reborn demanded but the Ninth suddenly coughed out blood.

"Grandpa please! Don't talk anymore it's alright!" Tsuna held the Ninth's shoulder. Timoteo smiled warmly at him. Kindness, admiration and hope reflected in his eyes as he looked at Tsuna.

"I always hear about you Tsunayoshi from Reborn. About the girl you like…" His eyes flickered to her and Mia's expression crumpled at the sincere gratitude towards her. "About… your school… and your friends… you are a child with a heart that… truly is… really mismatched for a mafia boss… I also know you only fight battles willingly for those you care for…" he chuckled faintly and raised a shaking hand. He pointed it in between Tsuna's brow. "You always have these lines in between your eyebrows… clenched your fists as if praying… and that is why I… chose you as the tenth boss of the Vongola!" His finger touched Tsuna's forehead. A small flame lit on the tip of the Ninth's finger and Tsuna began to cry.

Timoteo smiled one last time at his grandson. "Forgive me Tsunayoshi… but I'm glad… it was you." His hand dropped and Tsuna caught it.

"Please Grandpa! Grandpa! Grandpa!"

Due to her awakened abilities Mia could sense the Ninth's life force slowly slipping away. Whether it was instinct or desperation, she moved forwards and placed both hands on top of the Ninth's heart. She forced herself to take deep calming breaths. Don't think about the blood underneath her palms, quiet. She blocked every sound around her until she could hear nothing but hers and the Ninth's heart through the tips of her fingers.

She could feel his Flames and from her touch, she took a peek inside. His flames had gotten so small. It was like watching a candle flicker. They were terribly weak and were slowly fading away. There was too little – too little of his Flames left. Most must have been consumed by Gola Mosca. He would have been able to regenerate more but with his wounds, his body wasn't able to produce any more. Desperately, Mia scoured her mind for some way to save or at least keep the Ninth alive. He can't die. Not just yet.

He was the boss of the Vongola Famiglia and if he was truly sorry then he can't die. He can't do this to Tsuna.

Then an idea sprung into her mind – she's been full of those lately hasn't she? – and thought, if he can't produce anymore then she would give him hers. She had more than enough. Her Flames came swiftly to her hold and she willed them to travel from her fingertips and straight into the Ninth. Her Flames, which were brighter and filled with vigor, flowed inside like a rushing river, it touched the dying flame and immediately it began to grow. It was like feeding a camp fire with gasoline. It burned bigger and brighter.

Her hands were warm but they were beginning to shake. Maintaining a continuous stream was hard work. Her back and head began to ache. Her knees wanted to buckle. No! She thought fiercely. She can't let Xanxus scar Tsuna this way.

"Mia… you…" she could hear a faint voice nearby. Was that Reborn's? "Stay strong."

He didn't need to tell her that but her heart jolted once in her chest then another and another. Something wet trickled down her nose. Her heart unexpectedly began to race. She could hear her heart beating erratically, screaming at her and forcing her to lose concentration. She fell back with a shuddering gasp, her eyes flying open but dark spots filled her vision. Don't freak out. It'll go away… She felt something warm press against her back. Two hands held her shoulders.

"Mia? Your nose is bleeding!"

"Tsuna…" she whispered and blinked. "Don't worry about me or the Ninth… just focus on Xanxus." The spots were disappearing and she looked towards the Ninth. He was still bleeding but he was breathing, as faint as the movement was. Hopefully it was enough but she missed Reborn unraveling Xanxus' plans.

"We would all ask that you all refrain from idle speculation," the Cervello intervened. "We are recording every word spoken here."

Mia would have stood up and accuse them of being biased bitches who were siding with Xanxus all along but she couldn't muster the strength to even stand. Her heart was still clamoring about trying to turn back to normal but at least it wasn't beating erratically anymore. Her nose continued to bleed. Instead, Reborn was the one who struck them down and more effectively than she ever could.

"Do whatever you want," Reborn said, suppressed fury underlining his every word. "But my patience has run out." The Cervello and even the Varia flinched. "But I will honor my promise to the Ninth Boss and not interfere… with my student's battle that is. Having said that, I don't know what my student, who hates fighting, will do."

The hand on her right shoulder squeezed tightly. Her hand went up on top of it, silently giving him support. Tsuna stood, his hand taking hers and pulled her up with him. Even if her legs felt like lead, she stood defiantly with him against Xanxus.

"Xanxus…" Tsuna began. "I'll be taking that ring back. I won't let you succeed the Ninth!"

"Well said Tsuna," said Reborn.

Xanxus let out an arrogant chuckle. "I'll make sure history books mention the foolish twerp who defied Xanxus by himself."

"But he's not alone!" Hayato cried out. "The boss' will…"

"Is our will!" Takeshi finished. The sight of them, all of Tsuna's Guardians including Hibari, taking up arms was a moving sight. The Varia raised their weapons as well.

"Heh," Xanxus said. "Exterminate the traitors." His red eyes sought her. "Trash flower, this would have been your chance to step away from the Mafia."

"The hell you mean by that you bastard?" she snarled, wiping the blood away with her sleeve.

"There's no running from this world anymore. Tonight you'll get a taste of what it means to be part of this world. Your family will suffer for your actions!"

Face going white, she said, "No-Nonnino?" His smirk widened. Did… did that mean that her Nonnino was… was…?

"Xanxus!" Tsuna roared along with the others.

"Ca-Captain Levi!" Two members of the Varia appeared on the field.

"You!" Levi recognized the one on the front. "What are you supposed to be doing here? You were supposed to be guarding the old man!"

"S-Sir he's – "

"You've been a great help Mathias. Thank you." Swiftly, the person behind him snapped the man's neck as easily as he would break a toothpick. The lackey dropped to the ground, dead.

"You! Who the hell do you think you are?" Levi turned his weapon to the hooded man.

"I told you did I not? I will not forget." The person who killed him pushed his hood back, revealing the elderly face of Mia's grandfather.

"Nonnino!" she cried, relieved then stopped. He looked like him but at the same time he didn't. The moment he revealed his identity the whole area had been swooped down upon with deathly dread. She had never seen him so furious before. Her body trembled with fear and Tsuna held her closer. He too felt the sensations rolling off of her grandfather.

Her Nonnino turned to her and the anger receded a bit. "My dear, it's good to see you're well."

She could only jerk her head into a nod. His striking blue eyes made a quick sweep of their side before turning to the Varia where they darkened drastically. Xanxus stared right back at him. Nero Matteis shook his head and went towards their side while shrugging off the Varia's glares and uniform. The coat dropped to the ground but her eyes couldn't tear away from her Nonnino.

Her grandfather was a different man. His expression was cold and hard – there was no trace of kindness or humor in his aged face. His teal shirt and khaki pants were splattered with dried blood. His eyes held no remorse whatsoever for the men that died from his hands. Mia shuddered involuntarily. This was what her father and uncle was afraid of angering. This was the man that lived with war. The only injury he sustained was the apparent bullet wound on his left shoulder but it he felt any pain, he didn't show it and none of the Varia tried to touch him.

"Don't let this old man interrupt you." He stopped beside the Cervello and they took a step away from him. "Continue." Mia never thought being polite would be so terrifying. Her Nonnino continued his way and only then did the Cervello speak.

"W-W-We will supervise the battle to avenge the Ninth. It is our duty to confirm the whereabouts of the Vongola Rings."

That immediately sent people's tempers skyrocketing that they couldn't help but express themselves. "What?!" Hayato cried in outrage. "You're nothing but Xanxus' lackeys!"

"Watch your tongue!" One of them replied sharply. "We have a degree from the Ninth himself."

Despite her shock and fear over her Nonnino's arrival, she grew angry at their declaration. "And who's to say that he wasn't forced to give his seal?"

"Refrain from idle speculation. We are hereby declaring the match to determine the next Vongola Boss: the Sky Ring battle. You're thoughts Master Xanxus?"

Xanxus didn't answer right away until he saw her grandfather position near them. "Not bad."

Mia peeled herself away Tsuna to check on her Nonnino. "Nonnino…" she started out uneasily.

"I don't know what you've gotten yourself into but I demand an explanation after. Understand?" She flinched but nodded. "Blast this language! I understand nothing!" he muttered after. Well, her grandfather was in good health at least. She nodded towards Tsuna.

"Then, tomorrow night… you must all assemble at Nami Middle."

No one from the Varia dared to make a comment, probably because her Nonnino was giving them his infamous stare. She wasn't even on the receiving end and she couldn't even look at him. No one from their side said a word either probably because of the sheer pressure of intimidation her Nonnino was emanating.

Xanxus wordlessly threw half of the sky ring at Tsuna. He caught it and true to his dramatics, Xanxus filled the whole area with blinding light causing them to shield their eyes. When the light died out, the Varia and the Cervello were gone. Her Nonnino stumbled and she tried to help him but he batted her hands away.

"I'm fine, I'm fine." He said but he sounded tired. The heavy pressure that had been weighing down on them lifted. It became easier to breath.

"Were we too late?"

"Bucking Bronco!" Hayato exclaimed. "The hell you've been? The Ninth's been injured!"

"Ninth?" Alarmed, Dino immediately had his men springing into action. A few went to the Ninth while others carried metal detectors and began de-bombing the area.

"Dino," Mia called out. She held her grandfather's arm. "This is my Nonnino. I'm sorry but could you please help him as well – he's injured."

Dino smiled at her. "Anything for you." The moment he locked eyes with her Nonnino he swallowed heavily. Nero Matteis was foot taller than him and the way he looked down on the Cavallone boss was nothing short of intimidating.

"Nonnino, he's a friend. We need your wounds tended to."

"Is he now?" His stare became a smile. Dino clutched his chest and returned a shaky smile.

"Dino Cavallone. It's nice to meet you sir." They shook hands.

"Cavallone? I remember now – you know Cirillo Cavallone?"

Dino blinked in surprise. "He's my grandfather sir!"

"Ah yes. He tried to kill me." Dino froze and her Nonnino let out a short laugh. He clapped a hand on Dino's shoulder. "It's all in the past now boy. Even though the army and the mafia got well enough back in the war, Cirillo wasn't the only one who wanted me dead."

"Ah…" Loss for words Dino turned helplessly at her. It was obvious that her Nonnino was scaring him. Well, he scared her too. Her Nonnino knew about the Mafia.

"Nonnino, you – you know about the Mafia? The Cavallone?" She couldn't help but asked.

Her Nonnino gave her a look and she immediately shrunk from his gaze. She shouldn't have asked. "We'll talk. Later. But for now go," he nodded towards Tsuna. "He's the one isn't he? Looks peaky. In the meantime I'll get this shoulder of mine fixed."

Mia didn't hesitate going back to Tsuna's side where it was less dangerous and comforting. He was brooding and worrying at the same time into nothing. She touched his shoulder. "Tsuna… the Ninth will be alright."

"How can you know?" he asked her hollowly. Not that the Varia were gone, Tsuna's exhaustion was finally appearing.

"I just do," she assured him. He looked into her eyes, paused and then nodded. He broke into a small smile but it quickly warped into worry. "What's wrong?"

"Your grandfather… I should have expected the Varia would do something like that. I'm so sorry."

"You saw my Nonnino. He eats steel nails without milk for breakfast."

Tsuna's eyes widened in fear. "He does?!"

"Tsuna, it was a joke. He's not…" she bit her lip. After what she saw tonight she wouldn't be surprised if he did. "Um… he's strong?" He stared at her but his sight eventually slid away. "Are you worried about the match tomorrow?"

"I'm not."

"Liar," she accused him softly.

"I'm more worried about your Grandfather."

"Why?" she frowned. "As you can see, he's alright."

"Mia…" His forehead scrunched up. "Don't you know anything?"

"… Not as much as I once thought." All she knew about her grandfather was that he fought in the War but was part of the Allied Forces. He didn't tell her much about his days as a soldier and no one in the family talked about it. She never asked now she regretted not doing so.

"Whatever happens after though Mia…" Tsuna took her hand. "Please stay with me?"

"You don't need to ask you idiot." He smiled at her before he was knocked down on the ground by Reborn.

"Reborn! Why did you do that!?" Tsuna shouted.

Reborn jumped on him and he wheezed painfully. "Seeing you flirt annoys me. You're so corny Tsuna."

Mia covered her mouth and giggled a bit. She watched Reborn torture Tsuna a bit more before intervening. Their friends gathered around them and she was happy to see that all of them were alright. Each of them expressed their determination to win, surprisingly even Hibari did although he did nothing but grunt.

"Chairman, aren't you pissed that the building was wrecked?" she asked Hibari.

His eyes narrowed dangerously but he didn't speak. Mia realized why. Her Nonnino was watching them from his place next to some of Dino's men.

"I want to fight the Carnivore," Hibari declared.

"Carnivore?" Sasagawa-senpai repeated.

"Carnivore… you don't mean Mia's grandfather Hibari?!" Yamamoto exclaimed.

"Are you nuts you freak?" Hayato said.

"My Nonnino is eighty-nine years old!" she hissed. "You even pick on seniors?"

"What matters is that he is strong. Why? Are you keen to fight in his place? You're still just a cub." Mia didn't know why but that comment really annoyed her. Hibari huffed and didn't wait for a reply. He turned his back and left without another word. Even if Hibari acknowledges her Nonnino then it was without a doubt that he was strong despite his age.

"Huh. Your grandfather is older than the Ninth almost by two decades." Reborn mused. "It's been a long night everyone. Get some rest – tomorrow will be the final match." The mood sobered after that. One by one their friends began to bid goodbye until it was only Tsuna and her left. They went up to her Nonnino, who was chatting pleasantly with Romario. They stopped talking when they were close enough.

"Tsunayoshi Sawada. Pleased to finally meet you." Her Nonnino extended a hand which Tsuna readily shook. "Nero Matteis."

Tsuna took a deep breath. "I am honored to meet you sir." His English was still heavily accented but Nero didn't appear to mind.

"Romario has been kind to inform me of what's been happening lately." Romario kindly inclined his head. "The Mafia Mia? Of all things to be involved with the Mafia?" He scolded her. Mia hung her head.

"It – It is not her fault sir!" Tsuna intervened hastily. "It is my fault. Not Mia's." Nero pinned him with a heavy look. Tsuna bit his tongue but didn't break eye contact.

"I don't blame you for what you cannot control Tsunayoshi. I'm aware of how strict the Vongola are but even so I want to know what foolhardily thoughts were running through my granddaughter's head!" Both teens flinched. "Children the both of you! Have you not once thought of your family Mia? Of your father? Losing your mother nearly broke him but if anything were to happen to you – "

"I know!" Mia blurted out. Then in a much quieter tone she repeated, "I know and I'm sorry."

"If you knew then how could you have been so foolish?"

When Mia didn't reply, Tsuna was seized with panic. It was his fault why she was part of this. Unlike him, her family's safety wasn't ensured. Her grandfather would want to take her away somewhere safer, away from the Mafia, away from him. He couldn't take that. He needed her by his side and after telling each other how they felt, he couldn't even imagine not being with her.

"At first it was to help a friend who needed it but now it's because I have something I want to protect."

Nero's eyes slightly widened. "It's the first time I've heard you want something."

With a jolt Tsuna realized that Mia had never once said what she wanted. She smiled in response. A silent conversation passed between the two that Tsuna couldn't join in. He nearly jumped when Nero suddenly let out a long and tired sigh.

"I did not stop your uncle from enlisting in the army; I did not stop your father from making his decisions whether it was right or wrong so I will not stop you. Your choice is for you alone Mia, not mine, not your father's or anyone else. All I ask is that you will proceed with caution."

Tsuna stared at Nero, unable to believe what he was hearing. Nero looked at the two of them and chuckled but it had a tinge of nostalgia.

"I know what the both of you are thinking – I could but I won't. I no longer give out orders."

"No but you deserve respect." Reborn finally appeared and his English was damn flawless. Nero did not seem surprised of a baby talking to him. "And that is enough for many to obey. It's finally nice to meet you General Matteoli." Reborn saluted.

Nero snorted. "I haven't been called that for years. Reborn was it? You have my thanks. I know little but from what I managed to hear you've been looking out for Mia."

"Thank you sir but this boy here," Reborn hopped to his shoulder. "He's done more and would go beyond for Mia."

Nero fixed him with a knowing look. Tsuna felt his face go hot. "Ah youth…" Nero said wistfully. Romario coughed and both teens turned matching shades of red. "I heard there will be a battle tomorrow. I wish you all the luck Tsunayoshi. Mia, kindly meet me in the morning before you head off to school understand? Good. Good. I'll be going now. My bones are aching."

Kyoko was brimming with excitement. In her pocket she had several victory charms. It might have been a little late to give them out especially since most of the boys were already through with their matches but it was the thought that counts. Their luck might even combine so that the last person would be the luckiest! Conveniently enough the last one was Tsuna-kun! Tonight would be Tsuna-kun's match and she couldn't wait to give it to him.

Thinking about the brunette, Kyoko couldn't help blush. Tsuna-kun really had matured this past year. He was more confident than before and his smile was beginning to be one of her favorite things to see. She didn't know when admiration turned into affection but it just did and she realized that she liked Tsuna-kun. She liked him a lot.

She hoped to confess to him soon perhaps even now if they were alone while she gave him his charm. Would he accept her feelings? Kyoko hoped he would. If he did… her face instantly turned warm.

"Earth to Kyoko…" Hana poked her cheek.

"Hana!" Kyoko pouted.

"Thinking about Sawada again?" Kyoko blushed, unable to deny it. Hana frowned. "I still don't see what you see in that guy."

They've gone through this a hundred times but Kyoko never lost her temper because she understood that her best friend was just concerned. "Tsuna-kun is a really kind person. He cares a lot for his friends and he's funny too. He has a lot of good things."

"You forget that he cares a lot for Matteis." Hana pointed out.

This is where Kyoko's optimism faltered slightly but she quickly bounced back. "They're best friends Hana-chan. Just like we are."

Hana gave her a long look, almost disappointed even. Her friend sighed. "Just… take care of yourself alright? You and Sawada… both of you are good people – Matteis too even if she's a bit of a stuck-up know-it-all."

Kyoko accepted her friend's concern. "I will so have you seen Tsuna-kun?"

"Uh… I think he was heading to the other building's roof," Hana said. Kyoko quickly got up.

"Thank you Hana-chan!" she said and headed towards the roof. However, when she arrived there was no one. She walked a little, looking for Tsuna when she spotted him on the other building's roof. His signature hairstyle was hard to mistake for. He was leaning against the fence overlooking the school's front. She ran up to the fence and was about to call him when another person walked in. It was Mia-chan. Kyoko didn't know why but her voice died out when she saw her.

Even though she was on the other building, she could still make out Tsuna's expression. He always wore the most sincere faces around Mia and in this moment it was so tender it was heartbreaking. Would Tsuna-kun ever look at her that way? Her fingers gripped the fence tightly. She watched as the two interacted. They looked so happy despite their weary appearance. Then Tsuna-kun brushed a hand against Mia's cheek. Kyoko's breath caught short.

Mia nuzzled his hand while her own traveled to his wrist where he wore a bracelet. She thumbed the bracelet's shiny surface. Kyoko couldn't make it out what it was but they exchanged some words and Mia snorted loudly. Tsuna shook his head, amused but his expression softened. Kyoko should have turned her eyes away but she couldn't. She knew it was coming but she didn't want to until she saw it. Tsuna leaned down and kissed Mia.

Hana had been telling her for so long but she hadn't listened. No, that was wrong. It had been there but she never took notice of it and now she couldn't stop the pain in her heart. Tears began to fall and she finally turned away.

It was too late for her.

Author's Notes:

If anyone was wondering where Ian was, he's still recovering at the hospital.

KHR Rants:

(1) Ninth miraculously lives - I truly believed he should have died right then and there. Even if Tsuna hadn't landed the killing blow the Ninth should be, by all rights, dead with all the energy Gola Mosca was sucking up. A machine that size, moving around the way it did and firing weapons would need a powerful energy source. If Iron Man's Arc reactor could power an entire major city then what is a single man in comparison? And Xanxus making that statement about the Ninth dying and avenging him was utter horse shit. What if Tsuna lost and the Ninth lives because he didn't die at the precise moment he should have? Well shit Xanxus, at least make sure the old man is dead first.

But Tsuna wasn't ready to become the Tenth then and Amano must have realized this so she miraculously saved the Ninth. If the Ninth died I'm sure the series would have taken a darker route as Tsuna struggles to take up his position but sadly, that didn't happen. My solution to this little plothole was Mia's ever growing ability with her Flames. It's not much. She can't blow stuff up or fly but she did something and that matters. I'll go around explaining Flames more in the future.

(2) Cervello - Bitches man. I really don't like it when they're around. They mostly make no sense other than to serve as judges. Even when the manga ended we barely get an explanation about them. If the only explanation was because this was the nature of their Family then screw that - I want to know why they have an endless supply of clones! I came up with the Order because of them.

Anyways, thanks for reading!